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Ralstonia solanacearum causes a lethal bacterial wilt disease in many crops, leading to huge losses in crop production every year. Understanding of plant–R. solanacearum interactions will aid to develop efficient strategies to control the disease. As a soilborne pathogen, R. solanacearum naturally infects plants via roots. A huge limitation in studying plant–R. solanacearum interactions is the large variation of R. solanacearum infection assay due to the variable soil conditions and uneven inoculum exposure. Here, we developed a robust and reliable Petri-dish inoculation method which allows consistent and stable infection in young plant seedlings. This method is easy to use, takes about only 10 days from seed germination to the completion of inoculation assay, and requires less inoculum of bacteria as well as growth chamber space. We proved the efficacy of the seedling Petri-dish inoculation method by analyzing plant defense primed by molecular patterns, resistance of defense-related plant mutants, and virulence of R. solanacearum mutants. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the seedling Petri-dish inoculation method can be applied to other host plants such as tobacco and has great potential for high-throughput screening of resistant plant germplasms to bacterial wilt in the future.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease throughout the world. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis can result from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the severe stage of NAFLD progression. By some estimates, NAFLD affects almost one-third of the world's population, which is completely new and serious public health issue. Unfortunately, NAFLD is diagnosed by exclusion, and the gold standard for identifying NAFLD/NASH and reliably measuring liver fibrosis remains liver biopsy, which is an invasive, costly, time-consuming procedure and involves variable inter-observer diagnosis. With the progress of omics and imaging techniques, numerous non-invasive serological assays have been generated and developed. On the basis of these developments, non-invasive biomarkers and imaging techniques have been combined to increase diagnostic accuracy. This review provides information for the diagnosis and assessment of NAFLD/NASH in clinical practice going forward and may assist the clinician in making an early and accurate diagnosis and in proposing a cost-effective patient surveillance. We discuss newly identified and validated non-invasive diagnostic methods from biopsy-confirmed NAFLD patient studies and their implementation in clinical practice, encompassing NAFLD/NASH diagnosis and differentiation, fibrosis assessment, and disease progression monitoring. A series of tests, including 20-carboxy arachidonic acid (20-COOH AA) and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin D2 (dhk PGD2), were found to be potentially the most accurate non-invasive tests for diagnosing NAFLD. Additionally, the Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D-MRE), combination of the FM-fibro index and Liver stiffness measurement (FM-fibro LSM index) and the machine learning algorithm (MLA) tests are more accurate than other tests in assessing liver fibrosis. However, it is essential to use bigger cohort studies to corroborate a number of non-invasive diagnostic tests with extremely elevated diagnostic values.

Abstract Background With the restriction of organophosphorus and other insecticides, pyrethroids are currently the second most-used group of insecticides worldwide due to their advantages such as effectiveness and low toxicity for mammalian. Animal studies and clinical case reports have documented associations between adverse health outcomesand exposure to pyrethroids. At present, the association between chronic pyrethroid exposure and osteoarthritis (OA) remains elusive. Methods Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002 and 2007–2014 were used to explore the associations of pyrethroid exposure and OA. Urinary level of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) in urine samples was used to evaluate the exposure of pyrethroid, and OA was determined on the basis of self-reported physician diagnoses. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between pyrethroid exposure and OA. Results Among the 6528 participants, 650 had OA. The weighted geometric mean of urinary volume-based 3-PBA concentration were 0.45 µg/L. With adjustments for major confounders, compared to participants in the lowest quartile of urinary volume-based 3-PBA, those in the highest quartilehad higher odds of OA (odds ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.92). There was no nonlinear relationship between urinary volume-based 3-PBA and OA (P for non-linearity = 0.89). Conclusion High urinary 3-PBA concentration was associated with increased OA odds in the US adults. Pyrethroid exposure in the population should be monitored regularly.

To investigate the mechanism of shear stress on endothelial cell dysfunction for providing a theoretical basis for the reduction of arteriovenous fistula dysfunction. The in vitro parallel plate flow chamber was used to form different forces and shear stress to mimic the hemodynamic changes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and the expression and distribution of krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), caveolin-1 (Cav-1), p-extracellular regulated protein kinase (p-ERK), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were detected by immunofluorescence and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. With the prolongation of the shear stress action time, the expression of KLF2 and eNOS increased gradually, while the expression of Cav-1 and p-ERK decreased gradually. In addition, after cells were exposed to oscillatory shear stress (OSS) and low shear stress, the expression of KLF2, Cav-1, and eNOS decreased and the expression of p-ERK increased. The expression of KLF2 increased gradually with the prolongation of action time, but it was still obviously lower than that of high shear stress. Following the block of Cav-1 expression by methyl β-cyclodextrin, eNOS expression decreased, and KLF2 and p-ERK expression increased. OSS may lead to endothelial cell dysfunction by Cav-1-mediated KLF2/eNOS/ERK signaling pathway.

Abstract Background Coordinated control between the bilateral ankle joints plays an important role in performing daily life functions, such as walking and running. However, few studies have explored the impact of stroke on movement disorders that decrease the coordination control of the bilateral extremities and may decrease daily activities that require coordination control of the bilateral ankles. This study aimed to investigate the coordination control of the bilateral ankles using a novel bilateral ankle measurement system and evaluate the relationship of bilateral movement coordination control deficits with motor and functional performances of the lower extremities in patients with stroke. Methods Twenty-one healthy adults (36.5 ± 13.2 y/o) and 19 patients with chronic stroke (58.7 ± 10.5 y/o) were enrolled. A novel measurement device with embedded rotary potentiometers was used to evaluate bilateral ankle coordination control. Participants were asked to move their dominant (non-paretic) foot from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion position and non-dominant (paretic) foot from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion position (condition 1) simultaneously, and vice versa (condition 2). Alternating time and angle for coordination control with movements of both ankles were calculated for each condition. Motor and functional performance measurements of the lower extremities included the lower-extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Test (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Barthel Index (BI). Results Compared with the healthy group, alternating time was shorter in the stroke group by 8.3% (p = 0.015), and the alternating angles of conditions 1 and 2 were significantly higher than those of the healthy group by 1.4° (p = 0.001) and 2.5° (p = 0.013), respectively. The alternating angle in condition 2 showed moderate correlations with TUG (r = 0.512; p = 0.025), 10-m walk (r = 0.747; p

In SCAL indirect air-cooling system， the aluminum pipe orifice of radiator is the position most easily to be corroded. Water leakage even occurs at this position in some units. Clarifying the corrosion type and key influencing factor of water quality can provide guidance for chemical operators and ensure the stable operation of units. In this paper， the corrosion type of the aluminum pipe orifice of radiator and key influencing factor of water quality were illustrated by field investigation of three SCAL intercooling system radiators in China， the analysis of the water quality data and suspended substance composition as well as laboratory simulation test. Results showed that aluminum pipe orifice corrosion in the radiator of SCAL indirect air-cooling system was erosion corrosion. With the same material and fluid flow state， when the pH value of circulating water increased to 9.5， it could obviously accelerate the erosion corrosion of aluminum pipe orifice， which could lead to corrosion damage of aluminum pipe orifice in a short time. This was the key influencing factor of water quality that increasing the corrosion of pipe orifice.Chemical operators should strengthen the detection of pH value of circulating water and adjust it timely.

The enhancement of the electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (EMI SE) for conductive polymer composites (CPCs) has garnered increasing attention. The shielding performance is influenced by conductivity, which is dependent on the establishment of effective conductive pathways. In this review, Schelkunoff's theory on outlining the mechanism of electromagnetic interference shielding was briefly described. Based on the mechanism, factors that influenced the electrical percolation threshold of CPCs were presented and three main kinds of efficient methods were discussed for establishing conductive pathways. Furthermore, examples were explored that highlighted the critical importance of such conductive pathways in attaining optimal shielding performance. Finally, we outlined the prospects for the future direction for advancing CPCs towards a balance of enhanced EMI SE and cost–performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis in uremic patients, yet its dysfunction poses a significant clinical challenge. Venous stenosis, primarily caused by venous neointimal hyperplasia, is a key factor in the failure of vascular access. During vascular access dysfunction, endothelial cells (ECs) transform mechanical stimuli into intracellular signals and interact with vascular smooth muscle cells. Tanshinone IIA, an important compound derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in modulating ECs under uremic conditions remains incompletely understood. In this research, ECs were exposed to sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) and subjected to shear stress and uremic conditions. The results indicate that STS can reduce the suppressive effects on the expression of NF‐κB p65, JNK and Collagen I in uremia‐induced ECs. Moreover, the downregulation of NF‐κB p65, JNK and Collagen I can be enhanced through the inhibition of ERK1/2 and the upregulation of Caveolin‐1. These findings suggest that tanshinone IIA may improve EC function under uremic conditions by targeting the Caveolin‐1/ERK1/2 pathway, presenting tanshinone IIA as a potential therapeutic agent against AVF immaturity caused by EC dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundPsychological problems may promote peptic ulcers. Ulcer-like wounds can be formed after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The influence of family support on the healing of gastric ESD-induced ulcers remains largely undetermined.ObjectiveIn the present study, we aimed to assess the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores and the incidence of post-ESD complications in patients with family support in the care process and those in the non-relative group.Materials and methodsA total of 191 patients aged between 30 and 70 years who received gastric ESD were evaluated with the Chinese version of HADS. Differences in depression and anxiety between the two groups were compared using the chi-square test and t-test. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine whether anxiety and depression were the risk factors for post-ESD complications.ResultsThe mean values of HADS-A (4.61 ± 2.89 vs. 5.56 ± 3.07, p = 0.042) and HADS-D (4.14 ± 3.03 vs. 4.97 ± 2.61, p = 0.048) scores were significantly lower in patients with accompanying relatives compared with those in the non-relative group. Besides, through the pre-ESD and post-ESD self-contrast, the scores of anxiety and depression in the relative-group were 0.57 and 0.56, respectively (p < 0.001), while those in the non-relative group were increased by 1.43 and 1.49, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that HADS-A, HADS-D scores, and age were significantly correlated with post-ESD abdominal pain (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe occurrence and degree of adverse emotions such as psychological anxiety and depression in patients who received gastric ESD with accompanying relatives during hospitalization may were reduced, and the incidence of gastric post-ESD abdominal pain may was also decreased.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major pest of corn worldwide. FAW larval dispersal is an important life strategy that influences FAW population distribution in corn fields and subsequent plant damage. We studied FAW larval dispersal in the laboratory with sticky plates placed around the test plant and a unidirectional airflow source. Crawling and ballooning were the main dispersal means of FAW larvae both within and between corn plants. All larval instars (1st–6th) could disperse by crawling, with crawling being the only dispersal mechanism for 4th–6th instars. By crawling, FAW larvae could reach all aboveground parts of a corn plant as well as adjacent corn plants where leaves overlapped. Ballooning was used primarily by 1st-3rd instar larvae, and the proportion of these larvae that used ballooning decreased with age. Ballooning was largely governed by the larva’s interaction with airflow. Airflow influenced the direction and distance of larval ballooning. With an airflow speed of about 0.05 m/s, 1st instars could travel up to 196 cm from the test plant, indicating that long-distance FAW larval dispersal depends on ballooning. These results increase our understanding of FAW larval dispersal and provide scientific information for the development of FAW monitoring and control strategies.

This study aims to provide a high-value and environmentally friendly method for the application of coal-based solid waste. Modified fly ash/polyurethane (MFA/PU) and modified coal gangue powder/polyurethane (MCG/PU) composites were prepared by adding different contents of MFA and MCG (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%). At the filler content of 30%, the compressive strengths of MFA/PU and MCG/PU are 84.1 MPa and 46.3 MPa, respectively, likely due to an improvement in interface compatibility, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MFA/PU and MCG/PU composites present their highest limiting oxygen index (LOI) values of 29% and 23.5%, respectively, when their filler content is 30%. MFA has advantages in improving the LOIs of composites. Cone calorimetry (CCT) and SEM demonstrate that the two composites exhibit similar condensed-phase flame-retardant behaviors during combustion, which releases CO2 in advance and accelerates the formation of a dense barrier layer. Compared with the MFA/PU composites, the MCG/PU composites could produce a more stable and dense barrier structure. Water quality tests show that heavy metals do not leak from FA and CG embedded in PU. This work provided a new strategy for the safe and high-value recycling of coal-based solid waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the alterations in VSMC function following acupuncture stimulation in CIS models. Methods: The databases PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EMBASE were queried until November 2022 using a predetermined search strategy. The FORMAT BY SYRCLE guidelines were adhered to, and the risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation. The random-effects model was employed to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD). Results: Eighteen articles are included in this review. Acupuncture showed significant positive effects on the region cerebral blood flow (SMD=8.15 [95% CI, 4.52 to 11.78]) and neurological deficiency (SMD=− 3.75 [95% CI, − 5.54 to − 1.97]). Descriptive analysis showed a probable mechanism of acupuncture stimulation in CIS rats related to VSMC function. Limitations and publication bias were presented in the studies. Conclusion: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our findings indicate that acupuncture stimulation has the potential to improve regional cerebral blood flow and alleviate neurological deficits, possibly by regulating VSMC function. However, it is important to exercise caution when interpreting these results due to the limitations of animal experimental design and methodological quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to determine the effect of vibration frequency and direction on upper-limb muscle activation using a handheld vibrator. We recruited 19 healthy participants who were instructed to hold a handheld vibrator in their dominant hand and maintain the elbow at 90° flexion, while vertical and horizontal vibrations were applied with frequencies of 15, 30, 45, and 60 Hz for 60 s each. Surface electromyography (EMG) measured the activities of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), biceps, triceps, and deltoid anterior muscles. EMG changes were evaluated as the difference in muscle activity between vibration and no-vibration (0 Hz) conditions. Muscle activity was induced under vibration conditions in both vertical and horizontal (p < 0.05) directions. At 45 Hz, FDS and FCR activities increased during horizontal vibrations, compared with those during vertical vibrations. ECU activity significantly increased under 15-Hz vertical vibrations compared with that during horizontal vibrations. Vibrations from the handheld vibrator significantly induced upper-limb muscle activity. The maximum muscle activations for FDS, ECR, ECU, biceps, and triceps were induced by 45-Hz horizontal vibration. The 60-Hz vertical and 30-Hz horizontal vibrations facilitated maximum muscle activations for the FCR and deltoid anterior, respectively.

The effects of global warming and precipitation changes on water temperature and thermocline parameters, such as thermocline depth, thickness, and strength, were assessed. A catchment model, coupled with a reservoir thermal model with meteorological input calculated by a downscaled general circulation model (GCM) projection under three representative concentration pathways (RCPs), was applied to the Xin’anjiang Reservoir, located in southeast China. The results indicate that water temperature in each layer increased (decreased) with the rise (decline) in air temperature, especially the surface water temperature. There was a significant negative (positive) correlation between thermocline depth (strength) and air temperature during the period of stratification weakness. The most sensitive phenomenon of water temperature-to-precipitation changes occurred in the middle layer (depth = 30 m). Additionally, the thermocline depth and thickness increased with decreases in hydraulic residence time, which were caused by precipitation increases. According to the simulation experiments driven by RCP outputs, mean water temperature in each water layer in the future (2096–2100) has a strong response to increases in air temperature, which is projected to increase by 0.11–0.62 °C for RCP2.6, 0.76–1.19 °C for RCP4.5, and 1.50–2.35 °C for RCP8.5, compared to the baseline (2012–2016). However, mean water temperature in each water layer from 2096 to 2100 underwent a slight decrease caused by precipitation changes, with a 0.03–0.25 °C decrease for RCP2.6, 0.07–0.40 °C for RCP4.5, and 0.04–0.29 °C for RCP8.5, compared to 2012–2016. The mean thermocline depth in the future (2096–2100) will be significantly decreased, while the mean thermocline thickness will be slightly increased. Over a multiyear timescale, the impacts of air temperature changes are stronger than those induced by precipitation variations. However, the effects of hydraulic residence time changes caused by precipitation changes (especially rainstorm) should be considered in the management of deep reservoirs.

A new species, Momonides neolandbergi Li & Guo sp. nov. is described in detail, which is the fifth species all over the world in Momonidinae Lundblad, 1941, Momoniidae K. Viets, 1926. The family and subfamily are newly recorded for Chinese fauna. The new species are recorded by camera, optical microscope, and scanning electron microscope. Publication:New species: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]