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This document provides a series of chemical data for various compounds, including their yields, physical properties, and spectroscopic data. The compounds described include N-(m-tolyl)benzamide, N-(p-tolyl)benzamide, N-(4-bromophenyl)-N,3-dimethylbenzamide, N-(4-bromophenyl)-N-methylfuran-2-carboxamide, N-methyl-N-(m-tolyl)furan-2-carboxamide, N-methyl-N-(m-tolyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide, N-(4-bromophenyl)-N-methylthiophene-2-carboxamide, N,N-diethylbenzamide, N-ethyl-N-phenylbenzamide, and (3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)(phenyl)methanone. The data provided can be used by researchers studying these compounds for various purposes. [Extracted from the article]

In order to study the theoretical mechanism of the impact of green technology progress on carbon emissions, this article constructs a theoretical mechanism of the impact of green technology progress on carbon emission growth. Explore the conditions for achieving carbon peak and carbon reduction. Based on the Cobb Douglas production function, construct a three sector model that includes capital, labor, and energy. Empirical methods were used to analyze the quantitative impact of green technology progress on carbon emission growth and the moderating effect of energy input share. This study mainly used provincial panel data from 1995 to 2020. Calculate carbon dioxide emissions based on energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission coefficients of various energy sources in different regions. Using the perpetual inventory method to calculate capital growth rate, green computing progress rate, etc., to provide data support for the green technology carbon reduction model. Empirical analysis of the impact of green technology progress on carbon emissions using the FGLS panel model. Theoretical and empirical analyses show that green technological progress promotes an increase in the carbon emission growth rate through the scale effect, with an impact coefficient of 0.607; it promotes a decrease in the carbon emission growth rate through the technological effect, with an impact coefficient of − 0.667; the combined effect promotes a decrease in growth rate of carbon emissions, with an impact coefficient of − 0.06. The share of energy inputs has a positive regulating effect on the scale effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The relationship between vascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve and audio-vestibular symptoms remains controversial. We aimed to examine the radiological features of vascular loops signs in cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and internal auditory canal (IAC) in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease (MD). Methods: One hundred and thirty-seven patients with unilateral definite MD and 69 control subjects (138 ears) were enrolled. All subjects received magnetic resonance imaging of CPA-IAC. The configuration of vascular loops in CPA-IAC, based on the Kazawa classification system, from MD-affected, non-affected and control ears were compared. The associations between imaging findings and Ménière's stage, electrocochleogram (EcochG) and caloric test were analyzed. Results: (1) Among the MD-affected ears, 6 cases (4.4%) were classified as Kazawa type IA, 27 cases (19.7%) as IB, 60 cases (43.8%) as IIA, and 44 cases (32.1%) as IIB. No significant interaural difference in the distribution of Kazawa's types was found ( x 2 = 4.737, p = 0.578) in unilateral MD patients. (2) The distribution of Kazawa's types were not significantly different between the MD-affected ears and the control subjects ( x 2 = 2.876, p = 0.411). (3) No relationship was found between Kazawa staging of the MD-affected ear and Ménière's stage (H = 2.679, p = 0.444), EcochG ( x 2 = 0.827, p = 0.867) and caloric test ( x 2 = 4.116, p = 0.248). Conclusions: In patients with unilateral MD, the configuration of vascular loops in CPA-IAC region, measured by Kazawa criteria, did not correlate with the laterality, clinical stage, the results of EcochG and caloric test, suggesting that vascular loops may be natural anatomical variations for patients with MD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Haemorrhage and coagulation disorders are common complications in cirrhotic patients, which cause blood products transfusion, and mounting evidence suggested that red blood cells (RBCs) were associated with pathologic thrombosis and RBC transfusion increased the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the association of RBC transfusion with splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) in cirrhotic patients. Materials & Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with cirrhosis admitted in the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2010 and September 2020. Demographic data, the development of SVT, blood transfusion product type and RBC transfusion dose were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and propensity matching analysis (PSM) were performed to identify the association between RBC transfusion and development of SVT. Results: A total of 4479 patients with cirrhosis were enrolled in the study. SVT occurred in 48 (12.4%) cirrhotic patients in RBC transfusion group, and 233 (5.7%) cirrhotic patients in non‐RBC transfusion group. RBC transfusion was significantly associated with an increased risk of SVT (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.345, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.686–3.262, p < 0.001). Notably, this association remained robust after PSM, and the volume of RBC transfusion was associated with SVT in a dose‐dependent manner. Conclusion: This study suggested that RBC transfusion was associated with an increased risk of SVT in cirrhotic patients. High quality clinical study will be needed to further validate the association between RBC transfusion and SVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to investigate the impact of the position, configuration and neurovascular contact of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) in cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and internal auditory canal (IAC) on the clinical features of patients with unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Methods: One hundred and thirty‐six patients with unilateral ISSNHL were enrolled. All patients received detailed history inquiry and standard treatments. Pure tone audiometry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of CPA‐IAC were performed. The MRI findings of both ears were evaluated by the Chavda, Gorrie and Kazawa systems. The association between radiological findings and clinical data were analyzed. Results: (1) No significant interaural difference in the position, configuration and neurovascular contact of AICA was observed. (2) There was no significant association between the AICA loop and concomitant vertigo or pre‐treatment audiometric configuration in the affected ear. (3) Concomitant tinnitus seemed to be affected by the configuration of AICA categorized by Kazawa system, while the Chavda and Gorrie classification of AICA loop was unassociated with tinnitus. (4) Hearing outcomes were not compromised by the position or configuration of AICA based on the Chavda and Kazawa systems. Patients with Gorrie type B tended to have better hearing recovery than those with type C. Conclusions: In patients with ISSNHL, the position, configuration and neurovascular contact of AICA in the CPA‐IAC were unassociated with the side of hearing loss, audiometric configurations, or concomitant vertigo. The neurovascular contact graded by Gorrie system might be associated with hearing outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the reform and opening, China's economy has grown rapidly, and people's living standards have improved significantly. As one of the most effective ways to implement national fitness, square dance has gradually become the main lifestyle of urban communities, an important part of China's sports construction, and an important indicator to reflect the fitness of the masses and the construction of a well-off society in an all-round way. On the other hand, with the rapid development of internet of things technology, many people can use intelligent bracelets based on machine learning technology to realize motion detection. This technology is also applicable in square dance, which is of great significance to exercise and protect health. This paper first reviews the research status of the internet of things communication protocol and cloud platform, then introduces and analyzes the MQTT communication protocol and Netty high-performance network framework, and studies the integration technology of the internet of things and machine learning. Then, according to the characteristics of the internet of things, a scheme to realize data preprocessing is proposed. The value to be completed is calculated based on the correlation of other attributes corresponding to the k-nearest neighbor model (KNN) and the regression model. Finally, the machine learning algorithm is used to train the results of the three models to obtain the final filling value. The whole scheme design allows the machine learning algorithm to obtain relatively high-quality data in the internal environment. This paper designs a sports monitoring data system for square dance by combining machine learning and internet of things technology, so as to promote national fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Radiological anatomical variations, measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were evaluated in patients with ipsilateral delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) and unilateral Ménière's disease (MD). The role of anatomical variations in different subtypes of hydropic ear disease was investigated. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with ipsilateral DEH, 76 patients with unilateral MD, and 59 control subjects were enrolled. The radiological indices included the distance between the vertical part of the posterior semicircular canal and the posterior fossa (MRI-PP distance) and the visibility of vestibular aqueduct (MRI-VA). These variations among patients with DEH, MD, and control subjects were compared. The correlation between radiological anatomical variations and clinical features or audio-vestibular findings was also examined. Results: (1) MRI-PP distance in the affected side of unilateral MD was shorter than that in ipsilateral DEH (Z = − 2.481, p = 0.013) and control subjects (Z = − 2.983, p = 0.003), while the difference of MRI-PP distance between the affected side of ipsilateral DEH and control subjects was not statistically significant (Z = − 0.859, p = 0.391). (2) There was no significant interaural difference of MRI-PP distance in patients with unilateral MD (Z = − 0.041, p = 0.968) and ipsilateral DEH (t = − 0.107, p = 0.915) respectively. (3) No significant interaural difference of MRI-VA visibility was observed in patients with unilateral MD (χ2 = 0.742, p = 0.389) and ipsilateral DEH (χ2 = 0.327, p = 0.567) respectively. (4) No correlation was found between these anatomical variables and clinical features or audio-vestibular findings in patients with unilateral MD and ipsilateral DEH respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Anatomical variations of inner ear may be a predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of unilateral MD rather than ipsilateral DEH. Key Points: • Patients with ipsilateral delayed endolymphatic hydrops showed normal distance between the vertical part of the posterior semicircular canal and the posterior fossa. • Compared to patients with ipsilateral delayed endolymphatic hydrops and control subjects, patients with unilateral Ménière's disease exhibited shorter distance between the vertical part of the posterior semicircular canal and the posterior fossa. • Anatomical variations of inner ear may be a predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of unilateral Ménière's disease rather than ipsilateral delayed endolymphatic hydrops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Online doctor-patient consultation is a new option for orthopedic patients in China to obtain a diagnosis and treatment advice. This study explores the factors associated with online consultation to formulate operational guidelines for managing online consultations in an online medical community (OMC).Methods: An empirical model was developed to identify the factors that influence online orthopedic doctor-patient consultations in an OMC while focusing on the perceived value of and perceived trust in online consultations. The moderating effects of different risk categories of orthopedic diseases were also considered. Data from 339 feedback surveys from orthopedic patients who used online consultation services and Stata software version 14.0 were used to estimate the model parameters and test the robustness of the empirical model.Results: Of those who completed the feedback surveys, 53.42% were female patients, 82.27% were between 18 and 60 years old, and 61.98% sought consultations online more than 2 times per year. Model analysis demonstrated that the regression coefficients of the perceived value of and perceived trust in online consultations are 0.489 (p < 0.01) and 0.505 (p < 0.01), respectively. The interaction coefficient between disease risk and perceived value is 0.336 (p < 0.01), and the interaction coefficient between disease risk and perceived trust is - 0.389 (p < 0.01).Conclusions: Orthopedic patients' perceived value of and perceived trust in online consultations in an OMC can significantly influence their intention to seek online disease diagnosis and treatment consultations. The effects of perceived value and perceived trust on patients' intention to consult vary significantly across different disease risk categories. Therefore, enhancing the perceived value and perceived trust of orthopedic patients is an important component of OMC operation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study extends the social influence factor in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model by delineating it into coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures based on institutional theory. It investigates the role of each institutional pressure in influencing the behavioural intention of accounting lecturers in Malaysia's public universities to use Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-enhanced student-centred teaching methods. Using a purposive sampling method, self-report questionnaires were distributed to accounting lecturers in Malaysia's public universities offering undergraduate accounting programmes. This resulted in 114 usable questionnaires. The hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling via Smart-PLS software. Only coercive and normative pressures were found to have a significant and positive influence on behavioural intention. Mimetic pressures had an insignificant influence on behavioural intention. The findings of this study are useful to authorities in the higher education sector and practitioners who have been encouraging the student-centred teaching movement. This study provides further enlightenment on which social factors yield the most effects at the present moment and which social factors need greater work to yield better effects on increasing lecturers' behavioural intentions as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na2Ti3/2Mn1/2(PO4)3 nanodots uniformly planted in a carbon matrix are reported for the first time as a promising low-cost anode for aqueous sodium-ion batteries, showing ultrafast Na-intercalation chemistry with stable capacities of 78.8 mA h g−1 at 0.5C and 65.1 mA h g−1 at 10C, and a capacity retention of 93% after 200 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A facile method was developed to synthesize high-quality Na 2 (VO) 2 (PO 4) 2 F/C material. • Electrochemical Na-storage properties of Na 2 (VO) 2 (PO 4) 2 F/C were carefully investigated. • Optimized Na 2 (VO) 2 (PO 4) 2 F/C achieved excellent charge/discharge performance. Abstract Sodium vanadium fluorophosphate (Na 3 (VO) 2 (PO 4) 2 F, denoted as NVPF) has attracted particular interests as cathode for high-energy sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to the high working potential, high specific capacity, and robust structural framework. However, it is challenged by the low electron conductivity and lack of available facile synthesis method. Herein, an environmentally benign, cost-effective synthesis route is reported to produce NVPF nanoparticles encapsulated in conductive graphene network (NVPF/C), involving low-temperature synthesis of NVPF nanoparticles in absolute aqueous solvents and subsequent construction of conductive network through thermally induced transformation of graphene-oxide nanosheets. The resultant product is structurally and electrochemically investigated by combining X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transition electron microscope, and electrochemical analysis. Experimental results show that the optimized NVPF/C product possesses a three-dimensional graphene-encapsulation nanostructure composed of ∼100 nm NVPF nanoparticles and ∼4 nm carbon-coating layer. The unique hierarchical structure enables it cycling with excellent electrochemical performance in terms of a high reversible capacity (116.4 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C), excellent high-rate capability (87.4 mA h g−1 at 10 C) and long-term lifetime (82.1% capacity retention after 1200 cycles). It is indicated that the facile synthesis route can achieve high-performance NVPF/C material for SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and the exact pathogenic mechanism remains mostly elusive. Our study aims to identify the key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and up regulators in PD. Methods An integrated analysis of microarray studies of PD was performed to identify the DEGs in PD compared to normal control (NC). Based on these DEGs, we performed the functional annotation and transcriptional regulatory network constructions. Q-RT-PCR was performed to verify the expression of DEGs. Results Seven datasets were obtained from GEO. A total of 276 DEGs (262 up-regulated and 14 down-regulated DEGs) in PD compared to normal control were identified with selecting criteria of p -value < 0.05. GO terms of respiratory electron transport chain, protein binding and cytoplasm were significantly enriched in PD. Pathways of oxidative phosphorylation, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease were significantly enriched in PD. SNCA was the hub protein in PD according to the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The top 3 transcription factor (TFs) covering the most downstream DEGs were Oct-1, Pax-4 and Evi-1. A total of 19 DEGs were firstly identified in our integrated analysis, not from the other individual datasets enrolled in this study. Conclusions Several DEGs including SNCA, COX17, COX4I1, COX7B, COX6A1 and ATP5J targeted by Pax-4, Oct-1 and Evi-1 may involve in the neurodegeneration and pathogenesis of PD by regulating oxidative phosphorylation, ATP production and oxidative stress, which was benefit for uncovering the mechanism of PD and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of SARS-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoV) have been detected in horseshoe bats since 2005 in different areas of China. However, these bat SARSr-CoVs show sequence differences from SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in different genes (S, ORF8, ORF3, etc) and are considered unlikely to represent the direct progenitor of SARS-CoV. Herein, we report the findings of our 5-year surveillance of SARSr-CoVs in a cave inhabited by multiple species of horseshoe bats in Yunnan Province, China. The full-length genomes of 11 newly discovered SARSr-CoV strains, together with our previous findings, reveals that the SARSr-CoVs circulating in this single location are highly diverse in the S gene, ORF3 and ORF8. Importantly, strains with high genetic similarity to SARS-CoV in the hypervariable N-terminal domain (NTD) and receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S1 gene, the ORF3 and ORF8 region, respectively, were all discovered in this cave. In addition, we report the first discovery of bat SARSr-CoVs highly similar to human SARS-CoV in ORF3b and in the split ORF8a and 8b. Moreover, SARSr-CoV strains from this cave were more closely related to SARS-CoV in the non-structural protein genes ORF1a and 1b compared with those detected elsewhere. Recombination analysis shows evidence of frequent recombination events within the S gene and around the ORF8 between these SARSr-CoVs. We hypothesize that the direct progenitor of SARS-CoV may have originated after sequential recombination events between the precursors of these SARSr-CoVs. Cell entry studies demonstrated that three newly identified SARSr-CoVs with different S protein sequences are all able to use human ACE2 as the receptor, further exhibiting the close relationship between strains in this cave and SARS-CoV. This work provides new insights into the origin and evolution of SARS-CoV and highlights the necessity of preparedness for future emergence of SARS-like diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enforcement of environmental regulation relies on the willingness and capacity of the regulator. The willingness could be disabled by regulatory capture which is widespread, and that how many public resources should be invested in environmental regulation is always debatable. We develop a 3-stage game to analyze the nonlinear effects and mechanism of regulatory capture and regulatory capacity on environmental regulatory welfare. Our model suggests that the importance of the regional economy to government, the firm size, and the customer’s disutility on pollution emissions will influence the possibility of regulatory capture. Furthermore, the dynamic research suggests that when the regulatory capture is controlled, with the improvement of governmental regulatory capacity, the regulator’s and customer’s welfare continues to grow until the capacity achieves a threshold. Beyond the threshold, the regulatory capacity will be redundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size and number of firms in a region represent key characteristics of that regional economic ecosystem, but few studies have linked such characteristics with the stringency of local environmental regulation. In this study, we discuss the effects of local firm scale on environmental regulation and its mechanism, and the optimal strategic choices theoretically and empirically for environmental regulation in regions with different firm scale. We find that when government capacity is insufficient, regional environmental regulation will be relatively more stringent when dealing with fewer but larger firms because of the government scale effect. When government capacity is sufficient, firm size has no influence on environmental regulation. Our results are robust and offer insights for government decision makers to improve local environmental regulation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats are important reservoirs of many viruses, which are capable of infecting the host without inducing obvious clinical diseases. Interferon and the downstream interferon regulated genes (IRGs) are known to act as the first line of defense against viral infections. Little is known about the transcriptional profile of genes being induced by interferon in bats and their role in controlling virus infection. In this study, we constructed IFNAR2 knockout bat cell lines using CRISPR technology and further characterized gene expression profiles induced by the most abundant IFN-α (IFN-α3). Firstly, we demonstrated that the CRISPR/Cas9 system is for bat cells as this represents the first CRIPSR knockout cell line for bats. Our results showed the pleiotropic effect of IFN-α3 on the bat kidney cell line, PaKiT03. As expected, we confirmed that IFNAR2 is indispensable for IFN-a signaling pathway and plays an important role in antiviral immunity. Unexpectedly, we also identified novel IFNAR2-dependent IRGs which are enriched in pathways related to cancer. To our knowledge, this seems to be bat-specific as no such observation has been reported for other mammalian species. This study expands our knowledge about bat immunology and the cell line established can provide a powerful tool for future study into virus-bat interaction and cancer biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Perovskite-type SrVO 3 was prepared by a facile sol–gel route. • The SrVO 3 was firstly investigated as cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. • The SrVO 3 exhibits rate performance with a capacity retention of 79 % for 3000 cycles at a current density of 2000 mA g−1. Aqueous Zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) is well considered as a potential candidate with green, safety and low cost for large-scale grid storage. Perovskite oxide SrVO 3 can be used as the cathode material for AZIBs due to its high electrically conductive. Therefore, the SrVO 3 as a novel cathode material by sol–gel route was prepared to investigate the electrochemical performance. The SrVO 3 exhibits outstanding rate capability with high reversible capacities of 142.7 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1, 134.9 mA h g−1 at 300 mA g−1, and 105.3 mA h g−1 at 2000 mA g−1 are ascribed to the fast diffusion reaction kinetics. Moreover, the cycling performance of SrVO 3 was delivered with capacity retention of 79 % after 3000 cycles at a current density of 2000 mA g−1 in the 0.4–1.8 V voltage window. This work provides a new prospect for the development of perovskite-type cathode materials for AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a wide variety of background subtraction methods has been proposed in recent years, none has been able to fully address multi-scale moving objects and dynamic background in real surveillance tasks. In this paper, a novel and effective background subtraction method, named regional multi-feature-frequency (RMFF), is proposed to detect multi-scale moving objects under dynamic background. Unlike many existing methods construct background model using simple multi-feature combinations, RMFF exploits the spatiotemporal cues of multi-feature as well as superpixels at each scale, thus allowing for more robust information to be exploited for background modeling. Specifically, the spatial relationship between pixels in a neighborhood and the frequencies of features over time are first exploited, enabling accurate detection of moving objects while ignoring most dynamic background changes. Then, the use of multi-scale superpixels for exploiting the structural information existing in real-world scenes further enhances robustness to multi-scale objects and environmental variations. Finally, an adaptive strategy is employed to dynamically adjust the foreground/background segmentation threshold for each region without user intervention. This adaptive threshold is defined for each region separately, and can adjust dynamically based on continuous monitoring of the background changes, thereby effectively reducing potential segmentation noise. Experiments on the 2014 version of the ChangeDetection.net dataset demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the 12 state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of overall F-Measure and performs effectively in many complex scenes. Consequently, it is verified that the developed approach is feasible and useful for robust application in practical video surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 @C undergoes a phase conversion (V 2 O 5 , NaV 3 (PO 4) 3 , Zn 3 V 4 (PO 4) 3) after 50 cycles. • The same phase conversion products are achieved after the batteries were treated for 1 cycle at 60 °C. • This is the first reported use of in-situ generation of composite as a cathode material. The NASICON-structure Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 is attracted lots of attention due to its three-dimensional ion diffusion channels, high discharging platform and small volume deformation, which has become the most potential cathode material candidates for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Nevertheless, we found that NVP@C undergoes a structural phase change which is converted to composite (V 2 O 5 , NaV 3 (PO 4) 3 , Zn 3 V 4 (PO 4) 6) after 50 cycles in this study. Here, we exploited the in-situ generation of composite by cycling the NVP@C batteries at 60 °C for only 1 cycle (NVP@C-60 °C) to promote the performance of cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The NVP@C-60 ℃ display a high capacity of 164 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and excellent rate performance (155 mA h g−1 at 1000 mA g−1) are realized. This is the first reported in-situ generation of composite as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries so far. This work breaks the original conventional thinking to present new insight to developing cathode materials for zinc energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sternum is one of the most important components of the chest wall. However, to the best of our knowledge, at present there is no reference value of the sternum length in normal Han Chinese children that has been published in the literature. The aim of the present study was therefore to establish the reference value of sternum length in a normal Han Chinese population of different ages and sex groups. Chest computed tomography scans and three-dimensional reconstruction images of 1,080 individuals who were younger than 18 years old and without congenital or acquired structural anomalies or congenital metabolic diseases were retrospectively reviewed. The length of the sternum was measured for each individual and comparisons of the sternum length according to sex were conducted using the Mann-Whitney test. Age or region group comparisons were performed using the ANOVA test, and the association between the length of the sternum and age was assessed by regression analysis. A significant association between the age (x) of the individual and the length of the sternum (y) was confirmed, although different regression patterns were identified for the sexes (the regression equation for males was y=5.616x+60.408; P<0.001; R2=0.890, whereas that for females was y=-0.134x2+6.543x+56.805; P<0.001, R2=0.890). No significant differences in sternum length were identified between the sexes for subjects aged 1-13 years old, whereas significant differences were observed comparing the sexes of the subjects aged 14-18 years old. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the length of the sternum in normal Han Chinese children can be precisely estimated by the age of the child using our formulae for the different sexes (where the most-fit formulae for the two sexes are different). This knowledge can be applied clinically in chest wall deformity assessment, and in surgery planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats harbor severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronaviruses (SL-CoVs) from which the causative agent of the 2002-2003 SARS pandemic is thought to have originated. However, despite the fact that a large number of genetically diverse SL-CoV sequences have been detected in bats, only two strains (named WIV1 and WIV16) have been successfully cultured in vitro. These two strains differ from SARS-CoV only in containing an extra open reading frame (ORF) (named ORFX), between ORF6 and ORF7, which has no homology to any known protein sequences. In this study, we constructed a full-length cDNA clone of SL-CoV WIV1 (rWIV1), an ORFX deletion mutant (rWIV1-ΔX), and a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing mutant (rWIV1-GFP-ΔX). Northern blotting and fluorescence microscopy indicate that ORFX was expressed during WIV1 infection. A virus infection assay showed that rWIV1-ΔX replicated as efficiently as rWIV1 in Vero E6, Calu-3, and HeLa-hACE2 cells. Further study showed that ORFX could inhibit interferon production and activate NF-κB. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the unique ORFX in the WIV1 strain is a functional gene involving modulation of the host immune response but is not essential for in vitro viral replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) has been on the decline. However, mortality at long-term follow up is on the increase. The aim of the present study was to investigate early warning signals of death in patients with acute HICH. The medical records of 128 patients with acute HICH within 6 h of onset were retrospectively analyzed. For these patients, systolic blood pressure (BP) was recorded at different time points (emergency, admission, every 6 h within 24 h and twice daily after 24 h) within 1 week. Computed tomography scanning was performed at emergency and the following 24±3 h to assess the hematoma volume. Neurological impairment was evaluated using the Glasgow Coma Scale and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Outcomes were death, defined as a modified Rankin scale score 6, at 90 days. The results showed that at 90 days, 15 HICH patients succumbed (mortality of 11.7%). Of the 15 patients, 1 patient (6.7%) sucumbed within 24 h and 6 patients (40%) within 1 week. HICH mortality was closely associated with age (P<0.001) but not with gender. A significant association was detected between mortality and high BP taken at 30 min, 45 min and 6 h after admission (P=0.003), albeit not at emergency and admission (P>0.05). Death was also correlated with hematoma volume at 24 h but not with the site. Results from the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that age and hematoma volume were independent risk factors of death of HICH. In conclusion, age and hematoma volume may be important early predictors of death in HICH. Proactive control and management of hematoma may reduce the mortality of HICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While deploying renewable energy sources and integrating them into the grid, new types of energy storage are required. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have received extensive attention due to the merits of their low cost, environmental friendliness and high safety, which depend on the development of cathode materials. We have recently introduced a reversible intercalated cathode material with NASICON open-frame crystal structure. Here, Na 2.9 V 1.9 Ti 0.1 (PO 4) 3 @C was prepared by a simple sol-gel route to be used in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. It shows a capacity of 94.7 mA h g−1 with a discharge plateau of 1.29 V in 3 mol·L−1 Zn(CF 3 SO 3) 2 electrolyte (at a current density of 100 mA g−1). The capacity retention rate of the material after 100 cycles is as high as 82.5%, and the excellent long-cycle stability is attributed to its strong structural stability and open NASICON-type framework. Excellent electrochemical performance provides better insights for the development of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. • Na 2.9 V 1.9 Ti 0.1 (PO 4) 3 @C is reported as a novel cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. • The material shows a high discharge plateau of 1.29 V at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and excellent cycling performance. • Intercalation/extraction mechanism of Na+ and Zn2+ ions is studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Adhesion GPCRs are highly expressed in UCEC. • Adhesion GPCRs are associated with prognosis of UCEC. • Immune cell infiltration of adhesion GPCRs in UCEC patients. • ADGRF1 could be a potential therapeutic target for UCEC. Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (adhesion GPCRs), as a member of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily, have gradually entered the field of vision of researchers. The structure, function, and involvement of adhesion GPCRs in cancer development have been discussed in a series of papers. Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) is a malignant tumor of endometrium epithelial, which is also one of the most common female reproductive system tumors, but there are few pieces of research related to adhesion GPCRs in UCEC. In the current study, the UALCAN, GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, MethSurv, SurvivalMeth, cBioPortal, String, GeneMANIA, DAVID, TRRUST, and Timer databases were used to examine the expression patterns and probable roles of adhesion GPCR family in UCEC. The expression levels of ADGRC1, ADGRC3, ADGRE1, ADGRF1, ADGRF2, ADGRF3, ADGRF4, ADGRG1, ADGRG5, ADGRG7, and ADGRV1 were significantly elevated in UCEC tissues, and the expression of ADGRC3 and ADGRF1 was significantly correlated with the pathological stage of UCEC. In patients with UCEC, ADGRA3, ADGRB1, ADGRB2, ADGRB3, ADGRC3, ADGRD2, ADGRF1, ADGRF2, ADGRF4, ADGRG1, ADGRG2, ADGRG4, ADGRG6, ADGRG7, ADGRL1, ADGRL2, and ADGRL3 had played important roles in patients' overall survival (OS), with a high expression suggesting shorter OS; while high levels of ADGRC2, ADGRD2, ADGRG7, and ADGRL2 suggested lower relapse-free survival (RFS). Furthermore, the prognostic value of the adhesion GPCRs gene individual CpG, as well as DNA methylation, was also analyzed; however, DNA methylation profiling demonstrated no significant correlation between the methylation level of adhesion GPCRs and the prognosis. The neighbor gene interaction analysis and enrichment analysis were also implemented to detect the possible mechanism. In addition, we found a correlation between the adhesion GPCRs and immune infiltrating cells, and the Cox proportional risk model of adhesion GPCRs with six immune cells showed that ADGRA1, ADGRF1, and ADGRG3 were closely connected with the clinical manifestations of UCEC patients. The adhesion GPCRs, especially ADGRF1, might be used as immunotherapeutic targets and prognostic markers of UCEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Poria cocos Wolf (Polyporaceae) is a well-known medicinal fungus, the epidermis (“Fu-Ling-Pi” in Chinese) of the sclerotia is used as a diuretic for treating oedema and promoting the diuretic process. In this paper we report on the diuretic activity in rats of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and the remaining fractions of the ethanol extract from the epidermis of Poria cocos. Materials and methods: Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and the remaining fractions of the ethanol extract of Fu-Ling-Pi were orally administered to rats. The urinary excretion rate and the pH and electrolyte excretion were measured in the urine of saline-loaded rats. Results: In this study, all the tested fractions of Fu-Ling-Pi increased the urinary excretion rate. The three doses of the ethyl acetate fraction all produced remarkable urinary output in 6h, and all produced a remarkable increase in Na+ excretion and Cl− excretion. The Na+/K+ value in the experimental group was significantly enhanced compared with that of the control group, but the three doses of the ethyl acetate fraction had no effect on the K+ excretion. The 25-mg/kg and 50-mg/kg doses of the n-butanol fraction showed notable urinary output and produced a remarkable increase of Na+ excretion and Cl− excretion, but the two doses did not produce a remarkable effect on the Na+/K+ value. The petroleum ether and remaining fractions did not show remarkable diuretic activities compared with the control group. Conclusions: This study confirmed that the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions present a remarkable diuretic effect, showing that they are the diuretic bioactive fractions of Fu-Ling-Pi. This finding appears to indicate at least two mechanisms for the observed diuretic activity, and the K+-saving diuretic effect may be related to the triterpenoid components of intermediate polarity contained in this fungus, particularly the lanostanes tetracyclic triterpenoids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Poria cocos epidermis is usually used for the treatment of CKD. [•] Intrarenal metabolic profiling of FLP therapeutic CKD rats was developed UPLC-HSMS. [•] The alterations were associated with fatty acids and uremic toxins metabolism. [•] Metabonomics is helpful to understanding therapeutic mechanism of FLP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the Sense of Coherence Scale (C-SOC-13) in women with cervical cancer in Mainland China. Methods The C-SOC-13 and Health-related Quality of Life scale (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cervix) were administered to 238 women with cervical cancer. Validity was assessed in terms of factor validity, predictive validity, divergent validity and stability, whereas reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results This study showed that in confirmatory factor analysis, the first-order interrelated three-factor model and second-order model were performed based on Antonovsky's theoretical structure of Sense of Coherence (SOC). Both models fitted the data satisfactorily when the largest modification index was released. The chi-square value/degrees of freedom was 2.120, the goodness-of-fit index was 0.919, the root mean square error of approximation was 0.069, and the comparative fit index was 0.911. The Pearson correlation coefficient between SOC and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cervix was 0.611. Enter multiple regression with SOC as a dependent variable and medical and socio-economic variables as independent variables showed no statistically significant partial coefficient of any independent variable in regression equation except for age. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the scale was 0.824. Conclusion The factor validity, predictive validity and divergent validity of C-SOC-13 were reasonable, as well as the internal consistency. In general, C-SOC-13 showed to be suitable as an SOC measurement for women with cervical cancer in Mainland China. However, SOC may have a different meaning to Chinese people because of the philosophy and culture that shape the context of their lives. Generalizing the findings to other populations requires further psychometric evaluation of C-SOC-13. Further longitudinal studies are also needed to explore the stability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst is generally immobilized onto the matrix through the physical absorption, hydrogen bonding or chemical bonding, which is utilized for the application of wastewater treatment. In this research, TiO2 nanoparticles were immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix via solution-casting combined with heat-treatment method. Structure characterization indicated that Tih name="sbnd" />C chemical bond formed via dehydration reaction between TiO2 and PVA during the heat treatment process, and TiO2 nanoparticles had been chemically immobilized in PVA matrix. Photodegradation results of methyl orange (MO) showed that the film with 10wt% TiO2 and treated at 140°C for 2h exhibited a remarkable ultraviolet (UV) photocatalytic activity, approximately close to the TiO2 slurry system. This was mainly attributed to the fixation effect by Tih name="sbnd" />C chemical bonds, which was indirectly confirmed by the slight loss of TiO2 photocatalysts even after 25-cycle use. In addition, the good swelling ability of PVA matrix provided the MO molecules with more opportunities to fully contact with TiO2, thus benefited the photocatalysis. This route to chemically immobilize TiO2 nanoparticles is simple and cheap to prepare polymer/TiO2 hybrid materials with high photocatalytic activity for multi-cycle use, which is of significance to the practical application of TiO2 catalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient that participates in several plant metabolisms. Soil application of Zn is an effective strategy to increase the productivity and Zn concentration in maize grains, but the effect of Zn fertilizers on the nutrients uptake and biofortification still needs more studies. In this study, a greenhouse plot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the optimum Zn fertilizer doses (0, 5.7, and 11.4 kg ha−1) on the nutrients uptake and Zn biofortification of maize crops. Zn applications were found to increase significantly the transpiration rate; photosynthesis rate, Zn, and P concentration in the maize shoot at the VT (Tasseling) stage as well as the grain Zn and maize grain yield. P, Mg, and phytic acid (PA) concentration in grains was also increased with a Zn application of 11.4 kg ha−1. The PA/Zn molar ratio in grains decreased due to the Zn application doses as compared with the control treatment, but there was no significant difference between Zn 5.7 and 11.4 kg ha−1 doses, while Zn 5.7 kg ha−1 achieved a higher PA/Fe molar ratio in maize grains compared to other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Emulsifier Polysorbate 80 exposure significantly exacerbated age-related cognitive decline, along with increased brain pathological proteins deposition and neuroinflammation, as well as disruption of the blood–brain barrier. • Emulsifier Polysorbate 80 exposure contributed to gut microbiota dysbiosis and the increased of deoxycholic acid in plasma and brain. • Emulsifier Polysorbate 80 induced cognitive decline and neuroinflammation via gut microbiota. • Mechanically, deoxycholic acid activates microglial cells may involve the upregulation of ABCA1-mediated cholesterol transport on lysosomes, thereby promotes the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Gut microbial homeostasis is crucial for the health of cognition in elderly. Previous study revealed that polysorbate 80 (P80) as a widely used emulsifier in food industries and pharmaceutical formulations could directly alter the human gut microbiota compositions. However, whether long-term exposure to P80 could accelerate age-related cognitive decline via gut-brain axis is still unknown. Accordingly, in this study, we used the senescence accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mouse model to investigate the effects of the emulsifier P80 intake (1 % P80 in drinking water for 12 weeks) on gut microbiota and cognitive function. Our results indicated that P80 intake significantly exacerbated cognitive decline in SAMP8 mice, along with increased brain pathological proteins deposition, disruption of the blood–brain barrier and activation of microglia and neurotoxic astrocytes. Besides, P80 intake could also induce gut microbiota dysbiosis, especially the increased abundance of secondary bile acids producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae , Lachnospiraceae , and Clostridium scindens. Moreover, fecal microbiota transplantation from P80 mice into 16-week-old SAMP8 mice could also exacerbated cognitive decline, microglia activation and intestinal barrier impairment. Intriguingly, the alterations of gut microbial composition significantly affected bile acid metabolism profiles after P80 exposure, with markedly elevated levels of deoxycholic acid (DCA) in serum and brain tissue. Mechanically, DCA could activate microglial and promote senescence-associated secretory phenotype production through adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) importing lysosomal cholesterol. Altogether, the emulsifier P80 accelerated cognitive decline of aging mice by inducing gut dysbiosis, bile acid metabolism alteration, intestinal barrier and blood brain barrier disruption as well as neuroinflammation. This study provides strong evidence that dietary-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis may be a risk factor for age-related cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Methods Results Conclusion The development of acute pancreatitis (AP) is strongly linked to blood clotting and fibrinolysis issues. Modern clinical practices now utilize advanced blood markers like thrombin–antithrombin III complex (TAT), plasmin‐α2‐plasmin inhibitor complex, thrombomodulin (TM), and tissue plasminogen activator–inhibitor complex (t‐PAIC) to assess thrombosis risk. Our study used a highly sensitive chemiluminescence technique to measure these markers in AP patients, aiming to determine their early predictive value for AP severity.There were 173 patients with AP, all of whom developed symptoms within 72 h; 102 individuals had onset symptoms within 48 h. The biomarkers were measured upon admission before determining the severity of AP.The levels of TAT, plasmin‐α2‐plasmin inhibitor complex, TM, and t‐PAIC were significantly higher in the severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group compared with the mild acute pancreatitis and moderate severe acute pancreatitis groups. For the patients within 72 h of onset, TAT, TM, and t‐PAIC predicted the occurrence of SAP. For the patients within 48 h of onset, TAT and t‐PAIC predicted the occurrence of SAP. The area under the curve (AUC) of prediction models is similar to Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) but significantly higher than C‐reactive protein (P < 0.05). Notably, t‐PAIC had a larger AUC than TAT, BISAP, and C‐reactive protein.In the initial 48 h, plasma TAT and t‐PAIC levels may predict the development of SAP. Within 72 h, plasma levels of TAT, TM, and t‐PAIC may predict the development of SAP, and the TAT + TM + t‐PAIC prediction model achieved a maximum AUC of 0.915, comparable to BISAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the likelihood vascular events in patients with BCR/ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) is essential for the treatment of the disease. However, effective assessment methods are lacking. Thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), plasmin-α2- plasmininhibitor complex (PIC), thrombomodulin (TM), and tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex (t-PAIC) are the new direct indicators for coagulation and fibrinolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of these four new indicators in thrombotic and hemorrhagic events in BCR/ABL1-negative MPN. The study cohort of 74 patients with BCR/ABL negative myeloproliferative disorders included essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). A panel of 4 biomarkers, including TAT, PIC, TM, and t-PAIC were determined using Sysmex HISCL5000 automated analyzers, whereas fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), D-dimer and Antithrombin III (ATIII) were analyzed using Sysmex CS5100 coagulation analyzer. A total of 24 (32.4%) patients experienced thrombotic events and hemorrhagic events occurred in 8 patients (10.8%). Compared to patients without hemorrhagic-thrombotic events, patients with thrombotic events had higher fibrinogen (FIB) level, FDP level and lower ATIII activity, while patients with hemorrhagic events had lower white blood cell count and hemoglobin level, higher FDP level (P < 0.05). Patients with a JAK2V617F mutation were more likely to experience thrombotic events (P < 0.05). In addtion, patients with thrombotic events had higher TAT, PIC, TM, and t-PAIC levels than patients without hemorrhagic-thrombotic events (P < 0.05), whereas patients with hemorrhagic events had a lower median value in TAT and TM (no statistical difference, P > 0.05). Patients with higher TAT, TM and t-PAIC were more likely to experience thrombotic events (P < 0.05), and only TAT was positively correlated with thrombotic events (Spearman r =0.287, P = 0.019). TAT, PIC, TM, and t-PAIC combined with ATIII and FDP have a certain value for predicting thrombosis in patients with BCR/ABL1-negative MPN. These 6 parameters are worth further exploration as predictive factors and prognostic markers for early thrombotic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) inhibits cancer cell growth, and there is a controversy regarding the cancer chemoprotective effects of pharmacologic doses of this compound that exhibits prooxidant activity. We hypothesized that the anticancer activity of pharmacologic doses of ascorbic acid (<5 mM) is due, in part, to reactive oxygen species-dependent downregulation of specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 and Sp-regulated genes. In this study, ascorbic acid (1–3 mM) decreased RKO and SW480 colon cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis and necrosis, and this was accompanied by downregulation of Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 proteins. In addition, ascorbic acid decreased expression of several Sp-regulated genes that are involved in cancer cell proliferation [hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met), epidermal growth factor receptor and cyclin D1], survival (survivin and bcl-2), and angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2)]. Other prooxidants such as hydrogen peroxide exhibited similar activities in colon cancer cells, and cotreatment with glutathione inhibited these responses. This study demonstrates for the first time that the anticancer activities of ascorbic acid are due, in part, to ROS-dependent repression of Sp transcription factors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study which develops and validates a method called chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS) that is used to determine aconitine (AC), mesaconitine (MA), and hypaconitine (HA) in rat plasma Sini decoction (SND). The study conducted experimental preparations, method validation assays, and pharmacokinetics study. The study has proven that the method was sensitive, rapid, and accurate to be successfully applied.

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are very important regulators of biological processes such as development, cellular differentiation, and tumor generation. MiRNA microarray has been found to be a high throughput global analysis tool for detecting miRNA expression profiling, and miRNA expression profiling will facilitate the study of the biological function of miRNAs. In this report, we describe the miRNA expression level in rat cerebral cortex after traumatic brain injury using microarray method. We choose several time points post brain injury: 6 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively, to reveal differential expression of miRNAs in rat brain cortex compared with control groups. Our research revealed that 136 miRNAs were expressing at 6 h post injury, in which 13 miRNAs were more than 2-fold up-regulated, and 14 miRNAs were more than 2-fold down-regulated; 118 miRNAs were expressing at 24 h post injury, in which 4 miRNAs were more than 2-fold up-regulated, and 23 miRNAs were more than 2-fold down-regulated; 149 miRNAs were expressing at 48 h post injury, in which 16 miRNAs were more than 2-fold up-regulated, and 11 miRNAs were more than 2-fold down-regulated; and 203 miRNAs were expressing at 72 h post injury, in which 19 miRNAs were more than 2-fold up-regulated, and 5 miRNAs were more than 2-fold down-regulated. Furthermore, we revealed global up-regulation of miR-21 expression within all the four time points post injury. Finally, we utilized qRT-PCR methods to verify the microarray results. The qRT-PCR results indicated good consistency with the results of the microarray method. Our microarray based analysis of microRNA expression in rat cerebral cortex after traumatic brain injury has shown that some microRNA such as miR-21 could be involved in the intricate process of TBI course. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To quantitatively assess hypoattenuation volume ratio and hepatic parenchymal hypoattenuation on contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in patients with pyrrolizidines alkaloids (PAs)-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS), and evaluate the correlations of the CT-based quantitative values with clinical factors.Methods: Thirty-five patients with PAs-induced HSOS who underwent CECT were retrospectively enrolled. The ratio of hypoattenuation volume to total liver volume, and changes in damaged area-to-normal liver density ratio (ΔDR) derived from histogram on portal venous phase were quantitatively measured. Heterogeneous hypoattenuation (CT score) scored by hypoattenuation volume ratio and ΔDR were calculated. The correlation between imaging findings and clinical factors was analyzed using Pearson correlation test.Results: Liver function tests were abnormal in most patients, the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) of damaged area (58.68 ± 17.3) was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than the corresponding normal liver (82.27 ± 23.97). Heterogeneous hypoattenuation were mild in 13 patients (37 %), moderate in 16 patients (46 %), and severe in 6 patients (17 %). ΔDR derived from histogram was positively correlated (weakly to moderately) with total bilirubin (r = 0.341, P = 0.045), direct bilirubin (r = 0.385, P = 0.022), and alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.491, P = 0.003), while such correlation was not observed in hypoattenuation volume ratio. The severity of heterogeneous hypoattenuation scored by hypoattenuation volume ratio and ΔDR was positively correlated (weakly) with prothrombin time (r = 0.357, P = 0.035), international normalized ratio (r = 0.363, P = 0.032), alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.359, P = 0.034), and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (r = 0.347, P = 0.041).Conclusion: Heterogeneous hypoattenuation scored by volume ratio and ΔDR on CECT provides a non-invasive approach in evaluating the severity of PAs-induced HSOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promotion is an overwhelming motivation for local cadres in China. In the past, local cadres used to compete in economic tournaments for career advancement. As the central government shifts to emphasizing environmental protection, it is critical to examine whether the changed incentive structure drives local cadres to pursue environmental protection. Adopting a database covering cadres and pollution discharge for prefecture-level cities from 2003 to 2016, this paper investigates the relationship between environmental protection tournaments and cadre promotion and explores the mechanism of environmental protection tournaments. The results show that environmental protection tournaments have contributed to cadres' promotion since 2007, when the central government's attention shifted to environmental protection. Environmental protection tournaments mitigate pollution in a "strong" way, through direct policy intervention. Our findings indicate that the existing incentive structure for local cadres' environmental protection is necessary but insufficient. • Political incentive promotes local cadres to conduct environmental protection tournament. • Local cadres strategically implement environmental protection policy. • Environmental protection tournament mitigates pollution by coercive means instead of adopting optimization of industry structure and innovation of technology. • Existed incentive structure for cadres' environmental performance is necessary but insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Maize plants at HVPD increased stomatal conductance, transpiration, and intercellular CO 2. • The number and size of maize stomata were higher at HVPD compared to LVPD condition. • Total biomass and the amount of most of the nutrients were reduced at HVPD environment. • Transpiration corresponded with nutrient uptake rate and allocation of shoot nutrients. The changing atmospheric wetness and dryness in the background of global warming is an important issue for maize cultivation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological response of maize towards vapor pressure deficits (VPDs). To understand the behaviors and the morphology of the stomata that are correlated with the plant biomass and nutrient acquisition, we conducted a pot experiment of maize planting under two levels of VPDs (low 1.1 ± 0.5 kPa; high 2.6 ± 0.7 kPa). Plants exposed to a high VPD (HVPD) condition displayed a higher transpiration rate throughout the growth periods. Stomatal conductance and the intercellular carbon dioxide (CO 2) concentration were also higher for the plants at HVPD at later growing phases. At early growth stages, stomata on the adaxial surface of the plants exposed to the HVPD environment was lower in density but they were higher in length and width at the abaxial surface than those exposed to the low VPD (LVPD) condition. HVPD increased considerably the stomatal number 50 days after sowing (d). The higher transpiration of the plants in the HVPD condition appeared to be negatively associated with the biomass and the content of the majority of nutrients. However, plants at the HVPD condition showed a significantly higher root-specific capacity for nutrient uptake and delivered a higher proportion of the absorbed nutrients towards the shoot. Therefore, stomata and nutrient uptake responses to VPD are the important traits to be considered while improving the maize for dry weather regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental administrative talk is a comprehensive interactive policy network that involves multiple parities. The information on local governments' environmental performance is disclosed, disseminated to the public and market through the media in the process. In this paper, we analyse how this policy influences environmental governance through the stock market. By adopting the event study methodology, we estimate the short and long-term policy effects of environmental administrative talk. The results show that there are negative and enduring abnormal returns after such "talk". These findings indicate that environmental administrative talk triggers a market disciplinary effect, which can work as a new tool for environmental governance. Our paper enriches mechanism research on environmental administrative talk and further confirms the deterrence effect in environmental governance. Moreover, we provide a perspective to tackle environmental problems from the bottom up by utilizing the strength of the public and market regarding policy planning and analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved great success in treating hematologic malignancies. However, it is yet to prove effective in the treatment of solid tumors. Thus, it is necessary to develop appropriate methodology for the long-term, accurate, and quantitative evaluation of the distribution and activities of CAR T cells in solid tumors. In the present study, we engineered TfR ΔPSMA CAR (CAR-ΔPSMA) T cells, which targeted the transferrin receptor (TfR) expressed by tumor cells and could be tracked in vivo via a reporter gene encoding the truncated prostate specific membrane antigen (ΔPSMA). We then quantitatively monitored these CAR T cells in vitro and in vivo using [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). Methods: The CAR-ΔPSMA T cells were genetically engineered by transducing T cells with a lentiviral vector encoding TfR41BBζ-T2A-ΔPSMA. Firstly, the target expression, activation, and cytotoxicity of CAR-ΔPSMA T cells were validated in vitro. Secondly, the minimum thresholds of CAR-ΔPSMA T cells detection for [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT were also determined in vitro and in vivo respectively. Lastly, the feasibility of monitoring the biodistribution and infiltration of CAR-ΔPSMA T cells after systematic administration was evaluated in the breast cancer subcutaneous xenograft model. Results: The CAR-ΔPSMA T cells retained activation and tumor killing capacity after transduction of the ΔPSMA-encoding reporter gene. Next, the CAR-ΔPSMA T cells could be reliably tracked by [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT, the detection sensitivity of which was 250 cells/mm3 in vitro and 100 cells/mm3 in vivo. Next, the sequential imaging assays revealed that [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT could be used to specifically visualize ΔPSMA+ CAR T cells at the tumor site. The increase in the [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 signal intensity over time allowed us to effectively detect CAR T cells in vivo. Conclusion: Our findings preliminarily confirmed that [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT could reliably detect CAR-ΔPSMA T cells in vitro and in vivo in solid tumors, laying the foundation for the monitoring CAR T cell therapy in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac injury is a common complication following traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can lead to poor clinical outcomes. Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) activation exerts protective roles in the brain and heart, yet its potential impact on TBI or TBI-induced cardiac deficits remains elusive. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of AT2R activation on recovery after TBI-induced cognitive and cardiac injury using the selective nonpeptide AT2R agonist compound 21 (C21). TBI was induced by cortical impact injury in male adult C57BL/6J mice, and the mice received C21 (0.03 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) starting from 24 h after TBI and continuing once daily. C21 facilitated cognitive function recovery until 1 month after TBI. C21 alleviated blood-brain barrier leakage and brain edema and inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the brain after 3 consecutive days of treatment. C21 improved cerebral blood flow after 1 month, although the lesion volume was not affected. C21 also reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the heart after a 3-day consecutive treatment. Meanwhile, C21 benefited cardiac function, as identified by increased left ventricular ejection fraction 1 month after TBI. In addition, C21 alleviated TBI-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis; however, blood pressure was not affected. Our results demonstrate that AT2R activation ameliorates TBI-induced neurological and cardiac deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has witnessed a drop in the speed of its economic development from 14% to 6% since 2007. The literature has attributed "the miracle of China's economic growth" over the past four decades to the compatibility of political incentives and fiscal incentives. However, as the central government shifts its priorities from "development is the last word" to "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", can local officials' political and financial incentives still achieve incentive compatibility? Theoretically and empirically, this paper examines the impact of the compatibility of political and financial incentives on local governments' environmental governance in different stages. We find that environmental performance has consistently been an important political promotion incentive for officials, especially after 2007. We also find that officials in cities with incentive compatibility have no promotion advantages over their opponents because incentive compatibility restrained the development of the manufacturing industry, leading to a suppression of the economic growth rate. Local governments sacrifice a certain economic growth rate – in other words, local fiscal revenue – in exchange for environmental quality improvements and adopt strategic actions to cater to the central government's new performance evaluation system, which focuses mainly on environmental protection assessment through strategic behavior. • There are dynamic roles of compatibility between political and financial incentives. • An equilibrium model can capture the change in central and local governments. • The incentive compatibility phenomenon has no promotion advantage for local officials. • Environmental performance may be achieved at the expense of the economic growth rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the pioneering work of Carl Woese, Archaea have fascinated biologists of almost all areas given their unique evolutionary status, wide distribution, high diversity, and ability to grow in special environments. Archaea often thrive in extreme conditions such as high temperature, high/low pH, high salinity, and anoxic ecosystems. All of these are threats to the stability and proper functioning of biological molecules, especially proteins and nucleic acids. Post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, and glycosylation, are reportedly widespread in Archaea and represent a critical adaptive mechanism to extreme habitats. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the contributions of PTMs to aid in extremophile survival, with a particular focus on the maintenance of genome stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium-based polyanionic compounds have gained wide attentions as anode materials for room-temperature sodium-ion batteries due to the robust structural framework, reversible redox chemistry, and compositional diversities. However, the effect of chemically-inserted cations on their structural and electrochemical properties is lack of being investigated to date. In this work, structural and electrochemical properties of ATi 2 (PO 4) 3 /C (A = Li, Na, Mg) compounds are comparatively studied by coupling X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic measurements. Experimental results reveal that the structural composition is an important factor determining electrochemical properties of titanium-based polyanionic compounds, and the Li-containing composition shows the best charge/discharge performance with high specific capacities of 120.4 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1 and 89.7 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1, and outstanding cycling stability without capacity fading after 1000 cycles. In particular, full battery assembled with it and Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 cathode can deliver a specific energy of 124.5 Wh kg−1 at the power of 114.9 W kg−1, and a capacity retention of 84.9% after 100 cycles. • A x Ti 2 (PO 4) 3 /C (A = Li, Na, Mg) compositions are comparatively investigated. • LiTi 2 (PO 4) 3 composition shows the best sodium-storage performance. • Full battery with LiTi 2 (PO 4) 3 /C anode and Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 /C cathode is studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable sodium-ion batteries with aqueous electrolytes (aqueous SIBs) are highly desirable as low cost technologies for effective storage of intermittent sustainable energies because of their low cost and high safety. Polyanionic NaTi 2 (PO 4) 3 compound is particularly regarded as a promising anode material for aqueous SIBs, but suffering from low reaction kinetics and insufficient cycling stability in aqueous electrolytes. Herein, a carbon-encapsulated NaTi 2 (PO 4) 3 framework is fabricated as a high performance material for aqueous SIBs. Based on investigations of X-ray diffraction technique, elemental analysis and electrochemical measurements, it is found that the carbon encapsulation plays an important role in enhancing reaction kinetics of the material and suppressing dissolution of active NaTi 2 (PO 4) 3 component in aqueous electrolytes, therefore leading to improved structural stability and electrochemical reversibility. As a result, the material exhibits an impressive high-rate capability with a reversible capacity of 84 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1, and ultra-long cycling lifetime with 96% capacity retention after 1000 cycles. The finding in this study suggests that designing functional carbon-encapsulation structure can progress the NaTi 2 (PO 4) 3 anode material for long-lifespan aqueous SIBs. Unlabelled Image • A carbon-encapsulated NaTi 2 (PO 4) 3 framework is fabricated. • It exhibits excellent cycling performance with 96% retention after 1000 cycles. • Functional roles of the carbon encapsulation are carefully understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perceived acceptance of migrants in receiving cities is inextricably tied to their health status. However, existing research on migrant health focuses on individual self-assessments, and few studies have considered the accessibility of medical support in the city as part of the analytical framework. To address a research gap, we examine the influence of migrants' health status and medical support on their perceived acceptance and analyse the moderating role and potential mechanisms of amenities. The findings show that the health of migrant workers significantly affects their perceived acceptance. Holding other conditions constant, each unit increase in health status is associated with a 0.1706 unit increase in perceived acceptance. Each unit of improvement in medical support is associated with a 0.0461 unit increase in perceived acceptance. This result remains valid after various robustness checks by changing the dependent variable and conducting group regressions. Our analyses further reveal that urban hukou threshold and environmental amenities largely moderated the effects of medical support and health status on perceived acceptance. Mechanism results indicate that hukou restrictions on access to resources limit migrants' opportunities to improve their medical support in urban areas, thereby exposing them to greater health risks. Additionally, environmental amenities play an additional positive role in improving medical support by improving environmental quality. The study suggests that achieving health equity promotes inclusive growth and long-term sustainability in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) belongs to the IL-1 family and is localized in the nucleus. IL-33 is primarily composed of three distinct domains, namely the N-terminal domain responsible for nuclear localization, the intermediate sense protease domain, and the C-terminal cytokine domain. Its specific receptor is the suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), which is detected in serum-stimulated fibroblasts and oncogenes. While most other cytokines are actively produced in cells, IL-33 is passively produced in response to tissue damage or cell necrosis, thereby suggesting its role as an alarm following cell infection, stress, or trauma. IL-33 plays a crucial role in congenital and acquired immunity, which assists in the response to environmental stress and maintains tissue homeostasis. IL-33/ST2 interaction further produces many pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, IL-33 is crucial for central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying CNS degenerative disorders. The present work summarizes the structure of IL-33, its fundamental activities, and its role in immunoregulation and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this work proposes that IL-33 may play a role in the pathogenic mechanism of diseases and can be used in the development of treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the coloring mechanism in black radish, the integrated metabolome and transcriptome analyses of root skin from a black recombinant inbred line (RIL 1901) and a white RIL (RIL 1911) were carried out. A total of 172 flavonoids were detected, and the analysis results revealed that there were 12 flavonoid metabolites in radish root skin, including flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanins. The relative concentrations of most flavonoids in RIL 1901 were higher than those in RIL 1911. Meanwhile, the radish root skin also contained 16 types of anthocyanins, 12 of which were cyanidin and its derivatives, and the concentration of cyanidin 3-o-glucoside was very high at different development stages of black radish. Therefore, the accumulation of cyanidin and its derivatives resulted in the black root skin of radish. In addition, a module positively related to anthocyanin accumulation and candidate genes that regulate anthocyanin synthesis was identified by the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Among them, structural genes (RsCHS, RsCHI, RsDFR, and RsUGT75C1) and transcription factors (TFs) (RsTT8, RsWRKY44L, RsMYB114, and RsMYB308L) may be crucial for the anthocyanin synthesis in the root skin of black radish. The anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in the root skin of black radish was constructed based on the expression of genes related to flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways (Ko00941 and Ko00942) and the relative expressions of metabolites. In conclusion, this study not only casts new light on the synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins in the root skin of black radish but also provides a molecular basis for accelerating the cultivation of new black radish varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is a crucial gateway to all strategies related to care, prevention and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Nevertheless, utilization of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service among adults is very low in Ethiopia. The objective of this study is to identify determinants associated with VCT utilization among adult women aged 15-49 in Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on data taken from the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) 2016. Using cluster sampling, 14,369 women aged 15-49 years were selected from all the nine administrative regions and two city administrations. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with HIV VCT utilization.Results: Overall prevalence of ever tested for HIV was 53% (95% CI, 52, 54). Aged 20-44, ever married, being at higher socio economic position (SEP) and having risky sexual behavior were factors which are positively associated with VCT utilization. Being Muslims in urban and protestants in rural were factors significantly and negatively associated with VCT utilization. Those who had stigmatizing attitude both in urban and rural and who had comprehensive knowledge in rural were less likely to utilize VCT service.Conclusion: VCT utilization among women in Ethiopia is demonstrating better improvement in recent years. However, stigmatizing attitude continued to be among the major factors, which are negatively affecting VCT uptake among women in Ethiopia. Concerted efforts should be made by all stakeholders to mitigate stigma, improve socio economic inequities and increase awareness on the benefit of VCT in controlling HIV in the society. In this aspect, the role of religious leader, schools, health extension workers and community leaders should not be undermined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]