Zigzag Barbed Polydioxanone Thread Implantation and Evaluation Using Polydimethylsiloxane Model to Simulate Thread Migration in Tissue.

Facial lifting with polydioxanone barbed threads has been widely used in aesthetic treatment for years. However, gravity resists the thread and continuously pulls the face downward. This study aims to determine methods to lift the skin more efficiently with longer longevity. The quality of the thread is important and is defined by the pulling and pullout strengths. Moreover, the method of using threads is also important. We compared five thread-implantation techniques and six angles for the V-shaped implantation methods using a polydimethylsiloxane model to simulate thread migration in tissues. The results of the simulated thread-lift techniques can provide valuable information for physicians, enabling a more precise design of facelift surgery techniques.

Identification of novel biomarkers for lupus nephritis.

Lupus nephritis (LN) is an autoimmune disease that rapidly progresses as a secondary consequence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and has a very poor prognosis. Therefore, this study aimed to identify characteristics of immune cell infiltration and investigate potential therapeutic targets using bioinformatics methods and the Murphy Roths Large/lymphoproliferation (MRL/lpr) mouse model. In this study, a total of 2,810 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, which were primarily enriched in inflammatory and immune regulation pathways. From these DEGs, 226 immune-related genes (IRGs) were also identified. The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) revealed that patients with LN had increased infiltration of effector memory CD4+ T cells, effector memory CD8+ T cells, gamma delta T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), follicular helper T cells, Th1 cells, and Th2 cells, and this was closely correlated with the DEG-IRGs. Furthermore, the potential therapeutic biomarkers, CD244, S100 calcium binding protein P (S100P), and vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), were identified by Random Forest Approach (RFA), which were validated in LN mice. These findings provide new evidence and insights for further research on diagnosis and treatment of LN by identifying critical genes and their associations with immune infiltration.

Substitute or coexistence? mediastinoscopy-assisted versus thoracoscope-assisted esophagectomy in esophageal cancer - a meta-analysis of perioperative outcomes and long-term survival.

BACKGROUND: Currently, mediastinoscopy-assisted esophagectomy (MAE) and thoracoscope-assisted esophagectomy (TAE) represent two prevalent forms of minimally invasive esophagectomy extensively employed in the management of esophageal cancer (EC). The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess and compare these two surgical approaches concerning perioperative outcomes and long-term survival, offering valuable insights for refining surgical strategies and enhancing patient outcomes in this field. METHODS: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CNKI databases until March 1, 2024, for studies comparing MAE and TAE. Outcomes of interest included perioperative outcomes (intraoperative outcomes, postoperative recovery, postoperative complications) and survival rates. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4, with heterogeneity dictating the use of fixed or random-effects models. RESULTS: Totally 21 relevant studies were finally included. MAE was associated with significantly shorter operation times ((MD=-59.58 min, 95% CI: -82.90, -36.26) and less intraoperative blood loss (MD=-68.34 mL, 95% CI: -130.45, -6.23). However, MAE resulted in fewer lymph nodes being dissected (MD=-3.50, 95% CI: -6.23, -0.78). Postoperative recovery was enhanced following MAE, as evidenced by reduced hospital stays and tube times. MAE significantly reduced pulmonary complications (OR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.81) but increased the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.60). No significant differences were observed in anastomotic leakage, chylothorax, cardiac complications, wound infections, and gastric retention between MAE and TAE. The long-term survival outcomes showed no statistical difference (HR=1.05, 95% CI: 0.71-1.54). CONCLUSIONS: MAE offers advantages in reducing operation time, blood loss, and specific postoperative complications, particularly pulmonary complications, with a shorter recovery period compared to TAE. However, it poses a higher risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and results in fewer lymph nodes being dissected. No difference in long-term survival was observed, indicating that both techniques have distinct benefits and limitations. These findings underscore the need for personalized surgical approaches in EC treatment, considering individual patient characteristics and tumor specifics.

Antibiotics affect the pharmacokinetics of n-butylphthalide in vivo by altering the intestinal microbiota.

OBJECTIVE: N-butylphthalide (NBP) is a monomeric compound extracted from natural plant celery seeds, whether intestinal microbiota alteration can modify its pharmacokinetics is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of intestinal microbiota alteration on the pharmacokinetics of NBP and its related mechanisms. METHODS: After treatment with antibiotics and probiotics, plasma NBP concentrations in SD rats were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The effect of intestinal microbiota changes on NBP pharmacokinetics was compared. Intestinal microbiota changes after NBP treatment were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Expressions of CYP3A1 mRNA and protein in the liver and small intestine tissues under different intestinal flora conditions were determined by qRT-PCR and Western Blot. KEGG analysis was used to analyze the effect of intestinal microbiota changes on metabolic pathways. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the values of Cmax, AUC0-8, AUC0-∞, t1/2 in the antibiotic group increased by 56.1% (P<0.001), 56.4% (P<0.001), 53.2% (P<0.001), and 24.4% (P<0.05), respectively. In contrast, the CL and Tmax values decreased by 57.1% (P<0.001) and 28.6% (P<0.05), respectively. Treatment with antibiotics could reduce the richness and diversity of the intestinal microbiota. CYP3A1 mRNA and protein expressions in the small intestine of the antibiotic group were 61.2% and 66.1% of those of the control group, respectively. CYP3A1 mRNA and protein expressions in the liver were 44.6% and 63.9% of those in the control group, respectively. There was no significant change in the probiotic group. KEGG analysis showed that multiple metabolic pathways were significantly down-regulated in the antibiotic group. Among them, the pathways of drug metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis and decomposition, and fatty acid synthesis and decomposition were related to NBP biological metabolism. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic treatment could affect the intestinal microbiota, decrease CYP3A1 mRNA and protein expressions and increase NBP exposure in vivo by inhibiting pathways related to NBP metabolism.

Potential diagnostic biomarkers for immunogenic cell death in elderly female patients with ischemic stroke: identification and analysis.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is of increasing concern given the aging population and prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles, with older females exhibiting higher susceptibility. This study aimed to identify practical diagnostic markers, develop a diagnostic model for immunogenic cell death (ICD)-associated IS, and investigate alterations in the immune environment caused by hub genes. Differentially expressed genes associated with ICD in IS were identified based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis and the identification of significant modules. Subsequently, machine learning algorithms were employed to screened hub genes, which were further assessed using Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. A nomogram mode lwas then constructed for IS diagnosis, and its diagnostic value was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Finally, alterations in immune cell infiltration were assessed within patients with IS, and the pan-cancer expression patterns of hub genes were evaluated. Three hub genes associated with ICD (PDK4, CCL20, and FBL) were identified. The corresponding nomogram model for IS diagnosis could effectively identify older female patients with IS (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.9555). Overall, the three hub genes exhibit good diagnostic value (AUC > 0.8). CCL20 and FBL are significantly associated with the extent of immune cells infiltration. Moreover, a strong link exists between hub gene expression and pan-cancer prognosis. Cumulatively, these results indicate that ICD-related hub genes critically influence IS progression in older females, presenting novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for personalized treatment.

Antitumor Therapy through Photothermal Performance Synergized with Catalytic Activity Based on the Boron Cluster Supramolecular Frameworks.

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has received widespread attention as a tumor optical treatment strategy in the field of malignant tumor therapy. Nonmetallic multifunctional nanomaterials as CDT agents, due to their low toxicity, long-lasting effects, and safety characteristics, have promising applications in the integrated diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Here, we modified the supramolecular framework of boron clusters, coupled with a variety of dyes to develop a series of metal-free agent compounds, and demonstrated that these nonmetallic compounds have excellent CDT activities through experiments. Subsequently, the best performing Methylene Blue/[closo-B12H12]2- (MB@B12H12) was used as an example. Through theoretical calculations, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and 808 nm light irradiation, we confirmed that MB@B12H12 exhibited photothermal performance and CDT activity further. More importantly, we applied MB@B12H12 to melanoma cells and subcutaneous tumor, demonstrating its effective suppression of melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo through the synergistic effects of photothermal performance and CDT activity. This study emphasizes the generalizability of the coupling of dyes to [closo-B12H12]2- with important clinical translational potential for CDT reagents. Among them, MB@B12H12 may have a brighter future, paving the way for the rapid development of metal-free CDT reagents.

Dynamics of endothelial cells migration in nature-mimicking blood vessels.

Endothelial cells (ECs) migration is a crucial early step in vascular repair and tissue neovascularization. While extensive research has elucidated the biochemical drivers of endothelial motility, the impact of biophysical cues, including vessel geometry and topography, remains unclear. Herein, we present a novel approach to reconstruct 3D self-assembly blood vessels-on-a-chip that accurately replicates real vessel geometry and topography, surpassing conventional 2D flat tube formation models. This vessels-on-a-chip system enables real-time monitoring of vasculogenesis and ECs migration at high spatiotemporal resolution. Our findings reveal that ECs exhibit increased migration speed and directionality in response to narrower vessel geometries, transitioning from a rounded to a polarized morphology. These observations underscore the critical influence of vessel size in regulating ECs migration and morphology. Overall, our study highlights the importance of biophysical factors in shaping ECs behavior, emphasizing the need to consider such factors in future studies of endothelial function and vessel biology.

Coexistence of Ferromagnetism and Superconductivity at KTaO3 Heterointerfaces.

The coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism is a long-standing issue in superconductivity due to the antagonistic nature of these two ordered states. Experimentally identifying and characterizing novel heterointerface superconductors that coexist with magnetism presents significant challenges. Here, we report the observation of two-dimensional long-range ferromagnetic order in a KTaO3 heterointerface superconductor, showing the coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism. Remarkably, our direct current superconducting quantum interference device measurements reveal an in-plane magnetization hysteresis loop persisting above room temperature. Moreover, first-principles calculations and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements provide decisive insights into the origin of the observed robust ferromagnetism, attributing it to oxygen vacancies that localize electrons in nearby Ta 5d states. Our findings suggest KTaO3 heterointerfaces as time-reversal symmetry breaking superconductors, injecting fresh momentum into the exploration of the intricate interplay between superconductivity and magnetism enhanced by the strong spin-orbit coupling inherent to the heavy Ta in 5d orbitals.

Adenosine Stimulates Beating of Neonatal Brain-Derived Cilia through Adenosine A2B Receptor on the Cilia and Activation of Protein Kinase A Pathway.

Motile cilia in the ependymal cells that line the brain ventricles play pivotal roles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in well-defined directions. However, the substances and pathways which regulate their beating have not been well studied. Here, we used primary cultured cells derived from neonatal mouse brain that possess motile cilia and found that adenosine (ADO) stimulates ciliary beating by increasing the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the ED50 value being 5 µM. Ciliary beating stimulated by ADO was inhibited by A2B receptor (A2BR) antagonist MRS1754 without any inhibition by antagonists of other ADO receptor subtypes. The expression of A2BR on the cilia was also confirmed by immunofluorescence. The values of CBF were also increased by forskolin, which is an activator of adenylate cyclase, whereas they were not further increased by the addition of ADO. Furthermore, ciliary beating was not stimulated by ADO in the presence of a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors. These results altogether suggest that ADO stimulates ciliary beating through A2BR on the cilia, and activation of PKA.

Insights into the panorama of multiple DNA viruses in municipal wastewater and recycled sludge in Tianjin, China.

Environmental viruses in wastewater and sludge are widely recognized for their roles in waterborne diseases. However, previous studies mainly focused on RNA viruses, and little is known about the diversity of DNA viral communities and their driving factors in municipal wastewater treatment environments. Herein, we conducted a pilot study to explore DNA virus profiles in municipal wastewater and recycled sludge by metagenomics method, and track their temporal changes in northern China. Results showed that 467 viral species were co-shared among all the samples. We identified six families of human viruses with a prevalence of 0.1%, which were rare but relatively stable in wastewater and sludge for six months. Adenoviridae, Parvoviridae, and Herpersviridae were the most dominant human viral families in municipal wastewater and recycled sludge. A time series of samples revealed that the dynamic changes of human DNA viruses were stable based on qPCR results, particularly for high-risk fecal-oral transmission viruses of adenovirus, bocavirus, polyomavirus, human gamma herpesvirus, human papillomavirus, and hepatitis B virus. Concentrations of Adenovirus (5.39-7.48 log10 copies/L) and bocavirus (4.36-7.48 log10 copies/L) were observed to be the highest in these samples compared to other viruses. Our findings demonstrated the DNA viruses' high prevalence and persistence in municipal wastewater treatment environments, highlighting the value of enhancing public health responses based on wastewater-based epidemiology.

Reagent-Free Lactate Detection Using Prussian Blue and Electropolymerized-Molecularly Imprinted Polymers-Based Electrochemical Biosensors.

Sweat lactate, a promising biomarker for assessing physical performance and health conditions, calls for noninvasive, convenient, and affordable detection methods. This study leverages molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as a synthetic biorecognition element for lactate detection due to their affordability and high stability. Traditional MIPs-based electrochemical sensors often require external redox probes such as ferricyanide/ferrocyanide in the solution to signal the binding between analytes and MIPs, which restricts their applicability. To address this, our study introduces an innovative approach utilizing a layer of Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles as the internal redox probe on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE), followed by a layer of electropolymerized MIP (eMIP) for molecular recognition, enabling reagent-free lactate detection. The real-time growth of eMIP and the processes of template elution and lactate rebinding were examined and validated using electrochemical surface plasmon resonance (EC-SPR) spectroscopy. The sensor's performance was thoroughly investigated using Differential Pulsed Voltammetry (DPV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) with samples spiked in 0.1 M KCl solution and artificial sweat. The developed sensors demonstrated a fast and selective response to lactate, detecting concentrations from 1 to 35 mM with a Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.20 mM, defined by a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 in the DPV measurements. They also exhibited excellent reproducibility, reusability, and a shelf life of up to 10 months under ambient conditions. These eMIP/PB/SPCE-based lactate sensors show considerable potential as point-of-care (POC) devices for sweat lactate detection, and the technology could be adapted for reagent-free detection of a broad spectrum of molecules.

Identification of a lactate metabolism-related lncRNAs signature for predicting the prognosis in patients with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma.

Background: Lactate metabolism-related (LMR) long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play significant roles in various cancers, but their impact on kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the value of LMR lncRNA and develop a risk model for KIRC. Methods: Data on KIRC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. LMR lncRNAs were identified by co-expression, univariate and multivariate analyses, and least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Subsequently, a prognostic signature was constructed and its accuracy was verified. To predict the prognosis of KIRC effectively, we established a nomogram based on this information. Enrichment analysis, tumor mutational burden (TMB) analysis, immune status and the therapeutic sensitivities of KIRC patients were also investigated. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of lncRNAs. Results: We constructed and verified a predictive signature based on six LMR lncRNA (LINC00944, AC090772.3, Z83745.1, AP001267.3, AC092296.1, and AL162377.1) to assess the patient prognoses of KIRC. Survival analyses showed a more unfavorable outcome in high-risk patients (P<0.001). Enrichment analysis demonstrated that immune-related pathways were enriched in the high-risk group. Besides, patients classified by risk scores had distinguishable immune status, TMB, response to immunotherapy, and sensitivity to chemotherapy and targeted drugs. Conclusions: The LMR lncRNAs signature has significant implications for prognostic assessment and clinical treatment guidance in KIRC.

N-Butylphthalide Potentiates the Effect of Fluconazole Against Drug-Resistant Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. Evidence for Its Mechanism of Action.

Objective: To define the antifungal activity of n-butylphthalide alone or in combination with fluconazole in Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. Methods: The antifungal activity of n-butylphthalide alone and in combination with fluconazole was investigated by the classical broth microdilution method and the time-killing curve method. The QRT-PCR method was used to determine gene expressions changes of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes, drug efflux pumps and drug target enzymes in Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis after n-butylphthalide treatment. Results: The MIC values of n-butylphthalide against Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis ranged from 16 to 64 µg·mL-1. The FICI value of the combination of n-butylphthalide and fluconazole against drug-resistant Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis ranged from 0.5001 to 0.5315 with partial synergism. Time-killing curves showed that 256 µg·mL-1 n-butylphthalide significantly inhibited the growth of drug-resistant colonies of Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis, and 128 µg·mL-1 n-butylphthalide combined with 1 µg·mL-1 fluconazole had an additive effect. N-butylphthalide could alter the expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes COX1, COX2, COX3, and CYTB genes in Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis (P< 0.05) and downregulate the expression of the drug efflux pump genes CDR1 and CDR2 in drug-resistant Candida glabrata to 3.36% and 3.65%, respectively (P<0.001), but did not affect the drug target enzyme ERG11 in drug-resistant Candida tropicalis. Conclusion: N-butylphthalide had antifungal activity against Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. N-butylphthalide improved the activity of fluconazole against drug-resistant Candida glabrata by affecting the expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme genes and reversing the high expression of drug efflux pump genes CDR1 and CDR2.

Exploring the mechanism of Nav1.3 in the ION-CCI rat model based on the TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common and difficult-to-treat neuropathic pain disorder in clinical practice. Previous studies have shown that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) modulates the activation of the NF-κB pathway to affect neuropathic pain in rats. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are known to play an important role in neuropathic pain electrical activity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether TLR4 can regulate Nav1.3 through the TRAF6/NF-κB p65 pathway after infraorbital nerve chronic constriction injury (ION-CCI). STUDY DESIGN: ION-CCI modeling was performed on SD (Sprague Dawley) rats. To verify the success of the modeling, we need to detect the mechanical pain threshold and ATF3. Then, detecting the expression of TLR4, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, p-p65, and Nav1.3 in rat TG. Subsequently, investigate the role of TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway in ION-CCI model by intrathecal injections of LPS-rs (TLR4 antagonist), C25-140 (TRAF6 inhibitor), and PDTC (NF-κB p65 inhibitor). RESULTS: ION-CCI surgery decreased the mechanical pain threshold of rats and increased the expression of ATF3, TLR4, TRAF6, NF-κB p-p65 and Nav1.3, but there was no difference in NF-κB p65 expression. After inject antagonist or inhibitor of the TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway, the expression of Nav1.3 was decreased and mechanical pain threshold was increased. CONCLUSION: In the rat model of ION-CCI, TLR4 in the rat trigeminal ganglion regulates Nav1.3 through the TRAF6/NF-κB p65 pathway, and TLR4 antagonist alleviates neuropathic pain in ION-CCI rats.

The DBB Family in Populus trichocarpa: Identification, Characterization, Evolution and Expression Profiles.

The B-box proteins (BBXs) encode a family of zinc-finger transcription factors that regulate the plant circadian rhythm and early light morphogenesis. The double B-box (DBB) family is in the class of the B-box family, which contains two conserved B-box domains and lacks a CCT (CO, CO-like and TOC1) motif. In this study, the identity, classification, structures, conserved motifs, chromosomal location, cis elements, duplication events, and expression profiles of the PtrDBB genes were analyzed in the woody model plant Populus trichocarpa. Here, 12 PtrDBB genes (PtrDBB1-PtrDBB12) were identified and classified into four distinct groups, and all of them were homogeneously spread among eight out of seventeen poplar chromosomes. The collinearity analysis of the DBB family genes from P. trichocarpa and two other species (Z. mays and A. thaliana) indicated that segmental duplication gene pairs and high-level conservation were identified. The analysis of duplication events demonstrates an insight into the evolutionary patterns of DBB genes. The previously published transcriptome data showed that PtrDBB genes represented distinct expression patterns in various tissues at different stages. In addition, it was speculated that several PtrDBBs are involved in the responsive to drought stress, light/dark, and ABA and MeJA treatments, which implied that they might function in abiotic stress and phytohormone responses. In summary, our results contribute to the further understanding of the DBB family and provide a reference for potential functional studies of PtrDBB genes in P. trichocarpa.

The associations of daytime napping and motoric cognitive risk syndrome: Findings from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

INTRODUCTION: Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), characterized by subjective cognitive complaints and slow gait in older populations, is associated with sleep duration. However, the association between MCR and daytime nap duration has not been thoroughly explored. METHODS: Baseline data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were used in this study. MCR was defined as the coexistence of subjective cognitive complaints and objective slow gait speed without a history of dementia or mobility disability. Daytime nap duration was categorized into four groups: no napping, short napping (<30 min), moderate napping (30-89 min) and extended napping (≥90 min). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the association of daytime napping duration and MCR. RESULTS: A total of 4230 individuals aged ≥60 were included in the current analysis, of which 463 were diagnosed with MCR. Moderate napping of 30-89 min per day was found to be significantly associated with lower odds of MCR compared with the reference group of no napping. In subgroup analysis, individuals with sleep durations of <7 h per night had lower odds of MCR in the model that adjusted for all potential confounders with ≥30 min daytime nap duration compared with no napping. Interestingly, for people with a night sleep duration of 7-8 h, only those with a moderate nap of 30-89 min had lower odds of MCR than non-nappers after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: A moderate nap of 30-89 min could lower the odds of MCR, especially for older adults with a night sleep duration of ≤8 h.

Study on the influence of pore water pressure on shear mechanical properties and fracture surface morphology of sandstone.

To further investigate the weakening effect of pore water pressure on intact rock mechanics properties and characteristics of fracture surface after failure, direct shear tests of sandstone were conducted under different pore pressure. A 3D scanner was employed to digitize the morphology of the post-shear fracture surface. The variogram function was applied to quantify the anisotropic characteristics of post-shear fracture surface. The relationship between deformation during shear failure of intact rock and quantitative parameters of fracture surface after shear failure was initially established. It can be found that amplitudes of the sinusoidal surface determine the maximum value of variogram, and period affect lag distance that reach the maximum value of variogram. Test results revealed that the increase of pore pressure has obvious weakening effect on shear strength and deformation of rock. Moreover, the increase of pore pressure makes the shear fracture surface flatter. It can be obtained that both Sillmax and Rangemax are positively related to shear strain, but negatively related to normal strain.

Negative life events and sleep disturbance among adolescents: Intolerance of uncertainty as mediator and moderator.

BACKGROUND: While negative life events (NLEs) have been linked to an increased risk of sleep disturbance among adolescents, the mechanisms of this impact still lack further examination. The current study aimed to explore whether intolerance of uncertainty (IU), a dispositional transdiagnostic vulnerability factor for psychopathology, could act as a mediator and/or moderator in the link from NLEs to sleep disturbance. METHODS: A longitudinal nested subsample of 54,240 Chinese adolescents (aged 9-19) were surveyed at baseline (Timepoint 1) and six months later (Timepoint 2). They completed questionnaires to assess their IU, NLEs, sleep disturbance and sociodemographic characteristics. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to test our hypotheses. RESULTS: Upon adjusting for covariates, IU was found to mediate the relationship between NLEs and residual changes in sleep disturbance over a six-month period, with the mediation effect accounting for 31.8%. Additionally, the moderating role of IU in this relationship was also identified, suggesting that a high level of IU exacerbated the effect of NLEs on sleep disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings shed light on the dual roles of IU in the link from NLEs to sleep disturbance, holding significant practical implications for preventing and intervening in sleep disturbance among adolescents. To mitigate the risk of sleep disturbance among adolescents experiencing NLEs, timely assessments of IU and tailored interventions to enhance uncertainty tolerance are necessary.

A fast correction method of the scattering contributions in the area gamma dosemeter calibration field.

In the calibration procedure of area gamma dosemeters, how to accurately evaluate and correct the scattering contribution from the complex environmental factors to the point of test is the key problem to ensure the calibration accuracy. This paper proposed a fast correction method of the scattering contributions in the area gamma dosemeter calibration field. First, Monte Carlo method is employed to simulate the influence of scattering caused by different environmental factors in the calibration field, which is named as semi-panoramic reference radiation field. Then, a prediction model of the relationship between environmental factors and environmental scattering contribution is constructed based on the simulation data through the least squares support vector machine. With the model, the scattering contribution from the environmental factors can be fast estimated to correct the calibration results of the area gamma dosemeters, which will improve the accuracy of the calibration.