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Zero‐dimensional (0D) hybrid manganese halides have gained wide attention for the various crystal structures, excellent optical performance and scintillation properties compared with 3D lead halide perovskite nanocrystals. In this work, a new family of 0D hybrid manganese halides of A2MnBr4 (A = BzTPP, Br‐BzTPP, and F‐BzTPP) based on discrete [MnBr4]2− tetrahedral units is reported as highly efficient lead‐free scintillators. Excited by UV or blue light, these hybrids emit bright green light originating from the d–d transition of Mn2+ with near‐unity PLQY (99.5%). Significantly, high PLQY and low self‐absorption render extraordinary radioluminescence properties with the highest light yield of 80,100 photons MeV−1, which reached the climax of present hybrid manganese halides and surpassed most commercial scintillators. The radioluminescence intensity features a linear response to X‐ray doses with a detection limit of 30 nGyair s−1, far lower than the requirement of medical diagnostic (5.5 µGyair s−1). X‐ray imaging demonstrates ultrahigh spatial resolution of 14.06 lp mm−1 and short afterglow of 0.3 ms showcasing promising application prospects in radiography. Overall, we demonstrated new hybrid manganese halides as promising scintillators for advanced applications in X‐ray imaging with multiple superiorities of nontoxicity, facile‐assembly process, high irradiation light yield, excellent resolution, and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tinnitus and uveitis have shared commonality in pathophysiology in terms of autoimmunity. However, no studies that have linked any association between the conditions of tinnitus and uveitis. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database in order to investigate whether tinnitus patients are at increased risk of uveitis. Patients newly diagnosed with tinnitus between 2001 and 2014 were recruited and followed up until 2018. The endpoint of interest was a diagnosis of uveitis. Results: A total of 31,034 tinnitus patients and 124,136 matched comparisons were analyzed. Tinnitus patients were found to have a significantly higher cumulative incidence for uveitis than those without the diagnosis of tinnitus with incidence rate of 1.68 (95% CI 1.55–1.82) per 10 000 person-months for tinnitus group and 1.48 (95% CI 1.42–1.54) per 10 000 person-months for non-tinnitus group. Conclusion: Tinnitus patients were found to have increased risk of developing uveitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light use efficiency (LUE) characterizes the efficiency of vegetation in converting photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) into biomass energy through photosynthesis and is a critical parameter for gross primary productivity (GPP) in terrestrial ecosystems. Based on the eddy covariance measurements of a Chinese cork oak plantation ecosystem in northern China, the temporal variations in LUE were investigated, and biophysical factors were examined at time scales ranging from hours to years. Our results show that diurnal LUE first increased sharply before 8:30 and then decreased gradually until 12:00, thereafter increasing gradually and reaching the maximum value at sunset during the growing season. The daily and monthly LUE first increased and then decreased within a year and showed a substantial drop around June. The annual LUE ranged from 0.09 to 0.17 g C mol photon−1, and the multiyear mean maximal LUE was 0.30 g C mol photon−1 during 2006–2019. Only GPP (positive) and clearness index (CI) (negative) had consistent effects on LUE at different time scales, and the effects of the remaining biophysical factors on LUE were different as the time scale changed. The effects of air temperature, vapor pressure deficit, precipitation, evaporative fraction, and normalized difference vegetation index on LUE were mainly indirect (via PAR and/or GPP). When CI decreased, an increased ratio of diffuse PAR to PAR produced a more uniform irradiance in the canopy, which ultimately resulted in a higher LUE. Due to climate change in our study area, the annual LUE may decrease in the future but improving management practices may slow or even reverse this trend in the annual LUE in the studied Chinese cork oak plantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal fibrosis is a common feature of various chronic kidney diseases. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) family plays a role in renal fibrosis; however, the detailed mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the potential role of CXCR7 in mediating renal fibrosis. CXCR7 expression is decreased in unilateral ischemia–reperfusion injury (UIRI) and unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse models. Furthermore, CXCR7 was specifically expressed primarily in the Lotus Tetragonolobus Lectin-expressing segment of tubules, was slightly expressed in the peanut agglutinin-expressing segment, and was barely expressed in the Dolichos biflorus agglutinin-expressing segment. Administration of pFlag-CXCR7, an overexpression plasmid for CXCR7, significantly inhibited the activation of β-catenin signaling and protected against the progression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis in a UIRI mouse model. Using cultured HKC-8 cells, we found that CXCR7 significantly downregulated the expression of active β-catenin and fibrosis-related markers, including fibronectin, Collagen I, and α-SMA. Furthermore, CXCR7 significantly attenuated TGF-β1-induced changes in β-catenin signaling, EMT and fibrosis. These results suggest that CXCR7 plays a crucial role in inhibiting the activation of β-catenin signaling and the progression of EMT and renal fibrosis. Thus, CXCR7 could be a novel therapeutic target for renal fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundA diversity of microorganisms is associated with human health and exists in a state of dynamic equilibrium. This diversity has direct implications for the assessment of susceptibility to infectious diseases, especially human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.MethodsHere, we investigated the relationships between HPV infection and vaginal, cervical, and gut microbiota composition and assessed the levels of genital immune mediators. We selected a multiethnic area in Yunnan Province, China, to collect samples from healthy women of childbearing age. A total of 82 healthy women of childbearing age were included in this study. Vaginal, cervical, and rectal swabs were collected to analyze the microbial community, and cytokines were analyzed in some samples.FindingsDifferent proportions and types of HPV infection were detected in cervical (44%), vaginal (18%), and rectal (18%) swabs. HPV detected in cervical swabs was generally a high-risk type, while low-risk HPV types were primarily detected in vaginal and rectal swabs. There were some differences in this proportion as well as in the microbial community composition among different ethnic groups. Rectal samples exhibited the highest diversity index, while vaginal samples displayed the lowest diversity index. Lactobacillus dominated most of the vaginal samples, was decreased in HPV-positive samples, and differed among different ethnic groups. However, the sequence proportion of Lactobacillus in the cervix exhibited the opposite trend in those affected by HPV infection. The dynamic balance between the potential pathogens Gardnerella and Lactobacillus determines the health of the female genital system.InterpretationThis study constitutes the first step toward personalized medicine for women’s reproductive health, wherein differences between the genital microbiomes of individuals would be considered in risk assessment and for subsequent disease diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer persists as a worldwide disease that contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates. As a class of non-coding RNA, microRNAs (miRNAs) are one kind of important regulators in cancer and frequently implicated in tumor development and progression. Emerging experiments have suggested that miRNA-195–5p (miR-195–5p) can regulate neoplastic processes in many pathways. For instance, miR-195–5p can not only regulate proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells but also promote tumor cell apoptosis. Furthermore, low expression of miR-195–5p could induce drug resistance. Our review focuses on the expression of miR-195–5p in various tumors and elucidates the related mechanisms of which miR-195–5p participates in tumor biology, as well as summarizes the roles of miR-195–5p in tumor progression. We believe that miR-195–5p might have potential utility as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer.

This study endeavors to formulate a comprehensive methodology for establishing a Geological Knowledge Base (GKB) tailored to fracture-cavity reservoir outcrops within the North Tarim Basin. The acquisition of quantitative geological parameters was accomplished through diverse means such as outcrop observations, thin section studies, unmanned aerial vehicle scanning, and high-resolution cameras. Subsequently, a three-dimensional digital outcrop model was generated, and the parameters were standardized. An assessment of traditional geological knowledge was conducted to delineate the knowledge framework, content, and system of the GKB. The basic parameter knowledge was extracted using multiscale fine characterization techniques, including core statistics, field observations, and microscopic thin section analysis. Key mechanism knowledge was identified by integrating trace elements from filling, isotope geochemical tests, and water-rock simulation experiments. Significant representational knowledge was then extracted by employing various methods such as multiple linear regression, neural network technology, and discriminant classification. Subsequently, an analogy study was performed on the karst fracture-cavity system (KFCS) in both outcrop and underground reservoir settings. The results underscored several key findings: (1) Utilization of a diverse range of techniques, including outcrop observations, core statistics, unmanned aerial vehicle scanning, high-resolution cameras, thin section analysis, and electron scanning imaging, enabled the acquisition and standardization of data. This facilitated effective management and integration of geological parameter data from multiple sources and scales. (2) The GKB for fracture-cavity reservoir outcrops, encompassing basic parameter knowledge, key mechanism knowledge, and significant representational knowledge, provides robust data support and systematic geological insights for the intricate and in-depth examination of the genetic mechanisms of fracture-cavity reservoirs. (3) The developmental characteristics of fracturecavities in karst outcrops offer effective, efficient, and accurate guidance for fracture-cavity research in underground karst reservoirs. The outlined construction method of the outcrop geological knowledge base is applicable to various fracture-cavity reservoirs in different layers and regions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bolting and flowering of vegetables are induced by vernalization in their early growth stage. This phenomenon is called premature bolting, and it has caused massive losses in production of vegetables such as cabbage, celery, carrot, radish, and spinach, etc. This review aimed to summarize studies on bolting and flowering pathways, physiological and biochemical changes, and underlined molecular mechanisms of various vegetable crop bolting involving genome and transcriptome analysis, and its association with vegetable breeding. This review could provide basic knowledge to carry out research on vegetable genetics and breeding and vegetable cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influenza A virus is the primary cause of respiratory infections and poses a global health risk. Pudilan Xiaoyan oral liquid (PDL) exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. PDL is commonly employed in clinical practice to manage upper respiratory tract infections. However, there is still much to uncover regarding its potential therapeutic mechanism. Methods: Institute of cancer research mice were infected with influenza A virus via nasal drip. The general state of the mice, lung index, and lung index inhibition rate were used to evaluate the efficacy of PDL. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to observe the presence of proteins and cytokines in the lung tissue. Apoptosis was evaluated using the TUNEL assay. Results: PDL improved the mental state of influenza A virus-infected mice, reduced the lung index, and inhibited viral replication. The expression of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were decreased, whereas the expression of interleukin-10 in the lung tissue was increased due to PDL treatment. In addition, PDL treatment modulated Toll-like receptor 4 and MyD88 expressions in the lung tissues. PDL significantly reduced apoptosis and decreased cleaved caspase-3 and PARP levels, whereas increased B-cell lymphoma-2 expression in the lung tissue. Notably, the moderate-dose group of PDL exhibited a more pronounced effect. These findings indicate that PDL exerts a protective effect against pneumonia injury in influenza A virus-infected mice. Conclusion: PDL inhibited the inflammatory response and regulated apoptosis by regulating Toll-like receptor 4 and MyD88 protein expressions, thereby protecting the lung tissue from viral infection-induced lung tissue injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by abnormal proliferation of bone marrow clonal plasma cells. Tumor immunotherapy, a new therapy that has emerged in recent years, offers hope to patients, and studying the expression characteristics of immune-related genes (IRGs) based on whole bone marrow gene expression profiling (GEP) in MM patients can help guide personalized immunotherapy.Methods: In this study, we explored the potential prognostic value of IRGs in MM by combining GEP and clinical data from the GEO database. We identified hub IRGs and transcription factors (TFs) associated with disease progression by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and modeled immune-related prognostic signature by univariate and multivariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Subsequently, the prognostic ability of signature was verified by multiple statistical methods. Moreover, ssGSEA and GSEA algorithm reveled different immunological characteristics and biological function variation in different risk groups. We mapped the hub IRGs by protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and extracted the top 10 ranked genes. Finally, we conducted vitro assays on two alternative IRGs.Results: Our study identified a total of 14 TFs and 88 IRGs associated with International Staging System (ISS). Ten IRGs were identified by Cox -LASSO regression analysis, and used to develop optimal prognostic signature for overall survival (OS) in MM patients. The 10-IRGs were BDNF, CETP, CD70, LMBR, LTBP1, NENF, NR1D1, NR1H2, PTK2B and SEMA4. In different groups, risk signatures showed excellent survival prediction ability, and MM patients also could be stratified at survival risk. In addition, IRF7 and SHC1 were hub IRGs in PPI network, and the vitro assays proved that they could promote tumor progression. Notably, ssGSEA and GSEA results confirmed that different risk groups could accurately indicate the status of tumor microenvironment (TME) and activation of biological pathways.Conclusion: Our study suggested that immune-related signature could be used as prognostic markers in MM patients.

Abstract Sleep disorder (SD) has a high incidence and seriously affects quality of life, mental health and even the manifestation of physical diseases. The combination of Pinellia ternata (Chinese name: banxia) and Prunella vulgaris (Chinese name: xiakucao), known as the Banxia–Xiakucao Chinese herb pair (BXHP), is a proven Chinese herbal medicine that has been used to treat SD for thousands of years due to its significant clinical effects. However, its active pharmacological components and sedative–hypnotic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Thus, the present study used a systematic pharmacological approach to develop pharmacokinetic screens and target predictions via construction of a protein–protein interaction network and annotation database for SD-related and putative BXHP-related targets. Visualization, screening and integrated discovery enrichment analyses were conducted. The BXHP chemical database contains 166 compounds between the two herbal ingredients, and of these, 22 potential active molecules were screened by pharmacokinetic evaluation. The targets of 114 of the active molecules were predicted, and 34 were selected for further analysis. Finally, gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses suggested that BXHP can reduce inflammatory responses. and mediate immune-related and central nervous system neurotransmitters via regulation of multiple targets and pathways. The use of a systematic pharmacology-based approach in the present study further elucidated the mechanisms of action underlying BXHP for the treatment of SD from a holistic perspective and sheds light on the systemic mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicines in general.