Experimental Studies on the Combustion Characteristics of Multisource Organic Solid Waste for Collaborative Disposal Using Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators

This study investigated the evolution of furnace conditions during the heat conversion process of multisource organic solid waste. To achieve this, combustion tests involving different sludge mixing ratios, variable load operation, and multisource organic solid waste collaborative disposal were performed on a 750 t/d new municipal solid waste incineration grate furnace. The test results revealed that as the sludge mixing ratios increased from 0 to 10 and 20%, the temperature level in the furnace decreased and the fuel-type NOx emission increased. Moreover, the sludge featured poor combustion stability under low-load conditions owing to fluctuations in its calorific value and moisture content. Field tests of multisource organic solid waste revealed that after mixing waste cloth strips and papermaking waste, the temperature level in the furnace increased. Additionally, the emissivity distribution was positively correlated with the furnace flame temperature distribution, and NOx emissions also increased. The overall results indicated the feasibility of controlling the mixing rate of different organic solid wastes in the municipal solid waste incinerator within a reasonable range for cooperative incineration.

Fabrication of a large computer-generated hologram with high diffraction efficiency and high accuracy by scanning homogenization etching

The diffraction efficiency, defined as the ratio of diffracted power to incident power, is one of the key working indicators for a computer-generated hologram (CGH). The CGH with high diffraction efficiency could suppress stray light and eliminate ghost images, thus improving interferometric performance in aspherical testing of low-reflectivity or large off-axis distance surfaces. However, the high-efficiency CGH is hard to precisely fabricate by traditional reactive ion etching and focusing ion beam, because it requires high etching depth with a high uniformity and sub-nanometric roughness in the glass, especially in the fabrication of a large CGH with an aperture of up to 300 mm. In this study, fabrication of the above-mentioned CGH was demonstrated via what we believe to be a new method called scanning homogenization etching (SHE), in which the ion source with a Gaussian energy distribution accurately scans the glass surface to realize homogenization etching. Different from controlling dwell time at each etching point, this paper proposes to control the scanning rate to achieve not only uniform but also quantitative depth removal in a single scan. Moreover, the depth errors in deep etching across the whole glass surface can be remarkably reduced due to homogenization effects introduced by multiple scanning etching. Finally, the target etching depth of 692.3 nm with an etching uniformity of 2.2% in the etching of a 300 mm CGH was achieved. The roughness of the etched and unetched area both have Ra values of 0.3 nm. The diffraction efficiency of working order is 39.998%, achieving 98.6% of the theoretical diffraction efficiency. In addition, the SHE is not limited by the aperture of the ion source, so it can achieve even larger diffractive optical elements with high diffraction efficiency and high accuracy.

Two-Stage Treatment Protocol of Fungal Periprosthetic Hip and Knee Joint Infections: the Clinical Experience from a Single Center Experience

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the clinical results and safety of fungal periprosthetic joint Infections (fPJIs) using two-stage treatment protocol.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

8 patients with fPJIs (3 hips and 5 knees) using two-stage revision were reviewed retrospectively and followed up at least 2 years. The preoperative demographic data, two-stage treatment protocol, results of microbiology and histologic workup and postoperative follow-up results (reimplantation success rate and infection free time) were recorded.

RESULTS

7 patients got successful reimplantation, with a 75% reimplantation success rate. Two patients got knee arthrodesis eventually. All patients were infection free with a median follow-up of 4.0 ± 2.0 years (range, 2-7 years). Of them, Candida species were found in 7 patients, while non-Candida specimen was only isolated in 1 patient with Aspergillus. Only 2 patients had coexisting bacterial infection (Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Proteus mirabilis respectively). The average interval between the initial surgery and diagnosis of fPJIs was 21.50±34.79 months (range, 4-104 months). The mean time of spacer implantation was 7.75±2.77 months (range, 6-14 months). None serious complication or above knee amputation was found.

DISCUSSION

fPJIs are very rare and considerable challenge after total hip or knee arthroplasty. The goal of therapy is to eradicate local infection and maintain function. Candida species were the most common pathogen. The duration between spacer placement and staged reimplantation was highly variable, and generally dependent upon the results of joint aspirates and infl ammatory markers. The current study shows that the two-stage treatment protocol is recommended for fungal periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The two-stage treatment protocol is recommended for fungal periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections. The safety and effi cacy of biantibiotical impregnated (antifungal + antibiotics) cement spacer is confi rmed. Further evidence-based work is needed to determine the optimal drug dose and reimplantation time.

KEY WORDS

two-stage treatment protocol, fungal periprosthetic infections, hip spacer, knee spacer.

In situ production and secretion of proteins endow therapeutic benefit against psoriasiform dermatitis and melanoma

Genetic medicines have the potential to treat various diseases; however, certain ailments including inflammatory diseases and cancer would benefit from control over extracellular localization of therapeutic proteins. A critical gap therefore remains the need to develop and incorporate methodologies that allow for posttranslational control over expression dynamics, localization, and stability of nucleic acid-generated protein therapeutics. To address this, we explored how the body's endogenous machinery controls protein localization through signal peptides (SPs), including how these motifs could be incorporated modularly into therapeutics. SPs serve as a virtual zip code for mRNA transcripts that direct the cell where to send completed proteins within the cell and the body. Utilizing this signaling biology, we incorporated secretory SP sequences upstream of mRNA transcripts coding for reporter, natural, and therapeutic proteins to induce secretion of the proteins into systemic circulation. SP sequences generated secretion of various engineered proteins into the bloodstream following intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous SP mRNA delivery by lipid, polymer, and ionizable phospholipid delivery carriers. SP-engineered etanercept/TNF-α inhibitor proteins demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis model by reducing hyperkeratosis and inflammation. An SP-engineered anti-PD-L1 construct mediated mRNA encoded proteins with longer serum half-lives that reduced tumor burden and extended survival in MC38 and B16F10 cancer models. The modular nature of SP platform should enable intracellular and extracellular localization control of various functional proteins for diverse therapeutic applications.

An injectable and adaptable hydrogen sulfide delivery system for modulating neuroregenerative microenvironment

Peripheral nerve regeneration is a complex physiological process. Single-function nerve scaffolds often struggle to quickly adapt to the imbalanced regenerative microenvironment, leading to slow nerve regeneration and limited functional recovery. In this study, we demonstrate a "pleiotropic gas transmitter" strategy based on endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), which trigger the on-demand H2S release at the defect area for transected peripheral nerve injury (PNI) repair through concurrent neuroregeneration and neuroprotection processing. This H2S delivery system consists of an H2S donor (peroxyTCM) encapsulated in a ROS-responsive polymer (mPEG-PMet) and loaded into a temperature-sensitive poly (amino acid) hydrogel (mPEG-PA-PP). This multi-effect combination strategy greatly promotes the regeneration of PNI, attributed to the physiological effects of H2S. These effects include the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress, protection of nerve cells, promotion of angiogenesis, and the restoration of normal mitochondrial function. The adaptive release of pleiotropic messengers to modulate the tissue regeneration microenvironment offers promising peripheral nerve repair and tissue engineering opportunities.

Effects of Oregano Essential Oil on IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ Cells in the Jejunum of Castrated Holstein Bulls

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oregano essential oil on IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ cells in the jejunum of castrated Holstein bulls. Twelve castrated Holstein bulls were randomly divided into control (YCK) and oregano essential oil (YEO) groups. Pathological changes in the jejunum were observed by HE staining, and the expression levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM in the jejunum were detected by ELISA. The distributions of IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ cells in the jejunum were analysed by multiplex immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the jejunal villi were detached in the YCK group, which may have been related to inflammation, while the intestinal epithelium was clear and intact in the YEO group. The expressions of IgA, IgG, and IgM were significantly reduced by 40.75%, 30.76%, and 50.87%. The IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ cells were diffusely distributed in the lamina propria of the jejunum, and were reduced by 17.07%, 6.44%, and 6.15%, respectively. Oregano essential oil did not alter the distribution characteristics of IgA+, IgG+, or IgM+ cells in the jejunum, but it suppressed inflammatory response, decreased immunoglobulin content, and significantly enhanced the formation of an immune barrier in the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Oregano essential oil modulates colonic homeostasis and intestinal barrier function in fattening bulls

Oregano essential oil (OEO) primarily contains phenolic compounds and can serve as a dietary supplement for fattening bulls. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains largely elusive. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of adding OEO to diet on the integrity of the intestinal barrier, composition of the colonic microbiome, and production of microbial metabolites in fattening bulls. Our goal was to provide insights into the utilization of plant essential oil products in promoting gastrointestinal health and welfare in animals. We employed amplicon sequencing and metabolome sequencing techniques to investigate how dietary supplementation with OEO impacted the intestinal barrier function in bulls. The inclusion of OEO in the diet resulted in several notable effects on the colon of fattening bulls. These effects included an increase in the muscle thickness of the colon, goblet cell number, short-chain fatty acid concentrations, digestive enzyme activity, relative mRNA expression of intestinal barrier-related genes, and relative expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Additionally, α-amylase activity and the relative mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines decreased. Moreover, dietary OEO supplementation increased the abundance of intestinal Bacteroides, Coprobacillus, Lachnospiraceae_UCG_001, and Faecalitalea. Metabolomic analysis indicated that OEO primarily increased the levels of 5-aminovaleric acid, 3-methoxysalicylic acid, and creatinine. In contrast, the levels of maltose, lactulose, lactose, and D-trehalose decreased. Correlation analysis showed that altered colonic microbes and metabolites affected intestinal barrier function. Taken together, these results demonstrate that OEO facilitates internal intestinal environmental homeostasis by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful ones.

A real-world pharmacovigilance study of abaloparatide based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)

Abaloparatide (ABL) is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved parathyroid hormone-related peptide analog for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture. However, real-world data regarding its long-term safety and tolerability in large sample population are incomplete. We evaluated abaloparatide-associated safety signals by data mining of the FDA pharmacovigilance database.

INTRODUCTION

We investigated 33,480(0.14%) ABL-related adverse events (AEs) through data mining of Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) retrospectively.

METHODS

Reporting odds ratio (ROR), the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and the multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) were employed to quantify the signals of ABL-related AEs from 2017Quarter2 to 2022.Serious and non-serious cases were compared by Mann-Whitney U test or Chi-squared (χ2) test.

RESULTS

We collected 8,470,497 reports from the FAERS database, including 11,487 reports defined ABL as the primary suspected (PS) drug. Additionally, 36.16% of the reports were submitted by healthcare professionals (n=4154), compared to 62.26% reported by consumers (n=7140). A total 99 signals simultaneously conforming to four algorithms were detected, among which, 35 signals were identified as unexpected signals. Such as growing pains (n=13), waist circumference increased (n=21), sensory disturbance (n=103), tinnitus (n=65), visual acuity reduced (n=54), blood alkaline phosphatase increased (n=61), and hair growth abnormal (n=13). Patient age (p < 0.001) might be associated with an increased risk of AEs severity. The most common timeframe for AE occurrence was 0-7 days.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided a deeper and broader understanding of abaloparatide's safety profiles, which would help healthcare professionals to mitigate the risk of AEs in clinical practice, a low number of unexpected AEs supporting ongoing additional pharmacovigilance.

Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Enables mRNA Delivery for Cancer Therapy

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has received great attention in the prevention and treatment of various diseases due to the success of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines (Comirnaty and Spikevax). To meet the therapeutic purpose, it is required that mRNA must enter the target cells and express sufficient proteins. Therefore, the development of effective delivery systems is necessary and crucial. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) represents a remarkable vehicle that has indeed accelerated mRNA applications in humans, as several mRNA-based therapies have already been approved or are in clinical trials. In this review, the focus is on mRNA-LNP-mediated anticancer therapy. It summarizes the main development strategies of mRNA-LNP formulations, discusses representative therapeutic approaches in cancer, and points out current challenges and possible future directions of this research field. It is hoped that these delivered messages can help further improve the application of mRNA-LNP technology in cancer therapy.

Lung SORT LNPs enable precise homology-directed repair mediated CRISPR/Cas genome correction in cystic fibrosis models

Approximately 10% of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients, particularly those with CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene nonsense mutations, lack effective treatments. The potential of gene correction therapy through delivery of the CRISPR/Cas system to CF-relevant organs/cells is hindered by the lack of efficient genome editor delivery carriers. Herein, we report improved Lung Selective Organ Targeting Lipid Nanoparticles (SORT LNPs) for efficient delivery of Cas9 mRNA, sgRNA, and donor ssDNA templates, enabling precise homology-directed repair-mediated gene correction in CF models. Optimized Lung SORT LNPs deliver mRNA to lung basal cells in Ai9 reporter mice. SORT LNP treatment successfully corrected the CFTR mutations in homozygous G542X mice and in patient-derived human bronchial epithelial cells with homozygous F508del mutations, leading to the restoration of CFTR protein expression and chloride transport function. This proof-of-concept study will contribute to accelerating the clinical development of mRNA LNPs for CF treatment through CRISPR/Cas gene correction.

[Primary synovial sarcoma of lung: a clinicopathological analysis of 12 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype, molecular features and differential diagnosis of primary synovial sarcoma of the lung (PSSL). Methods: Twelve cases of PSSL were collected at Henan Provincial People's Hospital, during May 2010 and April 2021, and their clinicopathological parameters were summarized. SS18-SSX, H3K27Me3, and SOX2 were added to the original immunomarkers to evaluate their diagnostic value for PSSL. Results: The age of 12 patients when diagnosed ranged from 32 to 75 years (mean of 50 years). There were 7 males and 5 females, 2 left lung cases and 10 right lung cases. Of the 6 patients who underwent surgical resection, five cases were confined to lung tissue (T1), one case had mediastinal invasion (T3), two cases had regional lymph node metastasis (N1), and none had distal metastasis. Microscopically, 11 cases showed monophasic spindle cell type and one case showed biphasic type composed of mainly epithelial cells consisting of cuboidal to columnar cells with glandular and cribriform structures. It was difficult to make the diagnosis by using the biopsy specimens. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed CKpan expression in 8 of 12 cases; EMA expression in 11 of 12 case; TLE1 expression in 8 of 12 cases; S-100 protein expression in two of 12 cases; various expression of bcl-2 and vimentin in 12 cases, but no expression of SOX10 and CD34 in all the cases. The Ki-67 index was 15%-30%. The expression of SS18-SSX fusion antibody was diffusely and strongly positive in all 12 cases. SOX2 was partially or diffusely expressed in 8 of 12 cases, with strong expression in the epithelial component. H3K27Me3 was absent in 3 of 12 cases. SS18 gene translocation was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test in all 12 samples. Six cases underwent surgery and postoperative chemotherapy, while the other six cases had chemotherapy alone. Ten patients were followed up after 9-114 months, with an average of 41 months and a median of 26 months. Five patients survived and five died of the disease within two years. Conclusions: PSSL is rare and has a broad morphological spectrum. IHC and molecular tests are needed for definitive diagnosis. Compared with current commonly used IHC markers, SS18-SSX fusion antibody has better sensitivity to PSSL, which could be used as an alternative for FISH, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or next generation sequencing in the diagnosis of PSSL.

Dietary oregano essential oil supplementation alters meat quality, oxidative stability, and fatty acid profiles of beef cattle

This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of oregano essential oil (OEO) supplementation on the meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and nutritional value of the longissimus thoracis muscle in steers. Steers were divided into three groups (n = 9) and fed either a basal diet, or a basal diet supplemented with 130 mg/d OEO, or 230 mg/d OEO for 390 days. The results demonstrated that dietary OEO supplementation increased the total antioxidant capacity and activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, and decreased pH30min, pH24h, cooking loss, and malondialdehyde content. OEO increased the concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid. In contrast, saturated fatty acids decreased, accompanied by increased essential amino acids, flavor amino acids, and total amino acids in the longissimus thoracis muscle. In summary, dietary OEO supplementation promotes the nutritional and meat quality of beef by maintaining its water-holding capacity and meat color, enhancing its antioxidative capacity, and preventing lipid oxidation.

Surface engineering of lipid nanoparticles: targeted nucleic acid delivery and beyond

Harnessing surface engineering strategies to functionalize nucleic acid-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for improved performance has been a hot research topic since the approval of the first siRNA drug, patisiran, and two mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273. Currently, efforts have been mainly made to construct targeted LNPs for organ- or cell-type-specific delivery of nucleic acid drugs by conjugation with various types of ligands. In this review, we describe the surface engineering strategies for nucleic acid-LNPs, considering ligand types, conjugation chemistries, and incorporation methods. We then outline the general purification and characterization techniques that are frequently used following the engineering step and emphasize the specific techniques for certain types of ligands. Next, we comprehensively summarize the currently accessible organs and cell types, as well as the other applications of the engineered LNPs. Finally, we provide considerations for formulating targeted LNPs and discuss the challenges of successfully translating the "proof of concept" from the laboratory into the clinic. We believe that addressing these challenges could accelerate the development of surface-engineered LNPs for targeted nucleic acid delivery and beyond.

Optimal combination periprosthetic vasculature visualization and metal artifact reduction by spectral computed tomography using virtual monoenergetic images in total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the optimal parameters of spectral CT for preferably visualizing the periprosthetic vasculature and metal artifact reduction (MAR) in total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

A total of 34 THA of 30 patients were retrospectively included. Image reconstructions included conventional image (CI), CI combined with MAR (CIMAR), and virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with MAR (VMIMAR) at 50-120 keV. The attenuation and standard deviation of the vessel and artifact, and the width of artifact were measured. Qualitative scoring was evaluated including the vascular contour, the extent of artifact, and overall diagnostic evaluation.

RESULTS

The attenuation, noise of the vessel and artifact, and the width of artifact decreased as the energy level increased (p < 0.001). The downtrend was relatively flat at 80-120 keV, and the vascular attenuation dropped to 200 HU at 90 keV. The qualitative rating of vascular contour was significantly higher at CIMAR (3.47) and VMIMAR 60-80 keV (2.82-3.65) compared with CI (2.03) (p ≤ 0.029), and the highest score occurred at 70 and 80 keV (3.65 and 3.56). The score of the extent of artifact was higher at VMIMAR 80 keV than CIMAR (3.53 VS 3.12, p = 0.003). The score of the overall diagnostic evaluation was higher at VMIMAR 70 and 80 keV (3.32 and 3.53, respectively) than CIMAR (3.12) (p ≤ 0.035).

CONCLUSION

Eighty kiloelectron volts on VMIMAR, providing satisfactorily reduced metal artifacts and improved vascular visualization, can be an optimal recommended parameter of spectrum CT for the assessment of periprosthetic vasculature in THA patients.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

The metal artifact is gradually reducing with increasing energy level; however, the vascular visualization is worsening. The vascular visualization is terrible above 100 keV, while the vessel is disturbed by artifacts below 70 keV. The best performance is found at 80 keV.

KEY POINTS

• VMIMAR can provide both reduced metal artifacts and improved vascular visualization. • Eighty kiloelectron volts on VMIMAR performs best in vascular visualization of total hip arthroplasty patients. • Energy spectrum CT is recommended for routine use in patients with total hip arthroplasty.

meta-Selective C-H Functionalization of Pyridines

The pyridine moiety is an important core structure for a variety of drugs, agrochemicals, catalysts, and functional materials. Direct functionalization of C-H bonds in pyridines is a straightforward approach to access valuable substituted pyridines. Compared to the direct ortho- and para-functionalization, meta-selective pyridine C-H functionalization is far more challenging due to the inherent electronic properties of the pyridine entity. This review summarizes currently available methods for pyridine meta-C-H functionalization using a directing group, non-directed metalation, and temporary dearomatization strategies. Recent advances in ligand control and temporary dearomatization are highlighted. We analyze the advantages as well as limitations of current techniques and hope to inspire further developments in this important area.

Prevalence and associations of sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity in end-stage knee osteoarthritis patients

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence of obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity in end-stage knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients and analyze influences of obesity and sarcopenia in the progression of KOA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out among end-stage KOA patients who consecutively admitted to Orthopedic Department for TKA. We suppose that the level of decreased physical activities would be influenced by unilateral or bilateral KOA. Patient information, albumin, hemoglobin, pace, step frequency, number of comorbid conditions were collected. Bioelectrical impedance analyzer was used to analyze body composition. Obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity rate were analyzed with accepted diagnosis criteria. Correlations between body mass index (BMI) or age and fat mass (FM), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) were analyzed.

RESULTS

138 patients (male 30, female 108) in southwest of China including 67 patients with unilateral KOA and 71 patients with bilateral KOA were analyzed. No statistic difference was found in mean albumin, prealbumin and hematocrystallin, body composition values and number of comorbid conditions. We found that BMI was positively correlated with FM (Male: R2 = 0.7177, p < 0.0001, Female: R2 = 0.8898, p < 0.0001), ASM (Male: R2 = 0.2640, p = 0.0037, Female: R2 = 0.2102, p < 0.0001), FM index (FMI) (Male: R2 = 0.6778, p < 0.0001, Female: R2 = 0.8801, p < 0.0001), and ASM index (ASMI) (Male: R2 = 0.3600, p = 0.0005, Female: R2 = 0.4208, p < 0.0001) in end-stage KOA patients. However, age was not obviously correlated with FM or FMI (Male: FM, R2 = 0.006911, p = 0.3924; FMI, R2 = 0.7554, p = 0.0009196; Female: FM, R2 = 0.001548, p = 0.8412; FMI, R2 = 0.002776, p = 0.7822). And slightly negatively correlated with ASM (Male: R2 = 0.05613, p = 0.0136, Female: R2 = 0.01327, p = 0.5433) and ASMI (Male: R2 = 0.02982, p = 0.3615; Female: R2 = 0.03696, p = 0.0462). The prevalence of obesity, sarcopenia and obesity sarcopenia differs according to different diagnosis criteria. No difference in the occurrence rate of obesity was found between bilateral KOA and unilateral KOA patients, and occurrence rates of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were statistically higher in bilateral KOA than that in unilateral KOA patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are highly prevalent in end-stage KOA patients, sarcopenic obesity are more prevalent in bilateral KOA patients than that in unilateral KOA patients.

Toward Sub-Terahertz: Space-Time Coding Metasurface Transmitter for Wideband Wireless Communications

A space-time coding metasurface (STCM) operating in the sub-terahertz band to construct new-architecture wireless communication systems is proposed. Specifically, a programmable STCM is designed with varactor-diode-tuned metasurface elements, enabling precise regulation of harmonic amplitudes and phases by adjusting the time delay and duty cycle of square-wave modulation signal loaded on the varactor diodes. Independent electromagnetic (EM) regulations in the space and time domains are achieved by STCM to realize flexible beam manipulations and information modulations. Based on these features, a sub-terahertz wireless communication link is constructed by employing STCM as a transmitter. Experimental results demonstrate that the STCM supports multiple modulation schemes including frequency-shift keying, phase-shift keying, and quadrature amplitude modulations in a wide frequency band. It is also shown that the STCM is capable of realizing wide-angle beam scanning in the range of ±45o , which offers an opportunity for user tracking during the communication. Thus, the STCM transmitter with high device density and low power consumption can provide low-complexity, low-cost, low-power, and low-heat solutions for building the next-generation wireless communication systems in the sub-terahertz frequency and even terahertz band.

In vivo screening identifies SPP2, a secreted factor that negatively regulates liver regeneration

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The liver is remarkably regenerative and can completely recover even when 80% of its mass is surgically removed. Identification of secreted factors that regulate liver growth would help us understand how organ size and regeneration are controlled but also provide candidate targets to promote regeneration or impair cancer growth.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

To enrich for secreted factors that regulate growth control, we induced massive liver overgrowth with either YAP or MYC . Differentially expressed secreted factors were identified in these livers using transcriptomic analysis. To rank candidates by functionality, we performed in vivo CRISPR screening using the Fah knockout model of tyrosinemia. We identified secreted phosphoprotein-2 (SPP2) as a secreted factor that negatively regulates regeneration. Spp2 -deficient mice showed increased survival after acetaminophen poisoning and reduced fibrosis after repeated carbon tetrachloride injections. We examined the impact of SPP2 on bone morphogenetic protein signaling in liver cells and found that SPP2 antagonized bone morphogenetic protein signaling in vitro and in vivo. We also identified cell-surface receptors that interact with SPP2 using a proximity biotinylation assay coupled with mass spectrometry. We showed that SPP2's interactions with integrin family members are in part responsible for some of the regeneration phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Using an in vivo CRISPR screening system, we identified SPP2 as a secreted factor that negatively regulates liver regeneration. This study provides ways to identify, validate, and characterize secreted factors in vivo.

Global burden of neoplasms attributable to specific occupational carcinogens over 30 years: a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to analyze the global burden of occupational neoplasms from various epidemiological perspectives.

STUDY DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, secondary analyses were conducted to assess the burden of neoplasms attributable to occupational carcinogens and their distribution characteristics using data from GBD 2019 and the World Bank database.

METHODS

Based on the GBD 2019 and the World Bank database, we analyzed the global burden of occupational neoplasms including the age-period-cohort model, decomposition analysis, health inequality analysis, and panel model. All analyses were conducted in R (version 4.0.3) and Joinpoint (version 4.9.1).

RESULTS

The absolute number of neoplasms burden attributable to occupational carcinogens has continued to rise over 30 years. In 2019, occupational neoplasms caused 333,867 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 263,491 to 404,641] mortalities and 6,964,775 (95% UI: 5,467,884 to 8,580,431) disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally. Greenland, Monaco, the Netherlands, and Andorra suffered the highest burden. The burden was higher in countries with a higher sociodemographic index. The age effect was prominent in the elderly, and the 1925 birth cohort had the highest cohort effect. Population growth was the most significant driver of the mortalities (89%) and DALYs (111%) change. Moreover, the proportion of urban population was significantly positively associated with the disease burden, while GDP per capita was negatively correlated with the disease burden.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of occupational neoplasms was unevenly distributed across locations and populations. The need for rational allocation of healthcare resources was urgent.

The Impact of Intermittent Hypoxemia on Type 1 Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Infants

Background

Intermittent hypoxemia (IH) may influence retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) development in preterm infants, however, previous studies had mixed results. This study aims to assess the influence and evaluate the predictive ability of IH measures on Type 1 ROP, a stage beyond which ROP treatment is indicated.

Methods

IH was quantified by continuously monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO2) using high-resolution pulse oximeters during the first 10 weeks of life. Statistical analyses assessed the relationship and predictive ability of weekly and cumulative IH variables for Type 1 ROP development.

Results

Univariate analyses suggested that IH measures are greater in infants with Type 1 ROP and are predictive of Type 1 ROP development. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that cumulative IH of longer duration during certain postnatal periods are associated with Type 1 ROP development after adjusting for gestational age (GA) or birth weight (BW). Although area under the curve (AUC) analyses revealed added predictivity of cumulative IH variables above GA or BW, these increments in AUC were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The duration of IH events was associated with Type 1 ROP development. Interventions for reducing the duration of IH events may potentially improve ROP outcomes.

Regulation of Near-Field Radiative Heat Transfer between Multilayer BP/hBN Heterostructures

As an allotrope of phosphorus and a promising 2D semiconductor, black phosphorus (BP) exhibits in-plane anisotropy along its armchair and zigzag crystal directions, allowing for efficient regulation of near-field radiative heat transfer (NFRHT). In this work, we investigate the NFRHT between two multilayer BP/hBN heterostructures and theoretically demonstrate that thermal regulation can be realized by tuning the electron density and rotation angle of BP. Results show that a larger electron density leads to the coupling of anisotropic surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) of BP with hyperbolic modes of hBN, and rotation of BP changes the anisotropic characteristic of coupled SPPs on both sides, whereby a regulation ratio of 5.8 can be obtained. We also analyze the effects of period number, hBN layer thickness, and topmost-layer material on the NFRHT. This work may be beneficial for efficient nanoscale thermal management and physical understanding of radiative heat transfer based on anisotropic SPPs.

Optimizing postbiotic production through solid-state fermentation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens J and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SN4 enhances antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities

Background

Postbiotics are an emerging research interest in recent years and are fairly advanced compared to prebiotics and probiotics. The composition and function of postbiotics are closely related to fermentation conditions.

Methods

In this study, we developed a solid-state fermentation preparation method for postbiotics with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The antibacterial activity was improved 3.62 times compared to initial fermentation conditions by using optimization techniques such as single factor experiments, Plackett-Burman design (PBD), steepest ascent method (SAM), and central composite design (CCD) methods. The optimized conditions were carried out with an initial water content of 50% for 8 days at 37°C and fermentation strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens J and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SN4 at a ratio of 1:1 with a total inoculum size of 8%. The optimized SSF medium content ratios of peptide powder, wheat bran, corn flour, and soybean meal were 4, 37.4, 30, and 28.6%, respectively.

Results

Under these optimized conditions, postbiotics with a concentration of 25 mg/mL showed significant broad-spectrum antibacterial capabilities against Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus and strong antioxidant activity against ABTS, DPPH, and OH radicals. Moreover, the optimized postbiotics exhibited good anti-inflammatory ability for reducing nitric oxide (NO) secretion in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells in response to LPS-induced inflammation. Furthermore, the postbiotics significantly improved intestinal epithelial wound healing capabilities after mechanical injury, such as cell scratches in IPEC-J2 cells (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In brief, we developed postbiotics through optimized solid-state fermentation with potential benefits for gut health. Therefore, our findings suggested that the novel postbiotics could be used as potential functional food products for improving body health.

Manipulations of multi-frequency waves and signals via multi-partition asynchronous space-time-coding digital metasurface

Manipulations of multiple carrier frequencies are especially important in a variety of fields like radar detection and wireless communications. In conventional radio-frequency architecture, the multi-frequency control is implemented by microwave circuits, which are hard to integrate with antenna apertures, thus bringing the problems of expensive system and high power consumption. Previous studies demonstrate the possibility to jointly control the multiple harmonics using space-time-coding digital metasurface, but suffer from the drawback of inherent harmonic entanglement. To overcome the difficulties, we propose a multi-partition asynchronous space-time-coding digital metasurface (ASTCM) to generate and manipulate multiple frequencies with more flexibility. We further establish an ASTCM-based transmitter to realize wireless communications with frequency-division multiplexing, where the metasurface is responsible for carrier-wave generations and signal modulations. The direct multi-frequency controls with ASTCM provides a new avenue to simplify the traditional wireless systems with reduced costs and low power consumption.

A universal metasurface antenna to manipulate all fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic waves

Metasurfaces have promising potential to revolutionize a variety of photonic and electronic device technologies. However, metasurfaces that can simultaneously and independently control all electromagnetics (EM) waves' properties, including amplitude, phase, frequency, polarization, and momentum, with high integrability and programmability, are challenging and have not been successfully attempted. Here, we propose and demonstrate a microwave universal metasurface antenna (UMA) capable of dynamically, simultaneously, independently, and precisely manipulating all the constitutive properties of EM waves in a software-defined manner. Our UMA further facilitates the spatial- and time-varying wave properties, leading to more complicated waveform generation, beamforming, and direct information manipulations. In particular, the UMA can directly generate the modulated waveforms carrying digital information that can fundamentally simplify the architecture of information transmitter systems. The proposed UMA with unparalleled EM wave and information manipulation capabilities will spark a surge of applications from next-generation wireless systems, cognitive sensing, and imaging to quantum optics and quantum information science.

Targeting materials and strategies for RNA delivery

RNA-based therapeutics have shown great promise in various medical applications, including cancers, infectious diseases, and metabolic diseases. The recent success of mRNA vaccines for combating the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the medical value of RNA drugs. However, one of the major challenges in realizing the full potential of RNA drugs is to deliver RNA into specific organs and tissues in a targeted manner, which is crucial for achieving therapeutic efficacy, reducing side effects, and enhancing overall treatment efficacy. Numerous attempts have been made to pursue targeting, nonetheless, the lack of clear guideline and commonality elucidation has hindered the clinical translation of RNA drugs. In this review, we outline the mechanisms of action for targeted RNA delivery systems and summarize four key factors that influence the targeting delivery of RNA drugs. These factors include the category of vector materials, chemical structures of vectors, administration routes, and physicochemical properties of RNA vectors, and they all notably contribute to specific organ/tissue tropism. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the main RNA-based drugs that are currently in clinical trials, highlighting their design strategies and tissue tropism applications. This review will aid to understand the principles and mechanisms of targeted delivery systems, accelerating the development of future RNA drugs for different diseases.