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Ginsenoside Compound K (GCK) is the main metabolite of natural protopanaxadiol ginsenosides with diverse pharmacological effects. Gut microbiota contributes to the biotransformation of GCK, while the effect of gut microbiota on the pharmacokinetics of GCK in vivo remains unclear. To illustrate the role of gut microbiota in GCK metabolism in vivo, a systematic investigation of the pharmacokinetics of GCK in specific pathogen free (SPF) and pseudo-germ-free (pseudo-GF) rats were conducted. Pseudo-GF rats were treated with non-absorbable antibiotics. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was validated for the quantification of GCK in rat plasma. Compared with SPF rats, the plasma concentration of GCK significantly increased after the gut microbiota depleted. The results showed that GCK absorption slowed down, Tmax delayed by 3.5 h, AUC0-11 increased by 1.3 times, CLz/F decreased by 0.6 times in pseudo-GF rats, and Cmax was 1.6 times higher than that of normal rats. The data indicated that gut microbiota played an important role in the pharmacokinetics of GCK in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-pharmacological treatments have gained significant attention in the field of cognitive impairment. Among them, human–computer interaction-based (HCI) methods have emerged as a promising approach due to their broad applicability and convenience in assessing symptoms associated with this progressively debilitating condition. However, existing rehabilitation training systems for cognitive impairment lack effective assessment methods to meet the diverse rehabilitation needs of users. In this article, we surveyed existing HCI-based cognitive rehabilitation training systems and analyzed their advantages and shortcomings. Drawing from the insights gained from these systems, we propose a novel Leap Motion-based building block training system that incorporates system software capable of generating highly realistic virtual scenes, with the added capability of user behavior detection using Kinect. We conducted user testing of this new system, comparing the performance of a representative cohort with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 9) to that of disease-free participants (n = 10). Additionally, we conducted ergonomic experiments to assess the system's performance in elderly people. The experimental results revealed significant differences between the MCI cohort and the control cohort. Specifically, the MCI cohort exhibited a reduced range of motion and longer task completion times compared to the control cohort. These findings have the potential to contribute to the differentiation of cognitive levels. In conclusion, our analysis of existing cognitive rehabilitation training systems provides valuable insights for researchers working on the development of future innovative cognitive rehabilitation training systems and enriches the non-pharmacological treatment models for cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the observed relationship between behavioral data, task completion times, and cognitive levels in older adults offers useful insights for the design of HCI-based approaches for diagnosing and assessing the treatment of MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bond properties of deformed rebar in frost-damaged recycled coarse aggregate concrete (RAC) under repeated loading (R-L) was studied. It is found that the bond failure modes of specimens for R-L is similar to that for monotonic loading (M-L), whereas the crack width for R-L is larger than that for M-L. The bond strength has a tendency to decrease after frost damage, whereas the peak slip has a tendency to increase, whether under R-L or M-L. The bond strength under R-L is lower than that under M-L, whereas the peak slip under R-L is higher than that under M-L. The experimental results of the pullout specimens in water are contrasted with that in salt solution. Through contrasting research, the frost-damage resistance coefficient and the R-L resistance coefficient in salt solution are lower than that in water, whereas the rebar slip in salt solution is higher than that in water. An ultimate bond strength calculation expression of deformed rebar in frost-damaged RAC under R-L is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the experimental results of the influence of relative humidity (RH), temperature, fly ash content and chloride concentration on the relationship between concrete resistivity and the corrosion level of steel bar in concrete. The results show that the concrete resistivity decreases with the increase of corrosion level of steel bar under the same RH and temperature. The concrete resistivity decreases with the increase of RH and temperature, and the relationship between concrete resistivity and RH (temperature) is established. The concrete resistivity increases with the increase of fly ash content when the concrete cover thickness and the corrosion level of steel bar are the same, while it decreases with the increase of chloride concentration. The relationship between concrete resistivity and the corrosion level of steel bar in concrete with different chloride concentration (fly ash content) is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved intracellular process and is considered one of the main catabolism pathways. In the process of autophagy, cells are digested nonselectively or selectively to recover nutrients and energy, so it is regarded as an antiaging process. In addition to the essential role of autophagy in cellular homeostasis, autophagy is a stress response mechanism for cell survival. Here, we review recent literature describing the pathway of autophagy and its role in different bone cell types, including osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. Also discussed is the mechanism of autophagy in bone diseases associated with bone homeostasis, including osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Finally, we discuss the application of autophagy regulators in bone diseases. This review aims to introduce autophagy, summarize the understanding of its relevance in bone physiology, and discuss its role and therapeutic potential in the pathogenesis of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inaccurate Forrest classification may significantly affect clinical outcomes, especially in high risk patients. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a real-time deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) system to assess the Forrest classification of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). Methods A training dataset (3868 endoscopic images) and an internal validation dataset (834 images) were retrospectively collected from the 900th Hospital, Fuzhou, China. In addition, 521 images collected from four other hospitals were used for external validation. Finally, 46 endoscopic videos were prospectively collected to assess the real-time diagnostic performance of the DCNN system, whose diagnostic performance was also prospectively compared with that of three senior and three junior endoscopists. Results The DCNN system had a satisfactory diagnostic performance in the assessment of Forrest classification, with an accuracy of 91.2% (95%CI 89.5%–92.6%) and a macro-average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 in the validation dataset. Moreover, the DCNN system could judge suspicious regions automatically using Forrest classification in real-time videos, with an accuracy of 92.0% (95%CI 80.8%–97.8%). The DCNN system showed more accurate and stable diagnostic performance than endoscopists in the prospective clinical comparison test. This system helped to slightly improve the diagnostic performance of senior endoscopists and considerably enhance that of junior endoscopists. Conclusion The DCNN system for the assessment of the Forrest classification of PUB showed satisfactory diagnostic performance, which was slightly superior to that of senior endoscopists. It could therefore effectively assist junior endoscopists in making such diagnoses during gastroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The complete bond-slip curves of RAC with steel bar after salt-frost cycles were measured in this study. • The prediction model of the bond-slip between the RAC and steel bar after salt-frost cycles was established. • The influence of salt-frost cycles on bond stress distribution along with steel bars was investigated. This paper presents the experimental results of the salt-frost resistance of recycled coarse aggregate concrete (RAC) and the bond behavior of RAC with steel bar after salt-frost cycles. The results show that the mass of the RAC first increases and then decreases with increasing number of salt-frost cycles; the cubic compressive strength and the relative dynamic elastic modulus of the RAC decrease with increasing number of salt-frost cycles. The bond strength of the RAC decreases with increasing number of salt-frost cycles, while the slippage increases with increasing number of salt-frost cycles. The bond strength of the RAC after salt-frost cycles decreases more quickly and the slippage is larger than that after freeze-thaw cycles in water. The bond strength and the slippage of specimens without stirrups are lower than that with stirrups after salt-frost cycles. A prediction model of the bond-slip between the RAC and steel bar after salt-frost cycles is established, and the influence of salt-frost cycles on the bond stress distribution along with the steel bars is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquiring enough nitrogen (N) to support their life processes in nutrient-poor canopies is a crucial challenge for epiphytes. When different epiphytes coexist in the same environment, they may use different strategies to acquire N. In this study, we employed stable isotope analysis to explore N acquisition and differentiation among co-occurring epiphytes in a subtropical forest in Southwest China. We found that functional group was the most important factor influencing N and 15N natural abundance (δ15N) of epiphytes, and that different epiphyte groups used different N acquisition, uptake, and utilization pathways. Our analysis of the enrichment factors suggested that biological nitrogen fixation, phorophytes, canopy soil and ground soil could participate in N acquisition of epiphyte groups to varying degrees. However, epiphytes were more affected by precipitation and other canopy N sources than soil. Our structural equation models (SEMs) further showed that the potential N sources of plants and substrates affected throughfall and stemflow, thereby influenced N acquisition and preference of N forms in epiphytes. Overall, our findings indicate that there is differentiation in N sources among co-occurring epiphytes. • Nitrogen sources of co-occurring epiphytes would be differentiated and involved in N acquisition to varying degrees. • Functional group is the most important factor affecting N acquisition pathways of epiphytes. • Epiphytes rely more on atmospheric or within-canopy-derived than soil-derived nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rich polysaccharides were directly observed in the bulbs of Fritillaria unibracteata var. wabuensis (FUW) using the periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) method and microexamination. An acidic water-soluble heteropolysaccharide (FWPS1-1) was isolated from FUW through ethanol precipitation, decoloration, deproteinization, dialysis and separation using a DE-52 anion-exchange column and a Sepharose G-150 gel filtration column. FWPS1-1 (average molecular weight: ~7.44 kDa) has many branches and long side chains; holds the triple-helix conformation; was composed of mannose (Man), galacturonic acid (GalA), galactose (Gal), xylose (Xyl) and arabinose (Ara) with a molar ratio of 2.62:5.59:10.00:0.76:9.38; and features side chains that may be composed of Ara, Man, Gal and GalA, while the backbone may be composed of Xyl, Ara and Gal. In addition, the backbone of FWPS1-1 mainly consists of α-type glycosidic bonds. Bioactivity tests in vitro showed that the polysaccharide exhibited weak 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and low ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) but high 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)l (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, good Fe(II)-chelating ability and remarkable DNA damage protective activity. FWPS1-1 was the first heteropolysaccharide purified from FUW and showed good antioxidant activity and DNA protective effect. The results confirmed that macromolecule is also bioactive ingredient that requires attention like the small-molecule active compounds in FUW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe and assess the localization of small peripheral pulmonary nodules prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) resection using the implantation of microcoils. Methods: Ninety-two patients with 101 pulmonary nodules underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided implantation of microcoils proximal to each nodule. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo entire microcoil or leaving-microcoil-end implantations. The complications and efficacy of the two implantation methods were evaluated. VATS resection of lung tissue containing each pulmonary lesion and microcoil were performed in the direction of the microcoil marker. Histopathological analysis was performed for the resected pulmonary lesions. Results: CT-guided microcoil implantation was successful in 99/101 cases, and the placement of microcoils within 1 cm of the nodules was not disruptive. There was no difference in the complications and efficacy associated with the entire implantation method (performed for 51/99 nodules) versus the leaving-microcoil-end implantation method (performed for 48/99 nodules). All nodules were successfully removed using VATS resection. Asymptomatic pneumothorax occurred in 16 patients and mild pulmonary haemorrhage occurred in nine patients. However, none of these patients required further surgical treatment. Conclusions: Preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules using a refined percutaneous microcoil implantation method was found to be safe and useful prior to VATS resection. Key Points: • An increasing number of small, indeterminate pulmonary lesions need to be characterized. • Entire microcoil and leaving- microcoil- end implantation methods were described for nodule localization. • Adjacent microcoil localization prior to video- assisted thoracoscopic surgical resection involved minimal intervention. • Preoperative microcoil localization facilitates the definitive resection of small pulmonary nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitogenomes can provide information for phylogenetic analyses and evolutionary biology. The complete mitochondrial genome of Amata emma (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) was sequenced and analyzed in the study. The circular genome is 15,463 bp in size, with the gene content, orientation and order identical to other ditrysian insects. The genome composition of the major strand shows highly A+T biased and exhibits negative AT-skew and GC-skew. The initial codons are the canonical putative start codons ATN with the exception of cox1 gene which uses CGA instead. Ten genes share complete termination codons TAA, and three genes use incomplete stop codons TA or T. Additionally, the codon distribution and Relative Synonymous Codon Usage of the 13 PCGs in the A. emma mitogenome are consistent with those in other Noctuid mitogenomes. All tRNA genes have typical cloverleaf secondary structures, except for the trnS1 (AGN) gene, in which the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm is simplified down to a loop. The secondary structures of two rRNA genes broadly conform with the models proposed for these genes of other Lepidopteran insects. Except for the A+T-rich region, there are three major intergenic spacers, spanning at least 10 bp and five overlapping regions. There are obvious differences in the A+T-rich region between A. emma and other Lepidopteran insects reported previously except that the A+T-rich region contains an ‘ATAGA’ -like motif followed by a 19 bp poly-T stretch and a (AT)9 element preceded by the ‘ATTTA’ motif. It neither has a poly-A (in the α strand) upstream trnM nor potential stem-loop structures and just has some simple structures like (AT)nGTAT. The phylogenetic relationships based on nucleotide sequences of 13 PCGs using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods provided a well-supported a broader outline of Lepidoptera and which agree with the traditional morphological classification and recently working, but with a much higher support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tachinid flies are natural enemies of many lepidopteran and coleopteran pests of forests, crops, and fruit trees. In order to address the lack of genetic data in this economically important group, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of the Palaearctic tachinid fly Elodia flavipalpis Aldrich, 1933. Usually found in Northern China and Japan, this species is one of the primary natural enemies of the leaf-roller moths (Tortricidae), which are major pests of various fruit trees. The 14,932-bp mitochondrial genome was typical of Diptera, with 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. However, its control region is only 105 bp in length, which is the shortest found so far in flies. In order to estimate dipteran evolutionary relationships, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of 58 mitochondrial genomes from 23 families. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian methods supported the monophyly of both Tachinidae and superfamily Oestroidea. Within the subsection Calyptratae, Muscidae was inferred as the sister group to Oestroidea. Within Oestroidea, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae formed a sister clade to Oestridae and Tachinidae. Using a Bayesian relaxed clock calibrated with fossil data, we estimated that Tachinidae originated in the middle Eocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5083-aluminum alloy with different Mg and Mn contents was designed in this study. The effects of Mg and Mn contents on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of 5083 aluminum alloy were studied via room temperature tensile test, hardness test and exfoliation corrosion test, and the optimal composition was obtained. When Mg content is 4.3%-4.4%, 5083 has higher mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. When Mn content is 0.7%-0.8%, 5083 shows higher mechanical properties; When Mn content is 0.5%-0.6%, 5083 alloy shows lower exfoliation corrosion. The 5083-aluminum alloy with excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance obtained under laboratory conditions has a Mg content of 4.38% and a Mn content of 0.61%. The tensile strength of the alloy at the annealed state is 209.1 MPa, the hardness is 87 HV, the elongation after fracture is 16.04%, and the corrosion grade is PA. Mg can form Mg2Al3 phase in 5083 alloy, and the composite phases Al-Mg-Cr and Al-Mg-Mn-Fe are brittle hard phases, which will reduce the plasticity and toughness of 5083 alloy. Mn can form AlMn0.75 Fe2.25, Fe19Mn and other phases in 5083. The interface between Al-Mg-Mn-Fe, Al-Mn-Fe-Si, Al-Mn-Fe composite phase and Al matrix is the main source of exfoliation corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) induces two distinct signaling pathways controlled by the TIRAP-MyD88 and TRAM-TRIF pairs of adaptor proteins, which elicit the production of proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferons, respectively. How TLR4 coordinates the activation of these two pathways is unknown. Here we show that TLR4 activated these two signaling pathways sequentially in a process organized around endocytosis of the TLR4 complex. We propose that TLR4 first induces TIRAP-MyD88 signaling at the plasma membrane and is then endocytosed and activates TRAM-TRIF signaling from early endosomes. Our data emphasize a unifying theme in innate immune recognition whereby all type I interferon–inducing receptors signal from an intracellular location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Mechanical loading is required for bone homeostasis, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Our previous studies revealed that the mechanical protein polycystin-1 (PC1, encoded by Pkd1) is critical for bone formation. However, the role of PC1 in bone resorption is unknown. Here, we found that PC1 directly regulates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. The conditional deletion of Pkd1 in the osteoclast lineage resulted in a reduced number of osteoclasts, decreased bone resorption, and increased bone mass. A cohort study of 32,500 patients further revealed that autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, which is mainly caused by loss-of-function mutation of the PKD1 gene, is associated with a lower risk of hip fracture than those with other chronic kidney diseases. Moreover, mice with osteoclast-specific knockout of Pkd1 showed complete resistance to unloading-induced bone loss. A mechanistic study revealed that PC1 facilitated TAZ nuclear translocation via the C-terminal tail-TAZ complex and that conditional deletion of Taz in the osteoclast lineage resulted in reduced osteoclastogenesis and increased bone mass. Pharmacological regulation of the PC1-TAZ axis alleviated unloading- and estrogen deficiency- induced bone loss. Thus, the PC1-TAZ axis may be a potential therapeutic target for osteoclast-related osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work exhibits a heterometallic organic framework based on C 4 I 4 clusters and 1D Tb-based chains, which can capture and transform CO 2 with preferable recyclability. • A porous heterometallic organic framework is successfully designed and synthesized. • The as-made sample has Cu 4 I 4 clusters and Tb-based chains. • It is a potential heterogeneous catalyst for the CO 2 cycloaddition reaction. A novel 3D porous heterometallic organic framework based on cuprous-halide clusters and lanthanide clusters, [(Cu 4 I 4) 2 Tb 3 (NA) 9 ·(H 2 O) 6 ·(DEF) 6 n , was successfully designed and synthesized during the solvothermal synthesis. The as-made sample was analysed by many methods. This material has the preferable stability and CO 2 capture capacity, so it can be used as a potential heterogeneous catalyst for the chemical fixation of CO 2 and epoxides to generate cyclocarbonates. Furthermore, this MOF can preserve its pristine structure after reusing four times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two 2D Ag(I)-based anionic MOFs with different equilibrium anions were successfully synthesized. Only MOF 2 with free equilibrium anion can capture Cr 2 O 7 2− in water by the anion exchange process. • Two 2D Ag(I)-based MOFs were successfully prepared by the diffusion method. • MOF 2 can capture Cr 2 O 7 2− in water by the anion exchange process. • The structures and properties of MOFs can be tuned by various anions. Two 2D Ag(I)-based metal–organic frameworks, [Ag(TPA)∙CF 3 COO] n (MOF 1) and {[Ag(TPA)]∙PF 6 } n (MOF 2), were successfully designed and prepared by the diffusion method, which exhibits a significant anion-directed effect. The as-synthesized crystals were analysed and characterized by many methods, including elemental analysis, single or powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, TGA, and UV–Vis. They both have excellent water stability. More interestingly, MOF 2 can be used as an anion exchange material for capturing Cr 2 O 7 2− in pure water, because free PF 6 − anion in MOF 2 can be easily exchanged by Cr 2 O 7 2−. However, the Cr 2 O 7 2− exchange performance is not found in MOF 1 , because the CF 3 COO− counter anion is coordinated and fixed in Ag(I) centre lead to hardly replacing by Cr 2 O 7 2−. The structures and properties of MOFs can be directly tuned and affected by various anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the value of the improved POSSUM scoring system combined with the Clavien-Dindo classification in predicting the incidence of severe complications after thoracoscopic lung surgery and provide quantitative basis for clinical decision-making and improvement of preoperative physiological state of patients are the objectives of this study. The POSSUM scoring system was improved, the original indicators with less impact on surgery were removed, and the new indicators with greater influence were included. A new scoring system was established, and the fourth was selected from Hebei Medical University from January 2016 to December 2016. Three hundred fifteen patients underwent thoracoscopic lung surgery in hospital thoracic surgery. Summarizing their preoperative and intraoperative data and using the modified POSSUM POSSUM score, graded by Clavien-Dindo, set nonserious complications as class I group and II~V level as serious complications. The number of complications predicted by POSSUM and modified POSSUM and the number of actual serious complications were compared, and the prediction rates of the two groups were compared. A total of 167 complications occurred in 315 patients, and the number of complications was 44.1% (139/315). All patients had no death record within 30 days after surgery. Using the Clavien-Dindo classification, grade I, II, III, IV, and above complications accounted for 22.5%, 11.1%, 9.8%, and 0.6%, respectively. Sixty-eight cases of serious complications accounted for 21.6%, and 71 cases of nonserious complications accounted for 22.5%. The prediction equation of the improved POSSUM scoring system is ln(R/1 − R) = − 11.727 + (0.339 × PS) + (0.304 × OS), where R is the incidence of postoperative complications. POSSUM and the improved scoring system have predictive effects on postoperative complications, and the improved POSSUM scoring system has better predictive value than the original score. The Clavien-Dindo grading system combined with a modified POSSUM score can accurately predict the incidence of serious complications after thoracoscopic lung surgery. The sensitivity and specificity of the modified POSSUM score were higher than the POSSUM score, and the prediction of complications after VATS lung surgery was more accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prestress loss of anchor cables can cause a change in the internal force for the support structure of a foundation pit or slope, which may cause engineering accidents. The coupling effect between an anchor cable and the creep of rock and soil is the main factor that leads to the loss of prestress of the anchor cables. However, the traditional Hooke–Kelvin (H-K) viscoelastic model could not accurately predict the long-term loss of prestress. To solve this problem, based on the H-K viscoelastic model, a new H-3K viscoelastic model was proposed, consisting of two generalized Kelvin bodies connected in parallel, and its creep equation and relaxation equation were also derived. Focusing on slope engineering in Longnan City, Gansu Province, China, the prestress of anchor cables calculated by the proposed model were compared with the monitoring data. The result that the H-K creep coupling model is more accurate in predicting prestress loss of anchor cables in the initial stage, but from a long-term perspective, the H-3K creep coupling model provided a more accurate prediction. By connecting more generalized Kelvin bodies in parallel, stress shared by the elastic body can be reduced and stress loss due to anchor cable relaxation can be approximately compensated for to make the prediction results closer to the monitored values. However, when there are more than three Kelvin bodies in parallel, the model prediction results will change only slightly. Therefore, the H-3K creep coupling model is sufficient for practical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of research on the flexural behavior of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) beams. The correlation between flexural behavior and the corrosion level of longitudinal rebar was analysed. Based on theoretical analysis and experiment results, the influence of corrosion on flexural cracking moment was analysed and a model to predict the residual flexural capacity of RAC beams with corroded longitudinal rebars was established. The experimental results show that the development degree of cover cracks deepens with the increase of the corrosion level, and the experimental data also demonstrate that the strain distribution of concrete in the midspan of beams conforms to the plane section assumption better when the corrosion level is little but no longer satisfies the plane section assumption when the corrosion level is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginsenosides in Panax ginseng are regarded to be functional ingredients for diverse pharmacological effects and orally administrated with very low absorption in the gastrointestinal tract to be metabolized by gut microbiota. However, in vivo metabolic characteristics of ginsenosides mediated by gut microbiota are not well-known. This study aimed to explore the metabolic profiles of ginsenosides in rat feces mediated by gut microbiota. Ginsenosides and metabolites were identified and relatively quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). As a result, eighty-four metabolites were identified in the normal control rat feces, while only thirty intermediates were found with very low yields in the pseudo-germ-free (GF) group. Similarly, the main bioconversion pathways of ginsenosides in vivo were the same deglycosylation reaction mediated by gut microbiota in vitro. The findings demonstrated significant differences in metabolic profiles between the normal control and pseudo-GF rats, which implied gut microbiota played an important role in the metabolism of ginsenosides. [Display omitted] • The metabolic profiling of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng mediated by gut microbiota was firstly investigated in vivo. • A total of 84 metabolites of ginsenosides bio-converted by gut microbiota in vivo were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. • The metabolic characteristics of ginsenosides were significantly different between the normal and pseudo-GF groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse fungal endophytes are rich fungal resources for the production of an enormous quantity of natural products. In the present study, 53 fungal endophytes were isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria unibracteata var. wabuensis (FUW). Of these, 49 strains were identified and grouped into 17 different taxa, and priority was conferred to the Fusarium genus. All fungal fermented filtrates displayed antioxidant activities. The DPPH activity, total antioxidant capacities (ABTS), reduction power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total saponin content (TSC) were evaluated using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butyl alcohol and ethanol fractions extracted from five representative fungal cultures. The last three fractions showed more potent antioxidant activity than the first fraction. Significant positive correlations were found between the compositions (TPC, TFC and TSC) and antioxidant capacities (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP). In addition, multifarious natural antioxidant components were identified from the fungal extracts, including gallic acid, rutin, phlorizin, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and 2,6-di-tert-butyl hydroquinone; these were determined preliminarily by TLC-bioautography, HPLC and GC-MS analysis. This study showed abundant fungal resources in FUW. Phenolics, flavonoids and saponins are crucial bioactive constituents in these abundant fungal endophytes and can be viewed as new potential antioxidant resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are limited data on the in vivo natural kinematics of the lumbar spinous process. This paper intends to explore the effect of lifting load on the in vivo movement mode of the lumbar spinous process and its biomechanical changes. Methods: Ten asymptomatic subjects between the ages of 25 and 39 underwent CT scans of the lumbar spine in the supine position, and 3D models of L3-L5 were constructed. Using a Dual Fluoroscopy Imaging System (DFIS), instantaneous orthogonal fluoroscopic images of each subject's flexion–extension, left–right bending, and left–right rotational movements were taken under different loads (0 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg). The supine CT model was matched, using computer software, to the bony contours of the images from the two orthogonal views, so that the instantaneous 3D vertebral position at each location could be quantified. A Cartesian coordinate system was ultimately constructed at the tip of the spinous process to obtain the 6DOF kinematic data of the spinous process. Results: In different postural movements of the trunk, there was no significant difference in the rotation angle and translation range of the lumbar spinous process under different loads (P > 0.05). In flexion to extension motion, spinous processes mainly rotate < 4° along the medial and lateral axes and translate < 4 mm along the craniocaudal direction. In the left–right bending motion, spinous processes mainly rotate < 5° along the anterior and posterior axes, and the translation is mainly coupling < 2 mm. In the rotational motion, the spinous process is mainly coupled motion, the rotation range is less than 3°, and the translation range is less than 2 mm. The distance between spinous processes measured in the supine position was 6.66 ± 2.29 mm at L3/4 and 5.08 ± 1.57 mm at L4/5. Conclusion: The in vivo kinematics of the lumbar spinous process will not change significantly with increasing low load. In complex motion, the spinous process is dominated by coupling motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senescence and altered differentiation potential of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) lead to age‐related bone loss. As an important posttranscriptional regulatory pathway, alternative splicing (AS) regulates the diversity of gene expression and has been linked to induction of cellular senescence. However, the role of splicing factors in BMSCs during aging remains poorly defined. Herein, we found that the expression of the splicing factor Y‐box binding protein 1 (YBX1) in BMSCs decreased with aging in mice and humans. YBX1 deficiency resulted in mis‐splicing in genes linked to BMSC osteogenic differentiation and senescence, such as Fn1, Nrp2, Sirt2, Sp7, and Spp1, thus contributing to BMSC senescence and differentiation shift during aging. Deletion of Ybx1 in BMSCs accelerated bone loss in mice, while its overexpression stimulated bone formation. Finally, we identified a small compound, sciadopitysin, which attenuated the degradation of YBX1 and bone loss in old mice. Our study demonstrated that YBX1 governs cell fate of BMSCs via fine control of RNA splicing and provides a potential therapeutic target for age‐related osteoporosis. Synopsis: Alternative splicing has been shown to regulate cellular senescence and differentiation. This study links the reduced expression of the splicing regulator YBX1 in aging bone marrow stromal cells to senescence and aging‐related bone loss. The expression level of YBX1 in BMSCs decreases during aging.Ybx1 overexpression in BMSCs stimulates bone formation, while its deletion accelerates bone loss.YBX1 suppresses BMSC senescence and modulates BMSC differentiation by controlling RNA splicing.The small compound sciadopitysin attenuates YBX1 degradation and bone loss in old mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of essential oils mainly containing Eupatorium fortune Turcz (EFCO, E. fortune Turcz extract, water calamus extract, grapefruit extract, lavender extract, mixed in the ratio of 6:1:1:1:0.1 by volume) on heart rate variability (HRV), forced vital capacity (FVC), and salivary hormones in 33 scientific researchers. The experimental design was a quasi‐experimental study with pre‐ and post‐testing and no control group. Subjects were tested for four immediate indicators before and after essential oils inhalation, for 30 s before each meal for the next 30 days, and for body mass index (BMI) after 30 days. For immediate effects, we observed significant increases in HRV (31%), spirometry (12%) and salivary oxytocin (26%), and a decrease in salivary cortisol (4.5%). BMI decreased by 1% after 1 month of intervention. Based on the observed changes in physiological parameters, EFCO helped to reduce stress, improve exercise performance and mood, and even promote weight loss. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hypothalamic dysfunction leads to glucose metabolic imbalance; however, the mechanisms still need clarification. Our current study was to explore the role of hypothalamic Hnscr in glucose metabolism. Materials and Methods: Using Hnscr knockout or htNSC‐specific Hnscr overexpression mice, we evaluated the effects of Hnscr on glucose metabolism through GTTs, ITTs, serum indicator measurements, etc. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were performed to test inflammation levels and insulin signalling in hypothalamus. Conditioned medium intervene were used to investigate the effects of htNSCs on neuronal cell line. We also detected the glucose metabolism of mice with htNSCs implantation. Results: Hnscr expression decreased in the hypothalamus after high‐fat diet feed. Hnscr‐null mice displayed aggravated systematic insulin resistance, while mice with htNSC‐specific Hnscr overexpression had the opposite phenotype. Notably, Hnscr‐null mice had increased NF‐κB signal in htNSCs, along with enhanced inflammation and damaged insulin signal in neurons located in arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus. The secretions, including sEVs, of Hnscr‐deficient htNSCs mediated the detrimental effects on the CNS cell line. Locally implantation with Hnscr‐depleted htNSCs disrupted glucose homeostasis. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that decreased Hnscr in htNSCs led to systematic glucose imbalance through activating NF‐κB signal and dampening insulin signal in hypothalamic neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal fibrosis, a common pathological manifestation of virtually all types of chronic kidney disease (CKD), ultimately predisposes patients to end‐stage renal disease. However, there is no effective therapy for renal fibrosis. Our earlier studies proved that RIP3‐mediated necroptosis might be an important mode of renal tubular cell death in rats with chronic renal injury. Under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we found morphological changes in the necrosis of human renal tissue, and the percentage of necrotic cells increased significantly in patients with stages 2 and 3a CKD. Immunofluorescence analyses showed that the percentages of TUNEL+/RIP3+ double‐positive and TUNEL+/MLKL+ double‐positive tubular epithelial cells in renal tubules of patients with stages 2 and 3a CKD were significantly increased compared to those in control patients without renal disease. Immunohistochemistry analyses of renal biopsy specimens from patients with CKD revealed RIP3, MLKL, and p‐MLKL upregulation in patients with stages 2 and 3a CKD, suggesting that necroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells in CKD patients occurs, and the peak of necroptosis was in stages 2 and 3a CKD. We showed that profibrotic factor proteins (TGF‐β1, Smad2 and Smad3) and fibroblast activation markers (α‐SMA and Vimentin) were specifically upregulated in stage 2 and 3a CKD patients. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis showed that the percentage of necroptotic renal tubular epithelial cells was positively correlated with TGF‐β1 and collagen‐I. We also showed that RIP1/3 or MLKL inhibitors decreased the expression of RIP3, MLKL, TGF‐β1, and Smad3 in HK‐2 cells treated with TNF‐α. FGF‐2, α‐SMA, Vimentin and FN were overexpressed in the hRIFs cultured with the supernatant of necroptotic HK‐2 cells, whereas necroptosis blockers (Nec‐1s, GSK'872 and NSA) and TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway antagonists (LY364947 and SIS3) reduced FGF‐2, α‐SMA, Vimentin and FN levels. Collectively, necroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells in CKD patients occurs, and the peak of necroptosis was in stages 2 and 3a CKD. Renal tubular epithelial cell necroptosis mediates renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease, which is related to the TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The microbial was used to reinforce the RBA. • The microstructure of RBC was quantitatively characterized. • Mechanical properties and frost resistance of RBC were improved. • Microbial-reinforced RBC had good environmental and economic benefits. Improving the performance of recycled brick aggregates to enhance concrete performance is the key to promoting recycled concrete technology. In this paper, pure bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and unoptimized activated sludge mixed bacteria are used to reinforce recycled brick aggregates by soaking them, and a multi-faceted assessment evaluation of microbial-reinforced recycled brick aggregate concrete is carried out. After microbial reinforcement treatment, the performance of recycled brick aggregates and recycled brick aggregate concrete improve. The water absorption and crushing index of recycled brick aggregates can be reduced by up to 20% and 8.1%, respectively; the compressive strength and tensile strength of recycled brick aggregate concrete can be increased by up to 16.7% and 11.7%, respectively. After 60 freeze−thaw cycles, the mass loss, compressive strength, and relative dynamic modulus loss of the microbial-reinforced recycled brick aggregate concrete decrease by 0.5%, 6.0%, and 12.0%, respectively, compared to those of the unreinforced recycled brick aggregate concrete. In addition, compared with those of unreinforced recycled brick aggregate concrete, the CO 2 emission-strength relationship index and material cost-strength relationship index of microbial-reinforced recycled brick aggregate concrete are reduced by 13.5% and 10.9%, respectively, indicating that it has good environmental and economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the diversity and phylogeny of Lepidoptera , the complete mitochondrial genome of Choristoneura longicellana (= Hoshinoa longicellana ) was determined. It is a typical circular duplex molecule with 15,759 bp in length, containing the standard metazoan set of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and an A + T-rich region. All of the inferred tRNA secondary structures show the common cloverleaf pattern, with the exception of trnS1(AGN), which lacks the DHU arm. The rrnL of C. Longicellana is the longest in sequenced lepidopterans. C. Longicellana has the same gene order as all lepidopteran species currently available in GenBank. There are 5 overlapping regions ranging from 1 bp to 8 bp and 14 intergenic spacers ranging from 1 bp to 48 bp. In addition, there are four similar tandem macro-satellite regions with the lengths of 101 bp, 98 bp, 92 bp, and 92 bp respectively in the A + T-rich regions of C. longicellana . We sampled 89 species representing 13 superfamilies, and reconstructed their relationship among Lepidoptera by Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analysis. The topology of the two phylogenetic analysis trees is identical roughly, except for Cossoidea in different locations, the positions of Cossoidea , Copromorphoidea , Gelechioidea , Zygaenoidea were not determined based the limited sampling. ( Geometroidea + ( Noctuoidea + Bombycoidea )) form the Macrolepidoptera “core”. Pyraloidea group with the “core” Macrolepidoptera. Papilionoidea are not Macrolepidoptera. The Hesperiidae (represent Hesperioidea ) is nested in the Papilionoidea , and closely related to Pieridae and Papilionidae . The well-known relationship of ( Nymphalidae + ( Riodinidae + Lycaenidae )) is recovered in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure of articular cartilage to excessive mechanical loading is closely related to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the exact molecular mechanism by which excessive mechanical loading drives OA remains unclear. In vitro, primary chondrocytes were exposed to cyclic tensile strain at 0.5 Hz and 10 % elongation for 30 min to simulate excessive mechanical loading in OA. In vivo experiments involved mice undergoing anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) to model OA, followed by interventions on Rcn2 expression through adeno-associated virus (AAV) injection and tamoxifen-induced gene deletion. 10 μL AAV2/5 containing AAV- Rcn2 or AAV-sh Rcn2 was administered to the mice by articular injection at 1 week post ACLT surgery, and Col2a1 -creERT: Rcn2 flox/flox mice were injected with tamoxifen intraperitoneally to obtain Rcn2 -conditional knockout mice. Finally, we explored the mechanism of Rcn2 affecting OA. Here, we identified reticulocalbin-2 (Rcn2) as a mechanosensitive factor in chondrocytes, which was significantly elevated in chondrocytes under mechanical overloading. PIEZO type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1) is a critical mechanosensitive ion channel, which mediates the effect of mechanical loading on chondrocytes, and we found that increased Rcn2 could be suppressed through knocking down Piezo1 under excessive mechanical loading. Furthermore, chondrocyte-specific deletion of Rcn2 in adult mice alleviated OA progression in the mice receiving the surgery of ACLT. On the contrary, articular injection of Rcn2 -expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV) accelerated the progression of ACLT-induced OA in mice. Mechanistically, Rcn2 accelerated the progression of OA through promoting the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3). • Rcn2 could act as a mechanosensitive factor in chondrocytes. • Rcn2 could mediate the effects of excessive mechanical loading on chondrocytes. • Rcn2 might act through promoting the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Stat3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is one of the most extensive and important biodiversity patterns on the Earth. Various studies have established that species diversity increases with higher taxa numbers from the polar to the tropics. Studies of multicellular biotas have supported the LDG patterns from land (e.g., plants, animals, forests, wetlands, grasslands, fungi, and so forth) to oceans (e.g., marine organisms from freshwater invertebrates, continental shelve, open ocean, even to the deep sea invertebrates). So far, there are several hypotheses proposed to explore the diversity patterns and mechanisms of LDG, however, there has been no consensus on the underlying causes of LDG over the past few decades. Thus, we reviewed the progress of LDG studies in recent years. Although several explanations for the LDG have been proposed, these hypotheses are only based on species richness, evolution and the ecosystems. In this review, we summarize the effects of evolution and ecology on the LDG patterns to synthesize the formation mechanisms of the general biodiversity distribution patterns. These intertwined factors from ecology and evolution in the LDG are generally due to the wider distribution of tropical areas, which hinders efforts to distinguish their relative contributions. However, the mechanisms of LDG always engaged controversies, especially in such a context that the human activity and climate change has affected the biodiversity. With the development of molecular biology, more genetic/genomic data are available to facilitate the estimation of global biodiversity patterns with regard to climate, latitude, and other factors. Given that human activity and climate change have inevitably impacted on biodiversity loss, biodiversity conservation should focus on the change in LDG pattern. Using large-scale genetic/genomic data to disentangle the diversity mechanisms and patterns of LDG, will provide insights into biodiversity conservation and management measures. Future perspectives of LDG with integrative genetic/genomic, species, evolution, and ecosystem diversity patterns, as well as the mechanisms that apply to biodiversity conservation, are discussed. It is imperative to explore integrated approaches for recognizing the causes of LDG in the context of rapid loss of diversity in a changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Leucoptera malifoliella (= L. scitella) (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) was sequenced. The size was 15,646 bp with gene content and order the same as those of other lepidopterans. The nucleotide composition of L. malifoliella mitogenome is highly A+T biased (82.57%), ranked just below Coreana raphaelis (82.66%) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). All protein-coding genes (PCGs) start with the typical ATN codon except for the cox1 gene, which uses CGA as the initiation codon. Nine PCGs have the common stop codon TAA, four PCGs have the common stop codon T as incomplete stop codons, and nad4l and nad6 have TAG as the stop codon. Cloverleaf secondary structures were inferred for 22 tRNA genes, but trnS1(AGN) was found to lack the DHU stem. The secondary structure of rrnL and rrnS is generally similar to other lepidopterans but with some minor differences. The A+T-rich region includes the motif ATAGA, but the poly (T) stretch is replaced by a stem-loop structure, which may have a similar function to the poly (T) stretch. Finally, there are three long repeat (154 bp) sequences followed by one short repeat (56 bp) with four (TA)n intervals, and a 10-bp poly-A is present upstream of trnM. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the position of Yponomeutoidea, as represented by L. malifoliella, is the same as traditional classifications. Yponomeutoidea is the sister to the other lepidopteran superfamilies covered in the present study. The authors provide the sequence of the mitochondrial genome and compare it with other Lepidoptera, distinguishing differences among the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cellular redox signaling is important in diverse physiological and pathological processes. The activity of rat phenol sulfotransferase (rSULT1A1), which is important for the metabolism of hormone and drug, is subjected to redox regulation. Two cysteines, Cys232 and Cys66, nanometer away from each other and from the enzyme active site were proposed to form disulfide bond to regulate the activity of rSULT1A1. A nano switch, composed of a flexible loop from amino acid residues 59–70, explained how this long distance interaction between two cysteines can be achieved. The enzyme properties were investigated through site-directed muatagnesis, circular dichroism, enzyme kinetics and homologous modeling of the rSULT1A1 structures. We proposed that the formation of disulfide bond between Cys232 and Cys66 induced conformational changes of sulfotransferase, then in turn affected its nucleotide binding and enzyme activity. This discovery was extended to understand the possible redox regulation of other sulfotransferases from different organisms. The redox switch can be created in other redox-insensitive sulfotransferases, such as human phenol sulfotransferase (hSULT1A1) and human alcohol sulfotransferase (hSULT2A1), to produce mutant enzymes with redox regulation capacity. This study strongly suggested that redox regulation of drug and hormone metabolism can be significantly varied even though the sequence and structure of SULT1A1 of human and rat have a high degree of homology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The yellow tortrix,Acleris fimbrianabelongs to Tortricidae in Lepidoptera. We described the complete mitogenome ofA. fimbriana, which is typical circular duplex molecules and 15,933 bp in length containing the standard metazoan set of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and an A + T-rich region with macro-repeat sequences. All the inferred tRNA secondary structures show the common cloverleaf pattern, with the exception oftrnS1(AGN)which lacks the DHU arm. TheA. fimbrianamitochondrial genome has the same gene order with other lepidopterans. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The peach fruit moth,Carposina sasakiibelongs to Carposinidae in Lepidoptera. In this paper, we described the complete mitogenome ofC. sasakii. It is 15,611 bp in length, including 13 PCGs, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and a major noncoding A + T-rich region, which revealed the typical gene content found in other metazoan mitogenomes. The overall base composition is 42.0% A, 39.5% T, 7.75% G and 10.75% C. The A + T-rich region is located betweenrrnSandtrnM. There is a motif ATAGA in downstream ofrrnSfollowed by a 19 bp Poly-T stretch. The Poly-A is not found in upstream oftrnM, and the position of Poly-A is replaced by a stem-loop structure. There are eight mononucleotide repeat sequences (Tn/An) with the length of 7 bp-19bp, three dinucleotide repeat sequences (TA)n/(AT)n, and a longer repeat sequence (AATATATA)5in A + T-rich region. The mononucleotide repeat sequences occur repeatedly in A + T-rich reigion ofC. sasakii, which is special in insects sequenced of Lepidoptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new multi-class classifier, decision tree SVM (DTSVM) which is a binary decision tree with a very simple structure is presented in this paper. In DTSVM, a problem of multi-class classification is decomposed into a series of ones of binary classification. Here, the binary decision tree is generated by using kernel clustering algorithm, and each non-leaf node represents one binary classification problem. By compared with the other multi-class classification methods based on the binary classification SVMs, the scale and the complexity of DTSVM are less, smaller number of support vectors are needed, and has faster test speed. The final simulation results confirm the feasibility and the validity of DTSVM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the preparing of the Hawthorn polyphenol (HP) by ethyl acetate treatment of the ethanol extract (HE) of Chinese hawthorn fruit, Crataegus pinnatifida. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determined the concentrations of 15 polyphenols in the HP, HE, extraction residue (HJ) and hawthorn leaf extract (HF). Furthermore , the seven different physiological actions of the four extracts were investigated and the active constituents have appeared to be procyanidins.

AMID, also called PRG3, is an AIF-homologous and mitochondria-associated protein that has been implicated in caspase-independent apoptosis. In this report, we demonstrated that human AMID gene promoter was activated by p53 in reporter gene assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that p53 could bind to human AMID promoter. Deletion mutagenesis indicated that human AMID promoter contains two p53-responsive elements. Furthermore, expression array analysis indicated that human AMID mRNA expression was downregulated in a majority of human tumors. Our findings point to the possibility that AMID is a p53-downstream gene involved in tumorigenesis.Oncogene (2004) 23, 6815-6819. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1207909 Published online 26 July 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a common kind of osteoporosis that is associated with excessive osteocyte death and bone loss. Previous studies have shown that TNF-α-induced osteocyte necroptosis might exert a stronger effect on PMOP than apoptosis, and TLR4 can also induce cell necroptosis, as confirmed by recent studies. However, little is known about the relationship between TNF-α-induced osteocyte necroptosis and TLR4. In the present study, we showed that TNF-α increased the expression of TLR4, which promoted osteocyte necroptosis in PMOP. In patients with PMOP, TLR4 was highly expressed at skeletal sites where exists osteocyte necroptosis, and high TLR4 expression is correlated with enhanced TNF-α expression. Osteocytes exhibited robust TLR4 expression upon exposure to necroptotic osteocytes in vivo and in vitro. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated that TNF-α upregulated TLR4 expression in vitro, which might further promote osteocyte necroptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of TLR4 by TAK-242 in vitro effectively blocked osteocyte necroptosis induced by TNF-α. Collectively, these results suggest a novel TLR4-mediated process of osteocyte necroptosis, which might increase osteocyte death and bone loss in the process of PMOP. • TNF-α promote osteocytes necroptosis through upregulated TLR4 in postmenopausal osteoporosis. • High TLR4 expression is related to increased expression of TNF-α. • TLR4 is upregulated in necroptotic osteocyte, and inhibition of osteocytes necroptosis reduces the expression of TLR4. • Inhibition of TLR4 block TNF-α-induced osteocytes necroptosis in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common neoplasm affecting reproductive-age women. The purpose of the present study is to explore the association between dietary diversity and risk of UFs in a cross-sectional study of urban premenopausal women.Methods and Study Design: A total of 248 urban premenopausal women with age of 20-45 were recruited in 3 randomly chosen hospitals in Shijiazhuang, China. Dietary diversity was assessed from food frequency intake data using dietary diversity score (DDS), Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS) and food variety score (FVS). UFs were diagnosed by the methods of ultrasound, pelvic exam, or surgery. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between dietary diversity and risk of UFs.Results: 37 of the study subjects (14.9%) had UFs. Participants with a low education level and single marital status participants had a lower DDS and PDQS, respectively. After adjustment for confounding factors, a higher DDS 24 was associated with decreased UF risk (OR=0.22, 95% CI=0.05-1.01). Similar trends were observed for the plantbased FVS (ptrend=0.025). Carrot (OR=0.04, 95% CI=0.00-0.48) and kiwi fruit (OR=0.03, 95% CI=0.00-0.47) were also inversely associated with risk of UFs after adjustment for confounding factors.Conclusions: Multifarious food groups and the increase of variety of plant-based food, especially carrot and kiwi fruit, may be associated with the lower risk of UFs; they may play an important role in inhibiting the formation of UFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Grain size affects not only rice yield but is also an important element in quality of appearance. However, the mechanism for inheritance of grain size is unclear. Results: A rice chromosome segment substitution line Z1392, which harbors three substitution segments and produces grains of increased length, was identified. The three chromosome segments were located on chromosomes 1, 5, and 6, and the average length of the substitution segment was 3.17 Mb. Cytological analysis indicates that the predominant cause of increased grain length in Z1392 could be cell expansion in the glumes. Seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain size related traits were identified using the secondary F2 population produced by Nipponbare/Z1392. The inheritance of grain length in Z1392 was mainly controlled by two major QTLs, qGL-5 and qGL-6. qGL-6 was localized on a 1.26 Mb region on chromosome 6, and OsARF19 may be its candidate gene. Based on QTL mapping, three single-segment substitution lines (S1, S2, and S3) and two double-segment substitution lines (D1 and D2) were selected, and the mapping accuracy for qGL-5 and qGL-6 was further verified using three single-segment substitution lines. Analysis of QTL additive and epistatic effects revealed that the additive effect of alleles qGL-5 and qGL-6 from 'Xihui 18' was estimated to increase grain length of Z1392 by 0.22 and 0.15 mm, respectively. In addition, a positive epistatic interaction between qGL-5 and qGL-6 was detected, which indicates that the pyramiding of qGL-5 and qGL-6 for grain length produces a novel genotype with longer grains. Conclusions: Inheritance of grain length in the triple-segment substitution line Z1392 is mainly controlled by two major QTLs, qGL-5 and qGL-6. qGL-6 was found to be located in a 1.26 Mb region on chromosome 6, and OsARF19 may be its candidate gene. A positive epistatic interaction between qGL-5 and qGL-6 results in longer grains. The present results can be used to facilitate cloning of the qGL-5 and qGL-6 genes and contribute to improvement of grain yield in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: CD31hiEMCNhi vessels (CD31, also known as PECAM1 [platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1]; EMCN, endomucin), which are strongly positive for CD31 and endomucin, couple angiogenesis and osteogenesis. However, the role of CD31hiEMCNhi vessels in bone regeneration remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of CD31hiEMCNhi vessels in the process of bone regeneration. Materials and Methods: We used endothelial‐specific Krüppel like factor 3 (Klf3) knockout mice and ophiopogonin D treatment to interfere with CD31hiEMCNhi vessel formation. We constructed a bone regeneration model by surgical ablation of the trabecular bone. Immunofluorescence and micro‐computed tomography (CT) were used to detect CD31hiEMCNhi vessels and bone formation. Results: CD31hiEMCNhi vessels participate in the process of bone regeneration, such that endothelial‐specific Klf3 knockout mice showed increased CD31hiEMCNhi vessels and osteoprogenitors in the bone regeneration area, and further accelerated bone formation. We also demonstrated that the natural compound, ophiopogonin D, acts as a KLF3 inhibitor to promote vessels formation both in vitro and in vivo. Administration of ophiopogonin D increased the abundance of CD31hiEmcnhi vessels and accelerated bone healing. Conclusions: Our findings confirmed the important role of CD31hiEmcnhi vessels in bone regeneration and provided a new target to treat bone fracture or promote bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high gas barrier property of a rubber composite is of great significance for reducing the exhaust gas emissions due to tire rolling resistance and hence the contribution this factor makes to environmental protection. Enhanced covalent interfaces and crosslinked networks are crucial to the gas barrier property of rubber composites. In this research, γ-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (MPS) modified GO (MGO)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were prepared by a synergetic strategy of latex compounding method and thiol-ene click reaction. It was found that the mercapto groups in MGO reacted with the vinyl groups in SBR molecules through thiol-ene click reaction during the crosslinking process at 150 °C, thus forming strong chemical interactions at the interface in the form of GO-MPS-rubber and enhanced crosslinked networks. Meanwhile, the strong interface promoted the dispersion of MGO in SBR. The uniform dispersion of MGO, strong interface between MGO and SBR molecules and enhanced crosslinked networks resulted in improved mechanical and gas barrier properties. When filling 5 phr fillers, the tensile strength and gas barrier properties of an MGO/SBR composite improved by 19.0% and 37.5%, respectively, relative to the comparing GO/SBR composite. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are high-molecular-weight carbohydrates with a wide range of biophysiological activities, such as antioxidant activity, immunostimulatory activity, antitumor activity, hepatoprotective activity, and antifatigue effects. In the present work, two water-soluble EPSs, namely, A14EPS-1 and A14EPS-2, were isolated and purified from the fungal endophytic strain A14 using ethanol precipitation, DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography and Sepharose G-150 gel filtration chromatography. A14EPS-1 (∼2.4 × 104 Da, the major fraction) was mainly composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucose, galactose, xylose and arabinose with a molar ratio of 0.31:0.55:10.00:0.34:0.03:0.06. The major monosaccharide of A14EPS-1 was pyranose, which was connected by α-glycosidic linkages. And the side chains of A14EPS-1 may be composed of rhamnose, arabinose, glucose and galactose; moreover, the backbone of A14EPS-1 may be composed of rhamnose, xylose, arabinose and glucose. A14EPS-2 (∼0.5 × 104 Da) was mainly composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucose, galactose, xylose and arabinose in a ratio of 0.16:0.88:10.00:0.39:0.06:0.06. Pyranose was observed in both the α- and β-configurations in A14EPS-2, and the α configuration was dominant. In addition, the results of the bioactivity assays indicated that both A14EPS-1 and A14EPS-2 had moderate antioxidant activity in vitro , and A14EPS-2 showed a moderate antiproliferation effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) exhibit an age-related lineage switch between osteogenic and adipogenic fates, which contributes to bone loss and adiposity. Here we identified a long noncoding RNA, Bmncr, which regulated the fate of BMSCs during aging. Mice depleted of Bmncr (Bmncr-KO) showed decreased bone mass and increased bone marrow adiposity, whereas transgenic overexpression of Bmncr (Bmncr-Tg) alleviated bone loss and bone marrow fat accumulation. Bmncr regulated the osteogenic niche of BMSCs by maintaining extracellular matrix protein fibromodulin (FMOD) and activation of the BMP2 pathway. Bmncr affected local 3D chromatin structure and transcription of Fmod. The absence of Fmod modified the bone phenotype of Bmncr-Tg mice. Further analysis revealed that Bmncr would serve as a scaffold to facilitate the interaction of TAZ and ABL, and thus facilitate the assembly of the TAZ and RUNX2/PPARG transcriptional complex, promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis. Adeno-associated viral-mediated overexpression of Taz in osteoprogenitors alleviated bone loss and marrow fat accumulation in Bmncr-KO mice. Furthermore, restoring BMNCR levels in human BMSCs reversed the age-related switch between osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. Our findings indicate that Bmncr is a key regulator of the age-related osteogenic niche alteration and cell fate switch of BMSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effect of different factors on interfacial bond behavior of PEC was discussed. • Pre-applied concrete strain gauges optimized measuring method of concrete strain. • Prediction model of bond-slip between concrete and H-shaped steel was established. • The bond stress distribution of H-shaped steel was investigated. In this paper, the bond behavior between the section steel and concrete in partially encased composite structural members (PEC) is investigated, and the concrete strength, anchorage length, and amount of expansion agent are considered. The results show that the ultimate bond stress of PEC increased as the concrete, bond length, and amount of expansion agent increased. Quantitative analysis of the bond stress composition between concrete and section steel, revealed that the length of the region where the chemical adhesive force existed was much larger than the length of the region where the friction force existed in the micro-slip stage. In addition, the bond stress distribution gradually transitioned from the H-shaped web to the flanges as the amount of expansion agent increased. Considering different influence factors, the characteristic bond strength formula was obtained through statistical regression. A prediction model of the bond-slip between the concrete and section steel in PEC specimens was established, and the optimized measurement method of the concrete strain value at the bonding interface was used to investigate the bond stress distribution of the H-shaped steel webs and flanges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated for body weight ( BW), body length ( BL), carapace length ( CL), carapace width ( CW) and carapace height ( CH) of the Penaeus monodon from measurements on progeny at 6 months of age resulting from a nested mating design. Estimation was made on data from 41 full-sib and 10 half-sib families. The estimated heritabilities for these traits were 0.13-0.24, and the significantly phenotypic and genetic correlations were 0.81-0.94 and 0.88-1.00, respectively. The present results indicate that genetic improvement through selective breeding conducted on P. monodon might be feasible and would be an efficient method to obtain a positive response to selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclosan (TCS), a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent widely used in pharmaceuticals and personal case products (PPCPs), has been universally detected in aquatic ecosystem in recent years. Unfortunately, there is limited information about its potential impacts on responses of genes and enzymes related to fish detoxification. In the present work, we cloned CYP3A and alpha - GST of yellow catfish ( Pelteobagrus fulvidraco ) and tested the transcriptional expression of CYP1A , CYP3A and GST as well as the alterations of their corresponding enzymes, including ethoxyresorufin- O -deethylase (EROD), aminopyrine N -demethylase (APND), erythromycin N -demethylase (ERND), glutathione S -transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT), and also the oxidative product malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver of P . fulvidraco exposed to TCS. Amino acids of CYP3A and GST were deduced and phylogenetic tree was constructed respectively. High identity percent was exhibited between P . fulvidraco and other species, such as other fish, birds and mammals. Results indicated that TCS significantly elevated CYP1A and GST but decreased CYP3A expression, EROD activity and MDA content at lower concentrations of TCS at 24 h. Moreover, CYP3A and GST were significantly inhibited at 72 h but induced at 168 h at lower concentrations. However, CYP3A was always induced at the highest concentration during the exposure period. Furthermore, CYP3A , GST , GST enzyme and MDA content exhibited a dose–effect relationship to some extent, but no significant responses were observed in ERND, APND and CAT except for individual treatments. Taken together, EROD was the most sensitive to TCS exposure as compared to other enzymes. Meanwhile, mRNA responses were more sensitive in yellow catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological variation of Penaeus monodon was studied based on the morphometric analyses of samples collected throughout Banda Aceh, Khanom, Mozambique and Sanya. A total of 470 samples were investigated using eight measurements. Multivariate analyses [principal components ( PCA), discriminant function ( DFA) and cluster analyses ( CA)] revealed obvious morphometric differences among the four geographical populations. PCA indicated that the first three components of the females and the first two components of the males accounted for 75.17% and 71.84% of the total morphological variability respectively. In DFA, the overall assignment of female and male individuals into their original population was 78.95% and 84.37% respectively. For females, the proportion of individuals correctly classified into their original population was 76.0%, 92.8%, 92.6% and 54.5% for population 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. For males, the proportion was 97.2%, 68.1%, 100% and 72.2% respectively. For females and males, CA showed that the four populations could be divided into two main clusters of morphological characteristics. CA also indicated that the morphological variation of population 3 was greater, whereas the morphology of population 2 was strikingly similar to that of population 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]