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Introduction We conducted analyses of the association between smoking and osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures using a secondary dataset analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database and the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method. Methods The associations between smoking and osteoporosis or osteoporotic fractures were analyzed using weighted logistic regression models for both univariate and multivariable analyses using pooled 1999–2018 NHANES data. The summary-level data of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of smoking and osteoporosis were extracted from the IEU Open GWAS project. The inverse variance weighted method was used as the main method for the two-sample MR analysis. Results We obtained the following main findings based on the NHANES data: smoking was associated with osteoporosis according to the analyses of 30856 participants (OR=1.21; 95% CI: 1.06–1.39, p=0.004); smoking was associated with hip osteoporotic fracture according to the analyses of 30928 participants (OR=1.47; 95% CI: 1.14–1.90, p=0.004); smoking was associated with wrist osteoporotic fracture according to the analyses of 30923 participants (OR=1.33; 95% CI: 1.18–1.49, p

Abstract The corticostriatal connection plays a crucial role in cognitive, emotional, and motor control. However, the specific roles and synaptic transmissions of corticostriatal connection are less studied, especially the corticostriatal transmission from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Here, a direct glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission in the corticostriatal projection from the ACC is found. Kainate receptors (KAR)‐mediated synaptic transmission is increased in this corticostriatal connection both in vitro and in vivo seizure‐like activities. GluK1 containing KARs and downstream calcium‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) are involved in the upregulation of KARs following seizure‐like activities. Inhibiting the activities of ACC or its corticostriatal connection significantly attenuated pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)‐induced seizure. Additionally, injection of GluK1 receptor antagonist UBP310 or the AC1 inhibitor NB001 both show antiepileptic effects. The studies provide direct evidence that KARs are involved in seizure activity in the corticostriatal connection and the KAR‐AC1 signaling pathway is a potential novel antiepileptic strategy.

Objective: This study aims to construct an epithelial cell-related prognostic risk model for breast cancer (BRCA) and explore its significance. Methods: GSE42568, GSE10780, GSE245601, and TCGA-BRCA datasets were sourced from public databases. Epithelial cell-related differentially expressed genes were identified using single-cell data analysis. Venn diagrams determined the intersecting genes between epithelial cell-related and BRCA-related genes. Batch Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis identified core intersecting genes for BRCA overall survival. Consensus clustering, enrichment, LASSO, and COX regression analyses were performed on the core intersecting genes, and then a prognostic risk model was constructed. The diagnostic and prognostic effectiveness of the risk model was subsequently evaluated and immune infiltration analysis was conducted. Finally, qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression of genes in the risk model. Results: There were 374 intersecting genes between epithelial cell-related and BRCA-related genes, among which 51 core intersecting genes were associated with BRCA prognosis. Consensus clustering categorized TCGA-BRCA into C1 and C2, with shared regulation of the estrogen signaling pathway. Three genes (DIRC3, SLC6A2, TUBA3D) were independent predictors of BRCA prognosis, forming the basis for a risk model. Except for exhibiting satisfactory diagnostic efficacy, the risk score elevation correlated with poor prognosis, elevated matrix, immune, and ESTIMATE scores, and negative correlation with microsatellite instability. The in vitro results confirmed the differential expression levels of DIRC3, SLC6A2, and TUBA3D. Conclusion: The prognostic risk model associated with epithelial cells demonstrates effective diagnostic performance in BRCA, serving as an independent prognostic factor for BRCA patients. Additionally, it exhibits a correlation with immune scores.

Abstract Background Members of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain containing (NLRP) family regulate various physiological and pathological processes. However, none have been shown to regulate actin cap formation or spindle translocation during the asymmetric division of oocyte meiosis I. NLRP4E has been reported as a candidate protein in female fertility, but its function is unknown. Methods Immunofluorescence, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blotting were employed to examine the localization and expression levels of NLRP4E and related proteins in mouse oocytes. small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antibody transfection were used to knock down NLRP4E and other proteins. Immunoprecipitation (IP)-mass spectrometry was used to identify the potential proteins interacting with NLRP4E. Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to verify the protein interactions. Wild type (WT) or mutant NLRP4E messenger RNA (mRNA) was injected into oocytes for rescue experiments. In vitro phosphorylation was employed to examine the activation of steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) by NLRP4E. Results NLRP4E was more predominant within oocytes compared with other NLRP4 members. NLRP4E knockdown significantly inhibited actin cap formation and spindle translocation toward the cap region, resulting in the failure of polar body extrusion at the end of meiosis I. Mechanistically, GRIN1, and GANO1 activated NLRP4E by phosphorylation at Ser429 and Thr430; p-NLRP4E is translocated and is accumulated in the actin cap region during spindle translocation. Next, we found that p-NLRP4E directly phosphorylated SRC at Tyr418, while p-SRC negatively regulated p-CDC42-S71, an inactive form of CDC42 that promotes actin cap formation and spindle translocation in the GTP-bound form. Conclusions NLRP4E activated by GRIN1 and GANO1 regulates actin cap formation and spindle translocation toward the cap region through upregulation of p-SRC-Tyr418 and downregulation of p-CDC42-S71 during meiosis I.

Abstract Background Traditional pesticides are poorly water-soluble and suffer from low bioavailability. N-succinyl chitosan (NSCS) is a water-soluble chitosan derivative, has been recently used to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs to improve their bioavailability. However, it remains challenging to synthesize pesticides of a wide variety of water-soluble drugs and to scale up the production in a continuous manner. Results A synthetic method for preparing water-soluble nanopesticides with a polymer carrier was applied. The bioactive molecule BTL-11 was loaded into hollow NSCS to promote drug delivery, improve solubility and anti-fungal activity. The synthesized nanopesticides had well controlled sizes of 606 nm and the encapsulation rate was 80%. The release kinetics, drug toxicity and drug activity were further evaluated. The inhibitory activity of nanopesticides against Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) was tested in vivo and in vitro. In vivo against R. solani trials revealed that BTL-11 has excellent control efficiency for cultivated rice leaf and sheath was 79.6 and 76.5%, respectively. By contrast, for BTL-11@NSCS NPs, the anti-fungal ability was strongly released and afforded significant control efficiencies of 85.9 and 81.1%. Those effects were significantly better than that of the agricultural fungicide azoxystrobin (51.5 and 66.5%). The proposed mechanism was validated by successfully predicting the synthesis outcomes. Conclusions This study demonstrates that NSCS is a promising biocompatible carrier, which can enhance the efficacy of pesticides, synergistically improve plant disease resistance, protect crop growth, and can be used for the delivery of more insoluble pesticides. Graphical Abstract

This work describes a new species, Balitora anlongensis sp. nov., collected from a cave at Xinglong Town, Anlong County, Guzihou, China. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes show that the new species represents an independent evolutionary lineage with large genetic differences, 7.1%–12.0% in mitochondrial gene cytochrome b and 9.2%–12.1% in cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, from congeners. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from the 18 species currently assigned to the genus Balitora by a combination of characters, most clearly by having two pairs of maxillary barbels; 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays; 5½ branched anal-fin rays; pectoral fin not reaching pelvic fin origin; dorsal-fin origin in front of pelvic fin origin; eye small (eye diameter approximately equal to outer maxillary barbel length); and fins lacking pigment in live fish. The new species represents the first record of Balitora inhabiting caves in China and increases the number of species in the genus Balitora in its present concept from 18 to 19. The study suggests that more evidence is needed to further clarify the taxonomic composition of the genus Balitora.

Similar clinical features make the differential diagnosis difficult, particularly between lung cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), without pathological evidence for patients with concomitant TB infection. Our study aimed to build a nomogram to predict malignant pulmonary lesions applicable to clinical practice. We retrospectively analyzed clinical characteristics, imaging features, and laboratory indicators of TB infection patients diagnosed with lung cancer or active pulmonary TB at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. A total of 158 cases from January 1, 2018 to May 30, 2019 were included in the training cohort. Predictive factors for lung cancer were screened by a multiple-stepwise logistic regression analysis. A nomogram model was established, and the discrimination, stability, and prediction performance of the model were analyzed. A total of 79 cases from June 1, 2019, to December 30, 2019, were used as the validation cohort to verify the predictive value of the model. Eight predictor variables, including age, pleural effusion, mediastinal lymph node, the number of positive tumor markers, the T cell spot test for TB, pulmonary lesion morphology, location, and distribution, were selected to construct the model. The corrected C-statistics and the Brier scores were 0.854 and 0.130 in the training cohort, and 0.823 and 0.163 in the validation cohort. Calibration plots showed good performance, and decision curve analysis indicated a high net benefit. In conclusion, the nomogram model provides an effective method to calculate the probability of lung cancer in TB infection patients, and it has excellent discrimination, stability, and prediction performance in detecting a malignant diagnosis of undiagnosed pulmonary lesions.

Abstract Background Gastric cancer (GC) is one of most common cancers worldwide. Several studies have suggested that Rab31 functions as a membrane vesicle transport regulator; however, the mechanism by which RAB31 regulates exosome secretion and promotes metastasis remains to be clarified. Methods We examined the expression of RAB31 protein and mRNA in GC tissue samples via immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assays, respectively. We elucidated the function of RAB31 in GC cells by constructing a cell model and a pulmonary metastatic model of GC with overexpression of RAB31. Protein mass spectrometry was used to identify the exosomal protein. Results RAB31 expression increased at both the protein and mRNA levels with the development of GC. Cells overexpressing RAB31 showed an enhanced ability to migrate in both the in vitro cell model and the pulmonary metastatic model of GC. Exosome nanoparticle tracking analysis and electron microscopy revealed that the both the number and size of the exosomes secreted by GC cells were reduced when RAB31 expression was depleted. Injection of exosomes derived from RAB31 overexpressing cells promoted pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Analysis of the exosomal proteins revealed that PSMA1 was overexpressed in GC tissue in accordance with RAB31 expression. PSMA1 overexpression was highly associated with poor prognosis of GC patients. Conclusion Our findings revealed a key role for RAB31 in GC metastasis through regulation of exosome secretion.

Secondary flowering is the phenomenon in which a tree blooms twice or more times a year. Along with the development of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) fruits in spring, a large number of secondary flowers on the strong upright spring shoots were noticed in blueberries planted in the greenhouse. To reveal the cause and possible regulatory mechanism of the phenomenon, we clarified the phenological characteristics of flower bud differentiation and development on the spring shoots by combining phenological phenotype with anatomical observation. Furthermore, the changes in carbohydrates, trehalose-6-phosphate (Tre6P), and the relationship among the key enzyme regulatory genes for Tre6P metabolism and the key regulatory genes for flower formation during the differentiation process of apical buds and axillary buds were investigated. The results showed that the process of flower bud differentiation and flowering of apical and axillary buds was consistent, accompanied by a large amount of carbohydrate consumption. This process was positively correlated with the expression trends of VcTPS1/2, VcSnRK1, VcFT, VcLFY2, VcSPL43, VcAP1, and VcDAM in general, and negatively correlated with that of VcTPP. In addition, there is a certain difference in the differentiation progress of flower buds between the apical and axillary buds. Compared with axillary buds, apical buds had higher contents of sucrose, fructose, glucose, Tre6P, and higher expression levels of VcTPS2, VcFT, VcSPL43, and VcAP1. Moreover, VcTPS1 and VcTPS2 were more closely related to the physiological substances (sucrose and Tre6P) in axillary bud and apical bud differentiation, respectively. It was suggested that sucrose and trehalose-6-phosphate play a crucial role in promoting flower bud differentiation in strong upright spring shoots, and VcTPS1 and VcTPS2 might play a central role in these activities. Our study provided substantial sight for further study on the mechanism of multiple flowering of blueberries and laid a foundation for the regulation and utilization of the phenomenon of multiple flowering in a growing season of perennial woody plants.

IntroductionMonoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against cytokines and chemokines or their receptors promise to be a potential therapeutic option to address chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aim to provide a comprehensive literature review of the improvement in FEV1 and safety when comparing mAbs with conventional dichotomous agents.MethodsWe systematically searched 3 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) up to August 1, 2023 to collect eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A frequentist network meta-analysis using a random-effects model was deployed to calculate mean differences (MD) for FEV1, relative risk (RR) of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and estimate the surface under cumulative rankings (SUCRA). A higher SUCRA indicates a better outcome.ResultsThis study included 23 RCTs involving a total of 20,853 patients. Overall, except for Dupilumab, mAbs did not significantly improve FEV1 compared to traditional conventional dichotomous agents. Among all the interventions included, Aclidinium bromide/Formoterol (AB/FF) (SUCRA 97.7%) ranked highest, followed by Umeclidinium/vilanterol (UMEC/VI) (SUCRA 93.5%), and Glycopyrrolate Formoterol Fumarate (GFF) (SUCRA 84.7%). Dupilumab (SUCRA 66.9%) ranked the fourth among all interventions but ranked the first among all the mAbs. Importantly, all mAbs demonstrated a good safety profile compared with placebo.ConclusionConsidering the improvement in FEV1 and its safety, the development of mAbs for COPD still holds significant clinical potential.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, CRD42023452714.

Abstract This paper proposes an all‐metal wideband circularly polarized (CP) single‐patch antenna based on TM11 mode. The conventional square patch is divided into four small square patch units by loading metal shorting walls under the two vertical centerlines. The shorting walls are windowed to facilitate coupling between the adjacent units. When the TM11 mode is excited, the coupling windows not only distribute energy but also provide the 90° phase difference required for CP radiation. An additional feeding network is not required, and its profile is less than 0.05λ0 (λ0 is the free space wavelength at the center frequency). Three minima in the axial ratio (AR) response are present. The results show that right‐hand circularly polarized (RHCP) radiation is achieved. The measured 3 dB AR bandwidth is 6.9%, ranging from 1.52 to 1.62 GHz, and the RHCP realized peak gain is 7.72 dBic. An all‐metal construction suitable for satellite communication systems is designed that has superior performance in harsh space environments.

To study the effect of interface behaviour on the mechanical properties and damage evolution of PBX under combined tension–shear loading, the present work establishes the numerical model of a PBX three-phase hybrid system, which introduces a nonlinear plastic damage cohesion model to study the mechanical response and damage process. The parameters in the model were fitted and calibrated. Taking the crack growth rate as the feature, the damage state in each stage was determined, and the damage instability criterion was given. The effects of interfacial tensile strength and shear strength on the damage process of PBX were studied. On this basis, serrated and hemispherical structures interface of PBX has been developed, which affects the damage process and instability during the loading process. The results indicate that damage state response of PBX experiences the process of stable load bearing, unstable propagation, and complete failure. At the critical moment of instability, the overall equivalent effective strain of material reaches 3024 με and instability loading displacement reaches 0.39 mm. The increase of interfacial tensile strength and shear strength significantly inhibits the damage of PBX. The effect of interfacial shear strength on critical instability of PBX is approximately 1.7 times that of the interfacial tensile strength. Further, interface opening along the normal direction is the main damage form at the interface. Serrated and hemispherical rough interfaces can significantly inhibit propagation of cracks, and the load bearing capacity is improved by 22% and 9.7%, respectively. Appropriate improvement of the roughness of the interface structure can effectively improve the mechanical properties. It is significantly important to have a better understanding of deformation, damage and failure mechanisms of PBX and to improve our predictive ability.

Background Diabetes is one of the common diseases among inpatients in non-endocrinology department. Patients with diabetes require assistance from endocrinologists in their blood glucose management. Objective To investigate consultation of blood glucose management for inpatients with diabetes in non-endocrinology department and analyze the quality of consultation and the needs of patients. Methods The inpatients with diabetes in non-endocrinology department consulted by the endocrinologists in West China Hospital, Sichuan University from January 1, 2013 to May 23, 2019 were selected and reviewed. The consultation and medical record information was recorded and organized. The recommended medications for the patients were analyzed to determine the potential contraindications according to drug instructions. Results During the study period, we identified 145 428 inpatients with diabetes in non-endocrinology department, 24 499 of them had 31 369 consultations from endocrinologists (0.17 consultations/inpatients), and 20 486 of them had 24 343 consultations for blood glucose management (0.17 consultations/inpatients). The top three departments with the most blood glucose management consultations per patient were neurology (0.30 consultations/inpatients), respiratory medicine (0.25 consultations/inpatients), and cardiology (0.18 consultations/inpatients). There were 18 306 blood glucose management consultations (16 269 inpatients) with complete suggestions, and the most commonly recommended hypoglycemic regimen was the combination of insulin with a meal and basal insulin, accounting for 32.34% (5 921/18 306). Among the all consultations, 1.16% (212/18 306) patients' hypoglycemic regimens had drug contraindications. Conclusion A large number of inpatients with diabetes in non-endocrinology department need specialized blood glucose management. The overall quality of the consultation for blood glucose management is relatively high but far from meeting the management requirements.

To improve the mess-specific activity of Co supported on zeolite catalysts in Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis, the Co-MCM-22 catalyst was prepared by simply grinding the MCM-22 with nanosized Co3O4 prefabricated by the thermal decomposition of the Co(II)-glycine complex. It is found that this novel strategy is effective for improving the mess-specific activity of Co catalysts in FT synthesis compared to the impregnation method. Moreover, the ion exchange and calcination sequence of MCM-22 has a significant influence on the dispersion, particle size distribution, and reduction degree of Co. The Co-MCM-22 prepared by the physical grinding of prefabricated Co3O4 and H+-type MCM-22 without a further calcination process exhibits a moderate interaction between Co3O4 and MCM-22, which results in the higher reduction degree, higher dispersion, and higher mess-specific activity of Co. Thus, the newly developed method is more controllable and promising for the synthesis of metal-supported catalysts.

In this paper, five phenolic acids in the rhizosphere soil of Pinellia ternate were determined to have strong allelopathy to Pinellia ternate. The phenolic acids in rhizosphere soil and non continuous cropping soil of Pinellia ternate for two years were extracted and detected by GC-MS, 5 phenolic acids were found to have different content changes. By comparing the contents of phenolic acids in the rhizosphere soil before, during and after planting, and combining with the literatures, it was determined that protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, vanillin, syringate and syringaldehyde had strong allelopathy on the growth and development of Pinellia ternate. Furthermore, the effects of the above five phenolic acids on the growth of Pinellia ternate, the growth of seedlings and the comparison of tuber size were investigated. The results showed that the five phenolic acids had inhibitory effects on the growth of Pinellia ternate.

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to explore the stigma and related influencing factors in individuals with chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Methods A total of 70 CID patients and 70 healthy controls (CON) were enrolled in the study. All subjects completed the assessments of sleep, emotion, and cognition. Their stigma and life quality were measured using the Chronic Stigma Scale and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results The ratio of individuals with stigma was significantly different between CID and CON groups (C2 = 35.6, p

Abstract Opisthopappus is a major wild source of Asteraceae with resistance to cold and drought. Two species of this genus (Opisthopappus taihangensis and O. longilobus) have been employed as model systems to address the evolutionary history of perennial herb biomes in the Taihang Mountains of China. However, further studies on the adaptive divergence processes of these two species are currently impeded by the lack of genomic resources. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved, a comparative analysis of these two species was conducted. Among the identified transcription factors, the bHLH members were most prevalent, which exhibited significantly different expression levels in the terpenoid metabolic pathway. O. longilobus showed higher level of expression than did O. taihangensis in terms of terpenes biosynthesis and metabolism, particularly monoterpenoids and diterpenoids. Analyses of the positive selection genes (PSGs) identified from O. taihangensis and O. longilobus revealed that 1203 genes were related to adaptative divergence, which were under rapid evolution and/or have signs of positive selection. Differential expressions of PSG occurred primarily in the mitochondrial electron transport, starch degradation, secondary metabolism, as well as nucleotide synthesis and S-metabolism pathway processes. Several PSGs were obviously differentially expressed in terpenes biosynthesis that might result in the fragrances divergence between O. longilobus and O. taihangensis, which would provide insights into adaptation of the two species to different environments that characterized by sub-humid warm temperate and temperate continental monsoon climates. The comparative analysis for these two species in Opisthopappus not only revealed how the divergence occurred from molecular perspective, but also provided novel insights into how differential adaptations occurred in Taihang Mountains.

Abstract Background This study aimed to better understand the prognostic effect of multiple genetic markers and identify more subpopulations at ultra high risk of poor outcome in bone marrow (BM) metastatic neuroblastoma (NB). Methods We screened the MYCN, 1p36 and 11q23 loss of heterozygosity (LOH) statuses of 154 patients by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization of BM cells. The clinical characteristics of patients with the three markers and their associations with prognosis were analysed. Results MYCN amplification and LOH at 1p36 and 11q23 were identified in 16.2%, 33.1% and 30.5% of patients, respectively. There were strong associations between MYCN amplification and 1p36 LOH as well as 11q23 LOH. Both MYCN amplification and 1p36 LOH were strongly associated with high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neuron‐specific enolase, more than 3 metastatic organs, and more events. 11q23 LOH occurred mainly in patients older than 18 months, and those who had high LDH levels. In univariate analysis, patients with MYCN amplification had poorer prognosis than those without. Patients with 1p36 LOH had a 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival lower than those without. 11q23 LOH was associated with poorer EFS only for patients without MYCN amplification. In a multivariate model, MYCN amplification was independently associated with decreased EFS in all cohorts. 11q23 LOH was an independent prognostic factor for patients without MYCN amplification, whereas 1p36 LOH was not an independent marker regardless of MYCN amplification. Compared with all cohorts, patients with both MYCN amplification and 1p36 LOH had the worst outcome and clinical features. Conclusions Patients with both MYCN amplification and 1p36LOH had the worst survival rate, indicating an ultra high‐risk group. Our results may be applied in clinical practice for accurate risk stratification in future studies.

Abstract Background Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have always been a heated research topic in bone tissue regeneration and repair because of their self-renewal and multi-differentiation potential. A large number of studies have been focused on finding the inducing factors that will promote the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Previous studies have shown that macrophage exosomes or miRNA-26a-5p can make it work, but the function of this kind of substance on cell osteogenic differentiation has not been public. Methods M2 macrophages are obtained from IL-4 polarized bone marrow-derived macrophages. Exosomes were isolated from the supernatant of M2 macrophages and identified via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blotting, and DLS. Chondrogenic differentiation potential was detected by Alcian blue staining. Oil red O staining was used to detect the potential for lipogenic differentiation. And MTT would detect the proliferative capacity of cells. Western blot was performed to detect differential expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins. Results The results showed that M2 macrophage exosomes will promote bone differentiation and at the same time inhibit lipid differentiation. In addition, M2 macrophage-derived exosomes have the function of promoting the expression of SOX and Aggrecan suppressing the level of MMP13. The exosome inhibitor GW4689 suppresses miRNA-26a-5p in M2 macrophage exosomes, and the treated exosomes do not play an important role in promoting bone differentiation. Moreover, miRNA-26a-5p can enable to promote bone differentiation and inhibit lipid differentiation. miRNA-26a-5p can promote the expression of ALP (alkaline phosphatase), RUNX-2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2), OPN(osteopontin), and Col-2(collagen type II). Therefore, it is speculated that exosomal miRNA-26a-5p is indispensable in osteogenic differentiation. Conclusions The present study indicated that M2 macrophage exosomes carrying miRNA-26a-5p can induce osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells to inhibit lipogenic differentiation, and miRNA-26a-5p will also promote the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins ALP, RUNX-2, OPN, and Col-2.

Abstract Lung cancer remains a huge challenge to public health because of its high incidence and mortality, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main subtype of lung cancer. Hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release and angiogenesis have been regarded as critical events in LUAD carcinogenesis. In the present study, membrane progesterone receptor α (mPRα) is deregulated within LUAD tissue samples; increased mPRα contributes to a higher microvessel density (MVD) in LUAD tissues. mPRα knockdown in A549 and PC-9 cells significantly inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, as well as HIF1α and VEGF protein levels, decreasing cancer cell migration and invasion. The in vivo xenograft model further confirmed that mPRα enhanced the aggressiveness of LUAD cells. Furthermore, mPRα knockdown significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced upregulation in HIF1α and VEGF levels, as well as LUAD cell migration and invasion. Under the hypoxic condition, conditioned medium (CM) derived from mPRα knockdown A549 cells, namely si-mPRα-CM, significantly inhibited HUVEC migration and tube formation and decreased VEGF level in the culture medium. In contrast, CM derived from mPRα-overexpressing A549 cells, namely mPRα-CM, further enhanced HUVEC migration and tube formation and increased VEGF level under hypoxia, which was partially reversed by STAT3 inhibitor Stattic. In conclusion, in LUAD cells, highly expressed mPRα enhances the activation of cAMP/JAK/STAT3 signaling and increases HIF1α-induced VEGF secretion into the tumor microenvironment, promoting HUVEC migration and tube formation under hypoxia.

ZnTiO3/tourmaline loaded on the nickel foam (ZnTiO3/tourmaline/Ni-foam) is prepared by a facile coating method. Morphology and structure of the photocatalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electrons microscopy (SEM), raman spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV–vis DRS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The photocatalytic properties of the materials were tested by using the Rhodamine B (RhB) solution as the target pollutant. The results indicates that the ZnTiO3/tourmaline/Ni foam exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than that of ZnTiO3 and ZnTiO3/Ni foam under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, and its degradation rate was up to 99.2%. Moreover, the degradation rate remained at 91.3% after eight consecutive photocatalytic reaction cycles. The outstanding photocatalytic performances of ZnTiO3/tourmaline/Ni foam was mainly attributed to the existence of tourmaline, which can help to inhibit the recombination of electron-hole paris, and the proper pore structure of the carrier. Meanwhile, the trapping experiments indicated that ·O2– was the main active species in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB.

Abstract Background Z score utility is emphasized in classifying coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease patients. The present study is the largest such multicenter Chinese pediatric study about coronary artery diameter reference values and Z score regression equation to date. It is useful in Chinese pediatric echocardiography. Methods A multicenter cohort was assembled, which consisted of 852 healthy children between 1 month and 17 years of age, ten children were excluded because their ultrasound images were not clear, or lost in following up. Diameters of the right coronary artery, left coronary artery, and left anterior descending coronary artery were assessed using echocardiography. Data were body surface area (BSA)-corrected using BSA calculated via either the Stevenson BSA formula or the Haycock BSA formula. Coronary artery diameter reference values and Z score regression equations were established for use in the Chinese pediatric population. Results No difference was observed between coronary artery diameter data corrected using BSAste or BSAhay. Of the five assessed regression models, the exponential model exhibited the best fit and was therefore selected as the basis for derivation of the SZ method. When comparing Z scores, those produced by the SZ method conformed to the standard normal distribution, while those produced by the D method did not. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between Z scores produced by the SZ and D methods (P

A community-based prostate cancer screening program was conducted to assess the morbidity and associated factors for prostate cancer among the subpopulation of men aged ≥50 years in Taizhou, China. Taizhou Integrated Prostate Screening (TIPS) is a large, observational, population-based study of prostate cancer screening data based on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations. A pilot census of all male residents aged 50 years or older was conducted in Luqiao District, one of the field sites of the TIPS cohort in the city of Taizhou, Zhejiang. The interviewer-administered questionnaire evaluated demographic characteristics and environmental exposure factors. A total of 1,806 out of 3,516 participants completed the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of PSA ≥4 ng/mL was 11.5%, and included participants at low risk (9.2%), moderate risk (1.7%), and high risk (0.6%). Participants aged 60–69, 70–79, and ≥80 years had a 2.7-fold, 4.2-fold, and 6.5-fold higher risk of elevated PSA, respectively, in comparison with those aged 50 to 59 years ( p < .001). Eighteen patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer, of whom 11 (61.1%) underwent radical surgery. This community-based PSA screening program indicated the results for early detection of prostate cancer among men aged ≥50 years. Early screening and appropriate clinical therapy for the management of prostate cancer are essential in this subpopulation.

Immunoglobulins are key humoral immune molecules produced and secreted by B lymphocytes at various stages of differentiation. No research has reported whether immunoglobulins are present in the non-proliferative female germ cells—oocytes—and whether they are functionally important for oocyte quality, self-protection, and survival. Herein, we found that IgG was present in the oocytes of immunodeficient mice; the IgG-VDJ regions were highly variable between different oocytes, and H3K27Ac bound and regulated the IgG promoter region. Next, IgG mRNA and protein levels increased in response to LPS, and this increment was mediated by CR2 on the oocyte membrane. Finally, we revealed three aspects of the functional relevance of oocyte IgG: first, oocytes could upregulate IgG to counteract the increased ROS level induced by CSF1; second, oocytes could upregulate IgG in response to injected virus ssRNA to maintain mitochondrial integrity; third, upon bacterial infection, oocytes could secrete IgG, subsequently encompassing the bacteria, thus increasing survival compared to somatic cells. This study reveals for the first time that the female germ cells, oocytes, can independently adjust intrinsic IgG production to survive in adverse environments.

Politics has become a common element in the performance appraisal process, and as decision recipients in this process, those appraised tend to be more sensitive to performance appraisal politics. This paper examines the mechanisms by which performance appraisal politics perception (PAPP) affects counterproductive work behavior (CWB) from the perspective of those appraised. The mediating effect of perceived organizational justice (POJ) and the moderating effect of political skill (PS) are incorporated into a parsimonious moderated-mediation model. A quantitative research approach is employed with survey data from 460 employees of large and medium-sized enterprises in Hubei Province (China), and structural equation modeling (SEM) and bootstrap analysis are used to test the proposed hypothesized relationships. The findings demonstrate that PAPP has a positive impact on CWB, and POJ partly mediates the relationship between PAPP and CWB. The results also reveal that individual PS moderates the positive correlation between PAPP and CWB. The academic and practical implications of these findings, as well as limitations and suggestions for future research, are also discussed.

BackgroundWe tested the hypothesis that intravenous (IV) lidocaine reduces propofol requirements in painless bronchoscopy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsA total of 93 patients who underwent bronchoscopy were included in this randomized placebo-controlled study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. After the IV doses of nalbuphine, patients were given a bolus of propofol, which was titrated if necessary until loss of consciousness. Then patients were given IV lidocaine (2 mg/kg then 4 mg/kg/h) or the same volume of saline. The primary endpoint was the propofol requirements. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of hypoxemia, the incidence of cough during glottis examination, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) during bronchoscopy procedures, the bronchoscopist's comforts, and the time for wakefulness before recovery.ResultsLidocaine infusion resulted in a significant reduction in propofol requirements (p

Abstract Background Corydalis saxicola Bunting, affiliated with the Papaveraceae Juss., has been proven to work well in anti-inflammation, hemostasis, and analgesia. This study was designed to observe the effect and potential mechanism of Corydalis saxicola Bunting total alkaloids (CSBTA) on paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). Materials and methods Rats were injected 2 mg/kg paclitaxel 4 times and administrated with 30 or 120 mg/kg CSBTA. Mechanical and thermal allodynia and hyperalgesia were tested. After 40 days, serum was collected to detect PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-1β by ELISA. The L4-L6 segment spinal cord, DRG, and plantar skin were harvested, and Western-blot or RT-qPCR analyzed protein and gene levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, p38 MAPK, PKCε, and TRPV1. The PIPN cell model was established with paclitaxel (300 nM, 5 d) in primary DRG neurons. We examined the effect of CSBTA (25 μg/ml or 50 μg/ml) by measuring the mRNA levels in PGE2, TNF-α and CGRP, and the protein expression on the PKCε/p38 MAPK/TRPV1 signaling pathway in the PIPN cell model. Results The results showed that CSBTA effectively ameliorated allodynia and hyperalgesia, and regulated cytokines' contents (PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-1β) and neuropeptides (CGRP and SP) in different tissues in vivo. In addition, CSBTA significantly decreased cytokine gene levels of DRG neurons (PGE2, TNF-α, and CGRP) and the protein expressions of PKCε/p38 MAPK/TRPV1 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion Therefore, CSBTA has a perspective therapeutic effect on the treatment of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. It is known for high heterogeneity and concealed onset. In recent years, the mechanism of its occurrence and development has been gradually revealed. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical characteristics of children with NB and abnormal chromosome 10, and to investigate the relationship between the number and structure of chromosome 10 abnormalities and NB prognosis. Methods Chromosome G-banding was used at the time of diagnosis to evaluate the genetics of chromosomes in patients with NB and track their clinical characteristics and prognosis. All participants were diagnosed with NB in the Medical Oncology Department of the Beijing Children’s Hospital from May 2015 to December 2018 and were followed up with for at least 1 year. Results Of all 150 patients with bone marrow metastases, 42 were clearly diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities. Thirteen patients showed abnormalities in chromosome 10, and chromosome 10 was the most commonly missing chromosome. These 13 patients had higher LDH and lower OS and EFS than children with chromosomal abnormalities who did not have an abnormality in chromosome 10. Eight patients had both MYCN amplification and 1p36 deletion. Two patients had optic nerve damage and no vision, and one patient had left supraorbital metastases 5 months after treatment. Conclusions The results indicated that chromosome 10 might be a new prognostic marker for NB. MYCN amplification and 1p36 deletion may be related to chromosome 10 abnormalities in NB. Additionally, NB patients with abnormal chromosome 10 were prone to orbital metastases.

Salvia leucantha (Lamiaceae) is an important horticultural plant with great ornamental and economic value. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome of this species. The chloroplast genome was determined to be 151021 bp and the GC contents was 38.0%. The sequence includes a large single copy (LSC) region of 82,262 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,537 bp, and two separated inverted regions of 25,611 bp each. It contains 130 unique genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Based on the chloroplast genomes data of 26 species in Salvia, our result indicated that S. leucantha, S. tiliifolia, S. hispanica, and S. splendens formed one clade with Bootstrap = 100%. The four species belong to Salvia subgenus Calosphace, and S. leucantha was closely related to Salvia tiliifolia and Salvia hispanica. This result will facilitate population, genetic diversity and phylogenetic studies of S. leucantha.

Abstract Purpose to describe the methodology of transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy and the anatomy of the area of the verumontanum, and to determine the safety of this procedure, especially in terms of postoperative complications. Methods This retrospective observational study enrolled 144 patients with intractable hematospermia from May 2011 and August 2019. A 4.5/6.5-Fr vesiculoscope was inserted into the seminal vesicle to deal with the positive findings. The solution of quinolones was used to rinse each seminal vesicle. Results In this study, Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy was successfully performed in 139 patients (96.53%). Hematospermia was alleviated or disappeared in 116 (80.56%) patients by less than half a year after surgery. Common intraoperative manifestations were hemorrhage, stones, utricle polyps and cysts. The surgical approach in our study were categorized into four types, including 24 (16.7%), 73 (50.7%), 42 (29.2%), and 5 (3.5%) cases in Type A (natural opening of the ejaculatory duct), B (trans-duct fenestration), C (trans-utricle fenestration), and D (not founded), respectively. Sexual function change was recorded in 12 patients of 111 patients, all by the method of trans-utricle fenestration, including 8 (7.21%), 3 (2.70%), and 1 (0.90%) patients in shorter intravaginal ejaculatory latency time, worse erection hardness and loss of orgasm, respectively. Conclusion Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is an effective and safe procedure for the management of hematospermia. The anatomy of the distal seminal tract should be understood more deeply and Wu’method (uncover-curtain method) needs to be promoted to verify its universality and safety. Besides, the complications of the function dysfunction should be discussed in the future in multi-center clinical trials.

Background An impeccable female meiotic prophase is critical for producing a high‐quality oocyte and, ultimately, a healthy newborn. SYCP3 is a key component of the synaptonemal complex regulating meiotic homologous recombination. However, what regulates SYCP3 stability is unknown. Methods Fertility assays, follicle counting, meiotic prophase stage (leptotene, zygotene, pachytene and diplotene) analysis and live imaging were employed to examine how FBXW24 knockout (KO) affect female fertility, follicle reserve, oocyte quality, meiotic prophase progression of female germ cells, and meiosis of oocytes. Western blot and immunostaining were used to examined the levels & signals (intensity, foci) of SYCP3 and multiple key DSB indicators & repair proteins (γH2AX, RPA2, p‐CHK2, RAD51, MLH1, HORMAD1, TRIP13) after FBXW24 KO. Co‐IP and immuno‐EM were used to examined the interaction between FBXW24 and SYCP3; Mass spec was used to characterize the ubiquitination sites in SYCP3; In vivo & in vitro ubiquitination assays were utilized to determine the key sites in SYCP3 & FBXW24 for ubiquitination. Results Fbxw24‐knockout (KO) female mice were infertile due to massive oocyte death upon meiosis entry. Fbxw24‐KO oocytes were defective due to elevated DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) and inseparable homologous chromosomes. Fbxw24‐KO germ cells showed increased SYCP3 levels, delayed prophase progression, increased DSBs, and decreased crossover foci. Next, we found that FBXW24 directly binds and ubiquitinates SYCP3 to regulate its stability. In addition, several key residues important for SYCP3 ubiquitination and FBXW24 ubiquitinating activity were characterized. Conclusions We proposed that FBXW24 regulates the timely degradation of SYCP3 to ensure normal crossover and DSB repair during pachytene. FBXW24‐KO delayed SYCP3 degradation and DSB repair from pachytene until metaphase II (MII), ultimately causing failure in oocyte maturation, oocyte death, and infertility.

Abstract Background MiR-924 has been reported to be a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the functions and mechanisms of miR-924 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. Methods The expression of miR-924 was determined in NSCLC tissues and cell lines using quantitative real time PCR. The Chi-squared test was used to evaluate the correlation between miR-924 levels and clinicopathological parameters in patients with NSCLC. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay. The combination of miR-924 and RHBDD1 was analyzed via the luciferase reporter assay. The expression level of RHBDD1 was evaluated in lung cancer tissues using public microarray datasets form Oncomine and its prognostic value was assessed by Kaplan–Meier Plotter databases. A tumor xenograft mouse model was established to illustrate the effects of miR-924 on the tumorigenesis of NSCLC in vivo. Results In this study, we found miR-924 was strikingly decreased in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Decreased miR-924 was closely correlated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and lymphatic metastasis in NSCLC patients. Noticeably, rhomboid domain-containing protein 1 (RHBDD1) was predicted and confirmed as a direct target of miR-924. Moreover, the expression level of RHBDD1 was significantly increased and inversely associated with prognosis using public microarray datasets form Oncomine and Kaplan–Meier Plotter databases. MiR-924 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The in vivo experiments further demonstrated that miR-924 overexpression reduced NSCLC xenograft growth through inhibiting RHBDD1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusions In summary, these findings demonstrated that miR-924 blocked the progression of NSCLC by targeting RHBDD1 and miR-924/RHBDD1 axis might provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

Abstract Objectives Kelch repeat and BTB domain-containing protein 8, KBTBD8, has been identified as a female fertility factor. However, there have been no reports on the role of KBTBD8 in the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer, EOC. Our study aimed to address this issue. Methods We first examine KBTBD8 expression in EOC tissues and cells. Next, we performed RNA sequencing to reveal the overall mechanism. Then we investigated the roles of KBTBD8 in the proliferation, migration, and health status of cultured EOC cells. Finally, we employed tumor xenograft models to evaluate the role of KBTBD8 in vivo. Results First, KBTBD8 level was significantly higher in EOC tissues and cells. Next, comparative RNA sequencing identified more tumorigenesis-related genes that KBTBD8 might regulate. Then we found that KBTBD8 knockdown significantly decreased EOC cell proliferation, migration, and the activities of multiple tumorigenesis-related kinases. Finally, KBTBD8 knockdown significantly diminished ovarian tumor formation in vivo. Conclusion Proper KBTBD8 level is essential for the healthy growth of ovarian somatic cells, such as ovarian epithelial cells. Excessive KBTBD8 might be a significant impetus for EOC progression. KBTBD8 reduction greatly inhibits EOC proliferation and migration.

Abstract Background Mycobacterium bovis could infect patients with immunodeficiency or immunosuppressive conditions via Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. Tuberculosis-related hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is reported, but not HPS caused by Mycobacterium bovis in children. Case presentation A 4-month Chinese boy presented fever and cough. The initial laboratory investigation showed the lymphocyte count of 0.97 × 109/L, which decreased gradually. HPS was diagnosed based on the test results that fulfilled the HLH-2004 criteria. In addition, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was detected from his peripheral blood via metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and M. bovis was identified by polymerase chain reaction-reverse dot blot (PCR-RDB). Thus, the patient was treated with Isoniazid, Rifampin, and Pyrazinamide, but not improved. However, parents refused to accept further therapy, and was discharged on the day 12 of admission. To confirm the pathogenesis, genetic analysis was performed. Mutation in the interleukin-2 receptor subunit gamma gene: Exon 6: c.854G > A; p. Arg285Gln was detected in the patient and the mother, which could underlie X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. Conclusions A boy with X-SCID was diagnosed with M. bovis-associated HPS, emphasizing that X-SCID should be considered when M. bovis is detected in a male infant with low lymphocyte counts.

The newly-circumscribed genus Oreocharis is recently enlarged by incorporating ten other genera with high floral diversity. In this study, our morphological, molecular and cytological evidence supports our adding two species from other two different genera (Boeica and Beccarinda) to Oreocharis. The special corolla shape (campanulate or flat-faced) and related short filament of these two new combinations, Oreocharis guileana and O. baolianis, further enrich the diversity of floral characters of the enlarged Oreocharis. Meanwhile, some supplementary and amended descriptions of these two species are made here. Our morphological, molecular and geographical data indicate that O. guileana is related to O. pilosopetiolata to a certain extent. For O. baolianis, however, our current dataset does not allow conclusions on the species relationship within Oreocharis.

Abstract Background Aberrant activation of β-catenin has been shown to play important roles in the chemoresistance of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but the involvement and mechanism of β-catenin in methotrexate (MTX) resistance is poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrate a critical role of β-catenin-NF-κB-FPGS pathway in MTX resistance in the human T-lineage ALL cell lines. Methods Lentivirus sh-β-catenin was used to silence the expression of β-catenin. Flow cytometry was performed to detect apoptosis after MTX treatment. Western blot, real-time PCR, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), Re-ChIP, and Luciferase assay were utilized to investigate the relationship among β-catenin, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and folypoly-γ-glutamate synthetase (FPGS). Results Depletion of β-catenin significantly increased the cytotoxicity of MTX. At the molecular level, knockdown of β-catenin caused the increase of the protein level of FPGS and NF-κB p65. Furthermore, β-catenin complexed with NF-κB p65 and directly bound to the FPGS promoter to regulate its expression. In addition, β-catenin repression prolonged the protein turnover of FPGS. Conclusions Taken together, our results demonstrate that β-catenin may contribute to MTX resistance in leukemia cells via the β-catenin-NF-κB-FPGS pathway, posing β-catenin as a potential target for combination treatments during ALL therapy.

Background: Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is a biomarker for assessing the immune microenvironment, prognosis, and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in the clinical treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), but it does not work for all patients. This study aims to discover alternative biomarkers.Methods: Public data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and gene ontology (GO) were used to determine the gene modules relevant to tumor immunity. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and GO semantic similarity analyses were applied to identify the module hub genes with functional similarities to PD-L1, and we assessed their correlations with immune infiltration, patient prognosis, and immunotherapy response. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used to validate the outcome at the protein level.Results: We identified an immune response–related module, and two hub genes (PSTPIP1 and PILRA) were selected as potential biomarkers with functional similarities to PD-L1. High expression levels of PSTPIP1 and PILRA were associated with longer overall survival and rich immune infiltration in LUAD patients, and both were significantly high in patients who responded to anti–PD-L1 treatment. Compared to PD-L1–negative LUAD tissues, the protein levels of PSTPIP1 and PILRA were relatively increased in the PD-L1–positive tissues, and the expression of PSTPIP1 and PILRA positively correlated with the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.Conclusion: We identified PSTPIP1 and PILRA as prognostic biomarkers relevant to immune infiltration in LUAD, and both are associated with the response to anti–PD-L1 treatment.

ObjectiveFungal infections are common in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), but the monitoring methods are limited. This study analyzed the differences in clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment between PICU patients with and without fungal infection.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed PICU patients at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province diagnosed with severe pneumonia between January 2015 and January 2020. The patients were divided into the fungal (F) and non-fungal (NF) infection groups. Levels of 1,3-beta-D-glucan (BDG) and galactomannan (GM) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed. Chest computed tomography (CT) images were reviewed.ResultsA total of 357 patients were included. In the F group, fever, moist rales, coarse rales, shortness of breath, and sepsis were more common (all P < 0.05); PICU time, hospitalization duration, and BDG- and GM-positive rates in serum and BALF were all significantly higher than in the NF group (all P < 0.05). The BDG- and GM-positive rates in serum and BALF were higher in the F than in the NF group (all P < 0.05). The abnormal lymphocyte ratios in serum were higher in the F group (all P < 0.05). Wedge-shaped, patchy, streaky shadows and subpleural reticulation were higher in CT images of the F group (all P < 0.05). Tracheobronchial stenosis was more common in pulmonary fibroscopy results of the F group (P = 0.04).ConclusionPICU pneumonia patients with fungal infection have specific clinical and laboratory features compared with those without fungal infection, including higher rates of BALF, serum BDG, GM positivity and tracheobronchial stenosis.

Based on the social identity theory, this study investigates the mediation and moderation mechanism of CSR on job applicant attraction. A total of 395 job seekers are recruited to join in the experiment survey. The results indicate that job seekers' perceptions of CSR positively relate to job applicant attraction, employer reputation and expected pride mediate this relationship, respectively, and the serial mediating role of employer reputation and then expected pride in the relationship between CSR and job applicant attraction. Additionally, the findings show that job applicants' materialism orientation plays a moderating role in the indirect effect of CSR on job applicant attraction via expected pride, but the moderating effect of job seekers' materialism orientation in the indirect effect of CSR on job applicant attraction via employer reputation is not statistically significant. These findings enrich the new culture-driven evidence on the impacting mechanism of CSR on job applicant's attitude and provide valuable insight into how CSR motivates job applicant attraction.

Soil spatial heterogeneity involves nutrients being patchily distributed at a range of scales and is prevalent in natural habitats. However, little is known about the effect of soil spatial configurations at the small scale on plant foraging behavior and plant growth under different resource amounts. Here, we experimentally investigated how a stoloniferous species, Trifolium repens, responded to varied resource amounts and spatial configuration combinations. Plant foraging behavior (i.e., the orientation of the primary stolon, mean length of the primary stolon, foraging precision, and foraging scale) and plant growth (i.e., total biomass, root biomass, shoot biomass, and root/shoot) were compared among differently designed configurations of soil resources in different amounts. The relationships of foraging behavior and plant biomass were analyzed. The results showed that the effect of the spatial configuration of soil resources on Trifolium repens depended on the resource amount. Specifically, when the total resource amount was low, fragmented soil patches promoted root foraging and increased Trifolium repens plant biomass; however, when the total resource amount was high, the soil spatial configuration did not affect foraging behavior or plant growth. Our results also showed that plant growth was facilitated by root foraging scale to adapt to low resource amounts. We conclude that the spatial configuration of soil resources at small scales affects whole plant growth, which is mediated by a distinct foraging strategy. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how the growth strategy of clonal plants responds to heterogeneous environments caused by different resource amounts and its spatial configurations.

Keratoconus (KC) is an etiologically heterogeneous corneal ectatic disorder. To systematically display the pathogenesis of keratoconus (KC), this study reviewed all the reported genes involved in KC, and performed an enrichment analysis of genes identified at the genome, transcription, and protein levels respectively. Combined analysis of multi-level results revealed their shared genes, gene ontology (GO), and pathway terms, to explore the possible pathogenesis of KC. After an initial search, 80 candidate genes, 2,933 transcriptional differential genes, and 947 differential proteins were collected. The candidate genes were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) related terms, Wnt signaling pathway and cytokine activities. The enriched GO/pathway terms of transcription and protein levels highlight the importance of ECM, cell adhesion, and inflammatory once again. Combined analysis of multi-levels identified 13 genes, 43 GOs, and 12 pathways. The pathogenic relationships among these overlapping factors maybe as follows. The gene mutations/variants caused insufficient protein dosage or abnormal function, together with environmental stimulation, leading to the related functions and pathways changes in the corneal cells. These included response to the glucocorticoid and reactive oxygen species; regulation of various signaling (P13K-AKT, MAPK and NF-kappaB), apoptosis and aging; upregulation of cytokines and collagen-related enzymes; and downregulation of collagen and other ECM-related proteins. These undoubtedly lead to a reduction of extracellular components and induction of cell apoptosis, resulting in the loosening and thinning of corneal tissue structure. This study, in addition to providing information about the genes involved, also provides an integrated insight into the gene-based etiology and pathogenesis of KC.

Soil spatial heterogeneity involves nutrients being patchily distributed at a range of scales and is prevalent in natural habitats. However, little is known about the effect of soil spatial configurations at the small scale on plant foraging behavior and plant growth under different resource amounts. Here, we experimentally investigated how a stoloniferous species, Trifolium repens, responded to varied resource amounts and spatial configuration combinations. Plant foraging behavior (i.e., the orientation of the primary stolon, mean length of the primary stolon, foraging precision, and foraging scale) and plant growth (i.e., total biomass, root biomass, shoot biomass, and root/shoot) were compared among differently designed configurations of soil resources in different amounts. The relationships of foraging behavior and plant biomass were analyzed. The results showed that the effect of the spatial configuration of soil resources on Trifolium repens depended on the resource amount. Specifically, when the total resource amount was low, fragmented soil patches promoted root foraging and increased Trifolium repens plant biomass; however, when the total resource amount was high, the soil spatial configuration did not affect foraging behavior or plant growth. Our results also showed that plant growth was facilitated by root foraging scale to adapt to low resource amounts. We conclude that the spatial configuration of soil resources at small scales affects whole plant growth, which is mediated by a distinct foraging strategy. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how the growth strategy of clonal plants responds to heterogeneous environments caused by different resource amounts and its spatial configurations.

Based on the social identity theory, this study investigates the mediation and moderation mechanism of CSR on job applicant attraction. A total of 395 job seekers are recruited to join in the experiment survey. The results indicate that job seekers’ perceptions of CSR positively relate to job applicant attraction, employer reputation and expected pride mediate this relationship, respectively, and the serial mediating role of employer reputation and then expected pride in the relationship between CSR and job applicant attraction. Additionally, the findings show that job applicants’ materialism orientation plays a moderating role in the indirect effect of CSR on job applicant attraction via expected pride, but the moderating effect of job seekers’ materialism orientation in the indirect effect of CSR on job applicant attraction via employer reputation is not statistically significant. These findings enrich the new culture-driven evidence on the impacting mechanism of CSR on job applicant’s attitude and provide valuable insight into how CSR motivates job applicant attraction.

Objective. Chronic stress (CS)-induced abnormal metabolism and other subsequent aspects of abnormality are threatening human health. Little is known regarding whether and how protein post-translational-modifications (PTMs) correlate with abnormal metabolism under CS. The aim of this study was to address this issue and also identify novel key protein PTM. Methods. First, we screened which pan-PTM had significant change between control and CS female mice and whether clinical CS females had similar pan-PTM change. Second, we performed quantitative PTM-omics and metabolomics to verify the correlation between abnormal protein PTMs and atypical metabolism. Third, we performed quantitative phospho-omics to identify the key PTM-regulating enzyme and investigate the interaction between PTM protein and PTM-regulating enzyme. Fourth, we attempted to rectify the abnormal metabolism by correcting the activity of the PTM-regulating enzyme. Finally, we examined whether the selected key protein was also correlated with stress scores and atypical metabolism in clinical women. Results. We initially found that multiple tissues of CS female mice have downregulated pan-crotonylation, and verified that the plasma of clinical CS females also had downregulated pan-crotonylation. Then we determined that ATP5O-K51 crotonylation decreased the most and also caused gross ATP5O decrement, whereas the plasma of CS mice had downregulated phospholipids. Next, downregulating ATP5O crotonylation partially recapitulated the downregulated phospholipid metabolism in CS mice. Next, we verified that HDAC2-S424 phosphorylation determined its decrotonylation activity on ATP5O-K51. Furthermore, correcting HDAC2 hyper-phosphorylation recovered the gross ATP5O level and partially rescued the downregulated phospholipid metabolism in CS mice. Finally, the ATP5O level was also significantly lower and correlated with high stress scores and downregulated phospholipid metabolism in clinical female plasma. Conclusion. This study discovered a novel PTM mechanism involving two distinct types of PTM in CS and provided a novel reference for the clinical precautions and treatments of CS.

The corrosion mechanism of the low carbon low alloy steel with Al _2 O _3 particles and rare Earth (RE) oxide particles was compared in a simulated marine environment. It is shown that when the Al _2 O _3 -containing particles are introduced, the number density of nonmetallic particles of the steel increases twice, and the average particle size decreases from approximately 2.4 μ m to 1.4 μ m. With the introduction of Al _2 O _3 -containing particles, the amount of pitting corrosion increases. Furthermore, pitting corrosion occurs more uniformly owing to the fineness of the Al _2 O _3 particles, thereby leading to smaller, shallower pits after the Al _2 O _3 particles are shed. Hence, the corrosion performance of the steel with Al _2 O _3 particles is significantly improved than that of the steel without Al _2 O _3 particles. By adding RE oxide particles into steel, the nonmetallic particles in steel are refined but not as effectively as that achieved by adding the Al _2 O _3 -containing particles. Different from Al _2 O _3 particles, Cu is obviously enriched in the location of RE oxide particles at the initial corrosion stage, which makes the steel exhibit the best corrosion resistance. Cu enrichment is attributed to the mobile Cu present in the rust layer and to the micro acid region formed around the RE oxide particles.

Improving the line-spectrum detection capability of a single hydrophone is of great significance for the passive detection of small underwater platforms. In this paper, we propose a single-hydrophone cross-power spectrum (SHCS) method based on time-domain coherence. This method uses the coherence of the line spectrum and the non-coherence of the continuous spectrum noise to obtain coherent gain and improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the line spectrum. The effects of the input SNR, number of averaging operations, and overlap ratio on the performance of the SHCS method under a background of Gaussian white noise are simulated and analyzed. The results show that when the overlap ratio is 0 and the number of averaging operations reaches saturation, the SHCS method can achieve the best performance and about 15 dB coherence gain is obtained. The performance of the SHCS method was verified by sea experiments. Under the extremely low input SNR, in which the line spectrum was almost completely submerged in the marine environmental noise, the SHCS method can obtain about 10 dB coherence gain. Under the conventional input SNR, in which the line spectrum could be observed, the SHCS method can obtain about 13 dB coherence gain. The results of processing the radiated noise from an actual cargo ship also demonstrate the effectiveness of the SHCS method.

Abstract Background To analyze the application of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist in ventilator weaning of infants. Methods A total of 25 infants (15 boys and 10 girls) who were mechanically ventilated by PICU in Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital were selected as the study subjects. After the improvement of the basic disease, regular spontaneous breathing, and the withdrawal of the ventilator, all the children obtained the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) signal. Then, each child was given CPAP and NAVA mode mechanical ventilation 1 h before the withdrawal of the ventilator. Each detection index was recorded 30 min after each mode of ventilation. Results Two of the 25 children were tracheotomized because of respiratory muscle weakness and could not be converted to NAVA mode without the EAdi signal. Hemodynamic indexes were not statistically different between the two groups of CPAP and NAVA. PaCO2 is not significantly different in the two modes, and both were at normal levels. The PIP in NAVA mode is lower than that in CPAP mode (p

Several studies have indicated a positive effect of exercise (especially resistance exercise) on the mTOR signaling that control muscle protein synthesis and muscle remodeling. However, the relationship between exercise, mTOR activation and leucine-sensing requires further clarification. Two month old Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to aerobic exercise (treadmill running at 20 m/min, 6° incline for 60 min) and resistance exercise (incremental ladder climbing) for 4 weeks. The gastrocnemius muscles were removed for determination of muscle fibers diameter, cross-sectional area (CSA), protein concentration and proteins involved in muscle leucine-sensing and protein synthesis. The results show that 4 weeks of resistance exercise increased the diameter and CSA of gastrocnemius muscle fibers, protein concentration, the phosphorylation of mTOR (Ser2448), 4E-BP1(Thr37/46), p70S6K (Thr389), and the expression of LeuRS, while aerobic exercise just led to a significant increase in protein concentration and the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1(Thr37/46). Moreover, no difference was found for Sestrin2 expression between groups. The current study shows resistance exercise, but not aerobic exercise, may increase muscle protein synthesis and protein deposition, and induces muscle hypertrophy through LeuRS/mTOR signaling pathway. However, further studies are still warranted to clarify the exact effects of vary intensities and durations of aerobic exercise training.