Experimental Research on the Anti-Reflection Crack Performance of Basalt Fiber Modified Rubber Asphalt Stress-Absorbing Layer.

Reflection cracks are one of the most common problems in semi-rigid base pavement. Setting a stress absorption layer can effectively delay the occurrence of reflection cracks, but further improvement is still needed in its interlayer bonding performance and anti-reflection crack performance. Considering the excellent crack resistance of basalt fibers and the good elastic recovery ability of rubber asphalt, it is considered worthwhile to incorporate them into traditional stress absorption layers to improve performance. To simulate the actual pavement layer effect, composite specimens consisting of a cement-stabilized macadam base + basalt fiber rubber asphalt stress-absorbing layer + AC-20 asphalt mixture surface layer were prepared to evaluate their performance through interlayer direct shear tests, interlayer tensile tests, three-point bending tests, and overlay tests (OTs). To determine the optimal fiber blending combination, four fiber lengths (3 cm, 6 cm, 9 cm, 12 cm) and four fiber proportions (120 g/m2, 140 g/m2, 160 g/m2, 180 g/m2) were selected respectively. The specific effects of basalt fibers with different lengths and dosages were analyzed. The results show that compared with the absence of fibers, the improvement of interlayer bonding performance of rubber asphalt with basalt fibers is not significant, and it has certain limitations; however, the improvement of anti-reflective crack performance is significant, with an increase of up to 305.5%. This indicates that the network structure formed by basalt fibers and rubber asphalt stress absorption layer can effectively absorb and disperse external loads, causing an excellent crack resistance effect. Meanwhile, the results indicate that the main factor affecting its interlayer bonding strength and anti-reflective crack performance is the fiber content. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the performance and economy of the stress absorption layer of basalt fiber rubber asphalt, the optimal fiber parameter combination recommended is as fiber length 9 cm and fiber content 160 g/m2. These results can provide a reference for the design and performance evaluation of basalt fiber rubber asphalt stress absorption layer, and have certain application value.

Oxidative stress promotes liver fibrosis by modulating the microRNA-144 and SIN3A-p38 pathways in hepatic stellate cells.

Background & Aims: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as modulators triggering cellular dysfunctions and organ damage including liver fibrosis in which hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation plays a key role. Previous studies suggest that microRNA-144 (miR-144) acts as a pro-oxidant molecule; however, whether and how miR-144 affects HSC activation and liver fibrosis remain unknown. Methods: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced experimental liver fibrosis models were used. Hepatic miR-144 expression was analyzed by miRNA in situ hybridization with RNAscope probe. The in vivo effects of silencing or overexpressing miR-144 were examined with an adeno-associated virus 6 (AAV6) carrying miR-144 inhibitor or mimics in fibrotic mouse experimental models. Results: In this study, we demonstrated that ROS treatment significantly upregulated miR-144 in HSCs, which further promoted HSC activation in vitro. Interestingly, miR-144 was preferentially elevated in HSCs of experimental liver fibrosis in mice and in human liver fibrotic tissues. Furthermore, in vivo loss or gain-of-function experiments via AAV6 carrying miR-144 antagomir or agomir revealed that blockade of miR-144 in HSCs mitigated, while overexpression of miR-144 in HSCs accelerated the development of experimental liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, SIN3 transcription regulator family member A (SIN3A), a transcriptional repressor, was identified to be the target of miR-144 in HSCs. MiR-144 downregulated Sin3A, and in line with this result, specific knockdown of Sin3a in HSCs remarkedly activated p38 MAPK signaling pathway to promote HSC activation, eventually exacerbating liver fibrosis. Conclusions: Oxidative stress-driven miR-144 fuels HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis by limiting the SIN3A-p38 axis. Thus, a specific inhibition of miR-144 in HSCs could be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Development and validation of a novel nomogram for predicting long-term rebleeding risk among patients with hemorrhagic moyamoya disease: a 10-year multicenter retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a predictive nomogram model for long-term rebleeding events in patients with hemorrhagic moyamoya disease (HMMD). METHODS: In total, 554 patients with HMMD from the Fifth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital (5-PLAGH cohort) were included and randomly divided into training (390 patients) and internal validation (164 patients) sets. An independent cohort from the First Medical Center and Eighth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital (the 1-PLAGH and 8-PLAGH cohort) was used for external validation (133 patients). Univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm were used to identify significant factors associated with rebleeding, which were used to develop a nomogram for predicting 5- and 10-year rebleeding. RESULTS: Intraventricular hemorrhage was the most common type of cerebral hemorrhage (39.0% of patients in the 5-PLAGH cohort and 42.9% of the 1-PLAGH and 8-PLAGH cohort). During the mean ± SD follow-up period of 10.4 ± 2.9 years, 91 (16.4%) patients had rebleeding events in the 5-PLAGH cohort. The rebleeding rates were 12.3% (68 patients) at 5 years and 14.8% (82 patients) at 10 years. Rebleeding events were observed in 72 patients (14.3%) in the encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) surgery group, whereas 19 patients (37.3%) experienced rebleeding events in the conservative treatment group. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). We selected 4 predictors (age at onset, number of episodes of bleeding, posterior circulation involvement, and EDAS surgery) for nomogram development. The concordance index (C-index) values of the nomograms of the training cohort, internal validation cohort, and the external validation cohort were 0.767 (95% CI 0.704-0.830), 0.814 (95% CI 0.694-0.934), and 0.718 (95% CI 0.661-0.775), respectively. The nomogram at 5 years exhibited a sensitivity of 48.1% and specificity of 87.5%. The positive and negative predictive values were 38.2% and 91.3%, respectively. The nomogram at 10 years exhibited a sensitivity of 47.1% and specificity of 89.1%. The positive and negative predictive values were 48.5% and 88.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EDAS may prevent rebleeding events and improve long-term clinical outcomes in patients with HMMD. The nomogram accurately predicted rebleeding events and assisted clinicians in identifying high-risk patients and devising individual treatments. Simultaneously, comprehensive and ongoing monitoring should be implemented for specific patients with HMMD throughout their entire lifespan.

Superhydrophobic Solar-to-Thermal Materials Toward Cutting-Edge Applications.

Solar-to-thermal conversion is a direct and effective way to absorb sunlight for heat via the rational design and control of photothermal materials. However, when exposed to water-existed conditions, the conventional solar-to-thermal performance may experience severe degradation owing to the high specific heat capacity of water. To tackle with the challenge, the water-repellent function is introduced to construct superhydrophobic solar-to-thermal materials (SSTMs) for achieving stable heating, and even, for creating new application possibilities under water droplets, sweat, seawater, and ice environments. An in-depth review of cutting-edge research of SSTMs is given, focusing on synergetic functions, typical construction methods, and cutting-edge potentials based on water medium. Moreover, the current challenges and future prospects based on SSTMs are also carefully discussed.

Early cartilage lesion and 5-year incident joint surgery in knee osteoarthritis patients: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the association between cartilage lesion-related features observed in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients' first MRI examination and incident knee surgery within 5 years. Additionally, to assess the predictive value of these features for the incident knee surgery. METHODS: We identified patients diagnosed with knee OA and treated at our institution between January 2015 and January 2018, and retrieved their baseline clinical data and first MRI examination films from the information system. Next, we proceeded to determine joint space narrowing grade, cartilage lesion size grade, cartilage full-thickness loss grade and cartilage lesion sum score for the medial and lateral compartments, respectively. Generalized linear regression models examined the association of these features with 5-year incident knee surgery. Positive and negative predictive values (PPVs and NPVs) were determined referring to 5-year incident knee surgery. RESULTS: Totally, 878 participants (knees) were found eligible to form the study population. Within the 5 years, surgery was performed on 61 knees. None of the cartilage-related features had been found significantly associated with incident surgery. The results were similar for medial and lateral compartments. The PPVs were low for all the features. CONCLUSIONS: Among symptomatic clinically diagnosed OA knees, cartilage lesions observed in the first MRI examinations were not found to be associated with the occurrence of joint surgery within a 5-year period. All these cartilage-related features appear to have no additional value in predicting 5-year incident joint surgery.

Smart seq2 revealed distinct molecular responses during in vitro porcine oocyte maturation before or after the addition of mogroside V.

Oocyte maturation involves both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Mogroside V (MV) has been shown to enhance nuclear maturation, mitochondrial content, and developmental potential of porcine oocyte during in vitro maturation (IVM). However, the impact of MV on cytoplasmic maturation and its underlying mechanisms are not understood. This study aimed to assess the effect of MV on cytoplasmic maturation. Germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes treated with MV exhibited a noticeable increase in cortical granules (CGs) formation. Additionally, MV enhanced the expression of NNAT and improved glucose uptake in mature oocytes. Further insights were gained through Smart-seq2 analysis of RNA isolated from 100 oocytes. A total of 11,274 and 11,185 transcripts were identified in oocytes treated with and without MV, respectively. Among quantified genes, 438 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for further analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were primarily involved in DNA repair regulation, cellular response to DNA damage, intracellular components, and organelles. Furthermore, the DEGs were significantly enriched in three KEGG pathways: fatty acid synthesis, pyruvate metabolism, and WNT signalling. To validate the results, lipid droplets (LD) and triglyceride (TG) were examined. MV led to an increase in the accumulation of LD and TG production in mature oocytes. These findings suggest that MV enhances cytoplasmic maturation by promoting lipid droplet synthesis. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms through which MV improves oocyte quality during IVM. The results have significant implications for research in livestock reproduction and offer guidance for future studies in this field.

Bax Inhibitor-1 preserves pancreatic ß-cell proteostasis by limiting proinsulin misfolding and programmed cell death.

The prevalence of diabetes steadily increases worldwide mirroring the prevalence of obesity. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is activated in diabetes and contributes to ß-cell dysfunction and apoptosis through the activation of a terminal unfolded protein response (UPR). Our results uncover a new role for Bax Inhibitor-One (BI-1), a negative regulator of inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1α) in preserving ß-cell health against terminal UPR-induced apoptosis and pyroptosis in the context of supraphysiological loads of insulin production. BI-1-deficient mice experience a decline in endocrine pancreatic function in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, namely obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD). We observed early-onset diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, reduced serum insulin levels, ß-cell loss, increased pancreatic lipases and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the progression of metabolic dysfunction. Pancreatic section analysis revealed that BI-1 deletion overburdens unfolded proinsulin in the ER of ß-cells, confirmed by ultrastructural signs of ER stress with overwhelmed IRE1α endoribonuclease (RNase) activity in freshly isolated islets. ER stress led to ß-cell dysfunction and islet loss, due to an increase in immature proinsulin granules and defects in insulin crystallization with the presence of Rod-like granules. These results correlated with the induction of autophagy, ER phagy, and crinophagy quality control mechanisms, likely to alleviate the atypical accumulation of misfolded proinsulin in the ER. In fine, BI-1 in ß-cells limited IRE1α RNase activity from triggering programmed ß-cell death through apoptosis and pyroptosis (caspase-1, IL-1ß) via NLRP3 inflammasome activation and metabolic dysfunction. Pharmaceutical IRE1α inhibition with STF-083010 reversed ß-cell failure and normalized the metabolic phenotype. These results uncover a new protective role for BI-1 in pancreatic ß-cell physiology as a stress integrator to modulate the UPR triggered by accumulating unfolded proinsulin in the ER, as well as autophagy and programmed cell death, with consequences on ß-cell function and insulin secretion. In pancreatic ß-cells, BI-1-/- deficiency perturbs proteostasis with proinsulin misfolding, ER stress, terminal UPR with overwhelmed IRE1α/XBP1s/CHOP activation, inflammation, ß-cell programmed cell death, and diabetes.

A Suspended, 3D Morphing Sensory System for Robots to Feel and Protect.

Artificial sensory systems with synergistic touch and pain perception hold substantial promise for environment interaction and human-robot communication. However, the realization of biological skin-like functional integration of sensors with sensitive touch and pain perception still remains a challenge. Here, a concept is proposed of suspended electronic skins enabling 3D deformation-mechanical contact interactions for achieving synergetic ultrasensitive touch and adjustable pain perception. The suspended sensory system can sensitively capture tiny touch stimuli as low as 0.02 Pa and actively perceive pain response with reliable 5200 cycles via 3D deformation and mechanical contact mechanism, respectively. Based on the touch-pain effect, a visualized feedback demo with miniaturized sensor arrays on artificial fingers is rationally designed to give a pain perception mapping on sharp surfaces. Furthermore, the capability is shown of the suspended electronic skin serving as a safe human-robot communication interface from active and passive view through a feedback control system, demonstrating potential in bionic electronics and intelligent robotics.

Active Passivation of Anion Vacancies in Antimony Selenide Film for Efficient Solar Cells.

Binary antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) is a promising inorganic light-harvesting material with high stability, nontoxicity, and wide light harvesting capability. In this photovoltaic material, it has been recognized that deep energy level defects with large carrier capture cross section, such as VSe (selenium vacancy), lead to serious open-circuit voltage (VOC) deficit and in turn limit the achievable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Sb2Se3 solar cells. Understanding the nature of deep-level defects and establishing effective method to eliminate the defects are vital to improving VOC. In this study, a novel directed defect passivation strategy is proposed to suppress the formation of VSe and maintain the composition and morphology of Sb2Se3 film. In particular, through systematic study on the evolution of defect properties, the pathway of defect passivation reaction is revealed. Owing to the inhibition of defect-assisted recombination, the VOC increases, resulting in an improvement of PCE from 7.69% to 8.90%, which is the highest efficiency of Sb2Se3 solar cells prepared by thermal evaporation method with superstrate device configuration. This study proposes a new understanding of the nature of deep-level defects and enlightens the fabrication of high quality Sb2Se3 thin film for solar cell applications.

Integrated analysis reveals critical cisplatin-resistance regulators E2F7 contributed to tumor progression and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Drug resistance poses a significant challenge in cancer treatment, particularly as a leading cause of therapy failure. Cisplatin, the primary drug for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) chemotherapy, shows effective treatment outcomes. However, the development of resistance against cisplatin is a major obstacle. Therefore, identifying genes resistant to cisplatin and adopting personalized treatment could significantly improve patient outcomes. METHODS: By examining transcriptome data of cisplatin-resistant LUAD cells from the GEO database, 181 genes associated with cisplatin resistance were identified. Using univariate regression analysis, random forest and multivariate regression analyses, two prognostic genes, E2F7 and FAM83A, were identified. This study developed a prognostic model utilizing E2F7 and FAM83A as key indicators. The Cell Counting Kit 8 assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of E2F7 on the proliferation, migration, invasiveness and apoptosis of A549/PC9 cells. Western blotting was used to determine the effect of E2F7 on AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. RESULTS: This study has pinpointed two crucial genes associated with cisplatin resistance, E2F7 and FAM83A, and developed a comprehensive model to assist in the diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluation of relapse risk in LUAD. Analysis revealed that patients at higher risk, according to these genetic markers, had elevated levels of immune checkpoints (PD-L1 and PD-L2). The prognostic and diagnosis values of E2F7 and FAM83A were further confirmed in clinical data. Furthermore, inhibiting E2F7 in lung cancer cells markedly reduced their proliferation, migration, invasion, and increased apoptosis. In vivo experiments corroborated these findings, showing reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis upon E2F7 suppression in lung cancer models. CONCLUSION: Our study affirms the prognostic value of a model based on two DEGs, offering a reliable method for predicting the success of tumor immunotherapy in patients with LUAD. The diagnostic and predictive model based on these genes demonstrates excellent performance. In vitro, reducing E2F7 levels shows antitumor effects by blocking LUAD growth and progression. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms has highlighted E2F7's effect on the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, underscoring its therapeutic potential. In the era of personalized medicine, this DEG-based model promises to guide clinical practice.

Assessment of Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation During Long-Term Exposure to High Altitude in Normal Subjects by Ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) during short-term and long-term exposure to high altitude with ultrasonography, and also study the sex differences in the response of CA to altitude. METHODS: We assessed the differences in dynamic CA and measured with Doppler ultrasound of the bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA), vertebral artery (VA), and middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the values of basic information within 48 hours and at 2 years after arrival at Tibet in 65 healthy Han young Chinese volunteers, meanwhile, we compared the resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of the right MCA at inhale oxygen 8 minutes when a newcomer with 2 years after arrival at Tibet. RESULTS: With 2 years of altitude exposure, the SaO2 of all subjects was above 90%, the mean PEF, DAP, and HR values decreased, HGB increased compared within 48 hours in same-gender groups. Comparisons of cerebral hemodynamics between before 2 years and after 2 years within male and female groups, the mean RI and PI values of bilateral MCA after 2 years were significantly higher than before 2 years, at the same time, the mean RI and PI values of bilateral ICA were significant differences (P < .05) between male groups, with regard to female groups, showed that the mean RI and PI values of bilateral VA were significant differences (P < .05). Comparisons of Right MCA hemodynamics between after oxygen uptake 8 minutes and 2 years, the mean RI and PI values were no significant difference within male and female groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Acute mountain sickness could result from an alteration of dynamic autoregulation of cerebral blood flow, but the impaired autoregulation may be corrected with the extension of time, furthermore, the response of CA to altitude in males and females are different.

What books should we like? A study of gender differences and stereotypes in the reading behaviors of Chinese middle school students.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated gender differences in the reading behaviors of Chinese middle school students, and whether gender stereotypes relating to choices of reading matter are supported. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Three thousand nine hundred and fifteen middle school (Grade 7) students completed a questionnaire designed to assess reading behaviors. Independent sample t-test and chi-square analyses were employed to examine gender differences in reading behaviors. The qualitative survey was supplemented with an open response survey (94 boys, 50 girls), which provided further insights into individuals' specific experiences and perspectives regarding reading behaviors and gender stereotypes in reading choices. RESULTS: This study revealed a number of gender-linked differences. Boys spent more time reading than girls but read the same number of books; boys were also more likely than girls to read digital texts, while girls were more likely to borrow their reading material. Choice of subject matter also differed: boys were more likely to read factual and action-based books, while girls' choices focused more on motives and emotions. Another significant difference was that boys paid more attention to the overall experience of reading, while girls paid more attention to the details of reading. Responses to the open response survey indicated that gender stereotypes in reading choices were prevalent among respondents, but some students' reading choices did not align with the stereotype associated with their gender. CONCLUSION: The mixed-methods approach proved valuable in both identifying gender differences in reading behaviors, and in highlighting the prevalence of gender stereotypes in reading choices among middle school students.

Probing the energy barriers and stages of membrane protein unfolding using solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

Understanding how the amino acid sequence dictates protein structure and defines its stability is a fundamental problem in molecular biology. It is especially challenging for membrane proteins that reside in the complex environment of a lipid bilayer. Here, we obtain an atomic-level picture of the thermally induced unfolding of a membrane-embedded α-helical protein, human aquaporin 1, using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Our data reveal the hierarchical two-step pathway that begins with unfolding of a structured extracellular loop and proceeds to an intermediate state with a native-like helical packing. In the second step, the transmembrane domain unravels as a single unit, resulting in a heterogeneous misfolded state with high helical content but with nonnative helical packing. Our results show the importance of loops for the kinetic stabilization of the whole membrane protein structure and support the three-stage membrane protein folding model.

Development and validation of a novel nomogram for predicting good neoangiogenesis after encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis in patients with moyamoya disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes is often linked to poorer outcomes in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD). However, experience has shown that certain individuals with diabetes have favorable outcomes after encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS). The authors aimed to develop a nomogram to predict good neoangiogenesis in patients with MMD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to aid neurosurgeons in the identification of suitable candidates for EDAS. METHODS: Adults with MMD and T2DM who underwent EDAS between June 2004 and December 2018 were included in the analysis. In total, 126 patients (213 hemispheres) with MMD and T2DM from the Fifth Medical Centre of the Chinese PLA General Hospital were included and randomly divided into training (152 hemispheres) and internal validation (61 hemispheres) cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Univariate logistic and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were used to identify the significant factors associated with good neoangiogenesis, which were used to develop a nomogram. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 213 hemispheres in 126 patients were reviewed, including 152 (71.36%) hemispheres with good postoperative collateral formation and 61 (28.64%) with poor postoperative collateral formation. The authors selected 4 predictors (FGD5 rs11128722, VEGFA rs9472135, Suzuki stage, and internal carotid artery [ICA] moyamoya vessels) for nomogram development. The C-indices of the nomogram in the training and internal validation cohorts were 0.873 and 0.841, respectively. The nomogram exhibited a sensitivity of 84.5% and specificity of 81.0%. The positive and negative predictive values were 92.1% and 66.7%, respectively. The calibration curves indicated high predictive accuracy, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the superiority of the nomogram. The decision-making analysis validated the fitness and clinical application value of this nomogram. Then a web-based calculator to facilitate clinical application was generated. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram developed in this study accurately predicted neoangiogenesis in patients with MMD and T2DM after EDAS and may assist neurosurgeons in identifying suitable candidates for indirect revascularization surgery.

Optimization of tracheoesophageal fistula model established with T-shaped magnet system based on magnetic compression technique.

BACKGROUND: The magnetic compression technique has been used to establish an animal model of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), but the commonly shaped magnets present limitations of poor homogeneity of TEF and poor model control. We designed a T-shaped magnet system to overcome these problems and verified its effectiveness via animal experiments. AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of a T-shaped magnet system for establishing a TEF model in beagle dogs. METHODS: Twelve beagles were randomly assigned to groups in which magnets of the T-shaped scheme (study group, n = 6) or normal magnets (control group, n = 6) were implanted into the trachea and esophagus separately under gastroscopy. Operation time, operation success rate, and accidental injury were recorded. After operation, the presence and timing of cough and the time of magnet shedding were observed. Dogs in the control group were euthanized after X-ray and gastroscopy to confirm establishment of TEFs after coughing, and gross specimens of TEFs were obtained. Dogs in the study group were euthanized after X-ray and gastroscopy 2 wk after surgery, and gross specimens were obtained. Fistula size was measured in all animals, and then harvested fistula specimens were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome staining. RESULTS: The operation success rate was 100% for both groups. Operation time did not differ between the study group (5.25 min ± 1.29 min) and the control group (4.75 min ± 1.70 min; P = 0.331). No bleeding, perforation, or unplanned magnet attraction occurred in any animal during the operation. In the early postoperative period, all dogs ate freely and were generally in good condition. Dogs in the control group had severe cough after drinking water at 6-9 d after surgery. X-ray indicated that the magnets had entered the stomach, and gastroscopy showed TEF formation. Gross specimens of TEFs from the control group showed the formation of fistulas with a diameter of 4.94 mm ± 1.29 mm (range, 3.52-6.56 mm). HE and Masson trichrome staining showed scar tissue formation and hierarchical structural disorder at the fistulas. Dogs in the study group did not exhibit obvious coughing after surgery. X-ray examination 2 wk after surgery indicated fixed magnet positioning, and gastroscopy showed no change in magnet positioning. The magnets were removed using a snare under endoscopy, and TEF was observed. Gross specimens showed well-formed fistulas with a diameter of 6.11 mm ± 0.16 mm (range, 5.92-6.36 mm), which exceeded that in the control group (P < 0.001). Scar formation was observed on the internal surface of fistulas by HE and Masson trichrome staining, and the structure was more regular than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: Use of the modified T-shaped magnet scheme is safe and feasible for establishing TEF and can achieve a more stable and uniform fistula size compared with ordinary magnets. Most importantly, this model offers better controllability, which improves the flexibility of follow-up studies.

Optimisation and characterisation of KOH-activated carbon obtained from Baijiu spent grains for the mitigation of risk factors in alcoholic beverages.

This study aims to repurpose waste grain from the Baijiu brewing process into activated carbon for mitigating risk factors in alcoholic beverages, enhancing quality and ensuring safety. For attaining the most effective activated carbon, tailored carbon synthesis conditions were identified for diverse alcoholic beverages, optimising strategies. For beverages with low flavour compound content, optimal conditions include 900 °C calcination, 16-hour activation and a 1:2 activation ratio. In contrast, for those with abundant flavour compounds, 800 °C calcination, 16-hour activation and a 1:1 activation ratio are recommended. Post-synthesis analyses, employing nitrogen physisorption-desorption isotherms, FT-IR and SEM, validated a significant BET surface area of 244.871 m2/g for the KOH-activated carbon. Critical to adsorption efficiency, calcination temperature showcased noteworthy micro-porosity (0.8-1 nm), selectively adsorbing higher alcohols (C3-C6) and acetaldehyde while minimising acid and ester adsorption. Sensory evaluations refined optimal parameters, ensuring efficient spent grain management and heightened beverage safety without compromising aroma.

Microeukaryotic plankton evolutionary constraints in a subtropical river explained by environment and bacteria along differing taxonomic resolutions.

Microeukaryotic plankton communities are keystone components for keeping aquatic primary productivity. Currently, variations in microeukaryotic plankton diversity have often been explained by local ecological factors but not by evolutionary constraints. We used amplicon sequencing of 100 water samples across five years to investigate the ecological preferences of the microeukaryotic plankton community in a subtropical riverine ecosystem. We found that microeukaryotic plankton diversity was less associated with bacterial abundance (16S rRNA gene copy number) than bacterial diversity. Further, environmental effects exhibited a larger influence on microeukaryotic plankton community composition than bacterial community composition, especially at fine taxonomic levels. The evolutionary constraints of microeukaryotic plankton community increased with decreasing taxonomic resolution (from 97% to 91% similarity levels), but not significant change from 85% to 70% similarity levels. However, compared with the bacterial community, the evolutionary constraints were shown to be more affected by environmental variables. This study illustrated possible controlling environmental and bacterial drivers of microeukaryotic diversity and community assembly in a subtropical river, thereby indirectly reflecting on the quality status of the water environment by providing new clues on the microeukaryotic community assembly.

Influence of different magnetic forces on the effect of colonic anastomosis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Despite much work having been conducted on magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) in the digestive tract, there are no reports on the influence of magnetic force on the anastomosis. AIM: To investigate the effect of different magnetic force magnets on the MCA of the digestive tract. METHODS: Two groups of magnets of the same sizes but different magnetic forces were designed and produced. A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into two groups (powerful magnet group and common magnet group), with 12 rats in each group. Two types of magnets were used to complete the colonic side-to-side anastomosis of the rats. The operation time and magnet discharge time were recorded. The anastomotic specimens were obtained 4 wk after the operation and then the burst pressure and diameter of the anastomosis were measured, and the anastomosis was observed via the naked eye and subjected to histological examination. RESULTS: The magnetic forces of the powerful and common magnet groups at zero distance were 8.26 N and 4.10 N, respectively. The colonic side-to-side anastomosis was completed in all 24 rats, and the operation success rate and postoperative survival rate were 100%. No significant difference was noted in the operation time between the two groups. The magnet discharge time of the powerful magnet group was slightly longer than that of the common magnet group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.513). Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the burst pressure (P = 0.266) or diameter of magnetic anastomosis (P = 0.095) between the two groups. The gross specimens of the two groups showed good anastomotic healing, and histological observation indicated good mucosal continuity without differences on healing. CONCLUSION: In the rat colonic side-to-side MCA model, both the powerful magnet with 8.26 N and the common magnet with 4.10 N showed no significant impact on the anastomosis establishment process or its effect.

Association between polymorphism in the MTHFR gene and encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis-induced collateral circulation formation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether high homocysteine (Hcy) levels associated with the MTHFR gene influence the formation of the collateral vascular network in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) after encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) by influencing the number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in peripheral blood. METHODS: A total of 118 Chinese patients with bilateral primary MMD were prospectively included. Blood samples were collected from the anterior cubital vein before surgery, and MTHFR rs9651118 was genotyped using high-throughput mass spectrometry to determine the genotype of the test specimen. Serum Hcy and EPC levels were measured, the latter with flow cytometry. Digital subtraction angiography was performed 6 months after EDAS, and the formation of collateral circulation was evaluated using the Matsushima grade system. The correlations between MTHFR rs9651118 genotype, Hcy and EPC levels, and Matsushima grade were compared. RESULTS: Among the 118 patients, 53 had the TT genotype (wild type) of MTHFR rs9651118, 33 TC genotype (heterozygous mutation), and 32 CC genotype (homozygous mutation). The mean ± SD Hcy level was 13.4 ± 9.5 µmol/L in TT patients, 9.8 ± 3.2 µmol/L in TC patients, and 8.9 ± 2.9 µmol/L in CC patients (p < 0.001). The level of EPCs in the venous blood of TT patients was 0.039% ± 0.016%, that of TC patients 0.088% ± 0.061%, and that of CC patients 0.103% ± 0.062% (p < 0.001). When the rs9651118 gene locus was mutated, Matsushima grade was better (p < 0.001) but there was no difference between heterozygous and homozygous mutations. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the MTHFR rs9651118 polymorphism is a good biomarker for collateral vascular network formation after EDAS in MMD patients.

Study of the in situ test setup and analysis methods for self-healing properties of metallized film capacitors.

Metallized film capacitors (MFCs) are widely used in the power electronics industry due to their unique self-healing (SH) capability. SH performance is an essential assessment for MFC reliability verification in industrial production. The SH phenomenon of metallized films usually occurs rapidly in a very short period, and its real-time evolution details are often difficult to capture and analyze. In this paper, a test system for the SH performance of metallized films for capacitors was constructed. The system consists of three components: a voltage-current characteristic testing and current pulse capture device, a microscopic image real-time acquisition device, and an integrated analysis processing device. Through the voltage-current characteristic testing and current pulse capture device, the electrical parameters of the SH point, such as SH times, breakdown field strength, SH current, and SH energy, are obtained; through a microscopic image real-time acquisition device, the real-time spatial positioning of the SH point was obtained, and the interconnection between the morphology of the SH point and the electrical properties was established. The relationship between the SH point and the temperature distribution was further established using thermal imaging technology, which lays the foundation for a thorough and timely assessment and analysis of the failure mechanism and the real-time evolution of the metallized film SH process. This significantly improves the effectiveness of SH property research.