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This study provides detailed description of a newly-discovered Callicarpa yongshunensis Wen B. Xu, Xiao D. Li & Yan Ling Liu (Lamiaceae) species from Hunan, China. The species shares similarities in the inflorescence, glandular colour and leaf shape features with C. luteopunctata H. T. Chang and C. giraldii Hesse ex Rehd., while its white fruits are similar to those of C. longifolia Lamk. However, its procumbent, evergreen shrub and white fruits are distinctly different from those of C. luteopunctata and C. giraldii, while its procumbent, scarless nodes and stellate pubescence free fruits distinguishes it from C. longifolia. Images, distribution, morphological features, molecular phylogenetic classification and conservation assessment of this new Callicarpa species are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To validate the causal relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and to identify and quantify the role of triglycerides (TGs) as potential mediators. Methods: A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses of T2DM (61,714 cases and 1178 controls) and IVDD (20,001 cases and 164,682 controls) was performed using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Moreover, two-step MR was employed to quantify the proportionate impact of TG-mediated T2DM on IVDD. Results: MR analysis showed that T2DM increased IVDD risk (OR: 1.0466, 95% CI 1.0049–1.0899, P = 0.0278). Reverse MR analyses demonstrated that IVDD does not affect T2DM risk (P = 0.1393). The proportion of T2DM mediated through TG was 11.4% (95% CI 5.5%-17.4%). Conclusion: This work further validates the causality between T2DM and IVDD, with a part of the effect mediated by TG, but the greatest impacts of T2DM on IVDD remain unknown. Further studies are needed to identify other potential mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the AdS/CFT correspondence, we study how to reconstruct bulk spacetime metrics by various quantum information measures on the boundary field theories, which include entanglement entropy, mutual information, entanglement of purification, and computational complexity according to the proposals of complexity=volume 2.0 and complexity=generalized volume. We present several reconstruction methods, all of which are free of UV divergence and most of which are driven by the derivatives of the measures with respect to the boundary scales. We illustrate that the exterior and interior of a black hole can be reconstructed using the measures of spatial entanglement and time-evolved complexity, respectively. We find that these measures always probe the spacetime in a local way: reconstructing the bulk metric in different radial positions requires the information at different boundary scales. We also show that the reconstruction method using complexity=volume 2.0 is the simplest and has a certain strong locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a progressive chronic condition that commonly causes low back pain. Cancer is among the primary reasons for deaths worldwide. Our purpose was to identify the characteristic genes of IDD and explore the potential association between IDD and cancer. Methods: Immune cell infiltration and differentially expressed analysis were conducted utilizing data from the GSE124272 database. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed to explore the possible mechanisms underlying IDD development. Moreover, weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to select IDD-related hub genes. The immune-related key genes were determined by intersecting DEGs, IDD-related hub genes, and immune genes. Subsequently, machine learning models based on these genes were built to identify and verify the characteristic genes. RNA sequencing and clinical data of 33 carcinoma categories were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The association between NAIP expression and prognosis was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. To gain a deeper understanding of the impact of NAIP in tumor immunotherapy, the association between NAIP and immune infiltration and two immunotherapeutic biomarkers were explored. Ultimately, the association between NAIP and immunotherapeutic response was investigated utilizing two independent cohorts. Results: NAIP was identified as an immune-related characteristic gene between IDD and normal intervertebral disc tissue. In certain carcinoma categories, NAIP expression levels were elevated (4/33) and significantly correlated to the respective tumor stage (4/21). Survival analysis revealed that the expression levels of NAIP have prognostic significance in different cancer types. Generally, NAIP presented a strong association with immune cell infiltration and modulators. NAIP may influence immunotherapy effects through tumor mutational burden and microsatellite instability. No remarkable association between NAIP and immunotherapy response was found in either cohort. Conclusion: Our study is the first to identify NAIP as an immune-related characteristic gene. Pan-cancer analysis revealed that NAIP could serve as a novel clinical prognostic marker and therapeutic target for a variety of carcinoma categories, reducing the risk of IDD in tumor patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the clinical value between locating radial nerve (RN) guided by Color Doppler ultrasonography and posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve (PACN) in the posterior humeral approach. Methods: The five fresh adult cadavers (ten upper arms) were selected to compare the two methods of locating the RN in the posterior humeral approach (guided by ultrasound and PACN) by measuring the operation time, the length of incision, and the area of subcutaneous free. And the comparison between the two groups was statistically analyzed by paired t-test. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that the length of incision and the area of subcutaneous free in the ultrasound group were smaller than that in the PACN group (P < 0.05), while the operation time was just the opposite (P < 0.05). However, after excluding the time of ultrasound location, the operation time in the ultrasound group was shorter than that in the PANC group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The RN can be quickly and safely exposed by both methods. The ultrasound approach requires a long learning curve, but is more minimally invasive and can help determine whether the intraoperative nerve is compressed by the plate. And the PACN method requires a longer incision and a wider area of subcutaneous free, while specialized equipment and professional training for surgeons are not required. In a word, these two methods have advantages and disadvantages, so they should be selected based on the exact situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) belongs to the tyrosine kinase family consisting of four members (FGFR1-4). This study involved identification and characterization of FGFR1 and FGFR3 from mud crab Scylla paramamosain for the first time. The obtained cDNAs of SpFGFR1 and SpFGFR3 were 2,380 bp and 2,982 bp in length with a 1,503 bp and 2,310 bp open reading frame, respectively. The predicted Sp FGFR1 protein included three immunoglobulin domains and a transmembrane region, while SpFGFR3 protein possessed a typical TyrKc (Tyrosine kinase, catalytic) domain. Real-time PCR analysis showed that SpFGFR1 and SpFGFR3 were highly expressed in the hepatopancreas. Furthermore, the expression levels of SpFGFR1 and SpFGFR3 in the hepatopancreas were enhanced following challenges with Vibro alginolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus , Poly (I:C) and White spot syndrome virus , which shows the involvement of SpFGFR1 and SpFGFR3 in innate immune response to infections from bacteria and virus. There was significant suppression of six antimicrobial peptide genes (SpALF1-5 and SpCrustin) and three NF-κB members (SpDorsal, SpIKK and SpRelish) when SpFGFR1 and SpFGFR3 was interfered in vivo. Also, treatment of the hemocytes with specific inhibitor of Sp FGFR for 24 h consistently down-regulated SpDorsal, SpRelish and AMPs. These results suggested that SpFGFR1 and SpFGFR3 played important roles in regulating the Toll signaling pathway and immune deficiency (IMD) pathway through NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings may provide new insights into the role of FGFR s in the innate immune function of crustaceans. • The SpFGFR1 , SpFGFR3 genes were firstly identified and characterized. • FGFR existed in crab and responded to bacterial and viral infection. • FGFR regulated expressions of antimicrobial peptides genes in S. paramamosain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a pleiotropic glycoprotein which plays a role in regulating cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. However, the genetic diversity of EGFR in crustaceans as well as its function, such as whether it is involved in immune regulation, remains obscure. In this study, two EGFR genes, including EGFR1 and EGFR2 , and three transcripts were identified and characterized in Scylla Paramamosain for the first time. To our knowledge, this is the first time that more than one EGFR gene was identified in a single species. The complete open reading frames (ORFs) of SpEGFR1 , SpEGFR2a and SpEGFR2b were 4377 bp, 4404 bp and 4341 bp encoding deduced proteins of 1458 amino acids (aa), 1467 aa and 1446 aa, respectively. All EGFR had a signal peptide region and two Recep_L_domain region, followed by a transmembrane region and a conserved tyrosine kinase domain (TyrKc), and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated three Sp EGFRs clustered together with invertebrate EGFR branch. Tissue specific expression analysis depicted that all SpEGFR s presented similar transcription patterns. The expression levels of SpEGFR1 and SpEGFR2 s in hepatopancreas and gills were significantly altered after the stimulation of bacterial and viral pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus , Vibrio alginolyticus , White spot syndromre virus and Polycytidylinic acid. The in vivo RNA interference assays demonstrated that expression levels of SpIKK , two members of NF-κB (SpRelish and SpDorsal) and six antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes (SpCrustin and SpALF1–5) were significantly reduced when SpEGFR1 or SpEGFR2 was silenced, respectively. The transcription patterns of SpIKK , SpRelish , SpDorsal and AMPs exhibited similar down- or up-regulation trend when the primary cultured hemocytes were treated with EGFR antagonist or agonist for 24 h. These results suggested that SpEGFR might play an important role in innate immune responses to bacterial and viral infections by regulating the NF-κB pathway. It also provided a better understanding of the origin or evolution of EGFR in crustaceans and even invertebrates. • Two EGFR genes were firstly identified and characterized in a single species. • The expression patterns of SpEGFR s in hepatopancreas and gill were investigated upon pathogen challenge. • SpEGFR s played an important role in activation of NF-κB Signaling. • SpEGFR s contributed to inflammatory response by inducing the expression of transcription factors and downstream AMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smads, part of signaling cascades that represent downstream pathways of the TGF-β super family proteins, are pleiotropic cytokines with important role in mediating cell proliferation, homeostasis, differentiation, apoptosis and immune response. However, the specific functions of Smads remain unknown in crustaceans. In the present study, the drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein gene 1 (Smad1) was firstly identified and characterized from the Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The obtained cDNA sequence of pc Smad1was 2, 503 bp long with a 1, 488 bp open reading fame, which encoded a putative protein of 496 amino acids. Furthermore, pc Smad1 responded to both Aeromonas hydrophila and WSSV challenge, suggesting the involvement of pc Smad1 in innate immune responses. Knockdown of pc Smad1 in vivo dramatically increased the expressions of NF-κB signaling genes and anti-lipopolysaccharide factor genes. Additionally, overexpression of pc Smad1 in HEK293T cells could markedly activate NF-κB signaling. Taken together, these results indicated that pc Smad1 played an immune-regulatory role in crayfish's innate immunity, which may provide a better understanding of TGF-β superfamily members in crustacean. • Smad1 gene was firstly identified and characterized in crustacean species. • Smad1 responded to both Aeromonas hydrophila and WSSV challenges. • Smad1 contributed to innate immunity by regulating NF-κB signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional programming has the potential to enhance digestible carbohydrate utilization in fish; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study compared the metabolome, glucose metabolism-related gene expressions, and global DNA methylation between yellow catfish larvae, which were parental programmed by a high carbohydrate diet (HC) or not (CON). In total, 1509 differentially altered metabolites (DAMs) were identified. Among them, the contents of key intermediates of TCA cycle and pentose phosphate pathway, citrate, and D-glycero-L-galacto-octulose were higher in HC than in CON. Meanwhile, the contents of two epigenetic modification-related metabolites, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid and N1-acetylspermidine, differed significantly between HC and CON. Thirteen KEGG pathways were significantly enriched and were mainly linked to amino acid and lipid metabolism. Additionally, the pentose phosphate pathway was enriched. The mRNA expressions of glycolytic genes gk, pk, and pfk, as well as the glucose transport gene sglt1, were significantly higher in HC than in CON. Global DNA methylation was significantly higher in HC than in CON. These results suggested that high carbohydrate programming could improve glucose utilization in yellow catfish larvae by modulating the TCA cycle and pentose phosphate pathway, and enhancing the conversion of glucose to amino acids. Epigenetic modifications might be the underlying mechanisms by which nutritional programming affects glucose metabolism in fish, while 2-hydroxyglutaric acid and N1-acetylspermidine are two critical metabolites that mediate epigenetic modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transforming growth factor beta regulator 1 (TBRG1) is a growth inhibitory protein that acts as a tumor suppressor in human cancers, gaining its name for the transcriptional regulation by TGF-β. While extensive research has been conducted on the tumor-related function of TBRG1 in mammals, its significance in invertebrates remains largely unexplored. In this study, a homolog of TBRG1 was first structurally and functionally analyzed in the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The full-length cDNA sequence was 2143 base pairs (bp) with a 1305 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a deduced protein of 434 amino acids (aa). The changes of PcTBRG1 transcripts upon immune challenges indicated its involvement in innate immunity. After knocking down PcTBRG1 , the decline of bacteria clearance capacity revealed the participation of Pc TBRG1 in the immune response. Furthermore, the downregulation of AMPs' expression after the cotreatment of RNAi and bacteria challenge suggested that Pc TBRG1 might participate in innate immunity through regulating AMPs' expression. These results provided initial insight into the immune-related function of TBRG1 in invertebrates. • TBRG1 gene was first characterized in invertebrate species. • PcTBRG1 responded to both Aeromonas hydrophila and WSSV challenges. • Pc TBRG1 participated the innate immune response through the regulation of AMPs' expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A postoperative discal pseudocyst (PDP) is a cystic lesion that is formed in the operation area of the intervertebral disc, leading to recurrence or even worse symptoms. To our knowledge, to date, there is no research focusing specifically on PDP following percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID). Case presentation: We present the case of a 27‐year‐old man with L5S1 intervertebral disc herniation who was treated with PEID after failed conservative treatment. His leg pain was relieved immediately but reoccurred on the 40th day. MRI showed a PDP. Because loxoprofen and bedrest were ineffective and the patient was anxious, we performed a cystectomy. The patient's symptoms were significantly relieved, and a 6‐month follow up showed no recurrence both clinically and on MRI. Conclusion: A PDP is more likely to form using the interlaminar approach than the transforaminal approach. For patients with mental stress, severe pain, and neurological symptoms, surgery is suggested to remove the cyst. Discectomy cannot be performed when disc degeneration is mild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are important for agricultural development; however, animals involved in rice-fish farming absorb the pesticides used during the farming process. Thiamethoxam (TMX) is extensively used in agriculture and is gradually occupying the market for traditional pesticides. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether selenomethionine (SeMet) could affect the survival rate, bioaccumulation of TMX, serum biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation, antioxidants in the hepatopancreas, and expression of stress genes after exposure of red swamp crayfish to 10 ppt TMX for 7 days. The results showed that the survival rate significantly increased and the bioaccumulation of TMX significantly decreased with SeMet administration (P < 0.05). Furthermore, severe histological damage to the hepatopancreas of red crayfish was observed after exposure to TMX; however, this damage was alleviated after SeMet administration. SeMet also significantly reduced the TMX-induced changes in serum biochemical parameters, malondialdehyde content, and antioxidant enzyme activity in crayfish hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). Notably, analysis of the expression of 10 stress response genes showed that 0.5 mg/kg SeMet might decrease cell damage in the hepatopancreas. Consequently, our findings suggest that higher levels of TMX in crayfish may cause hepatopancreatic cell toxicity, which can be harmful to human health; however, SeMet could mitigate these effects, providing an understanding of pesticide compounds and food safety. [Display omitted] • Thiamethoxam (TMX) induced oxidative stress to hepatopancreas of crayfish. • Histopathological damage was present under TMX exposure. • Selenomethionine (SeMet) may reduce the bioaccumulation of TMX. • SeMet may relieve oxidative stress after TMX exposure in crayfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) specifically liberates the arachidonic acids from the phospholipid substrates. In mammals, cPLA2 serves as a key control point in inflammatory responses due to its diverse downstream products. However, the role of cPLA2 in animals lower than mammals largely remains unknown. In the current research, a homolog of cPLA2 was first identified and characterized in the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The full-length cDNA of PccPLA2 was 4432 bp in length with a 3036 bp-long open reading frame, encoding a putative protein of 1011 amino acids that contained a protein kinase C conserved region 2 and a catalytic subunit of cPLA2. PccPLA2 was ubiquitously expressed in all examined tissues with the highest expression in the hepatopancreas, and the expression in hemocytes as well as hepatopancreas was induced upon the immune challenges of WSSV and Aeromonas hydrophila. After the co-treatment of RNA interference and bacterial infection, the decline of bacteria clearance capability was observed in the hemolymph, and the expression of some antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) was significantly suppressed. Additionally, the phagocytosis of A. hydrophila by primary hemocytes decreased when treated with the specific inhibitor CAY10650 of cPLA2. These results indicated the participation of Pc cPLA2 in both cellular and humoral immune responses in the crayfish, which provided an insight into the role that cPLA2 played in the innate immunity of crustaceans, and even in invertebrates. • PccPLA2 gene was first characterized in invertebrate species. • PccPLA2 responded to both Aeromonas hydrophila and WSSV challenges. • Knocking down Pc cPLA2 resulted in the decline of bacteria clearance capacity and downregulation of AMP genes. • Inhibition of Pc cPLA2 caused decreased phagocytosis of bacteria by hemocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a catalytic amount of Rh(cod)2BF4 and dppm, cyclopropenes undergo a direct carbonylative [3+1] cycloaddition reaction under an atmosphere of CO to produce the cyclobutenones in excellent yields, in which the regio‐ and diastereoselectivities can be controlled in certain cases with the help of chelating groups. Cyclobutenone with a chiral 4‐position was prepared by diastereoselective induction. Rhodacyclopentenone has been determined as the key intermediate, as it was synthesized and applied to the reductive elimination step. Under control: Rhodium‐catalyzed [3+1] carbonylative cyclobutenones synthesis by C−C bond activation of cyclopropenes is reported, in which the regio‐ and diastereoselectivies can be controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Eutrophication and global warming have caused acute hypoxia in aquatic ecosystems. However, Propsilocerus akamusi depends on great hypoxia tolerance to become a dominant species in eutrophic lakes, but the mechanism of this hypoxia tolerance is unclear. Thus, we combined physiological indicators and histomorphology observations with metabolome–transcriptome analysis to explore the mechanism comprehensively. The results showed that hypoxia tolerance mainly relies on apoptosis, energy metabolism, and an antioxidant mechanism. P. akamusi derives its energy from glycogen metabolism, lipid metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, and the glyoxydate cycle. Lactate is the end product of glycogen degradation, and HIF-1 plays an important role in promoting glycogenolysis in acute hypoxic conditions. However, ethanol probably originates from symbiodinium and, together with hydrogen peroxide, stimulates the elevation of catalase (CAT) activity and induced apoptosis. Understanding the processes that enable P. akamusi to survive lengthy periods of hypoxia in eutrophic lakes might provide a scientific reference for assessing toxicity and favoring policies to reduce their impact on the environment. Plenty of freshwater species, especially macroinvertebrates that are essential to the provision of numerous ecosystem functions, encounter higher mortality due to acute hypoxia. However, within the family Chironomidae, a wide range of tolerance to hypoxia/anoxia is displayed. Propsilocerus akamusi depends on this great tolerance to become a dominant species in eutrophic lakes. To further understand how P. akamusi responds to acute hypoxic stress, we used multi-omics analysis in combination with histomorphological characteristics and physiological indicators. Thus, we set up two groups—a control group (DO 8.4 mg/L) and a hypoxic group (DO 0.39 mg/L)—to evaluate enzyme activity and the transcriptome, metabolome, and histomorphological characteristics. With blue–black chromatin, cell tightness, cell membrane invagination, and the production of apoptotic vesicles, tissue cells displayed typical apoptotic features in the hypoxic group. Although lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), catalase (CAT), and Na+/K+ -ATPase (NKA) activities were dramatically enhanced under hypoxic stress, glycogen content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly reduced compared to the control group. The combined analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome, which further demonstrated, in addition to carbohydrates, including glycogen, the involvement of energy metabolism pathways, including fatty acid, protein, trehalose, and glyoxylate cycles, provided additional support for the aforementioned findings. Lactate is the end product of glycogen degradation, and HIF-1 plays an important role in promoting glycogenolysis in acute hypoxic conditions. However, we discovered that the ethanol tested under hypoxic stress likely originates from the symbiodinium of P. akamusi. These results imply that some parameters related to energy metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histomorphological features may be used as biomarkers of eutrophic lakes in Chironomus riparius larvae. The study also provides a scientific reference for assessing toxicity and favoring policies to reduce their impact on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air exposure stress may result in oxidative damage and ultimately disease or death in crustaceans. Using the Procambarus clarkia , one of the main commercial aquaculture species in China, as a study model, the molecular mechanism including histopathological changes, antioxidant capacity and immunity response under the air exposure stress were firstly evaluated. Results showed that the surfaces of gill were wrinkled while the morphologies of the nuclei and mitochondria in the hepatopancreas were altered after 48 h of air exposure stress, and the damage of mitochondria was more serious after additional bacterial infection. Moreover, the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased at first and then decreased along with increasement of air exposure time. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in hepatopancreas was significantly increased under the air exposure stress, while the bacterial infection further aggravated such oxidative damage. The transcriptome analysis exhibited that the stress- and immunity-related genes in hepatopancreas altered when response to the air exposure stress. This study could help uncover the mechanisms of aerial exposure stress responses in Procambarus clarkii. • Air exposure caused severe histological alterations to P. clarkii hepatopancreas. • Air exposure induced oxidative damage to P. clarkii hepatopancreas. • Oxidative damage and histological alterations were more serious after additional bacterial infection. • GO terms and KEGG pathways were significantly enriched after air exposure and bacterial infection. • DEGs related to antioxidant, immune response, etc. were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greenfin horse-faced filefish (Thamnaconus septentrionalis) is susceptible to recurrent Amyloodinium ocellatum (AO) infestation over the grow-out production cycle. This parasite breeds mainly on the gills, causing hypoxia in the fish body, and leading to many deaths. The host-parasite response drives a complex immune reaction, which is poorly understood. To generate a model for host-parasite interaction and the pathogenesis of AO in greenfin horse-faced filefish, an RNA-seq approach, differential gene expression, GO, and KEGG analyses were employed. Overall, 624 new genes and 2076 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, including 942 upregulated and 1134 downregulated genes in the gills. Compared with the control group, the expression of leptin a, GTPase IMAP family member 4, and NLR family CARD domain-containing protein 3 was significantly higher in the AO-infected group. Conversely, cell wall integrity and stress response component 1-like, and hepcidin-like were significantly downregulated in the gills of AO-infected fish. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were significantly enriched in signaling pathways associated with viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction. Collectively, this transcriptomic study provides novel molecular insights into the pathology caused by AO infestation and alternative theories for future research implementing strategies to control and manage AO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantification of remote sensing information requires spectral radiometric calibration technology support with high accuracy, and this technology can ensure the comparability, accuracy, and long-term stability of data acquisition for sensor. Now, the calibration technique traced to the absolute cryogenic radiometer (ACR) is the trend of development. To improve the accuracy of infrared absolute spectral responsivity, a gold-plated hemisphere reflector is added to a thermopile detector with electrical substitution pins. So an infrared electrical substitution radiometer (ESR) is developed as the standard transfer detector. The spectral response linearity, uniformity, and stability of ESR are tested by electric substitution technology. We also have established a radiometric calibration system based on ACR. The combined uncertainty in the spectral responsivity of this detector from 0.7 to 20 μm is about 0.99%. The application of infrared ESR to radiometric calibration can improve the calibration accuracy of detectors through its shorter calibration chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smad，a member of the TGF-β superfamily，controls cell proliferation，growth and guiding cell differentiation, thus playing a crucial role in diseases. However, the presence as well as specific function of Smad in crabs is still unknown. In this study, two Smads (Smad1 and Smad2/3) were identified for the first time from the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. The complete open reading frames of SpSmad1 and SpSmad2/3 were 1,497bp and 1,338bp, encoding deduced proteins of 498 and 445 amino acids respectively. Moreover, under the administration of Vibrio alginolyticus and WSSV, the relative expression levels of SpSmad1 and SpSmad2/3 were significantly increased, indicating their involvement in the innate immune response of mud crabs. Knockdown of SpSmad1 and SpSmad2/3 in vivo not only led to the increasement of the expressions of NF-κB signaling genes and antimicrobial peptides genes, but also significantly affected the bacterial clearance process of mud crabs. Additionally, overexpression of SpSmad1 and SpSmad2/3 in HEK293T cells could markedly activate NF-κB signaling. These results indicated that Smad1 and Smad2/3 participated in the innate immunity of Scylla paramamosain , and might provide a better understanding of the presence and immune regulatory functions of Smad1 and Smad2/3 in crabs and even invertebrates. • Two Smad genes were firstly identified from the crab species. • The role of Smads in bacterial clearance in vivo was first studied in arthropods. • SpSmad1 and SpSmad2/3 functioned in innate immune response by Toll and IMD signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Inflammation can cause delirium. Soluble fibrinogen‐like protein 2 (sFGL2) is a modulator of the immune response and more recently found to be a biomarker for brain injury. This study was designed to discover the predictive capability of serum sFGL2 concentrations for delirium after acute pancreatitis (AP). Materials and Methods: In this prospective, observational study, serum sFGL2 concentrations were quantified in 184 healthy controls and in 184 AP patients. Disease severity was assessed by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Care Evaluation II score, Ranson score, multiple organ dysfunction score, and sequential organ failure assessment score. Delirium was recorded during hospital stay. Predictors of delirium were identified using multivariate analysis. Results: Serum sFGL2 concentrations were substantially higher in AP patients than in controls. Serum sFGL2 concentrations were intimately correlated with the preceding severity parameters. Serum sFGL2 and the aforementioned severity parameters were independent predictors for delirium. Under receiver operating characteristic curve, the discriminatory ability of serum sFGL2 was equivalent to those of the above‐mentioned severity parameters. Moreover, serum sFGL2 dramatically improved the predictive value of the aforementioned severity parameters. Conclusions: Elevation of serum sFGL2 concentrations is strongly associated with the AP severity and has the potential to distinguish delirium after AP. Serum sFGL2 levels are raised after acute pancreatitis. Serum sFGL2 is independently associated with delirium.Serum sFGL2 shows a strong predictive ability for delirium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1 (ERO1) is an important mediator in regulating disulfide bond formation and maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. Its activity is transcriptionally regulated by the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum, which is known to be essential in immunity. However, whether ERO1 is involved in innate immunity in invertebrates remains unclear. In the present study, two subtypes of ERO1 from Scylla paramamosain were first identified and characterized. Sequence analysis revealed the conserved ERO1 domain and the oxidative capacity assay verified the oxidative capacity of Sp ERO1 recombinant protein. Moreover, Sp ERO1s were found to be ubiquitously expressed in all the tested tissues, with the highest expression observed in hemocytes. Two Sp ERO1s exhibited distinct expression patterns in response to Vibrio alginolyticus and White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). Importantly, the downregulation of the expression of immune factors upon bacterial challenge in Sp ERO1-silenced crabs was observed. These results provided an initial foundation for further investigations into the role of ERO1 in the innate immunity of invertebrates. • Two subtypes of Sp ERO1 were first identified in invertebrate species. • The oxidative capacity of recombinant Sp ERO1 was verified. • Two transcripts of Sp ERO1 have distinct responses to Vibro alginolyticus and WSSV challenges. • Sp ERO1s were involved in antibacterial immune responses in mud crab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinases (IRAK) is the most important downstream kinases of TLRs/IL-1R signaling pathway for signal transduction and activation of inflammatory response against pathogen infections. However, the molecular identification and function characterization of IRAK2 homologs in lower vertebrate remains obscure. In this study, three IRAK2 genes (AdIRAK2a , AdIRAKb and AdIRAK2c) and their respective transcripts were identified from the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus. This is the first evidence that three different IRAK2 genes exist in an ancient amphibian species, which has never been reported in other vertebrates. The complete open reading frames (ORFs) of AdIRAK2a , AdIRAK2b and AdIRAK2c were 2112 bp, 1917 bp and 816 bp encoding deduced proteins of 703 amino acids (aa), 628 aa and 271 aa, respectively. All three Ad IRAK2 proteins contained two predicted conserved functional domains, including a death domain (DD) and a serine/threonine protein kinases domain (KD). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the three Ad IRAK2s clustered together with other known IRAK2 of vertebrates. The three AdIRAK2 s were ubiquitously expressed in all tested tissues with a similar tissues distribution pattern. After challenge of Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila), Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus), giant salamander iridovirus (GSIV, belonging to the genus Ranavirus in the family Iridoviridae) and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), the expression levels of all AdIRAK2 s in blood were significantly altered, however, they exhibited distinct response patterns. Moreover, the results of over-expression and RNAi of AdIRAK2 s implied the involvement of AdIRAK2 s in triggering NF-κB-mediated signaling pathways and inflammatory responses. This study might provide a better understanding of the presence and immune regulation function of IRAK2 in amphibians and even in vertebrates. • Three IRAK2 genes were identified and characterized in Chinese giant salamanders Andrias davidianus. • The three AdIRAK2 genes showed similiar tissue distribution but different transcription level under pathogen challenge. • AdIRAK2a , AdIRAK2b and AdIRAK2c all contributed to the activation of NF-κB and inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a chemical reaction of cyanation of arenediazonium tetrafluoroborates by using the trimethylsilyl cyanide.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of pure muscle retraction on multifidus injury and atrophy.Materials and Methods: Sixty-three adult New Zealand white rabbits were divided evenly into three groups: 1-h retraction (group R1), 2-h retraction (R2), and sham surgery (C). The multifidus muscle was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology after 3 and 48 h, and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery.Results: Multifidus muscle injury and atrophy were not observed in group C, but were obvious in groups R1 and R2. Edema, necrosis, and inflammation mainly occurred in the first week postoperatively, and were more severe in R2 than in R1 (P < 0.01). Muscle fiber regeneration began at week 1, fibrotic changes mainly occurred at weeks 3 and 6, and fat degeneration became obvious at weeks 12 and 24 postoperatively. The fibrosis and fat degeneration scores of R2 were higher than those of R1 (P < 0.01). Decreased acetylcholine activity and granular degeneration of the neuromuscular junction were observed in both retraction groups, but was more severe in R2 than in R1 (P < 0.01).Conclusion: Muscle retraction was an important factor not only for multifidus injury, but also for long-term multifidus atrophy after posterior lumbar surgery; a longer retraction time caused more severe multifidus injury and atrophy. Muscle fibers can be regenerated postoperatively, and denervation might be the reason for muscle atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interlocking and nonlinear saturation of double tearing modes (DTMs) in rotating plasmas are investigated in a reduced magnetohydrodynamic model. Differential plasma rotation is found to have a significant stabilizing effect on the DTM. Analysis for the threshold island width and locking frequency is carried out. The effect of the viscosity on the mode is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Changshun green-shell laying hens are unique to Guizhou Province, China, and have high egg quality. Improving egg production performance has become an important breeding task, and in recent years, the development of high-throughput sequencing technology provides a fast and exact method for genetic selection. Therefore, we aimed to use this technology to analyze the differences between the ovarian mRNA transcriptome of low and high-yield Changshun green-shell layer hens, identify critical pathways and candidate genes involved in controlling the egg production rate, and provide basic data for layer breeding. Results: The egg production rates of the low egg production group (LP) and the high egg production group (HP) were 68.00 ± 5.56 % and 93.67 ± 7.09 %, with significant differences between the groups (p < 0.01). Moreover, the egg weight, shell thickness, strength and layer weight of the LP were significantly greater than those of the HP (p < 0.05). More than 41 million clean reads per sample were obtained, and more than 90 % of the clean reads were mapped to the Gallus gallus genome. Further analysis identified 142 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and among them, 55 were upregulated and 87 were downregulated in the ovaries. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 9 significantly enriched pathways, with the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway being the most enriched. GO enrichment analysis indicated that the GO term transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activity, and the DEGs identified in this GO term, including PRLR, NRP1, IL15, BANK1, NTRK1, CCK, and HGF may be associated with crucial roles in the regulation of egg production. Conclusions: The above-mentioned DEGs may be relevant for the molecular breeding of Changshun green-shell laying hens. Moreover, enrichment analysis indicated that the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway and receptor protein tyrosine kinases may play crucial roles in the regulation of ovarian function and egg production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4), serves as a critical component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, facilitating the direct phosphorylation and activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 families of MAP kinases in response to environmental stresses. In the current research, we identified two MKK4 subtypes, namely Sp MKK4-1 and Sp MKK4-2, from Scylla paramamosain , followed by the analysis of their molecular characteristics and tissue distributions. The expression of SpMKK4 s was induced upon WSSV and Vibrio alginolyticus challenges, and the bacteria clearance capacity and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes' expression upon bacterial infection were significantly decreased after knocking down SpMKK4 s. Additionally, the overexpression of both Sp MKK4s remarkably activated NF-κB reporter plasmid in HEK293T cells, suggesting the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results indicated the participation of Sp MKK4s in the innate immunity of crabs, which shed light on a better understanding of the mechanisms through which MKK4s regulate innate immunity. • Two subtypes of MKK4 were first characterized in invertebrate species. • The transcriptional expression of Sp MKK4s was upregulated in responses to Vibro alginolyticus and WSSV challenges. • The bacteria clearance capacity and AMP transcriptional expression were inhibited in the Sp MKK4s-silenced crab. • The overexpression of Sp MKK4 can activate NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • FGFR4 gene were firstly identified and characterized in crustacean species. • FGFR4 responded to both Aeromonas hydrophila and WSSV challenges. • FGFR4 contributed to innate immunity by regulating NF-κB signaling. FGFRs involved multiple physiological processes, such as endocrine homeostasis, wound repair, and cellular behaviors including proliferation, differentiation and survival. In the present study, the homologs of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) were identified and characterized from the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii for the first time. The full-length cDNAs of pc FGFR4 were 2878 bp with 2451 bp open reading frame (ORF), respectively. The deduced pc FGFR4 protein contained an immunoglobulin, two immunoglobulin C-2 Type, a transmembrane region and a catalytic domain. Real-time PCR analysis showed that pc FGFR4 were highly expressed in muscle and hemocyte. Moreover, the expression levels of pc FGFR4 in the hepatopancreas and hemocyte were positively stimulated after challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila and WSSV, implying the involvement of pc FGFR4 against bacterial and viral infections in innate immune responses. While pc FGFR4 were silenced in vivo, the expression levels of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes (pc ALF1-5,8 and pc Crustin1-2) and NF-κB signaling components (pc Drosal and pc Relish) were significantly reduced. Additionally, NF-κB signaling could be markedly activated by overexpression of pc FGFR4 in HEK293T cells. Finally, our results indicated that pc FGFR4 regulated crayfish's innate immunity by modulating NF-κB signaling. These findings may provide new insights into pc FGFR4-mediated signaling cascades in crustaceans and provide a better understanding of crustacean innate immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Experimental study evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histologic changes in the multifidus muscle after anterior spinal fusion.Objective: To determine the effect of spinal fusion on the multifidus muscle in an anterior rabbit model through the use of MRI and histologic evaluation.Summary Of Background Data: Retraction and splitting approach are known to be important factors in postoperative injury and atrophy of the multifidus muscle. The effect and possible mechanism of spinal fusion as an independent factor remains unknown.Methods: Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups. Animals in the fusion group underwent two-level anterior spinal fusion whereas those in the control group underwent similar surgery without spinal fusion. The status of the multifidus muscle was evaluated with MRI and histological analysis at preoperative, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.Results: All rabbits in the fusion group achieved solid fusion. The mean T1-weighted and T2-weighted signal intensity ratios of gross multifidus to psoas muscles were all approximately 1.0 postoperatively, with no remarkable difference between the groups. The mean lesser diameter of myofibrils in either group did not significantly differ between the preoperative and postoperative specimens. There was no significant fibrotic change or fatty degeneration for either group. Decrease in acetylcholine activity or granular degeneration of the neuromuscular junction were not observed, and normal shape and size were found in nearly all samples at all time points in both groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion: After two-segment anterior spinal fusion, multifidus atrophy was not observed throughout a 12-month follow up. The rabbit model of anterior fusion is better suited to study the effect of fusion alone on the status of the multifidus muscle.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Acremonium terricola culture (CAT) on growth performance, antioxidant status and immune responses of weaned calves. Twenty-four weaned female Holstein calves of the same age and with a similar genetic background were randomly assigned to one of two treatments for a 40 day feeding period. Treatments consisted of feed supplemented with (1) nothing (i.e., the control group) or (2) 50 mg CAT/kg of body weight (BW). Feed, fecal and blood samples were collected on days 0, 20 and 40. The seventh day after weaning was defined as Day 0. The results demonstrated that CAT supplementation increased body weight, feed efficiency and average daily weight gain compared to the control group. Supplementation with 50 mg of CAT/kg of BW significantly increased concentrations of immunoglobulins A, M, and G, interleukin-4, as well as the ratio of soluble CD 4 /soluble CD 8 , activities of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase in plasma. In contrast, CAT supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in the concentrations of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor – alpha, cortisol and malondialdehyde in plasma. These results suggested that supplementation with 50 mg of CAT/kg of BW may enhance growth performance and antioxidant and immune functions in weaned calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic status and phylogenetic placement of the monotypic genus Trichoneuron is studied using DNA sequences of three plastid-coding genes. Trichoneuron was originally assigned to Thelypteridaceae but has been considered to be a synonym of Lastreopsis in recent treatments. In this study, the proposed relationship of Trichoneuron to Lastreopsis was tested using a comprehensive taxa sampling of Dryopteridaceae. Our results strongly support the recognition of Trichoneuron as a distinct genus belonging to Dryopteridaceae. Trichoneuron does not group together with Lastreopsis. Instead the genus was found to be sister to the Neotropical genus Polystichopsis. This sister relationship is supported by the occurrence of long pluricellular hairs attached to the rachis of both genera. The morphological distinction of Trichoneuron from Lastreopsis is backed by the structure of the adaxial groove of rachis-costa junction and the hairs at abaxial side of leaf axes. The Polystichopsis- Trichoneuron clade was found to form the sister clade to an entirely Neotropical clade comprising Polybotrya and its relatives. The new subfamily Polybotryoideae is introduced based on the presented observations. In turn, the newly recovered sister relationship between Polystichopsis and Trichoneuron provides evidence for geographic disjunctions involving the Caribbean islands and the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective treatment to analyze and diagnose urban rail transit (URT) vehicle maintenance strategy. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, the technique of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is introduced into the examination of URT trains, first. Then the method of fuzzy-set-based assessment for FMEA is presented, which is the quantitative tool of Fuzzy-Set-based treatment for FMEA in analysis and diagnoses to URT maintenance strategy. Moreover, recommendations for further improvement of the proposed approach are also provided. Initial application into the vehicle maintenance of Shanghai URT System shows, that the proposed approach has a good performance and consequently is worth further development. Findings – The paper presents a FMEA and fuzzy-set-based theoretical approach for analyzing and diagnosing current methods in URT vehicle maintenance strategy. Practical implications – With rapid development of URT systems in the world especially in those highly populated areas, much more attentions are turning to researches on URT maintenance, nevertheless, few quantitative research achievement are mentioned or applied. This paper is a tentative attempt at introducing fuzzy-set theory into quantitative analysis and diagnoses of URT maintenance strategy. Originality/value – The study in this paper is helpful in theory and practice of URT maintenance and its methodology could be further applied into a broad family of facility group or system in other engineering fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effects of compressibility on the double tearing modes (DTMs) in rotating plasmas are numerically investigated by using a compressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model. It is found that due to the compressibility effects, the threshold of the interlocking magnetic island width in the slow and intermediate rotation regimes is larger than the counterpart in the incompressible plasmas. In the fast rotation regime, the compressible effect makes the DTM islands interlock more easily and faster. Moreover, in the very fast rotation regime, the plasma rotation can more effectively suppress the DTM islands. The scalings of the interlocking threshold in the different rotation regimes are obtained. Effects of plasma viscosity and beta on the DTM interlocking in the compressible plasmas are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) plays an essential role in the regulation of many biological processes, such as hematopoietic cell differentiation, while abnormal RARα function contributes to the pathogenesis of certain diseases including cancers, especially acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Recently, oridonin, a natural diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescens, was demonstrated to regulate RARα by increasing its protein level. However, the underlying molecular mechanism for this action has not been fully elucidated. Methods: In the APL cell line, NB4, the effect of oridonin on RARα protein was analyzed by western blot and real-time quantitative RT-PCR analyses. Flow cytometry was performed to detect intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The association between nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and the effect of oridonin was assessed using specific inhibitors, shRNA gene knockdown, and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, primary leukemia cells were treated with oridonin and analyzed by western blot in this study. Results: RARα possesses transcriptional activity in the presence of its ligand, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Oridonin remarkably stabilized the RARα protein, which retained transcriptional activity. Oridonin also moderately increased intracellular ROS levels, while pretreatment with the ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), dramatically abrogated RARα stabilization by oridonin. More intriguingly, direct exposure to low concentrations of H2O2 also increased RARα protein but not mRNA levels, suggesting a role for ROS in oridonin stabilization of RARα protein. Further investigations showed that NAC antagonized oridonin-induced activation of NF-κB signaling, while the NF-κB signaling inhibitor, Bay 11-7082, effectively blocked the oridonin increase in RARα protein levels. In line with this, over-expression of IκΒα (A32/36), a super-repressor form of IκΒα, or NF-κB-p65 knockdown inhibited oridonin or H2O2-induced RARα stability. Finally, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), a classical activator of NF-κB signaling, modulated the stability of RARα protein. Conclusions: Oridonin stabilizes RARα protein by increasing cellular ROS levels, which causes activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: This study investigated the expression of 2 types of ADAMTS in human intervertebral cartilage endplate (CEP) and related mechanisms concerning tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-induced nuclear factor κB signaling pathway. Objective: To determine which type of ADAMTS is more strongly expressed and the role of TNF-α in CEP. Summary Of Background Data: ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 were proven to be essential in the degeneration of articular cartilage and intervertebral disc. CEP is an important structure adjacent to the disc. However, the activities of ADAMTS in CEP are unclear. Methods: CEPs were obtained from subjects after spinal surgery and categorized as members of either the Modic change group or the control group. Sections of these tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, safranin O, and immunohistochemistry procedures for ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5, and TNF-α. Transcriptional levels of aggrecan, type I collagen, type II collagen, type X collagen, ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5, and TNF-α were investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the effect of TNF-α on ADAMTS-5 and its potential mechanisms are investigated in cultured bovine endplate chondrocytes in vitro. Results: Our data demonstrated that the degenerative changes associated with the expression of extracellular matrix proteins were correlated with increased levels of ADAMTS-5, but not ADAMTS-4, in the CEP of patients with Modic changes. The expression levels of TNF-α in the Modic change group were significantly increased, which was correlated with the enhanced expression of ADAMTS-5. Additional in vitro investigation confirmed that TNF-α could upregulate the expression of ADAMTS-5 by activating nuclear factor κB pathway in cultured bovine endplate chondrocytes. Conclusion: We conclude that the upregulation of TNF-α and ADAMTS-5, but not ADAMTS-4, may play an important role in degenerative CEP-induced low back pain. Level Of Evidence: N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]