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Abstract Purpose To compare the morphometry of paraspinal muscles in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS), and healthy individuals. Methods Thirty-seven pairs of DS patients were selected using propensity score matching with IS patients, while 37 healthy individuals matched for age, sex, and BMI were selected as controls. The relative cross-sectional area (rCSA), and relative functional cross-sectional area (rfCSA) of paraspinal muscles were measured, and the degree of fatty infiltration (FI) was calculated. Based on occupational differences, the patients were also divided into worker and farmer groups, and the same measurements were taken on them. Results At the L3/L4 level, the multifidus (MF) FI was greater in the DS and IS groups than in the control group, the erector spinae (ES) rfCSA was higher in the IS group than in the DS and control groups. At the L4/L5 level, MF rfCSA was smaller in the DS and IS groups than in the control group; ES rfCSA was higher in the IS group than in the DS and control groups. At the L5/S1 level, MF rfCSA was smaller in the DS and IS groups than in the control group; ES rfCSA was higher in the IS group than in the DS group. At the L3/L4, L4/L5 level, MF rfCSA were higher in the worker group than in the farmer group (p

Traditional binary combinational logic circuits are generally obtained by cascading multiple basic logic gate circuits, using more components and complicated wiring. In contrast to the binary logic circuit design in this method, ternary combinational logic circuit implementation is more complicated. In this paper, a ternary circuit design method that does not require cascading basic ternary logic gates is proposed based on a tri-valued memristor, which can directly realize specific logic functions through a series connection of memristors. The ternary encoder, ternary decoder, ternary comparator, and ternary data selector are implemented by this method, and the effectiveness of the circuits is verified by LTspice simulations.

Fertilizer-based biofortification is a strategy for combating worldwide malnutrition of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se). Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of foliar treatments on concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se, N and bioavailability of Zn and Fe in grains of three maize cultivars grown at three locations. We compared the efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), Zn complexed chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNPs), conventional ZnSO4 and a cocktail solution (containing Zn, Fe and Se). All treatments were foliar-applied at rate of 452 mg Zn L–1, plus urea. Applying ten-fold less Zn (at rate of 45.2 mg Zn L–1) plus urea in the form of ZnO-NPs, Zn-CNPs, or ZnSO4 resulted in no increase, or a negligible increase, in grain Zn concentration compared with deionized water. By contrast, among the different Zn sources plus urea applied by foliar sprays, conventional ZnSO4 was the most efficient in improving grain Zn concentration. Furthermore, foliar application of a cocktail solution effectively improved grain concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se and N simultaneously, without a grain yield trade-off. For example, the average grain concentrations were simultaneously increased from 13.8 to 22.1 mg kg–1 for Zn, from 17.2 to 22.1 mg kg–1for Fe, from 21.4 to 413.5 ug kg–1 for Se and from 13.8 to 14.7 g kg–1 for N by foliar application of a cocktail solution. Because grain yield was significantly negatively correlated with grain nutrient concentrations, the magnitude of increase in grain concentrations of Zn and Fe was most pronounced in the maize cultivar with the lowest grain yield (Zhengdan958 grown in Linyi). Foliar application of a cocktail solution also significantly decreased the phytic acid (PA) concentration, ratios of PA/Fe and PA/Zn in grains, indicating an increased bioavailability of Fe and Zn for human health. In conclusion, we found that a foliar application of a cocktail solution including Zn, Fe, Se and N was most effective for biofortification, but that the grains with the lowest yield contained the greatest concentration of these elements. This finding highlights the need to breed maize varieties that are capable of achieving both high grain yield and high grain nutritional quality to address food security and human health challenges.

Abstract Background Alcohol dependence is a mental disorder with a high relapse rate. However, specific neuroimaging biomarkers have not been determined for alcohol dependence and its relapse. We conducted data-driven research to investigate resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) during early abstinence from alcohol dependence and its potential ability to predict relapse. Methods Participants included 68 alcohol-dependent patients and 68 healthy controls (HCs). The regional homogeneity (ReHo) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) were compared between the alcohol dependence group and the HCs and between the relapse group and the nonrelapse group. The brain regions that presented significantly different ReHo and/or fALFF between the alcohol-dependent patients and HCs and/or between the relapsed and nonrelapsed patients were selected as the seeds to calculate the functional connectivities (FCs). Results During a 6-month follow-up period, 52.24% of alcohol-dependent patients relapsed. A regression model for differentiating alcohol-dependent patients and HCs showed that reductions in ReHo in the left postcentral region, fALFF in the right fusiform region, and FC in the right fusiform region to the right middle cingulum were independently associated with alcohol dependence, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.841. The baseline FC of the left precentral to the left cerebellum of the relapse group was significantly lower than that of the nonrelapse group. The AUC of this FC to predict relapse was 0.774. Conclusions Our findings contribute to advancing research on the neurobiological etiology and predictive biomarkers for relapse associated with alcohol dependence.

Abstract S-phase kinase associated protein 2 (Skp2), a member of the F-box family that constitute the largest known class of ubiquitin E3 specificity components, is responsible for recognizing and recruiting cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 for its ubiquitination in the presence of the small accessory protein cyclin-dependent kinase regulatory subunit 1(Cks1). Skp2 is overexpressed in esophageal carcinoma tissues and closely related with tumor poor prognosis, and perturbation of the Skp2-Cks1 interaction by inhibitors or RNAi could inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Therefore, inhibition of Skp2 function by small-molecule compounds targeting Skp2-Cks1 interaction is emerging as a promising and novel anti-cancer strategy. In this study, we establish an improved high-throughput screening platform to screen Skp2 inhibitors targeting Skp2-Cks1interaction, which may provide a new therapeutic approach for the clinic.

Background The cytokine TNF-α-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) had been verified to have a certain inhibitory effect on the inflammation. During wound healing, fibroblasts increasingly proliferated and deposited collagen fibers, leading to the formation of pathological scars. We sought to elucidate the mechanism by which the TGF-β1/Smad pathway was mediated by TSG-6 in human keloid fibroblasts. Materials and methods Human keloid fibroblast cells were isolated from keloid tissue by enzyme digestion and identified by immunocytochemistry. Lentiviral vectors pLVX-puro-TSG-6 and pLVX-shRNA1-TSG-6 were constructed which were then transfected into human keloid fibroblasts. The mRNA and protein levels of TSG-6 were detected respectively by RT-PCR and western blot assay. The intracellular localization of TGF-β1-induced proteins and phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3 in keloid fibroblasts were investigated using an immunofluorescence assay. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) transcriptional activity was detected by RT-PCR. Results TSG-6 could effectively interfere the TGF-β1/Smad signal transduction pathway in keloid fibroblasts rather than in normal fibroblasts. The phosphorylation levels of Smad2/3 were notably reduced by TSG-6 treatment. TSG-6 blocked the complex formation of Smad2/3/4, and their nuclear translocation. However, it upregulated Smad7 expression, presenting dose dependence. PAI-1 was also suppressed by TSG-6 treatment. Conclusions TSG-6 inhibits proliferation by inducing apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts, which may be associated with TGF-β1/Smad pathway.

Abstract Background Previous research using whole-brain neuroimaging techniques has revealed structural differences of grey matter (GM) in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients. However, some of the findings diverge from other neuroimaging studies and require further replication. The quantity of relevant research has, thus far, been limited and the association between GM and abstinence duration of AUD patients has not yet been systematically reviewed. Methods The present research conducted a meta-analysis of voxel-based GM studies in AUD patients published before Jan 2021. The study utilised a whole brain-based d-mapping approach to explore GM changes in AUD patients, and further analysed the relationship between GM deficits, abstinence duration and individual differences. Results The current research included 23 studies with a sample size of 846 AUD patients and 878 controls. The d-mapping approach identified lower GM in brain regions including the right cingulate gyrus, right insula and left middle frontal gyrus in AUD patients compared to controls. Meta-regression analyses found increasing GM atrophy in the right insula associated with the longer mean abstinence duration of the samples in the studies in our analysis. GM atrophy was also found positively correlated with the mean age of the samples in the right insula, and positively correlated with male ratio in the left middle frontal gyrus. Conclusions GM atrophy was found in the cingulate gyrus and insula in AUD patients. These findings align with published meta-analyses, suggesting they are potential deficits for AUD patients. Abstinence duration, age and gender also affect GM atrophy in AUD patients. This research provides some evidence of the underlying neuroanatomical nature of AUD.

PurposeTo identify novel genetic causes of febrile seizures (FS) and epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (EFS+).MethodsWe performed whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 32 families, in which at least two individuals were affected by FS or EFS+. The probands, their parents, and available family members were recruited to ascertain whether the genetic variants were co-segregation. Genes with repetitively identified variants with segregations were selected for further studies to define the gene-disease association.ResultsWe identified two heterozygous ATP6V0C mutations (c.64G > A/p.Ala22Thr and c.361_373del/p.Thr121Profs*7) in two unrelated families with six individuals affected by FS or EFS+. The missense mutation was located in the proteolipid c-ring that cooperated with a-subunit forming the hemichannel for proton transferring. It also affected the hydrogen bonds with surround residues and the protein stability, implying a damaging effect. The frameshift mutation resulted in a loss of function by yielding a premature termination of 28 residues at the C-terminus of the protein. The frequencies of ATP6V0C mutations identified in this cohort were significantly higher than that in the control populations. All the six affected individuals suffered from their first FS at the age of 7–8 months. The two probands later manifested afebrile seizures including myoclonic seizures that responded well to lamotrigine. They all displayed favorable outcomes without intellectual or developmental abnormalities, although afebrile seizures or frequent seizures occurred.ConclusionThis study suggests that ATP6V0C is potentially a candidate pathogenic gene of FS and EFS+. Screening for ATP6V0C mutations would help differentiating patients with Dravet syndrome caused by SCN1A mutations, which presented similar clinical manifestation but different responses to antiepileptic treatment.

In this study, four new dextral camaenid from China are reported, based on shell morphology, reproductive system anatomy, and molecular phylogenetic analyses: Camaena funingensis Zhou, Wang & Lin, sp. nov., Camaena gaolongensis Zhou, Wang & Lin, sp. nov., Camaena maguanensis Zhou, Wang & Hu, sp. nov., and Camaena yulinensis Zhou, Wang & Hu, sp. nov. Detailed descriptions of the morphological characteristics including shells and genitalia, DNA sequences, and living environments of the four new species are provided, with further comparisons with congeners.

Abstract Background Scrub typhus is a life-threatening disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, and specific antimicrobial medicine is available. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for reducing the risk of severe complications and death. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the case diagnosis situation among medical care institutions and geographical regions in China, and the results will benefit both clinical practice and the disease surveillance system. Methods We extracted individual scrub typhus case data 2006–2016 from a national disease surveillance system in China. The diagnosis category and interval time from illness onset to diagnosis were compared among three levels of medical care institutions and provinces. The descriptive analysis method was performed in our study. Results During the 11-year study period, 93 481 scrub typhus cases, including 57 deaths, were recorded in the nationwide surveillance system. The overall proportion of laboratory-confirmed cases was only 4.7%, and this proportion varied greatly among primary medical centres (2.8%), county level hospitals (4.2%), and city level hospitals (6.3%). Notably, the proportion of laboratory-confirmed cases has consistently decreased from 16.3% in 2006 to 2.6% in 2016, and the same decreasing trend was found among all three levels of medical care institutions. The interval from illness onset to case diagnosis (Tdiag) for all cases was 5 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 2–9 days) and decreased from 7 days (IQR: 3–11 days) in 2006 to 5 days (IQR: 2–8 days) in 2016. The risk of death for patients with a Tdiag of > 7 days was 2.2 times higher (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.05–5.21) than that of patients with a Tdiag of

AIM: To investigate the relationship between semaphorin 7a expression and cell proliferation and migration in pterygium fibroblasts. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with surgically diagnosed pterygium were enrolled, including 15 cases of primary pterygium and 11 cases of recurrent pterygium. In addition, 12 cases of normal conjunctival tissue were collected. The expression of semaphorin 7a in normal conjunctival tissue, primary pterygium and recurrent pterygium was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Recurrent pterygium fibroblasts were isolated and cultured, and the expression of semaphorin 7a was silenced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference technique. Furthermore, the effects of si-semaphorin 7a interference on the mRNA and protein levels of β1-integrin, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and on fibroblast proliferation were analyzed. Transwell assay was used to detect the effect of semaphorin 7a interference on fibroblast migration. RESULTS: Semaphorin 7a was highly expressed in the primary pterygium and recurrent pterygium samples than that of the normal conjunctival tissue. Compared with the primary pterygium, the expression of semaphoring 7a in the recurrent pterygium samples was significantly increased (P

Optical grade diamond, in particular, high-end products, are mainly used for aerospace and defense purposes. How to manufacture them with higher quality and lower cost was critical technology. Systematic research on the performance of Self-designed plasma reactor with higher power for synthesizing diamond film was carried out. Microwave input power can reach up to 10 kW, the plasma reactor has good adaptability for the deviation of microwave frequency f at 2.45 GHz ± 20 MHz. The secondary plasma could be eliminated by adjusting the working gas pressure and the cylinder adjustment structure, it is helpful to improve the deposition rate with less energy loss. The concentrated and steady plasma could be obtained device with higher gas pressure and relative lower microwave input power. Gas supply modes and inlet gas flow rate were optimized, which would be beneficial to synthesize the film with good quality. Keywords: MPCVD, Plasma reactor, Electric field distribution, Plasma density

Background: Alcohol dependence (AD) is a chronic recurrent brain disease that causes a heavy disease burden worldwide, partly due to high relapse rates after detoxification. Verified biomarkers are not available for AD and its relapse, although the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) may play important roles in the mechanism of addiction. This study investigated AD- and relapse-associated functional connectivity (FC) of the NAc and mPFC with other brain regions during early abstinence.Methods: Sixty-eight hospitalized early-abstinence AD male patients and 68 age- and education-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-functional magnetic resonance imaging (r-fMRI). Using the NAc and mPFC as seeds, we calculated changes in FC between the seeds and other brain regions. Over a follow-up period of 6 months, patients were measured with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scale to identify relapse outcomes (AUDIT ≥ 8).Results: Thirty-five (52.24%) of the AD patients relapsed during the follow-up period. AD displayed lower FC of the left fusiform, bilateral temporal superior and right postcentral regions with the NAc and lower FC of the right temporal inferior, bilateral temporal superior, and left cingulate anterior regions with the mPFC compared to controls. Among these FC changes, lower FC between the NAc and left fusiform, lower FC between the mPFC and left cingulate anterior cortex, and smoking status were independently associated with AD. Subjects in relapse exhibited lower FC of the right cingulate anterior cortex with NAc and of the left calcarine sulcus with mPFC compared to non-relapsed subjects; both of these reductions in FC independently predicted relapse. Additionally, FC between the mPFC and right frontal superior gyrus, as well as years of education, independently predicted relapse severity.Conclusion: This study found that values of FC between selected seeds (i.e., the NAc and the mPFC) and some other reward- and/or impulse-control-related brain regions were associated with AD and relapse; these FC values could be potential biomarkers of AD or for prediction of relapse. These findings may help to guide further research on the neurobiology of AD and other addictive disorders.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially high molecular weight PAHs, are carcinogenic and mutagenic organic compounds that are difficult to degrade. Microbial remediation is a popular method for the PAH removal in diverse environments and yet it is limited by the lack of electron acceptors. An emerging solution is to use the microbial electrochemical system, in which the solid anode is used as an inexhaustible electron acceptor and the microbial activity is stimulated by biocurrent in situ to ensure the PAH removal and avoid the defects of bioremediation. Based on the extensive investigation of recent literatures, this paper summarizes and comments on the research progress of PAH removal by the microbial electrochemical system of diversified design, enhanced measures and functional microorganisms. First, the bioelectrochemical degradation of PAHs is reviewed in separate and mixed PAH degradation, and the removal performance of PAHs in different system configurations is compared with the anode modification, the enhancement of substrate and electron transfer, the addition of chemical reagents, and the combination with phytoremediation. Second, the key functional microbiota including PAH degrading microbes and exoelectrogens are overviewed as well as the reduced microbes without competitive advantage. Finally, the typical representations of electrochemical activity especially the internal resistance, power density and current density of systems and influence factors are reviewed with the correlation analysis between PAH removal and energy generation. Presently, most studies focused on the anode modification in the bioelectrochemical degradation of PAHs and actually more attentions need to be paid to enhance the mass transfer and thus larger remediation radius, and other smart designs are also proposed, especially that the combined use of phytoremediation could be an eco-friendly and sustainable approach. Additionally, exoelectrogens and PAH degraders are partially overlapping, but the exact functional mechanisms of interaction network are still elusive, which could be revealed with the aid of advanced bioinformatics technology. In order to optimize the efficacy of functional community, more advanced techniques such as omics technology, photoelectrocatalysis and nanotechnology should be considered in the future research to improve the energy generation and PAH biodegradation rate simultaneously.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal Conbercept combined with retinal photocoagulation in treating diabetic retinopathy(DR)with diabetic macular edema(DME). METHODS: Prospective case study. Totally 48 patients(80 eyes)diagnosed as DR with DME randomized to combined group and laser group. Among them, there were 4 patients with 5 eyes in the moderate stage of non-proliferative DR(NPDR), 38 patients with 65 eyes in the severe stage of NPDR, and 6 cases with 10 eyes in the stage of proliferative DR(PDR). Intravitreal conbercept(IVC)and pan retinal photocoagulation(PRP)were performed in the combined group; the macular grid pattern laser photocoagulation and PRP were performed in the laser group. Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central macular thickness(CMT)and laser energy were tested at baseline and repeated at 1wk, 1, 3, 6, and 12mo after PRP. RESULTS: Repeated measures showed an effect of treatment in combined group. Combined group induced increased BCVA at 1wk, 1 and 3mo after PRP, and remained stable in 6 and 12mo after PRP. Laser group induced increased BCVA at 1 and 3mo after PRP, and remained stable in 1wk, 6 and 12mo after PRP. Combined group induced decreased CMT at 1wk, 1 and 3mo post PRP, and remained stable in 6 and 12mo after PRP. Laser group induced decreased CMT at 1 and 3mo after PRP, and remained stable in 1wk, 6 and 12mo post PRP. There was no laser spot fusion was observed in the two groups during the follow-up. Laser energy in the combined group was lower than that in the laser group. No complications were observed during the follow-up.CONCLUSION: IVC and retinal photocoagulation significantly improves visual and anatomic outcomes in patients with DR complicated with DME. Long-term efficacy remains to be seen.

In this study, we propose a method for predicting the supporting pressure required for shallow tunnels in layered soils, based on a curved roof collapse mechanism with multi-failure surfaces. In this method, the effect of the number and thickness of soil layers, pore water pressure, arbitrary roof profile, and ground additional load is considered simultaneously. A nonlinear power-law failure criterion is employed to describe the failure characteristics of the roof soils. The internal energy dissipation rate and the work rates produced by external forces are obtained based on the associated flow rule and plasticity potential theory. The analytical expressions of the required supporting pressure and roof collapse surfaces are obtained with the upper bound method. Furtherly, a shallow rectangular tunnel in two soil layers is selected for parametric investigation. The change laws of the required supporting pressure and collapse curves under varying parameters are obtained. Furthermore, the corresponding engineering recommendations are given, which may potentially provide references for the support design and construction of shallow tunnels in layered strata.

AIM: To investigate the correlation between elipsode zone(EZ)integrity and best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)of eyes with diabetic macular edema(DME), and to determine the prognostic factors of visual acuity. METHODS: We studied 62 eyes of 39 patients with DME. Using spectral domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT), disrupted elipsode zone length were measured, and the eyes were categorized into three groups according to elipsode zone: 1)Group A: with a completely visible elipsode zone; 2)Group B: with a disrupted elipsode zone and the length of disruption within 200μm;(3)Group C: with a disrupted elipsode zone and the length of disruption longer than 200μm. We also evaluated the presence or absence of hard exudates(HE), serous retinal detachment(SRD), central macular thickness(CMT)using SD-OCT. Pearson analysis testing was performed over the BCVA and the elipsode zone integrity, CMT, existence of SRD and HE, age, sex, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, duration of DME, stage of diabetic retinopathy, and DME type. RESULTS: Before treatment, BCVA(LogMAR)in the Group A(0.44±0.18)or Group B(0.64±0.16)was significantly better than that in the Group C(0.74±0.21)(PP=0.805). Analysis showed that elipsode zone integrity had close correlation coefficient with BCVA(r=-0.673, Pr=-0.344, PCONCLUSION: The integrity of elipsode zone are closely associated with BCVA in DME. CMT are weakly associated with BCVA in DME.

Molecularly imprinted polymers for dimethoate recognition were synthesized by the precipitation polymerization technique using methyl methacrylate (MMA) as the functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linker. The morphology, adsorption and recognition properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), static adsorption test, and competitive adsorption test. To obtain the best selectivity and binding performance, the synthesis and adsorption conditions of MIPs were optimized through single factor experiments. Under the optimized conditions, the resultant polymers exhibited uniform size, satisfactory binding capacity and significant selectivity. Furthermore, the imprinted polymers were successfully applied as a specific solid-phase extractants combined with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for determination of dimethoate residues in the cucumber samples. The average recoveries of three spiked samples ranged from 78.5% to 87.9% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 4.4% and the limit of detection (LOD) obtained for dimethoate as low as 2.3 μg/mL. Keywords: Molecularly imprinted polymer, Precipitation polymerization, Dimethoate, Cucumber, HPLC

AIM: To understand the common conditions of visual impairment, including strabismus, optic atrophy and others in cerebral palsy children and their relation with the classification of cerebral palsy.METHODS: Totally 265 children with cerebral palsy underwent routine ophthalmologic examination, including the position of eye and eye movement, nystagmus, anterior segment by slit lamp and direct ophthalmoscope examination.RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-five children included 95 females and 170 males; 173 children with spasticity, 28 children with dyskinetic, 43 children with atonia, 18 children with mixed type and 3 children with ataxia. The visual impairments of the enrolled children were strabismus, congenital cataract, optic atrophy and others. There were 127 children(47.9%)with visual dysfunction, including 79 males and 48 females. There were 110 children with strabismus(41.5%),including 46 children(41.8%)with esotropia,54 children(49.1%)with exotropia, 10 children(9.1%)with vertical strabismus; 18 children with nystagmus; 3 children(6 eyes)with congenital cataract; 42 children(76 eyes, 15.8%)with optic atrophy, including 8 cases were monocular, 25 males with 46 eyes and 17 females with 30 eyes.CONCLUSION: Different types of visual impairments often happen in children with cerebral palsy. Because child patients cannot express efficiently, they can't be found and treated in time. Vision dysfunction seriously affects systemic rehabilitation and the quality of life. Therefore early ocular examination and remedy are necessary for cerebral palsy children, which can improve their quality of life and social adaptability.

The stability of underground cavities is of increasing importance considering the predominant cavity locations built up in high mountain and canyon environments. Such cavity locations are characterized by a high initial in situ stress, which results in brittle fracture and deformation of the surrounding rock during cavity construction. This paper presents a numerical study of underground cavern stability considering four factors, namely, mechanical property of surrounding rock, cavern burial depth, lateral pressure coefficient in horizontal direction, and the angle included between plant longitudinal axis and horizontal principal stress. Analytical methods including the key point displacement in side wall, plastic zone volume, and splitting fracture volume are used to characterize the stability of underground cavern. A modified formula to predict side wall displacement is proposed based on prior work, which is applicable to 3D computation model by taking horizontal geostress in two directions into account. Eventually, the optimal layout of underground cavern is put forward under different conditions of geostress field.

Paliurus favonii Unger is recognized and described based on fruits from the Oligocene Ningming flora of Guangxi, South China. Characteristics of the present specimens include circular winged fruits that are 10.0-11.5 mm in diameter with a central endocarp at 3.0 to 4.0 mm in diameter. The specimens fall into the morphological range of the fossil species P. favonii, which has been observed in other Cenozoic sites in the Northern Hemisphere. The present discovery represents the lowest latitude distribution of P. favonii in the world, and we are presenting the first P. favonii fossil described with detailed cuticular characteristics from China. Further, this finding demonstrates that the genus existed in the Oligocene Ningming region, South China, and provides new information for understanding the fossil history. The dispersal mode for winged fossils demonstrates that wind dispersal is well-represented in the Oligocene Ningming flora.

BACKGROUND:Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is a standard treatment for local advanced esophageal cancer, but the outcomes are controversial. Our goals were to compare the therapeutic effects of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy alone in local advanced esophageal cancer using meta-analysis. METHODS:MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were searched for studies comparing chemoradiotherapy with radiotherapy alone for advanced esophageal cancer. Only randomized controlled trials were included, and extracted data were analyzed with Review Manager Version 5.2. The pooled relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for statistical analysis. RESULTS:Nine studies were included. Of 1,135 cases, 612 received concurrent chemoradiotherapy and 523 were treated with radiotherapy alone. The overall response rate (complete remission and partial remission) was 93.4% for concurrent chemoradiotherapy and 83.7% for radiotherapy alone (P = 0.05). The RR values of 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 1.14 (95% CI: 1.04 - 1.24, P = 0.006), 1.66 (95% CI: 1.34 - 2.06, P < 0.001), and 2.43 (95% CI: 1.63 - 3.63, P < 0.001), respectively. The RR value of the merged occurrence rate of acute toxic effects was 2.34 (95% CI: 1.90 - 2.90, P

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated a variety of non-invasive physiological technologies and a series of test approaches for examination of aviator performances under conditions of mental workload in order to provide a standard real-time test for physiological and psychological pilot fatigue assessments. METHODS: Twenty-one male aviators were selected for a simulated flight in a hypobaric cabin with artificial altitude conditions of 2400 meter above sea level. The simulated flight lasted for 1.5 h, and was repeated for two times with an intervening 0.5 h rest period outside the hypobaric cabin. Subjective criteria (a fatigue assessment instrument [FAI]) and objective criteria (a standing-position balance test as well as a critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) test) were used for fatigue evaluations. RESULTS: No significant change was observed in the FAI scores before and after the simulated flight, indicating that there was no subjective fatigue feeling among the participants. However, significant differences were observed in the standing-position balance and CFF tests among the subjects, suggesting that psychophysiological indexes can reflect mental changes caused by workload to a certain extent. The CFF test was the simplest and clearly indicated the occurrence of workload influences on pilot performances after a simulated flight. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that the CFF test was the easiest way to detect workload caused mental changes after a simulated flight in a hypobaric cabin and reflected the psychophysiological state of aviators. We suggest that this test might be used as an effective routine method for evaluating the workload influences on mental conditions of aviators.

Litchi has diverse fruit color phenotypes, yet no research reflects the biochemical background of this diversity. In this study, we evaluated 12 litchi cultivars for chromatic parameters and pigments, and investigated the effects of abscisic acid, forchlorofenron (CPPU), bagging and debagging treatments on fruit coloration in cv. Feizixiao, an unevenly red cultivar. Six genes encoding chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) and UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT) were isolated from the pericarp of the fully red litchi cv. Nuomici, and their expression was analyzed in different cultivars and under the above mentioned treatments. Pericarp anthocyanin concentration varied from none to 734 mg m(-2) among the 12 litchi cultivars, which were divided into three coloration types, i.e. non-red ('Kuixingqingpitian', 'Xingqiumili', 'Yamulong'and 'Yongxing No. 2'), unevenly red ('Feizixiao' and 'Sanyuehong') and fully red ('Meiguili', 'Baila', Baitangying' 'Guiwei', 'Nuomici' and 'Guinuo'). The fully red type cultivars had different levels of anthocyanin but with the same composition. The expression of the six genes, especially LcF3H, LcDFR, LcANS and LcUFGT, in the pericarp of non-red cultivars was much weaker as compared to those red cultivars. Their expression, LcDFR and LcUFGT in particular, was positively correlated with anthocyanin concentrations in the pericarp. These results suggest the late genes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway were coordinately expressed during red coloration of litchi fruits. Low expression of these genes resulted in absence or extremely low anthocyanin accumulation in non-red cultivars. Zero-red pericarp from either immature or CPPU treated fruits appeared to be lacking in anthocyanins due to the absence of UFGT expression. Among these six genes, only the expression of UFGT was found significantly correlated with the pericarp anthocyanin concentration (r = 0.84). These results suggest that UFGT played a predominant role in the anthocyanin accumulation in litchi as well as pericarp coloration of a given cultivar.

AIM: To observe the efficacy of ondansetron by intravenous injection at different time in preventing nausea and vomiting after pediatric strabismus surgery. METHODS: Totally 90 children aged 3-11y were randomly selected for pediatric strabismus surgery from June 2013 to August 2013 in our hospital. The ASA grade of all children were Ⅰ-Ⅱ. Children were randomly divided into three groups with 30 cases each. Group A received intravenous drip of ondansetron 0.1mg/kg before surgery. Group B received intravenous drip of ondansetron 0.1mg/kg after surgery. Group C as control group was not given ondansetron. The number and severity of nausea and vomiting were observed within 24h after surgery. RESULTS: There were no statistical significance in patients' gender, weight, age, duration of anesthesia, ketamine dosage and vital signs intraoperative between the three groups(P>0.05). The incidence rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)of group A and B were significantly lower than group C(PP>0.05). CONCLUSION: Using ondansetron is effective and safe in preventing PONV before and at the end of the pediatric strabismus surgery, which can also improve safety and be lower cost. It is a worthy promoting antiemetic approach for eye surgery.

Purpose: To identify novel genetic causes of febrile seizures (FS) and epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (EFSC). Methods: We performed whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 32 families, in which at least two individuals were affected by FS or EFSC. The probands, their parents, and available family members were recruited to ascertain whether the genetic variants were co-segregation. Genes with repetitively identified variants with segregations were selected for further studies to define the gene-disease association. Results: We identified two heterozygous ATP6V0C mutations (c.64G > A/p.Ala22Thr and c.361_373del/p.Thr121Profs_7) in two unrelated families with six individuals affected by FS or EFSC. The missense mutation was located in the proteolipid c-ring that cooperated with a-subunit forming the hemichannel for proton transferring. It also affected the hydrogen bonds with surround residues and the protein stability, implying a damaging effect. The frameshift mutation resulted in a loss of function by yielding a premature termination of 28 residues at the C-terminus of the protein. The frequencies of ATP6V0C mutations identified in this cohort were significantly higher than that in the control populations. All the six affected individuals suffered from their first FS at the age of 7-8 months. The two probands later manifested afebrile seizures including myoclonic seizures that responded well to lamotrigine. They all displayed favorable outcomes without intellectual or developmental abnormalities, although afebrile seizures or frequent seizures occurred. Conclusion: This study suggests that ATP6V0C is potentially a candidate pathogenic gene of FS and EFSC. Screening for ATP6V0C mutations would help differentiating patients with Dravet syndrome caused by SCN1A mutations, which presented similar clinical manifestation but different responses to antiepileptic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To investigate the effects of fibrillin-1 (FBN1) deletion on the integrity of retina-blood barrier function and the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells under diabetic conditions. METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were used to simulate the diabetic conditions of diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients, and FBN1 expression was detected in retinas from STZ-diabetic mice and controls. In the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, the GSE60436 dataset was selected to analyze FBN1 expressions in fibrovascular membranes from DR patients. Using lentivirus to knock down FBN1 levels, vascular leakage and endothelial barrier integrity were detected by Evans blue vascular permeability assay, fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) and immunofluorescence labeled with tight junction marker in vivo. High glucose-induced monkey retinal vascular endothelial cells (RF/6A) were used to investigate effects of FBN1 on the cells in vitro. The vascular endothelial barrier integrity and apoptosis were detected by trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS: FBN1 mRNA expression was increased in retinas of STZ-induced diabetic mice and fibrovascular membranes of DR patients (GSE60436 datasets) using RNA-seq approach. Besides, knocking down of FBN1 by lentivirus intravitreal injection significantly inhibited the vascular leakage compared to STZ-DR group by Evans blue vascular permeability assay and FFA detection. Expressions of tight junction markers in STZ-DR mouse retinas were lower than those in the control group, and knocking down of FBN1 increased the tight junction levels. In vitro, 30 mmol/L glucose could significantly inhibit viability of RF/6A cells, and FBN1 mRNA expression was increased under 30 mmol/L glucose stimulation. Down-regulation of FBN1 reduced high glucose (HG)-stimulated retinal microvascular endothelial cell permeability, increased TEER, and inhibited RF/6A cell apoptosis in vitro. CONCLUSION: The expression level of FBN1 increases in retinas and vascular endothelial cells under diabetic conditions. Down-regulation of FBN1 protects the retina of early diabetic rats from retina-blood barrier damage, reduce vascular leakage, cell apoptosis, and maintain vascular endothelial cell barrier function.

Viral infections have led to many public health crises and pandemics in the last few centuries. Neurotropic virus infection-induced viral encephalitis (VE), especially the symptomatic inflammation of the meninges and brain parenchyma, has attracted growing attention due to its high mortality and disability rates. Understanding the infectious routes of neurotropic viruses and the mechanism underlying the host immune response is critical to reduce viral spread and improve antiviral therapy outcomes. In this review, we summarize the common categories of neurotropic viruses, viral transmission routes in the body, host immune responses, and experimental animal models used for VE study to gain a deeper understanding of recent progress in the pathogenic and immunological mechanisms under neurotropic viral infection. This review should provide valuable resources and perspectives on how to cope with pandemic infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most prevalent complication of diabetes, and has been demonstrated to be independently associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. This aim of this study was to investigate the subclinical left ventricular (LV) myocardial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with and without DPN. Methods One hundred and thirty T2DM patients without DPN, 61 patients with DPN and 65 age and sex-matched controls who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging were included, all subjects had no symptoms of heart failure and LV ejection fraction ≥ 50%. LV myocardial non-infarct late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was determined. LV global strains, including radial, circumferential and longitudinal peak strain (PS) and peak systolic and diastolic strain rates (PSSR and PDSR, respectively), were evaluated using CMR feature tracking and compared among the three groups. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine the independent factors of reduced LV global myocardial strains in T2DM patients. Results The prevalence of non-infarct LGE was higher in patients with DPN than those without DPN (37.7% vs. 19.2%, p = 0.008). The LV radial and longitudinal PS (radial: 36.60 ± 7.24% vs. 33.57 ± 7.30% vs. 30.72 ± 8.68%; longitudinal: − 15.03 ± 2.52% vs. − 13.39 ± 2.48% vs. − 11.89 ± 3.02%), as well as longitudinal PDSR [0.89 (0.76, 1.05) 1/s vs. 0.80 (0.71, 0.93) 1/s vs. 0.77 (0.63, 0.87) 1/s] were decreased significantly from controls through T2DM patients without DPN to patients with DPN (all p 0.05). Radial and longitudinal PSSR were decreased in patients with DPN (p = 0.006 and 0.003, respectively) but preserved in those without DPN (all p > 0.05). Multivariable linear regression analyses adjusting for confounders demonstrated that DPN was independently associated with LV radial and longitudinal PS (β = − 3.025 and 1.187, p = 0.014 and 0.003, respectively) and PDSR (β = 0.283 and − 0.086, p = 0.016 and 0.001, respectively), as well as radial PSSR (β = − 0.266, p = 0.007). Conclusions There was more severe subclinical LV dysfunction in T2DM patients complicated with DPN than those without DPN, suggesting further prospective study with more active intervention in this cohort of patients.