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Simple Summary: Information about the effect of curcumin supplementation on the cecum of Eimeria tenella-infected broilers is scarce. This study examined the effects of curcumin on the growth performance, antioxidant system, intestinal integrity, and microbiota structure of broilers infected with E. tenella. Thus, this study provided a reference for using curcumin as a healthy feed additive. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on growth performance, anticoccidial index, antioxidant capacity, intestinal inflammation, and cecum microbiota in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. A total of 234 one-day-old broilers were categorized into three treatments, with six replicates per treatment containing 13 broilers each. The three treatments included the control group, Eimeria tenella group, and Eimeria tenella + curcumin (200 mg/kg) group. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days, during which the broilers were orally administered with 0.9% saline or 5 × 104 Eimeria tenella oocysts on day 14 of the study. On day 17 and day 21, one bird per replicate was selected for slaughtering. Results indicated an increased survival rate and anticoccidial index and improved productive performance in coccidia-infected broilers with curcumin supplementation. Furthermore, curcumin enhanced the serum antioxidant capacity in Eimeria tenella-infected broilers, evidenced by increased serum catalase activity (3d, 7d), as well as decreased malondialdehyde level (3d, 7d) and nitric oxide synthase activity (7d) (p < 0.05). Curcumin also improved intestinal inflammation and barrier function, evidenced by the downregulation of interleukin (IL)-1β (3d, 7d), TNF-alpha (TNF-α) (3d, 7d), and IL-2 (7d) and the up-regulated mRNA levels of claudin-1 (7d), zonula occludens (ZO-1; 3d, 7d), and occludin (3d, 7d) in the ceca of infected broilers (p < 0.05). Eimeria tenella infection significantly disrupted cecum microbial balance, but curcumin did not alleviate cecum microbial disorder in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. Collectively, curcumin supplementation enhanced growth performance and anticoccidial index in Eimeria tenella-infected broilers via improving antioxidant ability and cecum inflammation without affecting cecum microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To uncover the effect of danshensu on irbesartan pharmacokinetics and its underlying mechanisms. To investigate the effect of danshensu on the pharmacokinetics of irbesartan, Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6) were orally administered 30 mg/kg irbesartan alone (control group) or pre-treated with 160 mg/kg danshensu (experimental group). The effect of danshensu on the metabolic stability of irbesartan in RLMs was examined by LC-MS/MS method. The effect of danshensu on CYP2C9 activity was also determined. Danshensu markedly increased the AUC(0-t) (9573 ± 441 vs. 16157 ± 559 μg/L*h) and Cmax (821 ± 24 vs. 1231 ± 44 μg/L) of irbesartan. Danshensu prolonged the t1/2 (13.39 ± 0.98 vs. 16.04 ± 1.21 h) and decreased the clearance rate (2.27 ± 0.14 vs. 1.19 ± 0.10 L/h/kg) of irbesartan. Danshensu enhanced the metabolic stability of irbesartan in vitro with prolonged t1/2 (36.34 ± 11.68 vs. 48.62 ± 12.03 min) and reduced intrinsic clearance (38.14 ± 10.24 vs. 28.51 ± 9.06 μL/min/mg protein). Additionally, the IC50 value for CYP2C9 inhibition by danshensu was 35.74 μM. Danshensu enhanced systemic exposure of irbesartan by suppressing CYP2C9. The finding can also serve as a guidance for further investigation of danshensu-irbesartan interaction in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The assessment of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) remain challenging. We aimed to explore the potential role of peri-NACT change of the largest lymph node (LN) and primary tumor (P-T) in the prediction of tumor response and patient overall survival (OS) in LAGC. Methods: A cohort of LAGC patients who underwent NACT followed by radical surgery from a prospective clinical trial were retrospectively analyzed. The percentage change of the largest LN and P-T from initial to post-NACT Computed Tomography (CT) were measured. Tumor response was defined by the change of LN (LN-response) and P-T (P-T-response), respectively. A multivariate Cox model was constructed to examine if P-T- and LN-determined response had significant predictive ability for OS when adjusting with other possible prognostic factors. Results: Of the 41 patients, 28 (68.3%) was defined as LN-responders to NACT, and 17 (41.5%) patients was defined as P-T-responders. When the cohort was stratified by LN response standard, LN-responders showed a significant longer median OS than LN-nonresponders (p = 0.031, 20.6 vs 16.6 months). When stratified by primary tumor response, no significant difference in OS was observed between P-T-responders and P-T-nonresponders (p = 0.377, 18.5 vs 19.0 months). In the multivariate analysis, number of positive LN (p = 0.004, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.284), recurrence (p = 0.024, HR =3556), LN shrinkage (p = 0.022, HR = 0.930) and LN-response (p = 0.033, HR = 0.008) were observed with independent association with OS. Conclusions: Peri-NACT change of the largest LN could reflect tumor response to NACT, and LN-defined response was useful in predicting the long-term prognosis (OS) of LAGC patients who underwent NACT followed by radical surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power generation industry needs to adopt renewable energy so as to reduce the utilization of fossil energy and pollution emission. In renewable energy power generation, microgrid operation optimization needs to consider multiple objectives such as economy and environmental protection, which is a multi-objective optimization problem. Aiming at the multi-objective optimization problem, based on the Pareto optimal concept, a hybrid crossover multi-agent multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is proposed and applied to the multi-objective optimization problem of microgrid systems, in which the economical cost and environmental protection are considered. The simulation results under three operating conditions show that compared with the classical NSGA-â ¡ algorithm, the proposed algorithm can obtain higher quality Pareto optimal solution in a shorter time. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm in this problem is higher than that of the classical NSGA-â ¡ algorithm. It can provide a higher quality solution for the optimal operation of a microgrid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging-based approaches for early predicting response of rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy remain an ongoing-challenge. In this study, we aimed to monitor the changes of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI parameters during the early post-treatment period in mouse models of human rectal carcinoma, and to test whether these changes relate to the final response. Thirty-two mice with subcutaneous-tumor were randomly divided into control (n = 11), chemoradiotherapy (n = 10) and chemotherapy (n = 11) group. Tumors were monitored by IVIM at day 0, 3, 7, 9 after treatment. The final tumor response was determined by tumor remission-rate and necrosis scores. The results indicated that within 9 days after treatment, D values increased in both treated groups, but remained stable in control group. D values were significantly higher in chemotherapy group at day 7 and in each treated group at day 9 than in control group (day 7, p = 0.004; day 9: p = 0.011 and 0.009, respectively). D* values decreased in treated groups, and showed significantly lower than in control group at day 7 (p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between delta D*% (D* day0 – day7 /D* day0) and tumor remission rate (r = 0.707, p < 0.001), and a mild negative correlation between delta D% and tumor necrosis scores (r = −0.526, p = 0.014). D and D* values in rectal carcinoma xenograft models appeared tendency change during the early post-treatment period. In conclusion, early changes of D and D* values may have potential for predicting the final efficacy of chemoradiotherapy. • Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) derived D and D* values showed certain change-trends during early period of treatment. • Early changes of IVIM parameters significantly related to the final tumor-response. • IVIM derived D* values significantly related to pathological VEGF expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine CT features that can identify gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) among gastric sub-epithelial tumors (SETs) and to explore a practical scoring method. Methods: Sixty-four patients with gastric SETs (51 GISTs and 13 non-GISTs) from hospital I were included for primary analyses, and 92 (67 GISTs and 25 non-GISTs) from hospital II constituted a validation cohort. Pre-operative CT images were reviewed for imaging features: lesion location, growth pattern, lesion margin, enhancement pattern, dynamic pattern, attenuation at each phasic images and presence of necrosis, superficial ulcer, calcification, and peri-lesion enlarged lymph node (LN). Clinical and CT features were compared between the two groups (GISTs versus non-GISTs) and a GIST-risk scoring method was developed; then, its performance for identifying GISTs was tested in the validation cohort. Results: Seven clinical and CT features were significantly suggestive of GISTs rather than non-GISTs: older age (> 49 years), non-cardial location, irregular margin, lower attenuation on unenhanced images (≤ 43 HU), heterogeneous enhancement, necrosis, and absence of enlarged LN (p < 0.05). At validation step, the established scoring method with cut-off score dichotomized into ≥ 4 versus < 4 for identifying GISTs revealed an AUC of 0.97 with an accuracy of 92%, a sensitivity of 100% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. Conclusions: Gastric GISTs have special CT and clinical features that differ from non-GISTs. With a simple and practical scoring method based on the significant features, GISTs can be accurately differentiated from non-GISTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the treatment performance of a heterogeneous Fenton system (Fe-BC + H 2 O 2) driven by iron-loaded sludge biochar (Fe-BC) on wastewater containing sulfamethoxazole (SMX) was investigated using the CODcr removal efficiency (φ) as an indicator. The batch experimental results showed that the optimal operating conditions were as follow: initial pH 3, H 2 O 2 concentration 20 mmol L−1, Fe-BC dose 1.2 g L−1, temperature 298 K. The corresponding φ was as high as 83.43%. The removal of CODcr was better described by BMG model and revised BMG (BMGL) model. According to the BMGL model, the φ max could be 98.37% (298 K). Moreover, the removal of CODcr was a diffusion-controlled process, while liquid film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion together determined its removal rate. The removal of CODcr should be a synergistic effect of adsorption and Fenton oxidation (real heterogeneous Fenton and homogeneous Fenton) and other pathways. Their contributions were 42.79%, 54.01% and 3.20%, respectively. For homogeneous Fenton, there seemed to be two simultaneous SMX degradation pathways: SMX→4-(pyrrolidine-11-sulfonyl)-aniline→N-(4-aminobenzenesulfonyl) acetamide/4-amino-N-ethyl benzene sulfonamides→4-amino-N-hydroxy benzene sulfonamides; SMX→N-ethyl-3-amino benzene sulfonamides→4-methanesulfonylaniline. In summary, Fe-BC had potential for practical application as a heterogeneous Fenton catalyst. • The removal efficiency of CODcr (φ) at optimal conditions was 83.43% (298 K). • The CODcr removal better followed BMGL model, and its φ max was 98.37% (298 K). • The CODcr removal was relied on diffusion (liquid film & intraparticle diffusion). • The contributions of adsorption and Fenton action were 42.79% and 54.01%. • Homogeneous Fenton in solution had two simultaneous pathways for the SMX degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (CET1WI) in addition to high-resolution T2-weighted imaging (HRT2WI) for preoperative detection of extramural venous invasion (EMVI) in rectal cancer. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative MRI were included in this study. The likelihood of EMVI was retrospectively scored by two readers on CET1WI, HRT2WI, and HRT2WI + CET1WI, using a subjective five-point scale ranging from 0 to 4. The pathological status of EMVI was used as a standard reference. Diagnostic parameters, including area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, were calculated, and the diagnostic performances of HRT2WI and HRT2WI + CET1WI were compared. Interobserver variance was also evaluated. Results: Eighteen (30.5%) patients showed pathological EMVI. During EMVI detection, reader A obtained an AUC of 0.768, sensitivity of 72.5%, and specificity of 73.2% from HRT2WI alone; after combination with CET1WI, these values improved to 0.864, 83.3%, and 75.6%, respectively. Differences in AUC between these techniques were not significant ( p = 0.056). Reader B obtained an AUC of 0.833, sensitivity of 77.8%, and specificity of 73.2% from HRT2WI alone; after combination with CET1W1, these figures were adjusted to 0.720, 50%, and 78%; differences in AUC between techniques were significant ( p = 0.027). Interobserver agreement during EMVI scoring was good for HRT2WI ( κ = 0.603) and moderate for HRT2WI + CET1WI ( κ = 0.413). Conclusions: Although interobserver agreement decreased, combination of CET1WI with HRT2WI could improve EMVI detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging-detected extramural vascular invasion (MR-EMVI) in predicting regional lymph node metastasis (RLNM) in patients with rectal cancer. Methods A total of 183 patients were included. A set of clinical and imaging factors including MR-EMVI were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the risk factors for RLNM. Results Among the clinical and imaging factors evaluated, MR-EMVI, pathologic EMVI, nodal size, and diffusion-weighted imaging-detected positive nodes were independent predictors of RLNM. Conclusions MR-EMVI may be an independent predictor of RLNM in patients with rectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge based granular activatedcarbon (SSGAC) was preparedusing calcium sulfate as binder. The porous structure and surfacechemical properties of SSGAC were characterized by N2 adsorption isotherm,FTIR, PZC, and Boehm titration. The results showed that the SSGACwas a typical mesoporous adsorbent of which the percentages of mesoporoussurface area and volume are 72.81 % and 88.89 %, and the acid groupswere dominant on its surface.The adsorption mechanism of MB adsorption onto SSGAC was also investigatedby different adsorption models. The results showed that the maximumMB adsorption amount could be 131.8 mg g–1, andthe MB adsorption onto SSGAC was a heterogeneous, spontaneous, andendothermic process while physisorption was dominant. The MB adsorptionprocess was well described by the pseudosecond-order kinetic mode,and the MB diffusion in micropores was the potential rate-controllingstep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on material constitutive models and the classic Koistinen–Marburger (KM) kinetics model, a new dilatometric analysis model was developed to extract the kinetics curve of martensitic transformation under a temperature gradient and stress from the measured dilatometric data and to determine the transformation parameters. The proposed dilatometric analysis model is generally for athermal martensitic transformation, relying only on the average atom volume of martensite and austenite. Furthermore, through theoretical calculations, the proposed model also provided a more accurate method for obtaining the martensite start temperature, which is different from the traditional method. According to the dilatometric analysis results for the martensitic transformation of a type of high-strength low-alloy steel, and the thermodynamic basis of martensitic transformation, a refined kinetics model was developed that successfully predicted the martensitic transformation kinetics curves under different stresses, taking into account the physical significance of the transformation parameter α and the driving force of stress for martensitic transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Whole proteins of the second-generation merozoite of Eimeria tenella were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and western blot using the chicken sera infected artificially with E. tenella. Approximately 640 spots were detected on proteome map of the second-generation merozoite stained by Coomassie brilliant blue G-250 and 85 spots were recognized on western blot map as antigens. Forty four spots of the antigens were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF-MS) and MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS. Twenty six proteins of E. tenella and three homologous proteins to other apicomplexan parasites or protozoan were identified using ‘Mascot’ server. These proteins included lactate dehydrogenase, enolase, 14-3-3 protein, microneme proteins, tubulin beta chain, SERPIN1 protein precursor, large subunit ribosomal protein L23 and surface antigens of E. tenella, heat shock protein (HSP70) of Eimeria acervulina, protein phosphatase type 1 of Toxoplasma gondii and hypothetical protein GSPATT00020155001 of Paramecium tetraurelia. The rest proteins were searched against the E. tenella protein sequence database using ‘Mascot in-house’ (version 2.1) search engine in automated mode and 11 unknown proteins were identified. After the amino acid sequence of the unknown proteins were searched using BLAST against non-redundant sequence databases (NCBI), surface antigen 12 of E. tenella and six homologous proteins to other apicomplexa parasites were found. They were membrane skeleton protein IMC2A, mitochondrial F1-ATP synthase beta subunit precursor, 3-oxoacyl-acyl-carrier-protein synthase and catalase of T. gondii, Vps26 of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7, and hypothetical protein TRIADDRAFT_60424 of Trichoplax adhaerens. No homologues of 8 spots of the 44 analyzed proteins were found. These proteins enriched the data of immunogenic proteins of the second-generation merozoite of E. tenella. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • CSSB was an adsorbent with better removal efficiency for Cd(Ⅱ). • The Cd(Ⅱ) removal was a multi-layer adsorption process dominated by chemisorption. • As Cd(Ⅱ) initial concentration increased, physisorption gradually became dominant. • The Cd(Ⅱ) removal was divided into 3 stages with different mass transfer mechanisms. • Cd(II) was mainly attached to CSSB by ion exchange, complexation and coprecipitation. Biochar derived from co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and calcium sulfate was used to remove Cd(II) from aqueous solution. The results showed that the Cd(Ⅱ) adsorption better followed Freundlich model, and the maximum adsorption capacities were 109.0 mg/g (288 K), 127.9 mg/g (298 K) and 145.4 mg/g (308 K). The Cd(Ⅱ) removal was a multi-layer adsorption process dominated by chemisorption, which was also a spontaneous and endothermic process. The contribution of physisorption gradually increased as the Cd(Ⅱ) initial concentration. The Cd(Ⅱ) removal process which better followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model, was divided into three stages. The first (0–0.3 h) and second stages (0.3–2 h) were separately controlled by liquid film diffusion/intraparticle diffusion/chemical reaction and liquid film diffusion/chemical reaction, while the third stage (0.3–24 h) was the dynamic equilibrium process. The speciation distribution of Cd on biochar surface was mainly CdCO 3 /CdOOC and CdO/CdSiO 3 , indicating coprecipitation, ion exchange and complexation contributed more to the Cd(Ⅱ) removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar prepared by co-pyrolysis of nano-zero-valent iron and sewage sludge (nZVISB) was used to remove As(Ⅴ) from aqueous solution. When the initial pH was 2, the initial As(Ⅴ) concentration was 20 mg L−1, the dose of nZVISB was 10 g L−1, the contact time was 24 h, and the adsorption temperature was 298K, the removal efficiency of As(Ⅴ) was greater than 99%. The isothermal removal of As(Ⅴ) followed the Freundlich model better, and the maximum adsorption capacity of As(Ⅴ) was 60.61 mg g−1. The removal process of As(Ⅴ) could be better described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the rate-controlling step should be liquid film diffusion and chemical reaction. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the removal of As(Ⅴ) was a spontaneous and endothermic process dominated by chemical adsorption. The characterizations of nZVISB before/after adsorption and the solution after adsorption suggested that the iron-containing substances (Fe0, Fe2+, FeOOH) and organics in the nZVISB had a great effect on the removal of As(Ⅴ), and the As was mainly immobilized on nZVISB by speciation of As–O–Fe. • As(Ⅴ) removal followed Freundlich model better, and the q max of biochar to As(Ⅴ) was 60.61 mg/g. • The removal of As(Ⅴ) was better described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model. • Liquid film diffusion and chemical reaction together determined the removal rate of As(Ⅴ). • The removal of As(Ⅴ) was a spontaneous and endothermic process dominated by chemical adsorption. • Fe0, Fe2+, FeOOH and organics participated in reduction and removal of As(Ⅴ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem carbon use efficiency (CUE) is a key parameter in the carbon cycling of terrestrial ecosystems. The magnitude of CUE reflects the ecosystem's potential for CO2 sequestration. China's grasslands play an important role in the carbon cycle. Here, we aimed to investigate the comparation of CUE and its environmental regulation among different grassland in Northern China based on eddy covariance carbon fluxes measurements of 31 grassland sites. The results showed that the average CUE of grassland in Northern China was 0.05 ± 0.22, with a range from −0.42 to 0.66. It was demonstrated that there were significant differences in CUE among different grassland types, and CUE values were ranked by type as follows: alpine grassland > temperate meadow steppe > temperate typical steppe > temperate desert steppe, driven by a combination of climatic, soil, and biological factors, with net ecosystem productivity (NEP) having the greatest impact on them. Except for meadow steppes, moisture had a greater impact on grassland CUE in Northern China than temperature. While temperate desert grassland CUE decreased with increasing soil water content (SWC), the CUE of other grassland types increased with higher precipitation and SWC. These findings will advance our ability to predict future grassland ecosystem carbon cycle scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Appropriate CaSO 4 dose for HMs immobilization is in the range of 0.01 to 0.075. • Suitable temperatures for HMs immobilization are 750 °C (Cr/Pb/ Zn) and 350 °C (Cu/Ni). • The optimal holding time for HMs immobilization are 60 min (Cr/Cu) and 15 min (Pb/Ni/Zn). • Improvement in HMs immobilization is due to more crystals, pores, and tiny particles. The effects of calcium sulfate (CaSO 4) dosage (mass ratio of CaSO 4 to sludge), pyrolysis temperature and holding time on speciation distribution of Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni and Zn in biochar derived from co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and CaSO 4 were investigated. The appropriate CaSO 4 dosages for better immobilization of different heavy metals were 0.075 (Cr), 0.025 (Pb), 0.025 (Cu), 0.025 (Ni), and 0.01(Zn), respectively. The corresponding proportions of heavy metals in stable state (oxidizable and residue fractions) were 96.99%, 89.23%, 99.55%, 87.43%, and 54.33%. The high pyrolysis temperature (750 °C) was conducive to immobilization of Cr, Pb and Zn, while the percentages of Cu and Ni in stable state were higher at low pyrolysis temperature (350 °C). The suitable holding time was 60 min (Cr, Cu) and 15 min (Pb, Ni and Zn), respectively. The characterization of samples showed that suitable pyrolysis temperature and holding time could promote the formation of crystals and spherical or ellipsoidal particles in biochar, and pyrolysis of aliphatic to form more mesopores and macropores, resulting in immobilization of more heavy metals. During co-pyrolysis process, CaSO 4 was easily decomposed and generated CaS, CaO, CaCO 3 and Ca(OH) 2 , which were beneficial to the immobilization of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients have compromised mandibular bone architecture/quality, which markedly increase the risks of tooth loosening, tooth loss, and failure of dental implantation. However, it remains lacks effective and safe countermeasures against T2DM-related mandibular bone deterioration. Herein, we studied the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on mandibular bone microstructure/quality and relevant regulatory mechanisms in T2DM db/db mice. PEMF exposure (20 Gs, 15 Hz) for 12 weeks preserved trabecular bone architecture, increased cortical bone thickness, improved material properties and stimulated bone anabolism in mandibles of db/db mice. PEMF also upregulated the expression of canonical Wnt3a ligand (but not Wnt1 or Wnt5a) and its downstream β-catenin. PEMF improved the viability and differentiation of primary osteoblasts isolated from the db/db mouse mandible, and stimulated the specific activation of Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling. These positive effects of PEMF on mandibular osteoblasts of db/db mice were almost totally abolished after Wnt3a silencing in vitro, which were equivalent to the effects following blockade of canonical Wnt signaling using the broad-spectrum antagonist DKK1. Injection with Wnt3a siRNA abrogated the therapeutic effects of PEMF on mandibular bone quantity/quality and bone anabolism in db/db mice. Our study indicates that PEMF might become a non-invasive and safe treatment alternative resisting mandibular bone deterioration in T2DM patients, which is helpful for protecting teeth from loosening/loss and securing the dental implant stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic biochar was prepared by one-step pyrolysis using sewage sludge and nano-zero-valent iron particles as raw materials, and applied to remove Cr(VI) in simulated wastewater. When the initial pH of the solution was 2, the initial concentration of Cr(Ⅵ) was 50 mg L−1, the dosage of biochar was 4 g L−1, the reaction time was 24 h, and the reaction temperature was 298 K, the removal capacities of Cr(Ⅵ) and Cr Total were 11.56 mg g−1 and 9.840 mg g−1. Moreover, the removals of Cr(VI) were always greater than Cr Total under all controlled conditions, indicating that Cr(VI) may be preferentially reduced into Cr(III), and then removed by adsorption. The removals of Cr(VI) and Cr Total had the best correlation with the Langmuir model and Freundlich model, and they were followed the pseudo second-order dynamics model much better. The Cr(VI) and Cr Total removals were spontaneous, endothermic, and chemisorption-based processes. The characterization of biochar before and after adsorption and component analysis of the solution after adsorption showed the electron donors for Cr(VI) reduction should be Fe0, Fe2+ and organics in biochar, and Cr(III) was very likely removed by the generation of CrOOH. The rate-controlling steps for Cr(VI) and Cr Total removals may individually be liquid-film/intra-particle diffusion and liquid-film diffusion/chemical reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Fe/Cu, Fe/Al/Cu, Fe/Cu/C and Fe/Al/Cu/C internal electrolysis systems (IESs) were constructed and used to treat methylene blue dye (MB) wastewater. The effects of filler mass ratio, filler dosage, solution pH, reaction time and reaction temperature on COD removal were discussed, while the kinetics, thermodynamics and mechanism of COD removal were also investigated. The results showed that when the COD removal rates were basically the same, the reaction times of Fe/Al/Cu, Fe/Cu/C and Fe/Al/Cu/C IESs were shorter, and the filler dosages were lower. For the four systems, the appropriate pH was around 5, while the suitable reaction temperature was in the range of 20–25 °C. The COD removals of these four IESs were generally greater than 90%. The COD removal processes of the four systems could be better described by the improved pseudo-second-kinetic model, and the liquid film diffusion was the rate-controlling step. Moreover, the COD removal was a spontaneous and endothermic process. MB was degraded into inorganic substances in four steps. In addition, the FTIR characterization of the fillers before and after reaction suggests the four IESs have good stability. • The COD removal rates of all internal electrolysis systems are greater than 90%. • The COD removal followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. • Liquid film diffusion was the rate-controlling step of COD removal. • The COD removal was a spontaneous and endothermic process. • The degradation pathway of MB could be divided into four stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, corn stover biochar (CSBC) and KOH and KMnO4 modified corn stover biochars (HCSBC and MCSBC) were used for oxytetracycline (OTC) removal and the enhancement of the modification was investigated. The modifications of KOH and KMnO4 improved the physical and chemical properties of CSBC (e.g., pore structure, surface morphology, crystal structure, surface functional groups, and distribution and binding state of surface elements), which significantly contributed to the removal of OTC. The removals of OTC by CSBC, HCSBC and MCSBC were multilayer, and their maximum removal amounts were 26.21 mg/g, 48.30 mg/g and 200.4 mg/g, respectively. The removals of OTC by CSBC, HCSBC and MCSBC were a combination of physical and chemical actions, but the chemical action was dominant. The rates of OTC removal by CSBC and HCSBC depended on liquid film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion, while the rate-controlling step of OTC removal by MCSBC was only liquid film diffusion. Meanwhile, the removals of OTC by CSBC, HCSBC and MCSBC were spontaneous and endothermic, and the randomness of the solid-liquid interface was irregularly increased during the process. Furthermore, the mechanisms of OTC removal by CSBC and HCSBC should be the same, and the enhancement of OTC removal by HCSBC may be attributed to the increase of active sites. The increase of active sites and degradation together resulted in that removal capacity of MCSBC was the greatest, and the contribution of degradation should be dominant. Most of the OTCs and their degradation products were attached to HCSBC and MCSBC via hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions and complexation. [Display omitted] • The q max (mg/g) of CSBC, HCSBC and MCSBC were 26.21, 48.30 and 200.4, respectively. • Multilayer surface chemisorption was dominant for OTC removal. • The rate-controlling step for OTC removal by MCSBC was different from HCSBC and CSBC. • The enhanced OTC removal was due to the increase in active sites and degradation. • Chemisorption relied mainly o hydrogen bonding, π-π interaction and complexation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new biomass integrated gasification combined cycle (BIGCC), which featured an innovative two-stage enriched air gasification system coupling a fluidized bed with a swirl-melting furnace, was proposed and built for clean and efficient biomass utilization. The performance of biomass gasification and power generation under various operating conditions was assessed using a comprehensive Aspen Plus model for system optimization. The model was validated by pilot-scale experimental data and gas turbine regulations, showing good agreement. Parameters including oxygen percentage of enriched air (OP), gasification temperature, excess air ratio and compressor pressure ratio were studied for BIGCC optimization. Results showed that increase OP could effectively improve syngas quality and two-stage gasification efficiency, enhancing the gas turbine inlet and outlet temperature. The maximum BIGCC fuel utilization efficiency could be obtained at OP of 40%. Increasing gasification temperature showed a negative effect on the two-stage gasification performance. For efficient BIGCC operation, the excess air ratio should be below 3.5 to maintain a designed gas turbine inlet temperature. Modest increase of compressor pressure ratio favored the power generation. Finally, the BIGCC energy analysis further proved the rationality of system design and sufficient utilization of biomass energy. • A new BIGCC system based on two-stage gasification was proposed and modeled. • The model reliability was validated by experiments and gas turbine regulations. • Higher OP improved syngas quality and obtained maximum BIGCC efficiency at 40%. • Too large excess air ratio lowered the gas turbine inlet temperature. • Modest increase of compressor pressure ratio could enhance power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop a computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) system for distinguishing malignant from benign pulmonary nodules on computed tomography (CT) scans, and to assess whether the diagnostic performance of radiologists with different experiences can be improved with the assistant of CAD. Materials and methods: A total of 857 malignant nodules from 601 patients and 426 benign nodules from 278 patients were retrospectively collected from four hospitals. In this study, we exploited convolutional neural network in the framework of deep learning to classify whether a nodule was benign or malignant. A total of 745 malignant nodules and 370 benign nodules were used as the training data of our CAD system. The remaining 112 malignant nodules and 56 benign nodules were used as the test data. The participants were two senior chest radiologists, two secondary chest radiologists, and two junior radiology residents. The readers estimated the likelihood of malignancy of pulmonary nodules first without and then with CAD output. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate readers' diagnostic performance. Results: When a threshold level of 58% was used to estimate the likelihood of malignancy, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy values of our CAD scheme alone were 93.8%, 83.9%, and 90.5%, respectively. For all six readers, the mean area under the ROC curve (Az) values without and with CAD system were 0.913 and 0.938, respectively. For each reader, there is a large difference in Az values that assessed without and with CAD system. With CAD output, the readers made correct changes an average of 15.7 times and incorrect changes an average of 2 times. Conclusion: Our CAD system significantly improved the diagnostic performance of readers regardless of their experience levels for assessment of the likelihood of malignancy of pulmonary nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of substrates (quartz sand and coke) on the removal of pollutants (COD, NH 4 +-N and TP), electrochemical characteristics and microbial communities of vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCW) under high pollutant loads. During operation, the removal rates of COD, NH 4 +-N and TP by VFCW-C (coke as substrate) were higher than that of VFCW-Q (quartz sand as substrate) by 9.73–19.41%, 5.03%–13.15% and 8.83%–14.58%, respectively. And the resistances of the VFCW-Q and VFCW-C were increased by 1228.9 Ω and 38.3 Ω, while their potentials were dropped from 182.4 mV to 377.9 mV–85.6 mV and 222.0 mV, respectively. The dominant bacteria at the bottoms of VFCW-Q and VFCW-C were individually aerobic denitrifying bacteria (ADNB; 14.98%)/ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB; 5.73%) and organics aerobic degrading bacteria (OADB; 12.48%)/ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB; 7.24%), while the predominant bacteria at their tops were separately ADNB (11.36%)/OADB (10.52%)/AOB (4.69%) and ADNB (15.09%)/AOB (8.86%) and OADB (3.20%) The removal of pollutants by VFCW-Q and VFCW-C may be mainly attributed to substrate adsorption and microbial degradation. • The removals of VFCW-C on COD, NH 4 +-N and TP were better than that of VFCW-Q. • The resistance rise of VFCW-Q and the potential drop of VFCW-C were greater. • The dominant bacteria of VFCW-Q and VFCW-C were very different. • The pollutants removal depended on substrate adsorption and microbial degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of iron-loaded sludge biochar (ISBC) on the Cr enrichment capacity of Leersia hexandra swartz (L. hexandra) in hydroponic tests was investigated at different Cr treatment levels (5 mg/L, 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L). The results showed that the plant height and biomass of L. hexandra were significantly increased with the rise of ISBC dose (p < 0.01), while the Cr content in L. hexandra showed a significant downward trend (p < 0.01). However, the Cr accumulation capacity of L. hexandra was significantly increased as ISBC dose was raised (p < 0.01), which was attributed to the significant improvement of its biomass. According to Cr accumulation capacity, the appropriate ISBC dose was recommended to be 50 g/L for all Cr treatment levels. Compared to the control (no ISBC; 0.105 mg, 0.167 mg and 0.193 mg), the Cr accumulation capacity of L. hexandra at different Cr treatment levels were increased by 77.40%, 59.72% and 88.41%, respectively. The comparative analysis throughout the test cycle indicated that the addition of ISBC could convert more Cr(VI) to Cr(III), which was beneficial to the biomass and the Cr accumulation capacity of L. hexandra. Meanwhile, the relationship between changes in the concentrations of NH 4 +, PO 4 3− and K+ and the incremental biomass of L. hexandra was well described by the Logistic model, while the relationship between changes in their concentrations and the Cr accumulation capacity of L. hexandra also followed this model well. Moreover, their effects were found throughout the test, while the contribution of Ca2+ was mainly at the beginning and end of the test. In summary, the enhancement of ISBC on Cr accumulation capacity of L. hexandra was attributed to detoxification and fertilizer supply. • ISBC was able to significantly promote the growth of L. hexandra (p < 0.01). • ISBC enhanced Cr accumulation (CA) of L. hexandra due to its increase of biomass. • ISBC at 50 g/L increased CA by 77.40%, 59.72% and 88.41% at different Cr treatment. • ISBC converted more Cr(VI) to Cr(III), resulting in increased biomass and CA. • NH 4 +, PO 4 3−, K+ and Ca2+ from ISBC facilitated the enhancement of biomass and CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the contribution of substrates microorganisms in three different constructed wetlands (CWs) to Cr(VI) purification was discussed. In addition, the microbial communities in the substrate of different CWs were characterized, and rhizosphere Cr(VI) reducing bacteria was also identified. The results showed that microorganisms could improved Cr(VI) removal to 76.5%, and result in that more Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III). The dominant strains in the substrates of different CWs were Sphingomonas sp., Cystobacter sp., Acidobacteria bacterium, Sporotrichum and Pellicularia species. The Cr(VI) reducing bacteria from Leersia hexandra Swartz rhizosphere was identified as Bacillus cereus. Furthermore, under suitable conditions, the removal rate of Cr(VI) by Bacillus cereus was close to 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Invasive pure ground-glass opacity and pre-invasive pure ground-glass opacity have different 5-year overall survival rate and risk of lymph node metastasis and the extent of resection. It is difficult to discriminate these nodules since they share similar CT features and may occur concurrently. The objectives of this study were to investigate the feasibility of non-contrast enhanced plus contrast-enhanced computed tomography in discriminating invasive pure ground-glass opacity from pre-invasive pure ground-glass opacity.Methods: We retrospectively examined 90 patients with pure ground-glass opacity who underwent non-contrast enhanced and contrast-enhanced CT according to a simplified protocol (one non-contrast enhanced measurement and two contrast-enhanced measurements at 30 s and 60 s after contrast injection) from 2015 to 2019. All imaging examinations were analyzed using three-dimensional computer-aided volume. Two independent samples t tests, one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test and logistic regression were used for analysis. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of mean CT attenuation for differentiation of groups and to obtain diagnostic value.Results: (1) The CT values of one non-contrast-enhanced, two contrast-enhanced and volume measurements between two groups had statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). (2) At the 30-s scan, there were more nodules in the pre-invasive group with no enhancement than in the pre-invasive group, which was statistically significant. (3) The CT value of 60-s scan was independent predictor of invasive adenocarcinoma (P = 0.019).Conclusions: Non-contrast enhanced plus two contrast-enhanced CT based on volume measurements can differentiate invasive pGGO from pre-invasive pGGO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of Ca(H2PO4)2, KH2PO4 and (NH4)2HPO4 on growth, Cu phytoextraction and tolerance of Leersia hexandra swartz (L. hexandra) under different Cu stress levels were investigated. The results showed that KH2PO4 could most significantly increase the plant height of L. hexandra (p < 0.05), while (NH4)2HPO4 had the most significant promoting effect on its biomass (p < 0.05) by enhancing photosynthesis (chlorophyll content) (p < 0.01). The application of Ca(H2PO4)2 could most significantly improve the Cu contents in roots, stems and leaves of L. hexandra (p < 0.05). In addition, (NH4)2HPO4 could enhance the tolerance of L. hexandra to Cu by obviously reducing the content of MDA and increasing the contents of SP and MTs (p < 0.05), while Ca(H2PO4)2 could evidently improve the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT and APX) to reduce the damage of Cu to L. hexandra (p < 0.05). Although KH2PO4 could increase the contents of SP and MTs, the L. hexandra in KH2PO4 treatment groups had the highest MDA contents, which was unfavorable to the resistance to Cu stress. These suggested that the application in combination of Ca(H2PO4)2 and (NH4)2HPO4 may be more advantageous for Cu phytoextraction by L. hexandra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Channel holes (CH) and common source line (CSL) etch are two of key process challenges in 3D NAND. With the increase of stacked layers, the aspect ratio become larger than 50:1. One of key issues is CSL tilting to CH, leading to serious word-line leakage and block fail in array. In this work, it is demonstrated that trapped charges brought by CH etch process can affect the CSL slit etch process seriously, and lead to CSL tilting issue. Charging model was used to explain the phenomenon and is validated by experiments. An approach by removing the backside films for charges release via poly-Si deposition film is proposed to solve this issue. This work provides effective approach to solve the special deep trench tilting issue in 3D NAND memory processes development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coccidiosis is caused by Eimeria spp. and can result in severe economic losses to the global poultry industry. Due to anticoccidial drug resistance rapidly developing in the parasites and drug residues in poultry products, efficacious and safe alternative coccidia control measures are needed. The objective of the present study was to identify common protective antigens which may be used as vaccine candidates in the development of subunit, multivalent, cross-protective vaccines against most of the economically important Eimeria species. Methods: Whole sporozoite proteins of Eimeria acervulina were prepared and analyzed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) followed by western blotting using immune sera specific to E. tenella, E. acervulina, or E. necatrix. The protein spots detected by all three immune sera were then excised from the preparative gel and protein ID was performed by MALDI-TOF-MS/MS. Results: Approximately 620 E. acervulina sporozoite protein spots were demonstrated by 2-DE with silver staining, among which 23 protein spots were recognized by immune sera specific to all three Eimeria species. The results showed that 21 putative E. acervulina proteins were identified, which include proteins with known enzymatic properties, and those which are involved in protein translation, transport and trafficking, and ribosomal biogenesis and functions. There is one protein which may be involved in transcription and one heat-shock protein. Two proteins contain predicted domains, but with no apparent functions known. There were 2 protein spots which had no detectable proteins. None of the proteins has a predicted signal peptide or a transmembrane domain; however, 6 of the 21 putative proteins were predicted to be potentially secretory through the non-classical pathway. Conclusions: Our study identified a diverse group of antigens immunologically common to all three Eimeria species, none of which was previously characterized and tested as a vaccine candidate. Further research on immunogenicity and cross-protective potential of these individual proteins as vaccine candidates will aid the development of vaccines against the most common and pathogenic Eimeria spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor changes to brain metastases and investigate the imaging signs used to evaluate treatment efficacy and determine prognosis following radiotherapy for brain metastases from lung cancer. Methods: A total of 60 non‐small cell lung cancer patients with brain oligometastases were selected. MRI scans were conducted before and 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months after radiotherapy. The tumor and peritumoral edema diameters, Cho/Cr values, elevation of the Lip peak value, and whether the island (yu‐yuan) sign or high‐signal ring were present on T2 fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging were recorded for each metastasis. Results: The mortality risk was higher the earlier the maximum value of peritumoral edema diameter was reached, when there were fewer island signs, and when brain metastases did not present as tumor progression on imaging. There were significant differences in the average peritumoral edema diameter, apparent diffusion coefficient value, the number of elevated Lip peak values, and the number of T2 FLAIR imaging high‐signal rings in a year after radiotherapy in 14 patients with a survival period < 1 year compared to patients with a survival period > 2 years. Conclusion: After radiotherapy for brain metastases, patients with the island sign had longer survival periods, high‐signal rings in T2 FLAIR, elevated Lip peaks, and reduced apparent diffusion coefficient values, indicating tumor necrosis. Increased diameter of metastases and Cho/Cr > 2 cannot serve as reliable indicators of brain metastasis progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unilateral pulsatile tinnitus (PT) was proved to be a kind of disease with brain functional abnormalities within and beyond the auditory network (AN). However, changes in patterns of the lateralization effects of PT are yet to be established. Relationship between the AN and other brain networks in PT patients is also a scientific question need to be answered. In this study, we recruited 23 left-sided, 23 right-sided PT (LSPT, RSPT) patients and 23 normal controls (NC). We combined applied independent component analysis and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis to investigate alteration feature of the FC of the AN by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Compared with NC, LSPT patients demonstrated disconnected FC within the AN on both sides. Disrupted network integrity between AN and several brain functional networks, including executive control network, self-perceptual network and the limbic network, was also demonstrated in LSPT patient group bilaterally. In contrast, compared with NC, RSPT demonstrated decreased FC within the AN on the left side, but significant increased FC within the AN on the right side (symptomatic side). Enhanced FC between AN and executive control network, self-perceptual network and limbic network was also found mainly on the right side in patients with RSPT. Positive FC between the auditory network and the limbic network may be a reason to explain why RSPT patients are willing to be in the clinic. Briefly, LSPT exhibit disrupted network integrity in brain functional networks. But RSPT is featured by enhanced FC within AN and between networks, especially on the right (symptomatic) side. Corroboration of featured FC helps to reveal the pathophysiological changing process of the brain in patients with PT, providing imaging-based biomarker to distinguish PT from other kind of tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal neural activities can be revealed by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) using analyses of the regional activity and functional connectivity (FC) of the networks in the brain. This study was designed to demonstrate the functional network alterations in the patients with pulsatile tinnitus (PT). In this study, we recruited 45 patients with unilateral PT in the early stage of disease (less than 48 months of disease duration) and 45 normal controls. We used regional homogeneity (ReHo) and seed-based FC computational methods to reveal resting-state brain activity features associated with pulsatile tinnitus. Compared with healthy controls, PT patients showed regional abnormalities mainly in the left middle occipital gyrus (MOG), posterior cingulate gyrus (PCC), precuneus and right anterior insula (AI). When these regions were defined as seeds, we demonstrated widespread modification of interaction between the auditory and non-auditory networks. The auditory network was positively connected with the cognitive control network (CCN), which may associate with tinnitus related distress. Both altered regional activity and changed FC were found in the visual network. The modification of interactions of higher order networks were mainly found in the DMN, CCN and limbic networks. Functional connectivity between the left MOG and left parahippocampal gyrus could also be an index to reflect the disease duration. This study helped us gain a better understanding of the characteristics of neural network modifications in patients with pulsatile tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon-supported nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI@AC) is considered to be one of the most promising materials for in-situ remediation of pollutants in aqueous environment, while liquid phase reduction (LPR) is one of the most commonly used preparation methods for nZVI@AC. However, the complex operation and the requirement of various agents limit the practical application of the traditional liquid-phase reduction (TLPR). In this study, an improved liquid phase reduction method (ILPR) was proposed, which was characterized by solid-state dosing of reducing agents. Compared with TLPR, ILPR simplified the preparation process, while there was no requirement of polyethylene glycol and ethanol. When the Cd(II) removal efficiency was used as the evaluation index, the preferred parameters of ILPR were as follows: AC/FeSO 4 ·7H 2 O mass ratio was 15:1; NaBH 4 dosage was 8 g; ultrasonic time was 1 h; stirring time was 20 min. Moreover, the Cd(II) removal efficiency of nZVI@AC prepared by ILPR (nZVI@AC-I) was greater than 92.00%, which was superior to that of nZVI@AC prepared by TLPR (nZVI@AC-T). The characterization results showed that the pore parameters, surface functional groups and iron contents of nZVI@AC-I and nZVI@AC-T were basically the same. However, the distribution of iron-containing particles on the surface of nZVI@AC-I was more uniform. Furthermore, the Fe0 in nZVI@AC-I had a smaller particle size and a higher content. Overall, this study provided a promising approach for nZVI@AC preparation. [Display omitted] • A liquid-phase reduction method using the solid reducing agent is proposed. • This method successfully synthesized nano zero-valent iron/activated carbon. • This method produced Fe0 with smaller particle size and higher content. • This method does not require the use of dispersants and ethanol. • The material synthesized by this method exhibited a better removal rate of Cd(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies demonstrated altered regional neural activations in several brain areas in patients with pulsatile tinnitus (PT), especially indicating an important role of posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). However, few studies focused on the degree of functional connectivity (FC) of this area in PT patients. In this study, we will compare the FC of PCC in patients affected with this condition and normal controls by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Methods: Structural and functional MRI data were obtained from 36 unilateral PT patients with single etiology and 36 matched healthy controls. FC feature of the region of interest (PCC) were characterized using a seed-based correlation method with the voxels in the whole-brain.Results: Compared with healthy controls, patients showed significant decreased FC to the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), right thalamus and bilateral insula. By contrast, PCC demonstrated increased functional connectivity between the precuneus, bilateral inferior parietal lobule and middle occipital gyrus. We also found correlations between the disease duration of PT and FC of PCC-right MTG (r=-0.616, p<0.001).Conclusions: Unilateral PT patients could have abnormal FC to the PCC bilaterally in the brain. PCC, as a highly integrated brain area, is an example of nucleus that was involved in mediation between different neural networks. It might be a modulation core between visual network and auditory network. The decreased FC of MTG to PCC may indicate a down regulation of activity between PCC and auditory associated brain cortex. Decreased FC between limbic system (bilateral AI) and PCC may reflect the emotional message control in patient group. This study facilitated understanding of the underlying neuropathological process in patients with pulsatile tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), as a major complication of diabetic patients, can cause myocardial metabolic remodeling and lead to severe and irreversible cardiac dysfunction. Previously, we found that the circular RNA cerebellar degeneration-related protein 1 antisense (Circ-CDR1as) independently predicted acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and might be a new indicator marker for this. However, CDR1as was not clearly described in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, our purpose was to deeply explore the function of CDR1as in DCM. In this study, we found that CDR1as was upregulated in DCM, and knockdown of CDR1as could improve the apoptosis caused by DCM. Mechanistically, CDR1as activates the Hippo signaling pathway by significantly inhibiting Mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (MST1) ubiquitination level. Furthermore, as a transcriptional factor of CDR1as, Forkhead box group O3a (FOXO3) was identified to activate the Hippo signaling pathway. Notably, the total m6A level was downregulated in the cardiac tissue of DCM. Alk B homolog 5 (ALKBH5), a m6A demethylation enzyme, was upregulated in the cardiomyocytes of DCM mice and posttranscriptionally activated FOXO3 by m6A demethylation in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. Hence, our work reveals the key function of the ALKBH5-FOXO3-CDR1as/Hippo signaling pathway in DCM and provides insight into the critical roles of m6A methylation in DCM. The ALKBH5-FOXO3 m6A-FOXO3 mRNA-CDR1as/Hippo signaling pathway is activated in the diabetic cardiomyopathy mouse model. Schematic diagram depicting the mechanism of CDR1as promotes cardiomyocyte apoptosis through activating Hippo signaling pathway in diabetic cardiomyopathy as follows: DCM→ALKBH5↑→FOXO3 m6A↓→FOXO3↑→CDR1as↑→MST1 ubiquitination level↓→MST1↑→p-YAP↑→cardiomyocyte apoptosis↑, and ALKBH5 posttranscriptionally activated FOXO3 by m6A demethylation in a m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner, thus silencing this signaling pathway may be a promising new treatment for diabetic cardiomyopathy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ninety eight out of 680 E. necatrix protein spots were recognized by immune sera. • Out of the 56 spots selected for MS analysis, 50 proteins were identified. • Of the 50 proteins, 8 were previously characterized. • The proteins have a wide range of structures, cellular locations and functions. Eimeria necatrix , an apicomplexan protozoa of the genus Eimeria, causes intestinal coccidiosis that can reduce growth performance of poultry and result in high mortality in older chickens. In this report, the whole sporozoite proteins of E.necatrix were studied by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and Western blotting using hyper-immune chicken serum containing E.necatrix -specific antibodies. Approximately 680 protein spots for E.necatrix sporozoite were detected by 2-DE with silver staining, where 98 spots were cross-reacted with the E. necatrix- specific immune sera. Out of the 56 spots that were selected for MALDI-TOF-MS/MS analysis, 50 unique proteins were identified using the MASCOT software, 8 proteins were identified as known E.necatrix proteins and the rest were all putative proteins. These proteins have a wide range of known or predicted structures, cellular locations and functions, including proteins in category nuclear location & function, multifunctional- or multifunctional motifs-containing proteins, cellular transport and structure-related proteins, proteins of enzymatic activities, motor proteins-related, cell surface and organelle-related proteins. These new findings will enhance our understandings of parasite immunogenicity and immune evasion mechanisms of E. necatrix and facilitate the discovery phase of highly effective vaccine candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate enterobacteria presence involved in the secondary infections in Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) pigs with different viral co-infections, we identified enterobacteria for guiding clinical treatment. Twenty-one diseased pigs were diagnosed with the PRRS virus (PRRSV) and other 7 virus primers by PCR/RT-PCR in the lung and spleen samples. Enterobacteria were isolated using MacConkey agar from 5 visceral samples of PRRS pigs, and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. PRRSV was positive in 100% of the lung samples and 81.0% of the spleen samples. Seven diseased pigs were diagnosed with only PRRSV infection (33.3%), 7 pigs with PRRSV and 1 or 2 other viruses (33.3%) and 7 pigs with PRRSV and more than 2 types of other viruses (33.3%). PRRSV was more inclined to co-infect pigs with porcine group A rotavirus (PARV) with the co-infection rate of 52.4% (11/21). Approximately 13 types of bacteria were successfully isolated from lung, spleen, liver, kidney and lymph node samples of different PRRS pigs. Enterobacteria were isolated in 100% of lung, liver and lymph samples from pigs infected with PRRSV alone. However, the isolation rates were significantly decreased in the more than 3 viruses co-infection group. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterium, followed by Morganella , Proteus , Shigella , Salmonella, Klebsiella and Aeromonas. Most of the isolated enterobacteria were opportunistic pathogens. Therefore, timely combination with antimicrobial agents is necessary for effective treatment of PRRS-infected pigs. • PRRSV was more inclined to co-infect with PARV. • Pigs co-infected with more virus, less enterobacteria were isolated from their viscera. • Enterobacteria isolated from viscera of PRRS pigs were opportunistic pathogens. • coli, Morganella and Proteus were the most prevalent enterobacteria. • Secondary infection of enterobacteria should be considered in PRRS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apicomplexan protozoans of the genus Eimeria cause coccidiosis, one of the most economically relevant parasitic diseases in chickens. The lack of a complete understanding of molecular mechanisms in the host-parasite interaction limits the development of effective control measures. In the present study, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was applied to investigate the host mRNA profiles of the cecal mucosa collected at day 5 post-infection with Eimeria maxima (EM). Results: Total RNA from cecal samples of the uninfected naïve control and the EM groups was used to make libraries, generating 354,924,372 and 356,229,250 usable reads, respectively, which were assembled into a total of 386,088 high-quality unigenes (transcripts) in Trinity software. RNA-Seq analysis of cecal samples in the two groups revealed 332 upregulated and 363 downregulated genes with significant differences (P ≤ 0.05), including several significant immune-related gene families, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I alpha chain, granzyme A and immunoglobulin subtype genes among upregulated differentially expressed genes. In addition, a total of 60 clusters of differentiation (CD) molecular genes and 570 novel genes were found. The completeness of the assembled transcriptome was further assessed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, Gene ontology (GO), eggNOG and CAZy for gene annotation. The broad gene categories represented by the highly differentiated host genes suggested enrichment in immune responses, and downregulation in the metabolic pathway, MARK signaling pathway, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and proteins processing in endoplasmic reticulum after EM infection. Conclusions: Eimeria maxima induced statistically significant differences in the cecal mucosal gene expression of infected chickens. These findings provide new insights into the host-parasite interaction and enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism of avian coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]