Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a decline in brain structure and function.Their pathology involves multiple cell death pathways,including ferroptosis,cuproptosis,and pyroptosis.These pathways are intri...Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a decline in brain structure and function.Their pathology involves multiple cell death pathways,including ferroptosis,cuproptosis,and pyroptosis.These pathways are intricately linked to genes associated with metabolism,antioxidant defense,lipid metabolism,chronic inflammation,and nerve regeneration processes.Key regulators of atypical cell death pathways show aberrant N^(6)-methyladenosine modification levels under pathological conditions.As the most abundant and dynamic RNA modification in brain tissue,N^(6)-methyladenosine plays crucial functional roles.Notably,there exists an intricate interplay between N^(6)-methyladenosine modifications and these cell death pathways,both of which are robustly associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear.This paper reviews the correlation between N^(6)-methyladenosine and various cell death patterns in neurodegenerative diseases,with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between N^(6)-methyladenosine epigenetic regulation and ferroptosis,cuproptosis,and pyroptosis in cognitive impairment.N^(6)-methyladenosine-modified ferroptosis plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases.There is also a close association between N^(6)-methyladenosine modification and key molecules related to cuproptosis,which may promote the deposition of copper in the brain.Chronic inflammation,a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases,is related to pyroptosis and N^(6)-methyladenosine modification.It is widely thought that ferroptosis,cuproptosis,and pyroptosis are interconnected processes that may share a common pathway affecting the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases,and are related to key molecules involved in N^(6)-methyladenosine epigenetic modification.This suggests a great potential for future neurodegenerative diseases treatment strategies regulated by N^(6)-methyladenosine modification.N^(6)-methyladenosine modification plays a dual role in nerve injury and regeneration by dynamically regulating processes such as ferroptosis,cuproptosis,and pyroptosis and their key molecules.It maintains the“death-regeneration”balance in oxidative stress and inflammation while selectively promoting axon regeneration through the modulation of methylases.This mechanism indicates a considerable therapeutic target for neurological disorders.展开更多
We investigated the impact of convexity and isoperimetric deficits on the accuracy of sectional area estimates of tree stems using traditional methods(caliper,tape,formulas based on stem diameter and circumference).In...We investigated the impact of convexity and isoperimetric deficits on the accuracy of sectional area estimates of tree stems using traditional methods(caliper,tape,formulas based on stem diameter and circumference).In two complementary experiments,the use of photographs to estimate cross-sectional areas was first validated,then the use of a caliper and diameter tape was computer-simulated.The results indicated that the photographic method offers high precision,with mean relative errors below 0.1%,minimal deviation,and no significant bias,and the traditional methods led to substantial and systematic errors,with deviations from circularity and convexity significantly increasing the errors in area estimation.展开更多
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)recency testing provides data that can be used to monitor the trend of new HIV infections.The effectiveness of using people identified with recent infection to identify part...BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)recency testing provides data that can be used to monitor the trend of new HIV infections.The effectiveness of using people identified with recent infection to identify partners with new HIV infection through partner notification services(PNS)is not well documented.AIM To determine the pooled prevalence of recency testing coverage,recent infection,reclassification(recent to longterm infection)and PNS cascade among newly diagnosed people living with HIV.METHODS PubMed,Cochrane Library and Embase were searched for articles published between January 2018 and November 2024.Studies were included if they reported recency coverage and/or PNS among people newly diagnosed with HIV and used recent infection testing algorithm(RITA).Recency coverage was defined as proportion of people tested using rapid testing for recent infection(RTRI)among those newly diagnosed with HIV.RITA further classifies RTRI results using viral load results(≥1000 copies/mL vs<1000 copies/mL)to confirm recency status.For studies with PNS,we evaluated the cascade:Number of partners elicited,successfully contacted,eligible for HIV testing,tested and HIV diagnosis.PNS effectiveness was measured by proportion of new HIV diagnoses from tested partners.Using random effects models,we computed the pooled estimate of recency outcomes and 95%confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS Twenty-five studies from 17-low-and middle-income countries were included.Of 276315 newly diagnosed people living with HIV,79864 underwent RTRI with an overall pooled recency coverage of 87%(95%CI:67-96).The pooled prevalence of RTRI and RITA recency were 12%(95%CI:9-16)and 7%(95%CI:4-10),respectively.Pooled prevalence of RTRI reclassification was 34%(95%CI:22-49).Of the recent cases who agreed to PNS,253 partners were elicited with an estimated elicitation ratio of 1:1.6.Among partners elicited,99%were successfully contacted,75%were eligible for testing,68%tested for HIV,and 15%were diagnosed with HIV.CONCLUSION High recency testing coverage among newly diagnosed individuals demonstrates the feasibility of monitoring new HIV infections in LMIC.While PNS yielded moderate HIV diagnoses,its targeted approach remains a critical strategy for identifying undiagnosed cases.展开更多
Conductive materials(CM)can improve methane production(MP)efficiency in many methanogenic systems.However,several types of CM exist,and there are uncertainties regarding whether they all improve MP efficiency to the s...Conductive materials(CM)can improve methane production(MP)efficiency in many methanogenic systems.However,several types of CM exist,and there are uncertainties regarding whether they all improve MP efficiency to the same extent and modulate microbial communities in a similar way.To investigate that,different microbial enrichments with and without activated carbon(AC),magnetite(Mag),and zeolites(Zeo)(at 0.5 g/L)were developed.MP profiles and microbial composition changes were compared among enrichments.The behavior of all enrichments was different,although the initial inoculum sludge was the same.Lag phase duration was lower in AC enrichment,while the complete conversion of butyrate to methane was faster in Mag enrichment.Syntrophomonas was the most abundant bacterial genus in all enrichments,but changes in the methanogenic community were evident.Acetoclastic methanogens were more diverse in Mag enrichment,with microorganisms assigned to Methanosarcina and Methanothrix gener1,but Methanothrix was the only acetoclastic methanogen in the other enrichments.On the other hand,different species of hydrogenotrophic methanogens prevailed in distinct enrichments.The metatranscriptomics results revealed that the dominant mechanism of interspecies electron transfer in the AC enrichment utilized hydrogen as the electron carrier,and no evidences of direct interspecies electron transfer(DIET)could be found.These results showed how different CM modulate microbial communities and affect MP efficiency through mechanisms that do not necessarily involve DIET or mediation via CM.展开更多
Nail changes following upper extremity transplantation(UET)cannot be overlooked as they possess diagnostic and prognostic relevance in allotransplantation of upper limbs.This comprehensive review explores nail and nai...Nail changes following upper extremity transplantation(UET)cannot be overlooked as they possess diagnostic and prognostic relevance in allotransplantation of upper limbs.This comprehensive review explores nail and nail bed related changes encountered in UET recipients in the literature.The differential diagnosis of nail abnormalities in UET includes a wide range of systemic,local and iatrogenic conditions other than immune responses to the allograft.It requires interdisciplinary evaluation by primary transplant surgeons,pathologists,dermatologists and immunologists.The possible underlying mechanisms of nail pathology in UET and the management are discussed.It also underscores the importance of onychodystrophy and need for timely intervention and to improve outcomes in UET recipients.展开更多
The Gabes aquifer system,located in southeastern Tunisia,is a crucial resource for supporting local socio-economic activities.Due to its dual porosity structure,is particularly vulnerable to pollution.This study aims ...The Gabes aquifer system,located in southeastern Tunisia,is a crucial resource for supporting local socio-economic activities.Due to its dual porosity structure,is particularly vulnerable to pollution.This study aims to develop a hybrid model that combines the Fracture Aquifer Index(FAI)with the conventional GOD(Groundwater occurrence,Overall lithology,Depth to water table)method,to assess groundwater vulnerability in fractured aquifer.To develop the hybrid model,the classical GOD method was integrated with FAI to produce a single composite index.Each parameter within both GOD and FAI was scored,and a final index was calculated to delineate vulnerable areas.The results show that the study area can be classified into four vulnerability levels:Very low,low,moderate,and high,indicating that approximately 8%of the area exhibits very low vulnerability,29%has low vulnerability,25%falls into the moderate category,and 38%is considered highly vulnerable.The FAI-GOD model further incorporates fracture network characteristics.This refinement reduces the classification to three vulnerability classes:Low,medium,and high.The outcomes demonstrate that 46%of the area is highly vulnerable due to a dense concentration of fractures,while 17%represents an intermediate zone characterized by either shallow or deeper fractures.In contrast,37%corresponds to areas with lightly fractured rock,where the impact on vulnerability is minimal.Multivariate statistical analysis was employed using Principal Components Analysis(PCA)and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis(HCA)on 24 samples across six variables.The first three components account for over 76%of the total variance,reinforcing the significance of fracture dynamics in classifying vulnerability levels.The FAI-GOD model removes the very-low-vulnerability class and expands the spatial extent of low-and high-vulnerability zones,reflecting the dominant influence of fracture networks on aquifer sensitivity.While both indices use a five-class system,FAI-GOD redistributes vulnerability by eliminating very-low-vulnerability areas and amplifying low/high categories,highlighting the critical role of fractures.A strong correlation(R2=0.94)between the GOD and FAI-GOD indices,demonstrated through second-order polynomial regression,confirms the robustness of the FAI-GOD model in accurately predicting vulnerability to pollution.This model provides a useful framework for assessing the vulnerability of complex aquifers and serves as a decision-making tool for groundwater managers in similar areas.展开更多
Objective:To study the potential of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil(PC)as a chemoprotective agent.Methods:In the in vitro study,cell proliferation were determined in CT26,SW620,and SW480 cells.Cells were exposed...Objective:To study the potential of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil(PC)as a chemoprotective agent.Methods:In the in vitro study,cell proliferation were determined in CT26,SW620,and SW480 cells.Cells were exposed to in creasing concentrations of PC(0,6.25,12.5,25,50,100,and 200μg/mL).Combination index was calculated by applying the Chou-Talalay method,apoptopsis was analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining,reactive oxygen species accumulation,and theΔψm drop were also assessed.In the in vivo study,mice were divided into 5 groups:the normal control group,the CT26 tumor-bearing group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+PC group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin group,and the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin+PC group.Organ coefficients and tumor volume were calculated.Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels were assessed.Results:Cisplatin with PC induced a synergistic effect,allowing for reduced cisplatin dose while maintaining the same therapeutic efficacy.PC-cisplatin combinations inhibited cell viability by significantly inducing apoptosis,increasing reactive oxygen species accumulation and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential.Co-treatment with cisplatin and PC restored organ coefficients,reduced tumor volume,and alleviated nephrotoxicity in CT26 tumor-bearing mice by restoring kidney function markers and ameliorating kidney inflammation status.Conclusions:PC shows a chemoprotective potential by enhancing the antitumor effect of cisplatin while alleviating its side effects.展开更多
Under natural conditions, organisms regularly experience seasonal or unpredictable fluctuations in their diet that may shape the quantity and quality of their reproduction. While these dietary shifts are known to infl...Under natural conditions, organisms regularly experience seasonal or unpredictable fluctuations in their diet that may shape the quantity and quality of their reproduction. While these dietary shifts are known to influence overall reproductive output, their specific effects on the proportional composition of egg components remain unexplored. To partially simulate the natural conditions, we conducted two trials using adult Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica) to examine how dietary restriction and unpredictable feeding influence the proportional composition of egg components. In the first trial, quails were assigned to one of four treatments: full-fed (control) or restricted feeding at 20% (DR20), 30% (DR30), and 40% (DR40) below daily intake. In the second trial, quails were assigned to one of three treatments: full feeding (control), constant 40% restriction (DR40), or unpredictable feeding schedule (UNPR). Each trial lasted for 14 days, and birds were housed individually. Severe dietary restrictions (DR30, DR40) reduced albumen and shell mass, shell thickness, and egg volume. However, yolk mass, yolk color, egg shape index, and shell density remained unaffected across all dietary levels. Severe restrictions also increased the yolk ratio while reducing the albumen ratio, suggesting that birds may evolutionarily prioritize yolk deposition to sustain reproductive functions. However, reduced albumen content due to maternal nutritional stress may also limit essential nutrients, and disrupt the embryo's osmoregulation, which ultimately affects offspring quality. Reduced shell contents at the severe restriction levels can affect the egg's ability to provide physical protection, regulate gas exchange and control water loss, thereby influencing embryonic development. In contrast, moderate restriction (DR20) and unpredictable feeding (UNPR) had no effect on any of the egg traits. These findings suggest that quails strategically allocate resources among egg components under dietary constraints, indicating potential trade-offs in reproductive investment. The resilience observed under moderate restriction and unpredictability underscores the species' adaptive capacity in fluctuating environments.展开更多
The impact of spinal cord injury(SCI)on the immune system is increasingly recognized in a field traditionally focused on motor impairments.SCI can seriously affect the immune system by progressively disrupting the reg...The impact of spinal cord injury(SCI)on the immune system is increasingly recognized in a field traditionally focused on motor impairments.SCI can seriously affect the immune system by progressively disrupting the regulatory mechanisms that control immune responses.This dysregulation varies widely among patients and can evolve over time,ranging from systemic inflammatory responses to immunosuppression,greatly contributing to the morbidity and mortality of individuals with SCI(Bao et al.,2011;Brennan et al.,2024).展开更多
In recent years, with the development of technologies such as the Internet of Things(Io T), big data and cloud computing, digital twin technology has gradually been applied in marine research. The digital twin realize...In recent years, with the development of technologies such as the Internet of Things(Io T), big data and cloud computing, digital twin technology has gradually been applied in marine research. The digital twin realizes real-time monitoring, analysis and optimization of the state and behavior of a physical object or system by creating a virtual model. Research shows that digital twin technology has extensive application potential in ship design, marine resource development, marine equipment engineering design and optimization, marine ecological protection and early warning of disasters. Although digital twin technology has great potential in marine research, it also faces many challenges, including the complexity of data acquisition and processing, the accuracy and real-time performance of model construction, and the need for multidisciplinary cross-integration. An in-depth analysis of the technical bottlenecks and future development directions will provide an important reference for subsequent research and promote the further application and development of digital twin technology in marine research.展开更多
BACKGROUND To prevent mother to child transmission(MTCT)of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),sustained maternal viral load suppression(VLS)and early HIV testing among HIV exposed infants(HEI)is critical.AIM To investi...BACKGROUND To prevent mother to child transmission(MTCT)of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),sustained maternal viral load suppression(VLS)and early HIV testing among HIV exposed infants(HEI)is critical.AIM To investigate maternal viral load results and infant HIV testing uptake at 6-weeks,and 9-months and 18-months in Rwanda.METHODS Between 2015 and 2022,VLS(<200 copies/mL)was measured among pregnant women living with HIV(WLHIV)from 38-healthcare facilities.Viral loads(VL)were measured at 6-months,12-months and 24-months,respectively.For maternal VL,the unit of analysis was visit-pair,and the pairs were created to define those with VL<200 copies/mL at two consecutive visits as having sustained VLS,persistent viremia(VL≥200 copies/mL at two consecutive visits),viral rebound(VL<200 copies/mL at prior visit only)and newly suppressed(VL<200 copies/mL at subsequent visit only).HEI were considered to have persistent HIV testing if they had all three HIV tests.Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the adjusted incidence rate ratio(aIRR)and 95%CI for factors associated with sustained VLS and persistent HIV testing.RESULTS A total of 1145 mother-infant pairs were analyzed.Infant HIV testing uptake at 6-weeks,9-months and 18-months was 1145(100.0%),1089(95.1%),1006(87.9%)respectively.Nine hundred ninety-nine HEI(87.3%)tested for HIV persistently.At 18-months,the incidence of HIV among HEI was 8(0.7%).Of 1145 mothers,1076(94.0%)had≥2 VL results making a total of 2010 visit-pairs(142-single;934-double visit-pairs).The incidence rate of sustained VLS,persistent viremia,viral rebound and new suppression were 91.0%,1.3%,3.6%and 4.0%respectively.Maternal disclosure of HIV status(aIRR=1.08,95%CI:1.02-1.14)was associated with increased likelihood of sustained VLS.Having peer support(aIRR=1.0595%CI:1.01-1.10)was associated with persistent HIV testing among HEI.CONCLUSION Sustained VLS is high among pregnant WLHIV in Rwanda.The low incidence of HIV among HEI may be attributed to high VLS levels.Targeted interventions,including enhanced HIV disclosure and peer support,are crucial for improving sustained VLS and increasing infant HIV testing uptake to reduce MTCT.展开更多
Agroforestry can leverage the co-benefits of climate change adaptation and mitigation while conserving biodiversity and restoring degraded and deforested lands.The preference of relevant stakeholders regarding agrofor...Agroforestry can leverage the co-benefits of climate change adaptation and mitigation while conserving biodiversity and restoring degraded and deforested lands.The preference of relevant stakeholders regarding agroforestry practices enhances sustainable land management through strategic decision-making in Seychelles and other island states.A suitable approach for assessing stakeholders'preferences of agroforestry is the implementation of the strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats(SWOT)approach in combination with the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)method.The entry point of this study is an extensive literature review process,during which 28 SWOT factors were identified.These SWOT factors were deliberated on during a half-day workshop with agricultural experts who agreed on 20 SWOT factors that reflect the local realities of the Seychelles through a consensus approach.Using the SWOT-AHP approach,focus group discussions were conducted to examine the perceptions of researchers and extension workers about the adoption of agroforestry in Seychelles.The results indicated that the positive aspects of smallholder agroforestry outweigh the negative aspects.For example,increased agricultural production,control runoff and soil erosion receive the highest scores among the strength factors perceived by researchers and extension workers,respectively.The willingness of international organizations to fund agroforestry-related projects and the existence of native tree species on farmlands have the highest scores among the opportunity factors.The lack of education,information,and communication between the government and farmers,and the small land size and crop competition have the highest scores among the weakness factors.Lastly,change in government policies on land use has the highest score among the threat factors by researchers,whereas the most significant threat is climate change and variability for the extension workers.The provision for a 30-year land lease agreement in the National Agroforestry Policy of Seychelles is viewed by both groups as an incentive that could potentially drive the adoption and acceptability of agroforestry.Furthermore,better coordination of various efforts to promote agroforestry and more substantial extension services for farmers,especially the role of technologies for optimal production on small plots of land,can enhance climate resilience in Seychelles and other small island developing states.展开更多
Lysobacter enzymogenes is less-studied, but emerging as a powerful biocontrol bacterium producing multiple antimicrobial weapons including lytic enzymes, toxins, secondary metabolites and protein secretion systems.The...Lysobacter enzymogenes is less-studied, but emerging as a powerful biocontrol bacterium producing multiple antimicrobial weapons including lytic enzymes, toxins, secondary metabolites and protein secretion systems.The loss of surface-attached flagellum, production of heat-stable antifungal factor(HSAF, also named as Ningrongmycin) as a novel antifungal antibiotic, and the use of the type Ⅳ secretion system(T4SS) rather than the common type Ⅵ secretion system(T6SS) to kill competitor bacteria make this species unique. These distinct features set L. enzymogenes apart from well-studied plant beneficial biocontrol agents, such as Bacillus and Pseudomonas. This review describes what takes L. enzymogenes to be a unique biocontrol warrior by focusing to illustrate how the lack of flagellum governs morphological and functional co-adaptability, what adapted signaling transduction pathways are adopted to coordinate the biosynthesis of HSAF, and how to ecologically adapt plant rhizosphere by cell-to-cell interacting with microbiome members via the bacterial-killing T4SS.展开更多
BACKGROUND Sustained viral load(VL)suppression is an important indicator of successful treatment among people living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).AIM To assess trends of different VL outcomes before and afte...BACKGROUND Sustained viral load(VL)suppression is an important indicator of successful treatment among people living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).AIM To assess trends of different VL outcomes before and after adoption of the Treat All policy among people living with HIV in Rwanda.METHODS Between 2014 and 2017,VL suppression[VL suppression(VLS)<200 copies/mL]was measured among people living with HIV from 28 healthcare facilities in Rwanda.Participant VL was measured at 6 months,18 months,and 30 months.The unit of analysis was visit-pair,with subjects across four visit-pair categories:(1)Sustained VL suppression(VL<200 copies/mL at two consecutive visits);(2)Persistent viremia(VL≥200 copies/mL at two consecutive visits);(3)Viral rebound(VL<200 copies/mL at prior visit only);and(4)Newly suppressed(VL<200 copies/mL at subsequent visit only).Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate adjusted incidence risk ratio(aIRR)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs)for factors associated with sustained VLS.To handle missing data,multiple imputations was performed.RESULTS A total of 634 participants contributed 973 visit-pairs(295 single pairs and 339 double pairs).The median age was 37 years(interquartile range:32-43 years).The incidence rates of sustained VLS,persistent viremia,viral rebound,and new suppression were 85.2%,4.3%,4.6%,and 5.7%,respectively.Young individuals aged 18-24 years had higher incidence of viral rebound compared to those 25 years or older(14.8%vs 4.3%;P=0.011).Of the visit-pairs that had sustained VLS during the first two visits(49.8%;n=485),56.7%exhibited sustained VLS throughout follow-up.Compared to having no education,having at least primary education was associated with an increased likelihood of sustained VLS(aIRR=1.09;95%CI:1.01-1.17).Those who presented with advanced HIV disease at baseline had a 12%reduced likelihood of sustained VLS(aIRR=0.88;95%CI:0.79-0.99).Achieving sustained VLS did not differ before or after adoption of the Treat All policy.When the analysis was repeated on imputed datasets,similar results were found.CONCLUSION Although most people living with HIV have sustained VLS in Rwanda,individuals without formal education,those presenting with advanced HIV,and younger individuals were lagging on multiple outcomes.Interventions tailored to these individuals would improve treatment outcomes to achieve epidemic control.展开更多
Potential interactive effects and trade-offs between drivers can regulate species diversity,affecting distributions by several orders of magnitude and distribution.The decomposition ofβ-diversity into turnover and ne...Potential interactive effects and trade-offs between drivers can regulate species diversity,affecting distributions by several orders of magnitude and distribution.The decomposition ofβ-diversity into turnover and nestedness could disentangle community assembly rules and offer the opportunity to encompass the processes that structure the communities and maintain theβ-diversity on the campo rupestre.We evaluatedα-andβ-diversity and species conservation status of rocky outcrop communities in the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó,as well as the decomposed component of theβ-diversity index.Due to the isolation characteristics of rocky outcrops,we expect to find high taxonomic turnover among the communities.The study was performed on five quartzitic rocky outcrops divided into two sampling stations.We used field expeditions and plant inventory data of shrubs and herbaceous layers.We recorded 286 angiosperms taxa among rocky outcrops of campo rupestre of Serra do Cipó.The structure andα-diversity showed significant differences among rocky outcrops and an evident oligarchic structure in the plant communities analyzed.Taxonomicβ-diversity showed high turnover with a significant contribution of the turnover component to this index.This pattern reflects the interplay between regional and local scale processes.Therefore,we believe this approach becomes a unified framework,which allows the comparison of diversity patterns and ecological processes in rocky outcrops ecosystems.We highlight the high percentage of not evaluated species for threats and the need to fill this lack.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)has been a major therapeutic advancement for patients with heart failure and electrical dyssynchrony.While CRT improves symptoms,reduces hospitalizations,and enhances s...BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)has been a major therapeutic advancement for patients with heart failure and electrical dyssynchrony.While CRT improves symptoms,reduces hospitalizations,and enhances survival,the role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators(ICDs)alongside CRT in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy(NICM)remains controversial.To evaluate and compare the outcomes of CRT with ICD(CRT-D)versus CRT with pacemaker-only(CRT-P)in individuals diagnosed with NICM,with a specific focus on the elderly.METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed,Embase,and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted in January 2024.Studies comparing CRT-D and CRT-P in patients with NICM were included,with subgroup analyses focusing on patients aged 75 years and older.RESULTS Twelve studies,including two randomized clinical trials,with a total of 62,145 patients and 16,754 pooled death events(9,171 in CRT-D and 7,583 in CRT-P),were analyzed.CRT-D was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to CRT-P(pooled OR=0.72;95%CI:0.61-0.85;P<0.01),with significant heterogeneity(I2=83%).RCT subgroup analysis,was not statistically significant(pooled OR=0.82;95%CI:0.64-1.06;P=0.41;I2=0%).In patients older than 75 years,no significant difference in mortality risk was observed(pooled OR 0.96;95%CI:0.81-1.15;I2=39%).CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis suggests that the addition of ICD therapy to CRT in patients with NICM significantly reduces all-cause mortality.However,this benefit does not extend to cardiovascular mortality,likely due to the primary role of ICDs in preventing sudden cardiac death rather than other causes such as progressive heart failure.The survival advantage of CRT-D is most pronounced in younger patients,with those over 75 years of age deriving less benefit.This highlights the importance of careful patient selection,considering age and comorbidities,when deciding on ICD implantation in NICM patients.展开更多
Dear Editor,Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)is a major issue for military personnel,with prevalence rates between 1%and 35%in veterans^([1]),significantly higher than in the general population^([2]).Psychological ...Dear Editor,Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)is a major issue for military personnel,with prevalence rates between 1%and 35%in veterans^([1]),significantly higher than in the general population^([2]).Psychological resources,particularly hope,can protect against PTSD and promote post-traumatic growth^([3]).Hope,conceptualized as both a trait and a state,contributes to well-being and resilience and is negatively associated with PTSD symptoms,representing a psychological factor while mitigating the impact of trauma by fostering resilience and adaptive coping mechanisms.展开更多
A detector's nondestructive readout mode allows its pixels to be read multiple times during integration,enabling generation of a series of"up-the-ramp"images that continuously accumulate photons between ...A detector's nondestructive readout mode allows its pixels to be read multiple times during integration,enabling generation of a series of"up-the-ramp"images that continuously accumulate photons between successive frames.Because noise is correlated across these images,optimal stacking generally requires the images to be weighted unequally to achieve the best possible target signal-to-noise ratio(SNR).Objects in the sky present wildly varied brightness characteristics,and the counts in individual pixels of the same object can also span wide ranges.Therefore,a single set of weights cannot be optimal in all cases.To ensure that the stacked image is easily calibratable,we apply the same weight to all pixels within the same frame.In practice,results for high-SNR cases degraded only slightly when we used weights derived for low-SNR cases,whereas the low-SNR cases remained more sensitive to the weights.Therefore,we propose a quasi-optimal stacking method that maximizes the stacked SNR for the case where the RSN=1 per pixel in the last frame and use simulated data to demonstrate that this approach enhances the SNR more strongly than the equal-weight stacking and ramp fitting methods.Furthermore,we estimate the improvements in the limiting magnitudes for the China Space Station Telescope using the proposed method.When compared with the conventional readout mode,which is equivalent to selecting the last frame from the nondestructive readout,stacking 30 up-the-ramp images can improve the limiting magnitude by approximately 0.5 mag for the telescope's near-infrared observations,effectively reducing readout noise by approximately 62%.展开更多
Geomagnetic data hold significant value in fields such as earthquake monitoring and deep earth exploration.However,the increasing severity of anthropogenic noise contamination in existing geomagnetic observatory data ...Geomagnetic data hold significant value in fields such as earthquake monitoring and deep earth exploration.However,the increasing severity of anthropogenic noise contamination in existing geomagnetic observatory data poses substantial challenges to high-precision computational analysis of geomagnetic data.To overcome this problem,we propose a denoising method for geomagnetic data based on the Residual Shrinkage Network(RSN).We construct a sample library of simulated and measured geomagnetic data develop and train the RSN denoising network.Through its unique soft thresholding module,RSN adaptively learns and removes noise from the data,effectively improving data quality.In experiments with noise-added measured data,RSN enhances the quality of the noisy data by approximately 12 dB on average.The proposed method is further validated through denoising analysis on measured data by comparing results of time-domain sequences,multiple square coherence and geomagnetic transfer functions.展开更多
基金supported by The Youth Talent Support Program of China Association of Chinese Medicine(2024-2026),No.CACM-2024-QNRC2-B36(to QX)The Central High-level Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine:Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dongzhimen Hospital Talent Training Program-Youth Reserve Talent Project,No.DZMG-QNHB0010(to QX)the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province(Outstanding Youth Program),No.YQ2022H003(to DW).
文摘Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a decline in brain structure and function.Their pathology involves multiple cell death pathways,including ferroptosis,cuproptosis,and pyroptosis.These pathways are intricately linked to genes associated with metabolism,antioxidant defense,lipid metabolism,chronic inflammation,and nerve regeneration processes.Key regulators of atypical cell death pathways show aberrant N^(6)-methyladenosine modification levels under pathological conditions.As the most abundant and dynamic RNA modification in brain tissue,N^(6)-methyladenosine plays crucial functional roles.Notably,there exists an intricate interplay between N^(6)-methyladenosine modifications and these cell death pathways,both of which are robustly associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear.This paper reviews the correlation between N^(6)-methyladenosine and various cell death patterns in neurodegenerative diseases,with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between N^(6)-methyladenosine epigenetic regulation and ferroptosis,cuproptosis,and pyroptosis in cognitive impairment.N^(6)-methyladenosine-modified ferroptosis plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases.There is also a close association between N^(6)-methyladenosine modification and key molecules related to cuproptosis,which may promote the deposition of copper in the brain.Chronic inflammation,a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases,is related to pyroptosis and N^(6)-methyladenosine modification.It is widely thought that ferroptosis,cuproptosis,and pyroptosis are interconnected processes that may share a common pathway affecting the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases,and are related to key molecules involved in N^(6)-methyladenosine epigenetic modification.This suggests a great potential for future neurodegenerative diseases treatment strategies regulated by N^(6)-methyladenosine modification.N^(6)-methyladenosine modification plays a dual role in nerve injury and regeneration by dynamically regulating processes such as ferroptosis,cuproptosis,and pyroptosis and their key molecules.It maintains the“death-regeneration”balance in oxidative stress and inflammation while selectively promoting axon regeneration through the modulation of methylases.This mechanism indicates a considerable therapeutic target for neurological disorders.
文摘We investigated the impact of convexity and isoperimetric deficits on the accuracy of sectional area estimates of tree stems using traditional methods(caliper,tape,formulas based on stem diameter and circumference).In two complementary experiments,the use of photographs to estimate cross-sectional areas was first validated,then the use of a caliper and diameter tape was computer-simulated.The results indicated that the photographic method offers high precision,with mean relative errors below 0.1%,minimal deviation,and no significant bias,and the traditional methods led to substantial and systematic errors,with deviations from circularity and convexity significantly increasing the errors in area estimation.
文摘BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)recency testing provides data that can be used to monitor the trend of new HIV infections.The effectiveness of using people identified with recent infection to identify partners with new HIV infection through partner notification services(PNS)is not well documented.AIM To determine the pooled prevalence of recency testing coverage,recent infection,reclassification(recent to longterm infection)and PNS cascade among newly diagnosed people living with HIV.METHODS PubMed,Cochrane Library and Embase were searched for articles published between January 2018 and November 2024.Studies were included if they reported recency coverage and/or PNS among people newly diagnosed with HIV and used recent infection testing algorithm(RITA).Recency coverage was defined as proportion of people tested using rapid testing for recent infection(RTRI)among those newly diagnosed with HIV.RITA further classifies RTRI results using viral load results(≥1000 copies/mL vs<1000 copies/mL)to confirm recency status.For studies with PNS,we evaluated the cascade:Number of partners elicited,successfully contacted,eligible for HIV testing,tested and HIV diagnosis.PNS effectiveness was measured by proportion of new HIV diagnoses from tested partners.Using random effects models,we computed the pooled estimate of recency outcomes and 95%confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS Twenty-five studies from 17-low-and middle-income countries were included.Of 276315 newly diagnosed people living with HIV,79864 underwent RTRI with an overall pooled recency coverage of 87%(95%CI:67-96).The pooled prevalence of RTRI and RITA recency were 12%(95%CI:9-16)and 7%(95%CI:4-10),respectively.Pooled prevalence of RTRI reclassification was 34%(95%CI:22-49).Of the recent cases who agreed to PNS,253 partners were elicited with an estimated elicitation ratio of 1:1.6.Among partners elicited,99%were successfully contacted,75%were eligible for testing,68%tested for HIV,and 15%were diagnosed with HIV.CONCLUSION High recency testing coverage among newly diagnosed individuals demonstrates the feasibility of monitoring new HIV infections in LMIC.While PNS yielded moderate HIV diagnoses,its targeted approach remains a critical strategy for identifying undiagnosed cases.
基金supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology(FCT)under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and by the CM4Methane project(Ref:PTDC/BTA-BTA/2249/2021,DOI 10.54499/PTDC/BTABTA/2249/2021)FCT and European Union(EU),through the Portuguese State Budget and the European Social Fund under the scope of Norte2020-Programa Operacional Regional do Norte,also funded the SFRH/BD/132003/2017 and COVID/BD/152431/2022 grants held by Cátia S.N.Braga.,and the SFRH/BD/147271/2019 grant held by João C.Sequeira.M.SaloméDuarte acknowledges FCT for the Junior Research contract obtained under the scope of the Scientific Stimulus Employment 2022(ref:2022.06569.CEECIND/CP1718/CT0004,doi:https://doi.org/10.54499/2022.06569.CEECIND/CP1718/CT0004)PhD M.Fernando R.Pereira and PhD O.SaloméG.Soares from the Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials,Faculty of Engineering(University of Porto),for providing the AC used in this study.
文摘Conductive materials(CM)can improve methane production(MP)efficiency in many methanogenic systems.However,several types of CM exist,and there are uncertainties regarding whether they all improve MP efficiency to the same extent and modulate microbial communities in a similar way.To investigate that,different microbial enrichments with and without activated carbon(AC),magnetite(Mag),and zeolites(Zeo)(at 0.5 g/L)were developed.MP profiles and microbial composition changes were compared among enrichments.The behavior of all enrichments was different,although the initial inoculum sludge was the same.Lag phase duration was lower in AC enrichment,while the complete conversion of butyrate to methane was faster in Mag enrichment.Syntrophomonas was the most abundant bacterial genus in all enrichments,but changes in the methanogenic community were evident.Acetoclastic methanogens were more diverse in Mag enrichment,with microorganisms assigned to Methanosarcina and Methanothrix gener1,but Methanothrix was the only acetoclastic methanogen in the other enrichments.On the other hand,different species of hydrogenotrophic methanogens prevailed in distinct enrichments.The metatranscriptomics results revealed that the dominant mechanism of interspecies electron transfer in the AC enrichment utilized hydrogen as the electron carrier,and no evidences of direct interspecies electron transfer(DIET)could be found.These results showed how different CM modulate microbial communities and affect MP efficiency through mechanisms that do not necessarily involve DIET or mediation via CM.
文摘Nail changes following upper extremity transplantation(UET)cannot be overlooked as they possess diagnostic and prognostic relevance in allotransplantation of upper limbs.This comprehensive review explores nail and nail bed related changes encountered in UET recipients in the literature.The differential diagnosis of nail abnormalities in UET includes a wide range of systemic,local and iatrogenic conditions other than immune responses to the allograft.It requires interdisciplinary evaluation by primary transplant surgeons,pathologists,dermatologists and immunologists.The possible underlying mechanisms of nail pathology in UET and the management are discussed.It also underscores the importance of onychodystrophy and need for timely intervention and to improve outcomes in UET recipients.
文摘The Gabes aquifer system,located in southeastern Tunisia,is a crucial resource for supporting local socio-economic activities.Due to its dual porosity structure,is particularly vulnerable to pollution.This study aims to develop a hybrid model that combines the Fracture Aquifer Index(FAI)with the conventional GOD(Groundwater occurrence,Overall lithology,Depth to water table)method,to assess groundwater vulnerability in fractured aquifer.To develop the hybrid model,the classical GOD method was integrated with FAI to produce a single composite index.Each parameter within both GOD and FAI was scored,and a final index was calculated to delineate vulnerable areas.The results show that the study area can be classified into four vulnerability levels:Very low,low,moderate,and high,indicating that approximately 8%of the area exhibits very low vulnerability,29%has low vulnerability,25%falls into the moderate category,and 38%is considered highly vulnerable.The FAI-GOD model further incorporates fracture network characteristics.This refinement reduces the classification to three vulnerability classes:Low,medium,and high.The outcomes demonstrate that 46%of the area is highly vulnerable due to a dense concentration of fractures,while 17%represents an intermediate zone characterized by either shallow or deeper fractures.In contrast,37%corresponds to areas with lightly fractured rock,where the impact on vulnerability is minimal.Multivariate statistical analysis was employed using Principal Components Analysis(PCA)and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis(HCA)on 24 samples across six variables.The first three components account for over 76%of the total variance,reinforcing the significance of fracture dynamics in classifying vulnerability levels.The FAI-GOD model removes the very-low-vulnerability class and expands the spatial extent of low-and high-vulnerability zones,reflecting the dominant influence of fracture networks on aquifer sensitivity.While both indices use a five-class system,FAI-GOD redistributes vulnerability by eliminating very-low-vulnerability areas and amplifying low/high categories,highlighting the critical role of fractures.A strong correlation(R2=0.94)between the GOD and FAI-GOD indices,demonstrated through second-order polynomial regression,confirms the robustness of the FAI-GOD model in accurately predicting vulnerability to pollution.This model provides a useful framework for assessing the vulnerability of complex aquifers and serves as a decision-making tool for groundwater managers in similar areas.
基金funded by The Tunisian Ministry of Research and Higher Education.
文摘Objective:To study the potential of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil(PC)as a chemoprotective agent.Methods:In the in vitro study,cell proliferation were determined in CT26,SW620,and SW480 cells.Cells were exposed to in creasing concentrations of PC(0,6.25,12.5,25,50,100,and 200μg/mL).Combination index was calculated by applying the Chou-Talalay method,apoptopsis was analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining,reactive oxygen species accumulation,and theΔψm drop were also assessed.In the in vivo study,mice were divided into 5 groups:the normal control group,the CT26 tumor-bearing group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+PC group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin group,and the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin+PC group.Organ coefficients and tumor volume were calculated.Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels were assessed.Results:Cisplatin with PC induced a synergistic effect,allowing for reduced cisplatin dose while maintaining the same therapeutic efficacy.PC-cisplatin combinations inhibited cell viability by significantly inducing apoptosis,increasing reactive oxygen species accumulation and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential.Co-treatment with cisplatin and PC restored organ coefficients,reduced tumor volume,and alleviated nephrotoxicity in CT26 tumor-bearing mice by restoring kidney function markers and ameliorating kidney inflammation status.Conclusions:PC shows a chemoprotective potential by enhancing the antitumor effect of cisplatin while alleviating its side effects.
基金funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office, Hungary (OTKA K139021 to AZL and LC)A Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship and dissertation scholarship from Tempus Public Foundation
文摘Under natural conditions, organisms regularly experience seasonal or unpredictable fluctuations in their diet that may shape the quantity and quality of their reproduction. While these dietary shifts are known to influence overall reproductive output, their specific effects on the proportional composition of egg components remain unexplored. To partially simulate the natural conditions, we conducted two trials using adult Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica) to examine how dietary restriction and unpredictable feeding influence the proportional composition of egg components. In the first trial, quails were assigned to one of four treatments: full-fed (control) or restricted feeding at 20% (DR20), 30% (DR30), and 40% (DR40) below daily intake. In the second trial, quails were assigned to one of three treatments: full feeding (control), constant 40% restriction (DR40), or unpredictable feeding schedule (UNPR). Each trial lasted for 14 days, and birds were housed individually. Severe dietary restrictions (DR30, DR40) reduced albumen and shell mass, shell thickness, and egg volume. However, yolk mass, yolk color, egg shape index, and shell density remained unaffected across all dietary levels. Severe restrictions also increased the yolk ratio while reducing the albumen ratio, suggesting that birds may evolutionarily prioritize yolk deposition to sustain reproductive functions. However, reduced albumen content due to maternal nutritional stress may also limit essential nutrients, and disrupt the embryo's osmoregulation, which ultimately affects offspring quality. Reduced shell contents at the severe restriction levels can affect the egg's ability to provide physical protection, regulate gas exchange and control water loss, thereby influencing embryonic development. In contrast, moderate restriction (DR20) and unpredictable feeding (UNPR) had no effect on any of the egg traits. These findings suggest that quails strategically allocate resources among egg components under dietary constraints, indicating potential trade-offs in reproductive investment. The resilience observed under moderate restriction and unpredictability underscores the species' adaptive capacity in fluctuating environments.
基金funded by the Santa Casa Neuroscience Awards—Prize Melo e Castro for Spinal Cord Injury Research(MC-18-2021)(to AJS and NAS)by the Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation(WFL-PT-14/23)(to NAS)+2 种基金funded by national funds through the Foundation for Science and Technology(FCT)—projects UIDB/50026/2020,UIDP/50026/2020,and EXPL/MED-PAT/0931/2021-http://doi.org/10.54499/EXPL/MED PAT/0931/2021supported by the Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme(NORTE 2020)under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement through the European Regional Development Fund(ERDF)(to SM)the support given by the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology to SM(CEECIND/01902/2017-Doi:10.54499/CEECIND/01902/2017/CP1458/CT0024),and NAS(CEECIND/04794/2007)。
文摘The impact of spinal cord injury(SCI)on the immune system is increasingly recognized in a field traditionally focused on motor impairments.SCI can seriously affect the immune system by progressively disrupting the regulatory mechanisms that control immune responses.This dysregulation varies widely among patients and can evolve over time,ranging from systemic inflammatory responses to immunosuppression,greatly contributing to the morbidity and mortality of individuals with SCI(Bao et al.,2011;Brennan et al.,2024).
基金financially supported by the Key R&D Program of Shandong Province,China (Grant No. 2023ZLYS01)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42106172)+8 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Grant Nos.ZR2024MD003, ZR2023QD023, ZR2023QD066 and ZR2023QD018)the Consulting and Researching Project of the Chinese Academy of Engineering(Grant Nos. 2024-DFZD-29, 2022-DFZD-35, 2022-XY-21, and 2021-XBZD-13-31)Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Innovation Project (Grant No. 23-1-3-hygg-6-hy)the Natural Science Foundation of Qingdao (Grant Nos. 23-2-1-58-zyyd-jch and 23-2-1-72-zyyd-jch)Project Plan of Pilot Project of Integration of Science,Education and Industry of Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)(Grant No. 2023PX035)the Visiting and Training Program for Teachers from Ordinary Undergraduate Universities in Shandong Provincethe Open Fund of Shandong Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Environment and Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (Grant No. 202302)Major Innovation Project for the Science Education Industry Integration Pilot Project of Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)(Grant Nos. 2023HYZX01, and2023JBZ03)University-Industry Collaborative Education Program (Grant No. 202102245036)。
文摘In recent years, with the development of technologies such as the Internet of Things(Io T), big data and cloud computing, digital twin technology has gradually been applied in marine research. The digital twin realizes real-time monitoring, analysis and optimization of the state and behavior of a physical object or system by creating a virtual model. Research shows that digital twin technology has extensive application potential in ship design, marine resource development, marine equipment engineering design and optimization, marine ecological protection and early warning of disasters. Although digital twin technology has great potential in marine research, it also faces many challenges, including the complexity of data acquisition and processing, the accuracy and real-time performance of model construction, and the need for multidisciplinary cross-integration. An in-depth analysis of the technical bottlenecks and future development directions will provide an important reference for subsequent research and promote the further application and development of digital twin technology in marine research.
文摘BACKGROUND To prevent mother to child transmission(MTCT)of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),sustained maternal viral load suppression(VLS)and early HIV testing among HIV exposed infants(HEI)is critical.AIM To investigate maternal viral load results and infant HIV testing uptake at 6-weeks,and 9-months and 18-months in Rwanda.METHODS Between 2015 and 2022,VLS(<200 copies/mL)was measured among pregnant women living with HIV(WLHIV)from 38-healthcare facilities.Viral loads(VL)were measured at 6-months,12-months and 24-months,respectively.For maternal VL,the unit of analysis was visit-pair,and the pairs were created to define those with VL<200 copies/mL at two consecutive visits as having sustained VLS,persistent viremia(VL≥200 copies/mL at two consecutive visits),viral rebound(VL<200 copies/mL at prior visit only)and newly suppressed(VL<200 copies/mL at subsequent visit only).HEI were considered to have persistent HIV testing if they had all three HIV tests.Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the adjusted incidence rate ratio(aIRR)and 95%CI for factors associated with sustained VLS and persistent HIV testing.RESULTS A total of 1145 mother-infant pairs were analyzed.Infant HIV testing uptake at 6-weeks,9-months and 18-months was 1145(100.0%),1089(95.1%),1006(87.9%)respectively.Nine hundred ninety-nine HEI(87.3%)tested for HIV persistently.At 18-months,the incidence of HIV among HEI was 8(0.7%).Of 1145 mothers,1076(94.0%)had≥2 VL results making a total of 2010 visit-pairs(142-single;934-double visit-pairs).The incidence rate of sustained VLS,persistent viremia,viral rebound and new suppression were 91.0%,1.3%,3.6%and 4.0%respectively.Maternal disclosure of HIV status(aIRR=1.08,95%CI:1.02-1.14)was associated with increased likelihood of sustained VLS.Having peer support(aIRR=1.0595%CI:1.01-1.10)was associated with persistent HIV testing among HEI.CONCLUSION Sustained VLS is high among pregnant WLHIV in Rwanda.The low incidence of HIV among HEI may be attributed to high VLS levels.Targeted interventions,including enhanced HIV disclosure and peer support,are crucial for improving sustained VLS and increasing infant HIV testing uptake to reduce MTCT.
基金The United Nations Development Programme(UNDP)Small Grants Program supported this work through the project“Exploring Innovative Opportunities for Promoting Synergies between Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Seychelles”(SEY/SGP/OP6/Y5/CORE/YCC/2019/25),under the youth and climate change portfolio implemented by the University of Seychelles。
文摘Agroforestry can leverage the co-benefits of climate change adaptation and mitigation while conserving biodiversity and restoring degraded and deforested lands.The preference of relevant stakeholders regarding agroforestry practices enhances sustainable land management through strategic decision-making in Seychelles and other island states.A suitable approach for assessing stakeholders'preferences of agroforestry is the implementation of the strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats(SWOT)approach in combination with the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)method.The entry point of this study is an extensive literature review process,during which 28 SWOT factors were identified.These SWOT factors were deliberated on during a half-day workshop with agricultural experts who agreed on 20 SWOT factors that reflect the local realities of the Seychelles through a consensus approach.Using the SWOT-AHP approach,focus group discussions were conducted to examine the perceptions of researchers and extension workers about the adoption of agroforestry in Seychelles.The results indicated that the positive aspects of smallholder agroforestry outweigh the negative aspects.For example,increased agricultural production,control runoff and soil erosion receive the highest scores among the strength factors perceived by researchers and extension workers,respectively.The willingness of international organizations to fund agroforestry-related projects and the existence of native tree species on farmlands have the highest scores among the opportunity factors.The lack of education,information,and communication between the government and farmers,and the small land size and crop competition have the highest scores among the weakness factors.Lastly,change in government policies on land use has the highest score among the threat factors by researchers,whereas the most significant threat is climate change and variability for the extension workers.The provision for a 30-year land lease agreement in the National Agroforestry Policy of Seychelles is viewed by both groups as an incentive that could potentially drive the adoption and acceptability of agroforestry.Furthermore,better coordination of various efforts to promote agroforestry and more substantial extension services for farmers,especially the role of technologies for optimal production on small plots of land,can enhance climate resilience in Seychelles and other small island developing states.
基金funded by the the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China (RENCAI2024002 and KJJQ2024014)the Natural Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFD1400200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U22A20486, 32072470, 32001955 and 32470112)
文摘Lysobacter enzymogenes is less-studied, but emerging as a powerful biocontrol bacterium producing multiple antimicrobial weapons including lytic enzymes, toxins, secondary metabolites and protein secretion systems.The loss of surface-attached flagellum, production of heat-stable antifungal factor(HSAF, also named as Ningrongmycin) as a novel antifungal antibiotic, and the use of the type Ⅳ secretion system(T4SS) rather than the common type Ⅵ secretion system(T6SS) to kill competitor bacteria make this species unique. These distinct features set L. enzymogenes apart from well-studied plant beneficial biocontrol agents, such as Bacillus and Pseudomonas. This review describes what takes L. enzymogenes to be a unique biocontrol warrior by focusing to illustrate how the lack of flagellum governs morphological and functional co-adaptability, what adapted signaling transduction pathways are adopted to coordinate the biosynthesis of HSAF, and how to ecologically adapt plant rhizosphere by cell-to-cell interacting with microbiome members via the bacterial-killing T4SS.
文摘BACKGROUND Sustained viral load(VL)suppression is an important indicator of successful treatment among people living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).AIM To assess trends of different VL outcomes before and after adoption of the Treat All policy among people living with HIV in Rwanda.METHODS Between 2014 and 2017,VL suppression[VL suppression(VLS)<200 copies/mL]was measured among people living with HIV from 28 healthcare facilities in Rwanda.Participant VL was measured at 6 months,18 months,and 30 months.The unit of analysis was visit-pair,with subjects across four visit-pair categories:(1)Sustained VL suppression(VL<200 copies/mL at two consecutive visits);(2)Persistent viremia(VL≥200 copies/mL at two consecutive visits);(3)Viral rebound(VL<200 copies/mL at prior visit only);and(4)Newly suppressed(VL<200 copies/mL at subsequent visit only).Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate adjusted incidence risk ratio(aIRR)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs)for factors associated with sustained VLS.To handle missing data,multiple imputations was performed.RESULTS A total of 634 participants contributed 973 visit-pairs(295 single pairs and 339 double pairs).The median age was 37 years(interquartile range:32-43 years).The incidence rates of sustained VLS,persistent viremia,viral rebound,and new suppression were 85.2%,4.3%,4.6%,and 5.7%,respectively.Young individuals aged 18-24 years had higher incidence of viral rebound compared to those 25 years or older(14.8%vs 4.3%;P=0.011).Of the visit-pairs that had sustained VLS during the first two visits(49.8%;n=485),56.7%exhibited sustained VLS throughout follow-up.Compared to having no education,having at least primary education was associated with an increased likelihood of sustained VLS(aIRR=1.09;95%CI:1.01-1.17).Those who presented with advanced HIV disease at baseline had a 12%reduced likelihood of sustained VLS(aIRR=0.88;95%CI:0.79-0.99).Achieving sustained VLS did not differ before or after adoption of the Treat All policy.When the analysis was repeated on imputed datasets,similar results were found.CONCLUSION Although most people living with HIV have sustained VLS in Rwanda,individuals without formal education,those presenting with advanced HIV,and younger individuals were lagging on multiple outcomes.Interventions tailored to these individuals would improve treatment outcomes to achieve epidemic control.
基金the Graduate Program in Ecology, Conservation and Wildlife Management (ECMVS)Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB)+1 种基金Department of Botany, Biodiversitas Foundation, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisCoordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for supporting this study
文摘Potential interactive effects and trade-offs between drivers can regulate species diversity,affecting distributions by several orders of magnitude and distribution.The decomposition ofβ-diversity into turnover and nestedness could disentangle community assembly rules and offer the opportunity to encompass the processes that structure the communities and maintain theβ-diversity on the campo rupestre.We evaluatedα-andβ-diversity and species conservation status of rocky outcrop communities in the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó,as well as the decomposed component of theβ-diversity index.Due to the isolation characteristics of rocky outcrops,we expect to find high taxonomic turnover among the communities.The study was performed on five quartzitic rocky outcrops divided into two sampling stations.We used field expeditions and plant inventory data of shrubs and herbaceous layers.We recorded 286 angiosperms taxa among rocky outcrops of campo rupestre of Serra do Cipó.The structure andα-diversity showed significant differences among rocky outcrops and an evident oligarchic structure in the plant communities analyzed.Taxonomicβ-diversity showed high turnover with a significant contribution of the turnover component to this index.This pattern reflects the interplay between regional and local scale processes.Therefore,we believe this approach becomes a unified framework,which allows the comparison of diversity patterns and ecological processes in rocky outcrops ecosystems.We highlight the high percentage of not evaluated species for threats and the need to fill this lack.
文摘BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)has been a major therapeutic advancement for patients with heart failure and electrical dyssynchrony.While CRT improves symptoms,reduces hospitalizations,and enhances survival,the role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators(ICDs)alongside CRT in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy(NICM)remains controversial.To evaluate and compare the outcomes of CRT with ICD(CRT-D)versus CRT with pacemaker-only(CRT-P)in individuals diagnosed with NICM,with a specific focus on the elderly.METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed,Embase,and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted in January 2024.Studies comparing CRT-D and CRT-P in patients with NICM were included,with subgroup analyses focusing on patients aged 75 years and older.RESULTS Twelve studies,including two randomized clinical trials,with a total of 62,145 patients and 16,754 pooled death events(9,171 in CRT-D and 7,583 in CRT-P),were analyzed.CRT-D was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to CRT-P(pooled OR=0.72;95%CI:0.61-0.85;P<0.01),with significant heterogeneity(I2=83%).RCT subgroup analysis,was not statistically significant(pooled OR=0.82;95%CI:0.64-1.06;P=0.41;I2=0%).In patients older than 75 years,no significant difference in mortality risk was observed(pooled OR 0.96;95%CI:0.81-1.15;I2=39%).CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis suggests that the addition of ICD therapy to CRT in patients with NICM significantly reduces all-cause mortality.However,this benefit does not extend to cardiovascular mortality,likely due to the primary role of ICDs in preventing sudden cardiac death rather than other causes such as progressive heart failure.The survival advantage of CRT-D is most pronounced in younger patients,with those over 75 years of age deriving less benefit.This highlights the importance of careful patient selection,considering age and comorbidities,when deciding on ICD implantation in NICM patients.
基金supported by the Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées(Brétigny-sur-Orge,France).
文摘Dear Editor,Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)is a major issue for military personnel,with prevalence rates between 1%and 35%in veterans^([1]),significantly higher than in the general population^([2]).Psychological resources,particularly hope,can protect against PTSD and promote post-traumatic growth^([3]).Hope,conceptualized as both a trait and a state,contributes to well-being and resilience and is negatively associated with PTSD symptoms,representing a psychological factor while mitigating the impact of trauma by fostering resilience and adaptive coping mechanisms.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFF0503400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China grant (U1931208)China Manned Space Program through its Space Application System.
文摘A detector's nondestructive readout mode allows its pixels to be read multiple times during integration,enabling generation of a series of"up-the-ramp"images that continuously accumulate photons between successive frames.Because noise is correlated across these images,optimal stacking generally requires the images to be weighted unequally to achieve the best possible target signal-to-noise ratio(SNR).Objects in the sky present wildly varied brightness characteristics,and the counts in individual pixels of the same object can also span wide ranges.Therefore,a single set of weights cannot be optimal in all cases.To ensure that the stacked image is easily calibratable,we apply the same weight to all pixels within the same frame.In practice,results for high-SNR cases degraded only slightly when we used weights derived for low-SNR cases,whereas the low-SNR cases remained more sensitive to the weights.Therefore,we propose a quasi-optimal stacking method that maximizes the stacked SNR for the case where the RSN=1 per pixel in the last frame and use simulated data to demonstrate that this approach enhances the SNR more strongly than the equal-weight stacking and ramp fitting methods.Furthermore,we estimate the improvements in the limiting magnitudes for the China Space Station Telescope using the proposed method.When compared with the conventional readout mode,which is equivalent to selecting the last frame from the nondestructive readout,stacking 30 up-the-ramp images can improve the limiting magnitude by approximately 0.5 mag for the telescope's near-infrared observations,effectively reducing readout noise by approximately 62%.
基金Deep Earth Probe and Mineral Resources ExplorationNational Science and Technology Major Project(2024ZD1000208)SinoProbe Laboratory Fund of Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(SL202401)+3 种基金Project of the Nuclear Technology Application Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education(HJSJYB2021-3)2022 Fuzhou Science and Technology Plan Project(Research on High Voltage Electrostatic Atomization New Air Sterilization and Purification Technology and Equipment)Jiangxi Province Major Science and Technology Special Project(20233AAE02008)Fuzhou Unveiling and Leading Project(Jiangxi Gandian)-Online Diagnosis and Intelligent Cloud Platform for the Health Status of Transformer and Distribution Equipment。
文摘Geomagnetic data hold significant value in fields such as earthquake monitoring and deep earth exploration.However,the increasing severity of anthropogenic noise contamination in existing geomagnetic observatory data poses substantial challenges to high-precision computational analysis of geomagnetic data.To overcome this problem,we propose a denoising method for geomagnetic data based on the Residual Shrinkage Network(RSN).We construct a sample library of simulated and measured geomagnetic data develop and train the RSN denoising network.Through its unique soft thresholding module,RSN adaptively learns and removes noise from the data,effectively improving data quality.In experiments with noise-added measured data,RSN enhances the quality of the noisy data by approximately 12 dB on average.The proposed method is further validated through denoising analysis on measured data by comparing results of time-domain sequences,multiple square coherence and geomagnetic transfer functions.
