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During a survey of saprobic fungal niches in Southwestern China, eighteen ascomycetous collections of Nigrograna (Nigrogranaceae, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) were found on dead branches of medicinal plants. These taxa were characterized and identified based on morphological and culture characteristics, and phylogenetic analyses of a combined the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA (ITS), nuclear large subunit rDNA (28S, LSU), RNA polymerase second-largest subunit (rpb2), nuclear small subunit rDNA (18S, SSU), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) sequence dataset also confirmed their placement. As a result, four novel species, namely Nigrograna camelliae, N. guttulata, N. longiorostiolata and N. neriicola were described. Additionally, four new host records of N. acericola, N. magnoliae, N. oleae and N. thymi were introduced. Furthermore, this study addresses the taxonomic status of N. trachycarpi, proposing its synonymy under N. oleae. Detailed illustrations, descriptions and informative notes for each newly identified taxon and novel host record are provided in this study.

Large-language models (LLMs) such as GPT-4 caught the interest of many scientists. Recent studies suggested that these models could be useful in chemistry and materials science. To explore these possibilities, we organized a hackathon. This article chronicles the projects built as part of this hackathon. Participants employed LLMs for various applications, including predicting properties of molecules and materials, designing novel interfaces for tools, extracting knowledge from unstructured data, and developing new educational applications. The diverse topics and the fact that working prototypes could be generated in less than two days highlight that LLMs will profoundly impact the future of our fields. The rich collection of ideas and projects also indicates that the applications of LLMs are not limited to materials science and chemistry but offer potential benefits to a wide range of scientific disciplines.

BackgroundAcute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition posing significant health risks. Observational studies have indicated a potential linkage between ARDS and various interleukins, such as Interleukin-8, −2, −6, and −1β. However, the causal relationships between specific interleukins, their receptors, and ARDS remain unclear.MethodsThis study employed bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) to investigate the causal associations between 197 different interleukins, interleukin receptors, and ARDS. GWAS summary data for interleukins and their receptors were sourced from publicly available studies, while ARDS data were derived from the FinnGen database. Wald Ratio and Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) methods were primarily utilized in the MR analyses. Reverse MR was also conducted to explore reverse causations.ResultsThe study identified significant causal relationships between several interleukins, their receptors and ARDS. Specifically, Interleukin-17 receptor D (IL-17RD) (OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.51–0.89, p = 0.006), Interleukin-22 receptor subunit alpha-1 (IL22RA-1) (OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.08–1.96, p = 0.014), Interleukin-20 receptor subunit alpha (IL20RA) (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.32–0.89, p = 0.016), Interleukin-22 (IL-22) (OR = 3.60, 95%CI = 1.20–10.83, p = 0.022), Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) (OR = 2.14, 95%CI = 1.10–4.17, p = 0.025), Single Ig IL-1-related receptor (SIGIRR) (OR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.00–1.48, p = 0.047) showed notable associations with ARDS. No reverse causal relationships were found on results above, and neither heterogeneity nor pleiotropy was detected in the analysis.ConclusionThis study elucidates the causal connections between specific interleukins, their receptors and ARDS, contributing significantly to the understanding of ARDS pathogenesis. These findings offer a foundation for further research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting these interleukins and receptors in ARDS management. The absence of reverse causation and pleiotropy, heterogeneity reinforces the robustness of these associations.

This study utilized eye-tracking techniques to investigate decision-making behavior in intertemporal loss scenarios under both time pressure and no time pressure conditions. Results revealed shorter decision-making times and decreased large later (LL) option selection frequency under time pressure. Participants under time pressure exhibited reduced Mean Fixation Duration (MFD) and Search Measure (SM) values, indicating altered information processing. Mediation analyses confirmed that task choice outcomes were influenced by SM and MFD, suggesting a shift towards heuristic decision-making under time pressure.

Dielectric metasurfaces have made significant advancements in the past decade for enhancing light–matter interaction at the nanoscale. Particularly, bound states in the continuum (BICs) based on dielectric metasurfaces have been employed to enhance nonlinear harmonic generation. However, conventional nonlinear metasurfaces are typically fixed in their operating wavelength after fabrication. In this work, we numerically demonstrate tunable third harmonic generation (THG) by integrating a dielectric metasurface with the phase-change material Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST). The hybrid phase-change metasurface can support two BICs with different electromagnetic origins, which are transformed into two high-Q quasi-BICs through the introduction of structural asymmetry. The two quasi-BICs are selectively excited by controlling the polarization of incident light, and their wavelengths are tunable due to the phase transition of GST. Notably, the efficiency of THG is significantly enhanced at the fundamental wavelengths corresponding to the two quasi-BICs, and the operating wavelength for THG enhancement can be dynamically tuned through the GST phase transition. Furthermore, the wavelength of THG enhancement can be further tuned by manipulating the polarization of pump light. Additionally, a high-Q analog of electromagnetically induced transparency is numerically achieved through the interaction between a low-Q Mie resonance and a quasi-BIC mode, which also improves the THG efficiency. The high-Q polarization-controlled hybrid phase-change metasurface holds promise for applications in dynamically tunable nonlinear optical devices.

Abstract Objective Our study aimed to determine whether there exists an association between low-grade systemic inflammation, as measured by serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and the risk of lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods This observational study was retrospectively conducted on patients with primary ICH who were presented to two tertiary medical centers between January 2021 and August 2022. The primary outcome was detecting LEDVT occurrence within 14 days from the onset of the acute ICH episode. Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were employed to estimate the association between CRP and LEDVT following 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Results Of the 538 patients with primary ICH who met the inclusion criteria, 76 (14.13%) experienced LEDVT. Based on the cut-off levels of CRP measured upon admission from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, patients with primary ICH were categorized into two groups: (i) CRP

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of anti - neuronal antibody positive paraneoplastic neurological syndrome related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI - PNS). Methods and Results A total of 5 patients with anti - neuronal antibody positive ICI - PNS in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2012 to March 2024 were included. Tumor types included small cell lung cancer (2 cases), malignant melanoma (one case), Hodgkin lymphoma (one case) and cervical cancer (one case). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) included programmed death 1 (PD - 1) inhibitors (3 cases), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors (one case) and bispecific PD-1/cytotoxic T lymphocyte- associated antigen 4 (CTLA -4) inhibitors (one case). All 5 patients presented with high -risk neurologic phenotypes of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS), of which 4 presented with limbic encephalitis and one presented with rapidly progressive cerebellar syndrome. Anti - neuronal antibodies detected in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid of patients included anti - Hu, γ - aminobutyric acid receptor type B (GABABR), sex-determining region of Y chromosome-related high mobility group box 1 (SOX1), metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) and Yo antibodies. Neurological syndromes occurred within 2 weeks after receiving ICIs in 4 patients. The modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 4 patients was 3 at peak of illness, and one patient was 5 at peak of illness. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) was grade 3 in all 5 patients. After withdrawal of ICIs and treatment with glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), the neurological symptoms of the patients were improved. Conclusions High/ intermediate - risk anti - neuronal antibodies are diagnostic markers of ICI - PNS. Evaluation of ICI - PNS clinical phenotypes and CTCAE grading are important for immunotherapy. Discontinuation of ICIs, administration of glucocorticoids and IVIg can improve the prognosis of patients.

Background Para-infectious encephalopathy is an acute inflammatory encephalopathy secondary to a systemic infectious disease, including acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) and mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS). This paper reports on 3 cases of SARS-CoV-2 related to para-infectious encephalopathy diagnosed and treated in The Ordos Central Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from December 2022 to February 2023, and reviews relevant literature to summarize the clinical characteristics of the disease. Methods and Results The 3 patients with SARS-CoV-2 related to para-infectious encephalopathy, including 2 cases of SARS-CoV-2 related to ANE and one case of SARS-CoV-2 related to MERS were reported. Three patients developed consciousness disorder 2-4 d after fever, and still had aphasia, mental abnormality, convulsions, etc.. SARS-CoV-2 throat swab was positive. Head MRI showed one abnormal signal of brain stem and bilateral thalamus, one abnormal signal of bilateral thalamus, and one abnormal pressure of corpus callosum. All received hormone shock therapy and (or) intravenous immunoglobulin. One died, and 2 cases were recovered. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 related to para-infectious encephalopathy including SARS-CoV-2 related to ANE and MERS and other clinical subtypes, the former has rapid progress, severe disease, high disability rate and fatality rate and poor prognosis, while the latter has relatively mild symptoms and better prognosis.

Background Central nervous system aspergillosis is clinically rare. We present one case of central nervous system aspergillosis diagnosed by pathology, analyze its clinical features, review the literature，and summarize key diagnostic and therapeutic points. Methods and Results The patient, a 50- year-old woman, presented clinically with progressive weakness in limbs, epileptic seizures, and cognitive decline. Systemic inflammation - immune markers and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed no significant abnormalities. Head MRI revealed abnormal signals in both frontal and parietal lobes with patchy and ring-enhancing lesions and meningeal enhancement. Neuropathology suggested vasculitis and brain tissue necrosis with hemorrhage. Periodic acid methenamine staining revealed fungal hyphae with apparent septation and branching at 45° angles. The final diagnosis was central nervous system aspergillosis. Following antifungal and other symptomatic treatments, the patient's symptoms improved, and follow-up brain MRI showed reduction in lesion size. Conclusions Patients with central nervous system aspergillosis may not have a clear underlying immunodeficiency, and clinical manifestations are lack of specificity. CSF may show no inflammatory changes, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) may be negative. Brain biopsy is the primary diagnostic method. Early, adequate and full-course antifungal treatment with voriconazole can improve the prognosis.

People with long COVID are those who still have symptoms, signs, and conditions after the initial phase of infection of SARS-CoV-2. The incidence of long COVID varies among regions—31% in North America, 44% in Europe, and 51% in Asia, which is challenging the healthcare system, but there is limited guidelines for its treatment. With more and more nationwide projects funded by the government such as the RECOVER initiative in the United States and National Institute for Health Research funding in the United Kingdom, an increasing number of ongoing clinical trials are investigating the efficacy of diverse therapies on reversing long COVID. After searching the World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform, 587 clinical studies are identified as long COVID studies. Among these, 312 studies (53.2%) are testing potential therapies. Most of the long COVID trials were conducted in the United States (58 trials [18.6%]), followed by India (55 trials [17.6%]), and Spain (20 trials [6.4%]). Interventions in these clinical trials include physical exercise, rehabilitation therapy, behavioral therapy, and pharmacological therapies including herbs, paxlovid, and fluvoxamine. These trials are aiming to deal with these long COVID symptoms and signs including fatigue, decreased pulmonary function, reduced cognitive function, and others. To date, only 11 of these 312 studies have published their results that were not confirmative, unfortunately. Future studies should be designed to address sleep disorders which were seldomly included in registered clinical studies. Moreover, interventions aimed at treating the underlying pathophysiology of long COVID are also necessary but currently lacking.

Background Lysyl oxidase enzymes (LOXs), as extracellular matrix (ECM) protein regulators, play vital roles in tumor progression by remodeling the tumor microenvironment. However, their roles in glioblastoma (GBM) have not been fully elucidated. Methods The genetic alterations and prognostic value of LOXs were investigated via cBioPortal. The correlations between LOXs and biological functions/molecular tumor subtypes were explored in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). After Kaplan‒Meier and Cox survival analyses, a Loxl1-based nomogram and prognostic risk score model (PRSM) were constructed and evaluated by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analyses. Tumor enrichment pathways and immune infiltrates were explored by single-cell RNA sequencing and TIMER. Loxl1-related changes in tumor viability/proliferation and invasion were further validated by CCK-8, western blot, wound healing, and Transwell invasion assays. Results GBM patients with altered LOXs had poor survival. Upregulated LOXs were found in IDH1-wildtype and mesenchymal (not Loxl1) GBM subtypes, promoting ECM receptor interactions in GBM. The Loxl1-based nomogram and the PRSM showed high accuracy, reliability, and net clinical benefits. Loxl1 expression was related to tumor invasion and immune infiltration (B cells, neutrophils, and dendritic cells). Loxl1 knockdown suppressed GBM cell proliferation and invasion by inhibiting the EMT pathway (through the downregulation of N-cadherin/Vimentin/Snai1 and the upregulation of E-cadherin). Conclusion The Loxl1-based nomogram and PRSM were stable and individualized for assessing GBM patient prognosis, and the invasive role of Loxl1 could provide a promising therapeutic strategy.

Abstract Polymerization-driven removal of pollutants in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) offers a sustainable way for the simultaneous achievement of contamination abatement and resource recovery, supporting a low-carbon water purification approach. However, regulating such a process remains a great challenge due to the insufficient microscopic understanding of electronic structure-dependent reaction mechanisms. Herein, this work probes the origin of catalytic pollutant polymerization using a series of transition metal (Cu, Ni, Co, and Fe) single-atom catalysts and identifies the d-band center of active site as the key driver for polymerization transfer of pollutants. The high-valent metal-oxo species, produced via peroxymonosulfate activation, are found to trigger the pollutant removal via polymerization transfer. Phenoxyl radicals, identified by the innovative spin-trapping and quenching approaches, act as the key intermediate in the polymerization reactions. More importantly, the oxidation capacity of high-valent metal-oxo species can be facilely tuned by regulating their binding strength for peroxymonosulfate through d-band center modulation. A 100% polymerization transfer ratio is achieved by lowering the d-band center. This work presents a paradigm to dynamically modulate the electronic structure of high-valent metal-oxo species and optimize pollutant removal from wastewater via polymerization.

Abstract We aimed to utilize chaos game representation (CGR) for the investigation of microstate sequences and explore its potential as neurobiomarkers for psychiatric disorders. We applied our proposed method to a public dataset including 82 patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and 61 control subjects. Two time series were constructed: one using the microstate spacing distance in CGR and the other using complex numbers representing the microstate coordinates in CGR. Power spectral features of both time series and frequency matrix CGR (FCGR) were compared between groups and employed in a machine learning application. The four canonical microstates (A, B, C, and D) were identified using both shared and separate templates. Our results showed the microstate oscillatory pattern exhibited alterations in the FEP group. Using oscillatory features improved machine learning performance compared with classical features and FCGR. This study opens up new avenues for exploring the use of CGR in analyzing EEG microstate sequences. Features derived from microstate sequence CGR offer fine-grained neurobiomarkers for psychiatric disorders.