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Lung cancer has always threatening human health and life. As small pulmonary nodules are main early features of lung cancer, early screening for small pulmonary nodules through computed tomography (CT) imaging is essential for the treatment of lung cancer. In this paper, the YOLOv5 model is improved to improve the ability of detection and recognition of small pulmonary nodules in complex CT lung images. Firstly, the preprocessing step is put into effect to obtain the lung parenchyma in CT images. Then, the backbone structure of YOLOv5 is improved by iResNet to improve the ability of feature extraction, and the feature fusion network is improved by BiFPN to improve the detection ability of small pulmonary nodules. Finally, the strategy of group normalization is used to improve the model performance under small batch size training condition. The experimental results on LUNA16 data set show that the detection AP of the improved model reach 94.8%, the competitive index score is 0.895, and the sensitivity is 78.1%, 94.4%, under 1/8 and 1/4 FPs, respectively. Compared with other two-dimensional target detection models, the improved yolov5 model has better detection ability of small pulmonary nodules. And, the results are better than most other two-dimensional pulmonary nodule detection methods. In addition, compared with other three-dimensional pulmonary nodule detection methods. &nbsp

1 2 Testing Center, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China 3 Dental Treatment Center, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, Shanghai, 200000, China 4 The activation of the monocyte-macrophage system and the damage to the renal and pancreatic tissue are common complications in patients with diabetes induced by hyperglycemia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect and mechanism of butyrate (NaB), a metabolite of intestinal flora, on inhibiting the inflammatory response of human monocyte-macrophages (THP-1 cells) induced by high glucose and the damage of pancreatic and renal tissue in diabetic mice. The results showed that high concentration glucose significantly up-regulated the expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NLRP3 in THP-1 cells and mouse spleen, and that NaB could inhibit the overexpression of those genes. The abundance of Beclin-1, LC3B and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in THP-1 cells is increased due to the high glucose concentration, and NaB can inhibit the genes responsible for upregulating the expression. In diabetic mice, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubules was observed. Then we observed that some of the epithelial cells of the renal tubules were exfoliated and some formed tubules. NaB could alleviate these pathological lesions, but NaB cannot alleviate pancreatic injury. Our results indicated that NaB could be used for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of diabetic kidney injury.

Sparse representation-based classification (SRC) method has achieved good recognition results and shown strong robustness for face recognition, especially when the face image is affected by illumination variations, expression changes and occlusion. SRC method simply uses the training set as a dictionary to encode test samples. However, the high-dimensional training face data usually contain a large amount of redundant information, which will increase the complexity of this method. Therefore, the image dimensionality reduction procedure is separately performed by most of the existing methods before SRC is launched, but this may not be able to make full use of the discriminative information of the training samples. In this paper, based on the efficient SRC method, a sparse embedding dimensionality reduction strategy is combined with to achieve a face recognition method. For the proposed method, a projection matrix is used to project high-dimensional data into a low-dimensional space. At the same time, a discriminative coefficient constraint term in the objective function is introduced to reduce the classification residual of the sample through the distance relationship between all coefficients. Then the label information of the sample is used to iteratively update the projection matrix and coefficient representation. Finally, the test samples are projected into the low-dimensional space for classification. A large number of experimental results on three widely used face datasets show that the proposed method improves the discrimination of face images in low-dimensional space and can achieve better face recognition results. &nbsp

The present study has evaluated the role of Antcin C in hepatic carcinoma and its possible mechanism of action. The results show that Antcin C causes a significant dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, cell migration and invasion, and enhancement of apoptosis. Moreover, treatment with Antcin C significantly reduces the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B protein in Hep-G2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, data of the present investigation supports that Antcin C enhances apoptosis in hepatic carcinoma by inhibiting the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/ protein kinase B pathway.

The multifunctional roles of metabolic enzymes allow for the integration of multiple signals to precisely transduce external stimuli into cell fate decisions. Elevation of 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), the rate-limiting enzyme for de novo serine biosynthesis, is broadly associated with human cancer development; although how PHGDH activity is regulated and its implication in tumorigenesis remains unclear. Here we show that glucose restriction induces the phosphorylation of PHGDH by p38 at Ser371, which promotes the translocation of PHGDH from the cytosol into the nucleus. Concurrently, AMPK phosphorylates PHGDH-Ser55, selectively increasing PHGDH oxidation of malate into oxaloacetate, thus generating NADH. In the nucleus, the altered PHGDH activity restricts NAD+ level and compartmentally repressed NAD+-dependent PARP1 activity for poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of c-Jun, thereby leading to impaired c-Jun transcriptional activity linked to cell growth inhibition. Physiologically, nuclear PHGDH sustains tumour growth under nutrient stress, and the levels of PHGDH-Ser371 and PHGDH-Ser55 phosphorylation correlate with p38 and AMPK activity, respectively, in clinical human pancreatic cancer specimens. These findings illustrate a previously unidentified nutrient-sensing mechanism with the critical involvement of a non-canonical metabolic effect of PHGDH and underscore the functional importance of alternative PHGDH activity in tumorigenesis.

Objectives Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism and congenital anomalies. We aim to investigate the prenatal features of fetuses with KS and to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on prenatal sonographic abnormalities associated with KS. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the prenatal ultrasound findings of all mothers of children with molecularly confirmed KS in Hong Kong, between 1991 and 2019. We also performed systematic review of the literature to identify studies on the prenatal findings in KS. Results We identified 11 cases with KS with detectable fetal ultrasound findings ranging from no detectable abnormalities to a variety of non-specific findings including increased nuchal translucency, pleural effusion, cardiac anomalies, renal anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios and single umbilical artery. In combining our cases with the 77 cases published, 42 (50.6%) of them had more than one abnormal antenatal ultrasound finding. The most frequent ultrasound features observed were cardiac anomalies (49.4%), followed by polyhydramnios (28.9%), genitourinary anomalies (26.5%), single umbilical artery (15.7%), intrauterine growth restriction (14.5%) and hydrops fetalis/pleural effusion/ascites (12.0%). Conclusions These cases demonstrate the prenatal phenotypic heterogeneity associated with KS. Although the ultrasound abnormalities are non-specific, KS should be considered in the differential diagnosis when these fetal findings following normal microarray analysis/karyotyping.

Objective. This research is aimed at investigating the relationship between liver fibrosis in viral hepatitis and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), and ceruloplasmin (CER) in serum level. Methods. Patients were randomly selected among those admitted to our hospital, and 60 healthy volunteers were chosen to serve as control participants. The levels of serum M-CSF, CER, and TIMP-1 were compared. According to the severity of their liver fibrosis, patients with CHB were separated into four groups: S1, S2, S3, and S4. Serum levels of M-CSF, CER, and TIMP-1 were correlated with liver fibrosis and hepatitis markers, and the diagnostic usefulness of the three indices was assessed with liver cirrhosis patients. Results. Increases in M-CSF and TIMP-1 in the CHB group but decreases in CER were statistically significant ( P < 0.05 ). Serum levels of M-CSF, CER, TIMP-1, HA, PC-III, C-IV, and LN differed significantly across the four study groups ( P < 0.05 ). Over time, as liver fibrosis worsened, we observed a progressive uptick in M-CSF, TIMP-1, LN, HA, C-IV, and PC-III levels and a progressive downtick in CER levels, with significant ( P < 0.05 ) differences between the groups. There was a significant positive correlation between liver fibrosis and serum M-CSF, PC-III, TIMP-1, HA, LN, and C-IV levels in the CHB group ( P < 0.05 ) and a significant negative correlation between serum CER and these same factors ( P < 0.05 ). The AUC of 0.956 for diagnosing the S4 stage was greater than that of 0.857, 0.851, and 0.817 for M-CSF, CER, and TIMP-1, respectively. Conclusions. In CHB patients, the liver fibrosis degree is associated with the M-CSF, CER, and TIMP-1 levels, and the combined clinical detection of these three markers has better diagnostic significance.

Poor graft function (PGF) is a life-threatening complication that occurs after transplantation and has a poor prognosis. With the rapid development of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the pathogenesis of PGF has become an important issue. Studies of the pathogenesis of PGF have resulted in some success in CD34+-selected stem cell boosting. Mesenchymal stem cells, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, and eltrombopag have also been investigated as therapeutic strategies for PGF. However, predicting and preventing PGF remains challenging. Here, we propose that the seed, soil, and insect theories of aplastic anemia also apply to PGF; CD34+ cells are compared to seeds; the bone marrow microenvironment to soil; and virus infection, iron overload, and donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies to insects. From this perspective, we summarize the available information on the common risk factors of PGF, focusing on its potential mechanism. In addition, the safety and efficacy of new strategies for treating PGF are discussed to provide a foundation for preventing and treating this complex clinical problem.

Prevalent coagulopathy and thromboembolism are observed in severe COVID-19 patients with 40% of COVID-19 mortality being associated with cardiovascular complications. Abnormal coagulation parameters are related to poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. Victims also displayed presence of extensive thrombosis in infected lungs. Vitamin K is well-known to play an essential role in the coagulation system. Latest study revealed an existing correlation between vitamin K deficiency and COVID-19 severity, highlighting a role of vitamin K, probably via coagulation modulation. In agreement, other recent studies also indicated that anti-coagulant treatments can reduce mortality in severe cases. Altogether, potential mechanisms linking COVID-19 with coagulopathy in which vitamin K may exert its modulating role in coagulation related with disease pathogenesis are established. In this review, we discuss the recent evidence supporting COVID-19 as a vascular disease and explore the potential benefits of using vitamin K against COVID-19 to improve disease outcomes.

Introduction: Fetal pleural effusion may require in utero shunting which is associated with procedure-related complications. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of the newly designed Somatex shunt in treating fetal pleural effusion. Methods: Consecutive cases with primary fetal pleural effusion who were treated with the Somatex shunt between 2018 and 2019 were evaluated. Perinatal outcomes and complications were retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were 6 cases of unilateral and 1 case of bilateral pleural effusion, and hence a total of 8 pleuroamniotic shunting procedures were performed. The median gestational age at diagnosis and shunting was 20.7 and 22.6 weeks, respectively. All 8 procedures were successful, achieving complete in utero drainage. All but one were live births (85.7%) with a median gestational age of 38 weeks. The single case of in utero death occurred 4.7 weeks after successful shunting, and no cause could be identified after autopsy. The rates of preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes were 33.3% (2/6) and 16.7% (1/6), respectively. Four of the 8 procedures (50%) had minor shunt-related complications such as dislodgement and entrapment, occurring at a median of 7.7 weeks after shunting. None of the shunts became blocked. Conclusions: The Somatex shunt is effective in relieving fetal pleural effusions with good survival rate. Overall, it was a safe instrument, though minor shunt complications occurred.

Baseline and follow-up DECTs were performed under a standard ULT protocol. Monthly dissolution rates were calculated by simple and compound methods. Correlations with average SU were compared and analyzed. Best-fit regression model was identified. MSU dissolution times were plotted against SU at different endpoints.In 29 tophaceous gout patients, MSU volume reduced from baseline 10.94 ± 10.59 cmMSU dissolution is better described as a logarithmic function of SU, which explains, predicts, and facilitates understanding of the dissolution process.

While the new generation of smart manufacturing technology is enabling manufacturing upgrades, it is also making manufacturing systems increasingly complex. The integration of information and ontology across the full life cycle of a product involves multi-scientific and multi-disciplinary dimensions. It requires deep integration of industry chain alliance enterprises in the process of domain ontology sharing and digital asset collaboration to achieve efficient "new demand → existing ontology → innovation → new product → new ontology" agile manufacturing paradigm transfer. This paper presents a digital-twin and ontology collaboration framework based on the Industrial Internet Identification and Resolution System (I3R System). Taking flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) as an example, the four core key technologies required in this framework are described in detail: (1) A generic digital-twin modeling approach for the full life cycle of FMS; (2) Ontology for the full life cycle of FMS; (3) Real-time data collection technology for Human-cyber-physical system (HCPS) in smart manufacturing; (4) Distributed collaboration framework based on I3R. In order to illustrate in detail how the proposed methods and techniques can be applied in reality, we show different application scenarios based on the proposed methods and techniques in the various stages of the full FMS life cycle. At the same time, the implementation method of the I3R System-based digital-twin collaborative prototyping platform for industry chain alliance enterprises is discussed, as well as the idea of its derived top-level application.

To assess the mortality, readmission rates, and practice variation of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis in the United Kingdom (UK).A total of 1,186 consecutive patients (636 men [53.6%]; median age, 75 years; range, 24-102 years) who underwent PC for acute calculous cholecystitis between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, were included from 36 UK hospitals. The exclusion criteria were diagnostic aspirations, absence of acute calculous cholecystitis, and age less than 16 years. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown was declared on March 26, 2020, in the UK, which served to distinguish among groups.Most patients (66.3%) underwent PC as definitive treatment, whereas 31.3% underwent PC as a bridge to surgery. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 42.2% (500/1,186), and the 30-day mortality was 9.1% (108/1,186). Centers performing fewer than 30 PCs per year had higher 90-day mortality than those performing more than 60 (19.3% vs 11.0%, respectively; P = .006). A greater proportion of patients presented with complicated acute calculous cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to prior (49.9% vs 40.9%, respectively; P = .007), resulting in more PCs (61.3 vs 37.9 per month, respectively; P.001). More PCs were performed in tertiary hospitals than in district general hospitals (9 vs 3 per 100 beds, respectively; P.001), with a greater proportion performed as a bridge to surgery (50.5% vs 22.8%, respectively; P.001).The practice of PC is highly variable throughout the UK. The readmission rates are high, and there is significant correlation between mortality and PC case volume.

Chondrogenesis is the formation of chondrocytes and cartilage tissues and starts with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) recruitment and migration, condensation of progenitors, chondrocyte differentiation, and maturation. The chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs depends on co-regulation of many exogenous and endogenous factors including specific microenvironmental signals, non-coding RNAs, physical factors existed in culture condition, etc. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit self-renewal capacity, pluripotency and cellular plasticity, which have the potential to differentiate into post-mitotic and benign cells. Accumulating evidence has shown that CSCs can be induced to differentiate into various benign cells including adipocytes, fibrocytes, osteoblast, and so on. Retinoic acid has been widely used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Previous study confirmed that polyploid giant cancer cells, a type of cancer stem-like cells, could differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. In this review, we will summarize signaling pathways and cytokines in chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. Understanding the molecular mechanism of chondrogenic differentiation of CSCs and cancer cells may provide new strategies for cancer treatment.

A novel microfluidic colorimetric immunoassay was developed using gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for indicating different concentrations of altenariol monomethyl ether (AME), and UV spectroscopy and smart phone imaging for monitoring color change of the GNPs. Norland Optical Adhesive 81 (NOA 81) was used for simple and rapid fabrication of the microfluidic chip. AME-BSA modified magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs-BSA-AME) were used as capture probe and the self-magnetism for rapid separation and purification. AME monoclonal antibodies modified gold nanoparticles (GNP-mAbs) which dried on conjugate pad were used as detection probe and the self-catalyst for signal amplification. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed microfluidic colorimetric immunoassay was able to detect AME as low as 12.5 pg/mL for UV spectroscopy (574 nm), and 200 pg/mL for smart phone imaging. The total analysis time is less than 15 min. The immunoassay also has a lower cross-reactivity to AME analogues. It was also evaluated by analyzing fruit samples spiked with AME. The recoveries ranged from 91.19% to 94.15% for UV spectroscopy, and from 90.63% to 93.9% for smart phone imaging. This method can be used for rapid, sensitive, low-cost and portable point-of care testing (POCT) of other mycotoxins or haptens in food samples.

Introduction: This study aimed to identify risk factors among maternal characteristics, obstetric history, and first trimester preeclampsia-specific biomarkers that were associated with subsequent development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and evaluate the performance of the prediction models. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. The performance of the prediction models was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: A total of 837 (8.9%) cases of GDM and 8,535 (91.1%) unaffected cases were included. The AUROC of the prediction model combining maternal characteristics and obstetric history (0.735) was better than that of the model utilizing maternal characteristics (AUROC 0.708) and preeclampsia-specific biomarkers (AUROC 0.566). Among the preeclampsia-specific biomarkers, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) contributed to the increasing risk of GDM; however, its addition did not improve the AUROC of the model combining maternal characteristics and obstetric history (0.738). Conclusion: The first trimester prediction model for GDM with maternal characteristics and obstetric history achieves moderate predictability. The inclusion of MAP in the model combining maternal characteristics and obstetric history does not improve the screening performance for GDM. Future studies are needed to explore the effect of blood pressure control from early pregnancy on preventing GDM.

Aberrant RNA splicing in keratinocytes drives inflammatory skin disorders. In the present study, we found that the RNA helicase DDX5 was downregulated in keratinocytes from the inflammatory skin lesions in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and that mice with keratinocyte-specific deletion of Ddx5 (Ddx5∆KC) were more susceptible to cutaneous inflammation. Inhibition of DDX5 expression in keratinocytes was induced by the cytokine interleukin (IL)-17D through activation of the CD93–p38 MAPK–AKT–SMAD2/3 signaling pathway and led to pre-messenger RNA splicing events that favored the production of membrane-bound, intact IL-36 receptor (IL-36R) at the expense of soluble IL-36R (sIL-36R) and to the selective amplification of IL-36R-mediated inflammatory responses and cutaneous inflammation. Restoration of sIL-36R in Ddx5∆KC mice with experimental atopic dermatitis or psoriasis suppressed skin inflammation and alleviated the disease phenotypes. These findings indicate that IL-17D modulation of DDX5 expression controls inflammation in keratinocytes during inflammatory skin diseases.

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, it is not effective in treating solid tumors such as colorectal cancer. We have previously reported that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) exhibiting the characteristics of cancer stem cells can be generated by various inducers. In this study, ATO was used to induce the formation of PGCCs in LoVo and Hct116 colon cancer cell lines. The migration, invasion, and proliferation abilities of colon cancer cells with and without ATO treatment were assessed by wound-healing, transwell, and plate colony formation assays. The expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition-related proteins and erythroid differentiation-related proteins in colon cancer cells was further evaluated by western blot and immunocytochemical assays. LoVo and Hct116 cells were transfected with a eukaryotic expression vector for green fluorescent protein (GFP), red fluorescent protein (RFP), H2B-GFP, and H2B-mCherry to study PGCCs formation via cell fusion. WB and ICC assays were performed to assess the expression of cell fusion-related proteins. MG132, small interfering RNA-glial cell missing 1 (GCM1), and chromatin immunoprecipitation-polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to study the role of GCM1/syncytin-1-mediated cell fusion. Clinically, the significance of cell fusion-related proteins and erythroid differentiation-related proteins expression in human colorectal cancer tissues was evaluated. Results of our study showed that ATO induced the formation of PGCCs, and the daughter cells derived from PGCCs gained a mesenchymal phenotype and exhibited strong migration, invasion, and proliferation abilities. PGCCs also produced embryonic hemoglobin-delta and -zeta with strong oxygen-binding ability and erythroid differentiation-related proteins after ATO treatment. In addition, cell fusion was observed during the formation of PGCCs, indicated by the presence of yellow fluorescence via the GCM1/syncytin-1 signaling pathway. Clinically, the expression of cell fusion-related and erythroid differentiation-related proteins gradually increased with the progression of human colorectal cancer tissues. In conclusion, ATO can promote tumor progression by inducing the formation of PGCCs via GCM1/syncytin-1-mediated cell fusion. PGCCs can produce daughter cells with high invasion and migration abilities and embryonic hemoglobin with strong oxygen binding ability, promoting survival of tumor cells in a hypoxic microenvironment.

The active zone of a presynaptic nerve terminal defines sites for neurotransmitter release. Its protein machinery may be organized through liquid–liquid phase separation, a mechanism for the formation of membrane-less subcellular compartments. Here, we show that the active zone protein Liprin-α3 rapidly and reversibly undergoes phase separation in transfected HEK293T cells. Condensate formation is triggered by Liprin-α3 PKC-phosphorylation at serine-760, and RIM and Munc13 are co-recruited into membrane-attached condensates. Phospho-specific antibodies establish phosphorylation of Liprin-α3 serine-760 in transfected cells and mouse brain tissue. In primary hippocampal neurons of newly generated Liprin-α2/α3 double knockout mice, synaptic levels of RIM and Munc13 are reduced and the pool of releasable vesicles is decreased. Re-expression of Liprin-α3 restored these presynaptic defects, while mutating the Liprin-α3 phosphorylation site to abolish phase condensation prevented this rescue. Finally, PKC activation in these neurons acutely increased RIM, Munc13 and neurotransmitter release, which depended on the presence of phosphorylatable Liprin-α3. Our findings indicate that PKC-mediated phosphorylation of Liprin-α3 triggers its phase separation and modulates active zone structure and function., Liquid–liquid phase separation may be a mechanism for organizing the presynaptic nerve terminal. Here, the authors show that PKC-mediated phosphorylation of Liprin-α3 triggers phase separation in cell lines and modulates active zone structure and function in primary hippocampal neurons.

Ecological restoration of closed landfill sites is often challenging due to poor soil structure and seed bank. Currently, the planting mixes used in closed landfills in Hong Kong involved mainly ex...

Objective To observe the lipid-lowering effect of Typha angustifolia extract (TAE) in Sprague Dawley rats. Methods The rats were randomly divided into six groups, including the hypercholesterolemic diet (HYD) group. Ad libitum food was given to the animals for 60 d to establish dyslipidemia models. The rats were received an ig administration of 1 mL medicine daily. After 120 d the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation; Blood was collected to measure total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), nitric oxide (NO), and endothelin (ET) plasma concentration; Livers were collected to measure ApoE mRNA and protein expression; Morphologic changes of aorta ventralis tissue were also observed. Results Compared with HYD group, TAE had the ability of reducing TC, TG, LDL-C, NO, and ET (P Conclusion These results suggested that TAE was capable of effectively decreasing the circulating lipids levels and enhancing the protective effects of artery.

We present nanosecond-pulse amplification in very-large mode-area amplifiers with varying Er absorptions and effective areas. Diffraction limited, 0.54 mJ pulses with 851 kW peak power in a 10 kHz pulse train at 1560 nm are achieved.

Growing capacity demand of fibre optic transmission systems increased interest to multi-span transmission outside traditional C- and L-bands. In this paper we review recent progress of doped fibre amplifiers designed for 1250-1450 nm range. We will also discuss various telecom and DCI transmission scenarios.

Can non-clinicians spot preschoolers likely to have autism spectrum disorder by observing their everyday peer interaction? We set out to develop a screening tool that capitalizes on peer interaction as a naturalistic “stress test” to identify children more likely than their peers to have autism spectrum disorder. A total of 304 3- to 4-year-olds were observed at school with an 84-item preliminary checklist; data-driven item reduction yielded a 13-item Classroom Observation Scale. The Classroom Observation Scale scores correlated significantly with Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–2 scores. To validate the scale, another 322 2- to 4-year-olds were screened using the Classroom Observation Scale. The screen-positive children and randomly selected typically developing peers were assessed for autism spectrum disorder 1.5 years later. The Classroom Observation Scale as used by teachers and researchers near preschool onset predicted autism spectrum disorder diagnoses 1.5 years later (odds ratios = 14.6 and 6.7, respectively). This user-friendly 13-item Classroom Observation Scale enables teachers and healthcare workers with little or no clinical training to identify, with reliable and valid results, preschoolers more likely than their peers to have autism spectrum disorder. Lay abstract With professional training and regular opportunities to observe children interacting with their peers, preschool teachers are in a good position to notice children’s autism spectrum disorder symptomatology. Yet even when a preschool teacher suspects that a child may have autism spectrum disorder, fear of false alarm may hold the teacher back from alerting the parents, let alone suggesting them to consider clinical assessment for the child. A valid and convenient screening tool can help preschool teachers make more informed and hence more confident judgment. We set out to develop a screening tool that capitalizes on peer interaction as a naturalistic “stress test” to identify children more likely than their peers to have autism spectrum disorder. A total of 304 3- to 4-year-olds were observed at school with an 84-item preliminary checklist; data-driven item reduction yielded a 13-item Classroom Observation Scale. The Classroom Observation Scale scores correlated significantly with Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–2 scores. To validate the scale, another 322 2- to 4-year-olds were screened using the Classroom Observation Scale. The screen-positive children and randomly selected typically developing peers were assessed for autism spectrum disorder 1.5 years later. The Classroom Observation Scale as used by teachers and researchers near preschool onset predicted autism spectrum disorder diagnoses 1.5 years later. This user-friendly 13-item Classroom Observation Scale enables teachers and healthcare workers with little or no clinical training to identify, with reliable and valid results, preschoolers more likely than their peers to have autism spectrum disorder.

Liquid-liquid phase separation enables the assembly of membrane-less subcellular compartments, but testing its biological functions has been difficult. The presynaptic active zone, protein machinery in nerve terminals that defines sites for neurotransmitter release, may be organized through phase separation. Here, we discover that the active zone protein Liprin-α3 rapidly and reversibly undergoes phase separation upon phosphorylation by PKC at a single site. RIM and Munc13 are co-recruited to membrane-attached condensates, and phospho-specific antibodies establish Liprin-α3 phosphorylation in vivo. At synapses of newly generated Liprin-α2/α3 double knockout mice, RIM, Munc13 and the pool of releasable vesicles were reduced. Re-expression of Liprin-α3 restored these defects, but mutating the Liprin-α3 phosphorylation site to abolish phase condensation prevented rescue. Finally, PKC activation acutely increased RIM, Munc13 and neurotransmitter release, which depended on the presence of phosphorylatable Liprin-α3. We conclude that Liprin-α3 phosphorylation rapidly triggers presynaptic phase separation to modulate active zone structure and function.

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) studying in mainstream classrooms have diverse adjustment difficulties in learning, social interaction, and emotion regulation. It is crucial to identify the areas these students find most challenging so that teachers can provide training and support accordingly. We therefore developed, examined, and provided norms for the Learning, Social and Emotion Adaptation Questionnaire-Short Form (LSEAQ-S), a teacher report instrument measuring 53 essential adaptive behaviors for mainstream primary school students in Hong Kong. Teachers completed the LSEAQ-S for three samples of 2,298, 2,690, and 3,305 students with ASD from 204 schools and a sample of 1,869 students without ASD from 112 schools. Our study showed that an 11-factor structure best describes the LSEAQ-S, which has high internal consistency and good convergent validity examined with the Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2). Normative data of the LSEAQ-S stratified by gender and grade (grades 1 to 3; grades 4 to 6) are presented. Gender and grade differences were found, with girls with ASD lagging behind their same-gender peers in related skills more than boys with ASD did, across both grade levels and especially in senior grades. The LSEAQ-S, together with its normative data, can reveal students' difficulties and needs, inform intervention priorities, and help monitor training progress. LAY SUMMARY: This study introduces the Learning, Social and Emotion Adaptation Questionnaire-Short Form (LSEAQ-S), a teacher report instrument developed in Hong Kong measuring school adaptation of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mainstream primary schools. The measure helps education personnel identify behaviors in which a student falls behind his/her peers and facilitate training and support targeting those behaviors. Autism Res 2021, 14: 959-972. © 2020 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

We developed a family of silica-based BDFAs operating over telecom O-band (1260-1360 nm). We demonstrated that 80 meters long single pump single stage amplifier can provide up to 19 dB gain, 20 dBm output power with 5 dB noise figure and 20% power conversion efficiency over 80 nm bandwidth (6-dB). The amplifier gain peak can be flexibly centered over 1305-1325 nm by pump wavelength selection. We designed simple BDFA operating over IEEE standardized part of the O-band (1272-1310 nm) and demonstrated that it can extend 425 Gb/s 400GBASE-LR8 transmission (eight 26.6 Gbaud/s PAM-4 channels) beyond 50 km of G.652 fiber.

A microfluidic colorimetric biosensor was developed using thiolated polystyrene microspheres (SH-PSs) for aggregating of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), a novel hose-based microvalve for controlling the flow direction, and a smartphone imaging APP for monitoring colorimetric signals. Aptamer-PS-cysteamine conjugates were used as detection probes and reacted with Salmonella in samples. Complementary DNA - magnetic nanoparticle (cDNA - MNP) conjugates were used as capture probes, reacted with the free aptamer-PS-cysteamine conjugates. AuNPs were aggregated on the surface of Salmonella-aptamer-PS-cysteamine conjugates, resulting in a visible color change in the detection chamber, which indicating different concentrations of Salmonella. The limit of detection was low to 6.0 × 101 cfu/mL. The microfluidic biosensor exhibited a good specificity. It was evaluated by analyzing salad samples spiked with Salmonella. The recoveries ranged from 91.68% to 113.76%, which indicated its potential application in real samples.

Lead ion (Pb2 +) is a kind of toxic metal pollutant that widely spread in the environment, which is of serious concern to human health. So it is of great significance to develop simple, fast method for the detection of Pb2 +. Up to now, a number of DNA sensors have been designed to recognize Pb2 +, especially DNAzyme-based sensors have attracted much attention due to its advantages, such as high selectivity and sensitivity. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of two types of DNAzyme-based sensors for the detection of toxic Pb2 +, including Pb2 +-specific DNAzyme and G-quadruplex DNAzyme sensors. On the basis of the sensor transducers and their signal types, development and applications of fluorescent DNAzyme sensors, colorimetric DNAzyme sensors and electrochemical DNAzyme sensors are to be discussed in this paper. These DNAzyme-based sensors are highly sensitive and selective toward Pb2 +, and has proved to be a useful tool in the potential application for on-site and real-time real sample (such as environmental and biological samples) monitoring in the future.

The authors describe a fluorometric immunoassay for alternariol monomethyl ether (AME). It is making use of magnetic nanoparticles and quenching of the fluorescence of mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots (MPA-CdTe QDs) by H2O2. Catalase (CAT) was labeled with AME as a competitive antigen to competitively bind to magnetic nanoparticles carrying monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with free AME in samples. The effects of the concentration and pH value of buffer, the concentrations of H2O2 and CAT-AME, and the incubation time of H2O2 and MPA-CdTe QDs were optimized. Under optimal conditions and in combination with magnetic separation, the quenching of the fluorescence of the MPA-CdTe QDs (excitation at 310 nm, emission at 599 nm) can be used to quantify AME with a detection limit of 0.25 pg·mL−1 and the linear range from 0.25 to 7.5 pg·mL−1. The immunoassay also has a lower cross-reactivity to AME analogues. It was evaluated by analyzing fruit samples spiked with AME. The recoveries from spiked fruits ranged from 87.2% to 92.0%.

We developed a simple silica-based BDFA with 80nm 6-dB gain-bandwidth flexibly centred within 1305–1325nm, and parameters comparable to EDFAs. The amplifier can extend 400GBASE-LR8 transmission (8×26.6 Gbaud/s PAM-4 channels) beyond 50 km of G.652 fiber.

The genus Alternaria comprises ubiquitous pathogens and saprophytes. They can even grow at low temperature, so they are the main fungi responsible for the spoilage of various fruits, vegetables, grains and their products during long-distance transport and refrigerated storage. Alternaria mycotoxins are the secondary metabolite of the genus Alternaria. They can be divided into five main classes according to their chemical structures, including dibenzopyrone derivatives, tetramic acid derivatives, perylene derivatives, AAL toxins and miscellaneous structures. Alternaria mycotoxins are associated with many health effects because of their mutagenicity, teratogenicity and carcinogenicity, which can cause economic losses to agriculture and serious diseases in humans and animals. So far, there is still a lack of monitoring data on these contaminants of Alternaria mycotoxins. Moreover, there are still no statutory or guideline limits set for Alternaria mycotoxins in food and feed by regulatory authorities worldwide. Until now, many analytical methods have been developed for the detection and quantification of Alternaria mycotoxins. On the basis of briefly introducing the chemical structures and toxicities of Alternaria mycotoxins, this article provides an overview of the progress achieved in the detection techniques for Alternaria mycotoxins, focusing on the analytical methods of thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography (LC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and so on. Finally, the problems of these analytical methods and future development trends are discussed.

Background Placenta previa remains one of the major causes of massive postpartum hemorrhage and maternal mortality worldwide. Objective To determine whether internal iliac artery balloon occlusion during cesarean delivery for placenta previa could reduce postpartum hemorrhage and other maternal complications. Study Design This was a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary university obstetric unit in Hong Kong. Pregnant women who were diagnosed to have placenta previa at 34 weeks (defined as lower placenta edge within 2 cm from the internal os) and required cesarean delivery were invited to participate. Eligible pregnant women were randomized into internal iliac artery balloon occlusion (Occlusion) group or standard management (Control) group. Those randomized to the Occlusion group had internal iliac artery balloon catheter placement performed before cesarean delivery and then balloon inflation after delivery of the baby. The primary outcome was the reduction of postpartum hemorrhage in those with internal iliac artery balloon occlusion. Secondary outcome measures included hemoglobin drop after delivery; amount of blood product transfusion; incidence of hysterectomy; maternal complications including renal failure, ischemic liver, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and adult respiratory distress syndrome; length of stay in hospital; admission to intensive care unit; and maternal death. Results Between May 2016 and September 2018, 40 women were randomized (20 in each group). Demographic and obstetric characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. In the Occlusion group, 3 women did not receive the scheduled procedure, as it was preceded by antepartum hemorrhage that required emergency cesarean delivery, and 1 woman had repeated scan at 36 weeks showing the placental edge was slightly more than 2 cm from the internal os. Intention-to-treat analysis found no significant differences between the Occlusion and the Control groups regarding to the median intraoperative blood loss (1451 [1024–2388] mL vs 1454 [888–2300] mL; P = .945), the median length of surgery (49 [30–62] min vs 37 [30–51] min; P = .204), or the need for blood transfusion during operation (57.9% vs 50.0%; P = .621). None of the patients had rebleeding after operation, complication related to internal iliac artery procedure, or any other maternal complications. Reanalyzing the data using on-treatment approach showed the same results. Conclusion The use of prophylactic internal iliac artery balloon occlusion in placenta previa patients undergoing cesarean delivery did not reduce postpartum hemorrhage or have any effect on maternal or neonatal morbidity.

It is possible to create advanced, manufacturable designs for both single- and multi-mode optical fibers that give significant performance improvements in transmission. This tutorial gives practical illustrations for both datacom and coherent long haul applications.

We demonstrate unrepeatered transmission of 400Gb/s $(4\times 128Gb/s)$ over 557km and 100Gb/s over 590km distance with single fibre configuration using forward and backward ROPAs enabled by 2nd-order Raman pumping and large $A_{eff}$ ultra-low-loss fibre.

Weight bias issues are rarely discussed in Asian. Therefore, we examined the relationships between weight bias, perceived weight stigma (PWS), eating behavior, and psychological distress among Hong Kong people. Using cross-sectional design, 400 undergraduate students (175 men) completed questionnaires and were assigned into a self-reported overweight (n = 61) or nonoverweight group (n = 339) using body mass index, and a self-perceived overweight (n = 84) or nonoverweight group (n = 316) based on self-perception. For self-reported and self-perceived overweight groups, more weight bias was related to higher depression (β = -0.403; p = 0.004). Self-perceived group additionally showed that weight bias was related to PWS and inappropriate eating behaviors; PWS related to inappropriate eating behaviors. For self-reported and self-perceived nonoverweight groups, weight bias was related to PWS, inappropriate eating behaviors, anxiety, and depression (β = -0.228 to -0.148; p's < 0.05); PWS was associated with inappropriate eating behaviors, anxiety, and depression. Thus, weight bias issues should not be ignored for both overweight and nonoverweight people.