Search

Minute virus of canines (MVC) belongs to the genus Bocaparvovirus (formerly Bocavirus) within the Parvoviridae family and causes serious respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in neonatal canines worldwide. A productive viral infection relies on the successful recruitment of host factors for various stages of the viral life cycle. However, little is known about the MVC‐host cell interactions. In this study, we identified that two cellular proteins (Hsc70 and Hsp70) interacted with NS1 and VP2 proteins of MVC, and both two domains of Hsc70/Hsp70 were mediated for their interactions. Functional studies revealed that Hsp70 was induced by MVC infection, knockdown of Hsc70 considerably suppressed MVC replication, whereas the replication was dramatically promoted by Hsp70 knockdown. It is interesting that low amounts of overexpressed Hsp70 enhanced viral protein expression and virus production, but high amounts of Hsp70 overexpression weakened them. Upon Hsp70 overexpressing, we observed that the ubiquitination of viral proteins changed with Hsp70 overexpression, and proteasome inhibitor (MG132) restored an accumulation of viral proteins. In addition, we verified that Hsp70 family inhibitors remarkably decreased MVC replication. Overall, we identified Hsc70 and Hsp70 as interactors of MVC NS1 and VP2 proteins and were involved in MVC replication, which may provide novel targets for anti‐MVC approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neural circuits of reward processing and interval timing (including the perception and production of temporal intervals) are functionally intertwined, suggesting that it might be possible for momentary reward processing to influence subsequent timing behavior. Previous animal and human studies have mainly focused on the effect of reward on interval perception, whereas its impact on interval production is less clear. In this study, we examined whether feedback, as an example of performance‐contingent reward, biases interval production. We recorded EEG from 20 participants while they engaged in a continuous drumming task with different realistic tempos (1728 trials per participant). Participants received color‐coded feedback after each beat about whether they were correct (on time) or incorrect (early or late). Regression‐based EEG analysis was used to unmix the rapid occurrence of a feedback response called the reward positivity (RewP), which is traditionally observed in more slow‐paced tasks. Using linear mixed modeling, we found that RewP amplitude predicted timing behavior for the upcoming beat. This performance‐biasing effect of the RewP was interpreted as reflecting the impact of fluctuations in reward‐related anterior cingulate cortex activity on timing, and the necessity of continuous paradigms to make such observations was highlighted. This study demonstrated that the reward positivity, an EEG signal associated with reward processing, could be observed in a continuous, naturalistic timing paradigm. By doing so, it provided neural evidence that reward influences subsequent behavioral adjustment, highlighting the interplay between reward processing and interval timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoline‐fused polycyclic scaffolds are virtually universal in biological and pharmaceutical. Here we demonstrate a facile electrooxidative cascade cyclization for indoline‐based derivatives, employing amidyl radicals with ynones under mild conditions. The efficient method enables the formation of two new C−N and C−C bonds in a single step with high regioselectivity. Various indoline‐based tetracyclic 6/5/6/6 skeletons can be achieved through a biscyclization/dehydrogenation cascade process. Additionally, this electrochemical strategy proceeds in a sustainable metal‐ and oxidant‐free condition, with H2 being the solely byproduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The missions in extreme environments such as the moon, the Arctic/Antarctic, and the plateau require the operation of batteries at low temperatures even below the freezing point of water. Herein, it is reported that compressively stressed Co single atoms exhibit enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and enable the effective operation of zinc–air battery at a subzero temperature. The compressive strain is generated by depositing Co single atoms on highly arced carbon layers with ultra‐small curvature radii ≈2 nm. The locally compressive strain on Co single atoms redistributes the electron fillings in d orbitals with different spatial orientations, thereby strengthening the adsorption of active intermediates and enhancing the activity toward ORR. As expected, compressively stressed Co single atoms outperform Co single atoms on a flat support without strain in terms of kinetic current density (31.09 mA cm−2 vs 0.35 mA cm−2) at 0.85 V during ORR. The integration of the catalyst into a Zn–air battery generates a superior power density of 54.8 mW cm−2 than the commercial Pt/C counterpart (24.1 mW cm−2) at −40 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly efficient chlorobenzene‐degrading strain was isolated from the sludge of a sewage treatment plant associated with a pharmaceutical company. The strain exhibited a similarity of over 99.9% with multiple strains of Paenarthrobacter ureafaciens. Therefore, the strain was suggested to be P. ureafaciens LY. This novel strain exhibited a broad spectrum of pollutant degradation capabilities, effectively degrading chlorobenzene and other organic pollutants, such as 1, 2, 4‐trichlorobenzene, phenol, and xylene. Moreover, P. ureafaciens LY co‐metabolized mixtures of chlorobenzene with 1, 2, 4‐trichlorobenzene or phenol. Evaluation of its degradation efficiency showed that it achieved an impressive degradation rate of 94.78% for chlorobenzene within 8 h. The Haldane–Andrews model was used to describe the growth of P. ureafaciens LY under specific pollutants and its concentrations, revealing a maximum specific growth rate (μmax) of 0.33 h−1. The isolation and characterization of P. ureafaciens LY, along with its ability to degrade chlorobenzene, provides valuable insights for the development of efficient and eco‐friendly approaches to mitigate chlorobenzene contamination. Additionally, investigation of the degradation performance of the strain in the presence of other pollutants offers important information for understanding the complexities of co‐metabolism in mixed‐pollutant environments. Significance statement: The degradation efficiency of chlorobenzene in waste gas is difficult to deal with its high volatility and molecular stability. However, the research on treatment technology of typical chlorine‐containing volatile organic compounds is still concerned. A highly efficient chlorobenzene‐degrading strain, identified as Paenarthrobacter ureafaciens LY, was successfully isolated from the sludge of a sewage treatment plant associated with a pharmaceutical factory. Its degradation efficiency was evaluated and found that it achieved an impressive degradation rate of chlorobenzene within 8 h. We believe that our study makes a contribution to the insight into solving the pollution of chlorobenzene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulation of photodissociation dynamics of oriented LiH molecules in different dissociation channels is proposed based on time dependent quantum wave packet theory. The enhancement of molecular orientation on the photodissociation of LiH is obvious with our theoretical scheme. The results show that the molecular orientation in the ground state has a great effect on the angular distributions of wave packets. By using the proper laser pulses and controlling the polarization direction of the laser pulses, the enhancement of the photodissociation could be realized. After the molecular orientation, an optimal dissociation channel is observed with an improved dissociation probability. Compared with the results without molecular orientation, the maximal dissociation probability is increased by 8.1% in the indirect dissociation channel and 30.7% in the direct dissociation channel. The enhancement effect is more obvious in the direct dissociation channel, which provides a possible method to manipulate the dissociation of LiH molecules experimentally. Additionally, the photodissociation process of LiH also relies on the electric intensity and delay time of two pump pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombolytic therapy or percutaneous coronary intervention for myocardial infarction often cause myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) and poor prognosis of patients. This study aimed to explore the protective effect and potential mechanism of hydromorphone hydrochloride (HH) on MIRI. Fifty Sprague–Dawley male rats were randomly divided into Sham group, I/R group, HH‐pre group, HH‐post group, and HH‐pre + post group. Except Sham group, MIRI models were established by ligating and relaxing the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by tail vein injection of HH (0.3 μmol/L) 10 min before ligation (HH‐pre group), 10 min after reperfusion (HH‐post group), and twice at the above two time points (HH‐pre + post group). After intervention, the cardiac function of rats was evaluated by echocardiography, and the levels of myocardial injury markers, oxidative stress indicators, and mitochondrial function indicators were detected. Next, the myocardial infarction area was evaluated by 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, mitochondrial biogenesis, and phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway by western blot. Compared with the I/R group, HH intervention improved cardiac function, decreased myocardial infarction area, reduced serum myocardial injury markers, alleviated oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial function, up‐regulated mitochondrial biogenesis, and activated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, the HH‐pre + post group was superior to the HH‐pre and HH‐post groups in the above aspects. Collectively, HH had protective effect on MIRI rats, and HH preconditioning combined with postconditioning showed optimal efficacy. Such efficacy may be achieved by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis to improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress, and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology explores the use of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) in improving skin barrier damage caused by photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with port-wine stains (PWS). The study involved 58 patients who received PDT treatment and were divided into a GA group and a control group. After 4 weeks of using a GA-based medical dressing, the GA group showed significant improvement in skin roughness and skin barrier function compared to the control group. The study suggests that GA may have immunoregulatory properties that can effectively improve PDT-induced skin damage and may have potential as a treatment for dermatitis. The research was conducted at Wuhan No. 1 Hospital in China and was supported by various funding sources. [Extracted from the article]

Due to the existence of the magnetic pole edge effect, the actual cogging torque of the existing segmented step skew motor does not reach the theoretical minimum. Thus, a method for suppressing cogging torque of permanent magnet synchronous motor considering the magnetic pole edge effect is proposed. The magnetic pole edge effect is creatively converted into the amplitude and phase offset of the cogging torque generated by each pole segment. On this basis, an optimization problem is constructed in which the fundamental component of cogging torque is zero and the total harmonics is minimum. The optimal magnetic pole length and skew angle parameters of each segment are obtained by solving the optimization problem quantitatively. The results can provide theoretical guidance for motor design, which can minimize the cogging torque of step skew structures. The effectiveness of the proposed method in weakening the cogging torque of the step skew motor is demonstrated by theoretical calculation, 3D finite element analysis, and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese exercise ("TCE" management modalities), including but not limited to Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Yijinjing, has a good effect on improving the physical function of patients with knee osteoarthritis, but less attention has been paid to the impact on the psychological health of patients, and currently there is insufficient evidence to support it. We conducted this study to provide a systematic synthesis of best evidence regarding the physical and mental health of patients with knee osteoarthritis treated by traditional Chinese exercise. Literature on the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercise (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Qigong, etc.) versus conventional therapy (muscle‐strength training of the lower extremity and aerobic training, wellness education, quadriceps strengthening exercises, etc.) on Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) from Pubmed, Web of Science, Ovid Technologies, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, and SinoMed were collected from their inception to April 2022. Thirty‐three studies with 2621 cases were included in this study. The study's results indicated that compared with conventional therapy, traditional Chinese exercise had more advantages on patients' WOMAC score, significantly reducing patients' overall WOMAC score (SMD = −0.99; 95% CI: −1.38, −0.60; p < 0.00001) and relieving pain (SMD = −0.76; 95% CI: −1.11, −0.40; p < 0.0001) in patients with KOA. It also has advantages over conventional therapy in improving mental component score (MCS) (SMD = 0.32; 95% CI: −0.00, 0.65; p = 0.05) and physical component score (PCS) (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.62; p = 0.02). Compared with conventional therapy, traditional Chinese exercise can significantly reduce the effect on timed up and go test (TUG) score (SMD = −0.30; 95% CI: −0.50, −0.11; p = 0.002), beck depression inventory (DBI) score (SMD = −0.62; 95% CI: −1.03, −0.22; p = 0.002), and increase the impact on Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.83; p < 0.00001). The findings of this study indicated that traditional Chinese exercise improved body function and mental health in patients with knee osteoarthritis significantly. More high‐quality clinical evidence‐based data was needed to confirm the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese exercise on the physical and mental health in KOA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feedback processing is commonly studied by analyzing the brain's response to discrete rather than continuous events. Such studies have led to the hypothesis that rapid phasic midbrain dopaminergic activity tracks reward prediction errors (RPEs), the effects of which are measurable at the scalp via electroencephalography (EEG). Although studies using continuous feedback are sparse, recent animal work suggests that moment‐to‐moment changes in reward are tracked by slowly ramping midbrain dopaminergic activity. Some have argued that these ramping signals index state values rather than RPEs. Our goal here was to develop an EEG measure of continuous feedback processing in humans, then test whether its behavior could be accounted for by the RPE hypothesis. Participants completed a stimulus–response learning task in which a continuous reward cue gradually increased or decreased over time. A regression‐based unmixing approach revealed EEG activity with a topography and time course consistent with the stimulus‐preceding negativity (SPN), a scalp potential previously linked to reward anticipation and tonic dopamine release. Importantly, this reward‐related activity depended on outcome expectancy: as predicted by the RPE hypothesis, activity for expected reward cues was reduced compared to unexpected reward cues. These results demonstrate the possibility of using human scalp‐recorded potentials to track continuous feedback processing, and test candidate hypotheses of this activity. Our work demonstrates the possibility of using EEG to measure continuous feedback processing in humans. We used a regression‐based approach to reveal continuous feedback activity consistent with previous reports of tonic dopamine release. The activity was greatest for unexpected feedback, in line with the hypothesis that tonic dopamine signals a reward prediction error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inkless and erasable printing (IEP) based on chromic materials holds great promise to alleviate environmental and sustainable problems. Metal–organic polymers (MOPs) are bright platforms for constructing IEP materials. However, it is still challenging to design target MOPs with excellent specific functions rationally due to the intricate component‐structure‐property relationships. Herein, an effective strategy was proposed for the rational design IEP‐MOP materials. The stimuli‐responsive viologen moiety was introduced into the construction of MOPs to give it potential chromic behaviors and two different coordination models (i. e. bilateral coordination model, M1; unilateral coordinated model, M2) based on the same viologen ligand were designed. Aided by theoretical calculations, model M1 was recommended secondarily as a more suitable system for IEP materials. Along this line, two representative viologen‐ZnII MOPs 1 and 2 with models M1 and M2 were synthesized successfully. Experiments exhibit that 1 does have quicker stimuli response, stronger color contrast and longer radical lifetime compared to 2. Significantly, the obtained 1‐IEP media brightly inherits the excellent chromic characteristics of 1 and the flexibility of the paper at the same time, which achieves most daily printing requirements, as well as enough resolution and durability to be used in identification by smart device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This article aimed to study the adjustment and adaptation of resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DPB), oxygen saturation (SpO2), hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), and heart rate (HR) in low‐altitude migrants during a 1‐year stay at high altitude. Materials and Methods: Our study enrolled 35 young migrants who were exposed to a hypoxia environment at 5380 m altitude on the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau between June 21, 2017, and June 16, 2018. We set 14‐time points (the 1st–10th, 20th, 30th, 180th, and 360th day after arriving at 5380 m) for obtaining the measurements of resting SBP, DBP, HR, SpO2, and [Hb] and compared them with the control values recorded prior to migration. Variables with continuous data were summarized as means (SD). One‐way repeated measures ANOVA without assuming sphericity was carried out to test whether the mean values (SBP, DBP, HR, SpO2, and [Hb]) on different days were different significantly. Furthermore, Dunnett's multiple comparisons test was carried out to determine the time points whose values were significantly different from the control values. Results: SBP and DBP were continually increasing within d1‐3 and peaked on the 3rd day, then steadily declined from d3 to d30. SBP fell back to the control values on d10 (p > 0.05), and DBP fell back to the control values on d20 (p > 0.05). A significant decline occurred on d180 (p < 0.05). Both SBP and DBP were lower than the control values on d180 (p < 0.05), and this trend was maintained to d360. There were similar characteristics of HR and BP in the time course at HA. HR on d1‐3 was increasing (p < 0.05) compared to the control values, after which it fell back to the control values on d180 (p > 0.05), and this trend was maintained to d360. SpO2 was the lowest on d1 and lower than the control value throughout the study at HA (p < 0.05). [Hb] increased after long‐term exposure (180 and 360 days) to HA (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study continuously monitored lowlanders at 5380 m in Tibet, and is perhaps the only longitudinal study of migrants conducted at an altitude above 5000 m during a 1‐year period. Our study provides new information on the adjustment and adaptation of [Hb], SpO2, SBP, DBP, and HR in high‐altitude plateau migrants during a 360‐day stay at an altitude of 5380 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel dual linearly‐polarized magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna with wide bandwidth is presented in this letter, where two orthogonally placed Г probes are utilized to realize dual polarizations. In particular, four heptagonal patches are first adopted in lieu of the four conventional rectangular patches to obtain a wider bandwidth. In the sequel, four inverted L‐shaped parasitic elements are loaded on the periphery of the four patches to further enhance the bandwidth of ME dipole antenna. A prototype is fabricated and measured to verify the properties of the proposed antenna. The simulated and measured results show that the overlapped 10 dB bandwidth of 99.2% can be achieved ranging from 1.2 to 3.56 GHz, and the available peak gain can be as high as 12 dBi. Meanwhile, its cross‐polarization level (CRPL) is lower than −22 dB, and the isolation between the two ports is larger than 20 dB across the operating frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the postannealing temperature effects on the surface etching behavior and electron field emission (EFE) properties of the Cu‐implanted microcrystalline diamond (MCD) films, they are subjected to furnace annealing in a temperature range of 600–900 °C under N2 atmosphere at a rapid annealing rate. The etching behavior happens when the samples are annealed at 700 °C and above. The EFE performances enhance first and then decrease with the increasing annealing temperature. The optimum EFE property with a low turn‐on field of 6.42 V μm−1 is obtained after the Cu‐implanted MCD film is annealed at 700 °C. The enhancement in EFE properties originates from the presence of nanographitic phase and the formation of electron‐rich Cu nanoparticles, which encourage a higher efficient electron transport. In contrast, the structural studies reveal that when the samples annealed at 800 °C and above, Cu nanoparticles evaporate from the diamond surface and the sp2‐bonded carbon decomposes. Consequently, etch pits appear on the surface of the MCD sample. Moreover, it demonstrates that graphitization is the dominant mechanism of the diamond surface etching behavior and the enhancing of EFE properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a critical food crop feeding the world, but pathogens threaten its production. Wheat Heat Shock Protein 90.2 (HSP90.2) is a pathogen‐inducible molecular chaperone folding nascent preproteins. Here, we used wheat HSP90.2 to isolate clients regulated at the posttranslational level. Tetraploid wheat hsp90.2 knockout mutant was susceptible to powdery mildew, while the HSP90.2 overexpression line was resistant, suggesting that HSP90.2 was essential for wheat resistance against powdery mildew. We next isolated 1500 clients of HSP90.2, which contained a wide variety of clients with different biological classifications. We utilized 2Q2, a nucleotide‐binding leucine repeat‐rich protein, as a model to investigate the potential of HSP90.2 interactome in fungal resistance. The transgenic line co‐suppressing 2Q2 was more susceptible to powdery mildew, suggesting 2Q2 as a novel Pm‐resistant gene. The 2Q2 protein resided in chloroplasts, and HSP90.2 played a critical role in the accumulation of 2Q2 in thylakoids. Our data provided over 1500 HSP90.2 clients with a potential regulation at the protein folding process and contributed a nontypical approach to isolate pathogenesis‐related proteins. Summary Statement: This work revealed over 1500 clients of wheat Heat Shock Protein 90.2, a highly conserved pathogen molecular chaperone folding a wide range of signal transducers. 2Q2, a chloroplast‐localized nucleotide‐binding leucine repeat‐rich (NB‐LRR) protein, was discovered as a novel powdery mildew‐resistant protein, showing the potential of HSP90.2 chaperome in future plant fungal resistance study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Wheat fixes CO2 by photosynthesis into kernels to nourish humankind. Improving the photosynthesis rate is a major driving force in assimilating atmospheric CO2 and guaranteeing food supply for human beings. Strategies for achieving the above goal need to be improved. Here, we report the cloning and mechanism of CO2ASSIMILATION RATE AND KERNEL‐ENHANCED 1 (CAKE1) from durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). The cake1 mutant displayed a lower photosynthesis rate with smaller grains. Genetic studies identified CAKE1 as HSP90.2‐B, encoding cytosolic molecular chaperone folding nascent preproteins. The disturbance of HSP90.2 decreased leaf photosynthesis rate, kernel weight (KW) and yield. Nevertheless, HSP90.2 over‐expression increased KW. HSP90.2 recruited and was essential for the chloroplast localization of nuclear‐encoded photosynthesis units, for example PsbO. Actin microfilaments docked on the chloroplast surface interacted with HSP90.2 as a subcellular track towards chloroplasts. A natural variation in the hexaploid wheat HSP90.2‐B promoter increased its transcription activity, enhanced photosynthesis rate and improved KW and yield. Our study illustrated an HSP90.2–Actin complex sorting client preproteins towards chloroplasts to promote CO2 assimilation and crop production. The beneficial haplotype of Hsp90.2 is rare in modern varieties and could be an excellent molecular switch promoting photosynthesis rate to increase yield in future elite wheat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field campaign was carried out in the North China Plain (NCP) spanning 4 years and formed a dataset of more than 2,700 planetary boundary layer (PBL) sounding samples (872 in summer and 1,841 in winter). Based on these data, fundamental aspects of the PBL climatology over this region were investigated. First, the ensemble mean features of the PBL were revealed. The maximum PBL height in the daytime reaches 1,079 versus 786 m (summer vs. winter, hereafter the same), while about 200 m at nighttime. The bulk mean temperature and specific humidity across the PBL in summer are significantly higher than those in winter (24.0 vs. −0.5°C; 8.9 vs. 1.7 g⋅kg−1, respectively). Mean wind speed within the PBL keeps almost the same in winter and summer (4.5 m⋅s−1) but with a seasonal difference in wind direction (southerly vs. northwesterly). Second, significant diurnal variations within/above the PBL were quantified. Day‐night temperature contrast is largest near the ground (7.9 vs. 5.1°C), and it decreases with height to almost a constant above the PBL. Diurnal variation amplitude of specific humidity is about 1.0 versus 0.3 g⋅kg−1. Diurnal variation of winds also supports the extended influence of the earth surface across the PBL. Third, the local influence on the PBL over the NCP is also presented. PBL height is higher in the plain centre; temperature is lower in coast than inland; winds in the PBL are strongly modulated by local or mesoscale circulations including the plain wind and sea breeze; low‐level jets are common at summer night over the central and eastern parts of the NCP. Analysis reveals possible energy and water vapour exchange across the PBL, and additional heating mechanism above the PBL (e.g., solar radiation absorption). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous BaTiO3‐based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics with lamellar structure were achieved by ice templating method, and the rheological properties of ceramic slurry for freeze casting were deeply studied. Epoxy resin was then backfilled to generate ceramic–epoxy resin composites. Ceramic–epoxy composites with a lamellar structure were obtained when using a slurry with a ceramic content of 45 wt.%. The nanoindentation results showed that the introduction of ceramic materials into the epoxy resin can significantly improve the penetration resistance and hardness of the material. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the composites were also characterized. The interaction between the highly coupled dipoles in the polymers results in a decrease in the breakdown field strength of the composite. The dielectric constant reached up to ∼800. At 220 kV/cm, Wrec = 0.62 J/cm3, and η was ∼80%. At low frequencies, Wrec was ∼0.16 J/cm3, which indicated good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Arabidopsis RESISTANCE TO POWDERY MILDEW 8.2 (RPW8.2) is specifically induced by the powdery mildew (PM) fungus (Golovinomyces cichoracearum) in the infected epidermal cells to activate immunity. However, the mechanism of RPW8.2‐induction is not well understood.Here, we identify a G. cichoracearum effector that interacts with RPW8.2, named Gc‐RPW8.2 interacting protein 1 (GcR8IP1), by a yeast two‐hybrid screen of an Arabidopsis cDNA library.GcR8IP1 is physically associated with RPW8.2 with its REALLY INTERESTING NEW GENE finger domain that is essential and sufficient for the association. GcR8IP1 was secreted and translocated into the nucleus of host cell infected with PM. Association of GcR8IP1 with RPW8.2 led to an increase in RPW8.2 in the nucleus. In turn, the nucleus‐localized RPW8.2 promoted the activity of the RPW8.2 promoter, resulting in transcriptional self‐amplification of RPW8.2 to boost immunity at infection sites. Additionally, ectopic expression or host‐induced gene silencing of GcR8IP1 supported its role as a virulence factor in PM.Altogether, our results reveal a mechanism of RPW8.2‐dependent defense strengthening via altered partitioning of RPW8.2 and transcriptional self‐amplification triggered by a PM fungal effector, which exemplifies an atypical form of effector‐triggered immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the influence of historical geological and climatic events on the evolution of flora and fauna in the Tibetan Plateau has been a hot research topic. The Qilian Mountain region is one of the most important sources of biodiversity on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. Many species existed in the region during the Pleistocene glacial oscillation, and the complex geographical environment provided suitable conditions for the survival of local species. The shrinkage, expansion, and transfer of the distribution range and population size of species have significant effects on genetic diversity and intraspecific differentiation. To reveal the effects of geological uplift and climate oscillation on the evolution of fish populations in the Qilian Mountains, we investigated the genetic structure, phylogenetic relationship, and phylogeographical characteristics of genus Triplophysa species in the Qilian Mountains using the mitochondrial DNA gene (COI), three nuclear genes (RAG1, sRH, and Myh6) and 11 pairs of nuclear microsatellite markers. We collected 11 species of genus Triplophysa living in the Qilian Mountains, among which Triplophysa hsutschouensis and Triplophysa papillosolabiata are widely distributed in the rivers on the northern slope of the Qilian Mountains. There was a high degree of lineage differentiation among species, and the genetic diversity of endemic species was low. The different geographical groups of T. papillosolabiata presented some allogeneic adaptation and differentiation, which was closely related to the changes in the river system. Except for the population expansion event of T. hsutschouensis during the last glacial period of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (0.025 MYA), the population sizes of other plateau loach species remained stable without significant population expansion. Starting from the east and west sides of the Qilian Mountains, T. hsutschouensis, and T. papillosolabiata showed two species colonization routes in opposite directions. The geological events of the uplift of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and the climatic oscillation of the Quaternary glaciation had a great influence on the genetic structure of the plateau loach in the Qilian Mountains, which promoted the genetic differentiation of the plateau loach and formed some unique new species. The results of this study have important guiding significance for fish habitat protection in the Qilian Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that animal protein foods may increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We therefore examined the NAFLD risk reduction related to substituting plant protein foods for animal protein foods. Methods: The cohort in North China included 14,541 participants from the Tianjin Chronic Low‐Grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) study, and the cohort in South China included 1297 participants from the Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study (GNHS). Dietary intake was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaires. NAFLD was ascertained by abdominal ultrasound. The Cox model was used to fit the substitution analysis. Results: In the TCLSIH cohort, when replacing one type of animal protein food (eggs, processed meat, unprocessed red meat, poultry, and fish) with an equivalent serving of plant protein foods (nuts, legumes, and whole grains), the replacement of animal protein foods with whole grains showed the strongest benefit; substituting one serving per day of whole grains for an equal amount of eggs (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79, 1.00), processed meat (HR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.91), unprocessed red meat (HR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.81, 1.00), poultry (HR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.92), or fish (HR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.97) was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD. In both the TCLSIH and GNHS cohorts, replacing poultry with fish, nuts, legumes, or whole grains was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD. When different numbers of protein foods were simultaneously replaced, the risk reduction of NAFLD was stronger. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that replacing animal protein foods with plant protein foods is related to a significant reduction in NAFLD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipocalins exhibit functional diversity, including roles in retinol transport, invertebrate cryptic coloration, and stress response. However, genome‐wide identification and characterization of lipocalin in the insect lineage have not been thoroughly explored. Here, we found that a lineage‐specific expansion of the lipocalin genes in Lepidoptera occurred in large part due to tandem duplication events and several lipocalin genes involving insect coloration were expanded more via tandem duplication in butterflies. A comparative analysis of conserved motifs showed both conservation and divergence of lepidopteran lipocalin family protein structures during evolution. We observe dynamic changes in tissue expression preference of paralogs in Bombyx mori, suggesting differential contribution of paralogs to specific organ functions during evolution. Subcellular localization experiments revealed that lipocalins localize to the cytoplasm, nuclear membrane, or nucleus in BmN cells. Moreover, several lipocalin genes exhibited divergent responses to abiotic and biotic stresses, and 1 lipocalin gene was upregulated by 300 fold in B. mori. These results suggest that lipocalins act as signaling components in defense responses by mediating crosstalk between abiotic and biotic stress responses. This study deepens our understanding of the comprehensive characteristics of lipocalins in insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: An LC–MS/MS method was established to measure tigecycline in dried blood spots (DBSs). Methods: The DBS specimens obtained by applying 30 μl of blood to filter paper were extracted with hydrogen oxide and subsequently precipitated protein with perchloric acid, then the extract was directly analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. A Hypersil GOLD aQ column was utilized for separating the analytes, and detection was carried out in positive and selective reaction monitoring modes. The precursors to product ion transitions m/z 586.3 → 513.1 and m/z 586.3 → 569.2 were monitored for tigecycline, and m/z 473.2 → 456.0 and m/z 473.2 → 367.0 for 9‐amino minocycline as internal standard. Results: The validation parameters of specificity and selectivity, linearity (0.02–5 μg ml−1), sensitivity (limit of quantification 0.02 μg ml−1), intra‐ and interday precision (within 15%) and relative error (within ±15%) were acceptable. The recoveries were from 84.65% to 90.49% and from 85.41% to 95.72% for tigecycline and internal standard, respectively, and the matrix effect was not evident to influence accuracy. The impact of hematocrit on measurement of the analyte was negligible, and after preserving at ambient temperature for 24 h and at 4°C for 1 month it remained steady. Conclusions: The advantages of nonintrusive blood collection and micro‐volume sample requirements make DBS a potent surrogate to conventional venepuncture for sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of a back propagation neural network was optimized by a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and a back propagation neural network model based on a PSO algorithm was constructed. By comparison with a general back propagation neural network and logistic regression, the fitting performance and prediction performance of the PSO algorithm is discussed. Furthermore, based on the back propagation neural network optimized by the PSO algorithm, the risk factors related to hypertension were further explored through the mean influence value algorithm to construct a risk prediction model. In the evaluation of the fitting effect, the root mean square error and coefficient of determination of the back propagation neural network based on the PSO algorithm were 0.09 and 0.29, respectively. In the comparison of prediction performance, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the back propagation neural network based on PSO algorithm were 85.38%, 43.90%, 96.66%, and 0.86, respectively. The results showed that the backpropagation neural network optimized by PSO had the best fitting effect and prediction performance. Meanwhile, the mean impact value algorithm could screen out the risk factors related to hypertension and build a disease prediction model, which can provide clues for exploring the pathogenesis of hypertension and preventing hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new luminescent CdII compound, poly[[μ2‐1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene]{μ2‐5‐[(3‐carboxylphenoxy)methyl]isophthalato}cadmium(II)], [Cd(C16H10O7)(C12H10N4)]n or [Cd(HL)(1,4‐bib)]n {H3L is 5‐[(3‐carboxyphenoxy)methyl]isophthalic acid and 1,4‐bib is 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene}, I, has been synthesized successfully from CdII and a semirigid tricarboxylic ligand under hydrothermal conditions. Structure analysis shows that I is a two‐dimensional structure with the point symbol {44.62}. The three‐dimensional framework is constructed by O—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. Furthermore, the obtained CdII compound displays high solvent stability and excellent thermal stability, as shown by powder X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetry measurements. Studies of the luminescence properties reveal that compound I can act as a promising luminescent sensor for detecting FeIII cations and CrVI oxyanions with high selectivity and low detection limits (0.19 µM for Fe3+ and 1.13 µM for Cr2O72−), and is additionally free from the interference of other ions. The mechanism of selective quenching was studied by measuring the UV–Vis absorption of the host compound and the target analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Previous studies have shown that the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness as surrogate of the optic nerve decreases with longer axial length. We explored which explanatory parameters might explain that association. Methods: Participants of the population‐based Beijing Eye Study 2011 without any retinal or optic nerve disease were selected based on a refractive error‐based stratified randomization. Results: The study included of 632 participants (age: 59.1 ± 7.3 years; axial length: 23.5 ± 1.2 mm; range: 20.88–28.68 mm). Thicker RNFL (mean: 101.0 ± 10.0 μm) was associated (multivariable analysis) with smaller parapapillary gamma zone (defined as Bruch's membrane‐free parapapillary region) (standardized regression coefficient beta: −0.13; non‐stadardized regression coefficient B: −0.008; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.014, −0.003; p = 0.005) and shorter disc‐fovea distance (beta: −0.15; B: −3.91; 95% CI: −6.60; −1.22; p = 0.004), after adjusting for age (beta: −0.22; B: −030; 95% CI: −0.41, −0.19; p < 0.001), gender (beta: 0.12; B: 2.37; 95% CI 0.77, 3.97; p = 0.004) and larger optic disc area (beta: 0.12; B: 0.12; 95% CI: 2.14; 95% CI: 0.54, 3.73; p = 0.009). RNFL thickness decreased by 8 μm (95% CI: 3, 14) for each mm increase in gamma zone width, and by 3.91 μm (95% CI: 1.22, 6.60) for each mm elongation of the disc‐fovea distance. If disc‐fovea distance and gamma zone width were replaced by axial length, the latter was correlated with RNFL thickness (beta: −0.37; B: −3.12; 95% CI: −3.88, −2.35; p < 0.001). Longer disc‐fovea distance was directly associated with larger gamma zone (beta: 0.50; B: p < 0.001). Conclusions: The RNFL thickness decrease with longer axial length is associated with a longer optic disc‐fovea distance and larger parapapillary gamma zone. Longer disc‐fovea distance and larger gamma zone lead to an elongation and stretching of the retinal nerve fibres, potentially causing a thinning or loss of the nerve fibres. It may explain the occurrence of visual field defects in some non‐glaucomatous highly myopic eyes without macular correlates of the perimetric defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Probiotics exhibit antibiotic properties and are capable of treating certain bacterial infections, including diarrhea. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with multispecies probiotic (MSP) on diarrhea, average daily gain (ADG) and intestinal development of neonatal calves challenged with Escherichia coli K99. RESULTS: Thirty‐six neonatal Holstein calves were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. After E. coli K99 challenge, calves in the control (C) and MSP treatment groups had significantly higher ADG and feed efficiency, and significantly lower fecal scores than those of calves in the diarrhea (D) group. The mean time of diarrhea resolution was 4.5 and 3.1 days for calves in the D and MSP treatment groups, respectively. Furthermore, the structures of the various segments (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) of the small intestine of the calves, activities of several small intestinal enzymes, and expression of several energy metabolism‐related genes in the small intestine segments were significantly affected by MSP treatments. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation of MSP had a positive effect in treating calf diarrhea; it improved ADG and feed efficiency and promoted development of the small intestine. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Many rice microRNAs have been identified as fine‐tuning factors in the regulation of agronomic traits and immunity. Among them, Osa‐miR535 targets SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein‐like 14 (OsSPL14) to positively regulate tillers but negatively regulate yield and immunity. Here, we uncovered that Osa‐miR535 targets another SPL gene, OsSPL4, to suppress rice immunity against Magnaporthe oryzae. Overexpression of Osa‐miR535 significantly decreased the accumulation of the fusion protein SPL4TBS‐YFP that contains the target site of Osa‐miR535 in OsSPL4. Consistently, Osa‐miR535 mediated the cleavage of OsSPL4 mRNA between the 10th and 11th base pair of the predicted binding site at the 3′ untranslated region. Transgenic rice lines overexpressing OsSPL4 (OXSPL4) displayed enhanced blast disease resistance accompanied by enhanced immune responses, including increased expression of defense‐relative genes and up‐accumulated H2O2. By contrast, the knockout mutant osspl4 exhibited susceptibility. Moreover, OsSPL4 binds to the promoter of GH3.2, an indole‐3‐acetic acid‐amido synthetase, and promotes its expression. Together, these data indicate that Os‐miR535 targets OsSPL4 and OsSPL4‐GH3.2, which may parallel the OsSPL14‐WRKY45 module in rice blast disease resistance. Significance Statement: Previously, Osa‐miR535 was identified to target SPL14 to regulate rice immunity. Here, we identified that Osa‐miR535 targets another SPL family gene, OsSPL4. OsSPL4 binds the promoter of GH3.2 to positively regulate rice immunity, which functionally parallels with OsSPL14‐WRKY45 module downstream of Osa‐miR535. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a multimodal deep learning (DL) model using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images for the assessment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: This retrospective and cross‐sectional study was performed at a multicentre, and the inclusion criteria were age >50 years and a diagnosis of typical neovascular AMD. The OCT and OCTA data for an internal data set and two external data sets were collected. A DL model was developed with a novel feature‐level fusion (FLF) method utilized to combine the multimodal data. The results were compared with identification performed by an ophthalmologist. The best model was tested on two external data sets to show its potential for clinical use. Results: Our best model achieved an accuracy of 95.5% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9796 on multimodal data inputs for the internal data set, which is comparable to the performance of retinal specialists. The proposed model reached an accuracy of 100.00% and an AUC of 1.0 for the Ningbo data set, and these performance indicators were 90.48% and an AUC of 0.9727 for the Jinhua data set. Conclusion: The FLF method is feasible and highly accurate, and could enhance the power of the existing computer‐aided diagnosis systems. The bi‐modal computer‐aided diagnosis (CADx) system for the automated identification of CNV activity is an accurate and promising tool in the realm of public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The involvement of inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) in neuropathic pain has been established. However, there is limited understanding of the downstream mechanism through which Kir4.1 contributes to orofacial neuropathic pain. The objective of this study was to examine the regulation of Kir4.1 on the expression of pannexin 3 (Panx3) in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and the underlying mechanism in the context of orofacial neuropathic pain caused by chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI‐ION). The study observed a significant increase in Panx3 expression in the TG of mice with CCI‐ION. Inhibition of Panx3 in the TG of CCI‐ION mice resulted in alleviation of orofacial mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, conditional knockdown (CKD) of Kir4.1 in the TG of both male and female mice led to mechanical allodynia and upregulation of Panx3 expression. Conversely, overexpression of Kir4.1 decreased Panx3 levels in the TG and relieved mechanical allodynia in CCI‐ION mice. In addition, silencing Kir4.1 in satellite glial cells (SGCs) decreased Panx3 expression and increased the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK. Moreover, silencing Kir4.1 in SGCs increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The elevated phosphorylation of P38 MAPK resulting from Kir4.1 silencing was inhibited by using a superoxide scavenger known as the tempol. Silencing Panx3 in the TG in vivo attenuated the mechanical allodynia caused by Kir4.1 CKD. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the reduction of Kir4.1 promotes the expression of Panx3 by activating the ROS‐P38 MAPK signalling pathway, thus contributing to the development of orofacial neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a letter to the editor discussing the cognitive impairment experienced by individuals with sickle cell anemia (SCA). The authors conducted a study to assess the cognitive function of individuals with SCA and found that executive function was significantly impaired, particularly with increasing age. However, they also noted that individuals with SCA demonstrated near-normal performance in the cognitive subdomains of memory and processing speed. The authors suggest that future clinical trials for SCA should include cognitive outcomes, with a focus on executive function, to better understand the long-term cognitive effects of the disease and optimize treatment strategies. [Extracted from the article]

The blood brain barrier (BBB) limits the application of most therapeutic drugs for neurological diseases (NDs). Hybrid cell membrane‐coated nanoparticles derived from different cell types can mimic the surface properties and functionalities of the source cells, further enhancing their targeting precision and therapeutic efficacy. Neuroinflammation has been increasingly recognized as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of various NDs, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, a novel cell membrane coating is designed by hybridizing the membrane from platelets and chemokine (C–C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) cells are overexpressed to cross the BBB and target neuroinflammatory lesions. Past unsuccessful endeavors in AD drug development underscore the challenge of achieving favorable outcomes when utilizing single‐mechanism drugs.Two drugs with different mechanisms of actions into liposomes are successfully loaded to realize multitargeting treatment. In a transgenic mouse model for familial AD (5xFAD), the administration of these drug‐loaded hybrid cell membrane liposomes results in a significant reduction in amyloid plaque deposition, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairments. Collectively, the hybrid cell membrane‐coated nanomaterials offer new opportunities for precise drug delivery and disease‐specific targeting, which represent a versatile platform for targeted therapy in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper addresses a trajectory tracking control problem for marine surface vessels (MSVs) in the presence of mismatched conditions and input saturation. Firstly, an MSV model under mismatched conditions is established to solve the problem of unreasonable modeling methods in the existing literature. Secondly, fixed‐time disturbance observers (FXDOs) are designed, where the designed FXDOs not only avoid selecting complicated parameters but also has simple structures, and the disturbance estimation errors can converge to the origin within a setting time. Thirdly, based on the FXDOs and an anti–saturation auxiliary dynamic system, a trajectory tracking control scheme in the presence of mismatched conditions and input saturation is constructed by virtue of fixed‐time integral sliding mode control (SMC), and the actual tracking error signals are uniformly fixed‐time bounded rather than finite‐time one. Fourthly, in order to decrease theoretical calculation values of the original setting time in fixed‐time control, the new setting time under three different parameter conditions is derived, and thus reducing the conservatism. Finally, the simulation results are provided to show the effectiveness and superiority of the designed tracking control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self‐perceptions of ageing (SPA) is an important predictor for physical and mental health of older adults in successful ageing. SPA is mainly studied from negative or positive perspectives using variable‐centred methodologies. The aim of the current study was to explore distinct profiles of SPA among Chinese community‐dwelling older adults using a person‐centred method and validate the SPA profiles by examining associations with psychological outcomes. Methods: Participants aged 65 and over were randomly divided into test and validation samples (n = 451, respectively). SPA was measured by the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire using latent profile analysis. Results: Three SPA profiles were identified. One adaptive subgroup was designated as 'Low ageing awareness and high positive control' (LAPC, 84.7% and 75% in both samples, respectively). Two maladaptive SPA subgroups were designated as 'Low positive consequences and control' (LPCC, 3.9% and 8.2% in both samples, respectively), and 'High ageing awareness and negative control' (HANC, 11.4% and 16.8% in both samples, respectively). Similar to negative/positive SPA, the HANC and LAPC subgroups showed the highest and lowest levels of depressive symptoms and cognitive decline. Low cognitive function was found in the LPCC subgroup. Conclusions: These findings highlight the heterogeneity of older adults' SPA. SPA profiles may aid community healthcare providers in China to identify individuals with high risk of maladaptive SPA and to tailor targeted interventions for psychological health in later life. Distinct SPA profiles require different interventions targeting negative or positive control or both aspects. More positive control strategies might be beneficial for cognitive functioning in older adults from the LPCC subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Witnessed by the rapid increase of power conversion efficiency to 25.5%, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are becoming promising candidates of next‐generation photovoltaics. However, PSCs can be unstable under the influence of light and bias. Especially, grain boundaries (GBs) are vulnerable to attack by light and bias in perovskite films, leading to degradation of photovoltaic properties of PSCs. Herein, photocurrent atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy are employed to systematically investigate the bias‐dependent charge transport behaviors and stability of (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 perovskite under working condition. Bias‐dependent morphology and photocurrent images show irreversible decomposition of the perovskite at a bias of 0.1 V or below, which is accelerated by light illumination, leading to formation of an interfacial layer that restricts carrier transport. Meanwhile, GBs appear to enhance carrier transport at larger bias, but serve as breakthrough sites for perovskite decomposition at smaller bias. Introducing excess methylammonium iodide promotes decomposition, while potassium iodide passivation greatly relieves the decomposition. These results support the ion migration mechanism of decomposition through interfaces and GBs. This work provides a deeper understanding of bias‐induced degradation of PSCs as well as bias‐dependent double‐edged roles of GBs, and forms valuable guidance for appropriate operation of PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The progression of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is critical to treatment decisions in clinical practice. The disease can be classified into four categories namely, drusen, inactive choroidal neovascularization (CNV), active CNV, and normal, according to severity based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Interpreting numerous OCT images is still time‐consuming and labor‐intensive, especially for the detection of the CNV activity. To address this problem, we developed a deep learning (DL) system based on OCT images, with the assistance of an attention mechanism, to automatically diagnose AMD. Methods: A public dataset (total 51,140 OCT images) and a private dataset (total 4951 OCT images) were utilized as a training dataset and a clinical validation dataset, respectively, to develop the DL model. A ResNet‐34 DL model, with convolutional block attention module (CBAM) block integrated into each unit, was pretrained on the public dataset first and then finetuned on our private dataset to automatically diagnose AMD and assist clinical decision‐making. GradCam, a visualization technique, was used to improve the interpretability of our model. Results: The precision and recall of our model were, respectively, 84.3% and 87.3% for drusen, 81.2% and 80.0% for inactive CNV, 97.7% and 90.2% for active CNV, and 93.7% and 96.5% for normal. The area under the curve (AUC) corresponding to drusen, inactive CNV, active CNV, and normal for our model reached 0.9395, 0.9476, 0.9880, and 0.9925, respectively. The heatmaps indicated a high level of correspondence in the region of interest between our model and ophthalmologists on the diagnosis. Conclusions: The implementation of finetuning and attention mechanism improve the performance of our model in a distinct dataset. Our model successfully assisted in the diagnosis of AMD and achieved a detection precision and recall equal to those of ophthalmologists. The results of our study could contribute to the precise diagnosis of and decision‐making regarding AMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signaling pathways mediated by corticotropin‐releasing factor and its receptor 1 (CRF1) play a central role in stress responses. Dysfunction of the CRF system has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. However, dynamic changes in the CRF system during brain development and aging are not well investigated. In this study, we characterized CRF1, CRF, and corticotropin‐releasing factor binding protein (CRFBP) expression in different brain regions in both male and female C57BL/6J mice from 1 to 18 months of age under basal conditions as well as after an acute 2‐hr‐restraint stress. We found that CRF and CRF1 levels tended to increase in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, and to decrease in the prefrontal cortex with aging, especially at 18 months of age, whereas CRFBP expression followed an opposite direction in these brain areas. We also observed area‐specific sex differences in the expression of these three proteins. For example, CRF expression was lower in females than in males in all the brain regions examined except the prefrontal cortex. After acute stress, CRF and CRF1 were up‐regulated at 1, 6, and 12 months of age, and down‐regulated at 18 months of age. Females showed more robust changes compared to males of the same age. CRFBP expression either decreased or remained unchanged in most of the brain areas following acute stress. Our findings suggest that brain CRF1, CRF, and CRFBP expression changes dynamically across the lifespan and under stress condition in a sex‐ and regional‐specific manner. Sex differences in the CRF system in response to stress may contribute to the etiology of stress‐related neuropsychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonium carbonate is used as an attractant for many fruit flies since it releases ammonia in humid atmospheres, which is attractive to them. For integrated pest management in the field, and as part of an 'attract‐and‐kill' strategy, it is necessary to prolong the release period of ammonia from the ammonium carbonate and combine it with an insecticide. To achieve this, we combined ammonium carbonate with spinosad in slow‐release microspheres. The microspheres were prepared using gelatin and polylactic acid as capsule materials. An orthogonal test was used to optimize the parameters needed for production. Particles produced using the optimal parameters were uniform in size (55.5 μm diameter), the spinosad encapsulation rate was 98.1%, the encapsulation concentration of ammonium carbonate was 2.6 mg/g, and they had a longer release period than when the components were not encapsulated. In a field experiment, rates of damage to sea buckthorn by Rhagoletis batava obseuriosa Kol. (Diptera, Tephritidae) (RBO) were 16.05 ± 1.15% in the treatment subplots compared with 81.75 ± 1.50% in the control subplot; the mean number of RBO trapped per trap per day was 21.2 ± 6.3 (SE) in the treatment subplots and 130.8 ± 27.5 (SE) in the control subplot, respectively. Therefore, using composite microspheres has potential as an effective method for control of RBO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in blood pressure, oxygen saturation, hemoglobin concentration, and heart rate among low-altitude migrants living at high altitude (5380 m) for 360 days. Assuming that the [Hb] on day 30 was equal to that on day 0, then SpO SB 2 sb exhibits a weak negative correlation ( I r i = -0.240, I p i = .014) with [Hb]. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. [Extracted from the article]

The excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play vital roles in neointimal hyperplasia and vascular restenosis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4, a key transcription factor for maintaining stem cells in de‐differentiated state) on neointima formation in response to vascular injury. Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot results displayed a significant increase of OCT4 levels in injured carotid arteries. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays confirmed that the increased OCT4 expression was primarily localized in α‐SMA‐positive VSMCs from neointima, and colocalized with PCNA in the nuclei of VSMCs. Adenovirus‐mediated OCT4 overexpression in injured carotid arteries exacerbated intimal thickening, while OCT4 knockdown significantly inhibited intimal thickening. In‐vitro experiments confirmed that the increased OCT4 expression in VMSCs could be induced by platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) in a time‐dependent manner. Overexpression of OCT4 greatly promoted VSMCs proliferation and migration, while OCT4 knockdown significantly retarded the PDGF‐BB‐induced excessive proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Bioinformatics analysis, dual‐luciferase reporter assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed that OCT4 could upregulate matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2) expression through promoting its transcription. Moreover, knockdown of MMP2 significantly attenuated OCT4‐mediated VSMCs proliferation and migration. These results indicated that OCT4 facilitated neointimal formation in response to vascular injury by MMP2‐mediated VSMCs proliferation and migration, and targeting OCT4 in VSMCs might be a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Physical exercise has obvious effects on bone loss, pain relief, and improvement of bone metabolism indexes in patients with osteoporosis, but currently lacks sufficient evidence. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to synthesize and present the best available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of exercises in the treatment of primary osteoporosis. Methods: Publications pertaining to the effectiveness of exercise on bone mineral density (BMD), visual analog scores (VAS), and biochemical markers of bone metabolism in primary osteoporosis (POP) from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, VIP, CNKI, and Wanfang Database were retrieved from their inception to April 2020. Results: A total of 20 studies with 1824 participants were included. The results of the meta‐analysis revealed that exercise therapy for lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD is statistically different from conventional therapy (lumbar spine BMD: SMD = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.46, 1.10, P < 0.00001, I2 = 85%; femoral neck BMD (SMD = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.34, 1.27, P = 0.0007, I2 = 88%), exercise therapy can significantly increase the lumbar spine BMD of patients with OP, especially in lumbar spine2‐4 BMD (SMD = 0.47; 95%CI: 0.20, 0.75; P = 0.0008; I2 = 69%). Compared with conventional treatment, kinesitherapy also has significant differences in alleviating the pain of POP patients (SMD = −1.39, 95%CI: −2.47,−0.31, P = 0.01, I2 = 97%). Compared with conventional therapy, kinesitherapy has no significant difference in improving biochemical markers of bone metabolism such as bone glaprotein (BGP) (SMD = 2.59, 95%CI:0.90, 4.28, P = 0.003, I2 = 98%), N‐terminal pro peptide of type I procollagen (PINP) (SMD = 0.77, 95%CI: −0.44 to 1.98, P = 0.21, I2 = 95%), serum phosphorus (SMD = 0.04, 95%CI: −0.13, 0.22, P = 0.61, I2 = 30%), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (SMD = −0.08, 95%CI: −0.44, 0.27, P = 0.64, I2 = 76%), and serum calcium (SMD = 0.12, 95%CI: −0.18, 0.43, P = 0.42, I2 = 63%) in POP patients. Conclusions: Kinesitherapy significantly improved lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD, and relieve the pain of patients in the current low‐quality evidence. Additional high‐quality evidence is required to confirm the effect of exercise therapy on the biochemical markers of bone metabolism in POP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An iron (II) complex with oxazoline and pyrrole functional groups was prepared and used to catalyze the epoxidation of alkenes by m‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid. The iron (II) complex exhibited good catalytic activity for the epoxidation of aromatic terminal alkenes and cyclic alkene in acetonitrile. The 99.7 % conversion of styrene with 91.2 % selectivity of styrene oxide was achieved after reaction 30 minutes at 25 °C. The auxiliary ligands, solvents and oxidants are sensitive to the epoxidation reaction. A possible catalytic mechanism for epoxidation of alkene was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is known to prevent allergic rhinitis and asthma. Blocking the Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CysLTR1), one of the primary receptors of leukotrienes, has been demonstrated to be efficacious in ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), through disrupting chemotaxis of infiltrating T cells. However, the role of CysLTR1 in the pathogenesis of MS is not well understood. Here, we show that MS patients had higher expression of CysLTR1 in the circulation and central nervous system (CNS). The majority of CD4+ T cells expressed CysLTR1 in MS lesions. Among T‐cell subsets, Th17 cells had the highest expression of CysLTR1, and blocking CysLTR1 signalling abrogated their development in vitro. Inhibition of CysLTR1 by montelukast suppressed EAE development in both a prophylactic and therapeutic manner and inhibited myelin loss in EAE mice. Similarly, the in vivo results showed that montelukast inhibited Th17 response in EAE mice and that Th17 cells treated with montelukast had reduced encephalitogenic in adoptive EAE. Our findings strongly suggest that targeting Th17 response by inhibiting CysLTR1 signalling could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MS and CNS inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Yoghurt‐flavoured bases have many applications in food industry, but the poor stability in the volatile compounds limits their applications. In this study, the morphology and physicochemical properties of yoghurt‐flavoured base microcapsules were evaluated with four different wall materials including chitosan, β‐cyclodextrin, octenyl succinate anhydride and maltodextrin solution by spray drying. The encapsulation efficiencies of these four microcapsule formulations exceeded 93%. Microcapsules produced by chitosan possessed the best physical properties with improved encapsulation efficiency and smooth microstructure, so chitosan was selected as the encapsulating material of yoghurt‐flavoured bases. Compared with those without chitosan, the encapsulated yoghurt‐flavoured bases with chitosan had smaller particle size, better water solubility and moisture resistance as well as better stability. Furthermore, microencapsulation and spray drying technology can preserve many volatile compounds and the proportion of ketones, aldehydes, alcohols and other compounds increased. Hence, chitosan is a microcapsule material suitable for outputting solid yoghurt‐flavoured bases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the texture of hog maw and the degradation of Types I and III collagen in the intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) of hog maw at different cooking temperatures (75–95°C) and times (50–130 min). The cooking loss, shear force, collagen content, collagen solubility, and IMCT strength of hog maw cooked in water baths were measured. The instrumental texture profile analysis showed that the brittleness, springiness, chewiness and hardness of the cooked hog maw significantly increased with the increase of cooking temperature, while the hardness, springiness and chewiness increased first and then decreased with increasing cooking time. Cooking loss exhibited a 38% increase between the raw meat and meat cooked at 95°C. The collagen solubility significantly increased from 5.5 mg/g for raw meat to 8.6 mg/g for meat cooked at 95°C, accompanied by decreases in the shear force and IMCT strength associated with the increase in cooking temperature and time. These results show that the texture and collagen characteristics of hog maw are dramatically affected by the cooking temperature and time. Sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis and immunofluorescence staining further showed that collagen degradation occurred after cooking, and the degradation of Type I collagen was higher than that of Type III collagen. These results indicated that the degradation of Type I collagen was mainly responsible for the sensory and textural improvements of the cooked hog maw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is caused by PKLR gene mutations, leading to defective red blood cell glycolysis and hemolytic anemia. Rates of comorbidities and complications by transfusion history and relative to the general population remain poorly quantified. Methods: Data for patients aged ≥ 18 years with two confirmed PKLR mutations were obtained from the PK deficiency Natural History Study (NCT02053480). Frequencies of select conditions were compared with an age‐ and sex‐matched cohort from a general insured US population without PK deficiency. Results: Compared with the matched population (n = 1220), patients with PK deficiency (n = 122) had significantly higher lifetime rates of osteoporosis, liver cirrhosis, and pulmonary hypertension; splenectomy and cholecystectomy rates were also significantly higher in the 8 years before the index date. Sixty‐five (53.3%) patients with PK deficiency were classified as regularly transfused, 30 (24.6%) as occasionally transfused, and 27 (22.1%) as never transfused. Regularly transfused patients were significantly more likely than never transfused patients to have had splenectomy, cholecystectomy, and/or thrombosis. Liver iron overload was reported in 62% of patients and occurred regardless of transfusion cohort. Conclusions: Even never transfused patients with PK deficiency had higher rates of select comorbidities and complications than individuals without PK deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a base‐controlled protocol was developed for the C−N coupling of primary amines and 2‐chlorobenzimidazoles, affording a handful of secondary or tertiary amines in a selective fashion. Moreover, this protocol was realized under transition‐metal‐free conditions, and the variation of the base from iPr2NH to LiOtBu completely switched the selectivity from monoarylation to diarylation. Further investigations elucidated that the variety, intrinsic basicity and amount of the utilized bases considerably affected these reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach to 2,3‐dihydrobenzo[f]isoindolones by a Ag‐catalyzed Ugi 4CR/cascade radical cyclization sequence under mild conditions has been developed. The reaction of (E)‐2‐benzylidene‐4‐arylbut‐3‐ynoic acids, aldehydes, amines, and isocyanides produced 2,3‐dihydro‐benzo[f]isoindolones regioselectively in 60–85% yields via sequential Ugi 4CR/cascade radical cyclization reaction in the presence of Cs2CO3 and AgOTf. The method achieved the formation of two C−C bonds under air atmosphere in one‐pot fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the genetic causal association between pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and iron status through Mendelian randomization (MR), we conducted MR analysis using publicly available genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary data. Five indicators related to iron status (serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and transferrin saturation) served as exposures, while PAH was the outcome. The genetic causal association between these iron status indicators and PAH was assessed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Cochran's Q statistic was employed to evaluate heterogeneity. We assessed pleiotropy using MR‐Egger regression and MR‐Presso test. Additionally, we validated our results using the Weighted median, Simple mode, and Weighted mode methods. Based on the IVW method, we found no causal association between iron status (serum iron, ferritin, TIBC, sTfR, and transferrin saturation) and PAH (pβ > 0.05). The Weighted median, Simple mode, and Weighted mode methods showed no potential genetic causal association (pβ > 0.05 in the three analyses). Additionally, no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was detected in any of the analyses. Our results show that there are no genetic causal association between iron status and PAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]