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Anguimorpha, within the order Squamata, represents a group with distinct morphological and behavioral characteristics in different ecological niches among lizards. Within Anguimorpha, there is a group characterized by limb loss, occupying lower ecological niches, concentrated within the subfamily Anguinae. Lizards with limbs and those without exhibit distinct locomotor abilities when adapting to their habitats, which in turn necessitate varying degrees of energy expenditure. Mitochondria, known as the metabolic powerhouses of cells, play a crucial role in providing approximately 95% of an organism's energy. Functionally, mitogenomes (mitochondrial genomes) can serve as a valuable tool for investigating potential adaptive evolutionary selection behind limb loss in reptiles. Due to the variation of mitogenome structures among each species, as well as its simple genetic structure, maternal inheritance, and high evolutionary rate, the mitogenome is increasingly utilized to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships of squamate animals. In this study, we sequenced the mitogenomes of two species within Anguimorpha as well as the mitogenomes of two species in Gekkota and four species in Scincoidea. We compared these data with the mitogenome content and evolutionary history of related species. Within Anguimorpha, between the mitogenomes of limbless and limbed lizards, a branch-site model analysis supported the presence of 10 positively selected sites: Cytb protein (at sites 183 and 187), ND2 protein (at sites 90, 155, and 198), ND3 protein (at site 21), ND5 protein (at sites 12 and 267), and ND6 protein (at sites 72 and 119). These findings suggested that positive selection of mitogenome in limbless lizards may be associated with the energy requirements for their locomotion. Additionally, we acquired data from 205 mitogenomes from the NCBI database. Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) trees were constructed using the 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs) and two rRNAs (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA) from 213 mitogenomes. Our phylogenetic tree and the divergence time estimates for Squamata based on mitogenome data are consistent with results from previous studies. Gekkota was placed at the root of Squamata in both BI and ML trees. However, within the Toxicofera clade, due to long-branch attraction, Anguimorpha and (Pleurodonta + (Serpentes + Acrodonta)) were closely related groupings, which might indicate errors and also demonstrate that mitogenome-based phylogenetic trees may not effectively resolve long-branch attraction issues. Additionally, we reviewed the origin and diversification of Squamata throughout the Mesozoic era, suggesting that Squamata originated in the Late Triassic (206.05 Mya), with the diversification of various superfamilies occurring during the Cretaceous period. Future improvements in constructing squamate phylogenetic relationships using mitogenomes will rely on identifying snake and acrodont species with slower evolutionary rates, ensuring comprehensive taxonomic coverage of squamate diversity, and increasing the number of genes analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortic root pseudoaneurysm is a devastating complication post aortic valve replacement with a high mortality rate. And dissecting aneurysm into the interventricular septum is a rare variant of aortic root pseudoaneurysm, which is scarcely reported. Multimodal imaging is of great value in its diagnosis and differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In order to withstand extreme temperatures, organisms can change their behavior, physiology, and biochemistry prior to or in reaction to environmental variations. This allows them to enhance their chances of survival under challenging conditions. However, lizards are ectothermic, relying on environmental temperature for body heat and making them highly susceptible to climate change. Mitochondria play a crucial role in maintaining body temperature, regulating metabolic rates, and preventing cellular oxidative damage. If mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes become damaged or disrupted, this can be fatal. Mitochondrial DNA also serves as a sentinel for cell stress. Here, we focused on the lizard Sphenomorphus incognitus (Squamata:Scincidae) to explore the expression of the 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs) responding to a wide range of temperatures: 4 °C, 8 °C, 25 °C (control group), 34 °C, and 38 °C for 24 h. The aim was to explore the potential cold resistance and heat tolerance mechanisms of lizards by examining the expression of mitochondrial genes under gradient temperature conditions, as a means to assess the adaptability of lizards in the current context of climate change. In the context of global warming, the frequency of severe weather occurrences, such as unexpected cold spells and heat waves, will grow, as well as the intensity of these natural disasters. Lizards, as a large group of reptiles, are ectothermic. Their body temperatures are predominantly regulated by their environment and temperature variations directly impact their behavior and physiological activities. Frequent cold periods and heat waves can affect their biochemistry and physiology, and often their ability to maintain their body temperature. Mitochondria, as the center of energy metabolism, are crucial for maintaining body temperature, regulating metabolic rate, and preventing cellular oxidative damage. Here, we used RT-qPCR technology to investigate the expression patterns and their differences for the 13 mitochondrial PCGs in Sphenomorphus incognitus (Squamata:Scincidae), also known as the brown forest skink, under extreme temperature stress at 4 °C, 8 °C, 34 °C, and 38 °C for 24 h, compared to the control group at 25 °C. In southern China, for lizards, 4 °C is close to lethal, and 8 °C induces hibernation, while 34/38 °C is considered hot and environmentally realistic. Results showed that at a low temperature of 4 °C for 24 h, transcript levels of ATP8, ND1, ND4, COI, and ND4L significantly decreased, to values of 0.52 ± 0.08, 0.65 ± 0.04, 0.68 ± 0.10, 0.28 ± 0.02, and 0.35 ± 0.02, respectively, compared with controls. By contrast, transcript levels of COIII exhibited a significant increase, with a mean value of 1.86 ± 0.21. However, exposure to 8 °C for 24 h did not lead to an increase in transcript levels. Indeed, transcript levels of ATP6, ATP8, ND1, ND3, and ND4 were significantly downregulated, to 0.48 ± 0.11, 0.68 ± 0.07, 0.41 ± 0.08, 0.54 ± 0.10, and 0.52 ± 0.07, respectively, as compared with controls. Exposure to a hot environment of 34 °C for 24 h led to an increase in transcript levels of COI, COII, COIII, ND3, ND5, CYTB, and ATP6, with values that were 3.3 ± 0.24, 2.0 ± 0.2, 2.70 ± 1.06, 1.57 ± 0,08, 1.47 ± 0.13, 1.39 ± 0.56, and 1.86 ± 0.12, respectively, over controls. By contrast, ND4L exhibited a significant decrease (to 0.31 ± 0.01) compared with controls. When exposed to 38 °C, the transcript levels of the 13 PCGs significantly increased, ranging from a 2.04 ± 0.23 increase in ND1 to a 6.30 ± 0.96 rise in ND6. Under two different levels of cold and heat stress, the expression patterns of mitochondrial genes in S. incognitus vary, possibly associated with different strategies employed by this species in response to low and high temperatures, allowing for rapid compensatory adjustments in mitochondrial electron transport chain proteins in response to temperature changes. Furthermore, this underscores once again the significant role of mitochondrial function in determining thermal plasticity in reptiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the cycling efficiency and controlling lithium dendrite growth through a stable and heterogeneous lithium‐electrolyte interface are crucial steps for the practical application of lithium metal batteries. In this study, a carbon network composed of graphdiyne modified with redox‐active anthraquinone units (AN‐GDY) is developed to optimize the performance of the battery separator (PE film) also lithium anode. The AN‐GDY films are integrated with the conventional commercial battery separator (PE film) to create a double‐separator system, aimed at enhancing the interior characteristics of the battery. Electrochemical tests confirme that lithium symmetric batteries with AN‐GDY/PE double‐separator system can deliver high areal capacities of 1, 2, and 5 mAh cm−2 and ultra‐high current densities of 1, 2, and 5 mA cm−2 stable Li plating/stripping for over 800 h. Furthermore, lithium batteries employing AN‐GDY as the lithium anode preserve a capacity of 100 mAh g−1 and exhibite a Coulombic efficiency exceeding 98% after 5000 cycles, even at a high current rate of 500 mA g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the presence of G-quadruplexes (G4s) in the genomes of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), and assess their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. Materials & methods: Bioinformatics analysis and biophysical techniques were employed to identify and characterize the putative G-quadruplex sequences in the viral genomes. Results: G-quadruplex sequences were found in the genomes of CCHFV and RVFV. Biophysical analysis confirmed the formation of stable viral G-quadruplex structures. Ligand-binding studies demonstrated specific interactions between G-quadruplex ligands and viral G4s. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence for the existence of G4s in Bunyavirales hemorrhagic fever viruses and suggest their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention against viral hemorrhagic fevers. We looked at whether a family of viruses called Bunyavirales, which can cause hemorrhagic fever, contain a structure called a G-quadruplex. These structures play a role in key biological processes and could be targeted by drugs. Using computer analysis and laboratory experiments, we found that these viruses do have G-quadruplexes. Our research helps to understand about how these viruses work and could lead to better drugs to fight them. Article highlights G-quadruplex sequences were present in the genome of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). G-quadruplex sequences were present in the genome of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). BRACO-19 associated with G-Quadruplexes from CCHFV and RVFV. TMPyP4 associated with G-Quadruplexes from CCHFV and RVFV. BRACO-19 suppressed the transcription of genes containing viral G4 structures. BRACO-19 suppressed the expression of genes containing viral G4 structures. TMPyP4 suppressed the transcription of genes containing viral G4 structures. TMPyP4 suppressed the expression of genes containing viral G4 structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parenting stress is the experience of discomfort or distress that results from the demands associated with the role of parenting. Although there are numerous parenting stress scales, relatively few scales have been developed with consideration of the Chinese cultural context. This study aimed to develop and validate the Chinese Parenting Stress Scale (CPSS) with a multidimensional and hierarchical structure for Mainland Chinese preschoolers' parents (N = 1,427, M age = 35.63 years, SD = 4.69). In Study 1, a theoretical model and an initial 118 items were developed, drawing on prior research and existing measures of parenting stress. Exploratory factor analysis yielded 15 first-order factors with 60 items. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analyses supported a higher order solution consisting of 15 first-order factors covering four domains: Child Development (12 items), Difficult Child (16 items), Parent–Child Interaction (12 items), and Parent's Readjustment to Life (20 items). Measurement invariance indicated no gender differences between parents for the scale scores. The convergent, discriminant, and criteria validity of the CPSS scores was supported by its association with related variables in the expected directions. Moreover, the CPSS scores added significant incremental variance in predicting somatization, anxiety, and child's emotional symptoms more so than the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form-15. The CPSS total and subscale scores all had acceptable Cronbach's αs in both samples. The overall findings support the CPSS as a psychometrically sound tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted therapy of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKIs) has been the standard modality as the first-line treatment of advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs have shown significant efficacy in NSCLC patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations and EGFR T790M mutation is the main resistance mechanism of the first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs. The third-generation EGFR-TKIs, represented by osimertinib, has been approved to overcome the EGFR T790M mutation in patients who are resistant to the first- or second-generation TKIs, which brings more survival benefits for patients with advanced NSCLC. However, the development of acquired drug resistance is inevitable. In this review, we summarize the research progress in resistance mechanisms of advanced NSCLC to the third-generation EGFR-TKIs and the potential overcoming strategies.

[Objectives] This paper studies the way to reduce the elements used for calculating the hydrodynamic coefficient for movement of a large floating body with boundary element method and to quicken the calculation.[Methods] Based on the characteristic of the symmetrical floating body that the coefficient matrix can be considered as a circulant matrix during solvement of source intensity of singular point,a simplified calculation method of symmetrical Green function is proposed. Besides,detailed mathematical derivation is carried out and the physical meanings are explained.[Results] It is found that, through this method, the process of solving the hydrodynamic coefficient for wave movement of symmetrical floating body can be quickened significantly. For the floating body with one symmetrical plane,it only needs to solve half of the elements of the coefficient matrix of source intensity;meanwhile the time of solving linear equations is reduced by one quarter. And for the floating body with two symmetrical planes,it only needs to solve a quarter of elements of the coefficient matrix of source intensity;meanwhile the time of solving linear equations is reduced by one sixteenth.[Conclusions] The numerical results show that the proposed symmetrical simplification method is effective,and can greatly improve the calculation efficiency.