Study of tree shrew biology and models: A booming and prosperous field for biomedical research

The tree shrew(Tupaia belangeri)has long been proposed as a suitable alternative to non-human primates(NHPs)in biomedical and laboratory research due to its close evolutionary relationship with primates.In recent years,significant advances have facilitated tree shrew studies,including the determination of the tree shrew genome,genetic manipulation using spermatogonial stem cells,viral vector-mediated gene delivery,and mapping of the tree shrew brain atlas.However,the limited availability of tree shrews globally remains a substantial challenge in the field.Additionally,determining the key questions best answered using tree shrews constitutes another difficulty.Tree shrew models have historically been used to study hepatitis B virus(HBV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection,myopia,and psychosocial stress-induced depression,with more recent studies focusing on developing animal models for infectious and neurodegenerative diseases.Despite these efforts,the impact of tree shrew models has not yet matched that of rodent or NHP models in biomedical research.This review summarizes the prominent advancements in tree shrew research and reflects on the key biological questions addressed using this model.We emphasize that intensive dedication and robust international collaboration are essential for achieving breakthroughs in tree shrew studies.The use of tree shrews as a unique resource is expected to gain considerable attention with the application of advanced techniques and the development of viable animal models,meeting the increasing demands of life science and biomedical research.

Efficient Polytelluride Anchoring for Ultralong-Life Potassium Storage: Combined Physical Barrier and Chemisorption in Nanogrid-in-Nanofiber

Metal tellurides(MTes) are highly attractive as promising anodes for high-performance potassium-ion batteries. The capacity attenuation of most reported MTe anodes is attributed to their poor electrical conductivity and large volume variation. The evolution mechanisms, dissolution properties, and corresponding manipulation strategies of intermediates(K-polytellurides, K-pTe_(x)) are rarely mentioned. Herein,we propose a novel structural engineering strategy to confine ultrafine CoTe_(2) nanodots in hierarchical nanogrid-in-nanofiber carbon substrates(CoTe_(2)@NC@NSPCNFs) for smooth immobilization of K-pTe_(x) and highly reversible conversion of CoTe_(2) by manipulating the intense electrochemical reaction process. Various in situ/ex situ techniques and density functional theory calculations have been performed to clarify the formation, transformation, and dissolution of K-pTe_(x)(K_(5)Te_(3) and K_(2)Te), as well as verifying the robust physical barrier and the strong chemisorption of K_(5)Te_(3) and K_(2)Te on S, N co-doped dual-type carbon substrates. Additionally, the hierarchical nanogrid-in-nanofiber nanostructure increases the chemical anchoring sites for K-pTe_(x), provides sufficient volume buffer space, and constructs highly interconnected conductive microcircuits, further propelling the battery reaction to new heights(3500 cycles at 2.0 A g^(-1)). Furthermore, the full cells further demonstrate the potential for practical applications. This work provides new insights into manipulating K-pTe_(x) in the design of ultralong-cycling MTe anodes for advanced PIBs.

An Enhanced Multiview Transformer for Population Density Estimation Using Cellular Mobility Data in Smart City

This paper addresses the problem of predicting population density leveraging cellular station data.As wireless communication devices are commonly used,cellular station data has become integral for estimating population figures and studying their movement,thereby implying significant contributions to urban planning.However,existing research grapples with issues pertinent to preprocessing base station data and the modeling of population prediction.To address this,we propose methodologies for preprocessing cellular station data to eliminate any irregular or redundant data.The preprocessing reveals a distinct cyclical characteristic and high-frequency variation in population shift.Further,we devise a multi-view enhancement model grounded on the Transformer(MVformer),targeting the improvement of the accuracy of extended time-series population predictions.Comparative experiments,conducted on the above-mentioned population dataset using four alternate Transformer-based models,indicate that our proposedMVformer model enhances prediction accuracy by approximately 30%for both univariate and multivariate time-series prediction assignments.The performance of this model in tasks pertaining to population prediction exhibits commendable results.

Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/m TOR signaling pathway enhances the sensitivity of the SKOV3/DDP ovarian cancer cell line to cisplatin in vitro

The activation of the PI3K/AKT/m TOR pathway plays a key role in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis, progression and chemotherapy resistance. This study aimed to explore the possible mechanism that PI-103, a dual inhibitor of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase and m TOR, enhances the sensitivity of SKOV3/DDP ovarian cancer cell line to cisplatin chemotherapy. The results showed that PI-103 could significantly increase the sensitivity of SKVO3/DDP cells to cisplatin through inhibiting the activation of PI3K/Akt/m TOR signaling pathway and inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Pomegranate-inspired porous SnSe/ZnSe@C anode:A stress-buffer nanostructure for fast and ultrastable sodium-ion storage

Tin selenide(SnSe)is considered as a potential anode for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)owing to its high theoretical specific capacity.Unfortunately,it suffers from drastic volume expansion/contraction during sodium ions insertion/extraction,resulting in poor cycling stability.Herein,a pomegranate-inspired porous carbon shell wrapped heterogeneous SnSe/ZnSe composite(SnSe/ZnSe@C)is exquisitely designed and fabricated through electrostatic spraying followed by high-temperature selenization.The polyacrylonitrile-derived carbon shell acts as an adhesive to link the porous cubic SnSe/ZnSe and form highly interconnected microcircuits to improve the electron/ion transfer efficiency and inhibit the bulk volume change of internal metallic selenide nanoparticles and polyselenides dissolution during repeated cycling.Moreover,the abundant heterostructure interface of SnSe/ZnSe further significantly accelerates the electrons/ions transport.As a result,the as-prepared SnSe/ZnSe@C electrode exhibits a high specific capacity(508.3 m Ah g^(-1)at 0.05 A g^(-1)),excellent rate performance(177.8 m Ah g^(-1)at 10.0 A g^(-1)),and remarkable cycling stability(195.9 m Ah g^(-1)after 10,000 cycles at 5.0 A g^(-1)).Furthermore,in-situ Xray diffraction(XRD)/Raman,ex-situ transmission electron microscopy,and kinetic analysis clearly reveal a four-step electrochemical reaction process and battery-capacitor dual-mode sodium storage mechanism.This work provides a new perspective for developing commercial SIBs anode materials with high capacity and long lifespan.

What makes Haloxylon persicum grow on sand dunes while H. ammodendron grow on interdune lowlands: a proof from reciprocal transplant experiments

Determining the mechanisms underlying the spatial distribution of plant species is one of the central themes in biogeography and ecology. However, we are still far from gaining a full understanding of the autecological processes needed to unravel species distribution patterns. In the current study, by comparing seedling recruitment, seedling morphological performance and biomass allocation of two Haloxylon species, we try to identify the causes of the dune/interdune distribution pattern of these two species. Our results show the soil on the dune had less nutrients but was less saline than that of the interdune; with prolonged summer drought, soil water availability was lower on the dune than on the interdune. Both species had higher densities of seedlings at every stage of recruitment in their native habitat than the adjacent habitat. The contrasting different adaptation to nutrients, salinity and soil water conditions in the seedling recruitment stage strongly determined the distribution patterns of the two species on the dune/interdune. Haloxylon persicum on the dunes had lower total dry biomass, shoot and root dry biomass, but allocated a higher percentage of its biomass to roots and possessed a higher specific root length and specific root area by phenotypic traits specialization than that of Haloxylon ammodendron on the interdune. All of these allowed H. persicum to be more adapted to water stress and nutrient shortage. The differences in morphology and allocation facilitated the ability of these two species to persist in their own environments.

Infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and protection against reinfection in rats

DEAR EDITOR,The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) pandemic remains an important global public health issue. In this study, we unexpectedly found that wildtype Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats can be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 prototype. Our results showed direct experimental evidence of the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, subsequent pathogenicity, and protection against reinfection in rats.

Quality of life and survival outcomes of patients with inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after definitive radiation therapy:A multicenter retrospective observational study in China from 2015 to 2016

Objectives:To investigate the health-related quality of life(HRQL)of long-term survivors of inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)treated with definitive radiation therapy,the real-world trends in the use of advanced radiation techniques,and their impact on the survival outcomes of ESCC patients.Methods:In this multicenter retrospective observational study,the medical records related to demographics and treatment of ESCC patients who were treated with definitive radiation therapy at 14 provincial hospitals in China from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016 were analyzed.A HRQL questionnaire was completed by survivors and collected by doctors at the final follow-up.The difference in quality of life between patients with or without recurrence was compared using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test.Overall survival(OS)was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the group differences were assessed by unstratified log-rank test.The Cox proportional hazards model with Efron’s method of tie handling was used to calculate the risk factors for OS.Results:The data of a total of 3,308 patients were collected for this study,248 were excluded because of missing data,and a final of 3,060 patients were included in the analysis.Most patients(2,901;94.8%)received intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)/volumetric-modulated arc therapy(VMAT)/tomotherapy(TOMO).The 5-year OS rate was 30%.Patients who received either two-dimensional radiotherapy(2DRT;HR,2.43[95%CI,1.70-3.47];P<0.001)or three-dimensional radiotherapy(3DRT;HR,1.45[95%CI,1.14-1.84];P=0.003)had a significantly increased risk of death compared to those who received IMRT/VMAT/TOMO.Of the 716(23.4%)long-term survivors who completed the HRQL questionnaire,nearly 70%patients were still able to swallow normally or almost normally,and>80%patients did not experience weight loss.Nearly 80%patients found life very enjoyable or were fairly enjoying life.Conclusions:This large,multicenter retrospective study on ESCC patients who received definitive radiation ther-apy found that most ESCC survivors are satisfied with their quality of life.Most patients received advanced radiation technology.Patients who received either 2DRT or 3DRT had a significantly increased risk of death compared to those who received advanced radiation technology.

Anthropogenic footprints are invading global habitats of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins

As ecologically fragile areas,coastal zones are affected by both anthropogenic activities and climate change.However,the impacts of these factors on large nearshore mammals,such as Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins(IPHDs,Sousa chinensis),are poorly understood.Here,modeling revealed that the suitable habitats of IPHDs are affected mainly by the sea surface temperature(SST),and the habitat suitability decreases as the distance to the nearest coastline increases.In addition,anthropogenic activities involving demersal fishing,contamination and shipping have narrowed IPHD habitats and reduced the habitat suitability.We found that climate change will further narrow suitable habitats located farther than 7 km from coastlines and trigger habitat losses in the eastern Taiwan Strait by 2090-2100 under the Representative Concentration Pathway(RCP)8.5 scenario.The projected decreases in habitat suitability and area emphasize the urgency of establishing connected marine protected areas(MPAs)while considering climate change,intergovernmental cooperation,and public involvement.

Abnormal expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and clinical values of molecular-targeted interference in hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective:The aim of this study was to analyze the expression features of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and effects of HIF-1α silencing on HepG2 cells.Methods:HIF-1α expression was analyzed in the self-control HCC specimens by immunohistochemistry.After HepG2 cells with miRNA transfection,the expression of HIF-1α was determined at mRNA or protein level by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Western blotting.Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) were determined by ELISA.Alterations of cell cycles and apoptosis of HepG2 cells were measured using a flow cytometer.Results:Positive HIF-1α was brown and granule-like in the cytoplasm or nucleus.Significant difference was found between HCC (80%) and its surrounding tissues (100%,χ2=22.35,P < 0.001) and HIF-1α expression related to tumor size.At 72 h after miRNA transfection,the expression of HIF-1α in HepG2 cells was down-regulated by 87% at mRNA or 65% at protein level,with VEGF and ANG-2 decreased to 54% and 36%,respectively.After RNA interference combined with anti-cancer drug,the apoptotic rate of HepG2 cells was increasing from 22.46% ± 0.61% to 36.99% ± 0.88%,with up-regulation of G1 phase (65.68% ± 0.91%) and down-regulation of S phase (19.47 ± 1.34 %).Conclusion:Abnormal expression of HIF-1α is associated with development of HCC,and HIF-1α gene silencing can effectively inhibit HepG2 cell proliferation.

吩嗪类衍生物用于快速充放电和长寿命的水系钾离子全电池负极

有机电极材料因具有结构多样性和可持续性,在水系钾离子电池研究领域展示出广阔的前景,但它们大多数存在导电性差、易溶于电解液的问题,导致电极活性物质利用率低、循环稳定性差.本文通过含氮苯环的共轭延申、引入氰基活性中心,获得了3CN-HATN.与经#吩嗪负极相比,3CN-HATN的最低未占据分子轨道能级更低,更容易被还原,且其能带隙较窄,改善了导电性,其共轭结构可有效抑制循环过程中3CN-HATN的溶解.3CN-HATN负极在80 C(1 C=350 mA g^(-1))下比容量高达233.8 mA h g^(-1),将其与Ni(OH)_(2)正极匹配,构建的水系钾离子全电池具备优异的循环稳定性和快充性能,30 C下循环10,000圈后容量保持率达81.5%.

Anodes for low-temperature rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable alkali metal ion(Li^(+),Na^(+),K^(+))batteries have shown great success in room-temperature energy storage.However,their low-temperature(subzero temperature)applications are still severely restricted,and the poor electrochemical performance of the anode materials at low temperature serves as a critical obstacle.Therefore,it is urgent to obtain a comprehensive understanding towards the key effects of low temperatures on the performance of the anodes and overview the related improving strategies.In this work,the effects that temperature would impose on electrode performance are firstly discussed.Next,the progress in low-temperature anodes of alkali metal ion batteries is reviewed,by the classification of the reaction types of the anode materials,including intercalation-type anodes,conversion-type anodes,alloy anodes and alkali metal anodes,and corresponding strategies to improve the performance of the anodes are summarized as well.At last,some promising research directions in this field are proposed.This work is intended to shed some light on future exploitation of high-performance low-temperature anode materials.

α-MnO_(2)纳米棒/多孔碳正极材料的制备及水系锌离子电池性能研究

针对水系锌离子电池锰基正极材料存在比容量低、循环稳定性差等问题,本工作利用水热法制备出棒状结构的α-MnO_(2),通过柠檬酸钠高温碳化制备多孔碳,进而通过超声分散等处理制备出α-MnO_(2)/PCSs复合材料.三维的多孔网络有助于提高电子导电性,提供一个稳定的支撑;α-MnO_(2)纳米棒均匀地附着在多孔碳纳米片层表面,有效地避免α-MnO_(2)的团聚,从而提高锌离子传输效率.得益于α-MnO_(2)/PCSs独特的结构优势,将其作为锌离子电池正极材料,在电流密度为0.1 A·g^(-1)的条件下循环100次后,其可逆容量为350 m Ah·g^(-1),在1 A·g^(-1)的大的电流密度下,经过1000圈循环后,容量可达160 mAh·g^(-1),展现了优异的循环稳定性能,有望成为高性能锌离子电池的潜在正极材料.

Characteristics of replication and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Delta isolates

The continuously arising of SARS-CoV-2 variants has been posting a great threat to public health safety globally,from B.1.17(Alpha), B.1.351(Beta), P.1(Gamma), B.1.617.2(Delta) to B.1.1.529(Omicron). The emerging or reemerging of the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern is calling for the constant monitoring of their epidemics,pathogenicity and immune escape. In this study, we aimed to characterize replication and pathogenicity of the Alpha and Delta variant strains isolated from patients infected in Laos. The amino acid mutations within the spike fragment of the isolates were determined via sequencing. The more efficient replication of the Alpha and Delta isolates was documented than the prototyped SARS-CoV-2 in Calu-3 and Caco-2 cells, while such features were not observed in Huh-7, Vero E6 and HPA-3 cells. We utilized both animal models of human ACE2(hACE2)transgenic mice and hamsters to evaluate the pathogenesis of the isolates. The Alpha and Delta can replicate well in multiple organs and cause moderate to severe lung pathology in these animals. In conclusion, the spike protein of the isolated Alpha and Delta variant strains was characterized, and the replication and pathogenicity of the strains in the cells and animal models were also evaluated.

A high-concentrated and nonflammable electrolyte for potassium ion-based dual-graphite batteries

Potassium ion-based dual-graphite batteries(KDGBs)emerge as promising devices for large-scale applications due to their high voltage,low cost,environmental friendliness.However,conventional KPF6/carbonate-based electrolytes suffer from severe oxidation decomposition,low concentration,flammability,which limit the capacity and cyclability of KDGBs.Herein,a nonflammable potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide/triethyl phosphate(KFSI/TEP)electrolyte was designed for KDGBs.When the salt-to-solvent molar ratio increases to 1:1.3,graphite cathode operated at the cut-off potential of 5.2 V exhibits much enhanced capacity,excellent rate capability(26.4 mAh∙g^(−1) at 1.0 A∙g^(−1)),superior cyclability with 98%capacity retention after 350 cycles.Inorganic compounds-rich electrode/electrolyte interphase layers derived from the preferential decomposition of FSI−anions ensure good compatibility of the 1:1.3 KFSI/TEP electrolyte with K metal and graphite anodes.Based on this electrolyte,asassembled KDGBs show high operation voltage of 4.3 V and good cycling performance.This work provides feasibility for developing long-life and safe-operation DGBs.

Cannabidiol prevents depressive-like behaviors through the modulation of neural stem cell differentiation

Chronic stress impairs radial neural stem cell(rNSC)differentiation and adult hippocampal neurogenesis(AHN),whereas promoting AHN can increase stress resilience against depression.Therefore,investigating the mechanism of neural differentiation and AHN is of great importance for developing antidepressant drugs.The nonpsychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabidiol(CBD)has been shown to be effective against depression.However,whether CBD can modulate rNSC differentiation and hippocampal neurogenesis is unknown.Here,by using the chronic restraint stress(CRS)mouse model,we showed that hippocampal rNSCs mostly differentiated into astrocytes under stress conditions.Moreover,transcriptome analysis revealed that the FoxO signaling pathway was involved in the regulation of this process.The administration of CBD rescued depressive-like symptoms in CRS mice and prevented rNSCs overactivation and differentiation into astrocyte,which was partly mediated by the modulation of the FoxO signaling pathway.These results revealed a previously unknown neural mechanism for neural differentiation and AHN in depression and provided mechanistic insights into the antidepressive effects of CBD.

Interlayer and doping engineering in partially graphitic hollow carbon nanospheres for fast sodium and potassium storage

Constructing anodes with fast ions/electrons transfer paths is an effective strategy to achieve high-performance sodium ion batteries(SIBs)/potassium ion batteries(PIBs). Amorphous carbon is a promising candidate anode for SIBs/PIBs owing to its disordered carbon layers, abundant defects/pores, and lowcost resources. However, the larger radius of Na^(+)/K^(+) leading to depressed kinetics and poor cycling performance, impeding their further applications. Herein, we propose an efficient strategy to construct of nitrogen, sulfur co-doped hollow carbon nanospheres(NS-HCS) involving an in situ growth of polydopamine on nano-Ni(OH)2template with subsequent sulfur doping process. During the formation process, the produced Ni nanospheres play as the hard template and catalyst for the formation of hollow carbon nanosphere with partially graphite microcrystalline structure, while the sulfur doping process can enlarge the interlayer space and create more defects on the surface of carbon nanospheres, thus synchronous improve the Na^(+)/K^(+) insertion and adsorption ability in NS-HCS. With the synergistic control of the enlarged interlayer spacing, high content of pyridinic N/pyrrolic N and graphitization, a hybrid storage mechanism facilitates the transport kinetics and endows the NS-HCS electrode with high capacities and good cycling stability in SIBs and PIB. Benefit from the multiple effects, NS-HCS exhibits the improved capacity of 274.8 m Ah/g at 0.1 A/g and excellent cycling stability of 149.5 m Ah/g after 5000 cycles at2.5A/g in SIBs, as well as good potassium ion storage behavior with a high capacity retention of 76.5%after 700 cycles at 1.0 A/g, demonstrating the potential applications of NS-HCS for high-performance SIBs and PIBs.

Evolutionary selection on MDA5 and LGP2 in the chicken preserves antiviral competence in the absence of RIG-I

The pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) act as the first line of defense against pathogens and are common molecular targets in the conflict between viruses and their host (Tan et al.,2018).The RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs),including RIG-I (Yoneyama et al.,2004),MDA5 (Andrejeva et al.,2004),and LGP2 (Saito et al.,2007),are PRRs and reside in the cytoplasm.These proteins recognize the RNA structures of different viral RNA species.All RLRs have an intermediate RNA helicase domain that catalyzes ATP hydrolysis and a C-terminal domain (CTD).

A novel silicone derivative of natural osalmid(DCZ0858)induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor characterized by diffuse growth.DCZ0858 is a novel small molecule with excellent antitumor effects in DLBCL.This study explored in depth the inhibitory effect of DCZ0858 on DLBCL cell lines.Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)and plate colony formation assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation levels.Flow cytometry was employed to analyze apoptosis and the cell cycle,and western blotting was used to quantify the expression of cell cycle regulators.The results indicated that DCZ0858 inhibited cell growth in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner while inducing no significant toxicity in normal cells.Moreover,DCZ0858 initiated cell apoptosis via both internal and external apoptotic pathways.DCZ0858 also induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase,thereby controlling cell proliferation.Further investigation of the molecular mechanism showed that the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was involved in the DCZ0858-mediated antitumor effects and that JAK2 was the key target for DCZ0858 treatment.Knockdown of JAK2 partly weakened the DCZ0858-mediated antitumor effect in DLBCL cells,while JAK2 overexpression strengthened the effect of DCZ0858 in DLBCL cells.Moreover,a similar antitumor effect was observed for DCZ0858 and the JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib,and combining the two could significantly enhance cancer-suppressive signaling.Tumor xenograft models showed that DCZ0858 inhibited tumor growth in vivo and had low toxicity in important organs,findings that were consistent with the in vitro data.In summary,DCZ0858 is a promising drug for the treatment of DLBCL.

China Biodiversity Observation Network for better global sustainability developments

Biodiversity is undergoing unprecedented changes characterized by long-term,complex,and lagging consequences[1].Understanding the dynamic changes of biodiversity is essential for the conservation of biodiversity[2].Biodiversity monitoring is periodic measurements of biodiversity within a given area,such as data collection regarding the structure and function of ecosystems,the composition and distribution of species,and environmental factors.Based on the collected data,analyses could be performed to determine the trends of biodiversity change and potential drivers and assist in the evaluation of conservation effectiveness and decision-making[2,3].