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Abstract To enhance construction efficiency, improve lining quality, and reduce project costs, this study proposes a prefabricated arch structure scheme for large-span open-cut highway tunnels, specifically targeting the ongoing construction of an eight-lane open-cut tunnel on Chongqing’s Xinsen Avenue. By establishing a finite element “load-structure” integrated calculation model and adopting an iterative analysis method, the impact of joint stiffness variations on internal force distribution was determined. Combined with long-term field monitoring and measurements, a thorough analysis was conducted on the performance of the prefabricated arch structure during different construction stages. The results indicate that after assembly into a ring, the structure undergoes a self-adaptive adjustment phase, during which the joints experience significant stress and deformation. Following top-layer backfilling and water level restoration, the axial force on the joints increases, while stress and deformation decrease, exerting a positive effect on the joint bearing capacity. From the construction period to post-opening operations, the stress variation experienced by the joints remains within a controllable range, demonstrating substantial safety margins. This fully validates the safety and reliability of the prefabricated arch structure scheme.

Molecular phylogeny and morphological characteristics of collections of diatrypaceous fungi from Guizhou Province, China, lead to the establishment of a new genus, Stromatolinea, and the identification of four new species and two new combinations. The taxa were found growing on the dead culms of Phyllostachys bamboo. The new genus is distinguished by its well-developed, discrete linear stromata with yellow interior tissue and allantoid subhyaline ascospores. The newly described species are Stromatolinea grisea, S. guizhouensis, S. hydei, and S. xishuiensis. Additionally, two new combinations, Stromatolinea linearis and S. phaselina, are proposed based on comparative analysis and morphology. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using ITS and TUB2 sequences. The study includes comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree depicting the placement of the new taxa.

Abstract The purple leaves of Brassica napus are abundant in anthocyanins, which are renowned for their role in conferring distinct colors, stress tolerance, and health benefits, however the genetic basis of this trait in B. napus remains largely unelucidated. Herein, the purple leaf B. napus (PL) exhibited purple pigments in the upper epidermis and a substantial increase in anthocyanin accumulation, particularly of cyanidin, compared to green leaf B. napus (GL). The genetic control of the purple leaf trait was attributed to a semi-dominant gene, pl, which was mapped to the end of chromosome A03. However, sequencing of the fragments amplified by the markers linked to pl indicated that they were all mapped to chromosome B05 from B. juncea. Within this B05 chromosomal segment, the BjMYB113 gene-specific marker showed perfect co-segregation with the purple leaf trait in the F2 population, suggesting that the BjMYB113 introgression from B. juncea was the candidate gene for the purple leaf trait in B. napus. To further verify the function of candidate gene, CRISPR/Cas9 was performed to knock out the BjMYB113 gene in PL. The three myb113 mutants exhibited evident green leaf phenotype, absence of purple pigments in the adaxial epidermis, and a significantly reduced accumulation of anthocyanin compared to PL. Additionally, the genes involved in positive regulatory (TT8), late anthocyanin biosynthesis (DFR, ANS, UFGT), as well as transport genes (TT19) were significantly suppressed in the myb113 mutants, further confirming that BjMYB113 was response for the anthocyanin accumulation in purple leaf B. napus. This study contributes to an advanced understanding of the regulation mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation in B. napus.

BackgroundArsenic, cobalt, barium, and other individual metal exposure have been confirmed to be associated with the incidence of kidney stones. However, there are few studies on the association between mixed metal exposure and kidney stones, especially in occupational groups. ObjectiveTo investigate the association between mixed metal exposure and kidney stones in an occupational population from a metal smelting plant. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted to collect sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and lifestyle information of 1158 mixed metal-exposed workers in a metal smelting plant in Guangdong Province from July 2021 to January 2022. Midstream morning urine samples were collected from the workers, the concentrations of 18 metals including lithium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, strontium, molybdenum, cadmium, cesium, barium, tungsten, titanium, and lead were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the urinary mercury levels were measured by cold atomic absorption spectroscopy. Based on predetermined inclusion criteria, a total of 919 mixed metal-exposed workers were included in the study, including 117 workers in the kidney stone group and 802 workers in the non-kidney stone group. With a detection rate of urinary metals greater than 80% as entry criterion, 16 eligible metals were finally included for further analysis. Parametric or non-parametric methods were used to compare the differences between continuous or categorical variables of the non-kidney stone group and the kidney stone group. Logistic regression models were constructed to explore the association between individual metal exposures and kidney stones. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were used to evaluate the association between mixed metal exposure and kidney stones, as well as the weights of each metal on kidney stones. Then Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to explore the overall effect of mixed metal exposure on renal calculi and the potential interactions between metals. ResultsWe found that there were significant differences in sex, age, length of service, and body mass Index (BMI) between the non-kidney stone group and the kidney stone group (P

Abstract Background Critical wandering occurs when an individual living with dementia leaves a location and is unaware of place or time. Critical wandering incidents are expected to increase with the growing prevalence of persons living with dementia worldwide. We investigated the association between demographic, psychopathological, and environmental factors and a history of critical wandering among Medic-Alert subscribers, both with and without dementia. Methods Our retrospective study included data of 25,785 Canadian Medic-Alert subscribers who were aged 40 years or older. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the associations between a history of critical wandering and dementia status as psychopathological independent variable, controlled by demographic (age, ethnic background, sex at birth, Canadian languages spoken) and environmental (living arrangement, population density) factors. Results The overall study sample comprised of mainly older adults (77.4%). Medic-Alert subscribers who were older, male sex at birth, living with dementia, of a minority ethnic group and who did not have proficiency in an official Canadian language had a higher likelihood of a history of critical wandering. Residing in an urban environment, in an institution or with a family member, were environmental factors associated with a higher likelihood of a history of critical wandering. Conclusions People living with dementia experience a higher likelihood of a history of critical wandering compared to those without dementia. Medic-Alert and similar organizations can develop algorithms based on the associated factors that can be used to flag risks of critical wandering. This can inform preventative strategies at the individual and community levels.

In this study, we present a new species of freshwater mussel in the genus Postolata Dai et al., 2023, from Guangxi Province, China, by integrating morphological, anatomical, and molecular data. Postolata longjiangensis Liu & Wu, sp. nov. is distinguished from its congener (i.e., Postolata guangxiensis) by its shell shape, beak position, surface sculpture, nacre color, and hinge structure. Molecular species delimitation results based on the mitochondrial COI gene support the separation of Postolata longjiangensis Liu & Wu, sp. nov. from its congener. The multi-locus (COI + 16S rRNA + 28S rRNA) phylogeny reveals that this species forms the sister lineage to Postolata guangxiensis in the tribe Gonideini.

To effectively combat emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19, it is crucial to adopt strict prevention and control measures promptly to effectively contain the spread of the epidemic. In this paper, we propose a transmission model to investigate the influence of two control strategies: reducing contact numbers and improving medical resources. We examine these strategies in terms of constant control and time-varying control. Through sensitivity analysis on two reproduction numbers of the model with constant control, we demonstrate that reducing contact numbers is more effective than improving medical resources. Furthermore, these two constant controls significantly influence the peak values and timing of infections. Specifically, intensifying control measures can reduce peak values, albeit at the expense of delaying the peak time. In the model with time-varying control, we initially explore the corresponding optimal control problem and derive the characteristic expression of optimal control. Subsequently, we utilize real data from January 10th to April 12th, 2020, in Wuhan city as a case study to perform parameter estimation by using our proposed improved algorithm. Our findings illustrate that implementing optimal control measures can effectively reduce infections and deaths, and shorten the duration of the epidemic. Then, we numerically explore that implementing control measures promptly and increasing intensity to reduce contact numbers can make actual control be more closer to optimized control. Finally, we utilize the real data from October 31st to November 18th, 2021, in Hebei province as a second case study to validate the feasibility of our proposed suggestions.

The complex nature of microbiome data has made the differential abundance analysis challenging. Microbiome abundance counts are often skewed to the right and heteroscedastic (also known as overdispersion), potentially leading to incorrect inferences if not properly addressed. In this paper, we propose a simple yet effective framework to tackle the challenges by integrating Poisson (log-linear) regression with standard error estimation through the Bootstrap method and Sandwich robust estimation. Such standard error estimates are accurate and yield satisfactory inference even if the distributional assumption or the variance structure is incorrect. Our approach is validated through extensive simulation studies, demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing overdispersion and improving inference accuracy. Additionally, we apply our approach to two real datasets collected from the human gut and vagina, respectively, demonstrating the wide applicability of our methods. The results highlight the efficacy of our covariance estimators in addressing the challenges of microbiome data analysis. The corresponding software implementation is publicly available at https://github.com/yimshi/robustestimates.

Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked with increased neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the most detrimental component of PM2.5 and the most vulnerable exposure time windows remain undetermined, especially in areas with high PM2.5 levels. In a prospective cohort study involving 4494 mother-child dyads, we examined the associations of prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and its four main components with children's neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems (NBPs), separately in three pregnancy trimesters. Poisson regression and generalized additive models were used to depict the linear and nonlinear associations, respectively. Weighted quantile sum and Bayesian kernel machine regression models were applied to examine the effects of exposure to both mixed and individual components. Results showed that exposure to PM2.5 and its components throughout the three trimesters increased the risk of children's NBPs (Risk ratio for PM2.5: 1.16, 95 % confidence interval 1.14–1.18 per μg/m3 in the first trimester; 1.15, 1.12–1.17 in the second trimester; 1.06, 1.04–1.08 in the third trimester), with associations gradually diminishing as pregnancy progressed (P values for trends < 0.05). Among the four main components of PM2.5, exposure to SO42- posed the highest risks on children's NBPs, while organic matter contributed the largest proportion to the overall impacts of PM2.5 exposure. These results underscore the significance of mitigating PM2.5 exposure in pregnant women to reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Our findings would inform risk assessment of PM2.5 exposure and facilitate the development of precision preventive strategies targeting specific components of PM2.5 in similar areas with high levels of exposure.

Abstract The extensive adoption of digital audio recording has revolutionized its application in digital forensics, particularly in civil litigation and criminal prosecution. Electric network frequency (ENF) has emerged as a reliable technique in the field of audio forensics. However, the absence of comprehensive ENF reference datasets limits current ENF-based methods. To address this, this study introduces ATD, a blind audio forensics framework based on a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) model. ATD can identify phase mutations and waveform discontinuities within the tampered ENF signal, without relying on an ENF reference database. To enhance feature extraction, the framework incorporates characteristics of the fundamental harmonics of ENF signals. In addition, a denoising method termed ENF noise reduction (ENR) based on the variational mode decomposition (VMD) and robust filtering algorithm (RFA) is proposed to reduce the impact of external noise on embedded electric network frequency signals. This study investigates three distinct types of audio tampering—deletion, insertion, and replacement—culminating in the design of binary-class tampering detection scenarios and four-class tampering detection scenarios tailored to these tampering types. ATD achieves a tampering detection accuracy of over 93% in the four-class scenario and exceeds 96% in the binary-class scenario. The effectiveness, efficiency, adaptability, and robustness of ATD in the two and four classification scenarios have been confirmed by extensive experiments.

Abstract Background To investigate the correlation between microinvasion and various features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to clarify the microinvasion distance from visible HCC lesions to subclinical lesions, so as to provide clinical basis for the expandable boundary of clinical target volume (CTV) from gross tumor volume (GTV) in the radiotherapy of HCC. Methods HCC patients underwent hepatectomy of liver cancer in our hospital between July 2019 and November 2021 were enrolled. Data on various features and tumor microinvasion distance were collected. The distribution characteristics of microinvasion distance were analyzed to investigate its potential correlation with various features. Tumor size compared between radiographic and pathologic samples was analyzed to clarify the application of pathologic microinvasion to identify subclinical lesions of radiographic imaging. Results The average microinvasion distance was 0.6 mm, with 95% patients exhibiting microinvasion distance less than 3.0 mm, and the maximum microinvasion distance was 4.0 mm. A significant correlation was found between microinvasion and liver cirrhosis (P = 0.036), serum albumin level (P = 0.049). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HCC patients with cirrhosis had a significantly lower risk of microinvasion (OR = 0.09, 95%CI = 0.02 ~ 0.50, P = 0.006). Tumor size was overestimated by 1.6 mm (95%CI=-12.8 ~ 16.0 mm) on radiographic size compared to pathologic size, with a mean %Δsize of 2.96% (95%CI=-0.57%~6.50%). The %Δsize ranged from − 29.03% to 34.78%. Conclusions CTV expanding by 5.4 mm from radiographic GTV could include all pathologic microinvasive lesions in the radiotherapy of HCC. Liver cirrhosis was correlated with microinvasion and were independent predictive factor of microinvasion in HCC.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationships between childhood maltreatment, shame, and self-esteem among juvenile female offenders and to explore the potential influencing factors on their criminal behavior. Methods Using a stratified cluster sampling method, 1,227 juvenile female offenders from 11 provinces in China were surveyed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and a self-developed Shame Questionnaire for Juvenile Offenders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, chi-square tests, t-tests, and structural equation modeling with mediation analysis. Results (1) Childhood maltreatment have a significant potential influencing factors on criminal behavior; (2) Childhood maltreatment was positively correlated with self-esteem(β = 0.351, p

Abstract Accurate intraoperative differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) remains pivotal in guiding neurosurgical decisions. However, distinguishing PCNSL from other lesions, notably glioma, through frozen sections challenges pathologists. Here we sought to develop and validate a deep learning model capable of precisely distinguishing PCNSL from non-PCNSL lesions, especially glioma, using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained frozen whole-slide images. Also, we compared its performance against pathologists of varying expertise. Additionally, a human-machine fusion approach integrated both model and pathologic diagnostics. In external cohorts, LGNet achieved AUROCs of 0.965 and 0.972 in distinguishing PCNSL from glioma and AUROCs of 0.981 and 0.993 in differentiating PCNSL from non-PCNSL lesions. Outperforming several pathologists, LGNet significantly improved diagnostic performance, further augmented to some extent by fusion approach. LGNet’s proficiency in frozen section analysis and its synergy with pathologists indicate its valuable role in intraoperative diagnosis, particularly in discriminating PCNSL from glioma, alongside other lesions.

Abstract This study explores the relationship between social withdrawal and problematic social media use among college students, with a focus on the mediating roles of alexithymia and negative body image. Using the University Student Social Withdrawal Questionnaire, Social Media Addiction Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and Negative Body Image Scale, 2582 college students (33.46% male, average age = 19.46 years, SD = 2.23) were surveyed. Social withdrawal, alexithymia, negative body image, and problematic social media use were significantly correlated with each other. Social withdrawal positively predicted problematic social media use, and both alexithymia and negative body image played a chain mediating role between social withdrawal and problematic social media use. The findings indicate that individual social withdrawal is associated with college students’ problematic use of social media. The results suggest that alexithymia and negative body image may mediate this association, highlighting a potential pathway through which social withdrawal influences social media use patterns.

Abstract Background Brassica napus, a hybrid resulting from the crossing of Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea, is one of the most important oil crops. Despite its significance, B. napus productivity faces substantial challenges due to heavy metal stress, especially in response to cadmium (Cd), which poses a significant threat among heavy metals. Natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMPs) play pivotal roles in Cd uptake and transport within plants. However, our understanding of the role of BnNRAMPs in B. napus is limited. Thus, this study aimed to conduct genome-wide identification and bioinformatics analysis of three Brassica species: B. napus, B. rapa, and B. oleracea. Results A total of 37 NRAMPs were identified across the three Brassica species and classified into two distinct subfamilies based on evolutionary relationships. Conservative motif analysis revealed that motif 6 and motif 8 might significantly contribute to the differentiation between subfamily I and subfamily II within Brassica species. Evolutionary analyses and chromosome mapping revealed a reduction in the NRAMP gene family during B. napus evolutionary history, resulting in the loss of an orthologous gene derived from BoNRAMP3.2. Cis-acting element analysis suggested potential regulation of the NRAMP gene family by specific plant hormones, such as abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). However, gene expression pattern analyses under hormonal or stress treatments indicated limited responsiveness of the NRAMP gene family to these treatments, warranting further experimental validation. Under Cd stress in B. napus, expression pattern analysis of the NRAMP gene family revealed a decrease in the expression levels of most BnNRAMP genes with increasing Cd concentrations. Notably, BnNRAMP5.1/5.2 exhibited a unique response pattern, being stimulated at low Cd concentrations and inhibited at high Cd concentrations, suggesting potential response mechanisms distinct from those of other NRAMP genes. Conclusions In summary, this study indicates complex molecular dynamics within the NRAMP gene family under Cd stress, suggesting potential applications in enhancing plant resilience, particularly against Cd. The findings also offer valuable insights for further understanding the functionality and regulatory mechanisms of the NRAMP gene family.

Four new species, Xynobius azonius sp. nov., X. brevifemora sp. nov., X. duoferus sp. nov., and X. stipitoides sp. nov., are described and illustrated, and one species X. geniculatus (Thomson, 1895) is newly reported from South Korea. Xynobius geniculatus (Thomson, 1895) is redescribed and illustrated, and a new combination, Xynobius (Stigmatopoea) cubitalis (Fischer, 1959), comb. nov. is suggested. An identification key to the Xynobius species known from South Korea is provided.

Abstract Translation elongation is essential for maintaining cellular proteostasis, and alterations in the translational landscape are associated with a range of diseases. Ribosome profiling allows detailed measurements of translation at the genome scale. However, it remains unclear how to disentangle biological variations from technical artifacts in these data and identify sequence determinants of translation dysregulation. Here we present Riboformer, a deep learning-based framework for modeling context-dependent changes in translation dynamics. Riboformer leverages the transformer architecture to accurately predict ribosome densities at codon resolution. When trained on an unbiased dataset, Riboformer corrects experimental artifacts in previously unseen datasets, which reveals subtle differences in synonymous codon translation and uncovers a bottleneck in translation elongation. Further, we show that Riboformer can be combined with in silico mutagenesis to identify sequence motifs that contribute to ribosome stalling across various biological contexts, including aging and viral infection. Our tool offers a context-aware and interpretable approach for standardizing ribosome profiling datasets and elucidating the regulatory basis of translation kinetics.

Background The human gut microbiome develops rapidly during infancy, a key window of development coinciding with the maturation of the adaptive immune system. However, little is known about the microbiome growth dynamics over the first few months of life and whether there are any generalizable patterns across human populations. We performed metagenomic sequencing on stool samples (n = 94) from a cohort of infants (n = 15) at monthly intervals in the first 6 months of life, augmenting our dataset with seven published studies for a total of 4,441 metagenomes from 1,162 infants.Results Strain-level de novo analysis was used to identify 592 of the most abundant organisms in the infant gut microbiome. Previously unrecognized consortia were identified which exhibited highly correlated abundances across samples and were composed of diverse species spanning multiple genera. Analysis of a published cohort of infants with cystic fibrosis identified one such novel consortium of diverse Enterobacterales which was positively correlated with weight gain. While all studies showed an increased community stability during the first year of life, microbial dynamics varied widely in the first few months of life, both by study and by individual.Conclusion By augmenting published metagenomic datasets with data from a newly established cohort, we were able to identify novel groups of organisms that are correlated with measures of robust human development. We hypothesize that the presence of these groups may impact human health in aggregate in ways that individual species may not in isolation.

The emergence of novel avian influenza reassortants in wild birds in recent years is a public health concern. However, the viruses that circulate in migratory birds are not fully understood. In this study, we summarized and categorized global H11 avian influenza viruses and reported that waterfowl and shorebirds are the major reservoirs of the identified H11 viruses. The surveillance data of the 35,749 faecal samples collected from wild bird habitats in eastern China over the past seven years revealed a low prevalence of H11 viruses in birds, with a positive rate of 0.067% (24 isolates). The phylogenetic analysis of the twenty viruses indicated that H11 viruses have undergone complex reassortment with viruses circulating in waterfowl and shorebirds. These tested viruses do not acquire mammalian adaptive mutations in their genomes and preferentially bind to avian-type receptors. Experimental infection studies demonstrated that the two tested H11N9 viruses of wild bird origin replicated and transmitted more efficiently in ducks than in chickens, whereas the pigeon H11N2 virus isolated from a live poultry market was more adapted to replicate in chickens than in ducks. In addition, some H11 isolates replicated efficiently in mice and caused body weight loss but were not lethal. Our study revealed the role of waterfowl and shorebirds in the ecology and evolution of H11 viruses and the potential risk of introducing circulating H11 viruses into ducks or chickens, further emphasizing the importance of avian influenza surveillance at the interface of migratory birds and poultry.

Hillside urban expansion (HUE) force nature and semi-nature habitats (referred as nature habitats) to migrate to higher slope areas, potentially resulting in modifications to the landscapes of these habitats, and affect biodiversity and human well-being. To date, few studies have considered the implications of HUE on nature habitat landscapes across different scales. Thus, a spatial identification framework was developed for HUE through the utilization of multisource data. Landscape metrics and spatial econometric models were employed to quantify and assess the impacts of HUE on nature habitat landscapes in China at the city, county, and grid scales, respectively. Results reveal that HUE accounted for 43.25% of urban expansion in China from 2000 to 2020. At the city scale, low HUE was found to have the most significant impact on nature habitat landscape fragmentation. Medium HUE and heavy HUE had more impact of specific landscape metrics with smaller areas at detailed spatial resolutions, and medium HUE have the more considerable impact and surpassed that of low HUE and heavy HUE. HUE exhibited a more pronounced impact on nature habitat landscape fragmentation in regions with larger city sizes and population densities, as well as lower topographic relief and elevations.

The koi carp is an ornamental fish that was obtained through artificial selection from the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). The most economically important traits of koi are their beautiful skin patterns in bright colors. As seasonality is an important factor in the biology and ecology of fish, we thus assumed that seasonal changes are involved in regulating the formation of skin color and patterns of koi carp. The white, red, cyan, and black skin colors from four varieties of scaleless koi carp (Doitsu Shiromuji (W), Doitsu Kohaku (WR), Doitsu Showa Sanke (WRI), and Kumonryu (WI)) were evaluated using the CIELab color space (lightness, redness, and yellowness) in different seasons. Compared to winter, the yellowness of the white color in all koi varieties decreased in summer and autumn. The black skin color areas in WRI and WI koi increased in summer and autumn compared to winter. The yellowness of the red color decreased only in WRI koi, while no changes were observed in WR koi. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the levels of the structural pigment guanine of all koi varieties showed significant seasonal variation. Of seven detected carotenoids, the zeaxanthin and tunaxanthin contents in W, WI, and WRI koi changed with the seasons, while none of the carotenoids in WR koi were altered. Of the seven potential regulatory metabolites, epinephrine, melatonin, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in all four koi varieties showed the highest levels in winter. A correlation analysis suggested that the seasonal changes in white skin color occurred through the epinephrine-cAMP pathway; melanin-dependent and carotenoid-dependent skin color changes occurred through melatonin in koi carp. This study demonstrated the seasonal plasticity of skin color in koi carp regulated by melatonin and epinephrine, associating with variety and color specificity.

IntroductionGansu Province is situated in the northwest region of China, characterized by diverse and complex topography and a rich diversity of ethnic groups. This study aims to explore the prevalence and risk factors of adolescent suspected scoliosis in Gansu Province through a cross-sectional population study.MethodsFrom April 2022 to July 2022, a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Baiyin City, Jinchang City, Lanzhou City, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, and Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province. The screening covered 3,118 middle and high school students across 24 institutions, including middle and high schools. Diagnosis of suspected scoliosis was established through visual inspection, the Adams forward bend test, and measurement of trunk rotation angle. Employing a custom-designed questionnaire, demographic data were collected, and the prevalence of suspected scoliosis was calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to assess factors associated with suspected scoliosis.ResultsA total of 3,044 participants were ultimately included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of suspected scoliosis was 5.68% in Gansu Province. The peak prevalence for boy is at 14 years (6.70%), while for girl, it is at 15 years (8.75%). Lanzhou City exhibits the highest prevalence rates (boy, 9.82%; girl, 10.16). The results of univariate logistic regression analysis presented that BMI (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88–0.96), altitude of habitation (1,600 m-2000 m) (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34–0.73), altitude of habitation (2000 m-3321 m) (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40–0.83), family medical history (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02–2.31), and shoulders of unequal height (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.09–2.03) were significantly correlated with suspected scoliosis. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that BMI (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.95), altitude of habitation (1,600 m-2000 m) (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.23–0.54), altitude of habitation (2000 m-3321 m) (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.24–0.60), family medical history (OR = 1.66, 95% CI:1.08–2.49), and shoulders of unequal height (OR = 1.45, 95% CI:1.06–1.99) were independently associated with suspected scoliosis.ConclusionLow BMI, residence at an altitude of 1,600 m-3321 m, family medical history, and shoulders of unequal height were independently associated with an increased prevalence of suspected scoliosis. It is recommended to promptly screen high-risk adolescents for suspected scoliosis, provide effective preventive and intervention measures.

Despite the recent proliferation of scholarly investigations on servant leadership, clarity remains elusive regarding the specific mechanisms and conditions underpinning employee cognitive processes and their responses to servant leadership. Drawing upon social cognitive theory, proposes a moderated mediation model tested through a time-lagged field data from 489 employees in Study 1 and an experimental data in Study 2. We found that servant leadership indirectly enhances employee voice behavior through increased employee work reflection. Additionally, we considered employee proactive personality as a boundary condition for the positive effect of servant leadership. Our results show that servant leadership prompts employee work reflection only when the level of employee proactive personality is high, which in turn increases employee voice behavior. This study presents significant theoretical and practical implications through the integration of social cognitive theory with servant leadership research.

Background Bacterial meningitis (BM) poses a serious threat to infant health. We assessed cranial ultrasound (CUS) changes in infants with BM as possible predictors of the neurological sequelae of BM.Methods We retrospectively assigned 132 infants diagnosed with BM from 2007 to 2021. Neuroimaging characteristics and cerebral blood flow (CBF) profiles identified using CUS were analysed and compared between the groups during the acute and postacute phases of BM.Results Overall, 102 infants with CUS and outcome data were recruited. 37/102 (36.3%) infants with neurological developmental impairments comprised the group with sequelae. Abnormal CUS findings increased the risk of sequelae during the postacute phase compared with the acute phase of BM. Prolonged white matter hyperechogenicity was an independent risk factor for sequelae. The CBF profiles of the group with sequelae showed that anterior cerebral artery resistance and pulsatility indices decreased during the acute phase, whereas the mean flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery significantly increased during the postacute phase. Changes in the CBF profiles did not significantly differ in the group without sequelae.Conclusions Serial CUS can facilitate the prognostic assessment of infants aged

Microplastics (MPs), recognized as an emerging global environmental concern, have been extensively detected worldwide, with specific attention directed towards the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) and East China Sea (ECS) regions. Despite their critical research significance, there remains a knowledge gap concerning the distribution of MPs in the benthic layer within this area, particularly regarding interactions governing their occurrence. Here we illuminate the distribution of MPs within the benthic layer and unravel the intricate interplay between bottom water and sediment in the YRE and ECS. We find that MPs are notably more abundant in bottom water, ranging from 8 to 175 times higher than in surface water. These MPs predominantly consist of polyester fibers, exhibit a size range between 0.5 and 5.0 mm, and display distinct coloration. Co-occurrence network analysis and Principal Coordinate Analysis confirm a robust correlation between MPs in bottom water and sediment, signifying the pivotal role of bottom water in mediating the distribution and transportation of MPs within the benthic layer. Furthermore, a positive correlation between MPs in sediment and bottom water turbidity underscores the impact of surface sediment resuspension and upwelling on MPs distribution. This study clarifies the intricate interactions within the benthic layer and highlights the crucial role of bottom water as a mediator in the vertical distribution of MPs, advancing our understanding of the “source-to-sink” transport processes governing MPs within water-sediment systems.

BackgroundWith the population aging, the number of people living with dementia is expected to rise, which, in turn, is expected to lead to an increase in the prevalence of missing incidents due to critical wandering. However, the estimated prevalence of missing incidents due to dementia is inconclusive in some jurisdictions and overlooked in others. ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to examine (1) the demographic, psychopathological, and environmental antecedents to missing incidents due to critical wandering among older adult MedicAlert Foundation Canada (hereinafter MedicAlert) subscribers; and (2) the characteristics and outcomes of the missing incidents. MethodsThis study used a retrospective descriptive design. The sample included 434 older adult MedicAlert subscribers involved in 560 missing incidents between January 2015 and July 2021. ResultsThe sample was overrepresented by White older adults (329/425, 77.4%). MedicAlert subscribers reported missing were mostly female older adults (230/431, 53.4%), living in urban areas with at least 1 family member (277/433, 63.8%). Most of the MedicAlert subscribers (345/434, 79.5%) self-reported living with dementia. MedicAlert subscribers went missing most frequently from their private homes in the community (96/143, 67.1%), traveling on foot (248/270, 91.9%) and public transport (12/270, 4.4%), during the afternoon (262/560, 46.8%) and evening (174/560, 31.1%). Most were located by first responders (232/486, 47.7%) or Good Samaritans (224/486, 46.1%). Of the 560 missing incidents, 126 (22.5%) were repeated missing incidents. The mean time between missing incidents was 11 (SD 10.8) months. Finally, the majority of MedicAlert subscribers were returned home safely (453/500, 90.6%); and reports of harm, injuries (46/500, 9.2%), and death (1/500, 0.2%) were very low. ConclusionsThis study provides the prevalence of missing incidents from 1 database source. The low frequency of missing incidents may not represent populations that are not White. Despite the low number of missing incidents, the 0.2% (1/500) of cases resulting in injuries or death are devastating experiences that may be mitigated through prevention strategies.

Abstract To explore the optimal cut-off values of Klotho for predicting all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Klotho was measured in 40–79-year-old individuals in the NHANES 2007–2016. A total of 2418 patients with stage 1–4 CKD were included. The optimal cut-off values of Klotho were utilized using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves and be verified on the effects of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Restricted cubic splines were used to examine the relationship between Klotho and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality with the optimal cutpoints as the reference. After a mean follow-up period of 87.9 months, 535 deaths occurred and 188 died of cardiovascular disease. Cubic splines showed that the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality increased gradually for Klotho

Abstract Background To analyze the genetic characteristics and long-term outcomes of fetuses with dysplasia of the corpus callosum (DCC) or partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (PACC). Methods A total of 42 fetuses with DCC (n = 36) or PACC (n = 6) were retrospectively analyzed from January 2016 to December 2022 at the Peking University First Hospital. The cohort was categorized into isolated (15/42, 36%) and nonisolated groups (27/42, 64%), and differences in the genetic abnormalities and long-term outcomes between the two groups were analyzed. DCC was subdivided into short CC, thin CC, and thick CC. The outcomes of the three different types of DCC were analyzed and discussed. Results (1) Thirty-nine of the 42 cases underwent CMA (chromosomal microarray analysis) and CMA + WES (whole exome sequencing), with 13/15 cases in isolated group and 26/27 cases in nonisolated group. Only pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants were considered, identifying P/LP variants in 2/13 cases in isolated group and 12/26 cases in nonisolated group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (χ² = 3.566, P = 0.05897). (2) In the isolated group, 8 cases were terminated, and 7 cases were delivered. Postnatal follow-up detected 1 case of gross motor development delay one year after birth; no obvious abnormalities were found in the other six cases. In the nonisolated group, 21 cases were terminated, and 6 cases were delivered. Postnatal follow-up detected 4 cases of children with different degrees of language, motor and intelligence abnormalities; 1 case died 10 days after birth. No obvious abnormalities were observed in one case. Six cases (86%, 6/7) in the isolated group showed normal development, compared with 1 case (17%, 1/6) in the nonisolated group, with a significant difference (χ² = 6.198, P = 0.01279). (3) In DCC, the delivery rates of short CCs (18 cases), thin CCs (13 cases), and thick CCs (5 cases) were 17% (3/18), 54% (7/13), and 20% (1/5), respectively, with good outcomes observed in 0% (0/3), 71% (5/7), and 0% (0/1), respectively. P/LP variants were found in 6/17 cases of short CC, 3/12 cases of thin CC, and 2/5 cases of thick CC. Conclusions Fetuses with DCC or PACC combined with other structural abnormalities had a poor long-term prognosis compared with the isolated group. Patients with thin CCs had a higher probability of a good prognosis than those with short or thick CCs.

Compared with other sea areas in China, the interaction between the Yellow and Bohai Sea surrounded by land on three sides and the mid latitude atmosphere has its uniqueness, and it is necessary to conduct research on the impact of air-sea coupled model on meteorological elements in this region. Based on the global forecasting and reanalysis data for the atmosphere and ocean, the numerical experiments are conducted using the high resolution regional air-sea coupled model (referred to as coupled model) and uncoupled model. By utilizing the actual observation data of the national surface conventional observation stations and the Chengbei Petroleum A platform in the inspection area, a comparative analysis was conducted on the prediction results of the near-surface atmospheric temperature and humidity elements in June 2020. In addition, according to the changes in sea surface temperature, air-sea heat flux, and wind field adjustments, the reasons for the impact of the air-sea bidirectional coupling process on the prediction of near-surface temperature and humidity factors were analyzed. The results show that the coupled model improves the forecasting of humidity element near-surface, with a predominantly humidifying effect. The impact area of bidirectional coupling between air and sea on temperature and humidity can extend to the entire area around the Yellow and Bohai Sea, thereby improving the prediction of near-surface temperature during the daytime and humidity elements of the coupled model in this area. The response of humidity to the air-sea bidirectional coupling is significantly faster than that of temperature, indicating that the regional air-sea coupling model first improves the forecast of near-surface humidity. The increase of latent heat flux over the sea surface after coupling is the main reason for the improvement in the forecast of temperature and humidity elements near the surface layer.

The yellow seed trait is preferred by breeders for its potential to improve the seed quality and commercial value of Brassica napus. In the present study, we produced yellow seed mutants using a CRISPR/Cas9 system when the two BnPAP2 homologs were knocked out. Histochemical staining of the seed coat demonstrated that proanthocyanidin accumulation was significantly reduced in the pap2 double mutants and decreased specifically in the endothelial and palisade layer cells of the seed coat. Transcriptomic and metabolite profiling analysis suggested that disruption of the BnPAP2 genes could reduce the expression of structural and regulated genes in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. The broad suppression of these genes might hinder proanthocyanidin accumulation during seed development, and thereby causing the yellow seed trait in B. napus. These results indicate that BnPAP2 might play a vital role in the regulatory network controlling proanthocyanidin accumulation.

Forest fires are one of the most common natural disasters and public crisis events, presenting a serious threat to the ecosystem and human security. The traditional forest fire monitoring is time-consuming and inaccurate, but nighttime light remote sensing is enhancing the efficiency and speed of forest fire detection. Thus, this study focused on forest fire detection in Southwest China that was affected by fires in 2021 and 2022 using daily remote sensing nighttime light data from the black marble product VNP46A2 of the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership-Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite. Multiple features were developed based on the temporal features of day-level nighttime light radiances, which were divided into black pixels, stable light pixels, and forest fire pixels using the random forest classification model. To verify the accuracy, a confusion matrix was constructed to calculate the accuracy of the forest fire identification results by combining multisource data, and the results were compared with the results of different machine learning models and fire products. Moreover, the spatiotemporal distribution of forest fires was analyzed using trend analysis and nearest-neighbor analysis. Results show that the overall accuracy of pixel classification was over 92% in both years, with forest fire pixels classified with user's accuracy exceeding 99%. The forest fires were mainly dispersed and concentrated around the stable light pixels 400–700 m, and the distribution in different regions showed obvious spatial heterogeneity. Compared with 2021, the distribution of forest fires decreased significantly in 2022. This study can support the future management and protection of forest resources and the prediction of fire disasters. The dataset (2021 and 2022) of forest fires in Southwest China is available free of charge.1

Aimed at the new application scenario of laser, a test platform was established to study the coating material da-mage features induced by the interaction of the Ma=6 tangential air flow and the continuous laser irradiation. The laser-damaged characteristics of the coating materials in still air and Ma=6 ground-simulated airflows, as well as the corresponding interference flow structures, were presented. Compared with the laser-irradiation ablation phenomenon of the coating materials in still air, the laser-induced damage characteristics of coating materials are significantly different in hypersonic tangential airflows. Under the interaction of hypersonic airflows, the coating materials show a larger damage area when the laser power is low, while the coating materials form deeper ablation pits when the laser power is high. Due to the disturbance from the material ablation, flow patterns similar to those produced by a thermal jet or small protrusion are formed around the ablative structure of coating materials. This phenomenon, in turn, affects the ablation of coating materials, producing a strong coupling phenomenon between hypersonic flow and laser ablation. The results can provide important guidance for engineering applications.

Abstract Background EWSR1::NFATC2 rearranged sarcomas are a group of rare round, undifferentiated sarcomas with clinicopathological features different from those of Ewing's sarcoma (ES) family and other non-ES sarcomas. We report 4 cases of this rare sarcoma and review their features. Materials and methods Four cases of EWSR1::NFATC2 rearranged round cell sarcoma of the bone from the Pathology Department of Peking University People's Hospital were retrospectively studied. Clinical and pathological data were summarized, and immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and Next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed. Relevant literature reports were also reviewed. Results Among the four cases of EWSR1::NFATC2 rearranged round cell sarcoma, three were male, and one was female, with the age ranged from 14 to 34 years old at diagnosis (mean age: 27.5 years). All tumors were located in the femur and ranged in size from 4 to 8cm (mean 6cm), involving the surrounding soft tissues. All four patients underwent surgical treatment, and three received chemotherapy and radiotherapy postoperatively. Follow-up results showed that all four patients were alive. Histologically, the tumors exhibited small round cell sarcoma phenotype, with the stroma rich in mucin or exhibiting a glassy appearance. The tumor cells diffusely expressed CD99, NKX2.2, NKX3.1 and focal expression of CK and EMA was observed. FISH analysis showed that EWSR1 gene rearrangement was detected in all 4 cases, accompanied by 5' locus amplification. EWSR1::NFATC2 fusion probe demonstrated multi yellow fusion signals. NGS identified EWSR1::NFATC2 breakpoints in exon 9 and exon 3 in all 4 cases. The average follow-up duration of the study group was 88 months (range from 26—180 months). One case experienced both local recurrence and metastasis to the lung and chest wall. One case presented with local recurrence. The remaining two cases did not have the recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion Although the disease can locally recur and metastasize to the lungs, its mortality rate is significantly lower than that of Ewing sarcoma and other high-grade small round cell undifferentiated sarcomas. Therefore, it supports to classify this tumor as a separate subtype of small round cell sarcoma.

Abstract Background Although years have passed since the implementation of China’s universal two-child policy, the effectiveness of this policy remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we, here, assessed the impact of the two-child policy on total live births, preterm births, and multiple live births. Methods Data identifying pregnancies resulting in at least one live birth between April 1 2013 and December 31 2018 were collected from the Hospital Quality Monitoring System database. Using an interrupted time-series analysis, we estimated immediate level changes and long-term trends in total, preterm (birth before 37 weeks’ gestation), and multiple live births that had occurred after July 2016, when the universal two-child policy had taken effect. Results A total of 8,273,622 live births were reported during the study time frame. The number of live births (p = 0.277), preterm births (p = 0.052), and multiple births (p = 0.856) per month slightly increased immediately after July 2016, but these increases did not meet statistical significance. Further, all three outcomes showed a significant downward trend that lasted until the end of 2018 (p

The accurate identification of rail surface states, especially the third media state, is crucial for enhancing traction and braking capabilities of heavy haul trains, ensuring their safe operation, and maintaining heavy haul railways. Few-shot learning is commonly used to recognize rail surface states, effectively addressing the overfitting issue caused by limited sample data. However, in practical rail surface state data situations, few-shot learning faces challenges such as insufficient extraction of crucial feature information and a tendency to lose distinguishing degree information. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a rail surface state recognition model based on improved metric learning. The proposed method incorporates a pyramid-splitting attention mechanism in the feature extraction network. This allows for the extraction of multi-scale spatial information from the feature map, facilitating cross-dimensional channel attention and interaction between spatial attention features. This addresses the issue of inadequate key feature information extraction caused by a limited number of orbital surface state samples. Additionally, a deep local description concatenator splices the local features of the query set and various support set feature maps in pairs, replacing the global feature splicing in traditional metric learning. This enables the filtering of interference information, such as background, while retaining feature information with significant differentiation to a larger extent. The proposed method was evaluated using a small-sample rail surface state dataset that we constructed. According to the experimental results, the proposed method outperforms existing methods in terms of recognition accuracy, precision, and recall.

Understanding the relationship between urban development and environmental sustainability to achieve ‘double carbon’ goals in China can be strengthened by evaluating the environmental effect of urban spatial structure (US). However, there have been few studies that consider the differentiated effects of polycentric US (PUS) on carbon emissions from both functional and morphological perspectives simultaneously. Thus, taking China’s 31 provinces as experimental subjects, our study developed a novel framework with remotely sensed nighttime light (NTL) data to quantify morphological PUS (MPUS) and functional PUS (FPUS) from 2000 to 2019. Then, from these two dimensions, differentiated effects of PUS on carbon emissions were further examined. Results indicated that NTL data presented high potential in quantifying MPUS and FPUS. The effect of FPUS on carbon emission-cutting outperformed that of MPUS. In addition, the spillover effect effectively enhanced the decreasing effect of the FPUS on carbon emissions. Our empirical findings can provide guidance for the government in developing strategies for reducing carbon emissions and optimizing USs.

This study evaluated the factors influencing IgG/IgM antibody levels in 120 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) following vaccination with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Each patient’s demographic and clinical data were documented, and serum IgG and IgM antibodies were detected using a commercial magnetic chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay kit. The results indicated that while all patients had received at least one vaccine dose, 95 tested positive for IgG and 25 were negative. A higher proportion of IgG-positive patients had received three vaccine doses. Comparatively, gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were elevated in IgM-negative patients. The study further differentiated patients based on their treatment status: 46 were treatment-naive and 74 had received chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICT) at enrollment. Despite similar baseline characteristics and time from vaccination to antibody detection, IgM positivity was significantly lower in the ICT group, with no significant difference in IgG positivity between the treatment-naive and ICT groups. A multivariable analysis identified the number of vaccine doses as an independent factor of IgG positivity, while ICT emerged as an independent risk factor for IgM positivity. Additionally, IgG titers generally declined over time, although patients with higher baseline IgG levels maintained higher titers longer. In conclusion, ICT in patients with HNC does not significantly affect IgG levels post-vaccination. However, booster vaccinations have been shown to be associated with higher IgG positivity, although these levels gradually decrease over time.

Hydrogen storage has been a bottleneck factor for the application of hydrogen energy. Hydrogen storage capacity for titanium-decorated boron-doped C20 fullerenes has been investigated using the density functional theory. Different boron-doped C20 fullerene absorbents are examined to avoid titanium atom clustering. According to our research, with three carbon atoms in the pentagonal ring replaced by boron atoms, the binding interaction between the Ti atom and C20 fullerene is stronger than the cohesive energy of titanium. The calculated results revealed that one Ti atom can reversibly adsorb four H2 molecules with an average adsorption energy of −1.52 eV and an average desorption temperature of 522.5 K. The stability of the best absorbent structure with a gravimetric density of 4.68 wt% has been confirmed by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. These findings suggest that titanium-decorated boron-doped C20 fullerenes could be considered as a potential candidate for hydrogen storage devices.

Despite extensive studies of deposited carbon in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS), an atomic-level comprehension of the effect of carbon on the morphology of cobalt-based FTS catalysts remains elusive. The adsorption configurations of carbon atoms on different crystal facets of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) Co nanoparticles were studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations to explore the interaction mechanism between C and Co surfaces. The weaker adsorption strength of C atoms on Co(0001), Co(10-10), and Co(11-20) surfaces accounted for lower diffusion energy, leading to the facile formation of C dimers. Electronic property analysis shows that more electrons are transferred from Co surfaces to C atoms on corrugated facets than on flat facets. The deposition of carbon atoms on Co nanoparticles affects surface energy by forming strong Co-C bonds, which causes the system to reach a more energetically favorable morphology with an increased proportion of exposed Co(10-12) and Co(11-20) areas as the carbon content increases slightly. This transformation in morphology implies that C deposition plays a crucial role in determining the facet proportion and stability of exposed Co surfaces, contributing to the optimization of cobalt-based catalysts with improved performance.

Joint attention (JA), a core deficit in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is crucial for social interaction, emotional understanding, and cognitive development. This study aims to compare and analyze the eye-tracking data of ASD and typically developing children (TDC) during virtual games, exploring how different cue types affect JA performance in ASD children. A total of 31 TDC and 40 ASD children participated in the study. Using eye-tracking devices, we recorded the children’s eye movements as they played virtual games, selecting the correct target based on cues provided by virtual characters. Our findings revealed that different cue types significantly impacted the game scores of ASD children but had no significant effect on TDC, highlighting a notable disparity between the two groups. ASD children showed a lower fixation frequency, irregular fixation paths, and increased attention to non-target objects compared to TDC. Interestingly, among the three cue types, ASD children exhibited a preference for the third type, leading to longer fixation on the region of interest and higher game scores. These results underscore the importance of cue selection in enhancing JA in ASD children. This study provides novel insights into the JA deficits in ASD children and offers a scientific basis for the development of targeted and individualized intervention programs.

The gastrointestinal tract is an important part of the human immune system. The gut microbiome, which constitutes a major component of the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological functions and influences the development, diagnosis, and immunotherapy of colorectal cancer (CRC). Natural polysaccharides can be extracted from animals, plants, and traditional Chinese medicines. They serve as an essential energy source for the gut microbiome, promoting probiotic proliferation and regulating the intestinal microecological balance. Moreover, polysaccharides exhibit anti-tumor effects due to their immune regulatory functions and low toxicity. This review focuses on discussing these anti-tumor effects in CRC, along with improving gut microbiome dysbiosis and regulating the tumor immune microenvironment, providing evidence for effective therapeutic strategies against CRC.

BackgroundHeavy metal exposure is an important cause of reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Epidemiological studies focusing on the effects of mixed heavy metal exposure on BMD in middle-aged and older people are scarce. In single-metal studies, men and women have shown distinct responses of BMD to environmental metal exposure. This study therefore aimed to elucidate the association between mixed heavy metal exposure and BMD and to investigate whether it is sex-specific.MethodsData from the 2017–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were selected for this cross-sectional study. The study used three statistical methods, i.e., linear regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) modeling, and weighted quartiles (WQS) regression, to explore the association between the urinary concentrations of 11 metals (barium, cadmium, cobalt, cesium, manganese, molybdenum, lead, antimony, tin, thallium, and Tungsten), either individually or as a mixture, and total femoral BMD.ResultsA total of 1,031 participants were included in this study. Femoral BMD was found to be higher in men than women. A significant negative correlation between the urinary concentrations of the 10 metals and femoral BMD was found in the overall cohort. Further gender sub-stratified analyses showed that in men, urinary metal concentrations were negatively correlated with femoral BMD, with cobalt and barium playing a significant and non-linear role in this effect. In women, although urinary metal concentrations negatively modulated femoral BMD, none of the correlations was statistically significant. Antimony showed sex-specific differences in its effect.ConclusionThe urinary concentrations of 10 mixed heavy metals were negatively correlated with femoral BMD in middle-aged and older participants, and this effect showed gender differences. These findings emphasize the differing role of mixed metal exposure in the process of BMD reduction between the sexes but require further validation by prospective studies.

Abstract A controlled growth of two‐dimensional (2D) π‐conjugated metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) on solid substrates can open exciting opportunities for the application of 2D MOFs as optoelectronic devices. Some factors like solvent composition and type of substrates are known to influence the properties of solution‐processed 2D MOF crystals; however, a mechanistic understanding of how interactions between solvent, substrate, and precursors affect heterogeneous nucleation has been limited. Here, it is reported that the structure of Ni‐catecholate (Ni‐CAT‐1) MOFs at a solid–liquid interface is controlled by solvent–substrate and solvent–MOF precursor interactions. Specifically, the structure of the MOF film can be controlled by varying the affinity of the solvent to the substrate. As a fraction of N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) in a binary solvent mixture of water and DMF increases, the arrangement of Ni‐CAT‐1 crystals varies from vertically aligned nanorods to the graphite substrate to less ordered nanorods with the lower initial nucleation number density of Ni‐CAT‐1 crystals on the surface.

BackgroundKimura disease is characterized by inflammation, with its underlying causes remaining uncertain. There is a lack of comprehensive and systematic research on the pathology of this condition in pediatric patients. Our objective is to study the clinical and pathological attributes of Kimura disease in pediatric patients and investigate the potential diagnostic significance of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in this context.MethodsClinical and laboratory information, pathological characteristics, and follow-up data were correlated to examine the distinctive features. Immunohistochemistry, acid-fast staining, and molecular assay were used to identify the presence of IgE and pathogens.ResultsWe conducted an analysis of five cases of Kimura disease in pediatric patients at our hospital. The patients’ ages ranged from 5 years and 7 months to 14 years and 2 months, with 4 (80%) being male. The most common site was the head and neck region, particularly the postauricular subcutaneous area. Eosinophilia was observed in four patients (80%), and two patients (40%) had elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Histopathological changes included eosinophilic infiltrates, follicular hyperplasia, and the proliferation of postcapillary venules. Immunohistochemical results supported the reactive nature of the lymphoid process and IgE deposition in the follicle, while no specific pathogens were discovered by special staining. All patients underwent surgical excision, and none experienced recurrence in their original location.ConclusionChildren with Kimura disease show distinct eosinophilic and IgE alterations in both laboratory findings and pathological features. The application of immunohistochemical staining of IgE could serve as a promising marker for diagnosing Kimura disease.

BackgroundThere is a need to develop and coordinate dementia care plans that use assistive technology for vulnerable groups such as immigrant populations. However, immigrant populations are seldom included in various stages of the development and implementation of assistive technology, which does not optimize technology acceptance. ObjectiveThis study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the acceptance of a digital personal assistant, called Anne4Care, by older adult immigrants living with dementia in their own homes. MethodsThis study used a qualitative descriptive research design with naturalistic inquiry. A total of 13 older adults participated in this study. The participants were invited for 2 interviews. After an introduction of Anne4Care, the first interview examined the lives and needs of participants, their expectations, and previous experiences with assistive technology in daily life. Four months later, the second interview sought to understand facilitators and barriers, suggestions for modifications, and the role of health care professionals. Three semistructured interviews were conducted with health care professionals to examine the roles and challenges they experienced in the use and implementation of Anne4Care. Content analysis, using NVivo11, was performed on all transcripts. ResultsAll 13 participants had an immigration background. There were 10 male and 3 female participants, with ages ranging from 52 to 83 years. Participants were diagnosed with an early-stage form of dementia or acquired brain injury. None of the older adult participants knew or used digital assistive technology at the beginning. They obtained assistance from health care professionals and family caregivers who explained and set up the technology. Four themes were found to be critical aspects of the acceptance of the digital personal assistant Anne4Care: (1) use of Anne4Care, (2) positive aspects of Anne4Care, (3) challenges with Anne4Care, and (4) expectations. Assistance at first increased the burden on health care professionals and families. After the initial effort, most health care professionals and families experienced that Anne4Care reduced their tasks and stress. Contributions of Anne4Care included companionship, help with daily tasks, and opportunities to communicate in multiple languages. On the other hand, some participants expressed anxiety toward the use of Anne4Care. Furthermore, the platform required an internet connection at home and Anne4Care could not be used outside the home. ConclusionsAlthough older adult immigrants living with dementia had no previous experience with digital assistive technology specifically, the acceptance of the digital personal assistant, called Anne4Care, by older adult immigrants living with dementia was rather high. The digital assistant can be further developed to allow for interactive conversations and for use outside of one’s home. Participation of end users during various stages of the development, refinement, and implementation of health technology innovations is of utmost importance to maximize technology acceptance.

While BRAF alterations have been established as a driver in various solid malignancies, the characterization of BRAF alterations in prostate cancer (PCa) has not been thoroughly interrogated. By bioinformatics analysis, we first found that BRAF alterations were associated with advanced PCa and exhibited mutually exclusive pattern with ERG alteration across multiple cohorts. Of the most interest, recurrent non-V600 BRAF mutations were found in 3 of 21 (14.3 %) PCa patients demonstrating IDC-P morphology. Furthermore, experimental overexpression of BRAFK601E and BRAFL597R exhibited emergence of oncogenic phenotypes with intensified MAPK signaling in vitro, which could be targeted by MEK inhibitors. Comparison of the incidence of BRAF alterations in IDC-P between western and Chinese ancestry revealed an increased prevalence in the Chinese population. The BRAF mutation may represent important genetic alteration in a subset of IDC-P, highlighting the role of MAPK signaling pathway in this subtype of PCa. To the best of knowledge, this is the first description of non-V600 BRAF mutation in setting of IDC-P, which may in part explain the aggressive phenotype seen in IDC-P and could also bring more treatment options for PCa patients with IDC-P harboring such mutations.

The skin color of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) is one of the traits that most influence their ornamental and economic values. The present study suggested the effects of temperature fluctuation on koi carp in terms of skin color and plasma carotenoids and related-metabolites. The main results were as follows. (1) The vulnerability of koi skin color to acute temperature stress was in the order of white koi> black koi> yellow koi. Both high- (25°C-30°C-25°C) and low-temperature (25°C-20°C-25°C) fluctuations tended to decrease the saturation of white koi. The temperature fluctuation had little effects on the skin color of black and yellow koi. (2) Targeted metabolomics analysis indicated that the effects of cooling stress on oxycarotenoids of all five koi varieties were reversible. The plasma oxycarotenoids in mirror koi with all colors were insensitive to acute heat stress. However, the cooling process from a high temperature (30°C-25°C) still made contributions to the increase of oxycarotenoids. (3) The principal component analysis confirmed the deviation of carotenoid-related metabolites after high temperature fluctuation and the reversibility after low temperature fluctuation. Finally, the correlation analysis revealed that koi skin brightness was negatively correlated with the plasma guanine content and that temperature fluctuations might change koi skin brightness via the L(-)-epinephrine-guanine pathway. The red hue and yellow hue were negatively correlated with the oxycarotenoids in plasma, suggesting that oxycarotenoids were favorable for enhancing koi skin color saturation. Overall, this study revealed the direct action of temperature fluctuations on the skin color and carotenoid-related metabolites of koi.

Pyruvate kinase deficiency is a rare hereditary erythrocyte enzyme disease caused by mutations in the pyruvate kinase liver and red blood cell gene. The clinical presentations of pyruvate kinase deficiency are significantly heterogeneous, ranging from just mild anemia to hemolytic crisis or even death. The proband in our study was a 2-year-old girl for severe skin and scleral icterus with progressive aggravation. We collected the family's data for further analysis. Whole exome genome sequencing of the pedigree revealed a novel compound heterozygous mutation, c.1097del (p.P366Lfs*12) and c.1493G > A (p.R498H), in the pyruvate kinase liver and red blood cell gene. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to uncover differences between the wild type and mutant pyruvate kinase liver and red blood cell proteins, focusing on structural stability, protein flexibility, secondary structure, and overall conformation. The combined bioinformatic tools were also utilised to assess the effects of the missense mutation on protein function. Thereafter, wild type and mutant plasmids were constructed and transfected into 293T cells, and Western blot assay was conducted to validate the impact of the mutations on the expression of pyruvate kinase liver and red blood cell protein. The data presented in our study enriches the genotype database and provides evidence for genetic counseling and molecular diagnosis of pyruvate kinase deficiency.