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Abstract Due to the importance of medical students in the buildup of the health system and the influence of professional identity in their study, the aim of the study is to focus on the impact of academic satisfaction and professional identity on Chinese medical students during their career transformation, taking into consideration other factors that play a role in this relationship. 735 junior and senior medical university students from two training hospital were surveyed by using a cluster sampling method. The questionnaire included academic satisfaction scale, career transition psychological scale, simple coping style questionnaire and professional identity questionnaire. Pearson correlation and process plug-in model 6 were used for chain mediation analysis. The results show that in the career transition period, there is a direct relationship between academic satisfaction and career identity, and a chain intermediary relationship between academic satisfaction and self-confidence and coping style. In addition to our findings, we also assert that academic satisfaction has a direct impact on self-confidence and positive coping style in the transition period, and is a predictor of professional identity, whether directly or through the chain intermediary of self-confidence and coping style in the transition period. The results showed that academic satisfaction was sequentially associated with increased self-confidence, and then increased positive coping styles, which resulted in higher professional identity among medical students.

Abstract Many older patients with COVID-19 likely have co-morbid osteoporosis. We investigated the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients with osteoporosis. This was a retrospective cohort study using national claims data from Korea encoded in the common data model. Patients aged ≥ 50 years diagnosed with COVID-19 infection between January 2020 and April 2022 were included and stratified into two groups according to a history of osteoporosis. Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection were analyzed using logistic regression analysis after large-scale propensity score stratification. Of the 597,011 patients with COVID-19 included in the study, 105,172 had a history of osteoporosis. In patients with a history of osteoporosis, the odds of mortality decreased (odds ratio [OR] 0.82, P

Abstract Background The axillary lymph-node metastatic burden is closely associated with treatment decisions and prognosis in breast cancer patients. This study aimed to explore the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)–based radiomics in combination with ultrasound and clinical pathological features for predicting axillary lymph-node metastatic burden in breast cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted and involved 124 patients with pathologically confirmed early-stage breast cancer who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT examination. The ultrasound, PET/CT, and clinical pathological features of all patients were analysed, and radiomic features from PET images were extracted to establish a multi-parameter predictive model. Results The ultrasound lymph-node positivity rate and PET lymph-node positivity rate in the high nodal burden group were significantly higher than those in the low nodal burden group (χ 2 = 19.867, p

Abstract FOXA family proteins act as pioneer factors by remodeling compact chromatin structures. FOXA1 is crucial for the chromatin binding of the androgen receptor (AR) in both normal prostate epithelial cells and the luminal subtype of prostate cancer (PCa). Recent studies have highlighted the emergence of FOXA2 as an adaptive response to AR signaling inhibition treatments. However, the role of the FOXA1 to FOXA2 transition in regulating cancer lineage plasticity remains unclear. Our study demonstrates that FOXA2 binds to distinct classes of developmental enhancers in multiple AR-independent PCa subtypes, with its binding depending on LSD1. Moreover, we reveal that FOXA2 collaborates with JUN at chromatin and promotes transcriptional reprogramming of AP-1 in lineage-plastic cancer cells, thereby facilitating cell state transitions to multiple lineages. Overall, our findings underscore the pivotal role of FOXA2 as a pan-plasticity driver that rewires AP-1 to induce the differential transcriptional reprogramming necessary for cancer cell lineage plasticity.

The implementation of early and accurate detection of aircraft cargo compartment fire is of great significance to ensure flight safety. The current airborne fire detection technology mostly relies on single-parameter smoke detection using infrared light. This often results in a high false alarm rate in complex air transportation environments. The traditional deep learning model struggles to effectively address the issue of long-term dependency in multivariate fire information. This paper proposes a multi-technology collaborative fire detection method based on an improved transformers model. Dual-wavelength optical sensors, flue gas analyzers, and other equipment are used to carry out multi-technology collaborative detection methods and characterize various feature dimensions of fire to improve detection accuracy. The improved Transformer model which integrates the self-attention mechanism and position encoding mechanism is applied to the problem of long-time series modeling of fire information from a global perspective, which effectively solves the problem of gradient disappearance and gradient explosion in traditional RNN (recurrent neural network) and CNN (convolutional neural network). Two different multi-head self-attention mechanisms are used to classify and model multivariate fire information, respectively, which solves the problem of confusing time series modeling and classification modeling in dealing with multivariate classification tasks by a single attention mechanism. Finally, the output results of the two models are fused through the gate mechanism. The research results show that, compared with the traditional single-feature detection technology, the multi-technology collaborative fire detection method can better capture fire information. Compared with the traditional deep learning model, the multivariate fire prediction model constructed by the improved Transformer can better detect fires, and the accuracy rate is 0.995.

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors globally and is becoming increasingly important for producing sustainable and healthy diets with relatively low climate impacts. In comparison to livestock production, especially beef, seafood production has lower carbon emissions. Additionally, some species can extract carbon from aquatic environments, contributing to an extended carbon cycle. However, the potential for negative environmental consequences in aquaculture production might increase with the growing global population and demand for aquatic food. Herein, we review the environmental consequences of aquaculture production and the potential effects of different aquatic products on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We also summarize approaches to improving environmental footprints for mitigating global climate change. Key elements, including improving feed efficiency, selecting suitable farmed species, and implementing sustainable farming practices and management in aquaculture, are discussed, as well as the trade-offs between aquaculture and capture fisheries. Crucially, performance gaps among farmed species underscore the potential for consumer-oriented advice to significantly reduce the effects of aquaculture on climate change. However, uncertainties and knowledge gaps related to carbon sequestration and GHG emissions in aquaculture ponds necessitate further research. Overall, holistic evaluation and strategic intervention regarding GHG emissions are fundamental and essential for achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future for aquaculture.

This study investigated the responses of glucolipid metabolism in gibel carp, the CAS III strain (A strain, 7.14 ± 0.23 g) and the Dongting strain (DT strain, 7.72 ± 0.54 g), following acute hypoxia/reoxygenation. The effects of hypoxia (0.39 ± 0.02 mg/L) and reoxygenation (8.30 ± 0.30 mg/L) were examined in both strains after exposure for 2 h. The results revealed significantly enhanced PI3K/AKT pathway and AMPK/HIF-1α pathways, along with upregulated expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (g6pase) and lipid synthesis-related genes (acc and fas) in both gibel carp strains following acute hypoxia (P < 0.05). The observed increase in plasma glucose levels during acute hypoxia may be related to elevated expression of g6pase (P < 0.05). Regarding the genotype, the A strain exhibited significantly higher expression of glucose metabolism-related genes (pk and pepck) in the liver compared to the DT strain (P < 0.05). Conversely, the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (hsl, lpl, pparα, cpt1a, and aco3) were significantly lower in the A strain compared to the DT strain (P < 0.05). In both strains of gibel carp, reoxygenation resulted in significant activation of the PI3K/AKT and AMPK/mTOR pathways, accompanied by upregulated expression of glucose metabolism-related genes (gk, 6pfk, foxo1a, fbpase, and pepck) and lipid synthesis-related genes (srebp-1, acly, and acc) (P < 0.05). Notably, the A strain exhibited increased transcripts of glucose metabolism-related genes (gk, pk, foxo1a, g6pase, and pepck) and lipid metabolism-related genes (acly, fas, and cpt1a) compared to the DT strain (P < 0.05). Overall, this study revealed distinct regulation patterns of glucolipid metabolism in the gibel carp with different genotype under acute hypoxia/reoxygenation.

The key odorants contributing to the warmed-over flavor (WOF) of reheated precooked stewed beef were characterized using a sensomics approach. Overall, 36 odorants were identified, and based on flavor dilution factors, odor activity values, aroma recombination, and omission test, 11 compounds mainly derived from lipid oxidation were characterized as the key odorants contributing to the formation of WOF. In particular, 3-(methylthio)propanal, which was positively correlated with meaty aroma, was implicated in an overall increase in WOF. Thus, these odorants were elected as potential markers of WOF in the reheated precooked stewed beef. In summary, the WOF of the precooked stewed beef could be attributed to an overall increase in lipid oxidation products and a decrease in the odorants with desirable aromas. The characterization of WOF in precooked stewed beef will aid in the flavor quality control of precooked stewed beef dishes.

With the continuous change and progress of the world system, cultural communication has become a vital topic in today's society. This study aims to optimize the communication effect of Chinese film in Portuguese-speaking countries and promote the development of cultural communication in China through deep learning (DL) technology. First, this study utilizes DL technology to design film feature recognition and classification models to provide technical support for Chinese film communication. Second, by exploring the principle, development, and function of the digital Internet of Things, the study analyzes the evolution and spread of Chinese film in Portuguese-speaking countries and uses the Bayes algorithm to optimize the model. The results show that the calculation time of the designed model is shorter and the accuracy is higher, which offers an important reference for the effective communication of Chinese films in Portuguese-speaking countries. Hence, this study not only provides technical support for the improvement of the international communication effect of Chinese film but also contributes to the development of cultural communication in China.

Abstract Precise identification of glioblastoma (GBM) microinfiltration, which is essential for achieving complete resection, remains an enormous challenge in clinical practice. Here, the study demonstrates that Raman spectroscopy effectively identifies GBM microinfiltration with cellular resolution in clinical specimens. The spectral differences between infiltrative lesions and normal brain tissues are attributed to phospholipids, nucleic acids, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids. These biochemical metabolites identified by Raman spectroscopy are further confirmed by spatial metabolomics. Based on differential spectra, Raman imaging resolves important morphological information relevant to GBM lesions in a label‐free manner. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning in detecting infiltrative lesions exceeds 95%. Most importantly, the cancer cell threshold identified by Raman spectroscopy is as low as 3 human GBM cells per 0.01 mm2. Raman spectroscopy enables the detection of previously undetectable diffusely infiltrative cancer cells, which holds potential value in guiding complete tumor resection in GBM patients.

Objective To compare the 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation slope curve between newly diagnosed patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods and analysis Newly diagnosed and untreated OHT and POAG patients who underwent 24-hour IOP monitoring were consecutively enrolled in the study. IOP measurements were taken every 2 hours from 8:00 to 6:00 hours the following day using an iCare PRO tonometer. Patients maintained their daily routines, with IOP measured in a seated position during the day and supine at night. The 24-hour IOP fluctuation indices, including peak, trough and overall fluctuation, were calculated. Differences in the 24-hour IOP fluctuation slope curves over time between groups were analysed using a generalised additive mixed model.Results 46 patients with OHT and 41 with POAG were included. From 2:00 to 10:00 hours, mean IOP increased by 0.69 mm Hg every 2 hours in the POAG group (p

Abstract Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) offers a non-invasive evaluation of the digestive system, eliminating the need for sedation and the risks associated with conventional endoscopic procedures. Its significance lies in diagnosing gastrointestinal tissue irregularities, especially in the small intestine. However, existing commercial WCE devices face limitations, such as the absence of autonomous lesion detection and treatment capabilities. Recent advancements in micro-electromechanical fabrication and computational methods have led to extensive research in sophisticated technology integration into commercial capsule endoscopes, intending to supersede wired endoscopes. This Review discusses the future requirements for intelligent capsule robots, providing a comparative evaluation of various methods’ merits and disadvantages, and highlighting recent developments in six technologies relevant to WCE. These include near-field wireless power transmission, magnetic field active drive, ultra-wideband/intrabody communication, hybrid localization, AI-based autonomous lesion detection, and magnetic-controlled diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, we explore the feasibility for future “capsule surgeons”.

Background: The level of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC) is positively correlated with pathological complete response. Aims: To investigate the relationship between ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and the level of CD8-positive TILs (CD8+-TILs) in patients with HER2-positive BC. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: This retrospective study included 155 consecutive women with HER2-positive BC. Patients were divided into two groups: CD8+-TILlow (< 35%) and CD8+-TILhigh (≥ 35%) groups. US and MRI features were evaluated using the BI-RADS lexicon, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was calculated using RadiAnt software. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed the optimal US and MRI features for predicting CD8+-TIL levels. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and the Delong test were used to compare the diagnostic performance of US and MRI features. Furthermore, implementing a nomogram will increase clinical utility. Results: Univariate analysis of US features showed significant differences in shape, orientation, and posterior echo between the two groups; however, there were no significant differences in margins, internal echo, and microcalcification. Multifactorial analysis revealed that shape, orientation, and posterior echo were independent risk factors, with odds ratios of 11.62, 2.70, and 0.16, respectively. In terms of MRI features, ADC was an independent predictor of CD8+-TIL levels. These three US features and the ADC performed well, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.802 and 0.705, respectively. The combination of US and ADC values had higher predictive efficacy (AUC = 0.888) than either US or ADC alone (p = 0.009, US_ADC vs. US; p

Abstract Background Large bone defects pose a clinical treatment challenge; inhibiting transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2), which is involved in iron metabolism, can promote osteogenesis. Iron-based metal-organic frameworks (MOF-Fe) particles not only inhibit TfR2 but also serve as biomimetic catalysts to remove hydrogen peroxide in reactive oxygen species (ROS); excess ROS can disrupt the normal functions of osteoblasts, thereby hindering bone regeneration. This study explored the potential effects of MOF-Fe in increasing osteogenic activity and clearing ROS. Methods In vitro experiments were performed to investigate the osteogenic effects of MOF-Fe particles and assess their impact on cellular ROS levels. To further validate the role of MOF-Fe in promoting bone defect repair, we injected MOF-Fe suspensions into the femoral defects of SD rats and implanted MOF-Fe-containing hydrogel scaffolds in rabbit cranial defect models and observed their effects on bone healing. Results In vitro, the presence of MOF-Fe significantly increased the expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins compared to those in the control group. Additionally, compared to those in the untreated control group, the cells treated with MOF-Fe exhibited a significantly increased ability to remove hydrogen peroxide from ROS and generate oxygen and water within the physiological pH range. In vivo experiments further confirmed the positive effect of MOF-Fe in promoting bone defect repair. Conclusion This study supports the application of MOF-Fe as an agent for bone regeneration, particularly for mitigating ROS and activating the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, demonstrating its potential value.

Abstract Human with bi-allelic WNT10A mutations and epithelial Wnt10a knockout mice present enlarged pulp chamber and apical displacement of the root furcation of multi-rooted teeth, known as taurodontism; thus, indicating the critical role of Wnt10a in tooth root morphogenesis. However, the endogenous mechanism by which epithelial Wnt10a regulates Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath (HERS) cellular behaviors and contributes to root furcation patterning remains unclear. In this study, we found that HERS in the presumptive root furcating region failed to elongate at an appropriate horizontal level in K14-Cre;Wnt10a fl/fl mice from post-natal day 0.5 (PN0.5) to PN4.5. EdU assays and immunofluorescent staining of cyclin D1 revealed significantly decreased proliferation activity of inner enamel epithelial (IEE) cells of HERS in K14-Cre;Wnt10a fl/fl mice at PN2.5 and PN3.5. Immunofluorescent staining of E-Cadherin and acetyl-α-Tubulin demonstrated that the IEE cells of HERS tended to divide perpendicularly to the horizontal plane, which impaired the horizontal extension of HERS in the presumptive root furcating region of K14-Cre;Wnt10a fl/fl mice. RNA-seq and immunofluorescence showed that the expressions of Jag1 and Notch2 were downregulated in IEE cells of HERS in K14-Cre;Wnt10a fl/fl mice. Furthermore, after activation of Notch signaling in K14-Cre;Wnt10a fl/fl molars by Notch2 adenovirus and kidney capsule grafts, the root furcation defect was partially rescued. Taken together, our study demonstrates that an epithelial Wnt10a-Notch signaling axis is crucial for modulating HERS cell proper proliferation and horizontal-oriented division during tooth root furcation morphogenesis.

Background & Aims: Effective anti-fibrotic drugs and new non-invasive evaluation methods for liver fibrosis (LF) are urgently needed. Our study aimed to evaluate the histological effects of the Qizhu (QZ) formula on LF and to explore a non-invasive Near-infrared photoacoustic imaging (NIR-PAI) kinetic model for liver function detection and pharmacodynamic evaluation. Methods: C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n=6). An LF model was induced by CCl4 for 8 weeks, followed by an 8-week treatment period. Histological and serological parameters were assessed, and indocyanine green (ICG) metabolism (maximum peak time [Tmax] and half-life [T1/2]) was monitored by NIR-PAI. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate correlations. Results & Conclusions: Histological and serological results confirmed the anti-fibrotic effects of QZ. NIR-PAI kinetic parameters indicated that QZ shortened the Tmax and T1/2 of ICG. There were good correlations between ICG metabolism and liver histopathology. The non-invasive NIR-PAI kinetic model shows potential in liver function detection and pharmacodynamic evaluation.

An 8-weeks growth trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein levels mainly based on cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) meal on growth performance, protein metabolism, liver health and intestinal microbiota of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) juveniles. Five isolipidic (100 g/kg) diets were prepared with protein levels ranging from 400 to 560 g/kg, with CPC of 155 g/kg, 214 g/kg, 272 g/kg, 330 g/kg, 390 g/kg to obtain five experimental diets with gradient protein levels (399.9 g/kg, 428.0 g/kg, 462.8 g/kg, 503.5 g/kg and 541.5 g/kg, respectively (CPC1, CPC2, CPC3, CPC4 and CPC5)). 300 fish (initial body weight: 14.71 ± 0.50 g) were randomly assigned into 15 tanks (3 tanks per diet). The results showed that, the fish of CPC5 group had the highest specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG) and feed efficiency (FE) (P < 0.05). Increased dietary protein up-regulated most liver key genes of mTOR pathway (akt, tor, s6k, 4ebp1, s6) while down-regulated atf4 at medium dietary protein (P < 0.05). The expression of fas was down-regulated with increased dietary protein, while dgat1 was higher at CPC5 group (P < 0.05). The genes related to lipolysis were up-regulated with increased dietary protein (P < 0.05). The key genes of apoptosis including bcl2, casp9, casp3 (apoptosis) oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress were significantly up-regulated at high dietary protein (P < 0.05), which reduced the antioxidant and anti-stress capacity of the liver. Dietary 462.8 g/kg protein could maintain the normal composition and metabolic function of intestinal microbiota. In summary, dietary protein requirement using CPC as main protein source was estimated to be 463 g/kg to 510 g/kg for liver health or best growth of largemouth bass juveniles.

ABSTRACTAnti-PD-1 antibody therapy has achieved success in tumor treatment; however, the duration of its clinical benefits are typically short. The functional state of intratumoral CD8+ T cells substantially affects the efficacy of anti-PD-1 antibody therapy. Understanding how intratumoral CD8+ T cells change will contribute to the improvement in anti-PD-1 antibody therapy. In this study, we found that tumor growth was not arrested after the late administration of anti-PD-1 antibody and that the antitumor function of CD8+ T cells decreased with tumor progression. The results of the RNA sequencing of CD8+ T cells infiltrating the tumor site on days 7 and 14 showed that the cell adhesion molecule Lymphocyte Function-associated Antigen-1 (LFA-1) participates in regulating the antitumor function of CD8+ T cells and that decreased LFA-1 expression in intratumoral CD8+ T cells is associated with tumor progression. By analyzing the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and our results, we found that the antitumor function of intratumoral CD8+ T cells with high LFA-1 expression was stronger. The formation of immune synapses is impaired in Itgal-si CD8+ T cells, resulting in decreased anti-tumor function. LFA-1 expression in intratumoral CD8+ T cells is regulated by the IL-2/STAT5 pathway. The combination of IL-2 and anti-PD-1 antibody effectively enhanced LFA-1 expression and the antitumor function of intratumoral CD8+ T cells. The adoptive transfer of OT-1 T cells overexpressing LFA-1, STAT5A, or STAT5B resulted in higher antitumor function, deferred tumor growth, and prolonged survival. These findings indicate that LFA-1-mediated immune synapse acts as a regulator of the antitumor function of intratumoral CD8+ T cells, which can be applied to improve anti-PD-1 antibody therapy.

Abstract Integrated multimodal imaging in theranostics nanomaterials offers extensive prospects for precise and noninvasive cancer treatment. Precisely controlling the structural evolution of plasmonic nanoparticles is crucial in the development of photothermal agents. However, previous successes have been limited to static assemblies and single‐component structures. Here, an activatable plasmonic theranostics system utilizing self‐assembled 1D silver‐coated gold nanochains (1D nanochains) is presented for precise tumor diagnosis and effective treatment. The absorbance of the adaptable core–shell chain structure can shift from visible to near‐infrared (NIR) regions due to the fusion between nearby Au@Ag nanoparticles induced by elevated H2O2 levels in the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in the creation of a novel 3D aggregates with strong NIR absorption. With a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 60.2% at 808 nm, nanochains utilizing the TME‐activated characteristics show remarkable qualities for photoacoustic imaging and significantly limit tumor growth in vivo. This study may pave the way for precise tumor diagnosis and treatment through customizable, optically tunable adaptive plasmonic nanostructures.

High-starch diets may lead to growth retardation, liver damage and lipid accumulation in fish. Although mangiferin (MGF) can regulate triglyceride metabolism and protect liver health in mammals, studies on its role in fish are limited. The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were fed four different groups of diets, including a control diet (NCD), a high-starch diet (HSD), a high-starch diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg MGF (100 MGF) and a high-starch diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg MGF (500 MGF). After 8 weeks of feeding, weight gain and specific growth rate were significantly higher in the 500 MGF group than in the HSD group. Feeding rate was significantly higher in the 100 MGF group than in the HSD group. Feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in the 100 MGF group than in the HSD group. MGF reduced HSI, ALT, AST and liver vacuolization, compared with HSD group. In addition, MGF significantly reduced plasma GLU and TG levels and increased plasma HDL levels in largemouth bass. Compared to the HSD group, MGF significantly reduced TG levels in the liver, as well as reduced hepatic lipid droplet area. MGF significantly increased the relative expressions of glycolysis-related gene (pfk1), pentose phosphate pathway-related genes (g6pd, pgd and tktb) and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation-related gene (ndufa2, sdhb, sdhaf3, sdhaf4 and cox4). MGF significantly decreased the relative expressions of gluconeogenesis-related gene (pepck and g6pc). MGF significantly decreased the transcriptional levels of key relative expressions of triglyceride metabolism (srebf1), fatty acid synthesis-related genes (acc1, fasn and scd1) and triglyceride synthesis-related genes (gpat2, agpat2, agpat3, agpat5, dgat1a and dgat2). MGF significantly increased the relative expressions of triglyceride catabolism-related genes (pnpla2 and lipeb). The results indicated that MGF reduced lipid accumulation and alleviated high starch diet-induced liver damage by regulating triglyceride metabolism in largemouth bass.

The imprudent cultivation of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica has led to degradation in the watersheds surrounding Chongli County. This study investigates the artificial forests of P. sylvestris var. mongolica in the Xiaotaojiagou watershed, Chongli County. Twenty-five subplots measuring 20 m × 20 m were established at upper, upper-middle, middle, and lower positions within the watershed. Spatial distribution patterns and fractal characteristics of P. sylvestris var. mongolica were analyzed using univariate pair correlation function g(r), marked correlation functions (marked correlation function Kmm(r), marked variation function γm(r), and Schlather’s Im(r) function), and fractal dimensions (box-counting dimension, information dimension). The findings are as follows: (1) P. sylvestris var. mongolica in the middle section of the watershed displayed the largest average diameters at breast height and tree height, while those in the lower section exhibited the largest average crown width. (2) P. sylvestris var. mongolica populations in the upstream, middle, and downstream sections of the watershed exhibited three alternating states: aggregated distribution, uniform distribution, and random distribution. However, with increasing spatial scale, the distribution gradually tended towards randomness. P. sylvestris var. mongolica in the upper-middle section of the watershed showed aggregated distribution at scales of 1.5–32.5 m, transitioning to random distribution and then to uniform distribution with increasing spatial scale. (3) Individual attributes of P. sylvestris var. mongolica (diameter at breast height, tree height, and crown width) exhibited high correlation and facilitation in the upstream and upper-middle sections at small-to-medium scales, whereas negative correlations and inhibitions were observed in the middle and lower sections. These attributes tended to be uncorrelated with increasing spatial scale. (4) Fractal dimensions indicated that the degree of aggregation of P. sylvestris var. mongolica population was lowest in the downstream section of the watershed. In conclusion, spatial distribution patterns and intraspecies relationships of P. sylvestris var. mongolica populations are influenced by spatial scale and environmental conditions, particularly in more resource-competitive downstream areas. Effective management and protection of P. sylvestris var. mongolica populations require targeted measures such as adjusting afforestation density, improving soil conditions, and implementing differentiated ecological restoration strategies to alleviate intraspecies competitive pressures and promote population health and sustainable development.

BackgroundDouzhi, a traditional Chinese fermented beverage, features microbial communities primarily composed of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). As fermented foods continue to gain recognition and popularity, douzhi is attracting growing interest. However, investigation of the critical aspects of douzhi’s fermentation processes, including fermentation characteristics and microbial community dynamics, remains vital for enhancing food safety and quality for douzhi, as well as for similar fermented food products.MethodIn this study, we collected douzhi microbial communities from four chain stores, using them as fermentation starter cultures. The microbial dynamics of the fermentation were analyzed, focusing on the inoculation of LAB strains and the transition from a mung bean-based matrix to skimmed milk. The metabolomic profiles of the fermented mung bean matrices were also studied.ResultsDouzhi samples obtained from representative chain stores were found to be overwhelmingly dominated by LAB. When inoculated along with the douzhi community, both LAB strains exhibited notable and substantial reductions in the pH value of the designated mung bean matrices compared to those inoculated indigenous microbiota. Specifically, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CGMCC 1.1856 retained its population, whereas Pediococcus pentosaceus CGMCC 1.2695 exhibited a decrease in relative abundance. Using skimmed milk as a fermentation substrate instead of the mung bean matrix resulted in significant shifts in microbial communities, particularly leading to an increase in Escherichia sp. The metagenomic analyses and functional predictions illustrated that various metabolic functions were enhanced during the fermentation process due to LAB inoculation. The liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry based metabolomic analysis revealed that the inoculation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus in mung bean matrix did not introduce new metabolites but significantly altered the concentration and profile of existing metabolites, especially increased low molecular carbohydrates, which may enhance the nutritional potential of the fermented product.DiscussionThis study examines the microbial dynamics of douzhi microbiota fermentation, emphasizing the role of lactic acid bacteria in enhancing fermentation activity and metabolite profiles. These insights contribute to improving manufacturing processes and ensuring the safety and quality of douzhi and similar fermented foods.

This study investigates the effects of soybean lecithin (SL) on the growth, fatty acid composition, lipid metabolism, and gonadal development of rice field eels. Fourteen-month-old eels were fed either fish oil diets or varying levels of dietary soybean lecithin (0 %, 1.4 %, and 2.8 %) for 10 weeks. Dietary SL had no significant impact on growth, whereas 1.4 % SL led to a significant decrease in moisture content and an increase in crude protein content in eels. The content of both saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased in muscles fed the higher SL diet, with a concurrent decline in saturated fatty acids and an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids detected in the liver. The expression levels of genes related to lipid synthesis, including accα and PPARγ, and genes related to polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis, such as pla2g4a, fad2 and scd, were significantly increased in the liver of eels fed with 1.4 % SL diet. SL supplementation enhances lipid transport and antioxidant capacity in the liver, reduces fat deposition, and protects the liver from damage. Hepatosomatic index of fish in the SL1.4 % and SL2.8 % groups decreased. Supplementation of the diet with 1.4 % SL led to a significant decrease in the content of saturated fatty acids and an increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the gonads, with a significant increase in arachidonic acid levels. The gonadosomatic index also increased with increasing dietary SL content. Rice field eels fed diets containing SL exhibited elevated serum levels of E2, delayed ovary-to-testis transition, and a preference for retaining the female state. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with SL increased the proportion of highly unsaturated fatty acids in the tissues, enhanced lipid metabolism in the liver, and improved antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, SL supplementation has been demonstrated to promote ovarian development and delay sex reversal in rice field eels.

A high carbohydrate diet (HCD) induced excessive hepatic de novo lipogenesis, which caused metabolic disorder and impaired the health of fish species. Betulinic acid (BA) has been applied to ameliorate fatty liver and anti-inflammatory in mammals. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary BA supplementation on HCD-induced hepatic de novo lipogenesis and liver health in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). The catfish were fed with three diets: NCD (18 % carbohydrate), HCD (36 % carbohydrate), HCD+BA (36 % carbohydrate with 150 mg/kg BA). After an 8-week feeding trial, we found that dietary BA decreased hepatosomatic index (HSI) and condition factor (CF) without affecting the growth of channel catfish fed HCD. Dietary BA significantly reduced the HCD-induced excessive lipid accumulation (oil red O area, TG content, and de novo lipogenesis gene expression, P < 0.05). Moreover, we found that dietary BA prevented hepatic lipid accumulation via activating phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) (P < 0.05) in liver of channel catfish fed HCD. Besides, we also found that dietary BA significantly prevented HCD-induced liver damage, as confirmed by liver H&E staining, reduced inflammation biomarkers (ALT, AST, hydroxyproline, α-sma and tgf-1β), downregulated expression of ER stress-related genes (eif2a, bip, atf4, xbp1) (P < 0.05). Overall, the present study indicated that dietary BA inclusion attenuated hepatic de novo lipogenesis, improved liver inflammation and reduced ER stress in channel catfish fed HCD.

In this study, optimized multivitamin premix (OVP) was added to three kinds of different protein quality feeds (by decreasing dietary protein levels from 50% to 45% and replacing marine fish meal with terrestrial proteins) to investigate the effects of OVP on dietary protein quality-induced fatty liver in largemouth bass. Lysine (Lys) and methionine (Met) were supplied to ensure a consistent level of these two limiting amino acids. The results showed that decreased dietary protein quality did not affect the FBW and SGR of largemouth bass (P>0.05), but improved protein efficiency (P

With the participation of large quantities of renewable energy in power system operations, their volatility and intermittence increases the difficulties and challenges of power system economic scheduling. Considering the uncertainty of renewable energy generation, based on the distributionally robust optimization method, a two-stage economic dispatch model is proposed to minimize the total operation costs. In this paper, it is assumed that the fluctuating of renewable power generation follows the unknown probability distribution that is restricted in an ambiguity set, which is established by utilizing the first-order moment information of available historical data. Furthermore, the theory of conditional value-at-risk is introduced to transform the model into a tractable model, which we call robust counterpart formulation. Based on the stochastic dual dynamic programming method, an improved iterative algorithm is proposed to solve the robust counterpart problem. Specifically, the convergence optimum can be obtained by the improved iterative algorithm, which performs a forward pass and backward pass repeatedly in each iterative process. Finally, by comparing with other methods, the results on the modified IEEE 6-bus, 118-bus, and 300-bus system show the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed model and method.

This work provides a comprehensive review of the utilization of the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in optimizing current density distribution within the Electrical Contact Interfaces (ECIs) of Electromagnetic Railguns (EMRs). Mastery over the current density distribution at ECIs is crucial for boosting the operational efficiency and longevity of EMRs. FEA is instrumental in identifying and rectifying issues stemming from non-uniform current density distributions, which can result in severe problems like local overheating, material degradation, increased friction wear, and a decline in launch capabilities. This review delineates the pivotal factors affecting current density at ECIs, including the Velocity Skin Effect (VSE), Current Skin Effect (CSE), Proximity Effect (PE), input current, contact pressure, and contact resistance. It then explores recent advancements on the FEA-driven optimizations of material and structures, which have markedly enhanced performance of EMRs. Challenges in applying FEA—such as the complexity of modeling multi-field interactions, computational demands, and ensuring simulation reliability—are also addressed, with recent innovations offering promising solutions. This work concludes by underlining the indispensable contribution of FEA to the progressive development of EMRs, spotlighting its vital role in spearheading future innovations through the fusion of cutting-edge methodologies and interdisciplinary collaborations.

In modern cities, consumers with distributed energy resources (DERs) can trade energy by managing their consumption and supply. Blockchain is considered to provide technical support for establishing a distributed energy market, while the current mainstream blockchain technology cannot meet the requirement of efficiency and scalability under such a transaction scenario. In addition, the potential defaults of market players also hinder market implementation. Therefore, a reputation-based distributed energy trading mechanism and the corresponding blockchain consensus method considering reputation management are proposed in this paper. Firstly, a distributed reputation management mechanism is designed to systematically evaluate the user’s behavior in the market. Secondly, to address the limitations of traditional consensus methods in the distributed energy market distributed reputation control is introduced into the node model of blockchain, and a new energy blockchain consensus method named DPoR is proposed to solve the technical bottleneck under the distributed energy trading scenario. We also present a corresponding transaction mechanism to encourage market participants to maintain their reputations. Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed transaction mechanism in this paper, and the presented blockchain consensus mechanism can meet the performance requirements under distributed energy trading scenarios in terms of high efficiency, low consumption, and openness.

Abstract Alagille Syndrome (ALGS) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by cholestasis, congenital cardiac anomalies, and butterfly vertebrae. The variable phenotypic expression of ALGS can lead to challenges in accurately diagnosing affected infants, potentially resulting in misdiagnoses or underdiagnoses. This study highlights novel JAG1 gene mutations in two cases of ALGS. The first case with a novel p.Pro325Leufs*87 variant was diagnosed at 2 months of age and exhibited a favorable prognosis and an unexpected manifestation of congenital hypothyroidism. Before the age of 2, the second patient was incorrectly diagnosed with liver structural abnormalities, necessitating extensive treatment. In addition, he exhibited delays in language acquisition that may have been a result of SNAP25 haploinsufficiency. The identification of ALGS remains challenging, highlighting the importance of early detection and genetic testing for effective patient management. The variant p.Pro325Leufs*87 is distinct from reported variants linked to congenital hypothyroidism in ALGS patients, thereby further confirming the clinical and genetic complexity of ALGS. This emphasizes the critical need for individualized and innovative approaches to diagnosis and medical interventions, uniquely intended to address the complexity of this syndrome.

Copper (Cu) is a trace element, essential for fish growth. In the current study, in addition to growth performance, we first explored the effects of Cu on collagen synthesis and myofiber growth and development in juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). A total of 1080 fish (11.16 ± 0.01 g) were randomly divided into 6 treatments (3 replicates per treatment) to receive five doses of organic Cu, which were Cu citrate (CuCit) at 0.99 (basal diet), 2.19, 4.06, 6.15, and 8.07 mg/kg, and one dose of inorganic Cu (CuSO4·5H2O at 3.15 mg/kg), for 9 weeks. The results showed appropriate Cu level (4.06 mg/kg) enhanced growth performance, improved nutritional Cu status, and downregulated Cu-transporting ATPase 1 mRNA levels in the hepatopancreas, intestine, and muscle of juvenile grass carp. Meanwhile, collagen content in fish muscle was increased after Cu intake, which was probably due to the following pathways: (1) activating CTGF/TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway to regulate collagen transcription; (2) upregulating of La ribonucleoprotein domain family 6 (LARP6) mRNA levels to regulate translation initiation; (3) increasing proline hydroxylase, lysine hydroxylase, and lysine oxidase activities to regulate posttranslational modifications. In addition, optimal Cu group increased myofiber diameters and the frequency of myofibers with diameter >50 μm, which might be associated with upregulation of cyclin B, cyclin D, cyclin E, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, myogenic determining factor (MyoD), myogenic factor 5, myogenin (MyoG), myogenic regulatory factor 4 and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and downregulation of myostatin mRNA levels, increasing protein levels of MyoD, MyoG and MyHC in fish muscle. Finally, based on percentage weight gain (PWG), serum ceruloplasmin (Cp) activity and collagen content in fish muscle, Cu requirements were determined as 4.74, 4.37 and 4.62 mg/kg diet (CuCit as Cu source) of juvenile grass carp, respectively. Based on PWG and Cp activity, compared to CuSO4·5H2O, the efficacy of CuCit were 131.80% and 115.38%, respectively. Our findings provide new insights into Cu supplementation to promote muscle growth in fish, and help improve the overall productivity of aquaculture.

This paper presents a novel method for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) microstructures of cobalt–platinum (Co-Pt) permanent magnets using a localized electrochemical deposition (LECD) technique. The method involves the use of an electrolyte and a micro-nozzle to control the deposition process. However, traditional methods face significant challenges in controlling the thickness and uniformity of deposition layers, particularly in the manufacturing of magnetic materials. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a method that integrates machine learning algorithms to optimize the electrochemical deposition parameters, achieving a Co:Pt atomic ratio of 50:50. This optimized ratio is crucial for enhancing the material’s magnetic properties. The Co-Pt microstructures fabricated exhibit high coercivity and remanence magnetization comparable to those of bulk Co-Pt magnets. Our machine learning framework provides a robust approach for optimizing complex material synthesis processes, enhancing control over deposition conditions, and achieving superior material properties. This method opens up new possibilities for the fabrication of 3D microstructures with complex shapes and structures, which could be useful in a variety of applications, including micro-electromechanical systems (MEMSs), micro-robots, and data storage devices.

Background: The SYNTAX score II (SS II) has earned widespread recognition for use on individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) due to its reliable predictions of 4-year all-cause mortality (ACM). This research focuses on substantiating the prognostic significance of using the SS II for patients experiencing concurrent chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) and CAD who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This study retrospectively examined 2468 patients with concurrent CAD and CRI who underwent PCI. Based on their SS II, these participants were sorted into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups and monitored over a median of three years. The evaluation of the predictive precision of different SYNTAX scores for clinical outcomes in patients with CRI after PCI involved using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. These included the standard SS (SS), SS II, clinical SS (CSS), and residual SS (rSS). The primary outcomes were ACM and cardiac mortality (CM), while the secondary outcomes covered major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), stroke, unplanned revascularization, and myocardial infarction (MI). Results: Higher 5-year cumulative incidences of MACCEs, MI, CM, and ACM were observed significantly in patients in the high SS II category relative to those in the low and medium SS II categories. Multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed that the SS II independently predicts ACM, CM, MI, and MACCEs as a prognostic marker. Additionally, the analysis of the time-dependent ROC curve demonstrated that the areas under the curve (AUC) for predicting CM and ACM were 0.772 and 0.767, respectively, which are superior to those of other SYNTAX scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: As an independent predictor, the SS II is notable for its ability to forecast long-term adverse outcomes, including MACCEs, CM, ACM, and MI. For patients with coexisting CAD and CRI undergoing PCI, it provides significantly improved prognostic accuracy for 5-year ACM and CM compared to other SYNTAX scores.

This paper examines the atomization characteristics of liquid hydrogen fuel in a premixing tube under different operating conditions. Hydrogen fuel’s unique injection morphology and atomization behavior were analyzed using the Volume of Fluid-to-Discrete Particle Model (VOF to DPM) approach, coupled with the SST k−ω turbulence model and adaptive mesh refinement. The study revealed that the breakup and transformation of liquid surfaces into particles are significantly impacted by varying air velocities and injection pressure. Specifically, higher air velocities caused the liquid sheet to lengthen and narrow due to intensified vortices. However, the breakup was delayed at higher velocities, occurring at distances of 0.037 m and 0.043 m for air velocities of 10 m/s and 20 m/s, respectively. The research also highlights the significant role that injection pressure plays in fluid sheet breakup. Higher pressures promote better atomization and fuel–lair mixing, resulting in more particles with increased diameters. Notably, the fluid sheet exhibited a small angle of about 43.79° when using the velocity component corresponding to p1 = 0.5 MPa. Similarly, for p2 = 1 MPa and p3 = 2 MPa, the angles were measured to be approximately 47.5° and 49.5°, respectively. Additionally, the study observed that the injection expands in length and diameter as time progresses, indicating fuel dispersion. These insights have significant implications for the design principles of injectors in power generation technologies that utilize liquid hydrogen fuel.

Cardiolipin (CL), a critical phospholipid situated within the mitochondrial membrane, plays a significant role in modulating intramitochondrial processes, especially in the context of certain cardiac pathologies; however, the exact effects of alterations in cardiolipin on septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) are still debated and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study highlights a notable increase in the expressions of ALCAT1 and PLSCR3 during the advanced stage of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced SCM. This up-regulation potential contribution to mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular apoptosis—as indicated by the augmented oxidative stress and cytochrome c (Cytc) release—coupled with reduced mitophagy, decreased levels of the antiapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and lowered cell viability. Additionally, the timing of LPS-induced apoptosis coincides with the decline in both autophagy and mitophagy at the late stages, implying that these processes may serve as protective factors against LPS-induced SCM in HL-1 cells. Together, these findings reveal the mechanism of LPS-induced CL changes in the center of SCM, with a particular emphasis on the importance of pathological remodeling and translocation of CL to mitochondrial function and apoptosis. Additionally, it highlights the protective effect of mitophagy in the early stage of SCM. This study complements previous research on the mechanism of CL changes in mediating SCM. These findings enhance our understanding of the role of CL in cardiac pathology and provide a new direction for future research.

Simulation technology has been extensively utilized in the study of ship entry and exit from ports, as well as navigation through waterways. It effectively mirrors the stochastic dynamic changes and interrelationships among various elements within the port system. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of various modeling methods used in ship navigation simulations. It proposes a simulation modeling approach for ship–port systems based on multi-agent information interaction, which simulates the entire process of ships entering and exiting ports and navigating through complex waterways, achieving a precise and detailed simulation of the entire port entry and exit process in complex waters. Using the Qiongzhou Strait as a case study, the validity and accuracy of the model are verified. The model is employed to quantitatively identify port navigation elements, assess waterway capacity, and evaluate port operational capability. Furthermore, the model enables the analysis of coordination among port channels, berths, and anchorages. Based on simulation results and port development plans, recommendations are provided to enhance port service levels and promote scientific, rational development and efficient operation of ports.

BackgroundEvaluating the correlation between serum potassium and Parkinson’s disease (PD) in US adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 20,495 adults aged 40 years or older using NHANES data from 2005 to 2020. The study utilized one-way logistic regression and multifactorial logistic regression to examine the correlation between serum potassium levels and PD. Additionally, a smoothed curve fitting approach was employed to assess the concentration-response relationship between serum potassium and PD. Stratified analyses were carried out to investigate potential interactions between serum potassium levels and PD with variables such as age, sex, race, marital status, education, BMI, smoking and medical conditions like coronary, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia.ResultsIn this study, a total of 20,495 participants, comprising 403 PD and 20,092 non-PD individuals, were included. After adjusted for covariates, multivariable logistic regression revealed that high serum potassium level was an independent risk factor for PD (OR:1.86, 95% CI:1.45 ~ 2.39, p 0.05).ConclusionSerum potassium levels are elevated in patients with Parkinson's disease compared to non-PD patients. Additional prospective studies are required to explore the significance of serum potassium levels in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

IntroductionThe starter used in solid-state fermentation (SSF) vinegar, known as seed Pei is a microbial inoculant from the previous batch that is utilized during the acetic acid fermentation stage. The seed Pei, which has a notable impact on vinegar fermentation and flavor, is under-researched with comparative studies on microorganisms.MethodsHerein metagenomics was employed to reveal the microbes and their potential metabolic functions of four seed Pei from three regions in China.ResultsThe predominant microbial taxa in all four starters were bacteria, followed by viruses, eukaryotes, and archaea, with Lactobacillus sp. or Acetobacter sp. as main functional taxa. The seed Pei used in Shanxi aged vinegar (SAV) and Sichuan bran vinegar (SBV) exhibited a higher similarity in microbial composition and distribution of functional genes, while those used in two Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar (ZAV) differed significantly. Redundancy analysis (RDA) of physicochemical factors and microbial communities indicated that moisture content, pH, and reducing sugar content are significant factors influencing microbial distribution. Moreover, seven metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) that could potentially represent novel species were identified.ConclusionsThere are distinctions in the microbiome and functional genes among different seed Pei. The vinegar starters were rich in genes related to carbohydrate metabolism. This research provides a new perspective on formulating vinegar fermentation starters and developing commercial fermentation agents for vinegar production.

Accurate estimation of crop yield at the field scale plays a pivotal role in optimizing agricultural production and food security. Conventional studies have mainly focused on employing data-driven models for crop yield estimation at the regional scale, while large challenges may occur when attempting to apply these methods at the field scale. This is primarily due to the inherent complexity of obtaining reliable ground labels of yield for field validation, and the geographical independence and correlation that exists between fields. To effectively solve this problem, this study couples geographical, crop physiological knowledge and deep learning networks, and builds a graph-based deep learning framework by integrating high-medium spatial resolution active and passive remote sensing data (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3) and uses it to estimate field scale winter wheat yield. Firstly, a deep learning framework based on graph theory was constructed to achieve accurate estimation of field scale time series winter wheat growth parameter (Leaf Area Index, LAI), and then the growth mechanism of winter wheat and the specific factors affecting wheat yield formation were further considered, so as to improve the yield estimation accuracy of the traditional data-driven yield estimation model. Finally, the yield estimates of the proposed method were compared and analyzed for farmlands under different categories of agricultural disasters. The results showed that the graph-based two-branch network architecture (the Seq_Gra_Gd model) with the optimal meteorological data input strategy (meteorological data of the previous 15 d) had the optimal LAI estimation accuracy, and except for the jointing stage of winter wheat, the Seq_Gra_Gd model had a high and stable LAI estimation accuracy at the other main growth stages. The Seq_Gra_Gd model achieved good accuracy in estimating winter wheat yield (R2 = 0.73, RMSE = 590.43 kg·ha−1), and the introduction of the graph convolution module enabled the model to take into account the spatial distribution characteristics of stripe rust and lodging disasters well, which improved the yield estimation accuracy of affected winter wheat.

The intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and bone health has become increasingly recognized as a fundamental determinant of skeletal well-being. Microbiota-derived metabolites play a crucial role in dynamic interaction, specifically in bone homeostasis. In this sense, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, indirectly promote bone formation by regulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been found to increase the expression of osteoblast genes, such as Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), thus enhancing osteogenic differentiation and bone quality through BMP/SMADs and Wnt signaling pathways. Remarkably, in the context of bone infections, the role of microbiota metabolites in immune modulation and host defense mechanisms potentially affects susceptibility to infections such as osteomyelitis. Furthermore, ongoing research elucidates the precise mechanisms through which microbiota-derived metabolites influence bone cells, such as osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Understanding the multifaceted influence of microbiota metabolites on bone, from regulating homeostasis to modulating susceptibility to infections, has the potential to revolutionize our approach to bone health and disease management. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of this evolving field, providing a holistic perspective on the impact of microbiota metabolites on bone health and diseases.

First-principles calculations were used to determine the formation energy, work of adhesion, and electronic structure of the interface of Ag-doped (Cu, Sn, and Ti)/WC, revealing the effect of doping atoms on the interfacial bonding behavior. Additionally, an active filler metal Ag–Cu–Sn–Ti was developed from the calculation results and applied to braze YG18 cemented carbide/40Cr steel joint. The interfacial structure and elemental diffusion behavior at the filler metal/WC interface were characterized. The doping of Cu and Ti at the interface contributes significantly to the stability of the interfacial structure and the improvement of the work of adhesion. The effect of doping of Sn atoms at different positions on interfacial stability and the work of adhesion is not obvious, and it can be doped into Ag alloys as a melting point depressant. The charge accumulation zone and atomic orbital hybridizations at the interface contributes to enhance the interface stability and the work of adhesion. The TEM analysis demonstrates that the diffusion behavior of Ti is particularly noticeable, aggregating at the Ag/WC interface and interacting with C to generate a TiC reaction layer, ultimately producing a WC/TiC/Ag interface structure.

Interstitial fluid plays a vital role in drug delivery and tumour treatment. However, few non-invasive measurement methods are available for measuring low-velocity biological fluid flow. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a novel technology called interstitial flow velocity-MRI. The interstitial flow velocity-MRI sequence consists of a dual inversion recovery preparation and an improved stimulated echo sequence (ISTE) combined with phase-contrast MRI. A homemade flow phantom was used to assess the feasibility and sensitivity of interstitial flow velocity-MRI. In addition, xenografts of female BALB/c mouse models of 4T1 breast cancer administered losartan (40 mg/kg) or saline (n = 6) were subjected to imaging on a 7.0 T scanner to assess the in vivo interstitial fluid flow velocity. The results showed a significant correlation (P

This study aimed to analyze the quality differences of sauced beef with aged brine and quantitative marinating methods by evaluating sensory characteristics, color, shear force, texture, moisture distribution, taste nucleotides, and free amino acids. Results showed that quantitative marinated beef received a higher score in sensory evaluation than aged brine marinated beef. Additionally, quantitative marinated beef had better color, lower shear force and hardness compared to aged brine marinated beef (P

Abstract Purpose The accurate assessment of axillary lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early-stage breast cancer (BC) is of great importance. This study aimed to construct an integrated model based on clinicopathology, ultrasound, PET/CT, and PET radiomics for predicting axillary LNM in early stage of BC. Materials and methods 124 BC patients who underwent 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) PET/CT and whose diagnosis were confirmed by surgical pathology were retrospectively analyzed and included in this study. Ultrasound, PET and clinicopathological features of all patients were analyzed, and PET radiomics features were extracted to establish an ultrasound model (clinicopathology and ultrasound; model 1), a PET model (clinicopathology, ultrasound, and PET; model 2), and a comprehensive model (clinicopathology, ultrasound, PET, and radiomics; model 3), and the diagnostic efficacy of each model was evaluated and compared. Results The T stage, US_BIRADS, US_LNM, and PET_LNM in the positive axillary LNM group was significantly higher than that of in the negative LNM group (P = 0.013, P = 0.049, P

Abstract Transparent and FAIR disclosure of meta-information about healthcare data and infrastructure is essential but has not been well publicized. In this paper, we provide a transparent disclosure of the process of standardizing a common data model and developing a national data infrastructure using national claims data. We established an Observational Medical Outcome Partnership (OMOP) common data model database for national claims data of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of South Korea. To introduce a data openness policy, we built a distributed data analysis environment and released metadata based on the FAIR principle. A total of 10,098,730,241 claims and 56,579,726 patients’ data were converted as OMOP common data model. We also built an analytics environment for distributed research and made the metadata publicly available. Disclosure of this infrastructure to researchers will help to eliminate information inequality and contribute to the generation of high-quality medical evidence.

Abstract A heavy-ion collision facility called the cooler storage ring (CSR) external-target experiment (CEE) is scheduled in Lanzhou, China. The time measurement of the charged particles at the forward angle will be conducted by the external time-of-flight (eTOF) subsystem, which is built with multigap resistive plate chambers (MRPC). This work describes the tasks, performance criteria, detector layout, and prototype test results while outlining the technical design and development status of the CEE-eTOF wall. The effectiveness of the wall design has been validated using a FairRoot-based simulation, which is an essential part of the verification. With a $$3.2 \times 1.6~\textrm{m}^2$$ 3.2 × 1.6 m 2 coverage, a 60 ps overall time resolution, and a 2.6 m distance from the collision point, the eTOF wall enables the particle identification, system triggering, and event selection in cooperation with other related detectors. A novel structure called sealed MRPC will be applied to the subsystem. The design considerations of this type, prototype test, and results are also described in this paper.

Gastric acid-related disorders are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Acetylcholine, gastrin, and histamine are physiological agonists that stimulate acid secretion from parietal cells. Histamine plays a decisive role in the transformation of parietal cells into acid-secreting forms. The H+, K+- ATPase proton pump, which represents the final step of acid secretion, translocates from cytoplasmic tubulovesicles to secretory canaliculi upon parietal cell stimulation and facilitates exchange of intracellular H+ with extracellular K+ in a 1:1 ratio. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used in clinical practice, and potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) have gained attention in recent times. P-CABs address the unmet needs of patients who receive conventional PPIs and have broadened the spectrum of drug choices; however, further research is warranted to confirm long-term safety of these drugs. Comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of actions, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and the adverse effect profile is essential for appropriate prescription of gastric acid-suppressive drugs. In this review, we provide a developing history and outline the pharmacological mechanisms underlying various gastric acid-suppressive drugs used in clinical settings.

The taste and flavor of fermented vinegars are closely related to the fermentation microorganisms. In order to investigate the vertical distribution of bacterial community in the acetic acid fermentation stage of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar, and to investigate the enrichment effect of different media on the culturable bacteria from Cupei. In this study, the bacterial diversity of Cupei and enriched culture samples were determined by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the number of OTUs in the surface, middle and bottom Cupei samples were 66, 76 and 111, respectively. The dominant bacterium in the surface layer was Acetobacter, while the dominant bacterium in the middle and bottom layers was Lactobacillus. The richness and diversity of bacterial flora became more abundant and diverse with the depth of fermentation. Meanwhile, high-throughput sequencing after enrichment showed that the oligotrophic medium enriched higher bacterial diversity than the nutrient-rich medium. This study revealed that there were differences in bacterial diversity in different depths of Cupei. And it also proposed an oligotrophic medium for bacterial isolation to make isolation of fermentation microorganisms from Cupei more efficient.

In fermented foods, acetic acid bacteria (AAB), kinds of bacteria with a long history of utilization, contribute to safety, nutritional, and sensory properties primarily through acetic acid fermentation. AAB are commonly found in various fermented foods such as vinegar, sour beer, fermented cocoa and coffee beans, kefir beverages, kombucha, and sourdough. They interact and cooperate with a variety of microorganisms, resulting in the formation of diverse metabolites and the production of fermented foods with distinct flavors. Understanding the interactions between AAB and other microbes is crucial for effectively controlling and utilizing AAB in fermentation processes. However, these microbial interactions are influenced by factors such as strain type, nutritional conditions, ecological niches, and fermentation duration. In this review, we examine the relationships and research methodologies of microbial interactions and interaction studies between AAB and yeasts, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and bacilli in different food fermentation processes involving these microorganisms. The objective of this review is to identify key interaction models involving AAB and other microorganisms. The insights gained will provide scientific guidance for the effective utilization of AAB as functional microorganisms in food fermentation processes.

Multiple dynamic impact signals are widely used in a variety of engineering scenarios and are difficult to identify accurately and quickly due to the signal adhesion phenomenon caused by nonlinear interference. To address this problem, an intelligent algorithm combining wavelet transforms with lightweight neural networks is proposed. First, the features of multiple impact signals are analyzed by establishing a transfer model for multiple impacts in multibody dynamical systems, and interference is suppressed using wavelet transformation. Second, a lightweight neural network, i.e., fast-activated minimal gated unit (FMGU), is elaborated for multiple impact signals, which can reduce computational complexity and improve real-time performance. Third, the experimental results show that the proposed method maintains excellent feature recognition results compared to gate recurrent unit (GRU) and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks under all test datasets with varying impact speeds, while its metrics for computational complexity are 50% lower than those of the GRU and LSTM. Therefore, the proposed method is of great practical value for weak hardware application platforms that require the accurate identification of multiple dynamic impact signals in real time.