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The study investigated Chinese secondary school teachers' views on ethicality of teachers' practices in classroom assessment. Participants included 1,871 teachers from 205 secondary schools in 23 provinces, 4 municipalities, and 4 autonomous regions in China. A survey study with 14 authentic assessment scenarios revealed that there is no evident consensus on ethicality of teachers' practices in classroom assessment among the participant teachers, and discrepancies exist between teachers' views and the views of assessment professionals in the literature. Chinese secondary school teachers reported low agreement with the literature in assessment confidentiality, communication about grading, grading practice, and test administration. Gender and subject taught are significantly associated with teachers' ethical perceptions. The findings suggest that ethical issues in classroom assessment are complicated, and they are often interwoven with other factors including cultural background, educational policy, and institutional guidelines in assessments. The study findings are informative for the development of secondary school teacher education program, teachers' professional learning, and educational policy making.

One of the major challenges in the aquaculture of marine organisms is the susceptibility to pathogens. Immune cells defend bacterial invasion by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in Gram-negative bacteria. The white body are key organs for immune response and hematopoiesis, and play an important role in understanding the antimicrobial biological response in gold-ringed octopus (Amphioctopus fangsiao). In the present research, transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were conducted on A. fangsiao white body tissue after 6 h and 24 h of LPS stimulation. The results showed 2,029 and 73 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the 6- and 24-hour time points, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were beneficial in determining immune-related terms and signaling pathways. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and 20 hub genes, such as AKT3, MAPK14, and PIK3CA, were identified. These genes are involved in a variety of signaling pathways, including the Hippo signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, and leukocyte trans endothelial migration. Using qRT-PCR, the accuracy of the 20 hub genes was verified. The present study provides a substantial theoretical foundation for the research on A. fangsiao white body immunity, enhancing the current understanding of cephalopods' innate immunity.

Soil microbial communities play a critical role in soil fertility and crop productivity. The present study investigated the impact of long-term chemical fertilization on microbial communities, rice productivity, and fertility of Quaternary red soil. A long-term experiment was conducted from 1984 to 2018 with the following treatments: unbalanced nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) fertilization (NP, NK, and PK) and balanced inorganic fertilization (NPK) and non-fertilization (CK) as control. The results indicate that alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen (AhN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) were higher with the application of NPK fertilizers than in the initial stage of the experiment. The crop yield of fertilizer groups was also higher than that of CK, and the maximum yield was observed in the NPK group. The relative abundance of dominant bacteria, such as Acidobacteriaceae and Proteobacteria, was significantly different among different fertilizer treatments. Different fertilization strategies also had significant effects on soil fungi. For instance, Mortierella had a positive correlation with the soil N content, and Arnium showed a negative correlation with the balanced fertilization of N and P. Therefore, long-term balanced inorganic fertilization can effectively improve rice productivity and fertility of Quaternary red soil.

Sepia esculenta is a tasty and nutritious cephalopod. But the trend toward global warming is accelerating with massive emissions of greenhouse gases. An increase in seawater temperature and a decrease in pH are a great challenge for artificial breeding and culture of S. esculenta. In this study, we investigated the contingency mechanism of S. esculenta larvae under both high temperature and low pH conditions by transcriptome analysis. A total of 1235 DEGs were identified. functional enrichment analysis results suggest that high temperature and low pH conditions led to malignant proliferation in exceptional cells of S. esculenta larvae. A comprehensive analysis of the KEGG signaling pathway and protein-protein interaction network (PPI) identified sixteen key genes under both high temperature and low pH conditions. The three genes with the highest quantities of interactions or involved in more KEGG signaling pathways were identified as hub genes affecting normal physiological processes in S. esculenta. In this study, the effects of global warming and ocean acidification on the metabolism and immunity of S. esculenta larvae were preliminarily investigated to provide necessary help for S. esculenta captive breeding in the face of global climate change.

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive–endocrine disorder with wide-ranging metabolic implications, including obesity. RNA editing, a post-transcriptional modification, can fine-tune protein function and introduce heterogeneity. However, the role of RNA editing and its impact on adipose tissue function in PCOS remain poorly understood.MethodsThis study aimed to comprehensively analyze RNA-editing events in abdominal and subcutaneous adipose tissue of PCOS patients and healthy controls using high-throughput whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing.ResultsOur results revealed that PCOS patients exhibited more RNA-editing sites, with adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing being prevalent. The expression of ADAR genes, responsible for A-to-I editing, was also higher in PCOS. Aberrant RNA-editing sites in PCOS adipose tissue was enriched in immune responses, and interleukin-12 biosynthetic process. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, Notch signaling, terminal uridylyl transferase 4 (TUT4), hook microtubule tethering protein 3 (HOOK3), and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) were identified to be of significant differences. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCOS adipose tissue were enriched in immune responses compared with controls, and the DEGs between subcutaneous and abdominal adipose tissue were also enriched in immune responses suggesting the important role of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Furthermore, we identified the correlations between RNA editing levels and RNA expression levels of specific genes, such as ataxia–telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) in inflammation pathways and ATM, TUT4, and YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein C2 (YTHDC2) in oocyte development pathway.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that RNA-editing dysregulation in PCOS adipose tissue may contribute to inflammatory dysregulations. Understanding the interplay between RNA editing and adipose tissue function may unveil potential therapeutic targets for PCOS management. However, further research and validation are required to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations.

Pathogenic infections significantly limit the culture of marine organisms, such as cephalopods. However, there is a lack of immune information regarding cephalopods to address pathogen problems. Polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (Poly I:C), a synthetic virus-like molecule, can be recognized by the immune cells as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and this process is often used to simulate the invasion of viruses. The white body is an immune and hematopoietic organ, and its RNA-seq information obtained from Amphioctopus fangsiao stimulated by Poly I:C is essential for understanding the antiviral immune response in this species. In this research, we performed transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of A. fangsiao white body tissue within 24 h stimulated by Poly I:C. A large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in this study, including 2,613 and 8 DEGs at 6 h and 24 h, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were used for searching immune-related terms and genes. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify the relationship between immune genes. Finally, the 20 hub genes including RAC1, MAPK14, PIK3CA and other seventeen hub genes were identified based on the network and pathway analyses, and we validated the accuracy of 20 hub genes using qRT-PCR. These hub genes mainly participated in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Chemokine signaling pathway and other signaling pathways, in addition to the ubiquitin family. These research results provided a valuable theoretical basis for researching A. fangsiao white body immunity and significantly improved our cognition about innate immunity of cephalopods.

Nanoplastics (NPs, < 1 μm) have attracted widespread attention due to their potential threats to organisms, ecosystem, and public health. However, there is limited research on the effects of NPs on cephalopods. Sepia esculenta (Mollusks, Cephalopoda, Sepioidea), an economically major species of Sepiidea family in the world, is well received by consumers for its delicious quality and rich nutrition. In the present study, S. esculenta larvae were treated with polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) at 50 μg/mL for 4 h, and then physiological biomarkers (SOD, GSTs and MDA) and RNA-Seq in the whole body were performed. Research results suggested that PS-NPs exposure had induced oxidative stress of S. esculenta larvae. In addition, several key genes and signaling pathways related to oxidative stress were obtained based on DEGs, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, as well as PPI construction analysis of transcriptome data. This study enriches the research on the effects of NPs exposure on different organisms and provides insights and references for revealing the mechanisms of oxidative stress caused at the molecular level.

Abstract Przevalski’s partridge (Alectoris magna) is one of the birds in the genus Alectoris endemic to China. The distribution of A. magna was narrow, and it was only found in parts of the Qinghai, Gansu, and Ningxia provinces. A. magna was considered a monotypic species until it was distinguished into two subspecies. However, external morphological characteristics, rather than genetic differences or evolutionary relationships, are now commonly used as evidence of subspecies differentiation. In this study, a chromosome-level reference genome of A. magna has been constructed by combining Illumina, PacBio and Hi-C sequencing data. The 1135.01 Mb A. magna genome was ultimately assembled. The genome showed 96.9% completeness (BUSCO), with a contig N50 length of 23.34 Mb. The contigs were clustered and oriented on 20 chromosomes, covering approximately 99.96% of the genome assembly. Additionally, altogether 19,103 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 95.10% were functionally annotated. This high-quality genome assembly could serve as a valuable genomic resource for future research on the functional genomics, genetic protection, and interspecific hybridization of A. magna.

Abstract Background There are limited data about the clinical benefits and harm of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) complicated with anemia or thrombocytopenia. Methods This is a multi-center retrospective cohort study involving 5469 AF patients from 15 hospitals in China. Patients were divided into three groups according to hemoglobin and platelet levels: Group 1 (hemoglobin male ≥ 130 g/L; female ≥ 120 g/L and platelet ≥ 100 × 109/L), Group 2 (hemoglobin male

Abstract Forest soils are important components of forest ecosystems, and soil quality assessment as a decision-making tool to understand forest soil quality and maintain soil productivity is essential. Various methods of soil quality assessment have been developed, which have occasionally generated inconsistent assessment results between soil types. We assessed the soil quality of five communities (herb, shrub, Quercus acutissima, Pinus thunbergii, and Q. acutissima–P. thunbergii mixed plantation) using two common methods of dry and barren mountains in the Yimeng Mountain area, China. Sixteen soil physical, chemical and biological properties were analysed. The soil quality index was determined using the established minimum data set based on the selection results of principal component analysis and Pearson analysis. Silt, soil total phosphorus (P), soil total nitrogen (N), L-leucine aminopeptidase, acid phosphatase and vector length were identified as the most representative indicators for the minimum data set. Linear regression analysis showed that the minimum data set can adequately represent the total data set to quantify the impact of different communities on soil quality (P

Soil health is a critical factor in sustainable agriculture, particularly in fruit production, where fertilization strategies play a vital role in maintaining the soil quality and enhancing fruit production and quality. This study investigates the effects of different fertilization strategies on soil bacterial communities and honey pomelo (Citrus maxima) properties in Ji’an City, Jiangxi Province, China. Three fertilization treatments were compared: conventional fertilization (CF: botanical organic plus chemical compound fertilizers), organic material fermented fertilization (OF: organic material including duck manure fermented fertilizer plus chemical compound fertilizer), and a special honey pomelo fertilizer (SF: organic material fermented fertilizer only during the whole honey pomelo growing season). Soil samples were collected at two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) from nine plots (three treatments × three replicates) and analyzed for their soil properties, bacterial community diversity and composition, and fruit characteristics. The results indicate that the OF and SF significantly improved the soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and nutrient availability compared to the CF. Additionally, the OF and SF treatments led to a 13.6% and 16.6% increase in fruit weight, respectively, and higher bacterial diversity, although no significant differences were observed in fruit quality parameters such as vitamin C, soluble sugar, and titratable acid. Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi were the dominant bacterial phyla. The soil bacterial composition structures were significantly different among the different fertilization strategies, and were well explained by soil properties such as the pH, SOM, total phosphorus, and available nutrients. Our study suggests that applying fermented organic fertilizers which use duck manure as part of the raw materials, either alone or in combination with chemical compound fertilizers, increases honey pomelo fruit production and improves soil health, contributing to the sustainable development of orchards.

Neural stem cells (NSCs) play crucial roles in neurological disorders and tissue injury repair through exerting paracrine effects. However, the effects of NSC‐derived factors on glioma progression remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of human NSC‐conditioned medium (NSC‐CM) on the behaviour of glioma cells using an in vitro co‐culture system. Cell counting kit‐8 and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assays revealed that NSC‐CM inhibited glioma cell proliferation and growth in a fetal bovine serum (FBS)‐independent manner. In addition, our wound‐healing assay demonstrated that NSC‐CM repressed glioma cell migration, while results from transwell and 3D spheroid invasion assays indicated that NSC‐CM also reduced the invasion capacity of glioma cells. Flow cytometry showed that NSC‐CM prevented cell cycle progression from the G1 to S phase and promoted apoptosis. Western blotting was used to show that the expression of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway‐related proteins, including β‐catenin, c‐Myc, cyclin D1, CD44 and Met, was remarkably decreased in NSC‐CM‐treated glioma cells. Furthermore, the addition of a Wnt/β‐catenin pathway activator, CHIR99021, significantly induced the expression of β‐catenin and Met and increased the proliferative and invasive capabilities of control medium‐treated glioma cells but not those of NSC‐CM‐treated glioma cells. The use of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) revealed the secretion of some antitumour factors in human and rat NSCs, including interferon‐α and dickkopf‐1. Our data suggest that NSC‐CM partially inhibits glioma cell progression by downregulating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. This study may serve as a basis for developing future antiglioma therapies based on NSC derivatives.

Abstract Background Cadmium (Cd) flows into the ocean with industrial and agricultural pollution and significantly affects the growth and development of economic cephalopods such as Sepia esculenta, Amphioctopus fangsiao, and Loligo japonica. As of now, the reasons why Cd affects the growth and development of S. esculenta are not yet clear. Results In this study, transcriptome and four oxidation and toxicity indicators are used to analyze the toxicological mechanism of Cd-exposed S. esculenta larvae. Indicator results indicate that Cd induces oxidative stress and metal toxicity. Functional enrichment analysis results suggest that larval ion transport, cell adhesion, and some digestion and absorption processes are inhibited, and the cell function is damaged. Comprehensive analysis of protein-protein interaction network and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was used to explore S. esculenta larval toxicological mechanisms, and we find that among the 20 identified key genes, 14 genes are associated with neurotoxicity. Most of them are down-regulated and enriched to the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway, suggesting that larval nervous system might be destroyed, and the growth, development, and movement process are significantly affected after Cd exposure. Conclusions S. esculenta larvae suffered severe oxidative damage after Cd exposure, which may inhibit digestion and absorption functions, and disrupt the stability of the nervous system. Our results lay a function for understanding larval toxicological mechanisms exposed to heavy metals, promoting the development of invertebrate environmental toxicology, and providing theoretical support for S. esculenta artificial culture.

PurposeTo compare the effects of recombinant FSH alfa (rFSH-alfa), rFSH-beta, highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (HP-hMG) and urinary FSH (uFSH) in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome who have undertaken the GnRH antagonist protocol during IVF/ICSI treatment.MethodA single-center retrospective cohort study including women with PCOS who received the GnRH antagonist protocol from January 2019 to July 2022 was conducted. Patients were divided into rFSH-alfa group, HP-hMG group, uFSH group, and rFSH-beta group, and the number of oocytes retrieved, clinical pregnancy rate of the fresh cycle (primary outcomes), embryo quality, and severe OHSS rate (secondary outcomes) were compared.ResultsNo statistical differences were found among the four groups in fresh cycle clinical pregnancy rate (p=0.426), nor in the subgroup analyses. The HP-hMG group had a smaller number of oocytes retrieved and a higher high-quality D3 embryo rate than the three FSH groups (p

In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Lepidozona coreanica was sequenced and described. The complete mitogenome sequence of L. coreanica is 16,572 bp long and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The base composition was AT biased (70.1%). The 13 PCGs of L. coreanica and the other 15 species of Polyplacophora were used for phylogenetic analysis using maximum-likelihood methods. The results showed that L. coreanica, Ischnochiton hakodadensis, and Chaetopleura apiculata are sister groups of the three lineages.

Abstract Background Based on the few available studies on the prognostic benefit of using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic differences between patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and those without RFA taking DOACs. Methods This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study enrolling 6137 patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF) at 15 hospitals in China. Patient information was collected through a mean follow-up of 10 months and medical record queries. Clinical outcomes included major bleeding, total bleeding, thrombosis, all-cause death, and a composite endpoint of bleeding, thrombosis, and all-cause death. Results After adjusting for confounders and propensity score matching (PSM), patients with RFA of NVAF had a significantly lower risk of major bleeding [OR 0.278 (95% CI, 0.150-0.515), P

The long-term use of chemical fertilizers poses a serious threat to crop productivity and soil quality. Organic fertilizers are used to improve the soil fertility and crop productivity. The application of organic fertilizers improves soil health and plant growth by improving the soil organic matter (SOM), soil structure, aggregate stability, nutrient uptake, water-holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, nutrient use efficiency and microbial activities of soil. The intensity of abiotic stress is continuously increasing, which is a serious threat to crop productivity and global food security. However, organic fertilizers have been reported to improve tolerance against drought, salinity, heat and heavy metal (HM) stresses. The application of organic fertilizer improves the leaf water status, nutrient uptake, nutrient homeostasis, synthesis of chlorophyll, osmolytes, hormones, secondary metabolites, antioxidant activities and gene expression, resulting in improved tolerance against drought, salinity, heat, and heavy metals. In the present review, we have discussed the ability of organic fertilizers to improve soil fertility, crop yield, and the nutrient use efficiency. We have also presented the various mechanisms through which organic fertilizers improve tolerance against drought, salinity, heat, and heavy metals. Therefore, this review will put forth new directions for researchers working on the use of organic materials to improve soil fertility, crop productivity and tolerance against abiotic stresses.

Nanoplastics (NPs), as a new type of pollutant with a size small than 1 μm, are ubiquitous and harmful to organisms. There has been an increasing amount of research concerning the effects of NPs on organisms over recent years, especially on aquatic animals. However, there is a limited study on the impact of NPs on mollusk cephalopods. In this research, Sepia esculenta, belonging to Cephalopoda, Coleoidea, Sepioidea, was selected to explore the effects caused by NPs exposure. The S. esculenta larvae were exposed to polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) with diameter 50 nm (100 mg/L) for 4 h. The detection of oxidative stress biomarkers displayed an obvious increase in SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity and MDA (malondialdehyde) level. Then, RNA-Seq was performed to explore the oxidative stress response at mRNA level. The transcriptome analysis demonstrated that the expression of 2,570 genes was affected by PS-NPs. Besides, the signaling pathways of ribosome, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, proteasome, and MAPK were enriched. This study not only provides novel references for understanding the mechanisms of oxidative stress response induced by NPs, but also reminds us to follow with interest the influence of acute exposure to NPs.

Sepia esculenta is a cephalopod widely distributed in the Western Pacific Ocean, and there has been growing research interest due to its high economic and nutritional value. The limited anti-stress capacity of larvae renders challenges for their adaptation to high ambient temperatures. Exposure to high temperatures produces intense stress responses, thereby affecting survival, metabolism, immunity, and other life activities. Notably, the molecular mechanisms by which larval cuttlefish cope with high temperatures are not well understood. As such, in the present study, transcriptome sequencing of S. esculenta larvae was performed and 1,927 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. DEGs were subjected to functional enrichment analyses using the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. The top 20 terms of biological processes in GO and 20 high-temperature stress-related pathways in KEGG functional enrichment analysis were identified. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to investigate the interaction between temperature stress-related genes. A total of 30 key genes with a high degree of participation in KEGG signaling pathways or protein-protein interactions were identified and subsequently validated using quantitative RT-PCR. Through a comprehensive analysis of the protein-protein interaction network and KEGG signaling pathway, the functions of three hub genes (HSP90AA1, PSMD6, and PSMA5), which belong to the heat shock protein family and proteasome, were explored. The present results can facilitate further understanding of the mechanism of high temperature resistance in invertebrates and provide a reference for the S. esculenta industry in the context of global warming.

BackgroundTourette syndrome (TS) is associated with immunological dysfunction. The DA system is closely related to TS development, or behavioral stereotypes. Previous evidence suggested that hyper-M1-polarized microglia may exist in the brains of TS individuals. However, the role of microglia in TS and their interaction with dopaminergic neurons is unclear. In this study, we applied iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) to establish a TS model and focused on the inflammatory injury in the striatal microglia-dopaminergic-neuron crosstalk.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with IDPN for seven consecutive days. Stereotypic behavior was observed to verify the TS model. Striatal microglia activation was evaluated based on different markers and expressions of inflammatory factors. The striatal dopaminergic neurons were purified and co-cultured with different microglia groups, and dopamine-associated markers were assessed.ResultsFirst, there was pathological damage to striatal dopaminergic neurons in TS rats, as indicated by decreased expression of TH, DAT, and PITX3. Next, the TS group showed a trend of increased Iba-1 positive cells and elevated levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6, as well as an enhanced M1-polarization marker (iNOS) and an attenuated M2-polarization marker (Arg-1). Finally, in the co-culture experiment, IL-4-treated microglia could upregulate the expression of TH, DAT, and PITX3 in striatal dopaminergic neurons vs LPS-treated microglia. Similarly, the TS group (microglia from TS rats) caused a decreased expression of TH, DAT, and PITX3 compared with the Sham group (microglia from control rats) in the dopaminergic neurons.ConclusionIn the striatum of TS rats, microglia activation is M1 hyperpolarized, which transmits inflammatory injury to striatal dopaminergic neurons and disrupts normal dopamine signaling.

Sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, an important marine benthic animal, is particularly sensitive to environmental temperature stress, which affected the growth, metabolism, and reproduction even survival. In this study, we used whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to perform a comprehensive comparative analysis of the DNA methylation profiles of A. japonicus at three temperatures: normal (20 °C), aestivation (26 °C), and lethal (32 °C). The results showed that the total methylation level was highest in group T26 and lowest in group T32. Most of the DNA methylation occurred on the C bases of the CG type, and the degree of DNA methylation on the CG-type C bases was 13.32–14.99%, reflecting a moderate level of DNA methylation. Comparison of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the CG sequence context, we identified 17,174 DMRs in group T26_vs_T20 and 16,216 DMRs in group T32_vs_T26. There were more hypermethylated regions than hypomethylated regions, and this difference was more obvious in group T32_vs_T26. DMRs analysis of the promoter regions and the gene body regions identified more DMR-related genes in the gene body region than in the promoter region in both comparison groups (T26_vs_T20 and T32_vs_T26). GO and KEGG analysis showed that pathways such as protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, and endocytosis, etc., were highly enriched in the DMR-related genes in the comparison groups. Some of these pathways that were significantly enriched in the hypermethylated genes in group T26_vs_T20 but were enriched in the hypomethylated genes in group T32_vs_T26. Enrichment analysis of genes both differentially methylated and differentially expressed showed that downregulated genes in group T32_vs_T26 that were also hypomethylated in the gene body region were significantly enriched in the metabolic and the antioxidant-related glutathione metabolism pathway. Our results suggested that DNA methylation develop a lot of variation in the regulation of the response of A. japonicus to two levels of heat stress: at aestivation temperature and at lethal temperature, and there are many differences between the two. The results of this study provide important insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the response of A. japonicus to the pressure of environmental temperature.

Sperm storage is an important reproductive strategy in Amphioctopus fangsiao. Sperm can be stored in the oviducal glands up to eight months before fertilization. However, studies on the underlying storage mechanisms remain limited. In this study, the morphological structures of the oviductal glands and the changes adapted for sperm storage and fertilization were investigated by Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Alcian blue periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. Results revealed that the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio of the peripheral gland cells decreased and the eosinophilic secretory granules (glycoproteins) appeared in the cytoplasm and lumen during sperm storage. The cytoplasm of the central gland appeared vacuolated and AB pH 2.5 (+) secretions (acid mucins) were dispersed in the cells. These secretions may pass through the central cavity into the oviducts and be involved in zygote packaging. The spermathecae are composed of columnar epithelial ciliated cells with secretory functions. PAS (+) glycoproteins were found in the lumen, providing a microenvironment conducive to sperm survival. Cilia in the oviducts, central cavity, and spermathecae may help with sperm delivery, storage, and release, and egg transport. This study enhances our understanding of the biological reproduction process in A. fangsiao.

Abstract Background To evaluate the efficacy and safety of HLX01, a rituximab biosimilar, as combination therapy with methotrexate in Chinese patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who had inadequate responses to methotrexate. Methods In this double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial, biologic-naïve patients with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis and inadequate responses to methotrexate were randomized 2:1 to receive 1000 mg HLX01 or placebo intravenously on days 1 and 15. On the first day of weeks 24 and 26, patients in both groups received 1000 mg HLX01 via intravenous infusion. The primary endpoint was the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response rate at week 24. Secondary endpoints including efficacy, safety, immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were assessed up to week 48. Results Between 28 May 2018 and 11 September 2020, 275 patients were randomized to the HLX01 group (n = 183) or the placebo group (n = 92). At week 24, the proportion of patients achieving ACR20 response was significantly greater in the HLX01 group compared with the placebo group in the intention-to-treat population (60.7% vs 35.9%; P < 0.001) and per-protocol set (60.3% vs 37.1%; P < 0.001). Most secondary efficacy endpoints favoured HLX01 when assessed at weeks 12, 24, 36 and 48. Incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between groups. Infusion-related reactions occurred more frequently following the initial two doses of HLX01 than the subsequent doses. Conclusions HLX01 plus methotrexate improved clinical outcomes compared with placebo in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had inadequate responses to methotrexate. This treatment regimen was well tolerated, showing comparable safety profiles to placebo. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03522415 . Registered on 11 May 2018.

The primary influencer of aquaculture quality in Amphioctopus fangsiao is pathogen infection. Both lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) are recognized by the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) within immune cells, a system that frequently serves to emulate pathogen invasion. Hemolymph, which functions as a transport mechanism for immune cells, offers vital transcriptome information when A. fangsiao is exposed to pathogens, thereby contributing to our comprehension of the species’ immune biological mechanisms. In this study, we conducted analyses of transcript profiles under the influence of LPS and Poly I:C within a 24 h period. Concurrently, we developed a Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify key modules and genes. Further, we carried out Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses to investigate the primary modular functions. Co-expression network analyses unveiled a series of immune response processes following pathogen stress, identifying several key modules and hub genes, including PKMYT1 and NAMPT. The invaluable genetic resources provided by our results aid our understanding of the immune response in A. fangsiao hemolymph and will further our exploration of the molecular mechanisms of pathogen infection in mollusks.

Sepia esculenta is an economically important mollusk distributed in the coastal waters of China. Juveniles are more susceptible to stimulation by the external environment than mature individuals. The ocean salinity fluctuates due to environmental changes. However, there is a lack of research on the salinity adaptations of S. esculenta. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the differential expression of genes in S. esculenta larvae after stimulation by low salinity. RNA samples were sequenced and 1039 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Then, enrichment analysis was performed using the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Finally, a protein–protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed, and the functions of key genes in S. esculenta larvae after low-salinity stimulation were explored. We suggest that low salinity leads to an excess proliferation of cells in S. esculenta larvae that, in turn, affects normal physiological activities. The results of this study can aid in the artificial incubation of S. esculenta and reduce the mortality of larvae.

As the quality of life improves, there is an increasing demand for nutrition-rich marine organisms like fish, shellfish, and cephalopods. To address this, artificial cultivation of these organisms is being explored along with ongoing research on their growth and development. A case in point is Amphioctopus fangsiao, a highly valued cephalopod known for its tasty meat, nutrient richness, and rapid growth rate. Despite its significance, there is a dearth of studies on the A. fangsiao growth mechanism, particularly of its larvae. In this study, we collected A. fangsiao larvae at 0, 4, 12, and 24 h post-hatching and conducted transcriptome profiling. Our analysis identified 4467, 5099, and 4181 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at respective intervals, compared to the 0 h sample. We further analyzed the expression trends of these DEGs, noting a predominant trend of continuous upregulation. Functional exploration of this trend entailed GO and KEGG functional enrichment along with protein–protein interaction network analyses. We identified GLDC, DUSP14, DPF2, GNAI1, and ZNF271 as core genes, based on their high upregulation rate, implicated in larval growth and development. Similarly, CLTC, MEF2A, PPP1CB, PPP1R12A, and TJP1, marked by high protein interaction numbers, were identified as hub genes and the gene expression levels identified via RNA-seq analysis were validated through qRT-PCR. By analyzing the functions of key and core genes, we found that the ability of A. fangsiao larvae to metabolize carbohydrates, lipids, and other energy substances during early growth may significantly improve with the growth of the larvae. At the same time, muscle related cells in A. fangsiao larvae may develop rapidly, promoting the growth and development of larvae. Our findings provide preliminary insights into the growth and developmental mechanism of A. fangsiao, setting the stage for more comprehensive understanding and broader research into cephalopod growth and development mechanisms.

As a quintessential marine teleost, Paralichthys olivaceus demonstrates vulnerability to a range of pathogens. Long-term infection with Edwardsiella tarda significantly inhibits fish growth and even induces death. Gills, blood, and kidneys, pivotal components of the immune system in teleosts, elicit vital regulatory roles in immune response processes including immune cell differentiation, diseased cell clearance, and other immunity-related mechanisms. This study entailed infecting P. olivaceus with E. tarda for 48 h and examining transcriptome data from the three components at 0, 8, and 48 h post-infection employing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Network analyses revealed a series of immune response processes after infection and identified multiple key modules and key, core, and hub genes including xpo1, src, tlr13, stat1, and mefv. By innovatively amalgamating WGCNA and PPI network methodologies, our investigation facilitated an in-depth examination of immune response mechanisms within three significant P. olivaceus components post-E. tarda infection. Our results provided valuable genetic resources for understanding immunity in P. olivaceus immune-related components and assisted us in further exploring the molecular mechanisms of E. tarda infection in teleosts.

Abstract Background Y‐box binding protein 1 (YB1 or YBX1) plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, whether YB1 affects malignant transformation by modulating non‐coding RNAs remains largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between YB1 and microRNAs and reveal the underlying mechanism by which YB1 impacts on tumor malignancy via miRNAs‐mediated regulatory network. Methods The biological functions of YB1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells were investigated by cell proliferation, wound healing, and transwell invasion assays. The miRNAs dysregulated by YB1 were screened by microarray analysis in HCC cell lines. The regulation of YB1 on miR‐205 and miR‐200b was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR, dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and pull‐down assay. The relationships of YB1, DGCR8, Dicer, TUT4, and TUT1 were identified by pull‐down and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. The cellular co‐localization of YB1, DGCR8, and Dicer were detected by immunofluorescent staining. The in vivo effect of YB1 on tumor metastasis was determined by injecting MHCC97H cells transduced with YB1 shRNA or shControl via the tail vein in nude BALB/c mice. The expression levels of epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers were detected by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry assays. Results YB1 promoted HCC cell migration and tumor metastasis by regulating miR‐205/200b‒ZEB1 axis partially in a Snail‐independent manner. YB1 suppressed miR‐205 and miR‐200b maturation by interacting with the microprocessors DGCR8 and Dicer as well as TUT4 and TUT1 via the conserved cold shock domain. Subsequently, the downregulation of miR‐205 and miR‐200b enhanced ZEB1 expression, thus leading to increased cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, statistical analyses on gene expression data from HCC and normal liver tissues showed that YB1 expression was positively associated with ZEB1 expression and remarkably correlated with clinical prognosis. Conclusion This study reveals a previously undescribed mechanism by which YB1 promotes cancer progression by regulating the miR‐205/200b‒ZEB1 axis in HCC cells. Furthermore, these results highlight that YB1 may play biological functions via miRNAs‐mediated gene regulation, and it can serve as a potential therapeutic target in human cancers.

Sepia esculenta is a popular economic cephalopod with high yield, delicious meat, and rich nutrition. With the rapid development of heavy industry and medical industry, a large amount of waste has been released into the ocean recklessly in recent years, inducing a significant increase in the content of heavy metals, especially cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu), in the ocean. This phenomenon significantly affects the growth and development of S. esculenta, causing a serious blow to its artificial breeding. In this study, transcriptome analysis is used to initially explore immune response mechanisms of Cd and Cu co-exposed juvenile S. esculenta. The results show that 1,088 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are identified. And DEGs functional enrichment analysis results suggests that co-exposure may promote inflammatory and innate immune responses in juvenile S. esculenta. Fifteen key genes that might regulate the immunity of S. esculenta are identified using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and KEGG enrichment analyses, of which the three genes with the highest number of interactions or involve in more KEGG pathways are identified as hub genes that might significantly affect the immune response processes. Comprehensive analysis of PPI network and KEGG signaling pathway is used for the first time to explore co-exposed S. esculenta juvenile immune response processes. Our results preliminarily reveal immune response mechanisms of cephalopods exposed to heavy metals and provide a valuable resource for further understanding of mollusk immunity.

This paper examines the impact of loan loss provisions (LLPs) on return predictability during 1994–2017. We find that on average, LLPs are negatively associated with one year ahead stock returns. This effect is particularly significant during the global financial crisis but much weaker during the Basel II and III periods. Consistent with these findings, a long–short trading strategy based on LLPs generates positive abnormal returns during the Basel II and III periods but negative abnormal returns during the financial crisis. Cross-sectional tests show that this effect is more pronounced among banks with greater information asymmetry. Decomposition of LLPs suggests that these findings are driven mainly by nondiscretionary LLPs. Overall, our results suggest that the relationship between LLPs and future stock returns is not linear but contingent on bank regulations and macroeconomic conditions.

The cavitation development process in regulating valve under different inlet pressures is investigated experimentally and numerically in our paper. The influence of inlet pressure Pin on cavitation location, shape, area and intensity is studied in axial and radial directions, and the axial and radial pressure distributions are also analyzed. The cavitation is generally annular in shape radially and irregular polygon in shape axially. Cavitation bubbles occur at the throat entrance when the inlet pressure increases. The bubbles then accumulate, and a bubble ring is formed. The cavitation development process under different inlet pressures is separated into three stages, no-cavitation, initial cavitation and steady-cavitation stages. During the no-cavitation stage, no bubbles exist. During the initial cavitation stage, bubbles occur and the area and intensity of cavitation increase in the radial and axial directions with increasing inlet pressure. During the steady-cavitation stage, the calculation area and intensity of bubble rings reach their maximum values and then remain stable. The cavitation bubbles extend downstream, and the area of cavitation ring and cavitation intensity increase with increasing inlet pressure. A slit exists between the upper and lower parts of bubbles in the cavitation process, both parts touch each other forming a whole.

Copper-zeolites have been reported to catalyze the direct conversion of methane to methanol. In this work, we report that pretreatment of copper-mordenite (Cu-MOR) using a gas mixture of NO and NH3 (NO/NH3) results in remarkably increased activity for the direct oxidation of methane to methanol. The methanol yield over the pretreated catalysts reaches as high as 106 μmol/gcat, compared to 28 μmol/gcat over the un-pretreated Cu-MOR. The NO/NH3 gas pretreatment redisperses CuO nanoparticles to Cu ions with catalytically favorable Cu oxidation state.

The steady-state flow force is the fundamental reason that affects the pressure stability, which will reduce the control performance of a hydraulic valve. A mathematical model of the axial steady-state flow force on the valve core is proposed to master the principle and characteristics of steady-state flow force. For understanding the dynamic changes of the steady-state flow force, a two-dimensional axisymmetric model is built to discuss the value of flow force. Different geometric parameters and operating conditions have different effects on the performance of the valve, and analyzing a variety of parameters is difficult because of the complexity of the test. Therefore, the geometric parameters and operating conditions in the steady-state flow force were optimized by the orthogonal test-optimization method. The main significant factors affecting the performance of steady-state flow force on the cone valve core are determined by extreme difference analysis, which are the opening and pressure differential, respectively. Furthermore, a test ring is built to measure the steady-state flow force. The results show that the greater the pressure differential is, the greater the steady-state flow force is. The steady-state flow force does not increase linearly, but increases first and then decreases with the increase of the opening. The study will lay the foundation to precise axial flow force prediction and reference for design optimization of the valve.

The metabolic processes of organisms are very complex. Each process is crucial and affects the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms. Metabolism-related mechanisms in Octopus ocellatus behaviors have not been widely studied. Brood-care is a common behavior in most organisms, which can improve the survival rate and constitution of larvae. Octopus ocellatus carried out this behavior, but it was rarely noticed by researchers before. In our study, 3,486 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on transcriptome analysis of O. ocellatus. We identify metabolism-related DEGs using GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Then, we construct protein–protein interaction networks to search the functional relationships between metabolism-related DEGs. Finally, we identified 10 hub genes related to multiple gene functions or involved in multiple signal pathways and verified them using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein–protein interaction networks were first used to study the effects of brood-care behavior on metabolism in the process of growing of O. ocellatus larvae, and the results provide us valuable genetic resources for understanding the metabolic processes of invertebrate larvae. The data lay a foundation for further study the brood-care behavior and metabolic mechanisms of invertebrates.

Abstract Metabolite‐protein interactions (MPIs) play key roles in cancer metabolism. However, our current knowledge about MPIs in cancers remains limited due to the complexity of cancer cells. Herein, the authors construct an integrative MPI network and propose a MPI network based hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) subtyping and mechanism exploration workflow. Based on the expressions of hub proteins on the MPI network, two prognosis‐distinctive HCC subtypes are identified. Meanwhile, multiple interdependent features of the poor prognostic subtype are observed, including hypoxia, DNA hypermethylation of metabolic pathways, fatty acid accumulation, immune pathway up‐regulation, and exhausted T‐cell infiltration. Notably, the immune pathway up‐regulation is probably induced by accumulated unsaturated fatty acids which are predicted to interact with multiple immune regulators like SRC and TGFB1. Moreover, based on tumor microenvironment compositions, the poor prognostic subtype is further divided into two sub‐populations showing remarkable differences in metabolism. The subtyping shows a strong consistency across multiple HCC cohorts including early‐stage HCC. Overall, the authors redefine robust HCC prognosis subtypes and identify potential MPIs linking metabolism to immune regulations, thus promoting understanding and clinical applications about HCC metabolism heterogeneity.

Immune defense systems are indispensable for living organisms. Within an immune network, problems with any given link can impact the normal life activities of an organism. Amphioctopus fangsiao is a cephalopod that exists widely throughout the world’s oceans. Because of its nervous system and locomotive organs, it has become increasingly studied in recent years. Vibrio anguillarum is one of the most common pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture organisms. It is highly infectious and can infect almost all aquaculture organisms. V. anguillarum infection can cause many adverse biological phenomena, including tissue bleeding. Study the immune response after V. anguillarum infection would help us to understand the molecular mechanisms of immune response in aquaculture organisms. In this research, we infected the primary incubation A. fangsiao with V. anguillarum for 24 h. We analyzed gene expression in A. fangsiao larvae via transcriptome profiles at 0, 4, 12, and 24 h after hatching, and 1,385, 734, and 6,109 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at these three time points. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were used to identify immune-related DEGs. Protein–protein interaction networks were constructed to examine interactions between immune-related genes. Twenty hub genes involved in multiple KEGG signaling pathways or with multiple protein–protein interaction relationships were identified, and their differential expression verified by quantitative RT-PCR. We first studied V. anguillarum infection of A. fangsiao larvae by means of protein–protein interaction networks. The results provide valuable genetic resources for understanding immunity in molluscan larvae. These data serve as a theoretical basis for the artificial breeding of A. fangsiao.

Endoclita signifier Walker (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae), a polyphagous insect, has become a new wood-boring pest in Eucalyptus plantations in southern China since 2007, which represents a typical example of native insect adaptation to an exotic host. After the third instar, larvae move from soil to standing trees and damage the plants with a wormhole. Although females disperse to lay eggs, larvae can accurately find eucalyptus in a mingled forest of eight species, which leads us to hypothesize that the larval olfactory system contributes to its host selection. Herein, we investigated the transcriptomes of the head and tegument of E. signifer larvae and explored the expression profiles of olfactory proteins. We identified 15 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), including seven general OBPs (GOPBs), six chemosensory proteins (CSPs), two odorant receptors (ORs), one gustatory receptor (GR), 14 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and one sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP). Expression profiles indicated that all olfactory proteins, except for EsigCSP1, were expressed in the head, and most were also detected in non-olfactory tissues, especially thorax tegument. Furthermore, EsigOBP2, EsigOBP8, EsigGOBP1, EsigGOBP2, EsigGOBP5, EsigCSP3, EsigCSP5, and EsigOR1 were expressed most strongly in the head; moreover, EsigCSP3 expressed abundantly in the head. EsigGR1 exhibited the highest expression among all tissues. Besides phylogenetic analysis shows that EsigGOBP7 probably is the pheromone-binding protein (PBP) of E. signifier. This study provides the molecular basis for future study of chemosensation in E. signifier larvae. EsigCSP3 and EsigGR1, which have unique expression patterns, might be factors that govern the host choice of larvae and worth further exploration.

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a severe traumatic event for women of childbearing age. However, the association between RPL and female sexual dysfunction was unknown. Aim: The study sought to investigate the association between RPL and sexual dysfunction, and to explore the risk factors of sexual dysfunction for RPL patients. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study involving both RPL patients and healthy women was performed in 3 different hospitals in West China from May 2021 to January 2023. Baseline information including sociodemographic data and disease histories were collected. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess the sexual function of participants. Outcomes: The main outcome was the proportion of women at increased risk of sexual dysfunction (total FSFI scores <26.55), and the secondary outcome was risk factors of sexual dysfunction in RPL patients. Results: A total of 233 RPL patients and 185 healthy women were included in this study. RPL patients had significantly lower total FSFI scores (median 31.7 [interquartile range, 26.6-33.5] vs 33.0 [interquartile range, 31.2-34.1]; P < .001) and a significantly higher risk of sexual dysfunction than healthy women (24.9% vs 8.6%; P < .001). Body mass index >24 kg/m2 (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.132; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.902-8.976, P < .001), working >8 h/d (adjusted OR, 2.111; 95% CI, 1.020-4.369, P = .044), and unexplained RPL (adjusted OR, 3.785; 95% CI, 1.967-7.280, P < .001) were independent risk factors of sexual dysfunction for RPL patients. Clinical implications: RPL patients, especially those patients with the previously mentioned risk factors, should be focused on the risk of sexual dysfunction, and appropriate preventions could be applied. Strength and limitations: We explored the association between RPL and sexual dysfunction and explored the risk factors of sexual dysfunction among RPL patients for the first time, and the multicenter data increased the generalizability of results. However, the cross-sectional design did not provide an exact causal relationship between RPL and sexual dysfunction, and potential risk factors related to mental health were not investigated. Conclusion: RPL patients were at an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. Overweight, fatigue caused by work, and unexplained RPL were risk factors of sexual dysfunction for RPL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A potted experiment with Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’ was carried out to assess whether there are positive effects of magnetic treatment of saline water (MTSW) on nitrogen metabolism under controlled conditions in a greenhouse. Growth properties, nitrogen contents, enzyme activities and metabolite concentrations were determined based on field experiments and laboratory analysis after a 30-day treatment. The results were as follows: (1) Biomass accumulation, root morphological properties and total nitrogen content were improved by MTSW. (2) Magnetization led to a greater increase in nitrate-nitrogen (NO3 −-N) content in roots than in leaves, accompanied by greater NO3 − efflux and activated nitrate reductase. (3) MTSW led to a higher ammonium-nitrogen (NH4 +-N) content and greater uptake of net NH4 + in the leaves than that in the roots. (4) Magnetization stimulated glutamine synthase, glutamate dehydrogenase and glutamate synthase activities, whereas the concentrations of glutathione and oxidized glutathione were increased in leaves but decreased in roots, and the total glutathione content was increased. Overall, these results indicated some beneficial impacts of MTSW on nitrogen translocation under field conditions, especially for equilibrating the distribution of NO3 −-N and NH4 +-N. Moreover, these findings confirmed the potential of using low-quality water for agriculture.

Summary: E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3s) play a critical role in molecular and cellular mechanisms. However, a large number of E3-substrate interactions (ESIs) remain unrevealed. Here, we integrated the increasing omics data with biological knowledge to characterize and identify ESIs. Multidimensional features were computed to obtain the association patterns of ESIs, and an ensemble prediction model was constructed to identify ESIs. Comparison with non-ESI cases revealed the specific association patterns of ESIs, which provided meaningful insights into ESI interpretation. Reliability of the prediction model was confirmed from various perspectives. Notably, our evaluations on leucine-rich repeat family of F box (FBXL) family were consistent with a proteomic study, and several substrates for SKP2 and an orphan E3 FBXL6 were experimentally verified. Moreover, a cancer hallmark ESI landscape was studied. Taken together, our study catches a glimpse at the omics-driven ESI association patterns and provides a valuable resource (http://www.esinet.dicp.ac.cn/home.php) to assist ubiquitination research. : Molecular Network; Bioinformatics; Systems Biology; Proteomics Subject Areas: Molecular Network, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Proteomics

A regulating valve is a key control element in the coal liquefaction industry, whose flow field distribution is related to the entropy production. In order to make a quantitative evaluation of the energy loss in the cavitation flow and calculate the magnitude and location of the hydraulic loss in the flow field more accurately, entropy production theory is employed to analyze the flow field in the regulating valve numerically. The entropy production under cavitation condition and its influence on steady-state flow force are also discussed. When the opening of the valve increases, the entropy production and energy loss change dramatically. The entropy production rate (EPR) is mainly distributed at the orifice and downstream of the regulating valve, the entropy production rate (EPR) reaches the maximum value at the orifice, and turbulent pulsation entropy production (TPEP) is the main part of the total entropy production for flow. When the valve’s opening increases from 40% to 70%, the total entropy production (TEP) increases from 467.14 W/K to 630.04 W/K. The entropy production by cavitation (EPC) increases firstly and then decreases. The smallest value of EPC is 0.103 W/K at the 40% opening, while the maximum value is 0.119 W/K at 60% opening. Furthermore, the relationship between total entropy production (TEP) and steady-state flow force can be approximated by an exponential distribution. When the steady-state flow force increases, the total entropy production for flow also increases. Cavitation effect on the steady-state flow force is strengthened firstly and then weakened with increasing the valve’s opening. Finally, a discriminant method based on the change of the steady-state flow force is proposed to detect whether cavitation occurs in the valve or not. The results in this paper could provided a directional and quantitative evaluation of energy loss in the regulating valve, which is help for the structural shape optimization and service life extension combining with external characteristics of the valve and internal flow field.

To study the vibration characteristics of the poppet valve induced by cavitation, the signal analysis method based on the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method was studied experimentally. The component induced by cavitation was separated from the vibration signals through the EEMD method. The results show that the IMF2 component has the largest amplitude and energy of all components. The root mean square (RMS) value, peak value of marginal spectrum, and center frequency of marginal spectrum of the IMF2 component were studied in detail. The RMS value and the peak value of the marginal spectrum decrease with a decrease of cavitation intensity. The center frequency of marginal spectrum is between 12 kHz and 20 kHz, and the center frequency first increases and then decreases with a decrease of cavitation intensity. The change rate of the center frequency also decreases with an increase of inlet pressure.

Heat shock proteins (hsps) are cellular chaperones that are involved in developmental stages and stress responses. Hsp40 is the major subfamily of hsps, but has not been fully characterized in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), especially their roles in immune response. In this study, a comprehensive identification and analysis of hsp40 in flounder is presented, including gene structures, evolutionary relationships, conserved domains, molecular evolution analysis, and expression patterns. Sequence features and phylogenetic analysis revealed that hsp40 genes could be grouped into 40 distinct subfamilies and most of them (96%) in Japanese flounder possessed no less than two introns. Molecular evolution analysis indicated that the hsp40 genes were conservative during evolution and were functional-constrained. Meanwhile, hsp40 genes were found to express in different embryonic and larval stages and might play the role of sentinel in healthy organisms. Furthermore, hsp40 genes’ expression profiles after Edwardsiella tarda injection were determined in Japanese flounder without precedent, and 88% (44/50) of hsp40 genes showed differential expression patterns after bacterial challenge. Our findings provide basic and useful resources for understanding the immune responsibilities of hsp40 genes in flatfish.

A novel gill cell line from pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂×Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀, PGGG cell line) was established, its application in cadmium (Cd) toxicology was demonstrated in this study. Primary cultures and PGGG subcultures were carried out at 25 °C in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle medium/F12 medium (1:1; pH 7.2) supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Primary PGGG cells were spindle-shaped, proliferated into a confluent monolayer within two weeks and were continuously subcultured over passage 60. The growth of cells at passages 20, 40, and 60 was examined. Chromosome analysis revealed that the chromosomal number of normal PGGG cells was 48, but the number of cells with the normal chromosomes number decreased during the passaging process. Cadmium is one of the most toxic metals in aquatic systems and has been associated with multiple animal and human health problems. To interpret the cytotoxicity and related mechanisms of cadmium, PGGG cells were used as an in vitro model. After treatment with cadmium at concentrations ranging from 1 µM to 500 µM, PGGG cells demonstrated dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, manifested as morphological abnormalities and a viability decline. Further, it was found that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were elevated following cadmium exposure, and related genes involved in the antioxidant system, including those encoding catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and Kelch-like- ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), were regulated differently. In addition, PGGG cells treated with cadmium had the typical features associated with apoptosis, including phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization; upregulated expression of caspase-3, −8, and −9; and apoptotic body formation. In general, the PGGG cell line may serve as a useful tool for studying the toxic mechanisms of cadmium or other toxicants or for toxicity testing and environment monitoring.

Quaternary Red Clay (QRC) is the most common planting soil with low soil fertility and low crop yields in Southeast China, with low soil fertility and low crop yields. Many factors can impact the fertility and utilization efficiency of QRC. Here, we conducted a long-term fertilization experiment from 1984 to 2013. Five fertilization measures were carried out, including non-fertilization group; chemical Fertilizer group; 70% chemical and 30% organic fertilizer group; 50% chemical and 50% organic fertilizer group; 30% chemical and 70% organic fertilizer group. Soil organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and nitrogen (SMBN), and soil enzymes activity were measured to evaluate the changes of soil. In addition, soil microorganisms were determined by high-throughput sequencing technology, and the dominant microbes were screened. The higher the proportion of organic fertilizer was, the higher the soil OM content was. The OM content of the non-fertilization group was the lowest. Similarly, SMBC and SMBN showed a consistent trend with OM content. Illumina sequence results showed that the application of organic fertilizer reduced the relative abundance of Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria and Nitrospirae, but increased Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The relative abundance of Acremonium and Mortierella were also greatly increased by different fertilization strategies. However, when high proportion of organic fertilizer was applied, the abundance of Acremonium and Mortierella decreased. Long-term balanced inorganic fertilization (NPK, 60%N:20%P:20%K) can effectively improve the quality and fertility of QRC. The effect of different fertilization strategies on fungi was greater than that on bacteria. The change of soil microorganism also proved the validity of inorganic fertilizer application.

The impact of cavitation erosion behavior on different metals in a water flowing system was investigated experimentally. A flowing system of water was built and a transparent observation window is designed to capture the cavitation flow. Erosion tests were carried out on red copper, brass, pure aluminum, and an aluminum alloy. The cavitation behaviors are presented by the weight loss and cavitation erosion rate, and related changes in the topography of the metal surface are also discussed. The variation in the cavitation erosion on metallic specimens with increasing time could be divided into three stages: rising stage, stable stage, and attenuation stage. The pure aluminum material had the lowest yield strength, and suffered the most severe cavitation erosion while brass had the highest yield strength and good mechanical properties, which suffered the least cavitation erosion. Furthermore, the roughness of the material surface was also one of the important factors affecting the cavitation erosion rate. The weight loss of milling specimens with higher surface roughness was slightly lower than that of grinding. The high roughness of the metallic surface increased the pressure loss along the flow path and the suppressed cavitation strength. This work provides an experimental reference for the anti-cavitation ability improvement in metal materials and promotes an understanding of the related mechanism.

Objectives: A phase III, 24-weeks Chinese clinical trial demonstrated that efficacy and safety outcomes of treatments with 40 mg/0.8 ml HS016 (n = 416) or adalimumab (n = 232) for active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients was comparable. In the present study, a subanalysis of the clinical trial was conducted to determine whether also individual efficacy indicators were comparable between HS016 and adalimumab.Methods: The individual efficacy indicators total and nocturnal back pain, global assessment of disease activity, swollen joint count, Maastricht AS Enthesitis Score, Bath AS Disease Activity Index, Bath AS Functional Index, Bath AS Metrology Index and chest expansion, were assessed at baseline and every 2 weeks during the treatment period.Results: This subanalysis revealed no significant difference between the patient groups treated with HS016 or adalimumab for any individual efficacy indicator investigated at any time point (all p > 0.05) beside faster total back pain score improvements in the adalimumab group on week 10, 12 and 22, which became equal at week 24. Among these indicators, chest expansion showed a significant increase at each time point compared with baseline, whereas all other efficacy indicators showed significant decreases compared with baseline at each time point (all p < 0.05). All efficacy indicators had increased or decreased rapidly by week 2, and the values continued to increase/decrease up to week 12, with subsequent smaller changes thereafter up to week 24 of treatment.Conclusion: The response trajectory of most individual efficacy indicators was comparable between HS016 and adalimumab at each time point during the 24 weeks of the trial.Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=37910, identifier [ChiCTR1900022520]

Research on vibration characteristics of hydraulic valves is helpful to improve the performance of the hydraulic valve. In this article, a visualization experimental method is designed to capture the cone valve core vibration, and the image sequence of the vibration is obtained. And the least-squares contour fitting of the valve core is proposed to analyze the vibration characteristics of the valve core, which could eliminate noise in the vibration signal and improve accuracy. The difference of the least-squares variance between adjacent data points obtained by least-squares contour fitting is one order of magnitude smaller than corner detection method, while the signal-to-noise ratio is more than twice the corner detection. Furthermore, the frequency spectrum and amplitude of the valve core vibration are also discussed. The deviation of the valve core from the coordinate origin will increase with increasing of the pressure difference and decreasing of the pre-compression of the spring and the amplitude of vibration increases too. The vibration signal of the valve core under different conditions has similar frequency spectrum, which is mainly composed of the vibration signal spectrum caused by the fluctuation of oil pressure and turbulence of the liquid system.