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Abstract Detecting roads in automatic driving environments poses a challenge due to issues such as boundary fuzziness, occlusion, and glare from light. We believe that two factors are instrumental in addressing these challenges and enhancing detection performance: global context dependency and effective feature representation that prioritizes important feature channels. To tackle these issues, we introduce DTRoadseg, a novel duplex Transformer-based heterogeneous feature fusion network designed for road segmentation. DTRoadseg leverages a duplex encoder architecture to extract heterogeneous features from both RGB images and point-cloud depth images. Subsequently, we introduce a multi-source Heterogeneous Feature Reinforcement Block (HFRB) for fusion of the encoded features, comprising a Heterogeneous Feature Fusion Module (HFFM) and a Reinforcement Fusion Module (RFM). The HFFM leverages the self-attention mechanisms of Transformers to achieve effective fusion through token interactions, while the RFM focuses on emphasizing informative features while downplaying less important ones, thereby reinforcing feature fusion. Finally, a Transformer decoder is utilized to produce the final semantic prediction. Furthermore, we employ a boundary loss function to optimize the segmentation structure area, reduce false detection areas, and improve model accuracy. Extensive experiments are carried out on the KITTI road dataset. The results demonstrate that, compared with state-of-the-art methods, DTRoadseg exhibits superior performance, achieving an average accuracy of 97.01%, a Recall of 96.35%, and runs at a speed of 0.09 s per picture.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling combined with perimacular hole massage versus ILM flap insertion in the management of patients with idiopathic macular holes was conducted. Methods: 35 patients (total of 35 eyes) with idiopathic macular holes (with hole diameters ranging from 366 to 1430 μm) were divided into two groups—Group A consisted of 20 eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with ILM peeling and perimacular hole massage, while Group B comprised 15 eyes that underwent PPV combined with ILM flap insertion. Subsequent follow-up examinations were performed at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery. The study also involved a comparison of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) classifications between both the patient groups. Results: The macular hole closure rates in Group A were 60 %, while in Group B, the closure rate was 93 %. There was significant difference in hiatus healing rate between the two groups (t = 4.843, p = 0.048). The difference in BCVA at 3 months post-operation between the two groups was statistically significant (t = 3.221, p = 0.003). Three months post-operatively, the BCVA in Group B demonstrated improvement compared to the pre-operative BCVA, with a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Three months post-operatively, the BCVA in Group A demonstrated improvement compared to the pre-operative BCVA, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of PPV with ILM flap insertion demonstrates favorable therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of idiopathic macular holes, leading to improved visual acuity.

Abstract Background Treating white spot lesions (WSLs) with resin infiltration alone may not be sufficient, raising questions about its compatibility with other treatments amid controversial or incomplete data. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the aesthetic feasibility of resin infiltration combined with bleaching, as well as its potential mechanical effect on ceramic bonding to WSLs. Methods One hundred and fifty flat enamel surfaces of bovine incisors were prepared. Ninety specimens were deminerailized and randomly assigned to three groups(n = 30): post-bleaching resin infiltration (Bl-R), pre-bleaching resin infiltration (R-Bl), and only resin infiltration (R). Color, surface roughness and microhardness were assessed in immediate, thermocycling and pigmentation tests. The remaining sixty samples were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 20): control (Ctrl), bonding (Bo), pre-bonding resin infiltration (R-Bo). Shear bonding strength, failure mode, micro-leakage depth and interface morphology were evaluated after ceramic bonding. The Tukey test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analysis. Results For the effect of resin infiltration and bleaching on WSLs, the R-Bl group showed the worst chromic masking ability, with the highest |ΔL|, |Δa|, |Δb|, and ΔE values after treatment. Compared with those in the Bl-R group, the R-Bl and R groups showed significant time-dependent staining, which is possibly attributed to their surface roughness. For the effect of resin infiltration on the adhesive properties of WSLs, resin infiltration reduced the staining penetration depth of WSLs from 2393.54 ± 1118.86 μm to 188.46 ± 89.96 μm (P

Abstract Background Although abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein is thought to be the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), emerging evidence suggests a pivotal vascular contribution to AD. Aberrant amyloid β induces neurovascular dysfunction, leading to changes in the morphology and function of the microvasculature. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms between Aβ deposition and vascular injuries. Recent studies have revealed that pericytes play a substantial role in the vasculopathy of AD. Additional research is imperative to attain a more comprehensive understanding. Methods Two-photon microscopy and laser speckle imaging were used to examine cerebrovascular dysfunction. Aβ oligomer stereotactic injection model was established to explain the relationship between Aβ and vasculopathy. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot, and real-time PCR were applied to detect the morphological and molecular alternations of pericytes. Primary cultured pericytes and bEnd.3 cells were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results Vasculopathy including BBB damage, hypoperfusion, and low vessel density were found in the cortex of 8 to 10-month-old 5xFAD mice. A similar phenomenon accompanied by pericyte degeneration appeared in an Aβ-injected model, suggesting a direct relationship between Aβ and vascular dysfunction. Pericytes showed impaired features including low PDGFRβ expression and increased pro-inflammatory chemokines secretion under the administration of Aβ in vitro, of which supernatant cultured with bEND.3 cells led to significant endothelial dysfunction characterized by TJ protein deficiency. Conclusions Our results provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanism underlying Aβ-induced vasculopathy. Targeting pericyte therapies are promising to ameliorate vascular dysfunction in AD.

Objective Tibetan chickens, which have unique adaptations to extreme high-altitude environments, exhibit phenotypic and physiological characteristics that are distinct from those of lowland chickens. However, the mechanisms underlying hypoxic adaptation in the liver of chickens remain unknown. Methods RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used to assess the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in hypoxia adaptation in highland chickens (native Tibetan chicken [HT]) and lowland chickens (Langshan chicken [LS], Beijing You chicken [BJ], Qingyuan Partridge chicken [QY], and Chahua chicken [CH]). Results A total of 352 co-DEGs were specifically screened between HT and four native lowland chicken breeds. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses indicated that these co-DEGs were widely involved in lipid metabolism processes, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, fatty acid metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis. To further determine the relationship from the 352 co-DEGs, protein-protein interaction network was carried out and identified eight genes (ACSL1, CPT1A, ACOX1, PPARC1A, SCD, ACSBG2, ACACA, and FASN) as the potential regulating genes that are responsible for the altitude difference between the HT and other four lowland chicken breeds. Conclusion This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating hypoxia adaptation via lipid metabolism in Tibetan chickens and other highland animals.

Studies focusing on the fault system in the Jurassic strata of the Sichuan Basin have been limited, restricting the understanding of the hydrocarbon accumulation mode of the Shaximiao Formation and the expansion of exploration. Through interpretation and coherent slice analysis of extensive seismic data, we have newly discovered that normal faults are widely developed in the northern central Sichuan Basin in the Jurassic strata. These faults mainly extend from the Lower to Upper Jurassic strata and are characterized by the continuous arrangement of NEE-trending small faults in the plane, with a few NNE-trending and NNW-trending faults also present. The distribution of Jurassic fault combinations varies within the basin, with normal faults mainly distributed in the low uplift areas of central Sichuan and the north of central Sichuan. Geochemical data comparisons indicate that these normal faults serve as conduits between the Jurassic source rocks and the Shaximiao Formation reservoir in these areas. Furthermore, the newly discovered normal faults are superimposed with the middle and lower Jurassic source rocks in the northern central Sichuan Basin, suggesting the formation of a new hydrocarbon accumulation model involving hydrocarbon generation from the middle and lower Jurassic, facilitated by communication through normal faults. Notably, one of the promising directions for exploration lies in the multi-stage channel superimposed development zone near these normal faults.

ABSTRACT: Ovarian follicle development depends on the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells and is a complex biological process. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway can regulate ovarian follicle development, and β-catenin, encoded by catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1), is the core component of this pathway. Although several studies of the mechanisms by which the Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates cell proliferation in humans and mammals have reported, it remains unclear how β-catenin functions in poultry. To investigate the function of β-catenin in laying hens' follicle development, we evaluated the effect of CTNNB1 on cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) isolated from laying hens. We demonstrated that CTNNB1 significantly affected the expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) and v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (c-Myc) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), key genes related to cell cycle and proliferation, to promote cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase, and thus accelerate granulosa cell proliferation. CTNNB1 did not however affect apoptosis or the expression of related genes baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) and BCL2 apoptosis regulator (Bcl-2). Overexpression of transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF4) resulted in increased expression of CCND1, accelerated cell cycle progression, and granulosa cell proliferation. Direct physical interaction between β-catenin and TCF4 was demonstrated by immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation. The proliferation of granulosa cells was inhibited by silencing CCND1; overexpression of TCF4 in CCND1-silenced cells restored their proliferation rate to normal levels. These results indicate that the interaction of TCF4 and β-catenin promotes CCND1 expression which in turn accelerates the cell cycle process of laying hen hierarchical follicular granulosa cells.

ABSTRACTLead halide perovskites have emerged as promising semiconductors for high-performance photovoltaics, light-emitting devices as well as quantum information technologies. In this review, we highlight the magneto-optical effects in these materials from both fundamental research and practical application perspectives. We summarize the experimental results measured for basic physical quantities and the assignment of various spectral peaks using the magneto-optical spectroscopy. These results provide a solid foundation underlying the excellent photo-electronic properties of lead halide perovskites. Additionally, we provide an overview of carrier spin precession and its hyperfine interaction with the nuclear spin bath in response to the applied magnetic field, which is essential for developing perovskite-based spintronic devices. We also illustrate the magnetic-field effects in optoelectronic devices, aiming at providing instructions for performance optimization. Finally, we discuss several challenging research directions towards a comprehensive understanding of the perovskite family and their potential applications in quantum physics, which might be accessed with the magneto-optical techniques. Overall, this review highlights the intriguing possibilities for lead halide perovskites in magneto-optical research and technology, and provides insights for future investigations to advance this promising field.

A significant challenge faced by the US Pacific Northwest pear industry is the limited availability of diverse pear cultivars beyond conventional selections. This scant availability of new pear options that align with consumers’ consistent quality preferences falls short of their expectations and jeopardizes potential demand growth, which poses a threat to the industry’s long-term economic viability. We use a combined approach of sensory evaluation and contingent valuation to uncover preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for specific pear cultivars, encompassing both novel and traditional types. The outcomes reveal that the key determinants driving WTP are taste and texture attributes. Particularly for early-season pears, a greater liking score for flavor, firmness, and juiciness corresponds to an elevated WTP. For late-season pears, the range of quality attributes expands to encompass overall appearance and sweetness, in addition to the aforementioned factors. Participants who use social media to access information about pears exhibit a heightened WTP. These findings provide valuable insights for the industry to consider revitalizing existing pear orchards through the incorporation of alternatives to conventional pear cultivars.

The discovery of hydrocarbon in the Pagoda Formation in South China has received attention from the petroleum industry. This research paper identifies the discontinuity surface underlying the Pagoda Formation. The Upper Ordovician strata were correlated in different regions using the conodont biostratigraphy, and δ13C and δ18O isotope stratigraphy. The biostratigraphic result illustrates that three conodont zones can be established in each study section, and one to three conodont zones are missing in the lower Pagoda Formation and the strata underlying the Pagoda Formation of the Upper Yangtze Platform. Moreover, the chemostratigraphic result highlighted that the development of the lower δ13C isotope positive excursion events in the Xiaogangwan and Liangcun areas was less complete than that in the Jiaodingshan area. Combined with the cyclostratigraphic results, the development of the δ13C isotope positive excursion is not complete. The development of the δ13C excursion event is more complete in the south and east than in the center and north. This demonstrates that the Pagoda Formation began its deposition at different times and the transgression process may have advanced from the southeast to the north and that the contact between the Pagoda Formation and the underlying formation is not conformable. It is proposed that the Late Ordovician in the South China Plate was affected by the tectonic movement and the cooling paleoclimate at that time, which resulted in the discontinuity between the Pagoda Formation and the underlying strata. The unconformity could be the channel for hydrocarbon migration or for the high-quality oil and gas reservoirs being developed and preserved under the unconformity surface.

High temperatures in unconventional oil and gas reservoir present a challenge to DC-DC converter design for downhole drilling equipment. In response to the high-temperature challenge, a design methodology consisting of controlling-junction temperature rise, derating component electrical parameters for more design margin and selecting high-temperature components was proposed. Based on the methodology, a converter board with a nominal input of 42-54V and output of three low voltages (+15V, −15V, and +5V), was designed for the 150°C application. The maximum temperature rise of the components in the converter prototype under a temperature environment of 22°C is 11.9°C. The performance of the converter was verified at the ambient temperature from 30°C to 150°C. With a 42~54V input voltage, the output voltages have less than 0.2V fluctuation; the three output voltages can achieve a ripple suppression ratio of approximately 40dB, and the average conversion efficiency was around 75% at 150°C, which meets the design specification.

Abstract Background Genotype status of glioma have important significance to clinical treatment and prognosis. At present, there are few studies on the prediction of multiple genotype status in glioma by method of multi-sequence radiomics. The purpose of the study is to compare the performance of clinical features (age, sex, WHO grade, MRI morphological features etc.), radiomics features from multi MR sequence (T2WI, T1WI, DWI, ADC, CE-MRI (contrast enhancement)), and a combined multiple features model in predicting biomarker status (IDH, MGMT, TERT, 1p/19q of glioma. Methods In this retrospective analysis, 81 glioma patients confirmed by histology were enrolled in this study. Five MRI sequences were used for radiomic feature extraction. Finally, 107 features were extracted from each sequence on Pyradiomics software, separately. These included 18 first-order metrics, such as the mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis etc., 14 shape features and second-order metrics including 24 grey level run length matrix (GLCM), 16 grey level run length matrix (GLRLM), 16 grey level size zone matrix (GLSZM), 5 neighboring gray tone difference matrix (NGTDM), and 14 grey level dependence matrix (GLDM). Then, Univariate analysis and LASSO (Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model were used to data dimension reduction, feature selection, and radiomics signature building. Significant features (p

Abstract The tropical Southeast Indian Ocean (SEIO) is a key area linking the global freshwater and heat exchanges. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) fundamentally modulates the Indian Ocean circulation and thus regulates the basin‐wide freshwater balance. However, our knowledge of this effect remains limited. Using observational‐based data sets, this study suggests that extreme positive IOD events have notable signatures on the three‐dimensional freshwater content of the SEIO, leading to the vertically opposite salinity anomalies in the surface and subsurface layers. The wind changes led to the northwestward extension of the South Equatorial Current and intensified Sumatra‐Java upwelling. The changing horizontal and vertical currents jointly result in the complicated salinity anomalies. The Equatorial Undercurrent serves as the conduit for water exchange between the equator and the SEIO. This work highlights a strong coupling between the equatorial circulation and the three‐dimensional freshwater inventory of the SEIO within the framework of the IOD.

Abstract Background Patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis who also present with status epilepticus (SE) often have a poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to explore simple and effective predictors for anti-NMDAR encephalitis accompanied with SE. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 65 anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients from January 2015 to December 2018 who admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Patients were divided into SE group and non-SE groups. Their pre-treatment data and 3-month follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed. Results The results showed that compared with the non-SE group, the levels of serum uric acid (UA) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients with SE decreased significantly before treatment. Additionally, the levels of serum UA and HDL-C increased while the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased 3 months after treatment in the SE group. Compared with the non-SE group, the SE patients had higher modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores before (mRS1) and after treatment (mRS2). Serum UA concentrations before treatment showed significantly negative correlations with mRS1 (r = − 0.407, p

Spectrum-sparse signals are vital for wideband radar and wireless communication applications. A high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with the capacities of tens of gigahertz sampling rates is often required to acquire these signals. In this work, an enhanced photonic-assisted sampling approach with the combination of the photonic-assisted time-interleaved ADC and compressed sensing techniques is presented, which enables the measured signal to be reconstructed through very few samples by utilizing the sparsity of the spectrum-sparse signal. An ultrahigh spectral resolution Fourier dictionary was introduced to suppress the spectrum leakage and obtain the actual sparse expression of the spectrum-sparse signals. Moreover, a layered tracking orthogonal matching pursuit signal recovery algorithm was employed to reduce computational complexity and enhance processing speed. The performance of the proposed approach has been investigated via simulations and laboratory experiments by varying the applied spectrum-sparse signals over 100 times. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can capture the blind-frequency spectrum-sparse signal at an equivalent sampling rate of 1 GS/s by utilizing four parallel ADCs with a sampling rate of 50 MS/s. It is proven that the proposed approach achieves $\sim 5$ times higher equivalent sampling rate than that of the conventional PTIADC at the same sampling rate. This work provides a valuable method for acquiring spectrum sparse signals in practical applications.

Abstract Background Constipation is a common gastrointestinal dysfunction which has a potential impact on people's immune state and their quality of life. Here we investigated the effects of constipation on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods Constipation was induced by loperamide in female C57BL/6 mice. The alternations of gut microbiota, permeability of intestinal barrier and blood–brain barrier, and histopathology of colon were assessed after constipation induction. EAE was induced in the constipation mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed from constipation mice into microbiota-depleted mice. Clinical scores, histopathology of inflammation and demyelination, Treg/Th17 and Treg17/Teff17 imbalance both in the peripheral lymphatic organs and central nervous system, cytokines include TGF-β, GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 in serum were assessed in different groups. Results Compared with the vehicle group, the constipation mice showed gut microbiota dysbiosis, colon inflammation and injury, and increased permeability of intestinal barrier and blood–brain barrier. We found that the clinical and pathological scores of the constipation EAE mice were severer than that of the EAE mice. Compared with the EAE mice, the constipation EAE mice showed reduced percentage of Treg and Treg17 cells, increased percentage of Th17 and Teff17 cells, and decreased ratio of Treg/Th17 and Treg17/Teff17 in the spleen, inguinal lymph nodes, brain, and spinal cord. Moreover, the serum levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-21 were decreased while the GM-CSF, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, and IL-23 were increased in the constipation EAE mice. In addition, these pathological processes could be transferred via their gut microbiota. Conclusions Our results verified that constipation induced gut microbiota dysbiosis exacerbated EAE via aggravating Treg/Th17 and Treg17/Teff17 imbalance and cytokines disturbance in C57BL/6 mice.

Abstract Background End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are at a substantially higher risk for developing cognitive impairment compared with the healthy population. Dialysis is an essential way to maintain the life of ESRD patients. Based on previous research, there isn’t an uncontested result whether cognition was improved or worsened during dialysis. Methods To explore the impact of dialysis treatment on cognitive performance, we recruited healthy controls (HCs), predialysis ESRD patients (predialysis group), and maintenance hemodialysis ESRD patients (HD group). All ESRD patients performed six blood biochemistry tests (hemoglobin, urea, cystatin C, Na+, K+, and parathyroid hormone). Neuropsychological tests were used to measure cognitive function. By using diffusion tensor imaging and graph-theory approaches, the topological organization of the whole-brain structural network was investigated. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were performed to investigate blood biochemistry predictors of the neuropsychological tests and the results of graph analyses in the HD group and predialysis group. Results Neuropsychological analysis showed the HD group exhibited better cognitive function than the predialysis group, but both were worse than HCs. Whole-brain graph analyses revealed that increased global efficiency and normalized shortest path length remained in the predialysis group and HD group than the HCs. Besides, a lower normalized clustering coefficient was found in the predialysis group relative to the HCs and HD group. For the GLM analysis, only the Cystatin C level was significantly associated with the average fiber length of rich club connections in the predialysis group. Conclusions Our study revealed that dialysis had a limited effect on cognitive improvement.

Exercise therapy including endurance training and resistance training is a promising non-pharmacological therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent studies have revealed that exercise exerts beneficial impacts on gut microbiota. However, the role of gut microbiota in the immune benefits of strength exercise (SE; one of resistance training) in central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity is barely known. Here, we observed that 60-min SE ameliorated disease severity and neuropathology in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. SE increased the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota, and decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) and intestinal mucosal permeability, and enrichment of several short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria. Furthermore, SE reduced Th17 responses and increased Treg responses in the small intestine lymphoid tissues. Compared to the control group, microbiota-depleted mice receiving SE microbiome fecal transplants had lower disease severity and neuropathology scores. These results uncovered a protective role of SE in neuroimmunomodulation effects partly via changes to the gut microbiome.

Objectives: To detect the effects of hemodialysis (HD) on the central nervous system (CNS), the present study forces the memory storage capacity and the difference in white matter (WM) microstructure characteristics among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) participants before HD initiation (ESRD-BHD), ESRD participants with maintenance HD (ESRD-MHD), and healthy participants (HCs). Methods: Between 2016 and 2018, 56 ESRD-BHD, 39 ESRD-MHD, and 56 HCs were recruited for this study. The fractional anisotropy (FA) of tractography streamlines within the working memory network was investigated using a novel along-tracts analysis method. The relationship between WM microstructure and working memory scores, measured from an n-back task, were detected by multiple correlation analysis. Results: As compared with HCs, a significantly lower FA was found along part of the WM in the working memory network in ESRD-BHD. In the group-difference location of ESRD-BHD and HCs, the FA of ESRD-MHD was reversed to normal levels in HCs. However, the FA in a new location was differentially reduced across groups: highest in HCs, intermediate in ESRD-BHD, and lowest in ESRD-MHD. Correlation analysis showed that a longer reaction time correlated to a lower FA, according to the following pattern: ESRD-BHD > ESRD-MHD > HCs. Conclusion: Despite the persisting abnormal brain structure, our findings suggest HD has a neuroprotective effect in ESRD patients.

Anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (anti-LGI1) encephalitis is a rare autoimmune encephalitis (AE). We investigated the clinical features and gut microbial alterations of anti-LGI1 encephalitis. Fifteen patients newly diagnosed with anti-LGI1 encephalitis were recruited in the study prior to the administration of immunotherapy. The control group contains 25 well-matched healthy controls (HCs). All participants were Han Chinese from South China. Their clinical data and fecal samples were collected. The diversity and composition of gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing. The results showed that anti-LGI1 encephalitis was characterized by cognitive impairment, faciobrachial dystonic seizures, hyponatremia, and psychiatric symptoms. Abnormal EEG and brain MRI were presented in 9 and 10 patients, respectively. Compared to HCs, the anti-LGI1 encephalitis patients exhibited a decreased microbial diversity and an altered overall composition of gut microbiome. At the phylum level, anti-LGI1 encephalitis patients exhibited a higher abundance of Proteobacteria and a lower abundance of Firmicutes. The alterations in the phylum level were associated with autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. At the genus level, there was an increase in Sphingomonas, Anaerofustis, Succinvibrio, Clostridium, and SMB53 (genera related to movement disorders, psychiatric diseases, and with proinflammatory effects). However, the Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Lachnospira, Ruminococcus, and Blautia [genera with ability to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)] were obviously reduced in the patient group. Our results suggest that anti-LGI1 encephalitis is characterized by special clinical features and is accompanied by alterations in specific gut microbiota. For the limited sample size and non-applicability to other populations, further studies are warranted to explore the relationships between gut microbiota and anti-LGI1 encephalitis.

Adaptogens are stress-response modifiers which have been considered to exert important influences on cytokines activities and immune response. Here, we investigated the effects of Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea), a natural adaptogen on the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). We found that R. rosea alleviated the severity of EAE as evaluated by clinical and histopathology scores. R. rosea decreased IL-6, sIL-6R, IFN-γ and IL-17A in both serum and splenocytes supernatants while increased IL-4 in splenocytes supernatants of EAE mice. R. rosea also modulated the T cell response by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 cells, restoring Treg cells, combining with regulated Th17/Th1, Th17/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios in the spleen, inguinal lymph nodes, brain and spinal cord of EAE mice. Furthermore, R. rosea regulated the expression of JAK1, JAK2, STAT3 and RORγt in the spinal cord of EAE mice. Together, our findings suggested the adaptogenic effects of R. rosea on EAE, which may help to deepen the understanding of potential therapeutic values of traditional Chinese medicines for autoimmune diseases of CNS.

Soluble sugars, malic acid, and ascorbic acid in 17 apple cultivars (Malus domestica Borkh.) and three wild forms (M. pumila ‘Saiwaihong’, M. prunifolia (Willd.) Borkh. and M. micromalus Makino) from three major apple cultivation regions in China were quantified using gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Fructose was the most abundant sugar, followed by sucrose, glucose, and sorbitol. Wild apples contain more sorbitol and less sucrose and were significantly more acidic than cultivated fruits. The total sugar content varied from 110 to 160 mg/g fresh fruits, total acid content from 2 to 6 mg/g, with a strong influence of genetic background and growth location. Overall, ‘Gala’, ‘Xiali’, ‘Liuyuehong’, ‘Lihong’, ‘Starking Delicious’, and ‘Starkrimson’ were characterized by higher sugar/acid ratio indicating sweeter taste compared to other cultivars. The wild apples had the highest content of ascorbic acid (0.6–0.96 mg/g). Compared to other cultivars, ‘Zhongqiuwang’, ‘Qinguan’, and ‘Nagafu No. 2′ were richer in ascorbic acid. The ascorbic acid content in the commercial cultivars was highly dependent on growth location. The content of malic acid and sucrose positively correlated to altitude, and that of glucose negatively. Malic acid positively correlated with ascorbic acid and sucrose, glucose content with ascorbic acid.

Gut microbiota has been proposed as an important environmental factor which can intervene and modulate central nervous system autoimmunity. Here, we altered the composition of gut flora with Clostridium butyricum and norfloxacin in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. We found that appropriate C. butyricum (5.0 × 106 CFU/mL intragastrically daily, staring at weaning period of age) and norfloxacin (5 mg/kg intragastrically daily, 1 week prior to EAE induction) treatment could both ameliorate EAE although there are obvious differences in gut microbiota composition between these two interventions. C. butyricum increased while norfloxacin decreased the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota in EAE mice, and both of the treatments decreased firmicutes/bacteroidetes ratio. In the genus level, C. butyricum treatment increased the abundance of Prevotella while Akkermansia and Allobaculum increased in norfloxacin treatment. Moreover, both interventions reduced Desulfovibroneceae and Ruminococcus species. Although there was discrepancy in the gut microbiota composition with the two interventions, C. butyricum and norfloxacin treatment both reduced Th17 response and increased Treg response in the gastrointestinal tract and extra-gastrointestinal organ systems in EAE mice. And the reduced activity of p38 mitogen-activated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling in spinal cord could be observed in the two interventions. The results suggested that manipulation of gut microbiota interventions should take factors such as timing, duration, and dosage into consideration. The discrepancy in the gut microbiota composition and the similar protective T cells response of C. butyricum and norfloxacin implies that achieving intestinal microecology balance by promoting and/or inhibiting the gut microbiota contribute to the well-being of immune response in EAE mice.

Oats are increasingly popular among consumers and the food industry. While data exist on sensory characteristics of oats as such, previous studies focusing on the pleasantness of oats, and especially investigations of a wide range of oat products by European and Asian consumers, are scarce. An online questionnaire was organized in Finland (n = 381; 83.7% Finnish) focusing on the liking and familiarity of oat products, followed by sensory tests in Finland (n = 65 and n = 73) and China (n = 103) using the Check-All-That-Apply method and hedonic ratings. A questionnaire revealed that the Finnish consumers rated the pleasantness and familiarity of several oat product categories, such as breads and porridges, higher compared to participants of other ethnicities. Sensory tests showed both similarities, e.g., porridges were described as “natural”, “healthy” and “oat-like”, and differences between countries, e.g., sweet biscuits, were described as “crispy” and “hard” by Finnish consumers and “strange” and “musty” by Chinese consumers. Sweet products were unanimously preferred. The ethnicity had an important role affecting the rating of pleasantness and familiarity of oat product categories, whereas food neophobia and health interest status also had an influence. The proved healthiness of oats was a crucial factor affecting the choices of consumers and their acceptance in both countries.

Global management of wetlands to suppress greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, facilitate carbon (C) sequestration, and reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations while simultaneously promoting agricultural gains is paramount. However, studies that relate variability in CO2 and CH4 emissions at large spatial scales are limited. We investigated three-year emissions of soil CO2 and CH4 from the primary wetland types of the Liaohe Delta, China, by focusing on a total wetland area of 3287 km2. One percent is Suaeda salsa, 24% is Phragmites australis, and 75% is rice. While S. salsa wetlands are under somewhat natural tidal influence, P. australis and rice are managed hydrologically for paper and food, respectively. Total C emissions from CO2 and CH4 from these wetland soils were 2.9 Tg C/year, ranging from 2.5 to 3.3 Tg C/year depending on the year assessed. Primary emissions were from CO2 (~98%). Photosynthetic uptake of CO2 would mitigate most of the soil CO2 emissions, but CH4 emissions would persist. Overall, CH4 fluxes were high when soil temperatures were >18°C and pore water salinity

Ginkgo biloba L. is a well-known relict tree species and an important medicinal plant. Ginkgo is rich in secondary metabolites (SMs), mainly including flavonoids, lactones, and ginkgolic acid. The aim of this study was to determine variations in the concentrations of these SMs in Ginkgo leaves from different geographical populations. The SMs in the leaves of 298 clones from 10 geographical populations grafted under the same conditions were extracted and measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that there were significant differences in concentrations of SMs in leaves from different populations (p < 0.01). The concentrations of both flavonoids and lactones were significantly negatively correlated with that of ginkgolic acid. Altitude and annual rainfall were important factors influencing the concentrations of lactones, and the frost-free period influenced the concentration of isorhamnetin. Population Yingdianjie (YDJ) was ideal for the plantations from which medicinal flavonoids and lactones are extracted, followed by populations Xiaopu (XP), Anlu (AL) and Wuchuan (WC). As variations within each population were found, attention should be paid to selection within populations.

The extent to which direct- and cross-presentation (DP and CP) contribute to the priming of CD8(+) T cell (T(CD8+)) responses to viruses is unclear mainly because of the difficulty in separating the two processes. Hence, while CP in the absence of DP has been clearly demonstrated, induction of an anti-viral T(CD8+) response that excludes CP has never been purposely shown. Using vaccinia virus (VACV), which has been used as the vaccine to rid the world of smallpox and is proposed as a vector for many other vaccines, we show that DP is the main mechanism for the priming of an anti-viral T(CD8+) response. These findings provide important insights to our understanding of how one of the most effective anti-viral vaccines induces immunity and should contribute to the development of novel vaccines.

Cranberry products are perceived as healthy due to their high antioxidant content yet adding sugars to increase their palatability deters consumption. Plant breeding technologies such as gene editing, specifically the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR), offer a plausible alternative to develop cranberries with desired traits (e.g., lower acidity and increased sweetness). We estimated consumers’ willingness to pay for sugar content, CRISPR, and cranberry flavor intensity for two cranberry products under different health-related information treatments. Respondents stated a discount for regular sugar content favoring reduced sugar products, for CRISPR compared to conventional breeding, and for weak/bland compared to full/intense cranberry flavor. Compensated valuation analysis of products with different attribute levels indicates that consumers were willing to pay a premium for cranberry products with reduced sugar content, CRISPR-bred, and full/intense cranberry flavor relative to products with regular sugar content, conventionally bred, and weak/bland flavor. Information treatments highlighting cranberries’ health benefits and recommendations to limit sugar intake increased consumers’ discounts for regular sugar content, surpassing the discount for CRISPR. This research underscores the importance of the conditions under which breeding technologies might gain public acceptance. This information will benefit the scientific community and industry seeking to use CRISPR to develop improved cranberry cultivars.

A significant challenge faced by the US Pacific Northwest pear industry is the limited availability of diverse pear cultivars beyond conventional selections. This scant availability of new pear options that align with consumers' consistent quality preferences falls short of their expectations and jeopardizes potential demand growth, which poses a threat to the industry's long-term economic viability. We use a combined approach of sensory evaluation and contingent valuation to uncover preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for specific pear cultivars, encompassing both novel and traditional types. The outcomes reveal that the key determinants driving WTP are taste and texture attributes. Particularly for early-season pears, a greater liking score for flavor, firmness, and juiciness corresponds to an elevated WTP. For late-season pears, the range of quality attributes expands to encompass overall appearance and sweetness, in addition to the aforementioned factors. Participants who use social media to access information about pears exhibit a heightened WTP. These findings provide valuable insights for the industry to consider revitalizing existing pear orchards through the incorporation of alternatives to conventional pear cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]