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Dexamethasone intravitreal implant(Ozurdex)is approved for the treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and non-infectious uveitis. It has also been reported to treat macular edema after intraocular surgery and macular edema secondary to other inflammation-related ocular fundus diseases. With the widespread application of dexamethasone intravitreal implant, uncommon complications such as migration of dexamethasone intravitreal implant into the anterior chamber are gradually receiving attention. Anterior chamber migration of dexamethasone intravitreal implant usually occurs in the eyes with an incomplete complex of suspensory ligament and lens capsule or after vitrectomy. After dexamethasone intravitreal implant migrates into the anterior chamber, it tends to sink to a lower angle, resembling hypopyon, causing vision impairment and eye pain, accompanied by corneal edema and intraocular hypertension. If corneal edema occurs, dexamethasone intravitreal implant should be repositioned or removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of corneal endothelial decompensation. Miosis and avoiding predispositions, such as lying prone, jumping, or long flights, can prevent dexamethasone intravitreal implant from migrating into the anterior chamber. In this paper, the recent advances in anterior chamber migration of dexamethasone intravitreal implant are reviewed to provide a reference for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Abstract Destructive periodontitis destroys alveolar bone and eventually leads to tooth loss. While guided bone regeneration, which is based on creating a physical barrier to hinder the infiltration of epithelial and connective tissues into defect sites, has been widely used for alveolar bone regeneration, its outcomes remain variable. In this work, a multifunctional nanofibrous hollow microsphere (NFHMS) is developed for enhanced alveolar bone regeneration. The NFHMS is first prepared via combining a double emulsification and a thermally induced phase separation process. Next, E7, a short peptide with high specific affinity to bone marrow‐derived stem cells (BMSCs), is conjugated onto the surface of NFHMS. After that, bone forming peptide (BFP), a short peptide derived from bone morphology protein 7 is loaded in calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles, which are further encapsulated in the hollow space of the NFHMS‐E7 to form NFHMS‐E7‐CaP/BFP. The NFHMS‐E7‐CaP/BFP selectively promoted the adhesion of BMSCs and expelled the adhesion of fibroblasts and epithelial cells. In addition, the BFP is sustainedly released from the NFHMS‐E7‐CaP/BFP to enhance the osteogenesis of BMSCs. A rat challenging fenestration defect model showed that the NFHMS‐E7‐CaP/BFP significantly enhanced alveolar bone tissue regeneration. This work provides a novel bioengineering approach for guided bone regeneration.

Intestinal barrier is an important basis for intestinal function, which can strictly control the exchange of substances between the host and the external environment. An intact intestianl barrier is also the guardian of human health. In this study, the protective effect of corn protein hydrolysate with glutamine-rich peptides (APH) on intestinal epithelial cell barrier was evaluated in Caco-2 cell inflammatory damage model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Then, the sequences of glutamine peptides in APH were identified by Nano LC-MS/MS, and the structural characteristics of the identified glutamine peptides were analyzed. The results showed that the hydrolysate effectively alleviated LPS-induced cell damage and decreased the inflammatory response by down-regulating the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1β) and up-regulating the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Moreover, the hydrolysate also up-regulated the gene expression of three tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1) to maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. More importantly, the hydrolysate protected the intestinal barrier function via down-regulating the key genes expression (TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB) in the NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibiting the overexpression of MLCK gene in the MLCK signaling pathway. Finally, 374 corn glutamine peptides were identified from APH, and their structural characteristics showed that corn glutamine peptides had high affinity with membrane proteins. Taken together, these results indicated that APH has excellent potential to protect intestinal barrier function and can be developed into a functional health food.

ObjectiveTo utilize whole genome sequencing to comprehensively compare and analyze the genomic characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes （L. monocytogenes） and Listeria innocua （L. innocua） isolated from commercially available foods in Gansu Province.MethodsDuring 2021 and 2022， 25 strains of L. monocytogenes and 7 strains of L. innocua were isolated from commercially available food sources within Gansu Province and subjected to whole genome sequencing for phylogenetic lineage， clonal complex （CC）， sequence type （ST）， virulence gene， resistance gene， and pan-genome analyses.ResultsThe 32 Listeria strains examined could be classified into three distinct groups： L. monocytogenes lineages Ⅰ and Ⅱ and L. innocua. Considering their CC types， further subdivision into 10 subgroups was observed for L. monocytogenes， whereas L. innocua had 5 subgroups. Core genome multi-locus sequence typing effectively differentiated strains with different CC types within each lineage， with lineage Ⅰ showing a closer evolutionary relationship with L. innocua. All 25 L. monocytogenes strains carried Listeria pathogenicity island 1 （LIPI-1） and internalin genes； none carried LIPI-3， and 2 strains of ST87 carried LIPI-4. Conversely， none of the seven strains of L. innocua carried LIPI-1 or internalin genes； however， they all carried LIPI-4， and 5 carried LIPI-3. Among the L. monocytogenes strains， 16 carried surface sensory island 1 （SSI-1）， and 3 carried SSI-2； all 7 L. innocua strains did not carry SSI-1， but 6 of them carried SSI-2. The pan-genome size of L. monocytogenes increased linearly with the number of sequenced genomes. Upon reaching 15 strains， the number of core genes stabilized at 2 272， accounting for 46.2% of the pan-genome genes. Furthermore， 1 487 common core genes were shared between the 25 L. monocytogenes strains and 7 L. innocua strains， with the count tending to stabilize when the strain count reached 10.ConclusionMulti-locus sequence typing of the core genome can effectively distinguish among Listeria strains originating from different lineages and CCs. The similarity in the biochemical characteristics of L. monocytogenes and L. innocua is due to their close genetic relationship， while the differences in their pathogenicity can be attributed to the presence of certain virulence genes in L. monocytogenes.

Objective The International Medical Services Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) has gradually promoted the concept and practice of palliative care since 2016. This study aims to analyze the death status of end-of-life patients before and after the promotion endeavor, in order to evaluate the impact of palliative care on the death quality. Methods All clinical data from end-of-life patients who died at the International Medical Services Department of PUMCH in 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively collected, and their diagnosis and treatment details before death were compared. Results A total of 36 end-of-life patients who died in 2013 and 37 end-of-life patients who died in 2019 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In 2013, there were 19 males and 17 females, with an average age of (72.1±14.0) years, and 19 cases had advanced cancer. In 2019, there were 19 males and 18 females, with an average age of (70.8±15.3) years, and 27 cases had advanced cancer. Compared to patients who died in 2013, a lower proportion of the patients in 2019 who were transferred to the ICU before death(0 vs. 22.2%, P=0.008), received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (0 vs. 16.7%, P=0.011), had tracheal intubation(5.4% vs. 36.1%, P=0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation(2.7% vs. 33.3%, P=0.001), and total parenteral nutrition(32.4% vs. 61.1%, P=0.014), while a higher proportion received palliative care consultations(29.7% vs. 0, P

Abstract Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most prevalent form of atopic disease. Undaria pinnatifida has potent antioxidative, antidiabetic, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Aims We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Undaria pinnatifida extract (UPE) on allergic inflammation in an AR mouse model. Materials & Methods Mice were sensitized and intranasally challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg‐related cytokines and histopathology were exanimated after UPE treatments. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed using serum samples and NALF to detect OVA‐specific immunoglobulins and inflammatory cytokines. Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were measured by western blotting analysis, and an in vitro study measured mast cell activation induced by compound 48/80. Results After UPE treatment, nasal and lung allergy symptoms, nasal mucosal swelling, and goblet cell hyperplasia were ameliorated. Oral UPE regulated the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cell differentiation in AR mice in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, UPE attenuated the migration of eosinophils and mast cells to the nasal mucosa by suppressing nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB)/MAPKs. The levels of anti‐OVA IgE and IgG1 were also decreased. Discussion UPE inhibited inflammation by regulating the NF‐κB/MAPKs signaling pathway and supressing the activation of critical immune cells such as eosinophils and mast cells. Conclusion UPE may have therapeutic potential for AR.

The advent of informatization and intelligent systems in education holds substantial practical importance. This study focuses on evaluating the application effects of an AI tutoring model in extralinguistic learning, using a middle school as a case study. Two parallel classes were selected to design teaching experiments aimed at assessing the AI tutoring model’s efficacy by comparing students’ language performance before and after its implementation. Furthermore, factors influencing the willingness to use the AI tutoring model were identified, leading to the construction of a structural equation model and the formulation and testing of related hypotheses. Results indicate that the AI tutoring model significantly enhances students’ language learning outcomes, with a performance increase of 12.02 points post-instruction, which is 10.19 points higher than that observed in the control group. Variables such as performance expectation, hedonic motivation, willingness to communicate, and interaction with AI demonstrated a positive and significant impact on attitudes (p < 0.05). They indirectly fostered a sustained desire to engage with the AI tutoring model. This research offers valuable insights for the future effective integration of AI into extralinguistic educational contexts.

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a widely cultivated legume and an enriched source of edible oil and protein. Membrane Attack Complex/Perforin Domain-Containing Proteins (MACPFs) played significant roles in plant growth and biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we performed a genome-wide scanning for the putative GmMACPFs and a total of 20 GmMACPFs were identified in soybean. The conserved domain and phylogenetic analysis of MACPF showed the evolutionary diversification of MACPF genes family among legumes. The GmMACPFs protein characteristics were predicted, including theoretical molecular weight (38.06 to 68.38 kDa), protein isoelectric point (6.61 to 9.41), subcellular localization (nucleus, cytoplasm or mitochondria) and various TFs binding sites. GmMACPFs are located on 12 chromosomes out of a total 20 chromosomes in soybean. The 2 kb promoter analysis revealed that GmMACPFs contains a large number of phytohormones and stress responsive cis-acting elements (CAE) and transcription factor binding sites. We explored the 3D protein structure of GmMACPFs, their posttranscriptional regulators especially abiotic stress responsive miRNAs, and the evolutionary relationship among different legumes and Arabidopsis. GmMACPFs expression pattern was retrieved from RNA-seq libraries for tissue specific and under various abiotic stresses in soybean. According to the results, GmMACPF genes exhibited spatiotemporal, tissue, development stage and abiotic stress specific expression patterns in soybean. Our RT-qPCR analysis indicates the antagonistic expression pattern between GmmiRNA-GmMACPF modules under cold, salt, drought and heat stresses. Transient over expression of GmmiRNA169o-GmMACPF-9 module in soybean hairy root and biochemical analysis showed that GmmiRNA169o-OE plants accumulated less reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and accumulated higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) to enhance cold stress tolerance. These results enriched our knowledge of the functions of GmmiRNA169o and GmMACPF-9 and provided candidate miRNAs-GmMACPFs modules especially GmmiRNA169o for environmental stress resilient soybean breeding through genetic engineering.

Objective·To identify the causative gene and mutations and describe the clinical traits in a Chinese diabetes pedigree suspected of Wolfram syndrome.Methods·A total of 12 subjects from one family were included. The proband was admitted to the Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, for the first time in May 2013. Then he visited the hospital for follow-up in July 2022 and in April 2023, respectively. The other members of this family included the proband′s sister, father, mother, paternal grandfather, paternal grandmother, uncle, aunt, as well as maternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, and two brothers of the proband′s mother. Clinical data of all subjects were collected. The whole exome sequencing was used to screen the pathogenic genes and mutation sites of six members of the family, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the above results. Effects of the mutation of the pathogenic gene WFS1 in Wolfram syndrome on the function of the wolframin protein were evaluated by bioinformatics softwares, including CADD, DANN, MetaSVM, Polyphen-2, SIFT and M-CAP. The three-dimensional structures of wild-type and mutant wolframin proteins were constructed with Swiss-Model software, and visualized with PyMOL software. Cluster Omega software was used for evaluating species conservation of WFS1 gene mutation sites. JNetPRED software was used for online prediction of wolframin protein secondary structure.Results·The proband and his sister both carried R558H and S411Cfs*131 mutations, two compound heterozygous mutations of the Wolfram syndrome pathogenic gene WFS1. The proband′s father and parental grandfather both carried the R558H mutation, while the proband′s mother and maternal grandfather both carried the S411Cfs*131 mutation. The R558H mutation was a rare missense mutation, and the S411Cfs*131 mutation was a novel frameshift mutation. Bioinformatics analysis softwares predicted that the R558H mutation located in the α-helical structure of the wolframin protein. This mutation was a damage mutation and the amino acid sequence of the mutation region was highly conservative among 12 species with varying degrees of evolution, including humans.Conclusion·Two causative mutations of WFS1 gene are identified in a Chinese diabetes pedigree by whole exome sequencing. The study supplements the existing genotype and phenotype profiles of Wolfram syndrome, which can realize early diagnosis of diabetes pedigrees and help in performing timely follow-up of patients, so as to achieve early intervention and treatment of this disease.

Objective: To predict the active components and action targets of Wuyao (Linderae Radix) in the treatment of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID) based on network pharmacology, explore possible mechanisms of the treatment through animal experiments, and provide a scientific basis for clinical applications of Wuyao (Linderae Radix). Methods: Possible active components and targets of Wuyao (Linderae Radix) in the treatment of CPID were obtained applying network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. CPID rat models were established using the mixed Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Ureaplasma urealyticum plus the performance of mechanical injury. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was applied to observe the pathological changes in the uterus, fallopian tube, and spleens of rat models. The contents of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum of rats were determined with the use of corresponding detection kits. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used to measure the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 in the serum of rat models. Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of CD4+ and CD8a+ T cells as well as CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the spleen of rat models. Results: A total of nine potential active components and four core therapeutic targets related to inflammatory response in Wuyao (Linderae Radix) were obtained. The animal experiments showed that Wuyao (Linderae Radix) markedly inhibited uterus swelling, regulated morphological changes in the fallopian tube and spleen, effectively reduced inflammatory infiltration and injuries in the uterus and fallopian tube, and improved spleen functions in CPID rats. Moreover, Wuyao (Linderae Radix) markedly reduced the levels of NO, IL-6, and MDA, and increased the levels of IL-10 and SOD in the serum of rats. Wuyao (Linderae Radix) also elevated the percentage of CD4+ T cells and the CD4+ T/CD8a+ T cell ratio, reduced the percentage of CD8a+ T cells, and raised the percentage of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs that had been abnormally decreased in rat models (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Wuyao (Linderae Radix) could have therapeutic effects on CPID rats by relieving oxidative stress, mitigating inflammatory levels, and regulating the immuno-function of T cell subgroups to improve the pathological changes in CPID rats. It is a medicinal herb worth being further explored for its clinical values.

Owing to the rising demand for vegetable soybean products, there is an increasing need for high-yield soybean varieties. However, the complex correlation patterns among quantitative traits with genetic architecture pose a challenge for improving vegetable soybean through breeding. Herein, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was applied to 6 yield-related traits in 188 vegetable soybean accessions. Using a BLINK model, a total of 116 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified for plant height, pod length, pod number, pod thickness, pod width, and fresh pod weight. Furthermore, a total of 220 genes were found in the 200 kb upstream and downstream regions of significant SNPs, including 11 genes encoding functional proteins. Among them, four candidate genes, Glyma.13G109100, Glyma.03G183200, Glyma.09G102200, and Glyma.09G102300 were analyzed for significant haplotype variations and to be in LD block, which encode MYB-related transcription factor, auxin-responsive protein, F-box protein, and CYP450, respectively. The relative expression of candidate genes in V030 and V071 vegetable soybean (for the plant height, pod number, and fresh pod weight of V030 were lower than those of the V071 strains) was significantly different, and these genes could be involved in plant growth and development via various pathways. Altogether, we identified four candidate genes for pod yield and plant height from vegetable soybean germplasm. This study provides insights into the genomic basis for improving soybean and crucial genomic resources that can facilitate genome-assisted high-yielding vegetable soybean breeding.

A novel fibrinolytic enzyme was produced by the liquid fermentation of Coprinus comatus. The enzyme was purified from the culture supernatant by hydrophobic interactions, gel filtration, and ion exchange chromatographies. It was purified by 241.02-fold, with a specific activity of 3619 U/mg and a final yield of 10.02%. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the purity of the enzyme, showing a single band with a molecular weight of 19.5 kDa. The first nine amino acids of the N-terminal of the purified enzyme were A-T-Y-T-G-G-S-Q-T. The enzyme exhibited optimal activity at a temperature of 42 °C and pH 7.6. Its activity was significantly improved by Zn2+, K+, Ca2+, Mn2+, and Mg2+ while being inhibited by Fe2+, Fe3+, Al2+, and Ba2+. The activity of the enzyme was completely inhibited by ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and it was also dose-dependently inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and soy trypsin inhibitor (SBTI). However, inhibitors such as N-α-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), aprotinin, and pepstatin did not significantly affect its activity, suggesting that the enzyme was a serine-like metalloproteinase. The enzyme acted as both a plasmin-like fibrinolytic enzyme and a plasminogen activator, and it also exhibited the capability to hydrolyze fibrinogen and fibrin. In vitro, it demonstrated the ability to dissolve blood clots and exhibit anticoagulant properties. Furthermore, it was found that the enzyme prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT), and reduced the levels of fibrinogen (FIB) and prothrombin activity (PA). Based on these studies, the enzyme has great potential to be developed as a natural agent for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Abstract Partial discharge (PD) detection is essential in assessing the insulation state of electrical equipment. However, PD signals are often overwhelmed by interference, resulting in inaccurate detection results. Aiming at this problem, this study proposes a PD detection method based on singular value decomposition (SVD) and improved spectral subtraction. First, the test signal is constructed as a Hankel matrix, which is used as a trajectory matrix for the SVD. Next, the singular value mutation point in the feature matrix is set as the threshold for removing the narrowband interference (NBI), and a signal containing only white noise is obtained. Finally, the improved spectral subtraction is used to remove white noise and improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). The method proposed herein, along with the variational mode decomposition, the empirical mode decomposition, and the improved threshold wavelet method, are applied to the processing of PD signals. Also, the SNR value, waveform similarity coefficient, and mean square error of the denoizing signal of the four algorithms were calculated, considering the noise suppression and feature preservation abilities. The simulation and measurement results show that the SVD‐spectral subtraction method has a strong suppression effect on narrow‐band interference and white noise. Compared with other algorithms, this method can significantly improve the execution efficiency and has great application prospects.

In order to explore the protective effect of corn protein hydrolysate on intestinal barrier function, corn gluten meal was used as raw material and Alcalase was used as catalyst for enzymatic hydrolysis in current study. The effects of different enzymatic hydrolysis conditions on the content of glutamine in the hydrolysate were investigated, and the optimum hydrolysis system of corn protein was established. Then the sodium dextran sulfate was used as inducer to construct colitis model, and the alleviating effect of corn protein hydrolysate on colitis in mice was systematically evaluated. The results showed that the optimum hydrolysis conditions for Alcalase were a temperature of 64 ℃, hydrolysis time of 2.5 h, amount of enzyme of 1300 U/g. Under such condition, the content of glutamine in the hydrolysate could reach 8.79%. Corn protein hydrolysate (375 and 625 mg/kg·bw) significantly improved weight loss in colitis mice, reduced the colonic shortening and the disease activity index, diminished the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colonic tissue, regulated the level of inflammatory cytokines, and played a good role in relieving colitis in mice. This study would provide theoretical basis for expanding high-value utilization of corn gluten meal and developing functional food for intestinal protection.

Objective: This study aimed to optimize the wet processing of coffee. Methods: The effects of pectinase concentration, temperature and drying method on the contents of flavor precursors and flavor substances in coffee beans were investigated. The quality ranking was obtained by grey correlation analysis and the volatile substances were analyzed. Results: There were significant differences in the contents of protein, crude fat, caffeic acid, caffeine, chlorogenic acid and volatile compounds among different pectinase concentration, temperature, sun drying and heat pump drying. Grey correlation analysis showed that the quality ranking of coffee in the 2% pectinase + 27 ℃+ sun-drying treatment group was the first. The protein content in green coffee beans was 14.04%, the crude fat content was 9.05%, the caffeic acid content in roasted coffee beans was 1.05 mg/g, the caffeine content was 1.41%, and the chlorogenic acid content was 13.89 mg/g. The relative contents of the main volatile substances esters and acids were 40.87 μg/g and 7.62 μg/g, respectively. Conclusion: The comprehensive quality of coffee obtained by 2% pectinase + 27 ℃ + sun-drying was the best.

Solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) are one of the most common chest computed tomography (CT) abnormalities clinically. We aimed to investigate the value of non-contrast enhanced CT (NECT), contrast enhanced CT (CECT), CT perfusion imaging (CTPI), and dual- energy CT (DECT) used for differentiating benign and malignant SPNs with a multi-institutional and prospective study.

Chaenomeles sinensis has traditionally been used as an herbal medicine due to its characteristics that protect against inflammation, hypertension, and mutagenesis. However, the effect of Chaenomeles sinensis extract (CSE) on allergic rhinitis (AR) and its underlying mechanisms have yet to be thoroughly investigated. The current study explored the likely effect of CSE on AR in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model. To this end, OVA-specific immunoglobulins, nasal symptoms, cytokine production, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, and nasal histopathology were assessed to determine the role of CSE against AR. The supplementation of CSE was found to suppress OVA-specific IgE, while OVA-specific IgG2a was increased in the serum. Further, CSE ameliorated the production of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines whereas it increased Th1 cytokine levels in nasal lavage fluid. Moreover, the CSE treatment group exhibited significant inhibition of IL-33/ST2 signaling. Subsequently, CES reversed the OVA-induced enhancement of epithelial permeability and upregulated E-cadherin, thus indicating that CES plays a protective role on epithelial barrier integrity. Altogether, the oral administration of CSE effectively controlled allergic response by restricting the buildup of inflammatory cells, enhancing nasal and lung histopathological traits, and regulating cytokines associated with inflammation. Collectively, the results show that the supplementation of CSE at different doses effectively regulated AR, thus suggesting the therapeutic efficiency of CSE in suppressing airway diseases.

In response to the difficulty of measuring fluid pH values in high-acidity, high-pressure, hightemperature, and complex ion environments, this paper proposes a predictive model for in-situ pH values in high-acidity environments. The model considers the influences of eleven factors, including ORP potential, temperature, and pressure, and is capable of calculating the pH value of fluids incorporating the following factors: pressure, temperature, Na+ ion concentration, K+ ion concentration, Ca2+ ion concentration, Mg2+ ion concentration, Cl- ion concentration, HCO3- ion concentration, H2S concentration, CO2 concentration, and ORP potential. Furthermore, the model is optimized to possess variable adaptability, allowing compatibility with cases involving fewer than eleven influencing factors. Test results demonstrate that the predictive model for in-situ pH values in high-acidity environments exhibits high precision, with a maximum prediction error of 6.32%, a minimum of 1.19%, and an average prediction error of 4%. Compared to other existing models, it considers a more comprehensive set of factors, providing a mathematical approach to pH prediction that holds significance for corrosion control in oil and gas pipeline industries.

Sr(OH)2 is an indispensable strontium compound extensively harnessed in sugar refining, strontium lubricating wax formulation, and polymer plastic stabilization. Sr(OH)2·8H2O is the prevalent hydrate form of Sr(OH)2. Deprived of moisture via vacuum drying, Sr(OH)2 can be procured from Sr(OH)2·8H2O. Sr(OH)2·8H2O particles with larger sizes exhibit impressive attributes such as facile solid–liquid divergence, elevated product purity, expedient drying, and resilience to agglomeration, which have garnered significant interest. Given the superior quality of the product and the dependability of the process, process analytical technology (PAT) has been extensively employed in the pharmaceutical sector, rendering it feasible to employ PAT to fabricate large-particle Sr(OH)2·8H2O crystals. This study utilizes industrial SrCO3 to prepare high-purity Sr(OH)2·8H2O with a purity of over 99.5%. The growth process of single crystals was observed using a hot-stage microscope, and the growth process of large-particle Sr(OH)2·8H2O was optimized and regulated online using PAT. The optimal process conditions were optimized, and large-particle Sr(OH)2·8H2O crystals were obtained by adding crystal seeds. On this basis, we proposed a seed control mechanism for Sr(OH)2·8H2O.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of cold storage temperature on the quality of plant-based bacon. Methods: The effect of cold storage temperature (-40, -20, 4 ℃) on texture characteristics, cooking loss, water activity, protein content, total number of colonies and microstructure of plant-based bacon were investigated, and the optimal cold storage conditions of plant-based bacon were explored. Results: During the period of refrigeration (0~30 d), the hardness, cooking loss rate and number of microorganisms of plant-based bacon increased, while the water activity decreased with the extension of refrigeration time. As refrigerated temperatures dropped, the plant-based bacon became more structurally stable and lose less water, retaining a higher percentage of protein and a lower microbial population. Conclusion: The optimum refrigeration temperature of plant-based bacon is -40 ℃.

ABSTRACTPlants are considered as sessile organisms that cannot avoid adverse environmental conditions and developed complex signaling networks composed of different pathways. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are key regulators of various plant processes, including the responses to abiotic stresses. WRKY TFs are one of the largest family of transcriptional regulators found in plants. WRKY TFs act as molecular switches that modulate the expression of stress-responsive genes. Stress-induced WRKY TFs expression modulated by a complex transcriptional regulatory network that maintain the proper balance between growth, development, and stress responses. WRKY TFs typically interact with the W-box [TGACC(A/T)] of the target gene promoter to activate the expression of downstream genes. These TFs are associated in the regulation of different physiological processes. Overexpression of various WRKY genes faces the paradox of having various significant effects. These overexpression-associated undesirable phenotypes must be identified and removed for proper plant development. The present review summarized the recent development of various WRKY TFs during adverse environmental conditions as well as their role in plant growth, development and productivity for sustainable agriculture in near future.

This review summarized the latest research progress on the active components and comprehensive utilization of R. chingii Hu, and points out that the active components and functional characteristics of R. chingii Hu should be further explored, and it should be widely used in the fields of medical care, food and daily chemical products.

The increasing sodium salts (NaCl, NaHCO3, NaSO4 etc.) in agricultural soil is a serious global concern for sustainable agricultural production and food security. Soybean is an important food crop, and their cultivation is severely challenged by high salt concentration in soils. Classical transgenic and innovative breeding technologies are immediately needed to engineer salt tolerant soybean plants. Additionally, unfolding the molecular switches and the key components of the soybean salt tolerance network are crucial for soybean salt tolerance improvement. Here we review our understandings of the core salt stress response mechanism in soybean. Recent findings described that salt stress sensing, signalling, ionic homeostasis (Na+/K+) and osmotic stress adjustment might be important in regulating the soybean salinity stress response. We also evaluated the importance of antiporters and transporters such as Arabidopsis K+ Transporter 1 (AKT1) potassium channel and the impact of epigenetic modification on soybean salt tolerance. We also review key phytohormones, and osmo-protectants and their role in salt tolerance in soybean. In addition, we discuss the progress of omics technologies for identifying salt stress responsive molecular switches and their targeted engineering for salt tolerance in soybean. This review summarizes recent progress in soybean salt stress functional genomics and way forward for molecular breeding for developing salt-tolerant soybean plant.

Backgroud The biological effect of phototherapy, which involves using visible light for disease treatment, has attracted recent attention, especially in dermatological practice. Light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation increases dermal collagen level and reduces inflammation. It has been suggested that thermal therapy and LED irradiation can modulate inflammatory processes. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of thermal therapy and LED irradiation. Objective This study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of thermal therapy combined with LED irradiation on trimellitic anhydride (TMA)-induced acute contact hypersensitivity (CHS) mouse model. Methods Twenty-four BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the following groups: Vehicle group, TMA group, TMA + alternating thermal therapy group (Alternating group), and TMA + alternating + LED group (LED group). Ear swelling was measured based on the thickness of ear before and after each TMA challenge. Vascular permeability was evaluated by the extravasation of Evans blue dye. Serum IgE level, Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, and related transcription factors were measured using ELISA kits, and histological examination was illustrated in ear tissue. Results The LED group showed reduction in ear swelling response, vascular permeability, serum IgE levels, Th2/Th17 cytokine levels, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, the LED group showed increased Th1 cytokine levels. Conclusions These results indicate that thermal therapy combined with LED irradiation alleviated TMA-induced acute CHS in the mouse model. Thermal therapy and phototherapy should be considered as a novel therapeutic tool for the treatment of skin inflammation.

ABSTRACT: Diacetyl and acetoin are key aroma components of fermented milk but are produced in low concentrations by starter cultures. In this study, we expressed NADH oxidase, acetolactate synthase, and inactivated acetolactate decarboxylase in Lacticaseibacillus casei TCS to generate recombinant L. casei strains, and investigated the effects of the genes encoding these enzymes on diacetyl and acetoin production during milk fermentation. In the single-gene recombinant strains tested, diacetyl concentrations were highest in milk fermented by L. casei TCSI-nox (nox gene overexpressed, 3.68 mg/kg), whereas acetoin concentrations were highest in milk fermented by L. casei TCS-ΔalsD (alsD gene deleted, 32.94 mg/kg). Moreover, diacetyl and acetoin concentrations were higher in the inducible strains than in the corresponding constitutive strains (e.g., TCSI-nox vs. TCSC-nox, and TCSI-ΔalsD-nox vs. TCSC-ΔalsD-nox). This phenomenon was also reflected in the protein expression levels and enzyme activities. In the double-gene recombinant strains tested, the highest concentrations of diacetyl and acetoin were produced by L. casei TCSI-ΔalsD-nox (nox overexpressed and alsD deleted, 4.66 mg/kg, 69.62 mg/kg, respectively). The triple-gene recombinant L. casei TCS-ΔalsD-nox-alsS produced the highest concentrations of diacetyl and acetoin, which were 2.38 and 11.19 times, respectively, the concentrations produced by the original strain. These results show that the nox, alsS, and alsD genes make key contributions to the biosynthesis of diacetyl and acetoin by L. casei. The modification of multiple genes had a synergistic effect, leading to greatly increased synthesis of diacetyl and acetoin by L. casei during its fermentation of milk.

This work demonstrates a safe and scalable electrochemical CO2 separation method that allows promisingly low (62 kJ/molCO2) energetic cost at a high current density, and it can be used for direct air capture when a suitable molecule is used.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a predominant cause of death and permanent disability globally. In recent years, much emphasis has been laid on treatments for TBI. Increasing evidence suggests that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) can improve neurological repair after TBI. However, the clinical use of HUCMSCs transplantation in TBI has been limited by immunological rejection, ethical issues, and the risk of tumorigenicity. Many studies have shown that HUCMSCs-derived exosomes may be an alternative approach for HUCMSCs transplantation. We hypothesized that exosomes derived from HUCMSCs could inhibit apoptosis after TBI, reduce neuroinflammation, and promote neurogenesis. A rat model of TBI was established to investigate the efficiency of neurological recovery with exosome therapy. We found that exosomes derived from HUCMSCs significantly ameliorated sensorimotor function and spatial learning in rats after TBI. Moreover, HUCMSCs-derived exosomes significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, we found that HUCMSC-derived exosomes inhibited neuronal apoptosis, reduced inflammation, and promoted neuron regeneration in the injured cortex of rats after TBI. These results indicate that HUCMSCs-derived exosomes may be a promising therapeutic strategy for TBI.

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is susceptible to low temperatures. Increasing lines of evidence indicate that abiotic stress-responsive genes are involved in plant low-temperature stress response. However, the involvement of photosynthesis, antioxidants and metabolites genes in low temperature response is largely unexplored in Soybean. In the current study, a genetic panel of diverse soybean varieties was analyzed for photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf injury parameters under cold stress and control conditions. This helps us to identify cold tolerant (V100) and cold sensitive (V45) varieties. The V100 variety outperformed for antioxidant enzymes activities and relative expression of photosynthesis (Glyma.08G204800.1, Glyma.12G232000.1), GmSOD (GmSOD01, GmSOD08), GmPOD (GmPOD29, GmPOD47), trehalose (GmTPS01, GmTPS13) and cold marker genes (DREB1E, DREB1D, SCOF1) than V45 under cold stress. Upon cold stress, the V100 variety showed reduced accumulation of H2O2 and MDA levels and subsequently showed lower leaf injury compared to V45. Together, our results uncovered new avenues for identifying cold tolerant soybean varieties from a large panel. Additionally, we identified the role of antioxidants, osmo-protectants and their posttranscriptional regulators miRNAs such as miR319, miR394, miR397, and miR398 in Soybean cold stress tolerance.

The closure of Paleo-Asian Ocean is considered to have occurred along the Solonker Suture in the southernmost segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), the largest Phanerozoic accretionary orogen on the globe. The suture branches to the east to form the northern Hegenshan–Heihe Suture and the southern Solonker–Changchun Suture. The Hegenshan–Heihe Suture is an ideal natural laboratory for studying the post-collisional geodynamic processes operating in a soft collision zone driven by divergent double-sided subduction. Here we report results from an integrated study of the petrology, geochronology, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of the Early Carboniferous–Early Permian magmatic suite in the Hailar Basin of the Xing’an–Erguna Block. The Early Carboniferous igneous rocks are represented by 356–349 Ma andesitic tuffs, exhibiting typical subduction-related features, such as enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements and depletion in high-field-strength elements. These features, together with the relatively depleted Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions, constant Nb/Y values, but highly variable Rb/Y and Ba values indicate that these rocks were generated by partial melting of a depleted mantle wedge metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. The Late Carboniferous–Early Permian magmatic suite (317–295 Ma) is characterized by high Sr contents (313–1080 ppm) and low Y contents (5–13 ppm), and these can be subdivided into calc-alkaline adakitic rocks and high-K calc-alkaline adakitic rocks. The calc-alkaline adakitic rocks have higher values of Sr/Y, (Sm/Yb)source normalized, and Mg#, and lower values of Y, Ybsource normalized, and K2O/Na2O than the high-K calc-alkaline adakitic rocks, which suggests that the former was generated by partial melting of foundered lower continental crust and the latter by partial melting of normal lower continental crust. Based on our new data, in conjunction with those in previous studies, we conclude that the tectonic evolution of the Hegenshan–Heihe Suture involved Early Carboniferous double-sided subduction of the Nenjiang Ocean, latest Early Carboniferous soft collision between the Xing’an–Erguna and Songliao blocks, and Late Carboniferous–Early Permian post-collisional extension. We also propose a new geodynamic scenario in which removal of the lithospheric root might have occurred in a soft collision zone during the post-collision period via repeated and localized lithospheric dripping, which results from combined effects of hydration weakening of the lithosphere caused by pre-collision subduction and asthenospheric stirring triggered by slab break-off.

Abstract Background High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is widely employed in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) patients. However, the techniques for predicting HFNC outcome remain scarce. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched until April 20, 2021. We included the studies that evaluated the potential predictive value of ROX (respiratory rate-oxygenation) index for HFNC outcome. This meta-analysis determined sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic score, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and pooled area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. Results We assessed nine studies with 1933 patients, of which 745 patients experienced HFNC failure. This meta-analysis found that sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, diagnostic score, and DOR of ROX index in predicting HFNC failure were 0.67 (95% CI 0.57–0.76), 0.72 (95% CI 0.65–0.78), 2.4 (95% CI 2.0–2.8), 0.46 (95% CI 0.37–0.58), 1.65(95% CI 1.37–1.93), and 5.0 (95% CI 4.0–7.0), respectively. In addition, SROC was 0.75 (95% CI 0.71–0.79). Besides, our subgroup analyses revealed that ROX index had higher sensitivity and specificity for predicting HFNC failure in COVID-19 patients, use the cut-off value > 5, and the acquisition time of other times after receiving HFNC had a greater sensitivity and specificity when compared to 6 h. Conclusions This study demonstrated that ROX index could function as a novel potential marker to identify patients with a higher risk of HFNC failure. However, the prediction efficiency was moderate, and additional research is required to determine the optimal cut-off value and propel acquisition time of ROX index in the future. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021240607.

Fallopia japonica (Asian knotweed) is a medicinal herb traditionally used to treat inflammation, among other conditions. However, the effects of F. japonica root extract (FJE) on airway inflammation associated with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma (CARAS) and the related mechanisms have not been investigated. This study examined the effect of FJE against CARAS in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced CARAS mouse model. Six-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly segregated into six groups. Mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with OVA on days 1, 8, and 15, and administered saline, Dexamethasone (1.5 mg/kg), or FJE (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) once a day for 16 days. Nasal symptoms, inflammatory cells, OVA-specific immunoglobulins, cytokine production, mast cell activation, and nasal histopathology were assessed. Administration of FJE down-regulated OVA-specific IgE and up-regulated OVA-specific IgG2a in serum. FJE reduced the production of T helper (Th) type 2 cytokines, and the Th1 cytokine levels were enhanced in nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, FJE positively regulated allergic responses by reducing the accumulation of inflammatory cells, improving nasal and lung histopathological characteristics, and inhibiting inflammation-associated cytokines. FJE positively modulated the IL-33/TSLP/NF-B signaling pathway, which is involved in regulating inflammatory cells, immunoglobulin levels, and pro-inflammatory cytokines at the molecular level.

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease listed as one of the top global health problems. Phaeanthus vietnamensis BÂN is a well-known medicinal plant in Vietnam with its anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory potential, and gastro-protective properties. However, there is no study about P. vietnamensis extract (PVE) on asthma disease. Here, an OVA-induced asthma mouse model was established to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects and possible mechanisms of PVE. BALB/c mice were sensitized by injecting 50 μg OVA into the peritoneal and challenged by nebulization with 5% OVA. Mice were orally administered various doses of PVE once daily (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (Dex; 2.5 mg/kg) or Saline 1 h before the OVA challenge. The cell infiltrated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed; levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulins in serum, cytokines, and transcription factors in the BALF were measured, and lung histopathology was evaluated. PVE, especially PVE 200mg/kg dose, could improve asthma exacerbation by balancing the Th1/Th2 ratio, reducing inflammatory cells in BALF, depressing serum anti-specific OVA IgE, anti-specific OVA IgG1, histamine levels, and retrieving lung histology. Moreover, the PVE treatment group significantly increased the expressions of antioxidant enzymes Nrf2 and HO-1 in the lung tissue and the level of those antioxidant enzymes in the BALF, decreasing the oxidative stress marker MDA level in the BALF, leading to the relieving the activation of MAPK signaling in asthmatic condition. The present study demonstrated that Phaeanthus vietnamensis BÂN, traditionally used in Vietnam as a medicinal plant, may be used as an efficacious agent for treating asthmatic disease.

The Integrated Energy System (IES) can promote social energy transformation and low-carbon development, which is also an effective means to make contributions to energy structure optimization, energy consumption reduction, and new energy consumption. However, the IES has the characteristics of complex energy flow, and strong uncertainty with multi-agents. Therefore, traditional mathematical optimization models are difficult to comprehensively and accurately reflect the interest needs of different entities in the integrated energy microgrid. Aiming at this problem, a two-level collaborative control strategy model of “electricity-heat-gas” IES based on multi-agent deep reinforcement learning is proposed in this paper. The upper layer of this model is a multi-agent hybrid game decision-making model based on the Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient algorithm (MADDPG), and the lower layer contains the power and gas flow calculation model. The lower model provides the upper model with the energy flow data of the IES and the upper layer rewards the decision-making behavior of the agent based on the energy flow data provided by the lower layer. Effectively solving the high-dimensional nonlinear optimization problem existing in the complex coupling network, this method can improve the convergence and training speed of the model. In this paper, the IEEE 33-node distribution network and 20-node gas network coupling system are provided to verify the model. The simulation results show that the proposed collaborative control strategy method can provide effective decision-making for electric-agent and gas-agent and realize the efficient and economic operation of the integrated energy system.

The F-box gene family is one of the largest gene families in plants. These genes regulate plant growth and development, as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses, and they have been extensively researched. Drought stress is one of the major factors limiting the yield and quality of soybean. In this study, bioinformatics analysis of the soybean F-box gene family was performed, and the role of soybean F-box-like gene GmFBL144 in drought stress adaptation was characterized. We identified 507 F-box genes in the soybean genome database, which were classified into 11 subfamilies. The expression profiles showed that GmFBL144 was highly expressed in plant roots. Overexpression of GmFBL144 increased the sensitivity of transgenic Arabidopsis to drought stress. Under drought stress, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents of transgenic Arabidopsis were higher than those of the wild type (WT) and empty vector control, and the chlorophyll content was lower than that of the control. Y2H and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays showed that GmFBL144 can interact with GmsHSP. Furthermore, our results showed that GmFBL144 can form SCFFBL144 (E3 ubiquitin ligase) with GmSkp1 and GmCullin1. Altogether, these results indicate that the soybean F-box-like protein GmFBL144 may negatively regulate plant drought stress tolerance by interacting with sHSP. These findings provide a basis for molecular genetics and breeding of soybean.

Soybean frogeye leaf spot (FLS) is a worldwide fungal disease. Its higher occurrence frequency and wider distribution range always led to severe yield losses of soybean, therefore, breeding new cultivars with FLS resistance has been an important breeding goal for soybean breeders. In this study, an association panel of 183 representative soybean accessions was used to evaluate their resistance to FLS race 1, and to identify quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and candidate genes based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) and high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total of 23,156 high-quality SNPs were developed using the specific locus-amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) approach. Finally, 13 novel association signals associated with FLS race 1 resistance were identified by the compressed mixed linear model (CMLM). In addition, 119 candidate genes were found within the 200-kb flanking genomic region of these 13 peak SNPs. Based on the gene-based association analysis, haplotype analysis, expression pattern analysis, and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) systems, four genes (Glyma.05G121100, Glyma.17G228300, Glyma.19G006900, and Glyma.19G008700) were preliminarily proved to play an important role in the soybean resistance to FLS race 1.

Alkali-activated fly-ash–slag blending materials (AA-FASMs) are gradually being studied and applied more because of their good performance. There are many factors affecting the alkali-activated system, and the effect of single-factor variation on the performance of AA-FASM has been mostly reported; however, there is a lack of unified understanding of the mechanical properties and microstructure of AA-FASM under curing conditions and multiple-factor interaction. Therefore, this study investigated the compressive strength development and reaction products of alkali-activated AA-FASM under three curing conditions including seal (S), dry (D) and water saturation (W). Based on the response surface model, the relationship between the interaction of slag content (WSG), activator modulus (M) and activator dosage (RA) on its strength was established. The results showed that the maximum compressive strength of AA-FASM after 28 days of sealed curing was about 59 MPa, while the strengths of dry- and water-saturation-cured specimens decreased by 9.8% and 13.7%, respectively. The seal-cured samples also had the smallest mass change rate and linear shrinkage and the most compact pore structure. Due to the adverse effects from a too-high or too-low modulus and dosage of the activators, the shapes of upward convex, slope and inclined convex were under the interaction of WSG/M, WSG/RA and M/RA, respectively. The correlation coefficient R2 > 0.95 and p-value < 0.05 indicated that the proposed model could be used to predict strength development given the complex factors. Optimal proportioning and curing conditions were found to be WSG = 50%, M = 1.4, RA = 50% and sealed curing.

Abstract Background The neural networks underpinning language control and domain-general executive functions overlap in bilinguals, but existing evidence is mainly correlative. Here, we present the first neurofunctional evidence for a transfer effect between (domain-general) inhibitory control and language control through training. We trained Chinese–English bilinguals for 8 days using a Simon task taxing the inhibitory control system, whilst an active control group was trained with a color judgment task that does not tax the inhibitory control system. All participants performed a language-switching task before and after training. It has been suggested that the activity of the left DLPFC was associated with domain-general top-down cognitive control (Macdonald et al. Science 288: 1835–1838, 2000) and bilingual language control (Wang et al. Neuroimage 35: 862–870, 2007). In addition, the dACC was closely related to the conflict detection (Abutalebi et al. Cereb Cortex 18:1496–1505, 2008). Last, the activity of the left caudate has been linked with lexical selection (Abutalebi et al. Cereb Cortex 18:1496–1505, 2008), especially the selection of the weak language (Abutalebi et al. Cortex 49: 905–911, 2013). Therefore, we focused on these three regions of interest (ROIs) where neural changes associated with transfer were expected to occur. Results The results showed a negative correlation between changes in activation levels in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and changes in the switch cost magnitude in the language-switching task in the training group but not in the control group, suggesting that the DLPFC plays a critical role in the transfer effect from domain-general executive functions to language control. However, there was no measurable effect in the anterior cingulate cortex or left caudate nucleus, suggesting that the inhibitory control training increased the neural efficiency for language production in bilinguals in terms of attention shifting and conflict resolution, but the training did not affect conflict detection and lexical selection. Conclusion These findings showed how cognitive training evidence can help establish a causational link between the neural basis of domain-general executive functions and language control in bilinguals.

Isoflavones, one of the most important secondary metabolites produced by soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), are important for a variety of biological processes, and are beneficial for human health. To identify genetic loci underlying soybean isoflavone content, a mapping population containing 119 F5:18 recombinant inbred lines, derived by crossing soybean cultivar “Zhongdou27” with “Dongong8004,” was used. We identified 15 QTLs associated with isoflavone contents. A novel loci, qISO19-1, was mapped onto soybean chromosome 19 and was fine-mapped to a 62.8 kb region using a BC2F2 population. We considered GmMT1 as a candidate gene for the qISO19-1 locus due to the significant positive correlation recovered between its expression level and isoflavone content in the seeds of 43 soybean germplasms. Overexpression of GmMT1 in Arabidopsis and soybean cultivars increased isoflavone contents. Transgenic soybeans overexpressing GmMT1 also exhibited improved resistance to pathogenic infection, while transgenic Arabidopsis resisted salt and drought stress.

The systemic toxicity of anticancer drugs regularly restricts the use of conventional chemotherapy to treat cancer. In this study, the limitations overcome by profitably fabricating a multifunctional nanocarrier system to carry the anticancer drug into the specific location of the cancer cells. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) was functionalized in the carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) through an esterification reaction (MWCNT-PEG). The targeting ligand of folic acid (FA) was covalently bonded with hyperbranched poly-L-lysine (HBPLL) using adipic acid (AA) as a cross-linking agent. Doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug, was effectively loaded on MWCNT-PEG-AA-HBPLL-FA carrier loading, and in-vitro drug release was investigated by UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The chemical functionalization, morphological properties, crystalline nature, surface charge, and thermal stability of the synthesized materials were studied by FT-IR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, DLS, and TGA techniques. In-vitro cytotoxicity and anticancer properties of DOX-loaded nanocarrier were studied in human liver cancer (HepG2) cells and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. The activities of caspases (caspase −3, −8 & −9) were analyzed using luminometry. The intrinsic apoptosis pathway proteins (Bcl-2 & BAX) were determined by western blot and RT-PCR analysis. The synthesized DOX-loaded nanocarriers exhibited increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis in liver HepG2 cells. The results suggest that the DOX-loaded nanocarrier possesses strong anticancer properties and could be an applicable and potential drug carrier for liver cancer chemotherapy.

Melting of subducting oceanic lithosphere and associated melt-mantle interactions in convergent plate margins require specific geodynamic environment that allows the oceanic slab to be abnormally heated. Here we focus on the Early Mesozoic mafic rocks and granite porphyry, which provide insights into slab melting processes associated with final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The granite porphyry samples are calc-alkaline and distinguished by high Sr contents, strong depletion of heavy rare earth elements, resulting in high (La/Yb)N and Sr/Y ratios, and negligible Eu anomalies. Based on their high Na2O and MgO, low K2O contents, positive εHf(t) and εNd(t) and low (87Sr/86Sr)i values, we propose that the granite porphyry was likely derived from partial melting of subducting Paleo-Asian oceanic crust. The Nb-enriched mafic rocks are enriched in Rb, Th, U, Pb and K, and depleted in Nb, Ta, Ba, P and Ti, corroborating a subduction-related origin. Their heterogeneous Sr-Nd-Hf-O isotopic compositions and other geochemical features suggest that they were likely derived from partial melting of peridotitic mantle wedge interacted with oceanic slab-derived adakitic melts. Trace element and isotope modeling results and elevated zircon δ18O values suggest variable subducting sediments input into the mantle wedge, dominated by terrigenous sediments. Synthesizing the widely-developed bimodal rock associations, conjugated dikes, thermal metamorphism, tectonic characteristics, paleomagnetic constraints, and paleogeographical evidence along the Solonke-Changchun suture zone, we identify a slab window triggered by slab break-off, which accounts for slab melting and formation of the Nb-enriched mafic rocks and associated adakitic granite porphyry in southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt.

Immersion ultrasonic phased array imaging technology offers great advantages, particularly in coupling and automatic detection of industrial non-destructive testing (NDT). To suppress the influence of secondary interface echoes in the immersion ultrasonic phased array imaging, a novel phase circular statistics vector (PCSV) weighting method is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the PCSV factor matrix is established according to the phase consistency of the echo signals. Secondly, due to the higher phase coherence of the defect echo, the PCSV factor matrix is used to weight the TFM image to suppress the secondary interface echo. The result shows the secondary interface echoes are effectively suppressed in the total focusing method (TFM) image on a 0~40 dB scale. It is also shown that PCSV weighting could not only suppress the secondary interface echoes but also improved the image quality in terms of SNR and lateral resolution by comparing with traditional TFM.

A new terminology “combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS)” was introduced to describe patients suffering from both allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. The pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation has been well known, with the main contribution of TH1/TH2 imbalance and mast cell degranulation. Artemisia gmelinii has been used as an herbal medicine with its hepaprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In this study, the effect of A. gmelinii extracts (AGE) on the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced CARAS mouse model was investigated. AGE administration significantly alleviated the nasal rubbing and sneezing, markedly down-regulated both OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, and histamine levels, and up-regulated OVA-specific IgG2a in serum. The altered histology of nasal and lung tissues of CARAS mice was effectively ameliorated by AGE. The AGE treatment group showed markedly increased levels of the TH1 cytokine interleukin (IL)-12 and TH1 transcription factor T-bet. In contrast, the levels of the TH2 cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and the TH2 transcription factor GATA-3, were notably suppressed by AGE. Moreover, AGE effectively prevented mast cell degranulation in vitro and mast cell infiltration in lung tissues in vivo. Based on these results, we suggest that AGE could be a potential therapeutic agent in OVA-induced CARAS by virtue of its role in balancing the TH1/TH2 homeostasis and inhibiting the mast cell degranulation.

Abstract. Background. Youzhi artificial intelligence (AI) software is the AI-assisted decision-making system for diagnosing skin tumors. The high diagnostic accuracy of Youzhi AI software was previously validated in specific datasets. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of diagnostic capacity between Youzhi AI software and dermatologists in real-world clinical settings. Methods. A total of 106 patients who underwent skin tumor resection in the Dermatology Department of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from July 2017 to June 2019 and were confirmed as skin tumors by pathological biopsy were selected. Dermoscopy and clinical images of 106 patients were diagnosed by Youzhi AI software and dermatologists at different dermoscopy diagnostic levels. The primary outcome was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the Youzhi AI software with that of dermatologists and that measured in the laboratory using specific data sets. The secondary results included the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F-measure, and Matthews correlation coefficient of Youzhi AI software in the real-world. Results. The diagnostic accuracy of Youzhi AI software in real-world clinical settings was lower than that of the laboratory data (P

Objective To develope blending teaching method for inspiring students' interest and autonomy in learning, and improving students' learning outcome. Methods The clinical case guidance method, the combination of PBL (problem based learning) and LBL (lecture based learning), “rain classroom” and mind map summing up method were used in biochemistry lectures. Results Students were able to gradually establish the thinking mode of construction of meaning and integrate the complex knowledge to build up their own knowledge system. Blending teaching method made classroom teaching diversified and enriched to improve students' learning autonomy, which switched the thinking mode from the passive memory model to the active thinking mode of meaning construction. Conclusions The blending teaching method can improve students' learning interest, arouse their attention to the basic medical courses and build solid foundation for clinical medical courses learning.

Traditional water-in-oil drilling fluids are limited by their shear thinning behavior. In this article, we propose the synthesis of a thermal resistant quaternary ammonium salt gemini surfactant DQGE-I. This surfactant was synthesized using monomers such as N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine, organic acids and epichlorohydrin, as well as blocking groups such as N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP). The prepared surfactant exhibited various advantages over traditional surfactants, including excellent thermal stability, good emulsifying and wetting capability. The use of these surfactants was shown to improve the compactness of emulsifier molecules at the oil/water interface, as well as the overall emulsificaiton effect. Laboratory studies revealed that water-in-oil emulsions prepared using DQGE-I showed high emulsion breaking voltage, low liquid precipitation and small and uniformly distributed emulsion drops. Highly thixotropic water-in-oil drilling fluids based on DQGE-I showed low viscosity, high shear rate and thermal tolerance up to 260oC. Additionally, the proposed fluid was applied in 16 wells (including WS1-H2, GS3 and XS1-H8) in the Daqing Oilfield. Testing showed that DQGE-1 exhibited excellent rheological behavior and wall-building capability. The emulsion breaking voltage exceeded 1500 V, and the yield point/ plastic viscosity ratio exceeded 0.4. The use of this surfactant can help to solve problems such as high formation temperature and poor well wall stability.

Objective To explore the correlation between the parameters of the mandible and parameters of cervical vertebrae and craniofacial bone in class Ⅱ skeletal patients in Northeast China and to establish correlation equations expressing the relationship between the mandible and cervical vertebrae and craniofacial bone directly and quantitatively for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of orthodontics and orthognathics and for prediction. Methods The mandible, cranial facial bone and cervical vertebrae of 201 children and adolescents aged 8 to 20 years were measured using digital cranial lateral tablets. All of the cases were divided into male (n=75) and female (n=126) groups using a sensitivity analysis method based on genetic algorithms to select the craniofacial bone and cervical bone with strong sensitivity to mandible parameters and to establish relevant equations. Results Through sensitivity analysis, the parameters with the strongest correlation between the measured values of the mandible were H4 and SN, those with a strong correlation were SN-Ar, the anterior and posterior high ratio SGo/NGn, the Y axis angle and mandibular angle Ar-Go-Gn. The established equation was as follows: males: Ar-Pg=28.415+1.818×H4+0.746×SN(r2=0.056 8, P < 0.001); females: Ar-Pg=15.168+1.706×H4+0.675×SN+0.31×SN-Ar-0.29×Y axis angle (r2=0.611, P < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the predicted values obtained by the established equations and measured values (P > 0.05). Conclusion The mandibular length equation established by sensitivity analysis and genetic algorithms is statistically significant and can predict a certain degree of growth and development.