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Avian influenza is a global zoonotic disease influencing bird conservation and public health. Climate and land-cover changes can significantly impact influenza-susceptible species' distribution, thereby influencing avian influenza outbreaks. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) plays a crucial role in avian influenza virus transmission and is susceptible to environmental changes. Here, we focused on two influenza-susceptible birds, the bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) and brown-headed gull (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus), to predict their distribution on the QTP under climate and land-cover change scenarios. We integrated satellite tracking, field surveys, and publicly available datasets to collect species occurrence. Then, we utilized Biomod models to predict bird distribution under current and future scenarios. Our results indicated that the distance to water bodies (DW) and the mean temperature of the wettest quarter (BIO 8) significantly influenced the distribution of bar-headed geese and brown-headed gulls. The highly suitable distributions of both species are concentrated in the northeastern QTP and the Changtang Plateau, with only the Qaidam Basin showing a decrease in the future. Their future distribution has roughly doubled, with expansions toward western and higher elevations. We highlighted the influence of climate and land cover changes on bird distribution, and identified key areas of bird distribution, which are also critical areas for future avian influenza monitoring and prevention.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based composites fabricated by material extrusion (ME) have attracted broad research attention; however, the complex pre-made composite filament process makes them inflexible. In this work, a novel composite printing strategy was proposed by filling composite powder into hollow filaments to construct composite filaments for printing. This strategy eliminated the screw extrusion composite filament process and fabricated composite parts directly using composite powders. Hydroxyapatite-reinforced polyetheretherketone (HA-PEEK) and carbon fibre-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF-PEEK) composite specimens were fabricated based on the proposed printing method, and their chemical, physical, and mechanical properties were investigated. To improve the mechanical performance of the specimens, annealing was conducted. It was found that the printed composite specimens had excellent mechanical properties. The highest flexural strengths of the 10% HA-PEEK-R and 5% CF-PEEK-R specimens were detected as 352.9 and 399.4 MPa, respectively. The compression strengths of the 10% HA-PEEK-R and 20% CF-PEEK-R specimens peaked, representing 123.0 and 137.2 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, adding different functional reinforcement fillers or various filler contents to different segments of hollow filaments, sandwich structures and gradient structures were successfully fabricated.

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdowns had a substantial impact on mental health. Distress and fatigue are highly correlated. However, little is known about the determinants of fatigue in the general population during the pandemic. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK population. Online surveys were completed by a UK community cohort in April 2020 (wave 1), July-September 2020 (wave 2) and November-December 2020 (wave 3). In total, 3097 participants completed the wave 1 survey, and 1385 and 1087 participants (85.4% women) completed wave 2 and 3 surveys respectively. Fatigue was assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale at waves 2 and 3. Hair samples were provided by 827 participants (90.6% women) at wave 1 and wave 2, which were analyzed to indicate HairE (stress hormone). The mean total fatigue score during wave 2 was 14.7 (SD = 4.7), significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels observed in the community (mean difference 0.50, p = .003). At wave 2, 614 (44.3%) participants met the case definition for fatigue, only 15.6% of whom indicated that fatigue lasted for more than 6 months (suggesting it had started prior to the pandemic). Predictors of fatigue at wave 3 included being in a risk group, depression and belief in having COVID-19, which explained 23.8% of the variability in fatigue scores. Depression at wave 1 was the only significant predictor of remaining a fatigue case at wave 3. Fatigue was highly prevalent in the UK community during the COVID-19 pandemic and limited people’s daily function. Depression and sociodemographic variables were significant predictors of fatigue.

Abstract Background Prior studies reported that elevated asprosin level was associated with obesity in adults and animal models. However, the relationship between asprosin level and children with obeisty remains controversial. The aim of our analysis was to systematically review available literatures linking asprosin and children with obesity for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between circulating asprosin level and obesity in children. Methods Eight databases were gleaned for studies published up to January 2024. Standard mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) and Fisher’s Z transformation was calculated to evaluate the relationship between asprosin level and children with obesity using the Review Manager 5.4 Software. Other indicators were measured via mean difference with 95% CI. Results Six observational studies were included both in systematic review and meta-analysis. The current evidence indicated that no significant difference was observed in the level of circulating asprosin between the children with and without obesity (SMD = 0.37; 95% CI:—0.22–0.95, p = 0.22). However, Fisher’s Z transformation suggested the positive association of circulating asprosin levels and clinical index measuring the degree of obesity: total cholesterol (Fisher’s Z: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.20, p = 0.02). Conclusions Circulating asprosin level was not independently related to childhood obesity currently. More rigorous longitudinal researches were required to disentangle the causations. However, the positive association of asprosin levels and total cholesterol indicated that asprosin might get involved in the lipid-metabolism of childhood obesity, asprosin might be a prospective bio-index and targeted treatment of total cholesterol metabolism besides the role of glucogenic and orexigenic. Trial registration Prospero ID: CRD42023426476.

Extrinsic and endocrine factors are important mechanisms influencing the timing of spring bird migration. Whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus), including 122 adults and subadults over one year old and 98 juveniles under one year old, were satellite tracked to obtain detailed locational data at a wintering ground from 2015 to 2020. We assessed the effects of temperature, wind, photoperiod, available food resources, and sex hormones on age-related timing of spring migration. Our results suggested that both photoperiod and temperature had the greatest impacts on the timing of spring migration of adults, subadults and juveniles when food resources and wind conditions were favourable. With increasing photoperiod and temperature, the peak sex hormone concentrations of adults and subadults occurred one month earlier than that of juveniles, which corresponded to the peak of their departure time. Our study showed the synergistic impact of photoperiod and temperature and their variation among adults, subadults and juveniles on the initiation of spring migration. Compared with juveniles, adults and subadults with spring migration experience and reproductive needs could adjust their behaviours more quickly before departure based on changes in environmental conditions.

The distribution and migration routes of the most studied swan species, mute swans (Cygnus olor), in East Asia are largely unknown because most of those studies were conducted in Europe and North America. In 2016 and from 2021 to 2022, we deployed satellite tracking devices on 22 and 10 mute swans wintering at the Ili River, Xinjiang of Western China, and summering at Ulansuhai Lake, Inner Mongolia of Eastern China, to determine their migration routes. Eight environmental factors, namely, human population density, the shortest distance to the nearest transportation route, elevation, aspect, slope, air temperature, wind speed and gross primary productivity (GPP), were used to analyse the environmental differences at the stopover sites of swan populations between Eastern and Western China. Ebinur and Ulungur Lakes in Xinjiang of Western China and Kapchagay Reservoir and Sasykkol and Alakol Lakes in Eastern Kazakhstan were the summering sites for the Western Chinese swan population; for the Eastern Chinese swan population, in addition to the Yellow River Delta being identified as a wintering site, the Hongze Lake Region of Jiangsu and Danaoban Lake of Inner Mongolia in China were also identified for the first time as wintering and summering sites, respectively. We also found that human population density and GPP were crucial determinants of stopover duration in the Eastern and Western Chinese swan populations both in spring and in autumn. Our findings provide basic data for future research on mute swans in East Asia and will contribute to conservation action plan development through current conservation status evaluations of important summering, wintering and stopover sites along the migration routes of mute swans.

Prior studies demonstrated an equivocal conclusion about the association between the level of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4)/visfatin and periodontitis patients with obesity. The aim of our study (Prospero ID: CRD42023469058) was to systematically review the available articles linking the biofluid levels of RBP4/visfatin to the comorbidity of periodontitis and obesity. Clinical trials were screened in accordance with specific inclusion criteria from seven databases up to November 2023. A quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and ROBINS-I tools for observational and interventional trials, respectively. The standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) related to the RBP4 level was recorded; the other indicators related to the visfatin level were measured via the mean difference (MD) with the corresponding 95% CI, and Fisher’s Z transformation was measured to reveal the association using Review Manager 5.4. The current evidence was based on five observational studies and two interventional studies. All of them were included in the systematic review, and six of them were in the meta-analysis. Statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference in the circulating levels of RBP4 in the periodontitis patients with obesity or without, who were labeled as OP or NP, respectively (155 OP-107 NP: SMD = 1.38; 95% CI: −0.18–2.94, p = 0.08), as well as the periodontal healthy patients with a normal weight, who were labelled as NnP (116 OP-79 NnP: SMD = 6.76; 95% CI: −5.34–18.87, p = 0.27). Meanwhile, a significant higher level of serum visfatin was found in the OP patients than that of the NP (86 OP-45 NP: MD = 4.21; 95% CI: 2.65–5.77, p < 0.00001)/NnP (164 OP-88 NnP: MD = 13.02; 95% CI: 7.34–18.70, p < 0.00001) group. In addition, a positive association was observed between the serum RBP4 and body mass index/clinical attachment loss (CAL). And, then, there was a positive association between the serum visfatin and periodontal parameters, including the probing depth, CAL, and plaque index, as well as metabolic parameters, including the total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Here, the circulating RBP4 level was not independently related to the comorbidity of periodontitis and obesity, while serum visfatin was significantly associated with periodontitis and obesity. Notably, the positive association between circulating RBP4/visfatin and the periodontal parameters/metabolic parameters firmly suggested that the higher severity of the obese or periodontal status was associated with an elevated level of serum visfatin or RBP4 in the OP group. With more rigorous longitudinal research, the exact causations between RBP4/visfatin and the patients affected by obesity and periodontitis could be disentangled. RBP4 and visfatin might be novel, enlightening prospective bio-indexes for the targeted treatment of comorbidities.

Abstract Background The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on inflammatory-related cytokines/adipocytokines in periodontitis patients with or without obesity. Methods We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement and registered the study (CRD42022375331) in the Prospective International Register of Systematic Reviews. We screened randomized-controlled trials and controlled clinical trials from six databases up to December 2022. Quality assessment was performed with RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools for randomized trials and non-randomized trials, respectively. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effect model. Results We included seventeen references in the systematic analysis, and sixteen in the meta-analysis. Baseline results of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, including serum interleukin (IL)-6, serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, serum C-reactive protein (CRP)/hs-CRP, and serum and GCF resistin, were higher in obesity subjects than in normal weight subjects. The effect of NSPT with respect to levels of cytokines/adipocytokines, including IL-6, TNF-a, CRP/hs-CRP, resistin, adiponectin, leptin and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), were then analyzed in the systematic and meta-analysis. After three months of NSPT, serum (MD = -0.54, CI = -0.62 – -0.46), and GCF (MD = -2.70, CI = -4.77 – -0.63) levels of IL-6, along with the serum RBP4 (MD = -0.39, CI = -0.68–0.10) decreased in periodontitis individuals with obesity. NSPT also improved GCF adiponectin levels after three months (MD = 2.37, CI = 0.29 – 4.45) in periodontitis individuals without obesity. Conclusions Obese status altered the baseline levels of cytokines/adipocytokines (serum IL-6, serum and GCF TNF-a, serum CRP/hs-CRP, and serum and GCF resistin). Then NSPT can shift the levels of specific pro-inflammatory mediators and anti-inflammatory mediators in biological fluids, both in obesity and non-obesity individuals. NSPT can reduce serum and GCF IL-6 levels together with serum RBP4 level in individuals with obesity after 3 months, besides, there is no sufficient evidence to prove that obese patients have a statistically significant decrease in the levels of other cytokines compared to patients with normal weight. NSPT can also increase GCF adiponectin level in normal weight individuals after 3 months. Our findings imply the potential ideal follow-up intervals and sensitive biomarkers for clinical bioanalysis in personalized decision-making of effect of NSPT due to patients’ BMI value.

To explore the application of seed germination biomechanical event(s) in seed vigour tests, a new procedure for the evaluation of maize seed vigour tests based on pericarp–testa rupture (PR) and coleorhiza rupture (CR) during seed germination was developed. Twenty–four lots of hybrid maize were used to determine the feasibility of the rupture test (RT) as a seed vigour test in Zea mays. The results showed that the physiological quality pattern of 24 maize seed lots assessed through RT was similar to that obtained through analysis with other seed test methods. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that the percentage of CR and percentage of PR + CR at “15 ± 0.5 °C for 120 h ± 1 h” and “20 ± 0.5 °C for 72 h ± 15 min” exhibited positive correlations with the field seedling emergence data (p < 0.01). Hence, the proposed method (the rupture test) is cogent and effective, thus providing an important reference for more crops to select for seed germination event(s) and establishing corresponding new methods for seed vigour tests in the future.

Background: Evidence suggests that countries with higher Covid-19 infection rates experienced poorer mental health. This study examined whether hair cortisol reduced over time in New Zealand, a country that managed to eliminate the virus in the first year of the pandemic due to an initial strict lockdown. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study assessed self-reported stress, anxiety and depression and collected hair samples that were analyzed for cortisol, across two waves in 2020. The sample consisted of 44 adults who each returned two 3 cm hair samples and completed self-reports. Hair cortisol was assessed per centimetre. Results: Hair cortisol reduced over time (F (5, 99.126) = 10.15, p

Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is a kind of acute cerebrovascular disease with fast onset, low-cure rate, and high case-fatality rate. The application of Aconitum coreanum on CIS was recorded in many ancient books in China with it mechanism and effective components unclear. This study aimed to analyze the potential mechanism and effetvie components of A. coreanum on treating CIS. Neurological function score, cerebral infarction rate, and inflammatory indicators were applied to evaluate the efficacy of A. coreanum on gerbils with CIS. The prototype compounds in A. coreanum which were absorbed into blood was analyzed and identified by Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-Q exactive focus-Mass spectrometer (UPLC-QE-MS). And bioinformatics analysis was used to predict their potential targets or pathways of action. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were adopted to validate the targets or pathway with high relation. After treatment with A. coreanum, the neurological function status of gerbils with CIS was significantly improved, the ischemic area of the brain and the levels of inflammatory indicators significantly reduced. 22 prototype compounds in A. coreanum absorbed into blood were identified mainly including C-20 and C-19 diterpenoid alkaloids. Gene ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis illustrated that A. coreanum acted on protein phosphorylation, receptor complexes, protein kinase activity, and inflammatory response to impove CIS. The kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis results revealed that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was a key pathway. Western blotting and immunofluorescence validated that A. coreanum acted on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, A. coreanum improved the inflammantory condition in CIS by acting on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and the effective components were the diterpenoid alkaloids in it.

To study the tool wear mechanism of turning SiCp/6005Al and the influence of tool wear on cutting force, cutting temperature and workpiece surface quality, cutting experiments at different speeds V and different feed speeds f were carried out. Then the tool wear morphology of each group of experimental tools after cutting was observed and the tool wear mechanism was explored by monitoring the dynamic cutting force and cutting temperature. Finally, the influence of worn tools on cutting force, cutting temperature and surface quality under different process parameters was studied. The results show that the increase of workpiece speed significantly increases the cutting temperature, but it has little effect on the cutting force. However, the increase of feed speed significantly increases the cutting force and the variation range of cutting temperature is small. The change of force load caused by changing feed speed is the main factor affecting the wear of rake face. The change of cutting temperature caused by changing the workpiece speed is the main factor affecting the flank wear. In addition, tool wear is the comprehensive result of abrasive wear and bonding wear. And it will have an adverse impact on cutting force, cutting temperature and machined surface.

Abstract Background To investigate the association between clinical periodontal parameters of periodontitis, serum lipid metabolism markers and adipokines’ levels in patients with obesity and periodontitis. Methods A total of 112 patients admitted to Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University were included in this study. They were divided into normal body weight group (18.5

Abstract Background and objectives Patients with congenital lung malformations (CLMs) are at high risk for developing pulmonary infection. Nonetheless, prophylactic surgical excision of asymptomatic CLMs is controversial and often delayed to symptoms occurring out of concern for potential operative risks. This study aims to evaluate the impact of previous pulmonary infection on the outcome of thoracoscopic procedures in CLMs patients. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of CLMs patients who received an elective operation at a tertiary care center from 2015 to 2019. Patients were divided into pulmonary infection (PI) or non-infection of pulmonary (NPI) groups according to the history of pulmonary infection. Propensity score matching was used to minimize the bias between groups. The primary outcome was conversion to thoracotomy. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with and without PI. Results We identified 464 patients, of whom 101 had a history of PI. Propensity score matching yielded a well-balanced cohort of 174 patients. PI was associated with higher conversion to thoracotomy (adjusted odds ratio = 8.7, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.1–71.2, p = 0.039), blood loss (p = 0.044), and longer operative time (p

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neutral protease treatment on the biochemical properties of various parts of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) under different storage conditions. The mechanism of quality degradation in the mantle, adductor muscle, gill, and trunk of treated oysters stored at −1.5 °C (superchilling) or 4 °C (refrigeration) for several days using different storage methods was studied. The results showed that the oyster treated with the enzyme exhibited higher glycogen content, flavor nucleotide content, and sensory scores compared to the control group. Superchilling at −1.5 °C was observed to slow the increase in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), total viable count (TVC), and pH, while maintaining sensory scores better than refrigeration at 4 °C. Both wet superchilling (WS) and dry exposed superchilling (DeS) methods effectively preserved freshness and quality at −1.5 °C. The freshness of the oysters’ body trunk changed most significantly. K value, K′ value, and AEC value, as the evaluation indexes of oyster freshness, were affected by the storage medium. Therefore, neutral protease enhances the flavor of oysters in a short time, and oysters stored in wet superchilling or dry exposed superchilling conditions have an extended shelf life.

Tantalum (Ta) has excellent prospects in the bone-implant field due to its satisfactory biocompatibility. Two novel Ta lattice structures were designed and printed by selective laser melting (SLM), including the imitation saddle surface (ISS) and the imitation arch bridge telescopic (IABT) structures. Quasi-static compression tests and finite element analysis were adopted to investigate the effects of design parameters on the mechanical properties, deformation modes, and energy absorption of lattice structures. Compared with the typical lattice structure body-centred cubic (BCC) structure, the ISS lattice structure had a higher yield-stress-to-elastic-modulus ratio, and the IABT lattice structure had higher energy absorption. The failure mode of the BCC and ISS lattice structures was shear band formation. The IABT lattice structure showed hierarchical deformation during compression and collapsed with vertical strut buckling. The results indicated that the ISS lattice is the most potential candidate for bone implant applications.

AbstractObjective This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of focused ultrasound (FU) at different focal depths in treating vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS).Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 84 patients with VLS. Among them, 43 cases were treated with FU at a focal depth of 2.5 mm and 41 cases at a focal depth of 4.0 mm. Therapeutic time, treatment energy, postoperative efficacy, complications and recurrence rates were compared.Results No statistically substantially differences in age, disease course, history of immune system diseases, lesion size and severity of symptoms were found between the two groups. All patients successfully received FU therapy. No significant difference in curative rate was observed between the two groups at 3, 6 and 12 months after FU therapy. At 12 months after FU therapy, the recurrence rate of the experimental group (FU treatment at 2.5 mm focal depth) was lower than the control group (FU treatment at 4.0 mm focal depth) (7.0% vs 24.4%, p = 0.027). The experimental group was treated for a shorter period of time [22.69 ± 0.64 (min) vs 24.93 ± 0.72(min), p = 0.022] and at a lower dose[5,026.05 ± 148.00(J) vs 5,484.26 ± 160.60(J) p = 0.039].Conclusion Compared with that at the routine focal depth (4.0 mm), FU therapy at a low treatment depth (2.5 mm) can achieve a similar therapeutic effect but lower recurrence rate, therapeutic time and treatment energy. This work provides insight into the optimization of clinical protocols.

AbstractObjective To use logistic regression to analyze the attributes underlying patients’ treatment options for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) complicated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection, and identify the best benefit group of different treatment options.Methods Clinical data of 197 LSIL patients with HR-HPV infection between June 2009 and February 2022 were collected. According to the treatment options chosen by the patients, they were divided into the interferon, photodynamic therapy, follow-up observation, and focused ultrasound (FUS) treatment groups. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors, including age, occupation, education level, maternity history, reason for encounter, route of consultation, annual personal and household income, screening for related risk factors, and identifying the best benefit group of different treatment options.Results One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in age, education level, maternity history, reason for encounter, and annual household income (p

Abstract Fructilactobacillus (F.) sanfranciscensis LS1 is one of the dominant strains in sourdough. Ethanol produced during fermentation is an inevitable stress factor for this stain. At present, the research on the mechanism of ethanol stress in lactic acid bacteria is limited compared to yeast species (particularly Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae). In this study microbial physiology and protein expression analysis technology was used. F. sanfranciscensis LS1 served as the original bacteria, and evolutionary bacteria LS1‐1 were obtained by adaptive evolution. The comparison of the two strains' growth, survival rate, morphology, hydrophobicity, cohesive force and protein expression revealed that the evolved bacteria had a significantly higher ethanol tolerance than the original bacteria. Similarly, the hydrophobicity of evolved bacteria was increased about 6.6 times than that of the original bacteria. With an increase in ethanol concentration, the level of damage on evolved bacteria was less, and the total proportion of damaged cells decreased. After 8 h of culturing, the self‐cohesion of the evolved strain was 1.29 times more than the original strain. Sodium dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis has shown that the number of protein bands of the evolved bacteria LS1‐1 increased significantly, indicating that the associated proteins were expressed more and the strain's ability to resist environmental pressure was improved.

Objective:. Different SSTR2 antagonists have been developed. This study aims to evaluate the impact of different peptides and chelators on the diagnostic performance of SSTR2 antagonists in well-differentiated NETs. Methods:. In this prospective study, participants were equally randomized into 2 arms: arm A, participants would undergo a whole-body 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 PET/CT scan on the first day and 68Ga-DOTA-LM3 PET/CT scan on the second day; arm B, participants would undergo a whole-body 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 PET/CT scan on the first day and 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 PET/CT scan on the second day. Biodistribution in normal organs, lesion detection ability, and tumor uptakes were compared within each arm. Results:. A total of 40 participants (age, 49.5 ± 13.4, 21 men), 20 in each arm, were recruited in the study. In arm A, 68Ga-DOTA-LM3 showed lower background. However, the lesion detection ability (overall lesion detected, 445 vs 548; P = .005) and the lesion uptake (overall lesions SUVmax, 19.8 ± 17.2 vs 35.3 ± 28.8; P < .001) was significantly lower than those of 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3. In arm B, both 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 and 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 showed similar biodistribution and lesion uptake (SUVmax, 28.5 ± 23.8 vs 25.0 ± 20.0; P < .001) despite minor differences. The lesion detection ability was the same between these 2 tracers (overall lesion detected, 503 vs 503). Conclusions:. The diagnostic performance of SSTR2 antagonists was sensitive to chelators. Both 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 and 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 outperformed 68Ga-DOTA-LM3 with higher lesion uptake and detection ability, of which 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 had marginally but significantly higher lesion uptake.

Abstract Biometrics are the among most popular authentication methods due to their advantages over traditional methods, such as higher security, better accuracy and more convenience. The recent COVID‐19 pandemic has led to the wide use of face masks, which greatly affects the traditional face recognition technology. The pandemic has also increased the focus on hygienic and contactless identity verification methods. The forearm is a new biometric that contains discriminative information. In this paper, we proposed a multimodal recognition method that combines the veins and geometry of a forearm. Five features are extracted from a forearm Near‐Infrared (Near‐Infrared) image: SURF, local line structures, global graph representations, forearm width feature and forearm boundary feature. These features are matched individually and then fused at the score level based on the Improved Analytic Hierarchy Process‐entropy weight combination. Comprehensive experiments were carried out to evaluate the proposed recognition method and the fusion rule. The matching results showed that the proposed method can achieve a satisfactory performance.

This longitudinal study investigated changes in and risk factors for anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in a New Zealand cohort. Online surveys were distributed to 681 participants at three time-points: May 2020 (Time 1), August–September 2020 (Time 2), and March–April 2021 (Time 3). Participants completed measures of anxiety and depression, alongside measures of possible risk/protective factors. A total of 261 participants completed all three surveys and were included in analyses. Depression and anxiety reduced over time; however, levels were still significantly higher than pre-pandemic norms. Being younger, having a prior mental health disorder, experiencing negative life events due to COVID-19, and being a pet owner were risk factors for poorer depression and anxiety, whereas having higher positive mood was protective. This study demonstrates persisting negative effects of the pandemic on anxiety and depression in a context of low transmission and highlights the importance of providing psychological help to those most at risk.

Cadmium (Cd) is a carcinogenic environmental pollutant that harms male reproductive systems by lowering sperm quality, impairing spermatogenesis, and causing apoptosis. Although zinc (Zn) has been reported to alleviate Cd toxicity, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this work was to investigate the mitigating effects of Zn on Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity in the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense. Cd exposure not only resulted in its accumulation but also in Zn deficiency, decreased sperm survival rate, poor sperm quality, altered ultrastructure, and increased apoptosis in the testis of the crabs. Morever, Cd exposure increased the expression and distribution of metallothionein (MT) in the testis. However, Zn supplementation effectively mitigated the aforementioned effects of Cd, as demonstrated by preventing Cd accumulation, increasing Zn bioavailability, alleviating apoptosis, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and restoring MT distribution. Moreover, Zn also significantly reduced the expression of apoptosis-related (p53, Bax, CytC, Apaf-1, Caspase-9, Caspase-3), metal transporter-related ZnT1, metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF1), and the gene and protein expression of MT, while increasing the expression of ZIP1 and Bcl-2 in the testis of Cd-treated crabs. In conclusion, Zn alleviates Cd-induced reproductive toxicity via regulating ion homeostasis, MT expression, and inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the testis of S. henanense. The information obtained in this study may serve as the foundation for further investigation into the development of mitigation strategies for adverse ecological and human health outcomes associated with Cd contamination or poisoning.

ObjectiveThe study investigates the mechanical properties of a nickel–titanium shape memory alloy anal fistula clip (NiTi-AFC), studies the surgical method of treating anal fistula, and evaluates its clinical efficacy.MethodsThe anal fistula clip was formed in nickel–titanium alloy with a titanium content of 50.0%–51.8%. The mechanical properties and chemical properties were tested. A total of 31 patients with anal fistula were enrolled between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2023. All patients underwent internal orifice closure surgery using NiTi-AFC, and anorectal magnetic resonance or ultrasound was performed before surgery and 6 months after surgery for diagnosis and evaluation. Fistula cure rates, length of stay, perianal pain, and Wexner incontinence scores were retrospectively compared between patients treated with NiTi-AFC and patients treated with other surgical methods.ResultNiTi-AFC has a density of 6.44–6.50 g·cm−3, with a shape-restoring force of 63.8 N. The corrosion rate of NiTi-AFC in 0.05% hydrochloric acid solution at atmospheric pressure and 20°C is approximately 6.8 × 10−5 g·(m·h)−1. A total of 31 patients (male/female: 19/12, age: 43.7 ± 17.8 years) were included. Among them, 22.6% (7) had multiple anal fistula, 16.1% (5) had high anal fistula, and 48.3% (15) had perianal fistula Crohn's disease. In total, 12.9% (4/31) did not achieve primary healing, underwent fistula resection, and eventually recovered. A retrospective analysis showed that the fistula healing rate, length of stay, and anal pain of NiTi-AFC treatment were similar to those of other traditional surgeries, but the Wexner incontinence score was significantly lower.ConclusionNiTi-AFC has shape memory properties, corrosion resistance, superelastic effect, and surface cell adhesion. It is applied to internal orifice closure surgery of anal fistula, with good therapeutic effect, and can protect the anal function.

Mudstone is the most common cap rock in petroliferous basins. The mechanical properties of mudstone in different areas and buried depths are obviously different, which directly affects the brittleness and ductileness of caprock and its deformation characteristic. This research carried out X ray diffraction (XRD) rock mineral composition analysis, microscopic observation of mineral structural characteristics and rock mechanics triaxial compression tests under different conditions on six groups of mudstone samples from three basins. On this basis, establish numerical model to simulate the fracture deformation of mudstone under geological conditions, and to clarify the influence of different factors on the rock mechanics of mudstone. Compare and analyze the fracture characteristics and stress-strain curves of mudstone samples after the test show that, the confining pressure is the most direct factor affecting the mechanical properties and deformation mechanism of mudstone in the range of oil and gas enrichment depth. Although the formation temperature has a certain influence on the rock deformation, the effect is very limited, and it is difficult to have an essential influence on the rock deformation without the action of confining pressure. The mineral composition of mudstone is also one of the main factors affecting the mechanical deformation of rock. The comparison between the content of main minerals and the mechanical parameters of rock shows that the mechanical properties of rock and the transformation of brittleness and ductileness of mudstone have the most obvious correlation with clay minerals. Numerical simulations show that, pore fluid pressure is an important factor that cannot be ignored in overpressured caprocks. Higher pore fluid pressure can significantly inhibit the transition process of rock brittleness and ductileness, and at the same time affect the fracture mode of mudstone, which is of great significance for the evaluation of caprock integrity.

Campylobacter species, especially C. jejuni and C. coli, are the main zoonotic bacteria causing human gastroenteritis. A variety of Campylobacter species has been reported in wild birds, posing a potential avian–human transmission pathway. Currently, there has been little surveillance data on Campylobacter carriage in migratory birds in China. In the current work, fresh fecal droppings from individual migratory birds were collected at four bird wintering/stopover sites in China from May 2020 to March 2021. Nucleic acid was extracted and tested for Campylobacter with PCR-based methods. Overall, 73.8% (329/446) of the samples were positive for Campylobacter, demonstrating location and bird host specificity. Further speciation revealed the presence of C. jejuni, C. coli, C. lari, C. volucris, and an uncharacterized species, which all harbored a variety of virulence factors. Phylogenetic analysis performed on concatenated 16S rRNA-atpA-groEL genes elucidated their genetic relationship, demonstrating both inter- and intra-species diversity. The wide distribution and high diversity of Campylobacter spp. detected in migratory birds in China indicated potential transmission across territories. The existence of virulence factors in all of these species highlighted their public health importance and the necessity of monitoring and controlling Campylobacter and other pathogens carried by migratory birds.

We survey 62 users of a university asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 testing service on details of their activities, protective behaviours and contacts in the 7 days prior to receiving a positive or negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result in the period October 2020–March 2021. The resulting data set is novel in capturing very detailed social contact history linked to asymptomatic disease status during a period of significant restriction on social activities. We use this data to explore 3 questions: (i) Did participation in university activities enhance infection risk? (ii) How do contact definitions rank in their ability to explain test outcome during periods of social restrictions? (iii) Do patterns in the protective behaviours help explain discrepancies between the explanatory performance of different contact measures? We classify activities into settings and use Bayesian logistic regression to model test outcome, computing posterior model probabilities to compare the performance of models adopting different contact definitions. Associations between protective behaviours, participant characteristics and setting are explored at the level of individual activities using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). We find that participation in air travel or non-university work activities was associated with a positive asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, in contrast to participation in research and teaching settings. Intriguingly, logistic regression models with binary measures of contact in a setting performed better than more traditional contact numbers or person contact hours (PCH). The MCA indicates that patterns of protective behaviours vary between setting, in a manner which may help explain the preference for any participation as a contact measure. We conclude that linked PCR testing and social contact data can in principle be used to test the utility of contact definitions, and the investigation of contact definitions in larger linked studies is warranted to ensure contact data can capture environmental and social factors influencing transmission risk.

Phosphorylated fish gelatin (PFG) exhibited preferable physical and chemical properties than fish gelatin (FG) in our previous study. To investigate the application values of PFG, the effects of different ratios (2:1, 1:1 and 1:2) of FG(PFG)/κ carrageenan (κC) on the quality of jelly gels (JGs) were investigated. The sensory quality of PFG:κC (1:2)/FG:κC (1:2) was found to be superior based on sensory evaluations, which was also verified with the results for texture, rheology, etc. Moreover, the structural changes in JGs were related to the introduction of phosphoric acid groups into the molecular chain of gelatin and the protein–polysaccharide interactions. According to the storage results, PFG jelly had better storage quality, higher hardness and chewiness values than those of FG jelly. High-throughput sequencing of JG microbial analysis showed that the addition of PFG changed the amount of microorganisms, microbial species abundance and the microbial composition of JGs, which were also closely related to the storage quality of JGs. In conclusion, the applications of PFG have promising potential to improve the quality of confectionery.

Due to the material properties of single-crystal silicon, it is difficult to achieve high-efficiency processing in conventional turning. Fast tool servo (FTS) turning has emerged as a favorable technology for processing brittle materials. This paper investigates the tool radius, feed speed, and cutting depth effects on the maximum undeformed chip thickness (MUCT). A high-frequency low-coupling FTS system is designed for processing experiments. Effects of the tool rake angle, tool radius, cutting speed, and vibration frequency on the critical undeformed chip thickness (CUCT) are explored in this paper. Experimental results indicate FTS technology can increase the CUCT from 80 nm to 580 nm. Surface and subsurface morphology tests of conventional and FTS single-crystal silicon cutting verify that FTS technology can obtain an optical surface roughness of 5 nm and lower subsurface damage. Moreover, FTS turning can reduce tool wear. Lastly, through Raman spectroscopy analysis, the amorphous phase remaining on the machined surface is lower when FTS turning is employed.

A 6-prismatic-spherical-spherical (6-PSS) parallel 3D printer with six degrees of freedom was introduced. The motion planning and control method of 6-PSS parallel 3D printer is proposed. The effects of vertical and variable-angle printing modes on the surface quality, porosities, and tensile strengths of printed specimens were investigated. Thin-walled specimens with oblique angles of 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30° were printed in vertical printing mode and variable-angle printing mode. In order to reveal the relationship between the printing mode and the quality of printed parts, the surface roughness and angle errors of the specimens were analyzed by the digital microscope, the internal defects of the specimens were analyzed by the micro-X-ray 3D imaging system, and the tensile strength of the specimens was tested. The results show that the surface roughness of the specimens increased with the increase of the angle. The surface roughness and angle errors of specimens printed in the vertical printing mode were significantly higher than those of specimens printed in the variable-angle mode. For the specimens printed in the two printing modes, the porosity of specimens increased and the tensile strength decreased with the increase of the oblique angle. For the specimens with the same oblique angle, the specimens printed by the variable-angle mode have smaller porosity and higher tensile strength. A ship-shaped thin-walled part was successfully printed on a cylindrical surface, indicating that the real-time variable-angle printing mode of the 6-PSS parallel 3D printer was very flexible.

Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a pest with an amazing appetite, damages many crops and causes great losses, especially maize. Understanding the differences in different maize cultivars’ responses to S. frugiperda infestation is very important for revealing the mechanisms involved in the resistance of maize plants to S. frugiperda. In this study, a comparative analysis of two maize cultivars, the common cultivar ‘ZD958’ and the sweet cultivar ‘JG218’, was used to investigate their physico-biochemical responses to S. frugiperda infestation by a pot experiment. The results showed that the enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense responses of maize seedlings were rapidly induced by S. frugiperda. Frist, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of infested maize leaves were significantly increased and then decreased to the level of the control. Furthermore, compared with the control leaves, the puncture force values and the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one contents of infested leaves were significantly increased within a certain time. The superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities of infested leaves were significantly increased in a certain period of time, while the catalase activities decreased significantly and then increased to the control level. The jasmonic acid (JA) levels of infested leaves were significantly improved, whereas the salicylic acid and abscisic acid levels changed less. Signaling genes associated with phytohormones and defensive substances including PAL4, CHS6, BX12, LOX1, and NCED9 were significantly induced at certain time points, especially LOX1. Most of these parameters changed greater in JG218 than in ZD958. Moreover, the larvae bioassay showed that S. frugiperda larvae weighed more on JG218 leaves than those on ZD958 leaves. These results suggested that JG218 was more susceptible to S. frugiperda than ZD958. Our findings will make it easier to develop strategies for controlling S. frugiperda for sustainable maize production and breeding of new maize cultivars with increased resistance to herbivores.

The Oriental Stork (Ciconia boyciana) is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and is classified as a first category nationally protected bird species in China. Understanding this species' seasonal movements and migration will facilitate effective conservation to promote its population. We tagged 27 Oriental Stork nestlings at Xingkai Lake on the Sanjiang Plain in Heilongjiang Province, China, used GPS tracking to follow them over the periods of 2014–2017 and 2019–2022, and confirmed their detailed migratory routes using the spatial analysis function of ArcGIS 10.7. We discovered four migration routes during autumn migration: one common long-distance migration route in which the storks migrated along the coastline of Bohai Bay to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River for wintering, one short-distance migration route in which the storks wintered in Bohai Bay and two other migration routes in which the storks crossed the Bohai Strait around the Yellow River and wintered in South Korea. There were no significant differences in the number of migration days, residence days, migration distances, number of stopovers and average number of days spent at stopover sites between the autumn and spring migrations (P > 0.05). However, the storks migrated significantly faster in spring than in autumn (P ​= ​0.03). The same individuals did not exhibit a high degree of repetition in their migration timing and route selection in either autumn or spring migration. Even storks from the same nest exhibited considerable between-individual variation in their migration routes. Some important stopover sites were identified, especially in the Bohai Rim Region and on the Songnen Plain, and we further explored the current conservation status at these two important sites. Overall, our results contribute to the understanding of the annual migration, dispersal and protection status of the endangered Oriental Stork and provide a scientific basis for conservation decisions and the development of action plans for this species.

Abstract The effects of electron beam irradiation doses (1–7 kGy) on the quality of weever (Lateolabrax japonicus) were investigated during refrigerated storage. The obtained results showed that lower irradiation dose (1–3 kGy) could dramatically extend shelf‐life of weever fillets, guarantee hardness, and chewiness during storage. Biochemical properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) indicated that higher irradiation dose (5 and 7 kGy) significantly accelerated MP oxidization by the increase of carbonyl contents, reducing the sulfhydryl contents and Ca2+‐ATPase activity during storage. Thus, low irradiation dose in combination with refrigerated storage could delay protein oxidation and be more suitable for fresh‐keeping of weever meat. This may provide possible reference for the application of irradiation technology in weever preservation.

Summary: Background: There are currently limited systemic treatment options for patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumours (NETS) and the efficacy of existing treatments is sub-optimal. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil/potassium capsules (S-1)/Temozolomide with or without thalidomide for the treatment of NETS (STEM trial). Methods: A randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 2 trial conducted at eight hospitals in China. Adults (≥18 years) with unresectable/metastatic, pancreatic or non-pancreatic NETS, with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) PS of 0–1, and progression on ≤2 previous therapies were randomised (1:1, using hierarchical block randomization with block length 4, stratified by pancreatic/non-pancreatic disease to receive S-1 40–60 mg orally twice daily on days 1–14 plus temozolomide 200 mg orally daily on days 10–14 in a 21-day cycle OR S-1 and temozolomide plus thalidomide orally nightly (100 mg on days 1–7, 200 mg on days 8–14, and 300 mg from day 15), until disease progression, death, intolerable toxicity, withdrawal of informed consent or at the investigator's discretion. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1 in an intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in all patients who received treatment. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03204019 (pancreatic group) and NCT03204032 (non-pancreatic group). Findings: Between March 23, 2017 and November 16, 2020, 187 patients were screened and 140 were randomly assigned to S-1/temozolomide plus thalidomide (n = 69) or S-1/temozolomide (n =71). After a median follow-up of 12·1 months (IQR: 8·4–16·6), the ORR was comparable in the S-1/temozolomide plus thalidomide and S-1/temozolomide groups 26·1% [95% CI 17·2–37·5] versus 25·4% [95% CI 16·7–36·6]; odds ratio: 1·03 [95% CI 0·48–2·22]; P = 0·9381). In the S-1/temozolomide plus thalidomide group, the most common grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse event was fatigue (2/68, 3%), and in the control group were thrombocytopenia and diarrhea (both 1/71, 2%). There were no treatment-related deaths in either group. Interpretation: S-1/temozolomide with or without thalidomide leads to a comparable treatment response in patients with advanced/metastatic NETS. Funding: This work was supported by CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS,2021-I2M-1-066, 2017-I2M-4-002, 2021-I2M-1-019, 2017-I2M-1-001), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81972311, 82141127, 31970794,), the State Key Project on Infection Diseases of China (2017ZX10201021-007-003), the Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019PT310026), Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen (SZSM202011010), and the State Key Laboratory Special fund from the Ministry of Science (2060204).

Objectives: To critically review evidence for associations between long-term cortisol levels, mood, and lifestyle factors.Systematic searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, WoS, and CINAHL) were conducted up to 21/11/2020 to identify observational and interventional studies (n = 4971) reporting associations between one or more lifestyle or mood factor with cortisol outcomes measured over ≥4 weeks in healthy adults. Quality of included studies was assessed using Downs and Black checklist. The quality of evidence supporting the associations of lifestyle and mood with long-term cortisol levels was assessed as being of moderate-to-poor quality. Observational studies (n = 25) indicated positive associations for BMI/body weight (ESr, pooled effect size correlation = 0.15, p

The 2020 COVID-19 lockdown provides an opportunity to assess how the anthropause affected the behavior of birds. Black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) wintering at Dianchi Lake (Yunnan Province, southwestern China) prefer to forage on easily accessible human-provided food at various sites along the lake. Following the closure of the lake because of the pandemic, synthetic food was provided at a single location. We expected that the home range size and distribution of gulls would change in response to these changes in food provisioning. A total of 91 gulls were tagged with satellite transmitters in November 2018 and March 2019, and their movements were tracked during the winter months. We analyzed their home range size and spatial distribution in four periods, SCP2019, SOP2019, SCP2020, and SOP2020 (Scenic Opening/Closing Period in 2019/2020), and the difference between SOP2019 and SCP2019 was used as the control group. The eutrophication level in the wintering periods “Nov. 2018–Apr. 2019” and “Oct. 2019–Apr. 2020” was determined using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and the coverage ratio of algal blooms and NDVI were used as indicators of the amount of naturally available food. The home range sizes of gulls were reduced in SCP2020 compared with SOP2019, SCP2019, and SOP2020. The gulls were most abundant in the 600–900 m buffer zone and least abundant in the 0–300 m buffer zone in SCP2019; they were most abundant in the 0–300 m buffer zone and least abundant in the 900–2000 m buffer zone in SCP2020. These patterns were consistent with variation in the NDVI and the coverage ratio of algal blooms among buffer zones. Changes in wintering behaviors in SCP2020 relative to other periods suggested that gulls modified their behavior following anthropause-related changes in the distribution and provisioning of food. Our findings provide insights into the role of behavioral plasticity in mediating adaptation to changes in human activities in birds.

Inhibition of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 mediated cell signaling pathway is an important therapeutic strategy for HER2-positive cancers. Although monoclonal antibodies are currently used as marketed drugs, their large molecular weight, high cost of production and susceptibility to proteolysis could be a hurdle for long-term application. In this study, we reported a strategy for the development of artificial antibody based on γ-AApeptides to target HER2 extracellular domain (ECD). To achieve this, we synthesized a one-bead-two-compound (OBTC) library containing 320,000 cyclic γ-AApeptides, from which we identified a γ-AApeptide, M-3-6, that tightly binds to HER2 selectively. Subsequently, we designed an antibody-like dimer of M-3-6, named M-3-6-D, which showed excellent binding affinity toward HER2 comparable to monoclonal antibodies. Intriguingly, M-3-6-D was completely resistant toward enzymatic degradation. In addition, it could effectively inhibit the phosphorylation of HER2, as well as the downstream signaling pathways of AKT and ERK. Furthermore, M-3-6-D also efficiently inhibited cell proliferation in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth in SKBR3 xenograft model in vivo, implying its therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancers. Its small molecular weight, antibody-like property, resistance to proteolysis, may enable it a new generation of artificial antibody surrogate. Furthermore, our strategy of artificial antibody surrogate based on dimers of cyclic γ-AApeptides could be applied to a myriad of disease-related receptor targets in future.

Residents' health is the basic condition for economic and social development. At present, China's environmental pollution problem is becoming increasingly serious, which not only hinders sustainable economic and social development, but also poses a major threat to public health. Therefore, based on the carbon emissions trading policy implemented in China, this paper explores this policy's impact on residents' health using the DID model and illustrates the moderating effect of environmental pollution. The results show that (1) carbon emissions trading policies can promote the improvement of residents' health; (2) the effect is stronger for western regions and provinces with smaller population sizes after taking control variables into consideration; and (3) environmental pollution has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between carbon emissions trading and residents' health. This research serves as an important reference for expanding the scope of the policy pilot, reducing pollutant emissions, and improving the health of the population.

Oxidative stress (OS) is a key factor regulating the systemic pathophysiological effects and one of the fundamental mechanisms associated with aging and fertility deterioration. Previous studies revealed that resveratrol (RV) exhibits a preventive effect against oxidative stress in the ovary. However, it remains unknown whether gut microbiota respond to resveratrol during an OS challenge. In Exp. 1, layers received intraperitoneal injection of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) (0 or 800 μmol/kg BW) or received resveratrol diets (0 or 600 mg/kg) for 28 days. In Exp. 2, the role of intestinal microbiota on the effects of resveratrol on tBHP-induced oxidative stress was assessed through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The OS challenge reduced the egg-laying rate and exhibited lower pre-hierarchical follicles and higher atretic follicles. Oral RV supplementation ameliorated the egg-laying rate reduction and gut microbiota dysbiosis. RV also reversed the tryptphan-kynurenine pathway, upregulated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and silent information regulator 1(SIRT1) levels, and decreased the expression of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) and P53. These findings indicated that the intestinal microbiota-related tryptophan-kynurenine pathway is involved in the resveratrol-induced amelioration of ovary oxidative stress induced by tBHP in the layer model, while SIRT1-P53/FoxO1 and Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway were involved in this process.

Amino acids could act as nitrogen sources, amido group donors, or bioactive molecules in fungi fermentation, and consequently, play important roles in Monascus pigments (MPs) biosynthesis. But the understanding of the effects of various amino acids on MPs biosynthesis is still incomprehensive. In this work, 20 free amino acids were added to the fermentation medium to evaluate their effects on MPs biosynthesis in Monascus purpureus RP2. Six amino acids, namely, histidine (HIS), lysine (LYS), tyrosine (TYR), phenylalanine (PHE), methionine (MET), and cysteine (CYS), were selected as the valuable ones as they exerted significant effects on the production yield and even on the biosynthesis metabolic curves of MPs. Moreover, the dose-dependent and synergistic effects of valuable amino acids on MPs biosynthesis were observed by tests of serial concentrations and different combinations. In addition, it revealed that HIS and MET were the prominent amino acids with dominant and universal influences on MPs biosynthesis. The analog compounds of HIS (amitrole) and MET [calcium 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)] were added to the fermentation medium, and the results further confirmed the extraordinary effects of HIS and MET and their analogs on MPs biosynthesis. Furthermore, the gene transcription profile indicated that a differential expression pattern was observed in the polyketide synthase (PKS) cluster responsible for MPs biosynthesis in response to HIS and MET, revealing that they could oppositely regulate MPs biosynthesis in different ways. These findings would benefit the understanding of MPs biosynthesis regulation mechanism in M. purpureus and contribute to the industrial production of MPs by fermentation.

This study provides a novel method of preparing lotus seed starch nanocrystals (LS-SNCs) using acid hydrolysis combined with ultrasonic-assisted acid hydrolysis (U-LS-SNCs) and evaluates the structural characteristics of starch nanocrystals using scanning electron microscopy; analysis of particle size, molecular weight, and X-ray diffraction patterns; and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results showed that the preparation time of U-LS-SNCs could be reduced to 2 days less than that for LS-SNCs. The smallest particle size and molecular weight were obtained after a 30 min treatment with 200 W of ultrasonic power and 5 days of acid hydrolysis. The particle size was 147 nm, the weight-average molecular weight was 3.42 × 104 Da, and the number-average molecular weight was 1.59 × 104 Da. When the applied ultrasonic power was 150 W for 30 min and acid hydrolysis was applied for 3 days, the highest relative crystallinity of the starch nanocrystals was 52.8%. The modified nanocrystals can be more widely used in various applications such as food-packaging materials, fillers, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Abstract Background Endometrial cancer is an invasive gynecological cancer prevalent in the world. The pathogenesis of endometrial cancer is related to multiple levels of regulation, referring to oestrogen, tumor-suppressor gene (e.g. PTEN) or microRNAs (e.g. miR-23a and miR-29b). Metapristone is a hormone-related drug, which is widely used in clinical treatment of endometrial cancer. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism of metapristone on endometrial cancer is still unclear, especially the regulatory effect on microRNAs. The aim of this study is to investigate the specific molecular mechanism of metapristone regulating microRNAs in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Methods RL95-2 cells and Ishikawa cells were used as the endometrial cancer models. MiR-492 or si-miR-492 was transfected into RL95-2 cells and Ishikawa cells to explore the role of miR-492 in endometrial cancer. The cell cancer model and mice cancer model were used to confirm the function and mechanism of metapristone affected on endometrial cancer in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, cell proliferation was monitored using MTT assay, cell colony formation assay and EdU assay. Luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the downstream target gene of miR-492. The protein expression and RNA expression were respectively measured by western blot and qRT-PCR for cell signaling pathway research, subsequently, were verified in the mice tumor model via immunohistochemistry. Results Metapristone as a kind of hormone-related drug significantly inhibited the endometrial cancer cell growth through regulating cell apoptosis-related gene expression. Mechanically, miR-492 and its target genes Klf5 and Nrf1 were highly expressed in the endometrial cancer cell lines, which promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. Metapristone decreased the expression of miR-492 and its target genes Klf5 and Nrf1, leading to endometrial cancer cell growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Metapristone inhibited the endometrial cancer cell growth through regulating the cell apoptosis-related signaling pathway and decreasing the expression of miR-492 and its downstream target genes (Klf5 and Nrf1), which provided the theoretical basis in clinical treatment of endometrial cancer.

Resveratrol (RV) is associated with protection against oxidative stress to improve health, however the effect of RV in layers under oxidative stress (OS) is limited. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the negative effect of OS and protective effects of RV against OS in laying hens. 40 Lohmann layers (25-wk-old; BW = 1.44±0.10 kg) were allocated to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with either RV (0 or 600 mg/kg) or intraperitoneal injection of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) (0 or 800 μmol/kg BW) for 31 days. The results shown that the hens challenged with tBHP presented lower egg-laying rate, feed intake, feed efficiency and higher defective egg rate (P(tBHP)

Abstract To explore the genetic and clinical features of a rare t(1;12)(q21;p13) in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). A 53‐year‐old male was diagnosed as high‐risk MDS, and died in a short period. A complete cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow by conventional G‐banding karyotyping was performed at the time of initial evaluation. On the basis of chromosome karyotype, interphase and metaphase fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) were carried out to further confirm the abnormal karyotypes. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed to determine ETV6/ARNT fusion gene status. G‐banding revealed karyotype 47, XY, +8, der(12) t(1;12)(q21;p13). FISH with the centromere 8 probe verified the trisomy 8, and the ETV 6 break‐apart probe suggested heterozygous loss of ETV6 allele located in short arm of chromosome 12. Subsequently, the painting probe of whole chromosome 12 further confirmed the part break of short arm of chromosome 12, and the 1q21/1p36 probe yielded three signals of 1q21 and two signals of 1p36. The results of FISH were in accordance with the karyotype completely. No ETV6/ARNT fusion gene was detected by PCR. T(1;12)(q21;p13) is a rare abnormal karyotype, and the limited reports cannot supply definite clinical significance. Rapid deterioration of our case suggests this translocation of chromosome might have a poor effect on the survival of MDS.

Mechanisms regulating the formation of pre-metastatic niches remain poorly understood. Here, the authors show that ITGBL1-containing extracellular vesicles derived from primary colorectal cancer cells activate the production of inflammatory cytokines by resident fibroblasts in distant organs, promoting metastatic cancer growth.

Abstract Background Appropriate mechanical stimulation is essential for bone homeostasis in healthy periodontal tissues. While the osteogenesis and osteoclast differentiation of inflammatory periodontal ligament cells under different dynamic loading has not been yet clear. The aim of this study is to clarify the inflammatory, osteogenic and pro-osteoclastic effects of different cyclic stress loading on the inflammatory human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). Methods hPDLCs were isolated from healthy premolars and cultured in alpha minimum Eagle’s medium (α-MEM). Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were used to induce the inflammation state of hPDLCs in vitro. Determination of LPS concentration for the model of inflammatory periodontium was based on MTT and genes expression analysis. Then the cyclic stress of 0, 0–50, 0–90 and 0–150 kPa was applied to the inflammatory hPDLCs for 5 days respectively. mRNA and protein levels of osteogenic, osteoclastic and inflammation-related markers were examined after the treatment. Results MTT and RT-PCR results showed that 10 μg/ml LPS up-regulated TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA levels (P 0.05). The excessive loading of stress (150 kPa) with or without LPS strongly increased the expression of inflammatory-related markers TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 (P

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound consequences for population mental health. However, it is less clear for whom these effects are sustained. Aims To investigate the prevalence, incidence, prognosis and risk factors for symptoms of depression and anxiety in a UK cohort over three distinct periods in the pandemic in 2020. Method An online survey was completed by a UK community cohort at three points (n = 3097 at baseline, n = 878 completed all surveys): April (baseline), July to September (time point 2) and November to December (time point 3). Participants completed validated measures of depression and anxiety on each occasion, and we prospectively explored the role of sociodemographic and psychological factors (loneliness, positive mood and perceived risk of and worry about COVID-19) as risk factors. Results Depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 means: baseline, 7.69; time point 2, 5.53; time point 3, 6.06) and anxiety scores (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 means: baseline, 6.59; time point 2, 4.60; time point 3, 4.98) were considerably greater than pre-pandemic population norms at all time points. Women reported greater depression and anxiety symptoms than men. Younger age, history of mental health disorder, more COVID-19-related negative life events, greater loneliness and lower positive mood at baseline were all significant predictors of poorer mental health at time point 3. Conclusions The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health has persisted to some degree. Younger people and individuals with prior mental health disorders are at greatest risk. Easing of restrictions and resumption of social interaction could mitigate the risk factors of loneliness and positive mood.

Background Bladder cancer is a common disease worldwide with most patients presenting with the non-muscle-invasive form (NMIBC) at initial diagnosis. Postoperational intravesical instillation of BCG is carried out for patients with high-risk disease to reduce tumor recurrence and progression to muscle invasive disease. However, BCG can also have side effects or be ineffective in some patients because it cannot enter the cancer cells. Thus, to improve the efficacy of BCG immunotherapy is the long-term pursuit of the bladder cancer field.Methods To increase the adhesion of BCG to the urothelium we overexpressed FimH, a mannose binding protein naturally used by uropathogenic Escherichia coli to adhere to human urothelium, onto the surface of BCG. The adhesion/internalization ability of rBCG-S.FimH was examined in mouse bladder by fluorescence microscopy. Preclinical evaluation of antitumor efficacy was carried out in orthotopic mouse models of bladder cancer and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Mechanistic studies were carried out using toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) knockout mice. Immune cells and cytokines in the serum, tumor and lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry, PCR, ELISA and ELISPOT.Results rBCG-S.FimH exhibited markedly improved adhesion and more rapid internalization into urothelial cells than wild-type BCG, resulting in more potent antitumor activity in orthotopic murine models of bladder cancer. To our surprise, rBCG-S.FimH elicited a much more prominent Th1-biased immune response known to be positively correlated with BCG efficacy. Mechanistic studies using TLR4 knockout mouse showed that rBCG-S.FimH could induce enhanced dendritic cell activation and tumor antigen-specific immune response in a TLR4-dependent manner. Furthermore, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by rBCG-S.FimH also showed better tumoricidal effects than those using wild-type BCG.Conclusion rBCG-S.FimH is a novel BCG strain with significantly improved efficacy against bladder cancer. Since intravesical BCG immunotherapy is the first-line treatment for NMIBC, which accounts for more than 70% of all bladder cancer cases, our results provide a compelling rationale for clinical development.

The Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) is a globally threatened bird species living on the coast and islands of Liaoning, northeastern China, mainly in summer. To further protect the breeding population of Chinese Egrets, it is important to understand the current protection status of their distribution sites at pre-migration period and migration routes. Thirty-three individuals were tagged with satellite transmitters at Fantuo Island in Changhai and Xingren Island in Zhuanghe, Liaoning Province, northeastern China, in July of 2016, 2017, and 2018, to identify important distribution sites during the pre-migration period, as well as detailed migration routes. The results showed that coastal mudflats in Liaoning and the west coast of North Korea were important feeding and roosting sites for fledgling Chinese Egrets from August to September. The home range sizes in August were significantly larger than in September. The eastern coast from Shandong to Guangdong, as well as Taiwan, China, and Manila Bay and Galileo Islands in the Philippines, were important stopover sites during fall migration. Specifically, we found that the egrets’ autumn migration could be divided into four routes, i.e., sea-crossing migration (SCM), coastal migration (CM), inland migration (IM), and mixed migration (MM). The migration distance, timing, speed, and straightness of the four routes also differed. The SCM routes were the straightest, and had the fastest migration speed and shortest travel time, while the IM routes had the lowest straightness and speed, and the longest duration. Manila Bay and Bohol Island in the Philippines, the west coast of Tanintharyi in Myanmar, and the Zengwun River Estuary in Taiwan, China, were wintering sites. Our findings on the key distribution sites along pre-migration and fall migration routes, including some stopover sites, have important implications for the conservation of and global action plan development for the vulnerable Chinese Egret.