Learning meaningful representation of single-neuron morphology via large-scale pre-training.

Summary: Single-neuron morphology, the study of the structure, form, and shape of a group of specialized cells in the nervous system, is of vital importance to define the type of neurons, assess changes in neuronal development and aging and determine the effects of brain disorders and treatments. Despite the recent surge in the amount of available neuron morphology reconstructions due to advancements in microscopy imaging, existing computational and deep learning methods for modeling neuron morphology have been limited in both scale and accuracy. In this paper, we propose MorphRep, a model for learning meaningful representation of neuron morphology pre-trained with over 250 000 existing neuron morphology data.

Metal Coordination Complex Derived FeS Particles Embedded in N-doped Carbon Framework with Regulated Porous Structure Enabling High-Rate and Durable Sodium Storage.

Iron sulfides with high theoretical capacity confront the challenges of low rate capability and severe capacity fading for sodium storage, which are mainly caused by poor electron/ion transport kinetics and drastic volume fluctuations during cycling. Herein, to mitigate these obstacles, a multi-step synthetic tactic involving solvothermal, carbonization, and subsequent sulfurization is put forward for the construction of wire-like structure by confining FeS particles in porous N-doped carbon framework (denoted as FeS/PNC) using zinc iron nitrilotriacetate as template. By partially substituting Fe with Zn in the metal coordination complex, the porous structure of coordination complex derived carbon framework can be regulated through pore structure engineering of Zn nanodroplets.

An Optimized Microwave-Assisted Digestion Method to Analyze the Amino Acids Profile of from Different Planted Origins.

This study aims to establish a rapid and convenient microwave-assisted digestion method for sample pretreatment to determine amino acid profiles in natural products. This method was applied to analyze the amino acid profiles of (QF) from different planted origins. The microwave-assisted digestion conditions were optimized by a response surface methodology (RSM), and 17 amino acids in different planted origins of QF were determined by an automatic amino acid analyzer according to the optimized digestion conditions.

METTL3-mediated N-methyladenosine modification of STAT5A promotes gastric cancer progression by regulating KLF4.

N-methyladenosine (mA) is the predominant post-transcriptional RNA modification in eukaryotes and plays a pivotal regulatory role in various aspects of RNA fate determination, such as mRNA stability, alternative splicing, and translation. Dysregulation of the critical mA methyltransferase METTL3 is implicated in tumorigenesis and development. Here, this work showed that METTL3 is upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and is associated with poor prognosis.

Tailored Triggering of High-Quality Multi-Dimensional Coupled Topological States in Valley Photonic Crystals.

The combination of higher-order topological insulators and valley photonic crystals has recently aroused extensive attentions due to the great potential in flexible and efficient optical field manipulations. Here, we computationally propose a photonic device for the 1550 nm communication band, in which the topologically protected electromagnetic modes with high quality can be selectively triggered and modulated on demand. Through introducing two valley photonic crystal units without any structural alteration, we successfully achieve multi-dimensional coupled topological states thanks to the diverse electromagnetic characteristics of two valley edge states.

Achieving High-Rate and Stable Sodium-Ion Storage by Constructing Okra-Like NiS/FeS@Multichannel Carbon Nanofibers.

Transition metal sulfides (TMSs) are considered as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high theoretical capacities. However, the relatively low electrical conductivity, large volume variation, and easy aggregation/pulverization of active materials seriously hinder their practical application. Herein, okra-like NiS/FeS particles encapsulated in multichannel N-doped carbon nanofibers (NiS/FeS@MCNFs) are fabricated by a coprecipitation, electrospinning, and carbonization/sulfurization strategy.

Genomics insights into flowering and floral pattern formation: regional duplication and seasonal pattern of gene expression in Camellia.

Background: The formation and domestication of ornamental traits are influenced by various aspects, such as the recognition of esthetic values and cultural traditions. Camellia japonica is widely appreciated and domesticated around the world mainly due to its rich variations in ornamental traits. Ornamental camellias have a diverse range of resources, including different bud variations from Camellia spp.

Impact of different genetic mutations on granulocyte development and G-CSF responsiveness in congenital neutropenia.

Congenital neutropenia (CN) is a genetic disorder characterized by persistent or intermittent low peripheral neutrophil counts, thus increasing susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. Various forms of CN, caused by distinct genetic mutations, exhibit differential responses to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy, with the underlying mechanisms not fully understood. This study presents an in-depth comparative analysis of clinical and immunological features in 5 CN patient groups (severe congenital neutropenia [SCN]1, SCN3, cyclic neutropenia [CyN], warts, hypogammaglobulinaemia, infections and myelokathexis [WHIM], and Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond Syndrome [SBDS]) associated with mutations in ELANE, HAX1, CXCR4, and SBDS genes.

Origin differentiation based on volatile constituents of genuine medicinal materials Quisqualis indica L. via HS-GC-MS, response surface methodology, and chemometrics.

Introduction: Quisqualis indica L. (QIL) has a long history as a traditional Chinese herb in China, but the study of volatile components in QIL from different geographical sources has been relatively rare.

Objectives: To establish an optimal headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) method to comprehensively analyse the volatile component profile and screen quality markers of QIL from different origins.

Protective role of Cecropin AD against LPS-induced intestinal mucosal injury in chickens.

Introduction: Cecropin AD (CAD), a renowned antimicrobial peptide, has shown promising potential in treating various bacterial infections. This study investigates the protective effects of CAD against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal adversities in chickens.

Methods: Sixty SPF-grade chicks were divided into groups and exposed to different dosages of CAD, followed by LPS administration.

Identification of Different Varieties of Oil Peony Seeds Combining ICP-MS with Chemometrics and Assessment of Associated Health Risk.

Peony seed is an excellent oil crop, and peony seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids needed by the human body. In this study, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), fingerprint, and chemometrics, the correlation between the content of inorganic elements in oil peony seeds, their origins, and varieties were investigated. Meanwhile, estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risks (CR) were combined to evaluate the comprehensive health risks of heavy metals in peony seed oil.

Light-driven assembly of Pt clusters on Mo-NiO nanosheets to achieve Pt/Mo-NiO hybrid with dense heterointerfaces and optimized charge redistribution for alkaline hydrogen evolution.

Designing cost-effective alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts with high water dissociation ability, enhanced hydroxyl transfer rate and optimized hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔG) by a time and energy efficient strategy is pivotal, but still challenging for alkaline water electrolysis. Herein, Pt/Mo-NiO hybrid consisting of Pt clusters assembled on Mo-doped NiO nanosheet arrays is prepared on the surface of raw NiMo foam (NMF) by a light-driven strategy to address this challenge. Benefitting from the electronic interaction between Mo-NiO and Pt, the Pt/Mo-NiO composite owns optimized ΔG and is beneficial for accelerating water dissociation and hydroxyl transfer.

Identifying -Acting Elements Associated with the High Activity and Endosperm Specificity of the Promoters of Genes Encoding Low-Molecular-Weight Glutenin Subunits in Common Wheat ().

Low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GSs) associated with bread-baking quality and flour nutrient quality accumulate in endosperms of common wheat and related species. However, the mechanism underlying the expression regulation of genes encoding LMW-GSs has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we identified and , which are highly and weakly expressed, respectively, via the analysis of RNA-sequencing data of Chinese Spring wheat and wheat transgenic lines transformed with 5' deletion promoter fragments and fusion constructs.

Mitochondria of Live Scallops Can Sensitively Respond to Quality Changes during Dry/Reimmersed Storage as Determined by TMT-Labeled Proteomic Analysis.

Dry/reimmersed storage is often used in the transportation of live scallops. In this study, tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled protein omics were used to quantitatively analyze the protein changes in scallops during dry/reimmersed stress. The results showed that during dry storage, scallops maintained cellular redox homeostasis through the upregulation of SCO1-like protein and thioredoxin domain-containing protein and reduced organic acids from the ATP synthetic process by the downregulation of NADH dehydrogenase, thereby reducing the damage caused during dry storage.

B cell abnormalities and autoantibody production in patients with partial RAG deficiency.

Mutations in the recombination activating gene 1 () and in humans are associated with a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes, from severe combined immunodeficiency to immune dysregulation. Partial (hypomorphic) RAG deficiency (pRD) in particular, frequently leads to hyperinflammation and autoimmunity, with several underlying intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms causing a break in tolerance centrally and peripherally during T and B cell development. However, the relative contributions of these processes to immune dysregulation remain unclear.

Th2/Th1 cytokine imbalance is associated with higher recurrent intussusception incidence in children: A 10-year retrospective study of 1657 patients.

Recurrent intussusception is one of the common acute abdominal diseases in infants, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of infants, but its risk factors have not been fully clarified. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Th2/Th1 cytokine imbalance and recurrent intussusception, so as to provide a theoretical basis for making a more comprehensive treatment strategy for patients with recurrent intussusception. A retrospective study was conducted between July 2012 and September 2022, enrolling patients with intussusception in Children's Hospital of Hebei Province.

Pericarp starch metabolism is associated with caryopsis development and endosperm starch accumulation in common wheat.

The wheat pericarp is the main component of the caryopsis at the early development stage and ultimately converts into a tissue that covers the mature caryopsis. A large number of starch granules are accumulated in the pericarp, but the production of and the role of starch granules in caryopsis development remain- elusive. In the present study, the relationship between accumulated starch granules and starch metabolism-related genes in wheat pericarp was investigated using paraffin section observations, expression analysis, and mutant analysis.

Copper inhibits postacidification of yogurt and affects its flavor: A study based on the Cop operon.

Yogurt and its related products are popular worldwide. During transportation and storage, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus in yogurt continues to metabolize to form lactic acid, the postacidification phenomenon of yogurt.

Whole-Genome Sequencing-Based Species Classification, Multilocus Sequence Typing, and Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanism Analysis of the Enterobacter cloacae Complex in Southern China.

Members of the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) are important opportunistic nosocomial pathogens that are associated with a great variety of infections. Due to limited data on the genome-based classification of species and investigation of resistance mechanisms, in this work, we collected 172 clinical ECC isolates between 2019 and 2020 from three hospitals in Zhejiang, China and performed a retrospective whole-genome sequencing to analyze their population structure and drug resistance mechanisms. Of the 172 ECC isolates, 160 belonged to 9 classified species, and 12 belonged to unclassified species based on ANI analysis.

Protocol for an open-label, single-arm, multicentre clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the first episode of paediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Introduction: Rituximab (RTX) effectively prevents relapses in patients with complicated steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The 1-year relapse-free survival rate is approximately 30% in children after the first episode of SSNS treated with standardised corticosteroids. Whether the benefits of RTX extend to the first relapse are unknown.

Hepatotoxicity and the role of the gut-liver axis in dogs after oral administration of zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been used in many fields, and people are concerned about its effects on health. The present study reported the changes in liver metabolites and intestinal microbiota induced by overused ZnO NPs in dogs and explored the related mechanisms of liver injury induced by ZnO NPs. The results showed that overused ZnO NPs promote zinc accumulation in the liver and increase liver coefficient and serum liver-related indexes.