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Hostile attribution bias (HAB) has been considered as a risk factor of various types of psychosocial adjustment problem, and contributes to displaced aggression (DA). The neural basis of HAB and the underlying mechanisms of how HAB predicts DA remain unclear.The current study used degree centrality (DC) and resting-sate functional connectivity (RSFC) to investigate the functional connection pattern related to HAB in 503 undergraduate students. Furthermore, the "Decoding" was used to investigate which psychological components the maps of the RSFC-behavior may be related to. Finally, to investigate whether and how the RSFC pattern, HAB predicts DA, we performed mediation analyses.We found that HAB was negatively associated with DC in bilateral temporal poles (TP) and positively correlated with DC in the putamen and thalamus; Moreover, HAB was negatively associated with the strength of functional connectivity between TP and brain regions in the theory of mind network (ToM), and positively related to the strength of functional connectivity between the thalamus and regions in the ToM network. The "Decoding" showed the maps of the RSFC-behavior may involve the theory mind, autobiographic, language, comprehension and working memory. Mediation analysis further showed that HAB mediated the relationship between some neural correlates of the HAB and DA.The current results need to be further tested by experimental methods or longitudinal design in further studies.These findings shed light on the neural underpinnings of HAB and provide a possible mediation model regarding the relationships among RSFC pattern, HAB, and displaced aggression.

To explore the therapeutic effect of chondroitin sulfate (CS) on Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis.The nontoxic concentration of CS was determined using the Draize eye test and cell counting kit-8. Cell scratch test and cell proliferation test were evaluated the impact of CS on the proliferation and migration of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Adherence assay and plate counting were used to detect fungal load in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Clinical score and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were applied to assess the therapeutic effects of CS in an A. fumigatus keratitis mice model. The neutrophil infiltration and activity were detected by flow cytometry (FCM), immunofluorescence staining, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) expression in RAW 264.7 cells and mouse cornea was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR), western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to examine the expression of inflammatory mediators.CS at 400 μg/mL (non-cytotoxic) significantly promoted proliferation and migration of HCECs. In an A. fumigatus keratitis mice model, CS treatment alleviated fungal keratitis (FK) severity by decreasing corneal fungal load and inhibiting neutrophil infiltration. In RAW 264.7 cells, the mRNA and protein levels of TLR-4, phosphorylated nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p-NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) were remarkably lower in the siTLR-4 treated group, while higher in rTLR-4 treated group than in the corresponding control group. CS treatment suppressed rTLR-4 induced the mRNA and protein expression of TLR-4, p-NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, TNF-α, and MIP-2 in RAW cells.CS may ameliorate the prognosis of A. fumigatus keratitis by promoting corneal epithelial proliferation, inhibiting the recruitment and activity of neutrophils, and inhibiting the inflammatory response by down-regulation of the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling.

Piezoelectric materials are widely used in electromechanical energy conversion, such as in sensors, transducers, and self-powered materials. In this paper, the influence of the Sm doping content on the microstructure and ferroelectric, piezoelectric, dielectric, and field-induced strain properties of 0.70Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.30PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) ceramics was investigated. Sm-doped PMN-PT ceramics with both high piezoelectric properties (d33∼1406 pC/N) and a large electromechanical coupling coefficient (kp∼0.69) were synthesized. Based on their piezoelectric effect, a maximum output voltage of 31 V was achieved under external forces. The output voltages showed satisfactory stability, repeatability, and sensitivity under periodic external forces; hence, Sm-doped PMN-PT piezoelectric ceramics are potential candidates for energy conversion and signal monitoring.

Background and Aims The role of serum uric acid (SUA) in stroke remains controversial and analyses of changes in SUA and stroke are limited. The objective of the study was to investigate the associations of changes in SUA with stroke and its subtypes (ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke). Methods and Results A total of 51 441 participants (mean age 52.69±11.71 years) without history of myocardial infarction or stroke were enrolled. Participants were divided into four groups based on SUA level changes during 2006 and 2010: stable low, increasing, decreasing, and stable high. SUA score was quantified on a 3-point scale with 1 point awarded for hyperuricemia at either year 2006, 2008 or 2010. Multivariate Cox proportion models were used to calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During 7.03-year follow up, 1611 stroke (1410 ischemic stroke, 199 hemorrhagic stroke, and 47 subarachnoid hemorrhage) were identified. Participants with stable high SUA had higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke, the HR was 1.93 (95% CI: 1.06-3.51), compared to those with stable low SUA. Furthermore, cumulative high SUA exposure also increased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, the HR (95%CI) was 2.99 (1.55-5.74), compared with cumulative low SUA exposure. However, no significant evidence indicated changes in SUA was associated with the risk of total and ischemic stroke, the HRs (95% CIs) were 0.98 (0.74-1.29) and 0.88 (0.65-1.19), respectively. Conclusions Stable high SUA was positively associated with the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, but not with total and ischemic stroke risk.

The rupture of an unstable atherosclerotic plaque is one of the major causes of thrombosis. However, there was limited evidence on the relationship of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a simple surrogate marker of insulin resistance, with the carotid plaque stability. This study aimed to investigate the association between the TyG index and carotid plaque stability in nondiabetic adults.The study included 4748 nondiabetic participants from the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study. Carotid plaque stability was assessed using ultrasonography. The TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of the TyG index with carotid plaque stability by calculating odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Of the 4748 participants, 1192 (25.11%) participants had stable carotid plaque, and 1247 (26.26%) had unstable carotid plaque. The prevalence of unstable carotid plaque substantially increased with increasing TyG index tertile (P for trend0.0001). In the fully adjusted model, the OR comparing participants in the highest versus the lowest tertile of the TyG index was 1.31 (95% CI, 1.09-1.57). The optimal cutoff point for the TyG index in case of unstable carotid plaque was 8.56. However, we did not observe a statistically significant association between the TyG index and stable carotid plaque.Elevated the TyG index was significantly associated with the prevalence of unstable carotid plaque in nondiabetic adults.

As a traditional Chinese medicine formula, Jingxin Zhidong Formula (JXZDF) based on ancient amber powder has been prescribed to alleviate tic disorders (TD) according to our clinical practice for many years. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown.To explore the potential mechanism of JXZDF in the treatment of TD by using network pharmacology and experimental validation.The chemical components of JXZDF were detected and the potential pathway enrichment analyses were conducted based on network pharmacology. Finally, we performed cell viability assays and Western blotting on LPS-induced BV-2 cells, and subsequently performed behavioral tests and Western blotting in SD rats model for TD to explore the mechanism of JXZDF on TD.By LC-ESI-MS/MS system and searching the databases, we identified 5 key compounds and 29 hub targets of JXZDF on TD. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be the key pathway for JXZDF on TD. The vitro experimental results proved that JXZDF can inhibit the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT proteins on LPS-induced BV-2 cells. The animal experimental results indicated that JXZDF can effectively alleviate the stereotypic behavior and hyperactivity of the TD rats, and downregulated PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit microglia activation in the hippocampus tissue.This study indicated that JXZDF can change microglial activation and expression of proinflammatory mediators through the inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which may be one of the mechanisms of JXZDF in treating TD.

Background and aim Longitudinal evidence on change in serum (SUA) with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality is limited, as many prior studies focused on baseline SUA. Further, the optimal threshold range of SUA change is unclear. Methods and results A total of 63,127 participants without history of CVD were enrolled. Change in SUA was determined by the difference of SUA levels between 2006 and 2010, which divided by baseline SUA was percent change in SUA. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our analysis also included restricted cubic spline model and three-piecewise Cox proportion hazards model to address the non-linearity between percent change in SUA and outcomes. During a median follow-up of 7.04 years, 3341 CVD and 3238 deaths occurred. We did not observed a significant association between changes in SUA and CVD. However, changes in SUA at extreme were associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality, the HRs (95% CIs) were 1.15 (1.02–1.29) and 1.20 (1.06–1.35) in the first and fifth quintile group, compared with the third quintile group. We further found a U-shaped association between percent change in SUA and all-cause mortality, and the optimal range was within 20%. Conclusions Changes in SUA at extreme were risk factors for all-cause mortality, but not for CVD in the general population. The findings are relevant for role of SUA in the management of CVD risk and may contribute to improve identification of patients at higher risk.

The management of persistent postsurgical pain and neuropathic pain remains a challenge in the clinic. Local anesthetics have been widely used as simple and effective treatment for these two disorders, but the duration of their analgesic effect is short. We here reported a new poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-coated ropivacaine that was continuously released in vitro for at least 6 days. Peri-sciatic nerve injection of the PLGA-coated ropivacaine attenuated paw incision-induced mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia during the incisional pain period, and spared nerve injury-induced mechanical and cold allodynia for at least 7 days post-injection. This effect was dose-dependent. Peri-sciatic nerve injection of the PLGA-coated ropivacaine did not produce detectable inflammation, tissue irritation, or damage in the sciatic nerve and surrounding muscles at the injected site, dorsal root ganglion, spinal cord or brain cortex, although the scores for grasping reflex were mildly and transiently reduced in the higher dosage-treated groups. PERSPECTIVE: Given that PLGA is an FDA-approved medical material, and that ropivacaine is used currently in clinical practice, the injectable PLGA-coated ropivacaine represents a new and highly promising avenue in the management of postsurgical pain and neuropathic pain.

Cardamine violifolia belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is a selenium (Se) hyperaccumulator found in Enshi, China. In this study, C. violifolia was found to accumulate mercury (Hg) in its roots and aboveground parts at concentrations up to 6000 μg/g. In the seedling and mature stages, the bioaccumulation factors (BAF

In this work, the FeOx/MnOy decorated oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs-Fe-Mn) composites were synthesized and used as catalysts to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for organic pollutants degradation. The catalytic ability of the CNTs-Fe-Mn catalyst was strongly correlated with the oxidation of CNTs and the molar ratio of Fe/Mn. When the CNTs was oxidized by 30 wt% HNO3 and the modified molar ratio of Fe/Mn was 0.5, the 30%-CNTs-Fe-Mn-0.5 showed highest efficiency for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation via activating PMS, and the removal rate of 95% was achieved in 60 min at room temperature in 15 mg L-1 RhB solution with catalyst dosage of 0.1 g L-1. Fe and Mn multivalent oxide species coexisted were randomly distributed on the outer surface and encapsulated into the channels of oxidized CNTs in the 30%-CNTs-Fe-Mn-0.5 catalyst. The XPS results of catalysts before and after reaction proved that the redox cycles between the multivalent states of Fe and Mn ensured the superior catalytic activity of the 30%-CNTs-Fe-Mn-0.5 for PMS activation. The radical quenching tests and D2O experiments confirmed that SO4•−, HO· and O2•− radicals were the main reactive oxidized species for the oxidation of pollutants in the 30%-CNTs-Fe-Mn-0.5/PMS system. In addition, the influences of operation parameters including initial pH, pollutant concentration, catalyst dosage, and PMS dosage on catalytic degradation were investigated.

Estrogens and their receptors play crucial roles in regulating the gonadal development of vertebrates. To clarify the roles of estrogen receptors in the gonadal development of turtles, estrogen receptors (Esr1 and Esr2) in Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) were identified and characterized, and their function in gonads was investigated by intraperitoneal injection of agonist propylpyrazoletriol (PPT) and diarylpropionitrile (DPN), and antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI). Ps-Esr1 encoded a 588 amino acid protein and Ps-Esr2 encoded a 556 amino acid protein. The two receptors contained classic domains, including the DNA-binding domain and ligand-binding domain, and amino acid sequences showed high homology with other turtles. Ps-Esr1 showed the highest expression in the testis, followed by the ovary and liver. However, Ps-Esr2 showed the highest expression in the ovary, followed by the brain and testis. Ps-Esr1 expression showed an up-regulation trend in gonadal differentiation. Histomorphometric analysis showed that the number of follicles increased in female juvenile turtles treated with DPN or PPT. In addition, Tsc2, GnRH, and Fshβ were up-regulated in ovaries of turtles treated with agonists, while Sycp3 and Picalm were up-regulated in testes of turtles treated with agonists. Treatment with the antagonist decreased the number of sperm in matured turtles. Stra8, Scyp3, Dmc1, Picalm, Evl, Boule, and Cdk1 were up-regulated in testis after antagonist treatment. The results indicated that Esr1 might play an important role in gonadal differentiation, and the two estrogen receptors might be involved in the spermatogenesis of the turtle. These results could provide a reference for further research on the function of the estrogen signal in male vertebrates.

Beta 2-microglobulin (B2M) is a commonly used detection index in clinical laboratories. Currently, it is used as a sensitive indicator for the early detection of kidney disease. Immunoassay is the most commonly used method for B2M detection in clinical practice. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has changed the face of laboratory testing by providing high-throughput analysis with better specificity than detection methods using only antibodies. An isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS (ID-LC-MS/MS) method was developed for serum B2M quantification. After B2M denaturation, reduction and alkylation of cysteine residues, trypsin was added for digestion of B2M. Then, it was purified by a solid-phase extraction column, and the sample was injected into a high-performance LC-MS/MS for measurement. A signature peptide (VNHVTLSQPK) was selected as a surrogate for B2M. A stable isotope-labeled peptide (VNHVT[

Background The role of serum uric acid (SUA) in development of myocardial infarction (MI) is controversial. The current study aimed to investigate the association between both baseline SUA and changes in SUA and the risk of MI. Methods The current study included 71,449 Chinese participants (mean age, 50.9 years) free of MI during the time of follow-up. Participants were divided into 4 categories according to the SUA levels between baseline and the second follow-up: stable low, elevated, reduced and stable high. Multivariate Cox proportion models were used to calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MI. Results During a median follow-up of 8.96 years, 837 MI cases were identified. After adjustment for potential confounders, MI risk was only associated with stable high SUA, the HR was 1.42 (95%CI: 1.02–1.92, p = 0.03), compared with those with stable low SUA. However, there was no association between hyperuricemia at baseline and MI, the HR was 1.14 (95%CI: 0.91–1.42, p = 0.19) compared with those with normal SUA. Subgroup analyses stratified by age, sex, hypertension, diabetes and estimated glomerular filtration rate were also confirmed no significant difference (p-interaction >0.05 for all). Furthermore, mediation analyses revealed 14.14% of association was mediated by hypertension. Conclusions Only stable high SUA was associated with increased higher risk of MI. Changes in SUA levels in any other direction or high SUA levels at baseline were not associated with risk of MI.

Relaxor ferroelectric 0.75 Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.25PbTiO3 (0.75PMN-0.25PT) ceramics with Mn-doping concentration of 0%, 1%, 2% and 3 mol% were prepared by two-step sintering. The phase composition, microstructure, dielectric property, ferroelectric property, piezoelectric property and electromechanical property were investigated. Results indicate that all ceramics exhibit pure perovskite phases and high density. Mn-doping induces some decrease in dielectric constant er, dielectric loss tanδ, remnant polarization Pr, piezoelectric coefficient d33, and electromechanical coupling coefficient kp, while significant increase in mechanical quality factor Qm and the figure of merit (FOM) of 0.75PMN-0.25PT ceramics. For 3 mol% Mn-doped 0.75PMN-0.25PT ceramics, Qm enhances by 1449%, FOM increases by 923%, and tanδ decreases by 67%, which makes it more suitable for high power applications. Interestingly, double P-E loops are observed in 3 mol% Mn-doped 0.75PMN-0.25PT ceramics. The phenomenon was investigated by the symmetry-conforming principle of point defects and the internal bias field.

Background and aims Although serum lipids are widely accepted as independent predictors of myocardial infarction (MI), there is insufficient evidence for associations of changes in lipid levels with MI. The present study aimed at investigating the associations between changes in lipids and incidence of MI in people without lipid-lowering therapy. Methods 64,031 Chinese participants (mean age: 53.42 ± 11.95 years) without previous MI were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into four categories based on quartiles of lipid changes. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MI. Results During a median follow-up of 7.03 years, 599 individuals developed MI. After adjustment for covariates, increased total cholesterol (TC), increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increased non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were associated with elevated risk of MI, with HRs (95% CIs) in the highest quartile group compared with the lowest quartile group of 1.56 (1.21–2.01), 1.96 (1.49–2.57), 1.95 (1.52–2.50), and 0.69 (0.53–0.90), respectively. However, changes in triglyceride (TG) were not associated with MI risk (p = 0.8030). Conclusions Changes in levels of TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and HDL-C, but not TG, were associated with risk of MI. Early detection and control of lipid levels may be beneficial and necessary for young people and those with healthy lipid levels at baseline.

A series of membranes based on amino-modified polybenzimidazole with grafted ethyl phosphonic acid have been successfully prepared. Firstly, the amino-modified polybenzimidazole (PBI-NH2-X) was synthesized, then the ethyl phosphoric acid (EPA) were grafted on to PBI-NH2-X to obtained amino-modified polybenzimidazoles with grafted ethyl phosphonic acid groups (PBI-NH2-EPA-X). EPA is introduced into the matrix to improve the H3PO4 doping level and proton conductivity of the membranes. The obtained membranes display good dimensional and thermal stability. Long-term stability of the grafted membranes is much better than the pristine PBI membranes. Moreover, PBI-NH2-EPA-15 shows a proton conductivity of 0.062 S cm−1 at 170 °C, which is 342% higher than that of PBI.