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Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are a newly recognized class of small non-coding RNAs that are implicated in a variety of cancers, including head and neck tumors. Studies have identified tsRNAs with differential expression profiles in head and neck malignancies, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Functional analyses show that tsRNAs are involved in regulating critical cellular pathways, including those related to cell proliferation, migration, and metabolic processes. Despite these encouraging insights, there are myriad challenges that must be tackled. In summary, tsRNAs present considerable potential as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in the realm of head and neck tumors, meriting further investigation and clinical application to optimize outcomes in the management of these complex diseases. This literature review synthesizes current research on tsRNAs, tsRNAs hold significant promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, with the potential to transform diagnostic and treatment strategies for head and neck tumors, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Abstract The local ecosystems, fishery and human health are all threatened by water blooms, so effectively controlling water blooms has become an urgent and challenging issue. Biological control of water blooms is given priority due to its low cost, high efficiency and environmental friendliness. In this study, Pseudomonas ZY-1 and Bacillus FY-1, two highly-effective algicidal bacteria strains which are able to indirectly lyse algae by separating and screening from the vigorous water body in the paddy alga of Northeast China were obtained. The two bacterial strains have stronger ability to lyse alga in the bacterial liquid concentration of 106 CFU/ml, and the alga-lysing rate on 7 d reached 84.03% and 83.11% respectively. The active substance secreted by ZY-1 is not sensitive to the changes of temperature and pH value, while as FY-1 cell-free filtrate is not stable in high temperature above 50 ℃ and pH of 5, it requires the sun light to have the algaecidal effect. The cell-free filtrates of strains ZY-1 and FY-1 had the best lysis effect on Microcystis aeruginosa cells, and the chlorophyll a content of algae decreased to 0.13 ± 0.02 mg/L and 0.14 ± 0.03 mg/L respectively and the Fv/Fm of Microcystis aeruginosa decreased by 97.22% after 7 days. The algaecidal process of ZY-1 and FY-1 may be that the cell-free filtrate inhibits the photosynthesis of Microcystis aeruginosa, and meanwhile it avoids the regeneration and repair of photosynthesis of algal cells by affecting the gene expression and damaging the repair system of algal cells, so the membrane lipid peroxidation is exacerbated and then the membrane of algal cells is broken, the algal cells can’t do normal life activities, and finally the algal cell would be killed. The rice seedlings in the algal liquid treatment group are short and show root dysplasia, few roots and brown roots. After treated with cell-free filtrate of ZY-1 and FY-1, the oxidative damage of the rice is obviously reduced, and the harm from Microcystis aeruginosa is reduced, which has the repair effect to the roots of rice seedlings and its aboveground growth. The cell-free filtrate of FY-1 works better than ZY-1. The bacteria strains of ZY-1 and FY-1 have the indirect algaecide trait, which makes them the potential environmentally-friendly algaecidal bacteria and they show broad application in the agricultural production and the control of water blooms.

In order to understand the bias and main affecting factors of codon usage in the plastid genome of Diplandrorchis sinica, which is a rare and endangered plant species in the Orchidaceae family, the complete plastid genome sequence of D. sinica was downloaded from the GenBank database and 20 protein-coding sequences that met the analysis requirements were finally selected. The GC content, length of the amino acid (Laa), relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), and effective number of codon (ENC) of each gene and codon were calculated using the CodonW and EMBOSS online programs. Neutral plot analysis, ENC-plot analysis, PR2-plot analysis, and correspondence analysis were performed using Origin Pro 2024 software, and correlation analysis between various indicators was performed using SPSS 23.0 software. The results showed that the third base of the codon in the plastid genome of D. sinica was rich in A and T, with a GC3 content of 27%, which was lower than that of GC1 (45%) and GC2 (39%). The ENC value ranged from 35 to 57, with an average of 47. The codon usage bias was relatively low, and there was a significant positive correlation between ENC and GC3. There were a total of 32 codons with RSCU values greater than 1, of which 30 ended with either A or U. There were a total of nine optimal codons identified, namely, UCU, UCC, UCA, GCA, UUG, AUA, CGU, CGA, and GGU. This study indicated that the dominant factor affecting codon usage bias in the plastid genome of D. sinica was natural selection pressure, while the impact of base mutations was limited. The codon usage patterns were not closely related to gene types, and the distribution of photosynthetic system genes and ribosomal protein-coding gene loci was relatively scattered, indicating significant differences in the usage patterns of these gene codons. In addition, the codon usage patterns may not be related to whether the plant is a photosynthetic autotrophic or heterotrophic nutritional type. The results of this study could provide scientific references for the genomic evolution and phylogenetic research of plant species in the family Orchidaceae.

Abstract Straw pollution and the increasing scarcity of phosphorus resources in many regions of China have had severe impacts on the growing conditions for crop plants. Using microbial methods to enhance straw decomposition rate and phosphorus utilization offers effective solutions to address these problems. In this study, a microbial consortium 6 + 1 (consisting of a straw-degrading bacterium and a phosphate-solubilizing bacterium) was formulated based on their performance in straw degradation and phosphorus solubilization. The degradation rate of straw by 6 + 1 microbial consortium reached 48.3% within 7 days (The degradation ability was 7% higher than that of single bacteria), and the phosphorus dissolution rate of insoluble phosphorus reached 117.54 mg·L− 1 (The phosphorus solubilization ability was 29.81% higher than that of single bacteria). In addition, the activity of lignocellulosic degrading enzyme system was significantly increased, the activities of endoglucanase, β-glucosidase and xylanase in the microbial consortium were significantly higher than those in the single strain (23.16%, 28.02% and 28.86%, respectively). Then the microbial consortium was processed into microbial agents and tested in rice pots. The results showed that the microbial agent significantly increased the content of organic matter, available phosphorus and available nitrogen in the soil. Ongoing research focuses on the determination of the effects and mechanisms of a functional hybrid system of straw degradation and phosphorus removal. The characteristics of the two strains are as follows: Straw-degrading bacteria can efficiently degrade straw to produce glucose-based carbon sources when only straw is used as a carbon source. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria can efficiently use glucose as a carbon source, produce organic acids to dissolve insoluble phosphorus and consume glucose at an extremely fast rate. The analysis suggests that the microbial consortium 6 + 1 outperformed individual strains in terms of both performance and application effects. The two strains within the microbial consortium promote each other during their growth processes, resulting in a significantly higher rate of carbon source consumption compared to the individual strains in isolation. This increased demand for carbon sources within the growth system facilitates the degradation of straw by the strains. At the same time, the substantial carbon consumption during the metabolic process generated a large number of organic acids, leading to the solubilization of insoluble phosphorus. It also provides a basis for the construction of this type of microbial consortium.

Indoor human detection based on artificial intelligence helps to monitor the safety status and abnormal activities of the human body at any time. However, the complex indoor environment and background pose challenges to the detection task. The YOLOv8 algorithm is a cutting-edge technology in the field of object detection, but it is still affected by indoor low-light environments and large changes in human scale. To address these issues, this article proposes a novel method based on YOLOv8 called CIHD-YOLO, which is specifically designed for indoor human detection. The method proposed in this article combines the spatial pyramid pooling of the backbone with an efficient partial self-attention, enabling the network to effectively capture long-range dependencies and establish global correlations between features, obtaining feature information at different scales. At the same time, the GSEAM module and GSCConv were introduced into the neck network to compensate for the loss caused by differences in lighting levels by combining depth-wise separable convolution and residual connections, enabling it to extract effective features from visual data with poor illumination levels. A dataset specifically designed for indoor human detection, the HCIE dataset, was constructed and used to evaluate the model proposed in this paper. The research results show that compared with the original YOLOv8s framework, the detection accuracy has been improved by 2.67%, and the required floating-point operations have been reduced. The comprehensive case analysis and comparative evaluation highlight the superiority and effectiveness of this method in complex indoor human detection tasks.

Epidermal wax is strategically situated at the interface between plants and air; therefore, it plays a key role in plants’ interactions with their surroundings. It is also unstable and susceptible to light intensity. Hosta plants are shade-loving herbs with admirable flowers and leaves. Hosta ‘Halcyon’ and Hosta ensata F. Maek. are two species of Hosta with a glaucous and a glossy appearance, respectively. Light intensity can affect the composition of epicuticular wax on the leaf surface, which influences the leaf color phenotype and ornamental value. In this paper, the crystal micromorphology, content, and components of epicuticular wax on the leaves of two species of Hosta under different light conditions (10%-, 30%-, 50%-, 70%-, and 100%-intensity sunlight, relative light intensity (RLI)) have been studied using pot experiments. The results indicate that the epicuticular wax crystals of H. ‘Halcyon’ and H. ensata are tubular and platelet-like, respectively. The wax crystals of H. ‘Halcyon’ melted and formed a thick crust under 100% RLI, and those of H. ensata melted and formed a thick crust under 70% and 100% RLI conditions. The primary ingredients of the epicuticular wax of the two species of Hosta contained primary alcohols, alkanes, fatty acids, and esters; β-diketones were only detected in H. ‘Halcyon’. The quantity of epicuticular wax of H. ‘Halcyon’ reduced at first and then increased with an RLI increase, achieving its lowest value at 50% RLI, but that of H. ensata declined little by little. The amounts of C28 primary alcohols, C31 alkanes, and C18 fatty acids were significantly higher than those of other carbon atoms in the two genotypes of Hosta. The C31β-diketones content decreased with the increase in light intensity, which caused the white frost phenotype to gradually weaken in H. ‘Halcyon’.

Shallow geothermal energy (SGE) is a widely prevalent geological resource underground, and its utilization offer significant energy conservation and emission reduction benefits, contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality goals. Assessing the development potential of regional SGE can ensure sustainable development of these resources and prevent adverse effects induced by overexploitation. Jiangsu Province, a developed region in the eastern coastal area of China, has a strong demand for cooling and heating in urban buildings. The primary form of utilizing SGE in this area is through vertical ground source heat pumps (VGSHP). Based on the analysis of the impact of regional geological conditions on the development of SGE, this study specifically evaluated the suitability of developing SGE through VGSHP. After excluding areas unsuitable for development, the heat exchange capacity, heating or cooling area per unit area, and energy conservation and emission reduction benefits of VGSHP were calculated. The results indicate that the area suitable and moderately suitable for developing SGE through VGSHP in Jiangsu Province amounts to 76,453 km2. The total heat exchange capacity for summer is 1.21 × 109 kW, which can provide cooling for an area of 1.21 × 1010 m2. The total heat exchange capacity for winter is 8.70 × 108 kW, which can provide heating for an area of 1.09 × 1010 m2. The annual available resource amount is 2.68 × 1012 kWh, equivalent to 3.30 × 108 tons of standard coal, and a CO2 reduction of 7.86 × 108 tons.

Soil potassium deficiency is a common issue limiting agricultural productivity. Potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB) show significant potential in mitigating soil potassium deficiency, improving soil quality, and enhancing plant growth. However, different KSB strains exhibit diverse solubilization mechanisms, environmental adaptability, and growth-promoting abilities. In this study, we isolated a multifunctional KSB strain ZHS-1, which also has phosphate-solubilizing and IAA-producing capabilities. 16S rDNA sequencing identified it as Pantoea vagans. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that strain ZHS-1 severely corroded the smooth, compact surface of potassium feldspar into a rough and loose state. The potassium solubilization reached 20.3 mg/L under conditions where maltose was the carbon source, sodium nitrate was the nitrogen source, and the pH was 7. Organic acid metabolism profiling revealed that strain ZHS-1 primarily utilized the EMP-TCA cycle, supplemented by pathways involving pantothenic acid, glyoxylic acid, and dicarboxylic acids, to produce large amounts of organic acids and energy. This solubilization was achieved through direct solubilization mechanisms. The strain also secreted IAA through a tryptophan-dependent metabolic pathway. When strain ZHS-1 was inoculated into the rhizosphere of rice, it demonstrated significant growth-promoting effects. The rice plants exhibited improved growth and root development, with increased accumulation of potassium and phosphorus. The levels of available phosphorus and potassium in the rhizosphere soil also increased significantly. Additionally, we observed a decrease in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria in the rice rhizosphere soil, while the relative abundance of genera associated with acid production and potassium solubilization, such as Gemmatimonadota, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi, as well as Cyanobacteria, which are beneficial to plant growth, increased. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the potassium solubilization mechanisms of strain ZHS-1 and highlight its potential as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.

IntroductionTaraxacum mongolicum (TM) is a kind of medicinal and edible homologous plant which is included in the catalogue of feed raw materials in China. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides and other active substances, and shows many benefits to livestock, poultry and aquatic products. The study aimed to assess the potential of TM aqueous extract (TMAE) as a substitute for poultry AGPs. MethodsA total of 240 one-day-old Arbor Acker broilers were randomly assigned to four groups and fed a basal diet (Con) supplemented with 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg TMAE (Low, Medium, and High groups). The growth performance of the broilers was measured on day 21 and day 42. At the end of the trial, the researchers measured slaughter performance and collected serum, liver, spleen, ileum, and intestinal contents to investigate the effects of TMAE on serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, immune function, organ coefficient, intestinal morphology, flora composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). ResultsThe results showed that broilers treated with TMAE had a significantly higher average daily gain from 22 to 42 days old compared to the Con group. Various doses of TMAE resulted in different levels of improvement in serum chemistry. High doses increased serum alkaline phosphatase and decreased creatinine. TMAE also increased the antioxidant capacity of serum, liver, and ileum in broilers. Additionally, middle and high doses of TMAE enhanced the innate immune function of the liver (IL-10) and ileum (Occludin) in broilers. Compared to the control group, the TMAE treatment group exhibited an increase in the ratio of villi length to villi crypt in the duodenum. TMAE increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Alistipes and Lactobacillus, while reducing the accumulation of harmful bacteria, such as Colidextracter and Sellimonas. The cecum's SCFAs content increased with a medium dose of TMAE. Supplementing broiler diets with TMAE at varying doses enhanced growth performance and overall health. The most significant benefits were observed at a dose of 1000 mg/kg, including improved serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity of the liver and ileum, immune function of the liver and ileum, and increased SCFAs content. Lactobacillus aviarius, norank_f_norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014, and Flavonifractor are potentially dominant members of the intestinal microflora. ConclusionIn conclusion, TMAE is a promising poultry feed additive and 1000 mg/kg is an effective reference dose.

This study aimed to explore the impact of L-arginine (Arg) on the development of resistance to Alternaria tenuissima (A. tenuissima) in blueberries. The metabolism of reactive oxygen species, pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs), and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis pathways were analyzed, including changes in activity and gene expression of key enzymes. The results indicated that Arg treatment could prevent the development of Alternaria fruit rot in postharvest blueberries. In addition, it was also found to induce a burst of hydrogen peroxide in the blueberries early on during storage, thereby improving their resistance to A. tenuissima. Arg treatment was observed to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase) and related gene expression, as well as the total levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanin in the blueberries. The activity and gene expression of the PRs (chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase) were elevated in Arg-treated blueberries, boosting their resistance to pathogens. Additionally, a surge in endogenous JA content was detected in Arg-treated blueberries, along with upregulated expression of key genes related the JA biosynthesis pathway (VcLOX1, VcAOS1, VcAOC, VcAOC3, VcOPR1, VcOPR3, VcMYC2, and VcCOI1), thereby further bolstering disease resistance. In conclusion, Arg treatment was determined to be a promising prospective method for controlling Alternaria fruit rot in blueberries.

Purpose: To report 2 polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients whose massive hemorrhagic pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) were flattened within a short period after surgery. Observations: Two PCV patients who presented with submacular hemorrhage and massive hemorrhagic PEDs with sizes of more than 50 disc areas underwent pars plana vitrectomy combined with subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), intravitreous injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medicine, and perfluoropropane tamponade. The massive hemorrhagic PEDs were flattened within a short period after both surgeries, and both patients experienced improved visual acuity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that subretinal injection of tPA together with perfluoropropane tamponade promotes the rapid clearance of hemorrhage under RPE.

In this work, Phragmites australis and Vallisneria natans were selected as the research objects and were cultured for 10 d under 0.10 μg L−1 sulfadiazine (SD) stress in a simulated surface flow wetland reactor. SD degradation was conducted at pH = 7 and 25 °C for 96 h. Each plant group conformed to the first-order kinetic model of degradation, and the degradation rate increased with time, reaching the maximum at 96 h. At 96 h, the degradation rate of P. australis communities was higher than that of V. natans. SD metabolites showed that the degradation pathways in the plant rhizosphere were mainly hydroxylation, aminolation, and S–N bond cleavage. In the analysis of rhizosphere bacterial community structure, the bacterial phyla that could degrade antibiotics accounted for a large proportion. Compared with before degradation, the dominant phylum and genus did not change after degradation (96 h), but their abundance changed to varying degrees, and new genera appeared in the P. australis group. This research provides a reference for the degradation of antibiotics in karst areas and new information on the mechanism of SA degradation in the plant rhizosphere. HIGHLIGHTS Under sulfonamide (SD) stress, the contents of organic acid esters in rhizosphere exudates of P. australis and V. natans increased.; New genera were produced in rhizosphere soil of P. australis group during SD degradation.; Antibiotics in karst wetlands may exist in the form of complexes and be adsorbed in soil or sediments.; After SD degradation, the diversity of bacteria decreased, but the total number of bacteria increased.;

Abstract Background With the rapid development of deep learning algorithms and the rapid improvement of computer hardware in the past few years, AI-assisted diagnosis software for bone age has achieved good diagnostic performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of AI-assisted software on residents’ inter-observer agreement and intra-observer reproducibility for the X-ray bone age assessment of preschool children. Methods This prospective study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Six board-certified residents interpreted 56 bone age radiographs ranging from 3 to 6 years with structured reporting by the modified TW3 method. The images were interpreted on two separate occasions, once with and once without the assistance of AI. After a washout period of 4 weeks, the radiographs were reevaluated by each resident in the same way. The reference bone age was the average bone age results of the three experts. Both TW3-RUS and TW3-Carpal were evaluated. The root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute difference (MAD) and bone age accuracy within 0.5 years and 1 year were used as metrics of accuracy. Interobserver agreement and intraobserver reproducibility were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results With the assistance of bone age AI software, the accuracy of residents’ results improved significantly. For interobserver agreement comparison, the ICC results with AI assistance among 6 residents were higher than the results without AI assistance on the two separate occasions. For intraobserver reproducibility comparison, the ICC results with AI assistance were higher than results without AI assistance between the 1st reading and 2nd reading for each resident. Conclusions For preschool children X-ray bone age assessment, in addition to improving diagnostic accuracy, bone age AI-assisted software can also increase interobserver agreement and intraobserver reproducibility. AI-assisted software can be an effective diagnostic tool for residents in actual clinical settings.

Rorippa sylvestris (L.) Besser. (yellow fieldcress) is a hyperaccumulator of cadmium (Cd) discovered recently. There are several studies in the topic of Cd tolerance capacity and detoxification mechanism of plants, but the detoxification mechanism of R. sylvestris is not clear. Root tiller seedlings of R. sylvestris were planted in the brown bottles filled with culture solution containing different levels of Cd (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 μmol·L−1, respectively) for 8 days in order to make sure the physiological responses, Cd subcellular distribution and chemical forms under Cd stress. The results showed that the growth increased in lower Cd concentration and declined in higher Cd concentration. Physiological characteristics such as photosynthesis and MDA were not significantly affected compared with the control at Cd concentratetion ≤ 50 μmol·L−1. The content of soluble sugar and free proline increased with the increasing of Cd concentration for the purpose of reducing the Cd toxicity to plant. R. sylvestris had a strong capability of Cd accumulation in different Cd treatments. The concentration of Cd in plant tissues (root, stem, leaf) was in the order of root>stem>leaf. The Cd subcellular distribution in plant tissues of R. sylvestris was in the order of soluble fractions>cell wall>protoplast>mitochondria. Cd was mainly extracted by deionized water and 80% ethanol (60.91–69.76%), followed by sodium chloride (16.14–25.12%), which indicated that R. sylvestris achieved to enhance Cd tolerance capacity and detoxification mechanism through root retention and vacuolar compartmentalization.

Quartz sand (SiO2) is a prevalent filtration medium, boasting wide accessibility, superior stability, and cost-effectiveness. However, its utility is often curtailed by its sleek surface, limited active sites, and swift saturation of adsorption sites. This review outlines the prevalent strategies and agents for quartz sand surface modification and provides a comprehensive analysis of the various modification reagents and their operative mechanisms. It delves into the mechanism and utility of surface-modified quartz sand for adsorbing heavy metal ions (HMIs). It is found that the reported modifiers usually form connections with the surface of quartz sand through electrostatic forces, van der Waals forces, pore filling, chemical bonding, and/or molecular entanglement. The literature suggests that these modifications effectively address issues inherent to natural quartz sand, such as its low superficial coarseness, rapid adsorption site saturation, and limited adsorption capacity. Regrettably, comprehensive investigations into the particle size, regenerative capabilities, and application costs of surface-modified quartz sand and the critical factors for its wider adoption are lacking in most reports. The adsorption mechanisms indicate that surface-modified quartz sand primarily removes HMIs from aqueous solutions through surface complexation, ion exchange, and electrostatic and gravitational forces. However, these findings were derived under controlled laboratory conditions, and practical applications for treating real wastewater necessitate overcoming further laboratory-scale obstacles. Finally, this review outlines the limitations of partially surface modified quartz sand and suggests potential venues for future developments, providing a valuable reference for the advancement of cost-effective, HMI-absorbing, surface-modified quartz sand filter media.

Guizhou Province is located in the karst mountain regions of Southwest China, where the ecological environment is extremely fragile and particularly sensitive to human activities. Therefore, understanding the changing characteristics and driving factors of human activity in recent decades is urgent. In this study, least squares, correlation analysis, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and GeoDetector model were used. Based on a large collection of nightlight, topography, and meteorological data, combined with geographical information technology, we investigated the spatial distribution, intensity change, and degree of impact of human activity from 2000 to 2020. The results showed that during the study period, human activities intensity and range were expanding. The human activity areas expanded from 15,963 to 86,923 km2 at an increasing rate of 4,279.2 km2/a, which was 1,118.4 km2/a from 2000 to 2010 and 6,375.3 km2/a from 2010 to 2020. The human activity intensity increased from 0.009 to 0.018, with an increasing rate of 0.0006/a, which was 0.00028/a from 2000 to 2010 and 0.00073/a from 2010 to 2020. The rate of increase in the human activity intensity and the rate of expansion in the human activity range from 2010–2020 were significantly higher than that from 2000–2010, becoming more notable (p ≤ 0.01), especially after 2012. With the expansion of human activities, the center of gravity of human activity moved towards the northeast by 20.71 km. The human activities were primarily distributed in areas with the gentlest slopes (6–15°), middle and low altitudes (489–1,982 m), suitable temperatures (12.36–17.74°C), and abundant precipitation (1,001.99–1,276.99 mm). The research results using the GeoDetector model indicate that slope had the greatest impact on human activities with a q value of 0.1338; precipitation, elevation, and temperature had q values of 0.0626, 0.0253, and 0.0136, respectively. The combined impact between the precipitation and slope was the greatest with a q value of 0.1803. In Guizhou Province, under policy guidance, human activities that promoted vegetation change accounted for 79.60%. This study attempts to enhance sustainable development and provides valuable information on the environmental protection of karst mountain regions.

A normal composite wall panel is a structural component composed of polystyrene insulation boards and concrete surface layers reinforced with steel wire mesh. It can be entirely prefabricated in a factory or constructed with the concrete surface layers cast on-site. A novel prefabricated monolithic concrete–polystyrene panel composite wall panel (CPC wall panel) is proposed in this study. The CPC panel features a middle part that is prefabricated in the factory while the reinforced concrete regions at its two side ends are cast on-site. To evaluate the seismic performance of the wall panel, 18 CPC specimens were designed, manufactured, and quasi-statically tested, through which the structural behaviors, failure mode, and load-bearing capacity were studied. In addition, the influences of the height-to-width ratio and the vertical compressive stress level on the seismic performance of the CPC panels were also investigated. The test results showed that the connectors spaced at 400 mm × 500 mm could ensure the concrete layers on both sides of the polystyrene board worked collectively under seismic conditions. When subjected to lateral loads, the interface between the newly poured concrete and the existing concrete exhibited good bonding. Moreover, the failure mode of the CPC wall panel was largely correlated to the height-to-width ratio that, for specimens having four steel bars of 12 mm diameter and a height-to-width ratio greater than 1, the flexural failure was initially developed, followed by diagonal shear failure. In specimens with a height-to-width ratio of 1, flexural and diagonal shear failures occurred almost simultaneously. For specimens with a height-to-width ratio of less than 1, the final diagonal shear failure was predominant. The longitudinal reinforcing bars at the two ends of the CPC panels could effectively improve their lateral load-bearing capacity, with the enhancement influenced by the height-to-width ratio, the vertical load applied to the wall panel, and the cross-sectional area of the steel bars. In practice, the lateral load-bearing capacity of the CPC panel can be conservatively evaluated using the calculation method of the reinforced concrete shear walls. Finally, the ductility of the CPC specimens was affected by the height-to-width ratio and the axial compressive stress level, such that the specimens with a larger height-to-width ratio and lower axial compressive stress exhibited better ductility.

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is a significant medicinal plant. However, the low rooting number is a bottleneck problem in the micropropagation protocols of P. ostii ‘Fengdan’. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) is closely related to root development. But research on the SOD gene’s impact on rooting is still lacking. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to analyze the four crucial stages of root development in P. ostii ‘Fengdan’ seedlings, including the early root primordium formation stage (Gmfq), root primordium formation stage (Gmf), root protrusion stage (Gtq), and root outgrowth stage (Gzc). A total of 141.77 GB of data were obtained; 71,718, 29,804, and 24,712 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the comparison groups of Gmfq vs. Gmf, Gmf vs. Gtq, and Gtq vs. Gzc, respectively. Among the 20 most highly expressed DEGs in the three comparison groups, only the CuZnSOD gene (SUB13202229, PoSOD) was found to be significantly expressed in Gtq vs. Gzc. The overexpression of PoSOD increased the number of adventitious roots and promoted the activities of peroxidase (POD) and SOD in P. ostii ‘Fengdan’. The gene ADVENTITIOUS ROOTING RELATED OXYGENASE1 (PoARRO-1), which is closely associated with the development of adventitious roots, was also significantly upregulated in overexpressing PoSOD plants. Furthermore, PoSOD interacted with PoARRO-1 in yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and biomolecular luminescence complementation (BiFC) assays. In conclusion, PoSOD could interact with PoARRO-1 and enhance the root development of tube plantlets in P. ostii ‘Fengdan’. This study will help us to preliminarily understand the molecular mechanism of adventitious root formation and improve the root quality of tree peony and other medicinal plants.

Abstract Background To identify the OCT biomarkers related to the anatomical outcomes in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) after subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) treatment. Methods Patients with CSCR underwent SML were enrolled in this retrospective study. Only patients who underwent enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) examination before and after SML were selected. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether subretinal fluid (SRF) absorbed or not after SML. Group 1 was the SRF resolved group, and Group 2 was the SRF non-resolved group. Factors including age and gender, duration of symptoms, CSCR history, the height of SRF at baseline, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) /inner choroid alterations, as well as subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) of the affected eye and the fellow eye before and after SML were recorded and compared between two groups. Longitudinal change of SFCT of a subgroup of patients were analyzed. Results A total of 58 eyes of 58 patients were involved in this study. SRF of 31 eyes got completely absorbed, and SRF of 27 eyes was retained after SML. Logistic regression analysis revealed baseline SFCT of the affected eye (OR = 1.007, 95% CI: 1.001–1.012, P = 0.019) and RPE/inner choroid alterations (OR = 25.229, 95% CI: 2.890–220.281, P = 0.004) were correlated with SML efficacy. Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients were enrolled in the subgroup analysis. A significant difference of SFCT changes between two groups were demonstrated (P = 0.001). The difference of SFCT between baseline and three months after SML was also related to SRF resolution (OR = 0.952, 95% CI: 0.915–0.990, P = 0.014). Conclusion Baseline SFCT, change of SFCT at 3-month after treatment, and RPE/inner choroid alterations were the OCT biomarkers related to SRF resolution after SML treatment.

Abstract The development of wireless sensor network based on breeze power generation is of great significance to promote the development of the intelligent mine. According to the underground environment of coalmine, a small horizontal axis wind turbine with mine air duct was designed. The aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine was analyzed by constructing the three‐dimensional solid model of the wind turbine. The results show that under the condition of underground low wind speed. Outer basin: the air flow entering the air duct is accelerated and rectified, and the speed increases near the impeller. The pressure value at the front end of the blade is the largest and the pressure value at the rear end of the blade is the smallest. A certain range of negative pressure zone is formed at the rear end of the impeller, which is conducive to the operation of the wind turbine. After passing through the impeller, the speed of the air flow decreases and is the lowest near the impeller rotating shaft. Inner basin: the air flow speed gradually increases along the radial direction of the impeller center. The pressure at the front end of the blade is greater than the atmospheric pressure, which is conducive to facilitating the operation of the wind turbine. When the wind speed reaches the rated wind speed of the wind turbine, the power, torque, and output power of the wind turbine increase, which can provide effective power generation. Compared with other airfoils, NACA5505 airfoil has higher lift drag ratio and thrust coefficient. Compared with the wind turbine without air duct, the wind turbine with air duct has higher wind energy conversion and output power under the condition of low Reynolds number, which verifies the feasibility of the wind turbine with air duct.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a rare end-organ disease of CMV infection and is a marker of severe immunosuppression, especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. In multiple myeloma (MM) patients, CMV retinitis has been reported in the post-transplant setting, with an incidence lower than 0.2%, and in patients receiving lenalidomide. Here, we describe the first case of CMV retinitis in myeloma patients following B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T (BCMA CAR-T) cell therapy. In addition to CMV, the patient developed multiple infections including a mouth ulcer, pneumonia, and fungal enteritis. While the complete remission (CR) status of MM was maintained, he regained a visual acuity of 20/1000 after appropriate ophthalmologic treatment. This single case illustrates the potential of BCMA CAR-T therapy to induce profound humoral immunosuppression, and demonstrates an imperative need for an established standard of monitoring and prophylaxis of post-CAR-T infections.

The microbial degradation of lignocellulose is the best way to treat straw, which has a broad application prospect. It is consistent with the idea of agricultural sustainable development and has an important impact on the utilization of biomass resources. To explore and utilize the microbial resources of lignocellulose degradation, 27 lignocellulose degrading strains were screened from 13 regions in China. ZJW-6 was selected because of its 49.6% lignocellulose weight loss rate. According to the theoretical analysis of the experimental results, the following straw degradation conditions were obtained by ZJW-6: nitrogen source input of 8.45 g/L, a pH of 8.57, and a temperature of 31.63°C, the maximum weight loss rate of rice straw could reach 54.8%. It was concluded that ZJW-6 belonged to Cellulomonas iranensis according to 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequence comparison and identification. ZJW-6 is a Gram-positive bacterium that grows slowly and has a small yellowish green colony. To explain the degradation mechanism of lignocellulose, the experiment of enzymatic properties of the strain was prepared and carried out. It was discovered that ZJW-6 has an excellent ability to degrade cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, with cellulose and hemicellulose loss rates reaching almost 50% in 4 days and lignin loss rates reaching nearly 30%. Furthermore, ZJW-6 demonstrated lignocellulose degradation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, indicating the strain’s broad application potential. ZJW-6 was found to be more effective than ordinary humic acid in improving rice soil (available phosphorus, available nitrogen, organic matter) and promoting rice growth in a rice pot experiment (increasing root-shoot ratio, root activity, chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate). ZJW-6 plays an important role in promoting the development and utilization of straw resources. It has important significance for the advancement of green agriculture.

This quasi-natural experimental study examined an online teaching intervention implemented in response to COVID-19 in China in 2020. It applied the difference-in-difference model to examine the impact and path of the intervention on students’ learning performance of a college foreign language (LPCFL). Based on data from records of withdrawing and changing courses, classroom learning, and teaching evaluations; a questionnaire survey of teachers and students; and relevant school documents during the last seven terms, the results indicated that the online teaching intervention could significantly improve students’ LPCFL. This finding remained robust after adopting a placebo test approach to mitigate possible endogeneity issues. Additionally, this study also conducted a group test through sub-sample regression based on students’ discipline characteristics and intervention organization methods. The results showed that the students who participated in the intervention significantly improved in the three disciplines: humanities was most significantly affected, science and engineering were least significantly affected, and economics and management were in the middle. A range effect was observed for organizational methods. The two downward transmission methods by college teaching management terms had significant positive effects, whereas the other two methods of downward transmission by college student management had significant negative effects. An analysis of the action mechanism indicated that the online teaching intervention mostly improved LPCFL through two channels: students’ learning input and learning support. Overall, these findings not only help expand the research framework on macro environmental intervention policy and micro-learning behavior but also have implications for the in-depth understanding of the real learning effect of online learning interventions for college students and their design in the post-COVID-19 era.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be programmed to provide specialized light sources and spectra for plant growth. UV-A (397.6 nm), blue (460.6 nm), green (520.7 nm), and red (661.9 nm) LED light sources were used to study the effects of different monochromatic lights on the growth, antioxidant system, and photosynthetic characteristics of Spathiphyllum floribundum ‘Tian Jiao’ (a shade-loving species) and Chrysanthemum morifolium ‘Huang Xiu Qiu’ (a sun-loving species). This research revealed that green and blue light could enhance the morphological indicators, Chl a/b, photosynthetic electron transfer chain performance, and photosystem activity of S. floribundum, blue and red light could enhance the solution protein, Chl a, and photosynthetic electron transfer chain performance of C. morifolium, red and UV-A light viewed the highest SOD and CAT activities of S. floribundum (275.56 U·min·g−1; 148.33 U·min·g−1) and C. morifolium (587.03 U·min·g−1; 98.33 U·min·g−1), respectively. Blue and green light were more suitable for the growth and development of the shade-loving plant S. floribundum, while red and blue light were more suitable for the sun-loving plant C. morifolium. UV-A light could be used for their stress research. The research revealed the different adaptation mechanism of different plants to light environmental conditions.

This study developed a novel frequency-doubled Fabry–Perot cavity method based on a femtosecond laser of 1030 nm, 190 fs, 1 mJ, and 1 kHz. The time interval (60–1000 ps) and attenuation ratio (0.5–0.9) between adjacent sub-pulses of the 515 nm pulse train were able to be easily adjusted, while the efficiency was up to 50% and remained unchanged. Extremely high-quality low-spatial-frequency LIPSS (LSFL) was efficiently fabricated on an indium tin oxide (ITO) film using a pulse train with a time interval of 150 ps and attenuation ratio of 0.9 focused with a cylindrical lens. Compared with the LSFL induced by the primary Gaussian pulse, the uniformity of the LSFL period was enhanced from 481 ± 41 nm to 435 ± 8 nm, the divergence of structural orientation angle was reduced from 15.6° to 3.7°, and the depth was enhanced from 74.21 ± 14.35 nm to 150.6 ± 8.63 nm. The average line edge roughness and line height roughness were only 7.34 nm and 2.06 nm, respectively. The depths and roughness values were close to or exceeded those of resist lines made by the interference lithography. Compared with the common Fabry–Perot cavity, the laser energy efficiency of the pulse trains and manufacturing efficiency were enhanced by factors of 19 and 25. A very colorful “lotus” pattern with a size of 30×28 mm2 was demonstrated, which was covered with high-quality LSFLs fabricated by a pulse train with optimized laser parameters. Pulse trains can efficiently enhance and prolong the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons, inhibit deposition particles, depress ablation residual heat and thermal shock waves, and eliminate high-spatial-frequency LIPSS formed on LSFL, therefore, producing extremely high-quality LSFL on ITO films.

Abstract Background This study was designed to investigate the role of Pellino1 in lung injury model of sepsis and its anti-inflammation mechanism. Method: C57BL/6 male mice (6–7 weeks old) and Pellino1−/− male mice were subjected to laparotomy followed by extracorporeal cecum mobilization and ligation. THP-1 cells were treated with 500 ng/ml of LPS for 4 h. Both mRNA and protein expression of Pellino1 was increased at time dependence in lung tissue of lung injury model of sepsis mice. Knockout of Pellino1 attenuated lung injury and inhibited inflammation of sepsis mice. While Pellino1 protein enhanced lung injury and increased inflammation of sepsis mice. Pellino1 promoted inflammation in in vitro model of lung injury by TRAF6/ NF-κB signal pathway. Result TRAF6 inhibitor attenuated the effects of Pellino1 on inflammation and lung injury in mice of sepsis. Similarly, NF-κB inhibitor also suppressed the effects of Pellino1 on inflammation and lung injury in mice of sepsis. The activation of TRAF6 or induction of NF-κB attenuated the effects of Pellino1 on inflammation in in vitro model of sepsis. The inhibition of TRAF6 or suppression of NF-κB reduced the effects of Pellino1 on inflammation in in vitro model of sepsis. Conclusions These results suggested that Pellino1 promoted inflammation in lung injury model of sepsis by TRAF6/ NF-κB signal pathway.

Paphiopedilum (Orchidaceae) is one of the world’s most popular orchids that is found in tropical and subtropical forests and has an enormous ornamental value. SEPALLATA-like (SEP-like) MADS-box genes are responsible for floral organ specification. In this study, three SEP-like MADS-box genes, PhSEP1, PhSEP2, and PhSEP3, were identified in Paphiopedilum henryanum. These genes were 732–916 bp, with conserved SEPI and SEPII motifs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PhSEP genes were evolutionarily closer to the core eudicot SEP3 lineage, whereas none of them belonged to core eudicot SEP1/2/4 clades. PhSEP genes displayed non-ubiquitous expression, which was detectable across all floral organs at all developmental stages of the flower buds. Furthermore, subcellular localization experiments revealed the localization of PhSEP proteins in the nucleus. Yeast two-hybrid assays revealed no self-activation of PhSEPs. The protein–protein interactions revealed that PhSEPs possibly interact with B-class DEFICIENS-like and E-class MADS-box proteins. Our study suggests that the three SEP-like genes may play key roles in flower development in P. henryanum, which will improve our understanding of the roles of the SEP-like MADS-box gene family and provide crucial insights into the mechanisms underlying floral development in orchids.

Abstract Background Preclinical studies indicate iron deficiency (ID) plays an important role in cardiac remodelling. However, the relationship between ID and cardiac remodelling remains unknown in clinical setting. This retrospective study aims to identify a potential biomarker for the myocardial remodelling in patients with ID. Due to limited patients with ID are identified without iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), we analyse the relationship of total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in patients with iron deficiency anaemia. Methods A total of 82 patients with IDA exhibiting the diagnostic criteria for IDA were enrolled in the study. Among the patients, 65 had reported LVMI values. Subsequently, these patients were divided into two groups according to abnormal LVMI (> 115 g/m2 in men and > 95 g/m2 in women). Linear bivariate analysis was performed to detect the associations of haemoglobin or TIBC with clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. Simple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between LVMI and the parameters of IDA, while multivariable linear analysis was used to assess the association of LVMI with age, TIBC and haemoglobin. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the relationship of LV remodelling with anaemia severity and TIBC. Results As compared with control group, the levels of TIBC in abnormal LVMI group are increased. Using log transformed LVMI as the dependent variable, simultaneously introducing age, TIBC, and haemoglobin into the simple linear regression or multivariable linear regression analysis confirmed the positive association among these factors. Bivariate correlation analysis reveals the irrelevance between haemoglobin and TIBC. In logistic regression analysis, TIBC is associated with the risk of LV remodelling. Conclusions Results of study indicate that TIBC exhibit an explicit association with LVMI in patients with iron deficiency anaemia. Logistic analysis further confirms the contribution of TIBC to abnormal LVMI incidence among this population with IDA.

ObjectivesGlobally, major depressive disorder (MDD) is considered to be a leading cause of disability. In this article, we aim to investigate the sex difference in global burden of MDD by year, age, and socioeconomic development, utilizing disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs).MethodsGlobal and national sex-specific DALY estimates caused by MDD from 1990 to 2019 and in different age groups were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. Human development index (HDI) was used as an indicator of national socioeconomic development. Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between national socioeconomic development and sex difference in MDD burden.ResultsSex difference in global burden of MDD persisted between 1990 and 2019, with age-standardized DALY rates being 352 among males vs. 593 among females in 1990 and 354 vs. 564 in 2019. Females had higher burden of MDD than males at the same age. Disability-adjusted life-years numbers and rates among both sexes rapidly increased with age for those aged 10–24 years, along with gradually enlarging sex difference. Age-standardized DALY rates among females were higher than that among males for each HDI-based country group (P < 0.001). National age-standardized DALY rates among both sexes were negatively related to HDI. However, female-to-male age-standardized DALY rate ratios were positively associated with HDI (Spearman r = 0.383, P < 0.001; standardized β = 0.300, P < 0.001).ConclusionAlthough some improvement in sex difference in global burden of MDD has been achieved, it still persists in the past three decades, with females bearing more burden than males. To reduce sex difference in global MDD burden, more attention should be paid to young people and people in developed countries. The findings highlight the importance of making sex-specific health policy to manage mental impairment caused by MDD.

Purpose. Ophthalmic endoscopy is useful in vitreoretinal surgery with opaque anterior segments or anatomically challenging structures. However, standard ophthalmic endoscopy devices are usually large and costly. Thus, the development of a portable endoscope is necessary. Methods. The portable endoscope consisted of a probe, an illumination system, a high-resolution camera module, and a universal serial bus (USB). It was connected to a laptop and applied for intraocular imaging of porcine eyes in vitro. Basic parameters and pictures of the same tissue target were compared with those of the standard Endo Optiks E4 system. Results. The retinal images were displayed on the laptop screen, which clearly showed the overall appearance of the central and peripheral retina, and the details of the retinal vasculature and ciliary body. Compared with a standard endoscope, our portable endoscope is smaller and more affordable. It can be taken anywhere for intraocular imaging and vitreoretinal surgery. Conclusion. A laptop-based portable endoscope is a promising device in vitreoretinal surgery. It provides high-resolution images of intraocular tissues that should make a noticeable difference in intraocular surgery with disordered anterior segments. With its portability and high-resolution imaging, it may promote the application of endoscopes in ophthalmology.

PurposeTo report a case of macular edema secondary to congenital retinal macrovessels (CRMs), which resolved spontaneously without any treatment.ObservationsA 39-year-old female presented with blurry vision of the right eye for one day. Fundus examination revealed a branch of artery and vein of the inferior retinal arcade crossing the horizontal raphe. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) through the fovea showed cystoid macular edema in the outer plexiform layer. However, no leakage of the vessels was noticed by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). Observation was recommended with close follow-up. Two weeks later, the patient returned with good visual acuity, and the macular edema was resolved spontaneously.ConclusionsMacular edema is a possible complication of CRM by increasing retinal capillary hydrostatic pressure. Treatment is not necessary for this kind of macular edema if no leakage of the vessels is noticed on FFA.

Food dyes, or color additives, are often added into foods, cosmetics and beverages during processing to improve the sensory attributes of the final products. However, the toxicity of tartrazine (TZ), one of the most common azo-dyes, is still unclear, and needs to be ascertained by further study. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of TZ consumption on health by using a teleost, crucian carp (Carassius auratus) as the experimental fish. TZ consumption (1.4, 5.5 and 10 mg/kg bwt/day) could cause severe histopathological and cellular alterations in intestine and liver. The height of intestinal villus, thickness of intestinal muscle, and microvilli density were also affected. With the increasing of TZ concentrations, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px), exhibited a decreasing trend, while the contents of MDA elevated. Upregulations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (il6 and tnfα), anti-inflammatory cytokines (il8, and il10) and other immune related genes (complement component 3 (c3), lysozymes (lyz), β-defensin 3 (defb3)), were observed after TZ uptake. In addition, TZ consumption also affected the community structure of the microbiota in the intestine of crucian carp. The amount of some probiotic bacteria (Roseomonas, Rhodococcus and Bacillus) and the bacteria (Bacteroides and Clostridium), producing short chain fatty acids, were significantly reduced, and some pathogenetic microorganisms (e.g. Bdellovibrio and Shewanella) were significantly increased after TZ uptake. In summary, the data in the present study indicate that TZ consumption, even at a low concentration, may lead to adverse effects on fish health. Therefore, in aquaculture, it is necessary to be informed about the hazardous effects of TZ, and more attentions should be focused on using natural substitutes.

For the quick and accurate determination of the cable force under the hybrid boundary between the ear plate and the anchor plate, this paper proposes a method for identifying the boundary conditions and bending stiffness of the cables based on the frequency method. First, the influence of the parameters, namely, cable boundary conditions, bending stiffness, inclination angle, and linear density, on the cable force was analyzed. Next, the actual bending stiffness of the cable under the boundary conditions of the upper hinged support and the lower solid support and the solid support at both ends were determined, and the cable force in the two states was calculated. Finally, the hydraulic jack tension and the cable force in the two states were compared and analyzed to define the actual boundary conditions and bending stiffness of the cable. The results show that the boundary conditions, bending stiffness, and linear density of the cable considerably influence the cable force, whereas the inclination angle has a negligible effect on the cable force. The bending stiffness under the two boundary conditions of the cable were both 0.12Eimax, and the calculated value of the cable force under the solid support boundary condition at both ends was consistent with the value of the hydraulic jack tension.

In this paper, a collocation method based on the Jacobi polynomial is proposed for a class of optimal-control problems of a fractional distributed system. By using the Lagrange multiplier technique and fractional variational principle, the stated problem is reduced to a system of fractional partial differential equations about control and state functions. The uniqueness of this fractional coupled system is discussed. For spatial second-order derivatives, the proposed method takes advantage of Jacobi polynomials with different parameters to approximate solutions. For a temporal fractional derivative in the Caputo sense, choosing appropriate basis functions allows the collocation method to be implemented easily and efficiently. Exponential convergence is verified numerically under continuous initial conditions. As a particular example, the relation between the state function and the order of the fractional derivative is analyzed with a discontinuous initial condition. Moreover, the numerical results show that the integration of the state function will decay as the order of the fractional derivative decreases.

The adventitious rooting−related oxygenase (ARRO−1) gene is specifically expressed in the early rooting stage and is considered a molecular marker of rooting. In this study, a PsARRO−1 gene (GenBank accession number KJ620008) was identified from a pre−constructed transcriptome database of root development of Paeonia suffruticosa under sandy loam cultivation. The expression was verified by RT−qPCR, and it was found that the expression trend was consistent with the expression in the transcriptome database. The PsARRO−1 gene was specifically highly expressed during the root primordium germination phase. In addition, the RT−qPCR analysis indicated that the expression of PsARRO−1 in roots was significantly higher than in stems and leaves, its peak expression in vitro was 5 days earlier than in soil, and its expression was higher than that of tree peony in soil. Subcellular localization analysis showed that PsARRO−1 was localized in the plasma membrane. Moreover, the transient silent expression of the PsARRO−1 gene was found in the roots of peony seedlings grown using VIGS technology. The root activity was significantly reduced after transient silencing of the expression of the PsARRO−1 gene. These results indicate that PsARRO−1 has a positive regulatory effect on tree peony root development.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been reported to associate with gut microbiota alterations in murine models and thus “gut-retina-axis” has been proposed. However, the role of gut microbiome and the associated metabolism in DR patients still need to be elucidated. In this study, we collected fecal samples from 45 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 90 matched diabetic patients (1:2 according to age, sex, and duration of diabetes) without DR (NDR) and performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. We observed significantly lower bacterial diversity in the PDR group than that in the NDR group. Differential gut bacterial composition was also found, with significant depletion of 22 families (e.g., Coriobacteriaceae, Veillonellaceae, and Streptococcaceae) and enrichment of two families (Burkholderiaceae and Burkholderiales_unclassified) in the PDR group as compared with the NDR group. There were significantly different fecal metabolic features, which were enriched in metabolic pathways such as arachidonic acid and microbial metabolism, between the two groups. Among 36 coabundance metabolite clusters, 11 were positively/negatively contributed to PDR using logistic regression analysis. Fifteen gut microbial families were significantly correlated with the 11 metabolite clusters. Furthermore, a fecal metabolite-based classifier was constructed to distinguish PDR patients from NDR patients accurately. In conclusion, PDR is associated with reduced diversity and altered composition of gut microbiota and specific microbe-metabolite interplay. Our findings help to better understand the disease pathogenesis and provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for PDR.

Abstract Rationale and objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a spoiled gradient-recalled (SPGR) sequence to evaluate early knee cartilage degeneration and the relationship between cartilage and other tissues using a modified Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS). Materials and methods Eighty-four patients with knee joint pain were evaluated by X-ray and MRI with an SPGR sequence from June 2015 to December 2016. Joint degeneration was graded by two experienced radiologists using the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading scale. The modified WORMS was used to evaluate cartilage lesions, bone marrow abnormalities, bone cysts, osteophytes, joint effusion and synovitis. The difference between the WORMS of the SPGR and the T2 sequences evaluated by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was determined, and the relationships between the WORMS features were evaluated by a Spearman correlation. Results The modified WORMS for the cartilage lesion evaluation was significantly higher with the SPGR sequence than with the T2 sequence (P 0.40, P

Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate the gender and socioeconomic disparities in the global burden of epilepsy by prevalence and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs).Methods: The global, regional, and national gender-specific prevalence and DALYs caused by epilepsy by year and age were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2017. The Gini coefficient and concentration index (CI) were calculated to demonstrate the trends in between-country inequality in the epilepsy burden from 1990 to 2017. Paired Wilcoxon signed rank test, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analyses were performed to analyze the association of gender disparity in epilepsy and socio-demographic index (SDI).Results: The DALYs number of epilepsies increased from 1990 to 2017 by 13.8%, whereas age-standardized DALY rates showed a substantial reduction (16.1%). Men had a higher epilepsy burden than women of the same period. The epilepsy burden appeared to be higher in countries with lower socioeconomic development (CI < 0). The Gini coefficient decreased from 0.273 in 1995 to 0.259 in 2017, representing a decline in the between-country gap. Age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates of men were higher than those of women in each SDI-based country group (p < 0.0001). Male-minus-female difference (r = −0.5100, p < 0.0001) and male-to-female ratio (r = −0.3087, p < 0.0001) of age-standardized DALY rates were negatively correlated with SDI.Conclusion: Although global health care of epilepsy is in progress, the epilepsy burden was concentrated in males and developing countries. Our findings highlight the importance of formulating gender-sensitive health policies and providing more services in developing countries.

Purpose: Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is a rare autosomal recessive systemic autoinflammatory disorder. We describe a rare case of an adult patient with DADA2 who presented with unilateral frosted branch angiitis (FBA) combined with branch retinal vein occlusion and panuveitis.Method: This paper is a clinical case report.Results: A 31-year-old male patient complained of blurred vision in his right eye for 2 days. His fundus examination showed FBA combined with branch retinal vein occlusion and panuveitis. He had a medical history of intermittent and recurrent fever, skin rash and aphthous ulcer for 5 years, and lacunar infarction for 1 month. Laboratory examinations showed hypogammaglobulinemia and mild prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed old lacunar infarction in the right basal ganglia and the lateral ventricle and fresh lacunar infarction in the right pons, respectively. The perivascular sheathing of FBA and macular edema were resolved after steroid administration and treatment of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. During the period of follow-up, the patient subsequently suffered from recurrence of strokes, abnormality of coagulation function, sudden hearing loss of the left ear, and diplopia. His gene sequencing results demonstrated several deletion mutations in ADA2, and the diagnosis of DADA2 was eventually confirmed.Conclusions: FBA represents a very rare ocular feature of DADA2 and may in some cases be the presenting manifestation. Therefore, ophthalmologists need to be aware of this rare autoinflammatory disease.

Purpose. Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy, and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) changed its staging methodology from 2010, incorporating notable changes into the T-staging. There were few literatures evaluating the epidemiological trend and risk factors of survival in multicenter longitudinal studies regarding the new staging system. Methods. We performed population-based cohort analyses using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to identify patients with primary uveal melanoma from 2010 to 2015. Patients and potential prognosis indicators were extracted from SEER 18. Incidence rates, incidence rates ratios (IRR), annual percent changes (APC) in rate, hazard ratios (HR), 5-year accumulative overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were calculated. Results. A total of 2631 patients for incidence analysis and 1142 patients for survival analysis were retrieved. The overall incidence of uveal melanoma was 4.637 per million (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.458–4.821), which was significantly elevated by average APC of 4.215% (p=0.03). Females had significantly lower incidence (4.076 per million, IRR, 0.768, 95% CI, 0.710–0.832) with noticeable differences among age, race, origin, and laterality in sex-stratified analyses as well. Survival analyses revealed 5-year accumulative OS and DSS for patients with uveal melanoma of 61.8% and 66.5%, respectively. Age, AJCC stage, and radiation therapy were found to be consistent predictors in both univariate and multivariate analysis models. Conclusion. Incidence of uveal melanoma increased by significant APC and varied between genders. Determinants of survival included age at diagnosis, AJCC stage, and radiation therapy.

Purpose. There has not been a recent population-based study regarding the epidemiological trend and survival of eyelid primary malignant melanoma (PMM). Our study aims to evaluate the updated incidence trends and discuss the factors affecting the survival outcomes of eyelid PMM. Methods. A total of 1397 eyelid PMM cases diagnosed between 1975 and 2016 were retrospectively identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Age-adjusted incidence rates and annual percent changes (APC) were calculated. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate survival outcomes and identify potential prognostic factors. Results. The overall age-adjusted incidence of eyelid PMM rose from 0.039 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.012–0.088) in 1975 to 0.103 (95% CI, 0.070–0.143) per 100 000 population in 2016, with significant APC of 1.313% (p

Primary dysmenorrhoea, the most common gynaecologic complaint, remains genetically and pathophysiologically elusive. Here, Li and colleagues identify common variants inZMIZ1 and near NGFconferring risk for primary dysmenorrhoea using genome-wide association study in a Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE:To compare multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) with cardiac catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in comprehensive evaluation of the global cardiovascular anatomy in patients with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD). METHODS:The clinical and imaging data of 116 patients with PA-VSD confirmed by surgery were reviewed. Using findings at surgery as the reference standard, data from MDCT, TTE and catheterization were reviewed for assessment of native pulmonary vasculature and intracardiac defects. RESULTS:MDCT was more accurate than catheterization and TTE in identification of native pulmonary arteries. MDCT is also the most accurate test for delineation of the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. The inter-modality agreement for evaluation of overriding aorta and VSD were both excellent. In the subgroup with surgical correlation, excellent agreement was found between TTE and surgery, and substantial agreement was also found at MDCT. CONCLUSION:MDCT can correctly delineate the native pulmonary vasculatures and intracardiac defects and may be a reliable method for noninvasive assessment of global cardiovascular abnormalities in patients with PA-VSD.

To investigate the association of demographic, clinical and psychosocial variables with levels of anxiety and depression in participants wearing an ocular prosthesis after eye enucleation.This cross-sectional study included 195 participants with an enucleated eye who were attending an ophthalmic clinic for prosthetic rehabilitation between July and November 2014. Demographic and clinical data, and self-reported feelings of shame, sadness and anger were collected. Participants also completed the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire, the Facial Appearance subscale of the Negative Physical Self Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Regression models were used to identify the factors associated with anxiety and depression.The proportion of participants with clinical anxiety was 11.8% and clinical depression 13.8%. More anxiety and depression were associated with poorer vision-related quality of life and greater levels of appearance concerns. Younger age was related to greater levels of anxiety. Less educated participants and those feeling more angry about losing an eye are more prone to experience depression. Clinical variables were unrelated to anxiety or depression.Anxiety and depression are more prevalent in eye-enucleated patients than the general population, which brings up the issues of psychiatric support in these patients. Psychosocial rather than clinical characteristics were associated with anxiety and depression. Longitudinal studies need to be conducted to further elucidate the direction of causality before interventions to improve mood states are developed.

Large deletions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) may be involved in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial disease. In this study, we investigated the relationship between a 4,977-bp deletion in the mitochondrial genome (ΔmtDNA(4977)) and the severity of clinical symptoms in patients with mitochondrial disease lacking known point mutations. A total of 160 patients with mitochondrial disease and 101 healthy controls were recruited for this study. The copy numbers of ΔmtDNA(4977) and wild-type mtDNA were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and analyzed using Spearman's bivariate correlation analysis, t-tests, or one-way ANOVA. The overall ΔmtDNA(4977) copy number per cell and the proportion of mtDNA(4977) relative to the total wild-type mtDNA, increased with patient age and symptom severity. Surprisingly, the total mtDNA copy number decreased with increasing symptom severity. Our analyses revealed that increases in the proportion and total copy number of ΔmtDNA(4977) in the blood may be associated with disease severity in patients with mitochondrial dysfunction.

The genotype-phenotype relationship in diseases with mtDNA point mutations is still elusive. The maintenance of wild-type mtDNA copy number is essential to the normal mitochondrial oxidative function. This study examined the relationship between mtDNA copy number in blood and urine and disease severity of the patients harboring A3243G mutation. We recruited 115 A3243G patients, in which 28 were asymptomatic, 42 were oligo-symptomatic, and 45 were poly-symptomatic. Increase of total mtDNA copy number without correlation to the proportion of mutant mtDNA was found in the A3243G patients. Correlation analyses revealed that wild-type mtDNA copy number in urine was the most important factor correlated to disease severity, followed by proportion of mutant mtDNA in urine and proportion of mutant mtDNA in blood. Wild-type copy number in urine negatively correlated to the frequencies of several major symptoms including seizures, myopathy, learning disability, headache and stroke, but positively correlated to the frequencies of hearing loss and diabetes. Besides proportion of mutant mtDNA in urine, wild-type copy number in urine is also an important marker for disease severity of A3243G patients.

The numerical solution of a variable-order fractional financial system is calculated by using the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton method. The derivative is defined in the Caputo variable-order fractional sense. Numerical examples show that the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton method can be applied to solve such variable-order fractional differential equations simply and effectively. The convergent order of the method is also estimated numerically. Moreover, the stable equilibrium point, quasiperiodic trajectory, and chaotic attractor are found in the variable-order fractional financial system with proper order functions.