Interfacial Engineering of MoS2@CoS2 Heterostructure Electrocatalysts for Effective pH-Universal Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

The practical utilization of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) necessitates the creation of electrocatalysts that are both efficient and abundant in earth elements, capable of operating effectively within a wide pH range. However, this objective continues to present itself as an arduous obstacle. In this research, we propose the incorporation of sulfur vacancies in a novel heterojunction formed by MoS2@CoS2, designed to exhibit remarkable catalytic performances. This efficacy is attributed to the advantageous combination of the low work function and space charge zone at the interface between MoS2 and CoS2 in the heterojunction. The MoS2@CoS2 heterojunction manifests outstanding hydrogen evolution activity over an extensive pH range. Remarkably, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm-2 in aqueous solutions 1.0 M KOH, 0.5 M H2SO4, and 1.0 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), respectively, requires only an overpotential of 48, 62, and 164 mV. The Tafel slopes for each case are 43, 32, and 62 mV dec-1, respectively. In this study, the synergistic effect of MoS2 and CoS2 is conducive to electron transfer, making the MoS2@CoS2 heterojunction show excellent electrocatalytic performance. The synergistic effects arising from the heterojunction and sulfur vacancy not only contribute to the observed catalytic prowess but also provide a valuable model and reference for the exploration of other efficient electrocatalysts. This research marks a significant stride toward overcoming the challenges associated with developing electrocatalysts for practical hydrogen evolution applications.

Effects of narrow-wide row planting patterns on canopy photosynthetic characteristics, bending resistance and yield of soybean in maize‒soybean intercropping systems.

With the improvements in mechanization levels, it is difficult for the traditional intercropping planting patterns to meet the needs of mechanization. In the traditional maize‒soybean intercropping, maize has a shading effect on soybean, which leads to a decrease in soybean photosynthetic capacity and stem bend resistance, resulting in severe lodging, which greatly affects soybean yield. In this study, we investigated the effects of three intercropping ratios (four rows of maize and four rows of soybean; four rows of maize and six rows of soybean; six rows of maize and six rows of soybean) and two planting patterns (narrow-wide row planting pattern of 80-50 cm and uniform-ridges planting pattern of 65 cm) on soybean canopy photosynthesis, stem bending resistance, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and related enzyme activities. Compared with the uniform-ridge planting pattern, the narrow-wide row planting pattern significantly increased the LAI, PAR, light transmittance and compound yield by 6.06%, 2.49%, 5.68% and 5.95%, respectively. The stem bending resistance and cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and PAL, TAL and CAD activities were also significantly increased. Compared with those under the uniform-ridge planting pattern, these values increased by 7.74%, 3.04%, 8.42%, 9.76%, 7.39%, 10.54% and 8.73% respectively. Under the three intercropping ratios, the stem bending resistance, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin content and PAL, TAL, and CAD activities in the M4S6 treatment were significantly greater than those in the M4S4 and M6S6 treatments. Compared with the M4S4 treatment, these variables increased by 12.05%, 11.09%, 21.56%, 11.91%, 18.46%, 16.1%, and 16.84%, respectively, and compared with the M6S6 treatment, they increased by 2.06%, 2.53%, 2.78%, 2.98%, 8.81%, 4.59%, and 4.36%, respectively. The D-M4S6 treatment significantly improved the lodging resistance of soybean and weakened the negative impact of intercropping on soybean yield. Therefore, based on the planting pattern of narrow-wide row maize‒soybean intercropping planting pattern, four rows of maize and six rows of soybean were more effective at improving the lodging resistance of soybean in the semiarid region of western China.

LINC01133 regulates MARCKS expression via sponging miR-30d-5p to promote the development of lung squamous cell carcinoma.

LncRNAs are vital regulators for lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). However, the detailed role that LINC01133 plays in LUSC is unclear. This work sought to explore the potential function of LINC01133.Levels of LINC01133, miR-30d-5p, and MARCKS were separately tested in both tissues and cells using qRT-PCR. Proliferation was assessed through MTT experiment and apoptosis was detected upon flow cytometry. Transwell experiments were implemented to evaluate migratory and invasive abilities. The interaction between two genes was affirmed through luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down experiment. Western blotting measured the protein level of MARCKS. Animal models were established and tissues were taken for IHC analysis of MARCKS and Ki67.LINC01133 was elevated in LUSC and its downregulation could suppress proliferation, migration and invasion but induced apoptosis. LINC01133 interacted with and regulated the binding of miR-30d-5p to MARCKS. LINC01133/miR-30d-5p axis mediated proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in LUSC cells, as well as modulated tumor growth in animal models. LINC01133 interacted with miR-30d-5p to modulate MARCKS expression, contributes to promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro, and promoted tumor growth in vivo. These findings could provide possible therapeutic targets in view of LUSC treatment in the future.

Frizzled receptors (FZDs) in Wnt signaling: potential therapeutic targets for human cancers.

Frizzled receptors (FZDs) are key contributors intrinsic to the Wnt signaling pathway, activation of FZDs triggering the Wnt signaling cascade is frequently observed in human tumors and intimately associated with an aggressive carcinoma phenotype. It has been shown that the abnormal expression of FZD receptors contributes to the manifestation of malignant characteristics in human tumors such as enhanced cell proliferation, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance as well as the acquisition of cancer stemness. Given the essential roles of FZD receptors in the Wnt signaling in human tumors, this review aims to consolidate the prevailing knowledge on the specific status of FZD receptors (FZD1-10) and elucidate their respective functions in tumor progression. Furthermore, we delineate the structural basis for binding of FZD and its co-receptors to Wnt, and provide a better theoretical foundation for subsequent studies on related mechanisms. Finally, we describe the existing biological classes of small molecule-based FZD inhibitors in detail in the hope that they can provide useful assistance for design and development of novel drug candidates targeted FZDs.

Language development beyond the here-and-now: Iconicity and displacement in child-directed communication.

Most language use is displaced, referring to past, future, or hypothetical events, posing the challenge of how children learn what words refer to when the referent is not physically available. One possibility is that iconic cues that imagistically evoke properties of absent referents support learning when referents are displaced. In an audio-visual corpus of caregiver-child dyads, English-speaking caregivers interacted with their children (N = 71, 24-58 months) in contexts in which the objects talked about were either familiar or unfamiliar to the child, and either physically present or displaced. The analysis of the range of vocal, manual, and looking behaviors caregivers produced suggests that caregivers used iconic cues especially in displaced contexts and for unfamiliar objects, using other cues when objects were present.

Examining the transformation of postindustrial land in reversing the lack of urban vitality: A paradigm spanning top-down and bottom-up approaches in urban planning studies.

A distinct rise of global interest in the role of cultural and creative industries in post-industrial urban development calls for the transformation of our industrial heritage into creative clusters. Despite many factories being removed in deindustrialization, some enterprises still preserve and reuse the former industrial lands. However, the inconclusive judgments on the performances of creative clusters call for an in-depth examination of the underlying mechanism of transforming dilapidated urban industrial spaces. In addition, few empirical studies have revealed the commonalities and differences of market entities employing both the top-down and bottom-up approaches during the redevelopment. In this article, a multilevel transformation, and the consequent spatial performance in three postindustrial lands in Beijing have been examined based on big data analysis, field observation and in-depth interviews. We reached three conclusions. First, in addition to the angle of participatory planning, the deep exploration of specific market entities as an intermediate joint among different parties in protecting and reusing the postindustrial lands uncovers a distinct perspective of urban revitalization. Second, the finding of the enterprises' role in mitigating the conflicts between bottom-up and top-down approaches further testifies to a less-dichotomous perspective in urban regeneration studies. Last, though the examination of the multilevel transformation mechanism reflecting the difference between state and nonstate enterprises in property-led management, a generic paradigm behind the trend of relying on enterprises in revitalizing the large-scale postindustrial lands is revealed.

Analysis of clinical features of heart failure in children with cardiomyopathy and improved ejection fraction.

Background: The prognosis of children with heart failure varies considerably. After treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can be improved in some children. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features of children with heart failure accompanied by cardiomyopathy and recovered ejection fraction [heart failure with recovered ejection fraction (HFrecEF)] and to identify the predictors of improved LVEF. Methods: Children diagnosed with heart failure in Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from 2018 to 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. According to the baseline and change of LVEF, the patients were divided into two groups: a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) group and an HFrecEF group. The t-test was used to evaluate the difference between the two groups. The predictive factors of ejection fraction improvement were analyzed with a logistic regression model. Results: A total of 72 children were included in this study, including 31 (43.1%) in the HFrEF group and 41 (56.9%) in the HFrecEF group. Compared with children in the HFrEF group, children in the HFrecEF group were younger and had faster resting heart rates, lower creatinine, lower suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) expression, a lower platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLT:LYM) ratio, and smaller left atrial diameter. After a mean follow-up of 35.87 months, 26 cases returned to normal ejection fraction. In the HFrEF group, sudden cardiac death occurred in two cases, and four cases received heart transplantation. Logistic analysis showed that virus infection [odds ratio (OR) =1.279; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.374-4.379; P=0.007], low ST2 expression (cutoff value =1.89 ng/mL: OR =1.042; 95% CI: 1.007-1.082; P=0.032), and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (OR =5.077; 95% CI: 1.458-17.684; P=0.011) were predictors of improvement in LVEF in patients with heart failure after treatment. Conclusions: In some patients with HFrecEF, LVEF eventually returned to normal. The combination of viral infection, low ST2 expression, and the application of IVIG therapy were found to be independent predictors of LVEF improvement in patients with heart failure after treatment.

Haplotype-resolved genomes of octoploid species in Phyllanthaceae family reveal a critical role for polyploidization and hybridization in speciation.

The Phyllanthaceae family comprises a diverse range of plants with medicinal, edible, and ornamental value, extensively cultivated worldwide. Polyploid species commonly occur in Phyllanthaceae. Due to the rather complex genomes and evolutionary histories, their speciation process has been still lacking in research. In this study, we generated chromosome-scale haplotype-resolved genomes of two octoploid species (Phyllanthus emblica and Sauropus spatulifolius) in Phyllanthaceae family. Combined with our previously reported one tetraploid (Sauropus androgynus) and one diploid species (Phyllanthus cochinchinensis) from the same family, we explored their speciation history. The three polyploid species were all identified as allopolyploids with subgenome A/B. Each of their two distinct subgenome groups from various species was uncovered to independently share a common diploid ancestor (Ancestor-AA and Ancestor-BB). Via different evolutionary routes, comprising various scenarios of bifurcating divergence, allopolyploidization (hybrid polyploidization), and autopolyploidization, they finally evolved to the current tetraploid S. androgynus, and octoploid S. spatulifolius and P. emblica, respectively. We further discuss the variations in copy number of alleles and the potential impacts within the two octoploids. In addition, we also investigated the fluctuation of metabolites with medical values and identified the key factor in its biosynthesis process in octoploids species. Our study reconstructed the evolutionary history of these Phyllanthaceae species, highlighting the critical roles of polyploidization and hybridization in their speciation processes. The high-quality genomes of the two octoploid species provide valuable genomic resources for further research of evolution and functional genomics.

Causal relationship of obesity and adiposity distribution on risk of ventral hernia.

PURPOSE: Ventral hernia (VH) is a common surgical disease. Previous studies suggested that obesity is an important risk factor for VH. However, the causal relationship between fat distribution and the risk of VH is still unclear. This study used Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate their causal relationship. METHODS: We used the body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and body fat mass to represent general obesity and utilized the volume of abdominal subcutaneous adiposity tissue, visceral adiposity tissue, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio to represent abdominal adiposity. The data were extracted from the large-scale genome-wide association study of European ancestry. We used two-sample MR to infer causality, using multivariate MR to correct the effects of confounding factors. RESULTS: Increased BMI, body fat percentage, body fat mass, visceral adiposity tissue, waist circumference, and hip circumference rather than subcutaneous adiposity tissue or waist-to-hip ratio, were causally associated with a higher risk of VH. The results of multivariate MR suggested that body fat percentage was causally associated with a higher risk of VH after adjusting for body mass index, diabetes, and smoking. CONCLUSION: General obesity, increased visceral adiposity tissue, waist circumference, and hip circumference rather than subcutaneous adiposity tissue or the waist-to-hip ratio were causally associated with a higher risk of VH. These findings provided a deeper understanding of the role that the distribution of adiposity plays in the mechanism of VH.

Suture repair versus mesh repair in elderly populations with incarcerated or strangulated groin hernia.

Tension-free hernia repair is the gold standard for groin hernia repair. However, the optimal surgical treatment for incarcerated or strangulated groin hernia in elderly populations is controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of mesh repair and suture repair in the treatment of incarcerated or strangulated groin hernia in elderly patients. Patients ≥ 65 years who underwent urgent surgical repair for incarcerated or strangulated groin hernia from January 2012 to June 2022 were included. Patients' demographic data and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with limited life expectancy were screened from the elderly population for subgroup analysis. A total of 103 patients (median age: 84 years old, range 65-96; mean follow-up time: 36.8 ± 24.8 months) were included, involving 42 cases in the suture repair group and 61 cases in the mesh repair group. Suture repair and mesh repair had similar lengths of ICU and hospital stay, and rates of small bowel resection, chronic pain, surgical site infection, and surgical-related death. However, suture repair had a significantly higher recurrence rate than mesh repair (7% vs. 2%, P = 0.04). In our subgroup analysis, for patients with limited life expectancy (41 patients; median age: 88 years old, range: 80-96), suture repair had no statistical difference in postoperative outcomes compared with mesh repair. Mesh repair is suitable for elderly patients with acutely incarcerated or strangulated groin hernias. However, for elderly patients with limited life expectancy, suture repair and mesh repair showed similar clinical outcomes.

Contact-separation-induced self-recoverable mechanoluminescence of CaF2:Tb3+/PDMS elastomer.

Centrosymmetric-oxide/polydimethylsiloxane elastomers emit ultra-strong non-pre-irradiation mechanoluminescence under stress and are considered one of the most ideal mechanoluminescence materials. However, previous centrosymmetric-oxide/polydimethylsiloxane elastomers show severe mechanoluminescence degradation under stretching, which limits their use in applications. Here we show an elastomer based on centrosymmetric fluoride CaF2:Tb3+ and polydimethylsiloxane, with mechanoluminescence that can self-recover after each stretching. Experimentation indicates that the self-recoverable mechanoluminescence of the CaF2:Tb3+/polydimethylsiloxane elastomer occurs essentially due to contact electrification arising from contact-separation interactions between the centrosymmetric phosphors and the polydimethylsiloxane. Accordingly, a contact-separation cycle model of the phosphor-polydimethylsiloxane couple is established, and first-principles calculations are performed to model state energies in the contact-separation cycle. The results reveal that the fluoride-polydimethylsiloxane couple helps to induce contact electrification and maintain the contact-separation cycle at the interface, resulting in the self-recoverable mechanoluminescence of the CaF2:Tb3+/polydimethylsiloxane elastomer. Therefore, it would be a good strategy to develop self-recoverable mechanoluminescence elastomers based on centrosymmetric fluoride phosphors and polydimethylsiloxane.

Role of Platelet/Lymphocyte, Neutrophil/Lymphocyte, and Interleukin-37/Interleukin-17 Ratios in the Occurrence and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This study was designed to investigate the correlation of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and interleukin (IL)-37/IL-17 ratio with the incidence/treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Firstly, fifty-eight patients with RA treated at the first affiliated hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2018 to January 2019 were selected as the RA group; forty-nine healthy volunteers were enrolled in the control group. RA patients were treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Next, the NLR, PLR, IL-37, IL-17 and 28-joint disease activity score using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) were deleted in two groups. Subsequently, Spearman correlation analysis was adopted for the correlations of various indicators before and after treatment in two groups. According to the analysis results, the levels of NLR, PLR, IL-37, and IL-17 before treatment in the RA group were higher than those in the control group (P < .05), but the difference in the IL-37/IL-17 level between the two groups was not significant (P > .05). After treatment, NLR, PLR, and IL-37/IL-17 levels were significantly reduced in RA patients (P < .05). NLR and PLR were significantly positively correlated with DAS28-ESR, ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP), of which represented the disease activity of RA. NLP was strongly correlated with IL-37/IL-17. Collectively, NLR, PLR, IL-37, and IL-17 are closely related to the occurrence of RA. In addition, NLR and IL-37/IL-17 are more suitable than PLR in reflecting the therapeutic effect. Therefore, IL-37/IL-17 can be considered as a new indicator for reflecting the treatment effectiveness of RA.

Sacral Neural Crest-Independent Origin of the Enteric Nervous System in Mouse.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The enteric nervous system (ENS), the gut's intrinsic nervous system critical for gastrointestinal function and gut-brain communication, is believed to mainly originate from vagal neural crest cells (vNCCs) and partially from sacral NCCs (sNCCs). Resolving the exact origins of the ENS is critical for understanding congenital ENS diseases but has been confounded by the inability to distinguish between both NCC populations in situ. Here, we aimed to resolve the exact origins of the mammalian ENS. METHODS: We genetically engineered mouse embryos facilitating comparative lineage-tracing of either all (pan-) NCCs including vNCCs or caudal trunk and sNCCs (s/tNCCs) excluding vNCCs. This was combined with dual-lineage tracing and 3-dimensional reconstruction of pelvic plexus and hindgut to precisely pinpoint sNCC and vNCC contributions. We further used coculture assays to determine the specificity of cell migration from different neural tissues into the hindgut. RESULTS: Both pan-NCCs and s/tNCCs contributed to established NCC derivatives but only pan-NCCs contributed to the ENS. Dual-lineage tracing combined with 3-dimensional reconstruction revealed that s/tNCCs settle in complex patterns in pelvic plexus and hindgut-surrounding tissues, explaining previous confusion regarding their contributions. Coculture experiments revealed unspecific cell migration from autonomic, sensory, and neural tube explants into the hindgut. Lineage tracing of ENS precursors lastly provided complimentary evidence for an exclusive vNCC origin of the murine ENS. CONCLUSIONS: sNCCs do not contribute to the murine ENS, suggesting that the mammalian ENS exclusively originates from vNCCs. These results have immediate implications for comprehending (and devising treatments for) congenital ENS disorders, including Hirschsprung's disease.

Risk Factor Analysis and Nomogram for Early Progression of COVID-19 Pneumonia in Older Adult Patients in the Omicron Era.

Background and Objective: Timely recognition of risk factors for early progression in older adult patients with COVID-19 is of great significance to the following clinical management. This study aims to analyze the risk factors and create a nomogram for early progression in older adult patients with COVID-19 in the Omicron era. Methods: A total of 272 older adults infected with COVID-19 admitted from December 2022 to February 2023 were retrospectively recruited. Risk factor selection was determined using the logistic and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. A nomogram was then created to predict early progression, followed by the internal validation and assessment of its performance through plotting the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration, and decision curves. Results: A total of 83 (30.5%) older adult patients presented an early progression on chest CT after 3-5 days of admission under standard initiate therapy. Six independent predictive factors were incorporated into the nomogram to predict the early progression, including CRP > 10 mg/L, IL-6 > 6.6 pg/mL, LDH > 245 U/L, CD4+ T-lymphocyte count <400/µL, the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score ≤40 points, and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Scale-Short Form (MNA-SF) score ≤7 points. The area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram in discriminating older adult patients who had risk factors in the training and validation cohort was 0.857 (95% CI 0.798, 0.916) and 0.774 (95% CI 0.667, 0.881), respectively. The calibration and decision curves demonstrated a high agreement in the predicted and observed risks, and the acceptable net benefit in predicting the early progression, respectively. Conclusion: We created a nomogram incorporating highly available laboratory data and the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) findings that effectively predict early-stage progression in older adult patients with COVID-19 in the Omicron era.

Evaluation of the Correlation Between Distribution Location and Vulnerability of Carotid Plaque in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack.

Purpose: To analyze the relationship among distribution location, characteristics, and vulnerability of carotid plaque using CTA and provide more information on the risk factors of carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the CTA images of the head and neck of 93 patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis was developed in 148 carotid arteries. The plaques were divided into a high-risk plaque group and a low-risk plaque group according to whether the plaques had high-risk characteristics. The maximum cross-sectional area of carotid artery bifurcation plaque on the axial image was selected, and the cross-sectional lumen was equally divided into four 90-degree sectors, ventral side wall, dorsal side wall, inner side wall, and outer side wall. The differences in the characteristics and distribution locations of the plaques in the two groups were analyzed. The characteristic parameters of the cross-sectional plaques at the bifurcation of the carotid artery. The logistic regression analysis was used to further analyze the risk factors associated with plaque vulnerability. Results: Among 148 carotid arteries,80 were classified as high-risk and 68 as low-risk groups. There were significant differences between the two groups concerning the thickness, length, maximum cross-sectional area, burden, and cross-sectional distribution of the plaques (P < 0.05). The plaque distribution on the dorsal side wall of the carotid bifurcation was higher in the high-risk group than that in the low-risk group (P < 0.05), dorsal side wall plaque-independent risk factors for the development of vulnerability of plaques in transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients (95% CI:1.522~6.991, P<0.05). Conclusion: High-risk plaques tend to occur on the dorsal side wall of the carotid bifurcation, whereas low-risk plaques tend to occur on the outer side wall of the carotid bifurcation.

Eight-month intensive meditation-based intervention improves refractory hallucinations and delusions and quality of life in male inpatients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: This study investigated the impact of an 8-month daily-guided intensive meditation-based intervention (iMI) on persistent hallucinations/delusions and health-related quality of life (QoL) in male inpatients with schizophrenia with treatment-refractory hallucinations and delusions (TRHDs). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial assigned 64 male inpatients with schizophrenia and TRHD equally to an 8-month iMI plus general rehabilitation program (GRP) or GRP alone. Assessments were conducted at baseline and the third and eighth months using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), 36-Item Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Primary outcomes measured PANSS reduction rates for total score, positive symptoms, and hallucinations/delusions items. Secondary outcomes assessed PANSS, SF-36, and FFMQ scores for psychotic symptoms, health-related QoL, and mindfulness skills, respectively. RESULTS: In the primary outcome, iMI significantly improved the reduction rates of PANSS total score, positive symptoms, and hallucination/delusion items compared with GRP at both the third and eighth months. Treatment response rates (≥25% reduction) for these measures significantly increased in the iMI group at the eighth month. Concerning secondary outcomes, iMI significantly reduced PANSS total score and hallucination/delusion items, while increasing scores in physical activity and mindfulness skills at both the third and eighth months compared with GRP. These effects were more pronounced with an 8-month intervention compared with a 3-month intervention. CONCLUSIONS: An iMI benefits patients with TRHDs by reducing persistent hallucinations/delusions and enhancing health-related QoL. Longer iMI duration yields superior treatment outcomes.

EEG biomarkers of behavioral inhibition in patients with depression who committed violent offenses: a Go/NoGo ERP study.

Understanding the neurobiological correlates of behavioral inhibition in patients with depression who committed violent offenses could contribute to the prediction and prevention of violence. The present study recruited 29 depressed patients with violent offenses (VD group), 27 depressed patients without violent behavior (NVD group), and 28 healthy controls (HC group) to complete a visual Go/NoGo task, during which their responses and electroencephalography were simultaneously recorded using an event-related potentiometer. The results showed that the VD group made more commission errors and responded more slowly relative to the NVD and HC groups. The P3 amplitude of the VD group was reduced in the frontal and central brain regions compared to the HC group and increased in the parietal regions compared to the NVD group. In comparison to Go stimuli, NoGo stimuli induced longer P3 latencies in frontal regions in both the VD and NVD groups; however, this difference was not statistically significant in the HC group. These results provide electrophysical evidence of behavioral inhibition deficits in patients with depression, especially in those with violent behaviors. The reduced P3 amplitude in the frontal-central regions, increased P3 amplitude in the parietal regions, and increased NoGo P3 latency may be potential electrophysiological features that can predict violent behavior in patients with depression.

[Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of TCP gene family of Andrographis paniculata under abiotic stress].

Andrographis paniculata is an important medicinal plant in the Lingnan region of China, which has the functions of clearing heat, removing toxins, and resisting bacteria and inflammation. The TCP gene family is a class of transcription factors that regulate plant growth, development, and stress response. In order to analysis the role of the TCP gene family under abiotic stress in A. paniculata, this study identified the TCP gene family of A. paniculata at the genome-wide level and analyzed its expression pattern in response to abiotic stress. The results showed that the A. paniculata TCP gene family had 23 members, with length of amino acid ranging from 136 to 508, the relative molecular mass between 14 854.71 and 55 944.90 kDa, and the isoelectric point between 5.67 and 10.39. All members were located in the nucleus and unevenly distributed on 13 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into three subfamilies: PCF, CIN and CYC/TB1. Gene structure and conserved motif analysis showed that most members of the TCP gene family contained motif 1, motif 2, motif 3 in the same order and 1-3 CDS. The analysis of promoter cis-acting elements showed that the transcriptional expression of the TCP gene family in A. paniculata might be induced by light, hormones, and adversity stress. In light of the expression pattern analysis and qRT-PCR verification, the expression of ApTCP4, ApTCP5, ApTCP6, and ApTCP11 involved in response by various abiotic stresses such as drought, high temperature, and MeJA. This study lays the foundation for in-depth exploration of the functions of A. paniculata TCP genes in response to abiotic stress.

Feasibility of spheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion stages as an indicator for the assessment of maxillomandibular growth: A mixed longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the relative growth rates (RGRs) of the maxilla and mandible at varying fusion stages of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS), thereby elucidating the potential of SOS stages in predicting maxillomandibular growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 320 subjects (171 boys and 149 girls), aged 6 to 18 years, were retrospectively included. Each subject had a minimum of two longitudinal cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, with no more than one interval of SOS fusion stage change between the two scans. Subjects were categorized based on their SOS fusion stages and genders. The RGRs of the maxilla and mandible at various SOS fusion stages were measured and compared using longitudinal CBCT images. RESULTS: Significant statistical differences were observed in maxillomandibular RGRs across various SOS fusion stages. In girls, the sagittal growth of the maxilla remained stable and active until SOS 3, subsequently exhibited deceleration in SOS 4-5 (compared to SOS 3-4, P < .05) and continued to decrease in SOS 5-6. Whereas in boys, the sagittal growth of the maxilla remained stable until SOS 4, and a deceleration trend emerged starting from SOS 5 to 6 (P < .01 compared to SOS 4-5). Mandibular growth patterns in both genders exhibited a progression of increasing-accelerating-decelerating rates from SOS 2 to 6. The highest RGRs for total mandibular length were observed in SOS 3-4 and SOS 4-5. CONCLUSION: Spheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion stages can serve as a valid indicator of maxillomandibular growth maturation.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting cardiovascular mortality risk for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in children, adolescents, and adults.

Objective: This study aimed to construct and validate a nomogram for predicting cardiovascular mortality (CVM) for child, adolescent, and adult patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Materials and methods: Patients with only one primary tumor of DLBCL first diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 in the SEER database were extracted. We used the cumulative incidence function (CIF) to evaluate the cumulative rate of CVM. The outcome of interest was CVM, which was analyzed using a competing risk model, accounting for death due to other causes. The total database was randomly divided into a training cohort and an internal validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3. Adjustments were for demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment modalities. Nomograms were constructed according to these risk factors to predict CVM risk at 5, 10, and 15 years. Validation included receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, time-dependent ROC, C-index, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. Results: One hundred four thousand six hundred six patients following initial diagnosis of DLBCL were included (58.3% male, median age 64 years, range 0-80, White 83.98%). Among them, 5.02% died of CVM, with a median follow-up time of 61 (31-98) months. Nomograms based on the seven risk factors (age at diagnosis, gender, race, tumor grade, Ann Arbor stage, radiation, chemotherapy) with hazard ratios ranging from 0.19-1.17 showed excellent discrimination, and calibration plots demonstrated satisfactory prediction. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year AUC and C-index of CVM in the training set were 0.716 (0.714-0.718), 0.713 (0.711-0.715), 0.706 (0.704-0.708), 0.731, 0.727, and 0.719; the corresponding figures for the validation set were 0.705 (0.688-0.722), 0.704 (0.689-0.718), 0.707 (0.693-0.722), 0.698, 0.698, and 0.699. Decision curve analysis revealed a clinically beneficial net benefit. Conclusions: We first built the nomogram model for DLBCL patients with satisfactory prediction and excellent discrimination, which might play an essential role in helping physicians enact better treatment strategies at the time of initial diagnosis.