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Accurately predicting the production rate and estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) of shale oil wells is vital for efficient shale oil development. Although numerical simulations provide accurate predictions, their high time, data, and labor demands call for a swifter, yet precise, method. This study introduces the DuongeCNNeLSTM (D-C-L) model, which integrates a convolutional neural network (CNN) with a long short-term memory (LSTM) network and is grounded on the empirical Duong model for physical constraints. Compared to traditional approaches, the D-C-L model demonstrates superior precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in predicting shale oil production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, China implemented emergency epidemic prevention and control measures, which played a positive role in economic and social development as well as the containment of the epidemic. Based on stock trading data from February 2020 to December 2022, this paper examines the impact of these measures on the stock returns of A-share listed companies. The findings of the study indicate that social distancing and health measures generally increase stock market returns, despite the varying magnitude of their effects. In addition, the analysis of two aspects, namely the listed sectors and the industry response analysis, further corroborates the main conclusion that social distancing policies have a more pronounced effect on the stock market. The study helps investors understand how the stock market responds to government announcements and enables policymakers to further explore the impact of policy responses during major public health events and their influence on economic and social welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: To evaluate whether a simplified self-instruction card can help potential rescue providers use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) more accurately and quickly. METHODS: From June 1, 2018, to November 30, 2019, a prospective longitudinal randomized controlled simulation study was conducted among 165 laypeople (18--65 years old) without prior AED training. A self-instruction card was designed to illuminate key AED operation procedures. Subjects were randomly divided into the card (n=83) and control (n=82) groups with age stratification. They were then individually evaluated in the same simulated scenario to use AED with (card group) or without the self-instruction card (control group) at baseline, post- training, and at the 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, the card group reached a significantly higher proportion of successful defibrillation (31.1% vs. 15.9%, P=0.03), fully baring the chest (88.9% vs. 63.4%, P<0.001), correct electrode placement (32.5% vs. 17.1%, P=0.03), and resuming cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (72.3% vs. 9.8%, P<0.001). At post-training and follow-up, there were no significant differences in key behaviors, except for resuming CPR. Time to shock and time to resume CPR were shorter in the card group, while time to power-on AED was not different in each phase of tests. In the 55-65 years group, the card group achieved more skill improvements over the control group compared to the other age groups. CONCLUSION: The self-instruction card could serve as a direction for first-time AED users and as a reminder for trained subjects. This could be a practical, cost-effective way to improve the AED skills of potential rescue providers among different age groups, including seniors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the second most abundant natural polymer, accounting for approximately 30% of the organic carbon in the biosphere, lignin plays an essential role in plant development. However, a high lignin content affects the nutritional quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), the most widely cultivated perennial legume forage crop. Histological analysis indicated that G-lignin and S-lignin were present in the stem, leaf, and petiole of alfalfa, and the deposition of lignin increased gradually in descending internodes. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents continually increased from the top to the bottom of the stem, and ADL content showed a similar trend in leaves. Alfalfa leaves and stems from five different nodes (1, 2, 4, 6, and 8) were used as materials to investigate molecular regulatory mechanisms in lignin synthesis by RNA sequencing. Respectively 8074 and 7752 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in leaves and stems, and 1694 DEGs were common to the two tissues. "Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis" was the most enriched pathway in both leaves and stems, and 134 key regulatory genes in lignin synthesis were identified by a weighted gene co-expression network analysis. The NAC family transcription factor MsNST1 gene was highly expressed in old leaf and stem tissues. The deposition pattern of G- and S-lignin differed among M. truncatula wild-type, nst1 mutants, and overexpression lines, and the transcription levels of lignin synthesis genes such as HCT, F5H, and COMT in these three materials also differed. These results suggest that MsNST1 affects lignin synthesis in alfalfa. These findings provide a genetic basis and abundant gene resources for further study of the molecular mechanisms of lignin synthesis, laying a foundation for low-lignin alfalfa breeding research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper develops a two-type behavioral heterogeneous agent model including fundamentalists and chartists. It examines whether investors' behavioral heterogeneity is related to the excessive volatility of RMB exchange rate. We use the deviation of the real exchange rate from the fundamental exchange rate as a measure of excessive exchange rate volatility. The fundamental value is calculated by the revised RMB fundamental exchange rate model with cointegration technology. After estimating the behavioral heterogeneous agent model using the monthly RMB exchange rate data from October 2006 to November 2020, we find that the heterogeneity of traders in price and trading strategies can significantly explain excess volatility of the RMB exchange rate. Our analysis of two significant fluctuations in 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 further corroborates our key finding that investors' behavioral heterogeneity plays an important role in explaining excess volatility of RMB exchange rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accelerated proximal methods (APM) have become one of the most important optimization tools for large-scale convex composite minimization problems, due to their wide range of applications and the optimal convergence rate in first-order algorithms. However, most existing theoretical results of APM are obtained by assuming that the gradient oracle is exact and the proximal mapping must be exactly solved, which may not hold in practice. This work presents a theoretical study of APM by allowing to use inexact gradient oracle and approximate proximal mapping. Specifically, we analyze inexact APM by improving the approximate duality gap technique (ADGT) which was originally designed for convergence analysis for first-order methods with both exact gradient oracle and proximal mapping. Our approach has several advantages: 1) we provide a unified convergence analysis that allows both inexact gradient oracle and approximate proximal mapping; 2) our proof is generic that naturally recovers the convergence rates of both accelerated and non-accelerated proximal methods, on top of which the advantages and the disadvantages of acceleration can be easily derived; 3) we derive the same convergence bound as previous methods in terms of inexact gradient oracle, but a tighter convergence bound in terms of approximate proximal mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that the current low-stress cropping method for large-diameter metal bar has the disadvantages of large cutting force and drastic change of loading force, a new low-stress cropping method is proposed based on the co-induced crack initiation by rotating-bending and slotting. Based on the strength theory and fatigue damage theory, the dynamic bending cutting model is established, proving that the prestressed bending action reduces the slotted cutting and cracking forces. The formula of main cutting force during slotting considering rotation speed under the prestressed action is obtained by establishing simulation model combined with the experimental platform of the prestressed rotating-bending cutting and cracking process. Three types of initiation crack are proposed, and the reasonable process parameters for effective connection of slotting and ideal crack initiation type are obtained. The experimental results of 45 steel bar show that the cutting force is reduced to only 75.79% of the traditional cutting slotting, and the crack initiation force is reduced to only 1.88% of the traditional shearing force. Similarly, the test results of Q235 steel, 6061 aluminum alloy, and 304 austenitic stainless steel also show that the cutting force of prestressed slotting is reduced and the slotting and cracking connection can be realized, which can meet the requirements of low-stress slotting and cracking of the bar with large diameter. Investigation of co-induced crack initiation process by prestressed slotting and rotating-bending in low-stress cropping [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outer ear infections (OEs) affect millions of people each year and are associated with significant medical costs.The usage of multiple antibiotics to treat ear contamination is a concern because it can have an environmental impact, especially on soil and water.The increased use of antibiotics has exposed bacterial ecosystems to high concentrations of antibiotic residues.Although there have been efforts to minimize the impact of antibiotics, adsorption methods have yielded better and more viable results, and carbon-based materials are effective for environmental remediation.Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile material used in various applications such as nanocomposites, antibacterial agents, photocatalysis, electronics, and biomedicine.GO can act as an antibiotic carrier and affect the antibacterial efficacy of antibiotics.However, the processes responsible for the antibacterial activity of GO and antibiotics in treating ear infections are unknown.This study investigates the effect of GO on the antibacterial activity of tetracycline (TT) against Escherichia coli (E.coli)-negative bacteria.Artificial Neural Network-Genetic Algorithm (ANN-GA) was applied to analyze data on the effectiveness of different doses and combinations of graphene oxide and antibiotics in treating ear infections.This study could help identify the most effective treatment protocols and potentially reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.The R-squared (R2) value, RMSE, and MSE all fall within the proper levels for fitting criteria, with R2 ≥ 0.97 (97%), RMSE ≤ 0.036064, and MSE ≤ 0.00199 (6% variance).The outcomes showed high antimicrobial activity, resulting in a 5-log decline of E.coli.In experiments, GO was shown to coat the bacteria, interfere with their cell membranes, and aid in the prevention of bacterial growth, although this effect was somewhat weaker for E.coli.The concentration and duration at which bare GO can kill E.coli are both important factors.The antibacterial activity of antibiotics can be either boosted or reduced by the presence of GO, depending on the GO's interaction with the antibiotic, the GO's contact with the microbe, and the sensitivity of the bacteria to the antibiotic.The antibacterial efficiency of the combination of GO and antibiotics varies depending on the specific antibiotic and microorganism being targeted. Schematic view of GO synthesis by chemical oxidation using Hummer's methods, Brodie's, and Staudenmaier's (Adetayo and Runsewe, 2019). [Display omitted] • One-spot hydrothermal synthesis of graphene oxide nanoparticles. • GO nanoparticles enhance antibacterial efficacy of antibiotics. • AI-enhanced approach for treatment of ear contamination. • GO aids in environmental remediation with adsorption methods. • ANN-GA analysis for identifying effective treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical phenomena associated with an extremely localized field should be understood with considerations of nonlocal and quantum effects, which pose a hurdle to conceptualize the physics with a picture of eigenmodes. Here we first propose a generalized Lorentz model to describe general nonlocal media under linear mean-field approximation and formulate source-free Maxwell's equations as a linear eigenvalue problem to define the quasinormal modes. Then we introduce an orthonormalization scheme for the modes and establish a canonical quasinormal mode framework for general nonlocal media. Explicit formalisms for metals described by a quantum hydrodynamic model and polar dielectrics with nonlocal response are exemplified. The framework enables for the first time a direct modal analysis of mode transition in the quantum tunneling regime and provides physical insights beyond usual far-field spectroscopic analysis. Applied to nonlocal polar dielectrics, the framework also unveils the important roles of longitudinal phonon polaritons in optical response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the discovery and rationale to devise bright single optical eigenmodes that feature quantum-optical mode volumes of about 1 nm³. Our findings rely on the development and application of a quasinormal mode theory that self-consistently treats fields and electron nonlocality, spill-out, and Landau damping around atomistic protrusions on a metallic nanoantenna. By outpacing Landau damping with radiation via properly designed antenna modes, the extremely localized modes become bright with radiation efficiencies reaching 30% and could provide up to 4×107 times intensity enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of the fluid-structure interaction phenomena in centrifugal compressors is essential for the impeller structural integrity design. To enhance the understanding of blade vibration in a realistic flow environment, a single-stage centrifugal compressor representative of industrial architecture has been investigated experimentally. For deterministic synchronous vibrations, the response amplitudes at different operating lines are measured and compared. The fundamental relations between flow excitation and rotor modal resonance are established by pairwise strain gages from experimental perspective. Compared with the third mode, the impeller first bending mode shows traveling wave response characteristic only within the frequency band where two adjacent blades have the same resonant frequency. Besides, the impeller encounters unexpected nonsynchronous vibrations when operating near the flow instability boundary. Speed ramp tests show that the stall cell propagating speed increases along with the rotor rotational speed without changing the cell count. Response amplification is further measured when throttling the compressor into stall. Experimental findings point toward vaned diffuser rotating stall and the corresponding propagating pressure waves in circumference leads to the impeller vibration. The aerodynamic asymmetry of stall cells increases the possibility of aeroelastic coupling with the blade modes. These results contribute to an in-depth understanding of the aeroelastic phenomena in industrial centrifugal compressors. The observed nonsynchronous vibration is important for the aeroelastic design and also of great interest for numerical predictions near stall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of microbial communities in rhizosphere soil and non-rhizosphere soil was investigated in Juglans mandshurica plantation in Liaodong Mountain, and the relationship between the diversity and physical or chemical characteristics of soil were also studied. The results showed that most of chemical characteristics such as pH, total carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and available phosphorus in rhizosphere soils were higher than that in non-rhizosphere soils significantly. The main factors affecting soil bacterial and fungal community structure are soil pH and available phosphorus (bacteria) and available nitrogen (fungi), respectively. Significant difference in the number of biomaker between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils was detected for fungal, but not for bacteria. On contrast, significant difference of the diversity indexes between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were detected for bacteria, but not for fungi. These differences between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, and also between bacteria and fungi might caused by roots physiological metabolism of J. mandshurica. The dominant microbial groups are Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota (bacteria) and Ascomycota (fungi), which accounted for about 80% of relative abundance of bacteria or fungi. These results will provide the theoretical and scientific basis for the sustainable management and improvement of soil fertility of J. mandshurica plantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovatory approach for determining grinding media ratio and sizes to optimize fraction compositions of grinding products was created based on the principle of grinding dynamics by the single fraction tests, which were conducted with the ore from Yongping Copper mine (China) in a discontinuous conical ball mill (D × L 360 × 160 mm, China), and the results show that the optimal ball size for +8 mm fraction, −8 + 5 mm fraction, −5 + 0.45 mm fraction and −0.3 + 0.2 mm fraction are Φ70 mm, Φ60 mm, Φ50 mm and Φ30 mm, respectively. Furthermore this approach was supported from the point of view of collision energy between ore and media by discrete element method (DEM), wtih results illustrating that the materials are more active with the highest tangential collision energy with 2.23 J. In addition, the comparable tests of the full fraction feed were conducted with media system determined by this method, with the grinding technical efficiency 71.71%, being 7.61 and 1.63 percentage points higher than that under the scheme on site and the other scheme. Furthermore, applicability and feasibility were proved to be tremendously positive through the industrial tests, and results of industrial tests show that unit media consumption and unit energy consumption are reduced by 0.56 kW·h and 0.072 kg/t, respectively, what's more, not only the production capacity is promoted by 1.04 t/h, but also concentrate indexes are also improved with grade and recovery being increased by 1.01 and 2.61 percentage points compared with that before the test. This method is extremely promising and novel and could be used in most beneficiation plants to optimize the media system of ball mill to elevate indexes and promote production in all probability. [Display omitted] • An approach, for determining grinding media ratio and size, based on grinding kinetics was created. • The energy consumption, such as unit power and media consumption, was saved. • The grinding efficiency and the production capability was enhanced. • The concentrate indexed, the grade and recovery of concentrate were improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern Liaoning Province of China has rich morphological diversity in walnut fruit, which is beneficial for selecting promising characters for marketability purposes. However, only a few reports have addressed morphological diversity in this region. In this study, J. mandshurica nuts and kernels from six geographical provenances were assessed for morphological traits, such as nut longitudinal diameter, nut lateral diameter, nut transverse diameter, mean diameter, nut weight, kernel weight, shell thickness, nut sutural thickness, kernel percentage, and index of roundness. Morphological traits proved to be quite variable and showed differences both within and among the geographical provenances. The frequency distribution of the traits had single peaks and followed a normal distribution. Principal component analysis revealed that 81.062% of the total variance was explained by the first three components. An unweighted PGM with averaging cluster analysis divided the geographical provenances into two groups; cluster I, containing five geographical provenances, and cluster II, containing only one. The study highlighted that the traits related to nut weight were of importance for discrimination, and Fushun is the optimal geographical provenance for breeding and selection. This study could provide a basis and reference for further understanding of the genetic resources of Juglans mandshurica fruit types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of stress on the formation and expression of memory is well studied, especially on the contributions of stress hormones. But how stress affects brain circuitry dynamically to modulate memory is far less understood. Here, we used male C57BL6/J mice in an auditory fear conditioning as a model system to examine this question and focused on the impact of stress on dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) neurons which play an important role in probabilistic fear memory. We found that paraventricular thalamus (PVT) neurons are robustly activated by acute restraining stress. Elevated PVT activity during probabilistic fear memory expression increases spiking in the dmPFC somatostatin neurons which in turn suppresses spiking of dmPFC parvalbumin (PV) neurons, and reverts the usual low fear responses associated with probabilistic fear memory to high fear. This dynamic and reversible modulation allows the original memory to be preserved and modulated during memory expression. In contrast, elevated PVT activity during fear conditioning impairs synaptic modifications in the dmPFC PV-neurons and abolishes the formation of probabilistic fear memory. Thus, PVT functions as a stress sensor to modulate the formation and expression of aversive memory by tuning inhibitory functions in the prefrontal circuitry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain size and weight are key components of wheat yield. Exploitation of major underlying quantitative trait loci (QTL) can improve yield potential in wheat breeding. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was constructed to detect QTL for thousand-grain weight (TGW), grain length (GL) and grain width (GW) across eight environments. Genomic regions associated with grain size and grain weight were identified on chromosomes 4A and 6A using bulked segregant exome sequencing (BSE-Seq) analysis. After constructing genetic maps, six major QTL detected in at least four individual environments and in best linear unbiased estimator (BLUE) datasets, explained 7.50%-23.45% of the phenotypic variation. Except for QGl. cib-4A, the other five QTL were co-located in two regions, namely QTgw/Gw.cib-4A and QTgw/Gw/Gl.cib-6A. Interactions of these QTL were analyzed. Unlike QTgw/Gw/Gl.cib-6A, QTgw/Gw.cib-4A and QGl.cib-4A had no effect on grain number per spike (GNS). The QTL were validated in a second cross using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers. Since QTgw/Gw.cib-4A was probably a novel locus, it and the KASP markers reported here can be used in wheat breeding. TraesCS4A03G0191200 was predicted to be potential candidate gene for QTgw/Gw.cib-4A based on the sequence differences, spatiotemporal expression patterns, gene annotation and haplotype analysis. Our findings will be useful for fine mapping and for marker-assisted selection in wheat grain yield improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa is the most widely cultivated perennial legume forage crop worldwide. Drought is one of the major environmental factors influencing alfalfa productivity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying alfalfa responses to drought stress are still largely unknown. This study identified a drought-inducible gene of unknown function, designated as Medicago sativa DROUGHT-INDUCED UNKNOWN PROTEIN 1 (MsDIUP1). MsDIUP1 was localized to the nucleus, chloroplast, and plasma membranes. Overexpression of MsDIUP1 in Arabidopsis resulted in increased tolerance to drought, with higher seed germination, root length, fresh weight, and survival rate than in wild-type (WT) plants. Consistently, analysis of MsDIUP1 over-expression (OE) alfalfa plants revealed that MsDIUP1 also increased tolerance to drought stress, accompanied by physiological changes including reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased osmoprotectants accumulation (free proline and soluble sugar), relative to the WT. In contrast, disruption of MsDIUP1 expression by RNA interference (RNAi) in alfalfa resulted in a droughthypersensitive phenotype, with a lower chlorophyll content, higher MDA content, and less osmoprotectants accumulation than that of the WT. Transcript profiling of alfalfa WT, OE, and RNAi plants during drought stress showed differential responses for genes involved in stress signaling, antioxidant defense, and osmotic adjustment. Taken together, these results reveal a positive role for MsDIUP1 in regulating drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Sinosenecio yangii D.G. Zhang & Q. Zhou (Asteraceae, Senecioneae) from Guizhou Province, China, is described and illustrated based on its morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. It closely resembles S. confervifer and S. guangxiensis, the former in the scapigerous habit and smooth and glabrous achene surface, the latter in the calyculate involucre and purple abaxial leaf surface, and both in the shape and indumentum of leaf lamina, but differs markedly from the latter two in having fewer capitula and epappose achenes. Phylogenetic analysis based on nrITS and ndhC-trnV sequences shows that this new species belongs to the S. latouchei clade and is sister to S. guangxiensis with moderate support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRU Tree Radar is a new tool for the non-destructive testing of trees. In this work, two-dimensional images of the internal defect cross-section of a tree were reconstructed to provide a theoretical basis for accurately judging the shape and position of the internal decay, rationally using wood, and improving the utilization rate of wood. Two-dimensional images of different height defect sequences of tree trunk obtained by TRU tree radar were preprocessed and interpolated. Finally, the three-dimensional reconstruction of internal defects of tree trunk was realized by the surface rendering method and volume rendering method under the Matlab environment. The surface rendering displayed the rough 3D model quickly and effectively. However, the important internal information was incomplete, and the reconstructed model was not intuitive. Volume rendering was used to process each voxel in the data set, so as to describe the physical reality of the internal defects of the tree relatively accurately. An algorithm was proposed to improve the visualization level of internal defects, which can enhance the understanding of the three-dimensional image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embolic stroke (ES) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Its mortality predictors remain unclear. The present study aimed to use machine learning (ML) to identify the key predictors of mortality for ES patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Data were extracted from two large ICU databases: Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV for training and internal validation, and eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) for external validation. We developed predictive models of ES mortality based on 15 ML algorithms. We relied on the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) to address class imbalance. Our main performance metric was area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC).We adopted recursive feature elimination (RFE) for feature selection.We assessed model performance using three disease-severity scoring systems as benchmarks. Of the 1566 and 207 ES patients enrolled in the two databases, there were 173 (15.70%), 73 (15.57%), and 36 (17.39%) hospital mortality in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort, respectively. The random forest (RF) model had the largest AUROC (0.806) in the internal validation phase and was chosen as the best model. The AUROC of the RF compact (RF-COM) model containing the top six features identified by RFE was 0.795. In the external validation phase, the AUROC of the RF model was 0.838, and the RF-COM model was 0.830, outperforming other models. Our findings suggest that the RF model was the best model and the top six predictors of ES hospital mortality were Glasgow Coma Scale, white blood cell, blood urea nitrogen, bicarbonate, age, and mechanical ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Acupoint catgut embedding therapy has shown effectiveness in treating functional constipation; however, relevant, high-quality clinical evidence is scarce. This study aimed to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of acupoint catgut embedding in treating poststroke constipation. Methods. Correlative randomized controlled trials were identified through a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library/Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Internet, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang, and VIP databases from inception until February 2022. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results. Fifteen trials involving 1084 patients were identified. The meta-analysis revealed that the acupoint catgut embedding group was significantly superior to the non-catgut embedding group with regard to the efficacy rate (RR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.19, 1.37), P < 0.05), the first defecation time (MD = −3.08, 95% CI (−4.53, −1.63), P < 0.05), the defecation sensation score (MD = −0.44, 95% CI (−0.61, −0.26), P < 0.05), the degree of difficulty in defecation (MD = −0.73, 95% CI (−1.10, −0.37), P < 0.05), the PAC-QOL scale score (MD = −10.06, 95% CI (−13.47, −6.64), P < 0.05), and the symptom integral (MD = −3.15, 95% CI (−3.60, −2.71), P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the stool property score (MD = 0.06, 95% CI (−0.39, 0.50), P > 0.05) as well as the incidence of adverse reactions (RD = 0.01, 95% CI (−0.01, 0.03), P > 0.05) between the two groups. Conclusions. The results showed that acupoint catgut embedding is probably an effective and safe acupuncture treatment strategy for poststroke constipation. Nevertheless, more rigorously designed, standardized, large-sample, and multicenter randomized controlled designs are warranted to further verify the findings of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study and model changes in the development of pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensisMakino), three pak choi cultivars--Xinxiaqing No. 5 (Xinxiaqing 5), Haiqing, and Huawang--were grown in a modern greenhouse. Four structural parameters, including leaf length, leaf width, and plant height and width, were measured regularly every 3 days. The results showed that the changes in plant height and width, and leaf length and width of the three cultivars followed sigmoidal trends. Logistical regression models {Y = K/[1 + (K - L0)/L0 × exp(-r × t)]; Y = K/[1 + (K - L0)/L0 × exp(2r × rad)]} of the leaf length and width accumulated with growth days and with accumulated radiation fit the actual data very well, with the correlation coefficient R² all greater than 0.98. The R² values of the plant width accumulation models were all greater than 0.93, whereas the R2 values of the plant height regression models were not robust. In this study, the regression models of changes in plant height and width, and leaf length and width of pak choi were used to study the changes of morphological characteristics and analyze the change rules of pak choi growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NMDA subtype glutamate receptors (NMDARs) play important roles in both physiological and pathologic processes in the brain. Compared with their critical roles in synaptic modifications and excitotoxicity in excitatory neurons, much less is understood about the functional contributions of NMDARs to the inhibitory GABAergic neurons. By using selective NMDAR inhibitors and potentiators, we here show that NMDARs bidirectionally modulate the intrinsic excitability (defined as spontaneous/evoked spiking activity and EPSP-spike coupling) in inhibitory GABAergic neurons in adult male and female mice. This modulation depends on GluN2C/2D- but not GluN2A/2B-containing NMDARs. We further show that NMDAR modulator EU1794-4 mostly enhances extrasynaptic NMDAR activity, and by using it we demonstrate a significant contribution of extrasynaptic NMDARs to the modulation of intrinsic excitability in inhibitory neurons. Together, this bidirectional modulation of intrinsic excitability reveals a previously less appreciated importance of NMDARs in the second-to-second functioning of inhibitory GABAergic neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juglans mandshurica is a precious timber and economic tree species in Northeast China. Because of the reproductive characteristics of this species, such as long childhood and dioecious, the flowering period of male and female flowers is different, which directly affects the sexual reproduction process such as flowering and pollination. At present, the molecular mechanism of dioecious flowering of J. mandshurica is not clear. In this study, the cDNA sequence of a crucial gene involved in plant flowering, LEAFY (LFY) was cloned from J. mandshurica by homologous cloning, and the expression in different organs at various developmental stages, and the subcellular localization of the gene were analyzed. LFY in J. mandshurica was found to possess high homology (over 79%), and a similar structure and function to LFY in other species, and was cloned and named JmLFY (GenBank: KX364241). The results of fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that JmLFY was expressed in different organs, and that expression increased significantly before the early development stage of staminate inflorescence, the anther formation and pollen dispersal stage, pistillate inflorescence sprouting and flower development stage, and the pollination and late stage of zygotic embryo development. Expression of the green fluorescent protein fusion JmLFY gene in onion epidermal cells was localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm. Our results indicate that the JmLFY gene is the key transcription factor involved in flower formation and development in J. mandshurica. These findings provide information that may help to overcome the bottleneck caused by the long juvenile period and asynchronous female and male flowers of the species in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the circulating exosomal microRNA (miRNA) profiles associated with acute soft tissue injury. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, a total of 12 rats were randomly divided into control group and model group (n=6 for each group). The rats in the model group were used to establish an acute soft tissue injury following the mechanical injury of the leg. The exosomes from the peripheral blood of all the rats were isolated and then characterized by Nanosight NS300 particle size analyser (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blot. Next, the exosomal miRNAs in the control and model groups were sequenced, and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were identified using the DESeq algorithm. Functional analyses were performed using Gene Ontology (GO) terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway databases. Finally, quantitative reverse-transcription polymersa chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the expression of the DE-miRNAs. Results: TEM, NTA and western blot results showed that the exosomes were approximately 100 nm in size and exhibited cup-shaped morphology. A total of 628 miRNAs were obtained by sequencing. After that, 28 DE miRNAs (DE- miRNAs) were identified, including seven down-regulated miRNAs and 21 up-regulated miRNAs. These DE-miRNAs were linked to 7539 target genes with GO. Also, KEGG analyses demonstrated that these genes were enriched for phosphorylation, VEGF signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Additionally, the consistency rate between the qRT-PCR and sequencing results was 83.33%, which showed a high relative reliability of the sequencing results. Conclusion: These findings suggest that these 28 exosomal miRNAs may be involved in the regulation of acute soft tissue injury, by one of critical biological processes (BP), phosphorylation. The findings provide valuable clues by utilizing exosomes as therapeutic targets for the effective treatment of acute soft tissue injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mini: The anatomical relationship of the extrapedicular approach with the spinal nerve and its branches was researched in cadavers. Three types of extrapedicular paths were simulated: puncture inside the medial branch (MB), puncture outside the MB, and puncture outside the lateral branch (LB). At L1-L3, puncture outside the LB could avoid damage to these nerves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A brief pharmacological actions summary of PYY. • The effect of chemical structure modifications on the biological activity of PYY analogs. • The latest clinical progress of PYY analogs. Peptide YY (PYY) is a gastrointestinal hormone consisting of 36 amino acids, that is predominantly secreted by intestinal l -cells. Originally extracted from pig intestines, it belongs to the pancreatic polypeptide (PP) family, but has functions distinct from those of PP and neuropeptide Y (NPY). PYY is a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of its ability to delay gastric emptying, reduce appetite, decrease weight, and lower blood glucose. However, the clinical use of PYY is limited because it is rapidly cleared by the kidneys and degraded by enzymes. In recent years, researchers have conducted various structural modifications, including amino acid substitution, PEGylation, lipidation, and fusion of PYY with other proteins to prolong its half-life and enhance its biological activity. This study presents an overview of the recent progress on PYY, including its physiological functions, metabolites and structure–activity relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxyntomodulin (OXM) is an endogenous peptide hormone secreted from the intestines following nutrient ingestion that activates both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors. OXM is known to exert various effects, including improvement in glucose tolerance, promotion of energy expenditure, acceleration of liver lipolysis, inhibition of food intake, delay of gastric emptying, neuroprotection, and pain relief. The antidiabetic and antiobesity properties have led to the development of biologically active and enzymatically stable OXM-based analogs with proposed therapeutic promise for metabolic diseases. Structural modification of OXM was ongoing to enhance its potency and prolong half-life, and several GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist-based therapies are being explored in clinical trials for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. In the present article, we provide a brief overview of the physiology of OXM, focusing on its structural-activity relationship and ongoing clinical development. [Display omitted] • A brief pharmacological actions summary of oxyntomodulin. • The effect of chemical structure modifications on the half-life and biological activity of oxyntomodulin analogs. • The latest clinical progress of oxyntomodulin analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]