Hypoxia-induced Semaphorin 3A promotes the development of endometriosis through regulating macrophage polarization.

BACKGROUND: Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is a member of neural guidance factor family well-known for inducing the collapse of nerve cell growth cone and regulating nerve redistribution. It also has been characterized as an immunoregulatory and tumor promoting factor. Our previous study showed that Sema3A was involved in the regulation of sympathetic innervation and neuropathic pain of endometriosis. Nevertheless, the role of Sema3A in the development of endometriosis and its potential upstreaming factor are still not clear. METHODS: Histology experiments were carried to detect the expression of Sema3A, hypoxia -inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and the distribution of macrophages. Cell experiments were used to explore the effect of Sema3A on the proliferation and migration of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and to confirm the regulatory action of HIF-1α on Sema3A. In vivo experiments were carried out to explore the role of Sema3A on the development of endometriosis. RESULTS: Sema3A was highly expressed in endometriotic lesions and could enhanced the proliferation and migration abilities of ESCs. Aberrant macrophage distribution was found in endometriotic lesions. Sema3A also promoted the differentiation of monocytes into anti-inflammatory macrophages, so indirectly mediating the proliferation and migration of ESCs. Hypoxic microenvironment induced Sema3A mRNA and protein expression in ESCs via HIF-1α. Administration of Sema3A promoted the development of endometriosis in a mouse model. CONCLUSIONS: Sema3A, which is regulated by HIF-1α, is a promoting factor for the development of endometriosis. Targeting Sema3A may be a potential treatment strategy to control endometriotic lesions.

Invasion of Trifolium repens L. aggravated by biodegradable plastics: adjustable strategy for foraging N and P.

The invasion of alien plant and the pollution caused by soil microplastics have emerged as significant ecological threats. Recent studies have demonstrated aggravating effect of non-biodegradable microplastics on plant invasion. However, the impact of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) on plant invasion remains unclear. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the impact of BMPs on plant invasion. In this study, a 30-day potting experiment with Trifolium repens L. (an invasive plant) and Oxalis corniculata L. (a native plant) was conducted to evaluate the influence of BMPs on T. repens's invasion. The findings revealed that BMPs results in a reduction in available N and P contents, thereby facilitating the colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on T. repens 's roots. Consequently, T. repens adjusted its N and P foraging strategy by increasing P absorption ratio, and enhancing the accumulation of N and P in leaves. This ultimately led to the decrease of relative neighbor effect index of T. repens, indicating an aggravated invasion by T. repens. This study significantly enhances and expands the understanding of mechanisms by which microplastics aggravate plant invasion.

Molecularly imprinted beads based on modified cellulose hydrogel:A novel solid phase extraction filler for specific adsorption of camptothecin.

Traditional solid phase extraction (SPE) suffers from a lack of specific adsorption. To overcome this problem, a combination of adsorption method and molecular imprinting technology by polydopamine modification was proposed to realize specific recognition of target compounds in SPE, which is of great significance to improve the separation efficiency of SPE. Cellulose hydrogel beads were prepared by dual cross-linking curing method and modified with polydopamine to make them hydrophilic and biocompatible. Subsequently, cellulose hydrogel-based molecularly imprinted beads (MIBs) were synthesized by surface molecular imprinting technology and used as novel column fillers in SPE to achieve efficient adsorption (34.16 mg·g-1) with specific selectivity towards camptothecin (CPT) in 120 min. The simulation and NMR analysis revealed that recognition mechanism of MIBs involved hydrogen bond interactions and Van der Waals effect. The MIBs were successful used in separating CPT from Camptotheca acuminata fruits, exhibiting impressive adsorption capacity (1.19 mg·g-1) and efficient recovery of CPT (81.54 %). Thus, an environmentally friendly column filler for SPE was developed, offering a promising avenue for utilizing cellulose-based materials in the selective separation of natural products.

Different dose aspirin plus immunoglobulin (DAPI) for prevention of coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease: Study protocol for a multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded end-point, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Kawasaki disease is a pediatric acute systemic vasculitis that specifically involves the coronary arteries. Timely initiation of immunoglobulin plus aspirin is necessary for diminishing the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs). The optimal dose of aspirin, however, remains controversial. The trial aims to evaluate if low-dose aspirin is noninferior to moderate-dose in reducing the risk of CAAs during the initial treatment of Kawasaki disease. METHODS: This is a multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint, noninferiority trial to be conducted in China. The planned study duration is from 2023 to 2026. Data will be analyzed according to intention-to-treat principles. Participants are children and adolescents under the age of 18 with Kawasaki disease, recruited from the inpatient units. A sample size of 1,346 participants will provide 80% power with a one-sided significance level of 0.025. Qualifying children will be randomized (1:1) to receive either intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg) plus oral moderate-dose aspirin (30-50 mg·kg-1·d-1) until the patient is afebrile for at least 48 hours, or immunoglobulin plus low-dose aspirin (3-5 mg·kg-1·d-1) as initial treatment. The primary outcome will be the occurrence of CAAs at 8 weeks after immunoglobulin infusion. Independent blinded pediatric cardiologists will assess the primary endpoint using echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: There is a shortage of consensus on the dose of aspirin therapy for Kawasaki disease due to the lack of evidence. The results of our randomized trial will provide more concrete evidence for the efficacy and adverse events of low- or moderate-dose aspirin in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR2300072686.

Silver-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Remote Fluorination via a Zwitterion-Promoted 1,4-Heteroaryl Migration.

A silver-catalyzed decarboxylative remote fluorination via a zwitterion-promoted 1,4-heteroaryl migration has been developed. A variety of heteroaryl-tethered benzyl fluorides have been readily synthesized with good regioselectivity under mild conditions. The zwitterion of the substrate is suggested to accelerate the 1,4-heteroaryl migration, which determines the regioselectivity of this transformation.

Characterization and Identification of Drought-Responsive ABA-Aldehyde Oxidase (AAO) Genes in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important stress hormone that affects plants' tolerance to stress. Changes in the content of abscisic can have an impact on plant responses to abiotic stress. The abscisic acid aldehyde oxidase (AAO) plays a crucial role in the final step in the synthesis of abscisic acid; therefore, understanding the function of the AAO gene family is of great significance for insight into plants' response to abiotic stresses. In this study, Solanum tuberosum AAO (StAAO) members were exhaustively explored using genome databases, and nine StAAOs were identified. Chromosomal location analysis indicated that StAAO genes mapped to 4 of the 14 potato chromosomes. Further analyses of gene structure and motif composition showed that members of the specific StAAO subfamily showed relatively conserved characteristics. Phylogenetic relationship analysis indicated that StAAOs proteins were divided into three major clades. Promoter analysis showed that most StAAO promoters contained cis-elements related to abiotic stress response and plant hormones. The results of tissue-specific expression analysis indicated that StAAO4 was predominantly expressed in the roots. Analysis of transcriptome data revealed that StAAO2/4/6 genes responded significantly to drought treatments. Moreover, further qRT-PCR analysis results indicated that StAAO2/4/6 not only significantly responded to drought stress but also to various phytohormone (ABA, SA, and MeJA) and abiotic stresses (salt and low temperature), albeit with different expression patterns. In summary, our study provides comprehensive insights into the sequence characteristics, structural properties, evolutionary relationships, and expression patterns of the StAAO gene family. These findings lay the foundation for a deeper understanding of the StAAO gene family and offer a potential genetic resource for breeding drought-resistant potato varieties.

Photoinduced Copper-Catalyzed Enantioconvergent Remote Alkynylation via 1,4-Heteroaryl Migration.

A photoinduced copper-catalyzed enantioconvergent remote alkynylation of N-hydroxyphthalimide esters with terminal alkynes via 1,4-heteroaryl migration has been developed. A broad scope of heteroaryl-tethered chiral alkynes has been synthesized with good regio- and enantioselectivities. The chiral-ligand-coordinated copper species plays a dual role as both the photoredox and cross-coupling catalyst. This methodology provides a new platform for enantioconvergent remote alkynylations.

Corrigendum: Association between precocious puberty and obesity risk in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1226933.].

Blame others but hurt yourself: blaming or sympathetic attitudes toward victims of COVID-19 and how it alters one's health status.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the relationship between blame/sympathy and blamer's/sympathizer's perceived health status. DESIGN: We recruited participants via an online survey platform. Study 1 was a cross-sectional study using data (N = 3304, Mage = 28.22, SDage = 7.92, and 39.3% female) collected from 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions of China on February 3, 2020. Study 2 used the daily diary method collecting data from February 4 to 9, 2020. Sample (N = 2456, Mage = 28.49, SDage = 7.49, and 39.4% were female) was obtained by inviting participants in Study 1 on the same platform. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported health status and life satisfaction. RESULTS: In Study 1, blame was negatively associated with perceived health status, while sympathy was positively associated with it. Negative emotions and risk perception are the underlying mechanisms, but neither of them has effects on the relationship between sympathy and perceived health status. Study 2 replicated these results using multilevel analysis. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the importance of people's attitudes on perceived health status. While sympathy is positively related to perceived health status, blaming has a negative association with perceived health status. Negative emotions and risk perceptions are the underlying mechanisms.

Comprehensive Analysis of GH3 Gene Family in Potato and Functional Characterization of StGH3.3 under Drought Stress.

As an important hormone response gene, Gretchen Hagen 3 (GH3) maintains hormonal homeostasis by conjugating excess auxin with amino acids during plant stress-related signaling pathways. GH3 genes have been characterized in many plant species, but they are rarely reported in potato. Here, 19 StGH3 genes were isolated and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that StGH3s were divided into two categories (group I and group III). Analyses of gene structure and motif composition showed that the members of a specific StGH3 subfamily are relatively conserved. Collinearity analysis of StGH3 genes in potato and other plants laid a foundation for further exploring the evolutionary characteristics of the StGH3 genes. Promoter analysis showed that most StGH3 promoters contained hormone and abiotic stress response elements. Multiple transcriptome studies indicated that some StGH3 genes were responsive to ABA, water deficits, and salt treatments. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis indicated that StGH3 genes could be induced by phytohormones (ABA, SA, and MeJA) and abiotic stresses (water deficit, high salt, and low temperature), although with different patterns. Furthermore, transgenic tobacco with transient overexpression of the StGH3.3 gene showed positive regulation in response to water deficits by increasing proline accumulation and reducing the leaf water loss rate. These results suggested that StGH3 genes may be involved in the response to abiotic stress through hormonal signal pathways. Overall, this study provides useful insights into the evolution and function of StGH3s and lays a foundation for further study on the molecular mechanisms of StGH3s in the regulation of potato drought resistance.

A seminested recombinase polymerase amplification assay to detect rickettsial pathogens in clinical samples.

Treatment at the early stage of onset is vital for the prognosis of rickettsioses. But the absence of specific clinical symptoms complicates the diagnosis of this condition. Herein we established a seminested recombinase polymerase amplification assay (snRPA-nfo) that enables quick detection and differentiation of rickettsial pathogens in clinical samples with high sensitivity and specificity. The conserved 17-kDa protein gene of Rickettsia sibirica and the 47-kDa protein gene of Orientia tsutsugamushi were targeted for the duplex RPA-nfo assay. The snRPA-nfo assay exhibited an increased LOD in spiked blood samples, up to 1000-fold in comparison to standard RPA-nfo, and a better detection rate (83.3%, 5/6) than TaqMan PCR (16.6%, 1/6, Ct ≤ 35) in clinically confirmed patient blood samples. Thus, snRPA-nfo assay represents a promising alternative to TaqMan PCR in the early diagnosis of rickettsioses for point-of-care testing as well as in resource-limited settings.

Association between precocious puberty and obesity risk in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between early onset puberty and the risk of different forms of obesity in children. Methods: The databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for relevant studies. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of obesity in precocious puberty were calculated using Stata software 14.0. A fixed-effects model was used if P > 0.1 and I2 ≤ 50%. Otherwise, a random-effects model was used. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. Result: The pooling analysis showed that precocious puberty in girls was associated with a higher risk of obesity (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.76-2.24; I2 = 0.00%, P < 0.001). Girls with a history of precocious puberty were found to have an increased risk of general obesity (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.62-2.55; I2 = 22.2%, P < 0.001), central obesity (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.70-2.26; I2 = 0.00%, P < 0.001), and overweight (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.68-2.46; I2 = 5.1%, P < 0.001). The pooled analysis showed that precocious puberty in boys was not associated with an increased risk of obesity (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.86-1.51; I2 = 50.6%, P = 0.369). In boys, the occurrence of precocious puberty was not associated with an elevated risk of general obesity (OR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.40-2.27; I2 = 79.6%, P = 0.922), central obesity (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 0.96-1.43; I2 = 0.00%, P = 0.125), or overweight (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.56-1.88; I2 = 74.4%, P = 0.930). Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that the onset of puberty at an early age in girls is associated with an increased risk of obesity, however precocious puberty in boy was not associated with an increased risk of obesity. These findings highlight that precocious puberty should be considered an independent risk factor for obesity in girls. Systematic Review Registration: CRD42023404479.

Gut dysbiosis-derived ß-glucuronidase promotes the development of endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of gut dysbiosis-derived ß-glucuronidase (GUSB) in the development of endometriosis (EMs). DESIGN: 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples from women with (n = 35) or without (n = 30) endometriosis and from a mouse model was conducted to assess gut microbiome changes and identify molecular factors influencing the development of endometriosis. Experiments in vivo in an endometriosis C57BL6 mouse model and in vitro verified the level of GUSB and its role in the development of EMs. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases. PATIENT(S): Women of reproductive age with a histological diagnosis of endometriosis were enrolled in the endometriosis group (n = 35) and infertile or healthy age-matched women who had undergone a gynecological or radiological examination in the control group (n = 30). Fecal and blood samples were taken the day before surgery. Paraffin-embedded sections from 50 bowel endometriotic lesions, 50 uterosacral lesions, 50 samples without lesions, and 50 normal endometria were collected. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Changes in the gut microbiome of patients with EMs and mice and the effect of ß-glucuronidase on the proliferation and invasion of endometrial stromal cells and the development of endometriotic lesions were assessed. RESULT(S): No difference in α and ß diversity was found between patients with EMs and controls. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed higher ß-glucuronidase expression in bowel lesions and uterosacral ligament lesions than in the normal endometrium (p<0.01). ß-Glucuronidase promoted the proliferation and migration of endometrial stromal cells during cell counting kit-8, Transwell, and wound-healing assays. Macrophage levels, especially M2, were higher in bowel lesions and uterosacral ligament lesions than in controls, and ß-glucuronidase promoted the M0 to M2 transition. Medium conditioned by ß-glucuronidase-treated macrophages promoted endometrial stromal cell proliferation and migration. ß-Glucuronidase increased the number and volume of endometriotic lesions and number of macrophages present in lesions in the mouse EMs model. CONCLUSION(S): This ß-Glucuronidase promoted EMs development directly or indirectly by causing macrophage dysfunction. The characterization of the pathogenic role of ß-glucuronidase in EMs has potential therapeutic implications.

SLC26A4-AS1 Aggravates AngII-induced Cardiac Hypertrophy by Enhancing SLC26A4 Expression. / SLC26A4-AS1 Agrava a Hipertrofia Cardíaca Induzida por AngII Aumentando a Expressão de SLC26A4.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that solute carrier family 26 members 4 antisense RNA 1 (SLC26A4-AS1) is highly related to cardiac hypertrophy. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to investigate the role and specific mechanism of SLC26A4-AS1 in cardiac hypertrophy, providing a novel marker for cardiac hypertrophy treatment. METHODS: Angiotensin II (AngII) was infused into neonatal mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes (NMVCs) to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Gene expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Protein levels were evaluated via western blot. Functional assays analyzed the role of SLC26A4-AS1. The mechanism of SLC26A4-AS1 was assessed by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assays. The P value <0.05 was identified as statistical significance. Student's t-test evaluated the two-group comparison. The difference between different groups was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: SLC26A4-AS1 is upregulated in AngII-treated NMVCs and promotes AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy. SLC26A4-AS1 regulates its nearby gene solute carrier family 26 members 4 (SLC26A4) via functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to modulate the microRNA (miR)-301a-3p and miR-301b-3p in NMVCs. SLC26A4-AS1 promotes AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy via upregulating SLC26A4 or sponging miR-301a-3p/miR-301b-3p. CONCLUSION: SLC26A4-AS1 aggravates AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy via sponging miR-301a-3p or miR-301b-3p to enhance SLC26A4 expression.

FUNDAMENTO: Foi relatado que o RNA 1 antisenso 1 (SLC26A4-AS1) do membro 4 da família de transportadores de soluto 26 está altamente relacionado à hipertrofia cardíaca. OBJETIVO: Esta pesquisa visa investigar o papel e o mecanismo específicos de SLC26A4-AS1 na hipertrofia cardíaca, fornecendo um novo marcador para o tratamento da hipertrofia cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Angiotensina II (AngII) foi infundida em cardiomiócitos ventriculares (NMVCs) de camundongos neonatos para induzir hipertrofia cardíaca. A expressão gênica foi detectada por PCR quantitativo em tempo real (RT-qPCR). Os níveis de proteína foram avaliados por western blot. Ensaios funcionais analisaram o papel de SLC26A4-AS1. O mecanismo de SLC26A4-AS1 foi avaliado por imunoprecipitação de proteína de ligação a RNA (RIP), pull-down de RNA e ensaios de luciferase repórter. O valor de p < 0,05 foi identificado como significância estatística. O teste t de Student avaliou a comparação dos dois grupos. A diferença entre os diferentes grupos foi analisada por análise de variância (ANOVA) de uma via. RESULTADOS: SLC26A4-AS1 é regulado para cima em NMVCs tratados com AngII e promove hipertrofia cardíaca induzida por AngII. SLC26A4-AS1 regula o membro 4 da família de transportadores de soluto 26 (SLC26A4) por meio do funcionamento como um RNA endógeno competitivo (ceRNA) para modular o microRNA (miR)-301a-3p e o miR-301b-3p em NMVCs. SLC26A4-AS1 promove hipertrofia cardíaca induzida por AngII via regulação para cima de SLC26A4 ou absorção de miR-301a-3p/miR-301b-3p. CONCLUSÃO: SLC26A4-AS1 agrava a hipertrofia cardíaca induzida por AngII via absorção de miR-301a-3p ou miR-301b-3p para aumentar a expressão de SLC26A4.

Genomic bacterial load associated with bacterial genotypes and clinical characteristics in patients with scrub typhus in Hainan Island, Southern China.

Scrub typhus, caused by mite-borne Orientia tsutsugamushi (O. tsutsugamushi), is a major febrile disease in the Asia-Pacific region. The DNA load of O. tsutsugamushi in the blood was previously found to be significantly higher in patients with fatal disease than those with non-fatal disease and correlated with the duration of illness, presence of eschar, and hepatic enzyme levels. In this prospective observation study, we analyzed the association of bacterial DNA load with clinical features, disease severity, and genotype using real-time PCR targeting the 56 kDa TSA gene of O. tsutsugamushi in the blood samples of 117 surviving patients with scrub typhus who had not received appropriate antibiotic treatment. The median O. tsutsugamushi DNA load was 3.11×103 copies/mL (range, 44 to 3.3×106 copies/mL). The severity of patients was categorized as mild, moderate, and severe based on the number of dysfunctional organs, and no significant difference in O. tsutsugamushi DNA load was found among these groups. Patients infected with the Karp group showed a significantly higher O. tsutsugamushi DNA load than those in the Gilliam (P < 0.05) and TA763 (P < 0.01) groups. Patients belonging to the Li ethnic group showed a significantly higher DNA load than those in the Han ethnic groups. The blood bacterial DNA load of patients showed no significant difference between groups divided by gender, age, with or without eschar, or the season of disease onset. The highest body temperature recorded during fever onset was positively correlated with O. tsutsugamushi DNA load (ρ = 0.272, P = 0.022). Correlation analyses indicated that the serum total bilirubin level was positively correlated with O. tsutsugamushi DNA load. In conclusion, the findings in this study demonstrated the association of DNA load of O. tsutsugamushi with the severity and genotype in patients with scrub typhus in Hainan, China.

Saliva microbiome alterations in dental fluorosis population.

Background: We aimed to explore saliva microbiome alterations in dental fluorosis population. Methods: The prevalence of dental fluorosis was examined in 957 college students. Dean's fluorosis index was used to evaluate the dental fluorosis status. Changes in the composition of the salivary microbiome were assessed in a subset of these patients (100 healthy controls, 100 dental fluorosis patients). Results: Dental fluorosis affected 47% of the student sample, and incidence was unrelated to gender. Compared with healthy controls, the microbiota of patients with dental fluorosis exhibited increased diversity, with increased abundance of Treponema lecithinolyticum, Vibrio metschnikovii, Cupriavidus pauculus, Pseudomonas, Pseudomonadaceae, Pseudomonadales, and decreased abundance of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Gemella, and Staphylococcales. Function analyses showed increases in arginine biosynthesis in patients affected by dental fluorosis, together with reductions in amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Conclusions: These results suggest that there are striking differences in salivary microbiome between healthy controls and dental fluorosis patients. Dental fluorosis may contribute to periodontitis and systemic lung diseases. There is a need for cohort studies to determine whether altering the salivary microbiota in dental fluorosis patients can alter the development of oral or systemic diseases.

Nitrogen transfer and transformation in bioretention cells under low temperature conditions.

The nitrogen removal effect of traditional bioretention cells is generally poor under low temperature conditions, with significant levels of fluctuation and leaching often reported. Therefore, the migration characteristics of nitrogen were explored in bioretention cells under low temperature conditions, with the aim of improving the nitrogen removal effect. Four groups of modified collapsible loess bioretention cells were constructed and operated at 1, 5, 10 and 25 °C. The nitrogen removal effect of the cells was determined at different temperatures and the nitrogen migration and transformation characteristics under low temperature conditions were discussed. Experimental results showed that during the rainfall period, the ammonia nitrogen removal efficiency remained similar at different temperatures (above 97 %), while the nitrate nitrogen removal efficiency varied significantly at 1, 5, 10 and 25 °C, from 28.15 %-65.22 %, 96.68 %-98.8 %, 96.75 %-98.88 % and 80.14 %-96.72 %, respectively. In addition, nitrate nitrogen accumulation occurred in the filler during rainfall events, with lower temperature conditions increasing the final concentration of nitrate nitrogen accumulated. Following a rainfall event, the content of nitrate nitrogen in the filler decreased significantly over a 60 h dry period. However, the nitrate nitrogen reduction rate was significantly lower under low temperature conditions, than at 25 °C. Overall, low temperature conditions had a negative effect on the accumulation of nitrate nitrogen in the filler during rainfall events, as well as the transformation and migration of nitrate nitrogen within the filler during drought periods, with the adverse effects most significant at temperatures lower than 5 °C.

Neuron Coverage-Guided Domain Generalization.

This paper focuses on the domain generalization task where domain knowledge is unavailable, and even worse, only samples from a single domain can be utilized during training. Our motivation originates from the recent progresses in deep neural network (DNN) testing, which has shown that maximizing neuron coverage of DNN can help to explore possible defects of DNN (i.e., misclassification). More specifically, by treating the DNN as a program and each neuron as a functional point of the code, during the network training we aim to improve the generalization capability by maximizing the neuron coverage of DNN with the gradient similarity regularization between the original and augmented samples. As such, the decision behavior of the DNN is optimized, avoiding the arbitrary neurons that are deleterious for the unseen samples, and leading to the trained DNN that can be better generalized to out-of-distribution samples. Extensive studies on various domain generalization tasks based on both single and multiple domain(s) setting demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach compared with state-of-the-art baseline methods. We also analyze our method by conducting visualization based on network dissection. The results further provide useful evidence on the rationality and effectiveness of our approach.

Past lesson works: SARS memory moderates the relationship between media use and protective behavior during COVID-19 pandemic in China.

COVID-19 has become one of the top global health concerns. The present research examined the relationship between media use and protective behavior. The moderating role of SARS memory was also examined. A cross-sectional study found that media use was associated with more protective behaviors (i.e. preventive behavior, and avoidant behavior). We further found that SARS memory moderated the association between media use and avoidant behavior. Moreover, the moderating role of SARS memory on the relationship between daily media use and daily protective behavior was again tested using a daily design in Study 2. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Effects of freeze-thaw cycles on nutrient removal from bioretention cells.

There have been numerous summaries of the runoff purification characteristics of bioretention cells in warm climates. However, little has been done on the effects of freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) that frequently occur in cold regions on bioretention cell performance. Three experimental columns were constructed to simulate the operation of the bioretention cell under the FTCs. The effects of FTCs on the nutrient removal efficiency of different filling bioretention cells were analyzed. The results showed that the ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) concentration in the effluent of the wood chip bioretention cell under the T3 conditions (WBCF) (2.35 mg/L) was significantly higher than that of the wood chip bioretention cell operating at room temperature (WBCR) (0.62 mg/L). The effluent NH4+-N concentration of aluminum sludge bioretention cell (ABCF) (0.096 mg/L) under the FTCs was lower than that of WBCF (0.91 mg/L). Under the T3 condition, the effluent nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations of WBCF (5.33 mg/L and 8.86 mg/L) were higher than those of WBCR (5 mg/L and 6.11 mg/L) at room temperature. Under FTCs conditions, both WBCF and ABCF had high NO3--N removal efficiency (up to 85.87% and 24.75%) at the initial stage of thawing of the filler, and the efficiency gradually decreased with the thawing of the filler. With the increase of FTCs, the NO3--N removal efficiency of WBCF gradually decreased (always higher than 13.6%), while the removal efficiency of ABCF fluctuated wildly (the removal efficiency was primarily negative). The total phosphorus (TP) concentration in the effluent of WBCF (0.11 mg/L) under the T3 conditions was lower than that of WBCR (0.02 mg/L) at room temperature, and the TP concentration of ABCF (0.021 mg/L) in the effluent under the FTCs was slightly lower than that of WBCF (0.031 mg/L). The FTCs have a more significant impact on removing nitrogen pollutants in runoff, but have little effect on phosphorus. Compared with aluminum sludge, wood chips are more suitable for efficient removal of nitrogen pollutants in runoff under the FTCs. The experimental conclusions can provide a reference for the construction of bioretention cells in cold regions.