Bridging the gap between subjective probability and probability judgments: The quantum sequential sampler.

One of the most important challenges in decision theory has been how to reconcile the normative expectations from Bayesian theory with the apparent fallacies that are common in probabilistic reasoning. Recently, Bayesian models have been driven by the insight that apparent fallacies are due to sampling errors or biases in estimating (Bayesian) probabilities. An alternative way to explain apparent fallacies is by invoking different probability rules, specifically the probability rules from quantum theory. Arguably, quantum cognitive models offer a more unified explanation for a large body of findings, problematic from a baseline classical perspective. This work addresses two major corresponding theoretical challenges: first, a framework is needed which incorporates both Bayesian and quantum influences, recognizing the fact that there is evidence for both in human behavior. Second, there is empirical evidence which goes beyond any current Bayesian and quantum model. We develop a model for probabilistic reasoning, seamlessly integrating both Bayesian and quantum models of reasoning and augmented by a sequential sampling process, which maps subjective probabilistic estimates to observable responses. Our model, called the Quantum Sequential Sampler, is compared to the currently leading Bayesian model, the Bayesian Sampler (J. Zhu et al., 2020) using a new experiment, producing one of the largest data sets in probabilistic reasoning to this day. The Quantum Sequential Sampler embodies several new components, which we argue offer a more theoretically accurate approach to probabilistic reasoning. Moreover, our empirical tests revealed a new, surprising systematic overestimation of probabilities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Mechanism of norcantharidin intervention in gastric cancer: analysis based on antitumor proprietary Chinese medicine database, network pharmacology, and transcriptomics.

BACKGROUND: Combining antitumor proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) with radiotherapy and chemotherapy can effectively improve tumor cure rates and enhance patients' quality of life. Gastric cancer (GC) severely endangers public health. Despite satisfactory therapeutic effects achieved by using antitumor pCm to treat GC, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To integrate existing research data, construct a database of antitumor pCm, and study the intervention mechanisms in GC by focusing on their monomer components. METHODS: We constructed an antitumor pCm database based on China's medical insurance catalog, and employed network pharmacology, molecular docking methods, cell experiments, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics to investigate the intervention mechanisms of effective pCm components for GC. RESULTS: The study built an antitumor pCm database including 55 pCms, 171 Chinese herbal medicines, 1955 chemical components, 2104 targets, and 32 disease information. Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology identified norcantharidin as an effective component of antitumor pCm. In vitro experiments showed that norcantharidin effectively inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; blocked the G2/M cell cycle phase; and induced GC cell apoptosis. Transcriptomic results revealed that norcantharidin affected biological processes, such as cell adhesion, migration, and inflammatory responses by influencing PI3K-AKT, NF-κB, JAK-STAT, TNF-α signaling pathways, and EMT-related pathways. Core molecules of norcantharidin involved in GC intervention include SERPINE1, SHOX2, SOX4, PRDM1, TGFR3, TOX, PAX9, IL2RB, LAG3, and IL15RA. Additionally, the key target SERPINE1 was identified using bioinformatics methods. CONCLUSION: Norcantharidin, as an effective component of anti-tumor pCm, exerts its therapeutic effects on GC by influencing biological processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and inflammation. This study provides a foundation and research strategy for the post-marketing re-evaluation of antitumor pCms.

Synchronously Consolidating Li, Se, S, and C for Robust Li-SeS Batteries.

S-redox involving solvated polysulfides is accompanied by volumetric change and structural decay of the S-based cathodes. Here, we propose a synchronous construction strategy for consolidating Li, Se, S, and C elements within a composite cathode via a paradigm reaction of 8Li+2Se+CS2 = 2Li4SeS+C. The obtained composite features crystalline Li4SeS encapsulated in a carbon nanocage (Li4SeS@C), exhibiting ultrahigh electrical conductivity, ultralow activation barrier, and excellent structural integrity, accordingly enabling large specific capacity (615 mAh g-1) and high capacity retention (87.3% after 350 cycles) at 10 A g-1. TOF-SIMS demonstrates its superior volumetric efficiency to a similar derivative SeS@C (2Se+CS2 = 2SeS+C), and DFT reveals its lower activation barrier than Li2S@C and Li2Se@C. This consolidation design significantly improves the electrochemical performance of S-based cathodes, and the paradigm reaction guarantees structural diversity and flexibility. Moreover, employing a synchronous construction mechanism to maximize the synergistic effect between element consolidation and carbon encapsulation opens up a new approach for developing robust S or chalcogenide cathodes.

Formononetin ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis via enhancing antioxidant capacity, promoting tight junction protein expression and reshaping M1/M2 macrophage polarization balance.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complex, refractory inflammatory bowel disease characterized impared intestinal mucosal barrier and imbalanced M1/M2 macrophage polarization mediating its progression. Formononetin (FN), a bioactive isoflavone with established anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, shows promise in mitigating UC, yet its therapeutic and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, colitis was induced in mice by administering 2.5% (w/v) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution for 7 days. Oral (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) FN for 10 days significantly ameliorated colitis symptoms in a dose-dependent manner, by mitigating body weight loss, reducing disease activity index (DAI), colonic weight, and colonic weight index, while enhancing survival rates and colonic length. Histological analysis revealed FN remarkably suppressed inflammatory damage in colonic tissues. Furthermore, FN modulated the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Notably, FN treatment significantly enhanced the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (claudin-1, ZO-1, occludin) at both protein and mRNA levels in the colon tissues, suggesting improved intestinal barrier function. Crucially, FN inhibited macrophage infiltration in colonic tissues and rebalanced M1/M2 macrophage polarization. While, macrophage depletion largely abrogated FN's protective effects against colitis, indicating a crucial role for macrophages in mediating FN's therapeutic response. Overall, FN effectively alleviated colitis primarily via modulating inflammatory cytokine expression, enhancing antioxidant capacity, upregulating TJs proteins expression, and remodeling M1/M2 macrophage polarization equilibrium. These findings suggest that FN could be the next candidate to unlocking UC's treatment challenge.

Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveal That the Abietane Diterpene Isopimaric Acid Promotes Rice Growth through Inhibition of Defense Pathways.

Plants are an important source for the discovery of novel natural growth regulators. We used activity screening to demonstrate that treatment of Nipponbare seeds with 25 µg/mL isopimaric acid significantly increased the resulting shoot length, root length, and shoot weight of rice seedlings by 11.37 ± 5.05%, 12.96 ± 7.63%, and 27.98 ± 10.88% and that it has a higher activity than Gibberellin A3 (GA3) at the same concentration. A total of 213 inbred lines of different rice lineages were screened, and we found that isopimaric acid had different growth promotional activities on rice seedlings of different varieties. After induction with 25 µg/mL isopimaric acid, 15.02% of the rice varieties tested showed increased growth, while 15.96% of the varieties showed decreased growth; the growth of the remaining 69.02% did not show any significant change from the control. In the rice varieties showing an increase in growth, the shoot length and shoot weight significantly increased, accounting for 21.88% and 31.25%. The root length and weight significantly increased, accounting for 6.25% and 3.13%. Using genome-wide association studies (GWASs), linkage disequilibrium block, and gene haplotype significance analysis, we identified single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) signals that were significantly associated with the length and weight of shoots on chromosomes 2 and 8, respectively. After that, we obtained 17 candidate genes related to the length of shoots and 4 candidate genes related to the weight of shoots. Finally, from the gene annotation data and gene tissue-specific expression; two genes related to this isopimaric acid regulation phenotype were identified as OsASC1 (LOC_Os02g37080) on chromosome 2 and OsBUD13 (LOC_Os08g08080) on chromosome 8. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that OsASC1 was expressed in the plasma membrane and the nuclear membrane, while OsBUD13 was expressed in the nucleus. Further RT-qPCR analysis showed that the relative expression levels of the resistance gene OsASC1 and the antibody protein gene OsBUD13 decreased significantly following treatment with 25 µg/mL isopimaric acid. These results suggest that isopimaric acid may inhibit defense pathways in order to promote the growth of rice seedlings.

Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Treating Acute Kidney Injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a disease that is characterized by a rapid decline in renal function and has a relatively high incidence in hospitalized patients. Sepsis, renal hypoperfusion, and nephrotoxic drug exposure are the main causes of AKI. The major therapy measures currently include supportive treatment, symptomatic treatment, and kidney transplantation. These methods are supportive treatments, and their results are not satisfactory. Fortunately, many new treatments that markedly improve the AKI therapy efficiency are emerging. These include antioxidant therapy, ferroptosis therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy, autophagy therapy, and antiapoptotic therapy. In addition, the development of nanotechnology has further promoted therapeutic effects on AKI. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the development of nanocarriers for AKI drug delivery. Emphasis has been placed on the latest developments in nanocarrier modification and design. We also summarize the applications of different nanocarriers in AKI treatment. Finally, the advantages and challenges of nanocarrier applications in AKI are summarized, and several nanomedicines that have been approved for clinical trials to treat diverse kidney diseases are listed.

Adoption of a Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructure as a Multifunctional Biomaterial for Drug Delivery.

DNA nanostructures have been widely researched in recent years as emerging biomedical materials for drug delivery, biosensing, and cancer therapy, in addition to their hereditary function. Multiple precisely designed single-strand DNAs can be fabricated into complex, three-dimensional DNA nanostructures through a simple self-assembly process. Among all of the synthetic DNA nanostructures, tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) stand out as the most promising biomedical nanomaterial. TDNs possess the merits of structural stability, cell membrane permeability, and natural biocompatibility due to their compact structures and DNA origin. In addition to their inherent advantages, TDNs were shown to have great potential in delivering therapeutic agents through multiple functional modifications. As a multifunctional material, TDNs have enabled innovative pharmaceutical applications, including antimicrobial therapy, anticancer treatment, immune modulation, and cartilage regeneration. Given the rapid development of TDNs in the biomedical field, it is critical to understand how to successfully produce and fine-tune the properties of TDNs for specific therapeutic needs and clinical translation. This article provides insights into the synthesis and functionalization of TDNs and summarizes the approaches for TDN-based therapeutics delivery as well as their broad applications in the field of pharmaceutics and nanomedicine, challenges, and future directions.

Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality.

Importance: The impact of dietary fat intake on long-term human health has attracted substantial research interest, and the health effects of diverse dietary fats depend on available food sources. Yet there is a paucity of data elucidating the links between dietary fats from specific food sources and health. Objective: To study associations of dietary plant and animal fat intake with overall mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants: This large prospective cohort study took place in the US from 1995 to 2019. The analysis of men and women was conducted in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study. Data were analyzed from February 2021 to May 2024. Exposures: Specific food sources of dietary fats and other dietary information were collected at baseline, using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Main Outcomes and Measures: Hazard ratios (HRs) and 24-year adjusted absolute risk differences (ARDs) were estimated using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: The analysis included 407 531 men and women (231 881 [56.9%] male; the mean [SD] age of the cohort was 61.2 [5.4] years). During 8 107 711 person-years of follow-up, 185 111 deaths were ascertained, including 58 526 CVD deaths. After multivariable adjustment (including adjustment for the relevant food sources), a greater intake of plant fat (HRs, 0.91 and 0.86; adjusted ARDs, -1.10% and -0.73%; P for trend < .001), particularly fat from grains (HRs, 0.92 and 0.86; adjusted ARDs, -0.98% and -0.71%; P for trend < .001) and vegetable oils (HRs, 0.88 and 0.85; adjusted ARDs, -1.40% and -0.71%; P for trend < .001), was associated with a lower risk for overall and CVD mortality, respectively, comparing the highest to the lowest quintile. In contrast, a higher intake of total animal fat (HRs, 1.16 and 1.14; adjusted ARDs, 0.78% and 0.32%; P for trend < .001), dairy fat (HRs, 1.09 and 1.07; adjusted ARDs, 0.86% and 0.24%; P for trend < .001), or egg fat (HRs, 1.13 and 1.16; adjusted ARDs, 1.40% and 0.82%; P for trend < .001) was associated with an increased risk for mortality for overall and CVD mortality, respectively, comparing the highest to the lowest quintile. Replacement of 5% energy from animal fat with 5% energy from plant fat, particularly fat from grains or vegetable oils, was associated with a lower risk for mortality: 4% to 24% reduction in overall mortality, and 5% to 30% reduction in CVD mortality. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings from this prospective cohort study demonstrated consistent but small inverse associations between a higher intake of plant fat, particularly fat from grains and vegetable oils, and a lower risk for both overall and CVD mortality. A diet with a high intake of animal-based fat, including fat from dairy foods and eggs, was also shown to be associated with an elevated risk for both overall and CVD mortality.

Unveiling the Reaction Mystery Between Lithium Polysulfides and Lithium Metal Anode in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are widely regarded as one of the most promising next-generation high-energy-density energy storage devices. However, soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) corrode Li metal and deteriorate the cycling stability of Li-S batteries. Understanding the reaction mechanism between LiPSs and Li metal anode is imperative. Herein, the reaction rate and products of LiPSs with Li metal anode, the composition and structure of the as-generated solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and the mechanism of lithium nitrate (LiNO3) additives for inhibiting the corrosion reactions are systematically unveiled. Concretely, LiPSs react with Li metal anode more rapidly than Li salt and generate a Li2S-rich SEI. The Li2S-rich SEI is highly reactive with LiPSs, which exacerbates the formation of dendritic Li and the continuous corrosion of active Li. LiNO3 functions dominantly by modulating the solvation structure of LiPSs and inherently reducing the reactivity of LiPSs, rather than the conventional understanding of LiNO3 participating in the formation of SEI. This work reveals the reaction mechanism between LiPSs and Li metal anode and inspires rational regulating of the solvation structure of LiPSs for stabilizing Li metal anode in Li-S batteries.

Characterization and identification of the wide-polarity multicomponents from Prunella vulgaris by offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled to ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Metabolites identification is crucial to develop functional foods or perform quality control. Prunella vulgaris (Xia-Ku-Cao) is a medicinal and edible plant used as the herbal medicine or main additive in functional beverage. However, current analytical strategies can only on-line characterize tens of compounds, restricted by insufficient chromatographic resolution and low coverage of the mass spectrometric scan methods. This work was designed to characterize the wide-polarity components from the ear of P. vulgaris. The total extract was fractionated by semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography into the retained medium-polarity fraction and unretained polar fraction, which were further analyzed by offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) and hydrophilic interaction chromatography, respectively. Data-independent high-definition MSE of the Vion™ ion mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometer was utilized enabling the high-coverage acquisition of collision-induced dissociation-MS2 data. The offline 2D-LC, configuring the XBridge Amide and HSS T3 columns, gave high orthogonality (0.81) and effective peak capacity (1555). Automatic peak annotation facilitated by the UNIFI™ bioinformatics platform and comparison with 62 reference compounds achieved the efficient and more reliable structural elucidation. We could characterize 255 compounds from P. vulgaris, with numerous phenylpropanoid phenolic acids and triterpenoid O-glycosides newly reported. Especially, collision cross section (CCS) prediction and targeted isolation of three compounds assisted in the identification of 39 groups of isomers. Additionally, 17 hydrophilic compounds, involving oligosaccharides and organic acids, were characterized from the unretained polar fraction. Conclusively, the in-depth metabolites identification of P. vulgaris was accomplished, and the results can benefit the development and better quality control of this valuable plant.

Solvation Regulation Reinforces Anion-Derived Inorganic-Rich Interphase for High-Performance Quasi-Solid-State Li Metal Batteries.

Solid-state polymer lithium metal batteries are an important strategy for achieving high safety and high energy density. However, the issue of Li dendrites and inherent inferior interface greatly restricts practical application. Herein, this study introduces tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phosphate solvent with moderate solvation ability, which can not only complex with Li+ to promote the in-situ ring-opening polymerization of 1,3-dioxolane (DOL), but also build solvated structure models to explore the effect of different solvation structures in the polymer electrolyte. Thereinto, it is dominated by the contact ion pair solvated structure with pDOL chain segments forming less lithium bonds, exhibiting faster kinetic process and constructing a robust anion-derived inorganic-rich interphase, which significantly improves the utilization rate of active Li and the high-voltage resistance of pDOL. As a result, it exhibits stable cycling at ultra-high areal capacity of 20 mAh cm-2 in half cells, and an ultra-long lifetime of over 2000 h in symmetric cells can be realized. Furthermore, matched with LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 cathode, the capacity retention after 60 cycles is as high as 96.8% at N/P value of 3.33. Remarkably, 0.7 Ah Li||LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 pouch cell with an energy density of 461 Wh kg-1 can be stably cycled for five cycles at 100% depth of discharge.

Assessment of Pelvic Tilt in Anteroposterior Radiographs by Area Ratio Based on Deep Learning.

STUDY DESIGN: Diagnostics. OBJECTIVES: Based on deep learning semantic segmentation model, we sought to assess pelvic tilt by area ratio of the lesser pelvic and the obturator foramen in anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. BACKGROUND: Pelvic tilt is a critical factor in hip and spinal surgery, commonly evaluated by medical professionals through sagittal pelvic radiographs. The inherent pelvic asymmetry, as well as potential obstructions from clothing and musculature in roentgenography, may result in ghosting and blurring artifacts, thereby complicating precise measurement. METHODS: PT directly affects the area ratio of the lesser pelvis to the obturator foramen in AP radiographs. An exponential regression analysis of simulated radiographs from ten male and ten female pelvises in specific tilt positions derived a formula correlating this area ratio with PT. Two blinded investigators evaluated this formula using 161 simulated AP pelvic radiographs. A deep learning semantic segmentation model was then fine-tuned to automatically calculate the area ratio, enabling intelligent PT evaluation. This model and the regression function were integrated for automated PT measurement and tested on a dataset of 231 clinical cases. RESULTS: We observed no disparity between men and women in the aforementioned area ratio. The test results from two blinded investigators analyzing 161 simulated radiographs revealed a mean absolute error of 0.19° (SD ±4.71°), with a correlation coefficient between them reaching 0.96. In addition, the mean absolute error obtained from testing 231 clinical AP radiographs using the fine-tuned semantic segmentation model mentioned earlier is -0.58° (SD ±5.97°). CONCLUSIONS: We found that using deep learning neural networks enabled a more accurate and robust automatic measurement of PT through the area ratio of the lesser pelvis and obturator foramen.

Facile synthesis of ß-trifluoromethyl thioethers via DBN-catalyzed hydrothiolation of a-trifluoromethyl styrenes with thiols.

A very simple and atom-economical method for the synthesis of vicinal trifluoromethyl thioethers via DBN-catalyzed hydrothiolation of α-trifluoromethyl styrenes with thiols was reported. The reaction proceeded smoothly under mild reaction conditions and provided the ß-CF3-thioethers in moderate to good yields in an anti-Markovnikov manner.

Different Effects of Strong-Bonded Water with Different Degrees of Substitution of Sodium Sulfobutylether-ß-cyclodextrin on Encapsulation.

The encapsulation of sodium sulfobutylether-ß-cyclodextrin (SBE-ß-CD) is influenced not only by the degree of substitution (DS) but also by the presence of strong-bonded water (SBW). Guests compete with SBW for positions within the cavity of SBE-ß-CD. However, the correlation between DS and SBW was not clear. This study revealed a positive correlation between DS and SBW utilizing Karl Fischer titration. The mechanism may be attributed to molecular polarizability. To explore the impact of SBW inside SBE-ß-CD with different DS on encapsulation, density functional theory was employed. Throughout the release process, an increase in enthalpy is unfavorable, while an increase in entropy favors spontaneous reaction occurrence. For SBE-ß-CD (DS = 2, 3), enthalpy increase is the primary factor, leading to the retention of SBW within the cavities and consequently hindering guest entry. In contrast, for SBE-ß-CD (DS = 4, 7), the situation differs. For SBE10-ß-CD, the influence of SBW is minimal. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between DS and SBW, as well as the effect of SBW inside SBE-ß-CD with different DS on encapsulation. It is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting the encapsulation of SBE-ß-CD, thereby promoting quality control and functional development of SBE-ß-CD.

Revisiting the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Porous Electrodes in Li-ion Batteries by Employing Reference Electrode.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), characterized by its non-destructive and in-situ nature, plays a crucial role in comprehending the thermodynamic and kinetic processes occurring with Li-ion batteries. However, there is a lack of consistent and coherent physical interpretations for the EIS of porous electrodes. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct thorough investigations into the underlying physical mechanisms of EIS. Herein, by employing reference electrode in batteries, we revisit the associated physical interpretation of EIS at different frequency. Combining different battery configurations, temperature-dependent experiments, and elaborated distribution of relaxation time analysis, we find that the ion transport in porous electrode channels and pseudo-capacitance behavior dominate the high-frequency and mid-frequency impedance arcs, respectively. This work offers a perspective for the physical interpretation of EIS and also sheds light on the understanding of EIS characteristics in other advanced energy storage systems.

Exploring Mechanisms behind Migration's Impact on Protein Intake of Left-Behind Household Members: A Panel Analysis from China.

Malnutrition remains a critical global health challenge, especially in rural areas, where it significantly impacts the health and economic stability of households. This study explores (1) the relationship between labor migration and dietary protein intake in households remaining in economically disadvantaged rural regions and (2) the influence of remittance income, farm earnings, self-produced food, and changes in family size due to migration on their dietary protein. Panel data were collected through a three-wave household survey of 1368 rural households across six counties in the provinces of Guizhou, Yunnan, and Shaanxi during 2012, 2015, and 2018. Employing a two-way fixed effects model, we found that labor migration positively affects the protein consumption of families left behind. The mediated effects model indicated that decreases in family size had the most significant impact on protein intake, with a value of 8.714, accounting for 0.729 of the total effect; followed by the mediating effect through crop income, at 2.579, representing 0.216 of the total effect; and livestock income, at 0.772, contributing 0.073 of the total effect. However, the mediating effects of remittance income and self-production were found to be insignificant. In conclusion, our study found that migration improves protein intake primarily through increased crop and livestock production and decreased family size. These results highlight the critical role of family structure and farm productivity in enhancing the nutrition of families affected by labor migration, offering valuable insights for policymakers.

The role of social capital in the impact of multiple shocks on households' coping strategies in underdeveloped rural areas.

Social capital has long been recognized as a facilitator of socio-economic development. However, the role of social capital in enhancing resilience to multiple shocks in rural China remains insufficiently explored. This study focus on the resilience of households that have recently get rid of poverty and reside in underdeveloped rural areas of China. Unlike previous studies, the article incorporates multiple shocks, social capital, and households' coping strategies into a research framework at the micro level. This study systematically analyses the multiple shocks experienced by households, their coping strategies, and further explores the mediating role of social capital. Utilizing two waves of a rural household panel survey data collected in six underdeveloped counties in 2015 and 2018 in China, we present four key findings. Currently, households primarily contend with drought, illness of family members, and the high costs of agricultural inputs as the main shocks. Their predominant coping strategy is reducing consumption. Importantly, social capital exhibits a mediating effect, accounting for 9.8% of the impact of multiple shocks on households' coping strategies. Notably, natural disasters significantly diminish the informal functions of social capital. While social capital exerts a full mediating effect in non-agricultural households, this effect is not observed among others. This study contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics and specificities of social capital in vulnerable rural areas. Additionally, the findings provide policymakers with practical insights regarding differentiated and preemptive risk governance approaches.

Adding salt to foods and risk of psoriasis: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: High salt intake may play a critical role in the etiology of psoriasis. Yet, evidence on the association of high salt intake with risk of psoriasis is limited. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between frequency of adding salt to foods and risk of psoriasis. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 433,788 participants from the UK Biobank. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of psoriasis in relation to frequency of adding salt to foods were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. We further evaluated the joint association of adding salt to foods and genetic susceptibility with risk of psoriasis. We conducted a mediation analysis to assess how much of the effect of adding salt to foods on risk of psoriasis was mediated through several selected mediators. RESULTS: During a median of 14.0 years of follow-up, 4279 incident cases of psoriasis were identified. In the multivariable-adjusted model, a higher frequency of adding salt to foods was significantly associated with an increased risk of psoriasis ("always" versus "never/rarely" adding salt to foods, HR = 1.25, 95 % CI: 1.10, 1.41). The observed positive association was generally similar across subgroups. In the joint association analysis, we observed that participants with a high genetic risk (above the second tertile) and the highest frequency of adding salt to foods experienced 149 % higher risk of psoriasis, when compared with participants with a low genetic risk (below the first tertile) and the lowest frequency of adding salt to foods (HR = 2.49, 95 % CI: 2.05, 3.02). Mediation analysis revealed that 1.8 %-3.2 % of the positive association between frequency of adding salt and risk of psoriasis was statistically significantly mediated by obesity and inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and systemic immune-inflammation index (all P values < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated a positive association between frequency of adding salt to foods and risk of psoriasis. The positive association was independent of multiple other risk factors, and may be partially mediated through obesity and inflammation.

Outer membrane vesicles from X-ray-irradiated Pseudomonas aeruginosa alleviate lung injury caused by P. aeruginosa infection-mediated sepsis.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection causes pneumonia and sepsis. Previous research found that X-ray radiation can induce P. aeruginosa to release outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of relatively consistent sizes. This study found that OMVs derived from X-ray-irradiated P. aeruginosa can significantly inhibit lung leakage, inflammatory cell infiltrating into lung, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1ß and TNFα caused by P. aeruginosa infection under preventive and therapeutic administration conditions. Under the same conditions, OMVs also significantly alleviated pathological characteristics of lung injury, including pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage, and alveolar wall thickening. OMVs also significantly reduced bacterial burdens in peritoneal cavity, accompanied by a reduction in the number of viable bacteria capable of forming bacterial colonies. Pretreating macrophages and neutrophils with OMVs enhances their bactericidal ability. When bacteria were cocultured with treated cells, the number of viable bacteria capable of forming bacterial colonies was significantly reduced. OMVs themselves have not been shown to cause any lung injury or affect bacterial viability. Therefore, OMVs derived from X-ray-irradiated P. aeruginosa may not only be applied in prevention and treatment of diseases associated with P. aeruginosa infection, but also served as an excellent vaccine development platform.