Houston,Texas,is one of the earliest regions to employ continuous GPS technology for land subsidence monitoring.Currently,there are over 200 permanent GPS stations located in the greater Houston area.The need for a co...Houston,Texas,is one of the earliest regions to employ continuous GPS technology for land subsidence monitoring.Currently,there are over 200 permanent GPS stations located in the greater Houston area.The need for a consistent and stable reference frame to precisely interpret local ground deformation has become critically important since the 1990s,because of the significant spreading of subsidence.We have established a stable Houston reference frame,designated Houston16,using publicly available GPS observations(>5 years)from 15 Continuously Operating Reference Stations(CORS)located outside of the greater Houston area.Applications of the reference frame in subsidence and faulting studies are demonstrated in this article.Houston16 is aligned in origin and scale with the International GNSS Reference Frame of 2008(IGS08).A 7-parameter method was employed to transform the GPS-derived positional time series from IGS08 to Houston16.The primary product of this study is the seven parameters for transforming Earth-Centered-Earth-Fixed XYZ coordinates from IGS08 to Houston16.The frame stability of Houston16 is approximately 1 mm/year.Houston16 will be updated every few years to mitigate degradation of the frame’s stability with time and to synchronize with future updates of the IGS reference frame.展开更多
Background:In the 2022-2023 global outbreak,the United States and state of Texas recorded a total of 31,277 and 3,085 confirmed monkeypox(Mpox)cases respectively as of November 2023.This study aims to investigate the ...Background:In the 2022-2023 global outbreak,the United States and state of Texas recorded a total of 31,277 and 3,085 confirmed monkeypox(Mpox)cases respectively as of November 2023.This study aims to investigate the demographic characteristics and risk factors of Mpox outbreak in Houston and document the epidemiologic control measures implemented with their outcomes.Methods:Houston Health Department received reports of suspected Mpox cases via electronic case reports and laboratory reports from healthcare providers within Houston.These were then investigated and reclassified as either positive or negative using DNA polymerase chain reaction tests.All the reported cases received between May 2022 and January 2023 were included in this study using convenient sampling methods.Descriptive statistics using frequency distribution was used to analyze the sociodemographic,clinical features and travel history of the cases.A two-sided Chi-squared test was used to determine association between Mpox test results and risk factors with significant level set at P<0.05.Other infection control measures such as community engagement,health education,tracking and contact tracing,vaccination,referrals and laboratory sample logistics support were implemented by the health department.Results:Out of the total of 1,625 suspected persons investigated for Mpox,724(44.6%)tested positive.Among the 724 confirmed cases,male was 700(96.7%),females 20(2.8%),transgender male 1(0.1%),transgender female 3(0.4%).Age groups 30-39 years constituted 43.6%,18-29 years 27.4%,40-49 years 18.2%,50-59 years was 8%.Race distribution of positive cases was Whites 43.4%,African American 38.7%,Asian 1.4%.Risk factors with P<0.05 included male gender,age groups 30-39 years and 40-49 years,travel history to Mpox endemic areas,recent sexual contact with known or suspected Mpox cases,human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity.Identifying as gay and bisexual were also statistically significant risk factors for Mpox infection.Conclusion:The timely implementation of primary and secondary prevention measures targeted at the most at-risk populations was very effective at curtailing the spread of Mpox infection within the city of Houston.展开更多
Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Barker Reservoir in Houston, Texas, United States is reported. Samples were collected within one week after the August 2017 Hur...Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Barker Reservoir in Houston, Texas, United States is reported. Samples were collected within one week after the August 2017 Hurricane Harvey. Using a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectrometer, 4 VOCs and 13 PAHs were found in the Barker Reservoir. Concentrations of acetone, benzene, chloroform, and toluene were 1500, 380, 830, and 290 parts per million (ppm), respectively. Benzene and chloroform are classified as probable human carcinogens by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Six PAHs including benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, chrysene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene are probable human carcinogens. The most concentrated PAH was acenaphthylene at 0.068 ppm, while the least one was fluoranthene at 0.00046 ppm. Results revealed water contaminants in Houston and its vicinities during the flooding season and served as references for water monitoring purposes in the future.展开更多
Microglia are the macrophages that populate the brain parenchyma.Research in the past decades has identified them as both essential guardians of the brain and significant contributors to various neurological diseases....Microglia are the macrophages that populate the brain parenchyma.Research in the past decades has identified them as both essential guardians of the brain and significant contributors to various neurological diseases.A highly versatile cell type,microglia have been shown to fulfill a multitude of critical roles in the central nervous system,including facilitating neurogenesis and myelination,pruning synapses,removing debris and waste,modulating neuronal activity,supporting the blood-brain barrier,repairing tissue damage,and surveilling against microbial invasions under physiological conditions(Prinz et al.,2021;Paolicelli et al.,2022).展开更多
Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remains a global challenge,with limited effective treatment options for advanced-stage disease.The HIMALAYA trial(phase III randomized study that evaluated the STRIDE regimen)...Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remains a global challenge,with limited effective treatment options for advanced-stage disease.The HIMALAYA trial(phase III randomized study that evaluated the STRIDE regimen)introduced the Single Tremelimumab Regular Interval Durvalumab(STRIDE)regimen,an immunotherapy-based approach that achieved a median overall survival(OS)of 16.43 months compared to 13.77 months with sorafenib.While statistically significant,this~2.7 months OS gain warrants scrutiny in light of STRIDE’s increased immune-related toxicity and cost.This commentary evaluates STRIDE’s impact within the broader landscape of first-line systemic therapy for unresectable HCC,alongside other regimens such as atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and nivolumab plus ipilimumab.We explore STRIDE’s mechanism of action,safety profile,modest progression-free survival(PFS)improvement,and implementation challenges,incorporating insights from 2023-2025 research.In addition,we discussed its limitations in non-viral HCC and Child-Pugh B patients,the role of emerging biomarkers,and the potential of radiation to enhance immunotherapy efficacy.As a dual immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI)strategy,STRIDE offers an important advance that may not only extend survival but also open the door to future curative approaches.However,optimizing its use will require refined patient selection and further investigation of synergistic combination therapies.展开更多
Background:The development of relevant and robust large animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma is needed to test new therapeutic strategies for this disease.Transgenic approaches hold promise in addressing this com...Background:The development of relevant and robust large animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma is needed to test new therapeutic strategies for this disease.Transgenic approaches hold promise in addressing this complex problem.One such model,the Oncopig,has been reported to develop tumors of up to 4 cm in diameter within 7-14 days at sites of in situ vector inoculation.However,the resulting lesions reportedly contained an extensive inflammatory component that has not been evaluated in detail.Methods:Herein,we describe our results from multiparametric characterization of the lesions generated using liver biopsy cores incubated in vector solution and re-placed in the tissue.The study consisted of 3 animals in 3 cohorts(total of 9 animals)that were evaluated at 14,21,and 28 days.CT imaging,immunohistochemistry,multiplex immunofluorescence,and comprehensive blood analyses were used to quantify composition of the hepatic masses that developed following AdCre inoculation.Results:The tumors were hypovascular on CT and predominantly composed of CD45+cells with a strong lymphohistiocytic component,with no carcinomas identified.Ki-67 staining showed proliferation of CD45+immune cells but no neoplastic component.To provide further insight,the results are evaluated in the context of tumor growth kinetics.Conclusion:While progress has been made in generating targetable lesions,achieving a robust large animal model of liver cancer that faithfully recapitulates the human disease remains a challenging goal.展开更多
Neuroinflammation is a crucial factor in the progression of various diseases,ranging from immune-related conditions such as sepsis to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease(AD)(Ravichandran and Henek...Neuroinflammation is a crucial factor in the progression of various diseases,ranging from immune-related conditions such as sepsis to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease(AD)(Ravichandran and Heneka,2024).This perspective article,which draws on insights from diverse fields including neuroscience,immunology,and pathology,p rovides a critical analysis of ongoing research efforts in inflammasome biology,with specific emphasis on Nod-like receptor(NLR)and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3).展开更多
Electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol for value-added chemicals is a superior strategy to utilize the excess glycerol produced in the biodiesel industry.Pd is one of the few active catalysts for alkaline glycerol oxi...Electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol for value-added chemicals is a superior strategy to utilize the excess glycerol produced in the biodiesel industry.Pd is one of the few active catalysts for alkaline glycerol oxidation reaction(GOR);however,glycerol inevitably dissociates and converts to carbon dioxide on the Pd surface,which results in its low total Faradaic efficiency(FE)for high-value-added products.Herein,a series of Pd/C and Pd10Bix/C catalysts were synthesized to investigate the GOR pathway.The Pd10Bi3/C catalyst with optimal Bi content achieved an excellent GOR mass activity of 7.5±0.2 A mgPd−1 and an outstanding total FE of 90%±3%,which are much higher than those values on Pd/C(1.2±0.2 A mgPd−1 for mass activity and 63%±4%for total FE).Combined results of in-situ attenuated total reflection surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations show that Bi suppresses the dissociation of glycerol through the“shielding effect”of Bi to the adjacent Pd sites,which weakens the adsorption strength of GOR intermediates on those sites.This work provides a new insight into the GOR mechanism and puts forward a valid strategy for the rational design of catalysts to enable the transformation of glycerol into high-value-added products.展开更多
Distributions of nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)relaxation times provide detailed information about the water in wood.This study documents the water dynamics analysis of T_(2)and T_(1)distributions for saturated delig...Distributions of nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)relaxation times provide detailed information about the water in wood.This study documents the water dynamics analysis of T_(2)and T_(1)distributions for saturated delignified sapwood(DSW),delignified heartwood(DHW)and lignocellulose(LC)samples at different temperatures.Results indicate that below the freezing point of bulk water,free water freezes,causing its signal to disappear from the distribution.Then,the low temperature distributions of the unfrozen bound water contain more information about its components,with DSW,DHW and LC containing two distinct states of bound water(OH bound water(B-water)and more freely bound water(C-water)).Furthermore,it was observed that within the temperature range of−3°C to−60°C,B-water in DSW,DHW and LC maintained a higher unfrozen water content(UWC)value than C-water,and the T_(1)/T_(2)ratios for B-water were consistently higher than that for C-water,indicating that B-water has a greater antifreeze capacity.T_(2)and T_(1)distributions offer different kinds of information about water components,and all peaks within the distribution have been assigned.展开更多
Vehicular communication systems rely on secure vehicle-to-vehicle(V2V)communications for safety-critical information exchange.However,the presence of eavesdropping vehicles poses a significant challenge.This paper inv...Vehicular communication systems rely on secure vehicle-to-vehicle(V2V)communications for safety-critical information exchange.However,the presence of eavesdropping vehicles poses a significant challenge.This paper investigates the security of V2V communications in reconfigurable intelligent surface(RIS)-assisted vehicular communication systems with spectrum sharing.It proposes a three-stage alternating optimization(TSAO)algorithm to address the complex problem of multiple eavesdropped V2V links that reuse the spectrum already occupied by vehicle-toinfrastructure(V2I)links.To solve the mixed-integer and non-convex optimization problem due to coupled variables and complex constraints,the algorithm decomposes the original problem into three easily solvable sub-problems:RIS reflection coefficient optimization,vehicle transmission power optimization,and spectrum sharing optimization.First,the RIS reflection coefficients are optimized by using the penalty convex-concave procedure(CCP)method.Second,the optimal power points are determined in the power optimization sub-problem.Finally,the spectrum sharing optimization sub-problem is constructed as a weighted bipartite graph matching problem and solved by using the optimal matching algorithm.The TSAO algorithm not only maximizes the sum V2V secrecy rate but also ensures the quality-of-service(QoS)requirements of the V2I links.Simulation results validate the superiority of the proposed algorithm and highlight the improvement in the sum V2V secrecy rate achieved by utilizing RIS technology in vehicular communication systems with spectrum sharing.展开更多
In recent years,the research on superconductivity in one-dimensional(1D)materials has been attracting increasing attention due to its potential applications in low-dimensional nanodevices.However,the critical temperat...In recent years,the research on superconductivity in one-dimensional(1D)materials has been attracting increasing attention due to its potential applications in low-dimensional nanodevices.However,the critical temperature(T_(c))of 1D superconductors is low.In this work,we theoretically investigate the possible high T_(c) superconductivity of(5,5)carbon nanotube(CNT).The pristine(5,5)CNT is a Dirac semimetal and can be modulated into a semiconductor by full hydrogenation.Interestingly,by further hole doping,it can be regulated into a metallic state with the sp^(3)-hybridized σ electrons metalized,and a giant Kohn anomaly appears in the optical phonons.The two factors together enhance the electron–phonon coupling,and lead to high-T_(c) superconductivity.When the hole doping concentration of hydrogenated-(5,5)CNT is 2.5 hole/cell,the calculated T_(c) is 82.3 K,exceeding the boiling point of liquid nitrogen.Therefore,the predicted hole-doped hydrogenated-(5,5)CNT provides a new platform for 1D high-T_(c) superconductivity and may have potential applications in 1D nanodevices.展开更多
The transport properties of liquid mixtures confined within porous media can change significantly from those observed for bulk mixtures due to changes in the liquid structuring within the pore space.Here,pulsed field ...The transport properties of liquid mixtures confined within porous media can change significantly from those observed for bulk mixtures due to changes in the liquid structuring within the pore space.Here,pulsed field gradient NMR was used to measure the diffusion coefficient of ethanol in ethanol-water liquid mixtures confined within silicas with pore diameters of 6 nm and 3 nm as a function of composition.For liquids imbibed within the 6 nm pores,the composition dependence of the ethanol diffusion coefficient closely followed that of the bulk liquid mixture and the absolute diffusion coefficients were reduced by a tortuosity factor of 3,with a minor contribution due to liquid-surface interactions.For liquids imbibed within the 3 nm pores,the diffusion coefficient of ethanol decreased as the composition of ethanol within the pore space increased,and for single-component ethanol imbibition the effective tortuosity was 63.Fast field cycling NMR experiments showed that the diffusion behaviour was not controlled by an increase in ethanol adsorption strength.A geometric analysis of the pore space was consistent with a highly confined system in which most molecules interacted with the pore walls.Under such confinement,the liquid structuring within the bulk pore space did not reflect that of the bulk liquid mixtures,and the observed decrease in diffusion coefficient as ethanol composition increased was consistent with an increase in confinement due to the larger size of the ethanol molecule.展开更多
Background:Os Draconis is an important material in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However,its market is saturated with counterfeit products,and the limitations of current identification methods pose a serious threa...Background:Os Draconis is an important material in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However,its market is saturated with counterfeit products,and the limitations of current identification methods pose a serious threat to clinical effectiveness and drug safety.This study aims to establish a more accurate and comprehensive authentication system for Os Draconis.Methods:A comprehensive approach was employed to analyze authentic Os Draconis,fossilized Os Draconis,counterfeit products,and lab-prepared modern animal bones.The analytical techniques included ^(14)C dating,electron probe microanalysis(EPMA),polarized light microscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD),inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS),and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR).The study focused on examining the microstructural features and micro-area elemental compositions to identify distinguishing characteristics.Results:Physical identification alone was insufficient to reliably distinguish authentic Os Draconis from its counterfeits.XRD analysis revealed that while hydroxyapatite is the main component in all samples,authentic Os Draconis also contains calcium carbonate and quartz,which were absent in counterfeit and lab-prepared samples.FTIR spectra identified the carbonate ion(CO_(3)^(2-))as a characteristic infrared marker for authentic Os Draconis.ICP-MS analysis showed that Ca and P are the major elements,with a notably high content of Lanthanum(La)among rare earth elements in authentic samples.The EPMA results demonstrated that the Ca/P ratio of authentic Os Draconis is distinct,falling between that of fossilized Os Draconis and counterfeit samples.Conclusion:This study successfully identified several precise markers,including the presence of calcium carbonate,the characteristic CO_(3)^(2-)infrared peak,a high La content,and a specific Ca/P ratio,for the accurate and rapid authentication of Os Draconis.Furthermore,the analysis of its natural porous structure,suitable pore size,and surface area suggests that Os Draconis has significant potential as a natural drug carrier.展开更多
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)is a progressive neurodegenerative disease marked by motor neuron(MN)degeneration,neuromuscular junction disruption,and muscle atrophy,ultimately leading to paralysis and death.Despit...Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)is a progressive neurodegenerative disease marked by motor neuron(MN)degeneration,neuromuscular junction disruption,and muscle atrophy,ultimately leading to paralysis and death.Despite extensive research,no effective treatment exists,highlighting the need to elucidate mechanisms driving ALS pathogenesis.About 90%of ALS cases are sporadic ALS and lack a clear genetic cause;the remaining 10%are familial ALS,associated with mutations in over 25 genes.The most common mutations are in superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)and C9ORF72,with rarer variants in FUS,TARDBP,TBK1,and VCP.展开更多
Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyp...Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyperi Rhizoma varies significantly across different regions,potentially influencing its therapeutic efficacy.This study investigates the influence of geographic origin on the chemical composition and overall quality of Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods:A comprehensive approach,including traditional quality assessment,GC-MS(g as c hromatography-m ass s pectrometry),RP-HPLC(r everse p hase h igh-p erformance l iquid c hromatography),and FT-IR(f ourier t ransform i nfrared s pectroscopy)techniques,was employed to analyze Cyperi Rhizoma samples from Shandong Province.These methods examined the physical appearance,chemical profile,and content variations,particularly focusing onα-cyperone.Results:Traditional quality assessments revealed noticeable differences in the external characteristics of the samples.GC-MS analysis identified a variety of unique chemical constituents,while RP-HPLC and FT-IR showed significant variations inα-cyperone content,with higher levels found in Shandong samples.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that geographic origin is a critical determinant of Cyperi Rhizoma quality,with Shandong specimens exhibiting superiorα-cyperone levels and characteristic phytochemical profiles.This validates the geo-authenticity concept in TCM and provides actionable data for developing evidence-based quality standards,suggesting that provenance should be prioritized in medicinal material selection and pharmacopeial specifications.展开更多
Spinal cord injury necessitates effective rehabilitation strategies, with exercise therapies showing promise in promoting recovery. This study investigated the impact of rehabilitation exercise on functional recovery ...Spinal cord injury necessitates effective rehabilitation strategies, with exercise therapies showing promise in promoting recovery. This study investigated the impact of rehabilitation exercise on functional recovery and morphological changes following thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. After a 7-day recovery period after spinal cord injury, mice were assigned to either a trained group(10 weeks of voluntary running wheel or forced treadmill exercise) or an untrained group. Bi-weekly assessments revealed that the exercise-trained group, particularly the voluntary wheel exercise subgroup, displayed significantly improved locomotor recovery, more plasticity of dopaminergic and serotonin modulation compared with the untrained group. Additionally, exercise interventions led to gait pattern restoration and enhanced transcranial magnetic motor-evoked potentials. Despite consistent injury areas across groups, exercise training promoted terminal innervation of descending axons. In summary, voluntary wheel exercise shows promise for enhancing outcomes after thoracic contusive spinal cord injury, emphasizing the role of exercise modality in promoting recovery and morphological changes in spinal cord injuries. Our findings will influence future strategies for rehabilitation exercises, restoring functional movement after spinal cord injury.展开更多
目的/意义 针对医疗器械制造商与用户设施不良事件报告(manufacturer and user facility device experience, MAUDE)数据库分析中存在的技术复杂度高与效率低等问题,设计并实现自动化分析框架,降低数据库分析难度并加速研究产出。方法/...目的/意义 针对医疗器械制造商与用户设施不良事件报告(manufacturer and user facility device experience, MAUDE)数据库分析中存在的技术复杂度高与效率低等问题,设计并实现自动化分析框架,降低数据库分析难度并加速研究产出。方法/过程 基于双链式结构设计AutoQUEST框架,其具备研究问题自动生成、结构化SQL查询构建及数据分析能力。通过5组案例评估框架查询成功率、执行时间及报告质量。结果/结论 在最优案例中,该框架查询成功率达100%,执行时间158秒,综合质量评分4.74分(满分5分),既能实现MAUDE数据库高效自动化分析,又能保持高质量的分析结果,可为医疗机构、医疗器械制造商及监管机构提供便捷可靠的数据分析支持。展开更多
基金supported by the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District(HGSD)the National Science Foundation(NSF)through awards EAR-1242383,DUE-1243582,and OISE1460034
文摘Houston,Texas,is one of the earliest regions to employ continuous GPS technology for land subsidence monitoring.Currently,there are over 200 permanent GPS stations located in the greater Houston area.The need for a consistent and stable reference frame to precisely interpret local ground deformation has become critically important since the 1990s,because of the significant spreading of subsidence.We have established a stable Houston reference frame,designated Houston16,using publicly available GPS observations(>5 years)from 15 Continuously Operating Reference Stations(CORS)located outside of the greater Houston area.Applications of the reference frame in subsidence and faulting studies are demonstrated in this article.Houston16 is aligned in origin and scale with the International GNSS Reference Frame of 2008(IGS08).A 7-parameter method was employed to transform the GPS-derived positional time series from IGS08 to Houston16.The primary product of this study is the seven parameters for transforming Earth-Centered-Earth-Fixed XYZ coordinates from IGS08 to Houston16.The frame stability of Houston16 is approximately 1 mm/year.Houston16 will be updated every few years to mitigate degradation of the frame’s stability with time and to synchronize with future updates of the IGS reference frame.
基金supported by U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Crisis Response Funding titled CDC-RFA-TP22-2201:Public Health Crisis Response Cooperative Agreement.
文摘Background:In the 2022-2023 global outbreak,the United States and state of Texas recorded a total of 31,277 and 3,085 confirmed monkeypox(Mpox)cases respectively as of November 2023.This study aims to investigate the demographic characteristics and risk factors of Mpox outbreak in Houston and document the epidemiologic control measures implemented with their outcomes.Methods:Houston Health Department received reports of suspected Mpox cases via electronic case reports and laboratory reports from healthcare providers within Houston.These were then investigated and reclassified as either positive or negative using DNA polymerase chain reaction tests.All the reported cases received between May 2022 and January 2023 were included in this study using convenient sampling methods.Descriptive statistics using frequency distribution was used to analyze the sociodemographic,clinical features and travel history of the cases.A two-sided Chi-squared test was used to determine association between Mpox test results and risk factors with significant level set at P<0.05.Other infection control measures such as community engagement,health education,tracking and contact tracing,vaccination,referrals and laboratory sample logistics support were implemented by the health department.Results:Out of the total of 1,625 suspected persons investigated for Mpox,724(44.6%)tested positive.Among the 724 confirmed cases,male was 700(96.7%),females 20(2.8%),transgender male 1(0.1%),transgender female 3(0.4%).Age groups 30-39 years constituted 43.6%,18-29 years 27.4%,40-49 years 18.2%,50-59 years was 8%.Race distribution of positive cases was Whites 43.4%,African American 38.7%,Asian 1.4%.Risk factors with P<0.05 included male gender,age groups 30-39 years and 40-49 years,travel history to Mpox endemic areas,recent sexual contact with known or suspected Mpox cases,human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity.Identifying as gay and bisexual were also statistically significant risk factors for Mpox infection.Conclusion:The timely implementation of primary and secondary prevention measures targeted at the most at-risk populations was very effective at curtailing the spread of Mpox infection within the city of Houston.
文摘Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Barker Reservoir in Houston, Texas, United States is reported. Samples were collected within one week after the August 2017 Hurricane Harvey. Using a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectrometer, 4 VOCs and 13 PAHs were found in the Barker Reservoir. Concentrations of acetone, benzene, chloroform, and toluene were 1500, 380, 830, and 290 parts per million (ppm), respectively. Benzene and chloroform are classified as probable human carcinogens by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Six PAHs including benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, chrysene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene are probable human carcinogens. The most concentrated PAH was acenaphthylene at 0.068 ppm, while the least one was fluoranthene at 0.00046 ppm. Results revealed water contaminants in Houston and its vicinities during the flooding season and served as references for water monitoring purposes in the future.
基金funded by NIH grants HL154720-03S1, AG057587, AG074283, DK122708-03S1, BrightFocus ADR A20183775Brown Foundation 2020 Healthy Aging Initiative (to WC)
文摘Microglia are the macrophages that populate the brain parenchyma.Research in the past decades has identified them as both essential guardians of the brain and significant contributors to various neurological diseases.A highly versatile cell type,microglia have been shown to fulfill a multitude of critical roles in the central nervous system,including facilitating neurogenesis and myelination,pruning synapses,removing debris and waste,modulating neuronal activity,supporting the blood-brain barrier,repairing tissue damage,and surveilling against microbial invasions under physiological conditions(Prinz et al.,2021;Paolicelli et al.,2022).
文摘Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remains a global challenge,with limited effective treatment options for advanced-stage disease.The HIMALAYA trial(phase III randomized study that evaluated the STRIDE regimen)introduced the Single Tremelimumab Regular Interval Durvalumab(STRIDE)regimen,an immunotherapy-based approach that achieved a median overall survival(OS)of 16.43 months compared to 13.77 months with sorafenib.While statistically significant,this~2.7 months OS gain warrants scrutiny in light of STRIDE’s increased immune-related toxicity and cost.This commentary evaluates STRIDE’s impact within the broader landscape of first-line systemic therapy for unresectable HCC,alongside other regimens such as atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and nivolumab plus ipilimumab.We explore STRIDE’s mechanism of action,safety profile,modest progression-free survival(PFS)improvement,and implementation challenges,incorporating insights from 2023-2025 research.In addition,we discussed its limitations in non-viral HCC and Child-Pugh B patients,the role of emerging biomarkers,and the potential of radiation to enhance immunotherapy efficacy.As a dual immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI)strategy,STRIDE offers an important advance that may not only extend survival but also open the door to future curative approaches.However,optimizing its use will require refined patient selection and further investigation of synergistic combination therapies.
基金Institutional Research Grant,MD Anderson Cancer CenterUPWARDS Training Program(Undergraduate Students Working Towards Research in Science),Grant/Award Number:1R25CA240137-01A1the CPRIT Research Training Award CPRIT Training Program,Grant/Award Number:RP210028。
文摘Background:The development of relevant and robust large animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma is needed to test new therapeutic strategies for this disease.Transgenic approaches hold promise in addressing this complex problem.One such model,the Oncopig,has been reported to develop tumors of up to 4 cm in diameter within 7-14 days at sites of in situ vector inoculation.However,the resulting lesions reportedly contained an extensive inflammatory component that has not been evaluated in detail.Methods:Herein,we describe our results from multiparametric characterization of the lesions generated using liver biopsy cores incubated in vector solution and re-placed in the tissue.The study consisted of 3 animals in 3 cohorts(total of 9 animals)that were evaluated at 14,21,and 28 days.CT imaging,immunohistochemistry,multiplex immunofluorescence,and comprehensive blood analyses were used to quantify composition of the hepatic masses that developed following AdCre inoculation.Results:The tumors were hypovascular on CT and predominantly composed of CD45+cells with a strong lymphohistiocytic component,with no carcinomas identified.Ki-67 staining showed proliferation of CD45+immune cells but no neoplastic component.To provide further insight,the results are evaluated in the context of tumor growth kinetics.Conclusion:While progress has been made in generating targetable lesions,achieving a robust large animal model of liver cancer that faithfully recapitulates the human disease remains a challenging goal.
基金supported by a grant from NIH(R01AI132695)to RM。
文摘Chronic wasting disease—a prion disease affecting cervids:Many neurological conditions,including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,frontotemporal dementias,among others,are caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain.These diseases affect not only humans,but also animals.
基金supported by Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium-TARCC 2022-26,The National Football League Players Association-NFLPA,NIH/NIA Grant 1R01 AG072491 to TB and FDP.
文摘Neuroinflammation is a crucial factor in the progression of various diseases,ranging from immune-related conditions such as sepsis to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease(AD)(Ravichandran and Heneka,2024).This perspective article,which draws on insights from diverse fields including neuroscience,immunology,and pathology,p rovides a critical analysis of ongoing research efforts in inflammasome biology,with specific emphasis on Nod-like receptor(NLR)and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant number 22172112)and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.
文摘Electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol for value-added chemicals is a superior strategy to utilize the excess glycerol produced in the biodiesel industry.Pd is one of the few active catalysts for alkaline glycerol oxidation reaction(GOR);however,glycerol inevitably dissociates and converts to carbon dioxide on the Pd surface,which results in its low total Faradaic efficiency(FE)for high-value-added products.Herein,a series of Pd/C and Pd10Bix/C catalysts were synthesized to investigate the GOR pathway.The Pd10Bi3/C catalyst with optimal Bi content achieved an excellent GOR mass activity of 7.5±0.2 A mgPd−1 and an outstanding total FE of 90%±3%,which are much higher than those values on Pd/C(1.2±0.2 A mgPd−1 for mass activity and 63%±4%for total FE).Combined results of in-situ attenuated total reflection surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations show that Bi suppresses the dissociation of glycerol through the“shielding effect”of Bi to the adjacent Pd sites,which weakens the adsorption strength of GOR intermediates on those sites.This work provides a new insight into the GOR mechanism and puts forward a valid strategy for the rational design of catalysts to enable the transformation of glycerol into high-value-added products.
基金supported by Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China (2023MS03027)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31860185 and 31160141)
文摘Distributions of nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)relaxation times provide detailed information about the water in wood.This study documents the water dynamics analysis of T_(2)and T_(1)distributions for saturated delignified sapwood(DSW),delignified heartwood(DHW)and lignocellulose(LC)samples at different temperatures.Results indicate that below the freezing point of bulk water,free water freezes,causing its signal to disappear from the distribution.Then,the low temperature distributions of the unfrozen bound water contain more information about its components,with DSW,DHW and LC containing two distinct states of bound water(OH bound water(B-water)and more freely bound water(C-water)).Furthermore,it was observed that within the temperature range of−3°C to−60°C,B-water in DSW,DHW and LC maintained a higher unfrozen water content(UWC)value than C-water,and the T_(1)/T_(2)ratios for B-water were consistently higher than that for C-water,indicating that B-water has a greater antifreeze capacity.T_(2)and T_(1)distributions offer different kinds of information about water components,and all peaks within the distribution have been assigned.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.61772130,71171045 and 61901104)Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission,China(No.14YZ130)。
文摘Vehicular communication systems rely on secure vehicle-to-vehicle(V2V)communications for safety-critical information exchange.However,the presence of eavesdropping vehicles poses a significant challenge.This paper investigates the security of V2V communications in reconfigurable intelligent surface(RIS)-assisted vehicular communication systems with spectrum sharing.It proposes a three-stage alternating optimization(TSAO)algorithm to address the complex problem of multiple eavesdropped V2V links that reuse the spectrum already occupied by vehicle-toinfrastructure(V2I)links.To solve the mixed-integer and non-convex optimization problem due to coupled variables and complex constraints,the algorithm decomposes the original problem into three easily solvable sub-problems:RIS reflection coefficient optimization,vehicle transmission power optimization,and spectrum sharing optimization.First,the RIS reflection coefficients are optimized by using the penalty convex-concave procedure(CCP)method.Second,the optimal power points are determined in the power optimization sub-problem.Finally,the spectrum sharing optimization sub-problem is constructed as a weighted bipartite graph matching problem and solved by using the optimal matching algorithm.The TSAO algorithm not only maximizes the sum V2V secrecy rate but also ensures the quality-of-service(QoS)requirements of the V2I links.Simulation results validate the superiority of the proposed algorithm and highlight the improvement in the sum V2V secrecy rate achieved by utilizing RIS technology in vehicular communication systems with spectrum sharing.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.12074213 and 11574108)the Major Basic Program of Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Grant No.ZR2021ZD01)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Grant No.ZR2023MA082)。
文摘In recent years,the research on superconductivity in one-dimensional(1D)materials has been attracting increasing attention due to its potential applications in low-dimensional nanodevices.However,the critical temperature(T_(c))of 1D superconductors is low.In this work,we theoretically investigate the possible high T_(c) superconductivity of(5,5)carbon nanotube(CNT).The pristine(5,5)CNT is a Dirac semimetal and can be modulated into a semiconductor by full hydrogenation.Interestingly,by further hole doping,it can be regulated into a metallic state with the sp^(3)-hybridized σ electrons metalized,and a giant Kohn anomaly appears in the optical phonons.The two factors together enhance the electron–phonon coupling,and lead to high-T_(c) superconductivity.When the hole doping concentration of hydrogenated-(5,5)CNT is 2.5 hole/cell,the calculated T_(c) is 82.3 K,exceeding the boiling point of liquid nitrogen.Therefore,the predicted hole-doped hydrogenated-(5,5)CNT provides a new platform for 1D high-T_(c) superconductivity and may have potential applications in 1D nanodevices.
文摘The transport properties of liquid mixtures confined within porous media can change significantly from those observed for bulk mixtures due to changes in the liquid structuring within the pore space.Here,pulsed field gradient NMR was used to measure the diffusion coefficient of ethanol in ethanol-water liquid mixtures confined within silicas with pore diameters of 6 nm and 3 nm as a function of composition.For liquids imbibed within the 6 nm pores,the composition dependence of the ethanol diffusion coefficient closely followed that of the bulk liquid mixture and the absolute diffusion coefficients were reduced by a tortuosity factor of 3,with a minor contribution due to liquid-surface interactions.For liquids imbibed within the 3 nm pores,the diffusion coefficient of ethanol decreased as the composition of ethanol within the pore space increased,and for single-component ethanol imbibition the effective tortuosity was 63.Fast field cycling NMR experiments showed that the diffusion behaviour was not controlled by an increase in ethanol adsorption strength.A geometric analysis of the pore space was consistent with a highly confined system in which most molecules interacted with the pore walls.Under such confinement,the liquid structuring within the bulk pore space did not reflect that of the bulk liquid mixtures,and the observed decrease in diffusion coefficient as ethanol composition increased was consistent with an increase in confinement due to the larger size of the ethanol molecule.
基金supported by the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82204610)+1 种基金the Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
文摘Background:Os Draconis is an important material in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However,its market is saturated with counterfeit products,and the limitations of current identification methods pose a serious threat to clinical effectiveness and drug safety.This study aims to establish a more accurate and comprehensive authentication system for Os Draconis.Methods:A comprehensive approach was employed to analyze authentic Os Draconis,fossilized Os Draconis,counterfeit products,and lab-prepared modern animal bones.The analytical techniques included ^(14)C dating,electron probe microanalysis(EPMA),polarized light microscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD),inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS),and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR).The study focused on examining the microstructural features and micro-area elemental compositions to identify distinguishing characteristics.Results:Physical identification alone was insufficient to reliably distinguish authentic Os Draconis from its counterfeits.XRD analysis revealed that while hydroxyapatite is the main component in all samples,authentic Os Draconis also contains calcium carbonate and quartz,which were absent in counterfeit and lab-prepared samples.FTIR spectra identified the carbonate ion(CO_(3)^(2-))as a characteristic infrared marker for authentic Os Draconis.ICP-MS analysis showed that Ca and P are the major elements,with a notably high content of Lanthanum(La)among rare earth elements in authentic samples.The EPMA results demonstrated that the Ca/P ratio of authentic Os Draconis is distinct,falling between that of fossilized Os Draconis and counterfeit samples.Conclusion:This study successfully identified several precise markers,including the presence of calcium carbonate,the characteristic CO_(3)^(2-)infrared peak,a high La content,and a specific Ca/P ratio,for the accurate and rapid authentication of Os Draconis.Furthermore,the analysis of its natural porous structure,suitable pore size,and surface area suggests that Os Draconis has significant potential as a natural drug carrier.
文摘Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)is a progressive neurodegenerative disease marked by motor neuron(MN)degeneration,neuromuscular junction disruption,and muscle atrophy,ultimately leading to paralysis and death.Despite extensive research,no effective treatment exists,highlighting the need to elucidate mechanisms driving ALS pathogenesis.About 90%of ALS cases are sporadic ALS and lack a clear genetic cause;the remaining 10%are familial ALS,associated with mutations in over 25 genes.The most common mutations are in superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)and C9ORF72,with rarer variants in FUS,TARDBP,TBK1,and VCP.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82204610)Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)+1 种基金the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
文摘Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyperi Rhizoma varies significantly across different regions,potentially influencing its therapeutic efficacy.This study investigates the influence of geographic origin on the chemical composition and overall quality of Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods:A comprehensive approach,including traditional quality assessment,GC-MS(g as c hromatography-m ass s pectrometry),RP-HPLC(r everse p hase h igh-p erformance l iquid c hromatography),and FT-IR(f ourier t ransform i nfrared s pectroscopy)techniques,was employed to analyze Cyperi Rhizoma samples from Shandong Province.These methods examined the physical appearance,chemical profile,and content variations,particularly focusing onα-cyperone.Results:Traditional quality assessments revealed noticeable differences in the external characteristics of the samples.GC-MS analysis identified a variety of unique chemical constituents,while RP-HPLC and FT-IR showed significant variations inα-cyperone content,with higher levels found in Shandong samples.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that geographic origin is a critical determinant of Cyperi Rhizoma quality,with Shandong specimens exhibiting superiorα-cyperone levels and characteristic phytochemical profiles.This validates the geo-authenticity concept in TCM and provides actionable data for developing evidence-based quality standards,suggesting that provenance should be prioritized in medicinal material selection and pharmacopeial specifications.
基金supported by the NIH (R01NS103481, R01NS111776, and R01NS131489)Indiana Department of Health (ISDH58180)(all to WW)。
文摘Spinal cord injury necessitates effective rehabilitation strategies, with exercise therapies showing promise in promoting recovery. This study investigated the impact of rehabilitation exercise on functional recovery and morphological changes following thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. After a 7-day recovery period after spinal cord injury, mice were assigned to either a trained group(10 weeks of voluntary running wheel or forced treadmill exercise) or an untrained group. Bi-weekly assessments revealed that the exercise-trained group, particularly the voluntary wheel exercise subgroup, displayed significantly improved locomotor recovery, more plasticity of dopaminergic and serotonin modulation compared with the untrained group. Additionally, exercise interventions led to gait pattern restoration and enhanced transcranial magnetic motor-evoked potentials. Despite consistent injury areas across groups, exercise training promoted terminal innervation of descending axons. In summary, voluntary wheel exercise shows promise for enhancing outcomes after thoracic contusive spinal cord injury, emphasizing the role of exercise modality in promoting recovery and morphological changes in spinal cord injuries. Our findings will influence future strategies for rehabilitation exercises, restoring functional movement after spinal cord injury.
文摘目的/意义 针对医疗器械制造商与用户设施不良事件报告(manufacturer and user facility device experience, MAUDE)数据库分析中存在的技术复杂度高与效率低等问题,设计并实现自动化分析框架,降低数据库分析难度并加速研究产出。方法/过程 基于双链式结构设计AutoQUEST框架,其具备研究问题自动生成、结构化SQL查询构建及数据分析能力。通过5组案例评估框架查询成功率、执行时间及报告质量。结果/结论 在最优案例中,该框架查询成功率达100%,执行时间158秒,综合质量评分4.74分(满分5分),既能实现MAUDE数据库高效自动化分析,又能保持高质量的分析结果,可为医疗机构、医疗器械制造商及监管机构提供便捷可靠的数据分析支持。
