Apis mellifera plays crucial roles in maintaining the balance of global ecosystems and stability of agricultural systems by helping pollination of flowering plants, including many crops. In recent ...years, this balance has been disrupted greatly by some pesticides, which results in great losses of honeybees worldwide. Previous studies have found that pesticide‐caused memory loss might be one of the major reasons for colony loss. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are chemical compounds that inhibit the activity of histone deacetylases and are known to cause hyperacetylation of histone cores and influence gene expression. In our study, the HDACi sodium butyrate was applied to honeybees as a dietary supplement. The effect of sodium butyrate on the expression profiles of memory‐related genes was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The results revealed that this HDACi had up‐regulation effects on most of the memory‐related genes in bees, even in bees treated with imidacloprid. In addition, using the proboscis extension reflex to evaluate olfactory learning in bees, we found that this HDACi boosted the memory formation of bees after impairment owing to imidacloprid exposure. This study investigated the association between gene expression and memory formation from an epigenetic perspective. Additionally, we further demonstrate the possibility of enhancing bee learning using HDACis and provide initial data for future research.
Much theoretical and experimental attention has been focused on the electrical switching of the antiferromagnetic (AFM) Néel vector via spin-orbit torque. Measurements employing multiterminal ...patterned structures of Pt/AFM show recurring signals of the supposedly planar Hall effect and magnetoresistance, implying AFM switching. We show in this Letter that similar signals have been observed in structures with and without the AFM layer, and of an even larger magnitude using different metals and substrates. These may not be the conclusive evidence of spin-orbit torque switching of AFM, but the thermal artifacts of patterned metal structure on substrate. Large current densities in the metallic devices, beyond the Ohmic regime, can generate unintended anisotropic thermal gradients and voltages. AFM switching requires unequivocal detection of the AFM Néel vector before and after SOT switching.
Past studies on the issue of learning‐theory foundations in game‐based learning stressed the importance of establishing learning‐theory foundation and provided an exploratory examination of ...established learning theories. However, we found research seldom addressed the development of the use or failure to use learning‐theory foundations and categorized these learning theories into relative types and synthesized their development. We investigate this issue from the perspective of learning theories invoked to underpin educational computer game design and use based on the four types of learning theories: behaviourism, cognitivism, humanism and constructivism. Because the investigation needs to examine and analyse the results from a large number of independent previous studies, this study applied the meta‐analysis method to present a more comprehensive description and discussion of the influence and implications of the findings. This study shows the distribution of development trends for the use of learning theory as a theoretical foundation, as opposed to those that fail to use learning theory in game‐based learning, along with the distribution of types and principles of learning theories that used a learning‐theory foundation. These new findings can supplement the results of previous studies with regard to the issue of learning‐theory foundations in game‐based learning. The contributions of this study for the issue of learning‐theory foundations in game‐based learning are discussed.
Summary Objectives To investigate the association of ultrasound (US) features with pain and the functional scores in patients with equal radiographic grades of osteoarthritis (OA) in both knees. ...Methods Fifty-six consecutive patients with knee OA: 85 symptomatic knees (81 knees with medial pain) and 27 asymptomatic knees, and 10 healthy patients without knee OA as a control were enrolled. US was done by two ultrasonographers blinded to patient diagnoses. US features were semiquantitatively scored (0–3) when appropriate. Results In the OA group, common US findings were marginal osteophyte, suprapatellar synovitis, suprapatellar effusion (SPE), medial meniscus protrusion, medial compartment synovitis (MCS), lateral compartment synovitis, and Baker's cyst. Only SPE and MCS were significantly associated with knee pain. Visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores on motion were positively linearly associated with SPE and MCS ( P < 0.01). Only MCS was degree-dependently associated with VAS scores at rest, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities pain subscale, and the presence of medial knee pain ( P < 0.01) after adjustments for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), radiographic grade, and other US features. In the control group, no US features were associated with knee pain. Conclusions US inflammation features, including SPE and MCS, were positively linearly associated with knee pain in motion. MCS was also degree-dependently associated with pain at rest and the presence of medial knee pain. These findings show that synovitis was one important predictive factor of pain. Further studies to confirm the association of US features and pain are warranted.
Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) are efficient in extracting natural products. However, traditional organic solvents are toxic in the extraction of anthraquinones from
Rheum palmatum
L. To ...solve this problem, we applied natural deep eutectic solvent ultrasound-assisted extraction in this study for the extraction of total anthraquinones from
R. palmatum
L. Principal component analysis revealed that the selected NADES which consisted of lactic acid, glucose and water (LGH), was highly efficient in extracting anthraquinones from
R. palmatum
L. The ratio of lactic acid/glucose and the addition of water in LGH were investigated
via
a single-factor experiment. With a lactic acid/glucose ratio of 5 : 1 (mol/mol), and 10% of water (v/v), LGH had a high extraction yield to anthraquinones. Optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), the optimized extraction conditions of extraction time, extraction temperature and solvent-to-solid ratio of 1.5 h, 82 °C and 26 mL g
−1
, respectively. Under optimum conditions, the extraction yields of aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, physcion and total anthraquinones were 2.60 ± 0.01, 5.78 ± 0.02, 2.21 ± 0.02, 5.87 ± 0.02, 8.81 ± 0.01 and 25.27 ± 0.07 mg g
−1
, respectively. The enrichment and separation of five anthraquinones in LGH extraction solution were efficiently achieved using DM130 macroporous resin, with purities of 90.98%, 96.67%, 92.37%, 95.80% and 91.61% as indicated by HPLC, and recovery yields of 84.08%, 79.51%, 84.96%, 81.83% and 78.35%, respectively. LGH was environmentally friendly and highly efficient in extracting anthraquinones from
R. palmatum
L., and NADESs showed potential for the extraction of effective components from natural products.
Natural deep eutectic solvents ultrasound-assisted extraction (NADES-UAE) was applied to extract total anthraquinones from
Rheum palmatum
L.
The associated risk of phthalate exposure, both parent compounds in the home and their metabolites in urine, to childhood allergic and respiratory morbidity, after adjusting for exposures of indoor ...pollutants, especially bioaerosols, was comprehensively assessed. Levels of five phthalates in settled dust from the homes of 101 children (3–9 years old) were measured, along with their corresponding urinary metabolites. Other environmental risk factors, including indoor CO2, PM2.5, formaldehyde, 1,3‐β‐d‐glucan, endotoxin, allergen and fungal levels, were concomitantly examined. Subject’s health status was verified by pediatricians, and parents recorded observed daily symptoms of their children for the week that the home investigation visit took place. Significantly increased level of benzylbutyl phthalate, in settled dust, was associated with test case subjects (allergic or asthmatic children). Higher levels of dibutyl phthalate and its metabolites, mono‐n‐butyl phthalate, and mono‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate were found to be the potential risk factors for the health outcomes of interest. Similarly, indoor fungal exposure remained a significant risk factor, especially for reported respiratory symptoms. The relative contribution from exposure to phthalates and indoor biocontaminants in childhood allergic and respiratory morbidity is, for the first time, quantitatively assessed and characterized.
Practical Implications
For asthmatic and allergic children living in subtropical and highly developed environments like homes in Taiwan, controlling environmental exposure of phthalates may be viewed as equally important as avoiding indoor microbial burdens, for the management of allergy‐related diseases. It is also recognized that multidisciplinary efforts will be critical in realizing the true underlying mechanisms associated with these observations.
South Korea is experiencing the largest outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infections outside the Arabian Peninsula, with 166 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 24 deaths up ...to 19 June 2015. We estimated that the mean incubation period was 6.7 days and the mean serial interval 12.6 days. We found it unlikely that infectiousness precedes symptom onset. Based on currently available data, we predict an overall case fatality risk of 21% (95% credible interval: 14–31).
Background
The rampant spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has assumed pandemic proportions across the world. Attempts to contain its spread have entailed varying early screening and ...triage strategies implemented in different countries and regions.
Aim
To share the experience of scientific and standardized management of fever clinics in China, which provide the first effective checkpoint for the prevention and control of COVID‐19.
Introduction
A fever clinic was established at our hospital in Tianjin, China, for initially identifying suspected cases of COVID‐19 and controlling the spread of the disease.
Methods
The management system covered the following aspects: spatial layout; partitioning of functional zones; a work management system and associated processes; management of personnel, materials and equipment; and patient education.
Results
Within two months of introducing these measures, there was a comprehensive reduction in the number of new COVID‐19 cases in Tianjin, and zero infections occurred among medical staff at the fever clinic.
Discussion
The fever clinic plays an important role in the early detection, isolation and referral of patients presenting with fevers of unknown origin. Broad screening criteria, an adequate warning mechanism, manpower reserves and staff training at the clinic are essential for the early management of epidemics.
Conclusion
The spread of COVID‐19 has been effectively curbed through the establishment of the fever clinic, which merits widespread promotion and application.
Implications for nursing and health policies
Health managers should be made aware of the important role of fever clinics in the early detection, isolation and referral of patients, and in the treatment of infectious diseases to prevent and control their spread. In the early stage of an epidemic, fever clinics should be established in key areas with concentrated clusters of cases. Simultaneously, the health and safety of health professionals require attention.
Summary
Background Keloid is a unique proliferative disorder of fibroblasts resulting from derailment of the typical wound healing process. Due to lack of animal models for therapeutic testing, ...treatment of keloids remains a clinical challenge. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐related signalling plays a key role in keloid formation. As tacrolimus (FK506) has been reported to inhibit the effects of TGF‐β1 on cultured fibroblasts, we hypothesized that FK506 may be useful in treating keloids.
Objectives To explore the effects of FK506 on TGF‐β1‐stimulated keloid fibroblasts (KFs) in terms of proliferation, migration and collagen production and to investigate the regulatory pathways involved.
Methods Fibroblasts derived from keloids were treated with TGF‐β1 with or without FK506. Relevant assays including 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation assay, in vitro scratch assay, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR and Western blotting were performed.
Results The proliferation and migration of KFs were significantly higher than those of normal fibroblasts. FK506 markedly inhibited KF proliferation, migration and collagen production enhanced by TGF‐β1. The increase in TGF‐β receptor I and II expression in TGF‐β1‐treated KFs was suppressed by FK506 treatment. TGF‐β1 increased the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and Smad4 in KFs, and this enhancing effect was abrogated by FK506. In addition, FK506 significantly increased the expression of Smad7 which was suppressed by TGF‐β1 treatment.
Conclusions Our results demonstrate that FK506 effectively blocks the TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway in KFs by downregulation of TGF‐β receptors and suggest that FK506 may be included in the armamentarium for treating keloids.