Diabetes in China: epidemiology, pathophysiology and multi-omics.

Although diabetes is now a global epidemic, China has the highest number of affected people, presenting profound public health and socioeconomic challenges. In China, rapid ecological and lifestyle shifts have dramatically altered diabetes epidemiology and risk factors. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiological trends and the impact of traditional and emerging risk factors on Chinese diabetes prevalence.

High-resolution gridded dataset of China's offshore wind potential and costs under technical change.

Assessing the dynamics of offshore wind potential and costs is essential for low-carbon energy policy decision-making and energy modeling, but no open-source, spatial explicit and technologically detailed dataset is available. This study addresses this gap by employing a consistent assessment framework that integrates GIS analysis, a wind reanalysis model, a component-based cost model and scenario analysis. It identifies suitable space for offshore wind deployment considering 12 technical and policy constraints, estimates hourly output curves, capacity factors, and technology cost dynamics by components across 5058 grid points with a 10 km resolution from 2020 to 2035 under three technical change scenarios.

Dynamic regulation and enhancement of synthetic network for efficient biosynthesis of monoterpenoid α-pinene in yeast cell factory.

Pinene is a plant volatile monoterpenoid which is used in the fragrance, pesticide, and biofuel industries. Although α-pinene has been synthesized in microbial cell factories, the low synthesis efficiency has thus far limited its production. In this study, the cell growth and α-pinene production of the engineered yeast were decoupled by a dynamic regulation strategy, resulting in a 101.

Allelic transcriptomic profiling identifies the role of PRD-like homeobox genes in human embryonic-cleavage-stage arrest.

Cleavage-stage arrest in human embryos substantially limits the success rate of infertility treatment, with maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) abnormalities being a potential contributor. However, the underlying mechanisms and regulators remain unclear. Here, by performing allelic transcriptome analysis on human preimplantation embryos, we accurately quantified MZT progression by allelic ratio and identified a fraction of 8-cell embryos, at the appropriate developmental time point and exhibiting normal morphology, were in transcriptionally arrested status.

High cellular plasticity state of medulloblastoma local recurrence and distant dissemination.

Medulloblastoma (MB), a heterogeneous pediatric brain tumor, poses challenges in the treatment of tumor recurrence and dissemination. To characterize cellular diversity and genetic features, we comprehensively analyzed single-cell/nucleus RNA sequencing (sc/snRNA-seq), single-nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (snATAC-seq), and spatial transcriptomics profiles and identified distinct cellular populations in SHH (sonic hedgehog) and Group_3 subgroups, with varying proportions in local recurrence or dissemination. Local recurrence showed higher cycling tumor cell enrichment, whereas disseminated lesions had a relatively notable presence of differentiated subsets.

Optimizing the proportion of stimulation area in a grid stimulus for user-friendly SSVEP-based BCIs.

Objective: Steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) rely on the photic driving response to encode electroencephalogram (EEG) signals stably and efficiently. However, the user experience of the traditional stimulation with high-contrast flickers urgently needs to be improved. In this study, we introduce a novel paradigm of grid stimulation with weak flickering perception, distinguished by a markedly lower proportion of stimulation area in the overall pattern.

Cross-Talk between NOK and EGFR: Juxtamembrane and Kinase domain interactions enhancing STAT3/5 signaling in breast cancer tumorigenesis.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation and migration [1]. It forms a homodimer or heterodimer with other ErbB receptor family members to activate downstream signaling. Emerging evidence indicates that the EGFR activity and downstream signaling are regulated by other proteins except its family members during tumorigenesis.

Correlation of Phase Structure, Defect Relaxation, and Microwave Dielectric Properties in Low-Loss MgTiO Ceramic Systems.

Low-loss microwave dielectrics are of significant importance for the miniaturization and integration of microwave devices. In this paper, the ceramics of nominal composition MgTiO ( = 3-6) are synthesized, and the correlations among their phase compositions, defect behaviors, and microwave dielectric properties are systematically investigated. The analyses indicate that the MgTiO ceramics are a biphasic system consisting of hexagonal ilmenite-structured MgTiO and cubic spinel-structured MgTiO.

Sequential intranasal booster triggers class switching from intramuscularly primed IgG to mucosal IgA against SARS-CoV-2.

The persistent emergence of COVID-19 variants and recurrent waves of infection worldwide underscores the urgent need for vaccines that effectively reduce viral transmission and prevent infections. Current intramuscular (IM) COVID-19 vaccines inadequately protect the upper respiratory mucosa. In response, we have developed a nonadjuvanted, interferon-armed SARS-CoV-2 fusion protein vaccine with IM priming and intranasal (IN) boost sequential immunization.

Standard: Human gastric organoids.

Organoid technology provides a transformative approach to understand human physiology and pathology, offering valuable insights for scientific research and therapeutic development. Human gastric organoids, in particular, have gained significant interest for applications in disease modeling, drug discovery, and studies of tissue regeneration and homeostasis. However, the lack of standardized quality control has limited their extensive clinical applications.

Epigenetics in the modern era of crop improvements.

Epigenetic mechanisms are integral to plant growth, development, and adaptation to environmental stimuli. Over the past two decades, our comprehension of these complex regulatory processes has expanded remarkably, producing a substantial body of knowledge on both locus-specific mechanisms and genome-wide regulatory patterns. Studies initially grounded in the model plant Arabidopsis have been broadened to encompass a diverse array of crop species, revealing the multifaceted roles of epigenetics in physiological and agronomic traits.

Band Tailoring Enabled Perovskite Devices for X-Ray to Near-Infrared Photodetection.

Perovskite semiconductors have shown significant promise for photodetection due to their low effective carrier masses and long carrier lifetimes. However, achieving balanced detection across a broad spectrum-from X-rays to infrared-within a single perovskite photodetector presents challenges. These challenges stem from conflicting requirements for different wavelength ranges, such as the narrow bandgap needed for infrared detection and the low dark current necessary for X-ray sensitivity.

Observation of the Smallest Three-Dimensional Neutral Boron Cluster.

Despite major progress in the investigation of boron cluster anions, direct experimental study of neutral boron clusters remains a significant challenge because of the difficulty in size selection. Here we report a size-specific study of the neutral B9 cluster using threshold photoionization with a tunable vacuum ultraviolet free electron laser. The ionization potential of B9 is measured to be 8.

Dietary patterns and cardiovascular diseases among Chinese high-risk population aged 35 years and older: A 6-year cohort study.

This study aims to investigate the dietary patterns of Chinese individuals aged 35 years and older who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to explore the correlation between these dietary patterns and the risk of CVD. A total of 28,747 high-risk participants in China PEACE in Zhejiang Province from 2014 to 2019 were included in the analysis Dietary data were obtained using the Food Frequency Questionnaire, and dietary patterns were extracted through factor analysis. Cox regression was used to examine the relationship between the dietary patterns and CVD risk in the high-risk groups.

Comparison of Jinzhen oral liquid and ambroxol hydrochloride and clenbuterol hydrochloride oral solution in the treatment of acute bronchitis in children: A multicenter, non-inferiority, prospective, randomized controlled trial.

The comparison between traditional Chinese medicine Jinzhen oral liquid (JZOL) and Western medicine in treating children with acute bronchitis (AB) showed encouraging outcomes. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of the JZOL for improving cough and expectoration in children with AB. 480 children were randomly assigned to take JZOL or ambroxol hydrochloride and clenbuterol hydrochloride oral solution for 7 days.

Plague in Small Mammals From an Endemic Focus of the Malagasy Central Highlands: A Longitudinal Survey With a Special Reference on Black Rats (Rattus rattus).

Plague, a zoonotic disease caused by Yersinia pestis, remains a major public health threat in several parts of the world, including Madagascar. Factors underlying long-term persistence and emergence of the pathogen remain poorly understood. We implemented a longitudinal survey to provide insights into plague reservoir ecology within an endemic focus.

Meta-Device for Field-of-View Tunability via Adaptive Optical Spatial Differentiation.

Optical edge detection is a crucial optical analog computing method in fundamental artificial intelligence, machine vision, and image recognition, owing to its advantages of parallel processing, high computing speed, and low energy consumption. Field-of-view-tunable edge detection is particularly significant for detecting a broader range of objects, enhancing both practicality and flexibility. In this work, a novel approach-adaptive optical spatial differentiation is proposed for field-of-view-tunable edge detection.

On Demand Copper Electrochemical Deposition on Laser Induced Graphene for Flexible Electronics.

The rapid development of flexible electronics necessitates simplified processes that integrate heterogeneous materials and structures. In this study, laser engraving is combined with electrochemical deposition (ECD) to directly fabricate various micro/nano-structured components and flexible electronic circuits. A theoretical framework and simulation model are developed to design the on-demand ECD on laser induced graphene (LIG), enabling the generation of multi-scale copper (Cu) materials with controllable oxidation states.

Efficient and Scalable Direct Regeneration of Spent Layered Cathode Materials via Advanced Oxidation.

Among direct recycling methods for spent lithium-ion batteries, solid-state regeneration is the route with minimal bottlenecks for industrial application and is highly compatible with the current industrial cathode materials production processes. However, surface structure degradation and interfacial impurities of spent cathodes significantly hinder Li replenishment during restoration. Herein, we propose a unique advanced oxidation strategy that leverages the inherent catalytic activity of spent layered cathode materials to address these challenges.

Bioinspired Electrostatic Capture-and-Release System for Precise Microdroplet Manipulation.

The application of physical fields is crucial for droplet generation and manipulation, underpinning technologies like printing, microfluidic biochips, drug delivery, and flexible sensors. Despite advancements, precise micro/nanoscale droplet generation and accurate microfluidic reactions remain challenging. Inspired by the liquid ejection mechanisms in microscopic organisms, an electrostatic manipulator for the precise capture, emission, and transport of microdroplets is proposed.

Anisotropically Epitaxial P-N Heterostructures Actuating Efficient Z-Scheme Photocatalytic Water Splitting.

Crafting anisotropically epitaxial p-n heterostructures with Z-scheme charge transmission is a promising avenue toward excellent photocatalytic efficiency, yet the large lattice mismatch and diverse crystal growth habits between components have often arisen as a big challenge to this goal. Here, anisotropically epitaxial p-n heterostructures with 19.8% lattice mismatch are obtained via a dynamics-mediated seeded growth tactic under reaction temperature as low as 60 °C.

Comparative effectiveness of physical activity interventions on cognitive functions in children and adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Physical activity (PA) interventions have been shown to yield positive effects on cognitive functions. However, it is unclear which type of PA intervention is the most effective in children and adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs). This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different types of PA interventions on cognitive functions in children and adolescents with NDDs, with additional analyses examining intervention effects across specific NDD types including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The Labiomandibular Fold Anatomy for Comprehensive Lower Facial Rejuvenation: A Micro-Computed Tomography Investigation.

Background: Perioral rejuvenation is challenging due to the lack of spatial anatomical understanding of the labiomandibular fold (LMF). The LMF's formation mechanism remains underexplored due to intricate relationships between musculature and subcutaneous structures. This study aimed to clarify the three-dimensional structures of the LMF using micro-computed tomography and histology.