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Abstract Traditional methods for identifying “hit” molecules from a large collection of potential drug-like candidates rely on biophysical theory to compute approximations to the Gibbs free energy of the binding interaction between the drug and its protein target. These approaches have a significant limitation in that they require exceptional computing capabilities for even relatively small collections of molecules. Increasingly large and complex state-of-the-art deep learning approaches have gained popularity with the promise to improve the productivity of drug design, notorious for its numerous failures. However, as deep learning models increase in their size and complexity, their acceleration at the hardware level becomes more challenging. Hyperdimensional Computing (HDC) has recently gained attention in the computer hardware community due to its algorithmic simplicity relative to deep learning approaches. The HDC learning paradigm, which represents data with high-dimension binary vectors, allows the use of low-precision binary vector arithmetic to create models of the data that can be learned without the need for the gradient-based optimization required in many conventional machine learning and deep learning methods. This algorithmic simplicity allows for acceleration in hardware that has been previously demonstrated in a range of application areas (computer vision, bioinformatics, mass spectrometery, remote sensing, edge devices, etc.). To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first to consider HDC for the task of fast and efficient screening of modern drug-like compound libraries. We also propose the first HDC graph-based encoding methods for molecular data, demonstrating consistent and substantial improvement over previous work. We compare our approaches to alternative approaches on the well-studied MoleculeNet dataset and the recently proposed LIT-PCBA dataset derived from high quality PubChem assays. We demonstrate our methods on multiple target hardware platforms, including Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), showing at least an order of magnitude improvement in energy efficiency versus even our smallest neural network baseline model with a single hidden layer. Our work thus motivates further investigation into molecular representation learning to develop ultra-efficient pre-screening tools. We make our code publicly available at https://github.com/LLNL/hdbind .

Abstract Background Acute lung injury (ALI) is the most lethal disease associated with sepsis, and there is a lack of effective drug treatment. As the major cells of sepsis-induced ALI, macrophages polarize toward the proinflammatory M1 phenotype and secrete multiple inflammatory cytokines to accelerate the disease process through nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways. Taraxerone, the main component of the Chinese medicinal Sedum, possesses numerous biological activities. However, uncertainty remains regarding the potential of taraxerone to protect against sepsis-induced ALI. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of taraxerone against ALI. Methods An animal model for ALI was established by cecal ligation and puncture and treated with taraxerone via intraperitoneal administration. The protective effect of taraxerone on the lungs was analyzed using H&E staining, dihydroethidium staining, ELISA kits, cell counting, myeloperoxidase kit, malondialdehyde kit, glutathione kit, superoxide dismutase kit and flow cytometry. Western blotting, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the regulatory of taraxerone on SIRT1. Results Our study demonstrates for the first time that taraxerone can activate SIRT1 in macrophages, promoting SIRT1 activity. This activation inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway primarily through the dephosphorylation and deacetylation of p65. Simultaneously, taraxerone disrupted the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway, thereby alleviating M1 polarization of macrophages and mitigating sepsis-induced pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress. In vivo, EX527 was used to validate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of taraxerone mediated by SIRT1. Conclusion SIRT1-mediated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects may be important targets for taraxerone in treating ALI.

Abstract Background The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index has garnered recognition as a surrogate marker for insulin resistance, a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of various metabolic disorders. Despite its emerging role, the empirical evidence delineating its association with prediabetes mellitus (Pre-DM) remains scant. This research aims to clarify the link between the TyG index and the likelihood of Pre-DM development within a Chinese demographic. Methods This investigation was structured as a retrospective cohort analysis, encompassing a sample of 179,177 Chinese adults. These individuals underwent medical examinations at the Rich Healthcare Group over a period spanning from 2010 to 2016. To ascertain the relationship between the TyG index and the incidence of Pre-DM, this study employed Cox regression analysis complemented by sensitivity and subgroup assessments. Furthermore, Cox proportional hazards regression with cubic spline functions and smooth curve fitting was incorporated to explore the existence of any non-linear connection within this association. Results Upon adjusting for a comprehensive array of confounding variables, a statistically significant positive correlation between the TyG index and the risk of Pre-DM was identified (HR: 1.60, 95%CI 1.56–1.65, P

ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of aryl organophosphate esters (aryl-OPEs) on female reproductive health. MethodsUrine samples from 571 women with infertility who sought in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment at the Reproductive Center of Peking University People's Hospital from January 2018 to January 2021 were tested for concentrations of four aryl-OPE metabolites: diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), 4-hydroxyphenyl diphenyl phosphate (4-OH-TPHP), 2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl diphenyl phosphate (5-OH-EHDPP), and 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl di-p-tolyl phosphate (4-OH-MDTP). Continuous independent variable data were converted into categorical variables, divided into four levels (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) using the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles as cut-off points. After reassigning values to the independent variables in each group, they were incorporated into the regression model as continuous variables for trend testing. Using multivariable linear mixed models, the correlations between aryl-OPE metabolite concentrations and reproductive hormones [estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL)] and infertility causes were assessed by adjusting for relevant covariates (age, BMI, smoking status, education level, infertility reason, and primary infertility diagnosis). ResultsThe detection rates of the four aryl-OPE metabolites were all > 80%. The results of the multivariable linear regression model showed that the concentrations of 4-OH-MDTP and 5-OH-EHDPP in urine were associated with decreased E2 levels (P < 0.05). The E2 level in the 4-OH-MDTP Q3 group was significantly lower by 20.59% compared to the Q1 group, and in the 5-OH-EHDPP Q4 group, it decreased by 34.52% compared to the Q1 group. The exposure concentrations of 4-OH-TPHP and DPHP showed a significant positive correlation with progesterone levels (P < 0.05). The progesterone level in the 4-OH-TPHP Q3 group was significantly increased by 42.42% compared to the Q1 group, and in the DPHP Q4 group, it was significantly increased by 32.85% compared to the Q1 group. In the analysis of infertility causes, the concentrations of 4-OH-TPHP and 4-OH-MDTP in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis were significantly higher than those in women undergoing in vitro fertilization due to male factors. Moreover, the risk of PCOS and endometriosis increased in the 4-OH-TPHP and 4-OH-MDTP Q2-Q4 groups compared to the Q1 group. ConclusionAryl-OPEs can interfere with estrogen and progesterone levels in women. The parent compounds and metabolites may be associated with the occurrence of PCOS and endometriosis and could be one of the causes of infertility.

Abstract Background Relative fat mass (RFM) is a newly developed, sex-specific anthropometric formula designed to estimate total body fat percentage. However, research investigating the correlation between RFM and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains limited. This study evaluates the association between RFM and the risk of NAFLD within the Japanese population. Methods This study including 14,250 Japanese adults who underwent physical examinations at Murakami Memorial Hospital between 2004 and 2015. We employed binary logistic regression to elucidate the direct relationship between RFM levels and the incidence of NAFLD. Additionally, a generalized additive model (GAM) coupled with smooth curve fitting techniques was utilized to map the non-linear association. Results The cohort had an average age of 43.53 ± 8.89 years, with a male majority of 52.00%. NAFLD was identified in 17.59% of the participants. After adjusting for confounding factors, a significant positive correlation between RFM and NAFLD risk was observed (OR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.10–1.21, P

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous amoxicillin clavulanate potassium combined with nebulized budesonide and ambroxol hydrochloride in pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and its impact across various microbial strains and clinical symptoms. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous amoxicillin-clavulanate combined with nebulized budesonide and ambroxol hydrochloride in the treatment of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and to analyze their impact on different microbial strains and clinical symptoms. Secondary objectives include assessing the treatment's effect on the improvement of clinical symptoms, hospital stay duration, and the levels of inflammatory markers. Design Prospective, single-center study. Methods Fifty-six children with CAP, aged under 6 years, from Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University were included. Patients were treated with conventional therapy and the study medication. Clinical characteristics, microbiological data, symptom improvement, and hospitalization times were analyzed. Findings Young children, particularly under 1 year, exhibited a higher incidence of multiple microbial infections and severe clinical manifestations. Treatment with budesonide and ambroxol hydrochloride led to significant clinical improvement across all age groups, with notable efficacy against various pathogens. Conclusions Nebulized budesonide and ambroxol hydrochloride are effective in treating pediatric CAP, offering a promising therapeutic option, particularly for young children with severe presentations.

Vanadium doping can effectively modify the physical properties of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), broadening their application prospect in electronic, spintronic, and valleytronic devices. However, vanadium dopants always suppress the growth of TMDCs and lower the growth controllability. Here, we report the morphology-controlled growth of vanadium-doped MoS2 (V-MoS2). Both the layer-controlled growth and fractal growth of monolayer V-MoS2 were realized, and the mechanism was analyzed, including contributions from the localized concentration of Mo atoms, the etching effect, and formation energies of different terminations. It will shed light on the morphology-controlled growth of other vanadium-doped TMDCs, promoting the construction of novel devices.

Cerebral veins are responsible for the outflow drainage of brain interstitial fluid (ISF). The importance of cerebral venous drainage has been emphasized in various neurological diseases. Impaired venous outflow may lead to brain edema, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, inflammatory responses and hemorrhagic complications. With the development of imaging technologies, several imaging-based signs for venous assessment are proposed. Therapies targeting cerebral venous drainage have shown beneficial outcomes in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in clinic, however more insight into the cellular and molecular level should be elucidated. Here we review the pathological changes following cerebral venous drainage impairment, summary the advances in image-based evaluation, address the potential molecular mechanisms, and discuss venous drainage-focused therapies. A better understanding of cerebral venous drainage and its underlying mechanism will promote the pharmacological development and clinical management of CVST.

BackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, recognized for its cost-efficiency and simplicity, serves as an accessible indicator of insulin resistance. Yet, its correlation with the risk of prediabetes and diabetes (Pre-DM/DM) in the Chinese demographic remains uncertain. Consequently, our study explored the association between the TyG index and the development of Pre-DM/DM within the Chinese population.MethodsThe retrospective cohort study was carried out utilizing data from a health screening initiative. The study included 179541 adults over 20 who underwent medical examinations at the Rich Healthcare Group over a period spanning from 2010 to 2016. The correlation between the TyG index and Pre-DM/DM risk was investigated using Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, Cox proportional hazards regression with cubic spline functions and smooth curve fitting was incorporated to explore their non-linear connection.ResultsThe mean age of study participants was 41.18 ± 12.20 years old, and 95255 (53.05%) were male. During a median follow-up of 3.01 years, 21281 (11.85%) participants were diagnosed with Pre-DM/DM. After adjusting the potential confounding factors, the results showed that the TyG index was positively correlated with incident Pre-DM/DM (HR: 1.67, 95%CI: 1.62-1.71, P< 0.001). Additionally, a non-linear association was observed between the TyG index and the onset of Pre-DM/DM, with an inflection point identified at 8.73. Hazard ratios (HR) to the left and right of this inflection point were 1.95 (95%CI: 1.86-2.04) and 1.34 (95%CI: 1.27-1.42), respectively. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of these findings.ConclusionThe TyG index exhibited a non-linear positive relationship with the risk of Pre-DM/DM. These findings imply that maintaining the TyG index at a lower, specified threshold may be beneficial in mitigating the onset of Pre-DM/DM.

This study investigates the evolution process of hot corrosion in bi-phase Ti-6.5Al-1.5Zr-3.5Mo-0.3Si (TC11) titanium alloy induced by sodium chloride (NaCl). Through morphological progression and elemental distribution analyses, the integrated processes involved in the onset of internal corrosion during hot corrosion are elucidated, revealing intriguing phenomena that deviate from conventional mechanisms. The development of corrosion can be divided into three stages: First there is the rapid growth of the external corrosion layer induced by Cl; then a Cl and O induced internal corrosion is initiated when the external corrosion layer reaches a critical thickness, at the same time the external corrosion decreases; finally, the chlorine pressure is too low to act as the corrosion depth increases, O becomes a major contributor to deep internal corrosion, leading to O induced internal corrosion. Significant interphase selective corrosion was observed in this internal corrosion zone: the β phase was corroded while the α phase remained uncorroded, challenging the prevailing notion that the β phase is more corrosion-resistant in titanium alloys. This distinctive phenomenon results from the differences in oxygen solubility, element diffusion rates and the reactivity between the α and β phases.

Abstract Background Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), an example of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, is a potentially fatal complication of rheumatic diseases. We aimed to study the clinical and laboratory characteristics, treatment schemes, and outcomes of different rheumatic disorders associated with MAS in children. Early warning indicators of MAS have also been investigated to enable clinicians to make a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Methods Fifty-five patients with rheumatic diseases complicated by MAS were enrolled between January 2017 and December 2022. Clinical and laboratory data were collected before disease onset, at diagnosis, and after treatment with MAS, and data were compared between patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), Kawasaki disease (KD), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A random forest model was established to show the importance score of each variable with a significant difference. Results Most (81.8%) instances of MAS occurred during the initial diagnosis of the underlying disease. Compared to the active stage of sJIA, the platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen level in sJIA-MAS were significantly decreased, whereas ferritin, ferritin/erythrocyte sedimentation rate, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer levels were significantly increased. Ferritin level, ferritin/erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and platelet count had the greatest predictive value for sJIA-MAS. The level of IL-18 in the sJIA-MAS group was significantly higher than in the active sJIA group, whereas IL-6 levels were significantly lower. Most patients with MAS were treated with methylprednisolone pulse combined with cyclosporine, and no deaths occurred. Conclusions Thrombocytopenia, ferritin levels, the ferritin/erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels can predict the occurrence of MAS in patients with sJIA. Additionally, our analysis indicates that IL-18 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MAS in sJIA-MAS.

Abstract Although most people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) achieve continuous viral suppression, some show detectable HIV RNA as low-level viremia (LLV) (50–999 copies/mL). Drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in PLWH with LLV is of particular concern as which may lead to treatment failure. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of LLV and LLV-associated DRMs in PLWH in Zhengzhou City, China. Of 3616 ART-experienced PLWH in a long-term follow-up cohort from Jan 2022 to Aug 2023, 120 were identified as having LLV. Of these PLWH with LLV, we obtained partial pol and integrase sequences from 104 (70 from HIV-1 RNA and 34 from proviral DNA) individuals. DRMs were identified in 44 individuals. Subtyping analysis indicated that the top three subtypes were B (48.08%, 50/104), CRF07_BC (31.73%, 33/104), and CRF01_AE (15.38%, 16/104). The proportions of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), and integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) associated DRMs were 23.83% (24/104), 35.58% (37/104), 5.77% (6/104), and 3.85% (4/104), respectively, which contributed to an overall prevalence of 42.31% (44/104). When analyzed by individual DRMs, the most common mutation(s) were V184 (18.27%, 19/104), followed by V179 (11.54%, 12/104), K103 (9.62%, 10/104), Y181 (9.62%, 10/104), M41 (7.69%, 8/104), and K65R (7.69%, 8/104). The prevalence of DRMs in ART-experienced PLWH with LLV is high in Zhengzhou City and continuous surveillance can facilitate early intervention and provision of effective treatment.

Abstract Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) gene family is an important transcription factor composed of three subfamilies of NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC, which is involved in plant growth, development and stress response. In this study, 63 tobacco NF-Y genes (NtNF-Ys) were identified in Nicotiana tabacum L., including 17 NtNF-YAs, 30 NtNF-YBs and 16 NtNF-YCs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed ten pairs of orthologues from tomato and tobacco and 25 pairs of paralogues from tobacco. The gene structure of NtNF-YAs exhibited similarities, whereas the gene structure of NtNF-YBs and NtNF-YCs displayed significant differences. The NtNF-Ys of the same subfamily exhibited a consistent distribution of motifs and protein 3D structure. The protein interaction network revealed that NtNF-YC12 and NtNF-YC5 exhibited the highest connectivity. Many cis-acting elements related to light, stress and hormone response were found in the promoter of NtNF-Ys. Transcriptome analysis showed that more than half of the NtNF-Y genes were expressed in all tissues, and NtNF-YB9/B14/B15/B16/B17/B29 were specifically expressed in roots. A total of 15, 12, 5, and 6 NtNF-Y genes were found to respond to cold, drought, salt, and alkali stresses, respectively. The results of this study will lay a foundation for further study of NF-Y genes in tobacco and other Solanaceae plants.

Abstract Objective In patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke, there is ongoing debate surrounding the connection between chronic hyperglycemic status and their initial clinical outcomes. Our objective was to examine the connection between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and adverse clinical outcomes at both 3-months adverse clinical outcomes in individuals with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with and without diabetes. Methods The present prospective cohort study involved 896 AIS patients without diabetes and 628 with diabetes treated at a South Korean hospital from January 2010 to December 2016. The target independent variable is HbA1c. The outcome variable is a modified Rankin scale score ≥ 3. A binary logistic regression model was applied to assess the connection between HbA1c levels and 3-month poor clinical outcomes in AIS patients with and without diabetes. Additionally, a generalized additive model and smoothed curve fitting were utilized to explore potential nonlinear associations between HbA1c levels and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients with and without diabetes. Results The binary logistic regression model could not identify any statistically significant connection between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients, both those with and without diabetes, after correcting for various factors. However, a nonlinear relationship emerged between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients with diabetes. The inflection point for HbA1c was determined to be 6.1%. For HbA1c values ≤ 6.1%, an inverse association was observed between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in diabetic AIS patients, and each 1% increase in HbA1c in AIS patients with DM was associated with an 87% reduction in 3-month adverse clinical outcomes (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02–0.81). Conversely, when HbA1c exceeded 6.1%, a positive association between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes became apparent in diabetic AIS patients, and each 1% increase in HbA1c in AIS patients with DM was associated with a 23% increase in 3-month adverse clinical outcomes (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.03–1.47). However, it’s important to note that no significant linear or nonlinear relationships were observed between HbA1c levels and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients without diabetes. Conclusion Our findings suggest a nonlinear connection and threshold effect between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients with diabetes. AIS patients with diabetes had a lower risk of 3-month adverse clinical outcomes when their HbA1c control was close to 6.1%. Our findings may aid treatment decision-making and potentially guide interventions to optimize glycemic control in AIS patients.

The anisotropy of rare earth magnesium (Mg-RE) alloys has attracted significant attention. In this study, the room-temperature compression anisotropy of the extruded Mg-8.5Gd-4.5Y-0.8Zn-0.4Zr alloy was investigated utilizing techniques such as optical microscope (OM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) modeling. The results show that the C0 (with the axis parallel to the extrusion direction) sample exhibited the greatest yield strength of 290 MPa, while the C45 (with the axis inclined at a 45° angle to the extrusion direction) and C90 (with the axis perpendicular to the extrusion direction) samples had yield strengths of 223 MPa and 250 MPa, respectively. The VPSC hardening parameters were significantly adjusted in this study based on the Schmid factor of deformation modes in Mg-RE alloy, particularly increasing the τ0 (Critical Resolved Shear Stress, CRSS) for basal slip. The ratios of CRSS for other deformation modes to basal slip were approximately as follows: CRSSTwin/CRSSBas = 2, CRSSPri/CRSSBas = 2.7 and CRSSPyr/CRSSBas = 3.3, while these ratios in non-rare earth magnesium alloys typically ranged between 0.8 and 3, 5–10 and 8–20. The stress-strain curves and pole figures obtained from the VPSC model exhibited a good agreement with experimental results. Based on the VPSC simulation results, the disparity in the activation level of basal slip was identified as the primary cause of mechanical anisotropy. Twinning only played a significant role in the early phases of deformation, which was not the most primary factor on yield anisotropy.

In this paper, the microstructure and tensile mechanical properties of Mg-8.5Gd-4.5Y-0.8Zn-0.4Zr rare-earth (RE) magnesium alloy in the as-cast state and its solid solution state were investigated by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and the first-principles simulation. The results show that the mechanical properties were improved after solution treatment. The CS520-12 alloy, treated at 520 °C for 12 h, exhibited excellent mechanical properties, possessing an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 343 ± 5 MPa and an elongation of 18.9 ± 0.8 %. These main reasons for the improving of mechanical properties was attributed the formation of I1 stacking faults (SFs) and accumulated-dislocations. The Y element, originating from the melt of the eutectic phase during solution treatment, resulted in a reduction in stacking faults energy (SFE) and facilitated the formation of I1 faults. The presence of numerous SFs hindered dislocation slip. The other key factors for elongation improving were that the weaken of texture, and geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density decreased from 1.52 × 1013m−2 to 1.22 × 1013m−2. 14H-LPSO phase played an important role in the improving mechanical properties for CS480-12, CS480-24 and CS520-24 alloys. The higher elastic modulus of LPSO compared to Mg matrix, according to the first-principles calculated results, enabled its function as a short-fiber, thus strengthened the mechanical properties. Block-shaped 14H-LPSO in CS480-12 alloys, distributed at the grain boundaries (GBs), suppressed the grow of cracks. The lamellar 14H-LPSO within the grains of CS480-24 and CS520-24 alloys were parallel to the dislocations, which compared with SFs of CS520-12 alloy, can't effectively inhibit the movement of dislocations.

Background: Actinic keratoses (AK) may progress into squamous cell carcinoma. Many combination therapies were used to improve the clearance rate. However, there are limited studies on the efficacy and safety of lesion-directed Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy combined with field-directed photodynamic therapy (PDT). Objective: This study is aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy combined with PDT in Chinese patients with actinic keratosis. Methods: A total of 61 patients with AK were selected at the Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between August 2018 and August 2023. They were randomly divided into PDT plus Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy group (LN-PDT) and control PDT group (C-PDT) with 30 patients and 31 patients, respectively. 27 patients in the LN-PDT group and 28 patients in the C-PDT group completed the clinical sessions. Efficacy, adverse effects, and cosmetic outcomes were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results: 3 months after the final treatment, the clearance rates for total AK lesions were 97.4 % (449/461) in the LN-PDT group and 93.4 % (456/488) in the C-PDT group (P < 0.05). For grade I AK lesions, the clearance rates were 99.2 % (234/237) for the LN-PDT group and 98.3 % (237/241) for the C-PDT group (P >0.05). For grade II lesions, the clearance rates were 97.5 % (156/160) for the LN-PDT group and 91.9 % (172/186) for the CPDT group (P < 0.05). For grade III lesions, the clearance rates of the LN-PDT and C-PDT groups were 87.5 % (58/64) and 78.7 % (47/61), respectively (P < 0.05). The two groups had no significant differences in pain, erythema, edema, hyperpigmentation and scarring. Cosmetic outcomes mainly were excellent or good in both groups with no significant difference. Conclusion: Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy combined with PDT showed higher efficacy on grade II and grade III AK lesions than PDT alone. The two groups have similar adverse effects and cosmetic outcomes.

Introduction To examine the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of fluorescent oxidation products (FlOPs; markers of global oxidative damage) for measuring global oxidative stress. Methods To improve FlOP measurement reliability, we mixed plasma samples with the extractant at eight ratios and measured FlOPs with a fluorescent microplate reader (excitation/emission wavelengths 320/420 nm denoted FlOP_320; 360/420 nm [FlOP_360]; and 400/475 nm [FlOP_400]). In a human study, we examined the reliability of an improved FlOP measurement. In an animal study, we examined the sensitivity and specificity of FlOPs for measuring D-galactose induced global oxidative stress. Results At a 1:20 (plasma/extractant) mixture ratio, the overall inter-/intra-assay coefficients of variation (CV) for FlOP measurements among healthy and coronary heart disease participants were

AbstractHoney adulteration has been on the rise with the increasing demand for high-quality honey, and the authentication of A. cerana honey is a major problem that the current bee industry needs to solve. The aim of this research was to establish the proofreading enzyme-mediated probe cleavage combined with ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (Proofman-LMTIA) method for the authentication of Apis cerana honey. The LMTIA primers were designed to target the specific 18S rRNA sequence of A. cerana, and the conditions for Proofman-LMTIA amplification were optimized. The specificity and sensitivity of the method were determined and compared with that of the droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The optimal temperature of the established Proofman-LMTIA method was 62 °C. The method can specially to detect the A. cerana gene without cross-reactivity with the genomes from other animal and plant species, and the amplification reaction can be finished within 20 min with the sensitivity of 10 pg A. cerana genomic DNA, which was more sensitive than the droplet digital PCR method. The obtained results demonstrate that the established Proofman-LMTIA procedure was specific, sensitive, and rapid, and can be used for authentication of A. cerana honey.

ABSTRACTHoney adulteration has been on the rise with the increasing demand for high-quality honey. The ladders-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (LMTIA) was a newly developed nucleic acid amplification technique, and the aim of this study was to establish a method combining the LMTIA with the proofreading enzyme-mediated probe cleavage (Proof-man probe) for detecting the thaumatin-like protein (TLP) genes of Brassica rapa var. oleifera in honey. The LMTIA primers was selected as a target to be designed, the temperature of the Proof-man LMTIA reaction was optimized, and the specificity, sensitivity, and applicability to the honey samples were determined. The results showed that the Proof-man LMTIA method was highly specific with a detection sensitivity of 30-40 copies genomic DNA/reaction at the optimal temperature of 60°C, and the amplification could be completed within 20 min. This method can detect the adulteration of low-price B. rapa honey into high-price honey.

ObjectiveIt has been recognized that there is a nexus among Trisomy 8 (T8), Behcet's disease (BD), and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We reported a series of inflammatory features in 2 children with T8 without hematological involvement.Methods2 children with trisomy 8 who were excluded from MDS were retrospectively collected from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing.ResultsPatients developed a range of inflammatory manifestations before a diagnosis of T8. The clinical manifestations of T8 patients vary from normal to severely disabled. Glucocorticoids and thalidomide can effectively relieve inflammation in patients with T8.ConclusionThe early clinical manifestations of T8 in children lack specificity, and the diagnosis is mainly based on karyotype analysis, gastrointestinal endoscopy and bone marrow aspiration findings. Active and effective immunoregulatory therapy and long-term follow-up can improve the prognosis of patients with T8.

Background Neuroinflammatory responses are closely associated with poststroke prognosis severity. This study aimed to develop a predictive model, combining inflammation‐derived markers and clinical indicators, for distinguishing functional outcomes in patients with subacute ischemic stroke. Methods and Results Based on activities of daily living assessments, ischemic stroke participants were categorized into groups with little effective (LE) recovery and obvious effective (OE) recovery. Initial biocandidates were identified by overlapping differentially expressed proteins from proteomics of clinical serum samples (5 LE, 5 OE, and 6 healthy controls) and differentially expressed genes from an RNA sequence of the ischemic cortex in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice (n=3). Multidimensional validations were conducted in ischemia–reperfusion models and a clinical cohort (15 LE, 11 OE, and 18 healthy controls). Models of robust biocandidates combined with clinical indicators were developed with machine learning in the training data set and prediction in another test data set (15 LE and 11 OE). We identified 194 differentially expressed proteins (LE versus healthy controls) and 174 differentially expressed proteins (OE versus healthy controls) in human serum, and 5121 differentially expressed genes (day 3) and 5906 differentially expressed genes (day 7) in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice cortex. Inflammation‐derived biomarkers TIMP1 (tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase‐1) and galactosidase‐binding protein LGLAS3 (galectin‐3) exhibited robust increases under ischemic injury in mice and humans. TIMP1 and LGALS3 coupled with clinical indicators (hemoglobin, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and uric acid) were developed into a combined model for differentiating functional outcome with high accuracy (area under the curve, 0.8). Conclusions The combined model is a valuable tool for evaluating prognostic outcomes, and the predictive factors can facilitate development of better treatment strategies.

Electromagnetic protection measures can effectively prevent electromagnetic waves from harming equipment, facilities, information security and human health. To enhance the electromagnetic wave-absorbing capacity of standard concrete, silicon carbide (SiC) was selected as an absorbing agent to produce wave-absorbing concrete. The influences of SiC content on the electromagnetic reflection loss, electromagnetic parameters, and mechanical properties of concrete were systematically investigated. After 28 days of curing, the concrete sample modified with 10 wt% SiC displays the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of 36.12 MPa and 3.10 MPa, respectively. And the optimum electromagnetic absorption performance reaches −16.25 dB at 3.37 GHz and the electrical conductivity is 1.55×10−4 S/m. The SiC modified concrete demonstrates the dielectric loss type absorption characteristics. This research provides a practical solution for electromagnetic wave protection, which is expected to be used in both military and civilian applications.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (PA-MSHA) on the prognosis and the incidence of lymphatic leakage in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC).MethodA total of 129 patients who underwent RC in Lanzhou University Second Hospital from 2013 to 2022 were enrolled in this study. They were divided into 43 patients treated with PA-MSHA and 86 patients in the control group. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to reduce potential selection bias. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to analyze the effect of PA-MSHA on the survival of patients and the incidence of postoperative lymphatic leakage.ResultsThe PA-MSHA group exhibited improved overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates compared to the control group. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for the PA-MSHA group were 69.1% and 53.2%, respectively, compared to 55.6% and 45.3% for the control group (Log-rank=3.218, P=0.072). The 3-year and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates for the PA-MSHA group were 73.3% and 56.5%, respectively, compared to 58.0% and 47.3% for the control group (Log-rank=3.218, P=0.072). Additionally, the 3-year and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates for the PA-MSHA group were 74.4% and 56.8%, respectively, compared to 57.1% and 52.2% for the control group (Log-rank=2.016, P=0.156). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicates that lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis are poor prognostic factors for patients, while the use of PA-MSHA can improve patients’ OS (HR: 0.547, 95%CI: 0.304–0.983, P=0.044), PFS (HR: 0.469, 95%CI: 0.229–0.959, P=0.038) and CSS (HR: 0.484, 95%CI: 0.257–0.908, P=0.024). The same trend was observed in the cohort After IPTW adjustment. Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative lymphatic leakage [18.6% (8/35) vs. 15.1% (84.9%), P=0.613] and pelvic drainage volume [470 (440) ml vs. 462.5 (430) ml, P=0.814] between PA-MSHA group and control group, PA-MSHA could shorten the median retention time of drainage tube (7.0 d vs 9.0 d) (P=0.021).ConclusionPA-MSHA may improve radical cystectomy in patients with OS, PFS, and CSS, shorten the pelvic drainage tube retention time.

In order to fully exploit the relationship between temporal features in photovoltaic power generation data and improve the prediction accuracy of photovoltaic power generation, a photovoltaic power generation forecasting method is proposed based on a hybrid model of the convolutional neural network (CNN) and extreme gradient boost (XGBoost). Taking the historical data of China’s photovoltaic power plants as a sample, the high-dimensional mapping relationship of photovoltaic power generation variables is extracted based on the convolutional layer and pooling layer of the CNN network to construct a high-dimensional time-series feature vector, which is an input for the XGBoost. A photovoltaic power generation prediction model is established based on CNN-XGBoost by training CNN and XGBoost parameters. Since it is difficult for a single model to achieve optimal prediction accuracy under different weather conditions, the k-means clustering algorithm is used to group the power datasets and train independent models to improve prediction accuracy. Through the actual data verification of photovoltaic power plants, the proposed photovoltaic power generation prediction model can accurately predict the power, which shows high prediction accuracy and generalization ability compared with other methods.

In recent years, global climate changes and human activities have significantly reshaped ecosystems, posing a challenging aspect for research—accurately understanding how climate and human activities affect vegetation. This study employs the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach (CASA) model to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of Net Primary Productivity (NPP) in the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration (CYUA) from 1982 to 2019. It measures human activity intensity using the Comprehensive Human Activity Intensity Index (CHAII), which is derived from human activity intensity of land surface, population density, economic conditions, and remote sensing data. Spatial autocorrelation analysis is used to assess human activity clustering. The study employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to quantify the impacts of climate change and human activities on NPP in CYUA across different spatiotemporal scales. The findings are as follows: (1) Human activities in CYUA exhibit a spatial distribution radiating from Kunming City and display distinct spatial autocorrelation characteristics. (2) Increasing human activity reduces NPP. In areas with higher and more concentrated human activity, it suppresses NPP, while positively affecting neighboring areas. The threshold of human activity intensity affecting NPP varies across space and time, with higher thresholds in cities with greater human activity intensity compared to those with lower intensity. (3) NPP and precipitation exhibit a closely positive correlation. Reduced precipitation weakens this correlation. Rising temperatures since 2000 have negatively impacted NPP, especially in regions with higher human activity intensity. (4) This study provides a new institutional perspective for the analysis and formulation of adaptive strategies in regions where ecosystems are jointly impacted by climate change and human activities. Future research can further refine the study of NPP responses to human activities in cities with varying development levels, diverse urban organizational structures, and different urban expansion patterns.

Hyperspectral image classification (HSI) is the process of segmenting an image into distinct land cover types by analyzing the rich spectral information of each pixel, with the key lying in feature extraction. Benefiting from the superior ability to exploit long-range dependencies, transformer-based methods have garnered significant attention in the field. However, the limited local sensitivity, high computation burden, influence from heterogeneous spectrum random, and initialization of class token without prior knowledge may restrict the performance of transformer-based methods. To effectively address the aforementioned issues, this study introduces the Dual-Layer Spectral-Spatial Transformer architecture, adept at comprehensively extracting and modeling features. First, to address the issue of limited local sensitivity, we propose a dual-layer transformer architecture, where the inner Pixel-Transformer ensures adequate extraction of local features, and the outer Patch-Transformer is engineered to capture joint spectral-spatial features, thereby strengthening global context modeling. This dual-layer cascading approach not only provides balanced enhancement in feature extraction and modeling, but also alleviates the computational burden associated with self-attention operations. Meanwhile, we have also incorporated a feature selector to mitigate the influence of the heterogeneous spectrum. In addition, the inner Pixel-Transformer enhances feature representation by integrating the spectral vector of the target pixel as a class token, thereby solving the issue of random initialization of the class token without prior knowledge. Experimental results on four public HSI benchmark datasets demonstrate that our model outperforms state-of-the-art methods, with an improvement ranging from 0.86% to a maximum of 3.9%, and has achieved excellent classification results at the boundaries between different land cover types.

Spectral unmixing is a significant challenge in hyperspectral image processing. Existing unmixing methods utilize prior knowledge about the abundance distribution to solve the regularization optimization problem, where the difficulty lies in choosing appropriate prior knowledge and solving the complex regularization optimization problem. To solve these problems, we propose a hyperspectral conditional generative adversarial network (HyperGAN) method as a generic unmixing framework based on the following assumption: The unmixing process from pixel to abundance can be regarded as a transformation of two modalities with an internal specific relationship. The proposed HyperGAN is composed of a generator and a discriminator, the former completes the modal conversion from mixed hyperspectral pixel patch to the abundance of corresponding endmember of the central pixel and the latter is used to distinguish whether the distribution and structure of generated abundance are the same as the true ones. In addition, we propose hyperspectral image (HSI) patch transformer as the main component of the generator, which utilizes adaptive attention score to capture the internal pixels correlation of the HSI patch and leverages the spatial-spectral information in a fine-grained way to achieve optimization of the unmixing process. Furthermore, we propose a data synthesis method based on superpixel segmentation and random split to get synthetic data with a spatial structure to further evaluate the effectiveness of our model for unmixing. Experiments on synthetic data and real hyperspectral data achieve impressive results compared with state-of-the-art competitors.

In this paper, combined experimental and numerical methods are applied to investigate the effect of different contact stress and slip amplitude on the fretting fatigue (FF) behaviour of TC11 titanium alloy with gradient nanostructure introduced by ultrasonic surface rolling process (USRP). The properties of gradient nanostructure are characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray residual stress tester, microhardness tester. As evidenced by the FF experimental results, USRP can significantly improve the FF life of TC11 by introducing large compressive residual stress and work hardening layer. The dominant parameters in improving the FF resistance under different loading conditions are investigated. In addition, the simulated results from Abaqus show that contact stress plays a more important role in influencing FF life compared to fretting bridge span, which is attributed to the change in slip amplitude and stress concentration. Fretting fatigue life initially increases and then decreases with contact stress and there is a contact stress threshold that leads to minimum lifetime. This threshold of USRP specimens is greater than that of untreated specimens. The transition of fretting mode along with contact stress is observed and discussed.

This paper concerns with the finite-time filter design problem for discrete-time nonlinear networked system subject to quantization effect and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks via dynamic event-triggered scheme (DETS). The nonlinear networked system is presented by Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model. The dynamic event-triggered generator and logarithmic quantizer are employed to save the limited network bandwidth. A stochastic Bernoulli distribution variable is used to characterize the effect of the randomly occurring DoS attacks in communication channel. By a generalized performance index, the finite-time $H_{\infty} $ filtering and $l_{2}-l_{\infty} $ filtering problem are accessed under a unified framework. The filtering error model is well established by taking event-triggered scheme, logarithmic quantization, and DoS attacks into account. The sufficient conditions for the existence of an acceptable filter are derived such that the filtering error system is finite-time stochastic bounded with the prescribed $H_{\infty} $ or $l_{2}-l_{\infty} $ performance. The filter gains and the event-triggered communication parameter are co-designed by solving these inequality sufficient conditions. Finally, a simulation study is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

In the domain of hyperspectral image (HSI) classification, the majority of deep learning methods have necessitated a substantial number of manually annotated samples to achieve outstanding results. However, the process of annotating HSI is conducted at the pixel-level, rendering it not only time-consuming but also financially burdensome. In light of this circumstance, contrastive learning methods that harness unlabeled samples by assigning pseudolabels through pretext tasks have garnered significant attention. Nevertheless, current contrastive learning methods primarily concentrate on exploring spatial diversity among surface samples in natural images, while neglecting the spectral diversity of point targets in HSI, resulting in insufficiently comprehensive feature exploration. In addition, due to the distinct learning objectives between upstream and downstream tasks, this leads to insufficient generalization when transferring to downstream tasks. To tackle these challenges, we propose a two-stream contrastive learning network for few-shot HSI classification. During the pretraining phase, one stream is deployed to probe spatial diversity among samples, whereas the other stream delves into spectral diversity. Subsequently, for transferring to downstream classification tasks, a multilevel fusion network was introduced. It can integrate shallow network features with higher generalization capabilities and deeper network features that are more task-specific. The fused features exhibit an improved performance when employed for classification tasks. Experimental results on four publicly available datasets illustrate that our approach outperforms state-of-the-art methodologies.

Graphene with excellent mechanical and physical properties has shown its great application potential in aluminum matrix composites. In this paper, graphene oxide nanosheets with negative charges were fabricated by the Hummers' method and they are absorbed on the treated aluminum powders with positive charges by electrostatic self-assembly. Then, graphene reinforced aluminum matrix composites (Gr/Al) were prepared by powder metallurgy. The effects of the Gr content on mechanical performance and corrosion resistance were investigated. The results show that Gr is distributed at the boundary and bonds well with aluminum in Gr/Al composite. Mechanical properties of the composite initially increase then decrease with the increase of Gr content. When the Gr content reaches 0.3 wt%, the ultimate tensile strength reaches 110 MPa and the wear coefficient is 0.39. However, the corrosion resistance decreases with increasing the Gr content and the corrosion mechanism is also investigated in details.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of acute leukemia among adults with the recommend therapy of combination of cytarabine and idarubicin in the induction phase. The uncoordinated pharmacokinetics prevent adequate control of drug ratio following systemic administration. Therefore, the dual-loaded liposomes containing cytarabine and idarubicin for synergistic effects were proposed and investigated. Methods: The molar ratio of cytarabine and idarubicin for synergistic effects was investigated. The dual-loaded liposomes were prepared and characterized by particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, cryo-Transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and in vitro stability. The in vitro cytotoxicity and cell uptake of liposomes were determined within CCRF-CEM cells. The PK experiments was carried out in male SD rats. The in vivo antitumor effect was carried out within CD-1 nude female mice. The antitumor mechanism of liposomes was investigated. Results: The synergistic molar ratios were found to be in the range of 20:1~40:1. The size distribution of the dual-loaded liposomes was approximately 100 nm with PDI ≤ 0.1, a zeta potential of approximately −30 mV, an entrapment efficiency of cytarabine and idarubicin of >95% with spherical structure and uniform distribution, and in vitro stability for 21 d. The drugs in the liposomes can be quickly uptaken by the leukemia cells. The PK experiments showed that the molar ratio of cytarabine to idarubicin in plasma was maintained at 30:1 within 4 h. The efficacy of liposomes was significantly enhanced. Conclusions: The dual-loaded liposomes containing cytarabine and idarubicin showed enhanced antitumor efficacy.

Abstract Background Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe disease that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by intractable hypoxemia, poor lung compliance, and respiratory failure, severely affecting patients' quality of life. The pathogenesis of ALI has not been fully elucidated yet, and sepsis is an important cause of ALI. Among the organ injuries caused by sepsis, the lungs are the earliest damaged ones. Radix cyathulae is reported to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. Cyasterone is extracted from Radix cyathulae. However, it is not known whether cyasterone has protective effects for ALI. This study aims to investigate the effect of cyasterone on sepsis-related ALI and its mechanism. Methods We used the cecal ligation peferation (CLP) method to establish a mouse sepsis model, and cyasterone was given intraperitoneally on days 1–3 to observe its preventive effect on sepsis-related acute lung injury. Primary murine peritoneal macrophages were used to investigate the molecular mechanism of cyasterone in vitro. Results Cyasterone pretreatment inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. In addition, cyasterone attenuates sepsis-induced ALI by activating nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor (Nrf2), which may be associated with AKT(Ser473)/GSK3β(Ser9) pathway activation. Conclusions Cyasterone defends against sepsis-induced ALI by inhibiting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which depends heavily on the upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway through phosphorylation of AKT(Ser473)/GSK3β(Ser9). These results suggest cyasterone may be a valuable drug candidate for preventing sepsis-related ALI.

Abstract Cation intercalation is an effective method to optimize the electronic structures of metal oxides, but tuning intercalation structure and conductivity by manipulating ion movement is difficult. Here, we report a visual topochemical synthesis strategy to control intercalation pathways and structures and realize the rapid synthesis of flexible conductive metal oxide films in one minute at room temperature. Using flexible TiO2 nanofiber films as the prototype, we design three charge-driven models to intercalate preset Li+-ions into the TiO2 lattice slowly (µm/s), rapidly (mm/s), or ultrafast (cm/s). The Li+-intercalation causes real-time color changes of the TiO2 films from white to blue and then black, corresponding to the structures of Li x TiO2 and Li x TiO2-δ, and the enhanced conductivity from 0 to 1 and 40 S/m. This work realizes large-scale and rapid synthesis of flexible TiO2 nanofiber films with tunable conductivity and is expected to extend the synthesis to other conductive metal oxide films.

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and experiments were carried out in this work to probe the microstructure evolution in the semi-solid compression (SSC) of AZ80 magnesium alloy. The liquid phase flow, stress fluctuations, grain refinement, dislocation generation, and texture evolution were discussed. Results indicate that the liquid phase was squeezed out along the radial direction prior the solid phase at the beginning of compression. Stress-strain curve represented obvious fluctuation at lower strain rates. That resulted from stress reduction caused by more liquid evolving with a lower strain rate at an elevated temperature. Plastic deformation was detected in grains and the dislocations of 1/3 dominated the deformation, while and 1/3 just been activated at the beginning of SSC process. The results of EBSD showed the grains size was refined into about 38.8 μm from 92.3 μm after SSC process. During the process, grain refinement resulted in the increase of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs), and a strong (0001) basal plane texture evolved at the end. The higher the strain rates, the stronger the texture.

This study delves into the dynamic behavior of ultra-high-speed rotor systems underpinned by helium hydrostatic gas bearings, with a focus on the impact of rotational velocity on system performance. We have formulated an integrative dynamic model that harmonizes the rotor motion equation with the transient Reynolds equation. This model has been meticulously resolved via the Finite Difference Method (FDM) and the Wilson-Θ technique. Our findings unveil intricate nonlinear dynamics, including 2T-periodic and multi-periodic oscillations, and underscore the pivotal role of first-order temporal fluctuations, which account for over 20% of the transient pressure at rotational speeds exceeding 95.0 krpm. Further, we have executed empirical studies to evaluate the system’s performance in practical settings. It is observed that when the ratio of low-frequency to fundamental frequency approaches 0.3 and the amplitude ratio exceeds 3, the vigilant monitoring of system stability and reliability is imperative. Collective insights from both computational simulations and experimental studies have enriched our understanding of the dynamic attributes of ultra-high-speed rotor systems. These revelations are crucial for the advancement of more efficacious and resilient rotor systems designed for high-speed applications.

Seawater intrusion has a significant impact on the irrigation quality of agricultural water, thereby posing a threat to plant growth and development. We hypothesized that the rhizosphere of tea plants harbors beneficial microorganisms, which may improve the tolerance of tea plants to seawater stress. This study utilized 16s and ITS techniques to analyze microbial community shifts in the tea plant rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere under seawater stress conditions. The findings suggest that seawater stress leads to a reduction in microbial diversity, although the rhizosphere microbial diversity in stressed soils showed a relatively higher level. Moreover, the rhizosphere of the tea plant under seawater stress exhibited an enrichment of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria alongside a higher presence of pathogenic fungi. Network analysis revealed that seawater stress resulted in the construction of a more complex and stable rhizosphere microbial network compared to normal conditions. Predictions of bacterial potential functions highlighted a greater diversity of functional groups, enhancing resource utilization efficiency. In general, the rhizosphere microorganisms of tea plants are jointly selected by seawater and the host. The microorganisms closely related to the rhizosphere of tea plants are retained and, at the same time, attract beneficial microorganisms that may alleviate stress. These findings provide new insights into plant responses to saline stress and have significant implications for leveraging vegetation to enhance the resilience of coastal saline soils and contribute to economic progress.

Abstract Manipulating nanostructure assemblies is important in using them as structural and functional materials. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) lack the ability to reconstruct their entangled network. In this work, we report a strategy with which to realize efficient manipulation of CNT networks by forming double networks with branched polyethylenimine (PEI). The double network was highly viscoelastic and ductile and enabled efficient film stretching or creeping for CNT alignment, which dramatically improved the mechanical strength of the CNT films. Due to the viscous drag from the polymer network, the CNTs showed enhanced movability in reconstructing new networks, which made the film repairable. The repairability resulted from the branched polymeric structure. This double-networking strategy provides a new way to manipulate CNT assemblies for high-performance applications.

Abstract Background Sturge-Weber syndrome is a nonhereditary congenital neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by a distinctive facial capillary malformation,neurological abnormalities, and ocular abnormalities such as glaucoma and choroidal hemangioma.It can be divided into different subtypes according to different clinical manifestations. It is rare for a patient to present with isolated difuse choroidal hemangioma and ipsilateral abnormal conjunctival and episcleral vessels without other systemic symptoms. Case presentation We report a 30-year-old man with isolated diffuse choroidal hemangioma in his right eye without systemic symptoms, such as vascular malformations in the skin or leptomeningeal angiomatosis. The only additional ophthalmic finding was ipsilateral abnormal conjunctival and episcleral vessels without glaucoma. However, there was no evidence of leptomeningeal angiomatosis or port-wine stain on the right side of the face, or glaucoma, which are common clinical manifestations of the Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS).The absence of these characteristic symptoms did not preclude the diagnosis, and the patient could be diagnosed with a particular subtype of SWS. Conclusions This is a rare case of documented isolated difuse choroidal hemangioma with ipsilateral abnormal conjunctival and episcleral vessels without glaucoma which we think it is belonging to a particular subtype of SWS.In addition to the traditional clinical manifestations, more and more atypical clinical manifestations are also accompanied by SWS, which requires our clinicians to continuously discover and report, so as to help more clinicians understand this disease.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of carbon nanoparticles-guided lymph node dissection during thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid cancer(PTC).MethodsClinical trials consisted of two subgroups: unilateral lobectomy (UL; n=283) and total thyroidectomy (TT; n=286). From each subgroup, the patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the carbon nanoparticle group and control group. Primary endpoints included parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, number of lymph nodes (LNs) detected, number of tiny lymph nodes detected, and recognition and retention of the parathyroid glands. Secondary endpoint was recognition and protection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.ResultsA total of 569 patients with PTC were recruited. There were no statistically significant differences in demographics between the carbon nanoparticles and control groups (P > 0.05). In the UL subgroup, there were no significant differences in PTH levels between the two groups at preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative day one, and postoperative month one (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the serum Ca2+ levels between the two groups preoperatively and at postoperative month one (P>0.05). The number of lymph nodes dissected in the carbon nanoparticles group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P0.05). However, the mean PTH level in the carbon nanoparticles group was significantly higher than that of the control group at postoperative month one (P=0.0368). There was no significant difference in the serum Ca2+ levels between the two groups preoperatively and at postoperative month one (P>0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the number of dissected LNs (P>0.05) or the detection rate of tiny lymph nodes (P>0.05). No drug-related AE and complications due to the injection of carbon nanoparticles were recorded in this study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of parathyroid preserved in situ and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in the UL and TT subgroups.ConclusionsCarbon nanoparticles demonstrated efficacy and safety in thyroidectomy. The application of carbon nanoparticles could significantly facilitate the identification and clearance of LNs and the optimum preservation of parathyroid function.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300068502.

Objectives This study aimed to assess the prevalence and related factors of myopia among school-aged children after COVID-19 pandemic.Design Cross-sectional study.Setting Pudong New Area, Shanghai.Participants 1722 children aged 7–9 randomly selected from 8 primary schools were screened from 1 February 2023 to 30 April 2023.Main outcome measures Children’s height, weight and eye parameters were examined. Myopia was defined as a cycloplegic spherical equivalent ≤−0.50 dioptres in either eye. A vision-related behaviour questionnaire was applied to investigate the associations between myopia and its risk factors.Results Of the 1722 individuals enrolled, 25.6% (456) had myopia. After adjusting other characteristics, the following factors were associated with an increased rate of myopia: age (9 years vs 7 years, adjusted OR (AOR) 1.84, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.85, p=0.007), parental myopia status (both myopia vs none, AOR 5.66, 95% CI 3.71 to 8.63, p

This work presents a modified etching method for the synthesis of Ti3C2 MXene. The process involves two steps: washing Ti3AlC2 with a low concentration of HF and etching Ti3AlC2 with varying concentrations of FeCl3. FeCl3 can etch the Al layers of Ti3AlC2 by a metal displacement reaction at room temperature, resulting in Ti3C2 nanosheets with an accordion-like morphology. The obtained Ti3C2 MXene was tested as a working electrode for supercapacitors, achieving a maximum specific capacitance of 213.2F/g at 0.5 A/g in a 6 M KOH electrolyte solution, which is higher than that of a Ti3C2 electrode without modification. The method is simple, efficient and reduces the use of HF. This work shows the possibility of synthesizing various MXene-based frameworks using metallic cations with higher redox potentials.

Abstract Background Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are related to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus (DM). However, evidence on the connection between the alanine aminotransferase to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ALT/HDL-C) ratio and diabetes mellitus (DM) risk was limited. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between baseline ALT/HDL-C ratio and DM among Japanese individuals. Methods This second analysis was based on a cohort study using open-source data. Data from 15,342 individuals who participated in the medical examination program were recorded at Murakami Memorial Hospital in Japan between 2004 and 2015. Smooth curve fitting, subgroup analysis, Cox proportional-hazards regression, and a series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between ALT/HDL-C ratio and incident diabetes. The ability of the ALT/HDL-C ratio to predict diabetes was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results After controlling for confounding covariates, the ALT/HDL-C ratio was found to be positively correlated to the DM risk in Japanese adults (HR: 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00–1.02, P = 0.049). This study also found a stable relationship between ALT/HDL-C ratio and diabetes after employing a series of sensitivity analyses. Additionally, there was a non-linear association between the ALT/HDL-C ratio and incident diabetes, and the ALT/HDL-C ratio inflection point was 30.12. When the ALT/HDL-C ratio was below 30.12, the present study discovered a significant positive association between the ALT/HDL-C ratio and incident diabetes (HR: 1.04, 95%CI: 1.02–1.06, P = 0.001). Furthermore, among liver enzymes, blood lipids, and anthropometric indicators, the ALT/HDL-C ratio best predicts DM (AUC = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.73–0.78). Conclusion Increased ALT/HDL-C ratio levels at baseline correlated to incident DM. The relationship between ALT/HDL-C ratio and incident DM was also non-linear. When the ALT/HDL-C ratio is below 30.12, there is a statistically significant positive correlation between the ALT/HDL-C ratio and incident DM.

Abstract Homo sapiens chromosome 2 clone RP11-339H12 (AC010883.5) is a dysregulated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that has never been investigated in cervical cancer (CC). Thus, the potential function and molecular mechanism remain unclear. Our study explored the biological function of AC010883.5 to determine the underlying mechanisms in CC and provide potential therapeutic targets for improving the clinical treatment strategy. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure mitochondrial RNA levels and western blot to measure the protein levels of target genes. Further, we used Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5‐Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assays to evaluate cell proliferation in vitro. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell invasion was analyzed by wound healing and Transwell migration assays was ued to analyze cell migration. Finally, the biological function and mechanism of AC010883.5 in CC growth were evaluated by in vivo xenograft assay. AC010883.5 was enhanced in CC tissues and cell lines, and enhanced AC010883.5 expression accelerated CC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in vitro and in vivo. AC010883.5 also activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway by promoting phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (i.e., ERK1/2) and MAPK kinase 1/2 (i.e., MEK1/2). Blocking the MAPK signaling pathway could counteract the pro-proliferative, pro-migrative, and pro-invasive effects of AC010883.5 over-expression. We found that the lncRNA, AC010883.5, is an oncogenic molecule involved in CC tumor progression via dysregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway, implying that AC010883.5 could be a tumor progression and therapeutic response biomarker.

Abstract The alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) is the causative agent of pseudorabies, responsible for severe economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. The interferon-inducible GTPase guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) exhibits antiviral immunity. Our findings show that there is a robust upregulation in the expression of porcine GBP1 during PRV infection. GBP1 knockout promotes PRV infection, while GBP1 overexpression restricts it. Importantly, we found that GBP1 impeded the normal structure of actin filaments in a GTPase-dependent manner, preventing PRV virions from reaching the nucleus. We also discovered that viral US3 protein bound GBP1 to interfere with its GTPase activity. Finally, the interaction between US3 and GBP1 requires US3 serine/threonine kinase activity sites and the GTPase domain (aa 1 to 308) of GBP1. Taken together, this study offers fresh perspectives on how PRV manipulates the host’s antiviral immune system.

Superionic and electride behaviors in materials, which induce a variety of exotic physical properties of ions and electrons, are of great importance both in fundamental research and for practical applications. However, their coexistence in hot alkali-metal borides has not been observed. In this work, we apply first-principles structure search calculations to identify eight Na–B compounds with host–guest structures, which exhibit a wide range of building blocks and interesting properties linked to the Na/B composition. Among the known borides, Na-rich Na9B stands out as the composition with the highest alkali-metal content, featuring vertex- and face-sharing BNa16 polyhedra. Notably, it exhibits electride characteristics and transforms into a superionic electride at 200 GPa and 2000 K, displaying unusual Na atomic diffusion behavior attributed to the modulation of the interstitial anion electrons. It demonstrates semiconductor behavior in the solid state, and metallic properties associated with Na 3p/3s states in the superionic and liquid regions. On the other hand, B-rich NaB7, consisting of a unique covalent B framework, is predicted to exhibit low-frequency phonon-mediated superconductivity with a Tc of 16.8 K at 55 GPa. Our work advances the understanding of the structures and properties of alkali-metal borides.