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Literary discussions are widely utilized in education, yet their profound impact on students' comprehension requires in-depth exploration. This paper delves into the influence of literary discussions on student comprehension and examines how these discussions can enhance students' understanding and analytical skills. Through literature reviews and case analyses, this study investigates teaching strategies, student engagement levels, classroom ambiance, and other factors involved in literary discussions, revealing the potential mechanisms through which literary discussions influence student comprehension. The paper explores variations in the application of literary discussions across different types of literary works (novels, poetry, drama, etc.) and their relationship with students' creative thinking. Finally, the paper provides recommendations to assist educators in effectively utilizing literary discussions to enhance students' comprehension skills. Students must have the opportunity to discuss literature in ways that provoke deep thought and meaning from each work they encounter. Therefore, English Language Arts teachers and instructors must be creative in finding unique ways in which they encourage their students to experience and respond to literature. This paper discusses a variety of strategies to implement in virtual and in-person classrooms, such as Socratic seminar, Teacher-led as a facilitator, Teacher-led as a promoter of diverse perspectives, Using student-generated discussion questions whole class, Using student-generated discussion questions in small groups, Using Close-ended questions, Using Open-ended questions, Inquiry-based, Making real-world connections to the literature, Literature Circles. These literary discussion strategies can be used for both fiction and nonfiction literature.

Statistics anxiety is a significant problem for students' learning experience in the psychological sciences. This article explores a novel teaching methodological approach during the global pandemic to improve students' performance by reducing their statistics anxiety. The subject design and teaching methodological approach were developed based on twenty years of experience taking into consideration the student feedback, while its implementation was aligned with the 5-E's Victorian Teaching and Learning pedagogical Model (VTLM). Moreover, to reduce the statistics anxiety, two sections were embedded in the Learning Management System of the subject: (1) an interactive web-based mindfulness intervention and (2) a head-start 'Ready, Set, Go' information pack. The implementation of these approaches resulted in a better understanding of statistical concepts and utilization of the SPSS software by the majority of the students (80% pass-rate). Consequently, a 6% increase in pass rates and an average of 32% increase in satisfaction scores for each item in the university central survey were observed. While the uniqueness of the first year of COVID-period makes comparisons difficult, it is matched by the urgency of the need for effective interventions to support student success.

Abstract Endometrial cancer (UCEC) is one of three major malignant tumors in women. The HOX gene regulates tumor development. However, the potential roles of HOX in the expression mechanism of multiple cell types and in the development and progression of tumor microenvironment (TME) cell infiltration in UCEC remain unknown. In this study, we utilized both the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database to analyze transcriptome data of 529 patients with UCEC based on 39 HOX genes, combing clinical information, we discovered HOX gene were a pivotal factor in the development and progression of UCEC and in the formation of TME diversity and complexity. Here, a new scoring system was developed to quantify individual HOX patterns in UCEC. Our study found that patients in the low HOX score group had abundant anti-tumor immune cell infiltration, good tumor differentiation, and better prognoses. In contrast, a high HOX score was associated with blockade of immune checkpoints, which enhances the response to immunotherapy. The Real-Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) exhibited a higher expression of the HOX gene in the tumor patients. We revealed that the significant upregulation of the HOX gene in the epithelial cells can activate signaling pathway associated with tumour invasion and metastasis through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), such as nucleotide metabolic proce and so on. Finally, a risk prognostic model established by the positive relationship between HOX scores and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can predict the prognosis of individual patients by scRNA-seq and transcriptome data sets. In sum, HOX gene may serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prediction of UCEC and to develop more effective therapeutic strategies.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially fatal condition with no targeted treatment options. Although inhibiting xanthine oxidase (XO) in the treatment of AP has been studied in several experimental models and clinical trials, whether XO is a target of AP and what its the main mechanism of action is remains unclear. Here, we aimed to re-evaluate whether XO is a target aggravating AP other than merely generating reactive oxygen species that trigger AP. We first revealed that XO expression and enzyme activity were significantly elevated in the serum and pancreas of necrotizing AP models. We also found that allopurinol and febuxostat, as purine-like and non-purine XO inhibitors, respectively, exhibited protective effects against pancreatic acinar cell death in vitro and pancreatic damage in vivo at different doses and treatment time points. Moreover, we observed that conditional Xdh overexpression aggravated pancreatic necrosis and severity. Further mechanism analysis showed that XO inhibition restored the hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)-regulated lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathways and reduced the enrichment of 13C6-glucose to 13C3-lactate. Lastly, we observed that clinical circulatory XO activity was significantly elevated in severe cases and correlated with C-reactive protein levels, while pancreatic XO and urate were also increased in severe AP patients. These results together indicated that proper inhibition of XO might be a promising therapeutic strategy for alleviating pancreatic necrosis and preventing progression of severe AP by downregulating HIF-1α-mediated LDHA and NLRP3 signaling pathways.

Abstract Glycyrrhiza stems and leaves (GSL) are waste products of Glycyrrhiza; however, it has been considered a potential source of flavonoid compounds. In this study, GSL was processed by solid-state fermentation (SSF) to improve the flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. Firstly, a near-infrared (NIR) prediction model for flavonoid content in fermented Glycyrrhiza stems and leaves (FGSL) was established. Next, the effects of SSF on the antioxidant activity and metabolite profile of GSL were investigated. Finally, the possible mechanism of ferment release of flavonoids was explored based on enzyme activity, thermogravimetric analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. The results revealed that NIR spectroscopy can efficiently analyze flavonoid contents in GSL, with predicted determination coefficient (Rp2) and root mean square error (RMSEP) of 0.9874 and 0.125, respectively. SSF significantly increased the levels of flavonoids, and enhanced the scavenging activities of DPPH radical and hydroxyl radical and reducing power of FGSL. Widely targeted metabolomic analysis showed the detection of 461 differential metabolites were identified after SSF, with 141 metabolites remarkably up-regulated and 320 metabolites of FGSL down-regulated during fermentation. The main types of differential metabolites were phenolic acids and flavonoids, and the destruction of cellulose by SFF was crucial to the release of flavonoids. In conclusion, our study revealed that SSF remarkably improved the phytochemical components of FGSL by increasing enzyme activity and destroying cellulose structure, thereby contributing to the enhancement of antioxidant activity. This study provided a scientific basis for the production of high-value flavonoids from plant materials and offered a novel approach to elucidate the release and conversion of flavonoids. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Diabetes accelerates vascular senescence, which is the basis for atherosclerosis and stiffness. The activation of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and oxidative stress are closely associated with the deteriorative senescence in endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). For decades, Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate (STS) has been utilized as a cardiovascular medicine with acknowledged anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Nevertheless, the impact of STS on vascular senescence remains unexplored in diabetes. Diabetic mice, primary ECs and VSMCs were transfected with the NLRP3 overexpression/knockout plasmid, the tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3/A20) overexpression/knockout plasmid, and treated with STS to detect senescence-associated markers. In diabetic mice, STS treatment maintained catalase (CAT) level and vascular relaxation, reduced hydrogen peroxide probe (ROSgreen) fluorescence, p21 immunofluorescence, Senescence β-Galactosidase Staining (SA-β-gal) staining area, and collagen deposition in aortas. Mechanistically, STS inhibited NLRP3 phosphorylation (serine 194), NLRP3 dimer formation, NLRP3 expression, and NLRP3-PYCARD (ASC) colocalization. It also suppressed the phosphorylation of IkappaB alpha (IκBα) and NFκB, preserved A20 and CAT levels, reduced ROSgreen density, and decreased the expression of p21 and SA-β-gal staining in ECs and VSMCs under HG culture. Our findings indicate that STS mitigates vascular senescence by modulating the A20-NFκB-NLRP3 inflammasome-CAT pathway in hyperglycemia conditions, offering novel insights into NLRP3 inflammasome activation and ECs and VSMCs senescence under HG culture. This study highlights the potential mechanism of STS in alleviating senescence in diabetic blood vessels, and provides essential evidence for its future clinical application.

Abstract Integrating genomics and histology for cancer prognosis demonstrates promise. Here, we develop a multi-classifier system integrating a lncRNA-based classifier, a deep learning whole-slide-image-based classifier, and a clinicopathological classifier to accurately predict post-surgery localized (stage I–III) papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) recurrence. The multi-classifier system demonstrates significantly higher predictive accuracy for recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared to the three single classifiers alone in the training set and in both validation sets (C-index 0.831-0.858 vs. 0.642-0.777, p

Abstract Depressive symptoms occur commonly in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although abnormalities in the amygdala-frontal circuit have been linked to emotional dysregulation and cognitive impairment, the neurological basis underlying these associations in AD patients with depressive symptoms (ADD) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the amygdala-frontal circuit and depressive symptoms and cognitive function in ADD. We recruited 60 ADD, 60 AD patients without depressive symptoms (ADND), and 60 healthy controls (HC). Functional connectivity (FC) maps of the bilateral amygdala were compared. Fractional anisotropy (FA) of the amygdala-frontal circuit connected by the uncinate fasciculus (UF) was calculated using automated fiber quantification (AFQ). In addition, mediation analysis was performed to explore the effects of the amygdala-frontal circuit on the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive function. We found decreased bilateral amygdala FC with the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) in the ADD group compared to the ADND and HC groups. Moreover, FA in the left frontal UF (nodes 64–97) was significantly lower in the ADD group than ADND group. Notably, amygdala-based FC with IFG and the left frontal UF FA mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive function in ADD, with mediating effects ranging between 15 and 18%. Our study is the first to demonstrate the mediating effect of functional and microstructural abnormalities in the amygdala-frontal circuit in ADD. The findings suggest that the amygdala-frontal circuit may underlie emotional dysregulation in ADD, providing potential targets for treatment strategies.

Abstract Intercropping systems have garnered attention as a sustainable agricultural approach for efficient land use, increased ecological diversity in farmland, and enhanced crop yields. This study examined the effect of intercropping on the kiwifruit rhizosphere to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between cover plants and kiwifruit in this sustainable agricultural system. Soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities were analyzed using the Kiwifruit-Agaricus blazei intercropping System. Moreover, a combined analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomic sequencing was used to identify differential microbes and metabolites in the rhizosphere. Intercropping led to an increase in soil physicochemical and enzyme activity, as well as re-shaping the bacterial community and increasing microbial diversity. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Myxococcota, and Patescibacteria were the most abundant and diverse phyla in the intercropping system. Expression analysis further revealed that the bacterial genera BIrii41, Acidibacter, and Altererythrobacter were significantly upregulated in the intercropping system. Moreover, 358 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified between the monocropping and intercropping cultivation patterns, with fatty acyls, carboxylic acids and derivatives, and organooxygen compounds being significantly upregulated in the intercropping system. The KEGG metabolic pathways further revealed considerable enrichment of DMs in ABC transporters, histidine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. This study identified a significant correlation between 95 bacterial genera and 79 soil metabolites, and an interactive network was constructed to explore the relationships between these differential microbes and metabolites in the rhizosphere. This study demonstrated that Kiwifruit-Agaricus blazei intercropping can be an effective, labor-saving, economic, and sustainable practice for reshaping bacterial communities and promoting the accumulation and metabolism of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and geological energy storage are essential technologies for mitigating global warming and achieving China’s “dual carbon” goals. Carbon storage involves injecting carbon dioxide into suitable geological formations at depth of 800 meters or more for permanent isolation. Geological energy storage, on the other hand, involves compressing air or other gases using surplus electricity during off-peak hours and temporarily storing them in underground reservoirs. These gases are then released during peak hours for power generation. Both technologies share commonalities in reservoir selection, with aquifers, depleted oil and gas reservoirs, and salt caverns all serving as potential storage sites. Carbon storage demands long-term containment, while geological energy storage necessitates multiple cycles of storage and release, requiring careful consideration during site evaluation. CCS projects are rapidly increasing globally, evolving towards networked and clustered configurations. In China, CCS projects are primarily focused on CO2-enhanced oil recovery, with fewer dedicated storage projects. However, direct storage projects are projected to dominate in the future and are also transitioning towards clustered development. China possesses favorable geological conditions for carbon storage, with relatively accurate estimates for oil and gas reservoir storage potential. Nevertheless, significant uncertainties persist regarding the storage capacity of saline aquifers. Compressed air energy storage in salt caverns is currently the predominant type of geological energy storage projects. Germany, the USA, and China have a total of five operating compressed air salt cavern energy storage power plants. China has abundant salt cavern resources, albeit with complex geological conditions. Suitable construction sites are concentrated in the eastern regions, and numerous projects are already underway. Compared to salt caverns, porous formations such as aquifers and depleted oil and gas reservoirs are more widespread and offer higher storage potential. However, technical challenges related to multiphase flow and chemical reactions need to be addressed. However, current site selection, potential assessment, efficiency optimization, and monitoring technologies face considerable challenges in meeting the demands of large-scale practical applications. Traditional hydrogeological exploration methods prove inadequate for selecting suitable sites, highlighting the need for efficient monitoring and risk control techniques. Additionally, there is a lack of cost-effective and accurate continuous monitoring technologies specifically designed for pressure and stress changes in storage and caprock formations. The development of key equipment components, such as monitoring and power generation systems, with independent intellectual property rights remains limited. Moreover, our reservoir simulation software requires further advancements to effectively simulate complex reservoirs at large scales. It is crucial to prioritize research and development in resource exploration, site selection technologies, and engineering equipment for both carbon sequestration and geological energy storage. The establishment of diverse demonstration projects and facilities for various storage options such as saline aquifers, depleted oil/gas fields are needed in the future as well.

Abstract Background Hyperlipidemia damages vascular wall and serves as a foundation for diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and stiffness. The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is implicated in vascular dysfunction associated with hyperlipidemia-induced vascular injury. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), a well-established cardiovascular protective drug with recognized anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory properties, is yet to be thoroughly investigated for its impact on vascular relaxant imbalance induced by hyperlipidemia. Methods In this study, we treated ApoE-knockout (ApoE-/-) mouse with STS and assessed the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, expression of MMP2/9, integrity of elastic fibers, and vascular constriction and relaxation. Results Our findings reveal that STS intervention effectively preserves elastic fibers, significantly restores aortic relaxation function in ApoE-/- mice, and reduces their excessive constriction. Furthermore, STS inhibits the phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and reduces MMP2/9 expression. Conclusions These results demonstrate that STS protects vascular relaxation against hyperlipidemia-induced damage through modulation of the SYK-NLRP3 inflammasome-MMP2/9 pathway. This research provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying vascular relaxation impairment in a hyperlipidemic environment and uncovers a unique mechanism by which STS preserves vascular relaxation, offering valuable foundational research evidence for its clinical application in promoting vascular health.

Abstract Background The cold tolerance of rice is closely related to its production and geographic distribution. The identification of cold tolerance-related genes is of important significance for developing cold-tolerant rice. Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) (DXWR) is well-adapted to the cold climate of northernmost-latitude habitats ever found in the world, and is one of the most valuable rice germplasms for cold tolerance improvement. Results Transcriptome analysis revealed genes differentially expressed between Xieqingzao B (XB; a cold sensitive variety) and 19H19 (derived from an interspecific cross between DXWR and XB) in the room temperature (RT), low temperature (LT), and recovery treatments. The results demonstrated that chloroplast genes might be involved in the regulation of cold tolerance in rice. A high-resolution SNP genetic map was constructed using 120 BC5F2 lines derived from a cross between 19H19 and XB based on the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technique. Two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for cold tolerance at the early seedling stage (CTS), qCTS12 and qCTS8, were detected. Moreover, a total of 112 candidate genes associated with cold tolerance were identified based on bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq). These candidate genes were divided into eight functional categories, and the expression trend of candidate genes related to ‘oxidation-reduction process’ and ‘response to stress’ differed between XB and 19H19 in the RT, LT and recovery treatments. Among these candidate genes, the expression level of LOC_Os12g18729 in 19H19 (related to ‘response to stress’) decreased in the LT treatment but restored and enhanced during the recovery treatment whereas the expression level of LOC_Os12g18729 in XB declined during recovery treatment. Additionally, XB contained a 42-bp deletion in the third exon of LOC_Os12g18729, and the genotype of BC5F2 individuals with a survival percentage (SP) lower than 15% was consistent with that of XB. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and modular regulatory network learning with per gene information (MERLIN) algorithm revealed a gene interaction/coexpression network regulating cold tolerance in rice. In the network, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to ‘oxidation-reduction process’, ‘response to stress’ and ‘protein phosphorylation’ interacted with LOC_Os12g18729. Moreover, the knockout mutant of LOC_Os12g18729 decreased cold tolerance in early rice seedling stage signifcantly compared with that of wild type. Conclusions In general, study of the genetic basis of cold tolerance of rice is important for the development of cold-tolerant rice varieties. In the present study, QTL mapping, BSA-seq and RNA-seq were integrated to identify two CTS QTLs qCTS8 and qCTS12. Furthermore, qRT-PCR, genotype sequencing and knockout analysis indicated that LOC_Os12g18729 could be the candidate gene of qCTS12. These results are expected to further exploration of the genetic mechanism of CTS in rice and improve cold tolerance of cultivated rice by introducing the cold tolerant genes from DXWR through marker-assisted selection.

Abstract Background Neutrophils play an essential role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. However, the extent of their heterogeneity remains poorly explored, particularly in the context of developing novel therapies targeting these cells. Results We investigate the population structure of neutrophils purified from peripheral blood samples of AD mice. Utilizing single cell RNA sequencing, we comprehensively map neutrophil populations into six distinct clusters and find that the Neu-5 subset is specially enriched in AD mice. This subset exhibits fewer specific granules and a lower mature score. Gene ontology (GO) analysis reveals that genes involved in cytokine-mediated signaling are downregulated in the Neu-5 cluster. Furthermore, we identify the Ccrl2 gene is specifically upregulated in this subgroup, which is confirmed by flow cytometry in AD mice. Finally, immunohistochemical staining indicates that CCRL2 protein is increased in the brains of AD mice. Conclusions We identify a unique CCRL2 positive neutrophil cluster, that is specifically enriched in the peripheral blood of AD mice.

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood, and early diagnosis is challenging owing to the lack of effective biomarkers. This study aimed to analyze different samples to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods Microarray datasets of RA, osteoarthritis (OA), and healthy control (HC) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. R software was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were visualized using volcano and heat maps. Venn diagrams, principal component analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, gene ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes were used to analyze the data. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed, and synovial tissues from patients with RA and OA were collected for verification using the collagen‐induced arthritis mouse model. Results More DEGs were found in synovial tissues than in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or fibroblast‐like synoviocytes. Principal component analysis revealed significant differences between the RA and OA samples, highlighting the unique advantages of synovial tissue. Enrichment analysis revealed that metabolic and cytokine signaling pathways play crucial roles in the development of RA. Further analysis of the four synovial datasets identified 54 DEGs, of which signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family (SLAMF) 8 was identified as the key molecule. SLAMF8 levels were increased in the synovial tissue of patients with RA compared to those of patients with OA (0.38 ± 0.19 vs. 12.40 ± 1.66), and SLAMF8 levels were similarly elevated in collagen‐induced arthritis model mice compared with those in the healthy mice (1.13 ± 0.47 vs. 9.05 ± 2.52). Conclusions This study established the unique advantages of synovial tissue for RA research and identified metabolic and cytokine signaling pathways as important for RA development. Thus, SLAMF8 may be a potential therapeutic target for RA.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the differences between pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and intrafamilial infection and those without intrafamilial infection. Methods: HBV-DNA was extracted from the sera of 16 pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and their family members for gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. A total of 74 pregnant women with CHB were followed up from the second trimester to 3 months postpartum. Viral markers and other laboratory indicators were compared between pregnant women with CHB with and without intrafamilial infection. Results: The phylogenetic tree showed that HBV lines in the mother-spread pedigree shared a node, whereas there was an unrelated genetic background for HBV lines in individuals without intrafamilial infection. From delivery to 3 months postpartum, compared with those without intrafamilial infection, pregnant women with intrafamilial infection were related negatively to HBV-DNA (β = −0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.76 to −0.12, p = 0.009), HBeAg (β = −195.15, 95% CI: −366.35 to −23.96, p = 0.027), and hemoglobin changes (β = −8.09, 95% CI: −15.54 to −0.64, p = 0.035) and positively to changes in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (β = 73.9, 95% CI: 38.92–108.95, p < 0.001) and albumin (β = 2.73, 95% CI: 0.23–5.23, p = 0.033). Conclusion: The mother-spread pedigree spread model differs from that of non-intrafamilial infections. Pregnant women with intrafamilial HBV infection have less hepatitis flares and liver damage, but their HBV-DNA and HBeAg levels rebound faster after delivery, than those without intrafamilial infection by the virus.

Schools are important places to carry out earthquake disaster education. Earthquake prevention and disaster reduction publicity and education in colleges and universities can help improve the results of earthquake safety education in primary and secondary schools. It is important to strengthen the awareness and skills of college students in earthquake prevention and disaster reduction, so that they can change their role to provide services to the society, and take the initiative to undertake the publicity and popularization of earthquake disasters, which is conducive to improving the ability of earthquake prevention and disaster preparedness of the whole people. In view of the problems found in the practice of popular science popularization, this paper compares the differences between universities and other academic sections of earthquake popular science popularization through questionnaire survey, analyzes the reasons and summarizes the experience, and puts forward the ways to strengthen the publicity and education of earthquake prevention and disaster reduction in universities. The analysis points out that the publicity and education of earthquake prevention and disaster reduction for college students is a continuous and dynamic project, and colleges and universities need to vigorously carry out earthquake safety education in many aspects such as concept, knowledge, skills and responsibilities, and at the same time need to rely on the strength and resources of relevant departments to improve the publicity and education effect.

AIM: To compare high or low concentration of hyaluronic acid eye drops (HY) for dry eye syndromes (DES). METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing various concentrations of HY were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang Database, CQVIP, and Chinese journals databases between inception and July 2023. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) from RCTs evaluating Schirmer's I test (SIT), corneal fluorescein staining score (CFS), tear breakup time (TBUT), DES score (DESS), and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) were calculated. Sensitivity analysis, Egger's test and Meta-regression analysis were performed for all indicators. RESULTS: We conducted a Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria, involving 1796 cases. High-concentrations group significantly improved the outcome of CFS according to random effects modelling (SMD, -3.37; 95%CI, -5.25 to -1.48; P=0.0005). The rest of the results were not statistically significant, including indicators such as SIT, TBUT, DESS and OSDI. CONCLUSION: For dry eyes with positive corneal staining, a high concentration of HY is recommended, whereas in other cases, a high concentration of HY does not offer a more pronounced advantage over a low concentration of HY in the treatment of dry eyes.

In this paper, we investigated the potential use of a new organic-inorganic hybrid crystal structure based on KNO3 in ignition compositions. H2dabco[K(NO3)3] (DAN-2) with organic-inorganic hybrid crystal structure is synthesized through intermolecular assembly technology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to detect the crystal morphology, structure and molecular structure of DAN-2, which has a regular cubic structure. Experimental data were obtained using thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), closed bomb test and high-speed photography, which were then used to study and analyze the thermal decomposition properties and combustion properties of DAN-2. The initial thermal decomposition temperature of DAN-2 was low (194 °C) and the activation energy of the thermal decomposition was 154 kJ/mol. Possible thermal decomposition mechanisms are further discussed and proposed. This research pushed forward the application of organic-inorganic hybrid crystal structure oxidant DAN-2 in ignition system.

Abstract Background To assess the immunogenicity of the current primary polio vaccination schedule in China and compare it with alternative schedules using Sabin or Salk-strain IPV (sIPV, wIPV). Methods A cross-sectional investigation was conducted at four sites in Chongqing, China, healthy infants aged 60–89 days were conveniently recruited and divided into four groups according to their received primary polio vaccination schedules (2sIPV + bOPV, 2wIPV + bOPV, 3sIPV, and 3wIPV). The sero-protection and neutralizing antibody titers against poliovirus serotypes (type 1, 2, and 3) were compared after the last dose. Results There were 408 infants completed the protocol. The observed seropositivity was more than 96% against poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 in all groups. IPV-only groups induced higher antibody titers(GMT) against poliovirus type 2 (Median:192, QR: 96–384, P

Abstract Background As is known, CD4 cell count is a significant parameter predicting HIV progression, opportunistic infections and death in HIV-infected individuals, as well was an important indicator for initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). In China’s National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program, people with HIV (PWH) on ART can receive a CD4 count test at least once every six months. Importantly, the baseline CD4 count (before ART initiation) is significantly correlated with ART and even prognosis, but the influence of the peak CD4 cell count on ART and/or clinical outcomes is still unknown. Methods A retrospective study was conducted among 7965 PWH who received ART from October 2003 to September 2022 at Yunnan Infectious Disease Hospital. Clinical features and laboratory data were collected and analyzed by Chi-square test, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. After elimination of confounding variables, multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify survival-related factors. Results Of a total of 7965 PWH in the ART treatment cohort who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 7939 were finally included in the subsequent analyses. First, it was found that the proportion of clinical variables, including sex, age distribution, interval from diagnosis to ART initiation, marital status, and others, was significantly different between the living and dead groups (P

Abstract Whether and how the reactive oxygen species generated by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) promote immune evasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains mysterious. Therefore, investigating the function of superoxide anion (O2 •−), the firstly generated reactive oxygen species, during the immune evasion become necessary. In this work, we establish a novel in situ imaging method for visualization of O2 •− changes in HSCs based on a new two-photon fluorescence probe TPH. TPH comprises recognition group for O2 •− and HSCs targeting peptides. We observe that O2 •− in HSCs gradually rose, impairing the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in HCC mice. Further studies reveal that the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 is deactivated by O2 •−, and then cause the up-regulation of PD-L1. Our work provides molecular insights into HSC-mediated immune evasion of HCC, which may represent potential targets for HCC immunotherapy.

Abstract Background Premature infants commonly encounter difficulties with oral feeding, a complication that extends hospital stays, affects infants’ quality of life, and imposes substantial burdens on families and society. Enhancing preterm infants’ oral feeding skills and facilitating their transition from parenteral or nasal feeding to full oral feeding pose challenges for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) healthcare professionals. Research indicates that oral motor interventions (OMIs) can enhance preterm infants’ oral feeding capabilities and expedite the transition from feeding initiation to full oral feeding. Nonetheless, the most suitable timing for commencing these interventions remains uncertain. Methods This is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Preterm with a gestational age between 29+0 to 34+6 weeks will be eligible for the study. These infants will be randomized and allocated to one of two groups, both of which will receive the OMIs. The intervention commences once the infant begins milk intake during the early OMIs. Additionally, in the late OMIs group, the intervention will initiate 48 h after discontinuing nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Discussion OMIs encompass non-nutritive sucking and artificial oral stimulation techniques. These techniques target the lips, jaw, muscles, or tongue of premature infants, aiming to facilitate the shift from tube feeding to oral feeding. The primary objective is to determine the ideal intervention timing that fosters the development of oral feeding skills and ensures a seamless transition from parenteral or nasal feeding to full oral feeding among preterm infants. Furthermore, this study might yield insights into the long-term effects of OMIs on the growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants. Such insights could bear substantial significance for the quality of survival among preterm infants and the societal burden imposed by preterm birth. Trial registration chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2300076721. Registered on October 17, 2023.

Guilin rice noodles belong to fresh wet rice noodles, which are difficult to be preserved due to their high moisture content and susceptibility to microbial contamination. Therefore, it is very important to analyze its putrefactive bacteria and screen bacteriostatic agents for extending the shelf life, and maintain the taste and nutritional value. In order to study the microbial growth during the storage of Guilin rice noodles, 13 strains of spoilage organism were isolated and purified from Guilin rice noodles stored at room temperature for 1 to 3 days, and six main spoilage organism MF1, MF2, MF3, MF4, MF6 and MF12 were obtained through the counterfactual experiment. Then the main spoilage organism were identified as Bacillus thuringiensis, B. cereus, B. velezensis, Citrobacter sp. and Exiguobacterium acetylicum through routine identification combined with molecular identification. Furthermore, the effective antibacterial agents and optimal inhibitory concentrations were selected from five food additives through the plate culture. The results showed that different concentrations of ascorbic acid and citric acid had good antibacterial effects on six types of spoilage bacteria, with the optimal inhibitory concentrations being 90 and 120 mg/mL, respectively. This shows that ascorbic acid and citric acid can be used as preservatives of Guilin rice noodles and have a certain application prospect in the storage and fresh-keeping of Guilin rice noodles.