Research Progress and Prospects of Total Factor Productivity in the Construction Industry

The high-quality development of the construction industry fundamentally stems from the significant improvement of total factor productivity.Therefore,it is of crucial significance for promoting the development of the construction industry to a higher level by scientifically and accurately measuring the total factor productivity of the construction industry and deeply analyzing the influencing factors behind it.Based on a comprehensive consideration of research methods and influencing factors,this paper systematically reviews the existing relevant literature on total factor productivity in the construction industry,aiming to reveal the current research development trend in this field and point out potential problems.This effort aims to provide a solid theoretical foundation and valuable reference for further in-depth research,and jointly promote the continuous progress and development of total factor productivity research in the construction industry.

Role of exosomal circular RNAs as microRNA sponges and potential targeting for suppressing hepatocellular carcinoma growth and progression

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Lyu et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology(2023;2219-2840).Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a frequently encountered and highly aggressive primary liver cancer,which remains the third-commonest cause of cancer-related death despite the current therapeutic modalities.There is urgency in developing novel thera-peutic approaches,such as by manipulating extracellular vesicles,which con-stitute a highly heterogeneous nanoparticle population that contains various cargoes.These cargoes have a pivotal role in cell-to-cell communication and can modify the functional level of the recipient cells via their uptake by other recipient cells.Exosomal non-coding RNAs have particular evolving significance in HCC,such as circular RNAs,which have been found differentially expressed in normal hepatic and HCC tissues.The aberrations in their expression levels have a key role in the HCC development and progression and the overall prognosis.In this editorial,we will shed light on the emerging role of exosomal circular RNAs in HCC development and progression,focusing on the oncogenic or potentially tumor suppressive effect of mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal non-coding RNAs.

Progress and Prospects for Studies on Chinese Amphibians

This work summarizes the history and progress of the studies on Chinese amphibians since they first appeared in the Chinese literature.A wide range of research has been carried out,including the history of the definition of amphibians,faunal surveys,systematic research,ecological research,biochemical research(isozyme and other proteins or peptides,chromosomes,DNA),anatomical research,embryological research,phylogenetic and zoogeographical research,and many others such as ultrastructure of organs,crossbreeding test,regeneration of organs,abnormality survey,acoustics,fossils,sperm ultrastructure and parasites.In addition,the prospects for studies on Chinese amphibians in future are proposed in this paper.

Progress in the generation of spinal cord organoids over the past decade and future perspectives

Spinal cord organoids are three-dimensional tissues derived from stem cells that recapitulate the primary morphological and functional characteristics of the spinal cord in vivo.As emerging bioengineering methods have led to the optimization of cell culture protocols,spinal cord organoids technology has made remarkable advancements in the past decade.Our literature search found that current spinal cord organoids do not only dynamically simulate neural tube formation but also exhibit diverse cytoarchitecture along the dorsal-ventral and rostral-caudal axes.Moreover,fused organoids that integrate motor neurons and other regionally specific organoids exhibit intricate neural circuits that allows for functional assessment.These qualities make spinal cord organoids valuable tools for disease modeling,drug screening,and tissue regeneration.By utilizing this emergent technology,researchers have made significant progress in investigating the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of spinal cord diseases.However,at present,spinal cord organoid technology remains in its infancy and has not been widely applied in translational medicine.Establishment of the next generation of spinal cord organoids will depend on good manufacturing practice standards and needs to focus on diverse cell phenotypes and electrophysiological functionality evaluation.

Overview of the immunological mechanisms in hepatitis B virus reactivation:Implications for disease progression and management strategies

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management.This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation,emphasizing disease progression and management.It delves into host immune responses and reactivation’s delicate balance,spanning innate and adaptive immunity.Viral factors’disruption of this balance,as are interac-tions between viral antigens,immune cells,cytokine networks,and immune checkpoint pathways,are examined.Notably,the roles of T cells,natural killer cells,and antigen-presenting cells are discussed,highlighting their influence on disease progression.HBV reactivation’s impact on disease severity,hepatic flares,liver fibrosis progression,and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed.Management strategies,including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches,are critically analyzed.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation.In conclusion,this compre-hensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation.With a dedicated focus on understanding its implic-ations for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management stra-tegies,this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base.The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches,ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes.The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized,spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.

Evolution,progress,and prospects of research on transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt applications

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shun(TIPS)is an effective procedure for the treatment of portal hypertension complications such as esophagogastric variceal bleeding and refractory ascites.To date,its use by many experts and scholars at home and abroad has benefitted countless patients.In order to further promote the development and innovation of TIPS in China,this paper briefly reviews the development process of TIPS at home and abroad,objectively analyzes the bottlenecks and breakthrough achievements in the development of TIPS,and discusses the application status and research progress of TIPS technology for different indications.Finally,we provide an outlook about the development and application of TIPS in China.

Imbalance of Circulating Follicular Regulatory and Follicular Helper T Cell Subpopulations Is Associated with Disease Progression and Serum CYFRA 21-1 Levels in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective This study aimed to investigate the changes of follicular helper T(TFH)and follicular regulatory T(TFR)cell subpopulations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and their significance.Methods Peripheral blood was collected from 58 NSCLC patients at different stages and 38 healthy controls.Flow cytometry was used to detect TFH cell subpopulation based on programmed death 1(PD-1)and inducible co-stimulator(ICOS),and TFR cell subpopulation based on cluster determinant 45RA(CD45RA)and forkhead box protein P3(FoxP3).The levels of interleukin-10(IL-10),interleukin-17a(IL-17a),interleukin-21(IL-21),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in the plasma were measured,and changes in circulating B cell subsets and plasma IgG levels were also analyzed.The correlation between serum cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1(CYFRA 21-1)levels and TFH,TFR,or B cell subpopulations was further explored.Results The TFR/TFH ratio increased significantly in NSCLC patients.The CD45RA^(+)FoxP3^(int) TFR subsets were increased,with their proportions increasing in stages Ⅱ to Ⅲ and decreasing in stage IV.PD-1^(+)ICOS+TFH cells showed a downward trend with increasing stages.Plasma IL-21 and TGF-β concentrations were increased in NSCLC patients compared with healthy controls.Plasmablasts,plasma IgG levels,and CD45RA^(+)FoxP3^(int) TFR cells showed similar trends.TFH numbers and plasmablasts were positively correlated with CYFRA 21-1 in stages Ⅰ-Ⅲ and negatively correlated with CYFRA 21-1 in stage IV.Conclusion Circulating TFH and TFR cell subpopulations and plasmablasts dynamically change in different stages of NSCLC,which is associated with serum CYFRA 21-1 levels and reflects disease progression.

Numerical Weather Prediction in China in the New Century——Progress,Problems and Prospects

This paper summarizes the recent progress of numerical weather prediction （NWP） research since the last review was published. The new generation NWP system named GRAPES （the Global and Regional Assimilation and Prediction System）, which consists of variational or sequential data assimilation and nonhydrostatic prediction model with options of configuration for either global or regional domains, is briefly introduced, with stress on their scientific design and preliminary results during pre-operational implementation. In addition to the development of GRAPES, the achievements in new methodologies of data assimilation, new improvements of model physics such as parameterization of clouds and planetary boundary layer, mesoscale ensemble prediction system and numerical prediction of air quality are presented. The scientific issues which should be emphasized for the future are discussed finally.

Beyond Biochar-Soil, Plant and Environment: Research Progress and Future Prospects

Since industrial revolution, the atmospheric CO2 concentration has kept a continuous increase by more than 2.2 ppm yr^-1, and approaches to almost 400 ppm at present （Jouzel 2012）. China has become the largest country of greenhouse gas emission （GHG）, and confronts with great challenge to mitigate GHG.

PROGRESSES AND PROSPECTS IN RESEARCH ON SEASON DIVISION AND SEASONAL CHANGES IN CHINA

Progresses in the research for season division and seasonal changes are reviewed systematically in this paper,which particularly introduces the results of a national natural science foundation project,"the nonlinear identification of seasonal changes and its responses to global warming".The project developed two objective and quantitative methods for season division:the non-linear similarity measure(NSM) method and the regional multi-element optimal dissection(RMOD) method,which differ from traditional ones for season division.Besides,the project further investigated seasonal changes and their responses to global warming,analyzed evolution characteristics of the starting date and length of seasons in history,revealed their relationships with extreme events and precipitation patterns in rainy seasons,and thereby built a research system for seasonal changes in China under the global warming background.Finally,the authors make an outlook on the research for season division and seasonal changes and put forward several issues associated with season and climate changes that need to be further explored.

Progress and Prospects of Salt Lake Research in China

China has unique salt lake resources, and they are distributed in the east of Eurasian salt lake subzone of the Northern Hemisphere Salt Lake Zone, mainly concentrated in the regions with modern mean annual precipitation lower than 500 mm. This paper preliminarily reviews the progress made in salt lake research in China for the past 60 years. In the research of Paleoclimate and paleoenvironment from salt lake sediments, a series of salts have been proposed to be indicators of paleoclimate, and have been well accepted by scholars. The chloride-sulfate depositional regions of the west Qaidam and the east Tarim have been revealed to be the drought center of China since the Quaternary, and more than 6 spreading stages of arid climate （salt forming） have been identified. Five pan-lake periods with highstands have been proved to exist during the late Quaternary on the Tibetan Plateau. In mineral resource prospecting and theories of the forming of salt deposits： the atlas （1：2500000） of hydrochemical zoning of salt lakes on the Tibetan Plateau has been compiled for the first time, revealing the zonal distribution and transition from carbonate type to chloride type from south to north and presenting corresponding mineral assemblages for different type of salt lakes; several large continental salt deposits have been discovered and the theory of continental potash deposition has been developed, including the salt deposition in deep basins surrounded by high mountains, the mineral deposition from multistage evolution through chains of moderate or shallow lakes with multilevels, the origin of potassium rich brines in gravel layers, and the forming of potassium deposits through the inheriting from ancient salt deposits, thus establishing the framework of ＂Continental Potash Deposition Theory＂; several new types of Mg-borate deposits have been discovered, including the ulexite and pinnoite bed in Da Qaidam Lake, Qinghai, the pinnoite and kurnakovite bed in Chagcam Caka, Tibet, the kurnakovite bed in Lake Nyer, and the corresponding model of borate deposition from the cooling and dissolution of boron rich brines was proposed based on principles of geology, physics and chemistry. The anti-floatation-cold crystallization method developed independently has improved the capacity of KCI production to 3 million tons per year for the Qarham, serving the famous brand of potash fertilizer products. One 1.2 million ton K-sulfate production line, the biggest in the world, has been built in Lop Nor, and K-sulfate of about 1.6 million tons was produced in 2015. Supported by the new technology, i.e. brine preparation in winter-cooling-solarization-isolation-lithium deposition from salt gradient solar pond＂ the highest lithium production base at Zabuye Lake （4421 m）, Tibet, has been established, which is the first lithium production base in China that reaches the year production of 5000 tons of lithium carbonate. The concept of Salt lake agriculture （Salt land agriculture） has been established based on the mass growth of Dunaliella and other bacillus-algae and the occurrence of various halophytes in saltmarsh and salt saline-alkali lands, finding a new way to increase arable lands and develop related green industry in salt rich environments. Finally this paper presents some new thoughts for the further research and development on salt science, and the further progress in salt science and technology will facilitate the maturing of the interdisciplinary science ＂Salinology＂.

Research Progress and Application Prospects of Mulching Technology

This article mainly covers the agricultural technology and traditional technology of plastic film mulching in China through the contrast and analysis. The mechanism and effect of plastic mulching technology is expounded, and the main use, positive role and development prospects of the technology in agricultural production, as well as the technology of agricultural soil conservation are introduced. In addition, existing problems and countermeasures are put forward to promote the development of agriculture in arid areas.

Life's essential 8 and risk of subclinical atherosclerosis progression: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of ideal cardiovascular health(CVH) in reducing cardiovascular risk.However,its role in subclinical atherosclerosis(SA) progression remains unclear.We aim to examine the association of CVH,estimated by the American Heart Association's new Life's Essential 8(LE8),with the progression of SA.METHODS This prospective cohort study was conducted among 972 asymptomatic Chinese participants and followed up for5.7 years.The LE8 score(range,0–100) consisted of blood pressure,lipids,glucose,body mass index,smoking status,diet health,physical activity and sleep health was evaluated in 1998 and 2008–2009.Progression of SA was determined by carotid plaque and coronary artery calcification(CAC) in 2008–2009 and 2013–2014.Log-binomial regression model was used to estimate the association of LE8 score with SA progression.RESULTS Each 10 points increment in LE8 score was associated with 15.2%(RR:0.848,95% CI:0.797–0.902),17.7%(RR:0.823,95% CI:0.766–0.884) and 12.0%(RR:0.880,95% CI:0.845–0.916) lower risks of carotid plaque,CAC and overall SA progression,respectively.Compared with participants with non-ideal CVH at both visits,the participants with ideal CVH at both visits had39.1%(RR:0.609,95% CI:0.494–0.752),41.0%(RR:0.590,95% CI:0.456–0.764) and 29.7%(RR:0.703,95% CI:0.598–0.825) lower risks of carotid plaque,CAC and overall SA progression,respectively.CONCLUSIONS Higher LE8 scores were associated with lower risks of SA progression.Besides,long-term maintenance of optimal CVH was more beneficial to prevent SA progression.

Research progress and prospects of coal petrology and coal quality in China

Clean utilization of coal depends on the quality of raw coal,which depends on the coal-forming parent materials(petrology and chemical composition of coal),the multiple media of the coal-forming environment,and some epigenetic conditions,such as thermal evolution(coalification),magmatic hydrothermal fluid,groundwater.Based on the research results of predecessors and prediction studies of coal resources since the founding of China,the present status of research on coal petrology,coal quality,coal metamorphism,and coal geochemistry in China is discussed in detail,with emphasis on research progress and the general situation of highly efficient and clean utilization of coal in the technical fields of coking,pyrolysis,combustion,gasification,and liquefaction,and the development prospects of coal petrology and coal quality in China are prospected.

Glucocorticoids-based prodrug design:Current strategies and research progress

Attributing to their broad pharmacological effects encompassing anti-inflammation,antitoxin,and immunosuppression,glucocorticoids(GCs)are extensively utilized in the clinic for the treatment of diverse diseases such as lupus erythematosus,nephritis,arthritis,ulcerative colitis,asthma,keratitis,macular edema,and leukemia.However,longterm use often causes undesirable side effects,including metabolic disorders-induced Cushing's syndrome(buffalo back,full moon face,hyperglycemia,etc.),osteoporosis,aggravated infection,psychosis,glaucoma,and cataract.These notorious side effects seriously compromise patients'quality of life,especially in patients with chronic diseases.Therefore,glucocorticoid-based advanced drug delivery systems for reducing adverse effects have received extensive attention.Among them,prodrugs have the advantages of low investment,low risk,and high success rate,making them a promising strategy.In this review,we propose the strategies for the design and summarize current research progress of glucocorticoid-based prodrugs in recent decades,including polymer-based prodrugs,dendrimer-based prodrugs,antibody-drug conjugates,peptide-drug conjugates,carbohydrate-based prodrugs,aliphatic acid-based prodrugs and so on.Besides,we also raise issues that need to be focused on during the development of glucocorticoid-based prodrugs.This review is expected to be helpful for the research and development of novel GCs and prodrugs.

The current role of dendritic cells in the progression and treatment of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Dendritic cells(DCs)constitute a heterogeneous group of antigen-presenting cells that are important for initiating and regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.As a crucial component of the immune system,DCs have a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of CRC.DCs cross-present tumor-related antigens to activate T cells and trigger an antitumor immune response.However,the antitumor immune function of DCs is impaired and immune tolerance is promoted due to the presence of the tumor microenvironment.This review systematically elucidates the specific characteristics and functions of different DC subsets,as well as the role that DCs play in the immune response and tolerance within the CRC microenvironment.Moreover,how DCs contribute to the progression of CRC and potential therapies to enhance antitumor immunity on the basis of existing data are also discussed,which will provide new perspectives and approaches for immunotherapy in patients with CRC.

Pressure stimulated current in progressive failure process of combined coal-rock under uniaxial compression:Response and mechanism

Effective monitoring of the structural health of combined coal-rock under complex geological conditions by pressure stimulated currents(PSCs)has great potential for the understanding of dynamic disasters in underground engineering.To reveal the effect of this way,the uniaxial compression experiments with PSC monitoring were conducted on three types of coal-rock combination samples with different strength combinations.The mechanism explanation of PSCs are investigated by resistivity test,atomic force microscopy(AFM)and computed tomography(CT)methods,and a PSC flow model based on progressive failure process is proposed.The influence of strength combinations on PSCs in the progressive failure process are emphasized.The results show the PSC responses between rock part,coal part and the two components are different,which are affected by multi-scale fracture characteristics and electrical properties.As the rock strength decreases,the progressive failure process changes obviously with the influence range of interface constraint effect decreasing,resulting in the different responses of PSC strength and direction in different parts to fracture behaviors.The PSC flow model is initially validated by the relationship between the accumulated charges of different parts.The results are expected to provide a new reference and method for mining design and roadway quality assessment.

Global Dynamic Responses and Progressive Failure of Submerged Floating Tunnel Under Cable Breakage Conditions

The Submerged Floating Tunnel(SFT)relies on a tensioned mooring system for precise positioning.The sudden breakage of a single cable can trigger an immediate alteration in the constraint conditions of the tube,inducing a transient heave response within the structure along with a transient increase in cable tension experienced by adjacent cables.In more severe cases,this may even lead to a progressive failure culminating in the global destruction of the SFT.This study used ANSYS/AQWA to establish a numerical model of the entire length SFT for the hydrodynamic response analysis,and conducted a coupled calculation of the dynamic responses of the SFT-mooring line model based on Orca Flex to study the global dynamic responses of the SFT at the moment of cable breakage and the redistribution of cable internal forces.The most unfavorable position for SFT cable breakage was identified,the influence mechanism of cable breakage at different positions on the global dynamic response was revealed,and the progressive chain failure pattern caused by localized cable breakage are also clarified.

Recent progress in Ni-rich layered oxides and related cathode materials for Li-ion cells

Undoubtedly,the enormous progress observed in recent years in the Ni-rich layered cathode materials has been crucial in terms of pushing boundaries of the Li-ion battery(LIB)technology.The achieved improvements in the energy density,cyclability,charging speed,reduced costs,as well as safety and stability,already contribute to the wider adoption of LIBs,which extends nowadays beyond mobile electronics,power tools,and electric vehicles,to the new range of applications,including grid storage solutions.With numerous published papers and broad reviews already available on the subject of Ni-rich oxides,this review focuses more on the most recent progress and new ideas presented in the literature references.The covered topics include doping and composition optimization,advanced coating,concentration gradient and single crystal materials,as well as innovations concerning new electrolytes and their modification,with the application of Ni-rich cathodes in solid-state batteries also discussed.Related cathode materials are briefly mentioned,with the high-entropy approach and zero-strain concept presented as well.A critical overview of the still unresolved issues is given,with perspectives on the further directions of studies and the expected gains provided.

The Pathogenesis and Treatment Progress of Androgenic Alopecia

Androgenic alopecia, also known as seborrheic alopecia, is the most common hair loss disorder in dermatology clinics, mainly characterized by hair follicle miniaturization and progressive hair loss. The etiology and pathogenesis of androgenic alopecia are not clear, but may be related to heredity and androgen metabolism. Currently, minoxidil and finasteride are the only two drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for AGA treatment, other treatments include oral minoxidil, hair transplantation, low energy laser therapy (LLLT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Chinese medicine microneedles, and combination therapy. With the development of medicine and science, we have ushered in the era of biologics and targeted therapy. In recent years, a variety of signaling pathways for androgenic alopecia have been found, which may provide a basis for targeted therapy for androgenic alopecia.