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1.
Opt Express ; 32(11): 20153-20165, 2024 May 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38859132

ABSTRACT

We propose and demonstrate a high-speed directly modulated laser based on a hybrid deformed-square-FP coupled cavity (DFC), aiming for a compact-size low-cost light source in next-generation optical communication systems. The deformed square microcavity is directly connected to the FP cavity and utilized as a wavelength-sensitive reflector with a comb-like and narrow-peak reflection spectrum for selecting the lasing mode, which can greatly improve the single-mode yield of the laser and the quality (Q) factor of the coupled mode. By optimizing the device design and operating condition, the modulation bandwidth of the DFC laser can be enhanced due to the intracavity-mode photon-photon resonance effect. Our experimental results show an enhancement of 3-dB modulation bandwidth from 19.3 GHz to 30 GHz and a clear eye diagram at a modulation rate of 25 Gbps.

2.
Pharmgenomics Pers Med ; 17: 271-288, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38827182

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major types of liver cancer. Previous studies have shown that the centromere protein family is associated with malignant biological behaviors such as HCC proliferation. As a member of the centromere protein family, centromere protein Q (CENPQ) is closely associated with immunotherapy and immune cell infiltration in various tumors. However, the role and mechanism of CENPQ in HCC remain unclear. Methods: Multiple public databases and RT-qPCR were used to study the expression of CENPQ in HCC. Based on TCGA data, the correlation between CENPQ and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of HCC patients was analyzed, and its diagnostic value was evaluated. The potential biological functions of CENPQ in HCC were explored by functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes. The distribution of tumor-infiltrating immune cell types was assessed using single-sample GSEA, and immune checkpoint gene expression was analyzed using Spearman correlation. Subsequently, loss-of-function experiments were performed to determine the function of CENPQ on the cell cycle and proliferation of HCC cells in vitro. Results: CENPQ was found highly expressed in HCC and correlated with weight, BMI, age, AFP, T stage, pathologic stage, histologic grade, and prothrombin time (all p < 0.05). ROC and Kaplan-Meier analyses indicated that CENPQ may be potentially used as a diagnostic marker for HCC (AUC = 0.881), and its upregulation is associated with decreased OS (p = 0.002), DSS (p < 0.001), and PFI (p = 0.002). Functional enrichment analysis revealed an association of CENPQ with biological processes such as immune cell infiltration, cell cycle, and hippo-merlin signaling deregulation in HCC. Furthermore, knockdown of CENPQ manifested in HCC cells with G0/1 phase cycle arrest and decreased proliferative capacity. Conclusion: CENPQ expression was higher in HCC tissues than in normal liver tissues. It was significantly associated with poor prognosis, immune cell infiltration, cell cycle, and proliferation. Therefore, CENPQ may become a promising prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.

3.
Gigascience ; 132024 Jan 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38869148

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Linked-read sequencing technologies generate high-base quality short reads that contain extrapolative information on long-range DNA connectedness. These advantages of linked-read technologies are well known and have been demonstrated in many human genomic and metagenomic studies. However, existing linked-read analysis pipelines (e.g., Long Ranger) were primarily developed to process sequencing data from the human genome and are not suited for analyzing metagenomic sequencing data. Moreover, linked-read analysis pipelines are typically limited to 1 specific sequencing platform. FINDINGS: To address these limitations, we present the Linked-Read ToolKit (LRTK), a unified and versatile toolkit for platform agnostic processing of linked-read sequencing data from both human genome and metagenome. LRTK provides functions to perform linked-read simulation, barcode sequencing error correction, barcode-aware read alignment and metagenome assembly, reconstruction of long DNA fragments, taxonomic classification and quantification, and barcode-assisted genomic variant calling and phasing. LRTK has the ability to process multiple samples automatically and provides users with the option to generate reproducible reports during processing of raw sequencing data and at multiple checkpoints throughout downstream analysis. We applied LRTK on linked reads from simulation, mock community, and real datasets for both human genome and metagenome. We showcased LRTK's ability to generate comparative performance results from preceding benchmark studies and to report these results in publication-ready HTML document plots. CONCLUSIONS: LRTK provides comprehensive and flexible modules along with an easy-to-use Python-based workflow for processing linked-read sequencing datasets, thereby filling the current gap in the field caused by platform-centric genome-specific linked-read data analysis tools.


Subject(s)
Genome, Human , Metagenome , Metagenomics , Software , Humans , Metagenomics/methods , Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods , Computational Biology/methods
4.
J Clin Med ; 13(11)2024 May 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38892893

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to identify the salivary levels of six hormones (progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, thyroxine T3, and triiodothyronine T4) in pregnant women, and to assess the association between salivary hormones, dental caries, and cariogenic microorganisms. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 181 low-income US pregnant women who were in their third trimester. Demographic details, oral hygiene practices, and medical backgrounds were obtained via questionnaires and medical records. Calibrated dentists obtained data on plaque index and caries status through comprehensive oral examinations. Unstimulated saliva was collected 2 h before eating and brushing. Salivary hormones were measured with a multiplex assay. Oral Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) were quantified via colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. A latent model was used to generate clusters of pregnant women based on salivary hormone levels, followed by post-clustering analysis. Factors associated with salivary cariogenic microorganisms were further evaluated via multiple regression analyses. Results: Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, T3, and T4 in saliva were detectable at rates of 92%, 97%, 77%, 99%, 71%, and 50%, respectively. Three distinct participant clusters (high, intermediate, and low) were identified based on salivary hormone levels. Intermediate-level and high-level clusters had increased numbers of decayed teeth, decayed surfaces, ICDAS scores, and salivary S. mutans and C. albicans, compared to the low-level cluster (p < 0.05). Covariate analysis demonstrated that the high-level cluster was positively associated with salivary carriage of S. mutans (CFU/mL) (p < 0.05). Participants with higher levels of progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, and cortisol were associated with a high carriage status of S. mutans in saliva (>105 CFU/mL) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility of detecting salivary hormones during pregnancy and revealed the positive association between salivary steroid hormones and cariogenic pathogens.

5.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 16(24): 31648-31656, 2024 Jun 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38837705

ABSTRACT

Utilizing aluminum-doped nano LLZO (Li6.28La3Zr2Al0.24O12) as the ceramic filler, we synthesized and optimized LLZO/PVDF/LiClO4 composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) to achieve high ionic conductivity and good interfacial stability with metallic lithium. The research examines how the PVDF grade and the mass ratio of PVDF to LiClO4 affect the ionic conductivity, lithium metal compatibility, and overall performance of CPEs. The CPE using Kynar PVDF 741 and a PVDF-to-LiClO4 mass ratio of 2:1 emerged as superior, displaying a high ionic conductivity at room temperature (0.12 mS/cm), the lowest activation energy (0.247 eV), an extensive electrochemical stability window (approximately 4.9 V), and robust mechanical strength. In tests with lithium metal symmetric cells, the membrane facilitated over 1000 h of stable cycling at 0.1 mA cm-2 and 0.1 mAh cm-2. Furthermore, when integrated into full solid-state lithium-metal batteries with LiFePO4 cathodes, it sustained more than 80% capacity retention across 500 charge/discharge cycles at a rate of 0.5 C with constantly high Coulombic efficiencies above 99.8%, underscoring its exceptional durability and efficiency. This research provides a practical framework and benchmarks for developing LLZO/PVDF-based CPEs with high ionic conductivity and enhanced stability against lithium metals.

6.
Animals (Basel) ; 14(10)2024 May 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38791699

ABSTRACT

Transport is a high-risk time for sheep, especially if the distances are long and sheep are fasted for a long time beforehand. Two experiments were conducted to compare transport durations of 1 hour (1 h) and 3 hours (3 h) and the effects of feeding before transport using Dorper × Mongolian sheep, which are typical of the region and may be tolerant of the high temperatures in the Inner Mongolian summer. Thirty 4-month-old male sheep were randomly divided into two treatment groups, with 15 sheep/treatment in each experiment, to evaluate the effects on blood biochemical indicators, stress hormone levels, rectal temperatures, and antioxidant status of lambs in summer. In Experiment 1, the levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids after 3 h transport were significantly lower than after 1 h transport (p < 0.05). The levels of thyroxine and malondialdehyde in blood were greater after 3 h transport than 1 h transport (p < 0.05). Creatine kinase levels after 3 h transport tended to be lower than after 1 h transport (p = 0.051). In Experiment 2, the levels of urea and superoxide dismutase in the group fasted pre-transport was significantly lower than those of the group fed pre-transport (p < 0.05). The serum cortisol level in the pre-transport fed group was higher compared to the group fed pre-transport (p = 0.04). Total antioxidant capacity in the pre-transport fasted group tended to be lower compared to that in the pre-transport fed group (p < 0.0001). We conclude that the reduction in nutritional status of sheep transported for longer and without feed pre-transport suggests that transporting sheep in hot conditions in northern China after fasting for a long period should be restricted. However, a decrease in the stress induced by transport following fasting is worthy of further study.

7.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38816672

ABSTRACT

To ensure effective administration of probiotics in clinical practice, it is crucial to comprehend the specific strains and their association with human health. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the scientific evidence on the impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum probiotic consumption on human health. Out of 11,831 records, 135 studies were assessed qualitatively, and 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. This systematic review demonstrated that probiotic supplementation with L. plantarum, either alone or in combination, can significantly improve outcomes for patients with specific medical conditions. Meta-analysis revealed notable benefits in periodontal health, evidenced by reduced pocket depth and bleeding on probing (p < 0.001); in gastroenterological health, marked by significant reductions in abdominal pain (p < 0.001); and in infectious disease, through a reduction in C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.001). Cardiovascular benefits included lowered total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the L. plantarum intervention group (p < 0.05). Our study's clinical significance highlights the importance of considering probiotic strain and their application to specific diseases when planning future studies and clinical interventions, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.

8.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4631, 2024 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38821971

ABSTRACT

Although long-read sequencing enables the generation of complete genomes for unculturable microbes, its high cost limits the widespread adoption of long-read sequencing in large-scale metagenomic studies. An alternative method is to assemble short-reads with long-range connectivity, which can be a cost-effective way to generate high-quality microbial genomes. Here, we develop Pangaea, a bioinformatic approach designed to enhance metagenome assembly using short-reads with long-range connectivity. Pangaea leverages connectivity derived from physical barcodes of linked-reads or virtual barcodes by aligning short-reads to long-reads. Pangaea utilizes a deep learning-based read binning algorithm to assemble co-barcoded reads exhibiting similar sequence contexts and abundances, thereby improving the assembly of high- and medium-abundance microbial genomes. Pangaea also leverages a multi-thresholding algorithm strategy to refine assembly for low-abundance microbes. We benchmark Pangaea on linked-reads and a combination of short- and long-reads from simulation data, mock communities and human gut metagenomes. Pangaea achieves significantly higher contig continuity as well as more near-complete metagenome-assembled genomes (NCMAGs) than the existing assemblers. Pangaea also generates three complete and circular NCMAGs on the human gut microbiomes.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Genome, Microbial , Metagenome , Metagenomics , Humans , Metagenome/genetics , Metagenomics/methods , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods , Deep Learning , Computational Biology/methods , Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods , Genome, Bacterial
9.
J Tradit Chin Med ; 44(3): 545-553, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38767639

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Shenzhu Guanxin recipe granules (, SGR) in treating patients with intermediate coronary lesions (ICL), and to investigate the potential mechanism though a transcriptome sequencing approach. METHODS: ICL patients with Qi deficiency and phlegm stasis were adopted and randomly assigned to a case group or a control by random number generator in a 1:1 randomization ratio to evaluate the clinical efficacy. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in coronary computed tomography angiography related indexes in the two groups before and after intervention. Through the gene chip expression analysis, it is finally concluded that there are 355 differential mRNAs (190 up-regulated genes and 165 down regulated genes) when compared the SGR group and placebo group. Through protein-protein interaction network analysis of differentially expressed genes, 10 hub genes were finally obtained: CACNA2D2, CACNA2D3, DNAJC6, FGF12, SGSM2, CACNA1G, LRP6, KIF25, OXTR, UPB1. CONCLUSIONS: SGR combined with Western Medicine can be safely used to treat ICL patients with Qi deficiency and phlegm stasis. The possible mechanism of action and relevant gene loci and pathway were proposed.


Subject(s)
Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Humans , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage , Female , Middle Aged , Male , Aged , Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis , Adult , Gene Expression Profiling , Treatment Outcome
10.
J Chem Ecol ; 2024 May 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38727793

ABSTRACT

Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) serve as important waterproofing barriers and as signals and cues in chemical communication. Over the past 30 years, numerous studies on CHCs have been conducted in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, leading to substantial progress in the field. However, there has not been a systematic review of CHC studies in this species in recent years. This review aims to provide a concise overview of the chemical composition, storage, transport, and physical properties of different CHCs in B. germanica. Additionally, we focus on the biosynthetic pathway and the genetic regulation of HC biosynthesis in this species. A considerable amount of biochemical evidence regarding the biosynthetic pathway of insect CHCs has been gathered from studies conducted in B. germanica. In recent years, there has also been an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie CHC production in this insect. In this article, we summarize the biosynthesis of different classes of CHCs in B. germanica. Then, we review CHCs reaction to various environmental conditions and stressors and internal physiological states. Additionally, we review a body of work showing that in B. germanica, CHC profiles exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, specific CHCs act as essential precursors for female contact sex pheromone components, and we summarize the molecular regulatory mechanisms that underlie sexual dimorphism of CHC profiles. Finally, we highlight future directions and challenges in research on the biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms of CHCs in B. germanica, and also identify potential applications of CHC studies in the pest control.

11.
Cells ; 13(9)2024 Apr 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38727307

ABSTRACT

Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8-like 3 (TNFAIP8L3 or TIPE3) functions as a transfer protein for lipid second messengers. TIPE3 is highly upregulated in several human cancers and has been established to significantly promote tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibit the apoptosis of cancer cells. Thus, inhibiting the function of TIPE3 is expected to be an effective strategy against cancer. The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug development has recently invigorated research in anti-cancer drug development. In this work, we incorporated DFCNN, Autodock Vina docking, DeepBindBC, MD, and metadynamics to efficiently identify inhibitors of TIPE3 from a ZINC compound dataset. Six potential candidates were selected for further experimental study to validate their anti-tumor activity. Among these, three small-molecule compounds (K784-8160, E745-0011, and 7238-1516) showed significant anti-tumor activity in vitro, leading to reduced tumor cell viability, proliferation, and migration and enhanced apoptotic tumor cell death. Notably, E745-0011 and 7238-1516 exhibited selective cytotoxicity toward tumor cells with high TIPE3 expression while having little or no effect on normal human cells or tumor cells with low TIPE3 expression. A molecular docking analysis further supported their interactions with TIPE3, highlighting hydrophobic interactions and their shared interaction residues and offering insights for designing more effective inhibitors. Taken together, this work demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating deep learning and MD simulations in virtual drug screening and provides inhibitors with significant potential for anti-cancer drug development against TIPE3-.


Subject(s)
Cell Proliferation , Deep Learning , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins , Molecular Docking Simulation , Humans , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/drug effects , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Apoptosis/drug effects , Small Molecule Libraries/pharmacology , Small Molecule Libraries/chemistry , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasms/pathology
12.
Gut Microbes ; 16(1): 2347728, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38706226

ABSTRACT

Indole in the gut is formed from dietary tryptophan by a bacterial tryptophan-indole lyase. Indole not only triggers biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in gut microbes but also contributes to the progression of kidney dysfunction after absorption by the intestine and sulfation in the liver. As tryptophan is an essential amino acid for humans, these events seem inevitable. Despite this, we show in a proof-of-concept study that exogenous indole can be converted to an immunomodulatory tryptophan metabolite, indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), by a previously unknown microbial metabolic pathway that involves tryptophan synthase ß subunit and aromatic lactate dehydrogenase. Selected bifidobacterial strains converted exogenous indole to ILA via tryptophan (Trp), which was demonstrated by incubating the bacterial cells in the presence of (2-13C)-labeled indole and l-serine. Disruption of the responsible genes variedly affected the efficiency of indole bioconversion to Trp and ILA, depending on the strains. Database searches against 11,943 bacterial genomes representing 960 human-associated species revealed that the co-occurrence of tryptophan synthase ß subunit and aromatic lactate dehydrogenase is a specific feature of human gut-associated Bifidobacterium species, thus unveiling a new facet of bifidobacteria as probiotics. Indole, which has been assumed to be an end-product of tryptophan metabolism, may thus act as a precursor for the synthesis of a host-interacting metabolite with possible beneficial activities in the complex gut microbial ecosystem.


Subject(s)
Bifidobacterium , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Indoles , Tryptophan , Tryptophan/metabolism , Humans , Indoles/metabolism , Bifidobacterium/metabolism , Bifidobacterium/genetics , Tryptophan Synthase/metabolism , Tryptophan Synthase/genetics , Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology , Gastrointestinal Tract/metabolism
13.
J Genet Genomics ; 2024 Apr 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38670432

ABSTRACT

Polyploidization in plants often leads to increased cell size and grain size, which may be affected by the increased genome dosage and transcription abundance. The synthesized Triticum durum (AABB)-Haynaldia villosa (VV) amphiploid (AABBVV) has significantly increased grain size, especially grain length, than the tetraploid and diploid parents. To investigate how polyploidization affects grain development at the transcriptional level, we perform transcriptome analysis using the immature seeds of T. durum, H. villosa, and the amphiploid. The dosage effect genes are contributed more by differentially expressed genes from genome V of H. villosa. The dosage effect genes overrepresent grain development-related genes. Interestingly, the vernalization gene TaVRN1 is among the positive dosage effect genes in the T. durum‒H. villosa and T. turgidum‒Ae. tauschii amphiploids. The expression levels of TaVRN1 homologs are positively correlated with the grain size and weight. The TaVRN1-B1 or TaVRN1-D1 mutation shows delayed florescence, decreased cell size, grain size, and grain yield. These data indicate that dosage effect genes could be one of the important explanations for increased grain size by regulating grain development. The identification and functional validation of dosage effect genes may facilitate the finding of valuable genes for improving wheat yield.

14.
Opt Express ; 32(7): 12012-12023, 2024 Mar 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38571036

ABSTRACT

We demonstrated a narrow linewidth semiconductor laser based on a deep-etched sidewall grating active distributed Bragg reflector (SG-ADBR). The coupling coefficients and reflectance were numerically simulated for deep-etched fifth-order SG-ADBR, and a reflectance of 0.86 with a bandwidth of 1.04 nm was obtained by the finite element method for a 500-period SG-ADBR. Then the fifth-order SG-ADBR lasers were fabricated using projection i-line lithography processes. Single-mode lasing at 1537.9 nm was obtained with a high side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of 65 dB, and a continuous tuning range of 10.3 nm was verified with SMSRs greater than 53 dB. Furthermore, the frequency noise power spectral density was characterized, from which a Lorentzian linewidth of 288 kHz was obtained.

15.
Heliyon ; 10(7): e28393, 2024 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38560103

ABSTRACT

Cu-Cu soldering is realized under certain pressure and low temperature conditions by using a surface silver film to modify the copper microlayer structure, thus solving the problems of high thermal stress and signal delay aggravation caused by high temperature in the traditional reflow soldering process. The copper microlayer modified with silver film is obtained by electrodeposition. The surface substructure of the Cu microlayer is a nano cone-shaped protrusion. The diameter of the bottom of the cone is 500 nm∼1 µm, and the height of the cone is 1∼2 µm. The thickness of the silver film is about 320 nm, and the modification of the copper layer with silver film can effectively prevent the oxidation of the copper layer. Two silver-modified copper microlayers are placed in face-to-face contact as a soldering couple. A certain pressure and low temperature are applied to the contact area to realize the soldering and interconnection. The morphology of the soldered interface and the average shear strength of the soldered joints are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and solder joint tester. It is found that under the optimal soldering parameters of soldering temperature 220 °C, soldering pressure 20 MPa and soldering time 20 min, the nano-conical projections of the Cu micrometer layer are inserted into each other to produce a physical blocking effect. The highly surface-meltable silver film effectively connects the surrounding copper layer as an intermediate buffer layer. The average shear strength of soldering joints is significantly increased. Heat treatment experiments have shown that the average shear strength can be effectively increased by heat treatment for an appropriate period of time. Prolonged exposure to heat has little effect on the average shear strength. With the special morphology of the copper microlayer structure and the nano-size effect of the silver layer, soldering can be done at low temperatures. The quality of the soldering interface is good and small soldering dimensions can be obtained.

16.
Database (Oxford) ; 20242024 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38557634

ABSTRACT

The rapid growth in the number of experimental and predicted protein structures and more complicated protein structures poses a significant challenge for computational biology in leveraging structural information and accurate representation of protein surface properties. Recently, AlphaFold2 released the comprehensive proteomes of various species, and protein surface property representation plays a crucial role in protein-molecule interaction predictions, including those involving proteins, nucleic acids and compounds. Here, we proposed the first extensive database, namely ProNet DB, that integrates multiple protein surface representations and RNA-binding landscape for 326 175 protein structures. This collection encompasses the 16 model organism proteomes from the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database and experimentally validated structures from the Protein Data Bank. For each protein, ProNet DB provides access to the original protein structures along with the detailed surface property representations encompassing hydrophobicity, charge distribution and hydrogen bonding potential as well as interactive features such as the interacting face and RNA-binding sites and preferences. To facilitate an intuitive interpretation of these properties and the RNA-binding landscape, ProNet DB incorporates visualization tools like Mol* and an Online 3D Viewer, allowing for the direct observation and analysis of these representations on protein surfaces. The availability of pre-computed features enables instantaneous access for users, significantly advancing computational biology research in areas such as molecular mechanism elucidation, geometry-based drug discovery and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Database URL:  https://proj.cse.cuhk.edu.hk/aihlab/pronet/.


Subject(s)
Proteome , RNA , Binding Sites , Databases, Protein , RNA/chemistry , Membrane Proteins , Surface Properties
18.
Nutrients ; 16(8)2024 Apr 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38674804

ABSTRACT

Cariogenic microorganisms are crucial pathogens contributing to the development of early childhood caries. Snacks provide fermentable carbohydrates, altering oral pH levels and potentially affecting microorganism colonization. However, the relationship between snack intake and cariogenic microorganisms like Candida and Streptococcus mutans in young children is still unclear. This study aimed to assess this association in a prospective underserved birth cohort. Data from children aged 12 to 24 months, including oral microbial assays and snack intake information, were analyzed. Sweet and non-sweet indices based on the cariogenic potential of 15 snacks/drinks were created. Mixed-effects models were used to assess the associations between sweet and non-sweet indices and S. mutans and Candida carriage. Random forest identified predictive factors of microorganism carriage. Higher non-sweet index scores were linked to increased S. mutans carriage in plaques (OR = 1.67, p = 0.01), potentially strengthening with age. Higher sweet index scores at 12 months were associated with increased Candida carriage, reversing at 24 months. Both indices were top predictors of S. mutans and Candida carriage. These findings underscore the associations between snack intake and cariogenic microorganism carriage and highlight the importance of dietary factors in oral health management for underserved young children with limited access to dental care and healthy foods.


Subject(s)
Candida , Dental Caries , Mouth , Snacks , Streptococcus mutans , Humans , Infant , Female , Male , Child, Preschool , Dental Caries/microbiology , Dental Caries/epidemiology , Streptococcus mutans/isolation & purification , Candida/isolation & purification , Prospective Studies , Mouth/microbiology , Social Class , Low Socioeconomic Status
20.
Heliyon ; 10(5): e27010, 2024 Mar 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38455589

ABSTRACT

High density packaging technology reduces the pad size and the number of grains contained in the pad. When the polycrystalline pad turns into a single crystal pad, the grain orientation has an important impact on the formation of the intermetallic compound (IMC) at the interface. The growth of IMC at the interface between the solder and the single-crystal copper substrate is investigated by selecting the prospective Sn-1.5Ag-2Zn as the solder alloy. Sn-1.5Ag-2.0Zn lead-free solder joints soldered with single crystal (111) copper substrate and polycrystalline red copper substrate are reflowed at 250 °C for 5 min. Samples are subsequently aged at 160 °C. The uneven scallop like Cu6Sn5 IMC layer grows rapidly when the alloy solder contacts with the copper substrate. The Cu6Sn5 grain size formed on the surface of single crystal copper is larger than that of polycrystalline copper. Single crystal copper has no grain boundary to block atomic diffusion, which affects grain nucleation and growth. The growth rate of Cu6Sn5 formed by alloy solder and the single crystal (111) copper solder joint after aging treatment at 160 °C for 20 h is about twice that of the polycrystalline copper solder joint. Then it grows slowly with the increase of aging treatment time. The thick layer Cu6Sn5 breaks due to crack diffusion after 600 h of aging treatment, and the thickness of IMC remains at 3.5 µm. Cu5Zn8 generated at the solder and polycrystalline copper solder joint during aging treatment acts as a barrier layer, preventing the solder from contacting the copper substrate and inhibiting the formation of Cu6Sn5. Cu5Zn8 is broken and decomposed after 300 h of aging treatment, and Cu6Sn5 grows rapidly after the barrier layer disappeared. The thickness of Cu6Sn5 is about 2.8 µm. The thickness of IMC of solder joint on single crystal copper is 0.7 µm more than that on polycrystalline copper. After aging treatment, the IMC formed at the interface between alloy solder and single crystal copper has better compactness and basically no pores, while there are obvious pores between IMC grains at the interface between alloy solder and polycrystalline copper, which can predict that the soldering quality of the interface between alloy solder and single crystal copper is better. This will provide application prospects for solder joint interface reliability research.

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