This paper examines the relationship between income inequality and consumption, utilizing panel data from rural China over a span of four years to validate the application of relative income theory in the domain of food consumption. Food consumption represents a significant portion of expenditures for the low-income demographic and is of vital importance to China’s food security and agricultural development. To ascertain the impact of income inequality on food consumption, this paper employs a bi-directional fixed-effects model, a mediation effect model, and machine learning causal analysis methods. Utilizing four years of rural resident survey data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey database, the study empirically tests the effect of income inequality on various types of food consumption, the channels through which it operates, and the heterogeneity among different income groups and educational backgrounds. The findings indicate that (1) income inequality within rural communities positively influences food consumption, and this conclusion remains robust under endogeneity treatment and robustness checks, positively affecting the transformation of food consumption and healthy intake; (2) income inequality among rural residents promotes food consumption through two mediating channels: the “demonstration effect” and the “ratchet effect;” (3) the impact of income inequality on food consumption exhibits heterogeneity among rural residents of different income levels and educational backgrounds. Full article

Slamming impacts on water are common occurrences, and the whipping induced by slamming can significantly increase the structural load. This paper carries out an experimental study of the water entry of rigid wedges with various deadrise angles. The drop height and deadrise angle are parametrically varied to investigate the effect of the entry velocity and wedge shape on the impact dynamics. A two-way coupled approach combing CFD method software STAR-CCM+12.02.011-R8 and the FEM method software Abaqus 6.14 is presented to analyze the effect of structural flexibility on the slamming phenomenon for a wedge and a ship model. The numerical method is validated through the comparison between the numerical simulation and experimental data. The slamming pressure, free surface elevation, and dynamic structural response, including stress and strain, in particular, are presented and discussed. The results show that the smaller the inclined angle at the bottom of the wedge-shaped body, the faster the entry speed into the water, resulting in greater impact pressure and greater structural deformation. Meanwhile, studies have shown that the bottom of the bow is an area of concern for wave impact problems, providing a basis for the assessment of ship safety design. Full article

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. polysaccharide (DNP1) showed good anti-inflammatory activity in our previous study. In this study, the structural characterization of DNP1 and its mode of action on TLR4 were investigated. Structural characterization suggested that DNP1 was a linear glucomannan composed of (1 → 4)-β-Manp and (1 → 4)-β-Glcp residues, and the acetyl group was linked to the C-2 of Manp. The possible repeating structural units of DNP1 were [→4)-2-OAc-β-Manp-(1→]₃ →4)-β-Glcp-(1→. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding test results showed that DNP1 did not bind directly to TLR4. The TLR4 and MD2 receptor blocking tests confirmed that DNP1 needs MD2 and TLR4 to participate in its anti-inflammatory effect. The binding energy of DNP1 to TLR4-MD2 was −7.9 kcal/mol, indicating that DNP1 could bind to the TLR4-MD2 complex stably. Therefore, it is concluded that DNP1 may play an immunomodulatory role by binding to the TLR4-MD2 complex and inhibiting the TLR4-MD2-mediated signaling pathway. Full article

Salt stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that damage the structure and composition of cell walls. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) have been advocated to significantly improve plant stress tolerance. The metabolic mechanism by which AOS induces salt tolerance in rice cell walls remains unclear. Here, we report the impact of AOS foliar application on the cell wall composition of rice seedlings using the salt-tolerant rice variety FL478 and the salt-sensitive variety IR29. Data revealed that salt stress decreased biomass, stem basal width, stem breaking strength, and lodging resistance; however, it increased cell wall thickness. In leaves, exogenous AOS up-regulated the expression level of OSCESA8, increased abscisic acid (ABA) and brassinosteroids (BR) content, and increased β-galacturonic activity, polygalacturonase activity, xylanase activity, laccase activity, biomass, and cellulose content. Moreover, AOS down-regulated the expression levels of OSMYB46 and OSIRX10 and decreased cell wall hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin content to maintain cell wall stability under salt stress. In stems, AOS increased phenylalamine ammonia-lyase and tyrosine ammonia-lyase activities, while decreasing cellulase, laccase, and β-glucanase activities. Furthermore, AOS improved the biomass and stem basal width and also enhanced the cellulose, pectin, and lignin content of the stem, As a result, increased resistance to stem breakage strength and alleviated salt stress-induced damage, thus enhancing the lodging resistance. Under salt stress, AOS regulates phytohormones and modifies cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin metabolism to maintain cell wall structure and improve stem resistance to lodging. This study aims to alleviate salt stress damage to rice cell walls, enhance resistance to lodging, and improve salt tolerance in rice by exogenous application of AOS. Full article

Recent discoveries establish DNA and RNA as bona fide substrates for ADP-ribosylation. NADAR (“NAD- and ADP-ribose”-associated) enzymes reverse guanine ADP-ribosylation and serve as antitoxins in the DarT-NADAR operon. Although NADARs are widespread across prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses, their specificity and broader physiological roles remain poorly understood. Using phylogenetic and biochemical analyses, we further explore de-ADP-ribosylation activity and antitoxin functions of NADAR domains. We demonstrate that different subfamilies of NADAR proteins from representative E. coli strains and an E. coli-infecting phage retain biochemical activity while displaying specificity in providing protection from toxic guanine ADP-ribosylation in cells. Furthermore, we identify a myxobacterial enzyme within the YbiA subfamily that functions as an antitoxin for its associated DarT-unrelated ART toxin, which we termed YarT, thus presenting a hitherto uncharacterised ART-YbiA toxin–antitoxin pair. Our studies contribute to the burgeoning field of DNA ADP-ribosylation, supporting its physiological relevance within and beyond bacterial toxin–antitoxin systems. Notably, the specificity and confinement of NADARs to non-mammals infer their potential as highly specific targets for antimicrobial drugs with minimal off-target effects. Full article

In this paper, a novel dual-three-phase dual-rotor flux-switching permanent magnet (PM) (DRFSPM) machine, building upon conventional FSPM machines, is proposed, where the stator is equipped with dual PMs and dual armature windings, enabling it to operate in various working modes and provide fault tolerance in the event of PM or armature winding faults. Depending on the magnetization directions of the PMs, the proposed DRFSPM machine’s structure can be categorized as 6N-DRFSPM or NS-DRFSPM. In order to assess the electromagnetic performance of the proposed DRFSPM machines with two different magnetizing modes, the topology and operating principle of the two DRFSPM machines are introduced first. Then, the no-load air-gap flux density of the two proposed machines is investigated for a more optimized and purposeful design. Finally, a comparison of the electromagnetic performance between the two proposed DRFSPM machines is conducted by finite-element analysis (FEA), and the FEA-predicted results indicate that the proposed 6N-DRFSPM machine outperforms the NS-DRFSPM machine, as it exhibits a larger back-EMF and average torque and a smaller cogging torque and torque ripple. Full article

Individuals with mental health problems are at higher risk of musculoskeletal diseases. However, the association between low muscle mass (LMM) and anxiety symptoms remains uninvestigated. This cross-sectional study enrolled 174,262 adults (73,833 women, 100,429 men), aged 18 to 89, who completed the anxiety scale and body composition analyses. Using bio-electrical impedance analysis, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated based on appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) (kg)/height (m²). LMM was defined as SMI < 7.0 kg/m² in men and <5.4 kg/m² in women. Anxiety symptoms were screened using the Clinical Useful Anxiety Outcome Scale (CUXOS) with cut-off scores of 20, 30, and 40. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. LMM prevalence was 20.17% in women, 3.86% in men (p < 0.001). The prevalence of anxiety symptoms in LMM group decreased from mild (CUXOS > 20: women, 32.74%, men, 21.17%) to moderate (CUXOS > 30: 13.34%, 7.32%), to severe anxiety symptoms (CUXOS > 40: 4.00%, 1.73%). In multivariable-adjusted models, LMM was associated with mild (aOR (95% confidence interval)), women, 1.13 (1.08–1.17); men, 1.17 (1.08–1.27)), moderate (1.17 (1.11–1.24); 1.35 (1.19–1.53) and severe anxiety symptoms (1.18 (1.07–1.3), 1.36 (1.06–1.74)), demonstrating an increased risk of ORs with escalating anxiety severity. LMM was independently associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety symptoms. Full article

Decision-making styles are a habit-based propensity that drive behavior and affect daily life. Rational and intuitive decision-making styles have been associated with good mental health. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. In the last decade, high basal levels of heart rate variability (HRV) have been proposed as an index of health and emotional control, and this could be one of the variables involved in the effects of decision making on health. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the capability of decision-making styles to predict resting HRV. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 199 (119 women) young university students, and a resting ECG was recorded to extract frequency domain HRV variables. Subsequently, participants completed sociodemographic data and the General Decision-Making Style questionnaire (GDMS). Results showed that the intuitive style predicted high-frequency HRV, while the avoidant style predicted less low-frequency HRV. This study presents new data on the relationship between decision-making style and HRV, suggesting that the intuitive style has a cardioprotective effect, while the avoidant style is related to lower HRV, which has been associated with health vulnerability. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of HRV and its potential as a biomarker for cognitive styles that may improve health. Full article

Background: Cholesteatoma is a lesion capable of destroying surrounding tissues, which may result in significant complications. Surgical resection is the only effective treatment; however, the presence of cholesteatoma recidivism is common. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Attic Exposure-Antrum Exclusion (AE-AE) surgical technique in treating cholesteatomas and identifying factors associated with recidivism. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the utility of non-echo-planar diffusion MRI (non-EPI-DWI MRI) in detecting cholesteatoma recidivism in patients undergoing AE-AE surgery. Methods: The study involved 63 patients who underwent AE-AE surgery for primary acquired cholesteatoma and were followed up clinically and radiologically for at least five years. The radiological follow-up included a non-EPI-DWI MRI. Results: Results showed that the AE-AE technique successfully treated cholesteatomas, with a recidivism rate of 5.2%. The study also found that non-EPI-DWI MRI was a useful diagnostic tool for detecting cholesteatoma recidivism, although false positives could occur due to the technique’s high sensitivity. As Preoperative Pure-tone average (PTA) increases, there is a higher probability of cholesteatoma recidivism in imaging tests (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Overall, the study highlights the importance of the AE-AE surgical technique and non-EPI-DWI MRI in managing cholesteatoma recidivism in patients, providing valuable insights into associated risk factors and how to manage recidivism. Non-EPI-DWI MRI can assist in patient selection for revision surgery, reducing unnecessary interventions and associated risks while improving treatment outcomes and patient care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a common comorbidity in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection therapy may mitigate KOA. To further clarify potential patient selection for PRP injection therapy, we compared the outcomes in patients with different body mass index (BMI). Methods: A total of 91 patients with mild to moderate KOA were treated with three intra-articular PRP injections at 10 to 14-day intervals. Range of motion (ROM), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were documented before and after the injections at 15 days, 6 months, 12 months, and at the last follow-up. Outcomes were compared between patients with a BMI over 30 kg/m² (obese, n = 34) and under 30 kg/m² (non-obese, n = 57). Results: Significant difference during the follow-up was detected in WOMAC score at the last follow-up favouring BMI under 30 group [17.8 ± 18.8 versus 10.5 ± 11.7, p = 0.023]. The odds ratio (OR) in BMI over 30 kg/m² group for total knee arthroplasty was 3.5 (95% CI 0.3–40.1, p = 0.553), and OR for any arthroplasty was 7.5 (95% CI 0.8–69.8, p = 0.085) compared to non-obese patients. Conclusions: Obese patients benefitted from PRP injections in KOA but there is a minimal difference favouring non-obese patients in symptom alleviation in follow-up stages after 12 months. The risk of arthroplasty is higher for obese KOA patients. Full article

This study explores the operational implications and safety considerations of using non-primary fuels—AVGAS, MOGAS, and F76 Dieso—in military transport aircraft, against the backdrop of standard aviation fuels. Through an analysis of fuel properties such as vapor pressure, density, viscosity, freeze temperature, water solubility, and thermal conductivity, this work outlines the operational envelopes for the mentioned non-primary fuels, highlighting the temperature and altitude limitations inherent to their use. The evaluation underscores the necessity of relevant testing, certification, and adherence to operational guidelines and constrains to ensure aircraft safety and reliability when standard fuels are unavailable, and hence, non-primary fuels may be required in special missions under emergency. Key findings include the specific altitude and temperature limitations for AVGAS and MOGAS to prevent fuel freezing and boiling, as well as the operational challenges posed by F76 Dieso due to its higher density and viscosity. The study also addresses the importance of managing water content in the fuel system, the flammability range of the non-primary fuels, and the considerations for fuel mixing to maintain aircraft performance and safety standards. This analysis aims to enhance the understanding of non-primary fuel usage in military transport aircraft, providing insights for system design, performance assessment, and the development of operational procedures to support military aviation in diverse operational scenarios. Full article

Layered chalcogenides containing 3d transition metals are promising for the development of two-dimensional nanomaterials with interesting magnetic properties. Both mechanical and solution-based exfoliation of atomically thin layers is possible due to the low-energy van der Waals bonds. In this paper, we present the synthesis and crystal structures of the Mn₂Ga₂S₅ and Mn₂Al₂Se₅ layered chalcogenides. For Mn₂Ga₂S₅, we report magnetic properties, as well as the exfoliation of nanofilms and nanoscrolls. The synthesis of both polycrystalline phases and single crystals is described, and their chemical stability in air is studied. Crystal structures are probed via powder X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The new compound Mn₂Al₂Se₅ is isomorphous with Mn₂Ga₂S₅ crystallizing in the Mg₂Al₂Se₅ structure type. The crystal structure is built by the ABCBCA sequence of hexagonal close-packing layers of chalcogen atoms, where Mn²⁺ and Al³⁺/Ga³⁺ species preferentially occupy octahedral and tetrahedral voids, respectively. Mn₂Ga₂S₅ exhibits an antiferromagnetic-like transition at 13 K accompanied by the ferromagnetic hysteresis of magnetization. Significant frustration of the magnetic system may yield spin-glass behavior at low temperatures. The exfoliation of Mn₂Ga₂S₅ layers was performed in a non-polar solvent. Nanolayers and nanoscrolls were observed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Fragments of micron-sized crystallites with a thickness of 70–100 nanometers were deposited on a glass surface, as evidenced by atomic force microscopy. Full article

Pipe bursts in water distribution networks (WDNs) pose significant threats to the safety of distribution networks, driving attention to deep learning-based burst detection and localization. However, the applicability of different pressure features still needs to be compared and verified. A large number of nodes challenges deep learning with the excessive number of classification categories and low recognition accuracy. To address these problems, this paper extracts different burst pressure features, including pressure value, pressure difference, and pressure fluctuation ratio, and inputs one of these features into a Burst Diagnosis Multi-Stage Model (BDMM) based on three CS-LSTMs (a combination of the Cuckoo Search algorithm and a long short-term memory network). The first model addresses a binary classification problem, outputting labels indicating whether a pipe burst has occurred. The second one solves a multi-classification problem, outputting the label of the burst partition, and the third model also solves a multi-classification problem, outputting the ID of the bursting junction. The model is tested on a real network and outperforms ELM. For basic burst identification tasks using CS-LSTM, differences among the three features are minimal, while pressure difference and pressure fluctuation ratio exhibit superior performance to pressure value when resolving more complex problems like burst junction localization. Full article

Globally, there is growing concern over the presence of lead (Pb) in foods because it is a heavy metal with several toxic effects on human health. However, monitoring studies have not been conducted in Mexico. In this study, we estimated the concentrations of Pb in the most consumed foods and identified those that exceeded the maximum limits (MLs) for Pb in foods established by the International Standards. Based on the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey, 103 foods and beverages were selected and purchased in Mexico City retail stores and markets. Samples were analyzed twice using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Values above the limit of quantification (0.0025 mg/kg) were considered to be detected. The percentage of detected values was 18%. The highest concentration was found in infant rice cereal (1.005 mg/kg), whole wheat bread (0.447 mg/kg), pre-cooked rice (0.276 mg/kg), black pepper (0.239 mg/kg), and turmeric (0.176 mg/kg). Among the foods with detected Pb, the levels in infant rice cereal, whole wheat bread, pre-cooked rice, and soy infant formula exceeded the MLs. The food groups with the highest percentages of exceeded MLs were baby foods (18%) and cereals (11%). Monitoring the concentration of contaminants in foods is essential for implementing food safety policies and protecting consumer health. Full article

The influence of electromagnetic radiation on nuclear processes is applied to an example of a neutrinoless double electron capture (0ν2ec). For cases with X-ray free-electron lasers (X-ray FELs) and/or inverse Compton X-ray sources, it was shown that such a decay can be significantly enhanced by tuning the system to the resonant conditions through the absorption and/or emission of a photon with the decay resonance defect energy Δ. In this case, the 0v2ec decay rate Γ_2e of nuclide Z grew linearly with field intensity (S/S_z) up to the X-ray flux power S_m~Z⁶, while S_z~Z⁶ (Γ/Δ)² with decay width Γ of a daughter atom. For the case of ⁷⁸Kr → ⁷⁸Se − 0ν2eL₁L₁ capture we find S_z~10⁹ W cm⁻² and S_m~10¹⁷ W cm⁻² which indicate a possibility of increasing decay rate to eight orders of magnitude or even larger. Full article

The molecular weight (MW) of an enzyme is a critical parameter in enzyme-constrained models (ecModels). It is determined by two factors: the presence of subunits and the abundance of each subunit. Although the number of subunits (NS) can potentially be obtained from UniProt, this information is not readily available for most proteins. In this study, we addressed this gap by extracting and curating subunit information from the UniProt database to establish a robust benchmark dataset. Subsequently, we propose a novel model named DeepSub, which leverages the protein language model and Bi-directional Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), to predict NS in homo-oligomers solely based on protein sequences. DeepSub demonstrates remarkable accuracy, achieving an accuracy rate as high as 0.967, surpassing the performance of QUEEN. To validate the effectiveness of DeepSub, we performed predictions for protein homo-oligomers that have been reported in the literature but are not documented in the UniProt database. Examples include homoserine dehydrogenase from Corynebacterium glutamicum, Matrilin-4 from Mus musculus and Homo sapiens, and the Multimerins protein family from M. musculus and H. sapiens. The predicted results align closely with the reported findings in the literature, underscoring the reliability and utility of DeepSub. Full article

This study proposed a novel double-layer junction termination structure for vertical diamond-based PN junction diodes (PND). The effects of the geometry and doping concentration of the junction termination structure on the PNDs’ electrical properties are investigated using Silvaco TCAD software (Version 5.0.10.R). It demonstrates that the electric performances of PND with a single n-type diamond layer are sensitive to the doping concentration and electrode location of the n-type diamond. To further suppress the electric field crowding and obtain a better balance between breakdown voltage and on-resistance, a double-layer junction termination structure is introduced and evaluated, yielding significantly improved electronic performances. Those results provide some useful thoughts for the design of vertical diamond PND devices. Full article

A greenhouse experiment was realized to investigate the effects of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on soil quality and the growth, nutrient uptake, and physiological performance of Batavia lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia). For this purpose, six fertilization treatments were applied: (i) inorganic fertilization (I.F.—control, i.e., usual/conventional fertilization), (ii) I.F. + PGPR, (iii) I.F. + PGPR + AMF, (iv) manure (MAN), (v) MAN + PGPR, and (vi) MAN + PGPR + AMF. Soil fertility was influenced by the treatments, and soil respiration (CO₂ flux) was significantly increased after applications of PGPR and AMF. Following MAN fertilization in particular, an approximately sixfold higher soil respiration value was recorded following the MAN + PGPR + AMF treatment compared to the control (I.F.). Root, leaf, and total biomass dry weights were significantly affected by the PGPR and AMF applications, mainly following the I.F. treatment. In contrast, K, Mg, and Fe uptake was significantly influenced by PGPR and AMF application following the MAN treatment. The SPAD value, performance index (PI), photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance were significantly higher in the I.F. + PGPR + AMF-treated plants compared to the control plants. Overall, these data prove the beneficial roles of PGPR and AMF in soil quality and fertility and the nutrient uptake and physiological performance of lettuce plants. However, further clarification is needed in the near future to test the interaction effects between PGPR, AMF, and the type of fertilizer used (organic or inorganic). Full article

Throwing performance is a critical aspect of sports, particularly in overhead activities, necessitating reliable assessment methods. This study explores the test–retest reliability of throwing performance metrics measured by the 1080 Sprint, a robotic device integrating linear position technology and an electric motor. Specifically focusing on professional volleyball athletes with scapular dyskinesis, the study draws data from a previously published investigation on the impact of mirror cross exercise. Thirty-nine athletes were recruited, aged 21.9 ± 3.6 years, height 1.79 ± 0.3 m weight 68.5 ± 19.8 kg, and body mass index 21.3 ± 3.2 kg/m², meeting stringent inclusion criteria. One-sample t-tests indicated no statistically significant differences between test–retest trials. The study revealed excellent reliability of the 1080 Sprint, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values exceeding 0.99 for all metrics, including speed, force, and power. The standard error of measurement (SEM) calculation revealed that the Sprint 1080 motorized resistance device demonstrates high precision in measuring throwing performance. Bland and Altman plots indicated minimal systematic bias across all metrics, encompassing speed, force, and power. The provision of the minimum detectable change (MDC) for each variable of the Sprint 1080 motorized resistance device offers coaches a valuable tool to identify performance improvements in volleyball athletes. In conclusion, the present study shows that the 1080 Sprint is valid and reliable for measuring throwing performance in volleyball athletes for monitoring purposes. Full article

Detecting low concentrations of biomarkers is essential in clinical laboratories. To improve analytical sensitivity, especially in identifying fluorescently labeled molecules, typical optical detection systems, consisting of a photodetector or camera, utilize time-resolved measurements. Taking a different approach, magnetic modulation biosensing (MMB) is a novel technology that combines fluorescently labeled probes and magnetic particles to create a sandwich assay with the target molecules. By concentrating the target molecules and then using time-resolved measurements, MMB provides the rapid and highly sensitive detection of various biomarkers. Here, we propose a novel signal-processing algorithm that enhances the detection and estimation of target molecules at low concentrations. By incorporating both temporally and spatially resolved measurements using human interleukin-8 as a target molecule, we show that the new algorithm provides a 2–4-fold improvement in the limit of detection and an ~25% gain in quantitative resolution. Full article

Aim: To assess the medium and long-term performance of the Endurant stent graft in a cohort of consecutive patients treated with this device for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) both inside and outside of the instructions for use (IFU) and to find factors influencing the outcomes. Methods: Our observational, retrospective, single-center study included all patients who consecutively underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with the Endurant stent graft from February 2009 to January 2023. Patients with an AAA to treat according to current guidelines were included. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 inside of the IFUs and Group 2 outside of the IFUs for the proximal aortic neck. Patients were followed up after the procedure with computed angiography tomography, ultrasound examination, and interviews. Aneurysm-related mortality, procedure-related reinterventions, and type IA and III endoleaks were considered primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints included aneurysmal sac variations and graft thrombosis. Results: A total of 795 patients were included, 650 in Group 1 and 145 in Group 2; 732 were males, and the mean age was 74 ± 8. Anamnestic baseline did not differ between the two groups. Neck length, width, and angulation were different between the two groups (all p < 0.001). A total of 40 patients had a ruptured AAA, while 56 were symptomatic. At a mean follow-up of 43 ± 39 months, aneurysm-related mortality was less than 1%, and 82 endoleak (10.5%) were observed. Overall endoleak rate and type 1A endoleak, as well as procedure-related reintervention, were significantly more frequent in Group 2. Sac regression of at least 5 mm was observed in 65.9% of cases. AAAs larger than 60.5 mm carried a higher risk of endoleak (HR: 1.025; 95% CI: 1.013–1.37; p < 0.001) and proximal necks shorter than 13.5 mm carried a higher type 1A risk (HR: 0.890; 95% CI: 0.836–0.948; p < 0.001). Patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and taking lipid-lowering drugs had an overall more consistent sac-shrinking rate. Conclusions: The Endurant stent graft proves safe and reliable. Out-of-IFU treatment has poorer medium and long-term outcomes. Some conditions influence medium and long-term reintervention risk and sac behavior. Patients with bigger aneurysms, proximal necks shorter than 13.5 mm, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should be more carefully evaluated during follow-up. Consistent follow-up is in keeping low aneurysm-related mortality. Personalized risk profiles and peri and postoperative management strategies are needed. Full article

Nitraria roborowskii Kom. seeds have deep dormancy characteristics. Under natural conditions, the germination rate of the seeds is low, and the germination time is long. Therefore, exploring the reasons for seed dormancy is highly important. The results showed that the extracts of the methanol phase, ethyl acetate phase, petroleum ether phase and water phase of N. roborowskii seeds all had a significant inhibitory effect on the germination rate and germination index of Brassica rapa seeds, among which the extract of the methanol phase had the strongest inhibitory effect, and the inhibitory effect decreased in the following order from the strongest to the weakest: methanol phase > ethyl acetate phase > petroleum ether phase > water phase. The components of the methanol phase, ethyl acetate phase and petroleum ether phase ether extracts of N. roborowskii seeds were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The experimental results showed that the organic phase extracts of N. roborowskii seeds contained a variety of inhibitory compounds, which included 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-dibutyl phthalate; 4-((1E)-3-hydroxy-1-propenyl)-2-methoxyphenol; 13-docosenamide, (Z)-; 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid; vanillin; 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol; and cyclohexane, ethyl-. The seeds of N. roborowskii contain a variety of endogenous inhibitors, which are the main reason for its seed dormancy. Full article