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BackgroundVirtual reality (VR) in different immersive conditions has been increasingly used as a nonpharmacological method for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the effectiveness of VR-assisted active training versus conventional exercise or physiotherapy in chronic musculoskeletal pain and to analyze the effects of immersive versus nonimmersive VR on pain outcomes. MethodsThis systematic review of randomized control trials (RCTs) searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception to June 9, 2024. RCTs comparing adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain receiving VR-assisted training were included. The primary outcome was pain intensity; secondary outcomes included functional disability and kinesiophobia. Available data were pooled in a meta-analysis. Studies were graded using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool version 2. ResultsIn total, 28 RCTs including 1114 participants with some concerns for a high risk of bias were identified, and 25 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. In low back pain, short-term outcomes measured post intervention showed that nonimmersive VR is effective in reducing pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] –1.79, 95% CI –2.72 to –0.87; P

Xinjiang is a major province of sheep breeding in China, which plays an important role in meeting people’s needs for meat products, increasing farmers’ income and sustainable development of animal husbandry. However, the genetic differentiation relationship between breeds was not clear, and most sheep had low fecundity, which seriously restricted the efficient development of sheep industry. Therefore, this study used the whole genome resequencing to detect the genetic variation of Dexin mutton and fine-wool sheep, explored the selected regions and important genes of the litter size traits, analyzed the genetic mechanism of reproductive traits, and provided new insights for the high fecundity breeding of sheep. A total of 5,236.338 G genome data and 35,884,037 SNPs were obtained. Furthermore, we identified 39 selection signals spanning candidate genes, 99 genes were significantly associated related to growth, reproduction and immunity, among which, BRIP1, BMPR1B, BMP4, NGF, etc. genes, and MAKP signaling pathway, Fanconi anemia pathway and Thyroid hormone signaling pathway and other signaling pathways were significantly correlated with litter size trait. Among them, we identified NGF, TrKA and BRIP1 genes was the important genes for sheep litter size traits and the mutation frequencies of 9 SNPs in BRIP1 gene were significantly different in domestic sheep in the world. The research provided new insights for the breeding of self-cultivated meat fine-wool sheep.

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, occurring predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Here, we describe a case of a 62-year-old man that was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with HCC where the cancer has already metastasized to the retroperitoneum and peritoneum. In order to better characterize the HCC, both the cancerous liver tissue and the adjacent normal liver tissue of the patient were collected and subjected to a genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Our patient carries a highly mutated HCC, which is characterized by both somatic mutation in the following genes ALK, CDK6, TP53, PGR. In addition, we observe several molecular alterations that are associated with potential therapy resistance, for example the expression of the organic-anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) family members B1 and B3, that mediate the transport of the anticancer drugs, has been found decreased. Overall, our molecular profiling potentially classify the patient with poor prognosis and possibly displaying resistance to pharmacological therapy.

AimDiabetes mellitus (DM) may promote the occurrence of epilepsy through mechanisms, such as inflammation, immune imbalance, and cerebrovascular injury, caused by metabolic abnormalities. However, evidence for the effects of DM and blood glucose (BG) on the risk of epilepsy is limited. Herein, this study used the Mendelian randomization (MR) method to investigate the potential causal associations of DM and BG-related indexes with epilepsy.MethodsIn this two-sample MR study, summary statistics data of the genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on exposures, including type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), T2DM, fasting glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc), were extracted from the MRC-Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC-IEU). The GWAS data on study outcomes, including epilepsy, focal epilepsy, and generalized epilepsy, were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. MR-Egger regression was used to examine horizontal pleiotropism of instrumental variables (IVs), and Cochran's Q statistics was used to quantify the heterogeneity. MR analysis methods including inverse variance weighted (IVW) tests, weighted median, and MR-Egger were utilized to investigate the causal associations between DM and BG-related indexes with epilepsy. The evaluation indexes were odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Reverse causal association analyses were also performed. In addition, IVW-radial and leave-one-out tests were utilized for sensitivity analyses.ResultsIVW estimates suggested that T1DM has potential causal associations with epilepsy (OR = 1.057, 95% CI: 1.031–1.084) and generalized epilepsy (OR = 1.066, 95% CI: 1.018–1.116). No significant reverse causal associations of T1DM with epilepsy or generalized epilepsy were found (all P > 0.05). In addition, sensitivity analysis results identified no outlier, indicating that the associations of T1DM with epilepsy and generalized epilepsy were relatively robust.ConclusionPatients with T1DM had a potential risk of developing epilepsy, and prompt treatment of DM and dynamic monitoring may be beneficial to prevent epilepsy in this high-risk population. However, the causal associations of DM and BG with epilepsy may warrant further verification.

The identification of genome-wide selection signatures can reveal the potential genetic mechanisms involved in the generation of new breeds through natural or artificial selection. In this study, we screened the genome-wide selection signatures of prolific Suffolk sheep, a new strain of multiparous mutton sheep, to identify candidate genes for reproduction traits and unravel the germplasm characteristics and population genetic evolution of this new strain of Suffolk sheep. Whole-genome resequencing was performed at an effective sequencing depth of 20× for genomic diversity and population structure analysis. Additionally, selection signatures were investigated in prolific Suffolk sheep, Suffolk sheep, and Hu sheep using fixation index (FST) and heterozygosity H) analysis. A total of 5,236.338 Gb of high-quality genomic data and 28,767,952 SNPs were obtained for prolific Suffolk sheep. Moreover, 99 selection signals spanning candidate genes were identified. Twenty-three genes were significantly associated with KEGG pathway and Gene Ontology terms related to reproduction, growth, immunity, and metabolism. Through selective signal analysis, genes such as ARHGEF4, CATIP, and CCDC115 were found to be significantly correlated with reproductive traits in prolific Suffolk sheep and were highly associated with the mTOR signaling pathway, the melanogenic pathway, and the Hippo signaling pathways, among others. These results contribute to the understanding of the evolution of artificial selection in prolific Suffolk sheep and provide candidate reproduction-related genes that may be beneficial for the establishment of new sheep breeds.

Water content is a key factor influencing the seed cryopreservation, but its effecting mechanism is not fully understood. In order to explore the effect and way of water content on the viability of seed cryopreservation on viability, Malus × robusta seeds with different water contents were obtained by silica gel. The seed viability, sugar content and related enzyme indexes before and after cryopreservation were measured and correlation analysis were done. The results were as follows: (1) After 15 days of cryopreservation, the viability of seeds with different water contents was different, and the viability of seeds showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing as the water content of seeds decreased, and the seeds with 9.02% water content had the highest germination rate, at 53.33%. But after 120 days of cryopreservation, the viability of seeds increased as the water content decreased, and the seeds with 6.40% water content got the highest germination rate, at 27.78%. This indicates that the water content of Malus × robusta seeds has a significant effect on the viability after cryopreservation. It is affected by the storage time in liquid nitrogen, and the optimum water content decreases as the storage time extended in liquid nitrogen. (2) Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant negative correlation between water content and viability (r=-0.82). There was significant negative correlation with fructose and sucrose content, acid invertase, fructokinase, while seed germination rate was significantly positive correlation with these indexes, suggesting that water content affects the contents of sucrose and fructose through effecting the activity of acid converting enzymes, which in turn affects sucrose metabolism to respond to low temperature and dehydration stress, ultimately leading to differences in viability. The seed viability was also affected by fructose metabolism through fructose kinase. Besides, alginate was one of the important regulatory substances of Malus × robusta seed in response to water and low temperature stresses. In summary, water content has a significant effect on the viability of Malus × robusta seeds cryopreservation through the combined effects of sucrose and fructose metabolism. This study provides a theoretical reference to further explore the cryopreservation mechanism of seed.

Abstract Background Sheep genomes undergo numerous genes losses, gains and mutation that generates genome variability among breeds of the same species after long time natural and artificial selection. However, the microevolution of native sheep in northwest China remains elusive. Our aim was to compare the genomes and relevant reproductive traits of four sheep breeds from different climatic environments, to unveil the selection challenges that this species cope with, and the microevolutionary differences in sheep genomes. Here, we resequenced the genomes of 4 representative sheep breeds in northwest China, including Kazakh sheep and Duolang sheep of native breeds, and Hu sheep and Suffolk sheep of exotic breeds with different reproductive characteristics. Results We found that these four breeds had a similar expansion experience from ~ 10,000 to 1,000,000 years ago. In the past 10,000 years, the selection intensity of the four breeds was inconsistent, resulting in differences in reproductive traits. We explored the sheep variome and selection signatures by F ST and θπ. The genomic regions containing genes associated with different reproductive traits that may be potential targets for breeding and selection were detected. Furthermore, non-synonymous mutations in a set of plausible candidate genes and significant differences in their allele frequency distributions across breeds with different reproductive characteristics were found. We identified PAK1, CYP19A1 and PER1 as a likely causal gene for seasonal reproduction in native sheep through qPCR, Western blot and ELISA analyses. Also, the haplotype frequencies of 3 tested gene regions related to reproduction were significantly different among four sheep breeds. Conclusions Our results provide insights into the microevolution of native sheep and valuable genomic information for identifying genes associated with important reproductive traits in sheep.

This study investigated the changes in major bioactive compounds and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) in coffee beans during the roasting process. A Kinetics model was employed to simulate these changes and investigated the thermostability, and the Pearson correlation analysis was applied to indicate the relationship between bioactive compounds and 5-HMF. The research found that three Caffeoylquinic acids (3-CQA, 5-CQA, 4-CQA), and 5-HMF followed a dynamic pattern of increase in the early stage of the roasting process and decrease afterward, which was described by the combination of zero-order and first-order kinetics model. All fitting models fit well and the rate constant (k) of all models follows the Arrhenius law. Therefore, to obtain a higher concentration of bioactive compounds and lower levels of 5-HMF, light or medium roasted coffee beans are recommended. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the high levels of 3-CQA, 4-CQA, and caffeine may correspond to higher levels of 5-HMF after roasting.

Micro-energy networks are the smallest element of integrated energy systems, and tapping into the integrated demand response potential of micro-energy networks is conducive to improving energy use efficiency and promoting the development of new energy sources on a large scale. This paper proposes a day-ahead integrated demand response strategy for micro-energy grid that takes into account the dispatchable loads. Considering the gradient use of thermal energy, a typical micro-energy grid structure including electricity, gas, medium-grade heat, low-grade heat, and cold energy is constructed, a comprehensive energy equipment model is established, and the refined scheduling models of the dispatchable loads are given. On this basis, with the operating economy of the micro-energy grid as the optimization objective, the integrated demand response strategies of tariff-type and incentive-type are proposed. Through case study analysis, it is verified that the proposed strategy can optimize the energy consumption structure of the micro-energy grid under the guidance of time-of-use tariffs, reducing the operating costs. The proposed strategy fully exploits the demand response potential of the micro-energy grid through the dispatchable loads and the multi-energy complementarity of electricity, heat, and cold, realizes the comprehensive coordination and optimization of source-network-load-storage, provides a larger peak-regulating capacity, and exhibits practical applicability in engineering.

For rotor–bearing systems, their dynamic vibration models must be built to simulate the vibration responses that affect the safe and reliable operation of rotating machinery under different operating conditions. Single physics-based modeling methods can be used to produce sufficient but inaccurate vibration samples at the cost of computational complexity. Moreover, single data-driven modeling methods may be more accurate, employing larger numbers of measured samples and reducing computational complexity, but these methods are affected by the insufficient and imbalanced samples in engineering applications. This paper proposes a physics-informed hybrid modeling method for simulating the dynamic responses of rotor–bearing systems to vibration under different rotor speeds and bearing health statuses. Firstly, a three-dimensional model of a rolling bearing and its supporting force are introduced, and a physics-based dynamic vibration model that couples flexible rotors and rigid bearings is constructed using multibody dynamics simulation. Secondly, combining the simulation vibration data obtained using the physics-based model with measured vibration data, algorithms are designed to learn vibration generation and data mapping networks in series connection to form a physics-informed hybrid model, which can quickly and accurately output the vibration responses of a rotor–bearing system. Finally, a case study on the single-span rotor platform is provided. By comparing the signal output by the proposed physics-informed hybrid modeling method with the measured signal in the time and frequency domains, the effectiveness of proposed method under both constant- and variable-speed operating conditions are illustrated.

Black tea is frequently consumed worldwide and is renowned for having a distinctive scent. The volatile chemicals in tea are responsible for its aroma, which is important for sensory quality. The enzymatic and non-enzymatic processes that produce the compounds endowing black tea with its distinctive aroma are complex. Black tea is well known for its robust and complex aroma, which can vary based on the type of tea leaves used and processing technologies used. During the production of black tea, several intricate biological and chemical processes contribute to the aroma’s development. Different volatile chemicals are generated during the processing of black tea, which includes withering, rolling, fermentation (enzymatic oxidation), and drying. Various methods have been used to analyze and describe the aroma of black tea. Different methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, olfactometry, and solid phase extraction, have been used to assess the fragrance of black tea. These methods evaluate characteristics including fruity, flowery, woody, malty, spicy, and smoky flavors. Phenyl ethyl alcohol, one-octen-3-ol, trans-linalool oxide (furanoid), geraniol, and nonanal are major aroma-active compounds in black tea. Sensory analytic techniques are used to assess black tea’s flavor and scent qualities. This assessment helps figure out the tea’s quality, unique characteristics, and even some unpleasant attributes. Black tea is mostly made from Camellia sinensis and Camellia assamica tea varieties. These two varieties, members of the Camellia genus, differ in their development patterns, leaf sizes, and chemical makeup, impacting how black tea’s scent is formed. When evaluating black tea made from Camellia sinensis and assamica, sensory analysis involved assessing the aroma when the tea was dry and, after brewing, noting any differences from other teas. This review focused on how key aromatic compounds are formed during the tea manufacturing process by Camellia sinensis and Camellia assamica black tea.

Macadamia is a recently domesticated nut crop. Here, the authors report the genome assembly of Hawaiian cultivar ‘Kau’ and conduct population genomic analyses to reveal the origin of Hawaiian cultivars and the genomic basis for one-step operation for the clonal crop domestication.

5G base stations (BSs), which are the essential parts of the 5G network, are important user-side flexible resources in demand response (DR) for electric power system. However, a 5G BS has little and difference dispatchable potential, how to make massive 5G BSs participate in DR conveniently is an urgent problem to be solved. Clustering is an effective solution. Aiming at the special requirements of big data analysis and dispatching difficulties brought by the massive and ultra-dense distribution of 5G BSs, this paper proposes a double-layer K-means++ clustering method for regional 5G BSs considering the main characteristics of 5G BSs. The proposed clustering method considers both the geographical location and power consumption characteristics of the regional 5G BSs to partition the 5G BSs into appropriate number of clusters. Besides, the comprehensive charging and discharging dispatchable potential evaluation indices are established based on the clustering results to evaluate the dispatchable potential of each cluster. The effectiveness of the proposed method and the dispatchable potential evaluation indices are verified through a case of 5000 5G BSs in Jiaxing, China. The simulation findings reveal that the performance of the proposed clustering method is better than classical clustering algorithm and the dispatchable potential of the 5G BSs clusters can be accurately analyzed by the proposed comprehensive indices, which lay the foundation for friendly and fine interaction between 5G BSs and the power grid.

Abstract Background Immune dysfunction is one of the mechanisms to promote polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Various immune cells have been reported to be involved in the development of PCOS. Meanwhile, the disturbance of metabolism is closely related to PCOS. The aim of this study is to explore the association of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) with the metabolic dysfunction in PCOS. Methods 68 PCOS patients and 40 controls were recruited in this study and we collected the peripheral blood of participants’ during their follicular phase. The frequencies of MAIT cells and MDSCs were determined by flow cytometry after being stained with different monoclonal antibodies. And the concentrations of cytokines were determined by ELISA. Results Compared to controls with normal metabolism, the frequency of MDSCs, CD8+MAIT cells and CD38+CD8+MAIT cells were significantly decreased in PCOS patients with normal metabolism, however, proportion of CD4+MAIT cells exhibited a noticeable increase. Similar results of CD8+MAIT, CD38+CD8+MAIT cells and reduced expression of IL-17 were observed in PCOS patients with metabolic dysfunction as compared to controls with metabolic disorders. PCOS patients with excessive testosterone levels displayed significantly decreased levels of CD8+MAIT, CD38+CD8+MAIT cells, MDSCs and Mo-MDSCs as compared to PCOS patients with normal testosterone concentrations. PCOS patients with abnormal weight showed a lower level and activation of CD8+MAIT cells. On the contrary, they displayed an enrichment of CD4+MAIT cells. PCOS patients with glucose metabolic disorder displayed a remarkable dysregulation of MDSCs and Mo-MDSCs. MDSCs were positively correlated with MAIT cells. Negative correlations between the frequency of CD8+MAIT cells, CD38+CD8+MAIT cells and body mass index were revealed. CD4+MAIT cells positively correlated with BMI. Mo-MDSCs were found to be negatively related to the levels of 2hour plasma glucose and HOMA-IR index. Conclusion The impairment of CD8+MAIT cells and MDSCs is involved in the metabolic dysfunction of PCOS.

The formation of the pre-metastatic niche enables the colonisation of disseminated cancer cells in distant organs. Here, the authors show that Th2 cytokines induce Complement 3 production in lung mesenchymal stromal cells, which recruits neutrophils and promotes the formation neutrophil extracellular traps, facilitating breast cancer cell metastasis to the lungs.

PurposeAs a new human resource management practice, idiosyncratic deals are personalized employment arrangements negotiated between employees and employers and intended to benefit them both. It plays an important role in attracting, retaining and motivating employees to promote breakthrough innovation. Based on the input-process-output (I-P-O) model, this paper examines the relationship between team idiosyncratic deals and team breakthrough innovation, the mediating role of team exploratory-exploitative knowledge sharing, and the moderating roles of team transactive memory systems and team cognitive flexibility.Participants and methodsIn order to reduce the effects of common method biases and causal lag effect, this study is divided into three stages for data collection, with a time interval of 1 month. Eighty teams (406 employees) from six enterprises in Shanghai and Hangzhou were selected as samples, and the hypothesis test was carried out by hierarchical regression analysis, bootstrap, and Johnson-Neyman method.ResultsThe results show that higher team idiosyncratic deals are associated with higher team breakthrough innovation through higher team exploratory-exploitative knowledge sharing, and that team transactive memory systems and team cognitive flexibility positively moderate the mediating effect of team exploratory-exploitative knowledge sharing in the relationship between team idiosyncratic deals and team breakthrough innovation in the first stage and the second stage, respectively. Under the joint effect of high team transactive memory systems and high team cognitive flexibility, the mediating effect of team exploratory-exploitative knowledge sharing is stronger.ConclusionThe research results break through the previous research framework of social exchange theory, and I-P-O model to explore the influence mechanism of team idiosyncratic deals, in order to promote the sustainable growth of team breakthrough innovation through this non-standard work arrangement. It is hoped that this research can inspire modern enterprises to create team idiosyncratic deals for valuable teams engaged in breakthrough innovation, which are more conducive to give full play to their heterogeneous talents, and finally help enterprises break through the industry bottleneck and win the market competition.

Abstract The modeling and multi-energy flow calculation of an integrated energy system (IES) are the bases of its operation and planning. This paper establishes the models of various energy sub-systems and the coupling equipment for an electricity-gas-thermal IES, and an integrated multi-energy flow calculation model of the IES is constructed. A simplified calculation method for the compressor model in a natural gas network, one which is not included in a loop and works in constant compression ratio mode, is also proposed based on the concept of model reduction. In addition, a numerical conversion method for dealing with the conflict between nominal value and per unit value in the multi-energy flow calculation of IES is described. A case study is given to verify the correctness and speed of the proposed method, and the electricity-gas-thermal coupling interaction characteristics among sub-systems are studied.

Human capital plays a significant role in an organization’s advancement. In recent years, emerging work-related psychological issues have become a critical factor, demanding considerable attention from management. As such, this study measures the role of job satisfaction in work-related stress and employees’ turnover intentions. There is a mediating relationship between work-related stress—such as emotional exhaustion, work engagement, role conflict, and psychosocial risks—and turnover intentions. The study used primary data collection techniques to gather data and purposive sampling to analyze the data. The study’s sample size consisted of 270 employees working in Chinese organizations. SmartPLS software was used to test the research hypothesis. The study results show the mediating role of work-related stress and moderating role of employees’ job satisfaction. Accordingly, the study provides implications for managers, encouraging them to take the necessary steps in controlling the turnover rate by enhancing employees’ morale (i.e., job satisfaction) and work engagement.

Abstract Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Skin wound is one of the most common forms of wound. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been used to aid skin wound healing via their paracrine factors. Because the secretome of MSCs can be greatly enriched and amplified by treatment with IFN‐γ and TNF‐α (IT), we here tested whether supernatant derived from MSCs pretreated with IT, designated as S‐MSCs‐IT, possesses improved wound healing effect by using a murine model of cutaneous excision, S‐MSCs‐IT was found to be more potent in promoting angiogenesis, constricting collagen deposition and accelerating wound closure than control supernatant (S‐MSCs) during the healing of skin wound. VEGFC, but not VEGFA, was greatly upregulated by IT and was found to be a key factor in mediating the improved wound healing effect of S‐MSCs‐IT. Our results indicate that the beneficial paracrine effect of MSCs on wound healing can be enhanced by pretreatment with inflammatory cytokines. IT treatment may represent a new strategy for optimizing the therapeutic effect of MSCs on skin injuries.

The Chanarin–Dorfman syndrome (CDS) is a rare, autosomal recessively inherited genetic disease, whch is associated with a decrease in the lipolysis activity in multiple tissue cells. The clinical phenotype involves multiple organs and systems, including liver, eyes, ears, skeletal muscle and central nervous system. Mutations in ABHD5/CGI58 gene have been confirmed to be associated with CDS. We performed whole exome sequencing on a Chinese CDS patient with skin ichthyosis features mimicking lamellar ichthyosis, ectropion, sensorineural hearing loss, and lipid storage in peripheral blood neutrophils. A novel homozygous missense mutation (p.L154R) in ABHD5 gene was detected in this patient. Genotype-phenotype analysis in reported CDS patients revealed no particular correlation. Our findings further enrich the reservoir of ABHD5 mutations in CDS.

BackgroundThe effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on quality of life (QOL) among people living with HIV has been validated, including mobile health (mHealth) interventions. However, it is unclear which components of such interventions account for these effects. ObjectiveThis study aims to examine positive coping as a potential mediator of the effects of an mHealth intervention on QOL among people living with HIV. MethodsFor this secondary analysis, we used data from an mHealth-based randomized controlled trial, Run4Love, which was conducted to improve QOL and mental health outcomes of people living with HIV. A total of 300 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group to receive the adapted cognitive-behavioral stress management courses and regular physical activity promotion or the waitlist control group in a 1:1 ratio. Our analysis focused on positive coping and QOL, which were repeatedly measured at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Latent growth curve models were constructed to explore the mediating role of positive coping in the effects of the mHealth intervention on QOL. ResultsPositive coping served as a mediator in the effect of the mHealth intervention on QOL for up to 9 months. The mHealth intervention had a significant and positive indirect effect on the slope of QOL via the slope of positive coping (b=2.592×1.620=4.198, 95% CI 1.189-7.207, P=.006). The direct effect of the intervention was not significant (b=0.552, 95% CI −2.154 to 3.258, P=.69) when controlling for the mediator. ConclusionsThe longitudinal findings suggest that positive coping could be a crucial mediator of the mHealth intervention in enhancing QOL among people living with HIV. These findings underscore the importance of improving positive coping skills in mHealth interventions to improve QOL among people living with HIV.

BackgroundThe dose–response relationship between patient engagement and long-term intervention effects in mobile health (mHealth) interventions are understudied. Studies exploring long-term and potentially changing relationships between patient engagement and health outcomes in mHealth interventions are needed. ObjectiveThis study aims to examine dose–response relationships between patient engagement and 3 psychosocial outcomes in an mHealth intervention, Run4Love, using repeated measurements of outcomes at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months. MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis using longitudinal data from the Run4Love trial, a randomized controlled trial with 300 people living with HIV and elevated depressive symptoms to examine the effects of a 3-month mHealth intervention on reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life (QOL). We examined the relationships between patient engagement and depressive symptoms, QOL, and perceived stress in the intervention group (N=150) using 4–time-point outcome measurements. Patient engagement was assessed using the completion rate of course assignments and frequency of items completed. Cluster analysis was used to categorize patients into high- and low-engagement groups. Generalized linear mixed effects models were conducted to investigate the dose–response relationships between patient engagement and outcomes. ResultsThe cluster analysis identified 2 clusters that were distinctively different from each other. The first cluster comprised 72 participants with good compliance to the intervention, completing an average of 74% (53/72) of intervention items (IQR 0.22). The second cluster comprised 78 participants with low compliance to the intervention, completing an average of 15% (11/72) of intervention items (IQR 0.23). Results of the generalized linear mixed effects models showed that, compared with the low-engagement group, the high-engagement group had a significant reduction in more depressive symptoms (β=−1.93; P=.008) and perceived stress (β=−1.72; P

BackgroundMobile health (mHealth) interventions have been shown to effectively improve the quality of life (QOL) among people living with HIV. However, little is known about the long-term effects of mHealth interventions. ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the intervention mechanisms of a social media–based intervention, Run4Love, on the QOL of people with HIV over across a 9-month follow-up period. MethodsWe recruited people living with HIV who were concurrently experiencing elevated depressive symptoms from an HIV outpatient clinic in South China. A total of 300 eligible participants were randomized either to the intervention group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio after they provided informed consent and completed a baseline survey. The intervention group received a 3-month WeChat-based intervention, comprising cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) courses and physical activity promotion. The control group received a printed brochure on nutrition guidelines in addition to the usual care for HIV treatment. Neither participants nor the research staff were blinded to group assignment. All patients were followed at 3, 6, and 9 months. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms. Structural equation model (SEM) with longitudinal data was conducted to examine the sequential mediating effects of HIV-related stigma and depressive symptoms on the long-term intervention effects on participants’ QOL. ResultsAbout 91.3% (274/300), 88.3% (265/300), and 86.7% (260/300) of all participants completed follow-up surveys at 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively. Results showed that the intervention had significantly improved participants' QOL at 9 months, via complete mediating effects of reduced HIV-related stigma at 3 months and decreased depressive symptoms at 6 months. No adverse events were reported. ConclusionsThese findings underscore the critical roles of HIV-related stigma and depressive symptoms in an mHealth intervention with long-term effects on QOL improvements. We call for targeted mHealth interventions to improve QOL among people living with HIV, especially social media–based interventions that can address HIV-related stigma and alleviate depressive symptoms. Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21019

Inhibin-βA (INHBA) could feedback suppress synthesis and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which correlates with the litter size of sheep. In this study, the inhibin-βA subunit was used as a candidate gene, and Kazakh sheep was used as a test object. The polymorphism of the gene was detected by PCR-SSCP method and its association with litter size was analyzed. The results showed that there were three polymorphisms in the exon 5"UTR region (primer 0-2), for which AA, AB and BB were detected in Kazakh sheep. The correlation analysis showed that genotype AA had 0.13 (P

PCR single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequencing techniques were used to analyze the genetic polymorphism of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene 3 introns in Hu sheep. The results showed that 3 introns of MBL gene had polymorphism, 3 genotypes were identified in intron1, which were controlled by 2 alleles, respectively; 3 genotypes were identified in intron2, which were controlled by 2 alleles, respectively; 3 genotypes were identified in intron3, which were controlled by 2 alleles, respectively; 6 new single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) mutation sites were found, g.288T>A in intron1, g. 1091 T>C, g.1096A>C, g.1770G>C in intron 2, g.2297C>T, g.2331G>A in intron3. Use ELISA to detect MBL serum level in Hu sheep, then use One-way ANOVA analyze the relationship of different genotypes and MBL serum level. And the result showed that the MBL serum level of AA genotype was higher than BB genotype (P

To explore the incompatibility of hybrids between chickens and quails at the chromosome level, in the present study, chickens, quails, and their hybrids were selected and their chromosome karyotype and banding patterns were analyzed. The methods used comprised pre paring chromosomes from air-dried peripheral blood lymphocytes, the embryo method, G-banding, and C-banding techniques. The result revealed that the number of chromosomes (2n) of chicken, quail, and their hybrids was 78, with 10 pairs of macrochromosomes and 29 pairs of microchromosomes; however, there were some remarkable differences in chromosome morphology. There were significant differences in G-banding patterns between chickens, quails, and their hybrids, among which chickens chromosomes were divided into 32 zones with 155 bands, including 71 positive bands. The quails were divided into 28 zones, with 138 bands, including 61 positive bands. C-band analysis showed that the C-band of chickens, quails, and their hybrids were present on all W-sex chromosomes in all female fission phases and were deeply stained. The combined analysis of the karyotypes and different genotypes of chickens, quails, and their hybrids could provide a reference to accelerate the breeding process.

Abstract Background People living with HIV (PLWH) suffer from high rates of mental illness; but targeted effective interventions are limited, especially in developing countries. High penetration of smartphone usage and widespread acceptance of social media applications provide an unprecedented opportunity for mobile-based health interventions (mHealth interventions) in resource-limited settings like China. The current report describes the design and sample characteristics of the Run4Love randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at improving mental health in PLWH in China. Methods A total of 300 PLWH with elevated depressive symptoms were recruited and randomized into either the intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group received an adapted cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) course delivered by the enhanced WeChat platform (for 3 months) and were motivated to engage in physical activities. Progress of the participants was automatically tracked and monitored with timely feedback and rewards. The control group received a brochure on nutrition for PLWH in addition to standard care. The outcome assessments are conducted at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months using tablets. The primary outcome is depressive symptoms measured by the scale of the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression (CES-D). Secondary outcomes include quality of life, chronic stress measured with biomarker of hair cortisol, and other measures of stress and depression, self-efficacy, coping, HIV-related stigma, physical activity, and patient satisfaction. Mixed effects model with repeated measures (MMRM) will be used to analyze the intervention effects. Discussion The Run4Love study is among the first efforts to develop and evaluate a multicomponent and integrated mHealth intervention to improve the mental health and quality of life of PLWH. Once proven effective, Run4Love could be scaled up and potentially integrated into the routine case management of PLWH and adapted to other populations with chronic diseases. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry - ChiCTR-IPR-17012606, registered on 07 September 2017.