Hydroponic barley supplementation fed with high protein diets improves the production performance of lactating dairy cows

The study investigated the effects of dietary protein level and the inclusion of hydroponic barley sprouts (HB) on lactation performance, blood biochemistry and N use efficiency in mid-lactation dairy cows. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 crude protein (CP) levels [16.8% and 15.5% of dry matter (DM)], with HB (4.8% of DM, replacing 4.3% of alfalfa hay and 0.5% of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS)) or without HB. Forty-eight multiparous Holstein dairy cows (146 ± 15 d in milk, 40 ± 5 kg/d of milk) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 diets: high protein diet (16.8% CP, HP), HP with HB (HP+HB), low protein diet (15.5% CP, LP), or LP with HB (LP+HB). An interaction between CP × HB on dry matter intake (DMI) was detected, with DMI being unaffected by HB inclusion in cows fed the high CP diets, but was lower in cows fed HB when the low CP diet was fed. A CP × HB interaction was also observed on milk and milk protein yield, which was higher in cows fed HB with HP, but not LP. Inclusion of HB also tended to reduce milk fat content, and feeding HP resulted in a higher milk protein and milk urea N content, but lower milk lactose content. Feed efficiency was increased by feeding HP or HB diets, whereas N efficiency was higher for cows fed LP or HB diets. There was an interaction on the apparent total-tract digestibility of DM and CP, which was higher when HB was fed along with HP, but reduced when fed with LP, whereas the digestibility of ADF was increased by feeding low protein diets. In conclusion, feeding a low protein diet had no adverse effect on cow performance, while feeding HB improved milk and milk component yield, and N efficiency when fed with a high CP diet, but compromised cow performance with a low CP diet.

Transcriptome analysis reveals key genes and pathways for prickle development in Zanthoxylumarmatum

Zanthoxylum armatum is an economically important tree species. However, well-developed prickles on its stems and leaves pose serious challenges in terms of management and harvesting. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying prickle development, we sequenced different stages of prickle morphological development and transcriptomes of different tissues in the root tips (Gen), leaf buds (Ya), and fruits of Z. armatum. The results revealed that proteins related to cell division and genes related to the growth hormone signaling pathway were highly expressed in the prickle just protrusion (PC1). In addition, a high expression of lignin biosynthesis genes was observed during the developmental onset of lignification (PC2) and prickle lignification (PC3). These findings indicate that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction are key pathways for the completion of lignification development in the prickle. During prickle development, ZaMYB2 and ZaWRKY3 were significantly upregulated in PC2 and PC3, suggesting their possible involvement in prickle development. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses revealed differential gene expression of zaPAL3, za4CLL1, zaCOMT1, ZaWRKY3, and ZaCCD31 in the Gen, Ya, newly formed fruit (ZaF1), newly oil-spotted fruits (ZaF2), PC1, PC2, and PC3 of Zarmatum. zaCCD31 was highly expressed in leaf buds, whereas Za4CLL1 was highly expressed in root tips. During the lignification of prickles, the relative expression of genes including zaMYB2 increased gradually; however, the relative expression of zaCCD31 decreased during this process. Therefore, we inferred that these genes might be closely related to prickle development. Notably, zaMYB2 was expressed at higher levels in PC2 and PC3 than in PC1 and was not expressed in Gen, Ya, ZaF1, and ZaF2. Therefore, zaMYB2 is a key gene involved in prickle development of Z. armatum that exhibited tissue-specific expression. This study establishes a foundation for future analyses of the molecular mechanism underlying prickle development in Z. armatum.

Temperature and pH dual response flexible silica aerogel with switchable wettability for selective oil/water separation

Silica aerogels are attractive oil-absorbing agents due to their low density, high porosity. However, how to discharge the oil which adsorbed by silica aerogels is a difficult issue. To address this challenge, new separation strategies with high efficiency are needed. In this study, we prepared the temperature and pH dual response flexible silica aerogel have temperature response and pH response effect, which can change its wettability by adjusting temperature or pH. On the one hand, the temperature and pH responsive flexible silica aerogel can be used to adsorb water at the temperature below 34.73 °C or pH > 7. On the other hand, it can adsorb oil at a temperature above 34.73 °C or pH < 7. The automatic desorption of oil can be achieved without consuming additional energy and damaging the pore structure. Therefore, the sample could continuously adsorb and filtrate efficiently and realize the recovery of oil and adsorption materials.

[The cases of tracing the source of patients infected with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 based on wastewater-based epidemiology in Shenzhen]

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an emerging discipline, which has been applied to drug abuse tracking and infectious disease pathogen surveillance. During the COVID-19 epidemic, WBE has been applied to monitor the epidemic trend and SARS-CoV-2 variants etc. In order to detect hidden COVID-19 cases and prevent transmission in the community, wastewater surveillance system for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 RNA was developed in Shenzhen. The sewage sampling sites were set up in key places such as the port areas, urban villages and residential communities of Futian, Nanshan, Luohu and Yantian districts. From July 26 to November 30, 2022, a total of 369 sewage sampling sites were set up, covering 1.93 million people. Continuous sampling was carried out for 3 hours in the peak period of water use every day. Sewage virus enrichment and SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection were carried out by polyethylene glycol precipitation method and RT-qPCR, and a positive water sample disposal process was molded. This article aims to introduce the case of source tracing of COVID-19 infected patients based on urban sewage in Shenzhen. The sewage monitoring of Honghu water treatment plant in Luohu District played an early warning role, and the source of infection was traced. In the disposal of positive water samples in Futian South Road, Futian District, the important experience of monitoring point layout was obtained. In the sewage monitoring of Nanshan village, Nanshan District, the existence of occult infection was revealed. Sharing the experience of tracing the source of COVID-19 patients to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in the community based on wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Shenzhen, and summarizing the advantages and application prospects of sewage surveillance can provide new ideas for monitoring emerging or re-emerging pathogens that are known to exhibit gastrointestinal excretion in the future.

[Molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in hilly regions]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a snail control approach for spraying chemicals with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in complex snail habitats in hilly regions, and to evaluate its molluscicidal effect.

METHODS

The protocol for evaluating the activity of spraying chemical molluscicides with drones against O. hupensis snails was formulated based on expert consultation and literature review. In August 2022, a pretest was conducted in a hillside field environment (12 000 m2) north of Dafengji Village, Dacang Township, Weishan County, Yunnan Province, which was assigned into four groups, of no less than 3 000 m2 in each group. In Group A, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group B, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, while in Group C, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group D, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2. Then, each group was equally divided into six sections according to land area, with Section 1 for baseline surveys and sections 2 to 6 for snail surveys after chemical treatment. Snail surveys were conducted prior to chemical treatment and 1, 3, 5, 7 days post-treatment, and the mortality and corrected mortality of snails, density of living snails and costs of molluscicidal treatment were calculated in each group.

RESULTS

The mortality and corrected mortality of snails were 69.49%, 69.09%, 53.57% and 83.48%, and 68.58%, 68.17%, 52.19% and 82.99% in groups A, B, C and D 14 days post-treatment, and the density of living snails reduced by 58.40%, 63.94%, 68.91% and 83.25% 14 days post-treatment relative to pre-treatment in four groups, respectively. The median concentrations of chemical molluscicides were 37.08, 35.42, 42.50 g/m2 and 56.25 g/m2 in groups A, B, C and D, and the gross costs of chemical treatment were 0.93, 1.50, 0.46 Yuan per m2 and 1.03 Yuan per m2 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against O. hupensis snails is superior to manual chemical treatment without environmental cleaning, and chemical treatment with drones and manual chemical treatment show comparable molluscicidal effects following environmental cleaning in hilly regions. The cost of chemical treatment with drones is slightly higher than manual chemical treatment regardless of environmental cleaning. Spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones is recommended in complex settings with difficulty in environmental cleaning to improve the molluscicidal activity and efficiency against O. hupensis snails.

Prognostic Value of Lymph Node-to-Primary Tumor Ratio of PET Standardized Uptake Value for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Recursive Partitioning Risk Stratification Analysis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate the prognostic value of the lymph node-to-primary tumor ratio (NTR) of positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake value (SUV) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with induction chemotherapy (IC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Four hundred and sixty-seven locoregionally advanced NPC patients with pretreatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) scans between September 2017 and November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent IC plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of SUV NTR. Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate survival rates. The recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was performed to construct a risk stratification model.

RESULTS

The optimal cut-off value of SUV NTR was 0.74. Multivariate analyses showed that SUV NTR and overall stage were independent predictors for distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and regional recurrent-free survival (RRFS). Therefore, an RPA model based on the endpoint of DMFS was generated and categorized the patients into three distinct risk groups: RPA I (low-risk: SUV NTR<7.4 and stage III), RPA II (medium-risk: SUV NTR<7.4 and stage IVa, or SUV NTR≥7.4 and stage III), and RPA III (high-risk: SUV NTR≥7.4 and stage IVa), with a 3-year DMFS of 98.9%, 93.4%, and 84.2%, respectively. ROC analysis showed that the RPA model had superior predictive efficacy than the SUV NTR or overall stage alone.

CONCLUSION

SUV NTR was an independent prognosticator for distant metastasis and regional recurrence in locoregionally advanced NPC. The RPA risk stratification model base on SUV NTR provides improved DMFS and RRFS prediction over the 8th edition of the TNM staging system.

Radiotherapy Alone vs. Concurrent or Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients with Negative Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Post-Induction Chemotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Induction chemotherapy (IC) plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy has been recommended as the standard treatment for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC). However, concurrent chemotherapy was associated with increased toxicities, poor tolerance, and low completion rates. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of IC+ radiotherapy (RT) and IC+ concurrent or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (IC+CCRT/AC) in patients with negative post-IC EBV DNA.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 547 NPC patients with negative plasma EBV DNA post-IC were included. Patients were classified into the IC+RT group and the IC+ concurrent or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (IC+CCRT/AC) group. Locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated and compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the variables.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 37 months. The 3-year LRFS, DMFS, OS, and PFS rates for the whole group were 92.2%, 92.4%, 96.4%, and 84.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in LRFS, DMFS, OS, and PFS between the IC+RT and the IC+CCRT/AC group both before PSM (3-year rates of 91.1% vs. 92.6%, p = 0.94; 95.6% vs. 91.5%, p = 0.08; 95.2% vs. 96.8%, p = 0.80; 85.9% vs. 84.0%, p = 0.38) and after PSM (90.7% vs. 92.7%, p = 0.77; 96.8% vs. 93.7%, p = 0.29; 94.5% vs. 93.9%, p = 0.57; 84.7% vs. 85.6%, p = 0.96). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that treatment schedule was not an independent predictor for survival rates. Patients in the IC+RT group had fewer treatment-related acute toxicities and better tolerance.

CONCLUSION

IC+RT displayed similar survival outcomes as IC+CCRT/AC for NPC patients with negative post-IC EBV DNA. Our current data seems not to support the routine use of concurrent or adjuvant chemotherapy after IC for unselected patients.

Preparation of Super-Flexible Silica Aerogel and Its Application in Oil-Water Separation

Using silica as the precursor, and methyltrimethoxysilane and dimethyldimethoxysilane as the silicon sources, a super-flexible hydrophobic lipophilic gel solid was prepared via hydrolysis, drying, solvent replacement, and atmospheric-pressure drying. The characterization test showed that the sample had good flexibility, hydrophobicity, an amorphous structure, and a hydrophobic contact angle of 137°. Through the adsorption separation experiment, it was concluded that the adsorption separation rate of aerogel to oil substances is related to the viscosity of the oil substances. The hydrophobic and oleophilic properties of flexible silicon aerogel materials can be applied to many aspects, such as crude oil leakage and kitchen waste oil recovery, with broad future development prospects and great research significance.

Ultrafast One-Step Deposition Route to Fabricate Single-Crystal CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Cl/Br, Br, and Br/I) Photodetectors

Inorganic perovskites have received much attention due to their stability and high performance in luminescence, photoelectric conversion, and photodetection. However, perovskite optoelectronic devices prepared by the solution technique are still suffering from time-consuming and complex operations. In this paper, a single-crystal perovskite-based photodetector (PD) is prepared by very fast one-step deposition of synthesizing microplatelets (MPs) on the electrode directly. The saturated precursor is carefully optimized by adding appropriate antisolvent chlorobenzene (CB) to fabricate the MPs with their PL wavelength ranging from 418 to 600 nm. Furthermore, the PDs with a low dark current on order of nanoangstroms, high responsivity and detectivity of up to 10.7 A W^-1 and 10¹² Jones, respectively, and an ultrafast response rate featured by 278/287 μs (rise/decay time) are achieved. These all-inorganic perovskite PDs with a simple fabricating process and tunable detection wavelength meet the evolution tendency of PDs toward low cost and high performance, which is a high-profile strategy to realize high-performance perovskite PDs.

Opto-electrical and polarization performance of a mesa-structured InGaAs PIN detector integrated with subwavelength aluminum gratings

Polarization detection in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) region presents broad applications in target-background contrast enhancement, underwater imaging, material classification, etc. A mesa structure can prevent electrical cross talk due to its intrinsic advantages, making it potentially suited to meet the need for manufacturing smaller-sized devices to save cost and shrink volume. In this Letter, mesa-structured InGaAs PIN detectors with a spectral response ranging from 900 nm to 1700 nm and a detectivity of 6.28 × 10¹¹cm·Hz^1/2/W at 1550 nm and -0.1 V bias (room temperature) have been demonstrated. Furthermore, the devices with subwavelength gratings in four orientations show obvious polarization performance. Their extinction ratios (ERs) can reach 18:1 at 1550 nm and their transmittances are over 90%. Such a polarized device with a mesa structure could realize miniaturized SWIR polarization detection.

Inspired by Skeletal Muscles: Study of the Physical and Electrochemical Properties of Derived Lignocellulose-Based Carbon Fibers

Skeletal muscles exhibit excellent properties due to their well-developed microstructures. Taking inspiration from nature that thick filaments and thin filaments are linked by "cross-bridges", leading to good stability and ion transport performance of muscles. In this work, extracted poplar lignin and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were connected by biomimetic covalent bonds, akin to biological muscle tissue, in which isophorone diisocyanate was used as the chemical crosslinking agent. Then, poplar lignin-MCC was mixed with polyacrylonitrile to serve as the precursor for electrospinning. The results show that due to the effective covalent-bond connection, the precursor fibers possess excellent morphology, smooth surface, good thermal stability, and high flexibility and toughness (average elongation-at-break is 51.84%). Therefore, after thermal stabilization and carbonization, derived lignocellulose-based carbon fibers (CFs) with a reduced cost, complete fiber morphology with a uniform diameter (0.48 ± 0.22 μm), and high graphitization degree were obtained. Finally, the electrodes fabrication and electrochemical testing were carried out. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicate that the Rs and Rct values of CFs supercapacitors are 1.18 Ω and 0.14 Ω, respectively. Results of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) suggest that these CFs demonstrate great application potential in electrochemical materials.

[Study of the effect of liraglutide on the correlation between NLRP3 inflammasome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To observe the effect of liraglutide on the correlation between nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) infl ammasome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Thirty-nine NAFLD cases (group N) and thirty-nine healthy subjects (group C) were selected from the physical examination center, and their general data were collected to determine the serum levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18. The differences and correlations were analyzed between the two sets of indicators. Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal (NC, n=10) and high-fat diet group (HF, n=20). The normal group were fed with normal diet and high-fat diet group were fed with high-fat diet. After 12 weeks of feeding, HF group was randomly divided into HF group (n=10) and liraglutide group (100L, n=10), and were given 0.5 ml/kg sterile isotonic saline and 100 g/kg liraglutide subcutaneously twice a day, respectively. Four weeks later, serum biochemical indicators, liver NLRP3 infl ammasome protein expression, and infl ammatory cytokine conditions were detected in each group. Statistical analysis was performed using t test, oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA) or χ² test. Results: There were no statistically signifi cant differences between N and C group in terms of age, gender, diastolic blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, mean platelet volume, erythrocyte distribution width, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Ch), total cholesterol, and total bileacid. Compared with group C, group N had elevated systolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, blood creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), NLRP3, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, TG, blood uric acid, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and white blood cell counts, while HDL-Ch and total bilirubin were depleted than group C, and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). NLRP3 was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, BMI, fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, IL-1β, IL-18, triglycerides, serum uric acid, GGT, ALT, AST, but negatively correlated with total bilirubin and HDL-Ch, and the difference was statistically signifi cant. Compared with NC group, HF group had significantly increased body mass, liver mass, serum biochemical indicators (triglycerides, AST, ALT), liver NLRP3 inflammasome protein expression, and inflammatory cytokines. After treatment with liraglutide, 100L group indicators were signifi cantly decreased when compared to HF group. Conclusion: Compared with healthy subjects, the infl ammation-related indicators, body mass, blood lipids and liver function-related indicators are signifi cantly changed in patients with NAFLD, which is also consistent with the results of rat model study. Liraglutide treatment had improved NAFLD to certain extent in NAFLD rats, so NLRP3 regulation may be one of the mechanisms to improve liver inflammation and steatosis.

The relationship between the accuracy of curling athletes' duration judgment and delivery performance

Objective

Time perception is a critical point for curling athletes to have in order to successfully complete interactions between themselves and their environment. Exploring the relationship between the accuracy of duration judgment and curling athletes' performance is helpful to reveal the influencing factors on their performance and to provide a reference for the training of athletes' delivery performance.

Methods

Thirty curling athletes and 30 non-athletes were recruited as participants. Using 3D modeling technology, curling videos of different situations were presented to the participants as stimulus information, and the participants were required to complete the duration judgment task. The neural activation of the participants during the entire process of duration judgment was recorded using electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment. The performance of the 30 curlers participating in the experiment was measured. Variance analyses were conducted on the collected behavioral and EEG data, and correlation and regression analyseswere conducted between behavioral data and delivery performance.

Results

The accuracy of the distance judgment of curlers was higher than that of non-curlers (P < 0.05). In the stimulus video presentation stage, the power in the alpha band of curlers was higher than that of non-athletes (P < 0.05). In the task decision stage, the power in the alpha band of curlers was higher than that of non-athletes (P < 0.05), and the power in the theta band was higher than that of non-athletes (P < 0.05). There was a correlation between the accuracy of the curlers' perception of specific situational time intervals and the accuracy of delivery (P < 0.05). Regression analysis results were y = 3.422 + 1.415x.

Conclusion

The accuracy of curling athletes' duration judgment is high in a specific situation. There is a correlation between the accuracy of duration judgment and delivery performance in a specific situation: the higher the accuracy of specific duration perception, the higher the performance accuracy of delivery. The cognitive strategies adopted by curlers differ from those adopted by non-athletes in the completion of duration judgment. Specifically, in a specific situation, fewer attention resources are utilized in the stimulus presentation and decision-making stages, while more memory resources are utilized in the decision-making stage to ensure higher accuracy of interval judgment. This study provides a new idea for exploring the causes of curling athletes' excellent technical performance and provides a reference for future curling research on competition training practice. Given the limitations of mobile EEG devices in this study, future studies can measure neural activity during actual delivery preparation and execution in an environment of high ecological validity to obtain more direct evidence.

High performance visible-SWIR flexible photodetector based on large-area InGaAs/InP PIN structure

Mechanically flexible optoelectronic devices and systems can enable a much broader range of applications than what their rigid counterparts can do, especially for novel bio-integrated optoelectronic systems, flexible consumer electronics and wearable sensors. Inorganic semiconductor could be a good candidate for the flexible PD when it can keep its high performance under the bending condition. Here, we demonstrate a III–V material-based flexible photodetector operating wavelength from 640 to 1700 nm with the high detectivity of 5.18 × 10¹¹ cm‧Hz^1/2/W and fast response speed @1550 nm by using a simply top-to-down fabrication process. The optoelectrical performances are stable as the PDs are exposed to bending cycles with a radius of 15 mm up to 1000 times. Furthermore, the mechanical failure mode of the PD is also investigated, which suggests that the cracking and delamination failure mode are dominant in bending up and bending down direction, respectively. Such a flexible III–V material-based PD and design with stable and high performance could be a promising strategy for the application of the flexible broad spectrum detection.

Kinetic Study on High-Temperature H2S Removal over Mn-Based Regenerable Sorbent Using Deactivation Model

The kinetics of high-temperature H₂S removal over Mn/Al sorbents prepared by co-precipitation method was investigated in a fixed-bed reactor using a deactivation model. The initial sorption rate constant (k ₀), deactivation rate constant (k _d), apparent activation energy (E _a), and deactivation energy (E _d) were obtained. The k ₀ and k _d values of Mn/Al sorbents are much higher than those of pure Mn₂O₃. This indicates that Mn/Al sorbents have higher reactivity on the removal of H₂S and less diffusion resistance caused by the formation of the sulfided product. The E _a and E _d values for the sorbent with the Mn content (wt %) of 35.4% are 38.18 and 31.05 kJ/mol, respectively. The deactivation model gives excellent predictions for the H₂S breakthrough curves in the sulfidation-regeneration process.

Efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12® on infant colic - a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study

To evaluate the administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12^® (BB-12) on infant colic in breastfed infants, a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study was conducted in Chengdu, China from April 2016 to October 2017 with 192 full-term infants less than 3 months of age and meeting the ROME III criteria for infant colic. After a 1-week run-in the infants were randomly assigned to receive daily BB-12 (1×10⁹ cfu/day) or placebo for 3 weeks. Crying/fussing time were recorded using a 24 h structured diary. The primary endpoint was the proportion of infants achieving a reduction in crying and fussing time of ≥50% from baseline. Parent's/caregiver's health related quality of life was measured using a modified PedsQL^™ 2.0 Family Impact Module and immunological biomarkers were evaluated from faecal samples at baseline and after the 21-day intervention. The percentage of infants achieving a reduction in the daily crying/fussing time ≥50% after the 21-day intervention was significantly higher in the infants supplemented with BB-12 (P<0.001). The mean number of crying episodes was significantly reduced in the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group (10.0±3.0 to 5.0±1.87 vs 10.5±2.6 to 7.5±2.8, respectively) (P<0.001) and the mean daily sleep duration was markedly increased from baseline to end of intervention in the BB-12 group compared to the infants in the placebo group (60.7±104.0 vs 31.9±102.7 min/day, respectively) (P<0.001). The faecal levels of human beta defensin 2, cathelicidin, slgA, calprotectin and butyrate were statistically higher in the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group after the 21-day intervention. At the end of the intervention the parent's/caregiver's physical, emotional and social functioning scores were significantly higher for the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group (all P<0.05). Supplementation of BB-12 is effective in reducing crying and fussing in infants diagnosed with infant colic.

Improved Heat Exchanger Network Synthesis without Stream Splits Based on Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimizer

In this paper, an improved heat exchanger network (HEN) synthesis method based on the comprehensive learning particle swarm optimizer algorithm (CLPSO) is proposed to synthesize HENs without stream splits. Compared with the standard particle swarm algorithm, CLPSO employs a novel learning strategy that preserves the diversity of the swarm to discourage premature convergence. However, while the algorithm's global exploration capability is enhanced, the local search capability decreases and the convergence speed becomes slow. In addition, the solution quality of CLPSO is largely determined by the randomly generated particles' best previous position (pbest) during initialization. Hence, the solution may be unstable due to different pbest. For the abovementioned considerations, this paper proposes a new HEN initialization and renovation method to improve the quality of pbest, reduce the initial cost, and retain the obtained optimization results as much as possible in the optimization process to speed up the convergence of the algorithm. Four typical cases are simulated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. This method only needs a single-level optimization algorithm to obtain high-quality solutions, which will give it a bright prospect in research and application.

Enhanced light extraction from AlGaInP-based red light-emitting diodes with photonic crystals

The photonic crystal (PC) has been demonstrated to be very effective in improving the extraction efficiency of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In this paper, high-brightness AlGaInP-based vertical LEDs (VLEDs) with surface PC (SPCLED) and embedded PC (EPCLED) were successfully fabricated. Compared with normal LED (NLED), photoluminescence intensities of SPCLED and EPCLED have been improved up to 30% and 60%, respectively. And the reflection patterns of SPCLED and EPCLED were periodic bright points array, showing the ability to control light in PC. Electroluminescent measurements show that three kinds of LEDs have similar threshold voltages. Simultaneously, the light output power (LOP) of SPCLED and EPCLED has been improved up to 24% and 11% at 200 mA, respectively, in comparison to NLEDs. But the LOP decays earlier for EPCLED due to the excessive heat production. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the SPCLED and EPCLED luminous uniformity is better. This kind of high brightness PCLED is promising in improving the properties of all kinds of LEDs, especially mini LEDs and micro LEDs.

Effect of Montelukast Sodium and Graphene Oxide Nanomaterials on Mouse Asthma Model

Because some asthma patients have different types of inflammatory cells in their bodies, they cannot get relief with traditional drugs. However, the nano drug delivery system can realize efficient drug delivery, inflammatory cells and intracellular targeting, and the apoptosis of inflammatory cells. This article aims to comprehensively evaluate the effects of montelukast sodium combined with graphene oxide nanomaterials on improving the clinical symptoms and airway inflammation of children with bronchial asthma, with a view to further improving the clinical treatment of children with bronchial asthma. The results show that montelukast sodium can improve lung function in patients with asthma, and also has important effects such as anti-inflammatory and regulating immune function. After exposure to graphene oxide, the level of oxidative stress in mice increased with brightness and humidity, demonstrating the role of T oxidative stress in the development of asthma. In addition, nanocarriers assist co-loaded drugs to deepen and enrich the pulmonary inflammation site, further achieving effective mitochondrial targeted drug delivery, thereby enhancing the inhibitory effect of anti-apoptotic proteins, leading to inflammatory cell apoptosis.

STAT3-induced upregulation of lncRNA DUXAP8 functions as ceRNA for miR-577 to promote the migration and invasion in colorectal cancer through the regulation of RAB14

OBJECTIVE

Previous reports have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a series of biological processes and cancer in humans. Recently, lncRNA double homeobox A pseudogene 8 (DUXAP8) was frequently reported to be aberrantly expressed in multiple cancers and play a functional role. However, the exact expression, function, and mechanism of DUXAP8 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain uncovered.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression levels of DUXAP8 were detected by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The clinical influence of DUXAP8 in HCC patients was statistically analyzed. Luciferase reporter and ChIP assays were carried out for the exploration of whether STAT3 was able to bind to the promoter of DUXAP8. Lost-of-function experiments were carried out for the determination of possible cellular function in CRC cells. The modulating associations between DUXAP8 and miR-577 and RAB14 were further studied in CRC cells.

RESULTS

In this study, we first provided evidence that DUXAP8 was overexpressed in CRC and increasing expression of DUXAP8 indicates advanced clinical progression and poor survival of CRC patients. Then, transcription factor STAT3 was demonstrated to upregulate DUXAP8 in CRC cells. Functional assays via in vitro assays revealed that DUXAP8 knockdown through shRNA in HCT116 and LOVO cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between DUXAP8 and miR-577 was found. In addition, we confirmed that DUXAP8 served as competing endogenous RNA to modulate miR-577, which can modulate RAB14, a well-studied oncogene.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that the STAT3-induced up-regulation of DUXAP8 might provide a new perspective for CRC therapy.

Investigating the Effect of Flux on Ash Fusibility of High-Calcium Coal

The primary aim of this study is to understand the effect of metal oxide flux on the fusibility of high-calcium coal ash. Based on the decomposition rate, the evolution of mineral matters in high-calcium coal has been investigated. The ash fusion temperatures of samples are measured by adding different flux Al₂O₃, Na₂O, K₂O, MgO, and TiO₂. The results show that Na₂O is the most effective in lowering ash fusion temperatures and its flow temperature could be 110 °C lower than that of the original ash. FactSage is used to calculate the proportion of solid phase and the mineral compositions as a function of the ash compositions and temperature. With the increase of Na₂O, mineral matters with a low melting point form in the mixture. Furthermore, the decomposition rate of mineral matters increases in the first stage. The phase diagrams and relative mineral variation illustrate that the mineral and the decomposition rate variations are the main reasons for the change of ash fusion temperatures.

[Role of immunotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer]

Concomitant radiochemotherapy has been the standard of care for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), irrespective of histological sub-type or molecular characteristics. Currently, only 15-30 % of patients are alive five years after radiochemotherapy, and this figure remains largely unchanged despite multiple phase III randomised trials. In recent years, immune-checkpoint blockades with anti-PD-(L)1 have revolutionised the care of metastatic NSCLC, becoming the standard front- and second-line strategy. Several preclinical studies reported an increased tumour antigen release, improved antigen presentation, and T-cell infiltration in irradiated tumours. Immunotherapy has therefore recently been evaluated for patients with locally advanced stage III NSCLC. Following the PACIFIC trial, the anti-PD-L1 durvalumab antibody has emerged as a new standard consolidative treatment for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC whose disease has not progressed following concomitant platinum-based chemoradiotherapy. Immunoradiotherapy therefore appears to be a promising association in patients with localised NSCLC. Many trials are currently evaluating the value of concomitant immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy and/or consolidative chemotherapy with immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced unresectable NSCLC.

[Curative effect observation of application of the snare in epiglottic cystectomy by arc-shaped laryngoscopy]

Objective:To evaluate the effect of the epiglottic cystectomy by arc-shaped video laryngoscopy combined with snare. Method:The clinical data of 42 patients with epiglottic cysts were retrospectively analyzed. Forty-two patients with epiglottis cyst were treated by arc-shaped video laryngoscopy combined with snare. Result:All 42 cases were completely resected at one time without obvious complications and the cure rate was 100%. Moreover, the short operation time（5-20 min） and the minor hemorrhage（1-10 ml） were observe. There was no recurrence after 6 to 33 months follow-up. Conclusion:The epiglottic cystectomy by arc-shaped video laryngoscopy combined with snare has the advantages of broad vision, easy operation, minimal invasion, rapid recovery and good curative effect, it is worthy to be popularized in clinical application.

[Late-onset upper airway obstruction caused by alkali inhalation injury: a case report]

SummaryAlkalis can produce severe tissue injury through liquefaction. Since the liquefaction loosens tissue planes and allows deeper penetration of the agent, alkali burns tend to be more severe than acid burns. Alkaline substances ingestion and inhalation frequently causes damage to the upper respiratory and digestive tract. Initial presentation of airway alkali burn includes oropharyngeal pain, dysphagia, hoarseness and stridor. Patients with a clear history of caustic ingestion or inhalation could always receive proper management. In this paper, a middle aged female presented with acute upper airway obstruction was introduced. The cause of the airway compromise was finally determined to be alkali inhalation 3 weeks ago. By reviewing this special case, the clinical features and management of airway alkali burn was summarized.

Systematic analyses for candidate genes of milk production traits in water buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis)

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is of great economic importance as a provider of milk and meat in many countries. However, the milk yield of buffalo is much lower than that of Holstein cows. Selection of candidate genes related to milk production traits can be applied to improve buffalo milk performance. A systematic review of studies of these candidate genes will be greatly beneficial for researchers to timely and efficiently understand the research development of molecular markers for buffalo milk production traits. Here, we identified and classified the candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits. A total of 517 candidate genes have been identified as being associated with milk performance in different buffalo breeds. Nineteen candidate genes containing 47 mutation sites have been identified using the candidate gene approach. In addition, 499 candidate genes have been identified in six genome-wide association studies (GWASes) including two studies performed with the bovine SNP chip and four studies with the buffalo SNP chip. Genes CTNND2 (catenin delta 2), APOB (apolipoprotein B), FHIT (fragile histidine triad) and ESRRG (estrogen related receptor gamma) were identified in at least two GWASes. These four genes, especially APOB, deserve further study to explore regulatory roles in buffalo milk production. With growth in the number of buffalo genomic studies, more candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits will be identified. Therefore, future studies, such as those investigating gene location and functional analyses, are necessary to facilitate the exploitation of genetic potential and the improvement of buffalo milk performance.

Efficacy of triamcinolone-soaked polyglycolic acid sheet plus fully covered metal stent for preventing stricture formation after large esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection

Esophageal stricture is a major problem for patients with large superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (SESCNs) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Although many measures could be used as prophylaxis for post-ESD strictures, a well-accepted method has not yet been established. We propose using a triamcinolone-soaked polyglycolic acid sheet plus fully covered metal stent (TS-PGA+FCMS) as a novel method to prevent stricture formation after large esophageal ESD. From June 2016 to May 2017, nine patients with SESCNs (≥3/4 of the esophageal circumference) who underwent TS-PGA+FCMS placement immediately after ESD and did not require additional surgical resection were enrolled in this case series. All stents were removed 4-6 weeks post-ESD. The sizes of mucosal defects in 9 patients were 3/4 (n = 1), 4/5 (n = 2), 1/1 (n = 6). The average size of resection was 90.0 mm (range: 60-140 mm). The incidence of stricture was 33.3% (3/9) of patients. No stricture occurred in 3 patients with noncircumferential resection, while stricture occurred in 50% (3/6) patients with circumferential resection. The median number of EBD sessions was 4 (range: 3-4 sessions). No adverse events or recurrences were observed during the median follow-up period of 15.2 months (range: 12-22 months). The TS-PGA+FCMS method is safe and may decrease the incidence of esophageal stricture and the number of EBD sessions after large esophageal ESD.

Improvement in the crystal quality of non-polar a-plane GaN directly grown on an SiO2 stripe-patterned r-plane sapphire substrate

In this work, high-quality a-plane GaN was obtained by direct growth on a stripe-patterned sapphire substrate.

Aptazyme-mediated direct modulation of post-transcriptional sgRNA level for conditional genome editing and gene expression

RNA-guided endonuclease Cas9 derived from microbial CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems is a powerful tool for genome editing, which has been widely used in eukaryotic systems, prokaryotic systems, and plants. However, the off-target effects caused by Cas9/sgRNA remain a major concern. Currently, the efforts to reduce the off-target effects mainly focus on improving the targeting specificity of sgRNA/Cas9, regulating the activity of the Cas9 protein or the sgRNA, and controlling the time window of their expression. In this study, a novel system was established to regulate the post-transcriptional sgRNA level by small molecule-controlled aptazyme. This system was shown to reduce the off-target effects caused by Cas9/sgRNA, while enabling precise temporal control over gene editing and regulatory activity. This new system could provide a potentially safer and more powerful tool for genome editing and therapeutic application.

[Clinicopathologic analysis of extranodal non-hodgkin lymphoma of the sinonasal cavities: a 15-case report]

Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestation, imaging and histological features of different histological subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.Method:Fifteen NHL patients of the sinonasal region were collected from the Department of Otolaryngology of Peking University Third Hospital from 2010 to 2016. HE staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed. The clinical characteristics and imaging features of different subtypes were described and analyzed.Result::We analyzed a total of 6 patients with localized sinonasal diffuse large B cell lymphoma and 9 patients with localized sinonasal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma. The age distribution for these two subtypes is very distinct. The median age of the patients with localized sinonasal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma was 39 years. There were 5 males and 4 females. Nine sinonasal NHLs were NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, all of which were infected with EBV. The median age of the patients with localized sinonasal diffuse large B cell lymphoma was 64 years. There were 3males and 3 females. Symptoms for patients with SN-DLBCL and SN-ENKTL were significantly different in epiphora, proptosis, diplopia and nasal congestion (P=0.18, 0.004, 0.18, 0.18). Imaging features for patients with SN-DLBCL and SN-ENKTL were significantly different in tumor extended to orbit and inferior turbinate (P>0.05). Positive staining for CD 56 was detected in 9 patients, for CD 3 in 9 patients, for EBER in 9 patients. The Hans algorithm identified 1 patient with the germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype and 5 with the non-GCB subtype.Compared with the control group, the observation group was significantly better than the control group (P < 0.01).Conclusion:Early symptoms of epiphora, proptosis, diplopia, and images finding with orbital invasion should be highly suspected of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Positive staining for CD 56 and EBER were detected in all patients with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, and positive staining for CD20 was detected in all patients with SN-DLBCL.

Hierarchically porous carbon/red phosphorus composite for high-capacity sodium-ion battery anode

Red phosphorus has received remarkable attention as a promising anode material for sodium ion batteries (NIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity. However, its practical application has been impeded by its intrinsic low electronic conductivity and large volume variations during sodiation/desodiation process. Here, we design a composite to confine nanosized red phosphorus into the hierarchically porous carbon (HPC) walls by a vaporization-condensation strategy. The mass loading of P in the HPC/P composite is optimized to deliver a reversible specific capacity of 2,202 mAh/g_p based on the mass of red P (836 mAh/g_composite based on the total composite mass), a high capacity retention over 77% after 100 cycles, and excellent rate performance of 929 mAh/g_p at 2 C. The hierarchical porous carbon serves as the conductive networks, downsize the red phosphorus to nanoscale, and provide free space to accommodate the large volume expansions. The suppressed mechanical failure of the red phosphorus also enhances the stability of solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) layer, which is confirmed by the microscopy and impedance spectroscopy after the cycling tests. Our studies provide a feasible approach for potentially viable high-capacity NIB anode.

Self-powered electrochromic devices with tunable infrared intensity

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an efficient way to convert ambient mechanical energy into electricity to power up portable electronics. In this work, a flexible infrared electrochromical device (IR-ECD) with stable performances was assembled with a TENG for building self-powered infrared detector with tunable intensity. As driven by TENG, the electrochromic device could be operated in the mid-IR region due to the reversible electrochromic reactions. An average infrared reflectance contrast of 46% was achieved in 8-14 μm regions and as well a clear thermal image change can be observed. This work indicates that the TENG-driven infrared electrochromical device has potential for use in self-powered camouflage and thermal control.

Self-Healable, Stretchable, Transparent Triboelectric Nanogenerators as Soft Power Sources

Despite the rapid advancements of soft electronics, developing compatible energy devices will be the next challenge for their viable applications. Here, we report an energy-harnessing triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) as a soft electrical power source, which is simultaneously self-healable, stretchable, and transparent. The nanogenerator features a thin-film configuration with buckled Ag nanowires/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) composite electrode sandwiched in room-temperature self-healable poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomers. Dynamic imine bonds are introduced in PDMS networks for repairing mechanical damages (94% efficiency), while the mechanical recovery of the elastomer is imparted to the buckled electrode for electrical healing. By adjusting the buckling wavelength of the electrode, the stretchability and transparency of the soft TENG can be tuned. A TENG (∼50% stretchabitliy, ∼73% transmittance) can recover the electricity genearation (100% healing efficiency) even after accidental cutting. Finally, the conversion of biomechanical energies into electricity (∼100 V, 327 mW/m²) is demonstrated by a skin-like soft TENG. Considering all these merits, this work suggests a potentially promising approach for next-generation soft power sources.

[Application of endoscope assisted curved laryngoscope in laryngeal microsurgery of patients with difficulty laryngeal exposure]

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical value of endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy in laryngeal microsurgery of patients with difficulty laryngeal exposure. Method:The data of 28 patients with difficulty laryngeal exposure underwent microlaryngosurgery with endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique were collected. Result:Surgeries with endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique were completed successfully one-time in all patients. The fully exposure of glottis was 100%. All cases were followed up for 2 to 18 months. No residual disease or recurrence occurred and no obvious complication occurred. Conclusion:Endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique is a useful solution to difficulty laryngeal exposure. It has satisfactory glottis exposure, clear surgical field and fewer complications which is worthy of promotion.

Molecular characterization and expression patterns of ghrelin in the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

Ghrelin is a novel growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide, which has been identified as an endogenous ligand for the GH-sretagogue receptor. The sequence and expression of ghrelin has been determined in many species. In this study, to reveal the molecular characterization and expression patterns of ghrelin in the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), the full-length DNA and cDNA encoding ghrelin were cloned from reindeer stomach using genome walking and rapid amplification of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid ends (RACE). The expression of ghrelin in almost all tissues was examined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The 4076 bp amplicon of the ghrelin gene consisting of 4 exons and 3 introns was cloned from reindeer. Results of cDNA cloning and sequence analysis revealed that the full-length ghrelin cDNA was composed of 539 bp that included a 5'-untranslated region (46 bp), an open reading frame (ORF) (351 bp), and a 3'-untranslated region (142 bp). In addition, ghrelin was expressed in the all tissues examined, with the expression in the abomasum significantly higher than that in other tissues (p<0.05), followed by the pancreas, duodenum, testis and oesophagus. The results show that the expression of ghrelin in the reindeer gastrointestinal tract is extensive, suggesting its may have a role in regulating the digestive function.

Triboelectric-Nanogenerator-Based Soft Energy-Harvesting Skin Enabled by Toughly Bonded Elastomer/Hydrogel Hybrids

A major challenge accompanying the booming next-generation soft electronics is providing correspondingly soft and sustainable power sources for driving such devices. Here, we report stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) with dual working modes based on the soft hydrogel-elastomer hybrid as energy skins for harvesting biomechanical energies. The tough interfacial bonding between the hydrophilic hydrogel and hydrophobic elastomer, achieved by the interface modification, ensures the stable mechanical and electrical performances of the TENGs. Furthermore, the dehydration of this toughly bonded hydrogel-elastomer hybrid is significantly inhibited (the average dehydration decreases by over 73%). With PDMS as the electrification layer and hydrogel as the electrode, a stretchable, transparent (90% transmittance), and ultrathin (380 μm) single-electrode TENG was fabricated to conformally attach on human skin and deform as the body moves. The two-electrode mode TENG is capable of harvesting energy from arbitrary human motions (press, stretch, bend, and twist) to drive the self-powered electronics. This work provides a feasible technology to design soft power sources, which could potentially solve the energy issues of soft electronics.

Fortunellin-Induced Modulation of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog by MicroRNA-374a Decreases Inflammation and Maintains Intestinal Barrier Function in Colitis

Activation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is known to induce cell apoptosis. MicroRNA-374a (miR-374a), which can suppress PTEN expression, has been found abnormally expressed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fortunellin is a citrus flavonoid that is a potential anti-inflammation agent in inflammatory diseases. The present study investigated the effects and mechanisms underlying fortunellin-induced inhibition of PTEN in IBD. Colitis was established in rats by the intracolonic administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid to mimic human ulcerative colitis, which is the main type of IBD. miR-374a expression was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the regulation of PTEN by miR-374a was evaluated by dual luciferase reporter assay. Western blotting was used to measure the corresponding protein expression. Fortunellin ameliorated colitis symptoms, including excessive inflammation and oxidative stress. Fortunellin decreased epithelial cell apoptosis through inhibiting PTEN expression in colitis. Fortunellin-induced downregulation of PTEN could be counteracted by miR-374a depletion. Moreover, knockdown of miR-374a in vivo partly inhibited the effects of fortunellin on rat colitis. In conclusion, PTEN inhibition contributes to the amelioration effects of fortunellin on colitis. It was confirmed that fortunellin targets miR-374a, which is a negative regulator of PTEN. This study provides novel insights into the pathological mechanisms and treatment alternatives of colitis.