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(iii) In terms of vaccines, two of the three patients were fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine and did not show significant differences in clinical symptoms following COVID-19 infection, with all having relatively mild symptoms and similar symptoms of hydrocephalus onset. This reminds clinicians that in the post-epidemic period of SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients may have hydrocephalus-related symptoms or the original hydrocephalus-related symptoms may be aggravated, so clinicians should be highly vigilant. Learning points for clinicians: We report three cases of secondary hydrocephalus after SARS-CoV-2 infection. [Extracted from the article]

The family of pyrabactin resistance 1 (PYR1)/PYR1-like (PYL) regulatory components of ABA receptors (RCAR) play a vital role in the initial step of ABA signaling. To understand the expression mode of PYL genes in response to various abiotic stresses in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis), the members of BrPYL gene family were first identified with the relevant bioinformatics software. And then, the relative expressions of identified BrPYLs after heat, cold, drought, and salt treatments for 0, 24, 48, and 72 h were determined via real-time quantitative PCR. Here, we identified 24 PYLs in the B. rapa genome. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, these BrPYL genes were divided into three classes and distributed on ten chromosomes in Chinese cabbage. Most of BrPYL genes in the same group have similar gene structures and intron numbers. There were seven genes (BrPYL5, BrPYL8, BrPYL22, BrPYL3, BrPYL18, BrPYL11, and BrPYL21) from Group A with two introns and one gene (BrPYL19) from Group D with one intron. Analysis of conserved motifs suggested that every group contained motif 2 containing the Polyketide_cyc2 domain. Subsequently, the prediction of cis-acting elements indicated that BrPYL genes had 5 stress-related elements and 5 hormone-related elements, among which the number of MYC (dehydration reaction) was the highest, suggesting that BrPYL genes could respond to hormones and abiotic stresses. Expression patterns under four abiotic stresses showed that the expressions of BrPYL4, BrPYL11, BrPYL21, and BrPYL23 responded to these stresses at different time points. To conclude, we identified the BrPYL genes and build the BrPYLs expression mode in response to various abiotic stresses. This study provides a theoretical basis for stress-resistance breeding of Chinese cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In this study, we attempted to increase the productivity of Candida glycerinogenes yeast for ethanol production from non‐detoxified sugarcane bagasse hydrolysates (NDSBH) by identifying the hexose transporter in this yeast that makes a high contribution to glucose consumption, and by adding additional copies of this transporter and enhancing its membrane localisation stability (MLS). Methods and Results: Based on the knockout and overexpression of key hexose transporter genes and the characterisation of their promoter properties, we found that Cghxt4 and Cghxt6 play major roles in the early and late stages of fermentation, respectively, with Cghxt4 contributing most to glucose consumption. Next, subcellular localisation analysis revealed that a common mutation of two ubiquitination sites (K9 and K538) in Cghxt4 improved its MLS. Finally, we overexpressed this Cghxt4 mutant (Cghxt4.2A) using a strong promoter, PCgGAP, which resulted in a significant increase in the ethanol productivity of C. glycerinogenes in the NDSBH medium. Specifically, the recombinant strain showed 18 and 25% higher ethanol productivity than the control in two kinds of YP‐NDSBH medium (YP‐NDSBH1G160 and YP‐NDSBH2G160), respectively. Conclusions: The hexose transporter mutant Cghxt4.2A (Cghxt4K9A,K538A) with multiple copies and high MLS was able to significantly increase the ethanol productivity of C. glycerinogenes in NDSBH. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our results provide a promising strategy for constructing efficient strains for ethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The friction and wear behaviors of a Fe-19Cr-15Mn-0.66N high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel (HNSS) were investigated. Tribological investigations were carried out under different applied loads of 5 N, 10 N, 15 N, and 20 N. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) were used to understand the wear mechanisms under different loads and the reasons for the improved wear resistance. The lower friction coefficient and improved wear resistance were observed with the increase in applied loads. Under a higher load, the friction enhanced the work hardening ability of HNSS, which in turn improved its surface hardness and thus the increased wear resistance of HNSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde acylhydrazones, such as salicylaldehyde acylhydrazones, are intriguing bioactive molecules, few of their N-alkylated derivatives are known, and only methyl analogues have been reported previously. We achieved selective N-alkylation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde acylhydrazones, as their Fe(III) complexes, by using combinations of alkylating agents (for example, an alkyl bromide and a dialkyl sulfate). Fifteen substrates were examined, and 45 new 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde acyl(alkyl)hydrazones were synthesized in moderate to good yields. In all cases, the target products were obtained exclusively, and no O-alkylation byproducts were produced. The method provides an efficient way of preparing 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde acyl(alkyl)hydrazones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a study that examine the connection between tea consumption and bone health in Chinese adults. Topics discussed include tea as a worldwide drink and make controversial effect on bone health, mentions the benefits of tea with bone health in women but not associated with men, and information on the participants of the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) in the baseline survey.

It is well known that relative permeabilities can depend on the flow configuration and they are commonly lower during counter-current flow as compared to co-current flow. Conventional models must deal with this by manually changing the relative permeability curves depending on the observed flow regime. In this paper we use a novel two-phase momentum-equation-approach based on general mixture theory to generate effective relative permeabilities where this dependence (and others) is automatically captured. In particular, this formulation includes two viscous coupling effects: (i) Viscous drag between the flowing phases and the stagnant porous rock; (ii) viscous drag caused by momentum transfer between the flowing phases. The resulting generalized model will predict that during co-current flow the faster moving fluid accelerates the slow fluid, but is itself decelerated, while for counter-current flow they are both decelerated. The implications of these mechanisms are demonstrated by investigating recovery of oil from a matrix block surrounded by water due to a combination of gravity drainage and spontaneous imbibition, a situation highly relevant for naturally fractured reservoirs. We implement relative permeability data obtained experimentally through co-current flooding experiments and then explore the model behavior for different flow cases ranging from counter-current dominated to co-current dominated. In particular, it is demonstrated how the proposed model seems to offer some possible interesting improvements over conventional modeling by providing generalized mobility functions that automatically are able to capture more correctly different flow regimes for one and the same parameter set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin levels are increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but little is known on how this correlates with several disease characteristics including the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here we compared serum leptin levels with frequency of circulating Tregs in 47 lupus patients vs. 25 healthy matched controls. Correlations with lupus disease activity were also analyzed, as well as Treg proliferation potential. It was found that leptin was remarkably increased in SLE patients as compared to controls, particularly in SLE patients with moderate and severe active SLE, and the increase correlated with disease activity. Importantly, increased leptin in lupus patients inversely correlated with the frequency of Tregs but not in controls, and leptin neutralization resulted in the expansion of Tregs ex vivo. Thus, hyperleptinemia in lupus patients correlates directly with disease activity and inversely with Treg frequency. The finding that leptin inhibition expands Tregs in SLE suggests possible inhibition of this molecule for an enhanced Treg function in the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are a significant factor impacting the quality of life in HIV-1 patients. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), derived from tryptophan (Trp) in a physiological state, is a neuroprotective molecule associated with astrocytes. Previous results suggested KYNA level in the brain of HIV-1 gp120 transgenic mice (Tg mice) fed with Trp is higher than that in the control group, and Tg mice were successfully established for simulating the HAND. In this study, Morris Water Maze (MWM) to determine behavioral changes in mice, evaluating the effect of KYNA on cognitive impairment in Tg mice. The mice were randomly numbered and divided into four groups (n=10): WT, WT+0.1%Trp, Tg mice, and Tg mice+0.1%Trp, fed for one month by grouping. All groups of mice intake water and food freely during this period. The data of the incubation period, crossing times, and the quadrant residence time were recorded by MWM and analyzed with SPSS 22.0. The residence time of the Tg mice+Trp group in the hidden platform quadrant was increased (P<0.05). Additionally, the incubation period of the Tg mice group and Tg mice+Trp group are close, feeding Trp had no significant effect on the incubation period of gp120 group (P>0.05). And it extended the incubation period of WT group without a statistical difference (P>0.05). Ultimately, the platform crossing times of both gp120+Trp group and WT+Trp group without a statistical difference (P>0.05). Those results suggested that MWM assessing learning and cognitive ability is feasible. MWM could evaluate the protective effect of KYNA on cognitive impairment in HIV-1 gp120 transgenic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to unreliable estimations of classical techniques and the complexity of proposed accurate methods, artificial neural networks have been used to model and predict hydrogen solubility in model components of Shenhua coal liquefaction oil. In the first stage, temperature and pressure are inputs of each network and the hydrogen solubility is the output. The largest average relative deviation of the 2-3-1 network has been calculated to be 3.48%. In the second stage, one 3-4-1 network has been designed for all studied systems and the molecular weight of each substance has been used as a new input. The largest average relative deviation of networks has been calculated to be 3.15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution reports an alternative method for synthesizing zeolite from coal fly ash via mechanochemical treatment. The raw fly ash was size reduced to <75 μm and then mechanically grounded via a wet ball milling system for 6 h in the presence of a 2.0 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to synthesize zeolite. The synthesized zeolite and the raw fly ash were then used to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The results show that, under equilibrium conditions, the maximum removal of Cr(VI) increases from 0.803 mg/g of the raw fly ash to 1.549 mg/g of the synthesized zeolite. The improved Cr(VI) removal capacity of the synthesized zeolite can be attributed to the formation of zeolite X, and to a lesser extent, the improved physical adsorption capacity. Low-valence iron (e.g. Fe3O4) in the raw fly ash and the synthesized zeolite plays a significant role in reducing and removing Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical fluid reactive deposition (SFRD) using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as the solvent and the reaction medium was employed to generate mono- and bi-metallic Pt and Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on SBA-15 as a mesoporous support material. Highly uniform particles in the 5 nm range were deposited preferentially inside the pores detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The materials were further characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Coupling of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) with EDX demonstrated the formation of alloy-type structures for the bimetallic Pt/Pd particles. Comparison of the SFRD-process using scCO2 with the impregnation method using conventional liquid solvents showed that the material characteristics were similar to deposition from n-pentane, but significantly different from deposition from toluene or THF. The differences could be rationalized on the basis of characteristic physico-chemical solvent properties. Notably, the choice of solvent during the preparation was also reflected in the catalytic performance of the materials for hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL), whereby the nature of the support and the Pt/Pd ratio were additional parameters controlling the activity with the SFRD approach. Bimetallic Pt/Pd particles were found to result in superior activity as compared to either of the individual monometallic species. Thus, the use of SFRD allows one to avoid organic solvents during the catalyst preparation, leading even to improved catalytic properties in favourable cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between preoperative/postoperative Cytokeratin 19 ( CK 19) messenger RNA ( mRNA) level in peripheral blood ( PB) and the clinical significance in esophageal cancer patients with different clinicopathological factors. We detected the preoperative and postoperative CK 19 mRNA level in the PB of 139 esophageal cancer patients who underwent complete resection and evaluated its clinical significance. We found that both the preoperative and postoperative CK 19 mRNA level increased in the esophageal cancer patients with lymph node metastasis, relapse or distant metastasis compared with that in cancers without lymph node metastasis, relapse or distant metastasis. High postoperative CK 19 mRNA levels indicate a short disease-free survival ( DFS) for the whole cohort esophageal cancer patients, whereas the high preoperative CK 19 mRNA levels only indicate a short DFS for the esophageal cancer patients with squamous cell carcinoma, TNM III stage, and lymph node metastasis. The dynamic change of CK 19 mRNA levels could indicate the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients. The patients with decreasing CK 19 mRNA level after surgery had good prognosis, and the patients with changeless CK 19 mRNA level had poor prognosis. Taken together, CK 19 mRNA levels could be a promising marker in assessing prognosis or assigning treatment for the esophageal cancer patients according to different clinicopathological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the complexity of its diagnosis and treatment are increasing. We estimated trends in net health care utilization, costs of care attributable to HCC in Ontario, and rate ratios of resource use at various stages of care. Methods This population-based retrospective cohort study identified hcc patients and non-cancer control subjects, and health care resource utilization between 2002 and 2009. Generalized estimating equations were then used to estimate net health care utilization (HCC patients vs. the matched control subjects) and net costs of care attributable to HCC. Generalized linear models were used to analyze rate ratios of resource use. Results We identified 2832 hcc patients and 2808 matched control subjects. In comparison with the control subjects, hcc patients generally used a greater number of health care services. Overall, the mean net cost of care per 30 patient-days (2013 Canadian dollars) attributable to outpatient visits and hospitalizations was highest in the pre-diagnosis (1 year before diagnosis), initial (1st year after diagnosis), and end-of-life (last 6 months before death, short-term survivors) phases. Mean net homecare costs were highest in the end-of-life phase (long-term survivors). In the end-of-life phase (short-term survivors), mean net costs attributable to outpatient visits and total services significantly increased to $14,220 from $1,547 and to $33,121 from $14,450 (2008-2009 and 2002-2003 respectively). Conclusions In HCC, our study found increasing resource use and net costs of care, particularly in the end-of-life phase among short-term survivors. Our findings offer a basis for resource allocation decisions in the area of cancer prevention and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River flow alterations caused by dams have introduced many ecological problems, in particular a decline in aquatic species such as fishes. One compensatory measure is to create a hydrological process similar to the natural state with regard to the survival requirements of the fish. In recent years, the Three Gorges Reservoir ( TGR) has introduced man-made flood by ecological operation experiments to facilitate spawning of the four major Chinese carps in the Yangtze River, China. To investigate the fish spawning activities and their responses to the TGR operation, eggs from the four major Chinese carps were sampled using conical drift nets in the middle mainstream of the Yangtze River, May to July in 2012 and 2013. Spawning timing, location, and scale of the four carps were studied and compared between the 2 years; key hydrological and environmental factors associated with spawning were determined by principal component analysis and stepwise regression analysis. Two factors were significantly positive when correlated with egg abundance: one was increasing rate of the river flow (flood amplitude), and the other was river transparency; only one factor, starting of the river flow (flooding occasions), was significantly and negatively correlated with the time of spawning. Comparison of egg abundance in one flood pulse response to different operation rules showed that flooding made by an ecological operation induced a larger scale of spawning than a conventional operation. The study implied that suitable flood conditions could produce a successful spawning event, and that the occasion and pattern of the flood process might result in different responses in fish spawning. Further research is required to develop more scientific monitoring designs in order to obtain accurate field data for both biotic and abiotic factors, and explore new research methods for egg abundance estimations combined with particle experiment and hydrodynamic modeling. This work is fundamental to improve the strategic decisions on reservoir operation and river management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anadromous fish, the Chinese sturgeon ( Acipenser sinensis Gray) is included in the 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. To save populations from extinction, artificial propagation had been sought since the 1980s and was achieved in 2009. Additional genetic information and methods will become crucial components in genetic management of the residual A. sinensis population. Microsatellite markers can provide information on the family structure, to avoid inbreeding or founder effects. However, the polyploidy derivative nature of the A. sinensis genome has added difficulties in settling these problems. Given the costs associated with genetic data collection, the trade-off between the amount of molecular data (how many loci are needed and which loci should be used) and the number of individuals sampled warrants consideration in order to maximize both efficiency and parentage analysis. Formulas to calculate the resolving power for tetraploid microsatellite loci in a given population are provided; these formulas are adapted from those fitted to the diploid loci in Neff et al. (Mol. Ecol., 9, 2000a, 515) and require genetic data only from the parent or parents in question, and an estimate of population allele frequencies. These formulas will help in addressing practical problems, such as the choice of genetic loci in A. sinensis conservation aquaculture programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to elucidate the drought resistance and high-yield mechanism of hybrid millet, we studied the influence of drought stress on the photosynthetic characteristics and dry matter accumulation. Our results revealed that drought stress caused lesser reduction in the net photosynthetic rate, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, excitation energy capture efficiency of PSII reaction centers and in the yield of hybrid millet compared to normal millet. When drought stress occurred in the jointing stage, the percentage decrease of P, F/F, F′/F′, and the yield of Zhangzagu3 cultivar compared to control were 27.9%, 2.6%, 25. 5%, and 1.9%, respectively, the percentage decrease of Zhangzagu5 were 37.6%, 3.9%, 28.3%, and 16.7%, respectively, the decrease percentage of Datong29 were 60.1%, 6.4%, 4%, and 23.4%, respectively. Hybrid millet showed the similar reduction in the parameters referred above, when drought stress occurred at the heading stage, but the percentage decrease was much higher than that at the jointing stage. We concluded that hybrid millet showed higher drought resistance than normal millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypyrrole (PPy) films were successfully prepared on the self-assembled silane monolayers (SAMs) for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to estimate the surface properties of SAMs and hydrolytic silane. The deposition process of PPy films on silane SAMs surface was discussed. The PPy films synthesised on SAMs were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the uniformity and density of PPy films were improved effectively by using SAMs modification and adding dopants, which could further increase the conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of PPy films. A maximum conductivity of 51·4 S cm-1 and SE value of 37·03 dB for I2 doped PPy films on SAMs has been achieved. The doped PPy films can be used for the practical EMI shielding application for commercial electronic appliances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pullulanase gene ( Pul3YH5) of 2568 bp, which encodes a protein containing 855 amino acid residues, was cloned from the alkaliphilic bacterium Exiguobacterium acetylicum YH5. The pullulanase (Pul3YH5) contains the YNWGYDP motif of type I pullulanase as well as four conserved glycoside hydrolase sequences of the GH13 (α-amylase) family. When the pullulanase gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) plysS, the recombinant pullulanase had a molecular mass of ˜100·0 kDa. It was optimally active at 50°C and pH 6·0, alkali-tolerant and displayed excellent stability (>93·0%) over a broad pH range (4·0-10·0) when incubated for 30 min without substrate. The enzyme activity of Pul3YH5 was significantly enhanced in the presence of Co2+, Fe2+ and Mn2+ and was inhibited by Cu2+, SDS, β-mercaptoethanol and EDTA. The enzyme displayed the highest specificity for pullulan ( Km = 0·12 ± 0·02 mg ml−1), followed by soluble starch ( Km = 0·69 ± 0·04 mg ml−1). Substrate hydrolysis demonstrated that pullulanase from E. acetylicum liberated maltotriose from pullulan, although hydrolytic activity was also detected with soluble starch, amylopectin, β-limited dextrin and glycogen. These enzymatic properties indicate that Pul3YH5 is alkali-tolerant pullulanase and that Pul3YH5 could be useful in the detergent industry. Significance and Impact of the Study Pullulanases have great potential in various industries, ranging from food (high fructose and glucose syrups) to washing detergent industries. In this study, the gene encoding the novel pullulanase from E. acetylicum YH5 was cloned and sequenced, then expressed in E. coli. The properties of the recombinant enzyme in E. coli were also determined. The pullulanase from E. acetylicum YH5 is alkaline tolerant and has a high optimum temperature, making it a candidate for applications in the detergent industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poster: Physics track: Basic dosimetry and phantom and detector development PO-1330: On the Implementation and Validation of 3D Computational Pediatric Phantoms in Commercial TPS A. Gupta, Y. Qiao, S. Shrestha, C. Owens, C. Lee, C. Ditty, S. Smith, R. Weathers, R.M. Howell. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and associated predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) among pregnant women infected with syphilis. Design: Cox regression analysis. Setting: China. Population or sample: Pregnant women who were tested for and diagnosed with syphilis during the index pregnancy and delivered at a gestational age ≥28 weeks between 2016 and 2019. Methods: Data were extracted from China's Information System of Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission of Syphilis Management. Descriptive analysis provided profiles and pregnancy outcomes of maternal syphilis, as well as the incidence of APOs. Log‐rank tests and Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate factors influencing APOs in infected mothers with singleton births. Main outcome measures: The incidence of APOs and the hazard ratios of associated predictors using Cox proportional hazard model. Results: Syphilis treatment data were available from 83.86% of diagnosed women. Including deliveries from the total study population, 13.33% experienced APOs. Cox regression indicated that APOs were more likely in women tested and diagnosed in the late trimester, at delivery or postpartum. Women who accepted non‐standardised treatment and who received standardised treatment had less risk of APOs. Conclusions: China has made huge progress over the last decades in the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of syphilis, but the incidence of APOs among pregnant women infected with syphilis remains high. It is essential to further strengthen access to early detection and standardised treatment of infected women to reduce the risk of APOs. Access to early detection and standardised treatment reduces the risk of APOs due to maternal syphilis. Access to early detection and standardised treatment reduces the risk of APOs due to maternal syphilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil microbial community diversity of wheat rhizosphere was affected by the amount of nitrogen fertilizer. In addition to bacterial community, ammonia-oxidizing archaea, nitrogen-fixing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria also play important roles in nitrogen cycle. At present, the microecological mechanism of its response to nitrogen application is still unclear. In this study, the rhizosphere soil microorganisms of winter wheat were used as the research object. The changes of soil bacteria, ammonia-oxidizing archaea, nitrogen-fixing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria communities under five nitrogen rates of 0—N(0), 90—N(6), 180—N(12), 240—N(16), 300—N(20) kg N ha–2 were studied by high-throughput sequencing technology. Under N(12) treatment, the Alpha diversity index of bacteria, AOA and nifH nitrogen-fixing bacteria and the Shannon and Simpson indices of nirK denitrifying bacteria were significantly increased. N(12) treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, but no significant difference was found at the nifH and nirK bacterial phyla levels. Under the high nitrogen treatment of N(16) and N(20), the dominant bacteria of nirK-type denitrifying bacteria increased significantly compared with N(12) treatment, there was no significant difference in microbial community distribution between N(20) and the control group. Therefore, the nitrogen addition under N(12) treatment was most conducive to the absorption and utilization of nitrogen fertilizer by soil microorganisms. The effect of nitrogen addition on microbial community was weaker than that of soil properties and wheat yield, and nitrogen addition was significantly correlated with yield, reaching the highest yield at 300 kg ha–2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) is the most common chronic systemic autoimmune disease. This disease is thought to be caused by pathogenic T cells. Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of RA. These Th cells differentiate from CD4+ T cells primarily due to the effects of cytokines. Natural killer T ( NKT) cells are a distinct subset of lymphocytes that can rapidly secrete massive amount of cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and IFN- γ. Numerous studies showed that NKT cells can influence the differentiation of CD4+ T cells via cytokines in vitro. These findings suggest that NKT cells play an important role in RA by polarizing Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells. In view of the complexity of RA, we discussed whether NKT cells really influence the development of RA through regulating the differentiation of Th cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Few studies have evaluated the effect of weight change from pre-pregnancy to post-partum with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between weight change from pre-pregnancy to 1-5 years post-partum with metabolic syndrome among Chinese women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study in 1263 women with gestational diabetes mellitus at 1-5 years post-partum. Participants were divided into four groups based on their weight change from pre-pregnancy to 1-5 years post-partum: loss of ≥ 3 kg, ± 3 kg, gain of 3-7 kg and gain of ≥7 kg. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 12.1%, 16.2%, 26.0% and 44.3% among women with weight loss ≥ 3 kg, stable weight ( ± 3 kg), weight gain 3-7 kg and weight gain ≥ 7 kg from pre-pregnancy to post-partum, respectively. The positive association between weight change and metabolic syndrome was observed among women with pre-pregnancy normal weight ( BMI < 24 kg/m2), overweight ( BMI 24-27.9 kg/m2) and obesity ( BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was almost similar among pre-pregnancy normal weight women with weight gain ≥ 7 kg, pre-pregnancy overweight women with stable weight ( ± 3 kg) and pre-pregnancy obese women with weight loss ≥ 3 kg from pre-pregnancy to post-partum ( P = 0.62). Conclusions Women with gestational diabetes mellitus who had large weight gain from pre-pregnancy to post-partum were more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. Women who are pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and also diagnosed as gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy need more weight control after delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased levels of plasma free amino acids (p FAAs) can disturb the blood glucose levels in patients with obesity, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome ( MS) and are associated with enhanced protein oxidation. Oxidation of proteins, especially in the muscles, can promote protein degradation and elevate the levels of p FAAs. Gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA), a food additive, can reduce high-fat diet ( HFD)-induced hyperglycaemia; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GABA on protein oxidation and p FAAs changes. One hundred male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups that were fed with control diet, HFD and HFD supplied with 0.2%, 0.12% and 0.06% GABA in drinking water for 20 weeks respectively. HFD feeding led to muscular oxidative stress, protein oxidation, p FAA disorders, hyperglycaemia and augmented plasma GABA levels. Treatment with GABA restored normally fasting blood glucose level and dose-dependently inhibited body weight gains, muscular oxidation and protein degradation. While medium and low doses of GABA mitigated HFD-induced p FAA disorders, the high dose of GABA deteriorated the p FAA disorders. Medium dose of GABA increased the levels of GABA, but high dose of GABA reduced the levels of plasma GABA and increased the activity of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase in the liver. Therefore, treatment with GABA mitigated HFD-induced hyperglycaemia probably by repairing HFD-induced muscular oxidative stress and pFAA disorders in mice. Our data also suggest that an optimal dose of GABA is crucial for the prevention of excess GABA-related decrease in the levels of p FAA and GABA as well as obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To construct a novel nomogram by integrating computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and clinical parameters for individualised prediction of haemorrhagic transformation (HT) in intravenous thrombolysis (IVT)-treated acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients.Methods: Anterior circulation AIS patients who underwent IVT at a single centre from January 2018 to June 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The CTP parameters of two regions of interest (ROI), the entire perfusion lesion areas, and the infract core areas, were assessed. HT was documented by follow-up CT 24 ± 2 h after IVT. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted by including clinical variables and CTP parameters to identify the independent predictors of HT. A nomogram was developed based on the independent predictors. The discriminative value and calibration of the nomogram were tested by concordance indexes (C-indexes) and calibration plots. Internal validation was performed using fivefold cross-validation.Results: The nomogram was generated using the complete data from 341 patients. Seven variables were included in the final nomogram, including: the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), permeability surface (PS), and relative PS (rPS) in infract core areas, the relative time to maximum (rTmax) and rPS in entire perfusion lesion areas, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and atrial fibrillation (AF). The C-indexes were 0.815 and 0.817 for the nomogram and internal validation. The calibration plots showed excellent agreement.Conclusion: This is the first study establishing a nomogram based on CTP and clinical parameters to predict HT after stroke thrombolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization has been shown to influence the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities. However, the functional response of the soil microbial community to urbanization is not well studied. In this study, we used the Biolog Microplates method to characterize microbial catabolic profiles in Eucalyptus plantations of soil samples from urban, suburban and rural sites in Guangzhou, China. The results showed that there were significant differences in the average well-color development (AWCD) of all carbon sources among the three urban–rural plantations microbial communities, and the Simpson functional diversity index showed significant differences. Soil microbial metabolic activity showed a significantly negative correlation with soil variables (pH, total nitrogen, available Cu, available Zn, total Pb, total Cr and total Cd) except bulk density and organic carbon. Additionally, the three urban–rural plantations microbial communities differed significantly in the metabolic utilization of carbohydrates, phenols, amino acids and amines, however there were no significant differences in the carboxylic acids and polymers. Furthermore, the principal component analysis revealed that the microbial communities of three urban–rural plantations had obviously different metabolic functions. These results revealed that urbanization distinctly decreased soil microbial activities and affected soil microbial function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Migraine is a complex and disabling neurological disorder, the exact neurological mechanisms of which remain unclear. The thalamus is considered to be the hub of the central processing and integration of nociceptive information, as well as the modulation of these processes. Methods: A total of 48 migraineurs without aura (MWoAs) during the interictal phase and 48 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. We utilized masked independent component analysis and seed‐based functional connectivity (FC) to investigate whether MWoAs exhibited abnormal FC between subregions in the thalamus and the cortex regions. Results: The MWoAs showed significantly weaker FC between the anterior dorsal thalamic nucleus and left precuneus. Additionally, MWoAs exhibited significantly reduced FC between the ventral posterior nucleus (VPN) and left precuneus, right inferior parietal lobule (R‐IPL) and right middle frontal gyrus. Furthermore, the FC Z‐scores between the VPN and R‐IPL were negatively correlated with pain intensity in MWoAs. The disease duration of patients was negatively correlated with the FC Z‐scores between the VPN and R‐IPL. Conclusion: These altered thalamocortical connectivity patterns may contribute to multisensory integration abnormalities, deficits in pain attention, cognitive evaluation and pain modulation. Pain sensitivity and disease duration are closely tied to abnormal FC between the VPN and R‐IPL. Remarkably, recurrent headache attacks might contribute to this maladaptive functional plasticity closely related to pain intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate data on protein and amino acids digestibility of feed components is one of the ways to enhance nitrogen and protein utilization and to mitigate nitrogen pollution in a poultry farm. Digestibility and bioavailability of dietary nutrients depend on different factors like the type of feedstuffs, nutrients utilization, fiber contents, and diet adjustments in poultry. Diet formulation depends on dietary sources of protein, which is responsible to improve or maintain amino acid digestibility. The nutrients digestibility and absorption of the diet always decrease with increasing endogenous amino acid losses (EAAL). A lot of factors such as age, species and breeds play important role in EAAL contents. Furthermore, the high values of EAAL have been recorded in early ages in comparison with advanced ages; this result may be owed to the incomplete development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and low digestion in early age as reported by several researchers. The estimation method and factors of the environment are strongly effective on the accurate measurement of EAAL. The aim of this review article is to compare the results of from different methods and highlight the issue EAAL of various poultry species including broiler chickens, laying hens and turkey poults. Besides, this paper illustrates some comparative studies among the aforementioned species according to different ages and methods to correctly understand the nutritional values of feed components, nutrient digestibility and utilization. Based on the review of existing literature this paper direct the attention of researchers and poultry producers to improve the accuracy of estimating EAAL among various poultry models, and to improve the productive and reproductive performance on commercial basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pathogens can release extracellular vesicles (EVs) for cell–cell communication and host modulation. EVs from Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite species, can transfer drug resistance genes between parasites. EVs from late‐stage parasite‐infected RBC (iRBC‐EVs) are immunostimulatory and affect endothelial cell permeability, but little is known about EVs from early stage iRBC. We detected the parasite virulence factor PfEMP1, which is responsible for iRBC adherence and a major contributor to disease severity, in EVs, only up to 12‐hr post‐RBC invasion. Furthermore, using PfEMP1 transport knockout parasites, we determined that EVs originated from inside the iRBC rather than the iRBC surface. Proteomic analysis detected 101 parasite and 178 human proteins in iRBC‐EVs. Primary human monocytes stimulated with iRBC‐EVs released low levels of inflammatory cytokines and showed transcriptomic changes. Stimulation with iRBC‐EVs from PfEMP1 knockout parasites induced more gene expression changes and affected pathways involved in defence response, stress response, and response to cytokines, suggesting a novel function of PfEMP1 when present in EVs. We show for the first time the presence of PfEMP1 in early stage P. falciparum iRBC‐EVs and the effects of these EVs on primary human monocytes, uncovering a new mechanism of potential parasite pathogenesis and host interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview of Sun-Sky Radiometer Observation Network (SONET) measurements in China is presented. Based on observations at 16 distributed SONET sites in China, atmospheric aerosol parameters are acquired via standardization processes of operational measurement, maintenance, calibration, inversion, and quality control implemented since 2010. A climatology study is performed focusing on total columnar atmospheric aerosol characteristics, including optical (aerosol optical depth, ÅngstrÖm exponent, fine-mode fraction, single-scattering albedo), physical (volume particle size distribution), chemical composition (black carbon; brown carbon; fine-mode scattering component, coarse-mode component; and aerosol water), and radiative properties (aerosol radiative forcing and efficiency). Data analyses show that aerosol optical depth is low in the west but high in the east of China. Aerosol composition also shows significant spatial and temporal variations, leading to noticeable diversities in optical and physical property patterns. In west and north China, aerosols are generally affected by dust particles, while monsoon climate and human activities impose remarkable influences on aerosols in east and south China. Aerosols in China exhibit strong light-scattering capability and result in significant radiative cooling effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the diameter of solder interconnects in three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D ICs) downsizes to several microns, how to achieve a uniform microstructure with thousands of interconnects on stacking chips becomes a critical issue in 3D IC manufacturing. We report a promising way for fabricating fully intermetallic interconnects with a regular grain morphology and a strong texture feature by soldering single crystal (111) Cu/Sn/polycrystalline Cu interconnects under the temperature gradient. Continuous epitaxial growth of η-Cu6Sn5 at cold end liquid-Sn/(111)Cu interfaces has been demonstrated. The resultant η-Cu6Sn5 grains show faceted prism textures with an intersecting angle of 60° and highly preferred orientation with their <1120> directions nearly paralleling to the direction of the temperature gradient. These desirable textures are maintained even after soldering for 120 min. The results pave the way for controlling the morphology and orientation of interfacial intermetallics in 3D packaging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: γδ T cells are important for both protective immunity and immunopathogenesis during malaria infection. However, the immunological processes determining beneficial or detrimental effects on disease outcome remain elusive. The aim of this study was to examine expression and regulatory effect of the inhibitory receptor T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM3) on γδ T cells. While TIM3 expression and function on conventional αβ T cells have been clearly defined, the equivalent characterization on γδ T cells and associations with disease outcomes is limited. This study investigated the functional capacity of TIM3+ γδ T cells and the underlying mechanisms contributing to TIM3 upregulation and established an association with malaria disease outcomes.Methods: We analyzed TIM3 expression on γδ T cells in 132 children aged 5-10 years living in malaria endemic areas of Papua New Guinea. TIM3 upregulation and effector functions of TIM3+ γδ T cells were assessed following in vitro stimulation with parasite-infected erythrocytes, phosphoantigen and/or cytokines. Associations between the proportion of TIM3-expressing cells and the molecular force of infection were tested using negative binomial regression and in a Cox proportional hazards model for time to first clinical episode. Multivariable analyses to determine the association of TIM3 and IL-18 levels were conducted using general linear models. Malaria infection mouse models were utilized to experimentally investigate the relationship between repeated exposure and TIM3 upregulation.Results: This study demonstrates that even in the absence of an active malaria infection, children of malaria endemic areas have an atypical population of TIM3-expressing γδ T cells (mean frequency TIM3+ of total γδ T cells 15.2% ± 12). Crucial factors required for γδ T cell TIM3 upregulation include IL-12/IL-18, and plasma IL-18 was associated with TIM3 expression (P = 0.002). Additionally, we show a relationship between TIM3 expression and infection with distinct parasite clones during repeated exposure. TIM3+ γδ T cells were functionally impaired and were associated with asymptomatic malaria infection (hazard ratio 0.54, P = 0.032).Conclusions: Collectively our data demonstrate a novel role for IL-12/IL-18 in shaping the innate immune response and provide fundamental insight into aspects of γδ T cell immunoregulation. Furthermore, we show that TIM3 represents an important γδ T cell regulatory component involved in minimizing malaria symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of sodium sulfate and sodium sulfite on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in CO2 capture process with methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) solution has been studied under an absorber temperature condition (50 °C). The corrosion behavior was evaluated using electrochemical methods, weight loss measurements, and surface analytical techniques. Sodium sulfate increased the system corrosiveness and the rate of corrosion increased with concentration while sodium sulfite reduced the corrosion rate and the inhibition performance improved with concentration. Weight loss measurements showed an increase in corrosion rate with time for sodium sulfate while the inhibition performance for sodium sulfite was considerably low for the tested concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a convenient, inexpensive technique to monitor the fast early stage of catastrophic optical damage (COD) in 808-nm high-power laser diodes (LDs). Using an optical system based on the 1550-nm laser diode illuminant and photodiode, we measured the facet reflectivity, which gives information about the surface morphology of the output facet with a temporal resolution of 2 ns, allowing us to trace the rapid early COD process in a transient, real-time mode. The formation of the detected 4-μm-long COD damaged area, which caused a local uneven surface at the output facet and a rapid drop in facet reflectivity at 1550 nm from 28% to 2%, was completed within 20–30 ns, 10 ns shorter than that in the longer-wavelength devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil aggregation and development of soil structure play a crucial role in determining soil functions and ecosystem services in Earth's Critical Zone. Soil organic matter (SOM) is the main constituent that binds mineral particles together into larger-sized aggregates. Many theoretical concepts have been proposed to explain soil aggregation and SOM accrual processes, but quantification of the processes remains lacking. We observed changes in aggregate size mass distribution and aggregate carbon content in 2 discrete years from an 8-year field experiment, which was conducted to determine how to speed up soil development and restoration with different agricultural practices. The 2-year data showed that the proportion of macroaggregates (> 250 µm) increased with the decreasing proportions of microaggregates (53-250 µm) and soil texture units (< 53 µm) and increasing proportion of particulate organic matter occluded in the macroaggregates. This aggregation process was more noticeable in the field treatments with higher organic carbon input. By using these data, we successfully calibrated the recently developed CAST mathematical model, which assumes that primary macroaggregates are first formed around plant-derived organic matter and primary microaggregates are then formed within the macroaggregates as the occluded organic materials are decomposed. The secondary microaggregates and macroaggregates are assumed to form after the breakdown of primary macroaggregates. The calibration processes separated the plant growth season from the frozen winter season. Some calibrated parameters were the same for all of the field treatments, and these parameters included the first-order rate constants of the fragmentation and decomposition of plant litter within the macroaggregates, the decomposition rates of organic matter incorporated and protected in microaggregates, and organic carbon associated with the free soil texture units. Other calibrated parameter values were affected by the field treatments, and the parameters were the first-order decay rate constants of the plant-derived organic matter in nonaggregated soils and in the secondary macroaggregates, the least carbon sources for the formation of the secondary macroaggregates, and the correction factor to adjust carbon with the mass flow of the soil texture units. The differences in the calibrated parameter values suggested that the rates of the primary macroaggregation and the secondary microaggregation were likely controlled by the intrinsic properties of the parent material rather than by the land use and agricultural practices, whereas the rates of the secondary macroaggregation process were likely affected by land use through controlling plant litter quality and quantity and by agricultural practices, such as soil tillage, and to a less extent by fertilizers that control organic input and then carbon and mass content of the soil texture units and microaggregates. The model results were consistent with measured changes over time of the aggregate mass distribution by size class, the total organic matter content, and the SOM bound in aggregates. However, the CAST model did not reproduce particularly well the mass of the soil texture units within different aggregate size classes nor the relative contribution of carbon stocks from different carbon pools within aggregates. The gap between observations and model results points the way forward to develop further the detailed process descriptions in the CAST modeling approach, for example, to consider primary microaggregation directly from basic soil texture units. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates that the CAST model is very powerful to predict the dynamics of soil aggregation and concurrent SOM change in response to changes in land use and soil management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) is predominantly expressed in brown/beige adipocytes in mammals. Although myogenic cells have been suggested to commit to a brown adipocyte lineage through the induction of Prdm16 expression, Prdm16 is also expressed in skeletal muscle. Thus, we examined expression of Ucp1 in bovine myogenic cells. Considering that Ucp1 is a principle molecule that induces energy expenditure in brown/beige adipocytes, expression of Ucp1 is not preferable in beef cattle because of potential decrease in energy (fattening) efficiency. The RT-PCR analyses revealed the expression of Ucp1 in the skeletal muscle of cattle; expression levels were markedly lower than those in the brown fat of calves. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that Ucp1 surrounded muscle fibers, but not adipocytes residing in skeletal muscle. Myosatellite cells cultured in myogenic medium showed an increase in the expression levels of myogenic regulatory factors (P < 0.05), while those in cells cultured in adipogenic medium were decreased (P < 0.05). The Ucp1 expression was also detected in myosatellite cells; expression levels were greater in cells after myogenic culture for 12 d than in those after myogenic culture for 6 d (P < 0.05) and were decreased when cells were cultured in adipogenic medium (P < 0.05). The Prdm16 expression was not affected by culture conditions, suggesting that the expression of Ucp1 is not regulated by that of Prdm16. The results of the present study provide an insight into the unexpected expression of Ucp1 in bovine skeletal muscle, which suggests the necessity for further studies on Ucp1-mediated energy expenditure in bovine skeletal muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study provides the length-weight relationships ( LWRs) for 64 fish species belonging to eight families from the lower sections of Wujiang River, a tributary of the upper Yangtze River in China. LWRs for eight of these species are unknown to FishBase and new maximum body weights are recorded for 25 species. In addition, some basic biological information on 64 fish species is also summarized. These results will be useful for fishery research, management and conservation in the Wujiang River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yes-associated protein (YAP) is overexpressed and has an oncogenic role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether membrane protein can serve not only as a tumor marker that reflects YAP function but also as a therapeutic target that stimulates tumorigenesis in HCC remains unknown. Here we report that the membrane protein melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) was under positive regulation by YAP and was highly elevated in HCC cells. Within the MCAM promoter, we found the presence of a cAMP Response Element (CRE; −32 to −25 nt), which is conserved among species and is essential for YAP- and CREB-dependent regulation. Moreover, the interaction between CREB and YAP at the CRE site was dependent on PTPIY-WW domain interactions. However, MCAM expression was low and could not be regulated by YAP in breast and colon cancer cells because of the low levels of the acetyltransferase p300. In HCC cells, high levels of p300 facilitated the binding of YAP to the MCAM promoter, which in turn enhanced histone acetylation and polymerase II recruitment through the dissociation of the deacetylase Sirt1. These results suggest that MCAM is an HCC-specific target of YAP. In clinical serum samples, we found that the serum levels of MCAM were highly elevated in patients with HCC compared with healthy controls and with patients with cirrhosis, hepatitis, colon cancer and breast cancer. MCAM levels were shown to be a slightly better indicator than serum alpha-fetoprotein for predicting HCC. We further demonstrated that MCAM is essential for the survival and transformation of HCC. Mechanistically, MCAM induced translation initiation and the transcriptional activities of c-Jun/c-Fos. In addition, AKT activation had an essential role in the MCAM-promoted binding of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E to c-Jun/c-Fos mRNA. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MCAM may be a potential tumor marker and therapeutic target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological features of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and compare them with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), hoping to find the fact of ILC in China and assist the decision makers with proper individualized treatment. Materials and Methods: A nationwide multicenter retrospective study was performed. A total of 4211 primary breast cancer cases were randomly selected from 1999 to 2008 in seven regions of China. ILC cases were compared with IDC by clinicopathological features and molecular subtypes. Results: A total of 135 (3.2%) ILC and 3471 (82.4%) IDC cases were included for analysis. The age, tumor size, menopausal state, family history, nodal status, and stage of ILC were similar to that of IDC. ILC was more likely to be positive for estrogen receptor (65.5% vs. 57.7%) and progesterone receptor (64.7% vs. 58.5%), and less likely to overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (17.3% vs. 23.6%). Even though, these differences are not significant, the proportion of luminal A type of ILC is significantly larger than that of IDC (54.8% vs. 42.7%; P < 0.05). Conclusion: ILC has a larger proportion of luminal A type compared with IDC. Larger sample size study for better known of molecular subtypes of ILC is needed in future to individualize the treatment decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, lipid and energy, and amino acids availability in white fish meal, brown fish meal, meat meal, fermented soybean meal, soybean meal and rapeseed meal were determined for loach ( Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) (12.05 ± 0.21 g), using a reference diet with 5 g kg−1 chromic oxide and test diets that contained 700 g kg−1 reference diet, by weight, and 300 g kg−1 of the test feed ingredients. The juvenile loach was held in 300-l tanks at a density of 30 fish per tank. White fish meal, brown fish meal, meat meal and fermented soybean meal had highest apparent digestibility coefficients ( ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy among ingredients tested, ranged from 50.4% to 60.9% for dry matter, from 64.6% to 88.4% for crude protein and from 57.9% to 79.0% for gross energy. The apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter ranged from 61.0% to 66.9% for animal products and 50.4% to 60.7% for plant products. For crude protein, apparent digestibility coefficients of protein exceeding 80% were observed for white fish meal, brown fish meal, meat meal and fermented soybean meal, and the apparent digestibility coefficients of protein in rapeseed meal were the lowest among all the treatments. Lipids from both animal and plant feedstuffs were poorly digested by loach, ranging from 64.0% to 77.6%. The apparent digestibility coefficients of energy were similar to those of dry matter and protein, and the highest and lowest ADCs of energy were found in WFM and RM, respectively. The loach used dietary phosphorus from the animal feedstuffs more efficiently than from plant feedstuffs (soybean meal and rapeseed meal), with ADC-values ranging from 42.3% to 53.1% and from 25.1% to 32.7%, respectively. For the animal products, the availabilities of amino acids in white fish meal and brown fish meal were higher than that in meat meal, expect for Met, Asp, Pro, Gly, and Cys. Among all the plant products, the availabilities of amino acids in fermented soybean meal were higher than in soybean meal and rapeseed meal, and thus had a greater potential to be used as a dietary replacement of fish meal in loach diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]