Search

Purpose: The alleviating effects of a growth mindset on depression are promising. However, whether a growth mindset can attenuate the effect of low family socioeconomic status (SES) on depressive symptoms among adolescents remains unknown. Based on the Family Stress Model, the current study explores whether a growth mindset could moderate the associations between family SES, interparental conflict, and adolescent depressive symptoms. Methods: The participants were 1572 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 13.35 years, SD = 1.16, 51.84% female). They completed the family SES questionnaire, Children's Perceptions of Interparental Conflict scale, Growth Mindset scale, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. We tested the moderation, mediation, and moderated mediation models using the SPSS macro program PROCESS. Results: A growth mindset moderated the association between family SES and depressive symptoms. Family SES was significantly related to depressive symptoms in adolescents with a lower growth mindset, but not in those with a higher growth mindset. After incorporating the mediating effect of interparental conflict, the growth mindset did not exert a significant moderating influence on the direct path; however, it significantly moderated the mediating effect of interparental conflict on depressive symptoms. Specifically, while a lower growth mindset in adolescents was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms due to interparental conflict, those with a higher growth mindset showed a less pronounced effect. Conclusion: A growth mindset attenuates the link between family SES and depressive symptoms among adolescents. These findings highlight the benefits of a growth mindset on mental health, especially for low-SES adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effects of tofacitinib and adalimumab on the risk of adverse lipidaemia outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Data of adult patients newly diagnosed with RA who were treated with tofacitinib or adalimumab at least twice during a 3-year period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020, were enrolled in the TriNetX US Collaborative Network. Patient demographics, comorbidities, medications, and laboratory data were matched by propensity score at baseline. Outcome measurements include incidental risk of dyslipidemia, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 7,580 newly diagnosed patients with RA (1998 receiving tofacitinib, 5,582 receiving adalimumab) were screened. After propensity score matching, the risk of dyslipidaemia outcomes were higher in the tofacitinib cohort, compared with adalimumab cohort (hazard ratio [HR] with 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.250 [1.076-1.453]). However, there is no statistically significant differences between two cohorts on MACE (HR, 0.995 [0.760-1.303]) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.402 [0.887-2.215]). Conclusion: Tofacitinib use in patients with RA may increase the risk of dyslipidaemia to some extent compared to adalimumab. However, there is no differences on MACE and all-cause mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human immunodeficiency virus type-1 epidemic in Pakistan has significantly increased over the last two decades. In Karachi, Pakistan, there is a lack of updated information on the complexity of HIV-1 genetic diversity and the burden of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) that can contribute to ART failure and poor treatment outcomes. This study aimed to determine HIV-1 genetic diversity and identify drug-resistance mutations among people living with HIV in Karachi. A total of 364 HIV-positive individuals, with a median age of 36 years, were enrolled in the study. The HIV-1 partial pol gene was successfully sequenced from 268 individuals. The sequences were used to generate phylogenetic trees to determine clade diversity and also to assess the burden of DRMs. Based on the partial pol sequences, 13 distinct HIV-1 subtypes and recombinant forms were identified. Subtype A1 was the most common clade (40%), followed by CRF02_AG (33.2%). Acquired DRMs were found in 30.6% of the ART-experienced patients, of whom 70.7%, 20.7%, and 8.5% were associated with resistance to NNRTIs, NRTIs, and PIs, respectively. Transmitted DRMs were found in 5.6% of the ART-naïve patients, of whom 93% were associated with resistance against NNRTIs and 7% to PIs. The high prevalence of DRMs in ART-experienced patients poses significant challenges to the long-term benefits and sustainability of the ART program. This study emphasizes the importance of continuous HIV molecular epidemiology and drug resistance surveillance to support evidence-based HIV prevention, precise ART, and targeted AIDS care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have reported low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in dermatomyositis (DM) patients, but the exact causal relationship between them remains elusive. Our aim is to confirm the causal relationship between 25(OH)D and DM risk through a Mendelian randomization study. Methods: Retrieve genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data on 25(OH)D (n = 441 291) and DM (n cases = 201, n controls = 172 834) from the GWAS database (https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/). Select single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly correlated with 25(OH)D as instrumental variables (IVs). The primary analytical approach involves the use of the inverse‐variance weighted method (IVW), supplemented by MR‐Egger regression and weighted median methods to enhance the reliability of the results. Heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were conducted using Cochran's Q and leave‐one‐out approaches, respectively. Results: The IVW analysis confirmed a positive causal relationship between genetic variation in 25(OH)D levels and DM (OR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.01–5.52, p =.048). Although not statistically significant (all p >.05), the other methods also suggested a protective effect of 25(OH)D on DM. Based on MR‐Egger intercepts and Cochran's Q analysis, the selected SNPs showed no horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the results against individual SNPs. Conclusion: We provide the first evidence of a causal relationship between 25(OH)D levels and DM. Our findings support the importance of measuring serum 25(OH)D levels and considering vitamin D supplementation in clinical practice for patients with DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent studies have suggested a potential association between methotrexate use and an increased risk of dementia. However, the causal relationship between methotrexate and dementia remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential causal effect of methotrexate use on the risk of dementia using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) approach. Methods: We conducted a TSMR study using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of methotrexate use and dementia. We obtained genetic instruments for methotrexate use from a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis and genetic instruments for dementia from a separate GWAS meta-analysis. We performed several statistical analyses, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM1), weighted mode (WM2), and MR-Egger regression methods, to estimate the causal effect of methotrexate on dementia risk. Results: Our TSMR analysis showed a significant positive association between genetic predisposition to methotrexate use and dementia risk. The IVW method estimated a causal odds ratio (OR) of 0.476 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.362–0.626] per unit increase in the log odds ratio of methotrexate use. WM1, WM2, and MR-Egger methods provided consistent results. Conclusion: The findings of this mendelian randomization (MR) study suggest a potential causal effect of methotrexate use on the risk of dementia. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms. Since methotrexate is widely prescribed for various autoimmune diseases, a better understanding of its potential impact on dementia risk is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and addressing potential adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the nonlocal piezoelectric semiconductor theory, the transient multi-fields coupling response of a nanosized piezoelectric semiconductor composite fiber is studied. The one-dimensional phenomenological theory of piezoelectric semiconductors is used to derive the coupling constitutive relation. Combining nonlocal piezoelectric semiconductor theory and coupling constitutive relation, the size-dependent governing equations for bending, the charge equation of electrostatics and the conservation of charge for electrons are obtained, and the multi-fields coupling response of the nanofiber under shear force is solved. The bending vibration, the electric potential, and the concentration of electrons along the nanofiber with different nonlocal effects are analyzed. It is found that the change of electric potential and concentration from positive and negative in the nanofiber can be used to control the performance of electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aroma is an important factor in the measurement of the quality and market value of oolong tea. However, it is hard to develop an oolong tea with good aroma quality using unsuitable tea varieties. To explore the key factors of tea varieties in the formation of oolong tea aromas, the fresh leaves of the Chungui variety (CG, suitable for oolong tea, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) and the Fuyun No. 6 variety (F6, unsuitable for oolong tea, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) were harvested and treated by withering and mechanical stress in order. Then, aroma, transcriptome, and jasmonate (JA) contents, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), of samples were investigated. The contents of characteristic oolong tea aromas, including indole, (E)-β-ocimene, (E)-nerolidol, α-farnesene, and jasmine lactone, were all accumulated in much higher quantities in the CG variety after withering and mechanical stress. Accordingly, the coding genes of aroma formation synthases TSB2, OCS, NES, AFS, and LOX1, and related genes in MVA, MEP, and ALA pathways, were all much more highly activated. These differential reactions are mainly caused by the higher accumulation of jasmonates, especially methyl jasmonate, a type of important plant signal chemical, in CG after mechanical stress. WGCNA analysis indicated 34 different transcription factors from different families are predicted to be involved in this jasmonate-responsive reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to provide a description of a group of retrospective cohort outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) receiving belimumab. Methods: This study reports on the treatment of 10 female patients (mean age 34.3 ± 14.0 years, mean weight 58.7 ± 18.2 kg) with both SLE and ITP who received belimumab in addition to basic drug therapy. The belimumab treatment regimen consisted of a dosage of 10 mg/kg, with an initial infusion every 2 weeks for the first 3 doses, followed by an infusion every 4 weeks. Results: Ten patients were included in the study. The overall response rate of thrombocytopenia was 90% after treatment. The parameters such as platelet count, lymphocyte count, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, dsDNA, C3, and C4 were significantly improved (p <.05). The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), British Islet lupus Assessment Group 2004 (BILAG-2004), and Physician Global assessment (PGA) scores were significantly decreased (p <.05). There were no significant differences in glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST), and serum creatinine (Scr) before and after treatment (p >.05). Conclusion: Belimumab shows promising clinical outcomes in the treatment on patients with both SLE and ITP. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in larger patient populations and compare the efficacy of belimumab with other treatments for SLE complicated with ITP. Long-term response rates and adverse events associated with belimumab treatment also warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal explores the role of the GhVQ22 gene in regulating pigment gland (PG) size and secondary metabolic accumulation in cotton. The researchers found that silencing GhVQ22 resulted in significantly enlarged PGs and altered composition and content of secondary metabolites. The study also revealed that GhVQ22 is a downstream target of Gl2/Gl3 genes and negatively regulates PG size. These findings provide insights into the genetic mechanisms involved in PG development and suggest potential applications for anti-pest strategies in cotton. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: At present, the structure of knowledge in the field of childhood thyroid cancer is not clear enough, and scholars lack a sufficient understanding of the developing trends in this field, which has led to a shortage of forward looking outputs. The purpose of this research is to help scholars construct a complete knowledge framework and identify current challenges, opportunities, and development trends. Methods: We searched the literature in the Web of Science Core Collection database on August 7, 2023 and extracted key information from the top 100 most cited articles, such as the countries, institutions, authors, themes, and keywords. We used bibliometric tools such as bibliometrix, VOS viewer, and CiteSpace for a visualization analysis and Excel for statistical descriptions. Results: The top 100most cited articles fluctuated over time, and the research was concentrated in European countries, the United States, and Japan, among which scientific research institutions and scholars from the United States made outstanding contributions. Keyword analysis revealed that research has shifted from simple treatment methods for pediatric thyroid cancer (total thyroidectomy) and inducing factors (the Chernobyl power station accident) to the clinical applications of genetic mutations (such as the BRAF and RET genes) and larger-scale genetic changes (mutation studies of the DICER1 gene). The thematic strategy analysis showed an increasing trend towards the popularity of fusion oncogenes, while the popularity of research on traditional treatments and diagnostics has gradually declined. Conclusion: Extensive research has been conducted on the basic problems of pediatric thyroid cancer, and there has been significant outputs in the follow-up and cohort analysis of conventional diagnostic and treatment methods. However, these methods still have certain limitations. Therefore, scholars should focus on exploring fusion genes, the clinical applications of molecular targets, and novel treatment methods. This study provides a strong reference for scholars in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main subtypes of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs)--polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM)--are often presented as interstitial lung disease (ILD) in clinical practice; therefore, many researchers have combined the three studies into PM/DM with ILD. Methods: Using bibliometrics, the research status, progress, and hotspots of PM/DM with ILD between 2000 and 2022 were studied. Literature data on PM/DM with ILD were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database for the research period. Visualization software, including VOSviewer, Pajek, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica were used for bibliometric analysis. Results: A total of 1555 relevant articles were obtained, and the overall research in this field showed an increasing trend. Regarding contributing countries and venues, Japan published the most articles while Rheumatology was the most prolific journal. Regarding authors, the most published article was by Wang Guochun from Changchun University of Technology in China. Keyword analysis and cocited literature cluster analysis showed that diagnosis, classification, autoantibodies, antibodies, prognosis, complications, and treatment of PM/DM with ILD have been hot topics in this field recently. Moreover, our study shows that anti-mda5 antibody, mortality, gene 5 antibody, IIMs, double-blind, and prognostic factors, among others, may be new hot topics. Conclusion: This study found that research on PM/DM with ILD has increased over time, and scholars are paying more attention to this field. The development of new drugs for the management, treatment, and prevention of PM/DM with ILD is the primary task of researchers and a direction for future research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by joint swelling, pain, and deformation. RA patients have an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction, and drugs of RA treatment may have potential effects on thyroid function. Methods: This is a single-center cross-sectional study including 281 inpatients with RA in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. The purpose of this study is to explore the correlation between RA therapeutic drugs and thyroid function. The medical records of 281 inpatients with RA were collected, including general data, laboratory examination, complications, and RA treatment. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the association of independent variables with thyroid function and antibodies in RA patients. Multinomial logistics and binary logistic regression were used for multivariate analysis. The statistically significance level was set as P < 0.05. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Patients taking methotrexate (OR = 0.067, 95%CI: 0.008–0.588, P = 0.015) had lower levels of total thyroxine (TT4) (TT4 < 78.38 nmol/L). There was a negative correlation between glucocorticoids (r = − 0.153, P = 0.010) and total triiodothyronine (TT3) level (TT3 ≥ 1.34 nmol/L), but it was not significant in the multivariate regression model of TT3, although the regression model was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Methotrexate is associated with decreased TT4 levels in RA patients, and glucocorticoids is associated with decreased TT3 levels. Drugs of RA treatment may affect the thyroid function of patients while treating RA, which may be one of the causes of secondary thyroid diseases in RA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the size-dependent free vibration of a piezoelectric semiconductor plate is investigated within the framework of the nonlocal theory and piezoelectric semiconductor theory. The displacement, electric potential and perturbation of electron concentration are provided based on the first-order shear deformation theory. The two-dimensional governing equations including the equations of motion, Gauss's law and current continuity condition are obtained by introducing the plane stress assumption and integrating the three-dimensional governing equations along the thickness direction. The vibration of a simply supported piezoelectric semiconductor plate is achieved by solving the governing equations. Some numerical examples are presented to show the effect of the initial electron concentration, nonlocal parameter, plate thickness, length to thickness ratio and length to width ratio on the vibration of the piezoelectric semiconductor plate. The results indicate that the damping characteristic of the piezoelectric semiconductor plate can be effectively designed by adding the appropriate initial electron concentration. Also, both the nonlocal parameter and the geometric property have an important effect on the natural frequency and damping characteristic of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare malignant tumor of biliary epithelial cells, known for its extremely unfavorable prognosis. In the absence of intervention, patients typically survive for less than 5 months. Current guidelines from the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) recommend chemotherapy-based systemic therapy as the standard treatment for advanced ICC. However, the first-line regimen, consisting of gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin, generally results in a median survival of approximately one year, which is considered suboptimal. Significant progress has been made in radiotherapy techniques, molecular diagnostics, and tumor immune microenvironments. The integration of immune and radiation therapies has revolutionized treatment strategies for cholangiocarcinoma. Moreover, combined therapeutic regimens have shown promising results in improving survival rates among patients with advanced ICC. In this study, we present a case report of a 70-year-old male patient diagnosed with stage IV ICC, featuring metastases to the retroperitoneal, left adrenal, and left supraclavicular lymph nodes. The patient exhibited a high tumor mutational load, significant microsatellite instability, and hyper-expression of PD-L1 (90%), along with positive Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER). Pembrolizumab, a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, was administered in conjunction with radiotherapy. As a result, considerable shrinkage and inactivation of the primary foci were observed, accompanied by the disappearance of metastases. Ultimately, the patient achieved complete remission and maintained progression-free survival for 41 months following the initial treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the longest case of complete remission using a combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy as a first-line regimen for the high tumor mutational load, microsatellite instability, and PD-L1 expression (90%) subtype of Epstein-Barr virus-associated ICC (EBVaICC). These findings suggest that the combination of PD-1 inhibitors with radiotherapy may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating this particular cancer subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on diversity programs provides inconclusive knowledge regarding their effect on firm performance. In this study, we build on the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity framework to examine the relationship between firm diversity-enhancement program bundle and firm performance. Based on a dataset covering 2,794 U.S. publicly listed firms over 15 years, we find support for our hypothesis that firm diversity-enhancement program bundle results in a greater pay-off when it is coupled with a stronger employee ownership program at the firm level or a greater technological opportunity at the industry level. Furthermore, the pay-off is greatest when a firm's diversity-enhancement program bundle, its employee ownership program, and its environmental technological opportunity are all high. Overall, our study provides nuanced theoretical and empirical accounts regarding a firm's integrated diversity-enhancement efforts. It also provides novel managerial implications regarding when firms can reap the most benefit from their integrated diversity-enhancement efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulatory RNAs involved in numerous biological processes. Many plant lncRNAs have been identified, but their regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. A resource that enables the investigation of lncRNA activity under various conditions is required because the co-expression between lncRNAs and protein-coding genes may reveal the effects of lncRNAs. This study developed JustRNA, an expression profiling resource for plant lncRNAs. The platform currently contains 1 088 565 lncRNA annotations for 80 plant species. In addition, it includes 3692 RNA-seq samples derived from 825 conditions in six model plants. Functional network reconstruction provides insight into the regulatory roles of lncRNAs. Genomic association analysis and microRNA target prediction can be employed to depict potential interactions with nearby genes and microRNAs, respectively. Subsequent co-expression analysis can be employed to strengthen confidence in the interactions among genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data of transcription factors and histone modifications were integrated into the JustRNA platform to identify the transcriptional regulation of lncRNAs in several plant species. The JustRNA platform provides researchers with valuable insight into the regulatory mechanisms of plant lncRNAs. JustRNA is a free platform that can be accessed at http://JustRNA.itps.ncku.edu.tw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current inspections of seed appearance quality are mainly performed manually, which is time-consuming, tedious, and subjective, and creates difficulties in meeting the needs of practical applications. For rapid and accurate identification of seeds based on appearance quality, this study proposed a seed-quality evaluation method that used an improved Inception-ResNet network with corn seeds of different qualities. First, images of multiple corn seeds were segmented to build a single seed image database. Second, the standard convolution of the Inception-ResNet module was replaced by a depthwise separable convolution to reduce the number of model parameters and computational complexity of the network. In addition, an attention mechanism was applied to improve the feature learning performance of the network model and extract the best image information to express the appearance quality. Finally, the feature fusion strategy was used to fuse the feature information at different levels to prevent the loss of important information. The results showed that the proposed method had decent comprehensive performance in detection of corn seed appearance quality, with an average of 96.03% for detection accuracy, 96.27% for precision, 96.03% for recall rate, 96.15% for F1 value of reconciliation, and the average detection time of an image was about 2.44 seconds. This study realized rapid nondestructive detection of seeds and provided a theoretical basis and technical support for construction of intelligent seed sorting equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In previous reports, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use increased the risk of gout. However, there is no epidemiological study investigating this association. We aimed to examine the potential impact of PPI treatment on the risk of developing gout. Methods: A population‐based case–control study was performed using a Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 from Taiwan (population 23 million). We identified gout cases and non‐gout controls through propensity score matching at 1:1, which was matched by sex and age. We used a conditional logistic regression model to estimate an odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for gout population versus controls. Results: Esomeprazole increased the risk of gout after adjusting confounding variables (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.3; 95% CI 1.0–1.6). The risk of gout was highest within 30 days of PPI treatment (aOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.4–1.9) and attenuated thereafter. The risk of gout was increased among female users of PPI compared with male users (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.7–2.8). The aOR of gout in people with PPI use was higher in middle‐aged individuals (41–60 years: aOR 2.1; 95% CI 1.7–2.7) than in the older group (≥60 years: aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.5–2.2). Conclusions: Our findings provide population‐level evidence for the hypothesis that PPI treatment is positively associated with the risk of developing gout. Further research on the mechanism underlying this association is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adonis pseudoamurensis W.T. Wang 1980 is an important traditional medicinal plant used for the treatment of cardiac diseases. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Adonis pseudoamurensis is reported for the first time in this study. The circular cp genome is 156,917 bp in length, consisting of a large single-copy region (86,262 bp), a small single-copy region (18,067 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (26,294 bp). The genome encodes 129 genes, comprising 84 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. pseudoamurensis is closely related to A. amurensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS can be accompanied by significantly increased levels of circulating cytokines, the former significantly differs from the latter by its higher vasculopathy, characterized by increased oxidative stress and coagulopathy in lung capillaries. This points towards the existence of SARS-CoV2-specific factors and mechanisms that can sensitize the endothelium towards becoming dysfunctional. Although the virus is rarely detected within endothelial cells or in the circulation, the S1 subunit of its spike protein, which contains the receptor binding domain (RBD) for human ACE2 (hACE2), can be detected in plasma from COVID-19 patients and its levels correlate with disease severity. It remains obscure how the SARS-CoV2 RBD exerts its deleterious actions in lung endothelium and whether there are mechanisms to mitigate this. Methods: In this study, we use a combination of in vitro studies in RBD-treated human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HL-MVEC), including electrophysiology, barrier function, oxidative stress and human ACE2 (hACE2) surface protein expression measurements with in vivo studies in transgenic mice globally expressing human ACE2 and injected with RBD. Results: We show that SARS-CoV2 RBD impairs endothelial ENaC activity, reduces surface hACE2 expression and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tissue factor (TF) generation in monolayers of HL-MVEC, as such promoting barrier dysfunction and coagulopathy. The TNF-derived TIP peptide (a.k.a. solnatide, AP301) -which directly activates ENaC upon binding to its a subunit-can override RBD-induced impairment of ENaC function and hACE2 expression, mitigates ROS and TF generation and restores barrier function in HLMVEC monolayers. In correlation with the increased mortality observed in COVID-19 patients co-infected with S. pneumoniae, compared to subjects solely infected with SARS-CoV2, we observe that prior intraperitoneal RBD treatment in transgenic mice globally expressing hACE2 significantly increases fibrin deposition and capillary leak upon intratracheal instillation of S. pneumoniae and that this is mitigated by TIP peptide treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blowup in finite time in L2 sense of solutions to SPDEs is investigated, where ξ ̇ could be either a white noise or a colored noise and ϕ : (0 , ∞) → (0 , ∞) is a Bernstein function. The sufficient conditions on σ, ξ ̇ and the initial value that imply the non-existence of the global solution are discussed. The results in this paper generalize the existing works on cases of the Laplacian and the fractional Laplacian by Chow (J Differential Equations 250(5), 2567-2580, 2011) and Foondun, Liu, Nane (J Differential Equations 266(5), 2575-2596, 2019), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common type of organ damage which occurs in SLE patients and is characterized by recurrent proteinuria. Activation of B lymphocytes can lead to refractory LN, which is an important pathogenic factor in SLE. B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and A proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) are predominantly produced by myeloid cells (monocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, etc) to regulate B lymphocyte function. Telitacicept was the first dual‐targeting biological drug which targeted both BLyS and APRIL. Telitacicept has passed a phase II clinical trial and has since been approved for the treatment of SLE. Case Presentation: We report a case of SLE confirmed by renal biopsy as proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN) with massive proteinuria, which was treated with telitacicept (European League Against Rheumatism / American College of Rheumatology 2019 standard). During the 19 months of follow‐up, the patient's renal function was stable, massive proteinuria was relieved, and creatinine and blood pressure did not increase. Conclusions: During the 19 months of telitacicept treatment (160 mg once weekly), PLN reduced blood system damage and proteinuria without increasing the risk of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly nonlinear vibration is one of important factors influencing the failure of gas foil bearing-rotor systems. In this paper, an integrated nonlinear dynamic model is constructed to study the dynamic vibration of worn gas foil bearings. In the wear model, the deformation of foil is considered. The Iordanoff model is used to solve the stiffness of foil, and equivalent viscous damping is introduced to amend the friction factor at the interface between the foil and bearing bracket. The incompressible Reynolds equation is solved by using ADI method, and the Newmark-β method is applied to obtain the trajectory of axis center. In numerical examples, the effects of worn zone on the trajectory of axis center, the Poincare map and bifurcation diagram are discussed. The nonlinear vibration resulting from the worn zone is revealed. Comparison with existing results validates this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notable differences in the structural characteristics and evolution of three adjacent sub-sags, i.e., the Wenchang sub-sags A, B, and C, on the downthrown side of the Zhu III South Fault in the Wenchang Sag, are significant as they affect the formation and distribution of the oil and gas in these three sub-sags. However, the differences in their tectonic evolutions and formation mechanisms have not yet been adequately explained. In this paper, stress analysis, equilibrium profiles, and paleogeomorphic restoration, are used to investigate the dynamic settings, formation mechanisms, and influencing factors of the structural deformation related to the formation of the Wenchang Sag based on interpretation of seismic data. The results of the stress analysis suggest clockwise deflection of the regional tensile stress direction from a WNW-ESE trend during the Early Paleocene to NW-SE and NNW-SSE trends during the Eocene, to a nearly NeS trend during the Oligocene, and finally to a NNE-SSW trend during the Miocene. This clockwise rotation of the regional tensile stress direction led to the formation of a dextral strike-slip stress component parallel to the NE-trending Zhu III South Fault. This strike-slip stress component formed a releasing bend in sub-sag A, and may be associated with the continuous subsidence of a thick sedimentary layer in sub-sag A. It also created a restraining bend in sub-sag B, which underwent multiple structural inversions during its extension and subsidence and has a relatively small sedimentary thickness. The double restraining bend in sub-sag C is considered to have been strongly uplifted and eroded in response to this strike-slip stress component. Four obvious structural inversions in sub-sag B are identified in this paper. These structural inversions correspond to the last four regional tectonic movements. This interpretation suggests that the formation of the structural inversions was likely related to the strong tensile stress and the small intersection angle between the direction of the regional tensile stress and the pre-existing boundary fault. The rotation of the tensile stress direction was responsible for the strike-slip movement on the pre-existing boundary fault and the formation of the releasing bend and restraining bend, which controlled the structural evolutions of the sub-sags. This reasonably explains the differential tectonic evolution of these three sub-sags in the Wenchang Sag, and provides a crucial idea for structural analysis of similar basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is associated with the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our previous studies confirmed that Duanteng Yimu decoction (DTYMT) effectively inhibits RA fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation. In this study, we investigated the influence of DTYMT on miR-221 in RA individuals. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining was performed to assess histopathological alterations in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. The expression of miR-221-3p and TLR4 in PBMC, FLS, and cartilage was measured by RT-qPCR. In the in vitro experiments, DTYMT-containing serum was incubated with FLS-transfected miR-221 mimic or inhibitor. CCK-8 was performed to determine FLS proliferation, and the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α was quantified by ELISA assay. In addition, the regulation of miR-221 expression on FLS apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry. Finally, western blot was employed to reflect TLR4/MyD88 protein levels. HE results showed that DTYMT effectively reduced synovial hyperplasia in the joints of CIA mice. RT-qPCR assay of FLS and cartilage of the model group showed that miR-221-3p and TLR4 significantly increased compared with those in the normal group. All outcomes were improved by DTYMT. The miR-221 mimic reversed the inhibitory effect of DTYMT-containing serum on FLS proliferation, the release of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α, and FLS apoptosis, as well as TLR4/MyD88 protein levels. The results showed that miR-221 promotes the activity of RA-FLS by activating TLR4/MyD88 signaling, and DTYMT treats RA by reducing miR-221 in CIA mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline water electrolysis is the most promising technology for green-hydrogen production, which is considered a cornerstone of carbon-neutral energy society. In the development of functional catalysts able to overcome the sluggish kinetics of the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), MXenes emerge as attractive support candidates with distinctive hydrophilicity, high conductivity, and high (electro)chemical stability. Herein, we assess the promise of three-dimensionally interconnected Ti3C2Tx MXenes with distinct surface terminations (-O, -OH, and -F) as efficient support materials for Pt-loaded alkaline HER catalysts. In particular, our OH-functionalized Pt/Ti3C2(OH)x shows the highest HER activity (30 mV dec-1), unlocking a competitive performance against the Pt/C reference (61 mV dec-1) and benchmark literature reports. The outstanding performance is ascribed to the cooperative effects of the extended MXene surface area and established interactions between Pt and Ti(OH)x surface centers. In parallel, the oxophilic nature of Ti3C2(OH)x facilitates Pt dispersion, presumably playing a key role in the extended catalytic stability here reported. The superior activity is further substantiated by density functional theory calculations, with the modeled Pt/Ti3C2(OH)2 unveiling a significantly higher onset potential and the weakest hydrogen binding energy over supported Pt nanoparticles (-2.51 eV) against both -O (-2.72 eV) and -F (-3.15 eV) functionalized counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As an economically important crop, tea is strongly nitrogen (N)-dependent. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the response of N deficiency in tea are not fully understood. Tea cultivar "Chunlv2" [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] were cultured with a nutrient solution with 0 mM [N-deficiency] or 3 mM (Control) NH4NO3 in 6 L pottery pots containing clean river sands. Results: N deficiency significantly decreased N content, dry weight, chlorophyll (Chl) content, L-theanine and the activities of N metabolism-related enzymes, but increased the content of total flavonoids and polyphenols in tea leaves. N deficiency delayed the sprouting time of tea buds. By using the RNA-seq technique and subsequent bioinformatics analysis, 3050 up-regulated and 2688 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were isolated in tea leaves in response to N deficiency. However, only 1025 genes were up-regulated and 744 down-regulated in roots. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis showed that 205 DEGs in tea leaves were enriched in seven GO terms and 152 DEGs in tea roots were enriched in 11 GO items based on P < 0.05. In tea leaves, most GO-enriched DEGs were involved in chlorophyll a/b binding activities, photosynthetic performance, and transport activities. But most of the DEGs in tea roots were involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and plant hormones with regard to the GO terms of biological processes. N deficiency significantly increased the expression level of phosphate transporter genes, which indicated that N deficiency might impair phosphorus metabolism in tea leaves. Furthermore, some DEGs, such as probable anion transporter 3 and high-affinity nitrate transporter 2.7, might be of great potential in improving the tolerance of N deficiency in tea plants and further study could work on this area in the future. Conclusions: Our results indicated N deficiency inhibited the growth of tea plant, which might be due to altered N metabolism and expression levels of DEGs involved in the photosynthetic performance, transport activity and oxidation–reduction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replication fork reversal which restrains DNA replication progression is an important protective mechanism in response to replication stress. PARP1 is recruited to stalled forks to restrain DNA replication. However, PARP1 has no helicase activity, and the mechanism through which PARP1 participates in DNA replication restraint remains unclear. Here, we found novel protein-protein interactions between PARP1 and DNA translocases, including HLTF, SHPRH, ZRANB3, and SMARCAL1, with HLTF showing the strongest interaction among these DNA translocases. Although HLTF and SHPRH share structural and functional similarity, it remains unclear whether SHPRH contains DNA translocase activity. We further identified the ability of SHPRH to restrain DNA replication upon replication stress, indicating that SHPRH itself could be a DNA translocase or a helper to facilitate DNA translocation. Although hydroxyurea (HU) and MMS induce different types of replication stress, they both induce common DNA replication restraint mechanisms independent of intra-S phase activation. Our results suggest that the PARP1 facilitates DNA translocase recruitment to damaged forks, preventing fork collapse and facilitating DNA repair. Author summary: Replication stress induces genomic instability and is associated with cancer development. PARP1 is not only involved in base-excision repair (BER), but also restrains replication fork progression upon replication stress. However, PARP1 has no helicase activities, and the mechanism through which PARP1 participates in the formation of reversed replication forks remains unclear. In the present study, we identified novel protein-protein interactions between PARP1 and DNA translocases, including HLTF, SHPRH, ZRANB3, and SMARCAL1, with HLTF showing the strongest interaction among these DNA translocases. This finding is particularly important because PARP1 inhibitors are effective against homologous recombination deficient cancers. Our study reveals an additional function of PARP1, which restrains replication progression through interaction with DNA translocases and provides an important protective mechanism in response to replication stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent postoperative complications in corrective surgery for foot deformities such as hallux valgus and pes planus, it is critical to quantitatively predict the postoperative standing-position plantar pressure distribution during the operation. The authors have previously proposed an intraoperative plantar pressure measurement system (IPPM) that allows for the measurement of a supine patient's plantar pressure distribution that is equivalent to that in the standing position. This system consists of an IPPM device comprising of a force plate and pressure distribution sensor, an optical three-dimensional position measurement device, a navigation monitor, and a PC. The plantar pressure distribution in the standing position is reproduced by navigating the operator, as he or she presses the IPPM device against the patient's sole so that the weight-bearing axis (floor reaction force vector) and femoral head center are as close to each other as possible. However, in our previous study, the reproducibility of the standing position plantar pressure distribution was insufficient. Therefore, in the present study, we add a navigational function that can be used to bring the centers of pressure in the standing position and under measurement, as well as to correct the IPPM's self-weight in the measured force. The improved device was used in an experiment with nine healthy subjects, and the similarity of the plantar pressure distribution in the standing and supine positions was evaluated using normalized cross-correlation, yielding an average of 0.90. Furthermore, in an evaluation experiment with ten orthopedic surgeons, it was observed that using the system reproduced the plantar pressure distribution significantly better than when the system was not used. These results indicate that the present system can predict the plantar pressure distribution in the standing position. We believe that this system can contribute to reducing complications after foot surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to observe the clinical effect of single-stage posterior surgery on HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis. Methods: From October 2015 to October 2019, 13 HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis who underwent single-stage posterior surgery were retrospectively analyzed (observation group), and 13 HIV-negative patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis who were matched with the gender, age, operative site, and surgical approach during the same period were selected as the control group. Postoperative complications, hemoglobin, albumin, CD4+T lymphocyte count, operative site, operative time, and blood loss were recorded between the two groups. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), kyphotic angle, correction rate of kyphosis, angle loss, and bone graft fusion time. Results: In the observation group, 7 patients had postoperative complications, including 1 patient with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 1 patient with nerve root irritation, 1 patient with an opportunistic infection, and 4 with delayed wound healing. In the control group, 2 patients developed postoperative complications, including 1 with nerve root irritation and 1 with delayed wound healing. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). CD4+T lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, and albumin in HIV-positive patients with postoperative complications were statistically different from those without postoperative complications (P all < 0.05). No tuberculosis recurrence was found at the last follow-up, ESR and CRP returned to normal, and there were no statistically significant differences in bone graft fusion time, VAS score, ASIA scale, correction rate of kyphosis, and angle loss between two groups (P all > 0.05). Conclusion: Single-stage posterior surgery for HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis could achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy through comprehensive preoperative evaluation, standardized perioperative antiviral and anti-tuberculosis treatments, and prevention of postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Runt-related transcription factor (Runx) family plays various roles in the homeostasis of cartilage. Here, we examined the role of Runx2 and Runx3 for osteoarthritis development in vivo and in vitro. Runx3-knockout mice exhibited accelerated osteoarthritis following surgical induction, accompanied by decreased expression of lubricin and aggrecan. Meanwhile, Runx2 conditional knockout mice showed biphasic phenotypes: heterozygous knockout inhibited osteoarthritis and decreased matrix metallopeptidase 13 (Mmp13) expression, while homozygous knockout of Runx2 accelerated osteoarthritis and reduced type II collagen (Col2a1) expression. Comprehensive transcriptional analyses revealed lubricin and aggrecan as transcriptional target genes of Runx3, and indicated that Runx2 sustained Col2a1 expression through an intron 6 enhancer when Sox9 was decreased. Intra-articular administration of Runx3 adenovirus ameliorated development of surgically induced osteoarthritis. Runx3 protects adult articular cartilage through extracellular matrix protein production under normal conditions, while Runx2 exerts both catabolic and anabolic effects under the inflammatory condition. Possible distinct contributions of Runx 2 and Runx3 in osteoarthritis have not been clarified. Nagata et al. show that Runx3 protects adult articular cartilage by extracellular matrix protein production in normal conditions, while Runx2 exerts both catabolic and anabolic effects during inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research has reported a positive relationship between a firm's human resource management system and performance. In this study, we add to this line of research by investigating the dual-causal relationship between firms' employee relations system (ERS) and financial performance and the associated temporal and resource boundary conditions. Using matched data between firm ERS and financial performance across 18 years, we find support for the dual-causal relationship between firm ERS and Tobin's Q. We also find that the impact of firm ERS on Tobin's Q loses its significance over time, whereas the impact of Tobin's Q on ERS largely remains stable over time. Lastly, we find that firm resource availability makes the positive impact of firm ERS on financial performance (Tobin's Q and net income per employee) stronger and longer lasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Typically, Jaccoud arthropathy (JA) is characterized by joint deformation without bone erosion. However, some recent studies have shown that bone erosion also occurs in JA; however, this remains controversial. To date, there have been no unified diagnostic standards for JA. Herein, we report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with JA without bone erosion. Methods: A 27‐year‐old woman was admitted to our department with a 2‐year history of pain, swelling, and progressive deformities of her hands and feet. She was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and class V lupus nephritis 5 years prior. Upon examination, her erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein levels were found to be increased. She was positive for antinuclear antibodies, antidouble stranded DNA antibodies, and antiextractable nuclear antigen antibodies, with a decreased complement C3 and C4. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no bone erosion. The patient was diagnosed with JA. She was treated with oral prednisone (10 mg daily), tofacitinib (5 mg twice daily), methotrexate (10 mg weekly), and celecoxib (0.2 g twice daily). Results: The patient's joint symptoms improved after treatment. No further progress was observed during the 4‐month follow‐up period. Conclusion: We believe that bone erosion is the key to distinguish rhupus syndrome from JA. However, this needs to be confirmed with further long‐term follow‐up studies. We found that the use tofacitinib, MTX, and celecoxib in combination with prednisone may be an effective regimen for the treatment of JA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study stochastic integrals driven by a general subordinator and establish a zero-one law for the finiteness of the resulting integral as well as moment estimates. As an application, we use these results to obtain structural properties of SPDEs driven by multiplicative pure jump noise, which include (1) a maximal inequality for a multiplicative stochastic convolution Z_t, (2) a small ball probability of Z_t, (3) the existence of invariant measures and accessibility to zero of SPDEs, and (4) a Galerkin approximation of solutions to SPDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of information technology, the internet of things (IoT) technology has been integrated into most people's daily life and work. However, the IoT must confront many new security challenges. Specifically, the increase in the variety of IoT-connected devices has diversified the network. Meanwhile, the high data rates and spectral efficiency offered by 5G cellular networks facilitates the increasing capacity of IoT network traffic. Therefore, network traffic data are characterized by an expanded large scale, wide diversity, and high dimensions, which greatly affects the functionality and efficiency of intrusion detection methods. Although the existing neural network-based intrusion detection methods partially resolve the above problems, they need to execute a lot of nonlinear transformations when learning and characterizing data, resulting in a large loss of feature information. To address this problem, in this paper, we first design a new neural network model based on the gate recurrent unit (GRU), namely, the supplement gate recurrent unit (SGRU). Compared with a traditional GRU, through loss compensation, a SGRU can reduce the loss of feature information caused by nonlinear transformations when learning and characterizing network traffic data. Then, we adopt the SGRU to propose a novel intrusion detection method to monitor the security of the network. Finally, we developed the corresponding prototype system and verified its performance. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed intrusion detection method is more accurate than previous intrusion detection methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of International Business Studies is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The moderate activation of T cells in mammals requires the costimulatory molecules, CD80 and CD86, on antigen-presenting cells to interact with their respective T cell receptors, CD28 and CD152 (CTLA-4), to promote costimulatory signals. In contrast, teleost fish (except salmonids) only possess CD80/86 as their sole primordial costimulatory molecule. However, the mechanism, which underlies the interaction between CD80/86 and its receptors CD28 and CD152 still requires elucidation. In this study, we cloned and identified the CD80/86 , CD28 , and CD152 genes of the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The mRNA expression analysis showed that CD80/86 , CD28 , and CD152 were constitutively expressed in various tissues. Further analysis revealed that CD80/86 was highly expressed in IgM+ B cells. Conversely, CD28 and CD152 were highly expressed in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Subcellular localization illustrated that CD80/86, CD28, and CD152 are all located on the cell membrane. A yeast two-hybrid assay exhibited that CD80/86 can bind with both CD28 and CD152. In vivo assay showed that the expression of CD80/86 was rapidly upregulated in Aeromonas hydrophila infected fish compared to the control fish. However, the expression of CD28 and CD152 presented the inverse trend, suggesting that teleost fish may regulate T cell activation through the differential expression of CD28 and CD152. Importantly, we discovered that T cells were more likely to be activated by A. hydrophila after CD152 was blocked by anti-CD152 antibodies. This suggests that the teleost CD152 is an inhibitory receptor of T cell activation, which is similar to the mammalian CD152. Overall, this study begins to define the interaction feature between primordial CD80/86 and its receptors CD28 and CD152 in teleost fish, alongside providing a cross-species understanding of the evolution of the costimulatory signals throughout vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheet-tube connection structures are widely applied in chemical, petroleum, medicine, and other industries. Its reliable connection and manufacturing are of great significance for the function of the corresponding equipment. To avoid the occurrence of too deep pits and easy warpage during the single-sided annular sheet squeezing process, an improved method to join sheets to tubes by double-sided annular sheet squeezing is proposed in this paper. The joining process is to squeeze the sheet through the top and bottom dies simultaneously, resulting in radial metal plastic flow, forming the interlock between the sheet and the tube. By experimental and numerical simulation, the joining process of Al6061-T6 sheet and tube under different process parameters using double- and single-sided annular sheet squeezing was conducted and compared. The pull-out test is used to evaluate the quality of sheet-tube joints. Results showed that using the double-sided annular sheet squeezing method can obtain a symmetrical interlocking structure rather than an asymmetric structure by single-sided squeezing, effectively reducing the pit depth on the sheet surface. In addition, the improved method can effectively reduce about 25% of the joining force, but the pull-out strength is about 1.5kN lower than that obtained by the single-sided squeezing method. The joining strength is comprehensively affected by the thickness of the die annulus, punch stroke, and squeezing type. The influence mechanism of process parameters on pull-out strength is discussed. This study provides a new and efficient joining way for the manufacture of sheet-tube connection structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The grass carp has great economic value and occupies an important evolutionary position. Genomic information regarding this species could help better understand its rapid growth rate as well as its unique body plan and environmental adaptation. Results: We assembled the chromosome-level grass carp genome using the PacBio sequencing and chromosome structure capture technique. The final genome assembly has a total length of 893.2 Mb with a contig N50 of 19.3 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 35.7 Mb. About 99.85% of the assembled contigs were anchored into 24 chromosomes. Based on the prediction, this genome contained 30,342 protein-coding genes and 43.26% repetitive sequences. Furthermore, we determined that the large genome size can be attributed to the DNA-mediated transposable elements which accounted for 58.9% of the repetitive sequences in grass carp. We identified that the grass carp has only 24 pairs of chromosomes due to the fusion of two ancestral chromosomes. Enrichment analyses of significantly expanded and positively selected genes reflected evolutionary adaptation of grass carp to the feeding habits. We also detected the loss of conserved non-coding regulatory elements associated with the development of the immune system, nervous system, and digestive system, which may be critical for grass carp herbivorous traits. Conclusions: The high-quality reference genome reported here provides a valuable resource for the genetic improvement and molecular-guided breeding of the grass carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complement system is an important part of the immune system of teleost fish. Besides, teleost B cells possess both phagocytic activity and adaptive humoral immune function, unlike mammalian B1 cells with phagocytic activity and B2 cells specific to adaptive humoral immunity. However, the cross talk between complement system and phagocytic B cells in teleost fish still requires elucidation. Here, we show that, unlike tetrapods with a single C3 gene, nine C3 genes were identified from the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) genome, named C3.1 - C3.9. Expression analysis revealed that C3.1 is the dominant C3 molecule in grass carp, for its expression was significantly higher than that of the other C3 molecules both at the mRNA and protein levels. The C3a fragment of C3.1 (C3a.1) was determined after the conserved C3 convertase cleavage site. Structural analysis revealed that C3a.1 consists of four α-helixes, with the C-terminal region forming a long α-helix, which is the potential functional region. Interestingly, we found that the recombinant GST-C3a.1 protein and the C-terminal α-helix peptide of C3a.1 both could significantly enhance the phagocytic activity of IgM+ B cells. Further study revealed that the C3a receptor (C3aR) was highly expressed in grass carp IgM+ B cells, and the phagocytosis-stimulating activity of C3a.1 could be dramatically inhibited by the anti-C3aR antibodies, indicating that C3a.1 performed the stimulating function through C3aR on IgM+ B cells. Taken together, our study not only uncovered the novel phagocytosis-stimulating activity of C3a, but also increased our knowledge of the cross talk between complement system and phagocytic B cells in teleost fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disabling inflammatory disease that causes synovial angiogenesis in an invasive manner and leads to joint destruction. Currently available pharmacotherapy for RA has unwanted side effects and limitations. Although anti-angiogenic therapy is regarded as a new potential treatment for RA, only a few anti-angiogenic drugs are available. An increasing number of studies have shown that β -sitosterol (BSS) may exert inhibitory effects against angiogenesis. However, the mechanisms involved are still unclear. Methods: Based on the results of the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of the transcriptome data of endothelial cells from RA patients, we evaluated the pharmacological effects of BSS on the tube formation, cell proliferation, and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, the effects of BSS treatment on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) were determined using molecular docking and Western blotting. Additionally, in the presence or absence of BSS, synovial angiogenesis and joint destruction of the ankle were investigated in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. The effect of BSS treatment on VEGFR2/p-VEGFR2 expression was verified through immunohistochemical staining. Results: The immunohistochemistry results revealed that BSS treatment inhibited angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the results of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine and cell cycle analysis showed that BSS treatment suppressed the proliferation of HUVECs, while the Transwell migration and stress fiber assays demonstrated that BSS treatment inhibited the migration of HUVECs. Notably, the inhibitory effect of BSS treatment on VEGFR2/p-VEGFR2 was similar to that of axitinib. In CIA mice, BSS also exerted therapeutic effects on the ankles by reducing the degree of swelling, ameliorating bone and cartilage damage, preventing synovial angiogenesis, and inhibiting VEGFR2 and p -VEGFR2 expression. Conclusion: Therefore, our findings demonstrate that BSS exerts an inhibitory effect on synovial angiogenesis by suppressing the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, thereby alleviating joint swelling and bone destruction in CIA mice. Furthermore, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms may involve the inhibition of VEGF signaling pathway activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using coupling by change of measure and an approximation technique, Wang's Harnack inequalities are established for a class of functional SDEs driven by subordinate Brownian motions. The results cover the corresponding ones in the case without delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uveitis refers to inflammation in the uvea, retina, retinal blood vessels, and vitreous, which can lead to irreversible eye damage and permanent vision loss. Glucocorticoid drugs are the first-line treatment, but side effects, such as obesity and hyperglycemia, can occur. Therefore, biologics have become a new treatment choice. Case Presentation: A 18-year-old girl developed eye pain and was diagnosed with binocular uveitis. Prednisone 50 mg was administered once a day, and the redness and pain in both eyes improved. Later, the prednisone dose was gradually reduced, and treatment was discontinued 3 years ago. Two years ago, the patient's condition relapsed, with both eyes becoming red and painful. She was administered prednisone 20 mg once daily and adalimumab. Visual acuity in both eyes continued to progressively decrease, accompanied by cataracts. At the same time, the patient experienced complications, including obesity and hyperglycemia. Subsequently, a new treatment regimen, oral prednisone 20 mg once a day, tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day, and methotrexate 10 mg once a week, as well as the use of insulin to control blood sugar, was initiated. One month later, the patient's redness and eye pain eased, and her vision gradually improved. The dosage of prednisone was gradually reduced to 5 mg once daily. At the same time, her blood sugar returned to normal, and insulin was stopped. Outcomes: The patient was treated with tofacitinib for 10 months. Subsequently, her best-corrected visual acuity of the right eye rose from 0.06 to 0.075, and the best-corrected visual acuity of the left eye rose from CF/30 cm to CF/100 cm. Redness and eye pain were relieved, her glucocorticoid consumption reduced from 15 to 2.5 mg, and her blood sugar gradually normalized. Conclusion: This case study shows that tofacitinib relieves ocular inflammation in patients with uveitis and improves eyesight. We believe that JAK inhibitors could be another treatment option for noninfectious uveitis in patients who do not respond to conventional anti-TNF-α inhibitors (such as adalimumab). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been a paucity of literature revealing the discrepancy between self-recognition about hallux valgus (HV) and radiographically-evaluated foot configuration. Knowing this discrepancy will help to make a comparative review of the findings of previous literatures about epidemiological studies about the prevalence of HV.Questions/purposes: (1) Is there a discrepancy between radiographically-assessed and self-recognized HV in the general population? (2) What factors affect the self-recognition of HV in the general population?Methods: The fifth survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis against Disability study involved 1996 participants who had undergone anterior-posterior radiography of bilateral feet and answered a simple dichotomous questionnaire on self-recognition of HV. Measurements of the HV angle (HVA), interphalangeal angle of the hallux (IPA), and intermetatarsal angle between 1st and 2nd metatarsals (IMA) were performed using radiographs. Radiographic diagnosis of HV was done using the definition of hallux valgus angle of 20° or more. After univariate comparison of the participant backgrounds and radiographic measurements between participants with or without self-recognition of HV, multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted in order to reveal independent factors affecting self-recognition.Results: Significant difference was found between the prevalence of radiographically-assessed and self-recognized HV (29.8% vs. 16.5%, p <  0.0001). The prevalence of self-recognized HV increased with the progression of HV severity from a single-digit percentage (normal grade, HVA < 20°) up to 100% (severe grade, HVA ≥ 40°). A multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that HVA, IMA, and female sex were independent positive factors for self-recognition of HV (HVA [per 1° increase]: OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.15-1.20; p <  0.0001; IMA [per 1° increase]: OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09-1.20; p <  0.0001; and female sex [vs. male sex]: OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 2.35-5.18; p <  0.0001).Conclusions: There was a significant discrepancy between radiographically-assessed and self-recognized HV which narrowed with the progressing severity of HV. HVA, IMA, and female sex were independent positive factors for self-recognition of HV. Attention needs to be paid to potentially lowered prevalence of HV in epidemiological studies using self-reporting based on self-recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]