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Three new lanostane triterpenoids (1-3) along with two new amides fatty compounds (4-5) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of a culture of the endophytic fungus Alternaria sp. gx-2. Their structures were identified by 1D and 2D NMR spectral data and HRESIMS. Compounds 1-12 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and tyrosinase inhibition activities. The isolated compounds did not show inhibitory activities at a concentration of 100 μM against tyrosinase, while under the concentration of 10 μM, the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibition rate of compound 1 was 54.45%, indicating that compound 1 had moderate anti-inflammatory activity on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new triterpenes mayteneri A (1), mayteneri B (2), and seven known compounds (3-9) were isolated from stems of Maytenus hookeri Loes. The chemical structures of compounds 1 and 2 were established by 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS analysis, and calculating electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The structures of known compounds 3-9 were determined by comparison of their spectral with those reported. Compounds 4-7 showed significant inhibitory activity for NLRP3 inflammasome, with the IC50 values of 2.36–3.44 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new diterpenoids, named nematocynine A-C (1-3), together with twelve known compounds (4-15) were isolated from the aerial part of Euphorbia nematocypha Hand.-Mazz (Hereinafter referred to E. nematocypha). Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. In addition, all the compounds were tested for their anti-candidaalbicans activities used alone or in combination with fluconazole against sensitive strain and resistant strain in vitro. Wherein only compound 11 shows weak activity against candida albicans resistant strain (MIC50 = 128.15 μg/mL) when used alone. Compounds 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15 in combination with fluconazole showed potent anti-fungal activities (MIC50 = 15 ± 5 μg/mL, FICI = 0.05 ± 0.04) against the Candida albicans resistant strain SC5314-FR. The synergistic effects were weaker against the Candida albicans resistant strain SC5314-FR when the compounds 2, 3, 5 and 14 were combined with fluconazole (FICI = 0.16 ± 0.06). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exciton properties play a crucial role in controlling the optical properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). In this work, horizontally oriented MoS2 (H-MoS2), horizontally and vertically oriented MoS2 (HV-MoS2), and vertically oriented MoS2 (V-MoS2) on the same SiO2/Si substrate have been synthesized and investigated using temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy from 7 to 300 K. Except for direct excitons called as A and B peaks, indirect exciton named as I peak is discovered with the splitting of three peaks. Compared with direct excitons, indirect excitons appear to be more susceptible to the orientation of MoS2. The exciton activation energies are larger, and the exciton–phonon coupling is stronger in V-MoS2 than in H-MoS2. The exciton properties of HV-MoS2 are more similar to those of V-MoS2, but there are some unusual phenomena. Our work provides a reference for optoelectronic applications based on transition-metal dichalcogenides represented by MoS2 grown with horizontal and vertical orientations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy is a novel autoimmune disease of central nervous system (CNS). It is unclear whether Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is related to autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy. Objective: To describe the clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of patients with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy. Methods: The clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings of patients are presented. The levels of GFAP in CSF were detected by ELISA. T and B cell subsets in CSF were detected by flow cytometry. GFAP‐IgG in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were tested by cell‐based assay (CBA) and tissue‐based assay (TBA). Results: All three patients had fever, cognitive dysfunction, limb weakness, and positive GFAP‐IgG with EBV infection in CSF. Enteric glia cells may involve in this disease. Typical imaging findings include the gadolinium enhancement of linear perivascular radial perpendicular to the ventricle, meningeal enhancement (especially in midbrain interpeduncal fossa), longitudinally extensive lesions involving spindle cords, and more T2/Flair‐hyperintense lesions in the periventricular white matter at late stage. The patients had poor response to antiviral treatment and strong response to steroid pulse therapy. Conclusion: EBV could induce CNS autoimmune response in autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy. The detection of GFAP‐IgG and EBV may facilitate the early diagnosis in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new compounds, including a norsesquiterpenoid, annuionone H (1), and a quassinoid, picraqualide G (2), along with eleven known compounds (3–13), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Picrasma quassioides. Comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and NMR calculation with DP4+ analysis were used to identify their structures. Moreover, of all these compounds, compound 4 showed a week inhibition rate in the anti-inflammatory screening results against mouse macrophage J774A.1 cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The linear molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with different nanostructures due to atomic arrangements is expected to show promising prospects in the next generation electronics and optoelectronic devices. In this work, three typical linear MoS2 nanostructures were grown on the SiO2/Si (285 nm, 500 μm) substrate by a modified chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method and were systematically analyzed by using angle-resolved polarized (ARP) Raman spectra. The results are as follows. The first and the second linear MoS2 are identified as nanoribbon-like structures with a tiled layered arrangement similar with the sheet MoS2, where the first linear MoS2 is grown directly on the substrate and the second linear MoS2 is coated on the upper surface of the cylindrical-shaped molybdenum oxide (MoO3). The third linear MoS2 is a nanotube-like structure, and its atomic structure includes vertical layered arrangement in addition. All three linear MoS2 produce a small-size effect, and the second linear MoS2 is more like an intermediate material between the first linear MoS2 and the third linear MoS2 during the growth of CVD. This study provides an effective approach to detect the optical anisotropy of linear nanostructures of two-dimensional materials which has potential applications in ARP optoelectronics devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Propofol-based sedations are widely used in elderly patients for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure, but respiratory depression and cardiovascular adverse events commonly occur. Magnesium administered intravenously can alleviate pain and decrease propofol requirements during surgery. We hypothesized that intravenous magnesium was used as adjuvant to propofol might be beneficial in elderly patients undergoing ERCP procedures. Methods: Eighty patients aged from 65 to 79 years who were scheduled for ERCP were enrolled. All patients were intravenously administered 0.1 µg/kg sufentanil as premedication. The patients were randomized to receive either intravenous magnesium sulfate 40 mg/kg (group M, n = 40) or the same volume of normal saline (group N, n = 40) over 15 min before the start of sedation. Intraoperative sedation was provided by propofol. Total propofol requirement during ERCP was the primary outcome. Results: The total propofol consumption were reduced by 21.4% in the group M compared with the group N (151.2 ± 53.3 mg vs. 192.3 ± 72.1 mg, P = 0.001). The incidences of respiratory depression episodes and involuntary movement were less in the group M than those in the group N (0/40 vs. 6/40, P = 0.011; 4/40 vs. 11/40, P = 0.045; respectively). In the group M, the patients experienced less pain than those in the group N at 30 min after the procedure (1 [0–1] vs. 2 [1–2], P < 0.001). Correspondingly, the patients' satisfaction was clearly higher in the group M (P = 0.005). There was a tendency towards lower intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial pressure in group M. Conclusions: A single bolus of 40 mg/kg of intravenous magnesium can significantly reduce propofol consumption during ERCP, with higher sedation success and lower adverse events. Trial Registration: ID UMIN000044737. Registered 02/07/2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new compounds verboncin A (1) and verboncin B (4) and 14 known compounds (2–3 and 5–16) were isolated from Verbena bonariensis, and these 14 compounds were first obtained from this plant. Their chemical structures were established by one and two-dimensional NMR and HRESIMS analysis and the results were compared with literature values. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by calculating electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The cytotoxicity of some of the compounds against MCF-7, HCT-116, MDA-MB-231, and SW620 human cancer cell lines were evaluated, in which compound 4 showed negligible cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 68.08 ± 0.35 µM against the MCF-7 cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boreal forests commonly suffer from nitrogen deficiency due to low rate of nitrogen mineralization. Biochar may promote soil organic matter decomposition and accelerate nitrogen mineralization. In this study, Illumina NovaSeq sequencing combined with functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa (FAPROTAX) analysis was used to investigate the effect of biochar pyrolysis temperatures, the amount of applied biochar, and the period since the biochar application (2- and 3-year) on soil bacterial communities. The results show that biochar pyrolysis temperatures (500 °C and 650 °C) and the amount of applied biochar (0.5 kg m−2 and 1.0 kg m−2) did not change soil properties. Nevertheless, the interaction of biochar pyrolysis temperature and the amount had significant effects on bacterial species richness and evenness (P < 0.05). The application of biochar produced at 500 °C had a lower abundance of Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia, while that produced at 650 °C had a higher abundance of Conexibacter and Phenylobacterium. When biochar produced at 650 °C was applied, applying 0.5 kg m−2 had a higher abundance of Cyanobacteria, Conexibacter, and Phenylobacterium than that of 1.0 kg m−2 (P < 0.05). Functionally, the abundance of the aromatic compound degradation group increased with the extension of application time and increase of pyrolysis temperature. The time since application played an important role in the formation of soil bacterial communities and their functional structure. Long-term studies are necessary to understand the consequence of biochar on bacterial communities in boreal forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pair of new oxindole alkaloids, named macrophyllines C (1) and D (2), together with two known oxindole alkaloids isorhynchophylline (3) and corynoxine (4) were isolated from Uncaria macrophylla. Their structures were elucidated based on detailed spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with literature data. In addition, all the isolates were tested for their anti-HIV activities and cytotoxicities in C8166 cells and compounds 2–4 showed weak anti-HIV activities with EC50 values of 11.31 ± 3.29 μM, 18.77 ± 6.14 μM and 30.02 ± 3.73 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dupilumab is the first human monoclonal antibody that treats atopic dermatitis (AD) by blocking interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 13 (IL-13), which can suppress the Th2 inflammatory reaction. Effective treatments for pediatric AD patients are limited; therefore, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in pediatric AD patients. Fifteen pediatric patients diagnosed with moderate to severe AD and treated with dupilumab were enrolled in this study. SPSS was used to analyze data and obtain the average values of Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), SCORing AD (SCORAD), and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). GRAPHPAD was used to analyze and plot the statistics. The average EASI values were 19.23 ± 3.03 and 1.69 ± 0.54 at baseline and at following up for 6 months after standardized treatment protocol, respectively. The average SCORAD values were 43.27 ± 4.63 and 6.13 ± 1.41 at baseline and at following up for 6 months after standardized treatment protocol, respectively. The average CDLQI value at baseline was 13.53 ± 2.88 and following up for 6 months after standardized treatment protocol was 1.60 ± 0.63. The most frequent adverse event was conjunctivitis. No serious adverse events occurred during the treatment period. Dupilumab could reduce symptoms and improve pruritus in pediatric AD patients, and the frequent adverse events were reversible. It has a definite therapeutic effect on AD; nevertheless, further studies should be conducted to obtain information on its the long-term efficacy and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We aimed to assess the eradication efficacy and factors that influencing it of high‐dose dual therapy (HDDT) in Gansu region, Northwest China. Methods: A total of 216 treatment‐naive patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were randomly assigned to two groups for the 14‐day eradication treatment: the HDDT group (amoxicillin 750 mg q.i.d. and esomeprazole 40 mg t.i.d.) and the amoxicillin and clarithromycin‐containing bismuth quadruple therapy group (ACBQT: esomeprazole 20 mg, bismuth potassium citrate 2 g, amoxicillin 1 g, and clarithromycin 500 mg; b.i.d.). The eradication rates, adverse effects and patient compliance of these two groups were compared. Eradication efficacy was determined by 13C urea breath test (13C UBT) 4–8 weeks after finishing treatment. Antibiotic resistance was determined by the Epsilometer testing (E‐test) method. Results: The eradication rates for the HDDT and ACBQT groups were 71.0% and 74.7% (P =.552) by per‐protocol analysis, and 65.7% and 68.5% (P =.664) by intention‐to‐treat analysis. The overall adverse event rates in the HDDT and ACBQT groups were 2.0% and 43.4% (P <.001), respectively. The resistance rates to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, tetracycline, levofloxacin and metronidazole were 15.2%, 42.0%, 5.4%, 35.7% and 83.0%, respectively. Amoxicillin resistance and delta over baseline (DOB) of 13C UBT ≥ 20 before treatment significantly reduced the eradication rate in 112 participants with H. pylori cultured. Conclusion: The HDDT as first‐line treatment for H. pylori was unsatisfactory in Gansu. Amoxicillin resistance and DOB of 13C UBT ≥ 20 before treatment were significantly correlated with H. pylori eradication failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new flavonoids, 8,2′-diprenyl-3,5,7,5′-tetrahydroxyflavone (1) and 8-(1-methoxy-2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)naringenin (2), along with twelve known compounds (3–14), were isolated from the leaves of Macaranga pustulata. The structures of the new compounds 1 and 2 were established by detailed spectroscopic data analysis and ECD computational methods. The inhibitory effects of compounds 1–6 against NLRP3 inflammasome activation as well as the cytotoxic activities of compounds 1–4 against MCF-7 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines were investigated. Compound 3 showed weak cytotoxicity against HCT-116 (IC50 = 55.747 ± 3.212 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a common psychiatric comorbidity in patients with epilepsy, especially those with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The aim of this study was to assess changes in high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) expression in epileptic patients with and without comorbid depression. Sixty patients with drug-resistant TLE who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy were enrolled. Anterior hippocampal samples were collected after surgery and analyzed by immunofluorescence (n = 7/group). We also evaluated the expression of HMGB1 in TLE patients with hippocampal sclerosis and measured the level of plasma HMGB1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that 28.3% of the patients (17/60) had comorbid depression. HMGB1 was ubiquitously expressed in all subregions of the anterior hippocampus. The ratio of HMGB1-immunoreactive neurons and astrocytes was significantly increased in both TLE patients with hippocampal sclerosis and TLE patients with comorbid depression compared to patients with TLE only. The ratio of cytoplasmic to nuclear HMGB1-positive neurons in the hippocampus was higher in depressed patients with TLE than in nondepressed patients, which suggested that more HMGB1 translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in the depressed group. There was no significant difference in the plasma level of HMGB1 among patients with TLE alone, TLE with hippocampal sclerosis, and TLE with comorbid depression. The results of the study revealed that the translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in hippocampal neurons may play a previously unrecognized role in the initiation and amplification of epilepsy and comorbid depression. The direct targeting of neural HMGB1 is a promising approach for anti-inflammatory therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an effective tool for data analysis, formal concept analysis (FCA) is widely used in software engineering and machine learning. The construction of concept lattice is a key step of the FCA. How to effectively to update the concept lattice is still an open, interesting and important issue. To resolve this problem, an incremental algorithm for concept lattice on image structure similarity (SsimAddExten) was presented. The proposed method mapped each knowledge class on the conceptlattice into a graphic, when a new object was added or deleted in a knowledge class, the boundary profile of graphic will be changed, the graphic edge structure similarity was introduced as the calculation index of the change degree before and after the knowledge, and the concept lattice will be updated on the basis of the index. We performed experiments to test SsimAddExtent, whose computational efficiency obtains obvious advantages over mainstream methods on almost all test points, especially on the data set with a large number of attributes. But, its complexity is not reduced compared with mainstream methods. Both theoretical analysis and performance test show SsimAddExtent algorithm is better choice when we apply the FCA to large scale data or non-sparse data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is considered to be a possible means of carbon sequestration to alleviate climate change. However, the dynamics of the microbial community during wood decomposition after biochar application remain poorly understood. In this study, the wood-inhabiting bacterial community composition and its potential functions during a two-year decomposition period after the addition of different amounts of biochar (0.5 kg m−2 and 1.0 kg m−2), and at different biochar pyrolysis temperatures (500 °C and 650 °C), in a boreal Scots pine forest, were analyzed using Illumina NovaSeq sequencing combined with Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa (FAPROTAX). The results showed that the wood decomposition rates increased after biochar addition to the soil surface in the second year. Treatment with biochar produced at high temperatures increased the diversity of wood-inhabiting bacteria more than that produced at low temperatures (P < 0.05). The wood-inhabiting bacterial diversity and species richness decreased with decomposition time. The biochar treatments changed the wood-inhabiting bacterial community structure during the decomposition period. The pyrolysis temperature and the amount of applied biochar had no effect on the bacterial community structure but shifted the abundance of certain bacterial taxa. Similarly, biochar application shifted the wood-inhabiting bacterial community function in the first year, but not in the second year. The wood-inhabiting bacterial community and function were affected by soil pH, soil water content, and soil total nitrogen. The results provide useful information on biochar application for future forest management practices. Long-term monitoring is needed to better understand the effects of biochar application on nutrient cycling in boreal forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new ionone glycoside, named centrantheroside F (1), together with 9 known compounds (2-10), were isolated from the roots of Centranthera grandiflora. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data analyses and comparing with the literature data. The absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed via 2 D NMR and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). All isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizosphere microbes are important for plant tolerance to various soil stresses. Rice is the most aluminum (Al)-tolerant small grain cereal crop species, but the link between rice Al tolerance and rhizosphere microbiota remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the microbial community structure of aluminum-sensitive and Al-tolerant rice varieties in acid sulfate soil under liming and non-liming conditions. We analyzed the rice biomass and mineral element contents of rice plants as well as the chemical properties and microbial (archaea, bacteria, and fungi) communities of rhizosphere and bulk soil samples. The results showed that the Al-tolerant rice genotype grew better and was able to take up more phosphorus from the acid sulfate soil than the Al-sensitive genotype. Liming was the main factor altering the microbial diversity and community structure, followed by rhizosphere effects. In the absence of liming effects, the rice genotypes shifted the community structure of bacteria and fungi, which accounted for the observed variation in the rice biomass. The Al-tolerant rice genotype recruited specific bacterial and fungal taxa (Bacillus , Pseudomonas , Aspergillus , and Rhizopus) associated with phosphorus solubilization and plant growth promotion. The soil microbial co-occurrence network of the Al-tolerant rice genotype was more complex than that of the Al-sensitive rice genotype. In conclusion, the bacterial and fungal community in the rhizosphere has genotype-dependent effects on rice Al tolerance. Aluminum-tolerant rice genotypes recruit specific microbial taxa, especially phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms, and are associated with complex microbial co-occurrence networks, which may enhance rice growth in acid sulfate soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Apolipoprotein E (APOE) loci, including rs429358 (Ɛ4) and rs7412 (Ɛ2), are involved in cardiovascular (CV) health. However, their effect on the CV-protective effect of aspirin remains unknown. Methods A total of 515 aspirin-treated individuals with existing CV diseases were recruited, and their APOE genotypes, platelet functions and other routine laboratory parameters were assessed when they enrolled. The first major CV events (myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularisation and CV death) and all CV events (major CV events plus unstable angina and transient ischaemic attack) during a mean 5.2-year follow-up period were recorded. Results After adjusting for age, gender, BMI, lifestyle, lipid profiles and other CV drugs and comorbidities, Ɛ2 carriers were found to exhibit ~80% lower risk of major CV and 60% lower risk of all CV (HR = 0.186, CI: 0.048–0.715, P  = 0.014; HR = 0.435, CI: 0.234–0.812, P  = 0.009, respectively) than Ɛ2 noncarriers. Furthermore, high incidence of high platelet reactivity assessed by arachidonic acid-induced light transmission aggregometry (23.4 vs. 13.7%, P  = 0.038), triglyceride and haemoglobin and low low-density lipoprotein were observed. Ɛ4 carriers had slightly increased cholesterol and hypercholesterolemia incidence relative to Ɛ4 noncarriers. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that APOE*Ɛ2 carriers can derive additional CV benefit from long-term aspirin treatment. Moreover, it was observed that APOE2 interacts with cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and upregulates its activity. The CV-protective effect of aspirin in Ɛ2 carriers is likely attributed to APOE2 upregulating vascular COX-1-mediated CV protective pathway, together with aspirin partially inhibiting platelet COX-1-mediated platelet aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We investigated the safety and explore potential efficacy of batoclimab administered subcutaneously in Chinese patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel phase II study was conducted. First, in the double-blinded treatment period, eligible patients received batoclimab (680 mg), batoclimab (340 mg), or placebo on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36. In the open-label treatment period, patients received batoclimab (340 mg) on days 50, 64, and 78. In the follow-up period, patients were examined on days 92, 106, and 120. The primary endpoint was Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score change on day 43 from baseline. Results: In total, 30 eligible patients were enrolled, with 11, 10, and 9 patients in the batoclimab 680 mg, batoclimab 340 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. MG-ADL score changes from baseline to day 43 were −2.2 ± 0.9, −4.7 ± 0.6, and −4.4 ± 1.0 in the placebo, batoclimab 340 mg, and 680 mg groups, respectively. Similar changes were observed in Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis, Myasthenia Gravis Composite, and 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life scores in the placebo, batoclimab 340 mg, and 680 mg groups, respectively. The proportion of patients with clinically significant improvement on day 43 was higher in the batoclimab groups. On day 120, all four scales in the placebo group had more significant improvement compared with the batoclimab groups, with total serum IgG levels reaching a plateau. No death or treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) led to study discontinuation. Conclusion: Batoclimab is effective and safe in Chinese patients with gMG. Trial Registration: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04346888) on 15 April 2020, with the first patient enrolled on 23 July 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten agronomic traits of 14 varieties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were comprehensively evaluated by grey correlation analysis. The results showed that the order of each index and yield was as follows: Plant height > leaf length > main stem length > average node length > branch number > leaf area > stem node number > leaf width > stem diameter. The weight decision method was used to comprehensively analyze the main indexes of alfalfa, the results showed that the three indexes with higher weight were plant height, leaf width and stem diameter. The experiment indicates that the comprehensive evaluation of weighted correlation degree, Algonjin and Gannong 5 can be used as demonstration varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of underground pipelines in cities is very complex, and changes in the surrounding environment can easily cause deformation and even crack damage to pipelines, which affects the normal use of existing pipelines. Shield tunneling projects significantly disturb the surrounding environment. With the popularization of subways, it has become important to clarify the deformation of existing pipelines caused by shield tunnel construction. In this study, the existing pipeline was simplified as an Euler–Bernoulli beam placed on a Pasternak foundation beam, and the ground loss, additional thrust, shield shell friction, and additional grouting pressure during the shield tunneling process were considered. An equation was derived to describe the deformation of the existing pipeline caused by shield tunneling obliquely through the pipeline. According to the Foshan-Dongguan Intercity Railway Project, a finite difference model (FDM) and the established equation were used to predict the existing pipeline deformation caused by the tunneling of the shield machine. The results reveal that only a small error existed among the theoretical calculation results, FDM result, and field monitoring data, which validates the proposed equation. When the existing pipeline axis is obliquely intersected with the shield tunnel axis, the maximum settlement position of the pipeline appears at the side close to the tail of the shield machine. The settlement of the existing pipeline increases with the decrease of the distance from the tail of the shield machine, and the decrease of the angle between the pipeline axis and the shield tunnel axis increases the settlement of the existing pipeline. When the pipeline is parallel to the axis of the shield tunnel, the disturbance caused by the shield machine construction to the existing pipeline reaches the maximum. The stiffness of the pipeline greatly influences the deformation of the pipeline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myopathy and phosphorylase kinase deficiency caused by a mutation in the PHKA1 gene. Keywords: glycogen storage disease type IXD; novel mutation; PHKA1; typical myotonic discharges EN glycogen storage disease type IXD novel mutation PHKA1 typical myotonic discharges 1895 1897 3 10/13/22 20221101 NES 221101 Glycogen storage disease type IXD (GSD9D, OMIM 300559) is a rare metabolic myopathy characterized by exercise intolerance, myoglobinuria, myalgia, cramps, and myopathy.1 The pattern of muscle involvement has been recognized as a phenotype of primarily proximal weakness or primarily distal involvement. A novel PHKA1 mutation associating myopathy and cognitive impairment: expanding the spectrum of phosphorylase kinase b (PhK) deficiency. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: Accurate preoperative differentiation between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in the palatine tonsil is crucial because of their different treatment. This study aimed to construct and validate a contrast-enhanced CT (CECT)–based radiomics nomogram for preoperative differentiation of SCC and NHL in the palatine tonsil. Methods: This study enrolled 135 patients with a pathological diagnosis of SCC or NHL from two clinical centers, who were divided into training (n = 94; SCC = 50, NHL = 44) and external validation sets (n = 41; SCC = 22, NHL = 19). A radiomics signature was constructed from radiomics features extracted from routine CECT images and a radiomics score (Rad-score) was calculated. A clinical model was established using demographic features and CT findings. The independent clinical factors and Rad-score were combined to construct a radiomics nomogram. Performance of the clinical model, radiomics signature, and nomogram was assessed using receiver operating characteristics analysis and decision curve analysis. Results: Eleven features were finally selected to construct the radiomics signature. The radiomics nomogram incorporating gender, mean CECT value, and radiomics signature showed better predictive value for differentiating SCC from NHL than the clinical model for training (AUC, 0.919 vs. 0.801, p = 0.004) and validation (AUC, 0.876 vs. 0.703, p = 0.029) sets. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the radiomics nomogram was more clinically useful than the clinical model. Conclusions: A CECT-based radiomics nomogram was constructed incorporating gender, mean CECT value, and radiomics signature. This nomogram showed favorable predictive efficacy for differentiating SCC from NHL in the palatine tonsil, and might be useful for clinical decision-making. Key Points: • Differential diagnosis between SCC and NHL in the palatine tonsil is difficult by conventional imaging modalities. • A radiomics nomogram integrated with the radiomics signature, gender, and mean contrast-enhanced CT value facilitates differentiation of SCC from NHL with improved diagnostic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in chondrocyte growth and the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM). Due to the rapid metabolism, controlled release systems for TGF-β1 have attracted increasing interest recently. OBJECTIVE: In this study, a silk fibroin (SF)/chitosan (CS) scaffold incorporated with TGF-β1-loaded microspheres (MSs) was created for cartilage reparation. METHOD: The optimal proportion of the SF/CS composite scaffold was determined by evaluating their micromorphology and the proliferation rate of fibroblasts on the surface. Then, SF/CS/TGF-β1-loaded MS scaffolds were prepared by the adsorption method. TGF-β1 release capacity, degradation patterns, cytocompatibility and in vivo implantation were evaluted. RESULTS: The SF/CS/TGF-β1-loaded MS scaffold showed good TGF-β1 release over more than 16 days, which could sequentially stimulate chondrocyte synthetic activity. In vitro cell proliferation experiments showed the SF/CS/TGF-β1-loaded MS scaffold could promote chondrocytes adhesion, growth, proliferation and maintained the cellular morphology. An in vivo study demonstrated that a low inflammatory response was observed in rats and that the materials exhibited good biocompatibility. CONCLUSION: the results indicated that our SF/CS/TGF-β1-loaded MS scaffold constitute a promising therapeutic option for cartilage reparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral microbleeds were not observed in any of the MRI images of patients with DM1, whereas 69% of those with CADASIL had microbleeds.5 Brain MRI characteristics in patients with DM1 or CADASIL are presented in Table 1. Anterior temporal lobe hyperintensities and white matter hyperintensities are characteristics of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL).1 Because similar findings detected by brain MRI have been described in DM1, the brain MRI in these two diseases is often misinterpreted. Keywords: CADASL; ischemic stroke; MRI; myotonic dystrophy type 1 EN CADASL ischemic stroke MRI myotonic dystrophy type 1 1655 1657 3 09/05/22 20221001 NES 221001 Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant multisystemic disorder that causes muscle weakness, atrophy, and myotonia. [Extracted from the article]

Bilayer graphene (BLG) grown via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) tends to exhibit twisted stacking. The twist angle θt in twisted BLG (tBLG) provides a new degree of freedom for engineering its electronic and optical properties. In this paper, we investigate the θt-dependent optical absorption in tBLG and deeply understand the electronic structure-optical properties correlations. New absorption peaks, whose wavelengths are modified by θt, are observed on the feature of optical contrast (OC) in tBLG. Under the corresponding energy excitation, the Raman G mode in tBLG exhibits a significant enhancement. Furthermore, the results of θt obtained by OC absorption peak are verified to be consistent with those by the Raman R mode. All these properties are proved to be related to the energy difference between low-energy Van Hove singularities (EVHS) in the density of states of tBLGs. This work builds a relation between optical absorption and twist angle, providing a viable method to identifying twist angles in tBLGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the tunnel site area, the environment of water resources is complicated. When a significant water inrush disaster occurs, accurate identification of the water resource is necessary to ensure that water resources are not lost. The severe water inrush disaster occurred in Huzhang Tunnel in Guangdong Province. To determine the source of the tunnel water inrush, the following work was carried out. First, hydrochemical tests were conducted to determine the ion composition and concentration of each water sample. Then, based on the statistical data, the statistical analysis model was used to identify the source of the tunnel inrush water. Finally, the tracer tracking method was applied to verify the statistical analysis model. The research results showed that the gray correlation model based on the ion concentration of water source samples was inconsistent with the time series model based on the amount of inrush water. The gray correlation model recognition results showed no correlation between the tunnel water inrush and the surrounding reservoir water. By contrast, the recognition results of the time series model and the tracer tracking method indicated a strong correlation between the tunnel water inrush and the water in the Fengqing Reservoir. The recognition results of the gray correlation model were impossible to criteria if the water was the storage water in the fault structure in the early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have validated the capability of SYNTAX score (SS) and clinical SYNTAX score (CSS) in the prediction of clinical outcomes in patients who have undergone PCI; however, studies on comparison of these two scoring systems in Chinese population have been sparse.Methods: To study the ability of SS and CSS in prediction of clinical outcomes of Chinese patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We retrospectively calculated SS and CSS for 547 Chinese patients from a single center who underwent PCI. Patients were stratified into tertiles according to their SS and CSS. We compared the 2-year clinical outcomes in these patients stratified separately by SS and CSS tertiles.Results: The incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebro-vascular events (MACCE) was the highest in patients with SSHIGH (13.5%), comparing to 6.8% in SSMED and 0% in SSLOW (p < 0.0001). The Cox multivariable analysis showed that the SS and CSS were both strong independent predictors for MACCE [1.100 (1.069-1.133), 1.017 (1.010-1.025), both p < 0.0001]. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed the areas-under-the-curves for all-cause death by CSS was slightly larger comparing to SS but not significantly (AUC SS, 0.64; AUC CSS, 0.71; p = 0.23).Conclusion: We concluded that both the SS and CSS were capable of risk stratification of clinical outcomes in all-comers population as well as in low and moderate risk Chinese patients undergoing PCI with CSS showing slightly better advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remaining useful life (RUL) prediction plays a pivotal role in the predictive maintenance of industrial manufacturing systems. However, one major problem with the existing RUL estimation algorithms is the assumption of a single health degradation trend for different machine health stages. To improve the RUL prediction accuracy with various degradation trends, this article proposes an algorithm dubbed degradation-aware long short-term memory (LSTM) autoencoder (AE) (DELTA). First, the Hilbert transform is adopted to evaluate the degradation stage and factor with the real-time sensory signal. Second, we adopt LSTM AE to predict RUL based on multisensor time-series data and the degradation factor. Distinct from the existing studies, the proposed framework is able to dynamically model the degradation factor and explore latent variables to improve RUL prediction accuracy. The performance of DELTA is evaluated with the open-source FEMTO bearing data set. Compared with the existing algorithms, DELTA achieves appreciable improvements in the RUL prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disease–gene association through genome-wide association study (GWAS) is an arduous task for researchers. Investigating single nucleotide polymorphisms that correlate with specific diseases needs statistical analysis of associations. Considering the huge number of possible mutations, in addition to its high cost, another important drawback of GWAS analysis is the large number of false positives. Thus, researchers search for more evidence to cross-check their results through different sources. To provide the researchers with alternative and complementary low-cost disease–gene association evidence, computational approaches come into play. Since molecular networks are able to capture complex interplay among molecules in diseases, they become one of the most extensively used data for disease–gene association prediction. In this survey, we aim to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of network-based methods for disease gene prediction. We also conduct an empirical analysis on 14 state-of-the-art methods. To summarize, we first elucidate the task definition for disease gene prediction. Secondly, we categorize existing network-based efforts into network diffusion methods, traditional machine learning methods with handcrafted graph features and graph representation learning methods. Thirdly, an empirical analysis is conducted to evaluate the performance of the selected methods across seven diseases. We also provide distinguishing findings about the discussed methods based on our empirical analysis. Finally, we highlight potential research directions for future studies on disease gene prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Preoperative differentiation between benign parotid gland tumors (BPGT) and malignant parotid gland tumors (MPGT) is important for treatment decisions. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an MRI-based radiomics nomogram for the preoperative differentiation of BPGT from MPGT.Methods: A total of 115 patients (80 in training set and 35 in external validation set) with BPGT (n = 60) or MPGT (n = 55) were enrolled. Radiomics features were extracted from T1-weighted and fat-saturated T2-weighted images. A radiomics signature model and a radiomics score (Rad-score) were constructed and calculated. A clinical-factors model was built based on demographics and MRI findings. A radiomics nomogram model combining the Rad-score and independent clinical factors was constructed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic performance of the three models was evaluated and validated using ROC curves on the training and validation datasets.Results: Seventeen features from MR images were used to build the radiomics signature. The radiomics nomogram incorporating the clinical factors and radiomics signature had an AUC value of 0.952 in the training set and 0.938 in the validation set. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram outperformed the clinical-factors model in terms of clinical usefulness.Conclusions: The above-described radiomics nomogram performed well for differentiating BPGT from MPGT, and may help in the clinical decision-making process.Key Points: • Differential diagnosis between BPGT and MPGT is rather difficult by conventional imaging modalities. • A radiomics nomogram integrated with the radiomics signature, clinical data, and MRI features facilitates differentiation of BPGT from MPGT with improved diagnostic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data in the form of graphs are prevalent, ranging from biological and social networks to citation graphs and the Web. In particular, most real-world graphs are heterogeneous, containing objects of multiple types, which present new opportunities for many problems on graphs. Consider a typical proximity search problem on graphs, which boils down to measuring the proximity between two given nodes. Most earlier studies on homogeneous or bipartite graphs only measure a generic form of proximity, without accounting for different “semantic classes”—for instance, on a social network two users can be close for different reasons, such as being classmates or family members, which represent two distinct semantic classes. Learning these semantic classes are made possible on heterogeneous graphs through the concept of metagraphs. In this study, we identify metagraphs as a novel and effective means to characterize the common structures for a desired class of proximity. Subsequently, we propose a family of metagraph-based proximity, and employ a learning-to-rank technique that automatically learns the right parameters to suit the desired semantic class. In terms of efficiency, we develop a symmetry-based matching algorithm to speed up the computation of metagraph instances. Empirically, extensive experiments reveal that our metagraph-based proximity substantially outperforms the best competitor by more than 10 percent, and our matching algorithm can reduce matching time by more than half. As a further generalization, we aim to derive a general node and edge representation for heterogeneous graphs, in order to support arbitrary machine learning tasks beyond proximity search. In particular, we propose the finer-grained anchored metagraph, which is capable of discriminating the roles of nodes within the same metagraph. Finally, further experiments on the general representation show that we can outperform the state of the art significantly and consistently across various machine learning tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Two labdane diterpenoids, leojapone B and heteronone B, were isolated from Leonurus japonicus Houtt., and their biological activity were evaluated in this study. Methods: Human and mouse cancer cells, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and mouse macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) were used to evaluate the activity of leojapone B and heteronone B, while the in vivo effects of leojapone B were further examined in Lewis Lung Cancer tumour‐bearing mice. Key findings: In vitro studies showed that leojapone B selectively inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells, and both leojapone B and heteronone B inhibited the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in activated PBMCs. In tumour‐bearing mice model, lung tumours were reduced in size in mice treated with intraperitoneal injections of leojapone B at 20 and 30 mg/kg for 14 days. The population ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells in mouse spleens was found to be increased, while regulatory T cells were decreased after leojapone B treatment. Conclusions: The inhibitory effects of leojapone B in mouse lung tumours were demonstrated for the first time in this study. The immunomodulatory activity of heteronone B were also demonstrated. Our findings indicated that both leojapone B and heteronone B may act as active components in L. japonicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic damage has been recognized as one of the major complications in diabetes mellitus. Our previous studies have verified that grape seed procyanidin B2 (GSPB2) played a protective effect on hepatic damage of diabetes. We used isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation proteomics here to identify the alterant mitochondrial protein profile in diabetic liver and to seek the protective targets of GSPB2. Proteomics found that 171 proteins were upregulated or downregulated in the liver mitochondria of diabetic group compared to the control group. Of these proteins, 61 were normalized after GSPB2 treatment. These back‐regulated proteins are involved in the process of fatty acid oxidation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Some differentially expressed proteins were confirmed by western blotting. Our study might help to better understand the mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic liver damage, and provide novel targets for estimating the protective effects of GSPB2. Practical applications: Grape seed procyanidin B2 (GSPB2), a polyphenolic component found in red wine and grapes, has beneficial effects such as antioxidative stress, antiapoptosis, and cardiovascular protection. We used proteomics here to identify the differentially expressed mitochondrial proteins in diabetic liver after GSPB2 treatment and to seek the protective targets of GSPB2. We found that the differentially expressed proteins were involved in carbon metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, citrate cycle, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. These proteins may play a key role in diabetic hepatic damage as functional proteins. Targeting these proteins including apply of GSPB2 could potentially lead to an effective treatment in the diabetic hepatic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy; IgG4-related disease; mechanism; peripheral neuropathy EN Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy IgG4-related disease mechanism peripheral neuropathy 172 174 3 12/17/21 20220101 NES 220101 CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflict of interest. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, mechanism, peripheral neuropathy, IgG4-related disease Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy-like neuropathy in IgG4-related disease. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Increase in right relative to left frontal electroencephalography (EEG) activity has been observed in patients with schizophrenia, both in cognitive tasks and during rest; and this lateralisation may be related to the severity of schizotypal traits. Methods: We used the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) to assess schizotypal traits, and examined the correlation between these traits and resting EEG frontal asymmetry (left-right) in 52 college students, as well as the reliability of this correlation over a three-month interval. Results: A higher total score on the SPQ was correlated with reduced asymmetry in different frequency bands: gamma and beta2 frequency bands at baseline, and delta and alpha frequency bands three months later. Additionally, the reduced left relative to right frontal gamma and beta2 asymmetry was correlated with the participants' verbal fluency ability. However, this correlation was no longer statistically significant after the total SPQ score was controlled. Conclusions: These findings suggest that resting frontal EEG asymmetry is correlated with powers in different frequency bands, and may be an endophenotype for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional herbal formula Gushukang (GSK) was clinically applied to treat primary osteoporosis and showed osteoprotective effect in ovariectomized rodent animals and regulatory action on calcium transporters. This study aimed to determine if GSK could ameliorate aged osteoporosis by modulating serum level of calciotropic hormones and improving calcium balance. 18-month-old male mice were orally administered with either GSK (0.38 g/kg body weight) or calcitriol (1 μ g/kg body weight) combined with high calcium diet (HCD, 1.2% Ca) for 60 days. The aged mice fed with normal calcium diet (NCD, 0.6% Ca) were a negative control. Trabecular bone and cortical bone properties as well as calcium balance were determined. Treatment with GSK significantly increased 25(OH)D and 1,25-(OH)2D levels in serum, moreover, it markedly attenuated trabecular bone micro-architectural deteriorations and elevated trabecular bone mass as well as strengthened cortical bone mechanical properties shown by the increase in maximal bending load and elastic modulus. Calcium balance, including urinary Ca excretion, fecal Ca level and net calcium retention, was remarkably improved by GSK, which up-regulated TRPV6 expression in duodenum and TRPV5 expression in kidney and down-regulated claudin-14 expression in duodenum and kidney. Additionally, 1-OHase and 24-OHase expression was significantly decreased (vs. NCD group) and increased (vs. HCD group), respectively, in kidney of GSK- and calcitriol-treated mice. Taken together, this study demonstrated the ameliorative effects of Gushukang on aged osteoporosis by effectively stimulating vitamin D production and improving calcium balance of aged mice with high dietary calcium supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]