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Abstract The construction of large reservoirs has modified the process of water and sediment transport downstream, resulting in changes in the morphology of the river cross-section. Changes in water and sand transport and cross-sectional morphology are reflected in the rating curve at the cross-section. This study analyzed the variations in the rating curve at the Huayuankou (HYK) section and their influencing factors, and conducted water level predictions based on this relationship. The findings revealed that while the annual mean water level has shown a declining tendency over the past 20 years, the annual mean discharge has shown a constant pattern. The rating curve at this stretch narrowed from a rope-loop type curve in its natural condition to a more stable single curve as a result of the construction of the dam upstream of the HYK section. The effect of pre-flood section morphology and the water–sediment process on the scattering degree of the rating curve is inverse; increasing roughness and hydraulic radius decreases scattering degree, while increasing sand content and sand transport rate increases scattering degree. Using the measured data from 2020 as an example, the feasibility of predicting cross-sectional water levels using the rating curve was verified. The prediction results were accurate when the flow was between 1000 and 2800 m3/s; However, when the flow was between 2800 and 4000 m3/s, the forecast results were typically slightly lower than the measured values. Overall, the method demonstrates good predictive accuracy. Insight from the method can be used to predict water levels to better inform decision making about water resources management, and flood emergency response in the lower Yellow River.

Abstract Decreased myocardial capillary density has been reported as an important histopathological feature associated with various heart disorders. Quantitative assessment of cardiac capillarization typically involves double immunostaining of cardiomyocytes (CMs) and capillaries in myocardial slices. In contrast, single immunostaining of basement membrane protein is a straightforward approach to simultaneously label CMs and capillaries, presenting fewer challenges in background staining. However, subsequent image analysis always requires expertise and laborious manual work to identify and segment CMs/capillaries. Here, we developed an image analysis tool, AutoQC, for automatic identification and segmentation of CMs and capillaries in immunofluorescence images of basement membrane. Commonly used capillarization-related measurements can be derived from segmentation results. By leveraging the power of a pre-trained segmentation model (Segment Anything Model, SAM) via prompt engineering, the training of AutoQC required only a small dataset with bounding box annotations instead of pixel-wise annotations. AutoQC outperformed SAM (without prompt engineering) and YOLOv8-Seg, a state-of-the-art instance segmentation model, in both instance segmentation and capillarization assessment. Thus, AutoQC, featuring a weakly supervised algorithm, enables automatic segmentation and high-throughput, high-accuracy capillarization assessment in basement-membrane-immunostained myocardial slices. This approach reduces the training workload and eliminates the need for manual image analysis once AutoQC is trained.

Abstract The study of the strength and failure modes of construction components has become increasingly important with the advent of industrialized construction. Recently, because of the need to promote the survivability of both structures and persons, it has encompassed failure modes associated with seismic threats. This study reports the seismic behavior of precast segmented columns designed with both unbonded prestressed tendons (UPTs) and energy-dissipating (ED) bars. A physical specimen was subjected to a quasi-static cyclic test; this permitted the evaluation of the damage mode and behavior of the energy dissipation mechanism, and permitted the establishment and verification of a fiber beam element simulation model. The model was then used to evaluate the effects of the variation of the design parameters on the behavior of precast assembled columns. The test specimen exhibited stable energy dissipation and a pinching effect during cyclic loading. An analysis using the fiber beam element model with varying design parameters revealed that high-strength concrete could mitigate the concrete damage and residual deformation after an earthquake, and that the concrete strength and steel bar strength should be matched when enhancing the seismic resilience of precast columns with high-strength steel bars. It was determined that increasing the prestress mechanism, namely the ratio of the UPTs, could greatly improve the residual deformation, while the ratio of ED bars is the key factor in enhancing the energy dissipation capacity of the precast columns. Suitable ratios of UPTs and ED bars are the keys to ensuring stable energy dissipation and low residual drifts. Moreover, an increased axial load ratio and prestress level are able to restrain the joint opening and improve the bearing capacity of the precast columns; however, an excessive axial load or prestressing force would result in the rapid degeneration of the carrying capacity and larger residual displacements.

Abstract To evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of different intubation devices on intubation outcomes in pediatric intubation. We identified relevant studies from previous meta-analyses and literature retrieval in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was the first-pass success (FPS), and the secondary outcome included the time to intubation (TTI) and the risk of local complications (LC). Network meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14.0. Twenty-three randomized comparative trials (RCTs) including 12 devices were included. Compared with Macintosh, Airtraq (odds ratio [OR] = 13.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.68 to 36.38), Miller (OR = 4.77, 95%CI = 1.32 to 17.22), Glidescope (OR = 2.76, 95%CrI = 1.60 to 4.75) and McGrath (OR = 4.61, 95%CI = 1.18 to 17.99) obtained higher PFS. Meanwhile, Airtraq was superior to Glidescope (OR = 0.21, 95%CI = 0.07 to 0.65) for PFS. For TTI, Canada was superior to other intubation devices, as well as CMAC was superior to TruViewEVO2, Glidescope, and StorzDCI. Airtraq lowered the risk of LC compared with Macintosh and Pentax but there was no statistical difference between Airtraq and KingVision. Airtraq may be the optimal option for FPS, Canada for TTI, and KingVision for LC in pediatric intubation.

Abstract The application of pesticides in mixtures often exerts multiple pressures on agricultural soils in the short term. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the effects of mixed application on the environmental behavior and ecotoxicity of pesticides in soil. In this study, we assessed the effects of three common pesticides through mixed application on soil degradation and toxicity toward the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Compared with the degradation half-lives (DT50) the single pesticide, the DT50 values of avermectin, imidacloprid and carbendazim in the binary mixtures were similar. However, their DT50 values in the ternary mixtures were approximately 1.5 times longer than those in the individual applications, enhancing their stable in soil after two or three applications. The ternary mixtures of the pesticides showed significantly synergistic toxicity toward E. fetida, while their binary mixtures exhibited a changing interaction throughout the entire effect level range. The ternary mixtures activated higher SOD and CAT activities in E. fetida than the individual treatments, confirming their synergistic effects. By conducting avoidance tests with E. fetida, ternary toxic interactions were effectively assessed within a relatively short testing period. In summary, the three pesticides in ternary mixtures exhibited longer degradation half-lives and synergistic toxicity toward earthworms compared to individual or binary mixtures.

Abstract Selecting a supplier for emergency medical supplies during disasters can be considered a typical multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problem. MAGDM is an intriguing common problem that is rife with ambiguity and uncertainty. It becomes much more challenging when governments and medical care enterprises adjust their priorities in response to the escalating problems and the effectiveness of the actions taken in different countries. As decision-making problems become increasingly complicated nowadays, a growing number of experts are likely to use T-spherical fuzzy sets (T-SFSs) rather than exact numbers. T-SFS is a novel extension of fuzzy sets that can fully convey ambiguous and complicated information in MAGDM. The objective of this paper is to propose a MAGDM methodology based on interaction and feedback mechanism (IFM) and T-SFS theory. In it, we first introduce T-SF partitioned Bonferroni mean (T-SFPBM) and T-SF weighted partitioned Bonferroni mean (T-SFWPBM) operators to fuse the evaluation information provided by experts. Then, an IFM is designed to achieve a consensus between multiple experts. In the meantime, we also find the weights of experts by using T-SF information. Furthermore, in light of the combination of IFM and T-SFWPBM operator, an MAGDM algorithm is designed. Finally, an example of supplier selection for emergency medical supplies is provided to demonstrate the viability of the suggested approach. The influence of parameters on decision results and comparative analysis with the existing methods confirmed the reliability and accuracy of the suggested approach.

Abstract Anti-oxidant stress is a potential strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Here, we found a novel free radical scavenger termed as CZK, which is derived from alkaloids contained in Clausena lansium. In this study, we first compared cytotoxicity and biological activity between CZK and its parent’s compound Claulansine F. It was found that CZK had lower cytotoxicity and improved anti-oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury than its parent’s compound. Free radical scavenging test showed that CZK had a strong inhibitory effect on hydroxyl free radicals with the IC50 of 77.08 nM. Intravenous injection of CZK (50 mg/kg) significantly alleviated ischemia–reperfusion injury, manifested by reduced neuronal damage and decreased oxidative stress. Consistent with the findings, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were increased. Molecular docking predicted that CZK might be combined with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) complex. Our results also confirmed that CZK upregulated the contents of Nrf2 and its target gene products Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H: Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). In conclusion, CZK had a potential therapeutic effect for ischemic stroke by activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant system.

Abstract In underground engineering, disturbance of dynamic load can change layered rock mass stress state and induce accidents. Traditional elastic mechanics can’t effectively solve the complex deformation problem. However, Hamiltonian mechanics system can overcome this problem. Dual variables are introduced in symplectic space to solve the deflection equations of single-layered thin plate rock mass. Comparing vibration parameters, it’s found the 1st, 5th and 6th order are effective vibration modes. The resonance characteristics of thin plate are obtained with three dynamic loads. It’s found the thin plate is most likely to resonate and damage due to the smallest resonance frequency interval and the largest vibration amplitude by impact wave and rectangular wave respectively. Then, the vibration mode of multi-layered rock mass is analyzed through Multiple Reference Impact Testing. The failure of fine sandstone is caused by the resonance of effective vibration modes by hammer excitation. Finally, the failure mechanism of thin plate is obtained by the failure theory and LS-DYNA. It’s found the four sides and corners suffer tensile shear failure and shear failure respectively. When tensile failure occurs in central, the main crack and secondary crack propagate along long axis and short axis to form “O-十” failure mode.

Abstract Lignin, a highly polymerized organic component of plant cells, is one of the most difficult aromatic substances to degrade. Selective biodegradation under mild conditions is a promising method, but the dynamic variations in lignin monomers during the biodegradation of lignocellulose are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the differences in lignin degradation under different microbial inoculation based on the lignin monomer content, monomer ratio, and stable hydrogen isotope ratio of lignin methoxy groups (δ2HLM). The weight loss during degradation and the net loss of lignocellulosic components improved dramatically with fungal inoculation. Syringyl monolignol (S-lignin), which contains two methoxy groups, was more difficult to degrade than guaiacyl (G-lignin), which contains only one methoxy group. The co-culture of Pseudomonas mandelii and Aspergillus fumigatus produced the greatest decrease in the G/S ratio, but δ2HLM values did not differ significantly among the three biodegradation experiments, although the enrichment was done within the fungal inoculation. The fluctuation of δ2HLM values during the initial phase of biodegradation may be related to the loss of pectic polysaccharides (another methoxy donor), which mainly originate from fallen leaves. Overall, the relative δ2HLM signals were preserved despite decreasing G/S ratios in the three degradation systems. Nevertheless, some details of lignin δ2HLM as a biomarker for biogeochemical cycles need to be explored further.

Abstract Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play vital roles in the tumorigenesis of many cancers. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the lncRNA also play vital roles in tumorigenesis. We explored lncRNA rs944289 and rs7990916 polymorphisms and analyzed the relationship between these lncRNA polymorphisms with the colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in a Chinese population. We recruited 1003 CRC patients from the Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University and the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from October 2014 to August 2017. Genomic DNA was extracted using a DNA Kit from lymphocytes of peripheral blood and the genotyping was performed with a SNPscan method. We found that the rs944289 TT homozygote was associated with the decreased CRC risk in the overall population. LncRNA rs944289 TT decreased the CRC risk in the subgroup of female, male, age ≥ 61, without alcohol intake, smoking and BMI ≥ 24 by logistic regression. The subgroup analysis revealed that lncRNA rs7990916 was not associated with CRC risk except for age

Abstract Platostoma palustre (Blume) A.J.Paton is an annual herbaceous persistent plant of the Labiatae family. However, there is a lack of genomic data for this plant, which severely restricts its genetic improvement. In this study, we performed genome survey sequencing of P. palustre and developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers based on the resulting sequence. K-mer analysis revealed that the assembled genome size was approximately 1.21 Gb. A total of 15,498 SSR motifs were identified and characterized in this study; among them, dinucleotide, and hexanucleotide repeats had the highest and lowest, respectively. Among the dinucleotide repeat motifs, AT/TA repeat motifs were the most abundant, and GC/CG repeat motifs were rather rare, accounting for 44.28% and 0.63%, respectively. Genetic similarity coefficient analysis by the UPMGA methods clustered 12 clones, of P. palustre and related species into two subgroups. These results provide helpful information for further research on P. palustre resources and variety improvements.

Abstract Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), VEGF/VEGF receptor inhibitors (VEGFIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced cancers including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aims to evaluate the utility of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a prognostic biomarker and efficacy predictor of chemotherapy (CT) with or without these precision therapies in NSCLC patients. Peripheral cfDNA levels in 154 NSCLC patients were quantified before and after the first target cycle of chemotherapy. The correlations of cfDNA with tumor burden, clinical characteristics, progression-free survival (PFS)/disease-free survival (DFS), objective response ratio (ORR), and therapy regimens were analyzed respectively. Baseline cfDNA, but not post-chemotherapeutic cfDNA, positively correlates with tumor burden. Notably, cfDNA kinetics (cfDNA Ratio, the ratio of post-chemotherapeutic cfDNA to baseline cfDNA) well distinguished responsive individuals (CR/PR) from the non-responsive (PD/SD). Additionally, cfDNA Ratio was found negatively correlated with PFS in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), but not lung squamous-cell carcinoma (LUSC) which may be due to a limited number of LUSC patients in this cohort. LUAD patients with low cfDNA Ratio have prolonged PFS and improved ORR, compared to those with high cfDNA Ratio. When stratified by therapy regimen, the predictive value of cfDNA Ratio is significant in patients with chemotherapy plus VEGFIs, while more patients need be included to validate the value of cfDNA Ratio in other regimens. Thus, the kinetics of plasma cfDNA during chemotherapy may function as a prognostic biomarker and efficacy predictor for NSCLC patients.

Abstract The most common oxidative DNA lesion is 8-oxoguanine which is mainly recognized and excised by the 8-oxoG DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), initiating the base excision repair (BER) pathway. Telomeres are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress (OS) which disrupts telomere homeostasis triggering genome instability. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of inactivating BER in OS conditions, by using a specific inhibitor of OGG1 (TH5487). We have found that in OS conditions, TH5487 blocks BER initiation at telomeres causing an accumulation of oxidized bases, that is correlated with telomere losses, micronuclei formation and mild proliferation defects. Moreover, the antimetabolite methotrexate synergizes with TH5487 through induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which potentiates TH5487-mediated telomere and genome instability. Our findings demonstrate that OGG1 is required to protect telomeres from OS and present OGG1 inhibitors as a tool to induce oxidative DNA damage at telomeres, with the potential for developing new combination therapies for cancer treatment.

Abstract The current study compared the effectiveness of distraction, an antecedent-focused strategy that involves diverting an individual’s attention away from affective terms, and expressive suppression, a response-focused strategy that involves inhibiting conscious emotion-expressive behavior during an emotionally aroused state, in the regulation of high- and low-intensity unpleasant stimuli, using event-related potentials (ERPs). Sixteen participants completed an emotion regulation experiment in which they passively viewed high- or low-intensity unpleasant images (view), solved a mathematical equation presented on high- or low-intensity negative images (distraction), or suppressed their emotional expression in response to high- or low-intensity unpleasant images (suppression). Their negative experiences after implementation of these strategies were rated by participants on a 1–9 scale. We mainly found that compared with expressive suppression, distraction yielded greater attenuation of the early phase of centro-parietal LPP when the participants responded to high-intensity stimuli. In the low-intensity condition, distraction, but not expressive suppression, effectively decreased the early phase of LPP. The findings suggest that expressive suppression works as early as distraction in the high-intensity condition; more importantly, distraction is superior to expressive suppression in regulating negative emotion, which is influenced by emotional intensity.

Abstract The lymphatic system plays a key role in tissue fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking, and fat absorption. We previously reported a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based lymphatic reporter mouse, where EGFP is expressed under the regulation of the Prox1 promoter. This reporter line has been widely used to conveniently visualize lymphatic vessels and other Prox1-expressing tissues such as Schlemm’s canal. However, mice have a number of experimental limitations due to small body size. By comparison, laboratory rats are larger in size and more closely model the metabolic, physiological, and surgical aspects of humans. Here, we report development of a novel lymphatic reporter rat using the mouse Prox1-EGFP BAC. Despite the species mismatch, the mouse Prox1-EGFP BAC enabled a reliable expression of EGFP in Prox1-expressing cells of the transgenic rats and allowed a convenient visualization of all lymphatic vessels, including those in the central nervous system, and Schlemm’s canal. To demonstrate the utility of this new reporter rat, we studied the contractile properties and valvular functions of mesenteric lymphatics, developed a surgical model for vascularized lymph node transplantation, and confirmed Prox1 expression in venous valves. Together, Prox1-EGFP rat model will contribute to the advancement of lymphatic research as a valuable experimental resource.

Abstract The proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play an essential role during the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While many factors potentially contribute to the abnormal activation of VSMCs, hyperglycemia is generally believed to be a major causative factor. On the other hand, FAM3B (named PANDER for its secretory form) is a uniquely structured protein strongly expressed within and secreted from the endocrine pancreas. FAM3B is co-secreted with insulin from the β-cell upon glucose stimulation and regulates glucose homeostasis. In the present study, we sought to determine the roles of FAM3B in the regulation of VSMC physiology, especially under the hyperglycemic condition. We found that FAM3B expression was induced by hyperglycemia both in vivo and in vitro. FAM3B knockdown inhibited, whereas FAM3B overexpression accelerated VSMC proliferation and migration. At the molecular level, FAM3B inhibited miR-322-5p expression, and enforced expression of miR-322-5p antagonized FAM3B-induced VSMC proliferation and migration, suggesting that FAM3B facilitated VSMC pathological activation via miR-322-5p. Taken together, FAM3B mediates high glucose-induced VSMC proliferation and migration via inhibition of miR-322-5p. Thus, FAM3B may therefore serve as a novel therapeutic target for diabetes-related CVDs.

Several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the use of flavopiridol (FP) to treat a variety of cancers, and almost all cancer drugs were found to be associated with toxicity and side effects. It is not clear whether the use of FP will affect the female reproductive system. Granulosa cells, as the important cells that constitute the follicle, play a crucial role in determining the reproductive ability of females. In this study, we investigated whether different concentrations of FP have a toxic effect on the growth of immortalized human ovarian granulosa cells. The results showed that FP had an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation at a level of nanomole concentration. FP reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, as well as increasing BAX/BCL2 and pCDK1 levels. These results suggest that toxicity to the reproductive system should be considered when FP is used in clinical applications., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

We aimed to analyze whether opisthenar microvessel area (OMA, measured with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) angiography) was associated with blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness and whether OMA can predict arterial stiffness in hypertensive (HTN) patients. Results from 90 participants showed that BP, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle brachial index (ABI) were significantly higher but OMA (in control, with cold- and warm-stimulation, NT, CST, HST and the differences, CSD, HSD) were significantly reduced in HTN group (n = 36) compared to non-HTN (n = 54). NT, CST, HST and HSD showed negative correlations with baPWV and ABI in all participants, female (n = 47) and male group (n = 43), but the correlation was absent when the participants were divided into HTN and non-HTN. Logistic Regression analysis showed that only baPWV was a significant risk factor for HSD (OR 19.7, 95%CI 4.959-78.733, p < 0.0001) but not the age, BMI, smoking, drinking or exercise status (p > 0.05). Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis for HSD was 0.781, 0.804, 0.770, respectively. HSD < 9439.5 μm 2 predicted high BP and arterial stiffness (95% CI in all participants: baPWV, 0.681-0.881, SBP, 0.709-0.900, DBP, 0.672-0.867, p < 0.001). These results suggest that OMA is a sensitive index to predict arterial stiffness in HTN population., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Lead (Pb) is known to impair children's cognitive function. It has been previously shown that developmental Pb exposure alters dendritic spine formation in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. However, the underlying mechanism has not yet been defined. In this study, a low-level gestational Pb exposure (GLE) rat model was employed to investigate the impact of Pb on the spine density of the hippocampal pyramidal neurons and its regulatory mechanism. Pb exposure resulted in impaired performance of the rats in the Morris water maze tasks, and in decreased EPSC amplitudes in hippocampal CA3-CA1 regions. With a 3D reconstruction by the Imaris software, the results from Golgi staining showed that the spine density in the CA1 region was reduced in the Pb-exposed rats in a dose-dependent manner. Decreased spine density was also observed in cultured hippocampal neurons following the Pb treatment. Furthermore, the expression level of NLGN1, a postsynaptic protein that mediates synaptogenesis, was significantly decreased following the Pb exposure both in vivo and in vitro. Up-regulation of NLGN1 in cultured primary neurons partially attenuated the impact of Pb on the spine density. Taken together, our resultssuggest that Pb exposure alters spine plasticity in the developing hippocampus by down-regulating NLGN1 protein levels.

Stored-product psocids (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) are cosmopolitan storage pests that can damage stored products and cause serious economic loss. However, because of the body size (~1 mm) of eggs, nymphs, and adults, morphological identification of most stored-product psocids is difficult and hampers effective identification. In this study, 10 economically important stored-product Liposcelis spp. psocids (Liposcelis brunnea, L. entomophila, L. decolor, L. pearmani, L. rufa, L.mendax, L. bostrychophila, L. corrodens, L. paeta, and L. tricolor) were collected from 25 geographic locations in 3 countries (China, Czech Republic, and the United States). Ten species-specific probes for identifying these 10 psocid species were designed based on ITS2 sequences. The microarray method and reaction system were optimized. Specificity of each of the ten probes was tested, and all probes were found suitable for use in identification of the respective10 Liposcelis spp. psocids at 66 °C. This method was also used to identify an unknown psocid species collected in Taian, China. This work has contributed to the development of a molecular identification method for stored-product psocids, and can provide technical support not only to facilitate identification of intercepted samples in relation to plant quarantine, but also for use in insect pest monitoring.

Psocids are important stored product pests found worldwide that can be spread through grain trade. Most stored-product psocids, including eggs, nymphs, and adults, are very small (~1 mm) and difficult to identify morphologically. Here, we collected 10 economically important stored-product Liposcelis spp. psocids (L. bostrychophila, L. entomophila, L. decolor, L. paeta, L. brunnea, L. corrodens, L. mendax, L. rufa, L. pearmani, and L. tricolor) from 35 geographical locations in 5 countries (China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, and the United States). The ITS2 rDNA gene was extracted and sequenced. The interspecific genetic distance of the stored-product psocids was significantly higher than the intraspecific genetic distance according to the barcoding gap analysis. Ten pairs of species-specific primers based on the ITS2 rDNA were developed for psocid identification. The sensitivity estimation indicated that the species-specific primers could correctly amplify the target ITS2 gene and successfully identify psocids at 1.0 ng/mL. Additionally, these species-specific primers could quantify specificity and identify 10 stored-product psocids; this approach could also be used to accurately identify other stored-product psocids. This work provides a practical approach for the precise examination of 10 stored-product psocid species and also contributes to the development of an identification method using ITS2 rDNA.

Agricultural intensification through increasing fertilization input and cropland expansion has caused rapid loss of semi-natural habitats and the subsequent loss of natural enemies of agricultural pests. It is however extremely difficult to disentangle the effects of agricultural intensification on arthropod communities at multiple spatial scales. Based on a two-year study of seventeen 1500 m-radius sites, we analyzed the relative importance of nitrogen input and cropland expansion on cereal aphids and their natural enemies. Both the input of nitrogen fertilizer and cropland expansion benefited cereal aphids more than primary parasitoids and leaf-dwelling predators, while suppressing ground-dwelling predators, leading to an disturbance of the interspecific relationship. The responses of natural enemies to cropland expansion were asymmetric and species-specific, with an increase of primary parasitism but a decline of predator/pest ratio with the increasing nitrogen input. As such, agricultural intensification (increasing nitrogen fertilizer and cropland expansion) can destabilize the interspecific relationship and lead to biodiversity loss. To this end, sustainable pest management needs to balance the benefit and cost of agricultural intensification and restore biocontrol service through proliferating the role of natural enemies at multiple scales.