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Heat waves are a significant environmental issue threatening global human health. Extreme temperatures can lead to various heat-related illnesses, with heatstroke being among the most severe. Currently, there are no effective treatments to mitigate the multi-organ damage caused by heatstroke. We found that heat stress activated autophagy. Knockdown of the autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7) or knockout of the autophagy initiation regulatory genes UNC-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1/2 (ULK1/ULK2) increased cell death. PF-06409577, an allosteric activator of AMP-activated protein kinase β (AMPKβ), reduced heat stress-induced cell death by promoting autophagy. Inhibition of ATG7 or ULK1 weakened PF-06409577′s protective effect on cells. Treatment of heatstroke mouse models with PF-06409577 suppressed high temperature-induced damage to multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, and small intestine. PF-06409577 protected liver and kidney functions, lowered the expression of kidney injury markers neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (Ngal), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (Spp1), and clusterin (Clu), and reduced levels of the inflammatory factor IL-6. Additionally, it decreased heat stress-induced macrophage infiltration and IL-6 production in the liver. The results indicate that activation of autophagy serves a protective function during heat stress, and the AMPK activator PF-06409577 exhibits potential in mitigating heatstroke-induced multi-organ damage through its ability to promote autophagy.

Abstract Background This study aimed to establish a placental long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-mRNA expression network for early-onset preeclampsia (early-onset PE). Methods The RNA sequencing data of the GSE14821 dataset were acquired. Several crucial lncRNAs and mRNAs were exerted based on the differential expression analysis of lncRNA and mRNA. By analyzing the differentially expressed lncRNA and mRNA, we constructed a regulatory network to explore the mechanism of the lncRNA in early onset preeclampsia. Results A total of 4436 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were identified in early-onset PE placenta samples compared with control placenta samples. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between 3659 DElncRNAs and 372 DEmRNAs. KEGG analysis showed that the DEmRNAs were enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 pathways. Several well-known early-onset PE-related mRNAs, such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and VEGF receptor 1 (FLT1), were involved in the two pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and cis-regulatory analysis further suggested the involvement of the two pathways and potential DElncRNA-DEmRNA interactions in early-onset PE. Moreover, the upregulation of representative DElncRNAs, such as RP11-211G3.3 and RP11-65J21.3, and DEmRNAs, such as VEGFA and FLT1, were validated in clinical placenta samples from patients with early-onset PE by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Importantly, overexpression of RP11-65J21.3 significantly promoted the proliferation of HTR-8 trophoblast cells at 72 h after transfection. Conclusions In conclusion, we identified placental DElncRNAs of early-onset PE and established a DElncRNA-DEmRNA network that was closely related to the cytokine-cytokine receptor and HIF-1 pathways. Our results provide potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for early-onset PE management.

Abstract Background To investigate the value of semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters (PI-RADS score, T2WI score, ADC, Ktrans, and Kep) based on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) or biparametric MRI (bpMRI) combined with prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Methods A total of 561 patients (276 with csPCa; 285 with non-csPCa) with biopsy-confirmed prostate diseases who underwent preoperative mpMRI were included. Prostate volume was measured for calculation of PSAD. Prostate index lesions were scored on a five-point scale on T2WI images (T2WI score) and mpMRI images (PI-RADS score) according to the PI-RADS v2.1 scoring standard. DWI and DCE-MRI images were processed to measure the quantitative parameters of the index lesion, including ADC, Kep, and Ktrans values. The predictors of csPCa were screened by logistics regression analysis. Predictive models of bpMRI and mpMRI were established. ROC curves were used to evaluate the efficacy of parameters and the model in diagnosing csPCa. Results The independent diagnostic accuracy of PSA density, PI-RADS score, T2WI score, ADCrec, Ktrans, and Kep for csPCa were 80.2%, 89.5%, 88.3%, 84.6%, 58.5% and 61.6%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of bpMRI T2WI score and ADC value combined with PSAD was higher than that of PI-RADS score. The combination of mpMRI PI‑RADS score, ADC value with PSAD had the highest diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions PI-RADS score according to the PI-RADS v2.1 scoring standard was the most accurate independent diagnostic index. The predictive value of bpMRI model for csPCa was slightly lower than that of mpMRI model, but higher than that of PI-RADS score.

Detecting and recognizing objects are crucial steps in interpreting remote sensing images. At present, deep learning methods are predominantly employed for detecting objects in remote sensing images, necessitating a significant number of floating-point computations. However, low computing power and small storage in computing devices are hard to afford the large model parameter quantity and high computing complexity. To address these constraints, this article presents a lightweight detection model called CSPPartial-YOLO. This model introduces the partial hybrid dilated convolution (PHDC) Block module that combines hybrid dilated convolutions and partial convolutions to increase the receptive field at a low computational cost. By using the PHDC Block within the model design framework of cross-stage partial connection, we construct CSPPartialStage that reduces computational burden without compromising accuracy. Coordinate attention module is also employed in CSPPartialStage to aggregate position information and improve the detection of small objects with complex distributions in remote sensing images. A backbone and neck are developed with CSPPartialStage, and the rotation head of the PPYOLOE-R model adapts to objects of multiple orientations in remote sensing images. Empirical experiments using the dataset for object deTection in aerial images (DOTA) dataset and a large-scale small object detection dAtaset (SODA-A) dataset indicate that our method is faster and resource efficient than the baseline model (PPYOLOE-R), while achieving higher accuracy. Furthermore, comparisons with current state-of-the-art YOLO series detectors show our proposed model's competitiveness in terms of speed and accuracy. Moreover, compared to mainstream lightweight networks, our model exhibits better hardware adaptability, with lower inference latency and higher detection accuracy.

Butter has become renowned among consumers because of its exceptional flavor and taste. Nevertheless, conventional butter is deemed “unhealthy” due to its high concentration of saturated fats and cholesterol, which are linked to the development of cardiovascular ailments. Improving the health benefits of butter has become an essential topic of research in the butter industry. This review focuses on researches that have made improvements to functionality of butter, including the changes in fatty acid composition, cholesterol reduction, incorporation with bioactive substances, development of new sources. The reduction of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol in butter can help reduce the risk of disease from eating butter. In addition, incorporating probiotics or natural plant extracts can achieve nutritional functions such as balancing intestinal flora, enhancing nutrient absorption, and increasing the body's antioxidant capacity. Butter substitute products can be based on new vegetable oils, insect fats or microbial fats, which cater to the consumer demands for low-calorie butter while reducing the environmental impact that results from butter production. This review summarizes the effects and characteristics of various improvement methods and proposes some possible directions for future development of functional butter.

Abstract The concept of apparent symmetry rising, opposite to symmetry breaking, was proposed to illustrate the unusual phenomenon that the symmetry of the apparent morphology of the multiply twinned particle is higher than that of its crystal structure. We developed a unique strategy of co-crystallization-driven self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers PEO-b-PS and the inorganic cluster silicotungstic acid to achieve apparent symmetry rising of nanoparticles under mild conditions. The triangular nanoplates triply twinned by orthogonal crystals (low symmetry) have an additional triple symmetry (high symmetry). The appropriate crystallization inhibition of short solvophilic segments of the block copolymers favors the oriented attachment of homogeneous domains of hybrid nanoribbons, and consequently forms kinetic-controlled triangular nanoplates with twin grain boundaries.

Understanding the relationship between tree growth and environmental conditions is essential to elucidating the impact of global climate change on forest ecosystems. We used the dendrochronology method to examine the growth sensitivity of a typical conifer to climate change in mountain forests of Central Hengduan Mountain. The study involved the establishment of tree ring width chronologies of Pinus yunnanensis in both Haba Snow Mountain (HB) and Yulong Snow Mountain (YL) in northwestern Yunnan, enabling the detection of the relationship between its radial growth and climates, i.e., monthly total precipitation, monthly temperatures (average minimum, mean and maximum) and monthly Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). Response function and redundancy analysis (RDA) were used to identify correlations between climate variables and radial growth, and moving interval analysis was applied to determine the stability of climate-growth relationship. The findings demonstrated that the growth of P. yunnanensis had similar response patterns to climate change at two sites, exhibiting growth synchronization and common signals. Specifically, the radial growth of P. yunnanensis was negatively correlated with May temperature, while temperature in current October significantly promoted radial growth. Precipitation in June was the common climate variable with inverse effects between two sites, with positive impacts on YL and negative impacts on HB. The results of moving interval analysis were consistent with response function and RDA, presenting significant correlations in many years for those climatic variables significantly affecting tree growth. Stability analysis also revealed that the climate-growth relationship could fluctuate over a small range of time scales, induced by an abrupt change in climate. A forecast of strengthen in growth of P. yunnanensis forests was expected, since increases in precipitation and temperature of most months would benefit tree growth, and negative impacts of May temperature would be offset by the increase of precipitation in the corresponding month. These results could provide a basis for developing sustainable strategies of forest management under the climate change.

This paper aims to overview the influence of different gels that including hydrocolloids and oleogel on techno-functional changes of dairy foods. The hydrocolloids are widely added to dairy products as stabilizers, emulsifiers, and gelling agents to enhance their texture, or improve sensory properties to meet consumer needs; and the newly developed oleogel, which despite less discussed in dairy foods, this article lists its application in different dairy products. The properties of different hydrocolloids were explained in detail, meanwhile, some common hydrocolloids such as pectin, sodium alginate, carrageenan along with the interaction between gel and proteins on techno-functional properties of dairy products were mainly discussed. What’s more, the composition of oleogel and its influence on dairy foods were briefly summarized. The key issues have been revealed that the use of both hydrocolloids and oleogel has great potential to be the future trend to improve the quality of dairy foods effectively.

The impact of climates on the radial growth of muti-species remains insufficiently understood in the climate-sensitive southeastern Tibetan Plateau, and this hampers an effective assessment of forest growth under the background of global warming. Here, we studied the growth–climate relationships of three major species (Abies georgei, Larix potaninii, and Picea likiangensis) on the Baima Snow Mountain (BSM) by using dendrochronology methods. We constructed basal area increment (BAI) residual chronologies based on the dated ring-width measurements and correlated the chronologies with four climate factors. We also calculated the contributions of each climate factor to species growth. We found that photothermal conditions played a more important role than moisture in modulating radial growth, and P. likiangensi presented the strongest sensitivity to climate change among the three species. The growing season (June and July) temperature positively affected the radial growth of three species. Winter (previous December and current January) SD negatively impacted the tree growth of A. georgei and P. likiangensis. Significant correlations between growth and precipitation were detected only in A. georgei (January and May). Warming since the beginning of the 1950s promoted the growth of A. georgei and P. likiangensis, while the same effect on L. potaninii growth was found in the recent 50 years.

BackgroundThe increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and osteoporosis have different effects on prognosis. The two often co-occur, so we aimed to investigate whether DM and osteoporosis have an effect on all-cause death and whether DM and osteoporosis have a synergistic effect.MethodsThis study analyzed 18,658 subjects from five cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The primary endpoint was all-cause death. The subjects were divided into four groups based on the presence or absence of DM and osteoporosis. Survival curves and Cox regression analysis based on NHANES recommended weights were used to assess the risk of all-cause death between the diseased and non-diseased groups and to calculate additive interactions to assess whether there was a synergistic effect between diabetes and osteoporosis.ResultsThe group with DM and osteoporosis had the lowest survival rate. After full adjustment for confounders, patients with DM alone had a 30% higher risk of all-cause death compared with those without DM and osteoporosis (HR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.09-1.55). Patients with osteoporosis alone had a 67% higher risk of all-cause death (HR: 1.67, 95%CI:1.16-2.43) and patients with combined DM and osteoporosis had a 127% higher risk of all-cause death (HR:2.27, 95%CI: 1.57-3.27). There was an additive interaction between DM and osteoporosis [RERI (95%CI): 1.03(0.55-1.50)] and excess mortality risk of 38% [AP (95% CI) 0.38(0.30-0.46)].ConclusionsThere might be a synergistic effect of DM and osteoporosis on all-cause mortality, and patients with both conditions have a higher risk of death.

ABSTRACT: Milk proteins have received much awareness due to their bioactivity. However, their encapsulation functions have not attracted enough attention. Milk proteins as encapsulation walls can increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. As the benefits of bioactive compounds are critically determined by bioavailability, the effect of interactions between milk proteins and active substances is a critical topic. In the present review, we summarize the effects of milk proteins as encapsulation walls on the bioavailability of active substances with a special focus. The methods and mechanisms of interactions between milk proteins and active substances are also discussed. The evidence collected in the present review suggests that when active substances are encapsulated by milk proteins, the bioavailability of active substances can be significantly affected. This review also provides valuable guidelines for the use of milk protein-based microcarriers.

This study specifically focused on Litopenaeus vannamei and examined the distribution of residual antibiotics in various components of shrimp ponds throughout an aquaculture cycle. The findings revealed that aquaculture feed served as the primary source of antibiotics, continuously introducing them into the ponds throughout the entire production cycle. A multimedia distribution model for antibiotics in the ponds was established based on the principle of mass balance. The distribution characteristics of six antibiotics with higher levels in the feed, namely, sulfamethoxazole (SMX), norfloxacin (NOF), levofloxacin (LEOF), tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC), and chlortetracycline (CTC), were investigated in the pond water, sediment, and shrimp. At the end of the cultivation period, the total antibiotic residues accounted for 65~80% in various media, with the sediment containing 50~60% of the distribution proportion (p < 0.01), which was identified as the primary reservoir for most antibiotics, with LEOF and NOF accounting for the highest proportions (45.78% and 50.29%, respectively). Based on the model’s findings and the allowable daily dosage of antibiotics, recommendations were made for the effective control of antibiotic residues in shrimp farming management. To address the significant net loss of sulfonamides (SAs) and tetracyclines (TCs) in aquaculture production, it is crucial to carefully regulate their dosages and administration methods. Implementing eco-friendly additives and regularly cleaning surface sediments can aid in reducing antibiotic residue levels in various environmental media, thereby mitigating the environmental impact on aquaculture production activities.

Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among children and adolescents who have experienced traumatic events. Exposure therapy (ET) has been shown to be effective in treating PTSD in adults. However, its efficacy remains uncertain in children and adolescents. Aims To evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of ET in children and adolescents with PTSD. Method We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest, LILACS, and international trial registries for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed ET in children and adolescents (aged ≤18 years) with PTSD up to August 31, 2020. The primary outcomes were efficacy (the endpoint score from PTSD symptom severity rating scales) and acceptability (all-cause discontinuation), secondary outcomes included efficacy at follow-up (score from PTSD scales at the longest point of follow-up), depressive symptoms (end-point score on depressive symptom severity rating scales) and quality of life/social functioning (end-point score on quality of life/social functioning rating scales). This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020150859). Result A total of 6 RCTs (278 patients) were included. The results showed that ET was statistically more efficacious than control groups (standardized mean differences [SMD]: − 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: − 0.91 to − 0.03). In subgroup analysis, exposure therapy was more efficacious for patients with single type of trauma (SMD: − 1.04, 95%CI: − 1.43 to − 0.65). Patients with an average age of 14 years and older, ET was more effective than the control groups (SMD: − 1.04, 95%CI: − 1.43 to − 0.65), and the intervention using prolonged exposure therapy (PE) (SMD: − 1.04, 95%CI: − 1.43 to − 0.65) was superior than control groups. Results for secondary outcomes of efficacy at follow-up (SMD: − 0.64, 95%CI: − 1.17 to − 0.10) and depressive symptoms (SMD: − 0.58, 95%CI: − 0.93 to − 0.22) were similar to the previous findings for efficacy outcome. No statistically significant effects for acceptability and quality of life/social functioning were found. Conclusion ET showed superiority in efficacy at post-treatment/follow-up and depressive symptoms improvement in children and adolescents with PTSD. Patients with single type of trauma may benefit more from ET. And ET is more effective in patients 14 years or older. Moreover, PE could be a better choice.

Abstract Preparation of non‐conjugated luminescent polymers (NCLPs) with excellent cluster luminescence (CL) performance is of great significance for scientific and industrious applications, and yet improving the performance of NCLPs through proper structural design is still a huge challenge. Herein, we report a non‐conjugated ionized polymeric system consisting of (−)‐camphorsulfonic acid ((−)‐CSA) and poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P2VP). These acid‐base complexes exhibit typical excitation‐dependent fluorescence and room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) with a lifetime up to 364 ms. We discover that changing the stereoregularity from atactic to isotactic significantly improves the CL performance of the complex. It (1) broadens the fluorescence emission spectra to cover the entire visible region, (2) enhances the fluorescence emission intensity at long wavelength beyond 500 nm, (3) enhances the phosphorescence intensity, and (4) extends the phosphorescence lifetime. Systematical experimental characterization and molecular dynamics simulation unravel the key role of stereoregularity in determining the formation of different pyridine aggregates that strongly influence the CL performance. Moreover, the different luminescence shows great potential in excitation divided information display and time‐resolved encrypted display. This work not only points to a new direction for developing NCLPs with excellent performance, but also broadens the applications of NCLPs materials.

Objective The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes and quality of life following percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and microscope‐assisted tubular discectomy (MTD) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods This study had a retrospective design. From June 2017 to June 2018, the clinical data of 120 patients with LDH treated with PTED (60 cases, PTED group) and MTD (60 cases, MTD group) were analyzed and followed up for at least 20 months. There were 59 men and 61 women. Patients were aged between 22 and 80 years. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy, cost, hospital stay, types of herniated discs, complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the modified Macnab criteria. Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) and the EQ‐5D‐5L were used to evaluate the quality of life of patients. The data between the two groups were compared by independent sample t‐tests. Multiple comparisons between samples were analyzed by analysis of variance. Results Compared with the MTD group, the PTED group had shorter incision length (9.20 ± 1.19 mm vs 26.38 ± 1.82 mm), less intraoperative blood loss (18.00 ± 4.97 mL vs 39.83 ± 6.51 mL), and shorter hospital stay (5.42 ± 5.08 days vs 10.58 ± 3.69 days) (P = 0.00). PTED was much more appropriate for foraminal and extraforaminal disc herniation. The incidence of paresthesia was lower in the PTED group (6.67% vs 16.67%). At each follow up, the VAS and ODI scores of all patients were significantly improved compared with those before surgery (P = 0.00). At 3 days postoperatively, the lumbar VAS score of the PTED group was significantly lower (1.58 ± 1.00 vs 2.37 ± 1.10, P = 0.00). The excellent rate of the PTED group reached 91.67%, and that of the MTD group reached 93.33%. Compared with the preoperative SF‐36 scores for physiological function, mental health, and social function, the postoperative scores were significantly improved in both groups (P = 0.00). The EQ‐5D‐5L in the PTED group increased from 0.30 ± 0.17 before the operation to 0.69 ± 0.13 after 6 months of follow up (P = 0.00) and 0.73 ± 0.14 after 20 months of follow up. The EQ‐5D‐5L in the MTD group increased from 0.28 ± 0.17 before the operation to 0.68 ± 0.13 after a 6‐month follow up (P = 0.00), and 0.73 ± 0.12 after a 20‐month follow up. Conclusion Although both PTED and MTD are effective for LDH, PTED is much more appropriate for various types of LDH and has the advantages of the low incidence of low back pain, fewer complications, and early recovery.

BackgroundMismatch repair proficient colorectal cancer (pMMR CRC) lacks effective treatments and has a poor prognosis, which can be attributed to the complexity of tumor microenvironment. The coordinated function of immune cells is vital to anti-tumor immunity. However, the spatial characteristics of immune cells in the pMMR CRC immune microenvironment and their relationship with clinical prognosis are not fully understood. Meanwhile, the immune modulatory effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT), which is the first-line treatment of pMMR CRC, needs further investigation. Therefore, this study aims to explore the spatial dynamics of immune cells and its prognostic value in pMMR CRC.MethodsWe analyzed the various immune cells in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues which were collected from 77 patients with stage II/III of pMMR CRC, including 39 non-NCT treated and 38 NCT treated patients. We used the optimized multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) to identify and quantify the density, type and location of immune cells in pMMR CRC. Multivariate survival analysis was performed to assess the relationship of immune profiles and clinical prognosis of pMMR CRC patients.ResultsThe densities of most T cell subsets, B cells and macrophages were higher in the central region of the pMMR CRC than in the invasion margin. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), especially the infiltration of CD4+ GzmB+ T cells in the central region of the tumor was identified to be positively correlated with the prognosis of the patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed that CD4+ GzmB+ T cells population was an independent predictor of disease-free survival (DFS) in non-NCT group. Meanwhile, NCT enhanced the infiltration of CD4+ GzmB+ T cells in the central region of the pMMR CRC, which was also identified as an independent protective factor of overall survival (OS) and DFS in NCT group.ConclusionWe demonstrated that the level of CD4+ GzmB+ T cells located in the center of tumor could provide great prognostic value for pMMR CRC patients. And the application of neoadjuvant chemotherapy further improves the infiltration of CD4+ GzmB+ T cells in the central compartment. Further studies into the application of CD4+ GzmB+ T cells in tumor immunotherapy are needed.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used clinically due to their versatile roles in multipotency, immunomodulation, and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche function. However, cellular heterogeneity limits MSCs in the consistency and efficacy of their clinical applications. Metabolism regulates stem cell function and fate decision; however, how metabolites regulate the functional heterogeneity of MSCs remains elusive. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing, we discovered that fatty acid pathways are involved in the regulation of lineage commitment and functional heterogeneity of MSCs. Functional assays showed that a fatty acid metabolite, butyrate, suppressed the self-renewal, adipogenesis, and osteogenesis differentiation potential of MSCs with increased apoptosis. Conversely, butyrate supplement significantly promoted HSC niche factor expression in MSCs, which suggests that butyrate supplement may provide a therapeutic approach to enhance their HSC niche function. Overall, our work demonstrates that metabolites are essential to regulate the functional heterogeneity of MSCs.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BMSCs) can be transformed into tumor-associated MSCs (TA-MSCs) within the tumor microenvironment to facilitate tumor progression. However, the underline mechanism and potential therapeutic strategy remain unclear. Here, we explored that interleukin 17 (IL-17) cooperating with IFNγ transforms BMSCs into TA-MSCs, which promotes tumor progression by recruiting macrophages/monocytes and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in murine melanoma. IL-17 and IFNγ transformed TA-MSCs have high expression levels of myelocyte-recruiting chemokines (CCL2, CCL5, CCL7, and CCL20) mediated by activated NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, retinoic acid inhibits NF-κB signaling, decreases chemokine expression, and suppresses the tumor-promoting function of transformed TA-MSCs by prohibiting the recruitment of macrophages/monocytes and MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment. Overall, our findings demonstrate that IL-17 collaborating with IFNγ to induce TA-MSC transformation, which can be targeted by RA for melanoma treatment.

The sox2 expressing (sox2+) progenitors in adult mammalian inner ear lose the capacity to regenerate while progenitors in the zebrafish lateral line are able to proliferate and regenerate damaged HCs throughout lifetime. To mimic the HC damage in mammals, we have established a zebrafish severe injury model to eliminate both progenitors and HCs. The atoh1a expressing (atoh1a+) HC precursors were the main population that survived post severe injury, and gained sox2 expression to initiate progenitor regeneration. In response to severe injury, yap was activated to upregulate lin28a transcription. Severe-injury-induced progenitor regeneration was disabled in lin28a or yap mutants. In contrary, overexpression of lin28a initiated the recovery of sox2+ progenitors. Mechanistically, microRNA let7 acted downstream of lin28a to activate Wnt pathway for promoting regeneration. Our findings that lin28a is necessary and sufficient to regenerate the exhausted sox2+ progenitors shed light on restoration of progenitors to initiate HC regeneration in mammals.

The complete chloroplast genome of Juniperus squamata, a shrubby conifer of ornamental value, is determined in this study. The complete chloroplast genome size is 127,792 bp in length. The genome contains 118 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, 32 transfer RNA genes, and four ribosomal RNA genes (16S ribosomal RNA, 23S ribosomal RNA, 4.5S ribosomal RNA, and 5S ribosomal RNA). It does not contain inverted repeat (IR) sequence. The overall GC content of J. squamata cpDNA is 35.1%. The phylogenetic analysis suggests its close relationship with J. recurva and J. tibetica from Himalaya and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, respectively. The genome may contribute to evolutionary studies of conifers.

Juniperus tibetica forms the highest known treeline in the Northern Hemisphere at 4900 m a.s.l., and it is categorized as ‘vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Here, Illumina pair-end reads of Juniperus tibetica was used to characterize its complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequences. The circular genome with 127,662 bp in length contains two duplicated genes (trnI-CAU and trnQ-UUG), and 119 single copy genes that including 82 protein-coding genes, 33 transfer RNA and four ribosomal RNA genes. There are no inverted repeat sequences in this genome. The GC content of this genome is 35.04%. The phylogenomic analysis strongly supported the monophyly of both Juniperus sect. Juniperus and J. sect. Sabina; within J. sect. Sabina, J. tibetica is sister to all other involved species.

Dandelion extract is a traditional Chinese medicine and contains significant nutritional value. The aim of this study was to research the optimum fermentation conditions for dandelion addition to plain yogurt using a single factor experiments and orthogonal experiment. The results of the present study demonstrated that the addition of dandelion extract affected the viscosity, water-holding capacity and pH of yogurt. Optimized conditions for dandelion addition to plain yogurt based on viscosity, incubation time, pH and sensory score were 10 % sucrose, 0.3 % of the starter cultures, incubation time of 6.5 hours and 3 % dandelion extract. A new kind of dandelion yogurt with high viscosity, good water-holding capacity and good taste was prepared in this study.

The corrosion behavior of brass in TiO2 and Al2O3 nanofluids using a simulated cooling water (SCW) as the base solution and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as the dispersant was studied by electrochemical measurements and surface analysis in this paper. It was found that SDBS could be adsorbed on the brass surface to form a protective film and have a corrosion inhibition effect on brass in SCW. In the SCW-SDBS-TiO2 nanofluid, some negatively charged TiO2 nanoparticles were attached to the brass surface and no obvious SDBS adsorption film was found, and the SDBS in this nanofluid had almost no corrosion inhibition on brass. In the SCW-SDBS-Al2O3 nanofluid, the brass surface was covered by a uniformly distributed SDBS film containing some Al2O3 nanoparticles which were positively charged, and the corrosion inhibition of brass was significantly improved in this nanofluid. It is concluded that the adsorption of SDBS on the brass surface in nanofluids is related to the charge status of the nanoparticles, which makes brass have different corrosion resistance in various nanofluids.

The complete chloroplast genome of the Drooping Juniper, Juniperus recurva, was characterized. The cp genome was 127,602 bp in length, which contained 119 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, 33 tRNA, and four ribosomal RNA genes. Eight genes (atpF, ndhA, ndhB, rpoC1, petD, petB, rpl16, and rpl2) had a single intron, whereas two genes (rps12 and ycf3) contained two introns. The GC content of this circle genome is 35.0%. Phylogenomic analysis based on 78 common protein sequences strongly supported the close relationship between J. recurva and J. tibetica.

To solve the severe problems of electromagnetic pollution and thermal exhaustion in electronics, this work pioneers the utilization of SnO2@SnP2O7@Sn2P²O7 hierarchical architectures (HAs) as an electrically insulated filler with strong microwave absorption and high heat conduction. The HAs are produced through a simple hydrothermal–annealing approach, in which their morphology and defects are precisely tuned by controlling the concentration of Sn2+ ([Sn2+]) and solvent types. Due to the selfassembly of SnO2 nonbuilding blocks determined by the minimal surface free energy, a morphological evolution occurs from hexagonal stars to leaves and then to leaf-shaped flowers with an increase in the [Sn2+] and further to rod-based flowers when water is used as the solvent. Results show that the SnO2@SnP2O7@Sn2P²O7 HAs obtained under [Sn2+] = 0.4 mol L−1, resembling a dense leaf-shaped flower, exhibit a synergistic enhancement in electrical insulation (0.00983 S m−1), microwave absorbing capabilities (MWACs) (6.48 GHz; 2.0 mm), and heat conduction (4.745 W (m−1 K−1), a 20% load). This enhancement is due to the cooperative action of defects and a unique hierarchical configuration. The defects can not only provide free electrons for various polarizations and conductive loss but also act as polarization centers for dipole polarization. Moreover, the flower-shaped hierarchical architecture easily forms 3D continuously conductive micro-networks for electron/phonon transfer, conductive loss, and multiple microwave scattering. Overall, this work establishes a theoretical basis for the design and utilization of SnO2@SnP2O7@Sn2P²O7 HAs as advanced electronic packaging materials with outstanding microwave absorption, thermal exhaustion, and electrical insulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]