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This study was to investigate the mechanism of Changma Xifeng tablet, a traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of Tourette syndrome. Network pharmacology was utilized to pinpoint blood-entering constituents of Changma Xifeng and explore their potential targets. Additionally, differential microRNA expression analysis was conducted to predict Tourette syndrome-associated targets, complemented by molecular docking and dynamics simulations to support the interactions of the active compounds with these targets. The study identified 98 common targets between Changma Xifeng and Tourette syndrome, which may be involved in the treatment process. A protein-protein interaction network and a drug-active ingredient-disease target network highlighted the formulation's multi-component, multi-target therapeutic approach. Eight pivotal targets-AR, GRM5, MET, RORA, HTR2A, CNR1, PDE4B, and TOP1-were identified at the intersection of microRNA and drug targets. Molecular docking revealed 12 complexes with favorable binding energies below − 7 kcal/mol, specifically: AR with Alfacalcidol, TOP1 with Albiflorin, GRM5 with Arachidic Acid, GRM5 with Palmitic Acid, AR with Arachidic Acid, AR with 2-Hydroxyoctadecanoic Acid, RORA with Pinellic Acid, RORA with Palmitic Acid, AR with Acoronene, AR with Epiacoronene, AR with 4,4'-Methylenediphenol, and HTR2A with Calycosin. Our molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggest potential stable interactions between the formulation's active components and target proteins. These computational methods provide a preliminary theoretical framework that will guide our future experimental work. The study provides a scientific rationale for the use of traditional Chinese medicine in Tourette syndrome management and offers new insights for drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of digital therapy for children aged 6 to 12 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). From January to March 2023, 52 children aged 6 to 12 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from Wuhan Children's Hospital, Hubei Province, China were selected for intervention using the "MindPro1" attention training software developed by Jiangsu Ruinao Qizhi Medical Technology Co., Ltd. Before the intervention, the children were in a stable treatment state, and no modifications were made to the original treatment plan during the MindPro1 intervention. Subjects with severe mental illness or other conditions that may affect the implementation and evaluation of disease treatment were excluded. Subjects completed the planned 4-week intervention, and changes in attention-related variables were assessed using the Test of Attention Variables (TOVA) and the parent version of the 18-item SNAP-IV scale (Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, version IV scale) before and after the intervention. After 4 weeks of intervention, the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval of the response rate of the 18-item SNAP-IV-Parent scale, which was ≥ 30% improvement from baseline, was higher than 27.5% (better than similar products on the market); the SNAP-IV parent score improved (P < 0.001), with statistical significance; the TOVA-ACS score improved (P < 0.05), with statistical significance. The acceptance rate of parents of children was 100%, and the average compliance rate was 95%. There were 4 cases (7.69%) of adverse reactions that may be related to the device in this trial, which recovered spontaneously within 2 days of discontinuation, and no serious adverse events occurred. After 4 weeks of treatment with ADHD auxiliary treatment software, the objective attention assessment data and attention function assessment scale were significantly improved. Parents had a high acceptance of the software, the average compliance rate of participants was high, and the incidence of related adverse events was low and mild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purposes of this study were to explore the pharmacokinetics of perampanel (PER) in children with epilepsy, identify factors that contribute to pharmacokinetic variations among subjects, evaluate the connection between PER exposure and clinical outcome, and establish an evidence‐based approach for tailoring individualized antiepileptic treatment in this specific population. Methods: In this prospective study, PER plasma concentrations and genetic information on metabolic enzymes were obtained from 194 patients younger than 18 years. The disposition kinetics of PER in pediatric patients following oral dosing were characterized using nonlinear mixed effect models. The effective range for the plasma concentration of PER was determined by assessing the efficacy and safety of PER treatment and analyzing the relationship between drug exposure and clinical response. Monte Carlo simulations were then performed to evaluate and optimize the current dosing regimens. Results: The pharmacokinetic profile of PER was adequately described by a one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination. Body weight, total bilirubin level, and concomitant oxcarbazepine were found to have significant influences on PER pharmacokinetics. Model estimates of apparent clearance and volume of distribution were.016 ±.009 L/h/kg and 1.47 ±.78 L/kg, respectively. The effective range predicted from plasma concentration data in responders was 215–862 μg/L. Dosing scenarios stratified according to essential covariates were proposed through simulation analysis. Significance: In this study, we captured the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics of PER in pediatric epilepsy patients through analysis of real‐world data and adopted a pharmacometric approach to support an individualized dosing strategy for PER in this specific population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), an important representative fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been frequently detected in water sources, thus threatening aquatic organisms and human health. In this work, a porous three‐component covalent organic polymer (SLEL‐6) was synthesized through multi‐component (MC) reaction systems for adsorptive removal of CIP from aqueous solution, followed by an encapsulation process to achieve SLEL‐6/sodium alginate (SA) beads with boosted adsorption ability, reusability and recyclability. By virtue of the hierarchical porous natures, functional groups as well as π‐rich skeletons, SLEL‐6 and SLEL‐6/SA beads could deal with CIP contamination effectively. Moreover, the adsorption isotherms of CIP by SLEL‐6 and SLEL‐6/SA beads follow the Langmuir model showing high theoretical maximum adsorption capacities of 57.47 and 163.93 mg g−1, respectively. Furthermore, the plausible mechanisms are proposed according to experimental studies of influencing factors, coupled with characterizations before and after adsorption. This work therefore highlighting the immense potential of COP‐based SA composite beads as new‐type globular adsorbents for eliminating fluoroquinolones from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota and their metabolic products might play important roles in regulating the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to characterize gut microbiota and serum amino acid metabolome profiles in children with ASD. A non-randomized controlled study was carried out to analyze the alterations in the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in patients with ASD (n = 30) compared with neurotypical controls (NC) (n = 30) by metagenomic sequencing to define the gut microbiota community and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis to characterize the metabolite profiles. Compared with children in the NC group, those in the ASD group showed lower richness, higher evenness, and an altered microbial community structure. At the class level, Deinococci and Holophagae were significantly lower in children with ASD compared with TD. At the phylum level, Deinococcus-Thermus was significantly lower in children with ASD compared with TD. In addition, the functional properties (such as galactose metabolism) displayed significant differences between the ASD and NC groups. Five dominant altered species were identified and analyzed (LDA score > 2.0, P < 0.05), including Subdoligranulum, Faecalibacterium_praushitzii, Faecalibacterium, Veillonellaceae, and Rumminococcaceae. The peptides/nickel transport system was the main metabolic pathway involved in the differential species in the ASD group. Decreased ornithine levels and elevated valine levels may increase the risk of ASD through a metabolic pathway known as the nickel transport system. The microbial metabolism in diverse environments was negatively correlated with phascolarctobacterium succinatutens. Our study provides novel insights into compositional and functional alterations in the gut microbiome and metabolite profiles in ASD and the underlying mechanisms between metabolite and ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota and their metabolic products might play important roles in regulating the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to characterize gut microbiota and serum amino acid metabolome profiles in children with ASD. A non-randomized controlled study was carried out to analyze the alterations in the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in patients with ASD (n = 30) compared with neurotypical controls (NC) (n = 30) by metagenomic sequencing to define the gut microbiota community and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis to characterize the metabolite profiles. Compared with children in the NC group, those in the ASD group showed lower richness, higher evenness, and an altered microbial community structure. At the class level, Deinococci and Holophagae were significantly lower in children with ASD compared with TD. At the phylum level, Deinococcus-Thermus was significantly lower in children with ASD compared with TD. In addition, the functional properties (such as galactose metabolism) displayed significant differences between the ASD and NC groups. Five dominant altered species were identified and analyzed (LDA score > 2.0, P < 0.05), including Subdoligranulum, Faecalibacterium_praushitzii, Faecalibacterium, Veillonellaceae, and Rumminococcaceae. The peptides/nickel transport system was the main metabolic pathway involved in the differential species in the ASD group. Decreased ornithine levels and elevated valine levels may increase the risk of ASD through a metabolic pathway known as the nickel transport system. The microbial metabolism in diverse environments was negatively correlated with phascolarctobacterium succinatutens. Our study provides novel insights into compositional and functional alterations in the gut microbiome and metabolite profiles in ASD and the underlying mechanisms between metabolite and ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For achieving the better modifying effect of polyurethane on asphalt pavement materials, the PUA powder modifier was prepared with fine grinding at the glass transition temperature, and polyurethane-modified asphalt (PUA-MA) with different dosages of modifier was prepared. The impact of the PUA on the physical properties of asphalt binder was studied. The modifying mechanism of PUA on asphalt was explored by investigating the thermal performance and chemical composition of asphalt (thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry test, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). The micrograph of the interactive interface was characterized by scanning an electron microscope. Furthermore, the rheological properties of PUA-MA were also investigated and analyzed. The results indicated that the PUA had a dense structure with few pores on the surface. After mixing with asphalt, it altered the asphalt's internal structure via physical fusion and chemical reaction (carbamate formation). PUA improved the thermal stability of asphalt, enhanced the asphalt's thermal decomposition temperature, and further reduced the thermal mass loss while decreasing the glass transition temperature. The addition and dosage increase in the PUA modifier significantly improved the softening point, viscosity, complex shear modulus, and rutting factor of asphalt. Also, the PUA could improve the elastic recovery ability of asphalt and enhance the rutting resistance of asphalt at high temperatures. However, the crack resistance at low temperatures was not effectively improved (ductility and penetration decreased). When the dosage was 6–9%, PUA-MA had the best high-temperature performance, but asphalt showed poor low-temperature performance at this dosage. This study provides a theoretical reference for popularizing and applying polyurethane as an asphalt modifier in road engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To understand the depression status of maternal women and its association with occupational factors. Methods From April to July 2018, using the convenient sampling method, a total of 1 073 maternal women were investigated by the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Results Among 1 073 pregnant women, 233 had depression, with a prevalence of 21.7%, while the incidence of mild, moderate, and severe depression was 17.9%, 3.2%, and 0.7%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of depression was reduced in those with a graduate degree or higher compared with those with junior high school education and below (OR = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.04 - 0.45). The maternal women in marital conditions (such as unmarried, cohabitation, widows, and divorced) had a higher risk of depression compared to women in married conditions (OR = 9.04, 95%CI: 1.62 - 50.53); while the maternal women working longer than 40 hours per week during pregnancy (versus less than 30 hours per week), sitting or walking for a long time (versus standing for a long time), and being exposed to occupational hazards (versus non-exposed) had a higher risk of depression, the OR were 2.52 (95%CI: 1.30-4.91), 3.28 (95%CI: 1.34-8.02), 2.00 (95%CI: 1.28-3.11), and 2.67 (1.78 -3.99), respectively. Additionally, compared to those who did not adjust their job position or workload after pregnancy, maternal women who adjusted their jobs or reduced their work intensity after pregnancy had a reduced risk of depression of 0.50 (95%CI: 0.32 -0.77). Conclusions Adverse occupational factors can have an impact on maternal depression. It is advisable to avoid prolonged standing and exposure to occupational hazards, rationally arrange work hours, adjust work positions and reduce work intensity. Health education should be conducted to reduce the incidence of maternal depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a chitosan film (CS) was modified using 2,3-epoxy-propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTA) to flocculate granular pollutants in potato starch wastewater, aiming at the deficiencies of poor water solubility and weak electropositivity of the chitosan film. By examining the degree of substitution of chitosan film amino under different factors and different levels and response surface optimization tests, the optimum preparation conditions of chitosan film quaternary ammonium salt (HTCC) were obtained. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and 1H-nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, the nucleophilic substitution reaction of the GTA molecule with the hydrogen atoms in the chitosan film amino group successfully improved the water solubility and electropositivity of the chitosan film. HTCC was used to treat potato starch wastewater, and the optimal flocculation conditions were obtained. The flocculation product was recovered, and the composition analysis of the flocculation product demonstrated that HTCC-potato protein flocculation precipitate was rich in high protein, which is a good choice of feed and can realize sustainable utilization of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For promoting modifying application of sprayed polyurea (SPUA) in asphalt pavement materials, the effects of sprayed polyurea materials on high-temperature and fatigue performance of asphalt binders were investigated from different aspects. First, the optimal preparation parameters of sprayed-polyurea-modified asphalt binders (SPMAs) were determined by designing an orthogonal test. Then, the high-temperature and fatigue properties of sprayed-polyurea-modified asphalt binders with different contents were characterized by rheological testing methods, including Brookfield rotary viscosity (RV) test, performance grading (PG) test, multiple stress creep recover (MSCR) test, linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test and time sweeping (TS) test. Finally, the thermal properties of the asphalt binders were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test. The results showed that the optimum preparation parameters were determined by the extreme difference analysis method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) method, and the shearing time was 40 min, the shearing rate was 6000 rpm and the shearing temperature was 150 °C. Sprayed polyurea positively affected high-temperature performance of asphalt binders and could improve fatigue resistance of asphalt binders. Moreover, the Brookfield rotary viscosity test, multiple stress creep recover test and linear amplitude sweep test had high sensitivity to the performance of sprayed-polyurea-modified asphalt binder, which could help to distinguish the effect of sprayed polyurea dosing on performance of asphalt binders accurately. The differential scanning calorimetry test showed that sprayed polyurea was beneficial to high-temperature stability of asphalt binders, which explains the reason why sprayed-polyurea-modified asphalt binders have excellent high-temperature performance from a microscopic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of flexible, self-healing conductive hydrogels as a type of typical electronic skin with the function of transmitting sensory signals has attracted wide attention in the field of biomaterials. In this study, composite hydrogels based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin (GEL), oxidized sodium alginate (OSA), graphene oxide (GO), and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were successfully prepared. The hydrogen and imine bonding of the composite hydrogels gives them excellent self-healing properties. Their self-healing properties restore 68% of their breaking strength and over 95% of their electrical conductivity. The addition of GO and SWNTs enables the PGO-GS hydrogels to achieve a compressive modulus and conductivity of 42.2 kPa and 29.6 mS/m, which is 8.2 times and 1.5 times that of pure PGO, respectively. Furthermore, the PGO-GS hydrogels can produce profound feedback signals in response to deformation caused by external forces and human movements such as finger flexion and speech. In addition, the PGO-GS hydrogels exhibit superior biocompatibility compared to PGO. All of these results indicate that the PGO-GS hydrogels have great potential with respect to future applications in the field of electronic skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combined small cell lung cancer (c-SCLC) is a relatively rare subtype of SCLC, especially when SCLC is initially diagnosed and recurrent lesions are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Moreover, SCLC combined lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) has few been reported. Case Presentation: Here, we report a 68-year-old man pathologically diagnosed as stage IV SCLC of right lung. With cisplatin and etoposide, the lesions were significantly reduced. It was not until three years later that a new lesion was found in his left lung, pathologically confirmed as LUSC. The patient was initiated with sintilimab based on high tumor mutational burden (TMB-H). Both lung tumors were stable, and PFS was 9.7 months. Conclusion: This case provides a meaningful reference for the third-line treatment of SCLC combined LUCS patients. This case also provides valuable information on the response to PD-1 inhibition of patients with c-SCLC based on TMB-H and better understanding of PD-1 therapy applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To repair microcracks in cast-in-place concrete bridge decks and improve the quality of bridge deck pavement, low-viscosity epoxy grouting material was prepared. The effects of different diluent types and dosages on the viscosity, operable time, and mechanical properties of the epoxy grouting materials were compared. The variation of the bond strength, tensile strength, and engineering strain of the grouting material with the dosage of the active diluent (AD-I, AD-II, and AD-III) was explored. Based on the reconstruction data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, a model for optimizing the composition of the grouting material was established. The results show that the initial viscosity and 30-min average viscosity of the epoxy grouting material initially decreased rapidly, then declined more slowly. When the dosage of active diluent was 15%, the operable time increased more than 150% compared with the epoxy grouting material without active diluent. The tensile strength and engineering strain of the epoxy grouting material at low temperature first increased slightly and then decreased rapidly. The tensile strength at room temperature and high temperature was basically the same as that at low temperature, while the engineering strain increased overall. The bonding strength of the epoxy grouting material increased slightly first and then decreased rapidly with the addition of AD-I and AD-II active diluent and decreased rapidly with the increase of AD-III active diluent. Through reconstruction and optimization of the DEA method, the final optimal epoxy grouting material formulations were found to be AD-I-15, AD-II-15, AD-III-10, and the dosage of AD-I, AD-II, and AD-III active diluent accounts for 15%, 15%, and 10% of the epoxy resin, respectively. The low-viscosity epoxy grouting material prepared in this study had excellent groutability and mechanical properties, which can provide an effective guarantee for the repair of microcracks in cast-in-place concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Objective: To explore Chinese residents' willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and identify predictors of the level of willingness based on the health belief model (HBM). (2) Methods: The snowball sampling method was used to distribute online questionnaires. A chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between different variables. The causal relationship between HBM-related factors and booster vaccination intentions was explored by Structural equation modeling (SEM). (3) Results: A total of 898 complete responses were included; 64.3% had already received the booster injection. Most respondents intended to vaccinate themselves, while 16.1% were hesitant. Nearly half of the respondents chose to take the booster injection to support China's vaccination policy. Using the SEM, perceived susceptibility and perceived barriers were found to have a negative effect on booster vaccination intentions, whereas perceived benefit and cues to action positively affected booster vaccination intentions in the HBM. (4) Conclusions: Factors included in this study have different effects on the willingness to take the COVID-19 booster injections. Sociodemographic characteristics and characteristics of participants' COVID-19 vaccination have a significant effect on the willingness to receive vaccine booster shots. The HBM constructs can serve as good predictors of the acceptance of vaccine booster shots with the exception of perceived severity, which may benefit health officials in terms of conducting targeted strategies in vaccine programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein transport is an interesting and intrinsic life feature that is highly relevant to physiology and disease in living beings. Herein, inspired by nature, based on the supramolecular host‐guest interaction, we have introduced the classical azobenzene light switches and L‐phenylalanine derived pillar[6]arene (L‐Phe‐P6) into the artificial nanochannel to construct light‐responsive nanochannels that could regulate protein transport effectively under the control of ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) light. The light‐controlled distribution of L‐Phe‐P6 in the channel led to the difference in surface charges in the nanochannel, which eventually brought the difference in protein transport. This research may not only provide a convenient theoretical model for biological research, but also a flexible light‐responsive protein transport model, which will play a crucial role in light‐controlled release of protein drugs and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the performance of epoxy grouting materials and achieve better repair of microcracks in cast-in-place concrete bridge deck pavements, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and diluent were used to modify epoxy resin. The mechanical properties of silicon-modified epoxy grouting materials produced using different preparation processes were analyzed, and the best preparation process was optimized. The working performance of silicon-modified epoxy grouting material was determined, and the environmental adaptability before and after composite modification was explored. The results showed that the suitable reaction temperature, time, and PDMS content are 100°C, 3 min, and 8%, respectively. The higher the temperature, the better was the groutability and the shorter was the curing time. Therefore, the construction temperature should be at least 35°C. The impact resistance and strength of the grouting materials were improved significantly after the addition of PDMS. In addition, the strength essentially was formed after 5 days. This indicates that the curing age is 5 days. Silicon-based modified epoxy grouting materials have good environmental adaptability. After thermal shock, 30-day temperature variation treatment, and 30 freeze–thaw cycles, the flexibility and bonding properties of the materials were excellent, and were much higher than those of the unmodified materials. Although the tensile strength was slightly lower than that of the unmodified materials, it still remained at about 60 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Both Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 2D (CMT2D) and distal spinal muscular atrophy type V (dSMA‐V) are GARS1 disease phenotypes involving axonal peripheral neuropathy. Patients often develop clinical symptoms in their teens. Herein, we reported a Chinese family with infantile‐onset CMT2D/dSMA‐V. Methods: Clinical evaluation and laboratory examination were performed in our proband, the older sister from this family, and trio exome sequencing (ES) was conducted on the proband and her parents, followed by Sanger sequencing. Results: A novel GARS1 mutation (c.997G>C, p.E333Q; NM_002047) was identified in this patient and her younger sister but not in her parents; thus, it is presumed that this mutation is inherited from a germline mosaic parent. The younger sister began to exhibit weakness of her hands and feet at the age of 1 year old. Conclusion: This is the first report of infantile CMT2D/dSMA‐V in China. Our study increases the number of infantile‐onset cases, as well as reported pathogenic variants in the GARS1 gene, and highlights the important role of exome sequencing in the clinical diagnosis of disease and enabling subsequent prenatal diagnosis. Our study reminds us to consider the possibility of parent germline mosaicism in the subsequent prenatal genetic diagnosis when identifying a de novo variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To date, the mental health consequences of children hospitalized with COVID-19 remain unclear. We aimed to assess mental health status in children in the context of COVID-19, with a focus on discharged children. Methods: We recruited discharged children who recovered from COVID-19 and healthy controls between July and September 2020 in Wuhan Children's Hospital. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and sleep problems were assessed in these children using questionnaires. Univariable and multivariable logistic and linear regressions were conducted to identify risk factors. Results: Totally, there were 152 children (61 discharged children and 91 healthy controls) aged 7–18 years old in our study. An increasing trend in the prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression was observed in the discharged children compared with healthy controls (PTSD: 8.20 vs. 2.20%, anxiety: 22.95 vs. 13.19%; depression: 47.54 vs. 32.97%). Discharged children tended to report more depressive symptoms (β = 0.39) and less sleep problems (β = −0.37). Discharged children who lived in nuclear families and had longer hospital stays were more likely to report depression [odds ratio (OR) = 3.68 and 1.14, respectively]. Anxiety symptoms and the severity of sleep problems of discharged children were positively associated with caregivers' depression and PTSD symptoms (OR = 21.88 and 31.09, respectively). Conclusion: In conclusion, PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms were common among recovered children 4 months after COVID-19 hospitalization. Children from nuclear family and those had longer hospital stays need special attention. In addition, parental mental health had a significant impact on their children's mental resilience and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of catalytic ozonation shows promise for the degradation of refractory contaminants. A doped MnO2/Al2O3 catalyst was prepared and utilized to achieve catalytic microbubbles ozonation for quinoline degradation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis show that the active component, MnO2 (spherical, approximately 30–50 nm in diameter) dispersed well in the porous Al2O3 support. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the oxidation state of the MnO2 was Mn4+, which was consistent with the results of the XRD analysis. It was confirmed that the crystal form was α-MnO2. Characterization of the MnO2/Al2O3 catalyst was conducted, and the optimal content of MnO2, its calcination temperature, and the duration of the process was determined. It was confirmed that the optimal content of MnO2 was 8% of the catalyst, and the optimum calcination temperature and duration were 500°C and 4 h, respectively. The highest removal efficiencies of 95% and 65% for quinoline and TOC, respectively, were achieved after 90 min of catalytic ozonation at an ozone dose of 135.0 mg/L. In addition, catalytic ozonation of quinoline by microbubbles of ozone (66.7 μm average diameter) showed 10% higher degradation efficiency than that using normal-sized aerated ozone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the genetic architecture of metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their clustering in Chinese boys and girls. Seven metabolic traits (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], and uric acid [UA]) were measured in a sample of 1016 twins between 8 and 17 years of age, recruited from the Qingdao Twin Registry. Cholesky, independent pathway, and common pathway models were used to identify the latent genetic structure behind the clustering of these metabolic traits. Genetic architecture of these metabolic traits was largely similar in boys and girls. The highest heritability was found for BMI (a2 = 0.63) in boys and TC (a2 = .69) in girls. Three heritable factors, adiposity (BMI and WC), blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and metabolite factors (TC, TG, and UA), which formed one higher-order latent phenotype, were identified. Latent genetic, common environmental, and unique environmental factors indirectly impacted the three factors through one single latent factor. Our results suggest that there is one latent factor influencing several metabolic traits, which are known risk factors of CVDs in young Chinese twins. Latent genetic, common environmental, and unique environmental factors indirectly imposed on them. These results inform strategies for gene pleiotropic discovery and intervening of CVD risk factors during childhood and adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase deficiency (ECHS1D), also known as ECHS1 deficiency, is a rare inborn metabolic disorder with clinical presentations characterized by Leigh syndrome (LS). Thirty-four different pathogenic mutations have been identified from over 40 patients to date. Case presentation: Here, we report five Chinese patients with clinical syndromes typified as LS. Despite different initial symptoms, all patients presented developmental regression, dystonia, common radiological features such as symmetrical bilateral brain abnormalities, and similar metabolic results such as elevated plasma lactate and 2,3-dihydroxy-2-methylbutyrate. Utilizing whole-exome sequencing (WES), we identified eight distinct variants in ECHS1, with six novel variants, and the remaining two variants have been previously reported. Interestingly, one of the six novel variants, c.463G > A (p.Gly155Ser), was detected in three patients from unrelated families, suggesting a potential founder effect already described for a few mutations in LS. Incorporating both genetic analysis and medical results, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and biochemical testing, our study enriched the mutation spectrum of the ECHS1 gene and confirmed the phenotypic presentations of LS. Conclusions: The severity of ECHS1 deficiency seems to vary. It was affected by both genetics and external environmental factors that lead to increased metabolism. Our study enriched the mutation spectrum of the ECHS1 gene, confirmed the phenotypic presentations, and highlighted the importance of the valine catabolic pathway in Leigh syndrome. Further studies are required to examine the potential founder mutation c.463G > A (p.Gly155Ser) and the role of ECHS1 in relevant pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECHS1) is a multifunctional mitochondrial matrix enzyme involved in the second step of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation. Mitochondrial diseases resulting from ECHS1 mutations are often characterised by encephalopathy, deafness, epilepsy, optic atrophy, cardiomyopathy, dystonia, and lactic acidosis. In this study, we report two novel heterogeneous variants, c.414 + 5G > A (in intron 3) and c.310C > G (in CDS), of ECHS1 in an infant with mitochondrial encephalopathy.Case Presentation: The two novel variants, c.414 + 5G > A (Chr10:135183403) in intron 3 and c.310C > G (Chr10:135183512) in CDS, were identified by next generation sequencing (NGS). A minigene assay was used to analyse the function of the c.414 + 5G > A variant. ECHS1 enzyme activity was measured by spectrophotometry in the patient-derived myoblasts. The 2-year old patient presented with mitochondrial encephalopathy since birth. Clinical features were encephalopathy, epilepsy, and hindered psychomotor and language development. Serum lactate and blood ammonia levels were elevated, and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signals in the bilateral frontal, parietal, and occipital cortices and brainstem and basal ganglia. We found two novel heterogeneous variants in ECHS1 in this patient. Minigene assay revealed the c.414 + 5G > A variant as the cause of intronic cryptic splice site activation and 39 bp deletion in mature mRNA. In silico analysis predicted that c.310C > G might change glutamine (Q) to glutamic acid (E) in the 104th amino acid sequence (p.Q104E). To investigate the impact of these two variants on protein function, we constructed a 3D model of human ECHS1 and showed that the variants might alter the highly conserved region in close proximity to the active site, which might hinder, or even halt, enzymatic activity. The experimental assay showed that ECHS1 enzyme activity in the patient-derived myoblasts decreased compared to that in control.Conclusions: Our findings are the first to report a mitochondrial encephalopathy infant carrying two novel ECHS1 variants, c.414 + 5G > A and c.310C > G, which might be deleterious variants, function as pathogenicity markers for mitochondrial encephalopathy, and facilitate disease diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage-gated sodium channel plays a critical role in pain sensation and has been considered as a potential target for the development of analgesic drug. Hainantoxin-III(HNTX-III) is a selective inhibitor of neuronal tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channels with similar selectivity for Nav1.7, 1.2 and 1.3 but not for Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 from the venom of the spider O. hainana. The aim of the present study is to investigate the analgesic effect of HNTX-III on inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. In the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model and formalin model of inflammatory pain, HNTX-III produced reversal of hyperalgesia comparable with morphine, and in the spared nerve injury model of pain, HNTX-III inhibited allodynia compared with mexiletine. HNTX-III was also evaluated in a motor coordination assay to assess its propensity for central nervous system side effects, indicating it did not induce impairment of motor coordination. Our findings revealed that HNTX-III significantly alleviated chronic neuropathic pain and acute inflammatory pain and provided a potential template for analgesic drug design in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by the development of multiple jaw keratocysts and basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and accompanied by diverse phenotypes. The establishment of diagnosis lies on the identification of a heterozygous germline pathogenic variant in the patched homolog 1 gene (PTCH1). PTCH1 has alternative splicing and selective initial coding exon, leading to three types of encoding proteins (PTCHL, PTCHM and PTCHS). The expression of each protein in NBCCS remains ambiguous, especially the importance of the first two exons in translation. Here, we report a Chinese NBCCS family of a novel PTCH1 heterozygous mutation (IVS 2, c.394+1G>T, g.10652G>T) identified by genomic sequencing and reverse-transcription-PCR as aberrant splicing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of NBCCS with a splicing site mutation in intron 2 resulting in exon 2 skipping. Our finding suggests that exon 2 plays an important role in the development of NBCCS and further speculates that the role of longer isoforms PTCHL and PTCHM is crucial in NBCCS, while that of short isoform PTCHS might be dispensable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoflavones impart health benefits and their overall content and profile in foods are greatly influenced at each step during processing. In this study, 2 soybean varieties (Prosoy and black soybean) were processed with 3 different grinding (ambient, cold, and hot grinding) and heating methods (traditional stove cooking, 1-phase UHT, and 2-phase UHT) for soymilk making. The results showed after cold, ambient, and hot grinding, the total isoflavones were 3917, 5013, and 5949 nmol/g for Prosoy; the total isoflavones were 4073, 3966, and 4284 nmol/g for black soybean. Grinding could significantly increase isoflavone extraction. The grinding process had a destructive effect on isoflavones and this effect varied with grinding temperature. Different heating methods had different effects on different isoflavone forms. Two soybean varieties showed distinct patterns with respect to the change of isoflavone profile during processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is the most serious long-term complication of Henoch-Schönlein purpura and aberrant galactosylation of IgA1 plays a role in its development. However, the precise role of genetic factors contributing to the abnormal IgA1 galactosylation remains unknown. Methods: In order to examine the effects of C1GALT1 gene encoding core 1 β1,3-galactosyltransferase, an important role in the β1,3 glycosylation of IgA1, on HSPN susceptibility, we conducted a case-control association genetic study in 269 HSP and 61 HSPN in China. Five tagging SNPs, SNP1(-734 C/T), SNP4(-465A/G), SNP6(-330 G/T), SNP7(-292 C/-), and SNP8(1365 G/A) in C1GALT1 were studied using single-locus and haplotype-based multilocus analysis. Results: Our results demonstrated that 1365 G allele frequency was significantly higher in HSPN patients than in HSP patients without nephritis (0.459 vs 0.331, p = 0.0008, adjusted p' = 0.004) with an odds ratio (OR) = 1.716, 95%CI 1.151-2.560). The GG genotype of 1,365 G/A was significantly different in HSP without nephritis and HSPN ( p = 0.008, adjusted p'' = 0.04). We did not observe statistically significant differences in haplotype frequencies between HSPN and HSP patients. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study suggested that the 1365 G/A polymorphism of the C1GALT1 gene may contribute to HSPN development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease whose pathogenesis remains unknown. Pyrin encoded by the MEFV gene (NM_000243; OMIM 608107) is an important active member of the inflammasome and has been shown to affect the expression of many of the genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. The aim of our study was to elucidate the possible roles of MEFV genetic variants on the susceptibility to HSP and its clinical outcomes in 78 patients with HSP and 189 controls in China. A significant association was found between the E148Q polymorphism (G->C) and HSP susceptibility (odds ratio 2.76, 95% confidence interval 1.76-4.34, P=0.0001). The C allele of E148Q was associated with joint involvement ( P = 0.014) but not with HSP nephritis ( P = 0.1). The clinical score was higher in subjects with the CC genotype than in those with the CG or GG genotype (4.13 ± 3.53 vs. 1.94 ± 1.70, respectively; P = 0.011). P369S was not associated with HSP or other phenotypes. M694V and M680I were absent in our patients. Our results suggest that MEFV E148Q could be a contributory genetic factor to HSP and HSP-related joint syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Co(OH)2 with three-dimensional (3-D) structures was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. It was found that the amount of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), the pH value, and the reaction time all had an important influence on the formation of this morphology. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. A possible mechanism of the formation of the 3-D microstructures of β-Co(OH)2 was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the uptake and vaccination willingness of the COVID-19 vaccine among Chinese residents and analyze the difference and factors that impact vaccination. Methods: The snowball sampling method was used to distribute online questionnaires. Relevant sociodemographic data along with the circumstances of COVID-19 vaccination were collected from the respondents. The χ2 test, independent samples t test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Among 786 respondents, 84.22% had been vaccinated. Over 80% of the vaccinated population have completed all the injections because of supporting the national vaccination policies of China, while the unvaccinated population (23.91%) is mainly due to personal health status. Meanwhile, statistical analysis revealed that the main predictors of not being vaccinated were younger age (3 to 18 years old), personal health status, and lower vaccinated proportion of family members and close friends (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There was a high level of uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in China, and people who have not been vaccinated generally had a low willingness to vaccinate in the future. Based on our results, it suggested the next work to expand the coverage of the COVID-19 vaccination should be concentrated on targeted publicity and education for people who have not been vaccinated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conically corrugated tube is a new type of high-efficiency heat exchange tube. In this paper, the mechanical and heat transfer properties of conically corrugated tubes formed by the cold rolling of smooth tubes are studied through experimental measurement and numerical simulation to lay the foundations for applying the tubes in heat exchangers. The results show that while conically corrugated tube has a lower axial elastic stiffness compared with smooth tube, conically corrugated tube has a higher yield strength and ultimate strength. Unlike smooth tubes, conically corrugated tubes develop three-dimensional stresses when an axial tensile load is applied to them. In addition, the heat transfer coefficient of conically corrugated tube is 15%, 17%, and 115% higher than that of spiral grooved tube, convergent divergent tube, and smooth tube, respectively. Finally, the correlation equations of the axial stress concentration factor, stiffness equivalent coefficient, Nusselt number, and flow resistance coefficient of conically corrugated tubes are obtained for engineering application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of polluted water and sediment often costs too much and has little benefit. In this study, we proposed a novel design using dredged sediment, shrub willow (Salix spp.) and recirculating hand pumps for the restoration of polluted river water in Changchun city, China. Sediment was filled as a matrix for plant growth, shrub willow was transplanted for the absorption of nutrients, and ten hand-pumped water wells were built for recycling the polluted water. During the 5-month experimental period, the shrub willow growth and nutrient contents, sediment nutrient concentration and water quality were measured. The results showed that this pond system could effectively decrease the sediment pollutant levels, and its removal efficiencies of organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) could respectively reach as high as 11%, 10% and 26%. The dissolved oxygen (DO) content increased by more than 90% in August, and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total nitrogen (TN) content decreased by 44.93% and 19.82%, respectively. This means that the treatment pond could efficiently work toward the purification of polluted river water. The benefits and feasibility of this system application were also analyzed, and we found that it could be widely used for the treatment of polluted water and sediment in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]