Effect of a magnetic field on droplet freezing and frost formation on cold surfaces.

The effect of a magnetic field on condensed droplet freezing and frost formation was investigated using visualized experimental devices in this study. The size, shape, freezing time of droplets, and frost shape on the magnetic field considerably differ from those on the nonmagnetic surface. Moreover, the magnetic field could suppress droplet freezing and frost formation. The magnetic field suppression effect on droplet freezing and frost formation was analyzed according to the polarity characteristics of water molecules.

Nano-friction behavior and deformation study of hydroxyapatite in ultra-precision polishing process.

CONTEXT: In order to study the effect of ultra-precision machining on the surface quality of hydroxyapatite semiconductor materials as well as the material removal mechanism of hydroxyapatite, the mechanical polishing behaviors of hydroxyapatite at different polishing depths were studied by molecular dynamics method. The results show that the subsurface damage of hydroxyapatite increases with increasing polishing depth. The polishing temperature and the polishing force showed a positive correlation with the polishing depth, and the variation of the polishing force was related to the accumulation-release effect of the potential energy of hydroxyapatite material. In addition, the variation of stresses in hydroxyapatite during polishing is mainly influenced by the thermal softening effect. With a smaller polishing depth, the hydroxyapatite semiconductor material has fewer structural defects, fewer atoms undergoing phase transitions, lower surface roughness, and better surface quality. Therefore, to ensure the long-lasting service life of hydroxyapatite semiconductor materials, a small polishing depth should be used in ultra-precision machining. Additionally, this study also provides a theoretical reference for future research on the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite-based composites. METHODS: A Large-Scale Atomic/Molecular Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) was utilized to perform molecular dynamics simulations. The output was visualized and analyzed by the Open Visualization Tools (OVITO) software. The intermolecular interactions were described by the polymer consistent force-field and the 12/6 Lennard-Jones potential functions. The workpiece was polished under a micro-canonical ensemble with the temperature settled at 300 K. Periodic boundary conditions were adopted and the velocity-Verlet algorithm was used to integrate the atomic motion with a timestep of 0.1 femtoseconds (fs).

Study of aerosol dispersion and control in dental practice.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the dispersion patterns of aerosols and droplets in dental clinics and developed a suction device to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing aerosols during dental procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Firstly, the continuous images of oral aerosols and droplets were photographed with a high-speed camera, and the trajectories of these particles were recognized and processed by Image J to determine key parameters affecting particle dispersion: diffusion velocity, distance, and angle. Secondly, based on the parameter data, the flow field of aerosol particles around the oral cavity was simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and the flow field under adsorption conditions was simulated to demonstrate the aerodynamic characteristics and capture efficiencies of the single-channel and three-channel adsorption ports at different pressures. Finally, according to the simulated data, a three-channel suction device was developed, and the capture efficiency of the device was tested by the fluorescein tracer method. RESULTS: The dispersion experimental data showed that aerosol particles' maximum diffusion velocity, distance, and angle were 6.2 m/s, 0.55 m, and 130°, respectively. The simulated aerosol flow-field distribution was consistent with the aerosol dispersion patterns. The adsorption simulation results showed that the outlet flow rate of single-channel adsorption was 184.5 L/s at - 350 Pa, and the aerosol capture efficiency could reach 79.4%. At - 350 Pa and - 150 Pa, the outlet flow rate of three-channel adsorption was 228.9 L/s, and the capture efficiency was 99.23%. The adsorption experimental data showed that the capture efficiency of three-channel suction device was 97.71%. CONCLUSIONS: A three-channel suction device was designed by simulations and experiments, which can capture most aerosols in the dental clinic and prevent them from spreading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using three-channel suction devices during oral treatment effectively reduces the spread of oral aerosols, which is essential to prevent the spread of epidemics and ensure the health and safety of patients and dental staff.

Visualisation of Droplet Flow Induced by Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning.

INTRODUCTION: During dental treatment procedures ultrasonic scalers generate droplets containing microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Hence, it is necessary to study the dynamic properties of generated droplets in order to investigate the risks associated with the spread of infection. The aim of this study was to visualise the flow state of droplets and to evaluate the impact of droplets generated during the use of an ultrasonic scaler during an oral surgical procedure. METHODS: We studied the spatial flow of liquid droplets through a combination of imaging and numeric simulation of a simulated dental treatment processes. First, we photographed the real time images of the ultrasonic scaler and evaluated the images using image-processing software Image J to visualise the flow of liquid droplets. Finally we simulated the flow process of liquid droplets by using the initial velocity of droplet splashing and the angle of the obtained information using computerised fluid dynamics technology. RESULTS: Under different working conditions, the droplet particle splashing velocity, maximum height, and spray angle varied, but the particle trajectory was generally parabolic. The maximum droplet velocity varied between 3.56 and 8.56 m/s, and the splashing height was between 40 and 110 mm. CONCLUSIONS: During risk assessment of an ultrasonic scaler usage, difficulties arise due to the insufficient research on droplet velocity and distribution. This study aims to address this gap by visualising the flow trajectories of droplets generated by ultrasonic scalers. The obtained data will assist in developing more effective interventions based on spatial and temporal distribution of droplets. This provides a new approach for droplet particle research and offers new strategies for public health prevention and control.

An innovative approach to assess spinal canal expansion following French-door cervical laminoplasty by intraoperative ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of applying intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) to evaluate spinal canal expansion in patients undergoing French-door cervical laminoplasty (FDCL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients who underwent FDCL for multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy were prospectively recruited. Formulae describing the relationship between laminoplasty opening angle (LOA) and laminoplasty opening size, the increase in sagittal canal diameter and the spinal canal area were deduced with trigonometric functions. The LOA was measured with IOUS imaging during surgery, and other spinal canal parameters were assessed. Actual spinal canal enlargement was verified on postoperative CT images. Linear correlation analysis and Bland‒Altman analysis were used to evaluate correlation and agreement between the intraoperative and postoperative measurements. RESULTS: The LOA at C5 measured with IOUS was 27.54 ± 3.12°, and it was 27.23 ± 3.02° on postoperative CT imaging. Linear correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between IOUS and postoperative CT measurements (r = 0.88; p < 0.01). Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between these two methods, with a mean difference of 0.30°. For other spinal canal expansion parameter measurements, correlation analysis showed a moderate to a high degree of correlation (p < 0.01), and Bland-Altman analysis indicated good agreement. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, during the French-door cervical laminoplasty procedure, application of IOUS can accurately evaluate spinal canal expansion. This innovative method may be helpful in improving surgical accuracy by enabling the operator to measure and determine canal enlargement during surgery, leading to ideal clinical outcomes and fewer postoperative complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The use of intraoperative ultrasonography to assess spinal canal expansion following French-door cervical laminoplasty may improve outcomes for patients undergoing this procedure by providing more accurate measurements of spinal canal expansion. KEY POINTS: • Spinal canal expansion after French-door cervical laminoplasty substantially influences operative prognosis; insufficient or excessive lamina opening may result in unexpected outcomes. • Prediction of spinal canal expansion during surgery was previously impracticable, but based on this study, intraoperative ultrasonography offers an innovative approach and strongly agrees with postoperative CT measurement. • Since this is the first research to offer real-time canal expansion guidance for cervical laminoplasty, it may improve the accuracy of the operation and produce ideal clinical outcomes with fewer postoperative complications.

Numerical simulation and experimental verification of fatigue crack propagation in high-strength bolts based on fracture mechanics.

To investigate the fatigue crack propagation behavior of high-strength bolts for high-speed train brake discs, the fatigue crack propagation of high-strength bolts with initial defects under various load ratios was numerically simulated and experimentally verified based on fracture mechanics in this paper. Firstly, the fracture mechanics model of a three-dimensional hexahedral mesh with initial root defects was established using ABAQUS-FRANC3D interactive technology. Then the stress intensity factor (SIF) of the crack front was calculated by the stress superposition of the crack surface to simulate the coupling effect of preload and axial cyclic load. Based on it, fatigue crack propagation was simulated. Finally, the corresponding fatigue experiments on prefabricated crack bolts were carried out. The results show that mode I cracks dominate in the process of crack propagation. The stable crack propagation zones of the fractured high-strength bolts all show a semi-elliptical cross-section. The SIF of the crack front decreases with the increase of the load ratio, thus making the crack propagation life increase with the increase of the load ratio. The experimental outcomes are in great agreement with the simulation results, which verify that the numerical simulation method can effectively and accurately evaluate the fatigue life of high-strength bolts with initial defects and provides an effective means for predicting the fatigue crack propagation life of the same type high-strength bolts in engineering applications.

Analysis of the response subsidence and grouting treatment in the goaf of multi-layer inclined coal seam.

Based on existing researches, field drillings and numerical simulations are carried out in this paper to analyze the problems of subsidence control in the goaf of multi-layer inclined coal seam. Midas/GTS NX is used to build a three-dimensional calculation model of the goaf. A new method of using borehole data to check simulation parameters is proposed. The whole process of goaf excavation, construction of roadbed (pile foundation) and grouting treatment is analyzed. Analysis theory of different subgrade construction schemes and grouting treatment process on goaf is established. Response characteristics of displacement and equivalent stress and strain of goaf in multilayer inclined coal seam are obtained. A new method for analyzing the characteristics of the stress and deformation of the rock strata before and after grouting in the goaf under the conditions of different foundation schemes on the surface is provided in this research.

Gelatin-Based Metamaterial Hydrogel Films with High Conformality for Ultra-Soft Tissue Monitoring.

Implantable hydrogel-based bioelectronics (IHB) can precisely monitor human health and diagnose diseases. However, achieving biodegradability, biocompatibility, and high conformality with soft tissues poses significant challenges for IHB. Gelatin is the most suitable candidate for IHB since it is a collagen hydrolysate and a substantial part of the extracellular matrix found naturally in most tissues. This study used 3D printing ultrafine fiber networks with metamaterial design to embed into ultra-low elastic modulus hydrogel to create a novel gelatin-based conductive film (GCF) with mechanical programmability. The regulation of GCF nearly covers soft tissue mechanics, an elastic modulus from 20 to 420 kPa, and a Poisson's ratio from - 0.25 to 0.52. The negative Poisson's ratio promotes conformality with soft tissues to improve the efficiency of biological interfaces. The GCF can monitor heartbeat signals and respiratory rate by determining cardiac deformation due to its high conformability. Notably, the gelatin characteristics of the biodegradable GCF enable the sensor to monitor and support tissue restoration. The GCF metamaterial design offers a unique idea for bioelectronics to develop implantable sensors that integrate monitoring and tissue repair and a customized method for endowing implanted sensors to be highly conformal with soft tissues.

Publication trends in nutrition research for sarcopenic obesity: A 20-year bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: We used bibliometric methods to evaluate publications on the role of nutrition in sarcopenic obesity and analyzed the current situation and developmental trends over the past 2 decades. METHODS: Publications from 2002 to 2022 related to the role of nutrition in sarcopenic obesity were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the Bibliometrix R package were applied to build relevant network diagrams. RESULTS: One thousand ninety-four articles from 64 countries were included. The annual number of publications in this field has shown an intense growth trend. The University of Alberta, Yonsei University, and Korea University are the major research institutions. Clinical Nutrition has published the most papers on the role of nutrition in sarcopenic obesity, and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is the most co-cited journal. A total of 5834 authors conducted the relevant studies. Yves Boirie has published the most papers in this field, and AJ Cruz-Jentoft is the most co-cited author. CONCLUSION: This is the first bibliometric study of the role of nutrition in sarcopenic obesity. This study systematically summarizes the research hotspots and development directions in this field, and provides a reference for scholars studying the role of nutrition in sarcopenic obesity.

Energy-saving and product-oriented hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis enabled by electrochemistry pairing and product engineering.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) electrosynthesis through oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is drawing worldwide attention, whereas suffering seriously from the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the difficult extraction of thermodynamically unstable H2O2. Herein, we present an electrosynthesis protocol involving coupling ORR-to-H2O2 with waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) upcycling and the first H2O2 conversion strategy. Ni-Mn bimetal- and onion carbon-based catalysts are designed to catalyze ORR-to-H2O2 and ethylene glycol electrooxidation with the Faradaic efficiency of 97.5% (H2O2) and 93.0% (formate). This electrolysis system runs successfully at only 0.927 V to achieve an industrial-scale current density of 400 mA cm-2, surpassing all reported H2O2 electrosynthesis systems. H2O2 product is upgraded through two downstream routes of converting H2O2 into sodium perborate and dibenzoyl peroxide. Techno-economic evolution highlights the high gross profit of the ORR || PET upcycling protocol over HER || PET upcycling and ORR || OER. This work provides an energy-saving methodology for the electrosynthesis of H2O2 and other chemicals.

Predictive value of intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound in functional recovery of non-traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the ability of intraoperative CEUS to predict neurological recovery in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). METHODS: Twenty-six patients with DCM who underwent laminoplasty and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) were included in this prospective study. The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores and MRI were assessed before surgery and 12 months postoperatively. The anteroposterior diameter (APD), maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC), and area of signal changes in the cord at the compressed and normal levels were measured and compared using MRI and IOUS. Conventional blood flow and CEUS indices (time to peak, ascending slope, peak intensity (PI), and area under the curve (AUC)) at different levels during IOUS were calculated and analysed. Correlations between all indicators and the neurological recovery rate were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients underwent IOUS and intraoperative CEUS, and the total recovery rate was 50.7 ± 33.3%. APD and MSCC improved significantly (p < 0.01). The recovery rate of the hyperechoic lesion group was significantly worse than that of the isoechoic group (p = 0.016). 22 patients were analysed by contrast analysis software. PI was higher in the compressed zone than in the normal zone (24.58 ± 3.19 versus 22.43 ± 2.39, p = 0.019). ΔPI compress-normal and ΔAUC compress-normal of the hyperechoic lesion group were significantly higher than those of the isoechoic group (median 2.19 versus 0.55, p = 0.017; 135.7 versus 21.54, p = 0.014, respectively), and both indices were moderately negatively correlated with the recovery rate (r = - 0.463, p = 0.030; r = - 0.466, p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Signal changes and microvascular perfusion evaluated using CEUS during surgery are valuable predictors of cervical myelopathy prognosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In the spinal cord compression area of degenerative cervical myelopathy, especially in the hyperechoic lesions, intraoperative CEUS showed more significant contrast agent perfusion than in the normal area, and the degree was negatively correlated with the neurological prognosis. KEY POINTS: • Recovery rates in patients with hyperechoic findings were lower than those of patients without lesions detected during intraoperative ultrasound. • The peak intensity of CEUS was higher in compressed zones than in the normal parts of the spinal cord. • Quantitative CEUS comparisons of the peak intensity and area under the curve at the compressed and normal levels of the spinal cord revealed differences that were inversely correlated to the recovery rate.

Crack propagation analysis and fatigue life assessment of high-strength bolts based on fracture mechanics.

To investigate the effect of initial cracks on the fatigue performance of high-strength bolts for high-speed train brake discs, the fatigue crack propagation behavior of high-strength bolts under the coupling action of preload and dynamic fatigue load was investigated experimentally and numerically based on the theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Firstly, fatigue tests of high-strength bolts with initial crack defects were carried out, and then a three-dimensional accurate numerical model with the hexahedral mesh for a bolt-nut was established by MATLAB, and the fatigue crack propagation behaviors were investigated using ABAQUS-FRANC3D interactive technology. In this paper, the effects of the initial crack state, the bolt preload, the axial excitation load, and the friction coefficient of the screw pair on crack propagation life were emphatically studied, and the simulated crack propagation trajectory and crack propagation life agreed well with the experimental results. The findings indicated that 0°-oriented cracks beginning at the maximum principal stress were predicted to have the shortest fatigue life. The crack propagation life was sensitive to the initial crack size, the coefficient of initial crack geometry, and the bolt preload, but not to the friction coefficient of the screw pair. Furthermore, when evaluating the effect of fatigue load on crack propagation, the load ratio, the mean load, and the load range should all be considered.

Tumor-microenvironment responsive nano-carrier system for therapy of prostate cancer.

Poor selectivity, low bioavailability and serious systemic side-effects have limited the application of traditional chemotherapy method for treatment of prostate cancer. Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems for chemotherapy are mainly based on the unique characteristics of tumor microenvironment. In this study, the GSH-sensitive poly-TTG-SS@DTX NPs (DTX-loaded poly-Tetraethylene glycol nanoparticles) were designed and synthesized, which were characterized with nanosized diameter (92.8 ± 2.5 nm) and negatively charged surface charge (-24.7 ± 5.56 mV). Experiments in vitro showed that poly-TTG-SS@DTX NPs had good compatibility to healthy cells and strong anti-tumor effect because of rapid and sustained drug release of DTX from poly-TTG-SS@DTX NPs under the tumor-microenvironment condition. The cellular activity remained greater than 90% when the concentration of poly-TTG-SS NPs reached as high as 100 µg/mL treated on healthy cells. The killing effect of DTX loading NPs group on C4-2 cells was stronger than that of free anti-tumor drug and free DTX combined with the blank nano-carrier (25.21% vs 19.93% vs 20.96%). In conclusion, poly-TTG-SS@DTX NPs may provide a new therapeutic strategy for the chemotherapy of prostate cancer.

Quantitative assessment of aerosol contamination generated during tooth grinding with a speed-increasing handpiece.

OBJECTIVES: Tooth grinding produces a significant amount of aerosol particles. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess particle contamination produced from tooth grinding with a speed-increasing handpiece across a real-world clinical setting. METHODS: All molar crowns were pretreated into cylinders with a uniform size. A novel computer-assisted numerical control system was used to parametrically study the bur speed: from 20,000 (20 K) to 200 K rpm at 20 K rpm intervals. 5-minute tooth grinding was performed in triplicate at each speed setting. Three online real-time particle counters (ORPC; TR-8301, TongrenCo.) were placed at 3 positions (0.5, 1, and 1.5 m) to evaluate particle production. All experimental instruments were controlled remotely. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Scheirer-Ray-Hare and Kruskal-Wallis/ Dunn-Bonferroni tests, p < 0.05). RESULTS: The concentration level of aerosol particles production during the grinding experiment was elevated above the control group for all conditions, and increased with bur speed at any location (the maximum peak, reaching 5.59 × 107 particles/m3, at 200 K and 1 m), with differences between conditions. The effect of speed on the increment of particles across different channels compared to the control group was statistically significant among locations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant particle contamination was produced using a speed-increasing handpiece, but the contamination level for each experimental condition was reduced to baseline within 30 min, and most particles with a diameter greater than 1üm produced at low speeds (80 K or lower) tended to settle within 1 m. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our study suggested that the use of a speed-increasing handpiece below 80 K and 30 min of fallow time may lead to an adequate reduction in the health effects of particle contamination.

PEG-SH-GNPs-SAPNS@miR-29a delivery system promotes neural regeneration and recovery of motor function after spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious disease characterized by hemorrhage, edema, local ischemia and hypoxia, inflammatory reaction, and degeneration of the injured spinal cord, which lacks effective clinical treatments. We design a PEG-SH-GNPs-SAPNS@miR-29a delivery system to repair impaired spinal cord by building a regenerative microenvironment for the recruitment of endogenous neural stem cells. The miR-29a, as an axonal regeneration-related miRNA that overexpression of miR-29a significantly inhibits the expression of PTEN and promotes axonal regeneration of the injured spinal cord. The gold nanoparticles and self-assembling peptide hydrogel composite scaffold (PEG-SH-GNPs-SAPNS@miR-29a delivery system) applied to deliver miR-29a, which recruit endogenous neural stem cells simultaneously. Sustained release of miR-29a and recruitment of endogenous neural stem cells give rise to favorable axonal regeneration and recovery of motor function after spinal cord injury. These findings suggest that the PEG-SH-GNPs-SAPNS@miR-29a delivery system may be an alternative strategy for the treatment of SCI.

Molecular dynamics study on defect evolution during the plastic deformation of nickel-based superalloy GH4169 single crystal under different rolling temperatures.

Nickel-based superalloy GH4169 is widely used as an important material in the aviation field. The rolling forming process can improve its surface quality and performance. Therefore, conducting an extensive investigation into the microscopic plastic deformation defect evolution process of nickel-based single crystal alloys during the rolling process is crucial. This study can offer valuable insights for optimizing rolling parameters. In this paper, a nickel-based superalloy GH4169 single crystal alloy was rolled at different temperatures from the atomic scale using the molecular dynamics (MD) method. The crystal plastic deformation law, dislocation evolution and defect atomic phase transition under different temperature rolling were studied. The results show that the dislocation density of nickel-based single crystal alloys increases as the temperature increases. When the temperature continues to increase, it is accompanied by an increase in vacancy clusters. When the rolling temperature is below 500 K, the atomic phase transition of the subsurface defects of the workpiece is mainly a Close-Packed Hexagonal (HCP) structure; when the temperature continues to increase, the amorphous structure begins to increase, and when the temperature reaches 900 K, the amorphous structure increases significantly. This calculation result is expected to provide a theoretical reference for the optimization of rolling parameters in actual production.

Diagnostic accuracy of cryptococcal antigen test in pulmonary cryptococcosis: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test was proposed as a rapid diagnostic tool to identify cryptococcal meningitis in patients suffering from AIDS. Several studies have demonstrated its diagnostic performance in cryptococcal meningitis. However, the diagnostic performance of the CrAg test in serum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis remains uncertain. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to summarise the evidence concerning diagnostic performance of the CrAg test in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Wanfang Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure will be searched systematically. The titles and abstracts will be reviewed by two independent reviewers. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool will be used to evaluate the risk of bias and clinical applicability of each study. Potential sources of heterogeneity will be investigated through visual inspection of the paired forest plots and summary receiver operating characteristic plots. The pooled summary statistics for the area under the curve, sensitivities, specificities, likelihood ratios and diagnostic ORs with 95% CI will be reported. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The underlying study is based on published articles thus does not require ethical approval. The findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated in various scientific conferences and seminars. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022373321.

DNA Methylation Dynamics During Esophageal Epithelial Regeneration Following Repair with Acellular Silk Fibroin Grafts in Rat.

Esophageal pathologies such as atresia and benign strictures often require surgical reconstruction with autologous tissues to restore organ continuity. Complications such as donor site morbidity and limited tissue availability have spurred the development of acellular grafts for esophageal tissue replacement. Acellular biomaterials for esophageal repair rely on the activation of intrinsic regenerative mechanisms to mediate de novo tissue formation at implantation sites. Previous research has identified signaling cascades involved in neoepithelial formation in a rat model of onlay esophagoplasty with acellular silk fibroin grafts, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) signaling. However, it is currently unknown how these mechanisms are governed by DNA methylation (DNAme) during esophageal wound healing processes. Reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing is performed to characterize temporal DNAme dynamics in host and regenerated tissues up to 1 week postimplantation. Overall, global hypermethylation is observed at postreconstruction timepoints and an inverse correlation between promoter DNAme and the expression levels of differentially expressed proteins during regeneration. Site-specific hypomethylation targets genes associated with immune activation, while hypermethylation occurs within gene bodies encoding PI3K-Akt signaling components during the tissue remodeling period. The data provide insight into the epigenetic mechanisms during esophageal regeneration following surgical repair with acellular grafts.

Identification of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in an HIV-negative bronchiectasis patient with respiratory infection based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing: A case report.

Bronchiectasis is often caused by serious infections. Infections caused by Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) is most common in the immunocompromised host, such as HIV-positive patients. Herein, we reported an HIV-negative patient with bronchiectasis infected with E. bieneusi, which diagnosed by mNGS and validated by Sanger sequencing. During the treatment of albendazole, the patient gradually recovered. This is the first report of a case of respiratory E. bieneusi infection in a bronchiectasis patient. This finding highlights the efficacy of mNGS for pathogen diagnosis in bronchiectasis patients and the potential treatment option of albendazole for bronchiectasis patients with E. bieneusi infection.

Salinity elevates Cd bioaccumulation of sea rice cultured under co-exposure of cadmium and salt.

Salt-tolerant rice (sea rice) is a key cultivar for increasing rice yields in salinity soil. The co-existence of salinity and cadmium (Cd) toxicities in the plant-soil system has become a great challenge for sustainable agriculture, especially in some estuaries and coastal areas. However, little information is available on the Cd accumulating features of sea rice under the co-stress of Cd and salinity. In this work, a hydroponic experiment with combined Cd (0, 0.2, 0.8 mg/L Cd2+) and saline (0, 0.6%, and 1.2% NaCl, W/V) levels and a pot experiment were set to evaluate the Cd toxic risks of sea rice. The hydroponic results showed that more Cd accumulated in sea rice than that in the reported high-Cd-accumulating rice, Chang Xianggu. It indicated an interesting synergistic effect between Cd and Na levels in sea rice, and the Cd level rose significantly with a concomitant increase in Na level in both shoot (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) and root (r = 0.66, p < 0.01) of sea rice. Lower MDA content was found in sea rice, implying that the salt addition probably triggered the defensive ability against oxidative stress. The pot experiment indicated that the coexistent Cd and salinity stress further inhibited the rice growth and rice yield, and the Cd concentration in rice grain was below 0.2 mg/kg. Collectively, this work provides a general understanding of the co-stress of Cd and salinity on the growth and Cd accumulation of sea rice. Additional work is required to precisely identify the phytoremediation potential of sea rice in Cd-polluted saline soil.