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Introduction: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is achieved by advancing the lead tip deep in the septum. Most LBBAP implants are performed using the Medtronic SelectSecure™ MRI SecureScan™ Model 3830 featuring a unique 4 Fr fixed helix lumenless design. Details of lead use conditions and long‐term reliability have not been reported. This study was designed to quantify the mechanical use conditions for the 3830 lead during and after LBBAP implant, and to evaluate reliability using bench testing and simulation. Methods: Fifty bradycardia patients with implantation of the 3830 lead for LBBAP were enrolled. Use conditions of lead deployment at implantation were collected and computed tomography (CT) scans were performed at 3‐month follow‐up. Curvature amplitude along the pacing lead was determined with CT images. Fatigue bending was performed using accelerated testing in a more severe environment than routine clinical use conditions. Conductor fracture rate in a simulated patient population was estimated based on clinical use conditions and fatigue test results. Results: The number of attempts to place the 3830 lead for LBBAP was 2.1 ± 1.3 (range: 1–7) with 13 ± 6 lead rotations at the final attempt. Extreme implant conditions were simulated in bench testing with 5 applications of 20 turns followed by up to 400 million bending cycles. Reliability modeling predicted a 10‐year fracture rate of 0.02%. Conclusions: LBBAP implants require more lead rotations than standard pacing implants and result in unique lead bending. Application of simulated LBBAP use conditions to the 3830 lead in an accelerated in‐vitro model does not produce excess conductor fractures. IMAGE‐LBBP Study ID of ClinicalTrial.GOV: NCT04119323. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a novel physiological pacing modality. The relationship between the pacing lead tip location and paced electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics remains unclear. The objectives are to determine the lead tip location within the interventricular septum (IVS) and assess the location‐based ECG QRS duration (QRSd) and left ventricular activation time (LVAT). Methods: This multicenter study enrolled 50 consecutive bradycardia patients who met pacemaker therapy guidelines and received LBBAP implantation via the trans‐ventricular septal approach. After at least 3 months postimplant, 12‐lead ECGs and pacing parameters were obtained. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed to assess the LBBAP lead tip distance from the LV blood pool. Results: Among the 50 patients, analyzable CT images were obtained in 42. In 23 of the 42 patients, the lead tips were within 2 mm to the LV blood pool (the LV subendocardial (LVSE) group), 13 between 2 and 4 mm (the Near‐LVSE group), and the remaining 6 beyond 4 mm (the Mid‐LV septal (Mid‐LVS) group). No significant differences in paced QRSd were found among the three groups (LVSE, 107 ± 15 ms; Near‐LVSE, 106 ± 13 ms; Mid‐LVS, 104 ± 15 ms; p =.87). LVAT in the LVSE (64 ± 7 ms) was significantly shorter than in the Mid‐LVS (72 ± 8 ms; p <.05), but not significantly different from that in the Near‐LVSE (69 ± 8 ms; p >.05). Conclusion: In routine LBBAP practice, paced narrow QRSd and fast LVAT, indicative of physiological pacing, were consistently achieved for lead tip location in the LV subendocardial or near LV subendocardial region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is characterized with a low and stable pacing capture threshold, relatively narrow QRS duration due to fast left ventricular activation, and direct excitation of the diseased left bundle branch. This report aims to describe the methods, procedural skills, and clinical implications of performing LBBP implantation. Methods and Results: LBBP is achieved by transventricular‐septal approach. There are two methods to identify the location for LBBP lead placement: the single‐lead method and the dual‐lead method. During implantation, the unique transition of the paced QRS morphology and pacing parameter changes are important for guiding the lead ‐ advancement to the left side of the interventricular septum. In our experience, LBBP can be safely performed in most patients requiring pacemaker therapy. Conclusion: Clinical development of LBBP is at an early but encouraging phase with increasing clinical use, and a standardized procedure with improved delivery tools and pacing leads is needed, as well as long‐term efficacy and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 57‐year‐old male presented with symptomatic systolic heart failure and complete left bundle branch block (LBBB). Left bundle branch pacing corrected LBBB at a low capture threshold (0.5V @0.4ms) with right bundle branch conduction delay and paced QRS morphology changed to near‐normal by adjusting AV delay with diminished RBBD. At 1‐year follow‐up, the patient had a significant improvement in heart failure and LBBB automatically resolved with a rate‐dependent pattern. LBBP may be an alternative to conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy with the likelihood of recovery of LBBB. More research is needed to evaluate the potential use of this pacing strategy in patients with LBBB and heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical variations in femoral vasculature and evaluate the clinical value of ultrasound‐guided femoral vein puncture in catheter ablation procedures. Methods: In this retrospective analysis conducted from January 2023 to March 2023, we examined data from patients who underwent catheter ablation with ultrasound‐guided femoral venipuncture. We evaluated the anatomy of the femoral vasculature at both high and low inguinal levels. Based on the relationship between the femoral vein and artery, we classified the anatomy into four types: Type I (vein parallel to artery without overlap), Type II (vein medial to artery with lumen overlap ≤50%), Type III (vein posterior to artery with lumen overlap > 50%), and Type IV (vein lateral to artery). Additionally, we assessed procedure‐related vascular complications that required interventions or prolonged hospital stays. Results: A total of 254 patients were included in this study. At the upper inguinal level, most cases (92.5%) exhibited Type II, followed by Type I (6.5%), while Type III (0.6%) and IV (0.4%) were less common. At the lower inguinal level, Type II accounted for 70.7%, there was a significantly higher proportion of Type III (23.4%) and Type IV (5.9%). The overall complication rate was 0.4%, no pseudoaneurysm or hematoma was observed in our study. Conclusion: Our study revealed significant anatomical variations in the relationship between the femoral vein and femoral artery. Ultrasound‐guided femoral venipuncture significantly reduced vascular complication rate, making it a valuable tool for guiding puncture procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Circulating APP, NCAM, Aβ40, and Aβ42 were noninvasive biomarkers for AD. • Serum levels of Aβ, APP, and NCAM were increased in the AD. • The combination of APP, NCAM, Aβ40, and Aβ42 had the highest AUC and sensitivity. • Circulating APP, NCAM, Aβ40, and Aβ42 can be used as desirable biomarkers for AD. Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the early diagnosis and intervention are important for valid treatment of AD. However, there are few biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of AD. In the present study, circulating APP, NCAM, Aβ40, and Aβ42 were measured in order to identify which marker or combination of markers could be useful, cost-effective and noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosing and continuously monitoring AD. The results showed that circulating APP, NCAM, Aβ40, and Aβ42 were different between the AD group and the control group. Importantly, the combination of the four biomarkers had the highest AUC (0.997) with the highest sensitivity (98.5). Therefore, circulating APP, NCAM, Aβ40, and Aβ42 can be used as desirable biomarkers for AD diagnosis and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy resin modified polyisocyanurate (EP-PIR) foams were successfully prepared by the reaction of polymethylene polyphenylene isocyanate (PAPI) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA). Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with infrared spectrometry (TGA-IR) was performed to investigate the thermostability and the gaseous pyrolysis products of EP-PIR foams. The results indicated that the excellent thermostability of EP-PIR foams was due to the abundant highly thermostable isocyanurate ring and oxazolidone ring. The flame retardation of EP-PIR foams was also investigated. UL94 results revealed that the foams with [PAPI]/[DGEBA] ratio above 2.5 could reach V-0 classification. With increasing the stoichiometry of [PAPI]/[DGEBA], the limiting oxygen index values increased linearly from 24.5 to 30.0 vol %. Scanning electron microscopy images of burned foams illustrated the flame-retardant mechanism was due to the excellent charring ability. Cone calorimeter tests showed that the peaks of heat release rate were always as low as 266.5 kW/m 2 . Moreover, highly thermostable isocyanurate ring played an important role in the suppression of smoke emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover image is based on the Original Article Clinical use conditions of lead deployment and simulated lead fracture rate in left bundle branch area pacing by Jiangang Zou MD et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/jce.15843. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Paraffin/polyurethane composite as form-stable phase change material was prepared by bulk polymerization. [•] Paraffin/polyurethane composite possesses typical character of dual phase transition. [•] Total latent heat of n-eicosane/PUPCM is as high as 141.2J/g. [•] Maximum encapsulation ratio for n-octadecane/PUPCM composites is 25%w/w. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) has been shown to exhibit anomalously high solubility in CO2 as compared to other vinyl hydrocarbon polymers. Understanding the phase behaviour of PVAc with different topologies in CO2 is very important for its potential applications as suitable surfactant, or phase transfer agent in a CO2 solvent process. In this study, a series of PVAcs with different topologies (bi-arms, tri-arms, tetra-arms) were synthesized by RAFT/MADIX method. The structures and molecular weights of these polymers were characterized by 1H NMR and GPC. The phase behaviours of PVAcs in dense carbon dioxide fluid were determined, and the results show that the PVAc with more arms has lower cloud point pressure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many studies have shown that Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles are associated with the development of various cancers. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. To investigate whether HLA class I allelic polymorphism is related to the development of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated HCC, a total of 326 HBV-infected patients (138 individuals with HCC and 188 well-matched controls without HCC) were enrolled in this study. HLA-A, -B, and -C were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–sequencing based typing (PCR-SBT) method. We identified HLA-B∗35:01:01G as a risk factor for HBV-related HCC development independent of our previous findings in HLA region (OR, 12.04; p, 0.0028; pc, 0.04). HLA-A∗11:01:01G, B∗58:01:01G, C∗03:02:01G and some of their extended haplotypes were found as potential susceptible factors for HCC development. HLA-B∗46:01:01G and some of its extended haplotypes were found as potential protective factors for HCC development. Our results support that specific HLA class I alleles and haplotypes may affect the risk of HBV-related HCC development. The findings may help to determine better approaches for prevention and treatment of HCC in these patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is not only an economic insect but also a model organism for life science research. Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) disease is a major infectious disease in the world's sericulture industry. The cocoon loss caused by this disease accounts for more than 60% of the total loss caused by all silkworm diseases. To date, there has been no effective solution for preventing and treating this disease. The most effective measure is to breed disease-resistant varieties. The quickest way to breed disease-resistant varieties is to apply genetic modification. However, this requires that we obtain disease resistance genes and know the mechanism of disease resistance. Since the discovery of disease-resistant resources in 1989, scholars in the sericulture industry around the world have been inspired to search for resistance genes. In the past two decades, with the help of multi-omics technologies, screening of resistance genes, gene localization, protein modification, virus–host interactions, etc., researchers have found some candidate genes that have been proposed to function at the cellular or individual level. Several disease-resistant varieties have been obtained and used in production through hybrid breeding, RNA interference, and genetic modification. This article summarizes and reviews the discovery of and research advances related to silkworm resistance to BmNPV. It is anticipated that the review will inspire scientific researchers to continue searching for disease resistance genes, clarify the molecular mechanism of silkworm disease resistance, and promote disease-resistant silkworm breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: All lepidopteran baculovirus genomes sequenced encode a homolog of the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus orf61 gene (Bm61). To determine the role of Bm61 in the baculoviral life cycle, we constructed a Bm61 knockout virus and characterized it in cells. We observed that the Bm61 deletion bacmid led to a defect in production of infectious budded virus (BV). Quantitative PCR analysis of BV in the media culturing the transfected cell indicated that BV was not produced due to Bm61 deletion. Electron microscope analysis showed that in the knockout of Bm61, nucleocapsids were not transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. From these results we concluded that BM61 is required in the BV pathway for the egress of nucleocapsids from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: ORF134 of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a homolog of Autographa californica multiple NPV ORF5, but its function is unknown so far. The aim of this study is to characterize BmNPV ORF134 (Bm134). Methods: Transcription, protein expression and subcellular localization of Bm134 in BmN cells and silkworm midguts were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. Results: Both the transcription and protein expression of Bm134 were not detected until 24 h post-infection (p.i.) by RT-PCR and Western blot, indicating that Bm134 is a late gene. Western blot revealed that Bm134 encodes an expected 12.4-kDa structural protein that is associated with occlusion-derived virus (ODV), not with budded virus. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the Bm134 was first detected in the cytoplasm 24 h p.i. and then transported to the nucleus during later infection. Transcripts of Bm134 and the corresponding protein were only detected 48-72 h p.i. in BmNPV-infected larvae of 306, a highly BmNPV-susceptible silkworm strain, but not in the NB strain that is resistant to BmNPV infection. Conclusion: Taken together, our data suggest that Bm134 is a late gene of BmNPV and may function as an ODV structural protein. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the bushfire (wildland fire) risk to the built environment in Australia. The most salient result is that the annual probability of building destruction has remained almost constant over the last century despite large demographic and social changes as well as improvements in fire fighting technique and resources. Most historical losses have taken place in a few extreme fires which if repeated are likely to overwhelm even the most professional of fire services. We also calculate the average annual probability of a random home on the urban-bushland interface being destroyed by a bushfire to be of the order of 1 in 6500, a factor 6.5 times lower than the ignition probability of a structural house fire. Thus on average and if this risk was perceived rationally, the incentive for individual homeowners to mitigate and reduce the bushfire danger even further is low. This being the case and despite predictions of an increasing likelihood of conditions favouring bushfires under global climate change, we suspect that building losses due to bushfires are unlikely to alter materially in the near future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To investigate the effects of fluorosis on development and gene expression profiles of silkworm, highly resistant silkworm strain 441, and highly susceptible silkworm strain 440 were treated with 200ppm fluoride (designated as 440F and 441F) and water (designated as 440DZ and 441DZ). Fluorotic silkworm showed body color and behavior changes. Statistical analysis indicated that growth index of 440F was lower than 440DZ, 441DZ, and 441F. The mortality of 440F was higher than others. Fluorescent differential display enabled us to obtain a differentially expressed cDNA. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that it belonged to cytochrome P450 family, denoted Bmcyp306a1, which contained seven exons and six introns. Phylogenetic tree showed BmCYP306A1 had high homology with Manduca sexta’ P450 protein. Expression analysis indicated that Bmcyp306a1 was exclusively expressed in 441DZ and 441F and was down-regulated under fluoride treatment. The tissue-specific expression indicated Bmcyp306a1 had high-expression level in midgut and ovary in 441F. The data revealed that there was obvious dose–effect and times relationship with the pathological changes and gene expression. Expression profiles of Bmcyp306a1 suggested that P450 gene was crucial to physiological modification and might be involved in fluoride resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The nanos gene encodes a zinc-finger protein which is required for the migration and differentiation of primordial germ cells as well as for their fate maintenance. In this study, a 1913bp nanos gene was cloned and characterized in silkworm (Bombyx mori). RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the nanos was expressed in developing embryos and various silkworm larval tissues. The expression patterns of Nanos and Vasa in silkworm larval gonads were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. It was found that, in silkworm larval ovaries, the Nanos and Vasa proteins were expressed in oocytes. While in testes, high expression of Nanos and Vasa was detected in spermatogonia and relatively weaker expression was found in spermatocytes at latter stages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are believed to play an important role in insects for protection against the toxicity of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A gene encoding a novel 1-Cys Prx was firstly identified and characterized from an expressed sequence tag database (EST) in the lepidopteran insect, Bombyx mori. The 1-Cys Prx of B. mori (BmPrx) cDNA contained an open reading frame of 672 bp encoding a protein of 223 amino acid residues with calculated molecular mass of 25 kDa and included conserved cysteine residues signature motifs (PVCT) in the N-terminus amino acid. Sequence comparison showed that BmPrx shared 53 to 64% identity with other species 1-Cys proteins. RT-PCR revealed that the BmPrx transcripts were present in all tissues and developmental stages. The coding sequence was cloned and expressed as a 30-kDa protein in Escherichia coli. The purified enzyme acted as a catalyst in ferrithiocyanate system and protected supercoiled form of plasmid DNA from damage in metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) system in vitro. In addition, real-time PCR analysis indicated that significant rise of the transcripts level of BmPrx was induced by temperature stress including low and high temperature stimuli. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Catastrophe loss estimation for natural hazards combines both hazard and exposure data. While hazard attributes such as intensity distributions are usually represented at a spatially explicit raster (or pixel) level, exposure data such as population, dwellings and insurance portfolios are usually only available at spatially lumped census tracts. In current loss estimation studies, this spatial incompatibility is often inadequately addressed and a uniform distribution of exposure data within an areal unit assumed. As a result, loss estimation models overlook a great deal of spatial disparity. This paper defines occupied residential area as the area at risk and uses a dasymetric mapping approach to obtain this from areal census tracts.Using Sydney (Australia) as an example, residential areas at risk were produced through street buffers. The effect of incorporating area at risk in loss estimation models in this manner was then tested for two hazards (earthquakes and hailstorms) that impose very different-sized damage footprints. Total numbers of separate houses (as exposure data) were represented at two hierarchically nested areal unit forms (postcode and census collection district—CCD) and their corresponding residential area forms. The spatial distribution of calculated losses for these different forms was then pairwise compared. For earthquakes, estimated losses were insensitive to the manner of delineating area at risk and the use of finer-resolution exposure data. This follows because the affected zone is much larger than the areal unit to which exposure data are attached. Hailstorms, on the other hand, have relatively small affected zones, and loss estimates at a coarse postcode level were considerably different to those at postcode-based residential, CCD and CCD-based residential levels. Differences between CCD and CCD-based residential area levels were relatively small in both cases because the distribution of fine CCD units closely reflects the underlying residential areas. Our empirical findings suggest that improved delineation of the area at risk and employing exposure data based on finer areal units are important for improving loss estimation from catastrophic events, particularly those that affect only a small proportion of the area under consideration. The results also have significance for other multidisciplinary studies concerned with the integration of spatially explicit environmental data and spatially lumped socioeconomic data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Influence of gamma irradiation on molecular dynamics and microstructures of PU was analyzed. • α -relaxation of PTMG-PU and PBA-PU elastomers exhibits converse tendency with irradiation dose. • Hard microdomains of PTMG-PU are more susceptible to gamma irradiation. The influence of gamma irradiation on molecular dynamics, microstructures and mechanical properties of polyurethane (PU) elastomers with polyether (poly(tetramethylene glycol), PTMG) and polyester (poly(butylene adipate), PBA) soft segments has been studied. Dynamical mechanical analysis and broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy were used to investigate the molecular dynamics of PU elastomers. Interestingly, the α -relaxation exhibited contrasting tendency with irradiation dose for PTMG-PU and PBA-PU, demonstrating that main chain scission took place for PTMG soft segments, but main chain crosslink for PBA soft segments. The results of small-angle scattering technique indicated that the volume fraction of hard microdomains increase rapidly with irradiation dose. The microstructures of PTMG-PU were more susceptible to gamma irradiation compared with PBA-PU. The deterioration of tensile properties was not only related to irradiation damage of soft segments, but also caused by the destruction of the microstructures of hard microdomains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribosomal protein L13 (RPL13) is highly conserved in evolution. At present, the properties and functions of RPL13 have not been characterised in insects. In this study, Bombyx mori RPL13 (BmRPL13) was first found to be specifically recruited to the sites of ultraviolet (UV)‐induced DNA damage and contributed to UV damage repair. Escherichia coli expressing BmRPL13 showed better resistance to UV radiation. After knocking down the expression of BmRPL13 in BmN cells, the repair speed of UV‐damaged DNA slowed down. The further results showed that BmRPL13 interacted with B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) ORF65 (Bm65) protein to locate at the UV‐induced DNA damage sites of BmNPV and helped repair UV‐damaged viral DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of insufficient convective heat transfer of uniaxial stirred melt, the temperature field and shear rate of melt under planetary stirring were studied based on CFD simulation. The microstructure and properties of this technology were also experimentally studied. The results show that compared with the uniaxial stirring semi-solid technology, the convective heat transfer ability of aluminum alloy, semi-solid slurry in planetary stirring mode is stronger. In addition, its temperature field can be reduced to the semi-solid range faster and more evenly, which is conducive to a large number of nucleation and improves the nucleation rate. The temperature difference of the whole melt is small, so the preferred direction growth and uniform growth of dendrites are avoided, and the morphology is improved. Properly increasing the revolution and rotation speed of the stirring shaft can refine the grains of semi-solid aluminum alloy parts, improve the grain morphology, and improve the tensile strength. The planetary stirring semi-solid process is very suitable for rheological high-pressure casting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical crosslinking is an important strategy for preparation of form stable phase change materials (FSPCMs). However, the influence of different crosslinking structure on the properties of FSPCMs is not very clear currently. In this work, PEG-based FSPCMs are synthesized by free-radical polymerization. They possess different crosslinking densities, and the location of PEG moieties include two different sites (backbone or side chain). The chemical structure, phase change property, crystal structure, mechanical performance, and thermal reliability of the FSPCMs are studied and compared with respect to their different crosslinking structure. It is found that the phase change enthalpy and degree of crystallinity increase with decreasing crosslinking density, and PEG moieties locating in side chain is preferable. With decreasing crosslinking density, the spherulites of the FSPCMs become larger, but always smaller than that of pristine PEG. The results can be explained by the restriction on movement/assembly of PEG moieties by the crosslinking network. The mechanical performance of FSPCMs with PEG moieties located in backbone is preferable than that in side chain. Tensile strength is maximized with poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate (M n = 12000) as monomer, and elongation at break increases monotonically with decreasing crosslinking density. The findings of this work will contribute to the future design of FSPCMs with optimized overall thermal energy storage and mechanical properties. • PEG-based FSPCMs with different crosslinking structure are prepared. • The FSPCMs exhibit lowered phase change enthalpy compared with pristine PEG. • Phase change properties of side chain type FSPCMs are less affected. • The backbone type FSPCMs possess excellent mechanical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical structures, molecular dynamics and mechanical properties of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA)/triethylenetetramine (TETA) resins under gamma irradiation and physical ageing have been investigated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated that an amount of amines and oxidized carbonyl-containing products were generated during the irradiation process. The oxidized skin-like layer was confirmed via micro-FTIR, and the thickness of the oxidized layer increased linearly with irradiation dose. Dynamical mechanical analysis and broadband dielectric spectroscopy were used to analyze the molecular dynamics of DGEBA/TETA resins under different irradiation doses. Three distinct relaxations were observed for all polymers. The irradiation process resulted in an increase of local mobility corresponding to β and γ relaxations. The cooperative mobility associated with α relaxation was significantly shifted to lower temperature with irradiation. Meanwhile, α relaxation broadened considerably with increasing irradiation dose, demonstrating an increasingly heterogeneous environment. The gamma irradiation process resulted in an increase of threshold stress, but a decrease of strain at break, which was accounted for a destruction of the cross-linking networks associated with the increase of the heterogeneity environments. Meanwhile, the increase of the flexural and tensile modulus with the irradiation dose was due to the generation of the abundant hydrogen bonds acted as physical cross-linking points. • The microstructures and macroscopic properties of epoxy resins have been analyzed as a function of gamma irradiation dose. • An increase of local and cooperative molecular mobility was observed during gamma irradiation. • The threshold stress was reached for lower strains due to an increasingly spatial heterogeneity of the crosslink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurea (PU) elastomers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their exceptional blast mitigation, ballistic protection, and wear resistance properties. However, their applications as protective materials are often limited as a result of their high flammability. In this study, aromatic dianhydrides (ArDAs) were employed to capture the thermal decomposing products of PU during combustion and facilitate the generation of highly heat-resistant aromatic polyimides (i.e., end group capturing effect), thus enhancing the material's char-forming ability and improving its flame retardancy. The ArDAs were found to significantly reduce the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), total smoke release (TSR), and total CO release (TCO) of PU, and meanwhile increased the amount of char residue. At 20 wt% content of 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), PHRR, THR, TSR and TCO of PU were reduced by 70.6%, 32.5%, 44.7% and 58.8%, respectively, the char residue was increased by 405%, and the mechanical properties of PU were well maintained (88.5% tensile strength and 91.0% elongation at break of pure PU). These findings demonstrate that ArDAs could serve as a new kind of halogen/phosphorus-free flame retardant for PU elastomers. [Display omitted] • Novel halogen/phosphorus-free flame retardants were designed for PU elastomers. • The flame retardant mechanism is end group capturing by aromatic dianhydrides (ArDAs). • PHRR, THR, TSR and TCO were simultaneously reduced, and char residue was improved. • Both excellent flame retardant property and high mechanical property were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paralimnini Distant, 1908, is a notable leafhopper tribe that exhibits a wide distribution across all biogeographical regions, namely the Palearctic, Nearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental, Neotropical, and Australian regions. Among these, the Oriental region demonstrates the highest diversity of Paralimnini, with a significant portion of this diversity remaining unexplored according to recent investigations. This study focuses on examining 10 species under seven genera of the Paralimnini leafhopper tribe found in Pakistan. A comprehensive morphological study is conducted, which includes the description of two new genera, Paralimnolus gen. nov. and Lalianlus gen. nov., with P. bicolor sp. nov. and L. bifurcates sp. nov. within the tribe. The study meticulously describes and provides illustrations of all the taxa based on careful observations of specimens obtained from Pakistan. Additionally, the study furnishes an updated checklist and a key to facilitate the identification of known and new Pakistani genera belonging to the tribe Paralimnini. The present findings shed light on the diversity and distribution patterns of the Paralimnini tribe in Pakistan, particularly emphasizing the junction of the Oriental and Palearctic regions in the northern parts, as these parts of the country serve as a significant reservoir of undocumented species. The thorough documentation and available identification resources provided in this study serve as valuable references for future investigations and contribute to our knowledge of the leafhopper fauna in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the non-degradable and persistent nature of metal ions in the environment, they are released into water bodies, where they accumulate in fish. In order to assess pollution in fish, the enzyme, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), has been employed as a biomarker due to sensitivity to various ions. This study investigates the kinetic properties of the G6PD enzyme in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), and analyzes the effects of these metal ions on the G6PD enzyme activity in the ovarian cell line (CCO) of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). IC50 values and inhibition types of G6PD were determined in the metal ions Cu2+, Al3+, Zn2+, and Cd2+. While, the inhibition types of Cu2+ and Al3+ were the competitive inhibition, Zn2+ and Cd2+ were the linear mixed noncompetitive and linear mixed competitive, respectively. In vitro experiments revealed an inverse correlation between G6PD activity and metal ion concentration, mRNA levels and enzyme activity of G6PD increased at the lower metal ion concentration and decreased at the higher concentration. Our findings suggest that metal ions pose a significant threat to G6PD activity even at low concentrations, potentially playing a crucial role in the toxicity mechanism of metal ion pollution. This information contributes to the development of a biomonitoring tool for assessing metal ion contamination in aquatic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk gland size in silkworms (Bombyx mori) affects silk output. However, the molecular mechanisms by which genes regulate silk gland size remain unclear. In this study, silk glands from three pure silkworm strains (A798, A306 and XH) with different silk gland weight phenotypes were compared using transcriptomics and proteomics to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proteins (DEPs). When comparing A798 to A306 and A798 to XH, 830 and 469 DEGs were up‐regulated, respectively. These genes were related to the gene ontology terms, metabolic process, transport activity and biosynthesis process. In addition, 372 and 302 up‐regulated differentially expressed proteins were detected in A798 to A306 and A798 to XH, respectively, related to the gene ontology terms, ribosome and protein export, ribosome and polypeptide biosynthesis processes. Moreover, combined transcriptomics, proteomics and weighted correlation network analyses showed that five genes (BGIBMGA002524, BGIBMGA002629, BGIBMGA005659, BGIBMGA005711 and BGIBMGA010889) were significantly associated with the silk gland weight. Reverse Transcription‐quantitative real‐time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to verify the mRNA and protein expression of five genes in the silk glands and tissues of 18 silkworm strains. The results showed that four genes have higher expression levels in heavier silk glands. These genes are associated with glycogen metabolism, fatty acid synthesis and branched chain amino acid metabolism, thus potentially promoting growth and silk protein synthesis. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between silk gland weight and silk yield in silkworms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High levels of physical activity (PA) and heart rate variability (HRV) are associated with cardiovascular benefits in patients with cardiovascular diseases. HRV, representing cardiac autonomic function, is positively associated with PA. However, the impacts of PA and cardiac autonomic function on cardiovascular outcomes were not analysed in the same study population. This lack of evidence supported our hypothesis that PA might contribute to cardiovascular benefits via enhanced cardiac autonomic function. Methods: Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation were included from the SUMMIT registry. HRV and PA values were assessed during the first 30–60 days post device implantation using a continuous home monitoring system. Causal mediation analysis was conducted to explore the possible mediation function of HRV in the association of PA with long-term cardiac death and all-cause mortality in patients at a high risk of sudden cardiac death. Results: Over a mean follow-up period of 47.7 months, 63 cardiac deaths (18.9%) and 85 all-cause death events (25.5%) were observed among 342 patients with ICD/CRT-D implantation. A positive linear association between HRV and PA was demonstrated and the β value of HRV was 0.842 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.261–1.425, P = 0.005) in the multiple linear regression analysis. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that high levels of PA (≥11.0%) and HRV (≥75.9 ms) were independent protective factors against cardiac death (PA: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.273; 95% CI, 0.142–0.526, P < 0.001; HRV: HR = 0.224; 95% CI, 0.103–0.489, P < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (PA: HR = 0.299; 95% CI, 0.177–0.505, P < 0.001; HRV: HR = 0.394; 95% CI, 0.231–0.674, P = 0.001). Causal mediation analysis demonstrated partial mediation effects of PA that were mediated through HRV on cardiac death (mediation proportion = 12.9, 95%CI: 2.2–32.0%, P = 0.006) and all-cause mortality (mediation proportion = 8.2, 95%CI: 1.6–20.0%, P = 0.006). Conclusions: HRV might be a modest mediator in the association between high levels of PA and the reduced risks of cardiac death and all-cause mortality in ICD/CRT-D recipients. This finding supports that enhanced cardiac autonomic function might be one of the underlying mechanisms by which regular PA contributes to cardiovascular benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A. propinquus is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in the ancient TCM. • 16 A. propinquus compounds for RA and diabetes of 147 targets are discussed. • 89 target proteins are suggested to the treatment for RA and diabetes. • GO and KEGG analyzes of target protein-pathway network were described. • Docking analysis confirms to discover potential inhibitors against RA and diabetes. The Astragalus propinquus is used in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) for centuries. However, its mechanism of action and functional targets remain elusive. The purpose of the study is to conduct a pharmacological network analysis to identify the interaction of A. propinquus derived components with the target proteins involved in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes. The chemical components of A. propinquus were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP), and the target-protein related genes were collected from DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. A total of 16 A. propinquus phytochemical compounds and 147 potential targets were screened for RA and diabetes-related target proteins STRING and Cytoscape software were used to establish the protein interaction networks. Finally, the pharmacological network was integrated to investigate the mechanism underlying the potential target protein network of A. propinquus. The results showed that the A. propinquus derived components such as quercetin, hederagenin, isorhamnetin, calycosin, 7-O-methylisomucronulatol, formononetin, and kaempferol exhibited potential binding efficacy with screened 89 target proteins, suggesting it as one of the natural medicines for the treatment of RA and diabetes. Gene Ontology and KEGG analysis revealed that certain target pathways were involved in RA and diabetes, which are also elaborated in this study. The molecular docking analysis demonstrates that the compound hederagenin acts as a potent inhibitor for RA and diabetics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This summary explores strategies to protect date palm trees from harmful insects like the red palm weevil. The emphasis is on employing intelligent and eco-friendly methods that do not harm the environment. The goal is to understand the impact of these insects on trees and identify effective measures to prevent their infestation. Ultimately, the objective is to ensure the long-term health and vitality of date palm trees. The red palm weevil (RPW) poses a significant threat to date palm ecosystems, highlighting the necessity of sustainable pest management strategies that carefully consider the delicate ecological balance within these environments. This comprehensive review delves into innovative approaches to sustainable pest management, specifically focusing on date palm, and seeks to unravel the intricate ecological dynamics underlying RPW infestations. We thoroughly analyze biocontrol methods, eco-friendly chemical interventions, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, aiming to minimize the ecological impact while effectively addressing RPW infestations. By emphasizing the interplay of both living organisms (biotic) and environmental factors (abiotic) in shaping RPW dynamics, we advocate for a holistic and sustainable management approach that ensures the long-term resilience of date palm ecosystems. This review aims to contribute to an ecologically sound framework for pest management, promoting the sustainability and vitality of date palm ecosystems amidst the challenges posed by the RPW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HB-EGF), which binds to the EGF receptor, plays an important role in the occurrence and development of inflammation in various diseases. HB-EGF mediates the progression of ovarian cancer and is associated with disease prognosis. Thus, a specific humanized antibody to HB-EGF with high affinity is important. Methods: In this study, a humanized domain antibody (VH) against HB-EGF was discovered through phage display technology. The domain antibody was expressed in HB2151 cells and purified from the supernatant using protein L, and were used to test the its effect in invasion and migration of ovarian cancer SKOV3. Results: A domain antibody against HB-EGF was discovered, with a dissociation constant of ∼30 nM. Functional assays indicated that the domain antibody inhibited the functions of HB-EGF in promoting invasion and migration of SKOV3 cells. Conclusions: The selected domain antibody is a potential tool for developing novel drugs or therapies to combat ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron nitride nanosheets (BN NSs) have emerged as promising materials in a wide range of biomedical applications. Despite the extensive studies on these bio-nano interfacial systems, one critical concern is their toxicity, which is affected by a variety of factors, including size. This study aimed at assessing the relationship between BN NSs size and toxicity. Two silkworm strains (qiufeng × baiyu and Nistari 7019) were used as model organisms to investigate the effect of different sizes of BN NSs (BN NSs-1, thickness of 41.5 nm and diameter of 270.7 nm; BN NSs-2, thickness of 48.2 nm and diameter of 562.2 nm) on silkworm mortality, growth, cocoon weight, and tissue microstructure. The findings show that exposure to BN NSs in this work has no lethal adverse effects on silkworm growth or tissue microstructure. BN NSs have a higher effect on the growth rate of qiufeng × baiyu compared to Nistari 7019, demonstrating that the same treatment does not favorably affect the Nistari 7019 strain, as there is no significant increase in cocoon weight. Overall, the study suggests that the sizes of BN NSs employed in this study are relatively safe and have less negative impact on silkworms. This offers significant insights into the effect of BN NSs size, a crucial factor to consider for their safe use in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leadless pacemakers with an atrioventricular synchrony algorithm represent a novel technology for patients qualified for VDD pacing. The current evidence of their performance is limited to several small-scale observational studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new technology. We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases from their inception to 12 September 2022. The primary efficacy outcome was atrioventricular synchrony after implantation, whereas the secondary efficacy outcome was the change in cardiac output represented by the left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT-VTI). The primary safety outcome was major complications related to the procedures and the algorithm. Means or mean differences with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were combined using a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model. Finally, 8 published studies with 464 participants were included in the qualitative analysis. The pooled atrioventricular synchrony proportion was 78.9% (95% CI 71.9–86.0%), and a further meta-regression did not screen factors that contributed significantly to the heterogeneity. Additionally, a significant increase in atrioventricular synchrony of 11.3% (95% CI 7.0–15.7%, p < 0.01) was achieved in patients experiencing programming optimization. LVOT-VTI was significantly increased by 1.9 cm (95% CI 1.2–2.6, p < 0.01), compared with the VVI pacing mode. The overall incidence of complications was approximately 6.3%, with major complications related to the algorithm being extremely low. Overall, leadless pacemakers with atrioventricular synchronous pacing demonstrated favorable safety and efficacy. Future data on their long-term performance are required to facilitate their widespread adoption in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eukaryotic initiation factor 6 (eIF6) is necessary for ribosome biogenesis and translation, but eIF6 has been poorly elucidated in insects. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that eIF6 originated from one ancestral gene among animals and exhibited specific duplication in Tribolium, yielding three homologues in Tribolium castaneum, eIF6, eIF6‐like 1 (eIF6l1), and eIF6‐like 2 (eIF6l2). It was found that eIF6 was highly expressed in the embryonic and early adult stages, eIF6l1 had peak expression at the adult stage, and eIF6l2 showed peak expression in late adults of T. castaneum. Tissue‐specific analyses in late‐stage larvae demonstrated that eIF6 was abundantly expressed in all tissues, while eIF6l1 and eIF6l2 had the highest expression in the gut and the lowest expression in the head of T. castaneum. Knockdown of eIF6 caused precocious pupation and eclosion, impaired ovary and testis development and completely repressed egg production. The expression levels of vitellogenin 1 (Vg1), Vg2 and Vg receptor (VgR) significantly decreased in ds‐eIF6 females 5 days post‐adult emergence. Silencing eIF6 activated ecdysteroid biosynthesis and juvenile hormone degradation but reduced the activity of insulin signalling in T. castaneum, which might mediate its roles in metamorphosis, reproduction and gene expression regulation. However, silence of eIF6l1 or eIF6l2 had no effects on metamorphosis and reproduction in T. castaneum. This study provides comprehensive information for eIF6 evolution and function in the insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study aims to investigate the association between waist circumference (WC) and cardiovascular death in patients with permanent pacemakers (PPMs). Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study that enrolled patients who underwent PPM implantation in Fuwai Hospital from May 2010 to April 2014, according to the BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring database. The WC was treated as sex-specific quartiles, and patients were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI): normal (≤22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23–24.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥25 kg/m2). Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for cardiovascular death according to WC and BMI in patients. Results. 492 patients with PPMs implantation were analyzed (mean age: 71.9 ± 10.8 years; 55.1% men (n = 271)). Data showed that after a mean follow-up 67.2 ± 17.5 months, 24 (4.9%) patients had experienced cardiovascular death and 71 (14.4%) were cases of all-cause mortality. Men in the third quartile of WC had an HR of 10.67 (Model 4, 95% CI: 1.00–115.21, p trend = 0.04) for cardiovascular death. However, the association disappeared in female patients (Model 4, HR = 3.99, 95% CI: 0.37–42.87, p trend = 0.25). There was no association between BMI and cardiovascular death or all-cause mortality in both male and female patients. Conclusions. Abdominal obesity was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death in patients with PPMs, and this relationship was only in male patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate R wave amplitude (RWA) after implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) implantation in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) was suspected to relate to right ventricle impairment. However, little data-based evidence was provided to quantify the association. We retrospectively enrolled ACM patients receiving CMR examinations before transvenous ICD implantation from Fuwai Hospital. The RWA was obtained within 24 h and at 2–6-month follow-up after the operation. Structural, functional, as well as tissue characterization of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV), were analyzed in relation to RWA. Among the 87 ACM patients (median RWA: 8.0 mV), 19 (21.8%) patients were found with low initial RWA (<5 mV) despite attempts in multiple positions. RV end diastolic diameter (RVEDD), (r = −0.44), RV ejection fraction (RVEF, r = 0.43), RV end diastolic volume index (RVEDVi, r = −0.49), RV end systolic volume index (RVESVi, r = −0.53), RV global circumferential (RVGCS, r = −0.64), and radial strain (RVGRS, r = 0.61, all p < 0.001) rather than LV metrics correlated strongly with initial RWA. RVGCS, RVESVi, and RVGRS were decent predictors of low RWA (areas under the curve AUC: 0.814, 0.769, 0.757, respectively) early after implantation and during 2–6-month follow-up. To summarize, low RWA of ICD lead in ACM patients was associated with RV abnormalities. The RVGCS, RVGRS, and RVESVi can be valuable predictors for identifying low RWA prior to ICD implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral dissolution and mechanical deformation of granite are two main mechanisms that affect permeability evolution of rock fracture. In this study, two water flow-through experiments with large granite fractures were conducted at 200 °C with a constant flow rate for 24 h, under confining pressures of 5 and 10 MPa, respectively. Water pressure and temperature were measured, fracture aperture and permeability were calculated, and chemical element concentrations in effluent water were tested for mechanism analysis. The permeability fluctuates up and down between 2.62 × 10−12 and 3.16 × 10−12 m2 at confining pressure of 5 MPa; while it decreased monotonously by 24% from 1.92 × 10−12 to 1.45 × 10−12 m2 at a confining pressure of 10 MPa. The heat transfer rates at both experiments stay stable at about 0.25 J/s. The mass concentration of Ca, Na, K, and Si in effluent water are between 5 to 23 mg/L, indicating slight dissolution of Ca-plagioclase, Na-plagioclase, and K-feldspar, as well as possible precipitation of minor amount of kaolinite or quartz. The total amount of free-face dissolution and pressure dissolution are similar at 5 and 10 MPa. The geochemical reaction counts for only small part of the aperture change, while the mechanical deformation counts the major part of the aperture change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a group of segmented polyurethane (PU) copolymers with different hard segment (HS) contents were successfully synthesized. The microstructure of the PU copolymers was characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Then, the PU copolymers were selected as polymer binder for coating an insensitive high explosive 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) to prepare polymer bonded explosives (PBXs). When the HS concentration of PU copolymers increased from 14 to 34 wt %, a 14.6 times increase in the creep rupture time of PBXs under 60 °C/3 MPa and a 52.3% decrease in the steady-state creep strain rate under 60 °C/1 MPa were observed. The experimental results indicated that a wide variety of structure and properties of PU copolymer could be customizable through the adjustment of the HS contents, and consequently, provided an efficient route to tune the creep performance of the PBXs over a wide range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that threatens human health. The disease is caused by a metabolic disorder of the endocrine system, and long-term illness can lead to tissue and organ damage to the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous, and urinary systems. Currently, the disease prevalence is 11.4%, the treatment rate is 48.2%, and the mortality rate is 2.7% worldwide. Comprehensive and effective control of diabetes, as well as the use of insulin, requires further study to develop additional treatment options. Here, we reviewed the current reprogramming of somatic cells using specific factors to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells capable of repairing islet β cell damage in diabetes patients to treat patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. We also discuss the shortcomings associated with clinical use of iPS cells. Additionally, certain polyphenols found in spices might improve glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in diabetes patients, thereby constituting promising options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

William Dampier, one of England’s greatest navigators, named, described, and drew a profile of Long Island, Papua New Guinea in 1700. As this island produced a very large volcanic eruption with a disputed seventeenth- or eighteenth-century date, his observations assist in determining whether the eruption occurred before or after his visit. This contribution uses Dampier’s recorded observations to elucidate where theRoebuckwas when the Long Island profile was drawn so that an appropriate comparison can be made with a modern profile of the island. This comparison confirms that the most recent major eruption of Long Island occurred before Dampier’s observations were made. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been highly recommended for glycemic control and weight reduction. However, evidence has accumulated that GLP-1 RAs treatment is related to an increase in heart rate, which could potentially induce cardiac arrhythmias. This study aims to investigate the association of GLP-1 RAs therapy with incident arrhythmias in diabetic and obese patients. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from inception up to May 25, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing GLP-1 RAs with placebo or active control for adults with type 2 diabetes or obesity were included. The outcomes of interest were prespecified as incident atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter (AFL), ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Mantel-Haenszel relative risk (MH-RR) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was estimated using a fixed-effects model. Results: A total of 56 RCTs involving 79,720 participants (44,028 GLP-1 RAs vs 35,692 control: mean age 57.3 years) were included from 7692 citations. GLP-1 RAs use overall did not significantly increase the risk of AF (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.83–1.12), AFL (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.59–1.17), VAs (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.92–1.67), and SCD (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.67–1.19), compared with controls. In further subgroup analyses, we observed an increasing trend toward incident AF with dulaglutide (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.03–1.90) while an inverse trend with oral semaglutide (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21–0.87). Additionally, higher doses of GLP-1 RAs (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.11–2.40) and higher baseline BMI (RR 1.60, 95% CI 1.04–2.48) might significantly increase the risk of VAs. No significant differences were identified in other subgroup analyses. Conclusions: GLP-1 RAs therapy was not associated with an overall higher risk of arrhythmias, demonstrating an assuring cardiovascular safety profile. Further studies are required to determine whether the potential antiarrhythmic or arrhythmogenic effect of GLP-1 RAs is drug-specific and varies from doses or baseline BMI. Trial registration: PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022339389. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakehead vesiculovirus (SHVV), a strain of negative-stranded RNA viruses extracted from sick snakehead fish (Ophicephalus striatus), may pose a threat to the health of snakehead fish. Previous research has proved that the replication of SHVV can be significantly inhibited by glutamine starvation. To study how glutamine starvation inhibits SHVV replication, channel catfish ovary (CCO) cells with SHVV cultivated in the glutamine-free medium or the complete medium were used to investigate the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The results showed that 124 up-regulated and 246 down-regulated proteins were involved in many viral replication physiological processes, such as autophagy, post-translational modifications machinery, and functional pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, a few proteins, such as Akt and Hsp90, which have been confirmed to be involved in the replication of RNA viruses, were also significantly differentially expressed. Taken together, our study demonstrated that glutamine starvation affects various functional pathways and the expression of some key proteins related to RNA viral replication, which will benefit future studies on the replication mechanisms of SHVV and the prevention of SHVV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the prognostic significance of heart rate variability (HRV) in post-myocardial infarction patients. Statistics of patients with acute myocardial infarction; Prevention of cardiac death; Concerns over the value of HRV.

We previously observed an over‐dominant silkworm heterosis of increased yield in a cross of Bombyx mori nuclear polyhydrosis virus‐resistant strain NB with a susceptible strain 306. In the present study, we found that heterosis also exists in crosses of NB with other susceptible strains, indicating it is a more general phenomenon. We performed comparative transcriptome and proteome and identified 1624 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 298 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in silk glands between parents and F1 hybrids, of which 24 DEGs/DEPs showed consistent expression at mRNA and protein levels revealed by Venn joint analysis. Their expressions are completely non‐additive, mainly transgressive and under low‐parent, suggesting recombination of parental genomes may be the major genetic mechanism for the heterosis. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that they may function in generally similar but distinctive aspects of metabolisms and processes with signal transduction and translation being most affected. Notably, they may not only up‐regulate biosynthesis and transport of silk proteins but also down‐regulate other unrelated processes, synergistically and globally remodelling the silk gland to increase yield and cause the heterosis. Our findings contribute insights into the understanding of silkworm heterosis and silk gland development and provide targets for transgenic manipulation to further increase the silk yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive antibiotic residues in food can cause detrimental effects on human health. The establishment of rapid, sensitive, selective, and reliable methods for the detection of antibiotics is highly in demand. With the inherent advantages of high sensitivity, rapid analysis time, and facile miniaturization, the electrochemical sensors have great potential in the detection of antibiotics. The electrochemical platforms comprising carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have been proposed to detect antibiotic residues. Notably, with the introduction of functional CNMs, the performance of electrochemical sensors can be bolstered. This review first presents the significance of functional CNMs in the detection of antibiotics. Subsequently, we provide an overview of the applications for detection by enhancing the electrochemical behaviour of the antibiotic, as well as a brief overview of the application of recognition elements to detect antibiotics. Finally, the trend and the current challenges of electrochemical sensors based on CNMs in the detection of antibiotics is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanate ester (CE) foams with different chemical structures were prepared using bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BADCy), bisphenol E dicyanate ester (BECy), and tetramethyl bisphenol F dicyanate ester (TBFDCy) as monomers, through a two-step process. Rheological tests were performed to investigate the optimal conditions for the preparation of these foams. The results of morphology by scanning electron microscopy showed that cells are in the form of nearly spherical shape in foams from TBFDCy and BADCy and oval in foam from BECy. The thermal properties of the three CE foams were studied by methods of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry analysis. The glass transition temperature (Tg) obtained from DMA tests are 274, 264, and 241°C for the foams from TBFDCy, BADCy, and BECy, respectively, which are apparently higher than that tested by DSC method. The Tg, compressive properties, and thermal stabilities of the foams are improved after the introduction of the alkyl-substituent groups to the same aromatic ring of –OCN functionality, and the chemical structure–properties relationships are explained according to the monomer chemical structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]