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Background and purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of preoperative versus intraoperative tirofiban in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) due to large artery atherosclerosis (LAA). Methods: This is a retrospective multicenter cohort study based on the RESCUE‐RE (Registration Study for Critical Care of Acute Ischemic Stroke After Recanalization) trial enrolling patients with anterior circulation LVO classified as LAA within 24 h of onset. Patients were divided into three groups: preoperative tirofiban (PT), intraoperative tirofiban (IT), and no tirofiban (NT). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics. The efficacy outcomes included 90‐day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score = 0–2) and early partial recanalization (EPR; defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score = 1–2a). The safety outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Results: A total of 104 matched triplets were obtained through PSM. Compared with NT, PT increased 90‐day functional independence (60.8% vs. 42.3%, p = 0.008) and EPR (42.7% vs. 18.3%, p < 0.001) rate, with a tendency to increase the asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aICH) proportion (28.8% vs. 18.3%, p = 0.072). Compared with IT, PT had a higher 90‐day functional independence (60.8% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.025) and EPR (42.7% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.001) rate, with no significant difference in sICH (14.4% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.122) and aICH (28.8% vs. 21.2%, p = 0.200). Compared with NT, IT had a lower 90‐day mortality rate (9.6% vs. 24.0%, p = 0.005). Conclusions: Tirofiban shows good adjuvant therapy potential in acute ischemic stroke–LVO due to LAA patients. PT is associated with higher rates of EPR and better therapeutic efficacy. In addition, EPR may be a potential way to improve prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and prurigo nodularis (PN) are chronic dermatological conditions marked by severe itching and the presence of eczematous lesions such as papules and nodules. Both diseases can pose significant physical and psychological harm, leading to poor quality of life. Notably, AD and PN were clinically linked in the past, with suggestions by researchers that PN might be a distinct clinical phenotype of AD. However, the extent of their relationship had not been fully quantified until our recent investigations. Through a meticulous systematic review and meta‐analysis adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we extensively searched databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, up to February 18, 2024. Our random effects meta‐analysis presented a strikingly increased risk of AD in patients suffering from PN as opposed to control groups (pooled unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 16.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.13–46.31; I2 = 100%). Correspondingly, an elevated prevalence of PN was identified in subjects with AD (2.00%; 95% CI, 1.62–2.37%). These findings underscore the close association between AD and PN, suggesting a multifaceted overlap and potential bi‐directionality in developing these skin conditions. However, further comprehensive studies are essential to validate these associations and understand their precise clinical implications, with the ultimate goal of refining patient management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Terpene synthases (TPSs) are key enzymes in terpenoids synthesis of plants and play crucial roles in regulating plant defence against pests and diseases. Here, we report the functional characterization of OsTPS19 and OsTPS20, which were upregulated by the attack of brown planthopper (BPH). BPH female adults performed concentration‐dependent behavioural responses to (S)‐limonene showing preference behaviour at low concentrations and avoidance behaviour at high concentrations. Overexpression lines of OsTPS19 and OsTPS20, which emitted higher amounts of the monoterpene (S)‐limonene, decreased the hatching rate of BPH eggs, reduced the lesion length of sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani and bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae. While knockout lines of OsTPS19 and OsTPS20, which emitted lower amounts of (S)‐limonene, were more susceptible to these pathogens. Overexpression of OsTPS19 and OsTPS20 in rice plants had adverse effects on the incidence of BPH, rice blast, and sheath blight in the field and had no significant impacts on rice yield traits. OsTPS19 and OsTPS20 were found to be involved in fine‐tuning the emission of (S)‐limonene in rice plants and play an important role in defence against both BPH and rice pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several borehole cores intersecting faults related to coseismic slip display high‐temperature features, including thermal decomposition of fault gouge. We present evidence that these features may be related to fluid drainage of the slip zone during seismic slip. We sheared water‐saturated kaolinite powders under both fluid drained and undrained conditions, expected for seismic slip at shallow crustal depths. Our results show typical dynamic weakening behavior regardless of conditions. Under fluid drained condition, restrengthening accompanied by the thermal decomposition of kaolinite occurs. In addition, thermal decomposition of kaolinite tends to be initiated at high normal stresses (>5 MPa) with short displacement (<5 m). We propose that thermal pressurization acts as a weakening mechanism but ceases because of fluid drainage, triggering kaolinite thermal decomposition. This finding explains seismic‐slip‐related clay anomalies at depth rather than at the surface, as observed in the borehole after the 1999 Mw 7.6 Chi‐Chi earthquake, Taiwan. Plain Language Summary: Seismic faulting at depth can drive thermochemical reactions within the slip zone, given the high slip velocity and large displacement. Several slip‐zone samples from deep drilling projects following catastrophic earthquakes have exhibited high‐temperature geological characteristics, which were not present in fault zone outcrops hosting surface ruptures. We sheared kaolinite (as an analogue of fault zone materials) under both fluid drained and undrained conditions, simulating conditions expected during seismic slip at borehole depths. Our results show that, regardless of the applied conditions, the materials tend to weaken dramatically during shearing. However, when fluids are allowed to drain from the slip zone, there is a subsequent strengthening accompanied by the thermal decomposition of kaolinite. We suggest that thermal pressurization operates as the weakening mechanism but is ceased due to fluid drainage, resulting in the thermal decomposition of kaolinite gouges. In addition, the thermal decomposition of kaolinite tends to be triggered at large normal stresses. Because kaolinite is a common component in both fault zones and subduction zones at shallow depths, our findings have potential implications for reported thermally driven reactions within slip zones as a potential seismic indicator at shallow crustal depths. Key Points: Thermal pressurization operates as the dynamic weakening mechanism during experimental seismic slip regardless of the ambient conditionsThermal pressurization ceases because of fluid drainage and is followed by kaolinite thermal decompositionThermal decomposition of kaolinite tends to be initiated at large normal stresses in the seismic slip range [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug resistance after long‐term use of Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has become an obstacle for prolonging the survival time of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Here, genome‐wide CRISPR‐based screening to reveal that HDAC8 is involved in decreasing the sensitivity of ccRCC cells to sunitinib is applied. Mechanically, HDAC8 deacetylated ETS1 at the K245 site to promote the interaction between ETS1 and HIF‐2α and enhance the transcriptional activity of the ETS1/HIF‐2α complex. However, the antitumor effect of inhibiting HDAC8 on sensitized TKI is not very satisfactory. Subsequently, inhibition of HDAC8 increased the expression of NEK1, and up‐regulated NEK1 phosphorylated ETS1 at the T241 site to promote the interaction between ETS1 and HIF‐2α by impeded acetylation at ETS1‐K245 site is showed. Moreover, TKI treatment increased the expression of HDAC8 by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation in ccRCC cells is also found. These 2 findings highlight a potential mechanism of acquired resistance to TKIs and HDAC8 inhibitors in ccRCC. Finally, HDAC8‐in‐PROTACs to optimize the effects of HDAC8 inhibitors through degrading HDAC8 and overcoming the resistance of ccRCC to TKIs are synthesized. Collectively, the results revealed HDAC8 as a potential therapeutic candidate for resistance to ccRCC‐targeted therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising global temperatures and critical energy shortages have spurred researches into CO2 fixation and conversion within the realm of energy storage such as Zn−CO2 batteries. However, traditional Zn−CO2 batteries employ double‐compartment electrolytic cells with separate carriers for catholytes and anolytes, diverging from the "rocking chair" battery mechanism. The specific energy of these conventional batteries is constrained by the solubility of discharge reactants/products in the electrolyte. Additionally, H2O molecules tend to trigger parasitic reactions at the electrolyte/electrode interfaces, undermining the long‐term stability of Zn anodes. In this report, we introduce an innovative "rocking chair" type Zn−CO2 battery that utilizes a weak‐acidic zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate aqueous electrolyte compatible with both cathode and anode. This design minimizes side reactions on the Zn surface and leverages the high catalytic activity of the cathode material, allowing the battery to achieve a substantial discharge capacity of 6734 mAh g−1 and maintain performance over 65 cycles. Moreover, the successful production of pouch cells demonstrates the practical applicability of Zn−CO2 batteries. Electrode characterizations confirm superior electrochemical reversibility, facilitated by solid discharge products of ZnCO3 and C. This work advances a "rocking chair" Zn−CO2 battery with an enhanced specific energy and a reversible pathway, providing a foundation for developing high‐performance metal‐CO2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent need to fully understand the biology of third generation EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs), particularly osimertinib, and to develop mechanism‐driven strategies to manage their acquired resistance. Transient receptor potential melastatin‐2 (TRPM2) functions as an important regulator of Ca2+ influx, but its role in mediating therapeutic efficacies of EGFR‐TKIs and acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs has been rarely studied. This study has demonstrated a previously undiscovered role of suppression of TRPM2 and subsequent inhibition of Ca2+ influx and induction of ROS and DNA damage in mediating apoptosis induction and the therapeutic efficacy of osimertinib against EGFR mutant NSCLC. The rebound elevation represents a key mechanism accounting for the emergence of acquired resistance to osimertinib and other third generation EGFR‐TKIs. Accordingly, targeting TRPM2 is a potentially promising strategy for overcoming and preventing acquired resistance to osimertinib, warranting further study in this direction including the development of cancer therapy‐optimized TRPM2 inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: In this paper, the difunctionalizative perfluoroalkyloximation of alkenes has been developed for the first time. This photochemical method allows for the synthesis of various perfluoroalkyl ethanone oximes with excellent regioselectivity and good functional group tolerance. Our method employs the most common perfluoroalkyl source, perfluoroalkyl iodides, as Rf reagents. Besides long‐chain perfluoroalkyl groups, this approach could be extended to incorporating additional groups, including trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, sulfonyl, and malonate, selectively into olefins, resulting in a range of β‐substituted ethanone oximes. Notably, the potential of this method in the Fukuyama indole synthesis, generating novel 2‐perfluoroalkylated 3‐(α‐oximidobenzyl)indoles via a radical cascade mechanism with 2‐vinylphenylacryloyl isocyanate as the radical acceptor, presents a compelling avenue for drug synthesis. The protocol is efficient, scalable, and useful for late‐stage modification of bioactive molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we propose a regional functionalization molecular design strategy that enables independent control of distinct pivotal parameters through different molecule segments. Three novel multiple resonances thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) emitters A‐BN, DA‐BN, and A‐DBN, have been successfully synthesized by integrating highly rigid and three‐dimensional adamantane‐containing spirofluorene units into the MR framework. These molecules form two distinctive functional parts: part 1 comprises a boron‐nitrogen (BN)‐MR framework with adjacent benzene and fluorene units forming a central luminescent core characterized by an exceptionally rigid planar geometry, allowing for narrow FWHM values; part 2 includes peripheral mesitylene, benzene, and adamantyl groups, creating a unique three‐dimensional "umbrella‐like" conformation to mitigate intermolecular interactions and suppress exciton annihilation. The resulting A‐BN, DA‐BN, and A‐DBN exhibit remarkably narrow FWHM values ranging from 18 to 14 nm and near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yields. Particularly, OLEDs based on DA‐BN and A‐DBN demonstrate outstanding efficiencies of 35.0 % and 34.3 %, with FWHM values as low as 22 nm and 25 nm, respectively, effectively accomplishing the integration of high color purity and high device performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION The present study explored the effects of pre‐harvest methyl jasmonates spraying on the volatiles of ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ grapes through the lipoxygenase pathway. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were utilized to analyze volatile metabolites and key enzyme activities following methyl jasmonates application. Total RNA extraction and cDNA library construction were followed by transcriptome sequencing.The application of 0.1 mmol L−1 methyl jasmonate and 5 mmol L−1 methyl dihydrojasmonate significantly increased the levels of C6 compounds in ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ berries, and also enhanced the utilization of unsaturated fatty acids as precursors in the lipoxygenase‐hydroperoxides lyase pathway. The up‐regulated expression of VvADH1, VvADH2, VvHPL and VvLOX2S genes led to modulations in enzyme activity, thereby enhancing the berries's aromatic profile. There was a significant correlation between linoleic and linolenic acids (i.e. the precursors of the lipoxygenase pathway) and the activities and metabolites of key enzymes.The optimal concentration of methyl jasmonates treatment favorably influences the accumulation of green leaf volatiles in ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ grape. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory responses play a central role in coordinating biomaterial‐mediated tissue regeneration. However, precise modulation of dynamic variations in microenvironmental inflammation post‐implantation remains challenging. In this study, the traditional β‐tricalcium phosphate‐based scaffold is remodeled via ultrathin MXene‐Ti3C2 decoration and Zn2+/Sr2+ ion‐substitution, endowing the scaffold with excellent reactive oxygen species‐scavenging ability, near‐infrared responsivity, and enhanced mechanical properties. The induction of mild hyperthermia around the implant via periodic near‐infrared irradiation facilitates spatiotemporal regulation of inflammatory cytokines secreted by a spectrum of macrophage phenotypes. The process initially amplifies the pro‐inflammatory response, then accelerates M1‐to‐M2 macrophage polarization transition, yielding a satisfactory pattern of osteo‐immunomodulation during the natural bone healing process. Later, sustained release of Zn2+/Sr2+ ions with gradual degradation of the 3D scaffold maintains the favorable reparative M2‐dominated immunological microenvironment that supports new bone mineralization. Precise temporal immunoregulation of the bone healing process by the intelligent 3D scaffold enhances bone regeneration in a rat cranial defect model. This strategy paves the way for the application of β‐tricalcium phosphate‐based materials to guide the dynamic inflammatory and bone tissue responses toward a favorable outcome, making clinical treatment more predictable and durable. The findings also demonstrate that near‐infrared irradiation‐derived mild hyperthermia is a promising method of immunomodulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional flow fields and gas diffusion layers (GDL) suffer from water flooding at the rib contact surface, resulting in mass transfer obstruction. Herein, an integrated component (i‐component) with tri‐part of the flow field, gas diffusion backing, and the microporous layer is prepared using the filter molding method to prevent flooding at the rib. The i‐component with micro‐tunnels is more compact than traditional fuel cells and has no distinct interface, significantly enhancing fuel cell performance, reducing mass transfer resistance, and improving water management. Remarkably, the mass transfer resistance of the i‐components is reduced by six times, accompanied by a 50% increase in power density (1.63 W cm−2) and a 146% surge in volume‐specific power (24 500 W L−1). Additionally, it exhibits excellent humidity tolerance in the relative humidity range of 30–100%. This method achieves large‐area i‐component (388 cm2) preparation in 0.5 h at 350 °C, which reduces time by dozens and energy consumption by over 100 times compared to the traditional method for preparing commercial GDL. The i‐component significantly enhances the mass transfer and water management capabilities of fuel cells. Hence, the i‐component provides new strategies for next‐generation fuel cells, water electrolysis, flow battery, carbon dioxide reduction, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realizing highly efficient organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on "hot exciton" emitters is crucial for the widespread use of purely organic electroluminescence. Herein, it is demonstrated that the radiative decay rate, modulated by molecular configuration, plays a vital role in determining the optoelectronic properties of hot exciton materials. The proof‐of‐concept isomers, TPA‐1IPCN and TPA‐3IPCN, and TPA‐1IANCN and TPA‐3IANCN are intentionally designed and successfully synthesized. By employing a novel donor–acceptor–acceptor (D–A'–A) molecular architecture, implementing a molecular isomerization strategy, incorporating diverse steric hindrance moieties, and strategically manipulating the positioning of functional groups, precise modulation of the molecular configuration can be achieved to enable accurate regulation of the radiative decay rate. Consequently, various optoelectronic properties, including photoluminescent wavelength, photoluminescence quantum yield, fluorescence lifetime, packing mode in aggregated state, and molecular horizontal dipole ratios in films, undergo significant modifications. As a result, non‐doped blue OLED based on TPA‐1IPCN exhibits outstanding maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 10.3% with minimal efficiency roll‐off—one of the highest reported values for blue OLEDs based on hot exciton materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing large‐scale monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem devices based on industrial Czochralski silicon wafers will likely have to adopt double‐side textured architecture, given their optical benefits and low manufacturing costs. However, the surface engineering strategies that are widely used in solution‐processed perovskites to regulate the interface properties are not directly applicable to micrometric textures. Here, we devise a surface passivation strategy by dynamic spray coating (DSC) fluorinated thiophenethylammonium ligands, combining the advantages of providing conformal coverage and suppressing phase conversion on textured surfaces. From the viewpoint of molecular engineering, theoretical calculation and experimental results demonstrate that introducing trifluoromethyl group provide more effective surface passivation through strong interaction and energy alignment by forming a dipole layer. Consequently, the DSC treatment of this bifunctional molecule enables the tandem cells based on industrial silicon wafers to achieve a certified stabilized power conversion efficiency of 30.89 %. In addition, encapsulated devices display excellent operational stability by retaining over 97 % of their initial performance after 600 h continuous illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This article delves into the adaptive heading tracking control of unmanned surface vehicle (USV) by incorporating an event‐triggered mechanism and signal quantization. The primary objective is to save communication resources while alleviating the burden of signal transmission. To address time‐varying external perturbations inherent in the control system, a disturbance observer is employed for precise estimation. Additionally, a linear model is introduced to delineate the procedure of quantization. By furnishing the controller with purpose‐designed quantized control input, the adaptive tracking control system can effectively track desired input without requiring any prior knowledge of the quantized parameters. The article substantiates its claims by demonstrating the system's stability in the absence of quantization considerations and the bounded nature of quantization errors through a series of presented lemmas. Further, the stability of the USV heading control system, integrated with an event‐triggered mechanism and signal quantization, is proofed in accordance with Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the proposed strategy's efficacy and practical applicability are validated through experimental simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On ensemble‐based coupled data assimilation, cross‐component parameter estimation (CPE), has not been as extensively developed and applied as weakly coupled state and parameter estimation along with cross‐component state estimation. This discrepancy is partially attributed to the lack of emphasis on the instantaneous response of coupled model states with respect to parameters across different components. We define so‐called response as the instantaneous parameter sensitivity (IPS). Under the framework of sequential assimilation, the prior information heavily relies on the IPS of coupled states with different time scales. Based on the IPS analysis for an intermediate coupled model, a series of twin experiments of state and parameter estimation are conducted, in which an IPS‐inspired adaptive inflation scheme for parameter ensemble is introduced. Results show that the success of a parameter estimation strategy is closely tied to the significant IPS of the observed state to the parameter targeted for optimization, as it maintains a high signal‐to‐noise ratio in the error covariance between parameter and prior state, thereby enhancing parameter estimation. An interesting finding in the context of IPS‐based CPE is: an atmospheric parameter can be successfully estimated by assimilating observations from slow‐varying oceanic component, but not vice versa. In comparison with cross‐component state estimation, successful CPE significantly enhances the estimation accuracy of coupled states by mitigating model bias. Plain Language Summary: The sequential data assimilation, exemplified by the ensemble‐based methods, focuses on adjusting model state and/or parameter instantaneously. Its underlying theoretical basis lies in the fact that random fluctuations characterize the Earth system in nature. Previous studies on ensemble‐based parameter estimation concentrated on the climatological response of state to parameter. However, this study emphasizes the instantaneous impact of parameter on state, denoted as the instantaneous parameter sensitivity (IPS), which is crucial for interpretating the feasibility of cross‐component parameter estimation (CPE) in the scope of strongly coupled data assimilation (CDA). Assimilating fast‐varying atmospheric observation has been employed to estimate slow‐varying oceanic state, but it cannot be taken for granted to optimize oceanic parameter. Conversely, assimilating oceanic observation can optimize atmospheric parameter and coupling coefficient since the ocean significantly responds to their direct modulation. The IPS serves as a tool for researchers to preliminarily assess the feasibility of CPE, representing a valuable advance particularly in the realm of strongly CDA. Key Points: The instantaneous parameter sensitivity plays a crucial role in interpreting the feasibility of ensemble‐based parameter estimationThe significant instantaneous response of model state to parameter maintains a high signal‐to‐noise ratio in their error covarianceAtmospheric parameter and coupling coefficient related to ocean‐atmosphere interaction can be optimized by assimilating oceanic observation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fundus photography (FP) is a crucial technique for diagnosing the progression of ocular and systemic diseases in clinical studies, with wide applications in early clinical screening and diagnosis. However, due to the nonuniform illumination and imbalanced intensity caused by various reasons, the quality of fundus images is often severely weakened, brings challenges for automated screening, analysis, and diagnosis of diseases. To resolve this problem, we developed strongly constrained generative adversarial networks (SCGAN). The results demonstrate that the quality of various datasets were more significantly enhanced based on SCGAN, simultaneously more effectively retaining tissue and vascular information under various experimental conditions. Furthermore, the clinical effectiveness and robustness of this model were validated by showing its improved ability in vascular segmentation as well as disease diagnosis. Our study provides a new comprehensive approach for FP and also possesses the potential capacity to advance artificial intelligence‐assisted ophthalmic examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal fibrosis (RF) is a typical pathological presentation of end‐stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, the precise regulatory mechanisms governing this re‐expression process remain unclear. Differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with RF were screened by microarray analysis using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The miRNAs upstream of the genes in question were predicted using the miRWalk database. The miRNAs involved in the two GEO data sets were intersected to identify key miRNAs; their regulatory pathways were investigated using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Subsequently, the effects and the underlying mechanisms of target miRNA on RF were examined in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)‐induced mice renal fibrotic model and a transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced tubular epithelium (HK‐2) fibrotic cell model. In total, 109 and 32 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the GSE133530 and GSE80247 data sets, respectively. GREM1 was identified as a hub gene, where its 2196 upstream miRNAs were predicted; miR‐574‐5p was found to be downregulated and closely related to fibrosis after data set intersection and enrichment analyses, thus was selected for further investigation. A differential expression heatmap (GSE162794) showed that miR‐542‐5p was downregulated. The expression of GREM1 mRNA was upregulated, whereas that of miR‐542‐5p was downregulated in UUO mice and fibrotic HK‐2 cells as compared with the relevant controls. The binding site of miR‐542‐5p was predicted at the 3'UTR region of GREM1 and was confirmed by subsequent dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Western blot analysis showed that Gremlin‐1 and Fibronectin were significantly upregulated after induction of TGF‐β1; when miR‐542‐5p was overexpressed or GREM1 mRNA was interfered, the upregulations of Gremlin‐1 and Fibronectin were significantly reduced. Our research demonstrates that miR‐542‐5p plays a critical role in the progression of RF, and thus may be a promising therapeutic target for CKD and ADPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is known to have adverse effects on physical health, but the influence of public health expenditure (PHE) on physical health has received less attention. This study utilizes 2 years of panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to investigate the effects of air pollution and PHE on physical health. The main findings reveal that, for each unit increase in SO2, there is a corresponding decrease of 0.006 in physical health. For each unit increase in PHE, there is a 0.838 increase in physical health. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the impact of air pollution on public health varies among different groups. Notably, air pollution has more detrimental effects on women's health compared to men, and middle‐aged and elderly individuals are more vulnerable to air pollution. Additionally, urban residents are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution compared to rural residents. Furthermore, PHE positively impacts women's health and significantly enhances the health of rural residents. People residing in western and central regions are more susceptible to air pollution than those in the eastern regions. This underscores the importance of tailoring environmental pollution reduction and PHE increase policies to address the unique needs of various groups and regions in order to promote overall improvements in residents' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Post‐transcriptional modifications and their specific mechanisms are the focus of research on the regulation of myocardial damage. Stress granules (SGs) can inhibit the inflammatory response by inhibiting the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)‐stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. This study investigated whether alkylation repair homologue protein 5 (ALKBH5) could affect myocardial inflammation and apoptosis during diabetic myocardial ischaemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) through the cGAS‐STING pathway via SGs. Methods: A diabetes ischaemia‐reperfusion rat model and a high glucose hypoxia/reoxygenation cell model were established. Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus (LV) were used to overexpress ALKBH5, while the SG agonist arsenite (Ars) and the SG inhibitor anisomycin were used as interventions. Then, the levels of apoptosis and related indicators in the cell and rat models were measured. Results: In the in vivo experiment, compared with the normal sham group, the degree of myocardial tissue damage, creatine kinase‐MB and cardiac troponin I in serum, and myocardial apoptosis, the infarcted area of myocardium, and the level of B‐cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein, cGAS‐STING pathway and inflammatory factors in the diabetes ischaemia‐reperfusion group were significantly increased. However, the expression of SGs and the levels of ALKBH5, rat sarcoma‐GTPase‐activating protein‐binding protein 1, T‐cell intracellular antigen‐1 and Bcl2 were significantly decreased. After AAV‐ALKBH5 intervention, the degree of myocardial tissue damage, degree of myocardial apoptosis, and extent of myocardial infarction in myocardial tissue were significantly decreased. In the in vitro experiment, compared with those in the normal control group, the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, inflammation and apoptosis were significantly greater, and cell viability and the levels of ALKBH5 and SGs were decreased in the high glucose and hypoxia/reoxygenation groups. In the high glucose hypoxia/reoxygenation cell model, the degree of cell damage, inflammation, and apoptosis was greater than those in the high glucose and hypoxia/reoxygenation models, and the levels of ALKBH5 and SGs were further decreased. LV‐ALKBH5 and Ars alleviated the degree of cell damage and inhibited inflammation and cell apoptosis. The inhibition of SGs could partly reverse the protective effect of LV‐ALKBH5. The cGAS agonist G140 antagonized the inhibitory effects of the SG agonist Ars on cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammation and the cGAS‐STING pathway. Conclusion: Both ALKBH5 and SGs inhibited myocardial inflammation and apoptosis during diabetic myocardial ischaemia‐reperfusion. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 might inhibit the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes by promoting the expression of SGs through the cGAS‐STING pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Mangroves grow in tropical/subtropical intertidal habitats with extremely high salt tolerance. Trehalose and trehalose‐6‐phosphate (T6P) have an alleviating function against abiotic stress. However, the roles of trehalose in the salt tolerance of salt‐secreting mangrove Avicennia marina is not documented. Here, we found that trehalose was significantly accumulated in A. marina under salt treatment. Furthermore, exogenous trehalose can enhance salt tolerance by promoting the Na+ efflux from leaf salt gland and root to reduce the Na+ content in root and leaf. Subsequently, eighteen trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase (AmTPS) and 11 trehalose‐6‐phosphate phosphatase (AmTPP) genes were identified from A. marina genome. Abscisic acid (ABA) responsive elements were predicted in AmTPS and AmTPP promoters by cis‐acting elements analysis. We further identified AmTPS9A, as an important positive regulator, that increased the salt tolerance of AmTPS9A‐overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana by altering the expressions of ion transport genes and mediating Na+ efflux from the roots of transgenic A. thaliana under NaCl treatments. In addition, we also found that ABA could promote the accumulation of trehalose, and the application of exogenous trehalose significantly promoted the biosynthesis of ABA in both roots and leaves of A. marina. Ultimately, we confirmed that AmABF2 directly binds to the AmTPS9A promoter in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, we speculated that there was a positive feedback loop between trehalose and ABA in regulating the salt tolerance of A. marina. These findings provide new understanding to the salt tolerance of A. marina in adapting to high saline environment at trehalose and ABA aspects. Significance Statement: We identified an important salt‐tolerant gene (AmTPS9A) in mangrove Avicennia marina and proposed a hypothesized model in which ABA and trehalose synergistically regulate salt tolerance in A. marina. Our study provides new insights into the salt tolerance of mangrove A. marina at the aspect of the trehalose pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study is to prepare Maillard reaction products (MRPs) with low Browning intensity for microencapsulation of Lactococcus lactis and to improve its processing stability and anti‐digestive ability. In this study, whey protein isolate (WPI) was combined with xylose oligosaccharides (XOS) and feruloyl oligosaccharides (FOs) at 90 °C for 90 min to prepare two Maillard reaction products (MRPs), which were applied to the construction of L. lactis microcapsules. The results showed that WPI‐FOs had a lower Browning intensity and slightly lower intermediate content than WPI‐XOS. Both MRPs showed strong inhibitory effects on the pathogens and probiotics effect on L. lactis. In addition, L. lactis coated with MRPs showed significantly enhanced resistance to heat and mechanical stress. Therefore, this study demonstrated that the Maillard conjugation of WPI with oligosaccharides has the potential to be the encapsulant for probiotic microcapsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capillary flow layer‐by‐layer assembly is a microfluidic platform for high throughput preparation and screening of multilayered polymer nanofilms. However, it is time‐consuming and labor‐intensive, since the switching of polyelectrolyte solutions is done manually. As the emergence of flow chemistry and microdevices for artificial intelligence‐based lab automation, an automatic system that can switch polymer solutions and washing liquids is urgently needed for building functional LbL films inside microfluidic devices. Herein, we construct a continuous flow (ConF)‐layer‐by‐layer (LbL) device that can automatically fabricate polymer nanofilms inside a microfluidic device. By including a flow separator and a mixer (a model polyelectrolyte pair), chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose can be deposited inside a microfluidic device using the ConF‐LbL system. Resulting nanofilms are studied by investigating thickness and surface roughness of the nanofilms and comparing with the other conventional LbL methods. The acid dissolution method was used to compare the differences in stability between nanofilms made from ConF‐LbL and static immersive method in similar conditions. Furthermore, by using one optimized film formulation for coating on the inside walls of a microfluidic chip, we successfully demonstrated the ability of this device to capture cancer cells in whole blood. This ConF‐LbL platform is expected to be a convenient tool to coat functional nanofilms inside microdevices for biomedical and sensor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a challenging prognosis due to early metastasis driven by anoikis resistance. Identifying crucial regulators to overcome this resistance is vital for improving patient outcomes. In this study, a genome‐wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen in TNBC cells has identified tyrosine‐protein phosphatase nonreceptor type 14 (PTPN14) as a key regulator of anoikis resistance. PTPN14 expression has shown a progressive decrease from normal breast tissue to metastatic tumors. Overexpressing PTPN14 has induced anoikis and inhibited cell proliferation in TNBC cells, while normal human breast cells are unaffected. Mechanistically, PTPN14 is identified as a key factor in dephosphorylating breast cancer antiestrogen resistance 3, a novel substrate, leading to the subsequent inhibition of PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Local delivery of in vitro transcribed PTPN14 mRNA encapsulated by lipid nanoparticles in a TNBC mouse model has effectively inhibited tumor growth and metastasis, prolonging survival. The study underscores PTPN14 as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic TNBC, with the therapeutic strategy based on mRNA expression of PTPN14 demonstrating clinical application prospects in alleviating the burden of both primary tumors and metastatic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB) is a multi‐stage orogenic belt recording subduction and collision processes. The ductile shearing deformation with different properties and ages is developed on the boundary of the different litho‐tectonic units, which can be used to decipher the tectonic evolution of the QOB. Previous studies mainly concentrated on the pre‐Late Mesozoic shearing deformation, while the Late Mesozoic shearing deformation received less attention. It restricts the understanding of the Late Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the QOB. Hence, we conducted detailed field structural analysis and laboratory analysis of the Shagou shear zone (SGSZ) in the middle part of the Shangdan suture zone (SDSZ). The SGSZ, developed in the southern margin of the Baliping pluton, is an S–SSW‐dipping sinistral strike‐slip ductile shear zone with a top‐to‐the‐ESE shear sense. The mylonite protoliths are voluminous Late Triassic granites (200–215 Ma) and a small amount of Neoproterozoic granites (759 Ma) and Early Cretaceous granites (145 Ma). Microstructures and geothermobarometer results suggest that the ductile shearing deformation occurred under high greenschist–low amphibolite‐facies conditions (400–650°C) at middle crustal depths (13–21 km). Zircon U–Pb and amphibole‐biotite 40Ar/39Ar dating results constrain the timing of shearing deformation to 135–145 Ma and the rapid exhumation of the SGSZ to 115–135 Ma. Combining with the regional data, we consider that the sinistral strike‐slip shearing deformation in the SGSZ controls and accommodates the south‐eastward extrusion of the East SQB under the intracontinental compression. Subsequently, the intracontinental extension led to the rapid exhumation of the SGSZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate treatment of mass‐produced degraded batteries is desired to alleviate resource waste and environmental pollution caused by direct disposal. However, current technologies, which aim to recycle high‐value components from degraded batteries to refabricate new batteries, suffer from complex destruction‐refabrication processes and massive energy/resource inputs. Here it is found that without disassembling the degraded battery, the lost capacity is rejuvenated to its pristine state by simply applying electrical activation at a controlled voltage. It is shown that repeated application of electrical activation regenerates 22 life cycles for zinc‐ion batteries, increasing the total discharge energy by 78 times. The capacity rejuvenation by electrical activation originates from the transformation of redox‐inert Zn‐Mn‐O by‐products on the degraded cathode to redox‐active Mn‐O nanoribbons, which recovers diffusion kinetics of Zn2+/H+ charge carriers. Simultaneously, the dendrites on the degraded anode are flattened to prevent short circuits while maintaining the electrolyte integrity. The electrical activation strategy is extendable to other batteries, such as lithium batteries, promising tremendous economic and environmental benefits. Besides, electrical activation rejuvenates implanted batteries to avoid the pain and hazards of replacing degraded batteries with conventional surgeries. This work presents a general and commercially viable route to treat degraded batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highcarrier concentration and low mobility in Bi2Se3 hide thetopological surface states (TSS). In the 2D ternary topological insulator (TI) Bi2–xSbxSe3,compensatory Sb doping regulates the carrier concentration and mobility withambipolar performance, together with the ultrathin thickness; these factorsmake the TSS in the 2D ternary TI Bi2–xSbxSe3 more observable. Here, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is provided for synthesizing ultrathin Sb‐doped Bi2Se3 nanoplates with dimensions of 2–126 nm in thickness, 3–100 µm in lateral size, and an average Sb doping ranging from 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.75. Bi2–xSbxSe3 field effect transistors and Hall devices are manufactured to determine the carrier concentration and mobility of the obtained Bi2–xSbxSe3 nanoplates. These findings demonstrate that the 2D carrier concentration for Bi2–xSbxSe3 nanoplates can decrease up to 1.6 × 1012 cm–2. Furthermore, field‐effect mobility and Hall mobility of up to 3411 cm2 V–1s–1 and 6462 cm2 V–1 s–1, respectively, are realized. A strong ambipolar field effect is found in low‐carrier‐density Bi2–xSbxSe3 nanoplates, proving that these nanostructures may be freely controlled in terms of carrier type and concentration. The synthesis of high‐quality Bi2–xSbxSe3 nanoplates with low‐carrier concentration and high‐mobility provides a platform for investigating TI characteristics more clearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous Si3N4 and SiBN monoliths without sintering additives are successfully prepared by high‐pressure–low‐temperature (HPLT) sintering using the single‐source‐precursor‐derived amorphous Si3N4 and SiBN powders as raw materials. The microstructural evolution and crystallization behavior of the as‐prepared samples are investigated using scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray powder diffraction, respectively. The results show that the incorporation of boron in the Si–N network enhances the crystallization temperature up to 1200 °C. The Vickers' hardness of the HPLT‐sintered Si3N4 sample amounts ≈11.6 GPa whether prepared at 1000 or 1200 °C, while the maximum hardness of the SiBN sample is up to 16.3 GPa. The fracture toughness of amorphous Si3N4 and SiBN5 samples is almost identical (around 2.5 MPa m1/2) whether prepared at 1000 or 1200 °C, and SiBN2 and SiBN5 samples show an improved fracture toughness. In addition, the oxidation resistance of the as‐prepared samples is investigated at temperatures up to 1000 °C. A comparison between amorphous Si3N4 and SiBN monoliths demonstrates a positive effect of the presence of boron on their oxidation resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although dearomative functionalizations enable the direct conversion of flat aromatics into precious three‐dimensional architectures, the case for simple arenes remains largely underdeveloped owing to the high aromatic stabilization energy. We herein report a dearomative sequential addition of two nucleophiles to arene π‐bonds through umpolung of chromium–arene complexes. This mode enables divergent dearomative carbonylation reactions of benzene derivatives by tolerating various nucleophiles in combination with alcohols or amines under CO‐gas‐free conditions, thus providing modular access to functionalized esters or amides. The tunable synthesis of 1,3‐ or 1,4‐cyclohexadienes as well as the construction of carbon quaternary centers further highlight the versatility of this dearomatization. Diverse late‐stage modifications and derivatizations towards synthetically challenging and bioactive molecules reveal the synthetic utility. A possible mechanism was proposed based on control experiments and intermediate tracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear delineation of tumor margins is essential for accurate resection and decreased recurrence rate in the clinic. Fluorescence imaging is emerging as a promising alternative to traditional visual inspection by surgeons for intraoperative imaging. However, traditional probes lack accuracy in tumor diagnosis, making it difficult to depict tumor boundaries accurately. Herein, we proposed an offensive and defensive integration (ODI) strategy based on the "attack systems (invasive peptidase) and defense systems (reductive microenvironment)" of multi‐dimensional tumor characteristics to design activatable fluorescent probes for imaging tumor boundaries precisely. Screened out from a series of ODI strategy‐based probes, ANQ performed better than traditional probes based on tumor unilateral correlation by distinguishing between tumor cells and normal cells and minimizing false‐positive signals from living metabolic organs. To further improve the signal‐to‐background ratio in vivo, derivatized FANQ, was prepared and successfully applied to distinguish orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma tissues from adjacent tissues in mice models and clinical samples. This work highlights an innovative strategy to develop activatable probes for rapid diagnosis of tumors and high‐precision imaging of tumor boundaries, providing more efficient tools for future clinical applications in intraoperative assisted resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed turbidite–contourite depositional systems result from interactions between down‐slope turbidity currents and along‐slope bottom currents, comprising excellent records of past oceanographic currents. Modern and ancient systems have been widely documented along the continental margins of the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, few examples have so far been identified on the North‐west African continental margin, limiting understanding of the sedimentary and palaeoceanographic evolution in this area. This work uses two‐dimensional seismic reflection profiles to report, for the first time, the presence of three giant sediment mounds beneath the headwall region of the Sahara Slide Complex. The sediment mounds are elongated and separated by two broad canyons, showing a north‐west/south‐east orientation that is roughly perpendicular to the continental margin. These mounds are 24 to 37 km long and 12 to 17 km wide, reaching a maximum height of ca 1000 m. Numerous slide scarps are observed within and along the flanks of the mounds, hinting at the occurrence of submarine landslides during their development. Based on their geometries, external shapes, internal seismic architecture and stratigraphic stacking patterns, it is proposed that these sediment mounds comprise down‐slope elongated mounded drifts formed in a mixed turbidite–contourite system during four evolutionary stages: onset, growth, maintenance and burial. The significance of this work is that it demonstrates the gradual transition from a turbidite system to a full mixed turbidite–contourite system to be associated, in the study area, with the establishment of strong ocean currents along north‐west Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on a review of 112 Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) applications to China published during 2006–2022, this article finds that, consistent with ACF assumptions, policy processes in China are complex processes of top‐down decision making, horizontal negotiation, networked influence, and bottom‐up initiation. The review finds policy processes in many subsystems of China inconsistent with one implicit assumption of the framework: the difficulty of reconciling conflicting beliefs between warring coalitions. Compared with the results from a review of the English ACF applications to countries around the globe, policy‐oriented learning and imposition by a hierarchically superior jurisdiction were identified more frequently as pathways to policy change in reviewed applications to China. The Xi Jinping administration encourages between‐coalition learning and negotiation to pursue the ideal of building a well‐off and equitable society. At the same time, his top‐level reforms have changed the long‐time status quo in some subsystems by national policy reforms. Related Articles: Nam, Aerang, and Christopher M. Weible. 2023. "Examining Experts' Discourse in South Korea's Nuclear Power Policy Making: An Advocacy Coalition Framework Approach to Policy Knowledge." Politics & Policy 51(2): 201–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12522. Nwalie, Martin Ike. 2019. "Advocacy Coalition Framework and Policy Changes in a Third‐World Country." Politics & Policy 47(3): 545–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12302. von Malmborg, Fredrik. 2023. "Combining the Advocacy Coalition Framework and Argumentative Discourse Analysis: The Case of the 'Energy Efficiency First' Principle in EU Energy and Climate Policy." Politics & Policy 51(2): 222–41. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12525. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep coal‐rock formations are subjected to complex stress environments characterized by high static stresses and dynamic disturbances. To study the damage, fracture, and energy evolution characteristics of coal‐rock under dynamic–static combined loading, a new multiscale constitutive model for coal‐rock under dynamic–static combined loading is proposed based on micromechanics, and it is implemented into the LS‐DYNA solver. A numerical model of coal‐rock Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar under dynamic–static combined loading is established using LS‐DYNA, and research on the mechanical and energy evolution characteristics of coal‐rock under one‐dimensional and three‐dimensional dynamic–static combined loading is conducted. The results show that under one‐dimensional dynamic–static combined loading, with the increase of precompression, the dynamic peak stress linearly decreases while the combined peak stress linearly increases, and the dissipated energy of the specimen shows a decreasing trend. The fracture patterns of the coal‐rock specimen include internal shear fracture and external tensile fracture, and eventually, these two modes of fracture intersect to form macroscopic mesh cracks. As the axial pressure increases, the degree of specimen fragmentation gradually increases. Under three‐dimensional dynamic–static combined loading, with the increase of preconfining pressure, the stress–strain curve of the specimen will transition from "stress drop" to "stress rebound" after the peak. The peak stress increases with the increase of confining pressure, and the energy dissipation density of the specimen increases first and then decreases with the increase of confining pressure. With the increase of confining pressure, the hoop deformation of the specimen plays a constraining role, and the degree of specimen fracture gradually weakens, and the time of fracture occurrence gradually delays. The research results contribute to revealing the mechanical and energy mechanisms of rockburst disasters in deep coal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to a combination of reportedly unique morphological characters and an unlocatable type specimen, Marchantiopsis stoloniscyphula has been regarded as an enigmatic species in Marchantiaceae since its description, and all subsequent taxonomic treatments of this species were made without examination of the type. We located the original material of M. stoloniscyphula which was included as an admixture within the holotype of Wiesnerella fasciaria deposited in IFP. Our morphological examination found that M. stoloniscyphula and W. fasciaria are conspecific with Marchantia papillata subsp. grossibarba and Sandea japonica, respectively. The nomenclature of Marchantiopsis and M. stoloniscyphula are discussed. Lectotypes for M. stoloniscyphula and W. fasciaria are also designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrothermal/soft templating method is an effective way to synthesize ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC), yet the mechanism of this strategy is not well illustrated. Herein, a hydrothermal temperature‐controlled approach is developed to precisely synthesize OMCs with well‐defined morphologies from liquefied wood (LW). As the hydrothermal temperature increases from 130 to 210°C, the hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic blocks decreases accompanied by the increase of the relative volume of the hydrophobic block, resulting in the packing parameter p of micelles changing from p ≤ 1/3 to 1/3 < p < 1/2, which transforms the micelle's structure from spherical to cylindrical. Additionally, accelerated nucleation occurred with the increased hydrothermal temperature. When the rate of nucleation is matched to the self‐assembly of the composite micelles, the composite micelles grow into worm‐like morphology and an ordered p6m mesostructure. This hydrothermal temperature‐controlled strategy provides a straightforward and effective approach for synthesizing OMCs with various morphologies from LW, addressing the previously insufficiently elucidated micelle formation mechanism in the hydrothermal/soft templating method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Acacetin, a flavonoid compound, possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, immune regulation, and anticancer effects. Some key steps in its biosynthetic pathway were largely unknown in flowering plants. Here, we present the first haplotype‐resolved genome of Chrysanthemum indicum, whose dried flowers contain abundant flavonoids and have been utilized as traditional Chinese medicine. Various phylogenetic analyses revealed almost equal proportion of three tree topologies among three Chrysanthemum species (C. indicum, C. nankingense, and C. lavandulifolium), indicating that frequent gene flow among Chrysanthemum species or incomplete lineage sorting due to rapid speciation might contribute to conflict topologies. The expanded gene families in C. indicum were associated with oxidative functions. Through comprehensive candidate gene screening, we identified five flavonoid O‐methyltransferase (FOMT) candidates, which were highly expressed in flowers and whose expressional levels were significantly correlated with the content of acacetin. Further experiments validated two FOMTs (CI02A009970 and CI03A006662) were capable of catalyzing the conversion of apigenin into acacetin, and these two genes are possibly responsible acacetin accumulation in disc florets and young leaves, respectively. Furthermore, combined analyses of ancestral chromosome reconstruction and phylogenetic trees revealed the distinct evolutionary fates of the two validated FOMT genes. Our study provides new insights into the biosynthetic pathway of flavonoid compounds in the Asteraceae family and offers a model for tracing the origin and evolutionary routes of single genes. These findings will facilitate in vitro biosynthetic production of flavonoid compounds through cellular and metabolic engineering and expedite molecular breeding of C. indicum cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Systemic amyloidosis is a condition in which misfolded amyloid fibrils are deposited within tissues. Amyloid myopathy is a rare manifestation of systemic amyloidosis. However, whether skeletal muscle involvement is underestimated and whether such deposition guarantees clinical and pathological myopathic features remain to be investigated. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with systemic amyloidosis, in whom skeletal muscle biopsies were performed at our centre between January 2018 and June 2023. In total, 28 patients with suspected systemic amyloidosis were included. Among these, 21 presented with cardiomyopathy but lacked myopathic symptoms. The clinical and pathological data of these patients were further analysed. The amyloid type was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Twenty‐eight patients with suspected systemic amyloidosis underwent muscle biopsy. Amyloid deposition in the skeletal muscle was confirmed in 24 patients, including 22 with light‐chain amyloidosis (AL) and two with transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Among the 24 patients, seven presented with muscle weakness and decreased muscle strength (Group 1, symptomatic myopathy), whereas the remaining 17 exhibited normal muscle strength (Group 2, asymptomatic myopathy). Group 1 included four patients with AL‐λ, one with AL‐κ and two with ATTR. Group 2 included 15 patients with AL‐λ and two patients with AL‐κ. In Group 1, six patients exhibited neuropathy, whereas only one patient in Group 2 presented with subclinical neuropathy on nerve conduction studies. Amyloid deposition in the interstitium was the most obvious change, observed in all 24 patients. Neuropathic changes, including denervation atrophy and muscle fibre grouping, were also common. Except for type 2 fibre atrophy, the other myopathic changes were mild and nonspecific. No sarcolemmal disruption was observed. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed marked positivity for MAC and MHC1 expression in the regions with amyloid deposits. Clinicopathological analysis revealed no significant differences in the extent of muscular amyloid deposition between the two groups. Nevertheless, patients in Group 1 displayed more pronounced neurogenic atrophy on skeletal muscle biopsies. Conclusions: Our study indicates that amyloid deposition in skeletal muscle is commonly observed but rarely causes symptomatic myopathy in systemic amyloidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience lifelong social communication challenges and are more vulnerable to school bullying. Addressing their social difficulties and school bullying requires evidence‐based interventions. PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) was adapted and translated for Taiwanese adolescents. This randomized controlled study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Taiwanese version of PEERS® in reducing school bullying and enhancing social function among autistic adolescents. Twenty‐one autistic adolescents (mean age 14.29 ± 1.67 years; female n = 733.33%) were randomized to a treatment group (TG, n = 10) or a delayed treatment control group (DTG, n = 11). The outcome measures (school bullying, social challenges, social skills knowledge, and social skills performance) were assessed at baseline, post‐treatment, and follow‐up. The group and time interaction analyses revealed greater magnitudes of reduction in general school bullying (p < 0.001), victimization (p < 0.001), perpetration (p = 0.012), social challenges (p = 0.001), and peer conflicts (p < 0.001), and improvement in social knowledge (p < 0.001) in the TG group than the DTG group. The findings suggest that the PEERS® program tailored for Taiwanese adolescents is effective in reducing school bullying, decreasing social challenges, and enhancing social skills among autistic adolescents, with very large effect sizes (Cohen's d ranging from 1.19 to 2.88). Consequently, participation in the PEERS® program is recommended for adolescents with social difficulties to improve their social communication and interactions to offset school bullying and other social challenges related to adverse outcomes. Lay Summary: This study examined the effectiveness of the PEERS® program, adapted for Taiwanese autistic teenagers. The findings suggest that the program effectively improves social function and reduces the risk of bullying in school for these teens. Teenagers with social difficulties, especially those on the autism spectrum, should be encouraged to participate in the PEERS® program, which provides essential skills and strategies to cope with social difficulties and school bullying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bacterial virulence factors are involved in various biological processes and mediate persistent bacterial infections. Focusing on virulence factors of phytopathogenic bacteria is an attractive strategy and crucial direction in pesticide discovery to prevent invasive and persistent bacterial infection. Hence, discovery and development of novel agrochemicals with high activity, low‐risk, and potent anti‐virulence is urgently needed to control plant bacterial diseases. RESULTS: A series of novel β‐hydroxy pyridinium cation decorated pterostilbene derivatives were prepared and their antibacterial activities against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) were systematacially assessed. Among these pterostilbene derivatives, compound 4S exhibited the best antibacterial activity against Xoo in vitro, with an half maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of 0.28 μg mL−1. A series of biochemical assays including scanning electron microscopy, crystal violet staining, and analysis of biofilm formation, swimming motility, and related virulence factor gene expression levels demonstrated that compound 4S could function as a new anti‐virulence factor inhibitor by interfering with the bacterial infection process. Furthermore, the pot experiments provided convinced evidence that compound 4S had the high control efficacy (curative activity: 71.4%, protective activity: 72.6%), and could be used to effectively manage rice bacterial leaf blight in vivo. CONCLUSION: Compounds 4S is an attractive virulence factor inhibitor with potential for application in treating plant bacterial diseases by suppressing production of several virulence factors. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Red Panax notoginseng (RPN) is one of the major processed products of P. notoginseng (PN), with more effective biological activities. However, the traditional processing method of RPN has some disadvantages, such as low conversion rate of ginsenosides and long processing time. RESULTS: In this work, we developed a green, safe, and efficient approach for RPN processing by aspartic acid impregnation pretreatment. Our results showed that the optimized temperature, steaming time, and concentration of aspartic acid were 120 °C, 1 h, and 3% respectively. The original ginsenosides in PN treated by aspartic acid (Asp‐PN) were completely converted to rare saponins at 120 °C within just 1 h. The concentration of the rare ginsenosides in Asp‐PN was two times higher than that in untreated RPN. In addition, we examined the protective effect of RPN and Asp‐PN on acetaminophen‐induced liver injury in a mouse model. The results showed that Asp‐PN has significantly more potent hepatoprotective action than the RPN. The hepatoprotection of Asp‐PN in acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity may be due to its anti‐oxidative stress, anti‐apoptotic, and anti‐inflammatory activities. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that aspartic acid impregnation pretreatment may provide an effective method to shorten the steaming time, improve the conversion rate of ginsenosides, and enhance hepatoprotective activity of RPN. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Baijiu is a well‐known alcoholic beverage in China and the quality is determined by various microorganisms during the fermentation process. Yeast is one of the most important microorganisms in the fermentation of baijiu. It has a strong esterification capacity and also affects the aroma. RESULTS: High‐throughput sequencing results showed that the fermented grains (jiupei) during baijiu production were mainly composed of eight highly abundant yeast species. The species and abundance of yeasts changed significantly with the fermentation process. The flavor of 30 yeast strains in the jiupei was determined by a sniffing test and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The strain with the highest flavor substance content (2.34 mg L−1), named YX3205, was identified as Clavispora lusitaniae. Tolerance results showed that C. lusitaniae YX3205 can tolerate up to 15% (v v−1) ethanol. In a solid‐state simulated fermentation experiment, the content of 24 flavor substances was significantly increased in the fortified group, and the total ester content reached 4240.73 μg kg‐1, which was 2.8 times higher than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated the potential of C. lusitaniae YX3205 to enhance the flavor of baijiu, thereby serving as a valuable strain for the improvement of the flavor quality of baijiu. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the clinico‐sero‐pathological characteristics and risk prediction model of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) patients with different muscular perifascicular (PF) changes. Methods: IIM patients in our center were enrolled and the clinico‐sero‐pathological data were retrospectively analyzed. A decision tree model was established through machine learning. Results: There were 231 IIM patients enrolled, including 53 with perifascicular atrophy (PFA), 39 with perifascicular necrosis (PFN), and 26 with isolated perifascicular enhancement of MHC‐I/MHC‐II (PF‐MHCn). Clinically, PFA patients exhibited skin rashes and dermatomyositis‐specific antibodies (DM‐MSAs, 74.5%) except for anti‐Mi2. PFN patients showed the most severe muscle weakness, highest creatine kinase (CK), anti‐Mi2 (56.8%), and anti‐Jo‐1 (24.3%) antibodies. PF‐MHCn patients demonstrated negative MSAs (48.0%) and elevated CK. Histopathologically, MAC predominantly deposited on PF capillaries in PFA but on non‐necrotic myofiber in PFN (43.4% and 36.8%, p < 0.001). MxA expression was least in PF‐MHCn (36.0% vs. 83.0% vs. 63.2%, p < 0.001). The decision tree model could effectively predict different subgroups, especially PFA and PFN. Conclusions: Three types of PF change of IIMs representing distinct clinico‐serological characteristics and pathomechanism. Undiscovered MSAs should be explored especially in PF‐MHCn patients. The three pathological features could be accurately predicted through the decision tree model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]