Volatile organic compounds emission characteristics and factors from stage-dependent combustion in typical biomass stoves in northern China: Field measurements and environmental implications.

Residential biomass burning (RBB) has significant impact on the ambient air quality in rural China. To explore the detailed emission characteristics and impact of various stove types and their combustion stages of RBB, which unresolved issue in existing studies, this study investigated the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions of different combustion stages from four typical RBB stoves in Northern China, including kang stove (KS), brick stove (BS), metal stove (MS) and pellet stove (PS). The KS has the highest VOCs emission factors (EFs) (1.

Greenness, Nighttime Light, and Couple Fecundability: A National Cohort Study Between 2014-2020.

Background: Reduced greenness and increased nighttime light (NTL) have been associated with adverse health outcomes; however, the impacts of greenness and NTL on human fecundability remain uncertain.

Methods: Data was collected from 14,239,365 couples across 31 provinces in China. Greenness exposure was estimated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 1000-meter buffer zones, while NTL data was derived from the Visible and Infrared Imaging Suite Day Night Band aboard satellites, both based on individual residential addresses.

Deep-learning analysis of greenspace and metabolic syndrome: A street-view and remote-sensing approach.

Evidence linking greenspace exposure to metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains sparse and inconsistent. This exploratory study evaluate the relationship between green visibility index (GVI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) with MetS prevalence, and quantifies the potential reduction in MetS burden from increased greenspace exposure. Participants were selected from the baseline survey of the Wuhan Chronic Disease Cohort.

Multi-view graph fusion of self-weighted EEG feature representations for speech imagery decoding.

Background: Electroencephalogram (EEG)-based speech imagery is an emerging brain-computer interface paradigm, which enables the speech disabled to naturally and intuitively communicate with external devices or other people. Currently, speech imagery research decoding performance is limited. One of the reasons is that there is still no consensus on which domain features are more discriminative.

HRP2 regulating MICU1-mediated Ca overload to dictate chemoresistance of multiple myeloma.

Despite the efficacy of bortezomib (BTZ)-based chemotherapy in treating multiple myeloma (MM) patients, chemoresistance occurs frequently over time, particularly in individuals exhibiting an initial positive response to BTZ therapy. In this study, we established BTZ-resistant MM cells and identified that suppressed expression of the hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF)-related protein-2 (HRP2) was a key determinant of chemoresistance in MM cells. Manipulating HRP2 expression remodeled the chemosensitivity of MM cells in vitro and in vivo.

Anthropogenic impacts on regional leaching risks posed by trace metal(loid)s in the soil of an industrial city.

The leaching risks associated with trace metal(loid)s (s) in regional soil are complex due to the intricate interplay between pollution levels and soil properties. A K-based regional leaching risk assessment method was developed to assess the leaching risks posed by soil TMs. The random forest model was used to identify the effects of the soil environment on the soil K and the leaching risks.

Vessel wall enhancement in vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia is associated with posterior circulation infarction: An observational study based on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Posterior circulation infarction (PCI) is the most common manifestation of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD). Vessel wall enhancement (VWE) in high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) is associated with ischemic stroke.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate different quantitative VWE parameters in identifying PCI in VBD patients by comparing the sensitivity of each VWE parameter.

Serum metabolomic profiling uncovered metabolic shifts in individuals upon moderate-altitude exposure and identified the potentiality of beta-alanine to ameliorate hyperuricemia.

Background: High-altitude exposure has been associated with an increased risk of hyperuricemia (HU) and gout, though the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the serum metabolome and phenome in both discovery and validation cohorts of Han Chinese individuals who underwent long-term moderate-altitude exposure (∼12 months), as well as in an independent cohort consisting of local Han Chinese and Tibetans residing in Nyingchi (>5 years). Beta-Alanine intervention was applied in hypoxanthine and potassium oxonate-induced in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Effects of organic material addition on carbon cycling and soil fertility in paddy soil.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in plant nutrient supply and soil physical, chemical, and biological function regulation. Factors such as climate change, human activities, and farm management practices can adversely affect SOC. Here, paddy soil in the double-cropping rice area of Hunan Province of China was cultured with eight kinds of organic materials, and the effects of organic fertilization on SOC content, humus content, and soil carbon sequestration efficiency were analyzed.

Piezo1 promotes intervertebral disc degeneration through the Ca/F-actin/Yap signaling axis.

Background: Piezo1 is a mechanically sensitive cation channel expressed in various tissues of the human body and has multiple roles in both physiological and pathological processes. However, its role in the occurrence and development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is not fully understood.

Methods: In the present study, an IVDD mouse model and Piezo1 small interfering (si)RNA was used to investigate the role of Piezo1 in IVDD progression.

CKLF1 disrupts microglial efferocytosis following acute ischemic stroke by binding to phosphatidylserine.

Efferocytosis is crucial for the clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs) following acute ischemic stroke (AIS), however, its mechanism remains unclear. This study reveals that chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) disrupts efferocytosis by promoting AC finding and internalization while impairing AC degradation in microglia. CKLF1 deficiency reduced the proportion of ACs and lowered levels of damage-associated molecular patterns.

Sex-specific trends in the global burden and risk factors of atrial fibrillation and flutter from 1990 to 2021.

Significant sex disparities exist in the burden of atrial fibrillation and flutter. However, comprehensive and systematic analysis of its global trend by sex is scarce. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 was used as data source for analysis.

Observation of switchable polar skyrmion bubbles down to the atomic layers in van der Waals ferroelectric CuInPS.

Polar skyrmions are topologically nontrivial polarization textures that demonstrate exotic physical phenomena and novel memory applications. Thus far, these textures have primarily been reported in oxide-ferroelectric-based epitaxial heterostructures because their stabilization requires an elastic energy penalty from the epitaxial strains. Here, without the epitaxial-strain engineering, we discover polar skyrmion bubbles in stand-alone van der Waals ferroelectric CuInPS crystal through the combination of piezoelectric force microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and phase-field simulations.

Gout management using uricase and sodium citrate hollow mesoporous nanomotors.

Uricase (UOx)-based gout treatments are generally limited due in part to the accumulation of HO in an arthrosis environment characterized by a sluggish metabolism. Here we develop a self-cascade nanomotor with high efficiency toward simultaneous uric acid (UA) degradation and HO elimination on the basis of UOx and sodium citrate loading in amine functionalized hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (AHMSNs). Due to the inherent asymmetry of AHMSNs, the developed nanomotors can be actuated by ionic diffusiophoresis induced by the enzymatic UA degradation, thus enlarging the diffusion range within the joint cavity.

Targeted imaging of pulmonary fibrosis by a cyclic peptide LyP-1.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is an interstitial chronic lung disease characterized by interstitial inflammation and extracellular matrix deposition, resulting in progressive lung dysfunction and ultimate respiratory failure. However, lacking of precise and noninvasive tracers for fibrotic lesions limits timely diagnosis and treatment. Here, we identified LyP-1, a cyclic peptide, as a specific and sensitive tracer for PF detection using PET/CT imaging.

Individualized therapy guided by single-cell sequencing in anti-GABAR encephalitis.

We presented a patient with refractory anti-GABA-R encephalitis, and constructed libraries for single-cell sequencing from the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), cerebrospinal fluid cells, as well as four healthy volunteer's PBMCs. A distinct group of monoclonal CD8 T cells and an abnormal JAK-STAT signaling pathway was implicated in the disease. The cross-reactive protein LIM-domain-only protein 5 (LMO5) identified in the patient's thymoma, prompted the activation of the specific CD8 T cells.

Prevotella copri-produced 5-aminopentanoic acid promotes pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Background: Recent studies suggest an association between the expansion of Prevotella copri and the disease severity in children with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We aimed to investigate the causative role and molecular mechanisms of P. copri in pediatric MASLD.

Discovery of Flavonol derivatives as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus inhibitors.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes serious threat to the global pig industry, and there was still no efficient treatment for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Flavonol compounds were reported to show antiviral activity against a series of different virus. In this study, we designed a series of flavonol derivatives as promising lead structure for PRRSV inhibitors.

Association of prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances with fetal growth trajectories.

Background: Maternal perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure during pregnancy is linked to adverse birth outcomes; however, its impact on fetal growth trajectories remains unclear.

Objective: To examine the relationship between prenatal PFAS exposure and fetal growth trajectories.

Methods: We included 352 mother-infant pairs from a prospective study conducted at Changsha Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care, Hunan Province, China.

Compatibilization of poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) blends by using epoxidized magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends have been widely developed due to their excellent biodegradability and complementary mechanical properties. However, PLA/PBAT blends are still facing the limitations of their poor compatibility and flammability. To address these challenges facilely, a family of functional compatibilizers was fabricated using epoxy-modified magnesium hydroxide (MH).

SGLT2 inhibitors and nephrolithiasis risk in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cohort study and meta-analysis.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) use and nephrolithiasis risk.

Methods: In this real-world cohort study, we analyzed electronic health records from the TriNetX Analytics Network, which includes patients from 64 U.S.

2-Methoxybenzoic acid ameliorates arterial thrombosis via inhibiting carbon anhydrase activity in platelet.

Background: 2-Methoxybenzoic acid (2MOA) is a natural compound with potential salicylate-like effects; however, its impact on arterial thrombosis remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of 2MOA on thrombogenesis and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods: FeCl-induced carotid artery injury and laser-induced cremaster artery injury thrombosis assays were utilized to explore the effect of 2MOA on thrombogenesis in vivo.

Primary ciliary protein kinase A activity in the prefrontal cortex modulates stress in mice.

Primary cilia are cellular antennae emanating from vertebrate cell surfaces to sense and transduce extracellular signals intracellularly to regulate cell behavior and function. However, their signal sensing and physiological functions in neocortical neurons remain largely unclear. Here, we show that, in response to various animal stressors, primary cilia in the mouse prefrontal cortex (PFC) exhibit consistent axonemal elongation.

CDCA8 and its multifaceted role in tumorigenesis.

Human cell division cycle-associated 8 (CDCA8), also known as Borealin or Dasra-B, is a critical component of the vertebrate Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC). It plays a pivotal role in the segregation of sister chromatids during the cell cycle and is essential for preventing the formation of aneuploid chromosomes and ensuring successful cytokinesis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that CDCA8 is upregulated in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, glioma, and bladder cancer.

Associations between dietary B vitamin intakes and cognitive function among elderly individuals: An observational study.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the associations between dietary B vitamin intakes and the prevalence of cognitive impairment among elderly individuals in the United States.

Methods: This cross-sectional analysis, based on data from 2716 participants aged 60 years or older in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011 to 2014. Dietary intakes of six B vitamins (vitamins B1, B2, niacin, B6, total folate, and B12) were assessed using two 24-hour dietary recalls.