Schizandrin A enhances the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to 5-FU by promoting ferroptosis.

Schizandrin A (Sch A) exert anticancer and multidrug resistance-reversing effects in a variety of tumors, but its effect on 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) in gastric cancer (GC) cells remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the resistance-reversing effect of Schizandrin A and assess its mechanisms in 5-Fu-resistant GC cells.5-Fu-sensitive GC cells were treated with 5-Fu and 5-Fu-resistant GC cells AGS/5-Fu and SGC7901/5-Fu were were established. These cells were stimulated with Schizandrin A alone or co-treated with 5-Fu and their effect on tumor cell growth, proliferation, migration, invasion and ferroptosis-related metabolism were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. A number of additional experiments were conducted in an attempt to elucidate the molecular mechanism of increased ferroptosis. The results of our study suggest that Schizandrin A in combination with 5-Fu might be useful in treating GC by reverse drug resistance. It was shown that Schizandrin A coadministration suppressed metastasis and chemotherapy resistance in 5-Fu-resistant GC cells through facilitating the onset of ferroptosis, which is an iron-dependent form of cell death, which was further demonstrated in a xenograft nude mouse model. Mechanistically, Schizandrin A co-administration synergistically increased the expression of transferin receptor, thus iron accumulates within cells, leading to lipid peroxidation, which ultimately results in 5-Fu-resistant GC cells death. The results of this study have provided a novel strategy for increasing GC chemosensitivity, indicating Schizandrin A as a novel ferroptosis regulator. Mechanistically, ferroptosis is induced by Schizandrin A coadministration via increasing transferrin receptor expression.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis induces energy imbalance and dyskinesia in mice by reducing the expression of melanin-concentrating hormone.

BACKGROUND: Infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) in humans or mice can lead to severe eosinophilic meningitis or encephalitis, resulting in various neurological impairments. Developing effective neuroprotective drugs to improve the quality of life in affected individuals is critical. METHODS: We conducted a Gene Ontology enrichment analysis on microarray gene expression (GSE159486) in the brains of AC-infected mice. The expression levels of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) were confirmed through real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence. Metabolic parameters were assessed using indirect calorimetry, and mice's energy metabolism was evaluated via pathological hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, serum biochemical assays, and immunohistochemistry. Behavioral tests assessed cognitive and motor functions. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of synapse-related proteins. Mice were supplemented with MCH via nasal administration. RESULTS: Postinfection, a marked decrease in Pmch expression and the encoded MCH was observed. Infected mice exhibited significant weight loss, extensive consumption of sugar and white fat tissue, reduced movement distance, and decreased speed, compared with the control group. Notably, nasal administration of MCH countered the energy imbalance and dyskinesia caused by AC infection, enhancing survival rates. MCH treatment also increased the expression level of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2), as well as upregulated transcription level of B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) in the cortex. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that MCH improves dyskinesia by reducing loss of synaptic proteins, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for AC infection.

Robot-Assisted Radical Nephroureterectomy Using the KangDuo Surgical Robot-01 System: A Prospective, Single-Center, Single-Arm Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the KangDuo Surgical Robot-01 (KD-SR-01) system for robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy (UTUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, single-center, single-arm clinical study of patients with UTUC was conducted from August 2022 to July 2023 using the KD-SR-01 system. The perioperative and follow-up data were prospectively recorded. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index was calculated to present ergonomics. The technique was described in detail. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients underwent RARNU. None of the cases conversed to laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. The median docking time and console time were 524 (range, 139-963) seconds and 102.2 (range, 55.3-249.3) minutes, respectively. The median estimated blood loss was 40 (range, 10-100) ml. None of the patients required intraoperative blood transfusion. The median postoperative hospital stay was 4 (range, 2-7) days. Intraoperative or postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade I) occurred in 9 patients. The surgeon Task Load Index global score achieved 1.05±1.86. Three patients received the single-docking technique, demonstrating similar perioperative results compared to patients with re-docking. CONCLUSIONS: The KD-SR-01 system was feasible, safe, and effective for robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy.

Research on the effect of different aerobic activity on physical fitness and executive function in primary school students.

To evaluate the effect of 16 weeks of different aerobic activity on physical fitness and executive functions in primary school students. 90 right-handed students from China (Boys = 46; Girls = 44) participated in our study and were randomly separated into four groups: 20 in the control group (Con), 23 in the physical activity group (PA), 25 in the intellectual activity group (IA), 22 in the physical activity and intellectual activity group (PA + IA). The students in PA, IA and PA + IA group received aerobic exercise program lasted 40 min daily, 4 days a week for 16 weeks, regular physical activity in the PA group, intellectual activity in the IA group, physical activity couple with intellectual activity in the PA + IA group, respectively. All the students participate the experiment for body composition, physical fitness (cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity, flexibility quality), executive functions and saliva analysis test before and after 16 weeks. There was no significant effect of 16 weeks different aerobic exercise interventions on body composition before and after exercise interventions among four groups in children (p > 0.05). The results were obtained by inter-group and intra-group comparisons that different exercise interventions (physical activity, intellectual activity, physical combine with intellectual activity), all can significantly improve physical fitness parameters (cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity and flexibility quality), and executive functions parameters (inhibitory control, working memory, reaction time cognitive flexibility), as well as the concentration of saliva GH and IGF-I (p < 0.05) in children. Our experiment further demonstrated that the improvement effect of the two exercises together is more significant than that of the single exercise ways. Both physical and intellectual activity can effectively improve physical fitness and executive function in children, and the improvement effect of the two exercises together is more significant than that of the single exercise ways.

The bone-protective benefits of kaempferol combined with metformin by regulation of osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in OVX rats.

This study was to investigate the potential mechanisms of treatment with metformin (Met) combined with kaempferol (Kae) against postmenopausal osteoporosis. Experiments were conducted in both ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis rats and in vitro using RAW264.7 cells, MC3T3-E1 cells, and HUVECs. Results demonstrated the therapeutic effect of Met combined with Kae on osteoporosis. In vivo, Kae alone and in combination with Met treatments enhanced tibial trabecular microstructure, bone mineral density (BMD), and mechanical properties in OVX rats without causing hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. It also reduced bone resorption markers (CTX-1 and TRAP) and increased the bone formation marker (PINP) level in the serum of OVX rats. The expression of bone resorption marker TRAP was reduced, while bone formation markers Runx2 and ALP were enhanced in the bone tissue of OVX rats. Furthermore, Met combined with Kae also promoted the expression of angiogenesis-related markers CD31 and VEGF in OVX rats. In vitro, MC3T3-E1s cells treated with Met combined with Kae showed higher expression of ALP, Runx2, and VEGF. Interestingly, the treatment did not directly promote HUVECs migration and angiogenesis, but enhanced osteoblast-mediated angiogenesis by upregulating VEGF levels. Additionally, Met combined with Kae treatment promoted VEGF secretion in MC3T3-E1, and activated the Notch intracelluar pathway by upregulating HES1 and HEY1 in HUVECs. Meantime, their stimulation on CD31 expression were inhibited by DAPT, a Notch signaling inhibitor. Overall, this study demonstrates the positive effects of Met combined with Kae on osteoporotic rats by promoting osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling, suggesting their potential application in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Treatment and outcome analysis of patients with ruptured distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms: a multicenter real-world study.

Objective: To reveal the safety and efficacy of clipping and coiling in patients with ruptured distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms (DACAA) and to calculate the risk factors affecting the two-year survival rate in follow-up patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the data of 140 patients (21 were lost to follow-up) with DACAA rupture who were treated by neurosurgery at 12 medical centers over a 2-year period, from January 2017 to December 2020. Univariate analysis was used to examine factors contributing to poor patient prognosis and to compare the prognosis of coiling and clipping treatments. Survival analysis was employed to compare survival rates between coiling and clipping, and risk factors affecting patient survival were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: Out of 140 patients with ruptured DACAA, 80 (57.1%) were male, and 60 (42.9%) were female. A total of 111 (79.3%) patients were classified under Hunt-Hess scale grades I-III, while 95 (67.9%) were graded I-III according to the WFNs classification. Among them, 63 (45%) were treated with clipping, and 77 (55%) underwent coiling. Within 2 years of discharge from the hospital, 31 (59.6%) patients who underwent clipping and 54 (80.6%) who underwent coiling had a good prognosis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that only WFNs classification (I-III) was a protective factor influencing the 2-year survival of patients with ruptured DACAA. Conclusion: In the reality of medical practice, neurosurgeons are more likely to choose clipping as the treatment for cases with WFNs classification than or equal to III. There was no difference between clipping and coiling in the two-year prognosis at discharge. High priority should be given to DACAA cases with WFNs grading (I-III), as better outcomes can be achieved. The sample size will continue to be enlarged in the future to obtain more accurate findings. Abstracts for reviews, technical notes, and historical vignettes do not need to be separated into sections. They should begin with a clear statement of the paper's purpose followed by appropriate details that support the authors' conclusion(s).

Effect of Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) on the Postharvest Quality of Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris).

Plasma-activated water (PAW) treatment is an effective technique for the quality retention of fresh vegetables with cold atmospheric plasma using controllable parameters. This study investigated the effect of PAW on the postharvest quality of shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). The results displayed that PAW treatment with an activation time of 5, 10, 15, and 20 min reduced the yellowing rate and weight loss of the shepherd's purse during 9 days of storage. Compared with untreated samples, PAW treatment at different times reduced the number of total bacteria, coliform, yeast, and mold by 0.18-0.94, 0.59-0.97, 0.90-1.18, and 1.03-1.17 Log CFU/g after 9 days of storage, respectively. Additionally, the treatments with PAW-5 and PAW-10 better preserved ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, total phenol, and total flavonoid contents. They also maintained the higher antioxidant and CAT activity and inhibited the formation of terpenes, alcohols, and nitrogen oxide compounds of the shepherd's purse at the end of storage. The microstructural result illustrated that the cells of the shepherd's purse treated with PAW-5 and PAW-10 were relatively intact, with a small intercellular space after storage. This study demonstrated that PAW treatment effectively improved the postharvest quality of shepherd's purse.

The DDD score outperforms the RENAL score in predicting high-grade renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between Fuhrman grade of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the DDD score. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 527 nonmetastatic RCC patients. Demographic, clinical, and pathologic characteristics were reviewed. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the independent risk factors for high-grade RCC (HGRCC). RESULTS: Sex, BMI (Body Mass Index), RNS, and DDD score were significantly correlated with HGRCC. Based on these independent risk factors, we constructed two predictive models integrating the RNS and DDD scores with sex and BMI to predict tumor grade. The calibration curves of the predictive model showed good agreement between the observations and predictions. The concordance indexes (C-indexes) of the predictive models were 0.768 (95% CI, 0.713-0.824), and 0.809 (95% CI, 0.759-0.859). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to compare the predictive power of the nomograms, and the prediction model including the DDD score had better prognostic ability (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that RNS, DDD score, BMI, and sex were independent predictors of HGRCC. We developed effective nomograms integrating the above risk factors to predict HGRCC. Of note, the nomogram including the DDD score achieves better prediction ability for HGRCC.

Associations of urinary metal concentrations with anemia: A cross-sectional study of Chinese community-dwelling elderly.

BACKGROUND: Anemia seriously affects the health and quality of life of the older adult population and may be influenced by various types of environmental metal exposure. Current studies on metals and anemia are mainly limited to single metals, and the association between polymetals and their mixtures and anemia remains unclear. METHODS: We determined 11 urinary metal concentrations and hemoglobin levels in 3781 participants. Binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model were used to estimate the association of individual metals with anemia. We used Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and Quantile g-computation (Q-g) regression to assess the overall association between metal mixtures and anemia and identify the major contributing elements. Stratified analyses were used to explore the association of different metals with anemia in different populations. RESULTS: In a single-metal model, nine urinary metals significantly associated with anemia. RCS analysis further showed that the association of arsenic (As) and copper (Cu) with anemia was linear, while cobalt, molybdenum, thallium, and zinc were non-linear. The BKMR model revealed a significant positive association between the concentration of metal mixtures and anemia. Combined Q-g regression analysis suggested that metals such as Cu, As, and tellurium (Te) were positively associated with anemia, with Te as the most significant contributor. Stratified analyses showed that the association of different metals with anemia varied among people of different sexes, obesity levels, lifestyle habits, and blood pressure levels. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple metals are associated with anemia in the older adult population. A significant positive association was observed between metal mixture concentrations and anemia, with Te being the most important factor. The association between urinary metal concentrations and anemia is more sensitive in the non-hypertensive populations.

Irbesartan eases lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury In Vitro and In Vivo.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is classified as a devastating pulmonary disorder contributing to significant incidence and fatality rate. Irbesartan (IRB) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that has been proposed to protect against oleic acid-induced ALI. To this end, the current study is concentrated on ascertaining the role of IRB in ALI and figuring out the probable action mechanism. First, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) appraised the viability of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) exposed to ascending concentrations of IRB. HPMVEC injury model and a mouse model of ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were pretreated by IRB. In vitro, cell viability was estimated by CCK-8 assay, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was tested by LDH assay kit. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting estimated the expression levels of inflammatory factors. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran was used to assess HPMVEC permeability. Western blotting examined the expression of adherent and tight junction proteins. In vivo, hematoxylin and eosin staining evaluated lung tissue damage and lung wet/dry (W/D) weight was measured. ELISA analyzed the levels of inflammatory factors in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and Western blotting examined the expression of inflammatory factors. The total cell, neutrophil, and macrophage numbers in BALF were determined using a cell counter. Lung capillary permeability was assayed by Evans blue albumin and total protein concentration in BALF was measured using bicinchoninic acid method. Immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting examined the expression of adherent and tight junction proteins in lung tissues. It was observed that IRB dose-dependently enhanced the viability while reduced LDH release, inflammatory response as well as permeability in LPS-challenged HPMVECs in vitro. In addition, LPS-stimulated lung tissue damage, pulmonary edema, inflammatory response as well as lung capillary permeability in vivo were all reversed following IRB treatment. Collectively, IRB treatment might elicit protective behaviors against LPS-triggered ALI.

Fabrication of Laser-Induced Graphene Based Flexible Sensors Using 355 nm Ultraviolet Laser and Their Application in Human-Computer Interaction System.

In recent years, flexible sensors based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) have played an important role in areas such as smart healthcare, smart skin, and wearable devices. This paper presents the fabrication of flexible sensors based on LIG technology and their applications in human-computer interaction (HCI) systems. Firstly, LIG with a sheet resistance as low as 4.5 Ω per square was generated through direct laser interaction with commercial polyimide (PI) film. The flexible sensors were then fabricated through a one-step method using the as-prepared LIG. The applications of the flexible sensors were demonstrated by an HCI system, which was fabricated through the integration of the flexible sensors and a flexible glove. The as-prepared HCI system could detect the bending motions of different fingers and translate them into the movements of the mouse on the computer screen. At the end of the paper, a demonstration of the HCI system is presented in which words were typed on a computer screen through the bending motion of the fingers. The newly designed LIG-based flexible HCI system can be used by persons with limited mobility to control a virtual keyboard or mouse pointer, thus enhancing their accessibility and independence in the digital realm.

Robotic urologic surgery using the KangDuo-Surgical Robot-01 system: A single-center prospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The KangDuo-Surgical Robot-01 (KD-SR-01) system is a new surgical robot recently developed in China. The aim of this study was to present our single-center experience and mid-term outcomes of urological procedures using the KD-SR-01 system. METHODS: From August 2020 to April 2023, consecutive urologic procedures were performed at Peking University First Hospital using the KD-SR-01 system. The clinical features, perioperative data, and follow-up outcomes were prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 110 consecutive patients were recruited. Among these patients, 28 underwent partial nephrectomy (PN), 41 underwent urinary tract reconstruction (26 underwent pyeloplasty, 3 underwent ureteral reconstruction and 12 underwent ureterovesical reimplantation [UR]), and 41 underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). The median operative time for PN was 112.5 min, 157.0 min for pyeloplasty, 151.0 min for ureteral reconstruction, 142.5 min for UR, and 138.0 min for RP. The median intraoperative blood loss was 10 mL for PN, 10 mL for pyeloplasty, 30 mL for ureteral reconstruction, 20 mL for UR, and 50 mL for RP. All procedures were successfully completed without conversion, and there were no major complications in any patient. The median warm ischemia time of PN was 17.3 min, and positive surgical margin was not noted in any patient. The overall positive surgical margin rate of RP was 39% (16/41), and no biochemical recurrence was observed in any RP patient during the median follow-up of 11.0 months. The surgical success rates of pyeloplasty and UR were 96% (25/26) and 92% (11/12) during the median follow-up of 29.5 months and 11.5 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The KD-SR-01 system appears feasible, safe, and effective for most urological procedures, based on our single-center experience.

Polysaccharides affect the utilization of ß-carotene through gut microbiota investigated by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of six polysaccharides on the utilization of ß-carotene from the perspective of gut microbiota using both in vitro simulated anaerobic fermentation systems and in vivo animal experiments. In the in vitro experiments, the addition of arabinoxylan, arabinogalactan, mannan, inulin, chitosan, and glucan led to a 31.07-79.12% decrease in ß-carotene retention and a significant increase in retinol content (0.21-0.99-fold) compared to ß-carotene alone. Among them, the addition of chitosan produced the highest level of retinol. In the in vivo experiments, mice treated with the six polysaccharides exhibited a significant increase (2.51-5.78-fold) in serum ß-carotene content compared to the group treated with ß-carotene alone. The accumulation of retinoids in the serum, liver, and small intestine increased by 13.56-21.61%, 12.64-56.27%, and 7.9%-71.69%, respectively. The expression of ß-carotene cleavage enzymes was increased in the liver. Genetic analysis of small intestinal tissue revealed no significant enhancement in the expression of genes related to ß-carotene metabolism. In the gut microbiota environment, the addition of polysaccharides generated more SCFAs and altered the structure and composition of the gut microbiota. The correlation analysis revealed a strong association between gut microbes (Ruminococcaceae and Odoribacteraceae) and ß-carotene metabolism and absorption. Collectively, our findings suggest that the addition of polysaccharides may improve ß-carotene utilization by modulating the gut microbiota.

Lutein combined with EGCG improved retinitis pigmentosa against N-methyl-N nitrosourea-induced.

In order to investigate the synergistic improving effect of lutein (LUT) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) treatment on retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced mouse model was conducted in the present study. Compared to the LUT alone treatment group, in the LUT combined with EGCG (LUT-EGCG) treatment group, the accumulation content of LUT was significantly increased by 50.24% in the liver. The morphological results indicated that LUT-EGCG treatment significantly improved the retina structure with the thickness of the outer nuclear layer restored to 185.28 ± 0.29 µm, showing no significant difference compared to the control group. The LUT-EGCG treatment also increased the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as acetic and propionic acids. Compared with the LUT alone treatment, the LUT-EGCG treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Helicobacteraceae. RT-qPCR results indicated that LUT-EGCG treatment significantly increased the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 expression. In addition, the expression of IL-6 was significantly down-regulated in the LUT-EGCG group, while there was no significance in NF-κß, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-18 compared with the LUT group. Correlation analysis supported the conclusion that LUT combined with EGCG may improve RP by modulating antiapoptotic gene expression and regulating the abundance of gut microbiota. However, the underlying mechanism still needs further research.

Relationship Between Stress Modulated Metallicity and Plasmon in Graphene Nanoribbons.

Nanoscale quantum plasmon is an important technology that restricts the application of optics, electricity, and graphene photoelectric devices. Establishing a structure-effect relationship between the structure of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) under stress regulation and the properties of plasmons is a key scientific issue for promoting the application of plasmons in micro-nano photoelectric devices. In this study, zigzag graphene nanoribbon (Z-GNR) and armchair graphene nanoribbon (A-GNR) models of specific widths were constructed, and density functional theory (DFT) was used to study their lattice structure, energy band, absorption spectrum, and plasmon effects under different stresses. The results showed that the Z-GNR band gap decreased with increasing stress, and the A-GNR band gap changed periodically with increasing stress. The plasmon effects of the A-GNRs and Z-GNRs appeared in the visible region, whereas the absorption spectrum showed a redshift trend, indicating the range of the plasmon spectrum also underwent significant changes. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of graphene nanoribbons in the field of optoelectronics under strain-engineering conditions.

Study on the correlation and interaction between metals and dyslipidemia: a case-control study in Chinese community-dwelling elderly.

Previous studies on the association between metals and dyslipidemia are not completely consistent. There are few studies investigating the relationship between mixed metal exposure and dyslipidemia as well as the effects of metals on dyslipidemia in community-dwelling elderly. To evaluate the correlations and interaction effect between the urinary concentrations of metals and the risk of dyslipidemia in community-dwelling elderly. We designed a case-control study to assess the correlation between urine metals and dyslipidemia in elderly people in the Yinchuan. The urinary levels of 13 metals, including calcium, vanadium, iron, cobalt, zinc, copper, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, cadmium, tellurium, and thallium, were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the blood biochemical analyzer was used to measure the blood lipid levels of 3384 senior individuals from four different areas of Yinchuan city. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to explore the correlation and dose-response relationship between urinary metals and the risk of dyslipidemia. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select metals, and then weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was used to explore the weight of each metal in mixed metals. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to explore the interactions between metals on dyslipidemia risk. (1) After selection by LASSO regression, in the multi-metal model, compared with the lowest quartile, the adjusted ORs (95%CI) of the highest quartiles were 0.47 (0.37-0.60) for Fe, 1.43 (1.13-1.83) for Zn, 1.46 (1.11-1.92) for As, 0.59 (0.44-0.80) for Se, 1.53 (1.18-2.00) for Mo, and 1.36 (1.07-1.73) for Te. (2) In the WQS regression model, Fe and Mo accounted for the largest weight in the negative and positive effects of dyslipidemia, respectively. (3) In the BKMR model, there may be a positive interaction between Te and Se on dyslipidemia. Among the mixed metals, Fe, As, Se, Mo, and Te were associated with the prevalence of dyslipidemia, with Fe and Mo contributing the most. There may be certain interactions between Te and Se.

Association between urinary neonicotinoid insecticide levels and dyslipidemia risk: A cross-sectional study in Chinese community-dwelling elderly.

Experimental evidence has demonstrated that neonicotinoids (NEOs) exposure can cause lipid accumulation and increased leptin levels. However, the relationship between NEOs exposure and dyslipidemia in humans remains unclear, and the interactive effects of NEOs and their characteristic metabolites on dyslipidemia remain unknown. We detected 14 NEOs and their metabolites in urine samples of 500 individuals (236 and 264 with and without dyslipidemia, respectively) randomly selected from the baseline of the Yinchuan community-dwelling elderly cohort (Ningxia, China). The NEOs and their metabolites were widely detected in urine (87.2-99.6 %) samples, and the median levels ranged within 0.06-0.55 µg/g creatinine. The positive associations and dose-dependent relationships of thiacloprid, imidacloprid-olefin, and imidacloprid-equivalent total with dyslipidemia were validated using restricted cubic spline analysis. Mixture models revealed a positive association between the NEOs mixture and dyslipidemia risk, with urine desnitro-imidacloprid ranked as the top contributor. The Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression models showed that the NEOs mixtures were associated with increased dyslipidemia when the chemical mixtures were ≥ 25th percentile compared to their medians, and desnitro-imidacloprid and imidacloprid-olefin were the major contributors to the combined effect. Given the widespread use of NEOs and the dyslipidemia pandemic, further investigations are urgently needed to confirm our findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

High Rate and Low-Temperature Stable Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Lithiophilic 3D Cu-CuSn Porous Framework.

Lithium (Li) metal is regarded as the "Holy Grail" of anodes for high-energy rechargeable lithium batteries by virtue of its ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and the lowest redox potential. However, the Li dendrite impedes the practical application of Li metal anodes. Herein, lithiophilic three-dimensional Cu-CuSn porous framework (3D Cu-CuSn) was fabricated by a vapor phase dealloying strategy via the difference in saturated vapor pressure between different metals and the Kirkendall effect. CuSn alloy sites were converted into LiSn alloy sites through the molten Li infusion method, and composite Li metal anodes (3D Cu-LiSn-Li) are achieved. Alloyed tin, as the bridge between the porous copper substrate and metallic Li, plays a critical role in optimizing Li nucleation and enhancing the fast lithium migration kinetics. This work demonstrates that lithiophilic binary copper alloys are an effective way to achieve room-temperature high rate performance and satisfied low-temperature cycling stability for Li metal batteries.

Research on a Variable Pressure Driving Method for Soft Robots Based on the Electromagnetic Effect.

This study proposes a novel variable air pressure supply structure based on the electromagnetic effect. This structure can be implemented in various soft robots driven by air pressure, including pneumatic artificial muscles, pneumatic soft grippers, and other soft robots. The structure's main body comprises a hollow circular tube, a magnetic piston arranged in the tube, and an electromagnetic solenoid nested outside the tube. The electromagnetic solenoid is designed with special winding and power supply access modes, generating either an attractive force or a repulsive force on the magnetic piston. This solenoid conforms with the magnetic piston expectation in the tube by changing the polarity direction. The interior of the whole structure is a closed space. The gas is conveyed to the soft robot by the gas guide hoses at the two ends of the structure, and the expansion energy of the compressed gas is fully utilized. Then, the gas supply pressure is controlled to drive the robot. The mathematical model of the structure is established based on the analysis of the electromagnetic force and gas pressure on the piston. The simulation results show that the structure's inherent vibration characteristics under various parameters align with expectations. The real-time automatic optimization of the controller parameters is realized by optimizing the incremental proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller based on a neural network. The simulation results show that the structure can meet the application requirements. The experimental results show that the proposed gas supply structure can provide a continuous pressure supply curve with any frequency in a specific amplitude range and has an excellent tracking effect on the sinusoidal-like pressure curve.