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Abstract Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a genetic heart disorder, which may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, especially in children. Here, we reported two children who were initially misdiagnosed with epilepsy and experienced Torsades de Pointes (TdP) cardiac electrical storm (ES). Through whole exome sequencing (WES), we identified two Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCHN2) mutations (c.1841 C > T and c.1838 C > T) respectively in a 6-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl. Clinical data indicated that the QT interval was significantly prolonged, the T-wave pattern of chest V5-V6 leads and limb leads were inverted. Our study suggests that patients with epilepsy, especially those refractory epilepsy with atypical features, need comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular function. KCNH2 mutation in pore region, QT interval prolongation and T wave inversion are high risk factors for ES. For LQT2 patients with ES, Nadolol and left cardiac sympathetic denervation are indicated, sometimes with an ICD.

To further enhance the corrosion protection capability of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings on magnesium alloys， the effects of three different pH values of siloxane hydrolysis solutions on the surface structure and corrosion resistance of MAO/siloxane composite coatings on surface of AZ31B magnesium alloy were investigated.MAO coatings were prepared in a silicate electrolyte system using a constant pressure method.Subsequently， the pH values of the siloxane hydrolysis solutions were adjusted， and siloxane coatings were formed on the MAO coatings by immersion.The micro-morphology，porosity，thickness，roughness，hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of the coatings were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)， Image-J image analysis， thickness gauge， surface roughness tester， contact angle goniometer and electrochemical workstation.Results showed that compared to micro-arc oxidation coatings， the MAO/siloxane coatings significantly repaired the micropores and defects on the surface of the micro-arc oxidation coatings.The MAO/siloxane coatings also imparted hydrophobic properties， effectively preventing or slowing down the penetration of corrosive media and enhancing the corrosion resistance of the coatings.Among the three siloxanes compared， the composite coating prepared from KH-570 hydrolysate with a pH of 6 exhibited the lowest porosity， a water contact angle of (126.5±2.3)°， and a self-corrosion current density of 3.647×10-8 A/cm2， demonstrating the best corrosion resistance.

Abstract The otopetrin (OTOP) proteins were recently characterized as extracellular proton-activated proton channels. Several recent OTOP channel structures demonstrated that the channels form a dimer with each subunit adopting a double-barrel architecture. However, the structural mechanisms underlying some basic functional properties of the OTOP channels remain unresolved, including extracellular pH activation, proton conducting pathway, and rapid desensitization. In this study, we performed structural and functional characterization of the Caenorhabditis elegans OTOP8 (CeOTOP8) and mouse OTOP2 (mOTOP2) and illuminated a set of conformational changes related to the proton-conducting process in OTOP. The structures of CeOTOP8 reveal the conformational change at the N-terminal part of TM12 that renders the channel in a transiently proton-transferring state, elucidating an inter-barrel, Glu/His-bridged proton passage within each subunit. The structures of mOTOP2 reveal the conformational change at the N-terminal part of TM6 that exposes the central glutamate to the extracellular solution for protonation. In addition, the structural comparison between CeOTOP8 and mOTOP2, along with the structure-based mutagenesis, demonstrates that an inter-subunit movement at the OTOP channel dimer interface plays a central role in regulating channel activity. Combining the structural information from both channels, we propose a working model describing the multi-step conformational changes during the proton conducting process.

Abstract This study investigates how dynamic fluctuations in matrix stiffness affect the behavior of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) within a three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel environment. Using hybrid hydrogels with tunable stiffness, we created an in vitro model to mimic the varying stiffness of the cardiac microenvironment. By manipulating hydrogel stiffness, we examined CF responses, particularly the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a marker of myofibroblast differentiation. Our findings reveal that increased matrix stiffness promotes the differentiation of CFs into myofibroblasts, while matrix softening reverses this process. Additionally, we identified the role of focal adhesions and integrin β1 in mediating stiffness-induced phenotypic switching. This study provides significant insights into the mechanobiology of cardiac fibrosis and suggests that modulating matrix stiffness could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating cardiovascular diseases.

Background Fibrinogen (FIB) is often elevated in children with Henoch Schonlein purpuric nephritis (HSPN), but the correlation between FIB and renal lesions has been less studied. Objective To explore the correlation between FIB in children with HSPN and the International Study Group on Pediatric Kidney Disease (ISKDC) pathology grading and micropathological changes in parts of renal units, and to clarify whether FIB can assess the severity of renal injury in children with HSPN. Methods In total, 922 children with HSPN who were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine in the pediatric nephrology ward and underwent kidney biopsy at the same time from December 2017 to December 2022 were collected, and the clinical information, FIB and renal pathological information during renal biopsy were summarized, and based on the FIB level, the children were categorized into group A (low) 4.98 g/L. The correlation between FIB and ISKDC pathological grades, glomerular mesangial hyperplasia ratio, the crescentic bodies ratio and the nature of the glomerular lesions from acute to chronic was investigated by Spearman rank correlation analysis, and the prediction of FIB on the micropathological changes of renal units was analyzed by the subject's work characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Among 922 children with HSPN who had undergone renal biopsy, the FIB was (3.48±1.01) g/L. 113 cases in group A had a low FIB rate of 12.26%; 734 cases in group B had a standardized FIB rate of 79.61%; and 75 cases in group C had a high FIB rate of 8.13%. The ISKDC pathology classification was type Ⅱa in 173 cases (18.76%), type Ⅱb in 29 cases (3.15%), 466 cases (50.54%) of type Ⅲa, 232 cases (25.16%) of type Ⅲb, and 22 cases (2.39%) of type Ⅳ and above (including 2 cases of type Ⅳa, 18 cases of type Ⅳb, and 2 cases of type Ⅴ). The results of the Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed that the FIB and the grouping of the FIB of the children with HSPN were positively related to the renal pathology ISKDC grading (rs=0.146, P

The superhydrophobic coating can effectively prevent the intrusion, adhesion and condensation of water-containing corrosive media on the surface. However, the poor mechanical and chemical stability of traditional superhydrophobic coatings significantly limits their application in complex and harsh environments. In this study, a superhydrophobic PDMS-EP@SiO2-GO coating was formed on the surface of Q345 steel sheets by using a composite substrate of graphene oxide(GO) and nano silicon dioxide(SiO2) with polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS) and epoxy resin(EP), combined with spraying technology. The superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, anti-fouling, mechanical wear resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and anti-corrosion properties of the coating were studied. Results showed that the water contact angle of PDMS-EP@SiO2-GO was 166.57°, and the sliding angle was less than 3°. Due to the strengthening effect of GO on the coating substrate, the coating maintained a contact angle of more than 155° for liquids with water temperatures ranging from 20 ℃ to 100 ℃ and a contact angle of more than 160° for acidic/alkaline solutions. The sliding angle was less than 4° under the above conditions. After sandpaper friction(total friction length of 40 m) and 30 cycles of tape-peeling tests, the coating still exhibited good superhydrophobic ability, with the contact angle remaining above 152°. In addition, PDMS-EP@SiO2-GO, with excellent water resistance, demonstrated good anti-fouling and self-cleaning properties. In terms of corrosion protection, the lowest frequency impedance of PDMS-EP@SiO2-GO increased by an order of magnitude, and the charge transfer resistance increased by two orders of magnitude, showing excellent corrosion resistance. PDMS-EP@SiO2-GO addressed the problem of weak mechanical and chemical stability in traditional superhydrophobic coatings and enabled the persistent protection of the metal substrate. The as-prepared superhydrophobic coating, with good practicability, contributes to the safe and reliable service of mechanical equipment throughout its life cycle.

Abstract Excessive scar formation such as hypertrophic scars and keloids, resulting from trauma or surgical procedures, present a widespread concern for causing disfigurement, discomfort, and functional limitations. Macrophages play pivotal roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis, orchestrating tissue development, repair, and immune responses, and its transition of function and phenotype plays a critical role in regulating the balance between inflammation and tissue regeneration, which is central to cutaneous scar formation. Recent evidence suggests the involvement of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) in the induction of anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophage phenotypes within tumor microenvironments. In our study, we observed increased SHH expression in human hypertrophic scars, prompting an investigation into its influence on macrophage polarization, efferocytosis, and cutaneous scar formation. Our findings reveal that SHH can enhance oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in macrophages, augment macrophage efferocytosis, and promote M2 polarization, finally contributing to the progression of cutaneous scar formation. Notably, targeting SHH signaling with vismodegib exhibited promising potential in mitigating scar formation by reversing the effects of enhanced OXPHOS and M2 polarization in macrophages. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical roles of macrophage metabolism, particularly OXPHOS, efferocytosis and SHH signaling in cutaneous scar formation. Understanding these mechanisms provides new avenues for potential interventions and scar prevention strategies.

Background The evidence for optical coherence tomography (OCT)–guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in improving the prognosis of individuals with in‐stent restenosis (ISR) is lacking. Methods and Results This retrospective study enrolled 588 consecutive individuals with drug‐eluting stent ISR undergoing PCI from March 2010 to March 2022. Two hundred seven (35.2%) underwent OCT guidance, and 381 (64.8%) underwent angiography guidance. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using survival curves. The primary clinical endpoint was 2‐year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), a composite of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, and target‐vessel revascularization. Compared with angiography guidance, OCT guidance demonstrated a higher frequency of drug‐coated balloon use and adjunctive therapeutic modalities, including predilation, postdilation, nonslip element balloons, and noncompliant balloons (P

Transient Receptor Potential Mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) is a lysosomal cation channel whose loss-of-function mutations directly cause the lysosomal storage disorder mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV). TRPML1 can be allosterically regulated by various ligands including natural lipids and small synthetic molecules and the channel undergoes a global movement propagated from ligand-induced local conformational changes upon activation. In this study, we identified a functionally critical residue, Tyr404, at the C-terminus of the S4 helix, whose mutations to tryptophan and alanine yield gain- and loss-of-function channels, respectively. These allosteric mutations mimic the ligand activation or inhibition of the TRPML1 channel without interfering with ligand binding and both mutant channels are susceptible to agonist or antagonist modulation, making them better targets for screening potent TRPML1 activators and inhibitors. We also determined the high-resolution structure of TRPML1 in complex with the PI(4,5)P2 inhibitor, revealing the structural basis underlying this lipid inhibition. In addition, an endogenous phospholipid likely from sphingomyelin is identified in the PI(4,5)P2-bound TRPML1 structure at the same hotspot for agonists and antagonists, providing a plausible structural explanation for the inhibitory effect of sphingomyelin on agonist activation.

BackgroundThe standardized extract of milk thistle seeds, known as silibinin, has been utilized in herbal medicine for over two centuries, with the aim of safeguarding the liver against the deleterious effects of various toxic substances. However, the role of silibinin in Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-induced intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation remains unclear. This study seeks to investigate the impact of silibinin on PM2.5-induced intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation and elucidate potential underlying mechanisms.MethodsA model of intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation was established in male C57BL/6J mice through intratracheal instillation of PM2.5, followed by assessment of liver weight, body weight, liver index, and measurements of intrahepatic triglycerides and cholesterol after treatment with silibinin capsules. Hep G2 cells were exposed to PM2.5 suspension to create an intracellular triglyceride accumulation model, and after treatment with silibinin, cell viability, intracellular triglycerides and cholesterol, fluorescence staining for Nile Red (lipid droplets), and DCFH-DA (Reactive Oxygen Species, ROS), as well as proteomics, real-time PCR, and mitochondrial function assays, were performed to investigate the mechanisms involved in reducing triglycerides.ResultsPM2.5 exposure leads to triglyceride accumulation, increased ROS production, elevated expression of inflammatory factors, decreased expression of antioxidant factors, and increased expression of downstream genes of aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Silibinin can partially or fully reverse these factors, thereby protecting cells and animal livers from PM2.5-induced damage. In vitro studies show that silibinin exerts its protective effects by preserving oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondrial complexes I and II, particularly significantly enhancing the function of mitochondrial complex II. Succinate dehydrogenase (mitochondrial complex II) is a direct target of silibinin, but silibinin A and B exhibit different affinities for different subunits of complex II.ConclusionSilibinin improved the accumulation of intrahepatic triglycerides induced by PM2.5, and this was, at least in part, explained by an enhancement of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondrial Complexes I and II.

ObjectiveNanotechnology offers many advantages in various fields of cancer therapy. This study describes a new method of self-forming nanoparticles (self-nano) using ferric chloride (FeCl₃) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to form the self-nanoparticles in an in vivo tumor. The treatment effect is evaluated.MethodA solution of 3% FeCl3 (0.5 mL) and 1.8% H2O2 (1.0 mL) was injected into the tumor. At various time points post-injection, tumors were collected, and sections were prepared for electron microscopy to evaluate the size of the self-nano particles. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to analyze the immune changes and their effect on tumor growth.ResultThe formation of self-nano in vitro was observed and confirmed, with particles averaging 421 nm in size for the FeCl3 + H2O2 solution. Over time points ranging from 1 to 14 days, the formed self-nano remained stable at a regular size of 421 ± 8 nm. The self-nano, primarily consisting of iron, induced ferroptosis under the influence of an external magnetic field, leading to tumor growth control through iron-induced cell death and immune reactions. These self-nanoparticles also showed stronger enrichment of pathways related to CD8+ T effect cells (Teff), T cell activation, and regulation of T cell proliferation.ConclusionThe FeCl3 + H2O2 solution can form Fe₂O₃-based self-nanoparticles within tumors through H2O2-incubated oxidation of FeCl3. The self-nano remains effective for over 14 days, inducing ferroptosis and upregulating immune cells under magnetic field treatment. This method offers a novel approach for cancer treatment that can be combined with other modalities.

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to analyze the risk factors associated with isoniazid-resistant and rifampicin-susceptible tuberculosis (Hr-TB) in adults. Method The clinical data of 1,844 adult inpatients diagnosed with culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Nanjing Second Hospital from January 2019 and December 2021 were collected. All culture positive strain from the patient specimens underwent drug susceptibility testing (DST). Among them, 166 patients with Hr-TB were categorized as the Hr-TB group, while the remaining 1,678 patients were classified as having drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB). Hierarchical logistic regression was employed for multivariate analysis to identify variables associated with Hr-TB. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 1.472, 95% CI 1.037–2.088, p = 0.030) and a history of previous tuberculosis treatment (OR 2.913, 95% CI 1.971–4.306, p = 0.000) were at higher risk of developing adult Hr-TB, with this risk being more pronounced in male patients. Within the cohort, 1,640 patients were newly treated, and among them, DM (OR 1.662, 95% CI 1.123–2.461, p = 0.011) was identified as risk factors for Hr-TB. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for Hr-TB in adults, and the contribution of diabetes as a risk factor was more pronounced in the newly treatment or male subgroup. And previous TB treatment history is also a risk factor for Hr-TB in adults.

For engineering structures with saline soil as a filling material, such as channel slope, road subgrade, etc., the rich soluble salt in the soil is an important potential factor affecting their safety performance. This study examines the Atterberg limits, shear strength, and compressibility of carbonate saline soil samples with different NaHCO3 contents in Northeast China. The mechanism underlying the influence of salt content on soil macroscopic properties was investigated based on a volumetric flask test, a mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) test, and a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) test. The results demonstrated that when NaHCO3 contents were lower than the threshold value of 1.5%, the bound water film adsorbed on the surface of clay particles thickened continuously, and correspondingly, the Atterberg limits and plasticity index increased rapidly as the increase of sodium ion content. Meanwhile, the bonding force between particles was weakened, the dispersion of large aggregates was enhanced, and the soil structure became looser. Macroscopically, the compressibility increased and the shear strength (mainly cohesion) decreased by 28.64%. However, when the NaHCO3 content exceeded the threshold value of 1.5%, the salt gradually approached solubility and filled the pores between particles in the form of crystals, resulting in a decrease in soil porosity. The cementation effect generated by salt crystals increased the bonding force between soil particles, leading to a decrease in plasticity index and an improvement in soil mechanical properties. Moreover, this work provides valuable suggestions and theoretical guidance for the scientific utilization of carbonate saline soil in backfill engineering projects.

Abstract Product assembly involves extensive production data that is characterized by high dimensionality, multiple samples, and data imbalance. The article proposes an edge computing-based framework for monitoring product assembly quality in industrial Internet of Things. Edge computing technology relieves the pressure of aggregating enormous amounts of data to cloud center for processing. To address the problem of data imbalance, we compared five sampling methods: Borderline SMOTE, Random Downsampling, Random Upsampling, SMOTE, and ADASYN. Finally, the quality monitoring model SMOTE-XGBoost is proposed, and the hyperparameters of the model are optimized by using the Grid Search method. The proposed framework and quality control methodology were applied to an assembly line of IGBT modules for the traction system, and the validity of the model was experimentally verified.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare the per OPU clinical outcomes for transfer of Day 3 double cleavage-stage embryos (DET) and Day 5 single blastocyst-stage (SBT) in patients with five or fewer good quality embryos on day 3 per occyte pick-up cycle (OPU) in antagonist cycles with consideration of blastocyst formation failure. Methods This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of 2,116 cases of OPU treated with antagonist protocol in the affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University between January 2013 and December 2020. DET was performed in 1,811cycles and SBT was performed in 305 cycles. The DET group was matched to the SBT group by propensity score (PS) matching according to multiple maternal baseline covariates. After PS matching, there were 303 ET cycles in each group. The primary outcomes were the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), cumulative multiple pregnancy rate(CMPR)per OPU and the number of ET to achieve live birth per OPU. Secondary outcomes were the percentage of clinical pregnancy(CPR), live birth rate(LBR), multiple pregnancy rate(MPR). Results Following PS mating, the CLBR was slightly higher (48.8% versus 40.3% ; P = 0.041) and the CMPR was significantly higher in the DET group compared to SBT group(44.2% versus 7.9%, P

The purpose of this paper was to introduce several $ b $-generalized contractive mappings in the framework of cone $ b $-metric spaces over Banach algebras. The obtained contractions generalized and extended the counterparts in metric spaces, cone metric spaces, and $ b $-metric spaces. Moreover, via weakening the completeness of the spaces, we gave some fixed point theorems for asymptotically regular mappings without considering the orbital continuity and $ k $-continuity of the mappings. Those who need a specification is our results do not rely on the continuity of $ b $-metric and the normality of cones. In addition, some nontrivial examples were presented to illustrate the superiority of our fixed point theorems.

Abstract. Background:. Due to the wide variety of morphology, size, and dynamics, selecting an optimal valve size and location poses great difficulty in percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). This study aimed to report our experience with in vitro bench testing using patient-specific three-dimensional (3D)-printed models for planning PPVI with the Venus P-valve. Methods:. Patient-specific 3D soft models were generated using PolyJet printing with a compliant synthetic material in 15 patients scheduled to undergo PPVI between July 2018 and July 2020 in Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Results:. 3D model bench testing altered treatment strategy in all patients (100%). One patient was referred for surgery because testing revealed that even the largest Venus P-valve would not anchor properly. In the remaining 14 patients, valve size and/or implantation location was altered to avoid valve migration and/or compression coronary artery. In four patients, it was decided to change the point anchoring because of inverted cone-shaped right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) (n = 2) or risk of compression coronary artery (n = 2). Concerning sizing, we found that an oversize of 2–5 mm suffices. Anchoring of the valve was dictated by the flaring of the in- and outflow portion in the pulmonary artery. PPVI was successful in all 14 patients (absence of valve migration, no coronary compression, and none-to-mild residual pulmonary regurgitation [PR]). The diameter of the Venus P-valve in the 3D simulation group was significantly smaller than that of the conventional planning group (36 [2] vs. 32 [4], Z = -3.77, P

An experimental study on the recovery of phosphorus resource was carried out for the resource application of sludge residue. The effects of acid species and different leaching conditions on the leaching of phosphorus from sludge residue were systematically analyzed，and the effects of pH and n（Mg）∶n（N）∶n（P） on the synthesis of struvite from the solution containing phosphorus were investigated. The results showed that the leaching rate of phosphorus from sludge residue could reach 96.9% under the conditions of liquid/solid ratio of 20 mL/g，hydrochloric acid concentration of 0.4 mol/L and leaching time of 4 h. Moreover，the crystallization rate of the phosphorus purification solution purified by cation exchange resin could reach 98.1% at pH=10，n（Mg）∶n（N）∶n（P）=1.2∶1.2∶1，and the heavy metal content in the obtained struvite met the standard limit of Organic and Inorganic Compound Fertilizer （GB/T 18877-2020）. In summary，79% of phosphorus in sludge residue could be recovered after phosphorus extraction，purification and crystallization.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a new type of targeting antibodies that conjugate with highly toxic anticancer drugs via chemical linkers to exert high specificity and efficient killing of tumor cells, thereby attracting considerable attention in precise oncology therapy. Cetuximab (Cet) is a typical antibody that offers the benefits of good targeting and safety for individuals with advanced and inoperable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC); however, its anti-tumor activity is limited to a single use. Cisplatin (CisPt) shows good curative effects; however, its adverse effects and non-tumor-targeting ability are major drawbacks. In this study, we designed and developed a new ADC based on a new cytotoxic platinum (IV) prodrug (C8Pt(IV)) and Cet. The so-called antibody-platinum (IV) prodrugs conjugates, named Cet-C8Pt(IV), showed excellent tumor targeting in cSCC. Specifically, it accurately delivered C8Pt(IV) into tumor cells to exert the combined anti-tumor effect of Cet and CisPt. Herein, metabolomic analysis showed that Cet-C8Pt(IV) promoted cellular apoptosis and increased DNA damage in cSCC cells by affecting the vitamin B6 metabolic pathway in tumor cells, thereby further enhancing the tumor-killing ability and providing a new strategy for clinical cancer treatment using antibody-platinum (IV) prodrugs conjugates.

Abstract Since probability hypothesis density (PHD) filters do not need explicit data association, they have recently been widely used in radar multi-target tracking (MTT). However, in existing PHD filters, sampling times are generally considered the same for all targets. Due to the limitation of antenna beam width in radar applications, the same sampling time for all targets will lead to a mismatch between the predicted data and measurement data, reducing the accuracy of radar MTT. In order to eliminate the estimation error with less computational cost, a radar nonlinear multi-target tracking method with a parallel PHD filter is proposed in this article. The measurement area is divided into several subspaces according to the beam width of the radar antenna, and the PHD of all subspaces is calculated in parallel. Then, multi-feature information in radar echo assists tracking and improves real-time performance. Experimental results in various scenarios illustrate that the proposed method can eliminate the estimation errors introduced by sampling time diversity at the cost of less computation cost, especially in cluttered environments.

Objective The objective of this study was to thoroughly investigate the clinical value of triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) in patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Specifically, we aimed to determine its association with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the progression of liver fibrosis.Methods The study included 393 patients diagnosed with NAFLD after liver biopsy. The patients were divided into two distinct cohorts: a training cohort (N = 320) and a validation cohort (N = 73). The training cohort was further divided into four groups based on TyG-BMI quartiles. The clinical characteristics of the patients in each group were compared in detail, and the association between TyG-BMI and NASH, NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) ≥ 4, at-risk NASH, significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis was analyzed using multiple models. Additionally, we generated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the predictive ability of TyG-BMI for NASH and fibrosis staging in patients with NAFLD.Results Patients with higher TyG-BMI values had a significantly higher prevalence of NASH, NAS ≥ 4, at-risk NASH, significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis (all p

AbstractBackground and Aim This study aims to validate the efficacy of the conventional non-invasive score in predicting significant fibrosis in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and to develop a non-invasive prediction model for MAFLD.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 7701 participants with MAFLD from August 2018 to December 2023. All participants were divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort. The study compared different subgroups’ demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory examination indicators and conducted logistic regression analysis to assess the correlation between independent variables and liver fibrosis. Nomograms were created using the logistic regression model. The predictive values of noninvasive models and nomograms were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA).Results Four nomograms were developed for the quantitative analysis of significant liver fibrosis risk based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis results. The nomogram’s area under ROC curves (AUC) was 0.710, 0.714, 0.748, and 0.715 in overall MAFLD, OW-MAFLD, Lean-MAFLD, and T2DM-MAFLD, respectively. The nomogram had a higher AUC in all MAFLD participants and OW-MAFLD than the other non-invasive scores. The DCA curve showed that the net benefit of each nomogram was higher than that of APRI and FIB-4. In the validation cohort, the AUCs of the nomograms were 0.722, 0.750, 0.719, and 0.705, respectively.Conclusion APRI, FIB-4, and NFS performed poorly predicting significant fibrosis in patients with MAFLD. The new model demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy and clinical applicability in identifying significant fibrosis in MAFLD.

BackgroundSystemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is associated with increased risk in a wide range of illnesses. However, few studies have explored the associations between SII and the risk of malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between SII and malnutrition in a nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study involving Chinese hospitalized patients.DesignFrom August 2020 to August 2021, a total of 40,379 hospitalized patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed demographic data, diagnoses, as well as physical and laboratory examination results were recorded. The diagnosis of malnutrition was used with two distinct methods: the Malnutrition Screening Tool 2002 (NRS 2002) + Global Leaders Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score. The risk factors for malnutrition were analyzed using binary logistic regression and multiple logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Restricted cubic spline (RCS), linear spline, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were also used.ResultsThe prevalence of malnutrition diagnosed by the two methods was 13.4% and 14.9%, respectively. In the NRS 2002 + GLIM diagnostic model, lnSII showed statistical significance between the malnutrition and non-malnutrition group (6.28 ± 0.78 vs. 6.63 ± 0.97, p

Atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can harm various systems in the human body. Due to limitations in the current understanding of epidemiology and toxicology, the disease types and pathogenic mechanisms induced by PM2.5 in various human systems remain unclear. In this study, the disease types induced by PM2.5 in the respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and female and male urogenital systems have been investigated and the pathogenic mechanisms identified at molecular level. The results reveal that PM2.5 is highly likely to induce pulmonary emphysema, reperfusion injury, malignant thyroid neoplasm, ovarian endometriosis, and nephritis in each of the above systems respectively. The most important co-existing gene, cellular component, biological process, molecular function, and pathway in the five systems targeted by PM2.5 are Fos proto-oncogene (FOS), extracellular matrix, urogenital system development, extracellular matrix structural constituent conferring tensile strength, and ferroptosis respectively. Differentially expressed genes that are significantly and uniquely targeted by PM2.5 in each system are BTG2 (respiratory), BIRC5 (circulatory), NFE2L2 (endocrine), TBK1 (female urogenital) and STAT1 (male urogenital). Important disease-related cellular components, biological processes, and molecular functions are specifically induced by PM2.5. For example, response to wounding, blood vessel morphogenesis, body morphogenesis, negative regulation of response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, and response to type I interferon are the top uniquely existing biological processes in each system respectively. PM2.5 mainly acts on key disease-related pathways such as the PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer (respiratory), cell cycle (circulatory), apoptosis (endocrine), antigen processing and presentation (female urogenital), and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction (male urogenital). This study provides a novel analysis strategy for elucidating PM2.5-related disease types and is an important supplement to epidemiological investigation. It clarifies the risks of PM2.5 exposure, elucidates the pathogenic mechanisms, and provides scientific support for promoting the precise prevention and treatment of PM2.5-related diseases.

ObjectiveThe aim of this is to explore changes in cross-modal reorganization within the auditory–visual cortex after cochlear implantation, examining their influence on auditory and speech functions along with their underlying mechanisms.MethodsTwenty prelingually deaf children who received cochlear implantation and rehabilitation training at our hospital between February 2022 and February 2023 comprised the prelingual deaf group. Simultaneously, 20 healthy children served as the control group. The prelingual deaf group underwent brain cortical activity assessment and evaluation of auditory-speech recovery pre-surgery, at postoperative weeks 1 and 2, and at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. The control group underwent parallel assessments and evaluations. We analyzed the correlation between cortical activity in the auditory–visual cortex of patients and their auditory-speech functional recovery.ResultsThe group with prelingual deafness displayed elevated levels of auditory and visual cortical electromagnetic intensity compared to the control group, both prior to and 9 months after surgery. However, by the 12-month mark post-surgery, there was no discernible distinction between the two groups. Following surgery, the prelingually deaf group exhibited a progressive improvement in both Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) and Speech Intelligibility Rate (SIR), initially lagging behind the control group. Notably, a negative correlation emerged between auditory and visual cortical electromagnetic intensity values and CAP/SIR scores at the 12-month post-surgery assessment.ConclusionCochlear implantation in prelingually deaf children results in elevated activity within the auditory and visual cortices, demonstrated by heightened electromagnetic intensity readings. Cross-modal reorganization is observed temporarily at 3 months post-surgery, which resolves to baseline levels by 12 months post-surgery. This phenomenon of reversal correlates with the restoration of auditory and speech functions in these children.

The food lifestyle has evolved from the regional differences that were previously shaped by different geographic locations to the pluralistic complexity of food styles that are now influenced by different user consciousnesses. The field of food design has assumed a greater social responsibility, while also facing the challenge of sustainable development. Consequently, it is of paramount importance to devise or refine the methodology of food design innovation. This study makes a significant contribution to the field of sustainable food design by combining design methodology with sociological concepts such as “Field and Habitus” to construct the “F-U-BVF” food lifestyle analysis framework. This study examines the applicability of the F-U-BVF analytical framework, exemplified by tofu, through the refinement and translation of user needs, among other methods. The objective is to guide users toward sustainable lifestyles based on a design methodology, thereby creating multiple values conducive to food sustainability. At the same time, the deconstruction of the structural relationship, process, and methodology of sustainable food design based on the F-U-BVF analytical framework is intended to break through the barriers of traditional design science. This is to provide a new systematic research paradigm for sustainable food design, as well as to provide a new perspective on the experience and interactive relationship between people and food. Finally, it is also to provide effective food design innovation solutions for relevant multi-stakeholders. This is of great significance for the development of sustainable food design.

IntroductionAngong Niuhuang Wan (AGNHW), developed during the Qing dynasty (18th century) for the treatment of consciousness disturbances caused by severe infections, has been used to treat brain edema caused by ischemia‒reperfusion. However, it remains unclear whether AGNHW can ameliorate vascular-origin brain edema caused by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). This study explored the ameliorative effects of AGNHW on LPS-induced cerebrovascular edema in mice, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms.MethodsA cerebrovascular edema model was established in male C57BL/6N mice by two intraperitoneal injections of LPS (15 mg/kg), at 0 and 24 h. AGNHW was administered by gavage at doses of 0.2275 g/kg, 0.455 g/kg, and 0.91 g/kg, 2 h after LPS administration. In control mice, normal saline (NS) or AGNHW (0.455 g/kg) was administered by gavage 2 h after intraperitoneal injection of NS. The survival rate, cerebral water content, cerebral venous FITC-dextran leakage, Evans blue extravasation, and expression of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-5, phosphorylated caveolin-1 (CAV-1), and cytomembrane and cytoplasmic aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) were evaluated. The cerebral tissue phosphoproteome, blood levels of AGNHW metabolites, and the relationships between these blood metabolites and differentially phosphorylated proteins were analyzed.ResultsAGNHW inhibited the LPS-induced decrease in survival rate, increase in cerebral water content, decrease in VE-Cadherin expression and increase in phosphorylated CAV-1 (P-CAV-1). AGNHW treatment increased the expression of AQP4 on astrocyte membrane after LPS injection. AGNHW also inhibited the LPS-induced increases in the phosphorylation of 21 proteins, including protein kinase C-α (PKC-α) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), in the cerebral tissue. Eleven AGNHW metabolites were detected in the blood. These metabolites might exert therapeutic effects by regulating PKC-α and MAPK1.ConclusionAGNHW can ameliorate cerebrovascular edema caused by LPS. This effect is associated with the inhibition of VE-Cadherin reduction and CAV-1 phosphorylation, as well as the upregulation of AQP4 expression on the astrocyte membrane, following LPS injection.

BackgroundHepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a syn-drome with a high short-term mortality rate, and its prognosis is critical in clinical management. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the occurrence and development of HBV-ACLF and its prognostic value for 90-day mortality.MethodsThe expression levels of GPX4, oxidative stress-related molecules and inflammatory cytokines in serum or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 289 participants were determined by RT-qPCR or ELISA, and the methylation level of GPX4 promoter in PBMCs was determined by MethyLight.ResultsThe expression levels of GPX4 in the PBMCs and serum of HBV-ACLF patients were lower than those in non-HBV-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (non-HBV ACLF) patients, patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and healthy control (HC) individuals, while the methylation level of the GPX4 promoter was greater. In HBV-ACLF patients, the methylation level of the GPX4 promoter is correlated with oxidative stress, inflammation-related molecules, and some clinicopathological indicators. The methylation level of the GPX4 promoter was identified as an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality in HBV-ACLF patients and yielded a larger area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) than the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in predicting 90-day mortality.ConclusionThe GPX4 promoter methylation level has promising potential as a predictor of 90-day mortality in patients with HBV-ACLF.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a type of eating disorders characterized by self-starvation, significant loss of body mass, and malnutrition. AN has the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric disorders, leading to severe psychopathologic symptoms and life-threatening medical complications. However, AN cannot be recognized and diagnosed early in China, resulting in a prolonged course of the disease. Therefore, under the organization of the Eating Disorders Coordination Group of the Psychosomatic Medicine Society of the Chinese Medical Association, together with the Eating Disorders Research Collaboration Group of the Psychiatric Medicine Society of the Chinese Medical Association, this expert consensus was formulated by 16 medical experts based on evidence-based medical evidence, domestic and international guidelines and expert consensus, expert experience, etc., in order to improve the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of AN among domestic professionals.

Abstract Objective The medical instruments used in the emergency department have a wide coverage and prominent importance. The study was aimed to observe the effect of joint commission international (JCI) standard combined with 6S management mode in emergency medical equipment. Methods Medical equipment and nursing staff in the emergency department of our hospital were the subjects of the research. We compared the management status (standard placement, good cleaning, good maintenance, complete records) of medical equipment after the application of JCI standard combined with 6S management mode was compared with that before the application. Working time associated with medical equipment, equipment repair ratio, nurses' satisfaction with medical equipment use and management were also compared. Results After the application of JCI standard combined with 6S management mode, the proportion of instances meeting standards for placement, cleaning, maintenance, and record‐keeping was higher than before the application (p 0.05). Conclusion JCI standard combined with 6S management mode can standardize the use of emergency medical instruments, reduce the risk of instrument damage, increase work efficiency, improve nurses' satisfaction with medical instrument management, and are therefore worthy of clinical application.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between the total dose of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) applied during controlled ovulation stimulation and the live birth rates (LBRs) in non-PCOS population. Many studies have found no difference between the dose of FSH application and pregnancy outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rates after fresh embryo transfer. However, a recent large retrospective analysis found a negative correlation between live birth rates and increasing dose of FSH. It is still controversial about the association between FSH dose and LBRs. In addition, no studies have yet explored the nonlinear relationship between FSH and LBRs. This cohort study included a total of 11,645 patients who had accepted IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at the second hospital of Hebei medical university between December 2014 to December 2019. PCOS was identified by Rotterdam PCOS criteria. We researched the association between FSH total dose and live birth rates (LBRs) using multivariate regression analysis. In addition, a model for nonlinear relationships based on a two-part linear regression was applied. The analysis of threshold effects indicated that LBR increased with every 1000 IU FSH when the concentration of FSH was lower than 1410 IU (OR 1.55, 95% CI [1.05, 2.28]); however, a negative association between FSH dose and LBR (OR 0.94, 95% CI [0.89, 0.99]) was found when the FSH total dose was higher than 1410 IU. It is worth noting that the relationship between LBR and FSH dose varied among patients of different ages (OR 0.92 vs 1.06, P for interaction

Abstract Background The increasing prevalence of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) in the aging population worldwide has become a significant concern due to subjectivity of evaluations and the lack of precise diagnostic methods and specific indicators. Developing personalized diagnostic strategies for NCDs has therefore become a priority. Results Multimodal electroencephalography (EEG) data of a matched cohort of normal aging (NA) and NCDs seniors were recorded, and their faecal samples and urine exosomes were collected to identify multi-omics signatures and metabolic pathways in NCDs by integrating metagenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics analysis. Additionally, experimental verification of multi-omics signatures was carried out in aged mice using faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We found that NCDs seniors had low EEG power spectral density and identified specific microbiota, including Ruminococcus gnavus, Enterocloster bolteae, Lachnoclostridium sp. YL 32, and metabolites, including L-tryptophan, L-glutamic acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), as well as disturbed biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids and TCA cycle dysfunction, validated in aged mice. Finally, we employed a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm to construct a machine learning model to classify NA and NCDs groups based on the fusion of EEG data and multi-omics profiles and the model demonstrated 92.69% accuracy in classifying NA and NCDs groups. Conclusions Our study highlights the potential of multi-omics profiling and EEG data fusion in personalized diagnosis of NCDs, with the potential to improve diagnostic precision and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of NCDs. Video Abstract

Abstract Severe tissue injuries pose a significant risk to human health. Conventional wound dressings fall short in achieving effective tissue regeneration, resulting in suboptimal postoperative healing outcomes. In this study, an asymmetric adhesive wound dressing (marked as SIS/PAA/LAP) was developed, originating from acrylate acid (AA) solution with laponite (LAP) nanoparticles polymerization and photo-crosslinked on the decellularized extracellular matrix small intestinal submucosa (SIS) patch. Extensive studies demonstrated that the SIS/PAA/LAP exhibited higher tissue adhesion strength (~ 33 kPa) and burst strength (~ 22 kPa) compared to conventional wound dressings like Tegaderm and tissue adhesive products. Importantly, it maintained favorable cell viability and demonstrated robust angiogenic capacity. In animal models of full-thickness skin injuries in rats and skin injuries in Bama miniature pigs, the SIS/PAA/LAP could be precisely applied to wound sites. By accelerating the formation of tissue vascularization, it displayed superior tissue repair outcomes. This asymmetrically adhesive SIS-based patch would hold promising applications in the field of wound dressings.

Dry-hot wind stress causes losses in wheat productivity in major growing regions worldwide, especially winter wheat in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China, and both the occurrence and severity of such events are likely to increase with global climate change. To investigate the recovery of physiological functions and yield formation using a new non-commercial chemical regulator (NCR) following dry-hot wind stress, we conducted a three-year field experiment (2018–2021) with sprayed treatments of tap water (control), monopotassium phosphate (CKP), NCR at both the jointing and flowering stages (CFS), and NCR only at the jointing stage (FSJ) or flowering stage (FSF). The leaf physiology, biomass accumulation and translocation, grain-filling process, and yield components in winter wheat were assessed. Among the single spraying treatments, the FSJ treatment was beneficial for the accumulation of dry matter before anthesis, as well as larger increases in the maximum grain-filling rate and mean grain-filling rate. The FSF treatment performed better in maintaining a high relative chlorophyll content as indicated by the SPAD value, and a low rate of excised leaf water loss in flag leaves, promoting dry matter accumulation and the contribution to grain after anthesis, prolonging the duration of grain filling, and causing the period until the maximum grain-filling rate reached earlier. The CFS treatment was better than any other treatments in relieving the effects of dry-hot wind. The exogenous NCR treatments significantly increased grain yields by 12.45–18.20% in 2018–2019, 8.89–13.82% in 2019–2020, and 8.10–9.00% in 2020–2021. The conventional measure of the CKP treatment only increased grain yield by 6.69% in 2020–2021. The CFS treatment had the greatest mitigating effect on yield loss under dry-hot wind stress, followed by the FSF and FSJ treatments, and the CKP treatment only had a minimal effect. In summary, the CFS treatment could be used as the main chemical control measure for wheat stress resistance and yield stability in areas with a high incidence of dry-hot wind. This treatment can effectively regulate green retention and the water status of leaves, promote dry matter accumulation and efficient translocation, improve the grain-filling process, and ultimately reduce yield losses.

Abstract Coupling high-capacity cathode and Li-anode with solid-state electrolyte has been demonstrated as an effective strategy for increasing the energy densities and safety of rechargeable batteries. However, the limited ion conductivity, the large interfacial resistance, and unconstrained Li-dendrite growth hinder the application of solid-state Li-metal batteries. Here, a poly(ether-urethane)-based solid-state polymer electrolyte with self-healing capability is designed to reduce the interfacial resistance and provides a high-performance solid-state Li-metal battery. With its dynamic covalent disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonds, the proposed solid-state polymer electrolyte exhibits excellent interfacial self-healing ability and maintains good interfacial contact. Full cells are assembled with the two integrated electrodes/electrolytes. As a result, the Li||Li symmetric cells exhibit stable long-term cycling for more than 6000 h, and the solid-state Li-S battery shows a prolonged cycling life of 700 cycles at 0.3 C. The use of ultrasound imaging technology shows that the interfacial contact of the integrated structure is much better than those of traditional laminated structure. This work provides an interesting interfacial dual-integrated strategy for designing high-performance solid-state Li-metal batteries.

Abstract The present-day globalized economy and diverse market demands have compelled an increasing number of manufacturing enterprises to move toward the distributed manufacturing pattern and the model of multi-variety and small-lot. Taking these two factors into account, this study investigates an extension of the distributed hybrid flowshop scheduling problem (DHFSP), called the distributed hybrid flowshop scheduling problem with consistent sublots (DHFSP_CS). To tackle this problem, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is developed as a preliminary step. The NP-hard nature of the problem necessitates the use of the iterated F-Race (I/F-Race) as the automated algorithm design (AAD) to compose a metaheuristic that requires minimal user intervention. The I/F-Race enables identifying the ideal values of numerical and categorical parameters within a promising algorithm framework. An extension of the collaborative variable neighborhood descent algorithm (ECVND) is utilized as the algorithm framework, which is modified by intensifying efforts on the critical factories. In consideration of the problem-specific characteristics and the solution encoding, the configurable solution initializations, configurable solution decoding strategies, and configurable collaborative operators are designed. Additionally, several neighborhood structures are specially designed. Extensive computational results on simulation instances and a real-world instance demonstrate that the automated algorithm conceived by the AAD outperforms the CPLEX and other state-of-the-art metaheuristics in addressing the DHFSP_CS.

Abstract Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a digestive disease with a high incidence and is difficult to be cured due to its complex etiology. It has evidenced that intestinal barrier dysfunction plays a predominant role in UC. 20(S)‐protopanaxadiol saponins (PDS) isolated from Panax notoginseng possess anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative activities, suggesting its potential of treating UC. Herein, the therapeutic effects of PDS against UC and underlying mechanisms in the aspect of intestinal barrier dysfunction were investigated in vivo and in vitro. The results showed PDS had protective effects against dextran sulfate sodium–induced colitis, including attenuating weight loss, disease activity index score elevation, colon length shortening, and histological lesions. Additionally, PDS reduced the colonic activity of myeloperoxidase and the cytokine levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β, decreased MDA production, and elevated colonic activities of SOD and GSH‐Px in the colitis mice. The expressions of proteins related to tight junction (TJ), including ZO‐1, claudin‐5, occludin, caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1), and Nrf2 were downregulated, whereas that of Keap1 was upregulated after colitis induction. These changes were reversed by PDS. Cav‐1 expression was downregulated in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐ and H2O2‐induced HCT116 cells, and the expressions of ZO‐1, claudin‐5, and occludin were suppressed in HCT116 cells stimulated by LPS and H2O2 combined with Cav‐1 small interfering RNA transfection, which were ameliorated by PDS, suggesting PDS targeted Cav‐1 against intestinal barrier damage. Collectively, PDS alleviates inflammatory injury and oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, contributing to targeting Cav‐1 against intestinal epithelial TJ proteins loss. It suggests PDS might be a promising therapeutic natural product for UC treatment.

Although the academic community has come to accept the Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme (CETS) as a viable market incentive for environmental control, more research is needed to determine if the creation of such a scheme can spur the development of green technologies. Based on the panel data of 274 Chinese cities from 2010 to 2017, this paper uses the propensity score matching-difference in difference (PSM-DID) method to empirically test the green innovation effect of the pilot areas relative to the non-pilot areas before and after the implementation of the policy, uses the mediating effect model and the moderating effect model to test its internal influence mechanism, and further examines the heterogeneity of the policy effects. The findings indicate that pilot CETS deployment can significantly improve green technology innovation (GTI), and the conclusion is still valid after a series of robustness tests. Moreover, the human capital input and the science and technology support have a significant partial mediating effect in the policy effect of CETS on GTI, with the latter contributing greatly. The overall marketization and the financial development positively moderate the impact of CETS on GTI, but government involvement have a reverse moderating effect. In addition, the policy effects is better in cities with higher administrative levels in China and in cities in eastern and western China, while the policy effects in cities with lower administrative levels and in central China is weak or not significant. This study has far-reaching theoretical value and momentous practical significance for China and other developing countries in terms of further deepening and improving the CETS, enhancing GTI, and promoting urban sustainable development.

AbstractContext Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc (Polygonaceae), the root of which is included in the Chinese Pharmcopoeia under the name ‘Huzhang', has a long history as a medicinal plant and vegetable. Polygonum cuspidatum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammation, hyperlipemia, etc.Objective This article reviews the pharmacological action and the clinical applications of Polygonum cuspidatum and its extracts, whether in vivo or in vitro. We also summarized the main phytochemical constituents and pharmacokinetics of Polygonum cuspidatum and its extracts.Methods The data were retrieved from major medical databases, such as CNKI, PubMed, and SinoMed, from 2014 to 2022. Polygonum cuspidatum, pharmacology, toxicity, clinical application, and pharmacokinetics were used as keywords.Results The rhizomes, leaves, and flowers of Polygonum cuspidatum have different phytochemical constituents. The plant contains flavonoids, anthraquinones, and stilbenes. Polygonum cuspidatum and the extracts have anti-inflammatory, antioxidation, anticancer, heart protection, and other pharmacological effects. It is used in the clinics to treat dizziness, headaches, traumatic injuries, and water and fire burns.Conclusions Polygonum cuspidatum has the potential to treat many diseases, such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and cardiac hypertrophy. It has a broad range of medicinal applications, but mainly focused on root medication; its aerial parts should receive more attention. Pharmacokinetics also need to be further investigated.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the rapid development of vaccines, including the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 (AstraZeneca) vaccine. While effective, adverse effects have been reported, including cutaneous manifestations. Kaposi sarcoma (KS), a vascular tumor linked to Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), has seen increased detection during the pandemic. This study reports a case of classic cutaneous KS in a 79-year-old male following the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine, without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient developed multiple reddish-blue papules on his legs and feet, confirmed as KS through histopathology. Treatment included radiotherapy and sequential chemotherapy with Doxorubicin. The potential reactivation of latent HHV-8 by the vaccine is explored through mechanisms involving the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and adenovirus vector, which may induce immune responses and inflammatory pathways. Although establishing a direct causal link remains challenging, the case highlights the need for vigilance regarding KS reactivation post-vaccination. Further large-scale studies are warranted to elucidate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and latent virus reactivation, ensuring comprehensive safety assessments and informed public health decisions.

To investigate the nonlinear flutter characteristics of long-span suspension bridges under different deck ancillary structures and configurations, including those with and without a central wind-permeable zone, as well as to analyze the hysteresis phenomenon of a subcritical flutter and elucidate the mechanisms leading to the occurrence of nonlinear flutter, this paper studies first the post-flutter characteristics of the torsion single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) test systems and vertical bending–torsion two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) test systems under different aerodynamic shape conditions are further analyzed, and the role of the vertical vibration in coupled nonlinear flutter is discussed. The results indicate that better flutter performance is achieved in the absence of bridge deck auxiliary structures with a central wind-permeable zone. The participation of vertical vibrations in the post-flutter vibration increases with the increase in wind speed, reducing the flutter performance of the main girder. Furthermore, the hysteresis phenomenon in the subcritical flutter state is observed in the wind tunnel experiment, and its evolution law and mechanism are discussed from the perspective of amplitude-dependent damping. Finally, the vibration-generating mechanism of the limit oscillation ring is elaborated in terms of the evolution law of the post-flutter vibration damping.

We proposed a novel fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer (FMZI) that can perform an ultrahigh extinction ratio (ER), ultracompact, and ultra-broadband interference characteristics. The FMZI structure is based on an extremely tiny hollow core fiber (HCF) with a small diameter of 10 μm (named HCF10) connected with a beam splitter of a large core of 50 μm HCF (named HCF50). The refractive index (RI) of the air core is lower than that of the HCF cladding; a leaky-guided fiber waveguide (LGFW) occurs in such a short-section HCF10 waveguide to simultaneously have the core and cladding modes. To achieve better fringe visibility of the interference, the section of HCF50 assists in splitting the optical light into core and cladding beams launched into the HCF10 with appropriate intensities. Experimental and simulation results show that the optical characteristics of the proposed LGFW-FMZI are very similar. Based on the results of the study, the length of the HCF10 primarily influences the free spectral range (FSR) of the interference spectra, and the HCF50 splitter significantly controls the optimal extinction ratio (ER) of the interference fringes. By exactly adjusting the lengths of HCF10 and HCF50, the proposed fiber interferometers can perform the capability of an ultrahigh ER over 50 dB with the arbitrary FSR in the transmitted interference spectra over an ultra-broad wavelength range of 1250 nm to 1650 nm.

Silique development exerts significant impacts on crop yield. CRPs (Cysteine-rich peptides) can mediate cell–cell communication during plant reproduction and development. However, the functional characterization and regulatory mechanisms of CRPs in silique development remain unclear. In this study, we identified many CRP genes downstream of the CRP gene TPD1 (TAPETUM DETERMINANT1) during silique development using a microarray assay. The novel Arabidopsis thaliana pollen-borne CRPs, the PCP-Bs (for pollen coat protein B-class) gene AtPCP-Ba, along with TPD1, are essential for silique development. The AtPCP-Ba was significantly down-regulated in tpd1 flower buds but up-regulated in OE-TPD1 flower buds and siliques. The silencing of AtPCP-Ba compromised the wider silique of OE-TPD1 plants and inhibited the morphology of OE-TPD1 siliques to the size observed in the wild type. A total of 258 CRPs were identified with the bioinformatic analysis in Arabidopsis, Brassica napus, Glycine max, Oryza sativa, Sorghum bicolor, and Zea mays. Based on the evolutionary tree classification, all CRP members can be categorized into five subgroups. Notably, 107 CRP genes were predicted to exhibit abundant expression in flowers and fruits. Most cysteine-rich peptides exhibited high expression levels in Arabidopsis and Brassica napus. These findings suggested the involvement of the CRP AtPCP-Ba in the TPD1 signaling pathway, thereby regulating silique development in Arabidopsis.

This paper aims to comprehensively define village social capital, assess its multifaceted dimensions in relation to farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making, and investigate the mediating role of rural development. The research sample consists of 14,133 farmers selected through a multi-stage proportional-to-size unequal probability sampling method. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires as part of the “Chinese Thousand Village Survey” project. Empirical analysis was conducted using binary logit and basic linear regression models, supplemented by probit models and other robustness testing methods. The findings indicate that village social capital exerts a significant and favorable influence on farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making. Controlling for other variables, a unit increment in farmers’ village social network, village social participation, and village social trust is associated with a respective increase in farmers’ odds of entrepreneurial decision-making by 3.96, 5.42, and 16.28%. Village social trust emerges as the most influential factor. Additionally, rural harmony and rural economy partially mediate the relationship between village social capital and farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between village social capital and farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making, offering valuable guidance for farmers looking to leverage village social capital in their entrepreneurial endeavors. It lays a theoretical foundation for relevant entities to strengthen village social capital and cultivate a supportive environment for rural entrepreneurship. To our knowledge, this paper is among the earlier studies that investigate farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making. Besides, the relationship between village social capital and rural development is rarely studied in the literature as two determinants of farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making.

This study aims to investigate the influence of pre-entrepreneurial career mobility frequency and job changes among returning migrant workers (RMWs) on the innovation level of enterprises, with a particular focus on the mediating role of urban social capital accumulated by RMWs. Using data from the “current entrepreneurial status of RMWs”, we applied an ordered probit model to validate our hypotheses. To address endogeneity, a recursive bivariate probit model was used, and stepwise regression combined with bootstrap methods was employed to ascertain the mediating influence of urban social capital. Our results demonstrate a significant positive correlation (P

BackgroundChinese patent medicine is commonly used in China as an important treatment mechanism to thwart the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5, among which Niaoduqing granules are a representative Chinese patent medicine; however, its long-term efficacy on CKD prognosis remains unclear.MethodsPatients were grouped according to Niaoduqing granule prescription duration (non-Niaoduqing granule (non-NDQ) group vs Niaoduqing granule (NDQ) group). Serum creatinine (SCr) variation was compared using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). Multivariate Cox regression models were constructed, adjusting for confounding factors, to explore the risk of composite outcomes (receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) or having an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

Whole-crop wheat (Triticum aestivum, WCW) has a high nutritional value and digestibility. No-tillage (NT) can reduces energy and labor inputs in the agricultural production process, thus decreasing production costs. There are many studies on planting techniques of WCW at present, few being on no-tillage planting. This study aimed to compare the effects of different tillage methods and maturity stages on the yield, nutritive value, and silage fermentation quality of WCW. The experiment included two tillage methods (NT; conventional tillage, CT), two maturity stages (flowering stage; milk stage), and three years (2016-2017; 2017-2018; 2018-2019). Years had a strong influence on the yield and nutritional composition of WCW. This was mainly related to the amount of rainfall, as it affects the seedling emergence rate of wheat. Although tillage methods showed no significant effects on the yield, plant height, and stem number per plant of WCW (P > 0.05), compared to CT, the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yields of NT decreased by 0.74 t/ha and 0.13 t/ha. Tillage methods showed no significant effects on the nutritive composition of WCW (P > 0.05). The WCW at the milk stage had greater DM (5.25 t/ha) and CP (0.60 t/ha) yields than that at the flowering stage (3.19 t/ha and 0.39 t/ha) (P< 0.05). The acid detergent fiber concentration of WCW decreased by 34.5% from the flowering to the milk stage, whereas water-soluble carbohydrates concentration increased by 50.6%. The CP concentration at the milk stage was lower than that at the flowering stage (P< 0.05). The lactic acid concentration of NT (17.1 g/kg DM) silage was lower than that of CT (26.6 g/kg DM) silage (P< 0.05). The WCW silage at the milk stage had a lower NH3-N concentration (125 g/kg TN) than that at the flowering stage (169 g/kg TN) (P< 0.05). Wheat sown by NT and CT was of similar yield and nutritional value, irrespective of harvest stages. WCW harvested at the milk stage had greater yield and better nutritional composition and silage fermentation quality than that at the flowering stage. Based upon the results of the membership function analysis, no-tillage sowing of wheat was feasible and harvesting at milk stage was recommended.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of core strength training on the dynamic balance, agility, and dribbling ability of adolescent basketball players. Methods: A randomized controlled between-subjects design was employed. Forty-four male adolescent basketball players (aged 14.41 ± 3.22 years) were randomly divided into two groups: the core strength training (CST) group and the conventional training (CT) group. The CST program included 1-h sessions, three times/week for 12 weeks. In contrast, the CT group provided a thorough physical training program that targeted general conditioning rather than focusing solely on core strength. Three measurements were used to evaluate performance in players: the Star Excursion Balance Test, the Illinois Agility Test, and the Dribbling Test conducted at T0 (week 0), T1 (week 6), and T2 (week 12), respectively. Results: Compared to the CT group, the CST group showed a greater improvement (p 0.05). Conclusion: The 12-week CST program significantly improved dynamic balance, agility, and dribbling skills in adolescent basketball players, demonstrating its potential as a valuable training component. Future research should explore CST's impact on other sport-specific elements and its applicability to female players.