Ancient genome of the Chinese Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou.

Emperor Wu (, Wudi) of the Xianbei-led Northern Zhou dynasty, named Yuwen Yong (, 543-578 CE), was a highly influential emperor who reformed the system of regional troops, pacified the Turks, and unified the northern part of the country. His genetic profile and physical characteristics, including his appearance and potential diseases, have garnered significant interest from the academic community and the public. In this study, we have successfully generated a 0.343×-coverage genome of Wudi with 1,011,419 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the 1240k panel. By analyzing pigmentation-relevant SNPs and conducting cranial CT-based facial reconstruction, we have determined that Wudi possessed a typical East or Northeast Asian appearance. Furthermore, pathogenic SNPs suggest Wudi faced an increased susceptibility to certain diseases, such as stroke. Wudi shared the closest genetic relationship with ancient Khitan and Heishui Mohe samples and modern Daur and Mongolian populations but also showed additional affinity with Yellow River (YR) farmers. We estimated that Wudi derived 61% of his ancestry from ancient Northeast Asians (ANAs) and nearly one-third from YR farmer-related groups. This can likely be attributed to continuous intermarriage between Xianbei royal families, and local Han aristocrats.1,2 Furthermore, our study has revealed genetic diversities among available ancient Xianbei individuals from different regions, suggesting that the formation of the Xianbei was a dynamic process influenced by admixture with surrounding populations.

Isotopic and proteomic evidence for communal stability at Pre-Pottery Neolithic Jericho in the Southern Levant.

As one of the key, long-term occupied sites in the Southern Levant, Jericho was one of the most important early Neolithic centres to witness social and economic changes associated with the domestication of plants and animals. This study applies strontium (87Sr/86Sr), oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) isotope analyses to the enamel of 52 human teeth from Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN) layers of Jericho to directly study human diet and mobility and investigate the degree of consolidation and the flexibility of social organization of Jericho society in the PPN period. The results indicate only two non-local individuals out of the 44 sampled inhabitants identified by strontium isotope analysis and are consistent with the presence of a largely sedentary community at PPN Jericho with no evidence for large-scale migration. We also construct strontium spatial baselines (87Sr/86Sr map) with local 87Sr/86Sr signatures for the sites across the Southern Levant based on systematic compilation and analysis of available data. In addition, we apply proteomic analysis of sex-specific amelogenin peptides in tooth enamel for sex estimation of the sampled individuals (n = 44), the results of which showed a sex-biased ratio (more male than female detected in this sample pool) in Jericho society during the PPN period, which may be due to the limited sample size or selective ritual practices like particular burial zones used for specific groups. We also pretreated a batch of human bone samples recovered from PPNB Jericho for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses for dietary investigations. However, the extracted collagen showed poor preservation and no valid δ13C or δ15N data were obtained.

Fe-N hollow mesoporous carbon spheres with high oxidase-like activity for sensitive detection of alkaline phosphatase.

Due to the vital role of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in clinical diagnoses and biomedical research, a sensitive and selective detection method for ALP activity is of considerable importance. Herein, a facile and sensitive colorimetric assay for the detection of ALP activity was developed based on Fe-N hollow mesoporous carbon spheres (Fe-N HMCS). Fe-N HMCS were synthesized by a practical one-pot method with aminophenol/formaldehyde (APF) resin as the carbon/nitrogen precursor, silica as the template and iron phthalocyanine (FePC) as the iron source. Thanks to the highly dispersed Fe-N active sites, Fe-N HMCS exhibited exceptional oxidase-like activity. In the presence of dissolved oxygen, Fe-N HMCS were able to effectively convert colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) into oxidized TMB (oxTMB) with blue color, while the reducing agent of ascorbic acid (AA) inhibited the color reaction. Based on this fact, an indirect and sensitive colorimetric sensing method was developed to detect alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with the assistance of the substrate L-ascorbate 2-phosphate (AAP). This ALP biosensor exhibited a linear range of 1-30 U L-1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.42 U L-1 in standard solutions. In addition, this method was applied to detect ALP activity in human serum with satisfactory results. This work offers a positive reference for the reasonable excavation of transition metal-N carbon compounds in ALP-extended sensing applications.

Fat content in lumbar paravertebral muscles: Quantitative and qualitative analysis using dual-energy CT in correlation to MR imaging.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the diagnostic performance of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) on lumbar paravertebral muscles fat infiltration (PMFI) in participants with low back pain (LBP). METHOD: In this prospective study, 21 participants with LBP were performed with noncontrast DECT scans within 1 week after magnetic resonance (MR) examinations. The assessment was based on the selected region of interest obtained from the paravertebral L1/L2-L5/S1 muscle. On visual evaluation, PMFI was assessed at DECT virtual monoenergetic images (80 keV) with Goutallier classification system using MR results as a reference. Quantitative parameters fat fraction, CT number, ΔCT number (difference of CT number at 140 and 80 keV), and optimal cutoff values above the indicators between MR adjacent grades were measured. RESULTS: In this study, 582 ROIs from 21 participants (mean age, 60 ± 16 years old; 15 females) were evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of readers 1 and 2 at severe grade (grades 3 and 4) were 67% and 85% (22 and 28 of 33), 99% and 99% (159 and 160 of 161), and 93% and 97% (181 and 188 of 194), respectively. Interobserver reliability was high with κ = 0.85 (p < 0.001). For DECT quantification parameters, significance was all represented between five grades (all p < 0.01). The area under the curve of indicators for discrimination between severe (grades 3 and 4) and normal and moderate (grades 0, 1, and 2) grades were > 0.80 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DECT was a promising qualitative and quantitative imaging technique to assess lumbar PMFI in participants with LBP and could provide accurate quantification for different fat infiltration (FI) degrees. Moreover, visual DECT assessment could excellently distinguish severe from normal and moderate FI of MR grades.

Screening and functional analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs in rapid atrial pacing dog atrial tissue.

PURPOSE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most commonly sustained arrhythmias in clinical practice. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are gene regulatory elements involved in the development of several diseases. We aimed to explore the expression characteristics of lncRNAs associated with AF. METHODS: We randomly assigned 12 adult healthy mongrel dogs into a control group and an atrial pacing group. Atrial pacing stimulation was performed at a high frequency of 500 beats per min for 14 consecutive days in the atrial pacing group. HE and Masson staining were used to detect rapid atrial pacing induced atrial fibrosis. Total RNA extraction was performed on dog atrial tissues and was used for high-throughput sequencing of lncRNAs. RESULTS: A total of 10,310 lncRNAs were detected, and 33 differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened. Among them, 19 lncRNAs were upregulated in the atrial pacing group, and 14 lncRNAs were downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) classification, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and interaction networks showed that AF-related lncRNAs participate in the regulation of AF in diverse biological processes, cellular components, molecular functions, signaling pathways, and complex interactions with miRNAs and mRNAs. Five differentially expressed lncRNAs were selected for RT-PCR validation, and the verification results were consistent with the results of lncRNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our study enhances our understanding of the biological functions of AF-related lncRNAs by screening and analyzing differentially expressed lncRNAs, and the results help to enrich the theoretical basis for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Application of a classroom-based positive psychology education course for Chinese medical students to increase their psychological well-being: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression have been increasing among Chinese medical students. The psychological well-being of Chinese medical students has become a critical focus of attention for the medical education community. Increasing evidence shows that positive psychology interventions can be effective in the enhancement of psychological well-being, and may help to prevent depressive symptoms in university students. In the present study, we aimed to explore the potential effect of positive psychology education on improving the mental health of Chinese medical students. METHODS: An 8-week classroom-based positive psychology intervention workshop, which was established as an elective course embedded in the regular school curriculum, was conducted at the School of Medicine, South China University of Technology (SCUT), China. Undergraduate medical students of the institute in year-2 or year-3 of academic study participated in this training course voluntarily. The participants' self-reported data on the hope scale, life satisfaction scale, subjective happiness scale, and depression and anxiety scale were collected and analyzed at pre-course (n = 61) and post-course (n = 49) times. The investigation was also validated with an independent cohort of students who enrolled in the course in the year following the preliminary study. RESULTS: The analyses showed that the psychological well-being of the participants were improved after the intervention. Their mean scores on the hope scale, life satisfaction scale and subjective happiness scale were significantly improved (P < 0.05), while their symptom levels of depression and anxiety were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). A similar trend was observed in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that positive psychology education holds promise for improving psychological well-being among Chinese medical students. Further investigations with larger and well-controlled sample cohorts may yield more convincing and reliable results.

MicroRNA-124 inhibits macrophage cell apoptosis via targeting p38/MAPK signaling pathway in atherosclerosis development.

The objective of this study is to characterize the function of microRNA (miR)-124 in the process of coronary artery disease (CAD). Eighty patients, including 40 CAD patients and 40 non-CAD control patients were enrolled in this study. Atherosclerosis model was established in vivo in ApoE-/- mice and in vitro in RAW264.7 cells. Expression of miR-124 and p38 in patients, animal models and cell models were measured by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry assay. Overexpression or suppression of miR-124 was introduced in vitro and in vivo and the expression levels of p38, miR-124, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and pro- and anti-apoptotic factors were examined. Results showed that miR-124 was decreased, while p38 was increased in CAD patients and atherosclerosis models compared with control group. MiR-124 could target p38 by binding its 3' untranslated region and negatively regulated the protein expression of p38. Overexpression of miR-124 increased the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, reduced the expression of pro- inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited macrophage apoptosis. MiR-124 overexpression may be a promising treatment for atherosclerosis and CAD via inhibiting p38.

Temporal trends of bladder cancer incidence and mortality from 1990 to 2016 and projections to 2030.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths all over the world. Epidemiological studies of bladder cancer are therefore crucial for policy making. This study was carried out to describe the characteristics of changes in the incidence and mortality of bladder cancer from 1990 to 2016 by age group, gender, geographical region, and sociodemographic index (SDI) and to simultaneously project future trends up to 2030. METHODS: Incidence and mortality trends in bladder cancer from 1990 to 2016 were described based on data and methodologies from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study. The data also allowed the future trends of bladder cancer incidence and mortality to be predicted by ARIMA model. Trends were analyzed by age group, gender, and SDI. Projections to 2030 were sub-analyzed by SDI countries. R software (x64 version 3.5.1), SAS (version 9.3), and SPSS (version 22.0) were used throughout the process. RESULTS: Globally, in 2016, there were 437,442 [95% uncertainty interval (UI), 426,709-447,912] new bladder cancer cases and 186,199 (95% UI, 180,453-191,686) bladder cancer-associated deaths. Between 1990 and 2016, changes in the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of bladder cancer decreased by 5.91% from 7.11 (95% UI, 6.93-7.27) in 1990 to 6.69 (95% UI, 6.52-6.85) in 2016. The age-standardized death rate (ASDR) decreased from 3.58 (95% UI, 3.49-3.68) to 2.94 (95% UI, 2.85-3.03) over the same period of time. In future, the greatest occurrence of bladder cancer will be in high SDI countries, followed by high-middle SDI countries. Moreover, bladder cancer incidence rates may increase substantially in middle SDI countries, while the incidence rates will remain relatively stable for men and women in other SDI countries. From 2017 to 2030, bladder cancer deaths will continue to increase in low SDI countries, while deaths in other SDI countries will continue to decrease. CONCLUSIONS: There was a regional difference in the incidence and mortality trends of bladder cancer between 1990 and 2016. Overall, the situation is not optimistic. From 2017 to 2030, the incidence of bladder cancer will continue to rise, especially in high and high-middle SDI countries, where decision-makers should propose appropriate policies on the screening and prevention of bladder cancer.

Temporal trends of kidney cancer incidence and mortality from 1990 to 2016 and projections to 2030.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to present the trends of incidence and mortality of kidney cancer from 1990 to 2016 by age, gender, geographical region, regional, and sociodemographic index (SDI), and then forecast the future trends to 2030. METHODS: Data of this study were gathered from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD), including 195 countries and territories, accounting for 21 regions. Over-time trends from 1990 to 2016 were analyzed by gender, geographical region, age range and SDI. Based on the big data, we forecasted the future trends to 2030 by ARIMA model. All the data were analyzed by R software (x64 version 3.5.1), SAS (version 9.3) and SPSS (version 22.0). RESULTS: Globally, in 2016, there were 342,100 [95% uncertainty interval (UI), 330,759-349,934] incident cases of kidney cancer and the number of deaths were 131,800 (127,335-136,185). The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and death rate (ASDR) were 4.97 (4.81-5.09) per 100,000 and 2.00 (1.93-2.06) per 100,000, respectively. Globally, the estimated risk of kidney cancer for male within the age of 30 and 70 is around 0.79% compared to 0.41% for female. In other words, the probability of developing kidney cancer was generally higher in male than in female. By 2030, incidence of kidney cancer in both sexes are projected to increase substantially in high SDI, followed by middle SDI, low-middle SDI, and low SDI countries. High SDI and low SDI countries will also have increased mortality rates of kidney cancers. Globally, the trends in deaths due to kidney cancer will remain stable. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and death rate of kidney cancer are highly variable among SDI countries and regions but have increased uniformly from 1990 to 2016. By 2030, the future incidence of kidney cancer will grow continuously especially in high SDI countries, middle SDI, low-middle SDI, and low SDI countries.

Estimates of over-time trends in incidence and mortality of testicular cancer from 1990 to 2030.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore and project the temporal trends in incidence and mortality of testicular cancer. Moreover, it can provide theoretical guidance for the rational allocation of health resources. METHODS: This study analyzed existing data on testicular cancer morbidity and mortality from 1990 to 2016 and predicted time-varying trends of age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized death rate (ASDR) from 2017 to 2030 in different ages, regions and sociodemographic index (SDI) quintile sub-groups. RESULT: Globally, numbers of testicular cancer cases in 2016 [66,833; 95% uncertainty interval (UI), 64,487-69,736] are 1.8 times larger than in 1990 (37,231; 95% UI, 36,116-38,515). The testicular cancer-related death cases increased slightly from 8,394 (95% UI, 7,980-8,904) in 1990 to 8,651 (95% UI, 8,292-9,027) in 2016. In aspect of ASIR, the data showed an up-trend from 0.74 (95% UI, 0.72-0.77) in 1990 to 0.88 (95% UI, 0.85-0.92) in 2016. The ASDR of testicular cancer declined from 0.18 (95% UI, 0.17-0.19) in 1990 to 0.12 (95% UI, 0.11-0.12) in 2016. From 2017 to 2030, predictions of trends in testicular cancer indicate that the ASIRs of most SDI countries are rising, but the ASDRs trends in testicular cancer will decrease. CONCLUSIONS: By analyzing the available and reliable data in different ages, regions and SDI, this study shows a significant upward trend in incidence and a slow upward trend in mortality of testicular cancer from 1990 to 2016, and simultaneously, predicts the increase of ASIR and the downward trend of ASDR in 2017-2030.

Estimates of over-time trends in incidence and mortality of prostate cancer from 1990 to 2030.

BACKGROUND: This research aims to identify the current and future trends in the incidence and death rate of prostate cancer and to provide the necessary data support for making relevant health decisions. METHODS: This study used the collected data and methodologies to describe the incidence and mortality trends of prostate cancer from 1990 to 2016. Based on the data, this paper projected the future trends in prostate cancer incidence and death rate. RESULTS: In 2016, prostate cancer cases [1,435,742; 95% uncertainty interval (UI), 1,293,395-1,618,655] were nearly 2.5-fold the number in 1990 (579,457; 95% UI, 521,564-616,107). Deaths increased by 2.0-fold from 191,687 (95% UI, 168,885-209,254) in 1990 to 380,916 (95% UI, 320,808-412,868) in 2016. The global age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased from 17.75 (95% UI, 18.91-15.95) in 1990 to 22.12 (95% UI, 19.92-24.91) in 2016, changing 24.62%. The global change of age-standardized death rate (ASDR) has declined slightly, but in some regions it shows a trend of growth. By sociodemographic index (SDI) sub-types, prostate cancer will frequently occur in high SDI countries from 1990 to 2030. Simultaneously, the highest mortality will present in low SDI countries. CONCLUSIONS: Through projecting and analyzing incidence and mortality rate of prostate cancer, from 1990 to 2030, by different ages, regions and SDI sub-types, this result may reveal the relationship between prostate cancer and financial development. At the same time, the result also showed a sufficiently heavy burden of prostate cancer, but the burden varies greatly in each region. The burden is a challenge and will require attention for all levels of society. The current study is beneficial to formulate more specific and efficient policies.

Scavenger receptor-AI-targeted ultrasmall gold nanoclusters facilitate in vivo MR and ex vivo fluorescence dual-modality visualization of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.

Owing to the high morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases resulting from atherosclerosis, developing specific noninvasive diagnostic methods to distinguish vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques becomes urgent and mandatory. Herein, scavenger receptors AI (SR-AI), a secreted biomarker associated with foam macrophages, was selected as a target for identifying vulnerable plaques. A dual-modality imaging probe (PP1-Au@GSH@Gd NCs) was constructed by covalently attaching a peptidic SR-AI ligand, PP1 to gadolinium-integrated gold nanoclusters, which exhibited remarkably improved fluorescence signal and longitudinal relaxivity with highly loaded Au and Gd species. In vitro cellular binding studies showed preferential affinity of PP1-Au@GSH@Gd NCs to activated macrophages in SR-AI-dependent manner. In vivo MR/fluorescence images presented robust and prolonged plaque contrast enhancement in established ApoE-/- mice models thanks to favorable targeting efficacy of PP1-Au@GSH@Gd NCs. Collectively, the noninvasive MR/fluorescence molecular imaging strategy with PP1-Au@GSH@Gd NCs holds great promise for precise clinical diagnosis of vulnerable plaques.