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This paper presents an analytical framework for predicting three-dimensional (3D) seismic active earth pressures for soils governed by a nonlinear strength criterion. The kinematic limit analysis method that incorporates a pseudodynamic approach is used to carry out the analysis. A generalized tangential technique is adopted to realize transition of the nonlinear criterion into the commonly used linear form. A 3D failure mechanism of rigid rotation is employed. Because the use of the modified pseudodynamic approach leads to a variation of seismic forces along the depth, the work rate due to earthquake effects is calculated by using a horizontal layer–wise summation method. By virtue of the balance equation of work and energy, the thrust of active earth pressures is determined, and the final solutions are expressed as dimensionless active earth pressure coefficients. A comparison between the solutions obtained in this paper and those of the existing studies shows the effectiveness of the developed method. A parametric analysis is carried out to investigate the influences of several parameters. The findings of this work can help understand the service behavior of retaining structures subjected to seismic loadings, which could provide references for designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: RAD23 (RADIATION SENSITIVE23) proteins are a group of UBL‐UBA (ubiquitin‐like‐ubiquitin‐associated) proteins that shuttle ubiquitylated proteins to the 26S proteasome for breakdown. Drought stress is a major environmental constraint that limits plant growth and production, but whether RAD23 proteins are involved in this process is unclear. Here, we demonstrated that a shuttle protein, MdRAD23D1, mediated drought response in apple plants (Malus domestica). MdRAD23D1 levels increased under drought stress, and its suppression resulted in decreased stress tolerance in apple plants. Through in vitro and in vivo assays, we demonstrated that MdRAD23D1 interacted with a proline‐rich protein MdPRP6, resulting in the degradation of MdPRP6 by the 26S proteasome. And MdRAD23D1 accelerated the degradation of MdPRP6 under drought stress. Suppression of MdPRP6 resulted in enhanced drought tolerance in apple plants, mainly because the free proline accumulation is changed. And the free proline is also involved in MdRAD23D1‐mediated drought response. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that MdRAD23D1 and MdPRP6 oppositely regulated drought response. MdRAD23D1 levels increased under drought, accelerating the degradation of MdPRP6. MdPRP6 negatively regulated drought response, probably by regulating proline accumulation. Thus, "MdRAD23D1‐MdPRP6" conferred drought stress tolerance in apple plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Chemical Constituents from Balanophora involucrata" discusses the chemical compounds found in Balanophora involucrata, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. The plant contains triterpenoids, lignans, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have various medicinal effects such as anti-tumor, anti-HIV, and anti-inflammatory properties. The article explains the methods used to extract and identify these compounds, providing detailed information on each compound's properties. This research contributes to our understanding of the medicinal properties of Balanophora involucrata and expands our knowledge of its chemical composition. The article also acknowledges the financial support received for the research. [Extracted from the article]

In the present study, enhanced antiferromagnetic characteristics and room temperature magnetoelectric coupling are achieved by Fe-substitution for Mn in h-ScMnO3. The antiferromagnetic Néel temperature (TN) increases from 131 K for ScMnO3 up to 140 K for ScMn0.8Fe0.2O3. Electric field controlled magnetism is confirmed for ScMn0.8Fe0.2O3 at room temperature, combining with the short-range magnetic spin ordering. The Rietveld structural refinement and selected area electron diffraction confirm the noncentrosymmetric P63cm structure for the present ceramics. The ferroelectric domain walls at the atomic scale are determined by the aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy; meanwhile, the spontaneous polarization of 5.6 μC/cm2 is determined. The noticeable magnetoelectric coefficient αME ∼ 0.78 mV/cm Oe (measured under a magnetic field up to 3000 Oe) is obtained in ScMn0.8Fe0.2O3, which is quite stable with the applied magnetic field, reflecting coupling of the short-range spin ordering with the ferroelectric ordering. The enhanced antiferromagnetic behaviors are discussed with the effect of Fe-substitution, which reduce the magnetic frustration and enhance the exchange interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

with the advances in Polygonatum research, there is a huge interest in harnessing the valuable functional ingredients of this genus with the potential for functional foods. This review emphasizes the different aspects of Ploygonatum based research starting from its bioactive compounds, their structural characterization, various extraction methods, as well as biological activities. in view of its integral use as an essential medicinal plant, our review emphasizes on its promising food applications both as an ingredient and as a whole food, and its improved health benefits with potential for agricultural and environmental relevance are also discussed. As we collated the recent research information, we present the main challenges and limitations of the current research trend in this area which can upgrade the further expansion of Polygonatum-related research that will strengthen its economic and accessible nutritional value in the food and health industries. By highlighting the need for the unattended species, this review not only fills existing research gaps, but also encourages the researchers to find new avenues for the natural production of bio-based functional materials and the development of highly functional and health-promoting foods for disease prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Expression levels of transmembrane protein 41A (TMEM41A) are related to the progression of malignant tumors. However, the association between TMEM41A expression and endometrial carcinoma (EC) remains unclear. This study aims to identify the roles of TMEM41A expression in the prognosis of patients with EC and its correlation with EC progression. Methods: The TMEM41A expression and its correlation with the survival of patients with EC were assessed. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the prognostic factors, while nomograms were used to examine the association between the prognostic factors and the survival of patients with EC. Finally, the link between TMEM41A level and immune microenvironment and RNA modifications was investigated in EC. Results: TMEM41A was overexpressed in EC. TMEM41A overexpression could diagnose the EC and evaluate the poor prognosis of patients. Overexpression of TMEM41A was associated with clinical stage, age, weight, histological subtype, tumor grade, and survival status of patients with EC. Clinical stage, age, tumor grade, radiotherapy, and TMEM41A overexpression were factors of poor prognosis in patients with EC. The nomograms revealed the correlation between the TMEM41A level and survival time of patients with EC at 1, 3, and 5 years. Furthermore, TMEM41A overexpression was significantly correlated with the level of the stromal score, immune score, estimate score, NK CD56 bright cells, iDC, NK cells, eosinophils, pDC, T cells, TReg, cytotoxic cells, mast cells, Th17 cells, neutrophils, aDC, NK CD56 dim cells, TFH, Th2 cells, CD8 T cells, macrophages, immune cell markers, and RNA modifications. Conclusions: TMEM41A is overexpressed in EC tissues and is associated with the prognosis, immune microenvironment, and RNA modification. Our preliminary studies indicate that overexpression of TMEM41A can potentially serve as a biomarker for EC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Generally, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size can be inferred from the LDL cholesterol concentration to total apolipoprotein B concentration ratio (LDL-C/ApoB ratio, hereinafter called LAR), which is a good predictor of cardiovascular disease. However, the predictive ability of LAR for mortality risk in the general population is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between LAR and cardiovascular as well as all-cause mortality among American adults. Methods: The present study was a secondary analysis of existing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The final analysis included 12,440 participants from 2005 to 2014. Survival differences between groups were visualized using Kaplan‒Meier curves and the log-rank test. The association of LAR with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality was evaluated using multivariate Cox regression and restricted cubic spline analysis. Age, sex, coronary artery disease, diabetes, lipid-lowering medication use and hypertriglyceridemia were analyzed in subgroup analyses. Results: The median age in the study cohort was 46.0 years [interquartile range (IQR): 31.0–62.0], and 6,034 (48.5%) participants were male. During the follow-up period, there were 872 (7.0%) all-cause deaths and 150 (1.2%) cardiovascular deaths. Compared with individuals without cardiovascular events, those who experienced cardiovascular deaths had a lower LAR (1.13 vs. 1.25) (P < 0.001). The adjusted Cox regression model indicated that lower LAR was an independent risk factor for both cardiovascular [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.304, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.114–0.812] and all-cause mortality (HR = 0.408, 95% CI: 0.270–0.617). Moreover, a significant age interaction was observed (P for interaction < 0.05), and there was a strong association between LAR and mortality among participants over 65 years of age. Further analysis showed an inverse association between LAR and both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Conclusions: LAR can independently predict cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with the contribution of many prenatal risk factors; in particular, the sex hormone progestin and vitamin D receptor (VDR) are associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in ASD development, although the related mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the possible role and mechanism of progestin 17‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17‐OHPC) exposure‐induced GI dysfunction and autism‐like behaviours (ALB) in mouse offspring. An intestine‐specific VDR‐deficient mouse model was established for prenatal treatment, while transplantation of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCT) with related gene manipulation was used for postnatal treatment for 17‐OHPC exposure‐induced GI dysfunction and ALB in mouse offspring. The in vivo mouse experiments found that VDR deficiency mimics prenatal 17‐OHPC exposure‐mediated GI dysfunction, but has no effect on 17‐OHPC‐mediated autism‐like behaviours (ALB) in mouse offspring. Furthermore, prenatal 17‐OHPC exposure induces CLDN1 suppression in intestine epithelial cells, and transplantation of HSCT with CLDN1 expression ameliorates prenatal 17‐OHPC exposure‐mediated GI dysfunction, but has no effect on 17‐OHPC‐mediated ALB in offspring. In conclusion, prenatal 17‐OHPC exposure triggers GI dysfunction in autism‐like mouse offspring via CLDN1 suppression, providing a possible explanation for the involvement of CLDN1 and VDR in prenatal 17‐OHPC exposure‐mediated GI dysfunction with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula (RIF), with A4S4 as a major ingredient, is an oral arsenic used in China to treat pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The efficacy of RIF is similar to that of arsenic trioxide (ATO). However, the effects of these two arsenicals on differentiation syndrome (DS) and coagulation disorders, the two main life-threatening events in children with APL, remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed 68 consecutive children with APL from South China Children Leukemia Group-APL (SCCLG-APL) study. Patients received all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on day 1 of induction therapy. ATO 0.16 mg/kg day or RIF 135 mg/kg·day was administrated on day 5, while mitoxantrone was administered on day 3 (non-high-risk) or days 2–4 (high-risk). The incidences of DS were 3.0% and 5.7% in ATO (n = 33) and RIF (n = 35) arms (p = 0.590), and 10.3% and 0% in patients with and without differentiation-related hyperleukocytosis (p = 0.04), respectively. Moreover, in patients with differentiation-related hyperleukocytosis, the incidence of DS was not significantly different between ATO and RIF arms. The dynamic changes of leukocyte count between arms were not statistically different. However, patients with leukocyte count > 2.61 × 109/L or percentage of promyelocytes in peripheral blood > 26.5% tended to develop hyperleukocytosis. The improvement of coagulation indexes in ATO and RIF arms was similar, with fibrinogen and prothrombin time having the quickest recovery rate. This study showed that the incidence of DS and recovery of coagulopathy are similar when treating pediatric APL with RIF or ATO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the predominant mycotoxin that originated toxicity in broilers through oxidative damage, intestinal barrier dysfunction, reduced immune system and dysfunction of microorganisms and enzymes in target organs. The intestine is the first AFB1 target organ destroyed after the bird's body is induced. This review summarises the current knowledge of the negative results of AFB1‐induced intestinal damage on broiler production. It was conducted in accordance with the relevant studies in the cited literatures being retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science. First, AFB1 can change the intestinal barrier function by destroying the intestinal architecture, tissue and cell integrity of the gut epithelium. Second, AFB1 can damage the immune barrier function of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Third, the microbiota of birds interacts closely with the ingested aflatoxin. Finally, because broilers are tremendously sensitive to AFB1 contamination, the poisonous and noxious effects of this mycotoxin in the broiler industry cause millions of dollars in losses every year. This review briefly discussed that the AFB1, which affects the intestines of broiler chickens, was reduced the immune apparatus, antioxidant protection system, gastric system, and broiler production status and its impact on human health. Therefore, this review will improve our perception of the important intestine in a bird's health and the adverse effect of AFB1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative diseases gradually receive attention with a rapidly aging global population. The hallmark of them is a progressive neuronal loss in the brain or peripheral nervous system due to complex reasons ranging from protein aggregation, immune dysregulation to abnormal cell death. The death style of nerve cell is no longer restricted to apoptosis, autophagy and necrosis as confirmed before. With the successive discoveries of the gasdermin (GSDM) protein family and key caspase molecules in the past several decades, pyroptosis emerges as a novel kind of programmed cell death. A substantial body of evidence has recognized the close connection between pyroptosis and the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, evidences for pyroptosis involvement in neurodegenerative diseases and finally we hope to provide a novel angle for clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents new theoretical results on quasi-projective synchronization (Q-PS) and complete synchronization (CS) of one kind of discrete-time fractional-order delayed neural networks (DFDNNs). At first, three new fractional difference inequalities for exploring the upper bound of quasi-synchronization error and adaptive synchronization are established by dint of Laplace transform and properties of discrete Mittag-Leffler function, which vastly expand a number of available results. Furthermore, two controllers are designed including nonlinear controller and adaptive controller. And on the basis of Lyapunov method, the aforementioned inequalities and properties of fractional-order difference operators, some sufficient synchronization criteria of DFDNNs are derived. Because of the above controllers, synchronization criteria in this paper are less conservative. At last, numerical examples are carried out to illustrate the usefulness of theoretical upshots. • The neoteric fractional-order difference inequality is established by Laplace transform and some characters of discrete Mittag–Leffler function. Compare the variable substitution method adopted in Gu et al. (2020), Zhao et al. (2023), Xu et al. (2023), the new difference inequality is more simple to get the error upper bound of quasi-projective synchronization due to the existence of constant. • An original nonlinear state feedback controller is designed to attain Q-PS of DFDNNs. Compared with the linear feedback controller used in Zhao et al. (2023), Xu et al. (2023), it is not difficult to find that the nonlinear controller in this paper degenerates into a linear controller when ω = 0 , so the results in this paper are more general. • Some sufficient synchronization criteria in regard to Q-PS and CS of DFDNNs are yielded by dint of Lyapunov direct method and the proposed difference inequalities. Compared with synchronization criteria in Gu et al. (2020), Li et al. (2021), Zhao et al. (2023), Xu et al. (2023), the establishment of fractional difference inequality in this paper makes the calculation simpler, so synchronization criteria obtained are less conservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a periodic review inventory system with multiclass demands and fixed setup cost. Demand arrivals of each class are assumed to be a Poisson process, and a lost-sales setting is adopted. The demand classes are classified by the cost of their unsatisfied demands. We consider two cases: the leftover inventory at the end of a restocking interval is entirely discarded or entirely carried over to the next period. We obtain the optimal rationing policy, the optimal ordering policy and the optimal duration of the periodic review interval that minimize the average cost per unit time. We derive the differential equations satisfied by the value function characterized by the on-hand inventory level and the residual restocking time. This value function does not have the traditional modularity and convexity properties. Hence, the optimal policy is derived directly based on the ordinary differential equations satisfied by the value function. Moreover, some structural properties of the optimal policy such as the monotone property of the optimal rationing policy are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligonucleotides are generally manufactured via a solid-phase nucleotide elongation process utilizing a four-step or three-step reaction cycle consisting of detritylation, coupling, sulfurization/oxidation and optional capping. Following each step, the solid support is rinsed with solvent to remove residual reagent and to prepare the growing oligonucleotide chain for the next synthetic manipulation. Reported herein is an investigation of the impact of column-washing operations on the quality of oligonucleotide synthesis in the three-step cycle process. Also described is a more sustainable synthetic protocol without column-washing after the coupling and sulfurization steps that provides material of similar quality compared to material from standard washing protocols. This improvement allows for an approximate 70% reduction in wash solvent use for a typical 18 to 20-mer oligonucleotide. For every kilogram of an oligonucleotide synthesized, >300 L of organic solvents are saved and Process Mass Intensity (PMI) for synthesis steps is decreased from >890 to ∼530. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, with the rapid development of the internet and the gradual promotion of online collaborative learning, the social regulation of learning is receiving increasing attention, which involves socially shared metacognition, one facet of social metacognition. To date, social regulation of learning or socially shared metacognition have been widely studied using qualitative approaches. Although a variety of scales have been developed to measure metacognition in traditional individual learning, little work has been done to develop a scale to measure social metacognition in collaborative learning contexts. This study originally developed a social metacognition inventory consisting of 24 indicators by referring to the literature for assessing beliefs of other persons (BOP), awareness of other persons' thinking (AOPT), judgment of other persons' emotions (JOPE), co-regulation of each other's thinking (CREOT), and evaluation of other persons' thinking (EOPT). After EFA using 218 undergraduates' questionnaires of social metacognition in collaborative argumentation on a social psychological issue from a Sino-Foreign Cooperative Educational Institution, 17 indicators showed good factorability and reliability. After CFA using another 300 questionnaires on social metacognition in collaborative argumentation about the pandemic received from undergraduates who come from 52 countries in the International College of Education, among the 17 indicators derived from the first sample's EFA, three indicators had high correlation with others. Finally, based on the reviews of three experts, these three indicators were deleted. The remaining 14 indicators formed good construct validity with acceptable convergent and discriminant validities. In addition, the multi-group invariance test demonstrated that the structural model of the Social Metacognition Inventory has better configural invariance, which indicates that it can be generalized to other online collaborative argumentation contexts. The Social Metacognition Inventory can be used to quantify social metacognition in online collaborative argumentation when administering a large-scale experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower levels of consumer competency are a major obstacle preventing consumers from benefitting from online shopping. However, the literature provides little information on consumers’ competency in online shopping. Based on the consumption decision-making process model, in Study 1, 12 college students with rich experience in online shopping were interviewed. A three-step coding process was conducted, and the results illustrated the key competencies of online shopping, i.e., product identification, self-control, support for decision-making, and consumer protection. Based on the results of Study 1 and the knowledge-attitude-skill model, Study 2 developed three subscales to evaluate college students’ knowledge, attitude, and skill regarding online shopping in standardized and systematic ways. The validity of the instrument was examined in a sample of 648 college students. Study 3 further examined and demonstrated the quality of the three subscales in a new sample of 494 residents. Moreover, a latent profile analysis (LPA) divided the participants into three groups based on their consumer competency: low-, median-, and high-competence consumers. The findings contribute to the literature on consumer competency and online shopping and have different implications for consumers, the government, and corporations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell culture inserts offer an in vivo-like microenvironment to investigate cell-cell interactions between co-cultivated cells. However, it is unclear if types of inserts affect cell crosstalk. Here, we developed an environment-friendly cell culture insert, XL-insert, which can reduce plastic waste with lower cost. We compared XL insert with two types of commercial disposable culture inserts, Koken® insert with atelocollagen membrane (Col-inserts) and Falcon® inserts with plastic membrane (PET-inserts) on cell-cell interactions in co-cultivated THP-1 macrophages and OP9 adipocytes. Scanning electron microscope, immunoassay and imaging analysis showed that among three types of inserts, XL-inserts allowed cytokines from co-cultivated macrophages and adipocytes to diffuse freely and offered preferable in vivo-like microenvironment for cell-cell interactions. PET-inserts showed limitations for intercellular communication due to some pores being blocked by somas on the membrane that caused much lower permeability for cytokines passing through. Col-inserts blocked large sized cytokines but allowed small sized molecules to permeate resulting in improved lipid accumulation and adiponectin secretion in OP9 adipocytes. Taken together, our data demonstrated that membrane type and pore size on the membrane affect the cross-talk between co-cultivated cells very differently. Some previous co-culture studies might have different results if the inserts were changed. • Crosstalk between macrophage and adipocyte is affected by types of culture inserts. • The handmade insert, XL insert, is easy to make, environment-friendly and low cost. • XL insert provides an in vivo like microenvironment for cell-cell interactions. • The collagen membrane insert improves lipid accumulation and adiponectin secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La2O3 and CeO2, as main rare earth oxides, with unique physical and chemical properties have been widely used in catalyst and grinding industry. In this study, the effects of La2O3 and CeO2 on the anaerobic process were investigated. The biological methane production tests showed that 0–0.05 g/L La2O3 and 0–0.05 g/L CeO2 enhanced anaerobic methanogenesis process. The result showed maximum specific methanogenic rates of La2O3 and CeO2 were 56.26 mL/(h·gVSS) and 49.43 mL/(h·gVSS) and, compared with the control, increased 4% and 3%, respectively. La2O3 significantly reduced the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), whereas CeO2 had no similar effect. Dissolution experiments demonstrated that the content of extracellular La in the anaerobic granular sludge reached 404 μg-La/g volatile suspended solid (VSS), which was 134 times higher than that of extracellular Ce (3 μg-Ce/gVSS). The content of intracellular La reached 206 μg-La/gVSS, which was 19 times higher than that of intracellular Ce (11 μg-Ce/gVSS). The different stimulation between La3+ and Ce3+ could be attributed to the different dissolution of La2O3 and CeO2. The result of this work is helpful to optimize anaerobic processes and to develop novel additives. Practitioner Points • Novel anaerobic additives were developed. • La2O3 and CeO2 in 0–0.05 g/L enhanced organics degradation and methane production. • The addition of La2O3 significantly reduced the accumulation of volatile fatty acids. • The solubilization of La2O3 was stronger than CeO2. • The promoting effects of low concentrations of La2O3 and CeO2 were derived from dissolved La and Ce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is a member of the genus Crinivirus in the family Closteroviridae. It has a wide host range and wide distribution, causing serious harm to the vegetable industry. The autophagy pathway plays an important role in plant resistance to virus infection. Viruses and plant hosts coevolve in defence and antidefence processes around autophagy. In this study, the interaction between ToCV p22 and Nicotiana benthamiana B‐cell lymphoma2‐associated athanogenes5 Nicotiana benthamiana (NbBAG5) was examined. Through overexpression and down‐regulation of NbBAG5, results showed that NbBAG5 could negatively regulate ToCV infection. NbBAG5 was found to be localized in mitochondria and can change the original localization of ToCV p22, which is colocalized in mitochondria. NbBAG5 inhibited the expression of mitophagy‐related genes and the number of autophagosomes, thereby regulating viral infection by affecting mitophagy. In summary, this study demonstrated that ToCV p22 affects autophagy by interacting with NbBAG5, established the association between viral infection, BAG proteins family, and the autophagy pathway, and explained the molecular mechanism by which ToCV p22 interacts with NbBAG5 to inhibit autophagy to regulate viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C20H16FNO5, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.5235(2) Å, b = 22.1323(2) Å, c = 8.95249(19) Å, β = 101.445(3)°, V = 1779.66(7) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0410, wRref(F2) = 0.1194, T = 279.5 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An operationally simple aqueous phase three‐component photochemical strategy for the alkylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with diethyl α‐bromomalonate and unactivated alkenes in the absence of both photoredox catalysts and additive has been developed. This reaction is driven by the photochemical activity of electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complexes formed by quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and diethyl α‐bromomalonate. Irradiation with visible light triggered single‐electron transfer (SET) from the quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones to the diethyl α‐bromomalonate, inducing the formation of the corresponding alkyl radical and the subsequent radical tandem reaction. It provides an efficient way to construct alkylated quinoxalinones from simple small molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context • Patients with bone-marrow injuries, such as spinal cord injuries (SCIs), usually have urinary dysfunction, changes to the urethra’s anatomical structure, and pathophysiological changes of the urinary system, which can lead to urodynamic changes. If a patient receives improper treatment, repeated infections of the urinary system can easily occur, causing hydronephrosis and damage to renal function. Objective • The study intended to explore the effects of catheter follow-up management for patients with SCIs on the function of the bladder and the urinary tract and on urinary tract infections (UTIs), selecting antibiotics reasonably according to a bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test. Design • The research team designed a randomized controlled trial. Setting • The study took place at the Hebei Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-Western Medicine (WM) in Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China. Participants • Participants were 92 patients with SCIs who were treated at the hospital between January 2020 and December 2021. Intervention • The research team randomly divided participants into an intervention group (n = 45) and a control group (n = 47). The control group received routine treatment, while the intervention group received catheter follow-up management. Outcome Measures • At baseline and postintervention after six weeks of treatment, the research team: (1) examined participants’ bladder function, (2) examine urodynamic indexes including measurement of the maximum bladder volume, maximum urethral closure pressure, maximum urinary flow rate, and maximum detrusor pressure, and (3) assessed participants’ QoL using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Abbreviated (WHOQOL-BREF). Results • Improvements in bladder function, urodynamic indexes, QoL, and UTIs occurred in both groups. The intervention group’s: (1) total effective rate for bladder function was 91.11%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (P = .022); (2) maximal bladder volume, urethral closure pressure, and urinary flow rate were 365.59 ± 54.43 ml, 81.19 ± 8.8 cmH2O, and 18.60 ± 2. 43 ml/s, respectively, and were significantly higher than those of the control group (all P = .000); (3) maximal detrusor pressure was 47.48 ± 5.64 cmH2O, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (p=0.000); (4) scores on the WHOQOL-BREF’s subdimensions and total score were significantly higher than those in the control group: psychological, 17.92 ± 1.55; physiological, 30.30 ± 1.82; independence, 22.43 ± 1.40; social relations, 16.82 ± 1.32; environment, 21.19 ± 1.85; and total score, 110.02 ±16.64 (all P = .000); (5) incidence of urinary tract infection was 17.78 which was significantly lower than that of the control group (P = .003). The distribution of bacterial species in the UTIs of the intervention and control groups wasn’t significantly different (P = .869). The two bacterial groups were Escherichia coli and Enterococcus. Drug sensitivity tests showed that the Escherichia coli were less susceptible to gentamicin, levofloxacin, and piperacillin than to ciprofloxacin, and the Enterococcus were less susceptible to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin than to piperacillin. Conclusions • For patients with SCIs, catheter follow-up management can be helpful in restoring the function of the bladder and urinary tract, can improve patients’ QoL, and reduce their rate of UTIs. Clinically, medical practitioners should select antibiotics reasonably according to a bacterial culture and drug-sensitivity test [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of genetic disorders resulting in inherited blindness due to the degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. The various mechanisms underlying rod degeneration primarily rely on genetic mutations, leading to night blindness initially. Cones gradually degenerate after rods are almost eliminated, resulting in varying degrees of visual disability and blindness. The mechanism of cone degeneration remains unclear. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying cone degeneration in RP, a highly heterogeneous disease, is essential to develop novel treatments of RP. Herein, we review recent advancements in the five hypotheses of cone degeneration, including oxidative stress, trophic factors, metabolic stress, light damage, and inflammation activation. We also discuss the connection among these theories to provide a better understanding of secondary cone degeneration in RP. Five current mechanisms of cone degenerations in RP Interactions among different pathways are involved in RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M2-type macrophages are inflammation-suppressing cells that are differentiated after induction by cytokines such as IL-4 or IL-13, which play an important regulatory role in inflammation and influence the regression of inflammation-related diseases. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has an important role in suppressing immune-mediated inflammatory responses but the effect and underlying mechanism of ATRA on the polarization of M2 macrophages remains unclear. Macrophages were isolated from peritoneal wash fluid, and IL-4 (20 ng/mL) was used to construct a m2-type macrophage polarization model. The model was incubated with different concentrations of ATRA (15 µg/ml, 30 µg/ml, 45 µg/ml) for 24 h, and pretreated macrophages with p38MAPKα inhibitor SB202190 (20 μM). MTT, Trypan blue staining, Annexin V-PE/7-AAD staining, flow cytometry, real-time PCR and western blotting were used to investigate the effect and mechanism of ATRA on the polarization of M2 macrophages. Compared with the IL-4 group, the proportion of F4/80+CD206+ M2-type macrophages was significantly higher in the ATRA group (P < 0.01). mRNA and protein expression levels of Arg-1, IL-10 and TGF-β1 were as significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the ATRA group as phosphorylation levels of STAT6 and p38MAPK (P < 0.01). After pretreatment with the addition of the inhibitor SB202190, M2-type macrophages proportion and their associated factors expression were significantly (P < 0.01) reduced, as compared with those in the ATRA group, but they were comparable (P > 0.05) with the IL-4 group. The combination of ATRA and IL-4 activated the p38MAPK/STAT6-signaling pathway to promote polarization of M2 macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the random reshuffling (RR) method for smooth nonconvex optimization problems with a finite-sum structure. Though this method is widely utilized in practice, e.g., in the training of neural networks, its convergence behavior is only understood in several limited settings. In this paper, under the well-known Kurdyka-Łojasiewicz (KL) inequality, we establish strong limit-point convergence results for RR with appropriate diminishing step sizes; namely, the whole sequence of iterates generated by RR is convergent and converges to a single stationary point in an almost sure sense. In addition, we derive the corresponding rate of convergence, depending on the KL exponent and suitably selected diminishing step sizes. When the KL exponent lies in [0,1/2], the convergence is at a rate of O(t-1) with t counting the number of iterations. When the KL exponent belongs to (1/2,1), our derived convergence rate is of the form O(t-q) with q∈(0,1) depending on the KL exponent. The standard KL inequality-based convergence analysis framework only applies to algorithms with a certain descent property. We conduct a novel convergence analysis for the nondescent RR method with diminishing step sizes based on the KL inequality, which generalizes the standard KL framework. We summarize our main steps and core ideas in an informal analysis framework, which is of independent interest. As a direct application of this framework, we establish similar strong limit-point convergence results for the reshuffled proximal point method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a core electrode reaction for the renewable production of high‐purity hydrogen, carbon‐based fuel, synthetic ammonia, etc. However, the sluggish kinetics of the OER result in a high overpotential and limit the widespread application of OER‐based technologies. Recent studies have shown that bimetallic‐based materials with the synergism of different metal components to regulate the adsorption and dissociation energy of intermediates are promising OER electrocatalyst candidates with a lower cost and energy consumption. In the past two decades, tremendous efforts have been devoted to developing OER applications of bimetallic‐based materials with a focus on compositions, phase, structure, etc., to highlight the synergism of different metal components. However, there is a lack of critical thinking and organized analysis of OER applications with bimetallic‐based materials. This review critically discusses the challenges of developing bimetallic‐based OER materials, summarizes the current optimization strategies to enhance both activity and stability, and highlights the state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalysts for OER. The relationship between the componential/structural features of bimetallic‐based materials and their electrocatalytic properties is presented to form comprehensive electronic and geometric modifications based on thorough analysis of the reported works and discuss future efforts to realize sustainable bimetallic‐based OER applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of brachytherapy in post-operative cervical cancer patients with risk factors other than positive stump, and to identify the candidates most likely to benefit. Newly diagnosed, non-metastatic cervical cancer patients treated in our hospital between January 2012 and November 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Early stage patients receiving radical surgery and needing adjuvant external radiotherapy were included, but those with positive stump were excluded. All patients received external radiotherapy. They were divided into two groups: one group received vaginal brachytherapy and the other did not. The 5-year local-regional recurrence free survival (LRRFS) and overall survival (OS) rates in the two groups were compared. Two hundred and twenty-five patients were included in this study; while 99 received brachytherapy, 126 did not. The brachytherapy group had significantly superior 5-year LRRFS (87.7% vs. 72.5%, p = 0.004), but did not show a significant overall survival benefit (78.4% vs. 75.3%, p = 0.055). In multivariate analysis, brachytherapy, pathological type, high-risk factors, duration of radiotherapy, and transfusion were independent prognostic factors for 5-year LRRFS. In stratified analysis, the brachytherapy group showed superior LRRFS in those meeting Sedlis criteria (p = 0.017). The combination of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy can improve LRRFS in post-operative cervical cancer patients with risk factors other than positive stump. Therefore, brachytherapy should be considered for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let X and Y be Banach spaces. For A ∈ L(X), B ∈ L(Y), C ∈ L(Y, X), let MC be the operator matrix defined on X ⊕ Y by M C = ( A C 0 B ) ∈ L (X ⊕ Y) . In this paper we investigate the decomposability for MC. We consider Bishop's property (β), decomposition property (δ) and Dunford's property (C) and obtain the relationship of these properties between MC and its entries. We explore how σ*(MC) shrinks from σ*(A) ∪ σ*(B), where σ* denotes σβ,σδ,σC, σdec. In particular, we develop some sufficient conditions for equality σ*(MC) = σ*(A) ∪σ*(B). Besides, we consider the perturbation of these properties for MC and show that in perturbing with certain operators C the properties for MC keeps with A, B. Some examples are given to illustrate our results. Furthermore, we study the decomposability for ( 0 A B 0 ) . Finally, we give applications of decomposability for operator matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To explore the value of human data from the Zhuang population via predicting the diameter of the hamstring tendon autograft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and determining the feasibility of preoperative ultrasound for prediction. Methods: In total, 24 Zhuang patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with a 4‐strand semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autograft (4 S‐STG) were enrolled in this study. Before the operation, the affected semitendinosus tendon (ST) was examined by ultrasonography, and its length, diameter, cross‐sectional area, and circumference were measured. The patients' basic information and body data, ie, height, weight, body mass index, lower limb length injured, and thigh circumference injured, were recorded. Their ST and gracilis tendon lengths and diameters and 4 S‐STG diameter were measured during the operation. A correlation analysis was conducted between the ultrasound measurement results and human data and intraoperative tendon measurements. Results: The ST diameter measured by ultrasound was correlated with the ST length and ST diameter measured during operation, and the ST circumference measured by ultrasound was correlated with the ST diameter measured during operation. The patients' body weight can be used to distinguish a 4 S‐STG diameter of ≥8 mm (P <.01, mean difference = 11.59). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of body weight was 0.829. The final graft diameter ≥8 mm could be predicted with a body weight of 61.5 kg as the cutoff point; the sensitivity and specificity were 72.2% and 83.3%, respectively. Conclusion: In Zhuang patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with 4 S‐STG, body weight more accurately predicted graft diameter than preoperative semitendinosus diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Progesterone resistance is an epigenetic factor that reduces endometrial receptivity and causes implantation failure in women with endometriosis. In addition, dysregulated miRNAs contribute to the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of endometriosis. This study aimed to determine the effect of miR‐297 on the progesterone receptor (PR) expression and on insufficient decidualization of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) within the eutopic endometria of infertile women with minimal or mild endometriosis. Methods: ESCs were isolated from infertile endometriosis and normal patients and were transfected with miR‐297 mimic or miR‐297 inhibitor or respective control. qRT‐PCR and western blot were conducted to quantify the expression of miR‐297 and PR. The effect of miR‐297 on ESCs decidualization was investigated by induced decidualization in vitro. Results: We observed an increase in miR‐297 expression and a decrease in the expression of PR in the ESCs from endometriosis patients. Moreover, the expression of PR, most notably PRB, was found to be downregulated following transfection with miR‐297 mimic and upregulated following treatment with miR‐297 inhibitor. In addition, overexpressed miR‐297 inhibited the decidualization of ESCs in vitro. We further determined that miR‐297 exerts direct regulatory effects on PR expression. Conclusions: We demonstrated that miR‐297 interferes with fertility by repressing the expression of PR and preventing efficient decidualization in eutopic endometria. Further, miR‐297 directly contributes to progesterone resistance in minimal or mild cases of endometriosis. Thus, regulation of miR‐297 may prove to be a promising therapeutic strategy for endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As severe conditions, acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) threaten human health. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a vital role in the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) significantly contributes to mediating inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, the impact of SphK1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered ALI/ARDS remains largely undetermined. In our current work, we explored the impact of SphK1 on ALI/ARDS using a mouse model. We studied whether it could reduce LPS-triggered inflammatory response and oxidative stress by suppressing SphK1 in ALI/ARDS. The mice were treated with the inhibitor of SphK1 (N,N-dimethylsphingosine, DMS) before intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Moreover, we assessed the survival rate, and several parameters, such as the lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Western blotting analysis was adopted to evaluate the levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine kinase (AKT) pathways. We showed that the inhibitor of SphK1 not only ameliorated LPS-stimulated lung histopathological changes and W/D ratio of lung tissue but also elevated the survival rate, the SOD activity and decreased the MDA content, MPO activity, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-ɑ (TNF-ɑ) production by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in lung tissue. Taken together, SphK1 played an essential role in inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. The underlying mechanism might be linked to the activation and up-regulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in LPS-triggered ALI/ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgery for anterior clinoid meningiomas (ACMs) remains challenging due to their tight adhesion to vital neurovascular and has been traditionally performed through a transcranial approach. Method: We present the key steps of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for ACMs with a video illustration and figures. The relevant surgical anatomy is described along with the indications and limitations of this approach. Conclusion: The EEA offers a good treatment option for selected ACMs. It allows for the removal of involved hyperostotic bone and dural attachments, early identification and control of the neurovascular structure, and avoidance of brain retraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity and its adjacent sites, which endangers the physical and mental health of patients and has a complex etiology. Chronic infection is considered to be a risk factor in cancer development. Evidence suggests that periodontal pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Treponema denticola, are associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). They can stimulate tumorigenesis by promoting epithelial cells proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis and regulating the inflammatory microenvironment. Candida albicans promotes OSCC progression and metastasis through multiple mechanisms. Moreover, oral human papillomavirus (HPV) can induce oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). There is evidence that HPV16 can integrate with host cells' DNA and activate oncogenes. Additionally, oral dysbiosis and synergistic effects in the oral microbial communities can promote cancer development. In this review, we will discuss the biological characteristics of oral microbiome associated with OSCC and OPSCC and then highlight the mechanisms by which oral microbiome is involved in oral oncogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. These findings may have positive implications for early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of La/Ho co-substitution on multiferroic characteristics were investigated for BiFeO3 ceramics together with structure evolution. The symmetry in Bi1−x(La0.65Ho0.35)xFeO3 ceramics changed from R3c to Pna21 and finally Pbnm with increasing x. Ferroelectricity was significantly improved with La/Ho co-substitution, and Pr reached the maximum of 30.9 μC/cm2 at 160 kV/cm at x = 0.16, where the R3c/Pna21 morphotropic phase boundary was determined. The weak ferromagnetism was released as the symmetry changed from R3c to Pna21, and subsequently the saturated M–H loop could be determined gradually with increasing x, and Mr increased continuously. The electric field-controlled magnetism could be characterized by the significant magnetism variation due to the electric field-induced transition of Pna21/R3c, which occurred during the poling process, and this transition became reversible by the help of annealing after poling. Compared with the situation of Bi1−xNdxFeO3 (the ion radius is the same as the effective one of La0.65Ho0.35), the present co-substituted BiFeO3 ceramics exhibited superior electric field-induced transition of Pna21/R3c with a maximum change rate of 47.03% in remanent magnetization under an electric field, which enhanced the magnetoelectric effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs) enable plants to recognize herbivores and may help plants adjust their defense responses. Here, we report on herbivore-induced changes in a protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) widely distributed across arthropods. PDI from the spider mite Tetranychus evansi (TePDI), a mesophyll-feeding agricultural pest worldwide, triggered immunity in multiple Solanaceae plants. TePDI-mediated cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana required the plant signaling proteins SGT1 (suppressor of the G2 allele of skp1) and HSP90 (heat shock protein 90), but was suppressed by spider mite effectors Te28 and Te84. Moreover, PDIs from phylogenetically distinct herbivorous and nonherbivorous arthropods triggered plant immunity. Finally, although PDI-induced plant defenses impaired the performance of spider mites on plants, RNAi experiments revealed that PDI genes are essential for the survival of mites and whiteflies. Our findings indicate that plants recognize evolutionarily conserved HAMPs to activate plant defense and resist pest damage, pointing to opportunities for broad-spectrum pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As severe conditions, acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) threaten human health. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a vital role in the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) significantly contributes to mediating inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, the impact of SphK1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered ALI/ARDS remains largely undetermined. In our current work, we explored the impact of SphK1 on ALI/ARDS using a mouse model. We studied whether it could reduce LPS-triggered inflammatory response and oxidative stress by suppressing SphK1 in ALI/ARDS. The mice were treated with the inhibitor of SphK1 (N,N-dimethylsphingosine, DMS) before intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Moreover, we assessed the survival rate, and several parameters, such as the lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Western blotting analysis was adopted to evaluate the levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine kinase (AKT) pathways. We showed that the inhibitor of SphK1 not only ameliorated LPS-stimulated lung histopathological changes and W/D ratio of lung tissue but also elevated the survival rate, the SOD activity and decreased the MDA content, MPO activity, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in lung tissue. Taken together, SphK1 played an essential role in inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. The underlying mechanism might be linked to the activation and up-regulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in LPS-triggered ALI/ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep disorders persist in renal transplant patients. Previous studies have showed that fatigue and rumination are an important determinant of sleep quality. However, very few studies have explored the mediating role of rumination in the relationship between fatigue and sleep quality in kidney transplant recipients. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was implemented, and 192 kidney transplant patients completed the short questionnaire about their recent experiences of fatigue, rumination, and sleep quality. The prevalence of sleep disorders among kidney transplant recipients was 19.3%. With rumination as a partial mediator, fatigue indirectly affected the patients' sleep quality. This indirect effect was 0.10 (95% confidence interval, 0.154–0.419). Our results indicate that the incidence of sleep disorders after renal transplantation was high, and the more tired kidney transplant recipients become, the more likely they are to ruminate, which leads to a decline in sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in the gel and rheological properties and water-holding capacity of PSE meat myofibrillar proteins with different amounts of sodium bicarbonate (SC, 0–0.6/100 g) were studied. Compared to the PSE meat myofibrillar proteins with 0/100 g SC, the texture properties and cooking yield significantly increased (p < 0.05) with increasing SC; meanwhile, adding SC caused the gel color to darken. All samples had similar curves with three phases, and the storage modulus (G') values significantly increased with the increasing SC. The thermal stability of the PSE meat myofibrillar proteins was enhanced, and the G' value at 80 °C increased with the increasing SC. Because water was bound more tightly to the protein matrix, the initial relaxation times of T21 and T22 shortened, the peak ratio of P21 significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the P22 significantly decreased (p < 0.05), which implied that the mobility of the water was reduced. Overall, SC could improve the thermal stability of the PSE meat myofibrillar proteins and increase the water-holding capacity and textural properties of the cooked PSE meat myofibrillar protein gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketamine is a noncompetitive antagonist of N -methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). We have shown that ketamine can induce cognitive impairments and schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice. However, the detailed metabolic profile changes in the progression of ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like symptoms are still not fully elucidated. In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-Q-Exactive hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry-based untargeted hippocampus high-throughput metabolomics method was first performed to screen for potential biomarkers in a schizophrenia-like state in a chronically administered ketamine-induced mouse model. Our results identified that the amino acid and energy metabolism pathways were significantly affected in mouse models of ketamine-induced schizophrenia. The detailed amino acid profiles were subsequently quantified in the hippocampus. The results showed that ketamine dramatically decreased the Lys, Gly, and Ser levels while significantly increasing the Gln level and relative Glu-to-GABA ratio. Our study suggested that Gln, Gly and Ser metabolism disturbances might be involved in ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like phenotypes. This research offers a fresh viewpoint for creating new neuroleptic medications and contributes to understanding the mechanisms underlying ketamine-induced schizophrenia. • Ketamine-induced experimental schizophrenia can alter the amounts of a variety of metabolites in the hippocampus. • Changed metabolites mainly involved amino acids and enriched in synaptic signaling and amino acid metabolism pathway. • Gln, Gly and Ser may be potential biomarkers for ketamine-induced schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Climate change caused by greenhouse gas emission has become a global hot topic. Although biotechnology is considered as an environmentally friendly method to produce chemicals, almost all biochemicals face carbon dioxide emission from inevitable respiration and energy metabolism of most microorganisms. To cater for the broad prospect of biochemicals, bioprocess optimization of diverse valuable products is becoming increasingly important for environmental sustainability and cleaner production. Based on Ca(OH)2 as a CO2 capture agent and pH regulator, a bioprocess was proposed for co-production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO), biohydrogen and micro-nano CaCO3 by Clostridium butyricum DL07. Results: In fed-batch fermentation, the maximum concentration of 1,3-PDO reached up to 88.6 g/L with an overall productivity of 5.54 g/L/h. This productivity is 31.9% higher than the highest value previously reports (4.20 g/L/h). In addition, the ratio of H2 to CO2 in exhaust gas showed a remarkable 152-fold increase in the 5 M Ca(OH)2 group compared to 5 M NaOH as the CO2 capture agent. Green hydrogen in exhaust gas ranged between 17.2% and 20.2%, with the remainder being N2 with negligible CO2 emissions. During CO2 capture in situ, micro-nano calcite particles of CaCO3 with sizes in the range of 300 nm to 20 µm were formed simultaneously. Moreover, when compared with 5M NaOH group, the concentrations of soluble salts and proteins in the fermentation broth of 5 M Ca(OH)2 group were notably reduced by 53.6% and 44.1%, respectively. The remarkable reduction of soluble salts and proteins would contribute to the separation of 1,3-PDO. Conclusions: Ca(OH)2 was used as a CO2 capture agent and pH regulator in this study to promote the production of 1,3-PDO. Meanwhile, micro-nano CaCO3 and green H2 were co-produced. In addition, the soluble salts and proteins in the fermentation broth were significantly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Gu-Shu-Kang (GSK) is a clinical traditional Chinese medicine prescription for the treatment of primary osteoporosis. Objective: This study investigates the protection of GSK against dexamethasone (Dex)-induced disturbance of musculoskeletal system in male mice and to identify the underlying mechanism. Materials and methods: Male C57BL/6 mice in Dex-treated groups were orally administered (i.g.) with vehicle, low dose (0.38 g/kg), middle dose (0.76 g/kg), or high dose (1.52 g/kg) of GSK for 8 weeks. A control group was designed without any treatment. The quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius were harvested. Molecular expression was determined by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Results: Treatment with GSK enhanced weight-loaded swimming time (from 411.7 ± 58.4 s in Dex group to 771.4 ± 87.3 s in GSK-M) and grip strength (from 357.8 ± 23.9 g in Dex group to 880.3 ± 47.6 g in GSKM). GSK produced a rise in cross-sectional area of myofibers and promoted a switching of glycolytic-tooxidative myofiber. The administration with GSK affected expression of muscle regulatory factors shown by the down-regulation in MuRF-1 and atrogin-1 and the up-regulation in myogenic differentiation factor (MyoD) and myosin heavy chain (MHC). GSK stimulated tissue IGF-1 signalling pathway (IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt), not only in skeletal muscle but also in bone associated with the amelioration of trabecular bone mineral density and the improvement of osteogenesis. Conclusions: These findings revealed the potential mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of Gu-Shu-Kang on musculoskeletal system in mice with challenging to dexamethasone, and this prescription may have applications in management for muscle atrophy and osteoporosis triggered by glucocorticoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding self-directed learning (SDL) when using point of care information systems (POCIS) can inform educational providers of the usefulness of the system for continuing medical education (CME). Sen's capability approach can offer a unique perspective to understand SDL, which considers the extent to which individual valued learning needs can be achieved. The aim of the study was to pilot the use of a questionnaire informed by the capability approach for understanding SDL when using POCIS in the context of CME. A semi-structured questionnaire aligned to the capability approach (Capability Approach for SDL with POCIS Questionnaire - CA-SPQ) in the context of CME was developed and implemented with 200 users of a POCIS (BMJ Best Practice). The response rate was 92 and 78% of users considered that their valued outcomes were achieved and that they could apply their new learning to practice. The questionnaire had high content, face, and construct validity. The CA-SPQ can offer a practical instrument to provide data and useful information for understanding SDL, when using POCIS in the context of CME. It also has the potential for adaptation to other areas of medical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that there are two approaches applicable in constructing frames starting from one fixed frame. One is based on l 2 -operator portraits by which, using a suitable bounded linear operator on l 2 , one can construct an arbitrary frame from one fixed frame. The other is based on perturbation that allows suitable perturbing a frame leaving a frame. The study of Hilbert–Schmidt frames (HS-frames) has interested some mathematicians in recent years. This paper addresses l 2 -operator portraits and perturbations in the setting of HS-frames. We prove that the portrait of a HS-frame under a bounded invertible operator on l 2 is still a HS-frame; present a sufficient condition on bounded operators on l 2 which transform an l 2 -decomposable HS-frame into another HS-frame (HS-Riesz basis, HS-frame sequence and HS-Riesz sequence); and prove that suitable perturbing a HS-frame sequence (HS-Riesz sequence) leaves a HS-frame sequence (HS-Riesz sequence). Finally, using these results we recover some conclusions on frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric transitions of Ba4Sm2(Ti1-xZrx)4Ta6O30 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1) tetragonal tungsten bronze ceramic samples were investigated systematically with the crystal structure, dielectric properties, and Raman vibrations. For x = 0 and x = 0.1, the tetragonal tungsten bronze structure with space group P4bm was determined. A first order ferroelectric transition with a sharp, frequency independent dielectric permittivity maximum was indicated for x = 0 and x = 0.1, while a strong low temperature dielectric relaxation was also determined for x = 0.1. For x = 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1, a tetragonal tungsten bronze structure with space group P4/mbm was determined. Relaxor ferroelectric behavior with strong frequency dispersion becomes dominating for compositions of x ≥ 0.3. Compositions of x = 0 and 0.1 exhibited nonlinear polarization electric-field (P-E) hysteresis loops at room temperature, while other compositions only exhibited linear curves. Raman spectra presented distinct vibration modes for x = 0 and x = 1, and the intensity of some modes showed sudden rising or falling with increasing x from x = 0 to x = 0.1. The abrupt change from normal ferroelectric to relaxor behavior at x = 0.1 in this system is quite different from the gradual change in the Ba4Sm2Zr4(NbxTa1-x)6O30 system, and both the different electron configuration and ion size mismatch between Zr and Ti should play important roles in the crossover here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Climate change is one of the most significant global challenges we face this century, and all species will likely be affected by it. Climate change may cause organisms to advance their phenology, delay reproduction, shift their ranges northwards, or even reduce their range. Reptiles, as typical ectotherms, are more sensitive to climate change, mainly in the form of range shifts. The crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus Ahl, 1930) belongs to a monophyletic family and genus and is a relict species from the late Quaternary glacial period. Given its unique evolutionary history, it arguably has greater conservation value. The overall population size of this species is decreasing due to habitat destruction and over-exploitation (e.g., traditional medicine, food, and pet trade). This study evaluated the effect of climate change and dispersal capacity on the potential distribution range of crocodile lizards. Temperature and precipitation interact to affect the distribution of crocodile lizards. Historical climate has seen a large expansion in the range of the crocodile lizard. However, in a future global warming scenario, the potential range of crocodile lizards will continue to shrink. The same results were obtained for different migration scenarios. However, to better predict future changes to the distribution range of the crocodile lizard we need more fieldwork and ground truthing. All we can do currently is try to protect the lizard and its habitat to ensure their continued survival. Crocodile lizards (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) are an endangered, 'living fossil' reptile from a monophyletic family and therefore, a high priority for conservation. We constructed climatic models to evaluate the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of crocodile lizards for the period 2000 to 2100 and determined the key environmental factors that affect the dispersal of this endangered species. For the construction of climatic models, we used 985 presence-only data points and 6 predictor variables which showed excellent performance (AUC = 0.974). The three top-ranked factors predicting crocodile lizard distribution were precipitation of the wettest month (bio13, 37.1%), precipitation of the coldest quarter (bio19, 17.9%), and temperature seasonality (bio4, 14.3%). Crocodile lizards were, just as they are now, widely distributed in the north of Guangdong Province in China and Quảng Ninh Province in Vietnam at the last glacial maximum (LGM). Since the LGM, there has been an increase in suitable habitats, particularly in east-central Guangxi Province, China. Under future global warming scenarios, the potential habitat for crocodile lizards is expected to decrease significantly in the next 100 years. Under the most optimistic scenario, only 7.35% to 6.54% of suitable habitat will remain, and under the worst climatic scenario, only 8.34% to 0.86% of suitable habitat will remain. Models for no dispersal and limited dispersal showed that all crocodile lizards would lose habitat as temperatures increase. Our work contributes to an increased understanding of the current and future spatial distribution of the species, supporting practical management and conservation plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asprosin is a newly discovered adipokine that is involved in regulating metabolism. Sympathetic overactivity contributes to the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in the regulation of sympathetic outflow and blood pressure. This study was designed to determine the roles and underlying mechanisms of asprosin in the PVN in regulating sympathetic outflow and blood pressure. Experiments were carried out in male adult SD rats under anesthesia. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded, and PVN microinjections were performed bilaterally. Asprosin mRNA and protein expressions were high in the PVN. The high asprosin expression in the PVN was involved in both the parvocellular and magnocellular regions according to immunohistochemical analysis. Microinjection of asprosin into the PVN produced dose-related increases in RSNA, MAP, and HR, which were abolished by superoxide scavenger tempol, antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. The asprosin promoted superoxide production and increased NADPH oxidase activity in the PVN. Furthermore, it increased the cAMP level, adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity, and protein kinase A (PKA) activity in the PVN. The roles of asprosin in increasing RSNA, MAP, and HR were prevented by pretreatment with AC inhibitor SQ22536 or PKA inhibitor H89 in the PVN. Microinjection of cAMP analog db-cAMP into the PVN played similar roles with asprosin in increasing the RSNA, MAP, and HR, but failed to further augment the effects of asprosin. Pretreatment with PVN microinjection of SQ22536 or H89 abolished the roles of asprosin in increasing superoxide production and NADPH oxidase activity in the PVN. These results indicated that asprosin in the PVN increased the sympathetic outflow, blood pressure, and heart rate via cAMP–PKA signaling-mediated NADPH oxidase activation and the subsequent superoxide production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019 and 2020, symptoms of dwarfing, yellowing, and reddening were observed in garlic in open fields in Shandong Province, China. Milk vetch dwarf virus (MDV) was detected in aphids and symptomatic garlic plants using polymerase chain reaction analysis. Furthermore, it was demonstrated using an aphid transmission test that garlic is a natural host of MDV. Rolling-circle amplification was combined with the use of specific primers to amplify the complete genomes of MDV and its related alphasatellites. This is the first report of complete genome sequences of MDV and related alphasatellites from garlic and aphid samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial DNA extraction is a critical step in metagenomic research. High contents of chemical substances in wood tissues always cause low microbial DNA yield and quality. Up to date, almost no specialized methods involved in microbial DNA extraction from living wood were reported. In this study, an improved protocol (M1) concerning microbial DNA extraction from living poplar wood was developed. We compared microbial DNA yield and quality by M1 with those by other seven methods, including PowerSoil DNA isolation kit (M2), two soil microbial DNA extraction methods (M3 and M4), poplar genomic DNA extraction method from wood (M5), and microbial DNA extraction method from herb stems (M6), isolating bacteria (M7) and isolating fungus (M8). Results showed that M1 yielded much better quality and concentration of microbial DNA than the other methods (M2-M8) from both poplar wetwood and sapwood tissues. Following M1 protocol, 1 g of wetwood sample could yield 272.27 ng/ul (vol=50 ul) pure microbial DNA with the absorption ratios of 1.87 (A260/A230) and 1.66 (A260/A280). For 1 g of sapwood sample, these values were 361.83 ng/ul, 1.85 and 2.24, respectively. These DNA could be stably visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis and amplified by primer sets of bacteria (16S V3-V4, 16S-V4, 16S V4-V5) and fungus (ITS1, ITS2). While, the other seven methods only obtained less or contaminated microbial DNA, which could not be amplified stably by aforementioned primer sets. Our protocol provided an approach for microbial community study in living poplar wood in a more accurate way by molecular biology techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a three‐dimensional (3D) finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) approach utilizing time‐domain weighted Laguerre polynomials (WLPs) and space‐domain isotropic–dispersion (ID) finite‐difference scheme is presented (i.e., 3D ID‐WLP‐FDTD). The method exhibits unconditional stability and comprehensively improved performance such as lower anisotropic numerical dispersion error. To demonstrate its advantage, it is applied in an example of the propagation of a plane wave in a 3D cavity. The results calculated by the proposed ID‐WLP‐FDTD method and the conventional 3D WLP‐FDTD are compared, which shows that the proposed method can achieve reduced anisotropic numerical dispersion error while consuming less calculation time and hardware resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]