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The objective of this study is to explore the value of fecal calprotectin (FC) for early screening of the abdominal type of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (AHSP) in children. The study cohort included 40 children with AHSP treated at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from November 2014 to November 2015, and 40 children hospitalized in the Division of Pediatric Orthopedics in the corresponding period were selected as a control group. Fresh fecal samples were collected in the acute phase of the first visit (FC1), 3 days after treatment (FC2), and 7 days after treatment (FC3) from the AHSP group and the control group. Calprotectin levels in the fecal samples were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. At the same time, gastrointestinal performance and the laboratory examination indicators white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were recorded. The median levels of FC1 (3053 μg/g) and FC2 (2778.3 μg/g) were higher than in the control group (102.5 μg/g), with significant differences among the three groups (p < 0.001). FC levels gradually decreased in remission, and the level of FC3 on day 7 was close to that of the control samples (p > 0.05). When the optimal cut-off was 264.5 μg/g, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of FC for diagnosis of AHSP was 0.961 with a corresponding sensitivity and specificity of 93.1 and 87.5%, respectively. The levels of FC in children with AHSP were positively correlated with WBC count (rs = 0.688) and CRP value (rs = 0.513). The area under the ROC curve of WBC count for screening AHSP was 0.785 when the optimal cut-off value was 11.1 × 109/L with a corresponding sensitivity and specificity of 81.5 and 62.5%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of CRP was 0.963 when the optimal cut-off value was 5.72 mg/dL with a corresponding sensitivity and specificity of 88.9 and 100%, respectively. Comparisons of FC, WBC count, and CRP level as diagnostic indicators of AHSP showed that the sensitivity of FC was higher than that of the WBC count and CRP level, and its diagnostic value was better than that of the WBC count. The levels of FC began to increase in the early stages of AHSP, showing a decreasing tendency in remission and tending to be within a normal range after a week or so. For the early diagnosis of AHSP, FC with a cut-off level of 264.5 μg/g has good sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity of FC is better than that of the traditional inflammation indicators CRP and WBC count, and its diagnostic performance is better than WBC count; FC can be suitable as a new marker for the early diagnosis of AHSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy supply–demand security and climate change has continued to be problematic, making it significant and necessary to investigate embodied energy flow, particularly in a large and fast-growing developing country like China. One of the effective approaches is the energy/emissions embodied in bilateral trade (EEBT) aiming to locate the destination of energy bi-directionally to evaluate how energy flow between producer and consumer sectors. However, in addition to the flow of energy and resources, the topological structure and impact of underlying components from a system science perspective are equally important for policy-making. This study therefore constructs an energy embodied in trade network (EETN) model to track multi-layer primary energy flow by integrating the EEBT approach and complex network analysis. The embodied coal, oil, natural gas, and non-fossil fuels associated with China’s 30 provinces/municipalities are quantified at the provincial level. By the joint analysis of the network-oriented metrics, the EETN model elicits the possibility of understanding the heterogeneity distribution of different types of energy flow and the potential impact of province-specific policy interventions. We explain how resource endowment, economic growth, income inequality, cross-provincial industrial transfer, and infrastructures affect China’s provincial energy embodiments as well as the clustering features. Other findings and policy recommendations are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distance between different regions has a lot of impact on the individuals’ mobility behavior. Meanwhile, the individuals’ mobility could greatly affect the epidemic propagation way. By researching the individuals’ mobility behavior, we establish the coupled dynamic model for individual mobility and transmission of infectious disease. The basic reproduction number is theoretically obtained according to the next-generation matrix method. Through this study, we may get that the stability state of the epidemic system will be prolonged under a higher commuting level. The infection density is almost the same in different regions over a sufficiently long time. The results show that, due to the individual movement, the origin of virus can only speed up or delay the outbreak of infectious diseases, however, it have little impact on the final infection size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation from metal nanocluster catalysts to metal single‐atom catalysts is an important procedure in the rational design of atomically dispersed metal catalysts (ADCs). However, the conversion methods often involve high annealing temperature as well as reducing atmosphere. Herein, we reported a continuous and convenient approach to transfer Pd nanocluster into Pd single‐atom in a ligand assisted annealing procedure, by which means we reduced its activating temperature low to 400 °C. Using ex‐situ microscopy and spectroscopy, we comprehensively monitored the structural evolution of Pd species though the whole atomization process. Theoretical calculation revealed that the structural instability caused by remaining Cl ligands was the main reason for this low‐temperature transformation. The present atomization strategy and mechanistic knowledge for the conversion from cluster to atomic dispersion provides guidelines for the rational design of ADCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation from metal nanocluster catalysts to metal single‐atom catalysts is an important procedure in the rational design of atomically dispersed metal catalysts (ADCs). However, the conversion methods often involve high annealing temperature as well as reducing atmosphere. Herein, we reported a continuous and convenient approach to transfer Pd nanocluster into Pd single‐atom in a ligand assisted annealing procedure, by which means we reduced its activating temperature low to 400 °C. Using ex‐situ microscopy and spectroscopy, we comprehensively monitored the structural evolution of Pd species though the whole atomization process. Theoretical calculation revealed that the structural instability caused by remaining Cl ligands was the main reason for this low‐temperature transformation. The present atomization strategy and mechanistic knowledge for the conversion from cluster to atomic dispersion provides guidelines for the rational design of ADCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focussed on evaluating the status of recent research on medical decision‐making for adolescents with depression and identifying research hotspots and frontiers via CiteSpace. We extracted studies that were concerned with medical decision‐making for adolescents with depression from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), covering the period from 1 January 1999 to 20 September 2022. We used CiteSpace to generate online maps of worldwide cooperation among countries, institutions, and authors. Hotspots and frontiers were systematically summarized. A total of 368 papers related to medical decision‐making for adolescents with depression were obtained from WoSCC. The most prolific author was Nick Midgley (seven papers). The United States and University College London were the leading country and institution in this research area, with 177 and 17 papers, respectively. Countries, institutions, and authors all actively collaborated. Main recent research trends include the preference or attitude towards medical treatment in adolescents with depression; approaches for adolescents with depression to seeking medical help; and the key role of parent, family, and primary care in medical decision‐making for adolescents. Thus, further attention should be paid to determining how to promote the role of parents, families, and primary care in the decision‐making process and create appropriate online help‐seeking tools and decision aids to facilitate shared decision‐making in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent progress on the preparation and applications of graphene/semiconductor composites in advanced energy storage and conversion devices is summarized. The semiconductors covered include ZnO, , CdS, , , CdSe quantum dots and . Their preparation and applications focus on lithium-ion batteries with improved electronic conductivity, electrochemical capacitors with high energy and powder density, solar cells with high photoelectric conversion efficiency, photocatalysts with high photodegradation activity and sensors with high sensitivity. Future possible development trends include decreasing the preparation cost, obtaining a fuller understanding of the interaction between graphene and semiconductors, and revealing the relationships between compositions, microstructures and properties. [New Carbon Materials 2013, 28(6): 401–407] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy trade has been a hot topic in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while cooperation and competition are two elementary modes of international trade. This study examines the coopetition relations in terms of renewable energy trade among BRI countries by constructing a two-layer network model for 1996–2018. We examined 65 BRI countries and indicated that the interplay between intrinsic and network dynamics features either cooperation or competition. First, the evolutionary patterns between cooperation network and competition network are different but with a declining gap. Besides, the BRI policy promotes cooperation more effectively than competition. Second, competitiveness and cooperativeness are heterogeneously distributed across countries and influential cooperators are not necessarily top competitors. Notably, BRI has reinforced China's competitive position. Third, the intralayer and interlayer network dissimilarity are integrated to provide insights that numerous countries play dual roles of competitor and collaborator, while cooperation-oriented competition is more conducive. Finally, policy recommendations are proposed so that sustainable renewable energy supply can be attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the background of seeking to achieve carbon neutrality, relationships among renewable-energy companies around the world have become multiple and complex. In this work, the Pearson, Kendall, tail, and partial correlation coefficients were applied to 51 global companies—including solar and wind firms, independent power plants, and utilities—to explore the linear, nonlinear, extreme-risk, and direct relations between them. Sample data from 7 August 2015 to 6 August 2021 were considered, and three sub-periods were extracted from these sample data by analysis of the evolution of multiple correlations combined with event analysis. A four-layer correlation network model was then constructed. The main results are as follows. (1) The multiple relations among the selected firms underwent dramatic changes during two external shocks (the China–US trade war and the COVID-19 pandemic). (2) The extreme-risk network layer verified that the trade war mainly affected the relationships among companies in the solar industries of China and the US. (3) During the COVID-19 pandemic period, the linear and direct relationships among wind firms from Canada, Spain, and Germany were significantly increased. In this sub-period, edge-weight distributions of the four different layers were heterogeneous and varied from power-law features to Gaussian distributions. (4) During all the sub-periods, most companies had similar numbers of neighbors, while the numbers of neighbors of a few companies varied greatly in the four different layers. These findings provide a useful reference for stakeholders and may help them understand the connectedness and evolution of global renewable-energy markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Efficiency of neural stem cells (NSCs) therapy for brain injury is restricted by astrogliosis around the damaged region, in which JAK2/STAT3 signaling plays a key role. The SOCS3 that can directly inhibit JAK/STAT3 pathway. Here, we investigated the effects of a fusion peptide that combined kinase inhibitory region (KIR) of SOCS3 and virus trans‐activator of transcription (TAT) on biological behavior of cultured NSCs under inflammatory conditions. Methods: NSCs were isolated from embryonic brain of SD rats, TAT‐KIR was synthesized, and penetration rate was evaluated by flow cytometry (FACS). CCK8, immunostaining, and FACS were used to detected of TAT‐KIR on the proliferation of NSCs. The expressions of GFAP and β tubulin III positive cells induced by IL6 with/without TAT‐KIR were examined by immunostaining and Western blotting to observe the NSCs differentiation, and the effect of TAT‐KIR on signaling cross talk was observed by Western blotting. Results: Penetration rate of TAT‐KIR into primary cultured NSCs was up to 94%. TAT‐KIR did not affect the growth and viability of NSCs. It significantly reduced the NSCs proliferation that enhanced by IL‐6 stimulation via blocking the cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 to S phase. In addition, TAT‐KIR attenuated astrocytic differentiation and kept high level of neuronal differentiation derived from IL‐6‐induced NSCs. The fate of NSCs differentiation under inflammatory conditions was affected by TAT‐KIR, which was associated with synchronous inhibition of STAT3 and AKT, while promoting JNK expression. Conclusion: TAT‐KIR mimetic of SOCS3 could be a promising approach for brain repair via regulating the biological behaviors of exogenous NSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the association between first-trimester subchorionic hematoma (SCH) detected at 6–8 weeks of gestation after fresh embryo transfers and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort involving 3074 patients. All of them acquired singleton pregnancies after fresh embryo transfers in the first in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles. According to first-trimester ultrasound examinations at 6–8 weeks of gestation, we divided patients into SCH and non-SCH groups and compared their perinatal outcomes. Symptomatic patients with vaginal bleeding and asymptomatic patients were analyzed separately, and propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariable regression were adopted to control potential confounding factors. Results: The incidence of SCH was 17.1% in 3074 women, and vaginal bleeding occurred in 92 SCH patients and 215 control patients. In the asymptomatic cohort, 415 women with SCH and 807 women without SCH were finally included after PSM. No significant differences were observed in livebirth rate (91.3% vs 92.9%, P = 0.314), miscarriage rate (8.4% vs 6.7%, P = 0.267), and preterm birth rate (4.8% vs 5.7%, P = 0.519) between two groups. Secondary outcomes including gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational age (GA) at delivery, mode of delivery, sex of newborns and birthweight of newborns were comparable. For symptomatic patients, both univariable and multivariable regression analysis showed no significant association between SCH and pregnancy outcomes. A subgroup analysis including patients with SCH illustrated the symptom of vaginal bleeding rather than hematoma size was associated with livebirth. Conclusion: First-trimester SCH detected at 6–8 weeks of gestation was not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in singleton pregnancies after fresh embryo transfers. Vaginal bleeding was the risk factor of pregnancy loss for patients with SCH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We summarized the common noninvasive tests of liver fibrosis. • We overviewed the serum biomarkers and corresponding predictive models of liver fibrosis, including direct, indirect and novel markers. • We compared the diagnostic performance of serum biomarkers by the area under the receiver operating characteristic, sensitivity, specificity, positive/ negative predictive value. Liver fibrosis is a common pathway in most chronic liver diseases, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation. Without treatment, fibrosis will ultimately result in cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and even liver failure. It is considered that liver fibrosis is reversible while cirrhosis is not, making it significant to diagnose and evaluate liver fibrogenesis timely. As the gold standard, liver biopsy is imperfect due to its invasiveness and sampling error. Therefore, attempts at uncovering noninvasive tests have become a hot topic in liver fibrosis. Nowadays, as an important category of noninvasive tests, serum biomarkers, which are safer, convenient, repeatable, and more acceptable, are widely discussed and commonly used in clinical practice. Serum biomarkers of liver fibrosis can be divided into class I (direct) and classⅡ (indirect) markers. However, the diagnostic efficiency still varies among studies. This article summarizes the most established and newly discovered serum biomarkers for hepatic fibrogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing stable electrode/electrolyte interphase with fast interfacial kinetics is vital for fast‐charging batteries. Herein, we investigate the interphase that forms between a high‐voltage Na3V2(PO4)2F3 cathode and the electrolytes consisting of 3.0, 1.0, or 0.3 M NaClO4 in an organic carbonate solvent (47.5 : 47.5 : 5 mixture of EC: PC: FEC) during charging up to 4.5 V at 55 °C. It is found that a higher anion/solvent ratio in electrolyte solvation structure induces anion‐dominated interphase containing more inorganic species and more anion derivatives (CxClOy), which leads to a larger interfacial Na+ transport resistance and more unfavorable gas evolution. In comparison, a low anion/solvent ratio derives stable anion‐tuned interphase that enables better interfacial kinetics and cycle ability. Importantly, the performance of a failed cathode is restored by triggering the decomposition of CxClOy species. This work elucidates the role of tuning interphase in fast‐charging batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing stable electrode/electrolyte interphase with fast interfacial kinetics is vital for fast‐charging batteries. Herein, we investigate the interphase that forms between a high‐voltage Na3V2(PO4)2F3 cathode and the electrolytes consisting of 3.0, 1.0, or 0.3 M NaClO4 in an organic carbonate solvent (47.5 : 47.5 : 5 mixture of EC: PC: FEC) during charging up to 4.5 V at 55 °C. It is found that a higher anion/solvent ratio in electrolyte solvation structure induces anion‐dominated interphase containing more inorganic species and more anion derivatives (CxClOy), which leads to a larger interfacial Na+ transport resistance and more unfavorable gas evolution. In comparison, a low anion/solvent ratio derives stable anion‐tuned interphase that enables better interfacial kinetics and cycle ability. Importantly, the performance of a failed cathode is restored by triggering the decomposition of CxClOy species. This work elucidates the role of tuning interphase in fast‐charging batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decorin and biglycan are two small leucine‐rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) that regulate collagen fibrillogenesis and extracellular matrix assembly in tendon. The objective of this study was to determine the individual roles of these molecules in maintaining the structural and mechanical properties of tendon during homeostasis in mature mice. We hypothesized that knockdown of decorin in mature tendons would result in detrimental changes to tendon structure and mechanics while knockdown of biglycan would have a minor effect on these parameters. To achieve this objective, we created tamoxifen‐inducible mouse knockdown models targeting decorin or biglycan inactivation. This enables the evaluation of the roles of these SLRPs in mature tendon without the abnormal tendon development caused by conventional knockout models. Contrary to our hypothesis, knockdown of decorin resulted in minor alterations to tendon structure and no changes to mechanics while knockdown of biglycan resulted in broad changes to tendon structure and mechanics. Specifically, knockdown of biglycan resulted in reduced insertion modulus, maximum stress, dynamic modulus, stress relaxation, and increased collagen fiber realignment during loading. Knockdown of decorin and biglycan produced similar changes to tendon microstructure by increasing the collagen fibril diameter relative to wild‐type controls. Biglycan knockdown also decreased the cell nuclear aspect ratio, indicating a more spindle‐like nuclear shape. Overall, the extensive changes to tendon structure and mechanics after knockdown of biglycan, but not decorin, provides evidence that biglycan plays a major role in the maintenance of tendon structure and mechanics in mature mice during homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Care‐giving burden and internalised stigma are prevalent among family caregivers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia. Internalised stigma has been regarded as a source of care‐giving burden. But it remains unclear if high levels of internalised stigma directly contribute to an increased risk of care‐giving burden or if the effects could be buffered by psychological factors. This cross‐sectional study was to investigate the relationship between internalised stigma and care‐giving burden, and to determine the mediating effects of coping styles and social support. Data were collected from 344 Chinese family caregivers of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia in a psychiatric outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Changsha, Hunan between April and August 2018. A self‐reported questionnaire was used to collect data anonymously. Instruments included the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale and the Caregiver Burden Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, the Spearman correlation and regression analysis to estimate direct and indirect effects using bootstrap analysis. Results showed that internalised stigma, social support and passive coping were significant correlates of care‐giving burden; social support partially mediated the relationship between internalised stigma and care‐giving burden; active coping did not show impacts on internalised stigma and care‐giving burden. This study provided social workers and healthcare providers with a better understanding of the development of care‐giving burden. Comprehensive interventions should be designed to provide supportive resources and reduce the possibilities of internalisation of stigma and passive coping, to alleviate care‐giving burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Death and morbidity in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are often due to right ventricular (RV) failure and associated left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We investigated regional myocardial remodeling and function as the basis for adverse ventricular-ventricular interactions in experimental chronic RV pressure overload. Two distinct animal models were studied: A rabbit model of increased RV pressure-load through progressive pulmonary artery banding A rat model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Regional myocardial function was assessed by speckletracking strain echocardiography and ventricular pressures measured by catheterization before termination. Regional RV and LV myocardium was analyzed for collagen content, apoptosis and pro-fibrotic signaling gene and protein expression. Although the RV developed more fibrosis than the LV; in both models the LV was substantially affected. In both ventricles, particularly the LV, fibrosis developed predominantly at the septal hinge-point regions in association with decreased regional and global circumferential strain, reduced global RV and LV function and up-regulation of regional transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) and apoptosis signaling. A group of PAH rats who received the TGFb blocker SB431542 showed improved RV function and reduced regional hinge-point myocardial fibrosis. RV pressure-loading and PAH lead to biventricular TGFβ1 signaling, fibrosis and apoptosis, predominantly at the septal hinge-point regions, in association with regional myocardial dysfunction. This suggests that altered geometry and wall stress lead to adverse RV-LV interactions through the septal hinge-points to induce LV fibrosis and dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yarrowia lipolytica , a non-conventional oleaginous yeast with special traits, has attracted increasing interest for producing value-added products. Generally, the DNA fragments of these heterologous metabolic pathways are constructed via the classic restriction digestion and ligation method. In contrast, the one-step in vivo pathway assembly method has been only rarely applied to Y. lipolytica . Here, with arachidonic acid biosynthesis as a case study, a one-step in vivo pathway assembly and integration method was used for engineering Y. lipolytica . Using rDNA as integrative locus, this study showed that there was a relation between the assembly efficiency and the length of overlapping region. Especially, with an overlap up to 1 kb, the method was able to rapidly assemble the arachidonic acid biosynthesis pathway (nearly 10 kb) into the chromosome with high efficiency (nearly 23%). Meanwhile, the pathway assembled in Y. lipolytica demonstrated long-term genetic stability and the engineered strain exhibited robust growth. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that the codon-optimized genes from Mortierella alpina can function efficiently in Y. lipolytica : a high level arachidonic acid production (0.4% of total fatty acids) was produced in the engineered strain. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this method is applied to Y. lipolytica for functional polyunsaturated fatty acids production. This method represents a powerful tool with potential for facilitating engineering applications in non-conventional yeasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste activated sludge (WAS) internal carbon source can efficiently and economically enhance denitrification, and hydraulic retention time (HRT) is one of the most important operational parameters for denitrification. The effects of HRT on denitrification were investigated with WAS thermal hydrolysis liquid and acidogenic liquid as carbon sources in this study. The optimal HRT was 12 h for thermal hydrolysis liquid and 8 h for acidogenic liquid, with NO 3 − -N removal efficiency of 91.0% and 97.6%, respectively. In order to investigate the utilization of sludge carbon source by denitrifier, the changes of SCOD (Soluble chemical oxygen demand), proteins, carbohydrates, and VFAs (Volatile fatty acids) during denitrification process were analyzed and three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy with fluorescence regional integration (FRI) analysis was introduced. The kinetics parameters of denitrification rate (V DN ), denitrification potential (P DN ) and heterotroph anoxic yield (Y H ) were also investigated using sludge carbon source at different HRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2012, the Middle East has seen a steady rise in the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). A fractional derivative of the non-singular Mittag-Leffler type is used in this research to conduct a mathematical analysis of the dynamics of MERS-CoV infection transmission. The dynamics of such a disease with an additional degree of freedom and non-singular behavior are discovered through the use of the aforementioned fractional operator, and this is one of the important components of our prepared paper. Using the concept of fixed point theory, the existence and uniqueness of solutions are demonstrated. The stability analysis is also tested with the help of the Ulam–Hyers approach, respectively. The numerical solution has been conducted by using the fractional Adams–Bashforth scheme. In the numerical simulation, all classes are demonstrated through the graphical presentation regarding the changing values of fractional-order at time t. The results at various fractional-order laying between (0,1] are drawn with the help of Matlab. We also provide a comparison of the proposed approach with that of the Caputo operator. The outcomes that were achieved illustrate that the considered scheme is highly methodical and very efficient compared to the Caputo fractional operator. • The dynamics of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) into fractional derivative is studied in the sense of non-singular kernels. • The considered problem is analyzed for existence and uniqueness of solution with fractional derivative. • The approximate solution of the proposed problem is obtained by the numerical iterative technique of Adams–Bashforth. • Comparison between the proposed scheme and the Caputo operator is also provided. • The outcomes illustrate that the considered scheme is highly methodical and very efficient compared to the Caputo fractional operator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder that is influenced by multiple genetic components. Numerous candidate gene studies designed to identify POF susceptibility loci have been published, but most positive findings have not been confirmed in follow up studies. We sought to determine if sequence variants previously associated with age at natural menopause (AANM) or early menopause (EM) contribute as well to genetic susceptibility to POF.Methods: Our study was performed on 371 unrelated idiopathic women with POF and 800 women controls, all Chinese Han. Thirty six SNPs from previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) responsible for AANM or EM and 3 additional SNPs in ESR1, and 2 additional SNPs in PTHB1 were tested using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform for genotyping.Results: Three SNPs - rs2278493 in HK3, rs2234693 in ESR1 and rs12611091 in BRSK1 - showed nominally significant association with POF. Thus, a plausible relationship could exist between ESR1, BRSK1, HK3 and POF.Conclusions: This largest association study undertaken to determine correlation between POF and AANM/EM revealed three significant SNPs (rs2278493, rs2234693, and rs12611091). All are associated with not only AAWM and EM but also POF. Insights into shared genetic susceptibility between POF and AANM/EM will provide novel entry points for unraveling genetic mechanism involved in ovarian reserve and oocyte aging processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalized projective synchronization (GPS) between two complex networks with time-varying coupling delay is investigated. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, a nonlinear controller and adaptive updated laws are designed. Feasibility of the proposed scheme is proven in theory. Moreover, two numerical examples are presented, using the energy resource system and Lu's system [Physica A 382 (2007) 672] as the nodes of the networks. GPS between two energy resource complex networks with time-varying coupling delay is achieved. This study can widen the application range of the generalized synchronization methods and will be instructive for the demand-supply of energy resource in some regions of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is challenging to make informed decision in genetic counseling. Shared decision-making provides a chance in balancing the information and preferences between counselors and counselees. However, the status and prescriptions of shared decision-making have not been extensively studied in genetic counseling. Aim: To develop an up-to-date literature review of the shared decision-making in genetic counseling, identify knowledge gaps, and provide inspiration and suggestions for the development and practice of genetic counseling. Methods: "Genetic Counseling" and "Shared decision-making" were used to search in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang, CNKI and CBM databases. The search deadline was March 26, 2021. Results: A total of 22 articles were included, and four themes were identified: how people involved in genetic counseling, different stakeholders involved in SDM, multiple facilitators and barriers to SDM and the effectiveness of SDM in genetic counseling. Conclusion: Each participant needs to recognize their boundaries and make the best effort to involve in the shared decision-making. In the future, multinational studies should be considered for bringing shared decision-making to the global scale and well-designed studies are required to explore the long-term impact of shared decision-making in genetic counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The helical nanofibers with different degree of twist were assembled from the homochiral C 16 - L V 4 L R 4 and C 16 - D V 4 D R 4 peptides, along with the heterochiral C 16 - D V 4 L R 4 peptide, respectively. Compared with the homochiral peptides, C 16 - D V 4 L R 4 self-assembled into more stable right-handed helical nanofibers with lower twisting degree and larger helical pitch, but exhibiting stronger cell membrane damaging ability and higher antimicrobial activity. [Display omitted] • Helical nanofibers were formed from homochiral and heterochiral AMPs, respectively. • LL , DD and DL nanofibers had different supramolecular chirality and stability. • The valine configuration determined the supramolecular chirality of the nanofibers. • The nanofibers both inhibited Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. • DL nanofibers showed stronger membrane damaging ability and antimicrobial activity. The nanostructured antimicrobial agents, self-assembled by the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), represent an intriguing platform for the treatment of pathogens. Although the structural characteristics significantly influence antimicrobial functionality, the role of chirality is usually ignored and still unclear. Herein, two homochiral AMPs (all L- or all D-amino acids), including C 16 - L V 4 L R 4 (LL) and C 16 - D V 4 D R 4 (DD), and a heterochiral AMP with alternating D-/L-amino acids, C 16 - D V 4 L R 4 (DL), were self-assembled into left-handed, right-handed, and right-handed helical nanofibers, respectively. The valine configuration determined the supramolecular chirality of the nanofibers. However, the DL molecules exhibited a highly aggregated propensity to form more stable helical nanofibers with a lower degree of twist and a larger helical pitch. This characteristic resulted in the optimal antimicrobial activity of the DL nanofibers against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, the membrane permeability assay confirmed the higher activity for damaging the cell membrane by the DL nanofibers. These results demonstrated the significance of molecular chirality in directing the self-assembly of the amphiphilic peptides, eventually affecting their antimicrobial activity. This study opens up the possibility to fabricate promising nanostructured antimicrobial materials by controlling the chirality and structure of the materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface characteristics of ZnO were synthetically optimized by a self-designed simultaneous etching and W-doping hydrothermal method utilizing as-prepared ZnO nanorod (NR) array films as the template. Benefiting from the etching and regrowth process and the different structural stabilities of the various faces of ZnO NRs, the uniquely etched and W-doped ZnO (EWZ) nanotube (NT) array films with larger surface area, more active sites and better energy band structure were used to improve the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance and the loading quality of CdS quantum dots (QDs). On the basis of their better surface characteristics, the CdS QDs were uniformly loaded on EWZ NT array film with a good coverage ratio and interface connection; this effectively improved the light-harvesting ability, charge transportation and separation as well as charge injection efficiency during the PEC reaction. Therefore, all the CdS QD-sensitized EWZ NT array films exhibited significantly enhanced PEC performance. The CdS/EWZ-7 composite films exhibited the optimal photocurrent density with a value of 12 mAâ‹...cmâˆ'2, 2.5 times higher than that of conventional CdS/ZnO-7 composite films under the same sensitization times with CdS QDs. The corresponding etching and optimizing mechanisms were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Right ventricular (RV) pressure loading leads to RV and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction through RV hypertrophy, dilatation and fibrosis. Relief of RV pressure load improves RV function. However, the impact and mechanisms on biventricular reverse‐remodelling and function are only partially characterized. We evaluated the impact of RV pressure overload relief on biventricular remodelling and function in a rabbit model of reversible pulmonary artery banding (PAB). Rabbits were randomized to three groups: (1) Sham‐operated controls (n = 7); (2) PAB (NDef, n = 7); (3) PAB followed by band deflation (Def, n = 5). Sham and NDef animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks after PAB surgery. Def animals underwent PAB deflation at 6 weeks and sacrifice at 9 weeks. Biventricular geometry, function, haemodynamics, hypertrophy and fibrosis were compared between groups using echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, high‐fidelity pressure‐tipped catheters and histology. RV pressure loading caused RV dilatation, systolic dysfunction, myocyte hypertrophy and LV compression which improved after PAB deflation. RV end‐diastolic pressure (RVEDP) decreased after PAB deflation, although remaining elevated vs. Sham. LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was unchanged following PAB deflation. RV and LV collagen volumes in the NDef and Def group were increased vs. Sham, whereas RV and LV collagen volumes were similar between NDef and Def groups. RV myocyte hypertrophy (r = 0.75, P < 0.001) but not collagen volume was related to RVEDP. LV myocyte hypertrophy (r = 0.58, P = 0.016) and collagen volume (r = 0.56, P = 0.031) correlated with LVEDP. In conclusion, relief of RV pressure overload improves RV and LV geometry, hypertrophy and function independent of fibrosis. The long‐term implications of persistent fibrosis and increased biventricular filling pressures, even after pressure load relief, need further study. Key points: Right ventricular (RV) pressure loading in a pulmonary artery banding rabbit model is associated with RV dilatation, left ventricular (LV) compression; biventricular myocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction.The mechanisms and impact of RV pressure load relief on biventricular remodelling and function has not been extensively studied.Relief of RV pressure overload improves biventricular geometry in conjunction with improved RV myocyte hypertrophy and function independent of reduced fibrosis.These findings raise questions as to the importance of fibrosis as a therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An intermediary route is introduced to construct hierarchical CdS/Bi 2 S 3 heterostructures. • CdS/Bi 2 S 3 architecture is comprised of 0D CdS nanoparticles rested on 3D Bi 2 S 3 flower-like microspheres. • CdS/Bi 2 S 3 hybrids exhibit greatly enhanced photocatalytic H 2 -evolution and dye degradation. • The S-scheme charge transfer pathway is proposed based on the control tests and band structures. The binary CdS/Bi 2 S 3 heterostructures were fabricated by employing ZnO/Bi 2 S 3 as active intermediates for the first time, which consisted of 0D CdS nanoparticles with sizes of 10–20 nm decorated on 3D Bi 2 S 3 mircoflowers assembled by 1D nanorods. The whole formation mechanism of CdS/Bi 2 S 3 heterostructure was systematically investigated. Specifically, the optimal CdS/Bi 2 S 3 sample (CB-3) achieved the highest photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction rate of 3.85 mmol·g−1·h−1, about 16.74 and 25.67 times greater than that of single Bi 2 S 3 and CdS. Besides, the apparent reaction rate constant of CB-3 for photodegradation of Congo red reached up to 0.0412 min−1, being 41.2 and 4.08 folds higher than that of solo Bi 2 S 3 and CdS. The recycled tests over CB-3 were ready to take on the superb photostability. Furthermore, the S-scheme mechanism of photoinduced charges was rationally proposed. This work provides a new insight for the construction of composite photocatalysts for boosted solar-light-driven photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A downscaling-and-fusion framework was proposed for generating complete 1 km SSM. • BME method considering multi-spatial-scale uncertainties was presented for fusion. • The completeness of fine-scale SSM is directly and significantly improved. • The accuracy and variations of downscaled SSM are well preserved into fused SSM. Surface soil moisture (SSM) plays a crucial role in global energy exchanges and serves as a key requirement for drought monitoring and agriculture production. Microwave remote sensing (RS) SSM products at coarse scale (e.g., 0.25°) can hardly meet the requirements for agricultural and meteorological applications, which necessitate seamless fine-scale SSM data. Current methods for generating complete fine-scale SSM often involve initially filling spatial gaps in SSM ancillary variables (e.g., land surface temperature). However, the uncertainties introduced during the filling process are not adequately and quantitatively considered and utilized in subsequent downscaling process. In this study, we developed a downscaling-and-fusion framework to generate spatiotemporally complete fine-scale SSM (1 km) in the central Tibetan Plateau (TP) of the southwestern China. Firstly, the incomplete downscaled SSM was retrieved by disaggregating the bias-corrected European Space Agency's Climate Change Initiative (ESA CCI, 0.25°) SSM based on apparent thermal inertia (ATI), and then the Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) method considering multi-spatial-scale uncertainties was employed to spatiotemporally merge downscaled and coarse-scale CCI SSM for seamless fine-scale SSM. The completeness of valid merged SSM pixels and pixels unable to retrieved SSM sums up to over 99.9 %. Comparisons with in situ SSM measurements show that merged SSM with more samples have comparable overall performance and slightly better station-level performance than the downscaled SSM with less samples. Station-level statistical metrics averages are superior to those of the overall evaluation for the merged SSM, especially in terms of R (0.592 versus 0.441) and ubRMSE (0.083 versus 0.115 m3/m3). The merged SSM can effectively reflect temporal variability of the in situ SSM measurements, accurately capture the changes of SSM caused by the precipitation events, and preserve the fine-spatial-scale variations of the downscaled SSM. These results demonstrate the success of the proposed downscaling-and-fusion framework in generating spatiotemporally complete fine-scale SSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research of structure-property relationships is of great significance for exploring the luminescent mechanism, the design of functional materials with desired photoelectric properties and facilitating practical applications. In this paper, a series of cyanostilbene derivatives (TS-R) with different functional groups were synthesized by one step under mild conditions and characterized. Their photoelectric properties and structure-property relationships have been researched. The results indicate that TS-R have solution and solid dual-state emission (DSE) property, aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) effect, solvatochromism behavior and stimuli-responsive fluorescence characteristic for acid. The photoelectric properties can be changed by introducing different functional groups at the molecular same position of TS-R. The applications of TS-R were also investigated. The results indicate that TS-R can be used in fluorescent anti-counterfeiting, fingerprint recognition and light emitting diode (LED). [Display omitted] • A series of α-cyanostilbene derivatives with different substituents (TS-R) were simply (only through one step) and efficiently (yield is 76%–90 %) synthesized. • All TS-R have dual-state emission and obvious aggregation-induced emission enhancement effect. • The substituents of TS-R can regulate the optical properties and solvatochromic behavior. • The electronic effect of the substituents in TS-R can regulate the fluorescence 'on-off' or 'off-on' in acidochromism. • TS-R can be used in anti-counterfeiting, fingerprint recognition and OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While evidence suggests that the attitudes of healthcare providers toward medical decision-making in adolescents diagnosed with depression merit exploration, research on their preferences for Shared Decision-Making (SDM) and the factors affecting these preferences remains limited. To investigate Chinese mental health professionals' (MHPs) preferences for SDM in adolescents with depression and identify the relationships between their preference for SDM and trust and discrimination. A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Clinical Decision-making Style-Staff (CDMS-S) was applied to evaluate their preferences for SDM. Physician Trust in the Patient Scale (PTPS) was utilised to assess their trust in consumers. Social Distance Scale to Mental Illness (SDSMI) was utilised to measure their discrimination against people with mental illness. A total of 581 MHPs were identified in China. MHPs rated their preference for participation in decision making (PD) as shared (1.89 ± 0.472), information (IN) as moderate (2.62 ± 0.682), and family involvement (FI) as high (3.13 ± 0.840). The preferences for three decision topics ranked from the highest to the lowest score were working-related decision (2.35 ± 0.681), general preferences in decision (1.82 ± 0.581) and medication-related decision (1.74 ± 0.826). The mean score of PTPS and SDSMI were 34.71 (SD=9.709) and 15.17 (SD=4.299), respectively. Logistic regression indicated that the preference for PD was associated with discrimination; the preference for IN was associated with trust, discrimination and SDM-related training experience; and the preference for FI was associated with both trust and discrimination. While MHPs generally exhibit a favourable attitude toward SDM, this positivity is not universally observed across all contexts. There remains room for improvement in the willingness to co-develop medication regimens and share health information. Rational recognition of depression, and building trusting and friendly therapeutic relationships are key to promoting MHPs' preferences for SDM. MHPs' preferences for SDM have a significant impact on SDM implementation, which will be promoted by implementing SDM-related training. • Chinese mental health professionals show moderate preference for shared decision-making with depressed teens and families. • Their preference for shared decision-making is linked to their trust levels and discrimination degree to depressed teens. • Training in shared decision-making training positively influences Chinese mental health professionals' preference in such practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoextraction is an effective technique for removing cadmium (Cd) from contaminated farmland, thus achieving real ecological restoration. To clarify the potential of peanut phytoextraction, we designed a pot experiment to assess the Cd accumulation in peanut. In addition, the contribution of rhizosphere microorganisms in Cd accumulation was explored. The results demonstrate that the Cd content in peanut tissue ranked as follows: stem > leaf > root > needle > husk > kernel, with Cd mainly accumulated in the stems (41.92%) and leaves (40.27%). The bioconcentration factor for all cultivars was greater than 1, in agreement with the concept of phytoextraction. Cd extraction from peanut plants grown per season was appreciable, estimated as being from 28.5 g Cd ha−1 to 121.5 g Cd ha−1. Subsequently, based on the Cd accumulation characteristics, cultivars BS1016 and HY20 were identified as the high Cd-accumulating cultivars (HACs), and LH11 and LH14 were identified as the low Cd-accumulating cultivars (LACs), for further study as specific cultivars. For Cd-contaminated soil, high accumulation in HACs was associated with increased Cd bioavailability. The peanut rhizosphere attracted different microorganisms to cope with Cd stress. Compared with LACs, the rhizosphere of HACs tended to be enriched with high Cd-resistant microorganisms, which directly or indirectly participate in Cd activation (for example, Acidimicrobiia class of bacteria, Rhizophlyctis genus of fungi). Correlation analysis confirmed that Rhizophlyctis was a good choice to enhance the potential for Cd phytoextraction using peanut. This study demonstrates the advantages and rhizosphere mechanisms of using peanut for bioremediating Cd-contaminated soil, providing a new approach for remediation and targeted regulation of Cd-contaminated farmland. [Display omitted] • The bioconcentration factor of Cd in all peanut tissues was greater than 1. • Peanut has considerable ability to bioaccumulate Cd in aboveground tissues. • High-cadmium peanut cultivars mobilize Cd mainly through soil acidification. • Cultivars and Cd treatments create specific microbial communities in the peanut rhizosphere. • Rhizophlyctis is the most recommended fungus for improving phytoextraction potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the potential damaging effect of chronic pelvic inflammation on ovarian reserve. Design: Case-control study. Patients: A total of 122 women with bilateral tubal occlusion, diagnosed by hysterosalipingography (HSG) and 217 women with normal fallopians were recruited. Measurements: Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), basic follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteining hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) were measured; and antral follicle counts (AFCs) were recorded. Results: Significantly lower level of AMH was observed in women with bilateral tubal occlusion compared to control group [2.62 (2.95) ng/ml vs. 3.37 (3.11) ng/ml, P = 0.03], and the difference remained after adjustment of BMI (Padjust = 0.04). However, no statistical difference was found in the levels of FSH [7.00 (2.16) IU/L vs. 6.74 (2.30) IU/L], LH [4.18 (1.52) IU/L vs. 4.63 (2.52) IU/L], E2 [35.95 (20.40) pg/ml vs. 34.90 (17.85) pg/ml], T [25.07±11.46 ng/dl vs. 24.84±12.75 ng/dl], and AFC [6.00 (4.00) vs. 7.00 (4.00)] between two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: Women with bilateral tubal occlusion showed decreased AMH level, suggesting that chronic pelvic inflammation may diminish ovarian reserve. More caution should be paid when evaluating the detriment of PID on female fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Salt-induced phosphorylation of MdVHA-B1 protein was mediated by MdSOS2L1 protein kinase, and thereby increasing malate content in apple. Abstract: Salinity is an important environmental factor that influences malate accumulation in apple. However, the molecular mechanism by which salinity regulates this process is poorly understood. In this work, we found that MdSOS2L1, a novel AtSOS2-LIKE protein kinase, interacts with V-ATPase subunit MdVHA-B1. Furthermore, MdSOS2L1 directly phosphorylates MdVHA-B1 at Ser site to modulate malate accumulation in response to salt stress. Meanwhile, a series of transgenic analyses in apple calli showed that the MdSOS2L1-MdVHAB1 pathway was involved in the regulation of malate accumulation. Finally, a viral vector-based transformation approach demonstrated that the MdSOS2L1-MdVHAB1 pathway also modulated malate accumulation in apple fruits with or without salt stress. Collectively, our findings provide a new insight into the mechanism by which MdSOS2L1 phosphorylates MdVHA-B1 to modulate malate accumulation in response to salinity in apple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present study, a graphene-based magnetic composite (FeO/GO) was prepared and characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD and FTIR. The immobilization of U(VI) onto FeO/GO by a adsorption process was using a batch technique. The pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm model could best describe the adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The thermodynamic parameters calculated from the temperature dependent adsorption isotherms revealed that the adsorption of U(VI) on FeO/GO was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The as-prepared FeO/GO composite may be utilized as an efficient, magnetically separable adsorbent for the removal of U(VI) and related radionuclides from aqueous solutions in nuclear waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the limited energy of sensor networks, monitoring environmental interference of sensor networks and limited precision sensing components generate the sensing data of sensor nodes with high uncertainty, this paper proposes fault-tolerant monitoring algorithm. Firstly, analyze non-deterministic of sensory data, propose event discovery algorithm of fault-tolerant, and integrate decision-making of events surrounding sensor nodes to determine the probability of occurrence. Secondly, this paper proposes monitoring node selection algorithm, which integrates sensor nodes, event location information and node residual energy, in a given event monitoring quality requirements, select nodes that remaining energy is large and in the event the edge to participate the monitoring tasks. Finally, this paper proposes fault-tolerant event location method, by creating convex hull and estimating the event zone for the event which in the edge. Experimental results show that: the algorithm can greatly reduce the BGP routing convergence time and effectively reduce the BGP routing update message number in the convergence process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of enhanced T2 star-weighted angiography (ESWAN) in differentiating endometrial from non-endometrial cysts. Methods: Forty-nine patients with 60 histopathologically proven ovarian cystic lesions underwent pelvic MRI including T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), liver acquisition with volume acceleration, and ESWAN. Ovarian cystic lesions were divided into endometrial cysts (group 1; n = 28), pyosalpinx and hydrosalpinx (group 2; n = 13), and ovarian cystic and cystic-solid tumors (group 3; n = 19). R2* (effective transverse relaxation rate) values were measured and pairwise comparison of the R2* values among the three groups was made using Kruskal-Wallis test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate cutoff values and performance of R2* values for distinguishing among groups. T1WI signal intensity and R2* value were also compared using area under curve values. Results: R2* values for group 1 were statistically higher than groups 2 and 3 (15.37, 1.40, and 1.79 Hz, respectively; P < 0.001). The cutoff value for R2* was 7.43 Hz with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 96.43, 87.50, 87.10, 96.55, and 91.67%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the R2* value and T1WI in diagnosing endometrial cysts. Conclusions: The R2* value provides an effective way to discriminate endometrial cysts from other ovarian cystic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the significances of clinical diagnostic approaches to biliary atresia (BA) and intrahepatic cholestasis (IHC) in children, and to improve clinicians' understanding of BA and reduce the rates of missed diagnosis and false diagnosis. Methods A total of 133 children diagnosed with cholestasis with persistent jaundice admitted to our department from July 2011 to June 2014 were divided into IHC group with 111 patients and BA group with 22 patients. The general clinical trial data were reviewed and analysed and the significances of clinical manifestations, laboratory examination, and imaging features for differential diagnosis of BA and IHC were evaluated. Comparison of continuous data between the two groups was made by t test and comparison of categorical data between the two groups was made by chi - square test. When the sample characteristics for chi - square test were not suitable, the comparison was made by Fisher's test. Results Significant differences in clinical manifestations of kaolin stools and enlarged and hardened liver and spleen were observed between the two groups (P <0.01). Total bilirubin (TB) , direct bilirubin (DB) , gamma GGT (γ- GT) , alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , and aspartate aminotransferase ( AST) levels in BA group were significantly higher than those in IHC group ( P < 0. 01) . The specificity , positive predictive value , and positive likelihood ratio of γ- GT were the highest among them , while TB had the highest sensitivity , the highest negative predictive value , and the lowest negative likelihood ratio. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of TB , DB , and γ-GT in the parallel experiment reached 100% . The specificity and positive predictive value of them in the serial experiment were 98% and 88. 9% , respectively. There were significant differences in the hepatic portal fibrous mass and gallbladder hypokinesia detected with ultrasonography of the liver , gallbladder , and spleen and in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) features between the two groups ( P < 0. 01) . The specificity and positive predictive values of them in serial experiment reached 100%. Conclusion Kaolin stools , enlarged and hardened liver and spleen , TB , DB , γ-GT , ultrasonography , and MRCP of the liver and gallbladder are important indices to distinguish between BA and IHC and a combined analysis of them can improve the diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnostic procedure of pleural effusion (PEs) is challenging due to low detection rates and numerous aetiologies. Hence, any attempt to enhance diagnosis is worthwhile. We present a clinical pathway to guide combined application of interventional pulmonology (IP) for tracing causes of undiagnosed PEs. Subjects with undiagnosed PEs were identified in the Hospital Information System of Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018. Eligible subjects were divided into a group of combined tests and a group of medical thoracoscopy (MT). Optimal and subsequent diagnostic tests were performed depending on the guidance of the clinical pathway by matching profitable chest lesions with the respective adaptation. As the guidance of clinical pathway, common bronchoscopy would be preferentially selected if pulmonary lesions involved or within the central bronchus, EBUS-TBNA was favoured when pulmonary lesions were adjacent to the central bronchus or with the enlarged mediastinal/hilar lymph nodes, guided bronchoscopy would be preferred if pulmonary nodules/masses were larger than 20 mm with discernible bronchus signs, CT-assisted transthoracic core biopsy was preferred if pulmonary nodules were less than 20 mm, image guided cutting needle biopsy was the recommendation if the pleural thickness was larger than 10 mm and pulmonary lesions were miliary. MT was preferred only when undiagnosed PEs was the initial symptom and pulmonary lesions were miliary or absent. A total of 83.57% cases of undiagnosed PEs were eligible for the clinical pathway, and 659 and 216 subjects were included in the combined tests and MT groups, respectively, depending on the optimal recommendation of the clinical pathway. The total diagnostic yields in the combined tests and MT groups were 95.99% and 91.20%, respectively, and the difference in total diagnostic yield was statistically significant (χ2 = 7.510, p = 0.006). Overall, clinical pathway guidance of the combined application of IP is useful for tracing the causes of undiagnosed PEs. The diagnostic yield of undiagnosed PEs is significantly increased compared with that of MT alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel CdS/BiOBr heterojunction comprising CdS quantum dots (QDs) decorated on BiOBr nanoflakes (NFs) was successfully synthesized by a facile microwave-assisted aqueous chemical synthesis technology. The crystal structure, chemical composition, and optical and electric properties were characterized by various techniques. The results demonstrated that cubic CdS QDs are planted uniformly on {001}-faced exposed tetragonal BiOBr NFs with about 30 nm thicknesses. The formation mechanism for CdS/BiOBr nanostructure was proposed. The photocatalytic performance of CdS/BiOBr heterojunction was greatly enhanced by the decomposition of organic pollutant under visible light irradiation. In particular, sample CB-3 exhibited the best photocatalytic activity for the degradation of malachite green, the fastest pseudo-first-order kinetic rate constant of which reached 0.125 min−1, 4.4, 22.6, and 3.2 times higher than that of BiOBr, CdS and the physical mixture, respectively. The direct Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism for CdS/BiOBr heterojunction could be attributed to the perfect band matching and the efficient charge carrier separation and transfer. Furthermore, the highly efficient photocatalytic performance for the degradation of Congo red (CR) and methyl red (MR) suggests a promising application in industrial wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the attitudes of college-age students to determine how they approach the idea of death by using a questionnaire that explores five separate dimensions of attitudes and beliefs. We received 1,206 completed surveys and found evidence of a substantial gender difference in attitudes toward death. These differences remain after adjustment for differences between males and females in other correlates of death attitudes and are not a function of gender differences in the dimensionality of the five scales used to characterize attitudes. We speculate that these differences originate in culturally defined expectations that are gender-related, as well as in substantial differences in individual family experiences of death. These speculations can take the form of testable hypotheses that should explain differences within genders as well as between genders. We believe that better education about death for college students can shape a healthier mental state among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many marine bacteria secrete exopolysaccharides (EPSs) that have important ecological and physiological functions. Numerous nutritional and environmental factors influence bacterial EPS production. However, the regulatory mechanisms of EPS production are poorly understood. The deep-sea Bacteroidetes bacterium Zunongwangia profunda SM-A87 can produce high quantities of EPS, and its EPS production is enhanced significantly by lactose. Here, we studied the reasons behind the significant advantage that lactose has over other carbon sources in EPS production in SM-A87. RNA-seq technologies were used to study lactose-regulated genes in SM-A87. The expression level of genes within the EPS gene cluster was up-regulated when lactose was added. Supplement of lactose also influenced the expression of genes located outside the EPS gene cluster that are also involved in EPS biosynthesis. The major glycosyl components of SM-A87 EPS are mannose, glucose and galactose. Genomic metabolic pathway analyses showed that the EPS precursor GDP-mannose can be synthesized from glucose, while the precursor UDP-glucose must be synthesized from galactose. Lactose can provide glucose and galactose simultaneously and prevent glucose inhibition. Lactose can also greatly stimulate the growth of SM-A87. Taken together, lactose acts not only as an inducer but also as a carbohydrate source for EPS production. This research broadens our knowledge of the regulation of EPS production in marine bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of light-dependent anthocyanin biosynthesis in Brassica rapa subsp. rapa cv. Tsuda turnip was investigated using an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutant R30 with light-independent pigmentation. TILLING (targeting induced local lesions in genomes) and subsequent analysis showed that a stop codon was inserted in the R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene BrMYB4 and that the encoded protein (BrMYB4mu) had lost its C-terminal region. In R30, anthocyanin accumulated in the below-ground portion of the storage root of 2-month-old plants. In 4-day-old seedlings and 2-month-old plants, expression of BrMYB4 was similar between R30 and the wild type (WT), but the expression of the cinnamate 4-hydroxylase gene (BrC4H) was markedly enhanced in R30 in the dark. In turnip seedlings, BrMYB4 expression was suppressed by UV-B irradiation in the WT, but this negative regulation was absent in R30. Concomitantly, BrC4H was repressed by UV-B irradiation in the WT, but stayed at high levels in R30. A gel-shift assay revealed that BrMYB4 could directly bind to the promoter region of BrC4H, but BrMYB4mu could not. The BrMYB4–enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) protein could enter the nucleus in the presence of BrSAD2 (an importin β-like protein) nuclear transporter, but BrMYB4mu–eGFP could not. These results showed that BrMYB4 functions as a negative transcriptional regulator of BrC4H and mediates UV-B-dependent phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, while BrMYB4mu has lost this function. In the storage roots, the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes was enhanced in R30 in the dark and in sunlight in both the WT and R30. However, in the WT, anthocyanin-inducing sunlight did not suppress BrMYB4 expression. Therefore, sunlight-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis does not seem to be regulated by BrMYB4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two kinds of free-standing composite films, including graphene oxide and activated carbon film as well as graphene oxide and carbon nanotube film, were fabricated through a simple suspension mixing and then natural deposition process. The films were characterized by various measurement techniques in detail. The results show that the composite films without any treatment almost still remain the original properties of the corresponding precursors, and exhibit loose structure, which can be easily broken in water; whereas after treated at 200 °C in air, the films become relatively more dense, and even if immersed into concentrated strong alkali or acid for five days, they still keep the film-morphologies, but regretfully, they show obvious brittleness and slight hydrophilicity. As soon as the treated films are performed in high concentrated strong alkali for about one day, their brittleness and wettability can be improved and became good flexibility and complete hydrophilicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare the Na/H2O and urea removal between residual renal function (RRF) and peritoneal clearance (PC) in peritoneal dialysis patients. Try to explore the difference between RRF and PC in prognosis of chronic kidney disease patients who need peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. Methods: Weekly Na/H2O and urea removal by PC and RRF were investigated individually. Independent samples t-test was carried out to compare the efficiency of removal between RRF and PC treatment. Pearson correlated analysis was applied to reveal the relationship between Na/H2O and urea removal and Kt/V. Results: Although a higher Na/H2O removal rate by RRF was showed in this investigation, the difference was not statistical significant compared to the one by PC. On the other hand, urea removal by RRF was obviously higher than PC. For every 0.1 Kt/V, Na/H2O removal by RRF was distinctly higher than PD. The Na and H2O removal of RRF were 147.88 ± 83.72 mmol and 46.54 ± 39.11 mmol, respectively; and the ones of PD were 11.40 ± 6.08 mmol and 4.47 ± 4.79 mmol. By using statistical assay, the correlations relevance between Na/H2O removal and Kt/V in RRF were showed stronger than in PC. However, the total removal of Na/H2O showed a poor correlation with Kt/V in both RRF and PC. Conclusions: The removal efficiency of RRF is much higher than PC. This study suggests that it is important to adjust dialysis program when RRF gets declined. Also the correlation between Na/H2O removal rate and Kt/V is an important monitoring factor for the patients who are receiving peritoneal dialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]