Scheduling of EV Battery Swapping, I: Centralized Solution

We formulate an optimal scheduling problem for battery swapping that assigns to each electric vehicle (EV) a best battery station to swap its depleted battery based on its current location and state of charge. The schedule aims to minimize a weighted sum of EVs’ travel distance and electricity generation cost over both station assignments and power flow variables, subject to EV range constraints, grid operational constraints, and ac power flow equations. To deal with the nonconvexity of power flow equations and the binary nature of station assignments, we propose a solution based on second-order cone programming (SOCP) relaxation of optimal power flow and generalized Benders decomposition. When the SOCP relaxation is exact, this approach computes a global optimum. We evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm through simulations. The algorithm requires global information and is suitable for cases where the distribution grid, battery stations, and EVs are managed centrally by the same operator. In Part II of this paper, we develop distributed solutions for cases where they are operated by different organizations that do not share private information

Scheduling of EV Battery Swapping, I: Centralized Solution

We formulate an optimal scheduling problem for battery swapping that assigns to each electric vehicle (EV) a best battery station to swap its depleted battery based on its current location and state of charge. The schedule aims to minimize a weighted sum of EVs’ travel distance and electricity generation cost over both station assignments and power flow variables, subject to EV range constraints, grid operational constraints, and ac power flow equations. To deal with the nonconvexity of power flow equations and the binary nature of station assignments, we propose a solution based on second-order cone programming (SOCP) relaxation of optimal power flow and generalized Benders decomposition. When the SOCP relaxation is exact, this approach computes a global optimum. We evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm through simulations. The algorithm requires global information and is suitable for cases where the distribution grid, battery stations, and EVs are managed centrally by the same operator. In Part II of this paper, we develop distributed solutions for cases where they are operated by different organizations that do not share private information

Effectiveness of the Endplate Reduction Technique Combined With Bone Grafting for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures by Using Posterior Short-Segment Fixation

Objective This study aimed to examine the effect of the endplate reduction (EPR) technique combined with bone grafting for treating thoracolumbar burst fractures using posterior short-segmental fixation. Methods Patients with thoracolumbar fractures admitted between January 2018 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and those meeting the criteria were assigned to the EPR group and the intermediate screws (IS) group. The vertebral wedge angle (VWA), Cobb angle (CA), anterior vertebral body height (AVBH), middle vertebral body height (MVBH), upper endplate line (UEPL), upper intervertebral angle (UIVA), and upper intervertebral disc height (UIDH) indices were examined and compared preoperatively, first day postoperatively, as well as at 12 months postoperatively. Results The result indicated that the EPR group achieved better MVBH reduction (p<0.001), UEPL reduction (p<0.001), vertebral body fracture healing (p=0.006), as well as implant breakage (p=0.04) than the IS group; VWA (p<0.001), CA (p=0.005), AVBH (p<0.001), MVBH (p<0.001), UEPL (p<0.001), and UIDH (p<0.001) were lost after reduction less than those in the IS group. There was no significant difference in operative time (p=0.315) and intraoperative bleeding (p=0.274) between the 2 groups. Conclusion The EPR group achieved better results in repositioning and maintaining MVBH and endplate morphology, with less correction loss after the reduction of the VWA, CA, AVBH, and endplate morphology. The EPR group exhibited a better healing pattern after vertebral fracture and disc degeneration was better relieved

Autophagic Degradation Deficit Involved in Sevoflurane-Induced Amyloid Pathology and Spatial Learning Impairment in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice

The adverse effects of anesthetics on elderly people, especially those with brain diseases are very concerning. Whether inhaled anesthetics have adverse effects on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is the most common form of dementia with brain degenerative changes, remains controversial. Autophagy, a crucial biological degradation process, is extremely important for the pathogenesis of AD. In this study, the inhaled anesthetic sevoflurane elicited many enlarged autolysosomes and impaired the overall autophagic degradation in the hippocampus of an AD mouse model, which is involved in the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and spatial learning deficits. However, rapamycin treatment counteracted all these effects. The results suggested that inhaled anesthetics may accelerate the pathological process of AD, and enlarged autolysosomes may be a new marker for prediction and diagnosis of the neurotoxicity of anesthetics in AD

Isolation and identification of antagonistic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HSE-12 and its effects on peanut growth and rhizosphere microbial community

The HSE-12 strain isolated from peanut rhizosphere soil was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by observation of phenotypic characteristics, physiological and biochemical tests, 16S rDNA and gyrB gene sequencing. In vitro experiments showed that the strain possessed biocontrol activity against a variety of pathogens including Sclerotium rolfsii. The strain has the ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes, as well as volatile organic compounds with antagonistic and probiotic effects such as ethyleneglycol and 2,3-butanediol. In addition, HSE-12 showed potassium solubilizing (10.54 ± 0.19 mg/L), phosphorus solubilization (168.34 ± 8.06 mg/L) and nitrogen fixation (17.35 ± 2.34 mg/g) abilities, and was able to secrete siderophores [(Ar-A)/Ar × 100%: 56%] which promoted plant growth. After inoculating peanut with HSE-12, the available phosphorus content in rhizosphere soil increased by 27%, urease activity increased by 43%, catalase activity increased by 70% and sucrase activity increased by 50% (p &lt; 0.05). The dry weight, fresh weight and the height of the first pair of lateral branches of peanuts increased by 24.7, 41.9, and 36.4%, respectively, compared with uninoculated peanuts. In addition, compared with the blank control, it increased the diversity and richness of peanut rhizosphere bacteria and changed the community structure of bacteria and fungi. The relative abundance of beneficial microorganisms such as Sphingomonas, Arthrobacter, RB41, and Micromonospora in rhizosphere soil was increased, while the relative abundance of pathogenic microorganisms such as Aspergillus, Neocosmospora, and Rhizoctonia was decreased

Morc4 is a novel functional gene associated with lipid metabolism in BXD recombinant inbred population

AimThe dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism is closely associated with dyslipidemia. Previous research suggested that Hepatic Morc4 may play a role in regulating lipid metabolism. This research aims to elucidate the function of MORC4 in hepatic lipid metabolism, thereby improving the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism disorders.MethodsData regarding circulating lipid traits and hepatic Morc4 expression in BXD mice were obtained from GeneNetwork. An Expression-Based Phenome-wide Association Study (ePheWAS), correlation analysis, and gene enrichment analysis were conducted to explore the relationship between Morc4 expression and hepatic lipid metabolism. in vitro, the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), lipid accumulation, and the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes were assessed subsequent to MORC4 knockdown/overexpression in hepatocytes. in vivo, the impact of Morc4 knockout on lipid metabolism-related traits in mice was examined using the IMPC database.ResultsHepatic Morc4 level was found to be negatively correlated with plasma free fatty acids and triglycerides in BXD mice. Further analysis indicated that genes associated with Morc4 were enriched in the cholesterol metabolic pathway. In hepatocytes, MORC4 knockdown significantly elevated total TC/TG levels, as well as enhanced lipid accumulation. Whereas MORC4 overexpression restored total TC/TG levels, along with lipid accumulation in knockdown cell lines. Furthermore, MORC4 knockdown led to an increased expression of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis (HMGCR), varying levels of genes implicated in the uptake of fatty acids and cholesterol (PCSK9, PLTP, CD36), and a decrease in the levels of genes involved in triglyceride hydrolysis (APOC2, APOA4, LIPG, LIPA). MORC4 overexpression reversed the observed alterations in the expression levels of these genes. According on the IMPC database, Morc4 knockout in mice resulted in increased fat mass, fat/body weight ratio, and elevated cholesterol level and ratio.ConclusionThis study identifies MORC4 as a crucial regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism and underscores its potential as a therapeutic target for disorders related to lipid

γ-Oryzanol-Loaded PLGA nanoparticles: enhanced drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy for breast cancer therapy

IntroductionBreast cancer treatment is plagued by systemic toxicity and drug resistance, prompting the search for better drug delivery systems, with oryzanol, a natural compound with anti-tumor potential but poor water solubility, emerging as a candidate. PLGA nanoparticles, a biodegradable and FDA-approved platform, are designed to encapsulate oryzanol, addressing its solubility issues and enabling targeted, controlled release to enhance anti-breast cancer efficacy. This study focuses on developing and characterizing γ-oryzanol-loaded PLGA (γ-oryzanol@PLGA) nanoparticles, evaluating their formulation, cellular effects, and mechanisms, intending to lay a preclinical foundation for oryzanol as a safe adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.MethodsTo address this unmet need, this study developed γ-oryzanol@PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) as a potential therapeutic strategy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to characterize the morphology of the NPs. The colloidal stability and uniformity of nanoparticles were evaluated by measuring the polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential. Encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were determined through UV-visible spectrophotometry. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the cellular uptake of the NPs compared to the free drug, and cytotoxicity assays were conducted to measure the effective concentration. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes and enriched cancer-related pathways.ResultsTEM results showed that the NPs were spherical with uniform morphology, with blank NPs having a size of 232.50 ± 1.27 nm and drug-loaded NPs being 241.60 ± 7.89 nm. The NPs exhibited excellent colloidal stability (PDI &lt;0.03, zeta potential: −20 to −26 mV). Effective package load (86.22% ± 3.43%) and loading capacity (7.89% ± 0.31%) were achieved. Flow cytometry indicated a 3.2-fold enhanced cellular uptake compared to the free drug at 4 H (p &lt; 0.05), and cytotoxicity assays showed a 3-fold reduction in the effective concentration. Transcriptomic analysis identified 576 differentially expressed genes and enriched cancer-related pathways, revealing the molecular mechanisms of the enhanced antitumor effects.ConclusionCollectively, these findings demonstrate that γ-oryzanol@PLGA NPs significantly improve drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic potency while maintaining excellent biocompatibility. This presents a promising nanoplatform for breast cancer treatment, warranting further preclinical development. Future studies should focus on in vivo validation and the exploration of combination therapies to fully realize the potential of this novel approach

National Brain Tumour Registry of China (NBTRC) statistical report of primary brain tumours diagnosed in China in years 2019-2020

BACKGROUND: The lack of a well-designed brain tumour registry with standardized pathological diagnoses in underdeveloped countries hinders the ability to compare epidemiologic data across the globe. The National Brain Tumour Registry of China (NBTRC), created in January 2018, is the first multi-hospital-based brain tumour registry in China. Patient data reported to the NBTRC in years 2019-2020 were assessed. METHODS: Tumour pathology was based on the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumours of the central nervous system and ICD-O-3. The anatomical site was coded per the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) solid tumour module (version of July 2019). The cases were tabulated by histology and anatomical site. Categorical variables were reported as numbers (percentages). The distribution of tumours by age (0-14, 15-19, 20-39, 40-64, and 65+ years) was analysed. FINDINGS: There were a total of 25,537 brain tumours, foremost among them meningioma (23.63%), followed by tumours of the pituitary (23.42%), and nerve sheath tumours (9.09%). Glioblastoma, the most common and lethal form of primary brain cancer in adults, represented 8.56% of all cases. Of note, 6.48% of the malignant tumours were located in the brain stem. The percentage of malignant brain tumours decreased with increasing age, 24.08% in adults (40+ years), 30.25% in young adults (20-39 years), 35.27% in adolescents (15-19 years), and 49.83% in children (0-14 years). Among the 2107 paediatric patients, the most common sites were ventricle (17.19%), brainstem (14.03%), pituitary and craniopharyngeal duct (13.4%), and cerebellum (12.3%), a distribution that differed from that of the entire cohort. The histology distribution was also unique in children, with glioblastoma much less incident compared to the whole cohort (3% vs. 8.47%, INTERPRETATION: The histological and anatomical site distribution of brain tumours in the NBTRC was statistically different in the subgroup of children (0-14 years). Patient choice of pursuing trans-provincial treatment was common and the in-hospital LOS was longer compared to that reported in similar European and American patient populations, which merits further attention. FUNDING: The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2015BAI12B04, 2013BAI09B03, 2014BAI04B01, and 2021YFF1201104) and Chinese National Natural Science Foundation of China (81971668)

Tirofiban for Stroke without Large or Medium-Sized Vessel Occlusion

The effects of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor tirofiban in patients with acute ischemic stroke but who have no evidence of complete occlusion of large or medium-sized vessels have not been extensively studied. In a multicenter trial in China, we enrolled patients with ischemic stroke without occlusion of large or medium-sized vessels and with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 5 or more and at least one moderately to severely weak limb. Eligible patients had any of four clinical presentations: ineligible for thrombolysis or thrombectomy and within 24 hours after the patient was last known to be well; progression of stroke symptoms 24 to 96 hours after onset; early neurologic deterioration after thrombolysis; or thrombolysis with no improvement at 4 to 24 hours. Patients were assigned to receive intravenous tirofiban (plus oral placebo) or oral aspirin (100 mg per day, plus intravenous placebo) for 2 days; all patients then received oral aspirin until day 90. The primary efficacy end point was an excellent outcome, defined as a score of 0 or 1 on the modified Rankin scale (range, 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]) at 90 days. Secondary end points included functional independence at 90 days and a quality-of-life score. The primary safety end points were death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. A total of 606 patients were assigned to the tirofiban group and 571 to the aspirin group. Most patients had small infarctions that were presumed to be atherosclerotic. The percentage of patients with a score of 0 or 1 on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days was 29.1% with tirofiban and 22.2% with aspirin (adjusted risk ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.53, P = 0.02). Results for secondary end points were generally not consistent with the results of the primary analysis. Mortality was similar in the two groups. The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 1.0% in the tirofiban group and 0% in the aspirin group. In this trial involving heterogeneous groups of patients with stroke of recent onset or progression of stroke symptoms and nonoccluded large and medium-sized cerebral vessels, intravenous tirofiban was associated with a greater likelihood of an excellent outcome than low-dose aspirin. Incidences of intracranial hemorrhages were low but slightly higher with tirofiban