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• A rare NUP98::PRRX1 fusion gene in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia. • NUP98::PRRX1 fusion gene may be caused by topoisomerase-Ⅱ inhibitors. • BCL2 inhibitors may have selective efficacy in patients with NUP98::PRRX1 fusion gene. Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) is increasingly recognized as a treatment complication in patients receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunosuppressive agents for primary neoplasms. NUP98::PRRX1 fusion gene, caused by t(1;11)(q23;p15), is a rare recurrent cytogenetic alteration in leukemia, and only seven cases with NUP98::PRRX1 were reported so far. A 53-year-old female patient was diagnosed with t-AML after 20 months of complete remission (CR) from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Conventional karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and DNA/RNA next-generation sequence (NGS) were used to detect genetic abnormalities. Abnormal karyotype of 46, XX, t(1;11)(q25;p15), del(7)(q22) was revealed. NUP98 gene rearrangement and del(7)(q22) were verified by FISH. Further, RNA NGS detected NUP98::PRRX1 fusion transcript, and DNA NGS detected KRAS gene mutation. The patient achieved CR after a combined chemotherapy regimen containing BCL-2 inhibitor and underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), but she died of leukemia recurrence 14 months later. Novel targeted drugs may provide opportunities for patients with NUP98::PRRX1 to undergo allo-HSCT. However, since the cases of carrying the NUP98::PRRX1 are limited, more patients with this genetic change need to be investigated to elucidate the prognostic significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated energy systems offer significant potential for synergistic utilisation of electricity, heat, and gas, leading to improved energy efficiency. However, effectively controlling numerous small-capacity devices within these systems presents operational challenges. This paper proposes a novel multi-time scale optimisation strategy that aggregates small-capacity controllable devices to address this issue. To enable aggregation, we utilise an approximate Minkowski sum method to unify devices with similar control characteristics. A two-stage scheduling strategy is developed, including day-ahead and intra-day stages. The day-ahead stage involves optimisation based on forecasted information, aiming for economic and low-carbon operation. In the intra-day stage, a rolling optimisation method utilising model predictive control is employed, incorporating a penalty term to achieve precise load response through power adjustment. Extensive simulation experiments validate the feasibility and reliability of the proposed strategy in effectively controlling small-capacity devices within integrated energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal mining and ecological restoration activities significantly affect land surfaces, particularly vegetation. Long-term quantitative analyses of vegetation disturbance and restoration are crucial for effective mining management and ecological environmental supervision. In this study, using the Google Earth Engine and all available Landsat images from 1987 to 2020, we employed the Landsat-based Detection of Trends in Disturbance and Recovery (LandTrendr) algorithm and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the year, intensity, duration, and pattern of vegetation disturbance and restoration in the Heidaigou and Haerwusu open-pit coal mines (H-HOCMs) in the Jungar Coalfield of China. Our findings indicate that the overall accuracy for extractions of disturbance and restoration events in the H-HOCMs area is 83% and 84.5%, respectively, with kappa coefficients of 0.82 for both. Mining in Heidaigou has continued since its beginning in the 1990s, advancing toward the south and then eastward directions, and mining in the Haerwusu has advanced from west to east since 2010. The disturbance magnitude of the vegetation greenness in the mining area is relatively low, with a duration of about 4–5 years, and the restoration magnitude and duration vary considerably. The trajectory types show that vegetation restoration (R, 44%) occupies the largest area, followed by disturbance (D, 31%), restoration–disturbance (RD, 16%), disturbance–restoration (DR, 8%), restoration–disturbance–restoration (RDR), and no change (NC). The LandTrendr algorithm effectively detected changes in vegetation disturbance and restoration in H-HOCMs. Vegetation disturbance and restoration occurred in the study area, with a cumulative disturbance-to-restoration ratio of 61.79% since 1988. Significant restoration occurred primarily in the external dumps and continued ecological recovery occurred in the surrounding area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore an appropriate time interval between oocyte retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for optimal embryological and clinical outcomes in ICSI cycles over 40 years of maternal age. A retrospective analysis of 1476 ICSI fresh cycles from women aged over 40 years, was performed at the Reproduction Medicine Research Center of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, between December 2013 and August 2020. The fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate were the main outcomes. Multivariate linear regression and logistic regression analysis of factors showed that fertilization rate (P = 0.024) and clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.011) were significantly associated with oocyte pick up (OPU)-ICSI interval. A longer OPU-ICSI interval (no more than 6 h) was associated with a higher fertilization rate but significantly decreased the clinical pregnancy rate when the OPU-ICSI interval was over 4 h (P < 0.05). The optimal OPU-ICSI interval is between 3 and 4 h for excellent embryological and clinical outcomes in ICSI cycles over 40 years of maternal age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Clinical implications Research indicates adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), with higher ACEs reported by sexual minoritized individuals (i.e. lesbian, gay, and bisexual; LGB). This study aimed to explore the relationships between ACEs and SCD based on sexual orientation in middle-aged and older adults.The study included 76,592 participants from the 2019–2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Multivariate logistic regressions analyzed ACEs status, score, and type associations with SCD.2.18% of the participants identified as sexual minoritized individuals. More sexual minoritized individuals reported SCD compared to heterosexual individuals (10.70% for heterosexuals; 17.27% for sexual minoritized individuals). Positive association between SCD and ACEs status (OR = 2.18, 95%CI: 1.09–4.40) was identified among sexual minoritized individuals.The association between ACEs and SCD was strong in both heterosexual and sexual minoritized populations. Given the higher experience of ACEs among sexual minoritized adults, the subsequent frequency of SCD among these adults also may be higher.Sexual minoritized older adults may have a history of numerous ACEs, which could contribute to a greater burden of SCD. Clinicians and other stakeholders may wish to consider relationships between ACEs and SCD based on sexual orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore an appropriate time interval between oocyte retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for optimal embryological and clinical outcomes in ICSI cycles over 40 years of maternal age. A retrospective analysis of 1476 ICSI fresh cycles from women aged over 40 years, was performed at the Reproduction Medicine Research Center of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, between December 2013 and August 2020. The fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate were the main outcomes. Multivariate linear regression and logistic regression analysis of factors showed that fertilization rate (P = 0.024) and clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.011) were significantly associated with oocyte pick up (OPU)-ICSI interval. A longer OPU-ICSI interval (no more than 6 h) was associated with a higher fertilization rate but significantly decreased the clinical pregnancy rate when the OPU-ICSI interval was over 4 h (P < 0.05). The optimal OPU-ICSI interval is between 3 and 4 h for excellent embryological and clinical outcomes in ICSI cycles over 40 years of maternal age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunogenic cell death (ICD), a dying state of the cells, encompasses the changes in the conformations of cell surface and the release of damage‐associated molecular patterns, which could initiate an adaptive immune response by stimulating the dendritic cells to present antigens to T cells. Advancements in biomaterials, nanomedicine, and micro‐ and nano‐technologies have facilitated the development of effective ICD inducers, but the potential toxicity of these vesicles encountered in drug delivery via intravenous administration hampers their further application. As alternatives, the local drug delivery systems have gained emerging attention due to their ability to prolong the retention of high payloads at the lesions, sequester drugs from harsh environments, overcome biological barriers to exert optimal efficacy, and minimize potential side effects to guarantee bio‐safety. Herein, a brief overview of the local drug delivery techniques used for ICD inducers is provided, explaining how these techniques broaden, alter, and enhance the therapeutic capability while circumventing systemic toxicity at the same time. The historical context and prominent examples of the local administration of ICD inducers are introduced. The complexities, potential pitfalls, and opportunities for local drug delivery techniques in cancer immunotherapy are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the influence of Cr and Mn impurity atoms on the electronic structure and magnetic properties of 3C–SiC was analyzed by carrying out first-principles calculations using the GGA + U method, and the influence of Si vacancies on the co-doped system was also considered. The results showed 3C–SiC systems mono-doped with Cr and Mn atoms to be spin-polarized had total magnetic moments of 3.05 and 5.00 μB, respectively. The ferromagnetic state of each of various (Cr, Mn)-co-doped 3C–SiC systems was determined to be more stable than the antiferromagnetic state, with a magnetization energy of −702.3 meV for the most stable system and a total magnetic moment of about 6.00 μB. Finally, the effect of Si vacancies on the doping system was considered on the basis of (Cr, Mn) co-doping. The introduction of Si vacancies reduced the ferromagnetism of the (Cr, Mn)-co-doped 3C–SiC system. The calculations performed in this research have provided a theoretical basis for using (Cr, Mn)-co-doped 3C–SiC as a spintronic device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems have a profound clinical impact on nucleic acid‐based therapy and vaccination. Recombinant human insulin, a negatively‐charged biomolecule like mRNA, may also be delivered by rationally‐designed positively‐charged lipid nanoparticles with glucose‐sensing elements and be released in a glucose‐responsive manner. Herein, we have designed phenylboronic acid‐based quaternary amine‐type cationic lipids that can self‐assemble into spherical lipid nanoparticles in an aqueous solution. Upon mixing insulin and the lipid nanoparticles, a heterostructured insulin complex is formed immediately arising from the electrostatic attraction. In a hyperglycemia‐relevant glucose solution, lipid nanoparticles become less positively charged over time, leading to reduced attraction and subsequent insulin release. Compared with native insulin, this lipid nanoparticle‐based glucose‐responsive insulin shows prolonged blood glucose regulation ability and blood glucose‐triggered insulin release in a type 1 diabetic mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems have a profound clinical impact on nucleic acid‐based therapy and vaccination. Recombinant human insulin, a negatively‐charged biomolecule like mRNA, may also be delivered by rationally‐designed positively‐charged lipid nanoparticles with glucose‐sensing elements and be released in a glucose‐responsive manner. Herein, we have designed phenylboronic acid‐based quaternary amine‐type cationic lipids that can self‐assemble into spherical lipid nanoparticles in an aqueous solution. Upon mixing insulin and the lipid nanoparticles, a heterostructured insulin complex is formed immediately arising from the electrostatic attraction. In a hyperglycemia‐relevant glucose solution, lipid nanoparticles become less positively charged over time, leading to reduced attraction and subsequent insulin release. Compared with native insulin, this lipid nanoparticle‐based glucose‐responsive insulin shows prolonged blood glucose regulation ability and blood glucose‐triggered insulin release in a type 1 diabetic mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a previous study, shaking speed was found to be an important factor affecting the population dynamics and lignocellulose-degrading activities of a synthetic lignocellulolytic microbial consortium composed of the bacteria Sphingobacterium paramultivorum w15, Citrobacter freundii so4, and the fungus Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1. Here, the gene expression profiles of each strain in this consortium were examined after growth at two shaking speeds (180 and 60 rpm) at three time points (1, 5 and 13 days). Results: The results indicated that, at 60 rpm, C. freundii so4 switched, to a large extent, from aerobic to flexible (aerobic/microaerophilic/anaerobic) metabolism, resulting in continued slow growth till late stage. In addition, Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1 tended to occur to a larger extent in the hyphal form, with genes encoding adhesion proteins being highly expressed. Much like at 180 rpm, at 60 rpm, S. paramultivorum w15 and Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1 were key players in hemicellulose degradation processes, as evidenced from the respective CAZy-specific transcripts. Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1 exhibited expression of genes encoding arabinoxylan-degrading enzymes (i.e., of CAZy groups GH10, GH11, CE1, CE5 and GH43), whereas, at 180 rpm, some of these genes were suppressed at early stages of growth. Moreover, C. freundii so4 stably expressed genes that were predicted to encode proteins with (1) β-xylosidase/β-glucosidase and (2) peptidoglycan/chitinase activities, (3) stress response- and detoxification-related proteins. Finally, S. paramultivorum w15 showed involvement in vitamin B2 generation in the early stages across the two shaking speeds, while this role was taken over by C. freundii so4 at late stage at 60 rpm. Conclusions: We provide evidence that S. paramultivorum w15 is involved in the degradation of mainly hemicellulose and in vitamin B2 production, and C. freundii so4 in the degradation of oligosaccharides or sugar dimers, next to detoxification processes. Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1 was held to be strongly involved in cellulose and xylan (at early stages), next to lignin modification processes (at later stages). The synergism and alternative functional roles presented in this study enhance the eco-enzymological understanding of the degradation of lignocellulose in this tripartite microbial consortium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, random environment and random time delay are introduced into general nonlinear autoregressive models to improve the applicability of these models. The introduction of random environment makes nonlinear autoregressive models more flexible and more widely used. Random time delay is a new way for models to be applied in new fields. In order to analyze the properties of the proposed new model, we construct a new stochastic process and prove that it is an irreducible and aperiodic time-homogeneous Markov chain. The nonrecurrence of the proposed new type of models is considered, and some sufficient conditions for nonrecurrence are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial resolution of remote sensing images directly affects the accuracy, efficiency, and computational cost of extracting the fractional vegetation cover (FVC). Taking the Liyang woodland region, Jiangsu Province, as the study area, FVCs with varying spatial resolutions were extracted separately from Sentinel-2, Landsat-8, MOD13Q1, and MOD13A1. The variations in FVCs extracted from remote sensing images with varying spatial resolutions were analyzed at one specific time and time series within a year. The results show that (i) the overall mean FVC values of the four spatial resolution images did not differ substantially; however, FVCs with varying spatial resolutions present with a regular pattern of overestimation or underestimation at different vegetation levels. (ii) Taking the 10 m spatial resolution FVC as the reference, the accuracy values of FVC extraction at 30 m, 250 m, and 500 m resolutions were 91.0%, 76.3%, and 76.7%, respectively. The differences in the spatial distribution of FVCs are the most obvious at water–land interfaces and at the edge of each woodland patch. (iii) The highest accuracy of time-series FVC extraction from lower-resolution images is in the range of 0.6~0.7 for FVC. The degree of variation in FVC of time series varying spatial resolutions depends on the season and vegetation cover conditions. In summary, there are considerable differences in the need to monitor high-resolution images depending on the FVC level of the land surface. This study provides a reference for selection and accuracy research of remote sensing images for FVC extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than one-fifth of the world's population consumes Chinese cuisines regularly, but no evidence-based healthy diets fitting the Chinese food culture are available for implementation.Methods: A multicenter, patient- and outcome assessor-blind, randomized feeding trial was conducted among 265 participants with 130 to 159 mm Hg baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) for 4 major Chinese cuisines (Shangdong, Huaiyang, Cantonese, Szechuan). After a 7-day run-in period on a control diet matching the usual local diets, participants were randomized to continue with the control diet or the cuisine-based Chinese heart-healthy diet for another 28 days. The primary outcome was SBP, and secondary outcomes included diastolic blood pressure and food preference score. Linear regression models were used to estimate the intervention effects and adjustments for the center. The incremental cost per 1 mm Hg reduction in SBP was also calculated.Results: A total of 265 participants were randomized (135 on the Chinese heart-healthy diet and 130 on the control diet), with 52% women, mean age of 56.5±9.8 years, and mean SBP and diastolic blood pressure of 139.4±8.3 and 88.1±8.0 mm Hg, respectively, at baseline. The change in SBP and diastolic blood pressure from baseline to the end of the study in the control group was -5.0 (95% CI, -6.5 to -3.5) mm Hg and -2.8 (95% CI, -3.7 to -1.9) mm Hg, respectively. The net difference of change between the 2 groups in SBP and diastolic blood pressure were -10.0 (95% CI, -12.1 to -7.9) mm Hg and -3.8 (95% CI, -5.0 to -2.5) mm Hg, respectively. The effect size did not differ among cuisines (P for interaction=0.173). The mean food preference score was 9.5 (with 10 the best preferred) at baseline, and the net change during intervention was 0.1 (95% CI, -0.1 to 0.2; P=0.558). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per 1 mm Hg SBP reduction was CNY 0.4 (USD 0.06) per day. No difference in the number of adverse events was found between the 2 groups (P=0.259), and none of the adverse events was associated with the intervention.Conclusions: The Chinese heart-healthy diet is effective, palatable, and cost-effective in reducing blood pressure in Chinese adults with high blood pressure, with a clinically significant effect applicable across major Chinese cuisine cultures.Registration: URL: https://www.Clinicaltrials: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03882645. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Enterovirus 71(EV71) can cause severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) with brain tissue involvement. Few effective anti-EV71 drugs are presently available in clinical practice. Interferon-α (IFN-α) was ineffective while Curcumin was effective in restricting EV71 replication in non-neuronal cells. Ubiquitin–proteasome-mediated degradation of interferon-alpha receptor 1 (IFNAR1) protein contributes to IFN-α resistance. Current study aimed to determine synergistic inhibition of EV71 by Curcumin and IFN-α in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were infected with mock-/Curcumin-pre-incubated EV71 or transfected with plasmid containing interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) or mRNA containing viral internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) following by post-treatment with Curcumin with or without IFN-α. Supernatant IFN-α/β was detected by ELISA. ISRE, IRSE, proteasome and deubiquitinating activity were measured by luciferase assay. EV71 RNA and viral protein or IFNAR1 were determined by qPCR and western blot, respectively. Results: EV71 flailed to completely block IFN-α/β production but inhibited IFN-α signal. Curcumin only slightly inhibited EV71 proliferation without modulating virus attachment and internalization. However, Curcumin addition restored IFN-α-mediated ISRE activity thus significantly inhibiting EV71 replication. Furthermore, EV71 also reduced IFNAR1 protein with proteasome-dependence in SH-SY5Y cells, which can be reversed by Curcumin addition with the evidence that it lowered proteasome activity. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that Curcumin assists anti-EV71 activity of IFN-α by inhibiting IFNAR1 reduction via ubiquitin–proteasome disruption in SH-SY5Y cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The Na V 1.8 channel, mainly found in the peripheral nervous system, is recognized as one of the key factors in chronic pain. The molecule VX-150 was initially promising in targeting this channel, but the phase II trials of VX-150 did not show expected pain relief results. By analyzing the interaction mode of VX-150 and Na V 1.8, we developed two series with a total of 19 molecules and examined their binding affinity to Na V 1.8 in vitro and analgesic effect in vivo. One compound, named 2j , stood out with notable activity against the Na V 1.8 channel and showed effective pain relief in models of chronic inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. Our research points to 2j as a strong contender for developing safer pain-relief treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The application of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is generally restricted most likely due to limited prescriptions by doctors. Fear of cancer risk may be a critical factor. We investigated the views of Chinese obstetricians and gynecologists on the relationship between hormone therapy and cancer risk. Methods: A self-administered web-based nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire. Results: In total, 5243 medical workers responded to the questionnaire (response rate 94.5%); 4995 were certified obstetricians and gynecologists. Most were aged 36–55 years (70.9%), had > 10 years of working experience (68.5%), and worked at tertiary (34.8%) and secondary hospitals (49.1%); 70% of the clinicians were aware of the endometrial cancer risk caused by estrogen, and 20% considered progestogen to cause the same risk. Regarding breast cancer, while 67.9 and 74.8% of the clinicians viewed natural and synthetic estrogens as risk factors, respectively, only 41.7% identified the carcinogenic effect of progestins as higher than that of progesterone (26.7%). Approximately 75% of the participants believed synthetic estrogens and progestins constituted a risk for ovarian cancer (higher than the percentages for their natural counterparts); 13.0–21.1% of the respondents were worried about choriocarcinoma due to hormone treatment. Finally, 86.8% of obstetricians and gynecologists claimed to have poor knowledge regarding this field. Conclusion: Misconceptions and a lack of knowledge in this regard may result in the fear of cancer and could be the underlying causes of limited MHT prescriptions. We believe that scientific research, continued education, and the media all have roles to play in changing preconceived ideas regarding MHT prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined a synthetic microbial consortium, composed of two selected bacteria, i.e., Citrobacter freundii so4 and Sphingobacterium multivorum w15, next to the fungus Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1, with respect to their fate and roles in the degradation of wheat straw (WS). A special focus was placed on the effects of pH (7.2, 6.2, or 5.2), temperature (25 versus 28 °C), and shaking speed (60 versus 180 rpm). Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1 consistently had a key role in the degradation process, with the two bacteria having additional roles. Whereas temperature exerted only minor effects on the degradation, pH and shaking speed were key determinants of both organismal growth and WS degradation levels. In detail, the three-partner degrader consortium showed significantly higher WS degradation values at pH 6.2 and 5.2 than at pH 7.2. Moreover, the two bacteria revealed up to tenfold enhanced final cell densities (ranging from log8.0 to log9.0 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL) in the presence of Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1 than when growing alone or in a bacterial bi-culture, regardless of pH range or shaking speed. Conversely, at 180 rpm, fungal growth was clearly suppressed by the presence of the bacteria at pH 5.2 and pH 6.2, but not at pH 7.2. In contrast, at 60 rpm, the presence of the bacteria fostered fungal growth. In these latter cultures, oxygen levels were significantly lowered as compared to the maximal levels found at 180 rpm (about 5.67 mg/L, ~ 62% of saturation). Conspicuous effects on biomass appearance pointed to a fungal biofilm–modulating role of the bacteria. Key points • Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1 has a key role in wheat straw (WS) degradation. • Bacterial impact shifts when conditions change. • pH and shaking speed are key drivers of the growth dynamics and WS degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jilin ginseng, Panax ginseng , is a valuable medicinal herb whose ginsenosides are its major bioactive components. The ginseng oxidosqualene cyclase (PgOSC) gene family is known to play important roles in ginsenoside biosynthesis, but few members of the gene family have been functionally studied. The PgOSC gene family has been studied by an integrated analysis of gene expression-ginsenoside content correlation, gene mutation-ginsenoside content association and gene co-expression network, followed by functional analysis through gene regulation. We found that five of the genes in the PgOSC gene family, including two published ginsenoside biosynthesis genes and three new genes, were involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis. Not only were the expressions of these genes significantly correlated with ginsenoside contents, but also their nucleotide mutations significantly influenced ginsenoside contents. These results were further verified by regulation analysis of the genes by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in ginseng hairy roots. Four of these five PgOSC genes were mapped to the ginsenoside biosynthesis pathway. These PgOSC genes expressed differently across tissues, but relatively consistent across developmental stages. These PgOSC genes formed a single co-expression network with those published ginsenoside biosynthesis genes, further confirming their roles in ginsenoside biosynthesis. When the network varied, ginsenoside biosynthesis was significantly influenced, thus revealing the molecular mechanism of ginsenoside biosynthesis. At least five of the PgOSC genes, including the three newly identified and two published PgOSC genes, are involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis. These results provide gene resources and knowledge essential for enhanced research and applications of ginsenoside biosynthesis in ginseng. • Three new PgOSC genes involved in ginseng ginsenoside biosynthesis were identified. • Analyses of gene expression, mutation and network identify strong candidate genes. • Genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis are interacted in a form of network. • Variation of the gene network interactions greatly affects ginsenoside biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the binary nanocomposite of crosslinked polyaniline nanorods (CPANINRs) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is first synthesized by in situ polymerization, and CPANINRs/MoS2 on functionalized carbon cloth (CPANINRs/MoS2/FCC) is facilely constructed by a drop-casting method. The composition, morphology, and structure of the CPANINRs, MoS2, and CPANINRs/MoS2 binary nanocomposite are characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The electrochemical properties of the MoS2/FCC, CPANINRs/FCC, and CPANINRs/MoS2/FCC are tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD). The experiment results show that the CPANINRs/MoS2/FCC exhibits excellent stability and high specific capacitance, and its specific capacitance reaches 618.75 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. The CPANINRs/MoS2/FCC has a long cycling life and the capacity retention of 91.46% is obtained after 2000 cycles at a large current density of 10 A g−1. Moreover, the CPANINRs/MoS2/FCC-based symmetric supercapacitor also exhibits excellent rate performance and good cycling stability. The specific capacitance based on the total mass of the two electrodes is 106.4 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 and the capacitance retention of 93.6% is obtained after 2000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the diagnostic value of CEUS in atypical-enhanced PTC.The clinical data, qualitative and quantitative parameters of CEUS in 177 Iso/hyper-enhanced thyroid nodules with definite pathological results were retrospectively analyzed in the Lanzhou University Second Hospital from June 2019 to January 2021. And the clinical value of CEUS in the diagnosis of atypical-enhanced PTC was assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis.Among the 177 thyroid nodules, 59 were benign and 118 were PTC. There were significant differences in age, enhancement border, ring enhancement, speed of wash in, speed of wash out, enhancement pattern, capsule interruption, time to peak, time to wash out, RT, TPH, and TTP (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed unclear enhancement border and concentric enhancement were independent risk factors for the diagnosis of atypical-enhanced PTC by CEUS. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of the model in diagnosing atypical-enhanced PTC were 88.1%, 71.2%, 86.0%, 75.0%, and 82.5%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.910.The diagnosis of atypical-enhanced PTC can be better performed by enhancement characteristics and time intensity curve (TIC) of CEUS, which have a good clinical application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The substantial rise in the population of older adults living with disabilities is a prominent concern, presenting a profound challenge for healthcare and social welfare systems. Community‐based home care is seen as an effective approach to meet the care needs of older adults living with disabilities. Objective: To construct a coping target checklist for home‐based older adults living with disabilities and their spousal caregivers. Methods: The initial draft was developed based on a comprehensive literature review, followed by two rounds of Delphi correspondence final version. Results: A comprehensive literature review resulted in the development of 7 modules, 20 topics. After round 1, 3 items were removed, 3 sections, 1 topic and 1 objective were new additions, 16 items were modified, split or combined. Four sections, 3 sections (Individual coping target for spousal caregivers, Individual coping target for older adults living with disabilities, and Shared coping target), 7 modules, 18 topics and 49 objectives were finally identified in round 2. The content of the list tool is derived from three perspectives: self‐management strategies for older adults living with disabilities, caregiving strategies for spousal caregivers, and combined. Conclusions: The coping target checklist was intended to be evidence‐based and reflective of a practical direction for home‐based older adults living with disabilities and their spousal caregivers living at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phospholipase D1 (PLD1) is an enzyme of the phospholipase D (PLD) superfamily. It is involved in the occurrence of various tumors. However, its role in multiple myeloma (MM) remained undefined. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of PLD1 in the therapy of myeloma disease. Cell lines U266 and H929 were treated with PLD1 specific inhibitor VU0359595 combined bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor. Their effects on MM cell proliferation, apoptosis, and relevant signal pathways of apoptosis were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), real-time polymerase reaction chain (RT–PCR), ATP assay, and western blot. PLD1 was highly expressed in U266 and H929 cells. VU0359595 didn't affect the proliferation and apoptosis of MM cells. However, VU0359595 could enhance growth inhibition, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMPs) and ATP levels of bortezomib treated MM cells. VU0359595 also strengthened bortezomib-induced apoptosis via activating caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3; and down-regulating the expressions of anti-apoptosis proteins BCL-2. In addition, the bortezomib-induced cytotoxicity on MM cells was significantly augmented by VU0359595 through efficient suppression of the mTOR/NF-κB signal pathway. PLD1 inhibition can remarkably exert antitumor effects with bortezomib on MM, which is a novel potentially targeting therapeutic agent, especially for drug-resistant MM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration plays an essential role in the restructuring of plant communities, with seedlings and sprouts representing two different regeneration strategies. As an important timber species, Cunninghamia lanceolata is widely distributed throughout southern and eastern China. However, the morphology and growth of its sprouts and seedlings under natural environments have not been examined in detail. Our study quantified the morphology and growth of Cunninghamia lanceolata during its early regeneration phase. We selected a secondary mixed coniferous forest in the Huangshan region of China as the research location, and examined sapling height, basal stem diameter, lateral branch length, as well as the relationships between main stem and lateral branch elongation, and between sapling basal stem diameter and height. The results showed that high light intensity promoted the extension growth of main stems and the elongation of lateral branches of seedlings. Meanwhile, sprouts generally had shorter height growth than seedlings with the same basal stem diameter, and the growth allocation of seedlings was generally more dependent on light intensity. Our findings suggest that the morphology and growth of C. lanceolata might vary depending on the interaction of regeneration mode (plants originating from sprouts or seedlings) and light intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The erosion issue of ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs) film is the major obstacle in surface sensitization of ZnO NRAs grown on Zn foil substrate for photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications. In this paper, PEC performance of ZnO NRAs grown on Zn foil substrate was greatly enhanced by coating ZnSe and CdSe on the surface of ZnO NRAs. Dense ZnO NRAs were in - situ grown on seed-free Zn foil substrate in a NH 3 ·H 2 O and NaOH hydrothermal system. ZnSe/CdSe co-sensitized ZnO heterostructures were then successfully synthesized using ZnO NRAs as precursors by two successive in - situ ion exchanges without damaging Zn foil and ZnO NRAs film. To obtain optimal photoconversion efficiency, anion exchange time and temperature were optimized. ZnO/ZnSe/CdSe heterostructures with optimized structure were shown as a layer of compact ZnSe/CdSe nanofilm conformally and uniformly coated on ZnO NRAs, which leads to efficient separation of photogenerated carriers, significant enhancement in visible-light absorption, and excellent PEC performance with photocurrent density of 3.008 mA/cm2 (−0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and photoconversion efficiency of 1.99% (0.418 V vs. RHE in polysulfide electrolyte solution), 27.55 and 40.61 times higher than those of ZnO NRAs, respectively. Image 1 • ZnO/ZnSe/CdSe NRAs on flexible Zn foil were first prepared by in - situ ion exchanges. • Instead of nanodots, conformal and uniform ZnSe/CdSe nanofilm was coated on ZnO NRAs. • ZnO/ZnSe/CdSe NRAs on Zn foil obtain excellent photoconversion efficiency of 1.99%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To reconstruct the three-dimensional safe triangle areas at L1–5 based on the computed tomography digital data, analyze the safe scopes for the puncture location and angles, and provide anatomic references for percutaneous lumbar discectomy. Methods: Computed tomography data from patients and control group were imported from the database and anatomical reference parameters were measured in Mimics software. The rebuilt model was rotated clockwise along the M-axis to measure the inscribed circle radius of the safe triangle at different angles. Based on the outer diameter of the largest cannula, the safe angles were calculated. The distances between points on the projection of safe triangle-inscribed circle and the upper lumbar spinous process were measured. Similarly, while the safe triangle was on the left side, the model was contra-rotated to measure all the parameters. Results: There was no significant difference between the patient and control group in both the least distance between the selected anatomical reference locations and the safe triangle-inscribed circle radius at L4–5. According to the series which had a largest cannula of 2.5 mm, the safe puncture angles increased with the descending disc levels. The optimal angles were 40°–45° for L1–2, 45°–50° for L2–3, 50° for L3–4, and 55° for L4–5 separately. The differences between genders in the distances of paired reference points were significant. Conclusions: Individual safe localization of the percutaneous puncture could be obtained by analyzing the three-dimensional relationship between the puncture localization and anatomical landmarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In vitro serial passage of M. bovis NM-28 isolated in our laboratory was performed. • The number of colonies was 10-fold higher in the 60th than in the 3rd generation by CFU. But the main protective antigens do not change between two generations by iTRAQ-based proteomics. • There was an imbalance between growth rate and nutrition in the 60th generation. • The 60th generation of the NM-28 strain can be used as an inactivated vaccine to lower production costs. Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogenic bacterium affecting cows and cattle. Clinically, an inactivated vaccine of M. bovis is mainly used to prevent infection by this bacterium. The changes that occur in the antigen when M. bovis is continuously passaged in vitro remain unknown. Therefore, we performed an in vitro serial passage of the M. bovis NM-28 strain, which was isolated and identified in our laboratory. An isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics method was used to analyse the differences between generations 3 and 60. Many major membrane proteins or protective antigens reported in the literature did not exhibit changes between these generations. We found an imbalance between growth rate and nutrition in the 60th generation. The proteomics results were verified by western blotting and real-time PCR. Growth curves were also prepared based on colony-forming units (CFUs) between the 3rd and 60th generations. The number of colonies in the 60th generation in the stationary phase was 5 × 109 CFU mL−1, which was 10-fold higher than that in the 3rd generation. The 60th generation of the NM-28 strain can be used as an inactivated vaccine strain of M. bovis to lower production costs compared to use of the 3rd generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the surge of attention to China's business registration reform per se , the environmental externalities of the reform have been somewhat neglected by mainstream academics. Adopting the difference-in-differences method alongside propensity-score matching, and utilizing the panel data of 283 cities in China from 2000 to 2013, this paper investigates the impacts of the deregulation reform on PM2.5 concentrations. The results indicate that the business registration reform has contributed to PM2.5 air pollution, with above-average impacts in central areas, but insignificant effects in western China. Furthermore, the treatment effects are stronger in cities with larger entry of small and medium enterprises and greater pressure to achieve targets for local GDP growth. Aiming to draw public attention to the problems arising from the reform, our study advocates necessary environmental regulations on business registration, which lends support to the theoretical view of "public interest" rather than "public choice". • Deregulation reform of business registration increases PM2.5 concentrations in China. • Treatment effects of deregulation reform on PM2.5 air pollution vary widely among regions. • More SME entries and higher targets for GDP growth are associated with stronger effects of deregulation reform on PM2.5. • PM2.5 air pollution should be considered during the deregulation reform in China and other developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims, and objectives: Valid and reliable instruments for measuring are needed. To add knowledge to the subject of tools of evidence‐based practice (EBP) evaluation in mainland China, the present study aims to translate the Quick‐EBP‐VIK into Chinese, which is an instrument for the assessment of nurses' value, knowledge, and implementation of EBP, and to evaluate the metric characteristics of the Chinese version. Methods: In this methodological study, a total sample of 402 nurses from mainland China was applied. Construct validity was evaluated by using factor analysis and further supported through known‐group validity. A panel of experts examined the content validity. Internal consistency was determined using composite reliability and Cronbach alpha. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess test‐retest reliability. Results: The exploratory factor analysis revealed a three‐factor structure model same to the original instrument. The confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit model with a comparative fit index of 0.957 and a root mean square error of approximation of 0.065. Significant differences were found in the item means of the tool between nurses who received EBP training and those who had not, which supported the known‐group validity. The Cronbach alpha and composite reliability for the three subscales were all higher than 0.70. The ICC ranged from 0.569 to 0.928 for the three subscales and from 0.494 to 0.903 for the items included in the instrument. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the Quick‐EBP‐VIK has evidence of acceptable reliability and validity and can be used to measure value, knowledge, and implementation of EBP for Chinese nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The drift of E-nose will destroy the initially learned capability of pattern recognition after a certain period of time. • Due to drift is the inherent behavior of E-nose, the drift correction based on no-load condition has more practical value. • A drift correction method based on wavelet packet decomposition and no-load data was proposed in the manuscript. • Based on the concept of SMTW and the idea of recursive model, a robust model was availably constructed. • We think that the research results can lay some foundation for improving the long-term robust detection ability of E-nose. Due to sensor aging, environmental changes and other factors, the drift of electronic nose (E-nose) signal is inevitable, and make E-nose does not own long-term robust detection capability. In order to improve the long-term detection capability of E-nose, a drift correction method based on wavelet packet decomposition and no-load data acquisition is proposed. Firstly, a no-load threshold function (NLTF) was proposed by decomposing the no-load data of the E-nose using wavelet packet decomposition, and then the NLTF was converted into a threshold function suiting for sample data (i.e. sample threshold function, STF). Secondly, Based on a concept of "sample measurement time window" (SMTW), the STF was employed to process the sample data within the SMTW; so that the drift contained in the sample data could be corrected. Finally, when the SMTW was recursively moved forward, the drift in all sample data corresponding to different time (or SMTW) could be corrected. As a study case, to realize the long-term robust detection of 6 kinds of Chinese spirits, the six kinds of Chinese spirits samples were tested intermittently for 12 months. When the SMTW was 3 months and the SMTW moved recursively forward 1 month every time, and after the above-mentioned drift correction method was applied to deal with these samples data within the SMTW, a long-term robust detection model based on Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA) was constructed with help of the idea of recursive correction. The model was able to carry out long-term robust detection for the six spirits samples; the correct identification rate could reach 100%. In addition, we also believe that the drift correction method has certain reference value for other E-nose data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with an increased risk of diabetes in adulthood. However, the potential mediational role of sleep duration in this association is unclear. A total of 116, 014 participants in the United States, from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey in 2020 were involved in the study. The effects of ACE status, different ACEs, and ACE scores on short sleep duration were examined using binary logistic regression analysis, and the association of ACE status, different types of ACEs, and ACE scores with diabetes and the mediating role of short sleep duration were observed. Path analysis was used to investigate short sleep duration as pathways between different types of ACEs and diabetes in adulthood. For the different types of ACEs, alcohol abuse in the household (OR = 1.13, 95%CI 1.08; 1.18), witnessing domestic violence (OR = 1.17, 95%CI 1.11; 1.23), emotional abuse (OR = 1.11, 95%CI 1.06; 1.16), physical abuse (OR = 1.22, 95%CI 1.17; 1.28), sexual abuse (OR = 1.25, 95%CI 1.18; 1.32) and short sleep duration (OR = 1.26, 95%CI 1.21; 1.32) independently increased the odds of diabetes. There was also an indirect relationship between alcohol abuse in the household, witnessing domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and diabetes via short sleep duration. Short sleep duration plays a partial mediating role between ACEs and diabetes, including alcohol abuse in the household, witnessing domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse. • Each type of ACE was positively associated with short sleep duration. • Four types of ACEs were positively associated with diabetes. • Short sleep duration was positively associated with diabetes. • Short sleep duration plays a partial mediating role between ACEs and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Gliomas are infiltrative neoplasms of a highly invasive nature. Different stages of gliomas feature distinct genomic, genetic, and epigenetic changes. The long noncoding RNA Growth Arrest Specific Transcript 5 (GAS5) is an identified tumour suppressor involved in several cancers. However, the underlying roles of the GAS5 gene in lower-grade glioma (LGG) patients are not clear. Methods. Via bioinformatic analysis based on TCGA-LGG and TCGA-GBM data, we explored the mechanisms of GAS5 expression in LGG (grades II and III) and high-grade glioma (glioblastoma multiforme, grade IV). The log-rank test and multivariate Cox analysis were performed to find the association between GAS5 and overall survival (OS) in LGG patients. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and RNA-Seq analysis were applied to find the key gene network associated with GAS5. Results. We found that GAS5 expression was downregulated in both LGG and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) compared with normal brain tissue. Low methylation in the GAS5 promoter region was detected in both LGG and GBM tissues. The amplification type was the predominant type of GAS5 gene alteration in both LGG and GBM. High GAS5 expression was more associated with long overall survival (OS) in LGG patients than in GBM patients. The multivariate survival analysis of GAS5 and clinical and molecular characteristics in LGG patients further confirmed the association between GAS5 and OS in LGG patients. We then developed a nomogram for clinical use. WGCNA and RNA-Seq analysis indicated that ribosomal biogenesis and translation initiation were the predominant events regulated by GAS5 in LGG patients. Conclusion. Taken together, these results demonstrate that GAS5 expression is associated with OS in LGG patients and that its underlying roles involve the regulation of ribosomal biogenesis and translation initiation, which may aid in identifying a new target for the treatment of LGG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparins are capable of improving blood compatibility, enhancing HUVEC viability, while inhibiting HUASMC proliferation. Combination of biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with keratin and heparins would provide an anticoagulant and endothelialization supporting environment for vascular tissue engineering. Herein, PCL and keratin were first coelectrospun and then covalently conjugated with heparins. The resulting mats were surface-characterized by ATR-FTIR, SEM, WCA, and XPS. Cell viability data showed that the heparinized PCL/keratin mats could motivate the adhesion and growth of HUVEC, while inhibit HUASMC proliferation. In addition, these mats could prolong blood clotting time and reduce platelet adhesion as well as no erythrolysis. Interestingly, these mats could catalyze the NO donor in blood to release NO, which could enhance endothelial cell growth, while decrease smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet adhesion. In summary, the heparinized mats would be a good candidate as a scaffold for vascular tissue engineering. This study is novel in that we prepared a type of heparinized tissue scaffold that could catalyze the NO donor to release NO to regulate endothelialization without angiogenesis and thrombus formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myeloid leukemia associated with t(8;21) (q22;q22)/runt related transcription factor (RUNX)1‑RUNX1 translocation partner 1 has been reported to exhibit a favorable outcome. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction is a reliable method for assessing minimal residual disease persistence, and peripheral blood (PB) samples are as informative as bone marrow (BM) samples during follow‑up monitoring. However, few studies have compared the spatial organization of leukemia‑specific chromosomes between BM and PB. In the present study, paired BM and PB samples were extracted from 6 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia‑M2 and compared using three‑dimensional fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cells were classified into three types: Normal, proximal and malignant. Comparisons of proportions (% of all cells) of different cell types revealed no significant difference between BM and PB samples. The relative radial positions (RRPs; d/R) of chromosomes 8 and 21 were consistent for 2/3 of BM and PB samples. The RRPs of chromosomes in proximal pairs were more interior in nuclei compared with chromosomes in normal pairs for BM and PB samples. The consistency of the spatial organization of chromosomes between BM and PB suggests that PB may be an alternative to BM for research and clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-cost catalysts possessing merits of high conductivity and plenty of active sites are highly desirable for the developing of Pt-free counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). In this study, porous sulfur-doped reduced graphene oxide/MoS 2 (S-rGO/MoS 2 ) composites were successfully synthesized via a simple one-step annealing strategy employing CS 2 as sulfur source. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the as-prepared composite presented a superior catalytic activity on the triiodide reduction process, comparable with Pt electrode. Under optimized conditions, a power conversion efficiency of 6.96% was achieved for the N719-sensitized solar cell with a S-rGO/MoS 2 CE, which is very close to that for the device containing a thermally deposited Pt CE (7.35%). The outstanding electro-catalytic activity of composite was attributed to the exposed numerous edges providing much more active sites, and good conductivity resulting from two-dimensional conductive networks of both S-rGO and MoS 2 . This work demonstrated S-rGO/MoS 2 composite as a promising alternative for noble metal Pt in triiodide reduction process and a simple approach of employing two-dimensional nanomaterials as multifunctional materials in photovoltaic for mass application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) has been widely used in clinical practice. However, the prognostic value of the pre-treatment standardized uptake value (SUV) for patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains controversial. Purpose To investigate the prognostic role of pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET on SCLC patients by meta-analysis. Material and Methods Extensive literature searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted to identify literature published until 5 May 2017. Comparative analyses of the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed to assess their correlations with the pre-treatment maximum SUV (SUVmax). Either the fixed- or the random-effects model was adopted, depending on the heterogeneity observed across the studies. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results. Results Twelve studies with 1062 patients were included. The pooled HR for OS of 11 studies was 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.22; P = 0.001; I2 = 0%) and the pooled HR for EFS of nine studies was 1.09 (95% CI = 1.02-1.17; P = 0.014; I2 = 0%), indicating that patients with high SUVs may have poorer prognoses. Begg's test detected no significant publication bias. The prognostic role of the SUVmax remained similar in the subgroup analyses. Conclusion Our meta-analysis indicated that the pre-treatment SUVmax of primary lesions can be an important prognostic factor for OS and EFS in patients with SCLC. A high SUVmax may indicate poorer prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare retrospectively the extent of blastulation timing (Day 5 or later) and expansion grade to predict the ability of blastocysts to give rise to a pregnancy. Blastocysts frozen on day 5 with a lower expansion grade (group D5) or day 6 with a higher expansion grade (group D6) were included. A single embryo was thawed and transferred on day 5 after ovulation or progesterone supplementation. Differences in patient baseline characteristics, endometrial preparation and pregnancy outcomes between groups were stratified by patient age and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Logistic regression was used to analyse the results. A total of 617 blastocysts in group D5 and 1134 blastocysts in group D6 were assessed. Stratified analyses showed higher biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates for patients aged less than 30 years old, and higher ongoing pregnancy rate for patients with AMH ≥ 1.1 ng/ml. For patients aged less than 30 years old, the biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in group D5 were higher than those in group D6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) based genomic editing technologies have armed researchers with powerful new tools to biological and biomedical investigations. To further improve and expand its functionality, natural, and engineered CRISPR associated nine proteins (Cas9s) have been investigated, various CRISPR delivery strategies have been tested and optimized, and multiple schemes have been developed to ensure precise mammalian genome editing. Benefiting from those in‐depth understanding and further development of CRISPR, versatile CRISPR‐based platforms for genome editing have been rapidly developed to advance investigations in biology and biomedicine. In biological research area, CRISPR has been widely adopted in both fundamental and applied research fields, such as accurate base editing, transcriptional regulation, and genome‐wide screening. In biomedical research area, CRISPR has also shown its extensive applicability in the establishment of animal models for genetic disorders especially those large animals and non‐human primates models, and gene therapy to combat virus infectious diseases, to correct monogenic disorders in vivo or in pluripotent cells. In this prospect article, after highlighting recent developments of CRISPR systems, we outline different applications and current limitations of CRISPR use in biological and biomedical investigation. Finally, we provide a perspective for future development and potential risks of this multifunctional technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ultrasound in differentiation of benign and malignant solid hypo-echoic thyroid nodules is a dilemma in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the revised value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for differentiating solid hypo-echoic thyroid nodules using the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS).The study included 135 patients with 135 nodules confirmed by fine-needle aspiration and/or surgery. Every nodule underwent both conventional US and CEUS. Binary logistic regression analysis for conventional US features revealed that irregular shape, microcalcification and height greater than width were significant malignant predictive features. Binary logistic analysis for CEUS features indicated that hetero-enhancement, slow wash-in, an ill-defined enhancement border and fast wash-out were significantly associated with malignancy. The areas under the curve of the TI-RADS, CEUS and the combination were 0.806, 0.934 and 0.950, respectively. CEUS is a potentially useful tool in the differentiation of solid hypo-echoic thyroid nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel organic small molecule with D-Pi-A structure was prepared, which was found to be a promising colorimetric and ratiometric UV–vis spetral probe for detection of phosphorylated proteins with the help of tetravalent zirconium ion. Such optical probe based on chromophore WYF-1 shows a rapid response (within 10 s) and high selectivity and sensitivity for phosphorylated proteins, giving distinct colorimetric and ratiometric UV–vis changes at 720 and 560 nm. The detection limit for phosphorylated proteins was estimated to be 100 nM. In addition, detection of phosphorylated proteins in placental tissue samples with this probe was successfully applied, which indicates that this probe holds great potential for phosphorylated proteins detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zr modification can significantly change the strengthening mechanisms of traditional heat-treatable Al alloys fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM). In this study, the effect of direct aging (DA) treatment on the microstructure and strengthening mechanisms of Zr-modified Al–Cu–Mg alloys fabricated by SLM was analyzed. The fine α-Al grains with an average size of approximately 1.1 μm in the as-fabricated samples were maintained after DA treatment. The S′-Al 2 CuMg precipitates dissolved, and the secondary Al 3 Zr-L1 2 , 1.1 nm in radius, precipitated from the α-Al matrix after DA treatment. This led to a larger increase of 29 MPa in the contribution of precipitation strengthening compared with the increase of 5 MPa in the contribution of grain boundary strengthening after the DA treatment. In addition, a large number of Cu–Mg-rich and Cu–Mn-rich particles were found in the DA-treated sample, which offered dispersion strengthening. This work provides valuable insights for the development of Zr-modified 2000 series Al alloys applicable in additive manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 6 mm diameters non-equiatomic Zr x TiNiCuBe (x = 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 at. %) HE-BMGs were obtained by suction casting designed according to the atomic size difference (δ), mixing enthalpy (ΔH mix), mixing entropy (ΔS mix), valence electron concentration (VEC) and electronegativity difference (Δχ) parameters. • The obtained HE-BMGs have higher glass forming ability, thermal stability and a wider crystallization zone, due to the sluggish diffusion effect of high-entropy alloy. • In 1 mol/L H 2 SO 4 solution, the designed HE-BMGs exhibit obvious passivation behavior and have higher corrosion potential, lower corrosion current density and passive current density, wider passivation interval and larger polarization resistance, proving their better corrosion resistance than 304L stainless steel. • The designed HE-BMGs possess a bit lower corrosion potential but much lower i corr than 304L stainless steel in cyclic polarization. As sweeping potential increases, the HE-BMGs show lower pitting potential than 304L stainless steel, but have better re-passivation ability for pitting. The high entropy bulk metallic glasses (HE-BMGs) are the mathematical intersection of sets of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) and high entropy alloys (HEAs). Owing to their unique structural and compositional features, HE-BMGs exhibit peculiar physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Herein, non-equiatomic alloys Zr x TiNiCuBe (x = 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 at. %) HE-BMGs were designed according to the atomic size difference (δ), mixing enthalpy (ΔH mix), mixing entropy (ΔS mix), valence electron concentration (VEC) and electronegativity difference (Δχ) parameters. The electrochemical corrosion behaviors in 1 mol/L H 2 SO 4 and 3.5% NaCl solutions were also studied in this paper. The results show that fully glassy rods with diameters of 6 mm were obtained. The designed HE-BMGs show large glass forming ability, a narrow supercooled liquid region and a wide crystallization region compare with the traditional BMGs. In 1 mol/L H 2 SO 4 , the designed HE-BMGs show very small corrosion current densities and a typical passivation behavior, and their corrosion resistance is much better than that of 304L stainless steel. In 3.5% NaCl, the prepared HE-BMGs also have much smaller corrosion current densities than 304L stainless steel. As potential increases, the pitting corrosion resistance is not as good as 304L stainless, however, the HE-BMGs all show superior pitting corrosion re-passivation abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The hybrid uncertainty includes the aleatory uncertainty and epistemic uncertainty is analyzed in DCFP. • The uncertainty random renewal reward process and arithmetic Liu process are used to describe the shock and degradation process. • The analytic formulas of system reliability models considering three types of DCFPs are derived. • A combinational algorithm is proposed to calculate system reliability. • The proposed method is proved to be an appropriate method to qualify the hybrid uncertainty in the case. Dependent competing failure process (DCFP) has been widely studied in recent years. When evaluating the reliability of DCFP system, the aleatory uncertainty due to randomness and the epistemic uncertainty due to lack of data and knowledge should be considered. In this paper, the hybrid uncertainty of DCFP system is analyzed and quantified with chance theory. The uncertainty random renewal reward process and the arithmetic Liu process are used to describe the shock and degradation process. The quantification of uncertainty propagation is realized by decoupling DCFP from the physical correlation aspect. Reliability of DCFP system considering two kinds of unilateral dependencies and mutual dependency is modeled and a combinational algorithm is proposed to solve it. Finally, the DCFP effect in control system of an aircraft is studied as a case, aleatory uncertainty and epistemic uncertainty are modeled, and the system reliability is evaluated. Meanwhile, the effects of key parameters on system reliability are discussed. Results show that the chance theory is an appropriate method to qualify the hybrid uncertainty for engineering systems when data is insufficient. The mutual dependency of soft failure and hard failure will reduce the system reliability. The smaller the parameter of hard failure, the greater the influence of mutual dependency on the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymorphism of ERK and PTPRR in MDD is rarely reported. The present study investigated the association between the polymorphism of ERK/PTPRR and MDD at resting-state brain function using genomic imaging. It indicated that the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) changed significantly in various brain regions of MDD patients. The T/G allele of ERK-rs1267842 and G/C allele of PTPRR-rs1513105 showed abnormal ALFF and ReHo changes in cortex including superior frontal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus. The development of MDD may be related with the polymorphism of ERK-rs12678428 and PTPRR-rs1513105. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to demonstrate and explore the ability of novel game-based perimetry to establish normal visual field thresholds in children. Methods: One hundred and eighteen children (aged 8.0 ± 2.8 years old) with no history of visual field loss or significant medical history were recruited. Each child had one eye tested using a game-based visual field test 'Caspar's Castle' at four retinal locations 12.7° ( N = 118) from fixation. Thresholds were established repeatedly using up/down staircase algorithms with stimuli of varying diameter (luminance 20 cd/m, duration 200 ms, background luminance 10 cd/m). Relationships between threshold and age were determined along with measures of intra- and intersubject variability. Results: The Game-based visual field test was able to establish threshold estimates in the full range of children tested. Threshold size reduced with increasing age in children. Intrasubject variability and intersubject variability were inversely related to age in children. Conclusions: Normal visual field thresholds were established for specific locations in children using a novel game-based visual field test. These could be used as a foundation for developing a game-based perimetry screening test for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar soil amendments are receiving increased attention as one strategy to improve soil quality and crop productivity. However, studies about how biochar affects crop productivity so far have mainly focused on single cropping systems. Few have examined the effects of biochar additions on intercrops. We conducted a field experiment that investigated the effects of biochar amendments on yield and nutrient uptake in an intercropping system where maize ( Zea mays L.) was intercropped with either soybean ( Glycine max L.) or peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.). The relative advantages of both yield and total nutrient content were calculated as land equivalent ratios (LER). Biochar amendments significantly increased the yield advantage in both maize/soybean and maize/peanut systems over the single crops. Similarly, they significantly enhanced the relative N and P uptake advantage. Using the 15 N isotope dilution method, we examined the effect of biochar amendments on peanut N 2 -fixation and subsequent N transfer from peanut to maize in a root-box experiment. Biochar amendments of 10 and 20 g kg −1 soil increased peanut N fixation by 15.52% and 14.11%, and increased N transfer from peanut to maize by 32.66% and 36.07%, respectively. These results indicate that amending soil with biochar can amplify the benefits of legume-based intercropping by enhancing legume N fixation and facilitating N transfer from legume plants to co-existing cereal crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural abundance of cell adhesion sequences, RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) and LDV (Leu-Asp-Val) in the keratins make them suitable as biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Herein, keratins were coelectrospun with poly(ε-caprolactone)(PCL) at the ratio of 9/1, 8/2, and 7/3 to afford nanofibrous mats. The resulting mats were surface-characterized by ATR-FTIR, SEM, WCA, and XPS. Cell attachment data showed that NIH 3T3 cells adhered more to the PCL/keratin nanofibrous mats than the pristine PCL mats. The MTT assay revealed that the PCL/keratin mats had improved cell viability. The blood clotting time test (APTT, PT, and TT) indicated the PCL/keratin mats exerted good blood compatibility. These mats would be a good candidate as a scaffold for vascular tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zwitterionic surface has been proven to be a good candidate for improving hemocompatible and antibiofouling properties. However, it can only passively repel the adsorption of microbes and is unable to kill the adherent or trapped microbes. The purpose of our study is to develop a facile method based on synergy “repel and kill” strategy and prepare dual antifouling and antibacterial surface. Herein, the poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) was first constructed via surface-initiated activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET-ATRP) method, followed by partial quaternization in order to form polycarboxybetaine and polysulfobetaine. The conversion rates of PDMAEMA to polyzwitterions were evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis (XPS). Surface characterizations by ATR-FTIR, XPS, and AFM demonstrated that zwitterionic polymer brushes were successfully grafted. The remained PDMAEMA(weak cationic) and formed zwitterions(neutral) endowed the surface with the synergetic antibacterial and antifouling properties. The resulting PET sheets showed outstanding antifouling property featured by the reduced adhesion of 3T3 fibroblast cells and E. coli . Additionally, these sheets displayed excellent hemocompatibility such as non-cytotoxicity, repelled protein adsorption, reduced platelet adhesion, and prolonged blood blotting time. These synergistic surfaces with neutral zwitterions and weak cations are promising for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]