EEG and fNIRS datasets based on Stroop task during two weeks of high-altitude exposure in new immigrants.

Maintaining sufficient cerebral oxygen metabolism is crucial for human survival, especially in challenging conditions such as high-altitudes. Human cognitive neural activity is sensitive to fluctuations in oxygen levels. However, there is a lack of publicly available datasets on human behavioural responses and cerebral dynamics assessments during the execution of conflicting tasks in natural hypoxic environments. We recruited 80 healthy new immigrant volunteers (males, aged 20 ± 2 years) and employed the Stroop cognitive conflict paradigm. After a two-week exposure to both high and low-altitudes, the behavioural performance, prefrontal oxygen levels, and electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded. Comparative analyses were conducted on the behavioural reaction times and accuracy during Stroop tasks, and statistical analyses of participants' prefrontal oxygen levels and EEG signals were performed. We anticipate that our open-access dataset will contribute to the development of monitoring devices and algorithms, designed specifically for measuring cerebral oxygen and EEG dynamics in populations exposed to extreme environments, particularly among individuals suffering from oxygen deficiency.

Quercetin alleviates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behavior by inhibiting NMDAR1 with α2δ-1 in rats.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a serious mental disorder and the most prevalent cause of disability and suicide worldwide. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) can lead to a significant acceleration of depression development. Quercetin (Que) is a flavonoid compound with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Recent studies have shown that quercetin can improve CUMS-induced depression-like behavior, but the mechanism of its improvement is still unclear. α2δ-1 is a regulatory subunit of voltage-gated calcium channel, which can interact with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) to form a complex. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we found that Que could inhibit the increase of α2δ-1 and NMDAR expression in rat hypothalamus induced by CUMS. In pain, chronic hypertension and other studies have shown that α2δ-1 interacts with the NMDAR to form a complex, which subsequently affects the expression level of NMDAR. Consequently, the present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of Que in vivo and in vitro and to explore its mechanism of action in terms of the interaction between α2δ-1 and NMDAR. METHODS: Rats were randomly exposed to two stressors every day for 4 weeks to establish a CUMS rat model, then sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test (OFT) were performed to detect the behavior of CUMS rats, so as to evaluate whether the CUMS rat model was successfully established and the improvement effect of Que on CUMS-induced depression-like behavior in rats. Experimental techniques such as serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation, as well as in vitro experiments, were used to investigate the mechanisms by which Que exerts its antidepressant effects. RESULTS: Behavioral and ELISA test results showed that Que could produce a reduction in the excitability of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in CUMS rats and lead to significant improvements in their depressive behavior. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that Que produced a decrease in NMDAR1 and α2δ-1 expression levels and interfered with α2δ-1 and NMDAR1 binding. In addition, the neural regulation mechanism of Que on antidepressant effect in PC12 cells knocked out α2δ-1 gene was further verified. Cellular experiments demonstrated that Que led to a reversal of up-regulation of NMDAR1 and α2δ-1 expression levels in corticosterone-injured PC12 cells, while Que had no effects on NMDAR1 expression in PC12 cells with the α2δ-1 gene knockout. CONCLUSIONS: Que has a good antidepressant effect and can significantly improve the depression-like behavior caused by CUMS. It exerts antidepressant effects by inhibiting the expression level of α2δ-1, interfering with the interaction between α2δ-1 and NMDAR, and then reducing the excitability of the HPA axis.

Treatment of intracranial aneurysms with pipeline embolization device: a single-center experience.

Background: Endovascular therapy is the primary treatment modality for intracranial aneurysms (IA). The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of a pipeline embolization device (PED) for the treatment of IA. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a single center. Data were collected for all patients who underwent PED treatment at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between December 2018 and January 2022. Clinical characteristics, aneurysm-related characteristics, treatment details, and clinical and imaging outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 60 consecutive patients with 60 IAs were treated with a PED. The mean age of the participants was 61.8 years, with 53% being female. The average size of the aneurysms was 14.7 mm, with 54 located in the anterior circulation and six in the posterior circulation. The median last follow-up time was 13.0 months (range, 11-24 months). All patients underwent final digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for angiographic follow-up, and 50 aneurysms (83.3%) were completely occluded. The overall complication rate was 3.3%, and there were no reported mortalities. Among the 12 cases of ruptured aneurysms, all of which underwent adjunctive coil embolization, the complete occlusion rate was 91.7% with a complication rate of 16.6% [ischemic complication and modified Rankin scale (mRS) deteriorated]. In the 6 cases of posterior circulation aneurysms (2 in the basilar artery), 5 cases achieved complete occlusion and 1 case achieved near-complete occlusion, with no reported complications or mortality. Conclusions: The use of PEDs appears to be an effective treatment option for IA, demonstrating high occlusion rates and low complication rates. While the application of PEDs for the treatment of ruptured aneurysms did not increase the risk of secondary aneurysm rupture, caution is still warranted due to a higher complication rate. In the treatment of aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar artery using PEDs, this study achieved favorable efficacy outcomes without complications nor patient mortality. However, further studies are needed to validate these findings.

Simultaneous Rapid Detection of Multiple Physicochemical Properties of Jet Fuel Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Jet fuel is the primary fuel used in the aviation industry, and its quality has a direct impact on the safety and operational efficiency of aircraft. The accurate quantitative detection and analysis of various physicochemical property indicators are important for improving and ensuring the quality of jet fuel in the domestic market. This study used near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to establish a suitable model for the simultaneous and rapid detection of multiple physicochemical properties in jet fuel. Using more than 40 different sources of jet fuel, a rapid detection model was established by optimizing the spectral processing methods. The measurement models were separately built using the partial least-squares (PLS) and orthogonal PLS algorithms, and the model parameters were optimized. The results show that after the Savitzky-Golay second derivative preprocessing, the PLS model built using the feature spectra selected by the uninformative variable elimination wavelength algorithm achieved the best measurement performance. Compared with the PLS model without preprocessing, the range of the resulting accuracy improvement was at least 15.01%. Under the optimal model parameters, the calibration set regression coefficient (Rc2) of the 11 jet fuel property index models ranged from 0.9102 to 0.9763, with the root-mean-square error of calibration values up to 0.8468 °C (for flash points). The regression coefficient (Rp2) of the validation set ranged from 0.8239 to 0.9557, with the root-mean-square error of prediction values up to 1.1354 °C (for flash points). The ratios of prediction to deviation (RPD) values were all in the range of 1.9-3.0, indicating high accuracy and reliability of the model. The rapid NIR analysis method established in this study enables the simultaneous and rapid detection of multiple physicochemical properties of jet fuel, thereby providing effective technical support for ensuring the quality of jet fuel in the market.

Tailoring Solvation Solvent in Localized High-Concentration Electrolytes for Lithium||Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile.

Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is a promising cathode material for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries due to its significantly reduced polysulfide (PS) dissolution compared to that of elemental S cathodes. Although conventional carbonate-based electrolytes are stable with SPAN electrodes, they are unstable with Li metal anodes. Recently, localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) have been developed to improve the stability of Li anodes. Here, we report a new strategy to further improve the performance of Li||SPAN batteries by replacing the conventional solvating solvent 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) in LHCEs with a new solvating solvent, 1,2-diethoxyethane (DEE). The new optimal DEE-LHCE exhibits less reactivity against Li2S2, alleviates PS dissolution, forms a better cathode-electrolyte interphase layer on the SPAN cathode, and enhances SPAN structural reversibility even at elevated temperatures (45 °C). Compared to DME-LHCE, DEE-LHCE with the same salt and diluent leads to better performance in Li||SPAN batteries (with 82.9% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 45 °C), preservation of the SPAN cathode structure, and suppression of volume change of the Li metal anode. A similar strategy on tailoring the solvating solvents in LHCEs can also be used in other rechargeable batteries to improve their electrochemical performances.

A novel NIR-II FL/ PA imaging-guided synergistic photothermal-immune therapy: Biomineralizing nanosystems integrated with anti-tumor and bone repair.

Advanced stages of breast cancer are frequently complicated by bone metastases, which cause significant cancer-related bone destruction and mortality. However, the early precise theranostics of bone metastasis remains a formidable challenge in clinical practice. Herein,a novel all-in-one nanotheranostic system (ABI NYs) combining NIR-II FL/PA dual-modal imaging with photothermal-immunity therapeutic functionalities in one component was designed to precisely localize bone metastasis microscopic lesions and achieve complete tumor ablation at an early stage. The surface modification of the nanosystem with ibandronate (IBN) facilitates both passive and active targeting, significantly improving the detection rate of bone metastasis and suppressing the bone resorption. Superior photothermal performance produces sufficient heat to kill tumor cells while stimulating the upregulation of heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70), which triggers the immunogenic cell death (ICD) effect and the anti-tumor immune response. These all-in-one nanosystems precisely demonstrated early lesion localization in bone metastases and total tumor ablation with a single integration via "one-component, multi-functions" technique. To sum up, ABI NYs, as novel biomineralizing nanosystems integrated with anti-tumor and bone repair, present a synergistic therapy strategy, providing insight into the theranostics of bone metastases and clinical research.

Cost-Effectiveness of First-Line Atezolizumab versus Chemotherapy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Ineligible for Platinum-Containing Regimens.

Purpose: The IPSOS study provided evidence supporting the efficacy and tolerability of first-line atezolizumab compared to single-agent chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients ineligible for treatment with a platinum-containing regimen. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of atezolizumab specifically in this population, considering the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Patients and Methods: In this analysis, a three-state Markov model was utilized. The survival data were derived from the IPSOS clinical trial. Direct medical costs and utility values were collected from national authoritative database and published literature. The primary outcomes were costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). To ensure the robustness of our model, both one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results: Atezolizumab monotherapy led to an increase in costs of $4139.23 compared to single-agent chemotherapy. Additionally, it resulted in a gain of 0.14 QALYs, leading to an ICER of $29,365.79 per QALY, which was below the willingness-to-pay threshold of $36,066 per QALY used in the model. One-way sensitivity analyses revealed cost of atezolizumab and utility of progressive disease (PD) as major influencing factors for ICER. Furthermore, probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed our base-case results. Conclusion: From the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, atezolizumab emerges as a cost-effective choice for the first-line treatment of NSCLC patients ineligible for platinum-based chemotherapy.

Interferometric modulation for generating extended light sheet: improving field of view.

Significance: Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has emerged as a powerful and versatile imaging technique renowned for its remarkable features, including high-speed 3D tomography, minimal photobleaching, and low phototoxicity. The interference light-sheet fluorescence microscope, with its larger field of view (FOV) and more uniform axial resolution, possesses significant potential for a wide range of applications in biology and medicine. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the interference behavior among multiple light sheets (LSs) in LSFM and optimize the FOV and resolution of the light-sheet fluorescence microscope. Approach: We conducted a detailed investigation of the interference effects among LSs through theoretical derivation and numerical simulations, aiming to find optimal parameters. Subsequently, we constructed a customized system of multi-LSFM that incorporates both interference light sheets (ILS) and noninterference light-sheet configurations. We performed beam imaging and microsphere imaging tests to evaluate the FOV and axial resolution of these systems. Results: Using our custom-designed light-sheet fluorescence microscope, we captured the intensity distribution profiles of both interference and noninterference light sheets (NILS). Additionally, we conducted imaging tests on microspheres to assess their imaging outcomes. The ILS not only exhibits a larger FOV compared to the NILS but also demonstrates a more uniform axial resolution. Conclusions: By effectively modulating the interference among multiple LSs, it is possible to optimize the intensity distribution of the LSs, expand the FOV, and achieve a more uniform axial resolution.

Different oxygen affinities of methanotrophs and Comammox Nitrospira inform an electrically induced symbiosis for nitrogen loss.

Aerobic methanotrophs establish a symbiotic association with denitrifiers to facilitate the process of aerobic methane oxidation coupled with denitrification (AME-D). However, the symbiosis has been frequently observed in hypoxic conditions continuing to pose an enigma. The present study has firstly characterized an electrically induced symbiosis primarily governed by Methylosarcina and Hyphomicrobium for the AME-D process in a hypoxic niche caused by Comammox Nitrospira. The kinetic analysis revealed that Comammox Nitrospira exhibited a higher apparent oxygen affinity compared to Methylosarcina. While the coexistence of comammox and AME-D resulted in an increase in methane oxidation and nitrogen loss rates, from 0.82 ± 0.10 to 1.72 ± 0.09 mmol CH4 d-1 and from 0.59 ± 0.04 to 1.30 ± 0.15 mmol N2 d-1, respectively. Furthermore, the constructed microbial fuel cells demonstrated a pronounced dependence of the biocurrents on AME-D due to oxygen competition, suggesting the involvement of direct interspecies electron transfer in the AME-D process under hypoxic conditions. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analysis revealed that Methylosarcina efficiently oxidized methane to formaldehyde, subsequently generating abundant NAD(P)H for nitrate reduction by Hyphomicrobium through the dissimilatory RuMP pathway, leading to CO2 production. This study challenges the conventional understanding of survival mechanism employed by AME-D symbionts, thereby contributing to the characterization responsible for limiting methane emissions and promoting nitrogen removal in hypoxic regions.

Enhancing antifungal and biocompatible efficacy of undecanoic acid through incorporation with chitosan-based nanoemulsion.

The management of invasive fungal infections in humans poses significant challenges due to the intricate nature of the treatment, which is both arduous and costly, necessitating routine diagnostic procedures. Consequently, this investigation aimed to formulate a chitosan-based nanoemulsion (CS NEMs) incorporating the antifungal agent undecanoic acid (UDA), characterizing these NEMs and assessing their antifungal efficacy against both filamentous and non-filamentous fungal pathogens. The CS-based UDA NEMs were synthesized by introducing the surfactant Triton X-100 and the stabilizer glycerol. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and SEM demonstrated the CS-UDA NEMs with an average size of 145 nm and 164.5 ± 24 nm, respectively. The successful formation of CS-UDA NEMs was verified through FTIR and XRD. CS-UDA NEMs exhibited exceptional inhibition against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans with MFC of 500, 500, 250 and 250 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, CS-UDA NEMs displayed comparatively lower antioxidant activity as determined by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Importantly, CS-UDA NEMs demonstrated no cytotoxic effects on NIH3T3 cells even at higher concentration (1000 µg/mL), as confirmed by cell viability and fluorescent staining assays. In conclusion, this study suggests that the developed CS-UDA NEMs hold promise as potent antifungal agents with diverse potential applications.

Effects of two strains of thermophilic nitrogen-fixing bacteria on nitrogen loss mitigation in cow dung compost.

Excavating nitrogen-fixing bacteria with high-temperature tolerance is essential for the efficient composting of animal dung. In this study, two strains of thermophilic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, NF1 (Bacillus subtilis) and NF2 (Azotobacter chroococcum), were added to cow dung compost both individually (NF1, NF2) and mixed together (NF3; mixing NF1 and NF2 at a ratio of 1:1). The results showed that NF1, NF2, and NF3 inoculants increased the total Kjeldahl nitrogen level by 38.43%-55.35%, prolonged the thermophilic period by 1-13 d, increased the seed germination index by 17.81%, and the emissions of NH3 and N2O were reduced by 25.11% and 42.75%, respectively. Microbial analysis showed that Firmicutes were the predominant bacteria at the thermophilic stage, whereas Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the predominant bacteria at the mature stage. These results confirmed that the addition of the isolated strains to cow dung composting improved the bacterial community structure and benefited nitrogen retention.

QKL injection ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-like pathology by regulating expression of RAGE.

The onset of Alzheimer's disease is related to neuron damage caused by massive deposition of Aß in the brain. Recent studies suggest that excessive Aß in the brain mainly comes from peripheral blood, and BBB is the key to regulate Aß in and out of the brain. In this study, we explored the pathogenesis of AD from the perspective of Aß transport through the BBB and the effect of QKL injection in AD mice. The results showed that QKL could improve the cognitive dysfunction of AD mice, decrease the level of Aß and Aß transporter-RAGE, which was supported by the results of network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. In conclusion, RAGE is a potential target for QKL's therapeutic effect on AD.

Cell death dependent on holins LrgAB repressed by a novel ArsR family regulator CdsR.

The cell death and survival paradox in various biological processes requires clarification. While spore development causes maternal cell death in Bacillus species, the involvement of other cell death pathways in sporulation remains unknown. Here, we identified a novel ArsR family transcriptional regulator, CdsR, and found that the deletion of its encoding gene cdsR causes cell lysis and inhibits sporulation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an ArsR family transcriptional regulator governing cell death. We found that CdsR directly repressed lrgAB expression. Furthermore, lrgAB overexpression resulted in cell lysis without sporulation, akin to the cdsR mutant, suggesting that LrgAB, a holin-like protein, induces cell death in Bacillus spp. The lrgAB mutation increases abnormal cell numbers during spore development. In conclusion, we propose that a novel repressor is vital for inhibiting LrgAB-dependent cell lysis.

Size and fixation options of dorsoulnar fragments in distal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of size and fixation options of dorsoulnar fragments on the clinical outcomes of distal radius fractures (DRFs). METHODS: This retrospective analysis was performed on 94 patients with DFR accompanied by dorsoulnar fragments, spanning the period from October 2018 to November 2022. Mean follow-up was 15.5 (range, 12-20) months. Patients were divided into small- (<5 %, n = 28), middle- (5-15 %, n = 50), and large- (>15 %, n = 16) sized groups according to articular involvement of dorsoulnar fragments determined by three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) modeling. Subdivision also took place for the presence of postoperative fragment displacement (>2 mm) and fixation methods including volar locking plate (VLP), VLP combined with dorsal hollow compression screw (VDS), and VLP combined with dorsal low-profile mini plate (VDP). The radiographic parameters (volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial height) and functional outcome measures of wrist range of motion, wrist function (DASH, PRWE), and wrist pain (VAS) were evaluated and compared between groups. RESULTS: Fracture healing was observed in all patients at final follow-up. No instances of dorsoulnar fragment displacement were observed in patients undergoing VDS and VDP treatment and the incidence of the dorsoulnar fragment displacement was 35 % (n = 8) in small-sized group, 21 % (n = 7) in middle-sized group, and 7 % (n = 1) in large-sized group when patients were treated with VLP. In small-sized group, no significant differences were found between patients with and without dorsoulnar fragment displacement in dorsiflexion restriction (10.6 ± 2.8°, 9.1 ± 2.3°, P = 0.159), pronosupination restriction (9.6 ± 2.1°, 8.6 ± 1.7°, P = 0.188), DASH (11.5 ± 4.1, 10.7 ± 3.2, P = 0.562), PRWE (11.9 ± 4.2, 10.6 ± 3.6, P = 0.425), and VAS (1.1 ± 1.1, 0.9 ± 1.0, P = 0.528). In middle-sized combined with large-sized group, the functional outcome measures of dorsiflexion restriction (12.5 ± 3.7°, 9.8 ± 2.9°, P = 0.022), DASH (14.6 ± 5.2, 11.4 ± 3.7, P = 0.030), and PRWE (15.0 ± 4.5, 11.3 ± 3.9, P = 0.016) were superior in patients without dorsoulnar fragment displacement. In patients treated with VLPs, no significant differences were found in dorsiflexion restriction (9.8 ± 2.5°, 10.8 ± 3.5°, 9.4 ± 2.5°, P = 0.299), pronosupination restriction (9.2 ± 1.9°, 10.1 ± 2.8°, 8.9 ± 1.5°, P = 0.200), DASH (11.1 ± 3.5, 12.9 ± 4.3, 11.1 ± 3.6, P = 0.162), PRWE (11.1 ± 3.9, 12.8 ± 4.2, 10.8 ± 3.9, P = 0.188), and VAS (1.0 ± 1.0, 1.4 ± 1.1, 0.9 ± 0.9, P = 0.151) between small-sized, middle-sized, and large-sized groups. In middle-sized group, no significant differences were found in dorsiflexion restriction (10.8 ± 3.5°, 9.4 ± 2.2°, 9.4 ± 2.4°, P = 0.316); pronosupination restriction (10.1 ± 2.8°, 8.8 ± 1.9°, 9.0 ± 2.5°, P = 0.314), DASH (12.9 ± 4.3, 10.3 ± 3.7, 10.5 ± 3.7, P = 0.133), PRWE (12.8 ± 4.2, 10.4 ± 3.8, 10.6 ± 4.1, P = 0.199), and VAS (1.4 ± 1.1, 0.8 ± 0.7, 1.0 ± 1.1, P = 0.201) between subgroups of VLP, VDS, and VDP. No significant differences were found in radiographic parameters between all groups compared. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that the strict reduction and fixation of a dorsoulnar fragment might be not essential when its articular involvement was less than 5 %. The volar locking plate (VLP) fixation was commonly effective in treating distal radius fractures accompanied by a dorsoulnar fragment involving over 15 % of the articular surface. Additionally, the use of an additional dorsal hollow compression screw or a dorsal low-profile mini plate can get good wrist function in the early-term follow-up when the dorsoulnar fragment involve 5-15 % of the articular surface.

Microbaculum marinisediminis sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment.

A novel Gram-stain-negative and facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated A6E488T, was isolated from intertidal sediment collected from Xiaoshi Island, Weihai, PR China (122° 1' E 37° 31' N). Cells of strain A6E488T were rod-shaped with widths of 0.3-0.4 µm and lengths of 1.1-1.8 µm. The optimal growth conditions were determined to be in 1 % (w/v) NaCl, at 37 °C, and at pH 7.0. The predominant fatty acids (≥10 %) were C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c (59.7 %) and summed feature 8 (13.8 %, C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The sole isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. Oxidase activity was negative but catalase activity was positive. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified aminolipid, one unidentified glycolipid, and one unidentified lipid. Based on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain A6E488T showed the highest sequence similarity to Microbaculum marinum MCCC 1K03192T (97.6 %). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain A6E488T and M. marinum MCCC 1K03192T did not exceed 78 and 22 %, respectively. These values are below the recommended thresholds of 95 % (ANI) and 70 % (dDDH) for prokaryotic species delineation. On the basis of gene annotation, it was observed that strain A6E488T possesses the capability for thiosulphate oxidation, suggesting that this strain might be important in the sulphur cycle. Based on the results of phenotypic, genotypic, and chemical characterization, strain A6E488T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Microbaculum, for which the name Microbaculum marinisediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A6E488T (=KCTC 92197T=MCCC 1H00516T).

Direct and rapid thermal shock for recycling spent graphite in lithium-ion batteries.

Due to the rapid increase in the number of spent lithium-ion batteries, there has been a growing interest in the recovery of degraded graphite. In this work, a rapid thermal shock (RTS) strategy is proposed to regenerate spent graphite for use in lithium-ion batteries. The results of structural and morphological characterization demonstrate that the graphite is well regenerated by the RTS process. Additionally, an amorphous carbon layer forms and coats onto the surface of the graphite, contributing to excellent rate performance. The regenerated graphite (RG-1000) displays excellent rate performance, with capacities of 413 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1 and 102.1 mAh g-1 at 1000 mA g-1, respectively. Furthermore, it demonstrates long-term cycle stability, maintaining a capacity of 80 mAh g-1 at 1000 mA g-1 with a capacity retention of 78.4 % after 600 cycles. This RTS method enables rapid and efficient regeneration of spent graphite anodes for lithium-ion batteries, providing a facile and environmentally friendly strategy for their direct regeneration.

Deciphering the core microbiota in open environment solid-state fermentation of Beijing rice vinegar and its correlation with environmental factors.

BACKGROUND: Rice vinegar is a worldwide popular cereal vinegar worldwide and is typically produced in an open environment, and the ecosystem of solid-state fermentation is complicated and robust. This study aimed to reveal the shaping force of the establishment of the ecosystem of Beijing rice vinegar, the core function microbiota, and their correlation with critical environmental factors. RESULTS: The experimental findings revealed the changes in environmental factors, major metabolites, and microbial patterns during Beijing rice vinegar fermentation were obtained. The major metabolites accumulated at the middle and late acetic acid fermentation (AAF) periods. Principal coordinates and t-test analyses revealed the specific bacterial and fungal species at corresponding stages. Kosakonia, Methlobacterium, Sphingomonas, unidentified Rhizobiaceae, Pseudozyma and Saccharomycopsis dorminated during saccharification and alcohol fermentation and early AAF, while Lactococcus, Acetobacter, Rhodotorula, and Kazachstania dominated the later AAF stages. Canonical correspondence analysis of environmental factors with core microbiota. Temperature and total acid were the most significant factors correlated with the SAF bacterial profile (Pediococcus, Weissella, Enterococcus, and Kosakonia). Ethanol was the most significant factor between AAF1 and AAF3, and mainly affected Acetobacter and Lactobacillus. Conversely, ethanol was the most significant factor in the SAF, AAF1, and AAF3 fungi communities; typical microorganisms were Saccharomyces and Malassezia. Furthermore, the predicted phenotypes of bacteria and their response to environmental factors were evaluated. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study provided insights into the process regulation of spontaneous fermentation and distinguished the key driving forces in the microbiota of Beijing rice vinegar fermentation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

ß-Indole-3-acetic acid attenuated collagen-induced arthritis through reducing the ubiquitination of Foxp3 via the AhR-TAZ-Tip60 pathway.

Massive evidence shows that intestinal tryptophan metabolites affected by intestinal flora can modulate the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effects and mechanisms of intestinal tryptophan metabolites on RA are not yet detailed. Herein, we investigated the protective effects of intestinal tryptophan metabolites on RA and its detailed mechanisms. In this study, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established. Based on metabolomics analysis, the contents of ß-indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indolylpropionic acid, and indole-3-ß-acrylic acid in the sera of CIA rats were significantly less compared with those of the normal rats. Under the condition of Treg or Th17 cell differentiation, IAA significantly promoted the differentiation and activation of Treg cells instead of Th17 cells. Intestinal tryptophan metabolites are well-known endogenic ligands of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Not surprisingly, IAA increased the level of Foxp3 through activating the AhR pathway. Interestingly, IAA had little impact on the level of Foxp3 mRNA, but reducing the ubiquitination and degradation of Foxp3. Mechanically, IAA reduced the expression of the transcriptional coactivator TAZ, which was almost completely reversed by either AhR antagonist CH223191 or siRNA. In vitro, IAA decreased the combination of TAZ and the histone acetyltransferase Tip60, while it increased the combination of Tip60 and Foxp3. In CIA rats, oral administration of IAA increased the number of Treg cells and relieved the inflammation. A combined use with CH223191 almost abolished the effect of IAA. Taken together, IAA attenuated CIA by promoting the differentiation of Treg cells through reducing the ubiquitination of Foxp3 via the AhR-TAZ-Tip60 pathway.

Machine learning-based plasma metabolomic profiles for predicting long-term complications of cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The liver cirrhosis complications occur after long asymptomatic stages of progressive fibrosis and are generally diagnosed late. We aimed to develop a plasma metabolomic-based score tool to predict these events. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We enrolled 64,005 UK biobank participants with metabolomic profile. Participants were randomly divided into the training (n=43,734) and validation cohorts (n=20,271). Liver cirrhosis complications were defined as hospitalization for liver cirrhosis or presentation with hepatocellular carcinoma. Interpretable machine learning framework was applied to learn the metabolomic states extracted from 168 circulating metabolites in the training cohort. An integrated nomogram was developed and compared to conventional and genetic risk scores. We created three groups: low-risk, middle-risk, and high-risk through selected cut-offs of the nomogram. The predictive performance was validated through area under time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (time-dependent AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. The metabolomic state model could accurately predict 10-year risk of liver cirrhosis complications in the training cohort (time-dependent AUC 0.84 [95% CI 0.82-0.86]), and outperform the fibrosis-4 index (time-dependent AUC difference 0.06 [0.03-0.10]) and polygenic risk score (0.25 [0.21-0.29]). The nomogram, integrating metabolomic state, aspartate aminotransferase, platelet count, waist/hip ratio, and smoking status, showed a time-dependent AUC of 0.930 at 3 years, 0.889 at 5 years, and 0.861 at 10 years in the validation cohort, respectively. The hazard ratio in the high-risk group was 43.58 (95% CI 27.08-70.12) compared with the low-risk group. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a metabolomic state-integrated nomogram, which enables risk stratification and personalized administration of liver-related events.

Bidirectional mediation of bone mineral density and brain atrophy on their associations with gait variability.

This mediation analysis aimed to investigate the associations among areal bone mineral density, mobility-related brain atrophy, and specific gait patterns. A total of 595 participants from the Taizhou Imaging Study, who underwent both gait and bone mineral density measurements, were included in this cross-sectional analysis. We used a wearable gait tracking device to collect quantitative gait parameters and then summarized them into independent gait domains with factor analysis. Bone mineral density was measured in the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Magnetic resonance images were obtained on a 3.0-Tesla scanner, and the volumes of brain regions related to mobility were computed using FreeSurfer. Lower bone mineral density was found to be associated with higher gait variability, especially at the site of the lumbar spine (ß = 0.174, FDR = 0.001). Besides, higher gait variability was correlated with mobility-related brain atrophy, like the primary motor cortex (ß = 0.147, FDR = 0.006), sensorimotor cortex (ß = 0.153, FDR = 0.006), and entorhinal cortex (ß = 0.106, FDR = 0.043). Bidirectional mediation analysis revealed that regional brain atrophy contributed to higher gait variability through the low lumbar spine bone mineral density (for the primary motor cortex, P = 0.018; for the sensorimotor cortex, P = 0.010) and the low lumbar spine bone mineral density contributed to higher gait variability through the primary motor and sensorimotor cortices (P = 0.026 and 0.010, respectively).