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BackgroundDepression manifests as a mental disorder characterized by a low mood, suicidal tendencies, disturbances in sleep-wake cycles, psychomotor agitation, and pronounced feelings of hopelessness and anhedonia. Baicalin, a natural flavonoid compound, shows significant promise in alleviating depressive symptoms in animals. This study aims to assess the impact of baicalin on experimental models of depression.MethodsA systematic search of electronic databases was conducted using the search terms “baicalin” AND “depression” OR “depressed” OR “anti-depression”. Preclinical animal models representing experimental depression were included in the analysis. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using the CAMARADES tools.ResultsBaicalin significantly increased sucrose preference test (SPT) [SMD= 21.31, 95%CI (16.32, 26.31), P < 0.00001]. mThe tail suspension test (TST) duration significantly decreased in the baicalin group compared to the model group [SMD = −39.3, 95%CI (−49.71, −28.89), P < 0.0001]. Furthermore, baicalin reduced immobility time in rats subjected to the forced swim test (FST) [SMD = −39.73, 95%CI (−48.77, −30.69) P < 0.0001]. Compared to the model group, baicalin treatment also significantly increased the frequency of crossings in the open field test (OFT) [SMD = 32.44, 95%CI (17.74, 47.13), P < 0.00001].ConclusionBaicalin significantly improves the manifestations of depressive symptoms. The effect of baicalin against depression is exerted through its anti-inflammatory actions, inhibition of oxidative stress, regulation of the HPA axis, and restoration of neuroplasticity. Future studies will be needed to further explore how these promising preclinical findings can be translated into clinical treatment for depression.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023472181.

To solve the problem that the intelligent meter box may collide in the transportation workflow, the paper studies the collision detection of the cooperative robot. Firstly, the architecture and mechanical structure of the collaborative robot intelligent meter box push–pull system is analyzed. Secondly, using the relationship between joint torque and selection LuGre model of joint friction modeling. The second-order external moment observer is constructed based on the robot’s dynamics and generalized momentum equation. Furthermore, the performance of the external moment observer is optimized, and the real-time performance and anti-interference ability of the collision detection algorithm is improved by introducing PD control and speed feedback control. Finally, the results of the designed experiments reveal that the collision detection functions are better realized using the generalized momentum observer method.

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with tuberculosis (TB) among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in China. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. After the literature was screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, STATA® version 17.0 software was used for the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity among study data was assessed using I 2 statistics. Subgroup analysis and meta-regressions were performed to further explore the source of heterogeneity. Results A total of 5241 studies were retrieved. Of these, 44 studies were found to be eligible. The pooled prevalence of HIV/TB co-infection was 6.0%. The risk factors for HIV/TB co-infection included a low CD4+ T cell count, smoking, intravenous drug use and several other sociodemographic and clinical factors. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination history was a protective factor. Conclusion A high prevalence of TB was observed among people living with HIV/AIDS in China. Low CD4+ T cell count, smoking, and intravenous drug use were the primary risk factors for HIV/TB co-infection, whereas BCG vaccination history was a protective factor. Checking for TB should be prioritized in HIV screening and healthcare access. Systematic review registration Registered on PROSPERO, Identifier: CRD42022297754.

AIM: To investigate the effects of modified Zhujing Pill on the mitochondrion structure and dynamin-related protein of retinal pigment epithelial cells(RPEs)in mice with form deprivation myopia.METHODS: 3-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, model group and Chinese medicine group, with 10 mice in each group. Myopia model of the right eye of mice was established by means of form deprivation in model and Chinese medicine groups. After 4wk, the Chinese medicine group were given intragastric administration of modified Zhujing Pill suspension 0.546g/(kg·d)(0.2mL/d)for 4wk, and same amount of saline was given to mice in other groups at the same time of modeling. The axial length and diopter of the right eye of the mouse were measured before and after the experiment by A-ultrasound and a strip retinoscope respectively. At the end of the experiment, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of RPEs was observed by transmission electron microscope. Western blot, and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(q-PCR)were used to detect quantitative and gene expression of mitofusin 1(MFN1), optic atrophy 1(OPA1), and dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1)in retinal tissues respectively.RESULTS: At the beginning of the experiment, there was no statistically significant difference in axial length and diopter of the right eye of the mouse in control, model and Chinese medicine groups(P>0.05). At the end of the experiment, compared with the control group, the mice in the model group and the Chinese medicine group had lower diopter and continuously prolonged axial length(all P

Objective Acute respiratory infections are a major global public health concern. However, there are few epidemiological studies investigating pathogens associated with respiratory tract infections in Guizhou Province, China. Methods We collected 17,850 blood samples from Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital between November 2018 and May 2023 to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory pathogens and their spread during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Guizhou Province. Results We identified influenza virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae as the predominant pathogens involved in acute respiratory infections in the study area. Immunoglobulin M positivity for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, and M. pneumoniae showed a strong correlation with the clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. Seasonal epidemic patterns were observed for influenza A and B viruses. Following the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, there was a significant decrease in the positive rates for most respiratory pathogens, particularly influenza A and B, Legionella pneumophila , and respiratory syncytial virus. Conclusion This retrospective study contributes to the epidemiological evidence regarding respiratory pathogens in Guizhou Province, thereby enhancing the surveillance network for respiratory pathogens in China and providing valuable guidance for local hospitals.

Cancer poses a substantial risk to human life and wellbeing as a result of its elevated incidence and fatality rates. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is an important pathway that regulates cellular homeostasis. When ERS is under- or overexpressed, it activates the protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-, inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)- and activating transcription Factor 6 (ATF6)-related apoptotic pathways to induce apoptosis. Tumor cells and microenvironment are susceptible to ERS, making the modulation of ERS a potential therapeutic approach for treating tumors. The use of natural products to treat tumors has substantially progressed, with various extracts demonstrating antitumor effects. Nevertheless, there are few reports on the effectiveness of natural products in inducing apoptosis by specifically targeting and regulating the ERS pathway. Further investigation and elaboration of its mechanism of action are still needed. This paper examines the antitumor mechanism of action by which natural products exert antitumor effects from the perspective of ERS regulation to provide a theoretical basis and new research directions for tumor therapy.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the toxic heavy metal that negatively affect plant growth and compromise food safety for human consumption. Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. It may enhance Cd tolerance of invasive plant species by maintaining biochemical and physiological characteristics during phytoextraction of Cd. A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the phenotypical and physiological responses of invasive W. trilobata and native W. chinensis under low Cd (10 µM) and high Cd (80 µM) stress, along with different N levels (i.e., normal 91.05 mg kg-1 and low 0.9105 mg kg-1). Under low-N and Cd stress, the growth of leaves, stem and roots in W. trilobata was significantly increased by 35–23%, 25–28%, and 35–35%, respectively, compared to W. chinensis. Wedelia trilobata exhibited heightened antioxidant activities of catalase and peroxidase were significantly increased under Cd stress to alleviate oxidative stress. Similarly, flavonoid content was significantly increased by 40–50% in W. trilobata to promote Cd tolerance via activation of the secondary metabolites. An adverse effect of Cd in the leaves of W. chinensis was further verified by a novel hyperspectral imaging technology in the form of normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) compared to W. trilobata. Additionally, W. trilobata increased the Cd tolerance by regulating Cd accumulation in the shoots and roots, bolstering its potential for phytoextraction potential. This study demonstrated that W. trilobata positively responds to Cd with enhanced growth and antioxidant capabilities, providing a new platform for phytoremediation in agricultural lands to protect the environment from heavy metals pollution.

The vehicle industry is currently developing toward using new ecologically-friendly energy. Although the energy density of compressed air is not high, it is very ecologically friendly and can be used as a power source to drive vehicles. Therefore, it should still have application prospects in some specific applications. The purpose of this paper is to fill the gap in the research field of high torque CAE for a large vehicle and explore the application possibility of CAE in the field of new energy vehicles for public transportation. A four-stroke six-cylinder high torque CAE (Compressed Air Engine) was proposed. The calculation model of this CAE was constructed, the dynamic characteristics were theoretically analyzed, a prototype engine was manufactured and tested on the engine bench system, and the on-road test of the bus equipped with CAE was carried out. The results show that CAE has the characteristics of obtaining more significant torque at low speed. The bench test results of torque and power are in line with the changing trend of CAE dynamic performance predicted by calculation. When the inflation pressure of the prototype is 10 MPa, and the rotational speed is 650 r/min, the effective torque can reach 1032.48 N m. The CAE bus runs very stably during the on-road test. It can maintain a 60–80 km range with a load of 18 tons and a maximum speed of 69 km/h. The research of this paper can show that the compressed air engine with high power output shows excellent characteristics from theoretical analysis to vehicle tests. It is possible to use CAE to drive vehicles in new energy public transportation in the future.

Geopolymer cold-bonded aggregate (GCBA) is a new artificial aggregate manufactured by agglomeration of aluminosilicate precursor powder hardened by alkali activation. This paper presents a multi-objective material design procedure for GCBA based on the simplex centroid design method, using metakaolin (MK), fly ash (FA), and silica fume (SF) as the ternary precursor materials. Based on the test data from 10 groups of GCBAs with designed compositions and response surface models established thereby, the optimal composition domain of the precursors was determined and experimentally validated. The effect of the precursor composition, especially the content of SF, on the performance of GCBA was evaluated. Results showed that in the optimal composition domain of the precursor (36–48 wt% of MK, 33–46 wt% of FA, and 15–24 wt% of SF), the developed GCBA achieved the given high-performance targets of bulk crushing strength higher than 21.0 MPa, the loose bulk density less than 1200 kg/m3, and water absorption less than 10%. SF content (Si/Al ratio) has a great influence on the performance of GCBA: a suitable amount of the incorporated SF (Si/Al1.7) induced a self-foaming reaction, resulting in a porous microstructure and reduced strength and density.

Invasive species have profound negative impacts on native ranges. Unraveling the mechanisms employed by invasive plant species is crucial to controlling invasions. One important approach that invasive plants use to outcompete native plants is to disrupt mutualistic interactions between native roots and mycorrhizal fungi. However, it remains unclear how differences in the competitive ability of invasive plants affect native plant associations with mycorrhizae. Here, we examined how a native plant, Xanthium strumarium, responds to invasive plants that differed in competitive abilities (i.e., as represented by aboveground plant biomass) by measuring changes in root nitrogen concentration (root nutrient acquisition) and mycorrhizal colonization rate. We found that both root nitrogen concentration and mycorrhizal colonization rate in the native plant were reduced by invasive plants. The change in mycorrhizal colonization rate of the native plant was negatively correlated with both aboveground plant biomass of the invasive plants and the change in aboveground plant biomass of the native plant in monocultures relative to mixed plantings. In contrast, the change in root nitrogen concentration of the native plant was positively correlated with aboveground plant biomass of the invasive plants and the change in aboveground plant biomass of the native plant. When we compared the changes in mycorrhizal colonization rate and root nitrogen concentration in the native plant grown in monocultures with those of native plants grown with invasive plants, we observed a significant tradeoff. Our study shows that invasive plants can suppress native plants by reducing root nutrient acquisition rather than by disrupting symbiotic mycorrhizal associations, a novel finding likely attributable to a low dependence of the native plant on mycorrhizal fungi.

This paper aims to investigate the fourth-order boundary value problems with distributional potentials. We first prove that the operators associated with the problems are self-adjoint and the corresponding eigenvalues are real. Then we obtain that the eigenvalues of the problems depend not only continuously but also smoothly on the parameters of the problems: the boundary conditions, the coefficient functions and the endpoints. Moreover, we find the differential expressions for each parameter.

Tire wear particles (TWPs) enter road surface with the friction between tires and road surfaces. Under the volatilization, leaching, and transformation action on TWPs by sunlight and rain, tire additives are released into urban water systems, such as surface rainfall runoff, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), receiving surface waters, and drinking water treatment plant (DWTP). In this study, we investigated the occurrence of 23 tire additives and their transformation products in the urban water system of the Pearl River Delta region, South China. Nineteen target compounds were detected in the surface runoff, with 1,3-Diphenylguanidine (DPG) showing highest maximum concentration of 58780 ng/L. Benzothiazole and its transformation products are detected at the frequency of 100 % with the total concentrations of 480–42160 ng/L. The antioxidant derivative N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-Q) was also detected up to 1562 ng/L, which was considerably higher than that of the parent compound 6PPD (the maximum concentration of 7.52 ng/L). Eleven and 8 compounds were detected in WWTPs influents and effluents, respectively, with removal rates of − 62–100 %. Seventeen compounds were detected in the receiving Zhujiang and Dongjiang rivers, while 9 compounds were detected in drinking water sources and DWTP samples. Road runoff, with total concentrations of target compounds up to 79200 ng/L, is suggested as the main non-point source for receiving rivers, while WWTPs effluents are the point sources due to incomplete removal of target compounds after accepting the initial runoff. 6PPD-Q and other 10 compounds displayed median to high ecological risks in surface waters, and the human daily intake of tire additives was estimated to be 2.63 × 10−8-3.16 × 10−5 mg/(kg d) via drinking water. This is the first report of the 6PPD-Q and 1,3-Diphenylurea levels in surface waters in China.

Abstract Background Previous study indicated that transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block could be the principal anesthetic technique for peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) implantations. However, a TAP block could not provide an optimal anesthetic effect on catheter exit site during PDC implantation. We hypothesized that single-injection ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (US-TPVB) could be the principal anesthetic technique with better pain relief at catheter exit site during PDC implantation, compared to a TAP block. And anesthesia quality of a single-injection US-TPVB was compared with that of a TAP block and local anesthetic infiltration (LAI). Methods Patients undergoing PDC implantations were randomized into groups TPVB or TAP or LAI. In group TPVB, single-injection US-TPVB at T10-T11 level was performed with 20 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine. In group TAP, oblique subcostal TAP block was performed with 20 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine. In group LAI, 40 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine was used. Anesthesia quality was compared among the three groups, including general anesthesia conversion rate, cumulative rescuing sufentanil consumption, and satisfaction rate by nephrologists and patients. Results Eighty-eight eligible patients were enrolled. Visual analogue scale (VAS) at most time points (except for the catheter exit site) were lower in group TAP, compared with group TPVB. VAS at parietal peritoneum manipulation was 6 (5, 7), 3 (0, 6), and 7 (4.75, 9) in groups TPVB, TAP, and LAI, respectively (P

Abstract Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is the main cause of non-relapse mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone marrow (BM) remain unclear in the pathophysiology of cGVHD. In this study, we analyzed BM-MSCs from 66 patients after allo-HSCT, including 33 with active cGVHD and 33 without cGVHD. BM-MSCs showed similar morphology, frequency, phenotype, and proliferation in patients with or without cGVHD. MSCs from the active cGVHD group showed a decreased apoptosis rate (P

The effects of CaCl2, GA3, and H2O2 priming on Isatis indigotica Fort. seed germination characteristics, seedling growth parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activities under salt stress were investigated. NaCl had an adverse effect on the germination and seedling performance of I. indigotica. However, these three priming agents alleviated salt stress by increasing the germination percentage, improving seed vigor, accelerating germination velocity, and establishing strong seedlings. The optimal concentrations were 15 g/L for CaCl2, 0.2 g/L for GA3, and 40 mm for H2O2. Seed priming treatments enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes in seedlings, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), under a salt environment, which reduced the oxidative injury caused by salt. Seed priming is a promising technique that can enhance the ability of I. indigotica seed germination when salt is present.

A precise transit ephemeris serves as the premise for follow-up exoplanet observations. We compare TESS Object of Interest (TOI) transit timings of 262 hot Jupiters with the archival ephemeris and find 31 of them having TOI timing offsets, among which WASP-161b shows the most significant offset of −203.7 ± 4.1 minutes. The median value of these offsets is 17.8 minutes, equivalent to 3.6 σ . We generate TESS timings in each sector for these 31 hot Jupiters, using a self-generated pipeline. The pipeline performs photometric measurements to TESS images and produces transit timings by fitting the light curves. We refine and update the previous ephemeris, based on these TESS timings (uncertainty ∼1 minute) and a long timing baseline (∼10 yr). Our refined ephemeris gives the transit timing at a median precision of 0.82 minutes until 2025 and 1.21 minutes until 2030. We regard the timing offsets to mainly originate from the underestimated ephemeris uncertainty. All the targets with timing offset larger than 10 σ present earlier timings than the prediction, which cannot be due to underestimated ephemeris uncertainty, apsidal precision, or Rømer effect as those effects should be unsigned. For some particular targets, timing offsets are likely due to tidal dissipation. Our sample leads to the detection of period-decaying candidates of WASP-161b and XO-3b reported previously.

Objectives This phenomenological study aimed to examine intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ experiences of caring for patients with COVID-19, and understand better their everyday experiences of patient’ management in the ICU.Design A descriptive phenomenological research design was used. Individual interviews were conducted. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Colaizzi’s seven-step framework.Setting An ICU with 16 beds in a tertiary hospital in Wuhan, China.Participants Nurses who had more than 1 year of experience and had provided care to patients with COVID-19 in ICU for more than 1 week were identified as participants. A total of 13 nurses were interviewed.Results An analysis of these significant statements yielded four distinct stages of feelings, thereby revealing the essence of this phenomenon. Worry about being infected and infecting family members was present across in all four stages. The themes associated with the four stages were as follows: initial contradictory feelings, quick adaption to the ‘new working environment’ in the first 1–2 weeks in the ICU, desperation after adaption, holding on and survive.Conclusions The nurses reported distinct experiences of providing care to patients with COVID-19 in ICUs. Interventions, such as providing information about the disease, simulation training, emotional support and follow-up care, are needed to help nurses manage patients with COVID-19 and maintain nurses’ health.

SARS-CoV-2 infection has become an urgent public health concern worldwide, severely affecting our society and economy due to the long incubation time and high prevalence. People spare no effort on the rapid development of vaccine and treatment all over the world. Amongst the numerous ways of tackling this pandemic, some approaches using extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging. In this review, we summarize current prevalence and pathogenesis of COVID-19, involving the combination of SARS-CoV-2 and virus receptor ACE2, endothelial dysfunction and micro thrombosis, together with cytokine storm. We also discuss the ongoing EVs-based strategies for the treatment of COVID-19, including mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-EVs, drug-EVs, vaccine-EVs, platelet-EVs, and others. This manuscript provides the foundation for the development of targeted drugs and vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Abstract Background Nsa cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a novel alloplasmic male sterility system derived from somatic hybridization between Brassica napus and Sinapis arvensis. Identification of the CMS-associated gene is a prerequisite for a better understanding of the origin and molecular mechanism of this CMS. With the development of genome sequencing technology, organelle genomes of Nsa CMS line and its maintainer line were sequenced by pyro-sequencing technology, and comparative analysis of the organelle genomes was carried out to characterize the organelle genome composition of Nsa CMS as well as to identify the candidate Nsa CMS-associated genes. Results Nsa CMS mitochondrial genome showed a higher collinearity with that of S. arvensis than B. napus, indicating that Nsa CMS mitochondrial genome was mainly derived from S. arvensis. However, mitochondrial genome recombination of parental lines was clearly detected. In contrast, the chloroplast genome of Nsa CMS was highly collinear with its B. napus parent, without any evidence of recombination of the two parental chloroplast genomes or integration from S. arvensis. There were 16 open reading frames (ORFs) specifically existed in Nsa CMS mitochondrial genome, which could not be identified in the maintainer line. Among them, three ORFs (orf224, orf309, orf346) possessing chimeric and transmembrane structure are most likely to be the candidate CMS genes. Sequences of all three candidate CMS genes in Nsa CMS line were found to be 100% identical with those from S. arvensis mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetic and homologous analysis showed that all the mitochondrial genes were highly conserved during evolution. Conclusions Nsa CMS contains a recombined mitochondrial genome of its two parental species with the majority form S. arvensis. Three candidate Nsa CMS genes were identified and proven to be derived from S. arvensis other than recombination of its two parental species. Further functional study of the candidate genes will help to identify the gene responsible for the CMS and the underlying molecular mechanism.

The root quality of sweet potato cultivated during the summer season is poor in northern China; thus, this study was conducted to determine whether root quality could be improved through mulching with plastic film (MPF). The effect of MPF on root starch and its composition, the activity of starch synthesis enzymes, and other quality-related parameters were investigated in two purple flesh sweet potato cultivars, Jishu 18 and Ayamurasaki (Aya). The results indicated that root dry matter, anthocyanin content, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and starch content were higher in both cultivars under the MPF treatment than those under the control treatment. The root adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase/uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (ADPGPPase/UDPGPPase) activity and adenosine triphosphatease (ATPase) activity were increased using MPF. However, under the MPF treatment, the amylose content, soluble sugar content, and granule-bound synthase (GBSS) activity increased in Jishu 18 but decreased in Aya, and the amylopectin content, protein content, and soluble starch synthase (SSS) activity decreased in Jishu 18 but increased in Aya. Therefore, MPF seems benifit to improve the quality of sweet potato, but the effects of this treatment condition may be dependent on the cultivar.

Abstract Background Neonatal hypoglycemia is tightly related to adverse neurodevelopmental and brain injury outcomes. Methods A total of 195 infants who were born from diabetic mothers with a low blood glucose level ( 24 h after birth). A total of 144 infants whose mothers had no high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus were followed up as the control group during the same period. The neurodevelopment of the infants was evaluated by the Gesell scoring method. Results The adaptability in the A2 and A3 subgroups was significantly lower than that in the control group (73.9 ± 6.6 vs. 87.9 ± 11.2; 71.5 ± 8.9 vs. 87.9 ± 11.2, respectively). There were significantly more mothers who used insulin during the perinatal period in A3 than in A1 and A2 (31% vs. 2%; 31% vs. 7.9%, respectively). The mothers of babies in subgroups A2 and A3 gained more weight than those of the control group (15.3 ± 1.9 kg vs. 11.1 ± 2.2 kg; 14.8 ± 2.6 kg vs. 11.1 ± 2.2 kg, respectively). Conclusions Long and repeated neonatal hypoglycemia caused poor adaptability. The babies of mothers who used insulin or had a high weight gain during pregnancy were associated with severe or persistent neonatal hypoglycemia.

The first investigation of the South China Sea soft coral Sarcophyton boettgeri afforded five new capnosane diterpenes, sarboettgerins A–E (1–5), together with one known related compound, pavidolide D (6). Their structures, including absolute configurations, were elucidated by the extensive spectroscopic analysis, 13C NMR calculations, and X-ray diffraction. Among them, new compounds 1–5 were featured by the rarely encountered Z-geometry double bond Δ1 within the 5/11-fused bicyclic capnosane carbon framework. Plausible biogenetic relationships of all isolates were proposed, and they might give an insight into future biomimetic synthesis of these novel compounds. In an in vitro bioassay, compound 5 displayed potent anti-neuroinflammatory activity against LPS-induced NO release in BV-2 microglial cells, which might be developed as a new type of potential neuroprotective agent in future.

Real-time non-destructive monitoring of water use efficiency (WUE) is important for screening high-yielding high-efficiency varieties and determining the rational allocation of water resources in winter wheat production. Compared with vertical observation angles, multi-angle remote sensing provides more information on mid to lower parts of the wheat canopy, thereby improving estimates of physical and chemical indicators of the entire canopy. In this study, multi-angle spectral reflectance and the WUE of the wheat canopy were obtained at different growth stages based on field experiments carried out across 4 years using three wheat varieties under different water and nitrogen fertilizer regimes. Using appropriate spectral parameters and sensitive observation angles, the quantitative relationships with wheat WUE were determined. The results revealed that backward observation angles were better than forward angles, while the common spectral parameters Lo and NDDAig were found to be closely related to WUE, although with increasing WUE, both parameters tended to become saturated. Using this data, we constructed a double-ratio vegetation index (NDDAig/FWBI), which we named the water efficiency index (WEI), reducing the impact of different test factors on the WUE monitoring model. As a result, we were able to create a unified monitoring model within an angle range of −20–10°. The equation fitting determination coefficient (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) of the model were 0.623 and 0.406, respectively, while an independent experiment carried out to test the monitoring models confirmed that the model based on the new index was optimal, with R2, RMSE, and relative error (RE) values of 0.685, 0.473, and 11.847%, respectively. These findings suggest that the WEI is more sensitive to WUE changes than common spectral parameters, while also allowing wide-angle adaptation, which has important implications in parameter design and the configuration of satellite remote sensing and UAV sensors.

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is easily accessible in peripheral blood and can be used as biomarkers for cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. The applications of cfDNA in various areas of cancer management are attracting attention. In this review article, we discuss the potential relevance of using cfDNA analysis in clinical oncology, particularly in cancer screening, early diagnosis, therapeutic evaluation, monitoring disease progression; and determining disease prognosis.

PurposeTo validate the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) pathological prognostic staging system for breast cancer patients with internal mammary lymph nodes (IMN) metastasis (N3b disease, stage IIIC in 7th AJCC anatomical staging).MethodsBreast cancer patients with IMN metastasis diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Chi-squared test, Log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazard analysis were applied to statistical analysis.ResultsWe included 678 patients with N3b disease in this study. Overall, 68.4% of patients were downstaged to IIIA and IIIB diseases from the 7th anatomical staging to 8th pathological prognostic staging. The new pathological prognostic staging system had better discriminatory value on prognosis prediction among IMN-metastasized breast cancer patients, with a 5-year breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) of 92.7, 77.4, and 66.0% in stage IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC diseases, respectively (P

In this paper, upper bounds for the fourth-order Hankel determinant H41 for the function class Ss∗ associated with the sine function are given.

In this article, we aim to study the upper bounds of the fourth Toeplitz determinant T42 for the function class Ss∗, which are connected with the sine function.

Inflammation plays a major role in the development of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP), a man-made version of a peptide that is elevated in heart failure, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in various tissues. However, its role in myocardial IR injury remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that treatment with rhBNP provided protection for mice against myocardial IR injury as manifested by reduced infarct size and well-preserved myocardial, attenuated inflammatory infiltration and CD4+ T cell proliferation function, and inhibited expression of proinflammatory related genes. Furthermore, mechanistic studies revealed that rhBNP inhibited Jurkat T proliferation by promoting PI3K/AKT/mTOR phosphorylation. Collectively, our data suggest that the administration of rhBNP during IR injury could expand our understanding of the cardioprotective effects of rhBNP.

The northern edge of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is identified using the pentad total column water vapor obtained from ERA-Interim reanalysis data during 1979–2015. Empirical orthogonal function analysis is applied to study the meridional displacement of the northern edge of the EASM during the study period, and the results show an interdecadal southward shift around 1993/1994 and an indistinct northward displacement after 2007/2008. To focus on the interdecadal change around 1993/1994, composite analysis using the difference between 1979–1993 and 1994–2007 is employed. Through examination of the differences between these two periods, a significant anticyclonic anomaly is found over Mongolia, suggesting a pronounced interdecadal weakening of the Mongolian low during 1994–2007. Thus, northward advancement of the EASM may have been prevented by the anomalous northerly flow to the east of the weakened Mongolian low after 1993. Further study shows that the interdecadal weakening of the Mongolian low might be attributable to the meridional inhomogeneity of surface warming over the northern part of East Asia. Previous studies suggest that such meridional inhomogeneity would lead to a reduction in local atmospheric baroclinicity, and thus the suppression of extratropical cyclone activity over Mongolia, resulting in a southward withdrawal of the northern edge of the EASM on the interdecadal timescale.

Constipation is a frequent complaint, and probiotics could have a potentially synergistic effect on intestinal transit. In the present study, yoghurt intake improved the symptoms of slow-transit constipation, which was confirmed in 144 mice (nine groups, n = 16) with loperamide-induced constipation. Yoghurt fermented with different probiotics was administered orally. Loperamide treatment caused a marked increase in first defecation time and a decrease in the charcoal transit ratio (P

This paper presents an ultrasonic Lamb wave imaging method based on time-domain topological energy to address artifacts in the results of traditional ultrasound imaging methods. This method is based on topological theory and the calculation of the direct and adjoint sound fields in a defect-free reference medium. It focuses the direct and adjoint sound fields at the cavity defect using time reversal and their time-domain topological energy as the pixel values of the image to reduce the artifacts. The physical mechanism of time-domain topological energy (TDTE) imaging is revealed by finite element simulation and experiment. The feasibility of this method for multilayer concrete cavity defect imaging is verified. Compared with the traditional synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) imaging method, the numerical simulation and experimental results show that the method can overcome the influence of ultrasonic Lamb wave dispersion and locate cavity defects with high accuracy and few artifacts. These features indicate the potential of the method in imaging damage concrete structures.

Information on the center of genetic diversity of soybean (Glycine max) will be helpful not only for designing efficient strategies for breeding programs, but also for understanding the domestication and origin of this species. Here, we describe an analysis of genetic diversity based on simple-sequence repeat (SSR) variations within a core collection of 2111 accessions of Chinese soybean landraces. Prior to the diversity assessment, the geographic origin of each accession was mapped. The map was then divided into grids each 2.5° in latitude and 5° in longitude. We found two regions that had higher number of alleles (NA) and greater polymorphic information content (PIC) values than the others. These regions are adjacently located within grid position of 30°–35°N×105°–110°E, which includes the valley of the middle and lower reaches of the Wei River, and the valley of the upper reaches of the Hanjiang River. It was also observed that in many regions, genetic diversity decreased with the increase in distance from the center. Another region, in northern Hebei Province (115°–120°E×40°–42.5°N), was observed having higher diversity than any surrounding regions, indicating that this is a sub-center of soybean diversity. Based on the presented results, the domestication and origin of soybean are also discussed.

C20H24CoN14O4, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 7.797(2) Å, b = 8.766(3) Å, c = 9.709(3) Å, α = 73.554(7)°, β = 86.460(7)°, γ = 78.537(7)°, V = 623.7(3) Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.0303, wRref(F2) = 0.0752, T = 293(2) K.

The growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) in oysters during postharvest storage increases the possibility of its infection in humans. In this work, to investigate the growth or survival profiles in different media, pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus in APW, Jinjiang oyster (JO, Crassostrea rivularis) slurry, and live JO were studied under different temperatures. All the strain populations were counted through our double-layer agar plate (DLAP) method. In APW, the pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus showed continuous growth under 15, 25, and 35°C, while a decline in behavior was displayed under 5°C. The similar survival trend of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus in JO slurry and live JO was observed under 5, 25, and 35°C, except the delayed growth or decline profile compared to APW. Under 15°C, they displayed decline and growth profile in JO slurry and live JO, respectively. These results indicate the different sensitivity of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus in these matrices to temperature variation. Furthermore, nonpathogenic V. parahaemolyticus displayed little difference in survival profiles when inoculated in live JO under corresponding temperatures. The results indicate that inhibition or promotion effect could be regulated under different storage temperature for both pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains. Besides, the DLAP method showed the obvious quickness and efficiency during the bacteria count.

The online assessment is a new examination system which has a broad application in many research fields such as medical science and has been proved to be effective, reliable, and robust. The aim of this study was to establish an online testing system for clinical nurses and to assess its effectiveness compared with traditional paper-based tests in China. A randomized controlled trial was performed, a total of 1802 nurses were recruited and randomly assigned to take either the paper-formatted test or the online test. Then the paper quality, examinee's performance and nurses' assessments of online testing system were evaluated. The results shown that online assessment system for clinical nurses had a comparable examination effects with traditional paper-based format, and the nurse spoke highly of its effectiveness and efficiency. These data suggest that online nursing assessments should be considered a dependable replacement for paper test.

The complex: C19H18CdN2O5, Triclinic, P-1, a = 9.6654(11) Å, b = 10.5458(12) Å, c = 10.7081(12) Å, α = 108.5220(10)°, β = 92.0640(10)°, γ = 111.4760(10)°, V = 948.62(19) Å3, Rgt(F) = 0.0200, wRref(F2) = 0.0535, Z = 2, T = 293(2) K.

High-precision ultrasound imaging of void defects is critical for the performance and safety assessment of ballastless track structures. The sound propagation velocity of each layer in the ballastless track structure is quite different. However, the traditional concrete Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) ultrasound imaging method is based on the assumption that the concrete has a single constant shear wave velocity. Thus, it is not a suitable method for the ultrasonic imaging of multilayer structures. In this paper, a Multilayer SAFT high-precision ultrasound imaging method is proposed. It is based on the ray-tracing technique and uses the Fermat principle to find the refraction point that minimizes the delay of the acoustic wave propagation path at the interface of the discrete layers. Then, the acoustic wave propagation path is segmented by the position of the refraction point, and the propagation delay of the ultrasonic wave is obtained segment by segment. Thus, the propagation delay of the ultrasonic wave is obtained one by one, so that the propagation delay of the ultrasonic wave in the multilayer structure can be accurately obtained. Finally, the focused image is obtained according to the SAFT imaging algorithm. The finite element simulation and experimental results show that the Multilayer SAFT imaging method can accurately track the propagation path of the ultrasonic wave in ballastless track structures, as well as accurately calculate the propagation delay of the ultrasonic wave and the lengths of void defects. The high accuracy of the Multilayer SAFT imaging represents a significant improvement compared to traditional SAFT imaging.

Let S s * be the class of normalized functions f defined in the open unit disk D = { z : | z | < 1 } such that the quantity z f ′ ( z ) f ( z ) lies in an eight-shaped region in the right-half plane and satisfying the condition z f ′ ( z ) f ( z ) ≺ 1 + sin z ( z ∈ D ) . In this paper, we aim to investigate the third-order Hankel determinant H 3 ( 1 ) and Toeplitz determinant T 3 ( 2 ) for this function class S s * associated with sine function and obtain the upper bounds of the determinants H 3 ( 1 ) and T 3 ( 2 ) .

Let S l * denote the class of analytic functions f in the open unit disk D = { z : | z | < 1 } normalized by f ( 0 ) = f ′ ( 0 ) − 1 = 0 , which is subordinate to exponential function, z f ′ ( z ) f ( z ) ≺ e z ( z ∈ D ) . In this paper, we aim to investigate the third-order Hankel determinant H 3 ( 1 ) for this function class S l * associated with exponential function and obtain the upper bound of the determinant H 3 ( 1 ) . Meanwhile, we give two examples to illustrate the results obtained.

BACKGROUND: Many publications have evaluated the correlation between RET, PHOX2B polymorphisms and Hirschsprung's disease with conflicting results. We performed this meta-analysis to clarify the association of RET, PHOX2B polymorphisms with HSCR. METHODS: We searched Pubmed, Elsevier Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, Chinese Biomedical database, Google scholar. The combined odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was calculated to estimate the strength of the association. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed. RESULTS: In total, 16 studies concerning RET and 4 studies concerning PHOX2B were included in the meta-analysis. The effects of five polymorphisms of RET (rs1800858, rs1800860, rs1800861, rs10900297, rs2435357) and one polymorphism (rs28647582) of PHOX2B were evaluated. We found a significant correlation between RET polymorphisms and HSCR. For rs1800858, the overall ORs (95% CI) of the A versus G, AA versus GG, AA/AG versus GG and AA versus GG/AG were 3.81 (2.28-6.35); 8.36 (3.45-20.25); 3.59 (1.83-7.02); and 6.60 (3.66-11.89). For rs1800861, the comparison of subjects in the G versus T, GG versus TT, GG/TG versus TT and GG versus TT/TG were 2.85(1.81-4.47); 5.38(2.68-10.80); 3.07(2.17-4.34) and 4.14(1.84-9.30) respectively. For rs10900297, the comparison results showed statistically significant. (OR(C versus A) = 5.05,95%CI = 4.16-6.13; OR(CC versus AA) = 9.73, 95%CI = 5.94-15.94; OR(CC/AC versus AA) = 5.31, 95%CI = 3.27-6.82; OR(CC versus AC/AA) = 7.06,95%CI = 5.60-8.91.) But, for rs1800860, the GG/GA versus AA did not reach statistical association (OR = 3.77, 95% CI = 0.94-15.07) and the G versus A, GG versus AA, GG versus GA/AA were 2.23 (1.60-3.11);4.56 (1.14-18.27); 2.38 (1.66-3.43) respectively. For rs2435357, the T versus C, TT versus CC, TT/TC versus CC and TT versus CC/TC were 4.53 (3.27-6.27); 11.44 (5.67-23.10); 4.04 (2.92-5.57), and 9.01(5.25-15.46).The single polymorphism of PHOX2B gene wasn't related to the risk for HSCR. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows a significant association between RET polymorphisms and HSCR.

In the title compound, [Ag(C14H10N4O)2]CF3SO3, two N atoms from two independent pyridyl rings of two N′-3-cyanobenzylideneisonicotinohydrazide ligands coordinate to the unique AgI ion, forming a nearly linear coordination geometry. Adjacent silver complexes are primarily linked together by Ag...N interactions, with Ag...N separations of 2.877 (2) and 3.314 (2) Å. On the other hand, one CF3SO3− anion interacts with hydrazone groups of two neighbouring ligands via N—H...O hydrogen bonds. These weak intermolecular interactions contribute to the formation of supramolecular chains. In addition, there are Ag...O interactions [2.787 (2) Å] between Ag and O atoms from adjacent chains.

In the title compound, C18H13BrN4S·C3H7NO, the thiopyran ring and the adjacent six-numbered ring adopt distorted boat conformations. The molecules, lying about inversion centers, form hydrogen-bonded dimers involving one of the H atoms on the amino group with the N atom of a cyano group of an adjacent molecule, resulting in a 12-membered ring system [R22(12) ring motif]. The other H atom of the amino group forms an intermolecular hydrogen bond with the O atom of the dimethylformamide (DMF) molecule. Another lone pair of electrons on the same carbonyl O atom of DMF molecule forms a non-classical C—H...O intermolecular hydrogen bond, resulting in a chain of molecules.

Crystals of the title compound, C9H11N3O, were obtained from a condensation reaction of nicotinohydrazide and acetone. In the molecular structure, the pyridine ring is oriented at a dihedral angle of 36.28 (10)° with respect to the amide plane. In the crystal structure, molecules are linked via N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains.

In the title compound, C13H9Cl2N3O·H2O, the 3,4-dichlorobenzene ring is nearly coplanar with the pyridine ring, making a dihedral angle of 4.78 (8)°. Intermolecular O—H...O, O—H...N, N—H...O and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonding is present in the crystal structure.

In the title compound, C14H11N3O3·H2O, the planar [maximum deviation 0.135 (1) Å] 1,3-benzodioxole ring system is oriented at a dihedral angle of 13.93 (7)° with respect to the pyridine ring. Extensive intermolecular N—H...O, O—H...O, O—H...N and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonding is present in the crystal structure.

In the title compound, [Ag(C14H10N4O)2]CF3CO2, the AgI ion is coordinated by two N atoms of the pyridine rings of two N′-(3-cyanobenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide ligands in a nearly linear geometry. In the crystal structure, a combination of close contacts formed via Ag...N interactions [Ag...N = 3.098 (2) and 3.261 (2) Å] from symmetry-related molecules and intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds between CF3CO2− anions and the hydrazone groups of two ligands give rise to chains. Furthermore, there are Ag...O interactions with a separation of 2.765 (2) Å between chains. The F atoms of the CF3CO2− anion are disordered over two sites with refined occupancies of 0.593 (5) and 0.407 (5).

In the title compound, C14H12BrN3O2·H2O, the benzene ring is oriented at a dihedral angle of 39.66 (11)° with respect to the pyridine ring. The solvent water molecule links with the organic compound via O—H...O, O—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonding.

In the title centrosymmetric complex, [Ag2(ClO4)2(C10H7N3)2], the unique AgI ion is coordinated by an N atom from a carbonitrile group, an N atom from a symmetry-related pyrazole group and an O atom of a perchlorate ligand to form a distorted T-shaped environment. Two 3-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzonitrile ligands each bridge two AgI ions to form a dinuclear complex. In the crystal structure, there are weak Ag...O interactions within the range 2.70–3.01 Å linking dimeric units into layers approximately parallel to (100). The O atoms of the perchlorate ligand are disordered over two sites with occupancies of 0.570 (11) and 0.430 (11), respectively.