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One of the major challenges in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system design is the salient trade-off between performance and computational complexity. For instance, the maximum likelihood (Max-L) detection is capable of achieving optimal performance based on exhaustive search, but its exponential computational complexity renders it impractical. By contrast, zero-forcing detection has low computational complexity, while having significantly worse performance compared to that of the Max-L. The recent developments in deep learning (DL) based detection techniques relying on back propagation neural networks (BPNN) constitute promising candidates for the open challenge of the MIMO detection performance versus complexity trade-off. Against this background, in this paper, we propose a novel partial learning (PL) model for MIMO detection with soft-bit decisions that can be incorporated into channel-coded communication systems. More explicitly, the proposed PL model consists of two parts: first, a subset of the transmitted MIMO symbols is detected by the data-driven DL technique and then the detected symbols are removed from the received MIMO signals for the sake of interference cancellation. Afterwards, the classic model-based zero-forcing detector is invoked to detect the remaining symbols at a linear complexity. As a result, near-optimal MIMO performance can be achieved with substantially reduced computational complexity compared to Max-L and BPNN. The proposed solution is adapted to both accept and produce soft information, so that iterative detection can be performed, where the iteration gain is analyzed by extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) charts. Our simulation results demonstrate that the proposed partial learning-based iterative detection is capable of attaining near-Max-L performance while attaining a flexible performance versus complexity trade-off.

Abstract Background The nitro group constitutes a significant functional moiety within numerous valuable substances, such as nitroimidazoles, a class of antimicrobial drugs exhibiting broad spectrum activity. Conventional chemical methods for synthesizing nitro compounds suffer from harsh conditions, multiple steps, and environmental issues. Biocatalysis has emerged as a promising alternative to overcome these drawbacks, with certain enzymes capable of catalyzing nitro group formation gradually being discovered in nature. Nevertheless, the practical application is hindered by the restricted diversity and low catalytic activity exhibited by the reported nitrifying enzymes. Results A novel N-oxygenase SaRohS harboring higher catalytic capability of transformation 2-aminoimidazole to azomycin was characterized from Saccharothrix sp. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that SaRohS belongs to the heme-oxygenase-like diiron oxygenase (HDOs) family. SaRohS exhibited optimal activity at pH 5.5 and 25 ℃, respectively. The enzyme maintained relatively stable activity within the pH range of 4.5 to 6.5 and the temperature range of 20 ℃ to 35 ℃. Following sequence alignment and structural analysis, several promising amino acid residues were meticulously chosen for catalytic performance evaluation. Site-directed mutations showed that threonine 75 was essential for the catalytic activity. The dual mutant enzyme G95A/K115T exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency, which was approximately 5.8-fold higher than that of the wild-type and 22.3-fold higher than that of the reported N-oxygenase KaRohS from Kitasatospora azatica. The underlying catalytic mechanism was investigated through molecular docking and molecular dynamics. Finally, whole-cell biocatalysis was performed and 2-aminoimidazole could be effectively converted into azomycin with a reaction conversion rate of 42% within 14 h. Conclusions An efficient N-oxygenase that catalyzes 2-aminoimidazole to azomycin was screened form Saccharothrix sp., its phylogenetics and enzymatic properties were analyzed. Through site-directed mutation, enhancements in catalytic competence were achieved, and the molecular basis underlying the enhanced enzymatic activity of the mutants was revealed via molecular docking and dynamic simulation. Furthermore, the application potential of this enzyme was assessed through whole cell biocatalysis, demonstrating it as a promising alternative method for azomycin production. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background This study was conducted to develop a simplified Chinese version of the central sensitization inventory (CSI-CV) and to evaluate its reliability and validity. Methods The CSI-CV was developed through a process involving the translation and back translation of the original CSI. Subsequently, experts reviewed and revised the content of the items to ensure their appropriateness. A total of 325 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), who were scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA), completed the CSI-CV at a prominent orthopedic center in Xi'an, China. Afterward, a random selection of 100 participants was chosen for retesting after one week. The reliability and validity of the inventory were evaluated through exploratory factor analysis, correlation coefficient calculation and other methods. Results The CSI-CV consists of 25 items in five dimensions (emotional distress, headache and jaw symptoms, physical symptoms, urological symptoms, and fatigue and sleep problems). The cumulative variance contribution rate was 75.3%, the Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.83, the Guttman split-half reliability coefficient was 0.88 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.965. The CSI-CV scores correlated moderately with the total scores of the brief pain inventory (r = 0.506), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (r = 0.466) and EuroQoL Group's five-dimension questionnaire (r = 0.576). Conclusions The findings demonstrate that the CSI was successfully trans-culturally adapted into a simplified Chinese version (CSI-CV) that was reliable and valid for Chinese-speaking patients who awaiting TKA for KOA.

Aim: Respiratory failure is common after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (EC). This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with postoperative respiratory failure following esophagectomy for EC. Methods: A single-center observational study from China was conducted on 262 patients with EC who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy between April 2014 and June 2016. The patients were divided into two groups: group I (respiratory failure) and group II (without respiratory failure). Demographic and perioperative variables, tumor-related factors, surgical factors, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, and clinical course were compared between the groups. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the risk factors of postoperative respiratory failure after esophagectomy. Results: Among the 262 patients, 24 (9.2%) developed respiratory failure. Univariable analysis revealed several risk factors, including age, smoking, comorbidities, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), forced vital capacity (FVC), FVC percentage (FVC%), urine volume during surgery, and APACHE II score. Multivariable analysis showed that age, comorbidities of diabetes mellitus (DM), FVC%, urine volume during surgery, and APACHE II score were independent predictors of respiratory failure. Specifically, elderly patients (> 65 years) with comorbidities of DM, lower FVC%, higher urine volume during surgery, and elevated APACHE II score were found to be more susceptible to respiratory failure, resulting in prolonged hospitalization and increased healthcare burden. These findings emphasize the importance of considering these factors in the management and care of patients at risk of respiratory failure. Conclusions: As a common complication following esophagectomy for EC. Respiratory failure is significantly associated with age, comorbidities of DM, FVC%, urine volume during surgery, and APACHE II score in the dataset. The findings will contribute to the evaluation of the risk of respiratory failure and guide early intervention strategies in clinical decision-making.

High temperatures during a fire can lead to the evaporation of moisture and the degradation of hydration products within concrete, consequently compromising its mechanical properties. This paper thoroughly investigates the effect of fire-induced high temperatures on the residual load-bearing capacity of concrete structures, with a focus on prestressed concrete T-beams. By conducting constant temperature tests and residual load-bearing capacity tests, complemented by finite element modeling, this study examines the degradation of mechanical properties in prestressed concrete T-beams due to fire exposure and its impact on post-fire residual load-bearing capacity. Additionally, an equivalent concrete compressive strength method was employed to propose a calculation method for concrete material degradation under high temperatures and a corresponding concrete strength reduction factor. Simplified calculations were also performed for the high-temperature damage to reinforcement and prestressed tendons, leading to the derivation of a simplified formula for the residual load-bearing capacity of post-fire prestressed concrete T-beams. The results indicate that in prestressed concrete T-beams exposed to fire, an increase in holding time results in more severe damage modes, accelerated crack propagation, and wider crack widths during bending failure. Under the same load, a longer holding time corresponds to a more pronounced reduction in deflection. At holding times of 60 min, 120 min, and 180 min, the prestress losses were 48.17%, 85.16%, and 93.26%, respectively. The cracking load decreased by 15%, 27%, and 42%, while the residual load-bearing capacity decreased by 11%, 21%, and 28%. Comparison with experimental data demonstrates that both the finite element model and the simplified calculation formula exhibit high accuracy, offering a reliable reference for the performance evaluation of post-fire prestressed concrete T-beams.

Conductive hydrogels are promising active materials for wearable flexible electronics, yet it is still challenging to fabricate conductive hydrogels with good environmental stability and electrical properties. In this work, a conductive MXene/LiCl/poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) hydrogel system was successfully prepared with an impressive conductivity of 12.2 S/m. Interestingly, the synergistic effect of MXene and a lithium bond can significantly accelerate the polymerization process, forming the conductive hydrogel within 1 min. In addition, adding LiCl to the hydrogel not only significantly increases its water retention ability, but also enhances its conductivity, both of which are important for practical applications. The flexible strain sensors based on the as-prepared hydrogel have demonstrated excellent monitoring ability for human joint motion, pulse, and electromyographic signals. More importantly, based on machine learning image recognition technology, the handwritten letter recognition system displayed a high accuracy rate of 93.5%. This work demonstrates the excellent comprehensive performance of MXene-based hydrogels in health monitoring and image recognition and shows potential applications in human–machine interfaces and artificial intelligence.

Accurate observation of nearshore waves is crucial for coastal safety. In this study, the feasibility of extracting wave information from wave video images captured by shore-based cameras using deep learning methods was explored, focusing on inverting nearshore significant wave height (SWH) from instantaneous wave video images. The accuracy of deep learning models in classifying wind wave and swell wave images was investigated, providing reliable classification results for SWH inversion research. A classification network named ResNet-SW for wave types with improved ResNet was proposed. On this basis, the impact of instantaneous wave images, meteorological factors, and oceanographic factors on SWH inversion was evaluated, and an inversion network named Inversion-Net for SWH that integrates multiple factors was proposed. The inversion performance was significantly enhanced by the specialized models for wind wave and swell. Additionally, the inversion accuracy and stability were further enhanced by improving the loss function of Inversion-Net. Ultimately, time series inversion results were synthesized from the outputs of multiple models; the final inversion results yielded a mean absolute error of 0.04 m and a mean absolute percentage error of 8.52%. Despite certain limitations, this method can still serve as a useful alternative for wave observation.

The automatic and accurate segmentation of bladder tumors is a key step in assisting urologists in diagnosis and analysis. At present, existing Transformer-based methods have limited ability to restore local detail features and insufficient boundary segmentation capabilities. We propose FEBE-Net, which aims to effectively capture global and remote semantic features, preserve more local detail information, and provide clearer and more precise boundaries. Specifically, first, we use PVT v2 backbone to learn multi-scale global feature representations to adapt to changes in bladder tumor size and shape. Secondly, we propose a new feature exploration attention module (FEA) to fully explore the potential local detail information in the shallow features extracted by the PVT v2 backbone, eliminate noise, and supplement the missing fine-grained details for subsequent decoding stages. At the same time, we propose a new boundary enhancement and refinement module (BER), which generates high-quality boundary clues through boundary detection operators to help the decoder more effectively preserve the boundary features of bladder tumors and refine and adjust the final predicted feature map. Then, we propose a new efficient self-attention calibration decoder module (ESCD), which, with the help of boundary clues provided by the BER module, gradually and effectively recovers global contextual information and local detail information from high-level features after calibration enhancement and low-level features after exploration attention. Extensive experiments on the cystoscopy dataset BtAMU and five colonoscopy datasets have shown that FEBE-Net outperforms 11 state-of-the-art (SOTA) networks in segmentation performance, with higher accuracy, stronger robust stability, and generalization ability.

Low-temperature freezing stress constitutes the most significant meteorological disaster during the overwintering period in the Nanfeng Tangerine (NT) production area, severely impacting the normal growth and development of the plants. Currently, the accuracy of meteorological disaster warnings and forecasts for NT orchards remains suboptimal, primarily due to the absence of quantitative meteorological indicators for low-temperature freezing stress. Therefore, this study employed NT plants as experimental subjects and conducted controlled treatment experiments under varying intensities of low-temperature freezing stress (0 °C, −2 °C, −5 °C, −7 °C, and −9 °C) and durations (1 h, 4 h, and 7 h). Subsequently, physiological and biochemical parameters were measured, including photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, reactive oxygen species, osmoregulatory substances, and antioxidant enzyme activities in NT plants. The results demonstrated that low-temperature freezing stress adversely affected the photosynthetic system of NT plants, disrupted the dynamic equilibrium of the antioxidant system, and compromised cellular stability. The severity of freezing damage increased with decreasing temperature and prolonged exposure. Chlorophyll (a/b) ratio (Chl (a/b)), maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), soluble sugar, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were identified as key indicators for assessing physiological and biochemical changes in NT plants. Utilizing these four parameters, a comprehensive score (CS) model of freezing damage was developed to quantitatively evaluate the growth status of NT plants across varying low-temperature freezing damage gradients and durations. Subsequently, the freezing damage grade index for NT plants during the overwintering period was established. Specifically, Level 1 for CS ≤ −0.50, Level 2 for −0.5 < CS ≤ 0, Level 3 for 0 < CS ≤ 0.5, and Level 4 for 0.5 < CS. The research results provide valuable data for agricultural meteorological departments to carry out disaster monitoring, early warning, and prevention and control.

Radial gate, a spatial frame structure, is the key factor to control water discharge in dam structure and storm surge barriers. However, the fluid-induced vibration (FIV) problem always occurs owing to fluctuation loads exerted on the gate, threatening the safety of hydropower stations. In this work, two fluid–structure interaction (FSI) modal analysis methods—the coupled acoustics–structure method and the added-mass method—are provided. Further, a comprehensive investigation on the vibration characteristics of the spatial radial gate, considering spatial structural characteristics and the FSI effect, is conducted. The numerical results revealed that the feasibility of the proposed coupled acoustics–structure method in analyzing FSI modal analysis was demonstrated; moreover, a reasonable length of the fluid domain in front of the skinplate existed for efficient computation. Meanwhile, through the added-mass method, the rational added-mass discount factor of hydrodynamic loads obtained from the Westergaard formula was provided. The FSI effect induced whole-gate rotation vibration streamwise around trunnion pins, significantly reducing the gate’s fundamental vibration frequency. In addition, three typical dynamic-instability vibration patterns of radial gates were presented. These patterns were affected by spatial structural characteristics and FSI. It was demonstrated that the struts and skinplate coupled bending–torsional vibration would cause the radial gate frame structure to fail catastrophically. The proposed insights can provide guidelines of vibration characteristics analysis of the radial gate submerged in flow water in reservoir and storm surge barriers.

To detect damage in mechanical structures, acoustic emission (AE) inspection is considered as a powerful tool. Generally, the classical acoustic emission detection method uses a sparse sensor array to identify damage and its location. It often depends on a pre-defined wave velocity and it is difficult to yield a high localization accuracy for complicated structures using this method. In this paper, the passive guided wave phased array method, a dense sensor array method, is studied, aiming to obtain better AE localization accuracy in aluminum thin plates. Specifically, the proposed method uses a cross-shaped phased array enhanced with four additional far-end sensors for AE source localization. The proposed two-step method first calculates the real-time velocity and the polar angle of the AE source using the phased array algorithm, and then solves the location of the AE source with the additional far-end sensor. Both numerical and physical experiments on an aluminum flat panel are carried out to validate the proposed method. It is found that using the cross-shaped guided wave phased array method with enhanced far-end sensors can localize the coordinates of the AE source accurately without knowing the wave velocity in advance. The proposed method is also extended to a stiffened thin-walled structure with high localization accuracy, which validates its AE source localization ability for complicated structures. Finally, the influences of cross-shaped phased array element number and the time window length on the proposed method are discussed in detail.

A bioactivity-guided separation strategy was used to identify novel antistroke compounds from Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br., a medicinal plant. As a result, 4 undescribed compounds (1–2, 13, and 17) and 13 known compounds, including 1 new natural product (3), were isolated from G. conopsea. The structures of these compounds were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, such as 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and quantum chemical calculations. An oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-injured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell model was used to evaluate the antistroke effects of the isolates. Compounds 1–2, 10–11, 13–15, and 17 provided varying degrees of protection against OGD/R injury in the PC12 cells at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 µM. Among the tested compounds, compound 17 demonstrated the most potent neuroprotective effect, which was equivalent to that of the positive control drug (edaravone). Then, transcriptomic and bioinformatics analyses were conducted to reveal the regulatory effect of compound 17 on gene expression. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed to verify the results of the transcriptomic and bioinformatics analyses. These results suggest that the in vitro antistroke effect of compound 17 may be associated with the regulation of the Col27a1 gene. Thus, compound 17 is a promising candidate for the development of novel antistroke drugs derived from natural products, and this topic should be further studied.

Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has spread rapidly and has been the dominant variant since 2022. The course of acute infection, in a vaccinated population, with Omicron is milder compared with earlier variants. However, little is known about how the occurrence of long-term symptoms after Omicron infection compared with other variants is modulated by previous infections and/or vaccinations. Methods: Participants of the DigiHero study provided information about their SARS-CoV-2 infections, vaccinations, and symptoms 12 or more weeks after infection (post-COVID-19 condition - PCC). Results: Participants infected with wildtype SARS-CoV-2 had the highest PCC risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.49; 7.56), followed by participants infected with Alpha and Delta compared with the reference group (individuals infected with Omicron having received three or more vaccinations). Among those infected with a specific variant, the number of preceding vaccinations was not associated with a risk reduction for PCC, whereas previous infection was strongly associated with a lower PCC risk (aOR 0.14, 95% CI 0.07; 0.25). Conclusions: While infection with Omicron is less likely to result in PCC compared with previous variants, lack of protection by vaccination suggests a substantial challenge for the healthcare system during the early endemic period. In the midterm, the protective effects of previous infections can reduce the burden of PCC.

Abstract Despite improvements in medical and surgical therapies, a significant portion of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) are considered as “no option” for revascularization. In this work, a nitric oxide (NO)-boosted and activated nanovesicle regeneration kit (n-BANK) is constructed by decorating stem cell-derived nanoscale extracellular vesicles with NO nanocages. Our results demonstrate that n-BANKs could store NO in endothelial cells for subsequent release upon pericyte recruitment for CLI revascularization. Notably, n-BANKs enable endothelial cells to trigger eNOS activation and form tube-like structures. Subsequently, eNOS-derived NO robustly recruits pericytes to invest nascent endothelial cell tubes, giving rise to mature blood vessels. Consequently, n-BANKs confer complete revascularization in female mice following CLI, and thereby achieve limb preservation and restore the motor function. In light of n-BANK evoking pericyte-endothelial interactions to create functional vascular networks, it features promising therapeutic potential in revascularization to reduce CLI-related amputations, which potentially impact regeneration medicine.

Abstract The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway is frequently reported to be hyperactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and contributes to HCC recurrence. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of mTORC1 signaling in HCC are not fully understood. In the present study, we found that the expression of kinesin family member 18B (KIF18B) was positively correlated with mTORC1 signaling in HCC, and the upregulation of KIF18B and p-mTOR was associated with a poor prognosis and HCC recurrence. Utilizing in vitro and in vivo assays, we showed that KIF18B promoted HCC cell proliferation and migration through activating mTORC1 signaling. Mechanistically, we identified Actin gamma 1 (γ-Actin) as a binding partner of KIF18B. KIF18B and γ-Actin synergistically modulated lysosome positioning, promoted mTORC1 translocation to lysosome membrane, and prohibited p70 S6K from entering lysosomes for degradation, which finally led to the enhancement of mTORC1 signaling transduction. Moreover, we found that KIF18B was a direct target of Forkhead box M1, which explains the potential mechanism of KIF18B overexpression in HCC. Our study highlights the potential of KIF18B as a therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.

Alfalfa is an important leguminous plant, yield and quality depend on the growing environment, while effects of drought and heat stress on alfalfa leaves are unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of exogenous ascorbic acid (AsA) on photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and xanthophyll cycle in alfalfa leaves subject to under drought and heat stress. The results suggest that drought and heat stress caused decreases in the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in alfalfa leaves, but stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (Tr), and intercellular CO2 concentration (ci) were increased. The application of AsA could alleviate these changes to some extent. Besides, the decreased photosystem II (PSII) maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and violaxanthin (V) contents and significantly increased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) levels. The increased NPQ corresponds to the de-epoxidation state (DPS) of xanthophyll pigments. In the AsA-pretreated alfalfa plants, the Fv/Fm and the NPQ were elevated, indicating that AsA could alleviate the adverse effects on photosynthesis induced by this stress. The violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE) enzyme activity was inhibited by drought and heat stress, and AsA significantly increased VDE enzymatic activity on the 2nd and 8th days. In summary, photoinhibition of PSII occurred in alfalfa leaves under drought and heat stress, resulting in decreased photosynthetic activity. Exogenous AsA can enhance the photosynthetic capacity of the plant, and enhance the drought and heat resistance of alfalfa.

Rhenium, a unique engineering material with the second highest melting point of all metals, has significant application potential in harsh service environments, and thus evaluating its mechanical responses under shock loadings is of great importance. Through molecular dynamic simulations, we have systematically investigated the effect of crystallographic orientations on the mechanical responses of single crystalline rhenium under shock compression. We have obtained the P–V/V0, Up-P, P-T, and Us-Up Hugoniot relations, and evaluated their anisotropies. The particle velocity, Pzz, and shear stress show orientation dependent when tracing the shock profiles at different time, and the difference is particularly pronounced for shear stress, resulting from the atomic arrangement in the HCP crystal structure of rhenium. The plastic deformations mechanisms of rhenium single crystal under shock loadings are revealed as the emission of dislocations and the generation of disordered atoms, and the influence of shock intensity on the plastic deformation mechanism has been systematically studied. The results presented in this work not only shed light on the effect of crystallographic orientations on the mechanical responses of monocrystalline rhenium under shock compression, but also offers fundamental insights for understanding the shock induced plastic deformation mechanisms, which could provide a valuable supplement to the investigations of mechanical properties pertaining to rhenium.

Abstract We aimed to investigate the clinico-radiologic features of acute Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) and its evolutionary process after effective treatment through subgroup comparison. The clinical and MRI data of 23 patients with acute MBD were retrospectively analyzed and divided into type A (12 cases, with entire callosal involvement) and type B (11 cases, with focal callosal involvement). The clinical assessments and MRI findings (before and after treatment) were compared between the two subtypes. Compared with type B, type A had lower MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) scores at admission (16.50 ± 1.73 vs 18.27 ± 1.68, P = 0.021) and were more common with extracallosal involvement (66.67% vs 18.18%, P = 0.036) and longer illness duration (18.3 ± 2.1 days vs 15.6 ± 2.4 days, P = 0.012). During the treatment, the residual lesion in the splenium was more common in type A (58.33% vs 9.09%, P = 0.027). After treatment, the MoCa scores of both subtypes gradually increased (P

Abstract Dry processing is ineffective in preserving fresh jujubes (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.), contributing largely to the delayed jujube harvest in Xinjiang. However, no studies have evaluated the impact of delayed harvest periods on processing quality. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of different delayed harvest periods on the characteristics of the quality of jujubes in Xinjiang after hot air drying. Six batches (S1–S6) were sampled over a 7-d period. Various indicators of jujubes changed significantly during the extended harvest period (P

Abstract The sustainable development of urban agglomerations plays a pivotal role in national and global efforts to reduce emissions. By focusing on the efficient exchange and optimization of energy consumption across various sectors, the sustainable development of energy systems within urban agglomerations can be achieved. However, the overall impact of the cross-sector energy optimization and complementarity has not been quantitatively analyzed. Here, we focused on the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration in China and proposed an optimization framework for energy, environment, and economy. The framework considered four sectors: transportation sector, power sector, industry sector, and building sector, in order to determine the most sustainable development pathway for the urban agglomeration. The optimization model considers total costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction as the objectives and utilizes technologies as constraints to optimize the pathway. We found that this optimization strategy resulted in a 53.1 billion tons increase in CO2 emissions reduction in the region. The results of emission reduction varied across sectors, ranging from 4.5 to 22.2 billion tons CO2 equivalent, and across cities, ranging from 7.1 to 4688.1 Mt. The results suggest that the core cities in the urban agglomeration can take on a leadership role. By promoting cross-sector collaboration and implementing energy recycling, the energy efficiency of surrounding cities can be greatly improved, leading to the sustainable development of the urban agglomeration.

Abstract Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. This study aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets based on the expression profiles of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in TNBC. Methods The Limma package was used to identify DEGs in TCGA and GEO datasets. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and western blotting were used to determine the expression of ZDHHC9 in TNBC tissues. Flow cytometry assay and tissue immunofluorescence analysis were used to detect infiltration of multiple immune cells in tumor tissue at different levels of ZDHHC9 expression. Results ZDHHC9 was identified as a key factor associated with resistance to ICB therapy through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Subsequently, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and western blotting verified that ZDHHC9 expression was elevated in TNBC cancer tissues and that elevated expression of ZDHHC9 was associated with the poor survival of patients with TNBC. Analysis of data from several public datasets revealed that patients with high ZDHHC9 expression had an increased proportion of Ki-67 + breast cancer cells and tended to be basal-like breast cancer. In addition, in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that high expression of ZDHHC9 significantly predicted the efficacy and responsiveness of immunotherapy in TNBC. Conclusion These findings suggest that ZDHHC9 is a valuable marker for guiding the classification, diagnosis and prognosis of TNBC and developing specific targeted therapies.

In the context of the in-depth advancement of the power system reform and the increasingly stringent supervision of state-owned assets and state-owned enterprises, it is urgent to clarify the balance between investment demand and investment capacity of the power grid. First, the investment capacity and investment demand estimation models are established respectively, and then a dynamic balance optimization model between investment capacity and investment demand is established. By adjusting the range of adjustable indicators of the investment ability and demand calculation model, the objective is set to be the smallest difference between the investment ability and the investment need, the Quantum Genetic Algorithm is used to solve the problem. And consider future development scenarios to achieve a dynamic balance between investment ability and the investment need. Through the analysis of calculation examples, it is known that the investment capacity of a certain place is 630 million yuan, and the investment demand is 661 million yuan. Combined with the development of related factors affecting the investment in the future, when the relevant factors are at a certain value, the two reach a balance, and the investment scale after the balance is 649 million yuan, which verifies the feasibility of investment optimization of the investment scale, so as to support the investment decision of power grid.

Ultrasonic-assisted Ti6Al4V Directed Energy Deposition (DED) additive manufacturing technology can improve the problem of uneven microstructure caused by laser heating and sudden cooling of the molten pool. In this paper, the numerical analysis and experimental verification methods were adopted. The influencing factors, such as the cavitations’ effect, sound flow enhancement effect, and sound flow thermal effect related to the ultrasonic assistance in the molten pool, were analyzed. After equating the energy of the ultrasound, the model of additive manufacturing was introduced in the form of a heat source. The temperature gradient changes during the solidification process of the molten pool with the addition of ultrasound assistance and the effect of ultrasonic vibration during the manufacturing process on its deposited state and microstructure of solution-aged formed parts were studied. The results showed that when the wire feeding rate is 5 mm/s and the laser scanning speed is 5 mm/s, the optimal laser power is 1000 W~1100 W, corresponding to the optimal ultrasonic amplitude of 120 μm. Then, by comparing the temperature field with the same amplitude of 0 μm (i.e., no ultrasonic vibration) and the microstructure of the formed parts, it was verified that ultrasonic vibration facilitates fluid flow in the molten pool, which could lead to a more uniform temperature distribution. This optimized approach not only enhances the understanding of the process but also contributes significantly to the advancement of related research endeavors.

Blocking androgen receptor signaling is the mainstay of therapy for advanced prostate cancer (PCa). However, acquired resistance to single agents targeting this pathway results in the development of lethal castration-resistant PCa. Combination therapy approaches represent a promising strategy for the treatment of advanced disease. Here, we explore a therapeutic strategy for PCa based on the ability of shRNAs/siRNAs to function essentially as miRNAs and, via seed sequence complementarity, induce RNA interference of numerous targets simultaneously. We developed a library that contained shRNAs with all possible seed sequence combinations to identify those ones that most potently reduce cell growth and viability when expressed in PCa cells. Validation of some of these RNAi sequences indicated that the toxic effect is associated with seed sequence complementarity to the 3′ UTR of AR coregulatory and essential genes. In fact, expression of siRNAs containing the identified toxic seed sequences led to global inhibition of AR-mediated gene expression and reduced expression of cell-cycle genes. When tested in mice, the toxic shRNAs also inhibited castration-resistant PCa and exhibited therapeutic efficacy in pre-established tumors. Our findings highlight RNAi of androgen signaling networks as a promising therapeutic strategy for PCa.

Abstract Background Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) primarily presents with symptoms of pain and compromised functionality. Pain is a subjective manifestation that necessitates the employment of reliable evaluation tools for practical assessment, thereby enabling the formulation of appropriate interventional strategies. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) is a widely utilized questionnaire for evaluating the status of chronic pain. The purpose of the present study is to translate the short form of BPI into Chinese version (BPI-CV) and conduct cross-cultural adaptation to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of BPI-CV in KOA patients. Methods BPI-CV was translated and cross-culturally adapted according to internationally recognized guidelines. A cohort comprising 150 patients diagnosed with KOA successfully completed the demographic questionnaire, BPI-CV, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the EuroQoL Group's five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). Internal consistency and test–retest analysis were used to evaluate the reliability. The internal consistency of the scale items was evaluated by calculating the Cronbach's α value (> 0.7). We chose to employ two scales commonly used in the evaluation of KOA patients: the disease-specific WOMAC scale and the universal EQ-5D scale. Construct validity was determined through Pearson correlation analysis, comparing BPI scores with those obtained from the WOMAC and EQ-5D scales. Exploratory factor analysis was used to structural validity. Results The BPI-CV was well accepted with no ceiling or floor effect. Cronbach's α for assessing internal consistency was 0.894. Test–retest reliability was excellent with an ICC of 0.852 (95%CI 0.785–0.905). The BPI-CV showed moderate to strong correlations with the pain dimension (r = 0.496–0.860) and the functional interference dimension (r = 0.517–0.712) of the WOMAC and the EQ-5D (r = 0.527–0.743). Three factors resulted using exploratory factor analysis: pain severity, activity interference, and emotional interference, accounting for 79.0% of the total variance. Standard error of measurement was 0.539. Conclusion BPI-CV has good feasibility, reliability, and validity. It can be recommended for KOA patients in mainland China.

Abstract Background Gemcitabine (GEM)-based chemotherapy is the first-line option for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the development of drug resistance limits its efficacy, and the specific mechanisms remain largely unknown. RUNX1, a key transcription factor in hematopoiesis, also involved in the malignant progression of PDAC, but was unclear in the chemoresistance of PDAC. Methods Comparative analysis was performed to screen GEM-resistance related genes using our single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq) data and two public RNA-sequencing datasets (GSE223463, GSE183795) for PDAC. The expression of RUNX1 in PDAC tissues was detected by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot. The clinical significance of RUNX1 in PDAC was determined by single-or multivariate analysis and survival analysis. We constructed the stably expressing cell lines with shRUNX1 and RUNX1, and successfully established GEM-resistant cell line. The role of RUNX1 in GEM resistance was determined by CCK8 assay, plate colony formation assay and apoptosis analysis in vitro and in vivo. To explore the mechanism, we performed bioinformatic analysis using the scRNA-seq data to screen for the endoplasm reticulum (ER) stress signaling that was indispensable for RUNX1 in GEM resistance. We observed the cell morphology in ER stress by transmission electron microscopy and validated RUNX1 in gemcitabine resistance depended on the BiP/PERK/eIF2α pathway by in vitro and in vivo oncogenic experiments, using ER stress inhibitor(4-PBA) and PERK inhibitor (GSK2606414). The correlation between RUNX1 and BiP expression was assessed using the scRNA-seq data and TCGA dataset, and validated by RT-PCR, immunostaining and western blot. The mechanism of RUNX1 regulation of BiP was confirmed by ChIP-PCR and dual luciferase assay. Finally, the effect of RUNX1 inhibitor on PDAC was conducted in vivo mouse models, including subcutaneous xenograft and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. Results RUNX1 was aberrant high expressed in PDAC and closely associated with GEM resistance. Silencing of RUNX1 could attenuate resistance in GEM-resistant cell line, and its inhibitor Ro5-3335 displayed an enhanced effect in inhibiting tumor growth, combined with GEM treatment, in PDX mouse models and GEM-resistant xenografts. In detail, forced expression of RUNX1 in PDAC cells suppressed apoptosis induced by GEM exposure, which was reversed by the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA and PERK phosphorylation inhibitor GSK2606414. RUNX1 modulation of ER stress signaling mediated GEM resistance was supported by the analysis of scRNA-seq data. Consistently, silencing of RUNX1 strongly inhibited the GEM-induced activation of BiP and PERK/eIF2α signaling, one of the major pathways involved in ER stress. It was identified that RUNX1 directly bound to the promoter region of BiP, a primary ER stress sensor, and stimulated BiP expression to enhance the reserve capacity for cell adaptation, which in turn facilitated GEM resistance in PDAC cells. Conclusions This study identifies RUNX1 as a predictive biomarker for response to GEM-based chemotherapy. RUNX1 inhibition may represent an effective strategy for overcoming GEM resistance in PDAC cells.

Abstract The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, is an extremely destructive polyphagous pest with a broad host range that seriously threatens the safety of agricultural production. Here, a high-quality chromosome-level genome was assembled using Illumina, PacBio HiFi long sequencing, and Hi-C scaffolding technologies. The genome size was 706.30 Mb with a contig N50 of 22.08 Mb, and 99.2% of the assembled sequences were anchored to 31 chromosomes. In addition, 20,375 protein-coding genes and 258.68 Mb transposable elements were identified. The chromosome-level genome assembly of M. separata provides a significant genetic resource for future studies of this insect and contributes to the development of management strategies.

Abstract Background Gastric cancer (CC) is a disease with high incidence and mortality rate. Immunotherapy is an important method for gastric cancer while lack of effective predictor. Integrins play an important role in the development. We aimed to explore the predictive value of β1 integrin (ITGB1) as a predictor of immunnotherapy in gastric cancer. Methods Differential expression analysis was conducted using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) 2.0 and GEO databases. GEPIA data were used to evaluate the prognostic value of ITGB1 in gastric cancer (GC). Transcriptomic and clinical data of GC and normal tissues were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and the TIMER database was used to evaluate the association between ITGB1 and immune infiltration. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the prognostic value of ITGB1. To verify ITGB1 expression at the protein level, immunohistochemical staining was conducted. In addition, to analyze the correlation of ITGB1 with PD-1 and PD-L1, we examined levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 by IHC and determined the predictive value of ITGB1 for anti-PD-1 therapy in GC by ROC curve analysis. Results Compared with normal tissues, analysis of GEPIA and data at protein levels showed significantly higher expression of ITGB1 in GC. In addition, higher expression of ITGB1 was associated with worse pathological G-staging and tumor T-staging, which suggested that ITGB1 is a risk factor for poor prognosis in GC. The level of ITGB1 expression was positively correlated with CD8 + T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. ITGB1 expression was also correlated with PD-L1 expression, and this was further verified at the protein level by immunohistochemical analysis. The area under the ROC curve was 0.808. Conclusion ITGB1 may be a promising prognostic biomarker and effective predictor for anti-PD-1 therapy in GC. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

Summary: The inheritance of recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) is known, but the susceptible gene remains unidentified. Here, we performed the first whole exome sequencing (WES) cohort study to identify the susceptible genes. The results showed eight genes were associated with this disease. Notably, the carboxypeptidase D (CPD) gene showed the highest relevance based on its gene function and tissue expression. Single-cell sequencing results indicate that the CPD gene is involved in the pathophysiological process of RPD through granulocytes. Implicated pathways include nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, potentially influencing CPD’s role in RPD pathogenesis. This study identified the susceptible gene and investigates the potential pathogenesis of RPD, which provided a new prospect for the understanding of RPD. Besides, it would offer the theoretical basis for disease prevention and genetic counseling.

IntroductionFirefighters are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during fire suppression, but the extent of PAH penetration through turnout gear and its impact on blood cell components remains uncertain. The main objective of this study is to investigate the residual levels of PAHs on turnout gear and skin, and to assess their potential effects on blood cell components in firefighters. We hypothesize that firefighting activities lead to increased PAH exposure, which in turn may induce alterations in blood cell composition. We also hypothesize that differences in PAH exposure and corresponding blood cell changes will be observed between volunteer and career firefighters.MethodsForty-seven firefighters were recruited from 11 fire departments in Oklahoma. PAH levels on gear and skin were measured, and complete blood count (CBC) parameters were analyzed. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to examine differences in PAH exposures and hematological profiles between volunteer and career firefighters and possible changes over time. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were performed to assess the relationships between PAHs and blood cells.ResultsOur analysis revealed significant hematological differences between volunteer and career firefighters, with volunteers exhibiting lower aerobic capacity and higher systemic inflammation. Increased levels of specific PAHs were found on volunteers' gear post-fire.ConclusionOur findings indicate an association between PAH exposure and changes in blood parameters, emphasizing the need for improved decontamination protocols and protective measures, particularly for volunteer firefighters.

IntroductionPorcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), an emerging swine enteropathogenic coronavirus with worldwide distribution, mainly infects newborn piglets with severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and even death, causing huge economic losses to the pig industry. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of PDCoV infection and the effects of PDCoV infection on host transcripts and metabolites remain incompletely understood.MethodsThis study investigated a combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) following PDCoV infection by LC/MS and RNA-seq techniques. A total of 1,401 differentially expressed genes and 254 differentially accumulated metabolites were detected in the comparison group of PDCoV-infected vs. mock-infected.Results and discussionWe found that PDCoV infection regulates gene sets associated with multiple signaling pathways, including the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, ras signaling pathway and so on. Besides, the metabolomic results showed that biosynthesis of cofactors, nucleotide metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, and biosynthesis of amino acid were involved in PDCoV infection. Moreover, integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses revealed the involvement of ferroptosis in PDCoV infection, and exogenous addition of the ferroptosis activator erastin significantly inhibited PDCoV replication. Overall, these unique transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming features may provide a better understanding of PDCoV-infected IPEC-J2 cells and potential targets for antiviral treatment.

Abstract To reduce the high burden of disease caused by air pollution, the World Health Organization (WHO) released new Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) on September 22, 2021. In this study, the daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and surface ozone (O3) data of 618 cities around the world is collected from 2019 to 2022. Based on the new AQG, the number of attainment days for daily average concentrations of PM2.5 (≤ 15 µg m−3) and O3 (≤ 100 µg m−3) is approximately 10% and 90%, respectively. China and India exhibit a decreasing trend in the number of highly polluted days (> 75 µg m−3) for PM. Every year over 68% and 27% of cities in the world are exposed to harmful PM2.5 (> 35 µg m−3) and O3 (> 100 µg m−3) pollution, respectively. Combined with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is found that more than 35% of the world's cities face PM2.5‐O3 compound pollution. Furthermore, the exposure risks in these cities (China, India, etc.) are mainly categorized as “High Risk”, “Risk”, and “Stabilization”. In contrast, economically developed cities are mainly categorized as “High Safety”, “Safety”, and “Deep Stabilization.” These findings indicate that global implementation of the WHO's new AQG will minimize the inequitable exposure risk from air pollution.

A method for visualization of surface discharge area in SF6 based on infrared trap is proposed in this study. The infrared images of a heated insulator with a surface defect under different applied voltages were studied, and the infrared trap phenomenon was observed in the infrared image. When partial discharge occurs on the heated insulator surface, a spindle shaped infrared trap will be formed at the end of the defect. In the infrared trap area, the apparent temperature measured using the infrared camera decreases compared to that without discharge. The infrared trap area corresponds to surface discharge area. With the increase in the applied voltage, the discharge becomes more severe, the infrared trap area gradually expands, and the trap depth also increases. This infrared trap phenomenon found in this study can serve as a method to visualize the surface discharge area in SF6 gas.

Liming has been widely taken to remediate Cd-contaminated acidic paddy soils, whereas liming mode involving in the relevant optimal soil pH, model and efficacies remain unclear. Both soil and field liming experiments were conducted to improve liming mode for precise remediation of Cd-contaminated acidic paddy soils. Soil batch liming experiments indicated soil DTPA-Cd and CaCl2-Cd were piecewise linearly correlated to soil pH with nodes of 6.8–8.0, and decreased respectively by 15.3%37.7% and 80.7%93.8% (P

The sinusoidal plate heat exchangers (SCPHEs) using ice slurry as coolant have a critical role for building air conditioning. However, the thermal-hydraulic properties of ice slurry in SCPHEs are still unclear. Therefore, its flow and heat transfer performances in SCPHEs are studied using Euler-Euler model in this paper. The results show that with increasing corrugation pitch (P), the velocity of the mainstream direction and the flow dead zone decrease. As enlarging the corrugation amplitude (H), the low-velocity flow zone and flow dead zone increase. The average resistance coefficient (fave) of ice slurry reduces with increasing P and volume flow rate. When volume flow rate is between 0.144 m3/h and 1.44 m3/h, fave decreases more significantly than other stages. In addition, fave increases with increasing H and ice concentration (αin). The mass transfer of ice particles is increased at higher H and smaller P. The average Nusselt number (Nuave) of ice slurry, heat transfer rate (Qw) and total heat transfer coefficient (U) of SCPHEs increase as enlarging H, αin and volume flow rate, and decrease with increasing P. While the U and Qw are less affected by ice particle concentration. In addition, the empirical correlations of fave and Nuave in SCPHEs are developed.

BackgroundCervical cancer is primarily caused by HPV infection. The epidemiology of HPV infection in specific areas is of great meaning of guide cervical cancer screening and formulating HPV vaccination strategies. Here, we evaluated the epidemiological characteristics of HPV infection in Xiamen population.MethodsIn total, 159,049 cervical exfoliated cell samples collected from female outpatients in Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen between January 2013 and July 2023 were analyzed. HPV DNA detection was performed using HPV genotyping kits (Hybribio Limited Corp, China). An analysis was conducted on the prevalence of HPV infection, taking into account factors such as age, year, and multiple patterns of HPV infection. The differences in prevalence among age groups and years were compared using χ2 test.ResultsThe overall prevalence of any 21 HPV genotypes was 18.4%, of which the high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) positive rate was 14.6%. The age-specific prevalence of HPV infection showed a bimodal distribution, with two distinct peaks, one at

Optimizing the structure of the carbon metabolic network is essential for enhancing network performance. However, a knowledge gap remains in systematically evaluating the network structure and comprehensively identifying the key nodes and paths, particularly in a carbon metabolism system that involves the frequent transition of carbon element across the air, water, and soil mediums. Hence, taking Guangzhou, China, as a case study, we constructed a cross-media metabolism network model based on material flow analysis. Subsequently, the general structural characteristics and key nodes/paths of the network were investigated through the integration of trophic structure analysis, contribution analysis, and stability analysis in ecological network analysis. The results primarily suggest that the connections among nodes in the carbon metabolism network have become looser, and the metabolic system structure was in a medium state with some defects from 2010 to 2020. Sectors of construction and transportation, as well as carbon flows from the agriculture sector to the construction sector and the energy conversion sector to the transportation sector, were identified as the key nodes and paths influencing the structural characteristics. Subsequently, twenty-one optimization scenarios were developed, with the results suggesting the advantage of collaborative regulation of key nodes/paths (e.g., increasing the carbon flows both from the agriculture sector to the construction sector and from the energy conversion sector to the transportation sector by 50%). This work may provide useful guidance for the structure optimization of the carbon metabolism system.

Abstract A novel system for human following using a differential robot, including an accurate 3‐D human position tracking module and a novel planning strategy that ensures safety and dynamic feasibility, is proposed. The authors utilise a combination of gimbal camera and LiDAR for long‐term accurate human detection. Then the planning module takes the target's future trajectory as a reference to generate a coarse path to ensure the following visibility. After that, the trajectory is optimised considering other constraints and following distance. Experiments demonstrate the robustness and efficiency of our system in complex environments, demonstrating its potential in various applications.

Abstract In the US, the majority of cancer samples analyzed are from white people, leading to biases in racial and ethnic treatment outcomes. Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are high in Alabama African Americans (AAs) and Oklahoma American Indians (AIs). We hypothesized that differences between racial groups may partially explain these disparities. Thus, we compared transcriptomic profiles of CRCs of Alabama AAs, Oklahoma AIs, and white people from both states. Compared to CRCs of white people, CRCs of AAs showed (a) higher expression of cytokines and vesicle trafficking toward modulated antitumor-immune activity, and (b) lower expression of the ID1/BMP/SMAD axis, IL22RA1, APOBEC3, and Mucins; and AIs had (c) higher expression of PTGS2/COX2 (an NSAID target/pro-oncogenic inflammation) and splicing regulators, and (d) lower tumor suppressor activities (e.g., TOB2, PCGF2, BAP1). Therefore, targeting strategies designed for white CRC patients may be less effective for AAs/AIs. These findings illustrate needs to develop optimized interventions to overcome racial CRC disparities.

Abstract Background Numerous circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been recently identified in porcine tissues and cell types. Nevertheless, their significance in porcine spleen development is yet unelucidated. Herein, we reported an extensive overlook of circRNA expression profile during spleen development in Meishan pigs. Results Overall, 39,641 circRNAs were identified from 6,914 host genes. Among them, many circRNAs are up- or down-regulated at different time points of pig spleen development. Using WGCNA analysis, we revealed two essential modules for protein-coding genes and circRNAs. Subsequent correlation analysis revealed 67 circRNAs/co-expressed genes that participated in immnue-associated networks. Furthermore, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis of circRNAs revealed that 12 circRNAs modulated CD226, MBD2, SAMD3, SIT1, SRP14, SYTL3 gene expressions via acting as miRNA sponges. Moreover, the circRNA_21767/miR-202-3p axis regulated SIT1 expression in a ceRNA manner, which is critical for the immune-based regulation of spleen development in Meishan pigs. Conclusions Overall, our results demonstrated that the circRNAs were differentially expressed during different stages of porcine spleen development, meanwhile the circRNAs interacted with immune-related genes in a ceRNA-based fashion. Moreover, we presented biomedical researchers with RNAseqTools, a user-friendly and powerful software for the visualization of transcriptome profile data.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between the clinical characteristics and the factors influencing liver injury in patients with the Omicron subvariant BA.5.2 (Omicron BA.5.2) and the prototype of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods Between December 30, 2019 and November 30, 2022, 157 patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 prototype and 199 patients infected with the Omicron BA.5.2 were included in this case-control, single-center, retrospective study. Differences in clinical characteristics and liver injury between the Omicron BA.5.2 patients and the prototype patients were subsequently analyzed. Results None of the Omicron BA.5.2 patients reached the critical state, and showed relatively milder symptoms including fever, cough, headache, muscle soreness, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and hypoxia. The Omicron BA.5.2 had a lower effect on body temperature (T), white blood cell (WBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, D-dimer, finger pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) and lung lesions. The differences in liver injury between the two groups were related to the severity of the disease, T, blood oxygen levels, albumin (ALB), CRP, and medication usage. Gender, body mass index, and CRP levels influenced liver damage in the Omicron BA.5.2 patients. In particular, CRP was an independent risk factor for liver injury. Because the severity of liver function damage was considerably low, only a small number of Omicron BA.5.2 patients required liver-protective treatment. Conclusion Liver injury is expected in the COVID-19 patients. The Omicron BA.5.2 patients showed milder symptoms of liver injury than the prototype patients. However, dynamic monitoring of liver function is warranted, especially for individuals presenting with elevated levels of CRP.

Abstract Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a connective tissue disorder affecting the skeleton and other organs, which has multiple genetic patterns, numerous causative genes, and complex pathogenic mechanisms. The previous classifications lack structure and scientific basis and have poor applicability. In this paper, we summarize and sort out the pathogenic mechanisms of OI, and analyze the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of OI from the perspectives of type I collagen defects(synthesis defects, processing defects, post-translational modification defects, folding and cross-linking defects), bone mineralization disorders, osteoblast differentiation and functional defects respectively, and also generalize several new untyped OI-causing genes and their pathogenic mechanisms, intending to provide the evidence of classification and a scientific basis for the precise diagnosis and treatment of OI.

Abstract Background Cuproptosis is a newly discovered programmed cell death dependent on mitochondrial respiratory disorder induced by copper overload. Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit beta (PDHB) is one of the cuproptosis genesand is a nuclear-encoded pyruvate dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl coenzyme A. However, the mechanism of PDHB in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. Methods We used data from TCGA and GEO to assess the expression of PDHB in normal and tumor tissues. We further analyzed the relationship between PDHB and somatic mutations and immune infiltration. Finally, we preliminarily explored the impact of PDHB on ccRCC. Results The expression level of PDHB was lower in tumor tissue compared with normal tissue. Meanwhile, the expression level of PDHB was also lower in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors. PDHB is positively correlated with prognosis in ccRCC. Furthermore, PDHB may be associated with decreased risk of VHL, PBRM1 and KDM5C mutations. In 786-O cells, copper chloride could promote the expression of cuproptosis genes (DLAT, PDHB and FDX1) and inhibit cell growth. Last but not least, we found that PDHB could inhibit the proliferation and migration of ccRCC cells. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that PDHB could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion in ccRCC cells, which might be a prognostic predictor of ccRCC. Targeting this molecular might provide a new therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced ccRCC.

Docynia has been treated as a separate genus or merged into Cydonia or Docyniopsis. Our phylogenomic evidence from 797 single-copy nuclear genes and plastomes confirmed the sister relationship between Docynia and Docyniopsis. By integrating the phylogenomic and morphological evidence, we propose to accept a broad generic concept of Malus and merge Docynia into Malus. Three new combinations are also made here: Malus delavayi (Franch.) B.B.Liu, M. indica (Wall.) B.B.Liu and M. longiunguis (Q.Luo & J.L.Liu) B.B.Liu.

Abstract Background Thyroid hormones are of fundamental importance for brain function. While low triiodothyronine levels during acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are associated with worse clinical outcomes, dynamics of thyroid function after AIS remains unknown. Thus, we longitudinally evaluated thyroid hormones after stroke and related them to stroke severity. Methods We prospectively traced thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxin (fT4) levels from the hyper-acute (within 24 h) to acute (3–5 days) and chronic (3–6 months) stages of ischemic stroke using a mixed regression model. Then, we analyzed whether stroke severity at presentation, expressed by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), is associated with change in thyroid function. Results Forty-five patients were evaluated in hyper-acute and acute stages, while 29 were followed through chronic stage. TSH levels decreased from hyper-acute (2.91 ± 0.65 μIU/mL) to acute (2.86 ± 0.46 μIU/mL) and chronic stages of stroke (1.93 ± 0.35 μIU/m, p = 0.95). fT3 levels decreased from hyper-acute (2.79 ± 0.09 pg/ml) to acute (2.37 ± 0.07 pg/ml) stages, but recovered in chronic stage (2.78 ± 0.10 pg/ml, p

Abstract Background Most bone-related injuries to grassroots troops are caused by training or accidental injuries. To establish preventive measures to reduce all kinds of trauma and improve the combat effectiveness of grassroots troops, it is imperative to develop new strategies and scaffolds to promote bone regeneration. Methods In this study, a porous piezoelectric hydrogel bone scaffold was fabricated by incorporating polydopamine (PDA)-modified ceramic hydroxyapatite (PDA-hydroxyapatite, PHA) and PDA-modified barium titanate (PDA-BaTiO3, PBT) nanoparticles into a chitosan/gelatin (Cs/Gel) matrix. The physical and chemical properties of the Cs/Gel/PHA scaffold with 0–10 wt% PBT were analyzed. Cell and animal experiments were performed to characterize the immunomodulatory, angiogenic, and osteogenic capabilities of the piezoelectric hydrogel scaffold in vitro and in vivo. Results The incorporation of BaTiO3 into the scaffold improved its mechanical properties and increased self-generated electricity. Due to their endogenous piezoelectric stimulation and bioactive constituents, the as-prepared Cs/Gel/PHA/PBT hydrogels exhibited cytocompatibility as well as immunomodulatory, angiogenic, and osteogenic capabilities; they not only effectively induced macrophage polarization to M2 phenotype but also promoted the migration, tube formation, and angiogenic differentiation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and facilitated the migration, osteo-differentiation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. The in vivo evaluations showed that these piezoelectric hydrogels with versatile capabilities significantly facilitated new bone formation in a rat large-sized cranial injury model. The underlying molecular mechanism can be partly attributed to the immunomodulation of the Cs/Gel/PHA/PBT hydrogels as shown via transcriptome sequencing analysis, and the PI3K/Akt signaling axis plays an important role in regulating macrophage M2 polarization. Conclusion The piezoelectric Cs/Gel/PHA/PBT hydrogels developed here with favorable immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis functions may be used as a substitute in periosteum injuries, thereby offering the novel strategy of applying piezoelectric stimulation in bone tissue engineering for the enhancement of combat effectiveness in grassroots troops.

Existing research suggested 300∼600 μm as the optimal pore size range for metallic bone implants. The human bones, however, have numerous pores smaller than 300 μm for bone ingrowth, cell growth and migration, fluid flow, and so forth. The bone implant with such small-sized pores has been rarely manufactured and its property is unclear. In the paper, biodegradable Fe scaffolds of different pore sizes (50 μm, 100 μm, 150 μm, 200 μm, and 300 μm) were fabricated by direct ink writing (DIW) with subsequent sintering. The interconnected pores of all scaffolds are highly precise and have no residual powders. The in-vitro degradation and compression tests were conducted on the scaffolds to evaluate the effect of pore size on degradation and mechanical behaviors, respectively. The results indicate that a decrease in pore size leads to an increase in degradation rate, from 0.0423 ± 0.0014 to 0.0433 ± 0.0035 mm/year, with the exception of the 50 μm scaffolds which exhibit the lowest value of 0.0052 ± 0.0018 mm/year due to clogging by degradation products; meanwhile, both elastic modulus and yield strength rise from 344.8 ± 18.6 MPa to 625.0 ± 52.5 MPa and from 9.5 ± 0.9 MPa to 15.1 ± 0.8 MPa, respectively. The pore size of 100 μm shows the most significant potential for use in Fe bone implants regarding its good degradation and mechanical behaviors. Our work provides new insight into the preferable pore size of metallic bone implants produced by additive manufacturing.

Additive manufactured bimetallic structures provide site-specific functions by joining two metallic materials in the designed area, offering customized solutions for biomedical and engineering applications. However, cracking, delamination, or cross-contamination frequently occurs at the joint between two dissimilar metallic materials due to their different thermal properties. In the paper, porous bimetallic structures made of biomedical materials (Fe, Ti6Al4V, and Inconel 718) for bone implants are fabricated via direct ink writing (DIW) with a dual syringe system. After subsequent heat treatment, the original shapes of the bimetallic structures are well-preserved, and the shrinkages of the two materials are equalized by adjusting the sintering temperature. All joints are free of cracks and delamination, and the material deposition sequence has no impact on them, according to microstructural analyses of the interface. The pores created by binder pyrolysis and metallic powder sintering are necessary for bone growth, cell migration, body fluid flow, etc. The Fe–Ti6Al4V and Fe-Inconel 718 bimetallic structures have better mechanical properties than the Fe structures and can perform multiple functions that are challenging for monometallic implants.