Application of QF-PCR Technology Combined With Early Pregnancy Ultrasound in Prenatal Screening for Fetal Chromosomal Aneuploidy.

Context: Abnormalities in the meiosis process after sperm-egg union can cause fetal chromosome aneuploidy. The rate of birth defects and the mortality of fetuses with chromosome aneuploidy is significantly higher than that of fetuses with normal chromosomes. Both ultrasound and quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) have limitations when used singly, but their combined use may provide better diagnoses. Objective: The study intended to investigate the value of QF-PCR combined with ultrasound in early pregnancy for prenatal screening for fetal chromosomal aneuploidy, to contribute to the improvement of prenatal examinations, ultimately enhancing the early detection and management of the aneuploidies. Design: The research team performed a retrospective study. Setting: The study took place at the Affiliated Dongguan Hospital at Southern Medical University in Dongguan, China. Participants: Participants were 1082 pregnant women who underwent an ultrasound examination in early pregnancy, 11 weeks to 13 + 6 weeks, at the hospital between January 2019 and January 2022. Outcome Measures: Using the results of participants' ultrasounds and QF-PCR testing, the research team used the gold standard, a chromosomal karyotype analysis, to evaluate the efficacy in diagnosing fetal chromosomal aneuploidies, of ultrasound alone, QF-PCR testing alone, and their combination. Results: Early-pregnancy ultrasound detected 15 abnormalities, of which seven were an abnormal thickness of the transparent layer of the neck, 22 were abnormal nasal bone, four were a fish-scale appearance of bilateral soles of the feet, and three were other abnormalities, such as an incomplete quadrant of the heart, gastroceles, or dilatation of the pelvis. No cases of missed or failed karyotype cultures occurred. The QF-PCR detected 21 abnormal fetuses, including six with trisomy 21 syndrome, two with trisomy 18 syndrome, one with trisomy 13 syndrome, and 11 with sex-chromosome abnormalities. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of QF-PCR in diagnosing fetal chromosomal aneuploidy were 85.7%, 99.81%, and 99.54%, respectively, and the Kappa value for its consistency with the gold standard was 0.88. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the ultrasound, combined with QF-PCR in diagnosing fetal chromosomal aneuploidy were 95.23%,99.71%, and 99.63%, respectively, and the Kappa value of combined tests' consistency with the gold standard was 0.91. Conclusion: QF-PCR combined with ultrasound in early pregnancy can effectively improve the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosome aneuploidy, especially for high-risk pregnant women with a high, positive, predictive value, providing a feasible detection method for clinical practice.

Gualou Guizhi decoction promotes therapeutic angiogenesis via the miR210/HIF/VEGF pathway in vivo and in vitro.

CONTEXT: Gualou Guizhi decoction (GLGZD) is an ancient Chinese classical prescription widely used to treat ischemic stroke. However, the molecular mechanisms of GLGZD promoting angiogenesis are unavailable. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the angiogenesis effect of GLGZD as well as its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ischemic stroke was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The GLGZD groups received GLGZD (3.6, 7.2 and 14.4 g/kg) orally. Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was constructed in HUVECs receiving GLGZD medicated serum (MS). MRI, H&E staining, qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence methods were employed. miRNA210 inhibitor was employed to confirm the effects of GLGZD on promoting angiogenesis. Dual luciferase assay was used to verify the binding of miRNA210 with HIF mRNA. RESULTS: GLGZD treatment improved neurological function (by 27%), alleviated neuronal injury (by 76%), reduced infarct volume (by 74%) and increased microvessel density (by fourfold) in vivo. In vitro data had also shown that GLGZD caused proliferation of the cells (by 58%), their migration, and eventual formation of tubes (by threefold). Simultaneously, GLGZD enhanced the levels of angiogenesis-related molecules and activated the HIF/VEGF signalling pathway. Surprisingly, the beneficial effects of GLGZD on post-stroke angiogenesis and neurological recovery were weakened by miRNA210 inhibitor, and also abolished the mediation of proangiogenic factors. miRNA210 directly targeted HIF mRNA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: GLGZD enhances angiogenesis via activation of the miRNA210/HIF/VEGF signalling pathway, suggesting it can be a novel application as an effective angiogenic formula for stroke recovery.

Effects of ultrasound on functional properties, structure and glycation properties of proteins: a review.

Protein is an indispensable part of life. It provides nutrition for human body and flavor for food. The role of protein depends largely on the functional properties of the protein. Therefore, the elucidation of protein structure and functional properties needs to be further explored. The effects of structural and functional properties of proteins under different ultrasonic treatment conditions were reviewed. The structural changes of protein were studied by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry combined with fluorescence spectrometry and proteomics, and the mechanism of action was determined. The glycation site, the glycation degree, and the glycation characteristics of different sugars were determined. The protein was modified by ultrasound, and the influence of protein structure, physicochemical properties, protein glycation characteristics, and the action mechanism were analyzed by biological mass spectrometry.

Examining the Links Between Beauty Ideals Internalization, the Objectification of Women, and Ambivalent Sexism Among Chinese Women: The Effects of Sexual Orientation.

The widespread propagation of beauty ideals has made their influence inescapable for women worldwide. Numerous studies have suggested the negative consequences of the internalization of beauty ideals. However, researchers have mostly focused on Western cultures, with only a few studies addressing China. Given that Chinese traditional Confucian values emphasize more reproduction and family duties of women, women suffer more pressures in China. However, not all women experience and respond to cultural practices in the same way. The present study aimed to examine the mechanism underlying the link between the internalization of beauty ideals and ambivalent sexism and the differences in this link among subgroups of Chinese women. Data were collected from a sample of 293 (146 heterosexual women, 147 sexual minority women). The results showed that the associations of the internalization of beauty ideals with hostile sexism and benevolent sexism were mediated by the objectification of women. Furthermore, the link between the internalization of beauty ideals and the objectification of women depended on women's sexual orientation. More specifically, for lesbian and bisexual women but not heterosexual women, the internalization of beauty ideals was positively associated with the objectification of women. The present study addressed a major gap by examining how and for whom the internalization of beauty ideals was associated with increased hostile sexism and benevolent sexism among Chinese women. Sociocultural factors and implications are discussed.

Interactive effect of water level and flushing rate on population dynamics of a harmful cyanobacterial species: Raphidiopsis raciborskii.

Changes in water level and flushing rate directly affect to a large extent the biomass of harmful cyanobacteria, and drive the shift of phytoplankton composition between cyanobacteria dominance/non-dominance in eutrophic waters. Here, we gave a theoretical formula describing the combinational effect of water level and flushing rate on cyanobacterial biomass in eutrophic and well-mixed waters. We also formulated an equation predicting the water level and flushing rate at which cyanobacteria become non-dominating in such water columns. The formulae were confronted with field observations of a low-light adapted cyanobacterium in a large coastal reservoir of southern China. Our formulae demonstrate that water level and flushing rate have an interactive effect on the equilibrium biomass of low-light adapted cyanobacteria in mixed and turbid waters. The formulae were well fitted to the field observation of Raphidiopsis raciborskii population in the reservoir during four dry seasons. In agreement with the theoretical analysis, multiple regression analysis also showed that the interaction between water level and flushing rate is able to interpret the variation of R. raciborskii biomass in the water column. The two formulae are applicable for predicting the response of low-light adapted cyanobacteria to local climate change. Our findings have practical significance in designing measures against the dominance of low light-adapted cyanobacteria in reservoirs.

A State-Level Analysis of Mortality and Google Searches for Pornography: Insight from Life History Theory.

Due to the widespread popularity of pornography, some studies explored which individual factors are associated with the frequency of pornography use. However, knowledge about the relationship between socioecological environment and pornography consumption remains scant. Based on life history theory, the current research investigated the association between state-level mortality and search interest for pornography using Google trends. We observed that, in the U.S., the higher mortality or violent crime rate in a state, the stronger search interest for pornography on Google. The results expand the literature regarding the relationship between socioecological environment and individuals' online sexual behavior at the state level.

Life-history responses of Daphnia sinensis simultaneously exposed to Microcystis aeruginosa and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii.

Many cyanobacterial species co-occur commonly in a freshwater ecosystem and can be consumed simultaneously by zooplankton. Both Microcystis aeruginosa and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii are the dominant species and coexist in eutrophic tropical waters, and they together are assumed to have exert a stronger effect on the life history traits of cladocerans than a single cyanobacterial species. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis with life-history experiments of Daphnia sienesis, a large cladoceran species in tropics. In the experiments, M. aeruginosa and C. raciborskii were used as a mixture of food with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for the experimental animals. D. sienesis showed excellent growth and survival on sole diets of C. pyrenoidosa (CP). By contrast, Daphnia's growth decreased significantly and reproduction was completely inhibited when cyanobacteria comprised 100% of the food offered. The supplementation of C. pyrenoidosa into cyanobacterial diets significantly decreased their harmful effects on Daphnia, who improved the life history traits with the reduction of cyanobacterial percentage in mixed foods, irrespective of cyanobacterial species. Compared with the cultures of D. sienesis fed with a single cyanobacteria species, the animals in the treatments fed both M.aeruginosa-FACHB469 (F469) and C. raciborskii N8 (N8) had a lower growth rate in all the proportion of C. pyrenoidosa (25% CP, 50% CP or 75% CP). The strongest synergistic inhibition by the two cyanobacterial strains was found in the treatments with the 25% CP (i.e., 25% CP + 37.5% F469 + 37.5% N8), and no animal survived to maturity and reproduced. Thus, the simultaneous exposure to the two cyanobacterial species should be taken into account in assessing the ecological risks of cyanobacterial blooms, since multiple cyanobacterial coexistence can result in strong synergistic inhibition on growth and reproduction of zooplankton.

Usp10 Modulates the Hippo Pathway by Deubiquitinating and Stabilizing the Transcriptional Coactivator Yorkie.

The Hippo signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved regulator that plays important roles in organ size control, homeostasis, and tumorigenesis. As the key effector of the Hippo pathway, Yorkie (Yki) binds to transcription factor Scalloped (Sd) and promotes the expression of target genes, leading to cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Thus, it is of great significance to understand the regulatory mechanism for Yki protein turnover. Here, we provide evidence that the deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin-specific protease 10 (Usp10) binds Yki to counteract Yki ubiquitination and stabilize Yki protein in Drosophila S2 cells. The results in Drosophila wing discs indicate that silence of Usp10 decreases the transcription of target genes of the Hippo pathway by reducing Yki protein. In vivo functional analysis ulteriorly showed that Usp10 upregulates the Yki activity in Drosophila eyes. These findings uncover Usp10 as a novel Hippo pathway modulator and provide a new insight into the regulation of Yki protein stability and activity.

Maternal and zygotic Zfp57 modulate NOTCH signaling in cardiac development.

Zfp57 is a maternal-zygotic effect gene that maintains genomic imprinting. Here we report that Zfp57 mutants exhibited a variety of cardiac defects including atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), thin myocardium, and reduced trabeculation. Zfp57 maternal-zygotic mutant embryos displayed more severe phenotypes with higher penetrance than the zygotic ones. Cardiac progenitor cells exhibited proliferation and differentiation defects in Zfp57 mutants. ZFP57 is a master regulator of genomic imprinting, so the DNA methylation imprint was lost in embryonic heart without ZFP57. Interestingly, the presence of imprinted DLK1, a target of ZFP57, correlated with NOTCH1 activation in cardiac cells. These results suggest that ZFP57 may modulate NOTCH signaling during cardiac development. Indeed, loss of ZFP57 caused loss of NOTCH1 activation in embryonic heart with more severe loss observed in the maternal-zygotic mutant. Maternal and zygotic functions of Zfp57 appear to play redundant roles in NOTCH1 activation and cardiomyocyte differentiation. This serves as an example of a maternal effect that can influence mammalian organ development. It also links genomic imprinting to NOTCH signaling and particular developmental functions.

Microbial Degradation of Pesticide Residues and an Emphasis on the Degradation of Cypermethrin and 3-phenoxy Benzoic Acid: A Review.

Nowadays, pesticides are widely used in preventing and controlling the diseases and pests of crop, but at the same time pesticide residues have brought serious harm to human's health and the environment. It is an important subject to study microbial degradation of pesticides in soil environment in the field of internationally environmental restoration science and technology. This paper summarized the microbial species in the environment, the study of herbicide and pesticides degrading bacteria and the mechanism and application of pesticide microbial degrading bacteria. Cypermethrin and other pyrethroid pesticides were used widely currently, while they were difficult to be degraded in the natural conditions, and an intermediate metabolite, 3-phenoxy benzoic acid would be produced in the degradation process, causing the secondary pollution of agricultural products and a series of problems. Taking it above as an example, the paper paid attention to the degradation process of microorganism under natural conditions and factors affecting the microbial degradation of pesticide. In addition, the developed trend of the research on microbial degradation of pesticide and some obvious problems that need further solution were put forward.

Duration adaptation modulates EEG correlates of subsequent temporal encoding.

Repetitive exposure to relatively long or short sensory events has been shown to shorten or lengthen the perceived duration of a subsequent event. However, the neural basis of this phenomenon, called duration adaptation, remains unclear. In this study, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate whether duration adaptation could modulate the subsequent temporal encoding represented by the contingent negative variation (CNV). Participants were asked to reproduce the duration of a test stimulus after adapting duration (Experiment 1) or after anchor duration (Experiment 2). We found that both adapting duration and anchor duration affected the reproduction duration of a subsequently presented test stimulus. The simultaneously recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) revealed that test stimuli evoked clearly identifiable N1, P2 and CNV components in the fronto-central scalp. Further analyses showed that the CNV amplitude was modulated by duration adaptation: adaptation to shorter duration (200ms) increased whereas adaptation to longer duration (800ms) decreased the CNV amplitude. These findings suggest that the neural correlates of temporal encoding represented by the CNV amplitude reflect the duration aftereffect. Additionally, the duration adaptation effect observed on the P2 component also suggests an early expectancy effect on subsequent encoding processes. Finally, no effect of anchor duration was observed on the CNV amplitude, which implies that different mechanisms underlie the duration aftereffect and the anchor effect.

Yeast high mobility group protein HMO1 stabilizes chromatin and is evicted during repair of DNA double strand breaks.

DNA is packaged into condensed chromatin fibers by association with histones and architectural proteins such as high mobility group (HMGB) proteins. However, this DNA packaging reduces accessibility of enzymes that act on DNA, such as proteins that process DNA after double strand breaks (DSBs). Chromatin remodeling overcomes this barrier. We show here that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HMGB protein HMO1 stabilizes chromatin as evidenced by faster chromatin remodeling in its absence. HMO1 was evicted along with core histones during repair of DSBs, and chromatin remodeling events such as histone H2A phosphorylation and H3 eviction were faster in absence of HMO1. The facilitated chromatin remodeling in turn correlated with more efficient DNA resection and recruitment of repair proteins; for example, inward translocation of the DNA-end-binding protein Ku was faster in absence of HMO1. This chromatin stabilization requires the lysine-rich C-terminal extension of HMO1 as truncation of the HMO1 C-terminal tail phenocopies hmo1 deletion. Since this is reminiscent of the need for the basic C-terminal domain of mammalian histone H1 in chromatin compaction, we speculate that HMO1 promotes chromatin stability by DNA bending and compaction imposed by its lysine-rich domain and that it must be evicted along with core histones for efficient DSB repair.

The Germ Cell Gene TDRD1 as an ERG Target Gene and a Novel Prostate Cancer Biomarker.

BACKGROUND: TMPRSS2-ERG fusion occurs in about half of prostate cancers and results in over-expression of the oncogenic ERG protein in the prostate. The mechanism by which ERG contributes to prostate cancer initiation and progression remains largely unknown. Because ERG is a transcriptional activator, we reasoned that the target genes regulated by ERG could contribute to prostate cancer development. METHODS: In a search for ERG target genes, we took advantage of published datasets from the MSKCC Prostate Oncogene Project, in which a comprehensive analysis was applied to define transcriptomes in 150 prostate tumors. We retrieved the mRNA expression dataset, split them based on ERG expression, and identified genes whose expression levels are associated with ERG mRNA levels. RESULTS: mRNA expression levels of 21 genes were found to be significantly increased, while for one gene it was decreased in ERG-positive prostate tumors. Among them, the expression of TDRD1 was the most significantly increased in ERG-positive tumors. Among 131 primary prostate tumors which were primarily from European American patients, TDRD1 is over-expressed in 68% of samples, while ERG is overexpressed in 48% of samples, suggesting an additional ERG-independent mechanism of TDRD1 overexpression. In African American prostate tumors, TDRD1 mRNA is expressed in 44%, while ERG is expressed in 24% of samples. In normal tissues, TDRD1 mRNA is exclusively expressed in germ cells and its protein is also known as cancer/testis antigen 41.1 (CT41.1). We generated a mouse monoclonal antibody that recognizes human TDRD1 protein with high specificity and sensitivity. By Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, we demonstrate that TDRD1 protein is expressed in the majority of human prostate tumors, but not in normal prostate tissue. Finally, TDRD1 is not induced in the prostate of ERG overexpression transgenic mice, suggesting that such model does not fully recapitulate the TMPRSS2/ERG fusion-dependent human prostate cancer development. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest TDRD1 as a novel prostate cancer biomarker. As an ERG target gene, TDRD1 might play an important role in human prostate cancer development, and as a cancer/testis antigen, TDRD1 might have long-term potential to be a therapeutic target for prostate cancer immunotherapy. Prostate 76:1271-1284, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Effects of Gelatin on Performance of α-tricalcium Phosphate Bone Cement].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of gelatin on the performance of calcium phosphate cement (CPC). METHODS: α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) bone cement was mixed with different concentrations of gelatin solutions. The CPC samples were soaked into simulated body fluid for one day before their compressive and bending strengths were measured. We also compared their waterproof performance, solidification time and surface topography. RESULTS: Gelatin solutions changed the performance of CPC. Optimal performance of CPC was achieved when the volume ratio of gelatin solution to CPC (Vgelatin solution:V(CPC liquid)) was set at 25:100, which increased compressive strength from (7.874 54 ± 0.660 97) MPa to (9.936 52 ± 0.433 17) MPa and bending strength from (5.157 06 ± 0.298 30) MPa to (7.959 71 ± 0.281 63) MPa. Gelatin solution also prolonged setting time of CPC, improved its waterproof performance, and promoted formulation of more dense and uniform hydroxyapatite crystals. CONCLUSION: Gelatin can improve the compressive and bending strengths of CPC, and make CPC more suitable for clinic use through improvements in setting time and waterproof performance.

Electrochemiluminescence immunosensor using poly(l-histidine)-protected glucose dehydrogenase on Pt/Au bimetallic nanoparticles to generate an in situ co-reactant.

In this work, Pt/Au bimetallic nanoparticles (Pt/Au NPs) were used as nanocarriers to develop an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for sensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) detection, coupling with enzyme-based signal amplification. First, gold nanoparticles modified Ru(phen)3(2+)-doped silica nanoparticles (Au@RuSiO2 NPs) with numerous luminophores were used as a platform, potentially increasing the signal intensity. Second, Pt/Au NPs with large surface area and rich surface atoms were a superior matrix for the immobilization of numerous antibodies (Ab2), poly(l-histidine) (PLH) and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH). More importantly, the PLH-protected GDH exhibited excellent enzymatic activity for the oxidation of glucose accompanied by the reduction of NAD(+) to NADH. The in situ generated NADH acted as a co-reactant of Ru(phen)3(2+), significantly enhancing the ECL signal. In this manner, the designed immunosensor displayed high sensitivity for the detection of cTnI in the range of 0.010 ng mL(-1) to 10 ng mL(-1) with a detection limit of 3.3 pg mL(-1) (S/N = 3). The proposed strategy holds a new promise for highly sensitive bioassays for application in clinical analyses.

Highly enhanced electrochemiluminescence based on pseudo triple-enzyme cascade catalysis and in situ generation of co-reactant for thrombin detection.

In this work, a novel pseudo triple-enzyme cascade catalysis amplification strategy was employed to fabricate a highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor for thrombin (TB) detection. The signal amplification of the proposed aptasensor was based on the synergistic catalysis of glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and hemin/G-quadruplex to generate a co-reactant in situ for the ECL of peroxydisulfate. Gold nanorods (AuNRs) conjugated with GDH and hemin/G-quadruplex were used as the secondary aptamer bioconjugate (TBA II) in this aptasensor. TB was sandwiched between TBA II and a thiol-terminated TB aptamer which self-assembled on the AuNRs-modified electrode. The pseudo triple-enzyme cascade catalysis was completed as follows: firstly, GDH could effectively catalyze the oxidation of glucose to gluconolactone, coupling with the reduction of ß-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrate (NAD(+)) into ß-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH). Then, the hemin/G-quadruplex acted as NADH oxidase, could rapidly oxidize NADH into NAD(+) accompanied with the generation of H2O2. Simultaneously, the hemin/G-quadruplex served as the horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mimicking DNAzyme that further catalyzed the reduction of H2O2 to generate O2in situ. Then the O2 produced acted as the co-reactant of peroxydisulfate, resulting in significant ECL signal amplification and highly sensitive ECL detection. The proposed aptasensor showed a wide linear range of 0.0001-50 nM with a low detection limit of 33 fM (S/N = 3) for TB determination. The present work demonstrated that the novel strategy has great advantages of sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility, which hold new promise for highly sensitive bioassays applied in clinical detection.

Prevalence and contributing factors of malocclusion in Zhuang children aged 7-8 years in southern China.

Introduction: Malocclusion, a common oral health problem in children, is associated with several contributing factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mixed dentition stage malocclusion and its contributing factors in Chinese Zhuang children aged 7-8 years. Methods: Overall, 2,281 Zhuang children, about 7-8 years old, were randomly selected using a stratified whole-cluster sampling method from schools in counties in Northwestern Guangxi, China. The children were examined on-site for malocclusion and caries by trained dentists, and basic data on the children were collected using questionnaires, including age, sex, parental education, parental accompaniment, and children's knowledge of malocclusion and treatment needs. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The total prevalence of malocclusion in Zhuang children aged 7-8 years was 58.5%, with the highest prevalence of anterior crossbite tendency, and the prevalence of anterior crossbite and anterior edge-to-edge occlusion was 15.1% and 7.7%, respectively. This was followed by an anterior increased overjet of 13.3% and an inter-incisor spacing of 10.3%. The lowest prevalence was 2.7% for anterior open bite. Sex, parental accompaniment, parental education, and decayed, missing, and filled teeth of the first primary molar were factors that contributed to malocclusion in Zhuang children. Conclusion: Malocclusion is a common oral problem among Zhuang children. Therefore, more attention must be paid to the intervention and prevention of malocclusion. The impact factors should be controlled as early as possible.

Risk Factors and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Chinese Women with Postpartum Diastasis Recti Abdominis: An Observational Study.

Purpose: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a condition in which the linea alba is stretched and widened, and the abdominal muscles are separated from each other. DRA typically occurs in pregnant and postpartum women. We aimed to determine the risk factors and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of DRA in Chinese postpartum women. Methods: This observational study was conducted in Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and involved 534 women who filled out the following risk-factor and PRO questionnaires: SF-MPQ-2, SF-ICIQ, LDQ, EPDS, MBIS, HerQles, and SF-36 (all Chinese versions). The inter-recti distance was measured by palpation. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v25.0 software and the Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-square test, binary logistic regression analysis (for risk factors of DRA), and the Kendall and Spearman tests (for correlation analysis). Results: After childbirth, 78.1% (417/534) of the enrolled women had DRA. Abdominal surgery (P = 0.002), number of pregnancies (P = 0.035), parity (P = 0.012), number of births (P = 0.02), fetal birth weight (P = 0.014), and waist-to-hip ratio in the supine position (P = 0.045) significantly differed between the DRA and non-DRA groups. Caesarean delivery was an independent risk factor for DRA. The PROs were significantly worse in the DRA group than in the non-DRA group. Conclusion: Caesarean delivery was an independent risk factor for DRA. Women with DRA are more likely to have limited physical activity or function after childbirth, lower self-confidence, and a decreased quality of life.

Neural correlates of aftereffects induced by adaptations to single and average durations.

Duration perception can be heavily distorted owing to repetitive exposure to a relatively long or short sensory event, often causing a duration aftereffect. Here, we used a novel procedure to show that adaptations to both single and average durations produced the duration aftereffect. Participants completed a duration reproduction task (Experiment 1) or a duration category rating task (Experiment 2) after long-term adaptations to a stimulus of medium duration and to stimuli of averagely medium duration. We found that adaptations to both single and average durations resulted in duration aftereffects. The simultaneously recorded functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data revealed that the reduction in neural activity due to long-term adaptation to single duration was observed in the right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) of the parietal lobe, while adaptation to average duration resulted in fMRI adaptations in the left postcentral gyrus (PCG) and middle cingulate gyrus (MCG). At the individual level, the magnitude of the behavioral aftereffect was positively correlated with the magnitude of fMRI adaptation in the right SMG after adaptation to single duration, while there were no significantly positive correlations between the behavioral aftereffect and fMRI adaptations in the left PCG and MCG. These results suggest that there are different neural mechanisms for aftereffects caused by adaptations to single and average durations.

Community structure and association network of prokaryotic community in surface sediments from the Bering-Chukchi shelf and adjacent sea areas.

The Bering-Chukchi shelf is one of the world's most productive areas and characterized by high benthic biomass. Sedimentary microbial communities play a crucial role in the remineralization of organic matter and associated biogeochemical cycles, reflecting both short-term changes in the environment and more consistent long-term environmental characteristics in a given habitat. In order to get a better understanding of the community structure of sediment-associated prokaryotes, surface sediments were collected from 26 stations in the Bering-Chukchi shelf and adjacent northern deep seas in this study. Prokaryote community structures were analyzed by metabarcoding of the 16S rRNA gene, and potential interactions among prokaryotic groups were analyzed by co-occurrence networks. Relationships between the prokaryote community and environmental factors were assessed. Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Flavobacteriia were the dominant bacterial classes, contributing 35.0, 18.9, and 17.3% of the bacterial reads, respectively. The phototrophic cyanobacteria accounted for 2.7% of the DNA reads and occurred more abundantly in the Bering-Chukchi shelf. Prokaryotic community assemblages were different in the northern deep seas compared to the Bering-Chukchi shelf, represented by the lowered diversity and the increased abundant operational Taxonomic Units (OTU), suggesting that the abundant taxa may play more important roles in the northern deep seas. Correlation analysis showed that latitude, water depth, and nutrients were important factors affecting the prokaryote community structure. Abundant OTUs were distributed widely in the study area. The complex association networks indicated a stable microbial community structure in the study area. The high positive interactions (81.8-97.7%) in this study suggested that symbiotic and/or cooperative relationships accounted for a dominant proportion of the microbial networks. However, the dominant taxa were generally located at the edge of the co-occurrence networks rather than in the major modules. Most of the keystone OTUs were intermediately abundant OTUs with relative reads between 0.01 and 1%, suggesting that taxa with moderate biomass might have considerable impacts on the structure and function of the microbial community. This study enriched the understanding of prokaryotic community in surface sediments from the Bering-Chukchi shelf and adjacent sea areas.