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Acquired stress resistance (ASR) enables organisms to prepare for environmental changes that occur after an initial stressor. However, the genetic basis for ASR and how the underlying network evolved remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that a short phosphate starvation induces oxidative stress response (OSR) genes in the pathogenic yeast C. glabrata and protects it against a severe H2O2 stress; the same treatment, however, provides little benefit in the low pathogenic-potential relative, S. cerevisiae. This ASR involves the same transcription factors (TFs) as the OSR, but with different combinatorial logics. We show that Target-of-Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) is differentially inhibited by phosphate starvation in the two species and contributes to the ASR via its proximal effector, Sch9. Therefore, evolution of the phosphate starvation-induced ASR involves the rewiring of TORC1's response to phosphate limitation and the repurposing of TF-target gene networks for the OSR using new regulatory logics.

Abstract Background Recent studies have revealed thousands of A-to-I RNA editing events in primates, but the origination and general functions of these events are not well addressed. Results Here, we perform a comparative editome study in human and rhesus macaque and uncover a substantial proportion of macaque A-to-I editing sites that are genomically polymorphic in some animals or encoded as non-editable nucleotides in human. The occurrence of these recent gain and loss of RNA editing through DNA point mutation is significantly more prevalent than that expected for the nearby regions. Ancestral state analyses further demonstrate that an increase in recent gain of editing events contribute to the over-representation, with G-to-A mutation site as a favorable location for the origination of robust A-to-I editing events. Population genetics analyses of the focal editing sites further reveal that a portion of these young editing events are evolutionarily significant, indicating general functional relevance for at least a fraction of these sites. Conclusions Overall, we report a list of A-to-I editing events that recently originated through G-to-A mutations in primates, representing a valuable resource to investigate the features and evolutionary significance of A-to-I editing events at the population and species levels. The unique subset of primate editome also illuminates the general functions of RNA editing by connecting it to particular gene regulatory processes, based on the characterized outcome of a gene regulatory level in different individuals or primate species with or without these editing events.

Convergent evolution is often due to selective pressures generating a similar phenotype. We observe relatively recent duplications in a spectrum of Saccharomycetaceae yeast species resulting in multiple phosphatases that are regulated by different nutrient conditions – thiamine and phosphate starvation. This specialization is both transcriptional and at the level of phosphatase substrate specificity. In Candida glabrata, loss of the ancestral phosphatase family was compensated by the co-option of a different histidine phosphatase family with three paralogs. Using RNA-seq and functional assays, we identify one of these paralogs, CgPMU3, as a thiamine phosphatase. We further determine that the 81% identical paralog CgPMU2 does not encode thiamine phosphatase activity; however, both are capable of cleaving the phosphatase substrate, 1-napthyl-phosphate. We functionally demonstrate that members of this family evolved novel enzymatic functions for phosphate and thiamine starvation, and are regulated transcriptionally by either nutrient condition, and observe similar trends in other yeast species. This independent, parallel evolution involving two different families of histidine phosphatases suggests that there were likely similar selective pressures on multiple yeast species to recycle thiamine and phosphate. In this work, we focused on duplication and specialization, but there is also repeated loss of phosphatases, indicating that the expansion and contraction of the phosphatase family is dynamic in many Ascomycetes. The dynamic evolution of the phosphatase gene families is perhaps just one example of how gene duplication, co-option, and transcriptional and functional specialization together allow species to adapt to their environment with existing genetic resources.

Although combinatorial regulation is a common feature in gene regulatory networks, how it evolves and affects network structure and function is not well understood. In S. cerevisiae, the phosphate starvation (PHO) responsive transcription factors Pho4 and Pho2 are required for gene induction and survival during phosphate starvation. In the related human commensal C. glabrata, Pho4 is required but Pho2 is dispensable for survival in phosphate starvation and is only partially required for inducing PHO genes. Phylogenetic survey suggests that reduced dependence on Pho2 evolved in C. glabrata and closely related species. In S. cerevisiae, less Pho2-dependent Pho4 orthologs induce more genes. In C. glabrata, its Pho4 binds to more locations and induces three times as many genes as Pho4 in S. cerevisiae does. Our work shows how evolution of combinatorial regulation allows for rapid expansion of a gene regulatory network’s targets, possibly extending its physiological functions.

While some human-specific protein-coding genes have been proposed to originate from ancestral lncRNAs, the transition process remains poorly understood. Here we identified 64 hominoid-specific de novo genes and report a mechanism for the origination of functional de novo proteins from ancestral lncRNAs with precise splicing structures and specific tissue expression profiles. Whole-genome sequencing of dozens of rhesus macaque animals revealed that these lncRNAs are generally not more selectively constrained than other lncRNA loci. The existence of these newly-originated de novo proteins is also not beyond anticipation under neutral expectation, as they generally have longer theoretical lifespan than their current age, due to their GC-rich sequence property enabling stable ORFs with lower chance of non-sense mutations. Interestingly, although the emergence and retention of these de novo genes are likely driven by neutral forces, population genetics study in 67 human individuals and 82 macaque animals revealed signatures of purifying selection on these genes specifically in human population, indicating a proportion of these newly-originated proteins are already functional in human. We thus propose a mechanism for creation of functional de novo proteins from ancestral lncRNAs during the primate evolution, which may contribute to human-specific genetic novelties by taking advantage of existed genomic contexts.

Transcription factor binding site(s) (TFBS) gain and loss (i.e., turnover) is a well-documented feature of cis-regulatory module (CRM) evolution, yet little attention has been paid to the evolutionary force(s) driving this turnover process. The predominant view, motivated by its widespread occurrence, emphasizes the importance of compensatory mutation and genetic drift. Positive selection, in contrast, although it has been invoked in specific instances of adaptive gene expression evolution, has not been considered as a general alternative to neutral compensatory evolution. In this study we evaluate the two hypotheses by analyzing patterns of single nucleotide polymorphism in the TFBS of well-characterized CRM in two closely related Drosophila species, Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans. An important feature of the analysis is classification of TFBS mutations according to the direction of their predicted effect on binding affinity, which allows gains and losses to be evaluated independently along the two phylogenetic lineages. The observed patterns of polymorphism and divergence are not compatible with neutral evolution for either class of mutations. Instead, multiple lines of evidence are consistent with contributions of positive selection to TFBS gain and loss as well as purifying selection in its maintenance. In discussion, we propose a model to reconcile the finding of selection driving TFBS turnover with constrained CRM function over long evolutionary time.

Heterotrimeric G proteins have been implicated in the regulation of membrane trafficking, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. Here, we report that overexpression of the stimulatory G protein subunit (Gas) promotes ligand-dependent degradation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and Texas Red EGF, and knock-down of Gas expression by RNA interference (RNAi) delays receptor degradation. We also show that Gas and its GTPase activating protein (GAP), RGS-PX1, interact with hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hrs), a critical component of the endosomal sorting machinery. Gas coimmunoprecipitates with Hrs and binds Hrs in pull-down assays. By immunofluorescence, exogenously expressed Gas colocalizes with myc-Hrs and GFP-RGS-PX1 on early endosomes, and expression of either Hrs or RGS-PX1 increases the localization of Gas on endosomes. Furthermore, knock-down of both Hrs and Gas by double RNAi causes greater inhibition of EGF receptor degradation than knock-down of either protein alone, suggesting that Gas and Hrs have cooperative effects on regulating EGF receptor degradation. These observations define a novel regulatory role for Gas in EGF receptor degradation and provide mechanistic insights into the function of Gas in endocytic sorting.

Abstract Background Exposure of the hepatic artery is a fundamental step in many surgeries, during which iatrogenic hepatic artery injury may occur. Although the incidence of hepatic artery haemorrhage is low, its occurrence can lead to life-threatening haemorrhage. It is difficult and dangerous to accumulate clinical experience in laparoscopic hepatic artery repair in actual patients, and simulation training models for laparoscopic hepatic artery repair are currently lacking. In this study, a 3D printed model was designed to simulate the training curriculum for sudden hepatic artery haemorrhage, but whether training with the 3D printed model could yield superior skill improvement for surgeons remained to be determined. Methods A new 3D printed model was designed for this study. Surgeons from the General Surgery Department of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital participated in this simulation training. The surgical performance of each model was compared, and the authenticity of the model was evaluated and mechanically tested. Results Experienced surgeons performed better on the 3D printed model. After repeated training, inexperienced surgeons showed significant improvement of their laparoscopic hepatic artery repair skills. The authenticity of the model was generally satisfactory, but shortcomings persisted in the mechanical testing of artery wall tearing, necessitating further improvement. Conclusions Few studies have investigated laparoscopic simulation training for sudden hepatic artery haemorrhage. This simulation model distinguishes surgeons with different levels of experience and allows those with less experience to improve their laparoscopic hepatic artery repair skills through training on the model.

In practical applications, the field of view and computation resources of an individual sensor are limited, and the development and application of multisensor networks provide more possibilities for solving challenging target tracking problems. Compared with multitarget tracking, group target tracking encounters more challenging data association and computation problems due to factors such as the proximity of targets within groups, coordinated motions, a large number of involved targets, and group splitting and merging, which will be further complicated in the multisensor fusion systems. For group target trackingunder sensors with limited field of view, we propose a scalable multisensor group target tracking method via belief propagation. Within the Bayesian framework, the method considers the uncertainty of the group structure, constructs the decomposition of the joint posterior probability density of the multisensor group targets and corresponding factor graph, and efficiently solves the data association problem by running belief propagation on the devised factor graph. Furthermore, the method has excellent scalability and low computational complexity, scaling linearly only on the numbers of sensors, preserved group partitions, and sensor measurements, and scaling quadratically on the number of targets. Finally, simulation experiments compare the performance of different methods on GOSPA and OSPA(2), which verify that the proposed method can seamlessly track grouped and ungrouped targets, fully utilize the complementary information among sensors, and improve tracking accuracy.

Abstract Despite the abundant production of fruits and vegetables in Xinjiang, there is an increasing trend in waste rates. Gas-controlled packaging techniques are employed post-harvest to enhance freshness and extend shelf life. However, the multi-gas mixing system at the core of this equipment often encounters challenges such as insufficient stability, limited precision, high costs, and inadequate intelligence. In this context, we have developed and designed a multi-gas mixing system for gas-conditioned packaging. The system integrates Internet of Things technology, uses a programmable controller as the core, proposes a ternary gas distribution model based on the ideal gas equation and Dalton’s law of partial pressures, and utilizes RS-485 bus, TCP/IP protocol, among others. This ensures communication between the equipment and data transmission with the cloud server while enabling remote control of the gas mixing and blending process via a mobile phone terminal. The system runs stably through testing, with the average relative deviations of CO2 and O2 gas concentrations being 0.86% and 0.72%, respectively. This fulfills the technical prerequisites for achieving a gas concentration precision of less than 1%, addressing challenges related to inadequate precision in gas blending, unstable performance, and limited visual representation. Moreover, it significantly reduces equipment costs and operational complexities while serving as a valuable reference for advancing multivariate gas mixing and blending technology in Xinjiang’s fruit and vegetable gas-conditioned packaging.

Abstract Black women face the highest mortality-to-incidence ratio from high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). This study investigated biological differences in HGSOC tumors from Black vs. White women. HGSOC from 35 Black and 31 White patients were analyzed by Infinium Methyation-EPIC array and RNA sequencing. 191 CpG sites were differentially methylated (FDR 10%) and 277 genes were differentially expressed (FDR

Why can complex knowledge be produced in some places but not in others? Regional knowledge complexity possesses a powerful explanatory and predictive capacity for regional innovation and economic development, yet the mechanisms underlying the formation of regional knowledge complexity remain largely opaque. This study aims to reveal the how specialization, related variety and unrelated variety of regional knowledge base contributing to the formation of regional knowledge complexity, which enriches the theories in recombination innovation as well as regional complex system. We employed multiple regression models to analyze how specialization, related variety, and unrelated variety within the regional knowledge base influence the regional Knowledge Complexity Index (KCI). The research findings indicate that specialization exerts a positive impact on the regional KCI, and the related variety within a regional knowledge base positively impacts KCI but only under the condition of cognitive proximity between regions. Both specialization and Regional Variety kjm(RV) exert significant externalities: a one-unit rise in specialization locally enhances a city's KCI by 0.0002 and affects neighboring cities positively by 0.0414, while a similar increment in RV elevates the host city's KCI by 0.0279 and induces an 8.5022-unit jump in nearby cities' KCI. Conversely, the unrelated variety in a regional knowledge base has a negative effect on KCI. A one-unit increase in the unrelated diversity of a region's knowledge composition correlates with a decline of 0.0147 units in the city's KCI and that of 2.0507 units in neighboring city's KCI. The findings suggest that less-developed regions should allocate their limited resources judiciously by prioritizing the development of specialized advantages, and concurrently, work towards narrowing the cognitive gap with their more advanced counterparts to facilitate the flow of knowledge.

This study evaluated the effects of cinnamon extract immersion treatment on the quality improvement of prefabricated small yellow croaker during refrigeration. The changes in total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) content, total viable count (TVC), K value, sensory evaluation, pH, texture, color, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) content, total sulfhydryl content, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and muscle tissue microstructure of prefabricated small yellow croaker treated with cinnamon extract immersion group (CE) and distilled water immersion group (CK) during storage at 4 ℃ for 14 days were investigated. Results revealed that, the TVB-N content of the CK group reached 31.85 mg/100 g at day 12, which exceeded the limit requirement for qualified products, while the CE group did not exceed 30 mg/100 g at day 14. At the 10th d, the TVC and K values of the CK group were 7.65 lg CFU/g and 59.82%, respectively, which exceeded the qualified aquatic product limit (7.00 lg CFU/g). At this time, the TVC and K values of the CE group were 6.42 lg CFU/g and 40.65%, respectively, which were still in compliance with the qualified aquatic product limit, and effectively delayed the increase in TVC and K values. At the 14 d, the TBA content and pH values of the CE group were lower than those of the CK group, and sensory score, total sulfhydryl content, hardness, adhesiveness, and chewiness were better than those of the CK group. However, it did not significantly affect its elasticity and gumminess (P>0.05), while maintaining the integrity of the muscle tissue structure. Consequently, cinnamon extract immersion treatment improved the freshness, texture, sensory properties, lipid oxidation, as well as protein oxidation and degradation of prefabricated small yellow croaker during refrigeration, thereby retarding the deterioration of quality. This research provides technical and data support for quality regulation, safety assurance, and shelf-life extension of prefabricated small yellow croaker.

The ACP100 is a small modular reactor (SMR) designed and built in China, featuring an integrated primary loop and passive safety systems. In SMRs, the interaction between the reactor coolant system, containment vessel, and other systems is highly interdependent. Therefore, it is necessary to use high-precision analysis codes, which can be achieved by coupling multiple codes. This paper is the first part of a study which investigates the LOCA in the ACP100 using a coupled platform. In this paper, a coupling platform was developed for transient analysis of SMR accidents, based on the system code NUSOL-SYS and the Integrated Severe Accident Analysis (ISAA) code. An inter-process communication module was developed adopting shared memory and event objects to exchange data between the two codes. A coupling interface defining the data to be exchanged was proposed. Both NUSOL-SYS and ISAA were modified to perform synchronous time step control. The coupling platform were validated through a hypothetical scenario and Edwards’ pipe blowdown experiment, demonstrating exact consistency and high accuracy. This coupling platform offers a new method for SMR accident analysis, providing a foundation for future work.

Cochlear implantation (CI) offers a dependable treatment for sensorineural hearing loss, with precision electroacoustic stimulation parameters showing great potential in improving auditory outcomes in CI patients. Here, we report the attachment of MXene into CI systems which effectively mimic the neural electrode interface due to MXene's excellent electrical conductivity and biocompatibility. Low-frequency short-term biphasic electrical pulses emitted by the MXenes-based CI promoted the outgrowth of spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) neurites and growth cones, substantially boosting the calcium activity in SGNs. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the precision medicine approaches in CI patient care, and informs the selection of materials for cochlear implant electrode materials in the future.

ABSTRACTLivestock behavior is related to the healthy breeding and welfare level. Therefore, monitoring the behavior of sheep is helpful to predict the health status of sheep and thus safeguard the production performance of sheep. Taking semi-housed sheep as the research object, a behavior identification method for housed sheep based on spatio-temporal information is proposed. Firstly, video acquisition of housed sheep is carried out, and sheep detection and tracking is implemented based on the YOLOv5 coupled with a Deep-SORT algorithm, which detects sheep from the flock and labels their identity information; then, sheep posture estimation is done based on the Alphapose algorithm, which estimates the keypoints in the skeleton; finally, the detected keypoints are inputted into the trained spatio-temporal graph convolutional network model, and the spatio-temporal graph constructed from the keypoints and edge information is used for sheep behavior recognition. In the study, two keypoints selection proposals were made to implement sheep behavior recognition for non-contacted detection of ruminating, lying down and other behaviors. The results show the feasibility of sheep behavior recognition based on spatio-temporal information in semi-housed farming. The method provides a new solution idea for intelligent monitoring of sheep behavior and health assessment.

The decline in air quality is thought to be due to rapid land use/land cover (LULC) changes near metropolitan areas that are undergoing rapid urbanisation. Here, we quantify the characteristics and relationship between the aerosol optical depth (AOD) index and LULC changes in Hangzhou, China, since the 21st century using multispectral satellite remote sensing data. The regional study results show that the correlation between the operational AOD observations (MOD04_3K) at 3 km resolution and the in situ AOD measurements available in Hangzhou ranges from 0.48 to 0.80, and their root mean square error (RMSE) < 0.30. During the past two decades, Hangzhou has been in the stage of rapid urbanisation, and the area of construction land has increased significantly, mainly converted from cultivated land and forests. The correlation coefficients between the AOD and the changes of cultivated land, forest land, grassland and construction land in Hangzhou were 0.36, 0.86, 0.61 and 0.63, respectively, indicating a strong correlation except for the cultivated land. Finally, the temporal evolution of the correlation coefficients between the cultivated land and building land are positively correlated with AOD, while from the trend of the correlation curve, grassland, woodland and AOD show negative correlations.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) enables microstructure characterization at multi-scale, having potential to quantify strain distribution across multiple fields of view (FOVs) and exploring coordinated relationships among the deformations of multi-scale microstructures. Optimizing distribution of multi-scale speckles is crucial for achieving high precision and efficiency in digital image correlation (DIC) computations. In this work, a multi-scale strain measurement method is proposed for in-situ SEM mechanical experiments, which relies on an uncomplicated multi-scale speckle preparation method. Multi-scale speckle preparation can be achieved by the combination of spin-coating and magnetron sputtering. By using micro- and macro-speckle, multi-scale strain calculations can be achieved during the in-situ SEM mechanical loading. The InSn macro-speckle is composed of controllable-sized InSn nanoscale speckles, ensuring that the accuracy of DIC measurements in the microscopic regions are not compromised by the coverage of macro-speckles in the testing region. In regions covered exclusively by SiO2 nano-speckles, in-situ SEM mechanical loading allows for the acquisition of high-resolution DIC (HR-DIC) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data from the same region and under the same deformation state. Experiments are conducted to illustrate the functionality and utility of the multi-scale speckles. Such experimental analyses offer an opportunity to further explore multi-scale strain heterogeneity in some advanced structural materials and provide reliable experimental verification for material mechanics simulations.

The hierarchically coordinated processing of visual information with the data degradation characteristic embodies the energy consumption minimization and signal transmission efficiency maximization of brain activities. This inspires machine vision to handle the explosively increased data in real-time. In this contribution, we demonstrate the possibility of constructing a coordinated perceptive computing paradigm with dual-mode organic memristors to emulate the visual processing capability of the brain systems. The 32-state modulation of the device photoresponsivity and conductance via photo-induced molecular reconfiguration and electrochemical redox activities enables the execution of computing-in-sensor and computing-in-memory tasks, respectively, which in turn allows the homogeneous hardware integration of a single-layer perceptron and a convolutional neural network for high-efficiency hierarchical visual processing. Compared to the sole optoelectronic CIS mode to recognize visual targets, the dual-mode organic memristor-based coordinated computing scheme demonstrates a 24.5% improvement in the recognition accuracy and 45.8% reduction in the network size.

Abstract Malware classification has been successful in utilizing machine learning methods. However, it is limited by the reliance on a large number of high-quality labeled datasets and the issue of overfitting. These limitations hinder the accurate classification of advanced malware with only a few samples available. Meta-learning methods offer a solution by allowing models to quickly adapt to new tasks, even with a small number of samples. However, the effectiveness of meta-learning approaches in malware classification varies due to the diverse nature of malware types. Most meta-learning-based methodologies for malware classification either focus solely on data augmentation or utilize existing neural networks and learning rate schedules to adapt to the meta-learning model. These approaches do not consider the integration of both processes or tailor the neural network and learning rate schedules to the specific task. As a result, the classification performance and generalization capabilities are suboptimal. In this paper, we propose a multi-improved model-agnostic meta-learning (MI-MAML) model that aims to address the challenges encountered in few-shot malware classification. Specifically, we propose two data augmentation techniques to improve the classification performance of few-shot malware. These techniques involve utilizing grayscale images and the Lab color space. Additionally, we customize neural network architectures and learning rate schemes based on the representative few-shot classification method, MAML, to further enhance the model’s classification performance and generalization ability for the task of few-shot malware classification. The results obtained from multiple few-shot malware datasets demonstrate that MI-MAML outperforms other models in terms of categorical accuracy, precision, and f1-score. Furthermore, we have conducted ablation experiments to validate the effectiveness of each stage of our work.

Abstract Background The development and egg-laying performance of hens are precisely regulated by hormones secreted by the pituitary. In this study, we performed comprehensive transcriptome sequencing of pituitary from Hy-Line Brown hens at 15, 20, 30 and 68 W of age. Through association analysis, we identified key genes and ceRNA regulatory networks related to pituitary development and egg production. Results Based on the comprehensive transcriptome data, we identified 470 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs), 38 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs), and 2,449 differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs). Time-series analysis pinpointed genes and signaling pathways that significantly influence pituitary hormone secretion at various stages. At 15 W, the high expression of GHRHR, NPY1R, and TSHR in the pituitary supports growth. At 20 and 30 W, elevated GNRHR expression sustains continuous egg production. In the late laying period, the expression of PRL may lead to a decline in egg production. Additionally, association analysis enabled the construction of a ceRNA regulatory network involving non-coding RNAs that regulate the development and reproduction of hens. Conclusion This study elucidated the comprehensive transcriptome expression profiles of the pituitary gland during the development and egg-laying processes in Hy-Line Brown hens and constructed the associated molecular regulatory networks. These findings lay the foundation for investigating the mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs regulate pituitary hormone secretion.

Abstract Cuproptosis is an emerging mode of programmed cell death for tumor suppression but sometimes gets resisted by tumor cells resist under specific mechanisms. Inhibiting copper transporter ATPase (ATP7A) was found to disrupt copper ion homeostasis, thereby enhancing the effect of cuproptosis and eventually inhibiting tumor invasion and metastasis. In this study, we develop a multifunctional nanoplatfrom based on Cu9S8 (CAPSH), designed to enhance cuproptosis in tumor cells by specifically targeting ATP7A interference, while combining thermodynamic therapy with immune effects. The release of copper ions from CAPSH and the copper homeostasis interference by siRNA cooperatively increases the concentration of copper ions in tumor cells, which induces effectively cuproptosis and activates immune responses for suppressing development and metastasis of tumor. This nanoplatform simultaneously regulates cuproptosis from both principles of onset and development, facilitating the application of cuproptosis in tumor therapy.

Abstract The Neoproterozoic oxygenation event is a milestone in Earth’s history, yet the redox structure and elemental cycling of the Neoproterozoic ocean remain debated. Here, we investigated iron speciation, molybdenum, and nitrogen isotopes in black shales and manganese carbonates from the upper Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation, South China, to examine the links between redox state, manganese mineralization, and molybdenum cycling. In both lithologies, high pyritic iron ratios (> 0.8) indicate a localized euxinic zone, while estimated seawater molybdenum (1.9‰) and sediment nitrogen isotopic compositions (4.19 ± 1.96‰) resemble modern values, suggesting oxygenated surface waters over euxinic depths. Negative molybdenum isotope in manganese(II) carbonates points to manganese(IV) oxide reduction, acting as a molybdenum shuttle from oxygenated surface to euxinic deep waters. Periodic euxinic contractions drove manganese(II) oxidation and mineralization, shaping molybdenum cycling. This study highlights essential manganese(II) oxidation for manganese carbonate mineralization and offers new insights into molybdenum geochemistry and ancient ocean oxygenation events.

To simultaneously detect 13 illegally added chemical drugs, a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analytical method applicable to health food products for improving sexual function and prostate function was established. The samples were processed by vortex shaking for 1 min, followed by methanol extraction for 10 min under the ultrasonic condition. Then, the sample was separated on an Agilent 5 HC-C18 (2) column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 µm) with a gradient separation using methanol-phosphate-triethylamine buffer as the mobile phase. The detection wavelengths were of 218 nm and 245 nm, the column temperature was 30 ℃, and the sample size was 10 µL. Results showed that the correlation coefficients (r) in the linear range were all greater than 0.999, the detection limits were 0.76～4.61 mg/kg, the average recoveries were 92.4%~100.7%, and the relative standard deviations were 0.44%~1.06%. The method was applied to the rapid screening of 65 batches of health foods for improving sexual and prostate function, and results indicated that paroxetine hydrochloride was detected in 2 batches of samples (15.26 mg/tablet, 6.34 mg/pellet, respectively) and yohimbine hydrochloride was detected in 1 batch of samples (10.12 mg/pellet). In summary, the method is easy to conduct and characterized with high sensitivity and reliability, which is suitable for daily supervision and inspection of illegal added drugs in health foods for improving sexual and prostate function.

Abstract Background Distal radius fractures are a common orthopedic injury, particularly prevalent among elderly and osteoporotic patients. Although surgical treatment effectively restores fracture alignment and stabilizes the bone, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can occur as a postoperative complication, severely impacting patients’ rehabilitation and quality of life. Therefore, assessing the risk factors for postoperative CRPS is crucial for early clinical intervention, aiming to improve recovery outcomes and overall patient well-being. Objective This study aims to dynamically evaluate the risk factors for CRPS following distal radius fracture surgery through a retrospective analysis. The goal is to provide scientific evidence for early clinical identification and intervention. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 191 adult patients who underwent distal radius fracture surgery between January 2021 and December 2022, comprising 89 males and 102 females, with an average age of 59.7 ± 11.6(18–75) years. Baseline and follow-up data, including demographic information, clinical characteristics, and psychological assessments, were collected. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors and assess their dynamic changes over time. Results Age, gender, occupation, fracture type, surgical method, osteoporosis, pain score (VAS), functional disability score (DASH), anxiety score (GAD-7), depression score (PHQ-9), physical therapy, and occupational therapy significantly affected the incidence of CRPS. Age and VAS scores were consistent risk factors. Female gender, internal fixation surgery, and high DASH scores posed higher risks in the early postoperative period but decreased over time. Occupation and fracture type were more significant in the mid to late postoperative period. Psychological factors were most significant in the midterm, while physical and occupational therapy were protective factors early on. Conclusion The occurrence of CRPS is the result of many factors. Elderly patients, females, and manual laborers had higher risks, with complex fractures and internal fixation surgery patients showing increased risk later on. Osteoporotic patients had higher risks in the mid to late postoperative period. VAS, DASH, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scores were significantly associated with CRPS. Early physical and occupational therapy can effectively prevent CRPS, but further research is needed to evaluate their long-term effects.

Abstract Purpose This study aims to investigate whether adding fosaprepitant to palonosetron and dexamethasone is effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in high-risk patients undergoing gynecologic surgery. Methods Eligible patients undergoing gynecological surgery were randomized into two groups (1:1). One group received fosaprepitant (150 mg) and the other (control) received a placebo infusion. Both groups received a single dose of palonosetron (0.25 mg) and dexamethasone (5 mg) together with therapeutic medication. The primary endpoint was the absence of vomiting and no use of rescue antiemetics during the first 24 h after surgery; complete response rate (CRR). Results CRR was significantly higher in the fosaprepitant group compared to the control group 0–24 h after surgery (P = 0.037; relative risk [RR], 1.116; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007 to 1.235). Moreover, CRR was also significantly higher during the 24–48 h (P = 0.004; RR, 1.148; 95% CI, 1.045 to 1.261) and 48–72 h (P = 0.039; RR, 1.083; 95% CI, 1.005 to 1.168) observation periods respectively. The complete control rate was higher in the fosaprepitant group than in the control group during the 0–24 h observation period (P = 0.012; RR, 1.367; 95% CI, 1.067 to 1.751). Nausea and rescue antiemetic use were comparable between the two groups. The severity of vomiting was significantly higher in the fosaprepitant group than in the control group on the second day (P = 0.016). Dynamic pain visual analog scale score was lower in the fosaprepitant group and quality of recovery-15 scores were significantly higher in the same group during 0–24 h observation period (P = 0.018 and 0.005, respectively). Conclusions The triple combination of fosaprepitant, palonosetron, and dexamethasone was superior in the prevention of PONV after gynecologic surgery in high-risk patients. We suggest that for high-risk patients, a triple combination therapy may be a better choice. Trial registration Registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=171741 ) with No. ChiCTR2200060890 on June 13, 2022. Principal investigator: Jingdun Xie.

Abstract Mid-infrared (MIR) Kerr microcombs are of significant interest for portable dual-comb spectroscopy and precision molecular sensing due to strong molecular vibrational absorption in the MIR band. However, achieving a compact, octave-spanning MIR Kerr microcomb remains a challenge due to the lack of suitable MIR photonic materials for the core and cladding of integrated devices and appropriate MIR continuous-wave (CW) pump lasers. Here, we propose a novel slot concentric dual-ring (SCDR) microresonator based on an integrated chalcogenide glass chip, which offers excellent transmission performance and flexible dispersion engineering in the MIR band. This device achieves both phase-matching and group velocity matching in two separated anomalous dispersion regions, enabling phase-locked, two-color solitons in the MIR region with a commercial 2-μm CW laser as the pump source. Moreover, the spectral locking of the two-color soliton enhances pump wavelength selectivity, providing precise control over soliton dynamics. By leveraging the dispersion characteristics of the SCDR microresonator, we have demonstrated a multi-octave-spanning, two-color soliton microcomb, covering a spectral range from 1156.07 to 5054.95 nm (200 THz) at a −40 dB level, highlighting the versatility and broad applicability of our approach. And the proposed multi-octave MIR frequency comb is relevant for applications such as dual-comb spectroscopy and trace-gas sensing. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Sepsis is a potentially fatal systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that threatens millions of lives worldwide. Echinococcus granulosus antigen B (EgAgB) is a protein released by the larvae of the tapeworm. This protein has been shown to play an important role in modulating host immune response. In this study we expressed EgAgB as soluble recombinant protein in E. coli (rEgAgB) and explored its protective effect on sepsis. Methods The sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure in BALB/c mice. The therapeutic effect of rEgAgB on sepsis was performed by interperitoneally injecting 5 µg rEgAgB in mice with CLP-induced sepsis and observing the 72 h survival rate after onset of sepsis. The proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6] and regulatory cytokines [IL-10, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)] were measured in sera, and the histopathological change was observed in livers, kidneys, and lungs of septic mice treated with rEgAgB compared with untreated mice. The effect of rEgAgB on the macrophage polarization was performed in vitro by incubating rEgAgB with peritoneal macrophages. The levels of TLR2 and MyD88 were measured in these tissues to determine the involvement of TLR-2/MyD88 in the sepsis-induced inflammatory signaling pathway. Results In vivo, we observed that treatment with rEgAgB significantly increased the survival rate of mice with CLP-induced sepsis up to 72 h while all mice without treatment died within the same period. The increased survival was associated with reduced pathological damage in key organs such as liver, lung, and kidneys. It was supported by the reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels and increased regulatory cytokine expression in peripheral blood and key organ tissues. Further study identified that treatment with rEgAgB promoted macrophage polarization from classically activated macrophage (M1) to regulatory M2-like macrophage via inhibiting TLR2/MyD88 signal pathway. Conclusions The therapeutic effects of rEgAgB on mice with sepsis was observed in a mice model that was associated with reduced inflammatory responses and increased regulatory responses, possibly through inducing polarization of macrophages from proinflammatory M1 to regulatory M2 phenotype through inhibiting TLR2/MyD88 inflammatory pathway. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Understanding Pd effects on NOx storage and release is crucial for designing passive NOx adsorber (PNA) to control NOx emissions during diesel cold-starts. Herein, we report two oxidation states of Pd species on CexZr1-xO2 regulated by metal-support interaction. Pdδ+ (0

Abstract Background This study aimed to develop a predictive model utilizing radiomics and body composition features derived from 18F-FDG PET/CT scans to forecast progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods We analyzed data from 91 patients who underwent baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. Radiomic features extracted from PET and CT images and subsequent radiomics scores (Rad-scores) were calculated. Body composition metrics were also quantified, including muscle and fat distribution at the L3 level from CT scans. Multiparametric survival models were constructed using Cox regression analysis, and their performance was assessed using the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and concordance index (C-index). Results Multivariate analysis identified Rad-scorePFS (P = 0.003), sarcopenia (P

Abstract Surface lattice resonances (SLR) have been demonstrated to enhance the sensitivity and reduce the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the plasmonic resonances. However, their widespread application in immunoassays has been hindered by limitations of high structural defect sensitivity and fabrication costs. Here, we design a novel three-layer cylindrical SLR array that exhibits high tolerance against structural defects, which would facilitate straightforward fabrication. By integrating metal evaporation and nanoimprint lithography, we demonstrate the replication of the SLR array with exceptional quality. Theoretical simulations indicate that the resonance dips of these arrays exhibit are not sensitive to various structural defects. The experimental results reveal that the FWHM of these arrays can be as low as 5.1 nm while maintaining robust resonance characteristics. Furthermore, we demonstrated the high spectral sensitivity of the SLR array, which enabled the detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) at concentrations as low as 609 pg/mL. These findings emphasize the potential of the defect-insensitive SLR array as a highly scalable immunoassay platform with exceptional performance.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare the efficacy and cost-utility of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) versus percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) for the treatment of single-level lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 99 patients who underwent either UBE (n = 33) or PEID (n = 66) between July 2022 and December 2023 at the Second Xiangya Hospital. Patients were matched 1:2 based on age, sex, and surgery level to ensure comparability. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) calculated for cost-utility analysis. Hospitalization costs were analyzed, and the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICER) was determined. Results Both UBE and PEID groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in VAS, EQ-5D, and ODI scores (p

Abstract Borayflo Haemostatic matrix is a new absorbable hemostatic gelatin matrix which can be used for intraoperative assisted hemostasis. In a prospective, multicenter, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial, a total of 354 subjects were recruited from the departments of hepatobiliary surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology and orthopaedics of 4 hospitals and randomly allocated to test group (Borayflo Haemostatic matrix) or control group (Surgiflo Haemostatic matrix) in a 1:1 ratio. In the modified intention-to-treat population, 163 (93.14%) of 175 subjects in the test group versus 167 (94.89%) of 176 subjects in the control group successfully achieved hemostasis within 5 min (P > 0.05). Non-inferiority for effective rates of hemostasis at 5 min to Surgiflo Haemostatic matrix was shown in the study (treatment difference: -1.74% [95%CI, -6.70–3.22%] for modified intention-to-treat population). In terms of efficacy and safety, the new hemostatic gelatin matrix (Borayflo Haemostatic matrix) is equivalent to Surgiflo Haemostatic matrix. There was no significant difference in the incidence of AEs or SAEs between the test and control groups(P > 0.05). In addition, Borayflo Haemostatic matrix is a domestically produced haemostatic gelatin product, an advantage that will reduce the cost of surgical haemostasis for Chinese patients.

Abstract Background The association between serum triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (THR) in late pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes (ABO) remains controversial because of inconsistent results. The present study assessed the association between maternal serum THR and incidence of ABO [preterm birth (PTB), small and large for gestational age (SGA/LGA), low birth weight (LBW) and macrosomia] in a Chinese population. Methods A total of 11,553 consecutive participants from a real-world database with data on lipid profiles and birth outcomes were included. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between THR and incident ABO. Mediation analysis was performed to investigate the contribution of pregnancy complications [gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and pre-eclampsia (PE)] to this association. Results Approximately 6.6% (762/11,553), 8.9% (1023/11,553), 15.5% (1792/11,553), 4.3% (494/11,553), and 7.4% (851/11,553) of individuals developed PTB, SGA, LGA, LBW and macrosomia, respectively. Significant trends across the quintiles of THR toward decreasing incidence of SGA and LBW and increasing incidence of LGA and macrosomia were observed. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (OR) in the top quintile of serum THR (> 3.16) versus the bottom quintile (

Abstract Bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) is a viral respiratory pathogen that infects cattle and causes significant economic losses. We generated a recombinant adenovirus called rHAd5-F + HN by expressing the fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein of BPIV3 using the human adenovirus serotype 5 (rHAd5). We evaluated its effects on humoral and cellular immune responses in mice (n = 45) and calves (n = 9). Serum antibody responses were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hemagglutination inhibition (HI), and neutralising antibodies (NAb). After boosting immunity with rHAd5-F + HN, mice produced significantly higher levels of antibodies against the BPIV3 genotype A and genotype C strains. The production of antibodies exceeded those produced by adenoviruses rHAd5-F and rHAd5-HN, which express the F and HN glycoprotein, respectively. The percentages of splenic CD3+/CD8+T lymphocytes and IL-4+ cytokines in rHAd5-F + HN mice were considerably higher than those in the control group. Mice immunised with rHAd5-F + HN exhibited much lower viral loads in the lungs and tracheas compared to the control group. Additionally, the lungs of mice vaccinated with rHAd5-F + HN showed no notable histopathological changes. On the other hand, rHAd5-F + HN produced a humoral immune response in calves. Following the booster intramuscular injection with the rHAd5-F + HN, the serum antibody levels against BPIV3 genotype C strain were 1:20 452, 1:1024, and 1:426 in calves, as detected by ELISA, HI, and NAb, respectively. The HI and NAb levels against the BPIV3 genotype A strain were 1:213 and 1:85 in calves, respectively. These results indicate that rHAd5-F + HN effectively induced immunity against BPIV3 infection.

Microvascular changes are considered key factors in the process of intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD). Microvascular invasion and growth into the nucleus pulposus (NP) and cartilaginous endplates are unfavorable factors that trigger IDD. In contrast, the rich distribution of microvessels in the bony endplates and outer layers of the annulus fibrosus is an important safeguard for the nutrient supply and metabolism of the intervertebral disk (IVD). In particular, the adequate supply of microvessels in the bony endplates is the main source of the nutritional supply for the entire IVD. Microvessels can affect the progression of IDD through a variety of pathways. Many studies have explored the effects of microvessel alterations in the NP, annulus fibrosus, cartilaginous endplates, and bony endplates on the local microenvironment through inflammation, apoptosis, and senescence. Studies also elucidated the important roles of microvessel alterations in the process of IDD, as well as conducted in‐depth explorations of cytokines and biologics that can inhibit or promote the ingrowth of microvessels. Therefore, the present manuscript reviews the published literature on the effects of microvascular changes on IVD to summarize the roles of microvessels in IVD and elaborate on the mechanisms of action that promote or inhibit de novo microvessel formation in IVD.

Objective As the population ages and technology advances, lateral lumbar intervertebral fusion (LLIF) is gaining popularity for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). This study investigated the feasibility, minimally invasive concept, and benefits of LLIF for the treatment of DLS by observing and assessing the clinical efficacy, imaging changes, and complications following the procedure. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 52 DLS patients (12 men and 40 women, aged 65.84 ± 9.873 years) who underwent LLIF from January 2019 to January 2023. The operation time, blood loss, complications, clinical efficacy indicators (visual analogue scale [VAS], Oswestry disability index [ODI], and 36‐Item Short Form Survey), and imaging indicators (coronal position: Cobb angle and center sacral vertical line–C7 plumbline [CSVL–C7PL]; and sagittal position: sagittal vertical axis [SVA], lumbar lordosis [LL], pelvic incidence angle [PI], and thoracic kyphosis angle [TK] were measured). All patients were followed up. The above clinical evaluation indexes and imaging outcomes of patients postoperatively and at last follow‐up were compared to their preoperative results. Results Compared to the preoperative values, the Cobb angle and LL angle were significantly improved after surgery (p 0.05) but improved significantly at follow‐up (p 0.05) but considerably improved during follow‐up (p

Abstract The mechanical deformation of coals occurring extensively during the geological period (tectonically deformed coals) can directly alter their pore structures and then the storage of coalbed methane. This study in-situ investigated the effects of different mechanical deformations on the ultramicropore structure and the methane adsorption of coal molecules using molecular simulations. The results show that the shear deformation (

Abstract The relative risk and benefits of Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate perioperative and survival outcomes for three primary malignant liver tumors related outcomes following LLR. Data from three Homogeneous-High-Volume-Expert-Centers were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for the association between LLR, and major complications defined as Clavien-Dindo Classification grade ≥ II. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to explore the impact of LLR on primary malignant liver tumor survival. Overall, 5886 patients underwent liver resection, of which 1991 underwent LLR. After adjusting for covariables, LLR had significantly lower rate of CDC grade ≥ II (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.48–0.67, P 0.05). LLR was associated with lower rate of major complications, especially in women, non-drinkers, those without a history of abdominal surgery, and those with normal platelet. For primary malignant liver tumors, the survival outcomes did not differ significantly between LLR and OLR.

Abstract Background Integration of digital tools and resources in STEM instruction has garnered significant attention due to its high potential. Digital professional development is identified as a pivotal factor for equipping teachers with necessary digital skills to effectively orchestrate digital resources. Notably, the role of professional learning communities is considered critical. However, the intricate relationships among digital professional development, professional learning communities, and digital instructional integration among STEM teachers remain underexplored. Utilizing partial least-squares–structural equation models (PLS–SEM), the present study examined links in digital professional development, professional learning communities, and digital instructional integration among STEM teachers (N = 16,072) who participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022. Results Findings from the PLS–SEM analysis indicate that digital professional development exhibits a direct positive relationship with professional learning communities and digital instructional integration. Relatedly, professional learning communities is positively correlated with digital instructional integration. In terms of indirect effect, findings show that professional learning communities play a significant positive mediating role in linking digital professional development and digital instructional integration. Conclusions This study reports new evidence on the influence of digital professional development on digital instructional integration through professional learning communities among 16,072 STEM teachers and concludes that, when STEM teachers regularly immerse themselves in professional learning communities, they are more likely to benefit from their digital professional development by integrating digital technologies in classroom instruction. Policymakers and educational leaders should consider promoting digital professional development and professional learning communities among STEM teachers, along with efforts to encourage digital instructional integration.