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Introduction Cigarette and tobacco use is a leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and other malignant tumors. In China, people prefer to engage in mental activities (gambling, overtime work, playing video games, or other mental activities) on the weekends or during spare time, especially in the evening before they prepare for bed. In China, smokers frequently consume tea while smoking. The relationship between smokers who consume tea, engage in mental activities after dinner, or both (drinking tea and engaging in cognitive activities after dinner together), and daily cigarette smoking or nicotine addiction must be clarified. Methods A total of 438 smokers were included in the study. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, Fagerström test for nicotine dependence scores, and behaviors, were recorded. The study excluded smokers with a Fagerström score

Introduction Nicotine dependence (ND) is a maladaptive pattern of tobacco smoking with withdrawal symptoms similar to other drug addictive disorders. It is very common in clinical practice that smokers always have different degrees of nicotine dependence with the same amount of tobacco consumption. Behaviors may influence daily cigarette consumption or smoking status. Hence it is critical to ascertain the association between concurrent behaviors and high nicotine dependence among smokers. Methods A total of 343 patients who attended a clinic for smoking cessation were recruited, and the information on concurrent behaviors were recorded. Factors associated and not associated with nicotine dependence were recorded. Nicotine dependence was determined by Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). Results High ND patients (FTND >5) showed significant behaviors distribution compared with mild and moderate ND patients (FTND ≤5). There is no single behavior that was significantly different between high ND and mild and moderate ND smokers. However, the combined effects of nicotine dependence influencing behaviors of caffeine drinking and mental activities after dinner have an association with high ND (OR=1.939; 95% CI: 1.154–3.258, p=0.012). In addition, the combined effects of inadequate sleep time (

Due to continuous application as a flavoring agent in the pesticide, pharmaceutical, and food industries, methyl eugenol (ME) persists in the environment and causes deleterious impacts including cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and liver damage. This study utilized a comprehensive approach, integrating toxicokinetics, metabolomics, and gut microbiota analysis, to explore the mechanisms behind ME-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The study observed significant rises in ALT and AST levels, along with significant weight loss, indicating severe liver damage. Toxicokinetic data showed delayed Tmax and plasma accumulation after 28 days of repeated ME exposure at doses of 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 60 mg/kg. The metabolomic analysis pinpointed four critical pathways—TCA cycle; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; arginine biosynthesis; and tyrosine metabolism—linked to 20 potential biomarkers. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that extended ME exposure led to microbial imbalance, particularly altering the populations of Akkermansia, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus, which are key to amino acid metabolism and the TCA cycle, thus contributing to hepatotoxicity. However, the causal relationship between changes in gut microbiota and liver metabolite levels still requires further in-depth research. This study underscores the significant role of liver metabolites and gut microbiota in ME-induced liver damage.

Abstract In recent years, wearable sensor devices with exceptional portability and the ability to continuously monitor physiological signals in real time have played increasingly prominent roles in the fields of disease diagnosis and health management. This transformation has been largely facilitated by materials science and micro/nano-processing technologies. However, as this technology continues to evolve, the demand for multifunctionality and flexibility in wearable devices has become increasingly urgent, thereby highlighting the problem of stable and sustainable miniaturized power supplies. Here, we comprehensively review the current mainstream energy technologies for powering wearable sensors, including batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, biofuel cells, thermoelectric generators, radio frequency energy harvesters, and kinetic energy harvesters, as well as hybrid power systems that integrate multiple energy conversion modes. In addition, we consider the energy conversion mechanisms, fundamental characteristics, and typical application cases of these energy sources across various fields. In particular, we focus on the crucial roles of different materials, such as nanomaterials and nano-processing techniques, for enhancing the performance of devices. Finally, the challenges that affect power supplies for wearable electronic products and their future developmental trends are discussed in order to provide valuable references and insights for researchers in related fields. Graphic Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) contribute to reproductive toxicity, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) being the most extensively studied. These chemicals are known to lower testosterone levels and compromise the integrity of the blood-testis barrier. However, the specific mechanisms of their reproductive toxicity remain largely unknown due to research limitations. In this study, we utilized network pharmacology to pinpoint the core genes and signaling pathways implicated in the reproductive toxicity caused by PFOA and PFOS. Molecular docking was employed to validate the interactions between these compounds and their targets. Key targets identified include CCL2, CXCR4, RPS27A, RPL5, PSMA7, and PSMC1, which are crucial in mediating reproductive toxicity. These genes are primarily involved in the chemokine signaling pathway, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, and ribosomal functions. This study underscores the effectiveness of combining network toxicology and molecular docking to analyze the toxicity and molecular mechanisms of mixed environmental pollutants.

Objective With an increasing number of cases involving metro shield tunneling through or in proximity to high buildings in urban rail transit projects, the shield tunneling method inevitably causes disturbances to the ground due to its unique construction process. In several cases, it may impact the structural safety of existing buildings. Therefore, an in-depth study of the force characteristics on both the tunnel and high buildings during shield tunneling is necessary. Method Leveraging the tunnel construction project of Shengchan Road Sta.-Lihuang Road Sta. interval on Jinan Metro Line R2, a 3D finite element numerical method is employed to simulate the construction process of double-line shield tunnels asynchronous oblique angle under-passing a group of high buildings with pile and raft foundations. Combining with field-monitored data, the law of ground displacement, deformation characteristics of building settlements, and the control effectiveness of shield tunneling parameters during construction are analyzed. Result & Conclusion When the double-line shield tunnels successively pass beneath the building pile group, the land subsidence caused by leading tunnel excavation is relatively significant, while the disturbance to the ground from subsequent tunnel excavation is relatively small. The maximum subsidence occurs when the shield tunnel is directly beneath the building, and as the shield tunnel moves away, the subsidence gradually decreases and tends to stabilize. Due to the framed structure of the high buildings, partial subsidence occurres on the building area adjacent to the tunnel side, while the part far away from tunnel exhibits an upheaving trend. However, the differences in subsidence amount between the two scenarios remain within a manageable range.

Abstract Introduction Low‐level pressure support ventilation (PSV) is most commonly adopted in spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs), and some have proposed setting the positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) to 0 cmH2O in order to shorten the observation time of SBTs. This study aims to investigate the effects of two PSV protocols on the patients' respiratory mechanics. Material and method A prospective randomized self‐controlled crossover design was adopted in this study, which involved enrolling 30 difficult‐to‐wean patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between July 2019 and September 2021. Patients were subjected to the S group (pressure support: 8 cmH2O, PEEP: 5 cmH2O) and S1 group (PS: 8 cmH2O, PEEP: 0 cmH2O) for 30 min in a random order, and respiratory mechanics indices were dynamically monitored via a four‐lumen multi‐functional catheter with an integrated gastric tube. Among the 30 enrolled patients, 27 were successfully weaned. Result The S group showed higher airway pressure (Paw), intragastric pressure (Pga) and airway pressure–time product (PTP) than the S1 group. The S group also showed a shorter inspiratory trigger delay, (93.80 ± 47.85) versus (137.33 ± 85.66) ms (P = 0.004); and fewer abnormal triggers, (0.97 ± 2.65) versus (2.67 ± 4.48) (P = 0.042) compared with the S1 group. Stratification based on the causes of mechanical ventilation revealed that under the S1 protocol, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had a longer inspiratory trigger delay compared to both post‐thoracic surgery (PTS) patients and patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Despite providing greater respiratory support, S group led to significant reductions in inspiratory trigger delay and less abnormal triggers compared to S1 group, especially among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Conclusion These findings suggest that the zero PEEP group was more likely to induce a higher number of patient–ventilator asynchronies in difficult‐to‐wean patients.

Abstract In this research, we design and implement a small, convenient, and noninvasive paper-based microfluidic sweat sensor that can simultaneously detect multiple key biomarkers in human sweat. The origami structure of the chip includes colorimetric and electrochemical sensing regions. Different colorimetric sensing regions are modified with specific chromogenic reagents to selectively identify glucose, lactate, uric acid, and magnesium ions in sweat, as well as the pH value. The regions of electrochemical sensing detect cortisol in sweat by molecular imprinting. The entire chip is composed of hydrophilically and hydrophobically treated filter paper, and 3D microfluidic channels are constructed by using folding paper. The thread-based channels formed after the hydrophilic and hydrophobic modifications are used to control the rate of sweat flow, which in turn can be used to control the sequence of reactions in the differently developing colored regions to ensure that signals of the best color can be captured simultaneously by the colorimetric sensing regions. Finally, the results of on-body experiments verify the reliability of the proposed sweat sensor and its potential for the noninvasive identification of a variety of sweat biomarkers.

The genus Sabia is a woody climber belonging to the family Sabiaceae, order Proteales. Several species of this genus have been utilized as medicines for treating diseases, such as rheumatic arthritis, traumatism, hepatitis, etc. However, the lack of molecular data has prevented the accurate identification and refinement of taxonomic relationships in this genus. In this study, chloroplast genomes of 11 samples of the genus Sabia were assembled and analyzed. These chloroplast genomes showed a typical quadripartite structure and ranged in length from 160,956 to 162,209 bp. The structure of the genomes was found to be relatively conserved, with 130 genes annotated, including 85 coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. A total of 78–98 simple sequence repeats and 52–61 interspersed repeats were detected. Sequence alignment revealed 11 highly variable loci in chloroplast genomes. Among these loci, ndhF-ndhD achieved a remarkably higher resolution than the other regions. In addition, phylogenetic analysis indicated that Sect. Pachydiscus and Sect. Sabia of Sabia did not form two separate monophyletic groups. The divergence time calculated based on the Reltime method indicated that the evolutionary branches of Sabia and Meliosma started to form approximately 85.95 million years ago (Mya), and the species within Sabia began to diverge approximately 7.65 Mya. In conclusion, our study provides a basis for comprehensively exploring the phylogenetic relationships of Sabia. It also provides a methodological basis and data support for establishing a standardized and scientific identification system for this genus.

The circle complete chloroplast genome of Laportea bulbifera (Sieb. et Zucc.) Wedd. was sequenced for the first time. The genome length of L. bulbifera is 150,042 bp with 36.80% of GC content. The genome consists of a large single copy (LSC) region of 82,414 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,714 bp, and two inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions of 24,957 bp each. A total of 129 genes were annotated, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted by 29 species from the Rosales, the results presented a closed relationship between the species Laportea bulbifera and Poikilospermum lanceolatum.

Abstract Background This study examined how rhizosphere fungi influence the accumulation of chemical components in fruits of a small population species of Cinnamomum migao. Results Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were dominant in the rhizosphere fungal community of C. migao. Pestalotiopsis and Gibellulopsis were associated with α-Terpineol and sabinene content, and Gibellulopsis was associated with crude fat and carbohydrate content. There were significant differences in rhizosphere fungal populations between watersheds, and there was no obvious change between fruiting periods. Gibberella, Ilyonectria, Micropsalliota, and Geminibasidium promoted sabinene accumulation, and Clitocybula promoted α-Terpineol accumulation. Conclusion The climate-related differentiation of rhizosphere fungal communities in watershed areas is the main driver of the chemical composition of C. migao fruit. The control of the production of biologically active compounds by the rhizosphere fungal community provides new opportunities to increase the industrial and medicinal value of the fruit of C. migao.

Taking the deep foundation pit of a metro station with rich water environment as the research background, a three-dimensional model of seepage-stress coupling is established. Numerical simulation is used to study the deformation process and influencing factors of deep foundation pit dewatering and excavation of the station, and the influence of dfferent pre-dewatering conditions and different depths of the water-stop curtain on the deformation of the foundation pit is analyzed. The results show that during the dewatering and excavation of foundation pits, seepage-stress has an obvious coupling effect in dewatering and excavation. The stress concentration position of retaining structure and the maximum displacement of lateral displacement are about 0.5–0.6 excavation depth of pile body. With the depth of precipitation increases, the seepage effect in the soil layer is obviously enhanced, which is not conducive to the stability of the foundation pit.

Carpesium (Asteraceae) is a genus that contains many plant species with important medicinal values. However, the lack of chloroplast genome research of this genus has greatly hindered the study of its molecular evolution and phylogenetic relationship. This study used the Illumina sequencing platform to sequence three medicinal plants of the Carpesium genus: Carpesium abrotanoides, Carpesium cernuum, and Carpesium faberi, obtaining three complete chloroplast genome sequences after assembly and annotation. It was revealed that the three chloroplast genomes were typical quadripartite structures with lengths of 151,389 bp (C. abrotanoides), 151,278 bp (C. cernuum), and 151,250 bp (C. faberi), respectively. A total of 114 different genes were annotated, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Abundant SSR loci were detected in all three chloroplast genomes, with most composed of A/T. The expansion and contraction of the IR region indicate that the boundary regions of IR/SC are relatively conserved for the three species. Using C. abrotanoides as a reference, most of the non-coding regions of the chloroplast genomes were significantly different among the three species. Five different mutation hot spots (trnC-GCA-petN, psaI, petA-psbJ, ndhF, ycf1) with high nucleotide variability (Pi) can serve as potential DNA barcodes of Carpesium species. Additionally, phylogenetic evolution analysis of the three species suggests that C. cernuum has a closer genetic relationship to C. faberi than C. abrotanoides. Simultaneously, Carpesium is a monophyletic group closely related to the genus Inula. Complete chloroplast genomes of Carpesium species can help study the evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships and are expected to provide genetic marker assistance to identify Carpesium species.

Abstract Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC., a medicinal plant with high economic value in the Asteraceae family, is widely distributed in China and Southeast Asia. However, studies on the population structure or phylogenetic relationships with other related species are rare owing to the lack of genome information. In this study, through high-throughput sequencing, we found that the chloroplast genome of B. balsamifera was 151,170 bp in length, with a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) comprising 24,982 bp, a large single-copy (LSC) region comprising 82,740 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region comprising 18,466 bp. A total of 130 genes were identified in the chloroplast genome of B. balsamifera, including 85 protein-coding, 37 transfer RNA, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes; furthermore, sequence analysis identified 53 simple sequence repeats. Whole chloroplast genome comparison indicated that the inverted regions (IR) were more conserved than large single-copy and SSC regions. Phylogenetic analysis showed that B. balsamifera is closely related to Pluchea indica. Conclusively, the chloroplast genome of B. balsamifera was helpful for species identification and analysis of the genetic diversity and evolution in the genus Blumea and family Asteraceae.

Epimedium simplicifolium Ying is a rare and endangered species endemic to Guizhou, China. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of E. simplicifolium was sequenced. The total cp genomes size was 158,745 bp in length, with 38.7% of GC content, including four distinct regions: the large single-copy region (LSC, 88,413 bp), small single-copy region (SSC, 15,386 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs, each for 27,473 bp). The whole cp genome of E. simplicifolium encoded 131 unique genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis with the previously reported cp genomes showed that all the samples of Epimedium are grouped into one group, which can be easily separated from the other genera of the Berberidaceae, and the E. simplicifolium is a separate species from the rest of the Epimedium. This plastid genome is the first report for the E. simplicifolium and will be useful data for developing markers for further studies on resolving the relationship within the Berberidaceae.

With the increase of glass bridges or glass walkways in the scenic area, the safety protection provided by railings cannot be neglected. However, there is a difference between the demands for a horizontal load on the top of railings in the present design specifications. Especially, it does not give specific advice on the horizontal load on the top of railings of glass bridges or glass roads in the scenic area. In this study, experimental research is conducted on railing columns based on the investigation of common railings of glass bridges or glass roads in the scenic area. The type of railing columns includes finished products and field production. The number of railing columns is 12. The displacement and strain results of the railing columns under different loads are obtained. The rigidity and strength are analyzed by numerical simulation combined with test results. A reasonable horizontal load on the top of the railings of a glass bridge or glass road is advised. These results provide a reference for the design, inspection, and evaluation of railings of glass bridges or gallery roads in the scenic area.

Sabia parviflora Wall. ex Roxb., an evergreen climbing woody vine, is a Chinese herbal medicine commonly used by ethnic minorities in some areas of China. In this study, the chloroplast genome of S. parviflora was sequenced for the first time. Its genome is 162,054 bp in length with 38.6% of GC content. The genome consists of a large single copy (LSC) region of 90,001 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,887 bp, and two inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions of 26,583 bp each. A total of 130 genes were annotated, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted by nine species from order Proteales, which demonstrated a close relationship between the family Sabiaceae and Nelumbonaceae.

Epimedium dewuense S. Z. He is a rare and endangered endemic to China. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of E. dewuense was reported in this study. The total cp genomes size was 157,056 bp in length, with 38.8% of GC content, and a typical quadripartite structure, the large single-copy region (LSC, 88,346 bp), small single-copy region (SSC, 26,768 bp) that separate by a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs, each for 20,820 bp). The whole cp genome of E. dewuense contained 130 unique genes, including 37 tRNA, 7 rRNA, and 86 protein-coding genes. This plastid genome is the first report for the E. dewuense and will be useful data for developing markers for further studies on resolving the relationship within the Berberidaceae.

Epimedium shuichengense S. Z. He is a rare and endangered species endemic to Guizhou, China. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of E. shuichengense was sequenced. The total cp genomes size was 157,046 bp in length, with 38.8% of GC content, including four distinct regions: the large single-copy region (LSC, 88,394 bp), small single-copy region (SSC, 17,048 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs, each for 20,820 bp). The whole cp genome of E. shuichengense encoded 130 unique genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis with the previously reported cp genomes showed that all the samples of Epimedium are grouped into one group, which can be easily separated from out groups, and E. shuichengense with E. borealiguizhouense into a supported branch.

AIMS & BACKGROUNDS: Although inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are emerging and increasing in China, epidemiologic data are rarely available. This study was to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of IBD in Northern China. METHODS: This is a prospective, population-based study of incidence of IBD in Daqing, Heilongjiang province of Northern China from March 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013. All incident patients with IBD were clinically identified by IBD specialist group from five main General Hospitals covering the healthcare service for 1,343,364 residents in the urban areas of Daqing. IBD cases included in this study were followed-up for three months for diagnosis confirmation. RESULTS: A total of 27 new IBD cases including 25 cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) and 2 cases of Crohn's disease (CD) were identified. The population at risk was 1,343,364 person years. Age-adjusted incidence for total IBD, CD and UC were 1.77, 0.13, and 1.64 per 100,000 population, respectively. A male predominance was found in CD patients (male to female ratio was 2 ∶ 0). In contrast, no obvious gender predominance was found in UC patients (male to female ratio was 1 ∶ 1.1). CD patients were diagnosed at an average age of 39.5 years. The main disease phenotypes of UC were distal colitis with a 24% of proctitis and 56% of left-sided colitis. The mean diagnostic age of UC patients was 48.9 years. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on the incidence of IBD in the Northern Chinese population. A lower incidence of IBD, similar male predominance for CD, similar disease phenotype of UC, and lower disease activity was observed in Daqing compared to that in Southern China.

BACKGROUND:Selaginellaceae is a family of nonseed plants with special evolutionary significance. Plants of the family Selaginellaceae are similarly shaped and easily confused, complicating identification via traditional methods. This study explored, for the first time, the use of the DNA barcode ITS2 to identify medicinal plants of the Selaginellaceae family. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:In our study, 103 samples were collected from the main distribution areas in China; these samples represented 34 species and contained almost all of the medicinal plants of Selaginellaceae. The ITS2 region of the genome was amplified from these samples and sequenced using universal primers and reaction conditions. The success rates of the PCR amplification and sequencing were 100%. There was significant divergence between the interspecific and intraspecific genetic distances of the ITS2 regions, while the presence of a barcoding gap was obvious. Using the BLAST1 and nearest distance methods, our results proved that the ITS2 regions could successfully identify the species of all Selaginellaceae samples examined. In addition, the secondary structures of ITS2 in the helical regions displayed clear differences in stem loop number, size, position, and screw angle among the medicinal plants of Selaginellaceae. Furthermore, cluster analysis using the ITS2 barcode supported the relationship between the species of Selaginellaceae established by traditional morphological methods. CONCLUSION:The ITS2 barcode can effectively identify medicinal plants of Selaginellaceae. The results provide a scientific basis for the precise identification of plants of the family Selaginellaceae and the reasonable development of these resources. This study may broaden the application of DNA barcoding in the medicinal plant field and benefit phylogenetic investigations.