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The spatial transcriptome has enabled researchers to resolve transcriptome expression profiles while preserving information about cell location to better understand the complex biological processes that occur in organisms. Due to technical limitations, the current high-throughput spatial transcriptome sequencing methods (known as next-generation sequencing with spatial barcoding methods or spot-based methods) cannot achieve single-cell resolution. A single measurement site, called a spot, in these technologies frequently contains multiple cells of various types. Computational tools for determining the cellular composition of a spot have emerged as a way to break through these limitations. These tools are known as deconvolution tools. Recently, a couple of deconvolution tools based on different strategies have been developed and have shown promise in different aspects. The resulting single-cell resolution expression profiles and/or single-cell composition of spots will significantly affect downstream data mining; thus, it is crucial to choose a suitable deconvolution tool. In this review, we present a list of currently available tools for spatial transcriptome deconvolution, categorize them based on the strategies they employ, and explain their advantages and limitations in detail in order to guide the selection of these tools in future studies.

Abstract Background Family doctors in rural China are the main force for primary health care, but the workforce has not been well stabilized in recent years. Surface acting is an emotional labor strategy with a disparity between inner feelings and emotional displays, provoking negative effects such as emotional exhaustion, occupational commitment reduction, and, consequently, increasing turnover rate. With the Conservation of Resources theory, this study explores how the surface acting of rural family doctors affects turnover intention through emotional exhaustion and investigates what role occupational commitment plays in this relationship. Methods With a valid response rate of 93.89%, 953 valid data were collected by an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey in December 2021 in Shandong Province, China. Cronbach’s Alpha and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to estimate reliability and construct validity, respectively. The PROCESS macro in SPSS was performed to analyze the mediating and moderated mediation effects of surface acting, emotional exhaustion, occupational commitment, and turnover intention. Results Reliability and validity indicated that the measurement instruments were acceptable. Surface acting had a direct positive effect on turnover intention (β = 0.481, 95% CI [0.420, 0.543]). Emotional exhaustion partially mediated the effect of surface acting on turnover intention (indirect effect: 0.214, 95% CI [0.175, 0.256]). Occupational commitment moderated the effect of emotional exhaustion on turnover intention (β = − 0.065, 95% CI [− 0.111, − 0.019]), and moderated the indirect effect of surface acting on turnover intention via emotional exhaustion (index of moderated mediation: − 0.035). Conclusions Emotional exhaustion partially mediates the relationship between surface acting and turnover intention among family doctors in rural China, and occupational commitment moderates the direct effect of emotional exhaustion on turnover intention and further moderates the mediating effect. Policymakers should pay more attention to the effects of emotional labor and emotional resource depletion on the stability of rural health human resources.

Abstract Background Village doctors in China are not only the gatekeepers of rural residents' health but also the net bottom of the medical security system. However, emotional labour is increasingly threatening the stability of the rural primary medical system. In addition, the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has further exposed the vulnerability of human resources in China's rural health system. This study aims to evaluate the current situation of emotional labour among village doctors and explore the impact of emotional labour on job burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in December 2021 in Shandong Province. We used structured questionnaires to collect data, including sociodemographic characteristics, emotional labour, and job burnout. Data were analysed by t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple linear regression. Results A total of 1,093 village doctors from Shandong Province participated in the study. More than half of the participants were male (62.40%) and were between 41 and 50 years old (53.43%). The total mean score of emotional labour was 3.17 ± 0.67, of which the surface acting (SA) score was 2.28 ± 0.90, and the deep acting (DA) score was 3.91 ± 0.93. There were significant differences in SA according to gender and work content (P

This paper proposes a novel Non-linear Camera Assisted-Received Signal Strength (nCA-RSS) algorithm. The basic idea of nCA-RSS is to simultaneously utilize camera and Photo-Diode (PD) to capture visual information and signal strength information to achieve both high coverage and accurate positioning. First, based on single-view geometry theorem, nCA-RSS algorithm estimates incidence angle of visible light based on visual information. Then, based on the estimated incidence angle, nCA-RSS algorithm utilizes signal strength to determine the location of the receiver. Due to the use of visual information, nCA-RSS no longer has orientation limitations. Based on Levenberg-Marquardt, nCA-RSS can use three Light Emitting Diode (LED) to achieve precise 3-Dimensional (3D) positioning. Therefore, compared with perspective n point algorithm, nCA-RSS can achieve high coverage. Simulation results show that nCA-RSS can achieve 80th percentile accuracies of less than 2.5 cm for positioning regardless of the orientation of the receiver.

Liquid biopsy offers great promise for noninvasive cancer diagnostics, while the lack of adequate target characterization and analysis hinders its wide application. Here, the authors design a transfer learning-based algorithm to transfer lesion labels from the primary cancer cell atlas to circulating tumor cells.

Abstract Background Renal anemia is caused by end-stage renal disease (ESRD) but has a complex etiology. The application of dietary fiber (DF) to regulate the gut microbiota has shown effective therapeutic effects in some diseases, but its role in renal anemia is not clear. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of DF on renal anemia by regulating the gut microbiota and its metabolite, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Methods A total of 162 ESRD patients were enrolled and randomly distributed into a DF or a control group (received oral DF or potato starch, 10 g/day for 8 weeks). Hemoglobin (Hb), serum iron (Fe2+), serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hepcidin and the dosage of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) before and after intervention in patients were analyzed. The gut microbiota and SCFAs in both groups were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. Spearman’s correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between the gut microbiota, SCFAs and the hematological indicators. Results Compared with the control group, (1) the patients in the DF group had higher Hb [117.0 (12.5) g/L vs. 94.0 (14.5) g/L, p

Abstract Background Pharynx and larynx cancers (PLCs) are the top killer cancers in head and neck and significantly affect the quality of life of patients. A detailed study examining the disease burden and risk factors of PLCs is lacking. Methods Data on mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of the age-standardized mortality rate was calculated using a generalized linear model with a Gaussian distribution. Mortality and DALYs were stratified according to the sociodemographic index (SDI), age, gender, and risk factors. The association between the SDI and mortality rate was measured using Spearman’s correlation. Results Between 1990 and 2019, the total number of deaths due to PLCs increased by 60.7% (95% confidence intervals: 39.32 to 66.8), from 192.38 thousand in 1990 to 309.16 thousand in 2019, and the total DALYs due to PLCs increased by 49.41% (95% confidence intervals: 30.15 to 53.27), from 5.91 million in 1990 to 8.83 million in 2019. The age-standardized mortality rate declined for larynx cancer (from 2.19 in 1990 to 1.49 in 2019) and nasopharynx cancer (1.26 to 0.86) but increased slightly for other pharynx cancer (1.25 to 1.37). The death number of PLCs was significantly higher in men aged 50 to 70 years, which accounts for 46.05% and 43.83% of the total deaths in 1990 and 2019, respectively. Low and low-middle countries had the greatest age-standardized mortality rate for larynx and other pharynx cancer, while low-middle and middle countries dominated for nasopharynx cancer. The leading risk factors for PLCs were smoking and alcohol use, which account for 37.92% and 58.84% in total DALYs rate of PLCs, and the influence of risk factors was significant in men. Conclusion The total number of deaths and DALYs due to PLCs increased from 1990 to 2019. Countries with relatively low SDI and middle-aged and older men had the greatest burden of PLCs. Building better health care systems in relatively low SDI countries and improving strategies of smoking and alcohol control should be a priority in health policy.

By recognizing double-stranded RNA, RIG-I is implicated in anti-viral immune responses, but also in cancer development and intestinal inflammation. Here the authors identify frameshift germline mutations of RIG-I, resulting in the generation of a circular RNA associated with increased susceptibility to colitis-associated colon cancer.

Abstract Background The optimum timing to wean is crucial to avoid negative outcomes for mechanically ventilated patients. The rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), a widely used weaning index, has limitations in predicting weaning outcomes. By replacing the tidal volume of the RSBI with diaphragmatic excursion (DE) and diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) assessed by ultrasonography, we calculated two weaning indices, the diaphragmatic excursion rapid shallow breathing index (DE-RSBI, respiratory rate [RR]/DE) and the diaphragm thickening fraction rapid shallow breathing index (DTF-RSBI, RR/DTF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive values of DTF-RSBI, DE-RSBI and traditional RSBI in weaning failure. Methods This prospective observational study included patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) for > 48 h and who were readied for weaning. During a pressure support ventilation (PSV) spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), right hemidiaphragmatic excursion and DTF were measured by bedside ultrasonography as well as RSBI. Weaning failure was defined as: (1) failing the SBT and (2) SBT success but inability to maintain spontaneous breathing for more than 48 h without noninvasive or invasive ventilation. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used for analyzing the diagnostic accuracy of RSBI, DE-RSBI, and DTF-RSBI. Results Of the 110 patients studied, 37 patients (33.6%) failed weaning. The area under the ROC (AUROC) curves for RSBI, DE-RSBI, and DTF-RSBI for predicting failed weaning were 0.639, 0.813, and 0.859, respectively. The AUROC curves for DE-RSBI and DTF-RSBI were significantly higher than for RSBI (P = 0.004 and P 51.2 breaths/min/L, DE-RSBI > 1.38 breaths/min/mm, and DTF-RSBI > 78.1 breaths/min/%. Conclusions In this study, two weaning indices determined by bedside ultrasonography, the DE-RSBI (RR/DE) and DTF-RSBI (RR/DTF), were shown to be more accurate than the traditional RSBI (RR/VT) in predicting weaning outcome during a PSV SBT.

Prunella vulgaris L. (PV) is a widely distributed plant species, known for its versatile applications in both traditional and contemporary medicine, as well as in functional food development. Despite its broad-spectrum antimicrobial utility, the specific mechanism of antibacterial action remains elusive. To fill this knowledge gap, the present study investigated the antibacterial properties of PV extracts against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and assessed their mechanistic impact on bacterial cells and cellular functions. The aqueous extract of PV demonstrated greater anti-MRSA activity compared to the ethanolic and methanolic extracts. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS tentatively identified 28 phytochemical components in the aqueous extract of PV. Exposure to an aqueous extract at ½ MIC and MIC for 5 h resulted in a significant release of intracellular nucleic acid (up to 6-fold) and protein (up to 10-fold) into the extracellular environment. Additionally, this treatment caused a notable decline in the activity of several crucial enzymes, including a 41.51% reduction in alkaline phosphatase (AKP), a 45.71% decrease in adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and a 48.99% drop in superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, there was a decrease of 24.17% at ½ MIC and 27.17% at MIC in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity and energy transfer. Collectively, these findings indicate that the anti-MRSA properties of PV may stem from its ability to disrupt membrane and cell wall integrity, interfere with enzymatic activity, and impede bacterial cell metabolism and the transmission of information and energy that is essential for bacterial growth, ultimately resulting in bacterial apoptosis. The diverse range of characteristics exhibited by PV positions it as a promising antimicrobial agent with broad applications for enhancing health and improving food safety and quality.

Carrying out research on the management of electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) is necessary to maintain the environment and human health. The dredged sludge (DS) and water hyacinth (WH) generated from dredging projects are potential environmental threats, and therefore suitable methods need to be found for their treatment. In this study, ceramsite was prepared by a two-step low-temperature firing method using DS and EMR as raw materials, WH as a pore-forming additive, and aluminate cement as a binder for the adsorption of phosphorus from wastewater. The optimal ratio and process parameters of the ceramsite were determined by mechanical and adsorption properties. The static adsorption experiments were conducted to study the effect of ceramsite dosage and solution pH on the removal of phosphorus. At the same time, dynamic adsorption experiments were designed to consider the influence of flow rate on its actual absorption effect, to explore the actual effect of ceramsite in wastewater treatment, and to derive a dynamic adsorption model that can provide technical support and theoretical guidance for environmental management.

Salinity is an obstacle to global agriculture, as it affects plant growth and development. Chitosan (CTS) has been suggested as a plant growth regulator to alleviate environmental stresses. In this study, the morphological and biochemical responses of chitosan application (75 mg L−1) on maize seedling growth under salt stress (150 mM) were conducted with a hydroponic experiment. The results exhibited that CTS application effectively recovered salt-inhibited biomass accumulation and root architecture by increasing chlorophyll content and photosynthetic assimilation and reducing sodium content in shoots and roots by 25.42% and 5.12% compared with NaCl treatment. Moreover, salt-induced oxidative stress was alleviated by CTS application by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase and content of ascorbate. Correlation analysis and partial least squares (PLS) analysis revealed that root morphology and ascorbate play key roles for maize seedlings in response to salt stress. Based on these results, CTS application is recommended as an effective approach to enhance the tolerance of maize seedlings under salt stress.

Nitrogen fixation, occurring through the symbiotic relationship between legumes and rhizobia in root nodules, is crucial in sustainable agriculture. Nodulation and soybean production are influenced by low levels of phosphorus stress. In this study, we discovered a MADS transcription factor, GmAGL82, which is preferentially expressed in nodules and displays significantly increased expression under conditions of phosphate (Pi) deficiency. The overexpression of GmAGL82 in composite transgenic plants resulted in an increased number of nodules, higher fresh weight, and enhanced soluble Pi concentration, which subsequently increased the nitrogen content, phosphorus content, and overall growth of soybean plants. Additionally, transcriptome analysis revealed that the overexpression of GmAGL82 significantly upregulated the expression of genes associated with nodule growth, such as GmENOD100, GmHSP17.1, GmHSP17.9, GmSPX5, and GmPIN9d. Based on these findings, we concluded that GmAGL82 likely participates in the phosphorus signaling pathway and positively regulates nodulation in soybeans. The findings of this research may lay the theoretical groundwork for further studies and candidate gene resources for the genetic improvement of nutrient-efficient soybean varieties in acidic soils.

High-protein diets (HPDs) offer health benefits, such as weight management and improved metabolic profiles. The effects of HPD on cardiac arrhythmogenesis remain unclear. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia, is associated with inflammasome activation. The role of the Absent-in-Melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome in AF pathogenesis remains unexplored. In this study, we discovered that HPD increased susceptibility to AF. To demonstrate the involvement of AIM2 signaling in the pathogenesis of HPD-induced AF, wildtype (WT) and Aim2−/− mice were fed normal-chow (NC) and HPD, respectively. Four weeks later, inflammasome activity was upregulated in the atria of WT-HPD mice, but not in the Aim2−/−-HPD mice. The increased AF vulnerability in WT-HPD mice was associated with abnormal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-release events in atrial myocytes. HPD increased the cytoplasmic double-strand (ds) DNA level, causing AIM2 activation. Genetic inhibition of AIM2 in Aim2−/− mice reduced susceptibility to AF, cytoplasmic dsDNA level, mitochondrial ROS production, and abnormal SR Ca2+-release in atrial myocytes. These data suggest that HPD creates a substrate conducive to AF development by activating the AIM2-inflammasome, which is associated with mitochondrial oxidative stress along with proarrhythmic SR Ca2+-release. Our data imply that targeting the AIM2 inflammasome might constitute a novel anti-AF strategy in certain patient subpopulations.

Kynurenine, a tryptophan metabolite, is increased in the circulating plasma of obese individuals, but the source has been unclear. Here, the authors show in mice that mature adipocytes produce kynurenine, with vitamin B6 administration preventing accumulation and protecting against high-fat diet.

There is promising empirical evidence regarding the effect of working memory training for students’ learning. However, this evidence primarily comes from laboratory contexts, which limits understanding of what this training involves and how such knowledge can have value in education. Further, there is considerable heterogeneity across such studies that make it difficult for researchers to determine optimal conditions for working memory training and for educators to implement working memory training that will achieve their educational goal. Grounded in the context of evidence-based practice, this review focuses on applying working memory training in schools to support students’ learning and development, and the need for collaboration between researchers and educators. This review will clarify the theoretical underpinnings of training and transfer and analyse the sources of variation involved in working memory training implementation and outcomes. Building upon this reflection and on existing empirical evidence, this review will consider individual and contextual aspects (e.g., leadership, self-efficacy and school culture) that affect implementation. To support effective implementation within schools, this review discusses the need for a reciprocal researcher-educator partnership to ensure quality implementation of working memory training in the classroom.

ABSTRACT Mindin is a secreted extracellular matrix protein that is involved in regulating cellular events through interacting with integrin. Studies have demonstrated its role in host immunity, including phagocytosis, cell migration, and cytokine production. However, the function of Mindin in the host-virus interaction is largely unknown. In the present study, we report that Mindin facilitates virus infection by activating lipid utilization in an arthropod, kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus). Shrimp Mindin facilitates white spot syndrome virus infection by facilitating viral entry and replication. By activating autophagy, Mindin induces lipid droplet consumption, the hydrolysis of triglycerides into free fatty acids, and ATP production, ultimately providing energy for virus infection. Moreover, integrin is essential for Mindin-mediated autophagy and lipid utilization. Therefore, by revealing the mechanism by which Mindin facilitates virus infection through regulating lipid metabolism, the present study reveals the significance of Mindin in the host-virus interaction. IMPORTANCE White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that has had a serious influence on worldwide shrimp farming in the last 30 years. We have demonstrated that WSSV hijacks host autophagy and lipid metabolism for reproduction in kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus). These findings revealed the mechanism by which WSSV exploits host machinery for its infection and provided serial targets for WSSV prevention and control in shrimp farming.

Abstract The peripheral T cell pool is maintained at dynamic homeostasis through fine‐tuning of thymic output and self‐renewal of naïve T cells. Lymphopenia or reduced lymphocyte number is implicated in autoimmune diseases, yet little is known about the homeostatic mechanisms. Here, it is reported that the replication protein A1 (RPA1) plays a critical role in T cell homeostasis. Utilizing T cell‐specific Rpa1‐deficient (Rpa1fl/fl Cd4‐cre) mice, loss of Rpa1 results in lymphopenia through restraining peripheral T cell population and limiting TCR repertoire diversity. Moreover, Rpa1fl/fl Cd4‐cre mice exhibit increased susceptibility to inflammatory diseases, including colitis and hepatitis. Clinical analysis reveals that the expression of RPA1 is reduced in patients with ulcerative colitis or other autoinflammatory diseases. Mechanistically, depletion of RPA1 activates ZBP1‐RIPK3 signaling through triggering the genomic DNA leakage into cytosol, consequently resulting in T cell necroptosis. This necroptotic T cell death induced by RPA1 deficiency allows the release of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which in turn recruits leukocytes and exacerbates inflammatory response. Reciprocally, chemical or genetic inhibition of necroptosis signaling can ameliorate the Rpa1 deficiency‐induced inflammatory damage. The studies thus uncover the importance of RPA1‐ZBP1‐RIPK3 axis in T cell homeostasis and provide a promising strategy for autoinflammatory disease treatment.

BackgroundStructural autografts harvested from the iliac bone have been used in atlantoaxial fusion; they have been the gold standard for years. However, emerging occipital bone grafts have the advantage of avoiding donor-site morbidity and complications. Thus, we compared the clinical outcomes of structural autografts from the occipital bone or iliac crest and discussed the clinical significance of occipital bone grafts in pediatric patients.MethodsPediatric patients who underwent posterior fusion using occipital bone grafts (OBG) or iliac bone grafts (IBG) between 2017 and 2021 were included in this study. Data on clinical outcomes, including operation time, estimated blood loss, length of hospitalization, complications, fusion rate, and fusion time, were collected and analyzed. Additionally, 300 pediatric patients who underwent cranial computed tomography scans were included in the bone thickness evaluation procedure. The central and edge thicknesses of the harvested areas were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThirty-nine patients were included in this study. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the OBG and IBG groups. Patients in both groups achieved a 100% fusion rate; however, the fusion time in the OBG group was significantly longer than that in the IBG group. Estimated blood loss, operation time, and length of hospitalization were significantly lower in the OBG group than those in the IBG group. The surgery-related complication rate was lower, but not significantly, in the OBG group than that in the IBG group. For occipital bone thickness evaluation, a significant difference in the central part of the harvesting area was found between the young and old groups, with no significant sex differences.ConclusionThe use of OBG for atlantoaxial fusion is acceptable for pediatric patients with atlantoaxial dislocation, avoiding donor-site morbidity and complications.

Introduction: Maternal immune activation (MIA) is closely related to the onset of autism-like behaviors in offspring, but the mechanism remains unclear. Maternal behaviors can influence offspring’s development and behaviors, as indicated in both human and animal studies. We hypothesized that abnormal maternal behaviors in MIA dams might be other factors leading to delayed development and abnormal behaviors in offspring.Methods: To verify our hypothesis, we analyzed poly(I:C)-induced MIA dam’s postpartum maternal behavior and serum levels of several hormones related to maternal behavior. Pup’s developmental milestones and early social communication were recorded and evaluated in infancy. Other behavioral tests, including three-chamber test, self-grooming test, open field test, novel object recognition test, rotarod test and maximum grip test, were performed in adolescence of pups.Results: Our results showed that MIA dams exhibit abnormal static nursing behavior but normal basic care and dynamic nursing behavior. The serum levels of testosterone and arginine vasopressin in MIA dams were significantly reduced compared with control dams. The developmental milestones, including pinna detachment, incisor eruption and eye opening, were significantly delayed in MIA offspring compared with control offspring, while the weight and early social communication showed no significant differences between the two groups. Behavioral tests performed in adolescence showed that only male MIA offspring display elevated self-grooming behaviors and reduced maximum grip.Discussion: In conclusion, MIA dams display abnormal postpartum static nursing behavior concomitantly with reduced serum levels of testosterone and arginine vasopressin, possibly involving in the pathogenesis of delayed development and elevated self-grooming in male offspring. These findings hint that improving dam’s postpartum maternal behavior might be a potential regime to counteract delayed development and elevated self-grooming in male MIA offspring.

Slope reinforcement is a common method to solve the problem of slope instability, and reasonable optimization of the corresponding support parameters is crucial for practical engineering. In this paper, the slope support method of Manyanpo tunnel entrance section is taken as an example, and the theoretical calculation method is used to optimize the project cost. Combined with the orthogonal test, the sensitivity analysis of the influencing factors of the stability of the support system and the selection of the optimal parameter combination scheme are carried out. Then, based on flac3d software, the optimization scheme is compared with the original design scheme. The results show that the safety factor of the optimized scheme is increased from 1.32 to 1.43 compared with the actual project. The optimized support parameters have better control effect on the displacement of the slope, especially in the Z direction. The optimized parameters have better support effect. This study can provide reference for the optimization design of slope engineering support.

In 2018, to help undergraduate medical students strengthen their self-learning and scientific research skills, we introduced an instructional model that combined literature-based learning with experimental design. We tested this model on the molecular biology class at Tongji University. In the first step of the model, a topic is chosen, and students find, read, and evaluate scientific papers in groups and deliver presentations. In the second step, they design scientific experiments in groups and discuss their proposed experiments in class, which is to be followed by further experimental verification in the lab course. This entire activity was given 20% weightage in the final score. The model led to better student-centered teaching and self-directed learning according to quantitative and qualitative assessment. Students showed great interest in literature and research. They enjoyed group work and gained experience in organization and presentation. Apart from a significant increase in final score, assessment data from students indicated that they were satisfied with this teaching model and considered it a positive experience. Looking at the positive impact of the literature-based learning and experiment design model, we support its continued use for teaching molecular biology to undergraduate medical students.

Abstract Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) function as crucial regulators in multiple cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the roles of circRNAs in HCC remains largely unknown. Methods circTOLLIP was identified in HCC by screening of two public circRNA microarray datasets and detected in HCC cells and tissues through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT–PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH). Gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to confirm the biological effects of circTOLLIP on HCC in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis of online databases, MS2-RNA pulldown, biotin-labeled circTOLLIP/miR-516a-5p RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), luciferase reporter assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization assay (FISH) and RNA sequencing were used to confirm the regulation of Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3) on circTOLLIP and the interaction among circTOLLIP, miR-516a-5p and PBX homeobox 3 (PBX3). Results circTOLLIP was significantly upregulated in HCC cells and tissues. High circTOLLIP expression was correlated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients. circTOLLIP promoted the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, EIF4A3 promoted the biogenesis of circTOLLIP without affecting its stability. Moreover, circTOLLIP sponged miR-516a-5p to elevate the expression of PBX3, thereby activating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway and facilitating tumor progression in HCC. Conclusions Our findings indicate that EIF4A3-induced circTOLLIP promotes the progression of HCC through the circTOLLIP/miR-516a-5p/PBX3/EMT axis.

Abstract Cancer is a type of malignant affliction threatening human health worldwide; however, the molecular mechanism of cancer pathogenesis remains to be elusive. The oncogenic hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a highly evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway in which the hedgehog-Patched complex is internalized to cellular lysosomes for degradation, resulting in the release of Smoothened inhibition and producing downstream intracellular signals. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with diversified regulatory functions have the potency of controlling cellular processes. Compelling evidence reveals that Hh pathway, ncRNAs, or their crosstalk play complicated roles in the initiation, metastasis, apoptosis and drug resistance of cancer, allowing ncRNAs related to the Hh pathway to serve as clinical biomarkers for targeted cancer therapy. In this review, we attempt to depict the multiple patterns of ncRNAs in the progression of malignant tumors via interactions with the Hh crucial elements in order to better understand the complex regulatory mechanism, and focus on Hh associated ncRNA therapeutics aimed at boosting their application in the clinical setting.

Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) show promise for facilitating cancer risk stratification. Here, the authors performed a large genome-wide association study and develop a PRS for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which could improve risk stratification and personalized screening.

Abstract Background When a predictor variable is measured in similar ways at the derivation and validation setting of a prognostic prediction model, yet both differ from the intended use of the model in practice (i.e., “predictor measurement heterogeneity”), performance of the model at implementation needs to be inferred. This study proposed an analysis to quantify the impact of anticipated predictor measurement heterogeneity. Methods A simulation study was conducted to assess the impact of predictor measurement heterogeneity across validation and implementation setting in time-to-event outcome data. The use of the quantitative prediction error analysis was illustrated using an example of predicting the 6-year risk of developing type 2 diabetes with heterogeneity in measurement of the predictor body mass index. Results In the simulation study, calibration-in-the-large of prediction models was poor and overall accuracy was reduced in all scenarios of predictor measurement heterogeneity. Model discrimination decreased with increasing random predictor measurement heterogeneity. Conclusions Heterogeneity of predictor measurements across settings of validation and implementation reduced predictive performance at implementation of prognostic models with a time-to-event outcome. When validating a prognostic model, the targeted clinical setting needs to be considered and analyses can be conducted to quantify the impact of anticipated predictor measurement heterogeneity on model performance at implementation.

In order to evaluate the safety and probiotic properties of Lactobacillus plantarum HCS03-001(CGMCC No.16258), the safety of Lactobacillus plantarum HCS03-001 was evaluated by hemolysis test, drug resistance test and acute transoral toxicity test. The probiotic properties of the strain were evaluated by acid and bile salt tolerance test, bacteriostatic functional properties test and laxative efficacy test. The results showed that Lactobacillus plantarum HCS03-001 did not form transparent circle on the Colombian blood finger culture medium, that was, there was no hemolysis. Lactobacillus plantarum HCS03-001 was sensitive to penicillin (PEN), ampicillin (AM), imipenem (IP), meropenem (MP), linezolid (LZ), and datoramycin (DPC), and neutral to erythromycin (EM) and resistant to vancomycin (VA). The acute oral toxicology of mice was non-toxic, and the strain was confirmed to be safe to eat.The survival rate of the strain was 94.29% and 92.33% at pH3.0 and pH2.0 for 3 h, respectively. The survival rate could still reach 88.82% at 1.5 g/L bile salt for 3 h. It had inhibitory effect on intestinal and oral pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans). It had a good effect on promoting defecation in constipation model of loperamide hydrochloride. Lactobacillus plantarum HCS03-001 has good safety and probiotics.

Abstract The traditional method for analyzing the content of instant tea has disadvantages such as complicated operation and being time-consuming. In this study, a method for the rapid determination of instant tea components by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was established and optimized. The NIR spectra of 118 instant tea samples were used to evaluate the modeling and prediction performance of a combination of binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) with support vector regression (SVR), BPSO with partial least squares (PLS), and SVR and PLS without BPSO. Under optimal conditions, Rp for moisture, caffeine, tea polyphenols, and tea polysaccharides were 0.9678, 0.9757, 0.7569, and 0.8185, respectively. The values of SEP were less than 0.9302, and absolute values of Bias were less than 0.3667. These findings indicate that machine learning can be used to optimize the detection model of instant tea components based on NIR methods to improve prediction accuracy.

Error analysis and estimation of thunder source location results is a prerequisite for obtaining accurate location results of thunder sources, which is of great significance for a deeper understanding of the physical process of lightning channel discharges. Most of the thunder source location algorithms are based on the simplified model of the straight-line propagation of acoustic waves to determine the location of the thunder source; however, the acoustic wave is affected by the inhomogeneity of the atmosphere medium in the propagation process and its acoustic ray will be bent. Temperature and humidity are the main factors affecting the vertical distribution of the velocity of sound in the atmosphere, therefore, it is necessary to study the changes in location errors under the models of uniform vertical distribution of temperature only and uniform vertical distribution of humidity only. This paper focuses on the theory of acoustic ray-tracing in neglecting the presence of the wind and the acoustic attenuation and the theoretical derivation of the location error of thunder source inversion for the three models is carried out by using MATLAB R2019b programming. Then, simulation analysis and comparative study on the variation law of thunder source location error with the height of the source, ground temperature, ground humidity, and array position under the three models are carried out. The results of the study show that the maximum location error can be obtained from the straight-line propagation model, the location error obtained from the model of uniform vertical distribution of temperature only is the second, and the location error obtained from the model of uniform vertical distribution of humidity only is the least and can be negligible compared to the first two models. In the trend of error variation, the variation of location error with temperature and humidity is relatively flat in the first two models; however, the variation of location error with the height of the thunder source is more drastic, which can be more than 80%. The location error obtained from the array inversion closer to the thunder source increases linearly with the height of the thunder source, the location error obtained from the more distant array inversion shows a fast-decreasing trend at the height of the thunder source from 500 to 3500 m, and a flat trend above 3500 m. The location error varies relatively smoothly with the height of the thunder source, the ground temperature, and the ground humidity in the model of uniform vertical distribution of humidity only. In addition, the position of the array also has an important effect on lightning location. The further the horizontal distance from the source, the greater the location error will be obtained in the first two models, and when the thunder source is at a low height and detected at a long distance, the location error will be very large, so relevant data should be modified in actual observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and dynamic properties of Cs in the mixed system of LiCl–KCl molten salt and a liquid metal (Bi and Pb) electrode are investigated through first-principles molecular dynamics simulation. It is found that the dynamic properties of different ions in molten salt could be significantly affected when the liquid metal electrode is coupled and this influence varies with the type of liquid metal applied. The microstructures of the mixed systems of molten salt and liquid metal electrode: MS–Cs–Bi, MS–CsCl–Bi, MS–Cs–Pb, and MS–CsCl–Pb, are also investigated by the bond angle distribution function, Voronoi tessellation analysis, five-fold symmetry parameter, and bond-orientational order parameter. The comparison study of the microstructures of the mixed systems when different liquid metal electrodes are applied provides information on the liquid metal electrode selection when conducting electrolysis. The present study represents the first demonstration of the study of a mixed system of salt and liquid electrode for practical applications and would be greatly beneficial to the development of pyroprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The G-protein-coupled receptor GPR84, activated by medium-chain fatty acids, primarily expressed in macrophages and microglia, is involved in inflammatory responses and retinal development in mammals and amphibians. However, our understanding of its structure, function, tissue expression, and signaling pathways in fish is limited. In this study, we cloned and characterized the coding sequence of GPR84 (ciGPR84) in grass carp. A phylogenetic analysis revealed its close relationship with bony fishes. High expression levels of GPR84 were observed in the liver and spleen. The transfection of HEK293T cells with ciGPR84 demonstrated its responsiveness to medium-chain fatty acids and diindolylmethane (DIM). Capric acid, undecanoic acid, and lauric acid activated ERK and inhibited cAMP signaling. Lauric acid showed the highest efficiency in activating the ERK pathway, while capric acid was the most effective in inhibiting cAMP signaling. Notably, DIM did not activate GPR84 in grass carp, unlike in mammals. These findings provide valuable insights for mitigating chronic inflammation in grass carp farming and warrant further exploration of the role of medium-chain fatty acids in inflammation regulation in this species.

In teaching of experiments for medical students, by using the isolation of mononuclear cells and identification of B lymphocytes, an experiment was developed that integrated biochemistry, cytology, and immunology techniques, from which the students performed a series of operations including spleen separation, isolating mononuclear cells, and identifying B lymphocytes. From the immunocytochemistry detection, we included advanced equipment--a flow cytometer--in the experiment, which detected the B lymphocytes more accurately. Moreover, we applied modern information technology to the teaching of experiments by using an internet study platform, micro-lectures, and adopting "formative teaching and evaluation." This lab practice aims to increase the ability of medical students to solve problems using flexible scientific methods, to initiate them thinking about clinical and research application.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as damage to the spinal cord that temporarily or permanently changes its function. There is no definite treatment established for neurological complete injury patients. This study investigated the effect of ginseng extract and ginsenosides on neurological recovery and antioxidant efficacies in rat models following SCI and explore the appropriate dosage. Searches were done on PubMed, Embase, and Chinese databases, and animal studies matches the inclusion criteria were selected. Pair-wise meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. Ten studies were included, and the overall methodological qualities were low quality. The result showed ginseng extract and ginsenosides significantly improve neurological function, through the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale (pooled MD = 4.40; 95% CI = 3.92 to 4.88; p

Underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) play an increasingly important role in monitoring the marine environment. The research of sensor node localization is one of the biggest concerns in UWSNs, but there are still many formidable obstacles to overcome, including localization accuracy, localization rate, and other issues. In contrast to localization accuracy, however, few studies focus on increasing the node localization rate. Therefore, this paper proposes a maximum localization rate (MLR) algorithm for 3D large-scale UWSNs. In view of the number of anchor nodes around the unknown node, the MLR algorithm designs different positioning strategies, such as the triangular cosine method and the dynamic position-assisted localization method. The MLR algorithm also adopts the regular tetrahedron network topology and the collinear judgment mechanism to guarantee localization accuracy. The simulation results demonstrate that excluding isolated nodes, the MLR algorithm can achieve the maximum localization rate while maintaining a certain level of positioning accuracy at the same time.

Since implementing the postdoctoral system in China, the number and quality of postdocs have improved greatly. Under the policy of creating world-class universities, most universities have focused unprecedentedly on recruiting postdoctoral fellows, and the management regulations for postdocs have become increasingly diverse. Through in-depth interviews with postdoctoral fellows at three universities in a metropolitan city, we found that postdoctoral roles have been multidimensional and sometimes conflicting, including the quasi-role of university teacher, the rigid role of independent researcher, the inertial role of student and the unofficial role of associate supervisor. Sociocultural norms, institutional contexts, and professional community shape these role identities.

Background An older age contributes to the development of bladder cancer. However, the relationship between advanced age at the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer has been few reported. This study aimed to determine the effect of age on survival in bladder cancer with different subgroups. Methods 117,275 patients with bladder cancer, identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database during 2004-2015 in America, were divided into 4 age groups (≤54, 55 to 64, 65 to 74, and ≥75 years). Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards model and competing risk model were conducted according to different age groups. Heat maps were plotted to show the impact of age on survival in subgroups classified by other clinicopathological variables. Moreover, restricted cubic spline was used to model the association between age and the risk of death. Results Patients aged ≥75 years had shorter overall survival in comparison with those aged ≤54 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.13-5.59). Compared with patients aged ≤54 years, patients older than 75 years experienced a decreased rate of bladder cancer-specific survival (subdistribution HR = 2.15, 95% CI = 2.04-2.25). Heat maps also showed that older ages were associated with worse overall cumulative mortality and bladder cancer-specific cumulative mortality. Similarly, restricted cubic spline verified the impact of age on survival of bladder cancer. Conclusions Age at diagnosis of bladder cancer was found to be a significant predictor for the worse overall survival and bladder cancer-specific survival even in an era with more effective therapies. Exploring the reasons why older age contributes to poor outcomes for bladder cancer will be the focus of future research.