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The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence, severity, and factors associated with multidimensional fatigue in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed meningiomas. This cross-sectional study included 120 Chinese meningioma patients. Data were collected before surgery, including demographic, clinical, psychological, and sleep characteristics, as well as fatigue scores based on completion of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Mann–Whitney U tests, Kruskal–Wallis H tests, Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. The results showed there was a high prevalence of severe fatigue for each dimension: general fatigue (33.3%), physical fatigue (27.5%), reduced activity (28.3%), reduced motivation (12.5%), mental fatigue (11.7%), and total fatigue (23.3%). Headache and anxiety were found to be associated with general fatigue. Depression was related with physical fatigue. The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score and depression were associated with reduced activity. Depression and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score were correlated with reduced motivation, while the KPS score and anxiety were associated with mental fatigue. Importantly, comorbidity, the KPS score, headache, depression, sleep disturbances, and the ESS score remained strong correlates of total fatigue. Our findings indicate that newly diagnosed meningioma patients are affected by multidimensional fatigue. For patients with risk factors of fatigue, targeted interventions are advised to decrease fatigue and improve HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression and anxiety often co-occur in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study was conducted to examine the predictive value of depression, anxiety, and their combination on the prognosis of Chinese PCI patients. A multicenter prospective study was undertaken with a sample of 309 primary PCI patients. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was completed at baseline to assess anxiety and depression symptoms. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were recorded for 12 months after PCI. Days from baseline to the first MACE was the outcome variable. MACEs occurred in 26 (8.4%) patients. After adjustments for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, a Cox proportional hazards regression model revealed that depression (HR = 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–5.95; p =.014) and anxiety (HR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.18–5.54; p =.017) symptoms were independent predictors of MACEs. A subanalysis showed that the cumulative event-free survival curves did not differ among depressed and anxious patients and depressed but non-anxious patients (Log Rank p =.52). In conclusion, depression is associated with an increased risk for MACEs post-PCI, independent of anxiety. Although anxiety is associated with MACEs, it has no additional predictive value when co-occurring with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the leader-following fixed-time output feedback consensus problem for second-order multi-agent systems with input saturation. By combing fixed-time control technique and bi-limit homogeneous systems theory, a class of bounded fixed-time consensus protocols are developed for leader-following multi-agent systems. The protocol design is divided into two parts. First, when all the state information of the followers are measurable, a state feedback consensus protocol is designed to achieve fixed-time consensus. Then, when the velocity information is unmeasurable, an observer-based fixed-time consensus protocol is proposed. With the help of Lyapunov stability theorem and the property of a homogeneous function, it is theoretically shown that the states of all followers can track that of the leader in fixed-time in the presence of input saturation. Finally, numerical simulation is carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetaldehyde was introduced onto the side chains of polysulfone, and then Schiff base reactions were carried out between the introduced acetaldehyde and ortho-aminophenol (OAP) or meta-aminophenol (MAP). Two bidentate Schiff base (B) ligands of acetaldehyde/aminophenol type, OAPB and MAPB, were bonded on the side chains of polysulfone, and two new bidentate Schiff base ligand functionalized-polysulfones, PSF-OAPB and PSF-MAPB, were obtained. The triplet state energies of OAPB and MAPB are well matched with the resonant level energy of Tb(III), and the Tb(III) complexes emit the strong characteristic fluorescence of Tb(III) (green luminescence). Complexes of Eu(III) have no fluorescence emission because of the mismatching of the energy levels. In comparison, the fluorescence intensity of the binary complex PSF-(MAPB)3-Tb(III) is stronger than that of the binary complex PSF-(OAPB)3-Tb(III) because of the structured difference of the chelating ring. The ternary complexes PSF-(MAPB)3-Tb(III)-(Phen)1 (Phen represents 1,10-phenanthroline) and PSF-(OAPB)3-Tb(III)-(Phen)1 have stronger fluorescence emissions than the corresponding binary complexes. The fluorescence emission intensities of solid films of the complexes are stronger than that of their solutions. The prepared luminescent polymer-Tb(III) complexes containing acetaldehyde/aminophenol type bidentate Schiff base ligands have very high quantum yields (80–86%), reflecting the high intramolecular energy transfer efficiencies from the ligands to Tb(III). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two kinds of immobilized bidentate Schiff base oxovanadium(IV) complexes are prepared via polymer reactions and coordination reactions with chloromethylated cross-linked polystyrene (CMCPS) microspheres as matrix. Benzaldehyde (BA)-functionalized CPS microspheres, BA-CPS microspheres, were prepared through nucleophilic substitution with CMCPS microsphere as precursor and p-hydroxy benzaldehyde as reagent, and then Schiff base reactions were carried out with 3-aminopyridine (AP) and glycine (GL) as reagents, respectively, obtaining two kinds of bidentate Schiff base ligand-bonded microspheres, BAAP-CPS microspheres and BAGL-CPS microspheres. Finally, through coordination reactions with vanadyl sulfate (VOSO4) as reagent, the two kinds of immobilized bidentate Schiff base oxovanadium(IV) complex microspheres, CPS-[VO(BAAP)2] and CPS-[VO(BAGL)2], were obtained. The two immobilized complexes, VO(BAAP)2 and VO(BAGL)2, are N,N- and N,O-type bidentate Schiff base oxovanadium(IV) complexes and their ligands have different chemical structures. The two catalyst microspheres were used in oxidation of cyclohexanol and benzyl alcohol with molecular oxygen as oxidant and their catalytic activities are compared. The experimental results show that both solid catalysts can catalyze the transformation reactions of cyclohexanol and benzyl alcohol to their corresponding carbonyl compounds under mild conditions. However, CPS-[VO(BAAP)2] microspheres have much higher catalytic activity and better stability than CPS-[VO(BAGL)2] microspheres. For the immobilized bidentate Schiff base oxovanadium(IV) catalysts, the catalytic property is closely related to the chemical structures of the ligands, and for this, a theoretical explanation is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies from different countries showed variations of genetic changes and association with Chlamydia psittaci in ocular adnexal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. A total of 38 ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma cases from Northern China were studied. Genetic abnormalities were investigated in 28 cases by interphase FISH. C. psittaci and other infectious agents that are commonly-associated with chronic eye disease were screened in 38 cases by PCR. Genetic abnormalities were detected in 60.7% of cases. Among them, only one showed a break-apart of the IgH gene and all others showed numerical abnormalities, including trisomy 18 in 7 cases (25%), 3 copies of BCL6 gene in 12 cases (43%), and 3 copies of C-MYC gene in 2 cases (7%). C. pneumoniae was positive in two cases (5.3%), and C. psittaci, C. trachomatis, HSV1, HSV2, ADV8, and ADV19 were not detected in any cases. In conclusion, numerical abnormalities are frequent and the chromosomal translocations commonly associated with MALT lymphomas are rare in ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma of Northern China. C. psittaci and other infectious agents are not associated with ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid chromatographic resolution of six racemic β2-bIockers including Bambuterol, clenbuterol, clenpropol, fumoterol, mabuteml, and terbutaline was studied on two Pirkle4ype chiral stationary phases (CSPs) such as a-Burke-2 and Pirkle-lJ. By varying the mobile phase compositions, five of the six β2-blockers were successfully resolved on α-Burke-2 CSP, while only two β2-blockers were resolved on Pirkle-lJ CSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare rheumatic disease characterized by vascular damage, dysregulated immune response, and fibrosis. Interleukin−11 (IL−11) is upregulated in SSc. This study aimed to investigate the pathological and therapeutic role of the IL−11 trans-signaling pathway in SSc. Plasma IL−11 level was evaluated in 32 patients with SSc and 15 healthy controls, while the expression levels of ADAM10, ADAM17, IL−11, IL−11 Rα, or IL−11 co-stained with CD3 or CD163 in the skin of SSc patients and healthy controls were analyzed. Fibroblasts were treated with IL−11 and ionomycin to evaluate the profibrotic effect of IL−11 trans-signaling pathway. TJ301 (sgp130Fc) and WP1066 (a JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor) intervention groups were set up to investigate the antifibrotic effect of targeting IL−11. Levels of plasma IL−11 were extremely low in most SSc patients and healthy controls. In contrast, levels of IL−11, IL−11 Rα, and ADAM10, but not ADAM17, were significantly elevated in the skin of SSc patients. Moreover, the numbers of IL−11+ CD3+ cells and IL−11+ CD163+ cells were increased in the skin of SSc patients. Besides, IL−11 and ADAM10 were also elevated in the skin and pulmonary of bleomycin-induced SSc mouse. Fibroblasts co-stimulated with IL−11 and ionomycin showed increased expression of COL3 and phosphorylation of STAT3, which could be inhibited by TJ301 or WP1066. TJ301 also ameliorated skin and lung fibrosis in BLM-induced SSc mouse. IL−11 induces fibrosis in SSc by regulating the trans-signaling pathway. Blockage of sgp130Fc or inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway could ameliorate the profibrotic effect of IL−11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Short tandem repeats (STRs) are powerful genetic markers widely used in human genetics. Population data and locus-specific mutation rates of STRs are crucial for the evaluation and interpretation of genetic evidence in forensic and population genetics. Aim: To investigate the mutation rates of 21 autosomal STRs in a population from central south China. Subjects and methods: This study analysed 3420 paternity cases with a Combined Paternity Index >10,000 from Han population in Hunan. A total of 68,743 meiotic transfers were analysed and 62 mutations were identified. Results: The overall mutation rate of STR loci was 0.9 × 10−3 (95% CI, 0.0007–0.0011) and the locus-specific mutation rates were estimated ranging from 0.0000–0.0023. Locus D1S1656 exhibited the highest mutation rate of 2.3 × 10−3 (95% CI, 0.0005–0.0006), followed by D12S391 with a mutation rate of 2.0 × 10−3 (95% CI, 0.0007–0.0044). No mutation was observed at TPOX, D2S1338 or Penta D. One-step mutation cases accounted for 96.77% of total mutations and the ratio of paternal vs maternal mutations was ∼4.85:1. Inter-population comparisons of locus-specific mutation rates of several STRs revealed significant differences between Han in Hunan and Han in other regions of China. Conclusion: The data justified the use of geographical data in further genetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the dimensionality and consequences of existing Chinese vacationers’ perceived destination restorative qualities (PDRQs) by cross-culturally validating the PDRQ scale (PDRQS), which has been recently developed to assess individuals’ PDRQs in the American context. Using two samples of existing Chinese vacationers (sample 1: n = 230; sample 2: n = 148) who were taking a real vacation when being surveyed, and following a rigorous process of scale validation, the study confirmed that five out of the six original subscales (compatibility, extent, mentally away, physically away, andfascination) demonstrate cross-cultural reliability and validity in the Chinese context. In addition,fascinationis found to be a predictor of Chinese vacationers’ experienced pleasure evaluation, and PDRQs as a whole a predictor of Chinese vacationers’ preference for a destination. Destination marketing implications are derived based on the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) refers to a group of pathological processes with multifarious etiologies that affect the small arteries, arterioles, venules, and capillaries of the brain. Features seen on neuroimaging include white matter hyperintensities, lacunar infarction, cerebral microbleeds, brain atrophy, microinfarcts and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS). CSVD gives rise to one in five strokes worldwide and is a leading cause of cognitive impairment and dementia, especially in the elderly. Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is one of the most common subtypes of cognitive impairment. The underlying mechanisms of PSCI are not known in detail. A growing body of evidence has been suggesting that CSVD plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PSCI. This article reviews the advances in research on the relationship between CSVD and PSCI. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Metabolic syndromes are a group of metabolic disorders for which the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. An increasing number of studies have implicated metabolic syndrome in the association with inflammation. Currently, lipsomes is known to improve nanoparticle hydrophobicity. Meanwhile, in drug delivery systems the application of cholesterol, which is commonly used to stabilise liposomal structures, has essentially no pharmacological effect on liposomes. Herein, we developed an 'anti-inflammatory liposome' (Phy-Lip) to effectively handle these challenges via employing Phytosterol instead of cholesterol. Different with the conventional liposomes, Phy-Lip is a much more brilliant nanoparticle with anti-inflammatory functions. In Phy-Lip, cholesterol was substituted by Phy, which works as membrane stabiliser, anti-inflammatory adjuvant at the same time. The experimental results show that Phy-Lip has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, and improves Metabolic syndromes. This study aims to provide a way to solve the challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleic acid aptamers are developed from a pool of random oligonucleotide libraries with an in vitro selection through systematic evolution of ligands via exponential enrichment (SELEX) process, which are capable of specific and high-affinity molecular binding against targets. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike protein from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is involved in the early stages of viral infection, is a promising target for aptamer selection. Currently, there are no effective approaches to prevent virus from spreading. In this study, a new ssDNA aptamer RBD/S-A1 binding to the RBD of spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 with high affinity (Kd=1.74 ± 0.2 nM) and low cross-binding activity was selected and evaluated. Although aptamers targeting the RBD of spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 have been described in a handful of previous studies, the RBD/S-A1 aptamer identified in this work may be considered as a potential supplementation for the current diagnosis and research of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a majority of remote sensing applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the data need to be downloaded to ground devices for processing, but this procedure cannot satisfy the demands of real-time target detection. Our objective in this study is to develop a real-time system based on an embedded technology for image acquisition, target detection, the transmission and display of the results, and user interaction while providing support for the interactions between multiple UAVs and users. This work is divided into three parts: (1) We design the technical procedure and the framework for the implementation of a real-time target detection system according to application requirements. (2) We develop an efficient and reliable data transmission module to realize real-time cross-platform communication between airborne embedded devices and ground-side servers. (3) We optimize the YOLOv4 algorithm by using the K-Means algorithm and TensorRT inference to improve the accuracy and speed of the NVIDIA Jetson TX2. In experiments involving static detection, it had an overall confidence of 89.6% and a rate of missed detection of 3.8%; in experiments involving dynamic detection, it had an overall confidence and a rate of missed detection of 88.2% and 4.6%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the optimal control problem for a class of four-dimensional linear systems based on quaternionic and Fourier analysis. When the control is unconstrained, the optimal ensemble controller for this linear ensemble control systems is given in terms of prolate spheroidal wave functions. For the constrained convex optimisation problem of such systems, the quadratic programming is presented to obtain the optimal control laws. Simulations are given to verity the effectiveness of the proposed theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A matrine molecule surface-imprinted material was designed and prepared using an effective surface-imprinting technique developed by our group, and its molecular recognition performance and mechanism were investigated in depth. Monomer glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was first graft-polymerized on the surfaces of micron-sized silica gel particles in surface-initiated graft polymerization manner, obtaining the grafted particles PGMA/SiO2with high grafting degree. Subsequently, the ring-opening reaction of the epoxy groups of the grafted macromolecules PGMA with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) was carried out, resulting in the functional grafted particle SA-PGMA/SiO2, on whose surfaces salicylic acid as functional group was chemically bonded. By right of the mutual strong secondary bond forces, electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding, SA-PGMA/SiO2particles produced strong adsorption for matrine. Finally, with this strong adsorption, matrine molecule surface imprinting was carried out on the surfaces of SA-PGMA/SiO2particles with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether as cross-linking agent, resulting in the matrine molecule surface-imprinted material MIP-SAP/SiO2. The binding characteristic of MIP-SAP/SiO2toward matrine was investigated in depth with both batch and column methods and using oxymatrine and cytisine as two contrast alkaloids. The experimental results show that MIP-SAP/SiO2has special recognition selectivity and excellent binding affinity for matrine. Relative to oxymatrine and cytisine, the selectivity coefficients of MIP-SAP/SiO2for matrine are 5.66 and 11.17, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study aimed to develop a viscosity model and improve the existing density function solving method by using the BWRS equation of state. The analysis revealed that the density function increased monotonically, so the improved dichotomy for solving density was developed. On the basis of the similarity between P-V-T and T-μ-P relationship, a viscosity model was developed. The new algorithm for solving density has a wider application scope, its calculation accuracy can satisfy the requirements. The new viscosity model could well predict the viscosity of pure propane and carbon dioxide (ADD%: 1.75 and 2.49), and that of methane–propane (ADD%: 1.5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3A-filled hydrophilic polyurethane (PU) membranes were prepared by incorporating zeolite 3A into PU for pervaporation separation of acetaldehyde and water mixtures (acetaldehyde concentration 2 wt%-20 wt%). The composite membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The morphology and thermal stability of these membranes were also investigated. The effects of zeolite 3A on the sorption, diffusion, and pervaporation performance were evaluated. The swelling study showed that 3A-PU membrane had higher swelling degree in acetaldehyde aqueous solution than in pure water. And the swelling degree of the composite membrane in acetaldehyde solution increased with the 3A content. The permeation flux and water/acetaldehyde separation factor first increased and then decreased with increasing 3A content. The reason may be that a proper quantity of 3A will enlarge the free volume fraction of PU while excessive 3A lead to its poor dispersion. The highest permeation flux of the composite membrane could reach 223 g · m-2 · h-1 and the maximum water/acetaldehyde selectivity achieved 7.5. The calculation of sorption selectivity and diffusion selectivity showed that diffusion played a more important role in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes changes in labor force participation rates over time for gender- and ethnicity-differentiated groups in urban China. From 1990 to 2000, urban labor force participation rates fell substantially with women's rates declining more rapidly than men's and minority women's declining more rapidly than Han women's. Women's labor force participation is determined by a complex interaction of often gendered economic, demographic, and cultural factors that vary considerably by ethnic group. This analysis employs probit regression techniques to census data to explore possible explanations for the observed changes. This paper focuses on five of China's larger ethnic groups: the Han, Hui, Korean, Uygur, and Zhuang. Although many of the findings differ by ethnic group, for married women there is evidence of a return to more traditional expectations about gendered household roles that is consistent across groups. The research techniques also uncover evidence of discrimination against men of certain ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the view of studying humus formation in corn straw under the action of microorganism, three fungi (Trichoderma reesei, Trichoderma harzianum, Phanerochaete chrysosporium) were selected to compare the humification effects and structural changes of humic acid-like (HAL). The structural characteristics of HAL formed by fungi from corn straw were assessed by elemental, thermogravimetric analyzer, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopies. The results showed that Phanerochaete chrysosporium had a strong ability to increase aliphatic C (increasing to 60.02%) within 30 days, and utilised aromatic C in HAL during the humification process. The Trichoderma harzianum selectively preserved relatively large quantities of aromatic C in HAL and reduced aliphatic C to 56.49%. Trichoderma reesei enhanced aromaticity and I2920/I1620 ratio of HAL to 38.48% and 0.80, respectively, and intensified the humification effect (PQ=63.75%) within 30 days. Moreover, the elemental composition of HAL in Trichoderma reesei was closest to that of soil humic acid. We concluded that treating corn straw with Trichoderma reesei could reduce aliphatic C and enhance aromatisation, thermal stability, and accumulation of alkyl C, phenolic and aromatic C, which can promote the humification process of corn straw and contribute to the accumulation and storage of soil organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence suggests that hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and hyperlipidemia have been recognized as two independent risks for cardiovascular disease. However, the association between hyperlipidemia and HHcy in hypertensive patients has not been systemically elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and HHcy in hypertensive patients. From July 2013 to March 2014, a large cross-sectional study was performed using 4012 participants from urban and rural communities in Hunan province, China. Participants underwent accurate assessment of lipid profiles, homocysteine (Hcy), anthropometric, blood pressure, and other biochemical indicators. Among 1257 participants with hypertension, 626 (49.80%) were men and 631 (50.20%) were women. In total, 1081 (86.00%) of the participants were found to have HHcy, of which 559 (44.47%) were men and 522 (41.53%) were women. In the univariate analysis, the OR for patients with hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly enhanced as the quartiles of the Log VLDL were increased. OR for quartile 4 was significantly higher than that for quartile 1 (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.6–5.1; P<.001). Additional adjustment for the confounding variables did not reduce the ORs for the association between the Log VLDL and hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.7–5.5; P<.001; OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.6–11.8; P=.004, respectively). We also conducted analyses with Log VLDL as a continuous variable. Each unit increase in the Log VLDL was associated with the 1.3-fold increased risk of hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (95% CI: 1.9–2.9; P<.001). Adjusting for Cr, TG, TC, and HDL did not affect the relationship. Our data indicate that the Log VLDL concentrations appear to be an independent contributor to hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, even after adjusting for age and other covariables. The utility of the Log VLDL as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic indicator for the disease warrants further investigation. HHcy: hyperhomocysteinemia; Hcy: homocysteine; VLDL: very low-density lipoprotein; CVD: cardiovascular disease; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; BMI: body mass index; ALT: alanine aminotransferase; Cr: creatinine; UA: uric acid; TG: triglycerides; TC: total cholesterol; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; FBG: fasting blood glucose; CRP: C-reactive protein; MTHFR: methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase; NO: nitric oxide; HDL-C: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multi-systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease involving peripheral joints, and the pathogenesis is not clear. Studies showed that DNA methylation and expression might also be involved in the pathogenesis of RA. This study integrated three expression profile datasets (GSE55235, GSE12021, and GSE55457) and one methylation profile dataset GSE111942 to elucidate the potential essential candidate genes and pathways in RA. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylation genes (DMGs) were identified by R programming software, using Limma package and ChAMP package, respectively. DAVID performed gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs. Functional annotation and construction of a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and the Molecular Complex Detection Algorithm (MCODE) were analysed by STRING and Cystoscope, respectively. Then the connection analysis of DEGs and DMGs was carried out, and further to analyse the relationship between methylation and gene expression, aiming to screen out the potential genes. In this study, 288 DEGs and 228 DMGs were identified, and the majority of DEGs were up-regulated. Enrichment analysis represented that DEGs mainly involved immune response and participated in the Cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction signal pathway. 282 nodes were identified from DEGs PPI network and MCODE, filtering the most significant 2 modules, 23 core node genes were identified and most of them are involved in the T cell receptor signalling pathway and chemokine-mediated signalling pathway. Cross-analysis revealed 4 genes [KNTC1 (cg 01277763), LRRC8D (cg 07600884), DHRS9 (cg 05961700), and UCP2 (cg 05205664)] that exhibited differential expression and methylation in RA simultaneously. Therefore, the four genes could be used as the target for RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causal influence of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in voluntary forgetting remains unclear. Here, we employed repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the right DLPFC to temporarily disrupt function of this brain region and examined its influence on an item-method directed forgetting (DF) task with both neutral and negative emotional memories. Participants were assigned to either an active or a sham rTMS group, in which we administered stimulation for 20 min before the DF task. We then examined the explicit and implicit DF effects with an explicit recognition and an implicit word completion test. We found that while participants in the sham group showed the classic DF effects in both explicit and implicit memory tests, temporally disrupting activity of the right DLPFC selectively reduced the DF effect on explicit recognition, but not on implicit word completion test. Our findings provide novel evidence that the right DLPFC plays a causal role in voluntary forgetting and support the direct inhibition account of voluntary memory control. Intriguingly, preserved implicit DF effects in the active stimulation group suggest that unintentional expressions of unwanted memories may be more sensitive to DF and less dependent on the right DLPFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development characteristics of land subsidence of Xi'an by an advanced InSAR technique are investigated based on Envisat, Radarsat-2 and Sentinel-1 satellites, and it can be found that there still have been five typical land subsidence bowls with maximum subsidence rates beyond 40 mm/year in Xi'an. In 2012, the land subsidence took on slightly slowing down with a ground rebound area of up to 6.3 km2. But in 2003–2010, 2016 and 2017, there was more serious land subsidence and especially in 2017 the maximum velocity reached up to −137 mm/year. Yuhuazhai-Nanyaotou subsidence bowl as the greatest subsidence bowl, its area that rate was below 50 mm/year in 2017 was up to 10.64 km2. Moreover, these land subsidence bowls mainly concentrate upon tectonic depression area due to huge thickness clay soil and are spatially and temporally coincident with confined aquifer depression cones, suggesting that over-exploitation groundwater plays a decisive role for land subsidence. Ground fissure belts are generally controlled by normal faults in Xi'an, but asymmetry settlement of land surface can also give rise to the abnormal activities of ground fissure belts, which have caused serious threat or damage to building structures. In addition, it could also be found that surface uplift area in 2012 involves in both the tectonic depression area and loess ridge in terms of their same thickness sand layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in the elderly who have tuberculosis. We conducted a community-based trial to explore the effect of comprehensive interventions on anxiety and depression of the elderly tuberculosis patients. The control group (n = 122) received health education, and the intervention group (n = 61) received health education, psychotherapy, home visit, peer support, and psycho-educational workshops. Compared with the control group, the anxiety (βGroup×Time = −0.79) and depression (βGroup×Time = −1.13) declined more pronounced in the intervention group. The results suggested that comprehensive interventions could alleviate the anxiety and depression of the elderly tuberculosis patients sustainably and effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium (Cd) in Hydrilla verticillata and the physiological mechanism underlying H. verticillata responses to Cd stress. Hydrilla verticillata was grown in a hydroponic system and was treated with various Cd concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, 125, and 150 µM) for 7 days. Cadmium analysis of the leaves at the subcellular level showed that Cd was mainly stored in the soluble fraction (77.98–83.62%) and in smaller quantities in the cell wall fraction (11.99–17.30%) and the cell organelles (4.30–4.88%). The Cd taken up by H. verticillata was in different chemical forms. In the leaves and stems, the Cd was mostly extracted using 1 M NaCl and smaller amounts of Cd were extracted using 2% acetic acid. The malondialdehyde content significantly increased at all Cd concentrations, which indicated oxidative stress. The superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase activities were enhanced. The proline, ascorbate, and glutathione contents increased at lower Cd concentrations, but decreased consistently as the Cd concentration rose. These results suggest that H. verticillata can be successfully used in the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genomes of three lineages (N, TW and S) ofMauremys muticaare determined in this study. The total lengths of the mitogenomes were 16,758 bp for N, 16 500bp for TW, and 16 494bp for S. The nucleotide composition was 26.3–27% for T, 26.2–26.8% for C, and 33.8–33.9% for A. The genomes encoded 37 genes typically found in other vertebrates. Three CSBs were identified, and the CSB1 were variable. A long tandem repeats of (TTATTATA) 30 were found in the control region of N mitogenome, but none in TW and S lineage. These sequences would be useful for the phylogenetic and conservation studies of Asian endangered turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The ten–eleven translocation (TET) proteins, as methylcytosine dioxygenases, catalyze 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). The altered expression of TET1 disrupts the balance between DNA methylation and demethylation. This alteration has been reported to be associated with carcinogenesis in various malignancies. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in expression and the role of TET1 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Material and methods:A total of 109 CRC patients who underwent radical surgical colon resection were enrolled. The QuantiGene Plex Assay was used to detect the expression of TET1 in CRC tissues and matching adjacent normal tissues. We analyzed the associations between TET1 expression levels and various clinicopathologic features of CRC. TET1 overexpression and depletion cells were constructed to investigate its biological role in CRC. Results:Compared to normal tissues, the expression level of TET1 in CRC was significantly lower. The ratio of TET1 in CRC tissues to that in adjacent normal tissues (C/N-TET1) was an independent overall survival predictive factor. Moreover,in vitrostudies showed that TET1 could inhibit cell growth and promote cell metastasis and invasion. Conclusions:These findings indicated that TET1 played a multifaceted role in the pathogenesis of CRC, and thereby resulting in multiple effects on tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) has been used as an efficient barcoding tool for species identification of animals. In this study, the barcoding sequences were used to assess the genetic diversity and relationship ofMauremy muticaandM. annamensis. Four currently recognized groups ofM. muticawere classified into two groups in this study, with 6% intergroup distances, the S group and the N group, consistent to the calling of “southern turtle” and “northern turtle” in folk of China. The north population and Taiwan population formed the N group, and further, the Taiwan population was differentiated as a monophyly originated from the north population, consistent to the calling of “big green head” for the Taiwan population and “small green head” for the north population. The Vietnam, Hainan population, andM. annamensisformed the S group, and the barcoding sequences could not distinguish them from each other. Based on the molecular data and phenotypes of existing hybrids, hybrid origin ofM. annamensismay be another possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentially fatal chemotherapy (CT)-related gastrorrhagia and gastric perforation in patients with gastric lymphoma present difficult problems to doctors. We retrospectively analyzed 54 patients with ulcerative gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (G-DLBCL) to compare the safety and efficacy of low-dose pre-phase CT before 4–6 cycles of conventional-dose CT (n= 28) with 4–6 cycles of conventional-dose CT (n= 26) between October 2005 and August 2014. Patients who received low-dose pre-phase before conventional-dose CT showed a lower gastrorrhagia or gastric perforation rate (0% vs. 15.4%,p= 0.047) and higher complete response (CR) rate (78.6% vs. 46.2%,p= 0.023) and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate (63% vs. 31%,p= 0.021) than patients who received conventional-dose CT alone. Our study suggests that low-dose pre-phase therapy before conventional-dose CT provides a safe and effective method for ulcerative G-DLBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of color changeable toad-headed agama,Phrynocephalus versicolor, was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), long-and-accurate PCR and directly sequencing by primer walking. The entire mitochondrial genome ofP. versicolorwas 16,429 bp in length, the accession was KJ749841 and the content of A, T, C, and G were 36.1%, 26.5%, 24.9% and 12.5%, respectively, which was similar to most vertebrate. The complete mitochondrial genome ofP. versicolorcontain 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 23 tRNA genes, plus one control region and was similar to those of otherPhrynocephalussand lizards in gene arrangement and composition, except that tRNA-Phe and tRNA-Pro were exchanged and tRNA-Phe had two copies. The control region comprised three parts, one between tRNA-Thr and tRNA-Phe, a second between tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe, and a third between tRNA-Phe and 12S RNA. The complete mitochondrial genome ofP. versicolorprovided fundamental data for resolving phylogenetic relationship problems related to Agaimidae and genusPhrynocephalus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]