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Rice straw is used as livestock feed and compost. Ferimzone and tricyclazole, common fungicides for rice blast control, can be found in high concentrations in rice straw after unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spraying, potentially affecting livestock and human health through pesticide residues. In this study, an optimized method for the analysis of the two fungicides in rice straw was developed using the improved QuEChERS method. After the optimization of water and solvent volume, extraction conditions including ethyl acetate (EtOAc), acetonitrile (MeCN), a mixed solvent, and MeCN containing 1% acetic acid were compared. Different salts, including unbuffered sodium chloride, citrate, and acetate buffer salts, were compared for partitioning. Among the preparation methods, the MeCN/EtOAc mixture with unbuffered salts showed the highest recovery rates (88.1–97.9%, RSD ≤ 5.1%). To address the severe matrix effect (%ME) of rice straw, which is characterized by low moisture content and cellulose-based complex matrices, samples were purified using 25 mg each of primary–secondary amine (PSA) and octadecylsilane (C18), without pesticide loss. The developed method was validated with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.005 mg/kg for target pesticides, and recovery rates at levels of 0.01, 0.1, and 2 mg/kg met the permissible range (82.3–98.9%, RSD ≤ 8.3%). The %ME ranged from −17.6% to −0.3%, indicating a negligible effect. This optimized method was subsequently applied to residue studies following multi-rotor spraying. Fungicides from all fields and treatment groups during harvest season did not exceed the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for livestock feed. This confirms that UAV spraying can be safely managed without causing excessive residues.

Diabetes is a global disease that can lead to a range of complications. Currently, the treatment of type 2 diabetes focuses on oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin analogues. Studies have shown that drugs such as oral metformin are useful in the treatment of diabetes but can limit the liver’s ability to release sugar. The development of glucose-lowering peptides has provided new options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Peptide drugs have low oral utilization due to their easy degradation, short half-life, and difficulty passing through the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, improving the oral utilization of peptide drugs remains an urgent problem. This paper reviews the research progress of peptide drugs in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and proposes that different types of nano-formulation carriers, such as liposomes, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, and polymer particles, should be combined with peptide drugs for oral administration to improve their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

A robust analytical method was developed for the simultaneous detection of 504 pesticide multiresidues in various crops using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF). The method integrates both MS1 and MS2 levels through sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH) analysis, allowing for accurate mass measurements and the construction of a spectral library to enhance pesticide residue identification. An evaluation of the method was carried out according to international standards, including the FAO guidelines and SANTE/11312/2021. Validation across five representative crops—potato, cabbage, mandarin, brown rice, and soybean—demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, with over 80% of the analytes detected at trace levels (≤2.5 μg/kg). Moreover, an impressive 96.8% to 98.8% of the compounds demonstrated LOQs of ≤10 μg/kg. Most compounds exhibited excellent linearity (r2 ≥ 0.980) and satisfactory recovery rates at spiking levels of 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg. Among 42 crop samples analyzed, pesticides were detected in 1 cabbage, 3 mandarin, and 6 rice samples, with a mass accuracy within ±5 ppm and a Fit score ≥ 70.8, confirming the method’s practical applicability and reliability. The detected residues ranged from 12.3 to 339.3 μg/kg, all below the established maximum residue limits (MRLs). This comprehensive approach offers an efficient, reliable, and scalable solution for pesticide multiresidue monitoring, supporting food safety programs and regulatory compliance.

As a key species in freshwater aquaculture, Eriocheir japonica sinensis was subjected to ammonia stress to assess its impact on the hepatopancreas. A total of 4007 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between control and treatment groups, comprising 1838 upregulated and 2169 downregulated genes. Following exposure to 300 mg/L of ammonia, the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was activated, while the lysosomal pathway was suppressed, thereby influencing immune functions. Thirteen DEGs from these pathways were further validated via qRT-PCR, revealing gene expression changes of one- to two-fold. Both acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) levels in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph initially increased and then decreased, indicating a disruption in immune functionality. Additionally, alanine transaminase (ALT) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured, alongside catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, all of which showed an upward trend, signifying oxidative stress and tissue damage. These results offer critical insights into the antioxidant and immune mechanisms of E. j. sinensis in ammonia-enriched environments.

ABSTRACT The emergence of nosocomial infections caused by hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (hv-CRKP) has become a significant public health challenge. The genetic traits of virulence and resistance plasmids in hv-CRKP have been extensively studied; however, research on the adaptive evolution strategies of clinical strains inside the host was scarce. This study aimed to understand the effects of antibiotic treatment on the phenotype and genotype characteristics of hv-CRKP. We investigated the evolution of hv-CRKP strains isolated from the same patient to elucidate the transition between hospital invasion and colonization. A comparative genomics analysis was performed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in the rmpA promoter. Subsequent validation through RNA-seq and gene deletion confirmed that distinct rmpA promoter sequences exert control over the mucoid phenotype. Additionally, biofilm experiments, cell adhesion assays, and animal infection models were conducted to illuminate the influence of rmpA promoter diversity on virulence changes. We demonstrated that the P12T and P11T promoters of rmpA possess strong activity, which leads to the evolution of CRKP into infectious and virulent strains. Meanwhile, the specific sequence of polyT motifs in the rmpA promoter led to a decrease in the lethality of hv-CRKP and enhanced cell adhesion and colonization. To summarize, the rmpA promoter of hv-CRKP is utilized to control capsule production, thereby modifying pathogenicity to better suit the host’s ecological environment.IMPORTANCEThe prevalence of hospital-acquired illness caused by hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (hv-CRKP) is significant, leading to prolonged antibiotic treatment. However, there are few reports on the phenotypic changes of hv-CRKP in patients undergoing antibiotic treatment. We performed a comprehensive examination of the genetic evolutionary traits of hv-CRKP obtained from the same patient and observed variations in the promoter sequences of the virulence factor rmpA. The strong activity of the promoter sequences P11T and P12T enhances the consistent production of capsule polysaccharides, resulting in an invasive strain. Conversely, weak promoter activity of P9T and P10T is advantageous for exposing pili, hence improving bacterial cell attachment ability and facilitating bacterial colonization. This finding also explains the confusion of some clinical strains carrying wild-type rmpA but exhibiting a low mucoid phenotype. This adaptive alteration facilitates the dissemination of K. pneumoniae within the hospital setting.

Previous studies have demonstrated health impacts of climate change, but evidence on heatwaves’ associations with road traffic injury (RTI) is limited. In this study, individual information of RTI cases in May-September during 2006–2021 in China were obtained from the National Injury Surveillance System. Daily maximum temperatures (TMmax) during 2006–2021 were collected from the ERA-5 reanalysis, and the projected daily TMmax during 2020–2099 were obtained from the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 Shared Socioeconomic Pathways scenarios (SSPs). We used a time-stratified case-crossover analysis to investigate the association between short-term exposure (lag01 days) to heatwaves (exceeding the 92.5th percentile of daily TMmax for ≥ three consecutive days) and RTI, and to project heatwave-related RTI until 2099 across China. Finally, a total of 1 031 082 RTI cases were included in the analyses. Compared with non-heatwaves, the risks of RTI increased by 3.61 % during heatwaves. Greater associations were found in people aged 15–64 years, in people with transportation occupation, for non-motor traffic vehicle injuries, for severe RTI cases, and in Western China particularly in Qinghai province. We projected substantial increases in attributable fraction (AF) of heatwave-related RTI in the future, particularly in Western and Southwest China. The national average increase in AF (per decade) during 2020s-2090s was 0.036 % for SSP1-2.6 scenario, and 0.267 % for SSP5-8.5 scenario. This study provided evidence on the associations of heatwaves with RTI, and the heatwave-related RTI will substantially increase in the future.

Summary: YAP/TEAD signaling is essential for organismal development, cell proliferation, and cancer progression. As a transcriptional coactivator, how YAP activates its downstream target genes is incompletely understood. YAP forms biomolecular condensates in response to hyperosmotic stress, concentrating transcription-related factors to activate downstream target genes. However, whether YAP forms condensates under other signals, how YAP condensates organize and function, and how YAP condensates activate transcription in general are unknown. Here, we report that endogenous YAP forms sub-micron scale condensates in response to Hippo pathway regulation and actin cytoskeletal tension. YAP condensates are stabilized by the transcription factor TEAD1, and recruit BRD4, a coactivator that is enriched at active enhancers. Using single-particle tracking, we found that YAP condensates slowed YAP diffusion within condensate boundaries, a possible mechanism for promoting YAP target search. These results reveal that YAP condensate formation is a highly regulated process that is critical for YAP/TEAD target gene expression.

Abstract An unprecedented silver‐mediated intramolecular oxy‐argentation of 3‐amidoaryne precursors that quickly generates a heteroarylsilver species is developed. AgF acts as both a stoichiometric fluoride source and a reagent for the formation of a benzoxazolylsilver intermediate via aryne generation. Pd‐catalyzed coupling reactions of (hetero)aryl iodides with a silver species, generated in situ, allow for the synthesis of various C7‐arylated benzoxazoles. As a result, an aryl group is selectively introduced into the meta‐position of 3‐amidobenzyne precursors. Mechanistic studies have indicated the presence of a benzoxazolylsilver intermediate and revealed that the reaction proceeds via an intramolecular oxy‐argentation process, which is initiated by a direct fluoride attack on the silyl group.

Although studies have explored the relationship between temperature and CO poisoning, the results are not consistent, and there is still a lack of early warning criteria of temperature related to CO poisoning. In order to comprehensively study the exposure-response relationship between daily average temperature and CO poisoning, and to further explore the early warning criteria of temperature related to CO poisoning, we used daily cases of CO poisoning in 31 National Injury Surveillance System (NISS) surveillance sites in seven administrative geographical regions of China and daily meteorological data obtained from the China Meteorological Science Data Sharing Service Platform from 2009 to 2019 to do the analysis. Daily meteorological data of 698 weather stations across China were interpolated at a 0.01° × 0.01°spatial resolution, which were then applied to extract the daily meteorological data of all included NISS sites. The Distributed Lag Non-linear Model (DLNM) model was applied to estimate the exposure-response associations (relative risk, RR) of daily mean temperature with CO poisoning, which was then further used to identify early warning criteria of temperature related to CO poisoning.A total of 10,618 CO poisoning cases were included in this study, with an average of 0.4 cases per day. There was generally a reverse J-shaped association between temperature and CO poisoning risk, indicating that both low and high temperature may increase the risk of CO poisoning, but low temperature usually has a longer lagged effects than high temperature. Spatialy, the exposure-response associations between temperatue and CO poisoning largely varied among regions, with greater effects of low temperatures in Southern China than in Northern China. The cumulative effects (RR, lag0-6 days) of 10 % percentile temperature ranged from 1.13 (95%CI: 1.01,1.26) in East China to 1.73 (95%CI:1.63,1.83) in South China. We also observed significant spatial variations in the early warning criteria of temperature related to CO poisoning across China. However, the patterns of high temperature effects on CO poisoning and the warning criteria of high temperature were mixed across China. In conclusions, both low temperature and high temperature may increase the risk of CO poisoning in China, and the effect of low temperature is more obvious, especially in South China, Northeast China, and North China. In addition, there is an urgent need to establish air temperature early warning and grading criteria for CO poisoning in different areas of China.

Additive manufacturing technology has advanced beyond creating optimized features, from strengthening materials to make them lightweight to fabricating multi-material combinations that offer functionalities beyond the capabilities of individual materials. In this study, a lamination method for laser-directed energy deposition (LDED) is developed to achieve dense multi-material features, and a design that combines different and dissimilar materials is developed. To evaluate these novel developments, two materials—AISI 316L stainless steel and Inconel 625—are introduced. Tensile specimens, fabricated via multi-material additive manufacturing using LDED, are subjected to tensile tests that are recorded on video for digital image correlation. After the tests, fracture surface analyses of the fractured specimens are performed via scanning electron microscopy, and optical monitoring analyses are performed on the specimens that are not subjected to the tensile tests. The results indicate that the specimens demonstrate varied mechanical properties due to the influence of lamination direction and order, which affect the formation of critical cracks and pores.

Abstract Background Due to the highly heterogeneity of the breast cancer, it would be desirable to obtain a non-invasive method to early predict the treatment response and survival outcome of the locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This study aimed at investigating whether strain elastography (SE) can early predict the pathologic complete response (pCR) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in LABC patients receiving NAC. Methods In this single-center retrospective study, 122 consecutive women with LABC who underwent SE examination pre-NAC and after one and two cycles of NAC enrolled in the SHPD001(NCT02199418) and SHPD002 (NCT02221999) trials between January 2014 and August 2017 were included. The SE parameters (Elasticity score, ES; Strain ratio, SR; Hardness percentage, HP, and Area ratio, AR) before and during NAC were assessed. The relative changes in SE parameters after one and two cycles of NAC were describe as ΔA1 and ΔA2, respectively. Logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to identify independent variables associated with pCR and RFS. Results Forty-nine (40.2%) of the 122 patients experienced pCR. After 2 cycles of NAC, SR2 (odds ratio [OR], 1.502; P = 0.003) and ΔSR2 (OR, 0.013; P = 0.015) were independently associated with pCR, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the combination of them to predict pCR was 0.855 (95%CI: 0.779, 0.912). Eighteen (14.8%) recurrences developed at a median follow-up of 60.7 months. A higher clinical T stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.165; P = 0.005.), a higher SR (HR = 1.114; P = 0.002.) and AR (HR = 1.064; P

According to our previous study, 500 species of yeast exist in Korea, including nine variants comprising 142 genera and 48 classes in two phyla. Additionally, 4,483 fungal species have been documented at the National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR). However, despite the industrial use of several yeasts, only 173 species formed part of the National Species List of Korea (NSLK) as of December 2021, mainly due to the lack of taxonomic descriptions. This study aimed to investigate the taxonomy of seven newly isolated yeast species (Hyphopichia burtonii, Starmerella sorbosivorans, Cyberlindnera mycetangii, Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum, Nakazawaea ernobii, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Schizosaccharomyces japonicus) for inclusion in the NSLK. The strains were clustered for the phylogenetic analysis of fungal rDNA (D1/D2-26S) sequences. This study provides descriptions of their cell morphology and physiological characteristics, the results of which confirm the indigenous origin of these seven species in Korea and recommend their inclusion in the NSLK.

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the tooth whitening effect of Listerine Healthy White and provide effective management of extrinsic discoloration by comparing the whitening effects of existing whitening products.Methods: The included study four groups: those using whitening gel, whitening toothpaste, and Listerine Healthy White and a control using artificial saliva. Each group received 40 bovine tooth specimens, which were stained with commonly consumed tooth-coloring-inducing foods; black tea, black coffee, and instant noodles for 72 hours. The specimens were treated with tooth whitening materials for 5 weeks, after which the lightness (L*) was measured weekly using a spectrophotometer. Results: There was a significant difference in lightness among the groups between the 1st and 5th week of treatment for all tooth-coloring-inducing foods (p＜0.05). When comparing the changes in lightness values from before whitening to the 5th week of whitening for all tooth-coloring-inducing foods, the order of change was as follows: whitening gel, whitening toothpaste, Listerine Healthy White, and artificial saliva. Listerine Healthy White showed a significant whitening effect for all tooth- coloring-inducing foods (p＜0.05). Particularly, changes in lightness values for specimens stained by black tea after 5 weeks of whitening were in the following order: whitening gel (21.72), whitening toothpaste (14.89), Listerine Healthy White (12.91), and artificial saliva (3.85). For specimens stained by black coffee, the changes in lightness values were in the following order: whitening gel (12.99), whitening toothpaste (9.66), Listerine Healthy White (7.91), and artificial saliva (3.12). Lastly, changes in lightness values for specimens stained by instant noodles were as follows: whitening gel (10.84), whitening toothpaste (9.85), Listerine Healthy White (7.71), and artificial saliva (2.61). Conclusion: Listerine Healthy White exhibits continuous whitening effects over time, and for consumers seeking convenient ways to achieve tooth whitening effects at home, consistent use of Listerine Healthy White is recommended.

To optimize and establish the pretreatment method for aflatoxins (AFS) in grains, the method was optimized by using naturally contaminated grain samples. The grains were extracted by crushing, cleaned up by immunoaffinity column, and quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. The results showed that the extraction efficiency of 84% acetonitrile water was better than that of 70% methanol water, without soaking, and more than 99% of aflatoxin B1 could be extracted from the samples by vortex shaking for 20 min or high-speed homogenization for 2 min. The method has good accuracy and reproducibility. The results of the determination of aflatoxin B1 components in corn flour, brown rice flour, rice flour and other grain matrices of the national certified standards were within the range of standard values and their extended uncertainties, with a coefficient of variation of 5.2%, and the determination results were more satisfactory. Using this method to participate in the FAPAS (PT04359) proficiency testing, |Z|

Abstract African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a highly lethal pathogen of domestic and wild pigs. Due to no vaccines or drugs available, early accurate diagnosis and eradication of infected animals are the most important measures for ASFV prevention and control. Bluetongue virus (BTV) core-like particles (CLPs) are non-infectious hollow nanoparticles assembled from the BTV VP3 and VP7 proteins, which could be used as a platform for presenting foreign epitopes. In this study, the secondary structure of BTV VP7 protein was analyzed and predicted using the IEDB Analysis resource. Based on the prediction results of the VP7 protein, the chimeric CLPs with an ASFV P54 epitope were successfully prepared through the BAC-to-BAC baculovirus expression system and sucrose gradient centrifugation. Based on the chimeric CLPs and mAb 2E4 against AFSV P54 epitope, a blocking ELISA for detecting AFSV antibodies was established, and its reaction conditions were optimized. Through comprehensive evaluation of the method, the results showed the chimeric CLPs-based blocking ELISA displayed the best detection performance, with an AUC of 0.9961, a sensitivity of 97.65%, and a specificity of 95.24% in ROC analysis. Compared with western blot and a commercial c-ELISA for detecting anti-ASFV antibodies, this method had an excellent agreement of 96.35% (kappa value = 0.911) and 97.76% (kappa value = 0.946) with the other tests, respectively. This ELISA also had high repeatability, with CV

This review highlights the recent advancements in Mg research in South Korea with a prime focus on high-speed-extrudable Mg–Bi-based alloys for high productivity and strength, innovative techniques utilizing {10–12} twinning for improved mechanical properties, and alloying and processing methods for enhanced corrosion resistance. High-alloyed Mg–Bi-based alloys possess thermally stable α-Mg matrix and secondary phase, which ensures high-speed extrusion of these alloys at elevated temperatures without hot cracking. Consequently, they exhibit outstanding extrudability with a maximum extrusion speed of up to 70 m/min. Furthermore, their high alloying contents offer excellent strength even after high-speed extrusion through strong solid solution hardening and particle hardening effects, making them suitable for high-performance extruded Mg products. The pre-twinning process utilizing {10–12} twinning and the combined process of pre-twinning and subsequent annealing have shown promise in controlling microstructure and texture of wrought Mg alloys and thus enhancing their mechanical properties. The pre-twinning process enhances tensile strength, fatigue properties, and age-hardening rate of Mg alloys. Furthermore, the combined processes of pre-twinning and subsequent annealing considerably improve their ductility, stretch formability, bending formability, and damping capacity. Efforts have been made to improve the corrosion resistance of Mg alloys through alloying additions, process treatments, and surface coatings. Alloying elements like Ca, Sc, and Sm alter the microstructural features (such as secondary phases and grain size) that affect the corrosion phenomenon. Process treatments such as multidirectional forging, screw rolling, and pulse electron beam can also improve the corrosion resistance by refining the microstructure. Furthermore, advanced surface coating technologies can create durable and corrosion-resistant layers for effectively protecting the Mg alloys. All these research activities conducted in South Korea have considerably contributed to the widespread utilization of Mg alloys in diverse applications by overcoming the inherent limitations of Mg alloys such as low extrudability, formability, and corrosion resistance.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a major holistic approach to health and disease, has been used for a long time globally (>100 years) and in China (>1000 years) for various medical conditions. However, the contrast between TCM and modern medicine is remarkable, and the underlying mechanisms of TCM remain unclear. In modern medicine, immunology is a complex, holistic defense system against pathogens, preserving homeostasis and influencing disease development. Notably, TCM and immunology share core concepts, such as holism, defense mechanisms, equilibrium, balance, and circadian rhythms. This review focuses on the similarities and distinctions between these two disciplines and sheds light on ancient TCM theories by leveraging modern immunological parameters. In addition, we emphasize the potential of advanced “omics” research methods to unravel TCM's mechanisms, providing compelling biological evidence for its therapeutic principles and effects using immunological data.

Abstract Black ginseng is being studied to prevent obesity caused by a high-fat diet (HFD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the obesity-preventing effect of black ginseng extract (BGE) in the serum, liver, and hypothalamus of mice on an HFD using metabolomic techniques. Mice were divided into four groups which were respectively fed a normal diet (CTL), an HFD, an HFD with a low concentration of BGE (BGEL), and an HFD with a high concentration of BGE (BGEH) for 8 weeks. Metabolite profiling revealed a clear separation between the BGE diet and HFD groups. Lipid metabolism, including saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, was decreased in the BGEH mice. Specifically, neurotransmitters and intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle were increased in the hypothalamus of BGEH mice. The results suggest the obesity prevention effect of black ginseng in that BGEH inhibits body fat accumulation and restores brain function damaged by HFD.

In this study, we aimed to develop a novel directional electromagnetic field (EMF) application method for promoting plant growth using a solenoid coil-based cultivation system. The emergence of plant shoots from seeds, shoot elongation, root proliferation, and plant growth hormones were monitored in the presence of a directional EMF using our solenoid coil system. To observe the effect of the directional EMF on seed germination, radish and sugarcane seedlings were cultivated in the system. At the seed germination stage, the EMF applied had no significant effect on germination or growth. However, after germination, shoot growth was sensitive to a directional EMF, as it was promoted by different conditions in a plant-species-dependent manner. The maximum growth promotion rates were 25.65% ± 4.21% and 38.57% ± 12.81% for radish and sugarcane, respectively. Similarly, plant root proliferation and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) analyses indicated that directional EMF application was associated with root proliferation and hormone synthesis. Plant growth in the experimental system proved controllable; either growth stimulation or reduction were possible as the system operating conditions were made to vary. Our findings indicate that the application of a specific directional EMF could serve as an electrical plant stimulant (or electrical fertilizer).

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is a versatile crop belonging to the Cannabaceae family, and is dioecious, typically with separate male and female plants. The flowers of female plants, especially the trichomes, accumulate relatively higher contents of cannabinoids compared with those of male plants. For this reason, to obtain seeds that are genetically female, it is desirable to induce the development of male flowers on a female plant that produces genetically female haploid gametes. Silver thiosulfate (STS) is a highly effective chemical for male flower induction. We investigated male flower induction in three commercial cultivars of female cannabis (Spectrum303, SuperwomanS1, and CBGambit) regarding the treatment frequency, stage of application, and concentration of STS applied as a foliar spray. All three cultivars showed adequate induction of male flowers in response to 1.5 mM STS applied at the early reproductive stage. In particular, SuperwomanS1 was most highly responsive to induction of male flowers, even when treated with 0.3 mM STS at the early reproductive stage. Treatment with three applications of STS was more effective compared with a single application, but a single application of 1.5 mM STS at the early reproductive stage was sufficient for male flower induction. A single STS application during the middle stage of reproductive growth was inadequate for induction of male flowers. However, 6 weeks after three applications of STS, CBGambit exhibited approximately 54% male flower induction at 0.3 mM STS, Spectrum303 showed approximately 56% induction at 3 mM STS, and SuperwomanS1 yielded approximately 26% induction at 1.5 mM (expressed as percentage of total number of individuals with the induced male flowers). Pollen stainability tests using KI-I2 solution and Alexander’s staining showed high pollen viability with over 65% at different single STS concentrations, indicating that pollen grains induced by STS have sufficient viability for the self-pollination. This study demonstrated that different cultivars of cannabis respond diversely to different STS concentrations and highlighted the potential benefits of three STS applications during the middle reproductive stage for cannabis breeding.

High-nickel (Ni) ternary lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in low-pressure environments such as in the aviation industry, but their attribute of high energy density poses significant fire hazards, especially under low pressure where thermal runaway behavior is complex, thus requiring relevant experiments. This study investigates the thermal runaway characteristics of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NCM811) 18650 LIBs at different states of charge (SOCs) (75%, 100%) under various ambient pressures (101 kPa, 80 kPa, 60 kPa, 40 kPa). The results show that, as the pressure is decreased from 101 kPa to 40 kPa, the onset time of thermal runaway is extended by 28.2 s for 75% SOC and by 40.8 s for 100% SOC; accordingly, the onset temperature of thermal runaway increases by 19.3 °C for 75% SOC and by 33.5 °C for 100% SOC; the maximum surface temperature decreases by 70.8 °C for 75% SOC and by 68.2 °C for 100% SOC. The cell mass loss and loss rate slightly decrease with reduced pressure. However, ambient pressure has little impact on the time and temperature of venting as well as the voltage drop time. SEM/EDS analysis verifies that electrolyte evaporates faster under low pressure. Furthermore, the oxygen concentration is lower under low pressure, which consequently leads to a delay in thermal runaway. This study contributes to understanding thermal runaway characteristics of high-Ni ternary LIBs and provides guidance for their safe application in low-pressure aviation environments.

The current treatment options for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are limited due to a lack of significant high-level evidence to inform clinical decisions and unfavorable outcomes in terms of cost-effectiveness and amputation rates. In order to suggest the use of the commercially available L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate (LOLA) for treating PAD, we induced hind limb ischemia (HLI) by unilaterally ligating the femoral artery in a rat model. The rats were randomly divided into three groups, with seven rats assigned to each group: group 1 (control), group 2 (sorbitol), and group 3 (LOLA). Intraperitoneal injections were administered five times on post-operative days (PODs) 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12. Perfusion imaging was conducted on PODs 7 and 14 and compared to pre-operative perfusion imaging. Immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting were performed after the final perfusion imaging. Group 3 showed a significant increase in perfusion, high CD31-positive capillary lumen density, and substantial overexpression of VEGF in the ischemic limb during the subacute phase of HLI. In conclusion, this study provides the first documented evidence of angiogenesis and perfusion recovery in the subacute phase of the HLI model following the administration of LOLA. With LOLA readily available on the commercial market, the implementation of LOLA treatment for PAD in humans can be expedited compared to other therapies still in the developmental stage.