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Objective: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common orthopedic disease with a high disability rate. The clinical effect of BuShenHuoXue decoction (BSHX) for ONFH is satisfactory. We aimed to elucidate the potential angiogenic mechanisms of BSHX in a rat femoral osteonecrosis model and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Methods: With in vivo experiments, we established the steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) model using Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats (8‐week‐old). The rats were randomly divided into five group of 12 rats each and given the corresponding interventions: control, model (gavaged with 0.9% saline), BSHX low‐, medium‐ and high‐dose groups (0.132 3, 0.264 6, and 0.529 2 g/mL BSHX solution by gavage). After 12 weeks, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was preformed to evaluate rat osteonecrosis. the expression of angiogenic factors (CD31, VEGFA, KDR, VWF) in rat femoral head was detected by immunohistochemistry, qPCR and western blotting. In cell experiment, BMSCs were isolated and cultured in the femoral bone marrow cavity of 4‐week‐old SD rats. BMSCs were randomly divided into eight groups and intervened with different doses of BSHX‐containing serum and glucocorticoids: control group (CG); BSHX low‐, medium‐, and high‐dose groups (CG + 0.661 5, 1.323, and 2.646 g/kg BSHX gavage rat serum); dexamethasone (Dex) group; and Dex + BSHX low‐, medium‐, and high‐dose groups (Dex + 0.661 5, 1.323, and 2.646 g/kg BSHX gavaged rat serum), the effects of BSHX‐containing serum on the angiogenic capacity of BMSCs were examined by qPCR and Western blotting. A co‐culture system of rat aortic endothelial cells (RAOECs) and BMSCs was then established. Migration and angiogenesis of RAOECs were observed using angiogenesis and transwell assay. Identification of potential targets of BSHX against ONFH was obtained using network pharmacology. Results: BSHX upregulated the expression of CD31, VEGFA, KDR, and VWF in rat femoral head samples and BMSCs (p < 0.05, vs. control group or model group). Different concentrations of BSHX‐containing serum significantly ameliorated the inhibition of CD31, VEGFA, KDR and VWF expression by high concentrations of Dex. BSHX‐containing serum‐induced BMSCs promoted the migration and angiogenesis of RAOECs, reversed to some extent the adverse effect of Dex on microangiogenesis in RAOECs, and increased the number of microangiogenic vessels. Furthermore, we identified VEGFA, COL1A1, COL3A1, and SPP1 as important targets of BSHX against ONFH. Conclusion: BSHX upregulated the expression of angiogenic factors in the femoral head tissue of ONFH model rats and promoted the angiogenic capacity of rat RAOECs and BMSCs. This study provides an important basis for the use of BSHX for ONFH prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Previous studies showed that a decline in BP can reverse pressure-overloaded left ventricular hypertrophy in the long term. Whether this structural remodeling and improved cardiac function were due to reduced BP levels or sympathetic tone is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of renal denervation (RDN) on cardiac function and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients diagnosed with resistant hypertension with systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Methods. Thirteen patients diagnosed with resistant hypertension underwent bilateral RDN (RDN group), and 13 patients were selected as the control group (drug group) who received regular antihypertensive drugs for the first time. Demographic analysis and hematologic tests were performed to determine renal function as well as BNP levels. Echocardiogram was performed at baseline and 12 months after RDN. Results. All the baseline characteristics are comparable in two groups. Both RDN and drug regiments resulted in significant reduction from baseline in SBP/DBP at 12-month follow-up (all P values < 0.01), and the decline due to two interventions showed no statistically significant difference (F = 1.64 , P = 0.213 and F = 0.124 , P = 0.853 for SBP and DBP, respectively). RDN significantly reduced mean LV mass index (LVMI) from 151.43 ± 46.91 g/m2 to 136.02 ± 37.76 g/m2 (P = 0.038) and ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from 57.15 ± 5.49 % at baseline to 59.54 ± 4.18 % at 12 months (P = 0.039). No similar changes were detected in the drug group (P values, 0.90 for EF and 0.38 for LVMI). Renal parameters including BUN, Cr, UA, and eGFR at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months showed no marked difference (P = 0.497 , 0.223 , 0.862 , 0.075 , respectively). Conclusions. Our findings show that in addition to hypertension and its progression, elevated sympathetic hyperactivity is related to left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calliptamus italicus is a dominant species in the desert and semi-desert grassland. It is widely distributed throughout many regions such as Asia, Europe, North Africa and the Mediterranean, and has enormous destructive potential for agriculture and animal husbandry. The C. italicus overwintering as eggs in the soil through diapause, and the cold tolerance of locust eggs is the key to their ability to survive the winter smoothly to maintain the population. Results: Transcriptome analysis of C. italicus eggs was carried out in this paper in constant low temperature acclimation, natural low temperature acclimation and room temperature. The differentially expressed genes related to cold tolerance were screened out, the differences in expression patterns under different low temperature acclimation were analyzed, and the genes in the significantly up-regulated pathways may play an important role in cold tolerance. The results show that different domestication modes can induce C. italicus eggs to express a large number of genes to alleviate low temperature damage, but C. italicus eggs are more sensitive to changes in temperature. Compared with the control, there are 8689 DEGs at constant low temperature and 14,994 DEGs at natural low temperature. KEGG analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways related to metabolism and biological systems under constant low temperature, and were mainly enriched in pathways related to biological systems and environmental information processing under natural low temperature. In addition, RNAi technology was used to further verify the regulation of genes in the significantly enriched up-regulated pathways on C. italicus eggs, and it was confirmed that the hatching rate of C. italicus eggs at low temperature was significantly reduced after interference. Conclusions: Transcriptome analysis of C. italicus eggs treated at different temperatures provided a theoretical basis for further understanding the adaptation mechanism of C. italicus eggs to low temperature. In addition, four potential RNAi target genes were verified in the eggs of C. italicus for the first time, providing new ideas for effective control of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a refractory orthopaedic hip joint disease that occurs in young- and middle-aged people. Previous experimental studies have shown that autophagy might be involved in the pathological process of SONFH, but the pathogenesis of autophagy in SONFH remains unclear. We aimed to identify and validate the key potential autophagy-related genes involved in SONFH to further illustrate the mechanism of autophagy in SONFH through bioinformatics analysis. Methods: The GSE123568 mRNA expression profile dataset, including 10 non-SONFH (following steroid administration) samples and 30 SONFH samples, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Autophagy-related genes were obtained from the Human Autophagy Database (HADb). The autophagy-related genes involved in SONFH were screened by intersecting the GSE123568 dataset with the set of autophagy genes. The differentially expressed autophagy-related genes involved in SONFH were identified with R software. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes involved in SONFH were conducted by using R software. Then, the correlations between the expression levels of the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes involved in SONFH were confirmed with R software. Moreover, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was analysed by using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), significant gene cluster modules were identified with the MCODE Cytoscape plugin, and hub genes among the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes involved in SONFH were screened by using the CytoHubba Cytoscape plugin. Finally, the expression levels of the hub genes of the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes involved in SONFH were validated in hip articular cartilage specimens from necrotic femur heads (NFHs) by using the GSE74089 dataset and further verification by qRT-PCR. Results: A total of 34 differentially expressed autophagy-related genes were identified between the peripheral blood samples of SONFH patients and non-SONFH patients based on the defined criteria, including 25 upregulated genes and 9 downregulated genes. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that these 34 differentially expressed autophagy-related genes involved in SONFH were particularly enriched in death domain receptors, the FOXO signalling pathway and apoptosis. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations among the 34 differentially expressed autophagy-related genes involved in SONFH. The PPI results demonstrated that the 34 differentially expressed autophagy-related genes interacted with each other. Ten hub genes were identified by using the MCC algorithms of CytoHubba. The GSE74089 dataset showed that TNFSF10, PTEN and CFLAR were significantly upregulated while BCL2L1 was significantly downregulated in the hip cartilage specimens, which was consistent with the GSE123568 dataset. TNFSF10, PTEN and BCL2L1 were detected with consistent expression by qRT-PCR. Conclusions: Thirty-four potential autophagy-related genes involved in SONFH were identified via bioinformatics analysis. TNFSF10, PTEN and BCL2L1 might serve as potential drug targets and biomarkers because they regulate autophagy. These results expand the autophagy-related understanding of SONFH and might be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of SONFH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is common in older adults, is a risk factor for dementia. Rapidly growing health care demand associated with global population aging has spurred the development of new digital tools for the assessment of cognitive performance in older adults.Objective: To overcome methodological drawbacks of previous studies (e.g., use of potentially imprecise screening tools that fail to include patients with MCI), this study investigated the feasibility of assessing multiple cognitive functions in older adults with and without MCI by using a social robot.Methods: This study included 33 older adults with or without MCI and 33 healthy young adults. We examined the utility of five robotic cognitive tests focused on language, episodic memory, prospective memory, and aspects of executive function to classify age-associated cognitive changes versus MCI. Standardized neuropsychological tests were collected to validate robotic test performance.Results: The assessment was well received by all participants. Robotic tests assessing delayed episodic memory, prospective memory, and aspects of executive function were optimal for differentiating between older adults with and without MCI, whereas the global cognitive test (i.e., Mini-Mental State Examination) failed to capture such subtle cognitive differences among older adults. Furthermore, robot-administered tests demonstrated sound ability to predict the results of standardized cognitive tests, even after adjustment for demographic variables and global cognitive status.Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest the human-robot interaction approach is feasible for MCI identification. Incorporating additional cognitive test measures might improve the stability and reliability of such robot-assisted MCI diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients exhibit deficits in primary sensorimotor and higher‐order executive functions. The gradient reflects the functional spectrum in sensorimotor‐associated areas of the brain. We aimed to determine whether the gradient is disrupted in PD patients and how this disruption is associated with treatment outcome. Seventy‐six patients (mean age, 59.2 ± 12.4 years [standard deviation], 44 women) and 34 controls participants (mean age, 58.1 ± 10.0 years [standard deviation], 19 women) were evaluated. We explored functional and structural gradients in PD patients and control participants. Patients were followed during 2 weeks of multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation therapy (MIRT). The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS‐III) was administered to patients before and after treatment. We investigated PD‐related alterations in the principal functional and structural gradients. We further used a support vector machine (SVM) and correlation analysis to assess the classification ability and treatment outcomes related to PD gradient alterations, respectively. The gradients showed significant differences between patients and control participants, mainly in somatosensory and visual networks involved in primary function, and higher‐level association networks (dorsal attentional network (DAN) and default mode network (DMN)) related to motor control and execution. On the basis of the combined functional and structural gradient features of these networks, the SVM achieved an accuracy of 91.2% in discriminating patients from control participants. Treatment reduced the gradient difference. The altered gradient exhibited a significant correlation with motor improvement and was mainly distributed across the visual network, DAN and DMN. This study revealed damage to gradients in the brain characterized by sensorimotor and executive control deficits in PD patients. The application of gradient features to neurological disorders could lead to the development of potential diagnostic and treatment markers for PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between coffee consumption and thyroid cancer (TC) occurrence has been evaluated in several observational studies with controversial results. The study aims to examine the associations between coffee consumption and TC occurrence. Systematic searches up to February 2019 were conducted. We estimated summary adjusted relative risks (RRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The dose-response analysis was conducted by using generalised least square trend estimation. A total of ten studies involving 379,825 participants and 1,254 TC cases were included. The total summary RR showed that high coffee consumption was a protection factor of TC (RR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62-0.91). With the linear cubic spline model, the occurrence of TC was reduced by 5% with each one cup/day increment of coffee consumption (RR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99).This meta-analysis provides quantitative evidence that coffee consumption was inversely associated with the TC occurrence in a linear dose-response manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To use Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database coupled with Connectivity Map (CMap) databases to screen potential therapeutic drugs for osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) rapidly. Methods: Raw genetic data with accession number GSE74089 that contained eight hip articular cartilage specimens from four ONFH patients and four healthy controls were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and were then integrated using R to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, to identify several potential small molecular compounds that were most strongly negatively correlated with ONFH, a search query of DEGs was explored by using CMap. Results: Filtering revealed 1937 DEGs with log (fold‐change) ≥1 and adjust P value < 0.001. Finally, a network of candidate targets for ONFH with 135 nodes and 660 edges was constructed through network topology analysis, including 96 up‐regulated genes and 39 down‐regulated genes. Several significant gene functions and signaling pathways associated with pathological processes of ONFH were identified via gene enrichment analysis. Based on the CMap database, some potential small molecular components that may be possible to counteract the effects of molecular signal imbalance for ONFH were identified. Neostigmine bromide with low CMap score and P value and specificity score was predicted to be the most candidate compound, involved in the "positive regulation of stem cell proliferation," "regulation of protein autophosphorylation," "VEGF signaling pathway," and "ECM‐receptor interaction." Conclusions: The GEO and CMap databases can be effectively used in understanding the molecular changes in ONFH and provide a systematic manner to identify potential drugs for ONFH prevention and treatment. However, additional clinical and experimental research of the candidate compound is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hypertension is a prominent vascular risk factor for late-life cognitive decline, the underlying pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to examine the role of white matter microstructural integrity in hypertension-related cognitive detriments. We recruited 66 cognitively normal older adults, comprising 41 hypertensive patients and 25 normotensive controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. White matter microstructural integrity was assessed using a tract-based automatic analysis approach derived from diffusion spectrum imaging. Mediating effects of white matter integrity were evaluated using structural equation modeling analyses. The results revealed that hypertensive older adults displayed poorer processing speed, executive function, and memory encoding. Lower white matter microstructural integrity was observed in the hypertensive elderly patients, primarily in long-range association fiber bundles. In particular, low microstructural integrity in specific tract bundles connecting frontal and posterior cerebral regions was found to underlie the adverse relationships between hypertension and multiple cognitive domains, including processing speed, executive function, memory encoding, and memory retention. Our findings suggest that hypertension may impair multiple cognitive functions by undermining white matter microstructures, even in cognitively intact older adults, thus further highlighting the necessity of monitoring vascular health to prevent cognitive decline. HTN is related to multiple cognitive detriments even in cognitively intact elderly. White matter microstructural integrity was examined via diffusion spectrum imaging. Microstructural integrity of the long-range bundles decreased in the HTN elderly. White matter integrity mediates the relationships between HTN and cognitions. IFOF is the strategic white matter bundle mediating HTN to cognitive detriments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The long-term threat of pyridine to anaerobic ammonia was investigated. • The nitrogen removal efficiency was significantly reduced at 80 mg/L pyridine. • Long-term pyridine addition inhibited the expression of hzs and nirs for anammox. • The abundance of Candidatus_Kuenenia decreased 7.23% by the toxic effect of pyridine. • Pyridine binding to key proteins limited the use of anammox for substrates. Some industrial wastewaters contain high amounts of toxic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, which may inhibit the efficiency of biological treatment. This work systematically investigated how exogenous pyridine affected the anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) system and discussed the microscopic response mechanisms based on genes and enzymes. The anammox efficiency was not seriously inhibited by pyridine less than 50 mg/L. Bacteria secreted more extracellular polymeric substances to resist pyridine stress. After 6 days stress with 80 mg/L pyridine, the nitrogen removal rate of anammox system lost 47.7%. Long-term stress of pyridine reduced anammox bacteria by 7.26% and the expression of functional genes by 45%. Pyridine could actively bind to hydrazine synthase and ammonium transporter. This work fills a research gap in the ongoing threat of pyridines to anammox, and has guiding value for the application of anammox process in the treatment of ammonia-rich wastewater containing pyridine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promising candidate for designing a highly sensitive biosensor is the negative capacitance tunneling field effect transistor (NCTFET). In this paper, to enhance the sensitivity and performance of the biosensor, we combined inverted T-shaped structure with NCTFET. We introduce negative capacitance effects by stacking ferroelectric materials on the gate dielectric layer. This paper presents a detailed comparative analysis of the proposed inverted T-shaped-NCTFET and TFET based biosensors for different dielectric constants and charge densities of the nano-cavity between the channel and source region locations of biosensor. Sensitivity has been measured in terms of drain current, on-state current, current switching ratio, electric field, and transconductance sensitivity. To establish a benchmark, the sensitivity of the proposed biosensor is also compared with the published literature in order to determine its effectiveness. It is conferred from the results that our biosensor can be a better alternative for the detection of the various neutral and charged biomolecules. All the device simulations are performed in a TCAD environment using a well-calibrated structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcystin (MC)-producing (MC+) and MC-free (MC−) Microcystis always co-exist and interact during Microcystis -dominated cyanobacterial blooms (MCBs), where MC+ Microcystis abundance and extracellular MC-content (EMC) determine the hazard extent of MCBs. The current study elucidated intraspecific interaction between MC+ and MC− Microcystis at various nitrogen (N) levels (0.5–50 mg/L) and how such N-mediated interaction impacted algicidal and EMC-inhibiting effect of luteolin, a natural bioalgicide. Conclusively, MC+ and MC− Microcystis were inhibited mutually at N-limitation (0.5 mg/L), which enhanced the algicidal and EMC-inhibiting effects of luteolin. However, at N-sufficiency (5–50 mg/L), MC− Microcystis promoted MC+ ecotype growth and dominance, and such intraspecific interaction induced the cooperative defense of two ecotypes, weakening luteolin's algicidal and EMC-inhibiting effects. Mechanism analyses further revealed that MC+ Microcystis in luteolin-stress co-culture secreted exopolymeric substances (EPSs) for self-protection against luteolin-stress and also released more EMC to induce EPS-production by MC− Microcystis as protectants, thus enhancing their luteolin-resistance and promoting their growth. This study provided novel ecological implications of MC− Microcystis toward MC+ ecotype in terms of assisting the dominant establishment of MC+ Microcystis and cooperative defense with MC+ ecotype against luteolin, which guided the application of bioalgicide (i.e. luteolin) for MCBs and MCs pollution mitigation in different eutrophication-degree waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Yellow Sea is a superimposed basin overlying Mesozoic-Cenozoic continental sediments, which in turn overlie Paleozoic-Mesozoic marine deposits that are now the target of hydrocarbon exploration. Strongly modified by multiple tectonic events, the marine sediments feature a large tectonic relief, with obvious horizontal anisotropy in seismic velocity, which significantly affects the seismic image quality. In this study, the sedimentary velocity anisotropy and its influence on image quality were analyzed using an analytical theory method, assuming transversely isotropic medium with vertical axis of symmetry (VTI), and using seismic and well-log data. Additionally, an anisotropic prestack time migration was used for the imaging of the field data. The results showed that the anisotropic pre-stack time migration processing could be used to significantly improve the accuracy of the seismic images in areas with distinct faults, offering clear images of accurately located fault planes and fault edges, thereby improving the lateral resolution of the seismic data and its signal-to-noise ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The alteration in the mechanical environment of the necrotic area is the primary cause of the collapse observed in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical implications of the China‐Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) classification system and hip flexion angles on the necrotic area in ONFH using finite element analysis (FEA). The goal is to provide valuable guidance for hip preservation treatments and serve as a reference for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Methods: Hip tomography CT scan data from a healthy volunteer was used to create a 3D model of the left hip. The model was preprocessed and imported into Solidworks 2018, based on the CJFH classification. Material parameters and boundary conditions were applied to each fractal model in ANSYS 21.0. Von Mises stresses were calculated, and maximum deformation values were obtained to evaluate the biomechanical effects of the load on the necrotic area and post‐necrotic femur, as well as assess each fractal model's collapse risk. Results: (1) At the same hip flexion angle, maximum deformation followed this order: M Type < C Type < L Type. The L3 type necrotic area experienced the most significant deformation at 0, 60, and 110° angles (1.121, 1.7913, and 1.8239 mm respectively). (2) Under the same CJFH classification, maximum deformation values increased with hip flexion angle (0 < 60 < 110°), suggesting a higher risk of collapse at larger angles. (3) Von Mises stress results showed that the maximum stress was not located in the necrotic area but near the inner and outer edge of the femoral neck, indicating decreased stiffness and strength of the subchondral bone after osteonecrosis. Conclusion: The study found that femoral head collapse risk was higher when the necrotic area was located in the lateral column under the same stress load and flexion angle. Mechanical properties of the necrotic area changed, resulting in decreased bone strength and stiffness. Large‐angle hip flexion is more likely to cause excessive deformation of the necrotic area; thus, ONFH patients should reduce or avoid large‐angle hip flexion during weight‐bearing training in rehabilitation activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroud: Plasma lipids and alcohol intake frequency have been reported to be associated with the risk of osteoarthritis (OA). However, it remains inconclusive whether plasma lipids and alcohol intake frequency play a role in the development of OA. Methods: The study employed a comprehensive genome-wide association database to identify independent genetic loci strongly linked to plasma lipids and alcohol intake frequency, which were used as instrumental variables. The causal association between plasma lipids, alcohol intake frequency, and the risk of OA was then analyzed using two-sample Mendelian randomization methods such as inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median estimator (WME), with odds ratios (ORs) as the evaluation criteria. Results: A total of 392 SNPs were included as instrumental variables in this study, including 32 for total cholesterol (TC), 39 for triglycerides (TG), 170 for high-density lipoproteins (HDL), 60 for low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and 91 for alcohol intake frequency. Using the above two-sample Mendelian Randomization method to derive the causal association between exposure and outcome, with the IVW method as the primary analysis method and other MR analysis methods complementing IVW. The results of this study showed that four exposure factors were causally associated with the risk of OA. TC obtained a statistically significant result for IVW (OR = 1.207, 95% CI: 1.018–1.431, P = 0.031); TG obtained a statistically significant result for Simple mode (OR = 1.855, 95% CI: 1.107–3.109, P = 0.024); LDL obtained three statistically significant results for IVW, WME and Weighted mode (IVW: OR = 1.363, 95% CI: 1.043–1.781, P = 0.023; WME: OR = 1.583, 95% CI: 1.088–2.303, P = 0.016; Weighted mode: OR = 1.521, 95% CI: 1.062–2.178, P = 0.026). Three statistically significant results were obtained for alcohol intake frequency with IVW, WME and Weighted mode (IVW: OR = 1.326, 95% CI: 1.047–1.678, P = 0.019; WME: OR = 1.477, 95% CI: 1.059–2.061, P = 0.022; Weighted mode: OR = 1.641, 95% CI: 1.060–2.541, P = 0.029). TC, TG, LDL, and alcohol intake frequency were all considered as risk factors for OA. The Cochran Q test for the IVW and MR-Egger methods indicated intergenic heterogeneity in the SNPs contained in TG, HDL, LDL, and alcohol intake frequency, and the test for pleiotropy indicated a weak likelihood of pleiotropy in all causal analyses. Conclusions: The results of two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis showed that TC, TG, LDL, and alcohol intake frequency were risk factors for OA, and the risk of OA increased with their rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article sheds light on the literacy-education mechanism by which the literacy programs of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) were able to mobilize villagers during the Jiangxi Soviet period (1931–1934). Beginning in the late 1920s and continuing throughout the Jiangxi period, the CCP gave substantial attention to literacy education. Based on political documents and published literacy primers, this article explores the CCP's notion of what was possible and desirable with respect to the way the party and villagers would participate in political life. The Jiangxi Soviet conceived of literacy education within the context of military and political struggle against the Nationalists. Literacy education in this period reflected the party's desire to socialize villagers into its revolution, equipping them with a class-centered worldview and transforming them into Communist comrades. Meanwhile, owing to the modernization ideology of literacy formed around the turn of the twentieth century in China, literacy education also served as the legitimating symbol for the soviet government's rule nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The responses of anammox to long-term p-nitrophenol stress were investigated. • The accumulation of EPS alleviated the stress of p-nitrophenol. • p-Nitrophenol block anammox by cutting the expression of functional genes. • Molecular docking indicated that p-nitrophenol disrupted function of key enzymes. p-Nitrophenol is usually present in ammonia-rich wastewaters produced by some chemical plants. In this work, the response of anammox process to long-term p-nitrophenol stress was investigated. The changes in the efficiency, sludge characteristics, and microorganisms of the anammox system under different levels of p-nitrophenol stress were examined, and the potential stress mechanisms of p-nitrophenol on anammox were further speculated. The results showed that 10–50 mg/L p-nitrophenol had no obvious impact on nitrogen removal efficiency, but stimulated the secretion of more extracellular polymeric substances. 60 mg/L p-nitrophenol caused the nitrogen removal efficiency to decrease by 64.5% in 5 days. Long-term exposure to p-nitrophenol led to 8.6% reduction in Candidatus_Kuenenia abundance and 18.4%–35.9% decrease in the expression level of anammox bacterial functional genes. Molecular simulation indicated that p-nitrophenol could bind to key enzymes of anammox. This study provides new insights into the treatment of wastewater containing p-nitrophenol or phenol by anammox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligand-stabilizedhuman telomeric G-quadruplex DNA is believedto be an anticancer agent, as it can impede the continuous elongationof telomeres by telomerase in cancer cells. In this study, five well-establishedhuman telomeric G-quadruplex DNA models were probed on their bindingbehaviors with thioflavin T (ThT) via both conventional moleculardynamics (MD) and well-tempered metadynamics (WT-MetaD) simulations.Novel dynamics and characteristic binding patterns were disclosedby the MD simulations. It was observed that the K+promotedparallel and hybridized human telomeric G-quadruplex conformationspose higher binding affinities to ThT than the Na+andK+promoted basket conformations. It is the end, sandwich,and base stacking driven by π–π interactions thatare identified as the major binding mechanisms. As the most energyfavorable binding mode, the sandwich stacking observed in (3 + 1)hybridized form 1 G-quadruplex conformation is triggered by reversibleconformational change of the G-quadruplex. To further examine thefree energy landscapes, WT-MetaD simulations were utilized on G-quadruplex–ThTsystems. It is found that all of the major binding modes predictedby the MD simulations are confirmed by the WT-MetaD simulations. Theresults in this work not only accord with existing experimental findings,but also reinforce our understanding on the dynamics of G-quadruplexesand aid future drug developments for G-quadruplex stabilization ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papular elastorrhexis is a rare cutaneous disorder; only 27 cases have been reported before the present review. We added four new cases, and reviewed the published literature in both English and Chinese language. To data, 31 cases have been reported, in the range of 4-40 years ( n = 31, median 20 years, mean age 19.5 years). Among them, only a familial cluster was reported, the ratio of male/female was 11:20. The age for the first detection of the lesions was from 3 to 35.5 years ( n = 26, median age 14 years, mean age 15.3 years). The duration between the initial detection of the lesion to consultation was from 3 weeks to 20 years ( n = 27, median time 1 year, mean time 3.1 years). Of the 26 patients with details, 9 detected their initial lesions in the first decade, 11 in the second decade, 5 in the third decade and only 1 older than 30 years. Twenty out of 31 patients showed nonfollicular papules while the rest had been not mentioned the condition. The lesions may distribute over trunk, limbs, and rarely on shoulders, scalp, face, mandibula, retroauricular region, occipitocervical, neck, armpits, thighs. Histopathological examination shows focal loss or decrease of elastic fibers, that may also appear thin and fragmented. There may be mild perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate in the dermis. The collagen bundles can be thickened and homogenized, or normal. No suggestive therapies were proposed at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-step cathodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) in aqueous solution has been reported for the first time. ECL generates upon sweeping from -0.2 V to -1.5 V using potassium peroxydisulfate (K 2 S 2 O 8 ) as a reductive–oxidative coreactant. Two cathodic ECL peaks are found simultaneously. One appears at -0.8 V which is corresponding to the reduction of TCPP, another is at -1.1 V that is attributed to the reduction of K 2 S 2 O 8 . ECL efficiency ( φ ecl ) is 0.22 for TCPP using Ru(bpy) 3 2+ /S 2 O 8 2− as the standard ( φ ecl = 1). Under the optimum conditions, ECL intensity has a linear relationship with the concentration of TCPP in the range of 2.0 × 10 −7 to 1.0 × 10 −5 mol L −1 with the detection limit of 1.7 × 10 −8 mol L −1 . The practical application to determination pheophorbide which is obtained from fresh spinach leaves has been accomplished. The results demonstrate the facility and effectivity of our method for quantitative analysis of porphyrin. At the same time of building this method, the possible ECL mechanism is discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a large number of simplifying assumptions in the external gravity correction methods in order to reduce the amount of calculation and improve the efficiency of operation. However, there are some problems caused by the simplifying assumptions, for example, errors in normal gravity caused by the confusion of ellipsoids, the indirect effect caused by the difference between the geoid surface and the ellipsoid surface, errors in the Bouguer correction caused by the improper selection of the density and destruction of structure caused by the Bouguer correction. In order to overcome this problem, we proposed a new method of gravity external correction for high precision gravity measurement. There are two steps in the correction method. The first one is to calculate the normal gravity of stations in any position with arbitrary latitude and geodetic height and then gravity anomaly is calculated by subtracting normal gravity from absolute gravity. The gravity anomaly to the position of station can be calculated instead of the gravity anomaly relative to the datum. Using some theoretical models and actual data in western China, we verified the gravity correction method proposed in the paper, and the result showed that the method can improve the accuracy and exploration effect of gravity exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The stress concentration of phenol on the efficiency of anammox was investigated. • High concentration of phenol led to the reduction of anammox bacteria. • Phenol and nitrophenols block anammox by binding to enzyme(NirS). • Phenol stimulated the proliferation of phenol-degrading bacteria in anammox system. Phenol is a biotoxic organic compound and found in large quantities in ammonia-rich wastewater discharged from coking and petrochemical industries. In this work, phenol was fed to the system of anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox), and the possible inhibitory mechanism was speculated using the characterization of granular sludge, analysis of microbial community and molecular docking simulations. The results showed that phenol (0–300 mg/L) did not significantly inhibit anammox. However, phenol did activate denitrification, which increased the nitrogen removal rate (NRR) by 0.94 kg N/(m3·d). Moreover, when phenol concentration reached t400 mg/L, the NRR was inhibited by 70%, while the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of granular sludge was reduced. Phenol resulted in the reduction of Candidatus_Kuenenia and promoted the proliferation of phenol-degrading denitrifying bacteria, Azoarcus and Thauera. Molecular docking indicated that phenol, 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol could bind the nitrite reductase (NirS), which prevented the first step of the anammox reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and computer vision, target detection methods based on UAVs have been increasingly applied in military and civilian fields. Considering the adaptability requirements of low illumination environments such as rain, fog, and night, visible and infrared (IR) sensors are often installed on UAVs to perform in all-weather and all-day conditions. To improve the near-surface detection performance of UAVs in low illumination environments, a pedestrian detection method using image fusion and deep learning is proposed. Visible and IR pedestrian images are collected by the UAV. The corresponding aerial images are registered and annotated. These two different types of aerial images are aligned at the time sequence and matched using the scale invariant feature transform. A U-type generative adversarial network (GAN) is first developed to fuse visible and IR images. A convolutional block attention module is introduced to strengthen the pedestrian target information in the GAN. The spatial domain and channel domain attention mechanisms are proposed to generate color fusion images with rich details and solve the problems of feature extraction as well as fusion rules designed manually in the existing image fusion methods. Then, You Only Look Once Version 3 (YOLOv3)-spatial pyramid pooling combined with transfer learning is adopted using the fused images to train the model on our aerial dataset to verify the pedestrian detection performance. In addition, comparison experiments are carried out. The experimental results demonstrate that the YOLOv3 model is successfully transferred to the target dataset. The performance of the proposed detection model using the fused images for transfer training is the best among the different methods. Finally, the accuracy P, recall R, mean average precision, and F1 score reach 0.804, 0.923, 0.928, and 0.859, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Erythromelalgia is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by episodic attacks of burning pain, erythema, and increased temperature, primarily affecting the extremities, and in rare instances, involving the ear, face, neck, and the scrotum. The dermatoscopic features of erythromelalgia in a case with solely facial involvement have never been described previously. Observations We describe a 14-year-old female who presented with erythema, burning sensation, and warmth on her face only, which mimic the features of erythromelalgia. Physical examination showed higher temperature on the involved cheeks than on axillas during the episode, while the temperature on both areas was the same between episodes. Dermatoscope showed more dilated vessels inside the erythema during the episodes than between the episodes. The symptoms had excellent response to the combination treatment of gabapentin, indomethacin, and topical lidocaine compounds. Conclusions The present case is considered to be a variant of erythromelalgia. Its erythema may be resulted from the dilated vessels. Combination of modalities may provide effective management for erythromelalgia. 'Erythermalgia' may be better than 'erythromelalgia' to describe such conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, industrial fermentation of Botrytis cinerea is a significant source of abscisic acid (ABA). The crucial role of ABA in plants and its wide range of applications in agricultural production have resulted in the constant discovery of new derivatives and analogues. While modifying the ABA synthesis pathway of existing strains to produce ABA derivatives is a viable option, it is hindered by the limited synthesis capacity of these strains, which hinders further development and application. Results: In this study, we knocked out the bcaba4 gene of B. cinerea TB-31 to obtain the 1′,4′-trans-ABA-diol producing strain ZX2. We then studied the fermentation broth of the batch-fed fermentation of the ZX2 strain using metabolomic analysis. The results showed significant accumulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid, mevalonic acid, and mevalonolactone during the fermentation process, indicating potential rate-limiting steps in the 1′,4′-trans-ABA-diol synthesis pathway. This may be hindering the flow of the synthetic pathway. Additionally, analysis of the transcript levels of terpene synthesis pathway genes in this strain revealed a correlation between the bchmgr, bcerg12, and bcaba1-3 genes and 1′,4′-trans-ABA-diol synthesis. To further increase the yield of 1′,4′-trans-ABA-diol, we constructed a pCBg418 plasmid suitable for the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) system and transformed it to obtain a single-gene overexpression strain. We found that overexpression of bchmgr, bcerg12, bcaba1, bcaba2, and bcaba3 genes increased the yield of 1′,4′-trans-ABA-diol. The highest yielding ZX2 A3 strain was eventually screened, which produced a 1′,4′-trans-ABA-diol concentration of 7.96 mg/g DCW (54.4 mg/L) in 144 h of shake flask fermentation. This represents a 2.1-fold increase compared to the ZX2 strain. Conclusions: We utilized metabolic engineering techniques to alter the ABA-synthesizing strain B. cinerea, resulting in the creation of the mutant strain ZX2, which has the ability to produce 1′,4′-trans-ABA-diol. By overexpressing the crucial genes involved in the 1′,4′-trans-ABA-diol synthesis pathway in ZX2, we observed a substantial increase in the production of 1′,4′-trans-ABA-diol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease, while primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL) is a rare T-cell lymphoma which always has an excellent prognosis, although multifocal PC-ALCL tends to relapse after systemic chemotherapy. Psoriasis associated with PC-ALCL is exceptionally rare. We report a 29-year-old Chinese female with a 5-year history of psoriasis treated with Chinese herbs alone, who was referred to our institution with a tumor on the left clavicular region for 1 year and another one on the left palm for 2 months. Skin biopsies of both lesions showed diffuse infiltration of tumor cells, composed of large atypical cells with marked nuclear pleomorphism, prominent nucleoli, and eosinophilic cytoplasm. Large numbers of neutrophilic infiltrations were also noted in the lesion. Immunostaining revealed the lesion to be positive for CD30, vimentin, CD45, and CD68, and weakly positive for epithelial membrane antigen, but negative for anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase. The patient was diagnosed to have psoriasis associated with PC-ALCL; she died 18 months after the final diagnosis with unknown cause. We consider that immune dysregulation and/or Chinese herbs may play roles in the development of the present PC-ALCL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glycine betaine (GB) is a compatible quaternary amine that enables plants to tolerate abiotic stresses, including salt, drought and cold. In plants, GB is synthesized through two-step of successive oxidations from choline, catalyzed by choline monooxygenase (CMO) and betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH), respectively. Rice is considered as a typical non-GB accumulating species, although the entire genome sequencing revealed rice contains orthologs of both CMO and BADH. Several studies unraveled that rice has a functional BADH gene, but whether rice CMO gene ( OsCMO) is functional or a pseudogene remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we report the functional characterization of rice CMO gene. The OsCMO gene was isolated from rice cv. Nipponbare ( Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica) using RT-PCR. Northern blot demonstrated the transcription of OsCMO is enhanced by salt stress. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing OsCMO results in increased GB content and elevated tolerance to salt stress. Immunoblotting analysis demonstrates that a functional OsCMO protein with correct size was present in transgenic tobacco but rarely accumulated in wild-type rice plants. Surprisingly, a large amount of truncated proteins derived from OsCMO was induced in the rice seedlings in response to salt stresses. This suggests that it is the lack of a functional OsCMO protein that presumably results in non-GB accumulation in the tested rice plant. Key message Expression and transgenic studies demonstrate OsCMO is transcriptionally induced in response to salt stress and functions in increasing glycinebetaine accumulation and enhancing tolerance to salt stress. Immunoblotting analysis suggests that no accumulation of glycinebetaine in the Japonica rice plant presumably results from lack of a functional OsCMO protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Interdigital ulcer is an exceptionally rare condition while erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica is common for candidiasis. Four Chinese patients with Candida interdigital ulcers were reported. The exudates were examined directly and cultured for fungi. Skin biopsies were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid Schiff. There were a man and three women (age range: 34-56 years) who presented with 1- to 3-month history of chronic cutaneous ulcer on the interdigital web of hand or foot. The lesions were located on hand for one woman, and on the left foot for the rest. The patients had poor response to the previous treatment of topical steroids and oral antimicrobials. Candida albicans was isolated from a man and two women, Candida tropicalis from another woman. Biopsy specimens revealed yeast and mycelium as well as inflammatory infiltrate in necrotic tissue in two patients; only inflammatory cells in the other two. The patients had complete remission with oral itraconazole and topical bifonazole cream therapy for 3- to 5-week. Candida species may cause interdigital ulcer on hand or foot. Oral itraconazole and topical bifonazole may be an optional therapy for such an ulcer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It was the aim of our study to evaluate the in vitro activities of tetracycline (TET), erythromycin (ERY) and levofloxacin (LVX) alone and in dual combinations against ureaplasmas. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 51 ureaplasmal strains were determined by microdilution assay. Results: TET was the most active when the antibiotics were used alone. The combinations resulted in significantly decreased MICs for every agent compared with the use of single antibiotics (p < 0.05, respectively), except for ERY in the ERY-LVX pair (p > 0.05), and decreased the MICs more significantly in the strains with an MIC ≥4 mg/l compared with MIC <4 mg/l, except for the TET-ERY pair. The ERY-LVX pair increased ERY MICs significantly in the MIC <4 mg/l group (p < 0.05). The combinations resulted in more beneficial MICs in strains where both agents had an MIC ≥4 mg/l compared with those where either had an MIC ≥4 mg/l, as well as in strains where either agent had an MIC <4 mg/l compared with those where both had an MIC <4 mg/l. Conclusions: Drugs in dual combinations always give more beneficial MICs against ureaplasmas than one agent alone. Combinational benefits prefer strains with a higher initial MIC. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of static pressure on cholesterol accumulation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and its mechanism. Methods: Rat-derived VSMC cell line A10 treated with 50mg/L ox-LDL and different static pressures (0, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180mmHg) in a custom-made pressure incubator for 48h. Intracellular lipid droplets and lipid levels were assayed by oil red O staining and HPLC; The mRNA levels of caveolin-1 and ABCA1, the protein levels of caveolin-1 SREBP-1 and mature SREBP-1 were respectively detected by RT-PCR or western blot. ALLN, an inhibitor of SREBP metabolism, was used to elevate SREBP-1 protein level in VSMCs treated with static pressure. Results: Static pressures significantly not only increase intracellular lipid droplets in VSMCs, but also elevate cellular lipid content in a pressure-dependent manner. Intracellular free cholesterol (FC), cholesterol ester (CE), total cholesterol (TC) were respectively increased from 60.5±2.8mg/g, 31.8±0.7mg/g, 92.3±2.1mg/g at atmosphere pressure (ATM, 0mmHg) to 150.8±9.4mg/g, 235.9±3.0mg/g, 386.7±6.4mg/g at 180mmHg. At the same time, static pressures decrease the mRNA and protein levels of caveolin-1, and induce the activation and nuclear translocation of SREBP-1. ALLN increases the protein level of mature SREBP-1 and decreases caveolin-1 expression, so that cellular lipid levels were upregulated. Conclusion: Static pressures stimulate ox-LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation in cultured VSMCs through decreasing caveolin-1 expression via inducing the maturation and nuclear translocation of SREBP-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Intimal hyperplasia plays an important role in various types of vascular remodeling. Mechanical forces derived from blood flow are associated with the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). This contributes to many vascular disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). In this study, we show that static pressure induces the proliferation of VSMC and activates its related signal pathway. VSMC from a rat aorta were treated with different pressures (0, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180mm Hg) in a custom-made pressure incubator for 24h. The most active proliferation of VSMC was detected at a pressure of 120mm Hg. VSMC was also incubated under a static pressure of 120mm Hg for different time intervals (0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24h). We found that static pressure significantly stimulates VSMC proliferation. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation showed a peak at the pressure of 120mm Hg at 4-h time point. Moreover, caveolin-1 expression was significantly inhibited by rising static pressure. Downregulation of VSMC proliferation could be found after PD98059 (ERK1/2 phosphorylation inhibitor) treatment. Our data also showed that a siRNA-mediated caveolin-1 knock down increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and VSMC proliferation. These results demonstrate that static pressure promotes VSMC proliferation via the Caveolin-1/ERK1/2 pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new isolate, Rhodotorula sp. AS2.2241, capable of reducing acetophenone and α-bromoacetophenone with high stereoselectivity, was further studied to exploit its potential in the asymmetric reduction of silicon-containing ketones to silyl alcohols. After encapsulation, the cells were used in an aqueous or an aqueous/organic solvent biphasic system for the asymmetric reduction of acetyltrimethylsilane (ATMS) to prepare (−)-1-trimethylsilylethanol [(−)-TMSE]. It has been found that higher product yield and product enantiomeric excess could be achieved with immobilized cells in an aqueous/organic solvent biphasic system. For optimization of the reaction, various influential variables, such as the volume ratio of the aqueous phase to the organic phase, the hydrophobicity of the organic solvent, reaction temperature, buffer pH of the aqueous phase and the shaking speed, were examined with respect to the initial reaction rate, the product yield and the enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of TMSE formed. All the factors mentioned above had influences on the reaction to some extent. Isooctane was found to be the most suitable organic phase for the reaction. The optimum volume ratio of the aqueous phase to the organic phase, reaction temperature, buffer pH and shaking speed were 1/1, 40 °C, 6.5 and 150 rpm, respectively under which the product yield and the product enantiomeric excess were as high as 99 and 90%, which are much higher than those previously obtained by enantioselective reduction of acylsilanes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Achieving the complete mineralization of persistent pollutants in wastewater is still a big challenge. Here, we propose an efficient photo‐self‐Fenton reaction for the degradation of different pollutants using the high‐density (Ag: 22 wt %) of atomically dispersed AgCo dual sites embedded in graphic carbon nitride (AgCo−CN). Comprehensive experimental measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the Ag and Co dual sites in AgCo−CN play a critical role in accelerating the photoinduced charge separation and forming the self‐Fenton redox centers, respectively. The bimetallic AgCo−CN exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance toward the phenol even under extreme conditions due to an efficient degradation pathway and in situ generation of the hydrogen peroxide producing the main active oxygen species (⋅OH and 1O2) and showed long‐term activity in a self‐design photo‐Filter reactor for the purification of the phenol. Our discoveries pave the way for the design of efficient single‐atoms photocatalysts‐based photo‐self‐Fenton reaction for recalcitrant pollutant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving the complete mineralization of persistent pollutants in wastewater is still a big challenge. Here, we propose an efficient photo‐self‐Fenton reaction for the degradation of different pollutants using the high‐density (Ag: 22 wt %) of atomically dispersed AgCo dual sites embedded in graphic carbon nitride (AgCo−CN). Comprehensive experimental measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the Ag and Co dual sites in AgCo−CN play a critical role in accelerating the photoinduced charge separation and forming the self‐Fenton redox centers, respectively. The bimetallic AgCo−CN exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance toward the phenol even under extreme conditions due to an efficient degradation pathway and in situ generation of the hydrogen peroxide producing the main active oxygen species (⋅OH and 1O2) and showed long‐term activity in a self‐design photo‐Filter reactor for the purification of the phenol. Our discoveries pave the way for the design of efficient single‐atoms photocatalysts‐based photo‐self‐Fenton reaction for recalcitrant pollutant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is a conserved lysosomal degradation process that has recently been found to be associated with stress-related psychological diseases. However, previous studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the effects of various stress patterns on autophagy in different brain regions. This discrepancy may arise from differences in autophagy flux across nuclei, the type of stress experienced, and the timing of autophagy assessment after stress exposure. In this study, we assessed autophagy flux in the rat hippocampus (HPC), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and basal lateral amygdala (BLA) by quantifying protein levels of p-ULK1, LC3-I, LC3-II, and p62 via Western blot analysis at 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min following various stress paradigms: restraint stress, foot shock, single corticosterone injection, and chronic corticosterone treatment. We found that: (1) hippocampal autophagy decreased within 1 h of restraint stress, foot shock, and corticosterone injection, except for a transient increase at 30 min after restraint stress; (2) autophagy increased 1 h after restraint stress and corticosterone injection but decreased 1 h after foot shock in mPFC; (3) In BLA, autophagy increased 1 h after foot shock and corticosterone injection but decreased 1 h after restraint stress; (4) Chronic corticosterone increased autophagy in mPFC and BLA but had no effects in HPC. These findings suggest that stress regulates autophagy in a brain region- and stressor-specific manner within 1 h after stress exposure, which may contribute to the development of stress-related psychological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five previously undescribed lanostane-type triterpenoids, including two triterpenoids with a rearranged side chain (applanoic acids E and F), one C21 nortriterpenoid (16,17-dehydroapplanone E), as well as two highly oxygenated lanostane triterpenoids (methyl applaniate B and applanoic acid G), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, X-ray crystallography and ECD data. Applanoic acid E, 16,17-dehydroapplanone E, and methyl applaniate B showed inhibitory effects on the release of NO by LPS-induced BV-2 cells. Five previously undescribed compounds were isolated and characterized from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum. Three compounds showed inhibitory effects on NO release from LPS-induced BV-2 cells. Image 1 • Five undescribed lanostane triterpenoids were isolated from Ganoderma applanatum. • Compounds 1 and 2 possess rearranged side chains at C-17. • Compounds 1 , 3 , and 4 showed inhibitory effects on the release of NO by LPS- induced BV-2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of integrated circuits according to Moore's law, traditional silicon-based devices have gradually reached their performance limitation. Nanoelectronics based on carbon nanomaterials provides a broad prospect for the continuation of Moore's law. In particular, in the field of optoelectronic devices, it is necessary to further develop new types of nano-optoelectronic devices. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the representative materials of nanoelectronics with excellent electrical and optical properties, e.g., high mobility, suitable band structure, and good infrared absorption. The application of CNTs in optoelectronic devices is a very attractive research topic, which has been developed rapidly in recent years. Until now, various prototypes of CNT-based optoelectronic devices have been developed. In this Review, we briefly introduce the structure and photoelectric properties of CNTs. Then, according to different photo-electron coupling mechanisms, four types of CNTs based on optoelectronic devices are introduced in detail, namely, solar cells, photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, and lasers. Intrinsic and composite CNT-based optoelectronic devices are presented in order to describe the development of CNT-based optoelectronic devices. Finally, different material preparation, separation, and mixing methods of CNTs are discussed, which are the methods for basic material preparation for the fabrication of high performance CNT-based optoelectronic devices. An in-depth study of the development trend of CNT-based optoelectronic devices will contribute to the future development of novel high-performance nanoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have reported that apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE ɛ4) has adverse effects on executive functions (EFs) in late adulthood. However, the results have been inconsistent. Insufficient measurements of executive functioning, uncontrolled clinical and demographic confounders, and moderation effects from other environmental factors are suspected to account for the inconsistency.Objective: This study used aggregate measures to examine the effects of APOE ɛ4 on four components of EFs, namely switching, working memory, inhibition, and reasoning. We further investigated whether high educational attainment, a proxy measure for cognitive reserve, moderates the adverse effects of ɛ4 on EFs.Methods: Cognitively unimpaired older participants were divided into groups based on APOE genotype and into subgroups based on educational attainment level. The demographic and clinical variables were matched between the groups. Four core components of the EFs were measured using a relatively comprehensive battery.Results: The results revealed that although no main effect of the APOE genotype was observed across the four EF components, the potentially adverse effects of ɛ4 on inhibition were alleviated by high educational attainment. A main effect of education on the reasoning component was also observed. The moderation analysis revealed that for older adults with 12 years of education or fewer, the relationship between the APOE ɛ4 genotype and inhibition performance became increasingly negative.Conclusion: This study highlights the distinctive role of response inhibition in the gene-environment interaction and underlines the importance of considering factors of both nature and nurture to understand the complex process of cognitive aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

A new filter material, manganese oxide film coated clinoptilolite (MOFCC), was characterized and introduced to explore the effect in treating high concentration of manganese (1.71–2.12 mg L−1) from aqueous solution in fixed-bed column. Adsorption behavior of Mn(II) can be approximately described with the Langmuir isotherm. During the continuous 30 days filtration experiment, the removal rate of Mn(II) has maintained to be above 95.51%, the accumulated removal amount (806.42 mg) is much higher than the theoretical adsorption capacity (89.71 mg), which indicated that the removal of manganese by MOFCC includes both adsorption and auto-catalytic oxidation process, and it does not require a start-up period. SEM, EDS, XPS, XRD, ZETA potential and BET analyses were used to observe the surface properties of MOFCC. The manganese oxide film of MOFCC exhibits in clusters, apparently on occupied surface, the main component of the manganese oxide film is (Na0.7Ca0.3)Mn7O14·2.8H2O, the specific surface area of MOFCC is 38.76 m2 g−1, and the pore size is concentrated in the range of 3–40 nm, within the mesoporous range mesopores. pHpzc (point of zero charge) value is about 2.36. The characteristics of MOFCC make it an excellent manganese removal filter material for water treatment plant. Therefore, there is a long-term practical significance to develop new system for deep removal of manganese based on MOFCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented that discusses failure of bullous scabies to respond to glucocorticoids, immunoglobulin, and cyclophosphamide.

Air gun arrays are designed to generate strong energy pulses of less than 100 Hz for offshore oil and gas exploration. In shallow seas, due to the directivity of air gun arrays, the complex propagation conditions and the limitations of acquisition methods, it is difficult to accurately evaluate the spatial time and frequency transmission characteristics of airguns. To alleviate the existing lack of knowledge about the transmission characteristics of air gun pulses in the shallow waters of the Bohai Sea, we analysed three‐dimensional ocean bottom cable seismic data collected during a seismic survey in the Bohai Sea, China, in June 2017, which were used to evaluate the reception level, frequency domain characteristics and spatial distribution characteristics within a 5.55 × 5.575 km area. The results showed that in shallow water, multipath propagation causes downfrequency chirplike sounds and an increased sound field. Within 0.3 km, the transmission model follows a cylindrical diffusion, and the sound loss rate decreases as the transmission distance increases until reaching 8 km. Signal capture by the sound channel results in a high transmission loss frequency band, whereas multimode interference weakens the transmission loss. The gun array directivity and the transmission channel are the two main factors affecting the acoustic field. This research provides an improved understanding of the acoustic field of airguns in the Bohai Sea, which can benefit the acoustic modelling of air gun arrays, the design of future seismic exploration projects and the conservation of marine life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Pd-based nanomaterials with advanced structures have shown remarkable activity for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). However, the dissolution of Pd and alloyed base metals, as well as the instability of Ostwald ripening and the formation of the poisoning species in fuel cell operation environments could cause catalyst degradation, which still remains an issue. Herein we report a graphene-confined thermal conversion strategy to fabricate high stability PdFe-embedded porous carbon nanofibers (PdFe@G-CNFs) for ethanol electrooxidation. Benefiting from the unique porous carbon-encapsulated structure and highly alloyed small-sized PdFe component, the resultant samples exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability for ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline media. Especially, the Pd 2 Fe 1 @G-CNFs exhibits enhanced carbon monoxide tolerance and higher peak current density (1896 mA mg−1) than Pd@G-CNFs (860 mA mg−1) and Pd 2 Fe 1 @CNFs (1276 mA mg−1). This study provides a new insight into designing high-efficiency and stable Pd-based electrocatalysts for DAFCs. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • PdFe alloy nanoparticles embedded in porous carbon nanofibers was fabricated. • Graphene is employed as an effective stuff to promote dispersion of nanoparticles. • The Pd 2 Fe 1 @G-CNFs exhibits excellent electrochemical performance for DAFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) was a refractory orthopedic hip joint disease in the young and middle-aged people, but the pathogenesis of SONFH remained unclear. We aimed to identify the potential genes and screen potential therapeutic compounds for SONFH. Methods: The microarray was obtained for blood tissue from the GEO database, and then it identifies differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs were analyzed to obtain the differences in immune cell infiltration. The gene functional enrichment analysis of SONFH was analyzed. The PPI of DEGs was identified through the STRING database, and the cluster modules and hub genes were ascertained using MCODE and CytoHubba, and the ROC curve of hub genes was analyzed, and the tissues distribution of hub genes was understood by the HPA, Bgee and BioGPS databases. The hub genes and target miRNAs and corresponding upstream lncRNAs were predicted by TargetScan, miRDB and ENCORI database. Subsequently, we used CMap, DGIdb and L1000FWD databases to identify several potential therapeutic molecular compounds for SONFH. Finally, the AutoDockTools Vina, PyMOL and Discovery Studio were employed for molecular docking analyses between compounds and hub genes. Results: The microarray dataset GSE123568 was obtained related to SONFH. There were 372 DEGs including 197 upregulated genes and 175 downregulated genes by adjusted P value < 0.01 and |log2FC|> 1. Several significant GSEA enrichment analysis and biological processes and KEGG pathway associated with SONFH were identified, which were significantly related to cytoskeleton organization, nucleobase-containing compound catabolic process, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, neutrophil-mediated immunity, neutrophil degranulation and neutrophil activation involved in immune response. Activated T cells CD4 memory, B cells naïve, B cells memory, T cells CD8 and T cells gamma delta might be involved in the occurrence and development of SONFH. Three cluster modules were identified in the PPI network, and eleven hub genes including FPR2, LILRB2, MNDA, CCR1, IRF8, TYROBP, TLR1, HCK, TLR8, TLR2 and CCR2 were identified by Cytohubba, which were differed in bone marrow, adipose tissue and blood, and which had good diagnostic performance in SONFH. We identified IRF8 and 10 target miRNAs that was utilized including Targetsan, miRDB and ENCORI databases and 8 corresponding upstream lncRNAs that was revealed by ENCORI database. IRF8 was detected with consistent expression by qRT-PCR. Based on the CMap, DGIdb and L1000FWD databases, the 11 small molecular compounds that were most strongly therapeutic correlated with SONFH were estradiol, genistein, domperidone, lovastatin, myricetin, fenbufen, rosiglitazone, sirolimus, phenformin, vorinostat and vinblastine. All of 11 small molecules had good binding affinity with the IRF8 in molecular docking. Conclusion: The occurrence of SONFH was associated with a "multi-target" and "multi-pathway" pattern, especially related to immunity, and IRF8 and its noncoding RNA were closely related to the development of SONFH. The CMap, DGIdb and L1000FWD databases could be effectively used in a systematic manner to predict potential drugs for the prevention and treatment of SONFH. However, additional clinical and experimental research is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient photoinduced charge separation achieving an extremely long lifetime for improving the photocatalytic activity in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is essential to obtain high performance. Here, we crafted and designed the gemstone nanoflower-shaped ZnIn 2 S 4 /CuS (ZIS/CuS) heterostructure by the n-type ZIS nanoparticles grown on p-type CuS nanoflowers. The ZIS/CuS exhibited the photocatalytic HER rate of 1659 μmol∙g−1∙h−1 under visible light irradiation which was higher than that of ZIS nanoflower and CuS gemstone-shape. It has been attributed to the formation of type-II-scheme p−n heterojunction structure with a strong interfacial build-in electric field and the efficient photoinduced charge separation up to an ultralong lifetime of 4.89 ms. It was directly demonstrated by the in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and femtosecond-million second transient absorption spectra (fs-ms TAS). This study provides a new strategy for constructing type-II p−n heterostructures with high photocatalytic activity and strong stability for photocatalytic HER. [Display omitted] • The novel gemstone nanoflower-shaped ZnIn 2 S 4 /CuS heterostructures junction was successfully synthesized. • ZnIn 2 S 4 /CuS exhibits high and stable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and ultralong lifetime of charge separation (4.89 ms). • The mechanism of ZnIn 2 S 4 /CuS is a p−n type-II heterojunction with a strong internal built-in electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our search for neuroprotective agents, six previously undescribed highly oxidized guaiane sesquiterpenes, linderaggrols A−F (1 − 6), together with three known sesquiterpenes, were isolated from the roots of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. Their structures including absolute configurations were established by a combination of NMR spectroscopic techniques and single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Compounds 1 − 6 represented the first instances of guaiane 12(8),15(6)-dilactones. Additionally, compound 6 possessed a rare 1,8- O -bridge. Neuroprotective effects against erastin-induced ferroptosis on HT-22 cells showed that some compounds demonstrated neuroprotective effects at 20.0 μM. [Display omitted] • Six previously undescribed guaianes were isolated from the roots of L. aggregate. • These guaianes possess a unique 12(8), 15(6)-dilactone moiety. • Some guaianes exhibited neuroprotective effects on ferroptosis in HT-22 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]