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The reserve of Tamarix forest, located in Changyi, China, is the only national marine special reserve taking Tamarix as the main object of protection. Compared with conventional monitoring technology, remote sensing technology can more comprehensively reflect the ecological environment status and spatial-temporal variation of monitoring objects. Based on spectral characteristics and remote sensing vegetation indices, the ecological status and spatial-temporal variation of Tamarix chinensis forest in the reserve deserve further exploration. Therefore, spectral characteristic, typical vegetation indices, comprehensive health index, VFC, and REP were analyzed based on Sentinel-2A images. Spatial-temporal variation analysis during 2014 to 2018 was analyzed based on GF-1 images. The research result indicated that ecological quality of protection zone showed an overall growth trend with the help of artificial ecological restoration, and it is possible to continuously implement ecological recovery towards the protection zone.

Recent neural and behavioural findings provide support that the medial intraparietal sulcus (mIPS) and dorsal premotor (PMd) activity reflect aspects of a kinematic plan for reaching movements. However, it is unclear how these two regions differentially contribute to reach planning. Here, we used high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS; 4 x 1 electrode placement; 2 mA for 20 min; 3 cm radius) to investigate the functional roles of mIPS and PMd in the left hemisphere of humans. We examined the changes in endpoint error in reaching task with different initial hand positions and different target locations spanning both visual hemi-fields. Participants completed the task with (stimulation, post-stimulation) and without stimulation (pre-stimulation) of individually fMRI-localized cortical areas mIPS and PMd. We found a significant interaction effect between initial hand position (IHP) and target position on the difference in horizontal endpoint error after cathodal left mIPS stimulation and significant IHP and target position main effects after cathodal left PMd stimulation, suggesting that IHP and target position are not yet integrated into a movement vector at the input of the mIPS, but are integrated in the input of PMd. Hence, these findings reveal a distinction between mIPS and PMd in the stages of movement vector formation for reaching movements and indicate that HD-tDCS is a viable method for perturbing localized cortical activity to elucidate localized cortical function.

Background and purpose To explore whether a highly refined dose volume histograms (DVH) prediction model can improve the accuracy and reliability of knowledge-based volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning for cervical cancer. Methods and materials The proposed model underwent repeated refining through progressive training until the training samples increased from initial 25 prior plans up to 100 cases. The estimated DVHs derived from the prediction models of different runs of training were compared in 35 new cervical cancer patients to analyze the effect of such an interactive plan and model evolution method. The reliability and efficiency of knowledge-based planning (KBP) using this highly refined model in improving the consistency and quality of the VMAT plans were also evaluated. Results The prediction ability was reinforced with the increased number of refinements in terms of normal tissue sparing. With enhanced prediction accuracy, more than 60% of automatic plan-6 (AP-6) plans (22/35) can be directly approved for clinical treatment without any manual revision. The plan quality scores for clinically approved plans (CPs) and manual plans (MPs) were on average 89.02 ± 4.83 and 86.48 ± 3.92 (p mean and V18 Gy for kidney (L/R), the Dmean, V30 Gy, and V40 Gy for bladder, rectum, and femoral head (L/R). Conclusion The proposed model evolution method provides a practical way for the KBP to enhance its prediction ability with minimal human intervene. This highly refined prediction model can better guide KBP in improving the consistency and quality of the VMAT plans.

We investigated how Src‐homology 2‐domain phosphatase‐1 (SHP‐1) regulates the inflammatory response in endotoxin‐induced uveitis (EIU), and the signalling pathways involved. One week after intravitreal injection of short hairpin RNA targeting SHP‐1 or SHP‐1 overexpression lentivirus in rats, we induced ocular inflammation with an intravitreal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We then assessed the extent of inflammation and performed full‐field electroretinography. The concentrations and retinal expression of various inflammatory mediators were examined with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and Western blotting, respectively. SHP‐1 overexpression and knockdown were induced in Müller cells to study the role of SHP‐1 in the LPS‐induced inflammatory response in vitro. Retinal SHP‐1 expression was up‐regulated by LPS. SHP‐1 knockdown exacerbated LPS‐induced retinal dysfunction and increased the levels of proinflammatory mediators in the retina, which was abrogated by a c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125). SHP‐1 overexpression had the opposite effects. In Müller cells, the LPS‐induced inflammatory response was enhanced by SHP‐1 knockdown and suppressed by SHP‐1 overexpression. SHP‐1 negatively regulated the activation of the transforming growth factor‐β‐activated kinase‐1 (TAK1)/JNK pathway, but not the nuclear factor‐κB pathway. These results indicate that SHP‐1 represses EIU, at least in part, by inhibiting the TAK1/JNK pathway and suggest that SHP‐1 is a potential therapeutic target for uveitis.

Aim To report the clinical features and evolution of zone II retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods RetCam images of preterm infants with zone II ROP at our hospital between January 2009 and January 2019 were reviewed. The location, extent, and severity of ROP were recorded. Eyes were classified as type 1 zone II, type 2 zone II, and mild zone II ROP. The clinical features and evolution of zone II ROP were analyzed. Results In total, 184 infants (302 eyes) were enrolled. Of these, 55 eyes (18%) developed type 1 zone II ROP, 39 eyes (13%) developed type 2 zone II ROP, and 208 eyes (69%) developed mild zone II ROP. The proportion of type 1 zone II ROP significantly decreased over the 10y. The onset of type 2 zone II and mild zone II ROP were 1wk earlier than type 1 zone II, and both regressed at 45wk. Isolated neovascular tuft (popcorn) and double track signs were characteristic manifestations of zone II ROP. Eighty-seven percent of type 1 zone II ROP regressed completely with an unfavorable outcome that emerged in seven eyes after laser treatment. Conclusion Zone II is an area with ROP disease at various risk levels. Zone II ROP has unique clinical presentations like popcorn and double track signs. Over time, the proportion of zone II ROP with high risk gradually decrease and respond well to therapy.

p53 plays a pivotal role in maintaining the genomic stability of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) through transcriptionally activating and repressing target genes. However, how p53 recognizes its repressed targets remains largely unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that Sall4 negatively regulates DNA damage induced apoptosis (DIA) of mESCs through mediating p53 recruitment to enhancers of ESC-associated genes repressed by p53 from promoters of p53-activated genes. Upon DNA damage, Sall4 is transcriptionally repressed by p53 and plays an anti-apoptotic role without altering p53 activation. Moreover, Sall4 is identified as a novel p53-interacting partner. Consistently, Sall4 exerts its anti-apoptotic function in a p53-dependent manner. Intriguingly, Sall4 depletion not only promotes the transcriptional activation of several p53-regulated pro-apoptotic genes but also compromises p53-mediated repression of ESC master transcription factors in response to DNA damage. Mechanistically, Sall4 balances p53-binding affinity between p53-activated and -repressed genes through tethering p53 to ESC enhancers. In light of our study, Sall4 may contribute to tumorigenesis by antagonizing p53-mediated apoptosis.

Purpose: To evaluate the performance and speed of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) when identifying the pathogenic microorganism of endoph...

In this review, we outline the new expertise and research progress with luteolin as an antitumor agent, and clarify the related results from the aspects of tumor proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, angiogenesis, and immunotherapy. In recent years, with the development of medical technology, the early detection rate of tumors has increased significantly. However, the number of cancer patients remains high. Therefore, a new and reasonably effective tumor therapeutic drug is urgently demanded. Luteolin, a flavonoid and widespread in nature, attracts more and more attention due to its universal biological utility, especially in the study of antitumor activity. This article reviews the work published in the past 20 years on the role and mechanism of luteolin as an antitumor agent, showing that this compound has a variety of effects for antitumor treatment by acting on different cytokines. Although clinical studies have not yet been widely carried out, a series of basic studies have confirmed that luteolin is a reasonably effective antineoplastic agent or anticancer adjuvant. Besides, derivatives of luteolin have good application prospects.

Considering the adverse effect of heavy metals (such as Cu2+) on biological wastewater treatment processes, an algae-assisted triple-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was established to remove Cu2+, COD and nitrogen sequentially, and also generate electricity. About 86.2% of the Cu2+ was removed in the first cathodic chamber, and the remaining Cu2+ was largely eliminated by algal uptake, contributing to an overall Cu2+ removal rate of 99.9% across the whole system. The nitrogen removal rate reached 79% in the system. The majority of the ammonium was assimilated by algae, and nitrogen oxides formed during the light period were denitrified at the cathode in the dark period. The variation in electrode potentials indicated that the cathode and anode potentials not only depended on the respective substrate concentrations, but also affected each other. The influence of algae on the microbial communities was greater than that of Cu2+ or the system structure. Devosia, Thauera, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Flavobacterium may influence nitrogen removal, while Delftia, Thauera and Pseudomonas may play an important role in power generation. The present study has developed a practical method for removing pollutants from the wastewater containing heavy metals.

The study investigated the antiapoptotic effects of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on retinal degeneration caused by exposure to blue light. Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of RA and, if necessary, the mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphotase-1(MKP-1) inhibitor, (E)-2-benzylidene-3-(cyclohexylamino)-2, 3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BCI), or the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonist, AGN 193109. Retinal damage was induced by 24 h of continuous exposure to blue light. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and electroretinography were performed to measure retinal thickness and retinal function before and at 3 days and 7 days after light exposure. The retinal protein expression levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB, MKP-1, Bim, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 were also measured. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining and immunofluorescent staining of cleaved caspase-3 were also performed to evaluate photoreceptor apoptosis. The administration of RA significantly mitigated retinal dysfunction and the decrease in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness at 3 days and 7 days after light exposure. RA also reduced the percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei in the ONL and cleaved caspase-3 immunofluorescence intensity at 3 days after light exposure. Light exposure increased the retinal expression of proapoptotic proteins (Bim, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3), which was attenuated by RA. Moreover, RA enhanced the expression of MKP-1 and inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK, which were attenuated by the inhibition of RAR. The inhibitory effects of RA on blue light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis were abrogated by the MKP-1inhibitor. Our results indicate that RA alleviates photoreceptor loss following blue light exposure, at least partly, by the MKP-1/JNK pathway, which may serve as a therapeutic target for relieving retinal degeneration.

Background To qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the features of treatment-naive flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment (FIPED)-associated choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using swept-source (SS) optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) before and after half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods Retrospective case series. The multimodal imaging data of the eyes with FIPED-associated CNV in chronic CSC were reviewed. The features of FIPED-associated CNVs were evaluated by SS-OCTA. Results Records of twenty-one patients (21 eyes) were reviewed. The mean age was 56.62 ± 6.87 years. After half-dose PDT, all patients have improved best spectacle-corrected visual acuity from 0.49 at baseline to 0.25 at 6-month visit, and subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased with subretinal fluids absorbed. By OCTA, the features of CNV at baseline included long filamentous linear vessels (21/21), branching into other large mature vessels with rare anastomoses (21/21); and/or a 'dead tree' appearance at the vessel's termini (20/21); and no perilesional hypointense halo (21/21). Compared to those at baseline, the mean vessel density of CNV showed no significant change at 1-,3-,6-month follow-up, while the mean area of CNV was significantly larger at the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.013). Conclusions OCT angiography allows to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate CNV in chronic CSC. The features of FIPED-associated CNV on OCTA illustrated its quiescent characteristic and further guided therapy. Half-dose PDT showed favorable effects on chronic CSC complicated with FIPED-associated CNV.

Purpose To explore synaptic changes and the response of microglia in a light-induced photoreceptor degeneration model. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were euthanized 1 h, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days after being exposed to intense blue light for 24 h. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were used to evaluate changes in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied to observe the ultrastructural changes in the synapses between the photoreceptors and second-order neurons. Western blotting was conducted to evaluate specific proteins, including postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95), metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6), synapsin I, and synaptophysin. Immunofluorescence of CD11b and PKC-α or mGluR6 was used to explore the spatial relationships between microglial processes and synaptic elements. Immunoelectron microscopy of PSD-95 was performed to further confirm its engulfment of synaptic materials. Results H&E and TUNEL staining showed that the thickness of the ONL decreased markedly, and the number of apoptotic photoreceptors peaked at day 1. TEM revealed darkened photoreceptor terminals and that ribbons of them were floating in the cytoplasm, coinciding with the downregulation of PSD-95 and mGluR6. Downstream synaptic protein synapsin I and synaptophysin exhibited upregulation in the inner plexiform layer. Activated microglia migrated to the outer retina, and their processes were found in close proximity to synapses in the outer plexiform layer under light and electron microscopy levels. Double immunostaining of CD11b and mGluR6 showed colocalization. PSD-95-immunoreactive electron-dense materials were observed inside the microglia suggesting engulfment of synaptic components. Conclusions The study showed that there are early synaptic impairment and late compensatory changes in downstream synapses in this photic injury model. Activated microglia touched and directly engulfed synaptic materials. Microglia may play a role or a partial role in synaptic changes.

Brain lesion and stimulation studies have suggested posterior parietal cortex and the medial intraparietal sulcus in particular as a crucial hub for online movement error corrections. However, causal evidence for this is still sparse. Indeed, lesion studies are potentially confounded by compensatory reorganization mechanisms while brain stimulation studies have produced heterogeneous results when employing transcranial magnetic stimulation. Here we designed a new complementary paradigm using fMRI-guided high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) of the left medial intraparietal sulcus (mIPS) together with regression-based mediation analysis to re-examine the causal role of mIPS in online reach corrections to jumping targets. We obtained two independent measures of stimulation-induced changes in brain activity by modeling current flow in the brain and through EEG recordings before and after HD-tDCS stimulation. Third, to quantify behavioral effects of HD-tDCS we computed movement curvature as a measure of online correction. We demonstrate that both of our measurements of brain activity were consistent with a polarity-specific modulation of the online correction for targets jumping to the contralateral side of the stimulation. Importantly, using a mediation analysis of the relationship between stimulation current and movement curvature suggests that the induced current modifies brain activity, which then leads to the observed behavioral changes. This unique combination of methods and analysis thus provides complementary evidence for the crucial role of the posterior parietal cortex in online error correction, while at the same time setting a new methodological standard with respect to the causal influence of transcranial direct current stimulation.New & NoteworthyTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an interesting and potentially useful tool for asking causal scientific questions and design clinical treatments. With our unique combination of highly accurate fMRI guided stimulation, current forward modeling, EEG recordings before and after the stimulation and behavioral changes we could unravel the causal structure of tDCS. Our approach naturally deals with the variability of tDCS results, increasing its potential usefulness as a tool for research and clinical applications.

Surface sediment samples were collected at 27 stations of Bohai Bay, North China. Sequential extractions were carried out in this study. REE were leached out from four labile fractions: Exchangeable (L1), bound to carbonates (L2), bound to Fe-Mn oxides (L3), bound to organic matter (L4), and the remainder was residual (R5). The total contents of REE fluctuate slightly in Bohai Bay, and are mainly concentrated in the middle region, showing relatively higher levels in the north than that in the south of Bohai Bay. Percentages of L1, L2, L3, L4, and R5 for REE suggest that the residual fraction accounts for the major component of REE, whereas Fe-Mn oxides also play important roles in combining labile REE. As the REE complex is not stabilized, the competition of complex could induce dissociation of the complex and redistribution of the REE in various environments. According to REE patterns and Y/Ho ratios of samples, REE are not anthropogenic or oceanic sources but riverine input, whereas suitable environment varieties can slightly affect the patterns and fractionations of REE. As powerful tracers for the variable of environment, higher anomaly of Eu and Ce in southern regions indicates a greater reduction in the condition of surface sediment in the south than that in the north of Bohai Bay.

Dissolved inorganic tin (DISn) and its spatial variation were examined in Bohai Bay seawaters to understand the DISn behavior and pollution in this area. DISn concentration gradually increased with the distance from the coast and showed a slight decrease with the increasing depth from surface water, suggesting the scavenged behavior of tin with an atmospheric input to surface water. Besides, the higher DISn values also were found near the Haihe Estuary inferring that the riverine input was a source of DISn. Based on the data in this study, a preliminary estimate of the tin budget via riverine input and atmospheric deposition has been established. According to our estimate, about 2 × 10(6) and 8.47 × 10(5) g/year of tin reach Bohai Bay via rivers and atmosphere. Environmental factors such as suspended particulate material, salinity, total organic matter, pH, nutrients, and phytoplankton had the important influences on DISn distribution. Among them, the negative correlation between DISn and phytoplankton at most stations might indicate the biological uptake of tin.

Systematic studies on the changes in concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) and their effects on fishery species in the Bohai Sea during 1974-2004 are presented. Changes in PHs concentrations were closely related to Yellow River runoff. Concentrations of PHs accumulated in fish and shrimp increased by about 0.712 mg/kg dry weight when trophic level of fish and shrimps increased by 1. Attention should also be paid to the high PHs concentrations in mollusks along the coastal waters of the Bohai Sea. Average concentration of PHs in the adjacent coastal waters of Tianjin City during 1996-2005 decreased the population growth rates of fish, crustaceans and mollusks in the Bohai Sea by 2.58%, 6.59% and 2.33%, respectively. Therefore, PHs have significantly contributed to the decline in fisheries in the Bohai Sea, and they must be reduced to realize the sustainable fisheries.

We determined the selenite (Se(IV)) and selenate (Se(VI)) concentrations in the surface and bottom waters of Bohai Bay to understand the behavior of selenium in this area. The average concentrations of selenite and selenate were 0.72 nM and 0.36 nM, respectively. The surface concentration of selenite and selenate decreased from the western bay to the bay mouth, with the highest value near the Haihe Estuary. The bottom concentration of selenite and selenate displayed a similar distribution as the surface concentration. The selenium distribution was mainly controlled by environmental factors, riverine discharges and biological activities. Based on the data in this study, a preliminary estimate of the selenium budget via riverine input has been established. According to our estimate, about 7.18 x 10(7) mmol/yr of selenium reaches the Bohai Bay via rivers. Selenium showed significant positive correlations with dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN). phosphate and silicates, reflecting its strong nutrient-type behavior. The selenium concentration also correlated well with the chlorophyll a concentration and phytoplankton biomass, possibly implying that selenium plays a key role in regulating the phytoplankton productivity and that phytoplankton dynamics also affect the selenium inventory in Bohai Bay. Furthermore, the selenium concentration in each site was lower than the "no-effect" value of selenium and seemed to be required for the normal growth and development of phytoplankton, but it may have adverse effects for higher trophic levels due to the bioaccumulation of selenium. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Systematic studies of the changes in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and their effects on phytoplankton over the last 30 years in the Bohai Sea are presented. The amount of sewage disposal, use of fertilizer and the Huanghe River runoff were found to have a significant influence on the DIN or DIP concentrations in the Bohai Sea over the last 30 years. Moreover, the changes in DIN and DIP resulted in changes in the limiting nutrients of phytoplankton in the Bohai Sea from nitrogen in the early 1980s to nitrogen-phosphorus in the late 1980s, and then to phosphorus after the 1990s. In addition, changes in nitrogen and phosphorus had a significant effect on the phytoplankton community structure. The half saturation constant (K (s)) was used to evaluate the effect of nutrients on the phytoplankton community structure in the Bohai Sea over the last 30 years. Cell abundance percentages of dominant phytoplankton species with high K (s) values for phosphorus and low K (s) values for nitrogen have decreased since the 1980s, while those of dominant phytoplankton species with low K (s) values for phosphorus and high K (s) values for nitrogen increased during this period.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations are one of the most important causes of sensorineural hearing loss. A1555G and C1494T mutations of mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene are the molecular basis for aminoglycoside hyper- sensitivity and can lead to aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss. Primary mutations in tRNA such as tRNA(Ser(UCN))7472insC are associated with syndromic hearing loss. While other mutations such as tRNA"(Se(UCN) )G7444A were considered synergy with the primary RNA mutations, modulating the phenotypic manifestation. This review de- scribes a detailed summary of hearing loss associated with mtDNA mutations and/or aminoglycoside antibiotics, and provides the possible molecular mechanisms in deafness expression.

Daphnetin, a plant-derived dihydroxylated derivative of coumarin, is an effective compound extracted from a plant called Daphne Korean Nakai. Coumarin derivates were known for their antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. The present study was aimed to determine the immunosuppressive effects and the underlying mechanisms of daphnetin on concanavalin A (ConA) induced T lymphocytes in mice. We showed that, in vitro, daphnetin suppressed ConA-induced splenocyte proliferation, influenced production of the cytokines and inhibited cell cycle progression through the G0/G1 transition. The data also revealed that daphnetin could down-regulate activation of ConA induced NF-κB and NFAT signal transduction pathways in mouse T lymphocyte. In vivo, daphnetin treatment significantly inhibited the 2, 4- dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) -induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions in mice. Collectively, daphnetin had strong immunosuppressive activity both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a potential role for daphnetin as an immunosuppressive agent, and established the groundwork for further research on daphnetin.

WOS: 000428583000007, The inhibition performance of domperidone on the corrosion of copper in different concentration of HCl solution has been investigated by electrochemical, weight loss, and surface analysis, and theoretical calculation methods. Results indicate that domperidone was found to be an effective inhibitor with the inhibition efficiency as high as 98.5% when the HCl concentration was 0.01M, and the corrosion rate of copper increased with the increment of HCl concentration from 0.001 to 1M. The potentiodynamic polarization results revealed that domperidone can be seen as a mixed type inhibitor when the HCl concentration was high (1 and 0.1M), while it acted as a cathodic inhibitor for copper at low HCl concentrations (0.01 and 0.001M). The potentiodynamic polarization results revealed that domperidone can be seen as mixed-type or cathodic inhibitor as the HCl concentration changes. Scanning electron microscopy studies indicated the formation of protective films of inhibitor molecule on copper surface. Besides, density functional theory-based quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations showed the electronic structure of domperidone and its optimized adsorption configuration on copper surface, which could account for the experimental findings.