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Background: The high disability rate of osteoarthritis (OA), a joint disease with an insidious onset and widespread effects, places a heavy financial burden on patients, families, and society. Traditional diagnostic approaches, including radiology and physical examination, cannot achieve early-stage screening of OA and thus, miss early intervention for patients. Therefore, the need of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of OA is crucial. Results: A total of 390 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from the training set, and 1077 key module genes were found by constructing a weighted gene co-expression network, and 161 key genes were obtained as a result. Four diagnostic marker genes highly associated with OA were screened for key genes using machine learning algorithms, and the resulting nomogram model showed excellent predictive power and clinical value. After further background studies, immune infiltration and functional enrichment analysis, we found that FKBP5 may play an important role in the prognosis and immune infiltration of multiple cancers, and this hypothesis was verified by pan-cancer analysis. Conclusions: We screened four diagnostic marker genes (FKBP5, EPYC, KLF9 and PDZRN4) that are highly associated with OA. And this led to a diagnostic model, which was assessed to have good predictive power and clinical value. FKBP5 may be a potential intervention target for human diseases such as osteoarthritis and tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin-based activated carbon (CAC) was prepared by a two-step process of carbonization and potassium carbonate chemical activation. The CAC was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption/ desorption, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorption performance of CAC for Orange II (O II) was evaluated in terms of contact time, adsorption temperature, initial concentration, adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and thermodynamics. The CAC had a surface area of 1320 m² g -1 and a total pore volume of 1.10 cm³ g -1 . The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 1010 mg g-1 at 318.2 K for O II, respectively. Equilibrium isotherms showed that the Langmuir model had a higher coefficient of determination than the Freundlich model. The thermodynamic results indicated that the adsorption process of O II onto CAC 800 was spontaneous and endothermic. Given the results of this work, CAC can be used as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of essential oil coated with glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, and serum profiles of weaned piglets. Methods: A total of 144 weaned piglets (Duroc×[Landrace×Yorkshire], average weight 8.07±3.33 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups with six replicate pens and eight piglets per pen: i) CON: a corn-soybean basal diet; ii) LEG: with 1,000 mg/kg essential oil coated with GML; and iii) HEG: with 2,000 mg/kg essential oil coated with GML. Results: Results showed that average daily gain was increased (p<0.05) linearly by essential oil coated with GML supplementation on day 14 to 28 and day 0 to 28 compared with the CON group. Dietary supplementation with HEG increased (p<0.05) total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity on day 14, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgM concentration on day 28 and tended to increase IgG on day 28. In addition, the crypt depth in the jejunum was reduced (p<0.05), and villus height and villus height/crypt depth in the ileum were increased (p<0.05) in the HEG group compared with the CON group. Moreover, lower (p<0.05) concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-8, and IL-10 were observed in the jejunum of piglets supplemented with HEG compared with the CON group. In addition, dietary HEG tended to decrease IL-6 level in the jejunum of piglets compared with the CON group. Conclusion: Dietary essential oil coated with GML can improve growth performance of weaned piglets. Moreover, supplementing 2,000 mg/kg essential oil coated with GML was demonstrated to improve antioxidant ability, and intestinal morphology, and reduce jejunal inflammatory factor levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary supplementation with a functional fatty acid blend (FA) that contains 31.4% butyric acid and 4.99% mediumchain FA improve growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity status, and antiinflammatory ability in weaned piglets. Methods: One hundred and forty-four healthy piglets (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire) with an average body weight (BW) of 7.98±3.43 kg were randomly divided into three groups with six replicate pens and eight piglets per pen: Normal control (NC): a corn-soybean basal diet; FA1: a basal diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg of a functional FA; FA2: a basal diet supplemented with 2,000 mg/kg of a functional FA. The experiment lasted for 28 d. On d 14 and 28, one piglet in each pen from NC and FA2 groups was randomly selected for antioxidative index and immunoglobulins. On d 28, one piglet in each pen from NC and FA2 groups was randomly selected for intestinal morphology and inflammatory factor. Results: We observed that FA supplementation linearly increased (p<0.05) average daily gain and the final BW. There was higher (p<0.05) catalase on d 14, and immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgM on d 28 in piglets supplemented with FA2 than in the NC group. Moreover, dietary FA2 reduced (p<0.05) crypt depth of ileum in piglets. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8, and IL-10 in jejunum were lower (p<0.05) in the FA2 group compared with the NC group. Conclusion: Therefore, the overall results suggests that the FA may help to improve gut health, antioxidant status, and immune parameters resulting in the improvement of growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber reinforcement is the most common method for modifying polylactic acid (PLA). However, poor compatibility between fibers and PLA, especially at high cellulose contents, can promote cellulose agglomeration in the continuous phase, which damages the mechanical properties of composite materials. To address these issues, bagasse cellulose (BC) was used as a substrate and bifunctional glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was used as a reactive monomer for graft modification. GMA-modified BC (BC-GMA)/PLA composite materials with different particle sizes were prepared using a blending grafting method, and the influence of the type and content of BC-GMA on the mechanical properties of the composite materials was explored. During the grafting modification of BC, a longer reaction time was found to result in smaller BC particles and a higher degree of grafting. For BC-GMA, the degree of grafting reached 27.02% with a maximum thermal decomposition temperature of 359.31°C. Furthermore, the BC-GMA/PLA composite material had a greater relative crystallinity of PLA, indicating that BC-GMA was evenly dispersed in the continuous phase. This study demonstrates that grafting modification can successfully achieve high cellulose loading in composite materials and thus reduce the production costs of PLA-based packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different social ranking order (SRO) and the enrichments (perch and dust-bath) allocation (EA) on behavior of laying hens in furnished cages. Methods: Total experimental period was 4 weeks. There were 216 Hy-line brown layers beak-trimmed at 1 d of age and selected randomly at 14 weeks of age from a commercial farm, and randomly divided into 36 cages with 6 hens in each cage. High enrichments (perch and dust-bath) allocation (HEA) and low enrichments (perch and dust-bath) allocation (LEA) were provided. Video observations of behavior were obtained from the focal hens between 14 and 18 weeks of age and perching, dust-bathing and other general behaviors of the hens with different social orders were measured. Results: Perching behavior of high SRO hens (HSR) were significantly higher than that of medium SRO hens (MSR), and that of the MSR were significantly higher than that of low SRO hens (LSR) (p<0.01), except for lying on perch (p>0.05). The hens in the high EA cage (HEAC) showed more lying behavior on perch than those in the low EA cage (LEAC) (p< 0.01). The different SRO and EA did not affect dust-bathing behavior except vertical wingshaking behavior (p<0.05). The LEA did not affect general behaviors (p>0.05), except standing and preening behaviors (p<0.01 and p<0.05), of which the hens in the HEAC showed less standing (p<0.01) and more preening behavior than the hens in the LEAC. Conclusion: The SRO of laying hens has a significant effect on the perching behaviors, but SRO and EA have little effect on dust-bathing and general behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guttation is a common feature of cucumber leaves under high relative humidity conditions; however, little is known about the role of guttation in the transmission of Pseudomonas amygdali pv. lachrymans, which is the pathogen of cucumber angular leaf spot disease. In this study, experimental evidence for the transmission of P. amygdali pv. lachrymans inside cucumber plants and through guttation was provided, and the results proved that P. amygdali pv. lachrymans can be transmitted from the bottom leaf to the upper leaves inside the plant and excreted from the upper leaves through guttation. After that, the third leaf of cucumber was inoculated with P. amygdali pv. lachrymans bacterial suspension, P. amygdali pv. lachrymans was detected on the fifth leaf, the petiole, and the stem and in guttation drops. Healthy cucumber seedlings were infected by P. amygdali pv. lachrymans in the guttation droplets, indicating that guttation fluids containing P. amygdali pv. lachrymans could become a potential source of secondary infection. The results from this study verified the hypothesis that guttation is a potential route for P. amygdali pv. lachrymans excretion from cucumber plants and may be a source of secondary transmission under high relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Few spatial studies on Keshan disease (KD) prevalence and serum selenoprotein P (SELENOP) levels have been reported in the Heilongjiang Province, China. This study aimed to investigate the spatial relationships between KD prevalence, SELENOP levels, and the socio-economic status for the precise prevention and control of KD.Material and Methods: The study was carried out in all the 66 KD endemic counties in the Heilongjiang Province using a non-probability sampling method of a key village survey based on county-wide case-searching. The participants completed a questionnaire and had their serum SELENOP levels measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Thematic maps were created, and spatial regression analysis was performed by ordinary least squares using ArcGIS 9.0.Results: Overall, 53 676 residents were surveyed based on case-searching, and blood samples were collected from 409 residents. In total, 50 chronic KD cases were identified with a total prevalence of 9.3/10 000 population. The prevalence in the Tangyuan County was the highest (250/10 000 population). The mean serum SELENOP level was 13.96 mg/l. The spatial regression analysis showed that KD prevalence positively correlated with SELENOP levels and negatively with per capita disposable income among rural residents.Conclusions: The Tangyuan County should be considered for the precise prevention and control of KD. Further research is necessary to verify the reliability of SELENOP for estimating body selenium levels, and to better understand the relationship between selenium intake and KD in the investigated area. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(5):659-66. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The high-density lipoprotein hypothesis of atherosclerosis has been challenged by clinical trials of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors, which failed to show significant reductions in cardiovascular events. Plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decline drastically during sepsis, and this phenomenon is explained, in part, by the activity of CETP, a major determinant of plasma HDL-C levels. We tested the hypothesis that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of CETP would preserve high-density lipoprotein levels and decrease mortality in clinical cohorts and animal models of sepsis.Methods: We examined the effect of a gain-of-function variant in CETP (rs1800777, p.Arg468Gln) and a genetic score for decreased CETP function on 28-day sepsis survival using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age and sex in the UK Biobank (n=5949), iSPAAR (Identification of SNPs Predisposing to Altered Acute Lung Injury Risk; n=882), Copenhagen General Population Study (n=2068), Copenhagen City Heart Study (n=493), Early Infection (n=200), St Paul's Intensive Care Unit 2 (n=203), and Vasopressin Versus Norepinephrine Infusion in Patients With Septic Shock studies (n=632). We then studied the effect of the CETP inhibitor, anacetrapib, in adult female APOE*3-Leiden mice with or without human CETP expression using the cecal-ligation and puncture model of sepsis.Results: A fixed-effect meta-analysis of all 7 cohorts found that the CETP gain-of-function variant was significantly associated with increased risk of acute sepsis mortality (hazard ratio, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.22-1.70]; P<0.0001). In addition, a genetic score for decreased CETP function was associated with significantly decreased sepsis mortality in the UK Biobank (hazard ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.59-1.00] per 1 mmol/L increase in HDL-C) and iSPAAR cohorts (hazard ratio, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.37-0.98] per 1 mmol/L increase in HDL-C). APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice treated with anacetrapib had preserved levels of HDL-C and apolipoprotein-AI and increased survival relative to placebo treatment (70.6% versus 35.3%, Log-rank P=0.03), whereas there was no effect of anacetrapib on the survival of APOE*3-Leiden mice that did not express CETP (50.0% versus 42.9%, Log-rank P=0.87).Conclusions: Clinical genetics and humanized mouse models suggest that inhibiting CETP may preserve high-density lipoprotein levels and improve outcomes for individuals with sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual values and beliefs vary according to cultural and social factors. To better understand clinical decision-making and inform future research, we undertook a survey of preferences in treatment goals for managing patients with acute ischemic stroke among medical professionals in China. We designed a web-based survey through literature search, face-to-face interviews, pilot questionnaire development, and focus group meetings. Key outcomes explored were death, disability, quality of life, neurological impairments, cognitive dysfunction, and hemorrhagic transformation. Participants were asked to rate the importance of each outcome on a 5-point Likert scale to allow calculation of a weighted score of importance: higher scores indicating greater importance. A total of 1,189 participants completed the survey. For established therapies with bleeding risk (e.g. thrombolysis and thrombectomy), death was the most important outcome (weighted score 4.60), followed by disability (4.45), quality of life (4.45), neurological impairments (4.34), cognitive dysfunction (4.03), and hemorrhagic transformation (3.99). For other acute therapies without bleeding risk, quality of life ranked first (4.08), followed by disability (4.03), neurological impairment (3.92), death (3.79), cognitive dysfunction (3.78), and hemorrhagic transformation (3.51). From the perspective of Chinese medical staff, death is the most important outcome measure for patients with acute ischemic stroke. When reduction of death or disability were less likely to be achievable, the improvement in quality of life is an acceptable outcome measure. In contrast to the previously perceived high fear of bleeding in practice, hemorrhagic transformation was the least concerned even for therapies with a potential bleeding risk [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of doped semiconductors to achieve plasmonic frequencies in the middle infrared (mid-IR) has been recently proposed as a promising way to obtain high-quality and tunable plasmonic materials. Plasmonic materials have great static or dynamic tunability. In some cases, choosing a dopant over another is an important trade-off to optimize the plasmonic performance. In this work, trivalent metal ion (M)-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs, M=Al, In) were successfully synthesized with highly consistent synthesis conditions. Interestingly, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can only be observed in Al-doped ZnO (AZO) NPs, but not in In-doped ZnO (IZO) NPs. We used X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman and a first principle calculation to clarify the proper dopant sites (replaceable or interstitial doping) of Al3+ and In3+ in the host nanocrystals of ZnO. In addition, these results assisted by density of states (DOS) analysis indicate that different doping modes influenced the electronic structures in different degrees, and may lead to the opposite SPR phenomenon. Our work deepens the understanding of the relationship between doping sites in the host nanocrystals and SPR properties and give important guidance to the develop the doped semiconductors with plasmonic performance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of doped semiconductors to achieve plasmonic frequencies in the middle infrared (mid-IR) has been recently proposed as a promising way to obtain high-quality and tunable plasmonic materials. Plasmonic materials have great static or dynamic tunability. In some cases, choosing a dopant over another is an important trade-off to optimize the plasmonic performance. In this work, trivalent metal ion (M)-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs, M=Al, In) were successfully synthesized with highly consistent synthesis conditions. Interestingly, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can only be observed in Al-doped ZnO (AZO) NPs, but not in In-doped ZnO (IZO) NPs. We used X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman and a first principle calculation to clarify the proper dopant sites (replaceable or interstitial doping) of Al3+ and In3+ in the host nanocrystals of ZnO. In addition, these results assisted by density of states (DOS) analysis indicate that different doping modes influenced the electronic structures in different degrees, and may lead to the opposite SPR phenomenon. Our work deepens the understanding of the relationship between doping sites in the host nanocrystals and SPR properties and give important guidance to the develop the doped semiconductors with plasmonic performance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paeonia ostii is a woody oil crop with potential value as an edible oil. With the aim of acquiring systematic knowledge of the development of P. ostii seeds, the oil content, biomass, and water content of the seeds were determined. Changes in the distribution of hydrogen protons in P. ostii seeds during follicle development were traced using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The formation of oil bodies in the endosperm and embryo was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dynamic changes in oleic acid, linoleic acid, and a-linolenic acid contents were assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The magnetic resonance images showed that, during early follicle development [45-85 days after flowering (DAF)], a greater quantity of liquid mucus was present within the seeds, and seeds in the same follicle developed at different rates. At 95 to 115 DAF, proton density was distributed evenly in all areas of the seed. A small dark area appeared in the center of the seed, andmucus in the follicles and water in the pericarp disappeared gradually. TEM observations showed that at 45 DAF, a few oil bodies were scattered at the cell periphery in the endosperm, and oil bodies were more numerous in the embryo. With the progression of seed development, the number and size of oil bodies in the embryo and endosperm continued to increase. The fresh and dry mass of P. ostii seeds increased from 45 to 105 DAF, then decreased after 105 DAF. The moisture content decreased, whereas the oil content increased and attained 33.1% at seed maturity. The three predominant unsaturated fatty acids accumulated simultaneously and showed stages of initial accumulation (45-65 DAF) and rapid accumulation (65-105 DAF). The results suggest that 65 to 105 DAF is a critical period for unsaturated fatty acid accumulation in P. ostii seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is taking on worldwide epidemic proportions, yet effective pharmacological agents with long-term efficacy remain unavailable. Previously, we designed the iminosugar N-adamantine-methyloxypentyl-deoxynojirimycin (AMP-DNM), which potently improves glucose homeostasis by lowering excessive glycosphingolipids. Here we show that AMP-DNM promotes satiety and activates brown adipose tissue (BAT) in obese rodents. Moreover, we demonstrate that the mechanism mediating these favorable actions depends on oral, but not central, administration of AMP-DNM, which ultimately stimulates systemic glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) secretion. We evidence an essential role of brain GLP1 receptors (GLP1r), as AMP-DNM fails to promote satiety and activate BAT in mice lacking the brain GLP1r as well as in mice treated intracerebroventricularly with GLP1r antagonist exendin-9. In conclusion, AMP-DNM markedly ameliorates metabolic abnormalities in obese rodents by restoring satiety and activating BAT through central GLP1r, while improving glucose homeostasis by mechanisms independent of central GLP1r. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins play crucial roles in pollen protection and pollinator attraction in flowering plants. However, the mechanisms underlying flower color determination and whether floral anthocyanin regulators participate in other processes remain largely unresolved in soybeans (Glycine max). In this study, we investigated the genetic components and mechanisms governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in soybean flowers. Molecular and genetic studies have characterized two antagonistic regulators, the positive activator GmMYBA3 and the negative repressor GmMYBR1, that modulate the gene expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis in soybean flowers. Further findings revealed a regulatory interplay between GmMYBA3 and GmMYBR1 bridged by GmTT8a, highlighting the complexity of anthocyanin regulation in different soybean organs. Exploration of additional soybean cultivars demonstrated the universality of GmMYBA3 and GmMYBR1 in regulating floral anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes, with GmF3050H identified as a crucial determinant of white flower color. This study provides a molecular mechanism underlying soybean flower color determination, paving the way for the molecular modification of soybean flowers to probably enhance their resistance to abiotic stresses and attractiveness to pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We previously elucidated that long non-coding RNA Promoter of CDKN1A Antisense DNA damage Activated RNA (PANDAR) as a p53-dependent oncogene to promote cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer (OC). Intriguingly, high level of p53-independent PANDAR was found in cisplatin-resistant patients with p53 mutation. Here, our study probed the new roles and the underlying mechanisms of PANDAR in p53-mutant OC cisplatin-resistance. Methods: A2780 and A2780-DDP cells were served as OC cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatinresistant cells. HO-8910PM cells were subjected to construct chemotherapy-induced extracellular vesicles (Chemo-EVs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis were employed to evaluate Chemo-EVs. Cell viability was assessed using cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was assessed using Annexin V and propidium iodide staining. The relationships between PANDAR, serine and arginine-rich premRNA splicing factor 9 (SRSF9) were verified by RNA immunoprecipitation and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Tumor xenograft experiment was employed to evaluate the effects of PANDAR-Chemo-EVs on OC cisplatin-resistance in vivo. Immunofluorescent staining and immunohistochemistry were performed in tumor tissue. Results: PANDAR level increased in OC patients with p53-mutation. PANDAR efflux enacted via exosomes under cisplatin conditions. Additionally, exosomes from OC cell lines carried PANDAR, which significantly increased cell survival and chemoresistance in vitro and tumor progression and metastasis in vivo. During cisplatin-induced stress, SRSF9 was recruited to nuclear bodies by increased PANDAR and muted apoptosis in response to cisplatin. Besides, SRSF9 significantly increased the ratio of SIRT4/SIRT6 mRNA in OC. Conclusion: Cisplatin-induced exosomes transfer PANDAR and lead to a rapid adaptation of OC cell survival through accumulating SRSF9 following cisplatin stress exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of carbon black-supported bimetallic Ru-Co nanoparticles catalyst were synthesized via the chemical reduction of corresponding metal precursor in ethylene glycol, for H2 generation from NaBH4 methanolysis. The composition, morphology and structure of the novel nanomaterial were well characterized by XRD, XPS, HRTEM, EDX and SEM, showing the good dispersion of supported Ru-Co nanoparticles with an average diameter of 2.4 nm. Significantly, the highest H2 generation rate is observed in the case of Ru-Co/C catalyst with Ru/ Co ratio of 5, achieving 9.36 L min-1 g-1 at 25 °C, which is comparable to the reported pure Ru catalysts. Furthermore, the recycle test confirms our catalyst can be practically applied. Our work highlights the synergetic effect in bimetallic catalytic system for boosting H2 generation rates from NaBH4 methanolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical model is proposed in this paper to predict the breakdown voltage (BV) of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) trench lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) devices with N/P pillars. In this SOI trench LDMOS device, the U-shaped folded drift region is divided into four parts for simplifying the solution of Poisson's equation, where conformal mapping by the Schwarz-Christoffel (S-C) transformation is applied. As verified by the TCAD simulation results, the analytical model may predict the electric field distribution and the BV accurately. This analytical model can reveal the essence of the electric field peaks around the dielectric trench from the depletion effect of the N/P pillars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dasheen mosaic virus (DsMV) is one of the major viruses affecting taro (Colocasia esculenta) production worldwide. Whole genome sequences were determined for two DsMV strains, Hawaii Strain I (KY242358) and Hawaii Strain II (KY242359), from taro in Hawaii. They represent the first full-length coding sequences of DsMV reported from the United States. Hawaii Strains I and II were 77 and 85% identical, respectively, with other completely sequenced DsMV isolates. Hawaii Strain 1 was most closely related to vanilla mosaic virus (VanMV) (KX505964.1), a strain of DsMV infecting vanilla in the southern Pacific Islands. Hawaii Strain II was most closely related to a taro DsMV isolate CTCR1-I1-I4 (KT026108.I) from India. Phylogenetic analysis of all available DsMV isolates based on amino acid sequences of their coat protein showed some correlation between host plant and genetic diversity. Analyses of DsMV genome sequences detected three recombinants from China and India among the six isolates with known complete genome sequences. The DsMV strain NC003537.1 from China is a recombinant of KJ786965.1 from India and Hawaii Strain II. Another DsMV strain KT026I08.1 is a recombinant of Hawaii Strain II and NC003537.I from China. The third DsMV strain KJ786965.I from India is a recombinant of Hawaii Strain II and NC003537.1 from China. To our knowledge, this is the first report of recombination events in DsMV. Both Hawaii Strains I and II of DsMV were found widespread throughout the Hawaiian islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the discovery of an optofluidic principle and demonstrates the generation of a steady-state water flow by a pulsed laser beam through a glass window. Topics discussed include generation of a flow or stream in the same path as the refracted laser beam in pure water from an arbitrary spot on the window and the principle of light-driven flow via ultrasound.

We present 3-79 keV NuSTAR observations of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1636-53 in the soft, transitional and hard state. The spectra display a broad emission line at 5-10 keV. We applied several models to fit this line: A Gaussian line, a relativistically broadened emission line model, kyrline, and two models including relativistically smeared and ionized reflection off the accretion disc with different coronal heights, relxill and relxilllp. All models fit the spectra well; however, the kyrline and relxill models yield an inclination of the accretion disc of ~88° with respect to the line of sight, which is at odds with the fact that this source shows no dips or eclipses. The relxilllp model, on the other hand, gives a reasonable inclination of ~56°. We discuss our results for these models in this source and the possible primary source of the hard X-rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2005-2014, community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections increased in Shanghai, China. Most infections were caused by sequence type 59 S. aureus that lacked Panton-Valentine leukocidin. This finding challenges the notion that Panton-Valentine leukocidin is necessary for epidemiologic success of community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lipocalin proteins are secreted by tick salivary glands as an important strategy to interfere with the immune response of hosts. A large number of lipocalins are secreted, but the functions of most of these proteins are unclear. Here, we report a new lipocalin protein with particular histamine binding capacity, which was isolated from the salivary glands of the tick Hyalomma asiaticum. Methods: The full length cDNA of the Ha24 gene was obtained by RACE, and Ha24 gene was expressed in E. coli; after protein purification and mice immunizations, specific Polyclonal antibodies (PcAb) were created in response to the recombinant protein. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay and western blot were used to detect the existence of native Ha24 in ticks. To confirm the histamine-binding capacity of rHa24, a histamine-binding assay was completed in vitro (ELISA) and in vivo by inhibition of allergic asthma in mice. Results: Ha24 is coded by 681 bases, contains 227 amino acids, and has a molecular weight of 23.3 kDa. Abundant expression in the salivary glands of feeding ticks was confirmed by the identification of native Ha24 in ticks. The results of a histamine binding assay both in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that rHa24 binds specifically with histamine in a dose-dependent manner, and can provide relief from allergic asthma in mice. Conclusions: Ha24 is a new tick lipocalin with specific histamine binding activity that can provide relief from host inflammation response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and has an extremely poor prognosis. Surgical resection is always inapplicable to HCC patients diagnosed at an advanced tumor stage. The mechanisms underlying HCC cell proliferation remain obscure. In the present study, SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable catalytic subunit SNF2 (SNF2H) expression was tested in HCC tissues and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation upon overexpression of SNF2H or knockdown of SNF2H expression was investigated in cultured HCC cells. It was demonstrated that SNF2H is a vital factor for HCC growth. The SNF2H expression level is increased in HCC tissues compared with paratumoral liver tissues. SNF2H promotes HCC cell proliferation and colony formation ability in vitro. SNF2H may increase the protein level of β-catenin and enhance its nuclear accumulation in HCC cells, thereby leading to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In conclusion, the present results indicate that SNF2H plays a vital role in HCC cell growth, suggesting that SNF2H may be a promising therapeutic target for HCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: β-Glucan, a soluble fiber with viscous property, has a documented cholesterol-lowering effect. The molecular weight (MW) of β-glucan, which contributes to viscosity, and an individual's genotype might influence the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of β-glucan.Objectives: This study was designed to determine whether the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of barley β-glucan varied as a function of MW and the daily dose consumed. Our second aim was to determine whether any gene-diet interactions are associated with the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of β-glucan.Methods: In a randomized controlled crossover trial, 30 mildly hypercholesterolemic adults [12 men and 18 women, aged 27-78 y; body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 20-40; total cholesterol (TC): 5.0-8.0 mmol/L; LDL cholesterol: 2.7-5.0 mmol/L] were randomly assigned to receive a breakfast that contained either barley β-glucan at 3 g high MW (HMW)/d, 5 g low MW (LMW)/d, or 3 g LMW/d or a control diet, each for 5 wk. The washout period between the phases was 4 wk. Fasting blood samples were collected at the start and end of each phase for blood lipid analysis and genotyping.Results: Consumption of 3 g HMW β-glucan/d lowered TC by -0.12 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.24, -0.006 mmol/L) compared with the control diet (P= 0.0046), but the LMW β-glucan, at either 3 g/d or 5 g/d, did not change serum cholesterol concentrations. This effect of HMW β-glucan was associated with gene-diet interaction, whereby individuals with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3808607-G allele (GG or GT) of the cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 gene (CYP7A1) had greater responses to 3 g HMW β-glucan/d in lowering TC than TT carriers (P= 0.0006).Conclusions: The HMW β-glucan rather than LMW β-glucan reduced circulating TC effectively in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults. The cholesterol-lowering effect of β-glucan may also be determined by the genetic characteristics of an individual. These data show that individuals carrying theCYP7A1SNP rs3808607-G allele are more responsive to the cholesterol-lowering effect of β-glucan with HMW than TT carriers. This trial was registered atclinicaltrials.govasNCT01408719. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody levels, as well as disease activity in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients and methods: These measurements were conducted between January 2014 and June 2014. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D), anti-CCP antibody, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates were measured in a cohort of 154 patients (66 males, 88 females; mean age 53.5±12.4; range 29 to 79 years) with early RA. A control group of 60 healthy participants (25 males, 35 females; mean age 51.4±10.3; range 25 to 75 years) was only evaluated for serum 25-OH-D levels. Disease activity was measured by calculating the 28-Joint Disease Activity Score. Blood samples were drawn from cubital veins. After centrifugation, serum was collected and stored under minus 20 degrees. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in RA group compared with control group (48.70% vs. 30.00%, p<0.05). Serum 25-OH-D levels were lower in RA group (19.46±8.20 ng/mL) than control group (23.18±6.71 ng/mL) (p<0.05). In the RA group, serum 25-OH-D levels were negatively correlated to anti-CCP antibody levels (rs= -0.360, p<0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (rs= -0.270, p<0.001), age of patients (rs= -0.602, p<0.001), and disease activity (rs= -0.249, p<0.05), respectively. Serum 25-OH-D level did not vary according to sex in the RA group. In control group, females had lower serum 25-OH-D level (p=0.001, rs=0.404). In addition, serum 25-OH-D level was also negatively associated with age in control group (p<0.001, rs= -0.578). There were no differences between RA group and control group in terms of age and sex ratio. Conclusion: Serum 25-OH-D level was negatively correlated to anti-CCP antibody level and disease activity, which implied the therapeutic role of serum 25-OH-D in RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent XMM-Newton observations of the black hole candidate 4U 1630-47 during the 2012 outburst revealed three relativistically Doppler-shifted emission lines that were interpreted as arising from baryonic matter in the jet of this source. Here, we reanalyse those data and find an alternative model that, with less free parameters than the model with Doppler-shifted emission lines, fits the data well. In our model we allow the abundance of S and Fe in the interstellar material along the line of sight to the source to be non-solar. Among other things, this significantly impacts the emission predicted by the model at around 7.1 keV, where the edge of neutral Fe appears, and renders the lines unnecessary. The fits to all the 2012 XMM- Newton observations of this source require a moderately broad emission line at around 7 keV plus several absorption lines and edges due to highly ionized Fe and Ni, which reveal the presence of a highly-ionized absorber close to the source. Finally, our model also fits well the observations in which the lines were detected when we apply the most recent calibration files, whereas the model with the three Doppler-shifted emission lines does not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is an emerging minimally invasive surgery to reduce abdominal incisions. However, despite the increasing clinical application of SILS, no evidence from large-scale, randomized controlled trials is available for assessing the feasibility, short-term safety, oncological safety, and potential benefits of SILS compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for colorectal cancer.Methods/design: This is a single-center, open-label, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial. A total of 198 eligible patients will be randomly assigned to transumbilical single incision plus one port laparoscopic surgery (SILS plus one) group or to a CLS group at a 1:1 ratio. Patients ranging in age from 18 to 80 years with rectosigmoid cancer diagnosed as cT1-4aN0-2 M0 and a tumor size no larger than 5 cm are considered eligible. The primary endpoint is early morbidity, as evaluated by an independent investigator. Secondary outcomes include operative outcomes (operative time, estimated blood loss, and incision length), pathologic outcomes (tumor size, length of proximal and distal resection margins, and number of harvested lymph nodes), postoperative inflammatory and immune responses (white blood cells [WBC], neutrophil percentage [NE %], C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]), postoperative recovery (time to first ambulation, flatus, liquid diet, soft diet, and duration of hospital stay), pain intensity, body image and cosmetic assessment, 3-year disease free survival (DFS), and 5-year overall survival (OS). Follow-up visits are scheduled for 1 and 3 months after surgery, then every 3 months for the first 2 years and every 6 months for the next 3 years.Discussion: This trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for the objective assessment of the feasibility, safety, and potential benefits of SILS plus one compared with CLS for the radical resection of rectosigmoid cancer. The hypothesis is that SILS plus one is feasible for the radical resection of rectosigmoid cancer and offers short-term safety and long-term oncological safety comparable to that of CLS, and that SILS plus one offers better cosmetic results and faster convalescence compared to CLS.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02117557 (registered on 16 April 2014). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Golgi-localized Saccharomyces cerevisiae ScGdt1 is a member of the cation/Ca2+ exchanger superfamily. We show here that Candida albicans CaGdt1 is the functional homolog of ScGdt1 in calcium sensitivity, and shows genetic interactions with CaCch1 or CaMid1 in response to ER stresses. In addition, similar to ScCCH1 and ScMID1, deletion of either CaCCH1 or CaMID1 leads to a growth sensitivity of cells to cold stress, which can be suppressed by deletion of CaGDT1. Furthermore, deletion of CaCCH1 leads to a severe delay in filamentation of C. albicans cells, and this defect is abolished by deletion of CaGDT1. In contrast, CaGDT1 does not show genetic interaction with CaMID1 in filamentation. Interestingly, C. albicans cells lacking both CaMID1 and CaGDT1 exhibit an intermediate virulence between C. albicans cells lacking CaCCH1 (non-virulent) and C. albicans cells lacking CaGDT1 (partially virulent), while C. albicans cells lacking both CaCCH1 and CaGDT1 are not virulent in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. Therefore, CaGdt1 genetically interacts with the plasma membrane calcium channel, CaCch1/CaMid1, in the response of C. albicans cells to cold and ER stresses and antifungal drug challenge as well as in filamentation and virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid-base bifunctional organic polymeric catalysts were synthesized with tunable structures. we demonstrated two synthesis approaches for structural fine-tune. In the first case, the framework flexibility was tuned by changing the ratio of rigid blocks to flexible blocks within the polymer framework. In the second case, we precisely adjusted the acid-base distance by distributing basic monomers to be adjacent to acidic monomers, and by changing the chain length of acidic monomers. In a standard test reaction for the aldol condensation of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde with acetone, the catalysts showed good reusability upon recycling and maintained relatively high conversion percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin- (IL-) 35 and IL-37 are newly discovered immune-suppressing cytokines. They have been described in inflammatory diseases such as collagen-induced arthritis and asthma. However, their expressions in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients have not been yet explored. Our aim was to evaluate serum and inflamed mucosal levels in IBD patients. In 20 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, 7 Crohn's disease (CD) patients, and 15 healthy subjects, cytokine levels in serum were determined using ELISA and mucosal expression studies were performed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, andWestern blot. The results showed that serums IL-35 and IL-37 levels were significantly decreased in UC and CD patients compared with healthy subjects. The cytokines levels correlated inversely with UC activity. IL-35 was expressed in infiltrating immune cells while IL-37 in intestinal epithelial cells as well as inflammatory cells. IBD patients had significantly higher Ebi3, p35 (two subunits of IL-35), and IL-37b gene expressions; IL-35 and IL-37 protein expressionswere higher in IBDpatients compared with controls.The study showed that serums IL-35 and IL-37 might be potentially novel biomarkers for IBD. Intestinal IL-35 and IL-37 proteins are upregulated, suggesting that regulating the expression of the two cytokines may provide a new possible target for the treatment of IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We establish the regularity criteria for the two-dimensional generalized liquid crystal model. It turns out that the global existence results satisfy our regularity criteria naturally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total 72 Lohmann white laying hens at 7 weeks old were used to evaluate the relationship between social order and perch utilization. All laying hens were randomly divided into 12 cages, 6 birds in each cage. The aim of the study is to verify the hypothesis that highranked chickens will use perch more when there are only the perch in cage. The study researches the use of perch (including the behavior of the perch) of all hens by setting up the increasing the length of the perch. Using Clutton-Brock index by observing four behaviors (aggression, threat, replace and chase) to determine the social order of the laying hens. The data are analyzed by the generalized linear model (GLMM) in SPSS 23 software. The results showed that the higher rank laying hens used perch more times and time than other subordinate hens (P < 0.001), and the lying, preening and comforting behaviors on the perch increased accordingly (P < 0.001). Except for the highest rank of laying hens, the use of the perch was not significantly different among other subordinate ones (P > 0.05). The conclusion of this study is providing the perch for the caged laying hens can reduce their density on the floor of the cage and make the group stable more quickly. Secondly, higher-ranked hens will use more the perch, and the subordinate hens will reduce the positive conflict with the high-ranked ones. Therefore, providing perch for furnished caged laying hens is beneficial to the welfare of the laying hens in the cage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In addition to improve glucose intolerance, recent studies suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonism also decreases triglyceride (TG) levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonism on very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-TG production and liver TG metabolism. Experimental Approach: The GLP-1 peptide analogues CNTO3649 and exendin-4 were continuously administered subcutaneously to high fat diet-fed APOE*3-Leiden transgenic mice. After 4 weeks, hepatic VLDL production, lipid content, and expression profiles of selected genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined. Results: CNTO3649 and exendin-4 reduced fasting plasma glucose (up to -30% and -28% respectively) and insulin (-43% and -65% respectively). In addition, these agents reduced VLDL-TG production (-36% and -54% respectively) and VLDL- apoB production (-36% and -43% respectively), indicating reduced production of VLDL particles rather than reduced lipidation of apoB. Moreover, they markedly decreased hepatic content of TG (-39% and -55% respectively), cholesterol (-30% and -55% respectively), and phospholipids (-23% and -36% respectively), accompanied by down-regulation of expression of genes involved in hepatic lipogenesis (Srebp-1c, Fasn, Dgat1) and apoB synthesis (Apob). Conclusion: GLP-1 receptor agonism reduces VLDL production and hepatic steatosis in addition to an improvement of glycemic control. These data suggest that GLP-receptor agonists could reduce hepatic steatosis and ameliorate dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous neuroimaging studies have suggested a role of amygdala in trait anxiety level, in which amygdala was typically treated as a whole. To date, it remains unknown whether the morphology of specific subregions of amygdala are associated with trait anxiety. Here, we employed a shape analysis approach to locate the association between its morphology and trait anxiety on the surface of amygdala. 24 healthy young participants were included. The boundary of amygdala for each subject was first manually outlined using high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) image, followed by 3D surface reconstruction and parameterization using spherical harmonic description. Two point-wise metrics, direct displacement between the individual surface and atlas surface and its normal projection, were used to quantify the surface morphology of amygdala. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between the two surface metrics and trait anxiety levels, which were located around the lateral and central nucleus of right amygdala. Our results provided localized information for the association between amygdala and trait anxiety, and suggested a central role of the lateral and central nucleus of right amygdala on trait anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat globally. FHB causes an extensive reduction in yield and reduces the grain quality through its contamination with Fusarium toxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON), T2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, nivalenol, and zearalenone. This review provides an overview of updated progress of genetic studies on the resistance to FHB, with an emphasis on the sources of resistance to FHB, resistance gene/quantitative trait loci (QTL) mining, resistance gene cloning, major FHB resistance genes/QTL identification by molecular markers, and resistance mechanisms. The achievements of resistance breeding based on phenotype selection and molecular markers was also summarised. Based on the systematic analysis of breeding limitations and utilisation of FHB resistant materials, the authors put forward three suggestions: First, to toughen the resistance identification of wheat, testing traits such as Fusarium damaged kernel and DON need special attention as visual symptoms are less reliable, resistant varieties should be popularised, and the screening the resistant genes should be strengthened; The second is to use the additive effect of quantitative resistance genes accumulated from existing varieties to reduce the cost of resistance in order to create high yielding resistant varieties. Thirdly, to enhance research and utilization of new genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystalline TiO2 films were fabricated on titanium substrates by compression method. The CdS quantum dots (QDs) were assembled onto the compressed TiO2 layers, which serve as sensitizers. A maximum power conversion efficiency of 4.49% is achieved under 100 mW/cm2 illumination. In this paper, we find that the compression can help increase the efficiency of the cell by increasing the absorption of the CdS QDs and improving the transportation of photogenerated electrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE--Using a mouse model for human-like lipoprotein metabolism, we observed previously that reduction of the hepatic triglyceride (TG) content resulted in a decrease in plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and an increase in HDL levels. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of prolonged caloric restriction in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, resulting in a major reduction in hepatic TG content, on plasma CETP and HDL levels. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--We studied 27 obese (BMI: 37.2 ± 0.9 kg/m²) insulin-dependent patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (14 men and 13 women, aged 55 6 2 years) who received a 16-week very low calorie diet (VLCD). At baseline and after a 16-week VLCD, plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and CETP were measured. Furthermore, functionality of HDL with respect to inducing cholesterol efflux from human monocyte cells (THP-1) was determined. RESULTS--A 16-week VLCD markedly decreased plasma CETP concentration (218%; P < 0.01) and increased plasma apolipoprotein (apo)AI levels (+16%; P < 0.05), without significantly affecting plasma HDL-cholesterol and HDL-phospholipids. Although a VLCD results in HDL that is less lipidated, the functionality of HDL with respect to inducing cholesterol efflux in vitro was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS--The marked decrease in hepatic TG content induced by a 16-week VLCD is accompanied by a decrease in plasma CETP concentration an increase in apoAI levels, without improving the cholesterol efflux properties of HDL in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an N-butyl-pyridinium-based ionic liquid [BPy]BF4 was prepared. The effect of extraction desulfurization on model oil with thiophene and dibenzothiophene (DBT) was investigated. Ionic liquids and hydrogen peroxide (30%) were tested in extraction-oxidation desulfurization of model oil. The results show that the ionic liquid [BPy]BF4 has a better desulfurization effect. The best technological conditions are: V(IL)/V(Oil) /V(H2O2) = 1:1:0.4, temperature 55 °C, the time 30 min. The ratio of desulfurization to thiophene and DBT reached 78.5% and 84.3% respectively, which is much higher than extraction desulfurization with simple ionic liquids. Under these conditions, the effect of desulfurization on gasoline was also investigated. The used ionic liquids can be recycled up to four times after regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2015, severe hydropericardium-hepatitis syndrome (HHS) associated with a novel fowl adenovirus 4 (FAdV-4) has emerged in China, representing a new challenge for the poultry industry. Although various highly pathogenic FAdV-4 strains have been isolated, the virulence factor and the pathogenesis of novel FAdV-4 are unclear. In our previous studies, we reported that a large genomic deletion (1,966 bp) is not related to increased virulence. Here, two recombinant chimeric viruses, rHN20 strain and rFB2 strain, were generated from a highly pathogenic FAdV-4 strain by replacing the hexon or fiber-2 gene of a nonpathogenic FAdV-4, respectively. Both chimeric strains showed similar titers to the wild-type strain in vitro. Notably, rFB2 and the wild-type strain induced 100% mortality, while no mortality or clinical signs appeared in chickens inoculated with rHN20, indicating that hexon, but not fiber-2, determines the novel FAdV-4 virulence. Furthermore, an R188I mutation in the hexon protein identified residue 188 as the key amino acid for the reduced pathogenicity. The rR188I mutant strain was significantly neutralized by chicken serum in vitro and in vivo, whereas the wild-type strain was able to replicate efficiently. Finally, the immunogenicity of the rescued rR188I was investigated. Nonpathogenic rR188I provided full protection against lethal FAdV-4 challenge. Collectively, these findings provide an in-depth understanding of the molecular basis of novel FAdV-4 pathogenicity and present rR188I as a potential live attenuated vaccine candidate or a novel vaccine vector for HHS vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis is the main reason for morbidity and death caused by cardiovascular disease which leads to approximately 20% of total death around the world. Exosomes secreted by the cells is a kind of extracellular vesicles with lipid bilayer structure, containing a variety of cell specific lipid, nucleic acid and protein, involved in intercellular communication, plays an important role in different physiological and pathological process. In recent years, with the deepening of research, the role of exosomes in cardiovascular diseases has received extensive attention. This review summarizes the roles of exosomes and exosome-derived from microRNAs, proteins and DNA as biomarkers in the development of atherosclerosis, and explores the mechanism of exosome-mediated intercellular crosstalk in atherosclerosis, providing potential roles for diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interface design is an efficient way to improve the steam generation performance of solar evaporators. Accompanied with the formation of cellulose nanofiber/polylactic acid/polyaniline (PANI) hybrid aerogel (HA) by Pickering emulsion and in situ polymerization, this paper proposes a new perspective of hierarchical interface design strategy to accelerate the water evaporation driven by solar energy. By changing the concentration and type of doped acid, the distribution gap of different PANI forms in HA can be microscopically designed. PANI nanoclusters with smaller gaps facilitate HA to achieve an improved light absorption, photothermal conversion capability and steam generation rate. Moreover, macro interface design introduces hemispherical depression structures to the HA surface through a simple mold. These recessed surfaces not only increase the light absorption by increasing the multiple reflections and refractions of light on the recesses, but also recover part of the heat radiation loss to the environment. A higher evaporation rate of 1.65 kg m-2 h-1 with a steam generation efficiency of 94.6% is achieved under the irradiation of 1 Sun (100 mw cm-2). Finally, HAs have strong purification ability for various raw water, and are promising in terms of their application potential in the field of energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the evolution of the phase lags associated with the type-C QPO in GX 339–4 during the rising phase of the 2006/2007 outburst. We find that the phase lags at the QPO frequency are always positive (hard) and show very different behavior between QPOs with frequencies below and above ∼1.7 Hz: when the QPO frequency is below ∼1.7 Hz, the phase lags increase both with QPO frequency and energy, while when the QPO frequency is above ∼1.7 Hz, the phase lags remain more or less constant. When the QPO frequency is higher than ∼1.7 Hz, a broad feature is always present in the lag–energy spectra at around 6.5 keV, suggesting that the reflection component may have a significant contribution to the phase lags. Below ∼1.7 Hz, the QPO rms first decreases with energy and then turns to almost flat, while above ∼1.7 Hz, the QPO rms increases with energy. During the transition from the low-hard state to the hard-intermediate state, the second harmonic and subharmonic of this QPO appear in the power density spectra. The second-harmonic and subharmonic phase lags show very similar evolutions for their centroid frequencies. However, the energy dependence of the second-harmonic and subharmonic phase lags are quite different. Our results suggest that, at different phases of the outburst, different mechanisms may be responsible for the phase lags of the QPO. We briefly discuss the possible scenarios for producing the lags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of drilling data and poor quality of seismic data in deep-water offshore areas, conventional methods cannot effectively predict the total organic carbon (TOC) content. In this paper, the BP neural network method is used to predict the TOC of the strata overlying the target layer, which adds to the TOC information in the study area. Then, the highest TOC value of the strata overlying the target layer is used to select the most sensitive seismic attributes. Finally, the sensitive seismic attributes are used to evaluate the source rocks with no or few wells. A set of TOC prediction technology flows is established for TOC combined with seismic attributes under the condition of no wells and few wells in deep-water areas. The application example shows the reliability of TOC prediction by this technical process, and the study has a certain reference significance for the evaluation of hydrocarbon source rocks in offshore deep water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that reward system is associated with chronic pain diseases. In addition, previous studies have also demonstrated abnormal functional and structural brain regions in primary dysmenorrhea. However, the relation of reward system and primary dysmenorrhea is still unknown. Using the resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we aimed to investigate the functional connectivity changes of reward system during periovulatory phase in primary dysmenorrhea. Forty-one primary dysmenorrhea patients and 39 matched female healthy controls participated in this study. Compared to healthy controls, primary dysmenorrhea patients showed decreased connectivity of left nucleus accumbens with the bilateral anterior insula and the left amygdala and decreased connectivity of right nucleus accumbens with ventral tegmental area, the left hippocampus, the right orbital frontal cortex, and the right anterior insula. In addition, the decreased functional connectivity between the right nucleus accumbens-ventral tegmental area negatively correlated with the level of prostaglandin F2 alpha. Our findings provide neuroimaging evidence in support of the abnormal reward system connectivity in primary dysmenorrhea patients, which might contribute to a better understanding of the cerebral pathophysiology of primary dysmenorrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance is driven by selection, but the degree to which a bacterial strain’s evolutionary history shapes the mechanism and strength of resistance remains an open question. Here, we reconstruct the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in a clinical isolate of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae. A combination of short- and long-read sequencing, machine learning, and genetic and enzymatic analyses established that this carbapenem-resistant strain carries no carbapenemase-encoding genes. Genetic reconstruction of the resistance phenotype confirmed that two distinct genetic loci are necessary in order for the strain to acquire carbapenem resistance. Experimental evolution of the carbapenem-resistant strains in growth conditions without the antibiotic revealed that both loci confer a significant cost and are readily lost by de novo mutations resulting in the rapid evolution of a carbapenem-sensitive phenotype. To explain how carbapenem resistance evolves via multiple, low-fitness single-locus intermediates, we hypothesised that one of these loci had previously conferred adaptation to another antibiotic. Fitness assays in a range of drug concentrations show how selection in the antibiotic ceftazidime can select for one gene (blaDHA-1) potentiating the evolution of carbapenem resistance by a single mutation in a second gene (ompK36). These results show how a patient’s treatment history might shape the evolution of antibiotic resistance and could explain the genetic basis of carbapenem-resistance found in many enteric-pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering time is a key agronomic trait that directly affect the adaptation and yield of soybean. After whole genome duplications, about 75% of genes being represented by multiple copies in soybean. There are four TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) genes in soybean, and the TFL1b (Dt1) has been characterized as the determinant of stem growth habit. The function of other TFL1 homologs in soybean is still unclear. Here, we generated knockout mutants by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and found that the tfl1c/tfl1d double mutants flowered significantly earlier than wild-type plants. We investigated that TFL1c and TFL1d could physically interact with the bZIP transcription factor FDc1 and bind to the promoter of APETALA1a (AP1a). RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses indicated that TFL1c and TFL1d repressed the expressions of the four AP1 homologs and delayed the flowering time in soybean. The two genes play important roles in the regulation of flowering time in soybean and mainly act as the flowering inhibitors under long-day conditions. Our results identify novel components in the flowering-time regulation network of soybean and will be invaluable for molecular breeding of improved soybean yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking advantage of the high selectivity of aptamers and enzyme-free catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) amplification strategy, we herein describe a label-free and enzyme-free sensitive fluorescent and colorimetric strategy for thrombin detection in this paper. In the presence of target, the corresponding aptamer of the partial dsDNA probes will bind to the target and liberate the initiation strand, which is artfully designed as the “on” switch for hairpin assembly. Moreover, the displaced initiation strand partakes in a multi-cycle process and produces numerous G-quadruplexes, which have a remarkable enhancement in fluorescent/colorimetric signal from NMM (N-methyl-mesoporphyrin IX) and TMB (3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine), respectively. The proposed amplification strategy for thrombin detection is of high sensitivity, down to 2.4 pM, and also achieves colorimetric signals that are able to be distinguished by naked eye. More importantly, the thermodynamics of interacting DNA strands used in our work, and the process of toehold strand displacement-driven assembly are simulated before biological testing, verifying the feasibility theoretically, and simplifying the subsequent actual experiments. Therefore, our approach and simulation have a certain potential application in biomarker detection and quantitatively monitor for disease diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]