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Objective Methods Results Conclusions The purpose of this experiment is to explore the role of long intergenic noncoding RNA 261 (LINC00261) gene in the chemoresistance and clinical prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).We used matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry to detect the methylation levels of the LINC00261 promoter region in EOC patient specimens. The expression levels of LINC00261, miR‐545‐3p, and MT1M in EOC patients were evaluated by quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT‐qPCR). Spearman's correlation analysis was used for relevance analyses and clinical prognosis was counted by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Stable overexpressed LINC00261 SKOV3 cells were established to test the influence of LINC00261 on proliferation, platinum sensitivity, migration, and invasion.The promoter region methylation level of the LINC00261 was hypermethylated and LINC00261 was significantly downregulated in platinum‐resistant EOC tissues. The methylation level of LINC00261was significantly negative correlated with its RNA expression in EOC. Moreover, hypermethylation and lower expression of LINC00261 in EOC patients were related to shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the expression of miR‐545‐3p had a negative relevance with LINC00261. According to the website prediction, MT1M might be the downstream target gene of LINC00261. Expression of MT1M was negatively correlated with miR‐545‐3p and positively with LINC00261 in EOC tissues. And lower MT1M mRNA expression was correlated with chemotherapy resistance and worse prognosis. In vitro, overexpression of LINC00261 could inhibit cisplatin resistance, proliferation, and suppression of migration and invasion in SKOV3 cells.This research indicates that the aberrant hypermethylation and low expression of LINC00261 were associated with platinum resistance and adverse outcomes in EOC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ways in which learning environments are spatially conceived have undergone a significant transformation from space as "a realm without meaning" into place as "a meaningful location." In this context, the relevance of online interactions and the significance of online space and place in facilitating positive learning are worth exploration. Drawing on a nationwide survey involving 1010 international students at 41 Chinese HEIs in the COVID‐19 pandemic, this research applied k‐means cluster analyses which produced a typology of international students' perceived online educational environments and another typology of their online interpersonal interactions. The logistic regression results indicated the predictive power of both typologies on ability development. The discussion highlights the importance of considering spatial dimensions of international students' online learning. Promoting international students' online interactions and supporting inclusive, engaging learning experiences require both space for hosting and place enabling intercultural learning. The research holds implications for the sustainable development of online international education in the post‐COVID‐19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research investigated the influences of international students' perceived online learning environments, self-efficacy, and online interaction on their online learning achievement, as measured by these students' self-reported development of generic skills, research capacities, and Chinese proficiency and global abilities. Data were generated by a nationwide survey involving 1,010 international students across disciplines at 41 universities in China. The SEM analysis showed that among all factors directly and positively supporting international students' learning achievement, the two online environmental factors, i.e. accessibility to online learning resources and opportunities for knowledge acquisition, presented the strongest effects. The mediation analysis showed that through interaction, environmental interactivity had significant and positive indirect influences on learning achievement; and through self-efficacy, knowledge acquisition had significant and positive indirect influences on learning achievement. The SEM analysis also revealed a significant negative influence of environmental flexibility on international students' generic skill development. Possible explanations for the results were proposed. Implications of the results were discussed to support the sustainable development of online international education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CO2 sequestration capacity evaluation of reservoirs is a critical procedure for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) techniques. However, calculating the sequestration amount for CO2 flooding in low-permeability reservoirs is challenging. Herein, a method combining numerical simulation technology with artificial intelligence is proposed. Based on the typical geological and fluid characteristics of low-permeability oil reservoirs in the Liaohe oilfield, the CMG 2020 version software GEM module is used to establish a model for CO2 flooding and sequestration. Meanwhile, a calculation method for the effective sequestration coefficient of CO2 is established. We systematically study the sequestration rules in low-permeability reservoirs under varying conditions of permeability, reservoir temperature, and initial reservoir pressure. The results indicate that, as the permeability and sequestration pressure of the reservoir increase, oil recovery gradually increases. The proportion of structurally bound sequestration volume increases from 55% to 60%. Reservoir temperature has minimal impact on both the recovery rate and the improvement in sequestration efficiency. Sequestration pressure primarily improves sequestration efficiency by increasing the dissolution of CO2 in the remaining oil and water. The calculation chart for the effective sequestration coefficient, developed using artificial intelligence algorithms under multi-factor conditions, enables accurate and rapid evaluation of the sequestration potential and the identification of favorable sequestration areas in low-permeability reservoirs. This approach provides valuable technical support for CO2 flooding and sequestration in pilot applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) holds substantial economic value as a globally cultivated horticultural crop. However, the genetic architecture of watermelon fruit weight (FW) remains poorly understood. In this study, we used sh14-11 with small fruit and N14 with big fruit to construct 100 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Based on whole-genome resequencing (WGR), 218,127 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected to construct a high-quality genetic map. After quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, a candidate interval of 31–38 Mb on chromosome 2 was identified for FW. Simultaneously, the bulked segregant analysis (BSA) in the F2 population corroborated the identification of the same interval, encompassing the homologous gene linked to the known FW-related gene fas. Additionally, RNA-seq was carried out across 11 tissues from sh14-11 and N14, revealing expression profiles that identified 1695 new genes and corrected the annotation of 2941 genes. Subsequent differential expression analysis unveiled 8969 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 354 of these genes exhibiting significant differences across four key developmental stages. The integration of QTL mapping and differential expression analysis facilitated the identification of 14 FW-related genes, including annotated TGA and NAC transcription factors implicated in fruit development. This combined approach offers valuable insights into the genetic basis of FW, providing crucial resources for enhancing watermelon cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is characterized by a dismal prognosis with limited therapeutic alternatives. To explore phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) as a biomarker for proteasome inhibition in ICC, we conducted a phase II trial to assess the second‐line efficacy of bortezomib in PTEN‐deficient advanced ICC patients. Methods: A total of 130 patients with advanced ICC in our centre were screened by PTEN immunohistochemical staining between 1 July 2017, and 31 December 2021, and 16 patients were ultimately enrolled and treated with single‐agent bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 of a 21‐day cycle. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. Results: The median follow‐up was 6.55 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7–19.9 months). Among the 16 enrolled patients, the ORR was 18.75% (3/16) and the disease control rate was 43.75% (7/16). The median progress‐free survival was 2.95 months (95% CI: 2.1–5.1 months) and the median overall survival (mOS) was 7.2 months (95% CI: 0.7–21.6 months) in the intent‐to‐treat‐patients. Treatment‐related adverse events of any grade were reported in 16 patients, with thrombopenia being the most common toxicity. Patients with PTEN staining scores of 0 were more likely to benefit from bortezomib than those with staining scores > 0. Conclusions: Bortezomib yielded an encouraging objective response and a favourable OS as a second‐line agent in PTEN‐deficient ICC patients. Our findings suggest bortezomib as a promising therapeutic option for patients with PTEN‐deficient ICC. Highlights: There is a limited strategy for the second‐line option of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).This investigator‐initiated phase 2 study evaluated bortezomib in ICC patients with phosphatase and tension homology deficiency.The overall response rate was 18.75% and the overall survival was 7.2 months in the intent‐to‐treat cohort.These results justify further developing bortezomib in ICC patients with PTEN deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of the SCF3‐containing 1,1‐diaryl tertiary carbon stereocenters with high enantioselectivities is reported via a nickel‐catalyzed asymmetric C−C coupling strategy. This method demonstrates simple operations, mild conditions and excellent functional group tolerance, with newly designed SCF3‐containing synthon, which can be easily obtained from commercially available benzyl bromide and trifluoromethylthio anion in a two‐step manner. Further substrate exploration indicated that the reaction system could be extended to diverse perfluoroalkyl sulfide (SC2F5, SC3F7, SC4F9, SCF2CO2Et)‐substituted 1,1‐diaryl compounds with excellent enantioselectivities. The synthetic utility of this transformation was further demonstrated by convenient derivatization to optical SCF3‐containing analogues of bioactive compounds without an apparent decrease in enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of the SCF3‐containing 1,1‐diaryl tertiary carbon stereocenters with high enantioselectivities is reported via a nickel‐catalyzed asymmetric C−C coupling strategy. This method demonstrates simple operations, mild conditions and excellent functional group tolerance, with newly designed SCF3‐containing synthon, which can be easily obtained from commercially available benzyl bromide and trifluoromethylthio anion in a two‐step manner. Further substrate exploration indicated that the reaction system could be extended to diverse perfluoroalkyl sulfide (SC2F5, SC3F7, SC4F9, SCF2CO2Et)‐substituted 1,1‐diaryl compounds with excellent enantioselectivities. The synthetic utility of this transformation was further demonstrated by convenient derivatization to optical SCF3‐containing analogues of bioactive compounds without an apparent decrease in enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the genus Thelephora (Thelephorales, Thelephoraceae) are ectomycorrhizal symbionts of coniferous and broad-leaved plants, and some of them are well-known edible mushrooms, making it an exceptionally important group ecologically and economically. However, the diversity of the species from China has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses, along with morphological observations of this genus. Four new species from China are proposed, viz., T. dactyliophora, T. lacunosa, T. petaloides, and T. pinnatifida. In addition, T. sikkimensis originally described from India is reported for the first time from China. Thelephora dactyliophora, T. pinnatifida, and T. sikkimensis are distributed in subtropical forests and mainly associated with plants of the families Fagaceae and Pinaceae. Thelephora lacunosa and T. petaloides are distributed in tropical to subtropical forests. Thelephora lacunosa is mainly associated with plants of the families Fagaceae and Pinaceae, while T. petaloides is mainly associated with plants of the family Fagaceae. Line drawings of microstructures, color pictures of fresh basidiomes, and detailed descriptions of these five species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: With the rise of big data, deep learning neural networks have garnered attention from psychology researchers due to their ability to process vast amounts of data and achieve superior model fitting. We aim to explore the predictive accuracy of neural network models and linear mixed models in tracking data when subjective variables are predominant in the field of psychology. We separately analyzed the predictive accuracy of both models and conduct a comparative study to further investigate. Simultaneously, we utilized the neural network model to examine the influencing factors of problematic internet usage and its temporal changes, attempting to provide insights for early interventions in problematic internet use. Patients and Methods: This study compared longitudinal data of junior high school students using both a linear mixed model and a neural network model to ascertain the efficacy of these two methods in processing psychological longitudinal data. Results: The neural network model exhibited significantly smaller errors compared to the linear mixed model. Furthermore, the outcomes from the neural network model revealed that, when analyzing data from a single time point, the influences of seventh grade better predicted Problematic Internet Use in ninth grade. And when analyzing data from multiple time points, the influences of sixth, seventh, and eighth grades more accurately predicted Problematic Internet Use in ninth grade. Conclusion: Neural network models surpass linear mixed models in precision when predicting and analyzing longitudinal data. Furthermore, the influencing factors in lower grades provide more accurate predictions of Problematic Internet Use in higher grades. The highest prediction accuracy is attained through the utilization of data from multiple time points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of lipid-lowering drugs is still highly controversial in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We performed a drug-target Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the effect of targeted lipid-lowering drugs on the risk of ALS. First, we evaluated the causal relationship between HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors-taking trait and ALS using a bidirectional two-sample MR study. Second, we investigated the causal relationship between lipid-lowering drugs and ALS through a drug-target MR approach. The summary data for HMGCR inhibitors-taking traits were extracted from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of medication use and associated disease in the UK Biobank. The summary data for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were extracted from a meta-analysis of GWAS in individuals of European ancestry in the UKB. The GWAS summary data of ALS were obtained from the Project MinE. Our bidirectional two-sample MR showed that genetically determined increased HMGCR inhibitors-taking trait was an independent risk factor for ALS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.090, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.035–1.150, p = 0.001). The results of drug-target MR showed that the increased expression of the HMGCR gene in blood with the higher risk of ALS (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01–1.46; p = 0.042) through SMR method and the apoB level mediated by the APOB gene increased the risk of ALS (OR = 1.15; 95% CI =1.05–1.25; p = 0.001) through inverse-variance weighted MR method. This present study provides genetic support for a positive causal effect of HMGCR inhibitors-taking trait and ALS. The reason for this may be due to the underlying disease condition behind the medication, rather than the medication itself. Our findings also suggested that HMGCR and apoB inhibitors may have potential protective effects on ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging serves as an essential tool in diagnosing and differentiating patients with suspected parkinsonism, including idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative diseases. The PET tracers most commonly used at the present time mainly target dopamine transporters (DAT), aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), and vesicular monoamine type 2 (VMAT2). However, established standards for the imaging procedure and interpretation of presynaptic dopaminergic PET imaging are still lacking. The goal of this international consensus is to help nuclear medicine practitioners procedurally perform presynaptic dopaminergic PET imaging. Method: A multidisciplinary task group formed by experts from various countries discussed and approved the consensus for presynaptic dopaminergic PET imaging in parkinsonism, focusing on standardized recommendations, procedures, interpretation, and reporting. Conclusion: This international consensus and practice guideline will help to promote the standardized use of presynaptic dopaminergic PET imaging in parkinsonism. It will become an international standard for this purpose in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anaemia in pregnancy is one of the most frequent complications related to pregnancy and is a public health concern. This article examines the prevalence of anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy and the associations between anaemia and adverse perinatal outcomes in Hebei Province, China. Methods We used SPSS software to describe the incidence of anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy in Hebei Province and analysed the clinical characteristics in anaemic patients and the relationship between anaemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results The overall prevalence of anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy was 35.0% in Hebei Province. The prevalence of anaemia in the population with a high education level was lower than that in the population with a low education level. The incidence rate in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas. After adjustment for confounding factors, anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy is an independent risk factor in terms of placenta previa, placental abruption, uterine atony, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, heart disease, postpartum haemorrhage, premature birth, laceration of birth canal, puerperal infection, caesarean section and large for gestational age. Conclusions The prevalence of anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. A comprehensive approach to prevent anaemia is needed to improve maternal and child health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hangzhou International Molecular Imaging Conference (HIMIC) is an annual conference held in China that focuses on the field of molecular imaging. The conference aims to promote cross-disciplinary education and research, strengthen international collaborations, and develop novel technologies for translational research and clinical practice. HIMIC has attracted top scientists from around the world and serves as an important platform for connecting China with the global community in the field of molecular imaging. The 16th HIMIC, held in 2023, featured keynote lectures on topics such as aptamers in cancer imaging, artificial intelligence in nuclear medicine, and radionuclide diagnostics and therapeutics. The conference also included invited lectures and panel discussions on attracting young talent to nuclear medicine and verifying AI systems. Overall, HIMIC plays a crucial role in advancing molecular imaging in China and fostering international cooperation in the field. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To explore the effect of the 2016 Chinese second child policy and different maternal ages on adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods: Clinical data were collected from 22 monitoring hospitals in Hebei Province from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2021. A total of 413,892 parturient were divided into 3 groups based on delivery age: 20–34, 35–39, and 40–55 years old. The clinical data were analyzed to explore the relationship among the 2016 Chinese second-child policy, maternal age, and various pregnancy risks. Results: Pregnancy complications showed an upward trend from 2013 to 2021.The top 10 incidences of pregnancy complications in Hebei Province were anemia, small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), macrosomia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), premature delivery, preeclampsia (PE), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), placenta previa, and placental abruption. The two-child policy was implemented in 2016. The incidence of pregnancy complications, anemia, GDM, PE, placental abruption, cesarean delivery, premature delivery, SGA, LGA, macrosomia in 2016–2021 was significantly higher than that in 2013–2015 (P<0.05), and the proportion of women of advanced maternal age (AMA, ≥ 35 years old) increased from 2013 to 2021. Advanced maternal age was a risk factor for most assessed adverse pregnancy outcomes, including GDM, PE, placenta previa, placenta abruption, cesarean delivery, PPH, premature delivery, SGA, LGA and macrosomia. Conclusion: After the adjustment of the "second-child" policy, the incidence of pregnancy complications increased. Moreover, the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in AMA has increased. Early prevention and intervention should be implemented to cope with the occurrence of adverse perinatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on body composition phenotypes and bone health in adolescents is limited. Hence, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between different body composition phenotypes, bone mineral content, and bone metabolism markers in Chinese adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, 1852 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years were selected from six schools in Yinchuan City between 2017 and 2020 using stratified cluster random sampling. The participant's body composition and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Serum bone metabolic markers (OC, CTX, and Ca) were measured. Based on their FMI and LMI, individuals were categorized into four body composition phenotypes: low fat mass-low lean mass (LFMI-LLMI), low fat mass-high lean mass (LFMI-HLMI), high fat mass-high lean mass (HFMI-HLMI), high fat mass-low lean mass (HFMI-LLMI). There was a statistically significant difference between the four different body composition phenotypes with BMC, CTX and Ca in boys (all P < 0.05), similar conclusions were found in girls, except the OC and CTX. After adjusting for age, gender, smoking, drinking, and others, compared with the LFMI-HLMI reference group, the two high FMI groups (HFMI-LLMI and HFMI-HLMI) had a greater negative correlation with BMC, while the low BMC risk of the HFMI-LLMI group was the highest (OR = 33.28; 95%CI: 11.12–99.63; P < 0.001). The correlation between BMC of different body composition phenotypes in boys was greater than that in girls. HFMI-HLMI is a risk phenotype negatively associated with Ca content (β = −0.12; 95%CI: −0.19 to −0.04; P < 0.05). Regardless of body composition level, BMC was always negatively correlated with fat mass (LLMI: β = −0.27; 95%CI: −0.32–0.21; HLMI: β = −0.52, 95%CI: −0.65–0.40) and positively correlated with lean mass (LFMI: β =0.24; 95%CI: 0.20–0.28; HFMI: β =0.23, 95%CI:0.13–0.33) (all P < 0.001). The fat mass showed different correlations with OC and CTX in girls and boys based on LLMI or HLMI (all P < 0.05). HFMI-LLMI is a risk phenotype of low BMC in Chinese adolescents, and the relationship between fat mass and bone metabolism markers is affected by lean body mass and gender. • Body composition phenotypes was proposed to gain better insights into the effects of both muscle and fat on the body. • HFMI-LLMI is a risk phenotype of low BMC in Chinese adolescents. • Adolescent lean mass has a positive effect on BMC, while fat mass is negatively correlated with BMC. • Early identification of poor body composition phenotypes in adolescents may be crucial for maximising peak bone mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diterpene alkaloids (DAs) are characteristic compounds in Aconitum, which are classified into four skeletal types: C18, C19, C20, and bisditerpenoid alkaloids. C20-DAs are thought to be the precursor of the other types. Their biosynthetic pathway, however, is largely unclear. Herein, we combine metabolomics and transcriptomics to unveil the methyl jasmonate (MJ) inducible biosynthesis of DAs in the sterile seedling of A. gymnandrum, the only species in the Subgenus Gymnaconitum (Stapf) Rapaics. Target metabolomics based on root and aerial portions identified 51 C19-DAs and 15 C20-DAs, with 40 inducible compounds. The highest content of C20-DA atisine was selected for further network analysis. PacBio Isoform sequencing integrated with RNA sequencing not only provided the full-length transcriptome but also their response to induction, revealing 1994 genes that exhibited up-regulated expression. Further, 38 genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis were identified, including 7 diterpene synthases. In addition to the expected function of the four diterpene synthases, AgCPS5 was identified to be a new ent-8,13-CPP synthase in Aconitum and could also combine with AgKSL1 to form the C20-DAs precursor ent-atiserene. Combined with multiple network analyses, six CYP450 and seven 2-ODD genes predicted to be involved in the biosynthesis of atisine were also identified. This study not only sheds light on diterpene synthase evolution in Aconitum but also provides a rich dataset of full-length transcriptomes, systemic metabolomes, and gene expression profiles, setting the groundwork for further investigation of the C20-DAs biosynthesis pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Positron emission tomography (PET) with the first and only tau targeting radiotracer of 18F-flortaucipir approved by FDA has been increasingly used in depicting tau pathology deposition and distribution in patients with cognitive impairment. The goal of this international consensus is to help nuclear medicine practitioners procedurally perform 18F-flortaucipir PET imaging. Method: A multidisciplinary task group formed by experts from various countries discussed and approved the consensus for 18F-flortaucipir PET imaging in Alzheimer's disease (AD), focusing on clinical scenarios, patient preparation, and administered activities, as well as image acquisition, processing, interpretation, and reporting. Conclusion: This international consensus and practice guideline will help to promote the standardized use of 18F-flortaucipir PET in patients with AD. It will become an international standard for this purpose in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) has been increasingly applied in precise localization of epileptogenic focus in epilepsy patients, including pediatric patients. The aim of this international consensus is to provide the guideline and specific considerations for [18F]-FDG PET in pediatric patients affected by epilepsy. Methods: An international, multidisciplinary task group is formed, and the guideline for brain [18F]-FDG PET/CT in pediatric epilepsy patients has been discussed and approved, which include but not limited to the clinical indications, patient preparation, radiopharmaceuticals and administered activities, image acquisition, image processing, image interpretation, documentation and reporting, etc. Conclusion: This is the first international consensus and practice guideline for brain [18F]-FDG PET/CT in pediatric epilepsy patients. It will be an international standard for this purpose in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma (EMPSGC) is a rare, low‐grade, cutaneous adnexal carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. It is considered to be a precursor of invasive neuroendocrine type primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma (PCMC). Objective: To review clinicopathological literature summary of EMPSGC and associated neuroendocrine PCMC from all reported cases and compare its behavior vs non‐neuroendocrine PCMC data reported in the literature. Methods: A review of English literature of all EMPSGC cases with and without associated PCMC was carried out. Results: EMPSGC was associated with invasive neuroendocrine type PCMC in 35.7% of cases. We found the recurrence rate of PCMC associated with EMPSGC of about 12.3%, which is much less than the 30% recurrence rate reported for the non‐neuroendocrine subtype of PCMC. The non‐neuroendocrine subtype of PCMC shows a 4% and 11% rate of distant and lymph node metastasis, respectively, vs EMPSGC‐associated neuroendocrine type of PCMC, which is very indolent and only one recent case of locoregional metastasis out of 190 EMPSGC cases has been reported so far. Limitation: Limitation of our study includes data derivation from case reports and case series in the literature. Conclusion: The prognostic benefits for this cohort of patients may be considered in their overall management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathology is the medical specialty concerned with the study of the disease nature and causes, playing a key role in bridging basic researches and clinical medicine. In the course of development, pathology has significantly expanded our understanding of disease, and exerted enormous impact on the management of patients. However, challenges facing pathology, the inherent invasiveness of pathological practice and the persistent concerns on the sample representativeness, constitute its limitations. Molecular imaging is a noninvasive technique to visualize, characterize, and measure biological processes at the molecular level in living subjects. With the continuous development of equipment and probes, molecular imaging has enabled an increasingly precise evaluation of pathophysiological changes. A new pathophysiology visualization system based on molecular imaging is forming and shows the great potential to reform the pathological practice. Several improvements in "trans-," including trans-scale, transparency, and translation, would be driven by this new kind of pathological practice. Pathological changes could be evaluated in a trans-scale imaging mode; tissues could be transparentized to better present the underlying pathophysiological information; and the translational processes of basic research to the clinical practice would be better facilitated. Thus, transpathology would greatly facilitate in deciphering the pathophysiological events in a multiscale perspective, and supporting the precision medicine in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some studies confirmed that erythroblast transformation‐specific‐related gene (ERG) may be a pathogenic factor of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the undergoing molecular mechanism has not been elucidated yet. Objective: In this study, the investigation will focus on how the transcription factor ERG modulates the biological behaviors of OSCC. Methods: In this study, cancer tissue specimens and corresponding paracancer tissues were collected from 54 patients. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis and Western blots were employed to detect the expression of multiple genes. Cell proliferation assays, Transwell, and flow cytometry assay were utilized to detect the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of OSCC cell, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to verify the regulation of ERG on PRDX1. Results: ERG exhibits high expression levels in OSCC. Inhibition of ERG has been shown to effectively suppress the malignant growth of OSCC cells. Moreover, ERG has been found to transcriptionally upregulate the expression of PRDX1. The knockdown of PRDX1 has demonstrated its ability to inhibit the malignant growth of OSCC cells. Interestingly, when PRDX1 is overexpressed, it attenuates the inhibitory effect of si‐ERG on the malignant growth of OSCC cells. This suggests that PRDX1 may play a crucial role in mediating the impact of ERG on malignancy in OSCC cells. Conclusion: The transcription factor ERG promotes the expression of PRDX1, which could enhance the proliferation and invasion while inhibiting the apoptosis of OSCC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perivascular epithelioid cell (PEC) tumors are rare tumors of mesenchymal origin and can affect many anatomic regions. Although these tumors are usually benign, malignant variants exist. We document for the first time a malignant PEComa arising from the pleura of a 43-year-old Malay woman. The pathology of the tumor as well as differential diagnoses is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delivery of biologic drugs across the blood–brain barrier is becoming a reality. However, the solutions often involve the assembly of complex multi-specific antibody molecules. Here we utilize a simple 12 amino-acid peptide originating from the melanotransferrin (MTf) protein that has shown improved brain delivery properties. 3D confocal fluorescence microscopic analysis demonstrated brain parenchymal localisation of a fluorescently labelled antibody (NIP228) when chemically conjugated to either the MTf peptide or full-length MTf protein. Measurement of plasma kinetics demonstrated the MTf peptide fusions had very similar kinetics to an unmodified NIP228 control antibody, whereas the fusion to MTf protein had significantly reduced plasma exposure most likely due to a higher tissue distribution in the periphery. Brain exposure for the MTf peptide fusions was significantly increased for the duration of the study, exceeding that of the fusions to full length MTf protein. Using a neuropathic pain model, we have demonstrated that fusions to interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) are able to induce significant and durable analgesia following peripheral administration. These data demonstrate that recombinant and chemically conjugated MTf-based brain delivery vectors can deliver therapeutic levels of drug to the central nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome resulting from infection. This study aimed at exploring the role of microRNA-140 (miR-140) in septic mice. Wnt family member 11 (WNT11) was verified to be a target gene of miR-140 after bioinformatic prediction and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Importantly, miR-140 negatively regulated WNT11. We initially induced the model of sepsis by endotoxin, and then ectopic expression and knockdown experiments were performed to explore the functional role of miR-140 in sepsis. Additionally, cross-sectional areas of muscle fiber, lactic acid production, 3-methylhistidine (3- MH) and tyrosine (Tyr) production in extensor digitorium longus (EDL) muscles, and serum levels of inflammatory factors were examined. The effect of miR-140 on the expression of WNT signaling pathway-related and apoptosis-related factors in skeletal muscle tissue was determined. The experimental results indicated that upregulated miR-140 or silenced WNT11 increased cross-sectional areas of muscle fiber while decreasing lactic acid production, skeletal muscle cell apoptosis [corresponding to downregulated B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl- 2)-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3 and upregulated Bcl-2], and the proteolytic rate of Tyr and 3-MH. Also, overexpressed miR-140 or silenced WNT11 reduced inflammation as reflected by decreased serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-140 was shown to suppress the activation of the WNT signaling pathway, accompanied by decreased expression of WNT11, β-catenin, and GSK-3β. Taken together, upregulation of miR-140 could potentially inhibit skeletal muscle lactate release, an indirect measure of glycolysis, and atrophy in septic mice through suppressing the WNT signaling pathway via inhibiting WNT11 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aimed to assess the prevalence and course of cognitive symptoms, and their associations with clinical and functional outcomes during 6 months of antidepressant treatment, in a real-world setting among Chinese patients with MDD. Patients and methods: Outpatients (n=598) aged 18–65 years with MDD and a total score ≥17 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale – 17 Items (HAM-D17) were observed over 6 months after initiating new antidepressant monotherapy, with follow-up visits at months 1, 2, and 6. Cognitive symptoms were assessed using the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire – Depression (PDQ-D) and cognitive performance using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Results: At baseline, 76.9% of patients had indications of cognitive symptoms (PDQ-D total score ≥21); at month 6, this was reduced, but still present in 32.4%. Across the 6-month study period, patients improved across cognitive, clinical and functional assessments. High levels of cognitive symptoms (PDQ-D) consistently predicted worse clinical outcomes, ie, lower odds for remission and increased odds for relapse, as well as worse patient-reported functional outcomes and lower quality of life. In contrast, cognitive performance (DSST) predicted performance-based functioning but only a few patient-reported functional outcomes (absenteeism and quality of life), and no clinical outcomes. PDQ-D and DSST scores were uncorrelated at baseline. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of assessing and targeting cognitive symptoms for increasing patients' chances of recovery and restoring functioning in the treatment of MDD. The results further highlight the relevance of complementary assessment methods to fully capture aspects of cognitive symptoms in patients with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven symmetric liquid crystal (LC) dimers containing different chiral cores and LC arms have been synthesised, termed EPDA-(R,S)PD, TFBDA-(R,S)PD, TFBA-(R,S)PD, TFBDA-(R)PD, TFBA-(R)PD, TFBDA-IB and TFBA-IB, respectively. TFBDA-(R,S)PD, TFBA-(R,S)PD, TFBDA-(R)PD and TFBDA-IB displayed chiral smectic A (SmA*) phase, while EPDA-(R,S)PD, TFBA-(R)PD and TFBA-IB exhibited chiral nematic (N*) phase. The effects of flexible spacer, structural type of LC arms and the chirality of the cores on the thermal properties of the dimers and the formation of N* phase have been studied. The results indicated that the chiral core was prone to induce the N* phase in LC dimer that contained nematic arms although the chirality of the core is very weak, while for the smectic LC arms containing CF3 terminal, the removal of the flexible spacer between chiral core and rigid LC units was conducive to the formation of N* phase. For example, TFBDA-(R)PD and TFBDA-IB displayed SmA* phase, while TFBA-(R)PD and TFBA-IB exhibited N* phase. However TFBA-(R,S)PD did not display N* phase, which reminded us that the chirality of the core and the conformation of the dimer also played an influence in the formation of the LC phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether TRIAP1inhibition affects the ovarian cancer cell resistance to cisplatin (DDP) via the Cyt c/Apaf-1/caspase-9 pathway by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods: CCK8 assay was performed to find out how treatment with both TRIAP1 siRNA and DDP affects the cell viability of SKOV3 cells and DDP-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV3/DDP. SKOV3/DDP cells were transfected with control siRNA or TRIAP1 siRNA before 24 h of treatment with DDP (5 μg/mL). Flow cytometry was employed to detect cell apoptosis and Western blot to examine the expressions of Cyt c/Apaf-1/caspase-9 pathway-related proteins. SKOV3/DDP cells transfected with control siRNA or TRIAP1 siRNA were subcutaneously injected into BALB/c-nu/nu nude mice followed by the intraperitoneal injection of DDP (4 mg/kg). Cyt c/Apaf-1/caspase-9 pathway in transplanted tumors was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: TRIAP1 expression declined in SKOV3 cells when compared with SKOV3/DDP cells. The proliferation rate was lower in SKOV3/DDP cells transfected with TRIAP1 siRNA combined with treatment of DDP (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32 μg/mL) than in those transfected with control siRNA. Moreover, the TRIAP1 siRNA group had an increased SKOV3/DDP cell apoptosis rate with the activation of the Cyt c/Apaf-1/caspase-9 pathway. During DDP treatment, nude mice in TRIAP1 siRNA group had slower growth and smaller size of transplanted tumor than those in control siRNA group, with increased expression of Cyt c, Apaf-1, and caspase-9. Conclusion: TRIAP1 inhibition may enhance the sensitivity of SKOV3/DDP cells to cisplatin via activation of the Cyt c/Apaf-1/caspase-9 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Psychosocial functioning is associated with psychotic symptoms in acute schizophrenia. • Symptom outcome is important to predict functional improvement in acute schizophrenia. • Assessment of psychosocial functioning is useful for better treatment outcomes. Abstract Both symptom control and functional improvement are important goals in schizophrenia treatment. A post hoc analysis of an 8-week, open-label, single-arm, multi-center study of paliperidone-extended release formulation was conducted to evaluate the correlation between personal/social functioning and symptom control in the acute phase, and to identify factors associated with psychosocial functioning, in patients with acute schizophrenia. Of 608 enrolled patients, 602 (99%) were included in the full analysis set. Correlation and regression analyses were applied to identify the association of Personal and Social Performance (PSP) total scores with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores and other factors. A significant negative correlation was observed between PSP and PANSS at all visits (week 1: r = −0.55; week 2: r = −0.79, p < 0.0001). Patients with PSP score improvement (≥10 point) showed a higher possibility of symptom improvement (PANSS reduction ≥30%). Duration of illness, PANSS Marder factors, and satisfaction with prior treatment, sleep quality, and daytime drowsiness influenced change in PSP total score at endpoint. These results suggest symptom outcome as an important factor to predict functional improvement in acute schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the effects of long-term bathing in radon hot springs on oxidative damage and antioxidation function in humans. In this study, blood was collected from residents in the Pingshan radon hot spring area (RHSA), Jiangzha RHSA, and control area (CA). 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), representing oxidation and antioxidant levels, respectively, were analyzed as indices. Compared to the CA group, the RHSA group in the Pingshan and Jiangzha areas showed significantly decreased 8-OHdG levels (Z =-3.350, -3.316, respectively, P < .05) and increased TrxR levels (Z =2.394, 3.773, respectively, P < .05). The RHSA and CA groups in Jiangzha had lower levels of TrxR and 8-OHdG compared to those in Pingshan. This finding may be related to the different radon concentration levels, bathing time and other factors. Results suggested that long-term bathing in radon hot spring may activate antioxidant function and reduce oxidative damage in the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Liposomes (LPs), a delivery vehicle for stabilizing drugs, the characteristics of being easy to aggregate and fuse limit its application. Polymer coating is a promising way to tackle these issues. In this study, the potential of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and quaternary ammonium chitosan (TMC)-coated liposomes (CMCS/TMC-LPs) for improving the oral delivery capacity of curcumin (CUR) was explored. CMCS/TMC-LPs were prepared by electrostatic adsorption in a layer-by-layer manner. CMCS/TMC-LPs were spherical and had not obvious change in particle size and morphology after storage at 4 °C for 7 and 14 days. CMCS/TMC-LPs possessed favorable gastric acid tolerance (the cumulative drug release rate <10%) due to stable structure. The hemolysis test and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay appeared satisfactory biocompatibility of CMCS/TMC-LPs. The pharmacokinetics exhibited that oral absolute bioavailability of CUR loaded CMCS/TMC-LPs was about 38%, which was around 6 folds and 3 folds higher than CUR loaded LPs and CUR loaded TMC-LPs, respectively. The in vivo experiments showed that CMCS/TMC-LPs could prolong the retention time of CUR in systemic circulation and generate high level of CUR in liver, spleen and lung. Thus, CMCS/TMC-LPs may be a promising carrier for improving the efficacy and safety of orally administered drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the Aconitum genus within the Ranunculaceae family are known to accumulate a broad array of medicinal and toxic diterpenoid alkaloids (DAs). Historically, ent -copalyl diphosphate (ent -CPP) was considered the sole precursor in DAs biosynthesis. However, the recent discovery of ent -8,13-CPP synthase in A. gymnandrum Maxim., which participates in ent -atiserene biosynthesis, raises the question of whether this gene is conserved throughout the Aconitum genus. In this study, RNA sequencing and PacBio Iso-sequencing were employed to identify diterpene synthases (diTPSs) in four additional Aconitum species with distinct DA compositions. In vitro and in vivo analyses functionally characterized a diverse array of 10 class II and 9 class I diTPSs. In addition to the identification of seven class II diTPSs as ent -CPP synthases, three other synthases generating ent -8,13-CPP, 8,13-CPP, and 8 α -hydroxy-CPP were also discovered. Four class I kaurene synthases-like (KSLs) were observed to react with ent -CPP to yield ent -kaurene. Three KSLs not only reacted with ent -CPP but also ent -8,13-CPP to produce ent -atiserene. AsiKSL2-1 was found to react with 8 α -hydroxy-CPP to produce Z -abienol and AsiKSL2-2 exhibited no activity with any of the four intermediates. This research delineates the known diterpene biosynthesis pathways in six Aconitum species and explores the highly divergent diterpene synthases within the genus, which are consistent with their phylogeny and may be responsible for the differential distribution of diterpenoid alkaloids in root and aerial parts. These findings contribute valuable insights into the diversification of diterpene biosynthesis and establish a solid foundation for future investigation into DA biosynthetic pathways in Aconitum. [Display omitted] • Eighteen diterpene synthase genes were identified from four Aconitum species with characteristic diterpenoid alkaloids. • 8,13-CPP, 8 α -hydroxy-CPP and Z -abienol synthase were identified for the first time in Aconitum species. • Class II diterpene synthases were highly diverged within the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To ascertain if etoricoxib increases the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events (GAEs) compared with placebo, diclofenac, and naproxen in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Studies were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to August 2017. Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) that compared etoricoxib with placebo and other active drug for patients with OA or RA and reported data on gastrointestinal safety (which is of interest to patients and clinicians) were included. The follow-up time window for GAEs was defined as within 28 days subsequent to the last dose of study medication. A meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed-effect model. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were measured. Results: We found nine randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that included information on gastrointestinal safety during follow-up time. Among them, five RCTs compared etoricoxib with placebo, four RCTs compared etoricoxib with diclofenac, and three RCTs compared etoricoxib with naproxen. Etoricoxib did not increase the risk of GAEs compared with placebo. Compared with diclofenac and naproxen, etoricoxib reduced the GAE risk (RR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.59–0.76; p < 0.00001; 0.59; 0.48–0.72; < 0.00001) during follow-up time. Conclusions: In patients with OA or RA, etoricoxib did not increase the GAE risk compared with placebo, but reduced the GAE risk effectively compared with diclofenac and naproxen during follow-up time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the challenges faced by young lecturers in managerial transformation in elite Chinese academic institutions which aim to develop into world-class universities. Drawing on data from in-depth interviews, the paper discusses how a group of lecturers on tenure-track contracts at a research university in China perceived the impacts of this managerial personnel reform. The study revealed intensified academic pressure and consequent feelings of insecurity, uncertainty and anxiety among the participants. Rigid tenure requirements pushed down research quality, and detracted from the efforts the participants could have devoted to teaching. Further negative impacts were strengthened power hierarchies and increasingly gendered nature of the academic culture. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aerosol penetration efficiency is one of the most important parameters for the safety assessment of a containment shell or containers of radioactive materials. In this work, a practical procedure has been developed to study the penetration efficiency of fine aerosol particles (size < 300 nm) through capillaries with bore sizes ranging from 5 to 20 µm and lengths from 10 mm to 80 mm under pressure differences from 60 to 450 kPa. The effects of the upstream aerosol concentration, capillary dimension, and pressure difference on the aerosol penetration were investigated, and the relationships between the aerosol penetration efficiency and the air leakage rate as well as the average flow velocity in the capillary were obtained. The results showed that the penetration efficiency of aerosols through a capillary was positively related to the pressure difference as well as the air leakage rate until reaching 100%. For a given air leakage rate, the aerosol penetration efficiency fluctuated within a relatively wide range due to the influence of the pressure difference and capillary dimensions. The aerosol penetration efficiency decreased significantly with increasing capillary length but was identical for capillaries of the same length but different bore sizes. The aerosol penetration efficiency in capillaries showed a better correlation with the average flow velocity than with the air leakage rate. For flow velocities below 5 m/s, the aerosol penetration efficiency increased with the air velocity in the capillary, while for velocities above 5 m/s, a constant level of approximately 80–100% was maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species has been rapidly invading to most parts of the world owing to its strong ecological adaptability, which is considered as a model insect for stress tolerance studies under rapidly changing environments. Selection of a suitable reference gene for quantitative stress-responsive gene expression analysis based on qRT-PCR is critical for elaborating the molecular mechanisms of thermotolerance. To obtain accurate and reliable normalization data in MED, eight candidate reference genes (β-act, GAPDH, β-tub, EF1-α, GST, 18S, RPL13A and α-tub) were examined under various thermal stresses for varied time periods by using geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper algorithms, respectively. Our results revealed that β-tub and EF1-α were the best reference genes across all sample sets. On the other hand, 18S and GADPH showed the least stability for all the samples studied. β-act was proved to be highly stable only in case of short-term thermal stresses. To our knowledge this was the first comprehensive report on validation of reference genes under varying temperature stresses in MED. The study could expedite particular discovery of thermotolerance genes in MED. Further, the present results can form the basis of further research on suitable reference genes in this invasive insect and will facilitate transcript profiling in other invasive insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore an efficient, safe, and speedy application of pulsed electric field (PEF) technology for enzymatic modification, effects of PEF treatment on the enzymatic activity, property and kinetic parameters of α-amylase were investigated. Conformational transitions were also studied with the aid of circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectra. The maximum enzymatic activity of α-amylase was obtained under 15 kV/cm electric field intensity and 100 mL/min flow velocity PEF treatment, in which the enzymatic activity increased by 22.13 ± 1.14 % compared with control. The activation effect could last for 18 h at 4 °C. PEF treatment could widen the range of optimum temperature for α-amylase, however, it barely exerted any effect on the optimum pH. On the other hand, α-amylase treated by PEF showed an increase of V, t and Δ G, whereas a decrease of K and k were observed. Furthermore, it can be observed from fluorescence and CD spectra that PEF treatment had increased the number of amino acid residues, especially that of tryptophan, on α-amylase surface with enhanced α-helices by 34.76 % and decreased random coil by 12.04 % on α-amylase when compared with that of untreated. These changes in structure had positive effect on enhancing α-amylase activity and property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of symmetric and asymmetric three-arm liquid crystals ( TALCs ) of which the molecular structure with a central core of 1, 2, 4-butanetriol attached by three rod-like mesogenic moieties have successfully been synthesized. The rod-like mesogenic side arms are 4′-(4-(trifluoromethyl) benzoyloxy) biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (TFBA) and 4′-(4-(allyloxy) benzoyloxy) biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (AOBA), respectively. BTA0 and BTA3 are symmetric TALCs with three TFBA or three AOBA as LC side arms, respectively. BTA1 is an asymmetric TALC with one AOBA and two TFBA as side arms. BTA2 is an asymmetric TALC with two AOBA and one TFBA as side arms. The chemical structures and LC properties of the LC side arms and TALCs were characterised by FTIR, 1 H NMR, elemental analysis, DSC, TG, POM and X-ray diffractometer. TFBA displayed smectic B (S m B) phase, AOBA exhibited nematic (N) phase. The TALCs all displayed chiral mesophase properties. BTA0 displayed chiral smectic C (S m C ∗ ) mesophase. BTA1, BTA2 and BTA3 exhibited cholesteric ( ch ) mesophase. In addition, a chiral smectic A (S m A ∗ ) mesophase was observed for BTA1. The results indicated that the 1, 2, 4-butanetriol is vital in inducing chiral mesophase of the TALCs . The side arms also played an important role in the mesophase type and mesogenic region. The TALCs displayed cholesteric mesophase when nematic LC side arm AOBA was introduced into the chiral core. The mesogenic region of the TALCs increased with the content of the wide-mesophase-region LC side arm AOBA introduced into the TALCs increasing. The melting temperature and the clear temperature of the TALCs were lower than those of the LC side arms (TFBA and AOBA). The mesophase regions of the TALCs were wider than those of the LC side arms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suboesophageal ganglion (SOG), which connects to both central and peripheral nerves, is the primary taste-processing center in the Drosophila's brain. The neural oscillation in this center may be of great research value yet it is rarely reported. This work aims to determine the amount of unique information contained within oscillations of the SOG and describe the variability of these patterns. The approximate entropy (ApEn) values of the spontaneous membrane potential (sMP) of SOG neurons were calculated in this paper. The arithmetic mean (MA), standard deviation (SDA) and the coefficient of variation (CVA) of ApEn were proposed as the three statistical indicators to describe the irregularity and complexity of oscillations. The hierarchical clustering method was used to classify them. As a result, the oscillations in SOG were divided into five categories, including: (1) Continuous spike pattern; (2) Mixed oscillation pattern; (3) Spikelet pattern; (4) Busting pattern and (5) Sparse spike pattern. Steady oscillation state has a low level of irregularity, and vice versa. The dopamine stimulation can distinctly cut down the complexity of the mixed oscillation pattern. The current study provides a quantitative method and some critera on mining the information carried in neural oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (A2O) process is globally one of the widely used biological sewage treatment processes. This is the first report of a metagenomic analysis using Illumina sequencing of full-scale A2O sludge from a municipal sewage treatment plant. With more than 530,000 clean reads from different taxa and metabolic categories, the metagenome results allow us to gain insight into the functioning of the biological community of the A2O sludge. There are 51 phyla and nearly 900 genera identified from the A2O activated sludge ecosystem. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Nitrospirae and Chloroflexi are predominant phyla in the activated sludge, suggesting that these organisms play key roles in the biodegradation processes in the A2O sewage treatment system. Nitrospira , Thauera , Dechloromonas and Ignavibacterium , which have abilities to metabolize nitrogen and aromatic compounds, are most prevalent genera. The percent of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism in the A2O sludge is 2.72% and 1.48%, respectively. In the current A2O sludge, the proportion of Candidatus Accumulibacter is 1.37%, which is several times more than that reported in a recent study of A2O sludge. Among the four processes of nitrogen metabolism, denitrification related genes had the highest number of sequences (76.74%), followed by ammonification (15.77%), nitrogen fixation (3.88%) and nitrification (3.61%). In phylum Planctomycetes, four genera ( Planctomyces , Pirellula , Gemmata and Singulisphaera ) are included in the top 30 abundant genera, suggesting the key role of ANAMMOX in nitrogen metabolism in the A2O sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy presents a great challenge to the maternal immune system. Given that maternal alloreactive lymphocytes are not depleted during pregnancy, local and/or systemic mechanisms have to serve a central function in altering the maternal immune responses. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the PD-1/ PD-L1 pathway are both critical in controlling the immune responses. Recent studies have proved the critical function of the PD-1/ PD-L1 pathway in regulating the T-cell homeostasis and the peripheral tolerance through promoting the development and function of Tregs, and inhibiting the activation of effector T cells. The function of the PD-1/ PD-L1 pathway in feto-maternal interface and pregnancy has been investigated in human and animal models of pregnancy. In this review, we provide recent insight into the role of the PD-1/ PD-L1 pathway in regulating T-cell homeostasis, maternal tolerance, and pregnancy-related complications as well as its possible applicability in clinical immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates a type of STGM (system testability growth model) based on the nonhomogeneous Poisson process which incorporates TGEF (testability growth effort function). First, we analyze the process of TGT (testability growth test) for equipment, which shows that the TGT can be divided into two committed steps: make the unit under test be in broken condition to identify TDL (testability design limitation) and remove the TDL. We consider that the amount of TGF (testability growth effort) spent on identifying TDL is a crucial issue which decides the shape of testability growth curve and that the TGF increases firstly and then decreases at different rates in the whole life cycle. Furthermore, we incorporate five TGEFs: an Exponential curve, a Rayleigh curve, a logistic curve, a delayed S-shape curve or an inflected S-shaped curve which are collectively referred to as Bell-shaped TGEFs into STGM. Results from applications to a real data set of a stable tracking platform are analyzed and evaluated in testability prediction capability and show that the Bell-shaped function can be expressed as a TGF curve and that the logistic TGEF dependent STGM gives better predictions based on the real data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the strong electrochemiluminescence (ECL) nanoparticles have been prepared based on the anionic polyelectrolyte sodium polyacrylate (PAA)-ECL enhancement for Ru(bpy) 3 2+ , which were loaded by the carrier of SiO 2 nanoparticle. There were two kinds of Ru(bpy) 3 2+ for the as-prepared nanoparticles, the doped one and the exchanged one. The former was loaded inside the ECL nanoparticles by doping, in a form of ion-pair macromolecules PAA–Ru(bpy) 3 2+ . The corresponding ECL was enhanced about 2 times owing to the doping increase of Ru(bpy) 3 2+ . The latter was loaded on the PAA-doped Nafion membrane by ion exchange. The corresponding ECL was enhanced about 3 times owing to the ion-exchanging increase of Ru(bpy) 3 2+ . At the same time, ECL intensity of the doped-inside Ru(bpy) 3 2+ was further enhanced 13 times because polyelectrolyte PAA in the doped membrane could obviously enhance electron transfer between the doped Ru(bpy) 3 2+ and the working electrode. Furthermore, based on hydrophobic regions of the doped membrane antibody labeling could be easily realized by the as-prepared nanoparticles and then a high sensitive ECL immunoassay for HBsAg was developed. The linear range was between 1.0 and 100 pg mL −1 ( R 2 = 0.9912). The detection limit could be as low as 0.11 pg mL −1 (signal-to-noise ratio = 3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the predictive value of the presence of maternal islet beta-cell autoantibodies with respect to neonatal outcomes. Methods: A total of 311 pregnant women with abnormal 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results were enrolled in this study. Maternal glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA), islet cell autoantibodies (ICA) and insulin autoantibodies (IAA) were tested in fasting blood both on the day following the routine OGTT and before delivery. The birth weight, Apgar score, blood glucose and outcomes of each neonate were later evaluated and recorded. Results: 1. In this study, 33.9% of the pregnant women with gestational hyperglycemia had detectable levels of one or more types of anti-islet cell antibodies in the third trimester. The proportion of women who produced GADA and/or ICA was significantly higher in the group of women with gestational hyperglycemia than in the control group (P<0.05). The groups similarly differed in the proportion of women who tested positive for any anti-islet cell antibody (P<0.05). 2. Of the patients in our study, those who produced GADA exhibited an increase in uterine and umbilical arterial pulsatility indexes (PIs) during the third trimesters compared with the control group (P˂0.05). Additionally, an increased frequency of fetal growth restriction (FGR) was observed in the infants of women who produced IAA during pregnancy compared with those without autoantibodies (P˂0.05). 3. The rate of newborn admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was significantly associated with the presence of maternal ICA during the third trimester (OR, 6.36; 95% CI, 1.22–33.26). 4. The incidence of neonatal asphyxia was associated with the presence of maternal GADA in both the second (OR, 10.44; 95% CI, 1.46–74.92) and the third (OR, 8.33; 95% CI, 1.45–47.82) trimesters. Conclusion: Approximately one-third of the women with gestational hyperglycemia produced anti-islet cell antibodies. The incidence of FGR was higher in women with gestational hyperglycemia who produced IAA than in those without autoantibodies. Maternal ICA production in the third trimester was a risk factor for the subsequent admission of newborns to the NICU. Furthermore, the presence of maternal GADA placed the neonate at increased risk for asphyxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of side-chain liquid crystal (LC) polysiloxanes were synthesised with Poly(methylhydrogeno)siloxane, 4ʹ-(undec-10-enoyloxy) biphenyl – 4 – yl 4- (trifluoromethyl) benzoate (Mth) and a chiral nematic (N*) LC monomer 1-allyl 10-(cholesteryl)-decanedioate (Mch). The chemical structures and LC properties of the monomers and polymers were characterised by FTIR,1H-NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, POM and X-ray diffractometer. Mchis monotropic N* LC. The homopolymer derived from monomer Mchis enantiotropic N* LC. Monomer Mthis a smectic A liquid crystal. The copolymers derived from Mchand Mthare N* LCs. The temperatures at which 5% weight loss occurred are greater than 300°C for all the fluoro-containing polymers, and the residue weights of the samples at 600°C increased slightly as the content of trifluoromethyl mesogens increased in the polymers. The glass transition temperatures of the polymers increased as trifluoromethyl mesogens increased, too. The N*–I phase transition temperatures show a negative deviate from ideal or linear behaviour. The values of the enthalpy changes for the cholesteryl containing polymers are rather low and this is attributed to the biaxiality of cholesteryl moiety which tends to reduce the change in the orientational order at the N*–I transition. Compared to the monomers, the polymers show wider mesophase region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The number of international students in China is increasing rapidly, but their experiences in China remain largely unknown. This article reports an intensive longitudinal multiple case study that explores eight American students’ intercultural experiences and the impacts of such experiences on individual identity during their study in a Chinese university in 2010. Data come from monthly interviews and diaries that the students kept. Findings support Kim’s depiction of the processes by which intercultural identity emerges, notably the stress–adaptation–growth cycle and the concurrent processes of acculturation and deculturation. These findings reveal the journey of participants from cultural naivety to an emergent intercultural awareness and cultural critical capacity. Despite considerable ignorance and misunderstanding about China as an exotic “other” at the beginning of the program, all participants underwent some degree of cultural identity shift toward the more “open-ended . . . self–other orientation” of Kim’s “intercultural identity.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Internet gaming disorder is an increasing problem worldwide, resulting in critical academic, social, and occupational impairment. However, the neurobiological mechanism of internet gaming disorder remains unknown. The aim of this study is to assess brain dopamine D (D)/Serotonin 2A (5-HT) receptor function and glucose metabolism in the same subjects by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging approach, and investigate whether the correlation exists between D receptor and glucose metabolism. Methods: Twelve drug-naive adult males who met criteria for internet gaming disorder and 14 matched controls were studied with PET and C-N-methylspiperone (C-NMSP) to assess the availability of D/5-HT receptors and with F-fluoro-D-glucose (F-FDG) to assess regional brain glucose metabolism, a marker of brain function. C-NMSP and F-FDG PET imaging data were acquired in the same individuals under both resting and internet gaming task states. Results: In internet gaming disorder subjects, a significant decrease in glucose metabolism was observed in the prefrontal, temporal, and limbic systems. Dysregulation of D receptors was observed in the striatum, and was correlated to years of overuse. A low level of D receptors in the striatum was significantly associated with decreased glucose metabolism in the orbitofrontal cortex. Conclusions: For the first time, we report the evidence that D receptor level is significantly associated with glucose metabolism in the same individuals with internet gaming disorder, which indicates that D/5-HT receptor-mediated dysregulation of the orbitofrontal cortex could underlie a mechanism for loss of control and compulsive behavior in internet gaming disorder subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore lymphangiogeneiis and the prognostic factors for patients with endometrial carcinoma and to identify the prognostic markers of endometrial carcinoma. Methods Totally 112 cases of endometrial carcinoma were selected to examine lymphatic veisel density (LVD) of lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 ( LYVE1 ) by immunohistochemistry SP. Correlation of LVD with clinicopathological parameters and survival was investigated. Prognostic factors (such as LVD, stage and pathology type) for patients with endometrial carcinoma were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test; the muitivariables were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard modeis. Results Peritumoral lymphatic veisel density (P-LVD) was significantly correlated with tumor itage and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.04 and P = 0.033, respectively), and P-LVD was an independent factor predictive of overall and progression-free survival (P = 0. 001). In contrast, intratumoral lymphatic vessel density (I-LVD) was not aisociated with clinicopathological parameters or prognosis (P>0.05). Conclusion P-LVD is an unfavorable prognosis factor and LYVE-1 may be a prognoitic marker for endometrial carcinoma. Detecting the peritumoral lymphatics may be of potential therapeutic benefit in targeting of lymphatic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]