Search

Multidrug resistance is a substantial obstacle in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with therapies like cisplatin (DDP)-based adjuvant chemotherapy and EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Aaptamine-7 (AP-7), a benzonaphthyridine alkaloid extracted from Aaptos aaptos sponge, has been shown to exhibit a broad spectrum of anti-tumor activity. However, the anti-cancer activity of AP-7 in combination with DDP and its molecular mechanisms in multidrug-resistant NSCLC are not yet clear. Our research indicates that AP-7 bolsters the growth inhibition activity of DDP on multidrug-resistant NSCLC cells. AP-7 notably disrupts DDP-induced cell cycle arrest and amplifies DDP-induced DNA damage effects in these cells. Furthermore, the combination of AP-7 and DDP downregulates Chk1 activation, interrupts the DNA damage repair-dependent Chk1/CDK1 pathway, and helps to overcome drug resistance and boost apoptosis in multidrug-resistant NSCLC cells and a gefitinib-resistant xenograft mice model. In summary, AP-7 appears to enhance DDP-induced DNA damage by impeding the Chk1 signaling pathway in multidrug-resistant NSCLC, thereby augmenting growth inhibition, both in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate the potential use of AP-7 as a DDP sensitizer in the treatment of multidrug-resistant NSCLC.

Leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) is crucial in plant physiology and ecological research. Although several LCC products have recently been generated at a regional or global scale, understanding their accuracy is still a concern in the scientific community. We intercompared and analyzed five existing LCC products (MuSyQ LCC, MODIS LCC, MERIS LCC, GLCC, and GLOBMAP MERIS LCC) over China in terms of spatial continuity and spatiotemporal consistency over seven plant functional types. The products of 2011 and 2019 over China were used in this study. Research findings indicate (1) the 30 m-resolution MuSyQ LCC has the highest accuracy compared to field LCC of cropland and grassland types, with an RMSE of 19.5 μg/cm2, while MODIS LCC product demonstrates a more robust fit to the measured LCC, with an R2 of 0.341. (2) Interpolation of products with lower spatial resolution e.g. MODIS LCC, MERIS LCC, and GLOBMAP MERIS LCC, generally improves spatial continuity. The non-interpolated 30 m MuSyQ LCC exhibits good regional continuity due to its high spatial resolution. The lowest spatial continuity is found over shrubs for all products. (3) MODIS LCC and MuSyQ LCC of 2019 demonstrate high overall spatial consistency and exhibit the highest correlation over cropland sites. MODIS LCC and GLOBMAP MERIS LCC of 2011 demonstrate high temporal consistency over deciduous forests, evergreen forests, grasslands, and shrubs sites. The most robust overall temporal consistency is exhibited among all products in the deciduous needleleaved forest, followed by evergreen needleleaved forest and grassland. The findings of this research are essential for improving leaf chlorophyll content inversion algorithms and for understanding and better use of LCC products in land surface models.

Abstract Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health problem worldwide. Previous studies have shown that postpartum negative life events and neuroticism are both important risk factors for PPD. However, few studies have considered the role of protective factors in the influence of postpartum negative life events and neuroticism on PPD. Based on the diathesis–stress model and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a moderated mediating model was established to examine the mediating role of neuroticism between postpartum negative life events and PPD, as well as the moderating role of psychological flexibility in this mediating effect. Methods A sample of 776 parturients from three different Grade A hospitals in China were assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, the Postpartum Negative Life Events Scale, the Neuroticism Subscale of the Big Five Personality Scale, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire– II. Results PPD, postpartum negative life events, neuroticism, and experiential avoidance were significantly positively correlated with one another. Neuroticism partially mediated the relationship between postpartum negative life events and PPD. In this mediation model, the direct path and the second half of the mediation path were moderated by psychological flexibility. Specifically, the links between postpartum negative life events and PPD, as well as between neuroticism and PPD, were stronger when psychological flexibility was low, but weaker when psychological flexibility was high. Conclusions The results show that psychological flexibility plays an important role in buffering the negative effects of postpartum negative life events and neuroticism on PPD. These findings provide implications for the prevention and intervention of PPD using an ACT approach.

This paper addresses the tracking control problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with full state deferred constraints. The constraints considered occur after a period of system operation rather than from the beginning. An attempt has been made to use a shifting function to realize the purpose of deferred constraint. Moreover, the difficulty of asymmetric constraint on states comes from the design on barrier function. Due to this, an unified barrier function is proposed to prevent system states from violating the constraint range, indirectly. Meanwhile, it effectively removes the restriction condition used in existing results that the upper and lower bound signs of constraint functions are the same. Consequently, the goals of tracking a reference signal and state constraints are achieved through the control scheme designed. Theoretical analysis and simulations are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed control strategy.

Modulating Tankyrases (TNKS), interactions with USP25 to promote TNKS degradation, rather than inhibiting their enzymatic activities, is emerging as an alternative/specific approach to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we identified UAT-B, a novel neoantimycin analog isolated from Streptomyces conglobatus, as a small-molecule inhibitor of TNKS–USP25 protein–protein interaction (PPI) to overcome multi-drug resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). The disruption of TNKS–USP25 complex formation by UAT-B led to a significant decrease in TNKS levels, triggering cell apoptosis through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Importantly, UAT-B successfully inhibited the CRC cells growth that harbored high TNKS levels, as demonstrated in various in vitro and in vivo studies utilizing cell line-based and patient-derived xenografts, as well as APCmin/+ spontaneous CRC models. Collectively, these findings suggest that targeting the TNKS–USP25 PPI using a small-molecule inhibitor represents a compelling therapeutic strategy for CRC treatment, and UAT-B emerges as a promising candidate for further preclinical and clinical investigations.

Osteochondroma is one of the most common benign bone tumors, mainly involving the bone ends of long bones, and involving the spine is rare. It often involves the competing, followed by the thoracic and lumbar spine, and rarely involves the sacrum. We report the imaging findings of a solitary osteochondroma of the sacrum. The patient was a 37-year-old woman who presented clinically with progressive low back pain associated with left buttock pain and discomfort. CT and MRI showed that the lesion originated from the left lamina of S1 and grew anteriorly and superiorly, resulting in compressive resorption of the L5 vertebral bone, left foraminal stenosis and adjacent nerve root swelling. The patient underwent surgery and the mass was completely excised and recovered well postoperatively. Osteochondroma arising from the sacrum is rare and can lead to compressive resorption of adjacent bone, and imaging techniques are conducive to the localization and characterization of the lesion and provide useful information for clinical treatment.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to have the effect of promoting plant growth. In this paper, three PGPR strains were selected from the previous work, which had plant growth-promoting activities such as phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, phosphorus mobilization, etc. These strains named FJS-3(Burkholderia pyromania), FJS-7(Pseudomonas rhodesiae), and FJS-16(Pseudomonas baetica), respectively, were prepared into solid biological agents. Three widely planted commercial crops (tea plant, tobacco, and chili pepper) were selected for PGPR growth promotion verification. The results showed that the new shoots of tea seedlings under PGPR treatment were much more than the control. We also used tobacco, another important crop in Guizhou, to test the growth-promoting effect of individual bacteria, and the results showed that each of them could promote the growth of tobacco plants, and FJS-3(Burkholderia pyrrocinia) had the best effect. In addition, we carried out experiments on tobacco and pepper using multi-strain PGPR, the tobacco plants' height, fresh, and root weight increased by 30.15 %, 37.36 %, and 54.5 %, respectively, and the pepper plants' increased by 30.10 %, 56.38 % and 43.18 %, respectively, which both showed significantly better effects than that of a single strain. To further test the field performance, field trials were carried out in a mature Longjing43 tea plantation in Guizhou. There were four treatments: no fertilization (T1), combined application of PGPR biological agent and compound fertilizer (T2), only application of PGPR (T3), and only application of compound fertilizer (T4). In terms of yield, grouped with or without PGPR, there was a 15.38 % (T2:T4) and 92.31 % (T3:T1) increase between them, respectively. The tea's yield and tea flavor substances such as tea polyphenols, caffeine, and theanine were detected, and the T2 showed the most significant positive effect on both sides. Especially, an important indicator of Matcha green tea is the color, chlorophyll content was then tested, and PGPR application increased it and improved the appearance. All these results demonstrated that the PGPR we screened could significantly promote plant growth and quality improvement, and had good application potential in crop planting, which could contribute to environmental protection and economic growth.

Due to the harsh marine environment of chloride ion invasion and corrosion, the issues of long-term chloride transport and durability life evaluation for marine infrastructures constructed/maintained by recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) after enhancement remain poorly understood. For our studies, an accelerated carbonation modification method for recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) was adopted to prepare carbonated recycled coarse aggregate (CRCA) samples, and the macroproperties, i.e., apparent density and water absorption, of CRCA were enhanced by approximately 1.40-3.97% and 16.3-21.8%, respectively, compared with those of RCA. An in-door experiment for chloride transport into concrete specimens subjected to a simulated marine environment of alternating drying-wetting cycles was conducted. The chloride profiles and transport characteristics of carbonated recycled coarse aggregate concrete (CRCAC), recycled coarse aggregate concrete (RCAC), and natural coarse aggregate concrete (NCAC) were analysed and compared. The results indicated that the chloride penetration depths and concentrations of CRCAC were approximately 52.6-96.2% of those of RCAC, which highlighted the better chloride resistance of CRCAC. A chloride transport model for marine concrete structures with various coarse aggregate types in a corrosive marine environment was established. Taking a certain harbour wharf as an example, the durability life of this case considering the application of the CRCAC was evaluated based on the chloride transport model, and the durability life of the CRCAC structure was improved by approximately 28.10% compared with that of the RCAC. The CRCAC developed in this paper has improved mechanical performance and durability than those of RCAC, and it has the potential to replace the NCAC and further support the construction and maintenance of marine infrastructures.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to report our surgical experience in patients with lumbosacral degenerative diseases who underwent posterior decompression and interbody fusion fixed with cortical bone trajectory screw and sacral alar screw, which is known as low-profile posterior lumbosacral interbody fusion (LP-PLSIF). Methods Patients with lumbosacral degenerative disease who underwent LP-PLSIF and traditional PLSIF (control group) internally fixed with pedicle screws were included retrospectively. Patients’ demographic data, operative parameters, and perioperative complications were recorded and analyzed. Results A total of 18 patients were enrolled in this study, which included 9 patients (5 male and 4 female) who underwent LP-PLSIF, and 9 patients (4 male and 5 female) who underwent traditional PLSIF. There wasn’t a significant difference in the average age between the two groups, 56.78 ± 10.92 years in the LP-PLSIF group and 60.22 ± 8.21 years in the PLSIF group (p = 0.460). The bone mineral density (BMD) of the two groups of patients were -2.00 ± 0.26 T and -2.13 ± 0.19 T, respectively (P = 0.239). The mean postoperative follow-up time was 12.7 months (range, 12–14 months). The mean operation time was 142.78 ± 11.21 min and 156.11 ± 13.41 min in the LP-PLSIF group and PLSIF group respectively (P

Fault rupture propagation is more complex in the overlying soil with intercalation than in homogeneous soil, and it is challenging to simulate this phenomenon accurately using the finite element method. To address this issue, an improved nonlocal model that incorporates softening modulus modification is proposed. The methodology has the advantage that the solutions are independent of both mesh sizes and characteristic lengths, while maintaining objective softening rates of materials. Using the proposed methodology, a series of numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the effects of different mechanical parameters, such as elastic modulus, friction angle and dilation angle of the soil within the intercalation, as well as the impact of geometries, such as the depth and thickness of the intercalation, on the fault rupture progress. This study not only provides significant insights into the mechanisms of fault rupture propagation, specifically in relation to intercalations, but also shows a great value in promoting the current research on fault rupture.

Pipettes are essential tools for biomedical and analytical laboratories, analogous to workstations for computer scientists. Variation in pipetting is a known unknown, as it is generally accepted that variations exist, but thus far, there have been limited studies on the extent of these variations in practice. In this mini-review, we highlight how manual pipetting is a key technique in the laboratory, and, although simple, inaccuracy and imprecision exist. If variations are not adequately addressed, errors can be compounded and consequently compromise data quality. Determination of the accuracy and precision of manual pipetting is straightforward, and here we review two common approaches that use gravimetry and spectrophotometry as readouts. We also provide detailed protocols for determination of accuracy and precision using manual single and multi-channel pipettes. These simple-to-use methods can be used by any laboratory for competency training and regular checks. Having a common protocol for evaluation of variation will also enable cross-laboratory comparison and potentially facilitate establishment of a reference value of acceptable ranges for operator error. Such a value could be of relevance to the scientific community for benchmarking and assuring good laboratory practice.

The rapid development of electronic information technology and the use of high-power electrical equipment have led to the increasingly serious problem of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Therefore, it is of great significance to study electromagnetic wave absorbing (EWA) materials with good absorbing properties. Compared with other wave absorbing materials, carbon-based nanomaterials such as silicon carbide (SiC), carbon nanotube (CNT), carbon nanowire (CNW) and carbon nanofiber (CNF) have the advantages of low density, large specific surface area/aspect ratio and excellent dielectric properties, which make them stand out. However, impedance mismatch caused by high conductivity and a single microwave loss mechanism seriously affect the absorption performance. In order to overcome the above shortcomings, surface modification, component control, structural design and other methods have been widely used in EWA materials in recent years to improve their absorption performance. In this review, we introduce the mechanism of microwave absorption and summarizes the research progress of one-dimensional carbon based nanomaterials and their composites. The preparation methods and microwave absorption properties of one-dimensional carbon based nanocomposites with different components, morphologies, and microstructures were discussed in detail. Finally, the challenges and future development prospects of one-dimensional carbon based nanomaterials were summarized, providing reference for the development of high-performance microwave absorbing materials.

Abstract Luminescent materials that display quick spectral responses to thermal stimuli have attracted pervasive attention in sensing technologies. Herein, a programmable luminescence color switching in lanthanide‐doped LiYO2 under thermal stimuli, based on deliberate control of the monoclinic (β) to tetragonal (α) phase transition in the crystal lattice, is reported. Specifically, a lanthanide‐doping (Ln3+) approach to fine‐tune the phase‐transition temperature in a wide range from 294 to 359 K is developed. Accordingly, an array of Ln3+‐doped LiYO2 crystals that exhibit progressive phase transition, and thus sequential color switching at gradually increasing temperatures, is constructed. The tunable optical response to thermal stimuli is harnessed for colorimetric temperature indication and quantitative detection, demonstrating superior sensitivity and temperature resolution (Sr = 26.1% K−1, δT = 0.008 K). The advances in controlling the phase‐transition behavior of luminescent materials also offer exciting opportunities for high‐performance personalized health monitoring.

BackgroundPneumoconiosis is the most important occupational disease all over the world, with high prevalence and mortality. At present, the monitoring of workers exposed to dust and the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis rely on manual interpretation of chest radiographs, which is subjective and low efficiency. With the development of artificial intelligence technology, a more objective and efficient computer aided system for pneumoconiosis diagnosis can be realized. Therefore, the present study reported a novel deep learning (DL) artificial intelligence (AI) system for detecting pneumoconiosis in digital frontal chest radiographs, based on which we aimed to provide references for radiologists.MethodsWe annotated 49,872 chest radiographs from patients with pneumoconiosis and workers exposed to dust using a self-developed tool. Next, we used the labeled images to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm developed for pneumoconiosis screening. Finally, the performance of the trained pneumoconiosis screening model was validated using a validation set containing 495 chest radiographs.ResultsApproximately, 51% (25,435/49,872) of the chest radiographs were labeled as normal. Pneumoconiosis was detected in 49% (24,437/49,872) of the labeled radiographs, among which category-1, category-2, and category-3 pneumoconiosis accounted for 53.1% (12,967/24,437), 20.4% (4,987/24,437), and 26.5% (6,483/24,437) of the patients, respectively. The CNN DL algorithm was trained using these data. The validation set of 495 digital radiography chest radiographs included 261 cases of pneumoconiosis and 234 cases of non-pneumoconiosis. As a result, the accuracy of the AI system for pneumoconiosis identification was 95%, the area under the curve was 94.7%, and the sensitivity was 100%.ConclusionDL algorithm based on CNN helped screen pneumoconiosis in the chest radiographs with high performance; thus, it could be suitable for diagnosing pneumoconiosis automatically and improve the efficiency of radiologists.

AbstractThioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) is a potential drug target for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment. A series of quinazoline derivatives were designed, synthesised, and evaluated to inhibit TXNIP expression and protect from palmitate (PA)-induced β cell injury. In vitro cell viability assay showed that compounds D-2 and C-1 could effectively protect β cell from PA-induced apoptosis, and subsequent results showed that these two compounds decreased TXNIP expression by accelerating its protein degradation. Mechanistically, compounds D-2 and C-1 reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and modulated TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome signalling, and thus alleviating oxidative stress injury and inflammatory response under PA insult. Besides, these two compounds were predicted to possess better drug-likeness properties using SwissADME. The present study showed that compounds D-2 and C-1, especially compound D-2, were potent pancreatic β cell protective agents to inhibit TXNIP expression and might serve as promising lead candidates for the treatment of T2DM.

Abstract Background Single-agent chemotherapy using methotrexate or actinomycin D is the first-line treatment for patients with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Various methotrexate-based and actinomycin D-based single-agent regimens can be used. However, there is insufficient evidence to determine the superior regimen. To guide doctors in selecting a single-agent chemotherapy regimen for patients with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, we will compare two regimens. Methods We will conduct a multicentre, randomized, prospective clinical trial. Selected low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia patients (FIGO score 0–4) will be randomized 1:1 to a biweekly single-dose actinomycin D group or a multiday methotrexate therapy group. The actinomycin D group will receive IV pulse actinomycin D (1.25 mg/m2) every 14 days, and the methotrexate group will receive methotrexate (50 mg) intramuscularly on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 (4 doses per cycle) and leucovorin (15 mg) intramuscularly on days 2, 4, 6, and 8. This process will be repeated every 14 days. The primary endpoints will include the complete remission rate by single-agent therapy and the overall complete remission rate. The secondary endpoints will include the duration needed to achieve complete remission after single-agent chemotherapy, number of courses needed to achieve complete remission after single-agent chemotherapy, incidence and severity of adverse effects, effects on menstrual conditions and ovarian function based on the anti-Mullerian hormone level, and patient-reported quality of life. Discussion Previous clinical trials comparing biweekly single-dose actinomycin D with multiday methotrexate therapy for treating low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia patients failed to meet the expected case number. Through this multicentre study, the complete remission ratio and efficacy difference between biweekly single-dose actinomycin D and multiday methotrexate therapy will be obtained. This study will also provide the basis for formulating a preferred regimen for treating patients with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04562558, Registered on 13 September 2020 (Protocol version 2020–9-24, version 1.0).

Automated evaluation of educational quality can be an effective measure of the efficiency of teaching methods, enabling the determination of the best teaching approach based on the educational environment conditions. Machine learning techniques have been used in various research studies as tools for automated evaluation of teaching quality. However, the low accuracy of classical learning models in quantitative quality estimation remains a challenge. To address this issue, one can utilize optimization strategies for learning models or combine multiple learning models as an ensemble system. These aspects are studied in the current paper. In the proposed method, automated evaluation of English teaching quality is performed through two phases: ''identification of prominent quality evaluation indicators'' and ''quality estimation based on ensemble learning.'' In the first phase, the Black Hole Optimization (BHO) algorithm is used to determine the minimum number of indicators required for accurate quality estimation. In the second phase, the proposed method combines multiple artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict education quality. In this ensemble model, the configuration and weight vector of each ANN are adjusted by the BHO algorithm to minimize training error. Then, an averaging strategy is employed to determine the final output of the ensemble system. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated using real English teaching data. Based on the results, the proposed method can achieve an average accuracy of 98.53 % in estimating English teaching quality, which represents a 2.19 % improvement compared to previous methods.

Abstract Carbon dots (CDs) were paid more and more attention for detecting ferric ions (Fe3+) containing in the organism or environment. Thus, nitrogen and phosphorus co‐doping green CDs were synthesized using p‐Phenylenediamine as the carbon source and phosphoric acid as phosphorus source by the solvo‐thermal method. As‐prepared CDs were characterized by morphology, optical properties, and surface functional groups. The CDs can emit better green light peak at 511 nm excited by 380 nm UV light. Excitation independence property of N, P‐CDs was determined by measuring the photoluminescence (PL) spectra with different excitation wavelengths. The ions detection ability was investigated by analyzing the emission intensity of CDs in eight different kinds of ions solutions and different concentrations of Fe3+ ions solutions. The N, P‐CDs show high selectivity towards Fe3+ ions with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.11 μM in the concentration region of 300 to 450 μM. The results illuminated that this kind of CDs can be a candidate material for Fe3+ ions detection.

The physical and mechanical properties of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) are worse than those of natural coarse aggregate (NCA), and the overall performance of recycled concrete prepared from RCA is worse than that of natural aggregate concrete. Treatment of RCA by CO2-accelerated carbonation effectively improves the macroscopic properties of RCA. The degree of influence of raw material factors, i.e., the original concrete strength (OCS) and initial moisture content (IMC) of RCA, on the carbonation of RCAs is very complex. Herein, an accelerated carbonation experiment for RCA with different material factors as variables was carried out to explore the influence of the abovementioned factors on the physical properties of carbonated recycled coarse aggregate (CRCA). By analyzing the microstructure of the RCA with the best modification effect before and after carbonation, the carbonation modification mechanism of the RCA was revealed. The physical performance indexes, including the apparent density, water absorption and carbonation rate, of the dried RCA with an OCS of C40 and C50 were significantly improved. The research results can provide basic data and theoretical support for promoting the popularization and application of RCA and recycled concrete in practical engineering.

Cloud detection is an essential preprocessing step when using satellite-borne infrared hyperspectral sounders for data assimilation and atmospheric retrieval. In this study, we propose a cloud detection algorithm based solely on the sensitivity and detection characteristics of the FY-4A Geostationary Interferometric Infrared Sounder (GIIRS), rather than relying on other instruments. The algorithm consists of four steps: (1) combining observed radiation and clear radiance data simulated by the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) to identify clear fields of view (FOVs); (2) determining the number of clouds within adjacent 2 × 2 FOVs via a principal component analysis of observed radiation; (3) identifying whether there are large observed radiance differences between adjacent 2 × 2 FOVs to determine the mixture of clear skies and clouds; and (4) assigning adjacent 2 × 2 FOVs as a cloud cluster following the three steps above to select an appropriate classification threshold. The classification results within each cloud detection cluster were divided into the following categories: clear, partly cloudy, or overcast. The proposed cloud detection algorithm was tested using one month of GIIRS observations from May 2022 in this study. The cloud detection and classification results were compared with the FY-4A Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager (AGRI)’s operational cloud mask products to evaluate their performance. The results showed that the algorithm’s performance is significantly influenced by the surface type. Among all-day observations, the highest recognition performance was achieved over the ocean, followed by land surfaces, with the lowest performance observed over deep inland water. The proposed algorithm demonstrated better clear sky recognition during the nighttime for ocean and land surfaces, while its performance was higher for partly cloudy and overcast conditions during the day. However, for inland water surfaces, the algorithm consistently exhibited a lower cloud recognition performance during both the day and night. Moreover, in contrast to the GIIRS’s Level 2 cloud mask (CLM) product, the proposed algorithm was able to identify partly cloudy conditions. The algorithm’s classification results departed slightly from those of the AGRI’s cloud mask product in areas with clear sky/cloud boundaries and minimal convective cloud coverage; this was attributed to the misclassification of clear sky as partly cloudy under a low-resolution situation. AGRI’s CLM products, temporally and spatially collocated to the GIIRS FOV, served as the reference value. The proportion of FOVs consistently classified as partly cloudy to the total number of partly cloudy FOVs was 40.6%. In comparison with the GIIRS’s L2 product, the proposed algorithm improved the identification performance by around 10%.

This study aims to explore the correlation between the activity trajectory of Crested Ibis and meteorological changes. The trajectory data of Crested Ibis were obtained using the HQBG3621L backpack-style tracker, and the spatiotemporal characteristics of the trajectory data were analyzed to obtain information on the activity range and habitat of Crested Ibis. The Scheirer–Ray–Hare test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to investigate the impact of meteorological factors on the activity of Crested Ibis. The study found that meteorological factors have a certain influence on the habitat selection and activity patterns of Crested Ibis. Through this research, a better understanding of the interaction between Crested Ibis and the meteorological environment can be achieved, providing a scientific basis for the conservation and ecological management of Crested Ibis.

Objective: This study aimed to improve the tenderness and flavor content of Yanbian cattle beef. Methods: Rump beef of Yanbian cattle were dry-aged by using three different methods, i.e., Method A: RH（65±5）% aging for 10 days, RH（75±5）% aging for 10 days, and then RH （85±5）% aging for 20 days; Method B: RH（75±5）% aging for 20 days and then RH（85±5）% aging for 20 days; Method C: RH（85±5）% aging for 40 days. The quality changes caused by the different aging processes were then analyzed and compared. Results: The cooking loss of the beef processed by all the three methods increased significantly with the extension of aging time, but the beef loss (39.14%) in Group A was the highest. The TBARS and TVB-N values of group C were 1.387 and 14.833, respectively, significantly higher than those of the other two groups. The fat and protein contents of each group showed an increasing trend, while the shear force value decreased by 50%. No significant difference in the changes of cooking loss rate, color and pH value were found among the groups. The results showed that with dry-aging, the richness of taste attributes was elevated with higher freshness and aftertaste. The bitterness in group B was lower, and the relative content of aldehydes and ketones among volatile flavor compounds was higher. Conclusion: Method B was the best dry-aging process for Yanbian cattle rump beef.

ObjectiveTo explore the mediating role of depression in the relationship between family functioning and suicidal ideation (SI) in college students, and to explore whether acceptance (It is one of the core components of psychological flexibility) plays a moderating role in this mediating model.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, questionnaires were distributed to college students during November and December 2022. The sample of Chinese college students (n = 592, 43.07% male, 56.93% female, mean age 19.40 years, SD = 1.24 years) completed the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES III), the Center for Epidemiological Depression Scale (CES-D), the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory (PANSI), and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Second Edition (AAQ II). SPSS 25.0 for Windows and PROCESS 2.15 macros were used for data analysis.ResultsThere was a significant negative correlation between family functioning and SI, and depression played a mediating role in this relationship. Acceptance moderated the indirect effects of depression and SI in college students. In college students with a lower acceptance level (i.e., higher experiential avoidance level), depression had more influence on SI, while the influence of depression on SI was less in college students with a higher acceptance level (i.e., lower experiential avoidance level). Family functioning indirectly influenced SI through the moderation of acceptance.ConclusionMental health educators in colleges and universities should pay more attention to identifying and relieving depression in college students, thereby dealing with suicide risk more effectively. At the same time, college students should be discouraged from excessive use of experiential avoidance strategies, and instead taught to master effective emotional regulation strategies such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and radical acceptance skills to improve their acceptance level and alleviate the influence of depression on SI.

Abstract Background and objective The Cortical Bone Trajectory (CBT) technique provides an alternative method for fixation in the lumbar spine in patients with osteoporosis. An accuracy CBT screw placement could improve mechanical stability and reduce complication rates. Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the accuracy of cortical screw placement with the application of implanted spinous process clip (SPC) guide. Methods and materials Four lumbar specimens with T12-S1 were used to access the accuracy of the cortical screw. The SPC-guided planning screws were compared to the actual inserted screws by superimposing the vertebrae and screws preoperative and postoperative CT scans. According to preoperative planning, the SPC guide was adjusted to the appropriate posture to allow the K-wire drilling along the planned trajectory. Pre and postoperative 3D-CT reconstructions was used to evaluate the screw accuracy according to Gertzbein and Robbins classification. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland–Altman plots were used to examine SPC-guided agreements for CBT screw placement. Results A total of 48 screws were documented in the study. Clinically acceptable trajectory (grades A and B) was accessed in 100% of 48 screws in the planning screws group, and 93.8% of 48 screws in the inserted screws group (p = 0.242). The incidence of proximal facet joint violation (FJV) in the planning screws group (2.1%) was comparable to the inserted screws group (6.3%) (p = 0.617). The lateral angle and cranial angle of the planned screws (9.2 ± 1.8° and 22.8 ± 5.6°) were similar to inserted screws (9.1 ± 1.7° and 23.0 ± 5.1°, p = 0.662 and p = 0.760). Reliability evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman showed good consistency in cranial angle and excellent results in lateral angle and distance of screw tip. Conclusions Compared with preoperative planning screws and the actually inserted screws, the SPC guide could achieve reliable execution for cortical screw placement.

Composites ‘salt in porous matrix’ has been considered as a promising candidate for thermal energy storage due to their large sorption capacity, energy density and high cyclic stability. In this study, novel salt composites were prepared by using different mesoporous silica with large pore size and pore volume as the porous matrices and MgSO4 via impregnation method. The results demonstrated that both MgSO4 loading level and textural properties of the porous matrices played a critical role in determining tha vapour pressure ofe water adsorption performance of salt composites. Tested at 30 °C and a vapour pressure of 25 mbar, salt composites prepared by using mesostructured cellular foam (MCF) with 3D-interconnected porous structure exhibited excellent water adsorption capacity of 50 wt% at MgSO4 loading level of 50 wt%, which was much higher than that of commercial PQ Silica. Further characterization showed that the 3D-interconnected porous structure and large pore size of MCF benefited the dispersion of salt and the reduced diffusion resistance of vapour flux inside the pores, which could effectively improve the water adsorption capacity and hydration/dehydration rate of salt composites. All the results indicated that the novel composites are expected to be a promising candidate for low temperature energy storage.

Summarizes Weissiella spp. including the isolation and identification, biological properties, acid tolerance, bacterial inhibition, extracellular polysaccharide production, probiotic properties, histological studies, and food and pharmaceutical applications, and provides suggestions for the development and utilization of Weissiella spp.

According to the United Nations trade policy review documents, notifications, comments, special trade concerns and official authoritative research reports, the Bangladesh agricultural food product quality and safety regulatory bodies, laws and regulations, standard system, and other aspects were reviewed. It was suggested that Chinese export enterprises take advantage of local agricultural food products to actively explore the import and export trade market between China and Bangladesh. Moreover, Chinese regulators should be followed Bangladesh agricultural food products regulatory system changes, to further strengthen the assistance of agricultural and food product safety system in Bangladesh. Functional advantages can better promote bilateral trade between the two countries.

Objective(s): The involvement of tetratricopeptide repeat domain 9A (TTC9A) in anxiety-like behaviors through estrogen action has been reported in female mice, this study further investigated its effects on social anxiety and aggressive behaviors.Materials and sMethods: Using female Ttc9a knockout (Ttc9a-/-) mice, the role of TTC9A in anxiety was investigated in non-social and social environments through home-cage emergence and social interaction tests, respectively, whereas aggressive behaviors were examined under the female intruder test. Results: We observed significant social behavioral deficits with pronounced social and non-social anxiogenic phenotypes in female Ttc9a-/- mice. When tested for aggressive-like behaviors, we found a reduction in offense in Ttc9a-/- animals, suggesting that TTC9A deficiency impairs the offense responses in female mice. Conclusion: Future study investigating mechanisms underlying the social anxiety-like behavioral changes in Ttc9a-/- mice may promote the understanding of social and anxiety disorders.

Background: Given that visual impairment is bi-directionally associated with depression, we examined whether transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES), a non-invasive treatment for visual disorders, can ameliorate depressive symptoms. Objective: The putative antidepressant-like effects of TES and the underlying mechanisms were investigated in an S334ter-line-3 rat model of retinal degeneration and a rat model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Methods: TES was administered daily for 1 week in S334ter-line-3 and CUS rats. The effects of TES on behavioral parameters, plasma corticosterone levels, and different aspects of neuroplasticity, including neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and apoptosis, were examined. Results: In S334ter-line-3 rats, TES induced anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behaviors in the cylinder, open field, home cage emergence, and forced swim tests. In the CUS rat model, TES induced hedonic-like behavior and decreased behavioral despair, which were accompanied by reduced plasma corticosterone levels and upregulated expression of neurogenesis-related genes. Treatment with the neurogenesis blocker temozolomide only inhibited the hedonic-like effect of TES, suggesting the antidepressant-like effects of TES were mediated through both neurogenesis-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Furthermore, TES was found to normalize the protein expression of synaptic markers and apoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein in the hippocampus and amygdala in the CUS rat model. The improvements in neuroplasticity may involve protein kinase B (AKT) and protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathways in the hippocampus and amygdala, respectively, as demonstrated by the altered pAKT/AKT and pPKA/PKA ratios. Conclusion: The overall findings suggest a possible neuroplasticity mechanism of the antidepressant-like effects of TES.

Abstract Study design Retrospective cohort study. Objective To compare the early radiographic adjacent segment degeneration (R-ASD) and regional lumbar sagittal alignment after midline lumbar interbody fusion (MIDLIF) with cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw fixation (CBT-MIDLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with the traditional pedicle screw fixation (PS-PLIF) during long-term follow-up. Methods All patients who underwent CBT-MIDLIF or PS-PLIF were identified by a retrospective consecutive case review. Radiographic parameters in cephalad adjacent segment (L3/4), including intervertebral space height (ISH), foraminal height (FH), foraminal width (FW), range of motion were assessed. Lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), L4–L5 Cobb angle, Cobb angle of the intervertebral space at L4–L5, and height of the anterior and posterior edges of the intervertebral space at L4–L5, were measured and compared on preoperative, postoperative, and 3-year follow-up radiographic evaluation. Results Seventy-four patients underwent CBT-MIDLIF (CBT-MIDLIF group) and 114 patients underwent conventional PS-PLIF (PS-PLIF group). ISH, FH and FW were significantly smaller at 6-month follow-up than before operation with PS-PLIF (p 0.05). At the last follow-up, the changes in cephalad R-ASD parameters were more remarkable after PS-PLIF than after CBT-MIDLIF (p

Abstract Objective To compare the safety and accuracy of cortical bone trajectory screw placement between the robot-assisted and fluoroscopy-assisted approaches. Methods This retrospective study was conducted between November 2018 and June 2020, including 81 patients who underwent cortical bone trajectory (CBT) surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease. CBT was performed by the same team of experienced surgeons. The patients were randomly divided into two groups—the fluoroscopy-assisted group (FA, 44 patients) and the robot-assisted group (RA, 37 patients). Robots for orthopedic surgery were used in the robot-assisted group, whereas conventional fluoroscopy-guided screw placement was used in the fluoroscopy-assisted group. The accuracy of screw placement and rate of superior facet joint violation were assessed using postoperative computed tomography (CT). The time of single screw placement, intraoperative blood loss, and radiation exposure to the surgical team were also recorded. The χ2 test and Student’s t-test were used to analyze the significance of the variables (P

Obesity is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease associated with cognitive dysfunction, including Alzheimer’s disease. Low-grade inflammation is common in obesity, but the mechanism between inflammation and cognitive impairment in obesity is unclear. Accumulative evidence shows that quinolinic acid (QA), a neuroinflammatory neurotoxin, is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative processes. We investigated the role of QA in obesity-induced cognitive impairment and the beneficial effect of butyrate in counteracting impairments of cognition, neural morphology, and signaling. We show that in human obesity, there was a negative relationship between serum QA levels and cognitive function and decreased cortical gray matter. Diet-induced obese mice had increased QA levels in the cortex associated with cognitive impairment. At single-cell resolution, we confirmed that QA impaired neurons, altered the dendritic spine’s intracellular signal, and reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Using Caenorhabditis elegans models, QA induced dopaminergic and glutamatergic neuron lesions. Importantly, the gut microbiota metabolite butyrate was able to counteract those alterations, including cognitive impairment, neuronal spine loss, and BDNF reduction in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Finally, we show that butyrate prevented QA-induced BDNF reductions by epigenetic enhancement of H3K18ac at BDNF promoters. These findings suggest that increased QA is associated with cognitive decline in obesity and that butyrate alleviates neurodegeneration.

After proposing the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality target, China further proposed a series of specific carbon emission growth limit sub-targets. How to decarbonize the energy system to ensure the realization of the carbon growth limit sub-targets is a meaningful topic. At present, generation expansion planning of renewable energy in integrated energy systems has been well studied. However, few of the existing studies consider specific carbon emission growth targets. To address this research gap, a two-stage robust generation expansion planning framework for regional integrated energy systems with carbon growth constraints is proposed in this paper, which takes into account multiple uncertainties. In this framework, the objective function is to minimize the total operation cost and wind turbine investment cost. The first stage is the decision-making level of the wind turbine capacity configuration scheme. The second stage is the optimal economic dispatching in the worst-case scenario, which is a bi-level problem of max-min form. Thus, the two-stage robust optimization framework constitutes a problem of min-max-min form, which is pretty hard to solve directly with a commercial solver. Therefore, a nested column-and-constraint generation algorithm is adopted and nested iterations are performed to solve the complex problem. Finally, case studies are carried out on a regional electric-gas integrated energy system. The MATLAB/YALMIP simulation platform with the Gurobi solver is used to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed framework. Compared with other four cases, 5,000 Monte Carlo scheduling tests demonstrate that the proposed framework can ensure the system carbon emission to be controlled within a certain limit even in the worst scenario. Due to the consideration of multiple uncertainties, the proposed framework planning results are both robust and economical for investment. This study can provide theoretical support for the actual regional integrated energy system to achieve a certain carbon growth target.

Background: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) has been employed in the treatment of allergic diseases for many years. However, the effectiveness of AIT requires improvement. Substance P (SP) can interact with immune cells, modulate immune cell activity, and regulate immune reaction. The purpose of this study is to use SP as an immune regulator to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of AIT. Methods: An established mouse model of the airway allergy disorder (AAD) was employed with ovalbumin as a specific antigen. The AAD response was evaluated through established procedures. AAD mice were treated with AIT employing SP as an immune regulator. Dendritic cells were isolated from the airway tissues by magnetic cell sorting, and were analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNAseq). Results: We observed that after sensitization with ovalbumin, mice exhibited AAD-like symptoms, serum specific IgE, and Th2 polarization. The presence of SP in the course of sensitization prevented the development of AAD. Treating mice with SP by nasal instillations induced IL-10, but not TGF-β, in dendritic cells of the airway tissues. The most differentially expressed genes (DEG) in the dendritic cells were those related to the IL-10 expression, including Il10, Tac1r, and Mtor. The gene ontology analysis showed that these DEGs mainly mapped to the tachykinin-PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. The addition of SP substantially enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of AIT for AAD by inducing antigen specific type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1 cells). Conclusion: Acting as an immune regulator, SP promotes the therapeutic efficacy for AAD by inducing antigen specific Tr1 cells in the airway tissues.

Testicular endothelial cells have been found to play an important role in spermatogenesis and fertility, but their mechanism is obscure. Exosomes released by various cells are recognized as cell–cell communication mediators during the initiation and progression of many diseases. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the protein and miRNA components of human testicular endothelial cell-derived exosomes (HTEC-Exos) and to explore their potential effects on spermatogenesis. In this study, HTEC-Exos were first isolated by the ultracentrifugation method, and then identified by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and western blotting. The characteristics of HTEC-Exos were examined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and microRNA (miRNA) chip analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the potential role of the exosomal content on spermatogenesis. A total of 945 proteins were identified, 11 of which were closely related to spermatogenesis. A total of 2578 miRNAs were identified. Among them, 30 miRNAs demonstrated potential associations with male reproductive disorders, such as azoospermia, and spermatogenesis disorders. In particular, 11 out of these 30 miRNAs have been proven to be involved in spermatogenesis based on available evidence. This study provides a global view of the proteins and miRNAs from HTEC-Exos, suggesting that HTEC-Exos may function as potential effectors during the process of spermatogenesis.

Moisture is the basis of CO2 transport and carbonation reactions in the internal pores of cement-based materials. Too much or too little moisture influences the effect of the carbonation modification of CO2 on recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). During the carbonation reaction process of RCA, moisture is mainly derived from the environmental relative humidity (RH) and the initial water content (IWC) of the RCA itself. According to the available literature, most of the studies on the effect of moisture on the carbonation modification of RCA considered either RH or IWC. Further investigations of the synergistic effects of RH and IWC on the improvement in the properties of carbonated recycled concrete aggregate (CRCA) are needed. In this study, accelerated carbonation experiments were conducted for RCA samples with different IWCs under different environmental RHs. The results showed that the best moisture conditions for CRCA property improvement were confirmed as RH = 70% for the dry-state IWC and RH = 50% for the saturated-state IWC. When the RCAs were carbonized under the conditions of high RH with low IWC and low RH with high IWC, CO2 had good abilities to permeate and diffuse, with the improvement in CRCA properties achieving excellent levels of performance.

ObjectivesThe optimized enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients has not been comprehensively described. The purpose of the study was to explore the feasibility and efficacy of an integral process of ERAS protocol in posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery for AIS patients without three-column osteotomy.MethodsBased on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 90 AIS patients who underwent PSF were enrolled in the study. Forty-five patients followed a traditional pathway (TP) perioperative care and 45 were treated with an ERAS protocol designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team. Patient demographic, clinical information, surgical data, and radiographic parameters were collected and analyzed retrospectively.ResultsThere is no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, preoperative hemoglobin level, Cobb angle, curve type, average correction rate, fusion segments, and screw number between ERAS group and TP group. Regarding the estimated blood loss (EBL), surgical duration, pain intensity, drainage duration, drainage volume, first ambulation time, postoperative length of stay (LOS), and the incidence of blood transfusion, they were significantly less in ERAS group than those of TP group.ConclusionsBased on our findings, we found that the implementation of a standard ERAS protocol in AIS correction surgery could result in less EBL, lower pain intensity, early ambulation, shorter LOS, and rapid rehabilitation. We recommend the widespread adoption of ERAS protocols in AIS surgery.

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between paraspinal lean muscle mass and adjacent vertebral compression fracture (AVCF) after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).MethodsThe data of 272 patients who underwent two consecutive single-level PKP in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were collected. 42 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected as AVCF group, and 42 propensity score-matched patients were selected as control group. There were 10 males and 32 females in each group; the ages were 75.55 ± 5.76 years and 75.60 ± 5.87 years, respectively. All patients underwent preoperative lumbar MRI. The total cross-sectional area (CSA), functional cross-sectional area (FCSA), cross-sectional area of vertebra index (CSA-VI), functional cross-sectional area of vertebra index (FCSA-VI) of the multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), psoas (PS), and paravertebral muscles (PVM) were measured. Other related parameters included preoperative bone mineral density (BMD), kyphotic angle (KA), anterior-to-posterior body height ratio (AP ratio), vertebral height restoration, and cement leakage into the disc. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find independent risk factors for AVCF using the parameters that were statistically significant in univariate analysis.ResultsAt L3 and L4 levels, the mean CSA, FCSA, and FCSA-VI of MF, ES, PVM and PS were significantly lower in the AVCF group. DeLong test indicated that the AUC of ES (0.806 vs. 0.900) and PVM (0.861 vs. 0.941) of FCSA-VI at L4 level were significantly greater than L3 level. In the AVCF group, patients had a significantly lower BMD (93.55 ± 14.99 HU vs. 106.31 ± 10.95 HU), a greater preoperative KA (16.02° ± 17.36° vs. 12.87° ± 6.58°), and a greater vertebral height restoration rate (20.4% ± 8.1% vs. 16.4% ± 10.0%, p = 0.026). Logistic regression analysis showed that PVM with lower FCSA-VI at L4 level (OR 0.830; 95% CI 0.760–0.906) and lower BMD (OR 0.928; 95% CI 0.891–0.966) were independent risk factors for AVCF after PKP.ConclusionsLow paraspinal lean muscle mass is an independent risk factor for AVCF after PKP. Surgeons should pay attention to evaluate the status of paraspinal muscle preoperatively. Postoperative reasonable nutrition, standardized anti-osteoporosis treatment, and back muscle exercise could reduce the incidence of AVCF.

Demand-side energy storage is an important foundation for enhancing load flexibility to accommodate renewable energy. With the widespread adoption of renewable energy, demand-side energy storage planning, and its incentive mechanism have also attracted the attention of a large number of scholars. However, there are still few studies on incentives from a carbon perspective. To fill the gap, a dynamic carbon incentive mechanism is proposed in this study. In addition, a hierarchical two-stage robust planning model for demand-side energy storage that incorporates the proposed carbon incentive mechanism is developed. At the first level, the economic dispatch is performed, and bus carbon intensities are calculated based on the carbon emission flow theory. The second level is a two-stage robust planning model to obtain the optimal capacities of demand-side energy storage, which is solved based on the nested column and constraint generation algorithm. The proposed model is implemented and evaluated on the MATLAB/YALMIP platform using IEEE 24-bus power systems. The results validate the efficacy of the model in promoting carbon-oriented demand-side energy storage planning, leading to a substantial reduction of carbon emissions by 8.44%. Notably, when compared to existing incentive mechanisms, the proposed carbon incentive mechanism exhibits distinct advantages in achieving carbon reduction with less both subsidy costs and fixed investments.

In the trend of power system decarbonization, wind power and energy storage planning studies are in full swing. Incentives for wind power and energy storage development are important research topics. However, most studies have proposed incentives from an energy perspective, and few focus directly on incentives from a carbon perspective. To this end, this paper proposes a novel unified bus carbon intensity incentive mechanism from the carbon perspective. A two-stage Stackelberg game wind storage planning model that considers the proposed carbon incentive mechanism is constructed. In the first stage, the carbon flow of the entire system is obtained following economic dispatch based on the carbon emission flow theory. In the second stage, a Stackelberg game wind-storage planning model is constructed to model the game between the power generation company and the power grid company. Through simulation analyses of these cases, the proposed incentive mechanism can effectively guide the construction of wind turbines and energy storage at the best buses. Additionally, by comparing the proposed incentive with the existing incentive mechanisms, this paper finds that the proposed incentive mechanism can achieve a higher carbon reduction effect with a similar total investment in wind turbines and energy storage.

BackgroundThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in China. Depression in patients with T2DM interferes with blood glucose management, leads to poor treatment outcomes, and has a high risk of dementia and cardiovascular event. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of depression in patients with T2DM in China and explore potential risk factors associated with depression in T2DM.MethodsWe conducted a literature search in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and the Wanfang Database from their inception to February 25, 2022 to include population-based, cross-sectional surveys that investigated the prevalence of depression in Chinese T2DM patients and studied possible risk factors. Gray literature and reference lists were also manually searched. We used the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality methodology checklist to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Two reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias independently. The primary outcome was the pooled prevalence of depression in Chinese T2DM patients, and the secondary outcomes included potential risk factors for depression in T2DM patients. R (version 3.6.1) and Stata (version 12.0) software were used for data synthesis.ResultsWe included 48 reports that identified 108,678 subjects. Among the included reports, 4 were rated as low risk of bias, 40 moderate risks of bias, and 4 high risks of bias. The prevalence of depression in T2DM patients in China was 25.9% (95% CI 20.6%−31.6%). The prevalence of depression was higher in women (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.19–1.54), subjects ≥60 years (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.14–2.14), with a primary school or lower education (vs. middle or high school education (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.16 – 1.92); vs. college degree or higher education (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.16 – 2.92), with a duration of T2DM ≥ 10 years (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.11–2.54), with complications (OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.53–2.36), insulin users (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.09–1.96) and individuals living alone (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.71–2.98). T2DM patients with current alcohol use had a lower prevalence of depression (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.58–0.86). Prevalence varied from 0.8 to 52.6% according to different instruments used to detect depression.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression in T2DM patients is remarkable in China. Potential risk factors of depression in T2DM patients included women, age ≥ 60 years, low educational level, complications, duration of diabetes ≥ 10 years, insulin use, and living alone. High-quality epidemiological investigations on the prevalence of depression in Chinese T2DM patients are needed to better understand the status of depression in T2DM.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42020182979.

Drilling has demonstrated that oil can be produced from the lacustrine shale in the upper part of the fourth member of the Shahejie Formation (Es4s) in Dongying Depression. These wells are often drilled in multiple lithofacies combinations, rather than a single lithofacies. Thus, it is necessary to classify the shale lithofacies combinations to optimize favorable exploration targets. The basic characteristics of carbonate mineral-rich shales in the Es4s were determined by core description, optical microscopy of thin sections, mineral analysis by X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope analysis of argon ion-polished samples, combined with organic geochemical analysis and reservoir property analysis. The depositional setting was determined, and the lithofacies combinations of the shale were divided based on the depositional setting and vertical changes in lithofacies combination. Lithofacies combinations include 1) laminated argillaceous limestone interbedded with the calcareous mudstone (LLM); 2) laminated argillaceous limestone interbedded with dolomite (LLD); and 3) calcareous mudstone intercalated with argillaceous limestone (BML). LLM formed in a semi-humid climate, with limited detrital provenance, while LLD was mainly the product of an arid climate, little detrital input, semi-deep water, and a strongly reducing saltwater environment. In addition to the basal strata in the center of the depression, the LLD lithofacies combination was also widely developed on the gentle slope and the slope area transitional to deep depression in the south of the basin. BML was mainly formed in a semi-humid climate, brackish, deep water, and a reducing environment with many detrital provenances. The porosity in LLM and LLD consists of various types. Intercrystalline pores in clay minerals, intercrystalline pores and dissolution pores in carbonate minerals, interbedded fractures, and ultra-pressure fractures are well developed. The pore width distribution range of both LLM and LLD is large. The porosity of LLM is slightly higher than that of LLD. Interlayers with higher dolomite content have higher permeability. The types of pores in BML with no significant laminae characteristics are less abundant, and it is difficult to form an effective reservoir porosity network from the pores and microfractures, and hence, the reservoir physical properties are relatively poor. Oil saturation index indicates that both LLD and LLM of medium–low degree of evolution have good oil content.

Abstract Eliminating primary tumor (“roots”) and inhibiting associated‐circulating tumor cells (associated‐CTCs, “seeds”) are vital issues that need to be urgently addressed in cancer therapy. Associated‐CTCs, which include single CTCs, CTC clusters, and CTC–neutrophil clusters, are essential executors in metastasis and the cause of metastasis‐related death in cancer patients. Herein, a “roots and seeds” multipoint costriking nanodevice (GV‐Lipo/sorafenib (SF)/digitoxin (DT)) is developed to eliminate primary tumors and inhibit the spread of associated‐CTCs for enhancing metastasis inhibition and the therapeutic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). GV‐Lipo/SF/DT eliminates primary tumor cells by the action of SF, thus reducing CTC production at the roots and improving the therapeutic effect on HCC. GV‐Lipo/SF/DT inhibits associated‐CTCs effectively via the enhanced identification and capture effects of glypican‐3 and/or vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) targeting, dissociating CTC clusters using DT, blocking the formation of CTC–neutrophil clusters using anti‐VCAM1 monoclonal antibody, and killing CTCs with SF. It is successfully verified that GV‐Lipo/SF/DT increases the CTC elimination efficiency in vivo, thus effectively preventing metastasis, and shows enhanced antitumor efficacy in both an H22‐bearing tumor model and orthotopic HCC models. Overall, the “roots and seeds” multipoint costriking strategy may open a new cancer treatment model for the clinic.

The wharf, which was built in the Three Gorges Reservoir of China, is constructed as a layered frame-type structure for adapting to large water level fluctuations that exceed 30 m. These large fluctuations cause the frame-type structure to exhibit a considerably higher number of load case combinations than traditional marine high-piled wharfs. To estimate the most adverse combined internal force and the corresponding unfavourable load case combinations of significant components for multilayered frame-type wharf structures in the Three Gorges Reservoir of China, a high-efficiency algorithm is developed in this study. This algorithm can skilfully transform the computational mode of load case combinations into a matrix operations process by computer programming. By applying the proposed algorithm, the number of load case combinations for eight significant components of frame-type wharf, including piles, columns, beams, braces and berthing components, are resolved to a total of 21 from the original quantity of more than six billion. This high-efficiency algorithm can provide powerful technical support for evaluating the bearing capability of multilayered frame-type wharfs in the Three Gorges Reservoir of China.

X-band weather radar can provide high spatial and temporal resolution data, which is essential to precipitation observation and prediction of mesoscale and microscale weather. However, X-band weather radar is susceptible to precipitation attenuation. This paper presents an X-band attenuation correction method based on the light gradient machine (LightGBM) algorithm (the XACL method), then compares it with the ZH correction method and the ZH-KDP comprehensive correction method. The XACL method was validated using observations from two radars in July 2021, the X-band dual-polarization weather radar at the Shouxian National Climatology Observatory of China (SNCOC), and the S-band dual-polarization weather radar at Hefei. During the rainfall cases on July 2021, the results of the attenuation correction were used for precipitation estimation and verified with the rainfall data from 1204 automatic ground-based meteorological network stations in Anhui Province, China. We found that the XACL method produced a significant correction effect and reduced the anomalous correction phenomenon of the comparison methods. The results show that the average error in precipitation estimation by the XACL method was reduced by 39.88% over 1204 meteorological stations, which is better than the effect of the other two correction methods. Thus, the XACL method proved good local adaptability and provided a new X-band attenuation correction scheme.

Nanosize titanium carbide (TiC) particles were fabricated by microwave heating at 1100 °C for 10 min using carbon and tetrabutyl titanate as raw materials. The as-sintered precursor was prepared using the sol-gel method. The phase composition, morphology and microwave heating behavior of the heated products were investigated. It was found that TiC particles can be synthesized in a closed capsule of SiO _2 with the combined action of high temperature and gaseous products. TiC particles with an average diameter of 50 nm can be synthesized through microwave heating at 1100 °C for 10 min. Higher temperature and longer holding time would lead to re-oxidation and the coalescence of as-formed TiC products. This work demonstrates that this rapid and low-temperature preparation method of nanosize TiC particles has potential application for industrial production.

Methanol crossover is an important factor affecting the performance of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). In this work, a novel membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is designed and prepared by adding a layer of graphene aerogel (GA) between the carbon powder microporous layer and the catalytic layer, which optimizes the methanol transport and improves the output performance of DMFC at high methanol concentrations. Compared to conventional carbon powder, the addition of GA increases the tortuosity of the anode in the through-plane direction; hence, methanol is diluted to a suitable concentration when it reaches the catalyst. The maximum power density of the novel MEA can reach 27.4 mW·cm−2 at a condition of 8 M methanol, which is 234% higher than that of the conventional electrode. The test results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicate that the addition of GA does not increase the internal resistance of the novel MEA and that the mass transfer resistance at high concentrations is significantly lower. The experimental results indicate that the output performance at high concentration can be significantly improved by adding a GA layer, and its practicability in portable devices can be improved. It also improves the stability of DMFC under long-term testing.

Transition metal carbides (TMCs) are a class of materialswith excellent dielectric properties and thermal stability, which exhibit enormous potential in high temperature electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA). However, the high dielectric constant and electrical conductivity of TMCs usually cause impedance mismatch, and their high density also prevents further practical applications. To solve these problems, the lightweight and impedance matching NbC nanowires (NbCnws) were prepared by using bamboo powder as a carbon source and subsequent carbothermal reduction reaction process. The as-synthesized NbCnws all exhibit a low density of 0.23 g/cm³ and superior EMA performance. It is worth noting that the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of the sample is -43.03 dB at 5.92 GHz and the corresponding matching thickness is only 3.7 mm when sintering temperature is 1500°C. The excellent electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA) performance is attributed to good impedance matching and strong dielectric loss. This research work provides a prospect for the development and utilization of one-dimensional TMC materials in the field of microwave absorption materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]