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Airport clusters are of great significance to the sustainable development of the civil aviation transportation industry. The study utilises common frontier and super-efficiency DEA methods to assess the efficiency of China’s six major airport groups. It then employs the Malmquist index method to analyse changes in airport productivity. The results highlight regional disparities in airport efficiency. The East China Airport Group and the Southwest Airport Group consistently demonstrate excellent efficiency values, while the North China Airport Group and the Northeast Airport Group have significant room for improvement. Most airports within the groups operate at low and ineffective levels, with efficiency initially increasing and then decreasing. Moreover, the technology gap ratio (TGR) for each airport group somewhat shows a downward trend. The Malmquist index indicates that the overall factor productivity of each airport has generally remained stable, with efficiency growth primarily dependent on scale efficiency. On average, technical efficiency has increased by 1.5%. However, in terms of technological changes, most airports have experienced technological regression, indicating insufficient focus on technological improvement. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise technological innovation and enhance management efficiency to achieve efficiency improvements in airport clusters. It is necessary to formulate strategies accurately based on the specific conditions of different regions, promote coordinated development, foster regional exchanges and cooperation, address regional disparities, ensure sustainable development of China’s airport clusters, and establish a world-class airport cluster.

Abstract Introduction We aimed to describe the risk profile of RSV infections among children aged ≤ 24 months in Valladolid from January 2010 to August 2022 and to compare them with influenza and COVID-19 controls. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all laboratory-confirmed RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 infections. We analyzed risk factors for RSV hospitalization and severity (length-of-stay ≥ 8 days, intensive-care-unit admission, in-hospital death or readmission

Abstract Background Oral complications such as parageusia, xerostomia, and oral ulcers are frequently observed in patients with COVID-19. The aim of this study was to understand the oral complications and their influencing factors during the two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in China between December 2022 and May 2023. Methods A total of 347 patients during the COVID-19 pandemic from December 2022 and January 2023 and 163 patients during the second COVID-19 pandemic were recruited through the Disease Prevention and Control Reporting System. Data on oral complications were collected via researcher-made questionnaires. Results During both pandemic periods, more than 50% of the subjects developed oral complications. Specifically, the incidence of parageusia, pathological tongue coating, and xerostomia all exceeded 20%, while the incidence of oral ulcers surpassed 7%. Patients with allotriosmia and xerostomia had a significantly higher likelihood of developing other oral complications. Hospitalized patients requiring supplemental oxygen had a significantly higher incidence of oral complications. Conclusions The results of our study underline that oral complications during the COVID-19 pandemic are prevalent, and their incidence has not decreased during the subsequent pandemic. In the context of the ongoing global spread of COVID-19, this study lays the foundation for physicians in recognizing and managing oral complications, which will improve the oral health of communities globally.

Abstract A novel slow‐wave half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) bandpass filter (BPF) is proposed based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) with loading capacitive patches (LCPs). The bandpass characteristics are achieved by etching complementary SSPPs on the metal patches of the HMSIW. SSPPs exhibit a slow‐wave effect, which effectively reduces the overall size of the filter. At the same time, using proper LCPs between the HMSIW metal via and the complementary SSPPs structure, the effective dielectric constant of the HMSIW can be changed, reducing the low cutoff frequency and further facilitating the miniaturisation of size. A prototype of the proposed filter is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results show that the proposed filter has the in‐band insertion loss of 1 and 3 dB passband range of 6.4–9.8 GHz.

Ladle furnace (LF) refining can effectively control the composition and temperature of molten steel and plays a role in cushioning and coordinating the production rhythm between steelmaking and continuous casting. The use of models for control and decision-making in LF refining can further standardize the refining operations, improve the quality and stability of molten steel, and, combined with automatic control, will strongly promote the development of intelligent refining to achieve optimization of steelmaking and improve efficiency. Regarding promoting intelligent manufacturing in the steel industry, the LF refining process model is no longer limited to the establishment and deployment of single-function models and has begun to develop in the direction of integration, automation, and intelligence while its function has also changed from a single prediction and recommendation to overall intelligent control and decision-making. LF process control and decision models are mostly single-function models, but few integrate applications. Due to the complexity and uncertainty of the refining process, these models have differences in stability and accuracy. Therefore, establishing an integrated model, standardizing the field process, improving the data quality, and combining automatic control and closed-loop feedback to further realize the intelligent control model have become important directions for future research and application of LF control models. Herein, the development and research status of LF refining control and decision models are summarized, including the alloying model, slagging model, temperature model, argon blowing control model, calcium treatment model, and other single-function models, as well as intelligent refining technology. The modeling principles and functions of these models are systematically reviewed, and future development directions of LF process intelligent control and decision models are prospected, providing a reference for the subsequent development and application of LF intelligent refining technology. The establishment and real landing of LF intelligent control and decision models not only require the realization and linkage of process control and decision models but also propose higher requirements for iron and steel enterprises. The realization of LF intelligent control and decision-making models can greatly improve the consistency and qualified rate of product quality, reduce energy consumption and cost, reduce manual intervention, and shorten the smelting cycle, thus improving the competitiveness of enterprises. With the continuous upgrading and improvement of model design, automation technology, and steel mill site environment, the application and development of LF intelligent control and decision-making models show great potential in realizing green, low-carbon, and intelligent manufacturing and would make great contributions to the progress and transformation and upgrading of the steel industry in the future.

Abstract Background To study the risk factors associated with misplacement of freehand pedicle screws through a posterior approach for degenerative scoliosis. Methods A total of 204 patients who underwent posterior pedicle screw-rod system surgery for degenerative scoliosis in our hospital from December 2020 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, radiographic accuracy, and surgery-related information were recorded. Results A total of 204 patients were included. A total of 2496 screws were placed. 2373 (95.07%) were in good position. Misplacement screws were 123 (4.93%). None of the patients had postoperative spinal nerve symptoms due to screw malposition. The misplacement rate of thoracic (T10-T12) pedicle screws was 11.11% (60/540). Misplacement of pedicle screws in the lumbar spine (L1-L5) was 3.22% (63/1956). Age, gender, surgeon, and operation time had no significant effect on misplacement of pedicle screws (P>0.05). Body mass index, Hu value, number of screw segments, Cobb angle, vertebral rotation, and spinal canal morphology had some correlation with pedicle screw misplacement. Among them, BMI, Hu value, number of screw segments, Cobb angle, and vertebral rotation grade were independent risk factors for PS misplacement (P

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in children with febrile seizures (FS) in Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China, and in particular its association with gender and age. This should inform possible strategies for supplementation with vitamin D, and hence for prevention of FS in the local pediatric population. The Febrile seizures group consisted of 747 children hospitalized with FS at the Southwest Medical University Affiliated Hospital from January 2020 to January 2024. The healthy control group was comprised of 750 children aged from 0 to 8 years who underwent health checkups during this period. The serum 25(OH)D level was analyzed in relation to gender and age to explore its association with FS. The median serum vitamin D level in the FS group (28.8 ng/mL; IQR 21.64, 33.64) was significantly lower than in the healthy control group (37.51 ng/mL; IQR 31.05, 37.51). The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in the FS group was 10.8%, which was significantly higher than in the healthy control group (P

Abstract Background Acupuncture is an effective complementary therapy for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP). Nevertheless, the utilization of acupuncture for NVP has been minimally explored in current scholarly research, with a paucity of systematic randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in it. We aim to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on NVP after assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and explore the metabolism-related mechanism of the efficacy. Methods This single-blind, randomized, controlled trial will randomize 68 patients with NVP after ART to a traditional acupuncture (tACP) or a sham acupuncture (sACP) group. The tACP group will receive tACP thrice a week for 2 weeks with a day interval between sessions, while the sACP group will undergo the same number of nonpenetrative acupuncture at non-acupoints for the same period. Pregnancy-specific quantification of emesis will be used to evaluate symptom severity. Routine blood and urine tests, liver and kidney function tests, human chorionic gonadotropin, nuchal translucency thickness, and embryonic development measured using ultrasound will be used to evaluate safety during pregnancy. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis will be performed to explore the association between metabolic changes and clinical symptoms. Discussion This study will elucidate the effects and safety of acupuncture in treating NVP in women undergoing ART. The results of this study will contribute to optimizing acupuncture therapies by combining the body and auricular points and exploring the underlying therapeutic mechanism using a metabolomics approach. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300075259.

Abstract Aortic dissection (AD) is a devastating disease with a high mortality rate. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (exo-MSCs) offer a promising strategy to restore aortic medial degeneration and combat ferroptosis in AD. However, their rapid degradation in the circulatory system and low treatment efficiency limit their clinical application. Methylacrylated gelatin (Gelma) was reported as a matrix material to achieve controlled release of exosomes. Herein, exo-MSCs-embedded in Gelma hydrogels (Gelma-exos) using ultraviolet light and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. These Gelma-exos provide a sustained release of exo-MSCs as Gelma gradually degrades, helping to restore aortic medial degeneration and prevent ferroptosis. The sustained release of exosomes can inhibit the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to a proliferative state, and curb their proliferation and migration. Additionally, the 3D-printed Gelma-exos demonstrated the ability to inhibit ferroptosis in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experiments. In conclusion, our Gelma-exos, combined with 3D-printed technology, offer an alternative treatment approach for repairing aortic medial degeneration and ferroptosis in AD, potentially reducing the incidence of aortic dissection rupture. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Organic contaminants have increasingly become a main threat to the water environment, necessitating novel methods for removing from polluted water. In this study, a kind of magnetic ethyl acetate microdrops (Fe3O4@KCC-1@EA) is fabricated for this purpose The KCC-1 shell of Fe3O4@KCC-1 nanospheres is a layer of silica with a dendritic fibrous structure. The ethyl acetate shell of the Fe3O4@KCC-1@EA microdrops provides them with the properties of an organic solvent. While the magnetic core makes them magnetically manipulable. Adding Fe3O4@KCC-1@EA microdrops to bisphenol A-polluted water allows the contaminants to be extracted into the ethyl acetate shell. These microdrops, saturated with bisphenol A, are then easily separated from the water phase with an external magnetic field, achieving a removal rate of over 98%. Besides bisphenol A, the Fe3O4@KCC-1@EA microdrops could also be employed to remove other organic contaminants. This method could provide a new pathway for water purification from organic contaminants.

Abstract Background The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of da Vinci robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of patients with mediastinal tumors of different body mass indices (BMI). Methods A retrospective cohort study was used to collect 260 patients with mediastinal tumors admitted to three medical centers in China from December 2020 to March 2024. These patients underwent mediastinal tumor resection by RATS (n = 125) or VATS (n = 135). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed for the both groups, and further, the patients were divided into the N-BMI group (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI

Objective To retrospectively analyze the blood transfusion of 322 patients with Stanford type A aortic coarctation in our hospital, and to explore the influencing factors of perioperative blood transfusion in patients and evaluate the effect. Methods The patients with Stanford A type aortic coarctation who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from October 2020 to October 2023 were selected to analyze the differences in blood transfusion and the monitoring of blood routine and coagulation function between different surgical modalities, and to evaluate the influencing factors of massive blood transfusion. Results The intraoperative allogeneic red blood cell transfusion rate was 63.98% and the perioperative allogeneic red blood cell transfusion rate was 85.71% in patients with Stanford type A aortic coarctation. The intraoperative red blood cell, plasma, cryoprecipitates and platelet transfusion volumes for the Bentall procedure were (3.75±3.81) U, (608.13±314.77) mL, (15.25±8.39) U and (1.53±0.78) therapeutic doses, respectively, and had no difference compared with those for Sun′s procedure with the transfusion volume of (3.13±4.04) U, (707.61± 461.21) mL, (15.79±6.59) U and (1.54±0.64) therapeutic doses and those for Bentall&Sun’s procedure with the transfusion volume of (3.04±4.41) U, (813.48±582.02) mL, (18.39±6.43) U and (1.76±0.58) therapeutic doses(P>0.05). Preoperative hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in patients treated with Bentall procedure (127.75±23.17) g/L and in patients treated with Sun′s procedure (126.07±16.14) g/L than in patients treated with Bentall & Sun′s procedure(133.17±18.12) g/L(P0.05). Perioperative erythrocyte massive infusion accounted for 53.42%. The length of hospital days(days) in the massive transfusion group (23.83±9.74) was significantly higher than that in the conventional transfusion group (31.71±22.98), and the mortality rate in the massive infusion group 34.88% was significantly higher than that in the conventional transfusion group (5.33%)(P

Abstract New coupling scheme substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) diplexers based on dual‐mode cavities are proposed for millimetre‐wave applications. Dual‐mode SIW cavities are simultaneously employed in common input and coupling cavity to produce filtering transmission poles and transmission zero (TZ). A common input SIW cavity with two orthogonal modes is employed instead of the traditional T‐junction for circuit miniaturisation, insertion‐loss reduction, and intrinsically high isolation. A critical dual‐mode SIW cavity with diagonally distributed modes has been employed in each channel to realise a controllable stopband TZ for high selectivity of passband's skirt. To further improve channel isolation and passbands' selectivity, a SIW diplexer based on dual‐ and single‐mode cavities is proposed, and four‐pole responses for each passband channel are designed. For the verification, two millimetre‐wave diplexers have been fabricated and tested.

Abstract Background There is a paucity of data regarding sex-oriented analyses of connection between muscle quantity and quality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), taking into account the pathophysiological differences of sarcopenia/myosteatosis in males versus females. We sought to investigate the associations between skeletal muscle index (SMI)-defined sarcopenia and intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC)-defined myosteatosis and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D)-defined HRQoL in patients with decompensated cirrhosis concerning sex disparities. Methods Totally, 382 patients were enrolled. The relationship between SMI/IMAC and HRQoL was evaluated with restricted cubic spline and Pearson correlation analyses. Furthermore, association between SMI or sarcopenia and EQ-5D utility index was determined by multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, BMI and concurrent disease severity. Results The study population comprised evenly distributed male and female patients (190: 192), mean age 61.9 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia (40.5 versus 9.9%, P

Abstract Over the past two decades, mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) therapy has made substantial strides, transitioning from experimental clinical applications to commercial products. MSC therapies hold considerable promise for treating refractory and critical conditions such as acute graft-versus-host disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Despite recent successes in clinical and commercial applications, MSC therapy still faces challenges when used as a commercial product. Current detection methods have limitations, leaving the dynamic biodistribution, persistence in injured tissues, and ultimate fate of MSCs in patients unclear. Clarifying the relationship between the pharmacokinetic characteristics of MSCs and their therapeutic effects is crucial for patient stratification and the formulation of precise therapeutic regimens. Moreover, the development of advanced imaging and tracking technologies is essential to address these clinical challenges. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the kinetic properties, key regulatory molecules, different fates, and detection methods relevant to MSCs and discusses concerns in evaluating MSC druggability from the perspective of integrating pharmacokinetics and efficacy. A better understanding of these challenges could improve MSC clinical efficacy and speed up the introduction of MSC therapy products to the market.

Abstract Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSC) have emerged as a promising therapeutic avenue for treating autoimmune diseases, eliciting considerable interest and discussion regarding their underlying mechanisms. This study revealed the distinctive ability of human umbilical cord MSC to aggregate within the lymph nodes of mice afflicted with autoimmune diseases, but this phenomenon was not observed in healthy mice. The specific distribution is driven by the heightened expression of the CCL21-CCR7 axis in mice with autoimmune diseases, facilitating the targeted homing of MSC to the lymph nodes. Within the lymph nodes, MSC exhibit a remarkable capacity to modulate Th17 cell function, exerting a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Transplanted MSC stimulates the secretion of L-amino-acid oxidase (LAAO), a response triggered by elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in mice with autoimmune diseases through the NF-κB pathway. The presence of LAAO is indispensable for the efficacy of MSC, as it significantly contributes to the inhibition of Th17 cells. Furthermore, LAAO-derived indole-3-pyruvic acid (I3P) serves as a potent suppressor of Th17 cells by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway. These findings advance our understanding of the global immunomodulatory effects exerted by MSC, providing valuable information for optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

Background: Soil salinization is one of the key factors restricting the production of cropland. Once rice is subjected to alkali stress at the bud burst stage, the yield will suffer irreparable serious loss. Compared with salt tolerance, studies on QTL mapping and candidate gene analysis of rice alkali tolerance are limited. Results: In this study, we used the F2:3 population derived from the alkali-tolerant cultivar LD21 and the alkali-sensitive cultivar WL138 to construct an alkali-tolerant DNA mixing pool, and the BSA (Bulked Segregation Analysis) method was used for re-sequencing. The main QTL qRSLB9 controlling the relative shoot length of rice under alkali stress was mapped by QTL-seq. The candidate interval was narrowed to 346.5 kb by regional linkage mapping, which containing 6 DEGs screened through transcriptome sequencing. The qRT-PCR and candidate gene sequencing showed that LOC_Os09g24260 was most likely to control relative shoot length (RSL) in rice as a major gene who encodes the WD domain, G-beta repeat domain-containing protein. Conclusions: Based on these results, LOC_Os09g24260 was the candidate gene of qRSLB9 conferring alkalinity tolerance to rice at the bud burst stage. Our study provides valuable genetic information and materials for breeding new rice varieties with alkalinity tolerance.How to cite: Wang J, Bian J, Liu L, et al. Screening and analysis of candidate genes conferring alkalinity tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) at the bud burst stage based on QTL-seq and RNA-seq. Electron J Biotechnol 2024;71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2024.07.002.

The single-function agents with wide-spectrum activity which tend to disturb the ecological balance of oral cavity cannot satisfy dental treatment need. A multi-functional agent with specifically targeted killing property and in situ remineralization is warranted for caries management. A novel multi-functional agent (8DSS-C8-P-113) consisting of three domains, i.e., a non-specific antimicrobial peptide (AMP) (P-113), a competence stimulating peptide (C8), and an enhancing remineralization domain (8DSS), is fabricated and evaluated in this study. The findings demonstrates that 2 μM mL−1 of 8DSS-C8-P-113 eliminates planktonic Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) without disrupting the oral normal flora. At a concentration of 8 μM mL−1, it exhibits the ability to prevent S. mutans' adhesion. Furthermore, 8DSS-C8-P-113 self-assembles a hydrogel state at the higher concentration of 16 μM mL−1. This hydrogel self-adheres on the tooth surface, resisting acid attack, eradicating S. mutans’ biofilm, and inducing mineralization in order to facilitate the repair of demineralized dental hard tissue. Its significant effectiveness in reducing the severity of dental caries is also demonstrated in vivo in a rat model. This study suggests that the multi-functional bioactive AMP 8DSS-C8-P-113 is a promising agent to specifically target pathogen, prevent tooth demineralization, and effectively induce in situ bio-mimic remineralization for the management of dental caries.

Abstract Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation contribute to schizophrenia (SCZ) pathology and may influence treatment efficacy. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is a critical molecular node mediating the interaction between oxidative stress and inflammation, and so may influence treatment efficacy. Here we examined the associations of plasma MMP9 concentration with antipsychotic drug responses, clinical symptoms, and brain structure. A total of 129 healthy controls and 124 patients with SCZ were included in this study. Patients were monitored clinically during 8 weeks of antipsychotic treatment and classified as poor responders (n = 49) or good responders (n = 75). We then compared plasma MMP9 concentrations in healthy controls at baseline and both SCZ responder groups at baseline and after the 8-week antipsychotic treatment regimen. Cognitive function was also examined using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery. In addition, we extracted regional white matter density from magnetic resonance images of patients. Compared to healthy controls, plasma MMP9 levels were significantly elevated in poor responders at baseline and negatively correlated with both white matter density in the right superior temporal gyrus and the change in cognitive symptoms after treatment. Conversely, there was no significant difference in plasma MMP9 between good responders and healthy controls, and no associations of plasma MMP9 with cognitive symptoms or regional white matter density among good responders. Elevated plasma MMP9 is associated with poor antipsychotic drug efficacy and white matter deficits in SCZ patients, and so may be a useful biomarker to guide personalized treatment.

Abstract Background Treatment strategy against immune-related adverse events (irAEs) induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) frequently requires other immunosuppressive agents. Tofacitinib is a rapidly acting JAK-STAT inhibitor with proven efficacy in multiple autoimmune diseases. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in the management of irAEs in cancer patients. Methods Cancer patients who received ICIs and were treated with tofacitinib for the management of irAEs at 6 institutions were retrospectively included in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from electronic medical records. Longitudinal assessment of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) with clinical assessment was utilized to evaluate the benefit of tofacitinib treatment in patients with ICI myocarditis. Overall survival (OS) was also assessed. Results Fifty-three patients were included in this study. The median time from irAE onset to tofacitinib therapy was 17 (range, 2–186) days and the median duration of tofacitinib treatment was 52.5 (range, 3–277) days. Enrolled patients were subdivided into 3 groups based on clinical severity and steroid responsiveness including 11 life-threatening cases, 30 steroid-resistant cases, and 12 cases with steroid taper failure. Clinical remission rate in each group was 54.5%, 96.7%, and 100%, respectively (P

Abstract Immunotherapy confers little to no benefit in the treatment of microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Mechanistic insights suggested that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody plus irinotecan might augment the tumor immune response in mCRC. Therefore, we conducted a proof-of-concept, single-arm, phase 2 study (ChiCTR identifier: ChiCTR2000035642) of a combination treatment regimen including tislelizumab (anti-PD-1), cetuximab (anti-EGFR) and irinotecan in 33 patients with MSS and RAS wild-type (WT) mCRC who were previously treated with ≥2 lines of therapy. The primary endpoint was met, with a confirmed objective response rate of 33%. As secondary endpoints, the disease control rate was 79%, and the median progression-free survival and overall survival were 7.3 and 17.4 months respectively. Among the 33 patients, 32 (97.0%) had treatment-related adverse events (AEs). Three (9.1%) reported grade ≥ 3 AEs, including rash (n = 1), neutropenia (n = 2). The post-hoc evaluation of dynamic circulating tumor DNA using next generation sequencing and the analysis of peripheral immune proteomics landscape using Olink revealed that lower variant allele frequency (VAF) at baseline, greater reduction in VAF on treatment, and a hot peripheral macroenvironment were associated with the treatment response independently. Our study showed the antitumor activity of tislelizumab, cetuximab, and irinotecan combination with a tolerable safety profile in previously treated MSS and RAS WT mCRC.

Abstract Previously, we constructed engineered M. circinelloides strains that can not only utilize cellulose, but also increase the yield of γ-linolenic acid (GLA). In the present study, an in-depth analysis of lipid accumulation by engineered M. circinelloides strains using corn straw was to be explored. When a two-stage temperature control strategy was adopted with adding 1.5% cellulase and 15% inoculum, the engineered strains led to increases in the lipid yield (up to 1.56 g per 100 g dry medium) and GLA yield (up to 274 mg per 100 g dry medium) of 1.8- and 2.3-fold, respectively, compared with the control strain. This study proved the engineered M. circinelloides strains, especially for Mc-C2PD6, possess advantages in using corn straw to produce GLA. This work provided a reference for transformation from agricultural cellulosic waste to functional lipid in one step, which might play a positive role in promoting the sustainable development of biological industry.

Abstract Background Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 2 (PRPS2) is known as an oncogene in many types of cancers, including lung cancer. However, its role in regulating tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) remains unclear. Our study aimed to explore the involvement of PRPS2 in TAM and MDSC regulation. Methods Stable Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cell lines were established using a lentivirus system. These LLC lines were then used to establish tumor model in mice. The levels of target genes were determined using qPCR, western blotting, and ELISA assays. The percentage of different immune cell types was analyzed using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. The chemotaxis ability of TAM and MDSC was evaluated using an in vitro transwell chemotaxis assay. Results Notably, PRPS2 was found to regulate the chemotaxis of TAM and MDSC in tumor cells, as evidenced by the positive correlation of PRPS2 expression levels and abundance of TAM and MDSC populations. In addition, the expression of CCL2, mediated by PRPS2, was identified as a key factor in the chemotaxis of TAM and MDSC, as evidenced by a significant reduction in macrophages and MDSC numbers in the presence of the CCL2 antibody. Furthermore, in vivo experiments confirmed the involvement of PRPS2 in mediating CCL2 expression. PRPS2 was also found to regulate immune cell infiltration into tumors, whereas knockdown of CCL2 reversed the phenotype induced by PRPS2 overexpression. In tumor tissues from mice implanted with LLC‐PRPS2‐shCCL2 cells, a notable increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell percentages, alongside a marked decrease in TAMs, M‐MDSC, and PMN‐MDSC, was observed. Conclusion Taken together, PRPS2 plays a crucial role in modulating the antitumor immune response by reprogramming CCL2‐mediated TAM and MDSC.

Abstract In sociological research based on online public opinion, scholars often overlook the delay and combinatory nature of online responses to real-world events. This study aims to explore the delayed and combinatory responses of online public opinion to the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we seek to answer the following questions: (a) Is there a temporal delay in the response of online public opinion to the intensity of the pandemic? (b) Does this delay exhibit general characteristics of social networks, such as combinatory effects and higher-order interactions? To address these questions, we employ natural language processing techniques to extract online public opinion data and utilize statistical and machine learning-based causal inference methods for analysis. The findings indicate that online public opinion’s response to the intensity of COVID-19 is not immediate but rather exhibits a long-term lag. Identical COVID-19 intensity data can trigger multiple delayed public opinion responses, while a single delayed public opinion datum may be influenced by multiple preceding COVID-19 intensity data points. This delayed response of online public opinion and its higher-order network characteristics result in a waveform structure of real-world impacts influenced by online public opinion. We also utilized machine learning causal inference techniques to investigate the sensitivity differences in online public opinion responses to COVID-19 during various time periods.

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease, and some observational studies have indicated an association between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and RA. However, the causal relationship between the two remains uncertain. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal relationship between GERD and RA. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using pooled data from large-scale genome-wide association studies. In addition, we performed multivariate MR analyses to exclude confounding factors between GERD and RA, including smoking quantity, drinking frequency, BMI, depression, and education attainment. The MR results for GERD on RA suggested a causal effect of the genetic susceptibility of GERD on RA (discovery dataset, IVW, odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–1.63, p = 2.81 × 10−6; validation dataset, IVW, OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.23–1.55, P = 1.76 × 10−8). Multivariate MR analysis also supports this result. But the results of the reverse MR analysis did not reveal compelling evidence that RA can increase the risk of developing GERD. Our bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian randomization analysis and multivariate MR analysis provide support for the causal effect of GERD on RA. This discovery could offer new insights for the prevention and treatment of RA.

Abstract Aims/Introduction Our aim was to investigate the optimal fasting glucose (FPG) range in Chinese older adults with type 2 diabetes, and to clarify whether the optimal range varies according to the control of risk factors. Materials and Methods The baseline survey for the cohort study began in 2018, with follow up ending in 2022. Our study enrolled 59,030 older diabetes patients with no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Participants were divided into nine groups based on their baseline glycemic status. The association between FPG and the risk of adverse outcomes was mainly estimated by multivariate Cox proportional risk models and restricted spline analysis. Results During the 4‐year follow‐up period, a total of 5,637 deaths and 4,904 CVD events occurred. The associations of FPG with mortality and CVD events showed J‐shaped curves. Among all‐cause deaths, the hazard ratios for FPG ≤4.50 and >11.50 mmol/L were 1.50 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31–1.71) and 1.84 (95% CI 1.67–2.02). Among CVD, the hazard ratios for FPG ≤4.50 and >11.50 mmol/L were 1.31 (95% CI 1.13–1.53) and 1.71 (95% CI 1.54–1.89), respectively. The optimal FPG ranges of all‐cause mortality and CVD were 5.50–7.50 and 4.50–7.50 mmol/L, respectively. For participants with at least two risk factors, the optimal FPG levels were higher than those with fewer risk factors. Conclusions In older Chinese diabetes patients, the FPG ranges related to the minimum death and CVD event rates were 5.50–7.50 and 4.50–7.50 mmol/L, respectively. Patients with more cardiovascular risk factors had higher optimal blood glucose ranges than those with fewer risk factors.

Introduction: Emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV)-2 causes a global health disaster and pandemic. Seeking effective anti-pan-CoVs drugs benefit critical illness patients of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but also may play a role in emerging CoVs of the future. Objectives: This study tested the hypothesis that alisol B 23-acetate could be a viral entry inhibitor and would have proinflammatory inhibition for COVID-19 treatment. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 and its variants infected several cell lines were applied to evaluate the anti-CoVs activities of alisol B 23-aceate in vitro. The effects of alisol B 23-acetate on in vivo models were assessed by using SARS-CoV-2 and its variants challenged hamster and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) transgenic mice. The target of alisol B 23-acetate to ACE2 was analyzed using hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry (MS). Results: Alisol B 23-acetate had inhibitory effects on different species of coronavirus. By using HDX-MS, we found that alisol B 23-acetate had inhibition potency toward ACE2. In vivo experiments showed that alisol B 23-acetate treatment remarkably decreased viral copy, reduced CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD11b+ macrophages infiltration and ameliorated lung damages in the hamster model. In Omicron variant infected human ACE2 transgenic mice, alisol B 23-acetate effectively alleviated viral load in nasal turbinate and reduced proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 17 (IL17) and interferon γ (IFNγ) in peripheral blood. The prophylactic treatment of alisol B 23-acetate by intranasal administration significantly attenuated Omicron viral load in the hamster lung tissues. Moreover, alisol B 23-acetate treatment remarkably inhibited proinflammatory responses through mitigating the secretions of IFNγ and IL17 in the cultured human and mice lymphocytes in vitro. Conclusion: Alisol B 23-acetate could be a promising therapeutic agent for COVID-19 treatment and its underlying mechanisms might be attributed to viral entry inhibition and anti-inflammatory activities.

Abstract Introduction We aimed to describe the risk profile of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections among adults ≥ 60 years in Valladolid from January 2010 to August 2022, and to compare them with influenza and COVID-19 controls. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of all laboratory-confirmed RSV infections identified in centralized microbiology database during a 12-year period. We analyzed risk factors for RSV hospitalization and severity (length of stay, intensive care unit admission, in-hospital death or readmission

To solve the problem of low removal rate and poor N2 selectivity in direct electrochemical ammonia oxidation (EAO), commercial Ni foam and Cu foam were used as anode and cathode of the EAO system, respectively. The coupling effect between the cathode and anode promoted nitrogen cycling during the reaction process, which improved N2 selectivity of the reaction system and promoted it to achieve a high ammonia removal rate. This study showed that the thin Ni(OH)2 with oxygen vacancy formed on the surface of Ni foam anode played an effective role in the dimerization of intermediate products in ammonia oxidation to form N2. This electrochemical system was used to treat real goose wastewater containing 422.5 mg/L NH4+-N and 94.5 mg/L total organic carbon (TOC). After treatment, this electrochemical system achieved good performance with an ammonia removal rate of 87%, N2 selectivity of 77%, and TOC removal rate of 72%. Therefore, this simple and efficient system with Ni foam anode and Cu foam cathode is a promising method for treating ammonia nitrogen wastewater. HIGHLIGHTS The use of commercial electrodes has increased the practicality of this system.; The anode was responsible for the ammonia oxidation.; The cathode was responsible for the reduction of nitrate.; The nitrogen cycle between the electrodes enabled this system to achieve high performance.; The electrochemical system had achieved significant results in practical goose wastewater treatment.;

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Current treatment strategies for elderly patients with acute lower limb ischemia (ALLI) have no definitive effect, and studies have reported no definitive prognostic factors that reflect poor outcomes among patients with ALLI. Therefore, reliable clinical indicators that can accurately predict outcomes and guide the choice of treatment options are needed. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors among the elderly patients who underwent endovascular treatment for ALLI. DESIGN: Retrospective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2011 to December 2020, 270 patients (281 limbs; 124 males; mean age: 84.8 years [range, 80–102 years]) underwent endovascular therapy for ALLI, including acute limb arterial embolism (191 limbs) and acute exacerbation of chronic ischemia (90 limbs). Factors identified through univariate analysis (P < 0.1) and other variables considered likely to have important prognostic value were tested in a logistic regression model for symptom improvement, major amputation, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 84.8 years, 54.1% were female, and hypertension (69.0%) was the most common coexisting disease. Patients in the acute group exhibited higher rates of atrial fibrillation (45.5% vs. 24.4%; P = 0.001) and chronic renal failure (15.2% vs. 6.7%; P = 0.044) than the acute-on-chronic group. The acute group exhibited significantly higher plasma D-dimer levels than the acute-on-chronic group (1.59 vs. 1.06; P < 0.001). In the acute group, 145 (75.9%) limbs had preacute Rutherford Classification (RC) of Grade I. In the acute-on-chronic group, 47 (52.2%) limbs had symptom duration of 7–14 days, and 84 (93.3%) limbs were diagnosed with arteriosclerosis obliterans. Most patients opted for antiplatelet therapy, particularly those in the acute-on-chronic group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that onset time, hypertension, white blood cell (WBC) count, and lesion nature were independent factors for postoperative symptom improvement, whereas hypertension, WBC count, and preacute RC grade were independent factors for amputation at 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: WBC count was a major risk factor for postoperative symptom improvement and amputation within 3 months among elderly patients; the higher the WBC count, the higher the risk for amputation. In addition, among patients >80 years of age, early surgery could significantly improve the prognosis of ALLI, regardless of the procedure used to restore blood supply.

Abstract Molecular pathways mediating systemic inflammation entering the brain parenchyma to induce sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) remain elusive. Here, we report that in mice during the first 6 hours of peripheral lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-evoked systemic inflammation (6 hpi), the plasma level of adenosine quickly increased and enhanced the tone of central extracellular adenosine which then provoked neuroinflammation by triggering early astrocyte reactivity. Specific ablation of astrocytic Gi protein-coupled A1 adenosine receptors (A1ARs) prevented this early reactivity and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors (e.g., CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL1) in astrocytes, thereby alleviating microglial reaction, ameliorating blood-brain barrier disruption, peripheral immune cell infiltration, neuronal dysfunction, and depression-like behaviour in the mice. Chemogenetic stimulation of Gi signaling in A1AR-deficent astrocytes at 2 and 4 hpi of LPS injection could restore neuroinflammation and depression-like behaviour, highlighting astrocytes rather than microglia as early drivers of neuroinflammation. Our results identify early astrocyte reactivity towards peripheral and central levels of adenosine as an important pathway driving SAE and highlight the potential of targeting A1ARs for therapeutic intervention.

Abstract Social media-based investor sentiment proxies provide a brand new solution to recognize and measure investor sentiment. Aggregating individual social media text sentiments into public sentiments through a specific aggregation method is a necessary part of constructing an investor sentiment index for social media. The choice or design of the aggregation method directly affects whether or not the researcher can capture the sentiment of the market. This study provides the first systematic review of mainstream methods for aggregating investor sentiment from social media. In addition, we systematically discuss some of the key issues of historical researchers in aggregating investor sentiment, such as neutral sentiment text, simple aggregation of directly aggregated text, etc. The findings suggest that the aggregation method used by researchers directly affects the reliability of investor sentiment indices. Therefore, scholars should carefully choose sentiment aggregation algorithms based on the combination of datasets and sentiment tracking tools and articulate their rationale. This study provides important references for behavioral finance, social media mining, and microinvestor sentiment metrics.

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) patients require varying levels of supportive care. In order to facilitate caregivers and nurses in precisely evaluating the caregiving requirements of these patients, we developed the CD-specific Care Needs Scale (CD-CNS). Methods This study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The initial items of the scale were developed through qualitative interviews, Delphi expert consultation, and literature review, while the final items were refined through clinical testing. Qualitative interviews were conducted based on the supportive care needs framework and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and scale items were constructed through a literature search and qualitative interviews. The initial version of the scale with 45 items was obtained after the items were verified and modified by expert consultation. A total of 250 CD patients admitted to the gastroenterology department of a hospital in China were selected for verification of the initial version of the scale. A self-designed general questionnaire was used to obtain patients’ medical history and sociodemographic data, and the Chinese version of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) was used as the criterion. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the CD-CNS to evaluate the dimensions, factor structure, reliability, criterion validity, and construct validity. Results EFA identified 5 dimensions and retained 27 items with strong internal consistency reliability (α = 0.940). The Cronbach’s α coefficients for each dimension ranged from 0.824 to 0.921. Criterion validity was assessed using Spearman’s coefficient, which demonstrated a significant correlation with the IBDQ (P

Abstract Background The function of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) decreases with age, which results in infectious and inflammatory complications in older individuals. The underlying causes are not fully understood. ATP release and autocrine stimulation of purinergic receptors help PMNs combat microbial invaders. Excessive extracellular ATP interferes with these mechanisms and promotes inflammatory PMN responses. Here, we studied whether dysregulated purinergic signaling in PMNs contributes to their dysfunction in older individuals. Results Bacterial infection of C57BL/6 mice resulted in exaggerated PMN activation that was significantly greater in old mice (64 weeks) than in young animals (10 weeks). In contrast to young animals, old mice were unable to prevent the systemic spread of bacteria, resulting in lethal sepsis and significantly greater mortality in old mice than in their younger counterparts. We found that the ATP levels in the plasma of mice increased with age and that, along with the extracellular accumulation of ATP, the PMNs of old mice became increasingly primed. Stimulation of the formyl peptide receptors of those primed PMNs triggered inflammatory responses that were significantly more pronounced in old mice than in young animals. However, bacterial phagocytosis and killing by PMNs of old mice were significantly lower than that of young mice. These age-dependent PMN dysfunctions correlated with a decrease in the enzymatic activity of plasma ATPases that convert extracellular ATP to adenosine. ATPases depend on divalent metal ions, including Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+, and we found that depletion of these ions blocked the hydrolysis of ATP and the formation of adenosine in human blood, resulting in ATP accumulation and dysregulation of PMN functions equivalent to those observed in response to aging. Conclusions Our findings suggest that impaired hydrolysis of plasma ATP dysregulates PMN function in older individuals. We conclude that strategies aimed at restoring plasma ATPase activity may offer novel therapeutic opportunities to reduce immune dysfunction, inflammation, and infectious complications in older patients.

Abstract Background Gene expression profiles in breast tissue biopsies contain information related to chemotherapy efficacy. The promoter profiles in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) carrying gene expression information of the original tissues may be used to predict the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer as a non-invasive biomarker. In this study, the feasibility of the promoter profiles in plasma cfDNA was evaluated as a novel clinical model for noninvasively predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. Method First of all, global chromatin (5 Mb windows), sub-compartments and promoter profiles in plasma cfDNA samples from 94 patients with breast cancer before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (pCR = 31 vs. non-pCR = 63) were analyzed, and then classifiers were developed for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. Further, the promoter profile changes in sequential cfDNA samples from 30 patients (pCR = 8 vs. non-pCR = 22) during neoadjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed to explore the potential benefits of cfDNA promoter profile changes as a novel potential biomarker for predicting the treatment efficacy. Results The results showed significantly distinct promoter profile in plasma cfDNA of pCR patients compared with non-pCR patients before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The classifier based on promoter profiles in a Random Forest model produced the largest area under the curve of 0.980 (95% CI: 0.978–0.983). After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 332 genes with significantly differential promoter profile changes in sequential cfDNA samples of pCR patients was observed, compared with non-pCR patients, and their functions were closely related to treatment response. Conclusion These results suggest that promoter profiles in plasma cfDNA may be a powerful, non-invasive tool for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy breast cancer patients before treatment, and the on-treatment cfDNA promoter profiles have potential benefits for predicting the treatment efficacy.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of a Compound Acid in improving seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Methods Fifty patients with seborrheic dermatitis who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The subjects underwent scalp brushing with Compound Acid for a total of four brushings, with the first acid brushing on the day of enrollment and subsequent brushings at one-week interval. Symptom scores were assessed before each acid brushing. A follow-up examination was conducted two weeks after the last acid brushing. Clinical signs and symptoms such as papules, greasiness, erythema, and dandruff were scored using skin microscopy. The status of Malassezia infection was detected using fungus fluorescent microscope. A questionnaire was used to evaluate subjects' scalp itching and pain. Results Forty-seven subjects completed this study. Following the use of the Compound Acid, subjects showed significant improvements in maculopapule scores (from 2.09±1.25 to 0.13±0.34), greasiness scores (from 3.19±0.77 to 0.87±0.65), erythema scores (from 3.23±0.63 to 0.43±0.68), and dandruff scores (from 3.26±0.94 to 0.55±0.65) (all P

Background and objective Lung cancer is the cancer with the highest incidence and mortality rates in China, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80%-85% of all malignant lung tumors. Currently, surgical treatment remains the primary treatment modality for lung cancer. In recent years, the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors for NSCLC has become a consensus, and neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nICT) has shown promising efficacy and safety in early to intermediate stage NSCLC. However, there are fewer studies related to nICT for locally advanced NSCLC. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nICT therapy in locally advanced resectable NSCLC. Methods 85 confirmed resectable stage IIIA and IIIB patients treated in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, from January 2021 to April 2024, were divided into the nICT group (n=32) and the surgery alone group (n=53). Clinical baseline data, perioperative indicators, postoperative complications, imaging response rate, pathological response rate, incidence of adverse events, and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results There were no statistically significant differences in clinical baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). Incidence of choosing thoracotomy was higher in the nICT group than in the surgery alone group (P=0.002). There were no significant differences in surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes, duration of chest tube placement, postoperative hospital stay, and R0 resection rate between the two groups (P>0.05). The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 31.25% in the nICT group and 22.64% in the surgery alone group, with no statistically significant difference (P=0.380). In the nICT group, the objective response rate (ORR) was 84.38%, with 5 cases of complete response (CR)(15.63%), 22 cases of partial response (PR)(68.75%), 15 cases of pathological response rate (pCR)(46.88%), and 11 cases of major pathological reaponse (MPR) (34.38%). During nICT treatment, 12 cases (37.50%) experienced grade 3 treatment-related adverse events, no death induced by adverse events or immune related adverse events. Moreover, the symptoms of the patients were improved after nICT treatment. Conclusion Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy shows promising efficacy in locally advanced resectable NSCLC, with manageable treatment-related adverse events. It is a safe and feasible neoadjuvant treatment modality for locally advanced resectable NSCLC.

Abstract Borocarbonitride (BCN) materials have shown significant potential as photocatalysts for hydrogen production. However, traditional bulk BCN exhibits only moderate photocatalytic activity. In this study, we introduce an environmentally conscious and sustainable strategy utilizing biomass-derived carbon sources to synthesize BCN nanosheets. The hydrogen evolution efficiency of BCN-A nanosheets (110 μmol h−1 g−1) exceeds that of bulk BCN photocatalysts (12 μmol h−1 g−1) by 9.1 times, mainly due to the increased surface area (205 m2g−1) and the presence of numerous active sites with enhanced charge separation capabilities. Notably, the biomass-derived BCN nanosheets offer key advantages such as sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and reduced carbon footprint during hydrogen production. These findings highlight the potential of biomass-based BCN nanomaterials to facilitate a greener and more efficient route to hydrogen energy, contributing to the global transition towards renewable energy solutions.

Abstract Aim Clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment of chondrosarcoma (CS) are continuously improving. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA) assisted degradation therapy in the surgical treatment of intramedullary chondrosarcoma of the extremities, to provide a new reference and research basis for the surgical treatment of CS. Methods We recruited 36 patients with intramedullary CS who underwent MWA assisted extended curettage. Preoperative patient demographics and clinical data were recorded. Surgery was independently assisted by a medical team. Patients were followed up strictly and evaluated for oncological prognosis, radiological results, limb joint function, pain, and complications. Results We included 15 men and 21 women (mean age: 43.5 ± 10.1). The average length of the lesion was 8.1 ± 2.5 cm. Based on preoperative radiographic, clinical manifestations, and pathological results of puncture biopsy, 28 patients were preliminarily diagnosed with CS-grade I and eight patients with CS-grade II. No recurrence or metastasis occurred in the postoperative follow-up. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 28.8 ± 1.0, significantly better than presurgery. Secondary shoulder periarthritis and abduction dysfunction occurred in early postoperative stage CS of the proximal humerus in some, but returned to normal after rehabilitation exercise. Secondary bursitis occurred at the knee joint in some due to the internal fixation device used in treatment; however, secondary osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis of the femoral head were not observed. Overall, oncological and functional prognoses were satisfactory. Conclusions The application of MWA assisted degradation therapy in intramedullary CS can achieve satisfactory oncology and functional prognosis, providing a new option for the limited treatment of CS.

In a genome-wide association study, we identified a rice UDP-glycosyltransferase gene, OsUGT706D2, whose transcription was activated in response to cold and submergence stress and to exogenous abscisic acid (ABA). OsUGT706D2 positively regulated the biosynthesis of tricin-4′-O-(syringyl alcohol) ether-7-O-glucoside at both the transcriptional and metabolic levels. OsUGT706D2 mediated cold and submergence tolerance by modulating the expression of stress-responsive genes as well as the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway. Gain of function of OsUGT706D2 increased cold and submergence tolerance and loss of function of OsUGT706D2 reduced cold tolerance. ABA positively regulated OsUGT706D2-mediated cold tolerance but reduced submergence tolerance. These findings suggest the potential use of OsUGT706D2 for improving abiotic stress tolerance in rice.

Abstract Research based on investor sentiment in social media has been a hot topic of research in behavioral finance, and the reliability of investor sentiment mined from social media is a potential condition for the reliability of the results of these studies. In the past, scholars have often focused on using more reliable tools to track investor sentiment in order to get more reliable investor sentiment. However, less attention has been paid to another key factor affecting the reliability of investor sentiment on social media: the selection and collection of data. In this study, we systematically investigate the process of data selection and collection in relation to the construction of investor sentiment on social media. Our findings suggest that the process of creating a dataset from social media is a process that starts and ends with a research question. In this process, we need to overcome various obstacles to end up with an imperfect dataset. The researchers must take a series of steps to get close to the best dataset and acknowledge some of the shortcomings and limitations. We emphasize that the absence of accepted, reliable standards makes it particularly important to follow basic principles. This study is an important reference for social media-based behavioral finance research.

Abstract Gypsification is a common problem in weathered calcareous relics. In previous studies, the solutions of barium hydroxide in water and methanol were used as protectants for gypsification calcareous relics and showed significant differences in permeability. In this study, the underlying reasons for permeability differences between these two solutions were investigated using optical microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the phenolphthalein test and physical property characterizations. The results indicated that the permeability differences were primarily caused by the solutions’ reactivity. Specifically, owing to the high reactivity of barium hydroxide in water, it reacted rapidly with atmospheric CO2 and gypsum (the weathering product) to generate barium carbonate, barium sulfate and calcium hydroxide precipitates. These precipitates hindered the penetration of solution into weathered relics. In contrast, barium hydroxide in methanol did not react with atmospheric CO2 or weathered relics, which also kept the solution in a liquid state during the infiltration process. Therefore, the solution of barium hydroxide in methanol exhibited high permeability. Based on the above findings, this study is meaningful for applying barium protectants in the conservation of gypsification calcareous relics.

ABSTRACT: Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) is widespread in the environment and is harmful to both humans and animals. In order to investigate the toxicity mechanism of TMT exposure on chicken liver, We established an in vivo experimental model by giving chickens oral administration of different concentrations of TMT dilution solution and vitro experiments of treating leghorn male hepatoma (LMH) cells for 12 h. The results showed that Albumin (ALB), total protein (TP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the blood of TMT-treated chickens, as well as ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the liver, were dose-dependently increased, and different degrees of necrosis of hepatocytes were observed in histology. Meanwhile, TMT exposure led to a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) content in chicken liver tissues and LMH cells, what's more a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content in cell supernatants. The expression of apoptosis-related genes Caspase8, Caspase3 and Caspase9 were increased in chicken liver tissues and LMH cells after treated by TMT, and an increased in the percentage of late apoptosis in LMH cells. This suggests that TMT can cause oxidative stress and apoptosis in chicken livers and cells, resulting in liver injury.

Abstract Accurate estimations of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) densities in shrublands are pivotal for assessing terrestrial ecosystem carbon sequestration. Combining in‐situ investigations and machine learning facilitates large‐scale patterns mapping, however, which often overlooks underlying ecological regulations. Here we utilize data from 1,122 survey plots across China's shrublands and develop a novel knowledge‐based deep learning framework that integrates a structural equation model (SEM) to elucidate mechanisms and construct an artificial neural network (ANN) based on these causal relationships. Results show that biomass allocation to different organs follows allometric regulations and that N and P concentrations maintain a degree of stoichiometric homeostasis following biological stoichiometry theory. This insight guides the construction of our ANN, which outperforms both SEM and other prevalent machine learning methods. By leveraging ecological theories to inform model construction, our framework not only enhances prediction accuracy and explainability but also provides a methodological blueprint for ecological research.

In a changing environment, a comprehensive and accurate water security assessment is critical to regional sustainable development. Most water security assessment studies concentrate on the sustainable use of blue water and less on green water, while the latter is irreplaceable to sustain food production. Considering the vital role that green water plays in maintaining human production and ecosystem stability. Here we incorporate green water into the water security assessment framework, proposing a blue-green water security index (BGWSI) and conducting a case study in the Xiangjiang River Basin (XRB). Two main conclusions are as follows: (a) combining green water to improve the water security assessment framework. The framework expands and extends the connotation of water security assessment and pioneers linking the attributes of water resources, like natural, social, and spatial benefit distances. In this way, the intrinsic connection between human activities and the risk status of regional blue-green water security can be grasped more comprehensively. (b) The case study reveals that the framework is feasible and applicable. The index BGWSI can better reflect the influence of basin green water resource fluctuation, green water footprint dynamics, spatial distance, and other factors on the overall water security risk. Incorporating green water and its related concepts into the water security assessment framework would provide new insight into water security assessment research, and we hope it will provide a more comprehensive reference for conducting regional blue-green water security assessment research. Also, the framework would be popularized and applied in more similar areas of blue-green water security assessment studies, which may contribute to accurately identifying the actual status of regional water security and promote the development of more scientific water management measures.

The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other psychological comorbidities among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) significantly exceeds that of the general population. Moreover, a bidirectional relationship exists between psychological comorbidities and IBD. This intricate interplay has substantial clinical implications, impacting treatment adherence, therapeutic efficacy, and disease recurrence rates. In this review, we explore the multifaceted mechanisms through which psychological factors influence IBD progression, treatment response, and prognosis. Specifically, we delve into the involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, enteric nervous system, microbiota-gut-brain axis, systemic inflammatory cytokines, and immune cell function. Additionally, we discuss the potential benefits of antidepressant therapy in mitigating IBD risk and the role of psychotropic drugs in reducing peripheral inflammation. Recognizing and addressing psychological comorbidity is pivotal in comprehensive IBD management. We advocate for the integration of biopsychosocial approaches into IBD treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for innovative psychological interventions as adjuncts to conventional therapies. Rigorous research investigating the impact of antidepressants and behavioral interventions on IBD-specific outcomes may herald a paradigm shift in IBD management.

Objectives: Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is a risk gene for schizophrenia and involved in neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. Polymorphisms in NRG1 may affect psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. This study investigated the effects of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6982890 on peripheral plasma NRG1 immunoreactivity, clinical symptoms and cognitive functions in schizophrenia patients. Material and methods: We recruited subjects from the Han population of northern China from 2010 to 2022. We first genotyped and analyzed 6 NRG1 SNPS in 1304 patients with schizophrenia and 871 healthy controls. Then, 91 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy controls were selected to detect the peripheral plasma NRG1 immunoreactivity by ELISA. Among them, 84 patients were divided into rs6982890 genotypes to analyze the correlation between NRG1 immunoreactivity and clinical symptoms. Results: Rs6982890 allelic frequencies were statistically significant between patients and controls. Baseline peripheral plasma NRG1 immunoreactivity in patients were significantly lower than controls. NRG1 immunoreactivity in patients were significantly increased after 8 weeks of antipsychotic treatment and significantly correlated with clinical symptoms and cognitive function. Genotyping of patients with SNP rs6982890 indicated NRG1 immunoreactivity in CC genotype increased significantly after treatment, while CT genotype had no significant change. Baseline NRG1 immunoreactivity with the CT genotype were significantly higher than CC genotype. Conclusions: NRG1 SNP rs6982890 is significantly associated with schizophrenia in the Han population of northern China, and it may affect the effect of antipsychotic drug treatment by regulating the peripheral plasma NRG1 immunoreactivity.

IntroductionRhizosphere bacterial community as a valuable indicator of soil quality and function, has been widespread studied. However, little knowledge is about the response of bacterial communities to plant–plant interaction and different fertilizers during secondary forest succession.MethodsWe conducted a field pot experiment applying organic and inorganic fertilizers to monocultures and mixed cultures of dominant plant species from mid- to late-successional stages (Salix oritrepha, Betula albosinensis, and Picea asperata), and investigated the responses of plant growth and rhizosphere bacterial communities.Results and discussionResults indicated that growth rate of plant height varied among plant species, but no significant differences were observed in soil bacterial diversity and composition among plant species or inter-specific interactions under control. Compared to control, inorganic fertilizer resulted in increases in plant growth and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Patescibacteria, Bacteroidetes and Gemmatimonadetes, while simultaneously leading to decrease in the relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Rokubacteria and Planctomycetes. When grown with other species, the bacterial communities in the mixture resembled those of S. oritrepha in singular monoculture under inorganic fertilizer treatment, but plant growth was not affected by interspecific interaction. Unlike inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizer significantly affected bacterial communities and increased bacterial diversity, but did not alter the effects of plant–plant interactions on bacterial communities. It was also observed that organic fertilizer facilitated later successional species’ growth (P. asperata and B. albosinensis) by the mid-successional species (S. oritrepha), ultimately facilitating secondary forest succession. In addition, plants at different successional stages harbor specific bacterial communities to affect their growth, and the bacterial communities contributed more than soil properties to the variations in the plant growth of S. oritrepha and P. asperata though the bacterial communities were regulated by soil factors. This finding highlights the significance of the rhizosphere bacteria on plant growth and plant community succession. It also emphasize the importance of considering both plant–plant interactions and diverse fertilizer types in forest restoration efforts and provide valuable insights into optimizing agronomic practices for secondary forest succession.