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Zi-Lin Chen,1,2 Xiang Ding,3 Lin Zhuo,3 Rong-Hua Li,4 Hong Zhang1,5 1Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China; 2Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China; 3Organ Transplant Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China; 4Nuclear Medicine Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China; 5National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Hong Zhang, Email Zhong2800@csu.edu.cnBackground: Kidney transplantation is a critical treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) significantly impacting patient outcomes. HPL involves behaviors like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and habit modification. However, few studies have analyzed the HPL of renal transplant recipients, addressing a significant gap in current research.Objective: This study aimed to determine the predictors of HPL in renal transplant recipients using the Chinese Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP).Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled renal transplant recipients completing the revised Chinese HPLP at organ transplant center in a tertiary hospital in Hunan Province of China between May 2022 and July 2022.Results: A total of 450 patients were included, comprising 256 males (56.9%), with a mean age of 44.85 ± 10.57 years. The mean score of self-actualization, health responsibility, interpersonal support, physical activity, stress management, nutrition, and overall HPLP were 15.27 ± 5.03 (possible range: 0– 24), 11.41 ± 4.18 (possible range: 0– 24), 11.61 ± 3.13 (possible range: 0– 18), 7.53 ± 3.79 (possible range: 0– 18), 12.68 ± 3.61 (possible range: 0– 21), 11.17 ± 2.41 (possible range: 0– 15), and 69.66 ± 16.98 (possible range: 0– 120), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that urban residence (OR = 2.061, 95% CI: 1.350– 3.148, P = 0.001), non-smoking after transplantation (OR = 2.010, 95% CI: 1.123– 3.600, P = 0.019) and two post-transplant complications (OR=0.387, 95% CI: 0.218– 0.689, P = 0.001).Conclusion: Although renal transplant recipients exhibit a moderate level of HPL, targeted interventions are essential to improve these behaviors. These interventions should focus especially on individuals from rural households, post-transplant smokers, and those experiencing post-transplant complications, to enhance their quality of life and clinical outcomes.Keywords: health promotion, healthy lifestyle, kidney transplantation, cross-sectional study

Peng-Fei Ma,1,* Lin Zhuo,1,* Li-Ping Yuan,2 Xiao-Hui Qi3 1Department of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University at Anhui (Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital), Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University at Anhui (Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital), Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xiao-Hui Qi, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University at Anhui (Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital), Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China, Email 15955138424@163.comAbstract: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infections affect approximately one-third of children worldwide. In China, the incidence of HP infection in children ranges from approximately 30% to 60%. In addition to damaging the gastrointestinal tract mucosa, HP infection in children can negatively affect their growth and development, hematology, respiratory and hepatobiliary system, skin, nutritional metabolism, and autoimmune system. However, the rate of HP eradication also fell considerably from the previous rate due to the presence of drug-resistant HP strains and the limited types of antibiotics that can be used in young patients. Vitamin D3 (VitD3) is a steroid hormone that can reduce inflammation in the stomach mucosa induced by HP and can alleviate and eradicate HP through a variety of pathways and mechanisms, including immune regulation and the stimulation of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) secretion and Ca2+ influx, to reestablish lysosomal acidification; thus, these results provide new strategies and ideas for the eradication of drug-resistant HP strains.Keywords: vitamin D3, Helicobacter pylori, immune response, AMPs, Ca2+ channels

We propose a method based on the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) to recover the high-energy waveform of low-frequency quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs). Based on the method, we successfully obtain the modulation of the phase-folded light curve above 170 keV using the QPO phase reconstructed at lower energies in MAXI J1535–571 with Insight-HXMT observations. A comprehensive simulation study is conducted to demonstrate that such modulation indeed originates from the QPO. Thus, the highest energies turn out to significantly exceed the upper limit of ∼100 keV for QPOs reported previously using the Fourier method, marking the first opportunity to study QPO properties above 100 keV in this source. Detailed analyses of these high-energy QPO profiles reveal different QPO properties between the 30–100 and 100–200 keV energy ranges: the phase lag remains relatively stable, and the amplitude slightly increases below ∼100 keV, whereas above this threshold, soft phase lags and a decrease in amplitude are observed. Given the reports of a hard-tail detection in broad spectroscopy, we propose that the newly discovered QPO properties above 100 keV are dominated by the hard-tail component, possibly stemming from a relativistic jet. Our findings also indicate a strong correlation between the QPOs originating from the jet and corona, supporting the scenario of jet–corona coupling precession. We emphasize that our proposed HHT-based method can serve as an efficient manner in expanding the high-energy band for studying QPOs, thereby enhancing our understanding of their origin.

Although low-frequency quasiperiodic oscillations (LFQPOs) are commonly detected in the X-ray light curves of accreting black hole X-ray binaries, their origin still remains elusive. In this study, we conduct phase-resolved spectroscopy in a broad energy band for LFQPOs in MAXI J1820+070 during its 2018 outburst, utilizing Insight-HXMT observations. By employing the Hilbert–Huang transform method, we extract the intrinsic quasiperiodic oscillation (QPO) variability, and obtain the corresponding instantaneous amplitude, phase, and frequency functions for each data point. With well-defined phases, we construct QPO waveforms and phase-resolved spectra. By comparing the phase-folded waveform with that obtained from the Fourier method, we find that phase folding on the phase of the QPO fundamental frequency leads to a slight reduction in the contribution of the harmonic component. This suggests that the phase difference between QPO harmonics exhibits time variability. Phase-resolved spectral analysis reveals strong concurrent modulations of the spectral index and flux across the bright hard state. The modulation of the spectral index could potentially be explained by both the corona and jet precession models, with the latter requiring efficient acceleration within the jet. Furthermore, significant modulations in the reflection fraction are detected exclusively during the later stages of the bright hard state. These findings provide support for the geometric origin of LFQPOs and offer valuable insights into the evolution of the accretion geometry during the outburst in MAXI J1820+070.

Vision-based detection methods often require consideration of the robot’s sight. For example, panoramic images cause image distortion, which negatively affects the target recognition and spatial localization. Furthermore, the original you only look once method does not have a reasonable performance for the image recognition in the panoramic images. Consequently, some failures have been reported so far when implementing the visual recognition on the robot. In the present study, it is intended to optimize the conventional you only look once algorithm and propose the modified you only look once algorithm. Comparing the obtained results with the experiment shows that the modified you only look once method can be effectively applied in the graphics processing unit to reach the panoramic recognition speedup to 32 frames rate per second, which meets the real-time requirements in diverse applications. It is found that the accuracy of the object detection when applying the proposed modified you only look once method exceeds 70% in the studied cases.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil crop. Oleic acid is a major factor that determines the quality of peanuts. Therefore, the high oleic and high oleic to linoleic acid ratio are the target traits in an advanced peanut breeding program. This study provided an extensive evaluation of the genetic and physical characteristics as well as disease resistance of 220 high oleic peanut varieties in China. Notably, these varieties clustered into five major categories based on their traits. A majority of these varieties have been bred using interspecific hybridization or selected from mutants of self-crossed parents, with the main parent varieties being Kaixuan 016 and CTWE. Analysis of disease resistance showed that most high oleic peanut varieties could resist two or three diseases. However, those varieties with resistance to multiple diseases were relatively scarce. Moreover, some high oleic peanut varieties showed no disease resistance or inadequate testing. The results further indicate that the genetic basis for high oleic peanut breeding is insufficient, highlighting the need for its further development. Importantly, our findings lay a critical foundation for future high oleic peanut breeding and promote better understanding of the genetic and trait diversity offered by these varieties.

Abstract The phosphoethanolamine transferase EptA utilizes phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in the bacterial cell membrane to modify the structure of lipopolysaccharide, thereby conferring antimicrobial resistance on Gram-negative pathogens. Previous studies have indicated that excessive consumption of PE can disrupt the cell membrane, leading to cell death. This implies the presence of a regulatory mechanism for EptA catalysis to maintain a balance between antimicrobial resistance and bacterial growth. Through microsecond-scale all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that membrane lipid homeostasis modulates the conformational transition and catalytic activation of EptA. The conformation of EptA oscillates between closed and open states, ensuring the precise spatiotemporal sequence of substrates binding. Interestingly, the conformation of EptA is significantly influenced by its surrounding lipid microenvironment, particularly the PE proportion in the membrane. PE-rich membrane conditions initiate and stabilize the open conformation of EptA through both orthosteric and allosteric effects. Importantly, the reaction mediated by EptA gradually depletes PE in the membrane, ultimately hindering its conformational transition and catalytic activation. These findings collectively establish a self-promoted model, illustrating the regulatory mechanism of EptA during the development of antibiotic resistance.

Abstract Purpose This study investigates the effects of hexagonal microtextured titanium sheets on fibroblast growth and collagen synthesis, crucial factors in anastomotic healing. Materials and methods Hexagonal titanium sheets were fabricated using a laser microtextured machine. Mouse fibroblastic embryonic stem cells (NIH/3T3) were cultured on these sheets. Cell proliferation was assessed using a CCK8 assay, and expression of TGF-β/Smad pathway-related genes and collagen types I and III was evaluated through qRT-PCR and western blot. Results Hexagonal titanium sheets significantly enhanced fibroblast growth and collagen synthesis. The 50–30 group, with the smallest contact angle (48 ± 2.3°), exhibited the highest cell growth rates by CCK8 assay. Gene expression analysis revealed that TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and COL1A1 were significantly upregulated in the 50–30 group on day 7. Meanwhile, type I collagen expression was significantly increased in the 50–30 group on day 7 by western blot analysis. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that laser-fabricated hexagonal microtextured titanium sheets enhance hydrophilicity and promote fibroblast growth, activating the TGF-β/Smad pathway to facilitate collagen synthesis. These results have important implications for tissue repair and regeneration.

Abstract Biallelic mutations in PIGK cause GPI biosynthesis defect 22 (GPIBD22), characterized with developmental delay, hypotonia, and cerebellar atrophy. The understanding of the underlying causes is limited due to the lack of suitable disease models. To address this gap, we generated a mouse model with PIGK deficits, specifically in Purkinje cells (Pcp2-cko) and an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model using the c.87dupT mutant (KI) found in GPIBD22 patients. Pcp2-cko mice demonstrated cerebellar atrophy, ataxia and progressive Purkinje cells loss which were accompanied by increased apoptosis and neuroinflammation. Similarly, KI iPSCs exhibited increased apoptosis and accelerated neural rosette formation, indicating that PIGK defects could impact early neural differentiation that confirmed by the RNA-Seq results of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). The increased apoptosis and accelerated NPC differentiation in KI iPSCs are associated with excessive unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway activation, and can be rescued by UPR pathway inhibitor. Our study reveals potential pathogenic mechanism of GPIBD22 and providing new insights into the therapeutic strategy for GPIBD.

Spf1 is an important P-type ATPase in Candida albicans, which functions as an endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump to maintain calcium homoeostasis. The deficiency of Spf1 attenuates the virulence of C. albicans. However, its impact on immune response remains to be investigated. This study discovered that deletion of SPF1 resulted in a reduction of endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contacts, an important structure mediating material and information exchange. This effect was attributed to the reduced plasma membrane localisation of the crucial endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane tethering proteins Ist2 and Tcb1/3. The reduction of the contacts led to a decrease in secretion of the virulence factors phospholipase, secreted aspartyl protease (SAP), candidalysin, and the cell wall-anchored protein Hwp1 during infection. Immunofluorescence staining and quantitative PCR assays further showed that the SPF1 deletion led to a remarkable decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting the alleviation of the fungus-induced inflammatory response. Ultimately, the regulatory role of Spf1 in immune response significantly weakened the infectivity of C. albicans, and increased the survival rate of the hosts. This finding elucidated the role of fungal calcium pump-governed endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contacts in regulation of immune response. It also makes it possible to regulate the host’s immune response via control of SPF1 expression and functions, providing a theoretical basis for treating fungal infections.

Abstract Purpose Uveal melanoma (UM) is adults’ most common primary intraocular malignant tumor. It has been observed that 40% of patients experience distant metastasis during subsequent treatment. While there exist multigene models developed using machine learning methods to assess metastasis and prognosis, the immune microenvironment’s specific mechanisms influencing the tumor microenvironment have not been clarified. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing can accurately identify different types of cells in a tissue for precise analysis. This study aims to develop a model with fewer genes to evaluate metastasis risk in UM patients and provide a theoretical basis for UM immunotherapy. Methods RNA-seq data and clinical information from 79 μm patients from TCGA were used to construct prognostic models. Mechanisms were probed using two single-cell datasets derived from the GEO database. After screening for metastasis-related genes, enrichment analysis was performed using GO and KEGG. Prognostic genes were screened using log-rank test and one-way Cox regression, and prognostic models were established using LASSO regression analysis and multifactor Cox regression analysis. The TCGA-UVM dataset was used as internal validation and dataset GSE22138 as external validation data. A time-dependent subject work characteristic curve (time-ROC) was established to assess the predictive ability of the model. Subsequently, dimensionality reduction, clustering, pseudo-temporal analysis and cellular communication analysis were performed on GSE138665 and GSE139829 to explore the underlying mechanisms involved. Cellular experiments were also used to validate the relevant findings. Results Based on clinical characteristics and RNA-seq transcriptomic data from 79 samples in the TCGA-UVM cohort, 247 metastasis-related genes were identified. Survival models for three genes (SLC25A38, EDNRB, and LURAP1) were then constructed using lasso regression and multifactorial cox regression. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the high-risk group was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS) in UM patients. Time-dependent ROC curves demonstrated high predictive performance in 6 m, 18 m, and 30 m prognostic models. Cell scratch assay showed that the 24 h and 48 h migration rates of cells with reduced expression of the three genes were significantly higher than those of the si-NC group. CD8 + T cells may play an important role in tumour metastasis as revealed by immune infiltration analysis. An increase in the percentage of cytotoxic CD8 + T cells in the metastatic high-risk group was found in the exploration of single-cell transcriptome data. The communication intensity of cytotoxic CD8 was significantly enhanced. It was also found that the CD8 + T cells in the two groups were in different states, although the number of CD8 + T cells in the high-risk group increased, they were mostly in the exhausted and undifferentiated state, while in the low-risk group, the CD8 + T cells were mostly in the functional state. Conclusions We developed a precise and stable 3-gene model to predict the metastatic risk and prognosis of patients. CD8 + T cells exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment play a crucial role in UM metastasis.

Abstract Background We evaluated the diagnostic value of homocysteine (Hcy) levels combined with the Wells score and established a prediction model for venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurrence in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) based on the Hcy level and the Wells score. Patients and methods Clinical information from 914 patients with AECOPD was retrospectively collected in our hospital from June 2020 to October 2023. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to evaluate the diagnostic ability of Hcy concentrations combined with Wells scores and the prediction ability of the model. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore the effects of Hcy levels and the Wells score on VTE occurrence. A nomogram was established for individual risk evaluation. Results Hcy levels and Wells scores were significantly greater in the VTE group than in the non-VTE group (P

Abstract Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has gained increasing attention in artificial photosynthesis of H2O2, yet its performance is hindered by sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics and short excited-state electron lifetimes. Here we show a B-doped g-C3N4 (BCN) tailored with coordinatively unsaturated FeOOH and CoO x clusters for H2O2 photosynthesis from water and oxygen without sacrificial agents. The optimal material delivers a 30-fold activity enhancement compared with g-C3N4 under visible light, with a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 0.75%, ranking among the forefront of reported g-C3N4-based photocatalysts. Additionally, an electron transfer efficiency reaches 34.1% for the oxygen reduction reaction as revealed by in situ microsecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that CoO x initiates hole–water oxidation and prolongs the electron lifetime, whereas FeOOH accepts electrons and promotes oxygen activation. Intriguingly, the key to the direct one-step two-electron reaction pathway for H2O2 production lies in coordinatively unsaturated FeOOH to adjust the Pauling-type adsorption configuration of O2 to stabilize peroxide species and restrain the formation of superoxide radicals.

Abstract Background To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of the lumbar spine and investigate the impact of different fixation techniques on the biomechanical characteristics of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF). Methods The study aimed to establish and validate a comprehensive three-dimensional model of the lower lumbar spine (L3-S1) using the finite element method. L4-L5 was selected as the surgical segment, and four distinct OLIF surgical models were constructed: Stand-alone (SA), unilateral cortical bone trajectory screw (UCBT), bilateral cortical bone trajectory screw (BCBT), and bilateral pedicle screw (BPS). The models were underwent a pure moment of 10N·m to simulate lumbar extension, flexion, left bending, right bending, left and right rotation movements. Subsequently, the range of motion (ROM), cage stress, and fixation stress were calculated. Results In the L3-L5 segment, the BCBT group showed the most limited range of motion (ROM) under exercise load, indicating superior stability within this group. The ROM and cage stress values were found to be highest in the SA group. In contrast, the cage and internal fixation stress in the BPS group were observed to be lowest (9.91 ~ 53.83MPa, 44.93 ~ 84.85 MPa). With the exception of right bending and right rotation, the UCBT group demonstrated higher levels of internal fixation stress (102.20 ~ 164.62 MPa). Conclusions The study found that OLIF-assisted internal fixation improved segmental stability and reduced cage stress. The BPS group had advantages over the CBT group in preventing endplate damage and reducing the risk of cage subsidence. However, BCBT group has distinct merits in maintaining surgical segment stability, distributing stress load on the spinal motor unit, and reducing the likelihood of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD).

Abstract Background This study aimed to screen southern and southwestern Chinese individuals using expanded carrier screening (ECS), which explores the carrier status of recessively inherited diseases in southern and southwestern China, evaluates the clinical effectiveness of ECS application, and helps recognize high-risk fetuses that may have genetic disorders early in pregnancy, to provide better reproductive guidance. Methods ECS for 220 diseases based on next-generation sequencing was performed on 3024 southern and southwestern Chinese individuals (1512 couples). Carrier status was analyzed; genes and loci with high frequencies of variants and on high-risk couples (ARCs) were focused to evaluate the clinical utility of our ECS technology and provide them precise fertility guidance. Results In total, Pathogenic/likely pathogenic(P/LP) variants were found in 1885 individuals, so the carrier frequency was 62.3%, and 23.2% of the individuals were carriers of multiple diseases. furthermore, 2837 variants were detected, and the average number of P/LP variants carried per subject was 0.938. Additionally, 128 ARCs carried P/LP variants of the same gene, and the theoretical incidence rate in their offspring was as high as 2.12%. Conclusion This study validated the application of our ECS technique for carrier screening in southern China, identifying carrier status and providing accurate carrier frequencies for hundreds of genetic diseases.

Objective The role of hypoalbuminemia throughout the course of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypoalbuminemia in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) patients and to explore the association between hypoalbuminemia and treatment outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 387 PJI cases who underwent two‐stage exchange arthroplasty between January 2007 and August 2020, of which 342 were reimplanted. The mean follow‐up period was 7.9 years. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for hypoalbuminemia and to assess the effect of hypoalbuminemia at 1st‐ and 2nd‐stage exchange on the treatment outcome. Furthermore, the impact of dynamic changes in hypoalbuminemia was investigated. Results The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia at 1st‐ and 2nd‐stage exchange was 22.2% and 4.7%, respectively. Patients with age ≥ 68 years and those with isolation of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, or Gram‐negative bacteria exhibited a higher risk of hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia at 1st‐stage was significantly related to treatment failure (OR = 3.3), while hypoalbuminemia at 2nd‐stage raised the OR to 10.0. Patients with persistent hypoalbuminemia at both the 1st‐ and 2nd‐stage exchanges had a significantly higher rate of treatment failure than patients with hypoalbuminemia at the 1st‐stage but normal albumin levels at the 2nd‐stage exchange (55.6% vs 20.0%, p = 0.036). Conclusion One in five patients with chronic PJI exhibits hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia is more likely to develop in patients of advanced age and those infected by specific highly virulent organisms. Also, our results highlight the close association between hypoalbuminemia and treatment outcomes.

Abstract Wearable sensors provide a good solution for real-time monitoring of human health, and great progress has been made in miniaturization, flexibility, low power consumption and intelligence in recent years. Here, we introduce the principles of wearable sensors and their applications in disease surveillance. Physiological signals mainly include physical signals and biochemical signals. Among various sensors used to monitor physiological signals, we have introduced the basic working principles of mechanical sensors and electrochemical sensors. We summarize the examples of the clever integration of sensors with daily wearable products, and introduce cases of disease monitoring applied to the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, musculoskeletal system and metabolic system. In view of the current situation of wearable sensors in terms of materials, structure, technology and energy, we discuss challenges and solutions of wearable mechanical and electrochemical sensors, and look forward to the application prospects of wearable sensors.

Li metal batteries (LMBs) with LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathodes could release a specific energy of >500 Wh kg−1 by increasing the charge voltage. However, high-nickel cathodes working at high voltages accelerate degradations in bulk and at interfaces, thus significantly degrading the cycling lifespan and decreasing the specific capacity. Here, we rationally design an all-fluorinated electrolyte with addictive tri(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) borate (TFEB), based on 3, 3, 3-fluoroethylmethylcarbonate (FEMC) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), which enables stable cycling of high nickel cathode (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, NMC811) under a cut-off voltage of 4.7 V in Li metal batteries. The electrolyte not only shows the fire-extinguishing properties, but also inhibits the transition metal dissolution, the gas production, side reactions on the cathode side. Therefore, the NMC811||Li cell demonstrates excellent performance by using limited Li and high-loading cathode, delivering a specific capacity >220 mA h g−1, an average Coulombic efficiency >99.6% and capacity retention >99.7% over 100 cycles.

Abstract Background Protein–protein interactions are the primary means through which proteins carry out their functions. These interactions thus have crucial roles in life activities. The wide availability of fully sequenced animal and plant genomes has facilitated establishment of relatively complete global protein interaction networks for some model species. The genomes of cultivated and wild peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) have also been sequenced, but the functions of most of the encoded proteins remain unclear. Results We here used homologous mapping of validated protein interaction data from model species to generate complete peanut protein interaction networks for A. hypogaea cv. ‘Tifrunner’ (282,619 pairs), A. hypogaea cv. ‘Shitouqi’ (256,441 pairs), A. monticola (440,470 pairs), A. duranensis (136,363 pairs), and A. ipaensis (172,813 pairs). A detailed analysis was conducted for a putative disease-resistance subnetwork in the Tifrunner network to identify candidate genes and validate functional interactions. The network suggested that DX2UEH and its interacting partners may participate in peanut resistance to bacterial wilt; this was preliminarily validated with overexpression experiments in peanut. Conclusion Our results provide valuable new information for future analyses of gene and protein functions and regulatory networks in peanut.

Abstract Background Point-of-care testing (POCT) is commonly used in epidemiological surveys due to its various advantages, such as portability and immediate test results. The CardioChek® PA analyser 3-in-1 lipid panel measures total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This study tested the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the CardioChek® PA analyser using a 3-in-1 lipid panel. Methods A cross-sectional study design with quota sampling was used. A total of 203 respondents aged 18 years and above from a research centre in the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, were recruited. Venous blood was sent to the laboratory and tested with Siemens Atellica CH, while a POCT analyser was used for capillary blood measurements. Intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) analysis was employed to determine the agreement between capillary and venous blood parameters. The diagnostic performance of the evaluated tests was evaluated using STATA version 12. Results The agreement between capillary and laboratory venous blood was moderate (0.64–0.67) for TC and HDL, good (0.75) for LDL and excellent (0.91) for TG). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were as follows: TC, 57.1%, 94.3%, 92.3% and 64.8%; TG, 76.0%, 100%, 100%, and 96.6%; HDL, 96.2%, 83.2%, 47.2% and 99.3%; and LDL, 81.0%, 100%, 100% and 68.3%, respectively. Conclusions The CardioChek® PA analyser showed acceptable diagnostic accuracy for screening high-risk individuals more often in places where laboratories are inaccessible. It could also be used in clinical settings where patients would benefit from swift treatment decisions.

Abstract Background There are significant sex differences in the incidence of stroke or diabetes mellitus. However, little is known about sex differences in stroke rehospitalization among diabetic patients. Object To explore the sex differences in short-term and long-term rehospitalization of ischemic stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2017 to 2021. The rehospitalization events of ischemic stroke patients with diabetes mellitus were identified by the national unified Electronic Health Record. Propensity score matching was applied to adjust for multiple covariates, and LASSO regression was used to screen for independent variables. Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to analyze the different sex in short-term (90 days, 1 year) and long-term (5 years) rehospitalization in ischemic stroke patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Result A total of 10,724 ischemic stroke patients were included in this study, of whom 5,952 (55.5%) were males. After a 1:1 propensity score matching, there were 3,460 males and 2,772 females. After adjusting for confounding factors, female patients with type 2 diabetes had an increased risk of ischemic stroke rehospitalization at 90 days (HR: 1.94, 95%CI: 1.13–3.33, P

Abstract Previously, we constructed engineered M. circinelloides strains that can not only utilize cellulose, but also increase the yield of γ-linolenic acid (GLA). In the present study, an in-depth analysis of lipid accumulation by engineered M. circinelloides strains using corn straw was to be explored. When a two-stage temperature control strategy was adopted with adding 1.5% cellulase and 15% inoculum, the engineered strains led to increases in the lipid yield (up to 1.56 g per 100 g dry medium) and GLA yield (up to 274 mg per 100 g dry medium) of 1.8- and 2.3-fold, respectively, compared with the control strain. This study proved the engineered M. circinelloides strains, especially for Mc-C2PD6, possess advantages in using corn straw to produce GLA. This work provided a reference for transformation from agricultural cellulosic waste to functional lipid in one step, which might play a positive role in promoting the sustainable development of biological industry.

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor known for its hypoxic environment, which contributes to resistance against the anticancer drug Sorafenib (SF). Addressing SF resistance in HCC requires innovative strategies to improve tumor oxygenation and effectively deliver therapeutics. Results In our study, we explored the role of KPNA4 in mediating hypoxia-induced SF resistance in HCC. We developed hemoglobin nanoclusters (Hb-NCs) capable of carrying oxygen, loaded with indocyanine green (ICG) and SF, named HPRG@SF. In vitro, HPRG@SF targeted HCC cells, alleviated hypoxia, suppressed KPNA4 expression, and enhanced the cytotoxicity of PDT against hypoxic, SF-resistant HCC cells. In vivo experiments supported these findings, showing that HPRG@SF effectively improved the oxygenation within the tumor microenvironment and countered SF resistance through combined photodynamic therapy (PDT). Conclusion The combination of Hb-NCs with ICG and SF, forming HPRG@SF, presents a potent strategy to overcome drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma by improving hypoxia and employing PDT. This approach not only targets the hypoxic conditions that underlie resistance but also provides a synergistic anticancer effect, highlighting its potential for clinical applications in treating resistant HCC.

Over the past decades, Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT)-based ceramics have received increasing attention in energy storage applications due to their high power density and relatively large maximum polarization. However, their high remnant polarization (Pr) and low breakdown field strength are detrimental for their practical applications. In this paper, a new solid solution (1−x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–xCaHfO3 (x = 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16) was constructed by introducing CaHfO3 into NBT, and thus was prepared using a conventional solid-state reaction. With the addition of CaHfO3, the disorder of the structure increased, A-site vacancies formed, and thus oxygen vacancies were suppressed due to the replacement of the Na+ by Ca2+, resulting in the enhanced relaxation behavior and the reduced Pr, the refined grain, and improved breakdown strength. Furthermore, an optimal recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) of 1.2 J/cm3 was achieved in 0.92Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–0.08CaHfO3 ceramics under the breakdown strength of 140 kV/cm, which is mainly attributed to the resultant defect of Na+ vacancy.

Abstract Introduction To assess the safety and efficacy of repeated intravitreal injections of RC28-E, a novel bispecific antibody that simultaneously binds vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This was a prospective, multicenter, open-label clinical trial; 37 patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to AMD and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) letter scores between 73 and 34 were enrolled. Methods Treatment regimens consisted of a 3-month loading phase and a pro re nata (PRN) maintenance phase. This study included three treatment groups: the 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg RC28-E groups, with escalating doses ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mg. Patients were evaluated monthly for 48 weeks. Safety was assessed based on ocular and systemic adverse events (AEs), pharmacokinetic characteristics, and the presence of anti-RC28-E antibodies. Efficacy was assessed using the mean change in BCVA and central subfield thickness (CST) from baseline to week 48. Results Most AEs were mild or moderate. The most common AE was a minor injection-related subconjunctival hemorrhage (16.2%). The AEs did not increase with dose or repeated injections. At week 48, mean improvements in BCVA from baseline in the 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg groups were 6.1 ± 8.3, 9.9 ± 10.7, and 7.6 ± 9.38 letters, respectively; mean reductions in CST in the three groups were 112.1 ± 160.5, 175.1 ± 212.4, and 128.7 ± 145.8 μm, respectively. The serum RC28-E concentrations in 95% of the patients were below the quantification limit of the assay. No significant change from baseline was observed in the mean plasma concentrations of VEGF or FGF over the 48 weeks of treatment. Pre-treatment antibodies to RC28-E were detected in 1 of the 37 patients. Antibodies to RC28-E were detected in two patients after dosing with RC28-E for 48 weeks. Conclusion RC28-E was well tolerated and exhibited an overall favorable safety profile with evidence of improvements in BCVA and anatomical parameters.

Abstract Introduction COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of competent staff with expertise in public health emergency preparedness and response in the civil aviation system. The civil aviation system is a critical sentinel and checkpoint to prevent imported cases and slow the spread of communicable diseases. Understanding the current competencies of staff to deal with public health emergencies will help government agencies develop targeted training and evidence-based policies to improve their public health preparedness and response capabilities. Methods This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted from November 2022 to October 2023, involving 118 staff members from various positions within China’s civil aviation system. A 59-item questionnaire was translated and developed according to a competency profile. Data were collected using the self-report questionnaire to measure the workforce’s self-perceptions of knowledge and skills associated with public health emergency proficiency, categorized into (1) general competency, (2) preparedness competency, (3) response competency, and (4) recovery competency. KMO & Bartlett test and Cronbach’s α reliability analysis were used to test the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, independent sample T-test, ANOVA, and linear regression models were performed to analyze the competencies. Results A total of 107 staff members from the aviation system were surveyed in this study. The KMO & Bartlett test, (KMO = 0.919, P

Abstract Double-lumen tubes (DLTs) are commonly used for one-lung ventilation (OLV) in thoracic surgery and the selection of an optimal size of DLTs is still a humongous task. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of the method for selecting an optimal size of DLTs in thoracic surgery. Sixty adult patients requiring a left side double-lumen tube (LDLT) for elective thoracoscopic surgery were included in this study. All patients were randomly allocated to the following two groups: Cuffs Collapsed group (CC group, n = 30) and Cuffs Inflated group (CI group, n = 30). In the Cuffs Collapsed group, the outer diameter of LDLT (the outer diameter of the tracheal and bronchial cuffs when they were collapsed as the outer diameter of the LDLT) matched with the inner diameter of the trachea and bronchus measured by the anesthesiologist on the chest CT slice; In the Cuffs Inflated group, the outer diameter of LDLT (the outer diameter of the tracheal and bronchial cuffs when they were inflated as the outer diameter of the LDLT) matched with the inner diameter of the trachea and bronchus measured by the anesthesiologist on the chest CT slice. The primary outcomes were the incidences of airway complications postoperative such as hoarseness and sore throat. The time of intubation and alignment, the incidences of LDLT displacement and adjustment, the peak airway pressure, the plateau airway pressure and the end-tidal carbon dioxide were also recorded. The incidences of airway complications postoperative such as sore throat and hoarseness were lower in the CI group than the CC group (P 0.05). The method which matched the inner diameter of the trachea and bronchus measured on chest CT slice with the outer diameter of the tracheal and bronchial cuffs when they were inflated to select an appropriate size of LDLT can reduce the incidence of airway complications. Trials registration: Clinical Trials: gov. no. NCT05739318. Registered at https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov 22/02/2023.

Abstract Glioma, a malignant and infiltrative neoplasm of the central nervous system, poses a significant threat due to its high mortality rates. Branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1), a key enzyme in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism, exhibits elevated expression in gliomas and correlates strongly with poor prognosis. Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this increased BCAT1 expression remains incompletely understood. In this study, we reveal that ubiquitination at Lys360 facilitates BCAT1 degradation, with low ubiquitination levels contributing to high BCAT1 expression in glioma cells. The Carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, interacts with BCAT1 via its coiled-coil (CC) domain, promoting its K48-linkage ubiquitin degradation through proteasomal pathway. Moreover, CHIP-mediated BCAT1 degradation induces metabolic reprogramming, and impedes glioma cell proliferation and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, a positive correlation is observed between low CHIP expression, elevated BCAT1 levels, and unfavorable prognosis among glioma patients. Additionally, we show that the CHIP/BCAT1 axis enhances glioma sensitivity to temozolomide by reducing glutathione (GSH) synthesis and increasing oxidative stress. These findings underscore the critical role of CHIP/BCAT1 axis in glioma cell proliferation and temozolomide sensitivity, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in glioma treatment.

Abstract Although the independent effects of ambient CO, temperature or humidity on stroke have been confirmed, it is still unclear where there is an interaction between these factors and who is sensitive populations for these. The stroke hospitalization and ambient CO, temperature, humidity data were collected in 22 Counties and districts of Ningxia, China in 2014–2019. The lagged effect of ambient CO, temperature or humidity were analyze by the generalized additive model; the interaction were evaluated by the bivariate response surface model and stratified analysis with relative excessive risk (RERI). High temperature and CO levels had synergistic effects on hemorrhagic stroke (RERI = 0.05, 95% CI 0.033–0.086) and ischemic stroke (RERI = 0.035, 95% CI 0.006–0.08). Low relative humidity and CO were synergistic in hemorrhagic stroke (RERI = 0.192, 95% CI 0.184–0.205) and only in ischemic stroke in the elderly group (RERI = 0.056, 95% CI 0.025–0.085). High relative humidity and CO exhibited antagonistic effects on the risk of ischemic stroke hospitalization in both male and female groups (RERI = − 0.088, 95% CI − 0.151to − 0.031; RERI = − 0.144, 95% CI − 0.216 to − 0.197). Exposure to CO increases the risk of hospitalization related to hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. CO and temperature or humidity interact with risk of stroke hospitalization with sex and age differences.

The evolution of martensite and the tensile deformation behavior of Ti-7333 alloy with different β grain size was studied. It is found that the β grain size (45–260 μm) significantly affects the triggering stress of stress-induced α″ martensite (SIMα″), and then affects the distribution and morphology of α″ martensite. At the initial stage of deformation, the larger β grain can inhibit the stress-induced secondary α″ martensitic transformation and the formation of α″ twinning. While under the same strain, the stress-induced martensite and martensite twinning can be activated simultaneously in the alloy with the smaller β grain, including {111}α″ type Ⅰ twinning, {130}α″ compound twinning, α″ type Ⅱ twinning, {021}α″ type Ⅱ twinning, which can effectively accommodate localized strains and improve the work hardening rate of Ti-7333 alloy. When the β grain size varies in the range of 45–84 μm, there is a higher work hardening plateau in the deformation stage II of Ti-7333 alloy. The yield strength and β grain size are in accordance with the Hall-Petch relation. As the grain size increases to 128 even to 260 μm, the work hardening rate continues to decrease and the yield strength inversely increases. It is demonstrated that the triggering stress for SIMα″ exhibits U-shaped fluctuations as β grain size increases, and the inflection point of Ti-7333 alloy is between 84 μm and 260 μm.

BackgroundThe number of people undergoing maintenance hemodialysis is increasing rapidly worldwide. Central vein stenosis (CVS) is a common vascular complication in undergoing hemodialysis, especially those with a history of catheterization. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of CVS and the clinical effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone and sequential percutaneous transluminal stenting (PTS) in hemodialysis patients with CVS.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 26 cases of endovascular intervention for CVS using PTA alone or sequential PTS was performed. The characteristics of CVS and the clinical effectiveness of these procedures were evaluated.ResultsThis study included 26 hemodialysis patients who presented with symptomatic CVS. Of these 26 patients, 53.85% were male, and their mean age was approximately 54.96 years. All the patients had a history of catheter placement or pacemaker implantation. The incidence of brachiocephalic vein stenosis was significantly higher than that of subclavian vein stenosis (46.16% vs. 26.92%). Based on the degree of stenosis and elastic retraction, these patients were administered PTA alone or sequential PTS. There was no difference in patient age, hemodialysis time, catheter retention time, or stenosis length between the PTA alone and sequential PTS groups. However, the degree of venous stenosis in the PTS group was more severe than that in the PTA alone group. The primary patency rates in the sequential PTS and PTA alone groups were 94.12% and 100% at 3 months; 88.24% and 88.89% at 6 months; 75.00% and 85.71% at 9 months; and 66.67% and 71.43% at 12 months, respectively. It is worth noting that for 7 patients with complete occlusion of the brachiocephalic vein, we used sharp recanalization technology and stenting placement, with patency rates of 85.71% and 71.43% at 6 and 12 months, respectively.ConclusionsPTA alone is recommended for patients with less than 50% central venous elastic retraction, while sequential PTS is recommended for patients with ≥ 50% central venous elastic retraction. PTA and PTS are safe and effective methods for the treatment of CVS in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Background Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a prevalent chronic complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is crucial for reducing mortality and improving the prognosis in the treatment of refractory hyperparathyroidism. However, it is often associated with a number of postoperative complications such as postoperative hypotension, hyperkalemia, and hungry bone syndrome. A previous study demonstrated that low blood pressure influences the patency of autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). Few studies have examined AVF dysfunction following PTX. This study aimed to identify and describe the risk variables associated with AVF dysfunction after PTX.Methods Cases of AVF dysfunction after PTX between 2015 and 2021 were studied. Four controls were identified for each patient and were matched for sex and age. Biochemical parameters and blood pressure of the patients before and after PTX were recorded. Risk factors for AVF dysfunction after PTX were identified using conditional logistic regression analysis.Results Sixteen patients and 64 controls were included in this study. Baseline demographic and laboratory data were compared. Patients in the AVF dysfunction group had lower levels of postoperative calcium than the controls. After surgery, calcium levels decreased more in patients with AVF dysfunction than in the control group. The decrease in systolic blood pressure (ΔSBP) after PTX was greater in the AVF dysfunction group than that in the control group. For each 1 mmHg increment in ΔSBP, the risk of AVF dysfunction after surgery increased by 11.6% (OR = 1.116, 95% CI, 1.005–1.239, p = .040). The likelihood of developing AVF dysfunction after surgery was twelvefold higher in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients (OR = 12.506, 95% CI, 1.113–140.492, p = .041). Among patients with ΔSBP > 5.8 mmHg after PTX, the AVF failure rate was significantly greater in patients with diabetes than in those without diabetes. Patients with a history of AVF failure had a nine-fold higher risk of developing AVF dysfunction (OR = 9.143, 95% CI, 1.151–72.627, p = .036). Serum albumin, hemoglobin, ΔiPTH, and age were not independent predictors of AVF dysfunction. The cutoff value for SBP was 5.8 mmHg, as determined by the Youden index of the receiver operating characteristic curve.Conclusion Decreased systolic blood pressure (ΔSBP) after PTX, diabetes, and AVF failure history were risk factors for AVF dysfunction following PTX in patients with SHPT. Diabetes patients with ΔSBP > 5.8 mmHg were more prone to AVF dysfunction after PTX.

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain low in the U.S., particularly among minorities and low-income, uninsured patients. We report preliminary data on a pilot study program providing education and free HPV vaccination at a clinic serving low-income uninsured adults.Methods: From October 2020 through October 2022, we assessed HPV vaccination knowledge, awareness, and prevalence of hesitancy towards receiving the vaccine among low-income uninsured patients age 18-45. The Parents Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey was modified and used to evaluate vaccine hesitancy. An educational video on HPV was shown to patients declining vaccination.Results: 43 patients were enrolled. 69.8% had heard of the HPV vaccine and 85.7% were non-hesitant based on PACV scores of 0-49. Black participants had a statistically significant higher PACV score (more hesitant) than White participants. Familiarity with the HPV vaccine correlated with lower PACV scores. Only 27% completed all three HPV vaccine doses.Discussion: The availability of an education program together with free HPV vaccination are not sufficient to achieve adequate vaccination rates in low-income, uninsured adults. Innovative, culturally sensitive education and supportive interventions, in addition to access to free HPV vaccination, are warranted in order to improve vaccination rates in this underserved population.Clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT04474821

In this study, the dynamic response and deformation mechanism of TiZrHfNb RHEA fabricated by laser directed energy deposition (L-DED) were researched under a dynamic compression test at a nominal strain rate of 3500 s−1. The L-DED TiZrHfNb alloy with columnar grains exhibits exceptional mechanical properties with a uniform dynamic flow stress of 1670 ± 10 MPa and a maximum plastic strain of 0.28 ± 0.03. The dislocation slipping and kinking behaviour dominate uniform plastic deformation. First, the dislocations are primarily confined within dislocation channels due to coplanar slip, and the evolution of them in dynamic compressive deformation process has undergone spacing refinement and crossing. Furthermore, the kinking behaviour induced by the lattice rotation with the T = axis denotes the work hardening effect. Particularly, the second kinking behaviour effectively relieves local stress concentration and delays fracture before the formation of adiabatic shear band (ASB).