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Introduction: Guilingji, a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been used to combat aging and male sexual dysfunction in China for centuries. To date, there has been little evidence-based clinical research on the use of Guilingji to treat idiopathic oligo-asthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), and the therapeutic mechanism from a metabolic perspective needs to be investigated further. Methods: This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study of 240 patients with idiopathic OAT recruited from four hospitals between January 2020 and January 2022. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1꞉1 ratio to receive oral Guilingji capsules or placebo for 12 weeks. The total progressive motile sperm count (TPMSC) was considered the primary outcome, and the other sperm parameters, seminal plasma parameters and serum hormones were considered the secondary outcome. A nontargeted metabolomics analysis of serum from OAT patients before and after Guilingji administration was performed by HPLC–MS to identify key metabolites. Furthermore, we used a rat model to show spermatogenesis phenotypes to validate the effect of the key metabolites screened from the patients. Results: At weeks 4, 8 and 12, TPMSC and other sperm parameters were significantly improved in the Guilingji group compared with the placebo group (P

Abstract Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) can lead to many adverse pregnancy outcomes, and the influencing factors remain unclear at present. This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 1815 pregnant women with ICP and evaluated the relationship between ICP subtypes, gestational age at onset, and pregnancy outcomes. The results of this study show that during pregnancy, the levels of biochemical indicators (TBA, DBIL and ALT) in the serum of pregnant women initially diagnosed with subtypes of ICP were noted to constantly change, and the subtype of ICP and its severity also changed. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes [meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), NICU transfer, Apgar score ≤ 7 at 1 min, and preterm birth] in patients with ICP1 (icteric type) was significantly higher than for patients with ICP2, ICP3 or ICP4. The preterm birth rate of early-onset ICP was higher than that of late-onset ICP in ICP1 and ICP3 subtypes. In conclusion, the outcome of pregnancy in women with ICP is closely related to the serum TBA level and ICP subtype, which should be recognized in the clinic.

Synergistic reinforcement of dual-phase particles with different sizes was always considered superior to single-phase reinforcement in composites, but there were few studies to investigate the role of each part in enhancing properties. In this work, 40 vol% (TiB2p-TiCp)/Al–Cu–Mg composites with different proportions of TiB2p and TiCp (3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3), were fabricated by the combustion synthesis to contrast the strengthening effect of dual-phase particles from the interface stability and the characteristics of dual-phase particles. Calculated by the first principle, TiB2 (3.12 J/m2) presented better interfacial stability with Al matrix than TiC (1.61 J/m2). Under the circumstance of the same volume fraction, the composites with a higher proportion of TiB2p usually show higher yield and maximum compressive strength and effectively prevent the crack growth of composites. However, excess submicron sized TiB2p tends to produce cracks at the hexagon edge when the loads were applied and formed crack loops delaminating materials. When the TiB2p/TiCp proportion was 1:1, the plasticity and strength were beneficially balanced at the elevated temperature. Otherwise, the composite with TiB2: TiC = 3:1 possessed the best wear resistance (coefficient of friction: 0.22) at a sliding velocity of 0.32 mm/s, 30 N load) among other composites (AR12, AR11, AR21, and AR31) at 473 K, which reduced 45%, 64%, 73% and 86%, respectively. The main wear mechanism was abrasive wear when the TiB2 proportion was dominant. Submicron sized TiB2p with better interface bonding can keep the rigidity of the composites to resist the plastic flow, while TiC nanoparticles are easier to be extracted during the wear process.

Abstract In mammalian societies, dominance hierarchies translate into inequalities in health, reproductive performance and survival. DNA methylation is thought to mediate the effects of social status on gene expression and phenotypic outcomes, yet a study of social status-specific DNA methylation profiles in different age classes in a wild social mammal is missing. We tested for social status signatures in DNA methylation profiles in wild female spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), cubs and adults, using non-invasively collected gut epithelium samples. In spotted hyena clans, female social status influences access to resources, foraging behavior, health, reproductive performance and survival. We identified 149 differentially methylated regions between 42 high- and low-ranking female spotted hyenas (cubs and adults). Differentially methylated genes were associated with energy conversion, immune function, glutamate receptor signalling and ion transport. Our results provide evidence that socio-environmental inequalities are reflected at the molecular level in cubs and adults in a wild social mammal.

ABSTRACTHepatic immunity is one of the driving forces for the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and targeting gut microbiota is believed to affect the hepatic immune constitution. Here, we aimed to investigate the hepatic immunological state in NASH, with a specific emphasis on natural killer (NK) cells. In addition, we aimed to identify the contributing species that target hepatic immunity to provide new directions and support the feasibility of immunotherapy for NASH. A possible NASH population was determined by combination of long-term severe fatty liver, metabolic disorders and increased serum CK18 to detect serum immune factors and gut microbiota. NASH was induced in mice fed a high-fat diet to verify the prophylactic effect of the functional species on the immunopathology and development of NASH. Hepatic immunologic state was examined, and the effector functions of NK cells were detected. Hepatic transcriptome, proteomic, and fecal metagenome were performed. We observed a statistical increase in serum IL-10 (p

Improvements in phase stability and dielectric characteristics can broaden the applications of zirconia in ceramics. Herein, a series of Y2O3-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics are synthesized using solid-state sintering, followed by an investigation into their phase evolution, grain size, dielectric constant, and breaking field. As the Y2O3 content increases from 0 wt% to 4 wt%, the as-grown YSZ ceramics undergo a distinct phase transformation, transitioning from monoclinic to monoclinic + tetragonal and further to monoclinic + tetragonal + cubic, before finally returning to monoclinic + cubic. Significant changes occur in the internal microstructure and grain size of the ceramics as the phase composition alters, resulting in a reduction in grain size from 3.17 μm to 0.27 μm. Moreover, their dielectric constants exhibit an increasing trend as the Y2O3 content increases, rising from 3.92 to 13.2. Importantly, the dielectric breakdown field of these YSZ ceramics shows a similar variation to the phase evolution, ranging from 0.11 to 0.15 MV/cm. This study sheds light on the phase evolution and dielectric properties of YSZ ceramics, offering an efficient strategy for enhancing their dielectric performances.

Patient one was a 38-year-old man with a 20-year history of red macules and angiotelectasis on the chest and the upper arms. Dermatological examination showed multiple telangiectatic macules on the chest and the upper arms, with a negative Darier's sign. Histopathology revealed mild epidermal atrophy, hyaline degeneration and scattered vasodilation in the superficial dermis. Perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes and mast cells was evident in the superficial dermis. CD117 staining demonstrated perivascular infiltration of mast cells in the dermis. Diagnosis: telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans. Patient two was a 49-year-old man with red macules and angiotelectasis on the trunk and the arms for over 2 years. Dermatological examination revealed demarcated erythematous maculopapular rashes on the upper limbs, the chest and the back, with a negative Darier's sign. Histopathological findings included reticular keratosis, perivascular infiltration of mast cells in the superficial dermis, and proliferation of collagen fibers. Toluidine blue staining showed degranulation of perivascular mast cells. The diagnosis was telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans. Both patient were treated with oral ketotifen at a dose of 1 mg/evening. They claimed no significant improvement after one-month treatments.

DNAzymes have attracted increasing interest in developments of gene tools, therapies, and biosensors. Among them, G-quadruplexes are widely used as the key structure elements of DNAzymes to activate the catalytic competency of specific cofactors, such as hemin, but there is a great demand to diversify DNAzymes using other more straightforward DNA structures such as fully matched duplex (FM-DNA). However, the perfect base pairs in duplex limit the DNAzyme activity. In this work, a photocatalytic DNAzyme was developed by introducing an abasic site (AP site) into duplex (AP-DNA) to switch its photocatalytic activity. Palmatine (PAL), a photosensitizer from natural isoquinoline alkaloids, served as a cofactor of the DNAzyme by binding at the AP site. The AP site provides a less polarized environment to favor the PAL fluorescence. As a result, dissolved oxygen was converted into singlet oxygen (1O2) via energy transfer from the excited PAL. The oxidation of substrates by the in situ photogenerated 1O2 served as a readout for the DNAzyme. In addition, the duplex-based DNAzyme was engineered from FM-DNA by the cascade uracil-DNA glycosylase to generate AP-DNA. Our work provides a new way to construct duplex-based DNAzymes.

Abstract The nature of molecule-electrode interface is critical for the integration of atomically precise molecules as functional components into circuits. Herein, we demonstrate that the electric field localized metal cations in outer Helmholtz plane can modulate interfacial Au-carboxyl contacts, realizing a reversible single-molecule switch. STM break junction and I-V measurements show the electrochemical gating of aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids have a conductance ON/OFF behavior in electrolyte solution containing metal cations (i.e., Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+), compared to almost no change in conductance without metal cations. In situ Raman spectra reveal strong molecular carboxyl-metal cation coordination at the negatively charged electrode surface, hindering the formation of molecular junctions for electron tunnelling. This work validates the critical role of localized cations in the electric double layer to regulate electron transport at the single-molecule level.

Green’s ∗-relations on semirings satisfying additional identities [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are studied. Equivalent characterizations of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are obtained and equivalent conditions are given for the above relations to be congruences. It is proved that semiring classes determined by these congruences are varieties.

The optimal design of microstructure is the key to further improve the properties of particle reinforced metal matrix composites. In this study, in-situ TiB2 and TiC + TiB2 reinforced Cu matrix composites are used as examples to develop the microstructure-based representative volume element models to describe their damage evolution and strengthening mechanisms. The most critical features including size distribution and morphology of the particles as well as the fracture of metal matrix, brittle damage of ceramic particles and traction-separation debonding of the interface were integrated into the modeling. Simulation results show that the model could well predict the performance of the composite and reveal its damage mechanism. When the particle size is normally distributed, the composite exhibits higher strength due to the size effect of different particles, which is more consistent with the experimental result. Both matrix and ceramic particles in mixed-phase particle reinforced metal matrix composites can be subjected to higher stresses, which results in higher strength of (TiC + TiB2)/Cu composites. Additionally, the spherical TiC particles facilitate the relaxation of stress concentration within the composite, resulting in a synergistic enhancement of strength and ductility. Under compression, localized interface damage first appears around the sharp corners of the hexagonal particles and induces crack initiation toward the matrix. These microcracks are interconnected and propagate along the direction of high stress, eventually leading to the failure of the composite. This work provides the basis and new ideas to reveal the failure mechanism of composites and further optimize their configuration design.

Abstract Background Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a pregnancy-specific liver disease. In this study, we sought to explore the distribution of lipopolysaccharide in the maternal body, and its effect on the fetal body in the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy mice. It provides a new sight for the clinical treatment of women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Methods The serum levels of lipopolysaccharide and lipopolysaccharide binding protein in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy were analyzed. To assess the association between lipopolysaccharide levels and adverse fetal outcomes, ursodeoxycholic acid, resveratrol, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor were employed in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy mice, and we studied the fluorescence intensity and distribution of lipopolysaccharide in mice with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Results Our data indicated significantly elevated levels of lipopolysaccharide and lipopolysaccharide binding protein in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that the intensity of lipopolysaccharide in mice with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was higher than that in the control group, and decreased after ursodeoxycholic and resveratrol treatment. The fluorescence intensity analysis indicated that lipopolysaccharide levels in maternal liver, placenta, fetal brain and fetal liver were significantly higher in the intrahepatic cholestasis pregnancy mice group than in the control group. Conclusions This study provided evidence of endotoxin distribution in maternal liver, placenta, fetal liver and fetal brain in mice with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Ursodeoxycholic acid and resveratrol treatment effectively reduced lipopolysaccharide levels in pregnant mice with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Abstract Global climate change has caused general and serious damage to cultural heritage sites, and earthen settlements and buildings are particularly vulnerable to water-affected disasters. Thus, this paper uses Liang Village in Pingyao County, China, as a case study, linking the human–land study in the Liang Village Sino-French workshop of 2009/2010 to a disaster assessment completed after the devastating rainstorm in October 2021. We found that the village’s rain disaster resulted from the vulnerability of earthen material to rainstorms and from the earthen settlement’s evolution from a culture emphasising the coexistence of ‘water and earth’ to a technic fostering the disintegration of ‘water and earth’. The latter is the main cause of the village’s decrease in its capacity for disaster prevention and damage reduction. Therefore, in the context of global climate change, we find that the reestablishment of the harmonious relationship of water and earth is critical to both rural heritage conservation and village sustainable development. In addition to repairing their relation from the technical perspective of ‘planning and design’ by planners and architects, it is more crucial for local people to understand and enhance their contemporary appreciation for the traditional ‘coexistence of water and earth’ concept.

The spins of binary black holes (BBHs) measured from gravitational waves contain valuable information about their formation pathways. In this study, we propose a new quantity, the “dimensionless net spin” ( χ _N ), which relates to the sum of the angular momenta of the component black holes (BHs) in the system, offering a novel perspective for exploring the origins of BBHs. Through hierarchical Bayesian inference on χ _N , we find strong evidence that its distribution is better described by two Gaussian components rather than one, and their branching ratios vary with total mass and redshift: there is a narrow peak at χ _N ∼ 0.15 and an extended peak at χ _N ∼ 0.3–0.6. The rapidly spinning systems likely dominate the high-mass end of the population and evolve with redshift more quickly. These findings present new challenges to the field binary formation scenario and suggest that dynamical processes may play a key role in the formation of high total mass BBHs.

IC 10 X-1 is one of the close X-ray binaries containing a Wolf–Rayet donor, which can provide an evolutionary link between high-mass X-ray binaries and gravitational wave sources. It is still unclear about the precise nature of the accreting compact object in IC 10 X-1, although it looks more like a black hole (BH) than a neutron star. In this work, we use a binary population synthesis method to simulate the formation of IC 10 X-1–like binaries by assuming different common-envelope ejection efficiencies. This work represents a big step forward over previous studies since we adopt new criteria for mass-transfer stability. These criteria allow the formation of IC 10 X-1–like systems without experiencing common envelope evolution. Based on our calculations, we propose that the compact object in IC 10 X-1 is a BH with a mass of ∼10–30 M _⊙ and the progenitor evolution of this binary probably just experienced stable mass transfer.

The detection of gravitational wave events has stimulated theoretical modeling of the formation and evolution of double compact objects (DCOs). However, even for the most studied isolated binary evolution channel, there exist large uncertainties in the input parameters and treatments of the binary evolution process. So far, double neutron stars (DNSs) are the only DCOs for which direct observations are available through traditional electromagnetic astronomy. In this work, we adopt a population synthesis method to investigate the formation and evolution of Galactic DNSs. We construct 324 models for the formation of Galactic DNSs, taking into account various possible combinations of critical input parameters and processes such as mass transfer efficiency, supernova type, common envelope efficiency, neutron star kick velocity, and pulsar selection effect. We employ Bayesian analysis to evaluate the adopted models by comparing with observations. We also compare the expected DNS merger rate in the galaxy with that inferred from the known Galactic population of pulsar-neutron star systems. Based on these analyses we derive the favorable range of the aforementioned key parameters.

The existence of a population of low-accretion-rate symbiotic stars (SySts), consisting of a giant star and a compact companion (usually a white dwarf), has been proposed recently. However, their population has not been fully understood. In this work, we present an investigation on SySts candidates consisting of asymptotic giant branch stars (AGBs) by cross-correlating the Gaia DR3, the Galaxy Evolution Explorer All-Sky Imaging Survey, and the 4XMM DR13 catalogs. We first build a sample of AGBs within 500 pc based on their locations in the Gaia color–absolute magnitude diagram. We then explore the UV and X-ray properties of the sampled AGBs and compare them to known SySts and candidates. We find 10 SySts candidates based on the far-ultraviolet excess. The typical UV luminosity of the candidates is 10 ^31 erg s ^−1 , which corresponds to a typical accretion rate of 10 ^−12 –10 ^−11 M _⊙ yr ^−1 , which is more than 1 order of magnitude lower than known SySts. Based on these findings, the total number of SySts within 500 pc is estimated to be 18. The number of AGBs with X-ray flux above 10 ^−14 erg s ^−1 cm ^−2 within 500 pc is estimated to be 37. Our finding implies that a large number of low-accretion-rate SySts are yet to be detected, which provides a base for a complete understanding of their population.

Influenza A viruses evolve at a high rate of nucleotide substitution, thereby requiring continuous monitoring to determine the efficacy of vaccines and antiviral drugs. In the current study, we performed whole-genome sequencing analyses of 253 influenza A/H3N2 strains from Yunnan Province, China, during 2017–2022. The hemagglutinin (HA) segments of Yunnan A/H3N2 strains isolated during 2017–2018 harbored a high genetic diversity due to heterogeneous distribution across branches. The mutation regularity of the predominant antigenic epitopes of HA segments in Yunnan was inconsistent in different years. Some important functional mutations in gene segments associated with viral adaptation and drug tolerance were revealed. The rapid genomic evolution of Yunnan A/H3N2 strains from 2017 to 2022 mainly concentrated on segments, i.e., matrix protein 2 (M2), non-structural protein 1 (NS1), neuraminidase (NA), NS2, and HA, with a high overall non-synonymous/synonymous substitution ratio (dN/dS). Our results highlighted a decline in vaccine efficacy against the A/H3N2 circulating strains, particularly against the Yunnan 2021–2022 A/H3N2 strains. These findings aid our understanding of evolutionary characteristics and epidemiological monitoring of the A/H3N2 viruses and provide in-depth insights into the protective efficacy of influenza vaccines.

In this paper, we study some subvarieties of a semiring variety determined by certain additional identities. We first present alternative characterizations for equivalences $ \overset{+}{\mathcal{H}}{\cap}\overset{\cdot}{\mathcal{L}} $, $ \overset{+}{\mathcal{H}}{\cap}\overset{\cdot}{\mathcal{R}} $, $ \overset{+}{\mathcal{H}}{\cap}\overset{\cdot}{\mathcal{D}} $, $ \overset{+}{\mathcal{H}}{\vee}\overset{\cdot}{\mathcal{L}} $, $ \overset{+}{\mathcal{H}}{\vee}\overset{\cdot}{\mathcal{R}} $, $ \overset{+}{\mathcal{H}}{\vee}\overset{\cdot}{\mathcal{D}} $. Then we give the sufficient and necessary conditions for these equivalences to be congruence. Finally, we prove that semiring classes defined by these congruences are varieties and provide equational bases.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of camrelizumab in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV–HCC) patients and non-HBV, non-HCV hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC–HCC) patients in China.Materials and methods: A total of 54 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who received camrelizumab were included in this retrospective study from January 2019 to December 2021. The patients were assigned to the HBV–HCC group (n = 28) and the NBNC–HCC group (n = 26). The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs). Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify independent prognostic factors. A nomogram model was subsequently established based on independent prognostic factors.Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 12.7 ± 3.6 months. The median OS was not determined. The median PFS in the HBV–HCC group was significantly longer than that in the NBNC–HCC group (9.2 vs. 6.7 months, p = 0.003). The ORR and DCR in the HBV–HCC group were significantly higher than those in the NBNC–HCC group (ORR, 28.6% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.048; DCR, 71.4% vs. 42.3%, p = 0.031). No significant differences in the total incidence of AEs were found between the HBV–HCC group and the NBNC–HCC group (75.0% vs. 69.2%, p = 0.224). Multivariate regression analysis identified etiology, AFP level, and vascular invasion as independent prognostic factors (all p < 0.05).Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that camrelizumab is more effective in HBV–HCC patients than in NBNC–HCC patients, with manageable safety.

With the increase in population and the progress of industrialization, the rational use of energy in heating systems has become a research topic for many scholars. The accurate prediction of heat load in heating systems provides us with a scientific solution. Due to the complexity and difficulty of heat load forecasting in heating systems, this paper proposes a short-term heat load forecasting method based on a Bayesian algorithm-optimized long- and short-term memory network (BO-LSTM). The moving average data smoothing method is used to eliminate noise from the data. Pearson’s correlation analysis is used to determine the inputs to the model. Finally, the outdoor temperature and heat load of the previous period are selected as inputs to the model. The root mean square error (RMSE) is used as the main evaluation index, and the mean absolute error (MAE), mean bias error (MBE), and coefficient of determination (R2) are used as auxiliary evaluation indexes. It was found that the RMSE of the asynchronous length model decreased, proving the general practicability of the method. In conclusion, the proposed prediction method is simple and universal.

Abstract Background ICP pregnant women have a unique profile of serum bile acid metabolism, thus the early and accurate identification of ICP patients is beneficial to early appropriate treatment and improvement of pregnancy outcomes. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the 15 types of serum bile acid profiles among patients with ICP in third trimester, patients with cholelithiasis, and patients with hepatitis B virus. The ICP diagnostic model established by partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to screen the differential bile acids for clinical subtypes of ICP. 144 cases of ICP patients were involved in this study, and divided into four subgroups according to serum level of TBA, DBIL, and ALT. Results (1) The differential serum bile acid profiles of ICP group and normal pregnant women were DCA, TDCA, TCA, GDCA and GLCA. (2) The differential serum bile acid profiles of the ICP1 group (ICP with jaundice) and normal pregnant women were TCDCA, TCA, GCA, GCDCA, TUDCA and GUDCA. (3) The differential serum bile acid profiles of the ICP3 group (Hyperchoicemia of pregnancy) and normal pregnant group was GUDCA, LCA, GLCA, UDCA, TUDCA, CDCA, and TLCA (P 0.05). Conclusion Maternal serum bile acid profiles are useful to differentiate the four subtypes of ICP. ICP with jaundice could be an important predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes of ICP.

Background: There is a paucity of information regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. We aimed to estimate the cumulative attack rate of SARS-CoV-2 in hemodialysis patients in China using a serological test. Methods: We enrolled all hemodialysis patients from 8 hemodialysis facilities in Honghu and Jingzhou of Hubei province and Guangzhou and Foshan of Guangdong province in China. We screened these patients for SARS-CoV-2 infection by both a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for viral RNA and a serological test for IgG and IgM antibodies. Data on demographics and clinical characteristics were collected via case report forms. We also enrolled the health care workers from the participating hospitals and compared the seropositive rate between hemodialysis patients and health care workers in the same region. Results: Among 1542 hemodialysis patients, 5 (0.32%) and 51 (3.3%) were tested positive by the RT-PCR test and the serological test, respectively. The seropositive rate in Hubei (3.6%) was higher than that in Guangdong (2.8%), although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.5). Most of the seropositive patients were asymptomatic. Independent risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection were being older than 65 years, having manifestation of lung infection in imaging examinations, and having a lower level of serum albumin. In comparison, the seropositive rate in 3205 health care workers was 1.2%，which was significantly lower than that observed in the hemodialysis patients (P < .001). Conclusion: The cumulative rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection in hemodialysis patients in China was high at 3.3%. Serological test detected 10 times more cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection than the RT-PCR test and should be the preferred tool for estimating the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Abstract Background Although sex hormones play critical roles in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, it remains inconclusive whether circulating sex hormones can serve as non-invasive biomarkers to improve the assessment of sperm quality. Methods We systematically evaluated the association of various sex hormones in serum with sperm quality among 338 men in subfertile couples. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), total estradiol (E2), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were detected by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Free testosterone and estradiol were calculated using a validated algorithm. A generalized liner regression model controlling for lifestyle factors was used to evaluate the associations with sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology. Results After adjusting for age, body mass index, current smoking and alcohol drinking, LH, FSH, and TT levels were all inversely associated with sperm motility (all P for trend

Abstract Background The remarkable abilities of the human brain are distinctive features that set us apart from other animals. However, our understanding of how the brain has changed in the human lineage remains incomplete, but is essential for understanding cognition, behavior, and brain disorders in humans. Here, we compared the expression trajectory in brain development between humans and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to explore their divergent transcriptome profiles. Results Results showed that brain development could be divided into two stages, with a demarcation date in a range between 25 and 26 postconception weeks (PCW) for humans and 17-23PCWfor rhesus macaques, rather than birth time that have been widely used as a uniform demarcation time of neurodevelopment across species. Dynamic network biomarker (DNB) analysis revealed that the two demarcation dates were transition phases during brain development, after which the brain transcriptome profiles underwent critical transitions characterized by highly fluctuating DNB molecules. We also found that changes between early and later brain developmental stages (as defined by the demarcation points) were substantially greater in the human brain than in the macaque brain. To explore the molecular mechanism underlying prolonged timing during early human brain development, we carried out expression heterochrony tests. Results demonstrated that compared to macaques, more heterochronic genes exhibited neoteny during early human brain development, consistent with the delayed demarcation time in the human lineage, and proving that neoteny in human brain development could be traced to the prenatal period. We further constructed transcriptional networks to explore the profile of early human brain development and identified the hub gene RBFOX1 as playing an important role in regulating early brain development. We also found RBFOX1 evolved rapidly in its non-coding regions, indicating that this gene played an important role in human brain evolution. Our findings provide evidence that RBFOX1 is a likely key hub gene in early human brain development and evolution. Conclusions By comparing gene expression profiles between humans and macaques, we found divergent expression trajectories between the two species, which deepens our understanding of the evolution of the human brain.

The mechanisms regulating regeneration of the earthworm are unclear. Here, the authors use genomic and transcriptomic analysis of the earthworm Eisenia andrei together with Hi-C analysis to identify genes involved and show activation of LINE2 transposable elements on regeneration.

The nano-TiC/Al composites with different alloying elements (Zn, Cu and Mg) were successfully prepared via a one-step method of reaction and densification in the reaction system of Al-Ti-C/CNTs. With the addition of alloying elements, the exposed crystallographic plane of TiC changed from (100) to (111). And the crystallographic mismatch of TiC(111) and TiC(100) with α-Al was significantly reduced by the Cu and Mg addition. Especially, the Mg addition resulted in 8–10% decrease in the crystallographic mismatch compare to that without alloying element. Consequently, the alloying element addition lead to a significantly increase in the compression strength and wear resistance. With the addition of Mg, the σ0.2 and σUCS of the composite are significantly increased by ∼84.3% and ∼54.7%, respectively. The improvement of interface matching degree plays a leading role in the strengthening of composites.

Abstract Background To observe if closing the mesenteric defect with absorbable sutures creates a safe adhesion compared to non-absorbable suture after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Methods Rats were randomly assigned to 5 experimental groups according to the different suture materials used in closing the mesenteric defects (Peterson’s space) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Group A (control group), Group B (non-absorbable suture, Prolene suture), Group C (biological glue), Group D (non-absorbable suture, polyester suture) and Group E (absorbable suture). All rats were followed up for 8 weeks postoperatively and underwent laparotomy to observe the degree of adhesion and closure of the mesenteric defect. Results No significant difference was found in the decrease in food intake and body weight among all groups. No internal hernia (IH) occurred in any group. The mesenteric defects of Group A remained completely visible without any closure or adhesion. Multiple gaps were found between the Prolene suture and the mesentery along the suture line in Group B. The mesenteric defects of Group C were complete closed with multiple adhesions of the small intestine and the greater omentum. The mesenteric defects in both Group D and Group E closed completely. The average adhesion scores in Group A and Group B were 0 and 0.33 ± 0.52 respectively. The average adhesion score in group C (3.83 ± 0.41) was higher than the other groups (p

It is widely accepted that quite a number of double compact objects (DCOs) in the Milky Way can be identified by future space-based gravitational wave (GW) detectors, while systematic investigations on the detection of the GW sources in nearby galaxies are still lacking. In this paper, we present calculations of potential populations of GW sources for all types of DCOs in the Local Group galaxy M31. For M31, we use an age-dependent model for the evolution of the metallicity and the star formation rate. By varying assumptions of common-envelope ejection efficiencies and supernova-explosion mechanisms during binary evolution, we make predictions on the properties of DCOs that can be detected by the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Our calculations indicate that a few (a dozen) DCOs are likely to be observed by LISA during its 4 (10) yr mission. We expect that the sources with black hole components are more likely to be first identified during a 4 yr mission since these binaries have relatively large chirp masses, while the systems with white-dwarf components dominate the overall population of detectable GW sources during a 10 yr mission. LISA can only detect very tight fast-merging systems in M31, corresponding to the peak of orbital period distribution from ∼2 minutes for double white dwarfs to ∼20 minutes for double black holes.

Glyphosate (GLYP) is a broad-spectrum, nonselective, organic phosphine postemergence herbicide registered for many food and nonfood fields. Herein, we developed a biosensor (Mbs@dsDNA) based on carboxylated modified magnetic beads incubated with NH2-polyA and then hybridized with polyT-glyphosate aptamer and complementary DNA. Afterwards, a quantitative detection method based on qPCR was established. When the glyphosate aptamer on Mbs@dsDNA specifically recognizes glyphosate, complementary DNA is released and then enters the qPCR signal amplification process. The linear range of the method was 0.6 μmol/L–30 mmol/L and the detection limit was set at 0.6 μmol/L. The recoveries in tap water ranged from 103.4 to 104.9% and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were

Sensors that have low power consumption, high scalability and the ability of rapidly detecting multitudinous external stimulus are of great value in cyber-physical interactive applications. Herein, we reported the fabrication of ferroelectric barium strontium titanate ((Ba70Sr30)TiO3, BST) thin films on silicon substrates by magnetron sputtering. The as-grown BST films have a pure perovskite structure and exhibit excellent ferroelectric characteristics, such as a remnant polarization of 2.4 μC/cm2, a ferro-to-paraelectric (tetragonal-to-cubic) phase transition temperature of 31.2 °C, and a broad optical bandgap of 3.58 eV. Capacitor-based sensors made from the BST films have shown an outstanding average sensitivity of 0.10 mV·Pa−1 in the 10–80 kPa regime and work extremely steadily over 1000 cycles. More importantly, utilizing the Pockels effect, optical manipulation in BST can be also realized by a smaller bias and its electro-optic coefficient reff is estimated to be 83.5 pmV−1, which is 2.6 times larger than in the current standard material (LiNbO3) for electro-optical devices. Our work established BST thin film as a powerful design paradigm toward on-chip integrations with diverse electronics into sensors via CMOS-comparable technique.

Abstract Background Brain aging is a complex process that depends on the precise regulation of multiple brain regions; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms behind this process remain to be clarified in non-human primates. Results Here, we explore non-human primate brain aging using 547 transcriptomes originating from 44 brain areas in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We show that expression connectivity between pairs of cerebral cortex areas as well as expression symmetry between the left and right hemispheres both decrease after aging. Although the aging mechanisms across different brain areas are largely convergent, changes in gene expression and alternative splicing vary at diverse genes, reinforcing the complex multifactorial basis of aging. Through gene co-expression network analysis, we identify nine modules that exhibit gain of connectivity in the aged brain and uncovered a hub gene, PGLS, underlying brain aging. We further confirm the functional significance of PGLS in mice at the gene transcription, molecular, and behavioral levels. Conclusions Taken together, our study provides comprehensive transcriptomes on multiple brain regions in non-human primates and provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism of healthy brain aging.

Abstract In this paper, the contact configuration of single molecular junction is controlled through side group, which is explored by electrochemical jump-to-contact STM break junction. The conductance values of 2-methoxy-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (2-M-1,3-BDC) is around 10–3.65 G0, which is different from that of 5-methoxy-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (5-M-1,3-BDC) with 10–3.20 G0. Interestingly, the conductance value of 2-M-1,3-BDC is the same as that of 1,3-benzenedicarboxaldehyde (1,3-BDCA), while single molecular junctions of 5-M-1,3-BDC and 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (1,3-BDC) give out similar conductance value. Since 1,3-BDCA binds to the Cu electrode through one oxygen atom, the dominated contact configuration for 1,3-BDC is through two oxygen atoms. The different conductance values between 2-M-1,3-BDC and 5-M-1,3-BDC can be attributed to the different contact configurations caused by the position of the side group. The current work provides a feasible way to control the contact configuration between the anchoring group and the electrode, which may be useful in designing future molecular electronics.

Single-molecule recognition and detection with the highest resolution measurement has been one of the ultimate goals in science and engineering. Break junction techniques, originally developed to measure single-molecule conductance, recently have also been proven to have the capacity for the label-free exploration of single-molecule physics and chemistry, which paves a new way for single-molecule detection with high temporal resolution. In this review, we outline the primary advances and potential of the STM break junction technique for qualitative identification and quantitative detection at a single-molecule level. The principles of operation of these single-molecule electrical sensing mainly in three regimes, ion, environmental pH and genetic material detection, are summarized. It clearly proves that the single-molecule electrical measurements with break junction techniques show a promising perspective for designing a simple, label-free and nondestructive electrical sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity and excellent selectivity.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is related to cholestatic disorder in pregnancy. Total urinary sulfated bile acids (SBAs) were found increased in ICP. We distinguished the metabolic profiling of urinary SBAs in ICP to find potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and grading of ICP. The targeted metabolomics based on high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze urinary SBAs profiling in mild and severe ICP cases, as well as healthy controls. 16 kinds of urinary SBAs were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. Sulfated dihydroxy glycine bile acid (di-GBA-S), glycine cholic acid 3-sulfate (GCA-3S), sulfated dihydroxy taurine bile acid (di-TBA-S) and taurine cholic acid 3-sulfate (TCA-3S) increased significantly in ICP group compared with the control group. Seven kinds of SBAs were significantly different (p

To limit the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the government of China has been monitoring infected travelers and minimizing cold-chain contamination. However, other factors might contribute to recurring outbreaks. We analyze the role of undocumented migrants as potential transmitters of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in China.

Up to isomorphism, there are 61 ai-semirings of order three. The finite basis problem for these semirings is investigated. This problem for 45 semirings of them is answered by some results in the literature. The remaining semirings are studied using equational logic. It is shown that with the possible exception of the semiring \(S_7\), all ai-semirings of order three are finitely based.

The continuous variation of the seasonal influenza viruses, particularly A(H1N1)pdm09, persistently threatens human life and health around the world. In local areas of southwest china, the large time-scale genomic research on A(H1N1)pdm09 is still insufficient. Here, we sequenced 45 whole-genome sequences of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses in Lincang, China, from 2014 to 2018, by next-generation sequencing technology to characterize molecular mechanisms of their origin and evolution. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the A(H1N1)pdm09 strains circulating in Lincang belong to clade 6B and the subclade 6B.1A predominates in 2018. Further, the strains in 2018 possess elevated evolutionary rate as compared to strains in other years. Several newly emerged mutations for HA (hemagglutinin) in 2018 are revealed (i.e., S183P and R221K). Intriguingly, the substitution R221K falls into the RBS (receptor binding site) of HA protein, which could affect antigenic properties of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, and another substitution S183P near to RBS with a high covering frequency (11/14 strains) in 2018 is exactly located at the epitope B. Notably, the NA (neuraminidase) protein harbors a new mutation I23T, potentially involved in N-glycosylation. Based on the background with a higher evolutionary rate in 2018 strains, we deeply evaluate the potential vaccine efficacy against Lincang strains and discover a substantive decline of the vaccine efficacy in 2018. Our analyses reaffirm that the real-time molecular surveillance and timely updated vaccine strains for prevention and control of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 are crucial in the future.

Abstract Background TEM8 is a cell membrane protein predominantly expressed in tumor endothelium, which serves as a receptor for the protective antigen (PA) of anthrax toxin. However, the physiological ligands for TEM8 remain unknown. Results Here we identified uPA as an interacting partner of TEM8. Binding of uPA stimulated the phosphorylation of TEM8 and augmented phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK1/2. Finally, TEM8-Fc, a recombinant fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of human TEM8 linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1, efficiently abrogated the interaction between uPA and TEM8, blocked uPA-induced migration of HepG2 cells in vitro and inhibited the growth and metastasis of human MCF-7 xenografts in vivo. uPA, TEM8 and EGFR overexpression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were found co-located on frozen cancer tissue sections. Conclusions Taken together, our data provide evidence that TEM8 is a novel receptor for uPA, which may play a significant role in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis.

Abstract Vernacular heritage embodies the great wisdom used by the ancients over thousands of years to create their habitats. By adhering to vernacular wisdom, the unique production modes and lifestyles shown in vernacular heritage created an ideal harmonious living environment in consensus with nature using orderly and rational methods for using natural resources. This study analyses the value of vernacular wisdom, establishes a content system based on three factors, i.e., human needs, productivity and nature from the perspective of the human–nature relationship, and observes that the value of vernacular wisdom is to co-ordinate responses to human–nature conflicts. The representative vernacular wisdom of Zengchong Village, a Dong village in Guizhou Province, China can be summarised into three types: wisdom about physiological needs reflected in the combination of agricultural production with highly intensive living space systems and survival skills to make the best use of everything; wisdom about security needs reflected in the barn, fire-prevention and flood-control systems; and wisdom about self-actualisation, esteem, love or belonging reflected in social interaction and self-management, religious beliefs and identity. In addition to the conservation of the built vernacular heritage, vernacular wisdom should be emphasised in village planning and management to co-ordinate responses to new human–nature conflicts. Thus, a state of balance between human needs, productivity and nature can be achieved to realise the goal of sustainable rural heritage development.

Abstract One key issue for the development of molecular electronic devices is to understand the electron transport of single-molecule junctions. In this work, we explore the electron transport of iodine-terminated alkane single molecular junctions using the scanning tunneling microscope-based break junction approach. The result shows that the conductance decreases exponentially with the increase of molecular length with a decay constant β N = 0.5 per –CH2 (or 4 nm−1). Importantly, the tunneling decay of those molecular junctions is much lower than that of alkane molecules with thiol, amine, and carboxylic acid as the anchoring groups and even comparable to that of the conjugated oligophenyl molecules. The low tunneling decay is attributed to the small barrier height between iodine-terminated alkane molecule and Au, which is well supported by DFT calculations. The work suggests that the tunneling decay can be effectively tuned by the anchoring group, which may guide the manufacturing of molecular wires.

The small molecule compounds like pesticide, veterinary drug, bio-toxin, and heavy metal are widely found in animals, plants, soil, etc. Excessive compounds residues will have a bad influence on human health and the environment. Thus, it is extremely urgent that can detect the small molecules simultaneously. At present, many researches of simultaneous detection for small molecules using the method of an immunoassays have been reported thanks to its advantages of fast speed, simple operation, and high specificity. The small molecules have only one antigenic determinant, so the competitive immunoassay is the main method for small molecule compounds detection. In this paper, our main job is to describe the development of immunoassay for multi-residue detection of small molecule compounds and introduce three ways to complete the analysis of multi-residue immunoassay of small molecule compounds. We also summarize deficiencies and make an expectation of the immunoassays.

Background/aims: The pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to explore the possible effect of HDAC3 (histone deacetylase) on cytokines IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α in ICP. Methods: Serum levels of cytokines IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α, bile acids and hepatic function parameters were measured. The expression of HDAC3 in the placenta was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting and RT-PCR. Results: IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α serum levels were significantly higher in the severe ICP group than in the mild ICP group and the control group, and the difference between the mild ICP group and control group was not significant. HDAC3 protein expression was identified in the nucleus of the placental trophoblast by IHC. HDAC3 mRNA and protein expression were significantly lower in the ICP groups (mild ICP and severe ICP groups) than in the control groups, and no significant difference was found between the mild ICP and severe ICP groups. Conclusions: The low expression of HDAC3 and overexpession of inflammatory cytokines (IL-18, IL-12 and TNF-α) in ICP may be involved in liver cell apoptosis. We suspect that HDAC3 may play an important role in the pathophysiology of ICP.

Abstract Many studies on Lijiang Old Town, the World Heritage Site in China, criticise the negative impact that the rapid tourism development caused on its ‘outstanding universal value’. However, tourism is a very important driving force for the local development of heritage sites in poverty areas of developing countries. So how to balance the relationship between ‘heritage’, ‘community’ and ‘tourism’ is an important issue for human-inhabited World Heritage Sites in developing countries. The paper takes Lijiang as a case, introducing the huge changes of the ‘heritage’ and ‘community’ with the rapid tourism development since it was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1997. It points out that since 2002, according to the social and economic development status then, Lijiang has redefined its general goals to protect its authenticity and integrity as a World Heritage Site, to improve the living condition, to guarantee the interests of local people, and to enhance harmonious social development. A series of public policies have been designed and implemented to integrate heritage conservation with local development. Based on data analysis, field investigation and questionnaire survey, the paper analyses this intervention process and the experience and lessons of it, providing certain reference for the conservation and sustainable development of human-inhabited World Heritage Sites.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the relations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions with fetal brain injury in rats with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Methods: Sixty rats pregnant for 15 days were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The ICP model was established in experimental group. On the 21st day, the blood biochemical test, histopathological examination of pregnant rat liver and fetal brain tissues and immunohistochemical analysis of fetal rat brain tissues were performed. Results: On the 21st day, the alanineaminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bile acid levels in experimental group were significantly higher than control group (P

The purpose of this study was to examine how culture shapes creativity by reviewing empirical findings across diverse studies. The impact of culture on creativity is typically manifested in three ways: (1) people from different cultures or settings have distinct implicit and/or explicit conceptions of creativity; (2) individuals from different cultures, particularly those from individualist and collectivist cultures, show differences in preferred creative processes and creative processing modes (e.g., usefulness seems more important than novelty in the East, whereas novelty seems equally important as usefulness, if not more so, in the West) when they are engaged in creative endeavors; (3) creativity may be assessed using different measures based on culture-related contents or materials, and findings are accurate only when culturally appropriate or culturally fair measures are used. Potential implications and future directions are also proposed.

Joints between diaphragm wall panels are weak spots in wall construction. It is essential that potential leak sites are detected prior to excavation. In this study, a novel leak detection and monitoring system is presented that is based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology. A field study was performed in a deep excavation supported by diaphragm walls (in Hohhot, China) to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Two schemes were trialed; one using pipes made of stainless steel, and one used a pipeless method. The results of the field study are presented and discussed. They show that potential leak sites in the wall joints could be determined prior to excavation using the proposed detection method. Stainless steel is a good material to use to make the detection tube because it can protect the FBG sensors and heating belts from damage and is more sensitive to water leakage. The field study provides good evidence for the feasibility of the new detection system. It also provides valuable experience for the field application of the system and has generated useful data to use in follow-up work.

Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD‐MSCs) have been shown to ameliorate hyperglycemia in diabetic animals and individuals. However, little is known about whether AD‐MSCs affect lipid metabolism. Here we have demonstrated for the first time that AD‐MSC infusion can significantly suppress the increase in body weight and remarkably improve dyslipidemia in db/db obese mice and diet‐induced obesity mice. Induction of white fat tissue “browning” and activation of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase and its downstream hormone‐sensitive lipase in adipose tissue contribute to the antiobesity and lipid‐lowering effects. Thus, AD‐MSC infusion holds great therapeutic potential for dyslipidemia and associated cardiovascular diseases.

A new form of retaining system for use in deep excavations in crowded cities is proposed in this paper. The new system, which we have coined the herringbone retaining system (HRS) involves the use of vertical and batter piles, capping beams, and wales. A numerical study was conducted (using the finite difference tool FLAC3D) to investigate various aspects of the behavior of the new system and reveal the mechanisms responsible for it. The HRS method was compared subsequently to two other commonly-used systems: the cantilever retaining structure (CRS) and horizontal-strutted retaining structure (HSRS). The results show that using the HRS method significantly reduces the deformation of the vertical piles and bending moments acting on them. More specifically, the maximum values of the deformation and bending moment were calculated to be 4.5% and 23.1% of the corresponding CRS values, respectively (the corresponding figures calculated for the HSRS method are 5.3% and 19.7%, respectively), so the HRS and HSRS methods provide similar levels of support. Finally, a real-world application of the system was presented to provide a valuable reference for the future use of HRS.