Calcium Requirement of Yunnan Semi-fine Wool Rams (Ovis aries) Based on Growth Performance, Calcium Utilization, and Selected Serum Biochemical Indexes.

Calcium (Ca) is required for the growth and development of sheep, but the requirement of Yunnan semi-fine wool (YSW) rams remains uncovered. The current study aims to estimate the Ca requirement of growing YSW rams based on their growth performance, Ca utilization, and serum biochemical indexes. Forty-five YSW rams (10-month-olds) were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments with varying Ca levels of 0.50% (D1), 0.68% (D2), 0.73% (D3), 0.89% (D4), and 0.98% (D5). A higher value for average daily gain and a lower value for the feed conversion ratio were observed in the D3 group compared to the D5 group (p < 0.05). The dry matter intake amount changed quadratically with the increased Ca levels (p < 0.05). The levels of Ca intake, fecal Ca, and excreted Ca were significantly higher in the D5 group than those in the D1 group (p < 0.05). The apparent Ca digestibility rate and the Ca retention rate were significantly higher in the D4 group than in the D1 group (p < 0.05). The serum Ca concentration increased linearly with the incremental levels of dietary Ca (p < 0.05). The activity of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in the D1 group than in the D2 group (p < 0.05). The serum levels of hydroxyproline, osteocalcin, and calcitonin decreased from the D1 group to the D2 group, and then significantly ascended (p < 0.05) with the dietary Ca levels from the D3 group to the D5 group. The serum parathyroid hormone content was elevated from the D1 group to the D3 group and then decreased from the D4 group to the D5 group. After calculation, the daily net Ca requirement for the maintenance of YSW rams was 0.073 g/kg of BW0.75, and the daily total Ca requirement was 0.676 g/kg of BW0.75. To optimize the growth performance and the Ca utilization of YSW rams, the recommended dietary Ca level ranges from 0.73% to 0.89% based on this study.

Faith in frames: unveiling therapeutic narratives in religion-related cinema through computational analysis.

Introduction: This study explores the emotional impact of religion-related films through a "cinematherapy" lens. It aims to analyze the emotional patterns in a curated selection of religion-related films compared to a broader sample of acclaimed movies using facial recognition with YOLOv5 object detection. The study aims to uncover the potential therapeutic application of religion-related films. Methods: Facial recognition with YOLOv5 object detection was utilized in this study to analyze the emotional patterns in religion-related films. A curated selection of these films was compared to a broader sample of acclaimed movies to identify any distinct emotional trajectories. Results: The analysis of the emotional patterns revealed that religion-related films exhibited a subtler range of emotions compared to the broader film spectrum. This finding suggests that these films potentially create a safe space for contemplation, aligning with the profound themes often explored in religion-related films. Interestingly, the emotional arc observed in the films mirrored the spiritual journeys depicted in them. The films started with a low point of separation, transitioned through challenges, and culminated in a peak representing spiritual transformation. Discussion: These findings suggest promise for the therapeutic application of religion-related films. The muted emotional expression in these films creates a safe space for self-reflection, enabling viewers to connect with the struggles of the characters and explore their own values when faced with complex religious ideas. This emotional engagement may contribute to therapeutic goals such as introspection and personal growth. The study unveils the unique emotional power of religion-related films and paves the way for further research on their potential as therapeutic tools. It emphasizes the need for continued exploration of the emotional impact of these films and their capacity to aid in therapeutic goals.

Associations of vegetable and fruit intake, physical activity, and school bullying with depressive symptoms in secondary school students: the mediating role of internet addiction.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have simultaneously focused on the associations of vegetable and fruit intake, physical activity, school bullying, and Internet addiction (IA) with depressive symptoms. This study aimed to explore the direct and indirect effects of the above factors on depressive symptoms in adolescents by constructing a structural equation model (SEM). METHODS: This study was conducted in Qingdao from September to November 2021. A total of 6195 secondary school students aged 10-19 years were included in the analysis. Information on all variables was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. An SEM was constructed with depressive symptoms as the endogenous latent variable, IA as the mediating variable, and vegetable and fruit intake, physical activity, and school bullying as the exogenous latent variables. The standardized path coefficients (ß) were the direct effects between the latent variables, and the indirect effects were obtained by the product of direct effects between relevant latent variables. RESULTS: The median value with the interquartile range of depressive symptom scores was 7 (3,12). Vegetable and fruit intake (ß=-0.100, P<0.001) and physical activity (ß=-0.140, P<0.001) were directly negatively related to depressive symptoms. While school bullying (ß=0.138, P<0.001) and IA (ß=0.452, P<0.001) were directly positively related to depressive symptoms. IA had the greatest impact on depressive symptoms. Vegetable and fruit intake, physical activity, and school bullying could not only directly affect depressive symptoms, but also indirectly affect depressive symptoms through the mediating effect of IA, the indirect effects and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were -0.028 (-0.051, -0.007), -0.114 (-0.148, -0.089) and 0.095 (0.060, 0.157), respectively. The results of the multi-group analysis showed that the SEM we constructed still fit in boy and girl groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that vegetable and fruit intake, physical activity, school bullying, and IA had a significant direct impact on depressive symptoms, among which IA had the greatest impact. In addition, both vegetable and fruit intake, school bullying, and physical activity indirectly affected depressive symptoms through the mediating effect of IA. The impact of IA on depressive symptoms should be given extra attention by schools and parents. This study provides a scientific and effective basis for the prevention and control of adolescent depressive symptoms.

Pyridazine-Promoted Construction of Vinylene-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks with Exceptional Capability of Stepwise Water Harvesting.

In this study, we successfully developed two novel vinylene-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) using 2-connected 3,6-dimethylpyridazine through Knoevenagel condensation. These COFs featured finely tailored micro-/nano-scale pore sizes, high surface areas and stable non-polar vinylene linkages. Finely resolved powder X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrated highly crystalline structures with a hexagonal lattice in the AA layer stacking. The resulting one-dimensional channels possess strong hydrogen-bond accepting sites arising from the decorated cis-azo/azine units with two pairs of fully exposed lone pair electrons, endowing the as-prepared COFs with exceptional water absorption properties. The g-DZPH-COF exhibited successive steep water uptake steps starting from low relative pressures (P/PSTA = 0.1), with the remarkable water uptake capacity of 0.26 g/g at P/PSTA = 0.2 (25°C), which is the optimal value recorded among the reported COFs. Dynamic vapour sorption measurements revealed the fast kinetics of these COFs, even in the cluster formation process. Water uptake and release cycling tests demonstrated their outstanding hydrolytic stability, durability, and adsorption-desorption retention ability.

Establishment of an immortalized yak granulosa cell line: in vitro tool for understanding the molecular processes of ovarian follicle development.

The yak, a unique species of cattle found exclusively on the western plateau of China, is a valuable source of livelihood for local residents. However, their low fecundity restricts the expansion of yak farming, whereas regional factors limit studies on yak breeding. Granulosa cells (GCs), which provide essential steroid hormones and growth factors for oocytes, have been the focus of many studies on the mechanisms of follicular growth and atresia. This study aimed to establish an immortalized cell line model that could serve as a tool for future studies on the mechanisms of ovarian follicle development in yaks. First, we isolated primary yak granulosa cells (yGCs) and evaluated their replicative senescence after continuous in vitro subculturing. Subsequently, an immortalized culture method for primary yGC was explored, and a new cell line model was established to study the mechanism of follicular development in vitro. We used a mammalian gene expression lentivirus vector to transfer the simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40T) into primary yGC to obtain an immortalized cell line. The immortalized yGCs were morphologically identical to the primary yGCs, and cell proliferation and growth were normal within a limited number of generations. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), a specific marker for GCs, was positively expressed in immortalized yGCs. Furthermore, the immortalized yGCs retained the ability of GCs to synthesize estradiol and progesterone and expressed genes related to steroid synthesis. The establishment of immortalized yGC opens up a myriad of possibilities for advancing our understanding of yak reproductive biology and improving yak breeding strategies.

Using heart rate variability to develop a predictive model for post-operative cardiovascular complications following major abdominal surgery: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a dynamic reflection of heart rhythm regulation by various physiological inputs. HRV deviations have been found to correlate with clinical outcomes in patients under physiological stresses. Perioperative cardiovascular complications occur in up to 5% of adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery and are associated with significantly increased mortality. This pilot study aimed to develop a predictive model for post-operative cardiovascular complications using HRV parameters for early risk stratification and aid post-operative clinical decision-making. METHODS: Adult patients admitted to High Dependency Units after elective major abdominal surgery were recruited. The primary composite outcome was defined as cardiovascular complications within 7 days post-operatively. ECG monitoring for HRV parameters was conducted at three time points (pre-operative, immediately post-operative, and post-operative day 1) and analyzed based on outcome group and time interactions. Candidate HRV predictors were included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis incorporating a stepwise selection algorithm. RESULTS: 89 patients were included in the analysis, with 8 experiencing cardiovascular complications. Three HRV parameters, when measured immediately post-operatively and composited with patient age, provided the basis for a predictive model with AUC of 0.980 (95% CI: 0.953, 1.00). The negative predictive value was 1.00 at a statistically optimal predicted probability cut-off point of 0.16. CONCLUSION: Our model holds potential for accelerating clinical decision-making and aiding in patient triaging post-operatively, using easily acquired HRV parameters. Risk stratification with our model may enable safe early step-down care in patients assessed to have a low risk profile of post-operative cardiovascular complications.

Spray-Printed Flexible Li2S Cathode with Inorganic Ion-Conductive Binder Nano-Li3PS4.

Flexible solid-state batteries fabricated by printing techniques are promising integrated power supplies for miniaturized and customized electronic devices. While typically these batteries use polymer solid electrolytes, a flexible Li2S cathode with sulfide solid electrolyte is spray-printed in this work, by using solvated Li3PS4 nanoparticles as inorganic ion-conductive binder. This benefits from a novel low-temperature-sintering property of these nanoparticles, which can be pressure-free densified, along with the desolvation process, and thus bind the cathode at 250 °C. The battery can be stably charged and discharged for 300 cycles with no stacking pressure, and the capacity maintains at 840 mA h gLi2 S-1. We believe this low-temperature-sintering phenomenon of solid electrolyte nanoparticles will open a new path toward the application of sulfide solid electrolytes in printed solid-state batteries.

Development and Comprehensive Benchmark of a High-Quality AMBER-Consistent Small Molecule Force Field with Broad Chemical Space Coverage for Molecular Modeling and Free Energy Calculation.

Biomolecular simulations have become an essential tool in contemporary drug discovery, and molecular mechanics force fields (FFs) constitute its cornerstone. Developing a high quality and broad coverage general FF is a significant undertaking that requires substantial expert knowledge and computing resources, which is beyond the scope of general practitioners. Existing FFs originate from only a limited number of groups and organizations, and they either suffer from limited numbers of training sets, lower than desired quality because of oversimplified representations, or are costly for the molecular modeling community to access. To address these issues, in this work, we developed an AMBER-consistent small molecule FF with extensive chemical space coverage, and we provide Open Access parameters for the entire modeling community. To validate our FF, we carried out benchmarks of quantum mechanics (QM)/molecular mechanics conformer comparison and free energy perturbation calculations on several benchmark data sets. Our FF achieves a higher level of performance at reproducing QM energies and geometries than two popular open-source FFs, OpenFF2 and GAFF2. In relative binding free energy calculations for 31 protein-ligand data sets, comprising 1079 pairs of ligands, the new FF achieves an overall root-mean-square error of 1.19 kcal/mol for ΔΔG and 0.92 kcal/mol for ΔG on a subset of 463 ligands without bespoke fitting to the data sets. The results are on par with those of the leading commercial series of OPLS FFs.

Relationship between ß1-AA and AT1-AA and Cardiac Function in Patients with Hypertension Complicated with Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Limitation.

Objective: To investigate the association between ß1 adrenergic receptor autoantibodies (ß1-AA) and angiotensin II type-1 receptor autoantibodies (AT1-AA) and cardiac function in patients with hypertension complicated with left ventricular diastolic function limitation. Methods: A total of 120 patients with essential hypertension who were not taking drug treatment and were hospitalised in the Department of Cardiology at the authors' hospital from April 2018 to December 2018 were enrolled in this study and divided into a diastolic dysfunction group (65 cases) and a normal diastolic group (55 cases) according to their left ventricular diastolic function. The levels of cardiac parameters, ß1-AA, AT1-AA, and other indicators were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the related factors affecting left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). The diagnostic efficacy of related factors in the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction was evaluated. Results: Univariate analysis demonstrated that the left ventricular posterior wall diameter (10.29 ± 1.23 vs. 9.12 ± 1.53), left ventricular systolic dysfunction (10.56 ± 1.37 vs. 9.43 ± 1.44), systolic blood pressure (152.37 ± 10.24 vs. 140.33 ± 5.99), diastolic blood pressure (95.66 ± 6.34 vs. 87.33 ± 7.28), ß1-AA (33 vs. 9 cases), and AT1-AA (35 cases vs. 12 cases) were higher in the dysfunction group than in the control group (all P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that ß1-AA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.369-4.345) and AT1-AA (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.332-6.720) were independent risk factors for cardiac diastolic dysfunction (P < 0.05). Both autoimmune antibodies had a certain predictive value, and the combined prediction value of the two was the highest, with an area under the curve of 0.942 (95% CI: 0.881~0.985). Conclusion: The positive rate of ß1-AA and AT1-AA in essential hypertension patients with LVDD was higher than that in the normal group. Both ß1-AA and AT1-AA could be used as early markers of LVDD in essential hypertension patients.

Analysis of Synergism between Extracellular Polysaccharide from Bacillus thuringensis subsp. kurstaki HD270 and Insecticidal Proteins.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most widely used biopesticide worldwide and can produce several insecticidal crystal proteins and vegetative insecticidal proteins (Vips) at different growth stages. In our previous study, extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) of Bt strain HD270 were found to enhance the insecticidal activity of Cry1Ac protoxin against Plutella xylostella (L.) and promote the binding of Cry1Ac to the intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs). Whether the synergistic activity of Bt EPSs is common to other Cry1-type or Vip proteins is unclear, as is the potential synergistic mechanism. In this study, crude EPS-HD270 was found to increase the toxicity of Cry1-type toxins and Vip3Aa11 against different lepidopteran pests by approximately 2-fold. The purified EPS-HD270 also possessed synergistic activity against the toxicity of Cry1Ac and Vip3Aa11 against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). Furthermore, we found that EPS-HD270 had a strong binding ability with Vip3Aa11 and promoted the binding of Vip3Aa11 to the BBMVs of H. armigera and S. frugiperda. Bt EPS-HD270 also protected Vip3Aa11 from proteolytic processing in larval midgut juice. Bt EPSs had universal synergistic effects on Cry1-type or Vip toxins against S. frugiperda and H. armigera. Bt EPS-HD270 exhibited synergistic activity with Vip3Aa through promotion of binding to BBMVs and protection from digestion by midgut protease. The results indicated that synergistic activity with Bt toxins was an important function of Bt EPSs, which was very different from other Bacillus spp.

circ_0000337 Promotes the Progression of Cervical Cancer by miR-155-5p/RAB3B Axis.

Current study aims to investigate the biological function of circular RNA (circRNA, circ_0000337) in cervical cancer (CC). Bioinformatic analyses were used to predict targets for circ_0000337 and miR-155-5p, and analyze the gene expression differences between cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) tissues and normal tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were applied to assess mRNA and protein expressions of circ_0000337, microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) and member RAS oncogene family (RAB3B), respectively. Following the establishment of gain/loss-of-function models, CCK-8 was performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were used to identify the interaction in circ_0000337, miR-155-5p, and RAB3B. Circ_0000337 and RAB3B were upregulated, while miR-155-5p was downregulated in CC tissues and cell lines. circ_0000337 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, circ_0000337 knock down inhibited cell proliferation by sponging miR-155-5p. RAB3B was a target of miR-155-5p which was positively regulated by circ_0000337. In the collected CC tissues, there was a negative correlation between miR-155-5p and circ_0000337 or RAB3B, and a positive correlation between circ_0000337 and RAB3B. miR-155-5p was positively, while RAB3B was negatively correlated with OS in patients with CC, and they were negatively correlated. In conclusion, circ_0000337 upregulates RAB3B by sponging miR-155-5p to promote CC cell proliferation.