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Abstract Microbes are intimately tied to the occurrence of various diseases that cause serious hazards to human health, and play an essential role in drug discovery, clinical application, and drug quality control. In this manuscript, we put forward a novel prediction model named MDASAE based on a stacked autoencoder (SAE) with multi-head attention mechanism to infer potential microbe-drug associations. In MDASAE, we first constructed three kinds of microbe-related and drug-related similarity matrices based on known microbe-disease-drug associations respectively. And then, we fed two kinds of microbe-related and drug-related similarity matrices respectively into the SAE to learn node attribute features, and introduced a multi-head attention mechanism into the output layer of the SAE to enhance feature extraction. Thereafter, we further adopted the remaining microbe and drug similarity matrices to derive inter-node features by using the Restart Random Walk algorithm. After that, the node attribute features and inter-node features of microbes and drugs would be fused together to predict scores of possible associations between microbes and drugs. Finally, intensive comparison experiments and case studies based on different well-known public databases under 5-fold cross-validation and 10-fold cross-validation respectively, proved that MDASAE can effectively predict the potential microbe-drug associations.

A significant number of steep cracks are frequently encountered in underground engineering, posing a threat to operation. The high-pressure grouting method is a commonly utilized repair technique. Nevertheless, conventional grout is prone to displacement due to its weight, making it challenging to ensure adequate filling of the cracks. Therefore, this study aims to develop a grouting material with targeted displacement and anchoring properties. Firstly, an optimal magnetic slurry composition was determined through an orthogonal test. Subsequently, XRD and SEM were used to analyze the impact of the magnetic field on the composition distribution, internal pore structure, and transient viscosity of the slurry. Afterwards, a model for localized grout diffusion under magnetic was established. The results show that the application of a magnetic field caused the slurry to compact due to magnetic forces, reducing its porosity. Moreover, the dynamic viscosity of the slurry increased exponentially with rising magnetic induction intensity. Notably, a 40.5% increase in the diffusion area was observed when the magnetic field intensity rose from 2500 to 4500 GS. The error between the measured and theoretical values of the magnetic slurry diffusion model was only 8.91%, indicating the model's accuracy in describing the slurry diffusion process under magnetic field influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α), a known inhibitor of ferroptosis, in Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) and its related mechanisms. In vivo and in vitro MIRI models were established. Our results showed that activation of PPAR-α decreased the size of the myocardial infarct, maintained cardiac function, and decreased the serum contents of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Fe2+ in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-treated mice. Additionally, the results of H&E staining, DHE staining, TUNEL staining, and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that activation of PPAR-α inhibited MIRI-induced heart tissue and mitochondrial damage. It was also found that activation of PPAR-α attenuated MIRI-induced ferroptosis as shown by a reduction in malondialdehyde, total iron, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vitro experiments showed that intracellular contents of malondialdehyde, total iron, LDH, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid ROS, oxidized glutathione disulphide (GSSG), and Fe2+ were reduced by the activation of PPAR-α in H9c2 cells treated with anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R), while the cell viability and GSH were increased after PPAR-α activation. Additionally, changes in protein levels of the ferroptosis marker further confirmed the beneficial effects of PPAR-α activation on MIRI-induced ferroptosis. Moreover, the results of immunofluorescence and dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that PPAR-α achieved its activity via binding to the 14-3-3η promoter, promoting its expression level. Moreover, the cardioprotective effects of PPAR-α could be canceled by pAd/14-3-3η-shRNA or Compound C11 (14-3-3η inhibitor). In conclusion, our results indicated that ferroptosis plays a key role in aggravating MIRI, and PPAR-α/14-3-3η pathway-mediated ferroptosis and mitochondrial injury might be an effective therapeutic target against MIRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The joint made of cast steel is frequently utilized within a treelike column structure to ensure a smooth transition. It is of great significance in ensuring the overall structural safety, but currently, the mechanical property and bearing capacity of this type of joint cannot be fully understood. This study investigates the load characteristics of three-forked cast steel joints through concrete experiments, finite element analysis, and regression method formula derivation, filling the gap in mechanical properties and calculation formulas of forked cast steel joints. Initially, a comprehensive model of the cast-steel joint, sourced from a practical engineering, underwent vertical load testing. Detailed scrutiny of stress distribution and vertical displacement of the tested joint was conducted based on the experimental outcomes. Subsequently, a finite element model of the tested joint was constructed using SolidWorks and subjected to analysis via ANSYS. The numerical findings were juxtaposed with experimental data and extrapolated to encompass other parametric scenarios. Ultimately, a regression analysis method was employed to derive a calculation formula for the load-carrying capacity of branch-bearing cast-steel joints. The regression analysis method can accurately obtain the load-bearing capacity calculation formula for tree-shaped joint models and can be extended to determine corresponding branch and main pipe dimensions, as well as the deviation angle between branches and the main pipe, under known load conditions. This improves design efficiency and accuracy. Comparative analysis reveals a substantial concurrence among experimental, finite element analysis, and formula-based predictive outcomes. The maximum error between experimental results and those obtained from finite element analysis is 9.02%. The maximum error between the results calculated using the load-bearing capacity formula derived from regression methods and those from finite element analysis is only 1.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally invasive interventional diagnosis and treatment center, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jie Fang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian 116001, Liaoning Province, China. These authors contributed equally: Si Xu Liu, Sheng Qin Yu, Guang Sheng Zhao and Feng Zhi Sun. [Extracted from the article]

The existing biomarkers are insufficient for predicting the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a precursor to PDAC; therefore, identifying biomarkers from differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of PDAC and IPMN is a new and reliable strategy for predicting the prognosis of PDAC. In this study, four datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and standardized using the R package 'limma.' A total of 51 IPMN and 81 PDAC samples were analyzed, and 341 DEGs in PDAC and IPMN were identified; DEGs were involved in the extracellular matrix and tumor microenvironment. An acceptable survival prognosis was demonstrated by SDC1 and ITGA2, which were highly expressed during in vitro PDAC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. SDC1high was enriched in interferon alpha (IFN-α) response and ITGA2high was primarily detected in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which was verified using western blotting. We concluded that SDC1 and ITGA2 are potential prognostic biomarkers for PDAC associated with IPMN. Downregulation of SDC1 and ITGA2 expression in PDAC occurs via a mechanism involving possible regulation of IFN-α response, EMT, and immunity, which may act as new targets for PDAC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish a pre-test probability model of coronary heart disease (CHD) combined with cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) indexes and to compare the clinical effectiveness with Duke clinical score (DCS) and updated Diamond-Forrester model (UDFM), thus further explore the predictive value. 342 cases were used to establish the prediction model equation and another 80 cases were used to verify the effectiveness. The patients were divided into CHD group (n = 157) and non-CHD group (n = 185) according to coronary artery stenosis degree >50% or not. Combining DCS and UDFM as reference models with CPET indexes, a multivariate logistic regression model was established. The area under the ROC curve of the three models were calculated to compare the predictive effectiveness. There were significant differences in gender, chest pain type, myocardial infarction history, hypertension history, smoking, pathological Q wave and ST-T change between two groups (P < 0.01), as well as age, LVEF, heart rate at anaerobic domain, peak oxygen uptake in kilograms of body weight, percentage of peak oxygen uptake to the predicted value, the oxygen uptake efficiency slope and carbon dioxide ventilation equivalent slope (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed gender, age, chest pain type, myocardial infarction history, hypertension history, smoking, pathological Q wave, ST-T change, and peak oxygen pulse were independent risk factors of CHD. The pre-test probability model of CHD combined with CPET indexes has good distinguish and calibrate ability, its prediction accuracy is slightly better than DCS and UDFM, which still needs to be verified externally in more samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms are often observed in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an increasing number of studies have highlighted its uniqueness. Nevertheless, no national survey on SCT among children and adolescents has been conducted in China. Hence, this research aims to study SCT in China and to evaluate the differences between SCT and ADHD symptoms by comparing their risk factors in terms of life events (LE) and parental rearing behaviors (PRB). This cross-sectional study used data from a survey on 71,929 children and adolescents in 5 province-level regions in China to study the incidence and demographic information of SCT in the Chinese population. Subsequently, the study investigated the comorbidity of ADHD and SCT, and conducted three logistic regressions on the LE and PRB scores to predict whether participants develop symptoms of ADHD or SCT, or neither symptom. 6658 participants were allocated into the SCT group, and the weighted point prevalence of SCT was 9.78%. 36.34% of participants with ADHD (n = 676) were found to demonstrate SCT symptoms, whereas no statistically significant difference was observed in its comorbidity to the three ADHD subtypes (χ2 = 1.668, p > 0.05, Δ = 2). The regression results on the presence or absence of ADHD revealed paternal excessive-interference and rejection, and maternal favoring were associated with ADHD diagnosis, whereas paternal punishment and favoring and maternal emotional warmth was related to the absence of ADHD symptoms. Academic stress and maternal excessive-interference were associated with SCT symptoms, and maternal emotional warmth associated with SCT absence. Concerning the presence of ADHD-only or SCT-only symptoms, LE adaptation was found to relate to SCT-only symptoms, while PRB paternal rejection and maternal favoring were associated with ADHD-only symptoms. While evidencing the high prevalence of SCT in China, our findings supported that although ADHD and SCT were highly comorbid, they may be considered two independent disorders with different risk factors. Specifically, participants with SCT symptoms are more vulnerable to stress from LE and tend to face more maladjustment than ADHD and normally-developing participants, and maternal rearing behaviours are the key factors to SCT symptoms. SCT brings global challenges in its diagnosis and treatment, and the challenge is more severe in a mentally stressful environment. Therefore, stress management and SCT etiology studies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbes are intimately tied to the occurrence of various diseases that cause serious hazards to human health, and play an essential role in drug discovery, clinical application, and drug quality control. In this manuscript, we put forward a novel prediction model named MDASAE based on a stacked autoencoder (SAE) with multi-head attention mechanism to infer potential microbe-drug associations. In MDASAE, we first constructed three kinds of microbe-related and drug-related similarity matrices based on known microbe-disease-drug associations respectively. And then, we fed two kinds of microbe-related and drug-related similarity matrices respectively into the SAE to learn node attribute features, and introduced a multi-head attention mechanism into the output layer of the SAE to enhance feature extraction. Thereafter, we further adopted the remaining microbe and drug similarity matrices to derive inter-node features by using the Restart Random Walk algorithm. After that, the node attribute features and inter-node features of microbes and drugs would be fused together to predict scores of possible associations between microbes and drugs. Finally, intensive comparison experiments and case studies based on different well-known public databases under 5-fold cross-validation and 10-fold cross-validation respectively, proved that MDASAE can effectively predict the potential microbe-drug associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the picking efficiency of warehouses, shorten the time cost and promote the development of the logistics industry, this study analyzes the routing strategies in fishbone layout warehouses under the class-based storage strategy. The fishbone layout was divided into three storage areas for class A, class B, and class C items according to the proportion using the straight line, to meet the classification requirements of items. Under the class-based storage strategy, to evaluate the performance of the return routing strategy and the S-shape routing strategy, the stochastic models of the expected walking distance of the two routing strategies in the fishbone layout warehouse are established by calculating the sum of the expected walking distances in diagonal cross-aisles and picking aisles. Finally, the stochastic models of the two routing strategies are simulated and verified, and the impacts of the two routing strategies on walking distances are analyzed by comparing the expected distances under different ordering frequencies and space allocation strategies. The numerical results show that the return routing strategy has an advantage over the S-shape routing strategy when determining the relevant parameters of the fishbone layout and picking orders. Meanwhile, it also provides a theoretical basis for research on stochastic models of routing strategies in fishbone layout warehouses under the class-based storage strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is to investigate whether astaxanthin could alleviate the oxidative stress damages of follicles induced by BPA and improve the development of the cultured follicles and oocytes. Compared with BPA group, the survival rate, antrum formation rate, oocyte maturation rate and adherence area of the D8 and D10 follicles of the BPA+Asta group were significantly higher. The estrogen and progesterone in the culture medium of BPA+Asta group were significantly higher. PCNA in D8 and D10 granulosa cells and ERα in D10 granulosa cells of follicles in BPA+Asta group were significantly higher. The levels of malondialdehyde in the follicle culture medium, levels of ROS in the oocytes, the expression levels of caspase 3 and cathepsin B in the oocytes of the BPA+Asta group were significantly lower. However, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and the expression levels of antioxidant genes (CAT, SOD1 and SOD2) and anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 in the oocytes in the BPA+Asta group were significantly higher. Astaxanthin improves the development of follicles and oocytes through increasing the antioxidant capacity of follicles and oocytes, and relieving the BPA-induced oxidative stress during follicular development and oocyte maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop growth monitoring and yield estimate information can be obtained via appropriate metrics such as the leaf area index (LAI) and biomass. Such information is crucial for guiding agricultural production, ensuring food security, and maintaining sustainable agricultural development. Traditional methods of field measurement and monitoring typically have low efficiency and can only give limited untimely information. Alternatively, methods based on remote sensing technologies are fast, objective, and nondestructive. Indeed, remote sensing data assimilation and crop growth modeling represent an important trend in crop growth monitoring and yield estimation. In this study, we assimilate the leaf area index retrieved from Sentinel-2 remote sensing data for crop growth model of the simple algorithm for yield estimation (SAFY) in wheat. The SP-UCI optimization algorithm is used for fine-tuning for several SAFY parameters, namely the emergence date (D0), the effective light energy utilization rate (ELUE), and the senescence temperature threshold (STT) which is indicative of biological aging. These three sensitive parameters are set in order to attain the global minimum of an error function between the SAFY model predicted values and the LAI inversion values. This assimilation of remote sensing data into the crop growth model facilitates the LAI, biomass, and yield estimation. The estimation results were validated using data collected from 48 experimental plots during 2014 and 2015. For the 2014 data, the results showed coefficients of determination (R2) of the LAI, biomass and yield of 0.73, 0.83 and 0.49, respectively, with corresponding root-mean-squared error (RMSE) values of 0.72, 1.13 t/ha and 1.14 t/ha, respectively. For the 2015 data, the estimated R2 values of the LAI, biomass, and yield were 0.700, 0.85, and 0.61, respectively, with respective RMSE values of 0.83, 1.22 t/ha, and 1.39 t/ha, respectively. The estimated values were found to be in good agreement with the measured ones. This shows high applicability of the proposed data assimilation scheme in crop monitoring and yield estimation. As well, this scheme provides a reference for the assimilation of remote sensing data into crop growth models for regional crop monitoring and yield estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total testosterone levels decline with age, while prostate volume and the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia increase with age. We sought to investigate the correlation of serum testosterone levels with prostate volume in aging men. We analyzed clinical data obtained from 416 ostensibly healthy men who underwent routine health check-ups and recruited and collected data from these subjects 4 years later. We analyzed the correlation between prostate volume and relevant factors, as well as the correlation between changes in prostate volume and low testosterone over a 4-year period. Men with low testosterone had significantly larger prostate volume than those in the normal testosterone group (26.86 ± 8.75 vs. 24.06 ± 6.77 P = 0.02), and subjects with low testosterone had significantly higher levels of obesity-related factors, including waist circumference, body mass index, and insulin (all P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, testosterone level was negatively correlated with prostate volume (P = 0.004), and prostate volume and 4-year changes in prostate volume were associated with low testosterone. With increased testosterone level, prostate volume showed a significant linear decreasing trend. These findings provide evidence of the relationship between testosterone and prostate volume. Additional large studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In gut, Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) probably exerts its probiotic activities by the positive modulation of mucus thickness and gut barrier integrity. However, the potential mechanisms between A. muciniphila and mucin balance have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we cultured the bacterium in a BHI medium containing 0% to 0.5% mucin, and transcriptome and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses were performed. We found that 0.5% (m/v) mucin in a BHI medium induced 1191 microbial genes to be differentially expressed, and 49 metabolites to be changed. The metabolites of sorbose, mannose, 2,7-anhydro-β-sedoheptulose, fructose, phenylalanine, threonine, lysine, ornithine, asparagine, alanine and glutamic acid were decreased by 0.5% mucin, while the metabolites of leucine, valine and N-acetylneuraminic acid were increased. The association analysis between transcriptome and metabolome revealed that A. muciniphila gave strong responses to energy metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and galactose metabolism pathways to adapt to high mucin in the medium. This finding showed that only when mucin reached a certain concentration in a BHI medium, A. muciniphila could respond to the culture environment significantly at the level of genes and metabolites, and changed its metabolic characteristics by altering the effect on carbohydrates and amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD1d-dependent type I NKT cells, which are activated by lipid antigen, are known to play important roles in innate and adaptive immunity, as are a portion of type II NKT cells. However, the heterogeneity of NKT cells, especially NKT-like cells, remains largely unknown. Here, we report the profiling of NKT (NK1.1+CD3e+) cells in livers from wild type (WT), Jα18-deficient and CD1d-deficient mice by single-cell RNA sequencing. Unbiased transcriptional clustering revealed distinct cell subsets. The transcriptomic profiles identified the well-known CD1d-dependent NKT cells and defined two CD1d-independent NKT cell subsets. In addition, validation of marker genes revealed the differential organ distribution and landscape of NKT cell subsets during liver tumor progression. More importantly, we found that CD1d-independent Sca-1−CD62L+ NKT cells showed a strong ability to secrete IFN-γ after costimulation with IL-2, IL-12 and IL-18 in vitro. Collectively, our findings provide a comprehensive characterization of NKT cell heterogeneity and unveil a previously undefined functional NKT cell subset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the Taklimakan Desert land surface emissivity measured by portable Fourier Transform thermal InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to re-estimate Global LAnd Surface Satellite (GLASS) BroadBand Emissivity (BBE) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) BBE optimal coefficients equations. In addition, the revised BBE equations of both GLASS and MODIS with the optimized coefficients were obtained. Comparing the FTIR and MODIS BBE data with the values retrieved before and after the revised GLASS BBE equation, it was found that the revised GLASS BBE equation is more accurate than the original one. First, according to the error analysis with FTIR data, the value of R2 is increased from 0.4 to 0.9, and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Bias are reduced by 1 and 3 magnitude orders, respectively. Second, with MODIS BBE data, the value of R2 is increased from 0.6 to 0.9, the RMSE and Bias are reduced by 1 and 2 magnitude orders, respectively. Finally, the Taklimakan Desert BBE was calculated using the revised GLASS BBE equation. The results showed that the BBE values are between 0.890 and 0.920 in the desert center, between 0.920 and 0.950 in the sparse vegetation areas, and between 0.950 and 0.980 in the oasis edges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hun, Avar and conquering Hungarian nomadic groups arrived to the Carpathian Basin from the Eurasian Steppes and significantly influenced its political and ethnical landscape, however their origin remains largely unknown. In order to shed light on the genetic affinity of above groups we have determined Y chromosomal haplogroups and autosomal loci, suitable to predict biogeographic ancestry, from 49 individuals, supposed to represent the power/military elit. Haplogroups from the Hun-age are consistent with Xiongnu ancestry of European Huns. Most of the Avar-age individuals carry east Eurasian Y haplogroups typical for modern north-eastern Siberian and Buryat populations and their autosomal loci indicate mostly un-admixed Asian characteristics. In contrast the conquering Hungarians seem to be a recently assembled population incorporating un-admixed European, Asian as well as admixed components. Their heterogeneous paternal and maternal lineages indicate similar supposed phylogeographic origin of males and females, derived from Central-Inner Asian and European Pontic Steppe sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this work was to investigate the molecular profiles and metastasis markers in Chinese patients with gastric carcinoma (GC). In total, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on 74 GC patients with tumor and adjacent normal formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. The mutation spectrum of these samples showed a high concordance with TCGA and other studies on GC. PTPRT is significantly associated with metastasis of GC, suggesting its predictive role in metastasis of GC. Patients carrying BRCA2 mutations tend not to metastasize, which may be related to their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Mutations in MACF1, CDC27, HMCN1, CDH1 and PDZD2 were moderately enriched in peritoneal metastasis (PM) samples. Furthermore, we found two genomic regions (1p36.21 and Xq26.3) were associated with PM of GC, and patients with amplification of 1p36.21 and Xq26.3 have a worse prognosis (P = 0.002, 0.01, respectively). Our analysis provides GC patients with potential markers for single and combination therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide/polyamidoamine dendrimers (GO/PAMAMs) composites were used to remove Cr(VI) from simulated effluents, the adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics of Cr(VI) onto GO/PAMAMs were systematically investigated. The results showed that the optimum pH value was 2.5, the removal percentage reached 90.7% for 30 mg/L of Cr(VI) within 120 min. The adsorption process was well described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacities of Cr(VI) onto GO/PAMAMs were found to be 131.58, 183.82 and 211.42 mg/g at 293.15, 303.15 and 313.15 K, respectively, which were calculated from the Langmuir model equation. The adsorption thermodynamic parameters indicate that the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto GO/PAMAMs is a spontaneous endothermic process. The XPS analysis reveals the adsorption and removal mechanism of Cr(VI) on GO/PAMAMs that first the Cr(VI) binds to the protonated amine of GO/PAMAMs, then Cr(VI) be reduced to Cr(III) with the assistance of π-electrons on the carbocyclic six-membered ring of GO in GO/PAMAMs, and then Cr(III) was released into solution under the electrostatic repulsion between the Cr(III) and the protonated amine groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naphthalene has been widely used to study the role of soil fauna, but its potential non-target effects on soil enzyme activity remain unknown in subalpine forests. We added naphthalene for two years and determined the effect of such additions on the abundance of soil fauna and soil enzyme activities (β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, invertase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, leucine arylamidase, urease, nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase) in a subalpine forest. Naphthalene could efficiently suppress the individual density and population of soil fauna in situ. The individual density and number of groups were decreased by 72.6-84.8% and 15.0-28.0%, respectively. Naphthalene significantly affected the activities of β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, polyphenol oxidase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, leucine arylamidase and nitrite reductase and the activity increased in the first litter peak of naphthalene addition, and decreased at the later. The activities of β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, leucine arylamidase and nitrite reductase showed a negative correlation with the soil microbial PLFAs. Conversely, the activities of invertase, urease and nitrate reductase were positively correlated with the soil microbial PLFAs. Our results suggest that naphthalene is an effective method to reduce soil fauna in subalpine forest. The enzyme activity was influenced by soil fauna and microbial PLFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural characteristics of the outer retinal layers in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) are still controversial, and these changes, along with those in the inner retinal layers, could have clinical and/or pathophysiological significance. A custom-built ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) combined with an automated segmentation algorithm can image and measure the eight intra-retinal layers. The purpose of this study is to determine the thickness characteristics of the macular intra-retinal layers, especially the outer layers, in POAG patients. Thirty-four POAG patients (56 eyes) and 33 normal subjects (63 eyes) were enrolled. Thickness profiles of the eight intra-retinal layers along a 6-mm length centred on the fovea at the horizontal and vertical meridians were obtained and the regional thicknesses were compared between two groups. The associations between the thicknesses of each intra-retinal layer and the macular visual field (VF) sensitivity were then analysed. POAG affected not only the inner retinal layers but also the photoreceptor layers and retinal pigment epithelium of the outer retina. However, the VF loss was correlated mainly with the damage of the inner retinal layers. UHR-OCT with automated algorithm is a useful tool in detecting microstructural changes of macula with respect to the progression of glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]