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Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical variations in femoral vasculature and evaluate the clinical value of ultrasound‐guided femoral vein puncture in catheter ablation procedures. Methods: In this retrospective analysis conducted from January 2023 to March 2023, we examined data from patients who underwent catheter ablation with ultrasound‐guided femoral venipuncture. We evaluated the anatomy of the femoral vasculature at both high and low inguinal levels. Based on the relationship between the femoral vein and artery, we classified the anatomy into four types: Type I (vein parallel to artery without overlap), Type II (vein medial to artery with lumen overlap ≤50%), Type III (vein posterior to artery with lumen overlap > 50%), and Type IV (vein lateral to artery). Additionally, we assessed procedure‐related vascular complications that required interventions or prolonged hospital stays. Results: A total of 254 patients were included in this study. At the upper inguinal level, most cases (92.5%) exhibited Type II, followed by Type I (6.5%), while Type III (0.6%) and IV (0.4%) were less common. At the lower inguinal level, Type II accounted for 70.7%, there was a significantly higher proportion of Type III (23.4%) and Type IV (5.9%). The overall complication rate was 0.4%, no pseudoaneurysm or hematoma was observed in our study. Conclusion: Our study revealed significant anatomical variations in the relationship between the femoral vein and femoral artery. Ultrasound‐guided femoral venipuncture significantly reduced vascular complication rate, making it a valuable tool for guiding puncture procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribosomal protein L13 (RPL13) is highly conserved in evolution. At present, the properties and functions of RPL13 have not been characterised in insects. In this study, Bombyx mori RPL13 (BmRPL13) was first found to be specifically recruited to the sites of ultraviolet (UV)‐induced DNA damage and contributed to UV damage repair. Escherichia coli expressing BmRPL13 showed better resistance to UV radiation. After knocking down the expression of BmRPL13 in BmN cells, the repair speed of UV‐damaged DNA slowed down. The further results showed that BmRPL13 interacted with B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) ORF65 (Bm65) protein to locate at the UV‐induced DNA damage sites of BmNPV and helped repair UV‐damaged viral DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurea (PU) elastomers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their exceptional blast mitigation, ballistic protection, and wear resistance properties. However, their applications as protective materials are often limited as a result of their high flammability. In this study, aromatic dianhydrides (ArDAs) were employed to capture the thermal decomposing products of PU during combustion and facilitate the generation of highly heat-resistant aromatic polyimides (i.e., end group capturing effect), thus enhancing the material's char-forming ability and improving its flame retardancy. The ArDAs were found to significantly reduce the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), total smoke release (TSR), and total CO release (TCO) of PU, and meanwhile increased the amount of char residue. At 20 wt% content of 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), PHRR, THR, TSR and TCO of PU were reduced by 70.6%, 32.5%, 44.7% and 58.8%, respectively, the char residue was increased by 405%, and the mechanical properties of PU were well maintained (88.5% tensile strength and 91.0% elongation at break of pure PU). These findings demonstrate that ArDAs could serve as a new kind of halogen/phosphorus-free flame retardant for PU elastomers. [Display omitted] • Novel halogen/phosphorus-free flame retardants were designed for PU elastomers. • The flame retardant mechanism is end group capturing by aromatic dianhydrides (ArDAs). • PHRR, THR, TSR and TCO were simultaneously reduced, and char residue was improved. • Both excellent flame retardant property and high mechanical property were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paralimnini Distant, 1908, is a notable leafhopper tribe that exhibits a wide distribution across all biogeographical regions, namely the Palearctic, Nearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental, Neotropical, and Australian regions. Among these, the Oriental region demonstrates the highest diversity of Paralimnini, with a significant portion of this diversity remaining unexplored according to recent investigations. This study focuses on examining 10 species under seven genera of the Paralimnini leafhopper tribe found in Pakistan. A comprehensive morphological study is conducted, which includes the description of two new genera, Paralimnolus gen. nov. and Lalianlus gen. nov., with P. bicolor sp. nov. and L. bifurcates sp. nov. within the tribe. The study meticulously describes and provides illustrations of all the taxa based on careful observations of specimens obtained from Pakistan. Additionally, the study furnishes an updated checklist and a key to facilitate the identification of known and new Pakistani genera belonging to the tribe Paralimnini. The present findings shed light on the diversity and distribution patterns of the Paralimnini tribe in Pakistan, particularly emphasizing the junction of the Oriental and Palearctic regions in the northern parts, as these parts of the country serve as a significant reservoir of undocumented species. The thorough documentation and available identification resources provided in this study serve as valuable references for future investigations and contribute to our knowledge of the leafhopper fauna in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the non-degradable and persistent nature of metal ions in the environment, they are released into water bodies, where they accumulate in fish. In order to assess pollution in fish, the enzyme, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), has been employed as a biomarker due to sensitivity to various ions. This study investigates the kinetic properties of the G6PD enzyme in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), and analyzes the effects of these metal ions on the G6PD enzyme activity in the ovarian cell line (CCO) of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). IC50 values and inhibition types of G6PD were determined in the metal ions Cu2+, Al3+, Zn2+, and Cd2+. While, the inhibition types of Cu2+ and Al3+ were the competitive inhibition, Zn2+ and Cd2+ were the linear mixed noncompetitive and linear mixed competitive, respectively. In vitro experiments revealed an inverse correlation between G6PD activity and metal ion concentration, mRNA levels and enzyme activity of G6PD increased at the lower metal ion concentration and decreased at the higher concentration. Our findings suggest that metal ions pose a significant threat to G6PD activity even at low concentrations, potentially playing a crucial role in the toxicity mechanism of metal ion pollution. This information contributes to the development of a biomonitoring tool for assessing metal ion contamination in aquatic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk gland size in silkworms (Bombyx mori) affects silk output. However, the molecular mechanisms by which genes regulate silk gland size remain unclear. In this study, silk glands from three pure silkworm strains (A798, A306 and XH) with different silk gland weight phenotypes were compared using transcriptomics and proteomics to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proteins (DEPs). When comparing A798 to A306 and A798 to XH, 830 and 469 DEGs were up‐regulated, respectively. These genes were related to the gene ontology terms, metabolic process, transport activity and biosynthesis process. In addition, 372 and 302 up‐regulated differentially expressed proteins were detected in A798 to A306 and A798 to XH, respectively, related to the gene ontology terms, ribosome and protein export, ribosome and polypeptide biosynthesis processes. Moreover, combined transcriptomics, proteomics and weighted correlation network analyses showed that five genes (BGIBMGA002524, BGIBMGA002629, BGIBMGA005659, BGIBMGA005711 and BGIBMGA010889) were significantly associated with the silk gland weight. Reverse Transcription‐quantitative real‐time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to verify the mRNA and protein expression of five genes in the silk glands and tissues of 18 silkworm strains. The results showed that four genes have higher expression levels in heavier silk glands. These genes are associated with glycogen metabolism, fatty acid synthesis and branched chain amino acid metabolism, thus potentially promoting growth and silk protein synthesis. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between silk gland weight and silk yield in silkworms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is the most important virus that threatens sericulture industry. At present, there is no effective treatment for BmNPV infection in silkworms, and lncRNA plays an important role in biological immune response and host-virus interaction, but there are relatively few studies in silkworms. In this study, the four midgut tissue samples of the resistance strain NB (NB) and susceptible strain 306 (306) and the NB and 306 continuously infected with BmNPV for 96 h are used for whole transcriptome sequencing to analyze the differences in the genetic background of NB and 306 and the differences after inoculation of BmNPV, and the significantly different mRNA, miRNA and lnRNA between NB and 306 after BmNPV inoculation were screened. By comparing NB and 306, 2651 significantly different mRNAs, 57 significantly different miRNAs and 198 significantly different lncRNAs were screened. By comparing NB and 306 after BmNPV inoculation, 2684 significantly different mRNAs, 39 significantly different miRNAs and 125 significantly different lncRNAs were screened. According to the significantly different mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA screened from NB and 306 and NB and 306 after virus inoculation, the mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA regulatory network was constructed before and after virus inoculation, and the BmBCAT-Bomo_chr7_8305-MSTRG.3236.2 regulatory axis was screened from them, and it was found that BmBCAT was not Bomo_chr7_8305 regulated in the genetic background, after viral infection, MSTRG.3236.2 competes for binding Bomo_chr7_8305 regulates BmBCAT. The whole transcriptome sequencing results were verified by qPCR and the time-series expression analysis was performed to prove the reliability of the regulatory network. The BmBCAT-Bomo_chr7_8305-MSTRG.3236.2 regulatory axis may play a potential role in the interaction between silkworms and BmNPV. These results provide new insights into the interaction mechanism between silkworms and BmNPV. • At present, there have been studies on small RNA regulation by using sensitive silkworm varieties, but no studies have conducted whole transcriptome analysis by comparing resistant and sensitive silkworm strans inoculated with virus. • The mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA ceRNA regulatory network was constructed, from which the BmBCAT-Bomo_chr7_8305-MSTRG.3236.2 regulatory axis was screened, and the whole transcriptome sequencing results were verified by qPCR and the time-series expression analysis was performed to prove the reliability of the regulatory network. • From the perspective of lncRNA to explain the significantly different genes, our research results may provide new clues to the molecular mechanism that reveals the interaction between silkworm and virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagram illustrating the potential mechanism of BmNPV infection in the 306 strain. The three-color modules represent distinct signaling pathways: NF-kB (depicted in purple), MAPK (illustrated in green), and JAK/STAT (highlighted in pink). Genes outlined in red signify upregulation, while those outlined in green denote downregulation. Genes outlined in black represent expression levels of uncertainty. Illustrations were generated using BioRender. [Display omitted] • Integration of third-generation and second-generation high-throughput sequencing technologies for precise identification and analysis of alternative splicing (AS) patterns. • Identification of five pivotal genes (Dsclp, LOC692903, LOC101743583, LOC101742498, LOC101743809) associated with the response to BmNPV infection. • Discovery of novel transcripts, expanding the current understanding beyond what is available in SilkBase. The silkworm, Bombyx mori, stands out as one of the few economically valuable insects within the realm of model organisms. However, Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) poses a significant threat, decreasing the quality and quantity of silkworm cocoons. Over the past few decades, a multitude of researchers has delved into the mechanisms that underlie silkworm resistance to BmNPV, employing diverse methodologies and approaching the problem from various angles. Despite this extensive research, the role of alternative splicing (AS) in the silkworm's response to BmNPV infection has been largely unexplored. This study leveraged both third-generation (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and second-generation (Illumina) high-throughput sequencing technologies to meticulously identify and analyze AS patterns in the context of BmNPV response, utilizing two distinct silkworm strains—the susceptible strain 306 and the resistant strain NB. Consequently, we identified five crucial genes (Dsclp , LOC692903, LOC101743583, LOC101742498, LOC101743809) that are linked to the response to BmNPV infection through AS and differential expression. Additionally, a thorough comparative analysis was conducted on their diverse transcriptomic expression profiles, including alternative polyadenylation, simple sequence repeats, and transcription factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A near-isogenic line preserving BmNPV resistance was constructed to reduce the interference of genetic background. • RNA-seq of the BmNPV-infected silkworm midgut revealed 1350 differential expression genes and 32 BmNPV defense responsive genes. • Genes involved in metabolism, ROS, signal transduction and immune response, and insect hormones were upregulated. • Paved the way in the breeding of BmNPV resistance dominant silkworms. Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) caused serious economic losses in sericulture. Analyzing the molecular mechanism of silkworms (B. mori) resistance to BmNPV is of great significance for the prevention and control of silkworm virus diseases and the biological control of agricultural lepidopteran pests. In order to clarify the defense mechanisms of silkworms against BmNPV, we constructed a near isogenic line BC8 with high resistance to BmNPV through the highly BmNPV-resistant strain NB and the highly BmNPV-susceptible strain 306. In this study, RNA-Seq technique was used to analyze the transcriptome level differences in the midgut of BC8 and 306 following BmNPV infection. A total of 1350 DEGs were identified. Clustering analysis showed that these genes could be divided into 8 clusters with different expression patterns. Functional annotations based on GO and KEGG analysis indicated that they were involved in various metabolism pathways. Finally, 32 BmNPV defense responsive genes were screened. They were involved in metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS), signal transduction and immune response, and insect hormones. The further verification shows that HSP70 should participate in resistance responses of anti-BmNPV. These findings have paved the way in further functional characterization of candidate genes and subsequently can be used in breeding of BmNPV resistance dominant silkworms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Physical ageing of polyurea with different stoichiometric ratios was investigated. • Fick's model well fitted the water absorption kinetics of polyurea. • Diffusion sequence of water molecules in polyurea was determined. • Compact hard domains were rarely affected by water molecules. • Mechanical properties decreased significantly following water absorption. The evolution of molecular dynamics and microstructures of polyurea (PUA) elastomers with different stoichiometric ratios upon water absorption process was investigated. Water absorption kinetic of PUA was studied using Fick's model, and water molecules interacted in the following sequence: free C O > monodentate hydrogen-bonding C O > bidentate hydrogen-bonding C O. The utilization of dielectric relaxation spectroscopy to explore the molecular motions of PUA elastomers before and after water absorption revealed the impact of water absorption on both the molecular dynamics of soft segments as well as the interface between soft and hard domains. 2D Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that water molecules interacted with the soft domains, followed by the loosely-packed hard domains, and finally with the compact hard domains, resulting in the partial disintegration of hard domains evidenced by small-angle X-ray scattering. The tensile strength of the studied PUA elastomers decreased by half after water absorption, which was attributed to the plasticization effects induced by the absorbed H 2 O molecules, as well as disassembly of the loosely-packed hard domains and the interface regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]