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Abstract Background The occurrence of complications following radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Elderly patients are susceptible to postoperative complications. This study seeks to investigate the risk factors associated with Clavien-Dindo ≥IIgrade complications following radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer in elderly patients, develop a nomogram risk prediction model, and validate its accuracy. Methods Retrospective collection of clinical and pathological data was conducted on 442 elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy at Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2015 to December 2020. They were randomly divided into a training set (n = 310) and a validation set (n = 132) in a 7:3 ratio. The severity of postoperative complications was graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification system, resulting in two complication groups: Clavien-Dindo

Abstract The rainfall variabilities of the West African and South American summer monsoons, pivotal for local and global climate systems, are strongly influenced by tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies. This study investigates the impacts of two recently identified Atlantic Niño types, central and eastern Atlantic Niño (CAN and EAN), on these monsoon systems using observational data and numerical experiments. During boreal summer, EAN events exhibit increased rainfall over West Africa compared to CAN events, indicating a strengthened West African summer monsoon. Enhanced moisture flux convergence from eastern Atlantic warming drives these wetting conditions during EAN events. Conversely, CAN events have a more pronounced influence on South American monsoon rainfall during austral summer, causing a rainfall anomaly dipole between the Amazon and eastern Brazil, suggesting an eastward shift in the South American summer monsoon rainfall belt. These rainfall changes are linked to cyclonic circulation anomalies over the southwest Atlantic Ocean, attributed to central Atlantic warming during CAN events. Furthermore, a statistical model assesses hindcast skills of rainfall variability in the two summer monsoon regions, affirming the benefits of separating Atlantic Niño into CAN and EAN events for improved seasonal climate predictions.

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can induce hepatocyte necrosis and acute liver failure in experimental rodents and humans. APAP is mainly metabolized via hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes to generate the highly reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which forms acetaminophen protein adducts (APAP-adducts) and damages mitochondria, triggering necrosis. APAP-adducts and damaged mitochondria can be selectively removed by autophagy. Increasing evidence implies that the activation of autophagy may be beneficial for APAP-induced liver injury (AILI). In this minireview, we briefly summarize recent progress on autophagy, in particular, the pharmacological targeting of SQSTM1/p62 and TFEB in AILI.

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.

Abstract Although it is well documented that mountains tend to exhibit high biodiversity, how geological processes affect the assemblage of montane floras is a matter of ongoing research. Here, we explore landform-specific differences among montane floras based on a dataset comprising 17,576 angiosperm species representing 140 Chinese mountain floras, which we define as the collection of all angiosperm species growing on a specific mountain. Our results show that igneous bedrock (granitic and karst-granitic landforms) is correlated with higher species richness and phylogenetic overdispersion, while the opposite is true for sedimentary bedrock (karst, Danxia, and desert landforms), which is correlated with phylogenetic clustering. Furthermore, we show that landform type was the primary determinant of the assembly of evolutionarily older species within floras, while climate was a greater determinant for younger species. Our study indicates that landform type not only affects montane species richness, but also contributes to the composition of montane floras. To explain the assembly and differentiation of mountain floras, we propose the ‘floristic geo-lithology hypothesis’, which highlights the role of bedrock and landform processes in montane floristic assembly and provides insights for future research on speciation, migration, and biodiversity in montane regions.

IntroductionHopea hainanensis Merrill & Chun is considered a keystone and indicator species in the tropical lowland rainforests of Hainan Island. Owing to its high-quality timber, H. hainanensis has been heavily exploited, leading to its classification as a first-class national protected plant in China and a plant species with extremely small populations (PSESPs).MethodsThis study analyzed genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms obtained through restriction site-associated DNA sequencing from 78 adult trees across 10 H. hainanensis populations on Hainan Island.Results and discussionThe nucleotide diversity of the sampled populations ranged from 0.00096 to 0.00138, which is lower than that observed in several other PSESPs and endangered tree species. Bayesian unsupervised clustering, principal component analysis, and neighbor-joining tree reconstruction identified three to five genetic clusters in H. hainanensis, most of which were geographically widespread and shared by multiple populations. Demographic history analysis based on pooled samples indicated that the decline in the H. hainanensis population began approximately 20,000 years ago, starting from an ancestral population size of approximately 10,000 individuals. The reduction in population size accelerated approximately 4,000 years ago and has continued to the present, resulting in a severely reduced population on Hainan Island. Intensified genetic drift in small and isolated H. hainanensis populations may contribute to moderate differentiation between some of them, as revealed by pairwise Fst. In conclusion, our conservation genomic study confirms a severe population decline and an extremely low level of nucleotide variation in H. hainanensis on Hainan Island. These findings provide critical insights for the sustainable management and genetic restoration of H. hainanensis on Hainan Island.

ABSTRACT To quickly and accurately assess tea plant growth, this study aims to find a new way to predict the chlorophyll content in tea plant canopies using machine learning. Using remotely piloted aircraft equipped with multispectral cameras, images of tea plantation areas are captured and reflectance from four spectral bands is extracted, leading to the calculation of vegetation indices. Simultaneously, chlorophyll relative content in the tea plant canopies was collected on the ground using a detector. Four models, namely Random Forest (RF), Backpropagation neural network (BPNN), Radial basis function network (RBFN), and General Regression Neural Network (GRNN), were constructed to predict the chlorophyll relative content in tea plant canopies. Subsequently, important remote sensing variables were identified through RF filtering, followed by a comparison of the predictive performance of machine learning models under different input conditions. Lastly, by integrating the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) to optimize the smoothing factor in the GRNN, the study explores the impact of optimization algorithms on the predictive performance of the GRNN model. Experiments indicate that within the established machine learning models, the GRNN demonstrates the highest predictive accuracy. By ranking the importance of remote sensing variables through RF, 18 significant remote sensing variables were selected, which enhanced the predictive accuracy of the machine learning models. The optimization of the GRNN smoothing factor through the SSA algorithm can significantly enhance the predictive accuracy of the GRNN model. Based on a series of experiments, the established RFSSA-GRNN prediction model demonstrates good predictive performance, with an reaching 0.84.

Abstract With the advent of the big data era, edge cloud computing has developed rapidly. In this era of popular digital music, various technologies have brought great convenience to online music education. But vast databases of digital music prevent educators from making specific-purpose choices. Music recommendation will be a potential development direction for online music education. In this paper, we propose a deep learning model based on multi-source information fusion for music recommendation under the scenario of edge-cloud computing. First, we use the music latent factor vector obtained by the Weighted Matrix Factorization (WMF) algorithm as the ground truth. Second, we build a neural network model to fuse multiple sources of music information, including music spectrum extracted from extra music information to predict the latent spatial features of music. Finally, we predict the user’s preference for music through the inner product of the user vector and the music vector for recommendation. Experimental results on public datasets and real music data collected by edge devices demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in music recommendation.

Abstract Aim Small bowel obstruction is a common condition that requires emergency surgery. Slow recovery of bowel function after surgery or the occurrence of one or more complications can exacerbate the disease and result in severe small bowel obstruction (SSBO), significantly impacting recovery. It is characterized by a failure to regain enteral nutrition promptly, requiring long-term intensive care. Therefore, it is necessary to identify factors that predict SSBO, to allow early intervention for patients likely to develop this condition. Methods Of the 260 patients who underwent emergency or elective surgery for small bowel obstruction between January 2018 and December 2022, 45 developed SSBO. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was applied to optimize factor selection and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to construct a predictive model. The performance and clinical utility of the nomogram were determined and internal validation was conducted. In addition, the effects of the Houpu Paiqi mixture on postoperative recovery were analyzed by comparing the clinical data of 28 patients who were treated with the mixture and 61patients who did not receive it. Results The predictors included in the prediction nomogram were age, peritonitis, intestinal resection and anastomosis, complications, operation time, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, white blood cell count, and procalcitonin level. The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.948 (95% confidence interval: 0.814–0.956). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the SSBO risk nomogram had a good net clinical benefit. In addition, treatment with the Houpu Paiqi mixture reduced postoperative exhaust time, postoperative defecation time, time to first postoperative liquid feed, and length of stay in hospital. Conclusions We developed a nomogram that can assist clinicians in identifying patients at greater risk of SSBO, which may aid in early diagnosis and intervention. Additionally, we found that the Houpu Paiqi mixture promoted postoperative recovery.

Acute pancreatitis is a common inflammatory gastrointestinal disease without any successful treatment. Pancreatic exocrine acinar cells have high rates of protein synthesis to produce and secrete large amounts of digestive enzymes. When the regulation of organelle and protein homeostasis is disrupted, it can lead to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, damage to the mitochondria and improper intracellular trypsinogen activation, ultimately resulting in acinar cell damage and the onset of pancreatitis. To balance the homeostasis of organelles and adapt to protect themselves from organelle stress, cells use protective mechanisms such as autophagy. In the mouse pancreas, defective basal autophagy disrupts ER homoeostasis, leading to ER stress and trypsinogen activation, resulting in spontaneous pancreatitis. In this review, we discuss the regulation of autophagy and its physiological role in maintaining acinar cell homeostasis and function. We also summarise the current understanding of the mechanisms and the role of defective autophagy at multiple stages in experimental pancreatitis induced by cerulein or alcohol.

Integrated logic circuits using atomically thin, two‐dimensional (2D) materials offer several potential advantages compared to established silicon technologies such as increased transistor density, circuit complexity, and lower energy dissipation leading to scaling benefits. In this article, a novel approach to achieve tunable doping in 2D semiconductors is explored to achieve complementary transistors and logic integration. By selectively transferring WSe2 onto hBN and SiO2 substrates, complementary transistor behavior (n‐ and p‐type) was achieved using a UV light source and electrostatic activation. Furthermore, advanced characterization techniques, including high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), provided insights into the chemical composition and surface potential changes after UV writing. Finally, a logic inverter was successfully implemented using selectively photo‐induced doped WSe2 transistors, showcasing the potential for practical logic applications. This innovative method opens new avenues for designing energy‐efficient and reconfigurable 2D semiconductor circuits, addressing key challenges in modern electronics.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare and analyze the expression and significance of the GRP78 protein in cochlear cell injury induced by a high glucose and high-fat diet in obese and diabetic rats. Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: normal (NC) and high-fat (HF) groups. The NC group was fed a standard diet for eight weeks, while the HF group received a high-glucose, high-fat diet. The HF group was further categorized into the obesity group (OB group) and the type II diabetes mellitus group (T2DM group). To induce a type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model, the T2DM group received an intraperitoneal injection of a small dose of STZ (45 mg/kg). After four weeks on the original diet, body weight, blood glucose, blood lipid levels, and auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds were measured. The cochlea was dissected, and its morphology was observed using HE staining. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were utilized to examine the expression level of the GRP78 protein in the cochlea. Results (1) The ABR threshold demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the T2DM group and the OB group (P

Macroautophagy (referred to as autophagy hereafter) is a major intracellular lysosomal degradation pathway that is responsible for the degradation of misfolded/damaged proteins and organelles. Previous studies showed that autophagy protects against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced injury (AILI) via selective removal of damaged mitochondria and APAP protein adducts. The lysosome is a critical organelle sitting at the end stage of autophagy for autophagic degradation via fusion with autophagosomes. In the present study, we showed that transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master transcription factor for lysosomal biogenesis, was impaired by APAP resulting in decreased lysosomal biogenesis in mouse livers. Genetic loss-of and gain-of function of hepatic TFEB exacerbated or protected against AILI, respectively. Mechanistically, overexpression of TFEB increased clearance of APAP protein adducts and mitochondria biogenesis as well as SQSTM1/p62-dependent non-canonical nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation to protect against AILI. We also performed an unbiased cell-based imaging high-throughput chemical screening on TFEB and identified a group of TFEB agonists. Among these agonists, salinomycin, an anticoccidial and antibacterial agent, activated TFEB and protected against AILI in mice. In conclusion, genetic and pharmacological activating TFEB may be a promising approach for protecting against AILI.

The micro-actuator is a key element of the MEMS-based initiator. In order to ensure safety and achieve the function of detonation energy isolation and transmission of the micro-pyrotechnic sequence, it is necessary to set up a safety and arming device between the micro-heater and energetic materials on the next level in the initiator. In this paper, the MEMS safety and arming device was simulated and analyzed, and the actuator chip was made based on MEMS technology and then tested. The results showed that the maximum temperature and displacement generated by the silicon-based micro-actuator increased with increasing actuation voltage. When the actuation voltage was larger than 16 V, the device could not work normally because the maximum temperature of the device was higher than the melting point of silicon. Furthermore, the influence factors on the state-recoverable property of the device were studied by changing the actuation voltage, length, width, and thickness of the V-shaped beam in a single way. The results showed that when the actuation voltage remained unchanged and the other factors were changed in a single way, the smaller structural parameters resulted in the shorter response time and recovery time, while the displacement generated was smaller. Meanwhile, the larger structural parameters resulted in larger displacements, while the response time and recovery time were larger. In addition, the state-recoverable characteristics of the device were affected by the working environmental temperature. It is of great significance to the design of the MEMS-based initiator.

Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) are persistent anomalous sea surface temperature warming events that can affect the marine ecological environment and ecosystems. Here, we study the winter MHWs in the cold tongue region of the South China Sea (SCS) from 1982 to 2022. Our results show that the winter MHWs in the cold tongue region have the strongest cumulative intensity in the SCS, exceeding 45°C·day/time. These strong MHWs are due to their high mean intensity and long duration. Significant interannual variations are observed in these MHWs, with extreme MHW events occurring in the El Niño winters of 97/98 and 15/16. By employing a mixed layer heat budget analysis, we reveal that the extreme MHW event in the winter of 97/98 is caused primarily by the surface heat flux term, and secondarily by the vertical entrainment term. While the 15/16 extreme event is caused by a combination of the surface heat flux term, the vertical entrainment term and the horizontal advection term.

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are a type of widespread, persistent, and extreme marine warming event that can cause serious harm to the global marine ecology and economy. This study provides a systematic analysis of the long-term trends of MHWs in the Eastern China Marginal Seas (ECMS) during summer spanning from 1982 to 2022, and occurrence mechanisms of extreme MHW events. The findings show that in the context of global warming, the frequency of summer MHWs in the ECMS has increased across most regions, with a higher rate along the coast of China. Areas exhibiting a rapid surge in duration predominantly reside in the southern Yellow Sea (SYS) and southern East China Sea (ECS, south of 28°N). In contrast, the long-term trends of mean and maximum intensities exhibit both increases and decreases: Rising trends primarily occur in the Bohai Sea (BS) and Yellow Sea (YS), whereas descending trends are detected in the northern ECS (north of 28°N). Influenced jointly by duration and mean intensity, cumulative intensity (CumInt) exhibits a notable positive growth off the Yangtze River Estuary, in the SYS and southern ECS. By employing the empirical orthogonal function, the spatio-temporal features of the first two modes of CumInt and their correlation with summer mean sea surface temperature (SST) and SST variance are further examined. The first mode of CumInt displays a positive anomalous pattern throughout the ECMS, with notable upward trend in the corresponding time series, and the rising trend is primarily influenced by summer mean SST warming. Moreover, both of the first two modes show notable interannual variability. Extreme MHW events in the SYS in 2016 and 2018 are examined using the mixed layer temperature equation. The results suggest that these extreme MHW events originate primarily from anomalous atmospheric forcing and oceanic vertical mixing. These processes involve an anomalous high-pressure system over the SYS splitting from the western Pacific subtropical high, augmented atmospheric stability, diminished wind speeds, intensified solar radiation, and reduced oceanic mixing, thereby leading to the accumulation of more heat near the sea surface and forming extreme MHW events.

Abstract Highly diverse exoenzymes mediate the energy flow from substrates to the multitrophic microbiota within the soil decomposer micro‐food web. Here, we used a “soil enzyme profile analysis” approach to establish a series of enzyme profile indices; those indices were hypothesized to reflect micro‐food web features. We systematically evaluated the shifts in enzyme profile indices in relation to the micro‐food web features in the restoration of an abandoned cropland to a natural area. We found that enzymatic C:N stoichiometry and decomposability index were significantly associated with substrate availability. Furthermore, the higher Shannon diversity index in the exoenzyme profile, especially for the C‐degrading hydrolase, corresponded to a greater microbiota community diversity. The increased complexity and stability of the exoenzyme network reflected similar changes with the micro‐food web networks. In addition, the gross activity of the enzyme profile as a parameter for soil multifunctionality, effectively predicted the substrate content, microbiota community size, diversity, and network complexity. Ultimately, the proposed enzymic channel index was closely associated with the traditional decomposition channel indices derived from microorganisms and nematodes. Our results showed that soil enzyme profile analysis reflected very well the decomposer food web features. Our study has important implications for projecting future climate change or anthropogenic disturbance impacts on soil decomposer micro‐food web features by using soil enzyme profile analysis.

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common tumors in the world. Cholesterol plays an important role in the pathogenesis of tumors. One of the cholesterol transporters, scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR‐B1), a multi‐ligand membrane receptor protein, is expressed in the intestines which also highly expressed in various tumors. But the potential mechanism of SR‐B1 in CRC development has not been reported. Aims This study aimed to clarify the importance of SR‐B1 in the development and prognosis of CRC as much as possible to provide a possible strategy in CRC treatment. Materials & Methods In this study, we used SR‐B1 gene knockdown mice to study the effect of SR‐B1 on colitis‐induced or APCmin/+‐induced CRC. The expression of related molecules were detected through the immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin–eosin staining, western blot analysis, and Flow cytometry. The gene expression and microbiota in microenvironment of CRC mice were analyzed through eukaryotic mRNA sequencing and 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing. Results The results showed that SR‐B1 knockdown reduced the tumor load of colitis‐induced or APCmin/+‐induced CRC. SR‐B1 knockdown improved the immune microenvironment by affecting the level of tumor‐associated macrophage (TAM), mononuclear myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (M‐MDSCs), granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (G‐MDSCs), programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), and human leukocyte antigen class I‐B (HLA‐B), and also reduced the level of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDL‐R), and increased the level of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) to regulate the cholesterol metabolism, and regulated the expression of related genes and intestinal microbiota. SR‐B1 knockdown can also trigger the anti‐CRC effect of anti‐PD 1 in colitis‐induced CRC. Discussion SR‐B1 deficiency significantly improved the immunity in tumor microenvironment of colitis‐induced or APCmin/+‐induced CRC. In addition, the microbiota changes caused by SR‐B1 deficiency favor improving the immune response to chemotherapeutic drugs and anti‐PD1 therapy. The mechanism of action of SR‐B1 deficiency on the development of CRC still needs further in‐depth research. Conclusion This study provides a new treatment strategy for treating CRC by affecting the expression of SR‐B1 in intestine.