Characterization of air pollution and associated health risks in Gansu Province, China from 2015 to 2022.

Air pollution poses a major threat to both the environment and public health. The air quality index (AQI), aggregate AQI, new health risk-based air quality index (NHAQI), and NHAQI-WHO were employed to quantitatively evaluate the characterization of air pollution and the associated health risk in Gansu Province before (P-I) and after (P-II) COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicated that AQI system undervalued the comprehensive health risk impact of the six criteria pollutants compared with the other three indices. The stringent lockdown measures contributed to a considerable reduction in SO2, CO, PM2.5, NO2 and PM10; these concentrations were 43.4%, 34.6%, 21.4%, 17.4%, and 14.2% lower in P-II than P-I, respectively. But the concentration of O3 had no obvious improvement. The higher sandstorm frequency in P-II led to no significant decrease in the ERtotal and even resulted in an increase in the average ERtotal in cities located in northwestern Gansu from 0.78% in P-I to 1.0% in P-II. The cumulative distribution of NHAQI-based population-weighted exposure revealed that 24% of the total population was still exposed to light pollution in spring during P-II, while the air quality in other three seasons had significant improvements and all people were under healthy air quality level.

Greater variability in HDL-C was associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline in the middle- and elderly Chinese: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies into relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cognitive decline were constrained to a single measurement, leaving the association between HDL-C variability and risk of cognitive decline unclear. METHODS: We identified 5930 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) who were devoid for stroke, dementia, and memory-related diseases at baseline and underwent a minimum of 2 sequential health examinations during 2011-2015. Variability in HDL-C was defined as (1) variability independent of the mean (VIM), (2) average real variability (ARV), and (3) standard deviation (SD) of HDL-C change from baseline and follow-up visits. Cognitive function was evaluated in 2018 by Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) in the Chinese version. Logistic regression was employed to explore the association between HDL-C variability and cognitive decline. Odd ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were reported. RESULTS: The study included participants from CHARLS, mean age of 57.84±8.44 years and 44 % male. After adjustment for covariates, the highest quartile of VIM was associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline [OR:1.049, 95 %CI: 1.014-1.086] compared to the lowest quartile. For each SD increment of VIM, the OR was 1.015 (95 %CI:1.003-1.027). Strong dose-response relationships were identified (P for trend: 0.005). Consistent results were obtained for other measures of HDL-C variability (ARV and SD). Similar patterns were identified in different dimensions of cognition. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated HDL-C variability was associated with increased cognitive decline risk. Strategies to reducing HDL-C variability may lower the risks of cognitive decline among the general population.

Trehalose and its dihydrate: terahertz insights from solid to solution states.

Carbohydrates are pivotal biomolecules in biochemistry; this study employs terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to investigate the spectral characteristics of trehalose and its hydrate across the 0.1 to 2.2 THz frequency range. Notable differences in spectra between the two compounds were observed. Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations of the crystal structure were conducted to elucidate this phenomenon. The consistency between experimental results and simulations substantiates the reliability of the experimental findings. Additionally, the spectral characteristics of these carbohydrates in solution were examined using microfluidic chip technology. This approach facilitates a comprehensive comparison of their behaviors in both solid and solution states.

Highly integrated automatic injection terahertz microfluidic biosensor based on metasurface and LT-GaAs photoconductive antenna.

In this paper, a highly integrated terahertz (THz) biosensor is proposed and implemented, which pioneered the preparation of low-temperature gallium arsenide (LT-GaAs) thin film photoconductive antenna (PCA) on the sensor for direct generation and detection of THz waves, simplifying complex terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) systems. A latch type metasurface is deposited in the detection region to produce a resonance absorption peak at 0.6 THz that is independent of polarisation. Microfluidics is utilised and automatic injection is incorporated to mitigate the experimental effects of hydrogen bond absorption of THz waves in aqueous-based environment. Additionally, cell damage is minimised by regulating the cell flow rate. The biosensor was utilised to detect the concentration of three distinct sizes of bacteria with successful results. The assay was executed as a proof of concept to detect two distinct types of breast cancer cells. Based on the experimental findings, it has been observed that the amplitude and blueshift of the resonance absorption peaks have the ability to identify and differentiate various cancer cell types. The findings of this study introduce a novel approach for developing microfluidic THz metasurface biosensors that possess exceptional levels of integration, sensitivity, and rapid label-free detection capabilities.

Rasch analysis of the pre-sleep arousal scale in patients with acute insomnia disorder.

BACKGROUND: Hyperarousal plays an essential role in the initiation and maintenance of insomnia, highlighting the need for a tool that measure the hyperarousal state during the early course of insomnia. Pre-sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS) is a self-report questionnaire to evaluate subjective pre-sleep arousal of insomnia. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the PSAS among patients with acute insomnia disorder (AID) using Rasch analysis. METHODS: Totally 170 patients with AID from 31 public hospitals in China were recruited and completed the test. The psychometric properties of the PSAS were tested using Rasch analysis by Winsteps v5.4.1.0, including unidimensionality, local item independence, item fit, category diagnostics, reliability, item-person maps and differential item functioning (DIF) by age and gender. RESULTS: According to Rasch analysis, somatic and cognitive subscales were unidimensional and basically demonstrated good item-fit statistics. 4-point Likert scale may be more appropriate for PSAS. All items have a good reliability and separation. No gender and age bias were detected for the scale. However, the person arousal level is not well matched to item difficulty. CONCLUSION: The present study further reveals appropriate psychometric properties of the PSAS in patients with AID and provides suggestions for refinements and supplements to the PSAS.

Is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) more cost-effective? New-perspective on economic evaluations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To investigate the cost-effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI), with an additional focus on digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBTI) in adults with insomnia. METHODS: We searched eight electronic databases for economic evaluations of CBTI: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, psycINFO, Cochrane, Library, CINAHL, ProQuest and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database. Meta-analyses were performed to investigate the effects and costs between CBTI and control groups (no treatment, other treatments included hygiene education and treatment as usual). Subgroup analyses for dCBTI were conducted. RESULTS: Twelve randomized controlled trails studies between 2004 and 2023 were included in our systematic review and meta-analyses. The incremental cost-utility ratios and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios showed that the CBTI and dCBTI groups were more cost-effective than controls, from healthcare perspective and societal perspective, respectively. Compared to controls, CBTI demonstrated significantly better efficacy within 12 months. Healthcare costs were significantly higher in the CBTI groups compared to the controls within 6 months but there was no difference at 12 months. Additionally, dCBTI was associated with significantly lower presenteeism costs compared to controls at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that CBTI is more cost-effective than other treatments or no treatment for adults with insomnia. It may bring more economic benefits in the long-term, especially in long-lasting efficacy and costs reduction. In addition, dCBTI is one of the cost-effective options for insomnia.

Effectiveness of mobile health applications on clinical outcomes and health behaviors in patients with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Mobile health applications (apps) have gained significant popularity and widespread utilization among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of mHealth apps on clinical outcomes and health behaviors in patients with CHD. Methods: Databases were searched from inception until December 2023, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese BioMedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effectiveness of mHealth apps in patients with CHD. Two researchers conducted a comprehensive review of the literature, extracting relevant data and evaluating each study's methodological quality separately. The meta-analysis was performed utilizing Review Manager v5.4 software. Results: A total of 34 RCTs were included, with 5,319 participants. The findings demonstrated that using mHealth apps could decrease the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (RR = 0.68, P = 0.03), readmission rate (RR = 0.56, P < 0.001), total cholesterol (WMD = -0.19, P = 0.03), total triglycerides (WMD = -0.24, P < 0.001), waist circumference (WMD = -1.92, P = 0.01), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score (WMD = -6.70, P < 0.001), and Self-Rating Depression Scale score (WMD = -7.87, P < 0.001). They can also increase the LVEF (WMD = 6.50, P < 0.001), VO2 max (WMD = 1.89, P < 0.001), 6-min walk distance (6MWD) (WMD = 19.43, P = 0.004), Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 score (WMD = 0.96, P = 0.004), and medication adherence rate (RR = 1.24, P = 0.03). Nevertheless, there is no proof that mHealth apps can lower low-density lipoprote in cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI, or other indicator (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Mobile health apps have the potential to lower the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), readmission rates, and blood lipids in patients with CHD. They can also help enhance cardiac function, promote medication adherence, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. To further corroborate these results, larger-scale, multi-center RCTs with longer follow-up periods are needed.

Influence of topography and synoptic weather patterns on air quality in a valley basin city of Northwest China.

To clarify the mechanism underlying the effects of weather patterns and topography on air pollution, this study conducted the obliquely rotated principal component analysis in the T-mode to analyze ERA5 reanalysis data and categorize typical weather patterns at a 700-hPa geopotential height from 2015 to 2022. The probability of worsened air pollution attributable to weather patterns was quantitatively assessed using a generalized additive model. The results indicated that due to the influence of topography, Lanzhou was affected by an extended period of downdraft (with weak convective intensity) and the delayed formation of a convective boundary layer during the daytime by 1-2 h relative to other areas. Under the combined effect of low trough patterns (south low pressure type [SL] and south low weak pressure type [SL-]) and topography, the formation of a stable layer above the planetary boundary layer (PBL) would weaken the vertical exchange of the local airflow and inhibit the development of the PBL. The type of SL led to the most severe pollution, causing a 61.9 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 46.3 %-79.3 %) increase in PM2.5 concentration. For southwest high pressure patterns (south high [SH], southwest weak high [SWH-], southwest high [SWH], and southwest strong high [SWH+] pressure types), the prevailing northwest wind was the main transport path for pollutants. For the high pressure patterns (north high [NH] and northwest high [NWH] pressure types) and south wind patterns (southeast weak high [SEH-], southeast high [SEH], and northeast high [NEH] pressure types), the enhancement of vertical convection, deepening of the PBL, and reduction of pollution transport led to improved air quality. The NH, NWH, and NEH pressure types caused PM2.5 concentration to decrease by 18.4 % (95 % CI: 8.8 %-27.1 %), 14.9 % (95 % CI: 4.7 %-24.0 %), and 35.9 % (95 % CI: 9.7 %-54.6 %), respectively.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles as a biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis and metastasis monitoring.

It is imperative to explore biomarkers that are both precise and readily accessible in the comprehensive management of breast cancer. A multicenter cohort, including 512 breast cancer patients and 198 nonneoplastic individuals, was recruited to detect the level of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles using our method based on dual DNA tetrahedral nanostructures. The level of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles was significantly higher in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients than in nonneoplastic individuals at a cutoff value of 3.58 U/µL. For postoperative metastasis monitoring, the level of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles was significantly higher in breast cancer patients with metastasis than in those without metastasis at a cutoff value of 3.91 U/µL. Its efficacy of diagnosis and metastasis monitoring was superior to traditional tumor markers. Elevated level of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles served as a predictive biomarker for diagnosis and metastasis monitoring in breast cancer patients.

Pacidusin B isolated from Phyllanthus acidus triggers ferroptotic cell death in HT1080 cells.

Cancer cells generally exhibit 'iron addiction' phenotypes, which contribute to their vulnerability to ferroptosis inducers. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. In the present study, pacidusin B, a dichapetalin-type triterpenoid from Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels (Euphorbiaceae), induces ferroptosis in the HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line. Cells treated with pacidusin B exhibited the morphological characteristic 'ballooning' phenotype of ferroptosis. The biochemical hallmarks of ferroptosis were also observed in pacidusin B-treated cells. Both oxidative stress and ER stress play significant roles in pacidusin B-induced ferroptosis. The activation of the PERK-Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway led to iron overload, while inhibition of GPX4 further sensitized cancer cells to ferroptosis. Furthermore, the molecular docking study showed that pacidusin B docked in the same pocket in xCT as the ferroptosis inducer erastin. These results revealed that pacidusin B exerts anticancer effects via inducing ER-mediated ferroptotic cell death.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Criteria for Differentiated-type Early Gastric Cancer Are Applicable to Mixed-type Differentiated Predominant.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of sufficient evidence on whether mixed-type differentiated predominant early gastric cancer (MD-EGC) can be treated endoscopically by referring to the criteria for differentiated-type early gastric cancer (EGC). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in MD-EGC. METHODS: Patients with differentiated-type EGC treated with ESD first from January 2015 to June 2021 were reviewed, including MD-EGC and pure differentiated-type EGC (PD-EGC). Clinical data, including the clinicopathological characteristics, resection outcomes of ESD, and recurrence and survival time, were collected, and the difference between MD-EGC and PD-EGC was tested. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients (48 lesions) with MD-EGC and 850 patients (890 lesions) with PD-EGC were included. Compared with PD-EGC, MD-EGC had a higher submucosal invasion rate (37.5% vs. 13.7%, P<0.001) and lymphatic invasion rate (10.4% vs. 0.4%, P<0.001). The rates of complete resection (70.8% vs. 92.5%, P<0.001) and curative resection (54.2% vs. 87.4%, P<0.001) in MD-EGC were lower than those of PD-EGC. Multivariate analysis revealed that MD-EGC (OR 4.26, 95% CI, 2.22-8.17, P<0.001) was an independent risk factor for noncurative resection. However, when curative resection was achieved, there was no significant difference in the rates of recurrence (P=0.424) between the 2 groups, whether local or metachronous recurrence. Similarly, the rates of survival(P=0.168) were no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the greater malignancy and lower endoscopic curative resection rate of MD-EGC, patients who met curative resection had a favorable long-term prognosis.

Ubiquitin ligase TRIM15 promotes the progression of pancreatic cancer via the upregulation of the IGF2BP2-TLR4 axis.

BACKGROUND: The tripartite motif family, predominantly characterized by its E3 ubiquitin ligase activities, is involved in various cellular processes including signal transduction, apoptosis and autophagy, protein quality control, immune regulation, and carcinogenesis. Tripartite Motif Containing 15 (TRIM15) plays an important role in melanoma progression through extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation; however, data on its role in pancreatic tumors remain lacking. We previously demonstrated that TRIM15 targeted lipid synthesis and metabolism in pancreatic cancer; however, other specific regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. METHODS: We used transcriptomics and proteomics, conducted a series of phenotypic experiments, and used a mouse orthotopic transplantation model to study the specific mechanism of TRIM15 in pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: TRIM15 overexpression promoted the progression of pancreatic cancer by upregulating the toll-like receptor 4. The TRIM15 binding protein, IGF2BP2, could combine with TLR4 to inhibit its mRNA degradation. Furthermore, the ubiquitin level of IGF2BP2 was positively correlated with TRIM15. CONCLUSIONS: TRIM15 could ubiquitinate IGF2BP2 to enhance the function of phase separation and the maintenance of mRNA stability of TLR4. TRIM15 is a potential therapeutic target against pancreatic cancer.

The short- and long-term effects of congenital occlusion loss of the unilateral first permanent molar on the temporomandibular joint morphology and position: A retrospective study based on cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of congenital unilateral first permanent molar occlusal loss (CUMOL) on the morphology and position of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 37 patients with CUMOL (18 males and 19 females, mean age: 13.60 ± 4.38 years) were divided into two subgroups according to the status of second molar (G1: the second molar not erupted, n = 18, G2: second molar erupted, n = 19). The control group consisted of 33 normal occlusion patients (9 males and 24 females, mean age: 16.15 ± 5.44 years) and was divided into 2 subgroups accordingly (G3: the second molar had not erupted, n = 18, G4: the second molar had erupted and made contact with the opposing tooth, n = 15). Linear and angular measurements were used to determine the characteristics of TMJ. RESULTS: In G1, the condyle on the side of the CUMOL shifts posteriorly, with significant side differences observed in Anterior space (AS, P < .05) and Posterior space (PS, P < .05). However, with the eruption of the second permanent molars, in G2, the condyle on the CUMOL side moves posteriorly and inferiorly. This results in significant lateral differences in the AS (P < .05), PS (P < .05), and Superior space (SS, P < .05). Additionally, there is an increase in the thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa (TRF) on the CUMOL side (P < .05), and a decrease in the inclination of the bilateral articular eminences (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: CUMOL can affect the position and the morphology of the condyle and was associated with the eruption of the second permanent molars. Before the eruption of the second permanent molars, CUMOL primarily affects the position of the condyle. After the emergence of the second permanent molars, CUMOL leads to changes in both the condyle's position and the morphology of the glenoid fossa.

Ursolic acid alleviates meiotic abnormalities induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in mouse oocytes.

3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA), a toxic metabolite produced by mold, is mainly found in moldy sugarcane. 3-NPA inhibits the activity of succinate dehydrogenase that can induce oxidative stress injury in cells, reduce ATP production and induce oxidative stress in mouse ovaries to cause reproductive disorders. Ursolic acid (UA) has a variety of biological activities and is a pentacyclic triterpene compound found in many plants. This experiment aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of 3-NPA during mouse oocyte in vitro maturation and the protective effects of UA on oocytes challenged with 3-NPA. The results showed that UA could alleviate 3-NPA-induced oocyte meiotic maturation failure. Specifically, 3-NPA induced a decrease in the first polar body extrusion rate of oocytes, abnormal distribution of cortical granules, and an increase in the proportion of spindle abnormalities. In addition, 3-NPA caused mitochondrial dysfunction and induced oxidative stress, including decreases in the GSH, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels, and increases in the ROS levels, and these effects led to apoptosis and autophagy. The addition of UA could significantly improve the adverse effects caused by 3-NPA. In general, our data show that 3-NPA affects the normal development of oocytes during the in vitro culture, and the addition of UA can effectively repair the damage caused by 3-NPA to oocytes.

Dihydroartemisinin Protects Mice from CUMS-induced Depression-like Behaviors by Regulating Gut Microbes.

Depression is one of the most common forms of psychopathology, which is associated with gut microbiota dysfunction. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been shown to regulate gut microbiota and ameliorate neuropathies, but whether it can be used to treat depression remains unclear. Our study found that DHA treatment raised the preference for sugar water in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced mice and reduced the immobility time in open field, forced swimming and tail suspension experiments, and promoted doublecortin expression. Additionally, DHA up-regulated the diversity and richness of intestinal microbiota in depression-like mice, and restored the abnormal abundance of microbiota induced by CUMS, such as Turicibacter, Lachnospiraceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Erysipelatoclostridium, Eubacterium, Psychrobacter, Atopostipes, Ileibacterium, Coriobacteriacea, Alistipes, Roseburia, Rikenella, Eggerthellaceae, Ruminococcus, Tyzzerella, and Clostridia. Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis revealed that gut microbiota involved in the process of depression may be related to glucose metabolism, energy absorption and transport, and AMPK signaling pathway. These results indicated that DHA may play a protective role in CUMS-induced depression by mediating gut-microbiome.

Low-molecular-weight thiol transferases in redox regulation and antioxidant defence.

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) thiols are produced in all living cells in different forms and concentrations. Glutathione (GSH), coenzyme A (CoA), bacillithiol (BSH), mycothiol (MSH), ergothioneine (ET) and trypanothione T(SH)2 are the main LMW thiols in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. LMW thiols serve as electron donors for thiol-dependent enzymes in redox-mediated metabolic and signaling processes, protect cellular macromolecules from oxidative and xenobiotic stress, and participate in the reduction of oxidative modifications. The level and function of LMW thiols, their oxidized disulfides and mixed disulfide conjugates in cells and tissues is tightly controlled by dedicated oxidoreductases, such as peroxiredoxins, glutaredoxins, disulfide reductases and LMW thiol transferases. This review provides the first summary of the current knowledge of structural and functional diversity of transferases for LMW thiols, including GSH, BSH, MSH and T(SH)2. Their role in maintaining redox homeostasis in single-cell and multicellular organisms is discussed, focusing in particular on the conjugation of specific thiols to exogenous and endogenous electrophiles, or oxidized protein substrates. Advances in the development of new research tools, analytical methodologies, and genetic models for the analysis of known LMW thiol transferases will expand our knowledge and understanding of their function in cell growth and survival under oxidative stress, nutrient deprivation, and during the detoxification of xenobiotics and harmful metabolites. The antioxidant function of CoA has been recently discovered and the breakthrough in defining the identity and functional characteristics of CoA S-transferase(s) is soon expected.

Isoliquiritin can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and regulate Nrf2 to affect the development of mouse oocytes.

IsoliQuirtigenin (ILG) has been widely studied in somatic cells and tissues, but less in reproductive development. It is a kind of widely used food additive. In this study, it was found that ILG could significantly increase the levels of ROS,GSH and MMP in mouse oocytes (P < 0.01). In order to explore the cause of this phenomenon, it was found that the abnormal distribution of mitochondria and ATP synthesis levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05). At this time, we made a reasonable hypothesis that ILG affected mitochondrial function. In subsequent studies, it was found that the endogenous ROS accumulation level in mitochondria was significantly increased. After continuous RT-PCR screening, it was found that the expression of Nrf2 was significantly inhibited (P < 0.01). Its upstream and downstream FOXO3 GPX1, CAT, SOD2, SIRT1 gene also appear different degree of significant change (P < 0.05), in which the lower expression of NADP + (P < 0.05) illustrates the mitochondrial ATP synthesis electronic chain were suppressed, it also has the reason, By inhibiting electron chain and ATP synthesis, ILG leads to oocyte apoptosis and initiation of autophagy, reducing oocyte and its subsequent developmental potential.

Differential effects of four laboratory animal control diets on gut microbiota in mice.

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota is intricate and susceptible to multiple factors, with diet being a major contributor. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of four commonly used laboratory animal control diets, namely Keao Xieli's maintenance diet (KX), HFK's 1025 (HF), Research Diets' D12450B (RD), and Lab Diet's 5CC4 (LD), on the gut microbiota of mice. RESULTS: A total of 40 mice were randomly assigned to four groups, and each group was fed one of the four diets for a duration of 8 weeks. The assessment of gut microbiota was conducted using 16S rRNA sequencing both at the beginning of the study (week 0) and the end (week 8), which served as the baseline and endpoint samples, respectively. Following the 8-week feeding period, no significant differences were observed in physiological parameters, including body weight, visceral weight, and blood biochemical indices, across the four groups. Nonetheless, relative to the baseline, discernible alterations in the gut microbiota were observed in all groups, encompassing shifts in beta-diversity, hierarchical clustering, and key genera. Among the four diets, HF diet exhibited a significant influence on alpha-diversity, RD diet brought about notable changes in microbial composition at the phylum level, and LD diet demonstrated an interconnected co-occurrence network. Mantel analysis indicated no significant correlation between physiological parameters and gut microbiota in the four groups. CONCLUSION: Overall, our study demonstrated that the four control diets had a minimal impact on physiological parameters, while exerting a distinct influence on the gut microbiota after 8 weeks. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

CLASH: Complementary Learning with Neural Architecture Search for Gait Recognition.

Gait recognition, which aims at identifying individuals by their walking patterns, has achieved great success based on silhouette. The binary silhouette sequence encodes the walking pattern within the sparse boundary representation. Therefore, most pixels in the silhouette are under-sensitive to the walking pattern since the sparse boundary lacks dense spatial-temporal information, which is suitable to be represented with dense texture. To enhance the sensitivity to the walking pattern while maintaining the robustness of recognition, we present a Complementary Learning with neural Architecture SearcH (CLASH) framework, consisting of walking pattern sensitive gait descriptor named dense spatial-temporal field (DSTF) and neural architecture search based complementary learning (NCL). Specifically, DSTF transforms the representation from the sparse binary boundary into the dense distance-based texture, which is sensitive to the walking pattern at the pixel level. Further, NCL presents a task-specific search space for complementary learning, which mutually complements the sensitivity of DSTF and the robustness of the silhouette to represent the walking pattern effectively. Extensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods under both in-the-lab and in-the-wild scenarios. On CASIA-B, we achieve rank-1 accuracy of 98.8%, 96.5%, and 89.3% under three conditions. On OU-MVLP, we achieve rank-1 accuracy of 91.9%. Under the latest in-the-wild datasets, we outperform the latest silhouette-based methods by 16.3% and 19.7% on Gait3D and GREW, respectively.

Exploring terahertz spectral characteristics of L-sorbose and D-melibiose in solid and liquid states.

Saccharides are essential organic compounds that perform critical functions in sustaining life processes. As biomolecules, their vibrational frequencies predominantly fall in the terahertz (THz) range, making them amenable to analysis using THz techniques. In this study, L-sorbose and D-melibiose were measured using a THz time-domain spectroscopy system covering a frequency range of 0.1-2.0 THz, and their crystal structures were simulated using density functional theory. The experimental results demonstrated significant agreement with the simulation findings. In addition, the spectral properties of the two saccharides in solution were determined using microfluidic chip technology, thereby facilitating a comparison between the solid and aqueous states. The results demonstrate that the intramolecular and intermolecular interactions of the saccharides were weakened by the presence of water molecules, and the THz absorption spectrum of the same substance solution was found to be correlated with its concentration and temperature.