Anion-Induced Uniform and Robust Cathode-Electrolyte Interphase for Layered Metal Oxide Cathodes of Sodium Ion Batteries.

Layer metal oxides demonstrate great commercial application potential in sodium-ion batteries, while their commercialization is extremely hampered by the unsatisfactory cycling performance caused by the irreversible phase transition and interfacial side reaction. Herein, trimethoxymethylsilane (TMSI) is introduced into electrolytes to construct an advanced cathode/electrolyte interphase by tuning the solvation structure of anions. It is found that due to the stronger interaction between ClO4- and TMSI than that of ClO4- and PC/FEC, the ClO4--TMSI complexes tend to accumulate on the surface of the cathode during the charging process, leading to the formation of a stable cathode/electrolyte interface (CEI). In addition, the Si species with excellent electronic insulation ability are distributed in the TMSI-derived CEI film, which is conducive to inhibiting the continuous side reaction of solvents and the growth of the CEI film. As a result, under a current density of 250 mA g-1, the capacity retention of the NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (NFM) cathode after 200 cycles in the TMSI-modified electrolyte is 74.4% in comparison to 51.5% of the bare electrolyte (1 M NaClO4/PC/5% FEC). Moreover, the NFM cathode shows better kinetics, with the specific discharge capacity increasing from 22 to 67 mAh g-1 at 300 mA g-1. It also demonstrates greatly improved rate capability, cycling stability, and Coulombic efficiency under various operating conditions, including high temperature (55 °C) and high cutoff voltage (2.0-4.3 V vs Na+/Na).

Dual quantum spin Hall insulator by density-tuned correlations in TaIrTe4.

The convergence of topology and correlations represents a highly coveted realm in the pursuit of new quantum states of matter1. Introducing electron correlations to a quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulator can lead to the emergence of a fractional topological insulator and other exotic time-reversal-symmetric topological order2-8, not possible in quantum Hall and Chern insulator systems. Here we report a new dual QSH insulator within the intrinsic monolayer crystal of TaIrTe4, arising from the interplay of its single-particle topology and density-tuned electron correlations. At charge neutrality, monolayer TaIrTe4 demonstrates the QSH insulator, manifesting enhanced nonlocal transport and quantized helical edge conductance. After introducing electrons from charge neutrality, TaIrTe4 shows metallic behaviour in only a small range of charge densities but quickly goes into a new insulating state, entirely unexpected on the basis of the single-particle band structure of TaIrTe4. This insulating state could arise from a strong electronic instability near the van Hove singularities, probably leading to a charge density wave (CDW). Remarkably, within this correlated insulating gap, we observe a resurgence of the QSH state. The observation of helical edge conduction in a CDW gap could bridge spin physics and charge orders. The discovery of a dual QSH insulator introduces a new method for creating topological flat minibands through CDW superlattices, which offer a promising platform for exploring time-reversal-symmetric fractional phases and electromagnetism2-4,9,10.

[Spatial Variability and Source Apportionment of PM2.5 Carbon Components in Tianjin].

The contents of eight carbonaceous subfractions were determined by simultaneously collecting PM2.5 samples from four sites in different functional areas of Tianjin in 2021. The results showed that the organic carbon (OC) concentration was 3.7 µg·m-3 to 4.4 µg·m-3, and the elemental carbon (EC) concentration was 1.6 µg·m-3 to 1.7 µg·m-3, with the highest OC concentration in the central urban area. There was no significant difference in EC concentration. The concentration of PM2.5 showed the distribution characteristics of the surrounding city>central city>peripheral area. The OC/EC minimum ratio method was used to estimate the concentrations of secondary organic carbon (SOC) in PM2.5, and the results showed that the secondary pollution was more prominent in the surrounding city, with SOC accounting for 48.8%. The correlation between carbon subcomponents in each functional area showed the characteristics of the peripheral area>central area>surrounding area, all showing the strongest correlation between EC1 and OC2 and EC1 and OC4. By including the carbon component concentration into the positive definite matrix factorization (PMF) model for source apportionment, the results showed that road dust sources(9.7%-23.5%), coal-combustion sources (10.2%-13.3%), diesel vehicle exhaust (12.6%-20.2%)and gasoline vehicle exhaust (18.9%-38.8%)were the main sources of carbon components in PM2.5 in Tianjin. The pollution sources of carbon components were different in different functional areas, with the central city and peripheral areas mainly affected by gasoline vehicle exhaust; the surrounding city was more prominently affected by the secondary pollution and diesel vehicle exhaust.

Investigation on the mechanical integrity of a PEO-based polymer electrolyte in all-solid-state lithium batteries.

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have good ionic conductivity and flexibility, and is a key component of all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Therefore, the mechanical integrity of PEO-based SPEs during cell operation needs to be urgently evaluated. Here, we conducted a series of tensile and shear adhesion performance tests on PEO16-LiTFSI electrolyte and LiFePO4 electrode adhesion samples at various temperatures and quenching rates. Based on the interface performance data and the elastic-viscoplastic material model of the PEO-LiTFSI electrolyte, a comprehensive electrochemical-mechanical model was established to analyze the stress in the cell and evaluate the mechanical integrity of the PEO16-LiTFSI electrolyte and SPE/cathode interface. The experimental results show that the adhesion strength of the SPE and cathode decreases significantly with increasing operating temperature and quenching rate. The simulation study indicates that the mechanical properties of the SPE can be fully utilized to a certain extent by increasing the quenching rate. In addition, appropriately increasing the operating temperature helps maintain the mechanical integrity of the SPE during cell operation. However, increasing the quenching rate and operating temperature will reduce the interface bonding properties between the SPE and the cathode, resulting in an increased probability of mechanical failure at the SPE/cathode interface. To suppress this negative effect, a design scheme to maintain the structural integrity of the PEO-based polymer electrolyte is proposed by using the C-rate and the SPE thickness as control parameters, which can assist in engineering design and safe operation of Li/PEO16-LiTFSI/LiFePO4 for ASSLBs.

Angle-resolved transport non-reciprocity and spontaneous symmetry breaking in twisted trilayer graphene.

The identification and characterization of spontaneous symmetry breaking is central to our understanding of strongly correlated two-dimensional materials. In this work, we utilize the angle-resolved measurements of transport non-reciprocity to investigate spontaneous symmetry breaking in twisted trilayer graphene. By analysing the angular dependence of non-reciprocity in both longitudinal and transverse channels, we are able to identify the symmetry axis associated with the underlying electronic order. We report that a hysteretic rotation in the mirror axis can be induced by thermal cycles and a large current bias, supporting the spontaneous breaking of rotational symmetry. Moreover, the onset of non-reciprocity with decreasing temperature coincides with the emergence of orbital ferromagnetism. Combined with the angular dependence of the superconducting diode effect, our findings uncover a direct link between rotational and time-reversal symmetry breaking. These symmetry requirements point towards exchange-driven instabilities in momentum space as a possible origin for transport non-reciprocity in twisted trilayer graphene.

Fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect in multilayer graphene.

The fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect (FQAHE), the analogue of the fractional quantum Hall effect1 at zero magnetic field, is predicted to exist in topological flat bands under spontaneous time-reversal-symmetry breaking2-6. The demonstration of FQAHE could lead to non-Abelian anyons that form the basis of topological quantum computation7-9. So far, FQAHE has been observed only in twisted MoTe2 at a moiré filling factor v > 1/2 (refs. 10-13). Graphene-based moiré superlattices are believed to host FQAHE with the potential advantage of superior material quality and higher electron mobility. Here we report the observation of integer and fractional QAH effects in a rhombohedral pentalayer graphene-hBN moiré superlattice. At zero magnetic field, we observed plateaus of quantized Hall resistance [Formula: see text] at v = 1, 2/3, 3/5, 4/7, 4/9, 3/7 and 2/5 of the moiré superlattice, respectively, accompanied by clear dips in the longitudinal resistance Rxx. Rxy equals [Formula: see text] at v = 1/2 and varies linearly with v, similar to the composite Fermi liquid in the half-filled lowest Landau level at high magnetic fields14-16. By tuning the gate-displacement field D and v, we observed phase transitions from composite Fermi liquid and FQAH states to other correlated electron states. Our system provides an ideal platform for exploring charge fractionalization and (non-Abelian) anyonic braiding at zero magnetic field7-9,17-19, especially considering a lateral junction between FQAHE and superconducting regions in the same device20-22.

Evaluation of Sulfasalazine as an Adjunctive Therapy in Treating Pulmonary Pre-XDR-TB: Efficacy, Safety, and Treatment Implication.

Background: The rising prevalence and limited efficacy of treatments for pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR-TB) underscore an immediate need for innovative therapeutic options. A combination of host-directed therapy (HDT) and anti-TB treatment presents a viable alternative for pre-XDR-TB management. Sulfasalazine (SASP), by targeting the amino acid transport system xc (xCT), potentially reduces the intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis load and mitigates lung pathology, positioning it as a promising TB HDT agent. This study aims to assess the efficacy of SASP as a supplementary therapy for pre-XDR-TB. Methods: A pilot study examined the safety and effectiveness of two 9-month short-course, all-oral regimens for pre-XDR-TB treatment: Bdq-regimen (consisting of Bdq, linezolid, cycloserine, clofazimine, and pyrazinamide) and SASP-regimen (comprising SASP, linezolid, cycloserine, clofazimine, and pyrazinamide). The primary endpoint was the incidence of unfavorable outcomes 12 months post-treatment. Results: Of the 44 participants enrolled, 43 were assessable 12 months post-treatment. Culture conversion rates stood at 73.2% by Month 2 and escalated to 95.1% by Month 6. Overall, 88.4% (38/43) of the participants exhibited favorable outcomes, 85.2% (19/23) for the Bdq-regimen and 93.8% (14/15) for the SASP-regimen. The SASP-regimen group recorded no deaths or treatment failures. Conclusion: Both 9-month short-course, all-oral regimens manifested commendable primary efficacy in treating pre-XDR-TB patients. The SASP-regimen emerged as effective, safe, well-tolerated, and cost-effective.

Assessing the impact of low organic loading on effluent safety in wastewater treatment: Insights from an activated sludge reactor study.

In this study, an organic loading (OL) of 300 mg/(L d) was set as the relative normal condition (OL-300), while 150 mg/(L d) was chosen as the condition reflecting excessively low organic loading (OL-150) to thoroughly assess the associated risks in the effluent of the biological wastewater treatment process. Compared with OL-300, OL-150 did not lead to a significant decrease in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, but it did improve dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) levels by ∼63 %. Interestingly, the dissolved organic matter (DOM) exhibited higher susceptibility to transformation into chlorinated disinfection by-products (Cl-DBPs) in OL-150, resulting in an increase in the compound number of Cl-DBPs by ∼16 %. Additionally, OL-150 induced nutrient stress, which promoted engendered human bacterial pathogens (HBPs) survival by ∼32 % and led to ∼51 % increase in the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) abundance through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). These findings highlight the importance of carefully considering the potential risks associated with low organic loading strategies in wastewater treatment processes.

Blood culture quality and turnaround time of clinical microbiology laboratories in Chinese Teaching Hospitals: A multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Blood culture (BC) remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of bloodstream infections. Improving the quality of clinical BC samples, optimizing BC performance, and accelerating antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) results are essential for the early detection of bloodstream infections and specific treatments. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study using 450,845 BC specimens from clinical laboratories obtained from 19 teaching hospitals between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021. We evaluated key performance indicators (KPIs), turnaround times (TATs), and frequency distributions of processing in BC specimens. We also evaluated the AST results of clinically significant isolates for four different laboratory workflow styles. RESULTS: Across the 10 common bacterial isolates (n = 16,865) and yeast isolates (n = 1011), the overall median (interquartile range) TATs of AST results were 2.67 (2.05-3.31) and 3.73 (2.98-4.64) days, respectively. The specimen collections mainly occurred between 06:00 and 24:00, and specimen reception and loadings mainly between 08:00 and 24:00. Based on the laboratory workflows of the BCs, 16 of the 19 hospitals were divided into four groups. Time to results (TTRs) from specimen collection to the AST reports were 2.35 (1.95-3.06), 2.61 (1.98-3.32), 2.99 (2.60-3.87), and 3.25 (2.80-3.98) days for groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study shows the related BC KPIs and workflows in different Chinese hospitals, suggesting that laboratory workflow optimization can play important roles in shortening time to AST reports and initiation of appropriate timely treatment.

Temporal dynamics of the microbial heterogeneity-diversity relationship in microcosmic systems.

Spatial heterogeneity significantly enhances biodiversity, representing one of the ecology's most enduring paradigms. However, many studies have found decreasing, humped, and neutral correlations between spatial heterogeneity and biodiversity (heterogeneity-diversity relationships, HDR). These findings have pushed this widely accepted theory back into controversy. Microbial HDR research has lagged compared to that of plants and animals. Nevertheless, microbes have features that add a temporal-scale perspective to HDR research that is critical to understanding patterns of HDR. In this study, 157 microcosms with different types spatial heterogeneity were set up to map the HDR of microorganisms and their temporal dynamics using high-throughput sequencing techniques. The results show that the following: 1. Spatial heterogeneity can significantly alter microbial diversity in microcosmic systems. Changes in microbial diversity, in turn, lead to changes in environmental conditions. These changes caused microorganisms to exhibit increasing, decreasing, humped, U-shaped, and neutral HDR patterns. 2. The emergence of HDR patterns is characterized by temporal dynamics. Additionally, the HDR patterns generated by spatial structural and compositional heterogeneity exhibit inconsistent emergence times. These results suggest that the temporal dynamics of HDR may be one of the reasons for the coexistence of multiple patterns in previous studies. The feedback regulation between spatial heterogeneity-biodiversity-environmental conditions is an essential reason for the temporally dynamics of HDR patterns. All future ecological studies should pay attention to the temporal dynamic patterns of ecological factors.

Single-cell transcriptome analysis dissects lncRNA-associated gene networks in Arabidopsis.

The plant genome produces an extremely large collection of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are generally expressed in a context-specific manner and have pivotal roles in regulation of diverse biological processes. Here, we mapped the transcriptional heterogeneity of lncRNAs and their associated gene regulatory networks at single-cell resolution. We generated a comprehensive cell atlas at the whole-organism level by integrative analysis of 28 published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets from juvenile Arabidopsis seedlings. We then provided an in-depth analysis of cell-type-related lncRNA signatures that show expression patterns consistent with canonical protein-coding gene markers. We further demonstrated that the cell-type-specific expression of lncRNAs largely explains their tissue specificity. In addition, we predicted gene regulatory networks on the basis of motif enrichment and co-expression analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs, and we identified putative transcription factors orchestrating cell-type-specific expression of lncRNAs. The analysis results are available at the single-cell-based plant lncRNA atlas database (scPLAD; https://biobigdata.nju.edu.cn/scPLAD/). Overall, this work demonstrates the power of integrative single-cell data analysis applied to plant lncRNA biology and provides fundamental insights into lncRNA expression specificity and associated gene regulation.

Molecular characterization of IncFII plasmid carrying blaNDM-5 in a Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ST34 clinical isolate in China.

IMPORTANCE: In this study, an IncFII plasmid pIncFII-NDM5 carrying blaNDM-5 was found in carbapenem-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. enterica serovar Typhimurium), which has conjugative transferability and carried blaNDM-5, bleMBL, mph(A), and blaTEM-1 four resistance genes that can mediate resistance to multiple antibiotics including cephalosporins, beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations, carbapenems, and macrolides. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 1104-65 and 1104-75 were closely related to other S. enterica serovar Typhimurium in this area. The above-mentioned S. enterica serovar Typhimurium chromosome carries blaCTX-M-55, qnrS1, and tet(A) genes, so the antibiotic resistance of isolates will be further enhanced after obtaining the pIncFII_NDM5-like plasmid. Meanwhile, we discovered a novel genetic structure of blaNDM-5 mediated by the IS26 composite transposon, which will expand our understanding of the emergence and spread of carbapenem-resistance genes. Altogether, the presence of the IncFII plasmid pIncFII-NDM5 further underscores the need for vigilant surveillance and appropriate infection control measures to mitigate the impact of carbapenem-resistant S. enterica serovar Typhimurium in clinical settings.

Metagenomic 16S rDNA reads of in situ preserved samples revealed microbial communities in the Yongle blue hole.

Our knowledge on biogeochemistry and microbial ecology of marine blue holes is limited due to challenges in collecting multilayered water column and oxycline zones. In this study, we collected samples from 16 water layers in Yongle blue hole (YBH) located in the South China Sea using the in situ microbial filtration and fixation (ISMIFF) apparatus. The microbial communities based on 16S rRNA metagenomic reads for the ISMIFF samples showed high microbial diversity and consistency among samples with similar dissolved oxygen levels. At the same depth of the anoxic layer, the ISMIFF samples were dominated by sulfate-reducing bacteria from Desulfatiglandales (17.96%). The sulfide concentration is the most significant factor that drives the division of microbial communities in YBH, which might support the prevalence of sulfate-reducing microorganisms in the anoxic layers. Our results are different from the microbial community structures of a Niskin sample of this study and the reported samples collected in 2017, in which a high relative abundance of Alteromonadales (26.59%) and Thiomicrospirales (38.13%), and Arcobacteraceae (11.74%) was identified. We therefore demonstrate a new profile of microbial communities in YBH probably due to the effect of sampling and molecular biological methods, which provides new possibilities for further understanding of the material circulation mechanism of blue holes and expanding anoxic marine water zones under global warming.

Association of the rs3917647 polymorphism of the SELP gene with malnutrition in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition and cachexia are common syndromes in patients with gastric cancer (GC) and are associated with poor quality of life and poor disease prognosis. However, there is still a lack of molecular factors that can predict malnutrition or cachexia in cancer. Studies have shown that among the potential contributors to the development of cancer cachexia, the level of the inflammatory response to P-selectin is regulated by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the promoter region of the SELP gene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-2028 A/G of the SELP gene and malnutrition in patients receiving chemotherapy for gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: The study group consisted of 220 GC patients treated with chemotherapy at Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital. DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes of whole blood samples using an animal DNA extraction kit. DNA was amplified using a 1.1 × T3 Super PCR mix, and loci corresponding to the peaks were genotyped using SNP1 software. RESULTS: Patients carrying the A allele had a reduced risk of developing malnutrition compared to patients with the GG genotype (P < 0.001; OR = 3.411; 95% CI = 1.785-6.516). In addition, multivariate analysis indicated that the AA genotype significantly (more than 16-fold) reduced the risk of developing malnutrition (P < 0.001; OR = 0.062; 95% CI = 0.015-0.255). CONCLUSION: SELP -2028A/G SNP may be a useful marker for assessing the risk of malnutrition in GC patients.

Study protocol for safety and efficacy of all-oral shortened regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: a multicenter randomized withdrawal trial and a single-arm trial [SEAL-MDR].

INTRODUCTION: The urgent need for new treatments for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR-TB) is evident. However, the classic randomized controlled trial (RCT) approach faces ethical and practical constraints, making alternative research designs and treatment strategies necessary, such as single-arm trials and host-directed therapies (HDTs). METHODS: Our study adopts a randomized withdrawal trial design for MDR-TB to maximize resource allocation and better mimic real-world conditions. Patients' treatment regimens are initially based on drug resistance profiles and patient's preference, and later, treatment-responsive cases are randomized to different treatment durations. Alongside, a single-arm trial is being conducted to evaluate the potential of sulfasalazine (SASP) as an HDT for pre-XDR-TB, as well as another short-course regimen without HDT for pre-XDR-TB. Both approaches account for the limitations in second-line anti-TB drug resistance testing in various regions. DISCUSSION: Although our study designs may lack the internal validity commonly associated with RCTs, they offer advantages in external validity, feasibility, and ethical appropriateness. These designs align with real-world clinical settings and also open doors for exploring alternative treatments like SASP for tackling drug-resistant TB forms. Ultimately, our research aims to strike a balance between scientific rigor and practical utility, offering valuable insights into treating MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB in a challenging global health landscape. In summary, our study employs innovative trial designs and treatment strategies to address the complexities of treating drug-resistant TB, fulfilling a critical gap between ideal clinical trials and the reality of constrained resources and ethical considerations. TRAIL REGISTRATION: Chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2100045930. Registered on April 29, 2021.

Adenosine A2A receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla participate in blood pressure decrease with electroacupuncture in hypertensive rats.

Acupuncture is increasingly used to manage high blood pressure (BP) as a complementary therapy. However, the mechanisms underlying its hypotensive effects remain unclear. Our previous studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) at the ST36-37 acupoints, overlying the deep peroneal nerve, attenuates pressor responses through adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM). However, it is uncertain whether rVLM A2AR contributes to EA's BP-lowering effect in sustained hypertension. We hypothesized that a course of EA treatment lowers BP, in part, through the activation of adenosine A2AR in the rVLM in hypertensive rats. To mimic essential hypertension in the clinic, we performed EA in conscious Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats (DSHRs). EA (0.1-0.4 mA, 2 Hz) was applied at ST36-37 for 30 min twice weekly for four weeks, while sham-EA was conducted in a similar manner but without electrical input. In hypertensive rats, BP was reduced by EA (n = 14) but neither by sham-EA (n = 14) nor in the absence of needling (n = 8). Following four weeks of eight treatments and then under anesthesia, EA's modulatory effect on elevated BP was reversed by unilateral rVLM microinjection of SCH 58261 (1 mM in 50 nl; an A2AR antagonist; n = 7; P < 0.05) but not the vehicle (n = 5) in EA-treated DSHRs. Activation of rVLM A2AR in DSHRs treated with sham-EA by an A2AR agonist, CGS-21680 (0.4 mM in 50 nl; n = 8), decreased BP. Unilateral administration of SCH 58261 or CGS-21680 into the rVLM did not alter basal BP in Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a regular diet with normal BP. The A2AR level in the rVLM after EA was increased compared to the sham-EA and untreated DSHRs (n = 5 in each group; all P < 0.05). These data suggest that a 4-week twice weekly EA treatment reduced BP in salt-sensitive hypertensive rats likely through adenosine-mediated A2AR in the rVLM.

Phylogenetically and metabolically diverse autotrophs in the world's deepest blue hole.

The world's deepest yongle blue hole (YBH) is characterized by sharp dissolved oxygen (DO) gradients, and considerably low-organic-carbon and high-inorganic-carbon concentrations that may support active autotrophic communities. To understand metabolic strategies of autotrophic communities for obtaining carbon and energy spanning redox gradients, we presented finer characterizations of microbial community, metagenome and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) in the YBH possessing oxic, hypoxic, essentially anoxic and completely anoxic zones vertically. Firstly, the YBH microbial composition and function shifted across the four zones, linking to different biogeochemical processes. The recovery of high-quality MAGs belonging to various uncultivated lineages reflected high novelty of the YBH microbiome. Secondly, carbon fixation processes and associated energy metabolisms varied with the vertical zones. The Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle was ubiquitous but differed in affiliated taxa at different zones. Various carbon fixation pathways were found in the hypoxic and essentially anoxic zones, including the 3-hyroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate (3HP/4HB) cycle affiliated to Nitrososphaeria, and Wood-Ljungdahl (WL) pathway affiliated to Planctomycetes, with sulfur oxidation and dissimilatory nitrate reduction as primary energy-conserving pathways. The completely anoxic zone harbored diverse taxa (Dehalococcoidales, Desulfobacterales and Desulfatiglandales) utilizing the WL pathway coupled with versatile energy-conserving pathways via sulfate reduction, fermentation, CO oxidation and hydrogen metabolism. Finally, most of the WL-pathway containing taxa displayed a mixotrophic lifestyle corresponding to flexible carbon acquisition strategies. Our result showed a vertical transition of microbial lifestyle from photo-autotrophy, chemoautotrophy to mixotrophy in the YBH, enabling a better understanding of carbon fixation processes and associated biogeochemical impacts with different oxygen availability.

ShenQiWan ameliorates renal injury in type 2 diabetic mice by modulating mitochondrial fusion and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Background: ShenQiWan is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, which is closely related to mitochondrial fusion and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This study aimed to investigate the intervention effect and molecular mechanisms of ShenQiWan on renal injury in KKAy mice. Methods: C57BL/6J mice (11 weeks old) were fed a regular diet upon arrival, while KKAy mice (11 weeks old) were fed a high-fat diet upon arrival. At 12 weeks of age, KKAy mice with random blood glucose ≥13.9 mmol/L were identified as diabetic mice and randomly divided into the model group (n = 30) and the treatment group (n = 30), while C57BL/6J mice of 12 weeks old (n = 30) served as the control group. The treatment group received daily aqueous decoction of ShenQiWan (13.5 g/kg), while the control group and model group received daily equal amounts of saline from 12 weeks old to 24 weeks old. The general status of mice was observed regularly, and fasting blood glucose and 24-hour urine microalbumin were measured. Ten mice were euthanized in each group at the age of 16, 20, and 24 weeks, serum samples were used for biochemical indexes and kidney tissues were used for morphological studies. GRP78, OPA1, MFN1, MFN2 mRNA and protein expression were detected by Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results: The mice in the model group exhibited symptoms of lethargy, slow movement, obesity, polyuria and proteinuria. Morphological observation revealed pathological changes, including thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and interstitial fibrosis. After treatment with ShenQiWan, the fasting blood glucose level of KKAy mice was significantly reduced, urinary albuminuria was decreased, serum biochemical indexes were improved, renal tissue pathological changes were significantly alleviated. The results also showed a significant reduction in the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factor GRP78 and an increase in the expression of mitochondrial fusion-related factors OPA1, MFN1 and MFN2 after treatment with ShenQiWan. Conclusion: ShenQiWan can protect diabetic mice from renal damage by modulating mitochondrial fusion and alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress, exerting its protective effects.

Implicit HbA1c Achieving 87% Accuracy within 90 Days in Non-Invasive Fasting Blood Glucose Measurements Using Photoplethysmography.

To reduce the error induced by overfitting or underfitting in predicting non-invasive fasting blood glucose (NIBG) levels using photoplethysmography (PPG) data alone, we previously demonstrated that incorporating HbA1c led to a notable 10% improvement in NIBG prediction accuracy (the ratio in zone A of Clarke's error grid). However, this enhancement came at the cost of requiring an additional HbA1c measurement, thus being unfriendly to users. In this study, the enhanced HbA1c NIBG deep learning model (blood glucose level predicted from PPG and HbA1c) was trained with 1494 measurements, and we replaced the HbA1c measurement (explicit HbA1c) with "implicit HbA1c" which is reversely derived from pretested PPG and finger-pricked blood glucose levels. The implicit HbA1c is then evaluated across intervals up to 90 days since the pretest, achieving an impressive 87% accuracy, while the remaining 13% falls near the CEG zone A boundary. The implicit HbA1c approach exhibits a remarkable 16% improvement over the explicit HbA1c method by covering personal correction items automatically. This improvement not only refines the accuracy of the model but also enhances the practicality of the previously proposed model that relied on an HbA1c input. The nonparametric Wilcoxon paired test conducted on the percentage error of implicit and explicit HbA1c prediction results reveals a substantial difference, with a p-value of 2.75 × 10-7.