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To reduce the computational complexity of scalar multiplication, an improved wNAF scalar-multiplication algorithm is proposed by using prime precomputation. It replaces odd number with prime number in the precomputation stage, and makes up the difference between prime and odd by building the tiny multi-base chains. Thanks to the proposed algorithm, the computational complexity, the cost of precomputation and the creation time of addition chains are all reduced. Compared with the wNAF, the computational complexity and the running speed are optimized by 28.37% and 77.38% respectively at the fittest case. Also, lower computational complexity and higher running speed are outstanding features of the introduced algorithm than other existing algorithms.

Abstract A quantum random number generator (QRNG) as a genuine source of randomness is essential in many applications, such as number simulation and cryptography. Recently, a source-independent quantum random number generator (SI-QRNG), which can generate secure random numbers with untrusted sources, has been realized. However, the measurement loopholes of the trusted but imperfect devices used in SI-QRNGs have not yet been fully explored, which will cause security problems, especially in high-speed systems. Here, we point out and evaluate the security loopholes of practical imperfect measurement devices in SI-QRNGs. We also provide corresponding countermeasures to prevent these information leakages by recalculating the conditional minimum entropy and adding a monitor. Furthermore, by taking into account the finite-size effect, we show that the influence of the afterpulse can exceed that of the finite-size effect with the large number of sampled rounds. Our protocol is simple and effective, and it promotes the security of SI-QRNG in practice as well as the compatibility with high-speed measurement devices, thus paving the way for constructing ultrafast and security-certified commercial SI-QRNG systems.

Areca palm yellow leaf (AYL) disease caused by the 16SrI group phytoplasma is a serious threat to the development of the Areca palm industry in China. The 16S rRNA gene sequence was utilized to establish a rapid and efficient detection system efficient for the 16SrI-B subgroup AYL phytoplasma in China by loopmediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The results showed that two sets of LAMP detection primers, 16SrDNA-2 and 16SrDNA-3, were efficient for 16SrIB subgroup AYL phytoplasma in China, with positive results appearing under reaction conditions of 64oC for 40 min. The lowest detection limit for the two LAMP detection assays was the same at 200 ag/μl, namely approximately 53 copies/μl of the target fragments. Phytoplasma was detected in all AYL disease samples from Baoting, Tunchang, and Wanning counties in Hainan province using the two sets of LAMP primers 16SrDNA-2 and 16SrDNA-3, whereas no phytoplasma was detected in the negative control. The LAMP method established in this study with comparatively high sensitivity and stability, provides reliable results that could be visually detected, making it suitable for application and research in rapid diagnosis of AYL disease, detection of seedlings with the pathogen and breeding of diseaseresistant Areca palm varieties.

Abstract Background Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction technology has gained attention owing to its potential in locating ground glass nodules in the lung. The 3D printing technology additionally allows the visualisation of the surrounding anatomical structure and variations. However, the clinical utility of these techniques is unknown. This study aimed to establish a lung tumour and an anatomical lung model using 3D printing and 3D chest CT reconstruction and to evaluate the clinical potential of 3D printing technology in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy. Methods Eighty-nine patients with ground glass nodules who underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy were classified into the following groups: group A, lung models for pre-positioning and simulated surgery that were performed with 3D chest CT reconstruction and 3D printing, and group B, patients who underwent chest CT scans with image enhancement for 3D reconstruction. The differences in the surgery approach transfer rate, surgical method conversion rate, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complication rate were compared between the two groups. Results Between groups A and B, there were significant differences in the approach transfer rate (0% vs.10.5%, p = 0.030), operative time (2.07 ± 0.24 h vs. 2.55 ± 0.41 h, p < 0.001), intraoperative blood loss volume (43.25 ± 13.63 mL vs. 96.68 ± 32.82 mL, p < 0.001) and the rate of surgical method conversion to lobectomy (0% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.030). In contrast, there was an insignificant difference in the postoperative complication rate between groups A and B (3.9% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.132). Conclusions 3D printing technology facilitates a more accurate location of nodules by surgeons, as it is based on two-dimensional and 3D image-based findings, and therefore, it can improve surgical accuracy and safety. This technique is worth applying in clinical practice.

Abstract Background Lung adenocarcinoma has surpassed lung squamous cell carcinoma as the most common type of non-small cell lung cancer. In this study, we had tested the biological role of TRIM2 in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods TRIM2 abundance in clinical tissues and six cell lines were examined with quantitative real-time PCR test (qRT-PCR) and western blot. TRIM2 overexpression treated H322 cells and TRIM2 knockdown treated A549 cells were used to study cell proliferation, migration, colony formation, invasion, and the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) biomarkers. Moreover, ubiquitination related Snail1 degradation were studied with qRT-PCR and western blot. The relationships between TRIM2 and Snail1 were investigated with western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, migration, and invasion. Results TRIM2 was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. TRIM2 overexpression and knockdown treatments could affect cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and the expression of EMT associated biomarkers. Moreover, TRIM2 can regulate the ubiquitination related Snail1 degradation. In addition, TRIM2 can regulate Snail1 degradation in lung adenocarcinoma via ubiquitination pathway. TRIM2 could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma. Meanwhile, TRIM2 can deubiquitinate and stabilize Snail1 protein, which play important role in the function of lung adenocarcinoma. Conclusion A high TRIM2 expression could be detected in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. TRIM2 could aggravate cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in colorectal cancer by regulating Snail1 ubiquitylation degradation. Our results could provide detailed information for further studies in lung adenocarcinoma.

Today it remains unclear how excitons are electrically generated in individual nanocrystals. Here, the authors propose the identification of the longlived intermediate QD– state for exciton generation of CdSe-based QD-LEDs by a room temperature electrically-pumped single-molecule spectroscopy.

Inadequate feeding is one of the most critical underlying determinants of child malnutrition. In this study, we explore infant young child feeding (IYCF) and deconstruct breastfeeding barriers in mothers of severely malnourished children in one of the most marginalized districts of Punjab province of Pakistan. Using purposive sampling, 20 lactating mothers are recruited for open-ended semi-structured interviews. Results reveal that barriers to immediate and exclusive breastfeeding include the introduction of pre-lacteal, butter, and cow or formula milk by mothers and grandmothers. Birthing difficulties and ritualizing prelacteal to transfer religion and culture cause the delay of early initiation of breastmilk. The colostrum is also discarded based on its weird physical look. Moreover, household circumstances, limited diet, extra workload, and mental stress associated with marital relationships are other significant barriers. Mothers perceive their breastmilk as thin, impotent, and of bad quality and often complain against breastmilk insufficiency due to general weakness. Furthermore, poor mothers reduce breastfeeding when the fertility burden is high, especially if a female baby is in their womb. Alternatively, outer milk is recommended but washing bottles with detergents often becomes frequent. In conclusion, immediacy, exclusivity, frequency, and duration of breastfeeding are circumscribed owing to multiple social, cultural, and economic causes. Therefore, a holistic approach combining cultural and structural causes might be more relevant for successful IYCF practices in marginalized communities of Pakistan.

Background: The responses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or corticosteroids as the initial treatment on pregnancy with ITP were unsatisfactory. This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of prednisone plus IVIg versus prednisone or IVIg in pregnant patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Methods: Between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020, 970 pregnancies diagnosed with ITP at 19 collaborative centers in China were reviewed in this observational study. A total of 513 pregnancies (52.89%) received no intervention. Concerning the remaining pregnancies, 151 (33.04%) pregnancies received an initial treatment of prednisone plus IVIg, 105 (22.98%) pregnancies received IVIg alone, and 172 (37.64%) pregnancies only received prednisone. Results: Regarding the maternal response to the initial treatment, no differences were found among the three treatment groups (41.1% for prednisone plus IVIg, 33.1% for prednisone, and 38.1% for IVIg). However, a significant difference was observed in the time to response between the prednisone plus IVIg group (4.39 ± 2.54 days) and prednisone group (7.29 ± 5.01 days; p

This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of tormentic acid (TA) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. The rats were intragastrically administered with 50% CCl4 for 9 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis, followed by various agents for 6 weeks. Transcriptomic analysis was carried out to predict the potential targets, and then multiple examinations were performed to verify the prediction. The results showed that TA significantly alleviated liver injury and fibrosis, as evidenced by the ameliorative pathological tissue, low transaminase activity, and decreased collagen accumulation. Besides, TA markedly reduced hepatocyte apoptosis by regulating the expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 families. The transcriptomic analysis revealed 2,173 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the TA and model groups, which could be enriched in the metabolic pathways and the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. The metabolomics analysis showed that TA could regulate the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway by regulating the synthesis of phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylcholines. Moreover, the integrative analysis of the transcriptomics and metabolomics data indicated that TA inhibited the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway by inhibiting the expression of LPCAT4, PTDSS2, PLA2G2A and CEPT1. In addition, the relevant signaling pathways analysis confirmed that TA inhibited HSCs activation by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and ameliorated inflammatory injury by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, TA significantly alleviates liver fibrosis in vivo by inhibiting the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused numerous unexpected changes for families and societies, which have likely contributed to higher amounts of stress for most parents. This study aimed to examine the relationship between burnout and mental health among parents during the COVID-19. Pandemic exposure and household factors (e.g., family structure, family function) were examined as moderators. An online cross-sectional survey recruiting 1,209 adults was conducted from April 21st to April 28th, 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown in China. The multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to test the association between burnout, household factors, and mental health among parents. Findings suggested that for parents with a young child, poorer mental health was related to a higher level of burnout (β = 0.220, P < 0.001) and greater exposure to the pandemic. Mothers of a single and/or young child had considerably poorer mental health. Moreover, the relationship between mental health and burnout among parents was significantly moderated by epidemic exposure (β = 2.561, P < 0.001), family structure (number of children: β = −1.257, P < 0.001; first child age: β=-1.116, P < 0.001) and family function (β = −0.574, P < 0.05). This study indicated that burnout symptoms were significantly associated with worse mental health among parents in China. Besides, exposure to the pandemic, family structure, and family function was found to moderate the association between burnout and mental health among parents. Therefore, the present study stressed enhanced access to mental health resources and emotional supports for parents during a public crisis to reduce the deleterious effects of burnout.

BackgroundDetection of depression gained prominence soon after this troublesome disease emerged as a serious public health concern worldwide. ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to summarize the findings of previous studies concerning applying machine learning (ML) methods to text data from social media to detect depressive symptoms and to suggest directions for future research in this area. MethodsA bibliographic search was conducted for the period of January 1990 to December 2020 in Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, ERIC, PsycINFO, and BioMed. Two reviewers retrieved and independently assessed the 418 studies consisting of 322 articles identified through database searching and 96 articles identified through other sources; 17 of the studies met the criteria for inclusion. ResultsOf the 17 studies, 10 had identified depression based on researcher-inferred mental status, 5 had identified it based on users’ own descriptions of their mental status, and 2 were identified based on community membership. The ML approaches of 13 of the 17 studies were supervised learning approaches, while 3 used unsupervised learning approaches; the remaining 1 study did not describe its ML approach. Challenges in areas such as sampling, optimization of approaches to prediction and their features, generalizability, privacy, and other ethical issues call for further research. ConclusionsML approaches applied to text data from users on social media can work effectively in depression detection and could serve as complementary tools in public mental health practice.

Background: Globally, diabetes has brought an enormous burden to public health resources, and the situation of disease burden caused by diabetes in China is especially severe. China is currently facing the dual threat of aging and diabetes, and wearable activity trackers could promote elderly diabetic patients' physical activity levels and help them to manage blood glucose control. Therefore, examining the influencing factors of elderly patients' adoption intention is critical as wearing adoption determines actual wearing behaviors.Objective: This study aims to explore the predicting factors of Chinese elderly type 2 diabetic patients' adoption intention to wearable activity trackers and their actual wearing behavior, using diffusion of innovation theory as the theoretical framework. We hope to provide insights into future interventions using wearable activity trackers as tools to improve the outcome of patients.Methods: Wearable activity trackers were freely distributed to type 2 diabetic patients in Beijing, China. A questionnaire survey was conducted to examine predicting factors of adoption intention after a week's try-on. Actual wearing behavior for 3-month was obtained from the exclusive cloud. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling.Results: A total of 725 patients completed the questionnaire. Patients had a mean age of 60.3 ± 7.6 years old and the educational level was generally lower. The results indicated that observability was the primary influencing factor of patients' adoption intention (β = 0.775, P < 0.001). Relative advantage (β = 0.182, P = 0.014) and perceived social image (β = 0.080, P = 0.039) also had a positive influence while perceived risk (β = −0.148, P < 0.001) exerted a negative influence. In addition, results showed that the more intention led to the better actual wearing behavior (β = 0.127, P = 0.003). Observability (β = 0.103, P = 0.005), perceived ease (β = 0.085, P = 0.004), and relative advantage (β = 0.041, P = 0.009) also indirectly influenced the wearing behavior.Conclusion: The intentions of Chinese elderly type 2 diabetic patients to wearable activity trackers directly influenced the actual wearing behavior. In addition, their adoption intention to wearable activity trackers was mainly influenced by observability, perceived ease to use, relative advantage, perceived risk, and social image.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091834.].

Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, has been associated with several biological effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. Previous studies have demonstrated that BA has the ability to alleviate intestinal mucosal damage, however, the potential mechanism associated with the effect has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective mechanism of BA against cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced intestinal mucosal damage. Here, we found that BA pretreatment prevented intestinal mucosal barrier dysfuction from CYP-challenged mice by repairing the intestinal physical, chemical, and immune barriers. Moreover, BA treatment suppressed the CYP-induced oxidative stress by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2 [NF-E2]-related factor (Nrf2) pathway blocked reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. In addition, BA inhibited CYP-triggered intestinal inflammation through down-regulating the nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB)/mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Furthermore, BA pretreatment reduced intestinal apoptosis by blocking ROS-activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Overall, the current study demonstrated the protective effect of BA against CYP-caused intestinal mucosal damage by regulating the Nrf2 and NF-κB/MAPK signalling pathways, which may provide new therapeutic targets to attenuate intestinal impairment and maintain intestinal health.

Our previous study found that IL33 repressed the growth of pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PA) via regulation of dendritic cells (DCs). However, the molecular mechanism of DCs in PA is still unclear. The present work showed that CYLD−/− mice have a shorter survival rate of PA, and knockout CYLD in DCs also repress the progression of PA in mice. Subsequently, we found that decreased expression and reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB signalling was observed in CYLD knockout DCs, and inhibiting NF-κB pathway repressed DCs-induced proliferation and function of CD4+ T cells. These results indicated that CYLD function as a tumour suppresser in PA via regulates the function of DCs through NF-κB signalling pathway. Our findings support that CYLD serves as a potential target for immunotherapy in PA.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important cardiac disorder in patients with diabetes. High glucose (HG) levels lead to inflammation of cardiomyocytes, oxidative stress, and long-term activation of autophagy, resulting in myocardial fibrosis and remodelling. Astragaloside-IV (AS-IV) has a wide range of pharmacological effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of AS-IV on injury induced by HG in rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2(2-1)) and the involvement of the miR-34a-mediated autophagy pathway. An AS-IV concentration of 100 μM was selected based on H9C2(2-1) cell viability using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). We found that 33 mM HG induced a morphologic change in cells and caused excessive oxidative stress, whereas AS-IV inhibited lipid peroxidation and increased superoxide dismutase activity. In terms of mRNA expression, HG increased miR-34a and inhibited Bcl2 and Sirt1, whereas AS-IV and miR-34a-inhibitor reversed the above effects. Further, LC3-GFP adenovirus infection and western blotting showed that HG increased autophagy, which was reversed synergistically by AS-IV and miR-34a-inhibitor. Bcl2 and pAKT/AKT protein expressions in the HG group was significantly lower than that in controls, but AS-IV and miR-34a-inhibitor antagonized the process. Thus, AS-IV inhibits HG-induced oxidative stress and autophagy and protects cardiomyocytes from injury via the miR-34a/Bcl2/(LC3II/LC3I) and pAKT/Bcl2/(LC3II/LC3I) pathways.

Lung adenocarcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Low expression of Interleukin-33 (IL-33) was reported to be associated with the progression of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. However, the IL-33-mediated immunoregulation in pulmonary adenocarcinoma remains unclear. In this study, we found that IL-33 treatment evidently repressed tumour growth, induced CD4+ T cells infiltration and IL-17 expression in pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Notably, IL-33 treatment increased the number of Dendritic Cells (DCs) in pulmonary adenocarcinoma. More importantly, IL-33 induced maturation and regulated the function of DCs by increasing expression of DCs mature markers (CD40 and CD80, CD86) DCs-function-related gene including antigen presentation genes (HLA-DMA, HLA-DMB and CD74) and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that IL-33 treatment induced DCs maturation by upregulating CYLD expression in DCs. In addition, CYLD played an important role in DCs-induced T cell proliferation and IL-17 secretion. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that IL-33 mediated immunoregulation in pulmonary adenocarcinoma by improving DC-induced T cell proliferation by upregulating CYLD expression.

Abstract Background and objectives Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 94–05 has demonstrated that higher dose radiation didn’t improve outcome of patients with esophageal cancer (EC). However, several retrospective studies showed that a higher dose radiation based on modern radiotherapy techniques could improve overall survival (OS) and local control rate (LCR) of patients with EC, especially esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). As trials have provided updated and controversial data, we performed this updated meta-analysis to investigate whether high-dose (> = 60 Gy) radiotherapy in definitive concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) could yield benefit compared to standard dose radiotherapy. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out in the database of MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase. All studies published between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2018 on the association between radiation dose and curative efficiency in EC were included in this meta-analysis. The hazard ratio (HR) was used to evaluate the time-to-event data employing RevMan version 5.3. Results Eight articles with a total of 3736 patients were finally included. Results indicated that there was a significant benefit in favor of high dose radiotherapy (HD-RT) regarding OS (HR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.72–0.84, p = 60 Gy) based on modern radiotherapy techniques in definitive CCRT appears to improve OS, PFS amd LRFS compared to the SD-RT in patients with ESCC.

AIM: To study the effect of an innovative micro-dissection procedure by radiofrequency ablation (MRA) in removing eyelid nevus. METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive outpatients with eyelid nevus were treated with MRA using a monopolar device. The effect of MRA was determined after following-up for 6mo to 5y. RESULTS: Fifty-two cases (52 eyes, 92.9%) were cured once, and 4 cases (4 eyes, 7.1%) received second treatment for small residual. All cases healed well after surgery, with no pigmentation, no scars, no loss of eyelashes, no deformation of eyelid margin. There was no visual impairment after healing. CONCLUSION: MRA of eyelid nevus using the XL-RFA device is highly efficient without significant complications.