Search

Abstract Background Orchids are well-known for their rich diversity of species as well as wide range habitats. Their floral structures are so unique in angiosperms that many of orchids are economically and culturally important in human society. Orchids pollination strategy and evolutionary trajectory are also fantastic human for centuries. Previously, OrchidBase was created not only for storage and management of orchid genomic and transcriptomic information including Apostasia shenzhenica, Dendrobium catenatum, Phalaenopsis equestris, and two species of Platanthera that belong to three different subfamilies of Orchidaceae, but explored orchid genetic sequences for their function. The OrchidBase offers an opportunity for the plant science community to compare orchid genomes and transcriptomes, and retrieve orchid sequences for further study. Description Recently, three whole-genome sequences of the Epidendroideae species, Cymbidium sinense, C. ensifolium and C. goeringii, were sequenced de novo, assembled, and analyzed. In addition, the systemic transcriptomes of these three species have been established. We included these datasets to develop a new version of OrchidBase 6.0. Furthermore, four new analytical methods, namely regulation, updated transcriptome, advanced BLAST, and domain search, were developed for orchid genome analyses. Conclusion OrchidBase 6.0 extended genetic information to that of eight orchid species and created new tools for an expanded community curation in response to the ever-increasing volume and complexity of data.

Abstract Understanding human endometrial dynamics in the establishment of endometrial receptivity remains a challenge, which limits early diagnosis and treatment of endometrial-factor infertility. Here, we decode the endometrial dynamics of fertile women across the window of implantation and characterize the endometrial deficiency in women with recurrent implantation failure. A computational model capable of both temporal prediction and pattern discovery is used to analyze single-cell transcriptomic data from over 220,000 endometrial cells. The time-series atlas highlights a two-stage stromal decidualization process and a gradual transitional process of the luminal epithelial cells across the window of implantation. In addition, a time-varying gene set regulating epithelium receptivity is identified, based on which the recurrent implantation failure endometria are stratified into two classes of deficiencies. Further investigation uncovers a hyper-inflammatory microenvironment for the dysfunctional endometrial epithelial cells of recurrent implantation failure. The holistic characterization of the physiological and pathophysiological window of implantation and a computational tool trained on this temporal atlas provide a platform for future therapeutic developments.

Abstract Background A fundamental tenet of the hygiene theory is the inverse association between helminth infections and the emergence of immune-mediated diseases. Research has been done to clarify the processes by which helminth-derived molecules can inhibit immunological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of Trichinella spiralis chitinase (Ts-chit) to ameliorate the symptoms of allergic airway inflammation. Methods Recombinant Trichinella spiralis chitinase (rTs-chit) was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21, and its structural homology to murine acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) was comprehensively analyzed. The expression of Ts-chit was examined across all T. spiralis life stages. To explore its immunomodulatory potential, a murine model of allergen-induced airway inflammation was established. The effects of rTs-chit were evaluated by assessing airway hyperresponsiveness and cytokine profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and performing detailed histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Results Recombinant Ts-chit (rTs-chit) was successfully expressed in E. coli BL21, showing strong structural similarity to murine acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase). Expression profiling revealed that Ts-chit is present throughout all stages of the T. spiralis life cycle. In an allergic airway inflammation model, rTs-chit reduced weight loss and lung inflammation, lowering inflammatory cell infiltration and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) while increasing the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10. Additionally, rTs-chit treatment decreased the expression of GATA3, arginase-1, MCP-1, CCL-11, and AMCase, along with reducing OVA-specific IgE, IgG, and IgG1 levels, suggesting its potential as an immunomodulatory agent. Conclusions This study highlights rTs-chit’s potential as a therapeutic agent for allergic airway diseases, leveraging its structural similarity to host chitinases to regulate Th2 responses and inflammatory pathways. The findings provide new insights into helminth-derived proteins as promising candidates for immune-based therapies. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Prussian blue analogs (PBAs), as a classical kind of microporous materials, have attracted substantial interests considering their well-defined framework structures, unique physicochemical properties and low cost. However, PBAs typically adopt cubic structure that features small pore size and low specific surface area, which greatly limits their practical applications in various fields ranging from gas adsorption/separation to energy conversion/storage and biomedical treatments. Here we report the facile and general synthesis of unconventional hexagonal open PBA structures. The obtained hexagonal copper hexacyanocobaltate PBA prisms (H-CuCo) demonstrate large pore size and specific surface area of 12.32 Å and 1273 m2 g− 1, respectively, well exceeding those (5.48 Å and 443 m2 g− 1) of traditional cubic CuCo PBA cubes (C-CuCo). Significantly, H-CuCo exhibits much superior gas uptake capacity over C-CuCo toward carbon dioxide and small hydrocarbon molecules. Mechanism studies reveal that unsaturated Cu sites with planar quadrilateral configurations in H-CuCo enhance the gas adsorption performance.

Abstract We explore the decay of bound neutrons in the JUNO liquid scintillator detector into invisible particles (e.g., $$n\rightarrow 3 \nu $$ n → 3 ν or $$nn \rightarrow 2 \nu $$ n n → 2 ν ), which do not produce an observable signal. The invisible decay includes two decay modes: $$ n \rightarrow { inv} $$ n → inv and $$ nn \rightarrow { inv} $$ n n → inv . The invisible decays of s-shell neutrons in $$^{12}\textrm{C}$$ 12 C will leave a highly excited residual nucleus. Subsequently, some de-excitation modes of the excited residual nuclei can produce a time- and space-correlated triple coincidence signal in the JUNO detector. Based on a full Monte Carlo simulation informed with the latest available data, we estimate all backgrounds, including inverse beta decay events of the reactor antineutrino $${\bar{\nu }}_e$$ ν ¯ e , natural radioactivity, cosmogenic isotopes and neutral current interactions of atmospheric neutrinos. Pulse shape discrimination and multivariate analysis techniques are employed to further suppress backgrounds. With two years of exposure, JUNO is expected to give an order of magnitude improvement compared to the current best limits. After 10 years of data taking, the JUNO expected sensitivities at a 90% confidence level are $$\tau /B( n \rightarrow { inv} ) > 5.0 \times 10^{31} \, \textrm{years}$$ τ / B ( n → inv ) > 5.0 × 10 31 years and $$\tau /B( nn \rightarrow { inv} ) > 1.4 \times 10^{32} \, \textrm{years}$$ τ / B ( n n → inv ) > 1.4 × 10 32 years .

Abstract Background To propose the bladder mucosal smoothness (BMS) grade and validate a predictive model including MRI parameters preoperatively that can evaluate the early recovery of urinary continence (UC) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 203 patients (83 patients experienced UI at the three-month follow-up) who underwent LRP in our medical center and were diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) from June 2016 to March 2020. Patients’ clinicopathological data were collected. Prostate volume (PV), membranous urethra length (MUL), intravesical prostatic protrusion length (IPPL), and BMS grade were measured by MRI. The total sample was randomly divided into a training set (n = 142) and a validation set (n = 61). A model was developed to predict the risk of urinary incontinence (UI) at three months after LRP. Results Age group, clinical T stage group, BMS grade group, PV group, IPPL group, and MUL group differed significantly between patients in the UI group and the UC group (all P values 5 mm OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.1–0.64; P = 0.004), and MUL (≥ 14 mm OR 6.41, 95% CI 2.72–15.09; P value

Abstract Cold temperatures have been shown to slow skin wound healing. However, the specific mechanisms underlying cold-induced impairment of wound healing remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that small extracellular vesicles derived from cold-exposed mouse plasma (CT-sEVs) decelerate re-epithelialization, increase scar width, and weaken angiogenesis. CT-sEVs are enriched with miRNAs involved in the regulation of wound healing-related biological processes. Functional assays revealed that miR-423-3p, enriched in CT-sEVs, acts as a critical mediator in cold-induced impairment of angiogenic responses and poor wound healing by inhibiting phosphatase and poly(A) binding protein cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1). These findings indicate that cold delays wound healing via miR-423-3p in plasma-derived sEVs through the inhibition of the ERK or AKT phosphorylation pathways. Our results enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which cold exposure delays soft tissue wound healing.

Abstract Background To explore the method and curative effect of minimally invasive treatment of gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) with self-made special cutter combined with special compression hemostasis device. Methods The data of 88 patients with GMC treated in our hospital from May 2017 to January 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into two groups according to different surgical instruments and hemostatic devices. The minimally invasive group consisted of 44 cases, including 18 males and 26 females aged between 7 and 25 years, with a disease duration ranging from 3 to 21 years. Among them, there were 27 cases of grade I and 17 cases of grade II who underwent treatment using a self-made special cutter for GMC combined with a self-made special compression hemostasis device. The traditional group also had 44 cases, including 17 males and 27 females aged between 6 and 23 years, with a disease duration ranging from 4 to 20 years. In this group, there were 25 cases of grade I and 19 cases of grade II who underwent open gluteal contracture fasciolysis combined with traditional abdominal band compression to stop bleeding. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative bleeding were compared between the two groups. Results There were no complications such as infection, hip instability and sciatic nerve injury in the two groups. The cross-leg test, knee squat, gait and movement returned to normal. Both Ober’s sign and frog leg sign were negative. One patient in the traditional group developed a secondary hematoma after the incision, which was cured by incision and drainage again. The incision length (1.3 ± 0.2 cm) in the minimally invasive group was significantly shorter than that in the traditional group (6.4 ± 1.4 cm), and so was the operation time (46.3 ± 7.9 min vs. 62.2 ± 15.1 min). Meanwhile, the amount of intraoperative bleeding (33.7 ± 11.5 ml vs. 60.9 ± 25.0 ml) and postoperative bleeding (51.1 ± 19.4 vs. 112.9 ± 36.2 ml) in the minimally invasive group was significantly lower than that in the traditional group, respectively (P

Abstract The randomized phase 3 CHART trial (NCT03520478) revealed that rezvilutamide (REZ) plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in high-volume, metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) significantly enhanced radiographic progression-free and overall survival than bicalutamide (BIC)-ADT. Accordingly, we examined patient-reported outcomes (PROs) results, which were exploratory endpoints in the CHART trial. The patients were randomly allocated to receive REZ-ADT or BIC-ADT in a 1:1 ratio. The PROs were evaluated with the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) questionnaires. Both study groups displayed comparable baseline pain scores and functional status. Patients administered REZ-ADT had an extended time to progression of worst pain intensity in comparison to those treated with BIC-ADT (25th percentile, 9.2 [95% CI 7.4–16.6] vs. 6.4 months [95% CI 5.5–8.3]; HR 0.75 [95% CI 0.57–0.97]; p = 0.026). Similarly, patients received REZ-ADT exhibited a delayed time to progression of pain interference in comparison to those receiving BIC-ADT (25th percentile, 20.2 [95% CI 12.9–31.3] vs. 10.2 months [95% CI 7.4–11.1]; HR 0.70 [95% CI 0.52–0.93]; p = 0.015). Additionally, the REZ-ADT group demonstrated a prolonged delay in the deterioration of the total score on the FACT-P questionnaire (25th percentile, 12.8 [95% CI 7.4–20.3] vs. 6.0 months [95% CI 4.6–9.2]; HR 0.66 [95% CI 0.50–0.86]; p = 0.002), as well as most of the FACT-P subscale scores, in comparison to the BIC-ADT group. In conclusion, REZ-ADT is superior to BIC-ADT regarding the pain alleviation and enhancement of functional scales for high-volume mHSPC.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kombucha on the surface of composite resins and to examine the degradation-inhibiting effect of adding calcium to kombucha. Methods: Six experimental groups were established, with three types of liquid kombucha: one with 3% added calcium, carbonated water as a positive control, and mineral water as a negative control. The pH and titratable acidity values of the experimental groups were measured. The samples were filled with condensed composite resin and placed in the experimental drinks for 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The Vickers microhardness of the surface was measured before and after immersion, and the changes were compared. Results: The pH values of the experimental group were I’m alive (2.87±0.02), Hollys (2.95±0.01), Ediya (2.99±0.01), I’m alive +3% Ca (4.09±0.01), carbonated water (4.66±0.01), and mineral water (7.67±0.02). I’m alive (–12.35) showed the largest reduction in surface hardness, followed by Hollys (–9.78), carbonated water (–7.97), I’m alive +3% Ca (–7.82), Ediya (–7.60), and mineral water (–1.56). In the Vickers microhardness measurements, all experimental groups, except for the mineral water group, showed significant differences (p＜0.05). The scanning electron microscope results showed that the experimental group and positive control had rough surfaces and micropores. Conclusion: The surface hardness was significantly reduced in all experimental groups except for water. In particular, in the case of kombucha with low pH, the reduction rate increased, weakening the physical properties of the material. In addition, the reduction rate of surface hardness was lower in kombucha with added calcium, and it is believed that drinking kombucha containing calcium can minimize the erosion of dental materials.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the erosive potential of powdered vitamin C on the bovine enamel tooth surface. Methods: The experiment included five groups: Lemona, Vitagran, Korea Eundan, Coca-Cola (positive controls), and artificial saliva (negative controls). The pH and titratable acidity were measured. Bovine enamel specimens were immersed in the experimental solutions for 15 minutes each day for 7 days. The surface microhardness was measured using the Vickers hardness number before immersion and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days. The surfaces of the bovine enamel specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The pH of the experimental groups was as follows: Lemona (2.04±0.04) had the lowest pH, followed by Vitagran (2.56±0.01), the positive control group Coca-Cola (2.60±0.03), Korea Eundan (3.14±0.02), and the negative control group artificial saliva (7.06±0.05). Surface microhardness decreased significantly during the immersion period (p＜0.001). The largest surface microhardness reduction value was shown in Lemona (–201.22±20.60), followed by Vitagran (–190.02±14.73), Korea Eundan (–189.27±27.14), Coca-Cola (–99.28±17.21), artificial saliva (–10.99±9.94). According to the SEM findings, the experimental and positive control groups exhibited rough surfaces with micropores, whereas the negative control group exhibited smooth surfaces before specimen immersion. Conclusion: Consuming powdered vitamin C at a low pH may degrade the enamel surface. To reduce the erosive effect, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with water and brush the teeth after an hour.

Abstract The recent worldwide outbreaks of mpox prioritize the development of a safe and effective mRNA vaccine. The contemporary mpox virus (MPXV) exhibits changing virological and epidemiological features, notably affecting populations already vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Herein, we profile the immunogenicity of AR-MPXV5, a penta-component mRNA vaccine targeting five specific proteins (M1R, E8L, A29L, A35R, and B6R) from the representative contemporary MPXV clade II strain, in both naive and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected nonhuman primates. Immunization with two doses of AR-MPXV5 to cynomolgus macaques effectively elicits antibody responses and cellular responses. Importantly, based on the challenge model with a contemporary MPXV clade II strain, AR-MPXV5 demonstrates effective efficacy in preventing skin lesions, eliminating viremia and reducing viral loads in multiple tissues after challenge in naive male animals. More importantly, AR-MPXV5 is well-tolerated in stable chronic SIV-infected rhesus monkeys, while eliciting comparable MPXV-specific humoral and cellular responses in both naive and SIV-infected monkeys. Together, these results support further clinical development of the AR-MPXV5 vaccine.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major food crop in China, and its high and stable yield is crucial for ensuring food security in the country. However, over the past few years, extreme weather events induced by global climate change have impacted rice growth. For example, the effects of heat stress on rice quality and yield have been significant. Therefore, it is fundamental to conduct in-depth research on the heat-tolerance mechanisms of rice and to cultivate superior new thermotolerant rice varieties. This review summarizes the adverse effects of high temperatures on rice growth at various stages, the heat-tolerance mechanisms in rice, and the heat-tolerance genes and QTLs that have been identified in recent years. We also discuss strategies to enhance the heat tolerance of rice, offering new insights for rice breeding research.

Abstract The night-time temperature-related injury risks and burdens were unclear. Using 11,512,467 non-fatal injury cases in 243 surveillance hospitals across China from 2006-2021, we estimated the associations between daytime or night-time temperature and injury by a time-stratified case-crossover study, and compared their injury burden during 1990s–2010s. We found the excess risk (ER) for per 1°C rise in night-time temperature (ER = 1.21%, 95%CI:1.03%,1.39%) was greater than that in daytime (ER = 0.86%, 95%CI:0.72%,1.00%). Compared with the 1980s, the attributable fractions (AFs) for daytime and night-time temperature change during the 1990s–2010s were 0.59% (95%eCI:0.54%,0.67%) and 0.73% (95%eCI:0.69%,0.77%), respectively. Spatially, the higher AFs of night-time temperature were more widely distributed than daytime temperature. The non-fatal injury risk attributed to night-time temperature was stronger than daytime temperature, and increased night-time temperatures posed a heavier injury burden compared with daytime temperature in China. Our findings indicate that high night-time temperature is an important injury risk in the context of climate change.

Abstract Background Evolutionary adaptation drives organismal adjustments to environmental pressures, exemplified in the diverse morphological and ecological adaptations seen in Decapoda crustaceans, particularly brachyuran crabs. Crabs thrive in diverse ecosystems, from coral reefs to hydrothermal vents and terrestrial habitats. Despite their ecological importance, the genetic mechanisms underpinning their developmental processes, reproductive strategies, and nutrient acquisition remain poorly understood. Results Here, we report a comprehensive genomic analysis of the green mud crab Scylla paramamosain using ultralong sequencing technologies, achieving a high-quality chromosome-level assembly. The refined 1.21 Gb genome, with an impressive contig N50 of 11.45 Mb, offers a valuable genomic resource. The genome exhibits 33,662 protein-coding genes, enriched in various pathways related to development and environmental adaptation. Gene family analysis shows expansion in development-related pathways and contraction in metabolic pathways, indicating niche adaptations. Notably, investigation into Hox gene regulation sheds light on their role in pleopod development, with the Abd-A gene identified as a linchpin. Post-transcriptional regulation involving novel-miR1317 negatively regulates Abd-A levels. Furthermore, the potential role of fru gene in ovarian development and the identification of novel-miR35 as a regulator of Spfru2 add complexity to gene regulatory networks. Comparative functional analysis across Decapoda species reveals neo-functionalization of the elovl6 gene in the synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), suggesting its importance in environmental adaptation. Conclusions Our findings shed light on various aspects of crab biology, including genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation, as well as gene family expansion, contraction, and regulatory mechanisms governing crucial developmental processes such as metamorphosis, reproductive strategies, and fatty acid metabolism.

Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a serious neurodegenerative disorder without a clear understanding of pathophysiology. Recent experimental data have suggested neuronal excitation-inhibition (E-I) imbalance as an essential element of AD pathology, but E-I imbalance has not been systematically mapped out for either local or large-scale neuronal circuits in AD, precluding precise targeting of E-I imbalance in AD treatment. Method In this work, we apply a Multiscale Neural Model Inversion (MNMI) framework to the resting-state functional MRI data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) to identify brain regions with disrupted E-I balance in a large network during AD progression. Results We observe that both intra-regional and inter-regional E-I balance is progressively disrupted from cognitively normal individuals, to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to AD. Also, we find that local inhibitory connections are more significantly impaired than excitatory ones and the strengths of most connections are reduced in MCI and AD, leading to gradual decoupling of neural populations. Moreover, we reveal a core AD network comprised mainly of limbic and cingulate regions. These brain regions exhibit consistent E-I alterations across MCI and AD, and thus may represent important AD biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Lastly, the E-I balance of multiple brain regions in the core AD network is found to be significantly correlated with the cognitive test score. Conclusions Our study constitutes an important attempt to delineate E-I imbalance in large-scale neuronal circuits during AD progression, which may facilitate the development of new treatment paradigms to restore physiological E-I balance in AD.

Qing Zhang,1 Deshuai Liang,2 Chengfang Zhang,3 Ling Ye,4 Ping Sun,4 Hongli Zhu,4 Yongqin Zhao,4 Yuewen Li,4 Yun Guan,4 Haiguo Zhang4 1College of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272013, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pharmacy, Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital, Jining, 272000, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital, Jining, 272000, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Hematology, Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital, Jining, 272000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Haiguo Zhang; Yun Guan, Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital, 6 Jiankang Road, Jining Shandong, 272000, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-0537 2257626 ; +86-0537 2087093, Email wfmchero@126.com; gyuanun1989@163.comPurpose: Mitoxantrone (MTX) is largely restricted in clinical usage due to its significant cardiotoxicity. Multiple studies have shown that an imbalance in the gut-heart axis plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aim to explore the possible correlations between gut microbiota (GM) compositions and cardiometabolic (CM) disorder in MTX-triggered cardiotoxicity mice.Methods: MTX cumulative dose of 6 mg/kg was administered to healthy Kunming male mice to trigger cardiotoxicity, with 1 mg/kg twice weekly for a duration of 3 weeks. Plasma CK-MB and LDH levels were determined, and the heart tissue histopathology was assessed, followed by utilizing an integrated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based heart metabolomics study alongside the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing method to assess MTX impact on GM and CM profiles in mice, establishing associations between GM and CM profiles through the Pearson correlation coefficient calculation.Results: MTX caused CK-MB and LDH level elevations and cardiotoxicity in our mouse model. MTX primarily affected the processes of protein digestion and absorption, mineral absorption, membrane transport, production of aminoacyl-transfer RNA (tRNA), metabolism of nucleotides, lipids, and amino acids, as well as autophagy. Additionally, MTX increased Romboutsia, Enterococcus, and Turicibacter abundances and lowered norank_f__Muribaculaceae, Alistipes, Odoribacter, norank_f__Lachnospiraceae, norank_f__Ruminococcaceae, norank_f__Oscillospiraceae, unclassified_f__Ruminococcaceae, NK4A214_group, Colidextribacter, norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, Rikenella, and Anaerotruncus abundances. The correlation analyses showcased variations in the abundance of diverse flora, such as Romboutsia, Enterococcus, Turicibacter, and norank_f__Muribaculaceae, which were related to MTX-induced cardiac injury.Conclusion: Our study supports the claim that MTX provokes cardiotoxicity by modifying CM and GM profiles. Our results offer new possibilities for controlling MTX-triggered cardiotoxicity.Keywords: 16S ribosomal RNA, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, mitoxantrone, cardiotoxicity

Chenchen Feng,1 Haotian Pan,2 Yanan Zhang,1,3 Zi Ye,1 Yiren Zhou,1 Hong Zou,4 Ke Wang1 1Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 3National Engineering Research Center for Biochip, Shanghai Biochip Limited Corporation, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 4Engineering Laboratory for Nutrition, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ke Wang, Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 110, Gan he road, Shanghai, 200437, People’s Republic of China, Email wangke8430@163.com Hong Zou, Engineering Laboratory for Nutrition, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 500, Caobao Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200031, People’s Republic of China, Email hzhou01@sinh.ac.cnBackground: Neuropathic pain (NP) is a prevalent chronic condition frequently accompanied by adverse emotional states. Previous research has demonstrated the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in mitigating neuropathic pain and its associated mood disorders. Recent studies have underscored a correlation between gut microbiota and both NP and negative emotional states. Nevertheless, the relationship between the modulation of gut microbiota by EA and the amelioration of NP remains inadequately understood.Methods: Mice were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: the Control (Con) group, the EA group, and the Chronic Constrictive Injury (CCI) group (n = 12 each). Starting from the 8th day post-CCI induction, the EA group underwent EA treatment once every two days, for a total of 20 sessions. To investigate the impact of gut microbiota on CCI mice, we employed a variety of methods, including various behavioral tests and 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing.Results: The results indicated that EA significantly ameliorated mechanical allodynia and emotional dysfunction induced by CCI in mice. Analysis through 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that the gut microbiota of NP model mice exhibited a marked increase in diversity. However, EA could partially reverse changes in the diversity of gut microbiota. The abundance of Alloprevotella, A2, Roseburia, Muribaculum, Ruminiclostridium, and Rikenella was increased, and the abundance levels of Bacteroides were decreased at the genus level in CCI mice. Following EA treatment, the relative abundance of Alistipes, A2, Roseburia, and Rikenella was decreased, whereas the relative abundance of Alloprevotella and Parabacteroides was increased in EA group when compared with the CCI group.Conclusion: These findings suggested that EA exerted a significant therapeutic effect on NP, potentially through modulation of the gut microbiota.Keywords: electroacupuncture, neuropathic pain, negative emotion, gut microbiota

Secondary forests, a typical forest type in the sub-frigid zone of Northeast China, have significant potential for carbon sequestration. Accurate estimation of the Aboveground Biomass (AGB) of secondary forests and assessment of multiscale uncertainties are crucial for promoting Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation. This study developed a novel framework to upscale the AGB estimation from the tree to the landscape level and assessed multiscale uncertainties based on multi-platform laser scanning data and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) hyperspectral images. The framework included two stages: (1) quantifying multiple uncertainties (uncertainties of individual tree crown delineation, individual tree parameters estimation, and tree species classification) in individual tree-based AGB estimation using Monte Carlo simulations; (2) upscaling the plot to the landscape level estimated AGB using the Nonlinear Simultaneous Equation (NSE) with error-in-variables and quantifying the uncertainties of model residuals, model parameters, and model independent variables. The findings revealed a high accuracy from tree to plot AGB estimation (R2: 0.75, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE): 6.65 Mg/ha, relative RMSE (rRMSE): 5.40%), with the total and relative uncertainties of 16.85 Mg/ha and 16.29%, respectively, with the highest uncertainty (9.73 Mg/ha) observed in tree species classification. The AGB estimation using NSE achieved an R2 of 0.69, with an RMSE of 9.91 Mg/ha and an rRMSE of 10.43% from the plot to landscape level; and the uncertainties caused by model parameters, independent variables, and residuals were 5.52 Mg/ha, 14.56 Mg/ha, and 25.25 Mg/ha, respectively, accounting for 3.46%, 24.09%, and 72.45% of the total uncertainty. This study develops a framework for large-scale AGB estimation of mixed forests based on the individual tree approach and uncertainty quantification of multiscale estimates and provides a foundation for precise forestry, sustainable forest management, and carbon neutrality.

Geochemical data are crucial for reflecting geological features and is extensively applied in mineral exploration, environmental impact assessment, and geological research. However, the high economic cost of geochemical data analysis hinders large-scale studies, leading to low spatial resolution, especially in remote areas. Although remote sensing data provides rich surface spectral information and shows a strong correlation with geological features, its accuracy in large-scale geochemical data inversion is insufficient. Therefore, we improve the accuracy and reliability by fusing multisource geoscience data. Vegetation information, digital elevation models, and aeromagnetic data, among other geoscience data, offer new perspectives for geochemical data analysis. This article proposes a novel multimodal spatial–spectral fusion model with swin transformer and convolutional networks for regression (MSSF-SCR). This model extracts spatial features from multisource geoscience data using a multibranch swin transformer and dynamically adjusts feature weights with the multimodal multihead convolutional attention module. The swin transformer unifies spatial features, addressing semantic disparities among diverse data sources. Spectral features from remote sensing data are then fused with spatial features through 2-D convolutional regression, producing 15 m resolution geochemical maps. Experiments conducted in the Dananhu–Tousuquan Island Arc region of East Tianshan demonstrate that MSSF-SCR achieves superior performance in terms of R-squared ($R^{2}$) score, Pearson correlation coefficient (R), mean absolute error, and root-mean-squared error indices for five elements (Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, MgO, and SiO2).

Abstract To validate the clinical feasibility of deep learning-driven magnetic resonance angiography (DL-driven MRA) collateral map in acute ischemic stroke. We employed a 3D multitask regression and ordinal regression deep neural network, called as 3D-MROD-Net, to generate DL-driven MRA collateral maps. Two raters graded the collateral perfusion scores of both conventional and DL-driven MRA collateral maps and measured the grading time. They also qualitatively assessed the image quality of both collateral maps. Interrater and inter-method agreements for collateral perfusion grading between the two collateral maps were analyzed, along with a comparison of grading time and image quality. In the analysis of the 296 acute ischemic stroke patients, the inter-method agreement for collateral perfusion grading was almost perfect (κ = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95–0.98). Compared to conventional MRA collateral maps, the time taken for collateral perfusion grading on DL-driven MRA collateral maps was shorter (P

Abstract Background Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832, a genus of viviparous parasites within the family Gyrodactylidae, contains one of the largest nominal species in the world. Gyrodactylus pseudorasborae Ondračková, Seifertová & Tkachenko, 2023 widely distributed in Europe and China, although its mitochondrial genome remains unclear. This study aims to sequence the mitogenome of G.pseudorasborae and clarify its phylogenetic relationship within the Gyrodactylidea. The mitochondrial genome of G. pseudorasborae was amplified in six parts from a single parasite, sequenced using primer walking, annotated and analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Results The mitochondrial genome of G. pseudorasborae is 14,189 bp in length, containing 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and two major non-coding regions (NCR: NC1 and NC2). The overall A + T content of the mitogenome is 73.1%, a medium content compared with all reported mitochondrial genomes of monogeneans. The mitogenome of G. pseudorasborae presents a clear bias in nucleotide composition with a negative AT skew and a positive GC skew except for NCR. All tRNAs have the typical cloverleaf secondary structure except for tRNA Cys , tRNA Ser1 , and tRNA Ser2 , which lack the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm. Furthermore, one repetitive non-coding region of 32 bp repeats occurred in the NC1 region with poly-T stretch, stem-loop structure, and TAn motif. The gene order is identical to the mitochondrial genomes reported from other Gyrodactylus species except Gyrodactylus nyanzae Paperna, 1973 and Gyrodactylus sp. FZ-2021. Phylogenetic analyses show that G. pseudorasborae and Gyrodactylus parvae You, Easy & Cone, 2008 cluster together with high nodal support based on 12 PCGs sequences and amino acid sequences, Gyrodactylidae forms independent monophyletic clade within Gyrodactylidea. Conclusion Both the mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analyses support G. pseudorasborae is a member of the genus Gyrodactylus and Gyrodactylidae forms an independent monophyletic clade within Gyrodactylidea. Furthermore, the mitochondrial genome of G. pseudorasborae is the shortest in the Gyrodactylidea species compared with size differences in NCR.

Abstract The study of the multifaceted interactions between neuroscience and cancer is an emerging field with significant implications for understanding tumor biology and the innovation in therapeutic approaches. Increasing evidence suggests that neurological functions are connected with tumorigenesis. In particular, the peripheral and central nervous systems, synapse, neurotransmitters, and neurotrophins affect tumor progression and metastasis through various regulatory approaches and the tumor immune microenvironment. In this review, we summarized the neurological functions that affect tumorigenesis and metastasis, which are controlled by the central and peripheral nervous systems. We also explored the roles of neurotransmitters and neurotrophins in cancer progression. Moreover, we examined the interplay between the nervous system and the tumor immune microenvironment. We have also identified drugs that target the nervous system for cancer treatment. In this review we present the work supporting that therapeutic agent targeting the nervous system could have significant potential to improve cancer therapy.

Abstract Tissue clearing combined with high-resolution confocal imaging is a cutting-edge approach for dissecting the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of tissues and deciphering cellular spatial interactions under physiological and pathological conditions. Deciphering the spatial interaction of leptin receptor-expressing (LepR+) stromal cells with other compartments in the bone marrow is crucial for a deeper understanding of the stem cell niche and the skeletal tissue. In this study, we introduce an optimized protocol for the 3D analysis of skeletal tissues, enabling the visualization of hematopoietic and stromal cells, especially LepR+ stromal cells, within optically cleared bone hemisections. Our method preserves the 3D tissue architecture and is extendable to other hematopoietic sites such as calvaria and vertebrae. The protocol entails tissue fixation, decalcification, and cryosectioning to reveal the marrow cavity. Completed within approximately 12 days, this process yields highly transparent tissues that maintain genetically encoded or antibody-stained fluorescent signals. The bone hemisections are compatible with diverse antibody labeling strategies. Confocal microscopy of these transparent samples allows for qualitative and quantitative image analysis using Aivia or Bitplane Imaris software, assessing a spectrum of parameters. With proper storage, the fluorescent signal in the stained and cleared bone hemisections remains intact for at least 2–3 months. This protocol is robust, straightforward to implement, and highly reproducible, offering a valuable tool for tissue architecture and cellular interaction studies.

Abstract The synergistic utilization of multiple solid waste is an effective means of achieving green filling and resource utilization of solid waste in mines. In this paper, the synergistic effects of solid waste granulated blast furnace slag (GS) and carbide slag (CS) as cementitious materials (GCCM) are investigated, along with their preliminary feasibility in combination with coal gangue (CG) and furnace bottom slag (FBS) for the preparation of backfill materials. The synergistic hydration mechanism, mechanical properties, working performance of GCCM and GBC were studied, and the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of GBC were evaluated. The results indicate that when the molar ratio of n(CaO)/n(SiO2 + Al2O3) is 0.635 in GCCM, CS has a significant alkaline excitation effect on GS. In addition, the hydration products mainly composed of C-(A)-S-H gel, AFm and hydrotalcite. However, when the concentration of OH- is high in GCCM, Ca(OH)2 preferentially precipitates, leading to a reduction in the amount of main hydration product C-(A)-S-H gel. Moreover, GBC has better competitive strength performance than ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The optimal compressive strength of GBC at 28 days is 19.699 MPa, with a standard slump is 228 mm, fully meeting the strength and transportation requirements for mine filling. The heavy metal leaching rate at 28 days meets the requirements of GB 8978, demonstrating potential for carbon reduction and cost savings. The full-solid waste GBC developed in this study can replace cement as a backfill material, which is of significant importance for achieving green mining, the synergistic utilization of solid waste resources, reducing filling costs, and enhancing environmental benefits.

Abstract Disinfection is a critical process to ensure the safety of drinking water. To curb the spread of various bacteria and viruses, disinfectants are extensively employed in communities, hospitals, sewage treatment plants, and other settings. However, disinfectants can produce disinfection by-products (DBPs) that threaten human health. Despite their importance, research and systematic analyses of these risks remain limited. This study monitored DBPs in drinking water across 13 districts and counties in Hangzhou, conducting a risk assessment based on the health risk assessment model recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Concentrations of 12 DBPs ranged from 0.01 µg/L to 120 µg/L, with levels in 2020–2022 generally exceeding those in 2018–2019. Notably, median concentrations of trichloromethane peaked at 18.00 µg/L in 2021. Most DBPs are detected at higher concentrations in the central and northern parts. However, the spatial distribution of DBPs in drinking water was determined to be random. The health risks associated with most DBPs were higher in 2021 compared to other years. Cancer risks of DBPs ranged between 10− 6 and 10− 4 and noncarcinogenic risks were below 1. This study demonstrates that increased disinfectant use during water treatment may elevates DBPs concentrations.

Abstract This paper proposes a new strategy for analysing and detecting abnormal passenger behavior and abnormal objects on buses. First, a library of abnormal passenger behaviors and objects on buses is established. Then, a new mask detection and abnormal object detection and analysis (MD-AODA) algorithm is proposed. The algorithm is based on the deep learning YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once) algorithm with improvements. For onboard face mask detection, a strategy based on the combination of onboard face detection and target tracking is used. To detect abnormal objects in the vehicle, a geometric scale conversion-based approach for recognizing large-size ab-normal objects is adopted. To apply the algorithm effectively to real bus data, an embedded video analysis system is designed. The system incorporates the proposed method, which results in improved accuracy and timeliness in detecting anomalies compared to existing approaches. The algorithm’s effectiveness and applicability is verified through comprehensive experiments using actual video bus data. The experimental results affirm the validity and practicality of the pro-posed algorithm.

Abstract Organoid technology provides a transformative approach to understand human physiology and pathology, offering valuable insights for scientific research and therapeutic development. Human gastric organoids, in particular, have gained significant interest for applications in disease modeling, drug discovery, and studies of tissue regeneration and homeostasis. However, the lack of standardized quality control has limited their extensive clinical applications. The “Human Gastric Organoids” is part of a series of guidelines for human gastric organoids in China, which establishes comprehensive standards on terminology, technical specifications, testing methods, inspection rules, usage instructions, labeling, transportation, and storage, developed by experts from the Chinese Society for Cell Biology and its branch societies. Released on October 29, 2024, this guideline aims to establish standardized protocols, enhance institutional practices, and promote international standardization for clinical and research applications of human gastric organoids.

Abstract Objective Summaries of the relationships between the microbiota and liver cirrhosis and their conclusions are not consistent. This study describes microbial differences in patients with liver cirrhosis by performing a meta-analysis. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library and collected related articles published before March 10, 2024. Ratio of autochthonous to non-autochthonous taxa was calculated as the cirrhosis dysbiosis ratio (CDR). Using a random-effects model, the standard mean deviation (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. We subsequently performed subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses. cirrhosis dysbiosis ratio. Results A total of 53 eligible papers including 5076 participants were included. The pooled estimates revealed a moderately significant reduction in gut microbiome richness in patients with liver cirrhosis compared with controls, including the Shannon, Chao1, observed species, ACE, and PD indices, but no significant difference was observed for the Simpson index. Over 80% of the studies reported significant differences in β diversity. Families Enterobacteriaceae and Pasteurellaceae, belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria, along with the family Streptococcaceae and the genera Haemophilus, Streptococcus, and Veillonella, were significantly associated with liver cirrhosis compared to the control group. In contrast, the healthy group exhibited a higher abundance of the class Clostridia, particularly the families Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, which are known for their diversity and role as common gut commensals. Furthermore, the class Bacilli, predominantly represented by the genus Streptococcus, was markedly enriched in the cirrhosis group. Conclusions The microbiota richness of liver cirrhosis patients was lower than that of healthy controls. Alterations in gut microbiota linked to liver cirrhosis were characterized by a decrease in Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Clostridia and an enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae, Pasteurellaceae, Streptococcaceae, Bacilli, and Streptococcus.

Abstract The MISSE-Seed project was designed to investigate the effects of space exposure on seed quality and storage. The project tested the Multipurpose Materials International Space Station Experiment—Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) hardware as a platform for exposing biological samples to the space environment outside the International Space Station (ISS). Furthermore, it evaluated the capability of a newly designed passive sample containment canister as a suitable exposure unit for biological samples for preserving their vigor while exposing to the space environment to study multi-stressor effects. The experiment was launched to the ISS on Northrup Grumman (NG)-15. The exposure lasted eight months outside the ISS in the MISSE-FF at the Zenith position. The specimens consisted of eleven seed varieties. Temperature dataloggers and thermoluminescent dosimeters were included in each container to record environmental data. We presented here the hardware and experimental design, environmental profiles, and seed survival from post-flight germination tests.

Abstract Oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis could be an important factor leading to post-hemorrhagic consequences after germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH). Previously study have indicated that relaxin 2 receptor activation initiates anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, whether relaxin 2 activation can attenuate oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis after GMH remains unknown. To investigate the beneficial effect of relaxin 2 on oxidative stress injury and neuronal apoptosis by GMH, a total of 150 rat pups were subjected to GMH by an intraparenchymal injection of bacterial collagenase. Recombinant human relaxin-2 (rh-relaxin-2) was administered intraperitoneally injections at 1 h and 13 h after GMH. Lenti-virus with sgRXFP1 and sgCtrl was administered intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) on the left side of the brain to inhibit the RXFP1 at 2d prior to GMH induction, and LY321499, ERK inhibitor, was administered by i.c.v. injection at 1 h on the left side of the brain prior to GMH induction, respectively. Co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, TUNEL, Fluoro-Jade C, DHE staining, western blot, Nitrix Oxide (NO) quantification and side effect experiments were performed to evaluate post-GMH. We found endogenous relaxin-2 interacts with RXFP1 and both protein colocalized in neurons on the first day after GMH. Additionally, RXFP1 activation with rh-relaxin-2 significantly inhibited oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis in GMH + rh-relaxin-2 group compared with GMH + vehicle group. Moreover, rh-relaxin-2 treatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and nNOS, as well as upregulated expression of Bcl2 and NO and downregulated expression of Bax and Romo 1. The beneficial effects of rh-relaxin-2 were reversed by i.c.v. injection of lenti-virus with sgRXFP1 and LY321499, respectively. Furthermore, the side effect experiment showed rh-relaxin-2 did not affect neurological behavior and the function of liver and kidney. In conclusion, our finding showed that rh-relaxin-2 attenuated oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis after GMH through RXFP1-ERK-nNOS-NO signaling pathway.

Abstract This experiment was conducted to evaluate the adsorption–desorption characteristics and mechanisms of heavy metals by the mealworm frass (MF). The adsorption characteristics of Cd by MF were predominantly influenced by initial pH, MF dosage, temperature, and reaction time. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd by MF was 48.1 mg/g, which was well described by Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models. The optimal desorption solution for separating Cd from Cd-adsorbed MF was 0.02 M HCl, which showed a high desorption efficiency of over 90%. In particular, the adsorption mechanism of Cd by MF was confirmed through functional group change, cation exchange, precipitation experiment, and it was found that Cd was predominantly affected by cation exchange and precipitation on the MF surface. The amounts of Cd fractionated by F1 (exchangeable) and F2 (bonded to carbonate) solutions were 58.9 and 25.2% of the total fractionated Cd amount, which means that Cd adsorbed by MF can be easily eluted/mobilized by environmental changes. Considering the above results, it is believed that MF can be used as an effective adsorbent to remove Cd. However, since the adsorption of Cd by MF is sensitive to environmental changes and the bond itself is weak, it is considered that a special management plan is needed.

Abstract Numerous surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithms are developed for multi-objective expensive problems with low dimensions, but scarce works have paid attention to that with high dimensions, i.e., generally more than 30 decision variables. In this paper, we propose a multi-mode radial basis functions-assisted evolutionary algorithm (MMRAEA) for solving high-dimensional expensive multi-objective optimization problems. To improve the reliability, the proposed algorithm uses radial basis functions based on three modes to cooperate to provide the qualities and uncertainty information of candidate solutions. Meanwhile, bi-population based on competitive swarm optimizer and genetic algorithm are applied for better exploration and exploitation in high-dimensional search space. Accordingly, an infill criterion based on multi-mode of radial basis functions that comprehensively considers the quality and uncertainty of candidate solutions is proposed. Experimental results on widely-used benchmark problems with up to 100 decision variables demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposal. Furthermore, the proposed method is applied to the structure optimization of the blended-wing-body underwater glider (BWBUG) and gets impressive solutions.

The 7xx nm laser diode is the core pump source for Diode Pumped Alkali Vapor Laser (DPAL). For these applications, high power and narrow spectral width are essential. Traditional Fabry-Pérot (FP) diode lasers can provide high continuous output power, but their spectral width is too broad for many applications. By burying a Bragg grating within the semiconductor, a narrow and temperature-stable spectrum can be achieved. In this paper, we investigate the factors limiting the power enhancement of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers and characterize the grown gratings using transmission electron microscopy. We discuss the effects of grating coupling strength, wavelength detuning, and oxygen contamination in the grating region on performance. Under optimized growth conditions, a high-performance 780 nm DFB laser based on InGaAsP/InGaP gratings has been developed, achieving a continuous output power exceeding 10 W, which is the highest power for a 780 nm DFB laser to date. The spectral linewidth (FWHM) is less than 0.5 nm, and the device maintains locking across the entire operating current and a wide temperature range.

To investigate whether the application of intravenous indocyanine green fluorescence imaging(ICG-FI) had advantage in intersegmental plane visualization and perioperative outcome than using traditional inflation-deflation method(control group) in thoracoscopic segmentectomy. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and CNKI Database to include comparative studies focusing on the comparisons of ICG-FI and control, up to December 2022. We used standard mean differences (SMD, continuous variables) or risk ratios (RR, categorical variables) with their corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI) were used to assess pooled effects. This analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guideline. Total, seven published studies with 905 patients (ICG-FI group n = 428, control group n = 477) were included for further analysis. The ICG-FI group was significantly associated with less bleeding during the surgery (SMD = −0.23,95 % CI: −0.08∼-0.38, P

Abstract Background Human placental hydrolysate (hPH) contains anti-inflammatory substances. This study aimed to analyze whether injecting hPH into the subacromial space could reduce pain in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods This single-blind, randomized controlled study enrolled 50 patients with shoulder impingement syndrome who were randomly assigned to either the hPH or placebo groups. All patients received three ultrasound-guided subacromial space injections of 4 mL hPH or normal saline every week. Outcome measurements included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score during daily activity, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) utility index. Patients were followed up for nine weeks after the last injection. Results Significant differences were noted in the VAS (p

Abstract Background The systemic immunity-inflammation index(SII) is a new indicator of composite inflammatory response. Inflammatory response is an important pathological process in stroke. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the association between SII and stroke. Methods We collected data on participants with SII and stroke from the 2015–2020 cycle of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the cross-sectional investigation. Multivariate linear regression models were used to test the association between SII and stroke. Fitted smoothing curves and threshold effect analysis were applied to describe the nonlinear relationship. Results A total of 13,287 participants were included in our study, including 611 (4.598%) participants with stroke. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, we found a significant positive association between SII and stroke, and the odds ratio (OR) [95% CI] of SII associating with prevalence of stroke was [1.02 (1.01, 1.04)] (P 0.05). Moreover, we found an nonlinear relationship between SII and stroke with an inflection point of 740 (1,000 cells /µl) by using a two-segment linear regression model. Conclusions This study implies that increased SII levels are linked to stroke. To confirm our findings, more large-scale prospective investigations are needed.

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show optimal treatment effects on recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma(R/M NPC). Nonetheless, whether metastatic sites impact ICIs efficacy remains unclear. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of R/M NPC patients treated with KL-A167, a programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1) inhibitor, based on a multicenter, single-arm, phase II study from China between 2019 and 2021 years, which represents the first and most comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of a PD-L1 inhibitor in patients who have been previously treated. The Cox proportional hazard model was utilized to evaluate the association between sites and PFS and OS. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were carried out to confirm the reliability of our findings. Results A total of 153 R/M NPC patients were included. The mean age was 47 years and 81% of patients were males. All patients in our study had distant metastasis, with a majority (n = 69) presenting with more than 2 sites of distant metastasis upon admission. The collected sites of metastasis included liver, lung, lymph and bone. Among the 153 patients, 37.9% (58 patients) received anti-PD-L1 treatment for a minimum of 6 months, and 17.6% (27 patients) were treated for at least 12 months. By conducting multivariate analysis, R/M NPC patients with non-liver metastases presented significantly longer progress-free survival (PFS, HR:1.67, CI:1.09–0.2.55, p = 0.018) and overall survival (OS, HR:2.52, CI:1.49–4.28, p 0.005). Our sensitive analysis showed liver metastases patients with less other site metastases (0 or 1) had shorter OS compared to non-liver metastases patients with more other metastases(≥ 2). Furthermore, subgroup analysis indicated the robustness evidence liver metastasis indeed a valuable prognostic factor for survival. Conclusions Compared to patients with other metastatic sites, R/M NPC patients with liver metastasis have poor survival patterns when receiving anti-PD-L1 therapy. Our study provides rational evidence for the urgent need to explore more efficacy treatment modalities for NPC patients with liver metastasis.

Abstract Cultured meat needs edible bio-scaffolds that provide not only a growth milieu for muscle and adipose cells, but also biomimetic stiffness and tissue-sculpting topography. Current meat-engineering technologies struggle to achieve scalable cell production, efficient cell differentiation, and tissue maturation in one single culture system. Here we propose an autoclaving strategy to transform common vegetables into muscle- and adipose-engineering scaffolds, without undergoing conventional plant decellularization. We selected vegetables with natural anisotropic and isotropic topology mimicking muscle and adipose microstructures respectively. We further adjusted vegetable stiffness by autoclaving, to emulate the mechanical properties of animal tissues. Autoclaved vegetables preserve rich cell-affinitive moieties, yielding a good cell culture effect with simplified processing. Autoclaved Chinese chive and Shiitake mushroom with anisotropic micro-patterns support the scalable expansion of muscle cells, improved cell alignment and myogenesis. Autoclaved isotropic loofah encourages adipocyte proliferation and lipid accumulation. Our engineered muscle- and fat-on-vegetables can further construct meat stuffing or layered meat chips. Autoclaved vegetables possess tissue-mimicking stiffness and topology, and bring biochemical benefits, operational ease, cost reduction and bioreactor compatibility. Without needing decellularization, these natural biomaterials may see scale-up applications in meat analog bio-fabrication.

Abstract Topological phases are robust against weak perturbations, but break down when disorder becomes sufficiently strong. However, moderate disorder can also induce topologically nontrivial phases. Thouless pumping, as a (1+1)D counterpart of the integer quantum Hall effect, is one of the simplest manifestations of topology. Here, we report experimental observations of the competition and interplay between Thouless pumping and disorder on a 41-qubit superconducting quantum processor. We improve a Floquet engineering technique to realize cycles of adiabatic pumping by simultaneously varying the on-site potentials and the hopping couplings. We demonstrate Thouless pumping in the presence of disorder and show its breakdown as the strength of disorder increases. Moreover, we observe two types of topological pumping that are induced by on-site potential disorder and hopping disorder, respectively. In particular, an intrinsic topological pump that is induced by quasi-periodic hopping disorder has never been experimentally realized before. Our highly controllable system provides a valuable quantum simulating platform for studying various aspects of topological physics in the presence of disorder.

Abstract The continuous push for high-performance photonic switches is one of the most crucial premises for the sustainable scaling of programmable and reconfigurable photonic circuits for a wide spectrum of applications. Conventional optical switches rely on the perturbative mechanisms of mode coupling or mode interference, resulting in inherent bottlenecks in their switching performance concerning size, power consumption and bandwidth. Here we propose and realize a silicon photonic 2×2 elementary switch based on a split waveguide crossing (SWX) consisting of two halves. The propagation direction of the incident light is manipulated to implement the OFF/ON states by splitting/combining the two halves of the SWX, showing excellent performance with low excess loss and low crosstalk over an ultrawide bandwidth. Both elementary switch and a 64×64 switch array based on Benes topology are fabricated and characterized, demonstrating great potential for practical scenarios such as photonic interconnect/routing, Lidar and spectroscopy, photonic computing, as well as microwave photonics.

Abstract Efficient detection methods are needed to monitor nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a major NOx pollutant from fossil fuel combustion that poses significant threats to both ecology and human health. Current NO2 detection technologies face limitations in stability and selectivity. Here, we present a transition metal nitride sensor that exhibits exceptional selectivity for NO2, demonstrating a sensitivity 30 times greater than that of the strongest interfering gas, NO. The sensor maintains stability over 6 months and does not utilize platinum or other precious metals. This notable performance has been achieved through preparation of highly active titanium nitride (TiNx) nanoparticles with exceptionally large surface area and a high concentration of nitrogen vacancies. By contrast, a commercial sample of TiN shows no gas sensing activity. Such devices are potentially scalable for everyday NO2 detection and demonstrate that robust high-performance gas sensors based on inexpensive metal nitrides without precious metals are leading candidates for environmental monitoring technologies.

Abstract Background Dysregulated energy metabolism has emerged as a defining hallmark of cancer, particularly evident in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Distinct from other breast cancer subtypes, TNBC exhibits heightened glycolysis and aggressiveness. However, the transcriptional mechanisms of aerobic glycolysis in TNBC remains poorly understood. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort was utilized to identify genes associated with glycolysis. The role of FOSL1 in glycolysis and tumor growth in TNBC cells was confirmed through both loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments. The subcutaneous xenograft model was established to evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting FOSL1 in TNBC. Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays were employed to investigate the transcriptional regulation of glycolytic genes mediated by FOSL1. Results FOSL1 is identified as a pivotal glycolysis-related transcription factor in TNBC. Functional verification shows that FOSL1 enhances the glycolytic metabolism of TNBC cells, as evidenced by glucose uptake, lactate production, and extracellular acidification rates. Notably, FOSL1 promotes tumor growth in TNBC in a glycolysis-dependent manner, as inhibiting glycolysis with 2-Deoxy-D-glucose markedly diminishes the oncogenic effects of FOSL1 in TNBC. Mechanistically, FOSL1 transcriptionally activates the expression of genes such as SLC2A1, ENO1, and LDHA, which further accelerate the glycolytic flux. Moreover, FOSL1 is highly expressed in doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant TNBC cells and clinical samples from cases of progressive disease following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Targeting FOSL1 proves effective in overcoming chemoresistance in DOX-resistant MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion In summary, FOSL1 establishes a robust link between aerobic glycolysis and carcinogenesis, positioning it as a promising therapeutic target, especially in the context of TNBC chemotherapy.

Abstract The burgeoning volume of parameters in artificial neural network models has posed substantial challenges to conventional tensor computing hardware. Benefiting from the available optical multidimensional information entropy, optical intelligent computing is used as an alternative solution to address the emerging challenges of electrical computing. These limitations, in terms of device size and photonic integration scale, have hindered the performance of optical chips. Herein, an ultrahigh computing density optical tensor processing unit (OTPU), which is grounded in an individual microring resonator (MRR), is introduced to respond to these challenges. Through the independent tuning of multiwavelength lasers, the operational capabilities of an MRR are orchestrated, culminating in the formation of an optical tensor core. This design facilitates the execution of tensor convolution operations via the lightwave and microwave multidomain hybrid multiplexing in terms of the time, wavelength, and frequency of microwaves. The experimental results for the MRR-based OTPU show an extraordinary computing density of 34.04 TOPS/mm2. Additionally, the achieved accuracy rate in recognizing MNIST handwritten digits was 96.41%. These outcomes signify a significant advancement toward the realization of high-performance optical tensor processing chips.

Abstract Mutations in the ANXA11 gene, encoding an RNA-binding protein, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the underlying in vivo mechanisms remain unclear. This study examines the clinical features of ALS patients harboring the ANXA11 hotspot mutation p.P36R, characterized by late-onset motor neuron disease and occasional multi-system involvement. To elucidate the pathogenesis, we developed a knock-in mouse model carrying the p.P36R mutation. In both heterozygous and homozygous mutant mice, ANXA11 protein levels were comparable to those in wild-type. Both groups exhibited late-onset motor dysfunction at approximately 10 months of age, with similar survival rates to wild-type (> 24 months) and no signs of dementia. Pathological analysis revealed early abnormal aggregates in spinal cord motor neurons, cortical neurons, and muscle cells of homozygous mice. From 2 months of age, we observed mislocalized ANXA11 aggregates, SQSTM1/p62-positive inclusions, and cytoplasmic TDP-43 mislocalization, which intensified with disease progression. Importantly, mutant ANXA11 co-aggregated with TDP-43 and SQSTM1/p62-positive inclusions. Electron microscopy of the gastrocnemius muscle uncovered myofibrillar abnormalities, including sarcomeric disorganization, Z-disc dissolution, and subsarcolemmal electron-dense structures within autophagic vacuoles. Autophagic flux, initially intact at 2 months, was impaired by 9 months, as evidenced by decreased Beclin-1 and LC3BII/I levels and increased SQSTM1/p62 expression, coinciding with mTORC1 hyperactivation. Significant motor neuron loss and neuroinflammation were detected by 9 months, with marked muscle dystrophy apparent by 12 months compared to wild-type controls. These findings implicate the gain-of-function ANXA11 mutation drives late-onset motor neuron disease by early presymptomatic proteinopathy, progressive neuronal degeneration, neuroinflammation, and autophagic dysfunction.

Abstract Early detection and assessment of polyps play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Polyp segmentation provides an effective solution to assist clinicians in accurately locating and segmenting polyp regions. In the past, people often relied on manually extracted lower-level features such as color, texture, and shape, which often had problems capturing global context and lacked robustness to complex scenarios. With the advent of deep learning, more and more medical image segmentation algorithms based on deep learning networks have emerged, making significant progress in the field. This paper provides a comprehensive review of polyp segmentation algorithms. We first review some traditional algorithms based on manually extracted features and deep segmentation algorithms, and then describe benchmark datasets related to the topic. Specifically, we carry out a comprehensive evaluation of recent deep learning models and results based on polyp size, taking into account the focus of research topics and differences in network structures. Finally, we discuss the challenges of polyp segmentation and future trends in the field.

Hailin Liu,1,* Chao Huang,1,* Yanjiao Du,1 Jiacheng Liu,1,2 Xiangyang Ren,1 Huilin Wang,1 Jingna Ye,1 Haitao Zhou,1 Zhihui Duan1 1Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke) Clinical Medical Research Center, Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases of Henan Province, Luoyang, People’s Republic of China; 2Xinxiang Medical College, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhihui Duan, Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke) Clinical Medical Research Center, Regional Medical Center for Neurological Diseases of Henan Province, Xigong District, Luoyang, Henan, 471000, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +0086-0379-63892044, Email 54487843@qq.comIntroduction: Transthyretin protein-related familial amyloidosis polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease caused by mutations in the TTR gene. The disease is characterized primarily by peripheral and autonomic nerve damage. Disease progression is associated with frequent involvement of the heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, and other organs. The most common TTR mutation is c.148G>A (p.Val50Met), although the FAP resulting from the mutation rarely involves the spinal cord.Patient Concerns: A 68-year-old man was diagnosed with the TTR c.148G>A (p.Val50Met) mutation by ultrasound, pathological, and genetic analyses. He presented with a late-onset, complicated spinal cord injury. The diagnostic process was tortuous, and despite the administration of regular treatment (conventional drugs, cardiac pacemaker, and the specific drug clofenadifen), the patient died.Interventions: To confirm TTR-FAP, ultrasound, MRI, pathological, and genetic tests were performed.Outcomes: The patient ultimately died of heart failure 7.5 years after the initial onset of symptoms.Conclusion: The patient presented with unusual symptoms of spinal cord injury, and despite a long and arduous diagnostic process and administration of standard treatment for over seven years, the outcome was poor. It is thus recommended that clinicians pay attention to the identification of rare diseases with timely imaging, pathological, and genetic testing, to avoid poor outcomes.Keywords: transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy, myelopathy, case

In the present work, the evolution of stress-induced martensite transformation under various deformation reductions was investigated, and the effects of martensite volume fractions on subsequent deformation behaviors were assessed. The cold rolling deformation was performed at ambient temperature, and the deformation reductions are 2%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. At a reduction of 2%, the presence of deformation bands and sparse martensite within the grains resulted in a yield strength of 545 MPa and an elongation of 16.3%. When the reduction was increased to 10%, a yield strength of 773 MPa and an elongation of 12.3% were observed. As stress increased, an increase in the martensite quantity and 5 types of martensitic variants are produced, which facilitated the accommodation of deformation. It was found that the volume fraction of martensite significantly influenced subsequent deformation behaviors. When the martensite volume fraction in the matrix is relatively low, the subsequent deformation process is primarily dominated by stress-induced martensite transformation. when the volume fraction is elevated, martensite twins predominantly manifest within the interior of the martensite, primarily exhibiting the {111}α'' type I twinning. When the martensitic transition approaches saturation, a significant occurrence of {130} a'' compound twinning is observed. The observed martensite and twin transformation indicate complex microstructure evolution during deformation. The multistage coordination of formed martensitic twins can effectively improve the properties. The results show that the regulation and control of martensite volume fraction can markedly affect the deformation behavior of metastable β titanium alloys.

Yanyue Ye,1,&ast; Zheng Zhang,1,&ast; Zhen Tao,3 Cui Liping,2 Yuxin Wang,1 Hui Chen,1 Sihong Li,1 Xianliang Chen,1 Huajia Tang,1 Jiawei Zhou,1 Jiansong Zhou1,&ast; 1Department of Psychiatry, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, National Center for Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Psychiatry, Liuyang Brain Hospital, Liuyang, People’s Republic of China; 3Human Resources Department, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Hebei, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jiansong Zhou, Email zhoujs2003@csu.edu.cnObjective: The purpose of this study was to explore how the congruence between academic pressure and psychological imbalance affects depressive symptoms in adolescents and to further explore grade-level differences in these effects among high school students.Methods: The study population consisted of 29,975 high school students from 20 schools in Liuyang City, Hunan Province. The Mental Health Scale for Secondary School Students (MSSMHS) and Self-Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess academic pressure, psychological imbalance and depressive symptoms. The effects of academic pressure and psychological imbalance were examined by polynomial regression and response surface analysis.Results: The results showed that the lowest level of academic pressure (F = 35.99, p < 0.001), psychological imbalance (F = 54.50, p < 0.001), and depressive symptoms (F = 9.36, p < 0.001) was found in repeaters, while the highest level was found in twelfth graders. Academic pressure was positively associated with psychological disequilibrium, and both were positively associated with adolescent depressive symptoms. Furthermore, when academic pressure and psychological imbalance are aligned, adolescent depressive symptoms increase with the first two. In addition, adolescent depressive symptoms decreased as the difference between academic pressure and psychological imbalance increased.Conclusion: This study elucidates the non-linear relationship between academic pressure, psychological imbalance and depressive symptoms, and that adopting appropriate strategies to reduce academic pressure and adjust psychological balance is crucial for the prevention of depression in adolescents.Keywords: adolescents, depressive symptoms, academic pressure, psychological imbalance, polynomial regression analysis

4D printing technology, as an emerging printing technique that adds the dimension of "time" to 3D printing, not only enables the construction of complex structures in three-dimensional space but also allows for self-assembly and shape transformation of printed objects through pre-programmed material deformation. As a next-generation additive manufacturing technology, 4D printing is gaining increasing potential and influence due to its completely predictable, designable, and controllable evolutionary process. In recent years, 4D printing technology has also been widely researched and applied in modern food processing, enabling precise control of food structure, nutritional composition, texture, and other characteristics through 4D printing. This paper reviews the principles, elements, and advantages of food 4D printing technology, analyzes the progress of food 4D printing applications in modern food processing, including 4D printing material properties and external stimuli conditions. It particularly discusses the relationship between microstructure control of 4D printed smart foods and texture. Finally, it outlines the development trends and challenges of food 4D printing technology, aiming to provide a reference for modern food processing.