Mechanism of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation disorder in male infertility.

ABSTRACT: Male infertility has become a global concern, accounting for 20-70% of infertility. Dysfunctional spermatogenesis is the most common cause of male infertility; thus, treating abnormal spermatogenesis may improve male infertility and has attracted the attention of the medical community. Mitochondria are essential organelles that maintain cell homeostasis and normal physiological functions in various ways, such as mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Mitochondrial OXPHOS transmits electrons through the respiratory chain, synthesizes adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). These mechanisms are vital for spermatogenesis, especially to maintain the normal function of testicular Sertoli cells and germ cells. The disruption of mitochondrial OXPHOS caused by external factors can result in inadequate cellular energy supply, oxidative stress, apoptosis, or ferroptosis, all inhibiting spermatogenesis and damaging the male reproductive system, leading to male infertility. This article summarizes the latest pathological mechanism of mitochondrial OXPHOS disorder in testicular Sertoli cells and germ cells, which disrupts spermatogenesis and results in male infertility. In addition, we also briefly outline the current treatment of spermatogenic malfunction caused by mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders. However, relevant treatments have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, targeting mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders in Sertoli cells and germ cells is a research direction worthy of attention. We believe this review will provide new and more accurate ideas for treating male infertility.

bsgenova: an accurate, robust, and fast genotype caller for bisulfite-sequencing data.

BACKGROUND: Bisulfite sequencing (BS-Seq) is a fundamental technique for characterizing DNA methylation profiles. Genotype calling from bisulfite-converted BS-Seq data allows allele-specific methylation analysis and the concurrent exploration of genetic and epigenetic profiles. Despite various methods have been proposed, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) calling from BS-Seq data, particularly for SNPs on chromosome X and in the presence of contaminative data, poses ongoing challenges. RESULTS: We introduce bsgenova, a novel SNP caller tailored for bisulfite sequencing data, employing a Bayesian multinomial model. The performance of bsgenova is assessed by comparing SNPs called from real-world BS-Seq data with those from corresponding whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data across three human cell lines. bsgenova is both sensitive and precise, especially for chromosome X, compared with three existing methods. Moreover, in the presence of low-quality reads, bsgenova outperforms other methods notably. In addition, bsgenova is meticulously implemented, leveraging matrix imputation and multi-process parallelization. Compared to existing methods, bsgenova stands out for its speed and efficiency in memory and disk usage. Furthermore, bsgenova integrates bsextractor, a methylation extractor, enhancing its flexibility and expanding its utility. CONCLUSIONS: We introduce bsgenova for SNP calling from bisulfite-sequencing data. The source code is available at https://github.com/hippo-yf/bsgenova under license GPL-3.0.

Study on serum miR-182 as a marker for diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is a common female malignancy, with a global incidence rate second only to breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: To propose a new idea for early treatment and auxiliary diagnosis of CC by exploring the diagnostic and prognostic implications of serum miR-182 in CC. METHODS: We enrolled 70 CC patients, 35 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients and 35 healthy controls (HCs), who visited The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College Hospital between January 2015 and April 2016. miR-182 expression was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR and compared among the three groups. The correlation of serum miR-182 expression with patients' clinical features was evaluated. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the Kaplan-Meier method were used to evaluate the early diagnostic value and prognostic value of serum miR-182. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine serum miR-182 expression and its important role in predicting CC patients' prognosis. RESULTS: Serum miR-182 expression was determined to be 0.345 ± 0.094, 0.369 ± 0.076, and 0.586 ± 0.157 in CC patients, CIN patients, and HCs, respectively (P< 0.001). Serum miR-182 expression had an obvious association with lymph node metastasis and pathological differentiation (P< 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of serum miR-182 was 0.709 (95% CI: 0.622-0.795), the critical value was 0.456, the sensitivity was 81.4%, and the specificity was 52.9%. CC patients were grouped as either the low- (miR-182 < 0.3) or high-level group (miR-182 ⩾ 0.03) based on serum miR-182 levels, and a Cox regression model of OS was established. Serum miR-182 expression was identified as a factor independently influencing CC patients' OS (P= 0.028); the death risk of the high-level group was 3.246 times that of the low-level group. CONCLUSION: Serum miR-182 expression is not only a biomarker for early diagnosis of CC, but also one of the independent factors influencing the survival and prognosis of CC patients.

Construction of competing endogenous RNA networks in systemic lupus erythematosus by integrated analysis.

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease characterised by immune inflammation and damage to multiple organs. Recent investigations have linked competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to lupus. However, the exact mechanism through which the ceRNAs network affects SLE is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the regulatory functions of the ceRNAs network, which are important pathways that control the pathophysiological processes of SLE. Methods: CircRNA microarray for our tested assays were derived from bone marrow samples from three healthy individuals and three SLE patients in our hospital. The other sequencing data of circRNA, miRNA and mRNA were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Using the limma package of R program, the differential expression of mRNA and miRNA in the GEO database was discovered. Then predicted miRNA-mRNA and circRNA-miRNA were established using miRMap, miRanda, miRDB, TargetScan, and miTarBase. CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed using Cytoscape, and hub genes were screened using a protein-protein interaction network. Immune infiltration analysis of the hub gene was also performed by CIBERSORT and GSEA. Results: 230 overlapped circRNAs, 86 DEmiRNAs and 2083 DEmRNAs were identified in SLE patients as compared to healthy controls. We constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNAs network contained 11 overlapped circRNAs, 9 miRNAs and 51 mRNAs. ESR1 and SIRT1 were the most frequently associated protein-protein interactions in the PPI network. KEGG analysis showed that DEGs was enriched in FoxO signaling pathway as well as lipids and atherosclerosis. We constructed a novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network (HSA circ 0000345- HSA miR-22-3-P-ESR1/SIRT1) that may have a major impact on SLE. Conclusion: Through this bioinformatics and integrated analysis, we suggest a regulatory role for ceRNA network in the pathogenesis and treatment of SLE.

Inflammatory activity evaluation in patients with axial spondyloarthritis using MRI relaxometry and mucosal-associated invariant T cells.

Background: Currently, there is a lack of an objective quantitative measure to comprehensively evaluate the inflammatory activity of axSpA, which poses certain challenges in accurately assessing the disease activity. Objective: To explore the value of combined-parameter models of sacroiliac joints (SIJs) MRI relaxometry and peripheral blood Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in evaluating the inflammatory activity of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Methods: This retrospective clinical study included 88 axSpA patients (median age 31.0 (22.0, 41.8) years, 21.6% females) and 20 controls (median age 28.0 (20.5, 49.5) years, 40.0% females). The axSpA group was classified into active subgroup (n=50) and inactive subgroup (n=38) based on ASDAS-CRP. All participants underwent SIJs MRI examination including T1 and T2* mapping, and peripheral blood flow cytometry analysis of MAIT cells (defined as CD3+Vα7.2+CD161+) and their activation markers (CD69). The T1 and T2* values, as were the percentages of MAIT cells and CD69+MAIT cells were compared between different groups. Combined-parameter models were established using logistic regression, and ROC curves were employed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy. Results: The T1 values of SIJs and %CD69+MAIT cells in the axSpA group and its subgroup were higher than the control group (p<0.05), while %MAIT cells were lower than the control group (p<0.05). The T1 values and %CD69+MAIT cells correlated positively, while %MAIT cells correlated negatively, with the ASDAS-CRP (r=0.555, 0.524, -0.357, p<0.001). Between the control and axSpA groups, and between the inactive and active subgroups, the combined-parameter model T1 mapping+%CD69+MAIT cells has the best efficacy (AUC=0.959, 0.879, sensibility=88.6, 70%, specificity=95.0, 94.7%, respectively). Conclusion: The combined-parameter model T1 mapping+%CD69+MAIT cells allows a more accurate evaluation of the level of inflammatory activity.

Quercetin on the properties of rice bran oil body: Focused surface charge, oxidative stability and digestive properties.

To further enhance the stability of rice bran oil body (RBOB) emulsions, this study examined the impact of various concentrations of quercetin (QU) on the microstructure, rheological properties, oxidative stability, and digestive properties of RBOB emulsions. The results indicated that by incorporating QU concentration, the particle size of RBOB emulsions could be significantly reduced to 300 nm; QU could improve the surface hydrophobicity, the emulsifying activity index and emulsification stability index of RBOB emulsions of 550, 0.078 m2/g and 50.78 min, respectively; the storage stability of RBOB emulsions was further improved; the higher concentration of QU could delay the oxidation of RBOB emulsions, among which, the 500 µmol/L concentration inhibited the strongest effect of oil oxidation. It also improved the thermal stability of RBOB emulsions. After gastrointestinal digestion, the free fatty acids release rate of RBOB emulsions with QU addition decreased to 14.68%, and RBOB emulsions were slowly hydrolyzed. Therefore, adding QU to RBOB helps to improve its stability and delay digestion.

New augmented reality remote for virtual guidance and education of fracture surgery: a retrospective, non-inferiority, multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The demand for telesurgery is rapidly increasing. Augmented reality (AR) remote surgery is a promising alternative, fulfilling a worldwide need in fracture surgery. However, previous AR endoscopic and Google Glass remotes remain unsuitable for fracture surgery, and the application of remote fracture surgery has not been reported. We aimed to evaluated the safety and clinical effectiveness of a new AR remote in fracture surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective non-inferiority cohort study was conducted at three centres. Between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2022, 800 patients who underwent fracture surgery were eligible for participation. The study enrolled 551 patients with fractures (132 patellae, 128 elbows, 126 tibial plateaus, and 165 ankles) divided into an AR group (specialists used AR to remotely guide junior doctors to perform surgeries) and a traditional non-remote group (specialists performed the surgery themselves). RESULTS: Among 364 patients (182 per group) matched by propensity score, seven (3.8%) in the AR group and four (3%) in the non-remote group developed complications. The 0.005 risk difference (95% confidence interval: -0.033 to 0.044) was below the pre-defined non-inferiority margin of a 10% absolute increase. A similar distribution in the individual components of all complications was found between the groups. Hierarchical analysis following propensity score matching revealed no statistical difference between the two groups regarding functional results at 1-year follow-up, operative time, amount of bleeding, number of fluoroscopies, and injury surgery interval. A Likert scale questionnaire showed positive results (median scores: 4-5) for safety, efficiency, and education. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to report that AR remote surgery can be as safe and effective as that performed by a specialist in person for fracture surgery, even without the physical presence of a specialist, and is associated with improving the skills and increasing the confidence of junior surgeons. This technique is promising for remote fracture surgery and other open surgeries, offering a new strategy to address inadequate medical care in remote areas.

Dynamic Interchain Motion in 1D Tetrathiafulvalene-Based Coordination Polymers for Highly Sensitive Molecular Recognition.

The application of electrically conductive 1D coordination polymers (1D CPs) in nanoelectronic molecular recognition is theoretically promising yet rarely explored due to the challenges in their synthesis and optimization of electrical properties. In this regard, two tetrathiafulvalene-based 1D CPs, namely [Co(m-H2TTFTB)(DMF)2(H2O)]n (Co-m-TTFTB), and {[Ni(m-H2TTFTB)(CH3CH2OH)1.5(H2O)1.5]·(H2O)0.5}n (Ni-m-TTFTB) are successfully constructed. The shorter S···S contacts between the [M(solvent)3(m-H2TTFTB)]n chains contribute to a significant improvement in their electrical conductivities. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) under different organic solvents reveals the flexible and dynamic structural characteristic of M-m-TTFTB, which, combined with the 1D morphology, lead to their excellent performance for sensitive detection of volatile organic compounds. Co-m-TTFTB achieves a limit of detection for ethanol vapor down to 0.5 ppm, which is superior to the state-of-the-art chemiresistive sensors based on metal-organic frameworks or organic polymers at room temperature. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, PXRD measurements and density functional theory calculations reveal the molecular insertion sensing mechanism and the corresponding structure-function relationship. This work expands the applicable scenario of 1D CPs and opens a new realm of 1D CP-based nanoelectronic sensors for highly sensitive room temperature gas detection.

The prognostic value of preoperative laboratory data indicators in patients with esophageal carcinoma: An observational study.

Preoperative laboratory data indicators significantly affect the prognosis of a variety of tumors. Nevertheless, the combined effect of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on overall survival (OS) in patients with esophageal carcinoma remains unclear. Thus, we examined these associations among patients with postoperative staged T3N0M0 esophageal carcinoma. The data of 246 patients with postoperative staged T3N0M0 esophageal carcinoma from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. OS was measured from the date of pathological diagnosis until either death or the last follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression model were used to analyze the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (LMR), SII, PNI, and OS. The predictive value of SII and PNI as a combined index was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). A total of 246 patients aged 65.5 ±â€…7.4 years were included in this study and 181 (73.6%) were male. The univariate analysis revealed that differentiation, vessel involvement, postoperative treatment, NLR, SII, PLR, LMR, PNI were predictors of OS (P < .05). After adjusted for potential confounds, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the differentiation, SII, PNI, and postoperative treatment were independent prognostic factors correlated with OS in patients with postoperative staged T3N0M0 esophageal carcinoma (P < .05). SII and PNI, as a combined indicator, have a higher predictive value for OS. The NLR, SII, PLR, LMR, and PNI could all be used as independent predictors of OS in patients with postoperative staged T3N0M0 esophageal carcinoma. The combination of SII and PNI can significantly improve the accuracy of prediction.

Ferrocene-based metal-organic frameworks with dual synergistic active sites for selectively electrochemical removal of arsenic from contaminated water.

The effective removal of trace levels of the highly toxic arsenite (As(Ⅲ)) from groundwater is crucial to address the threat to drinking water supply. Herein, we developed an electrochemical separation system utilizing redox-active ferrocene-based metal-organic frameworks (termed Fe-DFc) for selective removal of As(III). This system leveraged 1,1'-ferrocenedicarboxylic acid as a ligand coordinated with iron, enabling the highly selective capture and conversion of As(III) from groundwater. The Fe-DFc electrode-based electrochemical system not only effectively removed As(III) even in the presence of a 1250-fold excess of competing electrolytes, but also converted about 96 % of the adsorbed As(III) into the less toxic As(V), surpassing the results of those documented in the current literature. X-ray absorption fine structure analysis and density functional theory calculations demonstrated that the high selectivity of Fe-O6 moiety and the exceptional redox activity of Fc synergistically contributed to the efficient removal of As(III). Moreover, the electrochemical separation system enabled the remediation of arsenic-contaminated groundwater at a low energy cost of 0.033 kWh m-3 during long-term operation, highlighting the application potential of the electrochemical technology for arsenic removal from contaminated water.

Evaluation of maize varieties via multivariate analysis: Roles of ionome, antioxidants, and autophagy in salt tolerance.

Salt stress presents a major obstacle to maize (Zea mays L.) production globally, impeding its growth and development. In this study, we aimed to identify salt-tolerant maize varieties through evaluation using multivariate analysis and shed light on the role of ionome, antioxidant capacity, and autophagy in salt tolerance. We investigated multiple growth indices, including shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, plant height, chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, potassium and sodium contents, and potassium-to-sodium ratio in 20 maize varieties at the V3 stage under salt stress (200 mM NaCl). The results showed significant differences in the growth indices, accompanied by a wide range in their coefficient of variation, suggesting their suitability for screening salt tolerance. Based on D values, clustering analysis categorized the 20 varieties into four distinct groups. TG88, KN20, and LR888 (group I) emerged as the most salt-tolerant varieties, while YD9, XD903, and LH151 (group IV) were identified as the most sensitive. TG88 showcased nutrient preservation and redistribution under salt stress, surpassing YD9. It maintained nitrogen and iron levels in roots while YD9 experienced decreases. TG88 redistributed more nitrogen, zinc, and potassium to its leaves, outperforming YD9. TG88 preserved sulfur levels in both roots and leaves, unlike YD9. Additionally, TG88 demonstrated higher enzymatic antioxidant capacity (SOD, POD, APX, and GR) both at the enzyme and gene expression levels, upregulation of autophagy-related (ATG) genes (ZmATG6, ZmATG8a, and ZmATG10), and increased autophagic activity. Overall, this study offers insights into accurate maize varieties evaluation methods and the physiological mechanisms underlying salt tolerance and identifies promising materials for further research.

Improving the Stability, Foliar Utilization and Biological Activity of Imidacloprid Delivery Systems: Size Effect of Nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology could improve the effectiveness and functionality of pesticides, but the size effect of nanopesticides on formulation performance and the related mechanisms have yet to be explored, hindering the precise design and development of efficient and eco-friendly nanopesticides. In this study, two non-carrier-coated imidacloprid formulations (Nano-IMI and Micro-IMI) with identical composition but varying particle size characteristics were constructed to exclude other interferences in the size effect investigation. Nano-IMI and Micro-IMI both exhibited rod-like structures. Specifically, Nano-IMI had average vertical and horizontal axis sizes of 239.5 nm and 561.8 nm, while Micro-IMI exhibited 6.7 µm and 22.1 µm, respectively. Compared to Micro-IMI, the small size effect of Nano-IMI affected the arrangement of interfacial molecules, reduced surface tension and contact angle, thereby improving the stability, dispersibility, foliar wettability, deposition and retention of the nano-system. Nano-IMI exhibited 1.3 times higher toxicity to Aphis gossypii Glover compared to Micro-IMI, attributed to its enhanced foliar utilization efficiency. Importantly, the Nano-IMI did not intensify the toxicity to non-target organism Apis mellifera L. This study systematically elucidates the influence of size effect on key indicators related to the effectiveness and safety, providing a theoretical basis for efficient and safe application of nanopesticides and critical insights into sustainable agriculture and environmental development.

Facet-switching of rate-determining step on copper in CO2-to-ethylene electroreduction.

Reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) by renewable electricity to produce multicarbon chemicals, such as ethylene (C2H4), continues to be a challenge because of insufficient Faradaic efficiency, low production rates, and complex mechanistic pathways. Here, we report that the rate-determining steps (RDS) on common copper (Cu) surfaces diverge in CO2 electroreduction, leading to distinct catalytic performances. Through a combination of experimental and computational studies, we reveal that C─C bond-making is the RDS on Cu(100), whereas the protonation of *CO with adsorbed water becomes rate-limiting on Cu(111) with a higher energy barrier. On an oxide-derived Cu(100)-dominant Cu catalyst, we reach a high C2H4 Faradaic efficiency of 72%, partial current density of 359 mA cm-2, and long-term stability exceeding 100 h at 500 mA cm-2, greatly outperforming its Cu(111)-rich counterpart. We further demonstrate constant C2H4 selectivity of >60% over 70 h in a membrane electrode assembly electrolyzer with a full-cell energy efficiency of 23.4%.

Optimization of Mach-Zehnder interferometer of high-spectral-resolution lidar for large-scale wind measurement.

The optimization design of a quadri-channel Mach-Zehnder interferometer (QMZI) of the high-spectral-resolution lidar is presented for the large-scale wind measurement. The optimized QMZI can discriminate the Doppler frequency shift generated by atmospheric wind from aerosol Mie scattering echo signals and molecular Rayleigh scattering echo signals, and then the wind information can be retrieved. The optimal optical path differences (OPDs) of QMZI are determined by theoretical and simulation analysis. The wind measurement simulation experiments prove that the designed QMZI can measure the large-scale wind with an accuracy of meter level.

Quercetin ameliorates ulcerative colitis by restoring the balance of M2/M1 and repairing the intestinal barrier via downregulating cGAS‒STING pathway.

Macrophage polarization is closely associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Quercetin, a flavonoid, has shown promise as a treatment for inflammatory diseases, but its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. This study investigates whether quercetin can regulate intestinal macrophage polarization and promote intestinal tissue repair via the cGAS-STING pathway for the treatment of UC. In vivo, mice with 3% DSS-induced UC were intraperitoneally injected with quercetin and RU.521 for 7 days, following which their general conditions and corresponding therapeutic effects were assessed. The impact of interferon-stimulated DNA (ISD) and quercetin on macrophage polarization and the cGAS-STING pathway was investigated using RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) in vitro. The results demonstrated that ISD induced M1 macrophage polarization and activated the cGAS-STING pathway in vitro, while quercetin reversed ISD's inflammatory effects. In vivo, quercetin suppressed the cGAS-STING pathway in the intestinal macrophages of DSS-induced UC mice, which reduced M1 macrophage polarization, increased M2 polarization, and facilitated intestinal barrier repair in UC. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into the mechanisms via which quercetin could be used to treat UC.

Association between hearing ability and cortical morphology in the elderly: multiparametric mapping, cognitive relevance, and neurobiological underpinnings.

BACKGROUND: Hearing impairment is a common condition in the elderly. However, a comprehensive understanding of its neural correlates is still lacking. METHODS: We recruited 284 elderly adults who underwent structural MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, audiometry, and cognitive assessments. Individual hearing abilities indexed by pure tone average (PTA) were correlated with multiple structural MRI-derived cortical morphological indices. For regions showing significant correlations, mediation analyses were performed to examine their role in the relationship between hearing ability and cognitive function. Finally, the correlation maps between hearing ability and cortical morphology were linked with publicly available connectomic gradient, transcriptomic, and neurotransmitter maps. FINDINGS: Poorer hearing was related to cortical thickness (CT) reductions in widespread regions and gyrification index (GI) reductions in the right Area 52 and Insular Granular Complex. The GI in the right Area 52 mediated the relationship between hearing ability and executive function. This mediating effect was further modulated by glutamate and N-acetylaspartate levels in the right auditory region. The PTA-CT correlation map followed microstructural connectomic hierarchy, were related to genes involved in certain biological processes (e.g., glutamate metabolic process), cell types (e.g., excitatory neurons and astrocytes), and developmental stages (i.e., childhood to young adulthood), and covaried with dopamine receptor 1, dopamine transporter, and fluorodopa. The PTA-GI correlation map was related to 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2a. INTERPRETATION: Poorer hearing is associated with cortical thinning and folding reductions, which may be engaged in the relationship between hearing impairment and cognitive decline in the elderly and have different neurobiological substrates. FUNDING: See the Acknowledgements section.

Rosemary leaf powder improves egg quality, antioxidant status, gut barrier function, and cecal microbiota and metabolites of late-phase laying hens.

This study sought to determine the effects of rosemary leaf powder (RP) on laying performance, egg quality, serum indices, gut barrier function, and cecal microbiota and metabolites of late-phase laying hens. A total of 84 "Jing Tint 6" laying hens at 65-week old were randomly divided into 2 groups and fed either a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 0.3% RP. Our study revealed that RP improved the Haugh unit and decreased yolk n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio of laying hens, increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), jejunal activities of SOD and catalase (CAT), and jejunal zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression, as well as decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level and jejunal TNF-α mRNA expression. Rosemary leaf powder markedly enhanced (P < 0.05) cecal abundances of Rikenellaceae, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and Turicibacter, tended to promote (P = 0.076) butyrate concentration, and reduced (P < 0.05) cecal abundances of Erysipelatoclostridiaceae, Sutterellaceae, Fusobacteriaceae, Campylobacteraceae, Sutterella, Campylobacter, and Fusobacterium, which were closely linked with Haugh unit, yolk n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, serum SOD and TNF-α. In addition, RP altered the metabolic functions of cecal microbiota and enhanced the abundances of butyrate-synthesizing enzymes, including lysine 2,3-aminomutase, ß-lysine 5,6-aminomutase, and 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase. Together, 0.3% RP has the potential to enhance egg quality by partially modulating serum antioxidant status, jejunal barrier function, and cecal microbiota structure and metabolites, indicating that RP could be considered a promising feed additive to promote the production performance of late-phase laying hens.

An enhanced cross-sectional HIV incidence estimator that incorporates prior HIV test results.

Incidence estimation of HIV infection can be performed using recent infection testing algorithm (RITA) results from a cross-sectional sample. This allows practitioners to understand population trends in the HIV epidemic without having to perform longitudinal follow-up on a cohort of individuals. The utility of the approach is limited by its precision, driven by the (low) sensitivity of the RITA at identifying recent infection. By utilizing results of previous HIV tests that individuals may have taken, we consider an enhanced RITA with increased sensitivity (and specificity). We use it to propose an enhanced estimator for incidence estimation. We prove the theoretical properties of the enhanced estimator and illustrate its numerical performance in simulation studies. We apply the estimator to data from a cluster-randomized trial to study the effect of community-level HIV interventions on HIV incidence. We demonstrate that the enhanced estimator provides a more precise estimate of HIV incidence compared to the standard estimator.

Improvement in Grain Size Distribution Uniformity for Nuclear-Grade Austenitic Stainless Steel through Thermomechanical Treatment.

In this work, thermomechanical treatment (single-pass rolling at 800 °C and solution treatment) was applied to nuclear-grade hot-rolled austenitic stainless steel to eliminate the mixed grain induced by the uneven hot-rolled microstructure. By employing high-temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy, microstructure evolution during solution treatment was observed in situ, and the effect of single-pass rolling reduction on it was investigated. In uneven hot-rolled microstructure, the millimeter-grade elongated grains (MEGs) possessed an extremely large size and a high Schmid factor for slip compared to the fine grains, which led to greater plastic deformation and increased dislocation density and deformation energy storage during single-pass rolling. During subsequent solution treatment, there were fewer nucleation sites for the new grain, and the grain boundary (GB) was the main nucleation site in MEGs at a lower rolling reduction. In contrast, at a higher reduction, increased uniformly distributed rolling deformation and more nucleation sites were developed in MEGs. As the reduction increased, the number of in-grain nucleation sites gradually exceeded that of GB nucleation sites, and in-grain nucleation preferentially occurred. This was beneficial for promoting the refinement of new recrystallized grains and a reduction in the size difference of new grains during recrystallization. The single-pass rolling reduction of 15-20% can effectively increase the nucleation sites and improve the uniformity of rolling deformation distribution in the MEGs, promote in-grain nucleation, and finally refine the abnormally coarse elongated grain, and eliminate the mixed-grain structure after solution treatment.