Seasonal impact of constructed wetlands on nitrogen and phosphorus in sediments of flood control lakes with pollution assessment.

The primary drivers of eutrophication in lakes following the reduction of external nutrient inputs are the release of N and P from sediments. Constructed wetlands play a pivotal role in ameliorating N, P, and other biogenic element levels. However, the presence of large vegetation in these wetlands also substantially contributes to nutrient accumulation in sediments, a phenomenon influenced by seasonal variations. In this study, a typical constructed wetland was selected as the research site. The research aimed to analyze the forms of N and P in sediments during both summer and winter. Simultaneously, a comprehensive pollution assessment and analysis were conducted within the study area. The findings indicate that elevated summer temperatures, together with the presence of wetland vegetation, promote the release of N through the nitrification process. Additionally, seasonal variations exert a significant impact on the distribution of P storage. Furthermore, the role of constructed wetlands in the absorption and release of N and P is primarily controlled by the influence of organic matter on nitrate-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, and available phosphorus, and is also subject to seasonal fluctuations. In summary, under the comprehensive influence of constructed wetlands, vegetation types, and seasons, sediments within the lake generally exhibit a state of mild or moderate pollution. Therefore, targeted measures should be adopted to optimally adjust vegetation types, and human intervention is necessary, involving timely sediment harvesting during the summer to reduce N and P loads, and enhancing sediment adsorption and retention capacity for N and P during the winter.

Risk factors for diaphragmatic injury in subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered a safe and feasible operation for anterior mediastinal mass resection. However, diaphragmatic injury, presented as tearing or puncturing, may occur during subxiphoid VATS despite of low incidence. This study aims to explore risk factors for diaphragmatic injury in subxiphoid VATS, as well as strategies to reduce occurrence of the injury. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of 44 consecutive adult patients who underwent subxiphoid VATS. These patients were divided into two groups: diaphragmatic injury group and non-injury group. Perioperative outcomes and anatomic features derived from 3D CT reconstructions were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in operation time (223.25 ± 92.57 vs. 136.28 ± 53.05, P = 0.006), xiphoid length (6.47 ± 0.85 vs. 4.79 ± 1.04, P = 0.001) and length of the xiphoid below the attachment point on the diaphragm (24.86 ± 12.02 vs. 14.61 ± 9.25, P = 0.029). Odds ratio for the length of the xiphoid below the attachment point on the diaphragm was 1.09 (1.001-1.186), P = 0.048 by binary logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the length of the xiphoid below the attachment point on the diaphragm as an independent risk factor for diaphragm injury during subxiphoid VATS. Prior to subxiphoid VATS, a 3D chest CT reconstruction is recommended to assess the patients' anatomic variations within the xiphoid process. For patients with longer xiphoid process, a higher incision at the middle and upper part of the xiphoid process, and partial xiphoid process resection or xiphoidectomy is preferred.

A Low Systemic Inflammatory Response Index Is Associated With Improved Survival in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Predicting the long-term survival in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) patients remains challenging. Inflammatory cell-based indices are emerging as prognostic indicators of oncology. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the associations between the preoperative systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and the systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII) and the 10-year survival rates in patients with ACC of the head and neck (ACCHN). STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This retrospective cohort study comprised ACCHN patients treated at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital between November 2003 and December 2020. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The inflammatory response, assessed using the SIRI and SII, was the predictor variable. The optimal cutoff values were based on the maximum Youden index values (sensitivity ＋ specificity－1). The patients were divided into two groups each, based on the SIRI (low, ≤ 0.15) and (high, > 0.15), and SII (low, ≤ 562.8 and high, > 562.8) values. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): Overall survival (OS), or the number of days, weeks, or months between treatment initiation and death (or the last follow-up date), was the primary outcome variable. COVARIATES: The covariates were classified as demographic (age, gender, body mass index), medical (hypertension, diabetes), inflammatory (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio), and perioperative (tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor size, treatment type). ANALYSES: Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analyses were performed to determine whether the SIRI and SII were independent prognostic factors for OS. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were used to determine their associations with the OS. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 162 patients (mean age, 52 ± 14; males, 39.5%). The median follow-up time was 6.81 ± 0.23, and the 10-year OS rate was 7.68 ± 0.25. The low and high SIRI groups comprised 109 and 53 patients, while the low and high SII groups comprised 116 and 46 patients, respectively. SIRI was identified as a prognostic factor (P < .01; hazard ratio, 2.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-4.45). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The SIRI has the advantages of reproducibility, convenience, noninvasiveness, and affordability, making it a promising prognostic inflammatory index for patients with ACCHN.

Current role of magnetic resonance imaging on assessing and monitoring the efficacy of phototherapy.

Phototherapy, also known as photobiological therapy, is a non-invasive and highly effective physical treatment method. Its broad use in clinics has led to significant therapeutic results. Phototherapy parameters, such as intensity, wavelength, and duration, can be adjusted to create specific therapeutic effects for various medical conditions. Meanwhile, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), with its diverse imaging sequences and excellent soft-tissue contrast, provides a valuable tool to understand the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of phototherapy. This review explores the clinical applications of commonly used phototherapy techniques, gives a brief overview of how phototherapy impacts different diseases, and examines MRI's role in various phototherapeutic scenarios. We argue that MRI is crucial for precise targeting, treatment monitoring, and prognosis assessment in phototherapy. Future research and applications will focus on personalized diagnosis and monitoring of phototherapy, expanding its applications in treatment and exploring multimodal imaging technology to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic precision and effectiveness.

Stabilization of Pd0 by Cu Alloying: Theory-Guided Design of Pd3Cu Electrocatalyst for Anodic Methanol Carbonylation.

Electrocatalytic carbonylation of CO and CH3OH to dimethyl carbonate (DMC) on metallic palladium (Pd) electrode offers a promising strategy for C1 valorization at the anode. However, its broader application is limited by the high working potential and the low DMC selectivity accompanied with severe methanol self-oxidation. Herein, our theoretical analysis of the intermediate adsorption interactions on both Pd0 and Pd4+ surfaces revealed that inevitable reconstruction of Pd surface under strongly oxidative potential diminishes its CO adsorption capacity, thus damaging the DMC formation. Further theoretical modeling indicates that doping Pd with Cu not only stabilizes low-valence Pd in oxidative environments but also lowers the overall energy barrier for DMC formation. Guided by this insight, we developed a facile two-step thermal shock method to prepare PdCu alloy electrocatalysts for DMC. Remarkably, the predicted Pd3Cu demonstrated the highest DMC selectivity among existing Pd-based electrocatalysts, reaching a peaked DMC selectivity of 93% at 1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl electrode. (Quasi) in-situ spectra investigations further confirmed the predicted dual role of Cu dopant in promoting Pd-catalyzed DMC formation.

Modular Design of Functional Glucose Monomer and Block Co-Polymer toward Stable Zn Anodes.

Aqueous Zn batteries employing mildly acidic electrolytes have emerged as promising contenders for safe and cost-effective energy storage solutions. Nevertheless, the intrinsic reversibility of the Zn anode becomes a focal concern due to the involvement of acidic electrolyte, which triggers Zn corrosion and facilitates the deposition of insulating byproducts. Moreover, the unregulated growth of Zn over cycling amplifies the risk of internal short-circuiting, primarily induced by the formation of Zn dendrites. In this study, a class of glucose-derived monomers and a block copolymer are synthesized through a building-block assembly strategy, ultimately leading to uncover the optimal polymer structure that suppresses the Zn corrosion while allowing efficient ion conduction with a substantial contribution from cation transport. Leveraging these advancements, remarkable enhancements are achieved in the realm of Zn reversibility, exemplified by a spectrum of performance metrics, including robust cycling stability without voltage overshoot and short-circuiting during 3000 h of cycling, stable operation at a high depth of charge/discharge of 75% and a high current density, >95% Coulombic efficiency over 2000 cycles, successful translation of the anode improvement to full cell performance. These polymer designs offer a transformative path based on the modular synthesis of polymeric coatings toward highly reversible Zn anode.

Exertional heat stroke-induced changes in gut microbiota cause cognitive impairment in mice.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of exertional heat stroke (EHS) escalates during periods of elevated temperatures, potentially leading to persistent cognitive impairment postrecovery. Currently, effective prophylactic or therapeutic measures against EHS are nonexistent. METHODS: The selection of days 14 and 23 postinduction for detailed examination was guided by TEM of neuronal cells and HE staining of intestinal villi and the hippocampal regions. Fecal specimens from the ileum and cecum at these designated times were analyzed for changes in gut microbiota and metabolic products. Bioinformatic analyses facilitated the identification of pivotal microbial species and metabolites. The influence of supplementing these identified microorganisms on behavioral outcomes and the expression of functional proteins within the hippocampus was subsequently assessed. RESULTS: TEM analyses of neurons, coupled with HE staining of intestinal villi and the hippocampal region, indicated substantial recovery in intestinal morphology and neuronal injury on Day 14, indicating this time point for subsequent microbial and metabolomic analyses. Notably, a reduction in the Lactobacillaceae family, particularly Lactobacillus murinus, was observed. Functional annotation of 16S rDNA sequences suggested diminished lipid metabolism and glycan biosynthesis and metabolism in EHS models. Mice receiving this intervention (EHS + probiotics group) exhibited markedly reduced cognitive impairment and increased expression of BDNF/TrKB pathway molecules in the hippocampus during behavioral assessment on Day 28. CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation, specifically with Lactobacillus spp., appears to mitigate EHS-induced cognitive impairment, potentially through the modulation of the BDNF/TrKB signaling pathway within the hippocampus, illustrating the therapeutic potential of targeting the gut-brain axis.

The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection among voluntary blood donors in mainland China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection through transfusion has been an imperative challenge for blood safety. Despite the implementation of screening strategies, there was still the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV. Considering that the prevalence of HIV infection in blood donors is significant for evaluating blood safety and potential risks to the population, meta-analysis was applied to investigate the HIV prevalence among voluntary blood donors during the past 27 years to characterize the epidemiology and related risk factors of HIV in blood donors. The literature concerning the HIV screening reactive rate and prevalence in Chinese voluntary blood donors was collected through the systematic searching of four electronic databases. After integrating data, following the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, data manipulation and statistical analyses were conducted by Stata 12.0. The results indicated that overall HIV prevalence was 0.0178% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0169%-0.0187%) with a remarkable rise, which varied from 2000 (0.0034%) to 2015 (0.027%). The HIV window period infection rate was 0.0475‱ (95% CI, 0.0304‱-0.0646‱). Importantly, subgroup analysis revealed the heterogeneity in gender, occupations, education and donation frequency. With the effective control of HIV transmission through blood, HIV prevalence declined in China to some extent in recent years, and the characteristics of HIV epidemic in some provinces have drastically changed. However, remaining relatively high HIV prevalence and overall increased trend of HIV prevalence since the 21th century demonstrates the potential residual risk of blood transfusion, and the whole society is supposed to pay close attention to HIV infection.

Entropy approximations for simple fluids.

Liquid state entropy formulas based on configurational probability distributions are examined for Lennard-Jones fluids across a range temperatures and densities. These formulas are based on expansions of the entropy in a series of n-body distribution functions. We focus on two special cases. One, which we term the "perfect gas" series, starts with the entropy of an ideal gas; the other, which we term the "dense liquid" series, removes a many-body contribution from the ideal gas entropy and reallocates it among the subsequent n-body terms. We show that the perfect gas series is most accurate at low density, while the dense liquid series is most accurate at high density. We propose empirical interpolation methods that are capable of connecting the two series and giving consistent predictions in most situations.

Concurrent JCPyV-DNAemia Is Correlated With Poor Graft Outcome in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Polyomavirus-associated Nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Co-infection of JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is uncommon in kidney transplant recipients, and the prognosis is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of concurrent JCPyV-DNAemia on graft outcomes in BKPyV-infected kidney transplant recipients with polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PyVAN). METHODS: A total of 140 kidney transplant recipients with BKPyV replication and PyVAN, 122 without concurrent JCPyV-DNAemia and 18 with JCPyV-DNAemia were included in the analysis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify prognostic factors for graft survival. A nomogram for predicting graft survival was created and evaluated. RESULTS: The median tubulitis score in the JCPyV-DNAemia-positive group was higher than in JCPyV-DNAemia-negative group (P = 0.048). At last follow-up, the graft loss rate in the JCPyV-DNAemia-positive group was higher than in the JCPyV-DNAemia-negative group (50% versus 25.4%; P = 0.031). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the graft survival rate in the JCPyV-DNAemia-positive group was lower than in the JCPyV-DNAemia-negative group (P = 0.003). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that concurrent JCPyV-DNAemia was an independent risk factor for graft survival (hazard ratio = 4.808; 95% confidence interval: 2.096-11.03; P < 0.001). The nomogram displayed favorable discrimination (C-index = 0.839), concordance, and clinical applicability in predicting graft survival. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent JCPyV-DNAemia is associated with a worse graft outcome in BKPyV-infected kidney transplant recipients with PyVAN.

Littoral cell angioma of the spleen: A study of 10 cases case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Current study aimed to investigate the clinical characterization, differential diagnosis, and treatment of splenic littoral cell angioma (LCA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 10 LCA cases admitted to Huzhou Central Hospital from 2007 to 2023, for clinical manifestations, hematological tests, imaging features, pathological features, treatment methods, and prognosis along with the relevant literature was also reviewed. RESULTS: During examinations, no specific clinical manifestations and hematological abnormalities were seen in all 10 cases of LCA. Imaging observations depicted single or even multiple spherical lesions in the spleen. Plains shown by computed tomography (CT) were found somewhat equal or slightly lower in density. On the other hand, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plain scans viz. T1 weighted image showed equal low and mixed signals while T2-weighted showed high and low mixed signals. Moreover, punctate low signals could be seen in high signals named "freckle sign" in MRI scans. On contrast-enhanced CT scans, the enhancement of the lesions was not obvious in the arterial phase, and some of the lesions showed edged ring-like enhancements and "filling lake" progressive enhancement during the venous phase and delayed phase. In multiple lesions, the number of enhanced scan lesions showed a variable changing pattern "less-more-less." MRI-enhanced scan showed the characteristics of "fast in and slow out." Microscopic examinations identified tumor tissue actually composed of sinus-like lacunae that anastomosed with each other in the form of a network. Furthermore, cystic expansion and pseudopapillary protrusions were also seen in the dilated sinus cavity which was lined with single-layer endothelial cells having conspicuous cytoplasmic hemosiderin. High immunophenotypic expressions of vascular endothelial cell phenotype (CD31, CD34, FVIII) and tissue cell phenotype (CD68) were also seen. Total and partial splenectomy were performed in 8 and 2 patients, respectively, and follow-up examinations showed survival in all patients with no recurrence. CONCLUSION: LCA is a rare splenic benign lesion with atypical clinical manifestations. CT and MRI imaging are important tools in preoperative diagnosis based on pathomorphological and immunohistochemical examinations. Splenectomy is a superior therapeutic choice with significant impacts and prognosis.

The molecular characteristics could supplement the staging system of pT2/T3N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a translational study based on a cohort with over 20 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to construct a model based on 23 enrolled molecules to evaluate prognoses of pT2/3N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients with up to 20 years of follow-up. METHODS: The lasso-Cox model was used to identify the candidate molecule. A nomogram was conducted to develop the survival model (molecular score, MS) based on the molecular features. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used in this study. The concordance index (C-index) was measured to compare the predicted ability between different models. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 226 patients and 23 proteins were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified into high-risk (MS-H) and low-risk (MS-L) groups based on the MS score of 227. The survival curves showed that the MS-L cohort had better 5-year and 10-year survival rates than the MS-H group (5-year OS: 51.0% vs. 8.0%; 10-year OS: 45.0% vs. 5.0%, all p < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariable analysis confirmed MS as an independent prognostic factor after eliminating the confounding factors (Hazard ratio 3.220, p < 0.001). The pT classification was confirmed to differentiate ESCC patients' prognosis (Log-rank: p = 0.029). However, the combination of pT and MS could classify survival curves evidently (overall p < 0.001), which showed that the prognostic prediction efficiency was improved significantly by the combination of the pT and MS than by the classical pT classification (C-index: 0.656 vs. 0.539, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested an MS for significant clinical stratification of T2/3N0M0 ESCC patients to screen out subgroups with poor prognoses. Besides, the combination of pT staging and MS could predict survival more accurately for this cohort than the pT staging system alone.

Improving Accuracy of In-The-Bag Intraocular Lens Power Calculation in Adult Eyes with Unilateral Subluxated Lenses by Using the Anterior Chamber Depth of the Unaffected Eye.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the interchangeability of bilateral anterior chamber depth (ACD) in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations for cataractous eyes and refractive outcomes using the unaffected fellow eye's ACD in subluxated crystalline lenses. METHODS: The predicted postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) calculated using the Kane formula with and without fellow eye's ACD in 202 cataract patients was compared. Refractive outcomes of the newer formulas (the Kane, Barrett Universal II [BUII], and Pearl-DGS formulas) with affected eye's ACD and with unaffected fellow eye's ACD were compared in 33 eyes with lens subluxation (the affected eye) undergoing in-the-bag IOL implantation. The SD of the prediction error (PE) was assessed using the heteroscedastic method. RESULTS: In 202 paired cataractous eyes, no marked ACD difference was found bilaterally; the predicted SE obtained without the fellow eye's ACD was comparable with that calculated with the fellow eye one (p = 0.90), with a mean absolute difference of 0.03 ± 0.03 D. With the affected eye AL, keratometry, and ACD, the median absolute error (MedAE) was 0.38-0.64 D, and the percentage of PE within ±0.50 D was 30.30-57.58%. The unaffected eye's ACD improved the results (MedAE, 0.35-0.49 D; the percentage of PE within ±0.50 D, 54.55-63.64%). The SDs of the BUII (0.82 D) and Pearl-DGS formulas (0.87 D) with the affected eye's ACD were significantly larger than those of the Kane and Pearl-DGS formulas (both 0.69 D) with the unaffected eye's ACD. CONCLUSION: Bilateral ACD was interchangeable in IOL power calculation for cataractous eyes when using the Kane formula. Unaffected eye's ACD in lieu of affected eye's ACD can enhance the accuracy of newer formulas in patients with unilateral subluxated lenses undergoing in-the-bag IOL implantation.

Integrated analysis of ceRNA-miRNA changes in paraquat-induced pulmonary epithelial-mesenchymal transition via high-throughput sequencing.

Recent studies have shown that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in paraquat (PQ)-induced tissue fibrosis, which is the main cause of death in patients with PQ poisoning. However, no effective treatment for pulmonary interstitial fibrosis caused by PQ poisoning exists. It is of great significance for us to find new therapeutic targets through bioinformatics in PQ-induced EMT. We conducted transcriptome sequencing to determine the expression profiles of 1210 messenger RNAs (mRNAs), 558 long noncoding RNAs, 28 microRNAs (miRNAs), including 18 known-miRNAs, 10 novel-miRNAs and 154 circular RNAs in the PQ-exposed EMT group mice. Using gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, we identified the pathways associated with signal transduction, cancers, endocrine systems and immune systems were involved in PQ-induced EMT. Furthermore, we constructed long noncoding RNA-miRNA-mRNA interrelated networks and found that upregulated genes included Il22ra2, Mdm4, Slc35e2 and Angptl4, and downregulated genes included RGS2, Gabpb2, Acvr1, Prkd3, Sp100, Tlr12, Syt15 and Camk2d. Thirteen new potential competitive endogenous RNA targets were also identified for further treatment of PQ-induced pulmonary tissue fibrosis. Through further study of the pathway and networks, we may identify new molecular targets in PQ-induced pulmonary EMT.

Roxadustat Versus Erythropoietin: The Comparison of Efficacy in Reversing Ventricular Remodeling in Dialysis Patients with Anaemia.

Background: Renal anaemia and left ventricular hypertrophy are the main complications of chronic kidney disease and are shared among dialysis patients. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacies of the hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin in reversing ventricular remodeling in dialysis patients with renal anaemia. Methods: A total of 204 participants underwent baseline examinations, including echocardiograms and laboratory tests, before being administered either treatment for at least 24 weeks from January 2018 to October 2021, after which follow-up examinations were conducted at 6 months. Propensity score matching based on key variables included age, gender, cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular medications, dialysis course and the vascular access at baseline was performed to include populations with similar characteristics between groups. Results: In total, 136 patients were included with roxadustat or recombinant human erythropoietin. The left ventricular mass index after treatment with roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin both significantly decreased after 6 months, but there was no significant difference in the change in left ventricular mass index between the two groups. In addition, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameters and left ventricular wall thickness, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in the roxadustat group. Roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin also increased haemoglobin significantly, but there was no significant difference in the change in haemoglobin between the two groups. The results of multiple linear regression showed that the change in haemoglobin was independent factor affecting the improvement of left ventricular mass index. Conclusions: The increase of haemoglobin was associated with improving left ventricular hypertrophy in dialysis patients. However, the beneficial effects between roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin on left ventricular mass index did not show clear superiority or inferiority in six months.

Reconfiguration of Structural and Functional Connectivity Coupling in Patient Subgroups With Adolescent Depression.

Importance: Adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with serious adverse implications for brain development and higher rates of self-injury and suicide, raising concerns about its neurobiological mechanisms in clinical neuroscience. However, most previous studies regarding the brain alterations in adolescent MDD focused on single-modal images or analyzed images of different modalities separately, ignoring the potential role of aberrant interactions between brain structure and function in the psychopathology. Objective: To examine alterations of structural and functional connectivity (SC-FC) coupling in adolescent MDD by integrating both diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting-state functional MRI data. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study recruited participants aged 10 to 18 years from January 2, 2020, to December 28, 2021. Patients with first-episode MDD were recruited from the outpatient psychiatry clinics at The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Healthy controls were recruited by local media advertisement from the general population in Chongqing, China. The sample was divided into 5 subgroup pairs according to different environmental stressors and clinical characteristics. Data were analyzed from January 10, 2022, to February 20, 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: The SC-FC coupling was calculated for each brain region of each participant using whole-brain SC and FC. Primary analyses included the group differences in SC-FC coupling and clinical symptom associations between SC-FC coupling and participants with adolescent MDD and healthy controls. Secondary analyses included differences among 5 types of MDD subgroups: with or without suicide attempt, with or without nonsuicidal self-injury behavior, with or without major life events, with or without childhood trauma, and with or without school bullying. Results: Final analyses examined SC-FC coupling of 168 participants with adolescent MDD (mean [mean absolute deviation (MAD)] age, 16.0 [1.7] years; 124 females [73.8%]) and 101 healthy controls (mean [MAD] age, 15.1 [2.4] years; 61 females [60.4%]). Adolescent MDD showed increased SC-FC coupling in the visual network, default mode network, and insula (Cohen d ranged from 0.365 to 0.581; false discovery rate [FDR]-corrected P < .05). Some subgroup-specific alterations were identified via subgroup analyses, particularly involving parahippocampal coupling decrease in participants with suicide attempt (partial η2 = 0.069; 90% CI, 0.025-0.121; FDR-corrected P = .007) and frontal-limbic coupling increase in participants with major life events (partial η2 ranged from 0.046 to 0.068; FDR-corrected P < .05). Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this cross-sectional study suggest increased SC-FC coupling in adolescent MDD, especially involving hub regions of the default mode network, visual network, and insula. The findings enrich knowledge of the aberrant brain SC-FC coupling in the psychopathology of adolescent MDD, underscoring the vulnerability of frontal-limbic SC-FC coupling to external stressors and the parahippocampal coupling in shaping future-minded behavior.

Can digital transformation promote the green innovation quality of enterprises? Empirical evidence from China.

Digital transformation constitutes a crucial component of the digital economy and represents a microcosmic manifestation, playing a vital role in advancing enterprise sustainable development from the perspective of green innovation quality. Using the panel data of Chinese listed companies from 2011 to 2020, the study examines the impact of digital transformation on the quality of green innovation. The study finds that digital transformation significantly increases the green innovation quality of enterprises. Moreover, the positive effect of digital transformation on green innovation quality is strengthened by the executive with digital knowledge experience and in regions with high-level intellectual property protection. The study findings contribute to digitalization research and the literature on green innovation, and provide suggestions for managers and policymakers seeking to improve the quality of environmental sustainability through digital transformation in developing economies.

Characterization of m6A RNA methylation mediated immune heterogeneity and functional validation in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) mediates RNA modification in various biological processes. It plays a key role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through regulating methyltransferase. The present study aims to analyze the correlation between the m6 A and the immune status of HCC, and to construct an m6 A-related prognostic signature for HCC. METHODS: HCC subtypes with different m6 A modification activities were identified based on the m6 A-related genes. Lasso Cox regression was applied to construct an m6 A-related prognostic model for HCC. Then, the prognostic potential of the constructed signature was evaluated and validated in the external validation dataset. Small interfering RNAs were designed to knockdown FBXO5. CCK-8 assay, Edu staining, wound healing assay, and Transwell cell invasion assay were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability. RESULTS: Two m6 A-related HCC subtypes were identified. The m6 A modification active group showed an immune suppressive microenvironment compared to the m6 A modification inactive group. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the HCC subtypes were screened. Enrichment analysis was performed using the DEGs. Subsequently, an m6 A-related prognostic model was established. The prognostic model performed well in both training and validation datasets. Moreover, knockdown of FBXO5, one of the genes in the prognostic model, inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneity of m6 A RNA methylation is associated with immune status in HCC. The constructed m6 A-related gene-based signature can predict the prognosis of HCC patients. The genes in the prognostic model also have therapeutic potential for HCC.

Mechanisms driving fasting-induced protection from genotoxic injury in the small intestine.

Genotoxic agents such as doxorubicin (DXR) can cause damage to the intestines that can be ameliorated by fasting. How fasting is protective and the optimal timing of fasting and refeeding remain unclear. Here, our analysis of fasting/refeeding-induced global intestinal transcriptional changes revealed metabolic shifts and implicated the cellular energetic hub mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in protecting from DXR-induced DNA damage. Our analysis of specific transcripts and proteins in intestinal tissue and tissue extracts showed that fasting followed by refeeding at the time of DXR administration reduced damage and caused a spike in mTORC1 activity. However, continued fasting after DXR prevented the mTORC1 spike and damage reduction. Surprisingly, the mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, did not block fasting/refeeding-induced reduction in DNA damage, suggesting that increased mTORC1 is dispensable for protection against the initial DNA damage response. In Ddit4-/- mice [DDIT4 (DNA-damage-inducible transcript 4) functions to regulate mTORC1 activity], fasting reduced DNA damage and increased intestinal crypt viability vs. ad libitum-fed Ddit4-/- mice. Fasted/refed Ddit4-/- mice maintained body weight, with increased crypt proliferation by 5 days post-DXR, whereas ad libitum-fed Ddit4-/- mice continued to lose weight and displayed limited crypt proliferation. Genes encoding epithelial stem cell and DNA repair proteins were elevated in DXR-injured, fasted vs. ad libitum Ddit4-/- intestines. Thus, fasting strongly reduced intestinal damage when normal dynamic regulation of mTORC1 was lost. Overall, the results confirm that fasting protects the intestines against DXR and suggests that fasting works by pleiotropic - including both mTORC1-dependent and independent - mechanisms across the temporally dynamic injury response.NEW & NOTEWORTHY New findings are 1) DNA damage reduction following a 24-h fast depends on the timing of postfast refeeding in relation to chemotherapy initiation; 2) fasting/refeeding-induced upregulation of mTORC1 activity is not required for early (6 h) protection against DXR-induced DNA damage; and 3) fasting increases expression of intestinal stem cell and DNA damage repair genes, even when mTORC1 is dysregulated, highlighting fasting's crucial role in regulating mTORC1-dependent and independent mechanisms in the dynamic recovery process.