Target-Triggered Multiple-Polarity-Switchable Multiplexed Photoelectrochemical Platform.

Convenient and accurate quantification of disease-relevant multitargets is essential for community disease screening. However, in the field of photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors for multisubstance detection, research on the continuous detection of multiple targets using a polarity-switching mode is scarce. In this study, a multiplexed PEC bioassay was developed based on a target-triggered "anodic-cathodic-anodic" multiple-polarity-switchable mode. Employing miRNA-21 and miRNA-141 as model analytes, the photosensitive material combinations of Cu2O/gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/TiO2 and CdS/AuNPs/TiO2 were successively formed through the specific binding of different whisker branches of Whisker-DNA to Cu2O-H1 and the CdS-tripod DNA ring, respectively. This process reverses the photocurrent polarity from anodic to cathodic and then back to anodic upon detecting different targets, resulting in the high-sensitivity quantification of various biological targets with reduced interference. To enhance the device's utility and affordability in community disease screening, integrating a capacitor and a multimeter-smartphone connection simplifies the assembly and reduces costs. In developing the PEC sensor, the device demonstrated linear detection ranges for miRNA-21 and miRNA-141 from 0.01 fM to 10 nM. Detection limits for miRNA-21 and miRNA-141 were established at 3.2 and 4.3 aM, respectively. The innovative target-triggered multiple-polarity-switchable mode offers adaptability for other multitarget detections by simply modifying the structure of the whisker branches and the combination of photosensitive materials.

Meta-analysis shows forest soil CO2 effluxes are dependent on the disturbance regime and biome type.

Forest soil CO2 efflux (FCO2 ) is a crucial process in global carbon cycling; however, how FCO2 responds to disturbance regimes in different forest biomes is poorly understood. We quantified the effects of disturbance regimes on FCO2 across boreal, temperate, tropical and Mediterranean forests based on 1240 observations from 380 studies. Globally, climatic perturbations such as elevated CO2 concentration, warming and increased precipitation increase FCO2 by 13% to 25%. FCO2 is increased by forest conversion to grassland and elevated carbon input by forest management practices but reduced by decreased carbon input, fire and acid rain. Disturbance also changes soil temperature and water content, which in turn affect the direction and magnitude of disturbance influences on FCO2 . FCO2 is disturbance- and biome-type dependent and such effects should be incorporated into earth system models to improve the projection of the feedback between the terrestrial C cycle and climate change.

When things get MESI: The Manipulation Experiments Synthesis Initiative-A coordinated effort to synthesize terrestrial global change experiments.

Responses of the terrestrial biosphere to rapidly changing environmental conditions are a major source of uncertainty in climate projections. In an effort to reduce this uncertainty, a wide range of global change experiments have been conducted that mimic future conditions in terrestrial ecosystems, manipulating CO2 , temperature, and nutrient and water availability. Syntheses of results across experiments provide a more general sense of ecosystem responses to global change, and help to discern the influence of background conditions such as climate and vegetation type in determining global change responses. Several independent syntheses of published data have yielded distinct databases for specific objectives. Such parallel, uncoordinated initiatives carry the risk of producing redundant data collection efforts and have led to contrasting outcomes without clarifying the underlying reason for divergence. These problems could be avoided by creating a publicly available, updatable, curated database. Here, we report on a global effort to collect and curate 57,089 treatment responses across 3644 manipulation experiments at 1145 sites, simulating elevated CO2 , warming, nutrient addition, and precipitation changes. In the resulting Manipulation Experiments Synthesis Initiative (MESI) database, effects of experimental global change drivers on carbon and nutrient cycles are included, as well as ancillary data such as background climate, vegetation type, treatment magnitude, duration, and, unique to our database, measured soil properties. Our analysis of the database indicates that most experiments are short term (one or few growing seasons), conducted in the USA, Europe, or China, and that the most abundantly reported variable is aboveground biomass. We provide the most comprehensive multifactor global change database to date, enabling the research community to tackle open research questions, vital to global policymaking. The MESI database, freely accessible at doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7153253, opens new avenues for model evaluation and synthesis-based understanding of how global change affects terrestrial biomes. We welcome contributions to the database on GitHub.

Comparison of Proximal Anti-Rotation Intramedullary Nail and Femoral Head Replacement for the Treatment of Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly Patients.

Objective: To compare and analyze the effects of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) and femoral head replacement in treating elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures from February 2019 to February 2021 in the hospital. Patients were divided into a control group (PFNA) and a study group (femoral head replacement) based on surgical methods after propensity score matching. Perioperative indicators, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb), hip function, and complications one year after surgery were compared between the two groups after excluding confounding factors. Result: Both groups had complete follow-ups without any cases lost. The study group had longer surgical time, higher intraoperative blood loss, and greater postoperative drainage volume compared to the control group, while the hospital stay and weight-bearing starting time were shorter in the study group (P < .05). There were statistically significant differences in HCT and Hb after surgery between the two groups (P < .05). One year after surgery, the excellent and good rate of hip function was 90.28% in the study group and 76.39% in the control group (P < .05). The total incidence rate of postoperative early complications was higher in the study group, while the total incidence rate of late postoperative complications was lower in the study group compared to the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: PFNA and femoral head replacement have their respective advantages in treating elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures. PFNA causes less trauma to patients but has poorer postoperative hip function recovery, while femoral head replacement causes greater trauma to patients but has better postoperative hip function recovery. Therefore, the appropriate surgical method can be selected based on the patient's specific conditions.

Study on the Influence of Metal Ions on the Dispersion of Fine Calcium Gangue Minerals.

In this study, the calcium gangue material calcite (−10 µm) was used to investigate the effects of different kinds of metal ions and dosages on the dispersion behavior of calcite. The test results showed that the dispersion behavior of calcite was poor under strongly alkaline conditions without the addition of metal ions, and the reason for that was calcite dissolved ions. The degree of influence of different metal ions on calcite dispersion behavior was Fe3+ > Mg2+ > Na+. The three metal ion dosage tests showed that the dispersion behavior of calcite became poorer with the increase of metal ion dosage. This mainly showed that with the increase of Na+ dosage, the trend of the dispersion behavior of calcite was not obvious, but with the increase of Fe3+ and Mg2+ dosage, the trend of calcite dispersion behavior changed more. The dispersion behavior of calcite was devastated by 5 × 10−4 mol/L Fe3+ at pH = 4−12. The different mechanisms of the three metal ions were identified by zeta potential, solution chemistry, and XPS analysis. Na+ only changed the zeta potential value of the calcite surface, which acted as a compressed electric double layer. However, the formation of metal hydroxide species or metal hydroxide surface precipitation due to the adsorption of Fe3+ and Mg2+ on the mineral surface resulted in the change of the dispersion behavior of calcite.

Effect of Unavoidable Ion (Ca2+) in Pulp on the Dispersion Behavior of Fine Smithsonite.

The efficient dispersion of particles is a prerequisite for the efficient flotation of fine smithsonite. However, unavoidable ions (Ca2+) in the pulp have become a challenge for the efficient separation of fine smithsonite, due to the high content of pulp and small radius of hydrated ions. Therefore, the dispersion behavior and mechanism of Ca2+ action on smithsonite are important for improving the efficiency of smithsonite flotation. In this study, the effects of Ca2+ on the dispersion behavior of fine smithsonite were studied using a turbidity test. The results showed that the dispersion behavior of smithsonite was good in the absence of Ca2+ at a range of pH = 4−12. However, the measured turbidity values of smithsonite decreased with the addition of calcium ions. In particular, the dispersion behavior of smithsonite became worse at pH > 10. Zeta potential test results showed that the smithsonite's surface potential shifted positively, and the absolute value of potential decreased in the presence of Ca2+. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that calcium ions were adsorbed on the smithsonite surface, which may have caused ion exchange or the generation of calcium hydroxide precipitation leading to particle coalescence behavior. The calculations of solution chemistry and DLVO theory indicated that calcium ions adsorbed on the surface of smithsonite to form Ca(OH)+ or precipitation, which reduced the potential energy of interparticle interactions and led to the disruption of dispersion behavior of smithsonite.

An Insight into Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Inflammation Related Diseases of Anthocyanins: A Review of Both In Vivo and In Vitro Investigations.

Anthocyanin is a type of flavonoid pigment widely present in fruits and vegetables. It can not only be used as natural pigment, but also has a variety of health functions, for instance, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective activities. Persistent proinflammatory status is a major factor in the development, progression, and complications of chronic diseases. Not surprisingly, there are thus many food ingredients that can potentially affect inflammation related diseases and many studies have shown that anthocyanins play an important role in inflammatory pathways. In this paper, the inflammation related diseases (such as, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer) of anthocyanins are introduced, and the anti-inflammatory effect of anthocyanins is emphatically introduced. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of anthocyanins is elaborated from the aspects of NF-κB, toll like receptor, MAPKs, NO, and ROS and the main efficacy of anthocyanins in inflammation and related diseases is determined. In conclusion, this review aims to get a clear insight into the role of anthocyanins in inflammation related diseases.

Zinc Recovery from Wulagen Sulfide Flotation Plant Tail by Applying Ether Amine Organic Collectors.

Separating oxidized zinc minerals from flotation tailings is always a challenge. In this study, a flotation tailing from Wulagen zinc mine in China (Zn grade < 1%) was processed using froth flotation with combinations of amines (OPA 10, OPA 1214, OPA 13, DDA) and Na2S to study the effects of these amines on the zinc recovery as well as their interactions with other reagents, aiming to screen out a proper reagent scheme to improve zinc separation from extremely low-grade zinc flotation tailings. The results show that different amines led to different flotation performance, and the collectors were ranked as OPA 1214, OPA 13, OPA 10 and DDA in a decreasing order based on flotation collectivity and selectivity. An increase in the concentration of each collector increased the zinc recovery but reduced the concentrate zinc grade. Interactions were also observed between different amines and Na2S and Na2SiO3, and OPA 1214 outdid the others in saving the usage of both the Na2S and Na2SiO3. The measured adsorption of collector onto smithsonite was found to correlate well with flotation test results. It was concluded that hydrocarbon chains can be held accountable for the difference in the flotation performance with different amines. The longer the hydrocarbon chain, the stronger the hydrophobic association ability of amine, which is conducive to the selective amine adsorption onto sulfurized smithsonite particles and hence the smithsonite flotation.

Genetic control of fatty acid composition in coconut (Cocos nucifera), African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), and date palm (Phoenix dactylifera).

MAIN CONCLUSION: Predominant gene isoforms and expression bias in lipid metabolism pathways are highly conserved between oil-producing Arecaceae crop species coconut and oil palm, but diverge in non-oil-producing species date palm. Coconut (Cocos nucifera), African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) are three major crop species in the Arecaceae family for which genome sequences have recently become available. Coconut and African oil palm both store oil in their endosperms, while date palm fruits contain very little oil. We analyzed fatty acid composition in three coconut tissues (leaf, endosperm and embryo) and in two African oil palm tissues (leaf and mesocarp), and identified 806, 840 and 848 lipid-related genes in 22 lipid metabolism pathways from the coconut, African oil palm and date palm genomes, respectively. The majority of lipid-related genes were highly homologous and retained in homologous segments between the three species. Genes involved in the conversion of pyruvate to fatty acid had a five-to-sixfold higher expression in the coconut endosperm and oil palm mesocarp than in the leaf or embryo tissues based on Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads values. A close evolutionary relationship between predominant gene isoforms and high conservation of gene expression bias in the lipid and carbohydrate gene metabolism pathways was observed for the two oil-producing species coconut and oil palm, differing from that of date palm, a non-oil-producing species. Our results elucidate the similarities and differences in lipid metabolism between the three major Arecaceae crop species, providing important information for physiology studies as well as breeding for fatty acid composition and oil content in these crops.

Facile synthesis of nickel-doped Co9S8 hollow nanoparticles with large surface-controlled pseudocapacitive and fast sodium storage.

Transition metal sulfides are considered to be promising candidates as anodes for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, their further applications are limited by poor electrical conductivity and sluggish electrochemical kinetics. We report, for the first time, nickel-doped Co9S8 hollow nanoparticles as SIB anodes with enhanced electrical conductivity and a large pseudocapacitive effect, leading to fast kinetics. This compound exhibits excellent sodium storage performance, including a high capacity of 556.7 mA h g-1, a high rate capability of 2000 mA g-1 and an excellent stability up to 200 cycles. The results demonstrate that nickel-doped Co9S8 hollow nanoparticles are a promising anode material for SIBs.

Distribution, Seasonal Variations and Ecological Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Foliar Dust of Nanjing, China.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of concern for both ecosystem and human health due to their potential teratogenic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic properties. The concentration of ∑16PAHs in foliar dust ranged from 49.4 to 19,018.1 µg kg-1, with a mean value of 7074.5 µg kg-1. There were significant seasonal variations in the concentration of ∑16PAHs, with the concentration in winter being almost twice as high as in summer. Similarly, the differences between PAH profiles in different seasons indicated that they had common sources, which were attributed to the combined effect of regional transport and local emissions. The diagnostic ratios of indicator compounds indicated that PAHs detected in foliar dust originated from a mixture of gasoline vehicle emissions, biomass, and coal combustion in Nanjing. According to the ecological risk classification of ∑16PAHs, the ecological risk caused by PAHs was high since the value of RQ∑16PAHs(MPCs) was ≥ 1 and RQ∑16PAHs(NCs) were ≥ 800. The mean values for RQ∑16PAHs(MPCs) and RQ∑16PAHs(NCs) were 14.8 and 2368.9, which indicated a relatively high ecological risks of PAHs in foliar dust in Nanjing.

[Family function and its relationship with clinical prognosis in patients with major depressive disorder].

OBJECTIVE: To explore characteristics of family function in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and to evaluate relationships between family function and prognosis of major depressive episode (MDE).
 Methods: Forty-six patients with MDD were recruited in the outpatient or inpatient departments of Wuhan Mental Health Center from September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015. At the baseline, the patients and their co-resident family members were interviewed for psychiatric screening and diagnosis, and the family function of each patient's family was assessed by Family Assessment Device (FAD). After clinic service or hospitalization, the patients were followed up by telephone until they recovered from the MDE (within 12 months since the follow-up) or for 12 months if they had not achieved remission. Forty-two mentally healthy subjects, with no family members diagnosis for psychiatric diseases, and matched with MDD patients for age, sex, number of children, family roleand socioeconomic status, were recruited from a community. The family function of the MDD families and the controls were compared by independent sample-T test, and the relationship between family function and duration of the MDE was analyzed by Pearson's correlation.
 Results: MDD families exhibited higher FAD scores in 5 dimensions than control families except for affective involvement and behavior control (P<0.01). Patients with relatively good family function showed significantly shorter duration of MDE and higher proportion of remission within 6 months since the follow-up (P<0.01 and P<0.05). All the dimensions of FAD demonstrated significant positive correlation with the duration of MDE except for the behavior control.
 Conclusion: Families with MDD patients show impairments in multiple dimensions of family function, and the family functions of MDD patients are correlated with the prognosis of MDE. Improvement of family function may contribute to better prognosis of MDD.

Exploiting transcriptome data for the development and characterization of gene-based SSR markers related to cold tolerance in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis).

BACKGROUND: The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis, 2n = 32) has the highest oil yield of any crop species, as well as comprising the richest dietary source of provitamin A. For the tropical species, the best mean growth temperature is about 27°C, with a minimal growth temperature of 15°C. Hence, the plantation area is limited into the geographical ranges of 10°N to 10°S. Enhancing cold tolerance capability will increase the total cultivation area and subsequently oil productivity of this tropical species. Developing molecular markers related to cold tolerance would be helpful for molecular breeding of cold tolerant Elaeis guineensis. RESULTS: In total, 5791 gene-based SSRs were identified in 51,452 expressed sequences from Elaeis guineensis transcriptome data: approximately one SSR was detected per 10 expressed sequences. Of these 5791 gene-based SSRs, 916 were derived from expressed sequences up- or down-regulated at least two-fold in response to cold stress. A total of 182 polymorphic markers were developed and characterized from 442 primer pairs flanking these cold-responsive SSR repeats. The polymorphic information content (PIC) of these polymorphic SSR markers across 24 lines of Elaeis guineensis varied from 0.08 to 0.65 (mean = 0.31 ± 0.12). Using in-silico mapping, 137 (75.3%) of the 182 polymorphic SSR markers were located onto the 16 Elaeis guineensis chromosomes. Total coverage of 473 Mbp was achieved, with an average physical distance of 3.4 Mbp between adjacent markers (range 96 bp - 20.8 Mbp). Meanwhile, Comparative analysis of transcriptome under cold stress revealed that one ICE1 putative ortholog, five CBF putative orthologs, 19 NAC transcription factors and four cold-induced orhologs were up-regulated at least two fold in response to cold stress. Interestingly, 5' untranslated region of both Unigene21287 (ICE1) and CL2628.Contig1 (NAC) both contained an SSR markers. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, a series of SSR markers were developed based on sequences differentially expressed in response to cold stress. These EST-SSR markers would be particularly useful for gene mapping and population structure analysis in Elaeis guineensis. Meanwhile, the EST-SSR loci were inducible expressed in response to low temperature, which may have potential application in identifying trait-associated markers in oil palm in the future.

Exploring the temporal-spatial characteristics and determinants of high-quality development of city clusters in China.

The complexity, severity, and uncertainty of the international situation have prompted the development of city clusters to focus more on resilience and the building of infrastructures and safeguards. Chinese-style modernization proposes a new realization path for the high-quality development (HQD) of city clusters, based on which an evaluation system for HQD indicators of city clusters is constructed. We also measured the HQD levels of 19 city clusters from 2011 to 2021 and analyzed their spatial differentiation characteristics, agglomeration evolution characteristics, and influencing factors by using kernel density, standard deviation ellipse, Moran's index, geographic detector, and geographically weighted regression. The study revealed that (1) the overall level of HQD of China's city clusters shows a trend of continuous growth, and there is obvious polarization in the high quality of city clusters in different regions. (2) The spatial distribution of HQD in city clusters decreased in the "East, Center and West" direction, but the spatial patterns of "Southeast highlighting" and "Northwest rising" became more obvious. (3) The HQD of city clusters shows obvious spatial agglomeration characteristics and overall presents a spatial pattern of "hot in the east and cold in the west", with the scope of the cold spot area gradually shrinking, and the hot spot area tends to spread outward, with mature city clusters at the core. (4) The influencing factors of HQD in Chinese city clusters are diverse, with financial levels, digital economics, human capital and green innovations having decreasing influence on HQD in city clusters but showing an obvious two-factor enhancement trend, with financial levels being able to effectively stimulate the driving potential of other factors. Financial levels can effectively stimulate the driving potential of other factors. (5) The coefficients of the driving factors affecting the HQD of city clusters vary significantly spatially, with human capital, financial levels and green innovations showing a north‒south hierarchical banded distribution of "high in the south and low in the north", and digital economy shows an east-west hierarchical belt distribution of "high west and low east". Based on the above conclusions, the realization path of accelerating the HQD of China's city clusters is proposed by optimizing the functional division of labor of the city clusters, giving full play to the comparative advantages of the hinterland city clusters, and relying on the high level of the city clusters for opening up.

Tumor Markers in Differential Diagnosis of Benign Ovarian Masses.

Background: Although there are many benign tumors in the ovarian adnexal area, the four most common types are still luteal cyst, ovarian mature cystic teratoma (OMCT), ovarian endometriosis, and benign epithelial tumors of the ovary. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the correlation between six tumor markers (CEA, AFP, CA125, CA19-9, SCC, HE4) in the differential diagnosis of female adnexal benign masses and assess their diagnostic value. Patients and Methods: In this study, 135 patients with adnexal benign masses were treated in Zhengzhou first people's Hospital from January 2018 to January 2023. 135 patients were divided into four groups: luteal cyst (13.3%), OMCT (42.2%), ovarian endometriosis (23.7%) and benign epithelial tumors of the ovary (including mucinous cystadenoma and serous cystadenoma) in group D. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic value of each marker and combined detection. Results: The diameter of luteal cysts was significantly smaller than that of benign ovarian tumors (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that the combination of AFP, CA125, CA19-9, and SCC had a higher diagnostic rate for luteal cysts (AUC=0.871; sensitivity: 71.8%; specificity: 88.9). The SCC level in OMCT was significantly higher than in other benign ovarian tumors (p=0.007). ROC analysis indicated that the combination of AFP, HE4, and SCC had a higher diagnostic rate for OMCT (AUC=0.753; sensitivity: 65.4%; specificity: 75.4%). The CA125 level in ovarian endometriosis was significantly higher than in other accessory benign tumors (p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated that the combination of AFP, CA125, and CA19-9 had a higher diagnostic rate for ovarian endometriosis (AUC=0.935; sensitivity: 76.7%; specificity: 96.9%). The tumor diameter of benign epithelial tumors of the ovary was significantly larger than that of other benign ovarian tumors (p < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed that the combination of CA125 and CA19-9 had a higher diagnostic rate for benign epithelial tumors of the ovary (AUC=0.792; sensitivity: 64.5%; specificity: 85.7%). Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that the combined use of tumor markers (CEA, AFP, CA125, CA19-9, SCC, and HE4) has value in diagnosing benign ovarian tumors, including luteal cysts, OMCT, ovarian endometriosis, and benign epithelial tumors of the ovary. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study, which include its single-center nature and the small sample size. Despite these limitations, the results highlight the potential utility of these markers in clinical practice.

Advancing polarity-transcendent design: Development of a photoelectrochemical sensor with extended detection range.

In photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors, traditional detection modes such as "signal-on", "signal-off", and "polarity-switchable" limit target signals to a single polarity range, necessitating novel design strategies to enhance the operational scope. To overcome this limitation, we propose, for the first time, a "polarity-transcendent" design concept that enables a continuous response across the polarity spectrum, significantly broadening the sensor's concentration detection range. This concept is exemplified in our new "background-enhanced signal-off polarity-switchable" (BESOPS) mode, where the model analyte let-7a activates a cascade shearing reaction of a DNAzyme walker in conjunction with CRISPR/Cas12a, quantitatively peeling off Cu2O-H2 strands at the Cu2O/TiO2 electrode interface to expose the TiO2 surface. This exposure generates an anodic photocurrent at the expense of the cathodic photocurrent from Cu2O/TiO2, facilitating a seamless transition of the target signal from cathodic to anodic. Through systematic experiments and comparative analyses, the BESOPS sensor demonstrates highly sensitive and precise quantification of let-7a, with a detection limit of 2.5 aM and a broad operating range of 10 aM to 10 nM. Its performance exceeds most reported sensor platforms, highlighting the significant potential of our polarity-transcendent design in expanding the operational range of PEC sensors. This innovative approach paves the way for developing next-generation PEC sensors with enhanced applicability and heightened sensitivity in various critical fields.

Evolution characteristics and influencing factors of information network in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In the context of the digital information era, the impact of "The Internet Plus," "Big Data," and other technologies on urban social development has been far beyond any preceding era, under the influence of information technology, urban agglomeration space exhibits a new layout. Based on the search engine data of eleven cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area from 2012 to 2021, this research constructs the inter-city information network strength linkage matrix to examine the evolution characteristics of city network structure and its driving causes. The results reveal that (1) the overall information linkage strength exhibits a pattern of steadily growing the radiating effect from the leading cities of Guangdong, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong to the surrounding cities, and a closer and more balanced information linkage network is gradually built. (2) Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area information linkage absolute control advantage, four cities Foshan, Dongguan, Zhuhai, Macao regional hub position steadily highlighted. The entire information connection network of the urban agglomerations tends to be flat and polycentric at the same time. (3) The regional core-edge hierarchy is well established, with the four cities of Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong creating a northwest-southeast orientation. The core metropolis regions of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area increasingly exert a radiation spreading effect to the northeast and southwest. (4) The urban economy, transportation distance, and information infrastructure have substantial effects on the information connection intensity network of urban clusters.

Construction of a Diagnostic Model and a lncRNA-Associated ceRNA Network Based on Apoptosis-Related Genes for Schizophrenia.

Methods: Gene expression profiles and apoptosis-related data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus and Molecular Signature databases, respectively. Apoptosis-related differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEMs) from blood samples between the schizophrenia and healthy control individuals were screened. A diagnostic model was developed using the data from univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses, followed by validation using the GSE38485 dataset. Cases were divided into low-risk (LR) and high-risk (HR) groups based on the risk score of the model, and differences in immune gene sets and pathways between these two groups were compared. Finally, a ceRNA network was constructed by integrating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), DEMs, and DEGs. Results: A diagnostic model containing 15 apoptosis-related genes was developed and its diagnostic efficiency was found to be robust. The HR group was correlated with higher immune scores of chemokines, cytokines, and interleukins; it was also significantly involved in pathways such as pancreatic beta cells and early estrogen response. A ceRNA network composed of 2 lncRNAs, 14 miRNAs, and 5 mRNAs was established. Conclusions: The established model is a potential tool to improve the diagnostic efficiency of patients with schizophrenia, and the nodes included in the ceRNA network might serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for schizophrenia.

Identification of novel biomarkers linking depressive disorder and Alzheimer's disease based on an integrative bioinformatics analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports revealed that a history of major depressive disorder (MDD) increased the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The immune disorder is associated with MDD and AD pathophysiology. We aimed to identify differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) that are involved in the pathogenesis of MDD and AD. METHODS: We downloaded mRNA expression profiles (GSE76826 and GSE5281) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The R software was used to identify DEIRGs for the two diseases separately. Functional enrichment analysis and PPI network of DEIRGs were performed. Finally, the relationship between shared DEIRGs and immune infiltrates of AD and MDD were analyzed, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 121 DEIRGs linking AD and MDD were identified. These genes were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways, such as the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, regulation of chemotaxis, chemotaxis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and primary immunodeficiency. Furthermore, three shared DEIRGs (IL1R1, CHGB, and NRG1) were identified. Correlation analysis between DEIRGs and immune cells revealed that IL1R1 and NRG1 had a negative or positive correlation with some immune cells both in AD and MDD. CONCLUSION: Both DEIRGs and immune cell infiltrations play a vital role in the pathogenesis of AD and MDD. Our findings indicated that there are common genes and biological processes between MDD and AD, which provides a theoretical basis for the study of the comorbidity of MDD and AD.

Isoxanthanol has protective and anti-inflammatory effects on subchondral bone deterioration in experimental osteoarthritic rat model.

In the present study isoxanthanol was investigated for treatment of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) in vivo. The study demonstrated that isoxanthanol inhibited excessive release of interleukin-6, NO and PGE2 in RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS in dose dependent manner. The effects of isoxanthanol were examined in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA) and observed to amelio-rate inflammatory damage and protect against OA. Moreover, in vivo data also confirmed inhibition of interleukin-6, NO and PGE2 levels in LPS-induced OA-rats. Deterioration of knee subchondral bone in LPS-induced OA-rats was also prevented effectively by isoxanthanol-treatment. Therefore, isoxanthanol prevents subchondral bone deterioration in OA rats via targeting inflammatory processes.