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As the amount of metagenomic sequencing continues to increase, there is a growing need for tools that help biologists make sense of the data. Specifically, researchers are often interested in the potential of a microbial community to carry out a metabolic reaction, but this analysis requires knitting together multiple software tools into a complex pipeline. Thanos offers a user-friendly R package designed for the pathway-centric analysis and visualization of the functions encoded within metagenomic samples. It allows researchers to go beyond taxonomic profiles and find out, quantitatively, which pathways are prevalent in an environment, as well as comparing different environments in terms of their functional potential. The analysis is based on the sequencing depth of the genes of interest, either in the metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) or in the assembled reads (contigs), using a normalization strategy that enables comparison across samples. The package can import the data from multiple formats and offers functions for the visualization of the results as bar plots of the functional profile, box plots of compare functions across samples, and annotated pathway graphs. By streamlining the analysis of the functional potential encoded in microbial communities, Thanos can enable impactful discoveries in all the fields touched by metagenomics, from human health to the environmental sciences.

d-Lactic acid serves as a pivotal platform chemical in the production of poly d-lactic acid (PDLA) and other value-added products. This compound can be synthesized by certain bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, industrial-scale lactic acid production in Klebsiella pneumoniae faces challenges due to growth inhibition caused by lactic acid stress, which acts as a bottleneck in commercial microbial fermentation processes. To address this, we employed a combination of evolutionary and genetic engineering approaches to create an improved Klebsiella pneumoniae strain with enhanced lactic acid tolerance and production. In flask fermentation experiments, the engineered strain achieved an impressive accumulation of 19.56 g/L d-lactic acid, representing the highest production yield observed in Klebsiella pneumoniae to date. Consequently, this strain holds significant promise for applications in industrial bioprocessing. Notably, our genome sequencing and experimental analyses revealed a novel correlation between UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase GalU and lactic acid resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of targeting GalU for enhancing d-lactic acid production.

Crystalline calcium fluoride (CaF2) is drawing significant attention due to its great potential of being the gate dielectric of two-dimensional (2D) material MOSFETs. It is deemed to be superior to boron nitride and traditional silicon dioxide (SiO2) because of its larger dielectric constant, wider band gap, and lower defect density. Nevertheless, the CaF2-based MOSFETs fabricated in the experiment still present notable reliability issues, and the underlying reason remains unclear. Here, we studied the various intrinsic defects and adsorbates in CaF2/molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and CaF2/molybdenum disilicon tetranitride (MoSi2N4) interface systems to reveal the most active charge-trapping centers in CaF2-based 2D material MOSFETs. An elaborate Table comparing the importance of different defects in both n-type and p-type devices is provided. Most impressively, the oxygen molecules (O2) adsorbed at the interface or surface, which are inevitable in experiments, are as active as the intrinsic defects in channel materials, and they can even change the MoSi2N4 to p-type spontaneously. These results mean that it is necessary to develop a high-vacuum packaging process, as well as prepare high-quality 2D materials for better device performance.

Underwater extremely low frequency magnetic field mainly comes from the rotation of the ship’s stern shaft and has obvious line spectrum characteristics, long propagation distance, and strong correlation with the ship’s motion in marine environments, which can be used as a feature source of non-acoustic detection. The study of underwater extremely low frequency magnetic field models, propagation, and spatial distribution properties is of great value in promoting applications of extremely low frequency magnetic field detection. Shaft-rate magnetic field is an important component of underwater extremely low frequency magnetic field. In this paper, the generation mechanism of the shaft-rate magnetic field was analyzed, and the time-harmonic dipole model of the shaft-rate magnetic field generated by the corrosion current under the effect of internal modulation was established. The propagation and spatial distribution characteristics of the shaft-rate magnetic field in the marine environment were simulated, and the decay law of the shaft-rate magnetic field was initially given. The dipole model was validated by the controlled simulation source sea test. The results show that the shaft-rate magnetic field generated by the horizontal time-harmonic electric dipole has the largest energy in the horizontal component, followed by the vertical component, and the energy in the longitudinal component is the smallest. At the same time, the shaft-rate magnetic field has a certain directional distribution, and the detection utilizing the horizontal and vertical components can effectively make up the detection blind area by a single component. The multi-path propagation characteristics of the shaft-rate magnetic field generated by the horizontal time-harmonic electric dipole in the shallow water environment exist, and they are dominated by direct and reflected waves in the near region and by direct waves from the sea surface in the far region. The frequency characteristics of the shaft-rate magnetic field are correlated with the ship’s speed and number of blades, which can be used as an effective feature for target identification. The above conclusions can provide support for the identification of extremely low frequency magnetic field detection.

Abstract Background The positioning of implant components for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is essential for joint stability, polyethylene liner wear, and range of motion. One potential benefit of the direct anterior approach (DAA) for THA is the ability to use intraoperative fluoroscopy for acetabular cup positioning and limb-length evaluation. Previous studies comparing intraoperative fluoroscopy with no fluoroscopy during DAA have reported conflicting results. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether intraoperative fluoroscopy improves component positioning compared to no fluoroscopy during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. Methods A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted. We searched Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang database in May 2023 to identify studies involving intraoperative fluoroscopy versus no fluoroscopy during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. Finally, we identified 1262 hips assessed in seven studies. Results There were no significant differences in terms of acetabular cup inclination angle (ACIA, P = 0.21), ACIA within safe zone rate (P = 0.97), acetabular cup anteversion angle (ACAA, P = 0.26); ACAA within safe zone rate (P = 0.07), combined safe zone rate (P = 0.33), and limb-length discrepancy (LLD, P = 0.21) between two groups. Conclusion Even though intraoperative fluoroscopy was not related to an improvement in cup location or LDD. With fewer experienced surgeons, the benefit of intraoperative fluoroscopy might become more evident. More adequately powered and well-designed long-term follow-up studies were required to determine whether the application of the intraoperative fluoroscopy for direct anterior total hip arthroplasty will have clinical benefits and improve the survival of prostheses.

Troglocoelotes Zhao & S. Li, 2019 is the only known genus of Coelotinae of which all species have deep morphological adaptations to the subterranean environment, such as depigmentation of body, degenerated or absent eyes and, frequently, with attenuated bodies and/or appendages. Four species of Troglocoelotes have been reported from Guizhou Province, China.A new funnel-web spider of the genus Troglocoelotes is described and illustrated on the basis of a single female specimen from Tongren City, Guizhou: Troglocoelotes sinanensis sp. nov. Additionally, photos of the collection site and a distribution map are also provided.

Abstract In a large class of nonlocal as well as local higher derivative theories minimally coupled to the matter sector, we investigate the exactness of two different classes of homogeneous Gödel-type solutions, which may or may not allow closed time-like curves (CTC). Our analysis is limited to spacetimes solving the Einstein’s EoM, thus we can not exclude the presence of other Gödel-type solutions solving the EoM of local and nonlocal higher derivative theories but not the Einstein’s EoM. It turns out that the homogeneous Gödel spacetimes without CTC are basically exact solutions for all theories, while the metrics with CTC are not exact solutions of (super-)renormalizable local or nonlocal gravitational theories. Hence, the quantum renormalizability property excludes theories suffering of the Gödel’s causality violation. We also comment about nonlocal gravity non-minimally coupled to matter. In this class of theories, all the Gödel’s spacetimes, with or without CTC, are exact solutions at classical level. However, the quantum corrections, although perturbative, very likely spoil the exactness of such solutions. Therefore, we can state that the Gödel’s Universes with CTC and the super-renormalizability are mutually exclusive.

ObjectiveExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced life support that has been utilized in the neonate for refractory respiratory and circulatory failure. Striving for the best outcomes and understanding optimal surgical techniques continue to be at the forefront of discussion and research. This study presents a single-center experience of cervically cannulated neonatal patients on V-A ECMO, a description of our cannulation/decannulation techniques and our patient outcomes.MethodsSingle center retrospective review of neonates who received neck V-A ECMO support from January 2012 to December 2022. The data and outcomes of the patients were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsA total of 78 neonates received V-A ECMO support. There were 66 patients that received ECMO for respiratory support, the other 12 patients that received ECMO for cardiac support. The median duration of ECMO support was 109 (32–293) hours for all patients. During ECMO support, 20 patients died and 5 patients discontinued treatment due to poor outcome or the cost. A total of 53 (68%) patients were successfully weaned from ECMO, but 3 of them died in the subsequent treatment. Overall 50 (64%) patients survived to hospital discharge. In this study, 48 patients were cannulated using the vessel sparing technique, the other 30 patients were cannulated using the ligation technique. We found no significant difference in the rates of normal cranial MRI at discharge between survivors with and without common carotid artery ligation.ConclusionWe achieved satisfactory outcomes of neonatal ECMO in 11-year experience. This study found no significant difference in early neuroimaging between survivors with and without common carotid artery ligation. The long-term neurological function of ECMO survivors warranted further follow-up and study.

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to examine the impact of short video addiction on college students' sleep quality and to elucidate the mechanism underlying this relationship. Thus, we examined the correlation between short video addiction and sleep quality and analyzed the roles of physical activity and procrastination.MethodsThe Short Video Addiction Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Aitken Procrastination Inventory, and Physical Activity Rating Scale were administered to 337 college students. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Pearson's correlation analysis and mediation analysis using the bootstrapping test were performed for the standard method bias test.Results(1) Overall, 25.2% of college students had problems with sleep quality (indicated by a PSQI score ≥ 8). (2) Short video addiction score is positively correlated with college students' sleep quality score; procrastination score was positively associated with both short video addiction score and sleep quality score, and physical activity score was negatively associated with them. (3) Short video addiction significantly positive predicted sleep quality (β = 0.458, P < 0.001), a significant negative predictive effect on physical exercise (β = −0.183, P < 0.001), and a significant positive effect on procrastination behavior (β = 0.246, P < 0.001). After physical exercise and procrastination behavior were entered into the regression equation, short video addiction and procrastination were significantly positive predictors of sleep quality, and physical activity was significantly negative predictor of sleep quality. (4) After accounting for the variables of age, gender, and grade, physical activity and procrastination behaviors independently mediated the association between short-video addiction and sleep quality. Physical activity and procrastination behavior acted as chain mediators in the association between short video addiction and sleep quality, with a chain mediation effect percentage of 1.04%. Short video addiction directly affects college students' sleep quality, indirectly through physical activity and procrastination behavior.

Abstract The design of catalysts with tunable active sites in heterogeneous interface structures is crucial for addressing challenges in the water‐splitting process. Herein, a hollow spherical heterostructure FeCo‐P is successfully prepared by hydrothermal and phosphorization methods. This hollow structure, along with the heterogeneous interface between Co2P and FeP, not only facilitates the exposure of more active sites, but also increases the contact area between the catalyst and the electrolyte, as well as shortens the distance for mass/electron transfer. This enhancement promotes electron transfer to facilitate water decomposition. FeCo‐P exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution (HER) and oxygen evolution (OER) performance when reaching @ 10 mA cm−2 in 1 mol L−1 KOH, with overpotentials of 131/240 mV for HER/OER. Furthermore, when FeCo‐P is used as both the cathode and anode for overall water splitting (OWS), it only requires low voltages of 1.49, 1.55, and 1.57 V to achieve CDs of 10, 100, and 300 mA cm−2, respectively. Density functional theory calculations indicate that constructing a Co2P and FeP heterogeneous interface with good lattice matching can facilitate electron redistribution, thereby enhancing the electrocatalytic performance of OWS. This work opens up new possibilities for the rational design of efficient water electrolysis catalysts derived from MOFs.

The skin mucus of fish is an important part of the innate immune system, which is poorly understood at the proteomic level. The study established a complete map of the proteins in the skin mucus of Ctenopharangdon idella (C. idella) and discussed the Differentially Expressed Proteins (DEPs) after Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) infection. Using Label Free Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis, a total of 126 proteins were identified as differentially expressed, 89 proteins of which were upregulated, and 37 proteins were downregulated. Functional annotations of DEPs showed that the upregulated proteins in the skin mucus of the treated group were mostly associated with complement system and cytoskeleton proteins, whereas downregulated proteins were associated with metabolism. The key upregulated immune proteins were transferrin variant C, lysozyme g, annexin A11, 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 8, hypothetical protein ROHU_000884, 60S ribosomal L7a, calpain-2 catalytic subunit-like protein, calpain-9-like protein, complement component C9, complement C3, cathepsin S, cathepsin Z, 14 kDa apolipo, heat shock protein and intelectin, whereas, leukocyte elastase inhibitor, annexin A11, C-factor-like protein, biotinidase isoform X1 and epidermal growth factor receptor substrate 15-like were the downregulated proteins. Moreover, we for the first-time report proteins such as coactosin, lamin-B2 and kelch 12, which were never reported in fish. Our study directly pointing out the possible immunological biomarkers in the skin mucus of C. idella after A. hydrophila treatment. Each of the protein we report in this study could be used as base to establish their mechanism of action during bacterial infection that may contribute to the strategies against bacterial prevention and control in fishes.

Channel catfish virus (CCV, Ictalurid herpesvirus 1) is the causative pathogen of channel catfish virus disease, which has caused high mortality and substantial economic losses in the catfish aquaculture industry. Due to the lack of licensed prophylactic vaccines and therapeutic drugs, the prevention and control of CCV infection seem to remain stagnant. Active compounds from medicinal plants offer eligible sources of pharmaceuticals and lead drugs to fight against endemic and pandemic diseases and exhibit excellent effect against viral infection. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral ability of 12 natural compounds against CCV with cell models in vitro and found kaempferol exhibited the strongest inhibitory compound against CCV infection among all the tested compounds. Correspondingly, kaempferol decreased transcription levels of viral genes and the synthesis of viral proteins, as well as reduced proliferation and release of viral progeny, the severity of the CPE induced by CCV in a dose-dependent manner, based on quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), western blotting, viral cytopathic effects (CPE) and viral titer assessment. Moreover, time-of-drug-addition assays, virus attachment, and penetration assays revealed that kaempferol exerted anti-CCV activity probably by blocking attachment and internalization of the viral entry process. Altogether, the present results indicated that kaempferol may be a promising candidate antiviral agent against CCV infection, which shed light on the development of a novel and potent treatment for fish herpesvirus infection.

ABSTRACTIn many Vibrio species, virulence is regulated by quorum sensing, which is regulated by a complex, multichannel, two-component phosphorelay circuit. Through this circuit, sensor kinases transmit sensory information to the phosphotransferase LuxU via a phosphotransfer mechanism, which in turn transmits the signal to the response regulator LuxO. For Vibrio parahaemolyticus, type III secretion system 1 (T3SS1) is required for cytotoxicity, but it is unclear how quorum sensing regulates T3SS1 expression. Herein, we report that a hybrid histidine kinase, ArcB, instead of LuxU, and sensor kinase LuxQ and response regulator LuxO, collectively orchestrate T3SS1 expression in V. parahaemolyticus. Under high oxygen conditions, LuxQ can interact with ArcB directly and phosphorylates the Hpt domain of ArcB. The Hpt domain of ArcB phosphorylates the downstream response regulator LuxO instead of ArcA. LuxO then activates transcription of the T3SS1 gene cluster. Under hypoxic conditions, ArcB autophosphorylates and phosphorylates ArcA, whereas ArcA does not participate in regulating the expression of T3SS1. Our data provides evidence of an alternative regulatory path involving the quorum sensing phosphorelay and adds another layer of understanding about the environmental regulation of gene expression in V. parahaemolyticus.

Objective: Tumor cells hijack inflammatory mechanisms to promote their own growth. IL-6 is one of the major cytokines, and is frequently upregulated in tumors. The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) generates the indispensable building blocks to produce various nucleotides. Here we aimed to determine whether and how PPP is timely tuned in response to IL-6 to support tumor growth. Methods: Protein expression was examined by immunoblot. Protein interaction was examined by immunoprecipitation. Tumor cell proliferation in in vitro culture was examined by BrdU assay and colony formation assay. Tumor cell proliferation in mouse xenograft model was examined by Ki-67 staining. Results: Here we show that the metabolic flux of PPP and enzymatic activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is rapidly induced under IL-6 treatment, without obvious changes in G6PD expression level. Mechanistically, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) phosphorylates G6PD Y437 under IL-6 treatment, which accentuates G6PD enzymatic activity by promoting G6PD binding with its substrate G6P. Further, JAK2-dependent G6PD Y437 phosphorylation is required for IL-6-induced nucleotide biosynthesis and tumor cell proliferation, and is associated with the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: Our findings report a new mechanism implicated in the crosstalk between tumor cells and inflammatory microenvironment, by which JAK2-dependent activation of G6PD governs nucleotide synthesis to support tumor cell proliferation, thereby highlighting its value as a potential anti-tumor target.

ABSTRACTThrombocytopenia is one of the most common hematological adverse reactions in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) therapy, causing life-threatening bleeding cases. However, there are fewer therapeutic drugs for TKI-induced thrombocytopenia. Eltrombopag is a non-peptide thrombopoietin receptor agonist used for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia， aplastic anemia, and hepatitis C-associated thrombocytopenia. Nevertheless, studies of eltrombopag for TKI-induced thrombocytopenia are still lacking. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and test data of 21 CML patients with TKI-related thrombocytopenia. The results demonstrated that the median baseline value of thrombocytopenia in the 21 CML patients was 15.57 × 109/L [2–28 × 109/L]. Following treatment with eltrombopag, 16 patients had a significant increase in their platelet levels. The peak median for platelet increase in effective responders was 145.12 × 109/L (51–460 × 109/L). However, 5 patients failed to respond to eltrombopag. Moreover, 4 of the 21 patients enrolled had adverse reactions, including reversible liver function impairment, palpitation, headache, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Nonetheless, no cases of disease progression, thrombotic events, or myelofibrosis were observed. Hence, eltrombopag may be a useful adjunctive therapy for relieving TKI-related thrombocytopenia in patients with CML.

Interleukins (ILs) are a subgroup of secreted cytokines, which are molecules involved in the intercellular regulation of the immune system. In this study, 12 IL homologs were cloned and functionally identified from obscure puffer Takifugu obscurus, and they were termed as ToIL-1β, ToIL-1, ToIL-6, ToIL-10, ToIL-11, ToIL-12, ToIL-17, ToIL-18, ToIL-20, ToIL-24, ToIL-27, and ToIL-34. Multiple alignment results showed that except for ToIL-24 and ToIL-27, other deduced ToIL proteins shared typical characteristics and structure with other known fish ILs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 12 ToILs were evolutionarily closely related to their counterparts in other selected vertebrates. Tissue distribution assay demonstrated that the mRNA transcripts of most ToIL genes were constitutively expressed in all tissues examined, with relatively high expression in immune tissues. Following Vibrio harveyi and Staphylococcus aureus infection, the expression levels of 12 ToILs in the spleen and liver were significantly upregulated, and their response over time varied. Taken together, these data were discussed accordingly with the ToIL expression and the immune response under the different situations tested. The results suggest that the 12 ToIL genes are involved in the antibacterial immune response in T. obscurus.

Baiyuerius gen. nov., a new genus of the subfamily Coelotinae F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1893 is described, including five new species: B. daxi sp. nov. (♀), B. pindong sp. nov. (♂), B. tamdao sp. nov. (♀), B. zhuping sp. nov. (♂) and B. zuojiang sp. nov. (♂♀), from southern China and northern Vietnam. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses support Baiyuerius gen. nov. as monophyletic and as a sister group of the newly established genus Yunguirius Li, Zhao & Li, 2023.

Abstract Expression of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) keratin-7 antisense (KRT7-AS) is downregulated in various types of cancer; however, the impact of KRT7-AS deficiency on tumorigenesis and apoptosis is enigmatic. We aim to explore the influence of KRT7-AS in carcinogenesis and apoptosis. We found that KRT7-AS was deficient in breast and lung cancers, and low levels of KRT7-AS were a poor prognostic factor in breast cancer. Cellular studies showed that silencing of KRT7-AS in lung cancer cells increased oncogenic Keratin-7 levels and enhanced tumorigenesis, but diminished cancer apoptosis of the cancer cells; by contrast, overexpression of KRT7-AS inhibited lung cancer cell tumorigenesis. Additionally, KRT7-AS sensitized cancer cells to the anti-cancer drug cisplatin, consequently enhancing cancer cell apoptosis. In vivo, KRT7-AS overexpression significantly suppressed tumor growth in xenograft mice, while silencing of KRT7-AS promoted tumor growth. Mechanistically, KRT7-AS reduced the levels of oncogenic Keratin-7 and significantly elevated amounts of the key tumor suppressor PTEN in cancer cells through directly binding to PTEN protein via its core nucleic acid motif GGCAAUGGCGG. This inhibited the ubiquitination-proteasomal degradation of PTEN protein, therefore elevating PTEN levels in cancer cells. We also found that KRT7-AS gene transcription was driven by the transcription factor RXRα; intriguingly, the small molecule berberine enhanced KRT7-AS expression, reduced tumorigenesis, and promoted apoptosis of cancer cells. Collectively, KRT7-AS functions as a new tumor suppressor and an apoptosis enhancer in lung and breast cancers, and we unraveled that the RXRα-KRT7-AS-PTEN signaling axis controls carcinogenesis and apoptosis. Our findings highlight a tumor suppressive role of endogenous KRT7-AS in cancers and an important effect the RXRα-KRT7-AS-PTEN axis on control of cancer cell tumorigenesis and apoptosis, and offer a new platform for developing novel therapeutics against cancers.

A new genus of the subfamily Coelotinae F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1893, Yunguirius gen. nov. is described, comprising two new species and three species previously described in Draconarius Ovtchinnikov, 1999, all from southwest China: Y. duoge sp. nov. (♀), Y. xiangding sp. nov. (♀), Y. ornatus (Wang, Yin, Peng & Xie, 1990) comb. nov. (♂♀) (the type species of Yunguirius gen. nov.), Y. subterebratus (Zhang, Zhu & Wang, 2017) comb. nov. (♀), and Y. terebratus (Peng & Wang, 1997) comb. nov. (♂♀). Molecular analyses support Yunguirius gen. nov. as a monophyletic group, with the Sinodraconarius clade as its sister group: Yunguirius gen. nov. + (Hengconarius + (Nuconarius + Sinodraconarius)).

Abstract Background Global connectivity and environmental change pose continuous threats to dengue invasions from worldwide to China. However, the intrinsic relationship on introduction and outbreak risks of dengue driven by the landscape features are still unknown. This study aimed to map the patterns on source-sink relation of dengue cases and assess the driving forces for dengue invasions in China. Methods We identified the local and imported cases (2006–2020) and assembled the datasets on environmental conditions. The vector auto-regression model was applied to detect the cross-relations of source-sink patterns. We selected the major environmental drivers via the Boruta algorithm to assess the driving forces in dengue outbreak dynamics by applying generalized additive models. We reconstructed the internal connections among imported cases, local cases, and external environmental drivers using the structural equation modeling. Results From 2006 to 2020, 81,652 local dengue cases and 12,701 imported dengue cases in China were reported. The hotspots of dengue introductions and outbreaks were in southeast and southwest China, originating from South and Southeast Asia. Oversea-imported dengue cases, as the Granger-cause, were the initial driver of the dengue dynamic; the suitable local bio-socioecological environment is the fundamental factor for dengue epidemics. The Bio8 [odds ratio (OR) = 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.67–2.68], Bio9 (OR = 291.62, 95% CI: 125.63–676.89), Bio15 (OR = 4.15, 95% CI: 3.30–5.24), normalized difference vegetation index in March (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06–1.51) and July (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.07), and the imported cases are the major drivers of dengue local transmissions (OR = 4.79, 95% CI: 4.34–5.28). The intermediary effect of an index on population and economic development to local cases via the path of imported cases was detected in the dengue dynamic system. Conclusions Dengue outbreaks in China are triggered by introductions of imported cases and boosted by landscape features and connectivity. Our research will contribute to developing nature-based solutions for dengue surveillance, mitigation, and control from a socio-ecological perspective based on invasion ecology theories to control and prevent future dengue invasion and localization. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Occlusal analysis is essential in the dental clinical practice. However, the traditional occlusal analysis performed on the two-dimensional level can not directly correspond to the tooth surface with three-dimensional profile, therefore the clinical guidance value is limited. Methods By combining the 3D digital dental models and quantitative data from 2D occlusal contact analysis, this study constructed a novel digital occlusal analysis method. The validity and reliability of DP and SA were verified by comparing the results of occlusal analysis of 22 participants. ICC values for occlusal contact area (OCA) and occlusal contact number (OCN) were tested. Results Results confirmed the reliability of the two occlusal analysis methods with ICC values of 0.909 for SAOCA, 0.906 for DPOCA, 0.929 for SAOCN and 0.904 for DPOCN. The Bland-Altman plot, paired t-test (tOCN = 0.691, P > 0.05) and Pearson correlation analysis results (R = 0.68, p

Grain size influences the yield and quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.), and grain length is one of the component traits of grain size. In this study, a near-isogenic line LB3 with long grain size was constructed using japonica rice cultivar 02428, with short grain size, as the recipient parent and indica rice cultivar ZYX, with long grain size, as the donor parent, by multi-generation backcrossing and selfing. BSA-seq was used for preliminary QTL mapping and InDel markers were developed to fine map the locus. The major QTL, tentatively named qGL10, for grain length was located in a 128.45 kb region of chromosome 10. Combined with haplotype analysis of rice varieties, expression pattern analysis of candidate genes suggested LOC_Os10g39130 (OsMADS56) as a candidate gene. Sequence alignment of OsMADS56 in 02428 and LB3 revealed that there were 15 SNPs in the promoter region and four in the coding region. Further haplotype analysis suggested that SNP9 (G/A) located in the TGTCACA motif might account for the different expression levels of OsMADS56 in 02428 and LB3. These results lay a foundation for the application of qGL10 in molecular breeding of new rice varieties.

Old landslides in the Loess Plateau, Northwest China usually occurred over a relatively long period, and their sizes are usually smaller compared to old landslides in the alpine valley areas of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Southeast Tibet. These landslide areas may have been changed either partially or greatly, and they are usually covered with vegetation and similar to their surrounding environment. Therefore, it is a great challenge to detect them using high-resolution remote sensing images with only orthophoto view. This paper proposes the optimal-view and multi-view strategic hybrid deep learning (OMV-HDL) method for old loess landslide detection. First, the optimal-view dataset in the Yan’an area (YA-OP) was established to solve the problem of insufficient optical features in orthophoto images. Second, in order to make the process of interpretation more labor-saving, the optimal-view and multi-view (OMV) strategy was proposed. Third, hybrid deep learning with weighted boxes fusion (HDL-WBF) was proposed to detect old loess landslides effectively. The experimental results with the constructed optimal-view dataset and multi-view data show that the proposed method has excellent performance among the compared methods—the F1 score and AP (mean) of the proposed method were improved by about 30% compared with the single detection model using traditional orthophoto-view data—and that it has good detection performance on multi-view data with the recall of 81.4%.

As the main organic materials, straw and manure play a critical role in soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and crop yield in China. This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of straw and manure amendments, both individually and combined, on crop yield, SOC, and soil nutrients in China by collecting 173 studies. The findings of this study revealed that straw return and manure application increased crop yields by 14.4% and 70.4%, respectively, overall. Combined straw and manure application gained a better improvement effect than straw alone but was less effective than manure alone. Regarding the straw return results, rice straw and a 3000–6000 kg ha−1 returning quantity improved crop yield, SOC, available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and total nitrogen (TN) the most; regarding the straw return form, straw incorporated into soil and biochar increased crop yield and SOC more, respectively; and

IntroductionIn recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the visual fatigue caused by steady state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) paradigm. It is well known that the large-scale application of brain-computer interface is closely related to SSVEP, and the fatigue caused by SSVEP paradigm leads to the reduction of application effect. At present, the mainstream method of objectively quantifying visual fatigue in SSVEP paradigm is based on traditional canonical correlation analysis (CCA).MethodsIn this paper, we propose a new SSVEP paradigm visual fatigue quantification algorithm based on underdamped second-order stochastic resonance (USSR) to accurately quantify visual fatigue caused by SSVEP paradigm in different working modes using single-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. This scheme uses the fixed-step energy parameter optimization algorithm we designed, combined with the USSR model, to significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the processed signal at the target characteristic frequency. We not only compared the new algorithm with CCA, but also with the traditional subjective quantitative visual fatigue gold standard Likert fatigue scale.ResultsThere was no significant difference (p = 0.090) between the quantitative value of paradigm fatigue obtained by the single channel SSVEP processed by the new algorithm and the gold standard of subjective fatigue quantification, while there was a significant difference (p

This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults based on gender differences. Data from the eighth wave of Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey were used. We analyzed the influencing factors of depressive symptoms reported by older adults using the chi-squared test and logistic model. Fairlie decomposition analysis was performed to quantify the contribution level of each influencing factor. We found that 11.71 % of older adults met the CES-D-10 criteria for depressive symptoms. Females (13.89 %) reported a significantly higher level of depressive symptoms than males (9.24 %). Age, residence, sleeping time, exercise, activities of daily living functional disability, instrumental activity of daily living functional disability, and living status influenced depressive symptoms in older adults. Higher education and lower body mass index were only significant in male, whereas middle annual income and exercising were significant only in female. The Fairlie decomposition model explained the reasons for 75.64 % of the gender differences in depressive symptoms, with instrumental activity of daily living functional disability (33.60 %), age (−17.79 %), and education level (17.41 %) being major factors affecting gender differences in depressive symptoms. This is the first nationwide study to examine gender differences in depressive symptoms among older adults. These results provide a basis for relevant Chinese government departments to formulate policies to prevent and control depressive symptoms.

BackgroundDespite great efforts in HIV prevention worldwide, HIV testing uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM) remains suboptimal. The effectiveness of digital, crowdsourced, multilevel interventions in improving HIV testing is still unclear. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a digital, crowdsourced, multilevel intervention in improving HIV testing uptake among MSM in China. MethodsWe conducted a 2-arm cluster randomized controlled trial among MSM in 11 cities in Shandong province, China, from August 2019 to April 2020. Participants were men who were HIV seronegative or had unknown serum status, had anal sex with a man in the past 12 months, and had not been tested for HIV in the past 3 months. Participants were recruited through a gay dating app and community-based organizations from preselected cities; these cities were matched into 5 blocks (2 clusters per block) and further randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a digital, crowdsourced, multilevel intervention (intervention arm) or routine intervention (control arm). The digital multilevel intervention was developed through crowdsourced open calls tailored for MSM, consisting of digital intervention images and videos, the strategy of providing HIV self-testing services through digital tools, and peer-moderated discussion within WeChat groups. The primary outcome was self-reported HIV testing uptake in the previous 3 months. An intention-to-treat approach was used to examine the cluster-level effect of the intervention in the 12-month study period using generalized linear mixed models and the individual-level effect using linear mixed models. ResultsA total of 935 MSM were enrolled (404 intervention participants and 531 controls); 751 participants (80.3%) completed at least one follow-up survey. Most participants were younger than 30 years (n=601, 64.3%), single (n=681, 72.8%), had a college degree or higher (n=629, 67.3%), and had an HIV testing history (n=785, 84%). Overall, the proportion of testing for HIV in the past 3 months at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups was higher in the intervention arm (139/279, 49.8%; 148/266, 55.6%; 189/263, 71.9%; and 171/266, 64.3%, respectively) than the control arm (183/418, 43.8%; 178/408, 43.6%; 206/403, 51.1%; and 182/397, 48.4%, respectively), with statistically significant differences at the 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups. At the cluster level, the proportion of participants who had tested for HIV increased 11.62% (95% CI 0.74%-22.5%; P=.04) with the intervention. At the individual level, participants in the intervention arm had 69% higher odds for testing for HIV in the past 3 months compared with control participants, but the result was not statistically significant (risk ratio 1.69, 95% CI 0.87-3.27; P=.11). ConclusionsThe intervention effectively improved HIV testing uptake among Chinese MSM. Our findings highlight that digital, crowdsourced, multilevel interventions should be made more widely available for HIV prevention and other public health issues. Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900024350; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=36718. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.1186/s13063-020-04860-8

Vitellogenesis is the most important stage of ovarian maturation in fish, involving the synthesis and transport of essential yolk substances and their complex mechanisms and coordination process. The liver is the main tissue involved in the vitellogenesis of oviparous animals, but studies of vitellogenesis in fish rarely include the liver and ovary as a whole. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism and associated regulatory factors behind vitellogenesis in Sichuan bream (Sinibrama taeniatus). The different stages of oogenesis were first identified by successive histological observations. Then, ovary and liver tissues that developed to 115 days (stage II, previtellogenesis stage), 165 days (stage III, vitellogenesis stage) and 185 days (stage IV, late-vitellogenesis stage) were collected for transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, and serum testosterone (T), 17β-estradiol (E2), vitellogenin (Vtg), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels were measured at the corresponding stages. We found that energy redistribution during vitellogenesis is mainly regulated through glycolysis, fatty acid biosynthesis and the citrate cycle pathway. In the liver, energy metabolism was promoted by activating glucolipid metabolic pathways to provide sufficient ATP, but at the same time, the ovary tends to retain nutrients rather than decompose them to produce energy. In addition, we have identified several key factors involved in the metabolism of neutral lipids, polar lipids, amino acids and vitamins, which are involved in the assembly and transport of important yolk nutrients. The initiation of vitellogenesis was found to be associated with a surge in serum E2 levels, but the sustained increase in Vtg levels in the late stage may be due more to upregulation of the estrogen receptor. These results provide valuable information about the regulation of ovarian development in cultured fish.

Channel catfish virus (CCV; family Alloherpesviridae) infects channel catfish, causing great harm to aquaculture fisheries and economic development. Attachment is the first step in viral infection and relies on the interaction of virions with components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The present study aimed to explored the role of the main three ECM components in CCV attachment. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that neither collagen nor hyaluronic acid treatments had significant effects on CCV attachment. When exogenous heparin was used as a competitive inhibitor, the adhesion of heparin sodium salt to CCV was dose-dependent. When the concentration of heparin sodium salt was 10 mg/mL, the inhibitory effect on CCV infection of channel catfish ovary (CCO/BB) cells was more than 90%. Heparinase I could significantly prevent CCV attachment by digesting heparan sulfate on the cell surface, and both heparin sodium salt and heparinase I could dose-dependently reduce CCV titers, suggesting that heparin plays an important role in CCV attachment. In addition, the binding experiments between heparin-agarose beads and virions showed that CCV virions could specifically bind to heparin in a dose-dependent manner. The above results suggested that heparan sulfate might be an attachment factor involved in CCV infection of CCO/BB cells. These results increase our understand of the attachment mechanism of CCV and lay the foundation for further research on antiviral drugs.

Panicle traits are important for improving the panicle architecture and grain yield of rice. Therefore, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to analyze and determine the genetic determinants of five panicle traits. A total of 1.29 million single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci were detected in 162 rice materials. We carried out a GWAS of panicle length (PL), total grain number per panicle (TGP), filled grain number per panicle (FGP), seed setting rate (SSR) and grain weight per panicle (GWP) in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PL were detected on chromosomes 1, 6, and 9; one QTL for TGP, FGP, and GWP was detected on chromosome 4; two QTLs for FGP were detected on chromosomes 4 and 7; and one QTL for SSR was detected on chromosome 1. These QTLs were detected via a general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) in both years of the study period. In this study, the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) method was used to verify the accuracy of the GWAS results. There are nine QTLs were both detected by the multi-environment GWAS method and the BLUP method. Moreover, further analysis revealed that three candidate genes, LOC_Os01g43700, LOC_Os09g25784, and LOC_Os04g47890, may be significantly related to panicle traits of rice. Haplotype analysis indicated that LOC_Os01g43700 and LOC_Os09g25784 are highly associated with PL and that LOC_Os04g47890 is highly associated with TGP, FGP, and GWP. Our results offer essential genetic information for the molecular improvement of panicle traits. The identified candidate genes and elite haplotypes could be used in marker-assisted selection to improve rice yield through pyramid breeding.

Sarcopenia is a common skeletal muscle degenerative disease characterized by decreased skeletal muscle mass and mitochondrial dysfunction that involves microRNAs (miR) as regulatory factors in various pathways. Exercise reduces age-related oxidative damage and chronic inflammation and increases autophagy, among others. Moreover, whether aerobic exercise can regulate mitochondrial homeostasis by modulating the miR-128/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway and can improve sarcopenia requires further investigation. Interestingly, zebrafish have been used as a model for aging research for over a decade due to their many outstanding advantages. Therefore, we established a model of zebrafish sarcopenia using d-galactose immersion and observed substantial changes, including reduced skeletal muscle cross-sectional area, increased tissue fibrosis, decreased motility, increased skeletal muscle reactive oxygen species, and notable alterations in mitochondrial morphology and function. We found that miR-128 expression was considerably upregulated, where as Igf1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha were significantly downregulated; moreover, mitochondrial homeostasis was reduced. Four weeks of aerobic exercise delayed sarcopenia progression and prevented the disruption of mitochondrial function and homeostasis. The genes related to atrophy and miR-128 were downregulated, Igf1 expression was considerably upregulated, and the phosphorylation levels of Pi3k, Akt, and Foxo3a were upregulated. Furthermore, mitochondrial respiration and homeostasis were enhanced. In conclusion, aerobic exercise improved skeletal muscle quality and function via the miR-128/IGF-1 signaling pathway, consequently ameliorating mitochondrial homeostasis in aging skeletal muscle.

Both oxyhydrogen and butanol are renewable alternative fuels. Based on gasoline/butanol compound injection mode, although the introduction of oxyhydrogen can effectually enhance the optimal BDIr (butanol direct injection ratio), it also leads to an increase in NO emission. Therefore, this paper further studies the influence of lean-burn on the combustion and emission of ternary-fuel combined supply engine with oxyhydrogen/butanol/gasoline. In this paper, three variables are set, namely five BDIr (0–80%), five ONPIv (oxyhydrogen negative pressure inhalation volume) (0–16 L/min) and five λ (1.0–1.4). The results show that the larger the λ, the more significant the impact of oxyhydrogen on improving combustion and thermal transfer inside the cylinder. With the increase of ONPIv, CoVIMEP, CA 10–90 and CA 0-10 decrease, IMEP increases. Under all lean-burn conditions, ONPI can reduce CO and HC emissions. Under the condition of λ = 1.4, when ONPIv = 16 L/min, NO emission is 49.98% lower than the value of the original engine. Moreover, based on BDIr = 40%, 16 L/min ONPIv can elevate the λ limit from 1.41 to 1.83. In summary, “1.1 = λ ≤ 1.2+ONPIv = 16 L/min+60%≤BDIr≤80%” is the excellent control strategy of ONPI + BDI + GPI engine. The synergistic influence of lean-burn and larger BDIr can greatly reduce gasoline consumption and NOx emission caused by oxyhydrogen, but also worsen the mixture combustion atmosphere. ONPI can effectively improve this problem, and further increase energy efficiency. The coupling technology of ternary-fuel combined supply and lean-burn has a positive impact on improving thermal transfer efficiency, optimizing mixture combustion and decreasing gaseous emission.

Abstract Background Exercise-related signaling Fndc5/irisin expresses in brain and acts as a crucial regulator of cognitive function, but its detailed roles in vascular dementia (VaD) are still unclear. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a novel brain stimulation approach, has been suggested as a promising treatment for dementia. Here, we investigated the activity and efficacy of Fndc5/irisin in experimental VaD, further explored whether the potential effects of LIPUS on VaD is related to Fndc5/irisin. Methods Mouse model of VaD was established with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) using bilateral common carotid arteries stenosis (BCAS). Transcranial LIPUS was applied 24 h after BCAS and subsequently daily with a stimulation time of 5 min at an ultrasound pressure of 0.51 MPa for a period of 28 days. The levels of Fndc5/irisin in different brain regions, the hippocampal long-term potentiation and anti-inflammatory cytokines were investigated at day 28 after cognitive evaluation. Global Fndc5 knock-out (F5KO), forced expression or knockdown of Fndc5, and recombinant irisin application were respectively employed for mechanism exploration. The neuron dendritic spine density and astrocyte phenotype were detected in vitro. Results Fndc5/irisin was reduced in hippocampus of BCAS mice, forced expression hippocampal Fndc5 or bilateral intrahippocampal injection of recombinant irisin respectively improved hippocampal synaptic plasticity or inflammatory microenvironment, and then alleviated the cognitive impairments. LIPUS existed a positive efficacy in enhancing hippocampal Fndc5/irisin in BCAS mice, thus triggering a beneficial neuromodulation for VaD protection. Importantly, the neurorestorative effects of LIPUS on CCH-induced damages were totally reversed by knockdown the expression of hippocampal Fndc5 in WT mice, or in F5KO mice. Moreover, Fndc5 mediated the upregulated effects of LIPUS on spine density as well as irisin secretion of hippocampal neurons. The neuron-secreted irisin further drove reactive astrocytes to a neuroprotective phenotype. Conclusion LIPUS induced a neurorestorative stimulation against VaD may be through upregulation of the hippocampal Fndc5/irisin levels. Hippocampal Fndc5/irisin signaling might be a promising strategic target for VaD.

Abstract Cell death mechanisms in T lymphocytes vary according to their developmental stage, cell subset and activation status. The cell death control mechanisms of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a specialized T cell population, are largely unknown. Here we report that MAIT cells express key necroptotic machinery; receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) protein, in abundance. Despite this, we discovered that the loss of RIPK3, but not necroptotic effector MLKL or apoptotic caspase-8, specifically increased MAIT cell abundance at steady-state in the thymus, spleen, liver and lungs, in a cell-intrinsic manner. In contrast, over the course of infection with Francisella tularensis, RIPK3 deficiency did not impact the magnitude of the expansion nor contraction of MAIT cell pools. These findings suggest that, distinct from conventional T cells, the accumulation of MAIT cells is restrained by RIPK3 signalling, likely prior to thymic egress, in a manner independent of canonical apoptotic and necroptotic cell death pathways.

Abstract Objective Thyroid hormones stimulate myogenesis and muscle contraction and regulate skeletal muscle cell metabolism. However, the association between thyroid hormone levels and mortality in sarcopenic older adults remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid hormones and all-cause mortality in people over 80 years of age with sarcopenia. Methods This study was performed on 264 sarcopenic patients aged 80 years and older. Serum levels of thyroid hormone, including free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were tested to evaluate thyroid status. Sarcopenia was defined using the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Mortality data were available for up to 38 months of follow-up. The correlation between FT3 and calf circumference (CC) or handgrip strength (HGS) was determined by Pearson correlation analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the differences between FT3 tertile groups. Cox regression was used to analyze the mortality risk ratio of patients with different FT3 tertiles. Results During the follow-up period, 88 older adults died. Non-Survivors had lower serum FT3 levels (3.7 ± 0.5 vs. 3.9 ± 0.7, P = 0.001) than the Survivor. Serum FT3 was positively associated with CC and HGS (r = 0.29, P

Objective Cartilage defect is a common pathology still lacking a unified treating option. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical and radiological outcome of cartilage restoration of knee joint with allogenic next‐generation Matrix‐Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) for the first time, as well as the correlation between postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes and preoperative patient history and demographics. Methods From July 2014 to August 2020, 15 patients who went through cartilage restoration with allogenic next‐generation MACI were included in this study. Patient demographics and PROM including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, Lysholm score, Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were obtained preoperatively, at 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively and the last follow‐up using an online questionnaire platform. MOCART 2.0 score was calculated at the last follow‐up. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare PROM pre‐ and post‐operation, with two‐tailed p

This paper proposes a novel end-to-end controller for the lower-limb exoskeleton for human performance augmentation (LEHPA) systems based on deep reinforcement learning (E2EDRL). The model-free controller contains two control levels: the high-level control responsible for end-to-end human motion intention recognition based on the exoskeleton state signals and the human-exoskeleton interaction (HEI) force signals by deep neural network predictor, and the low-level control for motion tracking by joint PD controllers. The deep neural network predictor does not require complex kinematic calculations that are inevitable in conventional human motion intention recognition methods. We execute the learning process in simulation to learn the E2EDRL strategy efficiently and safely by constructing a novel multibody simulation environment and proposing its specific hybrid inverse-forward dynamics simulation method. The passive mode (all joints remain unpowered) is introduced as a benchmark for comparison purposes. A novel performance assessment method based on HEI forces is put forward to evaluate the E2EDRL strategy quantitatively. The global ratio of the HEI forces in the E2EDRL strategy relative to those in the passive mode is as low as 0.65. The global reduction of the HEI forces demonstrates the superior control performance of the E2EDRL strategy.

The lower-limb exoskeleton for human performance augmentation (LEHPA) in sensitivity amplification control (SAC) is vulnerable to model parameter uncertainties and unmodeled dynamics due to its large sensitivity to external disturbances resulting from the positive feedback by the inverse dynamic model of the exoskeleton. This paper firstly proposes to combine SAC with deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to reduce the dependence on the model accuracy and tackle the ever-changing human-exoskeleton interaction (HEI) dynamics. The sensitivity adjustment is interpreted as finding the optimal policy for a Markov Decision Process (MDP) and solved using deep reinforcement learning algorithms. To train the policy safely and efficiently, a multibody simulation environment is created to implement the training process, accompanied by a novel hybrid inverse-forward dynamics simulation method to carry out the simulation. For comparison purposes, the SAC controller is introduced as a benchmark. A novel performance evaluation method based on the HEI forces at the back, thighs, and shanks is proposed to evaluate the control effect of the trained SADRL controller quantitatively. The SADRL controller is compared with the SAC controller at five specified walking speeds, resulting in a lumped HEI force ratio as low as 0.54. The total decrease of HEI forces demonstrates the superior control effect of the SADRL strategy.

A 300-Gbit/s free-space optical communication system is demonstrated in the mid-IR wavelength region by using both wavelength- and mode-division multiplexing.

Abstract Background Limited evidence is available about the association between tropical cyclones and dengue incidence. This study aimed to examine the effects of tropical cyclones on the incidence of dengue and to explore the vulnerable populations in Guangzhou, China. Methods Weekly dengue case data, tropical cyclone and meteorological data during the tropical cyclones season (June to October) from 2015 to 2019 were collected for the study. A quasi-Poisson generalized linear model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was conducted to quantify the association between tropical cyclones and dengue, controlling for meteorological factors, seasonality, and long-term trend. Proportion of dengue cases attributable to tropical cyclone exposure was calculated. The effect difference by sex and age groups was calculated to identify vulnerable populations. The tropical cyclones were classified into two levels to compare the effects of different grades of tropical cyclones on the dengue incidence. Results Tropical cyclones were associated with an increased number of dengue cases with the maximum risk ratio of 1.41 (95% confidence interval 1.17–1.69) in lag 0 week and cumulative risk ratio of 2.13 (95% confidence interval 1.28–3.56) in lag 0–4 weeks. The attributable fraction was 6.31% (95% empirical confidence interval 1.96–10.16%). Men and the elderly were more vulnerable to the effects of tropical cyclones than the others. The effects of typhoons were stronger than those of tropical storms among various subpopulations. Conclusions Our findings indicate that tropical cyclones may increase the incidence of dengue within a 4-week lag in Guangzhou, China, and the effects were more pronounced in men and the elderly. Precautionary measures should be taken with a focus on the identified vulnerable populations to control the transmission of dengue associated with tropical cyclones. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been reported to be the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection of host cells. Understanding the changes in bronchoalveolar epithelial cells after SARS-CoV-2 infection of host cells and the intercellular communication relationship between these epithelial cell changes and immune cells is of great significance for the development of therapeutic methods. Methods We explored the single-cell RNA sequence (scRNA-seq) of cells infected with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BaLF) of patients with different severities of SARS-CoV-2 and healthy people. Results We found 11 clusters of epithelial cells in the BaLF, and they were derived from the S group. In the S group, the proportion of cells with positive ACE2 expression was relatively high. ACE2 was relatively more expressed in epithelial cell clusters 1, 3, and 7. Clusters 4 and 5 represented the original state, and there were two differentiation directions: one was cluster 2, and the others were clusters 1, 3, and 6. Cluster 7 was the intermediate state. Clusters 1, 3, 6, and 7 had high similarities (> 0.9), and their main signaling pathways focused on inflammatory activation and immune response. Cluster 2 was relatively specific and was up-regulated in differential genes that were mainly related to apoptosis. The ligand-receptor expression pattern of TNFRSF10D-TNFSF10 showed a special inter-cell regulatory relationship between epithelial cell cluster 2 and macrophages. Conclusion This study revealed the changes in epithelial cells derived from alveolar lavage fluid after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the communication relationship with other immune cells.

IntroductionThe insular cortex is involved in multiple physiological processes including working memory, pain, emotion, and interoceptive functions. Previous studies have indicated that the anterior insular cortex (aIC) also mediates interoceptive attention in humans. However, the exact cellular and physiological function of the aIC in the regulation of this process is still elusive.MethodsIn this study, using the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) testing paradigm, we assessed the role of the aIC in visuospatial attention and impulsiveness in mice.ResultsThe results showed a dramatic activation of c-Fos in the aIC CaMKIIα neurons after the 5-CSRTT procedure. In vivo fiber photometry revealed enhanced calcium signaling in aIC CaMKIIα neurons when the mice responded correctly. In addition, chemogenetic suppression of aIC CaMKIIα neurons led to increased incorrect responses within the appropriate time. Importantly, pharmacological activation of aIC CaMKIIα neurons enhanced their performance in the 5-CSRTT test.DiscussionThese results provide compelling evidence that aIC CaMKIIα neurons are essential for the modulation of attentional processing in mice.

IntorductionColoration is a prominent trait in fish that is closely linked to their market value. Fish exhibit a diverse range of body colors, making them an excellent model for studying molecular mechanisms underlying pigmentation. Although regulatory pathways involved in pigmentation have been extensively studied in model fish such as zebrafish and medaka, the presence of varying chromatophore types across different fish species suggests that fish pigmentation mechanisms are not fixed. Therefore, more studies should be conducted on non-model fish. Sinibrama taeniatus is an endemic fish in the upper Yangtze River that is highly valued for its ornamental and edible properties.MethodsIn this study, we identified three chromatophore types in S. taeniatus and investigated changes in body color, chromatophores, and pigments at different developmental stages. Subsequently, RNA-seq analysis revealed that retinol metabolism, thyroid hormone synthesis, purine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism pathway are closely associated with pigmentation.ResultsWeighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified several hub genes, including mitf, wnt 9a, wnt10b, wnt11, adcy5, edn1, adcy8, and rdh8, that may play an important role in pigmentation.DiscussionOverall, our findings provide valuable insights into the role of genes and pathways in fish pigmentation and offer useful information for body color-based molecular breeding programs in aquaculture.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor that occurs in the wall of the nasopharyngeal cavity and is prevalent in Southern China, Southeast Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. According to studies, NPC is one of the most common malignant tumors in Hainan, China, and it has the highest incidence rate among otorhinolaryngological malignancies. We proposed a new deep learning network model to improve the segmentation accuracy of the target region of nasopharyngeal cancer. Our model is based on the U-Net-based network, to which we add Dilated Convolution Module, Transformer Module, and Residual Module. The new deep learning network model can effectively solve the problem of restricted convolutional fields of perception and achieve global and local multi-scale feature fusion. In our experiments, the proposed network was trained and validated using 10-fold cross-validation based on the records of 300 clinical patients. The results of our network were evaluated using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and the average symmetric surface distance (ASSD). The DSC and ASSD values are 0.852 and 0.544 mm, respectively. With the effective combination of the Dilated Convolution Module, Transformer Module, and Residual Module, we significantly improved the segmentation performance of the target region of the NPC.

To evaluate the synchronization of bivariate time series has been a hot topic, and a number of measures have been proposed. In this work, by introducing the ordinal pattern transition network into the crossplot, a new method for measuring the synchronization of bivariate time series is proposed. After the crossplot been partitioned and coded, the coded partitions are defined as network nodes and a directed weighted network is constructed based on the temporal adjacency of the nodes. The crossplot transition entropy of the network is proposed as an indicator of the synchronization between two time series. To test the characteristics and performance of the method, it is used to analyse the unidirectional coupled Lorentz model and compared it with existing methods. The results showed the new method had the advantages of easy parameter setting, efficiency, robustness, good consistency and suitability for short time series. Finally, electroencephalogram (EEG) data from auditory-evoked potential EEG-biometric dataset are investigated, and some useful and interesting results are obtained.

BackgroundThe efficiency of primary health care services is drawing increased attention worldwide, especially in developing countries. Health care reform in China has moved into the ‘deep water zone’ phase and is facing the dilemma of inefficiency in primary health care services, which is a critical challenge for universal health coverage.MethodsIn this study, we estimate the efficiency of primary health care services in China and its determinants. A combination of a super-SBM (Slack-Based Measure) model, a Malmquist productivity index model and a Tobit model is used to study provincial panel data, and the results demonstrate the inefficiency of primary health care services in China and the variations in efficiency values between regions.ResultsOver time, the productivity of primary health care services shows a decreasing trend, mainly due to slowing technology change. Financial support is needed to improve the efficiency of primary health care services, but it is worth noting that existing social health insurance coverage decreases efficiency, while economic development, urbanization and education also have a significant impact.ConclusionThe findings suggest that increasing financial support should remain a priority in developing countries but that reasonable reimbursement design, appropriate payment methods and comprehensive supporting social health insurance policies are key to the next step of reform.

Background: N-linoleyltyrosine (NITyr), one of the anandamide analogs, exerts activity via the endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), which showed anti-tumor effects in various tumors. Therefore, we speculated that NITyr might show anti-non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) effects via the CB1 or CB2 receptor. The purpose of the investigation was to reveal the anti-tumor ability of NITyr on A549 cells and its mechanisms.Methods: The viability of A549 cells was measured by MTT assay, and the cell cycle and apoptosis were both examined by flow cytometry; in addition, cell migration was tested by wound healing assay. Apoptosis-related markers were measured by immunofluorescence. The downstream signaling pathways (PI3K, ERK, and JNK) of CB1 or CB2 were examined through Western blotting. The expressions of CB1 and CB2 were detected by immunofluorescence. Finally, the AutoDock software was used to validate the binding affinity between the targets, such as CB1 and CB2, with NITyr.Results: We found that NITyr inhibited cell viability, hindered the cell cycle, resulted in apoptosis, and inhibited migration. The CB1 inhibitor, AM251, and the CB2 inhibitor, AM630, weakened the aforementioned phenomenon. The immunofluorescence assay suggested that NITyr upregulated the expression of CB1 and CB2. Western blot analysis indicated that NITyr upregulated the expression of p-ERK, downregulated the expression of p-PI3K, and did not affect p-JNK expression. In conclusion, NITyr showed a role in inhibiting NSCLC through the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors involved in PI3K and ERK pathways.

ObjectiveThis review aims to determine the incidence and risk of pancreatic adverse events (AEs) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy for solid tumors.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to March 15, 2023, to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing ICIs with standard treatment in solid tumors. We included studies that reported immune-related pancreatitis or elevation of serum amylase or lipase levels. Following protocol registration in PROSPERO, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.Results59 unique randomized controlled trials with at least one ICI-containing arm (41 757 patients) were retrieved. The incidences for all-grade pancreatitis, amylase elevation and lipase elevation were 0.93% (95% CI 0.77-1.13), 2.57% (95% CI 1.83-3.60) and 2.78% (95% CI 1.83-4.19), respectively. The incidences for grade ≥3 pancreatitis, amylase elevation and lipase elevation were 0.68% (95% CI 0.54-0.85), 1.17% (95% CI 0.83-1.64) and 1.71% (95% CI 1.18-2.49), respectively. The use of ICIs was associated with an increased risk of all-grade pancreatic immune-related AEs (irAEs) including pancreatitis (OR=2.04, 95% CI 1.42-2.94, P =0.0001), amylase elevation (OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.47-2.49, P < 0.0001) and lipase elevation (OR=1.77, 95% CI 1.37-2.29, P < 0.0001). In addition to these, the post-hoc analysis found that PD-1 inhibitors had a significant higher risk of pancreatic AEs compared with PD-L1 inhibitors and the patients undergoing dual ICI therapy were at a significantly higher risk of pancreatic AEs than the patients receiving single ICI therapy.ConclusionOur study provides an overview of the incidence and risk of ICI-associated pancreatitis and pancreatic enzyme elevations in the treatment of solid tumors. Our findings may help raise awareness among clinicians of the potential for ICI-associated pancreatic AEs in clinical practice.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier 345350.

Lunar regolith is the preferred material for lunar base construction using in situ resource utilization technology. The TiO2 variations in lunar regolith collected from different locations significantly impact its suitability as a construction material. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the effects of TiO2 on the properties of lunar regolith. This study aims to evaluate the influence of TiO2 content and sintering temperature on phase transformation, microstructure, and macroscopic properties (e.g., the shrinkage rate, mechanical properties, and relative density) of lunar regolith simulant samples (CUG-1A). The flexural strength and relative density of the sample with a TiO2 content of 6 wt% sintered at 1100 °C reached 136.66 ± 4.92 MPa and 91.06%, which were 65% and 12.28% higher than those of the sample not doped with TiO2, respectively. The experiment demonstrated that the doped TiO2 not only reacted with Fe to form pseudobrookite (Fe2TiO5) but also effectively reduced the viscosity of the glass phase during heat treatment. As the sintering temperature increased, the particles underwent a gradual melting process, leading to a higher proportion of the liquid phase. The higher liquid-phase content had a positive impact on the diffusion of mass transfer, causing the voids and gaps between particles to shrink. This shrinkage resulted in greater density and, ultimately, improved the mechanical properties of the material.