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Despite being the most widespread blister beetle subfamily, Nemognathinae is unfairly understudied in China. In this study, a new genus and species, Sinostenoria yangi Pan, from northern China is described and illustrated. The antennae, elytra, hind wings, and claws of the new genus form a truly unique set of characteristics never observed in other genera of Nemognathini Laporte de Castelnau, 1840. Three species from China are newly recorded and illustrated: Megatrachelus sibiricus (Tauscher, 1812), Zonitomorpha dollei (Fairmaire 1889), and Stenodera djakonovi Aksentjev, 1978. The genus Oreomeloe Tan, 1981, is transferred from the tribe Meloini Gyllenhal, 1910, to Nemognathini based on an examination of the types. Aiming to test the morphology-based placement of the new genus, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses using two mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and three nuclear markers (28S, CAD, ITS2). The results confirm our tribal assignment of the new genus and support a clade that consists of Sinostenoriagen. n., Longizonitis Pan and Bologna, 2018, Stenoria cf. grandiceps, and Ctenopus cf. persicus.

Rare Earth Elements are strategically critical metals of all countries in the world with the medium and heavy REEs are particularly important. A large number of granitoids of different ages are distributed in Laos. In this region, the climate is humid, hot and rainy, resulting strong weathering that is favorable for the formation of ion-adsorbed REE deposits. In order to identify the geological characteristics and distribution of Laos′ rare earth resources, and to analyze its investment and exploitation prospects, this study carried out systematic field investigations and related analyses throughout the country, as well as summarizing the progress of recent REE exploration in the region. The results show that the metallogenic characteristics of REE in Laos are comparable to those in southern China, which belongs to a typical weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ore(WCED-REO). The orebodies are mainly concentrated in completely weathered layers of granitoid, and the cap layers are relatively thicker than those of southern China. The ore bodies are stratiform and lentoid, with thicknesses of several meters to 20 meters. The average grades of ionic phase rare earth range from 0.4‰ to 0.7‰. Most of them have REE ditributional patterns similar to those of the Xinfeng REE mine in Ganzhou and Jiangxi, which belong to the middle yttrium rich europium type. The rare earth resources of Laos are mainly distributed in the northern parts, such as the Xieng Khouang and Huaphane provinces. The total rare earth resources of the two provinces are estimated to be up to 600, 000 tons. With the opening of Laos′s rare earth policy and the gradual improvement of China′s rare earth strategy, investment in the exploitation of Laos rare earth resources and establishing an overseas strategic base for rare earth resources can support China′s demand for ion-adsorbed rare earth resources in a long-term and stable manner. Meanwhile, it can also facilitate mutual cooperation in mineral resources, significantly contributing the future of both countries.

Beetles constitute the most biodiverse animal order with over 380 000 described species and possibly several million more yet unnamed. Recent phylogenomic studies have arrived at considerably incongruent topologies and widely varying estimates of divergence dates for major beetle clades. Here, we use a dataset of 68 single-copy nuclear protein-coding (NPC) genes sampling 129 out of the 193 recognized extant families as well as the first comprehensive set of fully justified fossil calibrations to recover a refined timescale of beetle evolution. Using phylogenetic methods that counter the effects of compositional and rate heterogeneity, we recover a topology congruent with morphological studies, which we use, combined with other recent phylogenomic studies, to propose several formal changes in the classification of Coleoptera: Scirtiformia and Scirtoidea sensu nov., Clambiformia ser. nov. and Clamboidea sensu nov., Rhinorhipiformia ser. nov., Byrrhoidea sensu nov., Dryopoidea stat. res., Nosodendriformia ser. nov. and Staphyliniformia sensu nov., and Erotyloidea stat. nov., Nitiduloidea stat. nov. and Cucujoidea sensu nov., alongside changes below the superfamily level. Our divergence time analyses recovered a late Carboniferous origin of Coleoptera, a late Palaeozoic origin of all modern beetle suborders and a Triassic–Jurassic origin of most extant families, while fundamental divergences within beetle phylogeny did not coincide with the hypothesis of a Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution.

The phylum Acanthocephala is an important monophyletic group of parasites, with adults parasitic in the digestive tracts of all major vertebrate groups. Acanthocephalans are of veterinary, medical, and economic importance due to their ability to cause disease in domestic animals, wildlife, and humans. However, the current genetic data for acanthocephalans are sparse, both in terms of the proportion of taxa surveyed and the number of genes sequenced. Consequently, the basic molecular phylogenetic framework for the phylum is still incomplete. In the present study, we reported the first complete mitochondrial genome from a representative of the family Pseudoacanthocephalidae Petrochenko, 1956. The mitogenome of Pseudoacanthocephalus bufonis (Shipley, 1903) is 14,056 bp in length, contains 36 genes (12 protein-coding genes (PCGs) (lacking atp8), 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes (rrnL and rrnS)) and two non-coding regions (NCR1 and NCR2), and displayed the highest GC-skew in the order Echinorhynchida. Phylogenetic results of maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) using the amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes in different models provided further evidence for the resurrection of the family Pseudoacanthocephalidae and also supported that the order Echinorhynchida is paraphyletic. A monophyletic clade comprising P. bufonis and Cavisoma magnum suggests a close affinity between Pseudoacanthocephalidae and Cavisomatidae. Our phylogenetic analyses also showed that Polymorphidae has a closer relationship with Centrorhynchidae than Plagiorhynchidae in the monophyletic order Polymorphida.

Lordithon species are typically mushroom-dwelling rove beetles that devour maggots. This study presents the mitogenome of a Lordithon arcuatus specimen that was procured from Changbai Mountain in the Jilin Province of China. The mitogenome is 18,290 bp long and comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs. The base composition of the mitogenome is as follows: A = 38.80%, T = 37.93%, G = 8.94%, and C = 14.32%. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees were constructed using 68 representative staphylinid species, which showed that Lordithon, Bolitobius, and Ischnosoma form a stable and fully supported Mycetoporinae clade, whereas there was no consensus regarding the relationships among Tachyporinae taxa. Additionally, the performance of site-specific mixture models for inferring the phylogeny of staphylinids using mitogenomic data was assessed. The results suggest that heterotachy models should be used with caution, as they may result in incorrect topology with delusive precedence in AIC- or BIC-based model selection.

Abstract Background The whitespotted conger Conger myriaster (Brevoort) (Anguilliformes: Congridae) is an extremely marketable food fish, commonly consumed as sashimi or sushi in some Asian countries (i.e. Japan, Korea and China). Conger myriaster is also suspected as being an extremely important source of human anisakidosis. However, there is currently very little information on the levels of infection with ascaridoid nematode parasites in this economically important marine fish. The aims of the present study are to determine the species composition, prevalence and mean intensity of ascaridoid parasites of C. myriaster caught in the Zhoushan Fishery. Results A total of 1142 third-stage ascaridoid larvae were isolated from 204 C. myriaster. The overall prevalence of infection was 100% (mean intensity 5.6). Nine species of such larvae were accurately identified using integrative taxonomic techniques involving both morphological and genetic data; these included Anisakis pegreffii, A. typica and A. simplex (sensu stricto) × A. pegreffii, Hysterothylacium fabri, H. aduncum, H. sinense, H. amoyense, H. zhoushanense and Raphidascaris lophii. Although high levels of infection and species richness were revealed in C. myriaster, most of the ascaridoid parasites (1135 individuals) were collected from the body cavity and visceral organs of the fish and only seven individuals of A. pegreffii were found in the musculature. Conclusions This study represents the first report C. myriaster from the Zhoushan Fishery being heavily infected with third-stage ascaridoid larvae. Among the ascaridoid larvae parasitic in this fish, an important etiological agent of human anisakidosis, A. pegreffii (L3), represents the predominant species. The genus Hysterothylacium has the highest species richness, with H. fabri (L3) being the most prevalent species. This high level of infection of A. pegreffii (L3) in C. myriaster suggests a high risk of anisakidosis or associated allergies for people consuming raw or poorly cooked fish originating from this marine area. These findings provide important basic information on the occurrence and infection parameters of ascaridoid nematodes in this economically important marine fish. They also have significant implications for the prevention and control of human anisakidosis when conger eels from the Zhoushan Fishery are consumed.

Abstract In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome, mtDNA) of Aposthonia borneensis and compare it with another sequenced webspinner, Aposthonia japonica. The A. borneensis mitogenome is smaller than A. japonica, but the size of each gene and the A + T content of protein-coding genes (PCGs) are almost identical in the two mitogenomes. Among the PCGs, atp6 shows the highest evolutionary rate and cox1 the lowest. The mtDNA map in A. borneensis is similar to Drosophila yakuba, but distinctly different from A. japonica, which has extensive rearrangement. Phylogenetic analyses dated the divergence time of the two webspinners at ca. 103 Ma. We speculate that the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of A. borneensis and A. japonica was divided into several geographic groups during the Pangea breakup. Geographic isolation between the Japanese islands and the continental southeastern Asia resulted in the divergent evolution of A. borneensis and A. japonica, thus generating mtDNA structural variations between the two species. Based on the phylogenetic analyses and specific distributional features, the genus Aposthonia was supported as non-monophyly, and we speculate that both highly rearranged and relatively conserved mitogenomes exist in other webspinners.

The effect of the design and process parameters of a particle-classification zone on the sizing precision of a plate differential mobility analyzer (PDMA) was investigated by simulation software in this work. The design parameters consisted of the length, width, and height of the classification zone, and the process parameters could lead to height deviation and an uneven classification-zone wall. Prior to investigating the parameters, a comparison between experimental voltages and PDMA simulation results was applied to validate the simulation model. Thanks to velocity-field and particle-trajectory simulations, as well as experimental data from the former version of the PDMA, the dimensions of the classification zone and other key parameters were optimized. Our research shows that the dimensions of the classification zone influence the applied voltages and the measuring range of the PDMA, and range can be extended to 500 nm with low applied voltages after optimization. When the reasonable error range of the height is ±2% for the classification zone, the PDMA could basically achieve a classification role, and when it is ±1%, the PDMA has a better classifying effect.

The aim of this paper is to increase understanding of the relative importance of the input of geographic and local environmental factors on richness and composition of epigaeic steppe beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae and Tenebrionidae) along a geographic (longitudinal/precipitation) gradient in the Inner Mongolia grassland. Specifically, we evaluate the associations of environmental variables representing climate and environmental heterogeneity with beetle assemblages. Beetles were sampled using pitfall traps at 25 sites scattered across the full geographic extent of the study biome in 2011-2012. We used variance partitioning techniques and multi-model selection based on the Akaike information criterion to assess the relative importance of the spatial and environmental variables on beetle assemblages. Species richness and abundance showed unimodal patterns along the geographic gradient. Together with space, climate variables associated with precipitation, water-energy balance and harshness of climate had strong explanatory power in richness pattern. Abundance pattern showed strongest association with variation in temperature and environmental heterogeneity. Climatic factors associated with temperature and precipitation variables and the interaction between climate with space were able to explain a substantial amount of variation in community structure. In addition, the turnover of species increased significantly as geographic distances increased. We confirmed that spatial and local environmental factors worked together to shape epigaeic beetle communities along the geographic gradient in the Inner Mongolia grassland. Moreover, the climate features, especially precipitation, water-energy balance and temperature, and the interaction between climate with space and environmental heterogeneity appeared to play important roles on controlling richness and abundance, and species compositions of epigaeic beetles.

We report on the species richness patterns of epigaeic beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae and Staphylinidae) along a subtropical elevational gradient of Balang Mountain, southwestern China. We tested the roles of environmental factors (e.g. temperature, area and litter cover) and direct biotic interactions (e.g. foods and antagonists) that shape elevational diversity gradients. Beetles were sampled at 19 sites using pitfall traps along the studied elevational gradient ranging from 1500 m-4000 m during the 2004 growing season. A total of 74416 specimens representing 260 species were recorded. Species richness of epigaeic beetles and two families showed unimodal patterns along the elevational gradient, peaking at mid-elevations (c. 2535 m), and the ranges of most beetle species were narrow along the gradient. The potential correlates of both species richness and environmental variables were examined using linear and second order polynomial regressions. The results showed that temperature, area and litter cover had strong explanatory power of beetle species richness for nearly all richness patterns, of beetles as a whole and of Carabidae and Staphylinidae, but the density of antagonists was associated with species richness of Carabidae only. Multiple regression analyses suggested that the three environmental factors combined contributed most to richness patterns for most taxa. The results suggest that environmental factors associated with temperature, area and habitat heterogeneity could account for most variation in richness pattern of epigaeic beetles. Additionally, the mid-elevation peaks and the small range size of most species indicate that conservation efforts should give attention to the entire gradient rather than just mid-elevations.

Abstract This paper proposes an optimal robust sizing model for distributed energy storage systems (DESSs) considering power quality management. The power conversion systems (PCSs) of DESSs with four‐quadrant operation characteristics can provide power quality management services to customers. To improve capacity utilization of the DESS, power quality management services are quantified and integrated into an optimal bi‐level sizing model, where the upper level addresses the sizing problem concerning battery and PCS capacities, while the lower level focuses on coordinating active/reactive power control of the DESS. A robust optimization approach for DESS scheduling is adopted to consider uncertainties of distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation and power quality management requirements. The column and constraint generation (C&CG) algorithm is applied for efficient handling of this model. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated through comprehensive comparative analysis of four cases, resulting in a 12.44% increase in the net present value (NPV) over the entire lifecycle.

The design of the main accelerating cavity in the storage ring of synchrotron radiation sources has consistently been an important area of research. In order to save the number of straight sections in the Shenzhen Innovation Light source Facility (SILF) storage ring and reduce the cost of the superconducting cavity modules, this study planned to design a 500 MHz 2-cell superconducting cavity to replace the original single-cell cavity scheme. In this paper, we optimized the design of the 500 MHz 2-cell superconducting cavity and explored the impact of different dimensional parameters on the performance of the cavity's resonant modes. We compared the multipacting phenomena on the inner surfaces of superconducting cavities treated with three different methods. Additionally, the suppression effect on Higher-order modes (HOM) and the limit of the HOM on the threshold of the stored beam current were analyzed. Finally, we analyzed the mechanical performance of the cavity, including Lorentz force detuning (LFD), Liquid helium (LHe) pressure fluctuations, cooling frequency shifts, tuning sensitivity and modal. Through the calculations and optimizations of the 500 MHz 2-cell superconducting cavity, we finally designed a superconducting cavity that meets the requirements and obtained satisfactory results.

Abstract Sepsis, a severe and life-threatening condition arising from a dysfunctional host response to infection, presents considerable challenges to the health care system and is characterized by high mortality rates and substantial economic costs. Exosomes have garnered attention as potential diagnostic markers because of their capacity to mirror the pathophysiological milieu of sepsis. This discourse reviews the progression of sepsis classification from Sepsis 1.0 to Sepsis 3.0, highlighting the imperative for sensitive and specific biomarkers to facilitate timely diagnosis and optimize patient outcomes. Existing biomarkers, such as procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), exhibit certain limitations, thereby prompting the quest for more dependable diagnostic indicators. Exosomal cargoes, which encompass proteins and miRNAs, present a trove of biomarker candidates, attributable to their stability, pervasive presence, and indicative nature of the disease status. The potential of exosomal biomarkers in the identification of sepsis-induced organ damage, including cardiomyopathy, acute kidney injury, and acute lung injury, is emphasized, as they provide real-time insights into cardiac and renal impairments. Despite promising prospects, hurdles persist in the standardization of exosome extraction and the need for extensive clinical trials to validate their efficacy. The combination of biomarker development and sophisticated exosome detection techniques represents a pioneering strategy in the realm of sepsis diagnosis and management, underscoring the significance of further research and clinical validation. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Diabetic wounds are usually entangled in a disorganized and self-perpetuating microenvironment and accompanied by a prolonged delay in tissue repair. Sustained and coordinated microenvironment regulation and tissue regeneration are key to the healing process of diabetic wounds, yet they continue to pose a formidable challenge. Here we report a rational double-layered dressing design based on chitosan and a degradable conjugated polymer polydiacetylene, poly(deca-4,6-diynedioic acid) (PDDA), that can meet this intricate requirement. With an alternating ene-yne backbone, PDDA degrades when reacting with various types of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and more importantly, generates proliferative succinic acid as a major degradant. Inheriting from PDDA, the developed PDDA-chitosan double layer dressing (PCD) can eliminate ROS in the microenvironment of diabetic wounds, alleviate inflammation, and downregulate gene expression of innate immune receptors. PCD degradation also triggers simultaneous release of succinic acid in a sustainable manner, enabling long-term promotion on tissue regeneration. We have validated the biocompatibility and excellent performance of PCD in expediting the wound healing on both diabetic mouse and porcine models, which underscores the significant translational potential of this microenvironment-modulating, growth-promoting wound dressing in diabetic wounds care.

Vortex waves with orbital angular momentum (OAM) have garnered significant attention since their appearance due to their unique properties. Vortex beams are experimentally demonstrated with photons, electrons, neutrons, and atoms. However, it is still challenging to make ions with large masses produce vortex states. This study describes a scheme for generating vortex ion beams with a cold atom ion source (CAIS). In CAIS, ions are obtained by near-threshold photoionization rubidium atoms in magneto-optical trap (MOT). We investigate the propagation properties of the rubidium ion beams through simulations. In the simulation, rubidium ions extract from the CAIS and generate vortices by diffracting with holograms, where the phase of the wavefunction is changed. We analyze in detail the structure and voltage of the CAIS and propose a feasible scheme for generating vortex ions in laboratory experiments. Additionally, we propose two alternatives, one is to reduce the velocity of the ions lower, another is to use a magnetic needle to generate vortex ions. These proposals provide a new pathway for future explorations into the generation and properties of vortex ion beams.

Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and conventional cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery have limitations. RNA therapy and cancer vaccines hold considerable promise as an alternative to conventional therapies for their ability to enable personalized therapy with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The principal approach of cancer vaccines is to induce a specific immune response against cancer cells. However, a major challenge in cancer immunotherapy is to predict which patients will respond to treatment and to monitor the efficacy of the vaccine during treatment. Theragnostics, an integration of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities into a single hybrid platform system, has the potential to address these challenges by enabling real-time monitoring of treatment response while allowing endogenously controlled personalized treatment adjustments. In this article, we review the current state-of-the-art in theragnostics for cancer vaccines and RNA therapy, including imaging agents, biomarkers, and other diagnostic tools relevant to cancer, and their application in cancer therapy development and personalization. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges for further development and clinical translation of theragnostics in cancer vaccines.

ObjectiveIn this study, we examine the network structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including core symptoms and strong edges in patients undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer in China, and lay the groundwork for targeted psychological interventions for these patients.MethodsThis study included 360 colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at a third-class hospital in Wuxi, China, from November 2023 to June 2024. The severity of each item of PTSD was assessed using the DSM-5 Checklist (PCL-5). A network analysis approach was conducted in R to pinpoint core symptoms and investigate notable edge connections within the network.ResultsThe accuracy and stability of the PTSD network structure model were relatively good, and the results indicated that robust connections emerged between avoidance of thoughts and avoidance of reminders, hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response, and loss of interest and detachment. The most central node was emotional cue reactivity, which was more closely connected with other symptoms, while self-destructive/reckless behavior was the lowest central node.ConclusionEmotional cue reactivity was proved to be the most prominent symptom in the PTSD symptom network in colorectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy, and targeting it in interventions could lead to substantial improvements.

IntroductionThe striped hamster, often parasitized by ectoparasites in nature, is an ideal model for studying host-ectoparasite molecular interactions. Investigating the response to ectoparasites under laboratory conditions helps elucidate the mechanism of host adaptations to ectoparasite pressure.MethodsUsing transcriptome sequencing, we analyzed gene expression in striped hamsters after short-term (3 days) and long-term (28 days) flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) parasitism. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Hub genes were pinpointed using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and the MCODE in Cytoscape. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to further clarify the functional pathways of these hub genes. Validation of DEGs was performed via RT-qPCR. Additionally, the concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) were determined using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection kits for hamsters.ResultsGO analysis revealed that during early parasitism, hosts primarily responded to the ectoparasites by adjusting the expression of genes related to metabolic functions. As parasitism persisted, the immune response became prominent, activating various immune pathways against ectoparasites. KEGG analysis confirmed the ongoing roles of metabolism and immunity. Notably, the chemical carcinogenesis - reactive oxygen species pathway was upregulated during flea parasitism, with downregulation of hub genes ATP5MC1 and ATP5MC2, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial function in oxidative stress. ELISA findings revealed that on day 3, flea parasitism groups showed elevated ROS expression and reduced SOD and CAT levels compared to the control group. By day 28, only SOD expression showed a significant decrease in both parasitism groups.ConclusionThis study uncovered the dynamic changes in metabolism and immune responses of striped hamsters parasitized by Xenopsylla cheopis. Hosts adjust their physiological and immune states to optimize survival strategies during different ectoparasite stages, enhancing our understanding of host-ectoparasite interactions. This also paves the way for further research into how hosts regulate complex biological processes in response to ectoparasite challenges.

Summary: Background: Alterations in ileal Paneth cell (PC) density have been described in gut inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease (CD) and could be used as a biomarker for disease prognosis. However, quantifying PCs is time-intensive, a barrier for clinical workflow. Deep learning (DL) has transformed the development of robust and accurate tools for complex image evaluation. Our aim was to use DL to quantify PCs for use as a quantitative biomarker. Methods: A retrospective cohort of whole slide images (WSI) of ileal tissue samples from patients with/without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was used for the study. A pathologist-annotated training set of WSI were used to train a U-net two-stage DL model to quantify PC number, crypt number, and PC density. For validation, a cohort of 48 WSIs were manually quantified by study pathologists and compared to the DL algorithm, using root mean square error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (r2) as metrics. To test the value of PC quantification as a biomarker, resection specimens from patients with CD (n = 142) and without IBD (n = 48) patients were analysed with the DL model. Finally, we compared time to disease recurrence in patients with CD with low versus high DL-quantified PC density using Log-rank test. Findings: Initial one-stage DL model showed moderate accuracy in predicting PC density in cross-validation tests (RMSE = 1.880, r2 = 0.641), but adding a second stage significantly improved accuracy (RMSE = 0.802, r2 = 0.748). In the validation of the two-stage model compared to expert pathologists, the algorithm showed good performance up to RMSE = 1.148, r2 = 0.708. The retrospective cross-sectional cohort had mean ages of 62.1 years in the patients without IBD and 38.6 years for the patients with CD. In the non-IBD cohort, 43.75% of the patients were male, compared to 49.3% of the patients with CD. Analysis by the DL model showed significantly higher PC density in non-IBD controls compared to the patients with CD (4.04 versus 2.99 PC/crypt). Finally, the algorithm quantification of PCs density in patients with CD showed patients with the lowest 25% PC density (Quartile 1) have significantly shorter recurrence-free interval (p = 0.0399). Interpretation: The current model performance demonstrates the feasibility of developing a DL-based tool to measure PC density as a predictive biomarker for future clinical practice. Funding: This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Abstract Nanosizing confers unique functions in materials such as graphene and quantum dots. Here, we present two nanoscale-covalent organic frameworks (nano-COFs) that exhibit exceptionally high activity for photocatalytic hydrogen production that results from their size and morphology. Compared to bulk analogues, the downsizing of COFs crystals using surfactants provides greatly improved water dispersibility and light-harvesting properties. One of these nano-COFs shows a hydrogen evolution rate of 392.0 mmol g−1 h−1 (33.3 μmol h−1), which is one of the highest mass-normalized rates reported for a COF or any other organic photocatalysts. A reverse concentration-dependent photocatalytic phenomenon is observed, whereby a higher photocatalytic activity is found at a lower catalyst concentration. These materials also show a molecule-like excitonic nature, as studied by photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy, which is again a function of their nanoscale dimensions. This charts a new path to highly efficient organic photocatalysts for solar fuel production.

Abstract Antimicrobial proteins contribute to host-microbiota interactions and are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but our understanding on antimicrobial protein diversity and functions remains incomplete. Ribonuclease 4 (Rnase4) is a potential antimicrobial protein with no known function in the intestines. Here we find that RNASE4 is expressed in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) including Paneth and goblet cells, and is detectable in human and mouse stool. Results from Rnase4-deficient mice and recombinant protein suggest that Rnase4 kills Parasutterella to modulate intestinal microbiome, thereby enhancing indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression and subsequently kynurenic and xanthurenic acid production in IECs to reduce colitis susceptibility. Furthermore, deceased RNASE4 levels are observed in the intestinal tissues and stool from patients with IBD, correlating with increased stool Parasutterella. Our results thus implicate Rnase4 as an intestinal antimicrobial protein regulating gut microbiota and metabolite homeostasis, and as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for IBD.

Abstract Hair follicle (HF) regeneration during wound healing continues to present a significant clinical challenge. Dermal papilla cell-derived exosomes (DPC-Exos) hold immense potential for inducing HF neogenesis. However, the accurate role and underlying mechanisms of DPC-Exos in HF regeneration in wound healing remain to be fully explained. This study, represents the first analysis into the effects of DPC-Exos on fibroblasts during wound healing. Our findings demonstrated that DPC-Exos could stimulate the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, more importantly, enhance the hair-inducing capacity of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts treated with DPC-Exos were capable of inducing HF neogenesis in nude mice when combined with neonatal mice epidermal cells. In addition, DPC-Exos accelerated wound re-epithelialization and promoted HF regeneration during the healing process. Treatment with DPC-Exos led to increased expression levels of the Wnt pathway transcription factors β-catenin and Lef1 in both fibroblasts and the dermis of skin wounds. Specifically, the application of a Wnt pathway inhibitor reduced the effects of DPC-Exos on fibroblasts and wound healing. Accordingly, these results offer evidence that DPC-Exos promote HF regeneration during wound healing by enhancing the hair-inducing capacity of fibroblasts and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This suggests that DPC-Exos may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for achieving regenerative wound healing.

Abstract Background Flea bites could trigger a series of complex molecular responses in the host. However, our understanding of the responses at the molecular level is still relatively limited. This study quantifies the changes in gene expression in mice after flea bites by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) from their spleens, revealing the potential biological effects of host response to flea bites. Methods RNA-seq was used for transcriptome analysis to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the control mice group and the flea bite mice group. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed on DEGs. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis on DEGs related to immune processes was performed. Finally, we randomly selected several genes from the screened DEGs to validate the results from the transcriptome data by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results A total of 521 DEGs were identified, including 277 upregulated and 244 downregulated. There were 258 GO terms significantly enriched by upregulated DEGs and 419 GO terms significantly enriched by downregulated DEGs. Among the upregulated DEGs, 22 GO terms were associated with immune cells (e.g., B cells and T cells) and immune regulatory processes, while among the downregulated DEGs, 58 GO terms were associated with immune cells and immune regulatory processes. Through PPI analysis, we found that CD40 molecules with significantly downregulated expression levels after flea bites may play an important role in host immune regulation. Through KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, a total of 26 significantly enriched KEGG pathways were identified. The RT-qPCR analysis results indicated that the transcriptome sequencing results were reliable. Conclusions Through in-depth analysis of transcriptome changes in mice caused by flea bites, we revealed that flea bites could stimulate a series of biological and immunological responses in mice. These findings not only provided a deeper understanding of the impact of flea bites on the host but also provided a basis for further research on the interaction between ectoparasites and the host. We believe that digging deeper into the significance of these transcriptome changes will help reveal more about the adaptive response of the host to ectoparasites. Graphical Abstract

Abstract To improving ship image generation and classification tasks, a deep convolution generative adversarial network based on attention mechanism (ADCGAN) model was constructed. The rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation function was adopted, and three Deconv layers and Conv layers were added to both the generator and discriminator. Subsequently, an attention mechanism was added to the generator, while spectral normalization (SN) was added to the discriminator. Mean squared error (MSE) was used as loss function to stabilize the training process. Furthermore, ship classification tasks were performed using the generated ship images by end-to-end training of the classification network, enabling ship data augmentation and co-learning with other tasks. Experimental results on the Ship700 and Seaship7000 datasets demonstrate that the ADCGAN model can generate clear and robust ship images, with PSNR, LIPIPS, MS-SSIM values of 20.279 and 27.523, 0.596 and 0.096, 0.781 and 0.947, respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed method in ship image classification tasks was also verified, providing a data foundation for other collaborative tasks.

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in immune response against viral infections and tumors. However, further investigation is needed to better understand the key molecules responsible for determining the fate and function of NK cells. In this study, we made an important discovery regarding the involvement of the Hippo kinases Mst1 and Mst2 as novel regulators in maintaining mouse NK cell homeostasis. The presence of high Mst1 and Mst2 (Mst1/2) activity in NK cells is essential for their proper development, survival and function in a canonical Hippo signaling independent mode. Mechanistically, Mst1/2 induce cellular quiescence by regulating the processes of proliferation and mitochondrial metabolism, thereby ensuring the development and survival of NK cells. Furthermore, Mst1/2 effectively sense IL-15 signaling and facilitate the activation of pSTAT3-TCF1, which contributes to NK cell homeostasis. Overall, our investigation highlights the crucial role of Mst1/2 as key regulators in metabolic reprogramming and transcriptional regulation for mouse NK cell survival and function, emphasizing the significance of cellular quiescence during NK cell development and functional maturation.

ABSTRACT Antibiotic resistance poses a significant public health threat worldwide. The rise in antibiotic resistance and the sharp decline in effective antibiotics necessitate the development of innovative antibacterial agents. Based on the central symmetric structure of glycine–serine–glycine, combined with tryptophan and arginine, we designed a range of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Notably, AMP W5 demonstrated a rapid and effective sterilization against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), displaying both a minimum inhibitory concentration and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 8 µM. Mechanistic studies revealed that AMP W5 killed bacterial cells by disrupting the cytoplasmic membrane integrity, triggering leakage of cell contents. AMP W5 also exhibited excellent biocompatibility in both in vitro and in vivo safety evaluations. AMP W5 treatment significantly reduced skin bacterial load in our murine skin infection model. In conclusion, we designed a novel centrosymmetric AMP representing a promising medical alternative to conventional antibiotics for treating MRSA infections.IMPORTANCEIncreasing antibiotic resistance and the paucity of effective antibiotics necessitate innovative antibacterial agents. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen causing bacterial infections with high incidence and mortality rates, showing increasing resistance to clinical drugs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit significant potential as alternatives to traditional antibiotics. This study designed a novel series of AMPs, characterized by a glycine–serine–glycine-centered symmetrical structure, and our results indicated that AMP W5 exhibited a rapid and effective bactericidal effect against MRSA. AMP W5 also demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and a bactericidal mechanism that disrupted membrane integrity, leading to leakage of cellular contents. The notable reduction in skin bacterial load observed in mouse models reinforced the clinical applicability of AMP W5. This study provides a promising solution for addressing the increasing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and heralds new prospects for clinical applications.

Abstract The energy dissipation pathways of a photosensitizer for phototherapies, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), compete directly with that of its fluorescence (FL) emission. Enriching heavy atoms on the π‐conjugated systems and aggregation‐caused quenching are two effective methods to turn off the FL emission of photosensitizers, which is expected to boost the intersystem crossing (for PDT) and nonradiative transition (for PTT) of photosensitizers for maximized phototherapeutic efficacy. Following this approach, an all‐iodine‐substituted polydiacetylene aggregate poly(diiododiacetylene) (PIDA) has been developed, which shows a superior near infrared absorption (ε808nm = 26.1 g−1 cm−1 L) with completely blocked FL, as well as high efficiency of reactive oxygen species generation (nearly 45 folds of indocyanine green) and photothermal conversion (33.4%). To make the insoluble fibrillar PIDA aggregates favorable for systemic administration, they are converted into nanospheres through a pre‐polymerization morphology transformation strategy. The in vivo study on a 4T1 tumor‐bearing mouse model demonstrates that PIDA nanospheres can almost eliminate the tumor entirely in 16 days and prolong the survival time of mice to over 60 days, validating their effective phototherapeutic response through the strategy of inhibiting FL for boosted intersystem crossing and nonradiative transition.

ABSTRACT Bartonella grahamii is one of the most prevalent Bartonella species in wild rodents and has been associated with human cases of neuroretinitis. The structure and distribution of genomic diversity in natural B. grahamii is largely unexplored. Here, we have applied a comprehensive population genomic and phylogenomic analysis to 172 strains of B. grahamii to unravel the genetic differences and influencing factors that shape its populations. The findings reveal a remarkable genomic diversity within the species, primarily in the form of single- nucleotide polymorphisms. The open pangenome of B. grahamii indicates a dynamic genomic evolution influenced by its ecological niche. Whole-genome data allowed us to decompose B. grahamii diversity into six phylogroups, each characterized by a unique “mosaic pattern” of hosts and biogeographic regions. This suggests a complex interplay between host specificity and biogeography. In addition, our study suggests a possible origin of European strains from Asian lineages, and host factors have a more significant impact on the genetic differentiation of B. grahamii than geographical factors. These insights contribute to understanding the evolutionary history of this pathogen and provide a foundation for future epidemiological research and public health strategies.IMPORTANCEBartonella grahamii has been reported worldwide and shown to infect humans. Up to now, an effective transmission route of B. grahamii to humans has not been confirmed. The genetic evolution of B. grahamii and the relationship between B. grahamii and its host need to be further studied. The factors driving the genetic diversity of B. grahamii are still controversial. The results showed that the European isolates shared a common ancestor with the Chinese isolates. Host factors were shown to play an important role in driving the genetic diversity of B. grahamii. When host factors were fixed, geographic barriers drove B. grahamii microevolution. Our study emphasizes the importance of characterizing isolate genomes derived from hosts and geographical locations and provides a new reference for the origin of B. grahamii.

Background: Cold environments pose serious threats on human health, with increased risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, frostbite, and hypothermia. Acquired cold acclimation is required to minimize cold-induced injures and to improve metabolic health. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Objective: We aimed to identify critical amino acids involved in cold acclimation and unmask the regulatory mechanisms. Methods: A total of twenty male participants were recruited and followed up after 3 months’ natural cold exposure. Cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) tests and clinical biochemical analysis were performed at baseline and after 3-months cold exposure, whilst blood samples were collected, and plasma amino acids were analyzed by targeted metabolomics. To further confirm the effect of lysine on cold tolerance and explain the latent mechanism, mice were challenged with chronic cold exposure for 7 days with lysine supplement, then core and local surface temperature as well as thermogenesis activity were detected. Results: Continuous cold exposure shortened the CIVD onset time and increased the average finger temperature. Levels of the plasma lysine and glycine were decreased in both humans and mice. Venn analysis from three datasets revealed that lysine was the only significantly changed plasma amino acid, which strongly correlated with the altered CIVD. Moreover, mice sustained a relatively higher core temperature and surface temperature in the back, tail and paws upon lysine supplementation. Furthermore, lysine supplementation increased the level of histone H3K18cr and promoted the gene and protein expression of Cpt1a, Cpt2 and Cyp27a1 in liver. Conclusion: Our work identified lysine as a critical amino acid for the remodeling of hepatic histone crotonylation that facilitates cold acclimation.

Background: Acute heart failure necessitates intensive care, and arterial catheterization is a commonly performed invasive procedure in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to investigate the association between arterial catheterization and outcomes in acute heart failure patients without shock. Methods: We utilized MIMIC-IV database records for acute heart failure patients at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center from 2008 to 2019. Employing doubly robust estimation, we examined the relationship between arterial catheterization and outcomes, including 28-day, 90-day, in-hospital mortality, and ICU-free days within 28 days. Results: Of 6936 patients identified, 2078 met inclusion criteria; 347 underwent arterial catheterization during their ICU stay. We observed no significant difference in 28-day mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.31–1.21, P = 0.155), though catheterization was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality (OR: 0.41, 95 % CI: 0.14–0.65, P = 0.02). No significant effects were observed on 90-day mortality or ICU-free days within 28 days. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that arterial catheterization is not associated with 28- and 90-day mortality rates in acute heart failure patients without shock but is linked to lower in-hospital mortality. Additional research and consensus are required to determine the appropriate utilization of arterial catheterization in patients.

In order to minimize additional computational costs in detecting forged videos, and enhance detection accuracy, this paper employs dynamic facial expression sequences as key sequences, replacing original video sequences as inputs for the detection model. A spatio-temporal dual-branch detection network is designed based on the visual Transformer architecture. Specifically, this process involves three steps. Firstly, dynamic facial expression sequences are localized as key sequences using optical flow difference algorithms. Subsequently, the spatial branch network employs the focal self-attention mechanism to focus on dynamic features of expression-relevant regions and uses Factorization Machines to facilitate feature interaction among multiple key sequences. Meanwhile, the temporal branch network concentrates on learning the temporal inconsistency of optical flow differences between adjacent frames. Finally, a binary classification linear SVM combines the Softmax values from the two branch networks to provide the ultimate detection outcome. Experimental results on the Faceforensics++ dataset demonstrate: (a) replacing whole video sequences with facial expression key sequences effectively reduces training and detection time by nearly 80% and 90%, respectively; (b) compared to state-of-the-art methods involving random sequence/frame extraction and key frame extraction based on video compression techniques, the proposed approach in this paper presents a more competitive detection accuracy.

Abstract In response to the low matching accuracy of stereo matching algorithms in image regions with specular reflection, this paper proposes a multidimensional fusion stereo matching algorithm named MFANet. The algorithm embeds a multispectral attention module into the residual feature extraction network, utilizing two‐dimensional discrete cosine transforms to extract frequency features. In the pyramid pooling module, a coordinated attention mechanism is introduced to capture relevant positional information. In the cost aggregation part, the MFANet algorithm incorporates a three‐dimensional attention mechanism, focusing on the more important semantic information in high‐level features. By combining detailed information from low‐level features, semantic information from high‐level features, and contextual information, the algorithm generates features that are more conducive to disparity prediction. The MFANet algorithm is evaluated on three standard datasets (SceneFlow, KITTI2015, and KITTI2012). Experimental results demonstrate its robustness against specular reflection interference, accurate prediction of disparities in specular reflection pathological regions, and promising application prospects.

Abstract Plague, as an ancient zoonotic disease caused by Yersinia pestis, has brought great disasters. The natural plague focus of Marmota himalayana in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the largest, which has been constantly active and the leading source of human plague in China for decades. Understanding the population genetics of M. himalayana and relating that information to the biogeographic distribution of Yersinia pestis and plague outbreaks are greatly beneficial for the knowledge of plague spillover and arecrucial for pandemic prevention. In the present research, we assessed the population genetics of M. himalayana. We carried out a comparative study of plague outbreaks and the population genetics of M. himalayana on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We found that M. himalayana populations are divided into two main clusters located in the south and north of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Fourteen DFR genomovars of Y. pestis were found and exhibited a significant region-specific distribution. Additionally, the increased genetic diversity of plague hosts is positively associated with human plague outbreaks. This insight gained can improve our understanding of biodiversity for pathogen spillover and provide municipally directed targets for One Health surveillance development, which will be an informative next step toward increased monitoring of M. himalayana dynamics.

Cropland resilience is the ability of cropland systems to adapt and rebound from multiple stresses and disturbances. Cropland resilience is vital for ensuring national food security, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and adapting to global climate change. This study measures cropland resilience in China using the entropy method within the PSR framework. Additionally, it employs quantitative analysis methods, including kernel density estimation, the standard deviation ellipse, the Theil Index, and the geographical detector, to systematically examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of cropland resilience and its driving factors in China. The findings reveal the evolving trends of cropland resilience over time and space, highlighting regional differences and the spatial distribution of resilience. The study found the following: (1) The overall cropland resilience in China shows an upward trend, but there is uneven development among regions, particularly in the relatively lagging western areas. (2) There is a notable spatial imbalance in cropland resilience, primarily driven by intra-regional differences. (3) Stability of Grain Production; Total Grain Production; Fiscal Expenditure on Agriculture, Forestry, and Water; Soil–Water Harmony; and the Cropland Disaster Resistance Index are identified as key driving factors, with the influence of the Cropland Disaster Resistance Index notably increasing over time. (4) The study highlights the critical role of synergistic effects among these factors in enhancing cropland resilience, noting a significant strengthening of these synergies over time. The research results offer a fresh perspective on the role of cropland resilience in dynamic environments. They enhance our understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics of cropland resilience, reveal its underlying dynamic processes, and provide a scientific basis for policymaking aimed at promoting the sustainable use and management of cropland.

The safety of power batteries in the automotive industry is of paramount importance and cannot be emphasized enough. As lithium-ion battery technology continues to evolve, the energy density of these batteries increases, thereby amplifying the potential risks linked to battery failures. This study explores pivotal safety challenges within the electric vehicle sector, with a particular focus on thermal runaway and gas emissions originating from lithium-ion batteries. We offer a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas sensor designed to efficiently monitor battery emissions. Notably, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas sensors are emphasized for their ability to enhance early-warning systems, facilitating the timely detection of potential issues and, in turn, improving the overall safety standards of electric vehicles. In this study, we introduce a novel CO2 gas sensor based on the advanced pyroelectric single-crystal lead niobium magnesium titanate (PMNT), which exhibits exceptionally high pyroelectric properties compared to commercially available materials, such as lithium tantalate single crystals and lead zirconate titanate ceramics. The specific detection rate of PMNT single-crystal pyroelectric infrared detectors is more than four times higher than lithium tantalate single-crystal infrared detectors. The PMNT single-crystal NDIR gas detector is used to monitor thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, enabling the rapid and highly accurate detection of gases released by the battery. This research offers an in-depth exploration of real-time monitoring for power battery safety, utilizing the cutting-edge pyroelectric single-crystal gas sensor. Beyond providing valuable insights, the study also presents practical recommendations for mitigating the risks of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, with a particular emphasis on the development of effective warning systems.

Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMSs) are essential for maintaining driving safety by continuously monitoring critical tire parameters, such as pressure and temperature, in real time during vehicle operation. Among these parameters, tire pressure is the most significant, necessitating the use of highly precise, cost-effective, and energy-efficient sensing technologies. With the rapid advancements in micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, modern automotive sensing and monitoring systems increasingly rely on MEMS sensors due to their compact size, low cost, and low power consumption. This study presents a novel high-precision capacitive pressure sensor based on a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) structure and a silicon–silicon direct bonding process. The proposed design offers exceptional performance with high accuracy, ultra-low power consumption, and reduced production costs, making it an optimal solution for enhancing the precision and efficiency of TPMS. Leveraging its low power requirements, capacitive sensing technology emerges as a superior choice for energy-efficient systems in the automotive industry.