Polymer-modified bentonite(PMB)is much more effective at containing chemically aggressive liquids than conventional bentonite.The PMB manufacturing process typically utilizes natural,high-quality sodium bentonite(NaB)...Polymer-modified bentonite(PMB)is much more effective at containing chemically aggressive liquids than conventional bentonite.The PMB manufacturing process typically utilizes natural,high-quality sodium bentonite(NaB)owing to its excellent hydrophilicity and swelling capacity.However,calcium bentonite(CaB),which is much more abundant worldwide,is rarely used for containment applications owing to its poor hydrophilicity.This study proposed a polymerization method that transforms sodium-activated calcium bentonite(NCB)into PMB to achieve low hydraulic conductivity(k)to aggressive liquids.The mechanism for its low k was revealed through characterization techniques and analyses(e.g.X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET)).The results showed that the PMB had a small amount of polymer elution(indicating better interface stability)and thus exhibited excellent barrier properties under chemically aggressive conditions,with the k of<10^(-11) m/s for 0.6 mol/L NaCl solution,which is four orders of magnitude lower than that of the NCB(k=3×10^(-7) m/s).Various microscopic analyses indicated that the selected monomers were successfully polymerized,and intercalated into and grafted onto the montmorillonite layers of bentonite.The formed polymer network increased the swelling capability of PMB granules,decreased the pore size,and created narrow and tortuous flow pathways leading to a very low k to aggressive liquids.展开更多
Introduction: Diabetes remains a real public health problem today, due to its associated morbidity and mortality. It induces numerous metabolic, biochemical, hematological, and immunological changes, responsible for m...Introduction: Diabetes remains a real public health problem today, due to its associated morbidity and mortality. It induces numerous metabolic, biochemical, hematological, and immunological changes, responsible for multiple complications. The objective of this study was to characterize clinically and biologically type 2 diabetic patients followed at the National Center for Diabetology and Arterial Hypertension of the Central Hospital of Yaoundé. Method: This prospective, cross-sectional, and analytical study took place from April 5 to July 31, 2023 (4 months) on 100 diabetic patients of both sexes (61 women and 39 men), aged from 31 to 88 years. Body Mass Index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and cardiac frequency were measured on each of the patients. Subsequently, blood was collected from the patients for the determination of the complete blood count, HBA1c, lipid profile, serum albumin, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. The data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software. Results: The age average of our population was 56.99 ± 11.51 years, the population was primarily female (61%) and primarily between the ages of 55 and 88. 67% of respondents were married. 59% went to secondary school. 73% of them lived in urban areas. 30% were obese and 40% were overweight, with an average BMI of 28.75 kg/m2. 76% of patients took oral antidiabetic medications. HbA1c level average was 8.65%, with 60% having readings above 6.5%. Low hemoglobin and hypochromia were among the abnormalities of red blood cells observed. Lipid profiles revealed low HDL-cholesterol and high triglycerides and cholesterol. Elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-6 indicated inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: These results indicate the necessity of focused diabetic care and management on diabetic patients attending the central hospital of Yaoundé, Cameroon.展开更多
Introduction: Foreign bodies (FB) in the lower airways (LAs) constitute a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate management. The objective of our study was to describe the patient pathway and manag...Introduction: Foreign bodies (FB) in the lower airways (LAs) constitute a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate management. The objective of our study was to describe the patient pathway and management of foreign bodies in the lower airways. Methodology: This was a descriptive study with retrospective data collection conducted over a 6-year period (January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019) in the ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Department of Donka National Hospital. Results: We observed a prevalence of 1.79%. The average age was 5.71 years, with a sex ratio of 1.2. However, 82.61% of the cases originated from rural areas. We noted that 78.83% of patients were referred after visiting 1 to 2 healthcare facilities (75.36%). The consultation delay was 3 days. Penetration syndrome was present in 98.56% of cases. The foreign body incidents occurred during play in 54.84% and during meals in 29.09% of cases. Radiographs were performed in 93.9% of cases. Endoscopy was used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in all patients. The foreign bodies were located in the trachea (37.68%), larynx (26.08%), and bronchi (21.73%). Non-organic foreign bodies were predominant (52.17%). Postoperative outcomes were uncomplicated in 95.98% of cases, and the lethality rate was 2.85%. Conclusion: The pathway of patients with foreign bodies in the airways remains unpredictable in our context due to parental hesitations. Early management reduces morbidity and mortality rates.展开更多
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of Astragalus(AST)on osteoporosis(OP)and the downstream mechanisms.Methods Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hBMSCs)were induced to differentiate int...Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of Astragalus(AST)on osteoporosis(OP)and the downstream mechanisms.Methods Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hBMSCs)were induced to differentiate into osteogenic cells.After transfection with relevant plasmids,cell proliferation,cell cycle progression,and apoptosis were assessed.Alizarin red staining was used to detect calcium nodules in the cells,alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining was used to detect ALP activity in the cells,and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to determine RUNX2 and Osterix expression levels.An OP rat model was established using ovariectomy and micro-computed tomography scanning.Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson’s trichrome staining were used to evaluate the pathological conditions of bone tissues,while immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect RUNX2 in bone tissues.Results AST promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs,reduced miR-181d-5p expression levels,and increased SOX11 expression levels.Restoring miR-181d-5p expression or reducing SOX11 expression levels reversed the effects of AST on the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.miR-181d-5p was found to target SOX11 in hBMSCs.AST improved OP in rats,and miR-181d-5p overexpression or SOX11 inhibition reversed the therapeutic effects of AST on OP in rats.Conclusion AST promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs and alleviated OP by targeting SOX11 via miR-181d-5p.展开更多
In this article we commented on an article published recently by Jiao et al.This retrospective study confirmed that the triple therapy of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with programmed death protein lig...In this article we commented on an article published recently by Jiao et al.This retrospective study confirmed that the triple therapy of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with programmed death protein ligand 1 inhibitors and molecular targeted therapy can significantly reverse TACE resistance in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.Compared with TACE alone,the triple therapy reduced the resistance rate from 38.8%to 9.7%and increased the median progression-free survival and median overall survival by 92.3%and 26.8%,respectively.TACE induces tumor antigen release and upregulates programmed death protein ligand 1,activating the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors while molecular targeted therapy inhibits postembolization vascular regeneration,forming a dynamic synergistic network of embolization-immune activation-vascular inhibition.The maximum tumor diameter,capsule loss,and bilateral distribution were identified as independent predictors.This study provided level I evidence and promoted the transformation of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treatment from single local intervention to an integrated model of local control-systemic treatment.In the future it will be necessary to analyze the dynamic evolution rules of the tumor microenvironment through crossomics strategies,further explore biomarkers,optimize treatment sequences,and conduct multicenter prospective trials to verify long-term survival benefits and guide the optimization of individualized sequential treatment.展开更多
AIM:To assess early visual outcomes and corneal stability following small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)in eyes with a pre-planned residual stromal thickness(RST)ranging from 280 to 300μm.METHODS:This retrospec...AIM:To assess early visual outcomes and corneal stability following small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)in eyes with a pre-planned residual stromal thickness(RST)ranging from 280 to 300μm.METHODS:This retrospective study was designed to evaluate 82 eyes from 82 patients,all of whom had a pre-planned RST of 280 to 300μm and normal corneal topography prior to undergoing SMILE surgery.The mean preoperative spherical equivalent(SE)was-4.82±1.30 D.A standard follow-up protocol was conducted between 1 to 6mo postoperatively.Visual outcomes were recorded using uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)and subjective refraction.The curvature of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces,as well as the posterior elevation at the thinnest point(PTE)were derived from the Pentacam system.RESULTS:At the final follow-up,the efficacy index was 1.14±0.15,the safety index was 1.20±0.13.The mean preoperative UDVA was 0.78±0.16 logMAR,which improved significantly to-0.07±0.06 logMAR postoperatively(P<0.001).The preoperative mean SE was-4.82±1.30 D,which decreased to-0.14±0.30 D by the last visit.The curvature of the anterior cornea at the flat meridian(AK1)were 42.62±1.02 D preoperatively,38.56±1.37 D and 38.59±1.39 D at 1 and 6mo after operation,respectively.Corresponding measurements at the steep meridian(AK2)were 43.55±1.14 D preoperatively,39.18±1.46 D and 39.22±1.50 D at 1 and 6mo after operation,respectively.Both AK1 and AK2 remained stable at 1 and 6-mo postoperative intervals(P=0.126 and 0.082,respectively).There were no observed changes in the curvature of the posterior cornea at the flat meridian or at the steep meridian,or the PTE before and after surgery.CONCLUSION:SMILE represents a safe and effective procedure for the correction of myopia and astigmatism in eyes featuring a pre-planned RST ranging from 280 to 300μm accompanied by normal corneal topography,on the premise of strict control of surgical indications.展开更多
As the demands for environmental sustainability and the requirements to lower carbon emissions have escalated,New Energy Vehicles(NEVs)have emerged as a compelling substitute for fossil-fuel-run automobiles.Hence,a sm...As the demands for environmental sustainability and the requirements to lower carbon emissions have escalated,New Energy Vehicles(NEVs)have emerged as a compelling substitute for fossil-fuel-run automobiles.Hence,a smart energy management strategy has been developed to enhance the performance of NEVs,maximizing the sustainability of transportation systems and minimizing environmental impacts.The system combines different power reserves,includ-ing a photovoltaic(PV)generator,fuel cell(FC),and battery system,to provide a continuous energy supply,even when the vehicle is running.The Multi-Directional Power Transfer converter for the battery provides the required energy ad-aptation between the input and output.The FC and PV systems are all connected through a direct current/direct current converter to effectively charge the battery whenever excess energy is present.The new energy management technique called Optimized Ant Colony Algorithm is proposed to dynamically allocate power among the different power sources,improving system efficiency.Unlike traditional methods,the suggested approach actively optimizes energy flow accord-ing to actual demand and availability,minimizing energy losses and enhancing sustainability.The MATLAB/Simulink tool was used to simulate the energetic performance of an electric car utilizing the suggested approach.The performance of this multi-source power system is assessed by contrasting the energy the PV and FC generating devices offer,and the energy generation of each recharge system.Additionally,the battery power comparison validates the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the proposed model in NEVs.Results designate a significant improvement in energy efficiency and overall NEV environmental sustainability within contemporary transportation networks.展开更多
Sessile oak(Quercus petraea(Matt.)Liebl.)is widely distributed across most of Europe particularly the hills and lower mountain ranges,so is considered“the oak of the mountains”.This species grows on a wide variety o...Sessile oak(Quercus petraea(Matt.)Liebl.)is widely distributed across most of Europe particularly the hills and lower mountain ranges,so is considered“the oak of the mountains”.This species grows on a wide variety of soils and at altitudes ranging from sea level to 2200 m,especially in Atlantic and sub-Mediterranean climates,and it is sensitive to low winter temperatures,early and late frosts,as well as high summer temperatures.Sessile oak forms both pure and mixed stands especially with broadleaves such as European beech,European hornbeam,small-leaved lime and Acer spp.These form the understorey of sessile oak stands,promoting the natural shedding of lower branches of the oak and protecting the trunk against epicormic branches.Sessile oak is a long-lived,light-demanding and wind-firm species,owing to its taproot and heart-shaped root system.Its timber,one of the most valuable in Europe,is important for fur-niture-making(both solid wood and veneer),construction,barrels,railway sleepers,and is also used as fuelwood.It is one of the few major tree species in Europe that is regener-ated by seed(naturally or artificially)and by stump shoots in high forest,coppice-with-standards and coppice forests.Sessile oak forests are treated in both regular and irregular systems involving silvicultural techniques such as uniform shelterwood,group shelterwood,irregular shelterwood,irregular high forest,coppice-with-standards and simple coppice.Young naturally regenerated stands are managed by weeding,release cutting and cleaning-respacing,keeping the stands quite dense for good natural pruning.Plantations are based on(1)2-4-year old bare-root or container-grown seedlings produced in nurseries using seeds from genetic resources,seed stands and seed orchards.The density of sessile oak plantations(mostly in rows,but also in clusters)is usually between 4000 and 6000 ind.ha^(−1).Sessile oak silviculture of mature stands includes crown thinning,focus-ing on final crop trees(usually a maximum of 100 ind.ha^(−1))and targeting the production of large-diameter and high quality trees at long rotation ages(mostly over 120 years,sometimes 250-300 years).In different parts of Europe,conversion of simple coppices and coppice-with-standards to high forests is continuing.Even though manage-ment of sessile oak forests is very intensive and expensive,requiring active human intervention,the importance of this species in future European forests will increase in the con-text of climate change due to its high resistance to distur-bance,superior drought tolerance and heat stress resistance.展开更多
The Tourism Industry plays a critical role in economic growth on the international scene but is equally responsible for contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and energy demand.The research analyzed the global trend...The Tourism Industry plays a critical role in economic growth on the international scene but is equally responsible for contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and energy demand.The research analyzed the global trends of energy consumption(EC)within this industry concerning environmental performance,limits,and prospects of sustained expan-sion.It includes 300 tourism-related businesses across different global economic regions.Key tourism factors include EC,greenhouse gas emissions,renewable energy(RE)use,tourism’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP)contribution,and energy efficiency.Statistical methods such as regression and panel data analysis assess the impact of tourism GDP,carbon emissions and RE.The regression analysis,including linear regression and panel data regression,to assess the influence of factors such as tourism GDP,carbon emissions,RE share,and energy efficiency improvements,providing a data-driven approach to understanding EC in tourism.The findings reveal regional differences,with developed regions consuming more energy per capita,while developing markets show progress in energy-efficient practices.The findings of the linear regression analysis show tourism GDP contribution(β=4,200).The outcomes of the panel data regression analysis show the t-statistic values of carbon emissions(t=5.64).The Difference-in-Differences analysis indicates that tourist GDP is greater in developed regions(β=4,100)compared to developing regions(β=3,500).Carbon emissions(β=4,800)are greater,although RE(β=4,200)and energy efficiency(β=2,500)increase more in developing nations.The research emphasizes expanding use of RE in tourism infrastructure,especially in ecotourism and green hotels.展开更多
Driven by rapid advancements in smart wearable technologies and perovskite photovoltaics,flexible perovskite solar cells(FPSCs)have emerged as highly promising autonomous power sources,poised to transform the next gen...Driven by rapid advancements in smart wearable technologies and perovskite photovoltaics,flexible perovskite solar cells(FPSCs)have emerged as highly promising autonomous power sources,poised to transform the next generation of mobile energy systems,portable electronics,and integrated wearable devices.For successful deployment in real-world scenarios,FPSCs must exhibit a combination of key attributes,including high power conversion efficiency,lightweight architecture,environmental robustness,and mechanical adaptability-encompassing flexibility,stretchability,and twistability.This review provides a detailed examination of the evolution,current state,and practical deployment of FPSCs,emphasizing their potential as efficient,portable energy solutions.It investigates advanced strategies for improving environmental resilience and mechanical recoverability,including the engineering of flexible substrates,deposition of high-quality perovskite films,and optimization of charge-selective interfaces.Additionally,it offers a systematic analysis of device design,fabrication protocols,scalable printing techniques,and standardized performance evaluation methods tailored for wearable FPSCs.Recent progress in enhancing the optoelectronic properties and mechanical durability of FPSCs is also critically reviewed.Ultimately,this work delivers a comprehensive perspective on FPSCs from both optoelectronic and mechanical viewpoints,identifies key challenges,and outlines future research pathways toward the seamless integration of FPSCs into multifunctional,next-generation wearable systems.展开更多
Serious fine particulate matter(PM_(2.5))pollution and rapidly increasing of ground-level ozone(O_(3))concentrations are concern issues in China.To achieve the comprehensive control of PM_(2.5)-O_(3) composite air pol...Serious fine particulate matter(PM_(2.5))pollution and rapidly increasing of ground-level ozone(O_(3))concentrations are concern issues in China.To achieve the comprehensive control of PM_(2.5)-O_(3) composite air pollution,exploring the common sources of PM_(2.5) and VOCs is essential.However,previous researches most carried out either PM_(2.5) or VOCs source appointment.In this study,we applied the ensemble source apportionment method to explore the impacts of common sources on PM_(2.5)-VOCs.Subsequently,we obtained the ensemble source impacts on O_(3) combining the extracted VOCs source profile and ozone formation potential.We found that the focus of environmentalmanagement and source control should be varied accordingly for different pollutants.Vehicle emission was the largest contributor(41%)to PM_(2.5)-VOCs,while industrial emission was the main common source(51%)to O_(3).The result showed that the O_(3) production rate is not only related to the VOCs emission,but also to the reactivity of VOCs.In addition,sensitivity tests revealed that temperature was the main factor affecting O_(3) formation.The study provides a framework to explore the common sources impact on PM_(2.5) and VOCs,which is benefit to address both PM_(2.5) and O_(3) mitigations.展开更多
Sequencing of environmental samples has great potential for biodiversity research,but its application is limited by the lack of reliable DNA barcode databases for species identifications.Such a database has been creat...Sequencing of environmental samples has great potential for biodiversity research,but its application is limited by the lack of reliable DNA barcode databases for species identifications.Such a database has been created for epiphytic lichens of Europe,allowing us to compare the results of environmental sequencing with standard taxonomic surveys.The species undetected by taxonomic surveys(what we term the ghost component)amount to about half of the species actually present in hectare plots of Central European forests.Some of these,which currently occur only as diaspores or weakly developed thalli,are likely to be favoured in the course of global change.The ghost component usually represents a larger fraction in managed forests than in old-growth unmanaged forests.The total species composition of different plots is much more similar than suggested by taxonomic surveys alone.On a regional scale,this supports the well-known statement that“everything is everywhere,but,the environment selects”.展开更多
Food waste and by-products are generated throughout the food processing and storage chain.In a world facing climate collapse and limited space for expanding cultivable land needed to feed a growing global population,u...Food waste and by-products are generated throughout the food processing and storage chain.In a world facing climate collapse and limited space for expanding cultivable land needed to feed a growing global population,utilizing food from sustainable production chains has become a significant challenge.Additionally,there is a worldwide trend towards consuming natural and healthy foods that are as free from chemical compounds as possible during production,processing,and preparation.Gradually,eating habits have adapted to these new trends,and new foods are being introduced into diets.In this context,research into sustainable practices has emerged worldwide,promoting the increased consumption of plant-based foods.The central idea of this article is connected to global concerns regarding food sources,minimizing waste,and innovatively using every ingredient.Fermentation,a traditional and natural food preservation technique,can be a vital tool for enhancing flavours and textures while increasing nutritional value through the action of specific enzymes.This article aims to highlight the main challenges of using food processing by-products in human nutrition and explore possible strategies to improve their quality through the enzymatic action of microorganisms.展开更多
At 20:08,on September 18,2024,an M4.7 earthquake occurred along the Tanlu fault zone in the Feidong County of Hefei,Anhui Province.This earthquake is the largest event in the modern history of Hefei,which caused subst...At 20:08,on September 18,2024,an M4.7 earthquake occurred along the Tanlu fault zone in the Feidong County of Hefei,Anhui Province.This earthquake is the largest event in the modern history of Hefei,which caused substantial social impact.To reveal the seismogenic structure of the M4.7 Feidong earthquake sequence and assess seismic risks,we use data from both the permanent seismic network and a temporary dense nodal array deployed in the epicentral region prior to the mainshock for:(1)accurate location of the earthquake sequence and determination of the focal mechanisms;(2)obtaining the spatiotemporal distribution,b-value,and half-day occurrence frequency of the earthquake sequence.The Sentinel-1 satellite data are used to analyze the coseismic displacement.Additionally,velocity models from regional tomography and local high-resolution 2D active-and passive-source surveys across the Tanlu fault zone in the epicentral area are also used to reveal the detailed geometry of the seismogenic fault.The results indicate:(1)the M4.7 Feidong earthquake sequence is concentrated around 10.5 km in depth along a NW-dipping,subvertical fault which trends NE and is approximately 5 km in length;the focal mechanism solution also reveals that the fault hosting the mainshock is a subvertical strike-slip fault,driven by the regional compressional stress in ENE-WSW;the coseismic horizontal displacement on the surface caused by the M4.7 mainshock has a maximum value close to 1 mm;(2)the regional velocity model shows significant lateral variation in v_(S) in the source region,with the mainshock occurring in the area with higher velocity;high-resolution P-wave velocity structures obtained by full waveform inversion from active sources,and S-wave velocity structures from passive-source ambient noise tomography indicate that the mainshock occurred along the boundary between high-and low-velocity bodies,and the seismogenic fault dips NW;the deep seismic reflection profiling shows that the mainshock occurred within the Jurassic strata;(3)based on these results,we suggest the seismogenic fault for the M4.7 Feidong earthquake is either the Zhuding-Shimenshan fault,one of the major faults in the Tanlu fault zone,or a hidden fault to the east;the intersection of the NE-trending Tanlu fault zone and the WNW-trending Feizhong fault,along with significant velocity variations,likely create local stress concentrations which could have triggered the M4.7 Feidong earthquake sequence;(4)the strong aftershocks following the M4.7 Feidong mainshock did not further extend the fault rupture zone;the active period of the Zhuding-Shimenshan fault was the late Early Pleistocene to Middle Pleistocene,and the imaging results indicate that this fault does not cut through the shallow Feidong depression.In conjunction with the small coseismic rupture area,it is inferred that the probability of surface-rupturing earthquakes in the future is relatively low.展开更多
Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial obstruction of the upper airways (hypopnea) and/or intermittent compl...Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial obstruction of the upper airways (hypopnea) and/or intermittent complete obstruction (apnea). Our aim is to study the role of adeno-tonsillectomy in the management of OSAHS in children. Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted in the ENT-Head and Neck Surgery department of Ignace Deen National Hospital over a six-month period. We included in our study all patients aged 0 to 15 years, presenting with OSAHS of ENT etiology and who had undergone tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. Results: The frequency of OSAHS was 13%. The mean age of our patients was 5.1 ± 3.8 years. There was a predominance of males (69.6%) with a sex ratio of 2.28. Snoring (98.6%), nasal obstruction (97.1%), and mouth breathing (96.6%) were the main reasons for consultation. Adeno-tonsillectomy (45.4%) was the primary surgical intervention. Almost all children (99.0%) had a simple postoperative course. Conclusion: OSAHS is a condition with a multifactorial etiology. Adeno-tonsillectomy remains the first-line surgical treatment to prevent severe complications and relieve the patient. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential in the management of OSAHS.展开更多
Craniofacial microsomia(CFM)is a congenital malformation with maxillary and/or mandibular hypoplasia,skin tags,and ear malformations(Luo et al.,2023).Microtia,in its mildest form,can occur alone(Quiat et al.,2023).Wit...Craniofacial microsomia(CFM)is a congenital malformation with maxillary and/or mandibular hypoplasia,skin tags,and ear malformations(Luo et al.,2023).Microtia,in its mildest form,can occur alone(Quiat et al.,2023).With a prevalence of 3.8/100,000(Barisic et al.,2014),CFM is the second most common congenital craniofacial abnormality(Li et al.,2022;Luo et al.,2023).Most cases are sporadic,but familial ones suggest autosomal dominant(AD)or autosomal recessive(AR)(Beleza-Meireles et al.,2014).In 2023,Quiat et al.and Mao et al.successively identified FOXI3 variants in 16 pedigrees and 10 sporadic cases,respectively,accounting for 3.1%of CFM cases(Mao et al.,2023;Quiat et al.,2023).FOX/3 has surpassed SF3B2 as the most frequently identified pathogenic gene for CFM to date(Timberlake et al.,2021;Mao et al.,2023;Quiat et al.,2023).In this study,we performed whole-exome sequencing(WES)on 201 CFM pedigrees and detected FOX/3 variants in 8 AD-inherited pedigrees with 24 patients and 28 unaffected individuals(Fig.1A).展开更多
Hearing loss,which currently affects more than 430 million individuals globally and is projected to exceed 700 million by 2050,predominantly manifests as sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL),for which existing technologie...Hearing loss,which currently affects more than 430 million individuals globally and is projected to exceed 700 million by 2050,predominantly manifests as sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL),for which existing technologies such as hearing aids and cochlear implants fail to restore natural auditory function.Research focusing on protecting inner ear hair cells(HCs)from harmful factors through the regulation of epigenetic modifications has gained significant attention in otology for its role in regulating gene expression without altering the DNA sequence,suggesting potential strategies for preventing and treating SNHL.By synthesizing relevant studies on the inner ear,this review summarizes the emerging roles of histone modifications,DNA methylation,and noncoding RNAs in HC damage,with a focus on their therapeutic potential through epigenetic modulation.Moreover,this review examines the therapeutic potential of epigenetic regulation for the prevention and treatment of SNHL,emphasizing the application of small-molecule epigenetic compounds and their efficacy in modulating gene expression to preserve and restore auditory function.展开更多
Cancer is one of the main causes of death throughout the world.Radical elimination of tumor is crucial for a successful treatment.However,during cancer treatment,it is difficult to distinguish tumor boundaries with th...Cancer is one of the main causes of death throughout the world.Radical elimination of tumor is crucial for a successful treatment.However,during cancer treatment,it is difficult to distinguish tumor boundaries with the naked eye and to accurately exterminate it.In this work,based on the overexpression of H2S in some tumors,an activatable second near-infrared(NIR-Ⅱ)theranostic agent(NRS)for distinguishing tumor tissues from normal tissues,guiding surgical resection and ablating tumor tissues by efficient photothermal therapy is proposed.This developed probe NRS can emit fluorescence in the range of 900-1100 nm and detect tumor tissues with H2S overexpression.Under the guidance of NIR-Ⅱ fluorescence imaging,the tumor margins can be delineated clearly with high signal-to-background ratio.In addition,with the help of NIR-Ⅱ fluorescence surgery navigation,tumors tissues can be precisely resected.More importantly,the probe displays a high photothermal conversion efficiency and can efficiently induce tumor cells apoptosis under 808 nm laser irradiation.By using the desirable attributes of NRS,the tumor tissues with H2S overexpression was successfully ablated.This work provides a new tool for the future precision eradicate tumors without recurrence,which may have translational potential in biological and clinical systems.展开更多
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear mainly caused by bacteria,and current treatments rely heavily on antibiotics.However,the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains seriously affects their effic...Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear mainly caused by bacteria,and current treatments rely heavily on antibiotics.However,the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains seriously affects their efficacy.In our study,we found that extracellular vesicles(EVs)derived from human natural killer cells(NKs)inhibit the proliferation of both standard and levofloxacin(LVX)-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner.Moreover,compared to LVX,EVs were more effective at reducing effusion and rescuing hearing thresholds in animal models.For LVX-sensitive strains,EVs were significantly more effective in terms of curative time but not curative rate.For LVX-resistant strains,EVs were significantly more effective in terms of both curative rate and curative time when applied alone or applied jointly with LVX.In summary,we found that NK EVs are highly effective in treating otitis media,providing an alternative approach for treating this common disease.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52478351,52208329)the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission(Grant No.JCYJ20240813143306009)support is gratefully acknowledged.
文摘Polymer-modified bentonite(PMB)is much more effective at containing chemically aggressive liquids than conventional bentonite.The PMB manufacturing process typically utilizes natural,high-quality sodium bentonite(NaB)owing to its excellent hydrophilicity and swelling capacity.However,calcium bentonite(CaB),which is much more abundant worldwide,is rarely used for containment applications owing to its poor hydrophilicity.This study proposed a polymerization method that transforms sodium-activated calcium bentonite(NCB)into PMB to achieve low hydraulic conductivity(k)to aggressive liquids.The mechanism for its low k was revealed through characterization techniques and analyses(e.g.X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET)).The results showed that the PMB had a small amount of polymer elution(indicating better interface stability)and thus exhibited excellent barrier properties under chemically aggressive conditions,with the k of<10^(-11) m/s for 0.6 mol/L NaCl solution,which is four orders of magnitude lower than that of the NCB(k=3×10^(-7) m/s).Various microscopic analyses indicated that the selected monomers were successfully polymerized,and intercalated into and grafted onto the montmorillonite layers of bentonite.The formed polymer network increased the swelling capability of PMB granules,decreased the pore size,and created narrow and tortuous flow pathways leading to a very low k to aggressive liquids.
文摘Introduction: Diabetes remains a real public health problem today, due to its associated morbidity and mortality. It induces numerous metabolic, biochemical, hematological, and immunological changes, responsible for multiple complications. The objective of this study was to characterize clinically and biologically type 2 diabetic patients followed at the National Center for Diabetology and Arterial Hypertension of the Central Hospital of Yaoundé. Method: This prospective, cross-sectional, and analytical study took place from April 5 to July 31, 2023 (4 months) on 100 diabetic patients of both sexes (61 women and 39 men), aged from 31 to 88 years. Body Mass Index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and cardiac frequency were measured on each of the patients. Subsequently, blood was collected from the patients for the determination of the complete blood count, HBA1c, lipid profile, serum albumin, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. The data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software. Results: The age average of our population was 56.99 ± 11.51 years, the population was primarily female (61%) and primarily between the ages of 55 and 88. 67% of respondents were married. 59% went to secondary school. 73% of them lived in urban areas. 30% were obese and 40% were overweight, with an average BMI of 28.75 kg/m2. 76% of patients took oral antidiabetic medications. HbA1c level average was 8.65%, with 60% having readings above 6.5%. Low hemoglobin and hypochromia were among the abnormalities of red blood cells observed. Lipid profiles revealed low HDL-cholesterol and high triglycerides and cholesterol. Elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-6 indicated inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: These results indicate the necessity of focused diabetic care and management on diabetic patients attending the central hospital of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
文摘Introduction: Foreign bodies (FB) in the lower airways (LAs) constitute a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate management. The objective of our study was to describe the patient pathway and management of foreign bodies in the lower airways. Methodology: This was a descriptive study with retrospective data collection conducted over a 6-year period (January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019) in the ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Department of Donka National Hospital. Results: We observed a prevalence of 1.79%. The average age was 5.71 years, with a sex ratio of 1.2. However, 82.61% of the cases originated from rural areas. We noted that 78.83% of patients were referred after visiting 1 to 2 healthcare facilities (75.36%). The consultation delay was 3 days. Penetration syndrome was present in 98.56% of cases. The foreign body incidents occurred during play in 54.84% and during meals in 29.09% of cases. Radiographs were performed in 93.9% of cases. Endoscopy was used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in all patients. The foreign bodies were located in the trachea (37.68%), larynx (26.08%), and bronchi (21.73%). Non-organic foreign bodies were predominant (52.17%). Postoperative outcomes were uncomplicated in 95.98% of cases, and the lethality rate was 2.85%. Conclusion: The pathway of patients with foreign bodies in the airways remains unpredictable in our context due to parental hesitations. Early management reduces morbidity and mortality rates.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81700888).
文摘Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of Astragalus(AST)on osteoporosis(OP)and the downstream mechanisms.Methods Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hBMSCs)were induced to differentiate into osteogenic cells.After transfection with relevant plasmids,cell proliferation,cell cycle progression,and apoptosis were assessed.Alizarin red staining was used to detect calcium nodules in the cells,alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining was used to detect ALP activity in the cells,and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to determine RUNX2 and Osterix expression levels.An OP rat model was established using ovariectomy and micro-computed tomography scanning.Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson’s trichrome staining were used to evaluate the pathological conditions of bone tissues,while immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect RUNX2 in bone tissues.Results AST promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs,reduced miR-181d-5p expression levels,and increased SOX11 expression levels.Restoring miR-181d-5p expression or reducing SOX11 expression levels reversed the effects of AST on the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.miR-181d-5p was found to target SOX11 in hBMSCs.AST improved OP in rats,and miR-181d-5p overexpression or SOX11 inhibition reversed the therapeutic effects of AST on OP in rats.Conclusion AST promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs and alleviated OP by targeting SOX11 via miR-181d-5p.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82404058Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning,No.2024ZZ2049Beijing Xisike Clinical Oncology Research Foundation,No.Y-HS202401-0011.
文摘In this article we commented on an article published recently by Jiao et al.This retrospective study confirmed that the triple therapy of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with programmed death protein ligand 1 inhibitors and molecular targeted therapy can significantly reverse TACE resistance in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.Compared with TACE alone,the triple therapy reduced the resistance rate from 38.8%to 9.7%and increased the median progression-free survival and median overall survival by 92.3%and 26.8%,respectively.TACE induces tumor antigen release and upregulates programmed death protein ligand 1,activating the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors while molecular targeted therapy inhibits postembolization vascular regeneration,forming a dynamic synergistic network of embolization-immune activation-vascular inhibition.The maximum tumor diameter,capsule loss,and bilateral distribution were identified as independent predictors.This study provided level I evidence and promoted the transformation of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treatment from single local intervention to an integrated model of local control-systemic treatment.In the future it will be necessary to analyze the dynamic evolution rules of the tumor microenvironment through crossomics strategies,further explore biomarkers,optimize treatment sequences,and conduct multicenter prospective trials to verify long-term survival benefits and guide the optimization of individualized sequential treatment.
文摘AIM:To assess early visual outcomes and corneal stability following small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)in eyes with a pre-planned residual stromal thickness(RST)ranging from 280 to 300μm.METHODS:This retrospective study was designed to evaluate 82 eyes from 82 patients,all of whom had a pre-planned RST of 280 to 300μm and normal corneal topography prior to undergoing SMILE surgery.The mean preoperative spherical equivalent(SE)was-4.82±1.30 D.A standard follow-up protocol was conducted between 1 to 6mo postoperatively.Visual outcomes were recorded using uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)and subjective refraction.The curvature of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces,as well as the posterior elevation at the thinnest point(PTE)were derived from the Pentacam system.RESULTS:At the final follow-up,the efficacy index was 1.14±0.15,the safety index was 1.20±0.13.The mean preoperative UDVA was 0.78±0.16 logMAR,which improved significantly to-0.07±0.06 logMAR postoperatively(P<0.001).The preoperative mean SE was-4.82±1.30 D,which decreased to-0.14±0.30 D by the last visit.The curvature of the anterior cornea at the flat meridian(AK1)were 42.62±1.02 D preoperatively,38.56±1.37 D and 38.59±1.39 D at 1 and 6mo after operation,respectively.Corresponding measurements at the steep meridian(AK2)were 43.55±1.14 D preoperatively,39.18±1.46 D and 39.22±1.50 D at 1 and 6mo after operation,respectively.Both AK1 and AK2 remained stable at 1 and 6-mo postoperative intervals(P=0.126 and 0.082,respectively).There were no observed changes in the curvature of the posterior cornea at the flat meridian or at the steep meridian,or the PTE before and after surgery.CONCLUSION:SMILE represents a safe and effective procedure for the correction of myopia and astigmatism in eyes featuring a pre-planned RST ranging from 280 to 300μm accompanied by normal corneal topography,on the premise of strict control of surgical indications.
文摘As the demands for environmental sustainability and the requirements to lower carbon emissions have escalated,New Energy Vehicles(NEVs)have emerged as a compelling substitute for fossil-fuel-run automobiles.Hence,a smart energy management strategy has been developed to enhance the performance of NEVs,maximizing the sustainability of transportation systems and minimizing environmental impacts.The system combines different power reserves,includ-ing a photovoltaic(PV)generator,fuel cell(FC),and battery system,to provide a continuous energy supply,even when the vehicle is running.The Multi-Directional Power Transfer converter for the battery provides the required energy ad-aptation between the input and output.The FC and PV systems are all connected through a direct current/direct current converter to effectively charge the battery whenever excess energy is present.The new energy management technique called Optimized Ant Colony Algorithm is proposed to dynamically allocate power among the different power sources,improving system efficiency.Unlike traditional methods,the suggested approach actively optimizes energy flow accord-ing to actual demand and availability,minimizing energy losses and enhancing sustainability.The MATLAB/Simulink tool was used to simulate the energetic performance of an electric car utilizing the suggested approach.The performance of this multi-source power system is assessed by contrasting the energy the PV and FC generating devices offer,and the energy generation of each recharge system.Additionally,the battery power comparison validates the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the proposed model in NEVs.Results designate a significant improvement in energy efficiency and overall NEV environmental sustainability within contemporary transportation networks.
文摘Sessile oak(Quercus petraea(Matt.)Liebl.)is widely distributed across most of Europe particularly the hills and lower mountain ranges,so is considered“the oak of the mountains”.This species grows on a wide variety of soils and at altitudes ranging from sea level to 2200 m,especially in Atlantic and sub-Mediterranean climates,and it is sensitive to low winter temperatures,early and late frosts,as well as high summer temperatures.Sessile oak forms both pure and mixed stands especially with broadleaves such as European beech,European hornbeam,small-leaved lime and Acer spp.These form the understorey of sessile oak stands,promoting the natural shedding of lower branches of the oak and protecting the trunk against epicormic branches.Sessile oak is a long-lived,light-demanding and wind-firm species,owing to its taproot and heart-shaped root system.Its timber,one of the most valuable in Europe,is important for fur-niture-making(both solid wood and veneer),construction,barrels,railway sleepers,and is also used as fuelwood.It is one of the few major tree species in Europe that is regener-ated by seed(naturally or artificially)and by stump shoots in high forest,coppice-with-standards and coppice forests.Sessile oak forests are treated in both regular and irregular systems involving silvicultural techniques such as uniform shelterwood,group shelterwood,irregular shelterwood,irregular high forest,coppice-with-standards and simple coppice.Young naturally regenerated stands are managed by weeding,release cutting and cleaning-respacing,keeping the stands quite dense for good natural pruning.Plantations are based on(1)2-4-year old bare-root or container-grown seedlings produced in nurseries using seeds from genetic resources,seed stands and seed orchards.The density of sessile oak plantations(mostly in rows,but also in clusters)is usually between 4000 and 6000 ind.ha^(−1).Sessile oak silviculture of mature stands includes crown thinning,focus-ing on final crop trees(usually a maximum of 100 ind.ha^(−1))and targeting the production of large-diameter and high quality trees at long rotation ages(mostly over 120 years,sometimes 250-300 years).In different parts of Europe,conversion of simple coppices and coppice-with-standards to high forests is continuing.Even though manage-ment of sessile oak forests is very intensive and expensive,requiring active human intervention,the importance of this species in future European forests will increase in the con-text of climate change due to its high resistance to distur-bance,superior drought tolerance and heat stress resistance.
文摘The Tourism Industry plays a critical role in economic growth on the international scene but is equally responsible for contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and energy demand.The research analyzed the global trends of energy consumption(EC)within this industry concerning environmental performance,limits,and prospects of sustained expan-sion.It includes 300 tourism-related businesses across different global economic regions.Key tourism factors include EC,greenhouse gas emissions,renewable energy(RE)use,tourism’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP)contribution,and energy efficiency.Statistical methods such as regression and panel data analysis assess the impact of tourism GDP,carbon emissions and RE.The regression analysis,including linear regression and panel data regression,to assess the influence of factors such as tourism GDP,carbon emissions,RE share,and energy efficiency improvements,providing a data-driven approach to understanding EC in tourism.The findings reveal regional differences,with developed regions consuming more energy per capita,while developing markets show progress in energy-efficient practices.The findings of the linear regression analysis show tourism GDP contribution(β=4,200).The outcomes of the panel data regression analysis show the t-statistic values of carbon emissions(t=5.64).The Difference-in-Differences analysis indicates that tourist GDP is greater in developed regions(β=4,100)compared to developing regions(β=3,500).Carbon emissions(β=4,800)are greater,although RE(β=4,200)and energy efficiency(β=2,500)increase more in developing nations.The research emphasizes expanding use of RE in tourism infrastructure,especially in ecotourism and green hotels.
基金supported by the Commercialization Promotion Agency for R&D Outcomes(COMPA)grant funded by the Korea government(Ministry of Science and ICT)(RS-2025-02311658)supported by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF-2023R1A2C2008017)Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education(NRF-2020R1A6A1A03043435).
文摘Driven by rapid advancements in smart wearable technologies and perovskite photovoltaics,flexible perovskite solar cells(FPSCs)have emerged as highly promising autonomous power sources,poised to transform the next generation of mobile energy systems,portable electronics,and integrated wearable devices.For successful deployment in real-world scenarios,FPSCs must exhibit a combination of key attributes,including high power conversion efficiency,lightweight architecture,environmental robustness,and mechanical adaptability-encompassing flexibility,stretchability,and twistability.This review provides a detailed examination of the evolution,current state,and practical deployment of FPSCs,emphasizing their potential as efficient,portable energy solutions.It investigates advanced strategies for improving environmental resilience and mechanical recoverability,including the engineering of flexible substrates,deposition of high-quality perovskite films,and optimization of charge-selective interfaces.Additionally,it offers a systematic analysis of device design,fabrication protocols,scalable printing techniques,and standardized performance evaluation methods tailored for wearable FPSCs.Recent progress in enhancing the optoelectronic properties and mechanical durability of FPSCs is also critically reviewed.Ultimately,this work delivers a comprehensive perspective on FPSCs from both optoelectronic and mechanical viewpoints,identifies key challenges,and outlines future research pathways toward the seamless integration of FPSCs into multifunctional,next-generation wearable systems.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Nos.2023YFC3709500,2023YFC3709502 and 2022YFC3703400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42077191)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.63233054)Tianjin Science and Technology Plan Project(No.18PTZWHZ00120).
文摘Serious fine particulate matter(PM_(2.5))pollution and rapidly increasing of ground-level ozone(O_(3))concentrations are concern issues in China.To achieve the comprehensive control of PM_(2.5)-O_(3) composite air pollution,exploring the common sources of PM_(2.5) and VOCs is essential.However,previous researches most carried out either PM_(2.5) or VOCs source appointment.In this study,we applied the ensemble source apportionment method to explore the impacts of common sources on PM_(2.5)-VOCs.Subsequently,we obtained the ensemble source impacts on O_(3) combining the extracted VOCs source profile and ozone formation potential.We found that the focus of environmentalmanagement and source control should be varied accordingly for different pollutants.Vehicle emission was the largest contributor(41%)to PM_(2.5)-VOCs,while industrial emission was the main common source(51%)to O_(3).The result showed that the O_(3) production rate is not only related to the VOCs emission,but also to the reactivity of VOCs.In addition,sensitivity tests revealed that temperature was the main factor affecting O_(3) formation.The study provides a framework to explore the common sources impact on PM_(2.5) and VOCs,which is benefit to address both PM_(2.5) and O_(3) mitigations.
基金supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic(Grant Nos.SS01010270,SS06010420)by a long-term research development grant RVO(Grant No.67985939)。
文摘Sequencing of environmental samples has great potential for biodiversity research,but its application is limited by the lack of reliable DNA barcode databases for species identifications.Such a database has been created for epiphytic lichens of Europe,allowing us to compare the results of environmental sequencing with standard taxonomic surveys.The species undetected by taxonomic surveys(what we term the ghost component)amount to about half of the species actually present in hectare plots of Central European forests.Some of these,which currently occur only as diaspores or weakly developed thalli,are likely to be favoured in the course of global change.The ghost component usually represents a larger fraction in managed forests than in old-growth unmanaged forests.The total species composition of different plots is much more similar than suggested by taxonomic surveys alone.On a regional scale,this supports the well-known statement that“everything is everywhere,but,the environment selects”.
文摘Food waste and by-products are generated throughout the food processing and storage chain.In a world facing climate collapse and limited space for expanding cultivable land needed to feed a growing global population,utilizing food from sustainable production chains has become a significant challenge.Additionally,there is a worldwide trend towards consuming natural and healthy foods that are as free from chemical compounds as possible during production,processing,and preparation.Gradually,eating habits have adapted to these new trends,and new foods are being introduced into diets.In this context,research into sustainable practices has emerged worldwide,promoting the increased consumption of plant-based foods.The central idea of this article is connected to global concerns regarding food sources,minimizing waste,and innovatively using every ingredient.Fermentation,a traditional and natural food preservation technique,can be a vital tool for enhancing flavours and textures while increasing nutritional value through the action of specific enzymes.This article aims to highlight the main challenges of using food processing by-products in human nutrition and explore possible strategies to improve their quality through the enzymatic action of microorganisms.
基金supported by the Anhui Province Science and Technology Breakthrough Plan Project(Key Project,No.202423l10050030)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Fundamental Science Center Category B,No.4248830017)+4 种基金the Joint Funds of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U2139204)the National Natural Science Foundation of China Project(No.42104063)the Hefei Government Key Construction Project(No.2024BFFFD02048)the Earthquake Science and Technology Spark Program of the China Earthquake Administration(Nos.XH23020YA,XH24020B)the Anhui Mengcheng National Geophysical Observatory Joint Open Fund(No.MENGO-202307).
文摘At 20:08,on September 18,2024,an M4.7 earthquake occurred along the Tanlu fault zone in the Feidong County of Hefei,Anhui Province.This earthquake is the largest event in the modern history of Hefei,which caused substantial social impact.To reveal the seismogenic structure of the M4.7 Feidong earthquake sequence and assess seismic risks,we use data from both the permanent seismic network and a temporary dense nodal array deployed in the epicentral region prior to the mainshock for:(1)accurate location of the earthquake sequence and determination of the focal mechanisms;(2)obtaining the spatiotemporal distribution,b-value,and half-day occurrence frequency of the earthquake sequence.The Sentinel-1 satellite data are used to analyze the coseismic displacement.Additionally,velocity models from regional tomography and local high-resolution 2D active-and passive-source surveys across the Tanlu fault zone in the epicentral area are also used to reveal the detailed geometry of the seismogenic fault.The results indicate:(1)the M4.7 Feidong earthquake sequence is concentrated around 10.5 km in depth along a NW-dipping,subvertical fault which trends NE and is approximately 5 km in length;the focal mechanism solution also reveals that the fault hosting the mainshock is a subvertical strike-slip fault,driven by the regional compressional stress in ENE-WSW;the coseismic horizontal displacement on the surface caused by the M4.7 mainshock has a maximum value close to 1 mm;(2)the regional velocity model shows significant lateral variation in v_(S) in the source region,with the mainshock occurring in the area with higher velocity;high-resolution P-wave velocity structures obtained by full waveform inversion from active sources,and S-wave velocity structures from passive-source ambient noise tomography indicate that the mainshock occurred along the boundary between high-and low-velocity bodies,and the seismogenic fault dips NW;the deep seismic reflection profiling shows that the mainshock occurred within the Jurassic strata;(3)based on these results,we suggest the seismogenic fault for the M4.7 Feidong earthquake is either the Zhuding-Shimenshan fault,one of the major faults in the Tanlu fault zone,or a hidden fault to the east;the intersection of the NE-trending Tanlu fault zone and the WNW-trending Feizhong fault,along with significant velocity variations,likely create local stress concentrations which could have triggered the M4.7 Feidong earthquake sequence;(4)the strong aftershocks following the M4.7 Feidong mainshock did not further extend the fault rupture zone;the active period of the Zhuding-Shimenshan fault was the late Early Pleistocene to Middle Pleistocene,and the imaging results indicate that this fault does not cut through the shallow Feidong depression.In conjunction with the small coseismic rupture area,it is inferred that the probability of surface-rupturing earthquakes in the future is relatively low.
文摘Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial obstruction of the upper airways (hypopnea) and/or intermittent complete obstruction (apnea). Our aim is to study the role of adeno-tonsillectomy in the management of OSAHS in children. Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted in the ENT-Head and Neck Surgery department of Ignace Deen National Hospital over a six-month period. We included in our study all patients aged 0 to 15 years, presenting with OSAHS of ENT etiology and who had undergone tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. Results: The frequency of OSAHS was 13%. The mean age of our patients was 5.1 ± 3.8 years. There was a predominance of males (69.6%) with a sex ratio of 2.28. Snoring (98.6%), nasal obstruction (97.1%), and mouth breathing (96.6%) were the main reasons for consultation. Adeno-tonsillectomy (45.4%) was the primary surgical intervention. Almost all children (99.0%) had a simple postoperative course. Conclusion: OSAHS is a condition with a multifactorial etiology. Adeno-tonsillectomy remains the first-line surgical treatment to prevent severe complications and relieve the patient. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential in the management of OSAHS.
基金support in this study.This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82271889,82172105)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2701000)Shanghai Natural Science Foundation(23ZR1409400,24ZR1409400).
文摘Craniofacial microsomia(CFM)is a congenital malformation with maxillary and/or mandibular hypoplasia,skin tags,and ear malformations(Luo et al.,2023).Microtia,in its mildest form,can occur alone(Quiat et al.,2023).With a prevalence of 3.8/100,000(Barisic et al.,2014),CFM is the second most common congenital craniofacial abnormality(Li et al.,2022;Luo et al.,2023).Most cases are sporadic,but familial ones suggest autosomal dominant(AD)or autosomal recessive(AR)(Beleza-Meireles et al.,2014).In 2023,Quiat et al.and Mao et al.successively identified FOXI3 variants in 16 pedigrees and 10 sporadic cases,respectively,accounting for 3.1%of CFM cases(Mao et al.,2023;Quiat et al.,2023).FOX/3 has surpassed SF3B2 as the most frequently identified pathogenic gene for CFM to date(Timberlake et al.,2021;Mao et al.,2023;Quiat et al.,2023).In this study,we performed whole-exome sequencing(WES)on 201 CFM pedigrees and detected FOX/3 variants in 8 AD-inherited pedigrees with 24 patients and 28 unaffected individuals(Fig.1A).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82271158,82301312,82071045,82101219,82071048).
文摘Hearing loss,which currently affects more than 430 million individuals globally and is projected to exceed 700 million by 2050,predominantly manifests as sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL),for which existing technologies such as hearing aids and cochlear implants fail to restore natural auditory function.Research focusing on protecting inner ear hair cells(HCs)from harmful factors through the regulation of epigenetic modifications has gained significant attention in otology for its role in regulating gene expression without altering the DNA sequence,suggesting potential strategies for preventing and treating SNHL.By synthesizing relevant studies on the inner ear,this review summarizes the emerging roles of histone modifications,DNA methylation,and noncoding RNAs in HC damage,with a focus on their therapeutic potential through epigenetic modulation.Moreover,this review examines the therapeutic potential of epigenetic regulation for the prevention and treatment of SNHL,emphasizing the application of small-molecule epigenetic compounds and their efficacy in modulating gene expression to preserve and restore auditory function.
基金financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22406099,82172961,22077048 and22277014)the Special Fund of Taishan Scholars Project of Shandong Province(No.tsqnz20231253)+2 种基金Guangxi Natural Science Foundation(Nos.2021GXNSFDA075003,AD21220061)the startup fund of Guangxi University(No.A3040051003)the Major Science and Technology Plan Project of Hainan Province(No.ZDKJ202005)。
文摘Cancer is one of the main causes of death throughout the world.Radical elimination of tumor is crucial for a successful treatment.However,during cancer treatment,it is difficult to distinguish tumor boundaries with the naked eye and to accurately exterminate it.In this work,based on the overexpression of H2S in some tumors,an activatable second near-infrared(NIR-Ⅱ)theranostic agent(NRS)for distinguishing tumor tissues from normal tissues,guiding surgical resection and ablating tumor tissues by efficient photothermal therapy is proposed.This developed probe NRS can emit fluorescence in the range of 900-1100 nm and detect tumor tissues with H2S overexpression.Under the guidance of NIR-Ⅱ fluorescence imaging,the tumor margins can be delineated clearly with high signal-to-background ratio.In addition,with the help of NIR-Ⅱ fluorescence surgery navigation,tumors tissues can be precisely resected.More importantly,the probe displays a high photothermal conversion efficiency and can efficiently induce tumor cells apoptosis under 808 nm laser irradiation.By using the desirable attributes of NRS,the tumor tissues with H2S overexpression was successfully ablated.This work provides a new tool for the future precision eradicate tumors without recurrence,which may have translational potential in biological and clinical systems.
基金supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2021YFA1101302)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82171141 and 82192862)the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(21 JC401000).
文摘Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear mainly caused by bacteria,and current treatments rely heavily on antibiotics.However,the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains seriously affects their efficacy.In our study,we found that extracellular vesicles(EVs)derived from human natural killer cells(NKs)inhibit the proliferation of both standard and levofloxacin(LVX)-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner.Moreover,compared to LVX,EVs were more effective at reducing effusion and rescuing hearing thresholds in animal models.For LVX-sensitive strains,EVs were significantly more effective in terms of curative time but not curative rate.For LVX-resistant strains,EVs were significantly more effective in terms of both curative rate and curative time when applied alone or applied jointly with LVX.In summary,we found that NK EVs are highly effective in treating otitis media,providing an alternative approach for treating this common disease.
