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Rapid, reliable and non-destructive detection of the quality of maize silage is essential to high-efficiency animal husbandry and food safety. In this study, the colorimetric sensor array (CSA) integrated with chemometric methods is innovatively proposed for qualitative discrimination of maize silage. First, 12 color-sensitive dyes were selected to fabricate colorimetric sensor arrays to be used as artificial olfactory sensors for obtaining odor fingerprints of maize silage. Machine vision algorithms were utilized to extract the color features, and principal component analysis was applied to reduce the dimensionality of the obtained data. Finally, the PCA results were input variables to develop different qualitative discrimination models. These models involve support vector machines (SVM), extreme learning machine (ELM), and random forest (RF). The analysis results show the 100% correct identification rate for independent samples. The general results sufficiently reveal that olfactory visualization technology integrated with chemometrics analysis has promising applications for high-precision discrimination of maize silage.

Purpose: To compare the usefulness of microperimetry and static automated perimetry in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), using macular anatomical metrics as a reference. Design: Prospective observational study. Participants: Forty-eight eyes of 48 patients with RP in Kyushu University Hospital who underwent microperimetry-3 (MP-3) and Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 10-2 testing ≥3 times during ≥2 years were included. Methods: Macular anatomy (ellipsoid zone [EZ] length) was assessed by OCT, and macular function was assessed by MP-3 (mean retinal sensitivity at radii 2°, 4°, and 8°) and HFA10-2 program (mean retinal sensitivity at radii 2°, 4°, and 8°). Correlations between functional and anatomical parameters were analyzed cross sectionally at baseline and longitudinally by comparing the rate of progression. Main Outcome Measures: Correlation coefficients between anatomical and functional metrics. Results: The mean age at baseline was 50.1 ± 12.3 years, and the mean follow-up period was 2.8 ± 0.7 years. At baseline, EZ length was significantly correlated with MP-3 mean retinal sensitivity at radii 2°, 4°, and 8° (Spearman’s ρ = 0.65, 0.84, 0.89; all P

BackgroundYunnan, a southwest highland and newly industrialized region of China, has an unknown hospitalization burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study was conducted to explore territorial hospitalization burden of IBD.MethodsThe formatted medical records of patients with IBD were collected from a territory-wide database in Yunnan Province, China, from 2015 to 2020. General characteristics of the study population were reported using descriptive statistics. To evaluate the length of stay, hospitalization costs, surgery, complications, and trends in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The logistic regression analysis was established to explore the factors affecting the hospitalization costs.ResultsA total of 12,174 records from 8192 patients were included. The annual hospitalization cost of IBD in Yunnan Province increased significantly from 2015 to 2020. From 2015 to 2020, the regional hospitalization burden of IBD increased, but it represented a decline in cost per hospitalization (r = −0.024, P = 0.008) and the length of stay (r = −0.098, P < 0.001). Surgery rates for hospitalized patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) did not decrease (r = −0.002, P = 0.932), and even increased for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (r = 0.03, P = 0.002). The costs per hospitalization were $ 827.49 (540.11–1295.50) for UC and $ 1057.03 (644.26–1888.78) for CD. Among the identifiable cost items during the period, drug costs accounted for the highest proportion, accounting for 33% and 37.30% in patients with UC and CD, respectively. Surgical intervention [OR 4.87 (3.75–6.31), P < 0.001], comorbidities [OR 1.72 (1.52–1.94), P < 0.001], complications [OR 1.53 (1.32–1.78), P < 0.001], and endoscopy [OR 2.06 (1.86–2.28), P < 0.001] were predictor of high hospitalization costs.ConclusionThe increasing burden of IBD is noteworthy a newly industrialized region of China. Interventions targeting surgery, complications, and comorbidities may be effective means of controlling the increasing hospitalization costs of IBD in the regions.

Abstract Background Sanguinarine chloride (S.C) is a benzophenanthrine alkaloid derived from the root of sanguinaria canadensis and other poppy-fumaria species. Studies have reported that S.C exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, proapoptotic, and growth inhibitory effects, which contribute to its anti-cancer properties. Recent studies suggested that the antitumor effect of S.C through inducing ferroptosis in some cancers. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism underlying the regulation of ferroptosis by S.C remains poorly understood. Methods A small molecule library was constructed based on FDA and CFDA approved small molecular drugs. CCK-8 assay was applied to evaluate the effects of the small molecule compound on tumor cell viability. Prostate cancer cells were treated with S.C and then the cell viability and migration ability were assessed using CCK8, colony formation and wound healing assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron accumulation were quantified through flow cytometry analysis. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione (GSH) were measured using commercially available kits. RNA-seq analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the treatment groups. Western blotting and qPCR were utilized to investigate the expression of relevant proteins and genes. In vivo experiments employed a xenograft mice model to evaluate the anti-cancer efficacy of S.C. Results Our study demonstrated that S.C effectively inhibited the viability of various prostate cancer cells. Notably, S.C exhibited the ability to enhance the cytotoxicity of docetaxel in DU145 cells. We found that S.C-induced cell death partially relied on the induction of ferroptosis, which was mediated through up-regulation of HMOX1 protein. Additionally, our investigation revealed that S.C treatment decreased the stability of BACH1 protein, which contributed to HMOX1expression. We further identified that S.C-induced ROS caused BACH1 instability by suppressing USP47expression. Moreover, In DU145 xenograft model, we found S.C significantly inhibited prostate cancer growth, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic strategy. Collectively, these findings provide evidence that S.C could induce regulated cell death (RCD) in prostate cancer cells and effectively inhibit tumor growth via triggering ferroptosis. This study provides evidence that S.C effectively suppresses tumor progression and induces ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells by targeting ROS/USP47/BACH1/HMOX1 axis. Conclusion This study provides evidence that S.C effectively suppresses tumor progression and induces ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells by targeting the ROS/USP47/BACH1/HMOX1 axis. These findings offer novel insights into the underlying mechanism by which S.C inhibits the progression of prostate cancer. Furthermore, leveraging the potential of S.C in targeting ferroptosis may present a new therapeutic opportunity for prostate cancer. This study found that S.C induces ferroptosis by targeting the ROS/USP47/BACH1/HMOX1 axis in prostate cancer cells. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to establish a clinical-based nomogram for predicting the success rate of high-volume Foley catheterization for labor induction. Methods This retrospective study included 1149 full-term pregnant women who received high-volume Foley catheterization for labor induction from January 2019 to December 2021 in Changshu No.1 People’s Hospital. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, in which the labor induction success was set as dependent variables and the characteristics (including age, height, weight, BMI, gravidity, parity, gestational age, uterine height, abdominal circumference, cervical Bishop score, amniotic fluid index, cephalic presentation, neonatal weight, pregnancy complications, etc.) were set as independent variables. A nomogram scoring model was established based on these risk factors, and a calibration curve was plotted to verify the predictive accuracy of the model. Results The success rate of labor induction was 83.55% (960/1149). Univariate analysis revealed that the risk factors associated with the success rate of high-volume Foley catheterization for labor induction were height, pregnancy, birth, age, weight, BMI, uterine height, abdominal circumference, and hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 0.950; 95% CI: 0.904 ~ 0.998), height (OR = 1.062; 95% CI: 1.026 ~ 1.100), BMI (OR = 0.871; 95% CI: 0.831 ~ 0.913), and parity (OR = 8.007; 95% CI: 4.483 ~ 14.303) were independent risk factors for labor induction success by high-volume Foley catheterization. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in the prediction model was 0.752 (95% CI 0.716 ~ 0.788). A nomogram was constructed based on the final multivariate analysis with a corrected C-index of 0.748, which indicated that the model was calibrated reasonably. Conclusion Four risk factors were used to construct a nomogram to evaluate the success rate of high-volume Foley catheterization for labor induction. The nomogram provides a visual clinical tool to assist in the selection of the most appropriate mode of labor induction for pregnant women of different risk levels.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to identify the key volatile compounds that characterize whether silage has deteriorated and to investigate the intrinsic link between the key compounds and silage odor. First, silages with different aerobic exposure durations were sampled, and sensory evaluation integrating aerobic stability monitoring was used to distinguish whether the silage had deteriorated. Subsequently, headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was utilized to determine the relative content of the compounds. Using the relative content of the compounds in each silage as input, relative odor activity value (ROAV) calculations and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed to determine the odor contribution of the compounds and the compounds with significant differences in relative content (based on variable importance for the projection, VIP) between the deteriorated and non-deteriorated silages. Next, the key compounds were identified by combining the conditions of average ROAV (aROAV) ≥ 1 and VIP > 1. Finally, the OPLS algorithm was used to analyze the intrinsic link of key compounds with the silage odor. The results showed that three out of 63 compounds—4-ethyl phenol, eugenol, and ethyl linoleate—were key compounds to characterize whether the silages deteriorated or not. In addition, ortho-guaiacol, 4-ethyl guaiacol, and 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol were the specific key compounds for deteriorated silage. Eugenol and ethyl linoleate were correlated with fruity, sour, and spicy odors. In addition, guaiacol, 4-ethylphenol, 4-ethyl guaiacol and 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol contributed to roasted, musty, and putrid odors.

Background Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a key component in maintaining the suppressive tumor microenvironment and immune suppression in different types of cancers. A precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms used by Treg cells for immune suppression is critical for the development of effective strategies for cancer immunotherapy.Methods Senescence development and tolerogenic functions of dendritic cells (DCs) induced by breast cancer tumor-derived γδ Treg cells were fully characterized using real-time PCR, flow cytometry, western blot, and functional assays. Loss-of-function strategies with pharmacological inhibitor and/or neutralizing antibody were used to identify the potential molecule(s) and pathway(s) involved in DC senescence and dysfunction induced by Treg cells. Impaired tumor antigen HER2-specific recognition and immune response of senescent DCs induced by γδ Treg cells were explored in vitro and in vivo in humanized mouse models. In addition, the DC-based HER2 tumor vaccine immunotherapy in breast cancer models was performed to explore the enhanced antitumor immunity via prevention of DC senescence through blockages of STAT3 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling.Results We showed that tumor-derived γδ Treg cells promote the development of senescence in DCs with tolerogenic functions in breast cancer. Senescent DCs induced by γδ Treg cells suppress Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation but promote the development of Treg cells. In addition, we demonstrated that PD-L1 and STAT3 signaling pathways are critical and involved in senescence induction in DCs mediated by tumor-derived γδ Treg cells. Importantly, our complementary in vivo studies further demonstrated that blockages of PD-L1 and/or STAT3 signaling can prevent γδ Treg-induced senescence and reverse tolerogenic functions in DCs, resulting in enhanced HER2 tumor-specific immune responses and immunotherapy efficacy in human breast cancer models.Conclusions These studies not only dissect the suppressive mechanism mediated by tumor-derived γδ Treg cells on DCs in the tumor microenvironment but also provide novel strategies to prevent senescence and dysfunction in DCs and enhance antitumor efficacy mediated by tumor-specific T cells for cancer immunotherapy.

The directional organization of multiple nociceptive regions, particularly within obscure operculoinsular areas, underlying multidimensional pain processing remains elusive. This study aims to establish the fundamental organization between somatosensory and insular cortices in routing nociceptive information. By employing an integrated multimodal approach of high-field fMRI, intracranial electrophysiology, and transsynaptic viral tracing in rats, we observed a hierarchically organized connection of S1/S2 → posterior insula → anterior insula in routing nociceptive information. The directional nociceptive pathway determined by early fMRI responses was consistent with that examined by early evoked LFP, intrinsic effective connectivity, and anatomical projection, suggesting fMRI could provide a valuable facility to discern directional neural circuits in animals and humans non-invasively. Moreover, our knowledge of the nociceptive hierarchical organization of somatosensory and insular cortices and the interface role of the posterior insula may have implications for the development of targeted pain therapies.

Comparable investigation of pore-induced defects during in-phase (IP) and out-of-phase (OP) thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) were conducted on fourth-generation single crystal superalloy. It was discovered that recrystallizations and deformation twins would take shape near micro-pores at IP and OP cycling, respectively. High-resolution observation uncovered that the increasing a/6〈112〉 twinning dislocations and more frequent activation of 〈112〉{111} viscous slipping during OP-TMF accounted for twinning nucleation. Atom-scale mapping additionally disclosed the dual effect of Re, Co, and Cr in facilitating twinning formation and impeding of partial dislocations movement. It was deemed that the accumulation of pore-induced twins caused the premature fracture of alloy during OP-TMF.

As pH is a key factor affecting the quality of maize silage, its accurate detection is essential to ensuring product quality. Although traditional methods for testing the pH of maize silage feed are widely used, the procedures are often complex and time-consuming and may damage the sample. This study presents a non-destructive hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology that provides a more efficient and cost-effective method of monitoring pH by capturing the spectral information of samples and analyzing their chemical and physical properties rapidly and without contact. We applied four spectral preprocessing methods, among which the multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) preprocessing method yielded the best results. To minimize model redundancy and enhance predictive performance, we utilized six feature extraction methods for characteristic wavelength extraction, integrating these with partial least squares (PLS), non-linear support vector machine regression (SVR), and extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithms to construct a quantitative pH value prediction model. The results showed that the model based on the bootstrapping soft shrinkage (BOSS) feature wavelength extraction method outperformed the other feature extraction methods, selecting 20 pH value-related feature wavelengths from 256 bands and building a stable BOSS–ELM model with prediction set determination coefficient (RP2), root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP), and relative percentage deviation (RPD) values of 0.9241, 0.4372, and 3.6565, respectively. To further optimize the model for precisely predicting pH at each pixel in hyperspectral images, we employed three algorithms: the genetic algorithm (GA), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and bald eagle search (BES). These algorithms optimized and compared the BOSS–ELM model to obtain the best model for predicting maize silage pH: the BOSS–BES–ELM model. This model achieved a determination coefficient (RP2) of 0.9598, an RMSEP of 0.3216, and an RPD of 5.1448. We generated a visualized distribution map of pH value variation in maize silage using the BOSS–BES–ELM model. This study provides strong technical support and a reference for the rapid, non-destructive detection of maize silage pH from an image, an advancement of great significance to ensuring the quality of maize silage.

The influence of common additives on the detection of plant derived components in vegetable protein drinks was studied. Different concentrations of additives were added into the fluorescent PCR reaction system to determine the interference concentration of soybean DNA fluorescence PCR reaction, and the DNA UV absorption peak was measured. And three methods: reagent kit, reagent kit+chloraform, and “Method for Identification of Plant-derived Components in Vegetable Protein Drinks” were compared. When the concentration of acesulfame was greater than 105.00 μg/μL, and the concentration of sodium cyclamate was greater than 100.00 μg/μL, and the concentration of ascorbic acid was greater than 108.30 μg/μL. In addition, the concentration of D-sodium erythorbate was greater than 132.00 μg/μL, and the concentration of disodium inosinate was greater than 335.00 μg/μL. Under this condition, the concentration of monosodium glutamate was greater than 150.00 μg/μL and potassium chloride was greater than 37.85 μg/μL, indicating that the RT-PCR reaction of soybean DNA was inhibited and the results were false negative. When acesulfame concentration was greater than 75.00 μg/μL, sodium cyclamate concentration was greater than 133.38 μg/μL, and ascorbic acid concentration was greater than 65.00 μg/μL. D-sodium erythorbate concentration was greater than 79.13 μg/μL, and disodium inosinate concentration was greater than 335.00 μg/μL, while DNA uv absorption peak could not be detected. The DNA UV absorption peaks of disodium inosinate, 100.00 μg/μL and 200.00 μg/μL monosodium glutamate at 298.75 μg/μL were significantly different from those of the control group, but no significant differences were found between the other additive groups and the control group. Among the three methods, had the best DNA extraction effect and the lowest Ct value, which was significantly different from the other two methods. The additive had an effect on RT PCR detection of plant components. This study laid a foundation for further study on the influence of additives on the detection of plant derived ingredients.

Abstract The widespread application of antiandrogen therapies has aroused a significant increase in the incidence of NEPC, a lethal form of the disease lacking efficient clinical treatments. Here we identified a cell surface receptor neurokinin-1 (NK1R) as a clinically relevant driver of treatment-related NEPC (tNEPC). NK1R expression increased in prostate cancer patients, particularly higher in metastatic prostate cancer and treatment-related NEPC, implying a relation with the progression from primary luminal adenocarcinoma toward NEPC. High NK1R level was clinically correlated with accelerated tumor recurrence and poor survival. Mechanical studies identified a regulatory element in the NK1R gene transcription ending region that was recognized by AR. AR inhibition enhanced the expression of NK1R, which mediated the PKCα-AURKA/N-Myc pathway in prostate cancer cells. Functional assays demonstrated that activation of NK1R promoted the NE transdifferentiation, cell proliferation, invasion, and enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer cells. Targeting NK1R abrogated the NE transdifferentiation process and tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. These findings collectively characterized the role of NK1R in tNEPC progression and suggested NK1R as a potential therapeutic target.

BackgroundFrequent air pollution events in Northwest China pose a serious threat to human health. However, there is a lack of specific differences assessment in PM2.5-related disease burden. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the PM2.5-related premature deaths and health economic losses in this typical northwest region, taking into account disease-specific, age-specific, and region-specific factors.MethodsWe utilized the WRF-Chem model to simulate and analyze the characteristics and exposure levels of PM2.5 pollution in Gansu Province, a typical region of Northwest China. Subsequently, we estimated the premature mortality and health economic losses associated with PM2.5 by combining the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM) and the Value of a Statistical Life (VSL).ResultsThe results suggested that the PM2.5 concentrations in Gansu Province in 2019 varied spatially, with a decrease from north to south. The number of non-accidental deaths attributable to PM2.5 pollution was estimated to be 14,224 (95% CI: 11,716–16,689), accounting for 8.6% of the total number of deaths. The PM2.5-related health economic loss amounted to 28.66 (95% CI: 23.61–33.63) billion yuan, equivalent to 3.3% of the regional gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke were the leading causes of PM2.5-attributed deaths, contributing to 50.6% of the total. Older adult individuals aged 60 and above accounted for over 80% of all age-related disease deaths. Lanzhou had a higher number of attributable deaths and health economic losses compared to other regions. Although the number of PM2.5-attributed deaths was lower in the Hexi Corridor region, the per capita health economic loss was higher.ConclusionGansu Province exhibits distinct regional characteristics in terms of PM2.5 pollution as well as disease- and age-specific health burdens. This highlights the significance of implementing tailored measures that are specific to local conditions to mitigate the health risks and economic ramifications associated with PM2.5 pollution.

The senescence of adipose stem cells (ASCs) impairs healthy adipose tissue remodeling, causing metabolic maladaptation to energy surplus. The intrinsic molecular pathways and potential therapy targets for ASC senescence are largely unclear. Here, we showed that visceral ASCs were prone to senescence that was caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) overload, especially mitochondrial ROS. These senescent ASCs failed to sustain efficient glucose influx, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and redox homeostasis. We showed that CD90 silence restricted the glucose uptake by ASCs and thus disrupted their PPP and anti-oxidant system, resulting in ASC senescence. Notably, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) treatment significantly reduced the senescent phenotypes of ASCs by augmenting CD90 protein via glycosylation, which promoted glucose influx via the AKT-GLUT4 axis and therefore mitigated ROS overload. For diet-induced obese mice, chronic administration of low-dose FGF21 relieved their visceral white adipose tissue (VAT) dysfunction and systemic metabolic disorders. In particular, VAT homeostasis was restored in FGF21-treated obese mice, where ASC repertoire was markedly recovered, accompanied by CD90 elevation and anti-senescent phenotypes in these ASCs. Collectively, we reveal a molecular mechanism of ASC senescence by which CD90 downregulation interferes glucose influx into PPP and redox homeostasis. And we propose a FGF21-based strategy for healthy VAT remodeling, which targets CD90 glycosylation to correct ASC senescence and therefore combat obesity-related metabolic dysfunction.

This paper proposes a joint limiting control strategy for suppressing DC fault current and arm current in modular multilevel converter-based high-voltage direct current (MMC-HVDC) systems, which includes two target-oriented current limiting controls. To limit the DC fault current in the early fault stage, an equivalent modular multilevel converter (MMC) impedance is obtained, and its high-frequency part is reshaped by introducing virtual impedance, which is realized by adjusting the inserted submodules adaptively. Following the analysis of MMC control characteristics, the arm current limiting strategy is investigated, with results showing that the inner-loop control has significant effects on arm current and that a simple low-pass filter can reduce the arm current in the fault period. Finally, by combining the virtual impedance shaping and inner-loop control, the fault currents of DC lines and MMC arms can be suppressed simultaneously, which can not only alleviate the interrupting pressure of the DC circuit breaker, but also prevent the MMC from being blocked by the arm overcurrent. Theoretical analysis conclusions and the proposed strategy are verified offline by a digital time-domain simulation on Power Systems Computer Aided Design/Electromagnetic Transients including DC platform, and experiment on a real-time digital simulator platform.

The fault current level analysis is important for bipolar direct current (DC) grids, which determines the operation and protection requirements. The DC grid topology significantly impacts the current path and then the fault current level of the grid, which makes it possible to limit the fault current by optimizing the grid topology. However, the corresponding discussion in the literature is indigent. Aiming at this point, the impact of grid topology, i.e., the connecting scheme of converters, on the pole-to-ground fault current in bipolar DC grids, is investigated in this paper, and the ground-return-based and metallic-return-based grounding schemes are considered, respectively. Firstly, the decoupled equivalent model in frequency domain for fault current analysis is obtained. Then, the impacts of converters with different distances to the fault point on the fault current can be analyzed according to the high-frequency impedance characteristics. Based on the analysis results, a simplified fault current index (SFCI) is proposed to realize the fast evaluation of impact of grid topology on the fault current level. The SFCI is then applied to evaluate the relative fault current level. Finally, the simulation results validate the model, the analysis method, and the SFCI, which can effectively evaluate the relative fault current level in a direct and fast manner.

Abstract With the booming development of smart wearable devices, flexible multifunctional composites with high sensitivity and well health therapy have evoked great interest for next-generation healthcare electronics. However, the weak biocompatibility, low breathability, and narrow sensing range greatly hinder the development of healthcare sensors. Herein, a porous, flexible and conductive MXene/Polydimethylsiloxane/Polydopamine/Polyurethane Sponge (MXene/PDMS/PDA/PU) nanocomposite is developed as a promising motion-detecting device with good flexibility, breathability, sensing performance, photothermal therapy and antibacterial activity. Benefiting from the porous structure and biocompatible surface, this multifunctional sensor is further fabricated into a diagnostic and therapeutic system for monitoring human body motion and performing hot therapy/antibacterial treatment in the application of sports injury site. Moreover, both the wireless smart insole and cushion are constructed to gait monitoring and sit position detecting. This multifunctional hybrid sponge not only demonstrates great potential for motion monitoring sensors but also exhibits wide potential in wearable medical assistive and therapeutic systems.

Summary: Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) drive healthy visceral adipose tissue (VAT) expansion via adipocyte hyperplasia. Obesity induces ASC senescence that causes VAT dysfunction and metabolic disorders. It is challenging to restrain this process by biological intervention, as mechanisms of controlling VAT ASC senescence remain unclear. We demonstrate that a population of CX3CR1hi macrophages is maintained in mouse VAT during short-term energy surplus, which sustains ASCs by restraining their senescence, driving adaptive VAT expansion and metabolic health. Long-term overnutrition induces diminishment of CX3CR1hi macrophages in mouse VAT accompanied by ASC senescence and exhaustion, while transferring CX3CR1hi macrophages restores ASC reservoir and triggers VAT beiging to alleviate the metabolic maladaptation. Mechanistically, visceral ASCs attract macrophages via MCP-1 and shape their CX3CR1hi phenotype via exosomes; these macrophages relieve ASC senescence by promoting the arginase1-eIF5A hypusination axis. These findings identify VAT CX3CR1hi macrophages as ASC supporters and unravel their therapeutic potential for metabolic maladaptation to obesity.

ISO 26262 provides testing requirements for functional safety development and testing to mitigate unacceptable risks arising from system functional failures. Fault injection plays a vital role in assessing system robustness and validating the efficacy of safety mechanisms. This paper explores the fault types and implementation process of fault injection in the context of functional safety confirmation and validation. A fault injection board specifically designed for electrical faults is developed and integrated with Controller Area Network (CAN) messages to verify the effectiveness and correctness of safety mechanisms. The proposed approach offers the advantages of flexible switching and ease of control, making it a valuable tool in ensuring the functional safety of automotive systems.

AimThis study aimed to determine the factors affecting the quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to construct a disease recurrence prediction model based on these influencing factors.MethodsA prospective, single-center study in China was conducted between October 2020 and March 2021. The quality of life of patients was assessed using the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the quality of life of patients with IBD. The chi-square test and the point-biserial correlation analysis were performed to identify factors associated with clinical recurrence. A binary logistic regression model was constructed to predict the recurrence. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the prediction model. Patients with IBD from April 2021 to June 2021 were randomly included for model verification to evaluate the disease recurrence prediction model.ResultsThe average IBDQ score of patients with IBD was 172.2 ± 35.0 (decreased by 23.2%). The scores of all dimensions of the IBDQ were decreased, especially emotional function and systemic symptoms. Disease activity, age, extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), and annual household income were important factors influencing the IBDQ scores of patients with ulcerative colitis, and these accounted for ~57.0% of the factors affecting the quality of life. Disease activity, EIMs, and occupational stress were important factors influencing the IBDQ scores of patients with Crohn's disease, and they accounted for approximately 75.1% of the factors affecting the quality of life. Annual household income, occupational stress, and IBDQ scores were independent risk factors for recurrence. The area under the curve of the recurrence prediction model was 81.1%. The sensitivity and specificity were 81.7 and 71.7%, respectively. The Youden index of the model was 0.534. The established recurrence prediction model has good discriminant validity in the validation cohort.ConclusionThe quality of life of patients with IBD was generally poor. The use of factors affecting the quality of life to predict disease recurrence has high predictive value and can support the management of IBD by selecting patients at a higher risk for relapse.

IntroductionUlcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract with unknown etiology. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the occurrence and development of UC. Understanding changes in the microbiome and metabolome of the intestinal tract is crucial for the clinical management and treatment of UC.MethodsHere, we performed metabolomic and metagenomic profiling of fecal samples from healthy control mice (HC group), DSS (Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt) -induced UC mice (DSS group), and KT2-treated UC mice (KT2 group).Results and DiscussionIn total, 51 metabolites were identified after UC induction, enriched in phenylalanine metabolism, while 27 metabolites were identified after KT2 treatment, enriched in histidine metabolism and bile acid biosynthesis. Fecal microbiome analysis revealed significant differences in nine bacterial species associated with the course of UC, including Bacteroides, Odoribacter, and Burkholderiales, which were correlated with aggravated UC, and Anaerotruncus, Lachnospiraceae, which were correlated with alleviated UC. We also identified a disease-associated network connecting the above bacterial species with UC-associated metabolites, including palmitoyl sphingomyelin, deoxycholic acid, biliverdin, and palmitoleic acid. In conclusion, our results indicated that Anaerotruncus, Lachnospiraceae, and Mucispirillum were protective species against DSS-induced UC in mice. The fecal microbiomes and metabolomes differed significantly among the UC mice and KT2-treated and healthy-control mice, providing potential evidence for the discovery of biomarkers of UC.

Abstract Background Although FOXO3a can inhibit the cell proliferation of prostate cancer, its relationship with reactive oxygen species (ROS) in prostate cancer (PCa) has not been reported. Methods We analyzed the correlation between the expression of FOXO3a and the antioxidant enzyme catalase in prostate cancer with the TCGA and GEPIA databases. We also constructed a PPI network of FOXO3a via the STRING database. The mRNA and protein expression of FOXO3a and catalase were detected by qRT-PCR or western blotting in LNCaP and 22RV1 cells treated with DHT, R1881, or Enzalutamide. The effects of FOXO3a on catalase expression were tested by over-expressing or knocking down FOXO3a in LNCaP cells. Furthermore, the catalase activity and ROS level were detected in LNCaP cells treated with DHT. Cell proliferation and ROS were also analyzed in LNCaP which was treated with antioxidant. Results Results showed that the catalase expression was down-regulated in prostate cancer. A positive correlation between FOXO3a and catalase existed. DHT treatment could significantly reduce FOXO3a and catalase expression at mRNA and protein level in LNCaP cells. Catalase expression partly depended on FOXO3a as over-expression and knockdown of FOXO3a could result in the expresssion change of catalase. DHT treatment was found to inhibit catalase activity and increase ROS level in prostate cancer cell. Our study also demonstrated that antioxidant treatment reduced DHT-induced proliferation and ROS production in prostate cancer cell. Conclusions We discovered a novel mechanism by which DHT promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation via suppressing catalase activity and activating ROS signaling via a FOXO3a dependent manner.

Abstract The hybrid HVDC with cascaded multi‐infeed MMC inverters will be put into reality soon in China, but its MMC inverter in constant DC voltage control would become a rectifier when disturbance happens. Thus, to solve such problem and enhance the stabilities, the adaptive droop control is proposed for MMC inverters and a hierarchical coordinated adaptive strategy is designed, which are realized through three parts. The first coordinated strategy is to maintain the inverter side DC voltage in constant by shifting the MMC inverters’ droop curves, such that the operation variation will not change the DC voltage in droop control, where the power transferred by the hybrid HVDC would be varied if voltage deviation occurs; the second part is to realize MMC inverters’ accurate power control considering the practical project and power dispatch, which is achieved through the droop control reference adjustment. Based on the above coordinated strategies, the third strategy is designed to make MMC inverters and LCC rectifiers coordinate with each other for the power fluctuates and fault situations, which is used to avoid inverters’ overload operation. The simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy finally.

Abstract Despite the great advances in target therapy, lung cancer remains the top cause of cancer-related death worldwide. G protein-coupled receptor neurokinin-1 (NK1R) is shown to play multiple roles in various cancers; however, the pathological roles and clinical implication in lung cancer are unclarified. Here we identified NK1R as a significantly upregulated GPCR in the transcriptome and tissue array of human lung cancer samples, associated with advanced clinical stages and poor prognosis. Notably, NK1R is co-expressed with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in NSCLC patients’ tissues and co-localized in the tumor cells. NK1R can crosstalk with EGFR by interacting with EGFR, transactivating EGFR phosphorylation and regulating the intracellular signaling of ERK1/2 and Akt. Activation of NK1R promotes the proliferation, colony formation, EMT, MMP2/14 expression, and migration of lung cancer cells. The inhibition of NK1R by selective antagonist aprepitant repressed cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Knockdown of NK1R significantly slowed down the tumor growth in nude mice. The sensitivity of lung cancer cells to gefitinib/osimertinib is highly increased in the presence of the selective NK1R antagonist aprepitant. Our data suggest that NK1R plays an important role in lung cancer development through EGFR signaling and the crosstalk between NK1R and EGFR may provide a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) and Retrolaminar Block (RLB) on intra- and postoperative analgesia in patients with Multiple Rib Fractures (MRFs). Methods: A total of 80 MRFs patients were randomly divided into the ESPB (Group E) and RLB (Group R) groups. After general anesthesia, ESPB and RLB were performed under ultrasound guidance, respectively, together with 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine and Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia (PCIA). Results: Thirty-four cases in Group E and 33,cases in Group R showed unclear paravertebral spaces. The intraoperative dosage of remifentanil (mean ± SD) (392.8 ± 118.7 vs. 501.7 ± 190.0 μg) and postoperative morphine PCIA dosage, (7.35 ± 1.55 vs. 14.73 ± 2.18 mg) in Group R were significantly less than those in Group E; the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores in Group R at 2 (2.7 ± 1.2 vs. 3.4 ± 1.4), 4 (2.2 ± 1.1 vs. 2.8 ± 0.9), 12 (2.5 ± 0.9 vs. 3.0 ± 0.8), and 24 hours (2.6 ± 1.0 vs. 3.1 ± 0.9) after surgery were significantly lower than those in Group E. Finally, the normal respiratory diaphragm activity (2.17 ± 0.22 vs. 2.05 ± 0.19), pH (median [IQR] (7.38 [7.31–7.45] vs. 7.36 [7.30–7.42]), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) (44 [35–49] vs. 42.5 [30–46]) after the operation in Group R were significantly better than those in Group E (p < 0.05). Conclusions: RLB was a more effective analgesic method than ESPB in the treatment of MRF.

ObjectiveHIV continues to be a global challenge. Key recommendations for HIV prevention and treatment are presented on rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. However, several studies showed a high prevalence of delayed ART initiation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of delayed ART initiation among HIV-infected patients globally.MethodsThis review summarised eligible studies conducted between January 2015 and August 2022 on the prevalence of delayed ART initiation in HIV-infected adults (age ≥ 15). Relevant studies were systematic searched through PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP databases. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates. The heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. Moreover, potential sources of heterogeneity were explored using univariate subgroup analysis.ResultsData on the prevalence of delayed ART initiation was pooled across 29 studies involving 34,937 participants from 15 countries. The overall pooled prevalence of delayed ART initiation was 36.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 29.7-42.5%]. In subgroup analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence decreased with age. By sex, the prevalence was higher among male patients (39.3%, 95% CI: 32.2-46.4%) than female (36.5%, 95% CI: 26.9-50.7%). Patients with high CD4 cell count were more likely to delay ART initiation than those with low CD4 cell count (>500cells/mm3: 40.3%; 201-500cells/mm3: 33.4%; and ≤200cells/mm3: 25.3%).ConclusionsOur systematic review and meta-analysis identified a high prevalence of delayed ART initiation. The prolonged time interval between diagnosis and treatment is a prevalent and unaddressed problem that should spur initiatives from countries globally. Further research is urgently needed to identify effective strategies for promoting the early ART initiation.

Abstract As an essential simulation tool, global power flow (GPF) can approximately model mutual impacts of interactions between transmission system (TS) and distribution system (DS). However, sequential GPF lacks timely solution performance required in several applications built on top of GPF, for example, contingency analysis. To address this issue, graphic processing unit (GPU) with excellent floating‐point arithmetic operations is introduced and in turn a Master‐Slave‐Splitting (MSS) based parallel GPF approach is proposed via vectorization parallelization under GPU‐CPU heterogeneous architecture. First, the root cause behind sparsity property of GPF and its impacts on key steps of NR‐based GPF approach are quantitatively analysed. Considering the studies carried out in the authors' previous work of the application of GPU and sparse techniques on TS power flow (TS‐PF), its applications on parallel implementations of corresponding steps engaged in three‐phase imbalanced DS power flow (DS‐PF) is mainly focused on. Numerical studies validate the effects of various custom‐designed parallel schemes on acceleration enhancement of individual steps in the proposed GPU‐CPU parallel GPF approach.

HIV infection becomes a manageable disease, and self-management is one of the key indicators of achieving optimal health outcomes. Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV face many psychosocial challenges when managing HIV infection, such as sexual minority pressure and HIV-related stigma. Higher perceived HIV-related stigma had been related to low self-management. However, the mechanisms underlying the association between HIV-related stigma and HIV self-management are unclear. Two possible mediators include social support and self-efficacy. This study aimed to examine the relationship between HIV-related stigma and HIV self-management among MSM living with HIV and to explore the single mediating effect of social support and self-efficacy and the chain mediating effect of these two variables on this relationship in China. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Changsha City, Hunan province, China. A total of 459 MSM living with HIV completed questionnaires regarding sociodemographic and disease-related information, HIV-related stigma, social support, self-efficacy, and HIV self-management. Descriptive statistics analysis, one-way ANOVA, independent t-tests, Pearson’s bivariate correlation, and multiple regression were conducted using the SPSS v24.0. Process macro in SPSS was used to analyze the single and chain mediating effect among variables. Our findings showed that the indirect and total effect of HIV-related stigma on HIV self-management was significant, while the direct effect was not statistically significant. Social support and self-efficacy mediated the relationship between HIV-related stigma and HIV self-management, respectively. Moreover, the chain mediating model confirmed that the association between HIV-related stigma and HIV self-management was mediated by social support and self-efficacy sequentially. Future interventions focusing on improving HIV self-management among MSM living with HIV should consider a multi-faced approach.

Insect chitinases play a crucial part to digest chitin in the exoskeleton during the molting process. However, research on insect chitinase related to the environmental stress response is very limited. This study was the first conducted to expression analysis of chitinase- related genes in A. pisum under abiotic stresses. Here, we identified five chitinase-like proteins (ApIDGF, ApCht3, ApCht7, ApCht10 and ApENGase), and clustered them into five groups (group II, III, V, Ⅹ, and ENGase). Developmental expression analysis revealed that the five A. pisum chitinase-related genes were expressed at whole developmental stages with different relative expression patterns. When aphids were exposed to various abiotic stresses including temperature, insecticide and the stress 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), all five chitinase genes were differentially expressed in A. pisum. The results showed that insecticide such as imidacloprid down-regulated the expression of these five Cht-related genes. Analysis of temperature stress of A. pisum chitinase suggested that ApCht7 expression was high at 10°C, which demonstrates its important role in pea aphids under low temperature. Conversely, ApCht10 was more active under high temperature stress, as it was significantly up-regulated at 30°C. Besides, 20E enhanced ApCht3 and ApCht10 expression in A. pisum, but reduced ApCht7 expression. These findings provide basic information and insights for the study of the role of these genes under abiotic stress, which advances our knowledge in the management of pea aphids under multiple stresses.

Soil meso-fauna can indicate ecological health and provide biotic metrics for evaluating ecosystem damage and environmental changes. However, the roles of the soil meso-fauna in wetlands affected by oil exploitation have rarely been studied. This study investigated the community of the soil meso-fauna and the soil environmental quality in the oil exploitation area (oil well area, transitional area, and natural area) of the Momoge wetland, China. The results revealed that the oil pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) in the oil exploitation area mainly contained 2–3 rings soil PAHs. Oil exploitation mainly affected the soil meso-faunal community by changing the soil environment and vegetation characteristics. The abundance and richness of the soil meso-fauna were negatively affected by oil exploitation, and the richness responded more sensitively than the abundance. The diversity and taxa composition of the soil meso-fauna can be used to indicate the impacts of oil exploitation on wetland ecosystems and assess the ecological health of wetlands. The terrestrial taxa of the soil meso-fauna in wetlands (Coccoidea, Carabidae larvae, Hydrophilidae larvae, and Aphididae) could tolerate the oil pollutants and intense exploitation disturbance, indicating a highly disturbed wetland ecosystem. The aquatic (Chironomidae) and terrestrial taxon (Tenebrionoidea) indicated an intermediately disturbed wetland ecosystem. The aquatic (Enchytraeidae and Tabanidae) and non-aquatic taxa (Lposcelididae, Oecobiidae, and Tenthredinidae) indicated an undisturbed natural wetland ecosystem. The results of this study provide promising opportunities for oil production management and conservation efforts for wetland resources and biodiversity.

Background Current immunotherapies still have limited successful rates among cancers. It is now recognized that T cell functional state in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key determinant for effective antitumor immunity and immunotherapy. In addition to exhaustion, cellular senescence in tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs) has recently been identified as an important T cell dysfunctional state induced by various malignant tumors. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanism responsible for T cell senescence in the TME and development of novel strategies to prevent effector T cell senescence are urgently needed for cancer immunotherapy.Methods Senescent T cell populations in the TMEs in mouse lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma tumor models were evaluated. Furthermore, T cell senescence induced by mouse tumor and regulatory T (Treg) cells in vitro was determined with multiple markers and assays, including real-time PCR, flow cytometry, and histochemistry staining. Loss-of-function strategies with pharmacological inhibitors and the knockout mouse model were used to identify the potential molecules and pathways involved in T cell senescence. In addition, melanoma mouse tumor immunotherapy models were performed to explore the synergistical efficacy of antitumor immunity via prevention of tumor-specific T cell senescence combined with anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) checkpoint blockade therapy.Results We report that both mouse malignant tumor cells and Treg cells can induce responder T cell senescence, similar as shown in human Treg and tumor cells. Accumulated senescent T cells also exist in the TME in tumor models of lung cancer, breast cancer and melanoma. Induction of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM)-associated DNA damage is the cause for T cell senescence induced by both mouse tumor cells and Treg cells, which is also regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Furthermore, blockages of ATM-associated DNA damage and/or MAPK signaling pathways in T cells can prevent T cell senescence mediated by tumor cells and Treg cells in vitro and enhance antitumor immunity and immunotherapy in vivo in adoptive transfer T cell therapy melanoma models. Importantly, prevention of tumor-specific T cell senescence via ATM and/or MAPK signaling inhibition combined with anti-PD-L1 checkpoint blockade can synergistically enhance antitumor immunity and immunotherapy in vivo.Conclusions These studies prove the novel concept that targeting both effector T cell senescence and exhaustion is an effective strategy and can synergistically enhance cancer immunotherapy.

Hepatic glucose production (HGP) is fine-regulated via glycogenolysis or gluconeogenesis to maintain physiological concentration of blood glucose during fasting-feeding cycle. Aberrant HGP leads to hyperglycemia in obesity-associated diabetes. Adipose tissue cooperates with the liver to regulate glycolipid metabolism. During these processes, adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) change their profiles with various physio-pathological settings, producing diverse effects on HGP. Here, we briefly review the distinct phenotypes of ATMs under different nutrition states including feeding, fasting or overnutrition, and detail their effects on HGP. We discuss several pathways by which ATMs regulate hepatic gluconeogenesis or glycogenolysis, leading to favorable or unfavorable metabolic consequences. Furthermore, we summarize emerging therapeutic targets to correct metabolic disorders in morbid obesity or diabetes based on ATM-HGP axis. This review puts forward the importance and flexibility of ATMs in regulating HGP, proposing ATM-based HGP modulation as a potential therapeutic approach for obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction.

Abstract This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI) for the postoperative prognosis of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) patients undergoing radical hepatectomy (RH). Besides, we seek to identify novel prognosis indicators for HBV-HCC patients. Between April 2009 and March 2015, this work enrolled 868 patients diagnosed with HBV-HCC and undergoing RH in the Liver Surgery Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University (WCHSU). The basic information, laboratory examination indicators, pathological reports, and follow-up data of patients were included. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for statistical data analyses. Platelet (PLT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), maximum diameter (max-D), number of tumors (Number), degree of differentiation (DD), Microvascular invasion situation (MVI), satellite focus situation (SF), PNI, and ALBI were the independent risk factors for both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of HBV-HCC patients undergoing RH. Taking PNI = 46 and ALBI = − 2.80 as cut-off values, the OS and DFS of the PNI-high group were significantly higher than those of the PNI-low group. Meanwhile, the OS and DFS of the ALBI-low group were significantly higher than those of the ALBI-high group; the OS and DFS of the PNI-high + ALBI-low group were significantly higher than those of the PNI-low + ALBI-high group. Xie prognostic index (XPI) was the independent risk factor for both OS and DFS of HBV-HCC patients undergoing RH. The OS and DFS of the XPI-high group were significantly higher than those of the XPI-low group. This paper reveals that preoperative PNI and ALBI can predict the OS and DFS of HBV-HCC patients undergoing RH. Their impact on the prognosis of HBV-HCC patients is insignificant, however, it cannot be ignored. XPI can precisely predict the prognosis of HBV-HCC patients undergoing RH, nonetheless, its effect requires additional research for validation.

Necroptosis mediates the chronic inflammatory phenotype in neurodegeneration. Receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) plays a pivotal role in the induction of necroptosis in various cell types, including microglia, and it is implicated in diverse neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system and the retina. Targeting RIPK has been proven beneficial for alleviating both neuroinflammation and degeneration in basic/preclinical studies. In this review, we discuss the role of necroptosis in retinal degeneration, including (1) the molecular pathways involving RIPK, (2) RIPK-dependent microglial activation and necroptosis, and (3) the interactions between necroptosis and retinal neuroinflammation/degeneration. This review will contribute to a renewed focus on neuroinflammation induced by necroptosis and to the development of anti-RIPK drugs against retinal degeneration.

Climate change is causing the surface temperature to rise and the extreme weather events to increase in frequency and intensity, which will pose potential threats to the survival and health of residents. Beijing is facing multiple challenges such as coping with climate change, urbanization, and population aging, which puts huge decision-making pressure on decision maker. However, few studies that systematically consider the health effects of climate change, urbanization, and population aging for China. Based on the distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) and 13 global climate models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), this study obtained the temporal and spatial distribution of surface temperature through statistical downscaling methods, and comprehensively explored the independent and comprehensive effects of urbanization and population aging on the projection of future temperature-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the context of climate and population change. The results showed that only improving urbanization can reduce future temperature-related CVD mortality by 1.7–18.3%, and only intensified aging can increase future temperature-related CVD mortality by 48.8–325.9%. Taking into account the improving urbanization and intensified aging, future temperature-related CVD mortality would increase by 44.1–256.6%, and the increase was slightly lower than that of only intensified aging. Therefore, the intensified aging was the biggest disadvantage in tackling climate change, which would obviously magnify the mortality risks of temperature-related CVD in the future. Although the advancement of urbanization would alleviate the adverse effects of the intensified aging population, the mitigation effects would be limited. Even so, Urbanization should be continued to reduce health risks for residents. These findings would contribute to formulate policies related to mitigate climate change and reduce baseline mortality rate (especially the elderly) in international mega-city - Beijing. In addition, relevant departments should improve the medical health care level and optimize the allocation of social resources to better cope with and adapt to climate change.

Defect detection in images is a challenging task due to the existence of tiny and noisy patterns on surface images. To tackle this challenge, a defect detection approach is proposed in this paper using statistical data fusion. First, the proposed approach breaks a large image that contains multiple separate defects into smaller overlapping patches to detect the existence of defects in each patch, using the conventional convolutional neural network approach. Then, a statistical data fusion approach is proposed to maintain the spatial coherence of cracks in the image and aggregate the information extracted from overlapping patches to enhance the overall performance and robustness of the system. The proposed approach is evaluated using three benchmark datasets to demonstrate its superior performance in terms of both individual patch inspection and the whole image inspection.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a life-threatening chronic illness. CVD risk may be influenced by environment and lifestyle. People in northern China usually consume high-fat, high-salt diets and alcohol and live in a cold climate over long periods. However, there are limited studies on CVD risk among people in northern China. In the present study, we sought to estimate the CVD risk profile among residents of northern China. Using the Programme of Screening and Intervention Subjects with High Risk Cardiovascular Diseases, we collected data from residents in six cities from September 2015 to June 2017. In total, 56,716 participants aged 40 years and above were finally included in the CVD risk assessment. To assess the 10-year risk of CVD among participants, we used World Health Organisation/International Society of Hypertension risk prediction charts. Among the study participants, 22.7% had a high 10-year risk of CVD. We identified differences in the 10-year CVD risk according to sex, socioeconomic status, and marital status. We conclude that individuals with high socioeconomic status should be encouraged to change their lifestyle habits, and greater medical resources should be invested for individuals residing in rural areas and those with low education levels.

Zinc as a biomarker can be used to diagnose the early stage prostate cancer, while ZIP1 protein, a zinc transporter is significantly down-regulated in prostate cancer cells. This behavior leads to the apparent alteration of the enrichment ability for zinc between early prostate cancer tissues and healthy tissues. This difference inspires us to develop a novel Zn2+ sensor that applies to the clinic diagnosis of early prostate cancer. We designed a tetrapeptide sensor H2L (Dansyl-Gly-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH2) according to the photo-induced electron transfer principle (PET), and it performed adequately in Zn2+ imaging of prostate cell lines. Based on the assessment of Zn2+ enrichment ability, there was distinctly lower Zn2+ concentrate in prostate cancer cell lines than healthy prostate epithelial cells. Furthermore, H2L displayed high sensitivity with a detection limit as low as 49.5 nM, and high specificity for Zn2+ detection. Also the low toxicity and the superior cell permeability of H2L made the imaging of Zn2+ ions detection safe and rapid. We expect that H2L to be a powerful tool for early diagnosis of prostate cancer and a good indicator for the precise resection of cancer tissue during surgery.

The use of phosphogypsum to prepare phosphorus building gypsum (PBG) is of great value to the resource utilization of phosphogypsum. In this study, PBG was ball-milled to obtain phosphorus building gypsum with good performance, which can meet the requirements of the Chinese standards for first-class building gypsum. Meanwhile, the changes of net slurry physical properties, mechanical properties, and particle size parameters of PBG under different treatment times were analyzed. With the increase of ball milling time, the particle size of PBG decreased rapidly and then stabilized, and the specific surface area gradually increased and then started to rise back. Ball milling can significantly reduce the standard consistency water requirement of phosphogypsum, resulting in a shorter setting time and higher strength of phosphogypsum. In the fixed water consumption test, the effect of ball milling time on the performance of phosphogypsum was small. Compared with sieving, washing, aging, and other means of PBG treatment, ball milling has the advantages of simplicity, environmental protection, and low cost, and it has some practical significance in production.

Soil faunal communities play key roles in maintaining soil nutrient cycling. Affected by different land-use types, soil environment and soil faunal communities change significantly. However, few studies have focused on the aforementioned observations in coastal zones, which provide suitable habitats for many species of concern. Here, we investigated the changes in soil mesofaunal communities under different land-use types, including cotton fields, jujube trees, ash trees, a saline meadow, and wetlands. The variations in land-use types affected the community composition and diversity of soil mesofauna in the coastal zones. The taxa of soil mesofauna had different responses to land-use types in the coastal zones. Isotomidae was regarded as an indicator taxon of the coastal cropland regions. Entomobryidae was considered to be an indicator taxon of coastal artificial trees. Meanwhile, Onychiuridae and three taxa (Brachycera, Armadillidiidae, and Gammaridae) were indicator taxa of the coastal terrestrial ecosystem and the coastal wetland ecosystem, respectively. Thus, we suggested that specific soil mesofaunal taxa were considered to be appropriate bioindicators for land-use types in the coastal zones. The results of this study were helpful to develop guidelines for coastal biodiversity and ecosystem conservation in the future.

The hybrid HVDC with cascaded multi-infeed MMC inverters is proposed in recent years and it will be put into reality in near future. But the control characteristic of this hybrid HVDC have not been discussed in details. This paper investigates the control strategy characteristic of the hybrid HVDC using cascaded multi-infeed MMC inverters. By combining the UI curves (the DC voltage and DC current curves) of LCC rectifiers, LCC inverter and MMC inverters, the complete UI curves of the hybrid HVDC are obtained in different control modes. Through the complete UI curve, the characteristic of the control strategy is investigated in different operation situations. It is found that the MMC inverter in DC voltage control could shift to the rectifying mode if the fault occurs or active power orders are intensively changed. To solve such problem, the coordinated control strategy based on the dynamic limiter, diodes and LCC-MMC active orders is proposed in this paper, which can not only prevent the MMC inverter from becoming a rectifier at DC side but also can improve the AC side voltage stability. Nevertheless, the proposed strategy can further endow the MMC with fault ride through abilities. The simulations in PSCAD software verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

Steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) offer good energy dissipation capability when subjected to seismic forces as a robust lateral load resisting structure. This research investigated the cyclic behaviors of innovative infill web-strips (IWS-SPSW) and conventional unstiffened steel plate shear (USPSW) experimentally and numerically. As a result, two specimens of a 1:3 scale three-story single-bay IWS-SPSW and USPSW were fabricated and tested under cyclic lateral loading. Rigid moment-resistant connections were used for the steel plate shear wall beam-column connection. The steel shear walls with infill web strips showed high ductility and less shear load-bearing than the USPSW. The hysteresis results showed that the IWS-SPSW had high energy dissipation with no severe beam-columns damages. On the other hand, the USPSW displayed severe post-buckling, infill panel cracks, and first-floor column damages. Moreover, the IWS-SPSW shear strength did not fall in the test specimen beyond 2.5% average story drift, where the structure exhibited great seismic behavior. FE models were created and validated with experimental data. It has been proven that the infill web-strips can affect an SPSW system’s high performance and overall energy dissipation. From a parametric study, the material features of the infill web-strips, such as steel strength and thickness, can enhance the system’s impact even more.

The existence of fractures has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of a rock mass. The sensitivity of the rock mass’s mechanical properties to the fracture’s geometric parameters is conducive to improving the measurement accuracy of fractured rock mass engineering. Firstly, the fracture geometric parameters in the dam site area of Lianghekou Hydropower Station were counted using the ShapeMetriX3D system. Then, the effect of the fracture’s geometric parameters on the deformation characteristics, failure mode, and mechanical parameters of the rock mass were investigated based on the RFPA3D under the uniaxial compression test. The results showed that the stress–strain curves of the fractured rock mass mainly exhibited elastic-brittle characteristics. The failure pattern of the fractured rock mass was mainly defined by a compressive-shear composite. Additionally, the influence of the fracture’s geometric parameters on the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) was greater than that of elastic modulus. The sensitivity of the UCS to fracture trace length was more significant.

Adipose tissue is comprised of heterogenous cell populations that regulate both energy metabolism and immune reactions. Macrophages play critical roles in regulating immunometabolic homeostasis or disorders through cooperation with adipocytes, adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) or other cells in adipose tissue. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are recently recognized as efficient messengers for intercellular communication. Emerging evidences have demonstrated that adipose EVs are actively involved in the mutual interactions of macrophages, adipocytes and ADSCs, which produce considerable influences on immunometabolism under healthy or obese conditions. Here, we will elaborate the production and the characteristics of adipose EVs that are related to macrophages under different metabolic demands or stresses, whilst discuss the roles of these EVs in regulating local or systemic immunometabolic homeostasis or disorders in the context of adipocyte-macrophage dialogue and ADSC-macrophage interaction. Particularly, we provide a profile of dynamic adipose microenvironments based on macrophages. Adipose EVs act as the messengers between ADSCs and macrophages to maintain the balance of metabolism and immunity, while drive a vicious cycle between hypertrophic adipocytes and inflammatory macrophages to cause immunometabolic imbalance. This review may provide valuable information about the physio- or pathological roles of adipose EVs and the application of adipose EVs in the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic diseases.