Broadband angular spectrum differentiation using dielectric metasurfaces

Signal processing is of critical importance for various science and technology fields. Analog optical processing can provide an effective solution to perform large-scale and real-time data processing, superior to its digital counterparts, which have the disadvantages of low operation speed and large energy consumption. As an important branch of modern optics, Fourier optics exhibits great potential for analog optical image processing, for instance for edge detection. While these operations have been commonly explored to manipulate the spatial content of an image, mathematical operations that act directly over the angular spectrum of an image have not been pursued. Here, we demonstrate manipulation of the angular spectrum of an image, and in particular its differentiation, using dielectric metasurfaces operating across the whole visible spectrum. We experimentally show that this technique can be used to enhance desired portions of the angular spectrum of an image. Our approach can be extended to develop more general angular spectrum analog meta-processors, and may open opportunities for optical analog data processing and biological imaging.

miR-128-3p Regulates Follicular Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Targeting the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor

The proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) affect follicle development and reproductive disorders, with microRNAs playing a crucial regulatory role. Previous studies have shown the differential expression of miR-128-3p at different stages of goat follicle development, which suggests its potential regulatory role in follicle development. In this study, through the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, the EDU assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay, we used immortal human ovarian granulosa tumor cell line (KGN) cells as materials to investigate the effects of miR-128-3p and its predicted target gene growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) on GC proliferation and apoptosis. The results show that overexpression of miR-128-3p inhibited the proliferation of KGN cells, promoted cell apoptosis, and suppressed the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) while promoting that of Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX). The dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-128-3p bound to the 3' untranslated region sequence of GHSR, which resulted in the inhibited expression of GHSR protein. Investigation of the effects of GHSR on GC proliferation and apoptosis revealed that GHSR overexpression promoted the expression of PCNA and BCL2, enhanced GC proliferation, and inhibited cell apoptosis, whereas the opposite effects were observed when GHSR expression was inhibited. In addition, miR-128-3p and GHSR can influence the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 protein. In conclusion, miR-128-3p inhibits KGN cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis by downregulating the expression of the GHSR gene.

Proton-Prompted Ligand Exchange to Achieve High-Efficiency CsPbI3 Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes

CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dots (QDs) are ideal materials for the next generation of red light-emitting diodes. However, the low phase stability of CsPbI3 QDs and long-chain insulating capping ligands hinder the improvement of device performance. Traditional in-situ ligand replacement and ligand exchange after synthesis were often difficult to control. Here, we proposed a new ligand exchange strategy using a proton-prompted in-situ exchange of short 5-aminopentanoic acid ligands with long-chain oleic acid and oleylamine ligands to obtain stable small-size CsPbI3 QDs. This exchange strategy maintained the size and morphology of CsPbI3 QDs and improved the optical properties and the conductivity of CsPbI3 QDs films. As a result, high-efficiency red QD-based light-emitting diodes with an emission wavelength of 645 nm demonstrated a record maximum external quantum efficiency of 24.45% and an operational half-life of 10.79 h.

Transcriptome analysis reveals pituitary lncRNA, circRNA and mRNA affecting fertility in high- and low-yielding goats

The pituitary gland serves as the central endocrine regulator of growth, reproduction, and metabolism and plays a crucial role in the reproductive process of female animals. Transcriptome analysis was conducted using pituitary gland samples from Leizhou goats with varying levels of fecundity to investigate the effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), circular RNA (circRNA), and mRNA regulation on pituitary hormone secretion and its association with goat fecundity. The analysis aimed to identify lncRNAs, circRNAs, and mRNAs that influence the fertility of Leizhou goats. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on differentially expressed lncRNAs, circRNAs, and mRNAs and revealed considerable enrichment in pathways, such as regulation of hormone secretion, germ cell development, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. The pituitary lncRNAs (ENSCHIT00000010293, ENSCHIT00000010304, ENSCHIT00000010306, ENSCHIT00000010290, ENSCHIT00000010298, ENSCHIT00000006769, ENSCHIT00000006767, ENSCHIT00000006921, and ENSCHIT00000001330) and circRNAs (chicirc_029285, chicirc_026618, chicirc_129655, chicirc_018248, chicirc_122554, chicirc_087101, and chicirc_078945) identified as differentially expressed regulated hormone secretion in the pituitary through their respective host genes. Additionally, differential mRNAs (GABBR2, SYCP1, HNF4A, CBLN1, and CDKN1A) influenced goat fecundity by affecting hormone secretion in the pituitary gland. These findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pituitary regulation of fecundity in Leizhou goats.

Stable Perovskite Quantum Dots Light-Emitting Diodes with Efficiency Exceeding 24

Perovskite nanocrystals for light-emitting diodes are often synthesized by uncontrollable metathesis reactions, suffering from low product yield, nonuniform growth, and poor stability. Herein, by controlling the nucleation kinetics with high dissociation constant (Ka or Kb) acids or bases, homogenous one-route nucleation of perovskite nanocrystals is achieved as the cluster intermediates are eliminated. The stable, shape uniform, and narrow size distribution green nanocrystals are synthesized. The perovskite nanocrystal film exhibites excellent stability in 80% humidity air with only a 10% photoluminescence intensity drop after 16 h. Efficient and stable electroluminescence is demonstrated with an FWHM of 16 nm at 517 nm. The green devices shows a peak EQE of 24.13% with a lifetime T50 of 54 min at 10 000 cd m-2 .

Histogram analysis of diffusion kurtosis imaging of deep brain nuclei in Parkinson's disease with different motor subtypes

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic and differential efficacy of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) histogram analysis for different motor subtypes of Parkinson's disease (PD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy PD patients including 40 with postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD) and 30 with tremor-dominant (TD) and 36 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled prospectively and underwent MRI examinations. The regions of interest (ROI) in the deep brain nuclei were delineated and features were extracted on the map of mean kurtosis (MK), axial kurtosis (Ka), and radial kurtosis (Kr), respectively. The differences in histogram features between PD patients and HC and between patients with PIGD and TD were compared. The areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of all histogram features. The correlations between histogram features and clinical indicators were evaluated.

RESULTS

Some DKI histogram features were significantly different between PD patients and HC, and also different between patients with PIGD and TD (all p<0.05). MK of the substantia nigra pars reticulate (SNprkurtosis), Ka of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) 50 percentile (SNpcP50), and Kr of SNpc 90th percentile showed the highest AUC for distinguishing patients with PIGD from HC. MK-SNpc 10th percentile, Ka-SNpc 25th percentile, and Kr of the head of the caudate nucleus (CN) 90th percentile had the highest AUC for distinguishing patients with TD from HC. MK of the putamen 10th percentile combined with Ka of the bilateral red nucleus RNkurtosis yielded the highest diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.762 for distinguishing patients with PIGD from TD. Certain DKI histogram features were correlated with Hoehn-Yahr (H&Y) stage, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, tremor score, and PIGD score (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

DKI histogram analysis was useful to diagnose and discriminate different motor subtypes of PD. Certain DKI histogram features correlated with clinical indicators.

Effects of the Oat Hay Feeding Method and Compound Probiotic Supplementation on the Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Rumen Bacteria Community of Dairy Calves

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the oat hay feeding method and compound probiotics (CMP) on the growth, health, serum antioxidant and immune indicators, rumen fermentation, and bacteria community of dairy calves from 3 to 5 months of age. Forty-eight female Holstein calves (80 ± 7 days of age, 93.71 ± 5.33 kg BW) were selected and randomly divided into four groups. A 2 × 2 factorial design was adopted for the experiment, with the factors of the oat hay feeding method (fed as free-choice or 16.7% in the diet) and compound probiotics (CMP) inclusion (0.15% or 0%) in the pelleted starter. The results showed that, compared with giving oat hay as free-choice, feeding a diet of 16.7% oat hay increased the pelleted starter intake at 1-84 d (p < 0.05), with an average daily gain (ADG) at 61-84 d (p = 0.02); adding CMP to the pelleted starter did not significantly affect body weight, and reduced the fecal index (p < 0.05). Feeding 16.7% oat hay increased the concentration of IgA, IgG, and IgM (p < 0.01), while adding CMP increased the catalase (p < 0.01) and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (p < 0.01) in serum. Feeding 16.7% oat hay increased the ruminal concentration of propionic acid (p < 0.05) and isobutyric acid (p = 0.08), and decreased the ruminal pH (p = 0.08), the concentration of acetic acid (p < 0.05), and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p < 0.01). Feeding 16.7% oat hay reduced the relative abundance of ruminal Firmicutes, Unidentified-Bacteria, Actinobacteria, Prevotella, NK4A214-group, Olsenella, and Actinobacteriota (p < 0.05); adding CMP increased the relative abundance of ruminal Prevotella, Rikenellaceae-RC9-gut-group, Ruminococcus, NK4A214-group, and Ruminococcus (p < 0.05), and decreased the abundance of Desulfobacterora, Prevotella-7, and Erysipelotricaceae-UCG-002 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding a diet of 16.7% oat hay increased the pelleted starter intake and average daily gain, while slightly reducing the ruminal pH values; adding CMP to the pelleted starter resulted in reduced diarrhea incidence, increased serum antioxidant capacity and immunity, as well as ruminal richness and diversity of microorganisms in dairy calves from 3 to 5 months of age.

Towards Chinese text and DNA shift encoding scheme based on biomass plasmid storage

DNA, as the storage medium in organisms, can address the shortcomings of existing electromagnetic storage media, such as low information density, high maintenance power consumption, and short storage time. Current research on DNA storage mainly focuses on designing corresponding encoders to convert binary data into DNA base data that meets biological constraints. We have created a new Chinese character code table that enables exceptionally high information storage density for storing Chinese characters (compared to traditional UTF-8 encoding). To meet biological constraints, we have devised a DNA shift coding scheme with low algorithmic complexity, which can encode any strand of DNA even has excessively long homopolymer. The designed DNA sequence will be stored in a double-stranded plasmid of 744bp, ensuring high reliability during storage. Additionally, the plasmid's resistance to environmental interference ensuring long-term stable information storage. Moreover, it can be replicated at a lower cost.

Effects of fermented herbal tea residue on meat quality, rumen fermentation parameters and microbes of black goats

Herbal tea residue (HTR) is generally considered to be a reusable resource which has still retains considerable proportion of nutrients and active substances. This study aimed to investigate the effects of substitution of whole corn silage with fermented herbal tea residue (FHTR) on meat quality, serum indices, rumen fermentation, and microbes in Chuanzhong black goats. Twenty-two female Chuanzhong black goats (4 months old) with similar weight (9.55 ± 0.95 kg) were selected and randomly divided into two groups. FHTR was used to replace 0% (CON group) and 30% (FHTR group) of whole corn silage in the diets and fed as a total mixed ration (TMR) for Chuanzhong black goats. The adaptation feeding period was 7 days, and the experimental period was 35 days. Results illustrated that the FHTR group had higher value of a* and concentrations of DM and CP and lower rate of water loss (P < 0.05) than the CON group. For the serum indices, goats fed with 30% FHTR had higher (P < 0.05) concentration of CR on day 35. For rumen fermentation, the pH and ratio of acetic acid/propionic acid (AA/PA) in the FHTR group were significantly lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). In addition, we studied the goats's rumen microbial community composition and found that the dominant phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes,and Tenericutes; and the dominant genera were Quinella, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and Saccharofermentans. There was a significant difference in the beta diversity of the rumen microbiota between groups (P < 0.05). To sum up, the addition of FHTR can affect the meat quality, serum indices, improved rumen fermentation by adjusted the diversity and function of the rumen microbiota.

The Effect of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) Dose-Fraction (fx) Schema on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) dose-fraction (fx) schema for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) varies at different centers and commonly involves 3 to 5 fx. Additionally, the frequency of treatment per week, or treatment schedules (TS), can also differ. We sought to evaluate and compare the effect of different dose-fx schemas on overall survival (OS).

MATERIALS/METHODS

We retrieved data from the National Cancer Database. Patient eligibility included early-stage NSCLC with cT1-2 N0M0 disease treated with SBRT using 3-5f x regimens. Demographics and clinical characteristics were identified. Biologically effective dose (BED) and total dose (TD) were calculated. TD included following: 45-60 Gy for 3 fx, 48-60 Gy for 4 fx, and 50-60 Gy for 5 fx. TS was classified as one of the following: daily, every other day, twice per week, or prolonged (less frequently than twice weekly). Non-prolonged TS was defined as daily, every other day, and twice per week. OS was calculated from the date of end of RT to the date of death and censored at the date of last contact. Kaplan Meier method was used to estimate OS and log-rank tests were used to compare the difference between groups. TS was compared pairwise within each individual fx-group. Univariable Cox proportional models with robust standard errors to account for within institution correlations were used to investigate the association between BED, TD, TS, fx-group and OS. Within each fx-group, BED was also assessed and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 3244 patients were identified, with median age 73. 48% were males and 52% females. 601 (19%) patients received 3 fx, 884 (27%) received 4 fx, and 1759 (54%) received 5 fx treatments. For the overall cohort, median and mean BEDs were 112 and 119, respectively. TS did not show a difference in OS among each individual fx group. Overall, prolonged vs non-prolonged schedules also did not show a difference in OS (p = 0.64). OS was superior in the 3 fx group compared to 4 and 5 fx groups, with median survival times of 61.5 vs 53.7 vs 52.6 months, respectively (p = 0.046). Overall, an increase in BED reduced risk of death (HR = 0.97 per 10-units, CI: 0.94-0.99, p = 0.04). When stratified by fx, each 10 unit rise in BED for those treated with 5 fx reduced the risk of death by 8% (HR = 0.92, CI: 0.87-0.97, p<0.01). However, increasing BED was not associated with change in OS for 3 fx (HR = 1.00, CI: 0.93-1.08, p = 0.93) and 4 fx (HR = 1.08, p = 0.08) regimens. Patients who received BED greater than the median (BED>112) had improved OS compared to those receiving BED£112 (HR = 0.86, p = 0.047). When evaluating the 5 fx-group individually, BED >100 (median of 5fx group) had superior OS compared to £100 (HR = 0.80, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Three-fraction regimens have superior OS compared to 4 and 5 fx regimens. Higher BED improves OS in 5 fx regimens. Treatment schedule variations among individual fx-groups does not impact OS.

The Impact of Mutations of BRCA1/2 Genes in Patients with Breast Cancer on Treatment Outcomes Following Radiation Therapy (RT)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

BRCA1/2 mutations in isolated cancer cells have been shown to enhance radiosensitivity, but it is not known if similar mutations in breast cancer (BC) patients yield improved responses to RT. We analyzed a large, national, previously unexamined dataset to determine if patients with BRCA1/2 mutations receiving RT achieve longer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) than patients with wild-type (WT) BRCA genes.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The study used the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record (EHR)-derived de-identified database to select patients with Stage 0-III BC. Patients with known BRCA1/2 status were eligible if treated with RT≤ 1 year from diagnosis. Demographic data for patients with mutated and WT BRCA1/2 were compared using ANOVA and Chi-square tests. DFS was calculated from the start of RT until local/ distant recurrence or death and censored after the last clinic visit. Kaplan Meier estimates and multivariable Cox-proportional models (MVA) were used to compare DFS and OS for mutated and WT BRCA1/2 patients, for clinical stage, biomarkers (ER/PR/HER2), and surgery type (lumpectomy vs mastectomy).

RESULTS

The study group of 1561 Stage 0-III BC patients included 1482 patients (95%) with WT BRCA and 79 patients (5%) with BRCA1/2 mutations (31 patients with a mutation of BRCA1, 46 patients with a mutation of BRCA2, and 2 patients with both mutations). Patients with BRCA1/2 mutations were younger (median: 51 vs 56, p = 0.004), diagnosed at higher clinical stage (Stage 0: 0% vs 0.2%, I: 31.6% vs 48.5%, II: 48.1% vs 34.0%, III: 20.3 vs 17.4%, p = 0.016), and more often grade 3 (60.8% vs 39.9%, p<0.001) than those with WT BRCA. Mastectomy was performed more often for patients with BRCA1/2 mutations (60.8% vs 31.5%, p<0.001). When BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations were compared, BRCA1 patients were younger (median: 44 vs 52, p = 0.006), more often ER/PR negative (51.6% vs 13%, p<0.001), and had higher stage tumors (T1: 32.3% vs 47.8%; T2: 38.7% vs 28.3%, p = 0.032). On MVA, comparison of BRCA1/2 mutations vs WT BRCA identified no differences in DFS or OS.

CONCLUSION

In spite of pre-clinical data demonstrating increased radiosensitivity for BRCA1/2-mutated BC cells lines, this large, previously unexamined dataset found BRCA1/2 mutations did not predict an improved OS or DFS for patients who received RT. When compared with WT BRCA patients, patients with BRCA1/2 mutations were found to have tumors of higher grade and clinical stage and to undergo more mastectomies. In a comparison with BRCA2-mutated patients, patients with mutations of BRCA1 were younger, more often ER/PR negative, and more likely to have high-stage tumors. The survival data and the advanced stage of BRCA1/2-mutated tumors suggest that the effect of BRCA1/2 mutations on radiosensitivity in vitro may be nullified by the aggressive behavior of BRCA1/2-mutated tumors in vivo.

[Analysis of the serum bile acid profile to facilitate diagnosis and differential diagnosis of NA(+)-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide deficiency]

Objective: This study focuses on Na(+)-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) deficiency to analyze and investigate the value of the serum bile acid profile for facilitating the diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods: Clinical data of 66 patients with cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs) diagnosed and treated in the Department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from early April 2015 to the end of December 2021 were collected, including 32 cases of NTCP deficiency (16 adults and 16 children), 16 cases of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD), 8 cases of Alagille syndrome, and 10 cases of biliary atresia. At the same time, adult and pediatric healthy control groups (15 cases each) were established. The serum bile acid components of the study subjects were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The data were plotted and compared using statistical SPSS 19.0 and GraphPad Prism 5.0 software. The clinical and bile acid profiles of children with NTCP deficiency and corresponding healthy controls, as well as differences between NTCP deficiency and other CLDs, were compared using statistical methods such as t-tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests. Results: Compared with the healthy control, the levels of total conjugated bile acids, total primary bile acids, total secondary bile acids, glycocholic acid, taurocholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid were increased in NTCP deficiency patients (P < 0.05). Compared with adults with NTCP deficiency, the levels of total conjugated bile acids and total primary bile acids were significantly increased in children with NTCP deficiency (P < 0.05). The serum levels of taurochenodeoxycholic acid, glycolithocholate, taurohyocholate, and tauro-α-muricholic acid were significantly increased in children with NTCP deficiency, but the bile acid levels such as glycodeoxycholic acid, glycolithocholate, and lithocholic acid were decreased (P < 0.05). The serum levels of secondary bile acids such as lithocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and hyodeoxycholic acid were significantly higher in children with NTCP deficiency than those in other CLD groups such as NICCD, Alagille syndrome, and biliary atresia (P < 0.05). Total primary bile acids/total secondary bile acids, total conjugated bile acids/total unconjugated bile acids, taurocholic acid, serum taurodeoxycholic acid, and glycodeoxycholic acid effectively distinguished children with NTCP deficiency from other non-NTCP deficiency CLDs. Conclusion: This study confirms that serum bile acid profile analysis has an important reference value for facilitating the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of NTCP deficiency. Furthermore, it deepens the scientific understanding of the changing characteristics of serum bile acid profiles in patients with CLDs such as NTCP deficiency, provides a metabolomic basis for in-depth understanding of its pathogenesis, and provides clues and ideas for subsequent in-depth research.

Expression profile and bioinformatics analysis of circRNA and its associated ceRNA networks in longissimus dorsi from Lufeng cattle and Leiqiong cattle

This paper aims to explore the role of circRNA expression profiles and circRNA-associated ceRNA networks in the regulation of myogenesis in the longissimus dorsi of cattle breeds surviving under subtropical conditions in southern China by RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. It also aims to provide comprehensive understanding of the differences in muscle fibers in subtropical cattle breeds and to expand the knowledge of the molecular networks that regulate myogenesis. With regard to meat quality indicators, results showed that the longissimus dorsi of LQC had lower pH (P < 0.0001), lower redness (P < 0.01), lower shear force (P < 0.05), and higher brightness (P < 0.05) than the longissimus dorsi of LFC. With regard to muscle fiber characteristics, the longissimus dorsi of LQC had a smaller diameter (P < 0.0001) and higher density of muscle fibers (P < 0.05). The analysis results show that the function of many circRNA-targeted mRNAs was related to myogenesis and metabolic regulation. Furthermore, in the analysis of the function of circRNA source genes, we hypothesized that btacirc_00497 and btacirc_034497 may regulate the function and type of myofibrils by affecting the expression of MYH6, MYH7, and NEB through competitive linear splicing.

Highly sensitive torsion sensor based on a coupled optoelectronic oscillator incorporating nonlinear polarization rotation

We propose and demonstrate a new, to the best of our knowledge, technique to implement a high-speed and highly sensitive torsion sensor based on a coupled optoelectronic oscillator (COEO) incorporating nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR). The COEO consists of a mode-locked laser loop and an OEO loop. In the laser loop, the NPR effect effectively induces intensity- and wavelength-dependent loss, which acts as a Lyot birefringent fiber filter. When twisting the polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF), the transmission of the filter varies as well as the laser output wavelength. In the OEO loop, the optical source is provided by the output signal of the mode-locked laser. The variation in the optical carrier wavelength changes the time delay and the oscillation frequency of the OEO loop. The oscillation frequency shift is a linear function of the twist angle. Sensitivities of -60.006 Hz/deg over 360° for a 48 cm PMF and -180.996 Hz/deg over 92° for a 22 cm PMF are achieved.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Lactation Traits in Chinese Holstein Cows in Southern China

Lactation traits are economically important for dairy cows. Southern China has a high-temperature and high-humidity climate, and environmental and genetic interactions greatly impact dairy cattle performance. The aim of this study was to identify novel single-nucleotide polymorphism sites and novel candidate genes associated with lactation traits in Chinese Holstein cows under high-temperature and humidity conditions in southern China. A genome-wide association study was performed for the lactation traits of 392 Chinese Holstein cows, using GGP Bovine 100 K SNP gene chips. Some 23 single nucleotide polymorphic loci significantly associated with lactation traits were screened. Among them, 16 were associated with milk fat rate, 7 with milk protein rate, and 3 with heat stress. A quantitative trait locus that significantly affects milk fat percentage in Chinese Holstein cows was identified within a window of approximately 0.5 Mb in the region of 0.4-0.9 Mb on Bos taurus autosome 14. According to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, ten genes (DGAT1, IDH2, CYP11B1, GFUS, CYC1, GPT, PYCR3, OPLAH, ALDH1A3, and NAPRT) associated with lactation fat percentage, milk yield, antioxidant activity, stress resistance, and inflammation and immune response were identified as key candidates for lactation traits. The results of this study will help in the development of an effective selection and breeding program for Chinese Holstein cows in high-temperature and humidity regions.

Effect of a High-Starch or a High-Fat Diet on the Milk Performance, Apparent Nutrient Digestibility, Hindgut Fermentation Parameters and Microbiota of Lactating Cows

In this study, changes in milk performance, nutrient digestibility, hindgut fermentation parameters and microflora were observed by inducing milk fat depression (MFD) in dairy cows fed with a high-starch or a high-fat diet. Eight Holstein cows were paired in a completely randomized cross-over design within two 35 d periods (18 d control period and 17d induction period). During the control period, all cows were fed the low-starch and low-fat diet (CON), and at the induction period, four of the cows were fed a high-starch diet with crushed wheat (IS), and the other cows were fed a high-fat diet with sunflower fat (IO). The results showed that, compared to when the cows were fed the CON diet, when cows were fed the IS or IO diet, they had lower milk fat concentrations, energy corrected milk, 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield, feed efficiency and apparent digestibility of NDF and ADF. However, cows fed the IO diet had a lower apparent digestibility of ether extracts. In addition, we observed that when cows were fed the high-starch (IS) or high-fat (IO) diet, they had a higher fecal concentration of propionate and acetate, and a lower NH3-N. Compared to when the cows were fed the CON diet, cows fed the IS diet had a lower pH, and cows fed the IO diet had a lower concentration of valerate in feces. In the hindgut microbiota, the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae_UCG-005 was increased, while the Verrucomicrobiota and Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group were decreased when cows were fed the IO diet. The relative abundance of Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 was increased, while the Alistipes and Verrucomicrobiota decreased, and the Treponema, Spirochaetota and Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group showed a decreasing trend when cows were fed the IS diet. In summary, this study suggested that high-starch or high-fat feeding could induce MFD in dairy cows, and the high-fat diet had the greatest effect on milk fat; the high-starch or high-fat diet affected hindgut fermentation and apparent fiber digestibility. The changes in hindgut flora suggested that hindgut microbiota may be associated with MFD in cows.

A Study on Differential Biomarkers in the Milk of Holstein Cows with Different Somatic Cells Count Levels

Dairy cow mastitis is one of the common diseases of dairy cows, which will not only endanger the health of dairy cows but also affect the quality of milk. Dairy cow mastitis is an inflammatory reaction caused by pathogenic microorganisms and physical and chemical factors in dairy cow mammary glands. The number of SCC in the milk of dairy cows with different degrees of mastitis will increase in varying degrees. The rapid diagnosis of dairy cow mastitis is of great significance for dairy cow health and farm economy. Based on the results of many studies on the relationship between mastitis and somatic cell count in dairy cows, microflora, and metabolites in the milk of Holstein cows with low somatic cell level (SCC less than 200,000), medium somatic cell level (SCC up to 200,000 but less than 500,000) and high somatic cell level (SCC up to 5000,00) were analyzed by microbiome and metabolic group techniques. The results showed that there were significant differences in milk microbiota and metabolites among the three groups (p < 0.05), and there was a significant correlation between microbiota and metabolites. Meanwhile, in this experiment, 75 differential metabolites were identified in the H group and L group, 40 differential metabolites were identified in the M group and L group, and six differential microorganisms with LDA scores more than four were found in the H group and L group. These differential metabolites and differential microorganisms may become new biomarkers for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cow mastitis in the future.

Effect of Capsaicin Addition on Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Performance and Upper Respiratory Microbiota in Nursing Calves

Capsaicin (CAP) has various biological activities; it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and stimulates intestinal development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CAP on the health of nursing calves under group housing conditions. Twenty-four newborn Holstein calves were randomly assigned to three treatment groups of eight calves each. The milk replacer was supplemented with 0, 0.15 or 0.3 mL/d of CAP in each of the three treatment groups. Following a one-month clinical trial of individual-pen housing, an extended one-month trial of group housing was conducted. At the end of the trial, serum samples, rectal fecal samples and upper respiratory swab samples were collected to determine the effect of CAP addition on serum parameters, fecal fermentation parameters and upper respiratory microbiota of calves under group housing conditions. The results showed that the addition of high doses of CAP decreased calf respiratory scores (p < 0.05), increased serum glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M and interleukin-10 concentration (p < 0.05), and decreased malondialdehyde, amyloid A and haptoglobin concentration (p < 0.05). Moreover, high doses of CAP increased the rectal fecal concentration of total short-chain fatty acids, acetate and butyric acid (p < 0.05). In addition, CAP regulated the upper respiratory tract microbiota, with high doses of CAP reducing Mycoplasma abundance (p < 0.05), two doses of CAP reducing Corynebacterium abundance (p < 0.05) and a tendency to reduce Staphylococcus abundance (p = 0.06). Thus, CAP can improve calf antioxidant capacity, immune capacity and reduce inflammatory factors, stress proteins as well as improve gut fermentation and upper respiratory microbiota under group housing conditions, which is beneficial for healthy calf growth.

The Effect of Capsaicin on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity and Gut Micro-Organisms of Calves

Capsaicin is the active ingredient of the red pepper plant of the genus Capsicum. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different doses of capsaicin on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, fecal fermentation parameters and gut microbial composition in nursing calves. Twenty-four newborn Holstein calves were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, which each consisted of eight calves. The milk replacer was supplemented with 0, 0.15 or 0.3 mL/d of capsaicin in each of the three treatment groups. During the 4-week experiment, intake was recorded daily, body weight and body size parameters were measured at the beginning and end of the trial and serum samples and rectal fecal samples were collected at the end of the trial to determine serum parameters, fecal fermentation parameters and fecal microbiome compartments. The results showed that both doses of capsaicin had no negative effect on the growth performance or the fecal fermentation parameters of calves, and the higher dose (0.3 mL/d) of capsaicin significantly improved the antioxidant capacity and immunity of calves. The calves in the high-dose capsaicin-treated group had lower fecal scores than those recorded in the control group. High doses of capsaicin increased glutathione antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M and interleukin-10 levels and decreased malondialdehyde and bound bead protein levels. In addition, capsaicin regulated the gut microbiota, reducing the abundance of diarrhea-associated bacteria, such as Eggerthella, Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae, in the gut of calves in the treated group. Therefore, high doses of capsaicin can improve the antioxidant and immune capacity of calves without affecting growth performance, as well as improve the gut microbiological environment, which enables the healthy growth of calves.

Multi-view radiomics and deep learning modeling for prostate cancer detection based on multi-parametric MRI

Introduction

This study aims to develop an imaging model based on multi-parametric MR images for distinguishing between prostate cancer (PCa) and prostate hyperplasia.

Methods

A total of 236 subjects were enrolled and divided into training and test sets for model construction. Firstly, a multi-view radiomics modeling strategy was designed in which different combinations of radiomics feature categories (original, LoG, and wavelet) were compared to obtain the optimal input feature sets. Minimum-redundancy maximum-relevance (mRMR) selection and least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) were used for feature reduction, and the next logistic regression method was used for model construction. Then, a Swin Transformer architecture was designed and trained using transfer learning techniques to construct the deep learning models (DL). Finally, the constructed multi-view radiomics and DL models were combined and compared for model selection and nomogram construction. The prediction accuracy, consistency, and clinical benefit were comprehensively evaluated in the model comparison.

Results

The optimal input feature set was found when LoG and wavelet features were combined, while 22 and 17 radiomic features in this set were selected to construct the ADC and T2 multi-view radiomic models, respectively. ADC and T2 DL models were built by transferring learning from a large number of natural images to a relatively small sample of prostate images. All individual and combined models showed good predictive accuracy, consistency, and clinical benefit. Compared with using only an ADC-based model, adding a T2-based model to the combined model would reduce the model's predictive performance. The ADCCombinedScore model showed the best predictive performance among all and was transformed into a nomogram for better use in clinics.

Discussion

The constructed models in our study can be used as a predictor in differentiating PCa and BPH, thus helping clinicians make better clinical treatment decisions and reducing unnecessary prostate biopsies.

Towards long double-stranded chains and robust DNA-based data storage using the random code system

DNA has become a popular choice for next-generation storage media due to its high storage density and stability. As the storage medium of life's information, DNA has significant storage capacity and low-cost, low-power replication and transcription capabilities. However, utilizing long double-stranded DNA for storage can introduce unstable factors that make it difficult to meet the constraints of biological systems. To address this challenge, we have designed a highly robust coding scheme called the "random code system," inspired by the idea of fountain codes. The random code system includes the establishment of a random matrix, Gaussian preprocessing, and random equilibrium. Compared to Luby transform codes (LT codes), random code (RC) has better robustness and recovery ability of lost information. In biological experiments, we successfully stored 29,390 bits of data in 25,700 bp chains, achieving a storage density of 1.78 bits per nucleotide. These results demonstrate the potential for using long double-stranded DNA and the random code system for robust DNA-based data storage.

Mechanism of immune attack in the progression of obesity-related type 2 diabetes

Obesity and overweight are widespread issues in adults, children, and adolescents globally, and have caused a noticeable rise in obesity-related complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Chronic low-grade inflammation is an important promotor of the pathogenesis of obesity-related T2DM. This proinflammatory activation occurs in multiple organs and tissues. Immune cell-mediated systemic attack is considered to contribute strongly to impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders. This review focused on highlighting recent advances and underlying mechanisms of immune cell infiltration and inflammatory responses in the gut, islet, and insulin-targeting organs (adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle) in obesity-related T2DM. There is current evidence that both the innate and adaptive immune systems contribute to the development of obesity and T2DM.

Prostate imaging-reporting and data system version 2 in combination with clinical parameters for prostate cancer detection: a single center experience

PURPOSE

The diagnostic performance of the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS v2) has been challenged due to its lower diagnostic accuracy and higher false-positive rates for prostate cancer detection. This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic performance of PI-RADS v2 in combination with clinical parameters in patients with suspected prostate cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 424 men with suspicion of prostate cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of clinically significant prostate cancer defined as a Gleason score of 3 + 4 or greater. The prediction performance was compared with prostate specific antigen (PSA), free/total PSA ratio (f/t PSA), PSA density (PSAD), PI-RADS v2 alone, and PI-RADS v2 plus PSAD using receiver operating characteristics (ROCs).

RESULTS

In total, 231 out of 424 cases (54.48%) were pathologically diagnosed as prostate cancer. The percentage of clinically significant prostate cancer was higher in patients with PI-RADS v2 score of 4 or greater compared to PI-RADS v2 score of less than 4 (90.86% vs. 55.88%, P < 0.001). Age, PSA level, f/t PSA, PSAD, and PI-RADS v2 were significant independent predictors of clinically significant prostate cancer. The ROC area under the curve of PI-RADS v2 plus PSAD (0.952) was larger compared with PSA (0.845), f/t PSA (0.719), PSAD (0.920), and PI-RADS v2 alone (0.885).

CONCLUSION

PI-RADS v2 in combination with PSAD may help detect clinically significant prostate cancer and provide benefit in making the decision to biopsy men at suspicion of prostate cancer.

Identification of Key Functional Genes and LncRNAs Influencing Muscle Growth and Development in Leizhou Black Goats

Meat yield and quality are important economic traits of livestock. Herein, longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles of Leizhou black goats aged 0, 3, and 6 months were used to identify differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were used to analyze differentially expressed genes. Expression levels of regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) and olfactory receptor 2AP1 (OR2AP1) were significantly different in LD muscles of goats aged 0, 3, and 6 months, indicating potentially important roles in postnatal muscle development. Differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were mainly enriched in biological processes and pathways related to cellular energy metabolism, consistent with previous studies. Three lncRNAs, TCONS_00074191, TCONS_00074190, and TCONS_00078361, may play a cis-acting role with methyltransferase-like 11B (METTL11B) genes and participate in the methylation of goat muscle proteins. Some of the identified genes may provide valuable resources for future studies on postnatal meat development in goat muscles.

Transcriptome analysis reveals mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs associated with fecundity in the hypothalamus of high-and low-fecundity goat

As an important organ that coordinates the neuroendocrine system, the hypothalamus synthesizes and secretes reproductive hormones that act on the goat organism, thereby precisely regulating follicular development and reproductive processes in goats. However, it is still elusive to explore the mechanism of hypothalamic effects on goat fertility alone. Therefore, RNA-seq was used to analyze the gene expression in hypothalamic tissues of goats in high fertility group (HFG: litter size per litter ≥2) and low fertility group (LFG: litter size per litter = 1), and identified the differential lncRNAs and mRNAs and their associated pathways related to their fertility. The results showed that a total of 23 lncRNAs and 57 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the hypothalamic tissue of high and low fertility goats. GO terms and KEGG functional annotation suggest that DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs were significantly enriched in hormone-related pathways regulating ovarian development, hormone synthesis and secretion, regulation of reproductive processes, Estrogen signaling pathway, Oxytocin signaling pathway and GnRH signaling pathway. And we constructed a co-expression network of lncRNAs and target genes, and identified reproduction-related genes such as NMUR2, FEZF1, and WT1. The sequencing results of the hypothalamic transcriptome have broadened our understanding of lncRNA and mRNA in goat hypothalamic tissue and provided some new insights into the molecular mechanisms of follicle development and regulation of its fertility in goats.

Optical fiber strain sensor with high precision and extended dynamic range based on a coupled optoelectronic oscillator

We have proposed and experimentally demonstrated an optical fiber strain sensor with high precision and extended dynamic range based on a coupled optoelectronic oscillator (COEO). The COEO is a combination of an OEO and a mode-locked laser, sharing one optoelectronic modulator. The feedback between the two active loops makes the oscillation frequency equal to the mode spacing of the laser. It is equivalent to a multiple of the natural mode spacing of the laser, which is affected by the applied axial strain to the cavity. Therefore, we can evaluate the strain by measuring the oscillation frequency shift. Higher sensitivity can be obtained by adopting higher frequency order harmonics owing to the accumulative effect. We carry out a proof-to-concept experiment. The dynamic range can reach 10000 μ ε. Sensitivities of 6.5 Hz/μ ε for 960 MHz and 13.8 Hz/μ ε for 2700 MHz are obtained. The maximum frequency drifts of the COEO in 90 mins are within ±148.03 Hz for 960 MHz and ±303.907 Hz for 2700 MHz, which correspond to measurement errors of ±22 μ ε and ±20 μ ε. The proposed scheme has the advantages of high precision and high speed. The COEO can generate an optical pulse whose pulse period is influenced by the strain. Therefore, the proposed scheme has potential applications in dynamic strain measurement.

Hand pose estimation based on fish skeleton CNN: application in gesture recognition

The modern world contains a significant number of applications based on computer vision, in which human-computer interaction plays a crucial role, pose estimation of the hand is a crucial approach in the field of human-computer interaction. However, previous approaches suffer from the inability to accurately measure position in real-world scenes, difficulty in obtaining targets of different sizes, the structure of complex network, and the lack of applications. In recent years, deep learning techniques have produced state-of-the-art outcomes but there are still challenges that need to be overcome to fully exploit this technology. In this research, a fish skeleton CNN (FS-HandNet) is proposed for hand posture estimation from a monocular RGB image. To obtain hand pose information, a fish skeleton network structure is used for the first time. Particularly, bidirectional pyramid structures (BiPS) can effectively reduce the loss of feature information during downsampling and can be used to extract features from targets of different sizes. It is more effective at solving problems of different sizes. Then a distribution-aware coordinate representation is employed to adjust the position information of the hand, and finally, a convex hull algorithm and hand pose information are applied to recognize multiple gestures. Extensive studies on three publicly available hand position benchmarks demonstrate that our method performs nearly as well as the state-of-the-art in hand pose estimation. Additionally, we have implemented hand pose estimation for the application of gesture recognition.

Comparative Hypothalamic Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Crucial mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs Affecting Litter Size in Goats

Litter size is an important indicator to measure the reproductive performance of goats, which is affected by the reproductive function of animals. The hypothalamus, as the regulatory center of the endocrine system, plays an important role in the reproduction of female animals. Here, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing using hypothalamic tissue from high-fecundity and low-fecundity Leizhou goats to explore critical functional genes associated with litter size. Differentially expressed mRNA, lncRNA, and circRNAs were screened using DESeq and were enriched, and then analyzed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome. Results showed that some of these differentially expressed mRNAs could be enriched in reproductive processes, jak-STAT, prolactin signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways related to reproduction, such as SOCS3. Furthermore, the central proteins POSTN, MFAP5, and DCN from protein-protein interaction may regulate animal reproductive activity by affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis. lncRNA MSTRG.33887.2 as well as circRNAs chicirc_098002, chicirc_072583, and chicirc_053531 may be able to influence animal reproduction by participating in folate metabolism and energy metabolism homeostasis through their respective target genes. Our results expand the molecular mechanism of hypothalamic regulation on animal reproduction.

High-Dose Vitamin E Supplementation Can Alleviate the Negative Effect of Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Dairy Cows

The aim of this trial was to assess whether the supplementation of vitamin E (VE) in high-concentrate diets could improve the fermentation and blood metabolism in the rumen of dairy cows, thereby modulating the degree of the subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) response and improving the performance. Seven Holstein cows (four fitted with ruminal cannulas) were fed three diets (total mixed rations) during three successive periods (each lasted for 18 d): (1) the control diet (CON); (2) a high-grain (HG) diet, which was the control diet supplied with a 15% finely ground wheat diet (FGW); and (3) a high-VE diet (HGE), which was the control diet provided with a 15% FGW and 12,000 IU of VE/head per day. The results indicated that VE was able to alleviate the reduction in the dry matter intake (DMI) and milk fat yield in cows caused by HG diets. The supplementation of VE significantly reduced the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), histamine (HIS), and the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) in the rumen. The supplementation of VE observably increased the antioxidant capacity of the milk and plasma. In addition, VE markedly reduced the plasma levels of endotoxin, HIS, and pro-inflammatory factors. The supplementation of VE significantly enriched the differential metabolites of the purine metabolism, cysteine, methionine metabolism, and ABC transporter synthesis pathway in the serum. The supplementation of VE also significantly increased the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum and decreased the relative abundance of Treponema, thus reducing the production of TVFA in the rumen. In conclusion, considering that the cows in this trial had high ketone levels (BHBA > 2.3 mmol/L), we found that VE could improve the rumen fermentation and blood metabolism by modulating the relative abundance of rumen microorganisms, thereby mitigating a range of adverse effects caused by SARA.

Comprehensive Analysis of Diabetes Mellitus-related Gene Expression and Associated Prognoses in Human Lung Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health problem worldwide. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of death in China. There is compelling evidence that individual risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is strongly influenced by genetic factors. DM and cancer may interact with one another; some kinds of cancer accompany DM, and DM can also promote cancer.

METHODS

An analysis was conducted of diabetes mellitus-related gene (DM-gene) expression levels in tumor and normal tissues, clinical parameters, tumor stages, mutations, copy number variations (CNVs), immune cell infiltration, survival, gene enrichment, and gene ontology annotations.

RESULTS

This analysis revealed six genes that appear to play key roles in lung cancer survival: MTMR3 (in lung adenocarcinoma [LUAD]) and COBLL1, PPARG, PPIP5K2, RREB1, and WFS1 (in lung squamous cell carcinoma [LUSC]).

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that clinical practitioners and researchers should account for PPARG and RREB1 expression when selecting or testing chemotherapy drugs.

Integrative analyses of radiation-related genes and biomarkers associated with breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

In addition to significantly reducing breast cancer recurrence risk, radiotherapy also prolongs patients' lives. However, radiotherapy-related genes and biomarkers still remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify radiation-associated genes in breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Breast cancer data were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and UCSC Xena database. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed for annotation and integrated discovery. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING database and hub genes were identified. Then, immunohistochemistry and tissue expression of key genes was analyzed by using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) and GEPIA database. Genes associated with prognosis were identified by performing univariate cox analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 341 differentially expressed genes related to radiotherapy in breast cancer patients. PPI analysis revealed a total of 129 nodes and 516 interactions and identified five hub genes (EGFR, FOS, ESR1, JUN, and IL6). In addition, 11 SDEGs THBS1, SERPINA11, NFIL3, METTL7A, KCTD12, HSPA6, EGR1, DDIT4, CCDC3, C11orf96, and BCL2A1 candidate genes can be used as potential diagnostic markers. The calibration curve and ROC indicate good probability consistencies of 3-years and 5-year survival rates of patients between estimation and observation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide novel insight into the functional characteristics of breast cancer through integrative analysis of GEO data and suggest potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer.

Chinese quality control indices for standardized diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer (2022 edition)

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the digestive system, and the number of deaths continues to increase. The standardized management of the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer is challenging due to the great differences in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer in different regions. The Gastric Cancer Expert Committee of the National Cancer Quality Control Center (NCQCC) identified a lack of authoritative quality control standards as an opportunity to utilize its multidisciplinary membership to improve the standardized diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer. The Gastric Cancer Expert Committee of the NCQCC aims to promote quality control and national standardization, uniformity, and normalization of gastric cancer diagnosis and treatment, which ultimately improved the survival rate and quality of life of gastric cancer patients. A panel of experts with gastrointestinal cancer surgery, gastrointestinal cancer medicine, medical imaging, pathology and radiotherapy were drawn together and determined the quality control standards for the standardized diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer. The authors then utilized a modified Delphi approach to generate consensus recommendations.

Marine self-potential measurement tool for autonomous underwater vehicle

Marine self-potential (SP) measurement is commonly conducted for seafloor sulfide detection and hydrothermal vent studies in deep water using instruments towed close to the seafloor. However, this method has the following shortcomings: (1) It relies on ships for deep towing, and the need for a dedicated ship time lowers its efficiency. (2) Owing to complex topography, most towed instruments are located far from the seafloor to ensure safety, resulting in large effective signal attenuation and low signal-to-noise ratio. (3) The measurement direction is generally a single axis, with only the electric field of the axial component observed, providing limited information. With the gradual maturity of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technology, it has become possible to mount marine SP measurement tools on AUVs for detection. Compared with conventional methods, this method has significant advantages in terms of efficiency, signal-to-noise ratio, and multicomponent observation. The proposed tool is a lightweight underwater device having a compact design and low power consumption, making it suitable for AUVs. The overall volume of the tool is D50 mm × L350 mm, and the underwater weight is 0.6 kg. Chopper amplification technology ensures the low-noise measurement of electric field signals. In addition, the reformed electrodes enhance stability, thereby reducing the mechanical vibration noise. Laboratory test results show that the noise of the data logger is 7.8 nV/rt (Hz)@1 Hz. The marine test conducted in the southwest Indian Ocean verified the reliability of the proposed marine SP measurement tool. The maximum working depth was 4000 m. The test lasted ∼25 h, and the effective electric field data were collected for ∼17 h. This survey found a maximum SP anomaly of 0.55 mV/m in the Yuhuang hydrothermal field, which provided effective data support for the discovery of new seafloor sulfide anomalies.

Paenibacillus hamazuiensis sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from Hamazui hot spring in Yunnan province, south-west China

A bacterial strain, Gram-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, motile, designated YIM B00624^T which was isolated from a Hamazui hot spring in Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. The strain grew well on International Streptomyces Project (ISP) 2 medium and colonies were creamy yellow, flat and circular. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain YIM B00624^T was closely related to the type strain of Paenibacillus filicis S4^T (95.9%). The main menaquinone of strain YIM B00624^T was menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and major fatty acids were anteiso-C_15:0, anteiso-C_17:0 and C_16:0. The isolate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and four unidentified glycolipids. The DNA G+C content of strain YIM B00624^T was 53.4 mol%. Based on physiological, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain YIM B00624^T belongs to a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus hamazuiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM B00624^T (= CGMCC 1.19245^T = KCTC 43365^T).

Applicative value of T2 mapping in evaluating lumbosacral nerve root injury induced by lumbosacral disc herniation

BACKGROUND

To alleviate the damage caused by nerve root entrapment mediated by lumbosacral disc herniation (LDH), an imaging method that allows quantitative evaluation of the lumbosacral nerve injury is necessary.

PURPOSE

To investigate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance (MR) T2 mapping in nerve root injury caused by LDH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 70 patients with unilateral sciatic nerve pain and 35 healthy volunteers were divided into three groups: LDH with nerve root entrapment; LDH without nerve root entrapment; and 35 healthy volunteers. All participants underwent 3.0-T MR with T1-weighted (T1W) imaging, T2-weighted (T2W) imaging, and T2-mapping images. T2 was measured and observed with the left and right nerve roots of the L4-S1 segments in healthy volunteers; the differences between the three groups were compared. T2 and the relaxation rate of nerve root injury were analyzed.

RESULTS

T2 showed significant differences among the three groups (F = 89.494; P = 0.000), receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the T2 relaxation threshold was 79 ms, the area under curve (AUC) area was 0.86, sensitivity was 0.77, and specificity was 0.74; the T2 relaxation rate was 1.06, the AUC area was 0.88, sensitivity was 0.74, and specificity was 0.85.

CONCLUSION

T2 mapping could quantitatively evaluate the nerve root injury with lumbar disc degeneration. Hence, it can be used for the clinical evaluation of nerve root entrapment caused by LDH.

Different Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain and Risk Factors in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis at Stages of Outpatient, Awaiting and after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective

Neuropathic pain (NP) plays an important role in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, the prevalence of NP at different treatment stages including outpatient, awaiting and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have not been compared. The understanding of this issue and identify risk factors can help physicians develop individualized strategies to manage the pain of KOA. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of NP at different treatment stages of KOA.

Methods

Patients diagnosed as KOA between August 2016 and August 2020 were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study and divided into three groups according to treatment stage, including outpatient stage, awaiting TKA stage (pre‐TKA) and after TKA stage (post‐TKA). A numeric rating scale (NRS) and PainDETECT questionnaire were used to evaluate nociceptive pain and NP. Patient demographics, radiological assessments using Kellgren–Lawrence (K‐L) grade, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were analyzed. Data analysis and statistics were processed using SPSS 20.0 and examined by ANOVA with/without Bonferroni correction or Kruskal–Wallis test. A chi‐square test was used to determine cross‐table data and calculate the odds ratio (OR) value.

Results

Of the 921 patients, the prevalence of possible and likely NP was 17.5% (56/320) and 2.5% (8/320) in the pre‐TKA group compared with 3.4% (8/233) and 0.4% (1/233) in the outpatient group and 1.4% (5/368) and 0.5% (2/368) in the post‐TKA group, respectively. In the pre‐TKA group, higher NRS (NRS >3; OR = 10.65, 95% CI: 3.25–34.92, P < 0.001) and WOMAC pain score (score > 10; OR = 4.88, 95% CI: 2.38–10.01, P < 0.001) conferred an increased risk of unclear pain. Age, gender, BMI and K‐L grade showed no significant differences among the unlikely, possible and likely NP groups.

Conclusion

Prevalence of NP is different at stages of out‐patient, awaiting and after TKA in patients with KOA. Patients awaiting TKA have the highest prevalence of NP compared with patients in outpatient and post‐TKA groups. In the patients waiting for TKA, higher NRS (NRS >3) and WOMAC pain scores (score > 10) are risk factors of NP.

The effects of fermented pineapple residue on growth performance, meat quality, and rumen microbiota of fattening Simmental bull

In this study, silage Pennisetum sinese Roxb-based diet was replaced with fermented pineapple residue (FPR) at the replacement ratio of 0% (CON), 25% (T25), and 50% (T50) in fattening Simmental bulls for 30 days to evaluate the effects of FPR on growth performance, serum indexes, and ruminal characteristics. A total of 30 Simmental bulls (546 ± 44 kg initial BW) were allocated to three groups according to a completely randomized design. On day 30, the slaughter performance and meat quality were determined. Rumen fluids were collected for analyzing the rumen fermentation parameters and microbiota composition on day 30. The results showed that the average daily weight gain increased (P < 0.05) as the proportion of FPR rose. Within treatments, the T25 group reached more profit (5.34 RMB per day per bull) than CON while T50 was 3.69. The content of crude fat, cysteine, and proline in the muscle of T50 increased significantly (P < 0.05). The amounts of tyrosine, proline, and phenylalanine were significantly increased in the T25 (P < 0.05). The beta diversity analysis showed significant differences among the rumen bacterial flora of each group (P < 0.05). In the T25 group, the relative abundance of Spirochaetes decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_bacterium_RM44 was significantly lower (P < 0.05). Thus, FPR could improve the growth performance, economic benefits, and meat quality without adverse effects on ruminal characteristics.

Effects of Cellulase and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the Fermentation Parameters, Nutrients, and Bacterial Community in Cassia alata Silage

Silage Cassia alata (CA) can alleviate feed shortage in some areas to a certain extent and reduce feed costs. The present research evaluated the effect of cellulase (CE) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) on the fermentation parameters, nutrients, and bacterial community of CA silage. Chopped CA was ensiled with three different treatments, namely, no inoculant (CK), CE, and LP, and the indexes were determined on the 2nd, 6th, 14th, and 30th days of silage fermentation. The fermentation parameters indicate that the pH value of the three groups decreased and then increased with the ensilage process, and the lowest value was observed on the 14th day. The CK and LP groups attained the highest value on the 30th day, while the CE group attained the highest value on the 2nd day. Additionally, the pH value and NH₃-N content were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the CE and LP groups than in the CK group. In terms of nutrients, crude protein (CP) contents significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the CE and LP groups on the 30th day. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of the CE group were significantly and negatively associated with fermentation time, and the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents of the three groups were significantly lower during ensiling. In comparison with the CK group, the NDF and ADF contents were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the WSC content increased (P < 0.05) in the CE group on day 30. Sequencing analysis of bacterial communities showed that Lactobacillus became the most dominant genus in the ensilage process. Moreover, both CE and LP groups increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and decreased that of Klebsiella, Weissella, and Acetobacter in comparison to the CK group, in which LP had a better effect. CE and LP could further improve the silage quality of CA, and LP had a more significant effect in reconstructing the bacterial community in the silage environment.

Innate/Inflammatory Bioregulation of Surfactant Protein D Alleviates Rat Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a deteriorating disease of cartilage tissues mainly characterized as low-grade inflammation of the joint. Innate immune molecule surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a member of collectin family of collagenous Ca²⁺-dependent defense lectins and plays a vital role in the inflammatory and innate immune responses. The present study investigated the SP-D-mediated innate/inflammatory bioregulation in OA and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. Transcriptome analysis revealed that SP-D regulated genes were strongly enriched in the inflammatory response, immune response, cellular response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), PI3K-Akt signaling, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction pathways. Knockdown of the SP-D gene by the recombinant adeno-associated virus promoted the macrophage specific markers of CD68, F4/80 and TLR4 in the articular cartilage in vivo. SP-D alleviated the infiltration of synovial macrophages and neutrophils, and inhibited TLR4, TNF-α and the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and NF-κB p65 in cartilage. SP-D suppressed cartilage degeneration, inflammatory and immune responses in the rat OA model, whilst TAK-242 strengthened this improvement. In in vitro conditions, SP-D pre-treatment inhibited LPS-induced overproduction of inflammation-correlated cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, and suppressed the overexpression of TLR4, MD-2 and NLRP3. SP-D prevented the LPS-induced degradation of ECM by down-regulating MMP-13 and up-regulating collagen II. Blocking of TLR4 by TAK-242 further enhanced these manifestations. We also demonstrated that SP-D binds to the TLR4/MD-2 complex to suppress TLR4-mediated PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling activation in chondrocytes. Taken together, these findings indicate that SP-D has chondroprotective properties dependent on TLR4-mediated PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling and that SP-D has an optimal bioregulatory effect on the inflammatory and innate responses in OA.

Dietary adenosine 5’-monophosphate supplementation increases food intake and remodels energy expenditure in mice

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Multiplexing of RF-assisted fiber ring resonators based on phase-shift amplification

The multiplexing of fiber ring resonators (FRRs) for no crosstalk loss sensing is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. The difference between the parallel and series FRRs is theoretically elaborated to determine the multiplexing scheme. The frequency response properties of the cascaded FRRs at distinct radio frequency (RF) working points are compared and analyzed. The optical carrier-based microwave interferometry system is implemented to verify the numerical investigation and exhibit the multiplexing of phase-shift based demodulation at diverse RF working points. Enhanced by the phase-shift amplification and the series configuration, each FRR can be independently demodulated by recording the phase of frequency response at the specific RF working point. The experimental results indicate that the sensitivity of transmittance reaches -0.341 rad with the advantage of robustness and immunity to power fluctuation. Owing to the prominent contribution of insensitive points and the series strategy, the crosstalk of multiplexing for loss sensing between two FRRs is eliminated virtually, which matches well with the theory. The proposed scheme provides an innovative approach for multiplexing the phase-based FRRs sensors without additional expenditure.