The mutual interplay between NTRK fusion genes and human papillomavirus infection in cervical cancer progression (Review)

Cervical cancer is a significant global health concern, with a substantial portion of cases attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Recent advancements in molecular profiling have identified distinct subtypes of cervical cancer based on their genomic alterations. One such subgroup is neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) fusion-positive cervical cancers, characterized by gene fusions involving the NTRK genes. Although both NTRK fusion genes and HPV infections are independently recognized as significant risk factors in cervical cancer, their interplay and mutual effects on cancer progression are not yet fully understood. The present review is the first of its kind to explore the potential interplay between NTRK fusion genes and HPV infections. It surveys in detail how their combined effect can influence the signaling pathways during cervical cancer development and progression. Moreover, the present study discussed the clinical features, histopathological examinations, treatment procedures and follow-up outcomes of NTRK-fusion gene-positive cervical cancer. The present review may help in the understanding of the management and treatment of such rare, lethal and resistant cervical cancers.

Deciphering retention effect of extracellular polymeric substances to typical heavy metals and their interaction with key inner enzymes of Candidatus Kuenenia

This study employed spectroscopy, metagenomics, and molecular simulation to investigate the inhibitory effects of Cd(II) and Cu(II) on the anammox system, examining both intracellular and extracellular effects. At concentrations of 5 mg/L, Cd(II) and Cu(II) significantly reduced nitrogen removal efficiency by 41.46 % and 62.03 %, respectively. Additionally, elevated metal concentrations were correlated with decreased extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), thereby reducing their capacity to absorb heavy metals, particularly Cu(II), which decreased from 76.47 % to 14.67 %. Spectral analysis revealed alterations in the secondary structures of EPS induced by Cd(II) and Cu(II), decreasing the ratio of extracellular protein α-helix to (β-sheet + random coil), which resulted in looser extracellular protein configurations. The results of the metagenomics study showed that the abundance of Candidatus Kuenenia and its genes encoding nitrogen removal-related enzymes was reduced. The abundance of hzs-γ was reduced by 35.09 % at a concentration of 5 mg/L Cu(II). Conversely, genes associated with metal efflux enzymes, like czcR, increased by 54.86 % at 2 mg/L Cd(II). Molecular docking revealed robust bindings of Cd(II) to HZS-α (-342.299 ± 218.165 kJ/mol) and Cu(II) to HZS-γ (-880.934 ± 55.526 kJ/mol). This study elucidated the inhibitory mechanisms of Cd(II) and Cu(II) on the anammox system, providing insights into the resistance of anammox bacteria to heavy metals.

The flavonoids from the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia and their potential in inhibiting metastasis of human non-small cell lung cancers

Nineteen flavonoids were isolated from the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia L., including a novel flavanol (3) and three novel isoflavones (12-14). Their chemical structures were unequivocally determined through comprehensive spectral data analysis. The anti-proliferative effect of the isolated flavonoids was assessed in vitro using the MTT assay. Molecular docking and ELISA were employed to determine the inhibitory effects of the active compounds on ALK5. Isobavachalcone was found to inhibit TGF-β1 induced EMT in A549 cells by Wound healing assay and Transwell chamber assay. Immunofluorescence assay and Western blot assay showed that IBC could inhibit cytoskeleton rearrangement, reduce the phosphorylation of ALK5, ERK, and Smad, down-regulate Snail expression, and up-regulate E-cadherin expression in TGF-β1 induced A549 cells, thereby exerting the potential inhibitory effects on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in A549 cells. The findings presented herein establish a fundamental basis for investigating the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic properties of psoralen flavonoids in human non-small cell lung cancer.

Hydrate Technologies for CO2 Capture and Sequestration: Status and Perspectives

CO2 capture and sequestration based on hydrate technology are considered supplementary approaches for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the greenhouse effect. Direct CO2 hydrate formation and CH4 gas substitution in natural gas hydrates are two of the main methods used for the sequestration of CO2 in hydrates. In this Review, we introduce the crystal structures of CO2 hydrates and CO2-mixed gas hydrates and summarize the interactions between the CO2 molecules and clathrate hydrate/H2O frames. In particular, we focus on the role of diffraction techniques in analyzing hydrate structures. The kinetic and thermodynamic properties then are introduced from micro/macro perspectives. Furthermore, the replacement of natural gas with CO2/CO2-mixed gas is discussed comprehensively in terms of intermolecular interactions, influencing factors, and displacement efficiency. Based on the analysis of related costs, risks, and policies, the economics of CO2 capture and sequestration based on hydrate technology are explained. Moreover, the difficulties and challenges at this stage and the directions for future research are described. Finally, we investigate the status of recent research related to CO2 capture and sequestration based on hydrate technology, revealing its importance in carbon emission reduction.

The GJB3 correlates with the prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and therapeutic responses in lung adenocarcinoma

Gap junction protein beta 3 (GJB3) has been reported as a tumor suppressor in most tumors. However, its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of GJB3 in the prognosis and tumor microenvironment of LUAD patients. The data used in this study were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, and imvigor210 cohorts. We found that GJB3 expression was increased in LUAD patients and correlated with LUAD stages. LUAD patients with high GJB3 expression exhibited a worse prognosis. A total of 164 pathways were significantly activated in the GJB3 high group. GJB3 expression was positively associated with nine transcription factors and might be negatively regulated by hsa-miR-6511b-5p. Finally, we found that immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression were different between the GJB3 high and GJB3 low groups. In summary. GJB3 demonstrated high expression levels in LUAD patients, and those with elevated GJB3 expression displayed unfavorable prognoses. Additionally, there was a correlation between GJB3 and immune cell infiltration, as well as immune checkpoint expression in LUAD patients.

Pressure-Sensitive Multiple Superconducting Phases and Their Structural Origin in Van der Waals HfS_{2} Up to 160 GPa

Superconductivity has been observed in many insulating transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) under pressure. However, the origin of superconductivity remains elusive due to the lack of studies on their structures at low temperatures. Here, we report the observation of a high-T_{c} superconducting state (SC-I phase) coexisting with other superconducting states in a compressed 1T-HfS_{2} crystal up to approximately 160 GPa. In situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction results exclude the presence of decomposed sulfur and confirm two structural phase transitions at room temperature, as well as an additional transition at low temperature, which contribute to the emergence of multiple superconducting states. The SC-I phase exhibits an unsaturated T_{c} of 16.4 K at 158 GPa, and demonstrates the highest upper critical field among the bulk TMDCs, μ_{0}H_{c2}(0)≈29.7  T for a T_{c}∼15.2  K at 147 GPa, exceeding the weak-coupling Pauli limit. These results reveal abundant SC properties together with sensitive structures in compressed HfS_{2}, and thereby extend our understanding on TMDCs' superconductivity.

[Epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in patients with acute respiratory infection (ARIs) in sentinel hospitals of the Hubei influenza surveillance network from 2016 to 2023. Methods: ARIs samples [including influenza-like cases (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI)] were collected from influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023, and case information was collected. HRSV virus nucleic acid typing was performed by fluorescence quantitative PCR method, and the data were collated, plotted and analyzed. Results: From 2016 to 2023, 12 779 cases of ILI and 9 166 cases of SARI were collected. The positive rate of HRSV was the highest in<5 years of age group [15.77% (168/1 065)], among which the positive rate was the highest in 2 to 5 years of age group of ILI cases [13.60% (31/228)], and the positive rate was the highest in 0 to 2 years of age group of SARI cases [25.97% (60/231)] (all P values<0.001). The positive rate of HRSV in SARI cases was 2.31%-25.97%, higher than that in ILI cases (0-13.60%) (P=0.016). HRSV was prevalent in autumn and winter from 2016 to 2020 and in spring in 2023. Alternating epidemics of HRSV virus type A and B in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023 (dominant epidemics of type B in 2016 and 2020; dominant epidemics of type A in 2017-2019 and 2023). Conclusion: SARI and ILI patients under five years old are the main infection groups of HRSV. The seasonal prevalence characteristics of HRSV in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023 shift from autumn and winter to spring.

Boosting Catalytic and Anti-fluorination Performance of the Ru/Vanadia-Titania Catalyst for the Oxidative Destruction of Freon by Sulfuric Acid Modification

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) exert a strong greenhouse effect and constitute the largest contributor to ozone depletion. Catalytic removal is considered an effective pathway for eliminating low-concentration CFCs under mild conditions. The key issue is the easy deactivation of the catalysts due to their surface fluorination. We herein report a comparative investigation on catalytic dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) removal in the absence or presence of water over the sulfuric-acid-modified three-dimensionally ordered macroporous vanadia-titania-supported Ru (S-Ru/3DOM VTO) catalysts. The S-Ru/3DOM VTO catalyst exhibited high activity (T90% = 278 °C at space velocity = 40 000 mL g-1 h-1) and good stability within 60 h of on-stream reaction in the presence of 1800 ppm of water due to the improvements in acid site amount and redox ability that promoted the adsorption of CFC-12 and the activation of C-F bonds. Compared with the case under dry conditions, catalytic performance for CFC-12 removal was better over the S-Ru/3DOM VTO catalyst in the presence of water. Water introduction mitigated surface fluorination by the replenishment of hydroxyl groups, inhibited the formation of halogenated byproducts via the surface fluorine species cleaning effect, and promoted the reaction pathway of COX2 (X = Cl/F) → carboxylic acid → CO2.

Research on benefit allocation based on multi-weight H-Shapley value: A case study of express logistics sharing

Urban last-mile express delivery in China encounters several challenges. This paper presents the establishment of a sharing logistics center aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency of urban last-mile express delivery while optimizing the utilization of essential resources. The successful implementation of shared delivery within sharing logistics center necessitates the creation of a robust collaborative mechanism. Recognizing that cooperative benefit allocation is dynamically influenced by factors such as resource input, operational efficiency, risk management, and other cost-related considerations, this study introduces a multi-weight H-Shapley value method for benefit allocation. By conducting empirical analyses of urban last-mile express delivery in Beijing within a sharing logistics service framework, our findings reveal that the revised benefit allocation model better aligns with the interests of participating entities and positively correlates with their contributions. Analyzing the impact of delivery volume and express operational costs changes, it is found that when the delivery volume and express operational costs of the sharing logistics center change, the benefits of participating enterprises move in the same direction. The benefit allocation model established in this study enriches the existing body of research in the field of shared delivery and offers valuable insights for benefit allocation issues that necessitate consideration of the dynamic effects of multiple parameter variations.

Establishment and application of quadruple fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR method for the identification of waterfowl astrovirus

Avian astrovirus can infect a variety of poultry species and cause viral diarrhea, with a wide epidemic range strong pathogenicity and a high incidence. Among them, Duck astrovirus 3(DAstV-3), Duck astrovirus 4(DAstV-4), Goose astrovirus 1(GoAstV-1) and Goose astrovirus 2(GoAstV-2) are four types of astroviruses newly discovered in waterfowl in recent years. In order to realize the rapid detection of these four kinds of waterfowl stellate viruses, specific primers and probes were engineered to target a highly conserved region of ORF1b gene of DAstV-3, GoAstV-1 and GoAstV-2 and the ORF2 gene of DAstV-4, and a quadruple fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR method was developed. The results indicate that the method established in this study has good specificity and no cross reactivity with other pathogens. This method can detect viruses with a minimum concentration of 1 × 101 copies/μL for DAstV-4, GoAstV-1 and GoAstV-2, respectively, while the minimum concentration for DAstV-3 is 1 × 102 copies/μL. Compared with the routinely used RT-PCR method, the limit of detection by the multiplex RT-PCR lower. Both intra- and inter-assay variability tests revealed excellent reproducibility. This method was then used to analyze 269 field samples, and the results were verified by genome sequencing. In conclusion, this study presents a sensitive, accurate, and specific method for detecting DAstV-3, DAstV-4, GoAstV-1, and GoAstV-2 in a single reaction, enabling the monitoring and differential diagnosis of these four types of waterfowl astroviruses.

Wide-Band Unambiguous Quantum Sensing via Geodesic Evolution

We present a quantum sensing technique that utilizes a sequence of π pulses to cyclically drive the qubit dynamics along a geodesic path of adiabatic evolution. This approach effectively suppresses the effects of both decoherence noise and control errors while simultaneously removing unwanted resonance terms, such as higher harmonics and spurious responses commonly encountered in dynamical decoupling control. As a result, our technique offers robust, wide-band, unambiguous, and high-resolution quantum sensing capabilities for signal detection and individual addressing of quantum systems, including spins. To demonstrate its versatility, we showcase successful applications of our method in both low-frequency and high-frequency sensing scenarios. The significance of this quantum sensing technique extends to the detection of complex signals and the control of intricate quantum environments. By enhancing detection accuracy and enabling precise manipulation of quantum systems, our method holds considerable promise for a variety of practical applications.

Development and validation of a nomogram for assessing survival in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

BACKGROUND

Early prediction of survival of hospitalized acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients is vital. We aimed to establish a nomogram to predict the survival probability of AECOPD patients.

METHODS

Retrospectively collected data of 4601 patients hospitalized for AECOPD. These patients were randomly divided into a training and a validation cohort at a 6:4 ratio. In the training cohort, LASSO-Cox regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were utilized to identify prognostic factors for in-hospital survival of AECOPD patients. A model was established based on 3 variables and visualized by nomogram. The performance of the model was assesed by AUC, C-index, calibration curve, decision curve analysis in both cohorts.

RESULTS

Coexisting arrhythmia, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) usage and lower serum albumin values were found to be significantly associated with lower survival probability of AECOPD patients, and these 3 predictors were further used to establish a prediction nomogram. The C-indexes of the nomogram were 0.816 in the training cohort and 0.814 in the validation cohort. The AUC in the training cohort was 0.825 for 7-day, 0.807 for 14-day and 0.825 for 21-day survival probability, in the validation cohort this were 0.796 for 7-day, 0.831 for 14-day and 0.841 for 21-day. The calibration of the nomogram showed a good goodness-of-fit and decision curve analysis showed the net clinical benefits achievable at different risk thresholds were excellent.

CONCLUSION

We established a nomogram based on 3 variables for predicting the survival probability of AECOPD patients. The nomogram showed good performance and was clinically useful.

Ultrafast Self-Healing Elastomer with Closed-Loop Recyclability

The loss of function after prolonged periods of use is inevitable for all materials including plastics. Hence, self-healing capabilities are a key development to prolong the service lifetime of materials. One of such self-healing capabilities can be achieved by integrating dynamic bonds such as boronic ester linkages into polymeric materials, however the rate of self-healing in these materials is insufficient and current methods to accelerate it are limited. In this study, we report the rational design, synthesis and characterization of a fluorinated elastomer (FBE15) that utilizes enhanced interaction between polymer chains afforded by strong dipole-dipole interactions from -CF3, which showed a significant increase in binding energy to -7.71 Kcal/mol from -5.51 Kcal/mol, resulting in increased interaction between the boronic ester linkages and improving self-healing capabilities of boronic ester materials, drastically reducing the time required for stress relaxation by 900 %. The bulk elastomer is capable of ultrafast self-healing in a one-click fashion that can happen in mere seconds, which can then be stretched to 150 % of its original length. By utilising the dynamic cross-linking, FBE15 is also capable of both mechanical reprocessing into the same materials and chemical recycling into its starting materials, respectively, further allowing reconstruction of the elastomers that have comparable properties to the original ones at the end of its service lifespan.

Association between spot urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio and blood pressure among Chinese adults aged 18-69 years: the SMASH study

Background

Excessive sodium and low potassium intake are involved in the development of hypertension. Growing evidence showed that the sodium-to-potassium ratio (Na/K) was significantly associated with blood pressure (BP). However, studies on the dose-response relationship of spot urinary Na/K ratio with hypertension and BP in the general population are scarce, especially in the Chinese population.

Materials and methods

Data from the post-intervention survey of the Shandong Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) project was analyzed. Associations between Na/K molar ratio and hypertension prevalence and between Na/K molar ratio and BP indices were analyzed using multivariable logistic and linear regression, respectively, followed by subgroup analysis and interaction analysis. The restricted cubic spline model was used to explore the dose-response relationship. Informed by existing literature, we adjusted for potential confounding factors, including temperature and renal function, to assess the association and dose-response relationship.

Results

There was a non-linear positive association between Na/K and hypertension (OR:1.09, 95%CI: 1.08-1.11) and a linear positive association between Na/K and systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure (β 0.53, 95%CI: 0.45-0.60; β 0.36, 95%CI: 0.31-0.41; and β 0.42, 95%CI: 0.36-0.47, respectively). The association was stronger in individuals with hypertension, female patients, those in the 50-59-year age group, and those who were obese. Environmental temperatures had little impact on associations.

Conclusion

Our findings provide further evidence that the spot urinary Na/K ratio is a simple, useful, and convenient indicator for monitoring salt reduction and potassium increase, which could be used in clinical and public health practices.

[Research progress in macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in tumor immune response]

Macrophage migration inhibitor factor (MIF), as a pro-inflammatory and oncogenic cytokine, is highly expressed in a variety of malignant tumors and recruits tumor cells or immune cells into the tumor microenvironment. MIF affects the development of tumor by altering the tumor microenvironment. In the process of tumor, MIF not only plays an anti-inflammatory role, but also promotes tumorigenesis by immune escape and immune tolerance.This is closely related to immune cells that play a role in the tumor immune response, mainly including natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells, T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The article summarizes the role of MIF in tumor immune and the relationship between MIF and the development of malignant tumors, in order to provide new ideas and possible therapy for tumor treatment.

Black soldier fly larvae bioconversion and subsequent composting promote larval frass quality during pig and chicken manure transformation process

This research systematically assessed the changes in carbon, nitrogen and microbial profiling during pig and chicken manure transformation by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and subsequent composting process. BSFL had higher conversion efficiency for chicken manure. The pH, phosphorus and potassium contents in fresh BSFL frass increased than raw manure, but conductivity, total-/nitrate-/ammonium-nitrogen decreased. After BSFL conversion, pig manure had a larger nitrogen loss (25 %) while chicken manure had a larger carbon loss (32 %). During subsequent composting, the indicator changes (e.g. humus, ammonium nitrogen) in frass composts basically remained stable after 20-30 days. Compared to natural composts, frass composts had higher humification degree, cellulase activities, and more cellulose-degrading bacteria. Subsequent composting further reduced potential pathogens (reduced by 98.9 %-99.7 % than raw manure), and elevated the aromaticity and humification of frass. The findings gave an insight into the maturation management of manure-sourced insect frass.

Apolipoprotein E controls Dectin-1-dependent development of monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages upon pulmonary β-glucan-induced inflammatory adaptation

The lung is constantly exposed to the outside world and optimal adaptation of immune responses is crucial for efficient pathogen clearance. However, mechanisms that lead to lung-associated macrophages' functional and developmental adaptation remain elusive. To reveal such mechanisms, we developed a reductionist model of environmental intranasal β-glucan exposure, allowing for the detailed interrogation of molecular mechanisms of pulmonary macrophage adaptation. Employing single-cell transcriptomics, high-dimensional imaging and flow cytometric characterization paired with in vivo and ex vivo challenge models, we reveal that pulmonary low-grade inflammation results in the development of apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-dependent monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages (ApoE+CD11b+ AMs). ApoE+CD11b+ AMs expressed high levels of CD11b, ApoE, Gpnmb and Ccl6, were glycolytic, highly phagocytic and produced large amounts of interleukin-6 upon restimulation. Functional differences were cell intrinsic, and myeloid cell-specific ApoE ablation inhibited Ly6c+ monocyte to ApoE+CD11b+ AM differentiation dependent on macrophage colony-stimulating factor secretion, promoting ApoE+CD11b+ AM cell death and thus impeding ApoE+CD11b+ AM maintenance. In vivo, β-glucan-elicited ApoE+CD11b+ AMs limited the bacterial burden of Legionella pneumophilia after infection and improved the disease outcome in vivo and ex vivo in a murine lung fibrosis model. Collectively these data identify ApoE+CD11b+ AMs generated upon environmental cues, under the control of ApoE signaling, as an essential determinant for lung adaptation enhancing tissue resilience.

A Strategy for Enhancing Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy in Yttrium Iron Garnet Films

In future information storage and processing, magnonics is one of the most promising candidates to replace traditional microelectronics. Yttrium iron garnet (YIG) films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) have aroused widespread interest in magnonics. Obtaining strong PMA in a thick YIG film with a small lattice mismatch (η) has been fascinating but challenging. Here, a novel strategy is proposed to reduce the required minimum strain value for producing PMA and increase the maximum thickness for maintaining PMA in YIG films by slight oxygen deficiency. Strong PMA is achieved in the YIG film with an η of only 0.4% and a film thickness up to 60 nm, representing the strongest PMA for such a small η reported so far. Combining transmission electron microscopy analyses, magnetic measurements, and a theoretical model, it is demonstrated that the enhancement of PMA physically originates from the reduction of saturation magnetization and the increase of magnetostriction coefficient induced by oxygen deficiency. The Gilbert damping values of the 60-nm-thick YIG films with PMA are on the order of 10-4. This strategy improves the flexibility for the practical applications of YIG-based magnonic devices and provides promising insights for the theoretical understanding and the experimental enhancement of PMA in garnet films.

[Concomitant extragenital malformations of female reproductive tract anomalies: analysis of 444 cases in Peking Union Medical College Hospital]

Objective: To analyze the incidence and clinical phenotype of the concomitant extragenital malformations in the patients with female reproductive tract anomalies. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using clinical data of hospitalized patients diagnosed with uterine, cervical, or vaginal malformations from January 2003 to December 2022 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The malformations were classified according to American Society for Reproductive Medicine müllerian anomalies classification 2021, and in each type, the incidence and specific manifestations of concomitant extragnital malformations were analyzed. Results: A total of 444 patients were included. The overall incidence of concomitant extragenital malformations was 43.5% (193/444), including urinary system, skeletal system, and other system malformations. Renal malformations on the obstructed side were present in all patients with oblique vaginal septum syndrome (100.0%, 78/78). The total incidence of concomitant extragnital malformations was as high as 8/11 in uterus didelphys, 43.5% (10/23) in unicornuate uterus, 33.6% (79/235) in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, 18.8% (6/32) in septate uterus and 18.5% (12/65) in cervical agenesis. Urinary system malformations (30.6%, 136/444) and skeletal system malformations (13.5%, 60/444) were the most common concomitant malformations in all types, in which, unilateral renal agenesis and scoliosis were the most common. Conclusions: Urinary and skeletal system malformations are important features of female reproductive tract anomalies. Urologic ultrasonography and spinal roentgenogram are recommended for all patients with female reproductive tract anomalies.

Tunable Photocarrier Dynamics in CuS Nanoflakes under Pressure Modulation

Two-dimensional materials with a unique layered structure have attracted intense attention all around the world due to their extraordinary physical properties. Most importantly, the internal Coulomb coupling can be regulated, and thus electronic transition can be realized by manipulating the interlayer interaction effectively through adding external fields. At present, the properties of two-dimensional materials can be tuned through a variety of methods, such as adding pressure, strain, and electromagnetic fields. For optoelectronic applications, the lifetime of the photogenerated carriers is one of the most crucial parameters for the materials. Here, we demonstrate effective modulation of the optical band gap structure and photocarrier dynamics in CuS nanoflakes by applying hydrostatic pressure via a diamond anvil cell. The peak differential reflection signal shows a linear blueshift with the pressure, suggesting effective tuning of interlayer interaction inside CuS by pressure engineering. The results of transient absorption show that the photocarrier lifetime decreases significantly with pressure, suggesting that the dissociation process of the photogenerated carriers accelerates. It could be contributed to the phase transition or the decrease of the phonon vibration frequency caused by the pressure. Further, Raman spectra reveal the change of Cu-S and S-S bonds after adding pressure, indicating the possible occurrence of structural phase transition. Interestingly, all of the variation modes are reversible after releasing pressure. This work has provided an excellent sight to show the regulation of pressure on the photoelectric properties of CuS, exploring CuS to wider applications that can lead toward the realization of future excitonic and photoelectric devices modulated by high pressure.

Solid-Emission-Tunable Squaraine with Thermal-Promoted Aggregate-State Transitions for Fast Thermal History Sensing

Determining thermal history is crucial in many industrial processes, but reliable and sensitive organic thermal history indicators are currently absent. Herein, we report on the development of a squaraine-based fluorescent molecule, DPEA-SQ, for the detection of thermal exposure histories up to 436 K. DPEA-SQ forms multiple single crystals (DPEA-SQ-I, DPEA-SQ-II, and DPEA-SQ-III) with different conformations and aggregate-state packing modes, contributing to their different fluorescence wavelengths, lifetimes, and efficiencies. Interestingly, DPEA-SQ-I and DPEA-SQ-III undergo aggregate-state structural transitions to form the thermodynamically more stable DPEA-SQ-II, which are accompanied by changes in their fluorescence. By taking advantage of similar aggregate-state structural transformations during heating, a high-temperature thermal exposure history of up to 436 K is recorded and reflected by their fluorescence. To demonstrate the potential practical applications of DPEA-SQ, a DPEA-SQ-Powder/PDMS film is prepared and coated on an electric circuit board, which enables real-time monitoring of localized overheating by the naked eye. Additionally, the fluorescence peaks of DPEA-SQ-Powder and DPEA-SQ-Powder/PDMS films remain unchanged after storage at 373 K for 52 days, demonstrating high aggregate-state stability. The fast and reliable responses of this system make it an excellent candidate for the detection of overtemperature traces in electronic components and circuit diagnosis.

Deciphering and predicting changes in antibiotic resistance genes during pig manure aerobic composting via machine learning model

Livestock manure is one of the most important pools of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. Aerobic composting can effectively reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance risk in livestock manure. Understanding the effect of aerobic composting process parameters on manure-sourced ARGs is important to control their spreading risk. In this study, the effects of process parameters on ARGs during aerobic composting of pig manure were explored through data mining based on 191 valid data collected from literature. Machine learning (ML) models (XGBoost and Random Forest) were utilized to predict the rate of ARGs changes during pig manure composting. The model evaluation index of the XGBoost model (R2 = 0.651) was higher than that of the Random Forest (R2 = 0.490), indicating that XGBoost had better prediction performance. Feature importance was further calculated for the XGBoost model, and the XGBoost black box model was interpreted by Shapley additive explanations analysis. Results indicated that the influencing factors on the ARGs variation in pig manure were sequentially divided into thermophilic period, total composting period, composting real time, and thermophilic stage average temperature. The findings gave an insight into the application of ML models to predict and decipher the ARG changes during manure composting and provided suggestions for better composting manipulation and optimization of process parameters.

Effect of modified gastrointestinal decompression under abdominal CT in patients with intestinal obstruction

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous quality improvement on modified gastrointestinal decompression under abdominal computed tomography (CT) in patients with intestinal obstruction.

METHODS

The CT images of 74 patients with intestinal obstruction who underwent gastrointestinal decompression in our hospital from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019 were analysed retrospectively (Control group). Factors influencing unsatisfactory decompression effects were analysed, and corresponding improvement measures were formulated and implemented. A total of 77 patients from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022 were enrolled prospectively (Study group). The position of the nasogastric tube end, the amount of gastric drainage within 24h and the degree of abdominal distension relief were compared before and after the improvement.

RESULTS

After implementation of continuous quality improvement, the proportion of the end of the nasogastric tube reaching the antrum, the amount of gastric fluid drainage within 24h and the degree of abdominal distension relief were better than those before improvement (p<0.001, respectively). The execution rate and accuracy rate of CT interpretations by nurses reached 100% and 82%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified gastrointestinal decompression based on abdominal CT scans can increase the success of gastrointestinal decompression and effectively reduce the discomfort of patients.

The Relationship between the Level of Coagulative Function Hypertensive Disorder Complicating Pregnancy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication associated with significant maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity, has been found to be closely linked to dysfunction in the blood coagulation-fibrinolysis system. However, the relationship between hematologic data and severity and onset time of preeclampsia remains unclear. This study aimed to identify specific hematologic parameters in both preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women and determine their potential significance in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 112 patients with gestational hypertension disease were divided into two groups: early-onset preeclampsia (32 cases) and late-onset preeclampsia (80 cases). A control group of 82 normotensive pregnant women matched for age and parity was also selected. Blood samples were collected from all participants to test for specific hematologic parameters.

RESULTS

Mild and severe preeclampsia were associated with lower hemoglobin level (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively), higher mean platelet volume (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively) and fibrinogen (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively), and shorter prothrombin time (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively) and activated partial thromboplastin time (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These findings have provided evidence on the hematologic coagulative actors in the pathogenesis and severity of preeclampsia.