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Abstract Understanding listeners’ perceptions of consecutive interpreting (CI) quality is crucial for the interpreting profession and service management. However, research in this area is still in its early stages, lacking in-depth exploration of how listeners’ subjective factors impact their perceived CI quality and the extent of these interactions. This study introduced a research model based on existing literature, incorporating six key listener variables: listeners’ quality expectations, perceived characteristics of the interpreter, experiences with CI, domain knowledge, perceived dependence on CI, and perceived communicative effect. A case-based survey was conducted during a simulated interpreter-mediated technical conference. We surveyed 107 conference attendees before and after the technical event, testing 11 proposed hypotheses using their self-reported data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that (1) domain knowledge has a negative impact on listeners’ perceived CI quality, while the remaining five listener variables positively influence their CI quality perceptions. Quality expectations emerge as the most influential predictor, followed by perceived characteristics of the interpreter and perceived communicative effect. (2) Listeners’ perceived characteristics of the interpreter and perceived communicative effect are positively predicted by their quality expectations, which highlights the fundamental role of quality expectations. (3) Domain knowledge and experiences with CI are confirmed as significant factors influencing quality expectations, while perceived characteristics of the interpreter significantly drive perceived communicative effect. Overall, the findings reveal the complex interplay of these subjective factors and illustrate how they collectively shape listeners’ perceptions of CI quality. Theoretical and practical implications for professional interpreting practice and interpreter training are also discussed.

Abstract In order to establish a connection between the ballistic performance and mechanical properties of armor steel, a ballistic simulation model was developed and subsequently validated for accuracy and reliability. The mechanical properties of the target plate were described using the Johnson–Cook constitutive relation. An analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of the J–C parameters of the target plate on its ballistic performance, revealing a strong linear relationship between them. Subsequently, a mathematical model represented as H = 14.82 − 0.0048A − 0.0023B + 5.95n − 81.3C was derived, and its accuracy was demonstrated to exceed 90%. This mathematical model can effectively predict the ballistic performance of the armor steel, even when its mechanical properties undergo variations during the production process. This prediction capability significantly contributes to reducing research costs and time.

Abstract The blockade of cytoprotective autophagy has been demonstrated to effectively enhance the efficacy of sonodynamic therapy (SDT). However, the limited recognition of antiautophagy agents for autophagosomes impedes the clinical application of autophagy inhibition. To efficiently deliver hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an autophagy inhibitor, to autophagosomes, we utilized a strategy based on in situ click chemistry between sulfhydryl (‐SH) and maleimide (Mal) groups to trigger autophagosomes tracking and suppress tumor growth synergistically. A cascade nanoreactor was synthesized by encapsulating Mal‐modified HCQ (MHCQ) into a manganese porphyrin‐based metal‐organic framework with sonosensitizer properties, followed by poly(ethylene glycol)ylated liposomal membrane coating. After ultrasound irradiation, SDT‐induced apoptotic cells released damaged proteins with free ‐SH groups, which MHCQ rapidly captured in situ via a Mal‐thiol click reaction. When autophagosomes actively wrapped damaged proteins for detoxification, they simultaneously internalized HCQ anchored on proteins. In this scenario, antiautophagy drugs could actively track intracellular autophagosomes instead of undergoing passive diffusion in the cytosol. The interaction between HCQ and autophagic vesicles was greatly enhanced, which strengthened the blocking efficiency of autophagy and resulted in complete cell death. Overall, this study with smart design provides a promising strategy for improving intracellular targeted delivery to autophagosomes, thereby enhancing antitumor therapy.

Backgroundβ-blockers have been widely used in patients with extensive cardiovascular disease (CVD) and have provided benefits. However, they are more likely to cause symptomatic bradycardia, hypotension, or glucose metabolism disorders, which may lead to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), but evidence is lacking.AimsThis study was to analyze the association between the use of β-blockers and the risk of developing AF.MethodsThis nationwide, prospective cohort study utilized data from the 2013–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The patients were stratified into a β-blocker treatment group (n = 2585) and a non-β-blocker treatment group (n = 8525). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the relationship between β-blockades and the risk of AF. Propensity matching analysis was used to balance patient baseline characteristics and to control for confounders.ResultsA total of 11,110 subjects were included in this study (mean [SD] age, 59.89 [15.07] years; 5657 [49.7%] males). A total of 111/2585 subjects developed AF in the β-blocker treatment group, and 75/8525 developed AF in the non-β-blocker treatment group (incidence rate, 4.2% vs. 0.8%). Compared with the non-β-blocker group, the β-blocker group had an increased risk of incident AF (aOR, 2.339; 95% CI, 1.614–3.410). Some sensitivity analyses also revealed consistent findings of increased AF risk associated with β-blocker treatment.ConclusionThe findings from this study suggest that β-blocker treatment is associated with an increased risk of incident AF and may help physicians select a modest medication for patients while also assessing the risk of AF.

Frequent seismic events have demonstrated that building collapse is primarily caused by the loss of load-bearing capacity in vertical structural members. In response to this risk, various national design codes have been established. This study conducted field investigations at an earthquake site in Luding County, Sichuan Province, which was struck at a magnitude of 6.8 on 5 September 2022. In this case, the lower x-direction load-bearing wall of the Tianyi Hotel suffered severe shear damage, and the building was on the verge of collapse. However, no obvious damage was seen in the elementary school dormitory. Numerical simulation analysis revealed that during the earthquake, the buildings primarily experienced y-direction displacement in the x-direction, with significant differences in the stress state among different axes. In the model of Tianyi Hotel, the x-direction load-bearing walls suffered shear damage, while the frame columns were still in the elastic stage. At this point, the shear force of the walls was 6–9 times that of the frame columns. Comparing the damage characteristics of the two buildings during the earthquake, it was found that different structural forms lead to different internal force distributions. This phenomenon is further interpreted through the principle of “deformation saturation”, with core structural components being modeled and tested using quasi-static experiments. The results indicated substantial differences in material properties among different structural forms, including variations in lateral stiffness, ultimate load-bearing capacity, and maximum displacement. Moreover, at the same floor level, components with smaller ultimate displacements are decisive of the overall structural stability. To ensure seismic resilience and stability, it is essential to consider not only the load-bearing capacity but also the rational arrangement and cooperative interactions between different components to achieve a balanced distribution of overall stiffness. This approach significantly enhances the building’s resistance to collapse.

Abstract Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), metal ion accumulation, and tricarboxylic acid cycle collapse are crucial factors in mitochondria‐mediated cell death. However, the highly adaptive nature and damage‐repair capabilities of malignant tumors strongly limit the efficacy of treatments based on a single treatment mode. To address this challenge, a self‐reinforced bimetallic Mito‐Jammer is developed by incorporating doxorubicin (DOX) and calcium peroxide (CaO2) into hyaluronic acid (HA) ‐modified metal‐organic frameworks (MOF). After cellular, Mito‐Jammer dissociates into CaO2 and Cu2+ in the tumor microenvironment. The exposed CaO2 further yields hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Ca2+ in a weakly acidic environment to strengthen the Cu2+‐based Fenton‐like reaction. Furthermore, the combination of chemodynamic therapy and Ca2+ overload exacerbates ROS storms and mitochondrial damage, resulting in the downregulation of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and blocking of Cu‐ATPase to sensitize cuproptosis. This multilevel interaction strategy also activates robust immunogenic cell death and suppresses tumor metastasis simultaneously. This study presents a multivariate model for revolutionizing mitochondria damage, relying on the continuous retention of bimetallic ions to boost cuproptosis/immunotherapy in cancer.

Abstract Background To examine the associations of the independent and combined healthy lifestyle factors with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents, and to test the moderating role of gender. Methods This cross-sectional study included 5125 adolescents aged between 11 and 20 years. They provided self-reported data on six healthy lifestyle factors, including never smoking, never drinking, good sleep quality, sufficient sleep duration, appropriate Internet use, and adequate physical activity. Adolescents’ HRQOL was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0. Linear regression models were conducted to explore the association of individual and combined healthy lifestyle factors with adolescents’ HRQOL. We further performed stratified analyses and likelihood ratio test to explore the moderating role of gender in these associations. Results Of the included adolescents, the proportions with 0–2, 3, 4, and 5–6 healthy lifestyle factors were 13.6%, 26.4%, 44.3%, and 15.7%, respectively. Compared to adolescents with composite healthy lifestyle scores of 0–2, those with scores of 3, 4, or 5–6 had significantly higher HRQOL scores across all dimensions, summary scales, and total scale in both unadjusted and adjusted models. Specifically, adolescents with 5–6 healthy lifestyle factors had a total scale score that was 19.03 (95%CI: 17.76 to 20.30) points higher than their counterparts who only had 0–2 healthy lifestyle factors. Significant dose-response patterns were also observed in aforementioned associations. Gender was a significant moderator in the associations between composite healthy lifestyle groups and HRQOL scores, except for the social functioning dimension. Conclusions Our results confirmed that combined healthy lifestyle factors were associated with improved HRQOL among adolescents, with a stronger association observed in girls. These findings underscore the necessity for education and healthcare authorities to design health-promoting strategies that encourage multiple healthy lifestyle factors in adolescents, with the objective of enhancing their overall health outcomes.

Background: The influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on an individual’s health is substantial. However, the associations between ACEs, problematic internet use (PIU), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents remain underexplored. Objective: To assess the association between ACEs and HRQOL in Chinese adolescents and to evaluate the mediating role of PIU in this association. Method: A sample of 6,639 adolescents (3,457 boys and 3,182 girls) aged between 11–20 years (mean [SD] age: 14.5 [1.6] years) were recruited from 6 junior and senior middle schools using a proportional sampling approach in a cross-sectional study. Data on ACE exposure was collected through the short form of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the ACE-International Questionnaire, and two additional questions. HRQOL was assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0. The associations between ACEs and HRQOL were estimated using linear regression models. Mediation analysis was further conducted to explore the possible mediating role of PIU in the association between ACEs and HRQOL. Results: Our study collected 13 different ACEs. We found that adolescents exposed to any ACE had significantly lower scores in all HRQOL dimensions, psychosocial health summary scale, and total scale, than those without such exposure. Specifically, adolescents with ≥ 3 ACE exposure had a total scale score that was 14.70 (95%CI: 15.53 to 13.87) points lower than their non-exposed counterparts. Mediation analysis identified PIU as a significant mediator, with the proportion of the total effect attributable to PIU ranging from 14.38% for social functioning to 17.44% for physical functioning. Conclusions: Exposure to ACEs was associated with poorer HRQOL in Chinese adolescents, underscoring the importance to prevent ACEs and their negative impacts on adolescent well-being. These findings also highlighted the need of promoting appropriate internet use among adolescents exposed to ACEs, in order to avert potential impairment in their HRQOL. HIGHLIGHTSAdolescents with adverse childhood experiences have poorer health-related quality of life. The association between adverse childhood experiences and health-related quality of life shows a dose–response pattern. Problematic internet use partially mediates the associations between adverse childhood experiences and health-related quality of life in adolescents.

The segmented-pie composite fibers can be separated by high-pressure hydroentanglement to form a high-strength, lightweight microfiber nonwovens. Nowadays, it is an urgent problem to develop easily split composite fibers and reduce the energy consumption of hydroentangled in bicomponent spunbond hydroentangled technology. Herein, molecular dynamics simulations were first performed for polyester and polyamide 6. The results reveal that the surface adsorption energy between polymers decreases with the decrease of the polymer molecular chain regularity, and the cohesion energy density and solubility parameters reduce with the reduction of the polymer crystallinity. Then polyamide 6 compound spinning with polyesters of different crystallinity, and the segmented pie microfiber nonwoven was prepared through different hydroentangled pressures. The results show that the splitting rate of low crystallinity polyester/polyamide 6 fibers is much higher than that of polyester/polyamide 6 fibers, with a maximum increase of 94.80% at the same hydroentanglement pressure, and the hydroentangled energy consumption can be reduced up to 77.12% for a certain splitting rate. This strategy promotes the complete splitting of composite fibers at a low hydroentanglement pressure, which saves energy and effectively improves the filtration and thermal-wet comfort of nonwovens, providing a viable method for achieving energy savings in bicomponent spunbond hydroentangled technology.

Abstract The emergence of aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) has attracted substantial scientific attention. However, their antitumor efficacy in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is significantly restricted by the poor water solubility and limited treatment depth. Therefore, a novel AIEgens‐involved therapeutic platform with good permeability and bioavailability is urgently required. Herein, supramolecular chemistry is combined with the AIEgen bis‐pyrene (BP) to construct a peptide–AIEgen hybrid nanosystem (PAHN). After intravenous injection, the versatile nanoplatform not only improved the hydrophilicity of BP but also achieved stratified targeting from tumor to mitochondrial and induced mitochondrial dysfunction, thus activating caspase‐3 upregulation. Then, sonodynamic therapy (SDT), an alternative modality with high tissue penetrability, is performed to evoke reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for BP. More importantly, since the hydrophilic shell is separated from the nanosystem by the specific cleavage of caspase‐3, the resulting decrease in hydrophilicity induced tight self‐aggregation of PAHN residues in situ, further allowing more absorbed energy to be used for ROS generation under ultrasound irradiation and enhancing SDT efficacy. Moreover, severe oxidative stress resulting from ROS imbalance in the mitochondria initiates the immunogenic cell death process, thus evoking antitumor immunogenicity. This PAHN provides prospective ideas into AIE‐involved antitumor therapy and design of peptide‐AIEgens hybrids.

Background High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has shown considerable promise in treating solid tumors, but its ultrasonic energy is easily attenuated, resulting in insufficient energy accumulation in the target area. Moreover, HIFU ablation alone may inevitably lead to the presence of residual tumors, which may cause tumor recurrence and metastasis. Here, we describe a synergistic regimen combining HIFU facilitation with immunomodulation based on a novel oxygen-carrying biomimetic perfluorocarbon nanoparticle (M@P-SOP) to stimulate immunogenic cell death in tumor cells while alleviating immune suppression tumor microenvironment.Methods M@P-SOP was prepared by double emulsion and film extrusion method. The anticancer and antimetastatic effects of M@P-SOP were evaluated on a preclinical transplanted 4T1 tumor model by combining HIFU and immunotherapy. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to clarify the potential mechanism of HIFU+M@P-SOP and their role in anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) therapy.Results Guided by photoacoustic/MR/ultrasound (US) multimodal imaging, M@P-SOP was abundantly enriched in tumor, which greatly enhanced HIFU’s killing of tumor tissue in situ, induced stronger tumor immunogenic cell death, stimulated dendritic cell maturation and activated CD8+ T cells. At the same time, M@P-SOP released oxygen to alleviate the tumor hypoxic environment, repolarizing the protumor M2-type macrophages into antitumor M1-type. With concurrent anti-PD-L1 treatment, the antitumor immune response was further amplified to the whole body, and the growth of mimic distant tumor was effectively suppressed.Conclusions Our findings offer a highly promising HIFU synergist for effectively ameliorating acoustic and hypoxia environment, eventually inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis by stimulating host’s antitumor immunity under HIFU ablation, especially in synergizing with PD-L1 antibody immunotherapy.

With the continuous improvement of the standard of living, people are increasingly inclined towards natural, green, and environmentally friendly products. Plant-based products that are safe, natural, non-toxic, and beneficial to human health are often more favored. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a polymer obtained through lactate polymerization using renewable plant resources such as corn and has excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. It is widely used in the field of food packaging. Wormwood oil (WO) is an oil extracted from the stems and leaves of Artemisia plants, and it has broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. In this article, through electrospinning technology, wormwood oil was directly incorporated into PLA, giving the PLA nanofiber membrane antioxidant and antibacterial functions. Various parameters such as voltage (11 KV, 13 KV, 15 KV), spinning solution concentration (8%, 10%, 12%), distance (15 cm, 17 cm, 19 cm), and feeding rate (0.4 mL/h, 0.5 mL/h, 0.6 mL/h) were explored, and the resulting spun fibers were characterized. Through SEM characterization, it was found that when the spinning voltage was 13 KV, the spinning solution concentration was 10%, the distance was 17 cm, and the feeding rate was 0.5 mL/h, the nanofiber membrane had a smooth morphology without bead formation, with an average diameter of 260 nm. The nanofiber membrane was characterized using FTIR, TG, and SEM, confirming the successful incorporation of artemisia essential oil into PLA. The prepared antimicrobial nanofilm was subjected to antimicrobial testing, and the results showed that as the concentration of the essential oil increased, the inhibition zones also increased. When wormwood oil concentration was 4%, the diameter of the inhibition zone for Staphylococcus aureus increased from 1.0 mm to 3.5 mm, while the diameter of the inhibition zone for Escherichia coli increased from 2.0 mm to 4.5 mm.

Abstract Background Recent studies have demonstrated that multidrug resistance (MDR) is a critical factor in the low efficacy of cancer chemotherapy. The main mechanism of MDR arises from the overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which actively enhances drug efflux and limits the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents. Results In this study, we fabricated a “combo” nanoagent equipping with triple synergistic strategies for enhancing antitumor efficacy against MDR cells. Tumor homing-penetrating peptide endows the nanosystem with targeting and penetrating capabilities in the first stage of tumor internalization. The abundant amine groups of polyethylenimine (PEI)-modified nanoparticles then trigger a proton sponge effect to promote endo/lysosomal escape, which enhances the intracellular accumulation and retention of anticancer drugs. Furthermore, copper tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (CuTCPP) encapsulated in the nanosystem, effectively scavenges endogenous glutathione (GSH) to reduce the detoxification mediated by GSH and sensitize the cancer cells to drugs, while simultaneously serving as a photoacoustic imaging (PAI) contrast agent for image visualization. Moreover, we also verify that these versatile nanoparticles in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy can not only activate immunological responses but also inhibit P-gp expression to obliterate primary and metastatic tumors. Conclusion This work shows a significant enhancement in therapeutic efficacy against MDR cells and syngeneic tumors by using multiple MDR reversing strategies compared to an equivalent dose of free paclitaxel. Graphic Abstract

Evaluating the degradation of mechanical properties under irradiation is crucial for nuclear structural materials. Although ion irradiations have been commonly used for fundamental research on irradiation effects and fast screening of potential materials, the mechanical property tests on ion-irradiated materials are challenging due to the shallow irradiation depth. The research progress on utilizing small-scale mechanical property tests to characterize the ion-irradiation induced mechanical property degradation is the focus of this review. While the current techniques can access the mechanical properties at the nano- to micro-scale from various perspectives, the rationality and accuracy of the existing data analysis models, e.g., for the size-dependence, remain unclear or debating, especially for the ion-irradiated materials, resulting in the lack of consistency and reliability of the evaluation of the irradiation effects of materials. Establishing a standardized method is highly demanded to quantitatively bridge the gap between micro- and macro-scale mechanical properties of ion irradiated materials.

Abstract Background Percutaneous vertebroplasty is the most common treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. However, the morbidity of vertebroplasty-related complications, such as cement leakage, remains high. We tested a new technique of unilateral pulsed jet lavage and investigated its effect on the intravertebral pressure and bone cement distribution. Methods Thirty lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) from six cadaver spines were randomly allocated into two groups (with and without irrigation). Prior to vertebroplasty, pulsed jet lavage was performed through one side of the pedicle by using a novel cannula with two concentric conduits to remove the fat and bone marrow of the vertebral bodies in the group with irrigation. The control group was not irrigated. Then, standardized vertebroplasty was performed in the vertebral bodies in both groups. Changes in the intravertebral pressure during injection were recorded. Computed tomography (CT) was performed to observe the cement distribution and extravasations, and the cement mass volume (CMV) was calculated. Results During cement injection, the average maximum intravertebral pressure of the unirrigated group was higher than that of the irrigated group (4.92 kPa versus 2.22 kPa, P < 0.05). CT scans showed a more homogeneous cement distribution with less CMV (3832 mm3 vs. 4344 mm3, P < 0.05) and less leakage rate (6.7% vs. 46.7%, P < 0.05) in the irrigated group than in the control group. Conclusions Unilateral pulsed jet lavage can reduce intravertebral pressure and lower the incidence of cement leakage during vertebroplasty. An enhanced bone cement distribution can also be achieved through this lavage system.

Background: Melanoma is a common and malignant cutaneous tumor, which is responsible for a large proportion of skin cancer deaths. Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines have achieved positive results in the treatment of melanoma because of their ability to induce cytotoxic response to facilitate tumor elimination. Objective: To improve the efficacy of dendritic cell-based vaccines by the adjuvant activity of Helicobacter pylori neutrophil activating protein (HP-NAP), which is a virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori, has been proved as a TLR agonist with effective immunomodulatory activity. Methods: The recombinant HP-NAP (rHP-NAP) was expressed by using prokaryotic expression system. Dendritic cells (DCs) were cultured with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IL-4. After treating with rHP-NAP, the maturation of DCs and dendritic cell-based vaccine were assayed by using flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. The activation and proliferation of T cells were measured by FCM, ELISA and MTT methods. The tumor specific cytotoxic response to resistant B16F10 was detected by using lactate dehydrogenase-release assay and qRT-PCR. Results: The recombinant HP-NAP (rHP-NAP), prepared from E. coli prokaryotic expression system, was able to significantly promote the maturation of dendritic cell-based vaccine loaded with tumor cell lysate (TCL) of B16F10 (DC-B16F10-TCL). Furthermore, it effectively induced the activation and proliferation of T cells and tumor specific cytotoxic response to resistant B16F10 melanoma tumor cells. Conclusion: These results suggested that rHP-NAP possesses the potential for use as an adjuvant of dendritic cell-based vaccine in anti-melanoma treatment.

Background The abnormal upregulation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cancer cells inhibits T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, but the molecular mechanisms that drive and maintain PD-L1 expression are still incompletely understood.Methods Combined analyses of genomes and proteomics were applied to find potential regulators of PD-L1. In vitro experiments were performed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 by thyroid adenoma associated gene (THADA) using human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The prevalence of THADA was analyzed using CRC tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry. T cell killing assay, programmed cell death 1 binding assay and MC38 transplanted tumor models in C57BL/6 mice were developed to investigate the antitumor effect of THADA.Results THADA is critically required for the Golgi residency of PD-L1, and this non-redundant, coat protein complex II (COPII)-associated mechanism maintains PD-L1 expression in tumor cells. THADA mediated the interaction between PD-L1 as a cargo protein with SEC24A, a module on the COPII trafficking vesicle. Silencing THADA caused absence and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention of PD-L1 but not major histocompatibility complex-I, inducing PD-L1 clearance through ER-associated degradation. Targeting THADA substantially enhanced T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and increased CD8+ T cells infiltration in mouse tumor tissues. Analysis on clinical tissue samples supported a potential role of THADA in upregulating PD-L1 expression in cancer.Conclusions Our data reveal a crucial cellular process for PD-L1 maturation and maintenance in tumor cells, and highlight THADA as a promising target for overcoming PD-L1-dependent immune evasion.

Abstract Background Mangroves are ecologically and economically important forests of the tropics. As one of the most carbon-rich biomes, mangroves account for 11% of the total input of terrestrial carbon into oceans. Although viruses are considered to significantly influence local and global biogeochemical cycles, little information is available regarding the community structure, genetic diversity and ecological roles of viruses in mangrove ecosystems. Methods Here, we utilised viral metagenomics sequencing and virome-specific bioinformatics tools to study viral communities in six mangrove soil samples collected from different mangrove habitats in Southern China. Results Mangrove soil viruses were found to be largely uncharacterised. Phylogenetic analyses of the major viral groups demonstrated extensive diversity and previously unknown viral clades and suggested that global mangrove viral communities possibly comprise evolutionarily close genotypes. Comparative analysis of viral genotypes revealed that mangrove soil viromes are mainly affected by marine waters, with less influence coming from freshwaters. Notably, we identified abundant auxiliary carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) genes from mangrove viruses, most of which participate in biolysis of complex polysaccharides, which are abundant in mangrove soils and organism debris. Host prediction results showed that viral CAZyme genes are diverse and probably widespread in mangrove soil phages infecting diverse bacteria of different phyla. Conclusions Our results showed that mangrove viruses are diverse and probably directly manipulate carbon cycling by participating in biomass recycling of complex polysaccharides, providing the knowledge essential in revealing the ecological roles of viruses in mangrove ecosystems.

Objective MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate prostate tumorigenesis and progression by involving different molecular pathways. In this study, we examined the role of miR-572 in prostate cancer (PCa). Methods The proliferation rates of LNCaP and PC-3 PCa cells were studied using MTT assays. Transwell migration and Matrigel invasion assays were performed to evaluate cell migration and invasion, respectively. Protein expression levels were examined using western blotting. Docetaxel-induced apoptosis was evaluated by Caspase-Glo3/7 assays. The putative miR-572 binding site in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) 3ʹ untranslated region (3ʹ UTR) was assessed with dual-luciferase reporter assays. Additionally, miR-572 expression levels in human PCa tissues were examined by qRT-PCR assays. Results Upregulation of miR-572 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells. Overexpression of miR-572 decreased sensitivity of PCa cells to docetaxel treatment by reducing docetaxel-induced apoptosis. MiR-572 can regulate migration and invasion in PCa cells. Furthermore, miR-572 could regulate expression of PTEN and p-AKT in PCa cells by directly binding to the PTEN 3ʹ UTR. MiR-572 expression levels were increased in human PCa tissues and associated with PCa stage. Conclusions miR-572 displayed essential roles in PCa tumor growth and its expression level may be used to predict docetaxel treatment in these tumors.

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of ultrasound radiomics analysis before invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for evaluating the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) quantified by the SYNTAX score (SS). This study included 105 carotid plaques from 105 patients (64 low-SS patients, 41 intermediate-high-SS patients). The clinical characteristics and three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) features before ICA were assessed. Ultrasound images of carotid plaques were used for radiomics analysis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, which generated several nonzero coefficients, was used to select features that could predict intermediate-high SS. Based on those coefficients, the radiomics score (Rad-score) was calculated. The selected clinical characteristics, 3D-US features, and Rad-score were finally integrated into a radiomics nomogram. Among the clinical characteristics and 3D-US features, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and plaque volume were identified as predictors for distinguishing between low SS and intermediate-high SS. During the radiomics process, 8 optimal radiomics features most capable of identifying intermediate-high SS were selected from 851 candidate radiomics features. The differences in Rad-score between the training and the validation set were significant (p = 0.016 and 0.006). The radiomics nomogram integrating HDL, Apo B, plaque volume, and Rad-score showed excellent results in the training set (AUC, 0.741 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.646–0.835)) and validation set (AUC, 0.939 (95% CI: 0.860–1.000)), with good calibration (mean absolute errors of 0.028 and 0.059 in training and validation sets, respectively). Decision curve analysis showed that the radiomics nomogram could identify patients who could obtain the most benefit. We concluded that the radiomics nomogram based on carotid plaque ultrasound has favorable value for the noninvasive prediction of intermediate-high SS. This radiomics nomogram has potential value for the risk stratification of CAD before ICA and provides clinicians with a noninvasive diagnostic tool.

We present a simple and reliable method, based on the over-barrier model and Lindhard’s formula, to calculate the energy loss, charge transfer, and normalized intensity of highly charged ions penetrating through 2D ultrathin materials, including graphene and carbon nanomembranes. According to our results, the interaction between the ions and the 2D material can be simplified as an equivalent two-body collision, and we find that full consideration of the charge exchange effect is key to understanding the mechanism of ion energy deposition in an ultrathin target. Not only can this semiclassical model be used to evaluate the ion irradiation effect to a very good level of accuracy, but it also provides important guidance for tailoring the properties of 2D materials using ion beams.

RNA binding protein (RBPs) and microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that are implicated in development of cancers. Although their individual roles have been studied, the crosstalk between RBPs and miRNAs is under intense investigation. Here, we show that in breast cancer cells, cyclin E1 upregulation by the RBP HuR is through specific binding to regions in the cyclin E1 mRNA 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) containing U-rich elements. Similarly, miR-16 represses cyclin E1, dependent on its cognate binding sites in the cyclin E1 3'UTR. Evidence in the literature indicates that HuR can regulate miRNA expression and recruit or dissociate RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC). Despite this, miR-16 and HuR do not affect the other’s expression level or binding to the cyclin E1 3'UTR. While HuR overexpression partially blocks miR-16 repression of a reporter mRNA containing the cyclin E1 3'UTR, it does not block miR-16 repression of endogenous cyclin E1 mRNA. In contrast, miR-16 blocks HuR-mediated upregulation of cyclin E1. Overall our results suggest that miR-16 can override HuR upregulation of cyclin E1 without affecting HuR expression or association with the cyclin E1 mRNA.

Damage detection tests of inclined cables, steel pipes, spherical shells, and an actual cable-stayed bridge were conducted based on the proposed musical tone law method. The results show that the musical tone law method could be used in the damage detection of isotropic material structures with simple shape, like cables, pipes, plates, and shells. Having distinct spectral lines like a comb with a certain interval distribution rule is the main characteristic of the music tone law. Damage detection baseline could be established by quantizing the fitting relationship between modal orders and the corresponding frequency values. The main advantage of this method is that it could be used in the structural damage detection without vibration information of an intact structure as a reference.

The deep sea, which is defined as sea water below a depth of 1000 m, is one of the largest biomes on the Earth, and is recognised as an extreme environment due to its range of challenging physical parameters, such as pressure, salinity, temperature, chemicals and metals (such as hydrogen sulphide, copper and arsenic). For surviving in such extreme conditions, deep-sea extremophilic microorganisms employ a variety of adaptive strategies, such as the production of extremozymes, which exhibit outstanding thermal or cold adaptability, salt tolerance and/or pressure tolerance. Owing to their great stability, deep-sea extremozymes have numerous potential applications in a wide range of industries, such as the agricultural, food, chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnological sectors. This enormous economic potential combined with recent advances in sampling and molecular and omics technologies has led to the emergence of research regarding deep-sea extremozymes and their primary applications in recent decades. In the present review, we introduced recent advances in research regarding deep-sea extremophiles and the enzymes they produce and discussed their potential industrial applications, with special emphasis on thermophilic, psychrophilic, halophilic and piezophilic enzymes.