Established the prediction model of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer spread through air spaces (STAS) by radiomics and genomics features.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to establish a prediction model for spread through air spaces (STAS) in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer based on imaging and genomic features. METHODS: We retrospectively collected 204 patients (47 STAS+ and 157 STAS-) with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent surgical treatment in the Jinling Hospital from January 2021 to December 2021. Their preoperative CT images, genetic testing data (including next-generation sequencing data from other hospitals), and clinical data were collected. Patients were randomly divided into training and testing cohorts (7:3). RESULTS: The study included a total of 204 eligible patients. STAS were found in 47 (23.0%) patients, and no STAS were found in 157 (77.0%) patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that radiomics model, clinical genomics model, and mixed model had good predictive performance (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.85; AUC = 0.70; AUC = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The prediction model based on radiomics and genomics features has a good prediction performance for STAS.

Research on the Critical Moisture Content of Frost Heaving in Gas-Containing Coal.

As the depth of coal seam mining increases, coal and gas outburst prevention and control face unprecedented challenges. In recent years, freezing outburst prevention technology has received attention and been applied in industry; this method mainly improves the strength of the coal body while reducing its energy storage. Research has shown that due to the influence of moisture content, frost heaving occurs in coal bodies during the cooling process, weakening the coal bodies' strength. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the effect of the moisture content on the coal body frost heave. This paper uses a research method that combines laboratory experiments, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation to study the critical moisture content of frost heaving in gas-containing coal. The results showed that the coal sample can be divided into three stages during the cooling process: the cold shrinkage stage, frost heave stage, and stabilization stage. When the moisture content is greater than 7%, as the moisture content increases, the amount of ice increases accordingly, which causes an increase in the frost heave deformation of the coal sample and produces an obvious frost heave effect. Utilizing COMSOL simulation software, the deformation of gas-containing coal samples at different moisture levels is simulated. By combining the results with laboratory measurements, the critical moisture content for the frost heave in gas-containing coal is determined to be 6.6%.

A clinical nomogram for predicting occult lymph node metastasis in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer ≤2 cm.

OBJECTIVES: Sublobar resection has been shown to be feasible for non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) <2 cm in size based on several prospective studies. However, the prognosis of clinical N0 patients who experience an N-stage upgrade after surgery [known as occult lymph node metastasis (OLM)] may be worse. The ability of predict OLM in patients eligible for sublobar resection remains a controversial issue. METHODS: Patients with NSCLC ≤2 cm in diameter and containing a solid component who underwent surgical treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University were retrospectively enrolled, and 1:1 case matching was performed. The risk factors were identified through logistic regression analyses and theoretical criteria, followed by the development of a nomogram that was evaluated using 200 iterations of 10-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: After case matching, 130 pairs of patients were selected for modelling. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the carcinoembryonic antigen level, consolidation tumour ratio, mean computed tomography number and tumour margin were included in the nomogram. The cross-validated average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was found to be 0.86. Furthermore, calibration curve and decision curve analyses demonstrated the excellent predictive accuracy and clinical utility of the nomogram respectively. CONCLUSIONS: By utilizing accessible characteristics, we developed a nomogram that predicts the probability of OLM in patients with NSCLC ≤2 cm with a solid component. Risk stratification with this nomogram could aid in surgical method decision-making. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

Photochemical three-component assembly of tri-substituted oxazoles through a carbenic phosphorus-nitrile hybrid ylide formation/trapping cascade.

Construction of complex molecular skeletons with ubiquitous chemical feedstocks in a single transformation is highly appealing in organic synthesis. We report a novel visible-light-induced three-component reaction for the construction of complex 2,4,5-trisubstituted oxazoles, which are valuable in medicinal chemistry, from simple and readily available iodonium-phosphonium hybrid ylides, carboxylic acids, and nitriles. This reaction features a carbenic phosphorus-nitrile hybrid ylide formation/trapping cascade, in which a photo-generated α-phosphonium carbene acts as a sequence trigger. This catalyst- and additive-free transformation exhibits high efficiency and broad substrate scope for synthesizing diverse oxazoles.

NAT10-mediated upregulation of GAS5 facilitates immune cell infiltration in non-small cell lung cancer via the MYBBP1A-p53/IRF1/type I interferon signaling axis.

Interactions of tumor cells with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment play an important role during malignancy progression. We previously identified that GAS5 inhibited tumor development by suppressing proliferation of tumor cells in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we discovered a tumor-suppressing role for tumor cell-derived GAS5 in regulating tumor microenvironment. GAS5 positively coordinated with the infiltration of macrophages and T cells in NSCLC clinically, and overexpression of GAS5 promoted macrophages and T cells recruitment both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, GAS5 stabilized p53 by directly binding to MYBBP1A and facilitating MYBBP1A-p53 interaction, and enhanced p53-mediated transcription of IRF1, which activated type I interferon signaling and increased the production of downstream CXCL10 and CCL5. We also found that activation of type I interferon signaling was associated with better immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC. Furthermore, the stability of GAS5 was regulated by NAT10, the key enzyme responsible for N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification, which bound to GAS5 and mediated its ac4C modification. Collectively, tumor cell-derived GAS5 could activate type I interferon signaling via the MYBBP1A-p53/IRF1 axis, promoting immune cell infiltration and potentially correlating with immunotherapy efficacy, which suppressed NSCLC progression. Our results suggested GAS5 as a promising predictive marker and potential therapeutic target for combination therapy in NSCLC. A schematic diagram demonstrating the regulatory effect of GAS5 on immune cell infiltration by activating type I interferon signaling via MYBBP1A-p53/IRF1 axis in non-small cell lung cancer. IFN, interferon.

Molecularly Thin 2D Organic Single Crystals: A New Platform for High-Performance Polarization-Sensitive Phototransistors.

The inherent linear dichroism (LD), high absorption, and solution processability of organic semiconductors hold immense potential to revolutionize polarized light detection. However, the disordered molecular packing inherent to polycrystalline thin films obscures their intrinsic diattenuation, resulting in diminished polarization sensitivity. In this study, we develop filter-free organic polarization-sensitive phototransistors (PSPs) with both a high linear dichroic ratio (LDR) and exceptional photosensitivity utilizing molecularly thin dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]thiophene derivatives (DTT-8) two-dimensional molecular crystals (2DMCs) as the active layer. The orderly molecular packing in 2DMCs amplifies the inherent LD, and their molecular-scale thickness enables complete channel depletion, significantly reducing the dark current. As a result, PSPs with an impressive LDR of 3.15 and a photosensitivity reaching 3.02 × 106 are obtained. These findings present a practical demonstration of using the polarization angle as an encryption key in optical communication, showcasing the potential of 2DMCs as a viable and promising category of semiconductors for filter-free, polarization-sensitive photodetectors.

Overcoming the Unfavorable Effects of "Boltzmann Tyranny:" Ultra-Low Subthreshold Swing in Organic Phototransistors via One-Transistor-One-Memristor Architecture.

Organic phototransistors (OPTs), as photosensitive organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), have gained significant attention due to their pivotal roles in imaging, optical communication, and night vision. However, their performance is fundamentally limited by the Boltzmann distribution of charge carriers, which constrains the average subthreshold swing (SSave) to a minimum of 60 mV/decade at room temperature. In this study, an innovative one-transistor-one-memristor (1T1R) architecture is proposed to overcome the Boltzmann limit in conventional OFETs. By replacing the source electrode in an OFET with a memristor, the 1T1R device exploits the memristor's sharp resistance state transitions to achieve an ultra-low SSave of 18 mV/decade. Consequently, the 1T1R devices demonstrate remarkable sensitivity to photo illumination, with a high specific detectivity of 3.9 × 109 cm W-1Hz1/2, outperforming conventional OPTs (4.9 × 104 cm W-1Hz1/2) by more than four orders of magnitude. The 1T1R architecture presents a potentially universal solution for overcoming the detrimental effects of "Boltzmann tyranny," setting the stage for the development of ultra-low SSave devices in various optoelectronic applications.

Various interventions for cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of various intervention approaches on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in patients with breast cancer. Method: Computer searches were conducted on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang databases from their establishment to June 2023. Selection was made using inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 77 articles were included to compare the effects of 12 interventions on patients with breast cancer. Results: Seventy-seven studies with 12 various interventions were examined. The network findings indicated that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (SMD, -1.56; 95%CI, -3.08~-0.04), Chinese traditional exercises (CTE) (SMD, -0.85; 95%CI, -1.34~-0.36), aerobic exercise (AE) (SMD, -0.77; 95%CI, -1.09~-0.45), multimodal exercise (ME) (SMD, -0.75; 95%CI, -1.26~-0.25), music interventions (MI) (SMD, -0.74; 95%CI, -1.45~-0.03), and yoga (YG) (SMD, -0.44; 95%CI, -0.83 to -0.06) can reduce CRF more than the control group (CG). For relaxation exercises (RE) (MD, -6.69; 95%CI, -9.81~-3.57), MI (MD, -5.45; 95%CI, -7.98~-2.92), AE (MD, -4.34; 95%CI, -5.90~-2.78), ME (MD, -3.47; 95%CI, -4.95~-1.99), YG (MD, -2.07; 95%CI, -3.56~-0.57), and mindfulness training (MD, -1.68; 95%CI, -2.91~-0.46), PSQI improvement was superior to CG. In addition, for CTE (MD, 11.39; 95%CI, 4.11-18.66), YG (MD, 11.28; 95%CI, 1.63-20.93), and AE (MD, 9.34; 95%CI, 0.26~18.42), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast improvement was superior to CG. Conclusion: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective measure for alleviating CRF in patients with breast cancer and Relaxation exercises (RE) is the most effective measure for improving sleep quality. In addition, Chinese traditional exercises (CTE) is the best measure for enhancing quality of life. Additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are expected to further investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of these interventions. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023471574.

Interactive effects of grassland utilization and climatic factors govern the plant diversity-soil C relationship in steppe of North China.

The relationship between plant diversity and the ecosystem carbon pool is important for understanding the role of biodiversity in regulating ecosystem functions. However, it is not clear how the relationship between plant diversity and soil carbon content changes under different grassland use patterns. In a 3-year study from 2013 to 2015, we investigated plant diversity and soil total carbon (TC) content of grasslands in northern China under different grassland utilization methods (grazing, mowing, and enclosure) and climatic conditions. Shannon-Wiener and Species richness index of grassland were significantly decreased by grazing and mowing. Plant diversity was positively correlated with annual precipitation (AP) and negatively correlated with annual mean temperature (AMT). AP was the primary regulator of plant diversity. Grazing and mowing decreased TC levels in grasslands compared with enclosures, especially in topsoil (0-20 cm). The average TC content was decreased by 58 % and 36 % in the 0-10 cm soil layer, while it was decreased by 68 % and 39 % in 10-20 cm soil layer. TC was positively correlated with AP and negatively correlated with AMT. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that plant diversity was positively correlated with soil TC, and the correlation decreased with an increase in the soil depth. Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for predicting soil carbon storage in grasslands under human disturbances and climate change impacts.

Study on the Effect of Pore Structure on Desorption Hysteresis of Deep Coking Coal under High-Temperature and High-Pressure Conditions.

Pore space is the main desorption space for methane in coal; to study the effect of changes in pore structure on the desorption hysteresis effect of methane in coal under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, the coking coal from Pingdingshan Twelve Mine was taken as the research object, and the isothermal adsorption and desorption curves were obtained and quantitatively analyzed at different temperatures and pressures by the help of isothermal adsorption and desorption experiments, combined with the pressed mercury experiments and the low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption experiments to test the pore structure of the coal samples before and after the adsorption and desorption tests. The pore structure of coal samples before and after the adsorption and desorption tests was tested by combining the mercury pressure test and the low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption test, and the influence of the change in the pore structure of coal samples after the high-temperature and high-pressure adsorption and desorption tests on the hysteresis effect of methane desorption was studied. The results showed that under the same pressure, the pore volume of coal samples increased with the increase in temperature, the pore-specific surface area showed a tendency to decrease, and the fractal dimension could well characterize the relationship between the pore structure and the pore surface of coal, in which the fractal dimension of the pores in the large pore size section gradually increased with the increase of temperature, and the fractal dimension in the small pore size section gradually decreased; there was a good correlation between the pore structure of the coal samples after the high-temperature and high-pressure adsorption and desorption tests and the hysteresis coefficient of desorption. The structural characteristics of the coal samples after adsorption and desorption hysteresis coefficient at high temperature and high pressure showed good correlation, i.e., the pore volume, the fractal dimension of the large pore size section, and the desorption hysteresis effect were negatively correlated, while the specific surface area, the fractal dimension of the small pore size section, and the desorption hysteresis effect were positively correlated.

Spatiotemporal differences in and influencing factors of urban carbon emission efficiency in China's Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Improving urban carbon emission efficiency (CEE) is vital to achieving the goal of urban carbon neutrality. However, the synergistic configurational effect of multiple influencing factors on CEE is not clear. Taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as an example, this paper adopts the standard deviation ellipse and Dagum Gini coefficient method to investigate the spatiotemporal differences in urban CEE in the YREB, and using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method, it explores the configurational effect of CEE influencing factors from the system perspective. The main conclusions are as follows: first, the overall level of urban CEE in the YREB is low, with a certain polarization phenomenon. Second, the relative differences in urban CEE in the YREB show a fluctuating upward trend, and the regional differences mainly originate from the overlapping part between regions. Finally, the main CEE influencing factors do not act in isolation, they constitute a complex process of synergistic interaction, with complementary substitution and causal asymmetry.

Efficacy and safety of first-line PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combinations for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: a Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Objectives: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicated that first-line programmed cell death protein-1/death-ligand 1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 + chemo) led to survival benefits in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) compared with platinum-based chemotherapy. This study aims to identify the optimal PD-1/PD-L1 + chemo combination strategy. Methods: We included RCTs comparing PD-1/ PD-L1 + chemo versus chemo alone in ES-SCLC. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and grade ⩾3 treatment-related adverse events were considered. Odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted. Results: Six RCTs with 2600 patients were analyzed in this Bayesian network meta-analysis. Results showed that adding PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors to chemotherapy led to significant benefits in OS (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.66-0.79), PFS (HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.63-0.75), and ORR (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.12-1.56), and no differences in toxicity were found (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.92-1.30). Serplulimab plus chemotherapy was found to provide the best OS (HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49-0.82), the best PFS (HR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.38-0.59), and the best ORR (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.15-2.53). Moreover, although there were no difference between PD-L1 + chemo and PD-1 + chemo regarding OS (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.91-1.08) and ORR (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.91-1.78), PD-1 + chemo showed a significant benefit in PFS (HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-0.98) compared with PD-L1 + chemo. Conclusions: Serplulimab plus chemotherapy seems to be superior first-line immunotherapy combination for patients with ES-SCLC. PD-1 + chemo seems to outperform PD-L1 + chemo in PFS.

Long-term grazing improved soil chemical properties and benefited community traits under climatic influence in an alpine typical steppe.

Grazing and climate change both contribute to diversity loss and productivity fluctuations. Sensitive climate conditions and long-term grazing activities have a profound influence on community change, particularly in high-altitude mountain grassland ecosystems. However, knowledge about the role of long-term continuous grazing management on diversity, productivity and the regulation mechanisms in fragile grassland ecosystems is still rudimentary. We conducted a long-term grazing experiment on an alpine typical steppe in the Qilian Mountains to assess effects of grazing intensity on soil, diversity, productivity and the regulation mechanisms. Plants and soil were sampled along grazing gradients at different distances from the pasture entrance (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5 km) under the non-growing (WP) and the growing season grazing pasture (SAP). The results revealed that community diversity and biomass did not change significantly on a time scale, while the concentration of soil organic carbon and total phosphorus increased significantly. Heavy grazing (0-0.3 km) decreased community diversity and biomass. Grazing increased soil chemical properties in heavy grazed areas of WP, while the opposite was recorded in SAP. Soil chemical properties explained the largest variances in community diversity and community biomass. The prediction model indicates that grazing in WP mainly affects community diversity through soil chemical properties, and promotes a positive correlation between community diversity and community biomass; in SAP, the direct effect of grazing gradients on community diversity and biomass is the main pathway, but not eliminating the single positive relationship between diversity and biomass, which means that diversity can still be used as a potential resource to promote productivity improvement. Therefore, we should focus on the regulation of soil chemical properties in WP, such as the health and quality of soil, strengthening its ability to store water, sequester carbon and increase nutrients; focus on the management of livestock in SAP, including providing fertilizer and sowing to increase diversity and production in heavily grazed regions and reducing grazing pressure through regional rotational grazing. Ultimately, we call for strengthening the stability and sustainability of ecosystems through targeted and active human intervention in ecologically sensitive areas to cope with future grazing pressures and climate disturbances.

A BaGa4Se7 crystal based pulsed mid-infrared light source with a narrow linewidth in 4-12 µm.

We present a BaGa4Se7 (BGSe) crystal based coherent pulsed light source for high resolution mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy in the 4-12 µm region. The all-solid-state system consists of an injection seeded optical parametric generator (OPG) and an optical parametric amplifier (OPA) using two KTiOPO4 crystals. The idler output of OPG-OPA and the fundamental output (1064 nm) of a wavelength stabilized Nd:YAG laser are employed for difference frequency generation of MIR pulses in the BGSe crystal. Pulsed MIR radiation in the 4-12 µm range is obtained with typical pulse energies higher than 100 µJ and pulse durations of ∼5 ns. By measuring H2O absorption lines in the 8 µm region with this MIR light source and a cavity ring-down spectrometer, the linewidth of the MIR source is inferred as 120 ± 10 MHz, which is very close to the Fourier-transform limited linewidth of 5 ns laser pulses.

A Carbene Relay Strategy for Cascade Insertion Reactions.

Insertion reactions that involve stabilized electrophilic metallocarbenes are of great importance for installing α-heteroatoms to carbonyl compounds. Nevertheless, the limited availability of carbene precursors restricts the introduction of only a single heteroatom. In this report, we describe a new approach based on an I(III) /S(VI) reagent that promotes the cascade insertion of heteroatoms. This is achieved by sequentially generating two α-heteroatom-substituted metal carbenes in one reaction. We found that this mixed I(III) /S(VI) ylide reacts efficiently with a transition metal catalyst and an X-H bond (where X=O, N). This transformation leads to the sequential formation of a sulfoxonium- and an X-substituted Rh-carbenes, enabling further reactions with another Y-H bond. Remarkably, a wide range of symmetrical and unsymmetrical α,α-O,O-, α,α-O,N-, and α,α-N,N-subsituted ketones can be prepared under mild ambient conditions. In addition, we successfully demonstrated other cascades, such as CN/CN double amidation, C-H/C-S double insertion, and C-S/Y-H double insertion (where Y=S, N, O, C). Notably, the latter two cascades enabled the simultaneous installation of three functional groups to the α-carbon of carbonyl compounds in a single step. These reactions demonstrate the versatility of our approach, allowing for the synthesis of ketones and esters with multiple α-heteroatoms using a common precursor.

An Experimental Investigation on the Foliation Strike-Angle Effect of Layered Hard Rock under Engineering Triaxial Stress Path.

Deep underground engineering encounters substantial layered hard rock formations, and the engineering triaxial stress path involves an increase in maximum principal stress, constant intermediate principal stress, and a decrease in minimum principal stress. However, previous research has focused on rock layer angles under conventional triaxial stress conditions, disregarding the influence of foliation strike angles in engineering triaxial stress scenarios. This study experimentally investigates the effects of foliation strike angles on layered hard rock under an engineering triaxial stress path. To account for the brittleness of layered hard rock, we propose a specific small sample-processing method tailored to the foliation strike angle. True triaxial loading tests are conducted on steep, thin slate samples with two different loading orientations, accompanied by acoustic emission monitoring. Results indicate that the strength under a traditional true triaxial compression condition is similar for specimens with 90° and 0° strike angles. Stress-strain curves show that larger deformations occur perpendicular to bedding planes, while surface fractures propagate exclusively along the bedding planes. Mechanical responses differ significantly between specimens subjected to the engineering triaxial stress path at 0° and 90° strike angles compared to conventional true triaxial loading tests, with a lower bearing capacity and differentiated intermediate and minimum principal strains in the 0° case. Conversely, the 90° case exhibits a higher bearing capacity, consistent deformation, and more acoustic emission events. Numerical simulations comparing plastic zone sizes during actual underground excavation support these conclusions. These findings highlight the effects of foliation strike angles, favoring the 90° strike-angle configuration for excavation activities and providing enhanced stability in the surrounding rock mass.

Low-Temperature Response Characteristics of Coalbed Methane Desorption under High and Low Destruction Degrees.

Freeze-coring technology can effectively reduce the amount of gas loss during the sampling process and improve the accuracy of gas content measurements in underground coal seams. In this study, high- and low-damage coals were selected as test objects to investigate whether the freeze-coring technique is universally applicable to inhibit gas desorption in high- and low-damage coals. In this paper, the pore structure of the test coal samples was first tested using an ASAP2020 specific surface area analyzer, and then a nonfreezing and freezing simulation test was carried out on high- and low-damage coals using a self-developed freezing coring response test platform. The results showed that the gas desorption curves of both high- and low-damage coal samples followed the pattern of rapid increase in the early stage, slow increase in the middle stage, and stability in the late stage under both conditions; freezing conditions significantly reduced the gas desorption during the sampling process, and the difference in gas desorption between high- and low-damage coals was reduced; the gas desorption inhibition rate of high-damage coals was higher at an external heating temperature of 60 °C under freezing conditions; at an external heating at an external heat temperature of 90 °C, the gas desorption inhibition rate of low-damaged coal was higher in the early stage, and the gas desorption inhibition rate of high-damaged coal was higher in the later stage; freeze coring had a significant inhibition effect on the gas desorption of both high- and low-damaged coal types, which verified that the inhibition effect of freeze coring on the gas desorption of high- and low-damaged coal samples was universal. It provides a basis for the future application of freeze-coring technology in coal mines.

Efficient Photopolymerization of Dental Resin Composites Using the Photoluminescent Long Afterglow of Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3.

Dental curing light with blue emission acts as the excitation source for the photopolymerization of the dental composite resin to achieve dental repairing. However, the current repair methods still suffer from a low monomer conversion degree and incomplete resin curing. In this study, novel dental resin composites (DRCs) were prepared by combining Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ (SMSED), a photoluminescent material with a blue long afterglow, and dental resin composites. The curing depth, double bond conversion, elastic modulus, compressive strength, water absorption and solubility, and cytotoxicity were investigated systematically. The results suggest that adding 1 wt % SMSED to dental resin composites can maximize the curing depth and double bond conversion rate of DRCs and reduce its water absorption capacity without affecting the mechanical properties and biological toxicity. This work explores the practical applications of SMSED in dental resin composites, which provides an important reference for further improving the effect of dental caries repair.

Modulation of feed digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, energy utilisation and serum biochemical indices by dietary Ligularia virgaurea supplementation in Tibetan sheep.

Ligularia virgaurea is the most widely functional native herbage in the alpine meadow pastures of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and has multiple pharmacological and biological activities. The effect of L. virgaurea as a dietary component on the digestion and metabolism of sheep was evaluated by conducting feeding trials in metabolic cages. Thirty-two Tibetan yearling rams (29 ± 1.56 kg BW) were randomly allotted to four groups included in a completely randomised design with eight animals per treatment. Sheep were fed a basal diet (freshly native pasture) without the addition of L. virgaurea (control) or with the addition of L. virgaurea (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg BW per day) for 45 days. Addition of L. virgaurea to the diet of Tibetan sheep was found to influence the average daily gain (quadratic [Q], P < 0.001), feed conversion ratio (Q, P = 0.002), CH4 emissions (linear [L], P = 0.029), DM (Q, P = 0.012), neutral detergent fibre (Q, P = 0.017), acid detergent fibre (ADF) (Q, P = 0.027), and ether extract (EE) intake (Q, P = 0.026). Apparently, different levels of L. virgaurea affected the digestibility coefficients of DM, ADF, and EE (L, P > 0.05; Q, P < 0.05). The nitrogen (N) intake (Q, P = 0.001), retained nitrogen (Q, P < 0.001), and N utilisation efficiency (L, P > 0.05; Q, P ≤ 0.001) were also affected by the dietary inclusion of L. virgaurea. Effects of L. virgaurea feeding were also witnessed on methane energy (CH4-E) (L, P = 0.029), gross energy (GE) (Q, P = 0.013), digestible energy (DE) (Q, P = 0.015), and metabolisable energy (ME) intake (Q, P = 0.015). Energy utilisation efficiency expressed as a proportion of GE intake (DE/GE intake, ME/GE intake, ME/DE intake, FE/GE intake, and CH4-E/GE intake) manifested quadratic changes (P < 0.05) with the increase in the L. virgaurea supplementation level. The addition of L. virgaurea increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (Q, P = 0.026) and glutathione peroxidase activity (Q, P = 0.039) in the serum. Overall, the greatest improvement of feed digestibility, N retention, energy utilisation, and antioxidant capacity of Tibetan sheep was yielded by the inclusion of 200 mg/kg BW per day of L. virgaurea. Therefore, the addition of an appropriate amount of L. virgaurea to the diet of Tibetan sheep is safe and natural, and may enhance the sustainability of small ruminant production systems in QTP areas.