Search Results (3,120)

Background: Vaccines targeting herpes zoster, influenza, and pneumococcal diseases represent the most effective interventions for reducing morbidity and mortality in individuals aged ≥65 years. This study employs real-world vaccination data for herpes zoster vaccine (HZV), influenza vaccine (InfV), and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) among individuals aged ≥60 years in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China, from 2020 to 2024, aiming to assess the vaccination coverage for the three vaccines. Methods: Demographic data and vaccination records for HZV, InfV, and PPSV23 were obtained from the Shanghai Immunization Information System. Vaccination coverage, temporal trends, and disparities across different demographic groups and subdistricts or towns were analyzed. Results: From 2020 to 2024, a total of 26,227 doses of HZV, 198,373 doses of InfV, and 102,644 doses of PPSV23 were administered to adults aged ≥60 years in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai, with vaccination coverage of 0.23%, 3.12%, and 1.61%, respectively. HZV coverage peaked in 2023 (0.34%), whereas the highest coverage for InfV (3.94%) and PPSV23 (3.21%) occurred in 2020. The highest vaccination coverage was observed in the 70–74 age group for HZV (0.30%), the 75–79 age group for InfV (5.18%), and the 65–69 age group for PPSV23 (2.15%). Coverage for HZV and InfV was higher among females than males, while PPSV23 coverage was higher among males. Individuals with local household registration had significantly higher coverage for all three vaccines compared to those with non-local registration. The subdistricts or towns with the highest HZV coverage were Jinqiao Town (0.59%), Huamu Subdistrict (0.50%), and Lujiazui Subdistrict (0.34%). For InfV, the highest coverage was observed in Tangqiao Subdistrict (5.50%), Huamu Subdistrict (5.46%), and Lujiazui Subdistrict (4.88%). For PPSV23, the top three were Laogang Town (2.79%), Nicheng Town (2.01%), and Datuan Town (1.93%). Significant spatial clustering was observed for HZV and InfV. Conclusions: Vaccination coverage for HZV, InfV, and PPSV23 among adults aged ≥60 years in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai from 2020 to 2024 was generally low, with evident temporal variations and demographic and spatial disparities. Coverage differed by age group, gender, household registration status, and subdistricts or towns. These findings indicate that future interventions are still needed to increase vaccination coverage among older adults. Full article

Forest pests and diseases are some of the major disturbances affecting the stability of forest ecosystems. Accurate identification of insect-infested trees is therefore crucial for assessing forest health and implementing precision forestry management. This study focuses on stand-level detection of cypress trees (Cupressus funebris Endl.) that were affected by the cypress bark beetle (Phloeosinus aubei Perris), and the framework enables individual tree segmentation, insect-infested tree detection, and stand infestation assessment. Firstly, individual trees were extracted from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) point cloud data using the layer-stacking seed point algorithm. Based on the segmented tree crowns, four vegetation indices (Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI), Visible-band Difference Vegetation Index (VDVI), Red-Green Index (RGI), and Color Index of Vegetation Extraction (CIVE)) were calculated from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) RGB imagery. Insect-infested cypress trees were extracted through threshold segmentation. Through visual interpretation, the optimal vegetation index was determined and the infestation rate at the stand level was calculated. Based on the above framework, a total of 1368 trees were identified in the cypress stand, with a segmentation Precision of 82.51%, a Recall of 80.00%, and an F1-score of 81.24%. RGI achieved the best performance (Precision = 100.00%, Recall = 86.96%, F1-score = 93.02%) and identified 20 infested trees, accounting for 1.46% of the cypress stand. Supplementary experiments further confirm the superiority of the RGI index and the μ ± 2σ thresholding method. These results demonstrate that the proposed method enables rapid detection of the infested cypress trees, effective monitoring of stand health and infestation severity, thereby supporting informed decision-making in pest control and forest management. Full article

With the rapid development of emerging applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and distributed visual perception, massive amounts of correlated image data require efficient transmission under constrained bandwidth and noisy channel conditions. Although Shannon’s separation theorem provides a theoretically optimal basis for independent source-channel design, end-to-end joint optimization methods demonstrate higher performance potential in finite block length scenarios. This paper addresses the distributed image transmission problem with source correlation by proposing a Deep Joint Source-Channel Coding (DeepJSCC)-based framework. The scheme introduces a correlation feature extraction module at the receiver to uncover similarities among multiple sources and assist image reconstruction. Experimental results demonstrate that this method significantly improves reconstruction quality across various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), particularly excelling under small bandwidth ratios. Full article

Cenchrus fungigraminus is a high-yielding forage material, but due to its relatively high lignin content and low carbohydrate content, its current feed utilization primarily relies on silage methods. However, current research on C. fungigraminus silage faces challenges such as unclear fermentation strains and low fiber degradation efficiency of traditional commercial starters, which prevent them from meeting the requirements for C. fungigraminus silage production. So, this study aimed to evaluate the fiber degradation effects of Bacillus velezensis JC2 (isolated from C. fungigraminus), the commercial cellulose-degrading bacterium Bacillus velezensis (CBV), and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (CTL) on C. fungigraminus. The degradation performance of JC2 was assessed based on the lignocellulose content of silage samples, scanning electron microscopy observations, crystallinity, and changes in chemical bonds and functional groups. Furthermore, the three strains exhibiting the highest activities of CMCase, FPase, and β-glucosidase during the screening process were combined with enzyme preparations to develop a specialized silage additive suitable for C. fungigraminus. The results indicate that: (1) Compared to commercial cellulose-degrading strains, after 14 days of fermentation with JC2 treatment, the lignin in C. fungigraminus was effectively degraded. (2) The silage feed of C. fungigraminus treated with a mixture of JC2, JC3, and JC28 showed significant improvements in sensory evaluation, lactic acid content, and cellulose degradation rate. The pH value decreased rapidly (<4.2), while the LA content and the LA/AA ratio increased, and the NDF content decreased by 4.2% DM, effectively enhancing the quality of the silage feed. In summary, the Bacillus velezensis JC2 selected in this experiment effectively degraded the fiber structure of C. fungigraminus, improved the quality of the silage, and enhanced its nutritional value, demonstrating significant potential as a specialized silage additive for C. fungigraminus. Full article

We explore the problems encountered by today’s enterprises when using traditional human resource management systems and task tracking management systems to propose the use of blockchain technology as an innovative solution for internal human resource management and task tracking management. To ensure the security, transparency, non-repudiation, and traceability of the information submitted by various parties in the entire life cycle of task tracking management, we propose a task tracking management system based on blockchain technology. The system architecture integrates the key stakeholders in the entire value chain of task tracking management in human resource management, including internal employees, department managers, and human resource management departments. The architecture integrates the internal work tracking and management process of the enterprise through blockchain technology, ensuring data non-repudiation through digital signatures. Asymmetric encryption and decryption technology are employed to prevent data leakage and resist ransomware attacks. Based on the above features, it is highly suitable for enterprise introduction and use. Full article

Renal tubular injury plays a critical role in the progression of lupus nephritis (LN); however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that CDO1 expression was significantly positively correlated with the degree of renal tubular injury in renal tissues from LN patients. Using in vitro HK-2 and TCMK-1 cells as well as an in vivo MRL/lpr mouse model, we confirmed that knockdown of CDO1 alleviated renal tubular epithelial cell injury and lipid deposition. Mechanistic studies revealed that CDO1 inhibits lipid metabolism by negatively regulating the expression of ACSM3; notably, downregulation of ACSM3 reversed the ameliorative effects of CDO1 knockdown on lipid deposition and cellular injury. Further investigation demonstrated that ACSM3 deficiency mediates lipid deposition by inducing mitochondrial morphological abnormalities and dysfunction. In summary, this study uncovers a novel mechanism by which the CDO1–ACSM3 axis mediates renal tubular lipid deposition and injury in LN through the regulation of mitochondrial function, offering a potential therapeutic target for this disease. Full article

Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) are plant-based prebiotics widely utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries. As a major sugar-producing region, Guangxi holds significant potential for enzymatic production of FOS from sucrose. This study engineered a mutant enzyme, 142P-242K, to address the low catalytic activity characteristic of wild-type enzymes. The mutation upregulated the FOS conversion efficiency from 29 to 52%, respectively. Optimal enzymatic activity was observed at 45 °C, pH 6.0, and in the presence of 1 mM Na⁺. Mechanistic investigations revealed that modifications to the catalytic domain pocket and shifts in substrate affinity were the primary factors driving enhanced FOS production. The accumulation of 1-Kestose (GF2) was attributed to the enhanced flexibility of the 142P-242K loop, which facilitates substrate access to the active site. However, the synthesis of nystose (GF3) from GF2 is hindered by the hydrophobic nature of the active site and strong hydrogen bonds binding GF2. Comparing the enzyme’s ability to produce FOS using sugarcane juice, sugarcane molasses, and adsorption-heating sugarcane molasses, it was determined that heat-adsorbed molasses yielded the highest FOS concentration (30.77%). This study offers a practical and cost-effective strategy for enzyme modification and efficient valorization of molasses. Full article

Mixers are integral components in RF circuits for frequency conversion and are present in almost all RF front-ends. The relentless advancement of mobile communication standards, particularly towards 5G-Advanced and 6G, imposes ever more stringent and multi-dimensional performance requirements on mixer design. While previous surveys have capably summarized mixer technologies, this review distinguishes itself by providing a comprehensive and critical examination of millimeter-wave and sub-THz silicon-based integrated mixers, with explicit coverage extended from core RF bands to beyond 170 GHz. We place particular emphasis on the unique challenges and trade-offs inherent to silicon (CMOS and SiGe BiCMOS) platforms at these high frequencies. This work first summarizes the structural frameworks and underlying principles of mixers, examines multiple mixer variants, and performs an in-depth analysis of their key performance characteristics, encompassing conversion gain, noise figure (with distinctions between single-sideband (SSB) and double-sideband (DSB) definitions), isolation, and related metrics. Then, it compares and discusses the design of several mixers, especially analyzing their innovative points and key technologies, while critically evaluating their inherent limitations and trade-offs. Furthermore, a dedicated section synthesizes the most recent research trends, including heterogeneous integration, AI/ML-assisted design, and mixer architectures for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), thereby addressing a notable gap in the current literature. Finally, it concludes with an outlook on future challenges and opportunities for mixers in next-generation communication systems. Full article

The black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) is an ecologically and economically important freshwater fish native to China and neighbouring regions, but its wild stocks have declined sharply in recent decades. We analysed mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) sequences from 100 individuals collected in 2008–2009 from four Yangtze River, two Pearl River and one Red River populations to assess genetic diversity and structure as a pre-ban baseline for maternal lineages. Sixteen polymorphic sites defined 17 haplotypes, with a single dominant haplotype (Hap2) shared across all populations. Haplotype diversity was high but nucleotide diversity low, and neutrality tests together with mismatch-distribution analyses were consistent with a recent Late Pleistocene demographic expansion. Pairwise FST values ranged from negligible differentiation among middle–lower Yangtze populations to pronounced differentiation between the upstream Yangtze population (SS) and middle–lower populations and between the Yangtze and the combined Pearl–Red basins, whereas Pearl and Red River populations showed no significant divergence and high mitochondrial homogeneity, consistent with substantial historical connectivity. Overall, the Cyt b data indicate low mitochondrial diversity and shallow but significant inter-basin structuring, providing preliminary mtDNA-based evidence that Yangtze and Pearl–Red populations represent candidate conservation and management units, and highlighting the need for nuclear genomic markers and contemporary sampling to refine drainage-scale units and evaluate recent management effects. Full article

Background: Taiwan’s transition to a super-aged society presents challenges in managing elderly patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This study evaluated the real-world effectiveness of trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) plus bevacizumab versus regorafenib in this specific geriatric population. Methods: A retrospective study analyzed patients aged ≥ 65 treated between 2019 and 2023. Patients received regorafenib (n = 46) or FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab (n = 35). Primary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and time to treatment failure (TTF). Results: FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab was associated with significantly longer median OS compared to regorafenib (12.5 vs. 6.5 months; p = 0.039). In multivariate analysis, the combination regimen was identified as an independent predictor of favorable TTF (adjusted HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22–0.91, p = 0.028). Regorafenib was associated with symptomatic toxicities like hand–foot skin reaction (58.7%), while the combination primarily caused asymptomatic neutropenia. Crucially, permanent discontinuation due to adverse events was significantly lower in the combination arm (2.9% vs. 30.4%, p < 0.001), facilitating a higher proportion of patients receiving subsequent systemic therapy (45.7% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.011). Conclusions: FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab is associated with improved survival outcomes and better tolerability than regorafenib. By demonstrating a manageable safety profile and minimizing treatment attrition, this regimen ensures a sustainable continuum of care, representing a favorable therapeutic option for elderly patients. Full article

The sweet cherry has become a commercially significant fruit crop, yet its cultivation in Xinjiang is severely constrained by saline-alkali soils. To address this, selecting salt-tolerant rootstocks is vital for sustainable crop production in salinized soils. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of five major rootstock cultivars (‘Mahaleb CDR-1’, ‘Gisela 6’, ‘Colt’, ‘Daqingye’, and ‘Krymsk5’) to a gradient of NaCl stress (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mmol·L⁻¹) under controlled environmental conditions. Key osmoprotectants and antioxidant systems showed a consistent trend across genotypes: the contents of soluble sugars, proteins, and proline, along with the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD), initially increased under moderate stress but subsequently declined as salinity stress intensified. Specifically, CAT activity peaked at 150 mmol·L⁻¹ NaCl in most genotypes, with significant increases ranging from 33.9% (‘Gisela 6’ at 100 mmol·L⁻¹) to 45.52% (‘Colt’ at 150 mmol·L⁻¹) compared to controls. SOD activity also reached maxima at 150 mmol·L⁻¹ in most cultivars, increasing by 11.30% to 19.38% relative to controls, while POD activity exhibited peak values at 150–200 mmol·L⁻¹, with increases of 4.12% to 10.45%. Notably, proline (PRO) accumulation peaked at 150 mmol·L⁻¹ NaCl, with ‘Mahaleb CDR-1’ demonstrating the highest concentration (29.81 μg·g⁻¹) and ‘Colt’ the lowest (25.85 μg·g⁻¹). Conversely, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, an indicator of membrane lipid peroxidation, increased progressively with increasing salinity. The cultivar ‘Colt’ exhibited the most severe membrane damage. Its MDA content under 300 mmol·L⁻¹ NaCl stress was 80.84% higher than that under the control condition (0 mmol·L⁻¹ NaCl). These results demonstrate that under moderate salt stress, the rootstocks activated adaptive responses, as evidenced by elevated osmoprotectant levels and enzymatic activity, which were ultimately suppressed under severe conditions. A comprehensive analysis of all physiological and biochemical indices allowed for a clear ranking of salt tolerance: ‘Mahaleb CDR-1’ > ‘Daqingye’ > ‘Krymsk5’ > ‘Gisela 6’ > ‘Colt’. This study provides a robust physiological basis for selecting salt-tolerant rootstocks in saline-alkaline regions and offers valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at enhancing stress resilience. Full article

In this study, reactive radio frequency magnetron sputtering was used to deposit thin films. Gadolinium oxide was deposited on titanium nitride substrates at different deposition times and oxygen concentrations. Next, rapid thermal annealing and supercritical fluid treatment were performed. The three-dimensional profiler (alpha-step), X-ray diffractometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to measure the thickness, surface morphology, crystal structure, and element analysis. Then, indium tin oxide was sputtered and deposited on the gadolinium oxide, which was covered with the metal mask to form a top electrode, thereby manufacturing a metal/insulator/metal resistive memory structure. Finally, a power meter was used to measure the characteristics of the resistive random access memory, including the current–voltage characteristics, and to explore the leakage current conduction mechanism and component durability. Full article

Rapid urbanization has heightened concerns over ecological degradation. This study analyzes spatiotemporal dynamics of land use in Jiangsu Province from 2000 to 2020 and integrates the intPLUS model to simulate and project land-use patterns for 2030–2050. Habitat quality was assessed with the InVEST model, and key driving factors were identified using the GeoDetector method. The results show that (1) from 2000 to 2020, cultivated land, forest, and grassland decreased markedly by 10.50%, 4.38%, and 35.55%, respectively, whereas built-up land and water bodies increased by 46.70% and 8.92%. (2) Projections for 2030–2050 indicate that land-use change will generally follow the 2000–2020 trajectory but with reduced land-use intensity, a slower expansion of built-up land, and relatively minor changes in ecological land. (3) Habitat quality declined overall during 2000–2020: areas of high habitat quality decreased by 1024.29 km², while low-quality areas increased by 6386.78 km². Spatially, habitat quality exhibited a pattern of “higher in the central region and lower in the south and north,” with relatively low values in southern and northern Jiangsu and higher values in central Jiangsu. By 2050, habitat quality is expected to improve gradually. (4) Nighttime light intensity and elevation exerted strong effects on habitat quality changes, with vegetation cover identified as the dominant driver. Among factor interactions, the interaction between nighttime light intensity and elevation showed the greatest explanatory power. Full article

Four new species of Prunulus, found in China—P. applanatus, P. fulvescens, P. fulvipes and P. leptocollus spp. nov.—are described based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, performed using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods on a concatenated dataset of the ITS, rpb1, and tef-1α gene regions. Prunulus applanatus is characterized by a pale grey-brown and applanate pileus with a slight lilac tint, and a distinctly striate margin. Prunulus fulvescens is characterized by a pileus fading from dark brown to yellowish-brown. Prunulus fulvipes is characterized by a pileus with a brown center and a lighter brownish-white margin, and a longer stipe with a yellowish-brown base. Prunulus leptocollus is characterized by pale lilac basidiomata, and cheilocystidia with slightly narrowed necks. Our study provides detailed anatomical illustrations and photographs of fresh basidiocarps from these species. Additionally, six Mycena species of sect. Calodontes—M. brunneocystidiata, M. rosea, M. subbrunnea, M. subpura, M. variispora, and M. violaceardesiaca—are combined with Prunulus based on the results of the phylogenetic analysis. Full article

The ALOG (Arabidopsis LIGHT-DEPENDENT SHORT HYPOCOTYLS 1 (LSH1) and Oryza G1) family play crucial regulatory roles in plant growth and development, spanning both vegetative and reproductive growth. This study presents a comprehensive genomic and functional analysis of the ALOG family in greater yam (Dioscorea alata). Ten non-redundant DaALOG genes were identified and classified into two classes (I and II) based on phylogenetic analysis. These classes share a common origin, and family expansion was primarily driven by segmental duplication events. Comparative genomics across 15 plant species revealed widespread, lineage-specific divergence in ALOG gene family size and composition. Expression profiling highlighted several DaALOG genes, particularly DaALOG1, DaALOG3, and DaALOG6A, with significant upregulation in tuber and bulbil tissues, suggesting a potential role in storage organ development. Co-expression network analysis, coupled with yeast one-hybrid assays, indicated that DaALOG3 likely regulates key genes involved in starch biosynthesis. Subcellular localization confirmed the nuclear predominance of DaALOG proteins. Furthermore, functional validation in Arabidopsis demonstrated that overexpression of DaALOG1 leads to pronounced developmental alterations, including irregular leaf morphology and floral organ abnormalities (such as extra stamens and petals). Collectively, our findings establish the DaALOG gene family as an important regulator in greater yam, linking specific members to both vegetative architecture and storage organ development. Full article