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This study is nationwide multicenter epidemiological research, aimed at investigating the distribution changes and seasonal patterns of various airborne allergens among preschool children with allergic rhinitis (AR) in different regions of China, and analyzing the clinical correlation between sensitization to various airborne allergens and AR symptoms in children. Information on children was collected through standard questionnaires, and total IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) for 11 inhalant allergens were tested. The results showed that dust mites are the primary allergens for preschool AR children (39%). Among pollen allergens, Amb a had the highest positivity rate (8.1%), followed by Art v (7.8%). The sensitization rates for two mites peaked in May (46.9% and 40.6%). Art v peaked in August (21.5%), while Amb a had peaks in May (12.7%) and August (17.8%). The sensitization peaks for various tree pollens mainly occurred in August. In the Eastern monsoon region, the sensitization rate to mites was significantly higher than in the Northwest arid and semi-arid regions; whereas, for pollen allergens, the sensitization rates to Amb a, Pla a, Pin a, Pop d, and Bet v were significantly higher in the Northwest arid and semi-arid regions than in the Eastern monsoon region. The correlation among various tree pollens, specifically between Pla a, Pin r, Pop d, and Bet v was strong (0.63 ~ 0.79), with a cross-overlapping percentage of 53.9%. Children with multiple pollen sensitizations had higher cumulative nasal symptom scores than those negative for pollen (P < 0.01). Children with only pollen sensitization had higher cumulative rhinitis symptom scores than the all-negative group (P < 0.0001) and the mite-only sensitization group [P < 0.05], while the mite-only sensitization group also had higher scores than the all-negative group [P < 0.05], and the group sensitized to both pollen and mites had lower scores than the pollen-only group [P < 0.05]. This study indicates that sensitization to mites and grass pollens exhibits significant regional differences, with grass pollen allergies primarily occurring in autumn, sensitization to pollens in general exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern. Moreover, pollen sensitization aggravates nasal and ocular symptoms in AR children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately predicting prognosis subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is crucial for guiding treatment decisions in patients. The objective of this study was to develop prediction models for cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with subcutaneous LMS. The collected cases of diagnosed subcutaneous LMS were randomly divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort at a 6:4 ratio based on tumor location and histological code. The X-tile program was utilized to determine the optimal cutoff points for age index. Univariate and Cox multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for subcutaneous LMS patients. Nomograms were constructed to predict CSS, and their performance was assessed using C-index and calibration plots. Additionally, a decision tree model was established using recursive partitioning analysis to determine the total score for CSS prediction in subcutaneous LMS patients based on the nomogram model. A total of 1793 patients with subcutaneous LMS were found. X-tile software divides all patients into ≤ 61 years old, 61–82 years old, and ≥ 82 years old. The most important anatomical sites were the limbs (including the upper and lower limbs, 48.0%). Only 6.2% of patients received chemotherapy, while 44% had a history of radiotherapy and 92.9% underwent surgery. The independent risk factors for patients with subcutaneous LMS were age, summary stage, grade, and surgery. CSS was significantly decreased in patients with distant metastases, which showed the highest independent risk predictor (HR 4.325, 95% CI 3.010–6.214, p < 0.001). The nomogram prediction model of LMS was constructed based on four risk factors. The C-index for this model was 0.802 [95% CI 0.781–0.823] and 0.798 [95% CI 0.768–0.829]. The training cohort's 3-, 5-, and 10-year AUCs for CSS in patients with subcutaneous LMS were 0.833, 0.830, and 0.859, and the validation cohort's AUC for predicting CSS rate were 0.849, 0.830, and 0.803, respectively. Recursive segmentation analysis divided patients into 4 risk subgroups according to the total score in the nomogram, including low-risk group < 145, intermediate-low-risk group ≥ 145 < 176, intermediate-high-risk group ≥ 176 < 196, and high-risk group ≥ 196; The probability of the four risk subgroups is 9.1%, 34%, 49%, and 79% respectively. In this retrospective study, a novel nomogram or corresponding risk classification system for patients with subcutaneous LMS were developed, which may assist clinicians in identifying high-risk patients and in guiding the clinical decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pore fluids control the diagenetic processes and storage spaces of deep clastic rock reservoirs and have become a major area of interest within the fields of sedimentology and petroleum geology. This paper aims to relate the diagenetic processes of the Oligocene Zhuhai sandstones in the Baiyun Sag to pore fluids varying with burial depth. The types and distribution patterns of authigenic minerals are investigated through analysis of petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical features to illustrate the origin and flow patterns of pore fluids and their influences on reservoir diagenesis. Strong cementation of eogenetic carbonate cement near the sandstone–mudstone interface was a consequence of material migration from adjacent mudstones on a large scale. The pore fluids were mainly affected by microbial methanogenesis and carbonate mineral dissolution in adjacent mudstones during eogenesis. The pore fluids were diffusively transported in a relatively open geochemical system within a local range. Support for this model is provided by the heavier stable isotopic values present in eogenetic calcite and dolomite. Feldspar dissolution during early mesogenesis was spatially accompanied by the precipitation of authigenic quartz and ferroan carbonate cement. Pore fluids in this period were rich in organic acids and CO2, and their migration mechanism was diffusive transport. The obviously lighter carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of the ferroan calcite support this inference. During late mesogenesis, the input of deep hydrothermal fluid might have been partly responsible for the precipitation of ankerite, barite and authigenic albite. Oil charging may have inhibited carbonate cementation and compaction, accordingly preserving porosity, and together with authigenic kaolinite, might have promoted the transition of the reservoir from water wet to oil wet to the benefit of oil entrapment. The findings reported here shed new light on the evaluation and prediction of sandstone reservoirs that have experienced multiple periods of fluid flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H3 K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma (H3 K27M-mt DMG) is a rare, highly invasive tumor with a poor prognosis. The prognostic factors of H3 K27M-mt DMG have not been fully identified, and there is no clinical prediction model for it. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model for predicting the probability of survival in patients with H3 K27M-mt DMG. Patients diagnosed with H3 K27M-mt DMG in the West China Hospital from January 2016 to August 2021 were included. Cox proportional hazard regression was used for survival assessment, with adjustment for known prognostic factors. The final model was established using the patient data of our center as the training cohort and data from other centers for external independent verification. One hundred and five patients were ultimately included in the training cohort, and 43 cases from another institution were used as the validation cohort. The factors influencing survival probability in the prediction model included age, preoperative KPS score, radiotherapy and Ki-67 expression level. The adjusted consistency indices of the Cox regression model in internal bootstrap validation at 6, 12, and 18 months were 0.776, 0.766, and 0.764, respectively. The calibration chart showed high consistency between the predicted and observed results. The discrimination in external verification was 0.785, and the calibration curve showed good calibration ability. We identified the risk factors that affect the prognosis of H3 K27M-mt DMG patients and then established and validated a diagnostic model for predicting the survival probability of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence plays an important role in determining the color appearance of fluorescing minerals. This paper discusses the color mechanism in the red spinel and the color effects from the light source as well as the background on the spinel color. Excitation-Emission Matrices (EEMs) fluorescence spectroscopy was utilized to characterize the fluorescence of natural Cr-doped magnesia-alumina spinel from Myanmar. EMP, LA-ICP-MS, and optical spectroscopy were applied to study the spinel's chemical compositions and color mechanism. X-Rite Ci-7800 spectrophotometer, which is useful to measure colors for fluorescing minerals, was employed to acquire color data of spinel in daylight and incandescent light. The results indicated the higher value of Cr/Fe makes pinkish-red spinel has a much stronger red fluorescence effect than dark-red spinel. The two narrow absorption bands at ~ 25,500 cm−1 (with a broad absorption band at ~ 24,100 cm−1) and ~ 18,570 cm−1 in the optical absorption spectrum are assigned to spin-allowed electronic d-d transitions 4A2g → 4T1g(F) and 4A2g → 4T2g(F) in Cr3+ at the M site. The EEMs spectra of the pinkish-red spinels show twin emissions at 706 nm excited both by ~ 380 nm and ~ 535 nm radiations, which is the key to the bright neon red color in pinkish-red spinel. The colorimetry study suggests the strong red fluorescence produced by < 460 nm radiation contributes more than 10% lightness and chroma in pinkish-red spinel under daylight. The lightness and the chroma of the spinels grow with the decrease of the background grayscale. The differentiation of spinel colors in dark conditions is lower than that in a bright environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of guest elements (dopants) into host materials play an important role in changing their intrinsic electrical and optical properties. The existence of hetero-element induce defect in crystal structure, affecting conductivity. In the current work, we report Cu2+ ion into hematite in the defectronics point of view and their photoelectrochemical properties. Crystal distortion in the structure of hematite is observed as the amount of dopant increases. Among 1, 3 and 5 mol% of Cu2+ doped hematite, the existence of 1 mol% of Cu2+ ion into hematite crystal structure produce photocurrent value of 0.15 mA/cm2, IPCE value of ~ 4.7% and EIS value of ~ 2000 Ω/cm2 as best performances. However, further increasing dopants increases the number of interstitial defects, which cause the deformation of intrinsic lattice structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kruppel like factor 15 (KLF15), a transcriptional factor belonging to the Kruppel-like factor (KLF) family of genes, has recently been reported as a tumor suppressor gene in breast cancer. However, the specific mechanisms by which KLF15 inhibits BrCa have not been elucidated. Here we investigated the role and mechanism of KLF15 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). KLF15 expression and methylation were detected by RT-qPCR, RT-PCR and methylation-specific PCR in breast cancer cell lines and tissues. The effects of KLF15 on TNBC cell functions were examined via various cellular function assays. The specific anti-tumor mechanisms of KLF15 were further investigated by RNA sequence, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, luciferase assay, ChIP, and bioinformatics analysis. As the results showed that KLF15 is significantly downregulated in breast cancer cell lines and tissues, which promoter methylation of KLF15 partially contributes to. Exogenous expression of KLF15 induced apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, suppressed cell proliferation, metastasis and in vivo tumorigenesis of TNBC cells. Mechanism studies revealed that KLF15 targeted and downregulated C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and CCL7. Moreover, transcriptome and metabolome analysis revealed that KLF15 is involved in key anti-tumor regulatory and metabolic pathways in TNBC. In conclusion, KLF15 suppresses cell growth and metastasis in TNBC by downregulating CCL2 and CCL7. KLF15 may be a prognostic biomarker in TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition and influencing factors of the colour of 95 yellow to light blue iron-bearing beryl are studied through Electron Microprobe Analysis (EMPA), Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy and X-Rite SP62 spectrophotometer. The intensities of the three characteristic hydroxyl stretching bands of the beryl from 3500 cm−1 to 3800 cm−1 prove they are low to medium levels of alkali bearing natural beryl. The wide absorption edge of 320 ~ 465 nm caused by the ultra-violet charge transfer from O2− to Fe3+ and the 650 nm absorption band in E//c-polarization caused by the intervalence charge transfer between Fe2+ and Fe3+ are the main factors affecting the colour of beryl. By applying CIE D65 standard light source and N9 Munsell neutral background as testing conditions, the colour parameters of 82 gem-quality beryl are tested. According to the results, iron-containing beryl colours are classified into yellow, yellowish-green, bluish-green, greenish-blue, and blue by the K-means cluster analysis method. The blue tone has a greater influence on the hue of beryl, while the yellow tone has a greater influence on the chroma. Iron content is higher in yellow and blue beryl. With the increase of iron content, the lightness of beryl decreased and the chroma increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm infants with periventricular–intraventricular hemorrhage (PV–IVH) have a high risk of neurological sequelae, with severity depending on the severity of the PV–IVH. Previous studies on the pathogenesis of PV–IVH have focused mainly on comparisons of perinatal risk factors between patients with and without PV–IVH. Notably, most cases of PV–IVH occur within the first 3 days after birth, and the condition may worsen within 1 week following the initial diagnosis. However, the risk factors that contribute to the deterioration of PV–IVH have not been investigated. In this cohort study, 514 PV–IVH infants with a gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks were enrolled. The dependent variable was initially diagnosed as mild PV–IVH (grade I or II) that subsequently progressed to severe PV–IVH (grade III or IV) within 1 week. A stepwise forward multivariate logistic regression model was adopted to select potential or related factors that affected the deterioration of PV–IVH in preterm infants. Overall, 42 of the 514 infants with PV–IVH (8.2%) showed deterioration within 1 week. The results showed that maternal lower genital tract infection (OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.75–7.95) was an independent risk factor for PV–IVH deterioration. Higher GA (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.48–0.80) was a protective factor. Our results suggest that maternal lower genital tract infection and a lower GA may contribute to PV–IVH deterioration in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To discuss combinations of traditional screening and noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) and to compare which traditional screening is the most suitable first-line screening approach to NIPS, pregnant women were recruited in this retrospective observational study. Pregnant women underwent one of four traditional screening tests. The 9 contingent models were combined by high risk cut-offs of 1:50, 1:100, 1:270 and intermediate risk cut-offs of 1:1000, 1:1500, 1:2000. We analyzed cost and performance of various screening models with contingent screening of different risk cut-offs. Compared with other screening tests, combined first-trimester screening (CFTS) had the lowest proportion of high risk (≥1:270) with the highest detection rate (DR) (78.79%) and the lowest proportion of intermediate risk (1:271~1:1000). When intermediate risk was 1:51 ~1:1500, CFTS as first-line screening had the lowest cost with DR of 93.94%. Other screening tests as the first-line screening with intermediate risk of 1:51~1:1000 had the lowest cost, there DR were 90.91%, 84.62%, 91.67%, respectively. Our study demonstrated if only one traditional screening was allowed to screen pregnant women, CFTS was recommended as the first choice. According to local health and economic conditions, adopting appropriate traditional screening with suitable cut-offs as first-line screening will contributed to a cost-effective screening model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of true rectocele and obstructed defecation (OD) in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), to investigate the correlation between true rectocele and OD, and to understand the diagnostic value of translabial ultrasound (TLUS) in the diagnosis of true rectocele. The patients who scheduled for POP surgery were enrolled in this study. Patients who had previous reconstructive pelvic surgery or repair of rectocele were excluded. Birmingham Bowel and Urinary symptoms questionnaires and Longo's obstructed defecation syndrome scoring system were used to assess the bowel symptoms of patients. TLUS was used to evaluate anatomical defects. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant, and confidence intervals were set at 95%. 279 patients were included into this study. The prevalence rate of OD was 43%, and the average value of ODS score was 6.67. 17% patients presented straining at stool, 33% presented incomplete emptying, 13% presented digitations, and 12% required laxatives or enema. The prevalence rate of true rectocele was 23%. Defecation symptoms were significantly correlated with age, levator-ani hiatus, levator-ani muscle injury and true rectocele. Logistic regression showed that true rectocele and increased levator-ani hiatus were independent risk factors of OD. True rectocele was significantly correlated with straining at stool, digitation, incomplete emptying and requirement of laxatives or enema.In POP patients, the prevalence rate of true rectocele and OD was 23% and 43%, respectively. True rectocele was related to OD. TLUS was a valuable approach in anatomical evaluation of POP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activities and gene expression of antioxidative enzymes and the ROS content were analyzed in two typical storage-tolerant cultivars (Xushu 32 and Shangshu 19) and another two storage-sensitive cultivars (Yanshu 25 and Sushu 16) to explore the association between the storage capacity of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) and ROS scavenging capability. The storage roots of the storage-tolerant cultivars maintained higher activities and expression levels of antioxidative enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD); lower activity and expression of lipoxygenase (LOX); and lower accumulation of ROS metabolites compared with the storage-sensitive cultivars. The antioxidative capability and ROS parameters of leaves were positively correlated with those of storage roots. Our results provide valuable insight for evaluating the storability of sweetpotato cultivars by analyzing the capabilities of the antioxidative system and the contents of ROS metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of our study was to compare the curative effect of two surgical methods for Schatzker type I to III tibia plateau fractures, arthroscopy assisted reduction percutaneous internal fixation (ARIF) and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), with the intent of evaluating the quality of evidence to assist treatment selection. Searches of PubMed, Cochrane and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing ARIF and ORIF regarding the following outcomes: functional outcomes, perioperative complications and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (MDs) were pooled using either a fixed-effects model or random-effects model, depending on the heterogeneity of the trials included in the analysis. 19 RCTs and one quasi-RCT provided the data from 1272 patients. ARIF was associated with better functional outcomes, a lower risk of perioperative complications, and lower risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. After consideration of the quality of evidence of the included studies, the advantages provided by ARIF are not substantive over ORIF for the treatment of Schatzker type I to III tibia plateau fractures, except reducing the risk of perioperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auxin resistant 1/like aux1 (AUX/LAX), pin-formed (PIN) and ATP binding cassette subfamily B (ABCB/MDR/PGP) are three families of auxin transport genes. The development-related functions of the influx and efflux carriers have been well studied and characterized in model plants. However, there is scant information regarding the functions of auxin genes in Chinese cabbage and the responses of exogenous polar auxin transport inhibitors (PATIs). We conducted a whole-genome annotation and a bioinformatics analysis of BrAUX/LAX, BrPIN, and BrPGP genes in Chinese cabbage. By analyzing the expression patterns at several developmental stages in the formation of heading leaves, we found that most auxin-associate genes were expressed throughout the entire process of leafy head formation, suggesting that these genes played important roles in the development of heads. UPLC was used to detect the distinct and uneven distribution of auxin in various segments of the leafy head and in response to PATI treatment, indicated that the formation of the leafy head depends on polar auxin transport and the uneven distribution of auxin in leaves. This study provides new insight into auxin polar transporters and the possible roles of the BrLAX, BrPIN and BrPGP genes in leafy head formation in Chinese cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates a fabrication technology of Ag wrinkled electrodes with application in highly stretchable wireless sensors. Ag wrinkled thin films that were formed by vacuum deposition on top of pre-strained and relaxed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates which have been treated using an O2 plasma and a surface chemical functionalization process can reach a strain limit up to 200%, while surface adhesion area can reach 95%. The electrical characteristics of components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors made from such Ag conductors have remained stable under stretching exhibiting low temperature and humidity coefficients. This technology was then demonstrated for wireless wearable electronics using compatible processing with established micro/nano fabrication technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insufficiency of data is the essential reason for ill-posed problem existed in computerized ionospheric tomography (CIT) technique. Therefore, the method of integrating multi-source data is proposed. Currently, the multiple satellite navigation systems and various ionospheric observing instruments provide abundant data which can be employed to reconstruct ionospheric electron density (IED). In order to improve the vertical resolution of IED, we do research on IED reconstruction by integration of ground-based GPS data, occultation data from the LEO satellite, satellite altimetry data from Jason-1 and Jason-2 and ionosonde data. We used the CIT results to compare with incoherent scatter radar (ISR) observations, and found that the multi-source data fusion was effective and reliable to reconstruct electron density, showing its superiority than CIT with GPS data alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PP2C family phosphatases (the type 2C family of protein phosphatases; or metal-dependent phosphatase, PPM) constitute an important class of signaling enzymes that regulate many fundamental life activities. All PP2C family members have a conserved binuclear metal ion active center that is essential for their catalysis. However, the catalytic role of each metal ion during catalysis remains elusive. In this study, we discovered that mutations in the structurally buried D38 residue of PP2Cα (PPM1A) redefined the water-mediated hydrogen network in the active site and selectively disrupted M2 metal ion binding. Using the D38A and D38K mutations of PP2Cα as specific tools in combination with enzymology analysis, our results demonstrated that the M2 metal ion determines the rate-limiting step of substrate hydrolysis, participates in dianion substrate binding and stabilizes the leaving group after P-O bond cleavage. The newly characterized catalytic role of the M2 metal ion in this family not only provides insight into how the binuclear metal centers of the PP2C phosphatases are organized for efficient catalysis but also helps increase our understanding of the function and substrate specificity of PP2C family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]