Background:The use of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)is common among individuals with underlying chronic illnesses.Objective:This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the global prevalence and ...Background:The use of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)is common among individuals with underlying chronic illnesses.Objective:This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the global prevalence and patterns of CAM use among individuals with chronic kidney disease(CKD).Search strategy:PubMed,Embase,and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus were searched from inception until 26th February 2024.Inclusion criteria:Original articles reporting the use of at least one type of CAM among individuals aged above 18 years old and at all stages of CKD or undergoing any form of kidney replacement therapy.Data extraction and analysis:Two independent reviewers performed the literature screening.The data were extracted from the included studies by one reviewer and cross-checked by another.Discrepancies were resolved by discussion and consensus among two reviewers.Primary information included prevalence of CAM use,types of CAM used,reasons for CAM use,factors associated with CAM use,and disclosure to healthcare providers.Meta-analyses were performed to determine the pooled prevalence of CAM use and non-disclosure of CAM using a random effect model.Results:Forty-one studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis.The pooled prevalence of CAM use was 43%(95%confidence interval:34%,51%),I2=99.46%.The reasons for CAM use included treatment of underlying comorbidities,complications or symptoms,maintenance of general health,and treatment of CKD.Nutritional approaches were the most common CAM modality,with 412different herbal and dietary supplements reported;psychological and physical approaches included massage therapy,relaxation techniques,and mind–body practices;and other complementary health approaches such as homeopathy,traditional Chinese medicine,and Ayurvedic medicine were also frequently reported.Factors associated with CAM use included sociodemographic characteristics such as older age,female gender,or higher income;disease or therapy factors such as not having diabetes,relying on hemodialysis,or poor adherence to medication;and patient or internal factors such as positive attitude towards CAM and perceived safety of CAM.About 66%(61%,72%)of CAM users did not disclose the use of CAM to their healthcare providers.Conclusion:CAM use is prevalent among individuals with CKD,and healthcare providers should communicate openly and effectively to emphasize the rational use of CAM to avoid potential harm.展开更多
As the development of new power systems accelerates and the impacts of high renewable energy integration and extreme weather intensify,grid-alternative energy storage is garnering increasing attention for its grid-int...As the development of new power systems accelerates and the impacts of high renewable energy integration and extreme weather intensify,grid-alternative energy storage is garnering increasing attention for its grid-interaction benefits and clear business models.Consequently,assessing the value of grid-alternative energy storage in the systemtransition has become critically important.Considering the performance characteristics of storage,we propose a value assessment frame-work for grid-alternative energy storage,quantifying its non-wires-alternative effects from both cost and benefit perspectives.Building on this,we developed a collaborative planning model for energy storage and transmission grids,aimed at maximizing the economic benefits of storage systems while balancing investment and operational costs.The model considers regional grid interconnections and their interactions with system operation.By participating in system operations,grid-alternative energy storage not only maximizes its own economic benefits but also generates social welfare transfer effects.Furthermore,based on multi-regional interconnected planning,grid-alternative energy storage can reduce system costs by approximately 35%,with the most significant changes observed in generation costs.Multi-regional coordinated planning significantly enhances the sys-tem’s flexibility in regulation.However,when the load factor of interconnection lines between regions remains constant,system operational flexibility tends to decrease,leading to a roughly 28.9%increase in storage investment.Additionally,under regional coordinated planning,the greater the disparity in wind power integration across interconnected regions,the more noticeable the reduction in system costs.展开更多
Single-pixel imaging(SPI)enables efficient sensing in challenging conditions.However,the requirement for numerous samplings constrains its practicality.We address the challenge of high-quality SPI reconstruction at ul...Single-pixel imaging(SPI)enables efficient sensing in challenging conditions.However,the requirement for numerous samplings constrains its practicality.We address the challenge of high-quality SPI reconstruction at ultra-low sampling rates.We develop an alternative optimization with physics and a data-driven diffusion network(APD-Net).It features alternative optimization driven by the learned task-agnostic natural image prior and the task-specific physics prior.During the training stage,APD-Net harnesses the power of diffusion models to capture data-driven statistics of natural signals.In the inference stage,the physics prior is introduced as corrective guidance to ensure consistency between the physics imaging model and the natural image probability distribution.Through alternative optimization,APD-Net reconstructs data-efficient,high-fidelity images that are statistically and physically compliant.To accelerate reconstruction,initializing images with the inverse SPI physical model reduces the need for reconstruction inference from 100 to 30 steps.Through both numerical simulations and real prototype experiments,APD-Net achieves high-quality,full-color reconstructions of complex natural images at a low sampling rate of 1%.In addition,APD-Net’s tuning-free nature ensures robustness across various imaging setups and sampling rates.Our research offers a broadly applicable approach for various applications,including but not limited to medical imaging and industrial inspection.展开更多
Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory response in the central nervous system associated with various neurological conditions.The inflammatory process is typically treated with non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammat...Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory response in the central nervous system associated with various neurological conditions.The inflammatory process is typically treated with non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,which have a range of serious adverse effects.As an alternative,naturally derived molecules such as quercetin and its derivatives show promising anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on various physiological functions.Our objective was to synthesize the evidence on the anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin and its derivatives in in vivo models,in the face of neuroinflammatory insults induced by lipopolysaccharide,through a systematic review and meta-analysis.A search of the preclinical literature was conducted across four databases(Pub Med,Web of Science,Scielo,and Google Scholar).Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,assessed for methodological quality using CAMARADES,and risk of bias using the SYRCLE tool,and data were extracted from the studies.The quantitative assessment of quercetin effects on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microgliosis was performed through a meta-analysis.A total of 384 potentially relevant articles were identified,of which 11 studies were included in the analysis.The methodological quality was assessed,resulting in an average score of 5.8/10,and the overall risk of bias analysis revealed a lack of methodological clarity in most studies.Furthermore,through the meta-analysis,it was observed that treatment with quercetin statistically reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines,such as tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukin 6,interleukin 1β(n=89;SMD=–2.00;95%CI:–3.29 to–0.71),and microgliosis(n=33;SMD=–2.56;95%CI:–4.07 to–1.10).In terms of underlying mechanisms,quercetin and its derivatives exhibit antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties,possibly through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/HO-1 pathways,increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes and reducing reactive species,and modulating the caspase pathway,increasing levels of anti-apoptotic proteins and decreasing proapoptotic proteins.Quercetin and its derivatives exhibit highly pleiotropic actions that simultaneously contribute to preventing neuroinflammation.However,despite promising results in animal models,future directions should focus on well-designed clinical studies to assess the safety,bioavailability,and efficacy of quercetin and its derivatives in humans.Additionally,standardization of methods and dosages in studies is crucial to ensure consistency of findings and optimize their application in clinical settings.展开更多
Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer(CAR-NK)cell therapy is an alternative immunotherapy that provides robust tumor-eliminating effects without inducing life-threatening toxicities and graft-versus-host disease.CA...Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer(CAR-NK)cell therapy is an alternative immunotherapy that provides robust tumor-eliminating effects without inducing life-threatening toxicities and graft-versus-host disease.CAR-NK cell therapy has enabled the development of“off-the-shelf”products that bypass the lengthy and expensive cell manufacturing process1.展开更多
Agricultural production(especially intensive rice production)is a primary income source for over 2.0×10^(7) people in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta.However,adverse climate change impacts,socio-economic change...Agricultural production(especially intensive rice production)is a primary income source for over 2.0×10^(7) people in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta.However,adverse climate change impacts,socio-economic change,and high dependence on farm inputs for intensive production constrain the longer-term sustainability of rice systems.Government and agribusiness actors are encouraging more farmers to grow non-rice crops and supporting the upscaling of alternative crops to paddy rice.We used a qualitative approach to investigate the value chain characteristics,as well as constraints and opportunities of alternative crops via two case studies(baby corn and honeydew melon)in An Giang and Hau Giang provinces,Vietnam.Data collection involved focus group discussions with local farmers and interviews with farmers and industry experts.Thematic analysis was used to compile the findings,and the results were validated with local government staff.The baby corn value chain featured on-going and stable market demand(including value-addition)and better vertical coordination(e.g.,written contracts and financial support).The honeydew melon value chain featured positive relationships between farmers and traders despite less-developed vertical coordination.There are opportunities for value chain engagement through product quality certification,value-addition,and accessing high-value domestic and export markets.However,farmers require crop-specific and generic support from private and public sectors.Increased labour requirements and limited access to finance and credit limit value chain participation.Upscaling and marketing alternative crops can enhance farmer profitability and support non-farming agricultural business establishment,economic growth,and community development.Efficient value chains will be critical to ensure the adoption of alternative crops and development of crop-specific agribusiness models.These findings can inform policy-makers and change facilitators in designing targeted interventions to support the adoption of alternative crops in the study area as well as in Vietnam and globally.展开更多
Background With the global expansion of aquaculture and the increasing demand for fish meal,identifying appropriate and sustainable alternative protein sources for aquafeeds has become essential.Single-cell protein(SC...Background With the global expansion of aquaculture and the increasing demand for fish meal,identifying appropriate and sustainable alternative protein sources for aquafeeds has become essential.Single-cell protein(SCP),derived from methanotrophic bacteria,presents a promising alternative by converting methane into protein,potentially addressing both the need for alternative protein sources and reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of SCP inclusion(0%,25%,50%,and 75%fish meal replacement)on the health,gene expression,and gut microbiome of yellowtail kingfish(YTK,Seriola lalandi)following a 35-day growth trial.Results The study found that SCP inclusion at the highest level of fishmeal replacement(75%)induced a mild inflammatory response in the hindgut of the fish.However,micromorphological assessments of the hindgut,serum biochemistry,and gene expression analyses revealed no significant detrimental effects from SCP replacement.Notably,there were indications of improved lipid digestibility with SCP.Furthermore,SCP inclusion significantly enhanced microbial richness and altered the composition of the gut microbiome,introducing beneficial bacterial taxa that may contribute to improved gut health and resilience.Conclusions This study highlights SCP as a viable and sustainable alternative to fish meal in YTK diets.The findings suggest that SCP can be included in YTK diets without adverse health effects at moderate levels and may even offer benefits in terms of lipid digestibility and gut microbiome diversity.These results contribute to the advancement of more sustainable aquaculture practices.展开更多
Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying ...Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying HSF-meditated thermotolerance in maize remain largely unexplored.In this study,we demonstrate that the alternative splicing of ZmHsf23 modulates heat stress tolerance in maize.Hsf23 produced two functional transcripts,Hsf23L and Hsf23S,which differ by the presence of a cryptic mini-exon in Hsf23L that is spliced out in Hsf23S.Both transcripts were strongly induced by heat stress.Mutants lacking Hsf23L alone(hsf23l)or both Hsf23L and Hsf23S(hsf23l23s)exhibited increased susceptibility to heat stress,whereas overexpression of Hsf23S enhanced heat stress tolerance in maize.Subsequently,we found that Hsf23S positively regulates heat stress tolerance by directly activating the transcription of three sHSP genes(Hsp16.9,Hsp17.2,and Hsp18a)and TIL1 gene.In addition,Hsf23L physically interacted with Hsf23S and enhanced the transcriptional activation of Hsf23S on the sHSPs and TIL1 promoters.Notably,genetic analysis suggested that co-overexpression of Hsf23L and Hsf23S further improves heat tolerance of the transgenic plants.Taken together,these results reveal two splicing variants of ZmHsf23 cooperatively regulate maize heat tolerance,thus highlighting potential value of ZmHsf23 in breeding heat-tolerant maize varieties.展开更多
In this paper,we investigate a distributed multi-input multi-output and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(MIMO-OFDM) dual-functional radar-communication(DFRC) system,which enables simultaneous communication a...In this paper,we investigate a distributed multi-input multi-output and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(MIMO-OFDM) dual-functional radar-communication(DFRC) system,which enables simultaneous communication and sensing in different subcarrier sets.To obtain the best tradeoff between communication and sensing performance,we first derive Cramer-Rao Bound(CRB) of targets in detection area,and then maximize the transmission rate by jointly optimizing the power/subcarriers allocation and the selection of radar receivers under the constraints of detection performance and total transmit power.To tackle the non-convex mixed integer programming problem,we decompose the original problem into a semidefinite programming(SDP) problem and a convex quadratic integer problem and solve them iteratively.The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm,as well as the performance improvement brought by optimizing radar receivers selection.展开更多
Rice straw,a by-product of rice cultivation,is commonly disposed of through open-field burning,which contributes to air pollution and environmental degradation.This study aims to identify the key factors influencing f...Rice straw,a by-product of rice cultivation,is commonly disposed of through open-field burning,which contributes to air pollution and environmental degradation.This study aims to identify the key factors influencing farmers’decisions on rice straw management and to develop policy recommendations that encourage the sustainable utilization of rice straw within the supply chain.A mixed-methods approach was adopted,combining qualitative interviews with nine key informants and a quantitative survey of 585 rice farmers across Thailand.Multinomial Logit Regression(MLR)was employed to analyze farmers’preferences among four management options:burning,composting,animal feeding,and selling.The results reveal that membership in farmer groups,ownership of livestock,access to baling machinery,knowledge,and skills related to straw utilization,ease of field access,availability of storage facilities,engagement in integrated farming,and year-round access to baling services significantly increased the likelihood of choosing sustainable alternatives over the burning straw.These findings underscore the importance of both capacity-building and infrastructure in enabling sustainable practices.Based on these insights,the study proposes a multi-level policy framework to enhance the value creation of rice straw.National policies should focus on expanding access to machinery and supporting innovation,while local governments should facilitate farmer training and improve straw logistics.Strengthening farmer organizations and market connections is also crucial for scaling adoption.Overall,structural integration and stakeholder coordination are key to reducing straw burning and promoting sustainable resource use in rice-producing regions.展开更多
This review aims to identify the assets and limitations of Dabema(Piptadeniastrum africanum)as a sustainable alternative to traditional timber species for furniture and construction applications.Dabema is characterize...This review aims to identify the assets and limitations of Dabema(Piptadeniastrum africanum)as a sustainable alternative to traditional timber species for furniture and construction applications.Dabema is characterized by its high density and dimensional stability,meeting ASTM(American Society for Testing and Materials)standards for mechanical strength,which is essential for promoting its use.However,its limited availability in trade and ingrained habits of use are obstacles to its widespread commercialization.In addition,thermal and oleothermal treatments have shown great potential for improving the characteristics of this wood,although they require ongoing optimization and rigorous environmental assessment.Consequently,increased awareness of the benefits of Dabema is decisive to encourage its sustainable adoption in modern economies.This could help to diversify forest resources and encourage more sustainable building practices,taking advantage of Dabema’s unique properties while mitigating environmental sustainability concerns.展开更多
The 2025 U.S.-China Trade War has intensified the vulnerability of China's oil supply chain due to heavy reliance on soybean imports,posing serious challenges to food security.This study examines soybean dependenc...The 2025 U.S.-China Trade War has intensified the vulnerability of China's oil supply chain due to heavy reliance on soybean imports,posing serious challenges to food security.This study examines soybean dependency risks and evaluates substitution strategies through diversified oilseed use,including palm-based alternatives.Findings show that high reciprocal tariffs caused a 75%drop in U.S.soybean exports to China.Palm oil,with high yield efficiency and cost-effectiveness,offers a viable supplement to fill supply chain gaps.Promoting oil palm cultivation through northward expansion and cooperation with Belt and Road countries is recommended.Additionally,multi-omics,gene editing,tissue culture,and precision agriculture are crucial to address technical bottlenecks.The study concludes that palm and soybean oils will form a complementary system,and that policy and technology investments are essential to strengthen China's oilseed supply chain resilience and sustainability.展开更多
The slow phase transition from formⅡto formⅠhas always been an important factor that restricts the processing and application of polybutene-1(PB-1).After extensive efforts,a set of effective methods for promoting th...The slow phase transition from formⅡto formⅠhas always been an important factor that restricts the processing and application of polybutene-1(PB-1).After extensive efforts,a set of effective methods for promoting the phase transition rate in PB-1 was established by adjusting the crystallization,nucleation,and growth temperatures.Nevertheless,low-molecular-weight PB-1(LMWPB-1)faces challenges because this method requires a low crystallization temperature,which is difficult to achieve during extrusion processing.In this study,we attempted to increase the phase transition rate in PB-1 by changing the annealing temperature after processing rather than the crystallization temperature in the classical scheme.The results indicated that regardless of low-or high-molecular-weight PB-1,repeated annealing between 0 and 90℃could also promote formⅡto formⅠphase transition.The initial content of formⅠincreased with the heating and cooling cycles.The half-time of the phase transition(t_(1/2))was also shortened after heating/cooling.After 100 heating/cooling cycles,t_(1/2) was reduced to one-quarter of that without annealing,which had almost the same effect as the crystallization temperature at 25℃in promoting the phase transition.This study indicates that annealing after processing is also an important factor affecting the phase transition of PB-1,and should receive sufficient attention.展开更多
The use of an alternative magnetic field during vacuum arc remelting(VAR)can have significant effects on the primary carbide and mechanical properties of M50-bearing steel.The solidification structure and the primary ...The use of an alternative magnetic field during vacuum arc remelting(VAR)can have significant effects on the primary carbide and mechanical properties of M50-bearing steel.The solidification structure and the primary carbide morphology of the VAR ingot were analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.Characterization and analysis of the growth direction of primary carbides were conducted using high-resolution rapid electron backscatter diffraction.Solute elements segregation was analyzed using an electron probe microanalyzer.FLUENT was utilized to conduct numerical simulations to validate the experimental findings and elucidate the underlying mechanism.Compared to traditional VAR,magnetic-controlled VAR generates a horizontal circulation,which makes a shallower and flatter molten pool and a more even temperature distribution.In the time dimension,the local solidification time is shortened,and the concentration of solute elements will be alleviated.In the spatial dimension,the secondary dendrite arm spacing decreases,alleviating the degree of inter-dendritic segregation.Consequently,the possibility of forming a segregation diminishes.Both aspects promote the even distribution of solute atoms,resulting in less segregation and hindering the development of primary carbide.This leads to the refinement of primary carbide size and its uniform distribution.The magnetic-controlled vacuum arc melting not only refines the dendritic structure in the M50 ingot,causing it to expand more axially along the ingot,but also refines primary carbides and improves tensile and wear-resistant mechanical properties.展开更多
Background:Glioblastoma(GBM)is one of the most malignant types of central nervous system tumors.Oxygen deprivation in the tumor microenvironment is thought to be an important factor in promoting GBM progression.Howeve...Background:Glioblastoma(GBM)is one of the most malignant types of central nervous system tumors.Oxygen deprivation in the tumor microenvironment is thought to be an important factor in promoting GBM progression.However,the mechanisms of hypoxia-promoted tumor progression remain elusive.Methods:Alternative splicing of diacylglycerol kinase gamma(DGKG)-Δexon13 was amplified and verified by PCR-Sanger sequencing.The functions of DGKG and DGKG-Δexon13 were analyzed by Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),Transwell,Matrigeltranswell experiments,and in vivo orthotropic GBM animal models.Transcriptome analyses were done to find out the regulated genes.Results:In this study,we found that a new transcript DGKG-Δexon13 was generated in GBM under hypoxia via alternative splicing.Moreover,the results of CCK-8,Transwell,and Matrigel-transwell experiments showed that the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of U87-MG and T98G were decreased after DGKG knockdown.Compared to wild-type DGKG,DGKG-Δexon13 overexpression significantly promoted cellular proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities in GBM.Furthermore,in vivo,orthotropic GBM animal models analysis showed that the tumor volumes were much smaller in the DGKG knockdown group.However,the tumor sizes in the DGKG and DGKG-Δexon13 rescue groups were restored,especially in the DGKG-Δexon13 group.Transcriptome analysis revealed that MORC1,KLHDC7B,ATP1A2,INHBE,TMEM119,and FGD3 were altered significantly when DGKG was knocked down.IL-16,CCN2,and EFNB3 were specifically regulated by DGKG-Δexon13.Conclusions:Our study found that hypoxia-induced alternative splicing transcript DGKG-Δexon13 promotes GBM proliferation and infiltration,which might provide a new potential target for the clinical treatment and diagnosis of GBM.展开更多
The number of newborns born with diseases is increasing recently.Thyroid hormones(THs)are closely related to the growth and development of the newborn in the mother's womb and to the carriage of related diseases a...The number of newborns born with diseases is increasing recently.Thyroid hormones(THs)are closely related to the growth and development of the newborn in the mother's womb and to the carriage of related diseases after birth.Environmental endocrine-disrupting compounds(EDCs)have been proven to harm THs in newborns.Phthalates(PAEs),a typical class of EDCs,are commonly used in toys,childcare materials,and food contact materials,which have been closely connected with neonatal thyroid dysfunction and thyroid-related diseases.As restrictions on PAEs becomemore stringent in neonatal field,numerous PAE alternatives are emerging.Associations between exposure to PAEs and their alternatives and dysfunctions in THs have been explored.Hence,we summarized the body burdens and regional characteristics of PAEs and their alternatives in neonatal urine,cord blood,and meconium.Subsequently,the influences of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid dysfunction,prematurity,low birth weight,fetal growth restriction,respiratory dysfunction,immune disorders,neurological disorders,and reproductive disorders in newborns were evaluated.Furthermore,we scrutinized the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on the neonatal thyroid from signaling,substance transport,and hormone production to explore the underlying mechanisms of action on neonatal thyroid and thyroid-related disorders.As the declining global trends of healthy newborns and the potential impacts of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid function,a more comprehensive study is needed to discuss their effects on newborns and their underlying mechanisms.This review facilitates attention to the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid and thyroid-related disorders in newborns.展开更多
BACKGROUND Working memory serves as a fundamental cognitive function that substantially impacts performance in various cognitive tasks.Extensive neurophysiological research has established that theta oscillations(4-8 ...BACKGROUND Working memory serves as a fundamental cognitive function that substantially impacts performance in various cognitive tasks.Extensive neurophysiological research has established that theta oscillations(4-8 Hz)play an essential role in supporting working memory operations.Theta-band transcranial alternating current stimulation(tACS)offers a potential mechanism for working memory enhancement through direct modulation of these fundamental neural oscillations.Nevertheless,current empirical evidence shows substantial variability in the observed effects of theta-tACS across studies.AIM To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of thetatACS on working memory performance in healthy adults.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science up to March 10,2025.Effect sizes were computed using Hedges’g with 95%confidence intervals(CIs),with separate meta-analyses for all included studies and for distinct working memory paradigms[n-back and delayed matchto-sample(DMTS)tasks]to examine potential task-specific effects.Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to evaluate the influence of key moderating variables.RESULTS The systematic review included 21 studies(67 effect sizes).Initial meta-analysis showed theta-tACS moderately improved working memory(Hedges’g=0.405,95%CI:0.212-0.598).However,this effect became nonsignificant after correcting for publication bias(trim-and-fill adjusted Hedges’g=0.082,95%CI:-0.052 to 0.217).Task-specific analyses revealed significant benefits in n-back tasks(Hedges’g=0.463,95%CI:0.193-0.733)but not in DMTS tasks(Hedges’g=0.257,95%CI:-0.186 to 0.553).Moderator analyses showed that performance in n-back tasks was influenced by stimulation frequency(P=0.001),concurrent status(P=0.014),task modality(P=0.005),and duration(P=0.013),whereas only the region of targeted stimulation(P=0.012)moderated DMTS tasks.CONCLUSION Theta-tACS enhances working memory in healthy adults,with effects modulated by the task type and protocol parameters,offering dual implications for cognitive enhancement and clinical interventions.展开更多
Over the past century,advancements in chemistry have significantly propelled human innovation,enhancing both industrial and consumer products.However,this rapid progression has resulted in chemical pollution increasin...Over the past century,advancements in chemistry have significantly propelled human innovation,enhancing both industrial and consumer products.However,this rapid progression has resulted in chemical pollution increasingly surpassing planetary boundaries,as production and release rates have outpaced our monitoring capabilities.To catalyze more impactful efforts,this study transitions from traditional chemical assessment to inverse chemical design,introducing a generative graph latent diffusion model aimed at discovering safer alternatives.In a case study on the design of green solvents for cyclohexane/benzene extraction distillation,we constructed a design database encompassing functional,environmental hazards,and process constraints.Virtual screening of previous design dataset revealed distinct trade-off trends between these design requirements.Based on the screening outcomes,an unconstrained generative model was developed,which covered a broader chemical space and demonstrated superior capabilities for structural interpolation and extrapolation.To further optimize molecular generation towards desired properties,a multi-objective latent diffusion method was applied,yielding 19 candidate molecules.Of these,7 were identified in PubChem as the most viable green solvent candidates,while the remaining 12 as potential novel candidates.Overall,this study effectively designed green solvent candidates for safer and more sustainable industrial production,setting a promising precedent for the development of environmentally friendly alternatives in other areas of chemical research.展开更多
A new report from Jeanologia highlights theurgent need for the denim industry to adopt saferalternatives to harmful chemicals.The study alsostresses reducing excessive water use in garmentfinishing.The report,compiled...A new report from Jeanologia highlights theurgent need for the denim industry to adopt saferalternatives to harmful chemicals.The study alsostresses reducing excessive water use in garmentfinishing.The report,compiled in 2024,analyzed datafrom more than ll5,000 dentm finishing processes.lt found that 24%of denim finishing processes stilluse hazardous chemicals,posing risks to both theenvironment and the health of workers.展开更多
While our understanding of male reproductive strategies is informed by extensive investigations into endocrine mechanisms, the proximate mechanisms by which females compete for mates and adjust reproduction to social ...While our understanding of male reproductive strategies is informed by extensive investigations into endocrine mechanisms, the proximate mechanisms by which females compete for mates and adjust reproduction to social environment remains enigmatic. We set out to uncover endocrine correlates of mate choice, social environment, and reproductive investment in female red-backed fairy-wrens Malurus melanocephalus. In this socially monogamous, yet highly sexually promiscuous species, females experience discrete variation in the phenotype of their mates, which vary in both plumage signals and level of paternal care, and in the composition of their breeding groups, which consist of either the pair alone or with an additional cooperative auxiliary; fe- male investment varies according to these social parameters. We found that androgen, estrogen, and glucorticoid levels varied with reproductive stage, with highest androgen and estrogen concentrations during nest construction and highest corticosterone concentrations during the pre-breeding stage. These stage-dependent patterns did not vary with male phenotype or auxiliary presence, though androgen levels during pre-breeding mate selection were lower in females obtaining red/black mates than those obtaining brown mates. We found no evidence that androgen, estrogen, or corticosterone levels during the fertile period were re- lated to extra-pair young （EPY） frequency. This study demonstrates clear changes in steroid levels with reproductive stage, though it found little support for variation with social environment. We suggest hormonal responsiveness to social factors may be physiologically constrained in ways that are bypassed through exogenous hormone manipulations.展开更多
文摘Background:The use of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)is common among individuals with underlying chronic illnesses.Objective:This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the global prevalence and patterns of CAM use among individuals with chronic kidney disease(CKD).Search strategy:PubMed,Embase,and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus were searched from inception until 26th February 2024.Inclusion criteria:Original articles reporting the use of at least one type of CAM among individuals aged above 18 years old and at all stages of CKD or undergoing any form of kidney replacement therapy.Data extraction and analysis:Two independent reviewers performed the literature screening.The data were extracted from the included studies by one reviewer and cross-checked by another.Discrepancies were resolved by discussion and consensus among two reviewers.Primary information included prevalence of CAM use,types of CAM used,reasons for CAM use,factors associated with CAM use,and disclosure to healthcare providers.Meta-analyses were performed to determine the pooled prevalence of CAM use and non-disclosure of CAM using a random effect model.Results:Forty-one studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis.The pooled prevalence of CAM use was 43%(95%confidence interval:34%,51%),I2=99.46%.The reasons for CAM use included treatment of underlying comorbidities,complications or symptoms,maintenance of general health,and treatment of CKD.Nutritional approaches were the most common CAM modality,with 412different herbal and dietary supplements reported;psychological and physical approaches included massage therapy,relaxation techniques,and mind–body practices;and other complementary health approaches such as homeopathy,traditional Chinese medicine,and Ayurvedic medicine were also frequently reported.Factors associated with CAM use included sociodemographic characteristics such as older age,female gender,or higher income;disease or therapy factors such as not having diabetes,relying on hemodialysis,or poor adherence to medication;and patient or internal factors such as positive attitude towards CAM and perceived safety of CAM.About 66%(61%,72%)of CAM users did not disclose the use of CAM to their healthcare providers.Conclusion:CAM use is prevalent among individuals with CKD,and healthcare providers should communicate openly and effectively to emphasize the rational use of CAM to avoid potential harm.
基金funded by the Technology Project of State Grid Jibei Electric Power Supply Co.,Ltd.(Grant Number:52018F240001).
文摘As the development of new power systems accelerates and the impacts of high renewable energy integration and extreme weather intensify,grid-alternative energy storage is garnering increasing attention for its grid-interaction benefits and clear business models.Consequently,assessing the value of grid-alternative energy storage in the systemtransition has become critically important.Considering the performance characteristics of storage,we propose a value assessment frame-work for grid-alternative energy storage,quantifying its non-wires-alternative effects from both cost and benefit perspectives.Building on this,we developed a collaborative planning model for energy storage and transmission grids,aimed at maximizing the economic benefits of storage systems while balancing investment and operational costs.The model considers regional grid interconnections and their interactions with system operation.By participating in system operations,grid-alternative energy storage not only maximizes its own economic benefits but also generates social welfare transfer effects.Furthermore,based on multi-regional interconnected planning,grid-alternative energy storage can reduce system costs by approximately 35%,with the most significant changes observed in generation costs.Multi-regional coordinated planning significantly enhances the sys-tem’s flexibility in regulation.However,when the load factor of interconnection lines between regions remains constant,system operational flexibility tends to decrease,leading to a roughly 28.9%increase in storage investment.Additionally,under regional coordinated planning,the greater the disparity in wind power integration across interconnected regions,the more noticeable the reduction in system costs.
基金upported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.62305184)the Major Key Project of Pengcheng Laboratory(Grant No.PCL2024A1)+1 种基金the Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province(Grant No.2023A1515012932)the Science,Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality(Grant No.WDZC20220818100259004).
文摘Single-pixel imaging(SPI)enables efficient sensing in challenging conditions.However,the requirement for numerous samplings constrains its practicality.We address the challenge of high-quality SPI reconstruction at ultra-low sampling rates.We develop an alternative optimization with physics and a data-driven diffusion network(APD-Net).It features alternative optimization driven by the learned task-agnostic natural image prior and the task-specific physics prior.During the training stage,APD-Net harnesses the power of diffusion models to capture data-driven statistics of natural signals.In the inference stage,the physics prior is introduced as corrective guidance to ensure consistency between the physics imaging model and the natural image probability distribution.Through alternative optimization,APD-Net reconstructs data-efficient,high-fidelity images that are statistically and physically compliant.To accelerate reconstruction,initializing images with the inverse SPI physical model reduces the need for reconstruction inference from 100 to 30 steps.Through both numerical simulations and real prototype experiments,APD-Net achieves high-quality,full-color reconstructions of complex natural images at a low sampling rate of 1%.In addition,APD-Net’s tuning-free nature ensures robustness across various imaging setups and sampling rates.Our research offers a broadly applicable approach for various applications,including but not limited to medical imaging and industrial inspection.
基金supported by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior-Brasil(CAPES)[Finance Code 001](to MGS)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico(CNPq)fellowship[research grants 309840/2022-8]。
文摘Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory response in the central nervous system associated with various neurological conditions.The inflammatory process is typically treated with non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,which have a range of serious adverse effects.As an alternative,naturally derived molecules such as quercetin and its derivatives show promising anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on various physiological functions.Our objective was to synthesize the evidence on the anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin and its derivatives in in vivo models,in the face of neuroinflammatory insults induced by lipopolysaccharide,through a systematic review and meta-analysis.A search of the preclinical literature was conducted across four databases(Pub Med,Web of Science,Scielo,and Google Scholar).Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,assessed for methodological quality using CAMARADES,and risk of bias using the SYRCLE tool,and data were extracted from the studies.The quantitative assessment of quercetin effects on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microgliosis was performed through a meta-analysis.A total of 384 potentially relevant articles were identified,of which 11 studies were included in the analysis.The methodological quality was assessed,resulting in an average score of 5.8/10,and the overall risk of bias analysis revealed a lack of methodological clarity in most studies.Furthermore,through the meta-analysis,it was observed that treatment with quercetin statistically reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines,such as tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukin 6,interleukin 1β(n=89;SMD=–2.00;95%CI:–3.29 to–0.71),and microgliosis(n=33;SMD=–2.56;95%CI:–4.07 to–1.10).In terms of underlying mechanisms,quercetin and its derivatives exhibit antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties,possibly through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/HO-1 pathways,increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes and reducing reactive species,and modulating the caspase pathway,increasing levels of anti-apoptotic proteins and decreasing proapoptotic proteins.Quercetin and its derivatives exhibit highly pleiotropic actions that simultaneously contribute to preventing neuroinflammation.However,despite promising results in animal models,future directions should focus on well-designed clinical studies to assess the safety,bioavailability,and efficacy of quercetin and its derivatives in humans.Additionally,standardization of methods and dosages in studies is crucial to ensure consistency of findings and optimize their application in clinical settings.
基金supported by grants from the Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Project(Grant No.2023ZD0501300)Science Technology Department of Zhejiang Province(Grant No.2021C03117)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82350104 and 82170219)Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province,China(Grant No.LY23H080004 and LY24H080001)Medical Health Science and Technology Project of Zhejiang Provincial Health Commission(Grant No.2021KY199)。
文摘Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer(CAR-NK)cell therapy is an alternative immunotherapy that provides robust tumor-eliminating effects without inducing life-threatening toxicities and graft-versus-host disease.CAR-NK cell therapy has enabled the development of“off-the-shelf”products that bypass the lengthy and expensive cell manufacturing process1.
基金funded by the 2022-2023 Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research(ACIAR)Alumni Research Support Facility(ARSF)programme:“Farmers’adaptive capacity and agricultural transformation in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta:understanding and supporting value chain engagement”the ACIAR-funded project“Farmer options for crops under saline conditions(FOCUS)in the Mekong River Delta,Vietnam”(SLaM/2018/144)to this study.
文摘Agricultural production(especially intensive rice production)is a primary income source for over 2.0×10^(7) people in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta.However,adverse climate change impacts,socio-economic change,and high dependence on farm inputs for intensive production constrain the longer-term sustainability of rice systems.Government and agribusiness actors are encouraging more farmers to grow non-rice crops and supporting the upscaling of alternative crops to paddy rice.We used a qualitative approach to investigate the value chain characteristics,as well as constraints and opportunities of alternative crops via two case studies(baby corn and honeydew melon)in An Giang and Hau Giang provinces,Vietnam.Data collection involved focus group discussions with local farmers and interviews with farmers and industry experts.Thematic analysis was used to compile the findings,and the results were validated with local government staff.The baby corn value chain featured on-going and stable market demand(including value-addition)and better vertical coordination(e.g.,written contracts and financial support).The honeydew melon value chain featured positive relationships between farmers and traders despite less-developed vertical coordination.There are opportunities for value chain engagement through product quality certification,value-addition,and accessing high-value domestic and export markets.However,farmers require crop-specific and generic support from private and public sectors.Increased labour requirements and limited access to finance and credit limit value chain participation.Upscaling and marketing alternative crops can enhance farmer profitability and support non-farming agricultural business establishment,economic growth,and community development.Efficient value chains will be critical to ensure the adoption of alternative crops and development of crop-specific agribusiness models.These findings can inform policy-makers and change facilitators in designing targeted interventions to support the adoption of alternative crops in the study area as well as in Vietnam and globally.
基金Fisheries Research Development Corporation,Grant/Award Number:2017-030.
文摘Background With the global expansion of aquaculture and the increasing demand for fish meal,identifying appropriate and sustainable alternative protein sources for aquafeeds has become essential.Single-cell protein(SCP),derived from methanotrophic bacteria,presents a promising alternative by converting methane into protein,potentially addressing both the need for alternative protein sources and reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of SCP inclusion(0%,25%,50%,and 75%fish meal replacement)on the health,gene expression,and gut microbiome of yellowtail kingfish(YTK,Seriola lalandi)following a 35-day growth trial.Results The study found that SCP inclusion at the highest level of fishmeal replacement(75%)induced a mild inflammatory response in the hindgut of the fish.However,micromorphological assessments of the hindgut,serum biochemistry,and gene expression analyses revealed no significant detrimental effects from SCP replacement.Notably,there were indications of improved lipid digestibility with SCP.Furthermore,SCP inclusion significantly enhanced microbial richness and altered the composition of the gut microbiome,introducing beneficial bacterial taxa that may contribute to improved gut health and resilience.Conclusions This study highlights SCP as a viable and sustainable alternative to fish meal in YTK diets.The findings suggest that SCP can be included in YTK diets without adverse health effects at moderate levels and may even offer benefits in terms of lipid digestibility and gut microbiome diversity.These results contribute to the advancement of more sustainable aquaculture practices.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFF1000301)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771805)。
文摘Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying HSF-meditated thermotolerance in maize remain largely unexplored.In this study,we demonstrate that the alternative splicing of ZmHsf23 modulates heat stress tolerance in maize.Hsf23 produced two functional transcripts,Hsf23L and Hsf23S,which differ by the presence of a cryptic mini-exon in Hsf23L that is spliced out in Hsf23S.Both transcripts were strongly induced by heat stress.Mutants lacking Hsf23L alone(hsf23l)or both Hsf23L and Hsf23S(hsf23l23s)exhibited increased susceptibility to heat stress,whereas overexpression of Hsf23S enhanced heat stress tolerance in maize.Subsequently,we found that Hsf23S positively regulates heat stress tolerance by directly activating the transcription of three sHSP genes(Hsp16.9,Hsp17.2,and Hsp18a)and TIL1 gene.In addition,Hsf23L physically interacted with Hsf23S and enhanced the transcriptional activation of Hsf23S on the sHSPs and TIL1 promoters.Notably,genetic analysis suggested that co-overexpression of Hsf23L and Hsf23S further improves heat tolerance of the transgenic plants.Taken together,these results reveal two splicing variants of ZmHsf23 cooperatively regulate maize heat tolerance,thus highlighting potential value of ZmHsf23 in breeding heat-tolerant maize varieties.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2023YFB2905605)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (62072229)。
文摘In this paper,we investigate a distributed multi-input multi-output and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(MIMO-OFDM) dual-functional radar-communication(DFRC) system,which enables simultaneous communication and sensing in different subcarrier sets.To obtain the best tradeoff between communication and sensing performance,we first derive Cramer-Rao Bound(CRB) of targets in detection area,and then maximize the transmission rate by jointly optimizing the power/subcarriers allocation and the selection of radar receivers under the constraints of detection performance and total transmit power.To tackle the non-convex mixed integer programming problem,we decompose the original problem into a semidefinite programming(SDP) problem and a convex quadratic integer problem and solve them iteratively.The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm,as well as the performance improvement brought by optimizing radar receivers selection.
文摘Rice straw,a by-product of rice cultivation,is commonly disposed of through open-field burning,which contributes to air pollution and environmental degradation.This study aims to identify the key factors influencing farmers’decisions on rice straw management and to develop policy recommendations that encourage the sustainable utilization of rice straw within the supply chain.A mixed-methods approach was adopted,combining qualitative interviews with nine key informants and a quantitative survey of 585 rice farmers across Thailand.Multinomial Logit Regression(MLR)was employed to analyze farmers’preferences among four management options:burning,composting,animal feeding,and selling.The results reveal that membership in farmer groups,ownership of livestock,access to baling machinery,knowledge,and skills related to straw utilization,ease of field access,availability of storage facilities,engagement in integrated farming,and year-round access to baling services significantly increased the likelihood of choosing sustainable alternatives over the burning straw.These findings underscore the importance of both capacity-building and infrastructure in enabling sustainable practices.Based on these insights,the study proposes a multi-level policy framework to enhance the value creation of rice straw.National policies should focus on expanding access to machinery and supporting innovation,while local governments should facilitate farmer training and improve straw logistics.Strengthening farmer organizations and market connections is also crucial for scaling adoption.Overall,structural integration and stakeholder coordination are key to reducing straw burning and promoting sustainable resource use in rice-producing regions.
文摘This review aims to identify the assets and limitations of Dabema(Piptadeniastrum africanum)as a sustainable alternative to traditional timber species for furniture and construction applications.Dabema is characterized by its high density and dimensional stability,meeting ASTM(American Society for Testing and Materials)standards for mechanical strength,which is essential for promoting its use.However,its limited availability in trade and ingrained habits of use are obstacles to its widespread commercialization.In addition,thermal and oleothermal treatments have shown great potential for improving the characteristics of this wood,although they require ongoing optimization and rigorous environmental assessment.Consequently,increased awareness of the benefits of Dabema is decisive to encourage its sustainable adoption in modern economies.This could help to diversify forest resources and encourage more sustainable building practices,taking advantage of Dabema’s unique properties while mitigating environmental sustainability concerns.
基金financially sponsored by Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation(324QN360)Project of Sanya Yazhou Bay Sci-ence and Technology City(SCKJ-JYRC-2024-35).
文摘The 2025 U.S.-China Trade War has intensified the vulnerability of China's oil supply chain due to heavy reliance on soybean imports,posing serious challenges to food security.This study examines soybean dependency risks and evaluates substitution strategies through diversified oilseed use,including palm-based alternatives.Findings show that high reciprocal tariffs caused a 75%drop in U.S.soybean exports to China.Palm oil,with high yield efficiency and cost-effectiveness,offers a viable supplement to fill supply chain gaps.Promoting oil palm cultivation through northward expansion and cooperation with Belt and Road countries is recommended.Additionally,multi-omics,gene editing,tissue culture,and precision agriculture are crucial to address technical bottlenecks.The study concludes that palm and soybean oils will form a complementary system,and that policy and technology investments are essential to strengthen China's oilseed supply chain resilience and sustainability.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22175183)。
文摘The slow phase transition from formⅡto formⅠhas always been an important factor that restricts the processing and application of polybutene-1(PB-1).After extensive efforts,a set of effective methods for promoting the phase transition rate in PB-1 was established by adjusting the crystallization,nucleation,and growth temperatures.Nevertheless,low-molecular-weight PB-1(LMWPB-1)faces challenges because this method requires a low crystallization temperature,which is difficult to achieve during extrusion processing.In this study,we attempted to increase the phase transition rate in PB-1 by changing the annealing temperature after processing rather than the crystallization temperature in the classical scheme.The results indicated that regardless of low-or high-molecular-weight PB-1,repeated annealing between 0 and 90℃could also promote formⅡto formⅠphase transition.The initial content of formⅠincreased with the heating and cooling cycles.The half-time of the phase transition(t_(1/2))was also shortened after heating/cooling.After 100 heating/cooling cycles,t_(1/2) was reduced to one-quarter of that without annealing,which had almost the same effect as the crystallization temperature at 25℃in promoting the phase transition.This study indicates that annealing after processing is also an important factor affecting the phase transition of PB-1,and should receive sufficient attention.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant numbers 52204347,52274385,52004156,51904184,and 52204392)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant number 2022YFC2904900)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(13JC14025000,15520711000)the Shi Changxu Innovation Center for Advanced Materials(SCXKFJJ202204).
文摘The use of an alternative magnetic field during vacuum arc remelting(VAR)can have significant effects on the primary carbide and mechanical properties of M50-bearing steel.The solidification structure and the primary carbide morphology of the VAR ingot were analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.Characterization and analysis of the growth direction of primary carbides were conducted using high-resolution rapid electron backscatter diffraction.Solute elements segregation was analyzed using an electron probe microanalyzer.FLUENT was utilized to conduct numerical simulations to validate the experimental findings and elucidate the underlying mechanism.Compared to traditional VAR,magnetic-controlled VAR generates a horizontal circulation,which makes a shallower and flatter molten pool and a more even temperature distribution.In the time dimension,the local solidification time is shortened,and the concentration of solute elements will be alleviated.In the spatial dimension,the secondary dendrite arm spacing decreases,alleviating the degree of inter-dendritic segregation.Consequently,the possibility of forming a segregation diminishes.Both aspects promote the even distribution of solute atoms,resulting in less segregation and hindering the development of primary carbide.This leads to the refinement of primary carbide size and its uniform distribution.The magnetic-controlled vacuum arc melting not only refines the dendritic structure in the M50 ingot,causing it to expand more axially along the ingot,but also refines primary carbides and improves tensile and wear-resistant mechanical properties.
基金funded by Guizhou Province Science and Technology Plan Project Qiankehe Foundation-ZK[2023]General 360,362Science and Technology Fund project of Guizhou Provincial Health Commission(gzwkj-2022-09,gzwkj-2023-035)+1 种基金National Natural Science Foundation Cultivation Project of Guizhou Medical University(21NSFCP14,gyfynsfc-2022-25)The PhD Scientific Research Launch Fund Project of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University(gyfybsky-2022-02).
文摘Background:Glioblastoma(GBM)is one of the most malignant types of central nervous system tumors.Oxygen deprivation in the tumor microenvironment is thought to be an important factor in promoting GBM progression.However,the mechanisms of hypoxia-promoted tumor progression remain elusive.Methods:Alternative splicing of diacylglycerol kinase gamma(DGKG)-Δexon13 was amplified and verified by PCR-Sanger sequencing.The functions of DGKG and DGKG-Δexon13 were analyzed by Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),Transwell,Matrigeltranswell experiments,and in vivo orthotropic GBM animal models.Transcriptome analyses were done to find out the regulated genes.Results:In this study,we found that a new transcript DGKG-Δexon13 was generated in GBM under hypoxia via alternative splicing.Moreover,the results of CCK-8,Transwell,and Matrigel-transwell experiments showed that the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of U87-MG and T98G were decreased after DGKG knockdown.Compared to wild-type DGKG,DGKG-Δexon13 overexpression significantly promoted cellular proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities in GBM.Furthermore,in vivo,orthotropic GBM animal models analysis showed that the tumor volumes were much smaller in the DGKG knockdown group.However,the tumor sizes in the DGKG and DGKG-Δexon13 rescue groups were restored,especially in the DGKG-Δexon13 group.Transcriptome analysis revealed that MORC1,KLHDC7B,ATP1A2,INHBE,TMEM119,and FGD3 were altered significantly when DGKG was knocked down.IL-16,CCN2,and EFNB3 were specifically regulated by DGKG-Δexon13.Conclusions:Our study found that hypoxia-induced alternative splicing transcript DGKG-Δexon13 promotes GBM proliferation and infiltration,which might provide a new potential target for the clinical treatment and diagnosis of GBM.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22225605)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2023YFC3706600)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB0750200).
文摘The number of newborns born with diseases is increasing recently.Thyroid hormones(THs)are closely related to the growth and development of the newborn in the mother's womb and to the carriage of related diseases after birth.Environmental endocrine-disrupting compounds(EDCs)have been proven to harm THs in newborns.Phthalates(PAEs),a typical class of EDCs,are commonly used in toys,childcare materials,and food contact materials,which have been closely connected with neonatal thyroid dysfunction and thyroid-related diseases.As restrictions on PAEs becomemore stringent in neonatal field,numerous PAE alternatives are emerging.Associations between exposure to PAEs and their alternatives and dysfunctions in THs have been explored.Hence,we summarized the body burdens and regional characteristics of PAEs and their alternatives in neonatal urine,cord blood,and meconium.Subsequently,the influences of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid dysfunction,prematurity,low birth weight,fetal growth restriction,respiratory dysfunction,immune disorders,neurological disorders,and reproductive disorders in newborns were evaluated.Furthermore,we scrutinized the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on the neonatal thyroid from signaling,substance transport,and hormone production to explore the underlying mechanisms of action on neonatal thyroid and thyroid-related disorders.As the declining global trends of healthy newborns and the potential impacts of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid function,a more comprehensive study is needed to discuss their effects on newborns and their underlying mechanisms.This review facilitates attention to the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid and thyroid-related disorders in newborns.
基金Supported by Shanghai Municipal Health Commission’s Special Clinical Research Project for the Hygiene Industry,No.20244Y0041Youth Initiation Fund of Naval Medical University,No.2023QN028 and No.2023QN030。
文摘BACKGROUND Working memory serves as a fundamental cognitive function that substantially impacts performance in various cognitive tasks.Extensive neurophysiological research has established that theta oscillations(4-8 Hz)play an essential role in supporting working memory operations.Theta-band transcranial alternating current stimulation(tACS)offers a potential mechanism for working memory enhancement through direct modulation of these fundamental neural oscillations.Nevertheless,current empirical evidence shows substantial variability in the observed effects of theta-tACS across studies.AIM To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of thetatACS on working memory performance in healthy adults.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science up to March 10,2025.Effect sizes were computed using Hedges’g with 95%confidence intervals(CIs),with separate meta-analyses for all included studies and for distinct working memory paradigms[n-back and delayed matchto-sample(DMTS)tasks]to examine potential task-specific effects.Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to evaluate the influence of key moderating variables.RESULTS The systematic review included 21 studies(67 effect sizes).Initial meta-analysis showed theta-tACS moderately improved working memory(Hedges’g=0.405,95%CI:0.212-0.598).However,this effect became nonsignificant after correcting for publication bias(trim-and-fill adjusted Hedges’g=0.082,95%CI:-0.052 to 0.217).Task-specific analyses revealed significant benefits in n-back tasks(Hedges’g=0.463,95%CI:0.193-0.733)but not in DMTS tasks(Hedges’g=0.257,95%CI:-0.186 to 0.553).Moderator analyses showed that performance in n-back tasks was influenced by stimulation frequency(P=0.001),concurrent status(P=0.014),task modality(P=0.005),and duration(P=0.013),whereas only the region of targeted stimulation(P=0.012)moderated DMTS tasks.CONCLUSION Theta-tACS enhances working memory in healthy adults,with effects modulated by the task type and protocol parameters,offering dual implications for cognitive enhancement and clinical interventions.
基金supported by Shanghai Science and Technology Commission Project(No.21DZ1201502)Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment(Shanghai Environ-mental Science[2023]No.40)+1 种基金the Interdisciplinary Joint Research Project of Tongji University(No.2022-4-YB-12)Shanghai Science and Technology Commission Project(No.22DZ2200200).
文摘Over the past century,advancements in chemistry have significantly propelled human innovation,enhancing both industrial and consumer products.However,this rapid progression has resulted in chemical pollution increasingly surpassing planetary boundaries,as production and release rates have outpaced our monitoring capabilities.To catalyze more impactful efforts,this study transitions from traditional chemical assessment to inverse chemical design,introducing a generative graph latent diffusion model aimed at discovering safer alternatives.In a case study on the design of green solvents for cyclohexane/benzene extraction distillation,we constructed a design database encompassing functional,environmental hazards,and process constraints.Virtual screening of previous design dataset revealed distinct trade-off trends between these design requirements.Based on the screening outcomes,an unconstrained generative model was developed,which covered a broader chemical space and demonstrated superior capabilities for structural interpolation and extrapolation.To further optimize molecular generation towards desired properties,a multi-objective latent diffusion method was applied,yielding 19 candidate molecules.Of these,7 were identified in PubChem as the most viable green solvent candidates,while the remaining 12 as potential novel candidates.Overall,this study effectively designed green solvent candidates for safer and more sustainable industrial production,setting a promising precedent for the development of environmentally friendly alternatives in other areas of chemical research.
文摘A new report from Jeanologia highlights theurgent need for the denim industry to adopt saferalternatives to harmful chemicals.The study alsostresses reducing excessive water use in garmentfinishing.The report,compiled in 2024,analyzed datafrom more than ll5,000 dentm finishing processes.lt found that 24%of denim finishing processes stilluse hazardous chemicals,posing risks to both theenvironment and the health of workers.
基金Acknowledgement We sincerely appreciate the commendable field efforts of a large number of field technicians who assisted with data collection during the course of this study, as well as logistical support provided by B. Congdon, T. Daniel, J. Lindsay and D. Westcott. We also thank members of the Schwabl and Webster labs for their valuable input throughout. Thanks also to Becca Sail＇an and Maren Vitousek for the invitation to contribute to this volume. This research was conducted with appropriate permits and permissions from the governments of Queensland and Australia, and material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation （USA） through grants to MSW and HS and a graduate traineeship to DGB.
文摘While our understanding of male reproductive strategies is informed by extensive investigations into endocrine mechanisms, the proximate mechanisms by which females compete for mates and adjust reproduction to social environment remains enigmatic. We set out to uncover endocrine correlates of mate choice, social environment, and reproductive investment in female red-backed fairy-wrens Malurus melanocephalus. In this socially monogamous, yet highly sexually promiscuous species, females experience discrete variation in the phenotype of their mates, which vary in both plumage signals and level of paternal care, and in the composition of their breeding groups, which consist of either the pair alone or with an additional cooperative auxiliary; fe- male investment varies according to these social parameters. We found that androgen, estrogen, and glucorticoid levels varied with reproductive stage, with highest androgen and estrogen concentrations during nest construction and highest corticosterone concentrations during the pre-breeding stage. These stage-dependent patterns did not vary with male phenotype or auxiliary presence, though androgen levels during pre-breeding mate selection were lower in females obtaining red/black mates than those obtaining brown mates. We found no evidence that androgen, estrogen, or corticosterone levels during the fertile period were re- lated to extra-pair young （EPY） frequency. This study demonstrates clear changes in steroid levels with reproductive stage, though it found little support for variation with social environment. We suggest hormonal responsiveness to social factors may be physiologically constrained in ways that are bypassed through exogenous hormone manipulations.
