Combined application of myo-inositol and corn steep liquor enhances seedling growth and cold tolerance in cucumber and tomato.

Low temperatures pose a common challenge in the production of cucumbers and tomatoes, hindering plant growth and, in severe cases, leading to plant death. In our investigation, we observed a substantial improvement in the growth of cucumber and tomato seedlings through the application of corn steep liquor (CSL), myo-inositol (MI), and their combinations. When subjected to low-temperature stress, these treatments resulted in heightened levels of photosynthetic pigments, thereby fostering enhanced photosynthesis in both tomato and cucumber plants. Furthermore, it contributed to a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and electrolyte leakage (REP). The effectiveness of the treatment was further validated through the analysis of key gene expressions (CBF1, COR, MIOX4, and MIPS1) in cucumber. Particularly, noteworthy positive outcomes were noted in the treatment involving 0.6 mL L-1 CSL combined with 72 mg L-1 MI. This study provides valuable technical insights into leveraging the synergistic effects of inositol and maize leachate to promote early crop growth and bolster resistance to low temperatures.

A simple and effective machine learning model for predicting the stability of intracranial aneurysms using CT angiography.

Background: It is vital to accurately and promptly distinguish unstable from stable intracranial aneurysms (IAs) to facilitate treatment optimization and avoid unnecessary treatment. The aim of this study is to develop a simple and effective predictive model for the clinical evaluation of the stability of IAs. Methods: In total, 1,053 patients with 1,239 IAs were randomly divided the dataset into training (70%) and internal validation (30%) datasets. One hundred and ninety seven patients with 229 IAs from another hospital were evaluated as an external validation dataset. The prediction models were developed using machine learning based on clinical information, manual parameters, and radiomic features. In addition, a simple model for predicting the stability of IAs was developed, and a nomogram was drawn for clinical use. Results: Fourteen machine learning models exhibited excellent classification performance. Logistic regression Model E (clinical information, manual parameters, and radiomic shape features) had the highest AUC of 0.963 (95% CI 0.943-0.980). Compared to manual parameters, radiomic features did not significantly improve the identification of unstable IAs. In the external validation dataset, the simplified model demonstrated excellent performance (AUC = 0.950) using only five manual parameters. Conclusion: Machine learning models have excellent potential in the classification of unstable IAs. The manual parameters from CTA images are sufficient for developing a simple and effective model for identifying unstable IAs.

The correlation between corona virus disease 2019 and alopecia areata: a literature review.

Corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19) is one of the most serious respiratory pandemic diseases threatening human health for centuries. Alopecia areata (AA) is a sudden patchy hair loss, an autoimmune disease, which seriously affects the image and mental health of patients. Evidence shows that the risk of autoimmune diseases significantly increases after COVID-19, and is positively correlated with the severity, with a significant increase in the risk of alopecia in those over 40 years old. The relationship between COVID-19 and AA has become a hot topic of current research. Strengthening the research on the correlation between COVID-19 and AA can help to identify and protect susceptible populations at an early stage. This article reviews the research progress on the epidemiological background of COVID-19 and AA, the situation and possible mechanisms of AA induced by COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccination, and potential treatment methods.

Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis based on cyp141 via real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification (cyp141-RealAmp).

Background: The rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is essential for controlling tuberculosis. Methods We designed a portable thermocycler-based real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (cyp141-RealAmp) using six oligonucleotide primers derived from cyp141 to detect MTB. A combined number of 213 sputum samples (169 obtained from clinically diagnosed cases of pulmonary TB and 44 from a control group without tuberculosis) underwent Acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear, culture, Xpert MTB/RIF assays, and cyp141-RealAmp assay. Results: By targeting MTB cyp141, this technique could detect as low as 10 copies/reaction within 30 min, and it was successfully rejected by other mycobacteria and other bacterial species tested. Of the 169 patients, there was no statistical difference between the detection rate of cyp141-RealAmp (92.90%, 95% CI: 89.03-96.07) and that of Xpert MTB/RIF (94.67%, 95% CI: 91.28-98.06) (P > 0.05), but both were statistically higher than that of culture (65.68%, 95% CI: 58.52-72.84) (P< 0.05) and AFB (57.40%, 95% CI: 49.94-64.86) (P< 0.05). Both cyp141-RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF had a specificity of 100%. Furthermore, a high concordance between cyp141-RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF was found (Kappa = 0.89). Conclusion: The cyp141-RealAmp assay was shown to be effective, responsive, and accurate in this study. This method offers a prospective strategy for the speedy and precise detection of MTB.

Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers using ternary deep eutectic solvent as novel functional monomer for hydroxytyrosol separation.

In this work, magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for specific recognition of Hydroxytyrosol (HT) were designed by vinyl-modified magnetic particles (Fe3O4@SiO2@VTEOs) as carrier, ternary deep eutectic solvent (DES) as functional monomer, while ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker. The optimum amount of DES was obtained by adsorption experiments (molar ratio, caffeic acid: choline chloride: formic acid = 1:6:3) which were 140 µL in total. Under the optimized amount of DES, the maximum adsorption capacity of the MIPs particles was 42.43 mg g-1, which was superior to non-imprinted polymer (4.64 mg g-1) and the imprinting factor (IF) is 9.10. Syringin and Oleuropicrin were used as two reference molecules to test the selectivity of the DES-MIPs particles. The adsorption capacity of HT was 40.11 mg g-1. Three repeated experiments show that the polymer has high stability and repeatability (RSD = 5.50).

Construction of Nanofibrillar Networked Wood Aerogels Derived from Typical Softwood and Hardwood: A Comparative Study on the In Situ Formation Mechanism of Nanofibrillar Networks.

The construction of networks within natural wood (NW) lumens to produce porous wood aerogels (WAs) with fascinating characteristics of being lightweight, flexible, and porous is significant for the high value-added utilization of wood. Nonetheless, how wood species affect the structure and properties of WAs has not been comprehensively investigated. Herein, typical softwood of fir and hardwoods of poplar and balsa are employed to fabricate WAs with abundant nanofibrillar networks using the method of lignin removal and nanofibril's in situ regeneration. Benefiting from the avoidance of xylem ray restriction and the exposure of the cellulose framework, hardwood has a stronger tendency to form nanofibrillar networks compared to softwood. Specifically, a larger and more evenly distributed network structure is displayed in the lumens of balsa WAs (WA-3) with a low density (59 kg m-3), a high porosity (96%), and high compressive properties (strain = 40%; maximum stress = 0.42 MPa; height retention = 100%) because of the unique structure and properties of WA-3. Comparatively, the specific surface area (SSA) exhibits 25-, 27-, and 34-fold increments in the cases of fir WAs (WA-1), poplar WAs (WA-2), and WA-3. The formation of nanofibrillar networks depends on the low-density and thin cell walls of hardwood. This work offers a foundation for investigating the formation mechanisms of nanonetworks and for expanding the potential applications of WAs.

Abnormal occipital and frontal activity during voluntary convergence in intermittent exotropia: A task-fMRI study.

Intermittent exotropia (IXT) is characterized by intermittently outward deviation of the eye and involved with vergence dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the brain areas related to voluntary convergence and cortical activation changes between IXT patients and normal subjects. A total of 21 subjects, including 11 IXT patients and 10 age- and sex-matched normal subjects, were recruited for this study. A voluntary convergence task was employed, with changes in brain function measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Correlations between cortical activation and clinical measurements were conducted by Pearson's correlation analysis. fMRI results showed that during voluntary convergence, the medial frontal gyrus (MFG) and bilateral occipital cortex were activated in the normal group, whereas only activation of the occipital cortex in IXT patients. Compared with the normal, IXT patients showed hypo-activation of both the MFG and cuneus during the task. The activation of MFG was negatively correlated to the duration of IXT. This study demonstrates that both MFG and occipital cortex may participate in voluntary convergence in normal subjects, while IXT patients have an aberrant cortical function of the MFG and cuneus, and the duration of IXT likely influences the severity of MFG. These findings may provide valuable insights for understanding the relationship between convergence and IXT.

Photocatalytic Conversion of Lignin Models into Functionalized Aromatic Molecules Initiated by the Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Process.

A mild and efficient method for lignin ß-O-4 cleavage and functionalization was achieved via photocatalysis. This protocol exhibits a broad scope of lignin models and excellent compatibility of functionalization reagents, constructing a series of functionalized lignin-based aromatic compounds. Highly selective formation of alkyl radical species through a proton-coupled electron transfer and ß-scission process provides the opportunity to form new C-C and C-N bonds by reaction with electrophilic reagents.

The Application of High-Resolution, Embedded Fibre Optic (FO) Sensing for Large-Diameter Composite Steel/Plastic Pipeline Performance under Dynamic Transport Loads.

Distributed optical fibre sensing (DOFS)-based strain measurement systems are now routinely deployed across infrastructure health monitoring applications. However, there are still practical performance and measurement issues associated with the fibre's attachment method, particularly with thermoplastic pipeline materials (e.g., high-density polyethylene, HDPE) and adhesive affixment methods. In this paper, we introduce a new optical fibre installation method that utilises a hot-weld encapsulation approach that fully embeds the fibre onto the pipeline's plastic surface. We describe the development, application and benefits of the new embedment approach (as compared to adhesive methods) and illustrate its practical performance via a full-scale, real-world, dynamic loading trial undertaken on a 1.8 m diameter, 6.4 m long stormwater pipeline structure constructed from composite spiral-wound, steel-reinforced, HDPE pipe. The optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR)-based strain results show how the new method improves strain transference and dynamic measurement performance and how the data can be easily interpreted, in a practical context, without the need for complex strain transfer functions. Through the different performance tests, based on UK rail-road network transport loading conditions, we also show how centimetre- to metre-scale strain variations can be clearly resolved at the frequencies and levels consistent with transport- and construction-based, buried infrastructure loading scenarios.

Supramolecular/Dynamic Covalent Design of High-Performance Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive from Natural Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds.

Adhesive materials have played an essential role in the history of humanity. Natural adhesives composed of low-molecular-weight monomers have been overshadowed by modern petroleum-based glues. With the development of green economy, the demand for eco-friendly materials has increased. Herein, two natural biocompatible compounds, namely thioctic acid (TA) and malic acid (MA), are selected to prepare a high-performance pressure-sensitive adhesive poly[TA-MA]. This adhesive can be quantitatively obtained via a simple mixing and heating process. Poly[TA-MA] shows interesting and useful properties, including reversible flexibility, high elongation, and good self-healing, owing to its dynamic polymerization pattern and reversible cross-linking behavior. Poly[TA-MA] exhibits excellent adhesion performance under various extreme conditions, such as at low temperatures and in hot water. High values of shear strength (3.86 MPa), peel strength (7.90 N cm-1), loop tack (10.60 N cm-1), tensile strength (1.02 MPa), and shear resistance (1628 h) demonstrate the strong adhesive effect of poly[TA-MA]. Additionally, TA can be regenerated in the monomer forms from poly[TA-MA] with high recovery rate (>90%). Meanwhile, strong anti-bacterial behavior of poly[TA-MA] is recorded. This study not only reported a new pressure-sensitive adhesive but also fully displayed the feasibility of using natural small molecules to achieve robust surface adhesion.

Rational Manipulation of Active CNT Encapsulated Fe Doped NiCoP Nanoparticles In Situ Grown in Hierarchically Carbonized Wood for High-Current-Density Water Splitting.

Precise morphology design and electronic structure regulation are critically significant to promote catalytic activity and stability for electrochemical hydrogen production at high current density. Herein, the carbon nanotube (CNT) encapsulated Fe-doped NiCoP nanoparticles is in-situ grown in hierarchical carbonized wood (NCF0.5 P@CNT/CW) for water splitting. Coupling merits of porous carbonized wood (CW) substrate, CNT encapsulating and Fe doping, the NCF0.5 P@CNT/CW features remarkable and durable electrocatalytic activity. The overpotentials of NCF0.5 P@CNT/CW at 50 mA cm-2 mV and 205 mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and features high current density of 800 mA cm-2 within 300 mV for both OER and HER. Moreover, NCF0.5 P@CNT/CW displays outstanding overall water splitting performance (η50 = 1.62 V and η100 = 1.67 V), outperforming Pt/C║RuO2 (η50 = 1.74 V), and can achieve the current density of 700 mA cm-2 at a lower cell voltage of 1.78 V. Overpotential is only 4.0 % decay after 120 h measurement at 50 mA cm-2 . Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveals Fe doping optimizes the binding energy and Gibbs free energy of intermediates, and regulates d-band center of NCF0.5 P@CNT/CW. Such synergistic strategy of morphology manipulation and electronic structure optimization provides a spark for developing effective and robust bifunctional catalysts.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in pediatric patients with asthmatic exacerbation and community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Compared with a lower neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR), a higher one denotes severe asthma exacerbation in hospitalized asthmatic children. In addition, NLR is significantly higher in pediatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) than those without. Nevertheless, its role in pediatric patients with concomitant asthmatic exacerbation and CAP remains unknown. METHODS: In this retrospective study including 1032 pediatric patients aged 5 to 14 years old, the diagnostic and prognostic value of NLR in children with concomitant asthmatic exacerbation and non-severe CAP were investigated. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of NLR for a diagnosis of CAP in patients with asthmatic exacerbation were 56.9% and 90.1%, respectively. The cutoff value of NLR for a diagnosis of CAP in patients with asthmatic exacerbation was 4.15 (P < 0.001). The cumulative asthmatic exacerbation during 3-month followup of patients with high NLR were 23 (21.3%) and 58 (42.0%) in the asthma and asthmatic CAP groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The patients with high NLR who had unimproved CAP were 15 (8.3%) and 23 (12.2%) in the CAP and asthmatic CAP groups, respectively (P = 0.006). Multivariate analyses showed that along with the increase of NLR by 1.0 point, the HR for the occurrence of asthmatic exacerbation and unimproved CAP were 2.91 [1.83-3.96] (P = 0.001) and 3.38 [1.66-5.10] (P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NLR had high and moderate diagnostic value for the exclusion and indication of CAP, respectively, in pediatric patients with asthmatic exacerbation. It also had prognostic value for the outcomes of pediatric patients with concomitant asthmatic exacerbation and CAP.

Multisite photocatalytic depolymerization of lignin model compound utilizing full-spectrum light over magnetic microspheres.

Photocatalytic depolymerization is a high value-added approach for utilization of lignin. In this study, magnetic microspheres of FeCoRu@SiO2-TiO2 were synthesized by a co-precipitation method. Doping with CoOx and RuOx was used to improve the response to visible light, and doping with TiO2 was used to improve the response to ultraviolet light (λ < 380 nm). The lignin model compound depolymerization rate was >90%. The electron paramagnetic resonance results showed that the reaction occurred in two steps (aerobic phase and oxygen-free phase). Most of the O2- was produced in the first step by cleavage of C-O bonds. The second step was inhibited in an oxygen-free atmosphere. This research provides a valid method for enhancing the photocatalytic properties using full-spectrum light and exploring the lignin photocatalytic depolymerization mechanism. Further research is required to develop the catalyst properties and performance to produce radicals.

A survey of path planning of industrial robots based on rapidly exploring random trees.

Path planning is an essential part of robot intelligence. In this paper, we summarize the characteristics of path planning of industrial robots. And owing to the probabilistic completeness, we review the rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) algorithm which is widely used in the path planning of industrial robots. Aiming at the shortcomings of the RRT algorithm, this paper investigates the RRT algorithm for path planning of industrial robots in order to improve its intelligence. Finally, the future development direction of the RRT algorithm for path planning of industrial robots is proposed. The study results have particularly guided significance for the development of the path planning of industrial robots and the applicability and practicability of the RRT algorithm.

Acute pulmonary embolism combined with acute myocardial infarction as the first manifestation of acute leukemia: a case report.

Thrombotic complications in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are uncommon due to coagulation dysfunction and thrombocytopenia. We report a unique case of AML presenting as concomitant pulmonary embolism and atypical acute myocardial infarction. A 67-year-old male experienced persistent bilateral chest pain. Despite an unremarkable electrocardiogram, elevated D-dimer and mildly increased troponin T levels prompted further investigation, leading to the diagnosis of simultaneous pulmonary embolism and acute myocardial infarction. The patient underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and received triple antithrombotic therapy. However, antithrombotic therapy was discontinued following a sharp decline in hemoglobin and platelet counts, and the patient subsequently developed persistent fever. AML was diagnosed via bone marrow biopsy. Chemotherapy was not initiated due to the patient's deteriorating condition, and he ultimately succumbed to presumed intracranial bleeding.

Wood-inspired elastic and conductive cellulose aerogel with anisotropic tubular and multilayered structure for wearable pressure sensors and supercapacitors.

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogels hold considerable potential in wearable devices as pressure sensors and flexible electrochemical energy storage. However, the undirectional assembly of CNFs results in poor mechanical performance, which limits their application in structural engineering. In this study, we propose an anisotropic aerogel with both elastic and conductive properties inspired by the micro-nanostructure of natural wood. One-dimensional TEMPO cellulose nanofibers (TOCNF) were utilized as structural building blocks, while two-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (rGO) served as the electron transfer platform, owing to their high mechanical strength. The directionally aligned tubular structure composed of multilayered sheets was formed through rapid unidirectional freezing and subsequent steam heating reduction. These structures efficiently transferred stress throughout the porous skeleton, resulting in TOCNF-rGO aerogels with high compressibility and excellent fatigue resistance (2000 cycles at 60 % strain). The aerogel also exhibited high sensitivity, wide detection range, relatively fast response, and excellent compression cycle stability, making it suitable for accurately detecting various human biological and motion signals. Additionally, TOCNF-rGO can be assembled into a flexible all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor that delivers excellent electrochemical performance. It is expected that this biomass-derived aerogel will be a versatile material for flexible electronic devices for energy conversion and storage.

Source analysis and health risk assessment of heavy metals in agricultural land of multi-mineral mining and smelting area in the Karst region - a case study of Jichangpo Town, Southwest China.

In the Karst region of Southwest China, the content of soil heavy metals is generally high because of the geological background. Moreover, Southwest China is rich in mineral resources. A large number of mining and smelting activities discharge heavy metals into surrounding soil and cause superimposed pollution, which has drawn widespread concern. Due to the large variation coefficients of soil heavy metals in the Karst region, it is particularly essential to select appropriate analysis methods. In this paper, Jichangpo in Puding County, a Karst area with multi-mineral mining and smelting, is selected as the research object. A total of 368 pieces of agricultural topsoil in the study area are collected. The pollution level of heavy metals in agricultural soil is evaluated by the geological accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF). Absolute Factor Score/Multiple Linear Regression (APCS/MLR), geographic information system (GIS), self-organizing mapping (SOM), and random forest (RF) are used for the source allocation of soil heavy metals. Finally, the combination of APCS/MLR and health risk assessment model is adopted to evaluate the risks of heavy metal sources and determine the priority-control source. The results show that the average values of soil heavy metals in the study area (Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni) exceed the background values of corresponding elements in Guizhou Province. Three sources of heavy metals are identified by combining APCS/MLR, GIS, SOM, and RF. Zn (63.47%), Pb (55.77%), Cd (58.98%), Hg (32.17%), Cu (14.41%), and As (5.99%) are related to lead-zinc mining and smelting; Cr (98.14%), Ni (90.64%), Cu (76.93%), Pb (43.02%), Zn (35.22%), Cd (28.97%), Hg (22.44%), and As (5.84%) are mixed sources (natural and agricultural sources); As (88.17%), Hg (45.39%), Cd (12.04%), Cu (8.66%), and Ni (6.72%) are related to the mining and smelting of coal and iron. The results of health risk assessment show that only As poses a non-carcinogenic risk to human health. 3.31% of the sampling points of As have non-carcinogenic risks to adults and 10.22% to children. In terms of carcinogenic risks, As, Pb, and Cr pose carcinogenic risks to adults and children. Combined with APCS/MLR and the health risk assessment model, the mining and smelting of coal and iron is the priority-control pollution source. This paper provides a comprehensive method for studying the distribution of heavy metal sources in areas with large variation coefficients of soil heavy metals in the Karst region. Furthermore, it offers a theoretical basis for the management and assessment of heavy metal pollution in agricultural land in the study area, which is helpful for researchers to make strategic decisions on food security when selecting agricultural land.

Evaluation of an identification method for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant based on the amplification-refractory mutation system.

The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 dominated the COVID-19 pandemic due to its high viral replication capacity and immune evasion, causing massive outbreaks of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Currently, variant identification is performed mainly by sequencing. However, the high requirements for equipment and operators as well as its high cost have limited its application in underdeveloped regions. To achieve an economical and rapid method of variant identification suitable for undeveloped areas, we applied an amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS) based on PCR for the detection of novel coronavirus variants. The results showed that this method could be finished in 90 min and detect as few as 500 copies/mL and not react with SARS-Coronavirus, influenza A H1N1(2009), and other cross-pathogens or be influenced by fresh human blood, α- interferon, and other interfering substances. In a set of double-blind trials, tests of 262 samples obtained from patients confirmed with Delta variant infection revealed that our method was able to accurately identify the Delta variant with high sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, the ARMS-PCR method applied in Delta variant identification is rapid, sensitive, specific, economical, and suitable for undeveloped areas. In our future study, ARMS-PCR will be further applied in the identification of other variants, such as Omicron.

Visualizing the nucleoplasmic maturation of human pre-60S ribosomal particles.

Eukaryotic ribosome assembly is a highly orchestrated process that involves over two hundred protein factors. After early assembly events on nascent rRNA in the nucleolus, pre-60S particles undergo continuous maturation steps in the nucleoplasm, and prepare for nuclear export. Here, we report eleven cryo-EM structures of the nuclear pre-60S particles isolated from human cells through epitope-tagged GNL2, at resolutions of 2.8-4.3 Å. These high-resolution snapshots provide fine details for several major structural remodeling events at a virtual temporal resolution. Two new human nuclear factors, L10K and C11orf98, were also identified. Comparative structural analyses reveal that many assembly factors act as successive place holders to control the timing of factor association/dissociation events. They display multi-phasic binding properties for different domains and generate complex binding inter-dependencies as a means to guide the rRNA maturation process towards its mature conformation. Overall, our data reveal that nuclear assembly of human pre-60S particles is generally hierarchical with short branch pathways, and a few factors display specific roles as rRNA chaperones by confining rRNA helices locally to facilitate their folding, such as the C-terminal domain of SDAD1.

Natural Light-Regulated Switchable Self-Adhesive Supramolecular Films for Smart Windows.

Switchable self-adhesive films are promising coating materials for constructing smart windows. Compared to commonly used hydrogels, self-adhesive supramolecular films have a variety of advantages and serve as a universal carrier of stimuli-responsiveness. In this study, supramolecular adhesive material is processed into self-adhesive films, which display tough and long-term stable adhesion to commercially available organic/inorganic glass windows. Spiropyrans are used as the photo-responsive units to endow smart windows with switchable optical behavior. Reverse photochromism is successfully realized by the combination of supramolecular films and spiropyrans. Reversible and rapid transformations in the color and transmittance of smart windows are fully achieved by natural light irradiation in different weather conditions, including sun, rain, and clouds.