Graph Attention Network for Context-Aware Visual Tracking.

Siamese-network-based trackers convert the general object tracking as a similarity matching task between a template and a search region. Using convolutional feature cross correlation (Xcorr) for similarity matching, a large number of Siamese trackers are proposed and achieved great success. However, due to the predefined size of the target feature, these trackers suffer from either retaining much background information or losing important foreground information. Moreover, the global matching between the target and search region also largely neglects the part-level structural information and the contextual information of the target. To tackle the aforementioned obstacles, in this article, we propose a simple context-aware Siamese graph attention network, which establishes part-to-part correspondence between the Siamese branches with a complete bipartite graph. The object information from the template is propagated to the search region via a graph attention mechanism. With such a design, a target-aware template input is enabled to replace the prefixed template region, which can adaptively fit the size and aspect ratio variations in different objects. Based on it, we further construct a context-aware feature matching mechanism to embed both the target and the contextual information in the search region. Experiments on challenging benchmarks including GOT-10k, TrackingNet, LaSOT, VOT2020, and OTB-100 demonstrate that the proposed SiamGAT* outperforms many state-of-the-art trackers and achieves leading performance. Code is available at: https://git.io/SiamGAT.

Cu0-Promoted Truce-Smiles Rearrangement for Aryl-Difluoromethylenation of C═C Bonds via a Reductive Radical-Polar Crossover Process.

An efficient Cu0-promoted Truce-Smiles rearrangement for the aryl-difluoromethylenation of C═C bonds by the reaction of N-alkyl-N-(arylsulfonyl)methacrylamide and 2-bromodifluoromethyl-1,3-benzodiazole via a reductive radical-polar crossover process under mild reaction conditions is presented. The protocol enables practical access to a variety of single regioisomer α-aryl-ß-difluoromethylene amides in good to excellent yields through consecutive difluoromethylenation, radical-polar crossover, 1,4-aryl migration, SO2 extrusion, and N-H bond formation cascade reaction.

Transcriptomic and Hormonal Changes in Wheat Roots Enhance Growth under Moderate Soil Drying.

Understanding the mechanisms that regulate plant root growth under soil drying is an important challenge in root biology. We observed that moderate soil drying promotes wheat root growth. To understand whether metabolic and hormonic changes are involved in this regulation, we performed transcriptome sequencing on wheat roots under well-watered and moderate soil drying conditions. The genes upregulated in wheat roots under soil drying were mainly involved in starch and sucrose metabolism and benzoxazinoid biosynthesis. Various plant hormone-related genes were differentially expressed during soil drying. Quantification of the plant hormones under these conditions showed that the concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA), cis-zeatin (CZ), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) significantly increased during soil drying, whereas the concentrations of salicylic (SA), jasmonic (JA), and glycosylated salicylic (SAG) acids significantly decreased. Correlation analysis of total root length and phytohormones indicated that CZ, ABA, and IAA are positively associated with wheat root length. These results suggest that changes in metabolic pathways and plant hormones caused by moderate soil drying help wheat roots grow into deeper soil layers.

SAL protects endothelial cells from H2O2-induced endothelial dysfunction: Regulation of inflammation and autophagy by EZH2.

One component of the polycomb repressor complex 2 is histone methyltransferase zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), which is also called Enhancer of zeste homolog 2. It is considered a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting endothelial dysfunction.. Hence, directing efforts towards EZH2 to weaken endothelium damage and regulate vascular lesions proves to be a highly successful therapeutic approach for enhancing endothelial dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which salidroside (SAL) improves hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced endothelial dysfunction. The investigation involved the use of many techniques, including western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a scratch test, molecular docking, and other methods. The experimental findings demonstrated that SAL has the ability to inhibit the impaired functioning of endothelial cells caused by H2O2 and decrease the levels of NF-κB p65, NLRP3, TNF-α, Beclin1, LC3, and P62 proteins. Additionally, there seems to be a targeting relationship between SAL and EZH2, and EZH2 knockdown can reproduce the protective effect of SAL on endothelial function. Overall, SAL inhibits H2O2-induced HUVEC dysfunction by regulating autophagy and inflammatory signaling pathways through EZH2.

Synergy between Nitrogen Removal and Fermentation Bacteria Ensured Efficient Nitrogen Removal of a Mainstream Anammox System at Low Temperatures.

Simultaneous partial nitrification, anammox, denitrification, and fermentation (SNADF) is a novel process achieving simultaneous advanced sludge reduction and nitrogen removal. The influence of low temperatures on the SNADF reactor was explored to facilitate the application of mainstream anammox. When temperature decreased from 32 to 16 °C, efficient nitrogen removal was achieved, with a nitrogen removal efficiency of 81.9-94.9%. Microbial community structure analysis indicated that the abundance of Candidatus Brocadia (dominant anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) in the system) increased from 0.03% to 0.18%. The abundances of Nitrospira and Nitrosomonas increased from 1.6% and 0.16% to 2.5% and 1.63%, respectively, resulting in an increase in the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) to nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) abundance ratio from 0.1 to 0.64. This ensured sufficient nitrite for AnAOB, promoting nitrogen removal. In addition, Candidatus Competibacter, which plays a role in partial denitrification, was the dominant denitrification bacteria (DNB) and provided more nitrite for AnAOB, facilitating AnAOB enrichment. Based on the findings from microbial correlation network analysis, Nitrosomonas (AOB), Thauera, and Haliangium (DNB), and A4b and Saprospiraceae (fermentation bacteria), were center nodes in the networks and therefore essential for the stability of the SNADF system. Moreover, fermentation bacteria, DNB, and AOB had close connections in substrate cooperation and resistance to adverse environments; therefore, they also played important roles in maintaining stable nitrogen removal at low temperatures. This study provided new suggestions for mainstream anammox application.

Increasing biomass concentration facilitates simultaneous nitrogen removal and sludge reduction under low C/N conditions.

To overcome the issues of limited carbon source and high sludge production in partial denitrification/anammox (PD/A) process, the effects of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N) on PD/A were investigated through parallel experiments. Nitrogen removal efficiencies decreased significantly when C/N was reduced (1.5 â†’ 0.75). When MLSS was doubled, the nitrogen removal efficiencies in the two parallel reactors increased from 75.3 %, 72.9 % to 86.9 %, 89.7 %, respectively, and sludge yields decreased obviously. Combining with in-situ test, it was speculated when MLSS increased, fermentation was enhanced, providing substrate for partial denitrification. Thauera, involved in partial denitrification, decreased obviously with reduced C/N, but increased from 9.93 % to 38.16 % when MLSS doubled, which could promote the PD/A process. Terrimonas and Ignavibacterium (fermentative bacteria) increased from 1.26 %, 5.22 % to 6.62 %, 6.30 %, respectively. These results proved that increasing MLSS under low C/N ratios promoted fermentation in PD/A system, facilitating efficient nitrogen removal and sludge reduction.

Programming Fluid Motion Using Multi-Enzyme Micropump Systems.

In the presence of appropriate substrates, surface-anchored enzymes can act as pumps and propel fluid through microchambers. Understanding the dynamic interplay between catalytic reactions and fluid flow is vital to enhancing the accuracy and utility of flow technology. Through a combination of experimental observations and numerical modeling, we show that coupled enzyme pumps can exhibit flow enhancement, flow suppression, and changes in the directionality (reversal) of the fluid motion. The pumps' ability to regulate the flow path is due to the reaction selectivity of the enzymes; the resultant fluid motion is only triggered by the presence of certain reactants. Hence, the reactants and the sequence in which they are present in the solution and the layout of the enzyme-attached patches form an "instruction set" that guides the flowing solution to specific sites in the system. Such systems can operate as sensors that indicate concentrations of reactants through measurement of the trajectory along which the flow demonstrates a maximal speed. The performed simulations suggest that the solutal buoyancy mechanism causes fluid motion and is responsible for all of the observed effects. More broadly, our studies provide a new route for forming self-organizing flow systems that can yield fundamental insight into nonequilibrium, dynamical systems.

Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a significant contributor to community-acquired pneumonia among children. Since 1968, when a strain of M. pneumoniae resistant to macrolide antibiotics was initially reported in Japan, macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (MRMP) has been documented in many countries worldwide, with varying incidence rates. MRMP infections lead to a poor response to macrolide antibiotics, frequently resulting in prolonged fever, extended antibiotic treatment, increased hospitalization, intensive care unit admissions, and a significantly higher proportion of patients receiving glucocorticoids or second-line antibiotics. Since 2000, the global incidence of MRMP has gradually increased, especially in East Asia, which has posed a serious challenge to the treatment of M. pneumoniae infections in children and attracted widespread attention from pediatricians. However, there is still no global consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of MRMP in children. METHODS: We organized 29 Chinese experts majoring in pediatric pulmonology and epidemiology to write the world's first consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric MRMP pneumonia, based on evidence collection. The evidence searches and reviews were conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Medline, and the Cochrane Library. We used variations in terms for "macrolide-resistant", "Mycoplasma pneumoniae", "MP", "M. pneumoniae", "pneumonia", "MRMP", "lower respiratory tract infection", "Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection", "children", and "pediatric". RESULTS: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, early identification, laboratory examination, principles of antibiotic use, application of glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin, and precautions for bronchoscopy are highlighted. Early and rapid identification of gene mutations associated with MRMP is now available by polymerase chain reaction and fluorescent probe techniques in respiratory specimens. Although the resistance rate to macrolide remains high, it is fortunate that M. pneumoniae still maintains good in vitro sensitivity to second-line antibiotics such as tetracyclines and quinolones, making them an effective treatment option for patients with initial treatment failure caused by macrolide antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus, based on international and national scientific evidence, provides scientific guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of MRMP in children. Further studies on tetracycline and quinolone drugs in children are urgently needed to evaluate their effects on the growth and development. Additionally, developing an antibiotic rotation treatment strategy is necessary to reduce the prevalence of MRMP strains.

Heptacyclic aromatic hydrocarbon isomers with two azulene units fused.

Azulene, known for its unique electronic properties and structural asymmetry, serves as a promising building block for the design of novel non-benzenoid polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Herein, we present the synthesis, characterization, and physical properties of three diazulene-fused heptacyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 8,17-dioctyldiazuleno[2,1-a:2',1'-h]anthracene (trans configuration), 16,18-dioctyldiazuleno[2,1-a:1',2'-j]anthracene (cis configuration) and 3,18-dioctyldiazuleno[2,1-a:1',2'-i]phenanthrene (zigzag configuration). Three compounds are configurational isomers with different fusing patterns of aromatic rings. All three isomers exhibit pronounced aromaticity, as revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. They exhibit characteristics of both azulene and benzenoid PAHs and are much more stable than their all-benzene analogues. The optical and electrochemical properties of these three isomers were investigated through UV-vis absorption spectra and cyclic voltammetry, revealing distinct behaviors influenced by their molecular configurations. Furthermore, the isomer in trans configuration exhibits promising semiconducting properties with a hole mobility of up to 0.22 cm2 V-1 s-1, indicating its potential in organic electronics applications.

Versatile, modular, and customizable magnetic solid-droplet systems.

Magnetic miniature robotic systems have attracted broad research interest because of their precise maneuverability in confined spaces and adaptability to diverse environments, holding significant promise for applications in both industrial infrastructures and biomedical fields. However, the predominant construction methodology involves the preprogramming of magnetic components into the system's structure. While this approach allows for intricate shape transformations, it exhibits limited flexibility in terms of reconfiguration and presents challenges when adapting to diverse materials, combining, and decoupling multiple functionalities. Here, we propose a construction strategy that facilitates the on-demand assembly of magnetic components, integrating ferrofluid droplets with the system's structural body. This approach enables the creation of complex solid-droplet robotic systems across a spectrum of length scales, ranging from 0.8 mm to 1.5 cm. It offers a diverse selection of materials and structural configurations, akin to assembling components like building blocks, thus allowing for the seamless integration of various functionalities. Moreover, it incorporates decoupling mechanisms to enable selective control over multiple functions, leveraging the fluidity, fission/fusion, and magneto-responsiveness properties inherent in the ferrofluid. Various solid-droplet systems have validated the feasibility of this strategy. This study advances the complexity and functionality achievable in small-scale magnetic robots, augmenting their potential for future biomedical and other applications.

Natural Polyphenol Delivered Methylprednisolone Achieve Targeted Enrichment for Acute Spinal Cord Injury Therapy.

The strong anti-inflammatory effect of methylprednisolone (MP) is a necessary treatment for various severe cases including acute spinal cord injury (SCI). However, concerns have been raised regarding adverse effects from MP, which also severely limits its clinical application. Natural polyphenols, due to their rich phenolic hydroxyl chemical properties, can form dynamic structures without additional modification, achieving targeted enrichment and drug release at the disease lesion, making them a highly promising carrier. Considering the clinical application challenges of MP, a natural polyphenolic platform is employed for targeted and efficient delivery of MP, reducing its systemic side effects. Both in vitro and SCI models demonstrated polyphenols have multiple advantages as carriers for delivering MP: (1) Achieved maximum enrichment at the injured site in 2 h post-administration, which met the desires of early treatment for diseases; (2) Traceless release of MP; (3) Reducing its side effects; (4) Endowed treatment system with new antioxidative properties, which is also an aspect that needs to be addressed for diseases treatment. This study highlighted a promising prospect of the robust delivery system based on natural polyphenols can successfully overcome the barrier of MP treatment, providing the possibility for its widespread clinical application.

Prostate cancer-induced endothelial-cell-to-osteoblast transition drives immunosuppression in the bone-tumor microenvironment through Wnt pathway-induced M2 macrophage polarization.

Immune checkpoint therapy has limited efficacy for patients with bone-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (bmCRPC). To improve immunotherapy for bmCRPC, we aimed to identify the mechanism of bmCRPC-induced changes in the immune microenvironment. Among bmCRPC patients, higher levels of a 32-gene M2-like macrophage signature in bone metastasis samples correlated with shorter overall survival. Immunohistochemistry showed that CD206-positive (CD206+) macrophages were enriched in bmCRPC bone biopsy specimens compared with primary tumors or lymph node metastases. In preclinical osteogenic prostate cancer (Pca) xenograft models, CD206+ macrophages were recruited to areas with tumor-induced bone. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis showed higher expression of an M2-like gene signature, with activated canonical and noncanonical Wnt pathways, in tumor-associated macrophages isolated from osteogenic tumors (bone-TAMs) than in TAMs isolated from nonosteogenic tumors (ctrl-TAMs). Mechanistic studies showed that endothelial cells (ECs) that had undergone EC-to-osteoblast (EC-to-OSB) transition, the precursors of tumor-induced OSBs, produced paracrine factors, including Wnts, CXCL14, and lysyl oxidase, which induced M2 polarization and recruited M2-like TAMs to the bone-tumor microenvironment (bone-TME). Bone-TAMs suppressed CD8+ T cells' proliferation and cytolytic activity, and these effects were partially reversed by treating bone-TAMs with Wnt inhibitors. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of Pca-induced EC-to-OSB transition reduced the levels of M2-like macrophages in osteogenic tumors. Our study demonstrates that Pca-induced EC-to-OSB transition drives immunosuppression in the bone-TME, suggesting that therapies that reduce Pca-induced bone formation may improve immunotherapeutic outcomes for bmCRPC.

Multiple sclerosis and abnormal spermatozoa: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, and previous observational epidemiological studies have suggested an association between MS and male infertility; male infertility due to sperm abnormalities may result from a number of aetiological factors, such as genetics, autoimmune factors, etc., and there are currently no studies to assess whether MS is associated with sperm abnormalities in men. Therefore, we performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal relationship between MS and abnormal spermatozoa. METHODS: In this study, independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) were identified by mining public genome-wide association study repositories and used as instrumental variables to explore causality. The causal effect of MS on sperm abnormalities was systematically assessed using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) techniques, and various analytical models such as inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO were implemented to dissect the association. In addition, a wide range of sensitivity tests, including Cochran's Q test to detect heterogeneity, MR-Egger intercept analysis to assess bias, leave-one-out to test model robustness, and funnel plot analysis to detect potential publication bias, were implemented to ensure the robustness and reliability of the causal inference results. RESULTS: There was a significant causal relationship between MS and abnormal sperm (OR 1.090, 95% CI [1.017-1.168], p = 0.014); The accuracy and robustness of the results were confirmed by sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: Here we show that there appears to be a causal relationship between multiple sclerosis and abnormal spermatozoa. MS as a chronic disease has a higher risk of concomitant sperm abnormalities in its male patients, and reproductive and fertility issues in men with MS should receive special attention from clinicians.

ß-Catenin gain of function mutant in mouse periocular neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells impairs embryonic eyelid morphogenesis and leads to blepharophimosis syndrome in mice.

PURPOSE: The aberrant canonical Wnt-ß-catenin signaling can cause devastating outcomes of tissue morphogenesis and tumor formation. In this study, we examined the impact of overexpression of constitutive active ß-catenin in mouse periocular neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells during embryonic eyelid morphogenesis. METHODS: We expressed a stabilized ß-catenin in which the exon 3 of the Ctnnb1 gene was deleted in periocular neural crest (PONC)-derived eyelid stromal cells (Ctnnb1Δex3-PONC). Histopathological examinations were performed to examine the eyelid morphogenetic alterations in Ctnnb1Δex3-PONC mice. Immunohistochemical investigations for cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation were also assessed. RESULTS: We discovered that nuclear accumulation of ß-catenin resulted in a reduction of nuclear Ki-67 and phospho-Erk1/2 expression levels and elevation of apoptosis in PONC cells during embryonic eyelid closure morphogenesis. Interestingly, however, the eyelid epithelial migration was not affected, which resulted in only eyelid epidermal closure but lacked underneath dermal formation at embryonic (E) day 16.5. The sequelae of Ctnnb1Δex3-PONC revealed the malformation of the eyelid margin and Meibomian gland and deficiency of Muller's smooth muscle fibers formation. Consequently, Ctnnb1Δex3-PONC mice manifested blepharophimosis syndrome at P21. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that aberrant expression of ß-catenin gain of function in PONC interrupts the interplay between epithelium and stroma for the morphogenesis of eyelid closure during embryonic development.

Additive-Assisted Forming High-Quality Thin Films of Sn-Oxo Cluster for Nanopatterning.

Recently, metal-oxo clusters (MOCs) have attracted significant interest in fabricating nanoscale patterns in semiconductors via lithography. However, many MOCs are highly crystalline, making it difficult for them to form films and hindering subsequent nanopatterning processes. In this study, we developed a novel and simple method to enhance the film-forming ability of aromatic tetranuclear Sn-oxo clusters by adding additives. Theoretical calculations and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the Sn-oxo clusters and additives, which induced a crystal-gel phase transition at -20 °C, thereby inhibiting the easy crystallization of the Sn-oxo clusters. High-quality and uniform thin films with surface roughness below 0.3 nm were prepared via spin coating. The obtained thin films exhibited good lithographic performance under deep ultraviolet (DUV), electron beam, and extreme-ultraviolet irradiation without a photo acid generator/photoinitiator, and 13- and 21 nm-wide line patterns were obtained on the films via electron-beam and extreme-ultraviolet lithographies. This study will pave the way for the further investigation of novel MOCs for advanced lithography and other thin-film applications.

Protons intercalation induced hydrogen bond network in δ-MnO2 cathode for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Birnessite-type MnO2 (δ-MnO2) exhibits great potential as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). However, the structural instability and sluggish reaction kinetics restrict its further application. Herein, a unique protons intercalation strategy was utilized to simultaneously modify the interlayer environment and transition metal layers of δ-MnO2. The intercalated protons directly form strong O  H bonds with the adjacent oxygens, while the increased H2O molecules also establish a hydrogen bond network (O  H···O) between H2O molecules or bond with adjacent oxygens. Based on the Grotthuss mechanism, these bondings ultimately enhance the stability of layered structures and facilitate the rapid diffusion of protons. Moreover, the introduction of protons induces numerous oxygen vacancies, reduces steric hindrance, and accelerates ion transport kinetics. Consequently, the protons intercalated δ-MnO2 (H-MnO2-x) demonstrates exceptional specific capacity of 401.7 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g and a fast-charging performance over 1000 cycles. Density functional theory analysis confirms the improved electronic conductivity and reduced diffusion energy barrier. Most importantly, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance tests combining with ex-situ characterizations verify the inhibitory effect of the interlayer proton environment on basic zinc sulfate formation. Protons intercalation behavior provides a promising avenue for the development of MnO2 as well as other cathodes in AZIBs.

Investigation on the Potential Functions of ZmEPF/EPFL Family Members in Response to Abiotic Stress in Maize.

Maize is an important crop used for food, feed, and fuel. Abiotic stress is an important factor affecting maize yield. The EPF/EPFL gene family encodes class-specific secretory proteins that play an important role in the response to abiotic stress in plants. In order to explore and utilize the EPF/EPFL family in maize, the family members were systematically identified, and their chromosomal localization, physicochemical properties, cis-acting element prediction in promoters, phylogenetic tree construction, and expression pattern analysis were carried out using bioinformatics techniques. A total of 18 ZmEPF/EPFL proteins were identified in maize, which are mostly alkaline and a small portion acidic. Subcellular localization results showed that ZmEPF6, ZmEPF12, and ZmEPFL2 are localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Analysis of cis-acting elements revealed that members of the ZmEPF/EPFL family contain regulatory elements such as light response, anoxic, low temperature, and hormone response regulatory elements. RT-qPCR results showed that these family members are indeed responding to cold stress and hormone treatments. These results of this study provide a theoretical basis for improving the abiotic stress resistance of maize in future research.

In-Situ Hydrothermal Fabrication of ZnO-Loaded GAC Nanocomposite for Efficient Rhodamine B Dye Removal via Synergistic Photocatalytic and Adsorptive Performance.

In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO)/granular activated carbon (GAC) composites at different ZnO concentrations (0.25M-ZnO@GAC, 0.5M-ZnO@GAC, and 0.75M-ZnO@GAC) were prepared by an in-situ hydrothermal method and demonstrated synergistic photocatalytic degradation and adsorption of rhodamine B (RhB). The thermal stability, morphological structure, elemental composition, crystallographic structure, and textural properties of developed catalysts were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive-x-ray (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The successful loading of ZnO onto GAC was confirmed by SEM-EDS and XRD analysis. The BET surface areas of GAC, 0.25M-ZnO@GAC, 0.5M-ZnO@GAC, and 0.75M-ZnO@GAC were 474 m2/g, 450 m2/g, 453 m2/g, and 421 m2/g, respectively. The decrease in GAC could be attributed to the successful loading of ZnO on the GAC surface. Notably, 0.5M-ZnO@GAC exhibited the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 82% and 97% under UV-A and UV-C light over 120 min, attributed to improved crystallinity and visible light absorption. The photocatalytic degradation parameters revealed that lowering the RhB concentration and raising the catalyst dosage and pH beyond the point of zero charge (PZC) would favor the RhB degradation. Photocatalytic reusability was demonstrated over five cycles. Scavenger tests revealed that the hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide radicals (O2-•), and photoinduced hole (h+) radicals play a major role during the RhB degradation process. Based on the TOC results, the RhB mineralization efficiency of 79.1% was achieved by 0.5M-ZnO@GAC. Additionally, GAC exhibited a strong adsorptive performance towards RhB, with adsorption capacity and the RhB removal of 487.1 mg/g and 99.5% achieved within 90 min of equilibrium time. The adsorption characteristics were best described by pseudo-second-order kinetics, suggesting chemical adsorption. This research offers a new strategy for the development of effective photocatalyst materials with potential for wider wastewater treatment applications.

Combinatorial strain improvement and bioprocess development for efficient production of ε-poly-L-lysine in Streptomyces albulus.

ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) is an amino acid homopolymer with diverse potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. To improve its biomanufacturing efficiency, strain engineering and bioprocess optimization were combined in this study. Firstly, a cocktail strain breeding strategy was employed to generate a ε-PL high-production mutant, Streptomyces albulus GS114, with enhanced L-lysine uptake capability. Subsequently, the L-lysine feeding conditions during fed-batch fermentation were systematically optimized to improve the L-lysine supply, resulting in ε-PL production reaching 73.1 ± 1.4 g/L in 5 L bioreactor. Finally, an engineered strain, S. albulus L2, with enhanced uptake capability and polymerization ability of L-lysine was constructed, achieving ε-PL production of 81.4 ± 5.2 g/L by fed-batch fermentation. This represents the highest reported production of ε-PL to date. This study provided an efficient production strategy for ε-PL and valuable insights into the high-value utilization of L-lysine.

18F-FDG PET/CT findings of paratesticular alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) originates from primitive mesenchymal cells and is the most common soft tissue tumor in childhood. 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has been reported to be valuable in RMS staging and risk stratification. Paratesticular RMS is a relatively uncommon form of RMS, most of which are of the embryonal histologic type. Paratesticular alveolar RMS is associated with aggressive behavior, high metastatic potential, and poor outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging findings of paratesticular alveolar RMS have never been described. Here, we report on a 16-year-old boy's rare paratesticular alveolar RMS with multiple metastases and its findings on 18F-FDG PET/CT. This case also demonstrates the potential value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in RMS staging and treatment decisions, and may aid in the differential diagnosis.