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Based on multi‐model large‐ensemble experiments provided by Polar Amplification Model Intercomparison Project (PAMIP), we investigate the influence of the projected sea ice loss in Barents‐Kara Seas (BKS) and Sea of Okhotsk (SOK) on the Arctic stratospheric polar vortex (SPV). Results show that future BKS sea ice reduction leads to a weakened SPV during November‐February by enhancing the upward‐propagating planetary wave 1, which is more pronounced during Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) easterly than westerly phase. Through weakening the upward‐propagating planetary wave 2, future SOK sea ice reduction is favorable for a strengthened SPV during January‐April. Inter‐model spread in the magnitudes of SPV responses to BKS sea ice reduction can be largely explained by the divergent planetary wave responses, but less so for SOK sea ice reduction. Results from a linearized baroclinic model further validate the importance of the planetary‐scale wave responses in explaining the differing SPV responses to sea‐ice loss over the two regions. Plain Language Summary: Arctic sea ice reduction influences the Northern Hemispheric weather and climate through modulating Arctic stratospheric polar vortex, which is a band of strong westerly encircling the pole during winter at ∼15–40 km above the Earth's surface. However, sea ice reduction over different regions could lead to different effects on the polar vortex. Here, we compare the effects of future sea ice reduction over the Barents‐Kara Seas, in the far‐north Atlantic Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk, in the northwest Pacific Ocean. We use carefully designed numerical simulations to estimate the effects of sea ice reduction, separately in the above‐mentioned two regions, on the polar vortex. Sea ice reduction over the Barents‐Kara Seas weakens the polar vortex, whereas sea ice reduction over Sea of Okhotsk strengthens the polar vortex. These contrasting effects are explained by opposing changes in wave activity entering the stratosphere from below. Barents‐Kara sea ice reduction leads to the strengthened upward propagating planetary waves, which break in the stratosphere and slow the polar vortex. Conversely, Okhotsk sea ice loss reduces upward waves and strengthens the polar vortex. Key Points: Barents‐Kara and Sea of Okhotsk sea ice loss weakens and strengthens polar vortex, respectively, with attendant changes in SSW frequencyPlanetary wave responses to Barents‐Kara and Okhotsk sea ice loss interfere constructively and destructively with mean flow, respectivelyPolar vortex weakening induced by Barents‐Kara sea ice loss is greater during easterly than westerly Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation phase [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the potential association between life-ever gallstones and depressive symptoms is limited. This study aims to evaluate whether the presence of gallstone disease is associated with depressive symptoms. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-March 2020 cycles. The presence of depressive symptoms and gallstone disease was assessed using questionnaire responses. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a multivariate logistic regression model, with adjustments made for age, sex, race, body mass index, history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis, and pulmonary disease across different models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the stability of the results. This study included 6201 adults aged 20 years and above, with 539(8.7%) experiencing depressive symptoms. After adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, CVD history, hypertension, arthritis, pulmonary disease, depressive symptoms were possibly associated with life-ever gallstones (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.91–2.08).When depressive symptoms were categorized as mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe,life-ever gallstones was possibly associated with mild depressive symptoms (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.81–1.56), moderate depressive symptoms (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.89–2.12), moderately severe depressive symptoms (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.93–3.99), and severe depressive symptoms (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.16–2.88).As a continuous variable, life-ever gallstones was associated with the PHQ-9 score (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.02–0.83). The results remained stable after multiple imputation for all missing data. This cross-sectional study demonstrates no significant association between life-ever gallstones and depressive symptoms in US adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The inflammatory response is a key factor in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI), and anti-inflammatory interventions may offer a promising therapeutic strategy. Forsythoside B (FB) is a phenylethanoid glycoside isolated from Forsythiae fructus, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of FB on CIRI remains unclear. Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). FB was administered intraperitoneally for 3 days prior to MCAO/R. Cerebral infarct volume and neurological deficit score were used as indices to evaluate MCAO/R injury. The serum levels of inflammatory factors and antioxidant enzymes were measured. The activation of silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (Sirt1) and the inhibition of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor with a pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) pathway were assessed through western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. Furthermore, the rats were treated with Sirt1 shRNA 3 days before MCAO/R by stereotactical injection into the ipsilateral hemispheric region to assess the impact of Sirt1 knockdown on the protection of FB during MCAO/R. Results: FB reduced cerebral infarct volume and neurological deficit score in MCAO/R rats. FB reduced pathological changes and cell apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region and cortex on the ischemic side of rats. FB inhibited the serum levels of inflammatory factors and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Further study showed that FB inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 pathway and induced Sirt1 activation. Conclusion: FB demonstrated neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NLRP3 pathway through Sirt1 activation in CIRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In underwater computational ghost imaging, the presence of scattering and absorption introduces significant degradation, leading to blurring and distortion of illuminating patterns. This work proposes an anti-degradation underwater computational ghost imaging (AUGI) method based on the physical degradation model of underwater forward degradation caused by scattering and absorption. Through AUGI, we can enhance the quality of a reconstructed image by about 10 % compared to differential ghost imaging (DGI) as measured by peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM), as a result of simulations. We experimentally demonstrate the superior effectiveness of this method in the artificial submarine environment. Additionally, benefitting from its simplicity, this method is expected to be applied across a wide range of underwater ghost imaging applications.

Introduction: Smoking significantly burdens human health, contributing to an increasing incidence of mortality and morbidity. This study aims to explore the prevalence of smoking, cessation, and the association between various risk factors and smoking intensity measured in pack-years among Chinese adults., Methods: During 2020-2021, the China Stroke High-risk Population Screening and Intervention Program (CSHPSIP) invited participants aged ≥40 years from 31 provinces in mainland China. This cross-sectional study presents the standardized prevalence of smoking and cessation across various demographics, including age, sex, residence, income, education level, BMI, and geographical region of residence. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations between smoking pack-years and related factors., Results: Among 524741 participants (mean age: 61.9 ± 10.9 years; 41.1% male; 58.9% female), standardized smoking prevalence was 19.3% (95% CI: 19.2-19.4), with men (37.2%; 95% CI: 37.0-37.4) displaying significantly higher rates than women (1.3%; 95% CI: 1.2-1.3). Smoking cessation rate stood at 11.2% (95% CI: 11.0-11.4), with 11.3% (95% CI: 11.1-11.5) for men and 8.4% (95% CI: 7.5-9.2) for women. Urban residents and those with advanced education had lower smoking rates and higher cessation rates. Additionally, the dose-response relationship indicated a more pronounced association between higher smoking pack-years and elevated health risks, including hypertension (AOR=1.30; 95% CI: 1.24-1.36), diabetes (AOR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.20-1.33), hyperlipidemia (AOR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.16-1.28), heart disease (AOR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.26-1.54), and stroke (AOR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.10-1.36)., Conclusions: This comprehensive study emphasizes the profound impact of smoking on health in Chinese adults, indicating the critical need for tailored cessation programs, particularly for middle-aged individuals, men, rural residents, and those with lower level of education., Competing Interests: The authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none was reported., (© 2024 Zeng Q. et al.)

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays crucial roles in cellular processes including plant growth, development, and stress responses. In this study, we report that a pair of E3 ubiquitin ligases, AvrPiz-t-interaction protein 6 (APIP6) and IPA1-interaction protein 1 (IPI1), intricately target early flowering3 (ELF3) paralogous proteins to control rice immunity and flowering. APIP6 forms homo-oligomers or hetero-oligomers with IPI1. Both proteins interact with OsELF3-2, promoting its degradation to positively control resistance against the rice blast fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae). Intriguingly, overexpression of IPI1 in Nipponbare caused significantly late-flowering phenotypes similar to the oself3-1 mutant. Except for late flowering, oself3-1 enhances resistance against M. oryzae. IPI1 also interacts with and promotes the degradation of OsELF3-1, a paralog of OsELF3-2. Notably, IPI1 and APIP6 synergistically modulate OsELF3s degradation, finely tuning blast disease resistance by targeting OsELF3-2, while IPI1 controls both disease resistance and flowering by targeting OsELF3-1. This study unravels multiple functions for a pair of E3 ligases in rice., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of prophylaxis on migraine without aura differentiated as liver yang hyperactivity undergoing acupuncture at the points selected using the "seven lines of the neck" method., Methods: Fifty-eight patients with migraine without aura of liver yang hyperactivity at remission stage were randomly divided into an observation group (29 cases, 3 cases dropped out) and a control group (29 cases, 4 cases dropped out). In the observation group, acupuncture was delivered at Dazhui (GV 14), Fengfu (GV 16), bilateral Fengchi (GB 20), Gongxue (Extra), etc., selected using the "seven lines of the neck" method. In the control group, conventional acupuncture was applied to ashi point, Sizhukong (TE 23), Shuaigu (GB 8), Taiyang (EX-HN 5) and others on the affected side. The treatment was given once every other day or every two days, 3 interventions weekly, for consecutive 8 weeks. Before treatment, after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, and after 4 weeks of treatment completion (follow-up visit), the days of migraine episodes, the frequency of migraine episodes, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity, and the score of migraine specific quality of life questionnaire (MSQ) were observed in the patients of the two groups. Before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment, the score of TCM syndrome was observed. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment completion (follow-up visit), the response rates of 50% reduction in the days and the frequency of migraine episodes were calculated in the two groups., Results: After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and during follow-up visit, the days and the frequency of migraine episodes were decreased ( P <0.01) and VAS scores were declined ( P <0.01) when compared with those before treatment in the two groups. The days and the frequency of migraine episodes in the observation group were lower during the follow-up visit ( P <0.05) and VAS scores were lower after 8 weeks of treatment and during the follow-up visit ( P <0.05) when compared with those in the control group. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, and during follow-up visit, the scores of "role function-preventive" and "emotional function" of MSQ were increased in comparison with those before treatment in the observation group ( P <0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment and during the follow-up visit, the scores of "role function-restrictive" of MSQ were increased in comparison with those before treatment in the observation group ( P <0.05), and the scores of "role function-restrictive" "role function-preventive" and "emotional function" were higher when compared with those before treatment in the control group ( P <0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the scores of TCM syndrome were decreased in comparison with those before treatment in the two groups ( P <0.01). In the observation group, the response rate of 50% reduction in the days of migraine episodes after 8 weeks of treatment and that of the frequency of migraine episodes during the follow-up visit were higher than those of the control group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: Acupuncture at the points selected using the "seven lines of the neck" method can reduce the days and frequency of migraine episodes and pain intensity, ameliorate the syndrome of TCM and improve the quality of life of the patients with migraine without aura of liver yang hyperactivity.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) on patients with pulmonary edema caused by seawater drowning., Methods: A retrospective analysis method was used. Based on the Utstein database of emergency drowning in the First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, the clinical data of patients with seawater drowning pulmonary edema admitted to the emergency medicine department of the First Hospital of Qinhuangdao from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022 were collected. The patients were divided into NPPV group and HFNC group according to different ventilation methods. The general data, endotracheal intubation rate in 7 days, arterial blood gas analysis indexes [arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2 ), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO 2 ), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO 2 )] and hemodynamic indexes (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, blood lactic acid) before and after treatment, length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), oxygen therapy comfort of the two groups were compared., Results: A total of 54 patients were enrolled, including 21 patients in the NPPV group and 33 patients in the HFNC group. There were no significant differences in gender, age, state of consciousness and other general information between the two groups. Compared with NPPV group, the rate of endotracheal intubation in HFNC group within 7 days was significantly lower [24.2% (8/33) vs. 33.3% (7/21), P < 0.05]. Before treatment, there were no significant differences in arterial blood gas analysis and hemodynamics between the two groups. After treatment, the above indexes in both groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment, and PaO 2 , SaO 2 , systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in HFNC group were significantly higher than those in NPPV group [PaO 2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg≈0.133kPa): 93.56±6.37 vs. 82.14±6.25, SaO 2 : 1.02±0.09 vs. 0.95±0.11, systolic blood pressure (mmHg): 117.37±8.43 vs. 110.42±8.38, diastolic blood pressure (mmHg): 79.43±7.61 vs. 72.21±4.32, mean arterial pressure (mmHg): 92.34±6.32 vs. 85.12±5.38], PaCO 2 , heart rate and blood lactic acid were significantly lower than those in NPPV group [PaCO 2 (mmHg) : 34.26±5.63 vs. 37.24±6.22, heart rate (times/min): 73.38±7.56 vs. 86.25±5.41, blood lactic acid (mmol/L): 1.38±0.36 vs. 2.25±1.14], and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). In addition, the length of ICU stay in HFNC group was significantly shorter than that in NPPV group (days: 13.30±2.38 vs. 16.27±4.26), and the comfort rate of oxygen therapy was significantly higher than that in NPPV group [66.7% (22/33) vs. 42.8% (9/21)], with statistical significance (all P < 0.05)., Conclusions: HFNC can improve the oxygenation of patients with pulmonary edema caused by seawater drowning, improve hemodynamics, reduce the rate of tracheal intubation, shorten the length of ICU stay, and improve the comfort of oxygen therapy, which has certain clinical application value.