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Abstract: Due to the spare multipath property of the channel, a channel estimation method, which is based on partial superimposed training sequence and compressed sensing theory, is proposed for line of sight optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing communication systems. First, a continuous training sequence is added at variable power ratio to the cyclic prefix of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols at the transmitter prior to transmission. Then the observation matrix of compressed sensing theory is structured by the use of the training symbols at receiver. Finally, channel state information is estimated using sparse signal reconstruction algorithm. Compared to traditional training sequences, the proposed partial superimposed training sequence not only improves the spectral efficiency, but also reduces the influence to information symbols. In addition, compared with classical least squares and linear minimum mean square error methods, the proposed compressed sensing theory based channel estimation method can improve both the estimation accuracy and the system performance. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lower Cambrian shale and lower Silurian shale are both typical of oil-prone kerogen and siliceous composition, but different in thermal maturities. Porosity differences were determined in marine shales between the two shales. Measurements were utilized including organic geochemistry, XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2 gas adsorption. Pore volume (PV) of lower Silurian shale was approximately 1.5 times higher than that of lower Cambrian shale, and pore surface area (PSA) of lower Silurian shale was almost 2.5 times higher than that of lower Cambrian shale. Lower Cambrian shale and lower Silurian shale possess similar materials, but distinctive thermal degrees. Evolution mechanisms of different types of pores, especially organic matter (OM)-hosted pores, may trigger this different pore features. Pores of rigid framework are the residue of primary interparticle pores during the burial history. Pores associated with clay flakes can be preserved well adjacent to rigid grains or secondary minerals acting as rigid frameworks or grain supporters. Dissolved pores in both lower Cambrian shale and lower Silurian shale barely contribute to the total porosity and mean little to the permeability. Both excessive OM content and over thermal maturity are detrimental to development of OM-hosted pores. Rigid particles, clay flakes, and OM commonly co-exist within shale matrix. Rigid grains act as supporters, clay flakes confine ample space, and OM first migrates into and provides secondary OM-hosted pores. In this condition, pores can be preserved owing to associating matrix with good mechanic and chemical stability. The significant differences of structural settings result into various hydrocarbon explosion efficiency and different pressure circumstance, which consequently leads to the different pore features between the two shales. For lower Cambrian shale, overpressure circumstance diminish if hydrocarbon expels outside of the shale system, and OM-hosted pores destroy through compaction. Sustaining overpressure and abundant residue hydrocarbon (migrated OM) make positive contributions to the pore properties, in terms of numbers, diameters and connectivity of the lower Silurian shale samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study explored the application of four-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (4D CBCT) in lung cancer patients, seeking to improve the accuracy of radiotherapy and to establish a uniform protocol for the application of 4D CBCT in radiotherapy for lung cancer. Methods: 4D CBCT was applied to evaluate tumor volume response (TVR), motion, and center coordinates during radiotherapy in 67 eligible individuals with lung cancer diagnoses. The differences between 4D CBCT and 3D CBCT in different registration methods were compared. Results: TVR was observed during treatment in 41% of patients (28/67), with a mean volume reduction of 41.7% and a median time to TVR of 19 days. Tumor motion was obvious in 16 patients, with a mean value of 0.52 cm (0.22 to 1.34 cm), and in 3 of 6 tumors close to the diaphragm (0.28 to 0.66 cm). Gray value registration based on mean density projection could still achieve close results to the 4D gray value registration. However, when the registration was based on bone alone, partial off-targeting occurred in the treatment in 41.8% of cases. The off-target rate was 19.0% when the tumor motion was ≤ 0.5 cm and 52.2% when the motion was > 0.5 cm. Conclusion: Tumor volume and motion of intrapulmonary lesions in individuals diagnosed with lung cancer varied significantly in the third week of radiotherapy. 4D CBCT may be more advantageous for isolated lesions without reference to relative anatomical structures or those near the diaphragm. Grayscale registration based on mean density projection is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Caregiving stress process models suggest that heterogeneous contexts differentially contribute to caregivers' experiences of role overload and gains. End-of-life (EOL) caregivers, especially EOL dementia caregivers, facing unique challenges and care tasks, may experience role overload and gains in different ways than other caregivers. This study evaluates measurement invariance of role overload and gains between EOL caregivers and non-EOL caregivers and between EOL dementia and EOL non-dementia caregivers. Methods We utilized role gains and overload data from 1,859 family caregivers who participated in Round 7 of the National Study of Caregiving. We ran confirmatory factor analyses to investigate the factorial structure across all caregivers and then examined the structure's configural, metric, and scalar invariance between (a) EOL caregivers and non-EOL caregivers and (b) EOL dementia and EOL non-dementia caregivers. Results Across the entire sample, the two-factor overload and gains model had good fit (χ 2(19) = 121.37, p <.0001; RMSEA =.053, 90% CI = [.044,.062]; CFI =.954; TLI =.932). Tests of invariance comparing EOL caregivers to non-EOL caregivers and EOL dementia caregivers to EOL non-dementia caregivers maintained configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance. Latent mean comparisons revealed that EOL caregivers had higher role overload (p =.0002), but no different role gains (p =.45), than non-EOL caregivers. Likewise, EOL dementia caregivers had higher role overload (p =.05), but no different role gains (p =.42), than EOL non-dementia caregivers. Discussion Results offer both a deeper theoretical understanding of end-of-life dementia caregivers' experiences of role overload and gains, and a practical tool to measure those experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The survival of patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma has not improved in the past three decades because of chemoresistance. Aim: This study aimed to improve the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma. Settings and Design: From January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, a total of 14 patients with osteosarcoma were enrolled who underwent mini patient-derived xenograft (mini-PDX) assay in our hospital. Methods and Materials: We recruited 14 patients with osteosarcoma having acquirable lesions to establish PDX models and examine the sensitivity of nine drugs, including methotrexate (MTX), ifosfamide (IFO), epirubicin, and etoposide. Drug sensitivity was evaluated using the tumor relative proliferation rate (TRPR), and the patients' responses were assessed according to the RECIST 1.1 guidelines. Statistical Analysis Used: The difference in TRPR was analyzed using a paired t-test, while progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: The mini-PDX results revealed that IFO had a lower tumor proliferation rate than MTX, indicating that IFO was more sensitive in patients with osteosarcoma (38.3% vs. 84.3%, P = 0.031). Thus, the regimen where IFO alternates with doxorubicin and cisplatin was recommended as adjuvant chemotherapy. MTX could replace IFO if the TRPR was better. Finally, 11 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. A comparison of PFS revealed that sensitive patients with TRPR of <40% had a better prognosis (9.4 months vs. 3.7 months, P = 0.0324). Conclusions: Chemotherapy based on mini-PDX can improve the survival of patients with osteosarcoma whose TRPR was <40%, and that chemotherapy without MTX could be an alternative for osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Currently, as a neoadjuvant conversion therapy (NCT), pazopanib combined with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy could improve the pathological response of unresectable soft tissue sarcoma (uSTS). However, there is no available evidence of its effectiveness with respect to tumor reduction and surgical margins. In China, anlotinib is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that is approved for STS. In this study, adding anlotinib to adriamycin and ifosfamide resulted in an increased rate of tumor regression, surgical conversion and R0 resection in patients with uSTS, particularly for synovial sarcoma and liposarcoma. Severe toxicities are more frequent than monotherapy, but they are controllable. (1) Background: This study investigated the safety and efficiency of adriamycin and ifosfamide combined with anlotinib (AI/AN) as a neoadjuvant conversion therapy in uSTS. (2) Methods: Patients with uSTS were eligible to receive AI/An, including adriamycin (20 mg/m2/d) and ifosfamide (3 g/m2/d) for the first to the third day combined with anlotinib (12 mg/d) for 2 weeks on/1 week off, all of which combine to comprise one cycle. Surgery was recommended after four cycles of treatment. (3) Results: A total of 28 patients were enrolled from June 2018 to December 2020. The best tumor responses included eight patients with partial responses and 20 with a stable disease. Patients with synovial sarcoma and liposarcoma had a significant decrease in the number of tumors compared with fibrosarcoma (p = 0.012; p = 0.042). The overall response rate and disease control rate were 28.57% and 100%, respectively. In total, 24 patients received surgery, while the rates of limb salvage and R0 resection were 91.67% (n = 22/24) and 87.50% (n = 21/24), respectively. Until the last follow-up visit, the mean PFS and RFS were 21.70 and 23.97 months, respectively. During drug administration, 67.87% of patients had grade ≥3 AEs. No treatment-related death occurred. (4) Conclusions: AI/AN followed by surgery showed favorable efficiency and manageable safety in patients with uSTS. A randomized controlled study with a large cohort should be performed for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several chemotherapy regimens have been used as second-line therapies for relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). None have emerged as a preferred regimen. This retrospective study aimed to identify a regimen with high efficacy and low toxicity for patients with relapsed and refractory DLBCL. Fifty-eight patients diagnosed with relapsed or refractory DLBCL were included in the study. Patients were treated with cyclophosphamide, vindesine, cytarabine, dexamethasone and bleomycin (COAD-B). The overall response rate (ORR) was 70.7%, and the median remission duration was 13 months (3-48 months). The 1-, 2- and 4-year overall survival rates were 62.4%, 45.7% and 34.6%, respectively. The 1-, 2- and 4-year progression-free survival rates were 50.0%, 36.7% and 20.7%, respectively. The responses of patients with relapsed DLBCL to COAD-B were significantly better than those of patients with refractory DLBCL ( p = 0.005). The main adverse reaction of patients was myelosuppression. Our data indicate that COAD-B should be used in treatment of patients with relapsed DLBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) has been found in cardiac and skeletal tissues. It is overexpressed in ischemic cardiac tissues. Down-regulation of miR-1 could relieve arrhythmogenesis by the anti-miR-1 antisense oligonucleotides (AMO-1). To increase the therapeutic efficiency and inhibit off-target effects of AMO-1, here we explored anti-cardiac troponin I (cTnI) antibody modified liposomes loading with AMO-1 (cT-A-LIP) to deliver the oligonucleotides to ischemic myocardium tissues. Liposomal cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay. The targeting abilities to foci were evaluated by in vivo imaging. The uptake and bio-distribution in vitro were observed by live cell station and flow cytometry, respectively. The anti-arrhythmic effects of cT-A-LIP in vivo were evaluated by electrocardiograms (ECG), immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and patch-clamp recording. Immunohistochemistry showed that cTnI expression had a peak at the third day after myocardial infarction (MI). After cT-LIP administration via tail vein, accumulation of fluorescent trackers in the ischemic foci was significantly increased more than that of LIP. In addition, after cT-A-LIP administration, the ischemic arrhythmias were recovered and ST segment in ECG was elevated nearly back to normal. Compared with MI group, miR-1 expression was significantly down-regulated while Kir2.1 and CX43 protein expression were increased. Patch-clamp recordings showed that cT-A-LIP as well as AMO-1 incubation increased K+ current density in guinea pigs ventricular cardiomyocytes acting on repolarized membrane potential. In conclusion, the cT-A-LIP not only delivered AMO-1 to ischemic myocardium in MI rats, but validated AMO-1 on relieving ischemic arrhythmia by silencing of miR-1 in ischemic myocardium and restoring the depolarized resting membrane potential (RMP) in MI rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) perform different functions in different diseases. The cells were reported to protect myocarditis. However, the detail relationships between iNKT and Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis remain unclear. In order to investigate the correlation between the severity of CVB3-induced inflammation infiltration and the proportion of iNKT in the spleen and circulating blood, BALB/c mice were grouped into three groups according to the inflammation infiltration area of heart sections. The proportion of iNKT in CD3-positive cells in the spleen correlated negatively with the inflammation area (linear fit; R2=0.93) and virus capsid protein VP1 (linear fit; R2=0.84) in the myocardial tissue, while the proportion of iNKT in CD3-positive cells in the PBMC positively correlated with the inflammation area (linear fit; R2=0.91) and virus capsid protein VP1 (linear fit; R2=0.93) in the myocardial tissue. The results imply that iNKT might be used as a parameter for the diagnosis of myocarditis in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Establishing an in vitro model of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection in H9c2 cells. [•] CVB3 infection triggers intracellular calpain activity. [•] Calpain activity facilitates CVB3 replication via enhancing autophagy. [•] Both calpain and autophagy hinder the early phase host cell apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A goldfish model was established to investigate the toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) exposure on multiple organs. [•] NMR based metabolomics approach were firstly used to provide a global view of the toxicity of LCT. [•] LCT induced neurotransmitters and osmoregulatory imbalances, oxidative stress, energy and amino acid metabolic disorders. [•] Glutamate–glutamine–GABA axis as a potential target for LCT toxicity was first found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To compare the scaling properties of the English, Spanish, French, and Chinese versions of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L descriptive systems. Methods: Members of the general populations in the UK, Spain, France, and China were interviewed to measure the severity of health problems represented by the response labels used in the EQ-5D descriptive systems using a visual analog scale. Multiple linear regression models were used to compare the perceived label severity across the four language groups. Severity scores for labels from each EQ-5D-5L dimension scale were compared with each other to assess ordinality. Results: EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-3L labels used for describing different levels of health problems were rated differently, while those describing the same level of health problems were rated similarly. For example, the deviation of any group mean from the grand severity mean score for the label ‘slight(ly)’ was no larger than 5 points on a 0–100 scale for all five EQ-5D dimensions ( p > 0.05 for all, t tests). Label ratings violating hypothesized ordinality of the EQ-5D-5L scales were observed in only a small proportion of respondents. Conclusions: Our study provided some preliminary evidence supporting the ordinality and equivalence of the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-3L descriptive systems across four major languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PA6 thermal conductive composites were prepared by twin-screw extruder. [•] Carbon fiber and glass fiber were introduced separately to the composites. [•] Increasing carbon fiber content increased thermal conductivity of the composites. [•] Increasing glass fiber decreased thermal conductivity of the composites slightly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), NK-HDAC-1, on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and pathogenic fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The proliferation and apoptosis of FLSs treated with NK-HDAC-1 were evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescence staining. The effect of NK-HDAC-1 treatment on pro-inflammatory cytokine production was determined by ELISA. CIA was established in DBA/1 mice, and NK-HDAC-1 or vehicle was administered daily after the onset of arthritis. Clinical and histological scores were calculated to assess the therapeutic efficacy of NK-HDAC-1. NK-HDAC-1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of FLSs through cell cycle arrest at the G2/M checkpoint and enhanced apoptosis of FLSs. The activity of caspases was increased during NK-HDAC-1 treatment. IL-6 production by FLSs was also suppressed by NK-HDAC-1. Furthermore, the oral administration of NK-HDAC-1 significantly enhanced synoviocyte apoptosis in vivo and inhibited CIA progression. Compared with subcroylanilide hydroxamic acid which exhibited moderate prophylactic efficacy, NK-HDAC-1 demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in CIA. NK-HDAC-1 is a novel HDACi that may ameliorate inflammatory arthritis by regulating the activation, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses of FLSs. This is the first study to support that NK-HDAC-1 may be a potential therapeutic agent for RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A thermally stable mesoporous ZrO2–CeO2–TiO2 was prepared. [•] The ZrO2–CeO2–TiO2 had a high surface area due to the enhanced thermal stability. [•] The ZrO2–CeO2–TiO2 had a good optical absorption capacity in the visible range. [•] The ZrO2–CeO2–TiO2 was effective for the degradation of Rhodamine B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Th17 cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of myocarditis. Interleukin (IL)-17A produced by Th17 cells is dispensable for viral myocarditis but essential for the progression to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This study investigated whether the adenoviral transfer of the IL-17 receptor A reduces myocardial remodeling and dysfunction in viral myocarditis leading to DCM. In a mouse model of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced chronic myocarditis, the delivery of the adenovirus-containing IL-17 receptor A (Ad-IL17RA:Fc) reduced IL-17A production and decreased the number of Th17 cells in the spleen and heart, leading to the down-regulation of systemic TNF-α and IL-6 production. Cardiac function improved significantly in the Ad-IL17R:Fc- compared with the Ad-null-treated mice 3 months after the first CVB3 infection. Ad-IL17R:Fc reduced the left ventricle dilation and decreased the mortality in viral myocarditis, leading to DCM (56% in the Ad-IL17R:Fc versus 76% in the Ad-null group). The protective effects of Ad-IL17R-Fc on remodeling correlated with the attenuation of myocardial collagen deposition and the reduction of fibroblasts in CVB3-infected hearts, which was accompanied by the down-regulation of A distintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motifs (ADAMTS-1), Matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2), and collagen subtypes I and III in the heart. Moreover, in cultured cardiac fibroblasts, IL-17A induced the expression of ADAMTS-1, MMP-2, and collagen subtypes I and III and increased the proliferation of fibroblasts. We determined that the delivery of IL-17-RA:Fc reduces cardiac remodeling, improves function, and decreases mortality in viral myocarditis leading to DCM, possibly by suppressing fibrosis. Therefore, the adenoviral transfer of the IL-17 receptor A may represent an alternative therapy for chronic viral myocarditis and its progression to DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Uplift of the TP intensified material supplies to Qaidam Basin from the rocks in the Kunlun and Altyn Mts. • Gypsum in the Qaidam Basin has variable Sr contents related to climate change and tectonic activity. • Sr-Nd isotopes are useful for the study of evaporite origins and tectonic and climatic interaction. The extremely thick sedimentary sequence in the Qaidam Basin, northeastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) is closely related to the uplift of the TP. Due to the scarcity of minerals that can be dated continuously, little is known about the isotopic responses of the minerals in this area to the changes in the weathering and sources over a long time period. A 938.5-m long core (magnetostratigraphic age of ∼ 2.8–0.1 Ma) was drilled in the western Qaidam Basin in 2008. The mineralogy and isotopic compositions of gypsum in this core were investigated. The gypsum recorded the primary information about the brine that formed during ∼ 2.8–0.1 Ma. The variations in the Sr isotopes (0.709817–0.714473, average of 0.711249) and Nd (0.512114–0.512614, average of 0.512184) of the gypsum samples suggest that the weathering products of the rocks in the Kunlun and Altyn mountains (Mts) likely exerted a strong control on the Sr-Nd isotopes of the lakes. The climate and the Sr content/isotopic compositions of the gypsum samples were affected by the regional tectonic activities throughout the evolution of the paleolake since 2.8 Ma. The results of this study demonstrate that Sr-Nd isotopes are useful tools for investigating the origins of evaporite deposits and the interactions between tectonic activities and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three subtype H5 avian influenza virus strains (H5N2, H5N3 and H5N8), were isolated from wild birds in China in 2020. • The viruses have undergone complicate reassortment by acquiring genes from AIVs of both Eurasian and North American lineages. • These H5 viruses derived from wild birds can replicate and transmit efficiently in ducks. • These H5 viruses have the ability to replicate in mammalian cells, and can replicate in BALB/c mice without prior adaptation. Low pathogenic avian influenza virus, H5 or H7 subtype, possesses the potential capability to change to highly pathogenic variant, which damages wild waterfowl, domestic poultry, and mammalian hosts. In regular active surveillance of avian influenza virus from wild birds in China in 2020, we isolated six H5 avian influenza viruses, including one H5N2, two H5N3, and three H5N8. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the H5N2 and H5N3 isolates clustered into Eurasian lineage, whereas the H5N8 viruses were originated in North America. The HA proteins of six viruses carried the cleavage-site motif PQRETR↓GLF, which indicated low pathogenicity of the viruses in chickens. However, the N30D, I43M, and T215A mutations in M1 protein and the P42S, I106M, and C138F residues changed in NS1 protein, implying all viruses could exhibit increased virulence in mice. Viral replication kinetics in mammalian cells demonstrated that the three representative viruses had the ability to replicate in both MDCK cells and A549 cells with low titers. Even though two of three representatives, WS/SX/S3-620/2020(H5N3) and ML/AH/A3-770/2020(H5N8), did not replicate and transmit efficiently in poultry (chickens), they did replicate and transmit efficiently in waterfowl (ducks). Viral pathogenicity in mice indicated that both H5N2 and H5N3 viruses are able to replicate in the nasal turbinates and lungs of mice without prior adaptation, while the H5N8 virus could not. The intercontinental and cross-species transmission of viruses may continuously exist in China, thereby providing constant opportunities for virus reassortment with local resident AIVs. Thus, it is crucial to continuously monitor migration routes for AIVs by systematic surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A home-made computer-controlled direct laser writing micromachining system was designed; • A disposable LIPG flexible electrode was prepared by one-step laser-induced patterned procedure; • A novel wireless intelligent flexible mini-sensor was applied to detect SA in agro-products. Agro-sensors not only require less sample consumption, high measurement accuracy, fast response speed, strong reliability, low cost, but also require miniaturization, intellectualization, portability, integrating and networking. Here, we proposed a wireless intelligent flexible mini-sensor for votammetric smart analysis of salicylic acid (SA) in real samples using a disposable laser-induced porous graphene (LIPG) electrode prepared by a home-made computer-controlled direct-laser writing micromachining system. Disposable LIPG flexible electrodes were patterned through a simple one-step laser-induced procedure on the commercial polyimide (PI) film and displayed excellent flexibility, highly specific surface area, high porosity preferable conductivity and satisfactory stability. Machine learning model was selected to realize smart analysis of SA using both a least squares support vector machine algorithm and an artificial neural network algorithm by comparing with the traditional model. A wireless intelligent flexible mini-sensor was assembled by a portable mini-potentiostat with Bluetooth wireless communication coupled with tablet computer and the LIPG electrode, which can be used to replace traditional large-scale workstation coupled with both desktop computer and glassy carbon electrode. This work will provide a preliminary foundation for the future development and exploration of internet of things sensing platform for the quality and safety of agro-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Progresses on fish steroidogenic pathway revealed by gene editing were summarized. • Functional studies confirm role of estrogen, Esr2a and 2b in fish sex determination. • Future directions on mechanism of estrogen on fish sex determination were discussed. The involvement of sex steroids in sex determination and differentiation is relatively conserved among non-mammalian vertebrates, especially in fish. Thanks to the advances in genome sequencing and genome editing, significant progresses have been made in the understanding of steroidogenic pathway and hormonal regulation of sex determination and differentiation in fish. It seems that loss of function study of single gene challenges the traditional views that estrogen is required for ovarian differentiation and androgen is needed for testicular development, but it is not so in essence. Steroidogenic enzymes can be classified into two categories based on expression and enzyme activities in fish. One type, encoded by star2 , cyp17a1 and cyp19a1a , is involved in estrogen production and exclusively expressed in the gonads. Mutation of these genes results in the up-regulation of male pathway genes and sex reversal from genetic female to male. The other type, encoded by the duplicated paralogs of the above genes, including star1 , cyp11a1 , cyp17a2 and cyp19a1b , as well as cyp11c1 gene, is dominantly expressed both in gonads and extra-gonadal tissues. Mutation of these genes alters the steroids (androgen, DHP and cortisol) production and spermatogenesis, fertility, secondary sexual characteristics and sexual behavior, but usually does not affect the sex differentiation. For the estrogen receptors (esr1 , esr2a and esr2b), single mutation failed to, but double and triple mutation leads to sex reversal from female to male, indicating that at least Esr2a and Esr2b are required to mediate the role of estrogen in sex determination proved by gene editing experiments. Taken together, results from gene editing enrich our understanding of steroid synthesis pathways and further confirm the critical role of estrogen in female sex determination by antagonizing the male pathway in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of myocarditis/pericarditis incidences has been reported after coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccination in adolescents and young adults. This study was designed to investigate the incidence rate of—and risk for—myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination in the United States according to age and vaccine type. This study used the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) from 11 December 2020 to 13 August 2021. A population-based data mining approach was performed based on the reporting odds ratio (ROR). Adverse events of myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination were rare, with an incidence rate of 5.98 (95% CI = 5.73–6.24) cases per million doses administered. The incidence rate was higher in adolescents and after the administration of the second dose of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. Overall, two mRNA vaccines were significantly associated with increased risks for myocarditis/pericarditis (mRNA-1273 (Moderna): ROR = 2.91, 95% CI = 2.21–3.83; BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech): ROR = 5.37, 95% CI = 4.10–7.04) compared to all other vaccines from VAERS. The viral vector vaccine of Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen) was not associated with signals of myocarditis/pericarditis (ROR = 1.39; 95% CI = 0.99–1.97). This study found increased risks for myocarditis/pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. For patients at high risk for myocarditis/pericarditis or with myocardial injuries, the viral vector vaccine may be an alternative for consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qaidam Basin is a tectonically controlled Mesozoic–Cenozoic depression on the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. A 938.5 m-long core was drilled in the Qahansilatu sub-basin in the western Qaidam Basin, with an average core recovery of 95%. It revealed alternating salt layers and carbonate clay layers. Samples were collected at 10–40 cm intervals for mineralogical analysis by XRD and chemical analysis by ICP-OES. The lower 538.5 m sediments are composed of halite, gypsum, anhydrite, gaylussite, calcite, aragonite, ankerite, dolomite, and an unnamed mineral (Mg0.92Ca0.08CO3·3H2O), with trace eugsterite. The mother brines could be Na-type, Na–Ca-type, Na–Ca–(Mg)-type, Ca–(Na)-type, Ca–(Mg)–(Na)-type, and trace Ca–Mg–(Na). Reflux and bacterial activity could be suitable for the formation of dolomite. Deep burial diagenesis could have played an active role in the formation of ankerite and anhydrate. The continuous presence of halite suggested the paleo-lake water was highly brackish or saline, with high evaporation since 2.77 Ma. Salt layers in the lower 538.5 m-long sediments were present from 2221 ka to 2052 ka, corresponding to Pleistocene salt formation in the Qaidam Basin. As hydrated carbonate minerals, both gaylussite and the unnamed mineral are deposited under high precipitation rates with microbial activity. Gaylussite was deposited from Na–Ca-enriched solutions with molar ratios of Na/Ca more than 2 from 691 m (2226 ka) to 413.6 m (1222 ka). The un-named mineral (Mg0.92Ca0.08CO3·3H2O) was found from 523.4 m (1728 ka) to 724.2 m (2308 ka). Anhydrite could be transformed from gypsum under deep burial from 657.42 m (2052 ka) to 867 m (2556 ka). Alternating salt and clay layers in the lower part of the core recorded arid and relatively wet climatic oscillations and the evolution of brine. As a tectonic sub-basin, tectonic activities could change the local climate during episodes of uplift and subsidence. The dominant minerals in the Chahansilatu sub-basin are similar to those of the other sub-basins in the western Qaidam Basin, but have asynchronous evolutionary stages of brine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop a Chinese version of the new, 5-level EQ-5D descriptive system (EQ-5D-5L) from the existing EQ-5D-3L by identifying Chinese label wording suitable for constructing EQ-5D-5L's 5-point response scales. Methods: In face-to-face interviews, perceived severity of selected Chinese labels when they were used to describe EQ-5D health problems was measured from 50 native Chinese speakers using a 0 (no problems) to 100 (the worst problems) visual analog scale. Selection of label wording was based on the severity scores and semantic similarity with label wording used in the existing English and Spanish EQ-5D-5L. Results: The severity scores supported the use of Chinese wording of 'only a little' (range of median: 12.5-17), 'moderate' (range of median: 50-53), and 'severe' (range of median: 82.5-90) as the descriptors for the intermediate functional levels of the five EQ-5D dimensions and the label wording of 'very severe' (median: 90) to describe the worst level of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Conclusions: The Chinese version of the EQ-5D-5L comprises descriptors with similar interpretations as those used its English and Spanish counterparts. The response scaling exercise is a useful method for cross-cultural adaptation of health-status instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular injury after femoral neck fracture can determine its prognosis. This study aimed to determine methods of evaluating femoral neck fracture and accurately predicting the prognosis. Methods: Forty-five patients with a single femoral neck fracture all underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and were divided into three types by DSA. DSA showing three to six supporting band vascular images crossing the fracture line was classified as type I. DSA showing one to two supporting band vascular images crossing the fracture line was classified as type II. When DSA did not show vascular images crossing the fracture line, it was classified as type III. The 45 patients were divided according to age into elderly, middle-aged and youth groups. All cases were given internal fixation operations by a hollow screw under a C-brachial machine. After a follow-up of 6-60 months, avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) and fracture healing of different type and different ages of patients were evaluated according to symptoms and imaging examinations. Results: (1) For DSA types I, II and III, the rates of ANFH were 0, 7.14 and 100 %, respectively, and the rates of fracture disunion were 13.3, 7.15 and 0 %, respectively. Therefore, the rate of ANFH is negatively related to the visible supporting band vascular amount on DSA. (2) In the young group, the proportions of types I, II and III were 6.7, 26.67 and 66.7 %, respectively, 18.18, 36.36 and 45.45 % in the middle-aged group and 63.16, 31.58 and 5.27 % in the elderly group. The rates of necrosis for elderly, middle-aged and youth were 10.53, 45.45 and 66.67 %, respectively, and the rates of fracture disunion were 0, 0 and 6.67 %, respectively. So we can draw the conclusion that the amount of supporting band vascular images is inversely proportional to age and the union is directly related to age, but independent of the supporting band vascular amount of DSA showing. Conclusion: The new classification after superselective angiography is valuable for predicting the prognosis of femoral neck fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: C57BL/6 mice have been considered resistant to cardiotropic coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis. However, establishment of viral myocarditis model in C57BL/6 mouse is still a necessity. Here, we discuss the effects of mouse initial body weight and different virus inoculation doses on the onset of acute viral myocarditis in C57BL/6 mouse. Methods: According to initial body weight, mice were grouped into group A (3–4 weeks, 11–15 g) and group B (5–6 weeks, 18–20 g). Then, each group was divided into three subgroups inoculated with different virus doses: 1000 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50)/ml, 10,000 TCID50/ml, and 100,000 TCID50/ml. Virus existence and myocardium inflammatory infiltration conditions were observed and evaluated 7 days postinfection. Results: Immunohistochemistry staining showed that virus capsid protein VP1 appeared in the myocardia of virus-infected mice. Three subgroups in the lower-body-weight group (group A) came out with a higher mortality (40%–100%), while the higher-body-weight group (group B) showed a tendency for body weight decline. Histopathologically, myocardia of the survival cases in the lower-initial-body-weight group got inflammatory infiltration, while almost no inflammation appeared in the dead cases. In the higher-body-weight group, myocardium inflammatory infiltration deteriorated with the increase of virus doses and bared a relatively sound survival rate. Conclusions: This study indicated that the initial body weight and virus infection dose are two factors affecting the onset of viral myocarditis in C57BL/6 mice. Accordingly, initial body weight of 18–20 g and an inoculation dose of 100,000 TCID50/ml×0.3 ml CVB3 might be an optimal choice to induce acute viral myocarditis in C57BL/6 mice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

From modular vaccine production to protein assembly on nanoparticles, the SpyCatcher/SpyTag system provides a convenient plug-and-display procedure. Here, we established a general-purpose immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) method for SpyTagged proteins (Spy&IAC). SpyTags are displayed on the surface of nanoparticles to induce high-affinity monoclonal antibodies, allowing the specific capture of the target protein. Taking the key core antigenic regions of two coronaviruses that are currently more threatened in the field of human and animal diseases, the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 and the COE protein of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) as model proteins, a purification model with SpyTag at the N-terminal or C-terminal expressed in E. coli or mammalian cells was constructed. After the efficient elution of Spy&IAC, the final yield of several proteins is about 3.5–15 mg/L culture, and the protein purity is above 90 %. Purification also preserves the assembly function and immunogenicity of the protein to support subsequent modular assembly and immunization programs. This strategy provides a general tool for the efficient purification of SpyTagged proteins from different expression sources and different tag positions, enabling the production of modular vaccines at lower cost and in a shorter time, which will prepare the public health field for potential pandemic threats. [Display omitted] • The high-affinity monoclonal antibody was prepared by the multivalent display of nanoparticles. • An immunoaffinity chromatography method was established for the first time for the purification of SpyTagged proteins. • The assembly function and immunogenicity of elution SpyTagged protein were retained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) are a kind of tripyrrolic macrocycle with a boron atom at their core. Incorporating different units onto the SubPc periphery can endow them with various unique properties. Herein, a series of novel fluorinated low-symmetry SubPc derivatives containing chlorine groups (F8-Cl4-SubPc, F4-Cl8-SubPc) and methoxy groups (F8-(OCH3)2-SubPc) were synthesized and characterized by spectral methods (MS, FT-IR, 1H, 13C, 11B, and 19F NMR spectroscopy), and the effect of the peripheral substituents on their electronic structure of low-symmetry macrocycle was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, theoretical calculation, electronic absorption, and emission spectroscopy. In contrast to perfluorinated SubPcs, these low-symmetry SubPcs revealed non-degenerate LUMO and LUMO + 1 orbitals, especially F8-(OCH3)2-SubPc, which was consistent with the split Q-band absorptions. The cyclic voltammetry revealed that these SubPcs exhibited two or three reduction waves and one oxidation wave, which is consistent with the reported SubPcs. Finally, an intracellular fluorescence imaging study of these compounds revealed that these compounds could enter cancer cells and be entrapped in the lysosomes, which provides a possibility of future applications in lysosome fluorescence imaging and targeting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creativity incorporates both domain-general and domain-specific ideas. While previous studies have explored the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) on creativity in both domains, a consensus has not been reached, and the mechanism is currently unclear. In the present study, we examined which aspect of creativity EI was most strongly associated with in a group of undergraduates. Moreover, we explored the moderated mediation effect between EI and domain-specific creativity. In Study 1, 532 undergraduates completed questionnaires measuring EI, convergent and divergent creative thinking, and creative achievement. The results revealed that the most reliable positive correlations were between EI and domain-specific creativity. In Study 2, 926 undergraduates completed measurements of EI, resilience, gratitude, and creative achievement. The results revealed that resilience mediates the relationship between EI and creative achievement. Furthermore, gratitude moderated the indirect effect of EI on creative achievement through resilience. The indirect effect of EI on creative achievement was stronger for high-gratitude individuals than for low-gratitude individuals. This orientation and other results are discussed. Overall, our findings add further nuance to the relationship between EI and creativity in different domains. This study serves as a basis for other contributions aligned with these concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian influenza H7N9 virus has first emerged in 2013 and since then has spread in China in five seasonal waves. In humans, influenza H7N9 virus infection is associated with a high fatality rate; thus, an effective vaccine for this virus is needed. In the present study, we evaluated the usefulness of dissolving microneedles (MNs) loaded with influenza H7N9 vaccine in terms of the dissolution time, insertion capacity, insertion depth, and structural integrity of H7N9 virus in vitro. Our in vitro results showed MNs dissolved within 6 mins. The depth of skin penetration was 270 µm. After coating with a matrix material solution, the H7N9 proteins were agglomerated. We detected the H7N9 delivery time and humoral immune response in vivo. In a mouse model, the antigen retention time was longer for MNs than for intramuscular (IM) injection. The humoral response showed that similar to IM administration, MN administration increased the levels of functional and systematic antibodies and protection against the live influenza A/Anhui/01/2013 virus (Ah01/H7N9). The protection level was determined by the analysis of pathological sections of infected lungs. MN and IM administration yielded results superior to those in the control group. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the use of dissolving MNs to deliver influenza H7N9 vaccines is a promising immunization approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetics play an essential role in the occurrence and improvement of many diseases. Evidence shows that epigenetic modifications are crucial to the regulation of gene expression. DNA methylation is closely linked to embryonic development in mammalian. In recent years, epigenetic drugs have shown unexpected therapeutic effects on neurological diseases, leading to the study of the epigenetic mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases. Unlike genetics, epigenetics modify the genome without changing the DNA sequence. Research shows that epigenetics is involved in all aspects of neurodegenerative diseases. The study of epigenetic will provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases, which may lead to new treatments and diagnoses. This article reviews the role of epigenetic modifications neurodegenerative diseases with dyskinesia, and discusses the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs in neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbonate minerals, oxygen and carbon isotopes, and Mg/Ca from surface sediments and soils were examined in Nam Co Lake, Central Tibet. This paper provides information of the irregular distribution and formation of monohydrocalcite, a metastable mineral. Carbonates of soils surrounding Nam Co Lake consist of calcite with minor dolomite. Carbonates in surface sediments in Nam Co Lake consist mainly of calcite and monohydrocalcite. All of the monohydrocalcite and most of the calcite in surface sediments are authigenic. The monohydrocalcite is distributed irregularly in Nam Co Lake because of inhomogeneous features of lake water, the variable micro-environment, high precipitation rate, and/or nucleation. Mg ions could play a greater role in the precipitation of monohydrocalcite than that of phosphate ions, because the amount of phosphate ions could be much lower than Mg ions in the 4781 m-altitude altiplano lake with poor nutrients. The presence of monohydrocalcite occurs at 2.1 ka BP, corresponding with the sharp increase of precipitation rate from 0.134 mm/y to 1.639 mm/y. High precipitation rate and/or nucleation is necessary for water molecule infiltration into the crystal lattice of monohydrocalcite. The δ18OV-PDB and δ13CV-PDB of carbonate minerals mixed with calcite and monohydrocalcite range from −5.3‰ to −8.0‰ with an average of −6.5‰, and from 2.8‰ to 4.5‰ with an average of 3.73‰, respectively. δ18OV-PDB and δ13CV-PDB of calcite range from −8.0‰ to −10.6‰ with an average of −8.09‰, and from 2.8‰ to 4.2‰ with an average of 3.25‰, respectively. Monohydrocalcite possibly has more positive values of δ18O and δ13C than those of calcite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rare Earth elements (REEs) from a 332 cm-long core, surface sediments and soils of the lake shores were examined with the aim of evaluating their suitability as a paleo-environmental proxy. REEs were transported into the Nam Co Lake not only by runoff but also by wind. Concentrations of REE in the core range from 97.57 to 162.98 ppm with an average of 126.5 ppm, from 171.3 to 475.7 ppm in the soils of shores, and from 65.03 to 354.03 ppm in the surface sediments with an average of 130.64 ppm. The REE average of soils is 158.9 ppm for the northern shore, 214.72 ppm for the southern shore, 244 ppm for the eastern shore, and 289.69 ppm for the western shore. The REE average of surface sediments is 114.45 ppm for the northern lake, 115.73 ppm for the eastern lake, 129.69 ppm for the western lake, 144.38 ppm for the southern lake, and 150.95 ppm in the center of the lake, suggesting an accumulation of REEs in the center of the lake. The ratios of LREE/HREE range from 8 to 11.85 for the core, from 7.8 to 11.8 for the surface sediments and from 6.5 to 14.5 for the soils, which suggesting that LREE are richer than HREE. The REE distribution patterns of all samples are characterized by “V-shape” curves with slightly negative Ce anomalies (from 0.83 to 0.99) and obviously negative Eu anomalies (from 0.28 to 0.72). Mn played an active role on the Ce anomaly. The values of δCe showed almost no variance, suggesting a stable post depositional environment in the core. The REEs peaks of >140 ppm occurred at 6.9 ka (307 cm), 5.9–5.5 ka (292–287 cm), 2.2–2.0 ka (262–252 cm) and 1.78 ka (212 cm) corresponding to the beginning of environmental shifts and/or events, while the REEs peak at 0.91–0.87 ka (107–102 cm) and the REEs valley of <100 ppm at 7.8–7.5 ka (317–322 cm) corresponded to the end of Zepu Glacier advance and a cold event, respectively. Lagging behind climate changes, this suggests a careful use of REEs can be used as a proxy of paleo-environment in the Nam Co area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and tumor relapse represent the two major obstacles impeding the efficacy of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in cancer. We have previously shown that the synthetic triterpenoid 2-cyano-3, 12-dioxooleana-1, 9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO) can inhibit murine early aGVHD, but antitumor effects were not assessed. In the current study, we found that a new derivative of CDDO, CDDO-Me, had an increased ability to inhibit allogeneic T cell responses and induce cell death of alloreactive T cells in vitro. Administration of CDDO-Me to mice following allogeneic BMT resulted in significant and increased protection from lethal aGVHD compared to CDDO. This correlated with reduced TNF-α production, reduced donor T cell proliferation, and decreased adhesion molecule (α4β7 integrin) expression on the donor T cells. CDDO-Me was also superior to CDDO in inhibiting leukemia growth in vitro. When CDDO-Me was administered following an allogeneic BMT to leukemia-bearing mice, significant increases in survival were observed. These findings suggest that CDDO-Me is superior to CDDO in delaying aGVHD, while preserving or possibly even augmenting GVT effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Qaidam Basin is a tectonically controlled depression on the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. In 2008, a long core was drilled in the Qahansilatu sub-basin in the western Qaidam basin. The sediment layers in the upper 400m alternate between evaporite mineral layers and carbonaceous clay layers. The detailed mineralogical investigation focused on evaporite minerals including halite, gypsum, mirabilite, thenardite, glauberite, eugsterite, and bloedite. Gypsum and halite make up the majority of the evaporate minerals. Environmentally induced variations in the mineralogy and crystal habit of the sulfates have been extensively investigated. Gypsum has prismatic and pyramid habits, such as disc pyramid, stubby prismatic, slender prismatic. Visible isolated gypsum and aggregates (rosette/radial and twins) are mostly scattered in carbonaceous clay layers, suggesting that secondary gypsum is well developed. Gypsum may be a precursor mineral of glauberite, and thenardite is the precursor of bloedite. As a metastable and rare mineral, eugsterite does not appear in other Tibetan areas. It forms at the expense of pre-existing gypsum or thenardite in the core at an experimental temperature of higher than room temperature. The presence of eugsterite indicates a warm and/or hot climate at its deposition time. Mineralogical variations have been explained by the brine evolution of Na–Cl, Na–Ca–SO4, Na–SO4, Na–SO4–Cl, Na–Ca–SO4–Cl, Ca–SO4, and Na–Mg–SO4. For instance, Na–Mg–SO4 corresponds to bloedite, while Na–Ca–SO4–Cl to the assemblage of halite, gypsum and glauberite. The evaporite minerals and carbonaceous clay layers'' alternation indicates the shift between dry and wet climate. According to the thickness, 18 evaporite stages and/or dry climate stages were identified from 0.97Ma to about 0.03Ma. The two early dry climate stages are identified at 0.96–0.97Ma and 0.87Ma. The other 16 evaporite stages occurred from 0.78Ma to about 0.03Ma. The evaporate-rich stages suggested that evaporation was high and groundwater inflow was sufficient at the sub-basin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The optical nano-thermometers with near-infrared-II (NIR-II) luminescence (1000 ∼ 1700 nm) have drawn growing interest owing to the unique merits such as deep-tissue penetration and excellent spatial resolution. Herein, we report a simple way to improve the NIR-II luminescence and temperature sensing sensitivity simultaneously in Er3+/Yb3+: ZrO 2 nanocrystals with the introduction of Gd3+ ions. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy measurements validate that the addition of Gd3+ ions can change the host lattice parameter and decrease the crystalline grain size of the samples. The optical investigation shows that the remarkable enhancements in the NIR-II emissions of Yb3+ (1036 nm) and Er3+ (1527 nm) are realized via Gd3+ doping under 980 nm excitation, which can be interpreted based on the accelerated radiative transition rate and non-radiative Yb3+-Er3+ energy transfer rate. Meanwhile, the thermal sensing sensitivity of the samples shows a strong dependence on the Gd3+ concentrations, when the fluorescence intensity ratio between Yb3+: 2 F 5 ∕ 2 → 2 F 7 ∕ 2 and Er3+: 4I 13 ∕ 2 → 4I 15 ∕ 2 transitions is chosen for temperature sensing. Both the optimal NIR-II luminescence and thermal sensitivity are achieved in 1 mol%Gd3+ co-doped sample. The proposed route here may help in the development of efficient NIR-II luminescence materials for thermometry in the biological and medical fields. • NIR-II emissions of Er3+/Yb3+: ZrO 2 can be enhanced considerably via co-doping of Gd3+. • A nanoprobe with excitation and emission lights in the biological windows is exploited. • Optimal sensitivity is 1.22% K-1 based on FIRs between 2 F 5 ∕ 2 → 2 F 7 ∕ 2 and 4I 13 ∕ 2 → 4I 15 ∕ 2 transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human agricultural activities are recognized to play a major role in structuring soil microbial communities, which are of critical importance in terms of maintaining the multiple functions of soil ('multifunctionality' hereafter). However, the impact of agricultural management history on soil multifunctionality and its relationship with soil microbial diversity has not been well understood enough. To address this gap, we characterized the multifunctionality (via activity of multiple extracellular enzymes) in soils subjected to four rice rotation regimes (rice-rapeseed, rice-wheat, rice-vegetable and rice-fallow) with or without fertilization and explored the linkages between bacterial community diversity and soil multifunctionality. We found that the crop rotation history rather than fertilization explained a significant portion of the variation in soil multifunctionality (52%), bacterial species richness (69%) and community composition (61%). Bacterial diversity (species richness and weighted Unifrac dissimilarity) exhibited strong positive relationships with soil multifunctionality. In particular, bacterial diversity in the rice-rapeseed rotation had the strongest effect on the ability of the soil system to provide more functions. Partial least squares path modeling indicated that crop rotation indirectly controlled soil multifunctionality via changes in bacterial species richness and community composition, which positively affected multifunctionality mainly by regulating C cycling-related enzyme activities. This study highlights the importance of the crop rotation history in influencing soil microbial diversity and multifunctionality relationships, indicating rice rotation with rapeseed combined with fertilization can greatly improve soil multifunctionality despite the typical focus on nutrient inputs in cropland ecosystems. • Rotation regime exhibits greater effect on multifunctionality than fertilization. • Rotation history determines strength of diversity-multifunctionality relationship. • Carbon-related functions are vital for diversity-multifunctionality relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Lipid coated biocompatible rGO-mesoporous-silica nanocomposites with was prepared with enhanced hydrophilicity and stability. • The high loading capacity of the nanodrug carriers was proved. • The in vivo antitumor evaluations confirmed the efficacy of nanodrug carriers. The development of biomimetic technology offers excellent opportunities for the construction of therapeutic platforms with enhanced biocompatibility and antitumor performance. In this study, lipid-bilayer-coated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified with mesoporous-silica nanosheets was constructed via facile lipid self-assembly for effective synergistic chemophotothermal therapy. These nanodrug carriers were suitable for a high loading rate (53.3%) of doxorubicin (DOX). In vitro , after cellular internalization of these nanosheets, upon near infrared light (NIR) irradiation, the rGO in the nanoarchitecture generated heat not only for hyperthermia treatment but also for triggering lipid bilayer phase transition and on-demand controlled DOX release for chemotherapy. As expected, systematic in vivo antitumor evaluations confirmed the efficient solid tumor removal without recurrence. Our results revealed the excellent integration of the mesoporous-silica-coated rGO and lipid bilayer, which enabled the construction of a platform with the merits of both materials within a single unit. Thus, our results also indicate the great potential for the applications of graphene-based nanomaterials in biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutathione (GSH) is involved in and regulates important physiological functions of the body as an essential antioxidant. GSH plays an important role in anti-oxidation, detoxification, anti-aging, enhancing immunity and anti-tumor activity. Herein, based on the physiological properties of GSH in different diseases, mainly including the strong reducibility of GSH, high GSH content in tumor cells, and the NADPH depletion when GSSH is reduced to GSH, we extensively report the design principles, effect, and potential problems of various nano-drugs in diabetes, cancer, nervous system diseases, fluorescent probes, imaging, and food. These studies make full use of the physiological and pathological value of GSH and develop excellent design methods of nano-drugs related to GSH, which shows important scientific significance and prominent application value for the related diseases research that GSH participates in or responds to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A phthalonitrile monomer (A-PN) derived from anethole has been synthesized in a high yield. • The cured PA-PN displays high thermostability with a T g (> 450 °C) and a carbon yield of 72% at 1000 °C. • PA-PN has potential application as an ablation-resistant coating in aerospace industry. A phthalonitrile-containing monomer derived from a plant oil (anethole) has been successfully synthesized by a facile two-step reaction in an overall yield of 84%. Upon high temperature, this monomer is converted to a cured phthalocyanine resin in the presence of a catalyst, 4,4′-bis(3-aminophenoxy)diphenyl sulfone ( m - BAPS). Such a cured resin displays good thermostability including high glass transition temperature (T g > 450 °C), low thermal expansion coefficient (CTE, near 62.99 ppm °C−1 from 25 to 400 °C) and high char yield (>72% at 1000 °C). These data are comparable to those of the most of the common phthalocyanine resins derived from the fossil resource, suggesting that the phthalonitrile-containing monomer is a suitable precursor for the preparation of the ablation-resistant materials used on the surface of the spacecrafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The carbonates, clays and major chemical compositions of lacustrine sediments in Nam Co (Lake) were examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis. Carbonates include monohydrocalcite (MHC, first report from China and in a high-altitude lake), low-Mg calcite and traces of dolomite. MHC in Nam Co is developed in water (1.8g/L) with high Mg/Ca molar ratios (10.03–15.03), high pH (8.04–9.72) and the presence of bacteria, algae, diatom and ostracoda. Illite and Mg-chlorite provide a strong evidence for physical weathering in the Holocene. Most Ca and Sr in sediments originate from carbonates as the molar ratios of Ca and CO3 2− are all less than 1 and the curve of Sr is very similar to that of Ca. However, most of the Mg, Fe and Rb are from clays. The lake water shifted from a fresh water environment to an evaporative, alkaline environment by 2.06cal.kaBP. There was a depositional event that the depositional rate changed from 0.134 to 1.639mm/a at about 2cal.kaBP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) still remains one of the life-threatening complications following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Immunomodulation of alloreactive donor T cell responses, as well as cytokine secretion is a potential therapeutic approach for the prevention of aGVHD. The synthetic triterpenoid, CDDO (2-cyano-3, 12-dioxooleana-1, 9-dien-28-oic acid), exhibits potent antitumor activity and has also been shown to mediate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. We therefore wanted to assess the effects of CDDO on early lethal aGVHD. In this study, we found that CDDO significantly inhibited in vitro mixed lymphocyte responses and preferentially promoted the apoptosis of proliferating but not resting alloreactive T cells. Using a full major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-disparate murine aGVHD model, we found that the administration of CDDO immediately after transplantation significantly decreased liver pathology as determined by histologic assessment and prolonged survival in mice. Importantly, administration of CDDO did not adversely impair donor myeloid reconstitution as determined by peripheral blood cell count and the extent of donor chimerism. These findings indicate that CDDO has a significant immunomodulatory effects in vitro and on early lethal aGVHD development, particularly affecting the liver, in a murine allo-HSCT model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • High-pressure microfluidization can affect CS structure and its EGCG grafting. • 80 MPa-PCS-EGCG has the best emulsifying activity and antioxidant activities. • PCS-EGCG can form a thicker adsorption layer on surface of fish oil droplets. • PCS-EGCG can significantly enhance environmental tolerance of fish oil emulsion. • PCS-EGCG can significantly delay release of free fatty acids in in vitro digestion. Improving the emulsion-stabilizing effect of protein by chemical or physical modification has been paid much attention recently. Here, sodium caseinate (CS) was treated by high-pressure-microfluidization (HPM) under 0–100 MPa, and was further complexed with (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) to form an excellent emulsifier that stabilized fish oil emulsions. Results showed that HPM treatment (especially 80 MPa) significantly changed the secondary structure of CS, and 80 MPa-PCS-EGCG had the best emulsifying and antioxidant activities. In addition, after HPM treatment and EGCG bonding, CS formed a thicker interface layer on the surface of oil droplets, which could better protect the fish oil from the influence by oxygen, temperature and ion concentration. Moreover, the fish oil emulsion stabilized by PCS-EGCG complex significantly delayed the release of free fatty acids subjected to in vitro digestion. Conclusively, HPM-treated CS-EGCG complex could be a potential emulsifier to improve the stability of fish oil emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mounting evidence supports a significant correlation between the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and both short- and long-term prognoses in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Nevertheless, research examining the association between the SHR and the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association between the SHR and CAD complexity, as assessed by the SYNTAX score, in patients with ACS. Methods: A total of 4715 patients diagnosed with ACS were enrolled and divided into five groups according to the quintiles of the SHR. CAD complexity was assessed using the SYNTAX score and categorized as low (≤ 22) or mid/high (> 22) levels. Logistic regression was utilized to examine the association between the SHR and CAD severity (mid-/high SYNTAX score). Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were generated to assess the association between the SHR and CAD severity. Subgroup analyses were conducted to stratify outcomes based on age, sex, diabetes mellitus (DM) status, and clinical presentation. Results: Among the total ACS population, 503 (10.7%) patients had mid/high SYNTAX scores. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the SHR was an independent risk factor for mid/high SYNTAX scores in a U-shaped pattern. After adjusting for confounding variables, Q1 and Q5 demonstrated elevated odds ratios (ORs) relative to the reference category Q3, with ORs of 1.61 (95% CI: 1.19 ∼ 2.19) and 1.68 (95% CI: 1.24 ∼ 2.29), respectively. Moreover, the ORs for Q2 (1.02, 95% CI: 0.73 ∼ 1.42) and Q4 (1.18, 95% CI: 0.85 ∼ 1.63) resembled that of Q3. Compared with the merged Q2-4 group, the ORs were 1.52 (95% CI: 1.21 ∼ 1.92) for Q1 group and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.25 ∼ 2) for the Q5 group. Subgroup analysis revealed that the U-shaped association between the SHR and mid/high SYNTAX score was attenuated in DM patients (P for interaction = 0.045). Conclusions: There were U-shaped associations between the SHR and CAD complexity in ACS patients, with an SHR ranging from 0.68 to 0.875 indicating a relatively lower OR for mid/high SYNTAX scores. Further studies are necessary to both evaluate the predictive value of the SHR in ACS patients and explore the underlying mechanisms of the observed U-shaped associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Acyl‐CoA‐Binding Proteins (ACBPs) bind acyl‐CoA esters and function in lipid metabolism. Although acbp3‐1, the ACBP3 mutant in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Col‐0, displays normal floral development, the acbp3‐2 mutant from ecotype Ler‐0 characterized herein exhibits defective adaxial anther lobes and improper sporocyte formation. To understand these differences and identify the role of ERECTA in ACBP3 function, the acbp3 mutants and acbp3‐erecta (er) lines were analyzed by microscopy for anther morphology and high‐performance liquid chromatography for lipid composition. Defects in Landsberg anther development were related to the ERECTA‐mediated pathway because the progenies of acbp3‐2 × La‐0 and acbp3‐1 × er‐1 in Col‐0 showed normal anthers, contrasting to that of acbp3‐2 in Ler‐0. Polymorphism in the regulatory region of ACBP3 enabled its function in anther development in Ler‐0 but not Col‐0 which harbored an AT‐repeat insertion. ACBP3 expression and anther development in acbp3‐2 were restored using ACBP3pro (Ler)::ACBP3 not ACBP3pro (Col)::ACBP3. SPOROCYTELESS (SPL), a sporocyte formation regulator activated ACBP3 transcription in Ler‐0 but not Col‐0. For anther development, the ERECTA‐related role of ACBP3 is required in Ler‐0, but not Col‐0. The disrupted promoter regulatory region for SPL binding in Col‐0 eliminates the role of ACBP3 in anther development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in serum has been shown as a biomarker of traumatic brain injury (TBI) which is a significant global public health concern. Accurate and rapid detection of serum GFAP is critical for TBI diagnosis. In this study, a time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatographic test strip (TRFIS) was proposed for the quantitative detection of serum GFAP. This TRFIS possessed excellent linearity ranging from 0.05 to 2.5 ng/mL for the detection of serum GFAP and displayed good linearity (Y = 598723X + 797198, R2 = 0.99), with the lowest detection limit of 16 pg/mL. This TRFIS allowed for quantitative detection of serum GFAP within 15 min and showed high specificity. The intra-batch coefficient of variation (CV) and the inter-batch CV were both < 4.0%. Additionally, this TRFIS was applied to detect GFAP in the serum samples from healthy donors and patients with cerebral hemorrhage, and the results of TRFIS could efficiently discern the patients with cerebral hemorrhage from the healthy donors. Our developed TRFIS has the characteristics of high sensitivity, high accuracy, and a wide linear range and is suitable for rapid and quantitative determination of serum GFAP on-site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cell (PSC) plays a pivotal role as the top subcell in all‐perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs), facilitating the absorption of high‐energy photons and affording a large open‐circuit voltage (VOC). Nonetheless, the stability and efficiency of WBG PSCs are constrained by light‐induced halide segregation and non‐radiative recombination losses. In this study, this work presents an approach of utilizing 2‐methylpiperazinium bromide (2‐MePBr) via interfacial engineering to realize high‐efficiency WBG (1.77 eV) PSCs. The C─NH─C functional group in 2‐MePBr, serving as an electron donor, can interact with under‐coordinated lead defects at the perovskite surface. Consequently, the treatment with 2‐MePBr mitigates interfacial non‐radiative recombination, enhances charge transport, inhibits ion migration, and thus delivers an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.30% with a VOC of 1.29 V, and a fill factor of 83.08%. Notably, the WBG PSCs manifest enhanced stability, preserving 80% of the initial PCE after 337 h of continuous operation under 1 sun illumination at the maximum power point. Furthermore, the all‐perovskite TSCs based on this WBG subcell achieve a PCE of 27.47%, showing its promising application in perovskite‐based tandem solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonradiative recombination losses occurring at the interface pose a significant obstacle to achieve high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs), particularly in inverted PSCs. Passivating surface defects using molecules with different functional groups represents one of the key strategies for enhancing PSCs efficiency. However, a lack of insight into the passivation orientation of molecules on the surface is a challenge for rational molecular design. In this study, aminothiol hydrochlorides with different alkyl chains but identical electron‐donating (−SH) and electron‐withdrawing (−NH3+) groups were employed to investigate the interplay between molecular structure, orientation, and interaction on perovskite surface. The 2‐Aminoethane‐1‐thiol hydrochloride with shorter alkyl chains exhibited a preference of parallel orientations, which facilitating stronger interactions with the surface defects through strong coordination and hydrogen bonding. The resultant perovskite films following defect passivation demonstrate reduced ion migration, inhibition of nonradiative recombination, and more n‐type characteristics for efficient electron transfer. Consequently, an impressive power conversion efficiency of 25 % was achieved, maintaining 95 % of its initial efficiency after 500 hours of continuous maximum power point tracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three H6 subtype avian influenza virus strains (H6N1, H6N2 and H6N8), were isolated from wild birds in China from 2017 and 2019. • The viruses have undergone reassortment by acquiring genes from AIVs of both Eurasian and North American lineages. • These H6 viruses derived from wild birds can replicate efficiently in BALB/c mice without pre-adaptation. During our routine surveillance, we isolated seven H6 avian influenza virus (AIV) strains, including three H6N1 strains, three H6N2 strains, and one H6N8 strain, from 3667 fresh fecal samples that were collected from wild bird habitats in China from March 2017 and May 2019. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these viruses formed five different genotypes and have undergone complicate reassortment during their evolution by acquiring genes from AIVs of both Eurasian and North American lineages that have been previously detected in migrating waterfowl and poultry. Viral pathogenesis in mice showed that these H6 viruses replicated efficiently in both the nasal turbinates and lungs of mice without pre-adaptation, but none of them were lethal for mice. We studied the genetic characteristic and biological property of novel reassortant H6 viruses isolated from wild birds in China. It also highlights the need for continued surveillance of H6 AIVs circulating in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MDRV-induced autophagy can promote virus replication in DF-1 cells, and MDRV utilized the autophagosomes for replication. • MDRV infection can promote the fusion of the autophagosomes and lysosomes. • MDRV inhibits the maturation of lysosomes. • MDRV promotes self-replication by inducing and regulating autophagy processes. Autophagy plays a momentous role in cellular responses against pathogens. However, the influence of the autophagy machinery on Muscovy duck reovirus (MDRV) infection is not yet confirmed. In this study, it was shown that MDRV infection significantly increased the number of autophagy-like vesicles in DF-1 cells under electron microscope and the LC3-I/LC3-II conversion, which was considered important indicators of autophagy. It was worth noting that the level of autophagy was positively correlated with MDRV replication. Further test results showed that MDRV-induced autophagy can promote virus replication in DF-1 cells, and both the envelope protein sigma A and non-structural protein sigma NS that play an important role in virus replication process can colocalize with the autophagosome marker molecule LC3-II by confocal immunofluorescence analysis. These results indicated that MDRV utilized the autophagosomes for replication. Through transfection of the dual fluorescent plasmid mcherry-EGFP-LC3 and fluorescence microscope observation, it was found that autophagosomes were more likely to fuse with lysosomes in MDRV-infected cells compared with the blank group. The phenomenon of pEGFP-LC3B fluorescent spot and LAMP1 co-localization appeared in MDRV infected cells, indicating that MDRV infection would promote the fusion of autophagosomes and the lysosomes. Conversely, accumulation of p62 was observed by immunoblotting, suggesting that autolysosomes does not exert effective degradation. MDRV infection triggered a incomplete autophagic response. Further studies found that the expression of LAMP1, a marker protein of late endosome/early lysosome, increased significantly in MDRV-infected cells, suggesting an increase in the number of immature lysosomes. In addition, the experiment detected the maturation of the lysosomal acid hydrolase Cathepsin D in the cells, and found that the expression of the 33 kDa mature form of Cathepsin D was significantly reduced after MDRV infection, indicating that MDRV inhibits the maturation of lysosomes. In general, MDRV infection induces autophagy of DF-1 cells, promotes the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes, inhibits autophagolysosome degradation, and promotes virus replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a group of chemical compounds that present a considerable public health problem due to their pervasiveness and associations with chronic diseases. EDCs can interrupt the endocrine system and interfere with hormone homeostasis, leading to abnormalities in human physiology. Much attention has been focused on the adverse effects EDCs have on the reproductive system, neurogenesis, neuroendocrine system, and thyroid dysfunction. The eye is usually directly exposed to the surrounding environment; however, the influences of EDCs on the eye have received comparatively little attention. Ocular diseases, such as ocular surface diseases and retinal diseases, have been implicated in hormone deficiency or excess. Epidemiologic studies have shown that EDC exposure not only causes ocular surface disorders, such as dry eye, but also associates with visual deficits and retinopathy. EDCs can pass through the human blood-retinal barrier and enter the neural retina, and can then accumulate in the retina. The retina is an embryologic extension of the central nervous system, and is extremely sensitive and vulnerable to EDCs that could be passed across the placenta during critical periods of retinal development. Subtle alterations in the retinal development process usually result in profound immediate, long-term, and delayed effects late in life. This review, based on extensive literature survey, briefly summarizes the current knowledge about the impact of representative manufactured EDCs on retinal toxicity, including retinal structure alterations and dysfunction. We also highlight the potential mechanism of action of EDCs on the retina, and the predictive retinal models of EDC exposure. Image 1 • EDCs can pass through the placenta and can then accumulate in the retina. • EDC exposure associated with visual deficits and retinopathy. • EDC exposure caused retinal structure and dysfunction. • EDCs exert actions through binding NHRs, biotransformation or disrupting retinoid signaling. • Novel in vivo and in vitro testing models applied to test retinal toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]