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Lipases, crucial catalysts in biochemical synthesis, find extensive applications across industries such as food, medicine, and cosmetics. The efficiency of lipase-catalyzed reactions is significantly influenced by the choice of solvents. Polar organic solvents often result in a decrease, or even loss, of lipase activity. Conversely, nonpolar organic solvents induce excessive rigidity in lipases, thereby affecting their activity. While the advent of new solvents like ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents has somewhat improved the activity and stability of lipases, it fails to address the fundamental issue of lipases' poor solvent tolerance. Hence, the rational design of lipases for enhanced solvent tolerance can significantly boost their industrial performance. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the structural characteristics and properties of lipases in various solvent systems and emphasizes various strategies of protein engineering for non-aqueous media to improve lipases' solvent tolerance. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further enhancing the solvent tolerance and industrial properties of lipases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors' previous research has shown the pivotal roles of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) and its regulatory protein p35 in nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced differentiation of sympathetic neurons in PC12 cells. During the process of differentiation, neurons are susceptible to environmental influences, including the effects of drugs. Metformin is commonly used in the treatment of diabetes and its associated symptoms, particularly in diabetic neuropathy, which is characterized by dysregulation of the sympathetic neurons. However, the impacts of metformin on sympathetic neuronal differentiation remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the impact of metformin on NGF-induced sympathetic neuronal differentiation using rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells as a model. We examined the regulation of TrkA-p35/CDK5 signaling in NGF-induced PC12 differentiation. Our results demonstrate that metformin reduces NGF-induced PC12 differentiation by inactivating the TrkA receptor, subsequently inhibiting ERK and EGR1. Inhibition of this cascade ultimately leads to the downregulation of p35/CDK5 in PC12 cells. Furthermore, metformin inhibits the activation of the presynaptic protein Synapsin-I, a substrate of CDK5, in PC12 differentiation. In addition, metformin alters axonal and synaptic bouton formation by inhibiting p35 at both the axons and axon terminals in fully differentiated PC12 cells. In summary, our study elucidates that metformin inhibits sympathetic neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells by disrupting TrkA/ERK/EGR1 and p35/CDK5 signaling. This research contributes to uncovering a novel signaling mechanism in drug response during sympathetic neuronal differentiation, enhancing our understanding of the intricate molecular processes governing this critical aspect of neurodevelopment. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: This study unveils a novel mechanism influenced by metformin during sympathetic neuronal differentiation. By elucidating its inhibitory effects from the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor, TrkA, to the p35/CDK5 signaling pathways, we advance our understanding of metformin's mechanisms of action and emphasize its potential significance in the context of drug responses during sympathetic neuronal differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short wavelength (SW) emission region of the materials employing strong donor (DS) phenothiazine (PTZ) is generally correlated to its quasi‐axial (QAPTZ) conformer arrangement. This propels to investigate the specific role of weak donors (DW) such as carbazole (CZ) in determining the emission characteristics of molecular heredity (MH) type structural design encompassing dual donors of varying strength. For this purpose, a common DS(PTZ)–Acceptor unit is linked to the DW(CZ) unit via different linkage positions to form M1, M2, and M3, which not only alters the absorption and dual emission characteristics but also influences the delayed fluorescence phenomenon. The SW emission originates by minimizing the aggregation factor rather than by literature envisaged QAPTZ conformer. Incorporating M1 as a single molecular white light emitter (SMWLE) in near UV light emitting diode (LED) devices results in cold white light emission with CRI of 68 and CIE of (0.24, 0.33), while its corresponding solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diode devices delivers warm white electroluminescence with an EQE of 5.8%. Overall, this work demonstrates the significant contribution of the DW in attaining the white light emission characteristics of MH molecular design not only at the molecular level but also in practical light‐emitting devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obesity can affect periodontal tissues and exacerbate periodontitis. Pyroptosis, a newly identified type of inflammatory cell death, is involved in the development of periodontal inflammation. The saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (PA) is elevated in obese patients. The effect of PA on pyroptosis in periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Materials and Methods: Human PDLCs were isolated from healthy individuals and cultured for experiments. The effects of PA on PDLC pyroptosis and the underlying mechanisms were examined by transmission electron microscopy, quantitative real‐time PCR and western blotting. Results: The morphology of PDLCs in the PA group indicated pyroptotic characteristics, including swollen cells, plasma membrane rupture and changes in subcellular organelles. PA induced inflammatory responses in PDLCs, as indicated by an increase in IL‐1β in the cell culture supernatant. Furthermore, we found that the pyroptosis‐related proteins caspase‐1, caspase‐4 and GSDMD were involved in PA‐induced cell death. GSDMD and caspase‐4 inhibitors alleviated pyroptotic death of PDLCs. Moreover, PA promoted NF‐κB P65 phosphorylation. A NF‐κB inhibitor decreased IL‐1β expression and partly rescued cell death induced by PA. Conclusion: PA activated the NF‐κB pathway and induced the inflammatory response in PDLCs. Caspase‐4/GSDMD mediated PDLC pyroptosis induced by PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the influence of extracellular matrix protein ABI-interactor 3-binding protein (ABI3BP) on vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) genome replication and innate immune signaling pathway. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected to knock down ABI3BP gene in human skin fibroblast BJ-Sta cells. VSV-green fluorescent protein (VSV-GFP)-infected cell model was established. The morphological changes and F-actin stress fiber formation were detected on ABI3BP knockdown cells by phalloidin immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA level of virus replication was detected by RT-qPCR in BJ-Sta cells after VSV-GFP infection; western blotting was performed to detect the changes in interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) phosphorylation levels. The VSV-GFP-infected BJ-Sta cell model was successfully established. Efficient knockdown of ABI3BP in BJ-Sta cells was achieved. Phalloidin immunofluorescence staining revealed structural rearrangement of intracellular F-actin after ABI3BP gene knockdown. Compared with the control group, the gene copy number of VSV-GFP in ABI3BP knockdown cells increased by 2.2 – 3.5 times (P <0.01) and 2.2 – 4.0 times (P <0.01) respectively when infected with VSV of multiplicity of infection 0.1 and 1. The expression of viral protein significantly increased in ABI3BP knockdown cells after virus infection. The activation of type-I interferon pathway, as determined by phosphorylated IRF3 and phosphorylated TBK1, was significantly decreased in ABI3BP knockdown cells after VSV-GFP infection. Extracellular matrix protein ABI3BP plays an important role in maintaining the formation and rearrangement of actin structure. ABI3BP gene deletion promotes RNA virus replication, and ABI3BP is an important molecule that maintains the integrity of type I interferon pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a community with vast territory and large population, t the theoretical sources of the Chinese national community can be traced to four aspects: the first is the introduction and application of the Marxist theory on national equality, the second is the absorption and continuation of the Marxist theory on national independence and liberation, the third is the adherence and innovation of the ancient Chinese concept of "great unity", and the fourth is the development and practice of the modern theory of "Chinese nationality". During the Anti-Japanese war, there are three ways in building a Chinese national community: establishing the anti-Japanese national united front, safeguarding the political rights of all nationalities, and building a unified multiethnic state. The practice of building the Chinese national community during the Anti-Japanese War has a lot of enlightenment for the present. For example, we must adhere to the leadership of the Communist Party of China, rely on the people of all ethnic groups, and adhere to the policy of regional ethnic autonomy. Analyzing the construction of the Chinese national Community by Communist Party of China during the Anti-Japanese War is conducive to boosting the Party's ethnic work in the new era and forging the sense of the Chinese national community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinelliacordata (Araceae) is a perennial herb species distributed in China and Japan. Several studies have shown that there are two types of this species, and chromosome counts have shown irregular variation among populations. In this study, we investigated the morphological characteristics, established the chromosome number in root tips, reconstructed phylogenetic relationship based on whole chloroplast genomes, and elucidated biogeographic patterns based on data collected from the Chinese Virtual Herbarium (CVH) and the Plant Photo Bank of China (PPBC) for the two types of P. cordata, including type I (greenish leaf blade) and type II (colored leaf blade). We found stable significant differences in morphometric characteristics (color of the leaf blade abaxially, petiole, spathe and appendix) and the number of chromosomes. The results of the phylogenetic analysis showed that types I and II were located to different places in the evolutionary tree compared to the group. The distribution regions of these types of P. cordata were also slightly different in mainland China. These findings suggested that P. cordata should be divided into P. cordata (type I) and Pinellia discolor (type II, a cryptic species) and the latter is here described as a new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a specific human malignancy with unique geographic distribution and genetic backgrounds. Although early treatment with radio-chemotherapy has been proven effective for NPC therapy, its therapeutic efficacy substantially diminishes in the late stages of this malignancy. In the tumor microenvironment of NPC, PD-L1 has been demonstrated as a critical factor in impairing T cell activation. As an etiological role for NPC development, it is found that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent proteins upregulated PD-L1 expression. However, whether EBV lytic protein affects PD-L1 expression remains unclear. In this study, through monitoring the mRNA expression pattern of lytic genes and PD-L1 in EBV-positive NPC cell line NA, EBV immediately-early gene BRLF1(Rta) was found to have the potential for PD-L1 activation. Furthermore, we identified that Rta expression enhanced PD-L1 expression in mRNA and protein levels through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. The luciferase reporter assay revealed that Rta expression enhanced PD-L1 promoter activity. We also demonstrated that Rta-induced PD-L1 expressions could impair interleukin 2 secretion of T cells, and this mechanism may be through ERK activation. These results displayed the importance of EBV Rta in PD-L1 expression in NPC and may give an alternative target for NPC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection is a global health concern that is associated with significant liver-related morbidity and mortality. Owing to the inflammatory pathway, CHC can causefatty liver, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer and is associated with cardiometabolic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes. Fatty liver is associated with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and liver cancer. Hence, the early detection of fatty liver through noninvasive screening in adults with CHC is important in primary healthcare settings. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of fatty liver and its association with metabolic syndrome amongrural adults with CHC. Methods: This was a series of cohort studies related to the elimination of the CHC burden around the western coastal Yunlin County, Taiwan, between August 2018 and July 2021. A cross-sectional study was conducted after hepatitis C virus RNA confirmation in a hepatitis C- endemic area. A gastrointestinal physician or radiologist assessed fatty liver by ultrasonography. Fatty liver was classified into four grades: normal, mild, moderate, and severe. Three liver enzyme biomarkers were identified. According to the Taiwan national standard, metabolic syndrome was defined based on the presence of three or more of the five abnormal biomarkers, including increased waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose level, elevated triglyceride level, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Results: A total of 256 rural adults with CHC were enrolled. The mean age of the participants was 67.5 (standard deviation = 11.8) years, with a low educational level. High prevalence of fatty liver (79%), central obesity (54.3%), elevated blood pressure (55.5%),elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) level (44.9%), and metabolic syndrome (37.9%) were observed.The results showed that adults with CHC with moderate to severe fatty liver were significantly associated with an increased risk of increased waist circumference (P < 0.001), increased blood pressure (P < 0.001), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (P < 0.05), and elevated liver enzyme biomarker levels (all P < 0.05) after adjusting for age, sex, and educational level. Furthermore, adults with CHC with moderate to severe fatty liver were significantly associated with a greater risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 2.85, 95% confidence interval = 1.66 to 4.92). Conclusions: The findings demonstrate a high prevalence of fatty liver in rural adults with CHC, which is significantly associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and elevated liver biomarker levels. Clinicians and primary healthcare providers must encourage patients with CHC to receive antiviral therapy combined with weight loss management and lifestyle modification, allowing general improvements in their liver and cardiometabolic health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of azvudine, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and molnupiravir in adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. This retrospective cohort study included patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (asymptomatic, mild, and common types) at the First Hospital of Changsha (Hunan Province, China) between March and November 2022. Eligible patients were classified into the azvudine, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, or molnupiravir groups according to the antiviral agents they received. The outcomes were the times to nucleic acid negative conversion (NANC). This study included 157 patients treated with azvudine (n = 66), molnupiravir (n = 66), or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (n = 25). There were no statistically significant differences in the time from diagnosis to NANC among the azvudine, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir groups [median, 9 (95% CI 9–11) vs. 11 (95% CI 10–12) vs. 9 (95% CI 8–12) days, P = 0.15], time from administration to NANC [median, 9 (95% CI 8–10) vs. 10 (95% CI 9.48–11) vs. 8.708 (95% CI 7.51–11) days, P = 0.50], or hospital stay [median, 11 (95% CI 11–13) vs. 13 (95% CI 12–14) vs. 12 (95% CI 10–14) days, P = 0.14], even after adjustment for sex, age, COVID-19 type, comorbidities, Ct level, time from diagnosis to antiviral treatment, and number of symptoms. The cumulative NANC rates in the azvudine, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir groups were 15.2%/12.3%/16.0% at day 5 (P = 0.858), 34.8%/21.5%/32.0% at day 7 (P = 0.226), 66.7%/52.3%/60.0% at 10 days (P = 0.246), and 86.4%/86.2%/80.0% at day 14 (P = 0.721). No serious adverse events were reported. Azvudine may be comparable to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir in adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 regarding time to NANC, hospital stay, and AEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the causes, counseling, and prevention strategies for maladaptive and deviant behaviors in schools. It highlights the persistence of issues such as bullying, violence, and addictive behaviors in schools worldwide, and the need to explore the causes and effects of these behaviors. The article also emphasizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' psychological health and the importance of psychological health education. It suggests various research topics related to student engagement, stress, addictive behaviors, vulnerable student groups, and leadership. The article concludes by emphasizing the ongoing need for research and intervention measures to address maladaptive and deviant behaviors in schools. [Extracted from the article]

Antibiotics in ecosystems stimulate the emergence and development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes, consequently posing tremendous health risks to wildlife species and humans. Laccase, a multicopper-containing oxidoreductase, is capable of nonspecifically catalyzing oxidization of multiple hazardous micropollutants, including antibiotics, with O2 as the terminal electron acceptor. Thus, laccase is recognized as a promising "green and sustainable biocatalyst" for the decontamination of antibiotics. Recently, great efforts have been made to design and exploit immobilized laccase to tackle antibiotics in the environment. In this review, the occurrence, fate, and ecological risks of antibiotics in environmental matrices are described. Moreover, the immobilized laccase-evoked removal of antibiotics, owing to immobilization technology reinforcing the stability and reusability of free laccase in bioremediation, is examined in details. In particular, advances in laccase-provoked transformation mechanisms (i.e. oxidative decomposition and radical polymerization) of antibiotics are highlighted, and a valuable guideline beneficial to large-scale practical applications is provided. Furthermore, evaluation of the intermediate products of antibiotics and their ecotoxicity in different laccase-enabled treatments is summarized. Finally, new directions for the application of laccase for effective antibiotic removal are envisaged, and several future directions to address the challenges are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most visible sign of facial aging is often seen in the periocular area. However, periocular rejuvenation remains challenging due to the particularity of periocular anatomic locations. Aims: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the fractional‐ablative CO2 laser‐facilitated recombinant human collagen permeation in periocular rejuvenation. Patients/Methods: This 3‐month prospective single‐blinded and self‐controlled trial enrolled 26 patients with periocular aging who underwent the treatments of fractional‐ablative CO2 laser along with laser‐facilitated recombinant human collagen permeation. Following the treatments, the patients were quantitatively assessed by various periocular skin aging indices before and after the treatment and monitored for any related adverse events. Results: The patients showed significant improvements with the periocular skin aging indices 3 months after the treatments, which were detailed with a 47.3% decrease in lower eyelid skin rhytids, a 41.4% decrease in the lower eyelid skin texture, a 35.0% decrease in the static crow's feet, a 29.3% decrease in the amount of upper eyelid laxity, and a 20.2% increase in the MRD1 as compared with baseline (p < 0.05). Moreover, total skin thickness under ultrasound was increased in both upper and lower eyelids (5.6% and 3.3%, p < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, six patients (23.1%, 6/26) had erythema for 2 weeks, and two (2/26, 7.7%) had mild hyperpigmentation for 3 months. Conclusions: Fractional‐ablative CO2 laser combined with laser‐facilitated recombinant human collagen permeation can be a safe and effective treatment for periocular rejuvenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Further study on a 95% EtOH extract of the red mold rice fermented with the mutant of the fungus Monascus sp. led to the isolation of one new natural pyranoid derivative, namely monascuslactone (1), together with three known compounds. The structure of the new compound was determined as (4S*,6S*)-4-hydroxy-4,6-dimethyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one. The known compounds were identified as monascin (2), ankaflavin (3), and methyl N-methyl anthranylate (4). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy together with HR-ESI-MS analysis, and comparison of the spectroscopic data with those reported for structurally related compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to 80% of children with autism spectrum disorder have at least one other neuropsychiatric comorbidity. The causes of such disorders are highly genetic, yet many studies fail to take analysis further than risk gene discovery to see cellular and mechanistic changes occurring. Therefore, the goal of this study was to unveil novel gene expression signatures involved in important neurodevelopmental processes that, when disrupted, lead to each of the autism comorbidities of interest. We achieved this by analysing a single‐nuclei RNA sequencing dataset with prefrontal cortex samples from autism spectrum disorder plus comorbidities for differentially expressed genes. The highest number of alterations was seen in excitatory neurons, which also showed differential population and cell–cell interactions across disorders and an increase in expression of genes involved in neurodevelopmental pathways. Interestingly, the group without comorbidities displayed an increase in neuron–neuron interactions yet a decrease in population number, suggesting a major rewiring of neuronal connections. Further analysis of the topmost significant genes from this cell type in developing prefrontal cortex datasets revealed interesting expression trajectories corresponding to important time points during corticogenesis. This further identified four novel candidate genes that show a potential link to developmental pathways that may contribute to autism and its comorbidities when dysregulated. The study provides a better understanding of co‐occurring conditions at a transcriptomic and cell‐type level and thereby aid future research in providing earlier diagnosis, care and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case report of a 47-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed a lung infection caused by Tropheryma whipplei (TW). SLE patients are more susceptible to infections due to decreased immunity and immunosuppressive medications. The patient's SLE was controlled with treatment, but the immunosuppressive and biological agents made her more susceptible to TW infection. The article highlights the need for further research on the role of belimumab (a biological agent) in infection and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the risk of opportunistic infections in SLE patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. [Extracted from the article]

Rationale: Cilostazol, an anti-platelet phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor used for the treatment of intermittent claudication, is known for its pleiotropic effects on platelets, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. However, how cilostazol impacts the endocrine system and the injury-induced inflammatory processes remains unclear. Methods: We used the zebrafish, a simple transparent model that demonstrates rapid development and a strong regenerative ability, to test whether cilostazol influences heart rate, steroidogenesis, and the temporal and dosage effects of cilostazol on innate immune cells during tissue damage and repair. Results: While dosages of cilostazol from 10 to 100 μM did not induce any noticeable morphological abnormality in the embryonic and larval zebrafish, the heart rate was increased as measured by ImageJ TSA method. Moreover, adrenal/interrenal steroidogenesis in larval zebrafish, analyzed by whole-mount 3β-Hsd enzymatic activity and cortisol ELISA assays, was significantly enhanced. During embryonic fin amputation and regeneration, cilostazol treatments led to a subtle yet significant effect on reducing the aggregation of Mpx-expressing neutrophil at the lesion site, but did not affect the immediate injury-induced recruitment and retention of Mpeg1-expressing macrophages. Conclusions: Our results indicate that cilostazol has a significant effect on the heart rate and the growth as well as endocrine function of steroidogenic tissue; with a limited effect on the migration of innate immune cells during tissue damage and repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the only and the milestone FDA approval of becaplermin gel (RegranexTM, 0.01% human recombinant PDGF-BB) as a (diabetic) wound healing therapeutic more than 25 years ago, no new therapeutic (excluding physical therapies, devices, dressings, anti-microbial agents, or other preventive treatments) for any type of wound healing has advanced to clinical applications. During the same period of time, the FDA has approved additional 250 new drugs for various human tumors, which were famously described as "wounds that do not heal". Two similar pathological conditions have experienced such a dramatic difference in therapeutics. More surprisingly, few in the wound healing community seem to be alarmed by this mysterious deficit. As it is often said, "damaging is far easier than re-building". In contrast to the primary duty of a cancer drug to damage a single molecule of the signaling network, a wound healing drug must be able to re-build the multi-level damages in the wound. No known single molecule alone is capable of repairing multi-cell-type and multi-pathway damages all at once. We argue that the previous single molecule-based strategy for developing wound healing therapeutics is profoundly flawed in theory. The future success of effective wound healing therapeutics requires a fundamental change in the paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, yet pharmacotherapies for TBI are currently lacking. Neuroregeneration is important in brain repair and functional recovery. In this study, probucol, a cholesterol‐lowering drug with established safety profiles, was examined for its therapeutic effects and neuroregenerative actions in TBI. Experimental Approach: Male mice were subjected to the controlled cortical impact model of TBI, followed by daily administration of probucol. Neurological and cognitive functions were evaluated. Histological analyses of the neocortex and hippocampus were performed to detect the lesion, dendritic degeneration (microtubule‐associated protein 2), synaptic density (synaptophysin), neurogenesis (doublecortin), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) activation. Involvement of BDNF/TrkB pathway in probucol‐mediated effects was examined in primary cultures of cortical neurons. Key Results: Probucol reduced brain lesion volume, enhanced the recovery of body symmetry, improved motor function and attenuated memory dysfunction after TBI. Meanwhile, probucol promoted post‐injury dendritic growth and synaptogenesis and increased hippocampal proliferating neuronal progenitor cells, along with the formation as well as the survival of newborn neurons. Moreover, probucol enhances BDNF expression and TrkB activation. In vitro, probucol promoted neurite outgrowth, which was inhibited by a selective TrkB antagonist ANA‐12. Conclusions and Implications: Probucol enhanced functional restoration and ameliorated cognitive impairment after TBI by promoting post‐injury neuronal remodelling and neurogenesis. Increased activation of BDNF/TrkB pathway by probucol, at least in part, contributed to the neuroregenerative effects of probucol. Together, it may be promising to repurpose probucol for TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure, elastic properties, and thermodynamic properties of cubic boron arsenide (c‐BAs) under high temperature and high pressure are studied based on first‐principles calculations. The obtained equilibrium structure and mechanical properties are in good agreement with other theoretical results. First, the phonon dispersion spectra at zero pressure and high pressure are calculated. The results show that c‐BAs is dynamically stable under pressure of 0–110 GPa. Second, the lattice constants, elastic constants, Young's modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, B/G, sound velocity, and Debye temperature of c‐BAs under zero pressure and high pressure are calculated. c‐BAs are predicted to be unstable above 112.3 GPa in accordance with the elastic stability criterion. Furthermore, it is indicated by the calculated B/G ratio that c‐BAs is brittle at zero GPa and begins to tend to be ductile as pressure rises to 46.4 GPa. The calculated elastic anisotropy coefficients indicate that c‐BAs has elastic anisotropy. The thermodynamic properties of c‐BAs are investigated at high temperatures and pressures by combining generalized density function theory and the quasiharmonic Debye model. It is suggested by the calculated elastic and thermodynamic properties that c‐BAs can be used as candidate structures for the fabrication of efficient solar cells and thermoelectric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Repeated occupational exposure and increased stress and fatigue levels contribute to a high risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection among frontline nurses. This study aimed to explore the relationships among teamwork, work environment and resources, work–life balance, stress perception and burnout among nurses working at a dedicated infectious disease control hospital. Methods: The participants were 389 nurses at a dedicated infectious disease control hospital in Taipei City, Taiwan. This study adopted survey design with a questionnaire using the Safety Attitude Questionnaire. Results: The work–life balance among nurses at the dedicated hospital significantly mediated the effects of teamwork and work environment and resources on burnout. In addition, stress perception had interaction effects on work–life balance and burnout. Conclusion: This study's results provide important recommendations for managing teamwork, work environment and resources, work–life balance, stress perception and burnout prevention in nurses to help them better prepare and cope with emergencies. Findings can serve as a reference for developing relevant hospital management policies. Summary statement: What is known about the topic? Organizational changes, information scarcity and shortages of personal protective equipment were the primary factors driving uncertainty when the pandemic began.Work environments can significantly affect burnout, job satisfaction and perceived stress among nurses.Teamwork is an important factor affecting nurse burnout. What this paper adds? Repeated occupational exposure and increased stress and fatigue levels contribute to a high risk of COVID‐19 infection among frontline nurses.Healthcare systems should emphasize the issues of teamwork, work environment and resources and work–life balance among nurses to help them prepare for and cope with emergencies.Nurse supervisors should constantly monitor for burnout among subordinates and eliminate their stressors. The implications of this paper: When teaching nursing management skills during an epidemic, it is essential to focus on strengthening the nursing supervisors' communication role, particularly during an outbreak.To reduce nurse burnout, key leadership and culture aspects in the work environment include prioritizing infection control measures, providing social support, encouraging strong multidisciplinary teamwork, ensuring adequate resources are available and receiving support from hospital superiors and the government. By addressing these factors, healthcare organizations can create a positive work environment that supports nurses' well‐being and promotes better patient outcomes.To manage nurses in the postpandemic era, healthcare organizations can implement routine training programs, new models of cross‐teamwork, emergency response plans, effective systematic monitoring and mental health intervention programs. These strategies can help promote collaboration, support nurses' mental health and ensure preparedness for future crises. Healthcare organizations can create a more effective healthcare system by adopting these measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of self-efficacy in an asynchronous online English course enriched with interactive features. Self-efficacy is a strong predictor of academic achievement in conventional classrooms. However, when learning happens in an online environment, the students' learning achievement is also affected by their psychological perceptions of online learning. In this study, the relationship between self-efficacy and affective factors (i.e., learner autonomy, learner--content interaction, and perceptions toward transactional distance) was investigated. The aims of this study were to identify the influence of different levels of self-efficacy on these factors and to explore their relationships in an online EFL course. In total, 286 students were administered the questionnaires before and after the curriculum to probe their self-perception of these affective variables. When asynchronous interactive learning materials came into play, learners with different levels of self-efficacy make statistically different learning achievements. The statistically significant differences were also found between the student's self-efficacy level, their learner autonomy, and their perception toward the interactive contents. However, the difference was not significant between self-efficacy and transactional distance. The cost of asynchronous learning is an increasing transactional distance due to the lack of instructor-earner interaction. This study suggests that interactive content triggered an opposite effect by making the instructor's role invisible rather than absent. A good online course must balance the student's self-determined learning and flexibility with the course structure. Interactive learning content can keep the balance between developing learner autonomy and fostering engagement by dissolving the teacher's role into interactive course material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of MgO and Nb 2 O 5 co-doping on the microwave dielectric properties of Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 ceramics with a medium dielectric constant. Substituting (Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3)4+ for Ti4+ in Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 ceramics effectively enhanced the quality factor Qf. The interrelationship among the crystalline structure, microstructure, and microwave properties of Y 2 (Ti 1- x (Nb 2/3 Mg 1/3) x) 2 O 7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) sintered at 1500 °C with different holding times were examined using XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman, and network analyzer. The research findings indicate that all samples exhibited a single cubic pyrochlore phase without a second phase. Moreover, the densification temperature increased with an increase in (Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3)4+ content, and the relative density could be increased by increasing the sintering dwell time. The sample with x = 0.025 demonstrated an optimal densification temperature of 1500 °C. TEM/SAED pattern analysis revealed the existence of a "superlattice" due to the occurrence of a 1:2 cation ordering structure at high temperatures. As the dwell time was extended from 4 h to 12 h, the quality factor Qf increased from 10,830 GHz to 46,068 GHz. The sample with x = 0.025 sintered at 1500 °C for 12 h exhibited the best microwave dielectric properties ( p e r m i t t i v i t y (ε r) = 62.5, Qf = 46,068 GHz, and the temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) = 290.8 p p m / °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A giant coronary artery aneurysm (GCAA) concurrent with coronary artery fistula is a rare condition, and it becomes even more unusual when combined with a single coronary artery (SCA) anomaly. Here, we report such an extremely rare case, who is a 35‐year‐old woman presenting with severe chest distress. A GCAA with fistula to the right ventricle was noted, occurring in a single coronary artery, diagnosed by multimodality cardiovascular imaging techniques. Both GCAA and coronary artery fistula can cause severe cardiac complications, which jeopardize life. While an SCA is mostly asymptomatic, it may also lead to sudden cardiac death as well. Therefore, surgical intervention was recommended. We chose a novel thrombus‐inducing strategy to eliminate the GCAA and repair the fistula. Symptoms were relieved after the surgery, and the patient remained asymptomatic over 8 months of follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of doxofylline as an adjuvant in reducing severe exacerbation for different clinical subtypes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: The clinical trial was an open‐label non‐randomized clinical trial that enrolled patients with COPD. The patients were divided into two groups (doxofylline group[DG] and non‐doxofylline group[NDG]) according to whether the adjuvant was used. Based on the proportion of inflammatory cells present, the patients were divided into neutrophilic, eosinophilic, and mixed granulocytic subtypes. The rates of severe acute exacerbation, use of glucocorticoids, and clinical symptoms were followed up in the first month, the third month, and the sixth month after discharge. Results: A total of 155 participants were included in the study. The average age of the participants was 71.2 ± 10.1 years, 52.3% of the patients were male, and 29.7% of the participants had extremely severe cases of COPD. In the third month after discharge the numbers of patients exhibiting severe exacerbation among the neutrophilic subtype were 5 (6.6%) in the DG versus 17 (22.4%) in the NDG (incidence rate ratio[IRR] = 0.4 [95% CI: 0.2–0.9] P = 0.024). In the sixth month after discharge, the numbers were 3 (3.9%) versus 13 (17.1%; IRR = 0.3 [95%; CI: 0.1–0.9], P = 0.045), and those for the eosinophilic subtype were 0 (0.0%) versus 4 (14.8%), P = 0.02. In the eosinophilic subtype, the results for forced expiratory volume in the first second and maximal mid‐expiratory flow were significantly higher in the DG. The mean neutrophil and eosinophil levels were significantly lower than in the NDG among the neutrophilic subtype, and the neutrophil percentage was lower than in the NDG among the eosinophilic subtype. At the six‐month follow‐up, the dose adjustment rates of the neutrophilic and eosinophilic subtypes showed a significant difference (P< 0.05). Conclusions: As an adjuvant drug, doxofylline has a good therapeutic effect on patients with the neutrophilic and eosinophilic clinical subtypes of COPD. It can reduce the incidence of severe exacerbation, the use of glucocorticoids, and inflammatory reactions in the long term (when used for a minimum of 3 months). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wilms tumour (WT) is a mixed type of embryonal tumour that usually occurs in early childhood. However, our knowledge of the pathogenesis or progression mechanism of WT is inadequate, and there is a scarcity of beneficial therapeutic strategies. Methods: High-throughput RNA sequencing was employed in this study to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in clinical tumor samples and matching normal tissues. The STRING database was utilized to build a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and the Cytohubba method was used to identify the top 10 highly related HUB genes. Then, the key genes were further screened by univariate COX survival analysis. Subsequently, the XCELL algorithm was used to evaluate the tumour immune infiltration. RT-PCR, WB, and IF were used to verify the expression level of key genes in clinical tissues and tumour cell lines. Finally, the function of the key gene was further verified by loss-of-function experiments. Results: We initially screened 1612 DEGs, of which 1030 were up-regulated and 582 were down-regulated. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested these genes were associated with 'cell cycle', 'DNA replication'. Subsequently, we identified 10 key HUB genes, among them CCNB1 was strongly related to WT patients' overall survival. Multiple survival analyses showed that CCNB1 was an independent indicator of WT prognosis. Thus, we constructed a nomogram of CCNB1 combined with other clinical indicators. Single gene GSEA and immune infiltration analysis revealed that CCNB1 was associated with the degree of infiltration or activation status of multiple immune cells. TIDE analysis indicated that this gene was correlated with multiple key immune checkpoint molecules and TIDE scores. Finally, we validated the differential expression level of CCNB1 in an external gene set, the pan-cancer, clinical samples, and cell lines. CCNB1 silencing significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasive capabilities of WIT-49 cells, also, promoted apoptosis, and in turn induced G2 phase cell cycle arrest in loss-of-function assays. Conclusion: Our study suggests that CCNB1 is closely related to WT progression and prognosis, and serves as a potential target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a prevalent oncovirus associated with a variety of human illnesses. BGLF5, an EBV DNase with alkaline nuclease (AN) activity, plays important roles in the viral life cycle and progression of human malignancies and has been suggested as a possible diagnostic marker and target for cancer therapy. Methods used conventionally for the detection of AN activity, radioactivity-based nuclease activity assay and DNA digestion detection by gel electrophoresis, are not suitable for screening AN inhibitors; the former approach is unsafe, and the latter is complicated. In the present study, a fluorescence-based nuclease activity assay was used to screen several natural compounds and identify an EBV DNase inhibitor. Results: Fluorescence-based nuclease activity assays, in which the DNA substrate is labelled with PicoGreen dye, are cheaper, safer, and easier to perform. Herein, the results of the fluorescence-based nuclease activity assay were consistent with the results of the two conventional methods. In addition, the PicoGreen-labelling method was applied for the biochemical characterisation of viral nucleases. Using this approach, we explored EBV DNase inhibitors. After several rounds of screening, emodin, an anthraquinone derivative, was found to possess significant anti-EBV DNase activity. We verified the efficacy of emodin using the conventional DNA-cleavage assay. Furthermore, using comet assay and micronucleus formation detection, we confirmed that emodin can inhibit DNase-induced DNA damage and genomic instability. Additionally, emodin treatment inhibited EBV production. Conclusions: Using a PicoGreen-mediated nuclease activity assay, we successfully demonstrated that emodin has the potential to inhibit EBV DNase nuclease activity. Emodin also inhibits EBV DNase-related biological functions, suggesting that it is a potential inhibitor of EBV DNase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the bibliometric outcomes of articles and research trends in specific areas. This study revealed research on the use of e-books for EFL education published in selected journals of the Web of Science from 2011 to 2020, and discusses the trends of the top-cited countries, journals, the most used keywords, and the popular subjects, learning strategies, target skills, and the research outcomes. A total of 53 selected articles were manually and systematically analyzed. The results revealed that the most productive country was Taiwan, and the most cited journal was Computers & Education. The most used keywords were "engagement." The bibliometric analysis can be reflected in the content analysis as preschoolers and elementary school students were the most common participants, guided learning were the most frequently used strategy, and the main target skill was reading. This review study provides an overview of the research agenda for the last 10 years, and highlights the trends in the field by analyzing relevant past research. When the use of e-books in EFL education studies was examined, reading comprehension, teaching/learning strategies, and learning engagement were found to be crucial in the studies. Therefore, there is a need to develop more useful features of e-books to support EFL teaching practices. It is therefore suggested that future research focus more on pedagogical aspects and e-book feature development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's southwestern karst area exhibits many mountains and little flat lands, and intermountain basins (IBs) (locally named "bazi") are one of their typical landform types. Comparative studies on land use in the core of typical landforms in karst mountain areas are relatively lacking. Studying the evolution and transformation patterns of intermountain basin paddy fields use (IBPFU) to optimize land resources in mountainous areas is important. Based on structural and functional perspectives, this study established a research framework on the evolution and transformation of IBPFU in karst mountainous areas, and analyzed the evolution and transformation patterns of IBPFU in Guizhou Province from 1966 to 2020 by measuring land use change and applying the moving window method and morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) model. The study showed that the evolution of IBPFU is characterized by reversibility and irreversibility, diversity, and stages. The transition of IBPFU requires a trade-off among regional socioeconomic development, ecological protection, and food security. The commonality of land use transitions in IB and sloped land (SL) is reflected in the diversity of their land use functions. This study provides a reference for a comprehensive understanding of land use transitions and sustainable development in the mountainous karst regions of southwest China by providing in-depth examinations of the land use transition of IB, which is different from SL, via the long time series evolution of core land use types. The research framework and research method constructed here also apply to other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apoe-deficient (Apoe−/−) and Ldlr-deficient (Ldlr−/−) mice are two common animal models of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. The two models differ in lipid and glucose metabolism and other mechanisms involved in atherogenesis. Here we examined atherosclerotic lesion formation in the two models with an atherosclerosis-resistant C3H/HeJ (C3H) background. 3-month-old C3H-Ldlr−/− and C3H-Apoe−/− mice developed minimal atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root when fed a chow diet. After 12 weeks on a Western diet, C3H-Ldlr−/− mice developed 3-fold larger lesions than C3H-Apoe−/− mice in the aortic root (127,386 ± 13,439 vs. 41,542 ± 5075 μm2/section; p = 0.00028), but neither knockout formed any lesion in the carotid artery. After being ligated near its bifurcation, the common carotid artery developed intimal lesions in both knockouts 4 weeks after ligation, significantly larger in C3H-Ldlr−/− than C3H-Apoe−/− mice (68,721 ± 2706 vs. 47,472 ± 8146 μm2/section; p = 0.028). Compared to C3H-Apoe−/− mice, C3H-Ldlr−/− mice showed a 50% reduction in plasma MCP-1 levels, similar levels of malondialdehyde, an oxidative stress biomarker, on both chow and Western diets, but higher small dense LDL levels on the Western diet. These results suggest a more significant role for small dense LDL than inflammation and oxidative stress in the different susceptibility of the mouse models to atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the position change of fetal conus medullaris by ultrasound, and to propose gestational age-specific references for the lower limits of fetal conus medullaris level. Methods: We prospectively collected the imaging and clinical data of fetuses whose mothers accepted routine prenatal ultrasonic follow-ups in the Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, between November 2020 and April 2021. By assigning to the conus medullaris levels, calculating statistical data, and performing linear regression analysis, we determined the correlation between the conus medullaris level and gestational week, as well as between the 95th percentile of the conus medullaris level, i.e., the lower limit of the conus medullaris level, and gestational week. Results: We included 1202 different fetuses at 17–40 gestational weeks in the study. Both the conus medullaris level and the 95th percentile of the conus medullaris level were linearly correlated with gestational week. We calculated the adjusted values of the lower limits of fetal conus medullaris levels, that is, the theoretical references of the lower limits, according to the linear regression equation, and composed a comparison table. Conclusion: The fetal conus medullaris position continues changing cranially with gestational weeks during the whole pregnancy. The conus medullaris of a term fetus should not lie below the L2 vertebra level at birth. We proposed reference criteria of fetal low-lying conus medullaris for each gestational week from 17 to 40 weeks of gestational age, which potentially help prompt diagnosis and improve prognosis of fetal tethered cord syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous literature has suggested physical exercise may improve cognitive impairments and mitigate depressive symptoms. However, few studies examined the impact of resistance exercise intervention on cognition and depression in older Chinese Americans. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects of resistance exercise training on cognitive performance and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older Chinese Americans. The study was a two-arm randomized controlled trial with pre-test/post-test design. Thirty older adults were randomly assigned into the resistance exercise intervention group or the wait-list control group. Participants' cognitive performance and depressive symptoms were evaluated at baseline (pre-test) and at 12 weeks (post-test). The results showed that there were significant differences between the intervention and control groups on changes in symptoms of depression, global cognitive function, visuospatial/executive functions, attention, language, and orientation. However, there were no significant differences between both groups on changes in naming, abstraction, and delayed recall domains. The findings of this study suggest that resistance exercise training has a positive impact on improving cognitive performance and depressive symptoms in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women are least satisfied with their bodies during the postpartum period. There is a potential correlation between body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms post delivery.The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of appearance and body areas satisfaction with depressive symptoms and examine the risk factors of depressive symptoms at 4–6 weeks postpartum. A total of 330 postpartum women participated in the study. Body dissatisfaction was measured using the Appearance Evaluation (AE) scale and Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS), while depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), 4–6 weeks postpartum. The prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms among postpartum women was 40 % while 12.1 % of the women had thoughts of self-harm. Those with depressive symptoms or thoughts of self-harm had lower AE and BASS scores. Body dissatisfaction was significantly associated with factors such as postpartum weight retention of >5 kgs, no exercise, lower education level, and cesarean delivery. The three body areas that women were most dissatisfied with were weight, mid-torso, and lower torso. Education level, delivery method, and BASS score significantly predicted postpartum depressive symptoms. The selection bias might have occurred if those with depressive symptoms neglected routine postpartum care visits due to emotional distress. The results indicate an association between body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms at 4–6 weeks postpartum. Awareness of this relationship and focus on these risk factors will help healthcare providers plan peripartum programs to decrease the likelihood of postpartum depressive symptoms. • Women with depressive symptoms or thoughts of self-harm had lower AE and BASS scores. • Weight retention >5 kgs had higher body dissatisfaction at 4–6 weeks postpartum. • Weight was ranked last in terms of body areas satisfaction. • Education level, delivery method, and BASS score predicted postpartum depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes several long-term disabilities, particularly headaches. An association between TBI and subsequent migraine has been reported. However, few longitudinal studies have explained the link between migraine and TBI. Moreover, the modifying effects of treatment remain unknown. This retrospective cohort study used records from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 to evaluate the risk of migraine among patients with TBI and to determine the effects of different treatment modalities. Initially, 187,906 patients, aged ≥ 18 years, who were diagnosed as TBI in 2000, were identified. In total, 151,098 patients with TBI and 604,394 patients without TBI were matched at a 1:4 ratio according to baseline variables during the same observation period. At the end of follow-up, 541 (0.36%) and 1491 (0.23%) patients in the TBI and non-TBI groups, respectively, developed migraine. The TBI group exhibited a higher risk of migraine than the non-TBI group (adjusted HR: 1.484). Major trauma (Injury Severity Score, ISS ≥ 16) was associated with a higher migraine risk than minor trauma (ISS < 16) (adjusted HR: 1.670). However, migraine risk did not differ significantly after surgery or occupational/physical therapy. These findings highlight the importance of long-term follow-up after TBI onset and the need to investigate the underlying pathophysiological link between TBI and subsequent migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is known to suppress the progression of colorectal cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. In this study, we explored the role of ferroptosis in the antiproliferative properties of curcumin. The effect of curcumin on ferroptosis In Vitro was evaluated in HCT-8 cells. Ferroptosis was first blocked by ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and the antiproliferative effect of curcumin was evaluated by determining the levels of ferroptotic markers, including glutathione (GSH), SLC7A11, GPX4, iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). An agonist and an inhibitor of PI3K were also used to verify the signaling pathway involved in the antiproliferative effects. Curcumin repressed HCT-8 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Treating HCT-8 cells with curcumin significantly downregulated GSH, SLC7A11, and GPX4, while significantly increasing levels of iron, MDA, and ROS. In addition, curcumin promoted ferroptosis and reduced proliferation of HCT-8 cells by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and these effects were antagonized by Fer-1. The effects of curcumin were antagonized by a PI3K agonist and reinforced by a PI3K inhibitor. Curcumin triggers ferroptosis and suppresses proliferation of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. These results indicate its potential as a treatment against colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia are neuroglia in the brain with an innate immune function and participate in the progress of neurodegenerative diseases. Osthole (OST) is a coumarin derivative extracted from Cnidium monnieri and bears a microglia-antagonizing ability. However, the underlying mechanism of the antagonism is not clear. The lipopolysaccharides-induced microglial BV2 cell line and amyloid-overexpressing fruit fly were used as models to study OST treatment. We found that OST treatment is sufficient to evoke NRF2 cascade under an LPS-induced inflammatory environment, and silencing NRF2 is sufficient to abolish the process. Moreover, we found that OST is sufficient to antagonize microglial activation in both LPS-induced BV2 cells and Aβ-overexpressing fruit flies, and silencing NRF2 abolishes OST's antagonism. Furthermore, OST treatment rescued survival, climbing, and the learning ability of Aβ-overexpressing fruit flies and relieved oxidative stress. In conclusion, we proved that OST antagonizes microglial activation induced by either LPS or Aβ and that NRF2 is necessary for OST's antagonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rhyzopertha dominica Prip (RdPrip) cDNA was cloned and the developmental and tissue profiles of RdPrip transcription levels were determined using qPCR. RdPrip was highly transcribed in female adults and ovaries. This suggests that RdPrip plays a vital role in female reproduction. Knockdown of RdPrip in female adults through feeding of dsRdPrip RNA significantly decreased the hatching rate of eggs laid by the females, further decreasing the number of offspring. Rhyzopertha dominica Prip (RdPrip) cDNA was cloned (GenBank accession no. OK318454), and the encoded 276-amino-acid protein indicated the typical aquaporin structure, including six transmembrane regions and two NPA motifs. The developmental and tissue profiles of RdPrip transcription were determined. RdPrip was highly transcribed in female adults, followed by larvae, pupae, and male adults. The transcriptional expression levels of RdPrip were significantly high in the ovary and hindgut (including cryptonephridial systems) compared with the foregut, testis, midgut, and Malpighian tubules. Knockdown of RdPrip in female adults did not decrease fecundity, but significantly decreased the hatching rate of eggs laid by the females. The results suggest that RdPrip functions in embryonic development, not in egg formation. In addition, the transcriptional expression level of RdPrip was lower in the spinosad-resistant strain than in the susceptible one, and the resistant strain produced fewer progeny than the susceptible strain did. These studies support the functional role of RdPrip in female reproduction. The absence of significant mortality reduction in the R. dominica exposed to spinosad after RdPrip RNAi suggests that other aquaporins that were not knocked down may exist for the excretion of metabolized pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the effects of counter anions of varying sizes including BF4–, PF6–, SbF6–, and Tf2N– on the rheological properties of a range of hyperbranched polyethylene ionomers containing covalently bound quaternary ammonium cations. While the choice of counter anions has no significant effect on thermal properties, distinct effects on rheological properties have been demonstrated. With the increase of counter anion size in the order from BF4– to PF6–, SbF6–, and Tf2N–, the ionic interactions of the counter anion with the quaternary ammonium ion weaken, leading to reduced terminal relaxation time, zero‐shear viscosity, and flow activation energy. The differences in these properties are most pronounced with the ionomer having Tf2N– counter anion since it is significantly larger than the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is a rare disease typically associated with elevated levels of thyroid hormones and non-suppressed thyroid stimulating hormones. The most common cause of RTH is thyroid hormone receptor β (THRβ) gene mutation. Most individuals with RTH are considered clinical euthyroid. We report a family with a rare heterozygous point mutation, c.959G>T, (p.R320L) of the THRβ gene. The proband developed atrial fibrillation and life-threatening heart failure with pulmonary edema, which was quite different from previously reported THRβ gene mutations. Considering the rareness of RTH and the heterogeneity of its phenotypes, our report allows for a better understanding of the manifestation and management of patients with RTH and THRβ gene mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum accumulation is a well-described complication in dialysis patients. Improvements in hemodialysis technology have possibly eliminated the occurrence of aluminum overload. Limited evidence suggests that aluminum overload may decline in the era of aluminum removal from dialysis fluids, even with the use of aluminum binders. We examined the data from January 2014 to June 1, 2020, identified through our electronic records, to evaluate the desferrioxamine (DFO) test results for aluminum overload. The presentation and treatment of aluminum overload were recorded. Ninety-nine dialysis patients were enrolled for the DFO test. Forty-seven patients (47.5%) were identified as DFO test positive for aluminum overload, of which 14 (14/47) patients had symptoms, including one patient with an unexplained fracture, eight patients with unexplained anemia despite high-dose erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and five patients with hypercalcemia (serum calcium >11 mg dL-1). None of the patients with aluminum overload developed encephalopathy. Only four of the 47 patients had microcytic anemia. Patients requiring longer treatments (>10 months versus <10 months) had similar basal serum aluminum (p = 0.219) but had an increase in serum aluminum after DFO (p = 0.041). Furthermore, the treatments decreased erythropoietin doses in the aluminum overload group, with serum total alkaline phosphatase levels <60 U L-1 (p = 0.028). We concluded that aluminum overload existed in the reverse osmosis dialysis era. In light of non-obvious symptoms, such as anemia and bone turnover change, serum aluminum in dialysis patients should be monitored in countries using aluminum-based phosphate binders, despite reverse osmosis dialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The belt uniform (BU) sowing pattern can improve the yield of winter wheat, but whether and how the BU sowing pattern can increase yield under different sowing densities is unknown. The field study was conducted in Guiyang (Guizhou province) during the growing season in 2017–2018, 2018–2019, and 2019–2020. Four winter wheat cultivars were used in field experiments to investigate the changes of the dry matter accumulation and partition, yield and yield components at maturity under five sowing densities (75, 150, 225, 300, and 375 plants per m2), and three sowing patterns: line and dense (LD) sowing with 33.3 cm row spacing (LDS); the belt uniform (BU) sowing with 15 cm (BUN), and 20 cm (BUW) row spacing. The BU sowing pattern significantly increases shoot dry matter and grain yield in all four winter wheat cultivars under all five sowing densities and in each growing season, particularly under the high sowing density of 300 and 375 plants m−2. Harvest index was unaffected by the different sowing densities and sowing patterns. While spike number increased, grain weight per spike decreased with the increase in sowing density. The 1000-grain weight and grain number per spike were unaffected by the sowing patterns. The variation in the shoot dry weight can explain 94% variation in grain yield and 66% variation in spike number. Allometric analysis showed that more dry matter was partitioned to the spike than to the stem and leaf. We conclude that the BU sowing pattern can increase grain yield under high sowing densities associated with a high shoot dry matter accumulation and its partition to the spike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although more than one hundred studies have examined the prevalence of the use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine‐like Z‐hypnotics (BZDs) among pregnancy events, further analysis of the effects of dosage or type of BZDs is needed. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence rate of BZDs use in pregnancy events, stratified by trimester over time, with characteristics of the dosage and type of BZDs. This is a retrospective population study based on linking three national databases. We examined the prevalence rates from 2004 to 2017, and contrasted the results based on >0 defined daily dose (DDD) and ≥0.5 DDD. We identified 2,630,944 pregnancy events with live births; 89,897 (3.4%) of the associated pregnancy events had used some form of BZD during pregnancy. The prevalence of BZDs use, as defined by >0 DDD, decreased from 4.1% in 2004 to 2.9% in 2017, indicating a decrease in sporadic use and an increase in stable use within therapeutic doses. Meanwhile, BZDs use defined by ≥0.5 DDD increased from 0.1% in 2004 to 0.4% in 2017. Zolpidem was the most frequently prescribed BZDs, as defined by >0 DDD or ≥0.5 DDD. This national cohort study demonstrates the importance of average dosage in the definition of BZDs use in pregnancy events, and it found opposite trends in the prevalence of use between different dosages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continual advancement of positioning technology, people′s use of mobile devices has increased substantially. The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) has improved outdoor positioning performance. However, it cannot effectively locate indoor users owing to signal masking effects. Common indoor positioning technologies include radio frequencies, image visions, and pedestrian dead reckoning. However, the advantages and disadvantages of each technology prevent a single indoor positioning technology from solving problems related to various environmental factors. In this study, a hybrid method was proposed to improve the accuracy of indoor positioning by combining visual simultaneous localization and mapping (VSLAM) with a magnetic fingerprint map. A smartphone was used as an experimental device, and a built-in camera and magnetic sensor were used to collect data on the characteristics of the indoor environment and to determine the effect of the magnetic field on the building structure. First, through the use of a preestablished indoor magnetic fingerprint map, the initial position was obtained using the weighted k-nearest neighbor matching method. Subsequently, combined with the VSLAM, the Oriented FAST and Rotated BRIEF (ORB) feature was used to calculate the indoor coordinates of a user. Finally, the optimal user's position was determined by employing loose coupling and coordinate constraints from a magnetic fingerprint map. The findings indicated that the indoor positioning accuracy could reach 0.5 to 0.7 m and that different brands and models of mobile devices could achieve the same accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy-consuming right trading system is a market-oriented environmental regulation policy based on source control in China, the implementation of which aims to help the realization of the goal of controlling total energy consumption and energy intensity and to promote green development. Based on the panel data of prefecture-level cities from 2012 to 2019, this article theoretically analyzed the mechanism of the action of the energy-consuming right trading system; applied the multi-period PSM-DID method to empirically test whether the energy-consuming right trading system had achieved win-win development for both the environment and the economy; and tested the robustness of the findings by replacing variable settings, adding control variables, and applying placebo tests. In addition, the short-term and long-term impact paths of the environmental and economic effects of the energy-consuming right trading system are theoretically analyzed and empirically tested respectively. The findings were as follows: (1) The implementation of the energy-consuming right trading system effectively reduced the total emission and emission intensity of energy pollutants and realized positive benefit for the environment. Besides, the reduction in emission intensity was more significant. (2) The energy-consuming right trading system not only increased the quantity of economic development, but also pulled up the economic growth rate, thus realizing a positive benefit to the economy. (3) The results of the dynamic effect analysis showed that the energy-consuming right trading system did not have a persistent effect on the total amount and intensity of pollution emissions. But it had a more significant and persistent effect on the rate and level of economic development. (4) Since the energy-consuming right trading system was in the early pilot stage, it mainly achieved environmental and economic dividends through the short-term path of improving energy efficiency and not the long-term path of industrial structure upgrading or energy structure adjustment. Based on this, we should further build and improve the energy-consuming right trading market and improve the design of the system to ensure standardization, convenience, and transparency during the operation and enhance the degree of marketization. It is also of great importance to accelerate the development of new energy, new technologies, and new industries to promote green transformation and decarbonization in the energy industry. Furthermore, we should build a comprehensive and coordinated environmental policy system by promoting the coordinated implementation of the energy-consuming right trading system with other environmental regulation policies based on emission control, realizing the benefits of ' 1 + 1 >2.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edwardsiella spp. is a gram‐negative, facultatively anaerobic, intracellular bacteria threatening the aquaculture industry worldwide. Noticeably, E. tarda is now genotypically classified into three distinct groups (E. tarda, E. piscicida and E. anguillarum), but morphologically, it is unclear due to varying degrees of virulence in different fish hosts. Hence, to reclassify E. tarda, we investigated differences in genotypes, phenotypes and pathogenicity. We collected Edwardsiella isolates from five different counties of Taiwan between 2017 and 2021. At first, gyrB gene was amplified for a phylogenetic tree from 40 isolates from different fish and one reference isolate, BCRC10670, from the human. Thirty‐nine strains clustered into E. anguillarum, 1 strain into E. piscicida and 1 strain into E. tarda from human strain. Second, all isolates were characterized using various phenotypic (API 20E biochemical profiles) and genotypic (pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis [PFGE], and virulence‐related gene detection). SpeI digestion revealed 10 pulsotypes and I‐CeuI into 7 pulsotypes. Virulent genes (citC, gadB, katB, mukF and fimA) confirmed in 35, 31, 28, 37 and 38 isolates, respectively. Finally, in vivo challenge test in milkfish (Chanos chanos) indicated the highest mortality from E. anguillarum. Overall, results revealed unique features with Edwardsiella spp. genotypes and pathogenicity, which are relevant to the host and provide useful insights for future vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adult sporadic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rare but highly aggressive subtype of lymphoma which lacks its own unique prognostic model. Systemic inflammatory biomarkers have been confirmed as prognostic markers in several types of malignancy. Our objective was to explore the predictive value of pretreatment inflammatory biomarkers and establish a novel, clinically applicable prognostic index for adult patients with sporadic BL. Methods: We surveyed retrospectively 336 adult patients with newly diagnosed sporadic BL at 8 Chinese medical centers and divided into training cohort (n = 229) and validation cohort (n = 107). The pretreatment inflammatory biomarkers were calculated for optimal cut-off value. The association between serum biomarkers and overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional models. The risk stratification was defined based on normal LDH level, Ann Arbor stage of I and completely resected abdominal lesion or single extra-abdominal mass < 10 cm. Results and conclusions: Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that platelets< 254 × 109/L, albumin< 40 g/L, lactate dehydrogenase≥334 U/L independently predicted unfavorable OS. We used these data as the basis for the prognostic index, in which patients were stratified into Group 1 (no or one risk factor), Group 2 (two risk factors), or Group 3 (three risk factors), which were associated with 5-year OS rates of 88.1, 72.4, and 45%, respectively. In the subgroup analysis for high-risk patients, our prognostic model results showed that high-risk patients with no more than one adverse factor presented a 5-year survival rate of 85.9%, but patients with three adverse factors had a 5-year survival rate of 43.0%. Harrell's concordance index (C-index) of the risk group score was 0.768. Therefore, the new prognostic model could be used to develop risk-adapted treatment approaches for adult sporadic BL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

English speaking is a challenging learning objective for EFL (English as Foreign Language) learners owing to the lack of practicing environments. In this study, Interactive Spherical Video-based Virtual Reality (ISVVR) was adopted as the learning mode to provide realistic sociocultural contexts for English speaking. In addition, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of the SVVR approach on the English speaking performances and anxiety of the EFL students with different cognitive styles. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was conducted to investigate the effects of the interaction between cognitive style and multimedia learning mode on students' learning motivation, speaking anxiety, oral presentation, and move analysis. The student sample consisted of two classes of 93 students. All of the students took the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) to identify whether their cognitive style was field dependent or independent. The results showed a significant effect for the interaction between the cognitive styles and the learning modes on the students' oral presentation and speaking anxiety. Their structural moves in oral presentations with the ISVVR learning mode showed more similar spoken genre patterns to those of TED speakers. Findings further support the benefit of incorporating cognitive styles into the ISVVR learning mode for EFL learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to assess the latest prevalence and secular trend of Helicobacter pylori infection and its association with the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: Adults naive to H. pylori eradication received 13C‐urea breath test (13C‐UBT), H. pylori stool antigen test, and serology test during 2019–2020 in this prospective screening program. Children and adolescent aged between 7 and 19 years received 13C‐UBT for H. pylori screening. We also conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the secular trend of prevalence of H. pylori from 1990 to 2020 in Taiwan. The secular trends of age‐standardized incidence and mortality of gastric cancer were obtained from the Taiwan Cancer Registry. Results: A total of 1494 participants were enrolled, including 294 children or adolescents and 1200 adults. The overall prevalence of active H. pylori infection by 13C‐UBT was 26.6% (397/1494), which was 30.8% in adults and 9.5% in adolescents/children. The age‐standardized prevalence of active H. pylori infection was 32.3% in adults after adjustment of the population structure in Taiwan. Of the 29 studies including 38,597 subjects eligible for the meta‐analysis, the pooled prevalence of H. pylori infection decreased from 63.8% (95% CI: 55.9%–71%) in 1990–2000 to 28.2% (95% CI:21.8%–35.6%) in 2016–2020. The age‐standardized incidence and mortality of gastric cancer have also declined from 15.2 to 10.75 per 100,000, respectively, in 1999 to 9.29 and 5.4 per 100,000, respectively, in 2019. Conclusions: The prevalence of H. pylori infection has declined in Taiwan, which correlates with the declining trends of age‐standardized incidence and mortality of gastric cancer in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. However, efficient markers for CRC diagnosis are limited. Accumulating evidence reveals that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are related to the genesis and developments of many tumors. In this study, we aimed to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of LINC02257 in CRC patients. TCGA datasets were utilized to examine LINC02257 expression in a variety of human malignancies. The Kaplan–Meier method analysis was then used to study the link between LINC02257 expression and patient prognosis. Multivariate assays were applied for the determination of the associations of the variables and patients' survivals. RT-PCR was used to examine the level of LINC02257 expression in 14 pairs of clinical CRC tissues as well as many distinct CRC cell lines. CCK-8 assay was used to assess cell proliferation. We found that the expression of LINC02257 exhibited variable patterns of upregulation or downregulation in the various forms of cancer. In CRC, LINC02257 expression was distinctly increased in CRC specimens compared with normal specimens. The results of ROC curves revealed that the AUC was 0.886 (0.862 to 0.909, 95% CI, p < 0.001) in a comparison between CRC specimens and matched normal specimens. Survival studies revealed that high LINC02257 expression was associated with shorter overall survival and disease specific survival. More importantly, multivariate assays confirmed that high expression of LINC02257 was an independent prognostic factor for CRC patients. The results of RT-PCR indicated that LINC02257 expression was distinctly overexpressed in both CRC specimens and cell lines. Functionally, silence of LINC02257 distinctly suppressed the proliferation of CRC cells. In conclusion, our research showed that LINC02257 is an intriguing candidate as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator for patients diagnosed with CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Imidacloprid (IMD) is a widely used neonicotinoid-targeting insect nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, off-target effects raise environmental concerns, including the IMD's impairment of the memory of honeybees and rodents. Although the down-regulation of inotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) was proposed as the cause, whether IMD directly manipulates the activation or inhibition of iGluR is unknown. Using electrophysiological recording on fruit fly neuromuscular junction (NMJ), we found that IMD of 0.125 and 12.5 mg/L did not activate glutamate receptors nor inhibit the glutamate-triggered depolarization of the glutamatergic synapse. However, chronic IMD treatment attenuated short-term facilitation (STF) of NMJ by more than 20%. Moreover, by behavioral assays, we found that IMD desensitized the fruit flies' response to mechanosensitive, nociceptive, and photogenic stimuli. Finally, the treatment of the antioxidant osthole rescued the chronic IMD-induced phenotypes. We clarified that IMD is neither agonist nor antagonist of glutamate receptors, but chronic treatment with environmental-relevant concentrations impairs glutamatergic plasticity of the NMJ of fruit flies and interferes with the sensory response by mediating oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]