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Nanorods assembled 3D microspheres of TiO2/MnO2 were prepared via a simple one-pot hydrothermal approach. The resultant composite material exhibited remarkable electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in comparison to each single component. The electrochemical sensor constructed with TiO2/MnO2 exhibited a linear relationship within the range 0.0001–5.6 mmol·L−1 for H2O2. The limit of detection (LOD) and sensitivity for H2O2 were 0.03 µmol·L−1 (S/N = 3) and 316.6 µA (mmol·L−1)−1 cm−2. Moreover, this sensor can be employed to detect trace amount of H2O2 in serum and urine samples successfully, supporting an insight and strategy for a more sensitive electrochemical sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica L.) is a special evergreen tree, and its fruit is of high medical and health value as well as having stable market demand around the world. In recent years, research on the accumulation of nutrients in loquat fruit, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, has become a hotspot. The SBP-box gene family encodes transcription factors involved in plant growth and development. However, there has been no report on the SBP-box gene family in the loquat genome and their functions in carotenoid biosynthesis and fruit ripening. In this study, we identified 28 EjSBP genes in the loquat genome, which were unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes. We also systematically investigated the phylogenetic relationship, collinearity, gene structure, conserved motifs, and cis-elements of EjSBP proteins. Most EjSBP genes showed high expression in the root, stem, leaf, and inflorescence, while only five EjSBP genes were highly expressed in the fruit. Gene expression analysis revealed eight differentially expressed EjSBP genes between yellow- and white-fleshed fruits, suggesting that the EjSBP genes play important roles in loquat fruit development at the breaker stage. Notably, EjSBP01 and EjSBP19 exhibited completely opposite expression patterns between white- and yellow-fleshed fruits during fruit development, and showed a close relationship with SlCnr involved in carotenoid biosynthesis and fruit ripening, indicating that these two genes may participate in the synthesis and accumulation of carotenoids in loquat fruit. In summary, this study provides comprehensive information about the SBP-box gene family in the loquat, and identified two EjSBP genes as candidates involved in carotenoid synthesis and accumulation during loquat fruit development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Near-spherical ZnO/N-rGO nanocomposite was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. • Systematic study of electrochemical sensing property of ns-ZnO/N-rGO for nitrite. • Sensor was used for detection of nitrite in ham sausage, pickle and tap water. • The electrochemical sensing mechanism of ns-ZnO/N-rGO for nitrite was explored. A hierarchical near-spherical ZnO (ns-ZnO)/Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) nanocomposite was synthesized via a facile hydro/solvo-thermal route. Then, a non-enzymatic nitrite electrochemical sensor (ns-ZnO/N-rGO/GCE) was obtained by modifying glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with the prepared nanocomposite. More adsorption sites and electro-catalytic active sites were provided at the electrode interface thanks to the formation of hierarchical structure, making the fabricated GCE possess a remarkable amperometric sensing property for nitrite. The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 0.08 μM, and the detection range was as broad as 0.037 μM–5.9 mM. Furthermore, this sensor showed satisfactory recovery for nitrite in genuine samples including ham sausage, pickle and tap water, suggesting the potential practical application performance of ns-ZnO/N-rGO/GCE in the fields of food analysis and environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study explored tourists’ preferences and willingness to pay for travel carbon offset (TCO) products using a hybrid choice model (HCM). This model integrates a mixed multinomial logit model (MMNL) and a latent variable model (LVM) to facilitate the exploration of preference heterogeneity among tourists by incorporating individual psychological constructs. The key empirical results were as follows: (1) the respondents were more likely to purchase a TCO product when they were provided with both TCO and opt-out options; the respondents were willing to pay ¥108 (about US$15.88) for an optimal TCO product for 1-tonne travel carbon emissions; (2) tourists’ preferences for TCO products were influenced by offset- and travel-related factors, including offset quantity, project locations and types, TCO providers and payment time; and (3) green trust and socio-demographic characteristics influenced the respondents’ preferences for TCO products. Through this study, we extend the literature on global warming mitigation, pro-environmental behaviour and discrete choice modelling. Our empirical results can be used by tourism businesses to understand tourists’ demands for TCO products and to provide specific recommendations for developing decarbonisation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prospect theory has been an essential theoretical foundation for behavioral economics, as recognized with the Nobel Prize in economic sciences in 2002. The growing interest in behavioral economics among tourism researchers necessitates a systematic assessment of prospect theory and its application in tourism research to critically examine the current status of tourism decision-making studies. This study therefore clarifies the theoretical background of prospect theory and analyzes 93 published studies to examine how prospect theory has performed in explaining tourism decision-making. The study also evaluates the application of prospect theory in tourism research and provides future research directions with respect to under-researched dimensions, reference points, dynamic decision-making processes, and the logical continuity and systemization of prospect theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a form of clonal plasma cell malignancy that associates with clinical manifestations such as anemia, hypercalcemia, bone pain, and renal impairment. Approximately 20–50% of MM patients at initial diagnosis experience renal injury, a vital complication that significantly influences prognosis and quality of life. This review seeks to clarify the multifaceted mechanisms of renal injury in MM, scrutinizing the pathogenic role of monoclonal proteins, the impact of hypercalcemia, and direct renal infiltration by plasma cells. Furthermore, it evaluates current diagnostic approaches, reviews management strategies, and highlights potential avenues for future research. By incorporating the latest scientific evidence and insights, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of MM-associated renal impairment, offering a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians in handling this complex complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ZIF-67 were successfully modified by ultra-fine K 4 Fe(CN) 6 nanoparticles. • K 4 Fe(CN) 6 modified ZIF-67 obtained enhanced adsorption efficiency for Sr2+. • Adsorption behavior was revealed via thermodynamics and kinetics studies. • K+ introduced into ZIF-67 became adsorption sites for ion exchange with Sr2+. Development of a material with high adsorption capacity and selectivity for removal of strontium ion (Sr2+) from nuclear wastewater is a challenge. Herein, dodecahedral zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-67 (ZIF-67) was successfully modified by potassium hexacyanoferrate(Ⅱ) (K 4 Fe(CN) 6) nanoparticles, and used as an effective adsorbent for Sr2+ removal from model wastewater. In construction of adsorbent, methanol was used as the medium for assembly of ultra-fine and uniform 25 nm of K 4 Fe(CN) 6 nanoparticles on ZIF-67, well maintaining the original dodecahedral morphology and mesoporous structure of ZIF-67 crystal. N in 2-methylimidazole (2-MI) bonded with Co to generate ZIF-67, while the unsaturated Co in ZIF-67 bonded with N in K 4 Fe(CN) 6 to form spherical nanoparticles. Specific surface area of ZIF-67 were regulated by K 4 Fe(CN) 6 to an appropriate value of 607.464 m2·g−1 for Sr2+ adsorption. Adsorption efficiency of K 4 Fe(CN) 6 modified ZIF-67 for Sr2+ was significantly enhanced to 90 % within 2 h at ambient conditions, due to the improvement in morphology, structure and chemical property of adsorbent. K 4 Fe(CN) 6 modified ZIF-67 exhibited high adsorption selectivity 45 mg·g−1 for Sr2+ in the presence of competing metal ions such as K+, Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+, and thus achieved 40 mg·g−1 of adsorption capacity for Sr2+ in actual tap water. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were well fitted with the second-order kinetics and the Langmuir model, respectively, suggesting a chemisorption process. Mechanism studies showed that the surface of ZIF-67 was uniformly covered by ultra-fine nanoparticles, on the outer layer of which K+ ions were distributed as the adsorption sites for ion exchange with Sr2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of biocathode in an enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFC) in the real application is somehow overlooked. Herein, a wearable and flexible lactic-acid/O 2 EBFC enhanced with an air-breathing biocathode is designed to solve the limitation of biocathode that arises from the low solubility and slow mass transfer of the dissolved oxygen. To improve the oxygen supply efficiency for the air-breathing biocathode, a superhydrophobic base electrode creating an efficient air-solid-liquid triphase interface is developed. The designed EBFC with an 'island-bridge' configuration is integrated by assembling the current collectors of air-breathing biocathode and bioanode on a commercial laminating film (LF) screen-printed with a noninterfering circuit. It is found that the biocathode/bioanode area ratio should exceed 9:1 so that the designed EBFC (1A//9C) can achieve the optimal performance. This EBFC delivers an open circuit voltage of ca. 0.75 V and outputs a maximum power density of ca. 1.78 mW cm−2. In addition, a scaled-up EBFC (total bioanode area: 1.5 cm2) successfully powers a self-developed low-power device of heartrate in the pulse operation mode when applied on a volunteer's arm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding technology is one of the necessary means for agricultural development, and the automatic identification of poor seeds has become a trend in modern breeding. China is one of the main producers of buckwheat, and the cultivation of Hongshan buckwheat plays an important role in agricultural production. The quality of seeds affects the final yield, and improving buckwheat breeding technology is particularly important. In order to quickly and accurately identify broken Hongshan buckwheat seeds, an identification algorithm based on an improved YOLOv5s model is proposed. Firstly, this study added the Ghost module to the YOLOv5s model, which improved the model's inference speed. Secondly, we introduced the bidirectional feature pyramid network (BiFPN) to the neck of the YOLOv5s model, which facilitates multi-scale fusion of Hongshan buckwheat seeds. Finally, we fused the Ghost module and BiFPN to form the YOLOV5s+Ghost+BiFPN model for identifying broken Hongshan buckwheat seeds. The results show that the precision of the YOLOV5s+Ghost+BiFPN model is 99.7%, which is 11.7% higher than the YOLOv5s model, 1.3% higher than the YOLOv5+Ghost model, and 0.7% higher than the YOLOv5+BiFPN model. Then, we compared the FLOPs value, model size, and confidence. Compared to the YOLOv5s model, the FLOPs value decreased by 6.8 G, and the model size decreased by 5.2 MB. Compared to the YOLOv5+BiFPN model, the FLOPs value decreased by 8.1 G, and the model size decreased by 7.3MB. Compared to the YOLOv5+Ghost model, the FLOPs value increased by only 0.9 G, and the model size increased by 1.4 MB, with minimal numerical fluctuations. The YOLOv5s+Ghost+BiFPN model has more concentrated confidence. The YOLOv5s+Ghost+BiFPN model is capable of fast and accurate recognition of broken Hongshan buckwheat seeds, meeting the requirements of lightweight applications. Finally, based on the improved YOLOv5s model, a system for recognizing broken Hongshan buckwheat seeds was designed. The results demonstrate that the system can effectively recognize seed features and provide technical support for the intelligent selection of Hongshan buckwheat seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ECL immunosensor for three biomarkers in potential- and waveband-resolved dual-modes. • ECL intensity is stabilized by accumulation algorithm in waveband-resolved mode. • ECL spectrum is measured by high sensitive photomultiplier tube in wavelength scan. • ECL enhancement by reducing charge transfer resistance of the modified electrode. • Amounts of three capture antibodies immobilized were measured by mass-sensor method. Herein, a 3-channel band-bass filter (BPF) turntable was proposed to perform electrochemiluminescence (ECL) multiplexing immunoassay (MIA) in the spectrum- and potential-resolved determinations in a normal ECL analyzer. The simultaneous quantification of α-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19-9) was achieved in one cathodic potential scan run. Stopped the BPF turntable at the indicator channel, AFP was determined in the potential range from 0 to –0.8 V by using perylene tetracarboxylic acid@ carboxylic carbon nanotubes (E p = –0.43 ∼ –0.45 V) as the ECL tag, with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.53 fg mL−1. During the potential scanned from –0.8 to –1.6 V then back –0.8 V, the BPF turntable was rotated to perform the spectrum-resolved ECL MIA for CA125 and CA19-9, with nanocrystals of CdSe (λ max = 550 nm) and CdTe (λ max = 750 nm) as the ECL tags, respectively. A simple accumulative algorithm was used to obtain stable ECL intensity for spectrum measurement and enhance the sensitivity in ECL MIA. The LODs for CA125 and CA19-9 were 0.058 and 0.11 mU mL−1, respectively, which are close to those in the single immunoassays. The combination of the specially designed BPF turntable and single photomultiplier tube detector offers high sensitivity in the spectrum-resolved ECL biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence has suggested that increased matrix stiffness can significantly strengthen the malignant characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, whether and how increased matrix stiffness regulates the formation of invadopodia in HCC cells remain largely unknown. In the study, we developed different experimental systems in vitro and in vivo to explore the effects of matrix stiffness on the formation of invadopodia and its relevant molecular mechanism. Our results demonstrated that increased matrix stiffness remarkably augmented the migration and invasion abilities of HCC cells, upregulated the expressions of invadopodia-associated genes and enhanced the number of invadopodia. Two regulatory pathways contribute to matrix stiffness-driven invadopodia formation together in HCC cells, including direct triggering invadopodia formation through activating integrin β1 or Piezo1/ FAK/Src/Arg/cortactin pathway, and indirect stimulating invadopodia formation through improving EGF production to activate EGFR/Src/Arg/cortactin pathway. Src was identified as the common hub molecule of two synergistic regulatory pathways. Simultaneously, activation of integrin β1/RhoA/ROCK1/MLC2 and Piezo1/Ca2+/MLCK/MLC2 pathways mediate matrix stiffness-reinforced cell migration. This study uncovers a new mechanism by which mechanosensory pathway and biochemical signal pathway synergistically regulate the formation of invadopodia in HCC cells. • Increased matrix stiffness enhances migration and invasion abilities of HCC cells. • A synergistic regulation contributes to matrix stiffness-driven invadopodia formation. • Src is identified as the common hub molecule of synergistic regulatory pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors that predict the quality of bowel preparation in older adults are unclear, and current guidelines do not provide specific recommendations. This meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation in older patients. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched from their inception to February 2023. Cohort and cross-sectional studies exploring the risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation were included in this systematic review. Odds ratio (OR) values from individual studies were pooled using fixed-effects and random-effects models. In addition, a sensitivity analysis and assessment of publication bias were performed. This meta-analysis included six studies (n = 1553) on previous abdominal surgery, six studies (n = 1494) on constipation, seven studies (n = 1505) on diabetes, eight studies (n = 2093) on non-compliance with the diet regimen, seven studies (n = 1350) on incomplete intake of laxative, and nine studies (n = 2163) on inadequate exercise during preparation. The pooled analysis showed that history of abdominal surgery (OR = 2.72; 95 % confidence interval, CI: 2.07 to 3.56), constipation (OR = 3.56, 95 % CI: 2.41 to 5.25), diabetes (OR = 2.54, 95 % CI: 1.81 to 3.57), non-compliance with the diet regimen (OR = 2.51, 95 % CI: 1.96 to 3.21), incomplete intake of laxative (OR = 2.43, 95 % CI: 1.60 to 3.67), and inadequate exercise during preparation (OR = 3.13, 95 % CI: 2.39 to 4.11) were independent risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation in older patients undergoing colonoscopy. Three comorbid factors and three behavioral factors were significantly associated with inadequate bowel preparation in older adults. This meta-analysis provides valuable information for developing predictive models of poor bowel preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]