Multi-level decisions for addressing trade-off in the cross-regional water-environment-agriculture interactive system under constraint of water ecological carrying capacity.

The complex-enhanced hierarchical relationship among multiple stakeholders in the water-environment-agriculture interactive system has been overlooked. This study develops a leader-follower-enhanced framework (named as FCMLP) that integrates variable-weight combination prediction model, multi-level programming, and fuzzy credibility constrained programming, which can effectively address the above problems under uncertainties. Five water ecological carrying capacity (WECC) statuses are treated as a critical constraint into the modeling framework to improve the accuracy of decision-making. An interactive fuzzy satisfaction algorithm is advanced for solving this multi-level problem, in which COD discharge minimization, economic benefits maximization, and grain yield maximization are taken as the upper-, middle-, and lower-level goals, respectively. The framework is applied to plan the cross-regional water-environment-agriculture interactive system in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Yangtze River Economic Belt. Solutions reveal that increased WECC status and credibility level would decrease 1.40%-1.74%, 0.71%-9.61%, and 1.63%-2.26% of water resources allocation, COD emissions, and economic benefits, respectively. Crop area and grain yield would dramatically decline by 4.13%-4.46% and 4.03%-4.67% when a credibility level increases from 0.8 to 1, respectively. The overall satisfactory degree would range from 0.58 to 0.70, which illustrates interactive decision-making process of multiple stakeholders. Significant differences can be observed in the optimized schemes of water resources allocation and environmental-economic-agricultural performances among various models. The amounts of allocated water resources, pollutant discharge, and economic output from the FCMLP model would be respectively 11.30%-13.45%, 14.90%-15.21%, and 73.12%-73.48% higher than those from the environment- and agriculture-oriented schemes, yet 13.81%, 32.05%, and 15.29% lower than those from the economy-oriented scheme. Some water adaptability countermeasures are given for ensuring the scientific operation of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project and alleviating conflicts between water source and receiving areas. Further exploration of the optimization scheme of water-environment-energy-agriculture system driven by climate change is still required for guaranteeing the dynamic balance of regional resources.

Overexpression of miR-20a-5p in mesenchymal stem cell derived-exosomes from systemic lupus erythematosus patients restored therapeutic effect and Treg immune regulation.

We and other groups have documented that bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) from Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients demonstrated signs of senescence, including reduced ability of regulating Treg. Treg cell defects or Treg cell deficiency are regarded as significant factors in the progression of SLE. Exosomes, nanoscale vesicles, abound in molecular and genetic contents, play a critical role in intercellular communications. The purpose of this research is to investigate the mechanism of MSCs-exosomes regulating Tregs cells in SLE, further elucidate the mechanism of immune dysregulation of aging BM-MSCs, and provide theoretical basis and data support for new targets of SLE treatment. In the study, BM-MSCs and exosomes were isolated successfully. Exosomes could be up-taken by naïve CD4+T cells. MSCs-exosomes attenuated SLE clinical manifestation in vivo, but MSCs-exosomes from SLE patients were ineffective. MSCs-exosomes from SLE patients dysregulated Treg cells differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Exosomal miR-20a-5p contributed to the effect of MSCs-exosomes regulating Treg cells. Up-regulating the expression of miR-20a-5p in SLE MSCs-exosomes can restore their ability to promote Treg differentiation and treatment effect. This study further elucidated the role of in the immunomodulatory mechanism of BM-MSCs-exosomes and provided new ideas for the non-cellular autologous transplantation therapy of SLE.

Synergistically improve the strength and porosity of carbon paper by using a novel phenol formaldehyde resin modified with cellulose nanofiber for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

To optimize the imbalance between the interfacial bonding and porosity properties of carbon paper (CP) caused by phenol formaldehyde resin (PF) impregnation, and therefore improve the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), a new approach through cellulose nanofibers grafted with methyl methacrylate (CNFM) as a modified reinforcement and pore-forming agent for PF is investigated. Through suppressing the methylene backbone fracture of CNFM-modified PF during its thermal depolymerization, the interfacial bonding between PF matrix carbon and carbon fibers is enhanced. Compared with unmodified CP, the in-plane resistivity of CNFM-modified CP is reduced by 35.78 %, while the connected porosity increases to 82.26 %, and more homogeneous pore size distribution (PSD) in the range of 20-40 µm is obtained for CNFM-modified CP. Besides, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and air permeability of CNFM-modified CP increase by 72.78 %, 298.4 %, and 103.97 %, respectively. In addition, CNFM-modified CP achieves the peak power density of PEMFCs to 701.81 mW·cm-2, exhibiting 10.98 % improvement compared with commercial CP (632.39 mW·cm-2), evidently achieving an integral promotion of CP and comprehensive performance.

Development and application of Breadth-Depth-Context (BDC), a conceptual framework for measuring technology engagement with a qualified clinical data registry.

Objectives: Despite the proliferation of dashboards that display performance data derived from Qualified Clinical Data Registries (QCDR), the degree to which clinicians and practices engage with such dashboards has not been well described. We aimed to develop a conceptual framework for assessing user engagement with dashboard technology and to demonstrate its application to a rheumatology QCDR. Materials and Methods: We developed the BDC (Breadth-Depth-Context) framework, which included concepts of breadth (derived from dashboard sessions), depth (derived from dashboard actions), and context (derived from practice characteristics). We demonstrated its application via user log data from the American College of Rheumatology's Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry to define engagement profiles and characterize practice-level factors associated with different profiles. Results: We applied the BDC framework to 213 ambulatory practices from the RISE registry in 2020-2021, and classified practices into 4 engagement profiles: not engaged (8%), minimally engaged (39%), moderately engaged (34%), and most engaged (19%). Practices with more patients and with specific electronic health record vendors (eClinicalWorks and eMDs) had a higher likelihood of being in the most engaged group, even after adjusting for other factors. Discussion: We developed the BDC framework to characterize user engagement with a registry dashboard and demonstrated its use in a specialty QCDR. The application of the BDC framework revealed a wide range of breadth and depth of use and that specific contextual factors were associated with nature of engagement. Conclusion: Going forward, the BDC framework can be used to study engagement with similar dashboards.

Study on the inhibitory mechanism of fig leaf extract against postharvest Fusarium in melon.

The objective of this study was to explore the fungistatic mechanism of fig leaf extract against Fusarium and to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new plant-derived fungicides. Methods: The fungistaticity of fig leaf extract were analyzed by the ring of inhibition method. Fusarium equiseti was selected as the target for analyzing its fungistatic mechanism in terms of mycelial morphology, ultrastructure, cell membrane permeability, membrane plasma peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and changes in the activity of protective enzymes. The effect of this extract was verified in melon, and its components were determined by metabolite analysis using ultraperformance liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (UPLC‒MS). Results: Fig leaf extract had an obvious inhibitory effect on Fusarium, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05) or highly significant (P < 0.01). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that F. equiseti hyphae exhibited obvious folding, twisting and puckering phenomena, resulting in an increase in the cytoplasmic leakage of spores, interstitial plasma, and the concentration of the nucleus, which seriously damaged the integrity of the fungal cell membrane. This phenomenon was confirmed by propidium iodide (PI) and fluorescein diacetate (FAD) staining, cell membrane permeability and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Fig leaf extract also induced the mycelium to produce excessive H2O2,which led to lipid peroxidation of the cell membrane, promoted the accumulation of MDA, accelerated protein hydrolysis, induced an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, and disrupted the balance of ROS metabolism; these findings showed that fungal growth was inhibited, which was verified in melons. A total of 1,540 secondary metabolites were detected by broad-targeted metabolomics, among which the fungistatic active substances flavonoids (15.45%), phenolic acids (15%), and alkaloids (10.71%) accounted for a high percentage and the highest relative content of these substances 1,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-2- prenylxanthone, 8-hydroxyquinoline and Azelaic acid were analysed for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, preventive effects against plant diseases and acquisition of resistance by plants. This confirms the reason for the fungicidal properties of fig leaf extracts. Conclusion: Fig leaf extract has the potential to be developed into a plant-derived fungicide as a new means of postharvest pathogen prevention and control in melon.

Screening for anti-influenza virus compounds from traditional Mongolian medicine by GFP-based reporter virus.

Introduction: Screening for effective antiviral compounds from traditional Mongolian medicine not only aids in the research of antiviral mechanisms of traditional medicines, but is also of significant importance for the development of new antiviral drugs targeting influenza A virus. Our study aimed to establish high-throughput, rapid screening methods for antiviral compounds against influenza A virus from abundant resources of Mongolian medicine. Methods: The use of GFP-based reporter viruses plays a pivotal role in antiviral drugs screening by enabling rapid and precise identification of compounds that inhibit viral replication. Herein, a GFP-based reporter influenza A virus was used to identify potent anti-influenza compounds within traditional Mongolian medicine. Results: Our study led to the discovery of three active compounds: Cardamonin, Curcumin, and Kaempferide, all of which exhibited significant antiviral properties in vitro. Subsequent analysis confirmed that their effectiveness was largely due to the stimulation of the antiviral signaling pathways of host cells, rather than direct interference with the viral components, such as the viral polymerase. Discussion: This study showcased the use of GFP-based reporter viruses in high-throughput screening to unearth antiviral agents from traditional Mongolian medicine, which contains rich antiviral compounds and deserves further exploration. Despite certain limitations, fluorescent reporter viruses present substantial potential for antiviral drug screening research due to their high throughput and efficiency.

Fabrication of bimetallic MOF-74 derived materials for high-efficiency adsorption of iodine.

Owing to their high porosity, open metal sites, and huge surface area, metal-organic framework (MOF) materials are commonly employed in iodine adsorption processes. Bimetallic MOFs have drawn a lot of attention since mono-metal MOFs have been unable to keep up with the demand. Bimetallic MOF materials still have drawbacks, including limited adsorption capacity, extended adsorption time, poor stability, and poor selectivity, despite their positive performance in radioactive iodine capture. It has been therefore difficult to develop adsorbents with quick iodine adsorption rates and high iodine adsorption efficiency. This study investigated the adsorption properties of a series of bimetallic MOF-74 materials (Mn-Co-MOF-74, Mn-Zn-MOF-74, and Mn-Ni-MOF-74) for radioactive iodine, as well as their design and synthesis utilizing the reflux approach. It was discovered that the adsorption performance of Mn-Ni-MOF-74 for radioiodine was superior to that of the other two bimetallic MOF-74 materials. Using the bimetallic Mn-Ni-MOF-74 as a precursor, a variety of bimetallic MOF-74 derived carbon compounds (Mn-Ni-CX) were prepared by high-temperature pyrolysis. Simultaneously, the structure of the material and the iodine adsorption characteristics have been thoroughly studied.

Two Doses of Zn Induced Different Microbiota Profiles and Dietary Zinc Supplementation Affects the Intestinal Microbial Profile, Intestinal Microarchitecture and Immune Response in Pigeons.

We aimed to explore the effects of two different doses of Zn on the fecal microbiota in pigeons and the correlation between these effects and intestinal immune status. Zn doses affected pigeon growth performance, and pigeons in the T60 (60 mg/kg Zn) and T90 (90 mg/kg Zn) groups exhibited higher villus height and crypt depth in duodenum and ileum compared to the control group, respectively. Supplementation with Zn increased the expression of the IL8, CD798, TJP and NKTR genes (p < 0.05), while enhancing serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, and IgA concentrations compared to the control pigeons (p < 0.05). T60 treatment reduced relative Actinobacteriota abundance, while Lactobacillus spp. abundance was highest in the T90 group compared to the two other groups. The core functional genera significantly associated with immune indices in these pigeons were Rhodococcus erythropolis and Lactobacillus ponti. Our findings will help facilitate the application of dietary Zn intake in pig production.

Epidemics and diversity of norovirus variants with acute gastroenteritis outbreak in Hongshan District, Wuhan City, China, 2021-2023.

BACKGROUND: Norovirus is the predominant pathogen causing foodborne illnesses and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks worldwide, imposing a significant disease burden. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and genotypic diversity of norovirus outbreaks in Hongshan District, Wuhan City. METHODS: A total of 463 AGE cases from 39 AGE-related outbreaks in Hongshan District between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023, were included in the study. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to identify norovirus types GI and GII in anal swab samples from all cases. Norovirus-positive samples were sequenced and analyzed for the open reading frame (ORF) 1/ORF2 hinge region. RESULTS: 26 norovirus infectious outbreaks were reported among 39 acute diarrheal outbreaks, including 14 outbreaks in kindergartens, 8 in elementary schools, and 4 in universities. Based on clinical symptoms and epidemiological investigations, a total of 1295 individuals were identified as having been exposed to norovirus, yielding an attack rate of 35.75 %. A higher proportion of outbreaks was observed during the winter and spring seasons (38.46 %). Additionally, norovirus-positive samples were subjected to sequencing and analysis of the open reading frame (ORF) 1/ORF2 hinge region. Genotypic data for norovirus was successfully obtained from 18 (69.23 %) of the infectious outbreaks, revealing 10 distinct recombinant genotypes. GII.4 Sydney 2012 [P31] and GII.17[P17] were the predominant strains in 2021 and 2022, GII.3 [P12] emerged as the dominant strain in 2023. CONCLUSION: Norovirus outbreaks in Hongshan District predominantly occurred in crowded educational institutions, with peaks in the cold season and a high attack rate in universities. GII.3 [P12] has become the locally predominant strain.

Targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells promotes antiparasitic T-cell immunity and enhances the efficacy of PD-1 blockade (15 words).

Immune exhaustion corresponds to a loss of effector function of T cells that associates with cancer or chronic infection. Here, our objective was to decipher the mechanisms involved in the immune suppression of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and to explore the potential to target these cells for immunotherapy to enhance checkpoint blockade efficacy in a chronic parasite infection. We demonstrated that programmed cell-death-1 (PD-1) expression was significantly upregulated and associated with T-cell dysfunction in advanced alveolar echinococcosis (AE) patients and in Echinococcus multilocularis-infected mice. PD-1 blockade ex vivo failed to reverse AE patients' peripheral blood T-cell dysfunction. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade or PD-1 deficiency had no significant effects on metacestode in mouse model. This was due to the inhibitory capacities of immunosuppressive granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs), especially in the liver surrounding the parasite pseudotumor. MDSCs suppressed T-cell function in vitro in an indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)-dependent manner. Although depleting MDSCs alone restored T-cell effector functions and led to some limitation of disease progression in E. multilocularis-infected mice, combination with PD-1 blockade was better to induce antiparasitic efficacy. Our findings provide preclinical evidence in support of targeting MDSC or combining such an approach with checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced AE. (200 words).

Ultra-Thin RuIr Alloy as Durable Electrocatalyst for Seawater Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

The development of efficient, high-performance catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remains a significant challenge, especially in seawater media. Here, RuIr alloy catalysts are prepared by the polyol reduction method. Compared with single-metal catalysts, the RuIr alloy catalysts exhibited higher activity and stability in seawater electrolysis due to their greater number of reactive sites and solubility resistance. The RuIr alloy has an overpotential of 75 mV@10 mA cm-2, which is similar to that of Pt/C (73 mV), and can operate stably for 100 hours in alkaline seawater. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that hydrogen atoms adsorbed at the top sites of Ru and Ir atoms are more favorable for HER and are most likely to be the reactive sites. This work provides a reference for developing highly efficient and stable catalysts for seawater electrolysis.

Sulfur-Vacancy-Engineered Two-Dimensional Cu@SnS2-x Nanosheets Constructed via Heterovalent Substitution for High-Efficiency Piezocatalytic Tumor Therapy.

Ultrasound (US)-mediated piezocatalytic tumor therapy has attracted much attention due to its notable tissue-penetration capabilities, noninvasiveness, and low oxygen dependency. Nevertheless, the efficiency of piezocatalytic therapy is limited due to an inadequate piezoelectric response, low separation of electron-hole (e--h+) pairs, and complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, an ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) sulfur-vacancy-engineered (Sv-engineered) Cu@SnS2-x nanosheet (NS) with an enhanced piezoelectric effect was constructed via the heterovalent substitution strategy of Sn4+ by Cu2+. The introduction of Cu2+ ion not only causes changes in the crystal structure to increase polarization but also generates rich Sv to decrease band gap from 2.16 to 1.62 eV and inhibit e--h+ pairs recombination, collectively leading to the highly efficient generation of reactive oxygen species under US irradiation. Moreover, Cu@SnS2-x shows US-enhanced TME-responsive Fenton-like catalytic activity and glutathione depletion ability, further aggravating the oxidative stress. Both in vitro and in vivo results prove that the Sv-engineered Cu@SnS2-x NSs can significantly kill tumor cells and achieve high-efficiency piezocatalytic tumor therapy in a biocompatible manner. Overall, this study provides a new avenue for sonocatalytic therapy and broadens the application of 2D piezoelectric materials.

Design of Broadband High-Frequency Multi-Throw RF-MEMS Switches.

This paper introduces a broadband triple-pole triple-throw (3P3T) RF MEMS switch with a frequency range from DC to 380 GHz. The switch achieves precise signal control and efficient modulation through its six-port design. It achieves an insertion loss of -0.66 dB across its frequency range, with isolation and return loss metrics of -32 dB and -15 dB, respectively. With its low actuation voltage of 6.8 V and rapid response time of 2.28 µs, the switch exemplifies power-efficient and prompt switching performance. The compact design is ideal for integration into space-conscious systems. This switch is pivotal for 6G research and has potential applications in satellite communications, military radar systems, and next-generation radio applications that require multi-antenna access.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Is a New Natural Host of Tomato Mosaic Virus and Citrus Exocortis Viroid.

Loquat leaves exhibiting obvious yellowing, blistering, mosaic, leaf upward cupping, crinkle, and leaf narrowing were identified in Panzhihua City, Sichuan Province, China. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) with the ribo-depleted cDNA library was employed to identify the virome in the loquat samples; only tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) were identified in the transcriptome data. The complete genome sequence of ToMV and CEVd were obtained from the loquat leaves. The full-length genome of the ToMV-loquat is 6376 nt and comprises four open reading frames (ORFs) encoding 183 kDa protein, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), movement protein (MP), and coat protein (CP), respectively. A pairwise identity analysis showed that the complete sequence of the ToMV-loquat had a nucleotide identity between 98.5 and 99.3% with other ToMV isolates. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that ToMV-loquat was more closely related to ToMV-IFA9 (GenBank No. ON156781). A CEVd sequence with 361 nt in length was amplified based on the HTS contigs, sequence alignment indicated CEVd-loquat had the highest identity with the strain of CEVd-Balad (GenBank No. PP869624), phylogenetic analysis showed that CEVd-loquat was more closely related to CEVd-lettuce (GenBank No. ON993891). This significant discovery marks the first documentation and characterization of ToMV and CEVd infecting loquat plants, shedding light on potential threats to loquat cultivation and providing insights for disease management strategies.

Optimal Planting Density Increases the Seed Yield by Improving Biomass Accumulation and Regulating the Canopy Structure in Rapeseed.

Planting density is an important factor affecting plant growth and yield formation in rapeseed. However, the understanding of the mechanism underlying the impact of planting density on biomass, canopy, and ultimate seed yield remains limited. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of planting density on seed yield, yield components, biomass accumulation and partitioning, and canopy structure. Five planting density levels were set as D1 (2.4 × 105 plants ha-1), D2 (3.6 × 105 plants ha-1), D3 (5.4 × 105 plants ha-1), D4 (6.0 × 105 plants ha-1), and D5 (7.2 × 105 plants ha-1). The results showed that with planting density increasing from D1 to D3, the seed yield, number of pods in population, and 1000-seed weight increased, while seedling survival rate, yield per plant, number of pods per plant, and number of seeds per plant decreased. When planting density increased to D4 and D5, seed yield dramatically decreased due to a decreased number of seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight. Increasing planting density from D1 to D3 increased biomass accumulation in all organs. D3 produced the highest biomass partitioning in seeds. In addition, D2 and D3 treatments had a high level of pod area index (5.3-5.8), which caused an approximately 93% of the light to be intercepted. The distribution of light in D2 and D3 was more evenly spread, with the upper and lower parts of the canopy displaying a distribution ratio of roughly 7:3. Therefore, D2 and D3 produced the highest seed yields. In conclusion, D2 and D3 are recommended in rapeseed production due to their role in improving biomass accumulation and partitioning and canopy structure.

A Joint Network of Edge-Aware and Spectral-Spatial Feature Learning for Hyperspectral Image Classification.

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is a vital part of the HSI application field. Since HSIs contain rich spectral information, it is a major challenge to effectively extract deep representation features. In existing methods, although edge data augmentation is used to strengthen the edge representation, a large amount of high-frequency noise is also introduced at the edges. In addition, the importance of different spectra for classification decisions has not been emphasized. Responding to the above challenges, we propose an edge-aware and spectral-spatial feature learning network (ESSN). ESSN contains an edge feature augment block and a spectral-spatial feature extraction block. Firstly, in the edge feature augment block, the edges of the image are sensed, and the edge features of different spectral bands are adaptively strengthened. Then, in the spectral-spatial feature extraction block, the weights of different spectra are adaptively adjusted, and more comprehensive depth representation features are extracted on this basis. Extensive experiments on three publicly available hyperspectral datasets have been conducted, and the experimental results indicate that the proposed method has higher accuracy and immunity to interference compared to state-of-the-art (SOTA) method.

Phylogenetics, Molecular Species Delimitation and Geometric Morphometrics of All Reddish-Brown Species in the Genus Neotriplax Lewis, 1887 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Tritomini).

To date, five species of reddish-brown Neotriplax have been described, but their highly similar body color and other phenotypic traits make accurate taxonomy challenging. To clarify species-level taxonomy and validate potential new species, the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was used for phylogenetic analysis and the geometric morphometrics of elytron, pronotum, and hind wing were employed to distinguish all reddish-brown Neotriplax species. Phylogenetic results using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of COI sequences aligned well with the current taxonomy of the Neotriplax species group. Significant K2P divergences, with no overlap between intra- and interspecific genetic distances, were obtained in Neotriplax species. The automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD), assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP), and generalized mixed Yule coalescent (GMYC) approaches concurred, dividing the similar species into eight molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). Geometric morphometric analysis using pronotum, elytron, hind wing shape and wing vein patterns also validated the classification of all eight species. By integrating these analytical approaches with morphological evidence, we successfully delineated the reddish-brown species of Neotriplax into eight species with three new species: N. qinghaiensis sp. nov., N. maoershanensis sp. nov., and N. guangxiensis sp. nov. Furthermore, we documented the first record of N. lewisii in China. This study underscores the utility of an integrative taxonomy approach in species delimitation within Neotriplax and serves as a reference for the taxonomic revision of other morphologically challenging beetles through integrative taxonomy.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel penindolone derivatives as potential antiproliferative agents against SCLC in vitro.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) keeps on the leading cause of cancer mortality world widely, while there is lack of efficient therapeutic drugs especially for the resistant ones. In this work, a compound named penindolone (PND) with new skeleton was found to show weak inhibitory effect (IC50 = 42.5 µM) on H69AR cells (SCLC, adriamycin-resistant) proliferation by screening our in-house compound library. With the aim of improving its low potency, a series of PND derivatives were synthesized and biologically evaluated by the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Among all tested derivatives, compound 5h possessed higher antiproliferation potency (IC50 = 1.6 µM). Furthermore, preliminary mechanism investigation revealed that 5h was able to induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase. These findings suggest that this novel skeleton has expanded the anti-SCLC compound reservoir and provided a new drug lead.

A further examination of growth factors, T helper 1 polarization, and the gut microbiome in major depression: Associations with reoccurrence of illness, cognitive functions, suicidal behaviors, and quality of life.

Growth factors, T helper (Th)1 polarization, and the microbiome are involved in the pathophysiology of major depression (MDD). It remains unclear whether the combination of these three pathways could enhance the accuracy of predicting the features of MDD, including recurrence of illness (ROI), suicidal behaviors and the phenome. We measured serum stem cell factor (SCF), stem cell growth factor (SCGF), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the ratio of serum Th1/Th2 cytokines (zTh1-zTh2), and the abundances of gut microbiome taxa by analyzing stool samples using 16S rDNA sequencing from 32 MDD patients and 37 healthy controls. The results show that serum SCF is significantly lower and VEGF increased in MDD. Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and ROI are significantly associated with lowered SCF and increasing VEGF. Lifetime and current suicidal behaviors are strongly predicted (63.5%) by an increased VEGF/SCF ratio, Th1 polarization, a gut microbiome enterotype indicating gut dysbiosis, and lowered abundance of Dorea and Faecalobacterium. Around 80.5% of the variance in the phenome's severity is explained by ROI, ACEs, and lowered Parabacteroides distasonis and Clostridium IV abundances. A large part of the variance in health-related quality of life (54.1%) is explained by the VEGF/SCF ratio, Th1 polarization, ACE, and male sex. In conclusion, key features of MDD are largely predicted by the cumulative effects of ACE, Th1 polarization, aberrations in growth factors and the gut microbiome with increased pathobionts but lowered beneficial symbionts.

Application of 3-dimensional visualization and image fusion technology in liver cancer with portal vein tumor thrombus surgery.

Liver cancer with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is a frequent finding and is related to poor prognosis. Surgical resection provides a more promising prognosis in selected patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the application of 3D (3-dimensional) visualization and image fusion technology in liver cancer with PVTT surgery. 12 patients were treated with surgery between March 2019 and August 2022. The preoperative standard liver volume (SLV), estimated future liver remnant (FLR), FLR/SLV, 3D visualization models, PVTT classification, operation programs, surgical results, and prognosis were collected and analyzed. Twelve patients who had complete data of 3D visualization and underwent hemihepatectomy combined with portal vein tumor thrombectomy. The operation plan was formulated by 3D visualization and was highly consistent with the actual surgery. The SLV was 1208.33 ±â€…63.22 mL, FLR was 734.00 mL and FLR/SLV was 61.62 ±â€…19.38%. The accuracy of classification of PVTT by 3D visualization was 100%, Cheng type Ⅱa (4 cases), Ⅱb (2 cases), Ⅲa (4 cases), and Ⅲb (2 cases). The 3D visualization model was a perfect fusion with the intraoperative live scene and precise guidance for hepatectomy. No patient was suffering from postoperative liver failure and without procedure­associated death. 6 patients died of tumor recurrence, and 2 patients died of other reasons. The 12-month cumulative survival rate was 25.9%. 3D visualization and image fusion technology could be used for precise assessment of FLR, classification of PVTT, surgery navigation, and which was helpful in improving the safety of hepatectomy.