A New Species of the Genus Pseudocalotes (Squamata: Agamidae) from Southwest Yunnan, China.

In this study, a new species of the genus Pseudocalotes is described from Yingjiang County, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, based on four female specimens. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) interoculabials 3 or 4; (2) canthals 5-7; (3) cicrcumorbitals 8-11; (4) 1 scale between rostral and nasal; (5) interparietal 1; (6) superciliaries 4-6; (7) supralabials 6-7, the 1st in contact with the nasal; (8) infralabials 6-8; (9) transverse gular fold and antehumeral fold present; (10) 2-3 enlarged scales between eye and ear; (11) nuchal crest single, consists of 3-5 erected spines; (12) dorsal crest row single, discontinuous and low, located between two keeled, parallel and enlarged scale rows; (13) enlarged postrictals absent; (14) scales around midbody 53-62, dorsal body scales heterogenous in size and shape; (15) midventrals smaller than dorsals; (16) subdigital scales on the 4th finger 20-26, and on the 4th toe 24-29; (17) dorsal background coloration light taupe with four irregular brown patches along the middle of dorsal; (18) inner lips wathet, tongue aurantiacus, throat bluish black. The population from Yingjiang County was nested within a highly supported lineage, formed a sister taxon with P. kakhienensis (SH 97/UFB 100) and according to the p-distance, the new species differed from its congeners by 14.5% to 35.2% for NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) and 15.5% to 25.0% for NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4).

Validating core therapeutic targets for osteoporosis treatment based on integrating network pharmacology and informatics.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to find metabolism-related lncRNAs that were associated with osteoporosis (OP) and construct a model for predicting OP progression using these lncRNAs. METHODS: The GEO database was employed to obtain gene expression profiles. The WGCNA technique and differential expression analysis were used to identify hypoxia-related lncRNAs. A Lasso regression model was applied to select 25 hypoxia-related genes, from which a classification model was created. Its robust classification performance was confirmed with an area under the ROC curve close to 1, as verified on the validation set. Concurrently, we constructed a ceRNA network based on these genes to unveil potential regulatory processes. Biologically active compounds of STZYD were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database. BATMAN was used to identify its targets, and we obtained OP-related genes from Malacards and DisGeNET, followed by identifying intersection genes with metabolism-related genes. A pharmacological network was then constructed based on the intersecting genes. The pharmacological network was further integrated with the ceRNA network, resulting in the creation of a comprehensive network that encompasses herb-active components, pathways, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and targets. Expression levels of hypoxia-related lncRNAs in mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood of OP and normal patients were subsequently validated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Protein levels of RUNX2 were determined through a western blot assay. RESULTS: CBFB, GLO1, NFKB2 and PIK3CA were identified as central therapeutic targets, and ADD3-AS1, DTX2P1-UPK3BP1-PMS2P11, TTTY1B, ZNNT1 and LINC00623 were identified as core lncRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Our work uncovers a possible therapeutic mechanism for STZYD, providing a potential therapeutic target for OP. In addition, a prediction model of metabolism-related lncRNAs of OP progression was constructed to provide a reference for the diagnosis of OP patients.

The Effects of Exergaming on Attention in Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite growing evidence showing the effects of exercise and cognitive trainings on enhancing attention, little is known about the combined effects of exergame on attention in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Exergame, a form of exercise using a video game, has both cognitive stimulation and physical activity components and has been shown to improve cognitive function in children. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exergaming on attention and to compare the effect induced by exergaming with the effect of aerobic exercise on attention in children with ADHD. METHODS: In all, 30 children with ADHD, aged 8-12 years, were randomly divided into an exergaming group (EXG; n=16) or a bicycle exercise group (BEG; n=14). Before and after the 4-week intervention, the Frankfurter Aufmerksamkeits-Inventar (FAIR; Frankfurt Attention Inventory) test was administrated, and event-related potentials during the Go/No-go task was measured to assess attention. RESULTS: After intervention, both the EXG and BEG had significantly increased selective attention and continuous attention (all P<.001), as well as self-control on the FAIR test (EXG: P=.02 and BEG: P=.005). Similarly, both the EXG and BEG had significantly reduced response time on the Go/No-go test (all P<.001). For the Go response, the N2 amplitude (frontocentral maximal negativity) was significantly increased in Fz (midfrontal line) in the EXG (P=.003) but was not changed in the BEG (P=.97). Importantly, the N2 amplitude in Fz was significantly greater in the EXG compared to the BEG (Go: P=.001 and No-go: P=.008). CONCLUSIONS: Exergaming has the comparable effects to bicycle exercise to enhance attention in children with ADHD, suggesting that exergaming can be used as an alternative treatment for children with ADHD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service KCT0008239; https://tinyurl.com/57e4jtnb.

Derivation and comprehensive analysis of ageing-related genes in intervertebral disc degeneration for prediction and immunology.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is triggered primarily by ageing, a process characterized by intrinsic, multifaceted and progressive characteristics. Regarding the crucial senescence genes and underlying regulatory mechanisms leading to the etiology of IDD, there is still some uncertainty. In this study, we used gene expression patterns from the GEO database to create a diagnostic model of IDD using differential ageing-related genes (DARG). We examine the relative dynamics of immune cells by single-sample gene set. On the basis of transcription factor (TF) miRNA and miRNA-mRNA pairs, the regulatory network for transcription and post-transcriptional processes was built. The active therapeutic components and Chinese herbal remedies of the main ageing genes were investigated using a network pharmacology approach. 20 DARGs were combined to create a diagnostic model, and both the training and validation sets had an area under the ROC curve of 1. We found alterations in many cell types in IDD tissue, but mainly in activated dendritic cells, type 17 T helper cells, and mast cells. We identified a regulatory axis for STAT1/miR-4306/PPARA based on the correlations between gene expression and targeting. Active substances (Naringenin and Quercetin) and herbs (Aurantii fructus and Eucommiae cortex) targeting PPARA for the treatment of IDD were discovered through network pharmacology. These results provide a theoretical framework for identifying and treating IDD. For the first time, we were able to diagnose IDD patients using 20 ageing-related indicators. At the same time, TF-miRNA-mRNA in conjunction with network pharmacology enabled the identification of prospective therapeutic targets and pharmacological processes.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Asymblepharus himalayanus (Scincidae; Sauria) and its phylogenetic position within Scincidae.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Asymblepharus himalayanus, has been determined for the first time by sanger sequencing. The overall length of the mitogenome is 17,304 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a putative control region. The total base composition is 31.2% for A, 27.0% for T, 14.4% for G, and 27.4% for C. The phylogenetic tree with the whole mitochondrial genome sequence of A. himalayanus together with 10 other related species belonging to the family Scincidae was reconstructed, in order to prove the validity of the mitogenome of A. himalayanus. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that A. himalayanus was not nested within Scincella, and further corroborated this species does not belong to the genus of Scincella.

Immediate weightbearing after intramedullary fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures reduces the nonunion rate compared with traditional weight-bearing protocol: A cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether immediate weightbearing after intramedullary fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures could avoid secondary replacement. METHODS: We prospectively included 167 patients receiving intramedullary nailing in treatment of distal tibial fractures. All these patients were encouraged to bear weight as tolerated postoperatively. One hundred and fifty-five patients who did not bear weight immediately after surgery were retrospectively included as historical control. RESULTS: The mean immediate lateral and anterior DTA were 88.9 ± 3.9 and 85.2 ± 3.5° for historical control and 88.7 ± 3.6 and 84.9 ± 3.8° for immediate weight bearing group (lateral DTA: P = 0.715; anterior DTA: P = 0.734). The mean final lateral and anterior DTA were 88.1 ± 3.3 and 84.1 ± 4.3° for historical control and 87.9 ± 5.0 and 84.5 ± 5.1° for the immediate weightbearing group (lateral DTA: P = 0.857; anterior DTA: P = 0.788). Strikingly, the immediate weightbearing resulted in accelerated healing (3.5 ± 1.2 versus 4.9 ± 1.3 months, P = 0.023) and decreased nonunion rate (2.4% versus 7.1%, P = 0.027). The rates of infection and soft-tissue necrosis were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate weightbearing after IMN fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures led to a similar change in alignment compared with our historical control without immediate weightbearing. Immediate weightbearing appears to be safe for most patients and might be able to accelerate fracture healing and decrease nonunion rate.

Four complete mitochondrial genomes of living wild-type chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus (Amphibia: Cryptobranchidae).

The Chinese giant salamander (CGS), Andrias davidianus (Amphibian, Caudata, Cryptobranchidae), is endemic to China. After overhunting in the 1990's, it is very difficult to find the CGS in the wild. Due to mating disorder, the captive breeding population is genetically confounded. The genetic backgrounds of all wild-release individuals in China are not explicit. Herein, we reported four living wild-type complete mitochondrial genomes of this species. The gene order and contents are identical to those found in typical vertebrates. Thirteen protein-coding genes (PCGs) of 7 A. davidianus (4 from this study, 3 retrieved from GenBank) and 11 other closely species retrieved from GenBank were used to reconstruct phylogenetic tree. The Maximum likelihood (ML) topology shown that the clade of CGS has two subclades with a high support (100%). This study provides partial fundamental information for further exploring the true genetic background of whole population of A. davidianus.

Vitamin K2 promotes mesenchymal stem cell differentiation by inhibiting miR­133a expression.

Vitamin K2 has been demonstrated to promote the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells; however, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. As microRNA (miR)­133a has been identified as a negative regulator of osteogenic differentiation, the present study hypothesized that vitamin K2 promoted osteogenesis by inhibiting miR­133a. Using human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) overexpressing miR­133a, or a control, the expression levels of osteogenesis­associated proteins, including runt­related transcription factor 2, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, were analyzed. miR­133a significantly suppressed the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. To determine the effect of vitamin K2 on miR­133a expression and osteogenesis, hBMSCs were treated with vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 inhibited miR­133a expression, which was accompanied by enhanced osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, the expression levels of vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1, the key protein in γ­carboxylation, were downregulated by miR­133a overexpression and upregulated by vitamin K2 treatment, indicating a positive feedback on γ­carboxylation. The results of the present study suggested that vitamin K2 targets miR­133a to regulate osteogenesis.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Xianggelila Hot-spring snake, Thermophis shangrila (Reptilia, Colubridae).

The Xianggelila hot-spring snake, Thermophis shangrila (Reptilia, Colubridae), is a species of family Colubridae, which is seen only in Shangri-La, Northern Yunnan, China. Herein, the complete mitochondrial genome of this species has been reported. The total length of the genome was 17,327 bp, and composed of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 2 control regions. The total base composition was 32.7% for A, 23.7% for T, 13.5% for G and 32.7% for C. The phylogenetic tree with 13 protein-coding genes of T. shangrila together with 12 other closely related species belonging to the family Colubridae was reconstructed.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Xizang hot-spring snake, Thermophis baileyi Wall, 1907 (Reptilia, colubridae).

The Xizang hot-spring snake, Thermophis baileyi (Reptilia, Colubridae), is a relict species of the family Colubridae, which is known only from Tibet, China. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of this species. The total length of the genome is 17,385 bp, and comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 2 control regions. The total base composition is 32.5% for A, 23.8% for T, 13.5% for G, and 30.2% for C. The phylogenetic tree with 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) of T. baileyi together with 12 other closely related species belonging to the family Colubridae was built, in order to prove the validity of the mitogenome of T. baileyi.