Assessing recent recurrence after hepatectomy for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma by a predictive model based on sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia may be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following hepatectomy. But traditional single clinical variables are still insufficient to predict recurrence. We still lack effective prediction models for recent recurrence (time to recurrence < 2 years) after hepatectomy for HCC. AIM: To establish an interventable prediction model to estimate recurrence-free survival (RFS) after hepatectomy for HCC based on sarcopenia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 283 hepatitis B-related HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for the first time, and the skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar spine was measured by preoperative computed tomography. 94 of these patients were enrolled for external validation. Cox multivariate analysis was per-formed to identify the risk factors of postoperative recurrence in training cohort. A nomogram model was developed to predict the RFS of HCC patients, and its predictive performance was validated. The predictive efficacy of this model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia [Hazard ratio(HR) = 1.767, 95%CI: 1.166-2.678, P < 0.05], alpha-fetoprotein ≥ 40 ng/mL (HR = 1.984, 95%CI: 1.307-3.011, P < 0.05), the maximum diameter of tumor > 5 cm (HR = 2.222, 95%CI: 1.285-3.842, P < 0.05), and hepatitis B virus DNA level ≥ 2000 IU/mL (HR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.407-3.135, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors associated with postoperative recurrence of HCC. Based on the sarcopenia to assess the RFS model of hepatectomy with hepatitis B-related liver cancer disease (SAMD) was established combined with other the above risk factors. The area under the curve of the SAMD model was 0.782 (95%CI: 0.705-0.858) in the training cohort (sensitivity 81%, specificity 63%) and 0.773 (95%CI: 0.707-0.838) in the validation cohort. Besides, a SAMD score ≥ 110 was better to distinguish the high-risk group of postoperative recurrence of HCC. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is associated with recent recurrence after hepatectomy for hepatitis B-related HCC. A nutritional status-based prediction model is first established for postoperative recurrence of hepatitis B-related HCC, which is superior to other models and contributes to prognosis prediction.

Safe utilization and remediation potential of the mulberry-silkworm system in heavy metal-contaminated lands: A review.

Mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing hold a prominent position in the agricultural industries of many Asian countries, contributing to economic growth, sustainable development, and cultural heritage preservation. Applying the soil-mulberry-silkworm system (SMSS) to heavy metal (HM)-contaminated areas is significant economically, environmentally, and socially. The ultimate goal of this paper is to review the main research progress of SMSS under HM stress, examining factors affecting its safe utilization and remediation potential for HM-contaminated soils. HM tolerance of mulberry and silkworms relates to their growth stages. Based on the standards for HM contaminants in various mulberry and silkworm products and the bioconcentration factor of HMs at different parts of SMSS, we calculated maximum safe Cd and Pb levels for SMSS application on contaminated lands. Several remediation practices demonstrated mulberry's ability to grow on barren lands, absorb various HMs, while silkworm excreta can adsorb HMs and improve soil fertility. Considering multiple factors influencing HM tolerance and accumulation, we propose a decision model to guide SMSS application in polluted areas. Finally, we discussed the potential of using molecular breeding techniques to screen or develop varieties better suited for HM-contaminated regions. However, actual pollution scenarios are often complex, requiring consideration of multiple factors. More large-scale applications are crucial to enhance the theoretical foundation for applying SMSS in HM pollution risk areas.

Trigonometric-spline dwell time scheduling and real-time interpolator under dynamic constraints for deterministic polishing.

Dwell time scheduling is a critical stage of deterministic polishing for ultra-precision fabrication of optics. Recently the dwell time algorithms for deterministic polishing have been widely studied. Nevertheless, there exist some shortcomings when those methods were applied in the industry, including low computational efficiency, large memory consumption, insufficiently-considered dynamic constraints, poor smoothness of the feedrate profile, and reliance on non-open CNC interpolator. To overcome those deficiencies, this work proposes a highly-efficient dwell time algorithm under the dynamic constraints of machine tools. The method calculates the initial dwell time density (DTD) sequence through non-blind deconvolution algorithm, and provides the feasible set of DTD profiles based on trigonometric-spline model. And the DTD repairing tactics are developed based on a self-adaptive offset algorithm under confined feedrate and acceleration. Finally, a C1-continuous DTD profile satisfying dynamic constraints is generated. A real-time interpolator based on trigonometric-spline DTD profile is developed. The simulation results show that the proposed method generates a C1-continuous feedrate profile rigidly respecting dynamic constraints, and preserves the ideal dwell time gradient distribution, achieving a more ideal residual error with high computational efficiency compared with the previous methods. The comparative experiments demonstrate that the proposed method performs better in suppressing the multi-frequency errors compared with the previous methods, and achieves high computational efficiency. The algorithm is applicable to highly-precise and highly-efficient fabrication of large-aperture optical components.

Spatial information extraction of fishing grounds for light purse seine vessels in the Northwest Pacific Ocean based on AIS data.

Ecological fishery management requires high-precision fishery information to support resource management and marine spatial planning. In this paper, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) was adopted to extract the spatial information on the fishing grounds of light purse seine vessels in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. The spatial distributions of fishing grounds mapped by the data mining, kernel density analysis and hotspot analysis methods were compared. The spatial similarity index was applied to determine the spatial consistency between the computed spatial information and fisheries resource information. Finally, the spatial information derived by the best method was used to investigate the characteristics of fishing activity. The results showed that: the speed of light purse seine vessels related to operations was lower than 1.6 knots. The spatial information extracted by the three methods was consistent with the catch data distribution, and the spatial similarity between the fishing effort and catch data was the highest. The spatial variation in fishing activity was similar to that in the chub mackerel migration route. AIS data could be used to provide high-resolution fishery information. Light purse seine fishing vessels typically operate and travel along the exclusive economic zone boundary, and increased attention must be given to fishing vessel operation supervision. A comprehensive supervision system can be employed to monitor the operations of fishing vessels more effectively. The results of this study can provide technical support for the management of fishing activities and conservation of marine resources in this region using AIS data.

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation on the quality of single-cone obturation using a modified passive-deflation sealer injection needle: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to design a modified passive-deflation sealer injection needle and investigate its ability to improve obturation quality of single-cone technique through assessing the distribution of voids in root canals using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight mandibular incisors were divided into eight groups (n = 6), according to the taper of root canal preparation (0.06 or 0.04), the needle used for sealer injection (modified or commercial iRoot SP injection needle), and the obturation method (iRoot SP sealer-only or single-cone obturation). After obturation, each specimen was scanned by micro-CT. The volumetric percentage and distribution of all voids were first analyzed and compared among groups, then the open and closed voids were separately analyzed and compared among single-cone obturation groups. RESULTS: Compared to commercial needle groups, modified needle groups showed much less voids, especially in the apical root canal part (P < 0.05). Besides, the modified needle groups produced much less open voids than commercial needle groups despite the root canal taper (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The modified passive deflation sealer injection needle could effectively improve the quality of single-cone obturation through reducing intra-canal voids, especially open voids throughout the root canal, thus might possibly be developed as an effective intra-canal sealer delivering instrument.

YY1 Lactylation Aggravates Autoimmune Uveitis by Enhancing Microglial Functions via Inflammatory Genes.

Activated microglia in the retina are essential for the development of autoimmune uveitis. Yin-Yang 1 (YY1) is an important transcription factor that participates in multiple inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. Here, an increased YY1 lactylation in retinal microglia within in the experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) group is observed. YY1 lactylation contributed to boosting microglial activation and promoting their proliferation and migration abilities. Inhibition of lactylation suppressed microglial activation and attenuated inflammation in EAU. Mechanistically, cleavage under targets & tagmentation ï¼ˆCUT&Tag） analysis revealed that YY1 lactylation promoted microglial activation by regulating the transcription of a set of inflammatory genes, including STAT3, CCL5, IRF1, IDO1, and SEMA4D. In addition, p300 is identified as the writer of YY1 lactylation. Inhibition of p300 decreased YY1 lactylation and suppressed microglial inflammation in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, the results showed that YY1 lactylation promoted microglial dysfunction in autoimmune uveitis by upregulating inflammatory cytokine secretion and boosting cell migration and proliferation. Therapeutic effects can be achieved by targeting the lactate/p300/YY1 lactylation/inflammatory genes axis.

Large-Area Fabrication of Porous Graphene Networks on Carbon Fabric via Millisecond Photothermal Processing of Polyaniline for Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors demonstrate promising potential for flexible, multi-functional energy storage devices; however, their widespread adoption is confronted by fabrication challenges. To access a combination of desirable device qualities such as flexibility, lightweight, structural stability, and enhanced electrochemical performance, carbon fiber (CF) can be utilized as a current collector, alongside graphene as an electrochemically active material. Yet achieving a cost-effective, large-scale graphene production, particularly on CF, remains challenging. Here, a rapid (<1 min) photothermal approach is developed for the large-scale production of graphene directly onto CF, utilizing polyaniline (PANI) as a polymer precursor. The in situ electropolymerization of PANI on CF facilitates its rapid synthesis on large areas, followed by conversion into graphene networks, enabling the binder-free fabrication of supercapacitor devices. These devices exhibit an areal capacitance of 180 mF cm-2 (at 2 mA cm-2 in 1 m H2SO4), an order of magnitude higher than other fabric-based devices. Moreover, the devised photothermal strategy allows for one-step preparation of supercapacitor devices on areas exceeding 100 cm-2, yielding an absolute areal capacitance of 4.5 F. The proportional increase in capacitance with device area facilitates scaling and indicates the commercial viability of this approach for low-cost, energy-efficient, and high-throughput production of lightweight, high-performance graphene-based multi-functional supercapacitor devices.

Comparison of methods for activating sesame stalk lignin biochar for removing benzo[a]pyrene from sesame oil.

In this study, three activators and two activation methods were employed to activate sesame lignin-based biochar. The biochar samples were comprehensively characterized, their abilities to adsorb benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) from sesame oil were assessed, and the mechanism was analyzed. The results showed that the biochar obtained by one-step activation was more effective in removing BaP from sesame oil than the biochar produced by two-step activation. Among them, the biochar generated by one-step activation with ZnCl2 as the activator had the largest specific surface area (1068.8776 m3/g), and the richest mesoporous structure (0.7891 m3/g); it removed 90.53 % of BaP from sesame oil. BaP was mainly adsorbed by the mesopores of biochar. Mechanistically, pore-filling, π-π conjugations, hydrogen bonding, and n-π interactions were involved. The adsorption was spontaneous and heat-absorbing. In conclusion, the preparation of sesame lignin biochar using one-step activation with ZnCl2 as the activator was found to be the best for removing BaP from sesame oil. This biochar may be an economical adsorbent for the industrial removal of BaP from sesame oil.

A Non-Destructive Detection and Grading Method of the Internal Quality of Preserved Eggs Based on an Improved ConvNext.

As a traditional delicacy in China, preserved eggs inevitably experience instances of substandard quality during the production process. Chinese preserved egg production facilities can only rely on experienced workers to select the preserved eggs. However, the manual selection of preserved eggs presents challenges such as a low efficiency, subjective judgments, high costs, and hindered industrial production processes. In response to these challenges, this study procured the transmitted imagery of preserved eggs and refined the ConvNeXt network across four pivotal dimensions: the dimensionality reduction of model feature maps, the integration of multi-scale feature fusion (MSFF), the incorporation of a global attention mechanism (GAM) module, and the amalgamation of the cross-entropy loss function with focal loss. The resultant refined model, ConvNeXt_PEgg, attained proficiency in classifying and grading preserved eggs. Notably, the improved model achieved a classification accuracy of 92.6% across the five categories of preserved eggs, with a grading accuracy of 95.9% spanning three levels. Moreover, in contrast to its predecessor, the refined model witnessed a 24.5% reduction in the parameter volume, alongside a 3.2 percentage point augmentation in the classification accuracy and a 2.8 percentage point boost in the grading accuracy. Through meticulous comparative analysis, each enhancement exhibited varying degrees of performance elevation. Evidently, the refined model outshone a plethora of classical models, underscoring its efficacy in discerning the internal quality of preserved eggs. With its potential for real-world implementation, this technology portends to heighten the economic viability of manufacturing facilities.

Interchain-expanded extra-large-pore zeolites.

Stable aluminosilicate zeolites with extra-large pores that are open through rings of more than 12 tetrahedra could be used to process molecules larger than those currently manageable in zeolite materials. However, until very recently1-3, they proved elusive. In analogy to the interlayer expansion of layered zeolite precursors4,5, we report a strategy that yields thermally and hydrothermally stable silicates by expansion of a one-dimensional silicate chain with an intercalated silylating agent that separates and connects the chains. As a result, zeolites with extra-large pores delimited by 20, 16 and 16 Si tetrahedra along the three crystallographic directions are obtained. The as-made interchain-expanded zeolite contains dangling Si-CH3 groups that, by calcination, connect to each other, resulting in a true, fully connected (except possible defects) three-dimensional zeolite framework with a very low density. Additionally, it features triple four-ring units not seen before in any type of zeolite. The silicate expansion-condensation approach we report may be amenable to further extra-large-pore zeolite formation. Ti can be introduced in this zeolite, leading to a catalyst that is active in liquid-phase alkene oxidations involving bulky molecules, which shows promise in the industrially relevant clean production of propylene oxide using cumene hydroperoxide as an oxidant.

Engineered Luminescent Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus Activation of Photodynamic-Immune Combination Therapy for Colorectal Cancer.

Oncolytic virus therapy is currently regarded as a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy. It has greater therapeutic advantages for colorectal cancer that is prone to distant metastasis. However, the therapeutic efficacy and clinical application of viral agents alone for colorectal cancer remain suboptimal. In this study, an engineered oncolytic vaccinia virus (OVV-Luc) that expresses the firefly luciferase gene is developed and loaded Chlorin e6 (Ce6) onto the virus surface through covalent coupling, resulting in OVV-Luc@Ce6 (OV@C). The OV@C infiltrates tumor tissue and induces endogenous luminescence through substrate catalysis, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species. This unique system eliminates the need for an external light source, making it suitable for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in deep tissues. Moreover, this synergistic effect between PDT and viral immunotherapy enhances dendritic cell maturation, macrophage polarization, and reversal of the immunosuppressive microenvironment. This synergistic effect has the potential to convert a "cold" into a "hot" tumor, it offers valuable insights for clinical translation and application.

The combination of paeonol, diosmetin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from Trichosanthis pericarpium alleviates arachidonic acid-induced thrombosis in a zebrafish model.

Trichosanthis fruit (TF) is a classic medicinal material obtained from Shandong, China. The peel of this fruit (Trichosanthis pericarpium, TP) is known to exert anti-thrombotic effects. However, the anti-thrombotic active components and mechanisms of TP have yet to be fully elucidated. Combined with zebrafish models and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), this study evaluated the endogenous anti-thrombotic effects with the combination of three compounds from TP. First, we used HPLC to investigate the components in the water extract of TP. Next, we used the zebrafish model to investigate the anti-thrombotic activity of the three compound combinations by evaluating a range of indicators. Finally, the expression of related genes was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). HPLC detected a total of eight components in TP water extract, with high levels of paeonol (Pae), diosmetin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (diosmetin-7-O-glucoside), and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). The most significant anti-thrombotic activity was detected when the Pae: diosmetin-7-O-glucoside:5-HMF ratio was 4:3:3. qPCR analysis revealed that the abnormal expression levels of f2, fga, fgb, vwf, ptgs1, and tbxas1 induced by arachidonic acid (AA) were improved. The combination of Pae, diosmetin-7-O-glucoside, and 5-HMF may alleviate AA-induced thrombosis by inhibiting the inflammatory reaction, coagulation cascade reaction, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways.

Design of Abrasion-Resistant, Long-Lasting Antifog Coatings.

Fog formation is a common challenge for numerous applications, such as food packaging, mirrors, building windows, and freezer/refrigerator doors. Most notably, fog forms on the inner surfaces of prescription glasses and safety eyewear (particularly when used with a mask), face shields, and helmet lenses. Fogging is caused by the distortion of light from condensed water droplets present on a surface and can typically be prevented if the surface static water contact angle (θ) is less than ∼40°. Such a low contact angle can be readily achieved by either increasing the substrate surface energy or by engineering surface nanotexture. Unfortunately, such nanotexture can be readily damaged with use, while high surface energy substrates get covered with low surface energy foulants over time. Consequently, even with numerous ephemeral antifog coatings, currently there are no commercially available, durable, and permanent antifog coatings. Here we discuss the development of a new class of high-performance antifog coatings that are abrasion-resistant and long-lasting. These polyvinylpyrrolidone-based coatings, designed based on the classical Ratner-Lancaster wear model, dramatically outperform the base polymer, as well as all tested commercially available antifog coatings. Specifically, these coatings exhibit a > 400% increase in fogging time compared to base polymer, a > 50,000% increase in wear resistance, and excellent long-term antifog performance. The developed coatings also significantly outperformed all tested commercially available antifog coatings in terms of their antifog performance, wear resistance, and long-term cyclical performance. Additionally, the key design strategies employed here─incorporation of toughening agents and hydrophilic slip additives─offer a new approach to developing high-performance, durable antifog coatings based on other well-known antifog polymers.

Epigenetic modification of a pectin methylesterase gene activates apoplastic iron reutilization in tomato roots.

Iron (Fe) distribution and reutilization are crucial for maintaining Fe homeostasis in plants. Here, we demonstrate that the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Colorless non-ripening (Cnr) epimutant exhibits increased Fe retention in cell wall pectin due to an increase in pectin methylesterase (PME) activity. This ultimately leads to Fe deficiency responses even under Fe-sufficient conditions when compared to the wild type (WT). Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing revealed that modifications to cell wall-related genes, especially CG hypermethylation in the intron region of PECTIN METHYLESTERASE53 (SlPME53), are involved in the Cnr response to Fe deficiency. When this intron hypermethylation of SlPME53 was artificially induced in WT, we found that elevated SlPME53 expression was accompanied by increased PME activity and increased pectin-Fe retention. The manipulation of SlPME53, either through overexpression in WT or knockdown in Cnr, influenced levels of pectin methylesterification and accumulation of apoplast Fe in roots. Moreover, CG hypermethylation mediated by METHYLTRANSFERASE1 (SlMET1) increased SlPME53 transcript abundance, resulting in greater PME activity and higher Fe retention in cell wall pectin. Therefore, we conclude that the Cnr mutation epigenetically modulates SlPME53 expression by SlMET1-mediated CG hypermethylation, and thus the capacity of the apoplastic Fe pool, creating opportunities for genetic improvement of crop mineral nutrition.

Generation of a ISL1 homozygous knockout stem cell line (WAe009-A-1G) by episomal vector-based CRISPR/Cas9 system.

The ISL LIM homeobox 1 (ISL1) gene belongs to the LIM/homeodomain transcription factor family and plays a pivotal role in conveying multipotent and proliferative properties of cardiac precursor cells. Mutations in ISL1 are linked to congenital heart disease. To further explore ISL1's role in the human heart, we have created a homozygous ISL1 knockout (ISL1-KO) human embryonic stem cell line using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Notably, this ISL1-KO cell line retains normal morphology, pluripotency, and karyotype. This resource serves as a valuable tool for investigating ISL1's function in cardiomyocyte differentiation.

A novel capitate bone Ilizarov external fixator for treating Kienböck's disease: an anatomical and biomechanical study.

This study aims to measure anatomical data of the capitate bone, develop an external fixator for treating late-stage osteonecrosis of lunate through Ilizarov technique, and evaluate its biomechanical performance. We selected eight wrist joint specimens to measure various parameters of the capitate bone, including its length, the distance from the junction of capitate head and body to the proximal end, as well as the width of its proximal head and distal body. Additionally, we measured these same indicators in 107 patients who had undergone wrist X-ray examination. Based on our measurements, we categorized the capitate bone into two groups and designed two types of capitate bone Ilizarov external fixator (CIEF) for it. Then, we compared it with the orthofix external fixator (OEF) through dynamic fatigue biomechanical experiments and pull-out resistance experiments. The results of the measurement revealed two categories of general patterns in the capitate bone. The first type maintains a consistent longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends. The second type is characterized by its proximal end being close to the radial side and its distal end being close to the ulnar side. In the dynamic tensile fatigue test, CIEF-A and CIEF-B had smaller maximum displacement values compared to the OEF (P < 0.05). In the anti-pull-out experiment, both CIEF-A and CIEF-B exhibited higher maximum pull-out force than the OEF (P < 0.05). CIFE is a treatment for advanced osteonecrosis of the lunate bone. It is specifically designed to align with the anatomical characteristics of the capitate bone, providing excellent biomechanical properties and a simple clinical procedure. However, additional clinical experiments are needed to confirm its effectiveness in the future.

Effort expenditure modulates feedback evaluations involving self-other agreement: evidence from brain potentials and neural oscillations.

The influence of effort expenditure on the subjective value in feedback involving material reward has been the focus of previous research. However, little is known about the impact of effort expenditure on subjective value evaluations when feedback involves reward that is produced in the context of social interaction (e.g. self-other agreement). Moreover, how effort expenditure influences confidence (second-order subjective value) in feedback evaluations remains unclear. Using electroencephalography, this study aimed to address these questions. Event-related potentials showed that, after exerting high effort, participants exhibited increased reward positivity difference in response to self-other (dis)agreement feedback. After exerting low effort, participants reported high confidence, and the self-other disagreement feedback evoked a larger P3a. Time-frequency analysis showed that the high-effort task evoked increased frontal midline theta power. In the low (vs. high)-effort task, the frontal midline delta power for self-other disagreement feedback was enhanced. These findings suggest that, at the early feedback evaluation stage, after exerting high effort, individuals exhibit an increased sensitivity of subjective value evaluation in response to self-other agreement feedback. At the later feedback evaluation stage, after completing the low-effort task, the self-other disagreement feedback violates the individuals'high confidence and leads to a metacognitive mismatch.

Strain regulates the photovoltaic performance of thick-film perovskites.

Perovskite photovoltaics, typically based on a solution-processed perovskite layer with a film thickness of a few hundred nanometres, have emerged as a leading thin-film photovoltaic technology. Nevertheless, many critical issues pose challenges to its commercialization progress, including industrial compatibility, stability, scalability and reliability. A thicker perovskite film on a scale of micrometres could mitigate these issues. However, the efficiencies of thick-film perovskite cells lag behind those with nanometre film thickness. With the mechanism remaining elusive, the community has long been under the impression that the limiting factor lies in the short carrier lifetime as a result of defects. Here, by constructing a perovskite system with extraordinarily long carrier lifetime, we rule out the restrictions of carrier lifetime on the device performance. Through this, we unveil the critical role of the ignored lattice strain in thick films. Our results provide insights into the factors limiting the performance of thick-film perovskite devices.

Mobile App Use among Persons with Fibromyalgia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Persons with fibromyalgia experience a diverse set of symptoms. Recommendations for management generally focus on multidisciplinary approaches involving multiple modalities. Mobile apps can be an essential component for self-management, yet little is known about how persons with fibromyalgia use mobile apps for health-related purposes. A cross-sectional survey (N=663) was conducted to understand the real-world use of apps among persons with fibromyalgia. The survey included two main foci: 1) eHealth literacy and use of information sources, and 2) mobile app use patterns and preferences for health-related purposes, including the types of apps used and usage characteristics of apps that they used, as well as those that they had discontinued. Respondents' average eHealth literacy as measured by eHEALS was 31.4 (SD=7.1), and they utilized diverse information sources. Approximately two-thirds of the sample used mobile apps; the remaining one-third did not. Diverse health management needs were represented in the apps reported, including scheduling/time management, notetaking, fitness, and wellness. Compared to apps that had been discontinued, participants rated apps that they still used higher in terms of ease of use and used them more frequently. Reasons for discontinuing app use included issues with privacy, the effort required, lack of interest, and lack of perceived quality. Other reasons for app non-use were lack of awareness and how-to knowledge, indicating that disseminating information about apps and addressing other barriers, such as providing user support, are critical to increasing uptake. These study findings can inform both app design and dissemination. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents how persons with fibromyalgia use mobile apps to manage their health. The findings could inform the development of digital interventions or programs for this group.

Four New Isocoumarins from the Mangrove Fungus Alternaria Malorum with Antimicrobial Activities.

Four new isocoumarins, alternariethers A-C (1-3) and alternariester (4) were separated from the fermentation of the fungus Alternaria malorum FL39, purified from Myoporum bontioides. Their structures were ascertained using NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopy. For compound 4, the absolute configuration was solved with the help of ECD calculation and the DP4+ method. Compared with the positive control triadimefon, compound 1 showed more potent antifungal effects on Colletotrichum musae. The antifungal effects of compounds 1, 2, and 3 on Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium graminearum, of compound 4 on F. oxysporum, were equal to those of triadimefon. Except for compound 4 which was inactive against Escherichia coli with O78 serotype, all compounds showed moderate or weak antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and E. coli with O6 or O78 serotype.