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The global carbon balance is a core issue in climate change research and a focus of international policy concern [[1]]. Through the close relationships between CO SB 2 sb flux and soil temperature, combined with historical soil temperature data in the study area at 0 and 10 cm every hour between 2004 and 2017, we estimated the total amount of CO SB 2 sb exchange per year in the TD shifting sand (Fig. An average of 6.71 × 10 SP 6 sp t of CO SB 2 sb per year was released to the atmosphere through the physical process of thermal expansion of soil air containing CO SB 2 sb in the TD shifting sand during 2004-2017. Besides, the combined action of the remaining components (salt/alkali + moisture + microbes) led the TD shifting sand to absorb atmospheric CO SB 2 sb , with an average absorption rate of 8.31 × 10 SP 6 sp t a SP -1 sp during 2004-2017. [Extracted from the article]

Monitoring of low levels of chlorsulfuron in environmental water samples is important. Although several detection methods have been developed, they all have some drawbacks, such as being time-consuming, requiring expensive instruments and experienced operators, and consuming large volumes of organic solvents. There is an urgent need for a simple, rapid, and inexpensive detection method for chlorsulfuron. Herein, such a method was developed using anti-aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the presence of acetamiprid in agricultural irrigation water samples. Aggregation of the AuNPs was induced by acetamiprid, and this produced a distinct color change from Bordeaux red to blue. However, the strong hydrogen bonding interaction between chlorsulfuron and acetamiprid could inhibit AuNP aggregation. The effect of chlorsulfuron on the anti-agglomeration behavior of AuNPs was monitored by ultraviolet-visiblespectroscopy (UV-Vis) and the naked eye over a concentration range 0.1-100 mg/L. The detection limit for chlorsulfuron was 0.025 mg/L (signal-to-noise ratio of three). This colorimetric method was successfully applied to the determination of chlorsulfuron in spiked tap water and agricultural irrigation water with satisfactory recoveries (76.3%-94.2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toward the fast development of portable devices, the lightweight, flexible, and even wearable energy storage devices are very required. One effective device is the graphene-based fiber supercapacitors. Here we present the core–shell Co3O4/graphene hybrid fibers by hydrothermal method for the first time, where Co3O4 directly grows on the surface of graphene forming excellent hierarchical nanostructures. The combination of the Co3O4 shell and graphene core evidently improves the capacitive behaviors of the hybrid fibers. The Co3O4/graphene hybrid fibers are lightweight, flexible, and wearable, showing ultrahigh electrochemical performances such as large specific capacitance of 236.8 F g−1 (196.3 mF cm−2) at current density of 0.2 A g−1, outstanding rate capability, and excellent cycling stability (72.7% retention after 10000 cycles). The high electrochemical performances reveal the great potential of core–shell Co3O4/graphene hybrid fibers as electrodes in the energy storage system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glycans anchored on cell‐surface receptors are active modulators of receptor signaling. A strategy is presented that enforces transient changes to cell‐surface glycosylation patterns to tune receptor signaling. This approach, termed in situ glycan editing, exploits recombinant glycosyltransferases to incorporate monosaccharides with linkage specificity onto receptors in situ. α2,3‐linked sialic acid or α1,3‐linked fucose added in situ suppresses signaling through epidermal growth factor receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor. We also applied the same strategy to regulate the electrical signaling of a potassium ion channel–human ether‐à‐go‐go‐related gene channel. Compared to gene editing, no long‐term perturbations are introduced to the treated cells. In situ glycan editing therefore offers a promising approach for studying the dynamic role of specific glycans in membrane receptor signaling and ion channel functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glycans anchored on cell‐surface receptors are active modulators of receptor signaling. A strategy is presented that enforces transient changes to cell‐surface glycosylation patterns to tune receptor signaling. This approach, termed in situ glycan editing, exploits recombinant glycosyltransferases to incorporate monosaccharides with linkage specificity onto receptors in situ. α2,3‐linked sialic acid or α1,3‐linked fucose added in situ suppresses signaling through epidermal growth factor receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor. We also applied the same strategy to regulate the electrical signaling of a potassium ion channel–human ether‐à‐go‐go‐related gene channel. Compared to gene editing, no long‐term perturbations are introduced to the treated cells. In situ glycan editing therefore offers a promising approach for studying the dynamic role of specific glycans in membrane receptor signaling and ion channel functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioresistance (inherent or acquired) remains a major obstacle affecting the clinical outcome of radiotherapy for laryngeal carcinoma. Results from our laboratory and other groups suggest that aberrant glycosylation contributes to cancer acquired radioresistance. However, the role of glycosylation in inherent radioresistance of laryngeal carcinoma has not been fully uncovered. In this study, we investigated the glycan profiling of the inherent radioresistant (Hep-2max) and radiosensitive (Hep-2 min) cell lines using lectin microarray analysis. The results revealed that the radioresistant cell line Hep-2max presented higher core 1-type O-glycans than the sensitive one. Further analysis of the O-glycan regulation by benzyl-α-GalNAc application in Hep-2max cells showed partial inhibition of the O-glycan biosynthesis and increased radiosensitivity. In addition, core 1 β1, 3-galactosyltransferase (C1GALT1) overexpression in Hep-2 min cells enhanced cell migration, invasion, and radioresistance. Conversely, knockdown of C1GALT1 in Hep-2max cells was able to suppress these malignant phenotypes. Moreover, mechanistic investigations showed that C1GALT1 modified the O-glycans on integrin β1 and regulated its activity. The glycosylation-mediated radioresistance was further inhibited by anti-integrin β1 blocking antibody. Importantly, we also observed that core 1-type O-glycans expression was correlated with advanced tumor stage, metastasis, and poor survival of laryngeal carcinoma patients. These findings suggest that altered O-glycosylation can lead to the inherent radioresistance and progression, and therefore may be important for enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy in laryngeal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The serum levels of C-peptide, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), increase with age. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum C-peptide and increased risk for CVD with altered lipid metabolism in the elderly. Methods This was a population-based cross-sectional study that included 3091 elderly participants aged ≥65 years. Serum C-peptide and lipid levels were measured according to standard protocols. Sampling weights were used to estimate the characteristics of study participants. Stratified analysis of covariance was used to evaluate the changes in the serum lipid levels according to quartiles of serum C-peptide levels, and the linear trend was assessed using a linear model. The logistic regression model was carried out to determine the association between the serum C-peptide levels and serum lipid levels. Results The results of the analysis of covariance stratified by sex and serum insulin level showed that the serum triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly associated with changes in the serum C-peptide levels, independent of the serum insulin level. The logistic regression analyses indicated that the serum C-peptide levels were positively associated with the serum TG levels, and negatively associated with the serum HDL-C levels. A significant dose-response association was obtained in both men and women. Conclusions Serum C-peptide levels were strongly associated with increased serum TG and reduced HDL-C levels in the elderly. Our results suggest that serum C-peptide increases the risk of CVD via a pathway that increases TG or decreases HDL-C levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Chronic pain affects approximately 100 million Americans, but little is known about the factors associated with pain frequency.Objectives: This article examines participants' sociodemographics, medical history, health care access and utilization, self-management barriers, and social support associated with pain frequency among a sample of middle-aged and older adults with one or more chronic condition.Methods: Data were from the National Council on Aging Chronic Care Survey. An ordinal regression model was fitted to examine factors associated with self-reported pain frequency.Results: Having more chronic conditions (P < 0.001), taking more medication daily (P < 0.001), and visiting the physician five or more times a year (P = 0.011) were associated with more frequent pain. Always getting the help and support needed to manage their health problems was associated with less frequent pain (P < 0.001).Conclusion: More attention should be given to pain management during interactions with health care providers. Providing resources and support for disease self-management may help reduce pain frequency and self-management in middle-aged and older adults with chronic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Chronic conditions are pervasive among middle-aged and older adults. This study identified: (1) factors associated with participants reporting difficulties self-managing their chronic condition(s); and (2) factors associated with participants' reliance on external sources for ongoing help and support to improve their health and manage their health conditions.Study Design: Cross-sectional data were collected using the National Council on Aging Chronic Care Survey, a nationally representative telephone survey of adults aged 45 years and older with at least one chronic condition.Main Outcome Measures: Self-care difficulties among middle-aged and older adults with one or more chronic conditions and factors associated with reliance on ongoing help and support were examined.Results: Among 731 middle-aged and older adults with one or more chronic conditions, 31% of participants reported their health condition(s) made it difficult for them to care for themselves. Participants who were Hispanic (OR=3.08, P=0.009), had three or more chronic conditions (OR=3.05, P <0.001), took more medications daily (OR=1.07, P=0.046), and experienced certain healthcare-related frustrations (P≤0.023) were more likely to report difficulties self-managing their chronic condition(s). Participants relied on healthcare providers (40%), friends/relatives (20%), internet (9%), people with similar problems (6%), and community groups (3%) for help and support. Reliance on sources of support varied with participants' sociodemographic factors as well as healthcare and medication use.Conclusions: Simultaneously considering patients' disease profiles, patient characteristics, difficulties managing their chronic conditions at home, and interactions with the healthcare system can inform tailored approaches and strategies to enhance patient education and resource identification, and can support service linkages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of complexes via interactions between proteins and polyphenols has become one of the methods to effectively improve utilization of proteins. In this study, the structural and functional characteristics modification of casein treated with different concentrations of quercetin (10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 μmol/g protein) via covalent and non-covalent interactions were investigated. Results revealed that covalent complexes had lower sulfhydryl group content and higher quercetin binding capacity than non-covalent ones at the same quercetin concentration. This was consistent with the results of fluorescence spectroscopy which revealed higher fluorescence quenching constant and binding sites number for the covalent complexes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated similar secondary structural changing trend for covalent and non-covalent complexes. The α-helix, β-turn and random coil contents increased with increasing quercetin concentration while β-sheet content decreased. Addition of quercetin decreased surface hydrophobicity of the complexes, regardless of covalent or non-covalent interactions. Casein solubility was improved in covalent interaction, while the non-covalent interaction impaired it. Quercetin treatment improved foaming activity, emulsifying activity and antioxidant activity while decreasing foaming stability and emulsifying stability. The results could provide a theoretical foundation for potential applications of casein-quercetin complexes in the food industry. [Display omitted] • Properties of covalent and non-covalent complexes of casein-quercetin were studied. • Secondary structural alterations have similar trends via the two interaction modes. • Covalent interaction between casein and quercetin was stronger than non-covalent. • Covalent interaction improved casein solubility while non-covalent impaired it. • Quercetin treatment improved FA, EAI and antioxidant activity but decreased FS and ESI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• • Slc7a5 knockdown results in 34 differentially regulated genes. • • B1a but not B2 cells are depleted when Slc7a5 is knocked down in adult mice. • • Slc7a5-deficient bone marrow B1a cells fail to develop due to dysregulation of the mTOR signaling pathway. Slc7a5 is an important amino acid transporter that is highly expressed in metabolically active and rapidly proliferating cells. To explore the effect of Slc7a5 on adult B cell development, we conditionally deleted Slc7a5 in murine B cells and observed a significant reduction of B1a cells. In contrast to PI3K-Akt pathway activation, activity of the mTOR pathway was decreased. This may result from intracellular amino acid starvation in Slc7a5 knockdown (Slc7a5 KD) bone marrow B cells, thereby dampening B1a development. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated increased translation and reduced proliferation in Slc7a5 KD bone marrow B cells. Overall, the results of our study highlight the importance of Slc7a5 in peritoneal B1a cell development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Layered porous nanomaterial rGO/Cr 2 ZnS 4 was prepared by etching GO/ZIF-8. • Go-based GrZn bimetallic sulfide exhibits excellent energy storage properties. • The electrochemical performance of rGO/Cr 2 ZnS 4 -2h is much better than that of rGO/ZnS. • The specific capacitance of rGO/Cr 2 ZnS 4 -2h can reach 958.6 F g−1 (Current density: 1 A g−1). • AC//rGO/Cr 2 ZnS 4 -2h asymmetric supercapacitor can provide a high energy density of 47.7 Wh kg−1. In this work, rGO/Cr 2 ZnS 4 composites was composited with reduced GO using ZIF-8 as the template. Firstly, GO/ZIF-8 was obtained by in-situ synthesis strategy, and then ZIF-8 was etched by chromium nitrate to obtain CrZn-LDH. Finally, rGO/Cr 2 ZnS 4 was successfully synthesized after calcination and sulfuration. Due to the synergistic effect between Cr 2 ZnS 4 and rGO, the hybrid electrode has significantly improved energy storage capacity in terms of the high specific capacitance of 958.6 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and good cycling stability after 10,000 cycles (63.1 % of the initial value under 10 A g−1) in a three-electrode system. Meanwhile, the asymmetric supercapacitor was prepared using rGO/Cr 2 ZnS 4 composite as the positive electrode and AC (active carbon) as the negative electrode. The fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor has high energy density of 47.7 Wh kg−1 at power density of 749.54 W kg−1 and capacity retention of 50 % after 5000 cycles. This work offers a promising approach for designing advanced hybrid materials of transition metal sulfides for high energy density supercapacitors. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary At the base of the intestinal crypt, long-lived Lgr5 + stem cells are intercalated by Paneth cells that provide essential niche signals for stem cell maintenance. This unique epithelial anatomy makes the intestinal crypt one of the most accessible models for the study of adult stem cell biology. The glycosylation patterns of this compartment are poorly characterized, and the impact of glycans on stem cell differentiation remains largely unexplored. We find that Paneth cells, but not Lgr5 + stem cells, express abundant terminal N -acetyllactosamine (LacNAc). Employing an enzymatic method to edit glycans in cultured crypt organoids, we assess the functional role of LacNAc in the intestinal crypt. We discover that blocking access to LacNAc on Paneth cells leads to hyperproliferation of the neighboring Lgr5 + stem cells, which is accompanied by the downregulation of genes that are known as negative regulators of proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new strategy combining mass spectrometric (MS) techniques with partial least squares regression (PLSR) was proposed to identify and quantify closely related adulterant herbal materials. This strategy involved preparation of adulterated samples, data acquisition and establishment of PLSR model. The approach was accurate, sensitive, durable and universal, and validation of the model was done by detecting the presence of Fritillaria Ussuriensis Bulbus in the adulteration of the bulbs of Fritillaria unibracteata. Herein, three different MS techniques, namely wooden-tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (wooden-tip ESI/MS), ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) and UPLC-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ/MS), were applied to obtain MS profiles for establishing PLSR models. All three models afforded good linearity and good accuracy of prediction, with correlation coefficient of prediction ( r p 2 ) of 0.9072, 0.9922 and 0.9904, respectively, and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.1004, 0.0290 and 0.0323, respectively. Thus, this strategy is very promising in tracking the supply chain of herb-based pharmaceutical industry, especially for identifying adulteration of medicinal materials from their closely related herbal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Used the EuroQoL-5 dimension (EQ-5D) to evaluate the health status of 5310 residents who live in East China, and compared the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with 311 patients with type 2 diabetes as well as to explore the main influence factors to HRQoL in East China. Methods: The cohort includes 5310 participants aged 18-89 years old lived in East China. EuroQoL-5 dimension (EQ-5D) scale was used for the assessment of health-related quality of life. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 52.2 ± 13.4 years of which 43.7% were male. A moderate level of health-related quality of life was measured of that EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS scores were 0.939 ± 0.111 and 80.06 ± 11.58, respectively. There was a significant difference between diabetes patients and non-diabetes (p = 0.029, p < 0.001, respectively). The age had an inverse correlation with the EQ-5D scores both in general population and diabetes patients. The EQ-5D Vas was weakly adversely associated with the FPG, HbA1c and HOMA-IR. Conclusion: The overall health-related quality of life of population in East-China was moderate. Diabetes patients had lower score of health-related quality. The healthy-related quality was associated with the age, gender, economic development of region, level of education and marital status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a numerical method of reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound fields from their two-dimensional back-projections to understand the intensity distribution of nonplanar waves. The horizontal planes for line-focused ultrasound fields were roughly elliptical, whereas those for point-focused ultrasound fields were nearly circular. Experimental and simulated results indicated that the ultrasound intensity at the central axis can be calibrated from the light intensity by 3D reconstruction of the ultrasound field. The difference between the measured ultrasound intensity for nonplanar waves in schlieren imaging and the simulation results were discussed. From this work, the 3D ultrasound field becomes possible to be reconstructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although many studies worldwide have focused on the relationship between vitamin D and insulin resistance, results remain controversial. Furthermore, concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in the Chinese population are unclear. We aimed to investigate vitamin D status and its correlation with insulin resistance among a Chinese adult population.Design: Serum 25(OH)D, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, glycated Hb (HbA1c) and other metabolic parameters were assessed. Neck circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, weight and height were also measured. Lifestyle factors including smoking and drinking status were obtained. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed by HbA1c according to the 2010 American Diabetes Association criteria.Setting: Eastern China.Subjects: Of 7200 residents included, 6597 individuals were ultimately analysed.Results: We enrolled 2813 males (mean age 52·7 (sd 13·5) years) and 3784 females (52·3 (sd 13·5) years); mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 43·1 (sd 11·6) and 39·6 (sd 9·8) nmol/l, respectively. Additionally, 83·3 % of participants were 25(OH)D deficient. A significant difference in 25(OH)D was observed between males and females in winter and spring (P<0·001). Furthermore, 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely associated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the overweight and pre-diabetic populations. After adjusting for several variables, 25(OH)D was significantly associated with HOMA-IR in winter. When 25(OH)D values were categorized into quartiles, HOMA-IR was significantly associated with decreasing 25(OH)D.Conclusions: The majority of the Chinese population was vitamin D deficient and this deficiency was negatively associated with insulin resistance, particularly in the overweight and pre-diabetic populations. Moreover, these associations might be more evident in the winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contact angle is an important parameter that is essential for studying interfacial phenomena. The contact angle can be measured using commercially available instruments. However, these well-developed instruments may not function or may be unsuitable for use in some special environments. A simulated microgravity generated by a large gradient magnetic field is such an environment in which the current measurement instruments cannot be installed. To measure the contact angle in this environment, new tools must be designed and manufactured to be compatible with the size and physical environment. In this study, we report the development and construction of a new setup that was specifically designed for use in a strong magnetic field to measure the contact angle between a levitated droplet and a solid surface. The application of the setup in a large gradient magnetic field was tested, and the contact angles were readily measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photonic crystal (PC)-enhanced photothermal lens (PTL) is demonstrated for the detection of optically thin light absorption materials. The PC-enhanced PTL system is based on a pump-probe scheme consisting of a PC surface, pump laser beam, and probe laser beam. Heated by the pump beam, light absorption materials on the PC surface generate the PTL and cause a substantial change to the guided-mode resonance supported by the PC structure. The change of the PC resonance is detected using the probe laser beam by measuring its reflectivity from the PC surface. When applied to analyze dye molecules deposited on the PC substrate, the developed system is capable of enhancing the PTL signal by 10-fold and reducing the lowest distinguishable concentration by 8-fold, in comparison to measuring without utilizing the PC resonance. The PC-enhanced PTL was also used to detect gold nanoparticles on the PC surface and exhibited a 20-fold improvement of the lowest distinguishable concentration. The PC-enhanced PTL technology offers a potential tool to obtain the absorption signatures of thin films in a broad spectral range with high sensitivity and inexpensive instrumentation. As a result, this technology will enable a broad range of applications of photothermal spectroscopy in chemical analysis and biomolecule sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a type of chronic autoimmune-mediated inflammatory skin condition in which clinical manifestations are characterized by erythema and scaly changes, with complex pathogenesis and ease of relapse, and it is difficult to cure. Lenalidomide (Len) is a structural analog of thalidomide, which belongs to the second generation of immunomodulators and has the functions of tumor killing, immune regulation, anti-angiogenesis and regulation of the myeloma microenvironment. In the current experiment, we investigated the therapeutic effect of transdermal application of Len on the pathological changes of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced skin irritations and inflammation in psoriatic-like mice. The in vivo results revealed that Len nanoemulsion-based gels markedly reduced the IMQ-induced Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score, spleen-to-body weight index and CD4 protein expression in the derma of mice and improved IMQ-induced skin inflammatory cell infiltration. Transcriptome sequencing was intended to obtain the differentially expressed genes among the skin of Con mice and the skin of IMQ mice, and then, the GO enrichment classification and KEGG pathway analysis of the significant genes was executed to obtain major signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of the psoriasis mouse model. It was found that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was a major pathway in the pathogenesis of psoriasis in a mouse model induced by IMQ. The immunohistochemical results confirmed that Len could modulate the protein expression of AKT and NF-κB in skin. In conclusion, the protective effect of transdermal administration of Len may be related to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream NF-κB pathway against IMQ-induced psoriasis in mice. [Display omitted] • The network pharmacology is applied to predict the therapeutic effect of Len on psoriasis. • Transcriptomic is applied to analyse the differentially expressed genes between Con group and IMQ group. • The Len nanoemulsion-based gels were first prepared and it is effective for the psoriasis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an experimental research and computer analysis of a completely demagnetized state microwave permeability for polycrystalline ferrites. Background on theoretical considerations on microwave permeability; Functionality of completely demagnetized state microwave permeability for polycrystalline ferrites.

The etiology of epilepsy remains undefined in two-thirds of patients. Here, we identified a de novo variant of ATP1A2 (c.2426 T > G, p.Leu809Arg), which encodes the α2 subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase, from a family with idiopathic epilepsy. This variant caused epilepsy with hemiplegic migraine in the study patients. We generated the point variant mouse model Atp1a2 L809R , which recapitulated the epilepsy observed in the study patients. In Atp1a2 L809R/WT mice, convulsions were observed and cognitive and memory function was impaired. This variant affected the potassium binding function of the protein, disabling its ion transport ability, thereby increasing the frequency of nerve impulses. Valproate (VPA) and Carbamazepine (CBZ) have limited therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating the epileptic syndromes of Atp1a2 L809R/WT mice. Our work revealed that ATP1A2 L809R variants cause a predisposition to epilepsy. Moreover, we provide a point variant mouse model for epilepsy research and drug screening. ● ATP1A2 L809R is an epilepsy-causing variant. ● The Na+/K+ pump current is lower in the L809R variant, which caused neuronal hyperexcitation. ● A new genetic epilepsy mouse model with a single point variant is generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous work, miR-31 displayed differential significant expression in Apostichopus japonicus sea cucumber with skin ulcer syndrome and modulated coelomocytes ROS production by targeting p105. To identify other promising targets ofmiR-31, 4 transcriptome libraries of coelomocytes, as well as 2 control libraries, were constructed frommiR-31 mimics (31 M) or AMO-miR-31 (31I) and injected into a sea cucumber at 12 and 24 h. A total of207,977 unigenes with an average length of 363 bp were assembled, in which17,204 distinct sequences (8.27% of the unigenes) were successfully matched with annotated protein sequences. Fragments per kilobase of transcript per million fragments mapped analysis indicated that 1325 unigenes displayed up-regulated expression profiles in the 31I-12 group and were depressed in the 31M − 12 group compared with the control group. A total of 1470 unigenes showed down-regulated expressions in 31I-12 and were induced in 31 M-12. Similarly, 2079 and 2098 unigenes were detected at 24 h post-injection. Among these unigenes, 36 unigenes (depressed expression in the 31 M group and induced in the 31I group) showed consistent expression patterns at 2 examined time points and were considered promising targets of miR-31. qPCR analysis confirmed that all 4 unigenes showed opposite expression profiles to miR-31 in cultured coelomocytes. Our present work provided a fast and feasible method of identifying miR-31 targets by transcriptome analysis. The results of this study would enhance our present understanding ofmiR-31 function insea cucumber immune regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the mechanical tuning of optical resonances of a flexible plasmonic crystal. The device is structured with a square lattice nanopost array standing out of an elastomer substrate and coated with a gold thin film. The gold nanodisks residing on top of the nanoposts support a surface plasmon polariton (SPP) Bloch wave mode at the gold-air interface. By applying a strain along a planar direction of the substrate, the period of the elevated nanodisk array changes, thus altering the SPP resonance wavelength. Because the applied strain breaks period symmetry of the nanodisk array, the original single resonance mode is split into two polarized resonance modes. For the incident light polarized parallel with and perpendicular to the direction of the applied strain, the corresponding resonance modes are shifted in opposite directions at a rate of 1.6±0.1 nm for every 1% change in strain. During stretching and compressing the substrate, the applied strains only change the period between nearby nanodisks without affecting their shape and morphology. This has improved reliability and repeatability of resonance tuning of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successful crystallization of proteins is important because their molecular three-dimensional structures can be obtained through X-ray diffraction when in their crystalline form. Investigation of the crystallization process is beneficial for this purpose. We have reported that protein crystallization is sensitive to audible sound, which is commonly present but is often ignored. Here we investigate the effect of audible sound parameters, especially frequency, on a protein crystallization. We show a significant facilitation of protein crystallization using 5000 Hz audible sound, possible mechanism was also tried to be clarified. Suitably controlled audible sound can be beneficial for promoting protein crystallization. Therefore, audible sound can be used as a simple tool to promote protein crystallization. In addition, the processing of other types of materials may also be affected by audible sound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successful crystallization of proteins is important because their molecular three-dimensional structures can be obtained through X-ray diffraction when in their crystalline form. Investigation of the crystallization process is beneficial for this purpose. We have reported that protein crystallization is sensitive to audible sound, which is commonly present but is often ignored. Here we investigate the effect of audible sound parameters, especially frequency, on a protein crystallization. We show a significant facilitation of protein crystallization using 5000 Hz audible sound, possible mechanism was also tried to be clarified. Suitably controlled audible sound can be beneficial for promoting protein crystallization. Therefore, audible sound can be used as a simple tool to promote protein crystallization. In addition, the processing of other types of materials may also be affected by audible sound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial cells (ECs) have great potential in vascular diseases research and regenerative medicine. Autologous human ECs are difficult to acquire in sufficient numbers in vitro, and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer unique opportunity to generate ECs for these purposes. In this work, we present a new and efficient method to simply differentiate human iPSCs into functional ECs, which can respond to physiological level of flow and inflammatory stimulation on a fabricated microdevice. The endothelial-like cells were differentiated from human iPSCs within only one week, according to the inducing development principle. The expression of endothelial progenitor and endothelial marker genes (GATA2, RUNX1, CD34, and CD31) increased on the second and fourth days after the initial inducing process. The differentiated ECs exhibited strong expression of cellsspecific markers (CD31 and von Willebrand factor antibody), similar to that present in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In addition, the hiPSC derived ECs were able to form tubular structure and respond to vascular-like flow generated on a microdevice. Furthermore, the human induced pluripotent stem cell-endothelial cells (hiPSC-ECs) pretreated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were susceptible to adhesion to human monocyte line U937 under flow condition, indicating the feasibility of this hiPSCs derived microsystem for mimicking the inflammatory response of endothelial cells under physiological and pathological process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel tetralignan, tatarinan T ( 1 ) with the rare C8-C7′ linkage pattern, along with a known monolignan ( 2 ) were isolated from the roots of Acorus tatarinowii Schott. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR and X-ray diffraction analysis. We evaluated the protective effects of two rare lignans against β-amyloid toxicity by using CL4176 transgenic C. elegans model for the first time, and found that they significantly delayed paralysis of worms at the concentration of 100 μM. Compound 2 exhibited the more potential protective effect against β-amyloid toxicity, its value of PT 50 extended up to 62.3% at 100 μM compared with control, especially, it still has 30.8% extension at 10 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine organisms are rich sources of bioactive components, which are often reported to have antihypertensive effects. However, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the antihypertensive effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of blue mussel protein (HBMP) in rats. Peptides with in vitro ACE inhibitory activity were purified from HBMP by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. And the amino acid sequences of isolated peptides were estimated to be Val-Trp, Leu-Gly-Trp, and Met-Val-Trp-Thr. To study its in vivo action, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were orally administration with high- or low-dose of HBMP for 28 days. Major components of the renin-angiotensin (RAS) system in serum of SHRs from different groups were analyzed, and gene expression profiling were performed in the kidney of SHRs, using the Whole Rat Genome Oligonucleotide Microarray. Results indicated although genes involved in RAS system were not significantly altered, those related to blood coagulation system, cytokine and growth factor, and fatty acids metabolism were remarkablely changed. Several genes which were seldom reported to be implicated in pathogenesis of hypertension also showed significant expression alterations after oral administration of HBMP. These data provided valuable information for our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the potential antihypertensive activities of HBMP, and will contribute towards increased value-added utilization of blue mussel protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation is dramatically reduced after long-term in vitro culture, which limits their application. MSCs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs-MSCs) represent a novel source of MSCs. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of iPSC-MSCs on diabetic mice. Streptozocin-induced diabetic mice transplanted with 400 islets alone or with 1×106 iPSC-MSCs were examined following rapamycin injection (0.1 mg/kg/day, i.p., from days 0 to 9) after transplantation. Our results showed that iPSC-MSCs combined with rapamycin significantly prolonged islet allograft survival in the diabetic mice; 50% of recipients exhibited long-term survival (>100 days). Histopathological analysis revealed that iPSC-MSCs combined with rapamycin preserved the graft effectively, inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, and resulted in substantial release of insulin. Flow cytometry results showed that the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was significantly reduced, and the number of T regulatory cells increased in the spleen and lymph nodes in the iPSC-MSCs combined with the rapamycin group compared with the rapamycin-alone group. Production of the Th1 proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ was reduced, and secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β was enhanced compared with the rapamycin group, as determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Transwell separation significantly weakened the immunosuppressive effects of iPSC-MSCs on the proliferation of Con A-treated splenic T cells, which indicated that the combined treatment exerted immunosuppressive effects through cell-cell contact and regulation of cytokine production. Taken together, these findings highlight the potential application of iPSC-MSCs in islet transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The changes in body composition and biomarker levels that occur during the aging process are complex and remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in serum C-peptide levels and fat mass-tolean mass ratio (FM/LM ratio) with increasing age, and to explore the associations between serum C-peptide levels and FM/LM ratio. Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study that included 3912 participants aged 30-85 years. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate how the serum C-peptide level and FM/LM ratio change with increasing age, as well as how the FM/LM ratio changes in line with increasing serum C-peptide level. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the association between serum C-peptide level and FM/LM ratio. Results: Analysis of covariance showed that serum C-peptide levels, and most regional FM/LM ratios tended to increase in line with increasing age. Total fat mass, total lean mass, percentage total fat mass and total FM/LM ratio were significantly elevated, and percentage total lean mass decreased significantly with increasing serum C-peptide levels in both men and women. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum C-peptide level was strongly associated with the total FM/LM ratio. Conclusions: The findings showed that both serum C-peptide level and FM/LM ratio increased with increasing age, and the serum C-peptide level was closely associated with changes in the total FM/LM ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adjacency effect and non-uniform responses complicate the precise delimitation of the surface support of remote sensing data and their derived products. Thus, modeling spatial response characteristics (SRCs) prior to using remote sensing information has become important. A point spread function (PSF) is typically used to describe the SRCs of the observation cells from remote sensors and is always estimated in a laboratory before the sensor is launched. However, research on the SRCs of high-order remote sensing products derived from the observations remains insufficient, which is an obstacle to converting between multi-scale remote sensing products and validating coarse-resolution products. This study proposed a method that combines simulation and validation to establish SRC models of coarse-resolution albedo products. Two series of commonly used 500-m/1-km resolution albedo products, which are derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) reflectance data, were investigated using 30-m albedo products that provide the required sub-pixel information. The analysis proves that the size of the surface support of each albedo pixel is larger than the nominal resolution of the pixel and that the response weight is non-uniformly distributed, with an elliptical Gaussian shape. The proposed methodology is generic and applicable for analyzing the SRCs of other advanced remote sensing products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although endeavors have been made to identify useful wild rice genes that can be used to improve cultivated rice, the virtual reservoir of genetic variation hidden within the wild relatives of cultivated rice is largely untapped. Here, using next-generation sequencing technology, we investigated the leaf transcriptome of a wild rice O. officinalis with CC genome. Approximately 23 million reads were produced in the species leaf transcriptome analysis and de novo assembly methods constructed 68,132 unigenes. Functional annotations for the unigenes were conducted using sequence similarity comparisons against the following databases: the nonredundant nucleotide database, the nonredundant protein database, the SWISS-PROT database, the Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins database, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database, the Gene Ontology Consortium database, and the InterPro domains database. In addition, a total of 476 unigenes related to disease resistance were identified in O. officinalis, and these unigenes can serve as important genetic resources for cultivated rice breeding and quality improvement. The present study broadens our understanding of the genetic background of non-AA genomic wild rice species and it also provides a bridge to extend studies to other Oryza species with CC genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid optoplasmonic amplifier, injection-seeded by an internally-generated Raman signal and operating in the visible (563-675 nm), is proposed and evidence for amplification is presented. Comprising a gain medium tethered to a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator with a protein, and a plasmonic surface, the optical system described here selectively amplifies a single (or a few) Raman line(s) produced within the WGM resonator and is well-suited for routing narrowband optical power on-a-chip. Over the past five decades, optical oscillators and amplifiers have typically been based on the buildup of the field from the spontaneous emission background. Doing so limits the temporal coherence of the output, lengthens the time required for the optical field intensity to reach saturation, and often is responsible for complex, multiline spectra. In addition to the spectral control afforded by injection-locking, the effective Q of the amplifier can be specified by the bandwidth of the injected Raman signal. This characteristic contrasts with previous WGM-based lasers and amplifiers for which the Q is determined solely by the WGM resonator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel graphene-based tunable plasmonic metamaterials featuring single and multiple transparency windows are numerically studied in this paper. The designed structures consist of a graphene layer perforated with quadrupole slot structures and dolmen-like slot structures printed on a substrate. Specifically, the graphene-based quadrupole slot structure can realize a single transparency window, which is achieved without breaking the structure symmetry. Further investigations have shown that the single transparency window in the proposed quadrupole slot structure is more likely originated from the quantum effect of Autler-Townes splitting. Then, by introducing a dipole slot to the quadrupole slot structure to form the dolmen-like slot structure, an additional transmission dip could occur in the transmission spectrum, thus, a multiple-transparency-window system can be achieved (for the first time for graphene-based devices). More importantly, the transparency windows for both the quadrupole slot and the dolmen-like slot structures can be dynamically controlled over a broad frequency range by varying the Fermi energy levels of the graphene layer (through electrostatic gating). The proposed slot metamaterial structures with tunable single and multiple transparency windows could find potential applications in many areas such as multiple-wavelength slow-light devices, active plasmonic switching, and optical sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thidiazuron (TDZ) is widely used as a defoliant to induce leaf abscission in cotton. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this study, RNA-seq and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed to reveal the dynamic transcriptome profiling and the change of endogenous phytohormones upon TDZ treatment in leaf, petiole, and abscission zone (AZ). We found that TDZ induced the gene expression of ethylene biosynthesis and signal, and promoted ethylene accumulation earlier in leaf than that in AZ. While TDZ down-regulated indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis genes mainly in leaf and IAA signal and transport genes. Furthermore, the IAA content reduced more sharply in the leaf than that in AZ to change the auxin gradient for abscission. TDZ suppressed CTK biosynthesis genes and induced CTK metabolic genes to reduce the IPA accumulation for the reduction of ethylene sensitivity. Furthermore, TDZ regulated the gene expression of abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and signal and induced ABA accumulation between 12–48 h, which could up-regulate ABA response factor genes and inhibit IAA transporter genes. Our data suggest that TDZ orchestrates metabolism and signal of ethylene, auxin, and cytokinin, and also the transport of auxin in leaf, petiole, and AZ, to control leaf abscission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the differences in morphological characteristics and muscle nutritional quality between largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) cultured in an aquaculture system using land-based container with recycling water (C-RAS) and those cultured in a traditional pond system (TP), largemouth bass with no significant difference in body weight were selected. Results showed that the largemouth bass cultured in C-RAS had a significantly longer body and significantly lower condition factor and viscerosomatic index than those cultured in the TP (P < 0.01). In terms of muscle characteristics, the water loss and muscle fibre diameter were significantly lower in the C-RAS group than those in the TP group (P < 0.05), whereas the firmness, chewiness, springiness, and shear force in the C-RAS group were significantly higher than those in the TP group (P < 0.01). The crude protein content was significantly higher in the muscles of largemouth bass cultured in C-RAS than in those cultured in the TP (P < 0.05). The crude lipid content was significantly lower in the C-RAS group than that in the TP group (P < 0.01). Among fatty acids, the levels of DHA, Σn-3, and Σn-6 were significantly higher in the C-RAS group than those in the TP group (P < 0.01), moreover, delicious amino acid (DAA) levels were significantly higher in the C-RAS group than those in the TP group (P < 0.05). The levels of elements such as K and Na were significantly higher in the muscles of largemouth bass cultured in C-RAS than in those cultured in the TP (P < 0.01); however, the Se content was significantly lower in the C-RAS group than that in the TP group (P < 0.05). Levels of volatile substances such as 2-butanone, benzaldehyde, and pentanal were significantly higher (P < 0.05), whereas the levels of nonanal, octanal, and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine were significantly lower (P < 0.05), in the muscles of largemouth bass cultured in C-RAS than in those cultured in the TP. These results suggest that the culture system significantly affected largemouth bass' morphological and muscular characteristics as well as levels of nutritional components, mineral elements, and volatile substances in the muscle. • We compared the morphology and nutritional value of largemouth bass cultured in C-RAS and TP for the first time. • C-RAS can improve the meat yield of largemouth bass. • C-RAS can prolong the shelf life of largemouth bass muscle. • The muscle of largemouth bass cultured in C-RAS is more compact and delicious. • C-RAS can improve the nutritional value of largemouth bass muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on observations from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) together with an environmental particulate matter analyzer (Grimm-180) and Global Positioning System (GPS) sounding balloons, the vertical structure of dust with different particle sizes was explored over the Taklimakan Desert (TD) during an intensive observation from 1 July 2021 to 31 July 2021. The power functions were fitted between the particle counts and particle sizes, indicating negative correlations with an R2 higher than 0.99 under different dust pollution conditions in Tazhong (TZ). The dust concentrations show a sharp vertical increase over the TD during dust pollution; however, more particles with larger sizes are entrained into the air in TZ compared with Minfeng (MF). The total solar radiation during dust pollution days is significantly weakened, accompanied by major modifications in the temperature stratification, which were characterized by low-level cooling (with −2.71 K mean intensity) and high-level heating (with +0.70 K mean intensity). On clear days, the average convective boundary layer (CBL) heights at the TZ and MF are approximately 3.94 and 2.84 km, respectively, and the average stable boundary layer (SBL) height at the TZ and MF are approximately 0.19 and 0.14 km, respectively. With the increasing dust pollution level, the CBL height decreases rapidly while the SBL height shows the opposite trend. The unique ultra-high atmospheric boundary layer structure in daytime provides beneficial conditions for the suspension and vertical transportation of dust over TD. Moreover, a negative correlation between the CBL height and near-surface PM10/PM2.5/PM1.0 concentration in TD is revealed by power function fittings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Heat treatment intensity can increase the endotoxin in bovine milk. • TBC of raw bovine milk directly affects the endotoxin content of dairy products. • Endotoxin content of commercial dairy products is significantly different. Endotoxin in dairy products may pose risks to consumers' health, but the effects of raw-milk total bacterial count (TBC) and thermal treatment temperature on endotoxin content of dairy products are not clear. In this study, TBC of raw milk and processed milk with different thermal treatment temperatures were detected by pilot processing experiment. We then verified it by detecting the endotoxin content of commercial dairy products. TBC was determined by conventional culture method, and the changes in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactoperoxidase (LPO) activities in bovine milk before and after heat treatment were determined. The levels of fatty acids in bovine milk were detected by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). In the pilot experiment, raw milk was treated at 72, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, and 120 °C for 15 s. After that, the raw milk was stored at 20 °C for 24 h and 48 h to greatly increase the TBC, and treated at 75 °C for 15 s and 90 °C for 15 s. The results show that the endotoxin content of sterilized milk increased with the increase in TBC and thermal treatment temperature. With the increase in thermal treatment temperature, the activities of ALP and LPO with endotoxin inhibition decreased. In addition, a total of 226 dairy samples were tested. The endotoxin content of 37 commercial PM milk samples were 6 EU/ml to 231 EU/ml, with 31 EU/ml to 1437 EU/ml for 40 commercial UHT milk samples, and 6 EU/ml to 9080 EU/ml for 149 reconstituted IFM samples. There was a significant difference in the endotoxin content of different dairy products (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between domestic and imported IFM (P > 0.05). This study found that TBC and thermal treatment temperature of raw milk could affect the endotoxin content of dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the major limiting factors in maize production in many developing countries. This experiment was conducted to evaluate multiple low-P tolerance criteria and identify the suitable maize germplasm for our future low-P tolerance breeding. A total of 456 diverse maize inbreds were evaluated for low-P tolerance at seedling stage using four shoot-related traits and six root-related traits measured under applied phosphorus (AP) and non-applied phosphorus (NAP) conditions. Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variation among genotypes for all tested traits. Medium-to-high heritability estimates were obtained for most traits. Total dry weight (DW) was highly inheritable while the widely used root/shoot ratio had only an intermediate level of heritability. Based on the synthetic index (SI), the tested inbreds were classified into three groups representing low, moderate and high tolerance to low-P stress. Regression model built based on selection criteria for low-P tolerance explained 67.8 and 76.8 % of variation for DW under NAP and AP conditions, respectively. Using low-P tolerance index for DW and SI as selection criteria, 23 and 109 maize inbreds were identified as germplasm resources that were extremely tolerant and sensitive to low-P stress, respectively, which could be further used for genetic improvement of low-P tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates the enhanced photoacoustic sensing of surface-bound light absorbing molecules and metal nanoparticles using a one-dimensional photonic crystal (PC) substrate. The PC structure functions as an optical resonator at the wavelength where the analyte absorption is strong. The optical resonance of the PC sensor provides an intensified evanescent field with respect to the excitation light source and results in enhanced optical absorption by surfaceimmobilized samples. For the analysis of a light absorbing dye deposited on the PC surface, the intensity of photoacoustic signal was enhanced by more than 10-fold in comparison to an unpatterned acrylic substrate. The technique was also applied to detect gold nanorods and exhibited more than 40 times stronger photoacoustic signals. The demonstrated approach represents a potential path towards single molecule absorption spectroscopy with greater performance and inexpensive instrumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) occurs during both primary and reactivated tuberculosis (TB). Although hematogenous dissemination occurs in non-HIV TB patients, in ∼80% of these patients, TB manifests exclusively as pulmonary disease. In contrast, extrapulmonary, disseminated, and/or miliary TB is seen in 60–70% of HIV-infected TB patients, suggesting that hematogenous dissemination is likely more common in HIV+ patients. To understand M. tb adaptation to the blood environment during bacteremia, we have studied the transcriptome of M. tb replicating in human whole blood. To investigate if M. tb discriminates between the hematogenous environments of immunocompetent and immunodeficient individuals, we compared the M. tb transcriptional profiles during replication in blood from HIV- and HIV+ donors. Our results demonstrate that M. tb survives and replicates in blood from both HIV- and HIV+ donors and enhances its virulence/pathogenic potential in the hematogenous environment. The M. tb blood-specific transcriptome reflects suppression of dormancy, induction of cell-wall remodeling, alteration in mode of iron acquisition, potential evasion of immune surveillance, and enhanced expression of important virulence factors that drive active M. tb infection and dissemination. These changes are accentuated during bacterial replication in blood from HIV+ patients. Furthermore, the expression of ESAT-6, which participates in dissemination of M. tb from the lungs, is upregulated in M. tb growing in blood, especially during growth in blood from HIV+ patients. Preliminary experiments also demonstrate that ESAT-6 promotes HIV replication in U1 cells. These studies provide evidence, for the first time, that during bacteremia, M. tb can adapt to the blood environment by modifying its transcriptome in a manner indicative of an enhanced-virulence phenotype that favors active infection. Additionally, transcriptional modifications in HIV+ blood may further accentuate M. tb virulence and drive both M. tb and HIV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Prompt diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a challenge owing in part to its complex and non-specific early clinical symptoms. Objective This study aims to evaluate the value of clinically useful biomarkers ( d-dimer and fibrinogen) for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis prediction. Methods Two-hundred and thirty-three suspected cerebral venous sinus thrombosis patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Thirty-four cases confirmed as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis using imaging modalities, whereas the other 199 cases served as mimic controls. Plasma samples of 34 healthy controls were further collected from age- and gender-matched volunteers. d-dimer and fibrinogen levels of all patients and controls were measured before imaging and treatment. The dynamic d-dimer and fibrinogen levels in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis cases after anticoagulation were monitored for up to 180 consecutive days. Results At admission before treatment the average d-dimer and fibrinogen levels in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis group were 968·9 ± 160·1 μg/l and 6·9 ± 1·3 g/l, both of which were significantly elevated when compared with that of the controls. In cerebral venous sinus thrombosis patients, 94·1% had d-dimer elevation, 73·5% had fibrinogen elevation, and 67·6% had both elevated d-dimer and fibrinogen. During acute phase, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting cerebral venous sinus thrombosis using only d-dimer were 94·1% and 97·5%, whereas that of d-dimer in combination with fibrinogen were 67·6% and 98·9%. After administering anticoagulation, d-dimer levels gradually recovered; however, fibrinogen levels fluctuated with 33·3% of the patients still exhibiting elevated values up until 180 days. Conclusions d-dimer may serve as an important screening tool to determine the urgency of obtaining magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance venography or digital subtraction angiography in patients presenting with clinical symptoms that are suspected of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Furthermore, d-dimer in combination with fibrinogen may increase the predictive value of acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A game of tag: N‐Glycans on the surface of living cells were selectively tagged by exogenously administering recombinant ST6Gal I sialyltransferase and azide‐modified CMP‐Neu5Ac. This modification was followed by a strain‐promoted cycloaddition using a biotin‐modified dibenzylcyclooctynol (red star=biotin). The methodology will make it possible to dissect the mechanisms that underlie altered glycoconjugate recycling and storage in disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mit Sternchen: Die selektive Markierung von N ‐ Glykanen auf der Oberfläche lebender Zellen gelingt mittels exogener rekombinanter ST6Gal ‐ I ‐ Sialyltransferase und azidmodifiziertem CMP ‐ Neu5Ac und anschließender spannungsvermittelter Cycloaddition mit einem biotinmodifizierten Dibenzylcyclooctinol (siehe Schema; roter Stern=Biotin). Mithilfe dieser Methode können die Mechanismen krankheitsbedingt veränderter Glykokonjugat ‐ Speicherung und ‐ Rezyklierung aufgeklärt werden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To compare 2 beam arrangements, sectored (beam entry over ipsilateral hemithorax) vs circumferential (beam entry over both ipsilateral and contralateral lungs), for static-gantry intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) delivery techniques with respect to target and organs-at-risk (OAR) dose-volume metrics, as well as treatment delivery efficiency. Data from 60 consecutive patients treated using stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for primary non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) formed the basis of this study. Four treatment plans were generated per data set: IMRT/VMAT plans using sectored (-s) and circumferential (-c) configurations. The prescribed dose (PD) was 60Gy in 5 fractions to 95% of the planning target volume (PTV) (maximum PTV dose ~ 150% PD) for a 6-MV photon beam. Plan conformality, R50 (ratio of volume circumscribed by the 50% isodose line and the PTV), and D2cm (Dmax at a distance ≥2cm beyond the PTV) were evaluated. For lungs, mean doses (mean lung dose [MLD]) and percent V30/V20/V10/V5 Gy were assessed. Spinal cord and esophagus Dmax and D5/D50 were computed. Chest wall (CW) Dmax and absolute V30/V20/V10/V5Gy were reported. Sectored SBRT planning resulted in significant decrease in contralateral MLD and V10/V5Gy, as well as contralateral CW Dmax and V10/V5Gy (all p < 0.001). Nominal reductions of Dmax and D5/D50 for the spinal cord with sectored planning did not reach statistical significance for static-gantry IMRT, although VMAT metrics did show a statistically significant decrease (all p < 0.001). The respective measures for esophageal doses were significantly lower with sectored planning (p < 0.001). Despite comparable dose conformality, irrespective of planning configuration, R50 significantly improved with IMRT-s/VMAT-c (p < 0.001/p = 0.008), whereas D2cm significantly improved with VMAT-c (p < 0.001). Plan delivery efficiency improved with sectored technique (p < 0.001); mean monitor unit (MU)/cGy of PD decreased from 5.8 ± 1.9 vs 5.3 ± 1.7 (IMRT) and 2.7 ± 0.4 vs 2.4 ± 0.3 (VMAT). The sectored configuration achieves unambiguous dosimetric advantages over circumferential arrangement in terms of esophageal, contralateral CW, and contralateral lung sparing, in addition to being more efficient at delivery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Osteocyte NPY promotes bone marrow adipogenesis at the expense of osteogenesis by BMSC. Osteocyte NPY production is controlled by autonomic nervous system (ANS). B Autonomic Nervous System b In article number 2100808 by Yan Zhang, Hui Xie, and co-workers, osteocyte neuropeptide Y (NPY)-dependent neuronal control of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (BMSC) fate decision is found. I i -Oryzanol attenuates ANS dysregulation, NPY overproduction, and bone-fat imbalance induced by aging and estrogen deficiency. [Extracted from the article]

Analysis of knee joint vibration (VAG) signals can provide quantitative indices for detection of knee joint pathology at an early stage. In addition to the statistical features developed in the related previous studies, we extracted two separable features, that is, the number of atoms derived from the wavelet matching pursuit decomposition and the number of significant signal turns detected with the fixed threshold in the time domain. To perform a better classification over the data set of 89 VAG signals, we applied a novel classifier fusion system based on the dynamic weighted fusion (DWF) method to ameliorate the classification performance. For comparison, a single leastsquares support vectormachine (LS-SVM) and the Bagging ensemble were used for the classification task as well. The results in terms of overall accuracy in percentage and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve obtained with the DWF-based classifier fusion method reached 88.76% and 0.9515, respectively, which demonstrated the effectiveness and superiority of the DWF method with two distinct features for the VAG signal analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chirality is an interesting topic and it is meaningful to explore the interactions between chiral small molecules and stereoselective biomacromolecules, with pre-clinical and clinical significances. We have previously demonstrated that 20(S)- ginsenoside Rh2 is an effective P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. Considering the stereochemistry of ginsenoside Rh2, in our present study, the regulatory effects of 20(R)-Rh2 on P-gp were assayed in vivo, and the differential regulations of P-gp by ginsenoside Rh2 epimers in vivo were compared and studied. Results showed that 20(S)-Rh2 enhanced the oral absorption of digoxin in rats in a dose-dependent manner; 20(R)-Rh2 at low dosage increased the oral absorption of digoxin, but this effect diminished with elevated dosage of 20(R)-Rh2. Further studies indicated stereoselective pharmacokinetic profiles and intestinal biotransformations of Rh2 epimers. In vitro studies showed that Rh2 epimers and their corresponding deglycosylation metabolites protopanaxadiol (Ppd) epimers all exhibited stereoselective regulations of P-gp. In conclusion, in view of the in vitro and in vivo dispositions of Rh2 and the regulations of P-gp by Rh2 and Ppd, it is suggested that the P-gp regulatory effect of Rh2 in vivo actually is a double actions of both Rh2 and Ppd, and the net effect is determined by the relative balance between Rh2 and Ppd with the same configuration. Our study provides new evidence of the chiral characteristics of P-gp, and is helpful to elucidate the stereoselective P-gp regulation mechanisms of ginsenoside Rh2 epimers in vivo from a pharmacokinetic view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photonic crystal (PC) surface is demonstrated as a high-sensitivity platform for detection of a panel of 21 cancer biomarker antigens using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microarray format. A quartz-based PC structure fabricated by nanoimprint lithography, selected for its low autofluorescence, supports two independent optical resonances that simultaneously enable enhancement of fluorescence detection of biomarkers and label-free quantification of the density of antibody capture spots. A detection instrument is demonstrated that supports fluorescence and label-free imaging modalities, with the ability to optimize the fluorescence enhancement factor on a pixel-by-pixel basis throughout the microarray using an angle-scanning approach for the excitation laser that automatically compensates for variability in surface chemistry density and capture spot density. Measurements show that the angle-scanning illumination approach reduces the coefficient of variation of replicate assays by 20-99% compared to ordinary fluorescence microscopy, thus supporting reduction in limits of detectable biomarker concentration. Using the PC resonance, biomarkers in mixed samples were detectable at the lowest concentrations tested (2.1-41 pg/mL), resulting in a three-log range of quantitative detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]