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Yili River system hosts a diverse fauna of fishes and parasites. Gymnodiptychus dybowskii is a rare and endangered aboriginal cold-water fish inhabit in the Yili river system. Our research identified a new species Gyrodactylus gymnodiptychi n. sp. isolated from G. dybowskii in the Kunes River (Yili River, China). Morphological comparison revealed identifiable differences between the new species and other parasites, including Gyrodactylus aksuensis , and Gyrodactylus tokobaevi , which are two known parasites living in G. dybowskii inhabit in the Aksu River west of Frunze (Kyrgyzstan), as well as Gyrodactylus montanus living in Shizothorax intermedius inhabited in the Tadzhikistan or Uzbekistan. Especially, the dorsal bar of G. gymnodiptychi n. sp. was raised at both ends with a hollow, and its hamulus roots were curved inward. The BLASTN search of GenBank did not detect any other ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequences same as G. gymnodiptychi 's. Using the Bayesian Information and Maximum Likelihood methods to analyze the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA gene sequences, we constructed phylogenetic trees for G. gymnodiptychi n. sp. Accordingly, our morphological and molecular research indicated that G. gymnodiptychi n. sp. was not only a new species of parasites but also the first Gyrodactylus member identified in the Yili River in China. [Display omitted] • A new parasite species Gyrodactylus gymnodiptychi was identified in Yili River. • The fish Gymnodiptychus dybowskii was the host of Gyrodactylus gymnodiptychi. • Phylogenetic analysis indicated the new species a subgenus Limnonephrotus member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) approaches have been briefly defined for the assessment of zolmitriptan (ZMT). These methods are either cumbersome or require a plentiful volume of organic solvents, thus offering extortionate procedures. The objective of this study was to establish and validate a new rapid, eco-friendly and cost-effective HPLC method for the analysis of ZMT. The calibration curve for ZMT was established using simulated salivary fluid (SSF) and rat plasma for in-vitro and in-vivo analysis, respectively. Chromatogram separation was performed using a CST column (250mm x 4.6mm, 5µm) as a stationary phase and maintained at a temperature of 40°C. The methods were authenticated for linearity, system suitability, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). The results of the validation variables and stability studies indicated that the methods were established in accordance with the guidelines of ICH and the USFDA. The established technique was time-saving, precise, eco- friendly and economical compared with the reported technique. In addition, the developed method was sufficiently repeatable for in vitro and in vivo analysis of ZMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate Gyrodactylus infection of fish in the river system of Xinjiang (China), Gyrodactylus individuals were isolated from specimens of Diptychus maculatus. Morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA locus revealed that the gyrodactylids belong to new species. Gyrodactylus diptychi n. sp. differs significantly in the morphology of the haptoral structures from 12 known species of Gyrodactylus found in fishes of the subfamily Schizothoracinae. In particular, G. diptychi n. sp. has a relatively short dorsal bar with thick and large ends, flat and straight hamuli roots, and small ventral bar processes. Furthermore, G. diptychi n. sp. is the only representative of Gyrodactylus found on D. maculatus. Using the BLASTn search of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequences in GenBank and the Bayesian Information and Maximum Likelihood methods, we constructed phylogenetic trees for G. diptychi n. sp. As a result, our studies clearly identified that G. diptychi n. sp. was the first Gyrodactylus monogenean isolated from D. maculatus and a new species belonged to the subgenus Limnonephrotus. [Display omitted] • A new parasite species Diptychus maculatus was identified in Yarkand River. • The fish Diptychus maculatus was the host of Gyrodactylus diptychi. • Phylogenetic analysis indicated the new species a subgenus Limnonephrotus member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling casing is an important device to ensure the safety of oil wells. Once a fracture problem occurs, it will directly affect oil extraction and transportation. To this end, a method of casing fracture detection in oil drilling environment based on deep learning is studied. The built-up crawling detection device is used to collect the casing sample image of the oil drilling environment, the sample image is grayed and denoised, and the convolutional neural network in deep learning is used to construct a fracture detection model to realize the casing fracture detection of the oil drilling environment. The results show that compared with the three detection methods of magnetic flux leakage method, ultrasonic detection method, and far-field eddy current method, different pipeline thickness, pipeline materials and pipeline smoothness conditions have little effect on the detection results. The detection accuracy of the method has been maintained above 90%, which proves the effectiveness and practicability of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Piceatannol (PIC) possessed anti-influenza activities in vitro with low toxicity. • PIC may induce the rupture of viral envelope and inactivation of IAV particles. • PIC can block membrane fusion via binding to HA2 rather than HA1 subunit. • PIC may interact with Thr398 and Ile405 of HA to block its conformational change. • PIC can reduce the virus titers and improve the survival of IAV infected mice. Given the magnitude of influenza pandemics as a threat to the global population, it is crucial to have as many prevention and treatment options as possible. Piceatannol (PIC) is a tetrahydroxylated stilbenoid (trans-3,4,3′,5′-tetrahydroxystilbene), also known as 3′- hydroxy resveratrol, which has demonstrated many different biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. In this study, the anti-influenza A virus (IAV) activities and mechanisms of PIC in vitro and in vivo were investigated in order to provide reference for the development of novel plant-derived anti-IAV drugs. The viral plaque assay, RT-PCR and western blot assay were used to evaluate the anti-IAV effects of PIC in vitro. The anti-IAV mechanism of PIC was determined by HA syncytium assay, DARTS assay and Surface Plasmon Resonance assay. The mouse pneumonia model combined with HE staining were used to study the anti-IAV effects of PIC in vivo. PIC shows inhibition on the multiplication of both H1N1 and H3N2 viruses, and blocks the infection of H5N1 pseudovirus with low toxicity. PIC may directly act on the envelope of IAV to induce the rupture and inactivation of IAV particles. PIC can also block membrane fusion via binding to HA2 rather than HA1 and cleavage site of HA0. PIC may interact with the two residues (HA2-T68 and HA2-I75) of HA2 to block the conformational change of HA so as to inhibit membrane fusion. Importantly, oral therapy of PIC also markedly improved survival and reduced viral titers in IAV-infected mice. PIC possesses significant anti-IAV effects both in vitro and in vivo and may block IAV infection mainly through interaction with HA to block membrane fusion. Thus, PIC has the potential to be developed into a new broad-spectrum anti-influenza drug for the prevention and treatment of influenza. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) can separate the organic components of samples, which is widely used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of pesticide and veterinary drug residues, environmental pollutants and allelochemicals in soil, water and air science research It also an effective tool in the determination of non-volatile compounds, polar compounds, thermo-unstable compounds and macromolecular weight compounds including proteins, polypeptides, polymers, etc. In this paper, a new matching algorithm was proposed to solve the problems of low accuracy and coverage of peptide in LC-MS replicates spectrum At present, the key is to match the LC peaks and analyze the differences when peptide signals are detected. Generally, most algorithms are based on time warping functions. However, the difference of elution time between replicate spectrum is randomly generated. Besides time feature, the isotope feature is introduced in this paper for building a classification model under the hypothesis that the same peptide obeys same isotope distribution in repeated experiments. This isotope classification model was generated and tested by training and testing peptide signal which was detected by LC-MS/MS. At last, the accuracy of this new model was over 95%, white 90% coverage rate showed that the isotope classification model was efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Agaropentaose exerts protective effect against neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. • Oxidative injury and mitochondrial dysfunction can be alleviated by agaropentaose. • Agaropentaose prevents cell death by inhibiting expression of apoptotic proteins. • NF-κB and p38MAPK pathways are involved in the neuroprotective mechanisms. Agaro-oligosaccharides, hydrolysates of agarose isolated from red algae, were reported to possess various biological functions and activities, including anti-bacteria, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. In this study, the potential neuroprotective effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of agaro-oligosaccharides against neurotoxicity induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in SH-SY5Y cells were explored. The results indicated that pretreatment with agaro-oligosaccharide monomers especially agaropentaose (AOP) considerably enhanced the cell viability and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in SH-SY5Y cells treated by 6-hydroxydopamine. In addition, AOP markedly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species level and inhibited the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, NF-κB and p38MAPK signaling pathways associated with neuroinflammation were significantly down-regulated by pretreatment with AOP. These findings reflected the protective effects and mechanisms of AOP against neurologic damage in SH-SY5Y cells induced by 6-hydroxydopamine. Hence the marine-derived agaropentaose merits further study as a novel functional food additive or therapeutic agent against some neuronal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several reports reveal that high level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum enhances venture of diabetes. In this article, we presented a platform which blended Zr(IV)-organic framework with 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate ligand (Zr-tdc) and ionic liquid (IL) to form a steady composite membrane on the carbon paste electrode (CPE). The platform was applied to CRP and glucose biosensors which were connected with diabetes and displayed well performances. Firstly, a sensitive immunosensor for label-free and direct detection of CRP was developed at Zr-tdc/IL modified electrode. Under optimal conditions, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) response showed the low detection limit of CRP was 0.2 ng/mL. Secondly, the glucose biosensor immobilized glucose oxidase (GOX) was constructed and studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and amperometric response. TheMichaelis-Menten constant (KM) of immobilized GOX was 0.16 mM, and the detection limit was 2.7 µMfor glucose. Two novel biosensors displayed well selectivity, stability and lower detection limit. This work improved the performance of electrochemical sensing and expand the utilization of the material by carrying on the effective immobilization of enzyme and antibody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the effects of PDGF-Rb antagonists imatinib on endometrial injury repairing in the mouse model. Methods The cultured MSCs cells from male mice were marked with BrdU in vitro , and then transplanted to the female mice which suffered from radiation injury through tail vein, PDGF-Rb antagonists imatinib was injected through abdominal cavity. Four groups were arranged, which were radiation transplantation group, normal control group, imatinib intervention group and radiation control group. BrdU incorporation, SRY expression and MVD status were detected in uterus of mice. Results SRY gene was negative expressed in normal control group and radiation control group. SRY gene presented positive in radiation transplantation group and imatinib intervention group; BrdU incorporation showed negative in radiation control group and normal control group which died in the early stage in mice; the incorporation of BrdU was higher in radiation transplantation group compared with imatinib intervention group; CD34 was positive on the uterus of all the four groups, which showed highest in radiation control group and lowest in radiation control group; The MVD in imatinib intervention group was lower than radiation control group; the difference of MVD was significantly compared with normal control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions PDGF-Rb antagonists imatinib could inhibit the repairing function of MSCs in the endometrial lesions in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid extensively found in marine organisms and increasingly used as a dietary supplement, has been reported to have neuroprotective effect. In this study, the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of astaxanthin against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity were explored. The results showed that pretreatment with astaxanthin inhibited neuronal PC12 cell death induced by L-glutamate and reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly. Astaxanthin prevented glutamate-induced apoptosis by depressing the elevation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase-3 activation and Ca 2+ influx. Moreover, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as well as the activation of ROS associated NF-κB and MAPK pathways were also inhibited upon treatment with astaxanthin. Therefore, the neuroprotective effects reflected the ability of astaxanthin in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways that protect mitochondria as well as cellular damage induced by L-glutamate. Thus, astaxanthin has the potential to be used as a prophylactic or remediation agent against neuronal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the most frequent climate-related disasters occurring in Southwest China, where the occurrence of drought is complex because of the varied landforms, climates and vegetation types. To monitor the comprehensive information of drought from meteorological to vegetation aspects, this paper intended to propose the optimized meteorological drought index (OMDI) and the optimized vegetation drought index (OVDI) from multi-source satellite data to monitor drought in three bio-climate regions of Southwest China. The OMDI and OVDI were integrated with parameters such as precipitation, temperature, soil moisture and vegetation information, which were derived from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Land Surface Temperature (MODIS LST), AMSR-E Soil Moisture (AMSR-E SM), the soil moisture product of China Land Soil Moisture Assimilation System (CLSMAS), and MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (MODIS NDVI), respectively. Different sources of satellite data for one parameter were compared with in situ drought indices in order to select the best data source to derive the OMDI and OVDI. The Constrained Optimization method was adopted to determine the optimal weights of each satellite-based index generating combined drought indices. The result showed that the highest positive correlation and lowest root mean square error (RMSE) between the OMDI and 1-month standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI-1) was found in three regions of Southwest China, suggesting that the OMDI was a good index in monitoring meteorological drought; in contrast, the OVDI was best correlated to 3-month SPEI (SPEI-3), and had similar trend with soil relative water content (RWC) in temporal scale, suggesting it a potential indicator of agricultural drought. The spatial patterns of OMDI and OVDI along with the comparisons of SPEI-1 and SPEI-3 for different months in one year or one month in different years showed significantly varied drought locations and areas, demonstrating regional and seasonal fluctuations, and suggesting that drought in Southwest China should be monitored in seasonal and regional level, and more fine distinctions of seasons and regions need to be considered in the future studies of this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permeability of most drugs through the eyes is very limited, so finding safe and effective penetration enhancers is of high importance in current ophthalmology research. In this paper, we use a new approach that integrates Chinese and Western medicine to improve the corneal permeability of baicalin, a water- and fat-insoluble target drug, in vitro. Rabbits were divided into three groups. The first group was dosed with borneol (0.05%, 0.1%). menthol (0.1%, 0.2%), or Labrasol (1%, 2%) individually, the second was dosed with a combination of Labrasol with either borneol or menthol, and the third group received a control treatment. Compared with the control treatment, borneol, menthol, or Labrasol alone clearly improved the permeability of baicalin in vitro. Furthermore, the penetrating effects were significantly increased by combining the application of Labrasol with menthol or borneol. Among the various combined penetration enhancers, 0.1% borneol with 2% Labrasol achieved the best apparent permeability, approximately 16.35 times that of the control. Additionally, the calculation of corneal hydration level and the Draize test demonstrated the safety of these penetration enhancers to the rabbit corneas in vivo. This study confirms that the combined use of borneol or menthol, compounds both derived from Chinese herbs, with Labrasol can improve the corneal permeability of water- and fat-insoluble drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

novel Pd/SnO2-TiO2/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) catalyst was synthesized using a facile and controllable in situ chemical method. Pretreated TiOi was anchored to a functional MWCNT template, which was used as a support material to enhance the stability and electrical conductivity of the Pd nanoparticles. The Sn(ll) ions adsorbed on the surface of the TiO2 precursor acted as reducing agents and ensured that Pd reduction only occurred on the precursor surface. The physicochemical properties of the catalyst were determined by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that small metallic Pd nanoparticles were evenly dispersed over the catalyst surface. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to evaluate the electrocatalytic properties of the Pd/SnO2-TiO2/MWCNT catalyst in an alkaline solution containing 0.5 M NaOH and 1.0 M ethylene glycol. The high dispersion of the metallic Pd nanoparticles caused by the presence of the SnO2-TiO2 precursor significantly enhanced the electrocatalytic activity and tolerance of the catalyst to the accumulation of carbonaceous species. This new Pd/SnO2-TiO2/MWCNT catalyst is a promising candidate for use in the oxidation of ethylene glycol under alkaline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valsartan (VAL) shows poor oral bioavailability mainly as a result of its low water solubility at low pH. This study is designed to investigate the dissolution properties and physicochemical characteristics of novel PVP-based solid dispersions (SDs) containing VAL. The SDs were prepared with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-K30) as a hydrophilic polymer, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as an alkalizer, and poloxamer 188 (F68) as a surfactant, without using any organic solvents by a freeze-drying method. The dissolution study was carried out and the physicochemical properties o f SDs were also characterized by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dissolution rates of SDs were significantly improved at pH 1.2 and pH6.8 compared to that of pure drug. The results of physicochemical properties suggested that some interactions between VAL and carriers had occurred in the molecular level and the drug presented in the SDs was amorphous. It was concluded that the novel PVP-based SDs has been successfully prepared by a freeze-drying method, resulting in significant dissolution improvement of VAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the effect of induced Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells in retinal progenitor cells. It states that the telencephalon of fetal rats has been used to stimulate neural differentiation from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells. Results show that induced Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells can be utilized as seed cells to treat jury-induced visual diseases.

Based on the modified Logistic-CA model, and taking the coastal area of Tianjin as a case, this paper simulated the spatial evolution patterns of ecosystem services as affected by the urban expansion in 2011-2020 under the scenarios of historical extrapolation, endogenous development, and exogenous development. Overall, the total ecosystem services of the study area under the three scenarios were generally the same, and the functional region with the lowest level ecosystem services had the identical spatial pattern. However, the spatial evolution patterns of the ecosystem services of the study area under the three scenarios had a great difference. The functional regions with lower-level ecosystem services grew in a cross-shaped pattern, with the Tanggu downtown as a center, and finally formed a full connectivity area along the Haihe River and coastal zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruthenium (Ru) chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) with a slurry using sodium periodate (NaIO4) as an oxidizer was carried out as a function of pH. The Ru polishing rate was highest at pH 7 and decreased as the pH decreased or increased. In addition, a similar trend in the corrosion current density as a function of pH was found. Two equivalent circuit models were proposed to explain the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results of Ru in NaIO4 solution as a function of pH. From results of EIS, we found that the Ru film had a lowest charge transfer resistance in a neutral region than that in an acidic or alkaline region. This different charge transfer resistance of the Ru film as a function of pH resulted from the different surface composition of Ru oxide species, which was analyzed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Finally, we briefly derived a series of reaction equations between Ru and NaIO4 on the basis of the above results and discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) mechanism of nitrogen-doped polycrystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 (pc-GST) using nitric acid slurry without or with 1.0 wt % hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Without H2O2, the pc-GST film surface undergoes selective corrosion of Ge and Sb, resulting in pitting corrosion. Otherwise, with H2O2, the pc-GST film surface produces a Ge, Sb, Te oxide layer, thereby introducing a cyclic polishing process such as chemical oxidation, chemical and mechanical polishing, and sequential chemical oxidation. As a result, the polishing rate increased up to ~1000 Å/min and the surface roughness decreased to 0.858 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For phase-change memory beyond the 30 nm design rule, chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) performing at a high polishing rate, reasonable selectivity, and no corrosion-induced pits is essential for planarizing nitrogen-doped polycrystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 (OST) deposited on the confined memory cell structure. We develop a new alkaline slurry added with KMnO4 used as an oxidizer. The alkaline slurry added with 0.3 wt % KMnO4 has a polycrystalline OST film polishing rate of 5200 Å/min, a polishing rate selectivity between polycrystalline GST and SiO2 film of 100:1, and no corrosion-induced pit. In addition, poly- crystalline GST film CMP using the alkaline slurry added with KMnO4 is observed to follow a cyclic reaction polishing mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the reproduction-assisting effects of laparoscopic “core-pulling” salpingectomy for patients with hydrosalpinx on ovarian reserve, responsiveness to stimuli and outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods: Infertile females receiving treatment in Reproductive Medicine Center of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital due to fallopian tube disorders (n=214) were enrolled from July 2006 to December 2007 and further divided into three groups. “Core-pulling” procedure group (group A) consisted of patients receiving pretreatment with “core-pulling” salpingectomy due to hydrosalpinx in our center (n=31), wherein 16 patients received IVF-ET. Conventional procedure group (group B) consisted of patients receiving conventional salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx or ectopic pregnancy in our center or other institutes prior to IVF-ET (n=59). Control group (group C) consisted of patients receiving IVF-ET without the history of previous hydrosalpinx or salpingectomy (n=124). Results: At baseline, the antral follicle count of group B was significantly less than that of groups A and C (8.6 ± 2.5 vs 8.3 ± 2.0 vs 9.8 ± 2.4). The mature oocytes retrieved numbered less than the other two groups, in a statistically significant manner compared with group C (13.1 ± 5.7 vs 10.6 ± 5.0 vs 12.0 ± 6.2). Patients of groups A and B received more gonadotropin while the dosage of group B differed significantly from group C (31.0 ± 17.7 vs 37.6 ± 8.3 vs 30.0 ± 4.6). E2 level on hCG injection day was slightly lower in group B than in the other two groups, statistically significant compared with that of group C, but not compared with that of group A. After receiving IVF-ET, patients of group A showed significantly higher conception rate than groups B and C (62.5% vs 43.6% vs 39.2%). Conclusion: Compared with the conventional procedure, laparoscopic “core-pulling” salpingectomy should be recommended for patients with hydrosalpinx intending to receive IVF-ET, which did not interfere with the ovarian reserve or responsiveness but improve the conception rate in clinical practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurry for multiselectivity among SiO2, Si3N4, and poly-Si films is essential for NAND flash memory cells beyond 32 nm to reduce the dependency of the polishing rate on the pattern density in a chip. The polishing rate selectivity is controlled with an anionic surfactant [poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)] at the beginning of the CMP process and is controlled by a nonionic surfactant [poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP)] for continuous CMP. The selective absorption of PAA on a Si3N4 film surface suppresses the polishing rate of the Si3N4 film, whereas the selective absorption of PVP on a poly-Si film surface suppresses the polishing rate of the poly-Si film. We achieved multiselectivity among SiO2, Si3N4, and poly-Si films of ∼65: ∼ 15:1 in a nanoceria-based slurry with a PAA concentration of 0.05 wt % and a PVP concentration of 0.2 wt %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]