Fc receptor-like A promotes malignant behavior in renal cell carcinoma and correlates with tumor immune infiltration.

BACKGROUND: Our study aims to investigate the mechanisms through which Fc receptor-like A (FCRLA) promotes renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to examine its significance in relation to tumor immune infiltration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The correlation between FCRLA and data clinically related to RCC was explored using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), then validated using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) gene chip data. Enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed for FCRLA and its co-expressed genes. FCRLA was knocked down in RCC cell lines to evaluate its impact on biological behavior. Then the potential downstream regulators of FCRLA were determined by western blotting, and rescue experiments were performed for verification. The relevance between FCRLA and various immune cells was analyzed through GSEA, TIMER, and GEPIA tools. TIDE and ESTIMATE algorithms were used to predict the effect of FCRLA in immunotherapy. RESULTS: Fc receptor-like A was associated with clinical and T stages and could predict the M stage (AUC = 0.692) and 1-3- and 5-year survival rates (AUC = 0.823, 0.834, and 0.862) of RCC patients. Higher expression of FCLRA predicted an unfavorable overall survival (OS) in TCGA-RCC and GSE167573 datasets (p = 0.03, p = 0.04). FCRLA promoted the malignant biological behavior of RCC cells through the pERK1/2/-MMP2 pathway and was associated with tumor immune microenvironment in RCC. CONCLUSION: Fc receptor-like A is positively correlated with poor outcomes in RCC patients and plays an oncogenic role in RCC through the pERK1/2-MMP2 pathway. Patients with RCC might benefit from immunotherapy targeting FCRLA.

π-π conjugated PDI supramolecular regulating the photoluminescence of imine-COFs for sensitive smartphone visual detection of levofloxacin.

As the contamination and enrichment in food chain of levofloxacin (LV) antibiotics have caused a significant threat to life safety, the instant detection of LV has become an urgent need. Here, a PDI-functionalized imine-based covalent organic framework (PDI-COF300) was prepared by the electrostatic self-assembly method as fluorescent probe for smartphone visual detection of LV, which exhibited excellent fluorescence quantum yield (82.68%), greater stability, high sensitivity with detection limit of 0.303 µM. Based on the results of molecular docking and Stern-Volmer equation, the LV detection by PDI-COF300 was mainly a static quenching process through π-π stacked hydrophobic interactions and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Besides, PDI-COF300 was applied to LV detection in environmental medium and milk samples with recoveries from 85.56% to 108.34% and relative standard deviations <2.70%. This work also provided a new general strategy for using PDI-COF in smartphone devices and fluorescent papers for LV fluorescence detection and microanalysis.

Significance of serum NLRP3 as a potential predictor of 5-year death in hemodialysis patients: A prospective observational cohort study.

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) is involved in inflammatory response. This study was done to explore the role of serum NLRP3 as a predictive biomarker of death after hemodialysis. In this prospective observational study of 331 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, serum NLRP3 levels were measured. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were sequentially performed to determine predictors of 5-year death after hemodialysis. Age, major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE), and serum NLRP3 levels independently predicted 5-year mortality and overall survival (all P < .05). No interactions were found between serum NLRP3 levels and other variables, such as age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, primary renal diseases, and MACCE (all P interaction > .05). Serum NLRP3 levels were linearly correlated with risk of death and overall survival under restricted cubic spline (both P > .05) and substantially discriminated patients at risk of death under receiver operating characteristic curve (P < .001). Two models, in which age, MACCE, and serum NLRP3 were combined, were built to predict 5-year mortality and overall survival. The mortality prediction model had significantly higher predictive ability than age, AMCCE, and serum NLRP3 alone under receiver operating characteristic curve (all P < .05). The models, which were graphically represented by nomograms, performed well under calibration curve and decision curve. Serum NLRP3 levels are independently related to 5-year mortality and overall survival of patients after hemodialysis, suggesting that serum NLRP3 may be a potential prognostic biomarker of hemodialysis patients.

Atypical local and global biological motion perception in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Perceiving biological motion (BM) is crucial for human survival and social interaction. Many studies have reported impaired BM perception in autism spectrum disorder, which is characterised by deficits in social interaction. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit similar difficulties in social interaction. However, few studies have investigated BM perception in children with ADHD. Here, we compared differences in the ability to process local kinematic and global configurational cues, two fundamental abilities of BM perception, between typically developing and ADHD children. We further investigated the relationship between BM perception and social interaction skills measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale and examined the contributions of latent factors (e.g. sex, age, attention, and intelligence) to BM perception. The results revealed that children with ADHD exhibited atypical BM perception. Local and global BM processing showed distinct features. Local BM processing ability was related to social interaction skills, whereas global BM processing ability significantly improved with age. Critically, general BM perception (i.e. both local and global BM processing) may be affected by sustained attentional ability in children with ADHD. This relationship was primarily mediated by reasoning intelligence. These findings elucidate atypical BM perception in ADHD and the latent factors related to BM perception. Moreover, this study provides new evidence that BM perception is a hallmark of social cognition and advances our understanding of the potential roles of local and global processing in BM perception and social cognitive disorders.

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among students aged 12 to 24 after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China: prevalence and associated factors.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adolescent and young adults in China from December 14, 2022 to February 28, 2023, when COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Methods: Students in middle and high schools and colleges and universities in the province of Sichuan, China were asked to complete on-line cross-sectional surveys. Information was collected about sociodemographics, experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Participants also filled out the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and the Social Support Rate Scale surveys. Factors associated with suicidal ideation or suicide attempts were explored using logistic regression. Results: Of the 82,873 respondents (aged 12 to 24 years), 21,292 (25.7%) reported having thought of suicide at least once in their lifetime, 10,382 (12.5%) reported having thought about suicide within the previous 12 months, and 1,123 (1.4%) reported having attempted it within the previous 12 months. Risk of lifetime suicidal ideation was higher among middle school students than among older students. Risk of suicidal ideation and risk of suicide attempts correlated directly with severity of symptoms of depression and anxiety, and inversely with level of social support. Greater risk of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts was associated with: being female, living in an urban environment, attending a boarding school, currently being in love, having parents who divorced or remarried, having parents who exhibit non-authoritative parenting behavior, having higher family income, having been COVID-19 infected, having been quarantined for a long time, and being dissatisfied with one's education. Conclusions: Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts remain prevalent among young people in China. The potential associated factors identified in our study may be useful for targeting appropriate psychosocial interventions and developing mental health policies.

Aggravating effect of abnormal low-density protein cholesterol level on coronary atherosclerotic plaque in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: The abnormal low-density protein cholesterol (LDL-C) level in the development of atherosclerosis is often comorbid in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). This study aimed to investigate the aggravating effect of abnormal LDL-C levels on coronary artery plaques assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in T2DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study collected 3439 T2DM patients from September 2011 to February 2022. Comparative analysis of differences in coronary plaque characteristics was performed for the patients between the normal LDL-C level group and the abnormal LDL-C level group. Factors with P < 0.1 in the univariable linear regression analyses were included in the multivariable linear stepwise regression. RESULTS: A total of 2820 eligible T2DM patients were included and identified as the normal LDL-C level group (n = 973) and the abnormal LDL-C level group (n = 1847). Compared with the normal LDL-C level group, both on a per-patient basis and per-segment basis, patients with abnormal LDL-C level showed more calcified plaques, partially calcified plaques, low attenuation plaques, positive remodellings, and spotty calcifications. Multivessel obstructive disease (MVD), nonobstructive stenosis (NOS), obstructive stenosis (OS), plaque involvement degree (PID), segment stenosis score (SSS), and segment involvement scores (SIS) were likely higher in the abnormal LDL-C level group than that in the normal LDL-C level group (P < 0.001). In multivariable linear stepwise regression, the abnormal LDL-C level was validated as an independent positive correlation with high-risk coronary plaques and the degree and extent of stenosis caused by plaques (low attenuation plaque: ß = 0.116; positive remodelling: ß = 0.138; spotty calcification: ß = 0.091; NOS: ß = 0.427; OS: ß = 0.659: SIS: ß = 1.114; SSS: ß = 2.987; PID: ß = 2.716, all P value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal LDL-C levels aggravate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients with T2DM. Clinical attention deserves to be caught by the tailored identification of cardiovascular risk categories in T2DM individuals and the achievement of the corresponding LDL-C treatment goal.

Injectable bone cement cannulated pedicle screw for lumbar degenerative disease in osteoporosis - clinical follow-up of over 5 years.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of injectable cemented hollow pedicle screw (CICPS) in the treatment of osteoporotic lumbar degenerative diseases through a large sample long-term follow-up study. Additionally, we aim to explore the risk factors affecting interbody fusion. METHODS: A total of 98 patients who underwent CICPS for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for osteoporotic lumbar degenerative disease from March 2011 to September 2017 were analyzed. X-ray and electronic computed tomography (CT) imaging data were collected during preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up periods. The data included changes in intervertebral space height (ΔH), screw failure, cement leakage (CL), and intervertebral fusion. The patients were divided into two groups based on their fusion status one year after surgery: satisfied group A and dissatisfied group B. Surgical data such as operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume and surgical complications were recorded, and visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the improvement of lumbar and leg pain. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 101.29 months (ranging from 70 to 128 months). A total of 320 CICPS were used, with 26 screws (8.13%) leaking, 3 screws (0.94%) experiencing cement augmentation failure, and 1 screw (0.31%) becoming loose and breaking. The remaining screws were not loose or pulled out. Female gender, decreased bone density, and CL were identified as risk factors affecting interbody fusion (P < 0.05). Early realization of interbody fusion can effectively prevent the loss of intervertebral space height (P < 0.05) and maintain the surgical treatment effect. Both VAS and ODI scores showed significant improvement during the follow-up period (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased bone density and cement leakage were risk factors for prolonged interbody fusion. CONCLUSIONS: The results of long-term follow-up indicate that PMMA enhanced CICPS has unique advantages in achieving good clinical efficacy in the treatment of osteoporosis lumbar degenerative diseases. Attention should be paid to identify female gender, severe osteoporosis, and CL as risk factors affecting interbody fusion.

Gastric cancer metastatic to the breast: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic breast cancer originating in the gastrointestinal tract is a rare occurrence. The limited number of cases has resulted in incomplete understanding of the disease, making it challenging to differentiate from primary breast cancer. While clinical history and immunohistochemical studies can aid in distinguishing between the two, the management principles and pathogenesis of gastrointestinal metastatic breast cancer remain controversial. The scarcity of data has hampered comprehensive knowledge. Our objective is to shed light on this rare disease through our case study. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we report a case of breast metastasis from gastric cancer in a 43-year-old woman. This patient was admitted to our hospital with complaints of discomfort in the upper and middle abdomen persisting for two months, as well as black stools for over ten days. She underwent radical distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, followed by postoperative chemotherapy. Three years later, the patient developed bilateral breast nodules. Imaging studies indicated a high probability of malignancy. She subsequently underwent a right modified radical mastectomy and excision of a left breast mass. Postoperative pathology revealed the right breast tumor was consistent with primary gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: We present a case of breast metastasis from gastric cancer to contribute to the limited foundation of research into this rare disease.

Optimizing the compression resistance of low-nickel stainless steel coronary stents using finite element and response surface methodology.

Considering the high strength and excellent biocompatibility of low-nickel stainless steel, this paper focused on optimizing the design of a vascular stent made from this material using finite element analysis (FEA) combined with the response surface methodology (RSM). The aim is to achieve the desired compressive resistance for the stent while maintaining a thin stent wall thickness. The parameters of the stent's support unit width (H), strut width (W), and thickness (T) were selected as input parameters, while the output parameters obtained from FEA included the compressive load, the equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ), axial shortening rate, radial recoil rate, and metal coverage rate. The mathematical models of input parameters and output parameters were established by using the Box Behnken design (BBD) of RSM. The model equations were solved under constrained conditions, and the optimal structural parameters, namely H, W, and T, were finally determined as 0.770 mm, 0.100 mm, and 0.075 mm respectively. In this situation, the compression load of the stent reached the target value of 0.38 N/mm; the PEEQ resulting from the stent expansion was small; the axial shortening, radial recoil, and metal coverage index were all minimized within the required range.

The metabolic consequences of 'yo-yo' dieting are markedly influenced by genetic diversity.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss can improve the metabolic complications of obesity. However, it is unclear whether insulin resistance persists despite weight loss and whether any protective benefits are preserved following weight regain (weight cycling). The impact of genetic background on weight cycling is undocumented. We aimed to investigate the effects of weight loss and weight cycling on metabolic outcomes and sought to clarify the role of genetics in this relationship. METHOD: Both C57BL/6 J and genetically heterogeneous Diversity Outbred Australia (DOz) mice were alternately fed high fat Western-style diet (WD) and a chow diet at 8-week intervals. Metabolic measures including body composition, glucose tolerance, pancreatic beta cell activity, liver lipid levels and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity were determined. RESULTS: After diet switch from WD (8-week) to chow (8-week), C57BL/6 J mice displayed a rapid normalisation of body weight, adiposity, hyperinsulinemia, liver lipid levels and glucose uptake into adipose tissue comparable to chow-fed controls. In response to the same dietary intervention, genetically diverse DOz mice conversely maintained significantly higher fat mass and insulin levels compared to chow-fed controls and exhibited much more profound interindividual variability than C57BL/6 J mice. Weight cycled (WC) animals were re-exposed to WD (8-week) and compared to age-matched controls fed 8-week WD for the first time (LOb). In C57BL/6 J but not DOz mice, WC animals had significantly higher blood insulin levels than LOb controls. All WC animals exhibited significantly greater beta cell activity than LOb controls despite similar fat mass, glucose tolerance, liver lipid levels and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipose tissue. CONCLUSION: Following weight loss, metabolic outcomes return to baseline in C57BL/6 J mice with obesity. However, genetic diversity significantly impacts this response. A period of weight loss does not provide lasting benefits after weight regain, and weight cycling is detrimental and associated with hyperinsulinemia and elevated basal insulin secretion.

CircHIPK2 Contributes Cell Growth in Intestinal Epithelial of Colitis and Colorectal Cancer through Promoting TAZ Translation.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are escalating global health concerns. Despite their distinct clinical presentations, both disorders share intricate genetic and molecular interactions. The Hippo signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating cell processes and is implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have gained attention for their roles in various diseases, including IBD and CRC. However, a comprehensive understanding of specific circRNAs involved in both IBD and CRC, and their functional roles is lacking. Here, it is found that circHIPK2 (hsa_circRNA_104507) is a bona fide circRNA consistently upregulated in both IBD and CRC suggesting its potential as a biomarker. Furthermore, silencing of circHIPK2 suppressed the growth of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, decreased circHipk2 potentiated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis but alleviated colitis-associated tumorigenesis. Most significantly, mechanistic investigations further unveil that circHIPK2, mediated by FUS, interacting with EIF4A3 to promote the translation of TAZ, ultimately increasing the transcription of downstream target genes CCN1 and CCN2. Taken together, circHIPK2 emerges as a key player in the shared mechanisms of IBD and CRC, modulating the Hippo signaling pathway. CircHIPK2-EIF4A3 axis contributes to cell growth in intestinal epithelial of colitis and CRC by enhancing TAZ translation.

Resolution of anti-LGI1-associated autoimmune encephalitis in a patient after treatment with efgartigimod.

BACKGROUND: Anti leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is the second most common AE, where the trafficking and recycling of the pathogenic immunoglobulin (IgG) can be controlled by the neonatal crystallizable fragment receptor (FcRn), making the latter as a candidate therapeutic target. Efgartigimod is an antagonist of FcRn, its ability to increase the degradation of IgGs and improve the health and quality of life of patients. ADAPT trail indicated its rapid efficacy and safety on myasthenia gravis. However, there is currently no case reported using efgartigimod for the treatment of anti-LGI1-associated AE. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient presented with five episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in the past 2 weeks. The patient had no abnormal signs on magnetic resonance imaging. Electroencephalogram examinations showed an increase in bilateral symmetric or asymmetric slow activity, without any clear epileptic waves. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination results indicated a slight increase in protein (47 mg/dL). The anti-LGI1 antibody titer in serum was 1:100 and that in CSF was 1:3.2. The treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone 1000 mg once a day combined with levetiracetam tablets failed to completely control the patient's seizures. Thus, 10 mg/kg efgartigimod was administered intravenously once a week for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks of treatment, serum levels of anti-LGI1 antibody and IgG decreased and the patient's epilepsy did not recur in the next 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case report of using efgartigimod to treat anti-LGI1-associated AE. The combination of efgartigimod and methylprednisolone resulted in favorable outcomes, indicating that this is an optional treatment plan.

Co-mutation of OsLPR1/3/4/5 provides a promising strategy to minimize Cd contamination in rice grains.

Minimizing cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice grains is crucial for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. Utilizing genetic modification to generate rice varieties with low Cd accumulation is a promising strategy due to its cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity. Our study demonstrated that the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated quadruple mutation of the multicopper oxidase genes OsLPR1/3/4/5 in the japonica rice cultivar Tongjing 981 had little effect on yields. However, a notable increase was observed in the cell wall functional groups that bind with Cd. As a result, the quadruple mutation of OsLPR1/3/4/5 enhanced Cd sequestration within the cell wall while reducing Cd concentrations in both xylem and phloem sap, thereby inhibiting Cd transport from roots to shoots. Consequently, Cd concentrations in brown rice and husk in oslpr1/3/4/5 quadruple mutants (qm) decreased by 52% and 55%, respectively, compared to the wild-type. These findings illustrate that the quadruple mutation of OsLPR1/3/4/5 is an effective method for minimizing Cd contamination in rice grains without compromising yields. Therefore, the quadruple mutation of OsLPR1/3/4/5 via biotechnological pathways may represent a valuable strategy for the generation of new rice varieties with low Cd accumulation.

Structural basis of tethered agonism and G protein coupling of protease-activated receptors.

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a unique group within the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, orchestrating cellular responses to extracellular proteases via enzymatic cleavage, which triggers intracellular signaling pathways. Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is a key member of this family and is recognized as a critical pharmacological target for managing thrombotic disorders. In this study, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of PAR1 in its activated state, induced by its natural tethered agonist (TA), in complex with two distinct downstream proteins, the Gq and Gi heterotrimers, respectively. The TA peptide is positioned within a surface pocket, prompting PAR1 activation through notable conformational shifts. Contrary to the typical receptor activation that involves the outward movement of transmembrane helix 6 (TM6), PAR1 activation is characterized by the simultaneous downward shift of TM6 and TM7, coupled with the rotation of a group of aromatic residues. This results in the displacement of an intracellular anion, creating space for downstream G protein binding. Our findings delineate the TA recognition pattern and highlight a distinct role of the second extracellular loop in forming ß-sheets with TA within the PAR family, a feature not observed in other TA-activated receptors. Moreover, the nuanced differences in the interactions between intracellular loops 2/3 and the Gα subunit of different G proteins are crucial for determining the specificity of G protein coupling. These insights contribute to our understanding of the ligand binding and activation mechanisms of PARs, illuminating the basis for PAR1's versatility in G protein coupling.

Hyperuricemia May Increase Risk of Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Case Control Study.

It has been demonstrated in a number of studies that high levels of uric acid can cause crystal deposition in the tendons of the lower extremities, which in turn can impair the Achilles tendon. This study aimed to interpret whether hyperuricemia is relevant with Achilles tendon rupture. Patients diagnosed with Achilles tendon rupture at the same institution between 2013 and 2022 were included in the case group. Healthy subjects who had physical examinations during the same period were included in the control group. Propensity score matching was used to match in a 1:1 ratio. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients in both groups were compared. Five hundred and fourteen patients were included in the study (ATR=257; Control group=257). The proportion of individuals with hyperuricemia varied significantly between the 2 groups (Achilles tendon rupture group=43.6%; control group=27.6%; p<0.001). The Achilles tendon rupture and hyperuricemia were linked by conditional logistic regression (p<0.001; OR=2.036; 95CI%=1.400-2.961). Compared with healthy subjects, patients with hyperuricemia have a higher risk of Achilles tendon rupture. Further studies are required to verify the effects of hyperuricemia and monosodium urate crystals on Achilles tendon structure.

Examining the Oxidation States of Metals in Aerosols Emitted by Electronic Cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) emit many toxic substances, including metals, that can pose a threat to users and the environment. The toxicity of the emitted metals depends on their oxidation states. Hence, this study examines the oxidation states of metals observed in EC aerosols. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the filters that collected EC aerosols identified the oxidation states of five primary metals (based on surface sample analysis), including chromium(III) (close to 100%) under low power setting while a noticeable amount of chromium(VI) (15%) at higher power settings of the EC, and copper(II) (100%), zinc(II) (100%), nickel(II) (100%), lead(II) (65%), and lead(IV) (35%) regardless of power settings. This observation indicates that the increased temperature due to higher power settings could alter the oxidation states of certain metals. We noted that many metals were in their lesser toxic states; however, inhaling these metals may still pose health risks.

Suppression of Skp2 contributes to sepsis-induced acute lung injury by enhancing ferroptosis through the ubiquitination of SLC3A2.

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. The inflammatory cytokine storm causes systemic organ damage, especially acute lung injury in sepsis. In this study, we found that the expression of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) was significantly decreased in sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Sepsis activated the MEK/ERK pathway and inhibited Skp2 expression in the pulmonary epithelium, resulting in a reduction of K48 ubiquitination of solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2), thereby impairing its membrane localization and cystine/glutamate exchange function. Consequently, the dysregulated intracellular redox reactions induced ferroptosis in pulmonary epithelial cells, leading to lung injury. Finally, we demonstrated that intravenous administration of Skp2 mRNA-encapsulating lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) inhibited ferroptosis in the pulmonary epithelium and alleviated lung injury in septic mice. Taken together, these data provide an innovative understanding of the underlying mechanisms of sepsis-induced ALI and a promising therapeutic strategy for sepsis.

Distinct Contributions of Alpha and Beta Oscillations to Context-Dependent Visual Size Perception.

Previous studies have proposed two cognitive mechanisms responsible for the Ebbinghaus illusion effect, i.e., contour interaction and size contrast. However, the neural underpinnings of these two mechanisms are largely unexplored. The present study introduced binocular depth to the Ebbinghaus illusion configuration and made the central target appear either in front of or behind the surrounding inducers in order to disturb size contrast instead of contour interaction. The results showed that the illusion effect, though persisted, was significantly reduced under the binocular depth conditions. Notably, the target with a larger perceived size reduced early alpha-band power (8-13 Hz, 0-100 ms after stimulus onset) at centroparietal sites irrespective of the relative depth of the target and the inducers, with the parietal alpha power negatively correlated with the illusion effect. Moreover, the target with a larger perceived size increased the occipito-parietal beta-band power (14-25 Hz, 200-300 ms after stimulus onset) under the no-depth condition, and the beta power was positively correlated with the illusion effect when the depth conditions were subtracted from the no-depth condition. The findings provided neurophysiological evidence in favor of the two cognitive mechanisms of the Ebbinghaus illusion by revealing that early alpha power is associated with low-level contour interaction and late beta power is linked to high-level size contrast, supporting the claim that neural oscillations at distinct frequency bands dynamically support different aspects of visual processing.

Construction of dual Z-scheme Ag3VO4-BiVO4/InVO4 photocatalysts using vanadium source from spent catalysts for contaminated water treatment and bacterial inactivation.

Vanadate-based photocatalysts have recently attracted substantial attention owing to their outstanding photocatalytic activity for degrading organic pollutants and generating energy via photocatalytic processes. However, the relatively high price of vanadium has hindered the development of vanadate-based photocatalysts for various applications. Spent catalysts obtained from oil refineries typically contain a significant quantity of vanadium, making them valuable for recovery and utilization as precursors for the production of high-value-added photocatalysts. In this study, we transformed the V present in spent catalysts produced by the petrochemical industry into ternary vanadate-based photocatalysts [BiVO4/InVO4/Ag3VO4 (BVO/IVO/AVO, respectively)] designed for water remediation. The ternary composites revealed an enhanced photocatalytic capability, which was 1.42 and 5.1 times higher than those of the binary BVO/IVO and pristine AVO due to the facilitated charge separation. The ternary photocatalysts not only effectively treated wastewater containing various organic dyes, such as methylene blue (MB), rhodamine 6G (R6G), and brilliant green (BG), but also exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance in the degradation of antibiotics, reduction of Cr(VI), and bacterial inactivation. This paper proposes a feasible route for recycling industrial waste as a source of vanadium to produce highly efficient vanadate-based photocatalysts.