RESUMO
RESEARCH QUESTION: Can rat endometrium be successfully procured and transplanted, and can a similar method be used to procure human endometrium? DESIGN: Rat endometrium was procured using an endometrium stripping method and transplanted into female Sprague-Dawley rats. Macroscopic and histological changes, endometrial receptivity-related protein concentrations and fertility were assessed. Additionally, a preliminary experiment was conducted to procure human endometrium using a similar method. RESULTS: Endometrium was successfully procured from both rats and humans, which contained intact endometrium and parts of the adjacent inner annulus myometrium. Endometrium auto-transplantation was conducted in rats and the procedure lasted a total of 41.3 ± 5.7 min with a mean blood loss of 0.09 ± 0.04 g. The transplanted endometrium survived well, but a fibrotic zone formed between the transplant and recipient tissue. Compared with sham rats, those with endometrium transplantation had similar endometrial thickness and endometrial gland numbers but reduced vascular density at 8 weeks after surgery. Endometrium transplantation also retained expression of the endometrial receptivity-related proteins leukaemia inhibitory factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. In contrast to non-pregnancy in the stripped horn, a mean of 5.0 ± 2.7 fetuses developed in the transplanted horn, and full-term live fetuses were conceived in the horns with transplanted endometrium. CONCLUSIONS: Endometrium procurement by stripping method can obtain an intact and functional endometrium, and endometrium transplantation can reconstruct the uterine cavity and restore fertility in rats.
Assuntos
Endométrio , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular , Humanos , Ratos , Feminino , Animais , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/metabolismo , Endométrio/metabolismo , Útero/metabolismo , FertilidadeRESUMO
Side-chain tailoring is a promising method to optimize the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, asymmetric alkyl chain-based small molecular acceptors (SMAs) are still difficult to afford. Herein, we adopted a novel asymmetric n-nonyl/undecyl substitution strategy and synthesized two A-D1 A'D2 -A double asymmetric isomeric SMAs with asymmetric selenophene-based central core for OSCs. Crystallographic analysis indicates that AYT9Se11-Cl forms a more compact and order intermolecular packing compared to AYT11Se9-Cl, which contributed to higher electron mobility in neat AYT9Se11-Cl film. Moreover, the PM6 : AYT9Se11-Cl blend film shows a better morphology with appropriate phase separation and distinct face-on orientation than PM6 : AYT11Se9-Cl. The OSCs with PM6 : AYT9Se11-Cl obtain a superior PCE of 18.12 % compared to PM6 : AYT11Se9-Cl (17.52 %), which is the best efficiency for the selenium-incorporated SMAs in binary BHJ OSCs. Our findings elucidate that the promising double asymmetric strategy with isomeric alkyl chains precisely modulates the crystal packing and enhances the photovoltaic efficiency of selenophene-incorporated SMAs.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to draw a comprehensive mutational landscape of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumors and identify the prognostic factors for distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). METHODS: A total of forty primary nonkeratinizing NPC patients underwent targeted next-generation sequencing of 450 cancer-relevant genes. Analysis of these sequencing and clinical data was performed comprehensively. Univariate Cox regression analysis and multivariate Lasso-Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors that predict distant metastasis and construct a risk score model, and seventy percent of patients were randomly selected from among the samples as a validation cohort. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Harrell's concordance index (C-index) were used to investigate whether the risk score was superior to the TNM stage in predicting the survival of patients. The survival of patients was determined by Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. RESULTS: The twenty most frequently mutated genes were identified, such as KMT2D, CYLD, and TP53 et al. Their mutation frequencies of them were compared with those of the COSMIC database and cBioPortal database. N stage, tumor mutational burden (TMB), PIK3CA, and SF3B1 were identified as predictors to build the risk score model. The risk score model showed a higher AUC and C-index than the TNM stage model, regardless of the training cohort or validation cohort. Moreover, this study found that patients with tumors harboring PI3K/AKT or RAS pathway mutations have worse DMFS than their wild-type counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we drew a mutational landscape of NPC tumors and established a novel four predictor-based prognostic model, which had much better predictive capacity than TNM stage.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Nasofaríngeas , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinases , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala , Humanos , Mutação , Carcinoma Nasofaríngeo/genética , Neoplasias Nasofaríngeas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Nasofaríngeas/genéticaRESUMO
NH2SO3H can directly participate in H2SO4-(CH3)2NH-based cluster formation, and thereby substantially enhance the cluster formation rate. Herein, the reaction mechanisms and kinetics for the formation of NH2SO3H from the hydrolysis of HNSO2 without and with neutral (H2O, (H2O)2, and (H2O)3), basic (NH3 and CH3NH2), and acidic (HCOOH, H2SO4, H2SO4â¯H2O, and (H2SO4)2) catalysts were studied theoretically at the CCSD(T)-F12/cc-pVDZ-F12//M06-2X/6-311+G(2df,2pd) level. The calculated results showed that neutral, basic, and acidic catalysts decrease the energy barrier by over 18.1 kcal mol-1; meanwhile, the product formation of NH2SO3H was more strongly bonded to neutral, basic, and acidic catalysts than to the reactants HNSO2 and H2O. This reveals that the reported neutral, basic, and acidic catalysts promote the formation of NH2SO3H from the hydrolysis of HNSO2 both kinetically and thermodynamically. Kinetic calculations using the master equation showed that (H2O)2 (100% RH) dominate over the other catalysts within the range of 0-10 km altitudes and 230-320 K with its rate ratio larger by at least 2.98 times, whereas HCOOH (3.2 × 109 molecules cm-3) is the most favorable catalysts at 15 km altitude in the troposphere. Overall, the present results will provide a definitive example that neutral, basic, and acidic catalysts have important influences on atmospheric reactions.
RESUMO
Heating milk at high temperatures impairs its renneting properties, but rennet-induced curds can be formed from ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk inoculated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Herein, we measured physicochemical indices of UHT milk inoculated with S. cerevisiae before rennet addition, monitored the kinetics of gel formation, and investigated the physicochemical properties and microstructure of rennet-induced curds to explore the mechanisms by which S. cerevisiae influenced rennet-induced gelation of UHT milk. Compared with untreated pasteurized cow milk and UHT milk, the ethanol content was increased, the pH was decreased, the particle size and ζ-potential were increased, the time points at which the elasticity index began to increase were advanced, and the maximum elasticity index was increased for UHT milk inoculated with S. cerevisiae. The number of S. cerevisiae cells affected the structure of rennet-induced curds; with few cells added, the protein network of curds was continuous and tight, the mean square displacement curves showed an asymptotic behavior, and the water retention capacity and curd yield were high; with more cells added, the loosely entangled proteins aggregated, the continuity of the network was destroyed, and the curd yield decreased. In summary, a low number of S. cerevisiae cells (<1.0 × 107 cfu/mL) can increase particle size, ζ-potential, and ethanol content, and decrease pH of S. cerevisiae-inoculated UHT milk, thereby accelerating the aggregation reactions after enzymatic reaction and improving the renneting properties.
Assuntos
Leite , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Animais , Caseínas/química , Bovinos , Quimosina/metabolismo , Etanol/análise , Feminino , Leite/química , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , TemperaturaRESUMO
The authors describe a fluorometric method for the determination of the activity and inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA). In the presence of ATP, PKA catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups from ATP to a peptide, and the generated phosphorylated peptide quenches the fluorescence (measured at excitation/emission peaks of 340/440 nm) of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP-NPs). A linear logarithmic relationship of PKA concentrations with fluorescence intensity in the range from 1 to 50 U·L-1 was obtained, and the lower limit of detection (LOD) is 0.5 U·L-1. This is much lower than LODs reported in the literature. The PKA inhibitor H-89 was studied, and the inhibition plot has a sigmoidal shape with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of around 750 nM of H-89. At a 4.5 nM level of H-89, fluorescence of HAP-NPs fell to levels of no PKA controls, demonstrating that the assay is a viable tool to screen for kinase inhibitors. An assay with Hela cell lysates in combination with forskolin (an activator of adenylyl cyclase) and IBMX (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to activate the cellular activity of PKA) resulted in decreased fluorescence of HAP-NPs. This suggests that the assay can be applied for testing in vitro cell kinase activity. In our perception, this method will enable high-throughput screening for kinase-related drugs and fluorometric enzymatic detection in various areas. Graphical abstract Fluorescence assay based on hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP) fluorescence quenching was developed for analysis of the activity and inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA).
Assuntos
Proteínas Quinases Dependentes de AMP Cíclico/antagonistas & inibidores , Proteínas Quinases Dependentes de AMP Cíclico/metabolismo , Durapatita/química , Ensaios Enzimáticos/métodos , Corantes Fluorescentes/química , Nanopartículas/química , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/farmacologia , Técnicas Biossensoriais , Células HeLa , Humanos , Limite de Detecção , Fosfopeptídeos/metabolismoRESUMO
The distinctive flavor and numerous health benefits of tea are attributed to the presence of theanine, a special amino acid found in tea plants. Nitrogen metabolite is greatly impacted by drought; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the synthesis of theanine in drought-stricken tea plants is still not clear. Through the drought transcriptome data of tea plants, we have identified a gene CsMOF1 that appears to play a role in theanine biosynthesis under drought stress, presenting a significantly negative correlation with both theanine content and the expression of CsGS1. Further found that CsMOF1 is a transcription factor containing a MYB binding domain, localized in the nucleus. Upon silencing CsMOF1, there was a prominent increase in the level of the theanine and glutamine, as well as the expression of CsGS1, while glutamic acid content decreased significantly. Conversely, overexpression of CsMOF1 yielded opposite effects. Dual luciferase reporter assay and electromobility shift assays demonstrated that CsMOF1 binds to the promoter of CsGS1, thereby inhibiting its activity. These results indicate that CsMOF1 plays a crucial role in theanine biosynthesis in tea plants under drought stress, acting as a transcriptional repressor related to theanine biosynthesis. This study provides new insights into the tissue-specific regulation of theanine biosynthesis and aids with the cultivation of new varieties of tea plants.
Assuntos
Camellia sinensis , Secas , Regulação da Expressão Gênica de Plantas , Glutamatos , Proteínas de Plantas , Camellia sinensis/genética , Camellia sinensis/metabolismo , Glutamatos/metabolismo , Glutamatos/biossíntese , Proteínas de Plantas/genética , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Estresse Fisiológico/genética , Regiões Promotoras Genéticas , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/genéticaRESUMO
Archwire bending is the key to orthodontic treatment, and multi-time bendings are inevitable during manual and robotic automated bending. The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively evaluate the mechanical effects of the different preparation modes and to compare the mechanical properties of the orthodontic loops in one and multiple bends. Three types of typical stainless steel orthodontic loops (vertical loop, T-loop, and L-loop) were used to quantify the mechanical effect of patterns for preparation by experimental comparison between loops with different bending times by using an orthodontic force tester (OFT). The results were statistically analyzed by t-test. The fracture test of the stainless steel archwire was also carried out, and the bending times at fracture were recorded. Results of the tests indicate that one-time and multi-time bending have a significant mechanical effect on orthodontic appliances. Multi-time bending causes significant mechanical decreases and can damage the appliances.
RESUMO
The nutrient recovery from source-separated urine is of great significance for a sustainable and closed nutrient loop. However, common urine-processing techniques have several constraints, including inefficient recovery, low product purity and incapability of simultaneously harvesting multiple nutrients. In this study, an integrated strategy of P precipitation and N stripping was first proposed to harvest nutrients from hydrolyzed human urine as high-purity products via precisely regulating Ca/P dosing ratio. Ca(OH)2 was utilized to trigger Ca-P precipitation and elevate pH level. Different from the previously reported conventional struvite method, P recovery was oriented to calcium phosphate. P harvesting behavior was investigated as a function of key factors including initial P concentration and the dosing ratio. A thermodynamic model was constructed to unveil the precipitation transformation mechanism and visualize P recovery for an enhanced controllability. For N harvesting, Ca(OH)2 was dosed to increase the pH of the urine to converts ammonium to ammonia. The resulting ammonia was stripped and then adsorbed by H2SO4 as high-purity ammonium sulfate. Moreover, the sulfate derived from acidification treatment was recovered as calcium sulfate in the interests of material recycling and mitigating secondary contaminations. Results exhibited P recovery efficiency could reach 100 % and purity for calcium phosphate could be above 90 % within a Ca/P ratio range of 1.67-2.0. Further boosting pH to 12, over 85 % of S and 95 % of N was retrieved. The comprehensive scheme provides an efficient approach towards the precise P and N harvesting from hydrolyzed urine and advances the knowledge of precipitation transformation mechanism.
Assuntos
Amônia , Fosfatos , Humanos , Fósforo , Nitrogênio , Estruvita , Nutrientes , Fosfatos de Cálcio , Urina , Precipitação QuímicaRESUMO
Cuticular wax is a complex mixture of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and their derivatives that constitute a natural barrier against biotic and abiotic stresses on the aerial surface of terrestrial plants. In tea plants, leaf cuticular wax also contributes to the unique flavor and quality of tea products. However, the mechanism of wax formation in tea cuticles is still unclear. The cuticular wax content of 108 germplasms (Niaowang species) was investigated in this study. The transcriptome analysis of germplasms with high, medium, and low cuticular wax content revealed that the expression levels of CsKCS3 and CsKCS18 were strongly associated with the high content of cuticular wax in leaves. Hence, silencing CsKCS3 and CsKCS18 using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) inhibited the synthesis of cuticular wax and caffeine in tea leaves, indicating that expression of these genes is necessary for the synthesis of cuticular wax in tea leaves. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of cuticular wax formation in tea leaves. The study also revealed new candidate target genes for further improving tea quality and flavor and cultivating high-stress-resistant tea germplasms.
RESUMO
Conversational agents have gained their ground in our daily life and various domains including healthcare. Chronic condition self-management is one of the promising healthcare areas in which conversational agents demonstrate significant potential to contribute to alleviating healthcare burdens from chronic conditions. This survey paper introduces and outlines types of conversational agents, their generic architecture and workflow, the implemented technologies, and their application to chronic condition self-management.
RESUMO
Phosphorus (P) harvesting from source-separated urine to optimize the overall nutrient loop is one of the most appealing benefits and is a global research interest in wastewater management and treatment. However, current P precipitation is mainly oriented to struvite, which is limited by the issues such as relatively low product purity and high cost of Mg source. Distinguished from previous conventional struvite precipitation, the strategy of precisely harvesting P from fresh human urine as high-purity calcium phosphate was first proposed in this study. This enhanced strategy can optimize P harvesting performance and product purity by simply regulating the consumption of calcium-based materials via model simulation and experimental validation. The thermodynamic model was constructed to probe the precipitation conversion mechanism, and visually predict the component and yield for products under various operating conditions. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate P recovery performance as a function of initial Mg2+ concentration, initial pH level, as well as degree of urine hydrolysis. Moreover, the alternative dosing scheme with different calcium salts and alkali was presented, diversifying the options for efficient P recovery. The results showed that, from the perspective of acidic storage for fresh urine, P recovery can be boosted along with eliminating urine hydrolysis. In urine with an initial pH=2.0, P can be completely recovered and purity for calcium phosphate can be optimized to 100% within a Ca/P ratio range of 1.67-2.3. Overall, this work is of great significance for precisely and efficiently harvesting P from urine and provides an integrated strategy for P resource recovery from urine.
Assuntos
Fosfatos , Fósforo , Humanos , Fósforo/urina , Estruvita , Cálcio , Compostos de Magnésio , Fosfatos de Cálcio , Precipitação QuímicaRESUMO
The integration of motivational strategies and self-management theory with mHealth tools is a promising approach to changing the behavior of patients with chronic disease. In this manuscript, we describe the development and current architecture of a prototype voice-activated self-monitoring application (VoiS) which is based on these theories. Unlike prior mHealth applications which require textual input, VoiS app relies on the more convenient and adaptable approach of asking users to verbally input markers of diabetes and hypertension control through a smart speaker. The VoiS app can provide real-time feedback based on these markers; thus, it has the potential to serve as a remote, regular, source of feedback to support behavior change. To enhance the usability and acceptability of the VoiS application, we will ask a diverse group of patients to use it in real-world settings and provide feedback on their experience. We will use this feedback to optimize tool performance, so that it can provide patients with an improved understanding of their chronic conditions. The VoiS app can also facilitate remote sharing of chronic disease control with healthcare providers, which can improve clinical efficacy and reduce the urgency and frequency of clinical care encounters. Because the VoiS app will be configured for use with multiple platforms, it will be more robust than existing systems with respect to user accessibility and acceptability.
RESUMO
Many basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors (TFs) have been reported to promote anthocyanin biosynthesis in numerous plant species, but little is known about bHLH TFs that inhibit anthocyanin accumulation. In this study, SmbHLH1 from Solanum melongena was identified as a negative regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, SmbHLH1 showed high identity with SmTT8, which acts as a SmMYB113-dependent positive regulator of anthocyanin-biosynthesis in plants. Overexpression of SmbHLH1 in eggplant caused a dramatic decrease in anthocyanin accumulation. Only the amino acid sequences at the N and C termini of SmbHLH1 differed from the SmTT8 sequence. Expression analysis revealed that the expression pattern of SmbHLH1 was opposite to that of anthocyanin accumulation. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays showed that SmbHLH1 could not interact with SmMYB113. Dual-luciferase assay demonstrated that SmbHLH1 directly repressed the expression of SmDFR and SmANS. Our results demonstrate that the biological function of bHLHs in anthocyanin biosynthesis may have evolved and provide new insight into the molecular functions of orthologous genes from different plant species.
RESUMO
Calcium-based materials are considered to be promising adsorbents for phosphate removal in the water environment due to their environmental friendliness and low price. However, improving the efficiency and rate of P adsorption of calcium-based materials still needs further exploration. In this study, a high-efficiency and eco-friendly Ca/Fe composite was rationally designed and fabricated by a co-precipitated method. Batch adsorption experiments showed that Ca/Fe composites with a Ca: Fe molar ratio of 3: 1 exhibited a remarkable phosphate sorption capacity of 161.4 mg P/g. Furthermore, the phosphate adsorption capacity of Ca/Fe-3/1 composite was maintained relatively high at pH 3-11 due to the ligand exchange, electrostatic and chemical precipitation. In addition, the experiment performed to determine the effect of coexisting ions shows that only carbonate ions slightly inhibit the phosphate adsorption effect of the Ca/Fe-3/1 composite. The newly prepared Ca/Fe composites have a fast phosphate removal efficiency. The XPS and EPR analysis showed that a large number of oxygen vacancies were formed on Ca/Fe composites due to the introduction of magnetic Fe. This is the first time to introduction oxygen vacancies into Ca/Fe composites by co-precipitation. The existence of oxygen vacancies can promote electron transfer rate and reduce the bonding energy barrier for phosphate adsorption, thereby increasing the phosphate absorption rate of the Ca/Fe composites. The enhanced phosphate removal by Ca/Fe composites with abundant oxygen vacancies provides a new strategy for the preparation of commercial phosphate -controlling materials.
Assuntos
Águas Residuárias , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Adsorção , Precipitação Química , Oxigênio , FosfatosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To explore the overlap ratio of the target volume in different respiratory statuses of active breath control (ABC) and their differences during external-beam partial breast irradiation (EB-PBI), and from the perspective of target volume overlap to determine the influence of the ABC-assisted breathing condition on intra-fractional target movement of EB-PBI. METHODS: The patients, who received breast-conserving surgery with silver clips marked at the margins of the cavity and were suitable for EB-PBI, were immobilized on the breast bracket to undertake CT simulation assisted by ABC device, six sets of CT simulation images including two sets of image in state of moderate deep inspiration breathing control (mDIBH), two sets of images in state of free breath (FB) and two sets of images in state of deep expiration breathing control (DEBH) were obtained. The six sets of images were transferred to Pinnacle(3) treatment planning system (TPS), then automatic fusion and registration between two sets of mDIBH images, two sets of FB images, two sets of DEBH images and mDIBH image and DEBH image were achieved separately. Thereafter, the overlap ratios of GTV with GTV, CTV with CTV, PTV with PTV were calculated by the Pinnacle(3) TPS. The differences between the overlap ratios of the three kinds of targets in the same registered image and the difference between the overlap ratios of the same kind of target in the different registered images were statistically analyzed using statistical package of SPSS 11.5. RESULTS: Based on mDIBH/mDIBH registration, the overlap ratios of GTV/GTV, CTV/CTV and PTV/PTV were (83.54 ± 11.41)%, (93.00 ± 6.49)%, and (95.26 ± 4.90)%, respectively, and the differences of the overlap ratios between GTV/GTV and CTV/CTV, GTV/GTV and PTV/PTV were all statistically significant (P < 0.05), but statistically not significant between CTV/CTV and PTV/PTV (P > 0.05). Based on FB/FB registration, the overlap ratios of GTV/GTV, CTV/CTV and PTV/PTV were (72.55 ± 29.10)%, (89.36 ± 9.53)% and (92.47 ± 7.25)%, respectively, and the differences of the overlap ratios between GTV/GTV and CTV/CTV, CTV/CTV and PTV/PTV were all not statistically significant (P > 0.05), but statistically significant between GTV/GTV and PTV/PTV (P < 0.05). Based on DEBH/DEBH registration, the overlap ratios of GTV/GTV, CTV/CTV and PTV/PTV were (79.48 ± 22.31)%, (92.83 ± 6.77)% and (95.05 ± 4.81)%, respectively, and the differences of the overlap ratios between GTV/GTV and CTV/CTV (P = 0.000), CTV/CTV and PTV/PTV (P = 0.037), GTV/GTV and PTV/PTV (P = 0.000) were statistically all significant (P = 0.000). The differences of the overlap ratios of GTV/GTV, CTV/CTV, and PTV/PTV (P = 0.000) between mDIBH/mDIBH and DEBH/DEBH, mDIBH/mDIBH and FB/FB, FB/FB and DEBH/DEBH were all statistically significant (P = 0.000), and not statistically significant between mDIBH/mDIBH and mDIBH/DEBH, FB/FB and mDIBH/DEBH. CONCLUSIONS: During the delivering of EB-PBI assisted by ABC, the intra-fractional overlap ratios of the target volume between the same breathing state is increasing in the order of GTV/GTV â CTV/CTV â PTV/PTV. The difference of the overlap ratios of the target volumes between mDIBH and mDIBH, FB and FB, DEBH and DEBH is not significant, and the overlap ratios of PTV/PTV in the three breathing statuses of mDIBH, FB and DEBH reaches a higher level. Therefore, from the perspective of target volume overlap, if the setup error is corrected online before delivering, the necessity of breathing control during delivering of EB-PBI is worthy discussing.
Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama/radioterapia , Radioterapia Conformacional/métodos , Respiração , Neoplasias da Mama/cirurgia , Fracionamento da Dose de Radiação , Feminino , Humanos , Imobilização , Mastectomia Segmentar , Período Pós-Operatório , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios XRESUMO
The cognitive control processes may be disrupted by abstinence in smokers, which may be helpful in the development and maintenance of addictive behavior. The purpose of this study was to measure the performance of cognitive task after 12 h of smoking abstinence by using event-related potentials (ERPs), including the error-related negativity (ERN) and the error positivity (Pe). In Eriksen flanker task, electroencephalography (EEG) signals of 24 smokers were recorded in two conditions: satiety and 12 h abstinence. In the behavioral data, both conditions exhibited more errors and more time on the incongruent trials than congruence. Meantime, the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) score was increased during abstinence. Smokers showed reduced ERN and Pe after 12 h of abstinence, compared with satiety condition. The results indicate that the diminished error processing in young smokers after 12 h of abstinence. It may be related to increased withdrawal symptoms. In conclusion, the disrupted neurophysiological indexes in the general behavior monitoring system may be caused by abstinence. The results of this study may provide us with new ideas about the effects of short-term abstinence on brain cognitive neuroscience and be helpful for the solution of relapse.
RESUMO
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) superfamily is considered the second largest transcription factor (TF) family. It plays regulatory roles in the developmental processes of plants and in their defense responses. In recent years, many bHLH superfamily genes have been identified and characterized in herbaceous and woody plants. However, the comprehensive genomic and functional analyses of these genes in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) have not been reported. In this study, 121 bHLH TFs were identified in the recently released eggplant genome. The phylogeny, gene structure and conserved motifs of the SmbHLH gene were comprehensively studied. Subsequently, the phylogenetic relationship between the bHLH of eggplant and the bHLH of other species was analyzed, and the proteins were classified into 17 subfamilies. Among these protein sequences, 16 subgroups were clustered into the functional clades of Arabidopsis. Two candidate genes (SmbHLH1, SmbHLH117) that may be involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis were screened. The tissue specificity or differential expression of the bHLH genes in different tissues and under various light and temperature conditions suggested the differential regulation of tissue development and metabolism. This study not only provides a solid foundation for the functional dissection of the eggplant bHLH gene family but may also be useful for the future synthesis of anthocyanins in eggplant.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Li quick repositioning maneuver for treatment of geotropic horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (HC-BPPV) was reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to observe the clinical efficacy of the Li quick repositioning maneuver for the treatment of geotropic HC-BPPV. METHODS: The single-blind method was used to conduct a prospective controlled study on 120 patients with geotropic HC-BPPV from May 2014 to May 2017. Patients were randomly assigned to the Li quick repositioning maneuver (Li maneuver) group or the barbecue repositioning maneuver (barbecue maneuver) group. RESULTS: The successful repositioning rates were 53.3%, 70.4%, 90.7% and 92.3%, respectively, in barbecue maneuver group and 61.7%, 80.7%, 93.0% and 96.3%, respectively, in Li maneuver group at 1-day, 3-day, 1-week and 1-month follow-up. Differences in success rates of repositioning between Li and barbecue maneuver groups at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week and 1 month after initial treatment were not statistically significant using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve with a log-rank test (p = .270) . CONCLUSION: The Li maneuver is a rapid, simple and efficacious repositioning method for geotropic HC-BPPV and can be widely applied in clinical practice as an alternative method.