Search

The presence of a significant number of melanocytes in the ovary and follicular membrane of Silky Fowl suggests their potential involvement in follicle development. Currently, there is a lack of available data regarding to the isolation of primary melanocytes from adult chickens. To date, primary melanocytes and their in vitro culture system have been successfully conducted in the peritoneum of chicken embryos. Herein, melanocytes from silky fowl ovaries were isolated and identified. Silky Fowl ovaries were obtained by mixed digestion of 0.1% collagenase II and 0.25% trypsin-EDTA. Melanocytes could be further purified and cultured up to 5 generations in vitro. RNA-seq analysis was used to investigate whether there were differences in the functional status of melanocytes in different tissues and developmental stages. Consequently, differential gene expressions between peritoneal and ovarian melanocytes were compared. These findings demonstrated that the Silky Fowl ovary had higher expression levels of genes involved in the production of sexual hormones and melanogenesis, while those of melanocytes derived from the peritoneum were involved in amino acid metabolism, lipid synthesis, and overall metabolic rates. This suggests that the role of melanocytes is dependent on the origin tissue and developmental stage, and is tightly connected to the function of the specific source tissue from which the cells were derived. This study provides a method for isolating adult melanocytes and serve as a basis for further investigate the effect of SFOM on germ cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides possess excellent moisturizing effects due to their abundance of hydrophilic groups and film-forming properties. Additionally, they can produce a refreshing aroma during the pyrolysis process. However, there is scarce research on their application in the tobacco field. Herein, we investigated the effects of low molecular weight fenugreek polysaccharide (FP) obtained through ethanol fractionation and DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography on moisture retention and aroma enhancement in tobacco. The moisture retention test revealed that the addition of FP increased the moisture retention index (MRI) of tobacco by 11.72 %–16.69 %, indicating that the hydrophilic nature of polysaccharides facilitated the migration of free water in tobacco to bound water, resulting in reduced water activity. Moreover, the contact angle between polysaccharide and tobacco was <90°, enabling better infiltration into tobacco and slowing down tobacco shrinkage caused by water loss. Among all the components, EFP-20 and EFP-40 demonstrated superior performance. Furthermore, FP exhibited excellent thermal stability below 200 °C and can decomposed to produce aromatic substances at high temperatures. It also demonstrated the ability to adsorb ethyl heptanoate and thermally decompose to produce a substantial amount of heptanoic acid. Consequently, the incorporation of FP in tobacco demonstrated favorable effects on both moisturization and aroma enhancement. [Display omitted] • Fenugreek polysaccharide (FP) can raise the proportion of bound water in tobacco. • FP can better infiltrate the surface of tobacco and make the surface smooth and full. • FP cracking produces aromatic substances. • FP can adsorb ethyl heptanoate and crack to produce heptanoic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of dye pollutants in wastewater was a serious environmental issue. In this paper, freezing radical polymerization was used to prepare poly (polyethylene gly co l diacrylate - co - maleic anhydride) (p(PEGDA- co -MA)) cryogels with redox initiators of ammonium persulfate / tetramethylethylene diamine in aqueous solution. The mechanical property and chemical structure of cryogels were characterized compression tests, IR, and XPS. After that, adsorption performance of p(PEGDA- co -MA) cryogels for cationic dyes was measured and the maximum adsorption capacity for methylene blue and crystal violet was 447.7 mg·g−1 and 329.5 mg·g−1 (pH = 7.0), respectively. Adsorption isotherm, adsorption kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics were investigated to reveal adsorption mechanism of cryogel materials, which showed that monolayer chemical adsorption was dominant and the adsorption capacity decreased with the increase of temperature. This p(PEGDA- co -MA) cryogels would not only partly developed the polymerization method of vinyl monomers but also strongly expanded the field of dye adsorption materials. [Display omitted] • Macroporous cryogels are prepared by free radical polymerization of vinyl monomers. • Maleic anhydride is used as functional monomer for the adsorption of cationic dyes. • Adsorption capacity for methylene blue or crystal violet was 447.7 or 329.5 mg·g−1. • Adsorption mechanism of cryogels for various dyes was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introductions: Intraoral scanner has been widely used for implant impression in partially edentulous cases; however, its accuracy in the impression of full‐arch implant is still questionable. Clinical report: This clinical report presents a technique to check the accuracy of intraoral scanning for complete‐arch implant restorations using an implant index cast (The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms 9th Edition) and a three‐dimensional printed cast. A clinical case of immediate loading on a maxillary edentulous patient illustrates the application of an implant index cast in implant fixed complete dentures (IFCDs). Discussion: The implant index cast was fabricated based on the immediate interim prosthesis and provides effective control of the fit of scanned files and printed models. Therefore, this approach allows a more predictable and accurate fit of the final prosthesis. Clinical significance: In this article, we present a technique to check the accuracy of the final prosthesis without the need for a conventional impression and final cast in a digital workflow. This proposed approach is demonstrated through a case report of a maxillary edentulous patient restored with immediate loaded IFCDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to develop and validate a nomogram model for predicting severe acute kidney injury (AKI) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). A total of 576 patients who received OLT in our center were enrolled. They were assigned to the development and validation cohort according to the time of inclusion. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression using the forward variable selection routine were applied to find risk factors for post-OLT severe AKI. Based on the results of multivariable analysis, a nomogram was developed and validated. Patients were followed up to assess the long-term mortality and development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Overall, 35.9% of patients were diagnosed with severe AKI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that recipients' BMI (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04–1.17, p = 0.012), hypertension (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.22–4.45, p = 0.010), preoperative serum creatine (sCr) (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95–0.97, p < 0.001), and intraoperative fresh frozen plasm (FFP) transfusion (OR for each 1000 ml increase 1.34, 95% CI 1.03–1.75, p = 0.031) were independent risk factors for post-OLT severe AKI. They were all incorporated into the nomogram. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.73 (p < 0.05) and 0.81 (p < 0.05) in the development and validation cohort. The calibration curve demonstrated the predicted probabilities of severe AKI agreed with the observed probabilities (p > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients in the high-risk group stratified by the nomogram suffered significantly poorer long-term survival than the low-risk group (HR 1.92, p < 0.01). The cumulative risk of CKD was higher in the severe AKI group than no severe AKI group after competitive risk analysis (HR 1.48, p < 0.05). With excellent predictive abilities, the nomogram may be a simple and reliable tool to identify patients at high risk for severe AKI and poor long-term prognosis after OLT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that the progression of hyperuricemia disease often contributes to renal dysfunction. However, there have been few studies on uric acid nephropathy (UAN), especially its relationship with gut microbiota. UAN is usually accompanied by disordered intestinal flora, and damaged gut barrier, which are closely related to tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and systemic inflammation. In previous studies, it has been confirmed that curcumin could alleviate tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and improve renal function through its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory efficacies. However, the effects curcumin exerts on intestinal flora in uric acid nephropathy are still unknown. Therefore, we used next-generation sequencing technology to investigate the effects of curcumin on gut microbiota in a rat model of UAN induced by adenine and potassium oxonate, and rats were randomly divided into control, model or curcumin treatment groups. The results demonstrated that, compared to the model group, the treatment group showed decreased serum uric acid (156.80 ± 11.90 μmol/L vs. 325.60 ± 18.65 μmol/L, p < 0.001), serum creatinine (66.20 ± 11.88 μmol/L vs. 182.20 ± 8.87 μmol/L, p < 0.001) and BUN level (13.33 ± 3.16 mmol/L vs. 36.04 ± 6.60 mmol/L, p < 0.001). The treatment group also displayed attenuated renal pathological lesions and metabolic endotoxemia (25.60 ± 5.90 ng/mL vs. 38.40 ± 4.98 ng/mL, p < 0.01), and improved tightly linked proteins expression. Besides, curcumin altered the gut microbiota structure in UAN rats. More specifically, curcumin treatment protected against the overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens in UAN, including Escherichia-Shigella and Bacteroides, and increased the relative abundance of bacteria producing short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as Lactobacillus and Ruminococcaceae. These results suggest that curcumin could modulate gut microbiota, fortify the intestinal barrier, attenuate metabolic endotoxemia, and consequently protect the renal function in UAN rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cuticle formed in the uterus is the outermost layer as the first defense line of eggshell against microbial invasions in most avian species, and analyzing its genetic regulation and influencing factors are of great importance to egg biosecurity in poultry production worldwide. The current study compared the uterine transcriptome and proteome of laying hens producing eggs with good and poor cuticle quality (GC and PC, the top and tail of the cuticle quality distribution), and identified several genes involved with eggshell cuticle quality (ESCQ). Overall, transcriptomic analysis identified 53 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PC versus GC group hens, among which 25 were up-regulated and 28 were down-regulated. No differences were found in the uterine proteome. Several DEGs, including PTGDS, PLCG2, ADM and PRLR related to uterine functions and reproductive hormones, were validated by qPCR analysis. Egg quality measurements between GC and PC hens showed GC hens had longer laying interval between two consecutive ovipositions (25.64 ± 1.23 vs 24.94 ± 1.12 h) and thicker eggshell thickness (352.01 ± 23.04 vs 316.20 ± 30.58 μm) (P < 0.05). Apart from eggshell traits, other egg quality traits didn't differ. The result demonstrated eggshell and cuticle deposition duration in the uterus is one of the major factors affecting ESCQ in laying hens. PTGDS, PLCG2, ADM and PRLR genes were discovered and might play crucial roles in cuticle deposition by regulating the uterine muscular activities and secretion function. The findings in the present study provide new insights into the genetic regulation of cuticle deposition in laying hens and establish a foundation for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the influence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene polymorphisms and other contributing clinical factors on peripherally inserted central catheter–related venous thrombosis (PICC-RVT) in Chinese patients with lung cancer. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 237 participants. Blood samples were collected to detect the PAI-1 4G/5G genotype. Venous thromboembolism risk was calculated by the Caprini risk assessment model. Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed every 7 days for 3 weeks to confirm PICC-RVT. Results: The rate of PICC-RVT was 13.50% (32/237). The 5G/5G, 4G/5G, and 4G/4G genotypes were found in 12.50% vs 17.56%, 59.38% vs 49.27%, and 28.12% vs 34.17% in the thrombus group and the non-thrombus group of the participants. No difference was observed in the distribution frequency of the three genotypes between the thrombus and non-thrombus groups. A higher fibrinogen level (OR 1.194, 95% CI 1.004–1.420, P = 0.045) and a higher Caprini score (OR 1.698, 95% CI 1.103–2.614, P = 0.016) were statistically significant risk factors for PICC-RVT. Compared with patients who underwent a pemetrexed/cisplatin regimen, those who were administered paclitaxel/cisplatin (OR 18.332, 95% CI 2.890–116.278, P = 0.002) or gemcitabine/cisplatin (OR 6.617, 95% CI 1.210–36.180, P = 0.029) were at increased risk of PICC-RVT. Conclusion: Our finding suggested that there is no statistically significant influence of the PAI-1 4G/5G gene variant on PICC-RVT in Chinese patients with lung cancer. However, patients with higher Caprini scores and higher fibrinogen levels are at increased risk for PICC-RVT, as are patients receiving chemotherapy. Clinical staff should carefully perform a risk assessment for patients with PICC. Those with the above risk factors should pay close attention and take timely and effective preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to solve the problem of ultraprecision measurements of micro-holes with high aspect ratios, a tactile fiber probe based on the detection of the returning light energy center is proposed. With an incident fiber, a coupler, and an effluent fiber guiding the emission light, sufficient light energy can be provided for a photodetector, thus the shadowing effect of sidewall in a micro-hole can be eliminated. By converting the displacement of a probe tip to changes of the returning light energy center, measurement of the micro-holes with high aspect ratios can be realized. Experimental results indicate that the fiber probe has a spatial resolution of up to 0.04μm, a triggering repeatability better than 0.06μm, and a static state stability up to 0.41μm in 30min. A micro-hole with a nominal diameter of Φ200μm and thickness of 2mm has been measured, the measurement result of diameter at a depth of 1mm is 206.03μm, with a standard deviation of 0.067μm, and an aspect ratio of 5:1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The viscosity of gelatin solutions with concentrations between 10-4 and 10-5 g/cm3, covering the extremely dilute zones, was studied via a photoelectric viscometer, and the effects of the electrolyte, pH, surfactant, urea, and temperature were discussed. The results showed that the reduced viscosity (ηsp/C) of gelatin exhibited a drastic increase with dilution in the extremely dilute aqueous solutions, this being a typical polyelectrolyte effect. The reduced viscosity of gelatin underwent several oscillations with varying pH; the minimum value of the viscosity was at pH = 5.0, corresponding to its isoelectric point, where gelatin exhibited antipolyelectrolyte behavior. The reduced viscosity of gelatin decreased with increasing temperature, which was due to the helix-coil transition in the gelatin solution. The temperature of the helix-coil transition was 30.0°C in gelatin aqueous solution; however the temperature of helix-coil transition decreased to 20.0°C in urea. Upon cooling, the gelatin molecules in aqueous solution underwent a coil-helix transition. Hydrophobic interactions caused chain folding in the presence of the surfactant sodium dodecylsulphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment (PD‐M) progress to dementia more frequently than those with normal cognition (PD‐N), but the underlying neurobiology remains unclear. This study aimed to define the specific morphological brain network alterations in PD‐M, and explore their potential diagnostic value. Twenty‐four PD‐M patients, 17 PD‐N patients, and 29 healthy controls (HC) underwent a structural MRI scan. Similarity between interregional gray matter volume distributions was used to construct individual morphological brain networks. These were analyzed using graph theory and network‐based statistics (NBS), and their relationship to neuropsychological tests was assessed. Support vector machine (SVM) was used to perform individual classification. Globally, compared with HC, PD‐M showed increased local efficiency (p =.001) in their morphological networks, while PD‐N showed decreased normalized path length (p =.008). Locally, similar nodal deficits were found in the rectus and lingual gyrus, and cerebellum of both PD groups relative to HC; additionally in PD‐M nodal deficits involved several frontal and parietal regions, correlated with cognitive scores. NBS found that similar connections were involved in the default mode and cerebellar networks of both PD groups (to a greater extent in PD‐M), while PD‐M, but not PD‐N, showed altered connections involving the frontoparietal network. Using connections identified by NBS, SVM allowed discrimination with high accuracy between PD‐N and HC (90%), PD‐M and HC (85%), and between the two PD groups (65%). These results suggest that default mode and cerebellar disruption characterizes PD, more so in PD‐M, whereas frontoparietal disruption has diagnostic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chicken plumage color, the genetic basis of which is often affected by epistasis, has long interested scientists. In the current study, a population of complex epistasis was constructed by crossing dominant White Leghorn chickens with recessive white feather chickens. Through a genome‐wide association study, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms and genes significantly associated with white and colored plumage in hens at different developmental stages. Interestingly, white plumage in adulthood was associated with the recessive white feather gene (TYR), whereas white feathers at birth stage were associated with the dominant white feather gene (PMEL), indicating age‐related roles for these genes. TYR was shown to exert an epistatic effect on PMEL in adult hens. Additionally, TYR had an epistatic effect on barred plumage, while barred plumage had an epistatic effect on black plumage. TYR had no epistatic effect on the yellow plumage. We confirmed that the barred plumage gene is CDKN2A, as reported in previous studies. Golgb1 and REEP3, which play important roles in the Golgi network and affect the formation of feather pigments, are important candidate genes for yellow plumage. The candidate genes for black plumage are CAMKK1 and IFT22. Further research is warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water quality is critical for egg production and animal health in commercial layer housing systems. To investigate microbial contamination in nipple drinking system in layer houses, the bacterial abundance and communities in water pipes and V-troughs on different tiers (e.g., 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th tiers) of a layer house with 8 overlapping cage tiers were determined using qRT-PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing. The water bacterial abundance (i.e., genome 16S rDNA copy number, WBCN) in water pipes and V-troughs did not significantly differ among tiers, but they were 46.77 to 1905.46 times higher in V-troughs than that in water pipes (P < 0.05) for each tier. Illumina sequencing obtained 1,746,303 effective reads from 24 water samples in V-troughs of 4 tiers (six samples from each tier). Taxonomic analysis indicated that the 1st and 5th tiers were predominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, while the 3rd and 7th tiers were predominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. The top four genera were Acinetobacter, Streptococcus, Rothia and Comamonas among measured tiers. The high bacterial abundance and bacterial OTUs of water in the V-troughs reflect poor water quality, which may adversely affect growth and health of laying hens. Therefore, it is suggested that water quality in the V-tough should be checked more frequently in commercial layer houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To use structural magnetic resonance imaging and graph theory approaches to investigate the topological organization of the brain morphological network based on gray matter in essential tremor, and its potential relation to disease severity. Methods: In this prospective study conducted from November 2018 to November 2019, 36 participants with essential tremor and 37 matched healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Brain networks based on the morphological similarity of gray matter across regions were analyzed using graph theory. Nonparametric permutation testing was used to assess group differences in topological metrics. Support vector machine was applied to the gray matter morphological matrices to classify participants with essential tremor vs. healthy controls. Results: Compared with healthy controls, participants with essential tremor showed increased global efficiency (p < 0.01) and decreased path length (p < 0.01); abnormal nodal properties in frontal, parietal, and cerebellar lobes; and disconnectivity in cerebello-thalamo-cortical network. The abnormal brain nodal centralities (left superior cerebellum gyrus; right caudate nucleus) correlated with clinical measures, both motor (Fahn–Tolosa–Marìn tremor rating, p = 0.017, r = − 0.41) and nonmotor (Hamilton depression scale, p = 0.040, r = − 0.36; Hamilton anxiety scale, p = 0.008, r = − 0.436). Gray matter morphological matrices classified individuals with high accuracy of 80.0%. Conclusion: Participants with essential tremor showed randomization in global properties and dysconnectivity in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical network. Participants with essential tremor could be distinguished from healthy controls by gray matter morphological matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There was no optimal risk assessment tool to stratify the risk of peripherally inserted central catheter-related venous thromboembolism (PICC-RVT) in cancer patients. We currently use the Caprini risk assessment model for thrombotic risk assessment, but no evidence exists on the effectiveness of Caprini in such patients. This study was to assess the validity of the Caprini in Chinese cancer patients with PICCs. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 468 participants. Following calculating the Caprini score, color Doppler ultrasonography was performed every 7 days for 3 weeks to confirm PICC-RVT. Results: There was a correlation between PICC-RVT and the Caprini score. Compared with scores of 5, the risk was 2.089-fold greater (95% CI 1.165–3.743, P = 0.012) in patients with a score of 6 and 7, and 7.156-fold greater (95% CI 3.157–16.217, P < 0.001) in patients with scores ≥8. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.636 (95% CI 0.590–0.680; P < 0.001). 6 was the best cutoff point for Caprini, with a sensitivity of 0.76 and a specificity of 0.44. Conclusions: The Caprini can be used for high-risk screening of the PICC-RVT in cancer patients, and classification of the highest risk level using a score of 6 can be more clinically significant compared to 5 as recommended. The results provide evidence for the practitioner's early use of the Caprini to assess the thrombotic risk in patients with PICCs and take timely prevention measures. But pharmacological prevention should be considered seriously for its low specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a major virus outbreak in the twenty-first century, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented hazards to mental health globally.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study based on the results of an online survey. The survey was conducted 1 month after the outbreak (February 18-29, 2020) and repeated at the time of resuming activity (April 8-14, 2020). The 15-item Death Anxiety Scale (T-DAS) was used to assess the degree of death anxiety, and the Chinese version of PTSD checklist-civilian version (PCL-C), for PTSD symptom clusters. Through convenient sampling, a total of 7678 cases were collected.Results: Our findings showed that even after the lockdown was lifted, the prevalence of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and death anxiety remained significantly high in the general population affected by the outbreak. Regression model analysis showed that PTSD was significantly associated with age > 50 years, contact history/living community, poor health status of participants, past traumatic experience (PTE), and medical occupation. Moreover, death anxiety mediated the relationship between life-threatening PTE and PTSD, indicating that reducing death anxiety could buffer the negative effects of PTE on PTSD.Conclusions: Despite the lifting of the lockdown, long-term adverse psychological effects remain in the affected general population. The management of mental health after major public health events is important, and high-risk groups such as the elderly and healthcare workers should receive targeted interventions. In addition, the study suggests that methods for alleviating death anxiety must be included in plans to manage the psychological impact of public health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of ions into mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) may affect its mesostructure and properties, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study focuses on the effects of the contents and the chemical states of the incorporated vanadium on the morphology and mesostructure of MBG. Firstly, the vanadium incorporated MBG (MBG-V) particles with different vanadium contents were prepared via hydrothermal synthesis method utilizing a triblock copolymer (P123) as the structure-directing agent. The vanadium existence was characterized by IR spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, UV Raman spectroscopy, and 51V, 29Si and 31P NMR spectra. It was revealed that most of vanadium species existed in the form of the amorphous calcium vanadate clusters and located at pore wall, while few vanadium species were incorporated in the silica network in an isolated tetrahedral V5+coordination and some polymeric V–O–V vanadium species primarily existed in the surface of the MBG at a higher vanadium loading. With the increase of vanadium contents, the specific surface area, wall thickness, mesopore size, total pore volume, total micropore volume and mesoporous ordered degree decreased, which was partly due to the deposition of three different forms of vanadium species at the inner pore walls and/or external surface areas. Nevertheless, more primary reasons were attributed to the effect of vanadate ions on the initial P123 micellization and the cooperative assembled interaction between P123 micellization and silicon species. In addition, the incorporation of vanadate led to smaller macroscopic particles size of individual particles but a larger primary particles size of P123 micelles/silicon polymer aggregates during preparation process. Overall, our results have preliminarily revealed the influence mechanism of the incorporation of vanadium elements on the morphology and mesostructure of MBG-V, which would be of great significance to regulate the vanadium dissolution behavior and biological properties of vanadium incorporated bone repair materials. Scheme 1. Mechanism for the effects of the vanadate in solution and the chemical states of the incorporated vanadium on morphology and mesostructure of V-MBG. [Display omitted] • MBG doped with bioactive elements is synthesized by hydrothermal method via introducing sodium vanadate. • The morphology and mesostructure of MBG are significantly changed due to the incorporation of vanadium. • The vanadate ions affect initial P123 micellization and the cooperative assembly of P123 micelles and silicon species. • There existed three forms of vanadium species which distributed in different locations of MBG-V, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroimaging studies using a variety of techniques have demonstrated abnormal patterns of spontaneous brain activity in patients with essential tremor (ET). However, the findings are variable and inconsistent, hindering understanding of underlying neuropathology. We conducted a meta‐analysis of whole‐brain resting‐state functional neuroimaging studies in ET compared to healthy controls (HC), using anisotropic effect‐size seed‐based d mapping, to identify the most consistent brain activity alterations and their relation to clinical features. After systematic literature search, we included 13 studies reporting 14 comparisons, describing 286 ET patients and 254 HC. Subgroup analyses were conducted considering medication status, head tremor status, and methodological factors. Brain activity in ET is altered not only in the cerebellum and cerebral motor cortex, but also in nonmotor cortical regions including prefrontal cortex and insula. Most of the results remained unchanged in subgroup analyses of patients with head tremor, medication‐naive patients, studies with statistical threshold correction, and the large subgroup of studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging. These findings not only show consistent and robust abnormalities in specific brain regions but also provide new information on the biology of patient heterogeneity, and thus help to elucidate the pathophysiology of ET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is among the major abiotic stresses negatively affecting the growth and productivity of crop plants. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) -an external nitric oxide (NO) donor- has been found effective to impart salinity tolerance to plants. Soybean (Glycine max L.) is widely cultivated around the world; however, salinity stress hampers its growth and productivity. Therefore, the current study evaluated the role of SNP in improving morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes of soybean under salinity stress. Data relating to biomass, chlorophyll and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, activities of various antioxidant enzymes, ion content and ultrastructural analysis were collected. The SNP application ameliorated the negative effects of salinity stress to significant extent by regulating antioxidant mechanism. Root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll contents, activities of various antioxidant enzymes, i.e., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were improved with SNP application under salinity stress compared to control treatment. Similarly, plants treated with SNP observed less damage to cell organelles of roots and leaves under salinity stress. The results revealed pivotal functions of SNP in salinity tolerance of soybean, including cell wall repair, sequestration of sodium ion in the vacuole and maintenance of normal chloroplasts with no swelling of thylakoids. Minor distortions of cell membrane and large number of starch grains indicates an increase in the photosynthetic activity. Therefore, SNP can be used as a regulator to improve the salinity tolerance of soybean in salt affected soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are no data validating the performance of spleen stiffness measurement in ruling out high-risk varices in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis under maintained viral suppression. Thus, we aimed to prospectively validate the performance of spleen stiffness measurement (cut-off 46 kPa) combined with Baveno VI criteria in ruling out high-risk varices in these patients. Patients with cirrhosis were enrolled from April to December 2019 at the hepatology unit of the Nanfang Hospital, China. Liver and spleen transient elastography and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were performed at enrollment. Antiviral regimen(s) and virological responses, evaluated every 3-6 months, were recorded. Overall 341 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis under maintained viral suppression were enrolled, and the prevalence of high-risk varices was 20.5% (70/341). Baveno VI criteria spared 37.0% (126/341) esophagogastroduodenoscopies and no high-risk varices were missed (0/70). Eight cases of high-risk varices (8/70, 11.4%) were misclassified in patients (208/341, 61.0%) within the expanded Baveno VI criteria. The spleen stiffness measurement cut-off (≤46.0 kPa) was shown to safely rule out high-risk varices in these patients (the percentage of missed high-risk varices was 4.3%). Over half (61.6%, 210/341) of patients met the combined model (Baveno VI criteria and spleen stiffness measurement cut-off ≤46 kPa) and 4.3% (3/70) of high-risk varices cases were misclassified. This combined model exhibited a sensitivity of 95.71%, specificity of 76.38%, negative predictive value of 98.57%, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.06 for ruling out high-risk varices. We validated the excellent performance of Baveno VI criteria combined with spleen stiffness measurement (cut-off 46 kPa) for safely ruling out high-risk varices in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis under viral suppression; more than half of esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedures were spared using this combination. NCT04123509 Esophageal varices have important prognostic implications in patients with cirrhosis. Thus, their timely identification is important so that treatment can be initiated early. Herein, we validated the excellent performance of the combination of Baveno VI criteria with spleen stiffness measurement (cut-off 46 kPa) for ruling out high-risk esophageal varices in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis under maintained viral suppression (with antiviral treatment). This combined model was able to safely rule out high-risk varices (missed/total <5%) and over half (61.6%) of esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedures were spared. • Largest prospective study validating the performance of Baveno VI criteria in patients with cirrhosis under HBV suppression. • SSM (≤46 kPa) for ruling out high-risk varices was well validated in patients with cirrhosis under viral suppression. • More unnecessary endoscopies (>50%) can be safely avoided by combining Baveno VI criteria and SSM model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microorganisms play crucial roles in various processes within the soil ecosystem, such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and maintenance of soil structure. However, their responses to fertilization and different cropping systems in tobacco soils remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a 19-year-long field experiment on rice-tobacco rotation cropping (R) and continuous tobacco cropping (C), with three fertilization treatments: no fertilizer (NF), chemical NPK fertilizer (NPK), and composted pig manure (OM). The composition, co-occurrence patterns, N-cycling genes (nifH , AOA -amoA , AOB -amoA , nirS , nirK , and nosZ) of the bacterial communities as well as the soil properties were analyzed in the soils after tobacco was harvested. The pH and available potassium (AK) in the rotation cropping soil were significantly lower than those in continuous cropping soil, while the α-diversity index, and the abundance of nifH , nirS , nirK , and nosZ genes were opposite. The phyla Chloroflexi , Desulfobacterota , MBNT15 , and Nitrospinota , as well as number of low-abundance genera, were significantly enriched in rice-tobacco rotation cropping. Partial least squares path model (PLSPM) indicated that cropping systems had a greater influence on the variations in bacterial communities compared to fertilization practices. These findings enhance our understanding of the significance of land management and fertilization in shaping the soil bacteria of tobacco. The rice-tobacco rotation cropping system demonstrated greater benefits to soil microorganisms and N-cycling genes compared to continuous cropping system. • The pH and available potassium (AK) were significantly decreased in rotation cropping soil. • The α-diversity and N-cycling genes of bacteria in continuously cropped soil were significantly decreased. • The number of low-abundance genera was significantly higher in the rotation system. • Cropping system had a greater influence on the bacterial community than the fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable haematological cancer. Selinexor is the first-in-class selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) and was newly approved for the treatment of MM. Until now, very few studies have investigated selinexor resistance in MM. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNPU) is an RNA-binding protein and a component of hnRNP complexes. Here we found that hnRNPU regulates MM sensitivity to selinexor. Cell apoptosis assays were performed to compare selinexor-induced cell death in control knockdown (CTR-KD) and hnRNPU knockdown (hnR-KD) MM cells. HnRNPU knockdown-induced nuclear protein retention was examined by proteomics array. HnRNPU-conferred mRNA translation regulation was evaluated by sucrose gradient assay, RNA electrophoresis mobility shift assay, and RNA pull-down assay. We found that hnR-KD MM cells were more sensitive to selinexor-induced cell death in vitro and in mouse model. MM patients who responded to selinexor had relatively low hnRNPU expression. In brief, hnRNPU comprehensively regulated MM sensitivity to selinexor by affecting the localization of LTV1 and NMD3, and mRNA translation of MDM2 and RAN, which were involved in XPO1-mediated nuclear export of ribosome subunits and tumor suppressors. Our discoveries indicate that hnRNPU might be a possible marker to categorize MM patients for the use of Selinexor. • HnRNPUHigh MM cells were resistant to selinexor-induced cell death in vitro and in vivo. • HnRNPU distinguished nuclear protein retention including p53, NMD3 and LTV1. • HnRNPU bound to RAN and MDM2 mRNAs and regulated their translation. • HnRNPU regulated the factors involved in the XPO1-mediated nuclear export of ribosome subunits or cancer suppressors. • A possible approach to categorize MM patients for the use of Selinexor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paeoniflorin (PF) and glycyrrhizic acid (GL) have skin beautifying effects of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, inhibition of melanin formation, and reduction of skin pigmentation. To improve the transdermal permeability of PF and GL in transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) and enhance their anti-melasma efficacy, PF-GL transethosome (PF-GL-TE) was prepared by ethanol injection method, and finally gelled with carbomer-940 to form PF-GL-TE gel. Consequently, the obtained PF-GL-TE is small and uniform, with an average particle size and a PDI value of about 167.9 nm and 0.102. PF-GL-TE gel showed sustained release behavior and high transdermal permeability in vitro release and transdermal tests. Meanwhile, PF-GL-TE gel played significant preventive effects on melasma induced by progesterone injection and ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) irradiation. According to the results of H&E staining and Masson staining of rat skin, PF-GL-TE gel can alleviate the skin inflammation of and reduce the loss of collagen fibers of back skin in the melasma model rats. Compared with the PF-GL mixture gel, PF-GL-TE gel significantly attenuated the oxidative damage of liver and skin by increasing the activity of SOD and reducing the content of MDA. The results of Western blot showed that PF-GL-TE gel might down-regulate melanin-related proteins expressions of MITF/TYR/TRP1 and TRP2 to prevent and treat melasma. These findings indicate that PF-GL-TE gel is an effective TDDS for delivering PF and GL into the skin, providing a promising preparation for effective prevention and treatment of melasma. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dimensional change in a solid due to electrochemically driven compositional change is termed electro‐chemo‐mechanical (ECM) coupling. This effect causes mechanical instability in Li‐ion batteries and solid oxide fuel cells. Nevertheless, it can generate considerable force and deformation, making it attractive for mechanical actuation. Here a Si‐compatible ECM actuator in the form of a 2 mm diameter membrane is demonstrated. Actuation results from oxygen ion transfer between two 0.1 µm thick Ti oxide\Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 nanocomposite layers separated by a 1.5 µm thick Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 solid electrolyte. The chemical reaction responsible for stress generation is electrochemical oxidation/reduction in the composites. Under ambient conditions, application of 5 V DC produces actuator response within seconds, generating vertical displacement of several µm with calculated stress ≈3.5 MPa. The membrane actuator preserves its final mechanical state for more than 1 h following voltage removal. These characteristics uniquely suit ECM actuators for room temperature applications in Si‐integrated microelectromechanical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the appeals for antibiotic-free production and the attention to natural feed additives in poultry. The effects of fresh lemon (FM) supplementation on older laying hens (79–96 weeks) and its comparison with citric acid (CA) and flavomycin (FLA) were evaluated in the present study. Female Jingfen chickens (n = 540) were randomly distributed into 5 dietary treatments: 0 (control), 20 g/kg (2%) and 40 g/kg (4%) FM, 0.7 g/kg CA and 0.005 g/kg FLA. Production performances were recorded daily and egg quality traits were measured biweekly. Serum biochemical indices and antibody titres were detected every 4 weeks from 84 to 96 weeks of age. Compared with the control diet, FM, CA and FLA increased the laying rate (p <.05) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), and reduced the feed to egg ratio (FER), indicating positive effects on production performance. Albumen height and HU were increased by 2% and 4% FM groups compared to the control, while albumen height was decreased in CA and FLA groups. FM improved serum antioxidant enzyme activities (p <.05) and reduced serum HDL, LDL, TG and T-CH compared to other groups, indicating favourable effects on antioxidative status and lipid metabolism. Antibody titres against H5N1, H9N2 and NDV were higher in FM groups than that in other groups during most experimental periods (p <.05). In conclusion, FM supplementation enhanced the production performance and antioxidant capacity of laying hens during the late laying period and was superior to the CA and FLA in improving albumen quality, immune status and lipid metabolism. FM supplementation in layers' diets had positive effects on production performance, egg albumen quality and lipid metabolism, and could enhance antioxidant capacity and immune levels. Adding FM had better effects on the albumen quality, immune status and lipid metabolism of laying hens than adding CA and FLA during the late laying period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Ru‐doping strategy is reported to substantially improve both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalytic activity of Ni/Fe‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) for overall water splitting. As‐synthesized Ru‐doped Ni/Fe MIL‐53 MOF nanosheets grown on nickel foam (MIL‐53(Ru‐NiFe)@NF) afford HER and OER current density of 50 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 62 and 210 mV, respectively, in alkaline solution with a nominal Ru loading of ≈110 μg cm−2. When using as both anodic and cathodic (pre‐)catalyst, MIL‐53(Ru‐NiFe)@NF enables overall water splitting at a current density of 50 mA cm−2 for a cell voltage of 1.6 V without iR compensation, which is much superior to state‐of‐the‐art RuO2‐Pt/C‐based electrolyzer. It is discovered that the Ru‐doping considerably modulates the growth of MOF to form thin nanosheets, and enhances the intrinsic HER electrocatalytic activity by accelerating the sluggish Volmer step and improving the intermediate oxygen adsorption for increased OER catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Serum exosomal miRNAs were disordered in FMT-induced liver injury (FILI). • FMT hepatotoxicity might be regulated by apoptosis-related pathways. • Protective autophagy was activated in FILI via PINK1/Parkin signaling. • Regulation of autophagy may be a therapeutic strategy for herb-induced liver injury. Herb-induced liver injury (HILI) is a growing clinical and economic problem worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism of HILI remains largely unknown, which hinders the prevention and treatment of this disease. Recently evidence supports that microRNAs (miRNAs) in circulating exosomes and cells play an important role in the pathology of liver diseases. Thus, using Fructus Meliae Toosendan (FMT) as an example of hepatoxic herbal medicine, the aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms of FMT-induced liver injury (FILI) through integrated analysis of serum exosomal miRNAs and liver miRNAs profiles on FMT ethyl acetate extract (FMT for short)-exposed mice. Two dosages of FMT (20 and 40 g/kg) were involved in this study, while only high-dose exposure induced obvious liver injury in mice. Pathway analysis of 209 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in serum exosomes between high-dose FMT and control groups exhibited that FILI might be regulated by apoptosis-related pathways, such as p53 signaling, PI3K/Akt signaling, and PTEN signaling. Integrated analysis of the mRNA targets of serum exosomal DEMs and liver DEMs of high-dose FMT group showed that autophagy was significantly enriched as one of the top canonical pathways in FILI. Hepatocyte apoptosis was then proved by TUNEL assay in the liver tissue of high-dose FMT-treated mice. Moreover, in vivo validation studies suggested that the protein expression levels of PTEN, p-AKT, p53, and BAX were indeed regulated in the mouse liver after high-dose FMT administration, indicating hepatocyte apoptosis may be mediated by these three pathways mentioned above. Intriguingly, PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy was activated in high-dose FMT-treated mouse liver and the protective effect of autophagy in FILI was validated in vitro with an autophagic flux inhibitor. In addition, serum exosomal miR-222, the most downregulated miRNAs between low- and high-dose FMT treatments, might be an important event in the hepatocyte apoptosis by regulating PTEN and PPP2R2A. In conclusion, integrated analysis of microRNA profiles in mouse serum exosomes and liver cells provides insights into the hepatotoxicity mechanisms of FMT and discloses the protective role of autophagy in FILI, suggesting this method could contribute to deeply understand the mechanism of HILI and activation of autophagy may be a potentially therapeutic strategy for FILI even HILI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow plumage is common in chickens, especially in breeds such as the Huiyang Bearded chicken, which is indigenous to China. We evaluated plumage colour distribution in F1, F2, and F3 populations of an Huiyang Bearded chicken × White Leghorn chicken cross, the heredity of the yellow plumage trait was distinguished from that of the gold plumage and other known plumage colours. Microscopic analysis of the feather follicles indicated that pheomelanin particles were formed in yellow but not in white feathers. To screen genes related to formation of the pheomelanin particles, we generated transcriptome data from yellow and white feather follicles from 7- and 11-week-old F3 chickens using RNA-seq. We identified 27 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when comparing the yellow and white feather follicles. These DEGs were enriched in the Gene Ontology classes 'melanosome' and 'melanosome organization' related to the pigmentation process. Down-regulation of TYRP1, DCT, PMEL, MLANA, and HPGDS, verified using quantitative reverse transcription PCR, may lead to reduced eumelanin and increased pheomelanin synthesis in yellow plumage. Owing to the presence of the Dominant white locus, both white and yellow plumage lack eumelanin, and white feathers showed no pigments. Our results provide an understanding of yellow plumage formation in chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There have been few comprehensive scale studies on the non‐motor symptoms (NMS) of patients with essential tremor (ET) with head tremor (ETh) and those with ET without head tremor (ETol). We aimed to explore the motor symptoms and NMS of these two subgroups. Methods: We enrolled 199 patients with ET (125, ETol; 74 ETh) and 132 healthy controls. We evaluated motor symptoms using the Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS) and NMS using the Non‐Motor Symptom Scale (NMSS). We compared NMSS scores and the prevalence of each NMS between the patient subgroups. Finally, we conducted a logistic regression analysis of the correlation between head tremor and NMS severity, as well as other determinants. Results: There were no significant between‐subgroup differences in demographic characteristics. Further, they presented similar tremor clinical manifestation; however, the ETh subgroup showed a higher prevalence of rest tremor, feeling of sadness, forgetting things or events, and swallowing difficulty, as well as TRS scores, compared with the ETol subgroup. Both patient subgroups showed high scores and prevalence (>50%) in difficulty falling asleep. Logistic regression analysis indicated age as a tremor severity determinant; further, head tremor and tremor severity were NMS determinants. Conclusion: Both patient subgroups presented various NMS including sleep disturbances, cognitive deficits, and affective disorders. The ETh subgroup showed a high prevalence of certain NMS aspects including memory and affective disorder; further, they had aggravated NMS. ET with both upper limb tremor and head tremor may be regarded as a more severe clinical subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female sperm storage (FSS), the maintenance of sperm inside the female reproductive tract for an extended period of time, is pervasive among organisms with internal fertilization. Because FSS enables asynchronous mating and fertilization, it could be extremely important to reproduction. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying prolonged preservation and maintenance are poorly understood. Here, we used chicken, a typical oviparous animal, to determine the mechanisms ensuring sperm functionality in sperm storage tubules (SSTs). Results: We performed an insemination experiment on over two thousand hens at two periods, and found that the FSS capabilities varied widely among individuals. Except for the differences in the SST density between the two groups with distinct FSS abilities, we quantitatively profiled small-molecule metabolites derived from SST cells, and identified 28 metabolites with differential expression. In particular, high levels of lipids, fatty acids and lipid peroxidation product were observed in hens with low FSS capability. Pathway analysis showed that these differential metabolites were significantly enriched in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, we detected the total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation level of SSTs, and found that chickens with a lower FSS ability had a significantly higher content of lipid peroxidation end-product, which was 2.4-fold greater than chickens with a higher FSS capability, and no significant difference was found in the total antioxidant capacity between these two groups. Conclusions: Our findings reveal that the long-term storage of sperm and the maintenance of their function in the female reproductive tract require an adequate microenvironment. The superabundance of fatty acids secreted by SST cells had detrimental effects on sperm storage in the female reproductive tract. Lipid peroxidation produces toxic biological substances that may cause irreversible damage to resident spermatozoa, resulting in short-term sperm retention and decreased fertility. Our findings provide new avenues for studying sperm storage and sustaining fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive approach to detect trace amount of clenbuterol (CB) based on graphene oxide/gold nanoparticles (GO/Au NPs) by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was presented. To be specific, the GO/Au nanocomposites were formed by depositing Au NPs onto the surface of GO through an in situ reduction process, where a high density of inherent hot spots was created between Au NPs. By optimizing the depositing density of Au NPs, the strongest electromagnetic coupling effect originating from highly dense hot spots was obtained. The optimized GO/Au was demonstrated to enhance the Raman signals of CB by 4.8 times more than that of CB enhanced by Au NPs. Moreover, GO/Au nanocomposites exhibit good biocompatibility and accessible surface for high adsorption of target molecules through the pi-pi stacking with graphene oxide. Hence, the proposed GO/Au nanocomposites were utilized to capture aromatic molecules like CB and served as excellent sensitive SERS-active substrates for sensing of it, which exhibited an excellent linear performance in the range of 5 × 10−8 to 1 × 10−6 mol/L with a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.34 × 10−8 mol/L (S/N = 3). Due to high-density hot spots with easy operation, this proposed GO/Au nanocomposite–based SERS technique holds great potential in the application of food safety analysis and biomedical science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorpyrifos is a type of organophosphate insecticide used extensively in the plantation of tomatoes, a worldwide popular food. However, chlorpyrifos residues on tomatoes bring risks to human health considering the consumption level of tomato is relatively high across many countries. Accurate detection and strict regulation of chlorpyrifos residues are very important in controlling health risks related to chlorpyrifos. Therefore, we developed a rapid, highly sensitive, economical, and nondestructive surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based method that can quantitatively determine the content of chlorpyrifos in tomatoes. Silver colloid was optimized and used as the enhance substrate for SERS. Chlorpyrifos residues on tomato surface and in tomato extract were both measured with SERS, and the results acquired under these practical conditions well matched those of chlorpyrifos standard solutions. Linear relationships between chlorpyrifos concentrations and SERS intensities at crucial characteristic peaks under both conditions were established, and the results showed linearity across the entire measured range from 10−3 to 10−9 mol L−1. The detection limit of the proposed method was 10−9 mol L−1, which was much lower than the standards of chlorpyrifos use for China, Japan and EU, and was the lowest reported concentration chlorpyrifos had been measured on any fruit/vegetable surface or in its extract. The proposed method was very promising in the accurate, quantitative detection of pesticide residues, and it may be adapted to a variety of agricultural products and other areas in food science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of ivabradine hydrochloride (Iva) and trimetazidine on myocardial fibrosis (MF) in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF) werφe explored. Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, Iva, trimetazidine and combined drug group with 10 rats each. All rats except those in sham operation group were subjected to establish CHF model by constricting the abdominal aorta. After successful modeling, rats in the sham operation and model group received normal saline (10 mg/kg) gavage daily, the Iva group received Iva (10 mg/kg) gavage, the trimetazidine group received trimetazidine (10 mg/kg) gavage, and the combined drug group were given Iva (10 mg/kg) and trimetazidine (10 mg/kg) gavage for 12 weeks. The changes of hemodynamic indexes and heart rate, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels as well as transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and collagen I (COL-I) expression levels in myocardial tissue of each group were detected. Compared with sham operation group, the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) level, CTGF expression, TGF-β1 mRNA and COL-I mRNA expression levels in model group increased significantly, but the ± dp/dtmax and SOD content in myocardial tissue decreased significantly. Compared with model group, the LVEDP level, CTGF expression, TGF-β1 mRNA and COL-I mRNA expression levels in Iva group, trimetazidine group and combined drugs decreased significantly, but the ± dp/dtmax and the SOD content in myocardial tissue increased significantly (P<0.05). Changes in the combined drug group were the most notable (P<0.05). Iva combined with trimetazidine reduces LVEDP in rat with CHF, increases SOD content, and inhibits CTGF expression and TGF-β1 and COL-I expression levels in myocardial tissues, thus achieving the inhibitory effect on MF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct an effective assessment of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC)-related thrombosis based on machine learning (ML) techniques considering genotype.Design: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 348 cancer patients with PICCs who were admitted to the Department of Oncology of West China Hospital, over a 1-year period, between February 1, 2016, and February 31, 2017. We obtained the clinical attributes, onset, duration, and outcome of thrombosis from electronic health records. We assigned all patients to either the training or testing set, and used four models for comparison with the currently used criteria.Results: ML methods showed good efficiency in PICC-related thrombosis risk assessment (with areas under the curve of 0.7733, 0.7869, 0.7833, and 0.7717 respectively) and outperform the currently used criteria (Seeley), which did not identify any positive case.Conclusions: Our research confirmed that ML approaches are powerful tools to identify cancer patients with a high risk of PICC-related thrombosis, which outperform the currently used criteria (Seeley). Moreover, our research also offers some indications on the predictors and risk factors of PICC-related thrombosis. From our research, more-precise assessments can be performed in cancer patients with PICCs to help decide the prophylaxis and effectively lower the incidence of PICC-related thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Huiyang beard chicken is a well-known Chinese local breed known for its elongated feathers gathered from both sides of the face (muffs) and below the beak (beard), as well as short wattles (SW). The muff and beard (Mb) mutation is caused by ectopic upregulation of the homeobox B8 ( HOXB8 ) gene in the mandibular skin; and the chi-square test showed a significant correlation between SW and Mb genotypes. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that regulate Mb and SW variations remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the transcriptomes of the mandibular skin and wattles of chickens with and without the Mb genotype to elucidate the molecular basis of these traits. Our results show that HOXB8 is expressed at significantly higher levels in both the mandibular skin and wattles of Mb chickens than in those of wild-type chickens, indicating that HOXB8 regulates both the Mb and SW phenotypes. Key genes for keratin synthesis were highly expressed in the mandibular skin of Mb chickens, suggesting that HOXB8 may play a role in feather development. In wattles, changes in the expression of extracellular matrix synthesis genes may contribute to SW traits. DNA-binding motif analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes were likely to be directly regulated by HOXB8 binding, indicating that HOXB8 may directly or indirectly regulate feather follicle development and wattle growth. Our study identified both known and novel targets, including several genes not previously implicated in feather development and mesenchymal formation. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of skin appendage variation in birds and offer potential applications in breeding poultry breeds with unique phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultra high performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method for the determination of free and bound phenolic acids in tobacco plant and soil was developed. A simple solid‐phase extraction, which used Polar Enhanced Polymer column as stationary phase and methanol as mobile phase, was used for the clean‐up of bound phenolic acids, and a liquid‐phase extraction using chloroform as solvent was used to purify free phenolic acids. With our method, 18 phenolic acids in rhizosphere soil of continuous cropping flue‐cured cultivar k326 were separated and determined within 6 min with recoveries of 82–107% and relative standard deviations (n = 5) of 1.1–4.8%. Results showed that free phenolic acids accounted for 0–9, 92–100, and 69–100% of total phenolic acids in rhizosphere soil, cultivar k326 roots and leaves, respectively. Results also revealed that p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, p‐coumaric acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, and syringic acid were the predominant phenolic acids in rhizosphere soil of cultivar k326, and continuous cropping of cultivar k326 in the same farmland could lead to the accumulation of these phenolic acids in soil except syringic acid. The determination of phenolic acids provided detailed information for evaluating their source and characteristics in continuous cropping tobacco plant and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Radiation resistance and recurrent have become the major factors resulting in poor prognosis in the clinical treatment of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). New strategies to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy have been focused on the development of radiosensitizers and searching for directly targets that modulated tumor radiosensitivity. A novel potential radiosensitizer 1,8-Dihydroxy −3-(2′-(4″-methylpiperazin-1″-yl) ethyl-9,10-anthraquinone −3-carboxylate (RP-4) was designed and synthesized based on molecular docking technology, which was expected to regulate the radiosensitivity of tumor cells through targeting Rac1. In order to assess the radiosensitization activity of RP-4 on NPC cells, the highly differentiated CNE1 and poorly differentiated CNE2 cells NPC lines were employed. According to the results, RP-4 showed higher binding affinity toward the interaction with Rac1 than lead compounds. We found that RP-4 could inhibit cell viability and proliferation in CNE1 and CNE2 cells and significantly induced apoptosis after non-toxic concentration of RP-4 combined with 2Gy irradiation. RP-4 could effectively modulated the radiosensitivity both CNE1 cells and CNE2 cells through activating Rac1/NADPH signaling pathway and its downstream JNK/AP-1 pathway. What's more, Rac1/NADPH signaling pathway were significantly activated in Rac1-overexpressed CNE1 and CNE2 cells after treated with RP-4. Taken together, Rac1 and its downstream pathway may probably be the direct targets of RP-4 in regulating radiosensitivity of NPC cells, our finding provided a novel strategy for the development of therapeutic agents in response to tumorous radiation resistance. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • RP-4, a novel radiosensitizer with good water solubility and targeting Rac1 was synthesized. • RP-4 enhanced radiosensitivity both highly differentiated and poorly differentiated NPC cells. • RP-4 modulated radiosensitivity through activating Rac1/NADPH/JNK/AP-1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eggshell blueness is an interesting object for chicken genetic studies and blue-shelled chicken industry, especially after the discovery of the causative mutation of chicken blue eggshell. In the present study, genome wide association study (GWAS) was conducted in Chinese Dongxiang blue-shelled chicken underlying four traits of blue eggshell pigments: quantity of biliverdin (QB), quantity of protoporphyrin (QP), quantity of total pigment (QT), and color density trait (CD). A total of 139 individuals were randomly collected for GWAS. We detected two SNPs in genome-wise significance and 35 in suggestive significance, 24 out of the 37 SNP were located either within intron/exon or near 15 genes in a range of ~1.17 Mb on GGA21. For further confirmation of the identified SNP loci by GWAS, the follow-up replication studies were performed in two populations. A total of 146 individuals of the second generation derived from the former GWAS population, as well as 280 individuals from an alternative independent population were employed for genotyping by MALDI-TOF MS in a genotype-phenotype association study. Eighteen SNPs evenly distributed on the GGA21 significant region were successfully genotyped in the two populations, of which 4 and 6 SNP loci were shown significantly associated with QB, QT and QP in the two repeat populations, respectively. Further, the SNPs were narrowed down to a region of ~ 653.819 Kb on GGA21 that harbors five candidate genes: AJAP1, TNFRSF9, C1ORF174, CAMTA1, and CEP104. Shell gland of chickens laying dark and light blue eggshell was chosen for detection of mRNA expression of the five candidate genes. The results showed differential expression levels of these genes in the two groups. The specific function of these genes has not yet been defined clearly in chickens and further in-depth studies are needed to explore the new functional role in chicken eggshell blueness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • IDA-intensified conditioning regimens could significantly reduce the relapse rate of MRD-positive CR acute leukemia patients, allowing these patients to achieve more closely resembled outcomes with patients in MRD-negative remission. • IDA-intensified conditioning regimens could remarkably lower the relapse rate of MRD-positive CR acute leukemia patients, allowing these patients to achieve significantly better outcomes than patients in active disease. Abstract The optimal conditioning regimen of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for high-risk patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) remains controversial. We studied the results in 98 high-risk acute leukemia patients transplanted with idarubicin (IDA)-intensified conditioning regimens between 2012 January and 2017 January. Among these patients, 31 (31.6%) had more than 5% marrow blasts at time of transplantation and 67 patients were in morphologic remission: MRD negative status at time of conditioning was achieved in 39 patients (39.8%), whereas 28 (28.6%) remained carriers of any other positive MRD level in the bone marrow. Three-year relapse estimates of patients with MRD-positive remission was 22.0%, which was remarkably lower than patients with active disease (45.4%, P =.027) but approximate to that of patients in MRD-negative remission (15.5%, P =.522). There were no significant differences in terms of 3-year estimated overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between MRD-positive remission and MRD-negative remission groups (71.4% versus 79.1% [ P =.562] and 67.9% versus 76.9% [ P =.634], respectively). Moreover, the estimated rates of 3-year OS and DFS of patients in MRD-positive remission were significantly better than those in patients with active disease (71.4% versus 41.9% [ P =.033] and 67.9% versus 38.7% [ P =.037], respectively). These data indicate that IDA-intensified conditioning allo-HSCT could overcome the negative prognostic impact of MRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic conversion of CO 2 to value-added fuels, a promising route to address the depletion of fossil fuels and concomitant global warming, can be improved by cocatalysts through promoting the electron-hole separation and offering catalytic active sites for the surface reactions. However, the enhancement of the photocatalytic performance is greatly determined by the surface and interface structures of cocatalysts. Herein, for the first time, we demonstrate that the photocatalytic activity in the CO 2 reduction can be optimized through crystalline phase design of cocatalysts. In this work, Ru nanocrystals in face-centered cubic (fcc) and hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phases are in-situ grown on C 3 N 4 nanosheets to form different C 3 N 4 -Ru hybrid structures, respectively. It was found that the hcp Ru achieved higher average CO and CH 4 production rate but lower H 2 production rate in comparison with fcc Ru. As revealed by the experimental characterizations combined with theory simulations, the phase-dependent photocatalytic performance is resulted from the different surface reaction behaviors on the fcc and hcp Ru cocatalysts. The adsorption energy of CO 2 molecules on the dominated (10 1 ¯ 1) face of hcp Ru is higher than that on the dominated (111) face of fcc Ru. As a result, the stronger interaction between CO 2 molecules and the surface of hcp Ru contributes to the enhanced photocatalytic activity and selectivity of C 3 N 4 -hcp Ru in reduction of CO 2 . This work highlights the importance in the crystalline phase engineering in cocatalyst for enhanced CO 2 photoreduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Coal gangue filling reclamation led to increases in bulk density, decreases in nutrients, and accumulation of heavy metals. • Reclamation and reconstruction activities changed the relationship strength and cooperation efficiency among soil properties. • The reduction in bulk density due to soil aggregates restoration was essential for reclaimed mine soil recovery. • Under high-groundwater-level conditions, the filled coal gangue became a new source of heavy metals for reclaimed mine soils. • Water-dissolved colloids acted as carriers of the heavy metals. Coal gangue filling reclamation is an important means to restore coal mining subsided cultivated land. However, coal gangue can release heavy metals, threatening the overlying soil environment. During the reconstruction of reclaimed mine soils (RMSs), soil properties evolve in a complex manner and influence the distribution of heavy metals, forming complex network relationships that differ from those of non-subsided cultivated soils (NCSs). It is difficult to determine the mechanism of RMS reconstruction and heavy metal accumulation and distribution by studying the trends of only a few variables. Complex network theory (CNT), however, can reveal the original internal characteristics and mechanisms of the system in a comprehensive and effective way. This study aimed at revealing the characteristics and mechanisms of soil reconstruction and heavy metal distribution in RMSs from a holistic perspective. Reclaimed cultivated land with coal gangue filling in high-groundwater-level mining areas in Jining City, Shandong Province, China, was selected for the study. First, soil samples were collected from depths of 0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm, and a total of 21 soil indicators were determined. Then, CNT was applied to explore the special soil property relationships and key factors in the RMS reconstruction process. Finally, the intrinsic mechanism of RMS reconstruction and heavy metal distribution was revealed by comparison with NCSs. The results showed that coal gangue filling reclamation and reconstruction activities led to increases in bulk density (BD), decreases in nutrients, and the accumulation of heavy metals. These activities also changed the relationship strength and cooperation efficiency among soil properties. BD reduction due to soil aggregate recovery increased microbial activity and accumulated organic carbon and nutrients, which became essential for RMS recovery. The filled coal gangue became a new source of heavy metals for the RMSs, with water-dissolved colloids acting as carriers of the heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace iodine (I 2) radioisotopes are commonly regarded as an indicator in nuclear security early warnings. Herein, we develop a visualized I 2 real-time monitoring system using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging technology for the first time. In detail, the polymers based on poly [(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alkenyl-2,7-diyl)- alt - co -(1,4-benzo-{2,1',3}-thiadiazole)] are synthesized for iodine detection. An ultra-low limit of detection (0.01 ppt) to iodine can be achieved by adding the modification ratio of tertiary amine onto PFBT as a co-reactive group, which is the lowest detection limit in known iodine vapor sensors. This result can be attributed to the co-reactive group poisoning response mechanism. Considering to the strong ECL behavior of this polymer dots, P-3 Pdots with ultra-low detection limit for iodine is combined with ECL imaging technology to realize the visualized rapid I 2 vapor response with high selectivity. ECL imaging component based on ITO electrode can make iodine monitoring system more convenient and suitable for real-time detection in early warning of nuclear emergency. The detection result cannot be affected by vapor of organic compounds, humidity and temperature, indicating a good selectivity to iodine. This work provides a strategy for nuclear emergency early warning, showing its significance in environmental and nuclear security fields. [Display omitted] • A real-time visualized monitoring system for trace I 2 is developed by ECL technology. • An ultra-low detection limit of 0.01 ppt is obtained in iodine detection. • Co-reactant group poisoning mechanism is proposed for high detection sensitivity. • The good selectivity is obtained for iodine with different VOCs and humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oblique-incidence reflectivity difference (OIRD) is a newly established method to monitor various surface processes and shows great prospect for real-time and label-free immunoassay, yet its sensitivity needs essential improvement to meet the requirement of practical applications. In this work, a label-free OIRD immunoassay biochip was developed with improved sensitivity by using standard glass slide coated with polystyrene (PS) microsphere monolayer as the substrate. The immunoassay sensitivity of this biochip was found to be greatly improved compared with the conventional biochip built on glass slide. Further on-chip ELISA and optical calculation suggests that the improvement is not only associated with high capture efficiency of this biochip towards its target, but is also benefited from the porous PS monolayer enhanced intrinsic OIRD sensitivity via optical interference enhancement and effective dielectric constant effect. This work may provide valuable insight into the development of high performance label-free OIRD bio-detection devices. • A label-free OIRD immunoassay biochip was developed with improved sensitivity. • PS microsphere monolayer coated glass slide was employed as the substrate. • Porous sensing layer arouses optical enhancement to improve intrinsic OIRD sensitivity. • Enhanced sensitivity also originates from high capture efficiency of this biochip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass is in general brittle and therefore usually cannot sustain large deformation. Recent advances in glass material development as well as micro-mechanical designs, however, are set to defy the conventional wisdom through the demonstration of flexible integrated photonics that can be bent, twisted, and even stretched without compromising its structural integrity and optical performance. In this paper, we review the latest progress in this emerging field, and discuss the rational material and mechanical engineering principles underlying the extraordinary flexibility of these photonic structures. Leveraging these design strategies, we demonstrated bendable chalcogenide glass waveguide circuits, flexible glass waveguide-integrated nanomembrane photodetectors, and stretchable glass photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A simple and efficient surface modification method by benzophenone derivatives is developed. • A graphical mechanism for this surface modification is demonstrated. • It can directly make cellulose-based materials and surfaces hydrophobic. • It endows these materials with fast separation ability of oil/water mixture and emulsion. It is still a huge challenge for industry to manufacture convenient and efficient oil-water separation materials. In this study, benzophenone derivatives with hydrophobic perfluorooctyl groups were synthesized as a crosslinking agent, so that the triplet photosensitizer of benzophenone could be inspired by UV light. Thus, hydrophobic groups were covalently grafted onto the surface of commercial filter papers under mild conditions, which had the advantage of easy availability, low cost, good biodegradability and chemical stability. The relevant reaction mechanism was proposed and confirmed. Moreover, these cellulose-based materials exhibit excellent hydrophobicity and lipophilicity in air, which was used for oil-water separation. The results showed that the modified filter paper was able to separate various oil-water mixtures and surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions that were driven by gravity in the absence of external stimulus. The findings of this study have significant implications to develop cost-effective low surface energy materials and surfaces, which is potentially possible for large-scale industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride-modified chitosan (GMAC-m-CS) was synthesized through nucleophilic substitution of GMAC on CS in isopropanol dispersed system, which was characterized by FTIR and1H NMR methods. The interaction between GMAC-m-CS and surface active ILs −1-dodecyl (tetradecyl and hexadecyl)-3-methylimidazolium bromide (CnmimBr,n = 12, 14, 16) was studied by surface tension and conductivity methods. The amount of CnmimBr adsorbed on GMAC-m-CS increases first with raising temperature, and then decreases, which reaches the largest amount at 30°C. The amount increases with the increase of alkyl chain length. The surface tension reducing capabilities of GMAC-m-CS/CnmimBr systems increase with temperature, however, decrease with the increase of GMAC-m-CS concentration. The aggregation processes of C14mimBr in solutions without GMAC-m-CS and with high concentration of GMAC-m-CS were entropy driven; however, it is enthalpy driven in solutions with low concentration of GMAC-m-CS. Based on the analysis of properties of GMAC-m-CS/CnmimBr, the interaction model of GMAC-m-CS/ILs was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The oxime-blocking reaction of several aliphatic isocyanates, such as 1,6-Hexane diisocyanate (HDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and dicyclohexylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate (H12MDI), is investigated. The reaction is carried on in various solvents that are divided into two categories: aromatic solvents and oxygen-contained solvents.In situFT-IR is used to monitor the reaction and show the large difference of solvent and the structure of isocyanate. Kinetic studies indicate that the reaction rate appears faster in aromatic solvents although the polarity of aromatic solvents is lower. Then, thermodynamic parameters of the blocking reaction, such as activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (ΔH*) and entropy (ΔS*), are determined from the Arrhenius and Eyring equations. It is found that activation energy in aromatic solvents is higher, but the reaction rate is much faster, all of which are discussed corresponding to the reaction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piao chicken, a Chinese indigenous rumpless chicken breed, lacks pygostyle, caudal vertebra, uropygial gland and tail feathers. The rumplessness in Piao chicken presents an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. However, the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the rumplessness in Piao chicken remains unclear. In this study, whole-genome resequencing was performed for 146 individuals from 10 chicken breeds, including 9 tailed chicken breeds and Piao rumpless breed. Tailbone CT scan for Piao chickens and WL chickens, revealed that some Piao chicken tails were normal in number, and for a few Piao chickens tail length and tail bone numbers were between the rumpless and the normal tailed chickens. The results showed that the rumpless phenotype has not been completely fixed in Piao chicken breed. Using selection signature analysis and structural variation detection, we found a 4174 bp deletion located in the upstream region of IRX1 gene on chromosome 2 related to rumpless phenotype. Structural variation genotyping showed that the deletion was present in all 32 rumpless Piao chickens (del/del, wild/del) and absent from all 112 tailed chickens included in the dataset for the other 9 breeds and 2 tailed Piao chickens (wild/wild). In summary, all rumpless Piao chickens tested here carry this deletion mutation, to show a complete linkage association with rumplessness trait. We suggested that the 4174 bp deletion could be causative for rumpless phenotype in Piao chicken since this is the only mutation to show the complete linkage disequilibrium with rumplessness on whole genome level across all of 146 chickens from the 10 breeds. This study could facilitate a better understanding of the genetic characteristics of Piao chicken. • Piao chicken structural variation detection. • In Piao Chicken, a deletion variant was found to be associated with rumpless. • This study could facilitate a better understanding of tail degeneration in chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the pressure of natural and artificial selection, domestic animals, including chickens, have evolved unique mechanisms of genetic adaptations such as high-altitude adaptation, hot and arid climate adaptation, and desert adaptation. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of cold tolerance in chicken by integrating whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing technologies. Genome-wide comparative analyses of 118 chickens living in different latitudes showed 46 genes and several pathways that may be involved in cold adaptation. The results of the functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes proved the important role of metabolic pathways and immune-related pathways in cold tolerance in chickens. The subsequent integration of whole genome and transcriptome sequencing technology further identified six genes — dnah5 (dynein axonemal heavy chain 5), ptgs2 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2), inhba (inhibin beta A subunit), irx2 (iroquois homeobox 2), ensgalg00000054917 , and ensgalg00000046652 — requiring more detailed studies. In addition, we also discovered different allele frequency distributions of five SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) within ptgs2 and nine SNPs within dnah5 in chickens in different latitudes, suggesting strong selective pressure of these two genes in chickens. We provide a novel insight into the genetic adaptation in chickens to cold environments, and provide a reference for evaluating and developing adaptive chicken breeds in cold environments. • The genetic basis of cold tolerance in indigenous chickens long-living in the cold environment were explored. • Two important genes associated with cold tolerance were identified. • Provide a precious source for evaluating and developing adaptive chicken breeds to face climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]