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Abstract Objective To characterize the phenotype spectrum, diagnosis, and response to growth‐promoting therapy in patients with ACAN variants causing familial short stature. Methods Three families with ACAN variants causing short stature were reported. Similar cases in the literature were summarized, and the genotype and phenotype were analyzed. Results Three novel heterozygous variants, c.757+1G>A, (splicing), c.6229delG, p.(Asp2078Tfs*1), and c.6679C>T, p.(Gln2227*) in the ACAN gene were identified. A total of 314 individuals with heterozygous variants from 105 families and 8 individuals with homozygous variants from 4 families were confirmed to have ACAN variants from literature and our 3 cases. Including our 3 cases, the variants reported comprised 33 frameshift, 39 missense, 23 nonsense, 5 splicing, 4 deletion, and 1 translocation variants. Variation points are scattered throughout the gene, while exons 12, 15, and 10 were most common (25/105, 11/105, and 10/105, respectively). Some identical variants existing in different families could be hot variants, c.532A>T, p.(Asn178Tyr), c.1411C>T, p.(Gln471*), c.1608C>A, p.(Tyr536*), c.2026+1G>A, (splicing), and c.7276G>T, p.(Glu2426*). Short stature, early‐onset osteoarthritis, brachydactyly, midfacial hypoplasia, and early growth cessation were the common phenotypic features. The 48 children who received rhGH (and GnRHa) treatment had a significant height improvement compared with before (−2.18 ± 1.06 SD vs. −2.69 ± 0.95 SD, p

This paper first introduces the support vector machine mining algorithm to find the optimal linearly bounded hyperplane utilizing a nonlinear transformation. Then the algorithm’s comparison criterion is introduced, and its performance is evaluated in terms of accuracy and other aspects. Finally, the support vector machine mining algorithm is used to mine and analyze the problems of traditional animation and the impact of new media technology on the creation of media animation. Among the existing problems, the most important one is that 67.9% of people think the animation content has no connotation and is boring. 7.8% of people think that the technology is not up to the standard and the use of new technology is lacking, and 55% think that the theme is old and repetitive. In the influence of new media technology on media animation creation, 67% think new media technology makes animation themes diversified, 73% think new media technology makes animation content young and theme civilians grounded. 79% think new media technology keeps animation creation up with the times, and connotation and creativity are improved. New media technology makes media animation’s connotation theme sublimated, but it also should reflect on its shortcomings in time with the development of the times.

Background: Most guidelines propose inducing labor within 24 h following term (37 or more weeks of gestation) prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). However, the exact timing for initiating induction within the 24 h period remains unknown. This study aims to comparatively assess the efficacy and safety of the use of vaginal dinoprostone within 6 h versus within 6–24 h for singleton pregnancies with PROM and an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 6). Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies with PROM and an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 6) in which labor was induced using vaginal dinoprostone. Women were divided into two groups according to the timing of the use of induction (within 6 h versus within 6–24 h after PROM). Baseline maternal data, maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded for statistical analysis. Results: 450 women were included, 146 (32.4%) of whom were induced within 6 h of PROM and 304 (67.6%) were induced within 6–24 h. Cesarean delivery rate (15.8% versus 29.3%, p = 0.002) and nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing (4.8% versus 10.5%, p = 0.043) in group with vaginal dinoprostone within 6 h were significantly lower than those in group with vaginal dinoprostone within 6–24 h. There was no significant differences in terms of duration from IOL to vaginal delivery. Conclusion: Induction of labor within 6 h with vaginal dinoprostone after PROM for singleton pregnancies with an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 6) significantly associated with less cesarean section, less nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing, compared to induction of labor within 6–24 h after PROM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common pulmonary manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the role of blood biomarkers in RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is ill-defined. We aim to evaluate the role of YKL-40 and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) in the diagnosis and severity evaluation of RA-ILD. Methods: 45 RA-non-ILD patients and 38 RA-ILD patients were included. The clinical data and the levels of YKL-40 and KL-6 were measured and collected for all patients. The risk factors for RA-ILD were analyzed and their correlation with relevant indicators and predictive value for RA-ILD was explored. Results: The levels of YKL-40 and KL-6 in RA-ILD patients were higher than RA-non-ILD patients (p <.001). Both YKL-40 and KL-6 were correlated with the incidence of RA-ILD. The predictive power of combined KL-6 and YKL-40 for the presence of ILD was 0.789, with a sensitivity and specificity at 73.7% and 73.3%, respectively. In RA-ILD patients, both YKL-40 and KL-6 were positively correlated with the Scleroderma Lung Study (SLS) I score and negatively correlated with pulmonary function. Conclusions: KL-6 and YKL-40 might be a useful biomarker in the diagnosis and severity evaluation of RA-ILD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solid-state reaction method was used to prepare Ce3+/Eu3+ codoped KZnPO4 phosphors for white light-emitting diodes (W-LEDs). The phase formation of Ce3+/Eu3+ codoped KZnPO4 was verified by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. Under excitation at around 395 nm, red emission corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition was observed from Ce3+/Eu3+ codoped KZnPO4 phosphors. The codoped Ce3+ in KZnPO4:Eu3+,Ce3+ affects the microstructural symmetry because of different ionic sizes, leading to the different emission properties of KZnPO4:Eu3+. The codoping method may be efficient for adjusting the luminous characteristics of phosphors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant communities may be co-invaded by invasive plants, sometimes even by congeneric invasive plants (CIPs). Despite the growing understanding of co-invasion in the environment, little is known about how CIP interactions and mechanisms regulate co-invasion. Darwin's naturalisation conundrum predicts that the coexistence of closely related species is difficult due to their structural and behavioural similarities. Nevertheless, communities containing closely related species are more susceptible to being invaded because close relatives may favour similar environments; therefore, this hypothesis should be followed in the co-invasion of CIPs. To explore whether the phylogenetic relatedness and origins of invasive species to CIPs can promote or hinder co-invasion, we conducted a controlled interaction and soil-legacy greenhouse experiment to quantify the growth response of invasive plants and their congeners. We consistently found that CIPs of identical origin were more likely to co-invade compared to CIPs of distinct origins. CIPs of distinct origins exhibited an antagonistic effect on co-invasion by allelopathy. Invasive plant-conditioned soil was more conducive to the growth of CIPs of identical origin than CIPs of distinct origins. Our results revealed the different effects of invader–invader phylogenetic relatedness on co-invader success and impact, suggesting the operation of different mechanisms across co-invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] Jurassic strata are well exposed in the northeastern Qaidam Basin. However, the formation and scale of the Jurassic prototype-basin in this area has been obscured by intense tectonism, and currently remains unclear. Different views have been expressed regarding the original sedimentary relationships of the residual Jurassic depression. [Methods] An integrated analysis of the heavy-mineral assemblages comprising whole-rock geochemistry and U-Pb chronology of detrital zircon was conducted to determine the provenance of the Middle Jurassic in this area. Further, the evolution of Jurassic prototype basin in the study area combined with its paleo-tectonic setting and stratigraphic and sedimentary facies research were discussed. [Results and Conclusions] (1) During the Middle Jurassic, five distinct depositional areas existed in the study area, here designated as areas A, B, C, D and E. (2) The primary source of sediments in the study area was intermediate-to-acidic igneous rock, partially mixed with sedimentary rock. (3) The tectonic setting of the provenance area is dominated by continental island arcs and active continental margin. It is considered that the provenance area was affected by two periods of magmatic events (200-300 and 400500 Ma). (4) A comparison of the potential source areas and the depositional areas led to the following conclusions : Area A was mainly sourced from the North Qaidam UHP belt near the Xitie Mountain, with minor supplementary material from the Oulongbuluke Block. Area B was derived from the South Qilian Mountain in the northeast of the study area. Areas C and D, which have relatively low ZTR, are believed to be mainly sourced from near-source paleo-uplift. Area E was mainly sourced from the Ela Mountain in the east of the study area. (5) During the Middle Jurassic, the study area developed as a series of small-scale, isolated depressions until J2d7, then evolved into a larger, partially unified depression. These findings are highly significant for gaining an understanding of the evolution of the Qaidam Basin and the temporal-spatial changes of the basin-mountain system at the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. It is also important for guiding oil and gas exploration in the Qaidam Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nurse-physician collaboration on the incidence of complications, anxiety and depression, quality of life, and satisfaction with nursing care among cervical cancer patients undergoing three-dimensional intracavitary brachytherapy. In this randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 92 eligible cervical cancer patients were equally divided into two groups upon admission. The control group was given routine nursing, and the intervention group received a nurse-physician collaboration in addition to routine care. Anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life in both groups were assessed and compared at baseline and discharge. The intervention group had significantly fewer complications and showed marked improvements in mental health and quality of life compared to the control group. Satisfaction with nursing care was substantially greater in the intervention group. These results support the clinical adoption of a nurse-physician collaborative care model in the management of cervical cancer with three-dimensional intracavitary brachytherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating cell-free microRNAs (cfmiRNA) are an emerging class of biomarkers that have shown great promise in the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of several pathological conditions, including cancer. However, validation and clinical implementation of cfmiRNA biomarkers has been hindered by the variability introduced during different or suboptimal specimen collection and handling practices. To address the need for standardization and evidence-based guidance, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed a new Biospecimen Evidenced-Based Practices (BEBP) document, entitled "Cell-free miRNA (cfmiRNA): Blood Collection and Processing". The BEBP, the fourth in the document series, contains step-by-step procedural guidelines on blood collection, processing, storage, extraction, and quality assessment that are tailored specifically for cfmiRNA analysis of plasma and serum. The workflow outlined in the BEBP is based on the available literature and recommendations of an expert panel. The BEBP contains the level of detail required for development of evidence-based standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as the flexibility needed to accomodate (i) discovery- and inquiry-based studies and (ii) the different constraints faced by research labs, industry, clinical and academic institutions to foster widespread implementation. Guidance from the expert panel also included recommendations on study design, validating changes in workflow, and suggested quality thresholds to delineate meaningful changes in cfmiRNA levels. The NCI cfmiRNA: Blood Collection and Processing BEBP is available here as supplementary information as well as through the NCI Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research Branch (BBRB) (https://biospecimens.cancer.gov/resources/bebp.asp). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tannic acid (TA)-derived carbon dots (TACDs) were synthesized for the first time via a solvothermal method using TA as one of the raw materials, which may effectively inhibit amyloid fibril aggregation and disaggregate mature fibril. The fluorescent property of TACDs were modulated by adjusting the ratio of TA to o-phenylenediamine (oPD), and TACDs fabricated with the precursor ratio as 1:1 showed the best fluorescent property. Circular dichroism spectra (CD) showed that the structure of β-sheet decreased as the concentration of TACDs increased. The inhibition efficiency, as confirmed by thioflavin T (ThT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), is extraordinary at 98.16%, whereas disaggregation efficiency is noteworthy at 97.97%, and the disaggregated lysozyme fibrils did not reaggregate after 7 days. More critically, TACDs can also alleviate the cellular toxicity caused by Aβ fibrils and improve cell viability. This work offers a new perspective on the design of scavengers for amyloid plaques., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Abnormal amyloid β-protein (Aβ 42 ) fibrillation is a key event in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and photodynamic therapy (PDT) possesses great potential in modulating Aβ 42 self-assembly. However, the poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, low biocompatibility, and limited tissue penetration depth of existing photosensitizers limit the progress of photo-oxidation strategies. In this paper, novel indocyanine green-modified graphene quantum dot nano-assemblies (NBGQDs-ICGs) were synthesized based on a molecular assembly strategy of electrostatic interactions for PDT inhibition of Aβ 42 self-assembly process and decomposition of preformed fibrils under near-infrared light. Combining the small-size structure of graphene quantum dots and the near-infrared light-responsive properties of ICGs, the NBGQDs-ICGs could achieve BBB penetration under 808 nm irradiation. More importantly, the neuroprotective mechanism of NBGQDs-ICG was studied for the first time by AFM, which effectively weakened the adhesion of Aβ 42 aggregates to the cell surface by blocking the interaction between Aβ 42 and the cell membrane, and restored the mechanical stability and adhesion of the neuron membrane. Meanwhile, NBGQDs-ICG promoted phagocytosis of Aβ 42 by microglia. In addition, the good biocompatibility and stability ensured the biosafety of NBGQDs-ICG in future clinical applications. We anticipate that such multifunctional nanocomponents may provide promising avenues for the development of novel AD inhibitors., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)