Flavonoids are the most abundant medicinal ingredients in Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extract (GBE), which is an important industrial raw material for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Our previous study found significantly higher flavonoid content in G. biloba leaves treated with UV-B for 7 days. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the miRNA-mRNA network responds to UV-B irradiation and regulates flavonoid biosynthesis remain unclear. Here, we identified 1348 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by transcriptome sequencing of G. biloba leaves from UV-B treatment at 0 (CK) and 7 days, and 89.76

Preventing impurity emission from hot spots on plasma-facing materials is a critical issue in the maintenance of high-performance plasma on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). In this study, experimental and theoretical analyses were performed to investigate the mechanism of hot spot formation. In the upper single null magnetic configuration of the EAST, two separatrices were connected to the upper (primary) and lower (secondary) X -points. Experiments on plasma configuration control indicated that the reduction in the gap between the lower (secondary) separatrix and lower hybrid antenna is effective in preventing hot spot formation on the lower divertor, which frequently emits impurities in long-duration discharges. This effectiveness was quantitatively confirmed by magnetic field lines tracking simulation and calorimetric measurement of divertors in the experiment. Two-frequency power modulation of the lower hybrid wave (LHW) was conducted to evaluate power deposition on the scrape-off layer (SOL) during propagation from the LHW antenna to the main plasma. This experiment clarified that LHW-accelerated electrons in the SOL via collision damping deliver their energies to hot spots along the magnetic field line. These findings help alleviate or even eliminate the formation of hot spots and maintain the performance of plasma.

Aplastic anemia (AA) is an auto-activated T cell-mediated bone marrow failure. Cyclosporine is often used to treat non-severe AA, which demonstrates a more heterogeneous condition than severe AA. The response rate to cyclosporine is only around 50% in non-severe AA. To better predict response to cyclosporine and pinpoint who is the appropriate candidate for cyclosporine, we performed phenotypic and functional T cell immune signature at single cell level by mass cytometry from 30 patients with non-severe AA. Unexpectedly, non-significant differences of T cell subsets were observed between AA and healthy control or cyclosporine-responder and non-responders. Interestingly, when screening the expression of co-inhibitory molecules, T cell trafficking mediators, and cytokines, we found an increase of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) on T cells in response to cyclosporine and a lower level of CTLA-4 on CD8+ T cells was correlated to hematologic response. Moreover, a decreased expression of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) on naive T cells and a lower level of interleukin-9 (IL-9) on T helpers also predicted a better response to cyclosporine, respectively. Therefore, the T cell immune signature, especially in CTAL-4, S1P1, and IL-9, has a predictive value for response to cyclosporine. Collectively, our study implies that immune signature analysis of T cell by mass cytometry is a useful tool to make a strategic decision on cyclosporine treatment of AA.

Objectives: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the time trends in average sleep duration and prevalence of short sleep, poor sleep quality, and high sleep debt among Chinese adults.Study design: This was a cross-sectional study.Methods: The study used nationally representative data from Chinese Family Panel Survey (CFPS) among adults aged >= 18 years. Linear regression and logistic regression were used to calculate P-values for trends across waves, and absolute difference in prevalences were calculated by linear regression. Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate the prevalence ratios of sleep-related problems.Results: In 2018, the estimated average sleep duration in adults was 7.6 h/d. A shorter sleep duration, higher proportion of short sleep, and poor sleep quality were observed in people aged >= 65 years, women, people with primary school education or below, and residents in Liaoning province. The average sleep duration slightly decreased from 8.2 h/d in 2010 to 7.6 h/d in 2016, and then remained stable from 2016 to 2018. The prevalence of short sleep duration has markedly increased from 11.8% in 2010 to 24.1% in 2016, and then there was a decline in prevalence from 2016 to 2018, although this decrease was not significant. The prevalence of high sleep debt among employed people increased from 6.2% in 2010 to 8.6% in 2018 (absolute difference, 2.4 p.p; P trend = 0.063). In addition, the prevalence of poor sleep quality increased from 15.6% in 2012 to 21.3% in 2018 (absolute difference of 5.7 p.p; P trend<0.001). For all the sleep-related variables, the degree of changes varied by sociodemographic subgroups.Conclusions: In this nationally representative survey of the Chinese population, the average sleep duration slightly decreased from 2010 to 2016, and then remained stable from 2016 to 2018. Poor sleep quality, and high sleep debt increased among most of the sociodemographic subgroups. Future studies are needed to understand the drivers of changes in sleep health among Chinese adults.(c) 2023 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A chondrocyte-to-osteoblast lineage continuum exists in the growth plate. Adipogenic differentiation of chondrocytes in vivo should be investigated. Here, unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC), which can induce osteoarthritic lesions in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), was applied to 6-wk-old C57BL/6 mice. Matrix loss in TMJ cartilage was obvious, as demonstrated by safranin O staining, and the condylar cartilage elastic modulus values, detected by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), were reduced, indicating cartilage softening that might be linked with loss of the highly charged proteoglycan. By crossing the Rosa26/tdTomato (TdT) mice with Sox9;Cre ERT2 mice or with Col10;Cre ERT2 mice, we obtained the Sox9-TdT and Col10-TdT strains, respectively, in which the Sox9- or Col10-expressing cells, accordingly, were labeled by TdT. A few TdT-labeled cells in both strains expressed AdipoQ or DMP-1. The Sox9-TdT + AdipoQ + cells were primarily located in the deep zone cartilage and then in the whole cartilage. Col10-TdT + AdipoQ + cells, Sox9-TdT + DMP-1 + cells, and Col10-TdT + DMP-1 + cells were located in the deep zone region. UAC promoted AdipoQ and DMP-1 expression in cartilage. The percentages of Sox9-TdT + AdipoQ + and Col10-TdT + AdipoQ + cells to Sox9-TdT + and Col10-TdT + cells, respectively, were increased (both P < 0.05), implying that more chondrocytes were undergoing adipogenic differentiation in the UAC group, the cartilage of which was softened. The percentages of Sox9-TdT + DMP-1 + and Col10-TdT + DMP-1 + cells to Sox9-TdT + cells and Col10-TdT + cells, respectively, were increased (both P < 0.05), consistent with our report that UAC enhanced deep zone cartilage calcification, causing stiffening of the deep zone cartilage. Our present data demonstrated that TMJ chondrocyte descendants can become adipogenic in vivo in addition to becoming osteogenic. This potential was promoted in osteoarthritic cartilage, in which deep zone cartilage calcification-associated cartilage stiffening and proteoglycan loss-associated cartilage softening were both stimulated.

The excitation of an initially stable neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) is investigated in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) low- β p H-mode plasmas ( β p is defined as the ratio of the thermal pressure to the poloidal magnetic pressure). Using similar plasma parameters, n = 1 resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) cannot always successfully excite the m / n = 2/1 NTM with the same RMP coil current setup ( n and m are the toroidal and poloidal mode numbers, respectively). Data from a gas electron multiplier camera shows that NTM destabilization is related to RMP-induced crashes at the q = 1 resonant surface during the RMP ramp-up phase. The second RMP-induced crash amplitude decays exponentially as β p increases. There is a critical value β p ≈ 0.76 above which the crash amplitude (or seed island width) is too small (below the critical island width) to trigger an NTM. Observation and analysis indicate that the m / n = 2/1 NTM is not forcibly driven by the n = 1 RMP (such as the m / n = 2/1 component), but is probably due to electron heat transport between the q = 1 and the q = 2 resonant surfaces. This paper describes experimental observations of NTM excitation which also have implications for further investigations of NTM locking and disruptions.

Objective: To explore the suppressing impact of low phosphorus intake on osteoarthritic temporomandibular joint and the possible mechanisms of nuclear acid injury in the insulted chondrocytes. Design: Chondrocytes were loaded with fluid flow shear stress (FFSS) with or without low phosphorus medium. Seventy-two mice (sampled at 3-, 7- and 11-wk, n = 6) and forty-eight rats (sampled at 12-wks for different testing purpose, n = 6) were applied with unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) with or without low phosphorus diet. In the FFSS model, the Ca and P content, molecules related to nucleic acid degradation and the mineral-producing responses in chondrocytes were detected. The effect of culture dish stiffness on chondrocytes osteogenic differentiation was measured. In the UAC model, the content of Ca and P in serum were tested. The condylar cartilage ossification and stiffness were detected using micro-CT, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. Results: FFSS induced nucleic acid degradation, Pi accumulation and mineral-producing responses in the cultured chondrocytes, all were alleviated by low P medium. Stiffer dish bottoms promoted the osteogenic differentiation of the cultured chondrocytes. UAC stimulated cartilage degeneration and chondrocytes nucleic acid damage, increased PARP 1 and serum P content, and enhanced ossification and stiffening of the cartilage, all were suppressed by low phosphorus diet (all, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Nucleic acid damage takes a role in phosphorus production in osteoarthritic cartilage, contributing to the enhanced mineralization and stiffness of the cartilage that in turn promotes cartilage degradation, which can be alleviated by low phosphorus intake. (c) 2021 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE:To optimize the protocol of meniscus cell extraction to enhance the efficiency of cell suspension preparation and maintain a high cell viability for single-cell RNA sequencing.METHODS:We compared the efficiency of the routine cell extraction methods (short-time digestion and long-time digestion) and the optimized protocol for obtaining meniscus cell suspensions by evaluating the cell number obtained and the cell viability. Single-cell RNA sequencing datasets were analyzed to evaluate the stability of the cell suspension prepared using the optimized protocol. The reliability of the optimized protocol was assessed by comparing the single-cell RNA sequencing dataset obtained by the optimized protocol with published single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of the meniscus.RESULTS:The optimized protocol harvested a greater number of cells (over 1×105) than the routine protocols. The cell suspension prepared with the optimized protocol showed a cell viability higher than 80%, the highest among the 3 methods. Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing datasets showed that the ratio of the mitochondrial genes was below 20% in over 80% of the cells. CD34+ cells, MCAM+ cells and COL1A1+ cells were identified in the datasets. Comparison with the publish datasets showed that the optimized protocol was capable of harvesting COL3A1+, COL1A1+, MYLK+, BMP2+, CD93+ and CDK1+ cells.CONCLUSION:Single-cell suspension prepared from the meniscus can be stably obtained using the optimized protocol for single-cell RNA sequencing using the 10× Genomics platform.

Traditionally, the AC contactor was controlled by exerting continuous DC current to the coil in both magnetic attracting and maintaining process. This would result in the electromagnetic force overloaded, and the wear between the moving contact and static contact intensified. As time went on, the coil heating would become serious, and the lifespan of contactors would be reduced. Therefore, PWM and DC-DC control schemes were used in this paper to achieve the purpose of saving energy and prolong the lifespan of contactors. The design process of PWM and DC-DC control circuits was introduced. By comparing PWM and DC-DC control schemes in performance and cost evaluation, the final plan was determined. Also the system software was completed. The electronic control unit and the whole contactor machine were tested. Compared with contactors by coil direct control, our contactor can save 43.19% energy, and extend the electrical life by 19.30% on average. Compared with similar contactors by electronic control, our contactor can save 17.5% energy, and extend the electrical life by 6.66% on average.

With the increase of urban electrical load, a continuous extending capacity reformation for cable lines came up. Nowadays, it has been built high-voltage cables in parallel and put into operation. Parallel cable sheaths suffer from serious induced voltage and circulating current. This will reduce the lifespan of parallel cables. Therefore, how to reduce the induced voltage and circulating current in parallel cable sheaths becomes an important question. In this paper, the reasonable grounding position and mode for parallel cable sheaths was analyzed by ATP-EMTP electromagnetic transient analysis software. It was found that when the sheath was grounded by single-ended or middle-point way, the reasonable grounding position should be the malfunction prone side. Moreover, no matter the sheath was grounded by single-ended, middle-point, or cross-bonding way, the reasonable grounding mode was always to achieve grounding completely independently. Besides, the reasonable arrangement of return line for parallel cables was analyzed by ATP. The "3/7" arrangement with total transposition was suggested to be used preferentially. However, if it was not easy to achieve in reality, the "3/7" arrangement with partial transposition was an alternative scheme.

With the increasing power consumption, single-core power cables in parallel have been widely used to improve the transmission capacity. However, there is a complex electro-magnetic coupling between parallel cables in same phase, the current distribution may not be even. This phenomenon will not only lead to a decline in transmission capacity of the line, but also may cause the overheating, even breakdown in parts of the cables. In this paper, based on the model to analyse the current unbalanced degree in parallel cables, the influential factors were studied. It was found that the arrangement was the most important influential factor. The Mutual Unbalanced Degree(MUD) was the least when cables were under symmetry-reverse phase sequence. By using the monitoring data of a 220 kV cable line in parallel, the analysis model was proved to be extremely accurate. Also the transient characteristics of parallel cables were analysed by ATP-EMTP electromagnetic transient analysis software. When single-phase grounding fault happened, the short-circuit current at different fault points was calculated. It was found that single-cable grounding happening at the middle section was the most serious. Single-phase grounding happened at terminal was slighter. Single-phase grounding happened at headend was the slightest.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of rapamycin (RAPA) alone or in combination with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the T-helper 17 (Th17) cell/regulatory T-cell (Treg) balance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Methods Seventy patients with SLE were enrolled. They were randomly and equally divided into RAPA and RAPA + ATRA groups. The number of Th17 and Treg cells was measured by flow cytometry before and after treatment for 6, 12 and 24 weeks. The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score and the prednisone dose before and after treatment were used to evaluate the efficacy between the two groups. Results In both groups, at different time points after treatment, the number of Th17 cells (p = 0.003) and Th17/Treg ratio (p = 0.044) reduced, while the number of Treg cells (p = 0.574) tended to increase. The SLEDAI score and the dose of prednisone decreased significantly (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of Th17 cells (p = 0.089), Treg cells (p = 0.059), Th17/Treg ratio (p = 0.580), SLEDAI score (p = 0.127) and the dose of prednisone (p = 0.329) between the two groups. Conclusion Disease activity in SLE patients reduced with RAPA alone or in conjunction with ATRA, reducing glucocorticoid requirement. One of its mechanisms of action may be regulating the Th17/Treg cell balance, which provides a new model for the pathogenesis and potential treatment of SLE.

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of pertuzumab with trastuzumab and chemotherapy(PHT) vs. trastuzumab and chemotherapy (HT) in the neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer in China. A validated 6-state Markov model with monthly cycle was constructed to estimate the lifetime incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Efficacy and safety data considered in the model were derived from the NeoSphere trial and other published studies. Utilities were taken from EQ-5D results of Chinese patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer and published literatures. The modelled cost comprised drugs, administration, adverse events management, follow-up and therapeutic costs. Furthermore, indirect costs were included when analyzed from the society perspective. All costs were obtained from real world data and local published resources. Costs and outcomes were both discounted at 5%. Sensitivity analysis were conducted to verify the robustness of the results. PHT had an added QALY of 0.54. From healthcare system perspective, the ICER was CNY 127,578/QALY. Additional 9% lower indirect costs in PHT group resulting an ICER of CNY 117,147/QALY from the society perspective. Both ICERs were between 1∼2 times GDP per capita, far below the local threshold of 3 times GDP per capita in 2018 (CNY 193,932). Acquisition cost of pertuzumab in PHT is partially offset by the prevention of disease recurrences over the time as the cost for managing recurrences was 10% lower than that in HT group. One-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated the results were robust. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that PHT was more cost-effective in over 60% simulations at local threshold regardless of the perspective. Compared to HT, PHT is more cost-effective in the neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer in China.

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of pertuzumab with trastuzumab and chemotherapy (PHT) vs trastuzumab and chemotherapy (HT) as the adjuvant treatment for Chinese patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence (HR-negative or node-positive). A 6-state Markov model with monthly cycle was constructed to estimate the lifetime incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Main clinical input was the time spent in invasive Disease Free Survival state, estimated by parametric extrapolations to the Chinese subgroup data observed in the clinical trial APHINITY. Utilities were calculated from EQ-5D of Chinese patients in APHINITY with Chinese Tariffs and the published literatures. The modelled adjuvant cost comprised drugs, administration, adverse events management costs, follow-up and therapeutic cost. Furthermore, indirect costs were included when analyzed from the society perspective. All costs were mainly obtained from real world data and local published resources. Costs and outcomes were both discounted at 5%. Sensitivity analysis were conducted to verify the robustness of the results. PHT provided 1.02 more QALYs with additional costs than HT. From healthcare system perspective, the ICER was CNY 115,329/QALY. Further 26% lower indirect costs in PHT group resulting an ICER of CNY 107,400/QALY from the society perspective. Both ICERs were between 1∼2 times GDP per capita, far below the local threshold of 3 times GDP per capita in 2018 (CNY 193,932). Acquisition cost of pertuzumab is partially offset by the prevention of disease recurrences over the time. Cost for managing recurrences in PHT was 42% lower than that in HT group. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that PHT was more cost-effective in more than 70% simulations at local threshold regardless of the perspective. Compared to HT, PHT is more cost-effective in the adjuvant treatment for patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence in China.

We present a precision study of the ψ → π0J/ψ and ηJ/ψ decay modes. The measurements are obtained using 106×106 ψ events accumulated with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII e+e− collider operating at a center-of-mass energy corresponding to the ψ mass. We obtain B(ψ′ → π0J/ψ) = (1.26 ± 0.02 (stat.) ± 0.03 (syst.))× 10−3 and B(ψ′ → ηJ/ψ) = (33.75 ± 0.17 (stat.) ± 0.86 (syst.))× 10−3. The branching fraction ratio R = B(ψ →πJ/ψ) B(ψ→ηJ/ψ) is determined to be (3.74 ± 0.06 (stat.) ± 0.04 (syst.)) × 10−2. The precision of these measurements of B(ψ′ → π0J/ψ) and R represent a significant improvement over previously published values. PACS numbers: 13.25.Gv, 13.20.Gd

Extraction of Soluble Dietary Fiber (SDF) from Soy Sauce Residue (SSR) was investigated by microwave-ultrasonic assisted enzymatic hydrolysis for the first time. The single factor experiment and the orthogonal experiment methodology were used to obtain the optimal condition for extracting SDF. DPPH scavenging activity and reducing power were measured to evaluate the antioxidant properties of SDF. The results revealed the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: ratio of solvent to material 15: 1; microwave power 200 W; microwave-ultrasonic extraction time 200 s; enzymatic hydrolysis pH 5.5; and enzymatic hydrolysis time 50 min. Under these conditions, the maximum extraction rate of SDF reached 2.15%. Furthermore, the extracted SDF showed high DPPH scavenging activity and reducing power. The study confirms that SDF recovered from SSR has a good potential in the development of functional food.