The paper introduces a novel memristive chaotic system characterized by an infinite number of index-2 saddle foci, enabling it to generate multiscroll chaos and exhibit extreme multistability. ...Bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits and other methods are employed to examine the stabilities of equilibria and complex dynamics. It shows that by modifying the function of memristor, the system can produce multiscroll attractors with varying scroll counts. Furthermore, it can be decomposed into coexisting chaotic attractors at different locations, and this decomposition is influenced by adjustments in parameters and initial values, illustrating the impact of initial-relied and parameter-relied offset boosting. With variations in the parameter, the coexisting chaotic attractors will undergo a bifurcation, ultimately transforming into coexisting periodic attractors. The image encryption application of the system is explored, introducing an efficient chaos-based algorithm applied to encrypt Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) images, followed by a comprehensive performance evaluation.
•New memristive system with multiscroll chaos and offset boosting is presented.•Complex dynamics of the system are theoretically and numerically studied.•New chaos-based image encryption algorithm with high security is designed.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Abstract
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) grid-reinforced ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) slabs are new structural solutions that take advantage of the mechanical properties of FRP and UHPC. ...However, the punching shear behavior of this new slab type has not been characterized. Therefore, punching shear tests were conducted to eight carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars or grid-reinforced UHPC square slabs (600 mm side width × 40 mm thick). Several influential factors e.g., use of CFRP bars or grids as flexural reinforcements, type of strengthening short fiber, steel fiber (SF) content, and presence of shear reinforcements were investigated. The test results showed that FRP grids and short fibers helped to distribute the applied loads and dissipate the input energy; therefore, more cracks were observed, and higher punching shear capacities were achieved. Furthermore, increasing the reinforcement ratio in the FRP grids led to a more significant postcrack ductility response, which increased the punching shear capacity by 17%. In addition, SF addition could enhance the initial cracking load of the slab (Vcr), and polyethylene (PE) fiber addition could intensify the postcrack ductility response, both enhanced the punching shear capacity. The installation of shear reinforcements (eight pieces of 80 mm long CFRP grid strips) appeared to be more cost-effective than increasing SF content. Finally, compared with the current design provisions for conventional reinforced concrete slabs, a more accurate (average error of 8%) punching shear model was proposed for FRP grid-reinforced UHPC slabs with or without SF additions. However, the robustness of the proposed model will be assessed with more test data in the future.
Hyperuricemia is common in China and the relevance of hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been highlighted, but to date there has been rarely nation-wide study in China. Here, we ...aim to estimate the current prevalence of hyperuricemia and evaluate the associations between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) clustering in a large sample of China adults including a plurality of ethnic minorities. Generally, a nationally representative sample of 22983 adults aged ≥18 years was recruited from 2007 to 2011. Questionnaire data and information on anthropometric characteristics, and laboratory measurements were collected. We define hyperuricemia as SUA ≥416 mmol/L for men and SUA ≥357 mmol/L for women. We found that the prevalence of hyperuricemia was 13.0% (18.5% in men and 8.0% in women). To our estimation, hyperuricemic subjects had higher prevalence rates of CRFs clustering than non-hyperuricemic subjects. Furthermore, there was a dose-response association between the number of CVD risk factors clustering and hyperuricemia. Our study revealed a high prevalence of hyperuricemia and CVD risk factors clustering among Chinese adults, and hyperuricemia was significantly associated with coexistence of more CVD risk factors. Therefore, guidance and effective lifestyle intervention are required to prevent hyperuricemia and CVD risk factors in China.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
The investigation of memristive chaotic systems (MCS) with complex dynamics has been an interesting and important research topic. This paper is devoted to constructing a simple and meaningful MCS ...that has one-equilibrium but has multi-parameter amplitude modulation and large-scale offset boosting. Based on the bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponents, the evolution process of system dynamicsunder the influence of parameters are shown. Consistent results with numerical simulations are observed in circuit experiments, which shows the existence and practicability of the MCS.
•A simple one-equiibrium memristive chaotic system is constructed.•Multi-parameter amplitude modulation and large-scale offset boosting are found.•Circuit implementation of the proposed system is given for verifying existence.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
SARS‐CoV‐2 variants are now still challenging all the approved vaccines, including mRNA vaccines. There is an urgent need to develop new generation mRNA vaccines with more powerful efficacy and ...better safety against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. In this study, a new set of ionizable lipids named 4N4T are constructed and applied to form novel lipid nanoparticles called 4N4T‐LNPs. Leading 4N4T‐LNPs exhibit much higher mRNA translation efficiency than the approved SM‐102‐LNPs. To test the effectiveness of the novel delivery system, the DS mRNA encoding the full‐length S protein of the SARS‐CoV‐2 variant is synthesized and loaded in 4N4T‐LNPs. The obtained 4N4T‐DS mRNA vaccines successfully trigger robust and durable humoral immune responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants including Delta and Omicron. Importantly, the novel vaccines have higher RBD‐specific IgG titers and neutralizing antibody titers than SM‐102‐based DS mRNA vaccine. Besides, for the first time, the types of mRNA vaccine‐induced neutralizing antibodies are found to be influenced by the chemical structure of ionizable lipids. 4N4T‐DS mRNA vaccines also induce strong Th1‐skewed T cell responses and have good safety. This work provides a novel vehicle for mRNA delivery that is more effective than the approved LNPs and shows its application in vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
In this study, mRNA vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants delivered by lipid nanoparticles based on 4N4T lipids are constructed, and successfully trigger robust and durable humoral immune responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants including Delta and Omicron. In addition, head‐to‐head comparison studies find that the novel 4N4T lipids have a higher mRNA delivery efficiency than SM‐102.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Introduction
Ablation index (AI)‐guided radiofrequency ablation has been increasingly used for the treatment of drug‐resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF)，but the optimal AI targets remain to ...be determined. We aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation guided by moderate AI values but more strict procedural endpoints in patients with paroxysmal AF.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients who received their first AI‐guided ablation for paroxysmal AF from 2017 to 2018. The standard procedural protocol recommends AI targets as follows: anterior: 400–450; posterior: 280–330; and roof/inferior wall: 380–430. After circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), we performed bipolar pacing along the ablation line, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐provocation, and waited for 30 min to verify PVI. The primary clinical outcome was the rate of freedom from AF recurrence at 12 months.
Results
A total of 140 consecutive patients were included. The mean procedure and ablation times were 132.2 ± 30.2 min and 24.2 ± 7.9 min, respectively. The first‐pass isolation and final isolation rates were documented in 49.3% and in 100% of the patients, respectively. At 12 months, single‐procedure freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias was observed in 92.1% of patients. No major procedure‐related complications were encountered.
Conclusions
Moderate AI‐guided catheter ablation is highly effective for the treatment of drug‐refractory paroxysmal AF in real‐world settings. Over 90% of patients achieved single‐procedure arrhythmia‐free survival at 1 year. The outcome was obtained without major complications and the procedure involved relatively short procedure and ablation times.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Aims
In this study, we investigated the characteristics and underlying mechanisms of the electrocardiographic (ECG) morphology during left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), which have not been ...systematically described.
Methods
Patients with indications for permanent cardiac pacing underwent LBBAP attempts. The ECGs of patients with confirmed left bundle branch (LBB) capture were compared with those of individuals with right bundle branch block (RBBB) on 12‐lead ECG. Intracardiac electrograms recorded during implantation were analyzed in all patients who underwent pacing.
Results
LBBAP was successfully achieved in 87.5% (56/64) of patients. The QRS morphologies in lead V1 during LBBAP, which typically demonstrated Qr (60.7%), qR (19.6%), rSR’ (7.1%), or QS (12.5%) patterns, differed from those of native RBBB, which featured rsR’ (57.5%), M shape (23.7%), or monophasic R patterns (18.7%). The terminal R' wave duration in lead V1 was significantly shorter during LBBAP than during native RBBB (51 ± 12 ms vs 85 ± 19 ms, p < 0.001). LBB potentials were recorded in 66.1% (37/56) of the LBBAP patients. No significant differences in ECG characteristics were found between LBBAP with and without recorded LBB potentials. The presence of bundle branch block during LBBAP significantly prolonged QRS duration, R wave peak time, and terminal R’ wave duration in lead V1.
Conclusion
LBBAP‐ECG patterns are characterized by a shorter terminal R’ wave duration in lead V1 compared with that of native RBBB configurations. Bundle branch conduction integrity has an impact on ECG characteristics during LBBAP.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FSPLJ, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Hypertrophic scar (HS) formation is a cutaneous fibroproliferative disease that occurs after skin injuries and results in severe functional and esthetic disability. To date, few drugs have shown ...satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of HS formation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Notch interaction via small mothers against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3) could facilitate HS formation; therefore, targeting TGF-β/ Notch interaction via Smad3 is a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate HS formation. In addition, optic atrophy 1 (OPA1)-mediated mitochondrial fusion contributes to fibroblast proliferation, and TGF-β/Smad3 axis and the Notch1 pathway facilitate OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether drugs targeting TGF-β/Notch interaction via Smad3 suppressed fibroblast proliferation to attenuate HS formation through OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion. We found that the TGF-β pathway, Notch pathway, and TGF-β/Notch interaction via Smad3 were inhibited by pirfenidone, the gamma- secretase inhibitor DAPT, and SIS3 in human keloid fibroblasts (HKF) and an HS rat model, respectively. Protein interaction was detected by co-immunoprecipitation, and mitochondrial morphology was determined by electron microscopy. Our results indicated that pirfenidone, DAPT, and SIS3 suppressed the proliferation of HKFs and attenuated HS formation in the HS rat model by inhibiting TGF-β/Notch interaction via Smad3. Moreover, pirfenidone, DAPT, and SIS3 hindered OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion through inhibiting TGF-β/Notch interaction, thereby suppressing the proliferation of HS fibroblasts and HS formation. In summary, these findings investigating the effects of drugs targeting TGF-β/Notch interaction on HS formation might lead to novel drugs for the treatment of HS formation.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
In the present study, antagonistic activity of bacterial strain BS-Z15, was evaluated against
Verticillium dahlia
. The fermented broth of BS-Z15 inhibited the growth of
Verticillium dahliae
. The ...genome of strain BS-Z15 had a total size of 4,068,702 base pairs and contained 4318 genes, of which 4196 are coding sequences and 122 are non-coding RNA. Among these genes, nine genomic islands, 86 tRNAs, 13 sRNAs, and one prophage was determined. With the help of annotation databases, most unigene functions were identified. At the same time, genomic comparison between BS-Z15 and 12
Bacillus
members showed that the genes of BS-Z15 were closely related to the
Bacillus
group, and were conserved between the two groups, including most of the genes associated with fungal antagonism. BS-Z15 contains genes involved in a variety of antagonistic mechanisms, including genes encoding or synthesizing mycosubtilin, chitinases (but not
CHIA
and
CHIB
), glycoside hydrolases, iron nutrients, and antibiosis. However, it only contained the complete mycosubtilin- and bacilibactin-related operators in the reported main antifungal gene cluster of
B. subtilis
. Mycosubtilin and bacilibactin may be the main active antifungal substance. Besides, some genes could encode products related to biofilm production, which may be related to the colonization ability of the strain in plant rhizospheres. The complete genome of
B. subtilis
BS-Z15 provided new insights into the potential metabolites it produces related to its biocontrol activity.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Constitutive activation and gemcitabine induction of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) contribute to the aggressive behavior and chemotherapeutic resistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Thus, ...targeting the NF‐κB pathway has proven an insurmountable challenge for PDAC therapy. In this study, we investigated whether the inhibition of NF‐κB signaling pathway by melatonin might lead to tumor suppression and overcome gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic tumors. Our results showed that melatonin inhibited activities of NF‐κB by suppressing IκBα phosphorylation and decreased the expression of NF‐κB response genes in MiaPaCa‐2, AsPc‐1, Panc‐28 cells and gemcitabine resistance MiaPaCa‐2/GR cells. Moreover, melatonin not only inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in a receptor‐independent manner, but also enhanced gemcitabine cytotoxicity at pharmacologic concentrations in these PDAC cells. In vivo, the mice treated with both agents experienced a larger reduction in tumor burden than the single drug‐treated groups in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these results indicate that melatonin inhibits proliferation and invasion of PDAC cells and overcomes gemcitabine resistance of pancreatic tumors through NF‐κB inhibition. Our findings therefore provide novel preclinical knowledge about melatonin inhibition of NF‐κB in PDAC and suggest that melatonin should be investigated clinically, alone or in combination with gemcitabine for PDAC treatment.
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DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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