Two hundred and forty specific pathogen free leghorn chickens were randomly divided into four groups and reared in isolated pens. The tested chickens were negative to infectious bursal disease virus （IBDV） at 25 d o...Two hundred and forty specific pathogen free leghorn chickens were randomly divided into four groups and reared in isolated pens. The tested chickens were negative to infectious bursal disease virus （IBDV） at 25 d old. Group 1 was treated with saline, whereas Groups 2, 3, and 4 were inoculated with 0.3 mL IBDV suspension intranasally the next day. Groups 3 and 4 were also administered with Astragalus polysaccharides （APS） intramuscularly twice daily at 5 or 10 mg kg-1 BW, respectively, until 31 d old. The erythrocyte-C3b receptor rosette rate （E-C3bRR） and the erythrocyte-C3b immune complex rosette rate （E-ICRR） were measured at 25, 29, 32, 35, and 38 d old. The results showed that IBDV significantly reduced E-C3bRR and E-ICRR when compared with the control group （P 〈 0.05）, while simultaneous administration of APS with 1BDV maintained E-C3bRR at similar levels to the control group （P 〉 0.05） and increased E-ICRR when compared with the control group and the group non-treated with APS （P 〈 0.05）. APS treatment reduced the morbidity and mortality of chickens inoculated with IBDV （P 〈 0.05）. The results suggest that APS may enhance the immune adherence of chickens erythrocytes by affecting the activity and/or the number of complement receptors on the erythrocyte membrane. These findings can be beneficial in providing an understanding of the basic mechanisms required for the rational application of APS in modern medicine.展开更多
The accuracy of extracting projected pig area is critical to the accuracy of the weight measurement of pigs by machine vision.The capability of both the conventional and the edge detection methods for extracting pig a...The accuracy of extracting projected pig area is critical to the accuracy of the weight measurement of pigs by machine vision.The capability of both the conventional and the edge detection methods for extracting pig area was examined using the images of 47 pigs of different weights.Relationship between the threshold value and the extracted area was numerically analyzed for both methods.It was found that the accuracy of the conventional method depended heavily on the threshold value,while choice of threshold value in the edge detection approach had no influence on the extracted area over a wide range.In normal lighting conditions,both methods yielded comparable values of predicted weight;however,under variable light intensities,the edge detection method was superior to the conventional method,because the former was proven to be independent of light intensities.This makes edge detection an ideal method for area extraction during the walk-through weighing process where pigs are allowed to move around.展开更多
Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to develop an assessment of the fundamental, combined, and complex movement skills required to support childhood physical literacy. The secondary aim was to establish the fea...Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to develop an assessment of the fundamental, combined, and complex movement skills required to support childhood physical literacy. The secondary aim was to establish the feasibility, objectivity, and reliability evidence for the assessment.Methods: An expert advisory group recommended a course format for the assessment that would require children to complete a series of dynamic movement skills. Criterion-referenced skill performance and completion time were the recommended forms of evaluation. Children, 8–12 years of age, self-reported their age and gender and then completed the study assessments while attending local schools or day camps. Face validity was previously established through a Delphi expert(n = 19, 21% female) review process. Convergent validity was evaluated by age and gender associations with assessment performance. Inter-and intra-rater(n = 53, 34% female) objectivity and test–retest(n = 60, 47% female) reliability were assessed through repeated test administration.Results: Median total score was 21 of 28 points(range 5–28). Median completion time was 17 s. Total scores were feasible for all 995 children who self-reported age and gender. Total score did not differ between inside and outside environments(95% confidence interval(CI) of difference:-0.7 to 0.6;p = 0.91) or with/without footwear(95%CI of difference:-2.5 to 1.9; p = 0.77). Older age(p < 0.001, η2= 0.15) and male gender(p < 0.001, η2= 0.02)were associated with a higher total score. Inter-rater objectivity evidence was excellent(intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC) = 0.99) for completion time and substantial for skill score(ICC = 0.69) for 104 attempts by 53 children(34% female). Intra-rater objectivity was moderate(ICC = 0.52) for skill score and excellent for completion time(ICC = 0.99). Reliability was excellent for completion time over a short(2–4 days; ICC = 0.84) or long(8–14days; ICC = 0.82) interval. Skill score reliability was moderate(ICC = 0.46) over a short interval, a展开更多
Background Anxiety disorder, one of the highly disabling, prevalent and common mental disorders, is known to be more prevalent in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than the general population, and the comor...Background Anxiety disorder, one of the highly disabling, prevalent and common mental disorders, is known to be more prevalent in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than the general population, and the comorbid presence of anxiety disorders is known to have an impact on the diabetes outcome and the quality of life. However, the information on the type of anxiety disorder and its prevalence in persons with T2DM is limited. Aims To assess the prevalence and correlates of anxiety disorder in people with type 2 diabetes in different countries. Methods People aged 18-65 years with diabetes and treated in outpatient settings were recruited in 15 countries and underwent a psychiatric interview with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Demographic and medical record data were collected. Results A total of 3170 people with type 2 diabetes (56.2% women;with mean (SD) duration of diabetes 10.01 (7.0) years) participated. The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders in type 2 diabetic persons was 18%;however, 2.8% of the study population had more than one type of anxiety disorder. The most prevalent anxiety disorders were generalised anxiety disorder (8.1%) and panic disorder (5.1%). Female gender, presence of diabetic complications, longer duration of diabetes and poorer glycaemic control (HbA1c levels) were significantly associated with comorbid anxiety disorder. A higher prevalence of anxiety disorders was observed in Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and Argentina with a lower prevalence in Bangladesh and India. Conclusions Our international study shows that people with type 2 diabetes have a high prevalence of anxiety disorders, especially women, those with diabetic complications, those with a longer duration of diabetes and poorer glycaemic control. Early identification and appropriate timely care of psychiatric problems of people with type 2 diabetes is warranted.展开更多
Bitter acids, known for their use as beer flavoring and for their diverse biological activities, are predominantly formed in hop （Humulus lupulus） glandular trichomes. Branched short-chain acyI-CoAs （e.g. isobutyry...Bitter acids, known for their use as beer flavoring and for their diverse biological activities, are predominantly formed in hop （Humulus lupulus） glandular trichomes. Branched short-chain acyI-CoAs （e.g. isobutyryI-CoA, isovaleryl- CoA and 2-methylbutyryI-CoA）, derived from the degradation of branched-chain amino acids （BCAAs）, are essential building blocks for the biosynthesis of bitter acids in hops. However, little is known regarding what components are needed to produce and maintain the pool of branched short-chain acyI-CoAs in hop trichomes. Here, we present several lines of evidence that both CoA ligases and thioesterases are likely involved in bitter acid biosynthesis. Recombinant HICCL2 （carboxyl CoA ligase） protein had high specific activity for isovaleric acid as a substrate （Kcat/Km = 4100 s-~ M-l）, whereas recombinant HICCL4 specifically utilized isobutyric acid （Kcat/Km = 1800 s-1 M-1） and 2-methylbutyric acid （Kcat/ Km = 6900 s-1 M-~） as substrates. Both HICCLs, like hop valerophenone synthase （HIVPS）, were expressed strongly in glandular trichomes and localized to the cytoplasm. Co-expression of HICCL2 and HICCL4 with HIVPS in yeast led to significant production of acylphloroglucinols （the direct precursors for bitter acid biosynthesis）, which further confirmed the biochemical function of these two HICCLs in vivo. Functional identification of a thioesterase that catalyzed the reverse reaction of CCLs in mitochondria, together with the comprehensive analysis of genes involved BCAA catabolism, supported the idea that cytosolic CoA ligases are required for linking BCAA degradation and bitter acid biosynthesis in glandular trichomes. The evolution and other possible physiological roles of branched short-chain fatty acid：CoA ligases in planta are also discussed.展开更多
Multi-temporal,globally consistent,high-resolution human population datasets provide consistent and comparable population distributions in support of mapping sub-national heterogeneities in health,wealth,and resource ...Multi-temporal,globally consistent,high-resolution human population datasets provide consistent and comparable population distributions in support of mapping sub-national heterogeneities in health,wealth,and resource access,and monitoring change in these over time.The production of more reliable and spatially detailed population datasets is increasingly necessary due to the importance of improving metrics at sub-national and multitemporal scales.This is in support of measurement and monitoring of UN Sustainable Development Goals and related agendas.In response to these agendas,a method has been developed to assemble and harmonise a unique,open access,archive of geospatial datasets.Datasets are provided as global,annual time series,where pertinent at the timescale of population analyses and where data is available,for use in the construction of population distribution layers.The archive includes sub-national census-based population estimates,matched to a geospatial layer denoting administrative unit boundaries,and a number of co-registered gridded geospatial factors that correlate strongly with population presence and density.Here,we describe these harmonised datasets and their limitations,along with the production workflow.Further,we demonstrate applications of the archive by producing multi-temporal gridded population outputs for Africa and using these to derive health and development metrics.The geospatial archive is available at https://doi.org/10.5258/SOTON/WP00650.展开更多
In early eukaryotes, the microtubule system was engaged in mitosis, intracellular transport, and flagellumbased motility. In the plant lineage, the evolution of a multicellular body involved the conservation of some c...In early eukaryotes, the microtubule system was engaged in mitosis, intracellular transport, and flagellumbased motility. In the plant lineage, the evolution of a multicellular body involved the conservation of some core functions, the loss of others, and the elaboration of new microtubule functions associated with the multicellular plant habit. This diversification is reflected by the presence of both conserved （animal/fungi-like） and novel （plant-like） sequences encoding microtubule-related functions in the Arabidopsis genome. The collection of microtubule mutants has grown rapidly over recent years. These mutants present a wide range of phenotypes, consistent with the hypothesis of a functional diversification of the microtubule system. In this review, we focus on mutant analysis and, in particular, discuss double mutant analysis as a valuable tool for pinpointing pathways of gene function. A future challenge will be to define the complete network of genetic and physical interactions of microtubule function in plants. In addition to reviewing recent progress in the functional analysis of the ＇MAPome＇, we present an online database of Arabidopsis mutants impaired in microtubule functions.展开更多
This paper investigates particle transportation using a numerical model application approach to understand the final fate of suspended sediment particle masses due to a dredging operation in a navigational harbor inle...This paper investigates particle transportation using a numerical model application approach to understand the final fate of suspended sediment particle masses due to a dredging operation in a navigational harbor inlet using PTM (Particle Tracking Model). The investigation applied PTM and simulated particle transportation at a navigational harbor called St Jerome Creek Inlet in Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Maryland District, designed jetties for the inlet, which, when constructed, would minimize dredging requirements from once in a two-year period to once in a ten-year period. In the meantime, due to the frequent dredging requirements of the inlet, there exists a need to understand the fate of the suspended sediments from the dredging operations to assess the environmental impact on the aquatic environment and the coastal community. This study used PTM to simulate the transportation of sediments in a 30-day period during a dredging operation. Ten sediment source locations were selected as possible sites from which dredged materials could be introduced into the flow system. The model output was analyzed to draw conclusions. Results showed that most suspended sediment particle masses moved from their initial site locations and settled along the shoreline, whilst the sediments that found their way out of the inlet system towards the ocean migrated southward and settled approximately 6 miles at the tip of the mainland. The objective of the study is to track sediment particles from a dredging operation. This would be significant in tracking possible contaminants in an aquatic environment for future environmental management decisions.展开更多
A greenhouse experiment was conducted involving intact fragipan soil cores of 50 cm thickness after removing the topsoil horizons. The cores were maintained in moist condition throughout the experiment and received se...A greenhouse experiment was conducted involving intact fragipan soil cores of 50 cm thickness after removing the topsoil horizons. The cores were maintained in moist condition throughout the experiment and received several treatments with various amendments for different periods ranging from 9 to 17 months. The amendments included annual ryegrass or Festulolium residues, powder limestone and various humate compounds alone or in combination with the grass residues. The results suggested a significant effect of ryegrass and Festulolium in reducing penetration resistance into the top 10 cm of the fragipan within 9 - 17 months, particularly when used in combination with certain humate materials such as Leonardite. Apparently, this is the result of the release of certain soluble organic compounds from the plant residues or the humate amendments that increase the solubility of Si and Al associated with the fragipan brittleness, thus decreasing the density of the compacted fragipan material.展开更多
The switch from skotomorphogenesis to photomorphogenesis is a key developmental transition in the life of seed plants. While much of the underpinning proteome remodeling is driven by light-induced changes in gene expr...The switch from skotomorphogenesis to photomorphogenesis is a key developmental transition in the life of seed plants. While much of the underpinning proteome remodeling is driven by light-induced changes in gene expression, the proteolytic removal of specific proteins by the ubiquitin-26S proteasome system is also likely paramount. Through mass spectrometric analysis of ubiquitylated proteins affinity-purified from etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings before and after red-light irradiation, we identified a number of influential proteins whose ubiquitylation status is modified during this switch. We observed a substantial enrichment for proteins involved in auxin, abscisic acid, ethylene, and brassinosteroid signaling, peroxisome function, disease resistance, protein phosphorylation and light perception, including the phytochrome （Phy） A and phototropin photoreceptors. Soon after red-light treatment, PhyA becomes the dominant ubiquitylated species, with ubiquitin attachment sites mapped to six lysines. A PhyA mutant protected from ubiquitin addition at these sites is substantially more stable in planta upon photoconversion to Pfr and is hyperactive in driving photomorphogenesis. However, light still stimulates ubiquitylation and degradation of this mutant, implying that other attachment sites and/or proteolytic pathways exist. Collectively, we expand the catalog of ubiquitylation targets in Arabidopsis and show that this post- translational modification is central to the rewiring of plants for photoautotrophic growth.展开更多
Improvements in imaging technology allow exploitation of the dual blood supply of the liver to aid in the identif ication and characterisation of both malignant and benign liver lesions. Imaging techniques available i...Improvements in imaging technology allow exploitation of the dual blood supply of the liver to aid in the identif ication and characterisation of both malignant and benign liver lesions. Imaging techniques available include contrast enhanced ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This review discusses the application of several imaging techniques in the diagnosis and staging of both hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma and outlines certain characteristics of benign liver lesions. The advantages of each imaging technique are highlighted, while underscoring the potential pitfalls and limitations of each imaging modality.展开更多
Aggregation-induced emission luminogens(AIEgens)exhibit efficient cytotoxic reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation capability and unique light-up features in the aggregated state,which have been well explored in image...Aggregation-induced emission luminogens(AIEgens)exhibit efficient cytotoxic reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation capability and unique light-up features in the aggregated state,which have been well explored in image-guided photodynamic therapy(PDT).However,the limited penetration depth of light in tissue severely hinders AIEgens as a candidate for primary or adjunctive therapy for clinical applications.Coincidentally,microwaves(MWs)show a distinct advantage for deeper penetration depth in tissues than light.Herein,for the first time,we report AIEgen-mediated microwave dynamic therapy(MWDT)for cancer treatment.We found that two AIEgens(TPEPy-I and TPEPy-PF6)served as a new type of microwave(MW)sensitizers to produce ROS,including singlet oxygen(1O2),resulting in efficient destructions of cancer cells.The results of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)and live/dead assays reveal that the two AIEgens when activated by MW irradiation can effectively kill cancer cells with average IC-50 values of 2.73 and 3.22μM,respectively.Overall,the ability of the two AIEgens to be activated by MW not only overcomes the limitations of conventional PDT,but also helps to improve existing MW ablation therapy by reducing the MW dose required to achieve the same therapeutic outcome,thus reducing the occurrence of side-effects of MW radiation.展开更多
The Coorg Block in southern Peninsular India is one of the oldest crustal blocks on Earth that preserves the evidence for continental crust formation during the Paleo-Mesoarchean through subductionrelated arc magmatis...The Coorg Block in southern Peninsular India is one of the oldest crustal blocks on Earth that preserves the evidence for continental crust formation during the Paleo-Mesoarchean through subductionrelated arc magmatism,followed by granulite facies metamorphism in the Mesoarchean.In this study,we report for the first time,the'bar codes'of a major Paleoproterozoic Large Igneous Province in the Coorg Block through the finding of mafic dyke swarms.The gabbroic dykes from the Coorg Block,dom-inantly composed of plagioclase-pyroxene assemblage,show a restricted range in SiO_(2)values of 50.04-51.27 wt.%,and exhibit a sub-alkaline tholeiitic nature.These rocks show relatively flat LREE and constant HREE patterns and lack obvious Eu anomalies.Trace element modeling suggests that the dyke swarm was fed from a melt that originated at a shallow mantle level in the spinel stability field.Zircon grains are rare in the gabbro samples and those separated from two samples yielded 207Pb/206Pb weighted mean dates of 2214±12 Ma and 2221±7 Ma.The grains show magmatic features with depleted LREE and enriched HREE and positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies.Baddeleyite grains were dated from five gabbro samples which yielded 207Pb/206Pb weighted mean ages ranging between 2217±7 Ma and 2228±10 Ma.The combined data show a clear age peak at ca.2.2 Ga.The mafic dykes in the Coorg Block show geochemical similarities with ca.2.2 Ga mafic dyke swarms in different regions of the Dharwar and other cratons in Peninsular India and elsewhere on the globe.The data also support the inference that the global mafic magmatism at ca.2.2 Ga was linked with intracontinental rifting of the Archean cratons through mantle upwelling or plume activity.We correlate the mafic dyke swarms in the Coorg Block with attempted rifting of the Neoarchean supercontinent Kenorland.展开更多
Background Very few adequately powered studies exploring early thresholds for intervention in the management of post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation(PHVD)in preterm infants have identified consistent neurodevelopme...Background Very few adequately powered studies exploring early thresholds for intervention in the management of post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation(PHVD)in preterm infants have identified consistent neurodevelopmental advantages at 12–30 months.We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of early versus conservative thresholds for intervention,primarily aimed at normalizing cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)pressure,in the management of PHVD in preterm infants.Methods Multiple databases were searched for eligible papers,and prospective randomized trials involving preterm infants were selected.The results are expressed as relative risks(RRs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).The main outcome was survival without moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 12–30 months.Results Ten articles representing seven randomized trials comparing early versus conservative thresholds for interventions were included.Five trials(n=545 infants)reported no difference in the main outcome between early and conservative groups[RR 0.99(0.71,1.37)].Sensitivity analysis excluding data from a medication trial did not alter the main outcome[RR 1.15(0.95,1.39)].Infants in the early threshold group received significantly more interventions[RR 1.48(1.05,2.09)].Deaths before discharge/during the initial study period[RR 1.04(0.70,1.54)]or a composite of death or shunt insertion[RR 1.04(0.86,1.27)]were comparable between the two groups.Conclusions Early intervention for PHVD,before a clinical or ultrasound threshold is met,leads to additional clinical procedures but does not improve survival without moderate–severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 12–30 months.Caution should be exercised in interpreting these results due to significant variation between the studies.展开更多
Objectives:To describe the professional quality of life and explore its associated factors among nurses coming from other areas of China to assist with the anti-epidemic fight inWuhan and especially examine whether th...Objectives:To describe the professional quality of life and explore its associated factors among nurses coming from other areas of China to assist with the anti-epidemic fight inWuhan and especially examine whether the hospital ethical climate was independently associated with nurses’professional quality of life.Methods:A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from March 2020 to April 2020.The nurses working in Wuhan from the other parts of China were the target population.The Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5,the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey,and a basic information sheet were used to collect data.Descriptive statistics,t-test,ANOVA,Pearson correlation,and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data.Results:In total,236 nurses participated in this study,and 219 valid questionnaires were analyzed.The average age of the participants was 31.2±5.0 years.Most nurses were female(176/219;80.4%)and married(145/219;66.2%).In term of professional quality of life,nurses reported moderate(129/219;58.9%)to high(90/219;41.1%)levels of compassion satisfaction,low(119/219;54.3%)to moderate(100/219;45.7%)levels of burnout,and low(67/219;36.0%)to high(10/219;4.6%)levels of secondary traumatic stress.Regarding hospital ethical climate,nurses reported moderately high hospital ethical climates with an average score of 4.46.After controlling for socio-demographic characteristics,the multiple linear regression models showed that the hospital ethical climate subscale of“relationship with physicians”was independently associated with the compassion satisfaction(b=0.533,P<0.01)and burnout(b=0.237,P<0.05);the hospital ethical climate subscale of“relationship with peers”(b=0.191,P<0.01)was independently associated with the secondary traumatic stress.Conclusions:During the early stage of the pandemic,nurses demonstrated moderate to high level of compassion satisfaction,low to moderate level of burnout,and all nurses experienced secondary traumatic stress.Nurses perceived a high level of hosp展开更多
文摘Two hundred and forty specific pathogen free leghorn chickens were randomly divided into four groups and reared in isolated pens. The tested chickens were negative to infectious bursal disease virus （IBDV） at 25 d old. Group 1 was treated with saline, whereas Groups 2, 3, and 4 were inoculated with 0.3 mL IBDV suspension intranasally the next day. Groups 3 and 4 were also administered with Astragalus polysaccharides （APS） intramuscularly twice daily at 5 or 10 mg kg-1 BW, respectively, until 31 d old. The erythrocyte-C3b receptor rosette rate （E-C3bRR） and the erythrocyte-C3b immune complex rosette rate （E-ICRR） were measured at 25, 29, 32, 35, and 38 d old. The results showed that IBDV significantly reduced E-C3bRR and E-ICRR when compared with the control group （P 〈 0.05）, while simultaneous administration of APS with 1BDV maintained E-C3bRR at similar levels to the control group （P 〉 0.05） and increased E-ICRR when compared with the control group and the group non-treated with APS （P 〈 0.05）. APS treatment reduced the morbidity and mortality of chickens inoculated with IBDV （P 〈 0.05）. The results suggest that APS may enhance the immune adherence of chickens erythrocytes by affecting the activity and/or the number of complement receptors on the erythrocyte membrane. These findings can be beneficial in providing an understanding of the basic mechanisms required for the rational application of APS in modern medicine.
基金The project was supported in part by the National Research Initiative of the USDA Cooperative State Research,Education and Extension Service,grant number 2003-35503-13990.
文摘The accuracy of extracting projected pig area is critical to the accuracy of the weight measurement of pigs by machine vision.The capability of both the conventional and the edge detection methods for extracting pig area was examined using the images of 47 pigs of different weights.Relationship between the threshold value and the extracted area was numerically analyzed for both methods.It was found that the accuracy of the conventional method depended heavily on the threshold value,while choice of threshold value in the edge detection approach had no influence on the extracted area over a wide range.In normal lighting conditions,both methods yielded comparable values of predicted weight;however,under variable light intensities,the edge detection method was superior to the conventional method,because the former was proven to be independent of light intensities.This makes edge detection an ideal method for area extraction during the walk-through weighing process where pigs are allowed to move around.
基金funded by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research awarded to Dr. Meghann Lloyd and Dr. Mark Tremblay (IHD 94356)
文摘Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to develop an assessment of the fundamental, combined, and complex movement skills required to support childhood physical literacy. The secondary aim was to establish the feasibility, objectivity, and reliability evidence for the assessment.Methods: An expert advisory group recommended a course format for the assessment that would require children to complete a series of dynamic movement skills. Criterion-referenced skill performance and completion time were the recommended forms of evaluation. Children, 8–12 years of age, self-reported their age and gender and then completed the study assessments while attending local schools or day camps. Face validity was previously established through a Delphi expert(n = 19, 21% female) review process. Convergent validity was evaluated by age and gender associations with assessment performance. Inter-and intra-rater(n = 53, 34% female) objectivity and test–retest(n = 60, 47% female) reliability were assessed through repeated test administration.Results: Median total score was 21 of 28 points(range 5–28). Median completion time was 17 s. Total scores were feasible for all 995 children who self-reported age and gender. Total score did not differ between inside and outside environments(95% confidence interval(CI) of difference:-0.7 to 0.6;p = 0.91) or with/without footwear(95%CI of difference:-2.5 to 1.9; p = 0.77). Older age(p < 0.001, η2= 0.15) and male gender(p < 0.001, η2= 0.02)were associated with a higher total score. Inter-rater objectivity evidence was excellent(intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC) = 0.99) for completion time and substantial for skill score(ICC = 0.69) for 104 attempts by 53 children(34% female). Intra-rater objectivity was moderate(ICC = 0.52) for skill score and excellent for completion time(ICC = 0.99). Reliability was excellent for completion time over a short(2–4 days; ICC = 0.84) or long(8–14days; ICC = 0.82) interval. Skill score reliability was moderate(ICC = 0.46) over a short interval, a
文摘Background Anxiety disorder, one of the highly disabling, prevalent and common mental disorders, is known to be more prevalent in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than the general population, and the comorbid presence of anxiety disorders is known to have an impact on the diabetes outcome and the quality of life. However, the information on the type of anxiety disorder and its prevalence in persons with T2DM is limited. Aims To assess the prevalence and correlates of anxiety disorder in people with type 2 diabetes in different countries. Methods People aged 18-65 years with diabetes and treated in outpatient settings were recruited in 15 countries and underwent a psychiatric interview with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Demographic and medical record data were collected. Results A total of 3170 people with type 2 diabetes (56.2% women;with mean (SD) duration of diabetes 10.01 (7.0) years) participated. The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders in type 2 diabetic persons was 18%;however, 2.8% of the study population had more than one type of anxiety disorder. The most prevalent anxiety disorders were generalised anxiety disorder (8.1%) and panic disorder (5.1%). Female gender, presence of diabetic complications, longer duration of diabetes and poorer glycaemic control (HbA1c levels) were significantly associated with comorbid anxiety disorder. A higher prevalence of anxiety disorders was observed in Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and Argentina with a lower prevalence in Bangladesh and India. Conclusions Our international study shows that people with type 2 diabetes have a high prevalence of anxiety disorders, especially women, those with diabetic complications, those with a longer duration of diabetes and poorer glycaemic control. Early identification and appropriate timely care of psychiatric problems of people with type 2 diabetes is warranted.
基金the National Program on Key Basic Research Projects，the 'One hundred talents' project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences，the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China，the National Science Foundation，the State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics of China
文摘Bitter acids, known for their use as beer flavoring and for their diverse biological activities, are predominantly formed in hop （Humulus lupulus） glandular trichomes. Branched short-chain acyI-CoAs （e.g. isobutyryI-CoA, isovaleryl- CoA and 2-methylbutyryI-CoA）, derived from the degradation of branched-chain amino acids （BCAAs）, are essential building blocks for the biosynthesis of bitter acids in hops. However, little is known regarding what components are needed to produce and maintain the pool of branched short-chain acyI-CoAs in hop trichomes. Here, we present several lines of evidence that both CoA ligases and thioesterases are likely involved in bitter acid biosynthesis. Recombinant HICCL2 （carboxyl CoA ligase） protein had high specific activity for isovaleric acid as a substrate （Kcat/Km = 4100 s-~ M-l）, whereas recombinant HICCL4 specifically utilized isobutyric acid （Kcat/Km = 1800 s-1 M-1） and 2-methylbutyric acid （Kcat/ Km = 6900 s-1 M-~） as substrates. Both HICCLs, like hop valerophenone synthase （HIVPS）, were expressed strongly in glandular trichomes and localized to the cytoplasm. Co-expression of HICCL2 and HICCL4 with HIVPS in yeast led to significant production of acylphloroglucinols （the direct precursors for bitter acid biosynthesis）, which further confirmed the biochemical function of these two HICCLs in vivo. Functional identification of a thioesterase that catalyzed the reverse reaction of CCLs in mitochondria, together with the comprehensive analysis of genes involved BCAA catabolism, supported the idea that cytosolic CoA ligases are required for linking BCAA degradation and bitter acid biosynthesis in glandular trichomes. The evolution and other possible physiological roles of branched short-chain fatty acid：CoA ligases in planta are also discussed.
基金This work was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation[OPP1134076,OPP1106427,OPP1032350,OPP1094793]National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases[U19AI089674]Wellcome Trust[106866/Z/15/Z].
文摘Multi-temporal,globally consistent,high-resolution human population datasets provide consistent and comparable population distributions in support of mapping sub-national heterogeneities in health,wealth,and resource access,and monitoring change in these over time.The production of more reliable and spatially detailed population datasets is increasingly necessary due to the importance of improving metrics at sub-national and multitemporal scales.This is in support of measurement and monitoring of UN Sustainable Development Goals and related agendas.In response to these agendas,a method has been developed to assemble and harmonise a unique,open access,archive of geospatial datasets.Datasets are provided as global,annual time series,where pertinent at the timescale of population analyses and where data is available,for use in the construction of population distribution layers.The archive includes sub-national census-based population estimates,matched to a geospatial layer denoting administrative unit boundaries,and a number of co-registered gridded geospatial factors that correlate strongly with population presence and density.Here,we describe these harmonised datasets and their limitations,along with the production workflow.Further,we demonstrate applications of the archive by producing multi-temporal gridded population outputs for Africa and using these to derive health and development metrics.The geospatial archive is available at https://doi.org/10.5258/SOTON/WP00650.
文摘In early eukaryotes, the microtubule system was engaged in mitosis, intracellular transport, and flagellumbased motility. In the plant lineage, the evolution of a multicellular body involved the conservation of some core functions, the loss of others, and the elaboration of new microtubule functions associated with the multicellular plant habit. This diversification is reflected by the presence of both conserved （animal/fungi-like） and novel （plant-like） sequences encoding microtubule-related functions in the Arabidopsis genome. The collection of microtubule mutants has grown rapidly over recent years. These mutants present a wide range of phenotypes, consistent with the hypothesis of a functional diversification of the microtubule system. In this review, we focus on mutant analysis and, in particular, discuss double mutant analysis as a valuable tool for pinpointing pathways of gene function. A future challenge will be to define the complete network of genetic and physical interactions of microtubule function in plants. In addition to reviewing recent progress in the functional analysis of the ＇MAPome＇, we present an online database of Arabidopsis mutants impaired in microtubule functions.
文摘This paper investigates particle transportation using a numerical model application approach to understand the final fate of suspended sediment particle masses due to a dredging operation in a navigational harbor inlet using PTM (Particle Tracking Model). The investigation applied PTM and simulated particle transportation at a navigational harbor called St Jerome Creek Inlet in Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Maryland District, designed jetties for the inlet, which, when constructed, would minimize dredging requirements from once in a two-year period to once in a ten-year period. In the meantime, due to the frequent dredging requirements of the inlet, there exists a need to understand the fate of the suspended sediments from the dredging operations to assess the environmental impact on the aquatic environment and the coastal community. This study used PTM to simulate the transportation of sediments in a 30-day period during a dredging operation. Ten sediment source locations were selected as possible sites from which dredged materials could be introduced into the flow system. The model output was analyzed to draw conclusions. Results showed that most suspended sediment particle masses moved from their initial site locations and settled along the shoreline, whilst the sediments that found their way out of the inlet system towards the ocean migrated southward and settled approximately 6 miles at the tip of the mainland. The objective of the study is to track sediment particles from a dredging operation. This would be significant in tracking possible contaminants in an aquatic environment for future environmental management decisions.
文摘A greenhouse experiment was conducted involving intact fragipan soil cores of 50 cm thickness after removing the topsoil horizons. The cores were maintained in moist condition throughout the experiment and received several treatments with various amendments for different periods ranging from 9 to 17 months. The amendments included annual ryegrass or Festulolium residues, powder limestone and various humate compounds alone or in combination with the grass residues. The results suggested a significant effect of ryegrass and Festulolium in reducing penetration resistance into the top 10 cm of the fragipan within 9 - 17 months, particularly when used in combination with certain humate materials such as Leonardite. Apparently, this is the result of the release of certain soluble organic compounds from the plant residues or the humate amendments that increase the solubility of Si and Al associated with the fragipan brittleness, thus decreasing the density of the compacted fragipan material.
文摘The switch from skotomorphogenesis to photomorphogenesis is a key developmental transition in the life of seed plants. While much of the underpinning proteome remodeling is driven by light-induced changes in gene expression, the proteolytic removal of specific proteins by the ubiquitin-26S proteasome system is also likely paramount. Through mass spectrometric analysis of ubiquitylated proteins affinity-purified from etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings before and after red-light irradiation, we identified a number of influential proteins whose ubiquitylation status is modified during this switch. We observed a substantial enrichment for proteins involved in auxin, abscisic acid, ethylene, and brassinosteroid signaling, peroxisome function, disease resistance, protein phosphorylation and light perception, including the phytochrome （Phy） A and phototropin photoreceptors. Soon after red-light treatment, PhyA becomes the dominant ubiquitylated species, with ubiquitin attachment sites mapped to six lysines. A PhyA mutant protected from ubiquitin addition at these sites is substantially more stable in planta upon photoconversion to Pfr and is hyperactive in driving photomorphogenesis. However, light still stimulates ubiquitylation and degradation of this mutant, implying that other attachment sites and/or proteolytic pathways exist. Collectively, we expand the catalog of ubiquitylation targets in Arabidopsis and show that this post- translational modification is central to the rewiring of plants for photoautotrophic growth.
基金Supported by SAK is supported by a grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)SDTR is funded by grants from the British Medical Research Council (MRC), London, UK+3 种基金the British Engineering, Physics and Science Research Council (EPSRC), Swindon, UKthe Alan Morement Memorial Fund AMMF, Essex, UKBroad Foundation, Los Angeles, USAPfizer Global Research and Development Inc, Sandwich, UK and GlaxoSmithKline, Ware, UK
文摘Improvements in imaging technology allow exploitation of the dual blood supply of the liver to aid in the identif ication and characterisation of both malignant and benign liver lesions. Imaging techniques available include contrast enhanced ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This review discusses the application of several imaging techniques in the diagnosis and staging of both hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma and outlines certain characteristics of benign liver lesions. The advantages of each imaging technique are highlighted, while underscoring the potential pitfalls and limitations of each imaging modality.
基金We would like to acknowledge the supports from Guangxi Jialouyuan Medical Inc.,Solgro,and the distinguished award from UT Arlington,the Pencis award,as well as the supports from the China Scholarship Council(201906155012)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22071065,21772045)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(2018B030311008)and the Technology Program of Guangzhou(201904010414)e would also like to acknowledge Dr.Kytai Nguyen for helping with DLS measurements and Alexios Papadimitratos for ESR measurements.LL would like to acknowledge support by the Welch Foundation grant number AT-1877-20180324 and the UT Dallas-NRUF Collaborative Biomedical Research Award(CoBRA).
文摘Aggregation-induced emission luminogens(AIEgens)exhibit efficient cytotoxic reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation capability and unique light-up features in the aggregated state,which have been well explored in image-guided photodynamic therapy(PDT).However,the limited penetration depth of light in tissue severely hinders AIEgens as a candidate for primary or adjunctive therapy for clinical applications.Coincidentally,microwaves(MWs)show a distinct advantage for deeper penetration depth in tissues than light.Herein,for the first time,we report AIEgen-mediated microwave dynamic therapy(MWDT)for cancer treatment.We found that two AIEgens(TPEPy-I and TPEPy-PF6)served as a new type of microwave(MW)sensitizers to produce ROS,including singlet oxygen(1O2),resulting in efficient destructions of cancer cells.The results of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)and live/dead assays reveal that the two AIEgens when activated by MW irradiation can effectively kill cancer cells with average IC-50 values of 2.73 and 3.22μM,respectively.Overall,the ability of the two AIEgens to be activated by MW not only overcomes the limitations of conventional PDT,but also helps to improve existing MW ablation therapy by reducing the MW dose required to achieve the same therapeutic outcome,thus reducing the occurrence of side-effects of MW radiation.
基金supported by Foreign Expert grant from China University of Geosciences Beijing,China and Professorial Fellow Research Grant from University of Adelaide,Australia to M.SantoshIt was also partially supported by the Basic Research Project(GP2020-003,Geological survey in the Korean Peninsula and publication of the geological maps)of Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources(KIGAM)+1 种基金funded by the Ministry of Science,ICT(Information,Communication,and Technology)Future Planning,Korea.SG was supported by an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship(FT210100906)。
文摘The Coorg Block in southern Peninsular India is one of the oldest crustal blocks on Earth that preserves the evidence for continental crust formation during the Paleo-Mesoarchean through subductionrelated arc magmatism,followed by granulite facies metamorphism in the Mesoarchean.In this study,we report for the first time,the'bar codes'of a major Paleoproterozoic Large Igneous Province in the Coorg Block through the finding of mafic dyke swarms.The gabbroic dykes from the Coorg Block,dom-inantly composed of plagioclase-pyroxene assemblage,show a restricted range in SiO_(2)values of 50.04-51.27 wt.%,and exhibit a sub-alkaline tholeiitic nature.These rocks show relatively flat LREE and constant HREE patterns and lack obvious Eu anomalies.Trace element modeling suggests that the dyke swarm was fed from a melt that originated at a shallow mantle level in the spinel stability field.Zircon grains are rare in the gabbro samples and those separated from two samples yielded 207Pb/206Pb weighted mean dates of 2214±12 Ma and 2221±7 Ma.The grains show magmatic features with depleted LREE and enriched HREE and positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies.Baddeleyite grains were dated from five gabbro samples which yielded 207Pb/206Pb weighted mean ages ranging between 2217±7 Ma and 2228±10 Ma.The combined data show a clear age peak at ca.2.2 Ga.The mafic dykes in the Coorg Block show geochemical similarities with ca.2.2 Ga mafic dyke swarms in different regions of the Dharwar and other cratons in Peninsular India and elsewhere on the globe.The data also support the inference that the global mafic magmatism at ca.2.2 Ga was linked with intracontinental rifting of the Archean cratons through mantle upwelling or plume activity.We correlate the mafic dyke swarms in the Coorg Block with attempted rifting of the Neoarchean supercontinent Kenorland.
文摘Background Very few adequately powered studies exploring early thresholds for intervention in the management of post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation(PHVD)in preterm infants have identified consistent neurodevelopmental advantages at 12–30 months.We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of early versus conservative thresholds for intervention,primarily aimed at normalizing cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)pressure,in the management of PHVD in preterm infants.Methods Multiple databases were searched for eligible papers,and prospective randomized trials involving preterm infants were selected.The results are expressed as relative risks(RRs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).The main outcome was survival without moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 12–30 months.Results Ten articles representing seven randomized trials comparing early versus conservative thresholds for interventions were included.Five trials(n=545 infants)reported no difference in the main outcome between early and conservative groups[RR 0.99(0.71,1.37)].Sensitivity analysis excluding data from a medication trial did not alter the main outcome[RR 1.15(0.95,1.39)].Infants in the early threshold group received significantly more interventions[RR 1.48(1.05,2.09)].Deaths before discharge/during the initial study period[RR 1.04(0.70,1.54)]or a composite of death or shunt insertion[RR 1.04(0.86,1.27)]were comparable between the two groups.Conclusions Early intervention for PHVD,before a clinical or ultrasound threshold is met,leads to additional clinical procedures but does not improve survival without moderate–severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 12–30 months.Caution should be exercised in interpreting these results due to significant variation between the studies.
文摘Objectives:To describe the professional quality of life and explore its associated factors among nurses coming from other areas of China to assist with the anti-epidemic fight inWuhan and especially examine whether the hospital ethical climate was independently associated with nurses’professional quality of life.Methods:A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from March 2020 to April 2020.The nurses working in Wuhan from the other parts of China were the target population.The Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5,the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey,and a basic information sheet were used to collect data.Descriptive statistics,t-test,ANOVA,Pearson correlation,and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data.Results:In total,236 nurses participated in this study,and 219 valid questionnaires were analyzed.The average age of the participants was 31.2±5.0 years.Most nurses were female(176/219;80.4%)and married(145/219;66.2%).In term of professional quality of life,nurses reported moderate(129/219;58.9%)to high(90/219;41.1%)levels of compassion satisfaction,low(119/219;54.3%)to moderate(100/219;45.7%)levels of burnout,and low(67/219;36.0%)to high(10/219;4.6%)levels of secondary traumatic stress.Regarding hospital ethical climate,nurses reported moderately high hospital ethical climates with an average score of 4.46.After controlling for socio-demographic characteristics,the multiple linear regression models showed that the hospital ethical climate subscale of“relationship with physicians”was independently associated with the compassion satisfaction(b=0.533,P<0.01)and burnout(b=0.237,P<0.05);the hospital ethical climate subscale of“relationship with peers”(b=0.191,P<0.01)was independently associated with the secondary traumatic stress.Conclusions:During the early stage of the pandemic,nurses demonstrated moderate to high level of compassion satisfaction,low to moderate level of burnout,and all nurses experienced secondary traumatic stress.Nurses perceived a high level of hosp
