A New Species of Cyrtodactylus tibetanus Group (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Xizang Autonomous Region, China.

A new Cyrtodactylus species, C. laevissp. nov., from the dry-hot valleys near the Yarlung Zangbo River in Re Village, Jindong Countryside, Lang County, Linzhi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China, is described herein based upon the integrative taxonomic results combining molecular phylogenetic systematics and morphological characteristic comparisons. Our molecular phylogeny was inferred by combining three mitochondrial gene fragments (16S/CO1/ND2), and it indicated a distinct differentiation between the new species and C. tibetanus species complex, with obvious genetic distances (16S 9.9-11.8%/CO1 16.5-18.2%/ND2 16.6-18.5%) detected, supporting its validity. Morphologically, the new species can be easily distinguished from its congers by the following characters: (1) medium size (SVL 48.58-50.92 mm), (2) tubercles on dorsum sparse, (3) tail segments absent and tubercles on tails absent, (4) supralabials 10-12 and infralabials 8-10, (5) interorbital scales between anterior corners of the eyes 28-32, (6) scale rows at midbody 96-98, (7) ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit 145-153, (8) ventral scale rows 41-45, and (9) 4 to 5 white-yellow transverse bands with brown dots and black merges between the nape and sacrum. The description of C. laevissp. nov. increased the total species number of C. tibetanus group to three, and the total Cyrtodactylus species number in Xizang to six and in China to eleven. The new species is currently only known from the type locality with its extremely small populations and needs future surveys to reveal its distribution range, population status, natural history, and mechanisms so that the new species can coexist with Altiphylax medogense.

The GRHL3-regulated long non-coding RNA lnc-DC modulates keratinocytes differentiation by interacting with IGF2BP2 and up-regulating ZNF750.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant keratinocytes differentiation has been demonstrated to be associated with a number of skin diseases. The roles of lncRNAs in keratinocytes differentiation remain to be largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: Here we aim to investigate the role of lnc-DC in regulating epidermal keratinocytes differentiation. METHODS: Expression of lnc-DC in the skin was queried in AnnoLnc and verified by FISH. The lncRNA expression profiles during keratinocytes differentiation were reanalyzed and verified by qPCR and FISH. Gene knock-down and over-expression were used to explore the role of lnc-DC in keratinocytes differentiation. The downstream target of lnc-DC was screened by whole transcriptome sequencing. CUT&RUN assay and siRNAs transfection was used to reveal the regulatory effect of GRHL3 on lnc-DC. The mechanism of lnc-DC regulating ZNF750 was revealed by RIP assay and RNA stability assay. RESULTS: Lnc-DC was biasedly expressed in skin and up-regulated during epidermal keratinocytes differentiation. Knockdown lnc-DC repressed epidermal keratinocytes differentiation while over-express lnc-DC showed the opposite effect. GRHL3, a well-known transcription factor regulating keratinocytes differentiation, could bind to the promoter of lnc-DC and regulate its expression. By whole transcriptome sequencing, we identified that ZNF750 was a downstream target of lnc-DC during keratinocytes differentiation. Mechanistically, lnc-DC interacted with RNA binding protein IGF2BP2 to stabilize ZNF750 mRNA and up- regulated its downstream targets TINCR and KLF4. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the novel role of GRHL3/lnc-DC/ZNF750 axis in regulating epidermal keratinocytes differentiation, which may provide new therapeutic targets of aberrant keratinocytes differentiation related skin diseases.

How does digital finance affect green technology innovation in the polluting industry? Based on the serial two-mediator model of financing constraints and research and development (R&D) investments.

This paper evaluates the importance of combining digital finance with conventional finance and information technology (IT) to bring new opportunities for green technology innovation and transformation within polluting industries. This study builds a theoretical framework "digital finance → financing constraints → R&D investment → green technology innovation" to demonstrate the causal mechanism between digital finance and firms' green innovation by using the serial two-mediator model. The study shows that digital finance could reduce financial constraints and increase R&D investments, thereby improving enterprises' green technology innovation in the long run. Moreover, based on the moderating effect model, we find that digital transformation in a polluting firm tends to strengthen the linkage between digital finance and green technology innovation through supervising the use of loans, reviewing green technology innovation projects, and reducing managers' short-sighted behaviors to avoid agency problems. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis shows that the effects of digital finance on green innovation are more apparent in state-owned enterprises and the regions with lower financial development and with higher financial supervision.

Associations with physical activity, sedentary behavior, and premenstrual syndrome among Chinese female college students.

PURPOSE: Premenstrual syndrome refers to a set of distressing symptoms experienced before the menstrual flow, which can affect female students' behavior, cognitive abilities, mental health status, and academic performance. Identifying modifiable risk factors is essential to reduce the prevalence college students' premenstrual syndrome. We examined associations between premenstrual syndrome and physical activity and sedentary behavior in Chinese female college students. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 315 female college students volunteered to participate at a university in Shanghai, China. We measured physical activity and sedentary behavior using the ActiGraph GT3X-BT and assessed premenstrual syndrome using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 24.0 software, and the primary analysis methods included Kruskal-Wallis test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the 221 female college students who met the inclusion criteria, 148 (67.0%) had PMS while 73 (33.3%) did not. After controlling for confounding variables, moderate physical activity and moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity were significantly associated with premenstrual syndrome. There was no correlation between light-intensity physical activity, sedentary behavior, and premenstrual syndrome in the study. CONCLUSION: Premenstrual syndrome is prevalent among Chinese female college students. Moderate physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can be effective in reducing PMS symptoms.

Relationships Among Smartphone Use, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Chinese College Students.

This study aimed to investigate the correlations between smartphone use, physical activity, and quality of life (QOL) among Chinese college students. We enrolled 6323 students who were chosen from three Chinese universities. All participants completed the World Health Organization QOL Scale-Brief, Smartphone Addiction Index, and Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Smartphone addiction was negatively related to QOL (ß = -1.375), whereas physical activity was positively related to QOL (ß = .059). The presence of both smartphone addiction and insufficient physical activity decreased QOL scores when compared with the group with sufficient physical activity and non-smartphone addiction (ß = -36.505). Physical activity and smartphone use are potentially modifiable risk factors for poor QOL in college students. Thus, interventions to decrease smartphone use and promote physical activity could be beneficial for improving QOL in this population.

A new Asian lazy toad of the genus Scutiger Theobald, 1868 (Anura, Megophryidae) from southern Tibet, China.

In this study, a new species named Scutigerluozhaensissp. nov. is described from Luozha, southern Tibet, China. Genetic analysis based on two mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COI and the nuclear gene RAG1 revealed that the new species belongs to an independent phylogenetic clade close to S.gongshanensis and S.nyingchiensis and shares no RAG1 haplotype with other species. Morphological comparisons based on examined specimens and literatures indicated that it can be diagnosed from congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) body moderate, male body length 47.0-67.2 mm (n = 13), female body length 49.8-66.2 mm (n = 8); (2) maxillary teeth and budding absent; (3) numerous tiny dense nuptial spines present on dorsal surface of fingers I, II and inner surface of finger III of males in breeding condition with similar size; (4) spine patches on belly of males in breeding condition absent; (5) spines on inner surface of forearm and upper arm of males in breeding condition absent; (6) small patches of black spines present near armpit of males in breeding condition absent; (7) adult males without vocal sac; (8) some large warts and tubercles on dorsum gathered into short skin ridges with several spines present on top; (9) space between upper eyelids wider than upper eyelids; (10) spots or irregular cross bands on limbs absent; (11) webbing between toes rudimentary; (12) coloration of dorsal body olive brown to bronze.

Multi-Scenario Simulation and Trade-Off Analysis of Ecological Service Value in the Manas River Basin Based on Land Use Optimization in China.

Rapid socio-economic development has had a significant impact on land use/cover (LULC) changes, which bring great pressure to the ecological environment. LULC changes affect ecosystem services by altering the structure and function of ecosystems. It is of great significance to reveal the internal relationship between LULC changes and ecosystem service value (ESV) for the protection and restoration of ecological environments. In this study, based on the spatial and temporal evolution of ecological service values in the Manas River basin from 1980 to 2020 and considering ecological and economic benefits, we coupled the gray multi-objective optimization model (GMOP) and patch-generating land-use simulation (PLUS) model (GMOP-PLUS model) to optimize the LULC structure under three scenarios (a natural development scenario, ND; ecological priority development scenario, (EPD); and balanced ecological and economic development scenario, EED) in 2030, and analyzed the trade-offs and synergies in the relationships among the four services. We found that from 1980 to 2020, farmland and construction land expanded 2017.90 km2 and 254.27 km2, respectively, whereas the areas of grassland and unused land decreased by 1617.38 km2 and 755.86 km2, respectively. By 2030, the trend of LULC changes will be stable under the ND scenario, the area of ecological land will increase by 327.42 km2 under the EPD scenario, and the area of construction land will increase most under the EED scenario, reaching 65.01 km2. From 1980 to 2020, the ESV exhibited an upward trend in the basin. In 2030, the ESV will increase by 7.18%, 6.54%, and 6.04% under the EPD, EED, and ND scenarios, respectively. The clustering of the four services is obvious in the desert area and around the water system with "low-low synergy" and "high-high synergy"; the plain area and mountainous area are mainly "high-low trade-off" and "low-high trade-off" relationships. This paper provides a scientific reference for coordinating economic development and ecological protection in the basin. It also provides a new technical approach to address the planning of land resources in the basin.

Enhanced four-wave mixing in borophene-microfiber waveguides at telecom C-band.

All-optical wavelength conversion technology based on two-dimensional (2D) materials has lately received keen interest. As a new 2D material, borophene displays acceptable photoelectric properties. We demonstrate the all-optical wavelength conversion through four-wave mixing (FWM) in borophene-microfiber hybrid waveguides. Borophene is deposited at the thinnest part of the tapered fiber and enhanced FWM occurs in this photonic device. By optimizing the effect of nonlinear polarization, wavelength tuning, and power variation, the conversion efficiency increases to -19.1dB, corresponding to 3 dB conversion bandwidth in a range of 7.1 nm. In addition, this photonic device is employed to achieve all-optical wavelength conversion of 10 Gb/s non-return-to-zero digital sequence. The signal quality of converted light such as optical signal-to-noise ratio, bit-error-rate, and eye diagram are investigated, which indicates that the proposed wavelength converter has high conversion efficiency and remarkable stability. This study shows that the borophene-microfiber waveguide has potential application prospects in all-optical signal processing.

Atorvastatin suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation in intracerebral hemorrhage via TLR4- and MyD88-dependent pathways.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common neurological condition that causes severe disability and even death. Even though the mechanism is not clear, increasing evidence shows the efficacy of atorvastatin on treating ICH. In this study, we examined the impact of atorvastatin on the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and inflammatory pathways following ICH. Mouse models of ICH were established by collagenase injection in adult C57BL/6 mice. IHC mice received atorvastatin treatment 2 h after hematoma establishment. First, the changes of glial cells and neurons in the brains of ICH patients and mice were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Second, the molecular mechanisms underlying the microglial activation and neuronal loss were evaluated after the application of atorvastatin. Finally, the behavioral deficits of ICH mice without or with the treatment of atorvastatin were determined by neurological defect scores. The results demonstrated that atorvastatin significantly deactivated glial cells by reducing the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 in ICH model mice. For inflammasomes, atorvastatin also showed its efficacy by decreasing the expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and IL-1ß in ICH mice. Moreover, atorvastatin markedly inhibited the upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), which indicated deactivation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. By inhibiting the activities of inflammasomes in glial cells, neuronal loss was partially prevented by suppressing the apoptosis in the brains of ICH mice, protecting them from neurological defects.

1.9 µm all-optical wavelength converter based on a graphene oxide coated microfiber.

An all-optical wavelength converter based on graphene oxide (GO) is proposed at the 1.9 µm band. The homemade GO-coated microfiber is acquired through the optical deposition method, which shows a remarkable nonlinear optical response. Stable conversion efficiency up to -45.52 dB is obtained with 1 nm wavelength interval, and the wavelength tuning range can reach 6 nm (1969-1975 nm). With fixed wavelength interval, the conversion efficiency can increase with the increase of pump power. Simultaneously, the fluctuation of conversion efficiency is ±0.41 dB within 2 hours. The demonstrated all-optical wavelength converter based on GO can play an outstanding role in the future of all-optical communications and networks.

Polyphasic Characterization of Yeasts and Lactic Acid Bacteria Metabolic Contribution in Semi-Solid Fermentation of Chinese Baijiu (Traditional Fermented Alcoholic Drink): Towards the Design of a Tailored Starter Culture.

Chinese Baijiu is principally produced through a spontaneous fermentation process, which involves complex microorganism communities. Among them, yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important communities. The study examined the isolated strains from fermented grains of Baijiu regarding their activity of α-amylase and glucoamylase, ethanol tolerance, glucose utilization, as well as metabolite production in the process of laboratory-scale sorghum-based fermentation. Selected strains (Saccharomycopsis fibuligera 12, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3, and Pediococcus acidilactici 4) were blended in different combinations. The influence of selected strains on the metabolic variation in different semi-solid fermentations was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) accompanied by multivariate statistical analysis. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), the metabolites produced varied in different mixtures of pure cultures. S. fibuligera produced various enzymes, particularly α-amylase and glucoamylase, and exhibited a better performance compared with other species regarding the ability to convert starch to soluble sugars and positively affect the production process of volatile compounds. S. cerevisiae had a high fermentation capacity, thereby contributing to substrates utilization. Lactic acid bacteria had a good ability to produce lactic acid. This study attaches importance to the special functions of S. fibuligera, S. cerevisiae, and P. acidilactici in Chinese Baijiu making, and investigates their metabolic characteristics in the process of lab-scale semi-solid fermentation.

Effects of Different Palliative Jaundice Reducing Methods on Immunologic Functions in Patients with Advanced Malignant Obstructive Jaundice.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of three treatment methods on the immunological function of patients with advanced malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced MOJ were randomly divided into three groups according to biliary drainage methods. Detection of levels of multi-indices were investigated in different time periods. RESULTS: After drainage, the levels of complement 3 (C3) and complement 4 (C4) were increased. Forteen days post-operation, the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the group undergoing palliative surgery decreased significantly compared to those in both percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage (PTCD) and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) groups. The level of serum endotoxin in the group undergoing palliative surgery decreased gradually. CONCLUSION: Palliative surgery for reducing jaundice is superior to PTCD and ERBD in improving immune function of patients with MOJ.

Study of Preoperative Antiviral Treatment of Patients with HCC Negative for HBV-DNA.

AIM: To study preoperative HBV-DNA negative HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which was reactivated after surgery and could influence liver function and HCC recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups according to preoperative antiviral therapy status. The control group comprised of 102 preoperative HBV-DNA-negative patients who had not undergone antiviral therapy before surgery. In the treatment group, all HBV-DNA-negative patients (n=63) received entecavir 3-5 days before surgery and for 12 months after surgery. Patients were followed-up regularly, during the preoperative period, and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months postoperatively. The data for the two groups were analyzed including the level of HBV-DNA and HBV-DNA activation; liver function; 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rate; cumulative survival time; and tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Liver function in the treatment group was better than that of the control group12 months after surgery. Compared to the control group, total bilirubin in the treatment group was significantly better at 6 and 12 months after surgery (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). Serum albumin, alanine aminotransferase and prothrombin time in the treatment group was significantly better than that of controls 12 months after surgery (p<0.001). In the treatment group, two cases (3.17%) had HBV-DNA activation while there were 13 cases (12.75%) with HBV-DNA activation in the control group (p<0.05). There were 51 cases with tumor recurrence in the control group, that was statistically significantly higher than recurrent cases in the treatment group (p<0.05). Postoperative 1-, 2- and 3-year cumulative overall survival rates were 94.12%, 81.37% and 52.94%, respectively, for the control group and 93.65%, 77.78% and 71.43%, respectively, for the treatment group (p=0.006). There was no statistically significant difference in disease-free survival between the two groups (p=0.231). CONCLUSION: Antiviral treatment of HBV-related HCC with negative HBV-DNA is beneficial to liver function, coagulation function, disease control, prevention of tumor recurrence, improvement of patient quality of life, reduces the death rate and prolongs survival duration.

Partial Resection of the Pancreatic Head and Duodenum for Management of Carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater: A Case Report.

A 57-year-old woman presented with spontaneous pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdominal region of one year's duration. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography revealed the presence of a tumour in the periampullary region, gallstones, cholecystitis, and biliary obstruction, as well as atrophy of the pancreas and dense adhesions involving the pancreas, portal vein, and superior mesenteric vein. Duodenoscopy revealed a papillary neoplasm, measuring 2.5×3 cm, in the descending duodenum. Pathological analysis of the duodenoscopic biopsy suggested carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Partial resection of the pancreatic head and duodenum, together with lymph node dissection and digestive tract reconstruction, was performed. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well. CT at 14 months postoperatively showed no recurrence or metastasis. This surgical procedure avoids the potential risk of pancreaticoduodenectomy and retains the function of the pancreas as much as possible, while achieving radical tumour resection.

Relationships between VEGF protein expression and pathological characteristics of diffuse large B cell lymphoma: a meta-analysis.

We carried out the current meta-analysis of relevant cohort studies in an attempt to investigate the relationships between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and pathological characteristics of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The following electronic databases were searched for relevant articles without any language restrictions: Web of Science (1945 ~ 2013), the Cochrane Library Database (Issue 12, 2013), PubMed (1966 ~ 2013), EMBASE (1980 ~ 2013), CINAHL (1982 ~ 2013), and the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) (1982 ~ 2013). Meta-analyses were conducted with the use of STATA software (version 12.0, Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). Odds ratios (ORs) and its 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) were calculated. Nine clinical cohort studies with a total of 789 DLBCL patients met our inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis results showed that patients with positive VEGF expression had higher international prognostic index (IPI) scores than VEGF-negative patients (OR = 5.12, 95 % CI = 2.70 ~ 9.71, P < 0.001). There was a significantly positive association between positive VEGF expression and evaluated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (OR = 2.50, 95 % CI = 1.36 ~ 4.60, P = 0.003). We also found that patients with positive B symptoms had increased level of VEGF expression (OR = 2.02, 95 % CI = 1.08 ~ 3.77, P = 0.027). The findings of our meta-analysis provide reliable evidence that VEGF expression may be strongly correlated with pathological characteristics of DLBCL.

Cholangiocarcinoma: Present Status and Molecular Aspects of Diagnosis.

Cholangiocarcinomas are neoplasms that involve the epithelial cells of the bile duct, also known as cholangiocytes. This disease is difficult to diagnose early, as most symptoms present late in the disease. In addition, the specific anatomic position can cause periductal extension and result in a very low radical excision rate and a very poor prognosis. Improved understanding of the features underlying the onset of cholangiocarcinoma and its carcinogenic mechanism may lead to early diagnosis and better prognosis. With the development of molecular biology, much has been learned about oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes, DNA methylation, microRNAs, and the molecular mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis. Based on our research and others, this review article will discuss the current status and prospects of early diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma.

Research on flavonoids contents in Fructus sophorae with capillary zone electrophoresis.

Genistin, genistein, kaempferol, quercetin and rutin, five kinds of flavonoids in Fructus sophorae, have been analyzed by capillary zone electrophoresis with internal standard calibration. Buffer pH and concentration, applied voltage, ß-cyclodextrin and ethanol concentration were optimized and the optimum conditions are: 20 mmol/L borax (pH 9.5) with 8 mmol/L ß-cyclodextrin and 5% (v/v) ethanol and at a voltage of 25 kV. The contents of five flavonoids in Fructus Sophorae grown in different area of Dezhou, Shandong Province of China were determined by the developed method and with satisfactory results. The distributions of the studied flavonoids were also investigated.

Neurofibrosarcoma of the gallbladder: a case report.

Sarcoma of the gallbladder is a rare entity. This report presents an extremely rare clinical case of a neurofibrosarcoma of the gallbladder. On examination, a mass was felt in the right hypochondrium. An ultrasound of the abdomen showed a mass in the gallbladder. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a grossly distended gallbladder with soft tissue mass in the gallbladder. The mass was diagnosed as carcinoma of the gallbladder and an extended cholecystectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed spindle-cell proliferation and the possibility of a malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin.

Distinct effects of nuclear membrane localization on gene transcription silencing in Drosophila S2 cells and germ cells.

Nuclear envelope proteins have important roles in chromatin organization and signal-dependent transcriptional regulation. A previous study reported that the inner nuclear membrane protein, Otefin (Ote), was essential for germline stem cell (GSC) maintenance via interaction with Smad complex. The interaction of Ote with the Smad complex recruits the bam locus to the nuclear periphery and subsequently results in bam transcriptional silencing, revealing that nuclear peripheral localization is essential for bam gene regulation. However, it remains unknown whether the nuclear peripheral localization is sufficient for bam silencing. To address this issue, we have established a tethering system, in which the Gal4 DNA binding domain (DBD) of the Flag:Gal4 DBD:Ote▵LEM fusion protein physically interacts with the Gal4 binding sites upstream of bamP-gfp to artificially recruit the reporter gene gfp to the nuclear membrane. Our data demonstrated that the nuclear peripheral localization seemed to affect the expression of the target naked gene in S2 cells. By contrast, in Drosophila germ cells, the nuclear membrane localization was not sufficient for gene silencing.