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BACKGROUND: Whole plant senescence represents the final stage in the life cycle of annual plants, characterized by the decomposition of aging organs and transfer of nutrients to seeds, thereby ensuring the survival of next generation. However, the transcriptomic profile of vegetative organs during this death process remains to be fully elucidated, especially regarding the distinctions between natural programmed death and artificial sudden death induced by herbicide. RESULTS: Differential genes expression analysis using RNA-seq in leaves and roots of Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that natural senescence commenced in leaves at 45-52 days after planting, followed by roots initiated at 52-60 days. Additionally, both organs exhibited similarities with artificially induced senescence by glyphosate. Transcription factors Rap2.6L and WKRY75 appeared to serve as central mediators of regulatory changes during natural senescence, as indicated by co-expression networks. Furthermore, the upregulation of RRTF1, exclusively observed during natural death, suggested its role as a regulator of jasmonic acid and reactive oxygen species (ROS) responses, potentially triggering nitrogen recycling in leaves, such as the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) shunt. Root senescence was characterized by the activation of AMT2;1 and GLN1;3, facilitating ammonium availability for root-to-shoot translocation, likely under the regulation of PDF2.1. CONCLUSIONS: Our study offers valuable insights into the transcriptomic interplay between phytohormones and ROS during whole plant senescence. We observed distinct regulatory networks governing nitrogen utilization in leaf and root senescence processes. Furthermore, the efficient allocation of energy from vegetative organs to seeds emerges as a critical determinant of population sustainability of annual Arabidopsis.
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Arabidopsis , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las Plantas , Herbicidas , Senescencia de la Planta , Arabidopsis/genética , Arabidopsis/crecimiento & desarrollo , Arabidopsis/efectos de los fármacos , Arabidopsis/metabolismo , Herbicidas/farmacología , Herbicidas/toxicidad , Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las Plantas/efectos de los fármacos , Senescencia de la Planta/genética , Hojas de la Planta/efectos de los fármacos , Hojas de la Planta/genética , Hojas de la Planta/metabolismo , Hojas de la Planta/crecimiento & desarrollo , Raíces de Plantas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Raíces de Plantas/efectos de los fármacos , Raíces de Plantas/metabolismo , Raíces de Plantas/genética , Transcriptoma , Proteínas de Arabidopsis/genética , Proteínas de Arabidopsis/metabolismo , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Factores de Transcripción/genética , Factores de Transcripción/metabolismoRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced (CE) ultrasound using Sonazoid (SNZ-CEUS) by comparing with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) for differentiating benign and malignant renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 306 consecutive patients (from 7 centers) with renal masses (40 benign tumors, 266 malignant tumors) diagnosed by both SNZ-CEUS, CE-CT or CE-MRI were enrolled between September 2020 and February 2021. The examinations were performed within 7 days, but the sequence was not fixed. Histologic results were available for 301 of 306 (98.37%) lesions and 5 lesions were considered benign after at least 2 year follow-up without change in size and image characteristics. The diagnostic performances were evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and compared by McNemar's test. RESULTS: In the head-to-head comparison, SNZ-CEUS and CE-MRI had comparable sensitivity (95.60 vs. 94.51%, P = 0.997), specificity (65.22 vs. 73.91%, P = 0.752), positive predictive value (91.58 vs. 93.48%) and negative predictive value (78.95 vs. 77.27%); SNZ-CEUS and CE-CT showed similar sensitivity (97.31 vs. 96.24%, P = 0.724); however, SNZ-CEUS had relatively lower than specificity than CE-CT (59.09 vs. 68.18%, P = 0.683). For nodules > 4 cm, CE-MRI demonstrated higher specificity than SNZ-CEUS (90.91 vs. 72.73%, P = 0.617) without compromise the sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: SNZ-CEUS, CE-CT, and CE-MRI demonstrate desirable and comparable sensitivity for the differentiation of renal mass. However, the specificity of all three imaging modalities is not satisfactory. SNZ-CEUS may be a suitable alternative modality for patients with renal dysfunction and those allergic to gadolinium or iodine-based agents.
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Medios de Contraste , Compuestos Férricos , Hierro , Neoplasias Renales , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Óxidos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Ultrasonografía , Humanos , Neoplasias Renales/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias Renales/patología , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Ultrasonografía/métodos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Anciano , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Adulto , Anciano de 80 o más AñosRESUMEN
The critical roles of NF-κB Inducing Kinase (NIK) in tumor progression have been elucidated in various tumors; however, its effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression are still confusing. Here, we found that NIK level was upregulated in HCC tissues compared to that of normal tissues, and positively correlated with the levels of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers. Then we established HCC cells with NIK-stable knockdown and found that NIK knockdown suppressed the CSC-like traits of HCC cells through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Mechanistically, we revealed that SIX2 protein level, but not its mRNA level, was significantly reduced in HCC cells with NIK knockdown, which was rescued by MG132 treatment. Furthermore, NIK knockdown promoted the ubiquitination level of SIX2 and decreased its protein stability. Moreover, Six2 overexpression partially reversed the inhibition of NIK knockdown on the CSC-like traits of HCC cells. This study identified a novel NIK/SIX2 axis conferring HCC stemness.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Humanos , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proteínas de Homeodominio/genética , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Proteínas del Tejido Nervioso/genética , Quinasa de Factor Nuclear kappa B , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal , UbiquitinaRESUMEN
With the recent rapid changes in the medical environment and technology, traditional teaching methods are no longer sufficient to meet current professional needs. There is an increasing demand for emerging technologies in higher education, necessitating more interactive and personalized educational approaches. Hence, educators are exploring innovative teaching interventions, including digital simulations and gamified learning, to enhance motivation and engagement in learning. In this article, the concept and core elements of gamified learning are introduced and related methods applicable to nursing education such as digital simulations, virtual reality, tabletop games, and escape rooms are described. In addition, gamification teaching techniques that enhance student learning motivation as well as improve learning outcomes in theory and practice are discussed. Gamified learning enables nursing students to practice in rich and diverse interactive simulated environments. Using appropriate teaching strategies, the gamified approach to learning can strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication confidence in students. Designing game mechanisms and methods that align with educational objectives and mastering the key principles of gamified teaching is an effective approach to diversifying and enhancing the effectiveness of learning activities in the classroom.
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Educación en Enfermería , Aprendizaje , Humanos , Educación en Enfermería/métodos , Juegos de VideoRESUMEN
Aeromonas salmonicida is the typical pathogen causing furunculosis, reported widely in salmonids. Because of multiple serotypes, the control of A. salmonicida-caused disease has increasingly received much attention. Recently, A. salmonicida infection was reported in non-salmonid fish species. Here, a pathogenic A. salmonicida, named as As-s, was isolated from cultured snakehead (Channa argus) in a local fish farm in Shandong, China. As-s displayed clear hemolysis, amylase, and positive catalase activities, and grew at a wide range of temperatures (10-37 °C) and pH values (5.5-8.5). As-s was highly sensitive to cefuroxime sodium, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, piperacillin, and cefoperazone and also apparently sensitive to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and 25% cinnamaldehyde. The Virulence array protein gene cloning' results suggested that As-s has this gene compared with the other two vapA-containing strains, despite a close relationship of these strains via phylogenetic analysis. Severe ulcers on skin, muscle, and abnormal liver, and hemorrhage in pectoral/ventral fins and anal region were observed, and exophthalmos were also noticed in infected juvenile snakehead, as well as necrosis and infiltration of blood cells emerged in the internal organs using pathological section. In addition, As-s caused high mortality in snakehead, consistently with its immune gene response. This study reports the first isolation of vapA-absent A. salmonicida in snakehead.
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The 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD), a contaminant in Agent Orange released during the US-Vietnam War, led to a severe environmental crisis. Approximately, 50 years have passed since the end of this war, and vegetation has gradually recovered from the pollution. Soil bacterial communities were investigated by 16S metagenomics in habitats with different vegetation physiognomies in Central Vietnam, namely, forests (S0), barren land (S1), grassland (S2), and developing woods (S3). Vegetation complexity was negatively associated with TCDD concentrations, revealing the reasoning behind the utilization of vegetation physiognomy as an indicator for ecological succession along the gradient of pollutants. Stark changes in bacterial composition were detected between S0 and S1, with an increase in Firmicutes and a decrease in Acidobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Notably, dioxin digesters Arthrobacter, Rhodococcus, Comamonadaceae, and Bacialles were detected in highly contaminated soil (S1). Along the TCDD gradients, following the dioxin decay from S1 to S2, the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria decreased, while that of Acidobacteria increased; slight changes occurred at the phylum level from S2 to S3. Although metagenomics analyses disclosed a trend toward bacterial communities before contamination with vegetation recovery, non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis unveiled a new trajectory deviating from the native state. Recovery of the bacterial community may have been hindered, as indicated by lower bacterial diversity in S3 compared to S0 due to a significant loss of bacterial taxa and recruitment of fewer colonizers. The results indicate that dioxins significantly altered the soil microbiomes into a state of disorder with a deviating trajectory in restoration.
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Dioxinas , Microbiota , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas , Agente Naranja , Suelo , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/análisis , Bacterias/genética , Acidobacteria/genética , Firmicutes , Microbiología del Suelo , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genéticaRESUMEN
Conspecific male animals fight for resources such as food and mating opportunities but typically stop fighting after assessing their relative fighting abilities to avoid serious injuries. Physiologically, how the fighting behavior is controlled remains unknown. Using the fighting fish Betta splendens, we studied behavioral and brain-transcriptomic changes during the fight between the two opponents. At the behavioral level, surface-breathing, and biting/striking occurred only during intervals between mouth-locking. Eventually, the behaviors of the two opponents became synchronized, with each pair showing a unique behavioral pattern. At the physiological level, we examined the expression patterns of 23,306 brain transcripts using RNA-sequencing data from brains of fighting pairs after a 20-min (D20) and a 60-min (D60) fight. The two opponents in each D60 fighting pair showed a strong gene expression correlation, whereas those in D20 fighting pairs showed a weak correlation. Moreover, each fighting pair in the D60 group showed pair-specific gene expression patterns in a grade of membership analysis (GoM) and were grouped as a pair in the heatmap clustering. The observed pair-specific individualization in brain-transcriptomic synchronization (PIBS) suggested that this synchronization provides a physiological basis for the behavioral synchronization. An analysis using the synchronized genes in fighting pairs of the D60 group found genes enriched for ion transport, synaptic function, and learning and memory. Brain-transcriptomic synchronization could be a general phenomenon and may provide a new cornerstone with which to investigate coordinating and sustaining social interactions between two interacting partners of vertebrates.
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Conducta Animal/fisiología , Encéfalo/fisiología , Peces/fisiología , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/fisiología , Transcriptoma/fisiología , Agresión , Animales , Técnicas de Observación Conductual , Conducta Cooperativa , Relaciones Interpersonales , Transporte Iónico/fisiología , Aprendizaje/fisiología , Masculino , Memoria/fisiología , RNA-Seq , Grabación en VideoRESUMEN
The genetic identity of the reptilian tick, Amblyomma helvolum, infesting wild green iguanas (Iguana iguana) in Taiwan, was examined. Genetic identity was determined by analyzing the 16S mitochondrial DNA gene sequences obtained from 11 Taiwan A. helvolum compared with other Amblyomma species, with two Dermacentor species and two Rhipicephalus species serving as outgroups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the Taiwan specimens were genetically affiliated with a monophyletic group of A. helvolum and can be discriminated from other Amblyomma species. Our results provide the first genetic identification of adult A. helvolum ticks infesting wild iguanas in Taiwan. Further studies focused on the seasonal prevalence and vectorial capacity of A. helvolum for various tick-borne pathogens will help to clarify the epidemiological significance of this species and its impact on animal and human health in Taiwan.
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Iguanas , Ixodidae , Lagartos , Rhipicephalus , Infestaciones por Garrapatas , Animales , Humanos , Ixodidae/genética , Amblyomma , Taiwán , Filogenia , Infestaciones por Garrapatas/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Individuals in the asymptomatic incubation period of COVID-19 are highly contagious. This threat of asymptomatic transmission contributes to increased stress among nursing staffs and undermines their resilience. PURPOSE: This study was designed to explore the correlates and predictive factors of resilience in the contexts of work stress and job satisfaction among nursing staffs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed on a convenience sample of 408 nurses. The survey included a demographic datasheet, the Nurse Occupational Stressor Scale, Job Satisfaction Scale, and Resilience Scale. Inferential statistics were conducted using independent sample t test, Pearson correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The participants were an average 32.6 years old. The average resilience score indicated a "moderate" resilience level. Resilience was treated as the dependent variable, while the demographic variables, Nurse Occupational Stressor Scale score, and job satisfaction dimension scores were treated as independent variables. Stepwise regression analysis was used to identify the key predictors of resilience, which included professional autonomy and development (ß = .468, p <.001), occupational hazards (ß = .163, p <.001), interpersonal interaction and collaboration (ß = .223, p < .001), self-perceived economic status (ß = -.093, p < .05), supervisor's leadership style (ß = -.118, p < .05), and marital status (ß = .078, p < .05). The model explained 39.4% of the total variance. CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The results of this study support healthcare providers promoting resilience in several specific ways. Healthcare organizations should enhance professional competence through professional education and training programs; improve workplace safety; foster an atmosphere conducive to team cooperation; provide job support through mentorship and apprenticeship systems and caring leadership from nursing supervisors; continuously conduct caring and stress-relief activities; and utilize online self-report health questionnaires to enable nursing staff facing psychological and emotional challenges to seek professional counseling and support. Enhancing resilience strategies on a long-term basis can improve the mental health of nursing staff, which may be expected to enhance the quality of patient care.
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COVID-19 , Satisfacción en el Trabajo , Enfermeras y Enfermeros , Estrés Laboral , Resiliencia Psicológica , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Adulto , Femenino , Enfermeras y Enfermeros/psicología , Masculino , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are potential for grid-scale applications owing to their safety, low price, and available sources. The development of ZIBs cathode with high specific capacity, wide operating voltage window and stable cyclability is urgently needed in next-generation commercial batteries. Herein, we report a structurally crystalline-stable Mn(VO3 )2 nanobelts cathode for ZIBs prepared via a facile hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized Mn(VO3 )2 exhibited high specific capacity of 350â mAh g-1 at 0.1â A g-1 , and maintained a capacity retention of 92 % after 10,000 cycles at 2â A g-1 . It also showed good rate performance and obtained a reversible capacity of up to 200â mAh g-1 after 600 cycles at 0.2â A g-1 under -20 °C. The electrochemical tests suggest that Mn(VO3 )2 nanobelts impart fast Zn2+ ions migration, and the introduction of manganese atoms help make the structures more indestructible, leading to a good rate performance and prolonged cycle lifespan.
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AIMS: The potential nitrification activity (PNA), population size and community composition of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in paddy soil from a short-term (5 years) tillage field experiment conducted at tillering stage of late rice were investigated using the shaken slurry method and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. METHODS AND RESULTS: The experiment included four tillage treatments: conventional tillage with crop residue incorporation (CT), rotary tillage with crop residue incorporation (RT), no-tillage with crop residue returning (NT) and rotary tillage with all crop residues removed as a control (RTO). The results showed that PNA in paddy soil of CT, RT and NT treatments was higher than that of RTO treatment, and the abundance of AOA and AOB was much higher in paddy soil of CT, RT and NT treatments than RTO treatment. Meanwhile, PNA and the abundance of AOB and AOA in paddy soil were greatly enhanced by combined application of tillage and crop residue, whereas PNA and the abundance of AOB and AOA in paddy soil were decreased by combined application of no-tillage and crop residue. Moreover, PNA was closely correlated with the abundance and community structure of AOB rather than AOA. The results also showed that PNA and the population sizes of AOB and AOA in crop incorporation treatments were higher than that of crop residue removed treatment. Cluster and redundancy analyses indicated that crop residue effect played a more important role in shaping AOA community structure compared to short-term tillage management. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that AOB rather than AOA functionally dominated ammonia oxidation in the double-cropping rice paddy soil, the activities of AOB and AOA were increased and the community structure was also changed under the combination of conventional tillage, rotary tillage and crop residue condition. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: The activity and community structure of AOB and AOA, which were affected by the combination of tillage and crop residue managements, play an important role in cycling of nitrogen.
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Betaproteobacteria , Oryza , Amoníaco , Archaea/genética , Nitrificación , Oxidación-Reducción , Filogenia , Suelo , Microbiología del SueloRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Effective solutions that meet the diverse community health needs of older adult populations are of critical importance. To address these needs, a nationwide community connector team-tasked with providing referral support to older adult populations and completing an asset mapping resource inventory initiative centered around the needs of older adult populations-was developed in Taiwan. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore community connectors' experiences and challenges. METHODS: Community connectors (n = 26) across four diverse sites participated in focus group interviews in July 2020. Interviews explored the challenges community connectors encountered in their roles; the strategies used to address these challenges; the asset mapping process; and on how they conceptualized their roles. Qualitative content analysis was applied. RESULTS: Three themes were uncovered: developing community ties, cross-organization interactions and professional conflicts. The findings show that community connectors face hurdles in uncovering community resources and that they experience considerable professional instability. The findings also shed light on the day-to-day approaches used to navigate on-the-job challenges and the steps taken to develop community partnerships. CONCLUSIONS: The experiences of community connectors provide important insights and can serve to illuminate the development of similar initiatives that seek to use community connectors for community health related purposes.
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Salud Pública , Humanos , Anciano , Taiwán/epidemiología , Investigación CualitativaRESUMEN
Single cigarette use (i.e. loosies, loose ones, singles) poses risks for smoking continuation among urban, African American smokers. There is, however, limited research to inform health education interventions addressing this behavior. We conducted 25 in-depth interviews with urban, African American users (ages 20-58 years) from Baltimore, MD and the District of Columbia in June and July 2018 to assess their beliefs about reducing single cigarette use. Interviews were guided by the Health Belief Model and its constructs of perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and self-efficacy. We analyzed qualitative data using framework analysis. Perceived benefits of reducing single cigarette use involved the avoidance of health risks, including concerns about buying fake cigarettes and exposure to unknown personal hygiene practices from sellers. Perceived barriers were the convenience of buying singles due to their availability, accessibility and low cost. Participants shared they were willing to use cognitive behavioral strategies to reduce their purchasing and use of singles. This study provides insights on potential intervention targets related to beliefs towards reducing single cigarette use. These findings can inform enforcement policies and health education interventions targeting single cigarette use among urban, African American smokers who use singles.
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Cese del Hábito de Fumar , Productos de Tabaco , Adulto , Negro o Afroamericano/psicología , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fumadores/psicología , Fumar/psicología , Cese del Hábito de Fumar/psicología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The prevalence of Amblyomma geoemydae infesting yellow-margined box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) was determined for the first time in northern Taiwan. In total, 352 ticks (140 adults, 61 nymphs and 151 larvae) were collected from 56 yellow-margined box turtles. The overall infestation was observed with an average density of 6.3 ticks per turtle and the highest seasonal prevalence was observed on March with an average tick density of 14.3 ticks per turtle. The higher seasonal prevalence was observed on April, May, July and October with an average density of 4.8, 8.3, 5.7 and 8.5 ticks per turtle, respectively. The seasonal activity of these turtles may contribute to the variation in the number of collected ticks. The genetic identity was determined by comparing the sequences of ITS2 genes obtained from seven Taiwan species of A. geoemydae and nine other species representing eight Amblyomma species and Ixodes persulcatus as outgroup. Our results provide the first zootiological survey of A. geoemydae infesting wild turtles in northern Taiwan and highlight the importance of this tick species in the study of parasite dynamics on testudines in Taiwan. Further study focused on the seasonality pattern of turtle ticks will help reveal the ecology of this host-parasite system and its impact on animal/human health.
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Ixodidae , Garrapatas , Tortugas , Animales , Humanos , Amblyomma , TaiwánRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnostic performance of the nomogram based on the transabdominal ultrasonographic features of prostatic calcification and varicocele (VC) and serological indicators in differentiating PCa with BPH from simple BPH. METHODS: This retrospective study included 108 cases of PCa with BPH and 317 cases of simple BPH, all pathologically confirmed after surgery from January 2014 to December 2021. Using t test or χ2/Fisher test, we compared the clinicopathologic data, transabdominal ultrasonographic features of prostatic calcification, VC severity and serological indicators between the two groups of patients. We identified the significant independent factors for differentiating PCa with BPH from simple BPH by multivariate logistic regression analysis and constructed a nomogram for visualizing the differential diagnostic performance. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the types and diameters of prostatic calcification, PSA density (PSAD), total PSA (tPSA), VC severity, and serum testosterone level between the two groups (P < 0.05). The types of calcification, PSAD and VC severity were identified as independent factors for differentiating PCa with BPH from simple BPH. Nomogram analysis of the above factors showed a good predicting performance, with an AUC of 0.805, a sensitivity of 83.28% and a specificity of 70.37%. CONCLUSION: Transabdominal ultrasonographic features and types of prostatic calcification, PSAD and VC severity are correlated with the development and progression of PCa. Nomogram analysis of the above factors contributes to the differentiation of PCa with BPH from simple BPH.
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Hiperplasia Prostática , Neoplasias de la Próstata , Varicocele , Masculino , Humanos , Hiperplasia Prostática/diagnóstico por imagen , Antígeno Prostático Específico , Nomogramas , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Estudios Retrospectivos , Varicocele/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de la Próstata/diagnóstico por imagenRESUMEN
Silicon-based materials that have higher theoretical specific capacity than other conventional anodes, such as carbon materials, Li2 TiO3 materials and Sn-based materials, become a hot topic in research of lithium-ion battery (LIB). However, the low conductivity and large volume expansion of silicon-based materials hinders the commercialization of silicon-based materials. Until recent years, these issues are alleviated by the combination of carbon-based materials. In this review, the preparation of Si/C materials by different synthetic methods in the past decade is reviewed along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. In addition, Si/C materials formed by silicon and different carbon-based materials is summarized, where the influences of carbons on the electrochemical performance of silicon are emphasized. Lastly, future research direction in the material design and optimization of Si/C materials is proposed to fill the current gap in the development of efficient Si/C anode for LIBs.
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Metal phosphates have been widely explored in lithium ion batteries and sodium ion batteries owing to high theoretical capacities, mild toxicity and low cost. However, their potassium ion battery applications are less reported due to the limited conductivity and the slow diffusion kinetics. Considering these drawbacks, novel structured M2 P2 O7 /C (M=Fe, Co, Ni) nanoflake composites are prepared through an organic-phosphors precursor-assisted solvothermal method and a subsequent high temperature annealing process. The designed Co2 P2 O7 /C composite exhibits the highest rate capacity with 502â mAh g-1 at 0.1â A g-1 and good cyclability for 900 cycles at 1â A g-1 and 2â A g-1 when compared with Ni and Fe based composites. The superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to their unique nanoparticle-assembled nanoflake structure, which can afford enough active sites for K+ intercalation. In addition, the robust pyrophosphate crystal structure and the inâ situ formed carbon composition also have positive effects on enhancing the long-term cycling performance and the electrode's conductivity. Finally, this organic-phosphors precursor induced simple approach can be applied for easy fabrication of other pyrophosphate/carbon hybrids as advanced electrodes.
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The genetic identity of Wolbachia endosymbiont in wild-caught Culex quinquefasciatus was determined for the first time in Indonesia. A total of 314 Cx. quinquefasciatus were examined for Wolbachia by PCR assay targeting the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene. The prevalence of Wolbachia infection was detected in 29.94% of Cx. specimens (45.86% female and 8.27% male). The group-specific infection was detected with an infection rate of 0.32%, 28.98%, and 0.64% in groups A, B, and A&B, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed all Wolbachia strains from Indonesia were genetically affiliated to the supergroup A and B with the high sequence similarity of 97.9-100% and 99.7-100%, respectively. Phylogenetic relationships can be easily distinguished by neighbor-joining analysis and were congruent by maximum likelihood method. The genetic distance (GD) values of intra- and inter-group analysis indicated a lower level (GD < 0.007 for group A and GD < 0.003 for group B) within the Indonesia strains and a higher level (GD > 1.125 for group A and GD > 1.129 for group B) as compared with other Wolbachia strains. Our results provide the first genetic identification of Wolbachia endosymbiont in Cx. quinquefasciatus collected from Indonesia, and the phylogenetic analysis revealed a new discovery of group A Wolbachia in wild-caught Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes.
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Culex , Culicidae , Wolbachia , Animales , Femenino , Indonesia , Masculino , Filogenia , Wolbachia/genéticaRESUMEN
To discover new compounds with broad spectrum and high activity, we designed a series of novel benzamides containing 1,2,4-oxadiazole moiety by bioisosterism, and 28 benzamides derivatives with antifungal activity were synthesized. These compounds were evaluated against four fungi: Botrytis cinereal, FusaHum graminearum, Marssonina mali, and Thanatephorus cucumeris. The results indicated that most of the compounds displayed good fungicidal activities, especially against Botrytis cinereal. For example, 10a (84.4%), 10d (83.6%), 10e (83.3%), 10f (83.1%), 10i (83.3%), and 10l (83.6%) were better than pyraclostrobin (81.4%) at 100 mg/L. In addition, the acute toxicity of 10f to zebrafish embryo was 20.58 mg/L, which was classified as a low-toxicity compound.
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Antifúngicos/farmacología , Benzamidas/farmacología , Oxadiazoles/farmacología , Pez Cebra/microbiología , Animales , Ascomicetos/efectos de los fármacos , Basidiomycota/efectos de los fármacos , Benzamidas/síntesis química , Benzamidas/química , Benzamidas/toxicidad , Botrytis/efectos de los fármacos , Embrión no Mamífero/efectos de los fármacos , Embrión no Mamífero/microbiología , Fusarium/efectos de los fármacos , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Oxadiazoles/síntesis química , Oxadiazoles/química , Oxadiazoles/toxicidad , Pez Cebra/embriologíaRESUMEN
The prevalence and genetic identity of Rickettsia infection in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks were determined in Taiwan. In total 1153 ticks were examined for Rickettsia infection by PCR assay targeting the citrate synthase gene (gltA) of Rickettsia. The prevalence of Rickettsia infection in R. sanguineus s.l. ticks with a general infection rate of 2.2%, and was detected in nymph, male and female stages of R. sanguineus s.l. ticks with an infection rate of 3.1, 2.0 and 1.1%, respectively. Phylogenetic relationships were analyzed by comparing the gltA sequences obtained from four Taiwan strains and 16 other strains representing 13 genospecies of Rickettsia. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that one Taiwan strain was genetically affiliated with the Japan isolate (GRA-1 strain) which belongs to the spotted fever group (R. parkeri/R. honei) and three Taiwan strains were genetically affiliated with the transitional group of Rickettsia (R. felis). Intra- and inter-species analysis also indicated the genetic distance (GD) of the Taiwan strains with a lower level of GD < 0.011, 0.023 and 0.003 as compared with the type strains of R. parkeri, R. honei and R. felis, respectively. Our findings reveal the first detection of Rickettsia infections (R. parkeri/R. honei and R. felis) in R. sanguineus s.l. ticks of Taiwan. These results also highlight the epidemiological significance of diverse Rickettsia species existed in R. sanguineus s.l. ticks and the potential threat for the geographical transmission of Rickettsia infection in Taiwan.