Comprehensive assessment of fine motor movement and cognitive function among older adults in China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fine motor skills are closely related to cognitive function. However, there is currently no comprehensive assessment of fine motor movement and how it corresponds with cognitive function. To conduct a complete assessment of fine motor and clarify the relationship between various dimensions of fine motor and cognitive function. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 267 community-based participants aged ≥ 60 years in Beijing, China. We assessed four tests performance and gathered detailed fine motor indicators using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) motion capture technology. The wearable MEMS device provided us with precise fine motion metrics, while Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess cognitive function. We adopted logistic regression to analyze the relationship between fine motor movement and cognitive function. RESULTS: 129 (48.3%) of the participants had cognitive impairment. The vast majority of fine motor movements have independent linear correlations with MoCA-BJ scores. According to logistic regression analysis, completion time in the Same-pattern tapping test (OR = 1.033, 95%CI = 1.003-1.063), Completion time of non-dominant hand in the Pieces flipping test (OR = 1.006, 95%CI = 1.000-1.011), and trajectory distance of dominant hand in the Pegboard test (OR = 1.044, 95%CI = 1.010-1.068), which represents dexterity, are related to cognitive impairment. Coordination, represented by lag time between hands in the Same-pattern tapping (OR = 1.663, 95%CI = 1.131-2.444), is correlated with cognitive impairment. Coverage in the Dual-hand drawing test as an important indicator of stability is negatively correlated with cognitive function (OR = 0.709, 95%CI = 0.6501-0.959). Based on the above 5-feature model showed consistently high accuracy and sensitivity at the MoCA-BJ score (ACU = 0.80-0.87). CONCLUSIONS: The results of a comprehensive fine-motor assessment that integrates dexterity, coordination, and stability are closely related to cognitive functioning. Fine motor movement has the potential to be a reliable predictor of cognitive impairment.

Rapid detection of melamine by DNA Walker mediated SERS sensing technique based on signal amplification function.

A new method is proposed for detecting typical melamine dopants in food using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensing technology. Melamine specific aptamer was used as the identification probe, and gold magnets (AuNPs@MNPs) and small gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@MBA) were used as the basis for Raman detection. The Raman signal of the detection system can directly detect melamine quantitatively. Under optimized conditions, the detection of melamine was carried out in the low concentration range of 0.001-500 mg/kg, the enhancement factor (EF) was 2.3 × 107, and the detection limit was 0.001 mg/kg. The method is sensitive and rapid, and can be used for the rapid detection of melamine in the field environment.

Low-complexity optimized detection with cluster assisting for C-band 64-Gb/s OOK transmission over 100-km SSMF.

In this paper, a low-complexity optimized detection scheme consisting of a post filter with weight sharing (PF-WS) and cluster-assisted log-maximum a posteriori estimation (CA-Log-MAP) is proposed. Besides, a modified equal-width discrete (MEWD) clustering algorithm is proposed to eliminate the training process during clustering. After channel equalization, optimized detection schemes improve performance by suppressing the in-band noise raised by the equalizers. The proposed optimized detection scheme was experimentally performed in a C-band 64-Gb/s on-off keying (OOK) transmission system over 100-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) transmission. Compared with the optimized detection scheme with the lowest complexity, the proposed method saves 69.23% required number of real-valued multiplications per symbol (RNRM) at 7% hard-decision forward error correction (HD-FEC). In addition, when the detection performance reaches saturation, the proposed CA-Log-MAP with MEWD saves 82.93% RNRM. Compared with the classic k-means clustering algorithm, the proposed MEWD has the same performance without a training process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time clustering algorithms have been applied to optimize decision schemes.

Simplified LDPC-assisted CNC algorithm for entropy-loaded discrete multi-tone in a 100G flexible-rate PON.

Passive optical networks (PONs) have been widely used in optical access networks to meet the requirement of the rapidly growing data traffic. However, the optical power budget of the worst optical network unit certainly limits the maximum capacity of PON. In this paper, we demonstrate a flexible-rate PON based on entropy-loaded clipping discrete multi-tone (DMT) for increasing the capacity. Meanwhile, clipping operation and simplified low-density parity-check (LDPC) assisted clipping-noise-cancellation (CNC) algorithm are proposed to improve the performance of DMT in peak-power constrained PON. In the simplified LDPC-assisted CNC algorithm, the iteration number of the sum-product algorithm in the LDPC decoding can be reduced to decrease the computational complexity almost without performance loss. The experimental results show that the simplified CNC algorithm can achieve approximately 1.8dB improvement of the optical receiver sensitivity at the 20% soft-decision forward-error-correction limit. The proposed flexible-rate PON has a wide-range data-rate adjustment from 12.5Gb/s to 100Gb/s under the optical power budget from 40dB to 26dB.

Chemical Pretreatments and Anaerobic Digestion Shape the Virome and Functional Microbiome in Fecal Sludge.

The decomposition and pathogen inactivation of fecal sludge (FS) are vitally important for safely managing onsite sanitation and protecting public and environmental health. However, the microbiome and virome assemblages in FS after chemical and biological treatments remain unclear. Here, we reported the differences in the solid reduction and microbiomes of FS subjected to potassium ferrate (PF), alkali (ALK), and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) pretreatments and anaerobic digestion (AD). The PF and NaClO pretreatments enhanced FS hydrolysis and pathogen suppression, respectively; AD suppressed Gram-positive bacteria. Most of the viromes were those of bacteriophages, which were also shaped by chemical pretreatments and AD. Metatranscriptome analysis revealed distinct gene expression patterns between the PF- and ALK-pretreated FS and the subsequent AD. Differentially expressed gene profiles indicated that genes related to biological processes, molecular functions, and transcriptional regulators were upregulated in ALK-AD and PF-AD samples. These findings suggested that the effect of different treatment technologies on the viral diversity, pathogen abundance, and metabolic function of the core microbiome extends beyond FS decomposition and that the use of combined processes would provide possible alternatives for FS management in pandemic emergencies.

MEMS-based portable confocal Raman spectroscopy rapid imaging system.

Aiming at the miniaturization and rapid imaging requirements of a portable confocal Raman system, a MEMS-based portable confocal Raman spectroscopy rapid imaging method is proposed in this study. This method combines the dual 2D MEMS mirror scanning method and the grid-by-grid scanning method. The dual 2D MEMS mirror scanning method is used for the miniaturization design of the system, and the grid-by-grid scanning method is used for rapid imaging of Raman spectroscopy. Finally, the rapid imaging and miniaturization design of a portable confocal Raman spectroscopy system are realized. Based on this method, a portable confocal Raman spectroscopy rapid imaging system with an optical probe size of just 98m m×70m m×40m m is constructed. The experimental results show that the imaging speed of the system is 45 times higher than that of the traditional point-scan confocal Raman system, and the imaging speed can be further improved according to the requirements. In addition, the system is used to swiftly identify agate ore, and the material composition distribution image over a 126µm 2×126µm 2 region is obtained in just 16 min. This method provides a new solution for the rapid imaging and miniaturization design of the confocal Raman system, as well as a new technical means for rapid detection in deep space exploration, geological exploration, and field detection.

Copiotrophy in a Marine-Biofilm-Derived Roseobacteraceae Bacterium Can Be Supported by Amino Acid Metabolism and Thiosulfate Oxidation.

Copiotrophic bacteria that respond rapidly to nutrient availability, particularly high concentrations of carbon sources, play indispensable roles in marine carbon cycling. However, the molecular and metabolic mechanisms governing their response to carbon concentration gradients are not well understood. Here, we focused on a new member of the family Roseobacteraceae isolated from coastal marine biofilms and explored the growth strategy at different carbon concentrations. When cultured in a carbon-rich medium, the bacterium grew to significantly higher cell densities than Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3, although there was no difference when cultured in media with reduced carbon. Genomic analysis showed that the bacterium utilized various pathways involved in biofilm formation, amino acid metabolism, and energy production via the oxidation of inorganic sulfur compounds. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that 28.4% of genes were regulated by carbon concentration, with increased carbon concentration inducing the expression of key enzymes in the EMP, ED, PP, and TCA cycles, genes responsible for the transformation of amino acids into TCA intermediates, as well as the sox genes for thiosulfate oxidation. Metabolomics showed that amino acid metabolism was enhanced and preferred in the presence of a high carbon concentration. Mutation of the sox genes decreased cell proton motive force when grown with amino acids and thiosulfate. In conclusion, we propose that copiotrophy in this Roseobacteraceae bacterium can be supported by amino acid metabolism and thiosulfate oxidation.

Determining the Potential Roles of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in the Regulation of Muscle Growth in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Based on Transcriptome and MicroRNA Sequencing.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can be critically involved in skeletal muscle growth and body energy homeostasis. Skeletal muscle growth is a complex process; some muscle-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of muscle thickening and muscle mass. Additionally, the regulatory network between miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) in the modulation of the role of BCAAs on skeletal muscle growth in fish has not been studied. In this study, common carp was starved for 14 days, followed by a 14-day gavage therapy with BCAAs, to investigate some of the miRNAs and genes that contribute to the regulation of normal growth and maintenance of skeletal muscle in response to short-term BCAA starvation stress. Subsequently, the transcriptome and small RNAome sequencing of carp skeletal muscle were performed. A total of 43,414 known and 1,112 novel genes were identified, in addition to 142 known and 654 novel miRNAs targeting 22,008 and 33,824 targets, respectively. Based on their expression profiles, 2,146 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 84 differentially expressed miRNA (DEMs) were evaluated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathways, including the proteasome, phagosome, autophagy in animals, proteasome activator complex, and ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process, were enriched for these DEGs and DEMs. Our findings revealed the role of atg5, map1lc3c, ctsl, cdc53, psma6, psme2, myl9, and mylk in skeletal muscle growth, protein synthesis, and catabolic metabolism. Furthermore, miR-135c, miR-192, miR-194, and miR-203a may play key roles in maintaining the normal activities of the organism by regulating genes related to muscle growth, protein synthesis, and catabolism. This study on transcriptome and miRNA reveals the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of muscle protein deposition and provides new insights into genetic engineering techniques to improve common carp muscle development.

Palette of Rechargeable Mechanoluminescent Fluids Produced by a Biomineral-Inspired Suppressed Dissolution Approach.

Mechanoluminescent materials, which emit light in response to mechanical stimuli, have recently been explored as promising candidates for photonic skins, remote optogenetics, and stress sensing. All mechanoluminescent materials reported thus far are bulk solids with micron-sized grains, and their light emission is only produced when fractured or deformed in bulk form. In contrast, mechanoluminescence has never been observed in liquids and colloidal solutions, thus limiting its biological application in living organisms. Here, we report the synthesis of mechanoluminescent fluids via a suppressed dissolution approach. We demonstrate that this approach yields stable colloidal solutions comprising mechanoluminescent nanocrystals with bright emissions in the range of 470-610 nm and diameters down to 20 nm. These colloidal solutions can be recharged and discharged repeatedly under photoexcitation and hydrodynamically focused ultrasound, respectively, thus yielding rechargeable mechanoluminescent fluids that can store photon energy in a reversible manner. This rechargeable fluid can facilitate a systemically delivered light source gated by tissue-penetrant ultrasound for biological applications that require light in the tissue, such as optogenetic stimulation in the brain.

High spatial resolution of topographic imaging and Raman mapping by differential correlation-confocal Raman microscopy.

Confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) has found applications in many fields as a consequence of being able to measure molecular fingerprints and characterize samples without the need to employ labelling methods. However, limited spatial resolution has limited its application when identification of sub-micron features in materials is important. Here, we propose a differential correlation-confocal Raman microscopy (DCCRM) method to address this. This new method is based on the correlation product method of Raman scattering intensities acquired when the confocal Raman pinhole is placed at different (defocused) positions either side of the focal plane of the Raman collection lens. By using this correlation product, a significant enhancement in the spatial resolution of Raman mapping can be obtained. Compared with conventional CRM, these are 23.1% and 33.1% in the lateral and axial directions, respectively. We illustrate these improvements using in situ topographic imaging and Raman mapping of graphene, carbon nanotube, and silicon carbide samples. This work can potentially contribute to a better understanding of complex nanostructures in non-real time spectroscopic imaging fields.

Integrated analysis of mRNA and long noncoding RNA profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with bronchial asthma.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease with distinct disease phenotypes and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in numerous functionally different biological and physiological processes. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in patients with asthma and further explore the functions and interactions between lncRNAs and mRNAs. METHODS: Ten patients with asthma and 9 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. RNA was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We performed microarray analysis to evaluate lncRNA and mRNA expression. The functions of the differentially expressed mRNAs were analyzed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. A global signal transduction network was constructed to identify the core mRNAs. An lncRNA-mRNA network was constructed. Five mRNAs showing the greatest differences in expression levels or high degrees in the gene-gene functional interaction network, with their correlated lncRNAs, were validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: We identified 2229 differentially expressed mRNAs and 1397 lncRNAs between the asthma and control groups. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis identified many pathways associated with inflammation and cell survival. The gene-gene functional interaction network suggested that some core mRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. The lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network revealed correlated lncRNAs. CXCL8, FOXO3, JUN, PIK3CA, and G0S2 and their related lncRNAs NONHSAT115963, AC019050.1, MTCYBP3, KB-67B5.12, and HNRNPA1P12 were identified according to their differential expression levels and high degrees in the gene-gene network. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the core mRNAs and their related lncRNAs and predicted the biological processes and signaling pathways involved in asthma.

New Metabolites, Antifeedant, Insecticidal Activities, and Reciprocal Relationship Between Insect and Fungus from Endophyte Schizophyllum commune.

Five new bisabolane sesquiterpenes, a new polyketide, along with seven known compounds, were isolated from endophyte Schizophyllum commune associated with a famous medicinal and edible plant, Gastrodia elata. Most compounds 1-12, and extract indicated antifeedant activities against silkworm with feeding deterrence index (FDI) of 21-85 %, at concentrations of 20 µg/cm2 , 40 µg/cm2 , respectively. Compound 6 indicated obvious insecticidal activity with fatality rate of 60 %, at the concentration of 20 µg/cm2 . Five bisabolane sesquiterpenes, two ergosterols, and a glyceride showed insecticidal synergism by combining with abamectin. Interesting, ergosterol peroxide (13) distributed widely in mushrooms and fungi, was found to have feeding attractant activities on insects and antifungal activity against entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana. The reciprocal relationship should be occurred between S. commune and pests for the fungus produced ergosterol peroxide to attract the pests propagating spore, and its anti-entomopathogen activity was also benefit for the health of insects.

Recent research on the application of biologics in the treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children after SARS-CoV-2 infection. / 生物制剂在儿童感染SARS-CoV-2åŽå¤šç³»ç»Ÿç‚Žç—‡ç»¼åˆå¾çš„åº”ç”¨ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a type of hyperinflammatory symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and is commonly observed in children aged 8-10 years. Primary therapeutic medications for MIS-C are intravenous immunoglobulins and glucocorticoids. It has been reported that biologics, such as IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra, IL-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab, and TNF-α receptor antagonist infliximab, can be used as an option for critically ill patients. This article elaborates on the mechanism of action of the above biologics and discusses the efficacy and safety biologics in the treatment of MIS-C after SARS-CoV-2 infection, in order to provide methods for the treatment of MIS-C with severe symptoms.

Spatial Heterodyne Offset Raman Spectroscopy Enabling Rapid, High Sensitivity Characterization of Materials' Interfaces.

Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy is integrated with a fiber-coupled spatial heterodyne spectrometer to collect Raman spectra from deep within opaque or scattering materials. The method, named spatial heterodyne offset Raman spectroscopy generates a wavenumber-dependent spatial phase shift of the optical signal as a "spectral" image on a charge-coupled device detector. The image can be readily processed from the spatial domain using a single, simple, and "on-the-fly" Fourier transform to generate Raman spectra, in the frequency domain. By collecting all of the spatially offset Raman scattered photons that pass through the microscope's collection objective lens, the methodology gives an improvement in the Raman sensitivity by an order of magnitude. The instrumentation is both mechanically robust and "movement-free," which when coupled with the associated advantages of highly efficient signal collection and ease of data processing, enables rapid interfacial analysis of complex constructs based on established biomaterials models.

Double-Network Heparin Dynamic Hydrogels: Dynagels as Anti-bacterial 3D Cell Culture Scaffolds.

Double cross-linked dynamic hydrogels, dynagels, have been prepared through reversible imine bonds and supramolecular interactions, which showed good pH responsiveness, injectability, self-healing property and biocompatibility. With the further encapsulation of heparin, the obtained hydrogels exhibited good anti-bacterial activity and promotion effects for 3D cell culture.

A double signal amplification-based homogeneous electrochemical sensor built on catalytic hairpin assembly and bisferrocene markers.

A facile, sensitive and unmodified Hg2+ homogeneous electrochemical sensor based on bisferrocene signal markers and catalytic hairpin self-assembly (CHA) was built on a gold disk electrode. Three hairpin probes were designed, in which thiol was labeled at both ends of the hairpin probe 1(HP1), while bisferrocene, a redox signal marker, was labeled at both ends of the hairpin probe 2(HP2) and hairpin probe 3(HP3). Due to the Hg2+ mediated thymine-Hg (II)-thymine (T-Hg2+-T) structure, when Hg2+ is introduced, the T-Hg2+-T that occurred between the probe DNA and helper DNA could open the hairpin structure of probe DNA and form a rigid DNA triangles structure by CHA. Simultaneously, four bisferrocene signal markers also reached the surface of the electrode and built potential-assisted Au-S self-assembly to achieve signal amplification. Under the optimized condition, the sensor can achieve good electrochemical response Hg2+detection, and the detection limit is as low as 0.6 pM. furthermore, this sensor has high selectivity for Hg2+ detection.

Clinical Observation of Prophylactic Extended-Field Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy with Synchronous Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer.

BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the value of prophylactic extended-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer with multiple pelvic lymph node metastases (≥2) and negative common iliac and paraaortic lymph nodes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-four patient with newly diagnosed cervical cancer (IB1-IVA) and multiple pelvic lymph node metastases (≥2) confirmed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were randomly divided into an extended-field group (17 patients) and a pelvic-field group (17 patients). In the extended-field group, we added the drainage area of paraaortic lymph nodes on the pelvic field. The pelvic field was administered Dt 45.0 to 50.4 Gy, while the drainage area of paraaortic lymph nodes was administered Dt 40.0 to 45.0 Gy. Both groups were given Irl92 intracavitary radiotherapy after 3 weeks of external irradiation. The total dose of point A was 25.0 to 30.0 Gy, fractional 6.0 to 7.0 Gy. All patients had concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy once weekly until the end of radiotherapy. RESULTS No paraaortic lymph node metastasis was found in the extended-field group (P=0.0184), and disease-free survival (DFS) was prolonged (P=0.0286). Adverse effects in patients with III-IV degree myelosuppression were increased in the extended-field group (P=0.0324). However, all patients recovered after symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic extended-field IMRT with chemotherapy reduced the metastasis rate of paraaortic lymph nodes and prolonged the DFS in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer and multiple pelvic lymph node metastases (≥2), while the toxic adverse effects were tolerated.

The value of transbronchial lung biopsy in the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) in the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is not a common approach, although TBLB is often performed in diffuse lung diseases. We aimed to examine the diagnostic value and safety of TBLB in LAM patients based on the data collected in our center. METHODS: We reviewed LAM patients registered in our LAM Clinic from December 8, 2006, to December 31, 2019. All patients with definite or probable diagnosis of LAM who had been examined using TBLB were included. All available pathology slides were reviewed by an experienced LAM pathologist. All complications were reviewed by the medical records and confirmed using telephone interviews. RESULTS: The pathology results of 86 patients (including 74 definite LAM and 12 probable LAM) were available. The positive rate of TBLB in LAM patients was 49/86 (57.0%). The positive rates of SMA, HMB-45, ER, and PR in LAM patients were 97.6%, 93%, 84.6%, and 78.4% respectively. The positive rate of TBLB was 40%, 60% and 60.8% in patients with CT Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III respectively, and the difference was not significant. Patients who had 3-4 or 5-6 biopsied specimens had a higher rate of diagnosis than those with 1-2 biopsied specimens. Four patients (5.6%) reported pneumothorax. No major hemoptysis was reported. CONCLUSIONS: TBLB is a feasible and safe procedure for obtaining a pathological diagnosis of LAM. Taking more than 2 samples during the biopsy procedure increased the rate of diagnosis.

Mode locking of a coherent random fiber laser with selectable repetition rates.

Controlling emission of light in random structures/disordered systems, e.g., implementing mode-locked pulses in a laser system with a random structures/disordered systems, is a complex task. Usually, the generation of laser pulse by mode locking needs a stable fixed-length cavity that determines a specific repetition rate of the mode-locked pulses. Here, mode-locking laser pulses with selectable repetition rates are achieved in a typical one-dimensional disordered laser by passive mode locking. The laser includes disordered reflectors to provide multiple resonant modes associated with different cavity length. The regular pulses with adjustable repetition rates can be generated and selected by a nonlinear polarization rotator and a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror. The proposed work utilizing the advantages of multiple resonances in random lasers could pave a new way for regulating emission of light in the random structures/disordered system. And it displays an effective and realistic technical route to study ultrafast pulses generation and optical soliton dynamics in random structures/disordered systems.

Dynameric Collagen Self-Healing Membranes with High Mechanical Strength for Effective Cell Growth Applications.

The fabrication of biocompatible adaptive materials with high stiffness and self-healing properties for medical applications is a challenging endeavor. Collagen is a major extracellular matrix component acting as a substrate for cell adhesion and migration. Dynamers are constitutional polymers whose monomeric components are linked through reversible bonds, able to modify their constitution through reversible exchange of their components. In the current work, we demonstrate that the rational combination of collagen and dynameric networks connected with reversible covalent imine bonds is a very important and previously unreported strategy to provide biocompatible membranes with self-healing ability and excellent mechanical strength. The key challenge in the construction of such membranes is the required adaptive interaction between collagen chains and the dynamic cross-linkers, preventing the formation of defects. For example, by varying structure and molecular lengths of the dynamers, the tensile strength of the dynameric membranes reach over 80 MPa, more than 400 % higher than that observed for the reference collagen membrane, and the highest value for break strain found, was 19 %. The self-healing properties were observed when reconnecting two membrane pieces or even from crushed status of the membranes. Moreover, both MTT assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy method demonstrated the good biocompatibility of the collagen membranes, leaving more than 90 % viability for NIH 3T3 cells after 24 h co-culture.