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To develop a novel skeleton for the construction of nitrogen-containing heterocycle compounds by radical cascade cyclization reactions, we designed and synthesized 1,n-enyne-type platform compounds i.e., 1-acryloyl-2-cyanoindole compounds. The synthesized compounds showed good potential in radical cascade reactions, which was demonstrated in the photocatalytic sulfonation/cyclization reaction to give sulfonated pyrrolidoindoledione in good yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of plant litter on soil carbon (C) cycling is influenced by external nitrogen (N) deposition and plant litter chemistry. While previous research has mainly focused on inorganic N deposition and its effect on plant litter decomposition and soil C cycling, the influence of organic N remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a 180-day incubation experiment to investigate how different N forms (NH4NO3, Urea 50% + Glycine 50%) and litter chemistry (varying lignin/N ratios) affect CO2 emissions from an acidic Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forest soil. Our findings indicate that litter addition increased soil CO2 emissions and the proportion of CO2-C to Total C (considering added litter-C as a part of total C). Specifically, Moso bamboo leaf litter with a lower lignin/N ratio led to higher soil CO2 emissions and CO2-C/Total C ratios. The combined addition of litter and N exhibited an antagonistic effect on soil CO2 emissions, with inorganic N having a more pronounced effect compared to organic N. This antagonistic effect was attributed to the N addition-induced soil acidification, thereby inhibiting microbial activities and reducing soil respiration promoted by litter input. This effect was confirmed by random forest analysis and partial least squares path modeling, which further identified soil dissolved organic C and pH as critical factors positively influencing soil CO2 emissions. Overall, our study suggests that atmospheric N deposition can mitigate litter-induced soil CO2 emissions, particularly under inorganic N forms and when leaf litters with high lignin/N ratios are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to now, three-dimensional temperature responses in mid-latitude shallow shelf seas to large-scale climate variabilities are still poorly understood. Combining observations and high-resolution numerical simulations, this study investigated the three-dimensional structure of interannual-to-decadal variations in water temperature in the Yellow Sea and underlying mechanisms during 1998‒2021. Both sea surface temperature (SST) and bottom layer temperature (BLT) in the majority of the Yellow Sea experienced decadal trends, which were negative during 1998‒2010 but were more significantly positive during 2011‒2021. Magnitudes of decadal SST trends had seasonal variations, being much larger in winter than in summer, but those of decadal BLT trends had no significant seasonal variations. Temperatures below the thermocline experienced more significant decadal trends than SST in spring‒summer seasons. This caused increasing trends during 1998‒2010 but decreasing trends during 2011‒2021 in summer stratification. Changes in decadal temperature trends were linked to activities of the Siberia High and Western Pacific pattern in winter. During 1998‒2010, strengthening Siberia High and weakening Western Pacific pattern enhanced surface heat loss and thus induced cooling trend throughout the water column in the Yellow Sea in winter. However, increasing surface heat gain in subsequent spring‒summer reduced the surface layer cooling trend and resulted in upper layer experiencing weaker cooling trend than lower layer. Seasonally reversing surface heat flux trends generated increasing summer stratification. During 2011‒2021, opposite but more intense situations occurred, with weakening Siberia High and strengthening Western Pacific pattern causing warming temperature and decreasing summer stratification in the Yellow Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a 3‐dimensional spinal deformity involving lateral curvature, sagittal plane imbalance, and vertebral rotation. In China, AIS affects over 3 million individuals, with 300,000 new cases annually. AIS impacts physical and psychological well‐being, necessitating tailored treatment plans based on growth risk factors. This study evaluates the consistency of ultrasound and X‐ray assessments of the Risser sign in AIS patients and explores correlations between iliac crest distance and pelvic rotation degree. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 80 patients diagnosed with AIS from June to September 2023 at Changzhou Sports Hospital. Eligible participants were aged 10–18 with a Cobb angle >10°. Ultrasonographic examinations were conducted by 3 experienced physicians using the VINNO V10 portable ultrasound system. The primary outcome was the Risser stage determined by X‐ray and ultrasound, with secondary outcomes including thoracic and thoracic‐lumbar segment rotation angles. Statistical analyses included kappa statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple regression. Results: Among the 77 valid cases, 154 iliac wings were evaluated, with a high concordance rate of 77% between ultrasound and X‐ray assessments. kappa values for left and right iliac crests were 0.723 and 0.808, respectively. Grouping Risser grades (0–1, 2–3, and 4–5) into 3 categories yielded kappa values of 0.93, 0.96, and 0.93, indicating high consistency. Significant correlations were found between iliac crest distances and rotation angles (left iliac crest distance and left thoracic rotation angle, r = 0.56, P <.001; right iliac crest distance and right thoracic‐lumbar rotation angle, r = 0.69, P <.001; right iliac crest distance and right thoracic rotation angle, r = 0.39, P <.01). Conclusions: Ultrasound is a reliable, radiation‐free alternative to X‐ray for assessing the Risser sign in AIS patients. Despite observed inconsistencies in intermediate Risser grades, ultrasound's ability to reduce radiation exposure and provide consistent results makes it a valuable tool in clinical practice. Further research is needed to optimize ultrasound techniques and explore its potential for early detection and intervention in scoliosis management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: A mechanistically distinctive visible‐light‐promoted metal‐free aerobic oxidation of alkenyl silanes with alcohols was disclosed to efficiently construct α‐alkoxy ketones under mild conditions. The primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols could be used as reactants. The protocol could be carried out on a gram‐scale. Various derivatizations of products could be conducted. Mechanistic studies indicated the reaction was initiated by single‐electron oxidation of the alkenyl silanes, rather than radical addition to alkenyl silanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genistin is an isoflavone of soybean, with estrogenic activity. This experiment was conducted to investigate its effect on reproductive performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunity in gestating sows. Seventy-two sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were selected and randomly divided into two treatment groups (n = 36) based on their backfat thickness, parity and fed with basal diet or supplementation of 150 mg/ kg genistin to the basal diet based on DMI for the entire gestation period. Results showed that dietary genistin supplementation significantly increased the average number of live born per litter (p < 0.05), and tended to increase the number of healthy piglets per litter (p = 0.058), but decreased the average weight of live born per litter (p < 0.05). Dietary genistin supplementation significantly decreased the number of mummified and stillbirths per litter (p < 0.05). Moreover, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and total feed intake of the gestating sows were also increased in the genistin-supplemented group (p < 0.05). Genistin significantly increased the serum concentrations of catalase (CAT), immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, and IgM at 35 days of gestation (p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were also increased upon genistin supplementation (p < 0.05). However, genistin supplementation tended to decrease the serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and leptin at 85 days of gestation (p = 0.081 and p = 0.096, respectively). Interestingly, genistin supplementation decreased the transcript abundance of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and placental imprinting gene H19, but significantly increased the transcript abundance of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and amino acid transporters such as the sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNTA2) and SNAT4 in the placenta (p < 0.05). These results suggested that dietary genistin supplementation during gestation can improve the reproductive performance of sows, which was probably associated with improving of antioxidant capacity and immunity, as well as changes of transcript abundance of critical functional genes in the placenta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSP) is a kind of plant polyphenols with a wide variety of biological activities. In this study, we explored the effect of dietary GSP supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal microbiota in growing pigs. A total of 180 growing pigs (30.37 ± 0.31 kg) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, each consisting of six replicate pens with six pigs per pen. The pigs received either a basal diet (control) or a basal diet supplemented with GSP at 15, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg. The trial lasted for 33 days, and blood and fecal samples were collected for biochemical measurements. GSP supplementation at a dose from 30 to 120 mg/kg decreased the ratio of feed intake to gain (F : G) (p < 0.05). GSP also increased the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, and gross energy (p < 0.05). GSP supplementation at 30 mg/kg increased the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig) A (p < 0.05). Interestingly, GSP supplementation at 60 mg/kg decreased the serum concentrations of urea and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). However, the serum concentrations of glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase were significantly increased upon GSP supplementation (p < 0.05). Importantly, GSP supplementation at 120 mg/kg significantly increased the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes, but decreased the abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and Epsilonbacteraeota in the feces (p < 0.05). Moreover, GSP supplementation significantly elevated the abundance of genus Lactobacillus, but decreased the abundance of genus Prevotellaceae NK3B31 (p < 0.05). Dietary GSP supplementation improves the growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs, which may be associated with enhancement of the antioxidative capacity, as well as improvement in gut microbiota. This study may promote the use of GSP in animal nutrition and the feed industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cordyceps militaris (CM), a well-known parasitic fungus that grows on the larvae of Lepidoptera, has a variety of pharmacological activities. However, little is known about its safe dosage for animals, including pigs. To explore its effect on intestinal health and evaluate its safe dosage, 30 weaned pigs were randomly allotted to five groups and fed with a basal diet supplemented with different doses of CM for 42 days. The results showed that CM supplementation at 100 mg/kg increased the average daily weight gain (ADG) and significantly decreased the ratio of feed intake to gain (F:G) in the weaned pigs (p < 0.05). However, CM supplementation at a higher dose (1000 to 4000 mg/kg) had no effect on growth performance. CM supplementation at 100 mg/kg also increased the digestibility of gross energy and increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) in the duodenum and ileum (p < 0.05). Moreover, CM supplementation at 100 mg/kg increased the activities of catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), but decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum (p < 0.05). Importantly, histopathological studies of tissues (e.g., heart, liver, kidney, spleen, lungs, pancreas, thymus, mesenteric lymph nodes, stomach, and small intestine), organ indexes, major hematological parameters, and serum biochemical parameters were not affected upon CM supplementation. These results suggest that CM may have the potential to act as a safe and effective supplement to improve the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our objective was to prospectively investigate prediagnostic population‐based metabolome for risk of hospitalized gout (ie, most accurate, severe, and costly cases), accounting for serum urate. Methods: We conducted prediagnostic metabolome‐wide analyses among 249,677 UK Biobank participants with nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomic profiling (N = 168 metabolites, including eight amino acids) from baseline blood samples (2006–2010) without a history of gout. We calculated multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) for hospitalized incident gout, before and after adjusting for serum urate levels; we included patients with nonhospitalized incident gout in a sensitivity analysis. Potential causal effects were evaluated with two‐sample Mendelian randomization. Results: Correcting for multiple testing, 107 metabolites were associated with incidence of hospitalized gout (n = 2,735) before urate adjustment, including glycine and glutamine (glutamine HR 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–0.75, P = 8.3 × 10−8; glycine HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.61–0.78, P = 3.3 × 10−9 between extreme quintiles), and glycoprotein acetyls (HR 2.48, 95% CI 2.15–2.87, P = 1.96 × 10−34). Associations remained significant and directionally consistent following urate adjustment (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.98; HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76–0.98; HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21–1.63 between extreme quintiles), respectively; corresponding HRs per SD were 0.91 (95% CI 0.86–0.97), 0.94 (95% CI 0.91–0.98), and 1.10 (95% CI 1.06–1.14). Findings persisted when including patients with nonhospitalized incident gout. Mendelian randomization corroborated their potential causal role on hyperuricemia or gout risk; with change in urate levels of −0.05 mg/dL (95% CI −0.08 to −0.01) and −0.12 mg/dL (95% CI −0.22 to −0.03) per SD of glycine and glutamine, respectively, and odds ratios of 0.94 (95% CI 0.88–1.00) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.67–0.97) for gout. Conclusion: These prospective findings with causal implications could lead to biomarker‐based risk prediction and potential supplementation‐based interventions with glycine or glutamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to review studies exploring the experiences and perceptions of healthcare students and providers regarding their personal choices for elective female fertility preservation and their recommendations of the same to patients. Design/Methods: Employing Pluye and Hong's convergent qualitative synthesis approach, a mixed‐studies review was conducted. The appraisal of studies was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and data analysis utilised Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis approach. Data Sources: Six electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched from their inception till November 2023. Results: About 24 studies were reviewed, uncovering four major themes: varied personal perspectives, knowledge gaps and role ambiguities, perceived temporal and financial constraints and apprehensions related to fear and stigma. Conclusion/Implication: This review underscored the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and students in their personal pursuit of elective fertility preservation. Addressing these challenges demands the implementation of fertility navigators, culturally and religiously sensitive public health campaigns and staff training. Moreover, standardised guidelines, transparent cost and process reporting, evidence‐based education, counselling on risks and success rates and governmental support in the form of subsidies can mitigate barriers, enhance cost‐effectiveness and promote equitable access to care. Collaboration among stakeholders is imperative to ensure equitable access and maintain quality care in elective female fertility preservation. Reporting Method: This mixed studies review followed the reporting guidelines in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Patient or Public Contribution: No Patient or Public Contribution. Trial Registration: This review has been registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42023395406) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii was engineered to secrete the antiviral lectin griffithsin. Twelve genetic tools with the griffithsin gene were cloned into the vector pSF-TEF1-URA3 and introduced into S. boulardii. In the recombinant strains, a 16.9 kDa band was detected using SDS-PAGE and further recognized by griffithsin antibody with Western blotting. S. boulardii strains FM, FT, HC, and HE with a high yield of griffithsin were acquired for property characterization in vitro. The four recombinant strains displayed a similar growth pattern to that of the control strains, while their morphological characteristics had changed according to scanning electron microscopy. In simulated gastrointestinal digestive fluids, the survival rates of S. boulardii FM, FT, and HC were significantly decreased (86.32 ± 1.49% to 95.36 ± 1.94%) compared with those of the control strains, with survival rates between 95.88 ± 0.00% and 98.74 ± 1.97%. The hydrophobicity of S. boulardii FM, the strain with the highest griffithsin production, was significantly increased to 21.89 ± 1.07%, and it exhibited a reduced auto-aggregation rate (57.64 ± 2.61%). Finally, Vero cells infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) were used to evaluate the strains' antiviral activity, and the rate at which S. boulardii FM inhibited PEDV reached 131.36 ± 1.06%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is a lack of biomarkers of clinically important diets, such as the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet. Objectives: Our study explored serum metabolites associated with adherence to the MIND diet. Methods: In 3,908 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study participants, we calculated a modified MIND diet score based on a 66-item self-reported food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The modified score did not include berries and olive oil, as these items were not assessed in the FFQ. We used multivariable linear regression models in 2 subgroups of ARIC study participants and meta-analyzed results using fixed effects regression to identify significant metabolites after Bonferroni correction. We also examined associations between these metabolites and food components of the modified MIND diet. C-statistics evaluated the prediction of high modified MIND diet adherence using significant metabolites beyond participant characteristics. Results: Of 360 metabolites analyzed, 27 metabolites (15 positive, 12 negative) were significantly associated with the modified MIND diet score (lipids, n = 13; amino acids, n = 5; xenobiotics, n = 3; cofactors and vitamins, n = 3; carbohydrates n = 2; nucleotide n = 1). The top 4 metabolites that improved the prediction of high dietary adherence to the modified MIND diet were 7-methylxanthine, theobromine, docosahexaenoate (DHA), and 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoate (CMPF). Conclusion: Twenty-seven metabolomic markers were correlated with the modified MIND diet. The biomarkers, if further validated, could be useful to objectively assess adherence to the MIND diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the acceleration of urbanization, the design of street furniture, as an indispensable part of urban public spaces, faces the challenge of neglecting the user experience. To address this situation, this study adopted a three-level theory of affective design and the Kano model to categorize and rank users' affective needs. The results show that users prefer high-density street furniture that follows traditional urban space design and incorporates elements of traditional Chinese culture and they reject minimalist modern facilities and empty, "hard" plazas. Accordingly, this study proposes emotional design strategies to effectively address the existing problems. Furthermore, this study confirms that the Kano model has significant advantages in identifying the real emotional needs of users, providing data support, and guiding the emotional design of street furniture, which ensures the scientific validity and effectiveness of the design strategy. This study not only deepens the understanding of the emotional design of street facilities but also provides an important reference for future urban space design and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In China, following the ban on feed antibiotics in 2020, the intestinal health problems of weaning piglets have become increasingly serious; however, diets supplemented with a single dietary additive for weaning piglets cannot always solve adverse problems caused by weaning. Lactic acid promotes the activity of digestive enzymes and improves the subsequent digestion of young piglets by regulating gastrointestinal pH, and it can also play an important role as an energy substance in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Glutamine, as the most abundant free amino acid in animal organisms, can restore the defective intestinal mucosal structure and immune function caused by weaning. Dietary supplementation with lactic acid and glutamine could be a strategy for alleviating the weaning stress of piglets; however, it is unknown whether the combined addition of these has an interactive effect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with lactic acid and glutamine, and their interactions, on growth performance, intestinal function, and microflora of weaning piglets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of lactic acid and glutamine, and their interactions, on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal barrier functions, microflora, and expressions of intestinal development-related genes of weaning piglets. Ninety-six 24-day-old weaning piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, weaned at 21 ± 1 d and fed the basal diet for a 3 d adaptation period) with initial body weight of 7.24 ± 0.09 kg were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments with six replicates per treatment and four pigs per replicate in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangements: (1) CON (a 2-period basal diet; control), (2) LS (supplemented with 2% lactic acid), (3) GS (supplemented with 1% glutamine), and (4) LGS (supplemented with 2% lactic acid and 1% glutamine). The study lasted for 28 d. On days 25–28, fresh fecal samples were collected to evaluate apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients. After 28 d, one weaning pig per pen was euthanized, and physiological samples obtained. Results showed that the supplementation of lactic acid improved the ADFI of the pigs (p < 0.05), while the pigs fed the glutamine diet had a greater ADFI and higher G/F (p < 0.05), and there were significant interactive effects between lactic acid and glutamine on the ADFI and G/F of the pigs (p < 0.05). The ATTD of CP and ash for pigs fed with lactic acid was significantly enhanced, and pigs fed the glutamine diet had greater ATTD of CP and ash (p < 0.05), while there were significant interactive effects between lactic acid and glutamine on the ATTD of CP and ash of the pigs (p < 0.05). Pigs fed with lactic acid exhibited greater activity of α-amylase and lipase (p < 0.05); moreover, the activity of lipase in the pigs showed a significant interactive effect between lactic acid and glutamine (p < 0.05). There was a greater villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in pigs fed with lactic acid (p < 0.05), and the villus height to crypt depth ratio of pigs fed with glutamine was greater (p < 0.05). There were greater GLUT2, IGF-1, TGF-β2, OCLN, and ZO-1 mRNA levels in pigs fed with lactic acid (p < 0.05), and the supplementation of glutamine increased SGLT1, GLUT2, PepT1, IGF-1, IGF-1R, TGFβ-2, GLP-2, and OCLN mRNA levels (p < 0.05), Additionally, expressions of SGLT1, GLUT2, PepT1, IGF-1, IGF-1R, TGFβ-2, GLP-2, CLDN-2, OCLN, and ZO-1 mRNA levels of pigs showed a positive interactive effect between lactic acid and glutamine (p < 0.05). Supplementation of lactic acid significantly increased the populations of Bifidobacterium in cecal digesta, Lactobacillus in colonic digesta, and the content of butyric acid in colonic digesta (p < 0.05). In addition, there were significant interactive effects between lactic acid and glutamine on populations of Bifidobacterium in cecal digesta, Lactobacillus in colonic digesta, and the content of acetic acid, butyric acid, and total VFAs in cecal digesta of the pigs (p < 0.05). Collectively, the current results indicate that dietary supplementation with lactic acid and glutamine had a positive synergistic effect on weaning pigs, which could improve growth performance through promoting the development of the small intestine, increasing digestive and barrier function, and regulating the balance of microflora in pigs, and which might be a potential feeding additive ensemble to enhance the health and growth of weaning piglets in the post-antibiotic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the expansion of cities and the development of industries, heavy metal pollution has caused a serious negative impact on the growth and development of animals and plants, which has become a global economic and social problem. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the main heavy metals that threaten the growth and development of plants, and it can lead to the imminent extinction of plants in severe cases. The part of upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China from Yibin to the Three Gorges Reservoir has been contaminated with varying degrees of Cd, and a rare and endangered plant called Myricaria laxiflora also lives in this area. The stress of heavy metal Cd on M. laxiflora populations is still unknown. In this study, we used the seedlings of M. laxiflora as materials, and adopted conventional physiological and biochemical analyses to characterize the morphological and physiological responses of M. laxiflora under different concentrations of Cd, and analyzed its response to Cd stress at the transcriptional level. The results showed that the wild population of M. laxiflora was stressed by the heavy metal Cd. High concentrations of Cd can inhibit the growth of M. laxiflora. M. laxiflora responded to the Cd stress through resistance substances such as malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and phytohormones such as auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Transcriptome analysis was carried out on M. lasiflora seedlings exposed to 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of Cd stress. Compared with 0 h (control), 2470, 11,707, and 11,733 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, respectively. Among them, the number of down-regulated genes is more than the number of up-regulated genes. Transcriptome analysis showed that the upregulated genes were mainly enriched in MAPK signaling pathway, ethylene-induced pathway, ABA response pathway and other pathways, and the downregulated genes were mainly enriched in photosynthesis related pathways. Cd stress affected photosynthesis of M. laxiflora, and M. laxiflora may activate the MAPK signaling pathway through ethylene and ABA to improve the ability of Cd stress tolerance. These results reveal morphological changes, physiological and biochemical reactions and related key response pathways of M. laxiflora during Cd stress. It can provide a reference basis for habitat restoration and selection of wildlife environments for M. laxiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal dietary supplementation with chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) has been considered as a potential intervention to mitigate the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and improve postnatal growth. The present study investigated the effect of COS as a dietary supplement for sows during late gestation and lactation on their productivity, placental function, and the intestinal health of IUGR piglets. From day (d) 85 of late gestation to d 21 of lactation, 30 sows were randomly divided into either a control group (basal diet) or a COS group (basal diet + 100 mg kg−1 COS). At d 21 of lactation, eight normal and eight IUGR littermates from eight litters belong to control sows, as well as eight IUGR littermates from COS sows, were selected for further analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in the number of stillbirths and mummies in COS groups (p < 0.05). Maternal dietary supplementation with COS also significantly up-regulated the expression levels of GLUT1 , GLUT3 , and VEGFA mRNA in the placenta of IUGR piglets compared to those in control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in MDA content and a significant increase in GSH content in the placenta of IUGR piglets from COS sows compared to those from control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression levels of MUC2 and occludin mRNA as well as claudin1 protein significantly up-regulated in the jejunum of 21-day-old IUGR piglets from COS sows group compared to those from control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, IL-10 mRNA expression level was significantly increased while MDA content was significantly reduced in the jejunum of 21-day-old IUGR piglets from COS sows group compared to those from control group (p < 0.05). The results indicated that maternal dietary COS supplementation during late gestation effectively reduced the incidence of stillbirths and mummies, potentially linked to enhanced placental function, reduced oxidative stress, and improved immune status. Furthermore, maternal dietary COS supplementation exhibited positive impact on intestinal digestive and absorptive function, intestinal barrier integrity, intestinal antioxidant capacity and immune status in 21-day-old suckling IUGR piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coinage metal (Au, Ag, Cu) cluster and polyoxometalate (POM) cluster represent two types of subnanometer "artificial atoms" with significant potential in catalysis, sensing, and nanomedicine. While composite clusters combining Ag/Cu clusters with POM have achieved considerable success, the assembly of gold clusters with POM is still lagging. Herein, we first designedly synthesized two cluster structural units: an Au3O cluster stabilized by diverse N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands and an amine‐terminated POM linker. The subsequent reaction involved amine substitution in the POM linker for the central O atom in the Au3O cluster, resulting in the first ternary composite cluster—a POM cluster sandwiched by two Au clusters protected by NHCs. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and other characteristic methods characterized their atomically precise structures. Furthermore, altering the NHC ligands decreased the number of gold atoms in the sandwich structures, accompanying the different protonated degrees of amine ligand in the terminal end of the POM linker. These composite clusters showed excellent performances in catalytic H2O2 conversion through the synergistic effect between gold clusters and POM clusters. This work opens a new avenue to functional composite metal clusters and would promote their enhanced catalysis applications through intercluster synergistic interactions within composite systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coinage metal (Au, Ag, Cu) cluster and polyoxometalate (POM) cluster represent two types of subnanometer "artificial atoms" with significant potential in catalysis, sensing, and nanomedicine. While composite clusters combining Ag/Cu clusters with POM have achieved considerable success, the assembly of gold clusters with POM is still lagging. Herein, we first designedly synthesized two cluster structural units: an Au3O cluster stabilized by diverse N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands and an amine‐terminated POM linker. The subsequent reaction involved amine substitution in the POM linker for the central O atom in the Au3O cluster, resulting in the first ternary composite cluster—a POM cluster sandwiched by two Au clusters protected by NHCs. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and other characteristic methods characterized their atomically precise structures. Furthermore, altering the NHC ligands decreased the number of gold atoms in the sandwich structures, accompanying the different protonated degrees of amine ligand in the terminal end of the POM linker. These composite clusters showed excellent performances in catalytic H2O2 conversion through the synergistic effect between gold clusters and POM clusters. This work opens a new avenue to functional composite metal clusters and would promote their enhanced catalysis applications through intercluster synergistic interactions within composite systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing complexity of the distribution network, the proportion of abnormal data in the monitoring data of the distribution network and its daily work is extremely low. Traditional clustering analysis methods are difficult to effectively solve the imbalance problem. Therefore, this paper introduces the influence parameters that can adaptively adjust the cluster center of local samples in the boundary area, and improves the cluster center update formula, and proposes a method of distribution network operation state evaluation based on the local blur measurement of the boundary region. The research results found that the five evaluation indicators of the proposed algorithm were 112, 0, 2, 26, and 5, respectively, all of which were superior to the comparison algorithms. The research results showed that the cluster center update optimization method based on local fuzzy measure in boundary region could effectively reduce the negative impact of the edge region occupied by most clusters on its clustering effect, so that the cluster center was always in an ideal position. At the same time, the example results showed that the research method had a risk prediction of 0.91 for power outage networks, which was close to the real situation and had high accuracy. It can provide reference for the operation and maintenance work of power grid personnel, eliminate hidden dangers in advance, and ensure the safe operation of the power grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with diabetes frequently face serious challenges, including delayed wound healing and increased risk of infection. Notably, the regeneration of hair follicles plays a crucial role in accelerating diabetic skin damage repair, reducing the risk of infection, and enhancing overall skin health. Research has predominantly emphasized the re-epithelialization of diabetic wounds, with a paucity of in-depth studies on hair follicle regeneration. In the current study, we explored the effects of a bioactive amphibian-derived peptide, CyRLQN15, on promoting hair regeneration in a diabetic skin model. In vivo experiments demonstrated that local treatment with CyRL-QN15 not only accelerated wound healing of scalded skin on the backs of diabetic Kunming (KM) mice but also improved growth of damaged hair follicles. Additionally, back-shaved diabetic C57BL/6 mice showed a significant increase in the growth of newly formed hair after 28 days of continuous CyRL-QN15 treatment. Further analysis indicated that the hair-regenerating effects of CyRL-QN15 were closely associated with the proliferation and migration of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). CyRL-QN15 enhanced intracellular β-catenin expression by binding to the Frizzled-7 receptor on the surface of HFSCs. The up-regulation in β-catenin modulated the levels of downstream proteins, such as cMYC, Cyclin D1, and Lef1, ultimately inducing hair regeneration. This study not only reveals the robust effects of the bioactive peptide CyRL-QN15 in hair follicle regeneration but also provides novel avenues for the development of more targeted and effective therapeutics for diabetic wound healing in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thongprayoon et al. found in a study of 12,599 non-dialysis adult hospitalized patients that serum calcium (SC) disturbances affected more than half of the patients and were associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Similar impacts of SC disturbances on in-hospital mortality have been observed in patients with acute myocardial infarction and the general hospitalized population. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in the intensive care unit (ICU), affects around 6% of critically ill patients. However, the significance of the relationship between SC levels and in-hospital mortality in these patients remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the correlation between SC levels and in-hospital mortality in ICU patients diagnosed with AF. Data from the MIMIC-IV database included 11,621 AF patients (average age 75.59 ± 11.74 years; 42.56% male), with an in-hospital mortality rate of 8.90%. A nonlinear relationship between SC levels and in-hospital mortality was observed. Effect sizes on either side of the inflection point were 0.79 (HR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.94, P = 0.006) and 1.12 (HR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.25, P = 0.029). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results. SC levels around 8.56 mg/dL were associated with the lowest risk of in-hospital mortality, with risks increasing as SC levels deviated from this point. SC levels below this inflection point were linked to more pronounced clinical impacts. This finding has significant clinical implications for clinicians. Therefore, in the treatment of ICU patients with AF, clinicians should closely monitor SC levels, with a focus on maintaining them around 8.56 mg/dL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocyte transplantation (HTx) has been a novel cell-based therapy for severe liver diseases, as the donor livers for orthotopic liver transplantation are of great shortage. However, HTx has been confronted with two main hurdles: limited high-quality hepatocyte sources and low cell engraftment and repopulation rate. To cope with, researchers have investigated on various strategies, including small molecule drugs with unique advantages. Small molecules are promising chemical tools to modulate cell fate and function for generating high quality hepatocyte sources. In addition, endothelial barrier, immune responses, and low proliferative efficiency of donor hepatocytes mainly contributes to low cell engraftment and repopulation rate. Interfering these biological processes with small molecules is beneficial for improving cell engraftment and repopulation. In this review, we will discuss the applications and advances of small molecules in modulating cell differentiation and reprogramming for hepatocyte resources and in improving cell engraftment and repopulation as well as its underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of ammonia (NH3) from nitrogen sources involves competitive adsorption of different intermediates and multiple electron and proton transfers, presenting grand challenges in catalyst design. In nature nitrogenases reduce dinitrogen to NH3 using two component proteins, in which electrons and protons are delivered from Fe protein to the active site in MoFe protein for transfer to the bound N2. We draw inspiration from this structural enzymology, and design a two‐component metal–sulfur–carbon (M−S−C) catalyst composed of sulfur‐doped carbon‐supported ruthenium (Ru) single atoms (SAs) and nanoparticles (NPs) for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3−) to NH3. The catalyst demonstrates a remarkable NH3 yield rate of ~37 mg L−1 h−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of ~97 % for over 200 hours, outperforming those consisting solely of SAs or NPs, and even surpassing most reported electrocatalysts. Our experimental and theoretical investigations reveal the critical role of Ru SAs with the coordination of S in promoting the formation of the HONO intermediate and the subsequent reduction reaction over the NP‐surface nearby. Such process results in a more energetically accessible pathway for NO3− reduction on Ru NPs co‐existing with SAs. This study proves a better understanding of how M−S−Cs act as a synthetic nitrogenase mimic during ammonia synthesis, and contributes to the future mechanism‐based catalyst design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of ammonia (NH3) from nitrogen sources involves competitive adsorption of different intermediates and multiple electron and proton transfers, presenting grand challenges in catalyst design. In nature nitrogenases reduce dinitrogen to NH3 using two component proteins, in which electrons and protons are delivered from Fe protein to the active site in MoFe protein for transfer to the bound N2. We draw inspiration from this structural enzymology, and design a two‐component metal–sulfur–carbon (M−S−C) catalyst composed of sulfur‐doped carbon‐supported ruthenium (Ru) single atoms (SAs) and nanoparticles (NPs) for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3−) to NH3. The catalyst demonstrates a remarkable NH3 yield rate of ~37 mg L−1 h−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of ~97 % for over 200 hours, outperforming those consisting solely of SAs or NPs, and even surpassing most reported electrocatalysts. Our experimental and theoretical investigations reveal the critical role of Ru SAs with the coordination of S in promoting the formation of the HONO intermediate and the subsequent reduction reaction over the NP‐surface nearby. Such process results in a more energetically accessible pathway for NO3− reduction on Ru NPs co‐existing with SAs. This study proves a better understanding of how M−S−Cs act as a synthetic nitrogenase mimic during ammonia synthesis, and contributes to the future mechanism‐based catalyst design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The production of β-lactamases is the most prevalent resistance mechanism for β-lactam antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteria. Presently, over 4900 β-lactamases have been discovered, and they are categorized into hundreds of families. In each enzyme family, amino acid substitutions result in subtle changes to enzyme hydrolysis profiles; in contrast, certain conserved sequences retained by all of the family members can serve as important markers for enzyme family identification. Results: The SHV family was chosen as the study object. First, a unique 10-mer peptide was identified as SHV family's epitope by an approach of protein fingerprint analysis. Then, an SHV-specific magnetic epitope-imprinted gel polymer (MEI-GP) was prepared by an epitope surface imprinting technique, and its sorption behavior and recognition mechanism for template epitope and SHV were both elaborated. Finally, the MEI-GP was successfully applied to selectively extract SHV from bacteria, and the extracted SHV was submitted to MALDI-TOF MS for specific determination. By following this strategy, other β-lactamase families can also be specifically detected. According to the molecular weight displayed in mass spectra, the kind of β-lactamase and its associated hydrolysis profile on β-lactams can be easily identified. Based on this, an initial drug option scheme can be quickly formulated for antimicrobial therapy. From protein extraction to medication guidance reporting, the mean time to detection (MTTD) was less than 2 h, which is much faster than conventional phenotype-based methods (at least 16–20 h) and gene-based techniques (usually about 8 h). Conclusions: This enzyme-specific detection strategy combined the specificity of epitope imprinting with the sensitivity of mass spectrometry, enabling β-lactamase to be selectively extracted from bacteria and clearly presented in mass spectra. Compared with other drug resistance detection methods, this technique has good specificity, high sensitivity (≤ 15 mg of bacteria), a short MTTD (less than 2 h), and simple operation, and therefore has a broad application prospect in clinical medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, investigated the powder flow field for multiangle laser cladding, bridging theoretical gaps in the repair of metal parts with tilted and complex surface, specifically those are immovable and nonrotatable. Initially, a multiangle computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method gas-powder coupling model was established. It can consider not only the continuity characteristics of gas as a fluid, the discreteness characteristics of powder as particles, but also the mutual influence relationship. Subsequently, the response surface method was used to explore the optimal combination of carrier argon gas rate (A), the powder-feeding rate (B), and the protective argon gas rate (C) at different deflection angles, with the powder collection rate as the optimization objective. Analysis of variance results for the powder collection rate indicated that the significance of the factors and their interaction terms were ranked as A > B > AB at 0° and 30°, A > B > BC at 60°, A > B > C > BC at 90°, and C > A > BC > AB at 120° and 150°. Furthermore, the relative errors between predicted and simulated values, as well as simulated and powder collection experimental values, the single-pass experimental values were within 2%, 3%, and 7%, indicating the model was valid and reliable. Finally, the optimal combinations of carrier argon gas rate, powder-feeding rate, and protective argon gas rate were obtained, achieving high powder collection rates. These research findings offer theoretical guidance for selecting and optimizing process parameters in multiangle laser cladding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive metabolic intermediate that plays important roles in plant salt stress response. This review explores the sources of MG in plants, how salt stress promotes MG production, and the dual role of MG under salt stress conditions. Both the positive role of low concentrations of MG as a signalling molecule and the toxic effects of high concentrations of MG in plant response to salt stress are discussed. The MG detoxification pathways, especially the glyoxalase system, are described in detail. Special attention is given to the novel role of the DJ‐1 protein in the glyoxalase system as glyoxalase III to remove MG, and as a deglycase to decrease glycation damage caused by MG on DNA, proteins, and other biomolecules. This review aims to provide readers with comprehensive perspectives on the functions of MG in plant salt stress response, the roles of the DJ‐1 protein in MG detoxification and repair of glycation‐damaged molecules, as well as the broader functional implications of MG in plant salt stress tolerance. New perspectives on maintaining plant genome stability, breeding for salt‐tolerant crop varieties, and improving crop quality are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baiyinnuoer Pb–Zn deposit, estimated at 26.57 million metric tonnes (Mt) with grades of 1.77% Pb and 5.21% Zn, is situated in the southern Great Xing'an Range (SGXR) of northeast China. The deposit comprises southern and northern ore belts. The southern belt primarily contains skarn ore bodies (32% of reserves) associated with Triassic granodiorite, while the northern belt is dominated by skarn ore bodies (30% of reserves) related to Triassic diorite porphyry. In addition to Triassic skarn‐type mineralization, the deposit also exhibits Early Cretaceous mineralization. This includes vein‐type occurrences (36% of reserves) within volcanic tuff and syenite porphyry, alongside a small amount of skarn ore bodies (2% of reserves) related to syenite porphyry. LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb dating of intrusive rocks and garnets was conducted to investigate the timing and genesis of these mineralization events, revealing two distinct stages of skarn‐type mineralization. The first stage, associated with Early Triassic granitoids, dates to 254.6 ± 1.4–241.7 ± 2.7 Ma, while the second stage is closely associated with Early Cretaceous syenite porphyry, constrained to 135.4 ± 1.1–135.2 ± 1.6 Ma. Garnet U–Pb dating in the syenite porphyry‐related skarn yielded an age of 134.9 ± 4.7 Ma; however, due to low U content, reliable dating of garnets associated with Early Triassic granitoid‐related skarn was not feasible. Micro‐thermometry and Laser Raman analyses of fluid inclusions within vein‐type ore bodies highlighted distinct differences between vein‐type mineralization and Early Triassic skarn‐type mineralization. Additionally, in situ sulfur isotope analyses of sphalerite from both Early Triassic and Early Cretaceous ore bodies indicate a magmatic origin for sulfur in both stages. Through comprehensive geological, geochronological, in situ sulfur isotope and fluid inclusion studies, the Baiyinnuoer Pb–Zn deposit is conclusively identified as a large deposit characterized by two distinct periods of mineralization (Early Triassic and Early Cretaceous), akin to several other significant polymetallic deposits in NE China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although some randomized trials have reported beneficial effects of protein intake on cardiometabolic risk factors, evidence from prospective studies have not supported a strong link between protein intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. It is also unclear whether diversity in protein intake plays a role in CVD risk. Objective: We investigated prospective associations of (1) protein intake, overall and by food source and (2) diversity of protein sources with risk of CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke. Methods: In a multi-ethnic cohort of 5879 U.S. adults (45–84 years), who were free of CVD at baseline, protein intake was assessed at baseline (2000–2002) using a validated 120-item food frequency questionnaire. Two different aspects of protein diversity were assessed including count (number of protein food consumed at least once/week) and dissimilarity (diversity of the attributes of the protein sources consumed). Relationships with incident CVD outcomes through 2019 were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and comorbidity factors. Results: During 83,430 person-years, 1045 CVD cases were identified, including 668 CHD and 332 stroke cases. In multivariable models, we found no significant associations between protein intake, overall and by food source, with incident CVD, CHD, or stroke. Protein count, but not protein dissimilarity, was weakly associated with CVD risk. We found no significant associations between diversity of consumption of animal or plant food source and CVD outcomes. Conclusions: Our findings suggest protein consumption may not significantly impact CVD risk in middle-aged adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) severely affect the quality of life in the aged population. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) alleviates pain and stabilizes vertebrae, but suboptimal bone cement distribution can cause complications. Hence, this study aimed to clarify whether a new technique for PVP, using a curved guide wire, enhances the distribution of bone cement and improves clinical outcomes in patients with OVCF. Methods: Patients with single-segment OVCF underwent PVP or curved guide wire percutaneous vertebroplasty (C-PVP). Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to balanced the baseline characteristics. The primary outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores. The secondary outcomes included assessments of bone cement distribution, bone cement injection volume, radiological parameters, and general clinical results. Additionally, Complications and adverse events were documented. Results: After PSM analysis, each group comprised 54 patients, which significantly reduced baseline differences. The C-PVP group showed better clinical outcomes compared to the traditional PVP group. One month after surgery, the C-PVP group had significantly lower VAS and ODI scores (p < 0.001). These improvements persisted at six months and the final follow-up. Additionally, bone cement distribution scores were better (p < 0.001), injection volume was higher (p = 0.03), leakage was less frequent (p = 0.02), and adjacent vertebral fractures occurred less frequently (p = 0.04) in the C-PVP group. Radiological parameters and overall clinical outcomes revealed no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: The use of curved guide wire in PVP significantly improves bone cement distribution and injection volume, resulting in better clinical efficacy in patients with OVCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases abnormally in the body, it damages tissue cells and is closely related to the occurrence of various chronic diseases. Antioxidant peptides (APs) are a class of active short peptides with antioxidant capacity, which have great research value. In this paper, two APs were designed and synthesized based on the structural features of APs: CHIWM (AP1) and CHCPWM (AP2). The reactive sites and activities of APs were analyzed using the quantum chemical density functional theory (DFT) method. The reactive sites are all located in the indolyl heterocycle of tryptophan residues, among which AP1 has a smaller energy gap and single point energy. Multiple free radical scavenging assays showed that AP1 and AP2 had stronger antioxidant activity than the positive control, glutathione (GSH). For scavenging DPPH free radicals, the IC50s values were 0.613 mg/mL and 0.606 mg/mL, respectively. In cellular assays, both AP1 and AP2 were able to scavenge ROS in the cells and attenuate cellular damage. In conclusion, AP1 and AP2 designed in this paper have good antioxidant activity and have the potential to be applied in the treatment of chronic diseases caused by cellular oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain positive, aerobic, alkalitolerant and halotolerant bacterium, designated HH7-29 T, was isolated from the confluence of the Fenhe River and the Yellow River in Shanxi Province, PR China. Growth occurred at pH 6.0–12.0 (optimum, pH 8.0–8.5) and 15–40℃ (optimum, 32℃) with 0.5–24% NaCl (optimum, 2–9%). The predominant fatty acids (> 10.0%) were iso-C15:0 and anteiso-C15:0. The major menaquinones were MK-7 and MK-8. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified phospholipids. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain HH7-29 T was a member of the genus Jeotgalibacillus, exhibiting high sequence similarity to the 16S rRNA gene sequences of Jeotgalibacillus alkaliphilus JC303T (98.4%), Jeotgalibacillus salarius ASL-1 T (98.1%) and Jeotgalibacillus alimentarius YKJ-13 T (98.1%). The genomic DNA G + C content was 43.0%. Gene annotation showed that strain HH7-29 T had lower protein isoelectric points (pIs) and possessed genes related to ion transport and organic osmoprotectant uptake, implying its potential tolerance to salt and alkali. The average nucleotide identity, digital DNA–DNA hybridization values, amino acid identity values, and percentage of conserved proteins values between strain HH7-29 T and its related species were 71.1–83.8%, 19.5–27.4%, 66.5–88.4% and 59.8–76.6%, respectively. Based on the analyses of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic features, strain HH7-29 T represents a novel species of the genus Jeotgalibacillus, for which the name Jeotgalibacillus haloalkalitolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HH7-29 T (= KCTC 43417 T = MCCC 1K07541T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preoperative diagnosis and management of Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) patients with cervical lesions remain problematic. This study analysed the associations between pathological types of cervical lesions in PJS patients and their MRI features. A total of 34 PJS patients were included and two experienced radiologists reviewed the MRIs independently. Based on the pathological diagnosis, the patients were categorized into four groups: normal (n = 4), lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH, n = 11), atypical LEGH (aLEGH, n = 8), and gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (G-EAC, n = 11). By observing the MRI features, we found statistically significant differences in the extent of lesions (P = 0.001), distribution of microcysts (P = 0.001), proportion of microcysts (P < 0.001) and endometrial involvement (P = 0.019) among the four groups. Notably, solid components and disrupted cervical stromal rings were found only in the aLEGH and G-EAC groups (P < 0.001). Consequently, we created a novel grading system based on the aforementioned MRI features to align with the potential malignancy of cervical lesions in PJS patients. This system enables patients to receive timely and appropriate treatment recommendations while facilitating collaboration between radiologists and physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidative stress significantly impacts growth performance and liver function in piglets. Ferulic acid (FA) works as an antioxidant, however, the role and mechanism of FA in the regulation of diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets are less known. This study was designed to investigate the effects of FA on growth performance and antioxidant capacity in piglets with diquat challenge. Methods: Thirty-two healthy DLY (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets (13.24 ± 0.19 kg) were randomly divided into one of two diets including 0 or 4 g/kg FA for 14 d. On d 15, all pigs were intraperitoneally injected diquat or sterile saline. Results: Dietary supplementation with ferulic acid (FA) significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed-gain ratio (F/G) of piglets. Here, dietary FA supplementation reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities in diquat challenged piglets. Furthermore, diquat infusion increased reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) level in liver, decreased the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver and serum. Supplementation with FA significantly increased T-AOC and T-SOD activities and decreased MDA and ROS levels. FA down-regulated gene and protein expression of Keap1, and up-regulated protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the liver of piglets with diquat challenge. Importantly, diquat challenge increased the ratio of late apoptosis, increased serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and up-regulated pyroptosis-related genes in the liver. FA supplementation reduced the ratio of late apoptosis and down-regulated mRNA expression of Caspase-1. Accordingly, FA addition reduced concentration of IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH under diquat challenge. Conclusions: Diquat-induced oxidative stress reduced growth performance and impaired liver function in piglets. Dietary FA supplementation enhanced the antioxidant capacity and reduced the degree of hepatocyte pyroptosis, thereby alleviating the oxidative damage in the liver and mitigating the impact of diquat on growth performance of piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microorganisms are essential members of the wetland ecosystem, and they participate in the cycling of various materials in the ecosystem. The heterotrophic respiration of soil microorganisms is an important way to release carbon dioxide (CO2) from the soil carbon pool to the atmosphere, and it is influenced by a variety of factors. Here, we collected soil samples from different vegetation types in alpine wetland ecosystems to study the relationships among soil microbial respiration (SMR), microbial community composition and soil physicochemical properties. The results showed that: (1) Soil microbial species were abundant in the study area, with a high percentage of Gp1, Gp2 of the Acidobacteria and Spartobacteria_genera_incertae_sedis of Verrucomicrobia. Tussock Marsh had the richest bacterial taxa. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), moisture content (MC), carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N) and bulk density (BD) were important influencing factors on the soil bacterial community structure and diversity. (2) Among the six functional pathways predicted, Metabolism was the most active function in microbial taxa and played an important role in the distribution of bacteria. (3) The SMR varied widely among the three vegetation types and the soil microbial respiration intensity of the Larch Island Forest Wetland was greater. The Abundance-based Coverage Estimator (ACE) index of microorganisms was significantly negatively correlated with SMR (p < 0.05), while all other microbial diversity indices were not significantly correlated with it. Transcription, Metabolism of Cofactors and Vitamins and Carbohydrate Metabolism were also important factors influencing SMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of thermal aging on the aggregation structure of polypropylene, two kinds of polypropylene insulating materials were prepared by melt blending and grafting modifications, and accelerated thermal aging tests were carried out on each specimen. The structures of the aggregated states before and after thermal aging were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarizing optical microscopy. The results show that only α-crystals exist in the blended polypropylene before aging, and thermal aging can induce the production of β-crystals, while the α crystals and β crystals coexist in the grafted polypropylene before and after aging, but β crystal content decreases significantly after aging. The crystallization rate of the two polypropylene is significantly higher than that of cross-linked polyethyline (XLPE), in which the grafted polypropylene has obvious heterophase nucleation, its crystal is more perfect and the crystal size distribution is uniform, and the crystallinity is as high as 40.17%. At the same time, grafted polypropylene specimens show better resistance to thermal oxygen aging, and the damage degree of grafted polypropylene specimens is significantly lower than that of blended polypropylene specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) is an important sugar and cash crop, but its production is often severely affected by drought. Dehydration-responsive element-binding protein (DREB) family transcription factors are known to play important roles in drought tolerance. However, the sugar beet BvDREB gene family has never been reported. In this study, we identified the sugar beet BvDREB gene family at the genome-wide level and analyzed its structure and expression patterns to reveal the biological functions of these genes in response to drought stress. Thirty BvDREB genes were identified and divided into six subfamilies. A comprehensive analysis of the evolutionary tree, cis-acting elements, drought stress transcriptome data, real-time quantitative PCR results and potential interacting proteins of BvDREB revealed that all the BvDREB genes are responsive to drought stress and have different expression patterns under short- and long-term drought stress conditions. They play an important role in drought tolerance through regulating the ABA signal pathway, proline biosynthesis and hormone levels. This study provides important data for further functional characterization of the BvDREB genes and also lays the foundation for molecular screening and breeding of drought tolerance in sugar beet and other crop varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust removal in ports exacerbates water shortages and coastal pollution, particularly in coal ports with significant dust production. Constructing green ports for water conservation and emissions reduction is the future direction for port development. Stormwater harvesting, especially through low-impact development (LID), emerges as an attractive solution in line with green ports. concept. However, determining optimal LID layouts is complex due to multiple objectives. Fluctuations in runoff coefficients, stemming from changing underlying surface types in coal ports, are often overlooked, resulting in costly and ineffective LID layouts that fail to adequately control runoff across varying scenarios. This study innovatively addresses the impact of underlying surface stochasticity on optimizing LID layouts in coal ports. First, the storm water management model (SWMM) is employed to simulate runoff changes in coal ports under various representative underlying surface scenarios, generated through the K-Medoids method. The analysis reveals a significant 70.6% variation in the stockyard's total runoff during a 1-year 2-h design rainfall, ranging from 14,100 m3 to 48,000 m3. Subsequently, a multiobjective stochastic programming model for LID layout optimization is proposed, coupled with a surrogate model for SWMM. Two objectives for LID layout optimization are considered: investments and total runoff harvesting. Finally, the Nash bargaining solution is applied to balance the trade-off between the two objectives and obtain the optimal LID layout considering underlying surface stochasticity. Results indicate that the optimal LID layout has a cost of 1.636 billion Chinese yuan (CNY) and achieves a 50.98% runoff harvesting rate. Compared to previous studies ignoring underlying surface stochasticity, it demonstrates a 2% improvement in harvesting rate, a cost reduction of 200 million CNY, and shows higher robustness with 96 compliance instances out of 100 simulations. This study offers methodological support for developing economically efficient planning and construction schemes for stormwater harvesting facilities in coal ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastomers with high strength and toughness, excellent self-healing properties, and biocompatibility have broad application prospects in wearable electronics and other fields, but preparing it remains a challenge. In this work, we propose a highly adaptable strategy by introducing the small molecule crosslinking agent of triethanolamine (TEA) to the poly thioctic acid (PTA) chains and preparing the PAxEy elastomers using a simple synthesis step. This strategy stabilizes the PTA chains by constructing multiple non-covalent cross-linked dynamic networks, endowing materials with excellent strength and toughness (tensile strength of 288 kPa, toughness of 278.2 kJ/m3), admirable self-healing properties (self-healing efficiency of 121.6% within 7 h at 70 °C), and good biocompatibility. The PAxEy elastomers can also be combined with MWNTs to become flexible strain sensors, which can be used to monitor human joint movements with high sensitivity, repeatable responses, and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthesis, converting sustainable solar energy into chemical energy, has emerged as a promising craft to achieve diverse organic transformations due to its mild reaction conditions, sustainability, and high efficiency. The synthesis of sulfonated compounds has drawn significant attention in the pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials industries due to the unique structure and electronic properties of the sulfonyl groups. Over the past decades, many photocatalytic sulfonylation reactions have been developed. In this review, the recent advances in photocatalyzed sulfonylation have been reviewed since 2020, with a primary focus on discussing reaction design and mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Current evidence suggests that protein synthesis dysfunction within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the small intestine in animals with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) may be a potential factor contributing to the adverse postnatal outcomes associated with intestinal growth and development. However, little is known about whether the impaired protein-folding capacity of ER triggers the adaptive cellular response known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), as well as the subsequent signaling pathways leading to cellular apoptosis in the intestines of IUGR pigs. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the structural integrity of the ER and elucidate the potential signaling cascade of the UPR, which may mitigate the effects of ER stress (ERS) within the intestinal mucosa of IUGR neonates. The results showed that the mitochondrial swelling and ER dilation in the intestinal mucosa, resulting from restricted intrauterine development, occur on the neonatal day. The activation of the IRE1α and PERK pathways within the UPR, in response to ERS, was observed in the intestines of IUGR newborn piglets, leading to apoptosis in intestinal cells mediated by the transcription factor CHOP. Understanding this apoptotic mechanism underlying the structural and functional impairment in the guts of animals with IUGR is crucial for identifying potential preventive strategies. Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in piglets is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality after birth due to gut dysfunction, and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study selected six pairs of IUGR newborn male piglets and normal birth weight newborn piglets (Large White × Landrace) to investigate differences in intestinal structure and digestive functions, intestinal ERS and apoptosis, intestinal barrier function, and inflammatory response. The results showed that IUGR significantly reduced the jejunal villi height (p < 0.05) and the ratio of villus-height-to-crypt-depth (p = 0.05) in neonatal piglets. Additionally, the microvilli in the jejunum of IUGR neonatal piglets were shorter than those in normal-weight piglets, and swelling of the mitochondria and expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum were observed. IUGR also significantly reduced serum glucose and lactase levels (p < 0.05) while significantly increasing mRNA levels of jejunal IRE1α, EIF2α, CHOP, Bax, Caspase9, Mucin2, Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1, Bcl-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ (p < 0.05), as well as GRP78 protein levels in neonatal piglets (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that IUGR impairs intestinal structure and barrier function in newborn piglets by enhancing intestinal inflammatory responses, activating intestinal ERS and the signaling pathways related to the unfolded protein response, thereby inducing ERS-related apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]