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Low flow velocity disrupts the potential fish migration passages in a reservoir, and causes reservoirs to become labyrinths for migratory fish. Previous studies showed that fish migration passages in a reservoir can be restored by modifying reservoir operation. However, reservoir operating rules that are specifically designed to support fish migration have not been established, leading to low success for fish migration and high socioeconomic losses. In this research, we established new reservoir operating rules to improve the migration success rate while also reducing socioeconomic losses. Under the new rules, two parameters (reservoir water level and predicted reservoir inflows) were adapted to trigger water releases to open migration passages. The two parameters were optimized by considering hydrological processes, fish migration processes below the dam, the swimming ability of fish, and the socioeconomic benefits provided by the reservoir. We used data from China's Danjiangkou Reservoir to test the effectiveness of the proposed method. We found that the new method can not only improve the migration success rate (from 0.1% to 4.2%), but can also slightly reduce the reservoir's socioeconomic losses (by 3.7%–7.0%). The new method effectively balances the needs of fish migration with the need for socioeconomic development in the areas surrounding dammed rivers. Key Points: We developed an eco‐friendly reservoir operation method by adding specific rules for fish migration to the original operating rule curvesThe method can improve the migration success rate while reducing the loss of socioeconomic benefitsThe method provides stable optimization for meeting the varying flow requirements of target species [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the utility of trio-based prenatal exome sequencing (pES), incorporating splice-site and mitochondrial genome assessment, in the prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with ultrasound anomalies and normal copy-number variant sequencing (CNV-seq) results.Methods: This was a prospective study of 90 ongoing pregnancies with ultrasound anomalies that underwent trio-based pES after receiving normal CNV-seq results, from September 2020 to November 2021, in a single center in China. By using pES with a panel encompassing exome coding and splicing regions as well as mitochondrial genome for fetuses and parents, we identified the underlying genetic causes of fetal anomalies, incidental fetal findings and parental carrier status. Information on pregnancy outcome and the impact of pES findings on parental decision-making was collected.Results: Of the 90 pregnancies included, 28 (31.1%) received a diagnostic result that could explain the fetal ultrasound anomalies. The highest diagnostic yield was noted for brain abnormalities (3/6 (50.0%)), followed by hydrops (4/9 (44.4%)) and skeletal abnormalities (13/34 (38.2%)). Collectively, 34 variants of 20 genes were detected in the 28 diagnosed cases, with 55.9% (19/34) occurring de novo. Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) associated with fetal phenotypes were detected in six (6.7%) fetuses. Interestingly, fetal (n = 4) and parental (n = 3) incidental findings (IFs) were detected in seven (7.8%) cases. These included two fetuses carrying a de-novo likely pathogenic (LP) variant of the CIC and FBXO11 genes, respectively, associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, and one fetus with a LP variant in a mitochondrial gene. The remaining fetus presented with unilateral renal dysplasia and was incidentally found to carry a pathogenic PKD1 gene variant resulting in adult-onset polycystic kidney, which was later confirmed to be inherited from the mother. In addition, parental heterozygous variants associated with autosomal recessive diseases were detected in three families, including one with additional fetal diagnostic findings. Diagnostic results or fetal IFs contributed to parental decision-making about termination of the pregnancy in 26 families (26/72 (36.1%)), while negative pES results or identification of VUS encouraged 40 families (40/72 (55.6%)) to continue their pregnancy, which ended in a live birth in all cases.Conclusion: Trio-based pES can provide additional genetic information for pregnancies with fetal ultrasound anomalies without a CNV-seq diagnosis. The incidental findings and parental carrier status reported by trio-based pES with splice-site and mitochondrial genome analysis extend its clinical application, but careful genetic counseling is warranted. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To understand nurses' responses to COVID‐19 and identify their uptake of changes in the procedure required for the management of COVID‐19 in an inpatient psychiatric ward. Background: The infection risk for COVID‐19 in an enclosed inpatient psychiatric ward is high due to living arrangements in the ward and the nature of the infectious disease. Introduction: This paper describes inpatient nurses' experiences, challenges and strategies deployed at the institutional and national levels to contain the spread of infection. Methods: Written feedback was collected to understand nurses' responses and identify their uptake of changes in procedure following the COVID‐19 outbreak in the ward. Findings: Nurses felt shocked, worried, isolated, expressed a lack of confidence, and experienced physical exhaustion. COVID‐19 specific challenges were highlighted in the delivery of safe and quality nursing care. Nurses were satisfied with the hospital policy and strategies implemented during the outbreak, acknowledging the importance of support from nursing leaders. Discussion: Practical support and strong nursing leadership have been imperative in the battle against the COVID‐19 outbreak in the psychiatric hospital. Psychiatric nursing care was maintained with a modified management and treatment approach. Implications for Nursing practice: Nurses' willingness to adjust to the reconfiguration of operations to accommodate changes has been crucial for the healthcare system to run effectively. Good practices and policies established during this crisis should be developed and established permanently in nursing practice. Implications for Health Policy: Prompt and effective contingency planning and policymaking at the national and institutional level, targeting human resource management and infection control, can introduce changes and alternative options for nursing care in a pandemic. Conclusion: With support from influential nursing leaders, strategies and policies are imperative in ensuring the successful management of COVID situations in an inpatient psychiatric setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The presence of intermuscular bones in fisheries products limits the consumption and commercialization potential of many fish species, including tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). These bones have caused medical emergencies and are an undesirable characteristic for fish farming because their removal is labor‐intensive during fish processing. Despite the difficulty in identifying genes related to the lack of intermuscular bone in diverse species of fish, the discovery of individuals lacking intermuscular bones in a Neotropical freshwater characiform fish has provided a unique opportunity to delve into the genetic mechanisms underlying the pathways of intermuscular bone formation. In this study, we carried out a GWAS among boneless and wt tambaqui populations to identify markers associated with a lack of intermuscular bone. After analyzing 11 416 SNPs in 360 individuals (12 boneless and 348 bony), we report 675 significant (Padj < 0.003) associations for this trait. Of those, 13 associations were located near candidate genes related to the reduction of bone mass, promotion of bone formation, inhibition of bone resorption, central control of bone remodeling, bone mineralization and other related functions. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, we have successfully identified genes related to a lack of intermuscular bones using GWAS in a non‐model species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chancre self‐healing is an important clinical feature in the early stages of syphilis infection. Wound healing may involve an important mechanism by the migration of fibroblasts filling the injured lesion. However, the specific mechanism underlying this process is still unknown. Objectives: We aimed to analyse the role of Tp0136 in the migration of fibroblasts and the related mechanism. Methods: The migration ability of fibroblasts was detected by a wound‐healing assay. RT‐PCR and ELISA detected the expression of MCP‐1, IL‐6 and MMP‐9. TLR4 expression was detected by RT‐PCR. The protein levels of CCR2 and relevant signalling pathway molecules were measured by Western blotting. Results: Tp0136 significantly promoted fibroblast migration. Subsequently, the levels of MCP‐1 and its receptor CCR2 were increased in this process. The migration of fibroblasts was significantly inhibited by an anti‐MCP‐1 neutralizing antibody or CCR2 inhibitors. Furthermore, studies demonstrated that Tp0136 could activate the ERK/JNK/PI3K/NF‐κB signalling pathways through TLR4 activity and that signalling pathways inhibitors could weaken MCP‐1 secretion and fibroblast migration. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that Tp0136 promotes the migration of fibroblasts by inducing MCP‐1/CCR2 expression through signalling involving the TLR4, ERK, JNK, PI3K and NF‐κB signalling pathways, which could contribute to the mechanism of chancre self‐healing in syphilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High arsenic (As) groundwater is frequently found in inland basins, yet the contributions of different processes to aqueous As distributions remain unresolved. In the Hetao Basin, a typical inland basin, groundwater As concentrations generally increased from the alluvial fan through the transition area to the flat plain. A geochemical process‐based reactive transport model was established to evaluate and quantify the processes of As mobilization in the northwestern Hetao Basin. Thirty‐six groundwater samples and eight sediment samples were collected from the alluvial fan to the flat plain to investigate the geochemical characteristics of the groundwater system. Along the approximate flow path, groundwater evolved from oxic‐suboxic conditions to anoxic conditions, with increasing concentrations of As, Fe (II), and NH4+, and decreasing Eh and SO4 2−/Cl−. Modeling results indicated that the observed concentrations of Fe (II) were caused by reductive dissolution of Fe (III) oxides and subsequent precipitation of mackinawite and siderite. Reductive dissolution of Fe (III) oxides was primarily driven by organic matter degradation (>75%), followed by H2S oxidation (<25%). More As was sequestered by mackinawite precipitation and adsorption than that released via abiotic reduction of Fe (III) oxides by H2S. Reductive dissolution of Fe (III) oxides was the dominant mechanism for liberating As in both the transition area and the flat plain (>70%), and As desorption under elevated pH and competitive adsorption by HCO3− and PO43− made an important contribution to As enrichment (up to 30%). Overall, this study provides an insight into the relative contributions of different geochemical processes to As enrichment in inland basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most feared postoperative complications after anterior resection (AR) of rectal cancer. An adequate blood supply at the anastomotic site is regarded as a prerequisite for healing. We hypothesize that the Aortic Calcification Index (ACI) might reflect the severity of atherosclerosis in patients, and thereby be a risk factor for AL. Method: AL was investigated retrospectively according to the definition of the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer in 423 rectal cancer patients who underwent anterior rectal resection. The ACI was measured by preoperative abdominal CT scan. The cross‐section of the aorta was evenly divided into 12 sectors, the number of calcified sectors was counted as the calcification score of each slice. Lasso logistic regression and multivariate regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for AL. Results: The percentage of AL after AR was 7.8% (33/423); the mortality of patients who sustained a leak was 3.0% (1/33). Patients with a high ACI had a significantly higher percentage of AL than patients with low ACI (11.2% vs 5.6%, P = 0.04). Among patients with AL, a higher ACI was associated with greater severity of AL (the ACI of patients with grade A leakage, grade B leakage and grade C leakage was 0.5% ± 0.2%, 11.5% ± 9.2% and 24.2% ± 21.7%, respectively; P = 0.008). After risk adjustment, multivariate regression analysis showed that a higher ACI was an independent risk factor for AL (OR 2.391, P = 0.04). Conclusion: A high ACI might be an important prognostic factor for AL after AR for rectal cancer. Confirmatory studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvage treatment: 24 patients received second-line chemotherapy: 6 patients got a CR2, 6 patients quit to treatment due to SD/PD, 4 patients got a treatment related death, 8 patients died of PD/SD. ANALYSIS TREATMENT OUTCOME OF 46 REFRACTORY/RELAPSED PEDIATRIC MATURE B CELL LYMPHOMA PATIENTS-MULTI-CENTER EXPERIENCE FROM CHINA B Introduction: b Aim to find the efficacy treatment strategy for refractory/relapsed( I r i / I r i ) patients with pediatric mature B-cell lymphoma (MBL) by summarizing the treatment outcome of 46 patients from Chinese Children's Lymphoma Multi-center Cooperation Group (CNCL). [Extracted from the article]

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are important for the loss of high‐energy electrons in the radiation belt. Based on the measurements of Van Allen Probes, two events during the same storm period are presented to study the propagation of EMIC waves. In the first event, left‐handed polarized EMIC waves were observed near the plasmapause, while right‐handed waves were observed in the inner plasmasphere. The Poynting flux of the right‐hand waves was mainly directed inward and equatorward, and no positive growth rates were obtained in the region of these right‐hand waves, indicating the inward propagation of the waves from a higher L‐shell. In the second event, the wave vectors were quasi‐perpendicular to the background magnetic field inside the plasmaspheric plume but became quasi‐parallel outside. This phenomenon can be explained by the refraction of the large density gradient, which qualitatively satisfies Snell's law. These observations provide indirect evidence of the inward propagation of the EMIC waves and give a new insight on how density gradients may modify wave properties. Key Points: Right‐hand EMIC waves are observed in the plasmasphere with inward orientation of Poynting fluxNo positive growth rates are obtained in the region of the right‐hand waves, suggesting a source region in a higher L‐shellAbrupt changes of the wave vector are observed near the inner edge of the plasmaspheric plume [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica species are widely cultivated and important biennial and annual crops. The transition from vegetative to reproductive development in Brassica species is critical in agriculture and horticulture. Grafting is a useful tool for improving agricultural production and investigating the movement of long‐range signals.Here we established a hypocotyl micrografting system in B. rapa crops and successfully grafted the rootstock of turnip onto many different scion genotypes. Grafting with turnip rootstock prolonged vegetative growth, delayed flowering and improved seed yield in rapeseed.The late‐flowering turnip rootstock could delay flowering of the scion of the early‐flowering turnip accession. The BrrFLC1 (FLOWERING LOCUS C1 in B. rapa) transcript levels and H3K4me3 levels at the BrrFLC1 locus were up‐regulated and subsequently suppressed the downstream FT (FLOWERING LOCUS T) signals in leaves of the scion to delay flowering. Vernalization treatment can efficiently promote flowering time in turnip. The non‐vernalised turnip flowered early after grafting onto the rootstock of the vernalised turnip, which was accompanied by high levels of FT homologue expression in leaves of the scion. Hypocotyl excision experiments revealed that the process of tuber formation was suppressed by removing the hypocotyl tissue, which in turn repressed the expression of tuberization‐related genes.Our findings suggest that the rootstock generates mobile signals that are transported from the rootstock to the scion to fine‐tune FT signalling and modulate flowering time. Long‐distance mobile and vernalization signals can be transported to the scion to fine‐tune FT signalling by grafting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although angiogenesis is an obvious pathological manifestation in the pathogenesis of syphilis, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of angiogenesis induced by reactions to Treponema pallidum antigens. Objective: In this study, we sought to determine the role of recombinant T. pallidum Tp47 in promoting angiogenesis in endothelial cells and the related mechanism. Methods: Evaluation of the pro‐angiogenic activity of recombinant T. pallidum Tp47 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was assessed, and the balance of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) and the mechanisms underlying the involvement of Akt/mTOR/S6 pathways in this process were explored. Results: Under stimulation by Tp47, HUVECs exhibited obvious proliferation, migration and tube formation. In addition, the apparent promotion of angiogenesis by Tp47 was observed using a zebrafish embryo model. During angiogenesis, the levels of MMP‐1 and MMP‐10 were significantly elevated, whereas those of TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 did not change. In addition, after transfection with siRNAMMP‐1 and siRNAMMP‐10, migration and tube formation were significantly inhibited. Akt/mTOR/S6 signalling was found to be involved in upregulating MMP‐1 and MMP‐10 expression, and the sequential blockade of steps in the pathways effectively prevented Tp47‐induced angiogenesis. Conclusion: The results reveal the underlying mechanism of angiogenesis promoted by Tp47, namely, upregulating MMP‐1 and MMP‐10 expression to disrupt the MMP/TIMP balance through the Akt/mTOR/S6 pathway. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology of syphilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of planetary boundary layer (PBL) was investigated using observations from a laser ceilometer, an eddy covariance system, and an automatic meteorological station in the north of Nanjing city during an air pollution episode in 2016–2017 winter. Based on 7‐day observation under clean to polluted day, we recorded the temporal variations of backscatter signals observed by the ceilometer, and then intercompared the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) retrieved from individual methods. The results show that backscatter signal gradient, standard deviation, and wavelet transform analysis methods generated similar PBLH values and PBL diurnal variation patterns. Moreover, the PBL structure varied diurnally, with distinct patterns corresponding to clean and polluted days. Based on these measurements, the relationships between PBLH, weather conditions, and contaminants were analyzed. Results show that on clean days, strong surface turbulence exchange makes the PBL fully developed and makes the PBLH increase sharply after sunrise, with a maximum of 1,483 m; on polluted days, stable synoptic conditions and the weaker wind speeds facilitated the accumulation of air pollutants, leading to smaller net surface radiation and weaker turbulence. Consequently, these conditions during polluted days led to lower PBLH values, which were typically less than 900 m. Key Points: The temporal variations of backscatter signal and planetary boundary layer (PBL) height values derived from three popular methods are presentedThe evolutions of boundary layer structures over clean days and polluted days were comparedThe interactions among PBL height, weather conditions, and contaminants were analyzed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is accumulating evidence that scalar fields may exist in nature. The gravitational collapse of a boson cloud leads to the formation of a boson star just like white dwarfs and neutron stars. In general, as one of the candidates of dark matter, a boson star holds a stable configuration and has deserved intensive attention and extensive research in the past 50 years. At first, we analyze the ground state solutions for a Boson‐Fermi system using the metric tensor in the Newtonian approximation, then analyze the configuration of a star composed of bosons and fermions. At last, for the purpose of investigating the equilibrium geometry of a Boson‐Fermi system, we construct the virial equations of a boson‐Fermi system with different orders. In our future work, we will explore the equilibrium configuration and the stability of a Boson‐Fermi star and how a scalar field affects the pressure of the system using higher‐order virial equations of fluid motions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core Ideas: Water retention and spectral induced polarization were measured for biochar in sand.Water retention curves could be fitted by using a dual porosity model.Residual water content was found to increase with the addition of biochar.The polarization of sand–biochar mixtures was much larger than that for sand.Spectral induced polarization may be suitable for monitoring biochar in the field. Biochar is considered a promising soil amendment, but an effective method to detect and characterize the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of biochar in soil is still missing. The aim of this study is to investigate the ability of the spectral induced polarization (SIP) method for the noninvasive detection of biochar in unsaturated sandy media. In particular, a pure sand and two sand–biochar mixtures with 1 and 2% biochar made from pine (Pinus spp.) wood by pyrolysis at 800°C were investigated. The measured SIP spectra as a function of saturation were interpreted by fitting a Cole–Cole model to the low‐frequency part of the SIP measurements. The porous nature of the biochar particles strongly affected the SIP response of the partially saturated sand–biochar mixtures. Due to the high residual water content of the biochar in a dry background, the relationship between bulk electrical conductivity and water saturation was nonlinear in a log–log representation. This nonlinear behavior could adequately be explained with a dielectric mixing model that considered the drainage of the biochar particles. Both the measured phase and chargeability of the sand–biochar mixtures showed a complex dependence on water saturation. This was attributed to the decrease in polarization strength of the biochar particles with desaturation and the simultaneous increase in phase of the sand background. Overall, the results of this study suggest that field SIP measurements may be a promising tool for the characterization and monitoring of biochar amendments to agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: An unexpected, large dengue outbreak, spreading to 20 cities of Guangdong province, occurred in July 2014. Considering the overwhelming influence of this seasonal epidemic, whether this dengue virus outbreak has an significant impact on the blood donors of the ajacent areas in Guangdong requires at least a preliminary investigation. Liuzhou City of Guangxi was chosen as a good representative of the neighbouring geographical location of the dengue virus (DENV) outbreak areas in this research. We therefore investigated qualified blood donations during potential dengue epidemic seasons and thus provided critical information for public health and donation policy making. Method: A total of 1685 donations from 2013 to 2014 were collected at the Guangxi blood centre. Anti‐DENV testing was performed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Dengue IgG indirect ELISA and Dengue IgM capture ELISA were used to detect anti‐DENV IgM and IgG. Repeat‐reactive samples with ELISA test and 1685 donations with 421 pools were screened for dengue RNA by reverse transcription real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) using an in‐house assay. Results: There was a total of 13 seropositive donors, including 6 IgM seropositive and 7 IgG seropositive. The total seropositive rate was 0·78%, with IgM 0·36% and IgG 0·42%. Seropositive donors were identified mostly between April and November, with a peak in November. .All samples in reactive pools and individual seropositive samples were negative in the follow‐up RT‐PCR test. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the Guangdong dengue outbreak had limited impact on blood safety in surrounding areas under our current testing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Around 20 years ago, a 60‐ to 70‐kDa protein was reported as a major allergen of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) pollen. This study was to identify and characterize its molecular properties. Methods: Sera from 113 Chinese and 20 Dutch Artemisia‐allergic/sensitized subjects (and pools thereof) were used to identify the 60‐ to 70‐kDa allergen. Pollen extracts of seven Artemisia species were compared by immunoblotting. Transcriptomics and proteomics (mass spectrometry) of A. annua pollen were used to identify the putative 60‐ to 70‐kDa Artemisia allergen. Both the natural purified and recombinant allergens were evaluated for IgE reactivity by ImmunoCAP. Fourteen Chinese Artemisia‐allergic patients were tested intradermally with purified natural allergen. Results: Immunoblots revealed two major bands at 12 and 25 kDa, and a weak band at 70 kDa for all seven Artemisia species. Using a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach, the high molecular mass allergen in A. annua pollen was shown to be a 62‐kDa putative galactose oxidase, with a putative N‐glycosylation site. More than 94% of Artemisia pollen‐allergic patients had IgE response to this allergen. Although recognition of a nonglycosylated recombinant version was only confirmed in a minority (16%) and at much lower IgE levels, this discrepancy cannot be explained simply by reactivity to the carbohydrate moiety on the natural allergen. Intradermal testing with the natural allergen was positive in five of nine sensitized patients. Conclusions: The previously reported 60‐ to 70‐kDa allergen of Artemisia pollen is most likely a 62‐kDa putative galactose oxidase here designated Art an 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Microscopy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim The application of complete mesocolic excision (CME) in colon cancer is controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the safety, quality and effect of CME with non-complete mesocolic excision (NCME) in patients with colon cancer. Method We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library and Scopus to identify studies comparing CME with NCME in colon cancer. We focused on three study outcome areas: safety (operation time, blood loss, complications, mortality); quality (large bowel length, distance from the tumour to the high vascular tie, area of mesentery, total lymph nodes); and effect (long-term survival). Results A total of 8586 patients from 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. CME was associated with greater intra-operative blood loss [weighted mean difference (WMD) 79.87, 95% CI: 65.88-93.86], more postoperative surgical complications (relative risk 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08-1.40), longer large bowel resection (WMD 47.06, 95% CI: 10.49-83.62), greater distance from the tumour to the high vascular tie (WMD 17.51, 95% CI: 15.16-19.87), larger area of mesentery (WMD 36.09, 95% CI: 18.06-54.13) and more lymph nodes (WMD 6.13, 95% CI: 1.97-10.28) than NCME. CME also had positive effects on 5-year survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.81], 3-year survival (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39-0.86) and 3-year survival for Stage III disease (HR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.60-0.80) compared with NCME. Conclusion Limited evidence suggests that CME is a more effective strategy for improving specimen quality and survival but with a higher complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Microscopy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Fusarium graminearum species complex ( FGSC) is an important group of pathogens distributed in maize-producing areas worldwide. This study investigated the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of 40 FGSC isolates obtained from stalk rot and ear rot samples collected from 42 locations in northeastern China during 2013 and 2014. A phylogenetic tree of translation elongation factor ( EF-la) sequences designated the 40 isolates as F. graminearum sensu stricto (67.5%) and F. boothii (32.5%). By using inter-simple sequence repeat analysis ( ISSR), it was shown that the isolates were divided into two clades, which corresponded to the species identity of the isolates. However, the isolates from the two different diseases could not be distinguished in pathogenicity. The disease severity index of seedlings inoculated with stalk isolates was slightly higher than that of seedlings inoculated with isolates from infected ears, whereas the pathogenicity of the stalk and ear isolates were identical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel process for integrated two-stage selective removal of CO2 and SO2 from a simulated flue gas by an adsorption method was developed. Triethylolamine (TEA)-loaded SBA-15 was selected as the SO2 adsorbent, and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA)-loaded SBA-15 was the CO2 adsorbent. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption/desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to characterize the properties of the adsorbents. The effects of the height-diameter ratio (H/D) of the adsorbent bed and operation temperature were tested for the removal of SO2. The results indicated that the pore volume and surface area of SBA-15-TEA-50 and SBA-15-TEPA-50 dropped with the increase of amine loading. SO2 breakthrough adsorption capacity of SBA-15-TEA-50 was 146.3 mg of SO2/(g of adsorbent). The integrated two-stage removal experiment of SO2 and CO2 over SBA-15-TEA and SBA-15-TEPA showed that CO2 and SO2 in gas mixture can be removed in two stages, respectively. Regeneration experiment showed that both the SO2 and CO2 breakthrough capacity almost kept a constant in the multiple cycles, and the regeneration of integrated two-stage system was stable. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the genetic pathogeny of multiple morphological anomalies of the flagella ( MMAF), which is a genetically heterogeneous disorder leading to male infertility. Nine patients with severe asthenozoospermia caused by MMAF were recruited. Whole genome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed, and we found that four of the nine patients were affected by the same homozygous frameshift mutation c.11726_11727delCT (p.[ Pro3909ArgfsTer33]) in exon 73 of dynein axonemal heavy chain 1 ( DNAH1) gene. The parents and the sibling of proband 1 were all identified as heterozygous carriers. This mutation was distinct from previously reported DNAH1 mutations associated with MMAF and only affected the East Asian group. Furthermore, the variant DNAH1 protein could not be detected in spermatozoa by Western blot or immunofluorescence staining although DNAH1 mRNA was expressed in the spermatozoa. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the anomalies in sperm flagella morphology and ultrastructure in patients carrying this genetic variant. In conclusion, our results add to knowledge of the genetic pathogeny of MMAF and further confirmed the effectiveness of genetic screening in the diagnosis of MMAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple method called anisotropic transformed stress (ATS) method is proposed to develop failure criteria and constitutive models for anisotropic soils. In this method, stress components in different directions are modified differently in order to reflect the effect of anisotropy. It includes two steps of mapping of stress. First, a modified stress tensor is introduced, which is a symmetric multiplication of stress tensor and fabric tensor. In the modified stress space, anisotropic soils can be treated to be isotropic. Second, a TS tensor is derived from the modified stress tensor for the convenience of developing anisotropic constitutive models to account for the effect of intermediate principal stress. By replacing the ordinary stress tensor with the TS tensor directly, the unified hardening model is extended to model the anisotropic deformation of soils. Anisotropic Lade's criterion is adopted for shear yield and shear failure in the model. The form of the original model formulations remains unchanged, and the model parameters are independent of the loading direction. Good agreement between the experimental results and predictions of the anisotropic unified hardening model is observed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Neurosyphilis is one of the most feared complications of syphilis. The question of how to identify patients at higher risk in order for timely intervention whilst avoiding unnecessary lumbar puncture remains. Methods Between August 2009 and March 2013, a total of 834 HIV-negative patients with primary, secondary or latent syphilis were recruited. Venous blood and cerebrospinal fluid specimens were collected for diagnoses of syphilis and/or neurosyphilis and information of socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics was collected by interviewing with a questionnaire. Results The prevalence of neurosyphilis differed among patients with primary (7.1%), secondary (23.8%) and latent (26.6%) syphilis. Neurosyphilis was more likely in male patients (1.52-fold). Compared with patients aged <30 years, those aged 45-59 years and ≥60 years old had a 2.51-fold and 4.98-fold risk of neurosyphilis respectively. Male gender and age ≥45 years were consistently associated with neurosyphilis both in secondary and latent stage. There was a 2.68-fold, 2.55-fold and 3.67-fold increased risk of neurosyphilis when the serum RPR titer was 1:32, 1:64 and ≥1:128 compared to that of ≤1:16. ). Conclusions Male gender and age 45years are both correlated risk factors for neurosyphilis in HIV-negative patients with primary, secondary and latent syphilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Vitamin D status has been associated with inflammatory activity in multiple sclerosis (MS), but it is not known if it is associated with gray matter volume, the loss of which predicts long-term disability in MS. The association of vitamin D levels with brain volume measures and inflammatory activity in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) was investigated. Methods: In the phase 2 CIS trial of atorvastatin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were evaluated for their age-adjusted associations with normalized gray matter and brain parenchymal volumes on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The relationships between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and clinical and MRI measures of inflammatory activity were also assessed. Results: In 65 patients in this substudy, each 25 nmol/l higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was associated with 7.8 ml higher gray matter volume (95% confidence interval 1.0, 14.6, P = 0.025). There was a tendency for an inverse association of average 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the composite end-point of ≥3 new brain T2 lesions or ≥1 relapse within a year (odds ratio per 25 nmol/l higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D level 0.66, 95%confidence interval 0.41, 1.08, P = 0.096). Conclusions: Vitamin D status may impact neurodegeneration after CIS, although these results should be replicated in a second study. If confirmed in clinical trials, vitamin D supplementation may reduce long-term disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 ( PDE5) inhibitors for treating erectile dysfunction ( ED) after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy ( BNSRP). A literature review was performed to identify all published randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of PDE5 inhibitors for the treatment of ED after BNSRP. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated. Six publications involving a total of 1678 patients were used in the analysis, including six RCTs that compared PDE5 inhibitors (tadalafil, sildenafil, avanafil and vardenafil) with placebo. Co-primary efficacy end points: International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function ( IIEF- EF) domain score [the standardised mean difference ( SMD) = 4.04, 95% confidence interval ( CI) = 2.87-5.22, P < 0.00001]; successful vaginal penetration ( SEP2) [the odds ratio ( OR) = 14.87, 95% CI = 4.57-48.37, P < 0.00001]; and successful intercourse ( SEP3) ( OR = 47, 95% CI = 3-13.98, P < 0.00001) indicated that PDE5 inhibitors was more effective than the placebo. Specific adverse events with PDE5 inhibitors included headache (12.08%), dyspepsia (6.76%) and flushing (6.52%), which were significantly less likely to occur with placebo. This meta-analysis indicates that PDE5 inhibitors to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for ED after BNSRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By introducing Dirac's δ-function in superhigh magnetic fields, we deduce a general formula for the pressure of degenerate and relativistic electrons, Pe, which is suitable for superhigh magnetic fields, discuss the quantization of Landau levels of electrons, and consider the quantum electrodynamic(QED) effects on the equations of states (EOSs) for different matter systems. The main conclusions are as follows: the stronger the magnetic field strength, the higher the electron pressure becomes; compared with a common radio pulsar, a magnetar could be a more compact oblate spheroid-like deformed neutron star due to the anisotropic total pressure; and an increase in the maximum mass of a magnetar is expected because of the positive contribution of the magnetic field energy to the EoS of the star. Since this is an original work in which some uncertainties could exist, modifications and improvements of our theory should be considered in our future studies. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis synthesizes current literature concerning the effects of active video games ( AVGs) on children/adolescents' health-related outcomes. A total of 512 published studies on AVGs were located, and 35 articles were included based on the following criteria: (i) data-based research articles published in English between 1985 and 2015; (ii) studied some types of AVGs and related outcomes among children/adolescents and (iii) had at least one comparison within each study. Data were extracted to conduct comparisons for outcome measures in three separate categories: AVGs and sedentary behaviours, AVGs and laboratory-based exercise, and AVGs and field-based physical activity. Effect size for each entry was calculated with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software in 2015. Mean effect size ( Hedge's g) and standard deviation were calculated for each comparison. Compared with sedentary behaviours, AVGs had a large effect on health outcomes. The effect sizes for physiological outcomes were marginal when comparing AVGs with laboratory-based exercises. The comparison between AVGs and field-based physical activity had null to moderate effect sizes. AVGs could yield equivalent health benefits to children/adolescents as laboratory-based exercise or field-based physical activity. Therefore, AVGs can be a good alternative for sedentary behaviour and addition to traditional physical activity and sports in children/adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Few studies have analysed the effect of sleep duration and snoring on hypertension and glycaemic control in patients with diabetes. This study aims to investigate the relationship of sleep duration and snoring on prevalent hypertension and glycaemic control in people with diabetes. Methods In the baseline survey of the REACTION study, 56 032 patients with diabetes were categorized into four groups according to self-reported sleep duration: < 6, 6-7.9, 8-8.9 and ≥ 9 h. Snoring frequency was evaluated as 'usually', 'occasionally' or 'never'. Hypertension was assessed by systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, self-reported previous diagnosis and antihypertensive medications. 'Good' glycaemic control was defined as HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol (7.0%) and 'poor' glycaemic control as HbA1c ≥ 53 mmol/mol (7.0%). Results Controlling for potential confounders and intermediates, sleep ≥ 9 h relative to intermediate sleep (6-7.9 h) was significantly associated with prevalent hypertension ( OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.18-1.32) and poor glycaemic control ( OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.18), and a U-shaped association was found between sleep duration and prevalent hypertension ( P for quadratic trend = 0.019). Usually snoring was positively associated with prevalent hypertension ( OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.23-1.37), whereas the association between snoring and poor glycaemic control was only on the borderline of statistical significance. Conclusions Compared with a sleep duration of 6-7.9 h, longer sleep duration was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension and poor glycaemic control in people with diabetes. Moreover, the relationship between sleep duration and prevalent hypertension was U-shaped. These findings may propose important public health implications for diabetes management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an approach for performing a long-term fatigue analysis of rolling element bearings in wind turbine gearboxes. Multilevel integrated analyses were performed using the aeroservoelastic code HAWC2, the multibody dynamics code SIMPACK, the three-dimensional finite element code Calyx and a simplified lifetime prediction model for rolling contact fatigue. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's 750 kW wind turbine and its planetary bearing were studied. Design load cases, including normal production, parked and transient load cases, were considered. To obtain the internal bearing load distribution, an advanced approach combining a finite element/contact mechanics model and a response surface model were used. In addition, a traditional approach, the Harris model, was also applied for comparison. The long-term probability distribution of the bearing raceway contact pressure range was then obtained using Weibull and generalized Gamma distribution functions. Finally, we estimated the fatigue life of the bearing, discussed the differences of the methods used to obtain the bearing internal loads and analyzed the effects of the environmental conditions and load cases on the results. The Harris model may underestimate the inner raceway life by 55.7%, which can cause large load fluctuations along the raceways. The bearing fatigue life is very sensitive to the wind distribution and less affected by the transient and parked load cases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysfunction of human cavernous endothelial cells (HCECs) is a common pathological alteration caused by elevated high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes. To explore the protective effects of Icariside II (ICA II) on human cavernous endothelial cells, HCECs were isolated from non-diabetic human donors, cultured under high glucose (HG) conditions and treated with ICA II. The cell apoptosis and proliferation, expression of Ki67 and Erk1/2, antioxidant capacity, and expression of Akt and eNOS were examined. Changes in cell apoptosis and proliferation indicated that HG treatment inhibited HCEC proliferation with lower percentage of Ki67-positive cells and lower expression and phosphorylation of Erk1/2. Furthermore, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of HCECs was reduced under HG conditions. In line with these findings, both expression and phosphorylation of Akt as well as eNOS was down regulated after HG treatment. The reduction in proliferative capacity, p-Erk1/2, p-Akt, and p- eNOS were partially prevented by ICA II in a concentration-dependent manner. The protective effects of ICA II rescued HCEC from injury and dysfunction induced by HG in vitro. ICA II may be a candidate for prevention of the development of diabetic erectile dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate ( TDF) has demonstrated long-term efficacy and a high barrier to resistance in multiple chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) populations outside of China. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TDF compared with adefovir dipivoxil ( ADV) in Chinese patients with CHB during 48 weeks of treatment (ClinicalTrial.gov number, NCT01300234). A Phase 3, multicentred, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of TDF with ADV in Chinese patients with CHB. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with HBV DNA <400 copies/mL in each treatment group at Week 48, using an unpooled Z-test for superiority. Secondary endpoints included viral suppression, serologic response, histological improvement, normalization of alanine aminotransferase ( ALT) levels and the emergence of resistance mutations. A total of 509 patients, 202 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 307 HBeAg-negative, with HBV DNA ≥105 copies/mL received either TDF 300 mg od or ADV 10 mg od. At Week 48, TDF demonstrated superior viral suppression compared with ADV in both HBeAg-positive (76.7% vs 18.2%, P < 0.0001) and HBeAg-negative (96.8% vs 71.2%, P < 0.0001) patients. The majority of patients in both treatment arms achieved ALT normalization (>85%). No resistance to TDF was observed. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between treatment arms ( TDF 3.9% vs ADV 4.8%). In this double-blind, randomized, clinical trial, TDF demonstrated superiority over ADV with respect to viral suppression in Chinese patients with CHB at 48 weeks of treatment and without the development of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several studies have demonstrated the time course of inflammatory mediators in nasal fluids following nasal allergen challenge ( NAC), whereas the effects of NAC on cells in the periphery are unknown. We examined the time course of effector cell markers (for basophils, dendritic cells and T cells) in peripheral blood after nasal grass pollen allergen challenge. Methods Twelve participants with seasonal allergic rhinitis underwent a control (diluent) challenge followed by NAC after an interval of 14 days. Nasal symptoms and peak nasal inspiratory flow ( PNIF) were recorded along with peripheral basophil, T-cell and dendritic cell responses (flow cytometry), T-cell proliferative responses (thymidine incorporation), and cytokine expression ( Fluoro Spot assay). Results Robust increases in nasal symptoms and decreases in PNIF were observed during the early (0-1 h) response and modest significant changes during the late (1-24 h) response. Sequential peaks in peripheral blood basophil activation markers were observed ( CD107a at 3 h, CD63 at 6 h, and CD203cbright at 24 h). T effector/memory cells ( CD4+ CD25lo) were increased at 6 h and accompanied by increases in CD80+ and CD86+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (p DCs). Ex vivo grass antigen-driven T-cell proliferative responses and the frequency of IL-4+ CD4+ T cells were significantly increased at 6 h after NAC when compared to the control day. Conclusion Basophil, T-cell, and dendritic cell activation increased the frequency of allergen-driven IL-4+ CD4+ T cells, and T-cell proliferative responses are detectable in the periphery after NAC. These data confirm systemic cellular activation following a local nasal provocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exergames have started to find their way into field-based settings, such as schools, communities and homes, as a possible solution to curbing physical inactivity and childhood obesity. However, a clear view of the effects of field-based exergaming on children's obesity-related outcomes is lacking. Hence, a systematic review on this topic is warranted. This review synthesizes the impact of field-based exergames on children's physical and psychosocial outcomes. A total of 34 articles conducted in field-based settings were identified from 104 peer-reviewed publications that investigated the effects of exergames. Upon screening, these articles met the inclusion criteria and a high inter-rater agreement for inclusion was reached between the authors. The effects of field-based exergames on children's habitual physical activity ( PA) and obesity-related outcomes (e.g. weight loss, body composition) remain unclear due to design problems, measurement issues and other methodology concerns. In addition, exergame is appealing to children, although strategies are warranted to sustain their interests. In summary, exergames are desirable as a promising addition to promote PA and health. Professionals may integrate exergames at field settings to promote a physically active lifestyle among children with the goal of curbing childhood obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroacupuncture has been demonstrated to be effective at alleviating pain and postoperative side-effects. Our aim was to investigate whether transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation, a low-skill alternative to needle-based electroacupuncture, could improve the quality of recovery after ambulatory surgery. Seventy-two women scheduled for cosmetic breast surgery were randomly allocated to transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation or sham groups. Patients in the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation group received 30 min of electrical stimulation at three acupoints located on the hand and forearm before the induction of general anaesthesia. We found significant mean (SD) differences between the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation and sham groups in the mean (SD) length of recovery room stay (35.6 (12.9) min vs 48.3 (16.3) min, p = 0.01), time to removal of the laryngeal mask airway (10.2 (2.5) min vs 17.8 (4.4) min, p = 0.01), and time to reorientation of the patient (14.6 (3.2) min vs 26.5 (5.0) min, p = 0.01). Further, postoperative pain scores and the incidence of side-effects were all lower in the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation group. In conclusion, transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation can significantly improve the quality of recovery and decrease the incidence of anaesthesia-related side-effects for patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the observational determination of braking indexes of magnetars is still an open question due to the lack of long-term radio emission and strong timing noise. Based on the assumption that the real ages of magnetars are the ages of their host supernova remnants (SNRs), expanding diffuse gaseous nebulae resulting from explosions of massive stars, we obtain the sizes of the braking index n for 11 magnetar candidates with SNRs. According to our calculations, the magnetar braking indexes will be constrained within the range of about 1-40, assuming the measurements of SNRs are reliable. We also investigate the frequency parameters of magnetars with associated SNRs, and estimate possible wind luminosities for magnetars with n < 3 and magnetic field decay rates for magnetars with n > 3. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is an important vector of transovarially transmitted parasites of the genus Babesia (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae). In the present study, we investigated the morphological characteristics and developmental changes of the ovary of H. longicornis. We show that the ovary of H. longicornis has a single tubular structure and is surrounded by a tunica propria. There is a longitudinal groove along one side of the ovary. During feeding and after engorgement, great changes can be observed in the ovary of H. longicornis and two rapid growth phases can be detected. The number of major protein bands of the ovary is significantly increased from day 3 of feeding and reaches a maximum on the day of engorgement. Therefore, the great diversity of proteins in the ovaries of H. longicornis can facilitate the identification of new targets for vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes Sr0.8La0.2TiO3 (SLT)-supported solid oxide fuel cells with a thin (La0.9Sr0.1)0.98Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ (LSGM) electrolyte and porous LSGM anode functional layer (AFL). Optimized processing for the SLT support bisque firing, LSGM electrolyte layer co-firing, and LSGM AFL colloidal composition is presented. Cells without a functional layer yielded a power density of 228 mW cm-2 at 650 °C, while cells with a porous LSGM functional layer yielded a power density of 434 mW cm-2 at 650 °C. Cells with an AFL yielded a higher open circuit voltage, possibly due to reduced Ti diffusion into the electrolyte. Infiltration produced Ni nanoparticles within the support and AFL, which proved crucial for the electrochemical activity of the anode. Power densities increased with increasing Ni loadings, reaching 514 mW cm-2 at 650 °C for 5.1 vol.% Ni loading. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis indicated that the cell resistance was dominated by the cathode and electrolyte resistance with the anode resistance being relatively small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) use and losses in China's food chain have accelerated in the past three decades, driven by population growth, rapid urbanization, dietary transition, and changing nutrient management practice. There has been little detailed quantitative analysis of the relative magnitude of these driving forces throughout this period. Therefore, we analyzed changes in N and P flows and key drivers behind changes in the food (production and consumption) chain at the national scale from 1980 to 2010. Food (N and P) consumption increased by about fivefold in urban settings over this period but has decreased in rural settings since the 1990s. For urban settings, the integrated driving forces for increased food consumption were population growth, which accounted for ~60%, and changing urban diets toward a greater emphasis on the consumption of animal products. Nutrient inputs and losses in crop and animal productions have continuously increased from 1980 to 2010, but the rates of decadal increase were greatly different. Increased total inputs and losses in crop production were primarily driven by increased crop production for food demand (68-96%) in the 1980s but were likely offset in the 2000s by improved nutrient management practices, as evidenced by decreased total inputs to and losses from cropland for harvesting per nutrient in crop. The contributions of animal production to total N and P losses to waters from the food chain increased by 34 and 60% from 1980 to 2010. These increases were caused mainly by decreased ratios of manure returned to cropland. Our study highlights a larger impact of changing nutrient management practice than population growth on elevated nutrient flows in China's food chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term monoculture of watermelon results in inhibited growth and decreased crop yields, possibly because of imbalance in microbial ecology caused by accumulation of the pathogen in soil. This results in serious problems in the economics of watermelon production. We investigated the build-up of Fusarium in soil under watermelon cultivation and changes over 3 yr of fallow in a microcosm. We focused on changes in the microbial community of Fusarium-infected soil, including the diversity of the microfloral species composition, and species abundance. Long-term monoculture of watermelon leads to changes in microbial diversity and community structure. The microbes most readily cultured from infested soil were suppressed by watermelon wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum ( FON). Of 52 isolated and identified culturable microbes, 83.3% of bacteria, 85.7% of actinomycetes, 31.6% of fungi and 20.0% of Fusarium sp. were inhibited by FON on bioassay plates. Prior to fallowing, infested soil was a transformed 'fungus-type' soil. After 3 yr of fallow, the infested soil had remediated naturally, and soil microbial diversity recovered considerably. Abundance of dominant bacterial populations was increased by 118-177%, actinomycetes, fungi and FON were decreased by 23-32, 33-37 and 50%, respectively. The ratio of bacteria: actnomycetes: fungus: Fusarium sp. in infested soil changed from 24 000:100:4:1 prior to fallow to 57 000:100:3.5:1 after fallowing, nearer to the 560 000:400:8:1 ratio of healthy soil not used for watermelon cultivation. This suggests the 'fungus-type' soil was converting to 'bacteria-type' soil and that disrupted microbial communities in infested soil were restored during fallow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of telbivudine 600 mg/day compared with lamivudine 100 mg/day for 48 weeks of treatment in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. Data were reviewed retrospectively from 165 hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients (55 compensated patients and 110 decompensated) who received antiviral therapy with telbivudine or lamivudine. Serum alanine aminotransferase ( ALT) and hepatitis B virus ( HBV) DNA levels, hepatitis B e antigen ( HBe Ag) loss and seroconversion, histological improvement and various adverse events ( AEs) were evaluated. Baseline characteristics were comparable. ALT levels declined but showed no significant difference in treatment with telbivudine or lamivudine ( P > 0.05). Reduction in serum HBV DNA levels was evident by week 4 in compensated HBV-related cirrhosis patients (telbivudine, 2.34 log10 copies/mL; lamivudine, 2.07 log10 copies/mL; P = 0.02) and persisted by week 8. Patients administrated with telbivudine had slightly greater HBe Ag loss and seroconversion than patients with lamivudine, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). Accumulative HBe Ag loss was seen at week 48 (25.0% vs 25.0% and 13.3% vs 10.0% for telbivudine vs lamivudine in compensated and decompensated cirrhotic groups, respectively), as well as HBe Ag seroconversion (15.0% vs 8.3% and 8.9% vs 6.7%). Mean Knodell Histologic Activity Index scores decreased in both compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients (3.92 vs 3.64, 3.85 vs 3.73, for telbivudine vs lamivudine). Telbivudine and lamivudine were both well tolerated with minor AEs. The results of this study support telbivudine as an effective therapy for patients with both compensated and decompensated HBV-related cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of sequential use of telbivudine in hepatitis B e antigen ( HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with partial responses to pegylated interferon. Patients with partial responses to 48 weeks of pegylated interferon treatment were divided into two groups. In group A, patients stopped pegylated interferon directly without sequential treatment. In group B, patients received sequential treatment with telbivudine 600 mg/day. HBeAg, HBeAb, hepatitis B virus ( HBV) DNA, alanine aminotransferase ( ALT) and creatine kinase levels were determined at baseline and at weeks 12, 24, 36 and 48. Responses and safety were assessed after 48 weeks of telbivudine treatment. Thirty-six patients were recruited. Eighteen of these patients stopped pegylated interferon without sequential treatment (group A). After 48 weeks of follow-up, five patients (28%) had undergone HBe Ag seroconversion, nine patients (50%) had undetectable levels of HBV DNA, and 11 patients (61%) achieved normal alanine aminotransferase ( ALT) levels. The other 18 patients received sequential telbivudine treatment (group B). After 48 weeks of treatment, 11 patients (61%) had undergone HBe Ag seroconversion, and all patients had undetectable levels of HBV DNA and normal ALT levels. All patients tolerated sequential telbivudine treatment, and only slightly elevated creatine kinase levels were observed. Switching to telbivudine therapy was efficient and safe in HBe Ag-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with partial responses to 48 weeks of pegylated interferon. Sequential treatment with telbivudine resulted in an HBe Ag seroconversion rate of 61% and an HBV DNA loss rate of 100% after 48 weeks. This promising strategy warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To perform a follow-up of 25 Chinese children with gene-confirmed PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration ( PLAN). Methods We recruited patients with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy ( INAD) according to the criteria proposed by Nardocci et al. Follow-up was conducted from 7 months to 8 years after the first visit. The PLA2G6 gene was sequenced, and copy number variation ( CNV) was detected in patients with only one mutant allele and in mutation-negative patients. Patients with late-onset PLAN until 2012 were reviewed. Results All patients with INAD exhibited rapid decline in motor and mental function, consistent with previous reports from other populations. Epileptic seizures occurred in 16.7%. One teenager with late-onset PLAN was diagnosed and followed up. The age of disease onset in published late-onset PLAN ranged between 18 months and 37 years. Initial presentations included gait instability (79.0%), mood/behavior changes (10.5%), dysarthria (5.26%) and cognitive deterioration (5.3%). Compared with INAD, cerebellar atrophy (42.1%) was less frequent in the late-onset cases, with cerebral atrophy more common (71.4%). Brain iron accumulation was seen in 52.6%. PLA2G6 mutations were identified by DNA sequencing in 92.3% of clinically diagnosed INAD cases and in the late-onset case. Twenty-seven different mutations were found, of which 13 were novel. No CNVs were detected. Maternal uniparental disomy was confirmed in one INAD case. Conclusions This is the largest report on PLAN in the Chinese population. We suggest that PLA2G6 should be screened in any patient exhibiting progressive gait disturbance, bradykinesia, dysarthria, tremors, mood/behavior changes or cognitive decline, especially when associated with cerebellar atrophy and/or iron accumulation and/or cerebral atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dormancy is of great significance in the growth and development of deciduous fruit trees. We used a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) to identify the differentially expressed proteome of Japanese apricot flower buds at four critical stages, from paradormancy before leaf fall to dormancy release. More than 400 highly reproducible protein spots (P < 0.05) were detected: 34 protein spots showed a greater than twofold difference in expression values, of which 32 protein spots were confidently identified from databases. Identified proteins were classified into six functional categories: stress response and defence (11), energy metabolism (ten), protein metabolism (five), cell structure (three), transcription (one) and unclassified (two). The glyoxalase I homologue could help Japanese apricot survival under various abiotic and biotic stresses, greatly contributing to its dormancy. Enolase, thioredoxin family proteins and triose phosphate isomerase provide adequate energy to complete consecutive dormancy release and bud break in Japanese apricot. Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 9 and arginase enhance the resilience of plants, enabling them to complete dormancy safely. Analysis of functions of identified proteins and related metabolic pathways will increase our knowledge of dormancy in woody plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The neuroprotective effects of xenon post-conditioning following spinal cord injury remain unknown. We monitored the effect of xenon post-conditioning on the spinal cord following ischaemia-reperfusion injury and determined its mechanism of action. Methods Spinal cord ischaemia was induced following balloon occlusion of the thoracic aorta in male Sprague- Dawley rats. Rats were divided into three groups ( n = 30 in each group). The control group underwent ischaemia-reperfusion injury and immediately inhaled 50% (v/v) nitrogen at the time of reperfusion for 60 min continuously. The xenon-post-conditioning group underwent the same surgical procedure and immediately inhaled 50% (v/v) xenon at the time of reperfusion for 60 min continuously. The sham operation group underwent the same surgical procedure without aortic catheter occlusion and inhaled the same gas as that in control rats. Neurologic function was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score at 4, 24, and 48 h after reperfusion. Histological changes were observed using Nissl staining, the ultrastructure of the spinal cord was examined using transmission electron microscopy, and apoptosis was monitored using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labelling. Results Compared with the control group, the xenon-post-conditioning group showed improved neurologic outcomes (11.3 ± 1.6 vs. 15.7 ± 3.1, respectively) and had more morphologically normal neurons (6 ± 2 vs. 12 ± 3) at 48 h after reperfusion. Moreover, apoptotic cell death in xenon-treated rats was reduced when compared with control rats (18.29 ± 3.06 vs. 27.34 ± 3.63, P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions Xenon post-conditioning exerts a neuroprotective effect on the spinal cord following ischaemia-reperfusion injury via its anti-apoptotic role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Japanese, Koreans and Caucasians, narcolepsy/hypocretin deficiency is tightly associated with the DRB1* 15:01- DQA1* 01:02- DQB1* 06:02 haplotype. Studies in African-Americans suggest a primary effect of DQB1* 06:02, but this observation has been difficult to confirm in other populations because of high linkage disequilibrium between DRB1* 15:01/3 and DQB1* 06:02 in most populations. In this study, we studied human leucocyte antigen ( HLA) class II in 202 Chinese narcolepsy patients (11% from South China) and found all patients to be DQB1* 06:02 positive. Comparing cases with 103 unselected controls, and 110 and 79 controls selected for the presence of DQB1* 06:02 and DRB1* 15:01, we found that the presence of DQB1* 06:02 and not DRB1* 15:01 was associated with narcolepsy. In particular, Southern Chinese haplotypes such as the DRB1* 15:01- DQA1* 01:02- DQB1* 06:01 and DRB1* 15:01- DQA1* 01:02- DQB1* 05 were not associated with narcolepsy. As reported in Japanese, Koreans, African-Americans and Caucasians, additional protective effects of DQA1* 01 (non- DQA1* 01:02) and susceptibility effects of DQB1* 03:01 were observed. These results illustrate the extraordinary conservation of HLA class II effects in narcolepsy across populations and show that DRB1* 15:01 has no effect on narcolepsy susceptibility in the absence of DQB1* 06:02. The results are also in line with a previously proposed ' HLA-DQ allelic competition model' that involves competition between non- DQA1* 01:02, non- DQB1* 06:02 'competent' (able to dimerize together) DQ1 alleles and the major DQ α*01:02/ DQ β*06:02 narcolepsy heterodimer to reduce susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The effects of SSB (superheated steam blanching) time (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 min) and drying temperature (50, 60, 70 and 80C) on drying kinetics and quality of yam slices under air impingement drying were investigated in this paper. Results indicated that the positive effect of SSB on drying rate might be overshowed by the negative effect of starch gelatinization and appropriate SSB could accelerate drying rate, whereas the effect of excessive SSB is reversed. The moisture effective diffusivity ranged from 1.1540 × 10− 9 to 2.8431 × 10−9 m2/s, calculated using Fick's second law of diffusion. The activation energy determined from the slope of the Arrhenius plot, ln(Deff ) versus 1/(T + 273.15), was 20.925 kJ/mol. Moderate increase in SSB time or decrease in drying temperature can improve the whiteness index of dried yam slices, whereas increase in SSB time and drying temperature can decrease the rehydration ratio of dried yam slices. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Yam is a nutritional, economical and healthy plant, which has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Fresh yams having relatively high-moisture contents are very sensitive to microbial spoilage. Drying is one of the most common methods used for yam preservation. In China, the natural sun-drying method is commonly used for drying yam. However, it requires a long drying time and the final product may be contaminated by dust and insects, especially toxic substances. Blanching is an essential step before the processing of vegetables and fruits, as it can accelerate the drying rate and prevent quality deterioration. Air impingement drying is an efficient drying technology, which has been successfully used in paper and textile industries. Understanding the effect of superheated steam blanching time and drying temperature on hot air impingement drying kinetics and quality of yam slices is helpful for improving the drying process efficiency and quality of dried yam slices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]