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In this paper, we investigate the phase behavior of a surfactant mixture comprising glyceryl stearate, potassium stearate, and stearic acid, in the presence of Carbopol, a commonly used thickener in personal care products. At low Carbopol concentrations (<0.03%), the surfactant mixture interacted with Carbopol electrostatically, increasing the degree of Carbopol swelling and, consequently, the overall viscosity. However, such an effect diminished as the Carbopol concentration was further increased. At a Carbopol concentration of 0.2%, two types of liquid crystalline surfactant structures, namely, multilamellar vesicles and lamellae, were observed between the swollen Carbopol domains. Although similar types of surfactant structures were present in a much more concentrated surfactant solution having a similar viscosity but without Carbopol, the lamellae in the presence of Carbopol were more ordered and with a larger d spacing. The increased ordering was probably induced by the interactions between the surfactants and Carbopol as the surfactants were confined between the swollen Carbopol domains.

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High-entropy alloys offer promising hydrogen storage properties and design versatility but suffer from compromised capacity and stability in practical industrial applications owing to surface poisoning caused by trace impurities or unexpected contact with air. Theoretical simulations provide a rapid and efficient platform for estimating anti-poisoning performance, particularly concerning alloys versus metal elements in various phases. This work explores the surface poisoning behavior of two typical high entropy materials: BCC-phase V35Ti30Cr25Fe10 and Laves-phase ZrTiVNiCrFe, along with pure metals V, Ti, Cr, and Fe as well as single AB2 (A = Zr, Ti, B = V, Ni, Cr, and Fe) compounds, at various phase stages during hydrogen storage cycles using density functional theory (DFT) simulations. Results show that surfaces of V35Ti30Cr25Fe10 and ZrTiVNiCrFe with a hydrogen uptake of 100% can facilitate O2 adsorption over dissociation, especially when O2 adsorbs on Fe sites, and formation of hydroxyl. The O2 poisoning behavior of high-entropy alloys was roughly estimated using the molar ratio weighted sum of constituent components, with the maximum deviation of 15.92% between predicted values and calculated values. This study sheds light on anti-poisoning mechanisms and aids in designing resilient high-entropy alloys.

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As the key hardware of a brain-like chip based on a spiking neuron network (SNN), memristor has attracted more attention due to its similarity with biological neurons and synapses to deal with the audio signal. However, designing stable artificial neurons and synapse devices with a controllable switching pathway to form a hardware network is a challenge. For the first time, we report that artificial neurons and synapses based on multilayered HfOx/TiOy memristor crossbar arrays can be used for the SNN training of audio signals, which display the tunable threshold switching and memory switching characteristics. It is found that tunable volatile and nonvolatile switching from the multilayered HfOx/TiOy memristor is induced by the size-controlled atomic oxygen vacancy pathway, which depends on the atomic sublayer in the multilayered structure. The successful emulation of the biological neuron's integrate-and-fire function can be achieved through the utilization of the tunable threshold switching characteristic. Based on the stable performance of the multilayered HfOx/TiOy neuron and synapse, we constructed a hardware SNN architecture for processing audio signals, which provides a base for the recognition of audio signals through the function of integration and firing. Our design of an atomic conductive pathway by using a multilayered TiOy/HfOx memristor supplies a new method for the construction of an artificial neuron and synapse in the same matrix, which can reduce the cost of integration in an AI chip. The implementation of synaptic functionalities by the hardware of SNNs paves the way for novel neuromorphic computing paradigms in the AI era.

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PURPOSE: Bile duct injury is a serious complication after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). If it is not detected early and treated actively, it will not only affect the subsequent tumor-related treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, but also may lead to serious consequences such as infection, liver failure and even death. To analyze the risk factors of bile duct injury after TACE in patients with HCC and explore the predictive indicators of bile duct injury after TACE, which is helpful for doctors to detect and intervene early and avoid the occurrence of serious complications. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 847 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent TACE for the first time in our interventional department. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether bile duct injury occurred after TACE: (1) bile duct injury group, N = 55; (2) no bile duct injury group, N = 792. The basic data, intraoperative conditions and the outcome of bile duct injury were analyzed. The chi-square test was used for comparison of enumeration data. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of measurement data. Risk factor analysis was performed using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Basic data and intraoperative conditions were compared between the bile duct injury group and the group without bile duct injury: preoperative alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (103.24 ± 32.77U/L vs. 89.17 ± 37.35U/L, P = 0.003); history of hepatobiliary surgery (36.4% vs. 20.8%, P = 0.011); intraoperative lipiodol volume (P = 0.007); combined use of gelatin sponge particles (65.5% vs. 35.0%, P < 0.001); hypovascularity (58.2% vs. 24.5%, P < 0.001); and embolization site (P < 0.001). Comparison of postoperative liver function between bile duct injury group and non-bile duct injury group: postoperative total bilirubin (43.34 ± 25.18umol/L vs. 21.94 ± 9.82umol/L, P < 0.001); postoperative γ-glutamyltransferase(GGT) (188.09 ± 55.62U/L vs. 84.04 ± 36.47U/L, P < 0.001); postoperative ALP(251.51 ± 61.51U/L vs. 99.92 ± 45.98U/L, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The dosage of lipiodol in TACE, supplementation of gelatin sponge particles, embolization site, and hypovascularity of the tumor are risk factors for biliary duct injury after TACE. After TACE, GGT and ALP increased ≥ 2 times compared with preoperative indicators as predictors of bile duct injury. Bile duct injury occurring after TACE can achieve good outcomes with aggressive management.

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Hypoxia is a hallmark of solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hypoxia has proven to be involved in multiple tumor biological processes and associated with malignant progression and resistance to therapy. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a well-established locoregional therapy for patients with unresectable HCC. However, TACE-induced hypoxia regulates tumor angiogenesis, energy metabolism, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immune processes through hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), which may have adverse effects on the therapeutic efficacy of TACE. Hypoxia has emerged as a promising target for combination with TACE in the treatment of HCC. This review summarizes the impact of hypoxia on HCC tumor biology and the adverse effects of TACE-induced hypoxia on its therapeutic efficacy, highlighting the therapeutic potential of hypoxia-targeted therapy in combination with TACE for HCC.

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Coproporphyrin III (CP III), a natural porphyrin derivative, has extensive applications in the biomedical and material industries. S. cerevisiae has previously been engineered to highly accumulate the CP III precursor 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) through the C4 pathway. In this study, a combination of cytoplasmic metabolic engineering and mitochondrial compartmentalization was used to enhance CP III production in S. cerevisiae. By integrating pathway genes into the chromosome, the CP III titer gradually increased to 32.5 ± 0.5 mg/L in shake flask cultivation. Nevertheless, increasing the copy number of pathway genes did not consistently enhance CP III synthesis. Hence, the partial synthesis pathway was compartmentalized in mitochondria to evaluate its effectiveness in increasing CP III production. Subsequently, by superimposing the mitochondrial compartmentalization strategy on cytoplasmic metabolic engineered strains, the CP III titer was increased to 64.3 ± 1.9 mg/L. Furthermore, augmenting antioxidant pathway genes to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels effectively improved the growth of engineered strains, resulting in a further increase in the CP III titer to 82.9 ± 1.4 mg/L. Fed-batch fermentations in a 5 L bioreactor achieved a titer of 402.8 ± 9.3 mg/L for CP III. This study provides a new perspective on engineered yeast for the microbial production of porphyrins.

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In this prospective study of patients undergoing bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis, preprocedural conventional CTA identified 86.3% of culprit systemic arteries confirmed by selective angiography, whereas intraprocedural angio-CT identified 97.1%. The findings indicate a role of angio-CT to help identify target vessels for embolization during such procedures.

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An ideal tumor treatment strategy involves therapeutic approaches that can enhance the immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment while simultaneously eliminating the primary tumor. A cholic acid-modified iridium(III) (Ir3) photosensitizer, targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), has been reported to exhibit potent type I and type II photodynamic therapeutic effects against triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231). This photosensitizer induces pyroptotic cell death mediated by gasdermin E (GSDME) through photodynamic means and enhances tumor immunotherapy. Mechanistic studies have revealed that complex Ir3 induces characteristics of damage-related molecular patterns (DAMPs) in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells under light conditions. These include cell-surface calreticulin (CRT) eversion, extracellular high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and ATP release, accompanied by ER stress and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). Consequently, complex Ir3 promotes dendritic cell maturation and antigen presentation under light conditions, fully activates T cell-dependent immune response in vivo, and ultimately eliminates distant tumors while destroying primary tumors. In conclusion, immune regulation and targeted intervention mediated by metal complexes represent a new and promising approach to tumor therapy. This provides an effective strategy for the development of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

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Previous field experiments support the claim that a tornado can radiate discernible infrasound between 0.5 and 10 Hz. The physical mechanisms of tornado sound generation are still not fully understood, although several potential mechanisms have been proposed. In this paper, the theory of vortex sound is applied to the sound radiation from two numerical tornado simulations based on large eddy simulations. There are two different vortex-related mechanisms in distinct frequency regimes. It is found that rotation of a non-axisymmetric vorticity field produces low-frequency infrasound less than 2.0 Hz. High-frequency tornado infrasound can be attributed to more complex vortex dynamics such as vortex merging.

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Heme has attracted considerable attention due to its indispensable biological roles and applications in healthcare and artificial foods. The development and utilization of edible microorganisms instead of animals to produce heme is the most promising method to promote the large-scale industrial production and safe application of heme. However, the cytotoxicity of heme severely restricts its efficient synthesis by microorganisms, and the cytotoxic mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, the effect of heme toxicity on Saccharomyces cerevisiae was evaluated by enhancing its synthesis using metabolic engineering. The results showed that the accumulation of heme after the disruption of heme homeostasis caused serious impairments in cell growth and metabolism, as demonstrated by significantly poor growth, mitochondrial damage, cell deformations, and chapped cell surfaces, and these features which were further associated with substantially elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels within the cell (mainly H2O2 and superoxide anion radicals). To improve cellular tolerance to heme, 5 rounds of laboratory evolution were performed, increasing heme production by 7.3-fold and 4.2-fold in terms of the titer (38.9 mg/L) and specific production capacity (1.4 mg/L/OD600), respectively. Based on comparative transcriptomic analyses, 32 genes were identified as candidates that can be modified to enhance heme production by more than 20% in S. cerevisiae. The combined overexpression of 5 genes (SPS22, REE1, PHO84, HEM4 and CLB2) was shown to be an optimal method to enhance heme production. Therefore, a strain with enhanced heme tolerance and ROS quenching ability (R5-M) was developed that could generate 380.5 mg/L heme with a productivity of 4.2 mg/L/h in fed-batch fermentation, with S. cerevisiae strains being the highest producers reported to date. These findings highlight the importance of improving heme tolerance for the microbial production of heme and provide a solution for efficient heme production by engineered yeasts.

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BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive hepatectomy for difficult lesions located in posterosuperior segments (segments I, IVa, VII and VIII) remains challenging. The value of robotic liver resection (RLR) compared with laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for posterosuperior segments is controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to validate the safety and efficacy of RLR in posterosuperior segments. METHODS: The Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched to identify available research published up to October 2023. Statistical analysis was performed with RevMan software version 5.3. RESULTS: Six studies with a total of 2289 patients (RLR: n = 749; LLR: n = 1540) were included in this meta-analysis. The RLR group had less intraoperative blood loss (WMD = -119.54 ml, 95% CI: -178.89 to -60.19, P < 0.0001), fewer blood transfusions (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.80, P = 0.001), a lower conversion rate (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.61, P < 0.0001), and a shorter operative time (WMD = -27.16 min, 95% CI: -35.95 to -18.36, P < 0.00001). DISCUSSION: Compared with LLR, RLR for lesions in the posterosuperior segments could be safe and effective, and it has superior surgical outcomes.

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The insulin receptor (INSR, IR) has two isoforms, IRA and IRB, through alternative splicing. However, their distinct functions in vivo remain unclear. Here we generated ß cell-specific IRB knockout (KO) mice (ßIRBKO). The KO mice displayed worsened hyperinsulinemia and hyperproinsulinemia in diet-induced obesity due to impaired proinsulin processing in ß cells. Mechanistically, loss of IRB suppresses eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G1 (eIF4G1) by stabilizing the transcriptional receptor sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1). Moreover, excessive autocrine proinsulin in ßIRBKO mice enhances the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) through the remaining IRA to further stabilize nuclear SREBP1, forming a feedback loop. Collectively, our study paves the way to dissecting the isoform-specific function of IR in vivo and highlights the important roles of IRB in insulin processing and protecting ß cells from lipotoxicity in obesity.

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Elucidating the absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s by common vegetables across different growth environments and stages is crucial for conducting accurate environmental risk assessments and for associated control. This study investigated temporal variations in the absorption and translocation capacities of pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in polluted soils during the plant growth cycle under greenhouse and open-field cultivation modes. Results showed high root metal(loid) bioconcentration factors and root-to-shoot translocation factors for Cd (0.25 and 1.44, respectively) and Zn (0.26 and 1.01), but low values for As (0.06 and 0.88) and Pb (0.06 and 0.87). The Cd concentration in the aerial edible parts peaked during the early slow growth period, whereas other heavy metal(loid)s peaked during the later stable maturity period. Root bioconcentration and root-to-shoot translocation factors did not significantly differ between cultivation modes. However, greenhouse cultivation exhibited lower average Cd and Zn concentrations in the edible parts and cumulative uptake amounts of most metal(loid)s than open-field cultivation during the typical harvest period spanning days 60 and 90. Short-term transitioning from open-field to greenhouse cultivation may reduce health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) intake via pak choi consumption. These findings facilitate sustainable agricultural practices and food safety management.

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BACKGROUND: Small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs) are additional chromosomes with unclear structures and origins, and their correlations with clinical fetal phenotypes remain incompletely understood, which reduces the accuracy of genetic counseling. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 36 cases of sSMCs diagnosed in our center. We performed G-banding and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). The resulting karyotypes were compared with case reports in the literature and various databases including OMIM, DECIPHER, ClinVar, ClinGen, ISCA, DGV, and PubMed. RESULTS: Karyotype analysis data revealed that 19 out of 36 fetuses were mosaic. Copy number variants (CNVs) analysis results showed that 27 out of 36 fetuses harbored pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants. Among these 27 cases, 11 fetuses carried sex chromosome-related CNVs, including 4 female cases exhibiting Turner syndrome phenotypes and 7 cases showing Y chromosome deletions. In the remaining 16 fetuses with autosomal CNVs, 9 fetuses carried variants associated with Cat eye syndrome, Emanuel syndrome, Tetrasomy 18p, and 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome. Among these, 22 fetuses were terminated, and the remaining 5 fetuses were delivered and developed normally. Additionally, we identified a few variants with unclear pathogenicity. CONCLUSION: Cytogenetic analysis is essential for identifying the pathogenicity of sSMCs and increasing the accuracy of genetic counseling.

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BACKGROUND: Patients with 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome exhibit a high degree of phenotypic heterogeneity and incomplete penetrance, making prenatal diagnosis challenging due to phenotypic variability. This report aims to raise awareness among prenatal diagnostic practitioners regarding the variant's complexity, providing a basis for prenatal genetic counseling. METHODS: Family and clinical data of 31 fetuses with 22q11.2 microduplications confirmed by chromosomal microarray between June 2017 and June 2023 were considered. RESULTS: Primary prenatal ultrasound features of affected fetuses include variable cardiac and cardiovascular anomalies, increased nuchal translucency (≥3 mm), renal abnormalities, and polyhydramnios. More than half of fetuses considered showed no intrauterine manifestations; therefore, prenatal diagnostic indicators were primarily advanced maternal age or high-risk Down syndrome screening. Most fetuses had microduplications in proximal or central 22q11.2 regions, with only three cases with distal microduplications. Among parents of fetuses considered, 87% (27/31) continued the pregnancy. During follow-up, 19 cases remained clinically asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Nonspecific 22q11.2 microduplication features in fetuses and its mild postnatal disease presentation highlight the need to cautiously approach prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy decision-making. Increased clinical efforts should be made regarding providing parents with specialized genetic counseling, long-term follow-up, and fetal risk information.

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Little information is known about the increased aroma compounds and possible mechanism in Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb roasted mutton (TRM). A comprehensive analysis of aroma compounds and lipids were firstly performed by lipidomics and sensomics approach. The results indicated that 9 out of 53 aroma compounds were considered as key odorants, including 5-methyl-2,3-diethylpyrazine. The roasted mutton contained highest levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC, 13.95%), triglyceride (TG, 13.50%), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 12.25%). TG 18:0_18:0_18:1 and nine odorants were the potential biomarkers for discriminating differential samples due to variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1 and p < 0.05. PCs and TGs, including PC 21:0_13:1 and TG 16:0_18:1_18:1, might be predominantly responsible for the formation and retention of aroma compounds, respectively. This will clarify the enhanced effect of Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb on the presence of aroma compounds via lipid pathways in roasted mutton.

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Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and complex pulmonary vascular disease with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to provide a new understanding of the lung pathology of disease and a noninvasive method in monitoring the establishment of animal models for basic and clinical studies of PH, indeed to explore clinical application value of lung ultrasound for patients with PH. Totally 32 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, MCT (monocrotaline) group, PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate) group, and NS (normal saline) group. Rats in the MCT group, PDTC group, and NS group received single intraperitoneal injection of MCT, while the control group received the same dose of NS. Then, PDTC group and NS group received PDTC and NS daily for treatment at the end of the model. Each group received lung ultrasound examination and measurement of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). Then, the rats were sacrificed to take the lung specimens to being observed. The ultrasound and pathological results were analyzed with a semiquantitative score. With the pulmonary artery pressure increases, the MCT group had a higher pulmonary ultrasound score and pathological score compared with the control group (p < 0.05). After PDTC treatment, the pulmonary ultrasound score and the pathological score decline (p < 0.05). We investigated both lung ultrasound scores, and the pathological scores were positively correlated with mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (both r > 0.8, p < 0.0001). Moreover, lung ultrasound scores were positively correlated with pathological scores (r > 0.8, p < 0.0001). We elucidated lung ultrasound evaluation providing more evidence for the management of PH in the rat model. Moreover, lung ultrasound provided a noninvasive method in monitoring the establishment of animal models for basic and clinical studies of PH.

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Histone modifications, known as histone marks, are pivotal in regulating gene expression within cells. The vast array of potential combinations of histone marks presents a considerable challenge in decoding the regulatory mechanisms solely through biological experimental approaches. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a method called CatLearning. It utilizes a modified convolutional neural network architecture with a specialized adaptation Residual Network to quantitatively interpret histone marks and predict gene expression. This architecture integrates long-range histone information up to 500Kb and learns chromatin interaction features without 3D information. By using only one histone mark, CatLearning achieves a high level of accuracy. Furthermore, CatLearning predicts gene expression by simulating changes in histone modifications at enhancers and throughout the genome. These findings help comprehend the architecture of histone marks and develop diagnostic and therapeutic targets for diseases with epigenetic changes.

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The intricate process of shell biomineralization in marine molluscs is governed by a complex interplay of regulatory elements, encompassing secretomes, transporters, and noncoding RNA. This review delves into recent advancements in understanding these regulatory mechanisms, emphasizing their significance in elucidating the functions and evolutionary dynamics of the molluscan shell biomineralization process. Central to this intricate orchestration are secretomes with diverse functional domains, selectively exported to the extrapallial space, which directly regulate crystal growth and morphology. Transporters are crucial for substrate transportation in the calcification and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Beyond proteins and transporters, noncoding RNA molecules are integral components influencing shell biomineralization. This review underscores the nonnegligible roles played by these genetic elements at the molecular level. To comprehend the complexity of biomineralization in mollusc, we explore the origin and evolutionary history of regulatory elements, primarily secretomes. While some elements have recently evolved, others are ancient genes that have been co-opted into the biomineralization toolkit. These elements undergo structural and functional evolution through rapidly evolving repetitive low-complexity domains and domain gain/loss/rearrangements, ultimately shaping a distinctive set of secretomes characterized by both conserved features and evolutionary innovations. This comprehensive review enhances our understanding of molluscan biomineralization at the molecular and genetic levels.

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BACKGROUND: The use of machine learning(ML) methods would improve the diagnosis of small airway dysfunction(SAD) in subjects with chronic respiratory symptoms and preserved pulmonary function(PPF). This paper evaluated the performance of several ML algorithms associated with the impulse oscillometry(IOS) analysis to aid in the diagnostic of respiratory changes in SAD. We also find out the best configuration for this task. METHODS: IOS and spirometry were measured in 280 subjects, including a healthy control group (n = 78), a group with normal spirometry (n = 158) and a group with abnormal spirometry (n = 44). Various supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms and feature selection strategies were examined, such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forests (RF), Adaptive Boosting (ADABOOST), Navie Bayesian (BAYES), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). RESULTS: The first experiment of this study demonstrated that the best oscillometric parameter (BOP) was R5, with an AUC value of 0.642, when comparing a healthy control group(CG) with patients in the group without lung volume-defined SAD(PPFN). The AUC value of BOP in the control group was 0.769 compared with patients with spirometry defined SAD(PPFA) in the PPF population. In the second experiment, the ML technique was used. In CGvsPPFN, RF and ADABOOST had the best diagnostic results (AUC = 0.914, 0.915), with significantly higher accuracy compared to BOP (p < 0.01). In CGvsPPFA, RF and ADABOOST had the best diagnostic results (AUC = 0.951, 0.971) and significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (p < 0.01). In the third, fourth and fifth experiments, different feature selection techniques allowed us to find the best IOS parameters (R5, (R5-R20)/R5 and Fres). The results demonstrate that the performance of ADABOOST remained essentially unaltered following the application of the feature selector, whereas the diagnostic accuracy of the remaining four classifiers (RF, SVM, BAYES, and KNN) is marginally enhanced. CONCLUSIONS: IOS combined with ML algorithms provide a new method for diagnosing SAD in subjects with chronic respiratory symptoms and PPF. The present study's findings provide evidence that this combination may help in the early diagnosis of respiratory changes in these patients.

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