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Abstract Rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms (rNENs) are among the most frequent gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms and pose a serious challenge for clinical management. The size of the primary neoplasm is considered to be the most important predictor of disease progression, but the genetic alterations that occur during the progression of rNENs remain unknown. Here, we performed a comprehensive whole-exome sequencing study on 54 tumor-normal paired, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens from patients locally diagnosed with rNENs. Of these, 81.5% (n = 44) were classified as small-sized (≤2 cm) rNENs, while the remainder (18.5%, n = 10) were classified as large-sized (>2 cm) rNEN samples. Comparative analysis revealed marked disparities in the mutational landscape between small- and large-sized rNEN samples, and between large-sized rNEN samples with or without lymph node metastases. The high-confidence driver genes RHPN2, MUC16, and MUC4 were significantly mutated in both small- and large-sized rNEN specimens, whereas mutations in MAN2A1, and BAG2 were only identified in large-sized specimens diagnosed with lymph node metastases. Correspondingly, we observed that the mTOR and MAPK pathways were preferentially enriched in the large-sized rNEN specimens. Signature-based analysis revealed that mutational processes associated with defective DNA base excision repair (SBS30) significantly accumulated in large-sized rNEN samples with lymph node metastases, highlighting the important role of this mutagenic process in promoting rNEN progression. We further found that most rNEN subjects, regardless of tumor size, harbored at least one alteration with targeted therapeutic implications. Taken together, these results elucidate the genetic features associated with tumor size and lymphatic metastasis in rNEN patients, which will deepen our understanding of the genetic changes during rNEN progression and potentially directing improvements in rNEN treatment strategies.

Objective Bowel perforation is a major, yet unstudied complication of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic enema reduction (UGHR). In this study, we aimed to explore the risk factors and determine the clinical characteristics of bowel perforation during UGHR for paediatric intussusception (P-UGHR).Methods We retrospectively analysed the medical records of patients who underwent UGHR for intussusception at our institution between January 2011 and December 2021. The patients were divided into the P-UGHR and no P-UGHR groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyse the risk factors for P-UGHR, and the clinical characteristics of patients with P-UGHR were determined.Results The final analysis included 4961 intussusception episodes. We identified 15 patients [eight male (53.3%); median age, 8.73 months; age range, 3–17 months] with P-UGHR. All P-UGHR cases involved colonic perforations without necrosis distal to the intussusception mass. The perforations were located in the ascending [40% (6/15)], transverse [46.7% (7/15)] or descending colon [13.3% (2/15)]. Age ≤10.5 months [odds ratio (OR), 3.636; 90% confidence interval (CI), 1.274–10.38; P = 0.043], bloody stools (OR, 4.189; 90% CI, 1.352–12.978; P = 0.037) and symptom duration >17.5 h (OR, 0.188; 90% CI, 0.053–0.666; P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for P-UGHR.Conclusion Age ≤10.5 months, bloody stools and symptom duration >17.5 h were independent risk factors for P-UGHR. Caution should be exercised during UGHR in patients aged ≤10.5 months, with bloody stools or symptom duration >17.5 h.

ABSTRACT Background Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (GA‐FG) is a newly described variant of gastric adenocarcinoma with lack of knowledges regarding its genetic features. Methods We performed whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues and matched adjacent noncancerous specimens from 21 patients with GA‐FG, and integrated published datasets from 1105 patients with traditional gastric adenocarcinoma with the purpose of dissecting genetic determinants both common to conventional gastric adenocarcinoma and unique to GA‐FG disease. Results We characterized the genomic architecture of GA‐FG disease, revealing the predominant proportion of C > T substitution among the six types of SNVs. GNAS was the most significantly mutated driver gene (14.29%). 42.8% of samples harbored “Kataegis.” Distinct genomic alterations between GA‐FG and conventional gastric cancer were identified. Specifically, low mutational burden and relatively moderate mutational frequencies of significantly mutated driver genes, coupled with the absence of non‐silent alterations of formerly well‐known drivers such as TP53, PIK3CA and KRAS were identified in GA‐FG patients. Oncogenic signaling pathway analysis revealed mutational processes associated with focal adhesions and proteoglycans in cancer, highlighting both common and specific procedures during the development of GA‐FG and conventional gastric cancer. Conclusion Our study is the first to comprehensively depict the genomic landscape highlighting the multidimensional perturbations in GA‐FG patients. These discoveries offered mechanistic insights for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with such disease.

Objective·To explore the pathogenic gene and the mutation type of a family with X-linked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (SEDT).Methods·Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of 6 members of a SEDT family. Clearseq hereditary disease kit was applied to target pathogenic regions related to the rare hereditary diseases in the genomic sample of the proband, and then high-throughput sequencing and deletion of high-frequency variants were preformed. Copy number variant (CNV) was analyzed by using exome-hidden Markov model (XHMM). Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to further analyze the copy numbers of the gene deletion fragment in the 6 family members.Results·High-throughput sequencing results showed that 2.5 kb fragment deletion existed in the chromosome X (chrX: 13 732 385‒13 734 927) of the proband, which covered exon 4‒6 of the transport protein particle complex subunit 2 (TRAPPC2) gene. The quantitative PCR results confirmed the proband and his male cousin carried the deficiency. The proband′s mother had a heterozygous deficiency, and the proband′s father, sister and the uncle with normal phenotypes all had normal copy numbers.Conclusion·The fragment deletion of exon 4‒6 of TRAPPC2 gene is the pathogenic mutation of SEDT, and the XHMM algorithm in high-throughput sequencing analysis can detect the deletion of multiple exons in pathogenic genes.

Abstract Background Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune condition that causes harm to exocrine glands and also has extra-glandular manifestations (EGM). pSS patients with EGM have a worse prognosis than those with only sicca symptoms. Previous studies have shown that the minor salivary glands (MSG) of pSS patients exhibit a unique profile of cytokines and chemokines compared to healthy controls. However, there is a lack of research comparing pSS with EGM (pSS-EGM) and pSS without EGM (pSS-non-EGM). This study aims to explore potential biomarkers associated with pSS, particularly pSS with EGM. Methods By utilizing RNA sequencing, we conducted an analysis on the gene expression profiles of MSG in 63 patients diagnosed with pSS, as well as 12 non-pSS individuals. Furthermore, we also investigated the MSG of pSS patients, both with and without EGM. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified genes with differential expression (DEGs) and determined the core hub genes using PPI network. We then analyzed the top 20 DEGs and their correlation with the patients' clinical characteristics, and validated our findings using peripheral blood plasma. Results A total of 725 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the comparison between pSS and non-pSS groups, and 727 DEGs were observed between pSS-EGM and pSS-non-EGM. It is noteworthy that the expression levels of CXCL9 were higher in both pSS patients and pSS-EGM when compared to the control group. Taking into consideration the significance of the top 20 DEGs in relation to clinical parameters and the central hub genes, we ultimately chose CXCL9. In comparison to the non-pSS group, pSS patients exhibited notably greater expression of the CXCL9 gene in the MSG, as well as higher levels of CXCL9 protein in their plasma (p

ABSTRACTHelicobacter pylori is a highly successful pathogen that poses a substantial threat to human health. However, the dynamic interaction between H. pylori and the human gastric epithelium has not been fully investigated. In this study, using dual RNA sequencing technology, we characterized a cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA)-modulated bacterial adaption strategy by enhancing the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter-related genes, metQ and HP_0888, upon coculturing with human gastric epithelial cells. We observed a general repression of electron transport-associated genes by cagA, leading to the activation of oxidative phosphorylation. Temporal profiling of host mRNA signatures revealed the downregulation of multiple splicing regulators due to bacterial infection, resulting in aberrant pre-mRNA splicing of functional genes involved in the cell cycle process in response to H. pylori infection. Moreover, we demonstrated a protective effect of gastric H. pylori colonization against chronic dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Mechanistically, we identified a cluster of propionic and butyric acid-producing bacteria, Muribaculaceae, selectively enriched in the colons of H. pylori-pre-colonized mice, which may contribute to the restoration of intestinal barrier function damaged by DSS treatment. Collectively, this study presents the first dual-transcriptome analysis of H. pylori during its dynamic interaction with gastric epithelial cells and provides new insights into strategies through which H. pylori promotes infection and pathogenesis in the human gastric epithelium.IMPORTANCESimultaneous profiling of the dynamic interaction between Helicobacter pylori and the human gastric epithelium represents a novel strategy for identifying regulatory responses that drive pathogenesis. This study presents the first dual-transcriptome analysis of H. pylori when cocultured with gastric epithelial cells, revealing a bacterial adaptation strategy and a general repression of electron transportation-associated genes, both of which were modulated by cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA). Temporal profiling of host mRNA signatures dissected the aberrant pre-mRNA splicing of functional genes involved in the cell cycle process in response to H. pylori infection. We demonstrated a protective effect of gastric H. pylori colonization against chronic DSS-induced colitis through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of how H. pylori promotes infection and pathogenesis in the human gastric epithelium and provide evidence to identify targets for antimicrobial therapies.

Background: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are among the most common congenital digestive tract malformations worldwide. Although there have been extensive efforts for elucidating their pathogenesis, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying ARMs remain unclear. Methods: We generated ARM Wistar rat models using ethylenethiourea. Nine pregnant rats were allocated to the ARM and control groups, respectively. Hindgut tissue was isolated from embryos collected on gestational days 14, 15, and 16, representing the key timepoints of anorectal development. High-throughput sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on the obtained genes. Module analysis was performed via Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using Cytoscape software. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to verify the enrichment of development/apoptosis/epithelium/morphogenesis/Wnt pathway-related core gene sets and identify ARM hub genes. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was employed to verify mRNA levels of hub genes. Results: 313 GSEA core genes form ten core gene sets were selected. Based on the 281 differentially expressed circRNAs (|Fc| > 2, FDR < 0.05), 42 PPI core genes were obtained. According to the integration of GSEA analysis and PPI network, three hub genes (Cul1, Gli3, and Osr2) highly associated with ETU-induced ARMs were identified. The qRT-PCR validation data were consistent with the sequencing results. Conclusions: These results provide a theoretical basis for the further identification of potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets in ARMs.

A finite time controller with PD-like structure for satellite attitude control is proposed in this paper. The controller is constructed with simple structure based on standard PD controller. The fractional order term is designed hence system could both have strong robustness and finite time convergence rate, and the advantage of finite time control and PD control is combined in this paper. System convergence rate is discussed by Lyapunov method, and the constraint on control parameters is given by implementing the coupled term of angular velocity and attitude quaternion. Moreover, the accuracy at steady stage depending on control parameters is given hence system could converge to this field within finite time. System stability and performance is demonstrated by numerical simulation results.

In order to improve the recovery rate of open-pit coal mine resources, under the condition of studying the deformation and failure mechanism of the slope, the horizontal mining is carried out and the stope shape is optimized. Taking the Thar coalfield in Pakistan as the research object, the paper firstly analyzes the deformation and failure mechanism of the slope through FLAC3D, clarifies the landslide mode, and then analyzes the tracking distance of the horizontal mining and inner row, and finally provides a reference for the optimization of the coal mine. The results show that the failure type of the slope belongs to the tension-shear composite type, and the stability of the slope increases as a whole due to the double support effect of the slope working aid and the inner dump. When the tracking distance of the inner row is 50 m to 100 m, the three-dimensional spatial effect of the slope is significant, and the stability is high; as the tracking distance increases, the stability becomes worse and worse.

Background & Aims: The steatotic grafts have been applied in liver transplantation frequently owing to the high incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, fatty livers are vulnerable to graft injury. Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) recruitment during liver graft injury promotes tumour recurrence. Lipid metabolism exerts the immunological influence on MDSCs in tumour progression. Here, we aimed to explore the role and mechanism of inflammasome activation in MDSCs induced by lipid metabolism during fatty liver graft injury and the subsequent effects on tumour recurrence. Methods: MDSC populations and nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome levels were investigated in a clinical cohort and a rat liver transplantation model. The mechanism of NLRP3 activation by specific fatty acids was explored in mouse hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) with tumour recurrence model and in vitro studies. Results: MDSC populations and NLRP3 levels were increased with higher tumour recurrent rate in patients using steatotic grafts. NLRP3 was upregulated in MDSCs with lipid accumulation post mouse fatty liver IRI. Mechanistically, arachidonic acid was discovered to activate NLRP3 inflammasome in MDSCs through fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2), which was identified by screening lipid uptake receptors. The mitochondrial dysfunction with enhanced reactive oxygen species bridged arachidonic acid uptake and NLRP3 activation in MDSCs, which subsequently stimulated CD4+ T cells producing more IL-17 in fatty liver IRI. Blockade of FATP2 inhibited NLRP3 activation in MDSCs, IL-17 production in CD4+ T cells, and the tumour recurrence post fatty liver IRI. Conclusions: During fatty liver graft injury, arachidonic acid activated NLRP3 inflammasome in MDSCs through FATP2, which subsequently stimulated CD4+ T cells producing IL-17 to promote tumour recurrence post transplantation. Impact and implications: The high incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease resulted in the frequent application of steatotic donors in liver transplantation. Our data showed that the patients who underwent liver transplantation using fatty grafts experienced higher tumour recurrence. We found that arachidonic acid activated NLRP3 inflammasome in MDSCs through FATP2 during fatty liver graft injury, which led to more IL-17 secretion of CD4+ T cells and promoted tumour recurrence post transplantation. The inflammasome activation by aberrant fatty acid metabolism in MDSCs bridged the acute-phase fatty liver graft injury and liver tumour recurrence.

This study describes a rare case of male granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) with recurrence in different sites on the ipsilateral side. A 48-year-old male patient presented with no previous history of breast-related disease, and physical examination suggested a mass in the right breast. Ultrasonography revealed a cyst and infection in the right breast. No obvious abnormality was found in laboratory analysis, and a core needle biopsy revealed GLM. Incision and drainage were applied to the right lesion, and symptoms resolved within a few weeks. At 2 years following this initial presentation, the patient reported that the right breast mass reappeared in different locations after the consumption of alcohol. Relevant examination and a core needle biopsy again suggested GLM of the right breast. The patient declined hormone therapy and was subsequently lost to follow-up. After reviewing this case, the course of the disease in this patient, and the connection between gynecomastia and GLM, along with ipsilateral recurrence, are under investigation.

Abstract Background Karat (Musa troglodytarum L.) is an autotriploid Fe’i banana of the Australimusa section. Karat was domesticated independently in the Pacific region, and karat fruit are characterized by a pink sap, a deep yellow-orange flesh colour, and an abundance of β-carotene. Karat fruit showed non-climacteric behaviour, with an approximately 215-day bunch filling time. These features make karat a valuable genetic resource for studying the mechanisms underlying fruit development and ripening and carotenoid biosynthesis. Results Here, we report the genome of M. troglodytarum, which has a total length of 603 Mb and contains 37,577 predicted protein-coding genes. After divergence from the most recent common ancestors, M. troglodytarum (T genome) has experienced fusion of ancestral chromosomes 8 and 9 and multiple translocations and inversions, unlike the high synteny with few rearrangements found among M. schizocarpa (S genome), M. acuminata (A genome) and M. balbisiana (B genome). Genome microsynteny analysis showed that the triplication of MtSSUIIs due to chromosome rearrangement may lead to the accumulation of carotenoids and ABA in the fruit. The expression of duplicated MtCCD4s is repressed during ripening, leading to the accumulation of α-carotene, β-carotene and phytoene. Due to a long terminal repeat (LTR)-like fragment insertion upstream of MtERF11, karat cannot produce large amounts of ethylene but can produce ABA during ripening. These lead to non-climacteric behaviour and prolonged shelf-life, which contributes to an enrichment of carotenoids and riboflavin. Conclusions The high-quality genome of M. troglodytarum revealed the genomic basis of non-climacteric behaviour and enrichment of carotenoids, riboflavin, flavonoids and free galactose and provides valuable resources for further research on banana domestication and breeding and the improvement of nutritional and bioactive qualities.

With the development of aerial refueling technology, autonomous aerial refueling(AAR) has become an important technology in the future battlefield, which is a promising prospective and challenging topic. Since the relative position between the receiver and the drogue is important to accomplish the AAR task, a neural network-based image recognition method is proposed to acquire the required information. Firstly, a C language-based YOLO network is used as the initial network, which meets the requirements of the on-board VxWorks system and can be run directly on the hardware. Then, considering the physical characterizes of the drogue, a multi-dimensional anchor box is designed and the network structure is optimized to adapt to the multi-dimensional situations. Finally, to address the problem of results shifts, feature maps with various sizes and the optimized loss function are used to optimize the network, where the pyramid structure suggests the design of feature maps. The experimental results indicate that the presented method can recognize the drogue more accurately and quickly.

ABSTRACTA novel and highly efficient electro-catalytic protocol for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2 using 1-aminopropyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([APMIm]DCA) as the supporting electrolyte, graphite as the anode, and Ti/TiO2-CNT-Pt as the cathode has been developed. Based on the cooperative effect between active Ti/TiO2-CNT-Pt cathode and active sites of supporting ionic liquid electrolyte [APMIm]DCA, CO2 and epoxides could be effectively converted into the corresponding cyclic carbonates in high to excellent yields under mild conditions. Moreover, the electro-catalytic system could be easily recovered and reused for six successive cycles without a considerable decrease in catalytic activity. This work provides a sustainable and efficient cooperative strategy for the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide into valuable cyclic carbonates.

A type of Al-MCM-41 supported dual imidazolium ionic liquids nanocomposites have been synthesized and efficiently used as catalysts in the one-pot synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones. It was shown that the highest efficiency was achieved in the condensation of a range of aldehydes and anthranilamide in the presence of the (2)Al-MCM-41@ILCeCl4(0.5) solid catalyst under mild conditions. Hot filtration test confirmed that the reaction follows a heterogeneous pathway. Moreover, the catalyst was stable, very active, robust, and displayed good recyclability without significant loss of catalytic activity after five consecutive cycles during the process. Green reaction conditions, operational simplicity, feasibility, high to excellent yields, sustainability of the functionalized catalyst are the main highlights of the present protocol.

Adalimumab and secukinumab are commonly used for moderate to severe psoriasis vulgaris (PV). Although distinct individual responses to and impaired effectiveness of these biological agents occur occasionally, little is known about the underlying reasons. Here, we report a proteomic analysis of psoriatic lesions from patients treated with these drugs using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS). Thousands of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) changed over 12 weeks of treatment. Network analysis showed that DEPs could interact and induce transformation in matrix components, metabolic regulation, and immune response. The results of parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) analysis suggested that S100s, STAT1, KRT2, TYMP, SOD2, HSP90AB1, TFRC, and COL5A1 were the most significantly changed proteins in both groups. There was a positive association between the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and three proteins (TFRC, IMPDH2, KRT2). Our study findings suggest that inhibition of IL-17A and TNF-α can induce changes in multiple molecules in psoriatic lesions and have an overlapping influence on the immune response and process through direct or indirect effects.

Low-frequency pressure fluctuations are common in open-jet wind tunnels, affecting test accuracy and posing safety risks to the wind tunnels. These oscillations can be caused by different mechanisms in different wind tunnels, and it is often necessary to identify the specific mechanism responsible for the oscillation and develop appropriate control methods. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the current state of research on low-frequency pressure fluctuations in subsonic open-jet wind tunnels, with a particular emphasis on their generation mechanisms and control strategies. The primary source of excitation is attributed to the edgetone feedback formed by the impingement of the jet on the collector. The sound wavelength corresponding to the edgetone frequency is close to that of the plenum scale, facilitating resonance with both plenum-associated vibration modes and specific-order standing wave modes within the circuit loop, resulting in significant low-frequency pulsations. Passive control methods such as nozzle vortex generators and collector breathing gaps have been extensively employed due to their cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The concluding section highlights some unresolved issues that require further investigation in this field.

Abstract Tumor recurrence is the major obstacle for pushing the envelope of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The inflammatory cascades activated by acute liver graft injury promote tumor recurrence. We aimed to explore the role and mechanism of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) mobilization induced by liver graft injury on tumor recurrence. By analyzing 331 HCC patients who received liver transplantation, the patients with graft weight ratio (GWR, the weight of liver graft divided by the estimated standard liver weight of recipient)

Abstract Background Intussusception is the most common abdominal emergency in children. The first line treatment of uncomplicated pediatric intussusception is enema reduction. Until now, there have been no multi-center studies comparing the effectiveness and safety of UGHR and FGAR in the treatment of pediatric intussusception. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of the two most commonly used enema methods of pediatric intussusception: ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (UGHR) and fluoroscopy-guided air reduction (FGAR). Methods From November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018, we conducted a multi-center, prospective, cohort study. Children diagnosed with intussusception in four large Children’s Medical Centers in China were divided into UGHR and FGAR groups. Stratified analysis and subgroup analysis were used for further comparison. The success and recurrence rates were used to evaluate the effectiveness of enema reduction. The perforation rate was used to evaluate the safety of enema reduction. Results A total of 2124 cases met the inclusion criteria (UGHR group: 1119 cases; FGAR group: 1005 cases). The success and recurrence rates in the UGHR group were higher than in the FGAR group (95.80%, 9.28% vs. 93.13%, 10.65%) (P < 0.05, P > 0.05), respectively. The perforation rate in the UGHR group was 0.36% compared with 0.30% in the FGAR group (P > 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed the success rates in the UGHR group were higher than in the FGAR group of patients with onset time between 12 and 24 h (95.56% vs. 90.57%) (P < 0.05). Of patients aged 4 to 24 months, the success rates in the UGHR group were also higher than in the FGAR group (95.77% vs. 91.60%) (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis showed the success rates in the UGHR group were higher than in the FGAR group in patients with the symptom of bloody stool (91.91% vs 85.38%) (P < 0.05). Conclusions UGHR and FGAR are safe, nonsurgical treatment methods for acute pediatric intussusception. UGHR is superior to FGAR, no radiation risk, its success rate is higher, without a difference in perforation rate, especially for patients aged 4–24 months. Level of evidence Level II.

Catalytic oxidation of organic sulfides is of considerable significance in industrial chemistry and fuel industry. Therefore, numerous methods have been developed for the oxidation. Metal-containing ionic liquid-based catalysts can catalyze the selective oxidation reactions and are highly used in chemical processes, which have also been used as effective solvents, reaction media, extractants, and catalysts for the oxidation of organic sulfides including oxidative desulfurization of fuel oil. Recently, much attention is being drawn to the preparation of heterogenous catalysts based on the immobilization of metal- or nonmetal-containing ILs on diverse solid supports, which can be easily separated after the completion reaction and recycled. Therefore, there is still an increasing interest in developing new and efficient catalytic procedures for the oxidation of organic sulfides. In this review, we have outlined the recent advances in catalytic oxidation of organic sulfides including oxidative desulfurization of fuel oil. The versatilities and adaptabilities of metal–ionic liquid catalytic systems in the selective oxidation of sulfides are considered a powerful research field in these transformations.

The low-frequency pressure pulsations in a large low-speed open jet wind tunnel were studied using a 1:20 scaled model wind tunnel. It was found that plane pressure standing waves existed in all three directions of the wind tunnel’s plenum. It was confirmed that the large pressure pulsations in the transverse direction of the plenum were caused by the resonance of the plane pressure standing waves in that direction with the edgetone feedback (vortex-sound feedback between the nozzle and the collector). The analysis of the standing waves in the vertical direction of the plenum suggested that they might come from self-excited oscillations. For the model wind tunnel with a 1:20 strictly scaled collector, the standing waves in the transverse direction of the plenum were much stronger than those in the other two directions. By increasing the width of the collector, the intensity of the standing waves in the transverse direction was significantly reduced to a level similar to that of the standing waves in the vertical direction. It was also found that the standing waves in the transverse direction were significantly enhanced after a floor was added to the test section.

Compared with manned aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are affordable and convenient for high-risk missions. Therefore, UAVs are increasingly playing an important role in military and civilian fields. Today, UAVs have been exploited to perform special missions carrying some important equipment. However, influenced by the constraints of single UAV's performance and load, it has become a research hotspot that multi-UAVs perform search cooperatively. The process is to minimize the uncertainty of the unknown area and to find the target as much as possible. In terms of cooperation among UAVs, the more effective method based on search map is used. And search process optimization on the basis of distributed model predictive control (DMPC) or traditional swarm intelligence algorithms are adopted, but these methods have some limitations. Due to the behavior of swarm intelligent individual have the characteristics of the decentralization, distribution, and overall self-organization, which match with the requirements of the localization, distribution and robustness of the UAV cooperate search. Nevertheless, the traditional swarm intelligence algorithms have low search efficiency and are easy to fall into local optimum. To solve the problem of repeated search, static targets and low efficiency in cooperative search for multi-UAVs, a method based on improved pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) and Markov chain was proposed. Firstly, a honeycomb environmental model similar to the sensor detect region was established to reduce repeated search for the area. Secondly, Markov chain with the Gaussian distribution was used to represent dynamic movement of targets. Thirdly, Cauchy mutation and Gaussian mutation were introduced into the map and compass operator and the landmark operator of PIO, respectively. Meanwhile, simulated annealing (SA) mechanism was exploited to reserve the worse individual, which effectively reduced the problem that PIO was easy to fall into local optimum. Finally, the algorithm was compared with other swarm intelligence algorithms through simulation experiments. The results show that the new method is effective and available.

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are among the most common congenital terminal digestive tract malformations. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel type of endogenous non-coding RNAs, play roles in the development of the digestive system; however, their contributions to the pathogenesis of ARMs are not well-established. In this study, we explored the mechanism underlying ethylenethiourea (ETU)-induced ARMs by profiling circRNA expression via RNA-seq and constructing a regulatory circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Nine pregnant rats were gavage-fed a single dose of 125 mg/kg 1% ETU (ARM group) on gestational day 10 (GD10), and another 9 pregnant rats received a similar dose of saline (normal group) as a control. Embryos were obtained by cesarean section on the key time-points of anorectal development (GD14, GD15, and GD16). Hindgut samples isolated from the fetuses were evaluated by high-throughput sequencing and differentially expressed circRNAs were validated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis, and Sanger cloning and sequencing. A total of 18295 circRNAs were identified in the normal and ARM groups. Based on the 425 differentially expressed circRNAs (|Fc| > 2, p < 0.05), circRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA pairs were predicted using miREAP, miRanda, and TargetScan. A total of 55 circRNAs (14 up- and 41 downregulated in the ARM group compared to the normal group) were predicted to bind to 195 miRNAs and 947 mRNAs. Competing endogenous RNA networks and a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that novel_circ_001042 had the greatest connectivity and was closely related to ARM-associated signaling pathways, such as the Wingless Type MMTV integration site family, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and transforming growth factor-β pathways. These results provide original insight into the roles of circRNAs in ARMs and provide a valuable resource for further analyses of molecular mechanisms and signaling networks.

Summary: Endothelial and fibroblast niches are crucial for epithelial organs. How these heterotypic cells interact is of great interest. In this study, we reveal an axis of signaling in which fibroblasts relay Wnt signals from the endothelial niche to organize epithelial patterning. We generate an Axin2-membrane GFP (mGFP) reporter mouse and observe robust Wnt/β-catenin signaling activities in fibroblasts surrounding the mammary epithelium. To enable cell-type-specific gene manipulation in vitro, we establish an organoid system via coculture of endothelial cells (ECs), fibroblasts, and mammary epithelial cells. Deletion of β-catenin in fibroblasts impedes epithelium branching, and ECs are responsible for the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in fibroblasts. In vivo, EC deletion of Wntless inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity in fibroblasts, rendering a reduction in epithelial branches. These findings highlight the significance of the endothelial niche in tissue patterning, shedding light on the interactive mechanisms in which distinct niche components orchestrate epithelial organogenesis and tissue homeostasis.

CsF-AlF3 based composite fluxes with different Ge contents which are in the form of GeO2 were developed by the method of solution synthesis, and their melting characteristics, phase structures and microstructures were observed and analyzed subsequently. Meanwhile, 2024 aluminum alloy was brazed successfully at 480℃ under the active effect of CsF-AlF3 flux with 4% (mass fraction, the same below) Ge doped. The results show that the liquidus temperature decreases from 477℃ to around 440℃and has the main phase composition of CsAlF4 and Cs2GeF6 when content of Ge exceeds 4%. And the new Cs2GeF6 changes the morphology of CsF-AlF3 flux to more regular polyhedron structure with fewer flocculent agglomerates. On the other hand, the flux with 4% Ge immensely promotes the spreading of Zn-15Al filler metal on the 2024 aluminum alloy at 480℃ and the shear strength of brazing lapping joints reaches 110MPa,with homogeneous structure of the joints,and with no obvious defects observed.

Objective Intussusception is a common paediatric abdominal emergency in infants. The first-line treatment of choice in uncomplicated paediatric intussusception is enema reduction. The study aim was to provide an overview of the current national practice of enema reduction of paediatric intussusception in China. Methods A questionnaire on enema reduction of paediatric intussusception was sent to respondents (members of the Pediatric Anorectal Group, the Neonatal Group, the Society of Pediatric Surgery and the China Medical Association). Results Data from 128 questionnaires were analysed. Of these, 78.1% (100/128) reported the use of fluoroscopy, 17.2% (22/128) use of ultrasound monitoring, 78.9% (101/128) use of air and 17.9% (23/128) use of normal saline. A total of 78.9% (101/128) reported a success rate of 90%, 25.8% (33/128) reported that a paediatric surgeon managed the reduction, 18.8% (24/128) that a radiologist managed the reduction and 44.5% (57/128) that a paediatric surgeon and radiologist jointly managed the reduction. Conclusions There is large variation in the techniques of enema reduction of intussusception in China. Fluoroscopy-guided air enema reduction is mainly used. Enema reduction of uncomplicated cases of paediatric intussusception in China lacks standardization of equipment and personnel involvement.