Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Diaporthein B against Botryosphaeria dothidea in Prevention of Apple Ring Rot.

Apple ring rot, caused by the pathogenic fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea, has inflicted substantial economic losses and caused significant food safety concerns. In this study, a pimarane-type diterpenoid, diaporthein B (DTB), isolated from a marine-derived fungus, exhibited significant antifungal activity against B. dothidea, with an EC50 value of 8.8 µg/mL. Transcriptome, metabolome, and physiological assays revealed that DTB may target mitochondria and disrupt the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation processes. This interference led to increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent lipid peroxidation, ultimately inhibiting fungal growth. Furthermore, DTB exhibited an inhibitory potency against apple ring rot at a concentration of 31.2 µg/mL, achieving rates ranging from 67.7 to 81.6% across four distinct apple cultivars. These results indicated that DTB could serve as a novel fungicide for controlling apple ring rot in apple cultivation, transportation, and storage.

Protective effects of Parkin knockout on asthma-induced changes in juvenile mice: inflammation, airway resistance, and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effects of Parkin (Prkn) knockout in a juvenile mouse model of asthma. METHODS: Prkn knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice were utilized to establish a juvenile mouse asthma model. The asthma model involved exposure to hyperoxia/ovalbumin (OVA), encompassing hyperoxia from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P7, sensitization on P21 and P28, and challenge from P36 to P42. Room air/phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) served as the control condition. Following airway resistance measurement, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for cellular analysis, and lung tissues were subjected to histological examination and oxidative stress assessment. Serum levels of ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), total IgE, interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: WT mice exposed to hyperoxia/OVA showed decreased body weight and increased airway resistance compared to those exposed to control condition. Conversely, KO mice exhibited increased body weight under asthma conditions. KO mice with asthma had reduced total cell counts, along with lower levels of lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils, compared to WT asthma mice. Histological assessment showed attenuated inflammation and reduced collagen deposition in KO mice relative to WT mice, with lower serum levels of inflammatory markers and improved lung oxidative stress profiles. No significant differences were observed between KO and WT mice under room air/PBS conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Parkin knockout in juvenile mice mitigates asthma-related alterations in airway resistance, histopathological changes, inflammation status, and oxidative stress. These findings highlight a protective role of Parkin deficiency against asthma-associated pathologies.

Enhanced water stability of MOFs via multiple hydrogen bonds and their application in water harvesting.

A mechanism based on multiple hydrogen bonds was proposed to describe the great water stability of some hydrated Cu paddle-wheel-based MOFs, which was demonstrated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) of water-loaded MOFs. This mechanism endowed Cu-TDPAT with exceptional water stability and outstanding atmospheric water harvesting capability.

Sodium butyrate alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through JAK/STAT signalling in primary human corneal fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial keratitis is a common cause of blindness. Antibiotic treatment leads to the rapid release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which can activate corneal fibroblasts and cause persistent and excessive inflammatory responses. The anti-inflammatory drugs currently used to treat keratitis have serious side effects. Therefore, the ability of sodium butyrate (NaB), which can suppress the production of proinflammatory cytokines and promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, to ameliorate keratitis was assessed in the present study. METHODS: The effect of NaB on the viability of primary human corneal fibroblasts was assayed with a CCK-8 kit. Cell migration was assessed by an in vitro scratch assay. Cell phenotypes were assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. An antibody array was used to measure the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. RESULTS: At 0-1 mM, NaB had no significant effect on cell viability, promoted the expression of the keratocyte marker keratocan and inhibited the fibroblast marker vimentin. Inhibition of cell migration was observed in the wound healing assay. By targeting the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling pathway, NaB decreased the levels of inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines whose expression was induced by LPS. CONCLUSIONS: NaB maintained the keratocyte phenotype, inhibited cell migration, and relieved LPS-induced inflammatory responses through the JAK/STAT signalling pathway.

Baseline Performance of Ultrasound-Based Strategies in Breast Cancer Screening Among Chinese Women.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: There is a notable absence of robust evidence on the efficacy of ultrasound-based breast cancer screening strategies, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of dense breasts. Our study addresses this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of such strategies in Chinese women, thereby enriching the evidence base for identifying the most efficacious screening approaches for women with dense breast tissue. METHODS: Conducted from October 2018 to August 2022 in Central China, this prospective cohort study enrolled 8996 women aged 35-64 years, divided into two age groups (35-44 and 45-64 years). Participants were screened for breast cancer using hand-held ultrasound (HHUS) and automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS), with the older age group also receiving full-field digital mammography (FFDM). The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) was employed for image interpretation, with abnormal results indicated by BI-RADS 4/5, necessitating a biopsy; BI-RADS 3 required follow-up within 6-12 months by primary screening strategies; and BI-RADS 1/2 were classified as negative. RESULTS: Among the screened women, 29 cases of breast cancer were identified, with 4 (1.3‰) in the 35-44 years age group and 25 (4.2‰) in the 45-64 years age group. In the younger age group, HHUS and ABUS performed equally well, with no significant difference in their AUC values (0.8678 vs. 0.8679, P > 0.05). For the older age group, ABUS as a standalone strategy (AUC 0.9935) and both supplemental screening methods (HHUS with FFDM, AUC 0.9920; ABUS with FFDM, AUC 0.9928) outperformed FFDM alone (AUC 0.8983, P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between HHUS alone and FFDM alone (AUC 0.9529 vs. 0.8983, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that both HHUS and ABUS exhibit strong performance as independent breast cancer screening strategies, with ABUS demonstrating superior potential. However, the integration of FFDM with these ultrasound techniques did not confer a substantial improvement in the overall effectiveness of the screening process.

In-situ construction of biomineralized cadmium sulfide-Rhodopseudomonas palustris hybrid system: Mechanism of synergistic light utilization.

Sulfide biomineralization is a microorganism-induced process for transforming the environmentally hazardous cadmium into useful resource utilization. This study successfully constructed cadmium sulfide nanoparticles-Rhodopseudomonas palustris (Bio-CdS NPs-R. palustris) hybrids. For the self-assembling hybrids, Bio-CdS NPs were treated as new artificial-antennas to enhance photosynthesis, especially under low light (LL). Bacterial physiological results of hybrids were significantly increased, particularly for cells under LL, with higher enhancement photon harvesting ability. The enhancement included the pigment contents, and the ratio of the peripheral light-harvesting complex Ⅱ (LH2) to light-harvesting Ⅰ (1.33 ± 0.01 under LL), leading to the improvements of light-harvesting, transfer, and antenna conversion efficiencies. Finally, the stimulated electron chain of hybrids improved bacterial metabolism with increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH, 174.5% under LL) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP, 41.1% under LL). Furthermore, the modified photosynthetic units were induced by the up-regulated expression of fixK, which was activated by reduced oxygen tension of the medium for hybrids. fixK up-regulated genes encoding pigments (crt, and bch) and complexes (puf, pucAB, and pucC), leading to improved light-harvesting and transfer, and transform ability. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the solar energy utilization mechanism of in-situ semiconductor-phototrophic microbe hybrids, contributing to further theoretical insight into their practical application.

Modulated assembly and structural diversity of heterometallic Sn-Ti oxo clusters from inorganic tin precursors.

Through modulating the multidentate ligands, solvent environments, and inorganic tin precursors during the synthesis processes, we have successfully prepared a series of unprecedented heterometallic Sn-Ti oxo clusters with structural diversity and different physiochemical attributes. Initially, two Sn6Ti10 clusters were synthesized using trimethylolpropane as a structure-oriented ligand and SnCl4·5H2O as a tin source. Then, when a larger pentadentate ligand di(trimethylolpropane) was used instead of trimethylolpropane and aprotic acetonitrile solvent was introduced into the reaction system, four low-nuclearity Sn-Ti oxo clusters were discovered, including two Sn1Ti1, one Sn2Ti2 and one Sn2Ti6. Finally, two mixed-valence state clusters, SnII4SnIV2TiIV14 and SnII4SnIV4TiIV20, were obtained by transforming the tin precursor from SnCl4·5H2O to SnCl2·2H2O and adjusting the acetonitrile solution with trace acetic acid/formic acid. Sn8Ti20 is the highest-nuclearity heterometallic Sn-Ti oxo cluster to date. Moreover, comparative electrocatalytic CO2 reduction experiments were carried out, and it was concluded that the Sn8Ti20-decorated electrode showed the most satisfactory performance due to the influence of mixed-valence states of the Sn atoms and the charging effects provided by 20 Ti4+ ions. This study presents important guiding significance for the design, synthesis and application optimization of functional heterometallic nanoclusters.

Sciatic nerve stimulation alleviates neuropathic pain and associated neuroinflammation in the dorsal root ganglia in a rodent model.

BACKGROUND: Satellite glial cells (SGCs) in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) play a pivotal role in the formation of neuropathic pain (NP). Sciatic nerve stimulation (SNS) neuromodulation was reported to alleviate NP and reduce neuroinflammation. However, the mechanisms underlying SNS in the DRG remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of electric stimulation in reducing NP, focusing on the DRG. METHODS: L5 nerve root ligation (NRL) NP rat model was studied. Ipsilateral SNS performed 1 day after NRL. Behavioral tests were performed to assess pain phenotypes. NanoString Ncounter technology was used to explore the differentially expressed genes and cellular pathways. Activated SGCs were characterized in vivo and in vitro. The histochemical alterations of SGCs, macrophages, and neurons in DRG were examined in vivo on post-injury day 8. RESULTS: NRL induced NP behaviors including decreased pain threshold and latency on von Frey and Hargreaves tests. We found that following nerve injury, SGCs were hyperactivated, neurotoxic and had increased expression of NP-related ion channels including TRPA1, Cx43, and SGC-neuron gap junctions. Mechanistically, nerve injury induced reciprocal activation of SGCs and M1 macrophages via cytokines including IL-6, CCL3, and TNF-α mediated by the HIF-1α-NF-κB pathways. SNS suppressed SGC hyperactivation, reduced the expression of NP-related ion channels, and induced M2 macrophage polarization, thereby alleviating NP and associated neuroinflammation in the DRG. CONCLUSIONS: NRL induced hyperactivation of SGCs, which had increased expression of NP-related ion channels. Reciprocal activation of SGCs and M1 macrophages surrounding the primary sensory neurons was mediated by the HIF-1α and NF-κB pathways. SNS suppressed SGC hyperactivation and skewed M1 macrophage towards M2. Our findings establish SGC activation as a crucial pathomechanism in the gliopathic alterations in NP, which can be modulated by SNS neuromodulation.

Platelets promote primary hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through TGF-ß1-mediated cancer cell autophagy.

Previous research has revealed that platelets promote tumor metastasis by binding to circulating tumor cells (CTCs). However, the role of platelets in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells at the primary tumor site, the crucial initial step of tumor metastasis, remains to be elucidated. Here, we found that platelet releasate enhanced EMT and motility of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells via AMPK/mTOR-induced autophagy. RNA-seq indicated that platelet releasate altered TGF-ß signaling pathway of cancer cells. Inhibiting TGFBR or deleting platelet TGF-ß1 suppressed AMPK/mTOR pathway activation and autophagy induced by platelet releasate. Compared with Pf4cre-; Tgfb1fl/fl mice, HCC orthotopic models established on Pf4cre+; Tgfb1fl/fl mice showed reduced TGF-ß1 in primary tumors, which corresponded with decreased cancer cell EMT, autophagy, migration ability and tumor metastasis. Inhibition of autophagy via Atg5 knockdown in cancer cells negated EMT and metastasis induced by platelet-released TGF-ß1. Clinically, higher platelet count correlated with increased TGF-ß1, LC3 and N-cad expression in primary tumors of HCC patients, suggesting a link between platelets and HCC progression. Our study indicates that platelets promote cancer cell EMT in the primary tumor and HCC metastasis through TGF-ß1-induced HCC cell autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. These findings offer novel insights into the role of platelets in HCC metastasis and the potential therapeutic targets for HCC metastasis.

[Application of small intestinal submucosa absorbable biofilm in the repair of alveolar bone defects].

PURPOSE: To study the clinical efficacy of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) absorbable biological membrane in alveolar bone defect repair. METHODS: A total of 102 patients with alveolar bone defect who received guided bone regeneration (GBR) in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected and divided into Bio-Gide group (51 cases using Bio-Gide absorbable biofilm) and SIS group (51 cases using SIS absorbable biofilm) by computer random number generator. The perioperative related indicators, blood calcium, blood phosphorus, biocompatibility, periodontal attachment loss (PAL) length, pulp sensitivity, tooth mobility, alveolar bone volume and adverse events of the two groups were compared. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 24.0 software package. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain on the first day after operation, VAS score on the fifth day after operation, wound healing time, blood calcium and phosphorus levels before operation, 1 d and 12 d after operation, PAL length before operation, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation, pulp sensitivity and tooth looseness grade 1 and 2 percentage at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation, bone width increase, bone height increase at 12 months after operation and adverse event rate between the two groups (P＞0.05). Compared with Bio-Gide group, the wound healing time and biofilm absorption time were shortened in SIS group(P＜0.05), and the incidence of rejection was decreased 12 d after operation (P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SIS absorbable biofilm and Bio-Gide absorbable biofilm have similar efficacy and safety in repairing GBR for alveolar bone defects, but the former is more biocompatible and the latter can provide longer barrier function.

SIRT3 sulfhydration using hydrogen sulfide inhibited angiotensin II-induced atrial fibrosis and vulnerability to atrial fibrillation via suppression of the TGF-ß1/smad2/3 signalling pathway.

Atrial fibrosis is associated with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and regulated by the transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)/Smad2/3 signalling pathway. Unfortunately, the mechanisms of regulation of TGF-ß1/Smad2/3-induced atrial fibrosis and vulnerability to AF remain still unknown. Previous studies have shown that sirtuin3 (SIRT3) sulfhydration has strong anti-fibrotic effects. We hypothesised that SIRT3 sulfhydration inhibits angiotensin II (Ang-II)-induced atrial fibrosis via blocking the TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 signalling pathway. In this study, we found that SIRT3 expression was decreased in the left atrium of patients with AF compared to that in those with sinus rhythm (SR). In vitro, SIRT3 knockdown by small interfering RNA significantly expanded Ang-II-induced atrial fibrosis and TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 signalling pathway activation, whereas supplementation with Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS, exogenous hydrogen sulfide donor and sulfhydration agonist) and SIRT3 overexpression using adenovirus ameliorated Ang-II-induced atrial fibrosis. Moreover, we observed suppression of the TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 pathway when Ang-II was combined with NaHS treatment, and the effect of this co-treatment was consistent with that of Ang-II combined with LY3200882 (Smad pathway inhibitor) on reducing atrial fibroblast proliferation and cell migration in vitro. Supplementation with dithiothreitol (DTT, a sulfhydration inhibitor) and adenovirus SIRT3 shRNA blocked the ameliorating effect of NaHS and AngII co-treatment on atrial fibrosis in vitro. Finally, continued treatment with NaHS in rats ameliorated atrial fibrosis and remodelling, and further improved AF vulnerability induced by Ang-II, which was reversed by DTT and adenovirus SIRT3 shRNA, suggesting that SIRT3 sulfhydration might be a potential therapeutic target in atrial fibrosis and AF.

Bacillus coagulans BACO-17 ameliorates in vitro and in vivo progression of Rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes persistent inflammation involving the joints, cartilage, and synovium. In individuals with RA, alterations in the composition of intestinal bacteria suggest the vital role of gut microbiota in immune dysfunction. Multiple therapies commonly used to treat RA can also alter the diversity of gut microbiota, further suggesting the modulation of gut microbiota as a prevention or treatment for RA. Therefore, a better understanding of the changes in the gut microbiota that accompany RA should facilitate the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, B. coagulans BACO-17 not only significantly reduced paw swelling, arthritis scores, and hind paw and forepaw thicknesses but also protected articular cartilage and the synovium against RA degeneration, with a corresponding downregulation of TNF-α expression. The inhibition or even reversing of RA progression highlights B. coagulans BACO-17 as a novel therapeutic for RA worth investigating.

Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Academic Resilience Scale-30 (C-ARS-30) in college students.

Background: Amidst the expansion of student enrollment in higher education, the well-being and retention rates of students have emerged as important concerns. Resilience, especially academic resilience, a multidimensional construct that can lead to academic success in adversity, is pivotal in enabling students to successfully cope with academic challenges. While the Academic Resilience Scale-30 (ARS-30) has been validated as an effective instrument in various languages, its applicability for Chinese students in higher education remains unexplored. Objective: This study aims to translate and validate the ARS-30 in Chinese, assessing its reliability and validity among Chinese college students in higher education. Methods: A convenience sample of 1,542 students participated in this study. The inventory included the demographic form, Chinese version of ARS-30 (C-ARS-30), 10-item Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). The assessment of validity was conducted by analyzing content validity, construct validity, convergent and discriminant validity, as well as criterion-related validity. Construct validity was evaluated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM). Reliability analysis was performed using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. Results: The C-ARS-30 demonstrated commendable content validity, with the CVI value of items ranging from 0.833 to 1.000, and a total scale CVI of 0.986. ESEM analysis revealed a solid four-factor structure, maintaining the scale's 30 items with excellent fit indices (χ2/df = 2.647, CFI = 0.937, TLI = 0.915, RMSEA = 0.057, SRMR = 0.027). The total score of C-ARS-30 exhibited positive correlations with the CD-RISC-10 (r = 0.542) and the GSES (r = 0.488). The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.930) and test-retest reliability (0.794, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The C-ARS-30 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing academic resilience among Chinese college students, offering a valuable tool for educational and psychological evaluations.

[Characteristics of Water Environment and Its Influencing Factors in Zhari Namco Basin, Xizang].

Zhari Namco is situated in the alpine grassland belt of northwestern Xizang with a fragile ecological environment. As the third-largest lake in Xizang, there has been a long-term lack of research data concerning its basin water environment. In an effort to elucidate the surface water environment characteristics of the basin and the factors influencing them, an extensive investigation was conducted from August 2021 to June 2022, encompassing periods of high flow, low flow, and base flow. Further, the study also involved comprehensive assessments of the water chemistry characteristics and spatial-temporal variation in lake sampling sites of the basin that were not significant by using mathematical statistics, hydrochemical analysis, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis. The findings revealed the following： ① The water in the Zhari Namco Basin exhibited an alkaline nature, with dominant ionic compositions in the lake comprising Na+, SO42-, and Cl-, whereas the rivers were primarily characterized by Ca2+, HCO3-, and SO42-. ② The main pollutants exceeding established standards included sulfates, arsenic, chlorides, and total phosphorus. The study identified significant spatiotemporal variations in water quality. Temporally, the exceedance of sulfates, arsenic, and total phosphorus was most pronounced during high-flow periods, followed by that during low-flow and base flow periods, with chloride levels showing less temporal variation. Spatially, river water quality surpassed that of the lakes, with arsenic, total phosphorus, TDS, sulfate, chloride, K+, and Na+ concentrations in lakes 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than those in rivers. Water qualities exceeding the established standard were primarily found in the lake, with less spatial variations within the lake itself. ③ Hydrochemical processes within the basin were found to be primarily influenced by natural phenomena, including evaporation-concentration and rock weathering. Various elements entered the lakes via surface runoff, where they continuously accumulated under the influence of evaporation-concentration processes, ultimately leading to exceedances. ④ Temporal variations in water quality were primarily attributed to increased elemental loss and intensified evaporation during high-flow periods. The spatial discrepancies in water quality were predominantly a consequence of the differing hydrodynamic conditions between flowing water bodies and enclosed water bodies.

[Phytic Acid Modification Enhanced Cadmium Sorption and Immobilization of Sludge-based Hydrochar].

Phytic acid-assisted sludge hydrothermal carbonization was employed to synthesize phytic acid-modified hydrochar via a one-step method. The surface morphology, pore structure, elemental composition, functional groups, and thermal stability of the phytic acid-modified hydrochar were characterized. Sorption kinetics and isotherm experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of humic acid, temperature, and pH on the sorption process of cadmium （Cd） onto the phytic acid-modified hydrochar. The Cd fixation ability was evaluated through soil passivation experiments. The results demonstrated that the surface of the phytic acid-modified hydrochar exhibited an abundance of phosphoric acid groups, enhanced electronegativity, and thermal stability. Furthermore, both the sorption rate and maximum sorption capacity for Cd increased by 1.88 times and 1.22 times compared to that in unmodified hydrochar, respectively, owing to the presence of phosphoric acid groups that enhanced complexation and electrostatic interaction with Cd. Elevated temperatures, higher pH values, and coexistence with humic acids were beneficial for enhancing Cd sorption onto phytic acid-modified hydrochar. When heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, and Pb coexisted, the sorption capacity of phytic acid-modified hydrochar for Cd was 0.77-6.88 times higher than that for other metals. Phyic acid-modified hydrochar exhibited excellent efficiency in fixing Cd （56.1%-81.l%）, mitigating the loss of available nutrients in soil and significantly increasing the AP content in the soil. In conclusion, the use of phytic acid-modified hydrochar could effectively remove Cd from water and serve as a promising soil amendment for stabilizing soil Cd content.

Risk factors of negative diagnosis of MRCP in acute biliary pancreatitis patients with choledocholithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the presence of choledocholithiasis is crucial among acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) are widely used to identify the gallstones of common bile duct (CBD). EUS provides better diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity than MRCP but carries a certain risk due to sedation. We investigated the risk factors of negative diagnosis of MRCP in ABP patients with choledocholithiasis for better selection of MRCP or EUS. METHODS: A total of 2321 ABP patients were retrospectively included in this study. Based on the exclusion criteria, 337 ABP patients with negative MRCP results were ultimately included. Among these patients, 75 patients had positive EUS findings. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to screen the risk factors of negative diagnosis of MRCP in ABP patients with choledocholithiasis. RESULTS: Patients with positive EUS findings were older (62.0 vs. 55.0) and had higher rate of cholecystectomy history (18.7% vs. 7.3%) than those with negative EUS findings. The result of univariate logistic regression showed that the history of cholecystectomy, age and sex were potential risk factors (all p < 0.05). Then after adjusting the other potential risk factors (Direct bilirubin (DBIL), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), a history of cholecystectomy (OR = 2.859 [1.312,6.23]), older age (1.03 [1.009,1.052]) and male (2.016 [1.152,3.528]) were independent risk factors of negative diagnosis of MRCP in ABP patients with choledocholithiasis. CONCLUSIONS: The history of cholecystectomy, older age and male are independently associated with an increased risk of negative diagnosis of MRCP in ABP patients with choledocholithiasis. We suggest that patients with these risk factors should undergo EUS first, rather than MRCP.

Electronic Structure, Aromaticity, and Magnetism of Minimum-Sized Regular Dodecahedral Endohedral Metallofullerenes Encapsulating Rare Earth Atoms.

A series of minimally sized regular dodecahedron-embedded metallofullerene REC20 clusters (RE = Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, and Gd) as basic units of nanoassembled materials with tunable magnetism and UV sensitivity have been explored using density functional theory (DFT). The contribution of the 4f orbital of the rare earth atom at the center of the C20 cage to the frontier molecular orbital of REC20 gives the REC20 cluster additional stability. The AdNDP orbitals of the four REC20 superatoms that conform to the spherical jellium model indicate that through natural population analysis and spin density diagrams, we observe a monotonic increase in the magnetic moment from Ce to Gd. This is attributed to the increased number of unpaired electrons in the 4f orbitals of lanthanide rare earth atoms. The UV-visible spectrum of REC20 clusters shows strong absorption in the mid-UV and near-UV bands. REC20 clusters encapsulating lanthanide rare earth atoms stand out for their tunable magnetism, UV sensitivity, and stability, making them potential new self-assembly materials.

Terahertz polarization conversion and asymmetric transmission based on a liquid crystal integrated EIT metasurface.

We experimentally demonstrate a liquid crystal (LC)-integrated EIT metasurface for active THz polarization conversion and asymmetric transmission. By controlling the LC orientation under static magnetic field anchoring and an adjustable electric field, the device realizes the active control from the OFF state to the ON state, corresponding to the orthogonal polarization excitation modes of the EIT metasurface. Furthermore, based on the different polarization responses at forward and backward incidences, we achieve asymmetric transmission at the EIT peak and two nearby resonances, with its isolation actively manipulated by the external electric field. This study on dynamic polarization conversion and asymmetric transmission by a LC-integrated metasurface offers a promising route for active THz devices, applicable to THz communication, switching, and sensing systems.

The high electron mobility for spin-down channel of two-dimensional spin-polarized half-metallic ferromagnetic EuSi2N4 monolayer.

The two-dimensional (2D) monolayer material MoSi2N4 was successfully synthesized in 2020[Hong et al., Science 369, 670, (2020)], exhibiting a plethora of new phenomena and unusual properties, with good stability at room temperature. However, MA2Z4 family monolayer materials involve primarily transition metal substitutions for M atoms. In order to address the research gap on lanthanide and actinide MA2Z4 materials, this work conducts electronic structure calculations on novel 2D MSi2N4 (M = La, Eu) monolayer materials by employing first-principles methods and CASTEP. High carrier mobility is discovered in the indirect bandgap semiconductor 2D LaSi2N4 monolayer (~5400 cm2 V-1 s-1) and in the spin (spin-down channel) carrier mobility of the half-metallic ferromagnetic EuSi2N4 monolayer (~2800 cm2 V-1 s-1). EuSi2N4 monolayer supplements research on spin carrier mobility in half-metallic ferromagnetic monolayer materials at room temperature and possesses a magnetic moment of 5 µB, which should not be underestimated. Furthermore, due to the unique electronic band structure of EuSi2N4 monolayer (with the spin-up channel exhibiting metallic properties and the spin-down channel exhibiting semiconductor properties), it demonstrates a 100% spin polarization rate, presenting significant potential applications in fields such as magnetic storage, magnetic sensing, and spintronics.