Exploration of Ginkgo biloba leaves on non-small cell lung cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacological studies have found Ginkgo biloba leaves have the effect of inhibiting neoplasms, it is clinically used in treating various neoplasms. However, the mechanism of Ginkgo biloba leaves in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. METHODS: The active components and corresponding targets of Ginkgo biloba leaves were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) database, and the targets of NSCLC were obtained from the GeneCards, OMIM, TTD, and DrugBank databases. The common targets of NSCLC and Ginkgo biloba leaves were obtained from VENNY 2.1.0. The STRING database was utilized to construct protein-protein intersections, by using the Cytoscape 3.7.1 software, the protein-protein intersection was optimized and the drug-disease network diagram was constructed. The DAVID database was utilized to perform GO and KEGG analysis. Finally, The Autodock Vina software was used to perform molecular docking of core components and targets. RESULTS: The key components of Ginkgo biloba leaves in treating NSCLC include quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which may act on Tp53, AKT1, and TNF. Bioinformatic annotation analysis results suggest that Ginkgo biloba leaves may implicated in PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. The molecular docking results show the firm affinity between key ingredients and targets. CONCLUSION: The potential mechanism of Ginkgo biloba leaves in treating NSCLC has been discussed in this study, which provides a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of NSCLC and further experimental validation.

Exploration of kiwi root on non-small cell lung cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

BACKGROUND: Kiwi root is a Chinese herb clinically used in the treatment of lung neoplasm; however, the multi-target mechanism of kiwi root in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of kiwi root in the treatment of NSCLC through network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. METHODS: The active components and targets of kiwi root were obtained from the TCMSP database, and NSCLC-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. The intersection targets of NSCLC and kiwi root were obtained from VENNY 2.1.0. Then, the common targets were imported into the STRING database, and by using the Cytoscape 3.7.1 software, drug-disease network diagrams were created. Afterwards, the DAVID database was utilized to perform bioinformatic annotation. Finally, molecular docking of key components and key targets was performed by Autodock Tools. RESULTS: A total of 4083 NSCLC-related disease genes were collected from the GeneCards, OMIM,and DrugBank databases, and 177 non-duplicated drug targets were acquired from the TCMSP database. A total of 138 intersection target genes were obtained, in which TP53, AKT1, and TNF were the key targets. CONCLUSION: Through network pharmacology techniques, the mechanism of kiwi root in the treatment of NSCLC has been uncovered and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of NSCLC with kiwi root, which requires further experimental validation.

Mechanism of Escherichia coli Lethality Caused by Overexpression of flhDC, the Flagellar Master Regulator Genes, as Revealed by Transcriptome Analysis.

The flhDC operon of Escherichia coli encodes a transcription factor that initiates flagella synthesis, elevates flagella construction and enhances cell motility, which all are energetically costly and highly regulated processes. In this study, we found that overexpression of flhDC genes from a strong regulatable pN15E6 plasmid could inhibit the growth of E. coli host cells and even eventually cause death. We used transcriptome analysis to investigate the mechanism of flhDC overexpression lethal to host bacteria. The results showed that a total of 568 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 378 up-regulated genes and 190 down-regulated genes were detected when the flhDC genes were over-expressed. Functional enrichment analysis results showed that the DEGs are related to a series of crucial biomolecular processes, including flagella synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation and pentose phosphate pathways, etc. We then examined, using RT-qPCR, the expression of key genes of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway at different time points after induction. Results showed that their expression increased in the early stage and decreased afterward, which was suggested to be the result of feedback on the overproduction of ROS, a strong side effect product of the elevated oxidative phosphorylation process. To further verify the level of ROS output, flhDC over-expressed bacteria cells were stained with DCHF-DA and a fluorescence signal was detected using flow cytometry. Results showed that the level of ROS output was higher in cells with over-expressed flhDC than in normal controls. Besides, we found upregulation of other genes (recN and zwf) that respond to ROS damage. This leads to the conclusion that the bacterial death led by the overexpression of flhDC genes is caused by damage from ROS overproduction, which leaked from the oxidative phosphorylation pathway.

Gender differences in the associations between body mass index, depression, anxiety, and stress among endocrinologists in China.

BACKGROUND: Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms have been found to be associated with overweight or obesity, but the gender differences in the associations have not been well-examined. Based on a national sample of endocrinologists in China, we examined such associations with a focus on gender differences. METHODS: Data were collected from endocrinologists in China using an online questionnaire, which included demographic data, body weight, and height. Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). RESULTS: In total, 679 endocrinologists (174 males and 505 females) completed the survey. One-fourth (25.6%) were classified as overweight, with a significant gender difference (48.9% in males vs. 17.6% in females, p < 0.05). Overall, 43.4% of the participants endorsed probable depressive symptoms (54.6% in males and 39.6% in females, p = 0.004), 47.6% for anxiety (51.7% in males vs. 46.1% in females, p = 0.203), and 29.6% for stress symptoms (34.5% in males vs. 27.92% in females, p = 0.102). After controlling for confounders, in the whole group, male gender (aOR = 4.07, 95% CI:2.70-6.14, p < 0.001), depression (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI:1.00-1.10, p = 0.034) and age (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI:1.00-1.05, p = 0.018) were positively associated with overweight. In males, depression (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI:1.05-1.25, p = 0.002), administration position (aOR = 4.36, 95% CI:1.69-11.24, p = 0.002), and night shifts/month (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI:1.06-1.49, p = 0.008) were positively associated with overweight, while anxiety (aOR = 0.90, 95% CI:0.82-0.98, p = 0.020) was negatively associated with overweight. In females, only age (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI:1.01-1.07, p = 0.014) was significantly associated with overweight status, while depression and anxiety were not associated with overweight. Stress symptoms were not associated with overweight in either gender. CONCLUSIONS: One-fourth of endocrinologists in China are overweight, with a rate in males nearly triple the one in females. Depression and anxiety are significantly associated with overweight in males but not females. This suggests possible differences in the mechanism. Our findings also highlight the need to screen depression and overweight in male physicians and the importance of developing gender-specific interventions.

Differences in gut microbiota and its metabolic function among different fasting plasma glucose groups in Mongolian population of China.

BACKGROUND: Many studies reported the association between gut microbiota and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), but it is still unclear which bacterial genus plays a key role and how the metabolic function of gut microbiota changes in the occurrence and development of T2D. Besides, there is a high diabetic prevalence in Mongolian population, which may be partly affected by their high calorie diet. This study identified the main bacterial genus influencing T2D in Mongolian population, and analyzed the changes of metabolic function of gut microbiome. The association between dietary factors and the relative abundance of main bacterial genus and its metabolic function was also studied. METHODS: Dietary surveys and gut microbiota test were performed on 24 Mongolian volunteers that were divided into T2D (6 cases), PRET2D (6 cases) and Control group (12 cases) according to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values. The relative abundance and metabolic function of gut microbiome from their fecal samples were measured by metagenomic analysis. Statistic method was used to evaluate the association between dietary factors and the relative abundance of the main bacterial genus or its metabolic function. RESULTS: This study found that the Clostridium genus may be one of the key bacterial genera affecting the process of T2D. First, the relative abundance of Clostridium genus was significantly different among the three groups. Second, there was a higher relative abundance of metabolic enzymes of gut bacteria in PRET2D and T2D group than that in Control group. Third, a strong correlation between Clostridium genus and many metabolic enzymes was uncovered, many of which may be produced by the Clostridium. Last, carotene intake daily was negatively correlated with the Clostridium but positively correlated with tagaturonate reductase catalyzing interconversions of pentose and glucuronate. CONCLUSIONS: The gut Clostridium genus may play an important role in the development of T2D and it could be a potential biomarker for T2D in Mongolian population. Meanwhile, the metabolic function of gut bacteria has changed during the early stage of T2D and the changes in carbohydrate, amino acid, lipid or energy metabolism of Clostridium genus may play a critical role. In addition, the carotene intake may affect reproduction and metabolic function of Clostridium genus.

Rhynchophylline ameliorates cerebral ischemia by improving the synaptic plasticity in a middle cerebral artery occlusion induced stroke model.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have documented that rhynchophylline exerts antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects on ischemic neuronal damage in vitro or in vivo. There is a considerable lack of direct evidence for its role in neural function and neuroplasticity after ischemic stroke. AIMS: This study aims to explore the role of rhynchophylline in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced ischemic stroke model and the potential mechanisms. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into the following three groups: Sham, MCAO + ddH2O, and MCAO + Rhy(40 mg/kg by oral gavage) groups. Cerebral ischemia was induced by MCAO. Cerebral blood flow was monitored to indicate the success of the ischemic model. The neurological severity score and a series of related behavior tests were performed(after MCAO 3d,7d,14d,21d,28d). Golgi staining and Sholl analysis were used to evaluate the complexity of dendrites and the density of dendritic spines. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of synapsin I and NeuN. RESULTS: Administration of rhynchophylline for 7 consecutive days after the onset of cerebral ischemia alleviated the sensory-motor functional defects and ameliorated hippocampus-dependent spatial memory injury as well as reduced the infarct volume induced by MCAO. However, golgi staining and sholl analysis showed that rhynchophylline improved dendritic complexity and spine density as well as the synaptic plasticity. Furthermore,the expression of synapsin I and Neun was significantly reduced after cerebral ischemia and rhynchophylline administration ameliorated the loss of synapsin I. CONCLUSION: Rhynchophylline is a promising treatment for ischemic stroke via improving synaptic plasticity and ameliorating the sensory-motor function.

The effect of high-dietary K+ (HK) on Kir4.1/Kir5.1 and ROMK in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) is not affected by gender and Cl- content of the diet.

Basolateral potassium channels in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) are composed of inwardly-rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) and Kir5.1. Kir4.1 interacts with Kir5.1 to form a 40 pS K+ channel which is the only type K+ channel expressed in the basolateral membrane of the DCT. Moreover, Kir4.1/Kir5.1 heterotetramer plays a key role in determining the expression and activity of thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransport (NCC). In addition to Kir4.1/Kir5.1, Kir1.1 (ROMK) is expressed in the apical membrane of the late DCT (DCT2) and plays a key role in mediating epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC)-dependent K+ excretion. High dietary-K+-intake (HK) stimulates ROMK and inhibits Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the DCT. Inhibition of Kir4.1/Kir5.1 is essential for HK-induced suppression of NCC whereas the stimulation of ROMK is important for increasing ENaC-dependent K+ excretion during HK. We have now used the patch-clamp-technique to examine whether gender and Cl- content of K+-diet affect HK-induced inhibition of basolateral Kir4.1/Kir5.1 and HK-induced stimulation of ROMK. Single-channel-recording shows that basolateral 40 pS K+ channel (Kir4.1/Kir5.1) activity of the DCT defined by NPo was 1.34 (1% KCl, normal K, NK), 0.95 (5% KCl) and 1.03 (5% K+-citrate) in male mice while it was 1.47, 1.02 and 1.05 in female mice. The whole-cell recording shows that Kir4.1/Kir5.1-mediated-K+ current of the early-DCT (DCT1) was 1,170 pA (NK), 725 pA (5% KCl) and 700 pA (5% K+-citrate) in male mice whereas it was 1,125 pA, 674 pA and 700 pA in female mice. Moreover, K+-currents (IK) reversal potential of DCT (an index of membrane potential) was -63 mV (NK), -49 mV (5% KCl) and -49 mV (5% K-citrate) in the male mice whereas it was -63 mV, -50 mV and -50 mV in female mice. Finally, TPNQ-sensitive whole-cell ROMK-currents in the DCT2 /initial-connecting tubule (CNT) were 910 pA (NK), 1,520 pA (5% KCl) and 1,540 pA (5% K+-citrate) in male mice whereas the ROMK-mediated K+ currents were 1,005 pA, 1,590 pA and 1,570 pA in female mice. We conclude that the effect of HK intake on Kir4.1/Kir5.1 of the DCT and ROMK of DCT2/CNT is similar between male and female mice. Also, Cl- content in HK diets has no effect on HK-induced inhibition of Kir4.1/Kir5.1 of the DCT and HK-induced stimulation of ROMK in DCT2/CNT.

Numerical Study on Laser Shock Peening of Pure Al Correlating with Laser Shock Wave.

Laser shock peening (LSP) is an innovative and promising surface strengthening technique of metallic materials. The LSP-induced plastic deformation, the compressive residual stresses and the microstructure evolution are essentially attributed to the laser plasma-induced shock wave. A three-dimensional finite element model in conjunction with the dislocation density-based constitutive model was developed to simulate the LSP of pure Al correlating with the LSP-induced shock wave, and the predicted in-depth residual stresses are in reasonable agreement with the experiment results. The LSP-induced shock wave associated with the laser spot diameter of 8.0 mm propagates in the form of the plane wave, and attenuates exponentially. At the same time, the propagation and attenuation of the LSP-induced shock wave associated with the laser spot diameter of 0.8 mm are in the form of the spherical wave. The reflection of the LSP-induced shock wave at the bottom surface of the target model increases the plastic deformation of the target bottom, resulting in the increase of dislocation density and the decrease of dislocation cell size accordingly. Reducing the target thickness can significantly increase the reflection times of the LSP-induced shock wave at the bottom and top surfaces of the target model, which is considered to be conductive to the generation of the compressive residual stress field and grain refinement.

Bulk RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Differentially Expressed Genes Associated with Lateral Branch Angle in Peanut.

Lateral branch angle (LBA), or branch habit, is one of the most important agronomic traits in peanut. To date, the underlying molecular mechanisms of LBA have not been elucidated in peanut. To acquire the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to LBA, a TI population was constructed through the hybridization of a bunch-type peanut variety Tifrunner and prostrate-type Ipadur. We report the identification of DEGs related to LBA by sequencing two RNA pools, which were composed of 45 F3 lines showing an extreme opposite bunch and prostrate phenotype. We propose to name this approach Bulk RNA-sequencing (BR-seq) as applied to several plant species. Through BR-seq analysis, a total of 3083 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 13 gravitropism-related DEGs, 22 plant hormone-related DEGs, and 55 transcription factors-encoding DEGs. Furthermore, we also identified commonly expressed alternatively spliced (AS) transcripts, of which skipped exon (SE) and retained intron (RI) were most abundant in the prostrate and bunch-type peanut. AS isoforms between prostrate and bunch peanut highlighted important clues to further understand the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of branch angle regulation. Our findings provide not only important insights into the landscape of the regulatory pathway involved in branch angle formation but also present practical information for peanut molecular breeding in the future.

Gender Differences in Burnout Among Endocrinologists in China.

Objective: To survey the prevalence of burnout in a national sample of endocrinologists in China and to examine its correlates, with a special focus on gender differences. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted among endocrinologists in 31 provincial government-owned "People's Hospitals" of each province in mainland China. Demographic and work-related factors were collected from participants. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) was used to assess burnout, including emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). Results: A total of 711 endocrinologists (72.1% were female and mean age was 39.63 ± 8.51 years old) completed the survey. Burnout was reported by 32.8% of the participants. There were no significant gender differences in the overall prevalence of burnout or EE, DP, and PA (all p > 0.05). A multi-level linear regression revealed: (1) In male participants, PA was significantly associated with age (ß = 0.03, p = 0.003), DP was inversely associated with age (ß = -0.06, p = 0.005), EE was significantly associated with shorter sleep duration (ß = -0.25, p = 0.006), and longer work hours (ß = 0.01, p = 0.016). (2) In females, PA was significantly associated with age (ß = 0.01, p = 0.038), EE and DP were both significantly associated with shorter sleep duration (ß = -0.19, p = 0.001; and ß = -0.15, p = 0.011, respectively). EE and DP were also associated with work hours (ß = 0.02, p < 0.001; and ß = 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Nearly one-third of endocrinologists in China experienced burnout. Although there were no significant gender differences in the prevalence of overall burnout or EE, DP, and PA scores, male and female participants differed in factors associated with EE, DP, and PA. Interventions need to be tailored to target different aspects in male and female endocrinologists and target different subgroups.

[The mechanism of blood pressure regulation by high potassium diet in the kidney].

Hypertension is one of the strongest risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, cerebral stroke, and kidney failure. Lifestyle and nutrition are important factors that modulate blood pressure. Hypertension can be controlled by increasing physical activity, decreasing alcohol and sodium intake, and stopping tobacco smoking. Chronic kidney disease patients often have increased blood pressure, which indicates that kidney is one of the major organs responsible for blood pressure homeostasis. The decrease of renal sodium reabsorption and increase of diuresis induced by high potassium intake is critical for the blood pressure reduction. The beneficial effect of a high potassium diet on hypertension could be explained by decreased salt reabsorption by sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). In DCT cells, NCC activity is controlled by with-no-lysine kinases (WNKs) and its down-stream target kinases, Ste20-related proline-alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress-responsive 1 (OSR1). The kinase activity of WNKs is inhibited by intracellular chloride ([Cl-]i) and WNK4 is known to be the major WNK positively regulating NCC. Based on our previous studies, high potassium intake reduces the basolateral potassium conductance, decreases the negativity of DCT basolateral membrane (depolarization), and increases [Cl-]i. High [Cl-]i inhibits WNK4-SPAK/OSR1 pathway, and thereby decreases NCC phosphorylation. In this review, we discuss the role of DCT in the blood pressure regulation by dietary potassium intake, which is the mechanism that has been best dissected so far.

BSA­seq and genetic mapping reveals AhRt2 as a candidate gene responsible for red testa of peanut.

KEY MESSAGE: The candidate recessive gene AhRt2 responsible for red testa of peanut was identified through combined BSA-seq and linkage mapping approaches. The testa color of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important trait, and those with red testa are particularly popular owing to the high-anthocyanin content. However, the identification of genes underlying the regulation of the red testa trait in peanut are rarely reported. In order to fine map red testa gene, two F2:4 populations were constructed through the cross of YZ9102 (pink testa) with ZH12 (red testa) and ZH2 (red testa). Genetic analysis indicated that red testa was controlled by a single recessive gene named as AhRt2 (Red testa gene 2). Using BSA-seq approach, AhRt2 was preliminary identified on chromosome 12, which was further mapped to a 530-kb interval using 220 recombinant lines through linkage mapping. Furthermore, functional annotation, expression profiling, and the analyses of sequence variation confirmed that the anthocyanin reductase namely (Arahy.IK60LM) was the most likely candidate gene for AhRt2. It was found that a SNP in the third exon of AhRt2 altered the encoding amino acids, and was associated with red testa in peanut. In addition, a closely linked molecular marker linked with red testa trait in peanut was also developed for future studies. Our results provide valuable insight into the molecular mechanism underlying peanut testa color and present significant diagnostic marker resources for marker-assisted selected breeding in peanut.

Gender Differences in Job Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance Among Chinese Physicians in Tertiary Public Hospitals.

Background: Gender has been associated with job-related experience, including job satisfaction and work-life balance. This study aimed to identify gender differences in job satisfaction and work-life balance among Chinese physicians in a large, nationally representative sample. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted between March 18 and 31, 2019, using an anonymous online questionnaire. The questionnaire included the short-form MSQ (Chinese version) and a work-life balance item. The demographic and job-related factors were also collected. Findings: In total, 22,128 physicians (9,378 males and 12,750 females) from 144 tertiary public hospitals completed the survey. The overall MSQ score (job satisfaction) was 70.31 ± 12.67, and it was 69.89 ± 13.24 in males, and 70.63 ± 12.22 in females, respectively (p < 0.001). Only 931 (4.21%) physicians were very satisfied with WLB (421 males, 510 females), and 2,534 (11.45%) were rated as satisfied. Age, education, monthly income, working hours, specialty, and professional titles were significantly associated with job satisfaction; while number of children, specialty, professional titles, monthly income, age, working hours were significantly associated with WLB. No significant gender differences were observed in job satisfaction or WLB after controlling confounding factors (both p > 0.05). Interpretation: While many demographic and work-related factors are significantly associated with job satisfaction and WLB, we found no significant gender differences, which is different from many other studies. To improve Chinese physicians' job satisfaction and work-life balance, interventions should be focused on certain specialties and on other modifiable factors, such as income, working hours.

Multishelled NiO/NiCo2O4 hollow microspheres derived from bimetal-organic frameworks as high-performance sensing material for acetone detection.

Recently, tremendous research interest was stimulated to obtain advanced function materials with hierarchical structure and tailored chemical composition from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based precursors. Herein, Bimetal-organic frameworks of Ni-Co-BTC solid microspheres synthesized through hydrothermal method were acted as template to induce multishelled NiO/NiCo2O4 hollow microspheres by annealing treatment. When evaluated as gas sensing material, the optimal hybrid of NiO/NiCo2O4 (the molar ration of NiCo=1.5) multishelled hollow microspheres endowed a high sensitivity (17.86) to 100 ppm acetone with rapid response/recovery time (11/13 s) under low working temperature (160 °C) and the low detection limit reached 25 ppb. The enhanced mechanism was originated from the following aspects: the multishelled hollow architecture provided efficient diffusion path for gas molecules and sufficient active site for gas sensing reaction; the nanoscale p-p heterojunction created at NiO and NiCo2O4 nanoparticles interface amplified the resistance variation by tuning the potential barrier; the potent combination of the "chemical catalytic" effect of NiO and the "electrical catalytic" effect of NiCo2O4 improved the selective acetone detection.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid metabolites inhibit Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the distal convoluted tubule.

Cytochrome P-450 (Cyp) epoxygenase-dependent metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) have been shown to inhibit renal Na+ transport, and inhibition of Cyp-epoxygenase is associated with salt-sensitive hypertension. We used the patch-clamp technique to examine whether Cyp-epoxygenase-dependent AA metabolites inhibited the basolateral 40-pS K+ channel (Kir4.1/Kir5.1) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Application of AA inhibited the basolateral 40-pS K+ channel in the DCT. The inhibitory effect of AA on the 40-pS K+ channel was specific because neither linoleic nor oleic acid was able to mimic the effect of AA on the K+ channel. Inhibition of Cyp-monooxygenase with N-methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide or inhibition of cyclooxygenase with indomethacin failed to abolish the inhibitory effect of AA on the 40-pS K+ channel. However, the inhibition of Cyp-epoxygenase with N-methylsulfonyl-6-(propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide abolished the effect of AA on the 40-pS K+ channel in the DCT. Moreover, addition of either 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) or 14,15-EET also inhibited the 40-pS K+ channel in the DCT. Whole cell recording demonstrated that application of AA decreased, whereas N-methylsulfonyl-6-(propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide treatment increased, Ba2+-sensitive K+ currents in the DCT. Finally, application of 14,15-EET but not AA was able to inhibit the basolateral 40-pS K+ channel in the DCT of Cyp2c44-/- mice. We conclude that Cyp-epoxygenase-dependent AA metabolites inhibit the basolateral Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the DCT and that Cyp2c44-epoxygenase plays a role in the regulation of the basolateral K+ channel in the mouse DCT.

Effects of Acoustic Excitation on the Combustion Instability of Hydrogen-Methane Lean Premixed Swirling Flames.

Lean premixed flames are useful for low nitrogen oxide (NO x ) emissions but more prone to induce combustion instability in gas turbines. Combustion instability of a lean premixed swirling flame (LPSF) with hydrogen-methane was investigated experimentally. The effects of hydrogen addition on combustion instability with equivalence ratios 0.75-1 were investigated with acoustic frequencies (90-240 Hz) and acoustic amplitudes (the ratio of velocity fluctuation to an average velocity of 0-0.5), respectively, which are characterized by the gain and phase of the flame describing function (FDF). The evolution of vortex and the flame morphologies were observed by the particle image velocimetry (PIV), intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD), photomultiplier tube (PMT), and Cassegrain optical systems. The global and local heat release fluctuations of the LPSF were shown by CH*/OH* chemiluminescence and temperature measurements. Results show that the FDF features maximum and minimum gain values in the acoustic frequency range of 90-240 Hz and reaches local maximum peaks at 110 and 180 Hz and local minimum peaks at 160 Hz. It can also be observed that varying velocity amplitudes (0-0.5) have greater effects on the gain and phase of FDF than changing equivalence ratios (0.75-1) for lean swirling flames. Higher velocity amplitudes more effectively intensified the compression of the flame length, which enhanced the mixing of the high-burning gas and the unburned gas, and then heat release fluctuations increased. However, it is more interesting that the effects of hydrogen addition on the combustion instability of the LPSF show a completely opposite phenomenon due to acoustic frequency under all experimental conditions. The FDFs were compared at typical frequencies of 140 and 180 Hz, and it was found that combustion instability enhanced with increasing hydrogen content at 140 Hz while weakened at 180 Hz. The flow field of PIV images shows that it is related to the location and development of vortices in the flame with varying acoustic frequencies. The intensity of OH*/CH* chemiluminescence, local temperature, and heat release rate show the same changing trend with the flame morphology for two acoustic parameters with the increasing hydrogen content in the LPSF. This directly affects the compression and curvature of the LPSF and thereby changes the mixture and temperature of the combustible gas, which influence the heat release fluctuation of the LPSF.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of anthocyanin synthesis in black and pink peanut.

In recent years, black testa peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) has been favored because of its nutritional value and health function. To explore the genetic basis of peanut testa color, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to sequence the transcriptome of black testa peanut 'ZH9' and pink testa peanut 'ZH8.' Over 18 million high-quality reads were assembled into 49,404-52,578 genes for these two cultivars using a combined assembly strategy. Totally, 4,122 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between ZH8 and ZH9, among which 1317 (32%) were up-regulated and 2805 (68%) were down-regulated. KEGG analysis showed that the pathways of anthocyanin biosynthesis, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were in the top 20 differentially expressed genes enriched pathways. Further analysis showed that the formation of the black color of ZH9 testa was mainly due to the reduction of lignin biosynthesis and isoflavonoid biosynthesis, and as a result, more substrate flow to anthocyanin biosynthesis. The up-regulation of all genes associated with DFR, a key enzyme determining flavonoid synthesis or anthocyanin synthesis in the flavonoid metabolic pathway, is also a strategy for increasing dihydroflavonol, a substrate for anthocyanin and flavonol biosynthesis. In addition, we identified three up-regulated R2R3MYB transcription factors associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis in ZH9. Finally, we verified the expressions of 15 genes that encode key enzymes and transcription factors using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).

Experience of Medical Disputes, Medical Disturbances, Verbal and Physical Violence, and Burnout Among Physicians in China.

BACKGROUND: Medical disputes, medical disturbances, verbal and physical violence against physicians, and burnout have reached epidemic levels. They may negatively impact both physicians and the healthcare system. The experience of medical disputes, medical disturbances, verbal, and physical violence, and burnout and the correlates in physicians working in public hospitals in China needed to be investigated. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional survey study was conducted between 18 and 31 March 2019. An anonymous online questionnaire was administered. The questionnaire included the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (Chinese version). We also collected data on demographic and job-related factors, as well as physicians' experiences of medical disputes, medical disturbances, verbal and physical violence from patients and the patients' family members. FINDINGS: In total, 22,213 physicians from 144 tertiary public hospitals in all of China's 31 provinces completed the survey. The overall burnout rate among the surveyed physicians was 31.28%. Moreover, 33.48% of physicians experienced disputes, 20.86% experienced disturbances, 48.52% experienced verbal violence, and 5.84% experienced physical violence in the past 12 months. Factors found to be significantly associated with burnout included younger age, being divorced or widowed, having a lower educational background, working in internal medicine departments, longer working hours per day, working in general hospitals, being in East China, as well as having experienced disputes, disturbances, and physical and verbal violence. INTERPRETATION: Close to a third of the Chinese doctors working in the tertiary hospitals reportedly experienced burnout, and the problem is related to the unsafe working environment caused by the worsening doctor-patient relationship.

Enhanced acetone sensor based on Au functionalized In-doped ZnSnO3 nanofibers synthesized by electrospinning method.

Nobel metal modification could be a valuable method for the fabrication of advanced chemiresistive gas sensor. Herein, a series of Au loaded In-doped ZnSnO3 nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning technique. The crystal structure, morphology and chemical composition of the synthesized materials were characterized by field-emission X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauere-Emmette-Teller (BET) analyses. The optimal sensor, which was based on 0.25 mol% Au loaded In-doped ZnSnO3 nanofibers, could detect 50 ppm acetone effectively, it possessed a high response (19.3) and fast response/recovery time (10/13 s) at low operating temperature (200 °C). The enhanced gas sensing performance was mainly derived from proper introduction of Au. Since the electronic catalysis of Au nanoparticles created Schottky barrier-type junctions at Au and ZnSnO3 interfaces which could cause tremendous change of resistance and induce to high sensitivity, meanwhile the chemical catalysis of Au nanoparticles promoted the chemisorption and dissociation of gas molecules which could accelerate the reaction with gas sensing material. Moreover, the Au loaded In-doped ZnSnO3 sensors displayed certain stability under different humidity condition, it meant that the negative influence of water vapor on gas sensing performance could be inhibited by loading Au nanoparticles.

Typhoons increase the abundance of microplastics in the marine environment and cultured organisms: A case study in Sanggou Bay, China.

Microplastic contamination in the ocean has emerged as an environmental issue of global importance. The most effective strategy to control microplastic pollution is to reduce the terrestrial input, but severe weather conditions make it difficult. This study investigated microplastic abundance and characteristics in the seawater, sediments, and cultured oysters (Crassostrea gigas) of Sanggou Bay (China) before and after two typhoons with an average rainfall of 19.2 mm/d over 8 days. Prior to the typhoons, microplastic levels in the seawater, sediment, and oysters were 63.6 ±â€¯37.4 items/L, 2178 ±â€¯369 items/kg, and 41.0 ±â€¯15.5 items/individual, with fibers being the predominant shape. Typhoons increased the average concentrations of microplastics in the seawater and sediments by approximately 40%, and the proportions of fragments, spherules, and granules in the sediments increased by 9.6%, 4.0%, and 4.3%, respectively. The majority of microplastics in seawater, sediments, and oysters collected before the typhoons could be grouped into sizes of 0.1-0.5 mm (36.7%), 0.05-0.1 mm (42.6%), and 0.1-0.5 mm (47.1%), respectively. After the typhoons, the most abundant size classes of microplastics in the three environmental compartments were 0.05-0.1 mm (39.2%) for seawater, 0.1-0.5 mm (37.1%) for sediments, and 0.05-0.1 mm (29.9%) for oysters. The typhoons also altered color distribution of microplastics and increased the proportions of polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate in seawater. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy showed that organic matter and heavy metals were present on the microplastics collected from oysters. Our results suggest that weather conditions should be considered when investigating marine microplastics.