The Influence of High-Concentrate Diet Supplemented with Tannin on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, and Antioxidant Ability of Fattening Lambs.

This experiment aimed to study the effects of tannin supplementation on growth performance, rumen fermentation characteristics, apparent digestibility and serum biochemistry, and antioxidant and immune indexes in fattening lambs. A total of 36 male Hu sheep lambs (body weight = 15.83 ± 0.48 kg and days of age = 55 ± 2 d) were fed a high-concentrate diet and randomly divided into one of three groups of 12 animals each: control with no tannin (CON) and tannin treatments (TA1, 3 g/d per lamb; TA2, 6 g/d per lamb). The feeding experiment lasted for 60 d. The results showed that the average daily gain and ruminal propionate content of lambs in the TA1 group were higher (p < 0.05) than those in the CON group. Lambs fed tannin had significantly increased (p < 0.05) microbial protein and decreased (p < 0.05) ammonia nitrogen concentrations in the rumen. In addition, the crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility of the TA2 group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) as compared with the TA1 and CON groups, respectively. The serum concentrations of triglyceride, immunoglobulin A, and catalase and the total antioxidant capacity were higher (p < 0.05) in the TA1 group that those in the CON group, whereas an opposite trend of urea nitrogen, interleukin-1ß, and malondialdehyde was found between the two groups. Also, tannin supplementation increased (p < 0.05) Lactobacillus and decreased (p < 0.05) Salmonella counts in the feces of lambs. Taken together, tannin supplementation can improve the growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant ability of fattening lambs fed a high-concentrate diet.

Effect of Stöber Nano-SiO2 Particles on the Hydration Properties of Calcined Coal Gangue-Blended Cement.

This study focuses on the calcined coal gangue (CCG)-blended cements containing Stöber nano-SiO2 (SNS) particles. The effects of SNS particles on the workability, hydration behaviour, mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of the blended cements were comprehensively investigated at curing ages ranging from 1 to 28 d. The hydration behaviour was studied via isothermal calorimetry test, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric (TG) tests. The microstructural evolution was studied using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the incorporation of SNS led to a significant reduction in fluidity, particularly at an SNS content of 3%. The SNS significantly increased the compressive strength of the CCG-blended cement at all curing ages, and the optimum SNS content was found to be 2%. SNS significantly accelerated not only the early cement hydration but also the pozzolanic reaction of CCG at later curing ages, resulting in a decrease in portlandite, as evidenced by the isothermal calorimetry, XRD and TG analysis. Microstructural analysis shows that the incorporation of SNS effectively refined the pore structure of the CCG-blended cement, resulting in the formation of a dense microstructure. All these beneficial effects of SNS provides advantages in the development of the compressive strength of the CCG-blended cement at all curing ages.

Radical Cascade Reaction of Heterocyclic Ketene Aminals with Thiocyanates Promoted by Visible Light: Synthesis of Functionalized Fused 2-Iminothiazolines.

Herein, a visible-light-promoted radical cascade cyclization of heterocyclic ketene aminals (HKAs) and thiocyanates was developed to access functionalized fused 2-iminothiazolines. This novel cascade reaction can be realized under only visible-light irradiation without the help of external photocatalysts, oxidants, and additives. These multicomponent cascade reactions demonstrate excellent selectivity for the Z-isomers and ensure the formation of the products only in their isomeric form. Preliminary mechanism investigations demonstrated that HKAs and thiocyanates can form electron donor-acceptor complexes for harvesting the energy of visible light to activate substrates and generate reactive radicals. This protocol can be used for synthesizing various natural-like products such as fused 2-iminothiazolines. This approach demonstrates multiple advantages such as commercially available substrates, convenient operation, environmentally friendly, mild conditions, and an efficient multicomponent reaction (2A + B).

Construction of Stable 2D Cationic Breathing Ni-MOF for Cr(VI) Trapping and Electrochemical Sensing.

Pollution of surface water by heavy metal hexavalent chromium ions poses a serious threat to human health; herein, a two-dimensional (2D) cationic breathing Ni-MOF with free nitrate ions between the layers was designed and synthesized according to the characteristics of hexavalent chromium ions, {[Ni(L)2](NO3)2·5H2O}n (L = 1,3,5-tris[4-(imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]benzene). The flexible layer spacing of the 2D breathing Ni-MOF allows the exchange of NO3- by CrO42- without destroying the original structure. Electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions between CrO42- and Ni-MOF facilitate its exchange with NO3-. Moreover, CrO42- exhibits a higher binding energy with Ni-MOF compared to NO3-, and the hydrophobic channels of Ni-MOF favor CrO42- trapping due to its lower hydration energy. Consequently, Ni-MOF demonstrates both effective sorption and electrochemical sensing of Cr(VI), achieving a sensitivity of 2.091 µA µM-1 and a detection limit of 0.07 µM.

Laser ultrasonic detection for defects of LAM components based on variable time window intensity mapping with adaptive 2σ thresholds.

Metallurgical defects in metal laser additive manufacturing (LAM) are inevitable due to complex non-equilibrium thermodynamics. A laser ultrasonic system was designed for detecting surface/near-surface defects in the layer-by-layer LAM process. An approach was proposed for ultrasonic imaging of defects based on variable time window intensity mapping with adaptive 2σ threshold denoising. The Gaussian mixture model hypothesis and expectation-maximization algorithm can automatically differentiate between components dominated by defects and background noises, thereby providing an adaptive threshold that accommodates detection environments and surface roughness levels. Results show that the ultrasonic wave reflection at defect boundaries diminishes far-field ultrasonic intensity upon pulsed laser irradiation on surface defects, enabling defect size and location characterization. This method is applicable to LAM samples with a significant surface roughness of up to 37.5 µm. It can detect superficial and near-surface defects down to 0.5 mm in diameter and depth, making it significant for online defect detection in additive manufacturing.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of androgen deprivation therapy-based combinations for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety profiles of current combination therapies based on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for the heterogeneous population of individuals with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). METHODS: We retrieved pertinent literature from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and international conference databases. The study was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023453853) for transparency. RESULTS: Our analysis included 20 RCTs involving 14,995 patients, evaluating 15 ADT-based combinations, including systemic therapies, radiotherapy and surgery. In the overall population, the darolutamide triplet (DARO + docetaxel + ADT) demonstrated comparable overall survival (OS) benefits to prostatectomy/radical local therapy (RLT) plus ADT (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-1.57). Additionally, the enzalutamide (ENZ) triplet (ENZ + DOC + ADT) appeared to confer the best progression-free survival (HR, 0.34; 95% CI: 0.27-0.43). Subgroup analysis based on metastatic burden indicated that RLT plus ADT had the best OS performance in patients with low burden, while the DARO triplet was associated with the best OS in patients with high burden. Regarding adverse events (AEs), the addition of certain androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) agents to ADT led to an increased incidence of severe AEs, while the addition of DOC to the ARPI doublet did not appear to elevate the exposure-adjusted incidence rates. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that combined treatments result in better survival outcomes than does ADT alone. In the current landscape of systemic therapy, the significance of local therapy should not be underestimated, and therapeutic decisions should be tailored with meticulous consideration of clinical heterogeneity among patients.

Experimental study of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of random-pattern flap blood supply in the early postoperative stage in rats.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could be used to reveal the status of blood supply of the superficial flap of rat model in the early postoperative stage. METHODS: One viable and one ischemic random-pattern flap were prepared on the left and right back of the same rat respectively with a number of 40. CEUS examinations were applied within 12 h and 7 days postoperatively, and the quantitative measurements of microvascular blood volume (BV) of the base and the end of both flaps were expressed using acoustic intensity as a ratio to that of the healthy skin. RESULTS: Within 12 h post operation, there was a smaller BV value of the ischemic ends than that of both the ischemic bases and viable ends (p < 0.001), while no difference was indicated between ischemic bases and viable bases or between viable bases and viable ends. The same result was provided 7 days post operation. CONCLUSION: Microcirculation of superficial tissues such as random-pattern flaps in this rat model can be assessed quantitatively by CEUS. It could sensitively and accurately reveal the objective status of tissue perfusion in the early postoperative stage.

Natural killer cells: a future star for immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The interplay between immune components and the epithelium plays a crucial role in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Natural killer (NK) cells, one of the main tumor-killing immune cell populations, have received increasing attention in HNSCC immunotherapy. In this review, we explore the mechanism underlying the interplay between NK cells and HNSCC. A series of immune evasion strategies utilized by cancer cells restrict HNSCC infiltration of NK cells. Overcoming these limitations can fully exploit the antineoplastic potential of NK cells. We also investigated the tumor-killing efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapies, immunotherapeutic strategies, and new results from clinical trials. Notably, cetuximab, the most essential component of NK cell-based immunotherapy, inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway and activates the immune system in conjunction with NK cells, inducing innate effector functions and improving patient prognosis. In addition, we compiled information on other areas for the improvement of patient prognosis using anti-EGFR receptor-based monoclonal antibody drugs and the underlying mechanisms and prognoses of new immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of HNSCC.

Origin of ultrahigh-performance barium titanate-based piezoelectrics: Stannum-induced intrinsic and extrinsic contributions.

Despite the pivotal role of stannum doping in achieving ultrahigh piezoelectric performance in barium titanate-based ceramics, the fundamental mechanisms underlying this enhancement remain elusive. Here, we introduce a single variable nonstoichiometric stannum strategy in lead-free barium titanate-based ceramics with giant piezoelectricity, revealing that stannum doping contributes intrinsically and extrinsically to enhance piezoelectricity. Density functional theory calculations elucidate the intrinsic enhancement of polarization arising from lattice distortion and increased space for titanium-oxygen bonds induced by optimal stannum doping, which is corroborated by Rayleigh analysis. A phase transition from ferroelectric multiphase coexistence to paraelectric phase is observed, alongside a rapid miniaturized and eventually disappeared domains with increasing stannum doping. This evolution in phase structure and domain configuration induces a nearly vanishing polarization anisotropy and low domain wall energy, facilitating easy polarization rotation and domain wall motion, thereby significantly contributing to the extrinsic piezoelectric response. Consequently, the origins of ultrahigh performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of stannum-induced intrinsic and extrinsic contributions in barium titanate-based ceramics. This study provides fundamental insights into the role of doping elements and offers guidance for the design of high-performance piezoelectrics.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Lilium saccatum S. Yun Liang (Liliaceae, Lilieae) and its phylogenetic analysis.

Lilium saccatum is a species of ornamental plant found in southeastern Xizang, China. In the present study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of L. saccatum was sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The de novo assembled cp genome was 151,839 bp in length, including a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs; 26,421 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC; 17,528 bp), and a large single-copy region (LSC; 81,469 bp). The cp genome encodes 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The total GC content of the cp genome was 37.0%. Phylogenetic analysis of 24 cp genomes revealed that L. saccatum was closely related to L. souliei. This study could provide fundamental information for the phylogenomics and utilization of Lilium.

High-throughput single telomere analysis using DNA microarray and fluorescent in situ hybridization.

The human telomere system is highly dynamic. Both short and long leucocyte average telomere lengths (aTL) are associated with an increased risk of cancer and early death, illustrating the complex relationship between TL and human health and the importance of assessing TL distributions with single TL analysis. A DNA microarray and telomere fluorescent in situ hybridization (DNA-array-FISH) approach was developed to measure the base-pair (bp) lengths of single telomeres. On average 32000 telomeres were measured per DNA sample with one microarray chip assaying 96 test DNA samples. Various telomere parameters, i.e. aTL and the frequency of short/long telomeres, were computed to delineate TL distribution. The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variations of aTL ranged from 1.37% to 3.98%. The correlation coefficient (r) of aTL in repeated measurements ranged from 0.91 to 1.00, demonstrating high measurement precision. aTLs measured by DNA-array-FISH predicted aTLs measured by terminal restriction fragment (TRF) analysis with r ranging 0.87-0.99. A new accurate and high-throughput method has been developed to measure the bp lengths of single telomeres. The large number of single TL data provides an opportunity for an in-depth analysis of telomere dynamics and the complex relationship between telomere and age-related diseases.

Nucleolus and centromere Tyramide Signal Amplification-Seq reveals variable localization of heterochromatin in different cell types.

Genome differential positioning within interphase nuclei remains poorly explored. We extended and validated Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA)-seq to map genomic regions near nucleoli and pericentric heterochromatin in four human cell lines. Our study confirmed that smaller chromosomes localize closer to nucleoli but further deconvolved this by revealing a preference for chromosome arms below 36-46 Mbp in length. We identified two lamina associated domain subsets through their differential nuclear lamina versus nucleolar positioning in different cell lines which showed distinctive patterns of DNA replication timing and gene expression across all cell lines. Unexpectedly, active, nuclear speckle-associated genomic regions were found near typically repressive nuclear compartments, which is attributable to the close proximity of nuclear speckles and nucleoli in some cell types, and association of centromeres with nuclear speckles in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Our study points to a more complex and variable nuclear genome organization than suggested by current models, as revealed by our TSA-seq methodology.

Bone destruction of orbital wall in idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor: does it always imply malignancy?

AIM: To assess the clinical presentations and outcomes of idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor (IOIP) patients with orbital wall bone destruction (OWBD) and to propose an expanded classification system that includes bone destruction. METHODS: The study retrospectively reviewed clinical presentations, imaging findings, treatment modalities, and outcomes of six patients diagnosed histopathologically with IOIP and OWBD at the Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University between October 2018 and June 2021. RESULTS: Over two years, 6 (10%) of 60 IOIP patients at our hospital exhibited OWBD, but this may overrepresent severe cases. The cohort consisted of three men and three women, aged 17 to 60y (mean 35.5±16.1y). Presenting symptoms included proptosis, eyelid swelling, decreased visual acuity with pain, and palpable mass. Imaging revealed multiple anatomical structures involved with the medial wall being the most common site of bone destruction. Histopathological examination showed classic type in five patients and sclerosing type in one patient. All patients underwent surgical resection followed by methylprednisolone treatment. Follow-up (mean 30.3±3.1mo) indicated three patients had no recurrence, while others had varying degrees of symptom persistence or recurrence. CONCLUSION: IOIP with bone destruction is a rare but significant subtype that mimics malignancy, leading to potential diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Our findings suggest that complete surgical resection combined with adjunctive glucocorticoid therapy can yield favorable outcomes. However, larger-scale studies are needed to further optimize therapeutic approaches.

Strain evolution from the ferroelectric to the relaxor state in (0.67 - x)BiFeO3-0.33BaTiO3-xBi(Mg0.5Zr0.5)O3 lead-free ceramics.

The BiFeO3-BaTiO3 solid solution exhibits enhanced electric properties due to its modified phase structure with relaxor characteristics and reduced leakage current. Despite these advancements, the underlying mechanism behind the phase transition from a ferroelectric to a relaxor state in BF-BT ceramics remains largely unexplored. Here, the evolution of strain in (0.67 - x)BiFeO3-0.33BaTiO3-xBi(Mg0.5Zr0.5)O3 ceramics is investigated, with a focus on the strain transition from a ferroelectric to a relaxor phase. A strengthening of relaxor behavior is observed in the modified rhombohedral (R) and pseudocubic (PC) phase structure, resulting in optimal strain (Suni = 0.25%, Spos = 0.24%) at x = 0.04. The enhanced strain is attributed to the promotion of domain switching and the presence of strong random fields, with polar nanoregions integrating into a long-range ordered matrix. Furthermore, a gradual increase in strain with rising temperature is noted, driven by increased polarization and the expansion of ferroelectric domains. This study underscores the critical role of structural modifications in augmenting the electric response of BF-BT ceramics, thereby advancing the development of lead-free piezoelectric materials.

A Study on AIDS Self-Management Status and Its Influencing Factors.

Purpose: To investigate and analyse the status quo of the self-management of patients living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and its influencing factors and to provide the basis for formulating intervention strategies. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 PLWHA who visited the Infection Center of Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University between September 2021 and December 2021 were enrolled using the convenience sampling method. Demographic characteristics and disease-related data were collected for each participant. The HIV/AIDS Self-Management Scale was used to evaluate the self-management ability of PLWHA. Results: A total of 251 male and 49 female PLWHA were included in this study, with an average age of 39.08 ± 12.09 years and an average disease duration of 9.61 ± 37.04 months. Univariate analysis showed that the PLWHA's place of residence, educational level, physical condition, family relations, duration of HIV disease, receipt or not of antiviral therapy and knowledge of disease had an influence on the scores of the HIV Self-Management Scale (all p < 0.05). The results of the self-management scores indicated that the total score for self-management was 41.5 ± 6.4 points, with a scoring rate of 69.6%, which was at a medium level. Long-term self-management had the highest scoring rate (12.2 ± 2.5 points), followed by daily health management (22.3 ± 4.3 points), and social support for self-management had the lowest scoring (5.1 ± 0.9 points). Multivariable analysis showed that the self-management ability of PLWHA was related to educational level, duration of disease and family relations (R2 = 0.67, F = 121.7, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The self-management level of patients with AIDS, especially the social support of daily health management and self-management, needs to be further improved. Educational level, duration of disease and family relations are important factors influencing the self-management of PLWHA.

Exosome-mediated renal protection: Halting the progression of fibrosis.

Renal fibrosis is a complex and multifactorial process that involves inflammation, cell proliferation, collagen, and fibronectin deposition in the kidney, ultimately leading to chronic kidney disease and even end-stage renal disease. The main goal of treatment is to slow down or halt the progression of fibrosis and to improve or preserve kidney function. Despite significant progress made in understanding the underlying mechanisms of renal fibrosis, current therapies have limited renal protection as the disease progresses. Exosomes derived from stem cells are a newer area of research for the treatment of renal fibrosis. Exosomes as nano-sized extracellular vesicles carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which can be taken up by local or distant cells, serving as mediators of intercellular communication and as drug delivery vehicles. Exosomes deliver molecules that reduce inflammation, renal fibrosis and extracellular matrix protein production, and promote tissue regeneration in animal models of kidney disease. Additionally, they have several advantages over stem cells, such as being non-immunogenic, having low risk of tumor formation, and being easier to produce and store. This review describes the use of natural and engineered exosomes containing therapeutic agents capable of mediating anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic processes during both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Exosome-based therapies will be compared with stem cell-based treatments for tissue regeneration, with a focus on renal protection. Finally, future directions and strategies for improving the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes are discussed.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine on Graves' disease: a network meta-analysis.

Introduction: Graves' disease (GD) is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and can affect multiple systems of the body. Currently, commonly-used treatment methods for GD have a series of shortcomings. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine has been proven to be effective in inhibiting the progression of GD and is expected to become a key direction for the development of new drugs in the future. Therefore, a network meta-analysis was performed to compare the impacts of different traditional Chinese medicines on the curative effect, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) in patients with GD. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, WanFang, Weipu, and CNKI were searched for the randomized controlled trials of traditional Chinese medicine on GD patients up to 19 December 2023. The quality of the included studies was evaluated regarding the risk of bias, and the data were analyzed by R software. Results: Thirty-five articles were included in the analysis, involving 2828 GD patients and traditional Chinese medicines including Bailing Capsule, Jinshuibao Capsule, Astragalus injection, Jiakangling Tablet, Jiakangling Capsule, Tripterygium Wilfordii, Sanjie Xiaoying Decoction, Prunella vulgaris (L.) Oral Liquid, P. vulgaris (L.) Granules, Xiehuo Xiaoying Recipe, Xiehuo Yangyin Powder, Yikang Pill and Yinjia Pellet. The results of network meta-analysis suggested that for GD patients, Bailing Capsule, Jiakangling Capsule, Tripterygium wilfordii, P. vulgaris (L.) Oral Liquid and Yinjia Pellet had better curative effect compared with Western medicine. Prunella vulgaris (L.) Granules and Yikang Pill could improve the TSH level. Prunella vulgaris (L.) Granules, P. vulgaris (L.) Oral Liquid and Yikang Pill could reduce FT3 level. Jiakangling Capsule, P. vulgaris (L.) Granules, P. vulgaris (L.) Oral Liquid and Yikang Pill could reduce the FT4 level. Prunella vulgaris (L.) Oral Liquid can reduce the level of TPOAb and TRAb. Besides, Yinjia Pellet was the most helpful in improving the curative effect. Yikang Pill could best improve TSH. Prunella vulgaris (L.) Granules had the best effect on reducing FT3. Prunella vulgaris (L.) Granules performed best in reducing FT4. Prunella vulgaris (L.) Oral Liquid had the most favorable effect on reducing TPOAb and TRAb. Conclusion: Based on the current research, it is safe to conclude that Chinese medicine can improve the curative effect and TSH level of patients with GD, and reduce the levels of FT3, FT4, TPOAb and TRAb. Besides, Yinjia Pellet is the most helpful in improving the curative effect. Yikang Pill can best improve TSH. Prunella vulgaris (L.) Granules have the best effect on reducing FT3. Prunella vulgaris (L.) Granules perform best in reducing FT4. Prunella vulgaris (L.) Oral Liquid has the most favorable effect on reducing TPOAb and TRAb. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42024521912.