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Abstract By analyzing e + e − annihilation data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb −1 collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, the first observation of the semileptonic decays D 0 → K S 0 π − π 0 e + ν e $$ {D}^0\to {K}_S^0{\pi}^{-}{\pi}^0{e}^{+}{\nu}_e $$ and D + → K S 0 π + π − e + ν e $$ {D}^{+}\to {K}_S^0{\pi}^{+}{\pi}^{-}{e}^{+}{\nu}_e $$ is reported. In the hypothesis that all events correspond to K 1(1270) decays, the branching fractions are measured to be B D 0 → K 1 1270 − → K S 0 π − π 0 e + ν e = 1.69 − 0.46 + 0.53 ± 0.15 × 10 − 4 $$ \mathcal{B}\left({D}^0\to {K}_1{(1270)}^{-}\left(\to {K}_S^0{\pi}^{-}{\pi}^0\right){e}^{+}{\nu}_e\right)=\left({1.69}_{-0.46}^{+0.53}\pm 0.15\right)\times {10}^{-4} $$ and B D + → K ¯ 1 1270 0 → K S 0 π + π − e + ν e = 1.47 − 0.40 + 0.45 ± 0.14 × 10 − 4 $$ \mathcal{B}\left({D}^{+}\to {\overline{K}}_1{(1270)}^0\left(\to {K}_S^0{\pi}^{+}{\pi}^{-}\right){e}^{+}{\nu}^e\right)=\left({1.47}_{-0.40}^{+0.45}\pm 0.14\right)\times {10}^{-4} $$ with statistical significance of 5.4σ and 5.6σ, respectively. When combined with measurements of the K 1(1270) → K + π − π decays, the absolute branching fractions are determined to be B D 0 → K 1 1270 − e + ν e = 1.08 − 0.13 − 0.10 + 0.14 + 0.08 ± 0.21 × 10 − 3 $$ \mathcal{B}\left({D}^0\to {K}_1{(1270)}^{-}{e}^{+}{\nu}_e\right)=\left({1.08}_{-0.13-0.10}^{+0.14+0.08}\pm 0.21\right)\times {10}^{-3} $$ and B D + → K ¯ 1 1270 0 e + ν e = 1.70 − 0.23 + 0.26 ± 0.13 ± 0.35 × 10 − 3 $$ \mathcal{B}\left({D}^{+}\to {\overline{K}}_1{(1270)}^0{e}^{+}{\nu}_e\right)=\left({1.70}_{-0.23}^{+0.26}\pm 0.13\pm 0.35\right)\times {10}^{-3} $$ . The first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively, and the third uncertainties originate from the assumed branching fractions of the K 1(1270) → Kππ decays.

Abstract Metasurfaces with tunable functionalities are greatly desired for modern optical system and various applications. To increase the operating channels of polarization-multiplexed metasurfaces, we proposed a structure of N cascaded dual-channel metasurfaces to achieve 2 N electrically switchable channels without intrinsic loss or cross-talk for certain functionalities, including beam steering, vortex beam generation, lens, etc. As proof of principles, we have implemented a 3-layer setup to achieve 8 channels. In success, we have demonstrated two typical functionalities of vortex beam generation with switchable topological charge of l = −3 ~ +4 or l = −1 ~ −8, and beam steering with the deflection direction switchable in an 8×1 line or a 4×2 grid. We believe that our proposal would provide a practical way to significantly increase the scalability and extend the functionality of polarization-multiplexed metasurfaces. Although this method is not universal, it is potential for the applications of LiDAR, glasses-free 3D display, OAM (de)multiplexing, and varifocal meta-lens.

Abstract Background Ferritin, a key indicator of body iron levels, has been reported to associate with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the onset of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, limited research explores the association between mid-pregnancy ferritin levels and the risk of postpartum abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM) in patients with GDM. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 1514 women with GDM recruited from January 2016 to January 2021, and 916 women were included. Demographic characteristics, medical history and family history, pregnancy complications were recorded. Multiple logistic regression models were performed to assess the association between mid-pregnancy ferritin levels and the risk of postpartum AGM. Results Following the postpartum oral glucose tolerance test, 307 (33.5%) exhibited AGM. The AGM group had higher mid-pregnancy serum ferritin levels [AGM vs NGT: 23 (11.7, 69) µg/L vs 17.80 (9.85, 40.7) µg/L, P

Abstract Accurate consumption forecasting is of great importance to grasp the energy consumption habits of consumers and promote the stable and efficient operation of integrated energy system (IES). To this end, this paper proposes an interactive multi-scale convolutional module-based short-term multi-energy consumption forecasting method for IES. Firstly, based on multi-scale feature fusion and multi-energy interactive learning, a novel interactive multi-scale convolutional module is proposed to extract and share the coupling information between energy consumption from different scales without increasing network parameters. Then, a short-term multi-energy consumption forecasting method is proposed, where different forecasting network structures are selected in different seasons to make full use of seasonal and coupling characteristics of the energy consumption, thus enhancing prediction performance. Furthermore, a Laplace distribution-based loss function weight optimization method is proposed to dynamically balance the loss magnitude and training speed of joint forecast tasks more robustly. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are verified by comparative simulation experiments.

Abstract. Background:. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can profoundly affect the mental health of the people living with HIV (PLWH), with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The disparities in neuropsychological problems evaluated by physicians and self-assessed by patients are still unknown. Methods:. A total of 5000 PLWH and 500 physicians from 167 hospitals were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from September 2022 to February 2023. 4-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) was used for the evaluation of depressive issues and anxiety issues by PLWH. Each physician assessed 10 PLWH under their care for the presence of depressive or anxiety issues. The primary outcomes of this study are the concordance rates on the depressive issues and anxiety issues evaluation between physicians and PLWH. The Cohen’s kappa test was used to assess the agreement between physicians and PLWH. Results:. The concordance rate for the evaluation of depressive issues is 73.84% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.60–75.04%), and it is significantly different from the expected rate of 80% (P

Abstract Background Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. Maize (Zea mays) is a widely planted crops in the world and requires a huge amount of K fertilizer. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are closely related to the K uptake of maize. Genetic improvement of maize K utilization efficiency will require elucidating the molecular mechanisms of maize K uptake through the mycorrhizal pathway. Here, we employed transcriptome and gene family analysis to elucidate the mechanism influencing the K uptake and utilization efficiency of mycorrhizal maize. Methods and results The transcriptomes of maize were studied with and without AMF inoculation and under different K conditions. AM symbiosis increased the K concentration and dry weight of maize plants. RNA sequencing revealed that genes associated with the activity of the apoplast and nutrient reservoir were significantly enriched in mycorrhizal roots under low-K conditions but not under high-K conditions. Weighted gene correlation network analysis revealed that three modules were strongly correlated with K content. Twenty-one hub genes enriched in pathways associated with glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, and anthocyanin biosynthesis were further identified. In general, these hub genes were upregulated in AMF-colonized roots under low-K conditions. Additionally, the members of 14 gene families associated with K obtain were identified (ARF: 38, ILK: 4, RBOH: 12, RUPO: 20, MAPKK: 89, CBL: 14, CIPK: 44, CPK: 40, PIN: 10, MYB: 174, NPF: 79, KT: 19, HAK/HKT/KUP: 38, and CPA: 8) from maize. The transcript levels of these genes showed that 92 genes (ARF:6, CBL:5, CIPK:13, CPK:2, HAK/HKT/KUP:7, PIN:2, MYB:26, NPF:16, RBOH:1, MAPKK:12 and RUPO:2) were upregulated with AM symbiosis under low-K conditions. Conclusions This study indicated that AMF increase the resistance of maize to low-K stress by regulating K uptake at the gene transcription level. Our findings provide a genome-level resource for the functional assignment of genes regulated by K treatment and AM symbiosis in K uptake-related gene families in maize. This may contribute to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of maize response to low K stress with AMF inoculation, and provided a theoretical basis for AMF application in the crop field.

Abstract Most gene functions have been discovered through phenotypic observations under loss of function experiments that lack temporal control. However, cell signaling relies on limited transcriptional effectors, having to be re-used temporally and spatially within the organism. Despite that, the dynamic nature of signaling pathways have been overlooked due to the difficulty on their assessment, resulting in important bottlenecks. Here, we have utilized the rapid and synchronized developmental transitions occurring within the zebrafish embryo, in conjunction with custom NF-kB reporter embryos driving destabilized fluorophores that report signaling dynamics in real time. We reveal that NF-kB signaling works as a clock that controls the developmental progression of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) by two p65 activity waves that inhibit cell cycle. Temporal disruption of each wave results in contrasting phenotypic outcomes: loss of HSPCs due to impaired specification versus proliferative expansion and failure to delaminate from their niche. We also show functional conservation during human hematopoietic development using iPSC models. Our work identifies p65 as a previously unrecognized contributor to cell cycle regulation, revealing why and when pro-inflammatory signaling is required during HSPC development. It highlights the importance of considering and leveraging cell signaling as a temporally dynamic entity.

Abstract Background Periodontitis results from host-microbe dysbiosis and the resultant dysregulated immunoinflammatory response. Importantly, it closely links to numerous systemic comorbidities, and perplexingly contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Currently, there are limited studies on the distal consequences of periodontitis via oral-gut axis in pregnant women. This study investigated the integrative microbiome-metabolome profiles through multi-omics approaches in first-trimester pregnant women and explored the translational potentials. Methods We collected samples of subgingival plaques, saliva, sera and stool from 54 Chinese pregnant women at the first trimester, including 31 maternal periodontitis (Perio) subjects and 23 Non-Perio controls. By integrating 16S rRNA sequencing, untargeted metabolomics and clinical traits, we explored the oral-gut microbial and metabolic connection resulting from periodontitis among early pregnant women. Results We demonstrated a novel bacterial distinguisher Coprococcus from feces of periodontitis subjects in association with subgingival periodontopathogens, being different from other fecal genera in Lachnospiraceae family. The ratio of fecal Coprococcus to Lachnoclostridium could discriminate between Perio and Non-Perio groups as the ratio of subgingival Porphyromonas to Rothia did. Furthermore, there were differentially abundant fecal metabolic features pivotally enriched in periodontitis subjects like L-urobilin and kynurenic acid. We revealed a periodontitis-oriented integrative network cluster, which was centered with fecal Coprococcus and L-urobilin as well as serum triglyceride. Conclusions The current findings about the notable influence of periodontitis on fecal microbiota and metabolites in first-trimester pregnant women via oral-gut axis signify the importance and translational implications of preconceptional oral/periodontal healthcare for enhancing maternal wellbeing.

Achieving diffraction-limited performance in fourth-generation synchrotron radiation sources demands monochromator crystals that can preserve the wavefront across an unprecedented extensive range. There is an urgent need for techniques of absolute crystal diffraction wavefront measurement. At the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF), a novel edge scan wavefront metrology technique has been developed. This technique employs a double-edge tracking method, making diffraction-limited level absolute crystal diffraction wavefront measurement a reality. The results demonstrate an equivalent diffraction surface slope error below 70 nrad (corresponding to a wavefront phase error of 4.57% λ) r.m.s. within a nearly 6 mm range for a flat crystal in the crystal surface coordinate. The double-edge structure contributes to exceptional measurement precision for slope error reproducibility, achieving levels below 15 nrad (phase error reproducibility < λ/100) even at a first-generation synchrotron radiation source. Currently, the measurement termed double-edge scan (DES) has already been regarded as a critical feedback mechanism in the fabrication of next-generation crystals.

Addressing the demand for high stability of beamline instruments at the SHINE facility, a high stability mirror regulating mechanism has been developed for mirror adjustments. Active mass damping was adopted to attenuate pitch angle vibrations of mirrors caused by structural vibrations. An internal absolute velocity feedback was used to reduce the negative impact of spillover effects and to improve performance. The experiment was conducted on a prototype structure of a mirror regulating mechanism, and results showed that the vibration RMS of the pitch angle was effectively attenuated from 47 nrad to 27 nrad above 1 Hz.

Abstract Observational studies have suggested the potential benefits of several medications for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their potential for repurposing. However, the conclusions drawn from these studies are not entirely consistent. To address this inconsistency, we used the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to explore the putative causal relationships between 23 medications and the risk and progression of PD. We applied inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis (IVW) to combine MR estimates. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. Our genetic evidence suggests that thyroid preparations and calcium channel blockers reduce the risk of PD, and salicylic acid and derivatives slow the progression of PD motor symptoms. Additionally, genetic evidence also suggests that four medications were associated with PD risk or progression, but the sensitivity analysis revealed that three of the medications may have interference caused by reverse causality. Our findings suggest that there are weak causal relationships between several medications and the risk or progression of PD. Though further replication studies are needed to verify these findings, these new insights may help in understanding the etiology of the disease, generate new clues related to drug discovery, and quantify the risk of future drug intake.

Abstract Background Spatial repellents (SRs) have been widely used for the prevention of mosquito bites, and preliminary findings suggest efficacy against both malaria (1) and Aedes-borne viruses (2) but their effectiveness in reducing mosquito-borne diseases under operational use has never been evaluated. SRs have the potential of being critical tools in the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases in contexts where typical vector control strategies, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying, are inaccessible or underutilized such as among displaced persons or in emergency relief settings. Methods Children will be enrolled in 3 separate cohorts to establish the effectiveness of SRs in reducing malaria infection in different distribution channels. One cohort will estimate the direct effect of the SR distributed through a reference channel (study personnel distribution). The two remaining cohorts will estimate the protection of the SR distributed through a voucher channel and the Village Health Team channel. Cohorts will be followed twice a month (approximately every 15 days): during the first scheduled household visit in the month, a blood sample will be taken for malaria rapid diagnostic test (Monthly Visit #1); and, during the second scheduled household visit, a blood sample will only be taken if the participant has a recent history of fever (Monthly Visit #2). The incidence of malaria in each cohort will be estimated and compared to the reference cohort to determine the benefit of using a SR in an area with high, year-round transmission of malaria. Discussion This study will address the knowledge gap of whether or not SRs are effective in reducing human malaria disease in humanitarian assistance and emergency response settings in sub-Saharan Africa where underlying transmission rates are historically high and ITNs may or may not be widely deployed. This research will inform policy makers on whether to recommend SRs as a means to further reduce malaria transmission for such operational programs. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06122142. Registered on November 8, 2023.

Abstract Background Post-stroke depression (PSD) is closely associated with poor stroke prognosis. However, there are some challenges in identifying and assessing PSD. This study aimed to identify scales for PSD diagnosis, assessment, and follow-up that are straightforward, accurate, efficient, and reproducible. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in 7 electronic databases from January 1985 to December 2023. Results Thirty-two studies were included, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HDRS) had higher diagnostic accuracy for PSD. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of PHQ-9 or diagnosing any depression were 0.82, 0.87, and 29 respectively. And for HDRS, used for diagnosing major depression, the scores were 0.92, 0.89, and 94. Furthermore, these two scales also had higher diagnostic accuracy in assessing depressive symptoms during both the acute and chronic phases of stroke. In patients with post-stroke aphasia and cognitive impairment, highly diagnostic scales have not been identified for assessing depressive symptoms yet. Conclusions The PHQ-9 and HDRS scales are recommended to assess PSD. HDRS, which demonstrates high diagnostic performance, can replace structured interviews based on diagnostic criteria.

Abstract Background Approximately 25–30% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) mutations that contribute to disease progression and poor prognosis. Prolonged exposure to FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) often results in limited clinical responses due to diverse compensatory survival signals. Therefore, there is an urgent need to elucidate the mechanisms underlying FLT3 TKI resistance. Dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism frequently contributes to cancer progression and a poor therapeutic response. However, its relationship with TKI sensitivity in FLT3-mutated AML remains unknown. Thus, we aimed to assess mechanisms of FLT3 TKI resistance in AML. Methods We performed lipidomics profiling, RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to determine potential drivers of sorafenib resistance. FLT3 signaling was inhibited by sorafenib or quizartinib, and SPHK1 was inhibited by using an antagonist or via knockdown. Cell growth and apoptosis were assessed in FLT3-mutated and wild-type AML cell lines via Cell counting kit-8, PI staining, and Annexin-V/7AAD assays. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were employed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms through rescue experiments using SPHK1 overexpression and exogenous S1P, as well as inhibitors of S1P2, β-catenin, PP2A, and GSK3β. Xenograft murine model, patient samples, and publicly available data were analyzed to corroborate our in vitro results. Results We demonstrate that long-term sorafenib treatment upregulates SPHK1/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling, which in turn positively modulates β-catenin signaling to counteract TKI-mediated suppression of FLT3-mutated AML cells via the S1P2 receptor. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SPHK1 potently enhanced the TKI-mediated inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis induction in FLT3-mutated AML cells in vitro. SPHK1 knockdown enhanced sorafenib efficacy and improved survival of AML-xenografted mice. Mechanistically, targeting the SPHK1/S1P/S1P2 signaling synergizes with FLT3 TKIs to inhibit β-catenin activity by activating the protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A)-glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) pathway. Conclusions These findings establish the sphingolipid metabolic enzyme SPHK1 as a regulator of TKI sensitivity and suggest that combining SPHK1 inhibition with TKIs could be an effective approach for treating FLT3-mutated AML.

Abstract The Dunhuang murals are a precious treasure of China’s cultural heritage, yet they have long been affected by salt damage. Traditional methods for detecting salt content are costly, inefficient, and may cause physical harm to the murals. Among current techniques for measuring salt content in murals, hyperspectral remote sensing technology offers a non-invasive, circumventing issues of high costs, low efficiency. Building on this, the study constructs an inversion model for the Electrical Conductivity (EC) values of mural plaster subjected to phosphate erosion, through the integration of Fractional Order Differentiation (FOD), a novel three-band spectral index, and the Partial Least Squares Regression algorithm. The specific research contents include: (1) Initially, in preparation for the experiments, the materials used to create the samples underwent a rigorous desalting process, and phosphate solutions were prepared using deionized water to ensure uniform experimental conditions and the accuracy of the results. These meticulous preprocessing steps guaranteed that the measured EC values exhibited a clear correlation with the phosphate content. Subsequently, by employing qualitative experimental analysis techniques, this study was able to more accurately simulate the real-world scenarios of mural plaster affected by salt damage, enabling a deeper investigation into the mechanisms by which salts inflict microscopic damage to murals. (2) Explores the absorption mechanisms and characteristic spectral bands of the Electrical Conductivity (EC) values measured after the phosphate erosion of mural plaster. By integrating the optimal spectral indices, a univariate linear regression model is constructed, providing a basis for the rapid quantitative measurement of electrical conductivity in murals. (3) By comparing the accuracy of the Phosphate Simple Ratio (PSR) and Phosphate Normalized Difference Index (PNDI) spectral indices based on the linear regression model, the first six orders of the highest accuracy spectral index were selected as the optimal three-band spectral index combination, used as explanatory variables, with mural plaster electrical conductivity as the response variable, employing the PLSR method to construct the mural phosphate content high-spectral feature inversion model. The study’s findings include: (1) Surfaces of samples deteriorated by phosphate erosion formed numerous irregularly shaped crystal clusters, exhibiting uneven characteristics. (2) By comparing the outcomes of different orders of fractional differentiation, it was found that the model performance reached its optimum at a 0.3 order of differentiation for both PSR and PNDI data, with a determination coefficient (Q2) of 0.728. (3) Utilizing PLSR, this study employed the previously determined optimal six-order three-band spectral index combination as explanatory variables, with salt content as the response variable, successfully constructing the high-spectral feature inversion model for mural electrical conductivity with a determination coefficient (Q2) of 0.815. This provides an effective technical means for monitoring the salt damage conditions of precious cultural heritage such as murals.

Abstract The Dunhuang murals, a significant part of Chinese heritage, have suffered deterioration primarily due to environmental and chemical factors, notably salt damage. This study proposes a sophisticated method that synergizes Fractional Order Differentiation (FOD) and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) to accurately invert the phosphate content in the mural plaster of the Dunhuang paintings. The focal points of the research include: (1) To address the issue of information loss and reduced modeling precision caused by integer-order differentiation algorithms, the FOD method is employed for preprocessing spectral data. This approach ensures the fine spectral differences in the phosphate content of the mural plaster are precisely captured, (2) Utilizing PLSR, the study models the spectral bands identified at a significance level of 0.01 with measured conductivity values, thereby enabling the precise prediction of the phosphate content in the murals. The research outcomes reveal: (1) The FOD method can elucidate the nonlinear characteristics and variation patterns of the mural samples in the spectral data. As the order increases from zero to two, the number of spectral bands meeting the 0.01 significance test initially decreases and then increases. The highest absolute value of the positive correlation coefficient is observed at the 1.9 order, corresponding to the 2077 nm band, (2) For predicting the phosphate content in the murals, the model at the 1.9 order is most suitable for inversion. This model, after cross-validation, achieves a maximum R2 value of 0.861. This study created an efficient FOD-based model for estimating phosphate in mural plaster.

The high cost of using the niobium (Nb) barrier for manufacturing magnesium diboride (MgB2) mono-and multi-filamentary wires for large-scale applications has become one of the barriers to replacing current commercial niobium-titanium superconductors. The potential of replacing the Nb barrier with a low-cost iron (Fe) barrier for multifilament MgB2 superconducting wires is investigated in this manuscript. Therefore, MgB2 wires with Fe barrier sintered with different temperatures are studied (from 650 °C to 900 °C for 1 h) to investigate the non-superconducting reaction phase of Fe-B. Their superconducting performance including engineering critical current density (Je) and n-value are tested at 4.2 K in various external magnetic fields. The best sample sintered at 650 °C for 1 h has achieved a Je value of 3.64 × 104 A cm−2 and an n-value of 61 in 2 T magnetic field due to the reduced formation of Fe2B, better grain connectivity and homogenous microstructure. For microstructural analysis, the focused ion beam (FIB) is utilised for the first time to acquire three-dimensional microstructures and elemental mappings of the interface between the Fe barrier and MgB2 core of different wires. The results have shown that if the sintering temperature can be controlled properly, the Je and n-value of the wire are still acceptable for magnet applications. The formation of Fe2B is identified along the edge of MgB2, as the temperature increases, the content of Fe2B also increases which causes the degradation in the performance of wires.

The confrontation between humans and bacteria is ongoing, with strategies for combating bacterial infections continually evolving. With the advancement of RNA sequencing technology, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) associated with bacterial infections have garnered significant attention. Recently, long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as regulators of sterile inflammatory responses and cellular defense against live bacterial pathogens. They are involved in regulating host antimicrobial immunity in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Increasing evidence indicates that lncRNAs are critical for the intricate interactions between host and pathogen during bacterial infections. This paper emphatically elaborates on the potential applications of lncRNAs in clinical hallmarks, cellular damage, immunity, virulence, and drug resistance in bacterial infections in greater detail. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of studying lncRNAs in the context of bacterial infections and highlight clear directions for this promising field.

Abstract With a sample of (10087 ± 44) × 106 J/ψ events accumulated with the BESIII detector, we analyze the decays η′ → π + π − l + l − (l = e, μ) via the process J/ψ → γη′. The branching fractions are measured to be B $$ \mathcal{B} $$ (η′ → π + π − e + e − ) = (2.45 ± 0.02(stat.) ± 0.08(syst.)) × 10 −3 and B $$ \mathcal{B} $$ (η′ → π + π − μ + μ − ) = (2.16 ± 0.12(stat.) ± 0.06(syst.)) × 10 −5, and the ratio is B η ′ → π + π − e + e − B η ′ → π + π − μ + μ − = 113.4 ± 0.9 stat . ± 3.7 syst . $$ \frac{\mathcal{B}\left({\eta}^{\prime}\to {\pi}^{+}{\pi}^{-}{e}^{+}{e}^{-}\right)}{\mathcal{B}\left({\eta}^{\prime}\to {\pi}^{+}{\pi}^{-}{\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\right)}=113.4\pm 0.9\left(\textrm{stat}.\right)\pm 3.7\left(\textrm{syst}.\right) $$ . In addition, by combining the η′ → π + π − e + e − and η′ → π + π − μ + μ − decays, the slope parameter of the electromagnetic transition form factor is measured to be b η′ = 1.30 ± 0.19 (GeV/c 2) −2, which is consistent with previous measurements from BESIII and theoretical predictions from the VMD model. The asymmetry in the angle between the π + π − and l + l − decay planes, which has the potential to reveal the CP-violation originating from an unconventional electric dipole transition, is also investigated. The asymmetry parameters are determined to be A CP η ′ → π + π − e + e − = − 0.21 ± 0.73 stat . ± 0.01 syst . % $$ {\mathcal{A}}_{CP}\left({\eta}^{\prime}\to {\pi}^{+}{\pi}^{-}{e}^{+}{e}^{-}\right)=\left(-0.21\pm 0.73\left(\textrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.01\left(\textrm{syst}.\right)\right)\% $$ and A CP η ′ → π + π − μ + μ − = 0.62 ± 4.71 stat . ± 0.08 syst . % $$ {\mathcal{A}}_{CP}\left({\eta}^{\prime}\to {\pi}^{+}{\pi}^{-}{\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\right)=\left(0.62\pm 4.71\left(\textrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.08\left(\textrm{syst}.\right)\right)\% $$ , implying that no evidence of CP-violation is observed at the present statistics. Finally, an axion-like particle is searched for via the decay η′ → π + π − a, a → e + e − , and upper limits of the branching fractions are presented for the mass assumptions of the axion-like particle in the range of 0 − 500 MeV/c 2.

Abstract Aphids cause enormous financial losses to various crop plants on a global scale. Moreover, aphids are vectors for many plant viral diseases that can further hasten crop yield losses. Aphids secrete saliva during feeding that contains effectors that can regulate plants' defense responses and their underlying mechanisms. Although much research has been undertaken to determine the mechanisms contributing to plant-aphid interactions, our understanding of defense mechanisms against aphids is insufficient. The presence of piercing-sucking mouthparts in aphids makes the identification of aphid resistance more challenging, hindering our understanding of the mechanisms of plant resistance to aphids. In this article, we consolidate and assess the evidence that is currently available on plant-aphid interactions, address the gaps in our understanding, and propose new research directions. As an outcome, we present an in-depth review of the molecular mechanisms of aphid resistance in crops from five perspectives: physical protection against aphids using volatile compounds, PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI), effector-triggered immunity (ETI), plant hormone signaling and the inheritance of induced resistance through epigenetics.

Abstract Background The molecular mechanisms underlying nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain to be fully elucidated. Ubiquitin specific protease 13 (USP13) is a critical participant in inflammation-related signaling pathways, which are linked to NAFLD. Herein, the roles of USP13 in NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Methods L02 cells and mouse primary hepatocytes were subjected to free fatty acid (FFA) to establish an in vitro model reflective of NAFLD. To prepare in vivo model of NAFLD, mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks and leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice were used. USP13 overexpression and knockout (KO) strategies were employed to study the function of USP13 in NAFLD in mice. Results The expression of USP13 was markedly decreased in both in vitro and in vivo models of NAFLD. USP13 overexpression evidently inhibited lipid accumulation and inflammation in FFA-treated L02 cells in vitro. Consistently, the in vivo experiments showed that USP13 overexpression ameliorated hepatic steatosis and metabolic disorders in HFD-fed mice, while its deficiency led to contrary outcomes. Additionally, inflammation was similarly attenuated by USP13 overexpression and aggravated by its deficiency in HFD-fed mice. Notably, overexpressing of USP13 also markedly alleviated hepatic steatosis and inflammation in ob/ob mice. Mechanistically, USP13 bound to transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and inhibited K63 ubiquitination and phosphorylation of TAK1, thereby dampening downstream inflammatory pathways and promoting insulin signaling pathways. Inhibition of TAK1 activation reversed the exacerbation of NAFLD caused by USP13 deficiency in mice. Conclusions Our findings indicate the protective role of USP13 in NAFLD progression through its interaction with TAK1 and inhibition the ubiquitination and phosphorylation of TAK1. Targeting the USP13-TAK1 axis emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for NAFLD treatment.

Abstract We measured the Born cross sections for the process e + e − → ωη′ at 22 center-of-mass energies from 2.000 to 3.080 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. We observed a resonant structure with a statistical significance of 9.6σ. A Breit-Wigner fit determines its mass to be M R = (2153 ± 30 ± 31) MeV/c 2 and its width to be Γ R = (167 ± 77 ± 7) MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Abstract Objectives To use T1ρ mapping to assess myocardial fibrosis and to provide a reference for future clinical application, it is necessary to understand the factors influencing T1ρ values. This study explored the influence of different spin-locking frequencies on T1ρ values under a 3.0-T MR system. Methods Fifty-seven healthy subjects were prospectively and consecutively included in this study, and T1ρ mapping was performed on them in 3 short-axis slices with three spin-lock frequencies at the amplitude of 300 Hz, 400 Hz, and 500 Hz, then nine T1ρ images were acquired per subject. Four T1ρ-weighted images were acquired using a spin-lock preparation pulse with varying durations (0 msec, 13.3 msec, 26.6 msec, 40 msec). T1ρ relaxation times were quantified for each slice and each myocardial segment. The results were analyzed using Student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods. Results Mean T1ρ relaxation times were 43.5 ± 2.8 msec at 300 Hz, 44.9 ± 3.6 msec at 400 Hz, and 46.2 ± 3.1 msec at 500 Hz, showing a significant progressive increase from low to high spin-lock frequency (300 Hz vs. 400 Hz, p = 0.046; 300 Hz vs. 500 Hz, p

Abstract Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between male hormones and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in males. Methods Data from the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey (FAMHES) were used to analyze the male hormone levels between MAFLD patients and controls. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for MAFLD. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic performance of male hormones for MAFLD. Result A total of 1578 individuals were included, with 482 individuals (30.54%) of MAFLD, including 293 (18.57%) with mild disease and 189 (11.98%) with moderate-to-severe disease. The MAFLD patients were significantly older than those without MAFLD. The LH, FSH, and SHBG levels in the MAFLD patients were significantly greater than those in the control group. Age, FSH, LH, SHBG, and estradiol were all risk factors for MAFLD. Age, FSH, and LH were risk factors for moderate-to-severe MAFLD. FSH was an independent risk factor for MAFLD and moderate-to-severe MAFLD. FSH showed an excellent diagnostic value, with an AUC of 0.992 alone and 0.996 after adjusting age. Conclusions Our findings indicate that FSH may be a potential diagnostic and predictive biomarker for MAFLD.

Abstract Chaotic time series prediction is a prediction method based on chaos theory, and has important theoretical and application value. At present, most prediction methods only pursue digital fitting and do not consider the directional trend. In addition, using the single model will not achieve better prediction results. Therefore, a chaotic time series combined prediction model for improving trend lagging (ITL) is proposed. An improved dual‐stage attention‐based long short‐term memory model with the improved training objective fuction is designed to solve the trend lagging problem. Then, an auto regressive moving average model with the sliding window is established to mine other characteristics of the time series except nonlinear characteristic. Finally, the idea of optimization algorithm is introduced to construct a time series combined prediction model with high accuracy based on the above two models, so as to perform the chaotic time series prediction from multiple perspectives. Multiple datasets are selected as experimental datasets, and the proposed method is compared with common prediction methods. The results show that the proposed method can achieve single‐step prediction with high accuracy and effectively improve the lagging of chaotic time series prediction. This research can provide theoretical support for the complex chaotic time series prediction.

Abstract Traditional decomposition integration models decompose the original sequence into subsequences, which are then proportionally divided into training and testing periods for modeling. Decomposition may cause data aliasing, then the decomposed training period may contain part of the test period data. A more effective method of sample construction is sought in order to accurately validate the model prediction accuracy. Semi-stepwise decomposition (SSD), full stepwise decomposition (FSD), single model semi-stepwise decomposition (SMSSD), and single model full stepwise decomposition (SMFSD) techniques were used to create the samples. This study integrates Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD), African Vulture Optimization Algorithm (AVOA), and Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LSSVM) to construct a coupled rainfall prediction model. The influence of different VMD parameters α is examined, and the most suitable stepwise decomposition machine learning coupled model algorithm for various stations in the North China Plain is selected. The results reveal that SMFSD is relatively the most suitable tool for monthly precipitation forecasting in the North China Plain. Among the predictions for the five stations, the best overall performance is observed at Huairou Station (RMSE of 18.37 mm, NSE of 0.86, MRE of 107.2%) and Jingxian Station (RMSE of 24.74 mm, NSE of 0.86, MRE of 51.71%), while Hekou Station exhibits the poorest performance (RMSE of 25.11 mm, NSE of 0.75, MRE of 173.75%).

Syzygium buxifolium. Hook. Et Arn.1833 is a member of the Myrtaceae family. This species is used in traditional Chinese medicines. It possesses numerous synonyms, reflecting the ambiguity in its taxonomy. The chloroplast genome has been widely used for species identification and phylogenetic analysis. Regrettably, there is a lack of information regarding the chloroplast genome of S. buxifolium. Here, we intend to obtain the chloroplast genome of S. buxifolium to resolve its classification problems. In particular, we utilized Illumina sequencing technology to sequence, GetOrganelle to assemble, and CPGAVAS2 to characterize the chloroplast genome of S. buxifolium. The chloroplast genome of S. buxifolium had a length of 158,581 bp and consisted of 111 unique genes, comprising 78 protein-coding genes, 29 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and four ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. In addition, we identified 86 Simple Sequence Repeats, 345 tandem repetitive sequences, and 34 dispersed repetitive sequences using modules implemented in CPGAVAS2. Lastly, we carried out phylogenetic analysis using Phylosuite. The results indicated a close relationship between S. buxifolium and S. grijsii. This study offers novel genetic data for the molecular identification and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the Syzygium genus.

Abstract Creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer (CrCEST) MRI is an emerging high resolution and noninvasive method for measuring muscle specific oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). However, CrCEST measurements are sensitive to changes in muscle pH, which might confound the measurement and interpretation of creatine recovery time (τCr). Even with the same prescribed exercise stimulus, the extent of acidification and hence its impact on τCr is expected to vary between individuals. To address this issue, a method to measure pH pre- and post-exercise and its impact on CrCEST MRI with high temporal resolution is needed. In this work, we integrate carnosine 1H- magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and 3D CrCEST to establish “mild” and “moderate/intense” exercise stimuli. We then test the dependence of CrCEST recovery time on pH using different exercise stimuli. This comprehensive metabolic imaging protocol will enable personalized, muscle specific OXPHOS measurements in both healthy aging and myriad other disease states impacting muscle mitochondria.

Abstract Background The domain of unknown function 247 (DUF247) proteins is involved in plant development and stress response. Rice is an important worldwide cereal crop, although an increasing number of DUF proteins have been identified, the understanding of DUF proteins is still very limited in rice. Results In this study, we identified 69 genes that encode DUF247 proteins in the rice (Oryza sativa) genome by homology searches and domain prediction. All the OsDUF247 proteins were classified into four major groups (I, II, III and IV) by phylogenetic analysis. Remarkably, OsDUF247 genes clustered on the chromosomes solely show close phylogenetic relationships, suggesting that gene duplications have driven the expansion of the DUF247 gene family in the rice genome. Tissue profile analysis showed that most DUF247 genes expressed at constitutive levels in seedlings, roots, stems, and leaves, except for seven genes (LOC_Os01g21670, LOC_Os03g19700, LOC_Os05g04060, LOC_Os08g26820, LOC_Os08g26840, LOC_Os08g26850 and LOC_Os09g13410) in panicles. These seven genes were induced by various abiotic stress, including cold, drought, heat, hormone treatment, and especially salt, as demonstrated by further experimental analysis. DUF247 proteins contain transmembrane domains located on the membrane, suggesting their significant roles in rice development and adaptation to the environment. Conclusions These findings lay the foundation for functional characterizations of DUF247 genes to unravel their exact role in rice cultivars.

Abstract Coronaviruses being capable of spreading through droplet contamination have raised significant concerns regarding high-capacity public rail transport, such as the metro. Within a rapidly moving railcar cabin, the internal airflow lags behind the bulkhead, generating internally induced airflow that accelerates droplet dispersion within a non-inertial reference system. This study investigates the impact of acceleration on the diffusion of cough droplets of varying sizes using computational fluid dynamics. The modified k–ε equation in ANSYS® Fluent was utilized to simulate droplet diffusion under different body orientations by adjusting the inertial force correction source term. Results indicate that droplets in the middle size range (50–175 μm) are primarily influenced by inertial forces, whereas smaller droplets (3.5–20 μm) are predominantly controlled by air drag forces. Regardless of facial orientation, the outlet of high-capacity public rail transport poses the highest risk of infection.

Abstract Objective To assess renal interstitial fibrosis (IF) using diffusion MRI approaches, and explore whether corticomedullary difference (CMD) of diffusion parameters, combination among MRI parameters, or combination with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) benefit IF evaluation. Methods Forty-two patients with chronic kidney disease were included, undergoing MRI examinations. MRI parameters from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), intra-voxel incoherent motion (IVIM), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), and diffusion-relaxation correlated spectrum imaging (DR-CSI) were obtained both for renal cortex and medulla. CMD of these parameters was calculated. Pathological IF scores (1–3) were obtained by biopsy. Patients were divided into mild (IF = 1, n = 23) and moderate-severe fibrosis (IF = 2–3, n = 19) groups. Group comparisons for MRI parameters were performed. Diagnostic performances were assessed by the receiver operator’s curve analysis for discriminating mild from moderate-severe IF patients. Results Significant inter-group differences existed for cortical ADC, IVIM-D, IVIM-f, DKI-MD, DR-CSI V B, and DR-CSI V C. Significant inter-group differences existed in ΔADC, ΔMD, ΔV B, ΔV C, ΔQ B, and ΔQ C. Among the cortical MRI parameters, V B displayed the highest AUC = 0.849, while ADC, f, and MD also showed AUC > 0.8. After combining cortical value and CMD, the diagnostic performances of the MRI parameters were slightly improved except for IVIM-D. Combining V B with f brings the best performance (AUC = 0.903) among MRI bi-variant models. A combination of cortical V B, ΔADC, and eGFR brought obvious improvement in diagnostic performance (AUC 0.963 vs 0.879, specificity 0.826 vs 0.896, and sensitivity 1.000 vs 0.842) than eGFR alone. Conclusion Our study shows promising results for the assessment of renal IF using diffusion MRI approaches. Critical relevance statement Our study explores the non-invasive assessment of renal IF, an independent and effective predictor of renal outcomes, by comparing and combining diffusion MRI approaches including compartmental, non-compartmental, and model-free approaches. Key Points Significant difference exists for diffusion parameters between mild and moderate-severe IF. Generally, cortical parameters show better performance than corresponding CMD. Bi-variant model lifts the diagnostic performance for assessing IF. Graphical Abstract

Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system has received attention for heating or cooling buildings. However, it is well known that land subsidence becomes a major environmental concern for ATES projects. Yet, the effect of temperature on land subsidence has received practically no attention in the past. This paper presents a thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupled numerical study on an ATES system in Shanghai, China. Four water wells were installed for seasonal heating and cooling of an agriculture greenhouse. The target aquifer at a depth of 74–104.5 m consisted of alternating layers of sand and silty sand and was covered with clay. Groundwater level, temperature, and land subsidence data from 2015 to 2017 were collected using field monitoring instruments. Constrained by data, we constructed a field scale three-dimensional (3D) model using TOUGH (Transport of Unsaturated Groundwater and Heat) and FLAC3D (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua) equipped with a thermo-elastoplastic constitutive model. The effectiveness of the numerical model was validated by field data. The model was used to reproduce groundwater flow, heat transfer, and mechanical responses in porous media over three years and capture the thermo- and pressure-induced land subsidence. The results show that the maximum thermo-induced land subsidence accounts for about 60% of the total subsidence. The thermo-induced subsidence is slightly greater in winter than that in summer, and more pronounced near the cold well area than the hot well area. This study provides some valuable guidelines for controlling land subsidence caused by ATES systems installed in soft soils.

Abstract Background To analyze the economic benefits of paliperidone palmitate in the treatment of schizophrenia. Methods We collected 546 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to the 《International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems,10th》(ICD-10). We gathered general population data such as gender, age, marital status, and education level, then initiated treatment with paliperidone palmitate. Then Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the start of treatment to assess clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, and injection doses. We also collected information on the economic burden before and after 12 months of treatment, as well as the number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations in the past year to analyze economic benefits. Results The baseline patients totaled 546, with 239 still receiving treatment with paliperidone palmitate 12 months later. After 12 months of treatment, the number of outpatient visits per year increased compared to before (4 (2,10) vs. 12 (4,12), Z=-5.949, P 0.05); the indirect costs of patients after 12 months of treatment (lost productivity costs for patients and families, economic costs due to destructive behavior, costs of seeking non-medical assistance) decreased compared to before (300(150,600) vs. 150(100,200), P

Abstract Background and aim An increasing amount of research has indicated obesity greatly affects individuals with overactive bladder (OAB). However, traditional anthropometric methods present challenges in accurately assessing the likelihood of OAB. Hence, this study’s objective was to identify the correlation between the body roundness index (BRI) and OAB. Methods The research included 12,401 individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2005–2018. The correlation between BRI and OAB was explored by using weighted multiple logistic regression and weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS). Subgroup analyses showed the associations based on different population types. The study also analyzed the predictive capability of various anthropometric indices, including BRI, body mass index, waist circumference, and weight, in assessing the likelihood of OAB through Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results An independent positive correlation between OAB and BRI was identified after adjusting for potential confounders in weighted multivariate logistic models[odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12–1.17]. Weighted RCS analysis found a positive dose-response correlation between OAB and BRI. The effect size of BRI on OAB remained stable across all prespecified subgroups (all P for interactions > 0.05). In ROC analysis, BRI showed better discriminatory ability for OAB compared with other anthropometric measures for both genders (all P

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the alterations in structural integrity of superior longitudinal fasciculus subcomponents with increasing white matter hyperintensity severity as well as the relationship to cognitive performance in cerebral small vessel disease. Methods 110 cerebral small vessel disease study participants with white matter hyperintensities were recruited. According to Fazekas grade scale, white matter hyperintensities of each subject were graded. All subjects were divided into two groups. The probabilistic fiber tracking method was used for analyzing microstructure characteristics of superior longitudinal fasciculus subcomponents. Results Probabilistic fiber tracking results showed that mean diffusion, radial diffusion, and axial diffusion values of the left arcuate fasciculus as well as the mean diffusion value of the right arcuate fasciculus and left superior longitudinal fasciculus III in high white matter hyperintensities rating group were significantly higher than those in low white matter hyperintensities rating group (p

Abstract Tripartite motif 8 (TRIM8) is an E3 ligase that plays dual roles in various tumor types. The biological effects and underlying mechanism of TRIM8 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1α) is a key transcriptional factor that plays a significant role in regulating hepatocyte differentiation and liver function. The reduced expression of HNF1α is a critical event in the development of HCC, but the underlying mechanism for its degradation remains elusive. In this study, we discovered that the expression of TRIM8 was upregulated in HCC tissues, and was positively correlated with aggressive tumor behavior of HCC and shorter survival of HCC patients. Overexpression of TRIM8 promoted the proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells, while TRIM8 knockdown or knockout exerted the opposite effects. RNA sequencing revealed that TRIM8 knockout suppresses several cancer-related pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling in HepG2 cells. TRIM8 directly interacts with HNF1α, promoting its degradation by catalyzing polyubiquitination on lysine 197 in HCC cells. Moreover, the cancer-promoting effects of TRIM8 in HCC were abolished by the HNF1α-K197R mutant in vitro and in vivo. These data demonstrated that TRIM8 plays an oncogenic role in HCC progression through mediating the ubiquitination of HNF1α and promoting its protein degradation, and suggests targeting TRIM8-HNF1α may provide a promising therapeutic strategy of HCC.

Abstract Background Global human activities were significantly impacted by the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection in Central Fujian Province during the pandemic. Methods Cervical samples were collected from 21,612 outpatients and 12,664 females who underwent physical examinations and HPV screening at the People’s Hospital of Fujian Province in Fuzhou from April 2020 to April 2023. HPV detection and genotyping were conducted using PCR hybridization. Results The overall HPV infection rate was 16.1% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the outpatient group exhibiting a greater infection rate (19.0%) than did the healthy group (12.3%). The top five high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes in both groups were HPV52, HPV53, HPV58, HPV16, and HPV51. Additionally, HPV81 and HPV43 were the two most common low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) genotypes in the patient group, while HPV81 and HPV42 were the two most common LR-HPV genotypes in the healthy group. The highest prevalence of HPV infection was observed in individuals aged ≤ 24 years (28.4%, 95% CI 25.9–30.9), followed by those aged ≥ 55 years (23.6%, 95% CI 21.6–24.7) and other age groups. The prevalence decreased from 23.0% (95% CI 22.4–23.7) in 2018–2019 to 13.8% (95% CI 12.0-15.5) in 2023. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and genotypes of HPV infection in the female population of Central Fujian Province from 2020 to 2023. The findings indicate that the prevalence of HPV infection in Central Fujian Province remains relatively low compared to the national average. Furthermore, the prevalence of HPV decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, as the pandemic waned, there was potential for an increase in HPV infection rates. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen HPV screening and vaccination strategies to prevent the potential spread of HPV.

Abstract Using e + e − collision data collected at the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.33 fb −1, we determine the absolute branching fractions of fifteen hadronic D s + $$ {D}_s^{+} $$ decays with a double-tag technique. In particular, we make precise measurements of the branching fractions B D s + → K + K − π + = 5.49 ± 0.04 ± 0.07 % $$ \mathcal{B}\left({D}_s^{+}\to {K}^{+}{K}^{-}{\pi}^{+}\right)=\left(5.49\pm 0.04\pm 0.07\right)\% $$ , B D s + → K S 0 K + = 1.50 ± 0.01 ± 0.01 % $$ \mathcal{B}\left({D}_s^{+}\to {K}_S^0{K}^{+}\right)=\left(1.50\pm 0.01\pm 0.01\right)\% $$ and B D s + → K + K − π + π 0 = 5.50 ± 0.05 ± 0.11 % $$ \mathcal{B}\left({D}_s^{+}\to {K}^{+}{K}^{-}{\pi}^{+}{\pi}^0\right)=\left(5.50\pm 0.05\pm 0.11\right)\% $$ , where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The CP asymmetries in these decays are also measured and all are found to be compatible with zero.

Abstract The photonic Ising machine is a new paradigm of optical computing that takes advantage of the unique properties of light wave propagation, parallel processing, and low-loss transmission. Thus, the process of solving combinatorial optimization problems can be accelerated through photonic/optoelectronic devices, but implementing photonic Ising machines that can solve arbitrary large-scale Ising problems with fast speed remains challenging. In this work, we have proposed and demonstrated the Phase Encoding and Intensity Detection Ising Annealer (PEIDIA) capable of solving arbitrary Ising problems on demand. The PEIDIA employs the heuristic algorithm and requires only one step of optical linear transformation with simplified Hamiltonian calculation by encoding the Ising spins on the phase term of the optical field and performing intensity detection during the solving process. As a proof of principle, several 20 and 30-spin Ising problems have been solved with high ground state probability (≥0.97/0.85 for the 20/30-spin Ising model).

Abstract Background The Longshi Scale is a pictorial assessment tool for evaluating activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with stroke. The paper-based version presents challenges; thus, the WeChat version was created to enhance accessibility. Herein, we aimed to validate the inter-rater and test–retest reliabilities of the WeChat version of the Longshi Scale and explore its potential clinical applications. Methods We recruited 115 patients with stroke in the study. The ADL results of each patient were assessed using both the WeChat and paper-based version of the Longshi Scale; each evaluation was conducted by 28 health professionals and 115 caregivers separately. To explore the test–retest reliability of the WeChat version, 22 patients were randomly selected and re-evaluated by health professionals using the WeChat version. All evaluation criteria were recorded, and all evaluators were surveyed to indicate their preference between the two versions. Results Consistency between WeChat and the paper-based Longshi Scale was high for ADL scores by health professionals (ICC2,1 = 0.803–0.988) and caregivers (ICC2,1 = 0.845–0.983), as well as for degrees of disability (κw = 0.870 by professionals; κw = 0.800 by caregivers). Bland–Altman analysis showed no significant discrepancies. The WeChat version exhibited good test–retest reliability (κw = 0.880). The WeChat version showed similar inter-rater reliability in terms of the ADL score evaluated using the paper-based version (ICC2,1 = 0.781–0.941). The time to complete assessments did not differ significantly, although the WeChat version had a shorter information entry time (P

Abstract Background Imbalances in alkali elements (AEs) and alkaline earth elements (AEEs) cause reproductive disorders. However, it remains unclear whether AEs/AEEs in follicular fluid have a relationship with the serious reproductive disorder known as diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Methods A nested case‒control study was carried out in China. Follicular fluid samples from 154 DOR patients and 154 controls were collected and assessed for nine AEs/AEE levels. Both the mixed and single effects of the elements on DOR were estimated with a Bayesian kernel machine (BKMR) and logistic regressions. Results The DOR group had higher median concentrations of Li, Na, and K in follicular fluid (all P values

Abstract Background Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is an accessible and relatively comprehensive assessment of obesity that represents both anatomical and physiological lipid accumulation. Obesity and psoriasis are potentially related, according to previous research. Investigating the relationship between adult psoriasis and the LAP index was the goal of this study. Methods This is a cross-sectional study based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 and 2009–2014. The association between LAP and psoriasis was examined using multivariate logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting. To verify whether this relationship was stable across populations, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed. Results The LAP index showed a positive correlation with psoriasis in 9,781 adult participants who were 20 years of age or older. A 27% elevated probability of psoriasis was linked to every unit increase in ln LAP in the fully adjusted model (Model 3: OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.06–1.52). In comparison with participants in the lowest ln LAP quartile, those in the highest quartile had an 83% greater likelihood of psoriasis (Model 3: OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.08–3.11). This positive correlation was more pronounced for young males, participants who had never smoked, non-drinkers, participants who exercised little, as well as non-hypertensive and non-diabetic participants. Conclusions This study found that the LAP index and adult psoriasis were positively correlated, especially in young males without comorbidities. Therefore, it is proposed that LAP may serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis of psoriasis and tracking the effectiveness of treatment.

Abstract Using 24.1 fb −1 of e + e − collision data collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the Born cross sections and effective form factors of the e + e − → Σ + Σ ¯ − $$ {e}^{+}{e}^{-}\to {\Sigma}^{+}{\overline{\Sigma}}^{-} $$ reaction are measured. The measurements are performed at center-of-mass energies ranging from 3.510 to 4.951 GeV. No significant evidence for the decay of the charmonium(-like) states, ψ(3770), ψ(4040), ψ(4160), Y(4230), Y(4360), ψ(4415), and Y(4660), into a Σ + Σ ¯ − $$ {\Sigma}^{+}{\overline{\Sigma}}^{-} $$ final state is observed. Consequently, upper limits for the products of the branching fractions and the electronic partial widths at the 90% confidence level are reported for these decays.

Abstract Background Simvastatin (Sim), a hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, has been widely used in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have suggested that Sim exerts anti-fibrotic effects by interfering fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. This study was to determine whether Sim could alleviate silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods The rat model of silicosis was established by the tracheal perfusion method and treated with Sim (5 or 10 mg/kg), AICAR (an AMPK agonist), and apocynin (a NOX inhibitor) for 28 days. Lung tissues were collected for further analyses including pathological histology, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and the AMPK-NOX pathway. Results Sim significantly reduced silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis at 28 days after administration. Sim could reduce the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β1 in lung tissues. The expressions of hydroxyproline, α-SMA and vimentin were down-regulated, while E-cad was increased in Sim-treated rats. In addition, NOX4, p22pox, p40phox, p-p47phox/p47phox expressions and ROS levels were all increased, whereas p-AMPK/AMPK was decreased in silica-induced rats. Sim or AICAR treatment could notably reverse the decrease of AMPK activity and increase of NOX activity induced by silica. Apocynin treatment exhibited similar protective effects to Sim, including down-regulating of oxidative stress and inhibition of the EMT process and inflammatory reactions. Conclusions Sim attenuates silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis by downregulating EMT and oxidative stress through the AMPK-NOX pathway.

Abstract Background SRSF1, a member of Serine/Arginine-Rich Splicing Factors (SRSFs), has been observed to significantly influence cancer progression. However, the precise role of SRSF1 in osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the functions of SRSF1 and its underlying mechanism in OS. Methods SRSF1 expression level in OS was evaluated on the TCGA dataset, TAGET-OS database. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to assess SRSF1 expression in human OS cell lines as well as the interfered ectopic expression states. The effect of SRSF1 on cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis of OS cells were measured by transwell assay and flow cytometry. RNA sequence and bioinformatic analyses were conducted to elucidate the targeted genes, relevant biological pathways, and alternative splicing (AS) events regulated by SRSF1. Results SRSF1 expression was consistently upregulated in both OS samples and OS cell lines. Diminishing SRSF1 resulted in reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased apoptosis in OS cells while overexpressing SRSF1 led to enhanced growth, migration, invasion, and decreased apoptosis. Mechanistically, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that the biological functions of SRSF1 were closely associated with the dysregulation of the protein targeting processes, location of the cytosolic ribosome, extracellular matrix (ECM), and proteinaceous extracellular matrix, along with the PI3K-AKT pathway, Wnt pathway, and HIPPO pathway. Transcriptome analysis identified AS events modulated by SRSF1, especially (Skipped Exon) SE events and (Mutually exclusive Exons) MXE events, revealing potential roles of targeted molecules in mRNA surveillance, RNA degradation, and RNA transport during OS development. qRT-PCR confirmed that SRSF1 knockdown resulted in the occurrence of alternative splicing of SRRM2, DMKN, and SCAT1 in OS. Conclusions Our results highlight the oncogenic role of high SRSF1 expression in promoting OS progression, and further explore the potential mechanisms of action. The significant involvement of SRSF1 in OS development suggests its potential utility as a therapeutic target in OS.

Abstract Objective To identify the risk factors of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL) complicated with occult cervical cancer and standardize the management of initial treatment for HSIL. Method The clinical data of patients who underwent total hysterectomy directly due to HSIL in the obstetrics and gynecology department of two tertiary hospitals and three secondary hospitals from 2018 to 2023 were collected. Their general characteristics, pathological parameters and survival status were analyzed. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between clinical parameters and postoperative pathological upgrading. Result 1. Among the 314 patients with HSIL who underwent total hysterectomy directly, 73.2% were from primary hospitals. 2. 25 patients (7.9%) were pathologically upgraded to cervical cancer, all of which were early invasive cancer. 3. Up to now, there was no recurrence or death in the 25 patients with early-stage invasive cancer, and the median follow-up period was 21 months(range 2–59 months). 4. Glandular involvement(OR 3.968; 95%CI 1.244–12.662) and lesion range ≥ 3 quadrants (OR 6.527; 95% CI 1.78–23.931), HPV 16/18 infection (OR 5.382; 95%CI 1.947–14.872), TCT ≥ ASC-H (OR 4.719; 95%CI 1.892–11.766) were independent risk factors that affected the upgrading of postoperative pathology. 5. The area under the curve (AUC) calculated by the Logistic regression model was 0.840, indicating that the predictive value was good. Conclusion There is a risk of occult cervical cancer in patients with HSIL. Glandular involvement, Lesion range ≥ 3 quadrants, HPV 16/18 infection and TCT ≥ ASC-H are independent risk factors for HSIL combined with occult cervical cancer. The prognosis of biopsy-proved HSIL patients who underwent extrafascial hysterectomy and unexpected early invasive cancer was later identified on specimen may be good.

Genetic factors play significant roles in the tumorigenicity of lung cancer; however, there is lack of systematic and large‐scale characterization of pathogenic germline variants for lung cancer. In this study, germline variants in 146 preselected cancer‐susceptibility genes were detected in 17 904 Chinese lung cancer patients by clinical next‐generation sequencing. Among 17 904 patients, 1738 patients (9.7%) carried 1840 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants from 87 cancer‐susceptibility genes. SBDS (SBDS ribosome maturation factor) (1.37%), TSHR (thyroid stimulating hormone receptor) (1.20%), BLM (BLM RecQ like helicase) (0.62%), BRCA2 (BRCA2 DNA repair associated) (0.62%), and ATM (ATM serine/threonine kinase) (0.45%) were the top five genes with the highest overall prevalence. The top mutated pathways were all involved in DNA damage repair (DDR). Case–control analysis showed SBDS c.184A>T(p.K62*), TSHR c.1574T>C(p.F525S), BRIP1 (BRCA1 interacting helicase 1) c.1018C>T(p.L340F), and MUTYH (mutY DNA glycosylase) c.55C>T(p.R19*) were significantly associated with increased lung cancer risk (q value

Abstract Background Targeting ferroptosis has been identified as a promising approach for the development of cancer therapies. Monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) is a type of lipid that plays a crucial role in inhibiting ferroptosis. Ficolin 3 (FCN3) is a component of the complement system, serving as a recognition molecule against pathogens in the lectin pathway. Recent studies have reported that FCN3 demonstrates inhibitory effects on the progression of certain tumors. However, whether FCN3 can modulate lipid metabolism and ferroptosis remains largely unknown. Methods Cell viability, BODIPY-C11 staining, and MDA assay were carried out to detect ferroptosis. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and xenograft models were utilized to investigate the effect of FCN3 on the development of HCC in vivo. A metabonomic analysis was conducted to assess alterations in intracellular and HCC intrahepatic lipid levels. Results Our study elucidates a substantial decrease in the expression of FCN3, a component of the complement system, leads to MUFA accumulation in human HCC specimens and thereby significantly promotes ferroptosis resistance. Overexpression of FCN3 efficiently sensitizes HCC cells to ferroptosis, resulting in the inhibition of the oncogenesis and progression of both primary HCC and subcutaneous HCC xenograft. Mechanistically, FCN3 directly binds to the insulin receptor β (IR-β) and its pro-form (pro-IR), inhibiting pro-IR cleavage and IR-β phosphorylation, ultimately resulting in IR-β inactivation. This inactivation of IR-β suppresses the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP1c), which subsequently suppresses the transcription of genes related to de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and lipid desaturation, and consequently downregulates intracellular MUFA levels. Conclusions These findings uncover a novel regulatory mechanism by which FCN3 enhances the sensitivity of HCC cells to ferroptosis, indicating that targeting FCN3-induced ferroptosis is a promising strategy for HCC treatment.

In this work, sustainable cement clinkers and ecofriendly cementitious materials (ECMs) were prepared with iron ore tailings (IOTs). Alternative raw meals with IOTs were sintered to cement clinkers by conventional sintering processes. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical tests suggested that the cement clinker within 10 wt% IOTs had better quality than those without IOTs. In addition, the hydration and hydration products of the IOT-based cement were analyzed via XRD and SEM. Before preparing ECMs, IOTs were pretreated with a 100 mesh Tyler screen to remove silt and clay. Then, the pretreated IOTs and whole IOTs partly instead of fine aggregates, together with IOT-based cement were used to produce ECMs. The ratio of water-binder and compressive strength properties of the ECMs were investigated. It is suggested that the pretreated IOTs sand can be used as much as 60 wt%, while the amount of whole IOTs sand must be limited to 20 wt% before the performance dramatically decrease. These findings suggest that disposal of a high volume of Yeshan IOTs in sustainable construction building materials has feasibility and operational significance.

In recent years, biorefining Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) has gained attention as a promising solution to the challenges of waste management and resource shortages, while also advancing sustainability goals. This research focuses on the European Union, analyzing the material flow and sustainability of biorefining systems and evaluating their impact on society, the economy, and the natural environment. The final products of the integrated material recovery processes, including recycling (18.3 %), heavy metals (3.6 %), fiber (1.4 %), hydrogen sulfate (7.4 %), recoverable water (14.8 %), fertilizer (8.4 %), and electric power (0.126 MWH/t MSW), are derived from the combined operations of material recovery facilities, pulverization, chemical conversion, wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The CHP system recovers energy from sources such as refuse-derived fuel (RDF), other disposable waste, charcoal, and natural gas produced by material recovery facilities, chemical conversion, and anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. Levulinic acid (LA), priced at 52 Euro/t, generates a profit of 220 Euro/t, excluding any subsidies. Potential reductions in carbon dioxide emissions are estimated at 2.5 and 1.4 kg CO2 equivalents per kilogram of levulinic acid (LA) and fertilizer, respectively, and 0.18 kg CO2 equivalents per megajoule of electrical power. This study underscores the importance of sustainable management practices in the context of digital capabilities, emphasizing the data flow dynamics essential for optimizing family life and finance in achieving sustainability.