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Abstract As one of the two main histologic subtypes of gastric cancer (GC), diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC) containing poorly cohesive gastric carcinoma (PCC) components has a worse prognosis and does not respond well to typical therapies. Despite the large number of studies revealing the complex pathogenic network of DGC, the molecular heterogeneity of DGC is still not fully understood. We obtained single-cell RNA-seq data and bulk data from the tumor immune single cell hub, the public gene expression omnibus, and the cancer genome atlas databases. A series of bioinformatics analyses were performed using R software. Immunofluorescence staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining, western blot, and functional experiments were used for experimental validation. Caudin-3, -4 and -7 were lowly expressed in DGC and their expression levels were further reduced in PCC. The PCC components were mainly located in the deeper layers of the DGC and had a high level of hypoxic Wnt/β-catenin signaling and stemness. We further identified Insulin Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 7 (IGFBP7) as a marker for PCC components in the deep layer. IGFBP7 is stimulated by hypoxia and promotes cancer cell invasiveness and reduced claudin expression. In addition, programmed death-1 ligand (PD-L1) was specifically expressed in the deep layer, reflecting deep layer-specific immunosuppression. The PCC components are predominantly situated in the deeper layers of DGC. Initial molecular characterization of these PCC components revealed distinct features, including low expression of claudin-3, -4, and -7, high expression of IGFBP7, and the presence of PD-L1. These molecular traits may partially account for the pronounced tumor heterogeneity observed in GC.

Abstract Background This study aimed to identify the roles of L-tryptophan (Trp) and its rate-limiting enzymes on the receptivity of bovine endometrial epithelial cells. Real-time PCR was conducted to analyze the differential expression of genes between different groups of bovine endometrial epithelial cells. Western blot was performed to detect Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) expression after treatment with Trp or kynurenine (the main metabolites of Trp). The kynurenine assay was used to examine if Trp or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can increase the production of kynurenine in the bovine endometrial epithelial cells. Results Trp significantly stimulates insulin growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) expression, a common endometrial marker of conceptus elongation and uterus receptivity for ruminants. When bovine endometrial epithelial cells are treated with Trp, tryptophan hydroxylase-1 remains unchanged, but tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2) is significantly increased, suggesting tryptophan is mainly metabolized through the kynurenine pathway. Kynurenine significantly stimulates IGFBP1 expression. Furthermore, Trp and kynurenine significantly increase the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). CH223191, an AHR inhibitor, abrogates the induction of Trp and kynurenine on IGFBP1. PGE2 significantly induces the expression of TDO2, AHR, and IGFBP1. Conclusions The regulation between Trp / kynurenine and PGE2 may be crucial for the receptivity of the bovine uterus.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of antiglaucoma eye drops on corneal nerves by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). METHODS: This study comprised 79 patients diagnosed with glaucoma and 16 healthy control individuals. Among the glaucoma patients, 54 were treated with medication, while 25 remained untreated. Central corneal images were evaluated by IVCM, and then ACCMetrics was used to calculate the following parameters: corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD), fiber length (CNFL), total branch density (CTBD), fiber area (CNFA), fiber width (CNFW), and fractal dimension (CNFrD). The correlation between IVCM parameters and drugs was evaluated using non-parametric measurements of Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The CNFD was reduced in glaucoma groups compared to healthy subjects (P

Abstract In recent years, museums have become valuable venues for students to develop career awareness outside of school. However, optimizing the educational potential of museums and improving learners’ outcomes presents a significant challenge in museum learning design. This study integrates three main game elements—goals, stories, and role-playing—into museum visits to design a Gamified Learning Activity (GLA). To verify the effectiveness of the GLA, we conducted a quasi-experiment with 66 elementary school students at the Handicraft Museum. Using a mixed-methods approach with convergent parallel design, we collected quantitative data from knowledge tests and qualitative data from DAST (Draw-a-Scientist-Test) and interviews for a comprehensive analysis. The results showed that learners who participated in the GLA paid more attention to the details of the handicrafts, appreciated the craftsmen more, and eliminated stereotypes about the age of craftsmen. This indicates that the GLA not only enhances learners’ acquisition of museum knowledge but also has a profound impact on their non-cognitive aspects, such as career awareness.

Accurate prediction of pollutants in grain processing is of great significance to ensure food safety. However, due to the complexity of grain processing and the difficulty of pollutant detection, the data volume is too small to meet the needs of modeling and forecasting, so it is necessary to develop a method for expanding pollutant data from small samples. At the same time, pollutant data of small samples in grain processing often lacks sufficient prior knowledge. Traditional supervised learning method has low prediction accuracy, and the existing continuous deep learning model is not suitable for grain processing, being intermittent. Hence, there is a need to develop a prediction method based on unsupervised learning and deep learning for pollutants in grain processing. This study proposed a prediction method for pollutants in grain processing based on data expansion with time generative adversarial networks (TimeGAN) or based on generative adversarial networks (GAN) combined with deep forest (DF). First, a TimeGAN model was constructed to learn from small sample data and generate multiple sets of sample data, achieving data augmentation. Then, combining the GAN model with unsupervised learning with the DF model suitable for a discrete process, a GAN-DF model was constructed for pollutant prediction. Next, the DF and long short-term memory (LSTM)-DF models were embedded into GAN as generators, separately, and the resulting DFGAN and LSTM-DFGAN models had improved accuracy in pollutant prediction. The results of simulation and verification using the data of the heavy metal pollutant lead (Pb) in rice processing showed that the TimeGAN method was feasible to expand data, and the LSTM-DFGAN model had the best comprehensive prediction performance. After data expansion, the average absolute error and root mean square error were as low as 7.50 × 10-5 and 1.60 × 10-8 mg/kg, respectively.

Abstract The importance of the immune microenvironment in poorly cohesive carcinoma (PCC) has been highlighted due to its limited response rate to conventional therapy and emerging treatment resistance. A combination of clinical cohorts, bioinformatics analyses, and functional/molecular experiments revealed that high infiltration of Interferon Induced Protein with Tetratricopeptide Repeats 1 (IFIT1) + tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) is a distinguishing feature of PCC patients. Upregulation of IFIT1 + TANs promote migration and invasion of gastric cancer (GC) cell lines (MKN45 and MKN74) and stimulates the growth of cell-derived xenograft models. Besides, by promoting macrophage secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression and facilitating cancer-associated fibroblast and endothelial cell recruitment and activation through TANs, IFIT1 promotes a mesenchymal phenotype, which is associated with a poor prognosis. Importantly, compared to non-PCC (NPCC), PCC tumors is more immunosuppressive. Mechanistically, IFIT1 can be stimulated by IFN-γ and contributes to the expression of Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand (PDL1) in TANs. We demonstrated in mouse models that IFIT1 + PDL1 + TANs can induce acquired resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, which may be responsible for the difficulty of PCC patients to benefit from immunotherapy. This work highlights the role of IFIT1 + TANs in mediating the remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapeutic resistance and introduces IFIT1 + TANs as a promising target for precision therapy of PCC.

Abstract Cellular communication (CC) influences tumor development by mediating intercellular junctions between cells. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of CC in malignant transformation remain unknown. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of CC molecular expression during malignant transformation. It was found that although both tight junctions (TJs) and gap junctions (GJs) were involved in maintaining the tumor microenvironment (TME), they exhibited opposite characteristics. Mechanistically, for epithelial cells (parenchymal component), the expression of TJ molecules consistently decreased during normal-cancer transformation and is a potential oncogenic factor. For fibroblasts (mesenchymal component), the expression of GJs consistently increased during normal-cancer transformation and is a potential oncogenic factor. In addition, the molecular profiles of TJs and GJs were used to stratify colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, where subtypes characterized by high GJ levels and low TJ levels exhibited enhanced mesenchymal signals. Importantly, we propose that leiomodin 1 (LMOD1) is biphasic, with features of both TJs and GJs. LMOD1 not only promotes the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) but also inhibits the Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) program in cancer cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the molecular heterogeneity of CC and provide new insights into further understanding of TME heterogeneity. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Lysosomes are important cellular structures for human health as centers for recycling, signaling, metabolism and stress adaptation. However, the potential role of lysosomes in stress‐related emotions has long been overlooked. Here, it is found that lysosomal morphology in astrocytes is altered in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of susceptible mice after chronic social defeat stress. A screen of lysosome‐related genes revealed that the expression of the mucolipin 1 gene (Mcoln1; protein: mucolipin TRP channel 1) is decreased in susceptible mice and depressed patients. Astrocyte‐specific knockout of mucolipin TRP channel 1 (TRPML1) induced depressive‐like behaviors by inhibiting lysosomal exocytosis‐mediated adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) release. Furthermore, this stress response of astrocytic lysosomes is mediated by the transcription factor EB (TFEB), and overexpression of TRPML1 rescued depressive‐like behaviors induced by astrocyte‐specific knockout of TFEB. Collectively, these findings reveal a lysosomal stress‐sensing signaling pathway contributing to the development of depression and identify the lysosome as a potential target organelle for antidepressants.

Background: Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) variants seem to affect diabetes susceptibility through β-cell dysfunction, underlying basis of which has been considered to be β-cell dedifferentiation rather than apoptotic β-cell death. The Extracellular regulated protein kinases/Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway (ERK/MAPK signaling pathway) has been confirmed to be significantly associated with multiple cellular process, including cellular dedifferentiation. However, the effects of TCF7L2 on β-cell function and ERK/MAPK signaling pathway are poorly understood. Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the regulation of TCF7L2 in β-cell function and ERK/MAPK signaling pathway, which further participate in glucose metabolism and diabetes progression. Methods: After transfection of TCF7L2 siRNA and lenti-TCF7L2 plasmids, the activation of ERK/MAPK signaling and β-cell dedifferentiation were evaluated respectively. Six week-old male db / db mice were randomly grouped and fed a normal or high-fat diet, and then pancreatic level of TCF7L2 protein were measured respectively when the mice were fed to 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Furthermore, the contributions of TCF7L2 to ERK/MAPK signaling and glucose metabolism were investigated in a β-cell-specific TCF7L2 deletion mice model (TCF7L2 β−/− ). Results: The results demonstrated that impaired TCF7L2 induces β-cell dedifferentiation and decreases insulin secretion of MIN6 cells via ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. Consistently, decreased pancreatic TCF7L2 protein in parallel with reduced functional β-cells were observed in db / db mice after weeks of normal or high-fat diet. However, the differences between were only significant when the mice were fed to 12 weeks of age. After weeks of high-fat diet feeding, impaired glucose tolerance and increased activation of ERK/MAPK signaling were simultaneously observed in TCF7L2 β−/− mice. Conclusion: The study indicate that the induction of β-cell dedifferentiation mediated by ERK/MAPK signaling pathway might be an essential component of TCF7L2 variants in the development of diabetes.

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common chronic degenerative joint conditions affecting aging population.AimTo investigate the effectiveness of a combination of home-based exercise and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to improve muscle strength, physical function, and pain.MethodsSixty patients were randomly assigned to either home-based exercise alone (control group; n = 30) or combined with PEMF therapy (treatment group; n = 30) twice a week for eight weeks. Knee extension, flexion muscle strength, gait speed (GS), 5 time sit-to-stand test (5STS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were recorded at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks.ResultsSignificant improvements in symptomatic knee extension muscle strength (SKE, p = 0.001), flexion strength (SKF, p = 0.011), contralateral knee extension muscle strength (CKE, p = 0.002), and flexion strength (CKF, p = 0.009) were observed for the PEMF treatment group at 8 weeks. Significant reductions in VAS pain scores were observed in both the treatment (p

Abstract Phasing down fossil fuels is crucial for climate mitigation. Even though 80–90% of fossil fuels are used to provide energy, their use as feedstock to produce plastics, fertilizers, and chemicals, is associated with substantial CO2 emissions. However, our understanding of hard-to-abate chemical production remains limited. Here we developed a chemical process-based material flow model to investigate the non-energy use of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions in China. Results show in 2017, the chemical industry used 0.18 Gt of coal, 88.8 Mt of crude oil, and 12.9 Mt of natural gas as feedstock, constituting 5%, 15%, and 7% of China’s respective total use. Coal-fed production of methanol, ammonia, and PVCs contributes to 0.27 Gt CO2 emissions ( ~ 3% of China’s emissions). As China seeks to balance high CO2 emissions of coal-fed production with import dependence on oil and gas, improving energy efficiency and coupling green hydrogen emerges as attractive alternatives for decarbonization.

Phellodendron chinense is an extraordinary medicinal plant, and its stem bark is a famous traditional Chinese medicine in China, containing a number of phytochemicals with biological and pharmacological functions. Studies have shown that the medicinal ingredients in P. chinense from various regions are different, as soil types might be important factors affecting the growth and quality of P. chinense. In this study, the effects of acidic purple soil, alkaline purple soil, yellow soil and red soil on the growth, nutrient element accumulation and partitioning in P. chinense seedlings were studied. Our results showed that the biomass of leaves and stems in acidic purple soil was significantly higher than in other soils, and the root biomass was significantly lower than that in yellow soil. C, N, P and Ca contents cultured in acidic purple soil were the highest compared to other soils, and K and Mg content were the highest in yellow soil and red soil, respectively. The distribution of carbon between different organs can reflect environmental stress. N has become a limiting factor for the growth and development of P. chinense seedlings. C:N and C:P ratios in the leaves were significantly lower than those in the stem and roots. Among four soil types, the highest N:P ratio was 1.65 in P. chinense seedlings. These results suggest that four soil types may significantly affect the accumulation and distribution of biomass and nutrient elements in P. chinense seedlings. The characteristic patterns in different organs have different responses. Acidic purple soil is more suitable for the growth of P. chinense. These findings will help to understand the distribution characteristics and requirements of nutrient elements in P. chinense seedlings, and further provide a theoretical basis and reference for site selection and cultivation strategy.

AIM: To identify disease-causative mutations in families with congenital cataract. METHODS: Two Chinese families with autosomal-dominant congenital cataract (ADCC) were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye examinations. Gene panel next-generation sequencing of common pathogenic genes of congenital cataract was performed in the proband of each family. Sanger sequencing was used to valid the candidate gene mutations and sequence the other family members for co-segregation analysis. The effect of sequence changes on protein structure and function was predicted through bioinformatics analysis. Major intrinsic protein (MIP)-wildtype and MIP-G29R plasmids were constructed and microinjected into zebrafish single-cell stage embryos. Zebrafish embryonic lens phenotypes were screened using confocal microscopy. RESULTS: A novel heterozygous mutation (c.85G>A; p.G29R) in the MIP gene was identified in the proband of one family. A known heterozygous mutation (c.97C>T; p.R33C; rs864309693) in MIP was found in the proband of another family. In-silico prediction indicated that the novel mutation might affect the MIP protein function. Zebrafish embryonic lens was uniformly transparent in both wild-type PCS2+MIP and mutant PCS2+MIP. CONCLUSION: Two missense mutations in the MIP gene in Chinese cataract families are identified, and one of which is novel. These findings expand the genetic spectrum of MIP mutations associated with cataracts. The functional studies suggest that the novel MIP mutation might not be a gain-of-function but a loss-of-function mutation.

Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, with the highest single-cause mortality. Monocarboxylate transporter 4 (Mct4) transports intracellular lactate outside, but its role in regulating host immune response against Mtb infection remains unknown. Mct4 expression was upregulated in Mtb-infected macrophages and in patients with TB. Mct4 silencing/deficiency significantly decreased Mtb survival in macrophages and in lungs and spleens of mice, while Mct4 overexpression facilitated Mtb survival in macrophages. Furthermore, Mct4 promoted intracellular lactate transport, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 activation, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production upon Mtb infection. Mechanistically, IL-10 silencing and IL-10-neutralizing antibody blocked Mct4 overexpressing increased Mtb survival. Replenishing lactate and NF-κB p65 inhibitor JSH23 treatment could inhibit Mct4 overexpressing increased NF-κB p65 activation, IL-10 production, and Mtb survival in macrophages. This study demonstrates that Mct4 promotes Mtb survival through restricting intracellular lactate accumulation to promote NF-κB p65-mediated IL-10 production and suggests Mct4-NF-κB p65-IL-10 axis a potential target for TB treatment.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Connexin is a transmembrane protein involved in gap junctions (GJs) formation. Our previous study found that connexin 37 (Cx37), encoded by gap junction protein alpha 4 (GJA4), expressed on fibroblasts acts as a promoter of CRC and is closely related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor immune microenvironment. However, to date, the mechanism concerning the malignancy of GJA4 in tumor stroma has not been studied. Methods: Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to validate the expression and localization of GJA4. Using single-cell analysis, enrichment analysis, spatial transcriptomics, immunofluorescence staining (IF), Sirius red staining, wound healing and transwell assays, western blotting (WB), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay and in vivo experiments, we investigated the possible mechanisms of GJA4 in promoting CRC. Results: We discovered that in CRC, GJA4 on fibroblasts is involved in promoting fibroblast activation and promoting EMT through a fibroblast-dependent pathway. Furthermore, GJA4 may act synergistically with M2 macrophages to limit T cell infiltration by stimulating the formation of an immune-excluded desmoplasic barrier. Finally, we found a significantly correlation between GJA4 and pathological staging (P < 0.0001) or D2 dimer (R = 0.03, P < 0.05). Conclusion: We have identified GJA4 expressed on fibroblasts is actually a promoter of the tumor mesenchymal phenotype. Our findings suggest that the interaction between GJA4+ fibroblasts and M2 macrophages may be an effective target for enhancing tumor immunotherapy.

Summary: Background: Since the initial identification of the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) in ticks in rural areas of China in 2009, the virus has been increasingly isolated from a diverse array of hosts globally, exhibiting a rising trend in incidence. This study aims to conduct a systematic analysis of the temporal and spatial distribution of SFTS cases, alongside an examination of the infection rates across various hosts, with the objective of addressing public concerns regarding the spread and impact of the disease. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, an exhaustive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Medline, CNKI, WanFang, and CQVIP. The literature search was confined to publications released between January 1, 2009, and May 29, 2023. The study focused on collating data pertaining to animal infections under natural conditions and human infection cases reported. Additionally, species names were unified using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The notification rate, notification death rate, case fatality rate, and infection rates (or MIR) were assessed for each study with available data. The proportions were pooled using a generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM). Meta-regressions were conducted for subgroup analysis. This research has been duly registered with PROSPERO, bearing the registration number CRD42023431010. Findings: We identified 5492 studies from database searches and assessed 238 full-text studies for eligibility, of which 234 studies were included in the meta-analysis. For human infection data, the overall pooled notification rate was 18.93 (95% CI 17.02–21.05) per ten million people, the overall pooled notification deaths rate was 3.49 (95% CI 2.97–4.10) per ten million people, and the overall pooled case fatality rate was 7.80% (95% CI 7.01%–8.69%). There was an increasing trend in notification rate and deaths rate, while the case fatality rate showed a significant decrease globally. Regarding animal infection data, among 94 species tested, 48 species were found to carry positive nucleic acid or antibodies. Out of these, 14 species were classified under Arthropoda, while 34 species fell under Chordata, comprising 27 Mammalia and 7 Aves. Interpretation: This systematic review and meta-analysis present the latest global report on SFTS. In terms of human infections, notification rates and notification deaths rates are on the rise, while the case fatality rate has significantly decreased. More SFTSV animal hosts have been discovered than before, particularly among birds, indicating a potentially broader transmission range for SFTSV. These findings provide crucial insights for the prevention and control of SFTS on a global scale. Funding: None.

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) knee patients have limited ability in physical function, or difficulties with physical tasks and activities may develop disability. This study aimed to observe the predictors of self-reported and performance-based physical function in patients with knee OA by analyzing the impacts of demographic, pathological, and muscle impairment factors.Methods135 knee OA patients participated in this study to complete self-reported questionnaires using Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). When measuring performance-based physical function, a 6-meter gait speed (6MGS) test was measured to evaluate their mobility, and a 5-time Sit-to-Stand test (5STS) was assessed to evaluate their balance. Pain intensity, knee extensor and flexor muscle strength, age, body mass index (BMI), durations of symptoms, and radiographic severity were also collected. Spearman correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression were used to explore the association and predictors in self-reported and performance-based physical function.ResultsBMI and durations of symptoms did not indicate any significant correlation with either self-reported or performance-based physical function. Age is significantly negatively associated with 6MGS (r2 = −0.383, p < 0.01), while knee extensor muscle strength has a moderate correlation with 5STS (r2 = −0.528, p < 0.01). In the stepwise multiple linear regression models, pain intensity (β = 0.712, p < 0.001), knee flexor muscle strength (β = 0.112, p = 0.042) were significantly associated with self-reported physical function in daily activities and contributed to 55.0% of the variance in KOOS-PF score. Knee muscle strength, including knee extensor (5STS: β = −0.428, p < 0.001) and flexor muscle strength (6MGS: β = 0.367, p < 0.001), were the main predictors with performance-based physical function.ConclusionPain intensity was the leading risk factor of self-reported physical function, and knee flexor muscle strength contributed as well. The severity of knee OA, durations of symptoms and BMI did not contribute to physical function. However, knee extensor and flexor muscle strength were the main predictors of performance-based performance. Our results show that strengthening of weak knee muscles in both quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength should be considered a priory consideration in knee OA no matter if people are in the early or end-stage of knee OA.

Abstract Background The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive value of alterations in cervical artery hemodynamic parameters induced by a simulated end-inspiratory occlusion test (sEIOT) measured by ultrasound for predicting postinduction hypotension (PIH) during general anesthesia. Methods Patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor resection under general anesthesia were selected for this study. Ultrasound has been utilized to assess hemodynamic parameters in carotid artery blood flow before induction, specifically focusing on variations in corrected flow time (ΔFTc) and peak blood flow velocity (ΔCDPV), both before and after sEIOT. Anesthesia was induced by midazolam, sufentanil, propofol, and rocuronium, and blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded within the first 10 min following endotracheal intubation. PIH was defined as fall in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or mean arterial pressure (MAP) by > 30% of baseline or MAP to

Abstract Background Parent‒child communication in migrant families is essential to family bonds and the mental health of left-behind children (LBC). Little is known about the different patterns of communication between migrant parents and LBC and associated communication quality and mental health outcomes. Methods A sample of 2,183 Chinese children (mean age = 12.95 ± 1.29 years) from Anhui province, including LBC whose parents had both migrated (n = 1,025) and children whose parents had never migrated (never-LBC, n = 1,158), was analyzed. With the LBC sample, latent class analysis was applied to identify the patterns of parent‒child communication. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the associations between the sociodemographic variables and class membership of LBC. Analysis of covariance and chi-square tests were used to compare communication quality and mental health outcome differences among the classes of LBC and between each of the classes and never-LBC. Results Five latent classes of communication formed through different media or channels between migrant parents and their LBC were identified. Higher household economic status (OR = 2.81, p

More and more connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) open test roads reconstructed on the basis of traditional roads have appeared in China. However, the management policies vary, which makes the traffic environment complicated. This paper takes CAV test road safety management as the research aim and investigates the open test condition through the evaluation of the traffic safety facilities. Indicators were rigorously screened, then the game theory model was used to determine the combination weight of the indicators, and the set pair analysis was applied to solve the uncertain problems. A case study for the CAV test road network of a city in central China was implemented and the results show, regarding the traffic safety facilities’ condition, among the 20 sections of the city’s CAV test road network, 15% of which are at an excellent level, 75% of which are at a good level and 10% of which are at a moderate level; road signs, guardrail facilities, isolation facilities and road features are the main limiting factors affecting the level of traffic safety facilities. Based on the results, recommendations have been made for the transport management authorities in the aspects of safety management policy-making and facilities maintenance.

This study reported that a 15-month-old intact female African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was presented to IPB University Veterinary Teaching Hospital to evaluate a 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm × 0.5 cm mass on the left ventral thorax, three days after the mass was first discovered by the owner. Overgrown nails were observed on all four toes of each of the four limbs of the hedgehog. The body weight was 150 g, and the axial temperature was 36.5°C. The heart and respiratory rates were 180 per minute and 40 per minute, respectively. After a thorough physical examination, the patient was diagnosed with subcutaneous abscesses and overgrown nails. The abscess was surgically resected using a local anesthetic. The overgrown nails were trimmed to prevent further injury and the recurrence of abscesses. Following surgery, the hedgehog was discharged directly from the hospital and treated using Amoxicillin 15 mg/kg per oral every 12 hours for seven days, daily routine wound cleaning with sodium chloride, and topical powder of neomycin sulfate 5 mg/g and bacitracin 250 IU/g. The patient responded effectively to the systemic treatment, and medical signs and symptoms resolved. The hedgehog fully recovered from the subcutaneous abscess 14 days after the first hospital visit. No recurrence was reported in the subsequent month after resolution.

Water yield (WY) service is the cornerstone of ecosystem functionality. Predicting and assessing the impact of land use/land cover (LULC) changes on WY is imperative for a nation’s food security, regional economic development, and ecological environmental protection. This study aimed to evaluate the water yield (WY) service in Henan Province, China, using high-resolution (30 m) remote sensing land use monitoring data from four study years: 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. It also utilized the PLUS model to predict the characteristics of LULC evolution and the future trends of WY service under four different development scenarios (for 2030 and 2050). The study’s results indicated the following: (1) From 1990 to 2020, the Henan Province’s WY first increased and then decreased, ranging from 398.56 × 108 m3 to 482.95 × 108 m3. The southern and southeastern parts of Henan Province were high-value WY areas, while most of its other regions were deemed low-value WY areas. (2) The different land use types were ranked in terms of their WY capacity, from strongest to weakest, as follows: unused land, cultivated land, grassland, construction land, woodland, and water. (3) The four abovementioned scenarios were ranked, from highest to lowest, based on the Henan’s total WY (in 2050) in each of them: high-quality development scenario (HDS), business-as-usual scenario (BAU), cultivated land protection scenario (CPS), and ecological protection scenario (ES). This study contributes to the advancement of ecosystem services research. Its results can provide scientific support for water resource management, sustainable regional development, and comprehensive land-use planning in Henan Province.