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What factors affect the incidence of mosaic embryos resulting from assisted reproductive technology? A retrospective analysis of data from preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies in 544 couples was conducted using data from an electronic medical record database. Of 1910 embryos studied, 127 (6.6%) were mosaic. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, mosaicism incidence increased in embryos from IVF versus intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (odds ratio [OR] 4.560, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.800–7.424, P < 0.001), and in embryos from abnormal versus normal semen (OR 3.496, 95% CI 2.455–4.979, P < 0.001). Embryos tested using SurePlex 24Sure had lower mosaicism percentages than those tested using MALBAC-NGS and PicoPLEX GenetiSure (OR 2.726, 95% CI 1.532–4.852, P = 0.001; OR 2.389, 95% CI 1.537–3.711, P < 0.001, respectively). Semen quality, fertilization method and detection system are independent factors associated with embryonic mosaicism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialysis adequacy is a known risk factor for mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. However, the optimal dialysis dose remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship between dialysis dose and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among MHD. We examined the associations of dialysis dose with mortality in a cohort (n = 558) of MHD patients from 31 December 2015 to 31 December 2020. Dialysis adequacy was assessed using baseline Single-pool Kt/Vurea (spKt/V), which was categorized into three groups, and the lowest dose group was used as the reference category. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total of 214 patients died (64.5% for CVD). Compared with the low-dose group, high-dose group could reduce the risk of all-cause mortality by 33% (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47–0.98). Of note, when stratification by age, high-dose group was associated with both lower all-cause (HR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26–0.81) and CVD mortality (HR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20–0.88) among patients with age below 65 years. When stratification by dialysis age, high-dose group was associated with decreased risk of CVD mortality (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20–0.91) among patients with dialysis age over 60 months. spKt/V is a simple index of hemodialysis dose used in clinical practice and a useful modifiable factor in predicting the risk of death, especially in MHD patients under 65 years old or dialysis age more than 60 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of Internet of things technology provides robust conditions for building a perfect intelligent campus. A visual teaching question answering system is essential for creating a smart campus, significantly improving education quality. However, the accuracy of the existing teaching question answering system is not high. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a visual teaching system based on a knowledge map. The system mainly includes two parts: problem processing and answer search. In the part of problem processing, combined with the pretraining language model, a new model framework is constructed to deal with the problem of entity reference recognition, entity link, and relationship extraction. By setting three kinds of classification labels, the problem is divided into simple, chain, and multientity problems. Different solutions are given to the above three classification problems in the answer search part. The experimental results show that the answer accuracy of this system is higher than other comparison methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central network architecture takes the information content as the processing object and can better meet the user access needs. However, the traditional network node load balancing and caching strategy has been difficult to adapt to the development of the central network architecture. Therefore, this article proposed a load balancing and cache management strategy based on the central network in order to provide a reference for the architecture and application of the central network. Based on the analysis of the existing network architecture, this article expounded the networking form and characteristics of the central network system. By analyzing the load scheduling requirements of network nodes, combined with the transmission characteristics of resource requests in the central network, a cache node load balancing method suitable for the requirements of the central network was proposed based on the existing load balancing algorithms. In addition, by analyzing the cache management strategy and its impact on the performance of the network system, a cache node information forwarding model with resource requests as the object in the central network environment was given. Finally, through experimental test and comparative analysis, the results showed that the method proposed in this article had certain feasibility and effectiveness. Compared with other typical strategies, the load balancing and caching strategy proposed in this article can better meet the user needs of the central network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here a comprehensive study of the gradual resistive switching (RS) observed in La 0.5 Ca 0.5 MnO 5 − δ epitaxial films. We find that the inverse gradual RS as well as the relaxation can be well fitted by a biexponential function or alternatively by a stretched exponential function. We also unravel that the gradual RS kinetics can be further interpreted within the Landau-Khalatnikov theory of critical slowing down. This unified theoretical modeling properly incorporates the microstructural fluctuations owing to the presence of single isolated and clustered oxygen vacancies at the metal-oxide interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The purpose of present HUVE cells and mice study was to investigate the combined effects of carnosine and asiatic acid (AA) against diabetic progression. In HUVE cells, high glucose decreased cell viability, reduced Bcl-2 mRNA expression and increased Bax mRNA expression. The co-treatment of 0.5 μM carnosine plus 0.5 μM AA led to greater cell viability and Bcl-2 mRNA expression than 1 μM carnosine or 1 μM AA treatment alone. This combination more significantly decreased the production of DNA fragmentation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nuclear factor kappa B binding activity than carnosine or AA treatment alone. In diabetic mice, the combination of 0.25% carnosine plus 0.25% AA in diet resulted in higher final body weight, and lower levels of plasma glucose and triglyceride than 0.5% carnosine or 0.5% AA treatment alone. Carnosine and AA combination caused more reduction in renal levels of leukin-6, TNF-alpha and ROS than carnosine or AA treatment alone. This combination also more significantly limited renal cyclooxygenase-2 activity and p-p38 phosphorylation than carnosine or AA treatment alone. These novel findings support that this combination is a more powerful remedy for diabetic control. Graphical abstract Effects of carnosine (Car) and/or AA upon NF-κB p50/65 binding activity (OD value/mg protein). HUVE cells were pre-treated with 1 μM Car, 1 μM AA or 0.5 μM Car+0.5 μM AA for 24 h incubation at 37 °C. Then, cells were treated with DMEM containing high glucose (33 mM), and followed by incubating for another 24 h at 37 °C. Normal group had no Car, AA, or high glucose. Control group had no Car or AA, but with high glucose. Data are mean ± SD (n = 6). Values with different alphabet among bars are significantly different at P < 0.05 as analyzed by Dunnett's t -test. Image 1 Highlights • HUVE cell line and diabetic mice were used to examine the combined effects of carnosine and asiatic acid (AA). • Co-treatment of carnosine plus AA led to grater HUVE cell viability and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. • In diabetic mice, carnosine and AA combination caused more reduction in renal IL-6, TNF-alpha and ROS generation. • This combination led to more decrease in renal cyclooxygenase-2 activity and p-p38 phosphorylation. • These findings support that this combination is a powerful remedy for diabetic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seizure is a neurological disorder including hippocampal oxidative and inflammatory stress, and glutamate toxicity. Thus, any agent(s) that mitigate(s) these events in hippocampus might attenuate seizure severity. The effects of asiatic acid (AA) or maslinic acid (MA) pre-administration at 20 or 40 mg/kg body weight/day upon inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic injury in hippocampus of kainic acid (KA)-treated mice were examined. KA induced seizure-like behavioral patterns, which was attenuated by AA or MA pre-administration. KA stimulated the release of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and prostaglandin E 2 in hippocampus of mice. AA or MA pre-administration decreased the production of these inflammatory factors. AA or MA also diminished KA-induced increase in hippocampal cyclooxygenase-2 activity and relative NF-κB p50/65 binding activity. KA depleted glutathione content and promoted reactive oxygen species generation. AA or MA pre-administration reversed these alterations. KA lowered Bcl-2 mRNA expression and increased Bax mRNA expression. AA or MA treatments reduced Bax mRNA expression. AA or MA pre-administration enhanced glutamine synthetase activity, decreased glutamate level and increased glutamine level in hippocampus of KA treated mice. In addition, AA or MA pre-treatments at 10 and 20 μM increased viability and decreased plasma membrane damage in KA treated nerve growth factor (NGF)-differentiated PC12 cells. Both agents also lowered the release of calcium ion induced by KA in NGF-treated PC12 cells. These findings support that asiatic acid and maslinic acid are potent nutraceutical agents for seizure alleviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynura bicolor leaf aqueous extract (GAE) is rich in phytochemicals including phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. Effects of GAE upon hepatic injury in mice with chronic ethanol intake were examined. Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet with ethanol was used to induce hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative, glycative, and inflammatory injury. GAE at 0.25% or 0.5% was added in feeds, and supplied to mice consumed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet with ethanol for 6 wk. Blood and liver were collected for analyses. Results showed that ethanol increased plasma and hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol content, and affected plasma levels of insulin, adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin. GAE at both doses decreased lipid accumulation, and at high dose improved hormones abnormality. Histological data revealed that GAE supplement mitigated hepatic lipid deposit. Ethanol increased plasma Nε-(carboxyethymethyl)-lysine and pentosidine levels. GAE at high doses lowered those glycative factors. Ethanol depleted glutathione content, increased CYP2E1 activity and reactive oxygen species production, and reduced the activity of glutathione peroxide, glutathione reductase and catalase in liver. GAE supplement at both doses reversed these alterations and attenuated hepatic oxidative stress. GAE supplement also at both doses decreased hepatic inflammatory cytokines release in ethanol treated mice. These findings support that leaves of G. bicolor is a functional food with liver protective activities against ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structure, magnetic, and transport properties of the compounds La[sub 2/3]Ca[sub 1/3]Mn[sub 1-x]Ti[sub x]O[sub 3](0≤x≤0.3) have been investigated. The substitution of a Ti[sup 4+] ion for a Mn[sup 4+] ion suppresses the ferromagnetism and metallic conduction significantly. In the case of low doping (x≤0.04), Curie temperature T[sub C] decreases linearly with the substitution at a rate of about 31 K for 1% Ti. The magnetic spontaneous state has become a cluster glass state for the sample where x=0.06. Corresponding to the decrease of T[sub C], the metal–insulator transition temperature and the peak of magnetoresistance (MR) shift to low temperature, while the resistivity and the maximum of MR increase with increasing Ti concentration. The magnetic dilution should be responsible for the experimental results. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetization, resistance, and current–voltage (I–V) measurements have been performed in La[sub 0.5]Sr[sub 0.5]MnO[sub 3] compact prepared by pressing sol-gel nanoparticles (46 nm) at 723 K with a high pressure (4 GPa). The pressed compound orders ferromagnetically at 340 K (T[sub C]) and has a substantial drop in the thermomagnetic curve below 158 K (T[sub DP]). After undergoing a metal–to–semiconductor transition at 140 K (T[sub MS]), the compound reenters into a strong semiconducting state below 60 K, demonstrating a charge localized behavior induced by the small grain rather than the magnetic disorder which is related with the frozen spin clusters below T[sub DP]. Instead of showing a feature near T[sub MS], the magnetoresistance (MR) ratio increases almost linearly with decreasing temperature. The large low field MR corresponding to the sharp rise of magnetization is obtained at 5 K and, evidenced as the spin polarized intergrain tunneling (SPIT) effect by the nolinear I–V curve. Although La[sub 0.5]Sr[sub 0.5]MnO[sub 3] has a relatively high T[sub C], the SPIT MR decays rapidly from 17.6% (5 K, 0.3 T) to 7.6% (150 K, 0.3 T), indicating that if trying to put the low field sensitivity of SPIT MR into application at room temperature, the selected compound having a higher T[sub C] seems to be a prerequisite. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the magnetic and magnetotransport behavior in an insulating nickel doped perovskite lanthanum-strontium (manganese nickel) oxide. Experimental details; Results and discussion.

Ethanol was used to induce acute hepatotoxicity in mice. Effects of cinnamic acid (CA) and syringic acid (SA) post-intake for hepatic recovery from alcoholic injury was investigated. Ethanol treated mice were supplied by CA or SA at 40 or 80 mg/kg BW/day for 5 days. Results showed that ethanol stimulated protein expression of CYP2E1, p47 phox , gp91 phox , cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor kappa B in liver. CA or SA post-intake restricted hepatic expression of these molecules. Ethanol suppressed nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) expression, and CA or SA enhanced Nrf2 expression in cytosolic and nuclear fractions. Ethanol increased the release of reactive oxygen species, oxidized glutathione, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nitric acid and prostaglandin E 2 . CA or SA lowered hepatic production of these oxidative and inflammatory factors. Histological data revealed that ethanol administration caused obvious foci of inflammatory cell infiltration, and CA or SA post-intake improved hepatic inflammatory infiltration. These findings support that cinnamic acid and syringic acid are potent nutraceutical agents for acute alcoholic liver disease therapy. However, potential additive or synergistic benefits of cinnamic and syringic acids against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity need to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of FTY720 on inducing cell growth inhibition and enhancing the cytotoxicity of anti-cancer drugs in the human colon cancer cell line HCT-8 and its multidrug-resistant cell line HCT-8/5-fluorouracil ( HCT-8/5- Fu). Methods Cell viability and apoptosis after being treated with FTY720 alone or in combination with doxorubicin ( DOX) and etoposide ( VP16) were tested in HCT-8 and HCT-8/5- Fu cells. The changes in P-glycoprotein ( P-gp) and multidrug resistance protein 1 ( MRP1) were determined at the mRNA and functional levels. Results FTY720 showed anti-proliferative activity against cancer cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner and could enhance the cytotoxicity of DOX and VP16 in both HCT-8 and HCT-8/5- Fu cell lines. In addition, treatment with FTY720 resulted in the promotion of VP16-induced cell apoptosis and an increased accumulation of intracellular DOX and two specific fluorescent substrates of P-gp and MRP1 through the inhibition of efflux and the suppression of gene expression. Conclusion FTY720 exerts its chemosensitization effect in HCT-8 and HCT-8/5- Fu cell lines by promoting cell apoptosis and inhibiting P-gp and MRP1, which could be applied as a potential co-adjuvant therapeutic modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Incubation-type planar patch clamp biosensors, first described in 2008, are expected to enable the realization of high-throughput neural network screening. Several technical challenges must be overcome before this technique may be implemented. First, it is difficult to achieve a sufficiently high seal resistance (a gigaohm seal), which is an important parameter for patch clamp operation. A low seal resistance produces large baseline fluctuations corresponding to the fluctuation of the solid–liquid and liquid–liquid interface potentials. Second, the sensor cell must be positioned at a micropore over a long incubation time while maintaining the cell viability. Finally, a low-cost high-performance sensor chip suitable for high-throughput screening must be developed. These problems have been resolved to some extent in the present work. A stable electrode with a salt bridge structure was developed here to reduce the baseline fluctuations. The cell positioning technology was improved by forming a novel cell trapping pattern using hot embossing on a plastic (polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)) substrate for use in a microfluidic sensor chip. The combination of the stable electrode and the cell trapping pattern dramatically increased the device success probability from ∼2% to 60–80% using HEK293 cells as a model system. The utility of the present results was tested by characterizing rat hippocampal neuron networks. The seal resistance was found to be lower than the seal resistance obtained from the HEK293 cells. The effectiveness of the stable electrodes, however, was significantly clear and spontaneous channel currents from the neural network were successfully observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Positioning the sensor cell on the micropore of the sensor chip and keeping it there during incubation are problematic tasks for incubation type planar patch clamp biosensors. To solve these problems, we formed on the Si sensor chip''s surface a cell trapping pattern consisting of a lattice pattern with a round area 5μm deep and with the micropore at the center of the round area. The surface of the sensor chip was coated with extra cellular matrix collagen IV, and HEK293 cells on which a chimera molecule of channel-rhodopsin-wide-receiver (ChR-WR) was expressed, were then seeded. We examined the effects of this cell trapping pattern on the biosensor''s operation. In the case of a flat sensor chip without a cell trapping pattern, it took several days before the sensor cell covered the micropore and formed an almost confluent state. As a result, multi-cell layers easily formed and made channel current measurements impossible. On the other hand, the sensor chip with cell trapping pattern easily trapped cells in the round area, and formed the colony consisted of the cell monolayer covering the micropore. A laser (473nm wavelength) induced channel current was observed from the whole cell arrangement formed using the nystatin perforation technique. The observed channel current characteristics matched measurements made by using a pipette patch clamp. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our previous studies have shown that pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in red nucleus (RN) are involved in the development of neuropathic pain and play facilitated roles on the mechanical allodynia induced by peripheral nerve injury. The current study was designed to evaluate the expression and effect of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in the RN of rats with spared nerve injury (SNI). Immunohistochemical staining results demonstrated when 3 weeks after SNI, the expression level of IL-10 in the contralateral RN of SNI rats was apparently higher than those of sham-operated and normal rats. To further study the effect of IL-10 in the development of neuropathic pain, different doses of IL-10 (1.0, 0.5 and 0.1 μg/μl) were microinjected respectively into the RN contralateral to the nerve injury side of SNI rats. Results demonstrated that higher doses of IL-10 (1.0 and 0.5 μg/μl) significantly attenuated the mechanical allodynia of neuropathic rats, while 0.1 μg/μl of IL-10 did not show any analgesic effect. These results suggest that IL-10 of RN participates in the development of neuropathic pain and plays inhibitory roles on the mechanical allodynia induced by SNI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the definition of the resource-based industry chain and the study of its developing mode, the formation mechanism of the resource-based industry chain was discussed and three agents of the chain, product, value and knowledge were put forward. It emphasizes that industry chain is the material reflection, the value chain is the core power and knowledge chain is the key factor of the formation of resource-based industry chain. In addition, the relationship between three factors and the development of the chain was analyzed. Besides, the transmission mechanism of the resource-type industry chain was studied. It points out that the way of obtaining the added value of resource-type industry chain is to prolong the chain, resource-based industry chain transmission is through the realization of both price mechanism and multiplier effect, price mechanism and multiplier theory is the benefit transmission mechanism of resource-type industry chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the industry linkage analysis of coal and related industries, three basic types of coal industry chain were brought forward. Gave the evaluation method of the industry chain efficiency based on date envelopment analysis (DEA), evaluated the operating efficiency of coal industry chain of 19 regions in China. It turns out that different provinces are different in the coal industry chain efficiency, and the eastern provinces are higher than the middle and western regions. Finally, this paper explored the development strategy of coal industry chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two new lanthanide supramolecular complexes, [Tb(qoa)2(H2O)2]⋅NO3 ⋅ H2O (1) and [Er(qoa)3] ⋅ 2H2O (2) [qoa=(8-quinolinyloxy)acetate] were obtained by treating the corresponding nitrates and (8-quinolinyloxy)acetic acid (Hqoa) under hydrothermal conditions. Complex 1 possesses a 1D zigzag chain bridged by the qoa anions, which is further connected to form a 3D supramolecular framework via hydrogen bonds and π–π attractions. Compound 2 is a mononuclear structure and the coordination units are further assembled to a 1D helical chain parallel to the b-axis via hydrogen bonds. Obviously, various coordination modes of the qoa anions and the intermolecular attractions have effect on the formations of two complexes. The solid-state luminescent behavior of 1 has been investigated at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Inhibitory effects of oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA) on aldose reductase (AR) and glycative products in kidney of diabetic mice were examined. OA or UA at 0.05, 0.1 or 0.2% was supplied for 10weeks. Diabetic mice with 0.1 or 0.2% OA or UA treatments had significantly higher body weight and lower kidney weight at weeks 5 and 10 (P <0.05). OA or UA intake at 0.1 or 0.2% increased their content in the kidney, dose-dependently decreased plasma glucose, HbA1c, renal N ε-(carboxymethyl)lysine, urinary glycated albumin and urinary albumin levels; elevated plasma insulin and renal creatinine clearance levels; as well as decreased renal sorbitol and fructose concentrations (P <0.05). OA or UA treatments at 0.1 and 0.2% also significantly diminished renal AR activity and dose-dependently down-regulated renal AR mRNA expression (P< 0.05). These two compounds at 0.2% significantly reduced renal sorbitol dehydrogenase activity (P <0.05). OA, not UA, treatments at 0.1 or 0.2% dose-dependently enhanced renal glyoxalase I (GLI) activity, up-regulated renal GLI mRNA expression and lowered renal methylglyoxal level (P< 0.05). Based on these marked anti-glycative effects, the supplement of OA or UA might be helpful for the prevention or alleviation of glycation associated renal diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We evaluated the cytoprotective effect of myricetin on oxidative stress damaged cells by assessment of the scavenging effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Myricetin showed the scavenging effect of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals on intracellular ROS. In addition, myricetin restored the activity and protein expression of cellular antioxidant defense enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) reduced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. H2O2-induced cellular DNA and lipid damages, and myricetin was found to prevent the DNA damage shown by inhibition of DNA tail and it decreased nuclear phospho-histone H2A.X expression, which are both markers for DNA strand breakage. Membrane lipid peroxidation was also attenuated as shown by inhibition of TBARS formation and of fluorescence intensity of diphenyl-1-pyrenylphosphine (DPPP). These results suggest that myricetin protects cells against H2O2-induced cell damage via inhibition of ROS generation and activation of antioxidant enzymes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: To study the impact of genetic factor on pancreatic β-cell function in the Chinese population. Methods: 233 first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with no history of blood glucose abnormalities and their 190 spouses, who did not have a family history of T2D, underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Based upon the OGTT, these two groups were further divided into three subgroups, including groups with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose regulation (IGR), and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance (IR) was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment–IR (HOMA-IR), β-cell function indices of basal and first-phase were measured by DI1 (HOMA-β/HOMA-IR) and DI2 (ΔI30/ΔG30/HOMA-IR), respectively. Results: Among the first-degree relatives and their spouses, the HOMA-IR was highest in the T2D group and lowest in the NGT group. However, the HOMA-β, DI1 and DI2 declined significantly with progressive reductions in glucose tolerance (P <0.01 or 0.05). DI1 and DI2 of the NGT group of first-degree relatives (FNGT) were significantly lower than those of the spouse NGT (SNGT) group (P <0.05). DI1 and DI2 of the IGR of first-degree relatives (FIGR) group were significantly lower than those of the spouse IGR (SIGR) group. Conclusions: Defects in pancreatic β-cell function exist in the first-degree relatives, who have different glucose tolerance statuses, of T2D patients. These defects are more profound in FNGT and FIGR when compared to their spouses in corresponding glucose tolerance subgroups. However, there is no difference in IR between the corresponding glucose tolerance subgroups of the first-degree relatives and their spouses. It suggests that the genetic factor possibly aggravates β-cell lesion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Non-enzymatic antioxidant activities of aqueous extract, 50% ethanol extract and 75% ethanol extract of glossy privet fruit were examined. Aqueous and ethanol extracts contained various concentrations of phenolic acids, flavonoids, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. Each extract scavenged superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide (P <0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner and the effect of 75% ethanol extract was significantly greater than other extracts (P <0.05). Each extract showed a concentration-dependent effect on chelating effect, xanthine oxidase inhibition activity and reducing power (P <0.05). Compared with controls, each extract significantly decreased malondialdehyde formation in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and 8-epi-PGF2α formation in plasma (P <0.05). Aqueous extract exerted a greater effect than ethanol extract on increasing catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in plasma (P <0.05). These data suggest that using glossy privet fruit extracts may enhance lipid stability in food systems, and provide antioxidative protection for LDL and plasma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The epitaxial growth of p-sexiphenyl (C36H26, 6P) on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface has been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). 6P molecules prefer epitaxial growth with the long axis along the [110] direction (armchair direction) of the HOPG substrate, with the unit cell parameters b 1 =0.67±0.06 nm, b 2 =5.97±0.06 nm and angle of 88±3° between them. The relation of the 6P overlayer lattice vectors with the HOPG substrate has also been deduced, i.e. the 5×1 supercell is in a point-on-point commensurate relation with respect to the HOPG substrate surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reported oxidation reaction observed by BML-IRRAS spectra on the silicon surface system, 2H+H2O/Si(100), has been studied by an ab initio molecular orbital method. The highest transition state is found at ≈+25kJ/mol from the reactant energy level, and the oxidation occurs easily under the experimental condition. The present study also accounts for the reactivity deduced from the absorption bands in the IR spectra. It is noted that the quenching of the reaction by thermal relaxation is impossible because the surface is not trapped into the metastable states located much lower in energy than the reactant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy that used buried metal layer substrates (BML-IRRAS) and density functional cluster calculations were employed to investigate the water related oxidation reactions of 2H+H2O/Si(100)-(2×1), 2D+H2O/Si(100)-(2×1), and H2O+H/Si(100)-(2×1). In addition to the oxygen inserted coupled monohydrides, which were previously reported in the former reaction system, we report several other oxidized Si hydride species in our BML-IRRAS experiments. Three new pairs of vibrational bands are identified between 900 and 1000cm−1. These vibrational frequencies were calculated using Si9 and Si10 cluster models that included all possible structures from zero to five oxygen insertions into the top layer silicon atoms using a B3LYP gradient corrected density functional method with a polarized 6-31G** basis set for all atoms. The three pairs of vibrational modes are assigned to the scissoring modes of adjacent and isolated SiH2 with zero, one, and two oxygen atoms inserted into the Si back bonds. All the other newly observed vibrational peaks related to Si oxidation are also assigned in this study. The Si–O stretching bands observed in the reaction 2D+H2O/Si(100)-(2×1) show an isotope effect, which suggests that in the system 2H+H2O/Si(100)-(2×1) also, hydrogen atom tunneling plays an important role for the insertion of oxygen atoms into Si back bonds that form oxidized adjacent dihydrides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The water adsorption on the bare and H-terminated Si(100) surfaces has been studied by the BML-IRRAS technique. It is found that H-terminated surfaces are much less reactive compared to the bare silicon surfaces. The (1×1)-H and (3×1)-H surfaces show similar and less reactivity pattern compared to the (2×1)-H surface. At higher exposures, the water reaction with coupled monohydride species provides an effective channel for oxygen insertion into the back bonds of dihydride species. It is not attributed to the H–Si–Si–H+H2O→H–S–Si–OH+H2, which could give rise to the characteristic Si–H and Si–OH modes, respectively at 2081 and 921 cm−1. A more suitable reaction mechanism involving a metastable species, H–Si–Si–H+H2O→H2Si⋯HO–Si–H (metastable) explains well the bending modes of oxygen inserted silicon dihydride species which are observed relatively strongly in the reaction of water with H-terminated Si(100) surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The reaction between bis(dibromophenylstannyl)methane, [CH2(SnPhBr2)2], with bis(pyrazol-1-yl)alkanes, [(CH2)nPz2] (n=1 or 2; Pz=substituted pyrazole) in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio yields only 1:1 adducts of PhBr2[(CH2)nPz2]SnCH2SnPhBr2, which have been confirmed by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. The electronic and steric characteristics of substituents on the pyrazole rings markedly influence the donating ability of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)alkanes to the bidentate organotin Lewis acid acceptor. The investigations on the reaction of the adducts with DMSO and NMR spectra of the adducts show the weak interactions between ligands and the bidentate organotin Lewis acid acceptor. X-Ray analysis of PhBr2(CH2(4-ClPz)2)SnCH2SnPhBr2 showed that bis(4-chloropyrazol-1-yl)methane acts as a chelating bidentate ligand to only one tin atom. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The dependence of the line width of the coupled monohydride symmetric stretching vibration of the H-terminated Si(1 0 0)-(2×1) surface on the exposure temperature and the hydrogen exposure has been investigated with infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) using CoSi2 buried metal layer substrate. Even for nearly ideally H-terminated Si(1 0 0) surface, the line width significantly changes depending on the exposure temperature and the hydrogen exposure. The reason of the line width broadening is discussed, and it is strongly suggested that hydrogen diffusion into the subsurface of Si has a significant influence on the line width broadening. Evidence of hydrogen (deuterium) diffusion into the subsurface is investigated for the first time using an IRRAS measurement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Previous studies have suggested that urokinase plasminogen activator is required for blister formation in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Other studies, however, have shown that downregulation of plasminogen activator does not inhibit blisters induced by pemphigus immunoglobulin G. To eliminate the possibility that small amounts of urokinase plasminogen activator might be sufficient for blister formation, we passively transferred pemphigus immunoglobulin G to urokinase plasminogen activator knockout neonatal mice. Pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris immunoglobulin G caused gross blisters and acantholysis in the superficial and suprabasal epidermis, respectively, to the same degree in knockout and control mice, demonstrating that urokinase plasminogen activator is not absolutely required for antibody-induced blisters. Some studies have shown elevated tissue-type plasminogen activator in pemphigus lesions. Tissue-type plasminogen activator, however, is not necessary for blister formation, because pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris immunoglobulin G caused blisters to the same degree in tissue-type plasminogen activator knockout and control mice. To rule out that one plasminogen activator might compensate for the other in the knockout mice, we bred urokinase plasminogen activator, tissue-type plasminogen activator double knockouts. After passive transfer of pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris immunoglobulin G these mice blistered to the same degree as the single knockout and control mice, and histology indicated blisters at the expected level of the epidermis. These data definitively demonstrate that plasminogen activator is not necessary for pemphigus immunoglobulin G to induce acantholysis in the neonatal mouse model of pemphigus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La[sub 0.67]Sr[sub 0.33]MnO[sub 3] ultrathin films grown on vicinal SrTiO[sub 3](100) surface show an in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy with easy axis along the substrate atomic steps generated by a 10° miscut off the (100) plane. Over a large angular range, the angular dependence of magnetic switching field is found to obey the 1/cos φ law, indicating that the magnetic reversal is completed by a 180° domain nucleation and sweeping along the easy axis. However, when the applied field is perpendicular to the hard axis (φ = 90°), the magnetization reversal is found to be well described by the StonerWohlfarth model, in which the magnetization coherently rotates from the easy axis to hard axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large low-field magnetoresistance (MR) slightly above the metal-insulator transition temperature (234 K) was observed in single-crystalline Pr[sub 0.7]Pb[sub 0.3]MnO[sub 3]. Combining the temperature dependence of magnetization, resistance, and electron spin resonance spectra, it was suggested that phase separation occurs above the Curie temperature; ferromagnetic metallic clusters imbedding in the insulating paramagnetic matrix, and spin-polarized electron tunneling between isolated ferromagnetic clusters should be responsible for the large low-field MR observed. Undoubtedly, this observation opens a window to explore large low-field MR at high temperature, which is very important for the practical application of colossal MR effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are a class of disinfection by-products (DBPs), widely occurring in drinking water, wastewater and swimming pool water with concentrations at sub-μg/L to mid-μg/L levels. HAAs arose public attention due to their cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Monitoring HAA concentration levels in aqueous environments is required. This review presents an overview of all techniques or methods for sample pretreatment, analysis and removal of HAAs in aqueous environments since 2000. For the pretreatment methods, the commonly used methods are compared and discussed in terms of advantages and drawbacks. Microextraction techniques are preferred as they are efficient, rapid and environment-friendly. Emerging pretreatment methods, such as techniques based on novel materials or liquids, have also been introduced. For the analytical methods, LC and GC coupled with various detectors are frequently used allowing detection at the required low μg/L levels in aquatic environments. The advances in mass spectrometers (MS) and a comparison between their pros and cons are summarized herein. Recent high resolution MS gave give mass accuracy of 0.0001 Da with a resolving power up to 140,000 full width at half maximum height improving feature identifications in nontargeted analyses. For HAA removal methods, advanced oxidation techniques, adsorption and biodegradation were updated, improved and upscaled. Combining two or more removal techniques, the efficiency can reach 99%. Lastly, this review points out critical gaps and proposes future trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique, new palaeotaxodont (Protobranchia) genus and species, Yuexiconcha duplicata Zhang, Niu and Johnston, is proposed and described. It is characterized by: a medium-sized, transversely elongated, sub-elliptical shell; heterotaxodont dentition; and posterior tooth row consisting of crowded gradidentate dentition, partially and dorsally overlapped by an additional tooth row that emanates from the beak to form a bitaxodont dentition (new term). Most significantly, a prominent resilifer separates the anterior and posterior tooth rows and shows slight to moderate excavation into the hinge-plate. While a resilifer indicates phylogenetic proximity with Nuculoidea , Yuexiconcha nov. gen. is readily distinguished by its bitaxodont posterior dentition and a more elongate posterior shell lobe and so is provisionally placed in the Family Nuculidae, Order Nuculida. The hinge of Yuexiconcha nov. gen. indicates that a resilifer in palaeotaxodonts first developed in the Ordovician, rather than in the Silurian (Wenlock) as thought previously. Specimens described herein were collected from a fine-grained siliciclastic rock unit in the upper part of the Dongchong Formation in western Guangdong, South China. Other components of the biota occurring with the bivalves are uncommon and include trilobites and brachiopods that indicate a late Middle–early Late Ordovician (late Darriwilian–early Sandbian) age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum muricatum Ait. (Pepino) is a plant food commonly cultivated in the Penghu Island, Taiwan. This present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of aqueous extract of Pepino leaves (AEPL) in mice with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome animal model was induced by continuous high‐fat diet feeding and low‐dose streptozotocin (40 mg/ml) for 5 days. A 1% AEPL or metformin were given for 6 weeks after streptozotocin injection. The results revealed that 1% AEPL effectively reduced fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia in metabolic syndrome mice. Histologic examination revealed lipid accumulation in liver decreased by 1% AEPL treatment. Further, western blot analysis revealed 1% AEPL treatment managed enzymes related to lipid synthesis and oxidation pathways and hepatic glucose production. Besides, 1% AEPL treatment increased liver antioxidant activities to against oxidative stress. These results concluded that AEPL treatment attenuated insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia of metabolic syndrome. Practical applications: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a multifactorial chronic disease which is characterized by dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. However, there is no single drug or defined medication for MS so far. The present study revealed that AEPL treatment was able to regulate lipid metabolism and glycemic control at the molecular level to alleviate MS. AEPL has the potential to be a novo complementary medication for metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of cerebral atrophy (CA) is not clear. Previous studies show a high incidence of preterm CA in hemodialysis patients. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing CA and to derive a CA prediction nomogram in maintenance-hemodialysis patients. First, brain volumes of hemodialysis patients (≤55 years) were compared against age- and sex-matched healthy controls, and differences were revealed in bilateral insular cisterns width, maximum cerebral sulci width, Evans index, ventricular-brain ratio, frontal atrophy index, and temporal lobe ratio. Then, the patients were divided equally into "no or mild" or "severe" CA groups. Potential factors influencing CA were screened. Kt/V (urea removal index) and hemoglobin levels negatively correlated with CA degree, and were used to establish a nomogram within randomly assigned training and validation patient groups. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) for training and validation groups were 0.703 and 0.744, respectively. When potassium and calcium were added to the nomogram, the AUROC for training/validation group increased to 0.748/0.806. The nomogram had optimal AUROC for training (0.759) and validation (0.804) groups when albumin was also included. Hemodialysis patients showed reduced anterior brain volumes and the nomogram established herein may have predictive value for developing CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and convenient one-pot synthesis of 3-acyl, methylene and epoxy isoindolinone derivatives via the reaction of o -lithiated aromatic imines with carbon monoxide followed with acyl chlorides or PhCO(CH 2 ) n Br (n = 1 or 3) under mild reaction conditions has been developed. Preliminary in vitro tests for fungicidal activity of these isoindolinone derivatives indicated that most of them exhibit good fungicidal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a correction to an article published in the 2003 issue of the periodical 'Applied Physics Letters,' vol. 82.

Tests the hypothesis that the coexpression of desmoglein 3 in the superficial epidermis in neonates protects their skin from blistering from pemphigus foliaceus caused by passively transferred maternal antibodies against desmoglein 1. Methods of the study; Results; Conclusion.

Co 3 O 4 nanorods are prepared by a facile calcinations of the Co-composites, which is synthesized with the precursors of CoCl 2 , 1,3,5-Benzenetri carboxylic acid (H 3 BTC) and phenanthroline (PHEN). The Co-composites nonorods are about 1 um long and 50 nm wide. After calcinations, the Co 3 O 4 nanorods are composed of nanoparticles of 20–40 nm in queue and possesses a surface area of 23 m 2 g −1 owning to the release of the organic molecules. The electrochemical properties are examined by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic charge-discharge tests. The results show that the Co 3 O 4 have the highest specific capacity of 262 F g −1 at 5 mV s −1 in the range of 0.2–0.7 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and have a good cycle life with nearly no decrease after 500 cycles at 50 mV s −1 . The asymmetrical Co 3 O 4 //AC button cell is also tested by two-electrode system with a large potential testing window of 1.5 V and the results show the high energy density with a value of 42.81 Wh kg −1 at the discharge current of 1.5 A g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Sensor chips of incubation-type planar-patch-clamp biosensor were made from PMMA. [•] Roughness of the ECM coated chip surface leads to low seal resistance. [•] Whole-cell channel current can be recorded by using a salt-bridge stable electrode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sedimentary successions of the Frasnian–Tournaisian (Late Devonian to Earliest Carboniferous) and their spatial distributions in the Hainan Island, South China are critically reviewed based on updated information of the previously published data and newly obtained fossils. The Upper Devonian strata are assigned to the Frasnian Lanyang Formation and Famennian Changjiang Formation, which are distributed in north‐western Hainan Island. The Lanyang Formation is represented by limestone, siltstone, slate, and intercalated with tuff, and yields tentaculites: Polycylindrites sp., stromatoporoids, and tabulate corals. The Changjiang Formation yields abundant conodonts Palmatolepis gracilis sigmoidalis and Polynodosus germanus, typical of Famennian assemblages, and the associated faunas include corals, radiolarians, foraminifers, and calcareous algae of Famennian age. Of these, corals are assignable to the upper Famennian Cystophrentis Zone of South China. The strata of the Tournaisian Jishi Formation are categorized into two types, typically exposed in the Shilu and Jinbo areas, respectively, both of which are located north to the Gancheng‐Wanning Fault. The lower Jishi Formation yields brachiopods Unispirifer (Unispirifer) extensus, Unispirifer sp., Schuchertella magna, and gastropods. The middle Jishi Formation yields conodonts: Siphonodella isosticha and S. levis, brachiopods: Unispirifer (Unispirifer) forbesi, Atylephorus tornacensis, coral: Pseudouralinia irregularis, trilobite: Weberiphillipsia linguiformis, ostracods, bryozoans, and foraminifers. The conodonts are assignable to the zonation equivalent to the Siphonodella sulcata Zone, implying the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary is placed at the base of the middle part of the formation. The upper part of the Jishi Formation yields abundant brachiopods characterized by Mesochorispira subgrandis, Atylephorus tornacensis, and Marginatia huaqiaoensis. The presence of corals Cystophrentis, Pseudouralinia, Zaphrentites, and Kueichowpora, and trilobite Hunanoproetus, endemic to South China from the Changjiang and Jishi formations implies that the Hainan Island was palaeobiogeographically close to the South China Block of the Tethyan Realm, rather than of Gondwana affinity during the Late Devonian and Tournaisian. Identification of Xinanosprifer flabellum and Homotoma sp., typical of early Silurian from the 'Nanhao Formation' previously assigned to the Tournaisian suggests that no Carboniferous strata are distributed in southern Hainan Island and the area south of the Gancheng‐Wanning Fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: The impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection upon B vitamins status and antioxidative defense in infected patients was examined. Methods: Dietary record and blood levels of B vitamins and oxidative stress-associated biomarkers were determined for 195 healthy controls, 132 HBV, and 114 HCV patients. Results: HBV-infected patients had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, free fatty acids (FFA), and lower ghrelin level ( p < 0.05); and HCV-infected patients had significantly higher Ishak inflammation score and lactate dehydrogenase activity ( p < 0.05). HBV patients had significantly lower red blood cell (RBC) vitamins B and B levels, and HCV infection significantly decreased vitamins B B and folate levels in RBC and/or plasma ( p < 0.05). Correlation coefficients of RBC vitamin B versus serum FFA in HBV patients, RBC vitamins B and B versus HCV RNA and Ishak inflammation score, and plasma vitamin B vs Ishak inflammation score in HCV patients were <−0.5. HBV-infected patients had significantly higher oxidized glutathione level and lower glutathione peroxidase activity ( p < 0.05), but HCV patients had significantly lower superoxide dismutase and catalase activities ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: HBV or HCV infection enhanced oxidative stress and lowered B vitamins in circulation. In order to avoid other healthy risk, nutrition status should be monitored and limitation or supplementation of certain nutrients might be helpful for HBV- or HCV-infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four new luminescent complexes, namely, [Eu(aba)2(NO3)(C2H5OH)2] (1), [Eu(aba)3(H2O)2]·0.5 (4, 4′-bpy)·2H2O (2), [Eu2(aba)4(2, 2′-bpy)2(NO3)2]·4H2O (3) and [Tb2(aba)4(phen)2(NO3)2]·2C2H5OH (4) were obtained by treating Ln(NO3)3·6H2O and 4-acetamidobenzoic acid (Haba) with different coligands (4, 4′-bpy=4, 4′–bipyridine, 2, 2′-bpy=2, 2′-bipyridine, and phen=1, 10-phenanthroline). They exhibit 1D chains (1–2) and dimeric structures (3–4), respectively. This structural variation is mainly attributed to the change of coligands and various coordination modes of aba molecules. Moreover, the coordination units are further connected via hydrogen bonds to form 2D even 3D supramolecular networks. These complexes show characteristic emissions in the visible region at room temperature. In addition, thermal behaviors of four complexes have been investigated under air atmosphere. The relationship between the structures and physical properties has been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The surface oxidation reaction, H2O+Si(100)–(2×1), has been studied by an ab initio molecular orbital method with the approximation of the cluster model. The rate-determining process is ascribed to the OH migration from the metastable state, and the temperature dependence of the rates of O atom insertion reactions forming back bonding and top layer is estimated from the barrier height of each transition state. This reaction is found to occur much faster than the quenching by thermal relaxation and the arrival to the equilibrium condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Phase composition and pore structure of La, Ce, Y and B doped unsupported alumina membranes were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption. The role of La, Ce, Y and B addition in enhancing the thermal stability of alumina membranes is discussed. At temperatures ranging from 800 to 1000°C, La and Y impregnation are more efficient than that of B and Ce to preserve the BET surface area and pore volume. The addition of La can partially stabilize the alumina up membranes to 1200°C by the delay of phase transformation from γ- to α-Al2O3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The reaction paths are analyzed, by an ab initio molecular orbital method, for the surface reaction systems 2H + H2O/Si(1 0 0)-(2×1) and H2O + H/Si(1 0 0)-(2×1), in which SiH2 species with one or two oxygen atom-inserted back bonds have been observed as stable reaction products. The following results are obtained: The initial energy for the former system is 87.97 kJ/mol higher than the highest transition state energies with the HF/6-31+G* level. In the latter system, the highest transition state is located 175.66 kJ/mol higher than the initial energy, and tunneling effect plays an important role. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The reaction of 3(5)-methylthio-5(3)-phenylpyrazole with dibromomethane under phase-transfer catalytic conditions only affords a new ligand, bis(3-phenyl-5-methylthiopyrazol-1-yl)methane. However, the reaction of 3(5)-methylthio-5(3)-p-methoxyphenylpyrazole or 3(5)-methylthio-5(3)-tert-butylpyrazole with dibromomethane under the same conditions yields three isomers, respectively, indicating that the substituents significantly affect the steric and electronic properties of pyrazole ring during the formation of ligands. Treatment of these potential polydentate ligands with M(CO)6 (M=Cr, Mo or W) under UV irradiation at room temperature affords (N&z.sbnd;N)M(CO)4 derivatives, in which some complexes contain asymmetric substituted bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane ligands. The X-ray crystal structure analyses indicate that the sulfur atoms in these complexes do not take part in the coordination to the metal centers, and S-rich bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methanes actually act as bidentate chelating ligands by two nitrogen atoms. It is also interesting that in order to reduce the repulsion of methyl groups with carbonyls, the methyl groups in these complexes are oriented away from the metal centers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Primary insomnia (PI) is defined as a sleep disorder with no definite cause or inducement. Electroacupuncture, a treatment of inserting needles into specific points on the body surface and applying electrical stimulation, has been proved effective in treating PI with minimal adverse effects. However, the influence of gender difference on the clinical treatment efficacy of electroacupuncture for PI patients remains unclear. Therefore, we designed a clinical trial to compare the clinical treatment efficacy of electroacupuncture for PI patients with different genders. The research on the mechanism of electroacupuncture suggested it could modulate the sleep and wakefulness by activating or deactivating brain regions via a needling/tactile somatosensory specific stimulus. Therefore, we also designed a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) study to detect the spontaneous brain activity of PI patients before and after the electroacupuncture treatment. Method: Thirty PI patients were recruited to accept 5‐week electroacupuncture treatment on HT‐7. Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) questionnaires were used to evaluate the clinical treatment efficacy. Rs‐fMRI was employed to observe the spontaneous brain activity in the resting state at the baseline and after 5 weeks of electroacupuncture treatment, which was measured by the fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF). Result: The AIS and PSQI scores were significantly decreased both in the female PI group and the male PI group after treatment. The decreased PSQI of female patients was significantly more than that of male patients (p <.05). The gender‐related difference in the cerebral response to electroacupuncture was mainly in posterior cingulate and supramarginal gyrus. Conclusion: There is a gender‐related difference in the clinical treatment efficacy of electroacupuncture for PI patients, and female patients may benefit more from electroacupuncture. Gender‐related differences in the cerebral response to electroacupuncture may be one of the factors affecting clinical treatment efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]