Genetic Types of Meter-Scale Cyclic Sequences and Fabric Natures of Facies Succession

Different genetic types of meter-scale cyclic sequences in stratigraphic records result from episodic accumulation of strata related to Milankovitch cycles. The distinctive fabric natures of facies succession result from the sedimentation governed by different sediment sources and sedimentary dynamic conditions in different paleogeographical backgrounds, corresponding to high-frequency sea-level changes. Naturally, this is the fundamental criterion for the classification of genetic types of meter-scale cyclic sequences. The widespread development in stratigraphic records and the regular vertical stacking patterns in long-term sequences, the evolution characters of earth history and the genetic types reflected by specific fabric natures of facies successions in different paleogeographical settings, all that show meter-scale cyclic sequences are not only the elementary working units in stratigraphy and sedimentology, but also the replenishment and extension of parasequence of sequence stratigraphy. Two genetic kinds of facies succession for meter-scale cyclic sequence in neritic-facies strata of carbonate and clastic rocks, are normal grading succession mainly formed by tidal sedimentation and inverse grading succession chiefly made by wave sedimentation, and both of them constitute generally shallowing upward succession, the thickness of which ranges from several tens of centimeters to several meters. The classification of genetic types of meter-scale cyclic sequence could be made in terms of the fabric natures of facies succession, and carbonate meter-scale cyclic sequences could be divided into four types: L-M type, deep-water asymmetrical type, subtidal type and peritidal type. Clastic meter-scale cyclic sequences could be grouped into two types: tidal-dynamic type and wave-dynamic type. The boundaries of meter-scale cyclic sequences are marked by instantaneous punctuated surface formed by non-deposition resulting from high-frequency level changes, which include instantaneous exposed punctuated surface, drowned punctuated surface as well as their relative surface. The development of instantaneous punctuated surface used as the boundary of meter-scale cyclic sequence brings about the limitations of Walter's Law on the explanation of facies distribution in time and space, and reaffirm the importance of Sander's Rule on analysis of stratigraphic records. These non-continuous surface could be traced for long distance and some could be correlative within same basin range. The study of meter-scale cyclic sequences and their regularly vertical stacking patterns in long-term sequences indicate that the research into cyclicity of stratigraphic records is a useful way to get more regularity from stratigraphic records that are frequently complex as well as non-integrated.

ON THE DIFFERENCES OF THE NATURES OF AUPOINTS AND CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES

The acupoints and Chinese herbal medicines are quite different in their natures. In the present paper, the authors expound the differences of the natures between the acupoints and Chinese herbal medicines from a） substance carriers, b） the underlying mechanism in actions, and c） individual characteristics, etc..

On the Natures of English Passive Construction Based on Theta Theory

The study of English passive construction has always been one of the hot topics in the literature of Generative Grammar. Although many attempts have been made, the study of this structure is still not systematic enough especially in terms of its essential natures. The present study is designed to give a full explanation of natures of English passive construction from the perspective of theta theory, which can provide English learners with a deeper understanding of passive structure.

Genomic and phenotypic signatures provide insights into the wide adaptation of a global plant invader

Invasive alien species are primary drivers of biodiversity loss and species extinction.Smooth cordgrass(Spartina alterniflora)is one of the most aggressive invasive plants in coastal ecosystems around the world.However,the genomic bases and evolutionary mechanisms underlying its invasion success have remained largely unknown.Here,we assembled a chromosome-level reference genome and performed phenotypic and population genomic analyses between native US and introduced Chinese populations.Our phenotypic comparisons showed that introduced Chinese populations have evolved competitive traits,such as earlyflowering time and greater plant biomass,during secondary introductions along China’s coast.Population genomic and transcriptomic inferences revealed distinct evolutionary trajectories of low-and high-latitude Chinese populations.In particular,genetic mixture among different source populations,together with in-dependent natural selection acting on distinct target genes,may have resulted in high genome dynamics of the introduced Chinese populations.Our study provides novel phenotypic and genomic evidence showing how smooth cordgrass rapidly adapts to variable environmental conditions in its introduced ranges.Moreover,candidate genes related toflowering time,fast growth,and stress tolerance(i.e.,salinity and submergence)provide valuable genetic resources for future improvement of cereal crops.

Impacts of Nutlin-3a and exercise on murine double minute 2-enriched glioma treatment

Recent research has demonstrated the impact of physical activity on the prognosis of glioma patients,with evidence suggesting exercise may reduce mortality risks and aid neural regeneration.The role of the small ubiquitin-like modifier(SUMO)protein,especially post-exercise,in cancer progression,is gaining attention,as are the potential anti-cancer effects of SUMOylation.We used machine learning to create the exercise and SUMO-related gene signature(ESLRS).This signature shows how physical activity might help improve the outlook for low-grade glioma and other cancers.We demonstrated the prognostic and immunotherapeutic significance of ESLRS markers,specifically highlighting how murine double minute 2(MDM2),a component of the ESLRS,can be targeted by nutlin-3.This underscores the intricate relationship between natural compounds such as nutlin-3 and immune regulation.Using comprehensive CRISPR screening,we validated the effects of specific ESLRS genes on low-grade glioma progression.We also revealed insights into the effectiveness of Nutlin-3a as a potent MDM2 inhibitor through molecular docking and dynamic simulation.Nutlin-3a inhibited glioma cell proliferation and activated the p53 pathway.Its efficacy decreased with MDM2 overexpression,and this was reversed by Nutlin-3a or exercise.Experiments using a low-grade glioma mouse model highlighted the effect of physical activity on oxidative stress and molecular pathway regulation.Notably,both physical exercise and Nutlin-3a administration improved physical function in mice bearing tumors derived from MDM2-overexpressing cells.These results suggest the potential for Nutlin-3a,an MDM2 inhibitor,with physical exercise as a therapeutic approach for glioma management.Our research also supports the use of natural products for therapy and sheds light on the interaction of exercise,natural products,and immune regulation in cancer treatment.

Red cell distribution width/platelet ratio predicts decompensation of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-related compensated advanced chronic liver disease

Prognostication of compensated advanced chronic liver disease(cACLD)is of paramount importance for the physician-and-patient communication and for rational clinical decisions.The paper published by Dallio et al reports on red cell distribution width(RDW)/platelet ratio(RPR)as a non-invasive biomarker in predicting decompensation of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)-related cACLD.Differently from other biomarkers and algorithms,RPR is inexpensive and widely available,based on parameters which are included in a complete blood count.RPR is computed on the grounds of two different items,one of which,RDW,mirrors the host’s response to a variety of disease stimuli and is non-specific.The second parameter involved in RPR,platelet count,is more specific and has been used in the hepatological clinic to discriminate cirrhotic from non-cirrhotic chronic liver disease for decades.Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality among MASLD subjects,followed by extra-hepatic cancers and liver-related mortality.Therefore,MASLD biomarkers should be validated not only in terms of liver-related events but also in the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality and extra-hepatic cancers.Adequately sized multi-ethnic confirmatory investigation is required to define the role and significance of RPR in the stratification of MASLD-cACLD.

Potential role and therapeutic implications of glutathione peroxidase 4 in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder with a complex and incompletely understood pathogenesis. Despite extensive research, a cure for Alzheimer's disease has not yet been found. Oxidative stress mediates excessive oxidative responses, and its involvement in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis as a primary or secondary pathological event is widely accepted. As a member of the selenium-containing antioxidant enzyme family, glutathione peroxidase 4 reduces esterified phospholipid hydroperoxides to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. With the discovery of ferroptosis, the central role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in anti-lipid peroxidation in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, has received widespread attention. Increasing evidence suggests that glutathione peroxidase 4 expression is inhibited in the Alzheimer's disease brain, resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, ferroptosis, and apoptosis, which are closely associated with pathological damage in Alzheimer's disease. Several therapeutic approaches, such as small molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological treatments, ameliorate pathological damage and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease by promoting glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and enhancing glutathione peroxidase 4 activity. Therefore, glutathione peroxidase 4 upregulation may be a promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This review provides an overview of the gene structure, biological functions, and regulatory mechanisms of glutathione peroxidase 4, a discussion on the important role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in pathological events closely related to Alzheimer's disease, and a summary of the advances in small-molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological therapies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Most prior studies on this subject used animal models, and relevant clinical studies are lacking. Future clinical trials are required to validate the therapeutic effects of strategies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Kangfuxin solution alleviates esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection:A natural ingredient strategy

BACKGROUND Esophageal stricture ranks among the most significant complications following endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).Excessive fibrotic repair is a typical pathological feature leading to stenosis after ESD.AIM To examine the effectiveness and underlying mechanism of Kangfuxin solution(KFX)in mitigating excessive fibrotic repair of the esophagus post-ESD.METHODS Pigs received KFX at 0.74 mL/kg/d for 21 days after esophageal full circumferential ESD.Endoscopic examinations occurred on days 7 and 21 post-ESD.In vitro,recombinant transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1(5 ng/mL)induced a fibrotic microenvironment in primary esophageal fibroblasts(pEsF).After 24 hours of KFX treatment(at 1.5%,1%,and 0.5%),expression ofα-smooth muscle actin-2(ACTA2),fibronectin(FN),and type collagen I was assessed.Profibrotic signaling was analyzed,including TGF-β1,Smad2/3,and phosphor-smad2/3(p-Smad2/3).RESULTS Compared to the Control group,the groups treated with KFX and prednisolone exhibited reduced esophageal stenosis,lower weight loss rates,and improved food tolerance 21 d after ESD.After treatment,Masson staining revealed thinner and less dense collagen fibers in the submucosal layer.Additionally,the expression of fibrotic effector molecules was notably inhibited.Mechanistically,KFX downregulated the transduction levels of fibrotic functional molecules such as TGF-β1,Smad2/3,and p-Smad2/3.In vitro,pEsF exposed to TGF-β1-induced fibrotic microenvironment displayed increased fibrotic activity,which was reversed by KFX treatment,leading to reduced activation of ACTA2,FN,and collagen I.The 1.5%KFX treatment group showed decreased expression of p-Smad 2/3 in TGF-β1-activated pEsF.CONCLUSION KFX showed promise as a therapeutic option for post-full circumferential esophageal ESD strictures,potentially by suppressing fibroblast fibrotic activity through modulation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

Heterogeneity of mature oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system

Mature oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths that are crucial for the insulation of axons and efficient signal transmission in the central nervous system.Recent evidence has challenged the classical view of the functionally static mature oligodendrocyte and revealed a gamut of dynamic functions such as the ability to modulate neuronal circuitry and provide metabolic support to axons.Despite the recognition of potential heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocyte function,a comprehensive summary of mature oligodendrocyte diversity is lacking.We delve into early 20th-century studies by Robertson and Río-Hortega that laid the foundation for the modern identification of regional and morphological heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocytes.Indeed,recent morphologic and functional studies call into question the long-assumed homogeneity of mature oligodendrocyte function through the identification of distinct subtypes with varying myelination preferences.Furthermore,modern molecular investigations,employing techniques such as single cell/nucleus RNA sequencing,consistently unveil at least six mature oligodendrocyte subpopulations in the human central nervous system that are highly transcriptomically diverse and vary with central nervous system region.Age and disease related mature oligodendrocyte variation denotes the impact of pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis,Alzheimer's disease,and psychiatric disorders.Nevertheless,caution is warranted when subclassifying mature oligodendrocytes because of the simplification needed to make conclusions about cell identity from temporally confined investigations.Future studies leveraging advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and single-cell proteomics promise a more nuanced understanding of mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity.Such research avenues that precisely evaluate mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity with care to understand the mitigating influence of species,sex,central nervous system region,age,and disease,hold promise for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting varied central nervous system pathology.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 1 facilitates tumor immune escape from natural killer cells and predicts the prognosis in small cell lung cancer

Objective:Small cell lung cancer(SCLC)is commonly recognized as the most fatal lung cancer type.Despite substantial advances in immune checkpoint blockade therapies for treating solid cancers,their benefits are limited to a minority of patients with SCLC.In the present study,novel indicators for predicting the outcomes and molecular targets for SCLC treatment were elucidated.Methods:We conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes associated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in SCLC.The functional role of the key gene identified in SCLC was determined both in vitro and in vivo.Results:A significant correlation was observed between patient survival and CD56dim natural killer(NK)cell proportion.Furthermore,we noted that the hub gene ubiquitin-specific protease 1(USP1)is closely correlated with both CD56dim NK cells and overall survival in SCLC.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that USP1 is upregulated in SCLC.In addition,gene set enrichment analysis revealed that USP1 overexpression hinders NK cell-mediated immune responses.By co-cultivating NK-92 cells with SCLC cells,we demonstrated that NK cell cytotoxicity against SCLC could be improved either via USP1 knock-down or pharmacological inhibition.Furthermore,using a nude-mice xenograft tumor model,we noted that USP1 inhibition effectively suppressed tumor proliferation and increased the expression of NK cell-associated markers.Conclusions:Our study findings highlight the importance of NK cells in regulating SCLC.USP1 overexpression can inhibit NK cell-mediated immunity;therefore,USP1 may serve not only as a prognostic biomarker but also as a potential molecular target of SCLC therapy.

Harnessing artificial intelligence for identifying conflicts of interest in research

This editorial explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence(AI)in identifying conflicts of interest(COIs)within academic and scientific research.By harnessing advanced data analysis,pattern recognition,and natural language processing techniques,AI offers innovative solutions for enhancing transparency and integrity in research.This editorial discusses how AI can automatically detect COIs,integrate data from various sources,and streamline reporting processes,thereby maintaining the credibility of scientific findings.

Rising above:exploring the therapeutic potential of natural product-based compounds in human cancer treatment

Tumors,due to their diversity and heterogeneity,pose a significant threat to human health.Multidrug resistance is a prevalent and grave issue in clinical treatment,resulting in treatment failure and cancer recurrence.This resistance renders conventional drug therapies ineffective,presenting a substantial challenge to human health and medical care.Exploring natural products as potential sources for anti-cancer drugs could lead to the development of innovative and efficacious cancer treatments.This article aims to investigate the health implications of natural products(such as paclitaxel,podophyllotoxin,homoharringtonine,camptothecin,and vinblastine)in the discovery of anti-cancer drugs while discussing the methods and progress made in researching novel anti-cancer drugs derived from natural products.The paper discusses the diversity,intricate structures,and target affinity of natural products along with their structural modification techniques,combination therapies utilization possibilities with prodrugs or nanoparticles.Additionally,considering the escalating multidrug resistance observed in tumors nowadays;certain natural products offer new insights and approaches for discovering effective anti-tumor drugs that are crucial for addressing global public health challenges.The challenges faced by natural products during drug development including issues related to bioavailability toxicity concerns as well as limited resources are examined thoroughly.Potential opportunities current issues along with future challenges are highlighted aiming at facilitating the clinical translation of original anti-cancer drugs using natural products.

Performance Evaluation of Damaged T-Beam Bridges with External Prestressing Reinforcement Based on Natural Frequencies

As an evaluation index,the natural frequency has the advantages of easy acquisition and quantitative evaluation.In this paper,the natural frequency is used to evaluate the performance of external cable reinforced bridges.Numerical examples show that compared with the natural frequencies of first-order modes,the natural frequencies of higher-order modes are more sensitive and can reflect the damage situation and external cable reinforcement effect of T-beam bridges.For damaged bridges,as the damage to the T-beam increases,the natural frequency value of the bridge gradually decreases.When the degree of local damage to the beam reaches 60%,the amplitude of natural frequency change exceeds 10%for the first time.The natural frequencies of the firstorder vibration mode and higher-order vibration mode can be selected as indexes for different degrees of the damaged T-beam bridges.For damaged bridges reinforced with external cables,the traditional natural frequency of the first-order vibration mode cannot be used as the index,which is insensitive to changes in prestress of the external cable.Some natural frequencies of higher-order vibration modes can be selected as indexes,which can reflect the reinforcement effect of externally prestressed damaged T-beam bridges,and its numerical value increases with the increase of external prestressed cable force.

全球能源转型投资缺口大

可再生能源投资近年呈上升趋势,但仍集中在少数地区,而且差距正在扩大。只有扩大融资规模,覆盖多个国家和地区,才能实现全球能源转型。2023年,全球可再生能源新增投资5700亿美元,比2022年增长27%,其中大部分集中在中国、美国、巴西、印度和德国。事实上,就能源转型投资而言,占世界一半人口的150多个经济体2023年只获得10%的投资。非洲国家虽需求迫切、资源潜力巨大,但未能吸引大量资金流入,因为对这些国家的投资被视为高风险投资。

Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus ameliorates renal lipid accumulation in diabetic kidney disease via activating PPARα

Objective:To investigate the effects of Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus(AOF)on renal lipid deposition in diabetic kidney disease(DKD)and elucidate its molecular mechanisms.Methods:The mechanism of AOF in treating DKD was explored by network pharmacological enrichment analysis,molecular docking,and molecular dynamics simulation.The effects of AOF on renal function and lipid deposition were assessed in a mouse model of DKD and high glucose-stressed HK-2 cells.Cell viability and lipid accumulation were detected by CCK8 and oil red O staining.The expressions of PPARαand fatty acid oxidation-related genes(ACOX1 and CPT1A)were detected by quantitative RT-PCR,Western blot,and immunofluorescence.Furthermore,PPARαknockdown was performed to examine the molecular mechanism of AOF in treating DKD.Results:Network pharmacological enrichment analysis,molecular docking,and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the active compounds in AOF targeted PPARαand thus transcriptionally regulated ACOX1 and CPT1A.AOF lowered blood glucose,improved dyslipidemia,and attenuated renal injury in DKD mice.AOF-containing serum accentuated high glucose-induced decrease in cell viability and ameliorated lipid accumulation.Additionally,it significantly upregulated the expression of PPARα,ACOX1,and CPT1A in both in vivo and in vitro experiments,which was reversed by PPARαknockdown.Conclusions:AOF may promote fatty acid oxidation via PPARαto ameliorate renal lipid deposition in DKD.

Droog纽约首展Secret natures

荷兰品牌Droog今年二月在纽约开设分店,店里除了售卖自家出品的家具外,还设有展览场地,以举办不定期的产品或艺术展览,首个展览于五月中开始举行。这场名叫Secret Natures的展览共展出四件来自不同设计师的作品,当中包括西班牙设计师Nacho Carbonell的家具系列Skin。Skin被由弹力物料制成的外衣包裹着,

健康宠物生命——Natures Gift“贵族”——鸸鹋油高密度营养猫粮

如果你的猫咪总是对饭碗里的猫粮毫无兴趣,连耸耸鼻子发表个评价都不愿意;如果你的猫咪如前面健康文章中的一样,被毛生涩、暗晦,或正在遭遇皮肤问题;如果你的猫咪因为某些猫粮中廉价的添加剂正在引发健康危机……很多东西,失去后才懂得珍惜。如果上述情况正在发生,作为主人恐怕难辞其咎,其实选择一种配方健康、营养,质地、味道一流的猫粮,足以让猫咪受益终生——

Expression of the difference between the Cold(Han) and Hot(Re) natures of traditional Chinese medicines(Strobal and Rhubarb) based on the cold/hot plate differentiating assay

In this study, objective differences between the Cold (Han) and Hot (Re) nature of traditional Chinese medicines, e.g. Strobal and Rhubarb, are determined by using a cold/hot plate differentiation technology. A novel, self-designed cold/hot plate differentiating instrument, with methodological study, was used to investigate the intervention of Strobal and Rhubarb on the temperature tropism of mice. Compared with the ICR and BALB/c mice, it was found that KM mice on the cold/hot plate were more sensitive to the change of temperature, within the tolerant temperature range of 15-40 ℃ . The temperature tropism behavior of mice is influenced by treatment with Rhubarb and Strobal, as is the activity of ATPase in liver tissue. These trends are consistent with the definition of the Cold/Hot nature of Chinese medicines based on traditional Chinese medicinal theory. This study showed that the differences of the Cold/Hot nature of traditional Chinese medicines. might be objectively represented by the temperature tropism of animal by means of cold/hot differentiating assay.

Towards a scientific rationale for traditional properties of Chinese medicinal plants: “natures” and “flavors”

Objective: According to theory of Chinese medicine property, the ecological environment shapes properties(natures and flavors) of Chinese materia medica(CMM) and there are close relationships between certain natures and flavors. However, to date these observations have not been validated scientifically in the context of the whole flora of a region. The present study aims to address this gap.Methods: We collected geographical distributions of 3637 vascular plant species native to the Xinjiang region of northwest China, of which around 812 are medicinal plants. The CMM property characters of these medicinal plants were also collected. All medicinal plants were then analyzed in the occurrence of their natures(cold, cool, neutral, warm, and hot) and flavors(sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and pungent). Possible correlations between these properties and environmental factors, notably climate, as well as correlations with plant species richness of the wider native flora of Xinjiang were then investigated using permutation test and regression.Results: Cold species(38.5%) were more numerous than warm(21.0%) and neutral(22.3%), while bitter species(43.3%) were more numerous than pungent(25.6%), sweet(22.4%) and sour(6.7%) ones. Species with bitter flavor were most commonly also cold(48.6%) in nature, sour flavor usually coincided with cold(44.2%) or cool nature(26.0%), whereas pungent or sweet species tended to be warm(34.4%, 28.4%) or neutral(27.8%, 28.4%). The percentages of species of cold/cool nature, bitter flavor were higher in mountainous regions, and the percentages of warm/neutral and pungent/sweet/sour were higher in basins. The percentages of species of cold/cool, bitter were positively correlated with actual evapotranspiration(AET),and also plant species richness but had a bell-shaped relationship with potential evapotranspiration(PET),whereas the inverse situation was shown for warm/neutral and pungent/sweet/sour species.Conclusion: Analysis of the data in Xinjiang region of China supports the qualitative observations concerning natures and flavors in traditional theory of Chinese medicine property. Specifically,(i) certain natures and flavors co-occur more frequently than if randomly distributed;(ii) correlations between proportions of natures and flavors and climatic variables suggest a role for the environment in shaping the properties of CMM.

THE MID-INFRARED REFLECTION SIGNATURES OF SEVERAL KINDS OF ROCKS

By using UR-10 automatic double-beam infrared spectrophotometer, measurements of reflection spectra at band from 2 to 25μ were made on the polished planes of rock samples. The results prove to be very satisfactory for the selection of optimal bands and lithologic interpretation of remote sensing pictures.