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Hydrogen via direct seawater splitting is a viable option, but anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) faces challenges when seawater is used, and to realize seawater splitting at full potential, efficient and effective catalysts are needed. Here, we introduced a unique two-dimensional molybdenum oxide@iron oxide (MO@FO) heterostructure synthesized via a simple hydrothermal process for anodic OER in alkaline seawater. Chemically bonded two dissimilar oxides create a unique platform that only requires 1.52 and 1.72 V to achieve current densities of 100 and 500 mA cm−2, respectively, in alkaline seawater. MO@FO displayed anti-corrosive behavior as it possesses a low corrosion current of 9 nA cm−2 and a corrosion rate of only 0.036 μm per year. It inhibits chlorine evolution reaction and hypochlorite generation, confirmed by GC-MS and DPD tests, hence remained stable for over 1000 h. The DFT calculations show that MoO2 is the active centers in the heterostructure while addition of polyanions assists in the formation of a protective layer on the catalyst surface, providing additional protection against chloride ions. Hence, this study presents an effective and efficient strategy for stable anodic reactions in alkaline seawater for hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the efficacy of cluster therapy in the treatment of severe intracranial infection. Methods The clinical data of 43 patients with severe intracranial infection in Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen Second People's Hospital from July 2020 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with intracranial infection were treated with cluster therapy: systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics were used at first; cerebrospinal fluid was obtained by multiple drainage routes for routine and biochemical testing, and then cultured and undertook next-generation sequencing (NGS); head/chest CT and brain MRI plain and enhanced scan were performed; after the NGS results were reported, precisely adjust the drug treatment according to the infection pathogen; sequentially use different drainage protocols of infected cerebrospinal fluid. Patients with severe intraventricular inflammation were treated with ventriculoscope (flexible endoscope) irrigation and fistula; cerebrospinal fluid, microbial culture and whole blood test for infection indicators were regularly extracted for laboratory test, and the type and dosage of antibiotics were adjusted one week after the indicators returned to normal, and the treatment effect of patients was judged comprehensively according to blood, cerebrospinal fluid, imaging results and clinical signs of infection. Results Sixteen patients were administered a broad - spectrum antibiotic regimen consisting of meropenem and vancomycin. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed that 12 cases (27.91%) were culture-positive for microbial organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses), while 35 cases (81.40%) yielded positive results in NGS. Upon identification of the pathogen via NGS, 15 cases were switched to targeted, sensitive antibiotics, with 12 cases exhibiting notable improvements in symptoms, and 3 cases demonstrating no significant changes. A total of 27 patients (62.79%) underwent surgical intervention, including 7 patients (16.28%) who underwent abscess puncture drainage, 6 patients (13.95%) who received Ommaya sac implantation, 11 patients (25.58%) who underwent external ventricular drainage (8 of whom also underwent ventriculoscopic irrigation and ventriculostomy), and 3 patients (6.98%) who were treated with lumbocisterna drainage. The length of hospitalization was 30 (19, 57) d. The 37 cases (86.05%) were successfully cured, while 6 cases (13.95%) died. Conclusions The cure rate of patients with severe intracranial infection was significantly improved after cluster therapy, and early initiation of cluster therapy can significantly improve the prognosis of patients, which is worthy of clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in diagnosis and treatment of intracranial infection. Methods A retrospective analysis of 117 patients with intracranial infection were admitted to Shenzhen Second People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. Before initiating empirical broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment, CSF samples were collected for microbial culture (conventional culture group, n = 58) and/or mNGS (mNGS group, n = 59). The results were used to adjust the antibiotic treatment plan, and the study compared the pathogen detection rates and result reporting times of the two testing methods, as well as the antibiotic intensity grading, the intensive care unit (ICU) stay, total hospital stay, and mortality rate. Results A total of 65 pathogens were detected from the CSF samples of all the patients through microbial culture and/or mNGS, with viruses being the most prevalent, accounting for 49.23% (32/65), followed by Gram-negative bacteria (24.62%, 16/65), Gram-positive bacteria (18.46%, 12/65) and fungi (7.69%, 5/65). The pathogen detection rate of CSF mNGS was higher than that of CSF microbial culture (χ² = 22.781, P = 0.000), and the results were reported earlier (t = - 32.588, P = 0.000). Based on the results, 20 cases (33.90%) in the mNGS group adjusted antibiotic treatment plan, with 5 cases downgrading and 15 cases upgrading the intensity of antibiotic application. In the conventional culture group, 30 cases (51.72%) adjusted their antibiotic treatment plan, with 17 cases downgrading and 13 cases upgrading the intensity of antibiotic application. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups (Z = -1.917, P = 0.055). And there was no statistically significant difference in ICU stay (Z = -0.716, P = 0.474), total hospital stay (Z = -0.933, P = 0.351) and mortality rate (Fisher's exact probability: P = 0.496) between the 2 groups. Conclusions The application of mNGS can effectively improve the detection rate of intracranial infection pathogens, which may shorten the duration of antibiotic use and reduce the intensity of broad-spectrum antibiotics, so as to help clinical effective judgment and treatment decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic water splitting is a promising route to alleviate energy crises and provide clean renewable energy. However, finding the right materials for photocatalytic water splitting is challenging owing to its multilevel complexity. Herein, transition metal sulfide and selenide (TMSS) monolayers were screened to find the best possible monolayers for overall water splitting. Properties such as suitable band edges, oxidation and reduction potential, catalytic activities and solar to hydrogen (STH) efficiency were considered. Among various TMSS monolayers, MoS2, WS2, PtSe2, PdSe2, and NiSe2 have suitable conduction and valence band edges to trigger the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) simultaneously in acidic media. Moreover, the MoS2, PtSe2, PdSe2 and NiSe2 monolayers can effectively resist oxidative and reductive photo-corrosion in acidic and WS2 monolayers in neutral environments during water splitting. All monolayers have robust catalytic activities in the predicted electrolytes with HER overpotential near zero, and OERs are 0.53, 1.01 and 0.99 V for PtSe2, PdSe2 and NiSe2 monolayers, respectively. The STH efficiencies were also found to be high for MoS2 (10.4%), PtSe2 (22.2%), PdSe2 (19.6%), NiSe2 (20.1%) in acidic medium and WS2 (11.1%) in neutral medium. The predicted monolayers show promise for practical application as bifunctional photocatalysts in acidic and neutral environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) seriously affects the quality of human health and the prognosis of the patient, but the epidemiological characteristics of TBI can vary among populations. Numerous changes have occurred in the epidemiological characteristics of individuals with TBI in the fast-paced city of Shenzhen, China. However, little is known about these characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the changes in TBI epidemiology, help clinicians improve medical treatment. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, we collected the data of 4,229 patients with TBI admitted to 20 hospitals in Shenzhen in 2017. We collected data on age, gender, cause and severity of the injury, eventual diagnosis, time from injury to admission in a neurosurgery department, and patient outcomes. Two neurosurgeons simultaneously collected the data. We compared these results with a similar study conducted in Shenzhen during the period from 1994 to 2003 to clarify and explain the changes in the epidemiological characteristics of TBI. Results: The majority of respondents were men [2,830 (66.9%)]. The mean age was 32.5  ±  21.4  years. The youngest patient was less than 1  year old, and the oldest patient was 101  years old. A total of 3,947 (93.3%) patients had a favorable outcome, 219 (5.2%) had an unfavorable outcome, and 63 (1.5%) died. The predominant external cause was falls (1,779 [42.1%]); this was the most common cause of TBI in children and older adults. Riders of electric bicycles (423 [29.0%]) were the most vulnerable to traffic accident-related injuries. Time greater than 50  h from injury to admission to a neurosurgical department had a significant effect on prognosis (p  <  0.001). Conclusion: The epidemiological characteristics of TBI have changed significantly over the past 20  years. Falls, rather than traffic accidents, were the most common cause of TBI. Further research is needed to devise solutions to decrease the incidence of falls and improve the outcomes of TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droughts are recurrent in southwest China due to the fragility and sensitivity of the karst environment. These events have serious impacts on local agricultural output, ecological diversity, and social stability. Understanding spatiotemporal variations and driving factors of drought in this area is of extreme importance for effective mitigation measures. The karst areas situated in southwest China were spatially divided into seven sub-regions according to the topography and degree of karst development. Drought indices, including vegetation condition index (VCI), temperature condition index (TCI), vegetation health index (VHI), normalized vegetation water supply index (NVSWI), and temperature vegetation drought index (TVDI), were calculated from MODIS data during 2000 and 2018 for each sub-region, and drought patterns were examined. The results show that droughts were found to be concentrated in sub-regions such as karst basin, karst plateau, karst gorge, and karst depression areas. Furthermore, there were more drought conditions in karst areas than in non-karst areas. In addition, improvements to drought situation in the study period are significant (p<0.05), and mitigation areas respectively account for 80.1% (NVSWI), 74.2% (VCI), 74.2% (VHI), 30.1% (TCI) and 33.2% (TVDI) of the study area, while drought expands slightly (<3.4%) in areas undergoing urban construction. Pearson's correlation coefficients between drought indices and temperature are generally above 0.5 in all sub-regions. However, the correlation coefficients between drought indices and precipitation mostly fall within the range of 0.3–0.4, indicating a weaker correlation. Our explanation for the spatiotemporal patterns of drought is that karst phenomena are the natural basis of drought and agricultural production is one of important driving forces. Positive changes of drought conditions have benefited from efforts to control rocky desertification and restore ecosystems over the past years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpinia oxyphylla is a homology of medicine and food. This study aims to investigate the dominant chemical composition and explore the antioxidant properties of the ethanol extract of the leaves and stems of A. oxyphylla (AOE) on juvenile shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. An in vitro test showed that AOE and its dominant chemical composition procyanidin B-2 (1) and epicatechin (2) presented DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. A shrimp feeding supplement experiment revealed that shrimp growth parameters and muscle composition were improved significantly when fed with a 200 mg/Kg AOE additive. Meanwhile, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC) in serum and the liver and the expression of related genes (LvMn-SOD, LvCAT, LvproPo, and LvGSH-Px) were enhanced with various degrees in different AOE additive groups while the content of MDA was significantly decreased. Moreover, the antioxidative effect of AOE additive groups on shrimp was also observed in an acute ammonia nitrogen stress test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of different doses of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). A total number of 720 red claw crayfish (initial body weight of 0.24 ± 0.01 g) were randomly assigned to six groups and fed diets containing 0 (Diet 1), 0.5 (Diet 2), 1 (Diet 3), 2 (Diet 4), 4 (Diet 5) and 10 (Diet 6) g dry weight (dw) ELE kg (dw)−1 diets for eight weeks and challenged with microcystin-LR stress. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with 1–2 g dw ELE kg (dw)−1 diet could significantly improve the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of crayfish. Muscle crude protein contents of crayfish fed Diet 2, Diet 3, and Diet 4 were significantly higher than those of the control group. Compared with the control group, dietary ELE could increase total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and phenoloxidase (PO) activities and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) level of crayfish. Dietary ELE significantly increased the relative expression levels of SOD, thioredoxin 1 (TRX1), GPx, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF) and C-type lysozyme (C-LZM) mRNA of crayfish compared with the control group during the feeding experiment. When subjected to MC-LR stress for 48 h, the mRNA expression levels of SOD, GPx, Se-GPx, glutathione-s-transferase 1 (GST1), ALF, hemocyanin (HEM), and C-LZM in the hepatopancreas could be improved to varying degrees compared with the Diet 1. Supplementation of 1–2 g dw ELE kg (dw)−1 diet could improve the survival rate (SR) of crayfish under MC-LR stress. These results indicated that dietary ELE (1–2 g dw ELE kg (dw)−1 diet) could improve the growth performance, muscle protein, and non-specific immune response and increase the SR of crayfish under MC-LR stress by regulating the mRNA expression levels of the immune- and antioxidant-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel heterometallic platinum(II)–silver(I) alkynyl complex [PtAg(dppm)2(C≡CC6H4COOCH3-4)2Cl] (1) (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) forms two different crystalline polymorphs that can be separately obtained on manipulating the recrystallization solvents. Two crystalline structures were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Morphology-dependent photoluminescence behaviours were observed. Pale yellow rod-like crystals 1·CH2Cl2 (1a) exhibit strongly cyan luminescence (λem = 476 nm, τ = 10.8 μs) at room temperature and have a rhombohedral Pbca structure, while weak green luminescent prismatic crystals 1·2CH3OH (1b) (λem = 491 nm, τ = 3.3 μs) have a triclinic P1¯ structure with shorter Pt⋯Ag distance (3.0418(3) Å), and significant intra/inter-molecular hydrogen bonds between O–H protons from different methanol molecules as H donors and an oxygen atom of the alkynyl ligand (dO–H⋯O = 2.185 Å) from the 1 unit, and the Cl atom from the neighbouring 1 unit (dO–H⋯Cl = 2.335 Å). Meanwhile, 1a displays significant mechanochromism, with an intriguing emission color change from cyan to green under UV irradiation at 365 nm. The powder XRD test results indicate that the morphology transition between crystalline and partial amorphous states is responsible for the mechanochromism phenomenon of 1a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the possible role ofmatrixmetallopeptidase (MMP)-8 andMMP-9 in the development of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), we investigated their expression in CSDH. In our previous study, we analyzed hematoma fluid and peripheral blood of 83 patients with CSDH, including 17 postoperative patients. Based on these results, we included 50 people in the normal group and analyzed 20 markers in the peripheral blood of each person. In order to identify representative markers, it was assessed by using overall differential gene expression. The concentration of MMP-8 was significantly higher in the normal group than that in the preoperative and postoperative groups. The concentration of MMP-9 was significantly lower in the normal group than in both preoperative and postoperative groups. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of MMP-8 and MMP-9 in CSDH membranes. In conclusion, our results provide evidence of the expression of MMP-8 and MMP-9 in CSDH. In addition, the expression of MMP-8 and MMP-9 suggests angiogenesis in CSDH formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is considered a non-invasive precursor to breast cancer, and although associated with an increased risk of developing invasive disease, many women with DCIS will never progress beyond their in situ diagnosis. The path from normal duct to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is not well understood, and efforts to do so are hampered by the substantial heterogeneity that exists between patients, and even within patients. Here we show gene expression analysis from > 2,000 individually micro-dissected ductal lesions representing 145 patients. Combining all samples into one continuous trajectory we show there is a progressive loss in basal layer integrity heading towards IDC, coupled with two epithelial to mesenchymal transitions, one early and a second coinciding with the convergence of DCIS and IDC expression profiles. We identify early processes and potential biomarkers, including CAMK2N1, MNX1, ADCY5, HOXC11 and ANKRD22, whose reduced expression is associated with the progression of DCIS to invasive breast cancer. Progression from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) remains poorly understood. Here, the authors analyse over 2700 micro-dissected samples using transcriptomics to identify genes that characterise different stages of DCIS to IDC progression, and identify IDC-associated markers within early-stage lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor, is characterized by rapid growth and extensive infiltration to neighboring normal brain parenchyma. Our previous studies delineated a crosstalk between PI3K/Akt and JNK signaling pathways, and a moderate anti-glioblastoma synergism caused by the combined inhibition of PI3K p110β (PI3Kβ) isoform and JNK. However, this combination strategy is not potent enough. MLK3, an upstream regulator of ERK and JNK, may replace JNK to exert stronger synergism with PI3Kβ. Methods: To develop a new combination strategy with stronger synergism, the expression pattern and roles of MLK3 in glioblastoma patient's specimens and cell lines were firstly investigated. Then glioblastoma cells and xenografts in nude mice were treated with the PI3Kβ inhibitor AZD6482 and the MLK3 inhibitor URMC-099 alone or in combination to evaluate their combination effects on tumor cell growth and motility. The combination effects on cytoskeletal structures such as lamellipodia and focal adhesions were also evaluated. Results: MLK3 protein was overexpressed in both newly diagnosed and relapsing glioblastoma patients' specimens. Silencing of MLK3 using siRNA duplexes significantly suppressed migration and invasion, but promoted attachment of glioblastoma cells. Combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and MLK3 exhibited synergistic inhibitory effects on glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as the formation of lamellipodia and focal adhesions. Furthermore, combination of AZD6482 and URMC-099 effectively decreased glioblastoma xenograft growth in nude mice. Glioblastoma cells treated with this drug combination showed reduced phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, and decreased protein expression of ROCK2 and Zyxin. Conclusion: Taken together, combination of AZD6482 and URMC-099 showed strong synergistic anti-tumor effects on glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and MLK3 may serve as an attractive therapeutic approach for glioblastoma multiforme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor, is characterized by rapid growth and extensive infiltration to neighboring normal brain parenchyma. Our previous studies delineated a crosstalk between PI3K/Akt and JNK signaling pathways, and a moderate anti-glioblastoma synergism caused by the combined inhibition of PI3K p110β (PI3Kβ) isoform and JNK. However, this combination strategy is not potent enough. MLK3, an upstream regulator of ERK and JNK, may replace JNK to exert stronger synergism with PI3Kβ. Methods: To develop a new combination strategy with stronger synergism, the expression pattern and roles of MLK3 in glioblastoma patient's specimens and cell lines were firstly investigated. Then glioblastoma cells and xenografts in nude mice were treated with the PI3Kβ inhibitor AZD6482 and the MLK3 inhibitor URMC-099 alone or in combination to evaluate their combination effects on tumor cell growth and motility. The combination effects on cytoskeletal structures such as lamellipodia and focal adhesions were also evaluated. Results: MLK3 protein was overexpressed in both newly diagnosed and relapsing glioblastoma patients' specimens. Silencing of MLK3 using siRNA duplexes significantly suppressed migration and invasion, but promoted attachment of glioblastoma cells. Combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and MLK3 exhibited synergistic inhibitory effects on glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as the formation of lamellipodia and focal adhesions. Furthermore, combination of AZD6482 and URMC-099 effectively decreased glioblastoma xenograft growth in nude mice. Glioblastoma cells treated with this drug combination showed reduced phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, and decreased protein expression of ROCK2 and Zyxin. Conclusion: Taken together, combination of AZD6482 and URMC-099 showed strong synergistic anti-tumor effects on glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and MLK3 may serve as an attractive therapeutic approach for glioblastoma multiforme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amomi fructus as edible and medicinal food can be used as a flavoring in the daily cooking and herbal tea, the consumption of A. fructus is gradually aggregate in recent years. The quality of A. fructus from Yangchun city of Guangdong province in China is familiar as the best and the value is higher than other areas, the flavor and pharmacological activities is mostly affected by its quality. However, geographical origin confusion often occurs in the market, so it is obligatory to develop technology to differentiate the geographical origin of A. fructus. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the antioxidant activity of A. fructus and discriminate the geographical origin of A. fructus using nontarget metabolomics technology. Materials and Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for acquired data in positive ionization modes, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis. The online analysis website Metabo Analyst 4.0 (https://www.metaboanalyst.ca/) was used for the ensuing analysis. A reducing power test, chelating power of ferrous ions test, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assay, and hydroxyl radicals scavenging ability assays were used to assess the differences in antioxidant activity between the samples from the two geographical locations. Results: Eleven differential metabolites were attained, among which eight were established as marker compounds with the greatest contribution to the discernment between the two production areas. The antioxidant activity happens obvious differences due to dissimilar geographical origin. Conclusion: Untargeted metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis is a commanding strategy to extricate the samples from the same species and to comprehend the quality differences from the viewpoint of overall metabolic profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cryptocurrency economy provides a comprehensive digital trace of human economic behavior: almost all cryptocurrency users' activities are faithfully recorded in transactions on public blockchains. However, the user identifiers in the transaction records, i.e., blockchain addresses, are anonymous. That is, they cannot be associated with any real "off-chain" identify of actual users. Nonetheless, identifying the economic roles of the addresses from their past behaviors is still feasible. This paper analyzes Ethereum token transactions, characterizes key economic agents' behavior from their transaction patterns, and explores their identifiability through interpretable machine learning models. Specifically, six types of most active economic agents are considered, including centralized cryptocurrency exchanges, decentralized exchanges, cryptocurrency wallets, token issuers, airdrop services, and gaming services. Transaction patterns such as trading volume, transaction tempo, and structural properties of transaction networks are defined for individual blockchain addresses. The results showed that cryptocurrency exchanges and online wallets have signature behavior patterns and hence can be accurately distinguished from other agents. Token issuers, airdrop services, and gaming services can sometimes be confused. Moreover, transaction networks' features provide the richest information in the economic agent's identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the occurrence mechanism of rock burst in L-shaped zone during a fully mechanized mining period, the No. 705 working face which is located in Baojishan Colliery is taken as a typical engineering background. By means of in situ investigation, theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, in situ tests, and relevant monitoring methods, the occurrence mechanism of rock burst and corresponding prevention technology are studied. The results show that a coal pillar with some confining pressure in the L-shaped zone is established by FLAC3D numerical simulation software, and the numerical simulation results indicate that the change in static load has a greater effect than dynamic load on coal pillar unstable failure; the static load plays a role in storing energy, and dynamic load plays a role in inducing rock burst; the bolt-mesh-cable support and high-pressure water jet unloading combined technology is put forward to prevent rock burst in roadways, and the numerical simulation results show that stress distribution of surrounding rock meets the model of strong-soft-strong (3S) structure, and the moment distribution is reasonable. In the follow-up mining, a limit value of coal fines is used to determine that this measure is a reasonable method to prevent rock burst. The study conclusions provide theoretical foundation and new guidance for preventing rock burst by synergistic effect technology in roadways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor, is characterized by rapid growth and extensive infiltration to neighboring normal brain parenchyma. Our previous studies delineated a crosstalk between PI3K/Akt and JNK signaling pathways, and a moderate anti-glioblastoma synergism caused by the combined inhibition of PI3K p110β (PI3Kβ) isoform and JNK. However, this combination strategy is not potent enough. MLK3, an upstream regulator of ERK and JNK, may replace JNK to exert stronger synergism with PI3Kβ. Methods: To develop a new combination strategy with stronger synergism, the expression pattern and roles of MLK3 in glioblastoma patient's specimens and cell lines were firstly investigated. Then glioblastoma cells and xenografts in nude mice were treated with the PI3Kβ inhibitor AZD6482 and the MLK3 inhibitor URMC-099 alone or in combination to evaluate their combination effects on tumor cell growth and motility. The combination effects on cytoskeletal structures such as lamellipodia and focal adhesions were also evaluated. Results: MLK3 protein was overexpressed in both newly diagnosed and relapsing glioblastoma patients' specimens. Silencing of MLK3 using siRNA duplexes significantly suppressed migration and invasion, but promoted attachment of glioblastoma cells. Combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and MLK3 exhibited synergistic inhibitory effects on glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as the formation of lamellipodia and focal adhesions. Furthermore, combination of AZD6482 and URMC-099 effectively decreased glioblastoma xenograft growth in nude mice. Glioblastoma cells treated with this drug combination showed reduced phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, and decreased protein expression of ROCK2 and Zyxin. Conclusion: Taken together, combination of AZD6482 and URMC-099 showed strong synergistic anti-tumor effects on glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and MLK3 may serve as an attractive therapeutic approach for glioblastoma multiforme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of lncRNA CTD-2510F5.4 silencing on the proliferation and invasion of huh-7 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its possible regulatory relationship with RACGAP1. Methods: The TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database was used to analyze the expression of lncRNA CTD-2510F5.4 in liver cancer and normal tissues and the correlation with the expression of RACGAP1. CTD-2510F5.4 silencing test was performed on Huh-7 human liver cancer cells, and PCR was used to verify its silencing efficiency. CCK8, Transwell, flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis, RTPCR, and Western blot. Detect the expression level of RACGAP1. Results: In the TCGA database, lncRNA CTD-2510F5.4 was highly expressed in liver cancer tissues, and it was positively correlated with the expression of RACGAP1 (R=0.85). After silencing CTD-2510F5.4, the proliferation and invasion of huh-7 human liver cancer cells were inhibited, apoptosis increased, and the mRNA and protein expression of RACGAP1 were downregulated. Conclusion: lncRNA CTD-2510F5.4 may be the oncogenic lncRNA of liver cancer, and RACGAP1 may be the target of lncRNA CTD-2510F5.4. Silencing CTD-2510F5.4 can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of huh-7 human liver cancer cells, and promote apoptosis, which may be achieved by inhibiting the expression of RACGAP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate differences in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow through the aqueduct and to determine whether there is a relationship between CSF flow and ventricular volume parameters in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients, elderly acquired hydrocephalus patients and age-matched healthy volunteers by phase-contrast MR (PC-MR). Methods: A total of 40 iNPH patients and 41 elderly acquired hydrocephalus patients and 26 age-matched healthy volunteers in the normal control (NC) group were included between November 2017 and October 2019 in this retrospective study. The following CSF flow parameters were measured with PC-MR: peak velocity, average velocity (AV), aqueductal stroke volume (ASV), net ASV, and net flow. The following ventricular volume parameters were measured: ventricular volume (VV), brain volume, total intracranial volume, and relative VV. Differences between the iNPH and acquired hydrocephalus groups were compared Mann–Whitney U test and correlations between CSF flow and ventricular volume parameters were assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: Aqueductal stroke volume was significantly higher in the iNPH and acquired hydrocephalus groups than in the NC group, but did not differ significantly between the iNPH group and acquired hydrocephalus group. The AV, net ASV, and net flow in the iNPH and acquired hydrocephalus groups were significantly higher than those in the NC group (P < 0.0001), and those in the acquired hydrocephalus group were significantly higher than those in the iNPH group (P = 0.01, P = 0.007, P = 0.002, respectively). The direction of the AV and net ASV significantly differed among the three groups. There were no associations between the volume parameters and CSF flow according to PC-MR among the three groups. Conclusion: Compared with iNPH, elderly acquired hydrocephalus demonstrated higher CSF hyperdynamic flow. Although increased CSF flow may contribute to further changes in ventricular morphology, there is no linear relationship between them. These findings might help increase our understanding of flow dynamics in iNPH and elderly acquired hydrocephalus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: H7N9 avian influenza is an infection of public health concern, in part because of its high mortality rate and pandemic potential. Aims: To describe the clinical features of H7N9 avian influenza and the response to treatment. Methods: Clinical, radiological and histopathological data, and treatment‐related of H7N9‐infected patients hospitalised during 2014–2017 were extracted and analysed. Results: A total of 17 H7N9 patients (three females; mean age, 58.4 ± 13.7 years) was identified; of these six died. All patients presented with fever and productive cough; four patients had haemoptysis and 13 had chest distress and/or shortness of breath. Early subnormal white blood cell count and elevation of serum liver enzymes were common. Multilobar patchy shadows, rapid progression to ground‐glass opacities, air bronchograms and consolidation were the most common imaging findings. Histopathological examination of lung tissue of three patients who died showed severe alveolar epithelial cell damage, with inflammatory exudation into the alveolar space and hyaline membrane formation; widened alveolar septae, prominent inflammatory cell infiltration; and hyperplasia of pneumocytes. Viral inclusions were found in the lung tissue of two patients. All patients received antiviral drugs (oseltamivir ± peramivir). Four patients carried the rs12252‐C/C interferon‐induced transmembrane protein‐3 (IFITM3) genotype, while the others had the C/T genotype. Conclusions: H7N9 virus infection causes human influenza‐like symptoms, but may rapidly progress to severe pneumonia and even death. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of H7N9 infection in high‐risk patients. The presence of the IFITM3 rs12252‐C genotype may predict severe illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeromonas species often cause disease in farmed fish. In the present study, dominant bacteria were isolated from diseased crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). Based on this, a bacterial isolate was tentatively named CFJY-623. This isolate was identified as Aeromonas veronii based on analysis of its morphological, physiological, and biochemical features, as well as 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences. Six virulence genes related to pathogenicity including aerolysin, cytotonic enterotoxins, elastase, glycerophospholipid: cholesterol acyltransferase, lipase, and serine protease were identified in this A. veronii isolate. The median lethal dosage (LD50) of the CFJY-623 isolate for crucian carp was determined as 1.31 × 107 CFU/mL. Artificial experimental infection showed that the CFJY-623 isolate caused considerable histological lesions in the fish, including tissue cell degeneration, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltrating. Drug sensitivity testing showed that the isolate was susceptible to aminoglycosides, carbapenemes, and nitrofurans. Exploring its growing features showed that this isolate exhibited a high level of environmental adaptability. These results provided a scientific basis for the identification of A. veronii and treatment for fish infected by this pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), non-specific esterase (NSE), peroxidase (POD), and mucous cells in the intestine of the koi carp Cyprinus carpio var. koi. ACP activity was located in the striated border, enterocytes, and lamina propria of the anterior and middle intestines. The ACP activity in the anterior intestine was higher than that in the middle and posterior intestines. ALP existed in the striated border of enterocytes and lamina propria, serosa, muscular layer, and the junction between muscular layer and submucosa layer of the intestine. The ALP activity in the anterior intestine was higher than that in the middle and posterior intestines. NSE activity was localized in the cytoplasm of enterocytes in the whole intestine, and the middle intestine showed the lower NSE activity than the anterior and posterior intestines. POD activity was localized in the blood cells of the lamina propria and cytoplasm of enterocytes in all intestinal segments. The POD activity among the anterior, middle, and posterior intestines was non-significantly different. Alcian blue periodic acid–Schiff histochemical results revealed three types of mucous cells in the intestine. The total number of mucous cells and percentage of type I cells among the anterior, middle, and posterior intestines were non-significantly different. The percentage of the type II cells was the highest in the posterior intestine, while the lowest in the anterior intestine. The percentage of the type III cells was the highest in the anterior intestine, while the lowest in the posterior intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global Navigation Satellite System Interferometric Reflectometry (GNSS-IR) is a new remote-sensing technique; it can be used to estimate near-surface soil moisture from signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data. Considering the advantages of multi-satellite convergence and the time and space scale of soil moisture, based on multi-satellite fusion, non-linear sliding estimation method of soil moisture is proposed. Firstly, the direct and reflection signals of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites are separated by means of a low-order polynomial fitting, and then, by establishing the sinusoidal fitting model of reflection signals, the relative delay phase of the SNR interferogram is obtained. Finally, a linear regression model is used to analyse and select the phase of the SNR interferogram, and a sliding estimation method of soil moisture using the least squares Support Vector Machine based on multi-satellites fusion is established. Based on the monitoring data provided by the Plate Boundary Observations network, the feasibility and effectiveness of using single and multiple GNSS satellites to slide estimate soil moisture are compared and analysed. Theoretical analysis and experimentation show that GNSS-IR can provide full play to the advantages of artificial intelligence and effectively integrate the performance of each satellite. The fitting process is stable, and the model needs less modelling data; the sliding method can achieve a long time estimation, and the estimation error is relatively stable. Based on the satellites which the correlation coefficient (r) between the phase of the SNR interferogram and the soil moisture is greater than 0.50, the fusion satellites model is established; the results are better than that of using single satellites; the r between estimated results and reference values of soil moisture is greater than or equal to 0.94, and the root mean square error and mean absolute error are less than 0.060 and 0.050, respectively. Therefore, the estimation of soil moisture can be treated as a non-linear event, and multi- satellite fusion estimation is feasible and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current energy crises are inspiring researchers to focus intensively on development of feasible ways to produce high performing composite electrode materials for increasing energy demands. The present work addresses this objective by developing a novel structure of NiFe2O4 (NFO) nanoparticles coated on graphene capsules (GCs) by a simple hydrothermal technique. This NFO–GCs electrode material was subjected to different types of electrochemical performance evaluations to investigate its feasibility as a supercapacitor electrode. The as-prepared NFO–GCs nanocomposite electrode exhibits high specific capacitance of 1028 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1 and 94% capacitance retention at the end of 10 000 charge–discharge cycles, whereas pristine NFO electrode shows 720 F g−1 specific capacitance with 88% capacitance retention. The high specific capacitance, good rate capability, and excellent cycling stability of NFO–GCs composite can be attributed to effective synergism between the GCs and NFO. The superior electrochemical performance of NFO–GCs nanocomposite demonstrates possible application of this material as a working electrode for fully functional supercapacitor devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a self-diagnosis system of observer fault with linear and non-linear combination is studied in light of the unstable performance of the automatic monitoring system and the drift of the measured value. The system makes a prediction step ahead of time, compares it with the online measured value, and makes a logical judgment based on the residual error to achieve the purpose of real-time diagnosis of the automatic monitoring system. We developed a novel combined algorithm for dam deformation prediction using two traditional models and one optimization model. The developed algorithm combines two sub-algorithms: the gray model (GM) (1, 1) and the back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model. The GM (1, 1) addresses the effects of the automated monitoring of data from unstable situations; the BPNN model addresses the internal non-linear regularity of the dam displacement. The connection weights and thresholds of the BPNN model can be optimized and determined via the genetic algorithm (GA), which can decrease the uncertainties within the model predictions and improve the prediction accuracy. The results show that the fault self-diagnosis system based on the GM-GA-BP combined model can realize online fault diagnosis better than the traditional single models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to high quantum efficiency, adjustable composition and antioxidation properties of oxynitride phosphors, extensive investigations have focused on their photoluminescence properties under low-energy light excitation (UV or blue light). However, the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) luminescence properties of oxynitride phosphors are rarely researched. Present work studies the structure and VUV luminescence properties of an oxynitride phosphor: AlON: Eu, Mg, which is synthesized by solid-state reaction. Under 147 nm excitation, it was found that AlON: Eu, Mg phosphor shows a blue emission band centered at about 470 nm. The first principle calculation is used to analyze the origin of the VUV absorption. Compared with BaMgAl10O17: Eu2+ phosphor, AlON: Eu, Mg phosphor shows better thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to further evaluate the role of myxoma virus (MYXV) as an oncolytic agent against experimental human gliomas in vitro, and analyze the effect of MYXV on malignant glioma cells at different incubation periods and infected at different multiplicities of infection. Neuroglioma cell lines U251 and A172 were cultured with various infective doses of myxoma virus at different time points (0-3 days) and cellular survival rates were evaluated using an MTT assay. Cell viability and cell death rates were assessed using Annexin V/propidium iodide and applying flow cytometry. Furthermore, the expression levels of phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) in malignant gliomas were detected by western blot analysis to investigate the possible cell signaling targets in the pathway. MYXV exhibited a dose and time-dependent cytotoxic effect on neuroglioma cells, and there was increased expression of p-AKT in malignant gliomas. The present study confirms that MYXV induces oncolysis of malignant gliomas through regulating the activation of AKT. As such, MYXV is a potential therapeutic agent against human malignant gliomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small ubiquitin-related modifier protein (SUMO) is an evolutionarily conserved protein in a broad range of eukaryotic organisms. De-SUMOylation, the reverse reaction of SUMOylation, is regulated by a family of SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs). SENP1 is a member of the de-SUMOylation protease family involved in the de-SUMOylation of a variety of SUMOylated proteins. The present study demonstrates that small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated downregulation of SENP1 inhibits cell proliferation and migration, and promotes apoptosis in human glioma cells. Firstly, LN-299 cells were transfected with a plasmid expressing SENP1 shRNA (pGenesil-1-SENP1). The messenger RNA and protein expression of SENP1 was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. Cell proliferation in vitro was assessed using a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to detect the apoptosis of LN-299 cells. The effect of the downregulation of SENP1 on cell migration was detected by a Transwell migration system. The present results showed that, compared with the control shRNA group, the expression of SENP1 was significantly reduced in the SENP1 shRNA group. The proliferation was markedly inhibited in the SENP1 shRNA group. FCM findings revealed that apoptosis increased significantly in the SENP1 shRNA group. In addition, it was found that downregulation of SENP1 evidently suppressed tumor cell migration. Downregulation of SENP1 expression inhibited the proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis in LN-299 cells. These results indirectly demonstrate that SENP1 is likely to play a critical role in human glioma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FePO4/LiFePO4 (FP/LFP) interfacial strain, giving rise to substantial variation in interfacial energy and lattice volume, is inevitable in the (de)lithiation process of LiFePO4, a prototype of Li ion battery cathodes. Extensive theoretical and experimental research has been focused on the effect of lattice strain energy on FP/LFP interface propagation orientation and cyclic stability of the electrode. However, the essential effect of strain induced lattice distortion on Li+ transport at the FP/LFP interface is typically overlooked. In this report, a coherent interface model is derived to evaluate quantitatively the correlation between FP/LFP lattice distortion and Li+ conduction. The results illustrate that the effect of lattice strain on Li+ conduction depends strongly on FP/LFP interface orientations. Lattice strain induces a 90% decrease of Li+ conductivity in ac-plane oriented (de)lithiation at room temperature. The opposite effect of lattice strain on delithiation and lithiation for ab- and bc-orientations is elucidated. In addition, the effect of lattice strain tends to be more pronounced at a lower working temperature. This study provides an efficient platform to comprehend and manipulate Li+ conduction in the charge and discharge of lithium ion batteries, the large-scale application of which is frequently challenged by limited in-cell ion conduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the expression level of antioxidant enzymes Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in hemocytes of Macrobrachium rosenbergii exposed to copper by real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results showed that the mRNA expression of Cu, Zn-SOD increased to reach a peak at 6 h, then recovered to its normal level at 48 h. CAT expression level was significantly increased at 12 h and reached a peak at 24 h, but recovered to its normal level later. GPx expression level was significantly increased at 6 h and reached the peak at 12 h. GST expression level was significantly induced from 12 to 24 h and then dropped to its normal level at 48 h. These results indicated that antioxidant enzymes were inducible, possibly for removing excessive reactive oxygen species to protect prawn from oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional (3-D) multi-functional mixed valence CuII/CuI-MOF, {[Cu(CuI)2(2-pyzc)2H2O]2·H2O}n (Hpyzc = pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid), has been solvothermally synthesized and successfully characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure posesses a 3-D open framework containing 1-D channels and shows a tcj topological network with the Schläfli symbol (43·612)(43)2. This MOF exhibits selective adsorption of CO2/H2 over CH4/N2 and excellent catalytic activity in the oxidation of benzylic compounds and three-component coupling reactions of aromatic alkynes, tosyl azide and diisopropylamine as a cooperative catalyst. The catalyst could be reused several times without significant degradation in catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytases hydrolyze phytate to release inorganic phosphate, which decreases the requirement for phosphorus in fertilizers for crops and thus reduces environmental pollutants. This study analyzed microbial communities in rhizosphere sediment, collected in September 2012 from Shenzhen Bay, Guangdong, China, using high-throughput pyrosequencing; the results showed that the dominant taxonomic phyla were Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, and the proportion of the beneficial bacteria, Bacillus, was 4.95 %. Twenty-nine culturable, phytase-producing bacteria were isolated, their phosphorus solubilization capacity was analyzed, and they were taxonomically characterized. Their phylogenetic placement was determined using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence analysis. The result shows that most of the isolates are members of the order Bacillales, although seven strains of Enterobacteriales, two strains of Pseudomonadales, and one strain of Oceanospirillales were also identified. The phytase gene was cloned from SPC09, Bacillus cereus, which showed the highest phosphorus solubilizing ability among the isolated strains. The gene encoded a primary translation product of 335 amino acids. A construct including the 1005-nt ORF fragment, Bc-phy, was transformed into Escherichia coli. The recombinant phytase was produced and purified, which revealed the temperature optima at 60 °C and pH optima at 6.5. The assessment by quantitative PCR (qPCR) showed an abundance of bacteria containing the Bc-phy gene; the level was generally higher in the mangrove forest than in the tidal flats and in surface soil compared to bottom soil, and the highest value was obtained in June. Herein, we report on the cloning, characterization, and activity of a novel phytase isolated from a mangrove system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BRCA2 mutations are significantly associated with early-onset breast cancer, and the tumour-suppressing function of BRCA2 has been attributed to its involvement in homologous recombination ( HR)-mediated DNA repair. In order to identify additional functions of BRCA2, we generated BRCA2-knockout HCT116 human colorectal carcinoma cells. Using genome-wide microarray analyses, we have discovered a link between the loss of BRCA2 and the up-regulation of a subset of interferon ( IFN)-related genes, including APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G. The over-expression of IFN-related genes was confirmed in different human BRCA2−/− and mouse Brca2−/− tumour cell lines, and was independent of senescence and apoptosis. In isogenic wild-type BRCA2 cells, we observed over-expression of IFN-related genes after treatment with DNA-damaging agents, and following ionizing radiation. Cells with endogenous DNA damage because of defective BRCA1 or RAD51 also exhibited over-expression of IFN-related genes. Transcriptional activity of the IFN-stimulated response element ( ISRE) was increased in BRCA2 knockout cells, and the expression of BRCA2 greatly decreased IFN α-stimulated ISRE reporter activity, suggesting that BRCA2 directly represses the expression of IFN-related genes through the ISRE. Finally, the colony-forming capacity of BRCA2 knockout cells was significantly reduced in the presence of either IFN β or IFN γ, suggesting that IFNs may have potential as therapeutic agents in cancer cells with BRCA2 mutations. The GEO Accession No. for microarray analysis is GSE54830. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous administration of 5% dextrose in water (D5W), to prevent skin injury during radiofrequency (RF) ablation. Materials and methods: Twenty-four rabbits were divided into three groups: a pre-injection group, a perfusion group, and a control group. Ablative zones were created in the superficial part of the thigh muscle for 6 min. A needle was placed subcutaneously for injection of D5W, and a thermal sensor was positioned nearby for real-time temperature monitoring. The sizes of the ablative zones were measured by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and severity of the observed skin injury were scored semi-quantitatively and compared. Results: The highest temperature, the duration of the temperature above 50 °C, and the rise time of the post-procedure temperature were all highest in the control group (p<0.001), while these values were lower in the perfusion group than those in the pre-injection group (p< 0.001). Post-procedure skin injury was most severe in the control group (p< 0.001). On post-procedure day 1, no significant difference was found between the skin injury of the pre-injection group and the perfusion group (p = 0.091), while the skin injury o f the perfusion group was less severe than that of the pre-injection group on post-procedure day 14 (p = 0.004). No significant difference was found in the sizes of the ablative zones among the groups (p = 0.720). Conclusion: Subcutaneous perfusion with D5W is effective in protecting the skin against burns during RF ablation without compromising the effect of ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of ambient Cadmium (Cd) on haemocyte apoptosis of the shrimp, Penaeus monodon. Cellular response was determined in Cd-exposed (0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5 mg L) shrimp. Results showed that 0.05 mg L Cd had no significant effect on the haemocyte parameters during the 48 h exposure. Cadmium at doses of 0.5 and 5 mg L depressed the total haemocyte count (THC), and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis ratio in haemocytes. Esterase activity increased in shrimp exposed to 0.5 mg L Cd for 6 h, and decreased to the initial level later. Depressed esterase activity could be observed in shrimp after 24 and 48 h exposure to 5 mg L Cd. These results demonstrated that Cd modified esterase activity and induced ROS generation, which led to haemocyte apoptosis and THC reduction. Oxidative stress is one of the induction mechanisms for Cd-caused apoptosis of shrimp haemocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of continuous temperature decrease on hemocyte apoptosis of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. In the stress group, water temperature decreased from 26 to 17 °C at a rate of 1 °C/h. Shrimp kept at 26 ± 0.5 °C were used as control group. Total hemocyte count (THC), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cytoplasmic free-Ca (CF-Ca) concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptotic cell ratio, and caspase-3 activity of L. vannamei hemocytes were determined when water temperature decreased to 23, 20, and 17 °C, respectively. Increased ROS production in hemocytes was observed when water temperature decreased to 20 and 17 °C. Decreased THC and cellular MMP, increased CF-Ca concentration, apoptotic cell ratio, and caspase-3 activity were shown when water temperature decreased to 17 °C. These results indicate that water temperature decrease can induce oxidative stress on shrimp hemocytes and then cause mitochondria and caspase-3 mediated hemocyte apoptosis and THC reduction, when water temperature decreased to an unconformable level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of soil aggregates and the fractal characteristics of four typical land use types (farmland, grassland, woodland, and bare land) in the Jiangjiagou Ravine (Yunnan, China), a frequent debris flow occurring area, were studied according to the normal mean mass diameter and fractal theory. The present research showed that the stability of the soil aggregates was different for the different land use types. When the soil depth was 0-30 cm, farmland soil formed more aggregates with diameters greater than 0.25 mm, i.e., the farmland soil was more stable than that of the other three land uses. When the soil depth was 30-45 cm, the order of stability of the soil aggregates was woodland > grassland > farmland > bare land. The fractal dimensions had a significant linear positive correlation with the amount of soil particles with diameters of <0.25 mm, and a significant negative linear correlation with the amount of soil particles with diameters of 0.25-0.5 mm, 0.5-1 mm and 1-2 mm. Smaller fractal dimensions of the soil particles correlated with more stable soil aggregates. The fractal dimensions had a positive linear correlation with the soil bulk density and a negative correlation with the concentration of organic matter. These results showed that soil aggregates can be used as a parameter for characterizing the soil structures and properties. According to these results, the soil particle fractal dimensions could not only objectively characterize the stability of the soil structure but also could be used to indicate soil structure and properties. In addition, these results have great significance for the discussion of the comprehensive evaluation of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim As liver biopsy has considerable limitations in the assessment of liver fibrosis, non-invasive models have achieved great progress in the past. However, many tests consist of variables that are not readily available, and there are few data about patients with hepatitis B e-antigen ( HBeAg) negative chronic hepatitis B ( CHB). The aim of this study was to develop a model using routine data to predict liver fibrosis in HBeAg negative CHB patients. Methods We randomly divided 349 patients who underwent liver biopsy into training ( n = 200) and validation ( n = 149) sets. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver-operator curve ( ROC) analyses were used to develop a model for predicting both significant fibrosis (stages 2-4) and cirrhosis (stage 4) in the training set. The model was validated in 149 patients in comparison to FIB-4, Forn's, S and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index indices using ROC. Results Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the parameters of the model for predicting both significant fibrosis and cirrhosis included sex, age, prothrombin time, platelet count, cholesterol and γ-glutamyltransferase. In the training set, the areas under the ROC ( AUC) for predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.856 and 0.956, respectively. In the validation group, the AUC for predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.889 and 0.937, respectively. Using the best cut-off values, significant fibrosis and cirrhosis can be accurately predicted in 40.9% and 91.3% of patients, respectively. Conclusion Our model can accurately predict both significant fibrosis and cirrhosis and may decrease the need of liver biopsy in a considerable proportion of patients with HBeAg negative CHB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the toxic effects of cadmium on viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and non-specific esterase activity of Penaeus monodon haemocytes in vitro, using a flow cytometric assay. After 6 h in vitro exposure with 10-10 M Cd, cell viability, ROS production and esterase activity of haemocytes from P. monodon were determined. Results showed that at the lowest exposures (10-10M), Cd induced no effect on cell viability, ROS production and esterase activity. At a higher level (10 M) of exposure, production of ROS was stimulated while Cd had no effect on cell viability and esterase activity. At the two highest concentrations (10 and 10 M), Cd caused increased ROS production, cell death and inhibited esterase activity. These results showed a relationship between Cd exposure dose and its cytotoxicity on shrimp haemocytes. Cadmium was cytotoxic and immunotoxic for P. monodon haemocytes in vitro when the dose reached 10 M. The study also suggested that flow cytometry could be used as a tool for cytotoxic research of aquatic contamination on shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]