Measurements of All-Particle Energy Spectrum and Mean Logarithmic Mass of Cosmic Rays from 0.3 to 30 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

We present the measurements of all-particle energy spectrum and mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays in the energy range of 0.3-30 PeV using data collected from LHAASO-KM2A between September 2021 and December 2022, which is based on a nearly composition-independent energy reconstruction method, achieving unprecedented accuracy. Our analysis reveals the position of the knee at 3.67±0.05±0.15  PeV. Below the knee, the spectral index is found to be -2.7413±0.0004±0.0050, while above the knee, it is -3.128±0.005±0.027, with the sharpness of the transition measured with a statistical error of 2%. The mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays is almost heavier than helium in the whole measured energy range. It decreases from 1.7 at 0.3 PeV to 1.3 at 3 PeV, representing a 24% decline following a power law with an index of -0.1200±0.0003±0.0341. This is equivalent to an increase in abundance of light components. Above the knee, the mean logarithmic mass exhibits a power law trend towards heavier components, which is reversal to the behavior observed in the all-particle energy spectrum. Additionally, the knee position and the change in power-law index are approximately the same. These findings suggest that the knee observed in the all-particle spectrum corresponds to the knee of the light component, rather than the medium-heavy components.

Analysis of preoperative and postoperative depression and anxiety in patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the psychological status of patients with Hepple V osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) and evaluate the effect of autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation (AOPT) on their psychological well-being.

Methods

Fifty patients with Hepple V OLT who underwent AOPT at the Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Surgery Ward of Xi'an Honghui Hospital from November 2021 to May 2023 were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of preoperative symptoms of anxiety/depression. Group A comprised patients with preoperative symptoms, while Group B included patients without such symptoms. Preoperative and final follow-up assessments included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for evaluating anxiety and depression, the visual analogue scale for pain assessment, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores for assessing ankle and hindfoot function.

Results

Among the 50 Hepple V OLT patients who obtained complete follow-up, twenty-four had preoperative symptoms of anxiety/depression, with an incidence rate of up to 48%. Patients in Groups A and B showed significant improvement in all evaluation indexes after AOPT compared to the preoperative period, but the overall prognosis of Group A was poorer than that of Group B.

Conclusion

AOPT can effectively improve patients' pain, functional activities, and psychological status, and there is a significant correlation between patients' preoperative psychological status and prognosis.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate inhibits metastasis potential of non-small cell lung cancer cells through FTO mediated TLE1 m6A modification

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a prevalent RNA epigenetic modification, which plays a crucial role in tumor progression including metastasis. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are natural compounds and inhibit the tumorigenesis of various cancers. Our previous studies show that ITCs inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, and have synergistic effects with chemotherapy drugs. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of ITCs on cancer cell metastasis. We showed that phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) dose-dependently inhibited the cell viability of both NSCLC cell lines H1299 and H226 with IC50 values of 17.6 and 15.2 μM, respectively. Furthermore, PEITC dose-dependently inhibited the invasion and migration of H1299 and H226 cells. We demonstrated that PEITC treatment dose-dependently increased m6A methylation levels and inhibited the expression of the m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) in H1299 and H226 cells. Knockdown of FTO significantly increased m6A methylation in H1299 and H226 cells, impaired their abilities of invasion and migration in vitro, and enhanced the inhibition of PEITC on tumor growth in vivo. Overexpression of FTO promoted the migration of NSCLC cells, and also mitigated the inhibitory effect of PEITC on migration of NSCLC cells. Furthermore, we found that FTO regulated the mRNA m6A modification of a transcriptional co-repressor Transducin-Like Enhancer of split-1 (TLE1) and further affected its stability and expression. TCGA database analysis revealed TLE1 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues compared to normal tissues, which might be correlated with the metastasis status. Moreover, we showed that PEITC suppressed the migration of NSCLC cells by inhibiting TLE1 expression and downstream Akt/NF-κB pathway. This study reveals a novel mechanism underlying ITC's inhibitory effect on metastasis of lung cancer cells, and provided valuable information for developing new therapeutics for lung cancer by targeting m6A methylation.

Effect of a disposable endoscope precleaning kit in the cleaning procedure of gastrointestinal endoscope: A multi-center observational study

BACKGROUND

Precleaning is a key step in endoscopic reprocessing.

AIM

To develop an effective and economic endoscope cleaning method by using a disposable endoscope bedside precleaning kit.

METHODS

Altogether, 228 used gastrointestinal endoscopes were selected from five high-volume endoscopy units and precleaned by a traditional precleaning bucket (group T) or a disposable endoscope bedside precleaning kit (group D). Each group was further subdivided based on the replacement frequency of the cleaning solution, which was replaced every time in subgroups T1 and D1 and every several times in subgroups Ts and Ds. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level and residual proteins were measured three times: Before and after precleaning and after manual cleaning.

RESULTS

After precleaning, the precleaning kit significantly reduced the ATP levels (P = 0.034) and has a more stable ATP clearance rate than the traditional precleaning bucket. The precleaning kit also saved a quarter of the cost of enzymatic detergent used during the precleaning process. After manual cleaning, the ATP levels were also significantly lower in the precleaning kit group than in the traditional precleaning bucket group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the number of uses of the cleaning solution (up to four times) has no significant impact on the cleaning effect (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Considering its economic cost and cleaning effect, the use of a disposable endoscope bedside precleaning kit can be an optimal option in the precleaning stage with the cleaning solution being replaced several times in the manual cleaning stage.

Measurement of Ultra-High-Energy Diffuse Gamma-Ray Emission of the Galactic Plane from 10 TeV to 1 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

The diffuse Galactic γ-ray emission, mainly produced via interactions between cosmic rays and the interstellar medium and/or radiation field, is a very important probe of the distribution, propagation, and interaction of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. In this Letter, we report the measurements of diffuse γ rays from the Galactic plane between 10 TeV and 1 PeV energies, with the square kilometer array of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Diffuse emissions from the inner (15°10  TeV). The energy spectrum in the inner Galaxy regions can be described by a power-law function with an index of -2.99±0.04, which is different from the curved spectrum as expected from hadronic interactions between locally measured cosmic rays and the line-of-sight integrated gas content. Furthermore, the measured flux is higher by a factor of ∼3 than the prediction. A similar spectrum with an index of -2.99±0.07 is found in the outer Galaxy region, and the absolute flux for 10≲E≲60  TeV is again higher than the prediction for hadronic cosmic ray interactions. The latitude distributions of the diffuse emission are consistent with the gas distribution, while the longitude distributions show clear deviation from the gas distribution. The LHAASO measurements imply that either additional emission sources exist or cosmic ray intensities have spatial variations.

M supported on Al-defective Al2-δO3 (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au) as catalysts for acetylene semi-hydrogenation: a theoretical perspective

Semi-hydrogenation of acetylene is of great importance for both industry and academia. High prices and limited supplements of noble metals leave room for developing base metal catalysts. Experiments revealed the atomically dispersed Cu supported by Al2O3 with excellent long-term stability and high ethylene selectivity, but the physical nature has rarely been investigated theoretically. DFT calculations and microkinetic modeling revealed that the surface OH species could stabilize Cu1/Al2-δO3 and enhance its catalytic performance. The selectivity of ethylene formation decreases with increasing copper clusters (e.g., Cu1/Al2-δO3> Cu4/Al2-δO3> Cu8/Al2-δO3), meaning that the atomically dispersed copper may be a potential candidate for acetylene semi-hydrogenation. The structures of a series of single site catalysts M1/Al2-δO3 (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Ag, Au) are similar to that of Cu1/Al2-δO3, but their performances in catalyzing acetylene semi-hydrogenation are different. M1/Al2-δO3 (M = Ag, Au) shows higher selectivity than Cu1/Al2-δO3, while M1/Al2-δO3 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) demonstrates a higher turnover frequency (TOF) of ethylene than Cu1/Al2-δO3. Moreover, our results indicate that the Ni1-Cu1/Al2-δO3 alloy shows both high activity and ethylene selectivity. The present results show a compensation between the reactivity and the selectivity, suggesting that alloys of VIIIB metals with IB metals like Ni1-Cu1/Al2-δO3 may be efficient candidate catalysts in acetylene selective hydrogenation.

[Analysis of the characteristics of viral infections in children with diarrhea in Beijing from 2018 to 2022]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of viral infections in children with diarrhea in Beijing from 2018 to 2022. Methods: Real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect viral nucleic acid of Norovirus (NoV), Sappovirus (SaV), Astrovirus (AstV), Enteric Adenovirus (AdV) or antigen of Rotavirus (RV) in 748 stool samples collected from Beijing Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2018 to December 2021. Subsequently, the reverse transcription PCR or PCR method was used to amplify the target gene of the positive samples after the initial screening, followed by sequencing, genotyping and evolution analysis, so as to obtain the characteristics of these viruses. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Mega 6.0. Results: From 2018 to 2021, the overall detection rate of the above five common viruses was 37.6%(281/748)in children under 5 years old in Beijing. NoV, Enteric AdV and RV were still the top three diarrhea-related viruses, followed by AstV and SaV, accounting for 41.6%, 29.2%, 27.8%, 8.9% and 7.5%, respectively. The detection rate of co-infections with two or three diarrhea-related viruses was 4.7% (35/748). From the perspective of annual distribution, the detection rate of Enteric AdV was the highest in 2021, while NoV was predominant in the other 4 years. From the perspective of genetic characteristics, NoV was predominant by GII.4, and after the first detection of GII.4[P16] in 2020, it occupied the first two gene groups together with GII.4[P31]. Although the predominant RV was G9P[8], the rare epidemic strain G8P[8] was first detected in 2021. The predominant genotypes of Enteric AdV and AstV were Ad41 and HAstV-1. SaV was sporadic spread with a low detection rate. Conclusion: Among the diarrhea-related viruses infected children under 5 years of age in Beijing, the predominant strains of NoV and RV have changed and new sub-genotypes have been detected for the first time, while the predominant strains of AstV and Enteric AdV are relatively stable.

A tera-electron volt afterglow from a narrow jet in an extremely bright gamma-ray burst

Some gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have a tera-electron volt (TeV) afterglow, but the early onset of this has not been observed. We report observations with the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory of the bright GRB 221009A, which serendipitously occurred within the instrument field of view. More than 64,000 photons >0.2 TeV were detected within the first 3000 seconds. The TeV flux began several minutes after the GRB trigger, then rose to a peak about 10 seconds later. This was followed by a decay phase, which became more rapid ~650 seconds after the peak. We interpret the emission using a model of a relativistic jet with half-opening angle ~0.8°. This is consistent with the core of a structured jet and could explain the high isotropic energy of this GRB.

Quorum sensing unveils the sludge floccule-assisted stabilization of aerobic granules in granule-dominated sequencing batch reactors

Floccules are another major form of microbial aggregates in aerobic granular sludge systems. Previous studies mainly attributed the persistence of floccules to their relatively faster nutrient uptake and higher growth rate over aerobic granules; however, they failed to unravel the underlying mechanism of the long-term coexistence of these two aggregates. In this work, the existence and function of the floccules in an aerobic granule-dominated sequencing batch reactor were investigated from the view of quorum sensing (QS) and quorum quenching (QQ). The results showed that though the floccules were closely associated with the granules in terms of similar community structures (including the QS- and QQ-related ones), they exhibited a relatively higher QQ-related activity but a lower QS-related activity. A compatible proportion of floccules might be helpful to maintain the QS-related activity and keep the granules stable. In addition, the structure difference was demonstrated to diversify the QS- and QQ-related activities of the floccules and the aerobic granules. These findings could broaden our understanding of the interactions between the coexistent floccules and granules in aerobic granule-dominated systems and would be instructive for the development of the aerobic granular sludge process.

The incremental significance of heart rate recovery as a predictor during exercise-stress myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging in individuals with suspected coronary artery disease

Background

Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) are more likely to occur when abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR). This study aimed to assess the incremental predictive significance of HRR over exercise stress myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS) results for MACE in individuals with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Between January 2014 and December 2017, we continually gathered data on 595 patients with suspected CAD who received cycling exercise stress MPS. HRR at 1, 2, 3, and 4 min were used as study variables to obtain the optimal cut-off values of HRR for MACE. The difference between the peak heart rate achieved during exercise and the heart rate at 1, 2, 3, and 4 min was used to calculate the HRR, as shown in HRR3. Heart rate variations between two locations in time, such as HRR_{2 min-1 min}, were used to establish the slope of HRR. All patients were followed for a minimum of 4 years, with MACE as the follow-up goal. The associations between HRR and MACE were assessed using Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Results

Patients with MACE were older (P = 0.001), and they also had higher rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, abnormal MPS findings (SSS ≥ 5%), medication history (all P < 0.001), and lower HRR values (all P < 0.01). Patients with and without MACE did not significantly vary in their HRR_{4 min-3 min}. The optimal cut-off of HRR1, 2, and 3 combined with SSS can stratify the risk of MACE in people with suspected CAD (all P < 0.001). HRR 1, 2, and 3 and its slope were linked to MACE in multivariate analysis, where HRR3 was the most significant risk predictor. With a global X² increase from 101 to 126 (P < 0.0001), HRR3 demonstrated the greatest improvement in the model's predictive capacity, incorporating clinical data and MPS outcomes.

Conclusions

HRR at 3 min has a more excellent incremental prognostic value for predicting MACE in patients with suspected CAD following cycling exercise stress MPS. Therefore, incorporating HRR at 3 min into known predictive models may further improve the risk stratification of the patients.

Constraints on Heavy Decaying Dark Matter from 570 Days of LHAASO Observations

The kilometer square array (KM2A) of the large high altitude air shower observatory (LHAASO) aims at surveying the northern γ-ray sky at energies above 10 TeV with unprecedented sensitivity. γ-ray observations have long been one of the most powerful tools for dark matter searches, as, e.g., high-energy γ rays could be produced by the decays of heavy dark matter particles. In this Letter, we present the first dark matter analysis with LHAASO-KM2A, using the first 340 days of data from 1/2-KM2A and 230 days of data from 3/4-KM2A. Several regions of interest are used to search for a signal and account for the residual cosmic-ray background after γ/hadron separation. We find no excess of dark matter signals, and thus place some of the strongest γ-ray constraints on the lifetime of heavy dark matter particles with mass between 10^{5} and 10^{9}  GeV. Our results with LHAASO are robust, and have important implications for dark matter interpretations of the diffuse astrophysical high-energy neutrino emission.

[Salivary papillary cystic low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma and cystadenoma: a comparison of clinicopathological and genetic features]

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic and genetic features of papillary cystic low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (LG-MEC) and cystadenoma. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on salivary gland tumor patients with papillary cystic architecture who presented to department of oral pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between January 2010 and June 2022. Among this cohort, there were 17 males and 17 females with a range age of 23-82 years [(55.6±14.6) years]. Diagnosis was confirmed by histological, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Finally, 15 papillary cystic LG-MEC and 19 cystadenoma patients were included in the present study. All patients were followed clinically and radiologically, and the duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 141 months. Results: All neoplasms showed papillary proliferation with multilocular or giant cystic tumors. Papillary cystic LG-MEC was characterized by epidermoid cells, intermediate cell and mucous cells with multiple lining-layers. Papillary cystic LG-MEC had mild cellular atypia and a pushing infiltration. Cystadenoma was characterized by cuboidal, columnar and ciliated pseudostratified columnar lining epithelium. Squamous metaplasia, mucinous metaplasia and acidophilic degeneration could also be observed focally in cystadenoma. For IHC staining, papillary cystic LG-MEC showed diffusely and strongly positive for mucin 4 (MUC4) (15/15) and mucin 5 Subtype AC (MUC5AC) (4/15) in the epidermoid cells, intermediate cell and mucous cells. The epidermoid cells and intermediate cells were diffusely positive for p40 and p63. The Ki-67 index was about 10%-15% in LG-MEC. As a contrast, p40 (17/19) and p63 (14/15) were only detected in the basal cells of cystadenoma. Cystadenoma showed focal MUC5AC (4/19)expression and MUC4 (19/19)diffuse expression. In addition, the Ki-67 index was 5%-10% in cystadenoma. The MAML2 gene translocation was detected in 11 LG-MEC patients, but none in cystadenoma. Conclusions: The differential diagnosis points between papillary cystic LG-MEC and cystadenoma included the specific epidermoid cells, intermediate cells and mucus cells in LG-MEC, cell atypia, the pushing-infiltration pattern, diffuse expression of p40 and p63 in the lining epithelium, and a MAML2 gene rearrangement. The molecular test of MAML2 should be recommended to reduce missed LG-MEC diagnoses.

Long noncoding RNA DLEU2 promotes growth and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating miR-30a-5p/PTP4A1 axis

Increasing data indicate that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DLEU2 is implicated in carcinogenesis in multiple malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role and molecular mechanism by which lncRNA DLEU2 contributes to HCC remain unknown. The association of lncRNA DLEU2 with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with HCC was analyzed by qRT-PCR, and public TCGA dataset. CCK-8, colony formation and Transwell assays were performed to verify the role of lncRNA DLEU2 in HCC. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), luciferase gene report and qRT-PCR assays were employed to uncover lncRNA DLEU2-spevific binding with miR-30a-5p. The effect of lncRNA DLEU2 and (or) miR-30a-5p on PTP4A1 expression was examined by Western blot analysis. As a consequence, we found that lncRNA DLEU2 was upregulated in HCC tissue samples and associated with distant metastasis and poor survival in patients with HCC. Knockdown of lncRNA DLEU2 impaired HCC cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion, but ectopic expression of lncRNA DLEU2 abolished these effects. Furthermore, lncRNA DLEU2 harbored a negative correlation and specific binding with miR-30a-5p in HCC cells. Knockdown of lncRNA DLEU2 upregulated miR-30a-5p, but downregulated its target PTP4A1, and miR-30a-5p abrogated lncRNA DLEU2-induced tumor-promoting effects and PTP4A1 upregulation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that lncRNA DLEU2 promotes growth and invasion of HCC cells by regulating miR-30a-5p/ PTP4A1 axis.

Cervical adenofibroma without clinical symptoms: report of a rare case

Adenofibroma is an extremely rare benign biphasic tumour composed of glandular and fibrous tissues. It occurs more often in the endometrium but it can also occur in the cervix and extrauterine sites. This case report describes a 39-year-old asymptomatic woman with cervical adenofibroma. The patient was treated successfully with surgical removal of the tumour. As adenofibromas are very rare, the report is presented with a brief review of the literature.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Experimental study and numerical prediction of HTO and 36Cl- diffusion in radioactive waste at Téguline Clay

Statement of Retraction: Experimental study and numerical prediction of HTO and 36Cl- diffusion in radioactive waste at Téguline ClayWe, the Editor and Publisher of Environmental Technology, have retracted the following article:Yun-yi Zhang, Yong He, Bing-bing Li & Ke-neng Zhang, Experimental study and numerical prediction of HTO and 36Cl- diffusion in radioactive waste at Téguline Clay, Environmental Technology, Latest Articles, 10.1080/09593330.2021.1939433Following publication, errors have been identified in the experimental work and numerical simulation as follows: 1) The experimental results presented in this paper are too limited to effectively support the numerical analysis.2) Although XRD, MIP, SEM and other microstructural tests were conducted and presented in this paper, the results of these microstructural tests have not been used in the numerical analysis, leading to incorrect results shown in Figure 11.3) There is a serious discrepancy between the simulated results and the real conditions, due to an incorrect selection of diffusion parameters and initial concentration (200 mg/L and 500 mg/L) as well as an incorrect simulation model and boundary condition (Figure 4).4) The simulation software (Geo-studio + MATLAB) appears to be unsuitable for the simulation work in this paper due to physical, mechanical and adsorption properties of the sample not being considered in the simulation.These errors were identified and acknowledged by the authors. The errors are too substantial to be corrected in a corrigendum and will alter the conclusions of the paper. There are no concerns regarding research or publishing conduct, and the authors plan to revisit the relevant mature results of their research and may resubmit the revised paper for consideration by the journal.We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions.The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as "Retracted".

[Comparative study on short and long-term intervention impacts of six Chinese herbs with cold or heat property on lipid and energy metabolism in mice]

This study selected three typical Chinese herbs with cold property(Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, and Coptidis Rhizoma) and another three with heat property(Cinnamomi Cortex, Zingiberris Rhizoma, and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) to observe their regulatory effects on metabolism in animal organism, especially on lipid and energy metabolism in mice after a short-(7 d) and long-term(35 d) intervention. The mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism genes in epididymal adipose tissue and liver were determined by real-time PCR. The oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and energy consumption were detected by metabolic system. After the short-term intervention, the Chinese herbs with heat property significantly reduced epididymal adipose tissue index and elevated the expression levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC), lipoprotein lipase(LPL), and carnitine-palmityl transferase 1(CPT-1) in liver and epididymal adipose tissues. However, those with cold property promoted the expression of above-mentioned genes in epididymal adipose tissue. After the long-term intervention, cold and heat Chinese herbs had no significant effect on epididymal adipose tissue index of animals, while cold Chinese herbs could increase carbon dioxide production and energy consumption and reduce activity. These findings demonstrated that the short-term intervention effects of cold and heat Chinese herbs on animal metabolism were significantly stronger than the long-term intervention effects. Specifically, the short-term intervention with cold Chinese herbs enhanced the lipid metabolism in epididymal adipose tissue, while the heat Chinese herbs promoted lipid metabolism in epididymal adipose tissue and liver. The long-term intervention with cold and heat Chinese herbs resulted in no obvious change in lipid level, but long-term intervention with cold Chinese herbs accelerated energy consumption of the body. This study preliminarily observed the effects of cold and heat Chinese herbs on normal animal physiology from lipid and energy metabolism, which would provide reference for explaining the biological basis of Chinese herbs with cold or heat property based on biological response.

Exploring Lorentz Invariance Violation from Ultrahigh-Energy γ Rays Observed by LHAASO

Recently, the LHAASO Collaboration published the detection of 12 ultrahigh-energy γ-ray sources above 100 TeV, with the highest energy photon reaching 1.4 PeV. The first detection of PeV γ rays from astrophysical sources may provide a very sensitive probe of the effect of the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV), which results in decay of high-energy γ rays in the superluminal scenario and hence a sharp cutoff of the energy spectrum. Two highest energy sources are studied in this work. No signature of the existence of the LIV is found in their energy spectra, and the lower limits on the LIV energy scale are derived. Our results show that the first-order LIV energy scale should be higher than about 10^{5} times the Planck scale M_{Pl} and that the second-order LIV scale is >10^{-3}M_{Pl}. Both limits improve by at least one order of magnitude the previous results.

[Efficacy of relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures in the treatment of OSAHS with soft palate oropharyngeal obstruction]

Objective: To explore the efficacy of relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: Seventy-three patients(including 60 males and 13 females) with OSAHS admitted to the department of otorhinolaryngology of our hospital in recent two years were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients had velopharyngeal obstructionevaluated by electronic endoscopic Müller test and were divided into control group (34 cases) and observation group (39 cases). The patients in the control group were performed modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, while those in the observation group were performed relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures.The scores of ESS, AHI and LSaO₂ before and after treatment were collected and compared. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was 94.87%, which was significantly higher than 79.41% of the control group. The AHI was lower and LSaO₂ value was higher (χ²=-1. 896,-1. 968,P<0.05)in the observation group. The sleeping symptoms and quality of life of the two groups were significantly improved. The ESS score of the observation group was decreased more significantly than that of the control group after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=-1.451,P<0.05). The incidence of foreign body sensation in pharynx of the observation group (89.74%) was higher than that of the control group (55.88%), and the postoperative bleeding and postoperative recurrence rate (0.00%, 2.56%) was lower than that of the control group (8.82%, 14.70%)with statistical significance (χ²=4.738,4.249,4.119,P<0.05).The incidence of transient nasopharyngeal reflux in both groups was low and statistically insignificant (χ²=0.629,P>0.05). Conclusions: Preoperative strict screening of indications plays an important role in the selection of palatopharyngeal surgery methods and curative effect. Relocation and expansion pharyngoplasty by suspension sutures can improve the clinical efficacy of OSAHS with better safety and less recurrence.

MiR-361-5p/abca1 and MiR-196-5p/arhgef12 Axis Involved in γ-Sitosterol Inducing Dual Anti-Proliferative Effects on Bronchial Epithelial Cells of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive and irreversible respiratory disease, becomes the third leading cause of death and results in enormous economic burden on healthcare costs and productivity loss worldwide by 2020. Thus, it is urgent to develop effective anti-COPD drugs.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, two published GEO profiles were used to re-analyze and ascertain the relationships between circulating miRNAs and bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) mRNAs in COPD. The microRNA levels of miR-361-5p and miR-196-5p in plasma of COPD patients and healthy volunteers were detected by qRT-PCR. Next, the effects of γ-sitosterol (GS) on the expression of miR-361-5p and miR-196-5p and cell proliferation were investigated in BEC and H292 cell lines. Finally, whether specific miRNA-mRNA pathways involved in the effect of GS on BECs was assayed using Western Blot, real-time PCR and immunofluorescence.

Results

miR-196-5p and miR-361-5p were, respectively, up- and down-regulated in COPD patients compared with healthy controls. Luciferase assays demonstrated that miR-361-5p and miR-196-5p were, respectively, targeting abca1 and arhgef12 3ʹUTR in BEAS-2B cells. GS significantly suppressed miR-196-5p and promoted miR-361-5p levels in BEAS-2B cells and inhibited BECs proliferation in vitro. GS promoted miR-361-5p expression, which inhibited BCAT1 mRNA and protein levels and weaken mTOR-pS6K pathway, resulted in anti-proliferation in BEAS-2B cells. In addition, RhoA was activated by ARHGEF12 due to the inhibitory effect of miR-196-5p on arhgef12-3ʹUTR which was partially abolished by GS suppressing miR-196-5p expression. Activated RhoA further activated ROCK1-PTEN pathway and finally inhibited mTOR pathway, resulting in induced BECs proliferation. The anti-proliferation effect of GS was not observed in H292 cells.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that miR-361-5p/abca1 and miR-196-5p/arhgef12 axis mediated GS inducing dual anti-proliferation effects on BECs.

Growth and gonadal development retardations after long-term exposure to estradiol in little yellow croaker, Larimichthys polyactis

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) including 17β-estradiol (E2) are widely distributed in the aquatic environment and are known to negatively affect the reproductive system of many animals, including fish. EDCs leading to feminization, altered sex ratio and reduced fecundity, it is possibly posing potential risks to the ecosystems. To investigate the potentially toxic effects of E2 exposure on little yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis, L. poliactis) who have a unique gonadal development pattern that males undergo a hermaphroditic stage. An experiment was set up where L. poliactis were maintained in tanks and exposed to E2 concentrations of 10 μg/L or no E2 exposure (the ethanol and control groups) from 30 to 90 days post-hatching (dph). After exposure, the E2 withdrawal and continual cultured to 150 and 365 dph. The morphological and histological analyses were used to compare the changes in the fish body and gonad under E2 exposure. The results showed that E2 exposure caused three major phenotypes at 30 and 60 days after treatment (dat), including ovary, ovotestis and gonadal development retardation compared with the control groups. The average ratio of these three phenotypes is 60.6%, 11.97% and 27.43%, respectively. The body length and weight of E2 exposure groups were repressed during the E2 exposure period, while it can recover after E2 withdrawal. However, the gonadal development (Gonadosomatic Index) of E2 exposure groups testis were retarded at 60 dat and doesn't recover until 365 dph. The sex determination/differentiation-related genes erα, erβI, erβII, fshβ and cyp11b2 were significantly decreased in E2-exposure male fish. This research highlights the E2 leads to feminization, disrupts testis maturation and spermatogenesis, this effect persisted into the stage of sexual maturity. Collectively, our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying E2 disturbance of a marine economic fish reproduction.

Peta-electron volt gamma-ray emission from the Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula is a bright source of gamma rays powered by the Crab Pulsar's rotational energy through the formation and termination of a relativistic electron-positron wind. We report the detection of gamma rays from this source with energies from 5 × 10^-4 to 1.1 peta-electron volts with a spectrum showing gradual steepening over three energy decades. The ultrahigh-energy photons imply the presence of a peta-electron volt electron accelerator (a pevatron) in the nebula, with an acceleration rate exceeding 15% of the theoretical limit. We constrain the pevatron's size between 0.025 and 0.1 parsecs and the magnetic field to ≈110 microgauss. The production rate of peta-electron volt electrons, 2.5 × 10³⁶ ergs per second, constitutes 0.5% of the pulsar spin-down luminosity, although we cannot exclude a contribution of peta-electron volt protons to the production of the highest-energy gamma rays.

Extended Very-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission Surrounding PSR J0622+3749 Observed by LHAASO-KM2A

We report the discovery of an extended very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray source around the location of the middle-aged (207.8 kyr) pulsar PSR J0622+3749 with the Large High-Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). The source is detected with a significance of 8.2σ for E>25  TeV assuming a Gaussian template. The best-fit location is (right ascension, declination) =(95.47°±0.11°,37.92°±0.09°), and the extension is 0.40°±0.07°. The energy spectrum can be described by a power-law spectrum with an index of -2.92±0.17_{stat}±0.02_{sys}. No clear extended multiwavelength counterpart of the LHAASO source has been found from the radio to sub-TeV bands. The LHAASO observations are consistent with the scenario that VHE electrons escaped from the pulsar, diffused in the interstellar medium, and scattered the interstellar radiation field. If interpreted as the pulsar halo scenario, the diffusion coefficient, inferred for electrons with median energies of ∼160  TeV, is consistent with those obtained from the extended halos around Geminga and Monogem and much smaller than that derived from cosmic ray secondaries. The LHAASO discovery of this source thus likely enriches the class of so-called pulsar halos and confirms that high-energy particles generally diffuse very slowly in the disturbed medium around pulsars.

Ultrahigh-energy photons up to 1.4 petaelectronvolts from 12 γ-ray Galactic sources

The extension of the cosmic-ray spectrum beyond 1 petaelectronvolt (PeV; 10¹⁵ electronvolts) indicates the existence of the so-called PeVatrons-cosmic-ray factories that accelerate particles to PeV energies. We need to locate and identify such objects to find the origin of Galactic cosmic rays¹. The principal signature of both electron and proton PeVatrons is ultrahigh-energy (exceeding 100 TeV) γ radiation. Evidence of the presence of a proton PeVatron has been found in the Galactic Centre, according to the detection of a hard-spectrum radiation extending to 0.04 PeV (ref. ²). Although γ-rays with energies slightly higher than 0.1 PeV have been reported from a few objects in the Galactic plane^3-6, unbiased identification and in-depth exploration of PeVatrons requires detection of γ-rays with energies well above 0.1 PeV. Here we report the detection of more than 530 photons at energies above 100 teraelectronvolts and up to 1.4 PeV from 12 ultrahigh-energy γ-ray sources with a statistical significance greater than seven standard deviations. Despite having several potential counterparts in their proximity, including pulsar wind nebulae, supernova remnants and star-forming regions, the PeVatrons responsible for the ultrahigh-energy γ-rays have not yet been firmly localized and identified (except for the Crab Nebula), leaving open the origin of these extreme accelerators.

RAI14 Regulated by circNFATC3/miR-23b-3p axis Facilitates Cell Growth and Invasion in Gastric Cancer

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been proved to act crucial roles in multiple malignancies including gastric cancer (GC). Retinoic acid induced 14 (RAI14) acts as an oncogene in human cancers, but the underlying mechanisms by which RAI14 is regulated by circRNA/miRNA axis remain elusive. The clinical value of RAI14, miR-23b-3p and circNFATC3 was estimated by The Cancer Genome Atlas and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The interplay between miR-23b-3p and RAI14 or circNFATC3 was determined by qRT-PCR, Western blot, luciferase gene report and RIP assays. Biological function assays and a subcutaneous xenograft model were executed to unveil the role of circNFATC3/miR-23b-3p/RAI14 axis in GC cells. As a consequence, upregulation of RAI14 and circNFATC3 or downregulation of miR-23b-3p was associated with poor prognosis in patients with GC. Restored miR-23b-3p depressed cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell invasion by targeting RAI14, whereas RAI14 facilitated cell progression and reversed the anti-tumor effects of miR-23b-3p in GC cells. Then, circNFATC3 had a co-localization with miR-23b-3p in the cytoplasm in GC tissue cells and could act as a sponge of miR-23b-3p in GC cell line. Silencing of circNFATC3 inhibited cell growth and in vivo tumorigenesis by upregulating miR-23b-3p and downregulating RAI14. In conclusion, our findings indicated that RAI14 facilitated cell growth and invasion and was regulated by circNFATC3/miR-23b-3p axis in GC.

Correlation of Sexual Behavior Change, Family Function, and Male-Female Intimacy Among Adults Aged 18-44 Years During COVID-19 Epidemic

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic. In this unprecedented situation, the intimate relationship, sexual behavior, and family functions of partners have also undergone unique changes. There are few reports on whether sexual behavior and family function affect intimate relationships between partners, especially among people aged 18 to 44 years.

AIM

To analyze the influence of sociodemographic characteristics, family function, and changes in sexual behavior on male-female intimacy, the independent contributions of the aforementioned factors in this population group are required to be further investigated.

METHODS

In the present study, 284 Chinese citizens aged 18-44 years completed the online questionnaire. The univariate analysis and cluster multiple linear regression were used to analyze the associations between sociodemographic factors, sexual-behavior changes, family function, and male-female intimacy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, resolve (APGAR) Scale and Relationship Assessment Scale were used to evaluate participants' family function and their intimacy. Details of the participants (sociodemographic and sexual factors) were obtained.

RESULTS

The summary scores, with Relationship Assessment Scale and APGAR scales, were 27.19 ± 4.49 and 6.76 ± 2.28, respectively. About 43.3% of participants reported a decrease in sexual frequency. There were considerable differences among age, education level, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, quality of sexual life, family function with male-female intimacy (P < .05). The sexual satisfaction and intimacy demonstrated a significant positive correlation (P < .05) by cluster multiple linear regression analysis. Compared with those who had a sexual life of mediocre quality, respondents who experienced a good quality sexual life had relatively higher scores in intimacy. The independent contributions of sociodemographic factors, sexual behavior factors, and family function in male-female intimacy were 13.0%, 38.2%, and 48.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual behavior factors and family function were important independent determinants of partner intimacy among people aged 18-44 years. It can provide supportive information for health care to develop intervention plans and services to promote the harmonious development of intimate relationship. Feng Y-J, Fan Y-J, Su Z-Z, et al. Correlation of Sexual Behavior Change, Family Function, and Male-Female Intimacy Among Adults Aged 18-44 Years During COVID-19 Epidemic. Sex Med 2021;9:100301.

A Transient Hermaphroditic Stage in Early Male Gonadal Development in Little Yellow Croaker, Larimichthys polyactis

Animal taxa show remarkable variability in sexual reproduction, where separate sexes, or gonochorism, is thought to have evolved from hermaphroditism for most cases. Hermaphroditism accounts for 5% in animals, and sequential hermaphroditism has been found in teleost. In this study, we characterized a novel form of the transient hermaphroditic stage in little yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) during early gonadal development. The ovary and testis were indistinguishable from 7 to 40 days post-hatching (dph). Morphological and histological examinations revealed an intersex stage of male gonads between 43 and 80 dph, which consist of germ cells, somatic cells, efferent duct, and early primary oocytes (EPOs). These EPOs in testis degenerate completely by 90 dph through apoptosis yet can be rescued by exogenous 17-β-estradiol. Male germ cells enter the mitotic flourishing stage before meiosis is initiated at 180 dph, and they undergo normal spermatogenesis to produce functional sperms. This transient hermaphroditic stage is male-specific, and the ovary development appears to be normal in females. This developmental pattern is not found in the sister species Larimichthys crocea or any other closely related species. Further examinations of serum hormone levels indicate that the absence of 11-ketotestosterone and elevated levels of 17-β-estradiol delineate the male intersex gonad stage, providing mechanistic insights on this unique phenomenon. Our research is the first report on male-specific transient hermaphroditism and will advance the current understanding of fish reproductive biology. This unique gonadal development pattern can serve as a useful model for studying the evolutionary relationship between hermaphroditism and gonochorism, as well as teleost sex determination and differentiation strategies.

Distribution and diversity of filamentous bacteria in wastewater treatment plants exhibiting foaming of Taihu Lake Basin, China

Foaming caused by filamentous bacteria in activated sludge (AS) is a common phenomenon in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Taihu Lake Basin of South China. In this study, total bacterial and filamentous bacterial communities were comprehensively characterized in AS and foams from eight municipal WWTPs by high-throughput sequencing technology. Results showed that alpha diversities of total bacterial communities in foams were obviously lower than those in AS samples. The bacterial community structures were significantly different between WWTPs rather than sample types (AS vs. foam). For most WWTPs, the Actinobacteria phylum was highly enriched in foams and the most abundant genera in foams were common mycolata. Sixteen filamentous bacteria were identified against the improved bulking and foaming bacteria (BFB) database. Abundance and composition of BFB in different WWTPs and different sample types were significantly different. 'Nostocoida limicola' I Trichococcus and Microthrix were generally dominant in AS samples. The dominant BFB in foams were associated with Microthrix, Skermania, Gordonia, and Mycobacterium. A new Defluviicoccus spp. in cluster III was identified in severe and continuous foams. Moreover, dominant BFB in stable and continuous foams with light level in one typical WWTP were diverse, even, and dynamic. Bacterial co-occurrence network analysis implied that the bacterial community of AS was more sensitive to disturbance than that of foam.

Contrasting distribution of antibiotic resistance genes and microbial communities in suspended activated sludge versus attached biofilms in an integrated fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) system

Suspended activated sludge (AS) and carrier-attached biofilms simultaneously exist in an integrated fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) system. However, the differentiation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microbial communities in different types of biofilms is rarely reported. In this study, successions of ARGs and microbial communities of AS and two types of suspended carrier-attached biofilms over seasons were investigated in the IFAS system of one municipal wastewater treatment plant. Results showed that substantial differences were found in the distribution pattern of ARGs, bacterial communities, and predicted microbial function between AS and attached biofilms. The relative abundances of all detected ARGs in AS were significantly higher than those in attached biofilms. ARGs with higher relative abundances generally existed in K3 carrier (surface area ≥ 800 m²/m³) attached biofilms than those in K1 carrier (surface area ≥ 450 m²/m³) biofilms. The relative abundances of ARGs were negatively correlated with temperature and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅) and positively correlated with ammonium nitrogen contents for AS but not for attached biofilms. No significant relationship was found between the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) content and ARG abundance for all samples. Temperature, BOD₅, and ammonium nitrogen contents were closely connected to microbial communities. The Bray-Curtis distance of bacterial communities between two adjacent sampling seasons for AS was larger than those of two attached biofilms. Network analysis indicated that the AS network had more positive links and intense connections than the attached biofilm networks, potentially facilitating the dissemination of ARGs. The differential distribution of ARGs among the three types of samples was significantly correlated with the microbial co-occurrence network topological properties. Bray-Curtis distance and network analysis suggest that microbial community is more robust in attached biofilms than in suspended AS. This work provides a more in-depth understanding of ARGs and microbial community distributions in wastewater biofilms.

Longer persistence of quorum quenching bacteria over quorum sensing bacteria in aerobic granules

Involvements of quorum sensing (QS) in the formation of aerobic granules for wastewater treatment have been well recognized. In previous studies the evolution of the QS-related activities and communities during bioreactor start-up period has been extensively studied, while the variation of QS in long-term reactor operation remains unrevealed. Furthermore, information about the roles of quorum quenching (QQ) in bioreactors is very limited. In this work, both QS and QQ during the start-up and successive long-term operation period of an aerobic granule bioreactor were explored. The QS activity and communities increased in the start-up but gradually decreased in the long-term operation, while the QQ activity and communities remained stable. These results indicate the longer persistence of QQ than QS in the granules and the minor contribution of QS in the long-term operation. This work provides a new insight into the roles of QQ and QS in wastewater treatment bioreactors.

Associations among sexuality-related factors, recent two-week morbidity and annual hospitalization in female migrant workers: a cross-sectional study in southern China

To explore the influence of sexuality-related factors on recent two-week morbidity and annual hospitalization in female migrant workers, 880 Chinese rural-to-urban female migrant workers aged 16-57 years were studied. Clustered logistic regression analyses revealed that women who never or seldom experienced lubrication difficulties had a lower risk of recent two-week morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17-0.60, P< 0.001; adjusted OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.18-0.69, P= 0.003) than those who always experienced lubrication difficulties; women who never felt a lack of sexual interest had a significantly lower risk of annual hospitalization (adjusted OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.20-0.79, P= 0.009) than those who always or seldom lacked sexual interest, and women who never felt sexual satisfaction had a higher risk of annual hospitalization (adjusted OR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.75-5.42, P< 0.001) than those who always or seldom experienced sexual satisfaction. The independent contributions of sexuality-related factors to the risk of recent two-week morbidity and annual hospitalization were 5.8% and 29.5%, respectively. This study suggests that sexuality may have a modest influence on recent two-week morbidity and a dominant impact on annual hospitalization.

Risk factors for long-term prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after anatomic hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

The risk factors for patients with major postoperative complications immediately after liver resection have been identified; however, the intermediate and long-term prognoses for these patients have yet to be determined.

AIM

To evaluate the factors responsible for the long-term recurrence-free survival rate in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following anatomic hepatectomy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 74 patients with HCC who underwent precise anatomic hepatectomy at our institution from January 2013 to December 2015. The observational endpoints for this study were the tumor recurrence or death of the HCC patients. The overall follow-up duration was three years. The recurrence-free survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan-Meier method and were analyzed by the log-rank test. The value of each variable for predicting prognosis was assessed via multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

RESULTS

The 1-year and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients were 68.92% and 55.41%, respectively, following anatomic liver resection. The results showed that the 3-year recurrence-free survival rate in HCC patients was closely related to preoperative cirrhosis, jaundice level, tumor stage, maximal tumor diameter, complications of diabetes mellitus, frequency of intraoperative hypotensive episodes, estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion, fluid infusion, and postoperative infection (P < 0.1). Based on multivariate analysis, preoperative cirrhosis, tumor stage, intraoperative hypotension, and EBL were identified to be predictors of 3-year recurrence-free survival in HCC patients undergoing anatomic hepatectomy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tumor stage and preoperative cirrhosis adversely affect the recurrence-free survival rate in HCC patients following anatomic hepatectomy. The long-term recurrence-free survival rate of patients with HCC is closely related to intraoperative hypotension and EBL.

[Oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope compositions of soil water in deep loess profile under different land use types of northern Shaanxi, China]

Investigation of stable isotope composition under different land use types is helpful for understanding soil water movement and hydrological effects of land use change. We collected soil samples in profiles ＞ 15 m deep under four land use types (i.e. farmland, grassland, Salix cheilophila and Populus sp.) in the loess deposits of northern Shaanxi. We measured hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope composition of soil water to explore the mechanism of soil water movement and the impacts of land use types. The isotope compositions of soil water under four land use types were significantly different. The δD values of soil water under farmland, grassland, S. cheilophila and Populus sp. were -81.1‰--60.1‰, -91.2‰--61.0‰, -87.4‰--63.6‰ and -73.5‰--62.2‰, while the δ¹⁸O values were -11.2‰--7.6‰, -12.6‰--8.2‰, -11.5‰--8.1‰ and -9.9‰--7.7‰, respectively. The soil water stable isotopes fluctuated across the profiles. The soil water isotope compositions in the layers of 0-3 m changed sharply, with the δD values being -80.2‰--61.8‰, -75.9‰--65.5‰, -76.0‰--63.6‰ and -73.5‰--62.2‰, respectively. In the layers of 3-12 m, the isotope profiles of farmland and grassland were parabolic, whereas those of S. cheilophila and Populus sp. were relatively stable. Soil water isotope compositions in the layers deeper than 12 m were generally stable with the δD values of -80.8‰--71.5‰, -83.0‰--67.5‰, -87.4‰--76.0‰ and -67.5‰--64.3‰, respectively. Across the four land use types, soil water stable isotope compositions were not significantly different either in the shallow layers or in the deep soil layers, but their differences in the layers of 3-12 m were significant. Soil moisture was mainly recharged from precipitation with piston flow as the main form of soil water movement. Soil water under four land use types might be recharged by wet events of different intensities. Soil water under farmland and grassland could be recharged by wet events of small intensity, but that under S. cheilophila and Populus sp. may be mainly recharged by the rainstorm in summer and autumn.

Experimental and numerical study on heavy metal contaminant migration and retention behavior of engineered barrier in tailings pond

Heavy metal pollution is a serious environmental problem globally, particularly in mines and tailings ponds. In this study, based on laboratory and field tests, the migration of heavy metal contaminants in a tailings pond and the retention behavior of a compacted bentonite engineered barrier system on the heavy metal contaminants were analyzed by a numerical simulation. The results demonstrate that the hydraulic conductivity of compacted bentonite is lower than that of the tailings from the laboratory tests. The hydraulic conductivity of the tailings sand decreased with an increase in the dry density and increased with an increase in the concentration of the chemical solution, which could be attributed to the large amounts of fine-grained soil contained in the tailings, according to the grain size distribution test. The hydraulic conductivity of the tailings from the engineering geological survey was between 2.0 × 10^-6 and 9.0 × 10^-5 m/s, and followed the order: tail coarse sand ＞ tail silty sand ＞ tail medium sand ＞ tail fine silt. The numerical simulation of the seepage could satisfactorily describe the actual working condition of the tailings dam. With the groundwater seepage, the migration range of the heavy metal contaminant in the researched tailings pond reached a maximum of 45 m for 5 years. The retention efficiencies of the 0.2 m engineered barrier against the heavy metal contaminant for 15 and 30 years were 45.4% and 57.2%, respectively. Moreover, the retention efficiency would exceed 87% when the engineered barrier thickness is increased to 0.5 m. The results of model validation show that the calculated results are in good agreement with the measured ones. These findings can provide effective ideas for the prevention and control of environmental pollution in mines and tailings ponds.

Mediation of functional gene and bacterial community profiles in the sediments of eutrophic Chaohu Lake by total nitrogen and season

Microbes in sediments contribute to nutrient release and play an important role in lake eutrophication. However, information about the profiles of functional genes and bacterial communities and the most important environmental factor affecting them in the sediments of eutrophic lake remains unrevealed. In this work, the real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay and 16S ribosomal RNA gene next generation sequencing analysis were used to explore the profiles of functional genes and bacterial communities in the sediments of Chaohu Lake. The selected 18 functional genes involved in C, N and P cycles were detected in most of samples. Seasonal variation and sediment variables were found to affect the profiles of functional genes and bacterial communities, and total nitrogen was the dominant environmental factor to drive the formation of bacterial community structure. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were observed to be the two dominant phyla in the sediments with relative abundance ranging from 10.8% to 36.0% and 7.7%-46.7%, respectively. Three bacterial phyla, i.e., Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes, were found to be significantly positively correlated with the C, N and P-cycle related functional genes. Bacterial community structure was the most important driver to shape the profiles of functional genes. Seasonal variation also influenced the co-occurrence patterns between functional genes and bacterial taxa as revealed by network analysis. The findings from this work facilitate a better understanding about the C, N, and P cycles in the sediments of eutrophic lakes.

[The association between corneal biomechanical parameters and visual field progression in patients with normal tension glaucoma]

Objective: To evaluate the association between corneal biomechanical parameters and visual field (VF) progression in normal tension glaucoma (NTG) using the Corvis-ST device, and to evaluate the ability of corneal biomechanical parameters to predict the VF progression. Methods: Corneal biomechanical parameters of newly diagnosed NTG patients were obtained using Corvis-ST in the baseline follow-up visit. The VF progression was defined as a 4-point increase in the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) score compared to the baseline in three consecutive follow-up visits (per 3-6 months). Corneal biomechanical parameters were compared between progressive and nonprogressive VF loss eyes using the independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between the corneal biomechanical parameters and the VF progression. Receiver operating characteristic curves were studied for the parameters and the sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing between progressive and nonprogressive glaucomatous eyes. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were also evaluated. Results: Sixty patients with NTG were enrolled in this study. Among them, 12 were lost to follow-up. A total of 48 patients completed all follow-up visits on schedule. Eleven of them were excluded due to one or more uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow-up (less than 30% IOP reduction from the baseline). Thirty-seven eyes of 37 diagnosed NTG patients were enrolled. Ten eyes reached a progression endpoint. There was no significant difference in age, central corneal thickness, axial length, baseline IOP or baseline VF between the two groups. There was significant difference in Time A1 [(7.10±0.17) ms vs. (7.37±0.28) ms, t=-3.357, P=0.002], Length A1 [1.74(1.61, 1.77) mm vs. 1.78(1.77, 1.79) mm, Z=-3.036, P=0.002], Velocity A1 [0.16(0.14, 0.16) m/s vs. 0.15(0.14, 0.15) m/s, Z=-2.627, P=0.009] and DefAmpl HC [(1.22±0.13) mm vs. (1.12±0.11) mm, t=2.601, P=0.013] between progressive and nonprogressive glaucomatous eyes. Correlation analysis showed that Time A1, Length A1, Velocity A1 and DefAmpl HC were correlated with VF progression (r=-0.521, -0.463, 0.401, 0.349, P<0.05) . Time A1 demonstrated the highest AUC (0.817, P=0.001), followed by Length A1 (0.780, P=0.003), Velocity A1 (0.734, P=0.012) and DefAmpl HC (0.713, P=0.022). The cut-off set of Time A1 was 7.2 ms, the sensitivity was 80.0%, and the specificity was 82.8%. Conclusions: There were differences in corneal biomechanical parameters between eyes with progressive and nonprogressive VF loss in patients with NTG. There were lower Time A1 and Length A1 values and higher Velocity A1 and DefAmpl HC values in progressive glaucomatous eyes. This indicates a quicker response to reach first degree applanation and a larger degree of corneal deformability in progressive eyes. It is predicted that the easier deforming of the cornea, the smaller tolerance of the sclera and lamina cribros on IOP, making the optic disc more vulnerably. This may be one of the causes of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Time A1 was the best parameter to predict the progression of VF among the corneal biomechanical parameters obtained by Corvis-ST. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 171-176).

The protective effect of psychological suzhi on the relationship between school climate and alcohol use among Chinese adolescents

Background: There issome research on school climate impact on adolescent alcohol use in the Western social context; however, there is no research on school climate impact on adolescent alcohol use in China. This study aimed to explore the effect of school climate on Chinese adolescents' alcohol use, and the moderating role of psychological suzhi between them. Methods: A total of 801 adolescents (45.8% boys, 14.96±1.66 years) completed self-reports on school climate, psychological suzhi, and alcohol use. Results: Moderation analyses revealed that both school climate and psychological suzhi significantly negatively predicted adolescents' alcohol use, and the interaction of school climate and psychological suzhi significantly positively predicted adolescents' alcohol use. Moreover, the effect of school climate on adolescents' alcohol use was stronger for low psychological suzhi adolescents than high psychological suzhi adolescents. Conclusions: We can build good school climate by formulating of national level legal and regulations and good social norms, and use mature interventions or cultivation strategies to improve adolescents' psychological suzhi in order to better play its role in protection.

[Effects of CAD/CAM titanium alloy surface treatment and resin luting on shear bond strength and durability of composite resin]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of two surface treatments (sandblasting, SB; microarc-oxidation, MAO) and resin luting on shear bond strength and durability of titanium alloy and composite-resin.

METHODS

Eighty cylindrical titanium alloy specimens with a diameter of 10 mm and a height of 8 mm were fabricated by CAD/CAM technique. It was divided into two groups according to the surface treatment methods: sandblasting with Al2O3 particles on the surface of SB specimens; porous ceramic film structure could be formed on the surface of MAO specimens after surface treatment. Each group was classified into SB-resin luting-N group (not used), SB-resin luting-Y group (used), MAO-resin luting-N group (not used), MAO-resin luting-Y group (used) depending on whether or not resin luting was applied. Each specimen was bonded and cured with the Cemerage resin, and the shear bond strength after 0 and 5 000 thermocycling was tested. The results were statistically analyzed. The surface morphology of titanium alloy specimens before and after the shear bond strength test was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

The shear bond strength between titanium alloy and composite-resin was the highest in the SB combined with resin luting group after 0 thermocycling (16.2±1.8) MPa; was the lowest in MAO group after 5 000 thermocycling (8.9±1.5) MPa. The shear bond strength of SB and MAO surface treatment methods combined without resin luting group after 5 000 thermocycling were (10.7±2.2) MPa and (8.9±1.5) MPa, which were statistically lower than those in the thermocycling 0 (P=0.000 and P=0.001). The shear bond strength of SB and MAO surface treatment methods combined with resin luting group after 5 000 thermocycling were (15.5±2.1) MPa and (11.7±1.3) MPa, respectively, which were lower than those in the thermocycling 0 group, but there was no statistical significance (P=0.087 and P=0.234).

CONCLUSION

Both the surface treatment methods of SB and MAO combined with resin luting can improve the shear bond strength and durability of titanium alloy and composite-resin. The SB combined with resin luting is more significant. At present, the effect of SB is better than that of MAO due to the limitation of technical parameters of micro-arc oxidation.

Andalucin from Artemisia lannta suppresses the neuroinflammation via the promotion of Nrf2-mediated HO-1 levels by blocking the p65-p300 interaction in LPS-activated BV2 microglia

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in many neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD). Andalucin (ADL), a sesquiterpene lactone from Artemisia lannta, has been reported to exhibit NO inhibition in vitro. However, the effect of ADL on microglia-mediated neuroinflammation has not been investigated.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to determine the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of ADL against LPS-activated BV2 microglial cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines were measured by ELISA. The relevant mechanisms were analyzed by qRT-PCR, Luciferase assay, Western blot and Co-immunoprecipitation Assay.

RESULTS

ADL inhibited the LPS-induced release of NO, PGE₂, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. In addition, ADL reduced the mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and COX-2. Mechanism studies found that ADL activated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and suppressed NF-κB signaling pathway. Further investigation showed that the stimulative effect of ADL on Nrf2 transcriptional activity and the inhibitory effect of ADL on RelA transcriptional activity were due to its regulation on p300-Nrf2/p65 interaction.

CONCLUSION

ADL displayed anti-neuroinflammatory activity in LPS-activated BV2 cells. The mechanism concerns its regulatory effect on the crosstalk between Nrf2 and p65.

[Prevalence of Candida albicans and its relationship with early childhood caries among children of three ethnic groups (Han, Uygur, Mongolian) in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]

Objective: To investigate the distributions of Candida albicans (Ca), which are closely associated to early childhood caries (ECC) of young children, in 3-5-year-old children of Mongolian, Uygur and Han ethnic groups in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang Urgur Autonomous Region, so as to provide scientific basis for the early prediction and prevention of caries locally. Methods: Totally 1 089 healthy children aged 3 to 5 years old (Mongolian 136, Uygur 403 and Han 550; 568 males and 521 females) were randomly selected by stratified and cluster sampling method. The children in early childhood caries group were 786 and in caries free group were 303. Dental plaque samples were collected from the carious tooth tissues and supragingival sites, respectively. Samples were isolated and cultured by different media. Ca were identified by Gram stain, germ tube test, PCR method and internal transcribed spacer region sequencing methods. Ca isolated were further typed by using PCR-25SrDNA genotype method. Pearson χ(2) test and Spearman rank correlation were used to analyze the differences in genotypes of Ca amongst three ethnic groups and the relationship between decayed missing filled tooth (dmft) classification and detection of Ca. Results: The Ca was significantly higher in the ECC group [14.4% (113/786)] than in the caries free group [7.6% (23/303)] (P=0.002). The identified rate of Ca in Mongolian group was [11.8% (16/136)], which was significantly lower than that of Uygur group [17.9% (72/403)] and higher than that of Han group [8.7% (48/550)] (χ(2)=10.192, P=0.006). Among the male children, the identified rate of Ca in Mongolian group was [10.0% (8/80)], which was significantly lower than that of Uygur group [21.7% (44/203)] and higher than that of Han group [8.4% (24/285)] (χ(2)=18.887, P=0.000). Among the female children, the detection rates of Ca were [14.3% (8/56)] in Mongolian group, [14.0% (28/200)] in Uygur group and [9.1% (24/265)] in Han group. There were no significant differences among the three ethnic groups (χ(2)=3.206, P=0.201). The identification rates of oral Ca in Uygur and Han ECC groups were correlated with the decayed, missing and filled teeth (Uygur r=0.195, P=0.001; Han r=0.145, P=0.004). Totally 136 Ca samples were divided into 3 types by PCR-25SrDNA method, and the predominant type was type A [55.1% (75/136)]. Conclusions: The distribution of oral Ca among children were ethnically different. Uygur male children carrying Ca were more susceptible to dental caries. Ca might be a risk factor for ECC. There was no specific cariogenic genotype in Ca isolated. There were no associations between ethnic factors and the genotypes of Ca isolated.

Abundance and diversity of iron reducing bacteria communities in the sediments of a heavily polluted freshwater lake

Iron reduction mediated by Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (FeRB) occurs in aqueous environments and plays an essential role in removing contaminates in polluted freshwater lakes. Two model FeRB species, Shewanella and Geobacter, have been intensively studied because of their functions in bioremediation, iron reduction, and bioelectricity production. However, the abundance and community diversity of Shewanella and Geobacter in eutrophic freshwater lakes remain largely unknown. In this work, the distribution, abundance and biodiversity of Shewanella, Geobacter and other FeRB in the sediments of a heavily polluted lake, Chaohu Lake, China, across four successive seasons were investigated. Shewanella, Geobacter, and other FeRB were found to be widely distributed in the sediment of this heavily eutrophic lake. Geobacter was abundant with at least one order of magnitude more than Shewanella in cold seasons. Three Shewanella-related operational taxonomic units were detected and sixty one Geobacter-related operational taxonomic units were grouped into three phylogenetic clades. Thiobacillus, Desulfuromonas and Geobacter were identified as the main members of FeRB in the lake sediments. Interestingly, nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus were found to be the key factors governing the abundance and diversity of FeRB. Total FeRB, as well as Geobacter and Shewanella, were more abundant in the heavily eutrophic zone than those in the lightly eutrophic zone. The abundance and diversity of FeRB in the sediments of freshwater lakes were highly related with the degree of eutrophication, which imply that FeRB might have a great potential in alleviating the eutrophication and contamination in aqueous environments.

Estimates of abundance and diversity of Shewanella genus in natural and engineered aqueous environments with newly designed primers

Shewanella species have a diverse respiratory ability and wide distribution in environments and play an important role in bioremediation and the biogeochemical cycles of elements. Primers with more accuracy and broader coverage are required with consideration of the increasing number of Shewanella species and evaluation of their roles in various environments. In this work, a new primer set of 640F/815R was developed to quantify the abundance of Shewanella species in natural and engineered environments. In silico tools for primer evaluation, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and clone library results showed that 640F/815R had a higher specificity and coverage than the previous primers in quantitative analysis of Shewanella. Another newly developed primer pair of 211F/815cR was also adopted to analyze the Shewanella diversity and demonstrated to be the best candidate in terms of specificity and coverage. We detected more Shewanella-related species in freshwater environments and found them to be substantially different from those in marine environments. Abundance and diversity of Shewanella species in wastewater treatment plants were largely affected by the process and operating conditions. Overall, this study suggests that investigations of abundance and diversity of Shewanella in various environments are of great importance to evaluate their ecophysiology and potential ecological roles.

Association between obesity and sickness in the past two weeks among middle-aged and elderly women: A cross-sectional study in Southern China

OBJECTIVES

Sickness situation in the past two weeks, an indicator of health service needs, is an increasing major health concern. However, data on the relationship between obesity and two-week morbidity in the female population, particularly in middle-aged and elderly women, is sparse. The present study aimed to examine the association between obesity and two-week morbidity among middle-aged and elderly women in Southern China, and to explore the independent contributions of socio-demographic variables, health-related factors, and obesity to two-week morbidity.

METHODS

In total, 2364 middle-aged and elderly women were included in this cross-sectional, community-based survey. Obesity was assessed using body mass index (BMI). The outcome variable was sickness situation over the past two weeks (two-week morbidity). Clustered logistic regression was applied to analyze the independent contribution of obesity to two-week morbidity.

RESULTS

Approximately 14.6% of participants experienced sickness in the past two weeks. Obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-2.12) was significantly associated with two-week morbidity and its independent contribution accounted for 3.7%, lower than that of socio-demographic variables (73.7%) and health-related factors(22.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Some degree of correlation was observed between obesity and two-week morbidity among middle-aged and elderly women in Southern China, which can be used as a reference for health-related decision-making.

The association between obesity indices and hypertension: Which index is the most notable indicator of hypertension in different age groups stratified by sex?

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the most notable obesity index and its optimal cut-off point of hypertension in different age groups stratified by sexes among community residents in southern China.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 620 men and 631 women aged 18-59 years were enrolled. The independent-samples t-test and chi-square test were conducted to analyze continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed the association between the obesity indices and hypertension risk.

RESULTS

Waist-stature ratio (WSR) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were the most notable risk factors for hypertension in young men and women, respectively. The odds ratios (ORs) of hypertension risk increased with per standard deviation (SD) in WSR and WHR (WSR: OR = 2.877, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.602 to 5.167; WHR: OR = 10.683, 95%CI = 2.179 to 52.376). In the middle-aged group of both sexes, body mass index (BMI) was the most distinctive risk factor for hypertension, the ORs of hypertension risk increased with per SD in BMI (men: OR = 2.297, 95%CI = 1.683 to 3.136; women: OR = 1.810, 95%CI = 1.338 to 2.450). ROC curve analysis demonstrated WSR and PI were better indicators than other indices among young men, and WSR was the best marker among young women. However, BMI and WC were the most sensitive markers in middle-aged men and women, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this Chinese population, the association of obesity indices and hypertension is inconsistent in different age groups and sexes. It is important to choose appropriate indicators for specific groups of people.

Arctigenin Inhibits Liver Cancer Tumorigenesis by Inhibiting Gankyrin Expression via C/EBPα and PPARα

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a popular vegetable in China and Japan that is consumed for its general health benefits. The principal active component of burdock is arctigenin, which shows a range of bioactivities in vivo and in vitro. Here, we investigated the potential anti-tumor effects of arctigenin using two human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, HepG2 and Hep3B, and sought to elucidate its potential mechanisms of action. Our results showed that arctigenin treatment inhibited cell growth in both HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines (IC₅₀ of 4.74 nM for HepG2 cells, and of 59.27 nM for Hep3B cells). In addition, migration, invasion, and colony formation by HepG2 cells were significantly inhibited by arctigenin. By contrast, treatment of Hep3B cells with arctigenin did not alter these parameters. Arctigenin also significantly reduced the levels of gankyrin mRNA and protein in HepG2 cells, but not in Hep3B cells. A luciferase assay indicated that arctigenin targeted the -450 to -400 region of the gankyrin promoter. This region is also the potential binding site for both C/EBPα and PPARα, as predicted and confirmed by an online software analysis and ChIP assay. Additionally, a co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay showed that binding between C/EBPα and PPARα was increased in the presence of arctigenin. However, arctigenin did not increase the expression of C/EBPα or PPARα protein. A binding screening assay and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were performed to identify the mechanisms by which arctigenin regulates gankyrin expression. The results suggested that arctigenin could directly increase C/EBPα binding to the gankyrin promoter (-432 to -422 region), but did not affect PPARα binding. Expression of gankyrin, C/EBPα, and PPARα were analyzed in tumor tissues of patients using real-time PCR. Both C/EBPα and PPARα showed negative correlations with gankyrin. In tumor-bearing mice, arctigenin had a significant inhibitory effect on HCC growth. In conclusion, our results suggested that arctigenin could inhibit liver cancer growth by directly recruiting C/EBPα to the gankyrin promoter. PPARα subsequently bound to C/EBPα, and both had a negative regulatory effect on gankyrin expression. This study has identified a new mechanism of action of arctigenin against liver cancer growth.

[Meta analysis of parallel versus perpendicular double plating for distal humerus fracture of type C in adults]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of parallel versus perpendicular double plating for distal humerus fracture of type C. Methods: A standardized comprehensive literature search was performed by PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, CMB, CNKI and Medline datebase.Randomized controlled studies on comparison between parallel versus perpendicular double plating for distal humerus fracture of type C before December 2015 were enrolled in the study.All date were analyzed by the RevMan 5.2 software. Results: Six studies, including 284 patients, met the inclusion criteria.There were 155 patients in perpendicular double plating group, 129 patients in parallel double plating group.The results of Meta-analysis indicated that there were statistically significant difference between the two groups in complications (OR=2.59, 95%CI: 1.03 to 6.53, P=0.04). There was no significant difference between the two groups in surgical duration (MD=-1.84, 95% CI: -9.06 to 5.39, P=0.62), bone union time (MD=0.09, 95%CI: -0.06 to 0.24, P=0.22), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MD=0.09, 95%CI: -0.06 to 0.24, P=0.22), Range of Motions (MD=-0.92, 95%CI: -4.65 to 2.81, P=0.63) and the rate of excellent and good results (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.27 to 1.52, P=0.31). Conclusion: Both perpendicular and parallel double plating are effective in distal humerus fracture of type C, parallel double plating has less complications.