External validation of a model for selecting day 3 embryos for transfer based upon deep learning and time-lapse imaging.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Could objective embryo assessment using iDAScore Version 2.0 perform as well as conventional morphological assessment? DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of fresh day 3 embryo transfer cycles was conducted at a large reproductive medicine centre. In total, 7786 embryos from 4328 cycles with known implantation data were cultured in a time-lapse incubator and included in the study. Fetal heartbeat (FHB) rate was analysed retrospectively using iDAScore Version 2.0 and conventional morphological assessment associated with the transferred embryos. The pregnancy-prediction performance of the two assessment methods was compared using area under the curve (AUC) values for predicting FHB. RESULTS: AUC values were significantly higher for iDAScore compared with morphological assessment for all cycles (0.62 versus 0.60; P = 0.005), single-embryo transfer cycles (0.63 versus 0.60; P = 0.043) and double-embryo transfer cycles (0.61 versus 0.59; P = 0.012). For the age subgroups, AUC values were significantly higher for iDAScore compared with morphological assessment in the <35 years subgroup (0.62 versus 0.60; P = 0.009); however, no significant difference was found in the ≥35 years subgroup. In terms of the number of blastomeres, AUC values were significantly higher for iDAScore compared with morphological assessment for both the <8c subgroup (0.67 versus 0.56; P < 0.001) and the ≥8c subgroup (0.58 versus 0.55; P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: iDAScore Version 2.0 performed as well as, or better than, conventional morphological assessment in fresh day 3 embryo transfer cycles. iDAScore Version 2.0 may therefore constitute a promising tool for selecting embryos with the highest likelihood of implantation.

Semisupervised Graph Neural Networks for Graph Classification.

Graph classification aims to predict the label associated with a graph and is an important graph analytic task with widespread applications. Recently, graph neural networks (GNNs) have achieved state-of-the-art results on purely supervised graph classification by virtue of the powerful representation ability of neural networks. However, almost all of them ignore the fact that graph classification usually lacks reasonably sufficient labeled data in practical scenarios due to the inherent labeling difficulty caused by the high complexity of graph data. The existing semisupervised GNNs typically focus on the task of node classification and are incapable to deal with graph classification. To tackle the challenging but practically useful scenario, we propose a novel and general semisupervised GNN framework for graph classification, which takes full advantage of a slight amount of labeled graphs and abundant unlabeled graph data. In our framework, we train two GNNs as complementary views for collaboratively learning high-quality classifiers using both labeled and unlabeled graphs. To further exploit the view itself, we constantly select pseudo-labeled graph examples with high confidence from its own view for enlarging the labeled graph dataset and enhancing predictions on graphs. Furthermore, the proposed framework is investigated on two specific implementation regimes with a few labeled graphs and the extremely few labeled graphs, respectively. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed semisupervised GNN framework for graph classification on several benchmark datasets.

A Triple-Network Dynamic Connection Study in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) was associated with abnormal organization and function of large-scale brain networks. We applied group independent component analysis (Group ICA) to construct the triple-network consisting of the saliency network (SN), the central executive network (CEN), and the default mode network (DMN) in 25 AD, 60 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 60 cognitively normal (CN) subjects. To explore the dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC), we investigated dynamic time-varying triple-network interactions in subjects using Group ICA analysis based on k-means clustering (GDA-k-means). The mean of brain state-specific network interaction indices (meanNII) in the three groups (AD, MCI, CN) showed significant differences by ANOVA analysis. To verify the robustness of the findings, a support vector machine (SVM) was taken meanNII, gender and age as features to classify. This method obtained accuracy values of 95, 94, and 77% when classifying AD vs. CN, AD vs. MCI, and MCI vs. CN, respectively. In our work, the findings demonstrated that the dynamic characteristics of functional interactions of the triple-networks contributed to studying the underlying pathophysiology of AD. It provided strong evidence for dysregulation of brain dynamics of AD.

Evaluation of a mosquito home system for controlling Aedes aegypti.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is a significant public health issue that is caused by Aedes spp. mosquitoes. The current vector control methods are unable to effectively reduce Aedes populations and thus fail to decrease dengue transmission. Hence, there is an urgent need for new tools and strategies to reduce dengue transmission in a wide range of settings. In this study, the Mosquito Home System (MHS) and Mosquito Home Aqua (MHAQ) formulations were assessed as commercial autodissemination traps in laboratory and small-scale field trials. METHOD: Multiple series of laboratory and small-scale field trials were performed to assess the efficacy of MHS and MHAQ exposed to Ae. aegypti. In the laboratory trials, various parameters such as fecundity, fertility, wing size, oviposition preferences, residual effects, and MHAQ transference to other containers through controlled experiments were tested. For small-scale field trials, the efficacy of the MHS and MHAQ approaches was determined to ascertain whether wild mosquitoes could transfer the MHAQ formulation from MHS stations to ovitraps. RESULTS: The data revealed that Ae. aegypti was highly susceptible to low concentrations of MHAQ formulations and had a residual effect of up to 3 months, with MHAQ exposure affecting fecundity, fertility, and mosquito wing size. In the oviposition studies, gravid females strongly preferred the hay infusion compared to tap water and MHAQ during egg-laying in the laboratory. Nevertheless, the use of commercial MHAQ by MHS was highly attractive in field settings compared to conventional ovitraps among local Aedes spp. mosquitoes. In addition, MHAQ horizontal transfer activities in the laboratory and small-scale field trials were demonstrated through larval bioassays. These findings demonstrated the potential of MHAQ to be transferred to new containers in each study site. CONCLUSION: This study provided proof of principle for the autodissemination of MHAQ. Through further refinement, this technique and device could become an effective oviposition trap and offer an alternative preventive tool for vector control management.

Carbon Monoxide Attenuates High Salt-Induced Hypertension While Reducing Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress in the Paraventricular Nucleus.

Carbon monoxide (CO) presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities as a new gaseous neuromessenger produced by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the body. High salt-induced hypertension is relevant to the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) and oxidative stress in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). We explored whether CO in PVN can attenuate high salt-induced hypertension by regulating PICs or oxidative stress. Male Dahl Salt-Sensitive rats were fed high-salt (8% NaCl) or normal-salt (0.3% NaCl) diet for 4 weeks. CORM-2, ZnPP IX, or vehicle was microinjected into bilateral PVN for 6 weeks. High-salt diet increased the levels of MAP, plasma norepinephrine (NE), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expressions of COX2, IL-1ß, IL-6, NOX2, and NOX4 significantly in PVN (p < 0.05), but decreased the expressions of HO-1 and Cu/Zn-SOD in PVN (p < 0.05). Salt increased sympathetic activity as measured by circulating norepinephrine, and increased the ratio of basal RSNA to max RSNA, in part by decreasing max RSNA. PVN microinjection of CORM-2 decreased the levels of MAP, NE, RSNA, ROS and the expressions of COX2, IL-1ß, IL-6, NOX2, NOX4 significantly in PVN of hypertensive rat (p < 0.05), but increased the expressions of HO-1 and Cu/Zn-SOD significantly (p < 0.05), which were all opposite to the effects of ZnPP IX microinjected in PVN (p < 0.05). We concluded that exogenous or endogenous CO attenuates high salt-induced hypertension by regulating PICs and oxidative stress in PVN.

Spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum for Alzheimer's disease: A protocol for systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum (SPGL) may be effective for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, its efficacy is still inconclusive. Thus, this systematic review will aim to assess its efficacy and safety for AD. METHODS: We will search the electronic databases of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, MEDILINE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database to assess the efficacy and safety of SPGL for patients with AD from their inceptions to the present. All case-control studies and randomized controlled trials will be considered for inclusion in this study. Two review authors will independently perform the study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias evaluation. RESULTS: The primary outcome includes the cognitive status for patients. The secondary outcomes consist of the quality of life, AD symptoms, and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review will present the existing evidence for the efficacy and safety of SPGL for treating patients with AD. DISSEMINATION AND ETHICS: The results of this systematic review will be disseminated by through peer-reviewed journals. It does not needs ethic approval, because it does not involve individual patient data. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019119426.

Xist Intron 1 Repression by Transcriptional-Activator-Like Effectors Designer Transcriptional Factor Improves Somatic Cell Reprogramming in Mice.

Xist is the master regulator of X chromosome inactivation. In order to further understand the Xist locus in the reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), we tested transcription-activator-like effectors-based designer transcriptional factors (dTFs), which were specific to numerous regions at the Xist locus. We report that the selected dTF repressor 6 (R6) binding the intron 1 of Xist, which caused higher H3K9me3 followed by X chromosome opening and repression of X-linked genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, rather than affecting Xist expression, substantially improved the iPSC generation and the SCNT preimplantation embryo development. Conversely, the dTF activator targeting the same genomic region of R6 decreased iPSC formation and blocked SCNT-embryo development. These results thus uncover the critical requirement for the Xist locus in epigenetic resetting, which is not directly related to Xist transcription. This may provide a unique route to improving the reprogramming. Stem Cells 2019;37:599-608.

Hydrogen sulfide in paraventricular nucleus attenuates blood pressure by regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in high salt-induced hypertension.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important gaseous signaling molecule in neuro-modulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-hypertensive effects. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a major integrative nucleus in regulating BP and SNA. The aim of this study is to explore whether endogenous or exogenous H2S changed by hydroxylamine hydrochloride (HA) or GYY4137 infused in the PVN affects RSNA and MAP by regulating oxidative stress or the balance between pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) and anti-inflammatory cytokines in high salt-induced hypertensive rats. Male Dahl rats were fed by high-salt or normal-salt diet. At the end of the 4th week, GYY4137, HA or vehicle was microinjected into bilateral PVN for 6 weeks. The levels of MAP, HR, plasma norepinephrine (NE), reactive oxygen species (ROS), NOX2, NOX4 and IL-1ß were increased significantly in high salt-induced hypertensive rats. Higher levels of these parameters were detected in the group treated by HA, but lower levels in the GYY4137 group. The trends of H2S, CBS, IL-10 and Cu/Zn SOD were opposite to the parameters described above. These findings suggest that endogenous or exogenous H2S in the PVN attenuates sympathetic activity and hypertensive response, which are partly due to decrease of ROS and PICs within the PVN in high salt-induced hypertension.

A Stochastic Differential Equation Model for the Spread of HIV amongst People Who Inject Drugs.

We introduce stochasticity into the deterministic differential equation model for the spread of HIV amongst people who inject drugs (PWIDs) studied by Greenhalgh and Hay (1997). This was based on the original model constructed by Kaplan (1989) which analyses the behaviour of HIV/AIDS amongst a population of PWIDs. We derive a stochastic differential equation (SDE) for the fraction of PWIDs who are infected with HIV at time. The stochasticity is introduced using the well-known standard technique of parameter perturbation. We first prove that the resulting SDE for the fraction of infected PWIDs has a unique solution in (0, 1) provided that some infected PWIDs are initially present and next construct the conditions required for extinction and persistence. Furthermore, we show that there exists a stationary distribution for the persistence case. Simulations using realistic parameter values are then constructed to illustrate and support our theoretical results. Our results provide new insight into the spread of HIV amongst PWIDs. The results show that the introduction of stochastic noise into a model for the spread of HIV amongst PWIDs can cause the disease to die out in scenarios where deterministic models predict disease persistence.

Effect of Fanbaicao (Herba Potentillae Discoloris) oil on the expression of p21 and CDK4 in HepG2 cells.

OBJECTIVE: To research the anti-cancer mechanism of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Fanbaicao (Herba Potentillae Discoloris) oil in the human hepatoma cell line HepG2. METHODS: Gas chromatography was used to analyze the components of Fanbaicao (Herba Potentillae Discoloris). We tested the inhibitory effect of Fanbaicao (Herba Potentillae Discoloris) oil on the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 in vitro using 3-(4, 5-Dimet hylt hiazol-2-yl)-2,5-dip henyltetrazolium bromide assays. Fluorescence activating cell sorter analysis was used to examine the levels of apoptosis, and western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of p21, p-p21 and CDK4 proteins. RESULTS: Fanbaicao (Herba Potentillae Discoloris) oil contains 45 ingredients, and L-ascorbic acid 2, 6-bispalmitate was the main component and accounted for 44.96% of total drive-off peak area. Other components included (Z)-14-met hyl-8-exadecenal- acetal (8.56%), phytol (7.74%) and lauric acid (6.31% ). Fanbaicao (Herba Potentillae Discoloris) oil treatment reduced the proliferation of HepG2 cells and the half growth inhibition concentration (IC50) was 2.03 mg/mL. Furthermore, we also observed significantly increased HepG2 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Fanbaicao (Herba Potentillae Discoloris) oil significantly increased the expression of p21 and p-p21 and significantly decreased the expression of CDK4 in HepG2 cells compared with controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that Fanbaicao (Herba Potentillae Discoloris) oil has anti-cancer activities in HepG2 cells, which is probably related to the upregulation of p21 and p-p21 and downregulation of CDK4 expression.

Anti-epileptic effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides by inhibition of intracellular calcium accumulation and stimulation of expression of CaMKII α in epileptic hippocampal neurons.

PURPOSE: To investigate the mechanism of the anti-epileptic effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP), the changes of intracellular calcium and CaMK II α expression in a model of epileptic neurons were investigated. METHOD: Primary hippocampal neurons were divided into: 1) Control group, neurons were cultured with Neurobasal medium, for 3 hours; 2) Model group I: neurons were incubated with Mg(2+) free medium for 3 hours; 3) Model group II: neurons were incubated with Mg(2+) free medium for 3 hours then cultured with the normal medium for a further 3 hours; 4) GLP group I: neurons were incubated with Mg(2+) free medium containing GLP (0.375 mg/ml) for 3 hours; 5) GLP group II: neurons were incubated with Mg(2+) free medium for 3 hours then cultured with a normal culture medium containing GLP for a further 3 hours. The CaMK II α protein expression was assessed by Western-blot. Ca(2+) turnover in neurons was assessed using Fluo-3/AM which was added into the replacement medium and Ca(2+) turnover was observed under a laser scanning confocal microscope. RESULTS: The CaMK II α expression in the model groups was less than in the control groups, however, in the GLP groups, it was higher than that observed in the model group. Ca(2+) fluorescence intensity in GLP group I was significantly lower than that in model group I after 30 seconds, while in GLP group II, it was reduced significantly compared to model group II after 5 minutes. CONCLUSION: GLP may inhibit calcium overload and promote CaMK II α expression to protect epileptic neurons.

Intervention effects of ganoderma lucidum spores on epileptiform discharge hippocampal neurons and expression of neurotrophin-4 and N-cadherin.

Epilepsy can cause cerebral transient dysfunctions. Ganoderma lucidum spores (GLS), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has shown some antiepileptic effects in our previous studies. This was the first study of the effects of GLS on cultured primary hippocampal neurons, treated with Mg(2+) free medium. This in vitro model of epileptiform discharge hippocampal neurons allowed us to investigate the anti-epileptic effects and mechanism of GLS activity. Primary hippocampal neurons from <1 day old rats were cultured and their morphologies observed under fluorescence microscope. Neurons were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining of neuron specific enolase (NSE). Sterile method for GLS generation was investigated and serial dilutions of GLS were used to test the maximum non-toxic concentration of GLS on hippocampal neurons. The optimized concentration of GLS of 0.122 mg/ml was identified and used for subsequent analysis. Using the in vitro model, hippocampal neurons were divided into 4 groups for subsequent treatment i) control, ii) model (incubated with Mg(2+) free medium for 3 hours), iii) GLS group I (incubated with Mg(2+) free medium containing GLS for 3 hours and replaced with normal medium and incubated for 6 hours) and iv) GLS group II (neurons incubated with Mg(2+) free medium for 3 hours then replaced with a normal medium containing GLS for 6 hours). Neurotrophin-4 and N-Cadherin protein expression were detected using Western blot. The results showed that the number of normal hippocampal neurons increased and the morphologies of hippocampal neurons were well preserved after GLS treatment. Furthermore, the expression of neurotrophin-4 was significantly increased while the expression of N-Cadherin was decreased in the GLS treated group compared with the model group. This data indicates that GLS may protect hippocampal neurons by promoting neurotrophin-4 expression and inhibiting N-Cadherin expression.

[Intervention effect of ganoderma lucidum spores on the changes of XOD, MPO and SDH in the testis tissue of NIDDM rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of xanthine oxidase (XOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in the testis and the protective effect of ganoderma lucidum spores on the testicular tissue of rats with non-insu- lin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into a model, a ganoderma and a normal control group, the first two groups injected with 2% STZ (25 mg/kg) through the peritoneum, and the last one with half-and-half sodium citrate/citrate buffer solution. Two weeks after normal diet, glucose tolerance tests were performed and the rats with abnormal glucose tolerance in the model and ganoderma groups received high-fat and high-carbohydrate food, the latter given ganoderma lycium spores (250 mg/kg x d) in addition, both for 10 weeks and all rats fed alone. Glucose tolerance tests were repeated 1 day before the end of the experiment and the testes of the rats were harvested for the determination of XOD, MPO and SDH. RESULTS: SDH was significantly lower (P < 0.05) while XOD and MPO significantly higher in the model group than in the ganoderma and control groups (P < 0.05). The model rats exhibited abnormal convoluted seminiferous tubules, indistinct parietal layers, decreased or abolished gonepoiesis, luminal peripheral fibrous tissue (interstitial substance) accrementition, basal lamina thickening, and vessel wall fibrous tissue accrementition and sclerosis. CONCLUSION: Ganoderma lucidum spores can protect the testis of diabetic rats by reducing free radical-induced damage to the testicular tissue and enhancing the activity of SDH.