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Uniform NiS 2 nanocubes are successfully synthesized with a microwave-assisted method. Interestingly, NiS 2 nanocubes, nanospheres and nanoparticles are obtained by controlling microwave reaction time. NiS 2 nanomaterials are primarily applied to supercapacitors and cocatalytic enhancing photocatalytic H 2 production. Different morphologies of NiS 2 nanostructures show different electrochemical and cocatalytic enhancing H 2 production activities. Benefited novel nanostructures, NiS 2 nanocube electrodes show a large specific capacitance (695 F g −1 at 1.25 A g −1 ) and excellent cycling performance (the retention 93.4% of initial specific capacitance after 3000 cycles). More importantly, NiS 2 nanospheres show highly cocatalytic enhancing photocatalytic for H 2 evolution, in which the photocatalytic H 2 production is up to 3400 μmol during 12 hours under irradiation of visible light (λ>420 nm) with an average H 2 production rate of 283 μmol h −1 .

Xonghong Xiao and colleagues analyze the challenge of antimicrobial resistance in China. A government strategy to promote rational use of antimicrobials in health care reduced antibiotic sales and percentage of prescriptions for antimicrobials for both hospitalized patients and outpatients, and offers insights to shape future initiatives. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

The dynamics of vegetation changes and phenology serve as key indicators of interannual changes in vegetation productivity. Monitoring the changes in the Nanling grassland ecosystem using the remote sensing vegetation index is crucial for the rational development, utilization, and protection of these grassland resources. Grasslands in the hilly areas of southern China’s middle and low mountains have a high restoration efficiency due to the favorable combination of water and temperature conditions. However, the dynamic adaptation process of grassland restoration under the combined effects of climate change and human activities remains unclear. The aim of this study was to conduct continuous phenological monitoring of the Nanling grassland ecosystem, and evaluate its seasonal characteristics, trends, and the thresholds for grassland changes. The Normalized Difference Phenology Index (NDPI) values of Nanling Mountains’ grasslands from 2000 to 2021 was calculated using MOD09A1 images from the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. The Savitzky–Golay filter and Mann–Kendall test were applied for time series smoothing and trend analysis, and growing seasons were extracted annually using Seasonal Trend Decomposition and LOESS. A segmented regression method was then employed to detect the thresholds for grassland ecosystem restoration based on phenology and grassland cover percentage. The results showed that (1) the NDPI values increased significantly (p < 0.01) across all grassland patches, particularly in the southeast, with a notable rise from 2010 to 2014, and following an eastern to western to central trend mutation sequence. (2) the annual lower and upper NDPI thresholds of the grasslands were 0.005~0.167 and 0.572~0.727, which mainly occurred in January–March and June–September, respectively. (3) Most of the time series in the same periods showed increasing trends, with the growing season length varying from 188 to 247 days. (4) The overall potential productivity of the Nanling grassland improved. (5) The restoration of the mountain grasslands was significantly associated with the grassland coverage and mean NDPI values, with a key threshold identified at a mean NDPI value of 0.5 for 2.1% grassland coverage. This study indicates that to ensure the sustainable development and conservation of grassland ecosystems, targeted management strategies should be implemented, particularly in regions where human factors significantly influence grassland productivity fluctuations.

Social Network Theory and methods have emerged as pivotal tools for dissecting intricate interdisciplinary issues in rural communities. This study aims to systematically delineate the application characteristics and trends of Social Network Analysis (SNA) in rural community research. Using a twofold approach, we integrate a traditional literature review and CiteSpace bibliometric analysis to assess the application status and evolutionary trends of SNA methods in this context. The key findings include the following: ① Chinese research trends: scholars predominantly concentrate on the “three rural” issues (related to agriculture, rural areas, and small-scale farmers) and social support mechanisms for vulnerable rural populations. With policy shifts, rural revitalization, tourism, governance, social trust, and multi-dimensional poverty are poised to emerge as hot topics for the future. For further refinement, we suggest that the application of SNA in rural community research could benefit from content expansion, long-term studies, and innovative modelling techniques. ② Research by international scholars has been primarily directed toward the physical and mental health of rural residents, as well as socioeconomic issues. Despite these studies covering a range of typical cases across various nations, a conspicuous lack of thorough, systematic, and prolonged efforts focused on rural community development in specific regions remains. Additionally, health issues affecting rural residents are expected to sustain long-standing and focused international academic attention. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the current applications and potential future directions of SNA in rural community studies, both in China and internationally.

Broccoli ( Brassica oleracea var. italica ) is one of the most important and nutritious vegetables widely cultivated in China. In the recent four decades, several improved varieties were bred and developed by Chinese breeders. However, the efforts for improvement of broccoli are hindered by limited information of genetic diversity and genetic relatedness contained within the available germplasms. This study evaluated the genetic diversity, genetic relationship, population structure, and fingerprinting of 372 accessions of broccoli representing most of the variability of broccoli in China. Millions of SNPs were identified by whole-genome sequencing of 23 representative broccoli genotypes. Through several stringent selection criteria, a total of 1,167 SNPs were selected to characterize genetic diversity and population structure. Of these markers, 1,067 SNPs were genotyped by target sequencing (GBTS), and 100 SNPs were genotyped by kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) assay. The average polymorphism information content (PIC) and expected heterozygosity (gene diversity) values were 0.33 and 0.42, respectively. Diversity analysis revealed the prevalence of low to moderate genetic diversity in the broccoli accessions indicating a narrow genetic base. Phylogenetic and principal component analyses revealed that the 372 accessions could be clustered into two main groups but with weak groupings. STRUCTURE analysis also suggested the presence of two subpopulations with weak genetic structure. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) identified 13% variance among populations and 87% within populations revealing very low population differentiation, which could be attributed to massive gene flow and the reproductive biology of the crop. Based on high resolving power, a set of 28 KASP markers was chosen for DNA fingerprinting of the broccoli accessions for seed authentication and varietal identification. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study to measure diversity and population structure of a large collection of broccoli in China and also the first application of GBTS and KASP techniques in genetic characterization of broccoli. This work broadens the understanding of diversity, phylogeny, and population structure of a large collection of broccoli, which may enhance future breeding efforts to achieve higher productivity.

Background Circulating serpinB1 levels are increased in obese mice and have been shown to promote β-cell proliferation in several species. However, the data on serum serpinB1 levels in children with obesity are scarce. This study aimed to determine serum serpinB1 levels in children with overweight/obesity, and to study its association with obesity-related parameters. Methods A total of 54 children with overweight/obesity and 36 normal-weight healthy controls aged 6–14 were recruited in this study. Anthropometric parameters, glucolipid metabolic biochemical parameters, sex hormones, and serum serpinB1 levels were measured in all subjects. The association of serum serpinB1 levels with obesity-related parameters and the risk of overweight/obesity were analyzed using correlation analysis and binary regression analysis, respectively. Results The serum serpinB1 level in overweight/obese children was notably greater than in normal-weight controls (2.03 ± 0.70 vs. 1.41 ± 0.58 ng/mL, p  < 0.001). SerpinB1 levels were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), BMI Z-score, triglyceride (TG), uric acid, fasting insulin, C-peptide, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels. Additionally, we found that elevated circulating serpinB1 levels were associated with the increased risk of childhood overweight/obesity even after adjustment for age, gender, and HOMA-IR (odds ratio, 4.132; 95% confidence interval, 1.315–12.983; p  = 0.015). Conclusions Circulating serpinB1 level was significantly increased in children with overweight/obesity and positively associated with obesity-related glucolipid metabolic parameters. These results indicate a close association between serum serpinB1 concentrations and childhood overweight/obesity.

A minority of children born small for gestational age (SGA) may experience catch-up growth failure and remain short in adulthood. However, the underlying causes and mechanisms of this phenomenon are not yet fully comprehended. We reviewed the present state of research concerning the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor axis and growth plate in SGA children who fail to achieve catch-up growth. Additionally, we explored the factors influencing catch-up growth in SGA children and potential molecular mechanisms involved. Furthermore, we considered the potential benefits of supplementary nutrition, specific dietary patterns, probiotics and drug therapy in facilitating catch-up growth.

(1) Background: Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on platelets is increasingly recognized as a pivotal mediator in infection-induced platelet activation and aggregation, contributing to both inflammatory and thrombotic diseases. Targeting TLR2 on platelets offers a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory and thrombotic-related disorders. However, inhibitors targeting platelet TLR2 have not yet been reported. (2) Methods: Platelet aggregation was assessed using a light transmission aggregometer. Platelet activation was evaluated by measuring the release of P-selectin and von Willebrand factor (vWF) via ELISA. Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was quantified using Fluo 3-AM fluorescence, recorded by flow cytometry. Static platelet adhesion was visualized under a microscope, and the formation of platelet–granulocyte aggregates in human whole blood was analyzed by flow cytometry. (3) Results: Fucosylated glycosaminoglycan (FG) tetradecasaccharide HS14 inhibited the activation and aggregation of human platelets induced by the synthetic bacterial lipopeptide Pam3CSK4 in a concentration-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect gives rise to significant anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activities, as evidenced by reduced platelet adhesion and decreased platelet–granulocyte aggregates formation in human whole blood. (4) Conclusions: This study is the first to identify FG oligosaccharide HS14 as a promising inhibitor of platelet TLR2/TLR1, demonstrating significant therapeutic potential for inflammatory and thrombotic-related diseases.

The selectin family constitutes a well-known class of immune-regulatory molecules, among which P-selectin has emerged as a therapeutic target for inflammatory thrombotic diseases due to its capacity to mediate the adhesion between multiple immune cell subsets and endothelial cells. Currently, small-molecule or glycomimetic inhibitors targeting P-selectin have stalled in Phase III clinical trials, with a common limitation being their weak binding affinity to P-selectin. In this study, in vitro competitive binding assays were employed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of structurally distinct fucosylated glycosaminoglycan (FG) oligosaccharides, derived from sea cucumbers, on the interaction between P-selectin and its ligands. A potent inhibitor, the nonasaccharide Ta-9-2 (featuring a novel disaccharide side chain), was identified. Biolayer interferometry (BLI) analysis further confirmed its high binding affinity to P-selectin, with a KD of 83.92 nM. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis reveals that the appropriate glycan chain length, the novel disaccharide side chain (Gal4S6S-α1,2-L-Fuc3S-α1,3), and the favorable sulfation pattern (Fuc2S4S) serve as the molecular basis for potent P-selectin inhibition. This study provides a robust theoretical foundation for the structural optimization of glycomimetic targeting P-selectin, while also offering a new opportunity for the development of high-efficacy drug candidates.