Versatile Composite Binder with Fast Lithium-Ion Transport for LiCoO2 Cathodes

The low ionic conductivity of LiCoO2 limits the rate performance of the overall electrode. Here, a polymeric composite binder composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is reported to efficiently improve the ion transport in the LiCoO2 electrode. This is where the lithium-ion transport channel constructed by oxygen atoms of PEO can afford the electrode a lithium-ion transport number (tLi+) as high as 0.70 with the optimized composite binder in a mass ratio of 1:1 (O5F5), significantly higher than that of traditional PVDF (0.44). As a result, the O5F5 binder endows the LiCoO2 electrode with an impressive capacity of 90 mAh g-1 even at 15 C, which is twice as high as the PVDF electrode. In addition, the initial Coulombic efficiency of the LiCoO2 electrode with the O5F5 binder is close to 100% and the capacity retention is 91% after 100 cycles at 1 C. This study overcomes the problem of slow ion conductivity of the LiCoO2 electrode, providing an easy method for developing high-rate cathode binders.

The association between PM2.5 components and blood pressure changes in late pregnancy: A combined analysis of traditional and machine learning models

BACKGROUND

PM2.5 is a harmful mixture of various chemical components that pose a challenge in determining their individual and combined health effects due to multicollinearity issues with traditional linear regression models. This study aimed to develop an analytical methodology combining traditional and novel machine learning models to evaluate PM2.5's combined effects on blood pressure (BP) and identify the most toxic components.

METHODS

We measured late-pregnancy BP of 1138 women from the Heshan cohort while simultaneously analyzing 31 PM2.5 components. We utilized multiple linear regression modeling to establish the relationship between PM2.5 components and late-pregnancy BP and applied Random Forest (RF) and generalized Weighted Quantile Sum (gWQS) regression to identify the most toxic components contributing to elevated BP and to quantitatively evaluate the cumulative effect of the PM2.5 component mixtures.

RESULTS

The results revealed that 16 PM2.5 components, such as EC, OC, Ti, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, Mg, K, Pb, Se, Na+, K+, Cl-, NO3-, and F-, contributed to elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP), while 26 components, including two carbon components (EC, OC), fourteen metallics (Ti, Fe, Mn, Cr, Mo, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Na, Mg, Al, K, Pb), one metalloid (Se), and nine water-soluble ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NH4+, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, F-), contributed to elevated diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Mn and Cr were the most toxic components for elevated SBP and DBP, respectively, as analyzed by RF and gWQS models and verified against each other. Exposure to PM2.5 component mixtures increased SBP by 1.04 mmHg (95% CI: 0.33-1.76) and DBP by 1.13 mmHg (95% CI: 0.47-1.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the effectiveness of combining traditional and novel models as an analytical strategy to quantify the health effects of PM2.5 constituent mixtures.

Effect mechanism of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in chili on the oxidative stability of myoglobin in duck meat

BACKGROUND

Myoglobin (Mb) in duck meat is commonly over-oxidized when heated at high temperatures, which may worsen the color of the meat. Enhancing the oxidative stability of Mb is essential for improving the color of duck meat. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin (CA-DI) in chili exhibit antioxidant properties. This study investigated the effects of CA-DI on the structure and oxidative damage of Mb by fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry analysis and particle size in duck meat during heat treatment.

RESULTS

When the ratio of CA-DI to Mb was 10:1 g kg-1 and heat-treated for 36 min, oxymyoglobin significantly increased, and metmyoglobin significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In parallel, the carbonyl content of Mb in the CA-DI group decreased by 43.40 ± 0.10%, the sulfhydryl content increased by 188 ± 0.21%, and the free radical scavenging activity of Mb was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05). Moreover, the addition of CA-DI resulted in a significant decrease in the particle size of the Mb surface (P < 0.05). When the ratio of CA-DI to Mb was 10:1 g kg-1, CA-DI enhanced the thermal stability and significantly increased the thermal denaturation temperature of Mb. The molecular docking results indicated that hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds were involved in the binding of CA-DI to Mb.

CONCLUSION

CA-DI could combine with Mb and improve the oxidation stability of Mb in duck meat. This suggested that CA-DI could be a potential natural antioxidant that improves the color of meat products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Towards a more practical analysis of Newton's rings using deep learning

As a typical form of optical fringes with a quadratic phase, Newton's ring patterns play an important role in spherical measurements and optical interferometry. A variety of methods have been used to analyze Newton's ring patterns. However, it is still rather challenging to fulfill the analysis. We present a deep-learning-based method to estimate the parameters of Newton's ring patterns and fulfill the analysis accordingly. The experimental results indicate the excellent accuracy, noise robustness, and demodulation efficiency of our method. It provides another applicable approach to analyzing Newton's ring patterns and brings insights into fringe analysis and interferometry-based measurements.

The Role of p53 in Regulating Chronic Inflammation and PANoptosis in Diabetic Wounds

Diabetic wounds represent a formidable challenge in the clinical management of diabetes mellitus, markedly diminishing the patient's quality of life. These wounds arise from a multifaceted etiology, with the pathophysiological underpinnings remaining elusive and complex. Diabetes precipitates neuropathies and vasculopathies in the lower extremities, culminating in infections, ulcerations, and extensive tissue damage. The hallmarks of non-healing diabetic wounds include senescence, persistent inflammation, heightened apoptosis, and attenuated cellular proliferation. The TP53 gene, a pivotal tumor suppressor frequently silenced in human malignancies, orchestrates cellular proliferation, senescence, DNA repair, and apoptosis. While p53 is integral in cell cycle regulation, its role in initial tissue repair appears to be deleterious. In typical cutaneous wounds, p53 levels transiently dip, swiftly reverting to baseline. Yet in diabetic wounds, protracted p53 activation impedes healing via two distinct pathways: i) activating the p53-p21-Retinoblastoma (RB) axis, which halts the cell cycle, and ii) upregulating the cGAS-STING and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) cascades, instigating ferroptosis and pyroptosis. Furthermore, p53 intersects with various metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and autophagy. In diabetic wounds, p53 may drive metabolic reprogramming, thus potentially derailing macrophage polarization. This review synthesizes case studies investigating the therapeutic modulation of p53 in diabetic wounds care. In summation, p53 modulates chronic inflammation and cellular aging within diabetic cutaneous wounds and is implicated in a novel cell death modality, encompassing ferroptosis and pyroptosis, which hinders the reparative process.

The cGAS-STING pathway: a therapeutic target in diabetes and its complications

Diabetic wound healing (DWH) represents a major complication of diabetes where inflammation is a key impediment to proper healing. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has emerged as a central mediator of inflammatory responses to cell stress and damage. However, the contribution of cGAS-STING activation to impaired healing in DWH remains understudied. In this review, we examine the evidence that cGAS-STING-driven inflammation is a critical factor underlying defective DWH. We summarize studies revealing upregulation of the cGAS-STING pathway in diabetic wounds and discuss how this exacerbates inflammation and senescence and disrupts cellular metabolism to block healing. Partial pharmaceutical inhibition of cGAS-STING has shown promise in damping inflammation and improving DWH in preclinical models. We highlight key knowledge gaps regarding cGAS-STING in DWH, including its relationships with endoplasmic reticulum stress and metal-ion signaling. Elucidating these mechanisms may unveil new therapeutic targets within the cGAS-STING pathway to improve healing outcomes in DWH. This review synthesizes current understanding of how cGAS-STING activation contributes to DWH pathology and proposes future research directions to exploit modulation of this pathway for therapeutic benefit.

[Effectiveness of comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2022]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2022, so as to provide insights into formulation of future control interventions.

METHODS

Data pertaining to comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source and echinococcosis surveillance in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2022 were collected. The effectiveness of comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source was evaluated with prevalence of human echinococcosis, detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis patients, prevalence of Echinococcus infection in domestic dogs, prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock, prevalence of alveolar echinococcosis in small mammals and awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge, and Spearman's rank correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of human echinococcosis reduced from 1.08% in 2010 to 0.40% in 2022 in Sichuan Province (χ2 = 1 482.97, P < 0.05), with a reduction from 0.30% to 0.02% in the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases (χ2 = 2 776.41, P < 0.05), a reduction from 15.87% to 0.46% in the prevalence of Echinococcus infection in domestic dogs (χ2 = 20 823.96, P < 0.05), a reduction from 8.05% to 1.07% in the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock (χ2 = 1 296.02, P < 0.05), and the awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge increased from 50.65% to 95.24% (χ2 = 34 938.63, P < 0.05); in addition, there was a year-specific prevalence rate of alveolar echinococcosis in small mammals (χ2 = 164.07, P < 0.05). Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed that the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases correlated positively with the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in domestic dogs (rs = 0.823, P < 0.05) and the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock (rs = 0.795, P < 0.05), and correlated negatively with the awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge (rs = - 0.918, P < 0.05), and the prevalence of Echinococcus infection in domestic dogs correlated positively with the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock (rs = 0.753, P < 0.05) and negatively with the awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge (rs = -0.747, P < 0.05); however, there was no correlation between the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in domestic dogs and the prevalence of alveolar echinococcosis in small mammals (rs = -0.750, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source had achieved remarkable effectiveness in Sichuan Province; however, the transmission chain of echinococcosis has not been interrupted. Reinforced comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source and sustained tracking evaluation of the effectiveness are recommended in Sichuan Province.

A high rain-erosion resistant bio-based nanogel with continuous immunity induction for plant virus inhibition

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is the most widely spread and harmful virus in the world, causing serious economic losses annually. However, the low anti-erosion ability of the pesticides for TMV management make it easy to be washed by the rain, which makes the effective duration of the pesticides shorter. In this paper, a new bio-based nanogel with superior antiviral activity was reported, and its slow-release behavior, rain erosion resistance and the antiviral mechanism was systematically studied. The results determined that the nanogels (Zn2+@ALGNP and Zn2+@ALGNP@PL) exhibited sustained releasing of Zn2+ with a 7 days duration, and the ε-PL coating could enhance the releasing rate of Zn2+. Moreover, Zn2+@ALGNP@PL displayed a lower contact angle, indicating greater adhesion to the leaf surface, and in consequence imposed better resistance to simulate rain erosion than pure Zn2+. Strikingly, Zn2+@ALGNP@PL could inhibit plant virus infection by aggregating the virions and reducing its coat protein stability, as well as inducing the efficient expression of reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzymes and resistance genes to enhance plant resistance and promote plant growth. Overall, this study had successfully developed a high rain-erosion resistant bio-based nanogel capable of continue to induce resistant plants and promote plant growth.

Vegetation-fire feedbacks increase subtropical wildfire risk in scrubland and reduce it in forests

Climate dictates wildfire activity around the world. But East and Southeast Asia are an apparent exception as fire-activity variation there is unrelated to climatic variables. In subtropical China, fire activity decreased by 80% between 2003 and 2020 amid increased fire risks globally. Here, we assessed the fire regime, vegetation structure, fuel flammability and their interactions across subtropical Hubei, China. We show that tree basal area (TBA) and fuel flammability explained 60% of fire-frequency variance. Fire frequency and fuel flammability, in turn, explained 90% of TBA variance. These results reveal a novel system of scrubland-forest stabilized by vegetation-fire feedbacks. Frequent fires promote the persistence of derelict scrubland through positive vegetation-fire feedbacks; in forest, vegetation-fire feedbacks are negative and suppress fire. Thus, we attribute the decrease in wildfire activity to reforestation programs that concurrently increase forest coverage and foster negative vegetation-fire feedbacks that suppress wildfire.

Asiaticoside-nitric oxide promoting diabetic wound healing through the miRNA-21-5p/TGF-β1/SMAD7/TIMP3 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is an ethnobotanical herb. The main bioactive components of Centella asiatica are pentacyclic triterpenoid glycosides, namely asiaticoside and hydroxyasiaticoside. Asiaticoside possess a diverse array of pharmacological properties, such as wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-fibrotic, antibacterial, anti-arthritic, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this investigation is to explore potential therapeutic interventions for the delayed healing of wounds in diabetic patients (DW) facilitated by Asiaticoside-Nitric Oxide. To clarify the key molecular mechanism of miRNA-21-5p in DW wound repair and to deepen the understanding of DW disease pathogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, miRNA microarray technology, bioinformatics, and RT-qPCR were used to analyze DW patients' and normal controls' skin tissue samples. Secondly, in order to investigate the role of miRNA-21-5p, a hyperglycemic model was established using HaCaT cells. Overexpressing as well as interfering HaCaT cell lines were constructed by lentiviral infection to further explore the proliferative and migratory effects of Asiaticoside-Nitric Oxide. The next step was to search for potential target genes of miRNA-21-5p and verify them with dual-luciferase reporter assay. Finally, the expression levels of target genes and proteins were detected through the utilization of RT-qPCR and Western blotting under the influence of Asiaticoside-Nitric Oxide.

RESULTS

A library of miRNAs and target genes expressed explicitly in DW patients and rats was established. The study confirmed the upregulation of miRNA-21-5p in DW patients and identified its involvement in signaling pathways related to chronic ulcer wound repair. Overexpression of LV-miRNA-21-5p significantly promoted cell proliferation, while treatments of Asiaticoside-Low dose (AC-L) and Asiaticoside-Medium dose (AC-M) enhanced proliferation and migration, particularly when combined with nitroprusside (SNP). Further analysis revealed potential target genes of miRNA-21-5p, such as TGF-β1, SMAD7, and TIMP3. Their interaction with miRNA-21-5p was confirmed through dual luciferase assays. The study found that anti-DW drugs increased the expression of TGF-β1 and SMAD7 while inhibiting TIMP3 expression in a high-glucose environment.

CONCLUSIONS

The research concluded that miRNA-21-5p plays a crucial role in the delayed healing of diabetic wounds, and that the combination treatment of AC + SNP shows promise in promoting wound healing in DW rats. Target genes, including TGF-β1, SMAD7, and TIMP3, may contribute to the regulatory mechanisms involved in diabetic wound healing. These findings provide valuable insights for developing novel therapeutic approaches for DW.

[Prevalence of taeniasis and sero - prevalence of anti - cysticercus antibody among residents in Tibetan agricultural areas of Sichuan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of taeniasis and cysticercosis among residents in Tibetan agricultural areas of Sichuan Province, so as to provide insights for the prevention and control of taeniasis and cysticercosis.

METHODS

From 2016 to 2022, Kangding City, Daocheng County, Derong County, Ruoergai County and Muli Tibetan Autonomous County were sampled from Tibetan agricultural areas of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, and 1 to 6 townships were sampled from each county (district), followed by 4 to 7 villages sampled from each township. Primary school children were sampled using a cluster sampling method, and permanent residents at ages of over 16 years were randomly sampled from each village. Participants' demographics, history of tapeworm excretion during the past year and clinical symptoms and signs of cysticercosis were collected through questionnaire surveys, and participants' stool and venous blood samples were collected. Taenia eggs were detected in stool samples using the direct smear method, and deworming was performed among taeniasis patients with areca nut-squash seeds. The tapeworm species were identified using a multiplex PCR assay, and serum specific IgG antibody against cysticercus was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

A total of 5 249 respondents participated in the questionnaire survey, including 603 respondents (11.5%) with a self-reported history of proglottids secretion during the past year. A total of 3 976 residents were subjected to stool examinations, and the detection of Taenia eggs was 6.5%. Of 258 participants undergoing deworming, there were 403 cases (94.2%) with excretions of Taenia worms or proglottids. The mean prevalence of taeniasis was 10.9% (439/4 043), and there were gender-, age- and region-specific prevalence rates of taeniasis (χ2 = 36.73, 126.31 and 163.41, all P values < 0.05). Multiplex PCR assays detected 41 cases with T. solium infections (12.5%), 197 cases with T. saginata infections (59.9%) and 91 cases with T. asiatica infections (27.6%) among 329 patients undergoing deworming, and there were region-specific prevalence rates of T. solium, T. saginata and T. asiatica infections (χ2 = 45.39, P < 0.05). In addition, the sero-prevalence of anti-cysticercus IgG antibody was 7.0% (345/4 933), and there were age- and region-specific sero-prevalence rates of anti-cysticercus IgG antibody (χ2 = 13.49 and 51.76, both P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple Taenia species are prevalent in Tibetan agricultural areas of Sichuan Province and the sero-prevalence of anti-cysticercus antibody is high among residents. Monitoring and control of taeniasis and cysticercosis should be strengthened.

[The influence of zinc on apoptosis and cell proliferation in palatal shelves during the fusion phase in mice and identification of a special protein family based on gene expression in cleft palate]

Objective: To investigate the effect of the trace element zinc (Zn) on apoptosis and cell proliferation in palate shelvesduring the fusion phase, and to screen candidate genes of the Zn-finger special protein (Sp) family that were differentially expressed between the cleft palate and the normal palate to explore the mechanism of Zn in the development of cleft palate. Methods: Zn-rich, normal-Zn, low-Zn, and Zn-deficient diets were fed to female mice and, for the resultant fetuses, paraffin slices of their heads were made at embryonicdays 14.5 and 16.5. Using terminaldeoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling, the number of apoptotic cells in the palatal shelves was counted, and cell proliferation activity was detected using proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining. Total RNA from the palatal shelves of fetal mice was extracted from the Zn-rich diet, normal Zn-diet, and Zn-deficient-diet groups. We used microarray analysis to examine the expression of genes to identify intergroup differential gene expression and polymerase chain reaction tests to validate the results. Results: At ED14.5, the incidence of cleft palate in the regular zinc group, zinc rich group, low zinc group, and zinc deficient group was 8% (3/36), 2% (1/39), 29% (12/41), and 39% (15/38), respectively. The HE staining results at ED14.5 showed that both the left and right palatal processes in the zinc group had been lifted up and were in contact and connected with each other. In the zinc deficiency group, the left and right palatine processes remained vertically downwards on both sides of the tongue, ultimately forming cleft palate; In the low zinc group, the left and right palatine processes were raised but not in contact, ultimately resulting in cleft palate. There is no significant difference between the zinc rich group and the regular zinc group. At ED14.5, the positive rates of proliferative cells in the palatal process of fetal mice in the regular zinc group (80.29% ± 7.39%) and the zinc rich group (87.69% ± 6.62%) were significantly higher than those in the zinc deficient group (56.05% ± 16.13%) and the low zinc group (56.22% ± 9.61%) (t=4.32, P<0.05). The apoptosis index of fetal rat palatal process cells in the zinc deficient group (38.80% ± 3.10%) and the low zinc group (28.80% ± 6.19%) were significantly higher than those in the regular zinc group (16.80% ± 1.82%) (t=19.35, P<0.001; t=5.81, P<0.001). There were 663 differentially expressed genes in the zinc rich group and the zinc deficient group, with 513 up-regulated genes and 150 down-regulated genes, among which Sp5 was found to be located. The real time PCR results showed that compared with the regular zinc group (2.22 ± 0.36), the expression level of Sp5mRNA in the palatal process tissue of the zinc deficient group (1.23 ± 0.38) significantly increased (P<0.05), while the zinc rich group (3.68 ± 0.90) significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions: Trace element Zn content was found to be closely related to the occurrence of cleft palate in mice offspring, with a lack of Zn leading to cleft palate.

[Analysis and treatment workflow of modified seven-step approach for acute respiratory and circulatory disorders]

Acute respiratory and circulatory disorders are the most common critical syndromes, the essence of which is damage to the organs/systems of the heart and lungs. These comprise the essential manifestation of disease and injury progression to the severe stage. Its development involves the following components: individual specificity, primary disease strike, dysregulation of the host's response, and systemic disorders. Admission for acute respiratory and circulatory disorders is a clinical challenge. Based on a previously proposed flow, a critical care ultrasound-based stepwise approach (PIEPEAR) as a standard procedure to manage patients with acute cardiorespiratory compromise and practical experience in recent years, a modified seven-step analysis and treatment process has been developed to help guide clinicians with rational thinking and standardized treatment when faced with acute respiratory and circulatory disorders. The process consists of seven steps: problem-based clinical analysis, intentional information acquisition, evaluation of core disorder based on critical care ultrasound, pathophysiology and host response phenotype identification, etiology diagnosis, act treatment through pathophysiology-host response and etiology, and re-check. The modified seven-step approach is guided by a "modular analysis" style of thinking and visual monitoring. This approach can strengthen the identification of clinical problems and facilitate a three-in-one analysis. It focuses on pathophysiological disorders, body reactions, and primary causes to more accurately understand the condition's key points, and make treatment more straight forward, to finally achieve the aim of "comprehensive cognition and refined treatment".

Zinc finger protein 189 promotes the differentiation of lamina propria T helper 17.1 cells in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

The factors regulating the heterogeneity of interleukin-17A (IL-17A)-expressing CD4⁺ T cells in inflammatory bowel diseases remain unclear. In the current study, we characterised the expression and function of zinc finger protein 189 (ZFP189) in a murine colitis model. Mice were given dextran sulphate sodium to induce acute colitis. Flow cytometry was applied to recognise and enrich Th17 and Th17.1 cells based on the expression of IL-17A, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3), and C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4). The expression of ZFP189 in Th17 and Th17.1 cells was determined by Immunoblotting. Lentivirus-mediated ZFP189 knockdown was conducted to evaluate the effect of ZFP189 on the differentiation of Th17 and Th17.1 cells. The adoptive transfer was performed to analyse the pathogenicity of Th17.1 cells in vivo. We found that ZFP189 was mildly up-regulated in IL-17A-expressing CD4⁺ T cells in colonic lamina propria. Lamina propria Th17.1 cells expressed higher ZFP189 than Th17 cells. In vitro ZFP189 knockdown in CD4⁺ T cells did not impact Th17 cell differentiation but suppressed Th17.1 cell differentiation, as evidenced by lower T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet) and IFN-γ. When adoptively transferred into mice, ZFP189-deficient Th17.1 cells produced fewer IFN-γ, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) than ZFP189-expressing Th17.1 cells. Moreover, ZFP189-deficient Th17.1 cells induced less severe colitis than ZFP189-expressing Th17.1 cells, as evidenced by less body weight loss, a lower disease activity index, and a lower colon histological score. In summary, ZFP189 acts as a positive regulator of the differentiation and pathogenicity of lamina propria Th17.1 cells in colitis.

Trends in influenza vaccine uptake before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA

OBJECTIVES

To investigate trends of influenza vaccine uptake before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA and explore the associated factors.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Using self-reported data from the National Health Interview Survey during 2014-2021 (response rates ranging from 50.7 to 70.1%), we estimated influenza vaccine uptake. Log-binomial regression models were used to test uptake changes with adjustment for and stratification by demographic and health factors.

RESULTS

We included 58,249 children (mean age: 8.7 years; male: 51.1%) and 205,034 adults (mean age: 47.6 years; male: 48.2%). The prevalence ratio (PR) of uptake change comparing the intra- (2020-2021) to the pre-COVID-19 period (2014-2019) was 0.72 among children, with a 10.7% reduction. Uptake changes were found across subgroups, with higher reduction among those aged 0-2 years, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic ethnicity, from South and West regions, and with lower household income. For adults, uptake increased before and during COVID-19 (PR = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.18) but a 2.3% reduction was found among healthcare personnel (PR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90-0.997).

CONCLUSIONS

Influenza vaccination decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic among children and healthcare personnel. Structure inequality to influenza vaccination warrants measures to improve vaccine uptake among vulnerable groups.

Hyperon Polarization along the Beam Direction Relative to the Second and Third Harmonic Event Planes in Isobar Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild p_{T} dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagrees with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and p_{T} dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.

Correlation between Colour Traits and Intrinsic Quality of Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum

Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen is traditionally referred to as "Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum" in traditional Chinese medicine. Its quality is typically assessed subjectively based on colour and texture observations and lacks a universal grading system. Our objective was to establish a relationship between heartwood colour and the content of key constituents, including total flavonoids, six specific flavonoids, alcohol-soluble extracts, and volatile oils, to assess their impact on heartwood quality. Substantial correlations were observed between the colour depth (L*), red-green direction (a*), and yellow-blue direction (b*), as well as the content of the extract, volatile oil, total flavonoids, naringenin, formononetin, pinocembrin, and isoliquiritigenin. Specifically, a* was correlated with the extract, total flavonoids, and isoliquiritigenin, whereas b* was correlated with the extract, volatile oil, total flavonoids, naringenin, formononetin, pinocembrin, and isoliquiritigenin. The results suggested that L*, b*, and chemical composition indices, such as extract, volatile oil, total flavonoids, and naringenin, could serve as primary criteria for classifying the quality of medicinal materials. This is consistent with market classification based on colour and texture, which facilitates material identification and guides the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of D. odorifera. This study provides a scientific foundation for its future development and use.

[Advances in clinical studies of chronic cough]

Chronic cough is a common complaint in respiratory specialist clinics, with a significant impact on cough-specific quality of life and psychophysiological health. The diagnosis, treatment and management of chronic cough remains a major challenge. We summarized a series of recent advances from clinical studies in the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of chronic cough over the past year.

Piezo1 in skin wound healing and related diseases: Mechanotransduction and therapeutic implications

Skin wound healing is a multifaceted and intricate process involving inflammation, tissue proliferation, and scar formation, all of which are accompanied by the continuous application of mechanical forces. Mechanotransduction is the mechanism by which the skin receives and reacts to physical signals from the internal and external environment, converting them into intracellular biochemical signals. This intricate process relies on specialized proteins known as mechanotransducers, with Piezo1 being a critical mechanosensitive ion channel that plays a central role in this process. This article provides an overview of the structural characteristics of Piezo1 and summarizes its effects on corresponding cells or tissues at different stages of skin trauma, including how it regulates skin sensation and skin-related diseases. The aim is to reveal the potential diagnostic and therapeutic value of Piezo1 in skin trauma and skin-related diseases. Piezo1 has been reported to be a vital mediator of mechanosensation and transduction in various organs and tissues. Given its high expression in the skin, Piezo1, as a significant cell membrane ion channel, is essential in activating intracellular signaling cascades that trigger several cellular physiological functions, including cell migration and muscle contraction. These functions contribute to the regulation and improvement of wound healing.

Protective effect of solanesol in glucose-induced hepatocyte injury: Mechanistic insights on oxidative stress and mitochondrial preservation

Solanesol is a tetra sesquiterpene enol with various biological activities. Modern medical studies have confirmed that solanesol has the function of lipid antioxidation and scavenges free radicals. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of solanesol against oxidative damage induced by high glucose on human normal hepatocytes (L-02 cells) and its possible mechanism. The results showed that solanesol could effectively improve the decrease of cell viability induced by high glucose, decrease the contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the extracellular medium, increased the enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), balanced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, inhibited lipid peroxidation of all kinds of biological membranes, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In addition, Solanesol also inhibited the expression of Keap1, promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 by hydrogen bonding with Nrf2, and activated the expression of downstream antioxidant factors NQO1 and HO-1. Altogether, these findings suggest that solanesol may be a potential protectant against diabetic liver injury.

Effect of Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin in Capsicum on Myofibrillar Protein in Duck Meat

Spice and its extracts have gained widespread utilization as natural and eco-friendly additives, imparting enhancements in flavor, color, and antioxidative attributes to meat-based products. This work aims to study the effect mechanism of capsaicin (CA) and dihydrocapsaicin (DI) in capsicum (chili pepper) on the structure and function of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) in duck meat during thermal treatment. The results showed that at a CA-DI to MP ratio of 1:500 (g/g) following a 12 min heat treatment, the carbonyl content of MPs in duck meat decreased by 48.30%, and the sulfhydryl content increased by 53.42%. When the concentration was 1:500 (CA-DI, g/g) after 24 min of heat treatment, the •OH and DPPH radical scavenging rates were highest at 59.5% and 94.0%, respectively. And the initial denaturation temperature of MPs was the highest at 96.62 °C, and the thermal absorption was lowest at 200.24 J g-1. At the parameter, the smallest particle size and size distribution range of MP were 190 nm (9.51%). Furthermore, the interplay between CA-DI and MPs contributed to a reduction in the protein particle size and intrinsic fluorescence. In summary, the combination of CA-DI and MPs played a crucial role in inducing protein unfolding and disintegration.

Neuropeptide substance P: A promising regulator of wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers

In the past, neuropeptide substance P (SP) was predominantly recognized as a neuroinflammatory factor, while its potent healing activity was overlooked. This paper aims to review the regulatory characteristics of neuropeptide SP in both normal and diabetic wound healing. SP actively in the regulation of wound healing-related cells directly and indirectly, exhibiting robust inflammatory properties, promoting cell proliferation and migration and restoring the activity and paracrine ability of skin cells under diabetic conditions. Furthermore, SP not only regulates healing-related cells but also orchestrates the immune environment, thereby presenting unique and promising application prospects in wound intervention. As new SP-based preparations are being explored, SP-related drugs are poised to become an effective therapeutic intervention for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

Erratum: Global Polarization of Ξ and Ω Hyperons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 162301 (2021)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.162301.

[Risk factors for pulmonary atelectasis in adults with tracheobronchial tuberculosis]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for pulmonary atelectasis in adults with tracheobronchial tuberculosis(TBTB). Methods: Clinical data of adult patients (≥18 years old) with TBTB from February 2018 to December 2021 in Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 258 patients were included, with a male to female ratio of 1∶1.43. The median age was 31(24, 48) years. Clinical data including clinical characteristics, previous misdiagnoses/missed diagnoses before admission, pulmonary atelectasis, the time from symptom onset to atelectasis and bronchoscopy, bronchoscopy and interventional treatment were collected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had pulmonary atelectasis. Differences between the two groups were compared. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for pulmonary atelectasis. Results: The prevalence of pulmonary atelectasis was 14.7%, which was most common in the left upper lobe (26.3%). The median time from symptom onset to atelectasis was 130.50(29.75,358.50)d, and the median time from atelectasis to bronchoscopy was 5(3,7)d. The median age, the proportion of misdiagnosis of TBTB before admission, and the time from symptom onset to bronchoscopy in the atelectasis group were higher than those without atelectasis, and the proportion of receiving bronchoscopy examination and interventional therapy previously, and the proportion of pulmonary cavities were lower than those without atelectasis (all P<0.05). The proportions of cicatrices stricture type and lumen occlusion type in the atelectasis group were higher than those without atelectasis, while the proportions of inflammatory infiltration type and ulceration necrosis type were lower than those without atelectasis (all P<0.05). Older age (OR=1.036, 95%CI: 1.012-1.061), previous misdiagnosis(OR=2.759, 95%CI: 1.100-6.922), longer time from symptom onset to bronchoscopy examination (OR=1.002, 95%CI: 1.000-1.005) and cicatrices stricture type (OR=2.989, 95%CI: 1.279-6.985) were independent risk factors for pulmonary atelectasis in adults with TBTB (all P<0.05). Of the patients with atelectasis who underwent bronchoscopy interventional therapy, 86.7% had lung reexpansion or partial reexpansion. Conclusions: The prevalence of pulmonary atelectasis is 14.7% in adult patients with TBTB. The most common site of atelectasis is left upper lobe. The TBTB type of lumen occlusion is complicated by pulmonary atelectasis in 100% of cases. Being older, misdiagnosed as other diseases, longer time from onset of symptoms to bronchoscopy examination, and being the cicatrices stricture type are factors for developing pulmonary atelectasis. Early diagnosis and treatment are needed to reduce the incidence of pulmonary atelectasis and increase the rate of pulmonary reexpansion.

Measurements of the Elliptic and Triangular Azimuthal Anisotropies in Central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The elliptic (v_{2}) and triangular (v_{3}) azimuthal anisotropy coefficients in central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au, and p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV are measured as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) at midrapidity (|η|<0.9), via the azimuthal angular correlation between two particles both at |η|<0.9. While the v_{2}(p_{T}) values depend on the colliding systems, the v_{3}(p_{T}) values are system independent within the uncertainties, suggesting an influence on eccentricity from subnucleonic fluctuations in these small-sized systems. These results also provide stringent constraints for the hydrodynamic modeling of these systems.

Mn-X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) Co-Doped GeSe Monolayers: Stabilities and Electronic, Spintronic and Optical Properties

GeSe monolayer (ML) has recently attracted much interest due to its unique structure and excellent physical properties that can be effectively tuned through single doping of various elements. However, the co-doping effects on GeSe ML are rarely studied. In this study, the structures and physical properties of Mn-X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) co-doped GeSe MLs are investigated by using first-principle calculations. The formation energy and phonon disspersion analyses reveal the stability of Mn-Cl and Mn-Br co-doped GeSe MLs and instability of Mn-F and Mn-I co-doped GeSe MLs. The stable Mn-X (X = Cl, Br) co-doped GeSe MLs exhibit complex bonding structures with respect to Mn-doped GeSe ML. More importantly, Mn-Cl and Mn-Br co-doping can not only tune magnetic properties, but also change the electronic properties of GeSe MLs, which makes Mn-X co-doped GeSe MLs indirect band semiconductors with anisotropic large carrier mobility and asymmetric spin-dependent band structures. Furthermore, Mn-X (X = Cl, Br) co-doped GeSe MLs show weakened in-plane optical absorption and reflection in the visible band. Our results may be useful for electronic, spintronic and optical applications based on Mn-X co-doped GeSe MLs.

Trade-driven changes in China's air pollutant emissions during 2012-2017

Trade plays an important role in driving regional production and the associated pollutant emissions. Revealing the patterns and underlying driving forces of trade may be critical for informing future mitigation actions among regions and sectors. In this study, we focused on the "Clean Air Action" period from 2012 to 2017 and revealed the changes and driving forces in trade-related air pollutant emissions (including sulfur dioxide (SO₂), particulate matter with a diameter equal to or less than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), volatile organic compound (VOC), and carbon dioxide (CO₂)) among regions and sectors in China. Our results showed that emissions embodied in domestic trade decreased considerably in absolute volume nationwide (23-61 %, except for VOC and CO₂), but the relative contribution ratios from consumption in central and southwestern China increased (from 13 to 23 % to 15-25 % for various species), and those for eastern China decreased (from 39 to 45 % to 33-41 % for various species). From the sector perspective, trade-driven emissions from the power sector decreased in relative contribution ratios, while those from other sectors (including chemical, metal, nonmetal and services) were outstanding for specific regions, and became new targeted sectors when seeking mitigation through domestic supply chains. For changes in trade-related emissions, reduction in emission factor dominated the decreasing trends for almost all regions (27-64 % for the national total, except for VOC and CO₂), and optimization in trade and/or energy structures also played marked reduction roles in specific regions, far offsetting the increasing effect of increasing trade volume (26-32 %, except for VOC and CO₂). Our study provides a comprehensive picture of how trade-associated pollutant emissions changed during the "Clean Air Action" period, which may facilitate the formulation of more effective trade-associated policies to mitigate future emissions.

Observation of Directed Flow of Hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report here the first observation of directed flow (v_{1}) of the hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in mid-central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV at RHIC. These data are taken as part of the beam energy scan program carried out by the STAR experiment. From 165×10^{6} events in 5%-40% centrality, about 8400 _{Λ}^{3}H and 5200 _{Λ}^{4}H candidates are reconstructed through two- and three-body decay channels. We observe that these hypernuclei exhibit significant directed flow. Comparing to that of light nuclei, it is found that the midrapidity v_{1} slopes of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H follow baryon number scaling, implying that the coalescence is the dominant mechanism for these hypernuclei production in the 3 GeV Au+Au collisions.

Beam Energy Dependence of Triton Production and Yield Ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}) in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the triton (t) production in midrapidity (|y|<0.5) Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7-200  GeV measured by the STAR experiment from the first phase of the beam energy scan at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The nuclear compound yield ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}), which is predicted to be sensitive to the fluctuation of local neutron density, is observed to decrease monotonically with increasing charged-particle multiplicity (dN_{ch}/dη) and follows a scaling behavior. The dN_{ch}/dη dependence of the yield ratio is compared to calculations from coalescence and thermal models. Enhancements in the yield ratios relative to the coalescence baseline are observed in the 0%-10% most central collisions at 19.6 and 27 GeV, with a significance of 2.3σ and 3.4σ, respectively, giving a combined significance of 4.1σ. The enhancements are not observed in peripheral collisions or model calculations without critical fluctuation, and decreases with a smaller p_{T} acceptance. The physics implications of these results on the QCD phase structure and the production mechanism of light nuclei in heavy-ion collisions are discussed.

[Expert consensus on late stage of critical care management]

We wished to establish an expert consensus on late stage of critical care (CC) management. The panel comprised 13 experts in CC medicine. Each statement was assessed based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) principle. Then, the Delphi method was adopted by 17 experts to reassess the following 28 statements. (1) ESCAPE has evolved from a strategy of delirium management to a strategy of late stage of CC management. (2) The new version of ESCAPE is a strategy for optimizing treatment and comprehensive care of critically ill patients (CIPs) after the rescue period, including early mobilization, early rehabilitation, nutritional support, sleep management, mental assessment, cognitive-function training, emotional support, and optimizing sedation and analgesia. (3) Disease assessment to determine the starting point of early mobilization, early rehabilitation, and early enteral nutrition. (4) Early mobilization has synergistic effects upon the recovery of organ function. (5) Early functional exercise and rehabilitation are important means to promote CIP recovery, and gives them a sense of future prospects. (6) Timely start of enteral nutrition is conducive to early mobilization and early rehabilitation. (7) The spontaneous breathing test should be started as soon as possible, and a weaning plan should be selected step-by-step. (8) The waking process of CIPs should be realized in a planned and purposeful way. (9) Establishment of a sleep-wake rhythm is the key to sleep management in post-CC management. (10) The spontaneous awakening trial, spontaneous breathing trial, and sleep management should be carried out together. (11) The depth of sedation should be adjusted dynamically in the late stage of CC period. (12) Standardized sedation assessment is the premise of rational sedation. (13) Appropriate sedative drugs should be selected according to the objectives of sedation and drug characteristics. (14) A goal-directed minimization strategy for sedation should be implemented. (15) The principle of analgesia must be mastered first. (16) Subjective assessment is preferred for analgesia assessment. (17) Opioid-based analgesic strategies should be selected step-by-step according to the characteristics of different drugs. (18) There must be rational use of non-opioid analgesics and non-drug-based analgesic measures. (19) Pay attention to evaluation of the psychological status of CIPs. (20) Cognitive function in CIPs cannot be ignored. (21) Delirium management should be based on non-drug-based measures and rational use of drugs. (22) Reset treatment can be considered for severe delirium. (23) Psychological assessment should be conducted as early as possible to screen-out high-risk groups with post-traumatic stress disorder. (24) Emotional support, flexible visiting, and environment management are important components of humanistic management in the intensive care unit (ICU). (25) Emotional support from medical teams and families should be promoted through"ICU diaries"and other forms. (26) Environmental management should be carried out by enriching environmental content, limiting environmental interference, and optimizing the environmental atmosphere. (27) Reasonable promotion of flexible visitation should be done on the basis of prevention of nosocomial infection. (28) ESCAPE is an excellent project for late stage of CC management.

Regulating the Solvation Structure of Li+ Enables Chemical Prelithiation of Silicon-Based Anodes Toward High-Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries

The solvation structure of Li+ in chemical prelithiation reagent plays a key role in improving the low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor cycle performance of silicon-based materials. Nevertheless, the chemical prelithiation agent is difficult to dope active Li+ in silicon-based anodes because of their low working voltage and sluggish Li+ diffusion rate. By selecting the lithium-arene complex reagent with 4-methylbiphenyl as an anion ligand and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as a solvent, the as-prepared micro-sized SiO/C anode can achieve an ICE of nearly 100%. Interestingly, the best prelithium efficiency does not correspond to the lowest redox half-potential (E1/2), and the prelithiation efficiency is determined by the specific influencing factors (E1/2, Li+ concentration, desolvation energy, and ion diffusion path). In addition, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that the ideal prelithiation efficiency can be achieved by choosing appropriate anion ligand and solvent to regulate the solvation structure of Li+. Furthermore, the positive effect of prelithiation on cycle performance has been verified by using an in-situ electrochemical dilatometry and solid electrolyte interphase film characterizations.

[Correction of the pathogenic mutation in the G6PC3 gene by adenine base editing in mutant embryos]

Objective: To determine whether the adenine base editor (ABE7.10) can be used to fix harmful mutations in the human G6PC3 gene. Methods: To investigate the safety of base-edited embryos, off-target analysis by deep sequencing was used to examine the feasibility and editing efficiency of various sgRNA expression vectors. The human HEK293T mutation models and human embryos were also used to test the feasibility and editing efficiency of correction. Results: ①The G6PC3(C295T) mutant cell model was successfully created. ②In the G6PC3(C295T) mutant cell model, three distinct Re-sgRNAs were created and corrected, with base correction efficiency ranging from 8.79% to 19.56% . ③ ABE7.10 could successfully fix mutant bases in the human pathogenic embryo test; however, base editing events had also happened in other locations. ④ With the exception of one noncoding site, which had a high safety rate, deep sequencing analysis revealed that the detection of 32 probable off-target sites was <0.5% . Conclusion: This study proposes a new base correction strategy based on human pathogenic embryos; however, it also produces a certain nontarget site editing, which needs to be further analyzed on the PAM site or editor window.

Integrated supercapacitor with self-healing, arbitrary deformability and anti-freezing based on gradient interface structure from electrode to electrolyte

Flexible supercapacitors have attracted more and more attention because of their promising applications in wearable electronics, however, it is still important to harmonize their mechanical and electrochemical properties for practical applications. In the present work, a seamless transition between polyaniline (PANI) electrode and NH₄VO₃_FeSO₄ dual redox-mediated gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is presented through in situ formation of gradient interface structure. Multiple physical interactions make the GPE excellent mechanical and self-healing properties. Meanwhile, double role functions of Fe²⁺ ions greatly relieve the traditional contradiction between mechanical and electrochemical properties of GPE. Moreover, benefiting from the structure and reversible redox reactions of VO^3- and Fe²⁺, the integrated supercapacitor delivers an exceptional specific capacitance of 441.8 mF/cm², a high energy density of 63.1 μWh/cm², remarkable cyclic stability. Simultaneously, the gradient structure from PANI electrode to GPE greatly improves the electrode/electrolyte interface compatibility and ion transport, which endows the supercapacitor with stable electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the supercapacitor well-maintains the specific capacitance even at -20 °C with over 89.19 % retention after 6 cutting/healing cycles. The gradient interface structure design will promote the development of high-performance supercapacitor.

Measurement of Sequential ϒ Suppression in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV with the STAR Experiment

We report on measurements of sequential ϒ suppression in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) through both the dielectron and dimuon decay channels. In the 0%-60% centrality class, the nuclear modification factors (R_{AA}), which quantify the level of yield suppression in heavy-ion collisions compared to p+p collisions, for ϒ(1S) and ϒ(2S) are 0.40±0.03(stat)±0.03(sys)±0.09(norm) and 0.26±0.08(stat)±0.02(sys)±0.06(norm), respectively, while the upper limit of the ϒ(3S) R_{AA} is 0.17 at a 95% confidence level. This provides experimental evidence that the ϒ(3S) is significantly more suppressed than the ϒ(1S) at RHIC. The level of suppression for ϒ(1S) is comparable to that observed at the much higher collision energy at the Large Hadron Collider. These results point to the creation of a medium at RHIC whose temperature is sufficiently high to strongly suppress excited ϒ states.

Fabrication of polydopamine reduced CuO nanoparticle-alginate composite nanogels for management of Pseudomonas synringae pv. tabaci in tobacco

BACKGROUND

The wildfire disease on tobacco can seriously hinder plants. Meanwhile, its pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae, can also infect over 200 plants and threat agriculture production. However, the disease usually occurs after summer rains which washes away most copper (Cu)-based bactericides, allowing the disease to invade. Therefore, we fabricate a new nanogel with high disease control and anti-erosion ability and study the effects of the reductant on the performance of the copper oxide nanoparticle (CuONP) composite nanogel.

RESULTS

Polydopamine (PDA) is a polycation for both in situ reduction of CuONP in alginate nanogels and for adjusting the copper ion (Cu²⁺ ) releasing rate in this work. The composite nanogel fabricated by PDA (PDA-CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC) had a higher Cu²⁺ releasing rate, damaging the pathogen membrane more efficiently, allowing for better disease control and plant growth promotion when compared to sodium borohydride (SBH)-fabricated nanogel (SBH-CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC) or the commercial bactericide, thiodiazole copper. The PDA-CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC had a high anti-erosion ability and could remain adhered to the leaf surface even after five rain event simulations.

CONCLUSION

The addition of polycations (like PDA) into CuONP composite nanogel could increase the Cu²⁺ releasing rate, resulting in improved disease management when compared to SBH-CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC or thiodiazole copper. The PDA containing gel had an improved anti-erosion ability and water resistance. This new composite nanogel has a high potential for wildfire disease control, improving agricultural production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

In Situ Prepared Three-Dimensional Covalent and Hydrogen Bond Synergistic Binder to Boost the Performance of SiOx Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Polymer binders play an important role in enhancing the electrochemical performance of silicon-based anodes to alleviate the volume expansion for lithium-ion batteries. It is difficult for common one-dimensional (1D) linear binders to limit the volume expansion of a silicon-based electrode when combined with silicon-based particles with scant binding points. Therefore, it is necessary to design a three-dimensional (3D) network structure, which has multiple binding points with the silicon particles to dissipate the mechanical stress in the continuous charge and discharge circulation. Here, a covalent and hydrogen bond synergist 3D network green binder (poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-dextrin 9 (Dex₉)) was prepared by the simple in situ thermal condensation of a one-dimensional liner binder PAA and Dex in the electrode fabrication process. The optimized SiO_x@PAA-Dex₉ electrode exhibits an initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 82.4% at a current density of 0.2 A g^-1. At a high current density of 1 A g^-1, it retains a capacity of 607 mAh g^-1 after 300 cycles, which is approximately twice as high as that of the SiO_x@PAA electrode. Furthermore, the results of in situ electrochemical dilatometry (ECD) and characterization of electrode structures demonstrate that the PAA-Dex₉ binder can effectively buffer the huge volume change and maintain the integrity of the SiO_x electrodes. The research overcomes the low electrochemical stability difficulty of the 3D binder and sheds light on developing the simple fabrication procedure of an electrode.

Beam Energy Dependence of Fifth- and Sixth-Order Net-Proton Number Fluctuations in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the beam energy and collision centrality dependence of fifth and sixth order cumulants (C_{5}, C_{6}) and factorial cumulants (κ_{5}, κ_{6}) of net-proton and proton number distributions, from center-of-mass energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) 3 GeV to 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Cumulant ratios of net-proton (taken as proxy for net-baryon) distributions generally follow the hierarchy expected from QCD thermodynamics, except for the case of collisions at 3 GeV. The measured values of C_{6}/C_{2} for 0%-40% centrality collisions show progressively negative trend with decreasing energy, while it is positive for the lowest energy studied. These observed negative signs are consistent with QCD calculations (for baryon chemical potential, μ_{B}≤110  MeV) which contains the crossover transition range. In addition, for energies above 7.7 GeV, the measured proton κ_{n}, within uncertainties, does not support the two-component (Poisson+binomial) shape of proton number distributions that would be expected from a first-order phase transition. Taken in combination, the hyperorder proton number fluctuations suggest that the structure of QCD matter at high baryon density, μ_{B}∼750  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV is starkly different from those at vanishing μ_{B}∼24  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and higher collision energies.

Recent Progress in Metal Oxide-Based Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction to Solar Fuels: A Review

One of the challenges in developing practical CO₂ photoconversion catalysts is the design of materials with a low cost, high activity and good stability. In this paper, excellent photocatalysts based on TiO₂, WO₃, ZnO, Cu₂O and CeO₂ metal oxide materials, which are cost-effective, long-lasting, and easy to fabricate, are evaluated. The characteristics of the nanohybrid catalysts depend greatly on their architecture and design. Thus, we focus on outstanding materials that offer effective and practical solutions. Strategies to improve CO₂ conversion efficiency are summarized, including heterojunction, ion doping, defects, sensitization and morphology control, which can inspire the future improvement in photochemistry. The capacity of CO₂ adsorption is also pivotal, which varies with the morphological and electronic structures. Forms of 0D, 1D, 2D and 3DOM (zero/one/two-dimensional- and three-dimensional-ordered macroporous, respectively) are involved. Particularly, the several advantages of the 3DOM material make it an excellent candidate material for CO₂ conversion. Hence, we explain its preparation method. Based on the discussion, new insights and prospects for designing high-efficient metallic oxide photocatalysts to reduce CO₂ emissions are presented.

[Prevalence of Echinococcus infection in small mammals captured from Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of Echinococcus infection in small mammals in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020, so as to provide insights into echinococcosis control in Shiqu County.

METHODS

One setting with frequent activity of small mammals was sampled as the survey site from each of 9 townships where human alveolar echinococcosis was hyperendemic, in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020. Two quadrats measuring 50 m × 50 m were assigned in each survey site during the period between July and August from 2015 to 2020 to capture all small mammals in quadrats, and the species of small mammals were identified by morphological characteristics. All captured small mammals were dissected in the field and Echinococcus infection was identified by visual examinations. The affected organs of Echinococcus - infected small mammals were collected, and Echinococcus infection was detected using PCR assay, with Echinococcus species characterized. The prevalence of Echinococcus infection was calculated in small mammals, and the trends in the prevalence of Echinococcus infection were analyzed during the period from 2015 to 2020. In addition, the prevalence of Echinococcus infection was compared in small mammals using visual examinations and PCR assay.

RESULTS

A total of 2 692 small mammals were captured in the survey sites of Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020, and morphology characterized 1 360 Microtus fuscus (50.52%) and 1 332 Plateau pika (49.48%). The prevalence rates of Echinococcus infection were 35.63%, 19.16%, 21.41%, 8.40%, 7.68% and 4.44% by visual examinations and 18.96%, 5.36%, 5.61%, 4.58%, 3.30% and 0.37% by PCR assay in small mammals in Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020, both showing a tendency towards a decline year by year (χ² = 215.024 and 117.045, both P values < 0.001). The prevalence of Echinococcus infection was significantly higher in small mammals by visual examinations than by PCR assay during the period from 2015 to 2020 except in 2018 (χ²= 33.597, 21.815, 51.373, 17.268 and 9.537, all P values < 0.01). PCR assay detected a reduction in the prevalence of E. multilocularis infection from 10.21% to 0.37% and a reduction in the prevalence of E. shiquicus infection from 8.75% to 0 in small mammals in Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020, both appearing a tendency towards a decline year by year (χ² = 117.045 and 43.436, both P values < 0.001). In addition, the prevalence of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus infections reduced from 15.19% to 0.45% and from 8.23% to 0 in M. fuscus, and the prevalence of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus infections reduced from 7.76% to 0 and from 9.01% to 0 in P. pika in Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

M. fuscus and P. pika were dominant species of small mammals in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020, and E. multilocularis infection was mainly found in M. fuscus and E. shiquicus infection mainly found in P. pika. The prevalence of Echinococcus infection appeared a tendency towards a decline in both M. fuscus and P. pika year by year during the period from 2015 to 2020.

Motivation to teach and preparedness for teaching among preservice teachers in China: The effect of conscientiousness and constructivist teaching beliefs

"Preparedness for teaching" refers to the degree of confidence preservice teachers have, and reflects their ability. Developing preparedness for teaching is an important part of preservice teachers' professionalization. A substantial body of literature has documented the critical influence of the motivation to teach on preparedness; however, how this relation is impacted by mediating and moderating mechanisms remains unclear. To respond to this gap in knowledge, the present study constructed a mediated moderation model through structural equation modeling and multigroup tests using 383 questionnaires completed by preservice teachers in China. The findings indicate that the preservice teachers' genders, entry path, and levels of certainty about their future teaching career choices all influence their preparedness for teaching. Specifically, preservice teachers who believe that they will choose a teaching career in the future have more intrinsic motivation, stronger constructivist teaching beliefs, and a higher levels of teaching preparedness. Moreover, preservice teachers' motivations to teach can positively predict their constructivist teaching beliefs and preparedness for teaching, but their constructivist teaching beliefs alone do not have a mediating effect on the relationship between motivation to teach and preparedness for teaching. However, the findings reveal that the constructivist teaching beliefs of highly conscientiousness group can partially mediate the relationship between the motivation to teach and the preparedness for teaching. Additionally, conscientiousness moderates the influence of constructivist teaching beliefs on preparedness for teaching. The study provides meaningful insights into the within-personal traits of how and when motivation to teach affects preparedness for teaching, which may be useful for the motivation best practices for preservice teacher recruitment, training, and support to create high-quality teachers.

Macrophage polarization in diabetic wound healing

Impaired wound healing is one of the severe complications of diabetes. Macrophages have been shown to play a vital role in wound healing. In different wound environments, macrophages are classified into two phenotypes: classically activated macrophages and alternatively activated macrophages. Dysregulation of macrophage phenotypes leads to severely impaired wound healing in diabetes. Particularly, uncontrolled inflammation and abnormal macrophage phenotype are important reasons hindering the closure of diabetic wounds. This article reviews the functions of macrophages at various stages of wound healing, the relationship between macrophage phenotypic dysregulation and diabetic wound healing and the mechanism of macrophage polarization in diabetic wound healing. New therapeutic drugs targeting phagocyte polarization to promote the healing of diabetic wounds might provide a new strategy for treating chronic diabetic wound healing.

Effects of straw returning combined with earthworm addition on nitrification and ammonia oxidizers in paddy soil

Introduction

Soil ammonia oxidation, which acts as the first and rate-limiting step of nitrification, is driven by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and complete ammonia oxidizer (comammox, amoA gene of clade-A and clade-B). Straw returning, widely used ecological technology in China, is an effective measure for promoting straw decomposition and soil nutrient cycling when combined with earthworm addition. However, the effects of straw returning combined with earthworm addition on soil ammonia oxidizers remain poorly understood.

Methods

A 2-year plot experiment was conducted with 5 treatments: no fertilizer (CK); regular fertilization (RT); straw returning (SR); earthworm addition (W); straw returning + earthworm addition (SRW). The AOA, AOB, comammox clade-A and clade-B community microbial diversities and structures were investigated by high-throughput sequencing.

Results

The results showed that (1) compared to RT treatment, W, SR, and SRW treatments all significantly increased the richness of AOA and comammox clade-A and clade-B (p < 0.05), and the richness of AOB was only significantly promoted by SRW treatment (p < 0.05). However, only SRW had a higher comammox clade-B diversity index than RT. (2) The ammonia oxidizer community structures were altered by both straw returning and earthworm addition. Soil NH4 +-N was the critical environmental driver for altering the ammonia oxidizer community structure. (3) Compared with RT treatment, the soil potential nitrification rate (PNR) of W and SRW treatments increased by 1.19 and 1.20 times, respectively. The PNR was significantly positively correlated with AOB abundance (path coefficient = 0.712, p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with clade-B abundance (path coefficient = -0.106, p < 0.05).

Discussion

This study provides scientific support for the application of straw returning combined with earthworm addition to improve soil nitrification with respect to soil ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms.

Collision-System and Beam-Energy Dependence of Anisotropic Flow Fluctuations

Elliptic flow measurements from two-, four-, and six-particle correlations are used to investigate flow fluctuations in collisions of U+U at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193  GeV, Cu+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and Au+Au spanning the range sqrt[s_{NN}]=11.5-200  GeV. The measurements show a strong dependence of the flow fluctuations on collision centrality, a modest dependence on system size, and very little if any, dependence on particle species and beam energy. The results, when compared to similar LHC measurements, viscous hydrodynamic calculations, and trento model eccentricities, indicate that initial-state-driven fluctuations predominate the flow fluctuations generated in the collisions studied.

Different Features of a Metabolic Connectivity Map and the Granger Causality Method in Revealing Directed Dopamine Pathways: A Study Based on Integrated PET/MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Exploring the directionality of neural information in the brain is important for understanding brain mechanisms and neurodisease development. Granger causality analysis and the metabolic connectivity map can be used to investigate directional transmission of information between brain regions, but their differences in depicting functional effective connectivity are not clear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Monash rs-PET/MR imaging data set, we conducted Granger causality and metabolic connectivity map analyses of the dopamine reward circuit in the brain. The dopamine reward circuit is a well-known system consisting primarily of the bilateral orbital frontal cortex, caudate, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, and substantia nigra. We validated these circuit pathways using Granger causality and the metabolic connectivity map for identifying effective connectivities against a priori knowledge by testing the significance of directed pathways (P < .05, false discovery rate-corrected).

RESULTS

We found 3 types of effective connectivities in the dopamine reward circuit: long-range, neighborhood, and symmetric. Granger causality analysis revealed long-range connections in the orbital frontal cortex-caudate and orbital frontal cortex-nucleus accumbens regions. Metabolic connectivity map analysis revealed neighborhood connections in the nucleus accumbens-caudate, substantia nigra-thalamus, and thalamus-caudate regions. Metabolic connectivity map analysis also found symmetric connections in each of the bilateral nucleus accumbens, caudate, thalamus, and orbital frontal cortex-caudate regions. Different patterns in directional networks of the dopamine reward circuit were revealed by Granger causality and metabolic connectivity map analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Granger causality analysis primarily identified bidirectional cortico-nucleus connections, while the metabolic connectivity map primarily identified direct connections among neighborhood and symmetric regions. The results of this study indicated that investigations of effective connectivities should use an appropriate analysis method depending on the purpose of the study.

Characteristics analysis of water pollutants in Cihu Lake, China, based on a multivariate statistical analysis method

In order to understand the sources of pollutants and the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the water quality in Cihu Lake, China, the monitoring data of seven water quality indicators from 12 sampling sites from 2015 to 2019 were selected, and the temporal and spatial variation laws of the water quality and pollution sources were analyzed by the use of the multivariate statistical analysis method. The results show that nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the lake is dominant. The average concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) exceed the surface water quality Class III standards by 1.6 and 2.2 times, respectively. Spatially, the results of the cluster analysis showed that the water quality in Cihu Lake can be categorized into three regions: the northern half of the lake, the southern half of the lake, and the canal entering the lake. Temporally, the water quality in these three regions can be classified into three categories: March to May (the northern half of Cihu Lake), September to November (the southern half of Cihu Lake), and September (the canal entering Cihu Lake). The discriminant analysis results showed that NH₃-N, TN, COD_Cr, and BOD₅ are the main factors that affect the uneven spatial distribution of the water quality of Cihu Lake, while TN, DO, and COD_Mn are the main factors that affect the temporal difference in the northern half of Cihu Lake, and NH₃-N, TP, COD_Cr, DO, COD_Mn, TN, and TP are the main factors affecting the temporal difference in the southern half of Cihu Lake and the canal entering Cihu Lake. It was found that the water pollution in the study area can be mainly attributed to the incoming water and urban domestic pollution. The main pollution sources for the canal entering Cihu Lake and the southern half of Cihu Lake are the water from the sewage treatment plant and the domestic sewage that has not been intercepted, while the northern half of Cihu Lake is mainly affected by surface runoff, mixed rainwater and sewage, and internal pollution.

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Polysaccharides protect fibroblasts against UVA-induced photoaging via JNK/c-Jun/MMPs pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. is an orchid species that is found throughout Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and China. It has been used to treat tumors, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and neurological disorders caused by aging in recent decades.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the antagonistic effect of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Polysaccharides (DNLP) on UVA-induced photoaging of Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF-1) and explore its possible anti-aging mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An in vitro photoaging model of dermal fibroblasts was established with multiple UVA irradiations. Fibroblasts were treated with 0.06 mg/ml, 0.18 mg/ml, 0.54 mg/ml of DNLP one day before photodamage induction. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA), cell viability and longevity, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymatic activities were determined. We examined how DNLP ameliorates the effects of photoaging, the JNK/c-Fos/c-Jun pathway, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal), and MMP expression levels were measured.

RESULTS

UVA irradiation reduced the viability, lifespan, and proliferation of HFF-1 cells, increased ROS and lipid peroxidation and decreased the activities of free radical scavenging enzyme systems SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px. DNLP treatment can reverse UVA damage, reduce SA-β-Gal expression, reduce phosphorylation activation of the JNK/c-Fos/c-Jun pathway and inhibit MMP-1, MMP-2 MMP-3, and MMP-9 protein expression.

CONCLUSIONS

DNLP can effectively inhibit UVA damage to HFF-1 and prevent cell senescence. Its mechanism of action may increase antioxidant enzyme activity while inhibiting JNK pathway activation and MMPs expression.

Value of MRI-based semi-quantitative structural neuroimaging in predicting the prognosis of patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus after shunt surgery

OBJECTIVES

To explore the value of structural neuroimaging in predicting the prognosis of shunt surgery for idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) using two different standard semi-quantitative imaging scales.

METHODS

A total of 47 patients with iNPH who underwent shunt surgery at our hospital between 2018 and 2020 were included in this study. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and iNPH grading scale (iNPHGS) were used to evaluate and quantify the clinical symptoms before and after shunt surgery. The disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus (DESH) and iNPH Radscale scores were used to evaluate the preoperative MR images. The primary endpoint was improvement in the mRS score a year after surgery, and the secondary endpoint was the iNPHGS after 1 year. The preoperative imaging features of the improved and non-improved groups were compared.

RESULTS

The rates of the primary and secondary outcomes were 59.6% and 61.7%, respectively, 1 year after surgery. There were no significant differences in preoperative DESH score, iNPH Radscale, Evans' index (EI), or callosal angle (CA) between the improved and non-improved groups. Significant correlations were observed between the severity of gait disorder and EI and the CA.

CONCLUSIONS

The value of structural neuroimaging in predicting the prognosis of shunt surgery is limited, and screening for shunt surgery candidates should not rely only on preoperative imaging findings.

KEY POINTS

• Early shunt surgery can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and prognosis of patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). • Structural imaging findings have limited predictiveness for the prognosis of patients with iNPH after shunt surgery. • Patients should not be selected for shunt surgery based on only structural imaging findings.