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Sampling density and depth play crucial roles in three-dimensional (3D) soil modeling and prediction, particularly in digital soil mapping (DSM). However, previous studies have yielded inconsistent and even contradictory results regarding impacts of sampling density and depth on the accuracy of 3D DSM. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the impacts of sampling depth, vertical sampling density and lateral profile density on 3D soil mapping accuracy based on a case study of soil organic carbon (SOC). To achieve this, a comprehensive analysis was conducted based on 511 soil samples collected from 111 profiles in a local hilly area spanning 5.52 km2 in China. A 3D regression geostatistical approach was employed for the analysis. The results revealed that samples taken from different depth intervals exhibited varying degrees of importance in relation to prediction accuracy. Notably, a reduced number of surface soil samples (0–0.3 m) led to significant fluctuations in the accuracy of predictions for the entire soil profile. Furthermore, a lower number of subsurface soil samples (0.3–0.6 m) also diminished the overall prediction accuracy, while the influence of deeper soil samples (0.6–1.2 m) on the overall accuracy was relatively less pronounced. Reducing the number of profiles for calibration led to significantly worse and more variable prediction accuracy, compared to reducing vertical samples. For 3D mapping, this study recommends prioritizing the collection of additional lateral profiles, specifically focusing on surface and subsurface soils, especially for properties that display vertical variation similar to SOC.

BackgroundOur previous multicenter case-control study showed that aging, up-regulation of platelet glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), impaired olfactory function, and ApoE ϵ4 genotype were associated with cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. However, the causal relationship between these biomarkers and the development of cognitive decline in T2DM patients remains unclear.MethodsTo further investigate this potential relationship, we designed a 6-year follow-up study in 273 T2DM patients with normal cognitive in our previous study. Baseline characteristics of the study population were compared between T2DM patients with and without incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We utilized Cox proportional hazard regression models to assess the risk of cognitive impairment associated with various baseline biomarkers. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers in predicting cognitive impairment.ResultsDuring a median follow-up time of 6 years (with a range of 4 to 9 years), 40 patients (16.13%) with T2DM developed MCI. Participants who developed incident MCI were more likely to be older, have a lower education level, have more diabetic complications, a higher percentage of ApoE ϵ4 allele and a higher level of platelet GSK-3β activity (rGSK-3β) at baseline (P

Abstract Background Timely and systematic professional treatment is crucial in schizophrenia prognosis, but the global rate of mental health service, now, use or help-seeking behavior is low. Methods In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants with the diagnosis of schizophrenia between October to December 2021. The participants were purposively sampled from a psychiatric hospital’s. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim into NVivo 12.0. Results The findings were summarized under 3 themes and 12 subthemes: (1) capability (lack of knowledge due to insufficient mental health literacy or lack of insight, inability to access disease information due to a lack of mental health literacy, and symptoms-related barriers); (2) opportunity (lack of disease information sources, inability to balance work and study during prolonged hospitalization, accessibility and convenience of medical resources, and the acquisition and utilization of social support); and (3) motivation (awareness of the disease and professional treatment, negative experiences of disease episodes, past medical experience, confidence in tcuring the disease, and the fulfillment of daily life and self-worth). Conclusion The medical help-seeking behavior of people with the diagnosis of schizophrenia is the result of the interaction of many barriers and facilitators, and challenges persist today. Interventions can be implemented with the BCW framework and our results to precisely eliminate delays in the diagnosis and treatment of mental problems.

Abstract Background Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was demonstrated to be superior to conventional IVF in reducing the incidence of miscarriage and abnormal offspring after the first embryo transfer (ET). PGT-A requires several embryo trophectoderm cells, but its negative impacts on embryo development and long-term influence on the health conditions of conceived children have always been a concern. As an alternative, noninvasive PGT-A (niPGT-A) approaches using spent blastocyst culture medium (SBCM) achieved comparable accuracy with PGT-A in several pilot studies. The main objective of this study is to determine whether noninvasive embryo viability testing (niEVT) results in better clinical outcomes than conventional IVF after the first embryo transfer. Furthermore, we further investigated whether niEVT results in higher the live birth rate between women with advanced maternal age (AMA, > 35 years old) and young women or among patients for whom different fertilization protocols are adopted. Methods This study will be a double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (RCT) studying patients of different ages (20–43 years) undergoing different fertilization protocols (in vitro fertilization [IVF] or intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]). We will enroll 1140 patients at eight reproductive medical centers over 24 months. Eligible patients should have at least two good-quality blastocysts (better than grade 4 CB). The primary outcome will be the live birth rate of the first embryo transfer (ET). Secondary outcomes will include the clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, cumulative live birth rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, and time to pregnancy. Discussion In this study, patients who undergo noninvasive embryo viability testing (niEVT) will be compared to women treated by conventional IVF. We will determine the effects on the pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate and adverse events. We will also investigate whether there is any difference in clinical outcomes among patients with different ages and fertilization protocols (IVF/ICSI). This trial will provide clinical evidence of the effect of noninvasive embryo viability testing on the clinical outcomes of the first embryo transfer. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) Identifier: ChiCTR2100051408. 9 September 2021.

Abstract In order to address the global crisis in pear productivity, there has been increased attention given to advocating for the use of organic fertilizers. As part of this effort, researchers have been investigating the microbial properties of organic fertilizers to better understand their potential impact on fruit productivity. Our research focused specifically on the impact of four different ratios of sheep manure (SM) and chemical fertilizers (CF) on pear productivity. We found that replacing CF with SM resulted in a proliferation of gammaproteobacteria, Chlamydiae, Bastocatellia and Clostridia in the soil rhizosphere, which is the region around the roots of plants where most nutrient uptake occurs. Using redundancy analysis, we were able to determine that SM was particularly effective at promoting the growth of gammaproteobacteria and clostridia, which were associated with C:N ratios around 14:1 as well as the availability of K, Fe, Zn and Cu. This combination of factors was conducive to a transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth, resulting in an increase in pear production from 43 to 56 tons per hectare. We also discovered that Blastociella acts as a buffering system in regulating soil acidity. Taken together, our findings indicate that a combination of SM and CF can improve the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere, leading to an increase in pear productivity.

Abstract Background Sexual health is one of the main areas of health and basic human rights which has been paid less attention in schizophrenia. Most studies have focused on sexual dysfunction rather than the sexual needs of people with schizophrenia. This study explores the sexual needs of people with schizophrenia and identify factors hindering sexual activities. Methods We carried out a qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Data were collected at a psychiatric hospital in China. In total, 20 patients with schizophrenia were recruited through purposive sampling. Face to face semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with them. Interview recordings were transcribed by the research team, and transcripts were analyzed by two independent coders with Colaizzi’s descriptive analysis framework by using NVivo 11 software. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist was used for reporting. Results The data analysis revealed 10 subthemes categorized into 3 macro themes: (1) multiple barriers hinder sexual activity; (2) significance of sex; and (3) conditions for fulfilling sexual needs. Conclusion A poor sexual quality of life may be found in patients with schizophrenia. Furthermore, people with schizophrenia did not lose interest in maintaining an active sex life. Mental health services should address this issue in three areas: sexual knowledge, sexual space, and sexual objects.

Moths of the family Limacodidae are major pests that damage tea trees, fruit trees, and forests. The complete mitochondrial genome of Iragoides fasciata (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) was sequenced. The genome was found to be 15,645 bp in size (GenBank accession no. MK250437), including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and a 431 bp A + T-rich region. Nucleotide composition showed a total A + T content of 82.03% with significant AT-bias. All PCGs were found to start with ATN codons and use the canonical stop codons TAA or incomplete T, except for cox1, which was found to utilize CGA as a start codon. Phylogenetic relationships were based on the 13 PCGs with 24 moths, showing that I. fasciata is more closely related to other slug moths in the family Limacodidae.

Abstract. Introduction:. Lichen striatus (LS) is a benign, self-limiting, linear inflammatory skin disease that was rarely reported. Here we report two cases of nail involvement in children with LS. Case presentation:. Two children was referred to our hospital with asymptomatic linear eruption and nail dystrophy. Histopathological examination revealed epidermal hyperkeratosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells around the adnexal region, hyperpigmentation in the rete ridges, and focal liquefactive degeneration of the basal layer. Discussion:. There is no specific treatment for nail LS. Without treatment, LS can resolve spontaneously over a period of time. Topical steroid treatment can improve symptoms and shorten the duration of the disease. It is important for clinicians to distinguish LS from other linear diseases, which may lead to unnecessary treatment and surgical intervention. Conclusion:. The appearance of nail and skin lesions is importance of clinical features in making the diagnosis of nail LS, and also distinguish to other linear and nail diseases.

Abstract Chronic stress is an environmental risk factor for depression and causes neuronal atrophy in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and other brain regions. It is still unclear about the molecular mechanism underlying the behavioral alterations and neuronal atrophy induced by chronic stress. We here report that phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) is a mediator for chronic stress-induced depression-like behaviors and neuronal atrophy in mice. One-month chronic restraint stress (CRS) up-regulated PTEN signaling pathway in the PFC of mice as indicated by increasing levels of PTEN, p-MEK, and p-ERK but decreasing levels of p-AKT. Over-expression of Pten in the PFC led to an increase of depression-like behaviors, whereas genetic inactivation or knockdown of Pten in the PFC prevented the CRS-induced depression-like behaviors. In addition, systemic administration of PTEN inhibitor was also able to prevent these behaviors. Cellular examination showed that Pten over-expression or the CRS treatment resulted in PFC neuron atrophy, and this atrophy was blocked by genetic inactivation of Pten or systemic administration of PTEN inhibitor. Furthermore, possible causal link between Pten and glucocorticoids was examined. In chronic dexamethasone (Dex, a glucocorticoid agonist) treatment-induced depression model, increased PTEN levels were observed, and depression-like behaviors and PFC neuron atrophy were attenuated by the administration of PTEN inhibitor. Our results indicate that PTEN serves as a key mediator in chronic stress-induced neuron atrophy as well as depression-like behaviors, providing molecular evidence supporting the synaptic plasticity theory of depression.

Abstract Background To explore the effect of miR-920 on osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and the possible mechanism. Methods Osteoporosis (OP) and healthy control bone tissues were collected, and the relative expression of miR-920 and HOXA7 was measured. hBMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. Alkaline phosphatase activity and miR-920 and HOXA7 relative expression were measured during osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Then, bioinformatic analysis was performed to assess the potential mechanism of miR-920. MiR-920 mimic and inhibitor were introduced into hBMSCs by lipofection transfection and were used to investigate the effect of miR-920 on the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to identify whether the 3′UTR of HOXA7 mRNA was a direct target of miR-920. Western blotting was performed to assess whether miR-920 affected the MAPK signaling pathway. Results We found that miR-920 was downregulated in OP patients compared with controls, while HOXA7 was upregulated, and miR-920 had a negative correlation with HOXA7 (r = − 0.859, P = 0.001). Moreover, miR-920 was increased during osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, while HOXA7 had the opposite tendency. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that there were a total of 207 target genes, and MAPK was a potential targeted signaling pathway. MiR-920 mimic significantly increased ALP activity, calcium deposition, osteoblastic protein expression (ALP and OSX), and p-p38 and p-JNK protein levels. Conclusion Overall, miR-920 promotes osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by targeting HOXA7 through the MAPK signaling pathway.

Abstract Background Double-balloon enteroscopy enables performing numerous small bowel biopsies for pathologic analysis. However, most histopathological characteristics of Crohn’s disease are non-specific characteristics. We aimed to explore the small bowel mucosal histopathologic characters of Crohn’s disease and identify some disease-specific changes. Methods We included 253 patients without tumors and grouped them into Crohn’s disease, suspected Crohn’s disease, and non-Crohn’s disease groups. These patients underwent double-balloon endoscopy examination and small bowel biopsy at Renji Hospital, Shanghai. All histopathological sections were reviewed, and > 20 histopathological parameters were assessed. Immunohistochemistry was conducted when necessary. Results There were different forms of granulomatous lymphangitis on the small bowel mucosa in Crohn’s disease. They showed as various macrophages or epithelioid cells in the lumina of lymphatics or in the center of the villi with or without evident obstruction. These features were only observed in Crohn’s disease patients. Furthermore, they were correlated with granuloma and lymphangiectasia. Additionally, 15 other features showed significant differences among the three groups, and Crohn’s disease patients showed an average of almost seven histopathological characteristics. Conclusions We described the detailed morphologies of granulomatous lymphangitis on the small bowel mucosa and recommend it as a useful histopathological feature for the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. In terms of specificity and sensitivity, it was superior to non-caseating epithelioid granuloma.

Aging is becoming a severe social phenomenon globally, and the improvements in health care and increased health awareness among the elderly have led to a dramatic increase in the number of surgical procedures. Because of the degenerative changes in the brain structure and function in the elderly, the incidence of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) is much higher in elderly patients than in young people following anesthesia/surgery. PND is attracting more and more attention, though the exact mechanisms remain unknown. A growing body of evidence has shown that the gut microbiota is likely involved. Recent studies have indicated that the gut microbiota may affect postoperative cognitive function via the gut-brain axis. Nonetheless, understanding of the mechanistic associations between the gut microbiota and the brain during PND progression remains very limited. In this review, we begin by providing an overview of the latest progress concerning the gut-brain axis and PND, and then we summarize the influence of perioperative factors on the gut microbiota. Next, we review the literature on the relationship between gut microbiota and PND and discuss how gut microbiota affects cognitive function during the perioperative period. Finally, we explore effective early interventions for PND to provide new ideas for related clinical research.

The mitochondrial (mt) genome of Eumeta variegata Snellen (Psychidae) has been sequenced and annotated. The mt genome has a total length of 15,793 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA, two rRNA genes, and an AT-rich control region (GenBank accession no. MN242985). The nucleotide composition was extremely AT-rich, and the AT content is 81.57%. The gene order is consistent with other sequenced mt genome of moths and butterflies from Ditrysia. The sequence similarity of E. variegate mt genomes between the specimen of China and South Korea is 98.38%, whereas the similarity between the specimen of China and Japan is 90.61%. The sequence of PCGs and rRNAs among different specimens are similar, and many differences are detected at the region of A + T-rich region and the tRNA block ‘ARNS1EF’.

This study aimed to determine the role of dexmedetomidine (Dex) in neuropathic pain (NP) after chronic constriction injury (CCI) in a rat model as well as its underlying mechanism. First, a CCI rat model was established. After treatment with Dex, the severity of NP was ascertained by monitoring paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) at different time points. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to determine the levels of Keap1 and Nrf2 in the spinal cord. Furthermore, the levels of Keap1–Nrf2–HO-1 pathway molecules, apoptotic proteins, and antioxidant genes in the spinal cord or isolated primary microglia were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The release of proinflammatory cytokines was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To evaluate Dex-treated CCI-induced NP via the Keap1–Nrf2–HO-1 pathway, the rats were intrathecally injected with lentivirus to upregulate or downregulate the expression of Keap1. We found that Dex inhibited pathological changes and alleviated sciatic nerve pain as well as repressed inflammation, apoptosis, and redox disorders of the spinal cord in CCI rats. Keap1 protein expression was substantially downregulated, whereas Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions were significantly upregulated in the spinal cord after Dex administration. Additionally, Keap1 overexpression counteracted Dex-mediated inhibition of NP. Keap1 overexpression led to a decrease in Nrf2 and HO-1 levels as well as PWT and PWL but led to an aggravation of inflammation and antioxidant disorders and increased apoptosis. Keap1 silencing alleviated NP in rats with CCI, as evidenced by an increase in PWT and PWL. Keap1 depletion resulted in the alleviation of inflammation and spinal cord tissue injury in CCI rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that Dex inhibits the Keap1–Nrf2–HO-1-related antioxidant response, inflammation, and apoptosis, thereby alleviating NP in CCI rats.

This paper examines whether there are multiple explosive bubble episodes in international food market by employing the Generalised Supremum Augmented Dickey-Fuller (GSADF) test. This method is particularly suitable for practical application of time series and provides an innovative consistent date-stamping strategy for the origination and termination of bubble episodes. Our results show that there are four explosive bubble episodes mostly accompanied by huge price volatilities during 1990-2017, which is largely in line with the asset pricing model (Gürkaynak 2008). The exuberance and collapse of bubble episodes can be explained by imbalance between supply and demand, depreciation of U.S. dollar, financial crisis and speculation. Our findings also provide supporting evidence for the Masters hypothesis that tremendous buying pressure from index investments contributes to substantial bubble episodes. The authorities should accurately identify bubble episode and monitor its evolving process, which is propitious to achieve the effective stabilisation of global food system. Particularly, restrictions on excessive speculative trading should be arranged under extreme market situations in order to forestall the explosion of multiple food bubbles.

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on proliferation, apoptosis, and protein expressions of fibroblasts at different concentrations and time intervals to reveal the mechanism of E2 in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).Study DesignThe uterosacral ligament fibroblasts were collected from seven POP patients for primary culture of fibroblasts. The culture media containing 0, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8, and 10-9 mol/L E2 were used for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h.Main Outcome MeasuresThe cells were collected for cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), apoptosis, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting assays.ResultsCompared with the control group, in the values of fibroblasts cultured in 10-8 mol/L E2 for 72 h, the proliferation, mRNA and protein expression of Mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) separately increased (P < 0.05), decreased (P

Abstract Background Chromosome translocations are rare but frequently associated with infertility. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) on products of conception (POC) samples as an indicator of parental balanced translocation. From January 2011 to December 2016, CMA using Affymetrix Cytoscan™750K array was performed on 1294 POC samples in our hospital. Karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using parental blood samples were performed to validate the origin of subchromosomal copy number variations (CNVs). Results In the 1294 cases of POCs, we detected CNVs of terminal duplication and deletion that imply unbalanced translocation derivatives in 16 cases, and accurate diagnosis with the parental study was made in all the cases by karyotyping and/or FISH. In 10/16 (62.5%) of these cases, CNVs were inherited from one carrier parent of balanced translocation (Cases 1 to 10), while 6/16 (37.5%) cases occurred de novo (Cases 11 to 16). Conclusion This study clearly illustrated the importance of the utilization of CMA on POC, followed by parental karyotyping and FISH to better characterize CNVs. This approach is especially useful for couples in whom one partner carries a cryptic/submicroscopic balanced translocation but has an apparently normal karyotype.

The mitochondrial genome of one Rana pseudo-rana species Rana sangzhiensis Shen was sequenced and annotated. The mitogenome is 19,207 bp in length, containing 37 typical genes. The A + T content of the whole mitogenome is 56.6%. All of the protein-condoning genes (PCGs) started with ATG and stopped with TGA. The tRNA-Pro, tRNA-Gln, tRNA-Ala, tRNA-Asn, tRNA-Cys, tRNA-Tyr, tRNA-Ser, tRNA-Glu, andND5 are located in the circular mitochondrial L chain. The phylogeny tree is monophyletic among 14 related Rana species. The R. sangzhiensis Shen cluster was more closely related to R. amurensis Boulenger and R. kunyuensis Lu, Y.-Y., and P.-P. Li. This mitochondrial genome can be used for further analyses of Ranidae mitochondrial comparative genomics to improve the understanding of diverse Ranidae species.

Background: Both Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are related to aging. The aim of the present study was to investigate the variations of Mfn2 expression in the uterosacral ligaments of patients with and/or without POP and their correlations with the expression of procollagen. Methods: Fibroblasts were cultured using tissue specimens that were harvested from the uterosacral ligaments of POP and non-POP (NPOP) patients (n = 10 for each group) from September 2016 to December 2016. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to compare the differences in cell proliferation between the two groups. Relative quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assays were employed to assess the differences in the mRNA and protein expression levels of Mfn2 and procollagen 1A1/1A2/3A1 between the two groups. The changes in procollagen expression were assessed following the downregulation of Mfn2 in the POP group using RNAi. The data were assessed with independent sample t- test or general linear model univariate analysis using the SPSS 13.0 software. Results: The results from CCK-8 assay indicated that cell viability in the POP group was significantly lower compared with that of the NPOP group (td5, 7, 9, 11= −5.925, −6.851, −9.129, and −9.661, respectively, all P < 0.001, from D5 to D11). The mRNA and protein expression levels of Mfn2 in the cultured fibroblasts of the POP group were significantly higher compared with those of the NPOP group (mRNA: t = 2.425, P = 0.032; protein: t = 2.392, P = 0.037, respectively), whereas only the expression levels of procollagen 1A1/1A2/3A1 were significantly higher in the NPOP group (mRNA: t = −2.165, P1A1 = 0.041; t = −2.741, P1A2 = 0.026; t = −2.147, P3A1 = 0.045, respectively; protein: t = −2.418, P1A1 = 0.029; t = −2.405, P1A2 = 0.033; t = −2.470, P3A1 = 0.012, respectively). The expression levels of procollagen in the POP group increased following the downregulation of Mfn2. Conclusions: The proliferation rate and cell viability of the fibroblasts in the POP group were significantly lower compared with those in the NPOP group. In the POP fibroblasts, Mfn2 expression was increased, while procollagen expression was decreased.

Cold exposure is an external stress factor that causes skin frostbite as well as a variety of diseases. Estrogen might participate in neuroprotection after cold exposure, but its precise mechanism remains unclear. In this study, mice were exposed to 10°C for 7 days and 0–4°C for 30 days to induce a model of chronic cold exposure. Results showed that oxidative stress-related c-fos and cyclooxygenase 2 expressions, MAP1LC3-labeled autophagic cells, Iba1-labeled activated microglia, and interleukin-1β-positive pyramidal cells were increased in the hippocampal CA1 area. Chronic cold exposure markedly elevated the levels of estrogen in the blood and the estrogen receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 30. These results indicate that neuroimmunoreactivity is involved in chronic cold exposure-induced pathological alterations, including oxidative stress, neuronal autophagy, and neuroimmunoreactivity. Moreover, estrogen exerts a neuroprotective effect on cold exposure.

The tea weevil, Myllocerinus aurolineatus (Voss), is a serious pest of tea plants. We have obtained and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome of M. aurolineatus (GenBank accession No. MH197100). The entire mt genome is 17,762 bp long with an A + T content of 75.45%. The mt genome of M. aurolineatus encodes all 37 genes that are typically found in animal mt genomes, consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA and 22 transfer RNA genes. The gene order is consistent with other weevil mt genomes in Entiminae, within a typical gene order of “RANSEF”. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 13 protein-coding genes among 18 weevils showed that M. aurolineatus is closely related to another Entiminae species, Sympiezomias velatus.

The mitochondrial genome of one potamidae species Neilupotamon papileonaceum was sequenced and annotated. The mitogenome is 16,273 bp in length, containing 37 typical genes. The A + T content of the whole mitogenome is 68.9%. Most of the PCGs started with ATG and stopped with TAT, except for ATP8 and ND6 stopped with TGA, COX1, COX2, ND5, ND4, and ND4L used incomplete T as stop codon. The phylogeny tree is monophyletic among 15 related species. The relationships of N. papileonaceum, Sinopotamon yaanense, and Longpotamon yangtsekiense were closer than others. This study further enriched mitogenome database of the tribe Typhlocybini.

The tea leaf roller, Caloptilia theivora (Walsingham), is a serious pest of tea plants. We have obtained and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome of C. theivora (GenBank accession No. MK541932). The entire mt genome is 15,297 bp long with an A + T content of 80.66%. The mt genome of C. theivora encodes all 37 genes that are typically found in animal mt genomes, consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA, and 22 transfer RNA genes. The gene order is consistent with other moths mt genome in Ditrysia. The control region of this genome is 192 bp long with a high A + T content of 96.35%, and located between the rrnS and trnI genes. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 13 protein-coding genes among 19 moths showed that C. theivora is closely related to species of Gracillariidae.

The grasshopper, Catantops pinguis Stål (Orthoptera: Catantopidae), is a worldwide pest in agriculture. We have obtained the whole mitochondrial genome of C. pinguis (GenBank accession No. MH671309). The entire mt genome is 15,604 bp long with an A + T content of 73.58%. This grasshopper mt genome encodes all the 37 genes that are typically found in animal mt genomes, consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA, and 22 transfer RNA genes. The gene order is consistent with other sequenced mt genome of grasshoppers. The A + T-rich region of this genome is 754 bp long with the A + T content of 87.27%, and located between the rrnS and trnI genes. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 13 protein-coding genes with 11 grasshoppers of the family Catantopidae and it was seen that C. pinguis is closely related to Xenocatantops brachycerus.

The slug moth, Narosa nigrisigna Wileman (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), is a major tea pest in China. We have sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of N. nigrisigna. The entire genome is 15,292 bp in length (GenBank accession No. MH675969) with consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a 377 bp A + T-rich region. The gene order is consistent with other sequenced mt genome of moths and butterflies in Ditrysia. The A + T-rich region contains a motif ‘ATAGA’ and a 16 bp poly-T stretch. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 13 protein-coding genes with 17 moths showed that N. nigrisigna is more closely related to other slug moths in family Limacodidae.

In order to study the relationship between nutrient pollutants and suspended sediments (SS) in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and two tributaries, water samples were collected from September 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011 at the Zhutuo, Cuntang, Beibei, Wulong, Qingxichang, Wanxian, and Fengjie cross-sections. In the laboratory, the SS concentration and the concentration of SS whose particle size was smaller than 0.02 mm were measured. The phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and permanganate index (CODMn) concentrations in the natural water sample, the settled water sample, and two types of filtered water samples obtained through filter membranes with pore sizes of 0.02 mm and 0.45 μm were monitored synchronously. The results show that there are strong relationships between the P and CODMn concentrations and the SS concentration. P mainly exists in particulate form, while N mainly exists in dissolved form. SS whose particle size is smaller than 0.02 mm accounts for a high proportion of sediments in the Yangtze River and has a strong effect on water quality. At the seven cross-sections, the amounts of P, N, and CODMn in particulate form in the wet season are higher than in the dry season and the adsorption amounts of P, N, and CODMn per unit mass of sediment are higher in the dry season than in the wet season.

Background: The properties of subchondral bone influence the integrity of articular cartilage in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the characteristics of subchondral bone alterations remain unresolved. The present study aimed to observe the dynamic alterations in the microarchitecture, mineralization, and mechanical properties of subchondral bone during the progression of OA. Methods: A medial meniscal tear (MMT) operation was performed in 128 adult Sprague Dawley rats to induce OA. At 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks following the MMT operation, cartilage degeneration was evaluated using toluidine blue O staining, whereas changes in the microarchitecture indices and tissue mineral density (TMD), mineral-to-collagen ratio, and intrinsic mechanical properties of subchondral bone plates (BPs) and trabecular bones (Tbs) were measured using micro-computed tomography scanning, confocal Raman microspectroscopy and nanoindentation testing, respectively. Results: Cartilage degeneration occurred and worsened progressively from 2 to 12 weeks after OA induction. Microarchitecture analysis revealed that the subchondral bone shifted from bone resorption early (reduced trabecular BV/TV, trabecular number, connectivity density and trabecular thickness [Tb.Th], and increased trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp) at 2 and 4 weeks) to bone accretion late (increased BV/TV, Tb.Th and thickness of subchondral bone plate, and reduced Tb.Sp at 8 and 12 weeks). The TMD of both the BP and Tb displayed no significant changes at 2 and 4 weeks but decreased at 8 and 12 weeks. The mineral-to-collagen ratio showed a significant decrease from 4 weeks for the Tb and from 8 weeks for the BP after OA induction. Both the elastic modulus and hardness of the Tb showed a significant decrease from 4 weeks after OA induction. The BP showed a significant decrease in its elastic modulus from 8 weeks and its hardness from 4 weeks. Conclusion: The microarchitecture, mineralization and mechanical properties of subchondral bone changed in a time-dependent manner as OA progressed.

The tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion were influenced by the interaction between the cancer cells and their microenvironment. In current study, we established two pairs of the primary fibroblast cultures from colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and the normal counterparts and identified 227 proteins in the colonic fibroblast secretomes; half of these proteins were novel. The mass spectrometry data and analyzed results presented here provide novel insights into the molecular characteristics and modulatory role of colon cancer associated fibroblasts. The data is related to “Identification of colonic fibroblast secretomes reveals secretory factors regulating colon cancer cell proliferation” by Chen et al. [1].

AIM: To investigate the compliance of infants at different age undergoing two kinds of quantitative examinations for strabismus. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-two infants coming to our hospital for health examination were recruited and divided in to four groups according to the age. Each participant received two kinds of alternate prism cover test(APCT). Eye movement range and compliance rate was analyzed and compared between two methods and among four age groups.RESULTS: More than 50% infants could cooperate with these two kinds of APCT. However, compliance rate for APCT with mobile animation video(85.2%)was significantly higher than that with classical APCT(58.7%), and the difference was statistically significant(PCONCLUSION: Using mobile animation video as the target can significantly improve the compliance rate of quantitative examination of strabismus in infants from 4 to 36mo old.

The stick tea thrips, Dendrothrips minowai Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a major pest of tea plantation and poses a considerable economic threat to tea industry. The mitochondrial genome of D. minowai have been sequenced and annotated completely. The entire genome is 14,631 bp in length with an A + T content of 78.53% (GenBank accession No. MF582634). The stick tea thrips mt genome encodes all 37 genes that are typically found in animal mt genomes, consists of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. The gene order is unique and different from that of the other thrips. The A + T-rich region is 149 bp long and contains two poly-T stretchs. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 13 protein-coding genes with six thrips showed that D. minowai and other five Thripidae species were clustered into a branch, which is formed a sister clade to H. aculeatus (family Phlaeothripidae).

The mitochondrial genome of Mahasena colona Sonan has been sequenced and annotated completely. The entire genome is 16,119 bp in length with an A + T content of 82.85% (GenBank accession No. KY856825). The tea bagworm mt genome encodes all 37 genes that are typically found in animal mt genomes, consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. Within the mt genome of M. colona, there are six gene reading frame overlaps. The gene order is consistent with other sequenced mt genome of moths and butterflies in Ditrysia. The mt genome of M. colona contains a 728 bp A + T-rich region with a high A + T content of 97.66%.

The tea geometrid, Ectropis obliqua Prout (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), is a major pest of tea plantation and poses a considerable economic threat to tea industry. We have sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of E. obliqua. The entire genome is 16,535 bp in length with an A + T content of 81.32% (GenBank accession No. KX827002). The tea geometrid mt genome encodes all 37 genes that are typically found in animal mt genomes, consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCG), two ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. The gene order is consistent with other sequenced mt genome of moths and butterflies in Ditrysia. The A + T-rich region is 1523 bp long and consisting of the motif ‘ATAGA’, a 19 bp poly-T stretch, and a tandem repeat sequence with seven 194 bp repeat units. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 13 PCG with 16 moths showed that E. obliqua clusters with other Geometridae species.

The tea lace bug, Stephanitis chinensis Drake (Hemiptera: Tingidae), is a pest which feeds on the undersides of tea leaves by piercing the epidermis and sucking the sap, and causes great harm to plant growth and tea production. We have obtained the whole mitochondrial genome of S. chinensis (GenBank accession No. MF498769). The entire mt genome is 16,667 bp in size with an A + T content of 78.41%. The tea lace bug mt genome encodes all 37 genes that are typically found in animal mt genomes, consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA, and 22 transfer RNA genes. The gene order is consistent with other sequenced mt genome of lace bugs. The A + T-rich region of this genome is 2215 bp long with the A + T content of 82.58%, and located between the rrnS and trnI genes. Phylogenetic analysis performed using 13 PCGs with 14 heteropteran insects showed that S. chinensis clusters with other Tingidae species.

AIM: To investigate the viability of the morphology of inferior oblique muscle observed stereoscopically using 3-dimensional CT reconstruction technique. METHODS: This control study included of 29 cases which were clinically diagnosed with monocular congenital superior oblique palsy, examined by dimensional CT. The images of the inferior oblique muscle were reconstructed by Mimics software. 3D digital images on the basis of CT scanning data of the individuals were established. Observing the morphology of binocular inferior oblique muscle by self-controlled design, we compared the maximum transverse diameter of inferior oblique muscle of paralyzed eye with non-paralyzed one. We chose 5% as the significant level.RESULTS: The reconstructed results of 3-dimensional CT scan showed that not all of the inferior oblique abdominal muscle of paralyzed eyes were thinner than that of the non-paralyzed eye in maximum transverse diameter of cross-sectional area. The maximum transverse diameter of inferior oblique muscle was measured. The average maximum transverse diameter of the paralyzed eye was 6.797±1.083mm and the non-paralyzed eye was 6.507±0.848mm. The maximum transverse diameter of inferior oblique muscle of paralyzed eye did not, however, differ significantly from the normal(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional CT reconstruction technology can be used for preoperative evaluation of the morphology of inferior oblique muscle.

Transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) is common among patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. No previous studies have reported on double-track sign detected on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI in TSS. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the double-track sign in the detection of TSS.We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 383 patients with transverse sinus thrombosis (TST) and 30 patients with normal transverse sinus from 5 participating hospitals in china from January 2008 to June 2014. 167 feasible transverse sinuses included in this study were categorized into TSS (n = 76), transverse sinus occlusion (TSO) (n = 52) and transverse sinus normal (TSN) groups (n = 39) according to imaging diagnosis on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Double-track sign on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI was compared among the three groups. Sensitivity and specificity of double-track sign in detection of TSS were calculated, with final imaging diagnosis of TSS on DSA or MRV as the reference standard.Of 383 patients with TST recruited over a 6.5-year period, 128 patients were enrolled in the study, 255 patients were excluded because of insufficient clinical data, imaging finding and delay time, and 30 matched patients with normal transverse sinus were enrolled in the control group. Therefore, double-track sign assessment was conducted in 167 available transverse sinuses of 158 patients. Of the 76 sinuses in TSS group, 51 had double-track sign. Of the other 91 sinuses in TSO and TSN groups, 3 had a false-positive double-track sign. Thus, double-track sign on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI was 67.1% (95% CI 55.3-77.2) sensitive and 96.7% (95% CI 89.9-99.1) specific for detection of TSS.The double-track sign on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI is highly specific and moderate sensitive for detection of TSS. Nevertheless, it could be a direct sign and might provide an early clue for TSS.

There are numerous gene rearrangements and transfer RNA gene absences existing in mitochondrial (mt) genomes of Aleyrodidae species. To understand how mt genomes evolved in the family Aleyrodidae, we have sequenced the complete mt genome of Aleurocanthus camelliae and comparatively analyzed all reported whitefly mt genomes. The mt genome of A. camelliae is 15,188 bp long, and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 21 tRNA genes and a putative control region (GenBank: KU761949). The tRNA gene, trnI, has not been observed in this genome. The mt genome has a unique gene order and shares most gene boundaries with Tetraleurodes acaciae. Nineteen of 21 tRNA genes have the conventional cloverleaf shaped secondary structure and two (trnS1 and trnS2) lack the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm. Using ARWEN and homologous sequence alignment, we have identified five tRNA genes and revised the annotation for three whitefly mt genomes. This result suggests that most absent genes exist in the genomes and have not been identified, due to be lack of technology and inference sequence. The phylogenetic relationships among 11 whiteflies and Drosophila melanogaster were inferred by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. Aleurocanthus camelliae and T. acaciae form a sister group, and all three Bemisia tabaci and two Bemisia afer strains gather together. These results are identical to the relationships inferred from gene order. We inferred that gene rearrangement plays an important role in the mt genome evolved from whiteflies.

Source localization is an important problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). An exciting state-of-the-art algorithm for this problem is maximum likelihood (ML), which has sufficient spatial samples and consumes much energy. In this paper, an effective method based on compressed sensing (CS) is proposed for multiple source locations in received signal strength-wireless sensor networks (RSS-WSNs). This algorithm models unknown multiple source positions as a sparse vector by constructing redundant dictionaries. Thus, source parameters, such as source positions and energy, can be estimated by ℓ 1 -norm minimization. To speed up the algorithm, an effective construction of multiresolution dictionary is introduced. Furthermore, to improve the capacity of resolving two sources that are close to each other, the adaptive dictionary refinement and the optimization of the redundant dictionary arrangement (RDA) are utilized. Compared to ML methods, such as alternating projection, the CS algorithm can improve the resolution of multiple sources and reduce spatial samples of WSNs. The simulations results demonstrate the performance of this algorithm.

Lanthanum zinc pentaborate, LaZnB5O10, was synthesized by flux-supported solid-state reaction. It is a member of the LnMB5O10 (Ln = rare earth ion and M = divalent metal ion) structure type. The crystal shows a three-dimensional structure constructed from two-dimensional {[B5O10]5−}n layers with the lanthanum (coordination number nine) and zinc (coordination number six) ions filling in the interlayers.