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Abstract Background Urban green infrastructure (GI) networks play a significant role in ensuring regional ecological security; however, they are highly vulnerable to the influence of urban development, and the optimization of GI networks with better connectivity and resilience under different development scenarios has become a practical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Taking Harbin, a megacity in Northeast China, as the case study, we set five simulation scenarios by adjusting the economic growth rate and extracted the GI network in multiple scenarios by integrating the minimal cumulative resistance model and the gravity model. The low-degree-first (LDF) strategy of complex network theory was introduced to optimize the GI network, and the optimization effect was verified by robustness analysis. Results The results showed that in the 5% economic growth scenario, the GI network structure was more complex, and the connectivity of the network was better, while in the other scenarios, the network structure gradually degraded with economic growth. After optimization by the LDF strategy, the average degree of the GI network in multiple scenarios increased from 2.368, 2.651, 2.189, 1.972, and 1.847 to 2.783, 3.125, 2.643, 2.414, and 2.322, respectively, and the GI network structure connectivity and resilience were significantly enhanced in all scenarios. Conclusions Economic growth did not necessarily lead to degradation of the GI network; there was still room for economic development in the study area, but it was limited under existing GI conditions, and the LDF strategy was an effective method to optimize the GI network. The research results provide a new perspective for the study of GI network protection with urban economic growth and serve as a methodological reference for urban GI network optimization.

Abstract Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with health burden both at personal and societal levels. Recent assessments on the role of lncRNAs in SCI regulation have matured. Therefore, to comprehensively explore the function of lncRNA LEF1-AS1 in SCI, there is an urgent need to understand its occurrence and development. Methods Using in vitro experiments, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to treat and establish the SCI model primarily on microglial cells. Gain- and loss of function assays of LEF1-AS1 and miR-222-5p were conducted. Cell viability and apoptosis of microglial cells were assessed via CCK8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, SCI, sh-NC, and sh-LEF-AS1 groups. ELISA test was used to determine the expression of TNF-α and IL-6, whereas the protein level of apoptotic-related markers (Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3) was assessed using Western blot technique. Results We revealed that LncRNA LEF1-AS1 was distinctly upregulated, whereas miR-222-5p was significantly downregulated in LPS-treated SCI and microglial cells. However, LEF1-AS1 knockdown enhanced cell viability, inhibited apoptosis, as well as inflammation of LPS-mediated microglial cells. On the contrary, miR-222-5p upregulation decreased cell viability, promoted apoptosis, and inflammation of microglial cells. Mechanistically, LEF1-AS1 served as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-222-5p, targeting RAMP3. RAMP3 overexpression attenuated LEF1-AS1-mediated protective effects on LPS-mediated microglial cells from apoptosis and inflammation. Conclusion In summary, these findings ascertain that knockdown of LEF1-AS1 impedes SCI progression via the miR-222-5p/RAMP3 axis.

Stellar white-light flares are believed to play an essential role in the physical and chemical properties of the atmosphere of the surrounding exoplanets. Here we report an optical monitoring campaign on the nearby flaring system EI Cnc carried out by the Ground-based Wide Angle Camera (GWAC) and its dedicated follow-up telescope. A superflare, coming from the brighter component EI CncA, was detected and observed, in which four components are required to properly model the complex decay light curve. The lower limit of flare energy in the R − band is estimated to be 3.3 × 10 ^32 erg. A total of 27 flares are additionally detected from the GWAC archive data with a total duration of 290 hr. The inferred cumulative flare frequency distribution follows a quite shallow power-law function with a slope of β = − 0.50 ± 0.03 over the energy range between 10 ^30 and 10 ^33 erg, which reinforces the trend that stars cooler than M4 show enhanced superflare activity. The flares identified in EI Cnc enable us to extend the τ – E relationship previously established in the white-light superflares of solar-type stars down to an energy as low as ∼10 ^30 erg (i.e., by 3 orders): τ ∝ E ^0.42±0.02 , which suggests a common flare mechanism for stars with a type from M to solar-like and implies an invariant of B ^1/3 υ _A in the white-light flares.

As a well-known multimodal-acting antidepressant, vortioxetine is thought to aim at several serotonin (5-HT) receptors and the 5-HT transporter. However, recently more and more proteins besides 5-HT are being reported to participate in the antidepressant mechanism of vortioxetine. As a widely known nuclear hormone receptor, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα) possesses transcriptional activity and is very important in the brain. Several reports have suggested that hippocampal PPARα is implicated in antidepressant responses. Here we speculate that hippocampal PPARα may participate in the antidepressant mechanism of vortioxetine. In this study, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), behavioral tests, the western blotting and adenovirus associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene knockdown methods were used together. It was found that vortioxetine administration significantly reversed the inhibitory actions of both CUMS and CSDS on the hippocampal PPARα expression. Pharmacological blockade of PPARα notably prevented the antidepressant actions of vortioxetine in the CUMS and CSDS models. Moreover, genetic knockdown of PPARα in the hippocampus also significantly blocked the protecting effects of vortioxetine against both CUMS and CSDS. Therefore, the antidepressant effects of vortioxetine in mice require hippocampal PPARα.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (Dex) induces injuries to human osteoblasts. In this study, we tested the potential role of the long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (Lnc-MALAT1) in this process. Materials: Two established human osteoblastic cell lines (OB-6 and hFOB1.19) and primary human osteoblasts were treated with Dex. Lnc-MALAT1 expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Cell viability, apoptosis, and death were tested by the MTT assay, histone-DNA assay, and trypan blue staining assay, respectively. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling was evaluated by western blotting and AMPK activity assay. Results: Lnc-MALAT1 expression was downregulated by Dex treatment in the established osteoblastic cell lines (OB-6 and hFOB1.19) and primary human osteoblasts. The level of Lnc-MALAT1 was decreased in the necrotic femoral head tissues of Dex-administered patients. In osteoblastic cells and primary human osteoblasts, forced overexpression of Lnc-MALAT1 using a lentiviral vector (LV-MALAT1) inhibited Dex-induced cell viability reduction, cell death, and apoptosis. Conversely, transfection with Lnc-MALAT1 small interfering RNA aggravated Dex-induced cytotoxicity. Transfection with LV-MALAT1 downregulated Ppm1e (protein phosphatase, Mg2+/ Mn2+-dependent 1e) expression to activate AMPK signaling. Treatment of osteoblasts with AMPKα1 short hairpin RNA or dominant negative mutation (T172A) abolished LV-MALAT1-induced protection against Dex-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, LV-MALAT1 induced an increase in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate activity and activation of Nrf2 signaling. Dex-induced reactive oxygen species production was significantly attenuated by LV-MALAT1 transfection in osteoblastic cells and primary osteoblasts. Conclusion: Lnc-MALAT1 protects human osteoblasts from Dex-induced injuries, possibly via activation of Ppm1e-AMPK signaling.

Urban green space, as an important component of an urban ecosystem, plays an important role in improving the urban living environment, maintaining ecological balance and reducing carbon dioxide concentration. Few studies are focused on carbon dioxide emissions in urban green spaces of cold regions. To thoroughly understand the temporal and spatial variation laws of carbon dioxide concentration and its influencing factors in urban green spaces in cold regions, a LI-COR LI-840 non-dispersive infrared gas analyser was used to explore the variations in the carbon dioxide concentrations of different plant community green spaces at the syringa Park in Qunli New District of Harbin and their influencing factors. Diurnal variation, seasonal variation, annual dynamics, and temporal and spatial distributions of carbon dioxide concentration in the growing season of four types of park green spaces, namely, larix, birch, syringa, and grassland communities, were observed through experiments. Air temperature, surface temperature, air humidity, and atmospheric pressure in the four types of green spaces were measured to further analyse the correlation among the diurnal variation of carbon dioxide concentration, seasonal variation of carbon dioxide concentration, and the corresponding factors of different vegetation types in parks. Moreover, the annual regression equation of carbon dioxide concentration was established. Results show that the carbon dioxide concentration in different community green spaces exhibits an obvious diurnal variation and a tendency of decreasing first and then increasing over time. The seasonal dynamics of carbon dioxide concentration in different types of park green spaces are different. The carbon dioxide concentration of the larix green space is the lowest (dynamics), whereas that of the grassland space is the highest (357.17±30.18 μmol/mol). The larix seasonal dynamics demonstrates the change with the seasons, from highest to lowest as autumn>spring>summer. Temperature is the main controlling factor that affects the variation in carbon dioxide concentration in the growing season. The carbon dioxide concentrations of larix, birch, syringa and grassland show a highly significant positive correlation with surface and air temperatures. A significantly positive correlation is also observed between atmospheric pressure and variation in carbon dioxide concentration in larix and birch. This study provides data reference and support for spatial ecological planning and layout and the selection of plants in urban park green spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the efficacy of antiviral treatment with PNA for the duck model of HBV (DHBV)-infected ducks. PNA is a 2-amine-9-(2,3-dideoxy-2,3-dihydro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-6-methoxy-9 H-purine. Methods: The Sichuan Mallard ducklings in the hepatitis B virus model were treated with PNA, a new antiviral agent. DHBV DNA from the blood serum and liver tissues were measured at 0, 5, and 10 d during the treatment and at 3 d withdrawal by real-time PCR. The duck hepatitis B surface antigen (DHBsAg) in the liver cells was observed by Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Pathological changes in the liver tissues were also observed. Control group I was administered with distilled water and control group II was administered with 3-thiacytidine. Treatment group I was administered with PNA at a dose of 40 mg/kg and treatment group II was administered perorally ( po) with PNA at a dose of 80 mg/kg. Treatment group III was administered with PNA at a dose of 20 mg/kg and treatment group IV was intravenously administered with PNA at a dose of 40 mg/kg. Each group contained 15 ducklings. Results: PNA can significantly lower the DHBV replication levels in serum and liver. Compared with control group II, there were no significant differences in inhibiting efficacy in treatment groups I and III ( P>0.05) and there were significant differences in inhibiting efficacy in treatment groups II and IV ( P<0.05). Interestingly, significant differences were observed at 3 d withdrawal. The DHBV replication levels in each group slightly increased at 3 d withdrawal, but rebounded slightly in the PNA treatment groups than in control group II ( P<0.05). The DHBV replication levels in the treatment groups were lower than in control group I. The DHBV replication levels in sera had a positive relationship with that in the liver, but the DHBV replication levels in the liver was lower than that in sera. Pathological changes in the treatment groups were obviously improved and the changes were associated with liver viral DNA levels. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that PNA is a strong inhibitor of DHBV replication in the DHBV-infected duck model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arabinoxylan (AX) content in barley grains is an important quality determinant when barley is used as raw material of malt or beer production. The cultivar and environmental variations of total arabinoxylan (TAX), water extractable arabinoxylan (WEAX) and endoxylanase activity (EA) were investigated using eight barley cultivars growing at seven locations with diverse environmental conditions. The results showed that both barley cultivar and location significantly affected the TAX, WEAX and EA levels, but the variations of TAX content and EA were mainly attributed to cultivar, while the impact of location on WEAX content was greater than that of cultivar. Correlation analysis indicated that TAX was significantly correlated to WUAX.