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Abstract In the field of oil drilling, accurately predicting the Rate of Penetration (ROP) is crucial for improving drilling efficiency and reducing costs. Traditional prediction methods and existing machine learning approaches often lack accuracy and generalization capabilities, leading to suboptimal results in practical applications. This study proposes an end-to-end ROP prediction model based on BiLSTM-SA-IDBO, which integrates Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM), a Self-Attention mechanism (SA), and an Improved Dung Beetle Optimization algorithm (IDBO), incorporating the Bingham physical equation.We enhanced the DBO algorithm by using Sobol sequences for population initialization and integrating the Golden Sine algorithm and dynamic subtraction factors to develop a more robust IDBO. This optimized the BiLSTM-SA model, resulting in a BiLSTM-SA-IDBO model with an RMSE of 0.065, an R² of 0.963, and an MAE of 0.05 on the test set. Compared to the original BiLSTM-SA model, these metrics improved by 78%, 21%, and 83%, respectively. Additionally, we compared this model with BP Neural Network, Random Forest, XGBoost, and LSTM models, and found that our proposed model significantly outperformed these traditional models. Finally, through practical testing, the model’s excellent predictive ability and generalization were verified, demonstrating its great potential for practical applications.

Abstract Viral encephalitis is characterized by inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by a variety of viruses, among which the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus (JEV) is a typical representative arbovirus. Neuronal death, neuroinflammation, and breakdown of the blood brain barrier (BBB) constitute vicious circles of JE progression. Currently, there is no effective therapy to prevent this damage. Growth arrest specific gene 6 (GAS6) is a secreted growth factor that binds to the TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK (TAM) family of receptor tyrosine kinases and has been demonstrated to participate in neuroprotection and suppression of inflammation in many central nervous system (CNS) diseases which has great potential for JE intervention. In this study, we found that GAS6 expression in the brain was decreased and was reversely correlated with viral load and neuronal loss. Mice with GAS6/TAM signalling deficiency showed higher mortality and accelerated neuroinflammation during peripheral JEV infection, accompanied by BBB breakdown. GAS6 directly promoted the expression of tight junction proteins in bEnd.3 cells and strengthened BBB integrity, partly via AXL. Mice administered GAS6 were more resistant to JEV infection due to increased BBB integrity, as well as decreased viral load and neuroinflammation. Thus, targeted GAS6 delivery may represent a strategy for the prevention and treatment of JE especially in patients with impaired BBB.

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of dietary calcitriol or quercetin supplementation on eggshell and bone quality of laying hens. In trial 1, 72 Hy-Line Brown layers (80-week-old) with weak-shelled strength (25 to 30 N) were assigned into 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 3 birds and fed a basal diet (4% calcium level) or basal diets supplemented with 0.5% calcium, 5 μg/kg calcitriol or 500 mg/kg quercetin for 4 weeks. In trial 2, 360 Hy-Line Brown layers (60-week-old) were divided into 3 groups with 8 replicates of 15 birds: control group (basal diet), calcitriol group (basal diet + 5 μg/kg calcitriol), and quercetin group (basal diet + 500 mg/kg quercetin). This trial lasted for 12 weeks. The results showed that dietary calcitriol or quercetin improved eggshell quality in both trials (P

Antinutritional factors in feedstuffs may limit their utilization in livestock production, but fermentation process can be used to improve feed quality; however, studies on fermented soybeans for laying hens remain limited. We investigated the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) at various inclusion levels as a partial replacement for soybean meal (SBM) on egg production, egg quality, amino acid digestibility, gut morphology and microbiota, antioxidant capacity and immune response of young laying hens. A total of 360 Hy-line Brown laying hens aged 18 weeks were selected and divided into 5 groups of 6 replicates each and 12 birds per replicate. The control group received a basal diet while the trial group received the basal diet with FSBM included at 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0%, respectively, for 12 weeks. Our findings revealed that the nutritional value of FSBM was higher compared to that of SBM in terms of reduced content of trypsin inhibitors and increased contents of crude protein, amino acids and minerals. FSBM enhanced egg production (P

Demand for biliary stents has expanded with the increasing incidence of biliary disease. The implantation of plastic or self-expandable metal stents can be an effective treatment for biliary strictures. However, these stents are nondegradable and prone to restenosis. Surgical removal or replacement of the nondegradable stents is necessary in cases of disease resolution or restenosis. To overcome these shortcomings, improvements were made to the materials and surfaces used for the stents. First, this paper reviews the advantages and limitations of nondegradable stents. Second, emphasis is placed on biodegradable polymer and biodegradable metal stents, along with functional coatings. This also encompasses tissue engineering & 3D-printed stents were highlighted. Finally, the future perspectives of biliary stents, including pro-epithelialization coatings, multifunctional coated stents, biodegradable shape memory stents, and 4D bioprinting, were discussed.

To overcome the limitations of geography, climate, and ore characteristics on the ore beneficiation process, bio-oxidation studies on low-grade arsenic-bearing refractory gold ore by pool leaching were carried out, as well as process fitting analysis. The gold particles are encapsulated by pyrite and arsenopyrite. After 60 days of bio-oxidation, the oxidation rates of arsenic, sulfur, and gold were 39%∼69%, 24%∼41%, and 49%∼83%, respectively. The inoculated Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Ferroplasma acidiphilum, and Leptospirillum ferrodiazotrophum could all mediate the initial pyrite/arsenopyrite oxidation and the Fe2+ oxidation reaction, but only the former could mediate the subsequent sulfur compound oxidation. When compared to daily bacterial circulation and bacterial replacement every ten days, aeration improved the gold leaching rate by 14%∼22%. The Boltzmann model could fit both the arsenic and sulfur bio-oxidation, with model fit variances greater than 0.98. Based on the experimental and fitting results, the bio-oxidation cycle was determined to be 60 days, and the bio-oxidation mechanisms are summarized. This study has significant practical implications for the rational utilization of gold resources and provides theoretical and practical guidance for similar gold ores.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are gaining increasing attention in many fields, such as military, logistics, and hazardous site mapping. Utilizing UAVs to assist communications is one of the promising applications and research directions. The future Industrial Internet places higher demands on communication quality. The easy deployment, dynamic mobility, and low cost of UAVs make them a viable tool for wireless communication in the Industrial Internet. Therefore, UAVs are considered as an integral part of Industry 4.0. In this article, three typical use cases of UAVs-assisted communications in Industrial Internet are first summarized. Then, the state-of-the-art technologies for drone-assisted communication in support of the Industrial Internet are presented. According to the current research, it can be assumed that UAV-assisted communication can support the future Industrial Internet to a certain extent. Finally, the potential research directions and open challenges in UAV-assisted communications in the upcoming future Industrial Internet are discussed.

This is an article in the field of ceramics and composites. In this article, the effects of IOT and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber (PF) on the compressive strength, four-point flexural strength, flexural toughness, pore structure of cement-based composites were studied and discussed in detail. The conversion relationship between compressive strength and four-point flexural strength was established. The results showed that the incorporation of IOT had an enhanced effect on the mechanical properties, and this enhanced effect showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the increase in the substitution rate of IOT. However, when PF was added, the mechanical properties under the combined effect of PF and IOT were further improved and showed good toughness. In addition, the internal pores of the matrix with IOT substitution rate of 40% and PF were obviously reduced. Thus, it was concluded that the cement-based composite material had good mechanical properties when the 40% IOT was combined with PF.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in which neutrophils play a critical role. Immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1), responsible for itaconate production, has emerged as an important regulator of inflammation and infection, but its role during M. pneumoniae infection remains unknown. Here, we reveal that itaconate is an endogenous pro-inflammatory metabolite during M. pneumoniae infection. Irg1 knockout (KO) mice had lower levels of bacterial burden, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with wild-type (WT) controls after M. pneumoniae infection. Neutrophils were the major cells producing itaconate during M. pneumoniae infection in mice. Neutrophil counts were positively correlated with itaconate concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with severe M. pneumoniae pneumonia. Adoptive transfer of Irg1 KO neutrophils, or administration of β-glucan (an inhibitor of Irg1 expression), significantly attenuated M. pneumoniae pneumonia in mice. Mechanistically, itaconate impaired neutrophil bacterial killing and suppressed neutrophil apoptosis via inhibiting mitochondrial ROS. Moreover, M. pneumoniae induced Irg1 expression by activating NF-κB and STAT1 pathways involving TLR2. Our data thus identify Irg1/itaconate pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of M. pneumoniae pneumonia.

To investigate the functioning mechanism of cruise altitude on transportation and discharging dynamics of onboard fire-extinguishants, a numerical model coupling the vaporization and flowing process is established for the Halon 1301-N2 multi-component two-phase flow inside the onboard fire-extinguishing system based on computational fluid dynamics. Flowing and transportation parameters are simulated and compared for Halon 1301 at 0 m, 3000 m, 6000 m and 12000 m. Moreover, the peak discharging fluid pressure, velocity and density are also analyzed to evaluate the impact of altitude on discharging dynamics of Halon 1301. Notably, the maximum discharging velocity at 3000 m, 6000 m and 12000 m are reduced by 4 %, 9 % and 15 % relative to that at 0 m; the maximum discharging fluid pressure and density at 12000 m are respectively reduced by 32 % and 12 % relative to those at 0 m. High altitude is unraveled to inhibit the vaporization of Halon 1301 and lower the discharging efficiency at the pipeline outlet, consequently lowering the diffusion efficiency and effective concentration of Halon 1301 in the protected area and further weakening the fire-suppression effectiveness. The unveiled insights afford guidance for the optimization of fire-extinguishing systems to improve the fire-fighting capability of airplanes at high altitudes.

Objectives: To conduct a meta-analysis of the association between postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), baseline characteristics of patients with herpes zoster (HZ), and early interventions. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in seven databases, in June 2021 and updated in June 2022. Two investigators independently conducted literature screening and data extraction, and the studies were evaluated according to the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Results: A total of 53 cohort studies were included. The meta-analyses identified skin lesions, timing of initial treatment (≥3 days), and comorbidities as potential risk factors for PHN. In contrast, female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99-1.29), cervical herpes (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.21-2.99), lumbar herpes (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.61-2.74), and immunosuppressive therapy (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 0.22-17.12), were not significantly associated with PHN. In addition, glucocorticoid use (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.22-1.70) may be a protective factor for the development of PHN; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: A series of baseline characteristics were identified among populations at high risk of developing PHN from HZ. Additionally, the timing of initial treatment is associated with PHN occurrence. The preventive effect of glucocorticoids warrants further validation.

ABSTRACT: To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms that impact variability in albumen quality of laying hens from the peak of lay to the late production phase. A 60-wk study was conducted on a cohort of 20,000 Hy-Line Brown laying hens from 20 to 80 wk old. Before commencement at 20 wk, the 10-wk-old hens were acclimatized for 10 wk. This study examined changes in albumen quality, serum, and liver antioxidant capacity, magnum morphology, and expression of albumen-protein-related genes in the magnum. To reduce sampling error, we collected eggs (n = 90) from pre-determined cages at every sampling point (5-wk intervals), and 8 hens were selected at 10-wk intervals for blood and tissue collection. Our findings revealed that age significantly affected most evaluated parameters. Albumen gel properties, including hardness, gumminess, and chewiness, increased significantly with age (P < 0.05). With the increasing of hens' age from 20 to 80 wk, the albumen proportion of eggs was decreased, but eggshell proportion, yolk proportion, thick albumen proportion, thick to thin ratio, thick albumen solid content, albumen height, Haugh units (HU), and yolk color were increased and then decreased (P < 0.05). Compared to hens aged 20 to 60 wk, the hens (70–80 wk) had significantly reduced total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione levels (GSH) in the liver and lower serum TAC and superoxide dismutase levels (SOD) (P < 0.05). The magnum mucosal folds were highest in 40 to 60 wk-old hens, and the luminal diameter increased with age (P < 0.05). In the magnum, the mRNA expression levels for OVA, CPE, and NUP205 increased significantly between 30 and 40 wk, while FBN1 expression was higher between 30 and 50 wk (P < 0.05). At 70 to 80 wk, the expression of BRCA2 was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). Albumen height, thick albumen proportion with protein secretion-related genes, enhanced antioxidant function, and luminal diameter correlated positively. However, the thick-to-thin albumen ratio negatively correlated with BRCA2, downregulated in aged laying hens. We used principal component and cluster analysis to deduce albumen quality changes during 3 phases: 25 to 35, 40 to 55, and 60 to 80 wk. The decline in albumen quality in aging hens is linked with decreased antioxidant capacity, magnum health, and downregulation of key genes involved in protein synthesis and secretion. These findings emphasize critical albumen quality changes in laying hens and suggest molecular pathways underlying age-related albumen quality alterations.

To study the breakup process of fuel jets in air crossflow with a positive velocity gradient, the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method and adaptive grid technology are combined to simulate the two-phase flow of gas and liquid. A comparative analysis is conducted on the breakup and corresponding flow characteristics of direct fuel jets under uniform and positive velocity gradient airflow. The simulation results demonstrate that the morphological changes of the fuel column are caused by factors such as gas-liquid shear and asymmetric airflow vortices. The fuel jet undergoes primary breakup, which mainly contains columnar and surface breakup. The columnar breakup is dominated by Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instability, while the surface breakup is dominated by Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instability. Compared with uniform flow, the expansion angle in the positive velocity gradient incoming flow increases by an average of 9.2%, and the wavelength of the surface wave increases by an average of 34%.

Abstract Correlation effect may be induced by the flat band(s) near the Fermi energy, as demonstrated in twisted graphene, Kagome materials, and heavy Fermion materials. Unconventional superconductivity may arise from this correlation effect and show deviation from the phonon-mediated pairing as well as the Landau Fermi liquid in the normal state. Here, we report the anomalous properties in normal and superconducting states in the Laves phase superconductor Sc2Ir4-x Si x with a kagome lattice and silicon doping. By doping silicon to the iridium sites, a phase diagram with nonmonotonic and two-dome-like doping dependence of the superconducting transition temperature T c was observed. The samples in the region of the second dome, including Sc2Ir3.5Si0.5 with the optimal T c, exhibit non-Fermi liquid behavior at low temperatures after superconductivity is suppressed, as evidenced by the divergence of the specific heat coefficient and the semiconducting-like resistivity, together with a strong superconducting fluctuation in the optimally doped samples. Combined with first-principles calculations, we attribute the anomalous properties in normal and superconducting states to the correlation effect, which is intimately induced by the flat band effect when considering the strong spin-orbit coupling.

Objectives: To examine the 16-year developmental history, research hotspots, and emerging trends of zinc-based biodegradable metallic materials from the perspective of structural and temporal dynamics. Methods: The literature on zinc-based biodegradable metallic materials in WoSCC was searched. Historical characteristics, the evolution of active topics and development trends in the field of zinc-based biodegradable metallic materials were analyzed using the bibliometric tools CiteSpace and HistCite. Results: Over the past 16 years, the field of zinc-based biodegradable metal materials has remained in a hotspot stage, with extensive scientific collaboration. In addition, there are 45 subject categories and 51 keywords in different research periods, and 80 papers experience citation bursts. Keyword clustering anchored 3 emerging research subfields, namely, #1 plastic deformation #4 additive manufacturing #5 surface modification. The keyword alluvial map shows that the longest-lasting research concepts in the field are mechanical property, microstructure, corrosion behavior, etc., and emerging keywords are additive manufacturing, surface modification, dynamic recrystallization, etc. The most recent research on reference clustering has six subfields. Namely, #0 microstructure, #2 sem, #3 additive manufacturing, #4 laser powder bed fusion, #5 implant, and #7 Zn–1Mg. Conclusion: The results of the bibliometric study provide the current status and trends of research on zinc-based biodegradable metallic materials, which can help researchers identify hot spots and explore new research directions in the field.

Abstract Nonlinear transport is a unique functionality of noncentrosymmetric systems, which reflects profound physics, such as spin-orbit interaction, superconductivity and band geometry. However, it remains highly challenging to enhance the nonreciprocal transport for promising rectification devices. Here, we observe a light-induced giant enhancement of nonreciprocal transport at the superconducting and epitaxial CaZrO3/KTaO3 (111) interfaces. The nonreciprocal transport coefficient undergoes a giant increase with three orders of magnitude up to 105 A−1 T−1. Furthermore, a strong Rashba spin-orbit coupling effective field of 14.7 T is achieved with abundant high-mobility photocarriers under ultraviolet illumination, which accounts for the giant enhancement of nonreciprocal transport coefficient. Our first-principles calculations further disclose the stronger Rashba spin-orbit coupling strength and the longer relaxation time in the photocarrier excitation process, bridging the light-property quantitative relationship. Our work provides an alternative pathway to boost nonreciprocal transport in noncentrosymmetric systems and facilitates the promising applications in opto-rectification devices and spin-orbitronic devices.

Abstract Background Deteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens. This study compared the differences of eggshell quality, bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiological characteristics and the bone remodeling processes of hens laying eggs of different eggshell breaking strength to explore the mechanism of eggshell and bone quality reduction and their interaction. A total of 240 74-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and allocated to a high (HBS, 44.83 ± 1.31 N) or low (LBS, 24.43 ± 0.57 N) eggshell breaking strength group. Results A decreased thickness, weight and weight ratio of eggshells were observed in the LBS, accompanied with ultrastructural deterioration and total Ca reduction. Bone quality was negatively correlated with eggshell quality, marked with enhanced structures and increased components in the LBS. In the LBS, the mammillary knobs and effective layer grew slowly. At the initiation stage of eggshell calcification, a total of 130 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 122 upregulated and 8 downregulated) were identified in the uterus of hens in the LBS relative to those in the HBS. These DEGs were relevant to apoptosis due to the cellular Ca overload. Higher values of p62 protein level, caspase-8 activity, Bax protein expression and lower values of Bcl protein expression and Bcl/Bax ratio were seen in the LBS. TUNEL assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed a significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells and tissue damages in the uterus of the LBS. Although few DEGs were identified at the growth stage, similar uterine tissue damages were also observed in the LBS. The expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocalcin were upregulated in humeri of the LBS. Enlarged diameter and more structural damages of endocortical bones and decreased ash were observed in femurs of the HBS. Conclusion The lower eggshell breaking strength may be attributed to a declined Ca transport due to uterine tissue damages, which could affect eggshell calcification and lead to a weak ultrastructure. Impaired uterine Ca transport may result in reduced femoral bone resorption and increased humeral bone formation to maintain a higher mineral and bone quality in the LBS. Graphical Abstract

Sulfur metabolites of methionine (Met) and vitamin E (VE) have antioxidant potential and can maintain liver health in chickens. This study explored the underlying mechanisms of Met sources, the ratio of total sulfur amino acids to lysine (TSAA: Lys), and VE levels on production performances, antioxidant potential, and hepatic oxidation in aged laying hens. Eight hundred and sixty-four, Hy-Line Brown laying hens (70-week age) were divided into 12 treatment groups, each having 6 repeats and 12 birds/each repeat. The dietary treatments consisted of DL-Met (DL-Met), DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic acid (OH-Met), 3 ratios of TSAA: Lys (0.90, 0.95, and 1.00), and 2 levels of VE (20 and 40 g/ton). Albumen height and Haugh unit significantly increased at a lower level of VE (P < 0.05). Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities (CAT) in the liver significantly reduced at 0.95 TSAA: Lys ratio (P < 0.05). Fatty acid synthase (FAS), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 alpha (CPT-1α) also upregulated at this TSAA: Lys ratio (P < 0.05). Compared with the DL-Met group, the OH-Met group had lower Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP4) and higher TC, LDL, and VLDL concentrations (P < 0.05).The expression of FAS, CPT-1α), glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), glutathione synthetase (GSS), and Nrf2 were significantly higher in OH-Met compared with the DL-Met group (P < 0.05). OH-Met at 0.95 and DL-Met at 0.90 TSAA: Lys ratio showed higher CAT and lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. Moreover, OH-Met at 0.90 and DL-Met at 0.95 of the TSAA: Lys ratio had a significant reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05). Overall, these results suggest that OH-Met source with a lower level of VE positively influenced production performance and improved liver health in aged laying hens through improved lipid metabolism and hepatic antioxidant function.

ABSTRACTMeningococcal vaccination strategies in China are intricate, including multiple vaccines targeting different serogroups. The current National Immunization Program (NIP) includes two polysaccharide vaccines for serogroups A and C (MPV-A and MPV-AC), covering limited serogroups and requiring adaptation. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of replacing the current strategy with alternative strategies utilizing non-NIP vaccines to inform policy decisions. From a societal perspective, a decision tree-Markov model was constructed to simulate the economic and health consequences of meningococcal disease in a 2019 birth cohort with four vaccination strategies. Epidemiology, vaccine efficacy, cost, and other parameters were derived from previous studies. We conducted sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of the findings and explored prices for non-NIP vaccines that enable cost-effective strategies. Compared to the current strategy, alternative strategies using quadrivalent polysaccharide vaccine (MPV-4), bivalent conjugate vaccine (MCV-AC), and quadrivalent conjugate vaccine (MCV-4) could avoid 91, 286, and 455 more meningococcal cases. The ICERs were estimated at approximately $250 thousand/QALY, $450 thousand/QALY, and $1.5 million/QALY, all exceeding the threshold of three times GDP per capita. The alternative strategies were not cost-effective. However, if vaccine prices were reduced to $3.9 for MPV-4, $9.9 for MCV-AC, and $12 for MCV-4, the corresponding strategy would be cost-effective. The current meningococcal vaccination strategy in China could effectively prevent the disease at a low cost, but with limited serogroup coverage. Strategies using MPV-4, MCV-AC, or MCV-4 could increase health benefits at a substantial cost, and might become cost-effective if vaccine prices decrease.

Abstract Gullies with lower altitudes compared to the surrounding environment are widely distributed in farmland of the watershed and their numbers are still expanding. However, it is still unclear how these gullies regulate the functional insects in farmland. In this study, land use types combined with the herbaceous plant, herbicide application, soil moisture, topography and climatic factors during crop growth were considered to understand how gullies influence the dynamics of functional insects in farmland from a watershed (240 ha) of Northeast China. The primary findings demonstrate that the richness and abundance of functional insects are generally greatest in gullies, particularly in stable gullies, and decrease in the following order: forest belts, grasslands, and farmlands within the watershed. Notably, the ratios of beneficial insects to pests (BI/Pest) in terms of richness and abundance were lower in gullies before July but reversed after July, in comparison to farmland. Stable gullies exhibited higher BI/Pest abundance and diversity ratios than developing gullies. The richness and abundance of functional insects were higher in the middle sections of gullies compared to their heads and tails. Furthermore, the ratios of BI/Pest were generally lower in farmlands than in any gully position. Functional insect dynamics were mainly determined by season, followed by plant abundance and biomass in the gullies, and rarely by soil moisture in the both watershed and single gullies scales. Generally, the richness and abundance of functional insects in farmland were mainly influenced by gullies, especially influenced by the gully middle position. Insect composition in farmland influenced by stable gullies was stronger than by developing gullies, and stable gullies were more beneficial in reducing the threat of pests to crops in the farmland of the watershed.

In this study, a trisodium citrate (TSC)-assisted hydrothermal method is utilized to prepare three-dimensional hydroxyapatite (3D HA). Understanding the role of TSC in the preparation of 3D HA crystals may provide valuable methods to design advanced biomaterials. As one of the indexes of solution supersaturation, the initial pH (ipH) value can not only directly affect the nucleation rate, but also affect the growth of HA crystals. In this work, the effect of the ipH on the microstructure, particle size distribution, and specific surface area of the 3D HA is explored. Results showed that the morphology of 3D HA transformed from a bundle to a dumbbell ball and then a dumbbell with an increase in the ipH. A corresponding mechanism of such a structural evolution was proposed, providing inspiration for the fabrication of innovative 3D HA structures with enhanced biological functionality and performance.

Limited studies have been conducted on the synthesis of one-part geopolymer involving coal gasification slag by alkali fusion and component additive method (AFCAM). The ratio of liquid-to-solid (L/S) is the key aspect that has a major impact on the one-part geopolymer's compressive strength (UCS). Our research aims to determine how different L/S ratios affect the microstructure and characteristics of one-part geopolymers. MIP analysis and hydration heat test were conducted to analyze the influence caused by different L/S ratios. The results showed that as the L/S ratio increased, the UCS of geopolymers decreased, and the setting time of fresh slurry increased steadily. Additionally, geopolymer with 0.25 as an L/S ratio (G-L/S-0.25) achieved a higher UCS at 48.31 MPa, whereas the total setting time was more than 23 h. The low L/S ratio produced more gel pores and less total porosity in the geopolymer matrix, which improved the UCS. Moreover, lower porosity suggested that the geopolymer sample had higher compactness and a better internal structure. It is found that the dissolution of the fusion product released heat in the first hour, and no coal gasification slag dissolution heat was detected after one hour. This suggested coal gasification slag showed low reactivity as the additive and was embedded in the geopolymer matrix after 28-day curing. The tested results showed that G-L/S-0.25 had a greater reaction degree. This study illustrated the effects of the L/S ratio on one-part geopolymer and provided a new thought to enhance the UCS of coal gasification slag-based geopolymer.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of the infection with the novel coronavirus Omicron variant on the outcomes of patients with severe spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective non-randomized cohort study during the peak of the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) Omicron strain epidemic. Clinical data were collected from nine centers in China between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Patients were categorized into good and poor outcomes groups based on modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge. Clinical characteristics were compared, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Additionally, coagulation function was compared between SARS-CoV-2 Omicron positive and negative patients. Results: Among 86 included patients, 30 (35 %) had a favorable outcome, while 56 (65 %) had an unfavorable outcome. Of these, 32 (37 %) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, while 54 (63 %) tested negative. Multivariate analysis identified Glasgow Coma Scale score and hypertension as independent risk factors affecting outcomes (P

To investigate the relationship between the lighting direction-induced morphophysiological traits and post-harvest storage of lettuce, the effects of different lighting directions (top, T; top + side, TS; top + bottom, TB; side + bottom, SB; and top + side + bottom, TSB; the light from different directions for a sum of light intensity of 600 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)) on the growth morphology, root development, leaf thickness, stomatal density, chlorophyll concentration, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll fluorescence, as well as the content of nutrition such as carbohydrates and soluble proteins in lettuce were analyzed. Subsequently, the changes in water loss rate, membrane permeability (measured as relative conductivity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content), brittleness (assessed by both brittleness index and β-galactosidase (β-GAL) activity), and yellowing degree (evaluated based on chlorophyll content, and activities of chlorophyllase (CLH) and pheophytinase (PPH)) were investigated during the storage after harvest. The findings indicate that the TS treatment can effectively reduce shoot height, increase crown width, enhance leaves’ length, width, number, and thickness, and improve chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, photosynthetic capacity, and nutrient content in lettuce before harvest. Specifically, lettuce’s leaf thickness and stomatal density showed a significant increase. Reasonable regulation of water loss in post-harvested lettuce is essential for delaying chlorophyll degradation. It was utilized to mitigate the increase in conductivity and hinder the accumulation of MDA in lettuce. The softening speed of leafy vegetables was delayed by effectively regulating the activity of the β-GAL. Chlorophyll degradation was alleviated by affecting CLH and PPH activities. This provides a theoretical basis for investigating the relationship between creating a favorable light environment and enhancing the post-harvest preservation of leafy vegetables, thus prolonging their post-harvest storage period through optimization of their morphophysiological phenotypes.

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude (KA) toward postoperative antithrombotic management and prevention among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who underwent coronary revascularization.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled CAD outpatients and inpatients between May and December 2023 at Kailuan Medical Group at Tangshan. Basic demographic characteristics and KA scores were collected through a self-made questionnaire.ResultsThis study included 523 valid questionnaires. The mean knowledge and attitude scores were 13.20 ± 6.20 (range: 0–26) and 43.68 ± 6.01 (range: 21–50), respectively, indicating poor knowledge and favorable attitude. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that junior high school education (OR = 2.160, P = 0.035), high school or technical school education (OR = 2.356, P = 0.039), and monthly average income >5,000 RMB (OR = 3.407, P = 0.002) were independently associated with knowledge. Knowledge (OR = 1.095, P = 0.002), BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m2 (OR = 0.372, P = 0.011), junior high school (OR = 3.699, P = 0.002), high school or technical school (OR = 2.903, P = 0.028), high associate degree or above education (OR = 6.068, P = 0.014), monthly average income 3,000–5,000 RMB (OR = 0.296, P = 0.005), monthly average income > 5,000 RMB (OR = 0.225, P = 0.021), with hypertension (OR = 0.333, P = 0.003), blood tests every 2–3 weeks (OR = 10.811, P = 0.011), blood tests every month (OR = 4.221, P = 0.024), and blood tests every 2–3 months (OR = 3.342, P = 0.033) were independently associated with attitude.ConclusionCAD patients who underwent coronary revascularization had poor knowledge but favorable attitudes toward postoperative antithrombotic management and prevention. The study underscores the need for targeted education, especially for individuals with lower education and income levels, ultimately improving patient compliance and cardiovascular outcomes.

With the phase-out of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its replacement by perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs), there is a potential for increased exposure to various new PFECAs among the general population in China. While there are existing studies on dietary exposure to legacy perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), research on dietary exposure to PFECAs, especially among the general Chinese populace, remains scarce. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of PFECAs in dietary sources from 33 cities across five major regions in China, along with the associated dietary intake. Analysis indicated that aquatic animal samples contained higher concentrations of legacy PFASs compared to those from terrestrial animals and plants. In contrast, PFECAs were found in higher concentrations in plant and terrestrial animal samples. Notably, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer (HFPO-DA) was identified as the dominant compound in vegetables, cereals, pork, and mutton across the five regions, suggesting widespread dietary exposure. PFECAs constituted the majority of PFAS intake (57 %), with the estimated daily intake (EDI) of HFPO-DA ranging from 2.33 to 3.96 ng/kg bw/day, which corresponds to 0.78–1.32 times the reference dose (RfD) (3.0 ng/kg bw/day) set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Given the ubiquity of HFPO-DA and many other PFECAs in the nationwide diet of China, there is an urgent need for further research into these chemicals to establish relevant safety benchmarks or consumption advisory values for the diet.

Based on the confined test results and the viscoelastic constitutive model of asphalt mixtures, a three-dimensional finite element model of an asphalt pavement was established to study the effect of different working conditions on asphalt pavement. With the actual pavement structure response, a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the stress and strain experienced by the asphalt pavement under various working conditions. The results show that the asphalt pavement structure model can reflect the effect of different working conditions on asphalt pavement; the transverse stress and strain of asphalt pavement are most significantly affected by the working conditions during cornering, and the position of the maximum value is concentrated on the outer edge line of the wheel and a distance away from it; however, the longitudinal tensile stress and strain of the asphalt pavement are most significantly impacted by the working conditions of driving and braking, and the position of the maximum value is mainly distributed in the center line of the single wheel. The research results can provide a reference for the design of asphalt pavement structures.

Abstract Background Alterations of the uterine microbiome are closely associated with various intrauterine diseases and physiological conditions, which are well-established in mammals. However, as representative oviparous animals, the research on the uterine microbial ecosystem and its functions with physiological homeostasis is limited in chickens. Additionally, continuous egg-laying disrupts the oviducal immune defenses of aged hens, susceptible to pathogen invasion, causing poor egg quality and food-borne infections in humans. Here, we investigated aging-related changes in the oviduct microbial colonization and transmission from the gut to eggs and their roles in a hen model. Results The results of 16S rDNA sequencing showed significant differences in the oviduct microbial composition between young (38 weeks) and aged (77 weeks) laying hens. SourceTracker analysis further revealed differences in the effects of microbial transmission on the oviducal microbiota between young and aged hens. Enhanced barrier defense with cell apoptosis suppression and cell cycle arrest of the uterus were observed in aged hens reducing microbial transmission from the lower to upper reproductive tract. In addition, a total of 361 significantly differential metabolites were identified using metabolomics in the aged uterine microbiota, especially in products of amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites, which might have essential effects on cell apoptosis by regulating immune responses and cell cycle. Notably, antibiotics disrupted uterine microbiota by dietary intervention and direct perfusion did not retard aging-related physiological changes but further aggravated aging processes by disrupting the cell cycle and apoptosis. Conclusions The microbiota continuum along the reproductive tract in aged birds differs from that in young birds, especially with a significant shift in the uterus. The aged uterine microbiota probably contributes to the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis by microbial metabolites primarily involved in amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites. These findings provide new insights into the roles of the reproductive tract microbiota in regulating the cell programming of the aged host, contributing to the exploration of the microbiome as a target for diagnosing aging health status and therapy for gynecological diseases in women. Video Abstract

AbstractSemiothisa cinerearia Bremer & Grey, 1853 belongs to the lepidopteran family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of S. cinerearia by PCR and Sanger sequencing method. The mitochondrial genome of S. cinerearia is 15,523 bp in length and contains a typical set of 37 genes with ‘MIQ’ type gene arrangement and a 394 bp AT-rich regions. Except for cox1 using CGA as initiation codon, all protein-coding genes (PCGs) start with ATN codons and except for nad2 and nad4l using TAG as termination codon, all PCGs terminated with TAA codon. A phylogenetic tree including 39 genus of subfamily Ennominae was first reconstructed based on the mitochondrial genome sequences with nucleotide substitution model GTR + G + I, which showed that the genera Amraica, Jankowskia, and Ectropis are not monophyletic and S. cinerearia and Macaria notata are classified together.

The vehicle-to-everything (V2X) network has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with vehicles and the surrounding. By utilizing innovative information and communication technologies, V2X networks can connect human beings, vehicles, roadside units, and even the cloud. In the near future, beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G technologies will enable the next-generation V2X networks to achieve superior communication and sensing capabilities, which is expected to offer advanced technologies such as intelligent driving and transportation. However, the strong Doppler effects arising from the high mobility of vehicles may lead to significant inter-carrier interference and pilot overheads in the existing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems, particularly as the millimeter wave and terahertz technologies dominate the B5G/6G era. In recent years, orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) techniques have attracted attention owing to their ability to resist doubly-selective fading. In addition, the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) based on OTFS (OTFS-ISAC) has emerged as a promising approach for V2X networks. In this context, our objective is to investigate the system structure, application and challenges of OTFS-ISAC in V2X networks, along with the related key techniques such as frame structure, pilot design and signal processing. First, we will explore the structures and fundamental theories of OTFS-ISAC systems, followed by the evaluation of communication and sensing performance. In particular, we will investigate the system architecture of OTFS-ISAC in monostatic and bistatic radar modes, respectively. Secondly, we will provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of OTFS techniques and further discuss the challenges and key techniques of OTFS-ISAC concerning the frame structure in the physical layer, pilot mechanism design, communication and radar signal analyses, etc. Finally, we will examine the case studies of OTFS-ISAC utilization in V2X networks to address corresponding major issues such as the inadequacy of Doppler resolution, low overhead beam scanning and target detection, and cooperative resource management. The ISAC system is in developmental stages, and this is the first comprehensive review that investigates the OTFS-ISAC system in detail. Although OTFS-ISAC offers significant advantages over OFDM-enabled ISAC in V2X characterized by high mobility, it faces numerous challenges in practical applications, including the well-known fractional Doppler effect and high peak-to-average ratio. However, with continuous development and technological advancements, it is anticipated that the OTFS-ISAC system will gain wide acceptance.

In order to address the load frequency issue in a three-area power generating system, this research suggests a teaching learning-based optimization-linear matrix, inequalities-tuned proportional–integral controller. The suggested TLBO-LMI approach synchronizes TLBO with LMI control toolbox optimization to acquire the ideal control parameters of the traditional PI controller that adhere to the robust H∞constraints. Based on the suggested control’s simplicity of implementation, adaptability to changes in the system’s characteristics, and resilience to tuning, it is contrasted with the robust H∞controller. Several performance indicators were also employed to evaluate and contrast the efficiency and performance of the H∞controller and the suggested control techniques. Based on the simulation results used to study the performance and robustness of the suggested controller, it is clear that the proposed control approach outperforms the H∞controller in terms of both performance and applicability for the LFC problem.

In recent years, cardiovascular health problems are becoming more and more serious. At the same time, mechanical stimulation closely relates to cardiovascular health. In this context, Piezo1, which is very sensitive to mechanical stimulation, has attracted our attention. Here, we review the critical significance of Piezo1 in mechanical stimulation of endothelial cells, NO production, lipid metabolism, DNA damage protection, the development of new blood vessels and maturation, narrowing of blood vessels, blood pressure regulation, vascular permeability, insulin sensitivity, and maintenance of red blood cell function. Besides, Piezo1 may participate in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. It is worth noting that Piezo1 has dual effects on maintaining cardiovascular health. On the one hand, the function of Piezo1 is necessary to maintain cardiovascular health; on the other hand, under some extreme mechanical stimulation, the overexpression of Piezo1 may bring adverse factors such as inflammation. Therefore, this review discusses the Janus-faced role of Piezo1 in maintaining cardiovascular health and puts forward new ideas to provide references for gene therapy or nanoagents targeting Piezo1.

Flotation separation of valuable components including graphite and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) from the waste electrode materials of lithium battery is a key link in the recycling of waste lithium battery, which is difficult to realize with some conventional flotation techniques due to the fine size of graphite and LCO. Interfacial nanobubbles induced by temperature increasing were introduced into the flotation system and the mechanism on improving the flotation performance of electrode materials by nanobubbles was studied by combining intermittent mode atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging technique, colloidal probe technique, agglomeration size analyzer, particle-bubble interaction visualization and flotation. The results show that the images of nanobubbles were captured at highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and alumina surface with intermittent mode AFM. The detachment and/or coalescence of nanoentities in the action of AFM tip at contact mode provided evidence supporting gaseous nature of these nanoentities. The maximum adhesion force between graphite and HOPG in-creased in the presence of nanobubbles between graphite and HOPG. The maximum adhesion force was lower than 10 nN in the room temperature water while up to 110 nN in the cold water, which varied with the pH variation in slurry. It was observed that the larger graphite agglomerations were induced by interfacial nanobubbles. The size of such graphite agglomerations increased by 2−11 μm in the cold water compared with that in the room temperature water. The nucleation of interfacial nanobubbles on graphite surface and the formation of graphite agglomerations synergistically enhanced the adhesion between graphite and fixed bubbles. The flotation results showed that the flotation performance was always improved with nanobubbles in all slurry with different pH values and ions concentrations.

Composite propellants are used to fabricate solid motors for space vehicles. The fundamental factor that affects motor safety is the structural damage in the propellant owing to slow heating in an abnormal storage or service environment. Hence, their thermal damage and combustion characteristics should be studied comprehensively. In this study, we investigated the combustion behaviours of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene/ammonium perchlorate/aluminium powder (HTPB/AP/Al) and hydroxyl-terminated block copolyether/AP/Al (HTPE/AP/AI) propellants under slow heating conditions. The pore structure was observed using scanning electron microscopy and micro-computerised tomography. Their weight loss behaviour, gaseous products, and pore structure evolution were analysed using thermogravimetric analysis, mass spectrometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The influence of the pore structure on the combustion behaviour was studied by establishing the relationship between combustion and energy release rates. The weight loss rates of HTPB/AP/Al and HTPE/AP/Al before ignition were 34.5% and 16.1%, respectively. Upon heating, the HTPB binder decomposed to form pore channels, through which the gaseous products produced from the decomposition of AP were released, which increased the structural damage in this propellant. In contrast, upon heating, the HTPE binder liquefied and formed a coating on the AP particles, which slowed the structural damage in this propellant. Moreover, the calculated reaction intensity of HTPB/AP/Al was 4.16 times that of HTPE/AP/Al, indicating that larger pore channels increase the burning surface for combustion.

This study explored the effects of uterine inflammation on eggshell mineralization, ultrastructure and mechanical properties in laying hens modified by a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge or dietary essential oil (EO) addition. In trial 1, a total of 72 Hy-line Brown layers at 36 wk of age were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups (n = 8), where they were intravenously injected with phosphate buffered saline, LPS at 1 mg/kg body weight, or LPS 3 times at 24-h intervals. In trial 2, a total of 288 Hy-line Brown layers at 60 wk of age were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8), where they were fed basal diets supplemented with EO at 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 12 wk. A uterine inflammation model was constructed with LPS treatment, indicated by the elevated expression of IL-1β and TNF-α (P

The titanium alloy brake shell is an important component used in aviation, but its surface polishing is mostly done manually, making it difficult to ensure surface quality and consistency. As a result, an industrial robot polishing system based on digital twin is proposed, which can realize the interaction between physical and virtual platforms by using digital twin technology, acquire various parameters in real time, and monitor the polishing process. Based on this system, a removal depth model was established, and the polishing parameters to be analyzed were determined by combining the removal depth model. On this basis, the influence law of polishing parameters on surface roughness is analyzed through physical tests, and orthogonal experiments are used to optimize the polishing parameters. The results show that the surface roughness is reduced to 0.171 μm after optimization. Finally, the reliability of the polishing system is verified through the polishing machining test, and the surface quality of titanium alloy brake shell is significantly improved.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of nicotine, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among general practitioners with a special interest (GPwSIs) in respiratory medicine.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to February 2022. Knowledge and awareness were compared among smokers and non-smokers, as well as different age and gender groups.ResultsThe study consisted of 102 GPwSIs from 21 cities in Sichuan Province, China. Most respondents would recommend NRT for long-term use. Only a few believed that e-cigarettes are an effective means of smoking cessation and 71.6% would not recommend e-cigarettes as a substitute for cigarettes to their patients. Additionally, the majority did not regularly provide extensive help to assist patients in quitting smoking and needed smoking cessation counseling training.ConclusionGPwSIs in respiratory medicine in China could have a relatively low level of knowledge and awareness regarding nicotine, NRT, and e-cigarettes. The study highlights the need for smoking cessation training among GPwSIs to improve their knowledge and provide better assistance to patients who want to quit smoking.

ABSTRACT: Early embryonic exogenous feeding of bioactive substances is a topic of interest in poultry production, potentially improving gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, stimulating immunization, and maximizing the protection capability of newly hatched chicks. However, the biophysiological actions and effects of in ovo administered bioactive substances are inconsistent or not fully understood. Thus, this paper summarizes the functional effects of bioactive substances and their interaction merits to augment GIT development, the immune system, and microbial homeostasis in newly hatched chicks. Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics are potential bioactive substances that have been administered in embryonic eggs. Their biological effects are enhanced by a variety of mechanisms, including the production of antimicrobial peptides and antibiotic responses, regulation of T lymphocyte numbers and immune-related genes in either up- or downregulation fashion, and enhancement of macrophage phagocytic capacity. These actions occur directly through the interaction with immune cell receptors, stimulation of endocytosis, and phagocytosis. The underlying mechanisms of bioactive substance activity are multifaceted, enhancing GIT development, and improving both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Thus summarizing these modes of action of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics can result in more informed decisions and also provides baseline for further research.

Purpose: This review aims to explore the history, research hotspots, and emerging trends of drug-eluting stents(DES)in the last two decades from the perspective of structural and temporal dynamics. Methods: Publications on DES were retrieved from WoSCC. The bibliometric tools including CiteSpace and HistCite were used to identify the historical features, the evolution of active topics, and emerging trends on the DES field. Results: In the last 20 years, the field of DES is still in the hot phase and there is a wide range of extensive scientific collaborations. In addition, active topics emerge in different periods, as evidenced by a total of 41 disciplines, 511 keywords, and 1377 papers with citation bursts. Keyword clustering anchored five emerging research subfields, namely #0 dual antiplatelet therapy, #3 drug-coated balloon, #4 bifurcation, 5# rotational atherectomy, and 6# quantitative flow ratio. The keyword alluvial map shows that the most persistent research concepts in this field are thrombosis, restenosis, etc., and the emerging keywords are paclitaxel eluting balloon, coated balloon, drug-eluting balloon, etc. There are 7 recent research subfields anchored by reference clustering, namely #2 dual antiplatelet therapy, #4 drug-coated balloon, #5 peripheral artery disease, #8 fractional flow reserve, #10 bioresorbable vascular scaffold, # 13 intravascular ultrasound, #14 biodegradable polymer. Conclusion: The findings based on the bibliometric studies provide the current status and trends in DES research and may help researchers to identify hot topics and explore new research directions in this field.

Highlights 1. We used exome sequencing to detect and report the genetic changes in a case of extramedullary gastric primary myeloid sarcom with monocytic differentiationa. 2. Immunophenotypic alteration of tumor cells occurred after chemotherapy, suggesting that chemotherapy drugs induced tumor differentiation.

This study aimed to investigate whether a dietary 25-OHD3 addition improved the performance, egg quality, blood indexes, antioxidant status, jejunal morphology, and tibia quality of aged laying hens compared to a dietary VD3 addition. A total of 270 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 55 wk of age were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments with six replicates (15 birds per replicate with 3 birds per cage). Chickens were fed a corn–soybean meal diet supplementation of 4000 IU/kg VD3 (control group), 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 and 2000 IU/kg VD3 (experimental group 1), or 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 and 4000 IU/kg VD3 (experimental group 2) for 12 weeks. The results demonstrated that 25-OHD3 caused a significant increase in the laying rate, especially in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 2000 IU/kg VD3 group; the laying rate reached the maximum compared with other groups after 12 weeks (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant effects on the average egg weight, average daily feed intake, or feed-to-egg ratio (p > 0.05). A dietary supplementation of 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 and 2000 IU/kg VD3 provided an improved eggshell strength, thick albumen height, and Haugh unit after 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Further analysis of the blood indexes showed that alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus were enhanced significantly in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 2000 IU/kg VD3 group, while the content of total bilirubin decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, the 25-OHD3 addition in diets improved the calcium and phosphorus contents in the serum (p < 0.05). The concentrations of 25-OHD3, parathyroid hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone, and progesterone were increased in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 2000 IU/kg VD3 group, and the levels of cortisol, calcitonin, bone gla protein, and endotoxin in the serum reached a minimum in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 4000 IU/kg VD3 group (p < 0.05), which constitutes an advantage for the aged laying hens. The antioxidant enzyme activities and free radical scavenging abilities in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 2000 IU/kg VD3 group increased markedly, and the MDA level decreased significantly in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 4000 IU/kg VD3 group (p < 0.05). Improvements in jejunal morphology and intestinal integrity resulted in an increased villi-length-to-crypt-depth ratio in the 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 + 2000 IU/kg VD3 group (p < 0.05). Dietary 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 and 2000 IU/kg VD3 additions improved the tibia quality, including fresh tibia weight, strength, mineral content (Ca), and trabeculae area (p < 0.05). Taken together, compared with the dietary VD3 addition, dietary supplementation of 25-OHD3 supported a stable physiological status for sustained egg production, egg quality, and bone quality in late-phase laying hens, and the addition levels of 50 μg/kg 25-OHD3 and 2000 IU/kg VD3 had the best effect. Therefore, this could provide a theoretical basis for the use of 25-OHD3 as a substitute forVD3.

In biomedical research, ultrasonic cavitation, especially inertial cavitation (IC) has attracted extensive attentions due to its ability to induce mechanical, chemical and thermal effects. Like ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) microbubbles or droplets, acoustic cavitation can be effectively triggered beyond a certain pressure threshold through the interaction between ultrasound and nucleation particles, leading to an enhanced thrombolytic effect. As a newly developed nanocarbon material, nitrogen-doped annealed nanodiamond (N-AND) has shown promising catalytic performance. To further explore its effects on ultrasonic cavitation, N-AND was synthesized at the temperature of 1000 °C. After systematic material characterization, the potential of N-AND to induce enhanced IC activity was assessed for the first time by using passive cavitation detection (PCD). Based on experiments performed at varied material suspension concentration and cycle number, N-AND demonstrated a strong capability to generate significant cavitation characteristics, indicating the formation of stable bubbles from the surface of the materials. Furthermore, N-AND was applied in the in vitro thrombolysis experiments to verify its contribution to ultrasound thrombolysis. The influence of surface hydrophobicity on the cavitation potentials of ND and N-AND was innovatively discussed in combination with the theory of mote-induced nucleation. It is found that the cavitation stability of N-AND was better than that of the commercial UCA microbubbles. This study would provide better understanding of the potential of novel carbonous nanomaterials as cavitation nuclei and is expected to provide guidance for their future biomedical and industrial applications.

ABSTRACT: Driven by a global trend of applying replace-reduce-refine or 3Rs’ guidance for experimental animals in life sciences, chick embryo and particularly allantois with its chorioallantoic membrane have been increasingly utilized to substitute laboratory animals, which call for more extensive and updated knowledge about this novel experimental setup. In this study, being noninvasive, nonionizing, and super-contrasting with high spatiotemporal resolutions, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was chosen as an imaging modality for in ovo monitoring morphologic evolution of the chick embryo, allantois, and chorioallantoic membrane longitudinally throughout embryonic day (ED) 1 until ED20. Cooled in 0°C ice bath for 60 min to reduce MRI motion artifacts, 3 chick embryos (n = 60 in total) on each ED were scanned by a clinical 3.0T MRI scanner to demonstrate 3D images of both T2- and T1-weighted imaging (T2WI, T1WI) sequences at axial, sagittal, and coronal slices. The volumes of both the entire chick embryo and allantois were semi-automatically segmented based on intensity-based thresholding and region-growing algorithms. The morphometries or quantified 3D structures were achieved by refined segmentation, and confirmed by histological analyses (one for each ED). After MRI, the rest of chick embryos (n = 40) continued for incubation. The images from ED2 to ED4 could demonstrate the structural changes of latebra, suggesting its transition into a nutrient supplying channel of yolk sac. The allantois could be recognized by MRI, and its relative volumes on each ED revealed an evolving profile peaked on ED12, with a statistically significant difference from those of earlier and later EDs (P < 0.01). The hypointensity of the yolk due to the susceptibility effect of its enriched iron content overshadowed the otherwise hyperintensity of its lipid components. The chick embryos survived prior cooling and MRI till hatching on ED21. The results could be further developed into a 3D MRI atlas of chick embryo. Clinical 3.0T MRI proved effective as a noninvasive approach to study in ovo 3D embryonic development across the full period (ED1–ED20), which can complement the present knowhow for poultry industry and biomedical science.

Are the variations of the fine predictors at the spatial scale of the target variable to be downscaled helpful for spatial downscaling? However, few studies have explored this topic. In this study, one of the most frequently downscaled satellite products (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation) and one of the most commonly employed downscaled models (geographically weighted regression (GWR)) were chosen as the target variable to be downscaled and the downscaling model, respectively. Three widely adopted auxiliary variables were selected as basic predictors. Variations of the three 1-km basic predictors at the 25-km (a TRMM cell) spatial scale (hereafter termed variation predictors (VP)) were captured by the employment of the “standard deviation” operators. A procedure was designed to determine the monthly optimal trend component model, and area-to-point kriging (ATPK) was applied to retrieve residual components. The monthly TRMM precipitation in the main body of the north-south transitional zone of China (MBNSTZC) from January 2010 to December 2019 (120 months in total) was spatially downscaled. When VP was introduced into the predictor family, performance improvements were observed for more than two-thirds of 120 months, and the average relative improvements in the coefficient of determination $^{}$ ( $\text{R}^{2}$ ), root-mean-square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and information entropy (IE) were 9.01%, 9.37%, 10.56%, and 28.21%, respectively. Our study suggests that: i) VP incorporation, which can improve downscaling performance to some extent, is important for GWR downscaling modeling; ii) Residual correction is unnecessary, especially for GWRs with VP incorporation; iii) GWRs with VP incorporation can not only downscale target variable but also have a certain interpolation ability.

Abstract Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly gastrointestinal malignancy, and chemotherapy resistance is a key factor leading to its poor prognosis. M2 tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) may be an important cause of chemoresistance in ESCC, but its exact mechanism is still unclear. Methods In order to study the role of M2-TAMs in ESCC chemoresistance, CCK-8, clone formation assay, flow cytometric apoptosis assay, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and serum-free sphere formation assays were used. In vivo animal experiments and human ESCC tissues were used to confirm the findings. Results In vitro and in vivo animal experiments, M2-TAMs reduced the sensitivity of ESCC cells to cisplatin. Mechanistically, M2-TAMs highly secreted TGF-β1 which activated the TGFβR1-smad2/3 pathway to promote and maintain the stemness characteristic of ESCC cells, which could inhibit the sensitivity to cisplatin. Using TGFβ signaling inhibitor SB431542 or knockdown of TGFβR1 could reverse the cisplatin resistance of ESCC cells. In 92 cases of human ESCC tissues, individuals with a high density of M2-TAMs had considerably higher levels of TGF-β1. These patients also had worse prognoses and richer stemness markers. Conclusion TGF-β1 secreted from M2-TAMs promoted and maintained the stemness characteristic to induce cisplatin resistance in ESCC by activating the TGFβ1-Smad2/3 pathway.

Skull defect is a common clinical disease, and the corresponding treatment is still a grand challenge. No artificial product can perfectly integrate with human skull and match the skull defect during growth. Herein, we report a porous polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implant with the microstructures almost identical to natural bones for repairing skull defect. Compared to non-porous PEEK controls, the porous PEEK implants efficiently promote cell adhesion, regenerate skull tissues, and finally achieve perfect healing with surrounding tissues within 6 months. This work suggests the important potential of integrated porous PEEK implants for treating skull defect in clinic, especially for children with rapidly growing skulls.

Abstract Background High stocking density (HSD) stress has detrimental effects on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and intestinal microbiota in intensive animal production. Organic acids (OA) are widely used as feed additives for their ability to improve growth performance and intestinal health in poultry. However, whether dietary OA can ameliorate HSD stress-induced impaired intestinal barrier in broilers remains elusive. In this study, a total of 528 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 12 replicates per treatment including 10 birds for normal stocking density and 17 birds for HSD. The dietary treatments were as follows: 1) Normal stocking density + basal diet; 2) HSD + basal diets; 3) HSD + OA. Results HSD stress can induce increased levels of serum corticosterone, lipopolysaccharides, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and down-regulated mRNA expression of ZO-1, resulting in compromised growth performance of broilers (P

In December 2019, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection broke. With the gradual deepening understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, researchers and clinicians noticed that this disease is closely related to the nervous system and has complex effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). In this review, we summarize the effects and mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 on the nervous system, including the pathways of invasion, direct and indirect effects, and associated neuropsychiatric diseases, to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and the nervous system.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), a group of chlorinated alkane mixtures, are frequently detected in various environmental matrices and human bodies. Recently, CPs have garnered considerable attention owing to their potential to induce health hazards in wildlife and human. Several reviews have discussed short-chain CPs (SCCPs) induced ecological risk; however, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying toxic mechanisms and a comparison among SCCPs, medium-, and long-chain CPs (MCCPs and LCCPs, respectively) are yet to be established. This review summarizes the latest research progress on the toxic effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of CPs. The main toxicity mechanisms of CPs include activation of several receptors, oxidative stress, disturbance of energy metabolism, and inhibition of gap junction-mediated communication. The sensitivity of different species to CP-mediated toxicities varies markedly, with aquatic organisms exhibiting the highest sensitivity to CP-induced toxicity. The toxicity comparison analysis indicated that MCCPs may be unsafe as potential substitutes for SCCPs.