Search

Abstract Thiocyanate (SCN−) exists in various industries and is detrimental to the ecosystem, necessitating cost-effective and environmentally benign treatment. In response to alleviate the bacterial toxicity of SCN−, this study developed a two-stage coupled system by tandem of anammox in reactor 1 (R1) and SCN−-driven autotrophic denitrification in reactor 2 (R2), achieving simultaneous removal of SCN− and nitrogen. The total nitrogen removal efficiency of the coupled system was 92.42 ± 1.98%, with nearly 100% of SCN− elimination. Thiobacillus was responsible for SCN− degradation. The deduced degradation pathway of SCN− was via the cyanate pathway before coupling, followed by the co-action of cyanate pathway and carbonyl sulfide pathway after coupling. Although scaling-up study is needed to validate its applicability in real-world applications, this study contributes to the advancement of sustainable and cost-effective wastewater treatment technologies, being an attractive path for low-carbon nitrogen removal and greenhouse gas emission-free technology.

Abstract A deep understanding of how the host matrix influences the afterglow properties of molecule dopants is crucial for designing advanced afterglow materials. Despite its appeal, the impact of defects on the afterglow performance in molecule-doped SiO2 matrices has remained largely unexplored. Herein, we detail the synthesis of monodisperse SiO2 microparticles by hydrothermally doping molecules, such as 4-phenylpyridine, 4,4’-bipyridine, and 1,4-bis(pyrid-4-yl)benzene. Our results demonstrate that hydrothermal reactions induce not only the formation of emissive defects in the SiO2 matrix but also enable molecule doping through SiO2 pseudomorphic transformation. Optical analyses reveal a remarkable afterglow activation of doped molecules, driven by a synergistic interplay of hydrogen bonding and physical fixation. Specifically, 4-phenylpyridine doping leads to an impressive 227- and 271-fold enhancement in fluorescence and afterglow, respectively, and an extraordinary 3711-fold enhancement in the afterglow lifetime of the resulting SiO2 MPs. We also document hybrid states involving molecule dopants and SiO2 defects, explaining energy transfer from molecule dopants to defects in both singlet and triplet states. The robust achievement of molecule doping provides flexibility to tailor excitation-dependent afterglow attributes while preserving angle-dependent structural colors, facilitating the creation of diverse building blocks for multiscale optical platforms for afterglow modulation and information encoding.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the predictive capabilities of MRI-based radiomics for detecting lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in patients diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma (EC). Materials and methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 160 female patients diagnosed with EC. The radiomics model including T2-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) images was established. Additionally, a conventional MRI model, which incorporated MRI-reported FIGO stage, deep myometrial infiltration (DMI), adnexal involvement, and vaginal/parametrial involvement, was established. Finally, a combined model was created by integrating the radiomics signature and conventional MRI characteristics. The predictive performance was validated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A stratified analysis was conducted to compare the differences between the three models by Delong test. Results In predicting LVSI, the radiomics model outperformed the clinical model in the training cohort (AUC: 0.899 vs. 0.8862) but not in the test cohort (AUC: 0.812 vs. 0.8758). The combined model demonstrated superior performance in both the training and test cohorts (training cohort: AUC = 0.934, 95% CI: 0.8807–0.9873; testing cohort: AUC = 0.905, 95% CI: 0.7679-1). Conclusions The combined model exhibited utility in preoperatively predicting LVSI in patients with EC, offering potential benefits for clinical decision-making.

Abstract Field-controlled micromanipulation represents a pivotal technique for handling microparticles, yet conventional methods often risk physical damage to targets. Here, we discovered a completely new mechanism for true noncontact manipulation through photothermal effects, called thermal-optical tweezers. We employ a laser self-assembly photothermal waveguide (PTW) for dynamic microparticle manipulation. This waveguide demonstrates superior photothermal conversion and precision control, generating a nonisothermal temperature field. The interaction of thermal convection and thermophoresis within this field creates a microfluidic potential well, enabling noncontact and nondestructive particle manipulation. By varying the path of PTWs in lithography and manipulating laser loading modes, diverse manipulation strategies, such as Z-shaped migration, periodic oscillation, and directional transport, are achievable. Our innovative noninvasive micromanipulation technology minimizes not only physical damage to target objects but also enables precise and diverse manipulation of micro entities, opening up new avenues for the photothermal control of cells and biomolecules.

Disperse ferrite is generally embedded in lightweight steel, yet exhibits decent performance, thereby prompting a question: can heterogeneous design optimize it? Here, two representative structures, featured with discontinuous fibrous and dispersed ferrite separately embedded in the austenite matrix, were constructed as examples to address the issue. A heterostructure with fibrous ferrite shows a remarkable product (49 GPa·%) of ultimate strength and total elongation, standing out among other lightweight steels. Superior strength-ductility synergy is primarily attributed to hetero-deformation-induced strengthening and hardening. Abundant hetero-interactions imparted by phase boundaries, dense slip bands in austenite and dislocation networks inside ferrite serve as underlying physical mechanisms.

The electrocaloric effect (ECE), known for its environmentally friendly characteristics, holds significant promise for advancing next-generation solid-state refrigeration technologies. Achieving a large ECE along with a wide working temperature range near room temperature remains a key developmental goal. In this study, we successfully obtained a substantial ECE of 1.78 K and an extensive working temperature range of 103 K (ΔT > 1.52 K) near room temperature in CaZrO3-modified BaTiO3 lead-free ferroelectric ceramics. Furthermore, this achievement was verified using direct methods. The piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) results suggest that the broad temperature range is attributed to the formation of ferroelectric microdomains and polar nanoregions (PNRs). Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet‒visible (UV‒Vis) spectroscopy reveal a decrease in the oxygen vacancy concentration and an increase in the bandgap for higher CaZrO3 doping levels. These changes synergistically enhance the maximum applied electric field, helping to achieve a high-performance ECE near room temperature. This research presents a straightforward and effective approach for achieving high-performance ECEs in BaTiO3 lead-free ceramics, offering promising prospects for application in next-generation solid-state refrigeration technologies.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) have emerged as the first-line choice for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection due to their superior efficacy and safety. However, the impact of INSTIs on the development of neuropsychiatric conditions in people living with HIV (PLWH) is not fully understood due to limited data. In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional examination of PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy, with a specific focus on HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) on INSTI-based regimens (n = 61) and efavirenz (EFV)-based regimens (n = 28). Participants underwent comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluations and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, including T1-weighted images and resting-state functional MRI. Compared to the EFV group, the INSTI group exhibited primarily reduced gray matter volume (GMV) in the right superior parietal gyrus, higher regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the left postcentral gyrus, lower ReHo in the right orbital part of the inferior frontal gyrus, and increased voxel-wise functional connectivity for the seed region in the left inferior temporal gyrus with clusters in the right cuneus. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a main effect of antiretroviral drugs on GMV changes, but no main effect of neuropsychiatric disorders or their interaction. The repeated analysis of participants who did not switch regimens confirmed the GMV changes in the INSTI group, validating the initial findings. Our study demonstrated gray matter atrophy and functional brain changes in PLWH on INSTI-based regimens compared to those on EFV-based regimens. These neuroimaging results provide valuable insights into the characteristics of brain network modifications in PLWH receiving INSTI-based regimens.

Abstract Background Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) emerges as a grave complication of tuberculosis in people living with HIV (PLWH). The diagnosis and treatment of TBM pose significant challenges, leading to elevated mortality rates. To comprehensively grasp the epidemiological landscape of TBM in PLWH, a systematic review and meta-analysis were meticulously undertaken. Methods We performed a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception to September 19th, 2023, with no limitations on the publication type. The search terms were HIV/AIDS terms (AIDS OR HIV OR PLWH) and TBM-related terms (tuberculous meningitis OR TBM). Studies included in this meta-analysis evaluated the incidence of TBM among PLWH, or we were able to calculate the incidence of TBM among PLWH from the research. Results The analysis revealed that the prevalence of TBM among PLWH was 13.6% (95% CI: 6.6–25.9%), with an incidence rate of 1.5 cases per 1000 persons per year. The case fatality rate was found to be 38.1% (95% CI: 24.3–54.1%). No significant publication bias was observed. Meta-regression analysis identified the proportion of females and finance situation as factors influencing the outcomes. Conclusions Our study highlights TBM as a prevalent opportunistic infection that targets the central nervous system in PLWH. The elevated case fatality rate is especially prominent among PLWH in impoverished regions, underscores the pressing necessity for enhanced management strategies for PLWH suffering from TBM. Trial registration PROSPERO; No: CRD42022338586.

Abstract Background Many patients undergo dose reduction or early termination of chemotherapy to reduce chemoradiotherapy-related toxicity, which may increase their risk of survival. However, this strategy may result in underdosing patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the relative dose intensity (RDI) and survival outcomes in patients with LA-ESCC. Methods This retrospective study assessed patients with LA-ESCC (cT2N + M0, cT3-4NanyM0) receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) with curative-intent esophagectomy. The patients received 2 courses of paclitaxel plus carboplatin (TC) combination radiotherapy prior to undergoing surgery. During NCRT, RDI was computed, defined as the received dose as a percentage of the standard dose, and the incidence of dose delays was estimated (≥ 7 days in any course cycle). The best RDI cutoff value (0.7) was obtained using ROC curve. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves were compared using the log-rank test, the treatment effect was measured using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results We included 132 patients in this study, divided into RDI

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest malignant tumors in China. Microvascular invasion (MVI) often indicates poor prognosis and metastasis in HCC patients. 18F-FDG PET–CT is a new imaging method commonly used to screen for tumor occurrence and evaluate tumor stage. Purpose This study attempted to predict the occurrence of MVI in early-stage HCC through 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging findings and laboratory data. Patients and methods A total of 113 patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups based on postoperative pathology: the MVI-positive group and MVI-negative group. We retrospectively analyzed the imaging findings and laboratory data of 113 patients. Imaging findings included tumor size, tumor maximum standard uptake value (SUVmaxT), and normal liver maximum standard uptake value (SUVmaxL). The ratios of SUVmaxT to SUVmaxL (SUVmaxT/L) and an SUVmaxT/L > 2 were defined as active tumor metabolism. The tumor size was indicated by the maximum diameter of the tumor, and a diameter greater than 5 cm was defined as a mass lesion. The laboratory data included the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level and the HBeAg level. An AFP concentration > 20 ng/mL was defined as a high AFP level. A HBeAg concentration > 0.03 NCU/mL was defined as HB-positive. Results The SUVmaxT/L (p = 0.003), AFP level (p = 0.008) and tumor size (p = 0.015) were significantly different between the two groups. Patients with active tumor metabolism, mass lesions and high AFP levels tended to be MVI positive. Binary logistic regression analysis verified that active tumor metabolism (OR = 4.124, 95% CI, 1.566–10.861; p = 0.004) and high AFP levels (OR = 2.702, 95% CI, 1.214–6.021; p = 0.015) were independent risk factors for MVI. The sensitivity of the combination of these two independent risk factors predicting HCC with MVI was 56.9% (29/51), the specificity was 83.9% (52/62) and the accuracy was 71.7% (81/113). Conclusion Active tumor metabolism and high AFP levels can predict the occurrence of MVI in HCC patients.

Abstract Background Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii) is a promising production host, but the usage of methanol limits its application in the medicine and food industries. Results To improve the constitutive expression of heterologous proteins in P. pastoris, four new potential transcription regulators (Loc1p, Msn2p, Gsm1p, Hot1p) of the glyceraldehyde triphosphate dehydrogenase promoter (pGAP) were revealed in this study by using cellulase E4 as reporter gene. On this basis, a series of P. pastoris strains with knockout or overexpression of transcription factors were constructed and the deletion of transcription factor binding sites on pGAP was confirmed. The results showed that Loc1p and Msn2p can inhibit the activity of pGAP, while Gsm1p and Hot1p can enhance the activity of pGAP; Loc1p, Gsm1p and Hot1p can bind directly to pGAP, while Msn2p must be treated to expose the C-terminal domain to bind to pGAP. Moreover, manipulating a single transcription factor led to a 0.96-fold to 2.43-fold increase in xylanase expression. In another model protein, aflatoxin oxidase, knocking out Loc1 based on AFO-∆Msn2 strain resulted in a 0.63-fold to 1.4-fold increase in expression. It can be demonstrated that the combined use of transcription factors can further improve the expression of exogenous proteins in P. pastoris. Conclusion These findings will contribute to the construction of pGAP-based P. pastoris systems towards high expression of heterologous proteins, hence improving the application potential of yeast.

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT), a severe complication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), markedly influences patient prognosis by fostering a hypercoagulable state. However, its molecular underpinnings remain largely unexplored. This study sheds light on the critical role of the KIT ligand (KITLG) in modulating expression of the collagen gene COL4A1 via the STAT3-SMAD2 signaling pathway, thereby influencing platelet activation and PVTT development. Extensive analysis of PVTT tissue samples, alongside in vitro and in vivo experiments including cell-platelet interaction assays and PVTT animal models, revealed the mechanism through which KITLG regulates COL4A1 expression, as well as its downstream effects on platelet behavior and the coagulation cascade. Our findings revealed that marked upregulation of COL4A1 expression, mediated by KITLG through the STAT3-SMAD2 pathway, led to increased platelet activation and PVTT formation. KITLG and COL4A1 expression was markedly higher in PVTT tissues than primary HCC tissues, thus highlighting their critical role in the pathophysiological trajectory leading to thrombosis. The finding that the KITLG-COL4A1 signaling axis is a crucial mediator in PVTT development may offer promising new directions for developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study underscores the importance of the KITLG-COL4A1 axis in PVTT formation and its potential as a therapeutic target in HCC treatment protocols.

Abstract Background The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a new analgesic method used in thoracic surgery. However, few studies have characterized their effects on perioperative opioid consumption. We aimed to evaluate the effects of ESPB on perioperative opioid consumption in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods This was a randomized, observer-blinded clinical trial at a single-centre academic hospital. Eighty patients were scheduled for thoracoscopic segmentectomy or lobectomy by VATS for lung cancer. Forty participants were randomly assigned to ESPB or control group. All patients received intravenous patient-controlled postoperative analgesia. Perioperative opioid consumption, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and adverse events were recorded. Results Intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption and static/dynamic VAS scores were significantly lower in the early hours after VATS in the ESPB group (p

Abstract Stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a new class of energy‐harvesting devices for powering wearable devices. However, most of them are associated with poor stretchability, low stability, and limited substrate material choices. This work presents the design and demonstration of highly stretchable and stable TENGs based on liquid metalel ectrodes with different phases. The conductive and fluidic properties of eutectic gallium‐indium (EGaIn) in the serpentine microfluidic channel ensure the robust performance of the EGaIn‐based TENG upon stretching over several hundred percent. The bi‐phasic EGaIn (bGaIn) from oxidation lowers surface tension and increases adhesion for printing on diverse substrates with high output performance parameters. The optimization of the electrode shapes in the bGaIn‐based TENGs can reduce the device footprint and weight, while enhancing stretchability. The applications of the EGaIn‐ and bGaIn‐based TENG include smart elastic bands for human movement monitoring and smart carpets with integrated data transmission/processing modules for headcount monitoring/control. Combining the concept of origami in the paper‐based bGaIn TENG can reduce the device footprint to improve output performance per unit area. The integration of bGaIn‐TENG on a self‐healing polymer substrate with corrosion resistance against acidic and alkaline solutions further facilitates its use in various challenging and extreme environments.

The exponential increasement and the attributes of medical data drive the requirement for secure medical data archiving. DNA data storage shows promise for storing sensitive and important data like medical records due to its high density and endurance. Nevertheless, current DNA data storage working scheme generally does not fully consider the data encryption, posing a risk of data corruption by routine DNA sequencing. Here, we designed a “multi-layer” encryption pipeline for medical data archiving. Initially, digital information was encrypted using Blowfish algorithm at information technology (IT) layer, followed by two-layer data encryption at the biotechnology (BT) layer. The first BT layer exploited the molecular weight of synthetic DNA or nucleoside to encrypt the key, while the second BT layer encrypted digital information within DNA sequences. Consequently, decryption involved layer-by-layer interpretation of data, including mass spectroscopy, sequencing, and Blowfish decryption, significantly enhancing data security. Utilizing mass spectroscopy to retrieve information allows for employment of both natural and unnatural nucleosides, as well as their synthetic oligonucleotides, for data storage, thereby considerably boosting scalability. Our work implies expanded flexibility of DNA-based data storage, highlighting the potential for leveraging various physical and chemical characteristics of DNA molecules to encode and access digital information.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides Oliver), a multipurpose woody plant, holds great economic significance due to its expansive medicinal, food and industrial applications. The rapid advancement of E. ulmoides in various fields has resulted in the inadequacy of existing breeding methods to meet its growth and annual production demands. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative propagation strategies. This study introduces an optimized micropropagation protocol for E. ulmoides, facilitating direct shoot organogenesis from nodal segments with axillary buds. We systematically examined the impact of basal medium composition, plant growth regulators, photosynthetic photon flux density, and sucrose concentration on bud sprouting. Employing cuttings with axillary buds as propagation material, we achieved a shortened cultivation period of merely 4 weeks for bud elongation and proliferation, marking a substantial enhancement in propagation efficiency. Notably, the Driver Kuniyuki Walnut medium, supplemented with 20.0 g L−1 sucrose and 2.0 mg L−1 trans-zeatin, induced shoots sprouting with a 100% success rate and an average length of 5.18 cm per nodal segment, equating to a great bud propagation rate of approximately 500%. Furthermore, a light source with an intensity of 80 μmol m−2 s−1 was shown the most economical choice. To address the primary challenge of inducing roots in regenerated plants, we employed a refined two-step rooting technique. This method yielded the optimal rooting frequency of 93.02%, producing an average of 5.90 adventitious roots per plantlet, each with an average length of 2.77 cm. The micropropagation program developed in this work will be the cornerstone for the preservation of the germplasm of E. ulmoides and its long-term use in medicinal and industrial applications.

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different harvest times and processing methods on the B vitamins and α-tocopherol contents of Leymus chinensis (Trin.).MethodsL. chinensis was harvested on 11 July (T1 group), 16 July (T2 group), 21 July (T3 group), 26 July (T4 group), and 31 July (T5 group) in 2022 and processed using natural drying and silage fermentation to evaluate fermentation quality, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and vitamin content.ResultsThe fermentation quality of L. chinensis silage prepared at all five times of harvest was better. The silage fermentation group showed a significant increase (p

Abstract Biodiversity often helps communities resist invasion. However, it is unclear whether this diversity–invasion relationship holds true under environmental changes. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis of 1010 observations from 25 grassland studies in which plant species richness is manipulated together with one or more environmental change factors to test invasibility (measured by biomass or cover of invaders). We find that biodiversity increases resistance to invaders across various environmental conditions. However, the positive biodiversity effect on invasion resistance is strengthened under experimental warming, whereas it is weakened under experimentally imposed drought. When multiple factors are imposed simultaneously, the positive biodiversity effect is strengthened. Overall, we show that biodiversity helps grassland communities resist plant invasions under multiple environmental changes. Therefore, investment in the protection and restoration of native biodiversity is not only important for prevention of invasions under current conditions but also under continued global environmental change.

Abstract Salvia miltiorrhiza is commonly used as a Chinese herbal medicine to treat different cardiovascular and cerebrovascular illnesses due to its active ingredients. Environmental conditions, especially drought stress, can affect the yield and quality of S. miltiorrhiza. However, moderate drought stress could improve the quality of S. miltiorrhiza without significantly reducing the yield, and the mechanism of this initial drought resistance is still unclear. In our study, transcriptome and metabolome analyses of S. miltiorrhiza under different drought treatment groups (CK, A, B, and C groups) were conducted to reveal the basis for its drought tolerance. We discovered that the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza under different drought treatment groups had no obvious shrinkage, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities dramatically increased, indicating that our drought treatment methods were moderate, and the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza began to initiate drought resistance. The morphology of root tissue had no significant change under different drought treatment groups, and the contents of four tanshinones significantly enhanced. In all, 5213, 6611, and 5241 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were shared in the A, B, and C groups compared with the CK group, respectively. The results of KEGG and co-expression analysis showed that the DEGs involved in plant-pathogen interactions, the MAPK signaling pathway, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction responded to drought stress and were strongly correlated with tanshinone biosynthesis. Furthermore, the results of metabolism analysis indicated that 67, 72, and 92 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), including fumarate, ferulic acid, xanthohumol, and phytocassanes, which were primarily involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and diterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, were detected in these groups. These discoveries provide valuable information on the molecular mechanisms by which S. miltiorrhiza responds to drought stress and will facilitate the development of drought-resistant and high-quality S. miltiorrhiza production.

Abstract Conducting polymer hydrogel can address the challenges of stricken biocompatibility and durability. Nevertheless, conventional conducting polymer hydrogels are often brittle and weak due to the intrinsic quality of the material, which exhibits viscoelasticity. This property may cause a delay in sensor response time due to hysteresis. To overcome these limitations, we have designed a wrinkle morphology three‐dimensional (3D) substrate using digital light processing technology and then followed by in situ polymerization to form interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels. This novel design results in a wrinkle morphology conducting polymer hydrogel elastomer with high precision and geometric freedom, as the size of the wrinkles can be controlled by adjusting the treating time. The wrinkle morphology on the conducting polymer hydrogel effectively reduces its viscoelasticity, leading to samples with quick response time, low hysteresis, stable cyclic performance, and remarkable resistance change. Simultaneously, the 3D gradient structure augmented the sensor's sensitivity under minimal stress while exhibiting consistent sensing performance. These properties indicate the potential of the conducting polymer hydrogel as a flexible sensor.

Abstract Background The simultaneous (synchronous) presence of primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer diagnosed in a single individual is not an uncommon phenomenon. However, reference data for treatment strategy is scarce and “chaotic”. In the present study we discuss the management strategy for this group of patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients in the primary breast cancer database of the Breast Center and the primary lung cancer database of the Thoracic Surgery Department I of Peking University Cancer Hospital. Patients with synchronous primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer who underwent surgery between December 2010 and December 2023 were included in the study. The sequence of outpatient visits, recommendations of multidisciplinary teams, perioperative treatment, and surgical procedures were reviewed. Meanwhile, survival analysis based on propensity score matching with 1:1 ratio was performed between the 31 patients and those with lung cancer only during the same period. Results A total of 31 patients with synchronous primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer were identified; all of the patients were women. The average age was 61 years. A total of 24 of the patients had visited the breast center first, and routine chest computed tomography (CT) showed evidence of primary lung cancer. The other seven patients had visited the thoracic surgery clinic first, and routine positron emission tomography (PET)‐CT revealed the coexistence of primary breast cancer. All the patients had multidisciplinary team consultations, after which 20 patients were recommended to have preoperative treatment for breast cancer, two patients were recommended to have preoperative treatment for lung cancer, and nine patients were recommended to undergo surgery directly. After surgery, 23 patients received postoperative adjuvant treatment for breast cancer, and no patients needed postoperative adjuvant treatment for lung cancer. Survival analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the 31 patients and those with lung cancer only. Conclusion Routine chest CT is needed for breast cancer patients before surgery, and PET‐CT is required for the accurate staging of lung cancer patients. A multidisciplinary expert team should manage synchronous primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer. Emphasis should be placed on patients who need preoperative treatment before surgery. Particularly, for patients who need preoperative chemotherapy, a regimen should be chosen that balances the treatment of lung cancer and breast cancer.

Abstract Background Research on the fatty acid metabolism related gene SLC27A2 is currently mainly focused on solid tumors, and its mechanism of action in hematological tumors has not been reported. Method This study aims to explore the pathological and immune mechanisms of the fatty acid metabolism related gene SLC27A2 in hematological tumors and verify its functional role in hematological tumors through cell experiments to improve treatment decisions and clinical outcomes of hematological tumors. Result This study identified the fatty acid metabolism related gene SLC27A2 as a common differentially expressed gene between DLBCL and AML. Immune microenvironment analysis showed that SLC27A2 was significantly positively correlated with T cell CD4 + , T cell CD8 + , endothelial cells, macrophages, and NK cells in DLBCL. In AML, there is a significant negative correlation between SLC27A2 and B cells, T cell CD8 + , and macrophages. SLC27A2 participates in the immune process of hematological tumors through T cell CD8 + and macrophages. The GESA results indicate that high expression of SLC27A2 is mainly involved in the fatty acid pathway, immune pathway, and cell cycle pathway of DLBCL. The low expression of SLC27A2 is mainly involved in the immune pathway of AML. Therefore, SLC27A2 is mainly involved in the pathological mechanisms of hematological tumors through immune pathways, and cell experiments have also confirmed that SLC27A2 is involved in the regulation of DLBCL cells. Conclusion In summary, our research results comprehensively report for the first time the mechanism of action of SLC27A2 in the immune microenvironment of DLBCL and AML, and for the first time verify the cycle and apoptotic effects of the fatty acid related gene SLC27A2 in DLBCL cells through cell experiments. Research can help improve the treatment of AML and DLBCL patients.

Abstract Background In agricultural production, fungal diseases significantly impact the yield and quality of cotton (Gossypium spp.) with Verticillium wilt posing a particularly severe threat. Results This study is focused on investigating the effectiveness of endophytic microbial communities present in the seeds of disease-resistant cotton genotypes in the control of cotton Verticillium wilt. The technique of 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) amplicon sequencing identified a significant enrichment of the Bacillus genus in the resistant genotype Xinluzao 78, which differed from the endophytic bacterial community structure in the susceptible genotype Xinluzao 63. Specific enriched strains were isolated and screened from the seeds of Xinluzao 78 to further explore the biological functions of seed endophytes. A synthetic microbial community (SynCom) was constructed using the broken-rod model, and seeds of the susceptible genotype Xinluzao 63 in this community that had been soaked with the SynCom were found to significantly control the occurrence of Verticillium wilt and regulate the growth of cotton plants. Antibiotic screening techniques were used to preliminarily identify the colonization of strains in the community. These techniques revealed that the strains can colonize plant tissues and occupy ecological niches in cotton tissues through a priority effect, which prevents infection by pathogens. Conclusion This study highlights the key role of seed endophytes in driving plant disease defense and provides a theoretical basis for the future application of SynComs in agriculture.

Abstract Blood transfusions from convalescent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients could be used to treat patients with severe infections or immunocompromised patients. However, it is necessary to select the optimal donors to maximize the utilization of resources. In this study, we investigated the associations among body mass index (BMI), tobacco smoking, exercise frequency and duration, and alcohol consumption with the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin-G (IgG) antibody titer levels with in the Chinese convalescent blood donor population. Here we show that BMI, smoking habits, and exercise frequency appear to be predictive factors for IgG levels in convalescent male blood donors. However, these variables were not observed as predictive of IgG levels in female convalescent blood donors. The findings could be used to optimize the screening for potential blood donors to treat immunocompromised or severely ill COVID-19 patients.

The hetero-zone boundary affected region (HBAR), with a high strain gradient, plays a crucial role in the synergistic deformation of layered materials. Our previous experimental study demonstrated that a decreasing interfacial spacing leads to a higher fraction of HBAR and an enhanced combination of strength and ductility. In this work, a conventional mechanism-based strain gradient (CMSG) plasticity model is adopted to simulate the tensile behavior of Cu–Fe layered materials with three different interfacial spacings. The simulation results indicated that strain/stress partitioning and strain banding are the main factors for the synergistic deformation behavior. Strain bands are more likely to be activated in the Cu–Fe layered materials with smaller interfacial spacing. In addition, the formation of HBAR near the layer boundary can be observed, consistent with the previous experiments. During deformation, the HBAR induces back stress and forward stress to strengthen the Cu layer and weaken the Fe layer, respectively. The simulation results indicate the stress transfer between the Cu and Fe layers, which benefits the strain hardening and enhances synergistic deformation. This study provides a valuable insight into the strength-ductility synergy of layered materials. It demonstrates that increasing the HBAR fraction is a viable approach to enhance the mechanical properties of hetero-structured materials.

Zhejiang, China, has a tradition of wine-fermented foods, including Jinhua Dajiao steamed bread (JDSB). The traditional leavening agent, jiaotou, confers its properties and taste to JDSB. We examined microorganisms in jiaotou, their effects on processing, and the metabolome using metagenomic and metabolomic analyses. Metagenomics of microorganisms in jiaotou revealed a high average diversity, with Rhizopus sp. being the dominant bacteria. The enriched genes were most abundant in genes related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, with a greater number of non-redundant genes for glycoside hydrolases and glycosyl transferases. The enriched genes may have a direct impact on the organoleptic quality of JDSB. Functional enrichment analysis of different metabolites revealed that pathways associated with linoleic acid, ABC transporter, alanine, aspartate, glutamate, and galactose metabolism were enriched during JDSB processing. We identified a strong correlation between metagenomic functional level and metabolomics pathway enrichment analyses.The results contribute to the improvement of JDSB processing.

MXenes, a novel class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, have attracted considerable attention in various fields, especially in drug delivery, wound healing, bone tissue engineering, biosensing, and cancer treatment. Thanks to their remarkable physicochemical properties, MXenes hold great promise for biomedical applications. Concurrently, hydrogels composed of polymers have been extensively utilized in biomedical contexts. The unique properties of MXenes facilitate their integration into various bioactive hydrogels with enhanced functions and properties, thereby endowing the composites with multifunctional capabilities. MXene-reinforced polymer hydrogels (MRPHs) synergistically combine the advantageous characteristics of both MXenes and hydrogels, making them highly adaptable for integration with other theranostic strategies in medical applications. In this comprehensive review, we demonstrate recent advances in the design and synthesis of MRPHs for biomedical applications. Specifically, we introduce the unique functions and properties of MRPHs and analyze the methods for tailoring the functions of MRPHs by incorporating them with other active components, including functional molecules, 2D materials, metal ions, natural polymers, and drugs/genes. We then discuss the biomedical applications of the designed bioactive MRPHs in wound healing, tissue engineering, biosensors, and cancer therapy. We hope that this work provides valuable guidance and inspiration for readers to develop novel MRPHs for advanced applications.

Anthocyanins are plant secondary metabolites belonging to the polyphenol class of natural water-soluble phytopigments. The accumulation of anthocyanins in different plant tissues can improve plant survival under adverse conditions. In addition, plants with the resulting colorful morphology can be utilized as landscape plants. Triticum boeoticum (syn. Triticum monococcum ssp. aegilopoides, 2n=2x=14, AbAb) serves as a valuable genetic resource for the improvement of its close relative common wheat in terms of enhancing resilience to various biotic and abiotic stresses. In our previous study, the EMS-mutagenized mutant Z2921 with a red glume, stem, and rachis was generated from T. boeoticum G52, which has a green glume, stem, and rachis. In this study, the F1, F2, and F2:3 generations of a cross between mutant-type Z2921 and wild-type G52 were developed. A single recessive gene, tentatively designated RgM4G52, was identified in Z2921 via genetic analysis. Using bulked segregant exome capture sequencing (BSE-Seq) analysis, RgM4G52 was mapped to chromosome 6AL and was flanked by the markers KASP-58 and KASP-26 within a 3.40-cM genetic interval corresponding to 1.71-Mb and 1.61-Mb physical regions in the Chinese Spring (IWGSC RefSeq v1.1) and Triticum boeoticum (TA299) reference genomes, respectively, in which seven and four genes related to anthocyanin synthesis development were annotated. Unlike previously reported color morphology-related genes, RgM4G52 is a recessive gene that can simultaneously control the color of glumes, stems, and rachis in wild einkorn. In addition, a synthetic Triticum dicoccum–T. boeoticum amphiploid Syn-ABAb-34, derived from the colchicine treatment of F1 hybrids between tetraploid wheat PI 352367 (T. dicoccum, AABB) and Z2921, expressed the red stems of Z2921. The flanking markers of RgM4G52 developed in this study could be useful for developing additional common wheat lines with red stems, laying the foundation for marker-assisted breeding and the fine mapping of RgM4G52.

The stability of soil organic carbon (SOC) is crucial for the global carbon cycle and serves as a key indicator of soil quality and eco-system function. In Karst areas, SOC stability is influenced by unique geological conditions. Studying SOC stability in these regions is significant for understanding regional ecosystem functions and the role of SOC in mitigating global climate change. This review examines the fractions and stability of SOC in Karst areas, analyzing the impacts of key factors such as rocky desertification, land use changes, and vegetation restoration on SOC stability, along with their underlying mechanisms. It also discusses the current challenges and opportunities in SOC stability. This review aims to guide the development of effective ecological rehabilitation and management strategies for degraded ecosystems in Karst areas.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare hematological parameters pre- and early post-chemotherapy, and evaluate their values for predicting febrile neutropenia (FN).MethodsPatients diagnosed with malignant solid tumors receiving chemotherapy were included. Blood cell counts peri-chemotherapy and clinical information were retrieved from the hospital information system. We used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method for variable selection and fitted selected variables to a logistic model. We assessed the performance of the prediction model by the area under the ROC curve.ResultsThe study population consisted of 4,130 patients with common solid tumors receiving a three-week chemotherapy regimen in Sichuan Cancer Hospital from February 2019 to March 2022. In the FN group, change percentage of neutrophil count decreased less (−0.02, CI: −0.88 to 3.48 vs. −0.04, CI: −0.83 to 2.24). Among hematological parameters, lower post-chemotherapy lymphocyte count (OR 0.942, CI: 0.934–0.949), change percentage of platelet (OR 0.965, CI: 0.955–0.975) and higher change percentage of post-chemotherapy neutrophil count (OR 1.015, CI: 1.011–1.018), and pre-chemotherapy NLR (OR 1.002, CI: 1.002–1.002) predicted an increased risk of FN. These factors improved the predicting model based on clinical factors alone. The AUC of the combination model was 0.8275.ConclusionPeri-chemotherapy hematological markers improve the prediction of FN.

Aeolian sandy soil and loess soil of the Mu Us Sandy Land are used as the research material in this study to investigate the effect of soil compounding on the improvement of aeolian sandy soil and to provide a feasible approach for sand prevention and sand control. In particular, loess soils were compounded at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% by volume percentage of the compounded soils. The improvement benefits of compounded soils on their textural properties, water-holding capacity, and fertilizer-retention capacity at different blending ratios were evaluated. The results showed that following the compounding of aeolian sandy and loess soils, with the increase of the loess proportion, the texture type of the compounded soil transforms from sandy soil to loamy sandy soil to sandy loam to loamy soil to powdery loam. Moreover, granular gradation was observed, the bulk density gradually decreased, the capillary porosity gradually increased, and the performance of water- and fertilizer-holding properties gradually increased and strengthened. The spatial variability of compounded soil bulk density, capillary porosity, and the water-holding and fertilizer-retention properties was almost entirely controlled by the proportion of loess soil. A theoretical basis is provided in this study for aeolian sandy soil improvement in the Mu Us Sandy Land that can be extended to similar areas, providing a feasible sand management approach.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety, pain, and vital sign changes in ophthalmic surgery patients. Methods: An extensive search of databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, identified relevant studies up to Jan 2024. Selection of studies was conducted based on the PICOS criteria. The quality of methodology was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool and Review Manager 5.4. Meta-analysis comparing the control group and the music therapy group was performed using R and Stata/SE 15.1 random or fixed effects model. Results: This meta-analysis included fifteen studies comprising 2098 participants. The analysis revealed that music therapy significantly reduced the risk of high anxiety levels as measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (I2 = 0 %, RR(95 %CI): 0.75(0.63, 0.88), p = 0.0006), indicating a substantial effect without heterogeneity. The Anxiety scores determined by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) also showed a significant decrease (SMD(95 %CI): −0.75(−0.88, −0.61), p

IntroductionYeast culture (YC) enhances ruminant performance, but its functional mechanism remains unclear because of the complex composition of YC and the uncertain substances affecting rumen fermentation. The objective of this study was to determine the composition of effective metabolites in YC by exploring its effects on rumen fermentation in vitro, growth and slaughter performance, serum index, rumen fermentation parameters, rumen microorganisms, and metabolites in lambs.MethodsIn Trial 1, various YCs were successfully produced, providing raw materials for identifying effective metabolites. The experiment was divided into 5 treatment groups with 5 replicates in each group: the control group (basal diet without additives) and YC groups were supplemented with 0.625‰ of four different yeast cultures, respectively (groups A, B, C, and D). Rumen fermentation parameters were determined at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h in vitro. A univariate regression model multiple factor associative effects index (MFAEI; y) was established to correlate the most influential factors on in vitro rumen fermentation with YC metabolites (x). This identified the metabolites promoting rumen fermentation and optimal YC substance levels. In Trial 2, metabolites in YC not positively correlated with MFAEI were excluded, and effective substances were combined with pure chemicals (M group). This experiment validated the effectiveness of YC metabolites in lamb production based on their impact on growth, slaughter performance, serum indices, rumen parameters, microorganisms, and metabolites. Thirty cross-generation rams (Small tail Han-yang ♀ × Australian white sheep ♂) with good body condition and similar body weight were divided into three treatment groups with 10 replicates in each group: control group, YC group, pure chemicals combination group (M group).ResultsGrowth performance and serum index were measured on days 30 and 60, and slaughter performance, rumen fermentation parameters, microorganisms, and metabolites were measured on day 60. The M group significantly increased the dressing percentage, and significantly decreased the GR values of lambs (p < 0.05). The concentration of growth hormone (GH), Cortisol, insulin (INS), and rumen VFA in the M group significantly increased (p

Abstract Background Hearing loss (HL) is the most frequent sensory deficit in humans, with strong genetic heterogeneity. The genetic diagnosis of HL is very important to aid treatment decisions and to provide prognostic information and genetic counselling for the patient's family. Methods We detected and analysed 362 Chinese non‐syndromic HL patients by screening of variants in 15 hot spot mutations. Subsequently, 40 patients underwent further whole‐exome sequencing (WES) to determine genetic aetiology. The candidate variants were verified using Sanger sequencing. Twenty‐three carrier couples with pathogenic variants or likely pathogenic variants chose to proceed with prenatal diagnosis using Sanger sequencing. Results Among the 362 HL patients, 102 were assigned a molecular diagnosis with 52 different variants in 22 deafness genes. A total of 41 (11.33%) cases with the biallelic GJB2 (OMIM # 220290) gene mutations were detected, and 21 (5.80%) had biallelic SLC26A4 (OMIM # 605646) mutations. Mitochondrial gene (OMIM # 561000) mutations were detected in seven (1.93%) patients. Twenty of the variants in 15 deafness genes were novel. SOX10 (OMIM # 602229), MYO15A (OMIM # 602666) and WFS1 (OMIM # 606201) were each detected in two patients. Meanwhile, OSBPL2 (OMIM # 606731), RRM2B (OMIM # 604712), OTOG (OMIM # 604487), STRC (OMIM # 606440), PCDH15 (OMIM # 605514), LOXHD1 (OMIM # 613072), CDH23 (OMIM # 605516), TMC1 (OMIM # 606706), CHD7 (OMIM # 608892), DIAPH3 (OMIM # 614567), TBC1D24 (OMIM # 613577), TIMM8A (OMIM # 300356), PTPRQ (OMIM # 603317), SALL1 (OMIM # 602218), and GSDME (OMIM # 608798) were each detected in one patient. In addition, as regards one couple with a heterozygous variant of CDH23 and PCDH15, respectively, prenatal diagnosis results suggest that the foetus had double heterozygous (DH) variants of CDH23 and PCDH15, which has a high risk to cause ID/F type Usher syndrome. Conclusion Our study expanded the spectrum of deafness gene variation, which will contribute to the genetic diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis and the procreation guidance of deaf couple. In addition, the deafness caused by two genes should be paid attention to in the prenatal diagnosis of families with both deaf patients.

Abstract Diseases like obesity and intestinal inflammation diseases are accompanied by dysbiosis of the gut microbiota (DSGM), which leads to various complications, including systemic metabolic disorders. DSGM reportedly impairs the fertility of male mice; however, the regulatory mechanism is unclear. Exosomes are molecular mediators of intercellular communication, but the regulation of spermatogenesis by non‐reproductive tissue‐originated exosomes remains unknown. The present study shows that DSGM altered the miRNA expression profile of mouse circulating exosomes and impaired spermatogenesis. Moreover, the single‐cell sequencing results indicate that circulating exosomes from mice with DSGM impaired spermatogenesis, while circulating exosomes from wild mice improved spermatogenesis by promoting meiosis. Further study demonstrates that DSGM leads to abnormal upregulation of miR‐211‐5p in gut‐derived circulating exosomes, which inhibited the expression of meiosis‐specific with coiled‐coil domain (Meioc) in the testes and impaired spermatogenesis by disturbing meiosis process. In summary, this study defines the important role of gut‐derived exosomes in connecting the “gut‐testis” axis.

Microorganisms residing in the cecum of donkeys are crucial for physiological processes, nutrient metabolism, and immune function. Feeding methods can affect the dynamic balance of animal gut microbiota, thereby affecting indicators such as volatile fatty acids. This study explores suitable feeding methods to promote actual production by changing the feeding order of concentrate. Fifteen Dezhou donkeys with similar age and weight profiles were randomly divided into three groups with the concentrate feeding sequence: fiber-to-concentrate (FC), concentrate-to-fiber (CF), and total mixed ration (TMR). The experiment spanned a duration of 82 days. The analyses conducted were primarily aimed at determining the effects of feeding on gut microbes, primarily using metagenomic sequencing techniques. The experimental findings revealed that the levels of valeric acid were notably higher in the CF and TMR groups compared to the FC group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the feeding sequence exerts a certain impact on the microbial composition within the cecum of Dezhou donkeys. At the phylum level, the predominant microbiota consisted of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, with the CF group displaying a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes compared to both the FC and TMR groups. At the genus level, Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Fibrobacter were the dominant bacterial genera identified in cecum. The functional gene annotation analysis indicated a significantly lower abundance of lacZ (K01190), Por/nifJ (K03737), and ppdK (K01006) genes in CF group relative to the FC and TMR groups (p < 0.05), highlighting their roles in galactose metabolism and glycolysis, respectively. Moreover, the CF group exhibited a higher concentration of antibiotic resistance genes (tetO and tet44) in the gut microbiota compared to the TMR and FC groups (p < 0.05), underscoring the presence of numerous antibiotic resistance genes within the phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. In conclusion, different precision feed sequences significantly impact the levels of volatile fatty acids in Dezhou fattening donkeys, modify the composition and functional genes of the cecal microbiota, and elucidate the microbial mechanisms influenced by the feeding sequence on the growth and metabolism. These insights are anticipated to provide a foundation for the rational design of precision feed sequences in practical agricultural settings.

Abstract Gut microbiota and their metabolic products might play important roles in regulating the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to characterize gut microbiota and serum amino acid metabolome profiles in children with ASD. A non-randomized controlled study was carried out to analyze the alterations in the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in patients with ASD (n = 30) compared with neurotypical controls (NC) (n = 30) by metagenomic sequencing to define the gut microbiota community and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis to characterize the metabolite profiles. Compared with children in the NC group, those in the ASD group showed lower richness, higher evenness, and an altered microbial community structure. At the class level, Deinococci and Holophagae were significantly lower in children with ASD compared with TD. At the phylum level, Deinococcus-Thermus was significantly lower in children with ASD compared with TD. In addition, the functional properties (such as galactose metabolism) displayed significant differences between the ASD and NC groups. Five dominant altered species were identified and analyzed (LDA score > 2.0, P

Abstract Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in working-age populations. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase that demethylates RNAs involved in energy homeostasis, though its influence on DR is not well studied. Herein, we detected elevated FTO expression in vitreous fibrovascular membranes of patients with proliferative DR. FTO promoted cell cycle progression and tip cell formation of endothelial cells (ECs) to facilitate angiogenesis in vitro, in mice, and in zebrafish. FTO also regulated EC-pericyte crosstalk to trigger diabetic microvascular leakage, and mediated EC–microglia interactions to induce retinal inflammation and neurodegeneration in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, FTO affected EC features via modulating CDK2 mRNA stability in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. FTO up-regulation under diabetic conditions was driven by lactate-mediated histone lactylation. FB23-2, an inhibitor to FTO’s m6A demethylase activity, suppressed angiogenic phenotypes in vitro. To allow for systemic administration, we developed a nanoplatform encapsulating FB23-2 and confirmed its targeting and therapeutic efficiency in mice. Collectively, our study demonstrates that FTO is important for EC function and retinal homeostasis in DR, and warrants further investigation as a therapeutic target for DR patients.

Generally, high-strength metallic materials with large ductility are of technological importance in various engineering fields, including aerospace, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction. This work developed a new type of steel with exceptional yield strength (1.5∼2.0 GPa) and high total elongation (11∼26%) through a simple three-step process involving cold-rolling, warm-rolling and annealing treatments. Microstructural analysis revealed that the steel is composed of nano platelets made up of austenite and martensite. These platelets aggregate within elongated prior austenite grains, forming hierarchical lamellar structures. The study thoroughly investigated the anisotropic mechanical properties of the steel, particularly its strength and yield point behavior in rolling and transverse directions. The primary sources of strength were mainly originated from nano lamellae and high density of dislocations, while the anisotropic strengthening and yield point behavior was attributed to the textures and lamellar boundaries. With increasing warm-rolling reduction, the anisotropy level of dislocation strengthening gradually decreases, while the anisotropy level of boundary strengthening significantly increases. The discrepancy in yield point behavior along the rolling and transverse directions is ascribed to the differing number of boundaries per unit area of cross-section perpendicular to the tensile direction and the shear stress required for dislocation slip. This study provides a deep insight into understanding the anisotropy of strengthening and yield point behavior in nanolamellar steel so as to contribute to its future applications in engineering structural components.

Abstract Background Postoperative pain remains a significant concern following uniportal thoracoscopic surgery. The analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) in terms of postoperative opioid consumption in uniportal thoracoscopic surgery still needs further studies. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted, enrolling 150 patients who underwent uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy. The patients were randomly allocated to three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: the ESPB group (administered 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine), the SAPB group (administered 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine), and the standard care (control) group. The primary endpoint was the consumption of sufentanil during the first 24 h following surgery. Secondary endpoints assessed the area under the curve (AUC) of pain numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, occurrence of moderate to severe pain, time to initial sufentanil request, and postoperative adverse events. Results No significant difference was observed in the consumption of sufentanil during the first 24 h following surgery between the ESPB and SAPB groups (adjusted difference, 1.53 [95% CI, -5.15 to 2.08]). However, in comparison to the control group, both intervention groups demonstrated a significant decrease in sufentanil consumption, with adjusted differences of -9.97 [95% CI, -13.10 to -6.84] for the ESPB group and -12.55 [95% CI, -15.63 to -9.47] for the SAPB group. There were no significant differences in AUC of NRS scores during rest and movement between the ESPB and SAPB groups, with adjusted differences of -7.10 [95% CI, 1.33 to -15.55] for the rest condition and 5.61 [95% CI, -13.23 to 2.01] for the movement condition. At 6 h postoperatively, there were fewer patients with moderate to severe pain in the ESPB group compared with those in the SAPB group (adjusted difference, -1.37% [95% CI, -2.29% to -0.45%]. The time to first sufentanil request significantly differed among the three groups (ESPB vs Control P

The article discusses the peculiarities of the terminology of traditional Chinese medicine and the problems that arise during its translation into Russian. The author shows that the most common model for creating terms in this field is represented by two-word and four-word phrases. It is noted that their translation cannot be limited to traditional methods. It is asserted that the conceptual meaning of terms in traditional Chinese medicine has historical, philosophical, and humanistic foundations. It is emphasized that the translation of terms in traditional Chinese medicine should include issues of cultural communication. Examples of successful and unsuccessful translations of terms into Russian demonstrate that the rich cultural subtext contained in them determines the difficulty of their perception. The reasons for incorrect translations of terms in traditional Chinese medicine are indicated, among which their non-equivalence, historical-cultural context, differences in content when there are differences in expression, etc. It is concluded that an important issue in translating terms in traditional Chinese medicine is the need to formulate unified rules for translating texts in this field into a foreign language.

AbstractContext As a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Recent studies indicated that the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with OSA may be mediated by accelerated vascular senescence. Danggui-Buxue decoction (DBD) has been used for treating cardiovascular diseases, but its mechanism of vascular senescence regulation is still unclear.Objective To investigate the effect of DBD on vascular senescence in mice exposed to CIH and to explore the role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.Materials and methods C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into Normoxia control group (CON), CIH (21%-5% O2, 20 times/h, 8 h/d) exposed group (CIH), and DBD treatment group (intragastrically treated with 2.34, 4.68, or 9.36 g/kg/day of DBD separately for 12 weeks as DBL, DBM, or DBH). Blood pressure, cardiac and vascular function, vascular senescence, inflammation response, oxidative stress, and Nrf2/HO-1 expression were determined.Results DBD (4.68 and 9.36 g/kg) significantly decreased Tail-cuff blood pressure, increased left ventricular systolic function, and alleviated arterial stiffness and vasorelaxation dysfunction in mice exposed to CIH. DBD treatment reduced SA-β-gal activity, decreased p16 (0.68-fold, 0.62-fold), P21 (0.58-fold, 0.52-fold), and p53 expressions (0.67-fold, 0.65-fold), and increased SIRT1 expression (2.22-fold, 2.98-fold) in the aortic. DBD treatment decreased IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α expressions, decreased MDA but increased SOD levels, and increased Nrf2 (1.8-fold, 1.89-fold) and HO-1 (2.25-fold, 2.43-fold) expression.Discussion and conclusions DBD could attenuate vascular senescence accelerated by CIH exposure through inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Background: Tryptophan is widely present in foods such as peanuts, milk, and bananas, playing a crucial role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis in health and disease. Tryptophan metabolism is involved in the development and progression of immune, nervous, and digestive system diseases. Although some excellent reviews on tryptophan metabolism exist, there has been no systematic scientometric study as of yet. Methods: This review provides and summarizes research hotspots and potential future directions by analyzing annual publications, topics, keywords, and highly cited papers sourced from Web of Science spanning 1964 to 2022. Results: This review provides a scientometric overview of tryptophan metabolism disorder-triggered diseases, mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. Conclusions: The gut microbiota regulates gut permeability, inflammation, and host immunity by directly converting tryptophan to indole and its derivatives. Gut microbial metabolites regulate tryptophan metabolism by activating specific receptors or enzymes. Additionally, the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, activated by indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2, 3-dioxygenase, affects the migration and invasion of glioma cells and the development of COVID-19 and depression. The research and development of IDO inhibitors help to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Tryptophan metabolites as potential markers are used for disease therapy, guiding clinical decision-making. Tryptophan metabolites serve as targets to provide a new promising strategy for neuroprotective/neurotoxic imbalance affecting brain structure and function. In summary, this review provides valuable guidance for the basic research and clinical application of tryptophan metabolism.

PHOTH-graphene is a newly predicted 2D carbon material with a low-energy structure. However, its mechanical stability and fracture properties are still elusive. The mechanical stability, elastic, and fracture properties of PHOTH-graphene were investigated using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations equipped with REBO potential in this study. The influence of orientation and temperature on mechanical properties was evaluated. Specifically, the Young’s modulus, toughness, and ultimate stress and strain varied by −26.14%, 36.46%, 29.04%, and 25.12%, respectively, when comparing the armchair direction to the zigzag direction. The percentage reduction in ultimate stress, ultimate strain, and toughness of the material in both directions after a temperature increase of 1000 K (from 200 K to 1200 K) ranged from 56.69% to 91.80%, and the Young’s modulus was reduced by 13.63% and 7.25% in both directions, respectively, with Young’s modulus showing lower sensitivity. Defects usually weaken the material’s strength, but adding random point defects in the range of 3% to 5% significantly increases the ultimate strain of the material. Furthermore, hydrogen atom adsorption induces crack expansion to occur earlier, and the crack tip without hydrogen atom adsorption just began to expand when the strain was 0.135, while the crack tip with hydrogen atom adsorption had already undergone significant expansion. This study provides a reference for the possible future practical application of PHOTH-graphene in terms of mechanical properties and fracture failure.

Warming significantly impacts soil respiration in terrestrial ecosystems, thereby altering global carbon cycle processes. Numerous field experiments have investigated the effects of warming on soil respiration (Rs), but the results have been inconsistent due to various factors such as ecosystem type, soil warming amplitude, duration, and environmental conditions. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of 1339 cases from 70 studies in terrestrial ecosystems to evaluate the response of Rs, heterotrophic respiration (Rh), and autotrophic respiration (Ra) to global warming. The results indicated that Rs, Rh, and Ra increased by 13.88%, 15.03%, and 19.72%, respectively, with a significant rise observed across different ecosystems. Generally, Rs increased with rising temperatures within a specific range (0–4 °C), whereas higher temperatures (>4 °C) did not significantly affect Rs. Moreover, Rs, Rh, and Ra exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease with prolonged duration, indicating an adaptive response to climate warming. Additionally, Rs and Rh exhibit significant seasonal variations, with levels in winter being markedly higher than in summer. Furthermore, environmental factors exerted direct or indirect effects on soil respiration components. The factors’ importance for Rs was ranked as microbial biomass carbon (MBC) > mean annual temperature (MAT) > mean annual precipitation (MAP), for Rh as soil organic carbon (SOC) > MBC > MAT > MAP, and for Ra as belowground biomass (BGB) > aboveground biomass (AGB) > SOC. Future research should focus on the interactions among explanatory factors to elucidate the response mechanisms of soil respiration under global warming conditions.

IntroductionMorchella esculenta is a popular edible fungus with high economic and nutritional value. However, the rot disease caused by Lecanicillium aphanocladii, pose a serious threat to the quality and yield of M. esculenta. Biological control is one of the effective ways to control fungal diseases.Methods and resultsIn this study, an effective endophytic B. subtilis A9 for the control of M. esculenta rot disease was screened, and its biocontrol mechanism was studied by transcriptome analysis. In total, 122 strains of endophytic bacteria from M. esculenta, of which the antagonistic effect of Bacillus subtilis A9 on L. aphanocladii G1 reached 72.2% in vitro tests. Biological characteristics and genomic features of B. subtilis A9 were analyzed, and key antibiotic gene clusters were detected. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that B. subtilis A9 affected the mycelium and spores of L. aphanocladii G1. In field experiments, the biological control effect of B. subtilis A9 reached to 62.5%. Furthermore, the transcritome profiling provides evidence of B. subtilis A9 bicontrol at the molecular level. A total of 1,246 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the treatment and control group. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that a large number of DEGs were related to antioxidant activity related. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the main pathways were Nitrogen metabolism, Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) signal pathway. Among them, some important genes such as carbonic anhydrase CA (H6S33_007248), catalase CAT (H6S33_001409), tRNA dihydrouridine synthase DusB (H6S33_001297) and NAD(P)-binding protein NAD(P) BP (H6S33_000823) were found. Furthermore, B. subtilis A9 considerably enhanced the M. esculenta activity of Polyphenol oxidase (POD), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Phenylal anineammonia lyase (PAL) and Catalase (CAT).ConclusionThis study presents the innovative utilization of B. subtilis A9, for effectively controlling M. esculenta rot disease. This will lay a foundation for biological control in Morchella, which may lead to the improvement of new biocontrol agents for production.

Abstract Objective Sepsis is an organ malfunction disease that may become fatal and is commonly accompanied by severe complications such as multiorgan dysfunction. Patients who are already hospitalized have a high risk of death due to sepsis. Even though early diagnosis is very important, the technology and clinical approaches that are now available are inadequate. Hence, there is an immediate necessity to investigate biological markers that are sensitive, specific, and reliable for the prompt detection of sepsis to reduce mortality and improve patient prognosis. Mounting research data indicate that ferroptosis contributes to the occurrence, development, and prevention of sepsis. However, the specific regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis remains to be elucidated. This research evaluated the expression profiles of ferroptosis‐related genes (FRGs) and the diagnostic significance of the ferroptosis‐related classifiers in sepsis. Methods and Results We collected three peripheral blood data sets from septic patients, integrated the clinical examination data and mRNA expression profile of these patients, and identified 13 FRGs in sepsis through a co‐expression network and differential analysis. Then, an optimal classifier tool for sepsis was constructed by integrating a variety of machine learning algorithms. Two key genes, ATG16L1 and SRC, were shown to be shared between the algorithms, and thus were identified as the FRG signature of classifier. The tool exhibited satisfactory diagnostic efficiency in the training data set (AUC = 0.711) and two external verification data sets (AUC = 0.961; AUC = 0.913). In the rat cecal ligation puncture sepsis model, in vivo experiments verified the involvement of ATG16L1 and SRC in the early sepsis process. Conclusion These findings confirm that FRGs may participate in the development of sepsis, the ferroptosis related classifiers can provide a basis for the development of new strategies for the early diagnosis of sepsis and the discovery of new potential therapeutic targets for life‐threatening infections.

Uphill walking is a common task encountered in daily life, with steeper inclines potentially imposing greater biomechanical and neuromuscular demands on the human body. The heel-to-toe drop (HTD) in footwear may influence the biomechanical and neuromuscular pattern of uphill walking; but the impact remains unclear. Adjustments in HTD can modulate biomechanical and neuromuscular patterns, mitigating the demands and optimizing the body’s response to different inclinations. We hypothesize that adjustments in HTD can modulate biomechanical and neuromuscular patterns, mitigating the demands and optimizing the body’s response to different inclinations. Nineteen healthy men walked on an adjustable slope walkway, with varied inclinations (6°, 12°, 20°) and HTD shoes (10mm, 25mm, 40 mm), while the marker positions, ground reaction forces and electromyography data were collected. Our study reveals that gait temporo-spatial parameters are predominantly affected by inclination over HTD. Inclination has a more pronounced effect on kinematic variables, while both inclination and HTD significantly modulate kinetic and muscle synergy parameters. This study demonstrates that an increase in the inclination leads to changes in biomechanical and neuromuscular responses during uphill walking and the adjustment of HTD can modulate these responses during uphill walking. However, the present study suggests that an increased HTD may lead to elevated loads on the knee joint and these adverse effects need more attention.