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High bit error rate (BER), long delay, dynamic networking and multi-hop nature of satellite networks can affect the transmission performance of integrated networks, which poses a great challenge to the transmission performance of space-air-ground integrated networks constructed by satellite networks and terrestrial multi-hop networks. In order to improve the transmission rate of heterogeneous converged satellite networks and terrestrial multi-hop networks, this study proposed a scheme applicable to the transmission characteristics. By analyzing the transmission characteristics of satellite networks with long delay and high BER and terrestrial wireless multi-hop networks, the data delivery in the slow start-up phase was improved, and the type of lost data in the congestion avoidance phase was discriminated to enhance the transmission performance of the heterogeneous integrated network. The performance of the proposed scheme was further verified by simulation on OPNET software. Results show that, the proposed scheme not only can effectively reduce the queuing delay of nodes but also can enhance the transmission efficiency of multi-hop network terminals and the data transmission rate in the long delay network environment. With the increase in the number of hops, the transmission rate of the proposed protocol is about twice those of other protocols. Therefore, the proposed scheme can help improve the transmission performance of heterogeneous integrated satellite networks and terrestrial multi-hop networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Currently, prophylactic antibiotics are recommended only for cirrhotic patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB); however, the benefit for other AUGIB patients remains undetermined. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between patients with AUGIB with and without prophylactic antibiotics to identify the population that requires this therapy. METHODS: Patients with AUGIB admitted between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2021 in the Emergency Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled. Patients were divided into the antibiotic and non-antibiotic groups. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was the onset of new infection. The risk factors for mortality and infection were analyzed, and stratification analysis of prophylactic antibiotics was performed. Continuous data were analyzed using the t-test or nonparametric rank sum test, and categorical data were analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Indicators with significant differences between the groups were included for logistic regression analysis. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 392 individuals were included, among them, 281 patients received prophylactic antibiotics, and 111 patients did not receive prophylactic antibiotics. The mortality rates were significantly lower in the antibiotic group than in the non-antibiotics group (6.41% vs. 17.12%, P=0.001). The risk factors for infection were varicose veins (P=0.045) and endotracheal intubation (P=0.005) in the prophylactic antibiotic group, and endoscopic treatment (P=0.010) in the non-prophylactic antibiotic group. Stratified analyses showed that patients with age ≥ 65 years, endotracheal intubation, endoscopic treatment, and AUGIB of variceal etiologies benefited from prophylactic antibiotics. CONCLUSION: AUGIB patients may benefit from prophylactic antibiotics to decrease mortality, especially those aged ≥ 65 years and those with endotracheal intubation, endoscopic treatment, and variceal etiologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-speed broadband access technology of satellite networks is becoming increasingly mature, but high-capacity data transmission is prone to congestion, which greatly affects the transmission impact of geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite networks. To alleviate the congestion in satellite networks and improve the transmission rate of links, this study proposed a scheme to increase the data transmission volume. The impact of long delay and high bandwidth in satellite networks was mitigated by increasing the congestion window on the sender side, and increasing the number of data transmissions ensured that the proposed scheme fully utilized the high bandwidth delay product of satellite networks. Different types of data loss were used to improve the stability of network transmission. Results show that the proposed scheme can significantly improve the throughput and reduce the response time of a satellite link when a satellite network is congested. The scheme also significantly improves the network performance when the satellite network is not congested. When the network is not congested, the proposed scheme improves the throughput by a factor of 6 over the standard protocol. Even in the case of congestion, the former also improves the throughput by a factor of 2 over the latter. The proposed method provides a useful reference for improving the transmission performance of satellite networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multi-hop routing composed of wireless nodes in wireless multi-hop network can cause serious data loss, which affects the transmission performance of multi-hop network. To reveal the influence of data loss on the transmission performance of wireless multi-hop networks, this study proposed a transmission control method based on multiparameter judgment of network status. A judgment model of wireless multi-hop network condition was established according to the feedback information of several parameters. The congestion status of wireless multi-hop network and the random errors in data transmission were analyzed on the basis of three parameters, namely, inter-packet delay difference, short-term throughput, and packet out-of-order delivery ratio. After evaluating the wireless multi-hop network status, the growth factor of the congestion window was introduced combined with the number of hops in the link and the weighted packet loss rate, and the window growth rate was analyzed. Moreover, the accuracy of the scheme was verified by experiments. Results demonstrate that the growth rate of the congestion window can improve the transmission rate of wireless multi-hop networks. Compared with the traditional Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) scheme, the proposed scheme improves the throughput by nearly 35% in the chain topology scenario of wireless multi-hop networks. The study provides reference for evaluating the performance of data transmission in wireless multi-hop networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite networks have the characteristics of long transmission delay, high bit error rate (BER), and asymmetric wide band, which seriously influence the performance of traditional TCP/IP networks. In order to adapt to long delay and high BER of satellite networks, a transmission control algorithm was proposed in this study. The amount of data transmission was enhanced to fill the high bandwidth-delay product of satellite links. The transmission factor was used to estimate available bandwidth in slow start. The reason for data loss was evaluated by the data backlog value in congestion avoidance. In this way, the threshold was increased in fast recovery, and the data transmission was improved in a short time. Moreover, the value of the congestion window in slow start and congestion avoidance was analyzed. And the threshold was adjusted by different network conditions. Results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively improves the throughput of satellite links by 57.14% compared with TCP New Reno and also distinguishes different data losses. These findings indicate the transmission mechanism can take lower download response time. The proposed algorithm provides a good prospect to improve the transmission performance of satellite networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease in part because of its potential for aggressive invasion and metastasis. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is one of the metabolites that is derived from arachidonic acid and that is catalyzed by 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX), and it has recently been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effects. However, the role of LXA4 in pancreatic cancer remains to be elucidated. Methods: Pancreatic cell lines were treated with vehicle or LXA4, and the invasive capacity was then assessed by Transwell assays. The expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers was determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Anti-TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody and exogenous recombinant human TGF-β1 (rhTGF-β1) were used to study the effect of LXA4 on the TGF-β signaling. A liver metastasis model was applied to investigate the effect of LXA4 in vivo. The correlation between the Lipoxin effect score (LES) and the clinical-pathological features of pancreatic cancer was also analyzed. Results: We found that in patients with pancreatic cancer, low LES was correlated with aggressive metastatic potential. The LXA4 activity, which was mediated by the LXA4 receptor FPRL1, could significantly suppress invasion capacity and mesenchymal phenotypes. The expression and autocrine signaling pathway activity of TGF-β1 were also downregulated by LXA4. In the liver metastasis model in nude mice, the stable analog of LXA4, BML-111, could inhibit the metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that LXA4 could reverse mesenchymal phenotypes, which attenuated invasion and metastasis via the inhibition of autocrine TGF-β1 signaling in pancreatic cancer, which may provide a new strategy to prevent the metastasis of pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The satellite network has the advantages of wide coverage, convenient access, and the influence of the natural environment. Wireless multi-hop network is suitable for the occasion that cannot be easily or inconvenient to lay network facilities and the occasion of the need for rapid automatic networking. Multi-hop network and the satellite network may combine a heterogeneous network that can provide an effective and convenient way to access the network in the ocean or in remote areas. This paper, firstly, builds a heterogeneous network with satellite network and multi-hop network, and discusses the bandwidth delay product (BDP) of heterogeneous network, then proposes a new end-to-end congestion control algorithm. The proposed scheme at the outset increases the dynamic time interval for the initial transmission data that can reduce the backlog of burst data at the access point, and then increases the amount of data transmission in the slow start that can improve high bandwidth delay product of satellite network. In the congestion avoidance, it adjusts the congestion window size by monitoring the random packet loss and congestion packet loss. This algorithm can effectively solve the long delay in heterogeneous networks, and improve the accuracy of the high packet loss rate monitoring in multi hop networks and satellite networks. The proposed algorithm can effectively solve the influence of the long delay in the heterogeneous network, at the same time it can distinguish the different packet loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotransformation mediated by microbes can affect the biogeochemical cycle of arsenic. However, arsenic biotransformation mediated by earthworm-related microorganisms has not been well explored, especially the role played by earthworm skin microbiota. Herein, we reveal the profiles of arsenic biotransformation genes (ABGs) and elucidate the microbial communities of the earthworm gut, skin, and surrounding soil from five different soil environments in China. The relative abundance of ABGs in the earthworm skin microbiota, which were dominated by genes associated with arsenate reduction and transport, was approximately three times higher than that in the surrounding soil and earthworm gut microbiota. The composition and diversity of earthworm skin microbiota differed significantly from those of the soil and earthworm gut, comprising a core bacterial community with a relative abundance of 96% Firmicutes and a fungal community with relative abundances of 50% Ascomycota and 13% Mucoromycota. In addition, stochastic processes mainly contributed to the microbial community assembly across all samples. Moreover, fungal genera such as Vishniacozyma and Oomyces were important mediators of ABGs involved in the biogeochemical cycle of arsenic. This is the first study to investigate earthworm skin as a reservoir of microbial diversity in arsenic biotransformation. Our findings broaden the current scientific knowledge of the involvement of earthworms in the arsenic biogeochemical cycle. [Display omitted] • Profiles of ABG in the earthworm skin dominated by arsenate reduction and transport were observed. • The earthworm skin microbiota differed significantly from those of the soil and earthworm gut. • Stochastic processes strongly shaped the microbial community assembly of earthworm gut and skin. • The earthworm skin as a reservoir of microbial diversity played a vital role in arsenic biotransformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The satellite network has the advantages of wide coverage, convenient access, and the influence of the natural environment. Wireless multi-hop network is suitable for the occasion that cannot be easily or inconvenient to lay network facilities and the occasion of the need for rapid automatic networking. Multi-hop network and the satellite network may combine a heterogeneous network that can provide an effective and convenient way to access the network in the ocean or in remote areas. This paper, firstly, builds a heterogeneous network with satellite network and multi-hop network, and discusses the bandwidth delay product (BDP) of heterogeneous network, then proposes a new end-to-end congestion control algorithm. The proposed scheme at the outset increases the dynamic time interval for the initial transmission data that can reduce the backlog of burst data at the access point, and then increases the amount of data transmission in the slow start that can improve high bandwidth delay product of satellite network. In the congestion avoidance, it adjusts the congestion window size by monitoring the random packet loss and congestion packet loss. This algorithm can effectively solve the long delay in heterogeneous networks, and improve the accuracy of the high packet loss rate monitoring in multi hop networks and satellite networks. The proposed algorithm can effectively solve the influence of the long delay in the heterogeneous network, at the same time it can distinguish the different packet loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve multi-point, highly efficient and real-time wireless transmission of data about melon fly monitoring under various temperatures and other variable environmental conditions, this paper proposes and builds a model of a melon fly monitoring system with a wireless sensor network. Combined with multi-hop wireless sensor networks suitable for Adaptive Ad Hoc Transmission Control Protocol (ADTCP) algorithm, the transmission-limited congestion window is a method to reduce network congestion, simulate the aggregation node of the sensor network through a wireless transceiver platform, and finally to compile monitoring data in a central computer. The proposed scheme can effectively mitigate congestion problems of the wireless sensor network for monitoring melon flies at the aggregation node, can improve the data transmission performance of the monitoring network, and can adapt to various environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel live animal screening machine was designed to solve the screening issue for yellow mealworm and frass in the artificial breeding production process. The control system based on semantic similarity computation, operation mode, overall structure, working principle and main structural parameters of the machine were designed and optimized in this study. Furthermore, the kinematics mathematical model of the crank-rocker of shaking and the screening mechanism was analysed. In addition, motion analysis of shaking and screening mechanism was conducted, and then the displacement, velocity and acceleration curves of pendulum rod and screening body were obtained. Finally, the structure design and motion simulation of all parts were finalized to confident with the design. The prototype performance tests of the yellow mealworm screening machine show that machine has a reasonable structure, convenient operation, good screening effect and high working efficiency. This study provides a new thought for screening yellow mealworms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urachal carcinoma is a rare tumor that is usually associated with a poor prognosis, especially the pathological type, urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma. Surgery remains the primary treatment in prolonging the overall survival time of patients. Case presentation: We report on a 41-year-old woman with urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma who underwent three surgeries and several courses of chemotherapy over a 42-month period. The first surgery, involving en-bloc excision of the urachal mass, partial urinary bladder, urachal ligament, and umbilicus was performed in May 2007. It is well known that the correct surgical scheme plays a key role in preventing recurrence or metastasis. However, a second debulking surgery with only a single salpingo-oophorectomy may have contributed directly to the patient's subsequent left ovarian metastasis. Therefore, we strongly recommend performing a bilateral salpingooophorectomy once ovarian metastasis has been detected, even if the metastasis is only present on one side. Although postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy regimens, first with Taxol, carboplatin, gemcitabine, and cisplatin, and then with IFO, EPI, and mesna were consecutively administered after the first and second surgeries, they seemed less effective, since recurrence and metastasis occurred shortly after each surgical treatment. After a third debulking surgery in June 2009, docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine were administered. This chemotherapy regimen was chosen based on an immunohistochemical test that involved the multidrug resistance gene; this test indicated that the urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma was resistant to the two chemotherapy regimens used previously. Surprisingly, the patient exhibited a marker response to the new regimen and the metastatic foci entered into a stable disease stage. However, the patient still died of diffuse metastatic disease 1.5 years later. During the whole period of treatment, we found that serum tumor markers including CA724, CA125, CA19-9, and CEA were elevated in a linear pattern, with parallel increases in line with peritoneal carcinomatosis and parallel reductions in line with response to personalized chemotherapy. Conclusion: Personalized treatment can be given to those patients who experience a poor response to initial therapy. Moreover, an immunohistochemical test for the multidrug resistance gene and serum tumor markers may supply key information in the choice of reasonable chemotherapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Picrasma belongs to the Simaroubaceae family and contains six species which are mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and America. The barks, roots, stems, branches, or leaves of several Picrasma species have been applied as folk medicines to treat fever, sore throat, dysentery, eczema, nausea, loss of appetite, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and hypertension. A systematic summary on the botanic characterization, ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, bioactivities and toxicity of species belonging to Picrasma was presented to facilitate the exploitation of the therapeutic potential of these plants. The literatures about Picrasma were retrieved from a series of scientific search engines including Web of Science, SciFinder, PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Wiley, ACS publications, and SpringerLink between 1970 and 2020. Plant names were validated by "The Plant List" (www.theplantlist.org). As ethnopharmacological uses, Picrasma species are valuable folk medicines to treat fever, inflammation, dysentery, eczema, cancer, diabetics, skin infection, and so on. Up to now, a total of 361 compounds including 126 alkaloids, 132 quassinoids, 67 triterpenoids, and 36 miscellaneous compounds were reported from Picrasma species. Quassinoids and alkaloids are the principal constituents in the genus. The extracts and phytochemical constituents of Picrasma species demonstrate a wide range of bioactivities including cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other activities. Picrasma species are widely used as traditional medicines, have diverse chemical constituents with obvious biological activities. Nevertheless, further studies are required on the Picrasma species to assert the ethnopharmacological uses, clarify their bioactive constituents, determine pharmacological actions, and toxicity. Therefore, the present review may provide a critical clue for future studies and further exploitations on Picrasma species. [Display omitted] • A review to summarize the ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, bioactivities, toxicity of genus Picrasma. • Up to 2020, a total of 361 compounds were reviewed from Picrasma species. • The extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds of Picrasma species possessed diverse bioactivities. • The links between ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, bioactivities, toxicity have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is a meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of indacaterol in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with treatment duration of ≥12 weeks. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported in English (to September 30, 2012) were identified from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, websites, reference lists, and manual searches. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the trials and extracted information. Results: Five RCTs were eligible. Five involved indacaterol, two salmeterol, one formoterol, and one tiotropium. Four studies had placebos. Using trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s as a measure of therapeutic effect, indacaterol was superior to the other β2-agonists, tiotropium, and placebo at weeks 12, 26, and 52. Indacaterol had a greater effect on the transition dyspnoea index compared with placebo, formoterol, and salmeterol, but not open-label tiotropium. In reducing the as-needed use of salbutamol, indacaterol were superior to placebo, tiotropium, and formoterol, but not salmeterol (5, 95 % confidence interval (CI), -2.15, 12.15). Indacaterol improved St George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores more than placebo and open-label tiotropium, but not formoterol. Indacaterol seemed to cause more adverse events than placebo only at a dose of 600 μg daily and a duration of 52 weeks (risk ratio 1.15; 95 % CI, 1.04, 1.26). The total and serious adverse events and adverse events leading to discontinuation were comparable with open-label tiotropium and the β2-agonists. Conclusions: Indacaterol is effective and well-tolerated as a bronchodilator for the maintenance of moderate to severe COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia miltiorrhiza is one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicinal plants for treatment of coronary heart disease. Tanshinones are the main biological active compounds in S. miltiorrhiza. In this study, effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MJ) and nitric oxide (NO) on tanshinone production in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots were investigated and the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MJ and NO-induced tanshinone production were elucidated further. The results showed that contents of four tanshinone compounds were significantly increased by 100 μM MJ when compared to the control. Application of 100 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a donor of NO, also resulted in a significant increase of tanshinone production. Expression of two key genes encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) and 1-deoxy- d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) was up-regulated by MJ and SNP. Generations of O and HO were triggered by MJ, but not by SNP. The increase of tanshinone production and up-regulation of HMGR and DXR expression induced by MJ were significantly inhibited by ROS scavengers, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). However, neither SOD nor CAT was able to suppress the SNP-induced increase of tanshinone production and expression of HMGR and DXR gene. In conclusion, tanshinone production was significantly stimulated by MJ and SNP. Of four tanshinone compounds, cryptotanshinone accumulation was most affected by MJ elicitation, while cryptotanshinone and tanshinone IIA accumulation was more affected by SNP elicitation. ROS mediated MJ-induced tanshinone production, but SNP-induced tanshinone production was ROS independent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Selective emitter for silicon solar cell was realized by employing a-Si thin films as the semi-transparent diffusion barrier. The a-Si thin films with various thicknesses (∼10–40nm) were deposited by the electron-beam evaporation technique. Emitters with sheet resistances from 37 to 145Ω/□ were obtained via POCl3 diffusion process. The thickness of the a-Si diffusion barrier was optimized to be 15nm for selective emitter in our work. Homemade mask which can dissolve in ethanol was screen-printed on a-Si film to make pattern. The a-Si film was then patterned in KOH solution to form finger-like design. Selective emitter was obtainable with one-step diffusion with patterned a-Si film on. Combinations of sheet resistances for the high-/low-level doped regions of 39.8/112.1, 36.2/88.8, 35.4/73.9 were obtained. These combinations are suitable for screen-printed solar cells. This preparation method of selective emitter based on a-Si diffusion barrier is a promising approach for low cost industrial manufacturing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was used to comprehensively evaluate total natural antioxidants and antioxidant activities in Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou fruits based on geographical origin. Correlations between natural antioxidants, antioxidant activities and geographical conditions were investigated. TOPSIS evaluation showed that the fruits from Ningxia possess the largest amount of natural antioxidants and antioxidant activities among other samples. Correlation analyses indicated that both altitude and annual precipitation exert profound effects on natural antioxidant levels. Moreover, the fruits exhibited significant DNA damage protection activity and in vitro antiradical potentials. In particular, the fruits from Ningxia, Gansu and Shaanbei which were grown in the semi-arid regions of loess plateaus showed fairly higher antioxidant activities. To a certain degree, this study concludes that the fruits in arid harsh and high-altitude areas can accumulate higher levels of natural antioxidants and display stronger antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) has been repeatedly reported to positively correlate with grain yield in wheat grown under post-anthesis stress environments. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain this association. However, there is few reported direct evidence clarified the relationship between Δ and grain yield, which is the objective of the present work. The relationships between Δ and grain yield (GY), harvest index (HI), ash content (m a), specific stem dry weight (SSDW) and carbohydrate in stem, were studied in a collection of 20 bread wheat cultivars (landraces, released cultivars and advanced lines) in Yinchuan of the Ningxia region (Northwest of China) in three successive years (2006, 2007 and 2008). Relationships between GY, HI, stem specific dry weight, accumulation and mobilization of stem reserved carbohydrate and Δ were analyzed. The effects of year, sampling time and genotypes on measured traits were significant. Positive correlations between grain yield and Δ were noted in 2007 and 2008 when stress occurred after anthesis, but not in 2006 when soil water condition was nearly optimal. Significant and positive correlations among m a L m, grain Δ and harvest index were found. Stem water-soluble carbohydrate content (SWSCC) and specific dry weight 7 days after anthesis was positively associated with Δ. Remobilization efficiency of stem water-soluble carbohydrate and total carbohydrate (the sum of water-soluble carbohydrate and starch) was also found to be significantly and positively correlated to Δ. There were negative relationships between ΔG m, ΔS m, and SSDW at maturity. In conclusion, Δ may predict yield when irrigation does not meet crop''s water requirement and wheat experiences a slight water stress after anthesis in central region of Ningxia. Δ or m a L m is related to the efficiency of carbon partitioning to the grain. Basal mature stem Δ seems to be an integrated character reflecting both early carbohydrate assimilation and dry matter remobilization to grain during grain-filling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The biotransformation of arsenic mediated by microorganisms plays an important role in the arsenic biogeochemical cycle. However, the fate and biotransformation of arsenic in different soil fauna gut microbiota are largely unknown. Herein the effects of arsenic contamination on five types of soil fauna were compared by examining variations in arsenic bioaccumulation, gut microbiota, and arsenic biotransformation genes (ABGs). Significant difference was observed in the arsenic bioaccumulation across several fauna body tissues, and Metaphire californica had the highest arsenic bioaccumulation, with a value of 107 ± 1.41 mg kg−1. Arsenic exposure significantly altered overall patterns of ABGs; however, dominant genes involved in arsenic redox and other genes involved in arsenic methylation and demethylation were not significantly changed across animals. Except for M. californica , the abundance of ABGs in other animal guts firstly increased and then decreased with increasing arsenic concentrations. In addition, exposure of soil fauna to arsenic led to shifts in the unique gut-associated bacterial community, but the magnitude of these changes varied significantly across ecological groups of soil fauna. A good correlation between the gut bacterial communities and ABG profiles was observed, suggesting that gut microbiota plays important roles in the biotransformation of arsenic. Overall, these results provide a universal profiling of a microbial community capable of arsenic biotransformation in different fauna guts. Considering the global distribution of soil fauna in the terrestrial ecosystem, this finding broadens our understanding of the hidden role of soil fauna in the arsenic bioaccumulation and biogeochemical cycle. [Display omitted] • Arsenic bioaccumulation exhibited significant differences among different soil fauna. • Both bacterial communities and arsenic biotransformation genes shifted in different fauna guts. • Streptomycetaceae , Chthoniobacter, Bradyrhizobiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae as indicator species for arsenic were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The water consumption characteristics and water use efficiency (WUE) of poplar (Populus simonii) were investigated under the condition of three different soil water regimes, which were 70%, 55% and 40% of field capacity (FC), respectively. The results showed that water potential, water content, photosynthetic rate, WUE of leaves, and plant growth rate decreased significantly with reduction in soil water content. At the level of adequate and medium soil water content, rapid growth and biomass accumulation in poplar occurred during May and June, whereas this phenomenon occurred only during May under severe soil drought condition. Total water consumption and biomass growth were the greatest under adequate soil water condition, decreased under medium soil drought condition, and lowest under severe soil drought condition. Total WUE was the highest under medium soil water condition and lowest under severe soil condition. Changing patterns of water consumption for daily rate, every 10-day rate, and month rate were quite different under these three soil water regimes. For all these three treatments, the highest monthly water consumption rate occurred during July and June. The highest water consumption over a 10-day period was during in the second 10 days of July, the first 10 days of July, and the last 10 days of June for these three treatments, respectively. The day for the highest water consumption in the medium and severe drought treatments occurred 1 or 2 months earlier than the adequate soil water treatment. The daily time for the greatest water consumption was different throughout the life span of poplar under these soil water levels. According to these results, we concluded that poplar did not have the characteristics of drought-resistance plants, and we do not recommend that this tree species be planted over a wider range of the Loess Plateau in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Drought is a world-spread problem seriously influencing crop production and quality, the loss of which is the total for other natural disasters, with increasing global climate change making the situation more serious. Wheat is the staple food for more than 35% of world population, so wheat anti-drought physiology study is of importance to wheat production and biological breeding for the sake of coping with abiotic and biotic conditions. Much research is involved in this hot topic, but the pace of progress is not so large because of drought resistance being a multiple-gene-control quantitative character and wheat genome being larger (16,000Mb). On the other hand, stress adaptive mechanisms are quite different, with stress degree, different growth and developmental stages, time course, materials and experimental plots, thus increasing the complexity of the issue in question. Additionally, a little study is related to the whole life circle of wheat, which cannot provide a comprehensive understanding of its anti-drought machinery. We selected 10 kinds of wheat genotypes as materials, which have potential to be applied in practice, and measured change of relative physiological indices through wheat whole growing developmental circle (i.e. seedling, tillage and maturing). Here, we reported the dynamic anti-oxidative results of whole stage (i.e. seedling, tillage and maturing) in terms of activities of POD, SOD, CAT of 10 wheat genotypes as follows: (1) 10 wheat genotypes can be grouped into three kinds (A, B and C, respectively) according to their changing trend of the measured indices; (2) A group performed better resistance drought under the condition of treatment level 1, whose activities of anti-oxidative enzymes (POD, SOD, CAT) were higher; (3) B group exhibited stronger anti-drought under treatment level 2, whose activities of anti-oxidative enzymes were higher; (4) C group expressed anti-drought to some extent under treatment level 3, whose activities of anti-oxidative enzymes were stronger, MDA lower; (5) these results demonstrated that different wheat genotypes have different physiological mechanisms to adapt themselves to changing drought stress, whose molecular basis is discrete gene expression profiling (transcriptom); (6) our results also showed that the concept and method accepted and adopted by most researchers – that 75% FC is a proper supply for higher plants – was doubted because this level could not reflect the true suitable level of different wheat genotypes; (7) our research can provide insights into physiological mechanisms of crop anti-drought and direct practical materials for wheat anti-drought breeding; (8) POD, SOD and CAT activities of different wheat genotypes had quite different changing trend at different stages and under different soil water stress conditions, which was linked with their origin of cultivation and individual soil water stress threshold; (9) our primary results also firstly displayed that the changing trend for wheat adapting to environmental stress during life circle was an S-shaped curve, which is, by chance, consistent with Plant Growth Grand Periodicity Curve. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Drought is one of the major factors limiting crop production globally, with increasing global climate change making the situation more serious. Wheat is the staple food for more than 35% of world population, so wheat anti-drought physiology study is of importance to wheat production and biological breeding for the sake of coping with abiotic and biotic conditions. Much research is involved in this hot topic, but the pace of progress is not so large because of drought resistance being a multiple-gene-control quantitative character and wheat genome being larger (16,000Mb). On the other hand, stress adaptive mechanisms are quite different, with stress degree, time course, materials, and experimental plots, thus increasing the complexity of the issue in question. Additionally, a little study is related to the whole life circle of wheat, which cannot provide a comprehensive understanding of its anti-drought machinery. We selected 10 kinds of wheat genotypes as materials, which have potential to be applied in practice, and measured relative change of anti-oxidative enzymes and membrane peroxidation through wheat whole growth-developmental circle (i.e. seedling, tillering and maturing). Here, we firstly reported the results of seedling stage as follows: (1) 10 wheat genotypes can be grouped into three kinds (A–C, respectively) according to their changing trend of the measured indices; (2) A performed better resistance drought under the condition of treatment level 1 (appropriate level), whose activities of anti-oxidative enzymes (POD, SOD, CAT) were higher and MDA lower and chlorophyll a + b higher; (3) B exhibited stronger anti-drought under treatment level 2 (light stress level), whose activities of anti-oxidative enzymes were higher, MDA lower and chlorophyll higher; (4) C expressed anti-drought to some extent under treatment level 3 (serious stress), whose activities of anti-oxidative enzymes were stronger, MDA lower and chlorophyll higher; (5) these results demonstrated that different wheat genotypes have different physiological mechanisms to adapt themselves to changing drought stress, whose molecular basis is discrete gene expression profiling (transcriptom); (6) our results also showed that the concept accepted by most researchers, 70–75% QF [T.C. Hsiao, Plant responses to water stress, Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. 24 (1973) 519–570] is a proper supply for plants, was doubted, because this level could not reflect the true suitable level of wheat. The study in this respect is the key to wheat anti-drought and biological saving-water; (7) our research can provide insights into physiological mechanisms of crop anti-drought and direct practical materials for wheat anti-drought breeding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Uncaria, a perennial vine from the Rubiaceae family, is a typical Chinese traditional medicine. Currently, uncertainty exists over the Uncaria genus' evolutionary relationships and germplasm identification. The complete chloroplast genomes of four Uncaria species mentioned in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Uncaria scandens (an easily confused counterfeit) were sequenced and annotated. The findings demonstrated that the whole chloroplast genome of Uncaria genus is 153,780–155,138 bp in full length, encoding a total of 128–131 genes, containing 83–86 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs and 37 tRNAs. These regions, which include eleven highly variable loci and 31–49 SSRs, can be used to create significant molecular markers for the Uncaria genus. The phylogenetic tree was constructed according to protein-coding genes and the whole chloroplast genome sequences of five Uncaria species using four methods. The topology of the two phylogenetic trees showed no difference. The sequences of U. rhynchophylla and U. scandens are clustered in one group, while the U. hirsuta and U. macrophylla are clustered in another group. U. sessilifructus is clustered together with the above two small clades. New insights on the relationship were revealed via phylogenetic research in five Uncaria species. This study will provide a theoretical basis for identifying U. rhynchophylla and its counterfeits, as well as the species of the Uncaria genus. This research provides the initial chloroplast genome report of Uncaria, contributes to elucidating the chloroplast genome evolution of Uncaria in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, an aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based sensor, 4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)benzoxime (TPE-phos), has been rationally designed for phosgene detection. The sensor has a tetraphenylethylene unit combined with an oxime moiety. TPE-phos undergoes nitrile formation after the oxime group reacts with phosgene, which will give a significant "light-up" fluorescence due to the AIE effect within seconds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hydrodistillation of the flower of seven populations of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. collected in different locations in China afforded a pale yellowish oil in a yield of approximately 0.2%. A total of 82 compounds were identified across all the samples, accounting for 98–100% of the total compositions of each sample. Components were mainly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, fatty acids and alkanes. GC and GC–MS analysis indicated that the predominant components of the essential oils are β-caryophyllene (12.2–31.7%), β-caryophyllene oxide (1.4–11.6%), α-caryophyllene (4.8–10.6%), cadinadiene (7.4–29.3%), and hexadecanoic acid (3.9–18.8%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer are both common diseases with poor prognosis and high mortality worldwide. The coexistence of the two diseases has rarely been reported while their relationship has been noted. Here we describe a patient diagnosed with both TB and squamous cell carcinoma in a single lesion. The patient had a cough for four months and polypnea for two months, with a smoking history of over 40 years. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a lobular mass in the right hilar region, which was diagnosed as TB by transbronchial lung biopsy. The symptoms and CT findings indicated the possibility of lung cancer. So, the patient underwent a further lung biopsy at the periphery of the mass, which was confirmed as squamous cell carcinoma. This case illuminated that when the mass with cancer-like morphologic features and location instead of typical TB, even the initial pathological result shows TB, coexistence of the diseases should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mandibular advancement device (MAD) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and explore the effect of different positions on MAD for OSA. The Embase, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies evaluating the effect of MAD on the treatment of OSA from database inception to November 2022. The Bayesian random-effects mode was used to calculate the pooled outcome. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were applied to investigate the heterogeneity. A total of 6 studies enrolling 643 patients were eligible for further analysis. MAD treatment led to improvements in total apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) for both positional OSA(POSA) and Non-POSA groups, but there was no significant difference in the effect of MAD on Non-POSA and POSA (MD = −1.46,95%CI [-4.89,1.97], P = 0.40). In the supine position, AHI improvement after MAD treatment in POSA group was more than that in Non-POSA group by 15 events/hour in average (MD = 14.82, 95%CI [11.43,18.22], P＜0.00001), while in the non-supine position, the change of AHI in Non-POSA group was significantly better than that in POSA group by approximately 8 events/hour (MD = −7.55,95%CI[-10.73,-4.38],p < 0.00001). MAD is more suitable for POSA compared to Non-POSA in patients with habitual sleep in the supine or supine predominant position. While for patients with habitual sleep in the non-supine position, MAD is an effective treatment option for Non-POSA. • MAD treatment led to improvements in total AHI for both POSA and Non-POSA patients. • MAD is more suitable for POSA in patients with habitual sleep in the supine or supine predominant position. • For patients with habitual sleep in the non-supine position, MAD is an effective treatment option for Non-POSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural pyrites contain high contents of adsorbed and structurally-incorporated arsenic (As), which may in turn affect the oxidation rates of pyrite as well as the transformation and immobilization behaviors of As contaminants. However, the speciation and distribution of As on the oxidation reactivity of pyrites is still not clear yet. In this study, the oxidation reactivity of three different pyrites, namely, pure pyrite (Py-free), As(III)-adsorbed pyrite [Py*-As(III) ad ] and As(III)-structurally-incorporated pyrite [Py-As(III) in , including Py-0.02 and Py-0.04] will be compared. In Py-As(III) in , As(III) replaces S(-I) and changes the relative ratio of Fe: S. The XPS results reveal that Fe(III)-S(-II) site densities on the pyrite surface increase with incorporated As, indicating that Py-As(III) in with more As carries more surface defects. The oxidation rates of pyrites are accelerated at pHs 7.0 and 9.0 by both structurally-incorporated and adsorbed As(III), which is more significant in structurally-incorporated As(III). At pH 2.5, structurally-incorporated As(III) promotes the oxidation of pyrite, whereas adsorbed As(III) inhibits its oxidation. The Tafel plots and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis further support that As in Py-As(III) in decreases the charge transfer resistance on the pyrite surface and facilitates electron transfer between dissolved oxygen (DO) and the pyrite surface, thus enhancing the oxidation rates of pyrites. Variations of H 2 O 2 in Py-As(III) in in the full pH range also indicate that As increases the two-electron transfer from pyrite to DO, resulting in the formation of more H 2 O 2. At pH 2.5, the generated OH from H 2 O 2 is the predominant species in pyrite oxidation, and at pHs 7.0 and 9.0, H 2 O 2, Fe(IV) and OH all contribute to pyrite oxidation. Compared with Py-As(III) in , As in Py*-As(III) ad is more readily to be mobilized, with more As(V) being detected at pH 2.5. Subsequent decreases of As(III) and As(V) suggest re-immobilization of the released As via the adsorption or co-precipitation pathways. Solid characterizations further reveal that dissolved or adsorbed As(III) significantly inhibit the development of lepidocrocite, goethite and magnetite, whereas structurally-incorporated As(III) does not, triggering differences in the speciation of secondary Fe minerals. The present study reveals that the speciation and distribution of As(III) significantly affects the chemical and electronic properties of different pyrites, thus affecting the corresponding oxidation reactivity of different pyrites. Unlabelled Image • As(III)-incorporated pyritescarry more surface defects than pure pyrite. • Structurally-incorporated As(III) enhances oxidation rates of pyrite. • Structurally-incorporated As(III) decreases the surface charge transfer resistance. • H 2 O 2 and Fe(IV) are important in pyrite oxidation at pHs 7.0 and 9.0. • Immobilization patterns of As affect mobilization behaviors of As. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: ASTRIS study aimed the largest to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of second- or higher-line osimertinib in patients with advanced/metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the real-world setting. Here we report the results of Chinese patients in ASTRIS study. Methods: Adults with EGFR T790M-positive advanced NSCLC pretreated with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), having a WHO performance status score of 0–2 and asymptomatic, stable central nervous system (CNS) metastases were included. All patients received once-daily osimertinib 80 mg orally. The outcomes included investigator-assessed clinical response, progression-free survival (PFS), time-to-treatment discontinuation (TTD), and safety. Results: A total of 1350 patients were included. Response rate was 55.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–0.58). The median PFS and the median TTD were 11.7 months (95% CI 11.1–12.5) and 13.9 months (95% CI 13.1–15.2), respectively. Overall, 389 patients (28.8%) had at least one protocol-specified adverse event (AE); AEs of interstitial lung diseases/pneumonitis-like events and QT prolongation were reported in 3 (0.2%) and 59 (4.4%) patients, respectively. Conclusion: Osimertinib was effective in Chinese patients with T790M-positive NSCLC who had progressed after first- or second-generation EGFR-TKI in real-word setting and the results were consistent with ASTRIS study overall population and AURA studies. No new safety signals or events were identified. Clinical trial number: NCT02474355. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to investigate the feasibility of CUBE-SITR MRI and high-frequency ultrasound for the structural imaging of the brachial plexus to exclude neoplastic brachial plexopathy or structural variation and measure the lengths of anterior and posterior divisions of the C7 nerve, providing guidelines for surgeons before contralateral cervical 7 nerve transfer. A total of 30 patients with CNS and 20 with brachial plexus injury were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent brachial plexus CUBE-STIR MRI and high-frequency ultrasound, and the lengths of the anterior and posterior divisions of C7 nerve were measured before surgery. Precise length of anterior and posterior divisions of contralateral C7 nerve was measured during surgery. MRI-measured lengths of anterior and posterior divisions of C7 nerves were positively correlated with that measured during surgery (anterior division, r = 0.94, p <.01; posterior division, r = 0.92, p <.01). High agreement was found between MRI-measured and intra-surgery measured length of anterior and posterior divisions of C7 nerve by BLAD-ALTMAN analysis. Ultrasonography could feasibly image supraclavicular C7 nerve and recognize small variant branches derived from middle trunk of C7 nerve root, which could be dissected intra-operatively and confirmed by electromyography during the procedure of contralateral C7 nerve transfer. CUBE-STIR MRI had advantages for the imaging of the brachial plexus and measurement of the length of root-trunk-anterior/posterior divisions of C7 nerve. The clinical role of ultrasonography may be a simple way of evaluating general condition of C7 nerve and provide guidelines for contralateral C7 nerve transfer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community detection is a fundamental work to analyse the structural and functional properties of complex networks. The label propagation algorithm (LPA) is a near linear time algorithm to find a good community structure. Despite various subsequent advances, an important issue of this algorithm has not yet been properly addressed. Random update orders within the algorithm severely hamper the stability of the identified community structure. In this paper, we executed the basic label propagation algorithm on networks multiple times, to obtain a set of consensus partitions. Based on these consensus partitions, we created a consensus weighted graph. In this consensus weighted graph, the weight value of the edge was the proportion value that the number of node pairs allocated in the same cluster was divided by the total number of partitions. Then, we introduced consensus weight to indicate the direction of label propagation. In label update steps, by computing the mixing value of consensus weight and label frequency, a node adopted the label which has the maximum mixing value instead of the most frequent one. For extending to different networks, we introduced a proportion parameter to adjust the proportion of consensus weight and label frequency in computing mixing value. Finally, we proposed an approach named the label propagation algorithm with consensus weight (LPAcw), and the experimental results showed that the LPAcw could enhance considerably both the stability and the accuracy of community partitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer tubes filled with steel-reinforced high-strength concrete are proposed as glass fiber-reinforced polymer-steel-reinforced high-strength concrete composite members. Eccentric compression is a typical loading scenario for such column members in practice. Experimental investigation on eight glass fiber-reinforced polymer tubes filled with steel-reinforced highstrength concrete columns subjected to eccentric compression was conducted. The effects of fiber orientation, thickness of glass fiber-reinforced polymer tube, slenderness ratio of columns, and loading eccentricity were investigated. It was found that the compression bearing capacity of glass fiber-reinforced polymer-steel-reinforced high-strength concrete columns increased with the decrease in the fiber tangle angle and the increase in the thickness of the glass fiber-reinforced polymer tube but reduced with the increase in the eccentricity and the slenderness ratio. Corresponding formulas were developed based on the nonlinear full-process analysis theory to describe the compression behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polymer-steel-reinforced high-strength concrete under eccentric loading. Good agreement was found through the comparison between the theoretical and the experimental results. The validated modeling approach was, therefore, employed to develop a parametric analysis that can be used to provide valuable guidance for practical application and further research on such structural members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few large-scale studies have demonstrated the efficacy of tobramycin nebulization in bronchiectasis. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of nebulized tobramycin inhalation solution (TIS) in adults with bronchiectasis with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Can TIS effectively reduce sputum P aeruginosa density and improve the bronchiectasis-specific quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis with P aeruginosa infection? This was a phase 3, 16-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eligible adults with bronchiectasis were recruited from October 2018 to July 2021. On the basis of usual care, patients nebulized TIS (300 mg/5 mL twice daily) or normal saline (5 mL twice daily) via vibrating-mesh nebulizer. Treatment consisted of two cycles, each consisting of 28 days on-treatment and 28 days off-treatment. The coprimary end points included changes from baseline in P aeruginosa density and Quality-of-Life Bronchiectasis Respiratory Symptoms score on day 29. The modified intention-to-treat population consisted of 167 patients in the tobramycin group and 172 patients in the placebo group. Compared with placebo, TIS resulted in a significantly greater reduction in P aeruginosa density (adjusted mean difference, 1.74 log 10 colony-forming units/g; 95% CI, 1.12-2.35; P <.001) and greater improvement in Quality-of-Life Bronchiectasis Respiratory Symptoms score (adjusted mean difference, 7.91; 95% CI, 5.72-10.11; P <.001) on day 29. Similar findings were observed on day 85. TIS resulted in a significant reduction in 24-h sputum volume and sputum purulence score on days 29, 57, and 85. More patients became culture negative for P aeruginosa in the tobramycin group than in the placebo group on day 29 (29.3% vs 10.6%). The incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events were comparable between the two groups. TIS is an effective treatment option and has an acceptable safety profile in patients with bronchiectasis with P aeruginosa infection. ClinicalTrials.gov; No. NCT03715322; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fragmentation and isolation can reduce the size of available habitat and lead to lower food availability for some primate species. The persistence of nonhuman primates in fragments depends largely on their ability to adjust their diet in response environmental change. The western black crested gibbon ( Nomascus concolor) is distributed in northern Vietnam, northwestern Laos, and southwestern China, but little is known about its diet except from studies in the well-protected forests of Mt. Wuliang and Mt. Ailao, central Yunnan. We studied food abundance and diet over 2 years in a small group surviving in an isolated and disturbed forest at Bajiaohe, southern Yunnan, and drew a comparison with the population at Dazhaizi in Mt. Wuliang. We found that gibbons at Bajiaohe consumed mostly fruit, but did not eat figs, unlike most other gibbon populations. Liana fruits and mature leaves were used as alternative foods during periods of tree fruit scarcity. Our results indicate that gibbons in Bajiaohe respond to habitat fragmentation and isolation by consuming a variety of plant species, depending on those that are locally available, and increasing time spent feeding on fruits of trees and lianas rather than increasing time spent consuming leaves. Am. J. Primatol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular schwannomas have been previously described at almost every anatomic location of the human body, but reports in the gastric wall are rare. The current study presents a rare case of cellular schwannoma originating from the gastric wall. Computed tomography revealed a 5.6x5.3x4.0-cm³ solid mass located in the posterior wall of the stomach. Open laparotomy confirmed its mesenchymal origin. Microscopically, the tissue was composed of spindle-shaped and fascicularly-arranged cells, but mitotic figures were rare. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor was negative for cluster of differentiation (CD)117, CD34, smooth muscle actin and desmin, but positive for S-100 and Ki67. The patient presented no evidence of recurrence and metastasis during follow-up. Gastric cellular schwannomas may be diagnosed by clinical characteristics, histological observations and immunohistochemical markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective LncRNA Fendrr plays an important role in cardiac development, but its role in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unclear. P53 has been shown to be an important regulator of apoptosis and is involved in myocardial I/R-induced apoptosis. This study aims at investigating whether Fendrr affects hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through p53. Methods The left anterior descending coronary artery of the rat was ligated for 30 min and then reperfusion for 120 min by releasing the suture. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) and rat cardiac cell line H9c2 were cultured for 6 h in hypoxia (95% N2 and 5% CO2), followed by reoxygenation (95% air and 5% CO2) for 6 h. Transfection were performed in cells. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Moreover, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination assay, GST pull-down assay and co-immunoprecipitation were used to detect the regulation of Fendrr on p53 protein. Key findings Fendrr was decreased in I/R-induced myocardium and H/R-induced cardiomyocyte, and overexpression of Fendrr inhibited H/R-induced NRVM or H9c2 cells apoptosis. Further research found that the 1381-2100 nt of Fendrr bound to p53 protein and Fendrr promoted t direct binding of p53 to Cop1. The inhibition of Fendrr reduced the binding of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase constitutive photomorphogenesis protein 1 (COP1) to p53 and reduced the ubiquitination of p53. Furthermore, the inhibition of Fendrr on H/R-induced NRVM or H9c2 cells apoptosis could be reversed by overexpression of p53. Conclusions Fendrr can inhibit H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which is partly through promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of p53 by increasing the binding of Cop1 and p53. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiolipomas are frequently observed benign tumors. They have a typical vascular component and are often located in subcutaneous tissues, and more rarely, in the gastrointestinal tract. We present the case of a 58-year-old man who complained of abdominal discomfort in the left lower quadrant and two to three bloody stools a day without any obvious etiology. These symptom became more severe in the next three days, due to a large angiolipoma located in the descending colon, which was diagnosed intraoperatively. In a literature review, we found only 22 cases of angiolipomas involving the gastrointestinal tract which are reported in the literature from 1960 to 2012 in PubMed; the key words used in the search are gastrointestinal tract angiolipoma, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, intestine, ileocecal junction, colon, rectum angiolipomas. Colon angiolipoma with intussusception, as seen in this case, is rare and may require emergent surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic recurrent intestinal inflammatory disease, often accompanied by poor adaptation and excessive stress response. However, the potential neurological mechanisms of these symptoms have not yet been studied in‐depth. Objective: To investigate alterations in brain activity in patients with Crohn's disease and study the relationship between altered regions and clinical indices. Methods: A total of 15 CD patients and 26 matched healthy controls were recruited. All participants underwent fMRI scans. The amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) assessed differences in spontaneous regional brain activity. Differences between the groups were selected as seeds for functional connectivity (FC) analyses. Correlations between disease duration and ALFF/ReHo/FC values in abnormal regions were analyzed. Results: Patients with CD had significantly higher ALFF values in the left superior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, and supplementary motor area, and lower values in the left hippocampus. They also had higher ReHo values in the left anterior cingulate cortex, supplementary motor area, putamen, and the bilateral superior frontal gyri. FC strength in the left precentral and middle temporal gyri was found to be increased when the left superior frontal gyrus was used as the seed point. FC strength was also observed to be increased in the left postcentral, middle frontal gyri, inferior frontal orbital cortex, and right rolandic operculum when the left anterior cingulate cortex was used as the seed point. Conclusion: CD demonstrated abnormal neural activity and FC in various regions primarily associated with emotional, pain and cognitive‐related functions, which provides more information to further understand the neural mechanisms of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simplicillium species are commonly found from soil, seawater, rock surface, decayed wood, air and as symbiotic, endophytic, entomopathogenic and mycoparasitic fungi. Minority insect-associated species was reported. Simplicillium coccinellidae, S. hymenopterorum, S. neolepidopterorum and S. scarabaeoidea were introduced as the newly insect-associated species. The phylogenetic analyses of two combined datasets (LSU + RPB1 + TEF and SSU + ITS + LSU) revealed that S. coccinellidae and S. hymenopterorum were both nested in an independent clade. S. neolepidopterorum and S. scarabaeoidea have a close relationship with S. formicidae and S. lepidopterorum, respectively. S. neolepidopterorum can be easily distinguished from S. formicidae by ellipsoidal to cylindrical, solitary conidia which occasionally gather in short imbricate chains. S. scarabaeoidea could be easily distinguished from S. lepodopterorum by having longer phialides and larger conidia. Based on the morphological and phylogenetic conclusion, we determine the four newly generated isolates as new species of Simplicillium and a new combination is proposed in the genus Leptobacillium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current case report presents an accessory spleen mimicking gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the stomach in a patient who had undergone a splenectomy ~20 years previously. A 61-year-old male, who presented with upper abdominal discomfort lasting three months, underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy. Gastroscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a smooth, hemispherical mass of ~2 cm in diameter, with homogenous echogenicity originating from the gastric muscular layer. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed that the well-marginated ovoid mass was ~2.6x1.9 cm in size. The patient was diagnosed with GIST. Subsequent therapy consisted of partial gastrectomy. The pathological results indicated the mass contained splenic tissue, which confirmed it to be an accessory spleen. Changes in the postoperative platelet count were noted. The observations of this case study highlight that platelet count should be used as a routine indicator for monitoring accessory spleen arising from gastric fundus lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of hospitalized young coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has increased significantly. However, specific data about COVID-19 patients under 65 years old who are admitted to the hospital are scarce. Methods: The COVID-19 patients under 65 years old who were admitted to the hospital in Sichuan Province, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, and Wuhan Red Cross Hospital were included in this study. Demographic information, laboratory data and clinical treatment courses were extracted from electronic medical records. Risk factors associated with oxygen therapy were explored. Results: Eight hundred thirty-three COVID-19 patients under 65 years old were included. Of the included patients, 29.4% had one or more comorbidities. Oxygen therapy was required in 63.1% of these patients, and the mortality was 2.9% among the oxygen therapy patients. Fever (odds ratio [OR] 2.072, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.312–3.271, p = 0.002), dyspnea (OR 2.522, 95% CI 1.213–5.243, p = 0.013), chest distress (OR 2.278, 95% CI 1.160–4.473, p = 0.017), elevated respiratory rate (OR 1.114, 95% CI 1.010–1.228, p = 0.031), and decreased albumin (OR 0.932, 95% CI 0.880–0.987, p = 0.016) and globulin levels (OR 0.929, 95% 0.881–0.980, p = 0.007) were independent factors related to oxygen therapy. Conclusions: Oxygen therapy is highly required in COVID-19 patients under 65 years old who are admitted to the hospital, but the success rate is high. Respiratory failure-related symptoms, elevated respiratory rate, low albumin and globulin levels, and fever at admission are independent risk factors related to the requirement of oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly emerged lineage 1 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSVs) (especially the NADC30‐like and NADC34‐like viruses) have posed a direct threat to the Chinese pig industry since 2013. The phylogenetic, epidemic, and recombinant properties of these viruses have not yet systematically analysed in China. This report presents regular surveillance and field epidemiological studies for PRRSV across China from 2007 to 2019. From over 4,000 detected clinical samples, 70 open reading frame five sequences and four complete genomes of lineage 1 viruses were successfully obtained. Combined with global data, we conducted an extensive and systematic molecular phylogeny analysis using a maximum likelihood tree. The Chinese lineage 1 viruses were clustered, and their temporal and spatial distribution was further explored. Multiple viral introductions of lineage 1 virus from the United States to China were detected, and some became endemic in China. There are three sub‐lineage 1 clusters: lineage 1.5 (NADC34‐like), lineage 1.6 and New Intro cluster (NADC30‐like). These viruses show high genetic diversity and a wide distribution in China, with Henan Province showing the highest diversity. Moreover, Chinese lineage 1 viruses have developed an endemic NADC30‐like cluster. The demographic feature of this cluster showed a more or less constant population expansion history with a recent decreasing trend. Moreover, the genome recombination of Chinese lineage 1 with two dominant clusters (Chinese HP‐PRRSVs: lineage 8.7 and VR2332‐like: lineage 5.1) was frequently detected, both of which have commercial vaccine strains available. Furthermore, recombination hotspots were discovered near NSP9 and ORF2‐4 regions of the genome. Overall, these findings provide important insights into the evolution and geographical diversity of Chinese lineage 1 PRRSV. These results will facilitate the development of programmes for the control and prevention of the emerging lineage 1 viruses in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present an approach to design a fluorescent molecule for detection and discrimination of fluoride-containing G series and sulfur-containing V series nerve agents. FP1 bearing two reactive groups can react with fluorides and thiols from the two types of nerve agents and generate different products with obvious and diverse fluorescences, which will be helpful when dealing with terrorist crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, quantum image data hiding technology is restricted by high fidelity and embedding capacity, which frequently leads to permanent distortion of carrier images. A reversible data hiding method based on quantum controlled- NOT (CNOT) gate operation was proposed in the present study to satisfy the requirements of embedding capacity and visual quality and recover the original carrier image without loss. First, the hidden and carrier images were represented by a novel enhanced quantum representation of digital images. The hidden images were then encrypted and scrambled by employing chaos method. The quantum secret image was embedded into the relevant bit plane of the quantum carrier image considering quantum CNOT gate operation. The quantum key image was also generated. Finally, the current work not only extracted the quantum secret image without error but also recovered the carrier image without loss via inverse quantum CNOT gate operation. Simulation experiments were conducted to analyze embedding concealment and visual quality of the embedded steganographic images. Results demonstrate that the quantum circuit based on quantum CNOT gate operation not only enhances the embedding concealment but also improves the peak signal-to-noise ratio at the embedding capacity of 2 bits per pixel by 10% compared with the traditional least significant bit method. Thus, this operation achieves the lossless recovery of the original quantum carrier image. This study also provides certain theoretical importance and practical value for the security authentication and protection of quantum images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steganography of quantum images is restricted by high fidelity and robustness, which limit hiding capacity and decrease visual quality. To improve the concealment of steganographic embedding of secret messages and enhance embedding capacity, the present study proposed a quantum red-green-blue (RGB) image steganography based on image block and gray level difference. First, digital color images were represented by quantum models and divided into non-overlapping blocks. Second, reference pixels in the blocks were selected, and gray level difference between the reference pixels and the G channel of other pixels was calculated. Third, according to the location of the difference, different bit planes where secret messages were embedded into the R and the B channels of the carrier image were determined. Finally, steganographic image was divided into blocks. The G channel gray difference was calculated, and the original secret message was extracted. Results demonstrate that quantum RGB image steganography has a steganographic capacity of four bits per pixel, and its quantum circuit is less complex. In comparison with other quantum image steganographic methods, the proposed method ensures a large steganographic capacity while realizing satisfactory visual quality and steganographic concealment. The study provides reference significance for exploring data hiding and quantum image security based on quantum RGB image block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the average number of culprit arteries per patient, clinical success rate, and hemoptysis-free survival rate between hemoptysis patients with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography prior to bronchial artery embolization (BAE) and those without preprocedural MDCT angiography METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board with waiver of patient informed consent. From September 2012 to March 2017, 157 consecutive hemoptysis patients had been undergoing BAE. Among them, 106 patients received preprocedural MDCT angiography (MDCT group), while 51 patients did not receive preprocedural MDCT angiography (control group). The average number of culprit arteries per patient, clinical success rate, and hemoptysis-free survival rate were compared between the two groups.Results: The average number of culprit ectopic bronchial arteries and that of non-bronchial systemic arteries originating from the subclavian and internal mammary arteries per patient in the MDCT group were both significantly higher than those in the control group (0.15 ± 0.51 vs 0.04 ± 0.20, p = 0.022, and 0.17 ± 0.56 vs 0.08 ± 0.39, p = 0.040, respectively). The clinical success rate of BAE with preprocedural MDCT angiography tended to be higher than that without MDCT angiography (97.2 vs 88.2%, p = 0.057). Importantly, patients in the MDCT group had a significantly higher hemoptysis-free early survival rate compared to those in the control group (96.1 vs 86.7%, p = 0.031).Conclusions: Preprocedural MDCT angiography helps detect culprit ectopic bronchial arteries and non-bronchial systemic arteries originating from subclavian and internal mammary arteries during BAE, and can improve the hemoptysis-free early survival rate, which could be recommended as a regular examination prior to BAE in patients with hemoptysis.Key Points: • Preprocedural MDCT angiography helps detect culprit ectopic bronchial arteries and NBSAs originating from subclavian and internal mammary arteries during BAE. • Conducting MDCT angiography prior to BAE can improve hemoptysis-free early survival rate in hemoptysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The molecular and genetic research showed the association between DFNA11 and mutations in MYO7A. This research aimed to identify a MYO7A mutation in a family with nonsyndromic autosomal dominant hearing loss. Methods: We have ascertained one large multigenerational Chinese family (Z029) with autosomal dominant late-onset progressive non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss. Genome-wide linkage analysis of the family mapped the disease locus to the DFNA11 interval, where the MYO7A was considered as a candidate gene. Sequencing of the PCR products was carried out for each sample. One hundred and fifty one control subjects with normal hearing functions were also evaluated. Results: The pathogenic mutation (c.2011G>A) was identified in the family. This mutation co-segregated with hearing loss in this family. No mutation of MYO7A gene was found in the 151 controls. Conclusions: The missense mutation of MYO7A is identified in the family displaying the pedigree consistent with DFNA11. We not only examined the clinical and genetic characteristics of the family, but also provided a basis for genetic counseling. We also summarized and analyzed the phenotypes and genotypes of all DFNA11 families, four of nine are Chinese families, suggesting that MYO7A mutations are not rare. Therefore, we should pay more attention to Chinese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytogeographical variation has an impact on up/down regulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. In this context, present study analyzed the influence of environmental factors on secondary metabolites in Salvia miltiorrhiza from natural habitat of China with different topographical conditions. The chemotypic variation was further correlated with climatic factors than micronutrients in the soil. The data revealed that tanshinones were more likely to be influenced by changes in ecological factors compared with phenolic acids. Tanshinone content was positively correlated with annual sunshine duration (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.379 to 0.730, P <  0.01 or 0.05), but negatively correlated with annual mean temperature (correlation coefficients ranged from −0.358 to −0.718, P <  0.01 or 0.05) and annual average precipitation (correlation coefficients ranged from −0.425 to −0.679, P <  0.01); the opposite situation was found in salvianolic acid B (correlation coefficients were −0.137, 0.084, 0.19), caffeic acid (correlation coefficients were −0.336, 0.246, 0.216, P <  0.05) and rosmarinic acid (correlation coefficients were −0.518, 0.475, 0.493, P <  0.01). Among the micronutrients, soil concentrations of Ba, Al and Mg exhibit the positive correlation with tanshinone content, but Pb exhibit the negative correlation with tanshinone content. Total N and K presented positive effects on most of phenolic acids. Ba showed significant negative and direct effects on salvianolic acid B (correlation coefficient was −0.281) and Rosmarinic acid (correlation coefficient was −0.367, P <  0.05). Therefore, the elite chemotype of S. miltiorrhiza identified among the collected samples express the correlation of phyto-geographical condition on the quantity of industrially viable metabolites, tashinones and phenolic acids. This aids in site specific exploration of high metabolite yielding samples to meet out the commercial demands and, promote the agriculture practices of this industrial crop for societal upliftment in area having similar phytogeographical locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]