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1.
Feasibility of Ultra-low Radiation and Contrast Medium Dosage in Aortic CTA Using Deep Learning Reconstruction at 60 kVp: An Image Quality Assessment.
Qi, K, Xu, C, Yuan, D, Zhang, Y, Zhang, M, Zhang, W, Zhang, J, You, B, Gao, J, Liu, J
Academic radiology. 2025;(3):1506-1516
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the viability of using ultra-low radiation and contrast medium (CM) dosage in aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) through the application of low tube voltage (60kVp) and a novel deep learning image reconstruction algorithm (ClearInfinity, DLIR-CI). METHODS Iodine attenuation curves obtained from a phantom study informed the administration of CM protocols. Non-obese participants undergoing aortic CTA were prospectively allocated into two groups and then obtained three reconstruction groups. The conventional group (100kVp-CV group) underwent imaging at 100kVp and received 210 mg iodine/kg in combination with a hybrid iterative reconstruction algorithm (ClearView, HIR-CV). The experimental group was imaged at 60kVp with 105 mg iodine/kg, while images were reconstructed with HIR-CV (60kVp-CV group) and with DLIR-CI (60kVp-CI group). Student's t-test was used to compare differences in CM protocol and radiation dose. One-way ANOVA compared CT attenuation, image noise, SNR, and CNR among the three reconstruction groups, while the Kruskal-Wallis H test assessed subjective image quality scores. Post hoc analysis was performed with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, and consistency analysis conducted in subjective image quality assessment was measured using Cohen's kappa. RESULTS The radiation dose (1.12 ± 0.23mSv vs. 2.03 ± 0.82mSv) and CM dosage (19.04 ± 3.03mL vs. 38.11 ± 6.47mL) provided the reduction of 45% and 50% in the experimental group compared to the conventional group. The CT attenuation, SNR, and CNR of 60kVp-CI were superior to or equal to those of 100kVp-CV. Compared to the 60kVp-CV group, images in 60kVp-CI showed higher SNR and CNR (all P < 0.001). There was no difference between the 60kVp-CI and 100kVp-CV group in terms of the subjective image quality of the aorta in various locations (all P > 0.05), with 60kVp-CI images were deemed diagnostically sufficient across all vascular segments. CONCLUSION For non-obese patients, the combined use of 60kVp and DLIR-CI algorithm can be preserving image quality while enabling radiation dose and contrast medium savings for aortic CTA compared to 100kVp using HIR-CV.
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2.
Customizing H2O-Poor Electric Double Layer and Boosting Texture Exposure of Zn (101) Plane towards Super-High Areal Capacity Zinc Metal Batteries.
Wang, Y, Lv, J, Hong, L, Zhang, J, Chen, C, Xu, A, Huang, M, Ren, X, Bai, J, Wang, H, et al
Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English). 2025;(2):e202414757
Abstract
The catastrophic dendrite hyperplasia and parasitic reactions severely impede the future deployment of aqueous Zn-ion batteries. Controlling zinc orientation growth is considered to be an effective method to overcome the aforementioned concerns, especially for regulating the (002) plane of deposited Zn. Unfortunately, Zn (002) texture is difficult to obtain stable cycling under high deposition capacity resulting from its large lattice distortion and nonuniform distribution in electric field. Herein, different from traditional cognition, a crystallization orientation regulation tactic is proposed to boost Zn (101) texture exposure and inhibit zinc dendrite proliferation during plating/stripping. Experimental results and theoretical calculations demonstrate the malate molecules preferentially adsorb on the Zn (002) facet, leading to the texture exposure of distinctive Zn (101) plane. Meanwhile, the -COOH and -OH groups of malate molecules exhibit strong adsorption on the Zn anode surface and chelate with Zn2+, achieving H2O-poor electrical double layer. Very impressively, the multifunctional malate additive enlists zinc anode to survive for 600 h under a harsh condition of 15 mA cm-2/15 mAh cm-2. Moreover, the symmetric cell harvests highly-reversible cycling life of 6600 h at 5 mA cm-2/1.25 mAh cm-2, remarkably outperforming the ZnSO4 electrolyte. The assembled Zn//MnO2 full cells also demonstrate prominent electrochemical reversibility.
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3.
The physiological and molecular mechanisms of WRKY transcription factors regulating drought tolerance: A review.
Li, M, Duan, Z, Zhang, S, Zhang, J, Chen, J, Song, H
Gene. 2025;:149176
Abstract
WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in responses to abiotic and biotic stresses that significantly impact plant growth and development. Advancements in molecular biology and sequencing technologies have elevated WRKY TF studies from merely determining expression patterns and functional characterization to uncovering molecular regulatory networks. Numerous WRKY TFs regulate drought tolerance in plants through various regulatory networks. This review details the physiological and molecular mechanisms of WRKY TFs regulating drought tolerance. The review focuses on the WRKY TFs involved in the phytohormone and metabolic pathways associated with the drought stress response and the multiple functions of these WRKY TFs, including biotic and abiotic stress responses and their participation in plant growth and development.
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4.
The current research status of immobilized lipase performance and its potential for application in food are developing toward green and healthy direction: A review.
Wang, N, Wang, W, Su, Y, Zhang, J, Sun, B, Ai, N
Journal of food science. 2025;(2):e70038
Abstract
Immobilized lipases have received great attention in food, environment, medicine, and other fields due to their easy separation, high stability (temperature, pH), and high storage properties. After immobilization, lipase transforms from a homogeneous to a heterogeneous state, making it easier to recover from the reaction substrate and achieve recycling, which is in line with the concept of green chemistry and reduces protein contamination in the product. There are various materials for enzyme immobilization, including polysaccharides from natural sources, inorganic compounds, carbon nanotubes, metal-organic framework materials, and so forth. Magnetic immobilization carriers have been widely studied due to their ability to achieve separation by adding a magnetic field. Its immobilization method can be simply divided into two categories: physical action (adsorption, embedding) and chemical binding (covalent, cross-linking). Some studies mainly discuss the immobilization support materials, immobilization methods, and applications of immobilized lipases in food. On this basis, our review also focuses on the changes in crosslinking agents for immobilized lipases, different methods to promote immobilization, new trends in the study of immobilized lipases, and proposes prospects for immobilized lipase research in the food industry.
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5.
Effects of Different Bowel Preparation Regimens and Age Factors on the Gut Microbiota: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.
Zhou, Y, Ji, H, Zhang, S, Zhang, X, Zhang, J, Wang, Y, Wang, H, Zhang, Y, Du, S
Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology. 2025;(3):599-608
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opinions about the impact of bowel preparation on the gut microbiota are divided. This study investigated the effects of different regimens on the gut microbiota post-bowel preparation and the differences in responses across different age groups. METHODS This single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial included 194 patients. Patients were categorized into two groups: one group receiving polyethylene glycol (n = 108) and one receiving sodium picosulfate (n = 86) for bowel preparation. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and on days 7 and 14 post-bowel preparation. The microbiota's diversity and composition were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, followed by comparative analyses. RESULTS The gut microbiota's abundance and diversity in patients significantly decreased post-bowel preparation, which did not recover to the level of pre-bowel preparation on Day 14. When comparing different regimens, the polyethylene glycol and sodium picosulfate groups recovered faster in richness and diversity, respectively. Patients aged < 65 years had higher richness and diversity of the gut microbiota, whereas the microbiota structure in those aged ≥ 65 years returned to the baseline state faster. The structure of beta diversity is significantly altered and did not return in the short term. However, in the elderly population aged ≥ 65 years, it can rebound quickly. This study also identified a number of significantly altered bacterial genera. CONCLUSIONS Following the use of different bowel preparation regimens, the gut microbiota recovers in diverse ways, with older people over 65 experiencing a faster recovery of the microbial structure.
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6.
Atomic mechanism of lithium dendrite penetration in solid electrolytes.
Zhang, B, Yuan, B, Yan, X, Han, X, Zhang, J, Tan, H, Wang, C, Yan, P, Gao, H, Liu, Y
Nature communications. 2025;(1):1906
Abstract
Lithium dendrite penetration through ceramic electrolytes is known to result in mechanical failure and short circuits, which has impeded the commercialization of all-solid-state lithium anode batteries. However, the underlying mechanism still remains under debate, due in part to a lack of in situ atomic-level observations of the dendrite penetration process. Here, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to reproduce the dynamic process of dendrite nucleation and penetration. Our findings reveal that dynamically generated lithium depositions lead to a continuous accumulation of internal stress, culminating in fracture of the solid electrolyte at dendrite tips. We demonstrate that the classical Griffith theory remains effective in assessing this fracture mode, but it is necessary to consider the electrochemical impact of local lithium ion concentration on the fracture toughness. Additionally, in polycrystalline solid electrolytes, we observe that dendrite nuclei within grains typically deflect towards and propagate along grain boundaries. Simulations and experimental evidence both identify that dendrite induced fractures at grain boundaries exhibit a mixed Mode I and Mode II pattern, contingent on their fracture toughness and the angle between dendrites and grain boundaries. These insights deepen our understanding of dendrite penetration mechanisms and may offer valuable guidance for improving the performance of solid electrolytes.
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7.
Exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation has additive health effects on short physical performance battery and stair climbing in older adults: a scope review of randomised controlled trials.
Zhang, J, Zhu, Z, Niu, Y, Cao, ZB
The British journal of nutrition. 2025;(1):48-57
Abstract
This scoping review aimed to evaluate the effect of exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation on skeletal muscle health in older individuals. We implemented a systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase, which was conducted from the time of library construction to January 2024. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials including men and women aged ≥ 65 years or mean age ≥ 65 years; exercise training and vitamin D supplementation; outcomes of muscular strength, function, muscular power, body composition and quality of life; and results compared with those of exercise intervention alone. The results showed thirteen studies including 1483 participants were identified. The proportions of male and female sex were 22·05 and 77·95 %, respectively. Exercise intervention methods included resistance exercises and multimodal exercise training. All vitamin D interventions involved supplementation with vitamin D3. A significant increase was identified in short physical performance battery and stair climbing but not in skeletal muscle mass, skeletal strength, the timed up and go test and gait speed in older adults after exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation. In conclusion, exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation has additive health effects on short physical performance battery and stair climbing. Furthermore, when vitamin D was deficient at baseline, the combined effect of exercise and vitamin D intervention significantly increased the timed up and go test and gait speed in older adults. In future randomised controlled trials on this topic, baseline vitamin D nutritional status, health condition and sex should be considered.
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8.
Sphingosinicella rhizophila sp. nov., Isolated from Oat (Avena sativa L.) Rhizosphere Soil.
Guo, Y, Tang, K, Yao, T, Zhang, J, Liu, Y, Meng, J, Feng, F
Current microbiology. 2025;(4):163
Abstract
A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, and yellow-colored bacterium, designated strain GR2756T, was isolated from a rhizosphere soil sample of oat (Avena sativa L.). The strain GR2756T was able to grow at 15-35 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, and 0-1.5 % (w/v) NaCl concentration. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain GR2756T was clustered with Sphingosinicella vermicomposti YC7378T (95.7 %), Sphingosinicella humi QZX222T (95.6 %), and Sphingomonas montis DRJ-4T (95.5 %). Strain GR2756T contained ubiquinone Q-10 and homospermidine as the major respiratory quinone system and polyamine, respectively. The major fatty acids detected from strain GR2756T were C16:0, Summed Feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), and Summed Feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), C17:1 ω6c and C16:0 2-OH. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phospholipid, glycolipid, and unidentified polar lipid. The genomic DNA G+C was 63.2%. Between the strains GR2756T and S. humi CCTCC AB 2018030T, the ANI and dDDH values were lower than the proposed and generally accepted species boundaries. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic, and phylogenetic analysis, strain GR2756T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingosinicella, for which the name Sphingosinicella rhizophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the proposed new taxon is strain GR2756T (= CCTCC AB 2023102T = CGMCC 1.61580T = NBRC 116723T).
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9.
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors and Diabetic-Ketoacidosis in T2DM Patients: An Updated Meta-Analysis and a Mendelian Randomization Analysis.
Wang, Y, Qin, Y, Zhang, J, Wu, A, Qin, X, Du, L, Zhang, H, Guo, X, Zhang, S
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics. 2025
Abstract
To evaluate the association of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients across different subgroups, we searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SGLT2i with the control groups among T2DM patients and including DKA as a safety outcome. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using random or fixed-effects models, as appropriate. An inverse-variance-weighted Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to estimate the genetic correlation. Twenty-two trials involving 80,235 patients were included. SGLT2i increased the risk of DKA compared to the control groups (RR 2.32, 95% CI 1.64-3.27). The risk was significantly increased in patients with higher HbA1c levels (> 7.9%) (RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.59-3.14), but not in those with lower HbA1c levels (≤ 7.9%) (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.49-2.26; interaction P = 0.034). SGLT2i increased DKA risk in chronic kidney disease (CKD) (RR 2.70, 95% CI 1.55-4.71) and high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk trials (RR 2.46, 95% CI 1.47-4.11) but not significantly in heart failure (HF) trials (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.51-2.96). Moreover, in the HF trials, SGLT2i consistently did not increase the risk of DKA in any clinical subgroups. Nevertheless, MR analysis still confirmed a genetic association between SGLT2i and the risk of DKA among overall T2DM patients. SGLT2i may increase the risk of DKA in T2DM patients, particularly in patients with higher levels of HbA1c and those with comorbid CKD or at high-risk ASCVD. However, the increased risk was not significant in patients with HF.
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10.
Advances in the bioproduction of d-allulose: A comprehensive review of current status and future prospects.
Zhao, Y, Duan, X, Zhang, J, Ding, Y, Liu, Q
Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.). 2025;:115767
Abstract
As living standards rise, the overconsumption of sugary and calorific foods has led to a rise in obesity, diabetes, and other diseases. In response to the increasing demand for healthier diets, the food industry is actively seeking sugar alternatives. Among these alternatives, d-allulose as a functional sweetener has garnered significant attention for its low-calorie content, low glycemic index, and health benefits. This review summarizes recent advancements in d-allulose research, including its physiological functions, potential applications, and bioproduction methods. This review consolidates the known physiological functions of d-allulose and assesses its potential applications in the food and medical industries. Furthermore, the review explores recent progress in biotechnological production technologies, such as enzymatic conversion and microbial fermentation, which are key to producing d-allulose. d-Allulose is a standout natural sweetener with low calories and a low glycemic index, providing health benefits like lowering blood sugar and lipids, antioxidants, preventing obesity, and regulating metabolism. In the food industry, d-allulose is suitable for use in a variety of products, including baked goods, beverages, confectionery, and yogurt. The primary methods for its production are enzymatic conversion and microbial fermentation, both of which offer scalable and sustainable approaches. Recent research has advanced the production of d-allulose using low-cost raw materials, including agricultural and forestry waste, and even CO2, highlighting a move towards more sustainable production methods. With its diverse physiological functions and broad application prospects, d-allulose holds significant potential for growth in both the food and healthcare sectors.
