Theoretical Study on the O-H Fracture of Methanol on PtnCu4-n (n = 1, 2, 3) Catalysts with Different Coverages.

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have attracted increasing attention as a very promising and important energy source. In this paper, density functional theory (DFT) is used to study the structure and O-H fracture mechanism of methanol adsorption on PtnCu4-n (111) (n = 1, 2, 3) binary metal catalyst surfaces under different coverages. By comparing the adsorption energy and dehydrogenation energy barriers of methanol, it is found that the adsorption strength and dehydrogenation energy barriers of methanol on Pt and Cu sites decreased with increasing coverage. At the same Pt and Cu ratio, methanol is more easily adsorbed on Cu sites. When Pt/Cu = 3:1 and 1:3, the PtCu binary catalyst has a significant impact on the energy barrier of breaking the O-H bond in methanol with the increase of coverage. Especially when Pt/Cu = 1:3 and the coverage is 1/4 ML, the energy barriers of O-H bond breaking in methanol on Pt and Cu sites are 0.63 and 0.61 eV, respectively, which are lower than that on pure Pt. It means that the Cu sites played a very important role in reducing the O-H fracture energy barrier of methanol. When Pt/Cu = 1:1, the change in the dehydrogenation energy barrier of methanol on Pt sites and Cu sites is not significant, indicating that the coverage has little effect on it.

INHBA promotes tumor growth and induces resistance to PD-L1 blockade by suppressing IFN-γ signaling.

Inhibin beta A (INHBA) and its homodimer activin A have pleiotropic effects on modulation of immune responses and tumor progression, but it remains uncertain whether tumors may release activin A to regulate anti-tumor immunity. In this study we investigated the effects and mechanisms of tumor intrinsic INHBA on carcinogenesis, tumor immunity and PD-L1 blockade. Bioinformatic analysis on the TCGA database revealed that INHBA expression levels were elevated in 33 cancer types, including breast cancer (BRCA) and colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). In addition, survival analysis also corroborated that INHBA expression was negatively correlated with the prognosis of many types of cancer patients. We demonstrated that gain or loss function of Inhba did not alter in vitro growth of colorectal cancer CT26 cells, but had striking impact on mouse tumor models including CT26, MC38, B16 and 4T1 models. By using the TIMER 2.0 tool, we figured out that in most cancer types, Inhba expression in tumors was inversely associated with the infiltration of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells. In CT26 tumor-bearing mice, overexpression of tumor INHBA eliminated the anti-tumor effect of the PD-L1 antibody atezolizumab, whereas INHBA deficiency enhanced the efficacy of atezolizumab. We revealed that tumor INHBA significantly downregulated the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) signaling pathway. Tumor INHBA overexpression led to lower expression of PD-L1 induced by IFN-γ, resulting in poor responsiveness to anti-PD-L1 treatment. On the other hand, decreased secretion of IFN-γ-stimulated chemokines, including C-X-C motif chemokine 9 (CXCL9) and 10 (CXCL10), impaired the infiltration of effector T cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, the activin A-specific antibody garetosmab improved anti-tumor immunity and its combination with the anti-PD-L1 antibody atezolizumab showed a superior therapeutic effect to monotherapy with garetosmab or atezolizumab. We demonstrate that INHBA and activin A are involved in anti-tumor immunity by inhibiting the IFN-γ signaling pathway, which can be considered as potential targets to improve the responsive rate of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.

Unique Spindle-Like Bismuth-Based Composite toward Ultrafast Potassium Storage.

Bismuth (Bi)-based materials have attracted great attention as anodes in potassium ion batteries (PIBs) for their high theoretical capacity and suitable voltage range. Herein, the authors report a unique spindle-like structured Bi@N-doped carbon composite (SPB@NC) consisting of interconnected nano-Bi coated heteroatom-doped hard carbon layer via an interesting in situ carbon thermal reduction method. The special interconnected Bi nanoparticles gradually form porous structure with ample inner voids for accommodating volume variations while the N-doped carbon layer not only keeps the electrode stable, but also contributes to rapid electron/ion transfer. As a result, such a robust framework endows SPB@NC fast potassium storage with outstanding capacity of 276.5 mAh g-1  at 30 A g-1 (i.e., 1 min for discharge/charge) and durable cycling performance of 299.3 mAh g-1  at 5 A g-1  after 2000 cycles. Notably, a full cell assembled with potassium vanadate cathode is promising for practical applications. A series of ex situ techniques reveals the in-depth potassium storage mechanism and kinetics reactions. This work illuminates helpful insights into Bi-based anodes for PIBs.

FeSb2 Nanoparticles Embedded in 3D Porous Carbon Framework: An Robust Anode Material for Potassium Storage with Long Activation Process.

Due to their characteristics of high capacity and appropriate potassiation/depotassiation potential, Sb-based materials have become a class of promising anode materials for potassium ion batteries (PIBs). However, the huge strain induced by potassiation/depotassiation limits their ability to periodically accept/release K+ . Herein, a composite with FeSb2 nanoparticles embedded in a 3D porous carbon framework (FeSb2 @3DPC) is successfully constructed as an extremely stable anode material for PIBs. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of the design of nano and porous structures, the introduction of the inactive metal Fe, the firm anchoring of the FeSb2 nanoparticles by the carbon material, and the incomplete reaction of the FeSb2 , the FeSb2 @3DPC can achieve an ultra-long cycle life of over 4000 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g-1 . Furthermore, ex situ X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal a gradual activation process of FeSb2 for potassium storage. Fortunately, after activation, the electrochemical polarization of the FeSb2 @3DPC anode gradually alleviates and the capacitance-controlled charge storage mode further dominates compared with the diffusion-controlled mode, all of which promote the FeSb2 @3DPC to maintain the stable potassium storage capability.

CART Peptides Differently Regulate Firing Rates and GABAergic Synaptic Inputs of DMV Neurons Innervating the Stomach Antrum and Cecum of Adult Male Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Central administration of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptides (CARTp) alters gastrointestinal motility and reduces food intake in rats. Since neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) receive GABAergic and glutamatergic inputs and innervate the smooth muscle of gastrointestinal organs, we hypothesized that CARTp acts on the DMV or presynaptic neurons. METHODS: We used 3,3'-dioctadecyloxa-carbocyanine perchlorate (DiO) retrograde tracing with electrophysiological methods to record DMV neurons innervating the stomach antrum or cecum in brainstem slices from adult rats. RESULTS: DiO application did not change the electrophysiological properties of DMV neurons. CART55-102 had no effect on the basal firing rates of neurons in either the stomach antrum-labeled group (SLG) or cecum-labeled group (CLG). When presynaptic inputs were blocked, CART55-102 further increased the firing rates of the SLG, suggesting a direct excitatory effect. Spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) occurred at a higher frequency in SLG neurons than in CLG neurons. CART55-102 reduced the amplitude and the frequency of sIPSCs in SLG neurons dose-dependently, with higher doses also reducing spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs). Higher doses of CART55-102 reduced sIPSC and sEPSC amplitudes in CLG neurons, suggesting a postsynaptic effect. In response to incremental current injections, the SLG neurons exhibited less increases in firing activity. Simultaneous applications of current injections and CART55-102 decreased the firing activity of the CLG. Therefore, stomach antrum-projecting DMV neurons possess a higher gating ability to stabilize firing activity. CONCLUSION: The mechanism by which CARTp mediates anorectic actions may be through a direct reduction in cecum-projecting DMV neuron excitability and, to a lesser extent, that of antrum-projecting DMV neurons, by acting on receptors of these neurons.

Cell-free fetal DNA testing and its correlation with prenatal indications.

BACKGROUND: The prenatal test of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) is also known as noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) with high sensitivity and specificity. This study is to evaluate the performance of NIPT and its clinical relevance with various clinical indications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 14,316 pregnant women with prenatal indications, including advanced maternal age (≥35 years), maternal serum screening abnormalities, the thickened nuchal translucency (≥2.5 mm) and other ultrasound abnormalities, twin pregnancy/IVF-ET pregnancy, etc. The whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of maternal plasma cffDNA was employed in this study. RESULTS: A total of 189 (1.32%) positive NIPT cases were identified, and 113/189 (59.79%)cases were confirmed by invasive prenatal testing. Abnormal serological screening (53.14%) was the most common indication, followed by elderly pregnancy (23.02%). The positive prediction value for T21, T18, T13, sex chromosome abnormalities, other autosomal aneuploidy abnormalities, and CNV abnormalities were 91.84, 68.75,37.50, 66.67, 14.29, and 6.45%, respectively. The positive rate and the true positive rate of nuchal translucency (NT) thickening were the highest (4.17 and 3.33%), followed by the voluntary requirement group (3.49 and 1.90%) in the various prenatal screening indications. The cffDNA concentration was linearly correlated with gestational age (≥10 weeks) and the positive NIPT group's Z-score values. CONCLUSIONS: whole-genome sequencing of cffDNA has extremely high sensitivity and specificity for T21, high sensitivity for T18, sex chromosome abnormalities, and T13. It also provides evidence for other abnormal chromosomal karyotypes (CNV and non-21/18/13 autosomal aneuploidy abnormalities). The cffDNA concentration is closely related to the gestational age and determines the specificity of NIPT. Our results highlight NIPT's clinical significance, which is an effective prenatal screening tool for high-quality care of pregnancy.

Chronological Changes of Viral Shedding in Adult Inpatients With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.

BACKGROUND: In December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) broke out in Wuhan. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 have been reported, but the relationships between laboratory features and viral load has not been comprehensively described. METHODS: Adult inpatients (≥18 years old) with COVID-19 who underwent multiple (≥5 times) nucleic acid tests with nasal and pharyngeal swabs were recruited from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, including general patients (n = 70), severe patients (n = 195), and critical patients (n = 43). Laboratory data, demographic data, and clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. The fitted polynomial curve was used to explore the association between serial viral loads and illness severity. RESULTS: Viral load of SARS-CoV-2 peaked within the first few days (2-4 days) after admission, then decreased rapidly along with virus rebound under treatment. Critical patients had the highest viral loads, in contrast to the general patients showing the lowest viral loads. The viral loads were higher in sputum compared with nasal and pharyngeal swab (P = .026). The positive rate of respiratory tract samples was significantly higher than that of gastrointestinal tract samples (P < .001). The SARS-CoV-2 viral load was negatively correlated with portion parameters of blood routine and lymphocyte subsets and was positively associated with laboratory features of cardiovascular system. CONCLUSIONS: The serial viral loads of patients revealed whole viral shedding during hospitalization and the resurgence of virus during the treatment, which could be used for early warning of illness severity, thus improve antiviral interventions.

Involvement of dopamine receptor in the actions of non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids.

Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) exhibited a vigorous swimming behavior in liquid medium. Addition of dopamine inhibited the swimming behavior, causing paralysis in 65% of wild-type nematodes. Interestingly, phytocannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabidivarin (CBDV), caused paralysis in 40% of the animals. Knockout of DOP-3, the dopamine D2-like receptor critical for locomotor behavior, eliminated the paralysis induced by dopamine, CBD, and CBDV. In contrast, both CBD and CBDV caused paralysis in animals lacking CAT-2, an enzyme necessary for dopamine synthesis. Co-administration of dopamine with either CBD or CBDV caused paralysis similar to that of either phytocannabinoid treatment alone. These data support the notion that CBD and CBDV act as functional partial agonists on dopamine D2-like receptors in vivo. The discovery that dopamine receptor is involved in the actions of phytocannabinoids moves a significant step toward our understanding of the mechanisms for medical uses of cannabis in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Association between TERT gene polymorphisms and acute myeloid leukemia susceptibility in a Chinese population: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene polymorphisms and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. METHODS: A total of 102 AML patients and 108 healthy controls were enrolled in this case-control study. TERT gene rs2853669 and rs2736100 polymorphisms were genotyped via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Chi-square test was applied to compare polymorphism distributions between case and control groups. The strength of the association between TERT gene polymorphisms and AML susceptibility was evaluated utilizing odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: CC genotype and C allele of rs2736100 polymorphism were more frequent in AML patients (P < 0.05), and individuals carrying CC genotype showed higher risk of suffering from AML (OR = 2.632, 95% CI 1.129-6.133). But for rs2853669 polymorphism, no significant differences were detected in either genotype or allele distributions between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested a positive association between TERT gene rs2736100 polymorphism and AML susceptibility in Chinese Han population.

Epidemiologic Features and Clinical Course of Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2 in Singapore.

Importance: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has spread globally with sustained human-to-human transmission outside China. Objective: To report the initial experience in Singapore with the epidemiologic investigation of this outbreak, clinical features, and management. Design, Setting, and Participants: Descriptive case series of the first 18 patients diagnosed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at 4 hospitals in Singapore from January 23 to February 3, 2020; final follow-up date was February 25, 2020. Exposures: Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Main Outcomes and Measures: Clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data were collected, including PCR cycle threshold values from nasopharyngeal swabs and viral shedding in blood, urine, and stool. Clinical course was summarized, including requirement for supplemental oxygen and intensive care and use of empirical treatment with lopinavir-ritonavir. Results: Among the 18 hospitalized patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (median age, 47 years; 9 [50%] women), clinical presentation was an upper respiratory tract infection in 12 (67%), and viral shedding from the nasopharynx was prolonged for 7 days or longer among 15 (83%). Six individuals (33%) required supplemental oxygen; of these, 2 required intensive care. There were no deaths. Virus was detectable in the stool (4/8 [50%]) and blood (1/12 [8%]) by PCR but not in urine. Five individuals requiring supplemental oxygen were treated with lopinavir-ritonavir. For 3 of the 5 patients, fever resolved and supplemental oxygen requirement was reduced within 3 days, whereas 2 deteriorated with progressive respiratory failure. Four of the 5 patients treated with lopinavir-ritonavir developed nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, and 3 developed abnormal liver function test results. Conclusions and Relevance: Among the first 18 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Singapore, clinical presentation was frequently a mild respiratory tract infection. Some patients required supplemental oxygen and had variable clinical outcomes following treatment with an antiretroviral agent.

Association of ERCC2 Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to detect the association between ERCC excision repair 2, TFIIH core complex helicase subunit (ERCC2) gene polymorphisms and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) susceptibility. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study used a case-control design. ERCC2 gene rs1799793 (Asp312Asn) and rs13181 (Lys751Gln) polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) both in DLBCL patients and healthy controls. The association between ERCC2 gene polymorphisms and DLBCL risk was assessed by χ² test. Odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to address the association strength. Subgroup analyses were also performed to investigate the genetic effects of ERCC2 polymorphisms on clinical characteristics of DLBCL patients. RESULTS A significant association was discovered between the rs1799793 A allele and increased DLBCL risk (P=0.031, OR=1.928, 95% CI=1.052-3.534). The C allele of rs13181 was obviously associated with elevated DLBCL susceptibility (P=0.047, OR=1.820, 95% CI=1.002-3.305). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that rs1799793 and rs13181 polymorphisms had no relationship with serum lactate dehydrogenase level, nidus number, B-symptoms, Ann Arbor stages, or immunological types in DLBCL cases (P>0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS Minor allele carriers of ERCC2 gene rs1799793 (Asp312Asn) and rs13181 (Lys751Gln) polymorphisms had higher susceptibility to DLBCL.

Effects of rhBMP-2/7 Heterodimer and RADA16 Hydrogel Scaffold on Bone Formation During Rabbit Mandibular Distraction.

PURPOSE: The effects of a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2/7 (rhBMP-2/7) heterodimer and a RADA16 (Ac-RADARADARADARADA-CONH2) hydrogel scaffold on bone formation during distraction osteogenesis were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty New Zealand white rabbits, which underwent mandibular lengthening, were randomly divided into 5 groups. One group served as the control group. The others received 2 µg of rhBMP-2 homodimer, 2 µg of rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer, 100 µL of RADA16, or 100 µL of RADA16 plus 2 µg of rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer in the mandibular distraction gap at the beginning of distraction. Fluorine-18-labeled fluoride positron emission tomography was used to assess osteogenesis both after distraction and at the end of consolidation. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) examination and bone histologic findings were also evaluated. RESULTS: At the end of distraction, the radioactivity concentration in the distracted area was significantly greater in the RADA16 plus rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer group than in the other groups (P < .01). The differences among the other 4 groups were also statistically significant in the following order: rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer group greater than the rhBMP-2 homodimer group, which was greater than the RADA16 group (or control group; P < .05). However, the radioactivity concentration of the RADA16 group was slightly greater than that of the control group with a nonsignificant difference (P > .05). By the end of consolidation, the activity in the control group, RADA16 group, rhBMP-2 homodimer group, and rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer group had significantly diminished (P < .05). However, the activity in the RADA16 plus rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer group remained at the same level (P > .05). The DEXA results and bone histologic findings indicated that more callus regeneration was noted in the RADA16 plus rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer group than in any other group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of rhBMP-2/7 heterodimer and RADA16 hydrogel scaffold significantly promoted mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

[Chemical constituents from Barringtonia racemosa].

To investigate the chemical constituents from Barringtonia racemosa, twelve compounds were isolated by chromatography methods and identified as 3ß-p-E-coumaroymaslinic acid (1), cis-careaborin (2), careaborin (3), maslinic acid (4), 2α, 3ß, 19α-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-24, 28-dioic acid (5), 3ß-p-Z-coumaroylcorosolic acid (6), corosolic acid (7), 1α, 2α, 3ß, 19α-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (8), 19α-hydroxyl ursolic acid (9), 3α, 19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-24, 28-dioic acid (10), tormentic acid (11), 3-hydroxy-7, 22-dien-ergosterol（12） by the NMR and MS data analysis. Among them, compounds 1-4,7-12 were obtained from the genus Barringtonia for the first time. All the compounds didn't show nocytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and A549 cell lines (IC50>50 mg•L⁻¹).

Association of plasma interleukin-18 levels and polymorphisms in interleukin-18 gene with outcomes of hepatitis C virus infections: a meta-analysis.

Several polymorphisms in the interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene and plasma IL-18 levels have been reported to influence hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the published findings have been conflicting. We conducted meta-analyses of randomized, controlled trials to address the association of IL-18 polymorphisms and plasma IL-18 levels and the outcomes of HCV infection. The results showed that there was no evidence for an association between the HCV infections and the polymorphisms genotypes of IL-18. However, plasma IL-18 levels were found higher in HCV infection patients than in healthy controls. The pooled SMD was 2.911(95% CI 2.556-3.265, z = 16.09, P < 0.001).

The LIM homeobox gene ceh-14 is required for phasmid function and neurite outgrowth.

Transcription factors play key roles in cell fate specification and cell differentiation. Previously, we showed that the LIM homeodomain factor CEH-14 is expressed in the AFD neurons where it is required for thermotaxis behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we show that ceh-14 is expressed in the phasmid sensory neurons, PHA and PHB, a number of neurons in the tail, i.e., PHC, DVC, PVC, PVN, PVQ, PVT, PVW and PVR, as well as the touch neurons. Analysis of the promoter region shows that important regulatory elements for the expression in most neurons reside from -4kb to -1.65kb upstream of the start codon. Further, within the first introns are elements for expression in the hypodermis. Phylogenetic footprinting revealed numerous conserved motifs in these regions. In addition to the existing deletion mutation ceh-14(ch3), we isolated a new allele, ceh-14(ch2), in which only one LIM domain is disrupted. The latter mutant allele is partially defective for thermosensation. Analysis of both mutant alleles showed that they are defective in phasmid dye-filling. However, the cell body, dendritic outgrowth and ciliated endings of PHA and PHB appear normal, indicating that ceh-14 is not required for growth. The loss of a LIM domain in the ceh-14(ch2) allele causes a partial loss-of-function phenotype. Examination of the neurites of ALA and tail neurons using a ceh-14::GFP reporter shows abnormal axonal outgrowth and pathfinding.

Assessment of visual fixation in vegetative and minimally conscious states.

BACKGROUND: Visual fixation plays a key role in the differentiation between vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness (VS/UWS) syndrome and minimally conscious state (MCS). However, the use of different stimuli changes the frequency of visual fixation occured in patients, thereby possibly affecting the accuracy of the diagnosis. In order to establish a standardized assessment of visual fixation in patients in disorders of consciousness (DOC), we compared the frequency of visual fixation elicited by mirror,a ball and a light. METHOD: Visual fixation was assessed in eighty-one post-comatose patients diagnosed with a MCS or VS/UWS. Occurrence of fixation to different stimuli was analysis used Chi-square testing. RESULT: 40 (49%) out of the 81 patients showed fixation to visual stimuli. Among those, significantly more patients (39, 48%) had visual fixation elicited by mirror compared to a ball (23, 28%) and mirror compared to a light (20, 25%). CONCLUSION: The use of a mirror during the assessment of visual fixation showed higher positive response rate, compared to other stimuli in eliciting a visual fixating response. Therefore, fixation elicited by a mirror can be a very sensitive and accurate test to differentiate the two disorders of consciousness.

A novel universal multiplex PCR improves detection of AZFc Y-chromosome microdeletions.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequencies and the characteristics of Y chromosome microdeletions (pl) in infertile men from central China to perform appropriate therapeutic choices by updated multiplex-PCR. METHODS: In this study, we established a novel universal primer-multiplex-PCR (U-M-PCR) method to overcome the disadvantages of traditional multiplex PCR (M-PCR). We chose 15 sequence-tagged sites (STS) for detection of Y chromosome microdeletions. 540 infertile male patients and 100 healthy male controls were selected in the study. RESULTS: Of the 540 male infertility patients, 48 Y-chromosome microdeletions were detected, with a total deletion rate of 8.9 %. Of these deletions, the rate of AZFa deletions (sY84) was 0.5 % (3/540), the rate of AZFb deletions (sY143) was 0.7 % (4/540) and the rate of AZFc deletions (sY242, sY254 and sY255) was 7.6 % (41/540). Compared with AZF deletion rates by M-PCR, we found U-M-PCR could detect AZFc deletion more specifically (1.0 % & 7.6 %). No Y-chromosome microdeletions were detected in the 100 males with normal semen (the control group). CONCLUSIONS: U-M-PCR method was more specific to detect AZFc microdeletions. It is necessary to use the U-M-PCR method to offer genetic screening and counseling to infertile men prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Homogenized finite element analysis on effective elastoplastic mechanical behaviors of composite with imperfect interfaces.

A three-dimensional (3D) representative volume element (RVE) model was developed for analyzing effective mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites with imperfect interfaces. In the model, the fiber is assumed to be perfectly elastic until its tensile strength, and the ceramic material is modeled by an elasto-plastic Drucker-Prager constitutive law. The RVE model is then used to study the elastic properties and the tensile strength of composites with imperfect interfaces and validated through experiments. The imperfect interfaces between the fiber and the matrix are taken into account by introducing some cohesive contact surfaces. The influences of the interface on the elastic constants and the tensile strengths are examined through these interface models.

[Effects of Different Forms of Nitrogen Addition on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties and Microbial Community Structure of Perennial Alpine Cultivated Grassland].

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different nitrogen forms on soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure in perennial alpine cultivated grasslands, in order to provide scientific basis for developing nitrogen addition strategies for perennial alpine cultivated grasslands. In June 2022, a 4-year-old Qinghai grassland mixed with Poa pratensis Qinghai and Festuca sinensis Qinghai was established at the Bakatai Farm in Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The study was conducted without fertilization as a control (CK), and three different forms of nitrogen treatments were set up, namely, U:urea (amide nitrogen), A:ammonium sulfate (ammonium nitrogen), and N:calcium nitrate (nitrate nitrogen); the nitrogen application rate for each treatment was 67.5 kg·(hm2·a)-1, and the composition and diversity of soil nutrients and microbial communities under different treatments were analyzed. The results showed that the input of exogenous ammonium nitrogen significantly increased NH4+-N content, AP content, and EC; amide nitrogen input significantly increased SOC content and TN content; and nitrate nitrogen input significantly increased NO3--N content, AN content, and TC content. Exogenous nitrogen input changed the structure of soil bacterial and fungal communities, as well as the relative abundance of dominant phyla and genera, but it did not significantly affect the alpha diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that different forms of nitrogen addition had a significant impact on the Beta diversity of bacterial communities, whereas the impact on fungal communities was not significant. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that nitrogen addition mainly changed the composition and structure of microbial communities through soil ammonium nitrogen. Overall, ammonium nitrogen fertilizer should be given priority in the soil remediation process of perennial cultivated grasslands in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau.

A nomogram model of spectral CT quantitative parameters and clinical characteristics predicting lymphovascular invasion of gastric cancer.

Objective: The study established a nomogram based on quantitative parameters of spectral computed tomography (CT) and clinical characteristics, aiming to evaluate its predictive value for preoperative lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: From December 2019 to December 2021, 171 patients with pathologically confirmed GC were retrospectively collected with corresponding clinical data and spectral CT quantitative data. Patients were divided into LVI-positive and LVI-negative groups based on their pathological results. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors and construct a nomogram. The calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were adopted to evaluate the predictive accuracy of nomogram. Results: Four clinical characteristics or spectral CT quantitative parameters, including Borrmann classification (P = 0.039), CA724 (P = 0.007), tumor thickness (P = 0.031), and iodine concentration in the venous phase (VIC) (P = 0.004) were identified as independent factors for LVI in GC patients. The nomogram was established based on the four factors, which had a potent predictive accuracy in the training, internal validation and external validation cohorts, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.864 (95% CI, 0.798-0.930), 0.964 (95% CI, 0.903-1.000) and 0.877 (95% CI, 0.759-0.996), respectively. Conclusion: This study constructed a comprehensive nomogram consisting spectral CT quantitative parameters and clinical characteristics of GC, which exhibited a robust efficiency in predicting LVI in GC patients.