Exploring the link between chromosomal polymorphisms and reproductive abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to investigate the potential correlation between chromosomal polymorphisms and various reproductive abnormalities. METHODS: We examined 21,916 patients affected by infertility who sought care at the Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University between January 2018 and December 2022. A total of 2227 individuals identified as chromosomal polymorphism carriers constituted the polymorphism group, and 2245 individuals with normal chromosome karyotypes were randomly selected to form a control group. Clinical manifestations, histories of spontaneous miscarriage, abnormal reproductive developments, fetal abnormalities, and male sperm quality anomalies were statistically compared between these two groups. RESULTS: Of the 21,916 patients analyzed, 2227 displayed chromosomal polymorphism, representing a 10.16% detection rate. Amongst the male patients, 1622 out of 10,827 exhibited polymorphisms (14.98%), whereas 605 out of 11,089 females showed polymorphisms (5.46%). Female carriers in the polymorphism group, showed statistically significant increased rates of spontaneous abortion (29.75% vs. 18.54%), fetal anomalies (1.32% vs. 0.81%), and uterine abnormalities compared with the control group (1.32% vs. 0.81%). Male carriers in the polymorphism group had higher rates of spontaneous abortion in partners (22.87% vs. 10.37%), fetal anomalies (1.97% vs. 0.25%), compromised sperm quality (41.74% vs. 7.18%), testicular underdevelopment (2.28% vs. 0.92%), and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (0.62% vs. 0.37%) compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Chromosomal polymorphisms may have a certain negative effect on reproductive irregularities, including spontaneous abortions, fetal anomalies, and reduced sperm quality in males. Their clinical effects deserve further investigation.

Enhancing Zinc-Air Flow Batteries: Single-Atom Catalysis within Cobalt-Encapsulated Carbon Nanotubes for Superior Efficiency.

Amid the world's escalating energy needs, rechargeable zinc-air batteries stand out because of their environmental sustainability, with their performance being critically dependent on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The inherent slow kinetics of the ORR at air electrodes frequently constrains their operational efficiency. Here, we develop a new self-catalytic approach for in situ growth of carbon nanotubes with new cathode material Co@CoN3/CNTs-800 without external additives. Density functional theory calculation reveals this method integrates nonprecious single-atom catalysis with spatial confinement, facilitating large-scale, in situ fabrication of CNTs, which can support dispersed atomic CoN3 sites and enforce spatial confinement on Co nanoparticles. The Co@CoN3/CNTs-800 electrode achieves an electron transfer number close to ideal (3.9 out of 4.0). In rechargeable zinc-air flow batteries, it achieves a peak power density of 169.5 mW cm-2 and a voltage gap that is only 1.6% larger than the original after 700 h. This work surmounts critical challenges in the ORR kinetics for zinc-air batteries.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals molecular mechanisms of the effects of light intensity and photoperiod on ovarian development in Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852).

Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) has important economic value in China and internationally. In this research, the comparative transcriptome analysis was used to reveal molecular mechanisms of influences of photoperiod and light intensity on ovarian development in P. clarkii for the first time. Some genes (such as laminin, collagen, integrin beta, catenin) and pathways (including TGF-beta signaling pathway, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction) associated with ovarian development and oocyte maturation were significantly upregulated. Some genes related to circadian clock (such as CLK, PER) were identified in this research. The results indicated that when light intensity or photoperiod increased, P. clarkii could up-regulate the expression levels of the laminin and collagen, thereby synthesizing related proteins, promoting meiosis of the oocytes, thus increasing the number of oocytes in the ovary. At the same time, P. clarkii could up-regulate the expression levels of integrin beta, integrin alpha 6, and diacylglycerol to synthesize related proteins, thereby promoting the formation of proteins and fats such as triglycerides, these proteins and fats can provide material basis for maturation and development of oocytes, resulting in oocyte maturation and ovarian development. P. clarkii could synthesize related proteins by upregulating expression levels of genes (such as catenin), these proteins or hormones can adhere to other actins (such as integrins), thereby stabilizing the morphology of the oocytes and ensuring normal development. Meantime, the increase in light intensity or photoperiod could cause release GSH and VTG, resulting in oocytes development and maturation. The data in this research can reveal molecular mechanisms of impacts of photoperiod and light intensity on oocyte maturation and ovarian development in P. clarkii, can offer crucial genomic data for studying developmental mechanisms of ovary and oocyte in crustacean.

Acupuncture modulates emotional network resting-state functional connectivity in patients with insomnia disorder: a randomized controlled trial and fMRI study.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia disorder (ID) is one of the most common sleep problems, usually accompanied by anxiety and depression symptoms. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study suggests that both poor sleep quality and negative emotion are linked to the dysregulation of brain network related to emotion processing in ID patients. Acupuncture therapy has been proven effective in improving sleep quality and mood of ID patients, but the involved neurobiological mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the modulation effect of acupuncture on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the emotional network (EN) in patients experiencing insomnia. METHODS: A total of 30 healthy controls (HCs) and 60 ID patients were enrolled in this study. Sixty ID patients were randomly assigned to real and sham acupuncture groups and attended resting-state fMRI scans before and after 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment. HCs completed an MRI/fMRI scan at baseline. The rsFC values within EN were calculated, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hyperarousal Scale (HAS), and actigraphy data were collected for clinical efficacy evaluation. RESULTS: Resting-state FC analysis showed abnormalities in rsFC centered on the thalamus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex within EN of ID patients compared to HCs. After real acupuncture treatment, rsFC of the anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala were increased compared with the sham acupuncture group (p < 0.05, FDR corrected). In real acupuncture group, the rsFC value was decreased between left amygdala and left thalamus after 4 weeks of treatment compared with baseline. A trend of correlation was found that the increased rsFC value between the right amygdala and left hippocampus was positively correlated with the decreased HAMA scores across all ID patients, and the decreased left amygdala rsFC value with the left thalamus was negatively correlated with the increased sleep efficiency in the real acupuncture group. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that real acupuncture could produce a positive effect on modulating rsFC within network related to emotion processing in ID patients, which may illustrate the central mechanism underlying acupuncture for insomnia in improving sleep quality and emotion regulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.chictr.org.cn ., ChiCTR1800015282, 20/03/2018.

Electrodeposition of Ni/Cu Bimetallic Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks Electrocatalysts with Boosted Oxygen Reduction Activity for Zinc-Air Batteries.

Zinc-air batteries employing non-Pt cathodes hold significant promise for advancing cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, poor intrinsic electrical conductivity and aggregation tendency hinder the application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as active ORR cathodes. Conductive MOFs possess various atomically dispersed metal centers and well-aligned inherent topologies, eliminating the additional carbonization processes for achieving high conductivity. Here, a novel room-temperature electrochemical cathodic electrodeposition method is introduced for fabricating uniform and continuous layered 2D bimetallic conductive MOF films cathodes without polymeric binders, employing the organic ligand 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene (HITP) and varying the Ni/Cu ratio. The influence of metal centers on modulating the ORR performance is investigated by density functional theory (DFT), demonstrating the performance of bimetallic conductive MOFs can be effectively tuned by the unpaired 3d electrons and the Jahn-Teller effect in the doped Cu. The resulting bimetallic Ni2.1Cu0.9(HITP)2 exhibits superior ORR performance, boasting a high onset potential of 0.93 V. Moreover, the assembled aqueous zinc-air battery demonstrates high specific capacity of 706.2 mA h g-1, and exceptional long-term charge/discharge stability exceeding 1250 cycles.

Hydroxy Fatty Acid Synthesis-Related mRNA as the Biomarker for Detecting Mislabeling of Honey Entomological Origin.

The authentication of the entomological origin of honey is a widespread concern, necessitating the prompt establishment of an effective approach for distinguishing between Apis cerana cerana honey (ACH) and Apis mellifera ligustica honey (AMH). Hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) found in honey are bee-derived components synthesized by the mandibular glands of worker bees. We previously discovered significant variations in the hydroxy fatty acid composition between ACH and AMH, suggesting their potential as indicators for identifying the authenticity of the entomological origin of honey. Herein, we identified differentially expressed genes associated with HFA synthesis by conducting transcriptome sequencing of the mandibular glands of AC and AM honeybees. Subsequently, we proposed a method for the relative quantitative analysis of bee-derived RNA components using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, which was supplemented by multivariate statistical analysis to further discern differences in HFA synthesis-related mRNA between ACH and AMH. The results showed that the mRNAs of FAXDC2 (fatty acid hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2) and FAS (fatty acid synthase) may serve as indicators to discern the entomological origin of honey. This study presents two novel biomarkers for detecting mislabeling of the entomological origin in ACH and AMH based on variations in bee-derived components.

Unlocking the adenosine receptor mechanism of the tumour immune microenvironment.

The suppressive tumour microenvironment significantly hinders the efficacy of immunotherapy in treating solid tumors. In this context, stromal cells, such as tumour-associated fibroblasts, undergo changes that include an increase in the number and function of immunosuppressive cells. Adenosine, a factor that promotes tumour growth, is produced from ATP breakdown and is markedly elevated in the tumour microenvironment. It acts through specific binding to adenosine receptors, with A2A and A2B adenosine receptor being primary drivers of immunosuppression. This paper presents the roles of various adenosine receptors in different tumour microenvironments. This review focus on the function of adenosine receptors in the stromal cells and non-cellular components of the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, we summarize and discuss recent advances and potential trends in using adenosine receptor antagonists combined with immunotherapy.

A quick paster type of soluble nanoparticle microneedle patch for the treatment of obesity.

Obesity is a major public burden on the working population and induces chronic diseases. Its treatment often requires long-term medication, which makes patient compliance difficult. In this study, we reported the value of HORN-MN, which comprised a fast-soluble hyaluronic acid microneedle matrix and a weak acid-degradable oleanolic acid dimer of rosiglitazone nanoparticles. The results showed that the microneedles easily punctured the stratum corneum and dissolved in the dermis of the abdominal wall within 5 min, followed by the release of rosiglitazone nanoparticles. Thereafter, the nanoparticles were endocytosed by macrophages and white adipocytes, then degraded to oleanolic acid in the lysosomes, thereby, releasing rosiglitazone. Oleanolic acid significantly improved the inflammatory status of obese adipose tissue and promoted white adipocyte browning, and rosiglitazone significantly potentiated WAC browning. Accordingly, the patch demonstrated a remarkable obesity-reducing efficacy in mice. In conclusion, this study developed a quick paster type of soluble rosiglitazone nanoparticle microneedle for the treatment of obesity. This patch can be suitable for working people, with an evident obesity-reducing efficacy but no effect on skin integrity despite multiple administrations.

Synergistic enhancement of oxygen vacancy enrichment and morphology regulation in CeO2-NiCo2O4 heterostructure catalysts for high-performance cathodes in direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cells.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) emerges as a viable oxidant for fuel cells, necessitating the development of an efficient and cost-effective electrocatalyst for the hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction (HPRR). In this study, we synthesized a self-supporting, highly active HPRR electrocatalyst comprising two morphologically distinct components: CeO2-NiCo2O4 nanowires and CeO2-NiCo2O4 metal organic framework derivatives, via a two-step hydrothermal process followed by air calcination. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of CeO2 and NiCo2O4, revealing the amalgamated interface between them. CeO2 exhibits multifunctionality in regulating the surface electronic configuration of NiCo2O4, fostering synergistic connections, and introducing oxygen deficiencies to enhance the catalytic efficacy in HPRR. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate a reduction current density of 789.9 mA·cm-2 at -0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The assembly of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell (DBHPFC) exhibits a peak power density of 45.2 mW·cm-2, demonstrating durable stability over a continuous operation period of 120 h. This investigation providing evidence that the fabrication of heterostructured catalysts based on CeO2 for HPRR is a viable approach for the development of high-efficiency electrocatalysts in fuel cell technology.

Preparation of Expanded Graphite-VO2 Composite Cathode Material and Performance in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Due to safety problems caused by the use of organic electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries and the high production cost brought by the limited lithium resources, water-based zinc-ion batteries have become a new research focus in the field of energy storage due to their low production cost, safety, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. This paper focused on vanadium dioxide and expanded graphite (EG) composite cathode materials. Given the cycling problem caused by the structural fragility of vanadium dioxide in zinc-ion batteries, the feasibility of preparing a new composite material is explored. The EG/VO2 composites were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method, and compared with the aqueous zinc-ion batteries assembled with a single type of VO2 under the same conditions, the electrode materials composited with high-purity sulfur-free expanded graphite showed more excellent capacity, cycling performance, and multiplicity performance, and the EG/VO2 composites possessed a high discharge ratio of 345 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, and the Coulombic efficiency was close to 100%. The EG/VO2 composite has a high specific discharge capacity of 345 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 with a Coulombic efficiency close to 100%, a capacity retention of 77% after 100 cycles, and 277.8 mAh g-1 with a capacity retention of 78% at a 20-fold increase in current density. The long cycle test data demonstrated that the composite with expanded graphite effectively improved the cycling performance of vanadium-based materials, and the composite maintained a stable Coulombic efficiency of 100% at a high current density of 2 A/g and still maintained a specific capacity of 108.9 mAh/g after 2000 cycles.

Blocking the TRAIL-DR5 Pathway Reduces Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Decreasing Neutrophil Infiltration and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Formation.

PURPOSE: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of mortality. Neutrophils penetrate injured heart tissue during AMI or ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and produce inflammatory factors, chemokines, and extracellular traps that exacerbate heart injury. Inhibition of the TRAIL-DR5 pathway has been demonstrated to alleviate cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in a leukocyte-dependent manner. However, it remains unknown whether TRAIL-DR5 signaling is involved in regulating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) release. METHODS: This study used various models to examine the effects of activating the TRAIL-DR5 pathway with soluble mouse TRAIL protein and inhibiting the TRAIL-DR5 signaling pathway using DR5 knockout mice or mDR5-Fc fusion protein on NETs formation and cardiac injury. The models used included a co-culture model involving bone marrow-derived neutrophils and primary cardiomyocytes and a model of myocardial I/R in mice. RESULTS: NETs formation is suppressed by TRAIL-DR5 signaling pathway inhibition, which can lessen cardiac I/R injury. This intervention reduces the release of adhesion molecules and chemokines, resulting in decreased neutrophil infiltration and inhibiting NETs production by downregulating PAD4 in neutrophils. CONCLUSION: This work clarifies how the TRAIL-DR5 signaling pathway regulates the neutrophil response during myocardial I/R damage, thereby providing a scientific basis for therapeutic intervention targeting the TRAIL-DR5 signaling pathway in myocardial infarction.

Toxic mechanisms of nanoplastics exposure at environmental concentrations on juvenile red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): From multiple perspectives.

Nanoplastics pollution has emerged as a global issue due to its widespread potential toxicity. This study delved in to toxic effects of nanoplastics on juvenile P. clarkii and molecular mechanisms from perspectives of growth, biochemical, histopathological analysis and transcriptome level for the first time. The findings of this study indicated that nanoplastics of different concentrations have varying influence mechanisms on juvenile P. clarkii. Nanoplastics have inhibitory effects on growth of juvenile P. clarkii, can induce oxidative stress. The biochemical analysis and transcriptome results indicated that 10 mg/L nanoplastics can activate the antioxidant defense system and non-specific immune system in juvenile P. clarkii, and affect energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. While 20 mg/L and 40 mg/L have a destructive influence on the immune function in juvenile P. clarkii, leading to lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage, and induce apoptosis, can affect ion transport and osmotic pressure regulation. The findings of this study can offer foundational data for delving further into impacts of nanoplastics on crustaceans and toxicity mechanism.

Enhanced sodium-storage performances of crumpled MXene nanosheets via alkali treatment-induced active ammonium ions.

Ti3C2Tx MXene demonstrates excellent potential as an anode material for sodium-ion capacitors. However, the narrow interlayer spacing and self-stacking phenomenon limit its applicability. In this study, we demonstrate an easy two-step method involving freezing and crumpling of MXene nanosheets to improve their Na-ion storage via the addition of ammonium ions (referred to as FCM nanosheets). Flat MXene particles aggregate and undergo folding in an alkaline solution. Ammonium ions can penetrate the gaps between MXene nanosheets, expanding interlayer spaces and inducing the formation of folds. Compared to MXene nanosheets, FCM nanosheets exhibit improved ion transfer kinetics and additional high capacity owing to the intercalated ammonium ions. The manufactured FCM anode exhibits remarkable electrochemical properties, including a high specific capacity of 313 mAhg-1 and stability over 15,000 cycles.

The Relationship Between Chromosomal Polymorphism and Male Reproductive Abnormalities.

This study aims to investigate the association between chromosomal polymorphisms and abnormalities in male reproductive health. Within the period from January 2018 to December 2022, a cohort of 10,827 males seeking fertility services at our reproductive center was selected for inclusion in this study. Peripheral blood chromosomal karyotype analysis was conducted for each participant to identify carriers of chromosomal polymorphisms, who were subsequently categorized into a polymorphism group. Additionally, a control group was constituted by randomly selecting 1,630 patients exhibiting normal chromosomal karyotypes. The study conducted statistical analyses to compare clinical outcomes between the two groups, focusing on infertility, history of spontaneous miscarriage in partners, anomalies in reproductive development, fetal abnormalities, and sperm quality metrics. (1) Among the cohort of 10,827 males, chromosomal polymorphisms were identified in 1,622 participants, yielding a detection rate of 14.98%. This rate is significantly elevated in comparison to the baseline prevalence of 1.77% observed in the general population. (2) The predominant variant among these polymorphisms was related to the Y chromosome, accounting for 1,082 cases (66.71% of the polymorphic findings), corresponding to a detection rate of 9.99%. This is markedly higher than the approximate 0.09% prevalence noted within a normative demographic. (3) Statistical analysis revealed significant disparities between the chromosomal polymorphism group and the control group in several clinical outcomes. Notably, the rates of spontaneous abortion (18.06% vs. 1.35%), fetal anomalies (1.97% vs. 0.25%), and poor sperm quality (41.74% vs. 7.18%) were markedly higher in the polymorphism group. Additionally, incidences of testicular dysgenesis (2.28% vs. 0.92%) and hypogonadism in partners (0.62% vs. 0.37%) also demonstrated significant differences, underscoring the potential reproductive implications of chromosomal polymorphisms. The study establishes a significant link between chromosomal polymorphisms and critical reproductive outcomes, including male infertility, spontaneous miscarriages in partners, fetal anomalies, and reduced sperm quality. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of chromosomal polymorphisms in reproductive health assessments and suggest the necessity for their consideration in the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for male reproductive disorders.

Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation improves ischemic stroke outcomes in elderly patients: A retrospective study.

This retrospective study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation on elderly ischemic stroke patients. We retrospectively analyzed electronic medical records from 153 elderly ischemic stroke patients. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: those receiving B bifidum supplementation (Intervention group, n = 73) and those receiving standard treatment without any additional supplementation (Control group, n = 80). Outcomes were assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Inflammatory markers, immunological indicators, neurotrophic factor, and gut-brain axis (GBA)-related markers were also evaluated at baseline and during 4-week follow-up. Compared to the control group, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in the NIHSS, MoCA, SDS and SAS scores (P < .001). Enhanced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and reduced levels of NPY were observed in the intervention group. Additionally, inflammatory markers, including IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, and TNF-α, were significantly reduced in the intervention group, as well as significant increases in immunoglobulin levels (Ig A, Ig G, and Ig M) (P < .001). Besides, lower incidences of diarrhea and constipation were observed in the intervention group (P < .001), while the incidence of abdominal pain was no significant changed. B bifidum supplementation offers promising therapeutic benefits in improving neurological, cognitive, and psychological outcomes in elderly ischemic stroke patients, which may be achieved by regulating the GBA, reducing inflammation and promoting immune function. These findings highlight the importance of integrating gut health strategies in stroke management.

Soil water dynamics and deep percolation in an agricultural experimental area of the North China Plain over the past 50 years: Based on field monitoring and numerical modeling.

The unregulated irrigation systems used in the late 20th century have led to increasingly severe deep percolation (DP) in the agricultural irrigation areas of the North China Plain. This has become an important factor limiting the efficient utilization of water resources and sustainable environmental development in these irrigation areas. However, the thick vadose zone is hydrodynamically exceptionally complex. The soil hydrological cycle is constantly changing under the influence of major climate change and human activity, thereby causing changes in DP that are difficult to quantify accurately. Here, the Luancheng Agricultural Irrigation District in North China was selected for a continuous 20-year in situ experiment. Soil-water dynamics were monitored using neutron probes and tensiometers, to determine the complete annual soil-water cycle and the hydrodynamic properties of the thick vadose zone irrigation district. For 1971-2021, DP was simulated using the HYDRUS-1D model and was verified by fitting observed values. Soil water content (SWC) exhibited similar trends in years that differed in terms of the amounts of irrigation and precipitation. The 0-100 cm soil layer was significantly affected by precipitation and other factors, and recharge >60 mm/d caused percolation. DP occurred mostly after irrigation or during the period of intensive precipitation in July-October. The maximum percolation rate was 16.9 mm/d under the present irrigation method. The main factors leading to DP were soil water storage capacity (R2 = 0.86) and precipitation (R2 = 0.54). Under the evolution of irrigation measures in the last 50 years, the average DP has gradually decreased from 574.2 mm (1971-1990) to 435.5 mm (2005-2021). However, a substantial amount of precipitation and irrigation water infiltrated the soil and percolated into the deep soil layer without being utilized by the crop. Therefore, there is an urgent need to consider measures to reduce DP to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture.

Argon non-thermal plasma treatment promotes the development of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in saline alkali environments.

Soil salinization leads to a reduction in arable land area, which seriously endangers food security. Developing saline-alkali land has become a key measure to address the contradiction between population growth and limited arable land. Rice is the most important global food crop, feeding half of the world's population and making it a suitable choice for planting on saline-alkali lands. The traditional salt-alkali improvement method has several drawbacks. Currently, non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology is being increasingly applied in agriculture. However, there are few reports on the cultivation of salt/alkali-tolerant rice. Under alkaline stress, argon NTP treatment significantly increased the germination rate of Longdao 5 (LD5) rice seeds. In addition, at 15 kV and 120 s, NTP treatment significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and SOD. NTP treatment induced changes in genes related to salt-alkali stress in rice seedlings, such as chitinase and xylanase inhibitor proteins, which increased the tolerance of the seeds to salt-alkali stress. This experiment has expanded the application scope of NTP in agriculture, providing a more cost-effective, less harmful, and faster method for developing salt-alkali-tolerant rice and laying a theoretical foundation for cultivating NTP-enhanced salt-alkali-tolerant rice.

Grave-to-cradle photothermal upcycling of waste polyesters over spent LiCoO2.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and plastics are pivotal components of modern society; nevertheless, their escalating production poses formidable challenges to resource sustainability and ecosystem integrity. Here, we showcase the transformation of spent lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathodes into photothermal catalysts capable of catalyzing the upcycling of diverse waste polyesters into high-value monomers. The distinctive Li deficiency in spent LCO induces a contraction in the Co-O6 unit cell, boosting the monomer yield exceeding that of pristine LCO by a factor of 10.24. A comprehensive life-cycle assessment underscores the economic viability of utilizing spent LCO as a photothermal catalyst, yielding returns of 129.6 $·kgLCO-1, surpassing traditional battery recycling returns (13-17 $·kgLCO-1). Solar-driven recycling 100,000 tons of PET can reduce 3.459 × 1011 kJ of electric energy and decrease 38,716 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. This work unveils a sustainable solution for the management of spent LIBs and plastics.

Effect of MVF Combined with FES on Limb Function Recovery and Fine Function Rehabilitation of Hemiplegic Patients after ACI.

Background: This study assesses the efficacy of mirror visual feedback (MVF) combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) in rehabilitating limb function and fine motor skills in hemiplegic patients after acute cerebral infarction (ACI). Given the limited research in this area, this study aims to provide insights into innovative rehabilitation techniques. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 106 post-ACI hemiplegic patients, split into two groups of 53 each. One group received conventional training plus FES, while the other group underwent MVF combined with FES. Key metrics like walking parameters, the modified Lindmark score, center of gravity movement speed, Fugl-Meyer Motor function (FMA) score, fall index, Berg score, and Time-Up-Go Time (TUGT) were measured to evaluate the effectiveness. Results: In the study, significant improvements were observed in the observation group compared to the control group. The Modified Lindmark Scores for sensory function, motor coordination, and total scores in the observation group improved to 6.85±0.72, 15.77±2.25, and 22.62±2.78 respectively post-treatment, surpassing the control group's scores of 5.77±0.68, 13.92±1.87, and 19.69±2.45. In terms of FMA score, fall index, Berg score, and TUGT time, the observation group showed remarkable improvement: the FMA score increased from 43.69±4.51 to 67.25±7.04, the fall index decreased from 55.74±8.76 to 42.08±5.97, the Berg score rose from 31.03±6.28 to 43.11±6.71, and the TUGT time was reduced from 30.78±6.59s to 18.57±3.26s. These changes were significantly better than those in the control group, with all P = .000, indicating statistically significant improvements. Conclusion: The results indicate that the combination of MVF and FES is more effective in improving limb function, hand fine movements, and balance in hemiplegic patients post-ACI compared to FES alone. This suggests that integrating MVF with FES may be a more beneficial approach in stroke rehabilitation. Future research is advised to explore larger sample sizes and long-term effects, offering guidance for developing more effective treatment and rehabilitation plans. This study suggests that integrating mirror visual feedback and functional electrical stimulation into stroke rehabilitation could significantly enhance recovery, potentially influencing clinical practices and rehabilitation policies. Future studies should explore the long-term effects, applicability to diverse patient groups, and cost-effectiveness of these combined therapies.

The First High-Quality Genome Assembly of Freshwater Pearl Mussel Sinohyriopsis cumingii: New Insights into Pearl Biomineralization.

China leads the world in freshwater pearl production, an industry in which the triangle sail mussel (Sinohyriopsis cumingii) plays a pivotal role. In this paper, we report a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of S. cumingii with a size of 2.90 Gb-the largest yet reported among bivalves-and 89.92% anchorage onto 19 linkage groups. The assembled genome has 37,696 protein-coding genes and 50.86% repeat elements. A comparative genomic analysis revealed expansions of 752 gene families, mostly associated with biomineralization, and 237 genes under strong positive selection. Notably, the fibrillin gene family exhibited gene family expansion and positive selection simultaneously, and it also exhibited multiple high expressions after mantle implantation by transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, RNA silencing and an in vitro calcium carbonate crystallization assay highlighted the pivotal role played by one fibrillin gene in calcium carbonate deposition and aragonite transformation. This study provides a valuable genomic resource and offers new insights into the mechanism of pearl biomineralization.