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Installation view 1997 © Mark Dion and Galerie Nagel Draxler Berlin/ Köln. Photo: Roman Mensing / artdoc.de
Grotto of the Sleeping Bear (Münster)
Taxidermic specimen, stones, tree trunks, various objects
Northern section of the parkland near Kreuzschanze, temporary installation for the duration of the exhibition Skulptur. Projekte in Münster 1997
* 1961 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
lives and works in New York, USA
In 1997 Mark Dion constructed a shelter for a brown bear near the Promenade at Kreuzschanze. Built from tree trunks and stones, the artificial den barely stood out against the surrounding park. Inside the cave were a stuffed animal and various objects, among them bones, the tips of spears and lances, glass shards, spent shell cases and an old hat. The installation was a conflation of Dion's impressions gathered at the Westfälisches Landesmuseum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte (Westphalia museum for art and cultural history), the Westfälisches Museum für Naturkunde (Natural history museum) and the Allwetterzoo Münster (All-weather zoo). In both the zoo and the natural history museum where animals are displayed – alive in enclosures or dead inside glass cabinets – the artist encountered brown bears. He as well decided to present a stuffed brown bear as an exhibition object. He was additionally inspired by a painting of the penitent Mary Magdalene in a rock cave.1
Only the objects scattered on the ground indicated that this bear would have been a wild animal, hunted by people for centuries. Based on facts, books and myths of natural history, Dion vividly illustrated the changing perceptions of the animal from a dreaded beast of prey to a cute cuddly toy and consumer product. Manifested in his "site-sensitive"2 installation were the various influences of popular cultural fiction, the results of scientific research and various forms of museum presentation, as well as mankind's relationship to nature.
Sarah Kristin Happersberger
1 The various sources of inspiration are shown in the series of images accompanying Mark Dion's contribution to the catalogue. Cf. Mark Dion, "Anmerkungen zu Grotto of the Sleeping Bear", in: Klaus Bußmann, Kasper König and Florian Matzner (eds.), Skulptur. Projekte in Münster 1997, exhib. cat. Westfälisches Landesmuseum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte, Münster, Ostfildern-Ruit, 1997, p. 119–124.
2 According to Roland Nachtigäller, Dion does not characterise his works as "site-specific" but as "site-sensitive" or "site-oriented". He points out that Dion's installations relate equally to places and their underlying conditions as they do to his own artistic interests and issues. Cf. Roland Nachtigäller, "Zwischen Bühnenraum und Labor – Mark Dions 'Field Stations' im öffentlichen Raum", in: Andreas Baur (ed.), Mark Dion – Encyclomania, exhib. cat. Villa Merkel, Galerien der Stadt Esslingen et al., Nuremberg, 2003, p. 50.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Rangnick not concerned about Ronaldo tantrum
Conte salutes Spurs fight after Bergwijn snatches …
Bucs out to end Saints streak, Texans in danger of making franchise history
By	Sports Desk	October 29, 2021
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into Week 8 with a 6-1 record, though their form will be tested against the New Orleans Saints.
Tom Brady threw for four touchdowns and 211 yards in the Bucs' 38-3 thrashing of the Chicago Bears last week, though Tampa Bay's recent record against the Saints is poor.
The Los Angeles Rams are also 6-1, and are looking to extend their strong start when they take on the Houston Texans, who are out to avoid a franchise first.
Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, meanwhile, have been linking up to superb effect for the Cincinnati Bengals, who are at the New York Jets on Sunday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-1) @ New Orleans Saints (4-2)
Tampa Bay may have picked up from where they left off last season, but their recent run against New Orleans has not been at all profitable.
New Orleans have won five straight games against NFC South rivals Tampa Bay, which is the longest active losing streak for the Buccaneers against any single opponent.
However, the Bucs did set franchise records for points in a first quarter with 21, and points in a first half with 35, in their 38-3 win over the Bears. The 21 first-quarter and 35 first-half points are also the most scored by any NFL team this season.
Mike Evans caught three touchdowns against the Bears with all of them coming in the first half. He joined Marvin Harrison, Marvin Jones Jr, Jerry Rice, and Sterling Sharpe as the only players since the merger to have multiple games with three first-half touchdown catches.
The Saints beat the Seattle Seahawks in their last outing, and had 35 passing attempts in that win. Both teams have combined to win 76.9 per cent of their games this season, the highest combined winning percentage that the teams have ever had when facing each other.
Los Angeles Rams (6-1) @ Houston Texans (1-6)
This will be only the fifth all-time meeting between the Texans and the Rams, and just the second game since the latter moved back to Los Angeles.
The Rams have outscored the Texans by an aggregate of 71-20 over the last two meetings, and, at 6-1, Los Angeles are enjoying their equal second-best start to a season this century, behind the 7-0 run in 2018.
They are also looking to win each of their first four road games of a season for the fourth time since 2000, having also done this in 2001, 2017 and 2018.
Matthew Stafford has thrown for 2,172 yards this season, the most by any Rams player in the team's first seven games of the season since Kurt Warner threw for 2,445 yards in the first seven games of 2000.
Houston, meanwhile, have lost six straight, with each of the last two losses coming by over 25 points. The Texans have not lost three straight games by at least 25 points in franchise history – the only team to do so in a single season in the last 25 years were the Miami Dolphins in 2019.
Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) @ New York Jets (1-5)
The Bengals have won each of the last three meetings between these teams, matching their longest-ever win streak over the Jets (1973-81). Cincinnati's 23-22 win in New York in 2016 snapped a nine-game losing streak when visiting the Jets.
Cincinnati only managed four wins in 2020, but they surpassed that figure with a brilliant 41-17 victory in Baltimore last week, with quarterback Burrow and wide receiver Chase turning in stellar performances.
Burrow passed for a career-high 416 yards and tied a previous career high with three touchdown passes. It was his seventh consecutive game with multiple TD passes, tying a franchise record set twice before by Carson Palmer (2004-05 and 2010).
Chase, meanwhile, had 201 receiving yards, the most all-time by a Bengals rookie and the most by any rookie since Mike Evans had 209 in 2014. Chase's 754 receiving yards in 2021 ranks are the most by any player through seven career games in NFL history.
The Jets' 54-13 loss to the Patriots last week was their largest defeat since a 45-3 loss in Week 13 of the 2010 season, which also happened in New England. The 54 points are the fourth-most that New York have allowed in a single game and the most since 1980.
The Detroit Lions are still winless, going 0-7 so far, but could snap the losing streak against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Lions have won three straight against Philadelphia, with each of the last two games being decided by three points or fewer.
Strugglers the Miami Dolphins travel to Buffalo. With two receiving yards on Sunday, Stefon Diggs will reach 2,000 as a Bill in just his 23rd game with the team. That would be tied for the second fewest games needed by any player with any single team in the Super Bowl era (Odell Beckham Jr. – 21 with the Giants, Vincent Jackson – 23 with Tampa Bay, Brandon Marshall – 23 with Chicago).
Fresh from their win over the Jets, the Patriots will aim to maintain the momentum against the Los Angeles Chargers, against whom they have five straight wins and are 16-3 in the last 19 meetings.
An AFC North clash sees the Browns (4-3) host the 3-3 Steelers. Pittsburgh have not won in Cleveland since 2017, as the teams tied in 2018 before the Browns won in 2019 and 2020.
« Super Bowl LV: Goodell calls for greater diversity as NFL plans for 2021 international games Cardinals quarterback Murray 'pretty close' to return »
Ralf Rangnick was not overly concerned about Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction to being substituted in Manchester United's 3-1 win at Brentford.
United claimed their first Premier League victory of 2022 on Wednesday, with Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford getting the goals before a late Ivan Toney consolation.
The visitors were fortunate to not trail at the break but produced a hugely improved display in the second half, with Ronaldo playing a part in Greenwood's goal as he chested the ball into Bruno Fernandes' path before he squared to the 20-year-old.
Greenwood and Ronaldo were withdrawn nine minutes later, with Rashford and Harry Maguire entering the pitch as Rangnick changed to a back five.
Ronaldo appeared annoyed as he headed off and that displeasure continued to emanate after sitting in the dugout, the striker seen seemingly asking Darren Fletcher why they had chosen to withdraw him.
In the aftermath of Rashford's goal, Rangnick could be seen having a word in Ronaldo's ear, the situation appearing to be defused.
"It's normal, as a striker he wants to score goals," Rangnick told BT Sport before going on to explain his decision.
"He came back from a little injury, so for me, it was also important to bear in mind we also have another game in three days' time.
"On the other hand, we were 2-0 up, the same score as at Villa Park, and I decided to make sure we defended that lead this time and I think it was the right decision to switch to a back five.
"We scored the third goal, we would have wanted to keep the clean sheet but unfortunately we didn't manage that, but at least we made sure nothing more happened."
United were indebted to David de Gea's performance as he made seven saves over the course of the match, increasing his season total to 81 – 11 more than any other Premier League goalkeeper.
The Spaniard's form has been exceptional this season, with his 6.2 'goals prevented' being the best figure among keepers in the top flight.
Rangnick acknowledged United fell well short of expectations in the first half, before paying tribute to De Gea's brilliant form.
Asked if he had to get tough at half-time, Rangnick said: "I wouldn't say a strong conversation [was had] but obviously we had to change a few things.
"In the first half we were not good in almost all aspects of the game: sloppy passing, not strong enough in the 50:50 situations, we gave away almost every second ball.
"Then in the second half we were more urgent, attacking them higher up the pitch and making the right decisions when on the counter, and we scored – this was the big difference."
On De Gea's display, he added: "He's been doing that for the last couple of weeks. Brilliant saves in the first half, [he's] one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now I'd say."
Victory for United moved them on to 35 points, level with Arsenal in sixth, though the Gunners have played one match less.
Conte salutes Spurs fight after Bergwijn snatches dramatic win at Leicester
Antonio Conte saluted Tottenham's fighting spirit after Steven Bergwijn's stoppage-time double snatched a stunning 3-2 win at Leicester City in a Premier League thriller.
Spurs were on the brink of suffering a first top-flight defeat under Conte after James Maddison put the Foxes in front for the second time in the 76th minute at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.
Patson Daka had opening the scoring, but Harry Kane equalised in the first half with the 250th club goal of his career.
Spurs looked set to miss the chance to move above fierce rivals Arsenal into fifth place, but Bergwijn came off the bench to provide a last-gasp heroic performance.
The Netherlands forward equalised with 95 minutes gone and there was yet another incredible twice two minutes later, when he rounded Kasper Schmeichel before seeing his right-footed finish go in off the post.
Tottenham head coach Conte was proud of the way his side battled right to the end and felt they deserved all three points.
He told BBC Match of the Day: "I think we showed today that we don't want to give up. Never. The players know very well what our philosophy must be. We must fight to the end and try to also get a result.
"Today to lose this game was not right. We created many, many chances. We were unlucky when we conceded. At the end we were very good. And we believed to the end. We wanted three points and we deserved them.
"The response of the team was good from the start. I have found a group that have shown me from the first day a desire to work with me and the staff and to improve every day."
Tottenham had 27 attempts as they posed a huge threat going forward, but looked vulnerable at the back.
Kane was outstanding but could have had a hat-trick, heading against the crossbar and seeing a shot cleared off the line by Luke Thomas as Spurs wasted a whole host of chances.
Conte's men are only a point behind fourth-placed West Ham with three games in hand on David Moyes' side, while they are eight points adrift of Chelsea in third place ahead of a clash with the European champions on Sunday, but the Italian says they remain a work in progress.
He added: "We know we have a long path in front of us but for me, it is important to know they want to improve. Step by step we need to raise our level and improve quality. Today we played a good game and if I have to see one situation we need to improve, there are key moments.
"Sometimes we do not understand this, that you need to control the game. A great team does this.
"For me, it is difficult to tell you something about our target. I think we have a long path and now we have to work. We know every well we have to fight to try to reach our best result. It will be very difficult because of the level of this tournament."
Bergwijn had not scored for Tottenham this season, but ended his drought in spectacular fashion.
Leicester City only suffered a late capitulation against Tottenham because they presented them with the chance to steal three points, according to Brendan Rodgers.
Goals from Patson Daka and James Maddison either side of Harry Kane's 250th club strike appeared to have put Leicester on course for a much-needed victory at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.
However, Steven Bergwijn equalised in the 95th minute and grabbed a dramatic second 79 seconds later after Youri Tielemans ceded possession from the kick-off.
Spurs' win came despite trailing after 94 minutes and 52 seconds, which is the latest a team has been losing before going on to win a Premier League match.
Rodgers criticised his players for failing to secure back-to-back top-flight wins for the first time since October from such a promising position.
"It was 93 minutes of really good work. We showed good resilience in defence. The goals we scored were terrific," Rodgers told BT Sport.
"To concede the equaliser was disappointing to happen so late, but the winner was a very poor goal to concede. It is hard to not have taken anything from the game.
"It's managing the game. Fundamentally, we missed out on key moments leading to the second goal and the third goal, Youri knows he can never make that pass, it was really naive from him.
"That was a great opportunity, but you have to see that through. I don't think Tottenham won the game, we presented them the three points.
"It's bitterly disappointing but we have to get back on the training pitch and prepare again for the weekend."
Leicester next entertain Brighton and Hove Albion, who sit four points clear of them in ninth, on Sunday.


Traveling overseas to New Zealand can be exciting. It also requires a lot of planning ahead of time. One of the most important items you'll need for your trip is your New Zealand passport. Of course, to have your passport ready, you'll also need your New Zealand passport photo taken. Don't have a passport photo? No problem.
My Passport Photos makes it easy to leverage an existing photo to meet all passport regulations. Just upload a photo using our handy Quick Facts and pick it up the next day. For fast visa service, jump over to www.ivisa.com to save you time when applying for your visa.
Size: 500KB to 10MB. 35mm by 45mm.
Color: sRGB for digital photos. All pictures must be in color.
Head size and position: Head should be 80% of the picture. 32mm-36mm. Centered and looking at the camera.
Recency: Within the last 6 months.
Background: Use a light color. White is not acceptable. No designs or images.
Smile: No smiling. Mouth closed.
Eyes: Must be clearly visible and open.
Glasses: If worn regularly, yes. Cannot block view of eyes.
Headgear: Only for religious or medical reasons.
Dimensions and size (pixels): 900x1200 minimum and 4500x6000 maximum.
Attire, clothing, dress code: Don't wear the same colored top as the background.
Lighting is crucial to whether a photo is accepted or rejected. An underexposed, overexposed or shadow filled picture is almost a guaranteed no-no.
There needs to be a sharp contrast with the background and your head.
Glasses can be worn, however, lenses may not be tinted or glared. Frames need to be thin as to not block the view of your eyes.
Men, you can wear a beard if it's part of how you normally look. Don't grow one out just for the picture.
Be sure your head is facing the camera and not tilted in any way.
The tops of your shoulder must be visible in the photo.
Take in portrait mode rather than landscape. In other words, turn the camera vertical to take your photo, not horizontal.
When the photos are printed, be sure to use high quality, glossy photo paper. Matte is not accepted.
Digital photos cannot be altered, unless to slightly brighten or darken. If you have blemishes or scars off camera, they must show after the picture is taken. Any alterations can cause rejection of your application.
The camera should be about 1.2 meters from you.
Check and be sure the photo is completely in focus and not blurred.
Infants can be tricky to photograph but they still need to be facing the camera, eyes open and not smiling.
No one can be in the image with a child or infant.
If an infant is photographed on the floor or in a car seat, use a light colored No toys, pacifiers, bottles etc,.can be in the photo.
80% of the photo needs to be of the child's face with clear spaces on the sides and top.
Choosing where to have your passport or visa photos done depends on how much time you want to spend searching or waiting and of course the amount of money you wish to spend. If you are like most people, you'd prefer to go the cheaper route. After all, the less you spend on the nitty gritty details the more you can enjoy later on vacation. In New Zealand, the post office is usually the traditional method and choice for those wishing to get a photo done. The post offers a set of photos for $20 or $25 NZD to have both printed and email copies. Seems a bit steep considering these photos are only 35x45mm. Instead, try getting pictures online at MyPassportPhotos.com. A set of 2 images, printed or downloaded costs around $8 NZD. Sounds like a much better deal if you ask us.
Give up your worries and stresses as you begin to plan a vacation. Instead of wondering how to begin, give us a click. At MyPassportPhotos.com, we offer an easy to use site with 24/7 assistance should you have questions. Take a jab at our passport photo booth app and become your own photographer at home. Our 100% government compliance guarantee works at sorting out the details while you go about your business. There is absolutely no need to leave the house and hunt down a professional photographer or wait in line for prints to be made. Think of the gas savings and traffic you won't have to deal with. Don't like your photo? No problem. We offer you unlimited retakes until you are completely happy with the image. There is no reason you shouldn't be saving time and money. Give us a chance to take care of the not so fun parts of planning and soon you will be off on an exotic vacation, lounging in the warm sand.


and with a monitor of 1024*768 resolution or better!
The name "Maarten Maartensz" is an alias. I have published under it on paper, and I am not interested in personal publicity or appearance (outside an academic context), and I have excellent empirical reasons of diverse kinds - such as being threatened quite credibly and repeatedly with murder by Dutch drugs-mafiosi, who were also helped the Amsterdam municipal police! - to want to make a distinction between my private person and my appearance on the internet.
However, apart from this, I try to write the truth as I know it, and to do so clearly and honestly, while in general I try to give reasons, grounds and context - for essentially this is a philosophical and logical site, concerned with thinking rationally and acting reasonably. Also, there is a considerable difference between they parts of my site that concern Dutch politics (and are mainly in Dutch) and the rest of it, that concerns my real intellectual interests.
A part of my site that is in Dutch is about the Dutch philosopher, political activist, agitator, humanist, genius and writer Multatuli (Eduard Douwes Dekker 1820-1887). He wrote his IDEAS and I give them with my comments - in part, so far, but what there is has not been done in any comparable way since 1887.
Most of the rest is in English, and is broadly classified as philosophy or logic or computing or ME which is English and concerned in with the disease have since Jan 1 1979, which gives a fair amount of fairly objective information about it; some very useful and informative links to good other sites concerned with it; and some good medical reports for the Canadese and English governments about ME.
All of the material on my site that I wrote has its copyright reserved to me: You are not allowed to present it as your own nor to sell it for money, and if you want to do either of these you have to mail me and ask my written permission (which I may give for some parts, depending on your ends and your qualities).
When you do use material on this site, must seriously count with the possibility that part of this site either has been published on paper (indeed: See my published columns and some of the logic material) or else that it will be published, in part in the form of a Ph.D., and that the fact that it is on this site means that it has been published and that the copyright belongs to me.
There are in fact two sites (and there is a back-up of a part on a third, and a copy of a part on a fourth), but since 2004 the main site I maintain is maartensz.org. There is an older site, but since its provider has technical problems for me it cannot or will not resolve, I've given up on it, though I sometimes update the ME in Amsterdam part on it (which is in Dutch). Otherwise, the opening pages lead to this site, and rightly so, in the sense that this site contains all that site does, and a lot more, and indeed has a lot more space, and has worked well now since 2004, without any serious problem.
Also, there is since september 2004 a mostly ongoing series of regular, often daily, Dutch comments, until 2006 in the form of Nedernieuws, in fact mails to my brother about Hollland, and since 2006 in the form of Nederlog, that are about what I care to write about.
P.S. O yes... since there are many opinions of mine on my site, on many topics, written at many times, over the past 17 years - for this site exists that long, or is that young - in many moods, and quite a few styles or tones - angry, satirical, logical, philosophical, personal - perhaps I should add that I do not seek readers who agree with me as readers who can and are willing to think rationally and reasonably for themselves, for in the end everyone has to make up his or her own mind, given the information, beliefs and desires, knowledge and ends and ideals one has.


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Typical Teenage Behaviors and Attitudes
Reviewed by Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP on October 26, 2020
Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP, is a board-certified pediatric psychologist, parent coach, author, speaker, and owner of A New Day Pediatric Psychology, PLLC.
Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP
There's a drastic change between how teens behave at 13 years old compared to 18 years old. Yet it happens so gradually that you might not even recognize your teen transforming into an adult right in front of your eyes.
It's important to know what to expect from your teen during each year of adolescence. While all teens grow and develop at different rates, it's important to know what your teen may be experiencing along the path toward adulthood.
Cultura / Frank and Helena / Getty Images
Thirteen-year-old teens are finishing up one phase of life, leaving childhood behind, and entering another one, becoming a teen. So expect to see your teen seeking more independence as they try to become more grown-up at a rate faster than they can handle. They may rebel against bedtime rules and you'll need to let them make their own food choices. They may have a lot of stress and need relaxing activities.
Fourteen often marks the beginning of high school. And for many teens, that is an exciting yet frightening time. It's important to give your 14-year-old plenty of guidance to prevent them from straying down the wrong path. There will be many choices for after-school activities to challenge their mind and body. With new school routines, you'll have to help your teen develop good meal habits and maintain good sleep habits.
Your 15-year-old teen will want to make their own decisions. And often, there are many decisions to be made at this age. Everything from dating to chores often becomes an issue during this phase of adolescence.
Fifteen is a time when some teens really start to flourish. And for those who lag behind, their immaturity becomes especially apparent. It's important to base your rules and consequences on how much responsibility your 15-year-old shows they can handle.
By now, you only have two more years until your child legally becomes an adult. It's a prime opportunity to examine the skill deficits your teen may have so you can ensure they are prepared for the real world.
Many 16-year-old teens land their first jobs, get their driver's licenses, and start experimenting more with bigger responsibilities. It's a great time to let your teen fail once in a while, just to show them that they can bounce back. But provide plenty of guidance as they accept new responsibilities.
By age 17, your role should be more of a guide, rather than a disciplinarian. Your teen may still need consequences at times, however, and it's important to use this year to really make sure that your teen's mistakes become learning opportunities before they enter into the real world. If your 17-year-old has always been in organized sports, it's a good time for them to think about what they'll do for recreation once they graduate from school sports.
Eighteen-year-old teens are starting a very exciting time in their lives, a time of more freedom and much more responsibility. If your teen is still in high school, it's important to continue monitoring their activities.
Remind them that as long as they live in your house, they need to follow your rules, even if they are 18. But hopefully, by this age, you can rest a little easier knowing that you've done all you can to equip your teen for life after high school.
Mccallister CJ, Akers AY, Worlds AD, Morrison PK. Messages About contraception and condoms in mother-adolescent dyadic conversations: Knowledge, risks, and effectiveness. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019;32(4):395-401. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2019.02.117
Ramchandani K, Morrison P, Gold MA, Akers AY. Messages about abstinence, delaying sexual debut and sexual decision-making in conversations between mothers and young adolescents. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2018;31(2):107-115. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2017.10.007
Fulkerson JA, Loth K, Bruening M, Berge J, Eisenberg ME, Neumark-Sztainer D. Time 2 tlk 2nite: Use of electronic media by adolescents during family meals and associations with demographic characteristics, family characteristics, and foods served. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(7):1053–1058. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2013.10.015
Gordon RA, Crosnoe R, Wang X. Physical attractiveness and the accumulation of social and human capital in adolescence and young adulthood: assets and distractions. Monogr Soc Res Child Dev. 2013;78(6):1-137. doi:10.1002/mono.12060
Michaeli Y, Kalfon Hakhmigari M, Scharf M, Shulman S. Romantic outcomes in young adulthood: The role of dependency, parental support, and reflective functioning. J Fam Psychol. 2018;32(7):873-881. doi:10.1037/fam0000441
Rosenbaum J, Zenilman J, Rose E, Wingood G, DiClemente R. Do jobs work? Risk and protective behaviors associated with employment among disadvantaged female teens in urban Atlanta. J Women Polit Policy. 2014;35(2):155-173. doi:10.1080/1554477X.2014.890836
Láng A. Mama Mach and Papa Mach: Parental Machiavellianism in relation to dyadic coparenting and adolescents' perception of parental behaviour. Eur J Psychol. 2018;14(1):107-124. doi:10.5964/ejop.v14i1.1474
Is Your 17-Year-Old Developing Normally?
Here's What to Expect From Your 16-Year-Old
At What Age Can My Teenager Register to Vote?
Is Your 14-Year-Old Teen Developing Normally?
What You Can Expect of the Emotional Development in 15-Year-Olds
How Your Teen's Sociometric Status Affects Their Life
How Can You Predict a Short Child's Growth?
Reviewed by Alisa Baer, MD
Is Your Teen Using Drugs? Look for These Warning Signs
The Developmental Milestones 18-Year-Olds Reach
What to Expect From Your Child at Every Developmental Age and Stage
Telltale Signs of College Readiness and How to Instill It When Lacking
Why Charging Your Teen Rent Might Be the Kindest Thing You Could Do


Since publishing Until Alex last week, I have been taken aback by the kind words that have come from readers who have read my book. When you write something, especially me who doesn't let anyone read what I'm working on, you have no idea how the characters, circumstances, and story will resonate with readers. It has been truly amazing to receive so much positive feedback.
Now...I read a lot (at least I do when I'm not writing). So I know good writing. I also know books that are award worthy. Mine is not that. It was never intended to be. It was intended to be a fun read-okay so maybe there's lots of angst-but there is a HEA and closure for Alex and Hayden who suffered so much. That is all I set out to do. Tell a story the way I would like to read one.
ONE: I am stronger and can take criticism better than I ever thought possible. Sure it hurts when first reading a negative review, but I get it. I don't love every book I read. It doesn't mean the author did anything wrong. Something along the way just didn't work for me. So while I would love for everyone to love my story, I know that is impossible, and it's okay.
TWO: Reviewers and bloggers are amazing with a capital A. They spread the word and are your champions when they don't even know you. So many people have taken the time to read and review Until Alex, which means they've invested hours into my story. I know everyone has lives, family, work, etc. So the feeling I get from knowing these wonderful people set aside time for my story, is indescribable. I am indebted to everyone who read it and spread the word about it.
I appreciate the opportunity to get my story out there more than I could ever put into words--ironically enough:-) So thank you! Thank you! Thank you!


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HomeLIfestyleHealth & Medicine
Are Humans Capable of Chanting "Let's Go Brandon!" Without Having a Lobotomy?
In certain parts of the Bible Belt and throughout Red America, chants of "Let's Go Brandon!" are breaking out at sporting events, church gatherings, klan rallies, and klan rally church gatherings.
It's a sort of cry against the current presidential administration. Too afraid to swear publicly for fear of being judged a profane potty-mouth, supporters of one term, twice forever impeached President Don J. Trump have begun to use the chant as a not-so-subtle replacement for a more coarse alternative, "Fuck Joe Biden."
MAGA HAT OR SUPER GLUE? THE BEST WAY TO SEAL UP A VAGINA.
As the chants have grown in volume, though, one thing has become clear — people who have had, or at least behave as as if they have had, a lobotomy are the ones doing the chanting.
Which begs the question: Are humans capable of chanting "Let's Go Brandon" without having a lobotomy? As always, we contacted the best medical experts we could find, and when they turned us down, we found these lesser-known medical experts to weigh-in.
Dr. Carol Karolsby
"I have been a neurologist for over thirty years. I honestly can't say whether a lobotomy is a prerequisite for chanting 'Let's Go Brandon,' but I can say for a fact it's a requirement for being able to vote MAGA. So do with that what you will."
Dr. Jim Phartstinki
"As a doctor and scientist, I simply must wait for more data to make a definitive conclusion. However, my gut tells me you may need two lobotomies to chant 'Let's Go Brandon.' That's how fucking stupid that chant is."
Dr. Chip Sahoy
"Obviously, this is such a new phenomenon it would be unwise and unethical for me to comment too much on it. However, as a human being, and not as a doctor, I can say without a doubt that only a brainless shit-wit would do that chant when they can just, you know, say 'Fuck Joe Biden' since there's a First Amendment and all."
Dr. Sharon McScoodoo
"Fuck Don Trump. See how easy that is? I can't be certain that one has to have had a lobotomy to chant 'Let's Go Brandon,' but I do know how good it feels to say 'Fuck Don Trump.' It feels so good I'm going to say it one more time. Fuck Don Trump."


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Publications by authors named "Miao Jin"
A fluid-driven soft robotic fish inspired by fish muscle architecture.
Sijia Liu Yingjie Wang Zhennan Li Miao Jin Lei Ren Chunbao Liu
Bioinspir Biomim 2022 Jan 13. Epub 2022 Jan 13.
School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Jilin University, No.5988 Renmin Street , Nanling Compus, School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, jllin University, Changchun, jilin, 130022, CHINA.
Artificial fish-like robots developed to date often focus on the external morphology of fish and have rarely addressed the contribution of the structure and morphology of biological muscle. However, biological studies have proven that fish utilize the contraction of muscle fibers to drive the protective flexible connective tissue to swim. This paper introduces a pneumatic silicone structure prototype inspired by the red muscle system of fish and applies it to the fish-like robot named Flexi-Tuna. The key innovation is to make the fluid-driven units simulate the red muscle fiber bundles of fish and embed them into a flexible tuna-like matrix. The driving units act as muscle fibers to generate active contraction force, and the flexible matrix as connective tissue to generate passive deformation. Applying alternant pressure to the driving units can produce a bending moment, causing the tail to swing. As a result, the structural design of Flexi-Tuna has excellent bearing capacity compared with the traditional cavity-type and keeps the body smooth. On this basis, a general method is proposed for modeling the fish-like robot based on the independent analysis of the active and passive body, providing a foundation for Flexi-Tuna's size design. Followed by the robot's static and underwater dynamic tests, we used finite element static analysis and fluid numerical simulation to compare the results. The experimental results showed that the maximum swing angle of the tuna-like robot reached 20°, and the maximum thrust reached 0.185 N at the optimum frequency of 3.5 Hz. In this study, we designed a unique system that matches the functional level of biological muscles. As a result, we realized the application of fluid-driven artificial muscle to bionic fish and expanded new ideas for the structural design of flexible bionic fish.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-3190/ac4afb DOI Listing
Identification and a phased pH control strategy of diosgenin bio-synthesized by an endogenous Bacillus licheniformis Syt1 derived from Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright.
Zhongqiu Hu Chunli Wang Lintao Pan Shiyao Han Miao Jin Yongsheng Xiang Lifei Zheng Zhonghong Li Rang Cao Baofu Qin
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021 Dec 29;105(24):9333-9342. Epub 2021 Nov 29.
College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China.
Diosgenin is widely used as one precursor of steroidal drugs in pharmaceutical industry. Currently, there is no choice but to traditionally extract diosgenin from Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright (DZW) or other plants. In this work, an environmentally friendly approach, in which diosgenin can be bio-synthesized by the endophytic bacterium Bacillus licheniformis Syt1 isolated from DZW, is proposed. Diosgenin produced by the strain was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the melting point of the diosgenin product was 204 °C. The optical rotation measurement exhibited that the optical rotation was α = - 126.1° ± 1.5° (chloroform, c = 1%): negative sign means that the product is left-handed, which is very important to further produce steroid hormone drugs. Cholesterol may be the intermediate product in the diosgenin biosynthesis pathway. In the batch fermentation process to produce diosgenin using the strain, pH values played an important role. A phased pH control strategy from 5.5 to 7.5 was proved to be more effective to improve production yield than any single pH control, which could get the highest diosgenin yield of 85 ± 8.6 mg L. The proposed method may replace phyto-chemistry extraction to produce diosgenin in the industry in the future.Key points• An endophytic Bacillus licheniformis Syt1 derived from host can produce diosgenin.• A dynamic pH industrial control strategy is better than any single pH control.• Proposed diosgenin-produced method hopefully replaces phyto-chemistry extraction.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00253-021-11679-z DOI Listing
Publisher Correction to: An increase of phosphatidylcholines in follicular fluid implies attenuation of embryo quality on day 3 post-fertilization.
Ju Wang Wei Zheng Shuoping Zhang Keqiang Yan Miao Jin Huiling Hu Zhen Ma Fei Gong Guangxiu Lu Yan Ren Liang Lin Ge Lin Liang Hu Siqi Liu
BMC Biol 2021 Nov 2;19(1):234. Epub 2021 Nov 2.
College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12915-021-01175-1 DOI Listing
Norovirus GII.2[P16] strain in Shenzhen, China: a retrospective study.
Jing Wang Miao Jin Hailong Zhang Yanan Zhu Hong Yang Xiangjie Yao Long Chen Jun Meng Guifang Hu Yaqing He Zhaojun Duan
BMC Infect Dis 2021 Oct 30;21(1):1122. Epub 2021 Oct 30.
NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
Background: Norovirus (NoV) is the main cause of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks worldwide. From September 2015 through August 2018, 203 NoV outbreaks involving 2500 cases were reported to the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Methods: Faecal specimens for 203 outbreaks were collected and epidemiological data were obtained through the AGE outbreak surveillance system in Shenzhen. Genotypes were determined by sequencing analysis. To gain a better understanding of the evolutionary characteristics of NoV in Shenzhen, molecular evolution and mutations were evaluated based on time-scale evolutionary phylogeny and amino acid mutations.
Results: A total of nine districts reported NoV outbreaks and the reported NoV outbreaks peaked from November to March. Among the 203 NoV outbreaks, 150 were sequenced successfully. Most of these outbreaks were associated with the NoV GII.2[P16] strain (45.3%, 92/203) and occurred in school settings (91.6%, 186/203). The evolutionary rates of the RdRp region and the VP1 sequence were 2.1 × 10 (95% HPD interval, 1.7 × 10-2.5 × 10) substitutions/site/year and 2.7 × 10 (95% HPD interval, 2.4 × 10-3.1 × 10) substitutions/site/year, respectively. The common ancestors of the GII.2[P16] strain from Shenzhen and GII.4 Sydney 2012[P16] diverged from 2011 to 2012. The common ancestors of the GII.2[P16] strain from Shenzhen and previous GII.2[P16] (2010-2012) diverged from 2003 to 2004. The results of amino acid mutations showed 6 amino acid substitutions (*77E, R750K, P845Q, H1310Y, K1546Q, T1549A) were found only in GII.4 Sydney 2012[P16] and the GII.2[P16] recombinant strain.
Conclusions: This study illustrates the molecular epidemiological patterns in Shenzhen, China, from September 2015 to August 2018 and provides evidence that the epidemic trend of GII.2[P16] recombinant strain had weakened and the non-structural proteins of the recombinant strain might have played a more significant role than VP1.
[Screening of Priority Pollutants and Risk Assessment for Surface Water from Shengjin Lake].
Xiong-Hu Gong Qi-Qi Ding Miao Jin Bin Xue Lu Zhang Shu-Chun Yao Zhao-de Wang Shao-Yong Lu Zhong-Hua Zhao
Huan Jing Ke Xue 2021 Oct;42(10):4727-4738
State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
Shengjin Lake, which serves as an important National Nature Reserve, is suffering from chemical pollution due to rapid industrial and agricultural development in the circumjacent basin. Therefore, 168 anthropogenic toxic chemicals were determined to examine their spatial distribution and identify priority pollutants using a ranking system based on occurrence(O), persistence(P), bioaccumulation(B), ecological risk(E), and human health risk(H). Ecosystem and human health risks were also assessed. The spatial distribution of pollutants indicated that higher concentrations occur in the upper lake area compared to the middle and lower lake areas because of Jiang Dam. According to the derived priority pollutant list, phthalate esters(PAEs), organochlorine pesticides(OCPs), and heavy metals(HMs) are high-priority pollutants; polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs), and volatile organic compounds(VOCs) are medium-priority pollutants; and antibiotics(ANTs) are low-priority pollutants. The ecology risk quotient(RQ) of the high-priority pollutants ranged from 4.3 to 15.9, indicating severe ecology risk to the aquatic organism, and higher risks were found in the upper lake areas. Additionally, the human health risk assessment revealed negligible carcinogenic risks associated with high-priority pollutants. The comprehensive ranking system established in this study can be applied to other lake basins by altering the measured concentrations to screen for priority pollutants, offering a scientific foundation for identifying priority control pollutants for watershed management.
http://dx.doi.org/10.13227/j.hjkx.202102117 DOI Listing
An increase of phosphatidylcholines in follicular fluid implies attenuation of embryo quality on day 3 post-fertilization.
BMC Biol 2021 09 9;19(1):200. Epub 2021 Sep 9.
Background: Although oocyte quality is the dominant factor determining embryo quality, few studies have been conducted to evaluate embryo quality based on the metabolites related to the oocyte. With quantification of the follicular fluid (FF) metabolites, in assisted reproductive technology (ART), this study sought to evaluate the embryo or oocyte quality through an informative approach.
Results: An evaluation model consisting of 17 features was generated to distinguish the embryo quality on day 3 post-fertilization, and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) were the key contributors to the evaluation. The model was extended to the patients under different ages and hyperstimulations, and the features were further enriched to facilitate the evaluation of the embryo quality. The metabolites were clustered through pathway analysis, leading to a hypothesis that accumulation of arachidonic acid induced by PCs might weaken embryo quality on day 3 post-fertilization.
Conclusions: A discriminating model with metabolic features elicited from follicular fluid was established, which enabled the evaluation of the embryo or oocyte quality even under certain clinical conditions, and the increase of PCs in follicular fluid implies the attenuation of embryo quality on day 3 post-fertilization.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12915-021-01118-w DOI Listing
Hydrochemical characteristics, trace element sources, and health risk assessment of surface waters in the Amu Darya Basin of Uzbekistan, arid Central Asia.
Shuie Zhan Jinglu Wu Miao Jin
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021 Aug 21. Epub 2021 Aug 21.
State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Nanjing, 210008, China.
Thorough knowledge of hydrochemical characteristics and trace element concentrations in surface waters is crucial for protection of this resource, especially in arid regions. Uzbekistan lies in central, arid Central Asia, and is experiencing severe water scarcity as a consequence of warming climate and accelerated human impacts. Fifty-five surface water samples were collected from the Amu Darya Basin of Uzbekistan (ADBU) and measured for relevant variables, to determine hydrochemical characteristics and evaluate water quality. River water samples from the middle reach and Amu Darya Delta (ADD) were dominantly HCO-Ca and SO-Ca·Mg types, respectively, whereas water samples collected near the former shoreline and sewage outlets in the ADD were predominantly Cl-Ca·Mg and Cl-Na types, consistent with the distribution of sites that display high concentrations of trace elements and are seriously affected by human activities. Principal component analysis indicated that Pb and Cd in surface waters of the ADBU had industrial origins. Local agricultural activities are thought to have contributed to the concentrations of NO, Zn, Ni, Hg, and Mn, through pesticide and fertilizer applications, and concentrations of Cu, Cr, As, and Co are controlled by mixed natural and anthropogenic sources. Water quality and health risk assessments indicated that unsuitable drinking waters are distributed mainly near the former shoreline and sewage outlets in the ADD, making human health risks in these areas high.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-15799-x DOI Listing
Environmental implications from the priority pollutants screening in impoundment reservoir along the eastern route of China's South-to-North Water Diversion Project.
Zhonghua Zhao Xionghu Gong Qiqi Ding Miao Jin Zhaode Wang Shaoyong Lu Lu Zhang
Sci Total Environ 2021 Nov 25;794:148700. Epub 2021 Jun 25.
State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment Research, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
Screening priority pollutants from vast anthropogenic contaminants discharged into aquatic environment is urgent for protecting water quality definitely. The multi-criteria scoring method involved in the occurrence (O), persistence (P), bioaccumulation (B), ecological risk (Eco-T), and human health risk (Hum-T), was established for pollutants prioritization in waters and applied in Dongping Lake, the final impoundment reservoir along the eastern route of China's South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP). A total of 170 chemicals including heavy metals (HMs), volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalate esters (PAEs), and antibiotics (ANTs) were investigated as the candidates. Accordingly, 42 chemicals including 8 PAEs, 7 OCPs, 7 PCBs, 5 PAHs, 13 HMs, and 2 VOCs were made up the list of priority pollutants for Dongping Lake, suggesting the necessity of routine monitoring high priority groups and revising the existing list. Multiple risk assessment indicated higher ecological and human health risks induced by HMs than by organic pollutants. Spatial distribution of risks stressed the retention of toxic organic chemicals by the lake body and the accumulation of HMs along the transfer route, respectively, thus triggering ecosystem responses and potential effects on the water-receiving areas as expected.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148700 DOI Listing
Blocking the prevalence of adenoviral conjunctivitis in premature infants by combined disinfection method.
Xiaohua Wang Lu Lu Jin Miao Jian Ma Nana Wu Yun Cao Chuanqing Wang
Jpn J Infect Dis 2021 May 31. Epub 2021 May 31.
Department of Nosocomial Infection Control, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, China.
This study aimed to determine the cause behind the outbreak of nosocomial adenoviral conjunctivitis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the impact of infection control measures. The objectives of the present study include investigation of the hospital-borne infection associated with adenoviral conjunctivitis, analysis of the possible risk factors, setting bundle infection control measures, which were adjusted according to the control effect. The present study also aims to observe the effect of different intervention measures on controlling adenoviral conjunctivitis. During the first and second intervention periods, overall 635 and 597 NICU patients were enrolled, respectively. Ophthalmoscopy was conducted among 188 (in the first intervention) and 184 (in the second intervention) patients (P>0.05). The times of ophthalmoscopy the patients received were 417 and 457 (P<0.001). During the first intervention, 13 patients suffered from adenoviral conjunctivitis, while no patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis were found during the second intervention (P<0.001). All adenoviral conjunctivitis cases were reported 6-27 days (mean 12 days) after ophthalmoscopy. The hydrogen peroxide disinfection bundle measures can effectively restrict the prevalence of adenoviral conjunctivitis associated with ophthalmoscopy in premature infants.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7883/yoken.JJID.2021.099 DOI Listing
Prevalence and profile of nocturnal disturbances in Chinese patients with advanced-stage Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional epidemiology study.
Guiying He Chun-Feng Liu Qinyong Ye Zhenguo Liu Miao Jin Huifang Shang Ling Chen Houzhen Tuo Hong Jiang Jifu Cai Kalpesh Joshi James Cooper Lu Zi Shengdi Chen
BMC Neurol 2021 May 12;21(1):194. Epub 2021 May 12.
Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Background: The impact of nocturnal disturbance (ND) in Parkinson's disease on quality of life of patients in Western Countries is increasingly understood. Our study aimed to investigate ND prevalence and its quality of life impact in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease in China.
Methods: In a multicenter, tertiary-care hospital, outpatient-based, cross-sectional study, patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (Modified Hoehn & Yahr [H&Y] Stage II-IV with ≥3 h awake "off" time/day) from 10 tertiary hospitals throughout China completed the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2) and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39). The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with significant ND (PDSS-2 total score ≥ 15). Additional endpoints were demographic and clinical characteristics, PDSS-2 and PDQ-39 total and subscale scores, correlation between PDSS-2 and PDQ-39, and risk factors for ND and higher PDSS-2 or PDQ-39 scores.
Results: Of 448 patients analyzed (mean age 63.5 years, 47.3% female), 70.92% (95% confidence interval: 66.71, 75.13) had significant ND. Presence of ND and higher PDSS-2 scores were associated with longer disease duration and higher H&Y stage. Presence of ND was also associated with more awake "off" time/day and female sex. PDQ-39 scores were significantly worse for patients with ND versus those without ND; worse scores were associated with more awake "off" time/day, female sex, and higher H&Y stage. PDSS-2 and PDQ-39 total scores were associated: Pearson correlation coefficient 0.62 (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: In China, ND was highly prevalent in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease and adversely impacted quality of life. This study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and optimized management of ND in patients with Parkinson's disease in China.
Electrospun nanofibers promote wound healing: theories, techniques, and perspectives.
Chen Gao Liyuan Zhang Juan Wang Miao Jin Qianqian Tang Zhongrong Chen Yue Cheng Runhuai Yang Gang Zhao
J Mater Chem B 2021 04 24;9(14):3106-3130. Epub 2021 Mar 24.
College of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China.
At present, the clinical strategies for treating chronic wounds are limited, especially when it comes to pain relief and rapid wound healing. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternative treatment methods. This paper provides a systematic review on recent researches on how electrospun nanofiber scaffolds promote wound healing and how the electrospinning technology has been used for fabricating multi-dimensional, multi-pore and multi-functional nanofiber scaffolds that have greatly promoted the development of wound healing dressings. First, we provide a review on the four stages of wound healing, which is followed by a discussion on the evolvement of the electrospinning technology, what is involved in electrospinning devices, and factors affecting the electrospinning process. Finally, we present the possible mechanisms of electrospun nanofibers to promote wound healing, the classification of electrospun polymers, cell infiltration favoring fiber scaffolds, antibacterial fiber scaffolds, and future multi-functional scaffolds. Although nanofiber scaffolds have made great progress as a type of multi-functional biomaterial, major challenges still remain for commercializing them in a way that fully meets the needs of patients.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d1tb00067e DOI Listing
Recording and response of persistent toxic substances (PTSs) in urban lake sediments to anthropogenic activities.
Xionghu Gong Qiqi Ding Miao Jin Zhonghua Zhao Lu Zhang Shuchun Yao Bin Xue
Sci Total Environ 2021 Jul 27;777:145977. Epub 2021 Feb 27.
State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, PR China.
Owing to the intensification of human activities, urban lakes serving as important freshwater resources are becoming seriously deteriorated, especially due to persistent toxic substance (PTS) pollution. Therefore, the spatial distribution and sediment record of PTS in urban lake sediments in the middle Yangtze River Basin were investigated to indicate its response to anthropogenic emission and pollution reduction actions. Spatial distribution of typical PTSs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) included) showed that pollutants were concentrated in the southeast and center of the urban lake due to riverine inputs suffering from both petrochemical and municipal wastewaters. The sedimentary record of PAH concentrations indicated an increase from the 1960s to a peak level in the 2000s, which was induced mainly by increased PAH emissions, with PAH levels decreasing subsequently due to craft improvement of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Source apportionment results revealed that historical PAH emissions transferred from petrogenic sources to a mixture of energy combustion and petrochemical industry. Furthermore, OCP and PCB pollutions reached peak levels in 1980s, which is consistent with their historical usage for agricultural and industrial production. From the synthetic sediment quality index (SeQI) analysis, sediment quality in nearly half of sites was poor, while the sediment record suggested that sediment quality had turned better since 2000s maybe due to the WWTP improvement. Furthermore, significant correlations (p < 0.05) between PTS levels and the ratio of PAH emissions to the number of WWTPs documented the PTS levels in response to the surrounding anthropogenic pollution and WWTPs in urban lakes.
Identification of Biomarkers Based on Bioinformatics Analysis: The Expression of Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme E2T (UBE2T) in the Carcinogenesis and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Xuemiao Zhao Wei Weng Miao Jin Sunjian Li Qingwei Chen Bingrong Li Zhou Zhou Chuanqiang Lan Yunjun Yang
Med Sci Monit 2021 Mar 4;27:e929023. Epub 2021 Mar 4.
Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to screen and identify key genes in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on bioinformatics analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) series (GSE) - GSE121248, GSE87630, and GSE84598 - were downloaded from the GEO database. GEO2R was used to screen different genes and a Venn diagram was drawn to screen coexpressed differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Coexpressed DEGs were obtained by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, a protein-protein interaction network diagram was produced by Cytoscape, and module genes were calculated by the Molecular Complex Detection Cytoscape plug-in. Finally, overall survival, progression-free survival, and relapse-free survival analysis of the key genes selected were performed using the online Kaplan-Meier plotter. For the target genes, the online network UCSC Cancer Genome Browser was used to analyze the gene expression profiles of the grade and vascular invasion of HCC. RESULTS A total of 296 coexpressed DEGs were obtained from the 3 GSEs and 12 key genes were obtained from the modular analysis. Survival analysis showed that the upregulated genes UBE2T and FBLN5 were involved in the poor prognosis of HCC. Furthermore, the expression of UBE2T was significantly related to the grade and vascular invasion of HCC. CONCLUSIONS The expression of the UBE2T gene was significantly upregulated in HCC tissue compared to in normal liver tissue. UBE2T may be a new marker for the diagnosis and subsequent therapy of HCC.
http://dx.doi.org/10.12659/MSM.929023 DOI Listing
The biological pump effects of phytoplankton on the occurrence and benthic bioaccumulation of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in a hypereutrophic lake.
Qiqi Ding Xionghu Gong Miao Jin Xiaolong Yao Lu Zhang Zhonghua Zhao
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2021 Apr 11;213:112017. Epub 2021 Feb 11.
State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, PR China. Electronic address:
The distribution of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in eutrophic ecosystems has been widely studied, but how phytoplankton blooms affect their occurrence and benthic bioaccumulation is poorly understood. To fill this knowledge gap, the biological pump effects of phytoplankton on the fate of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments and benthos (Corbicula fluminea) from Lake Taihu, a hypereutrophic lake in China, were identified. The spatial-temporal distribution of HOCs suggests that higher phytoplankton biomass, coupled with sediment organic matter (SOM) content, greatly increased the concentration of HOCs in sediments in both winter and summer seasons. This could be attributed to the biological pump effects sequestering more HOCs from water to sediments with settling phytoplankton, especially during the summer. The biological pump effects further promoted the uptake of sediment-bound HOCs by benthos. The significant positive relationships between concentrations of HOCs in sediments and benthos were observed during the winter dormancy phase of benthos. Furthermore, the benthic bioaccumulation of HOCs could be strengthened by phytoplankton, due to their contribution to SOM and the following increased bioavailability of HOCs in sediments. Further research is needed to elucidate the phytoplankton biological pump effects on the fate of HOCs in benthic food chain, especially for hypereutrophic waters.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112017 DOI Listing
Residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in waters of the Ili-Balkhash Basin, arid Central Asia: Concentrations and risk assessment.
Beibei Shen Jinglu Wu Shuie Zhan Miao Jin
Chemosphere 2021 Jun 23;273:129705. Epub 2021 Jan 23.
State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China.
Release and transport of contaminants in watersheds can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms and human health. Little attention, however, has been paid to chemical contamination of aquatic environments in arid regions by persistent organic pollutants. We analyzed the concentrations and distributions of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in waters of the Ili-Balkhash Basin, in arid central Asia. ΣOCP concentrations ranged from 4.02 to 122.80 ng L and ΣPAH concentrations were between 7.58 and 70.98 ng L. On a global scale, OCP and PAH concentrations in waters of the Ili-Balkhash system were relatively low, with only a few exceptions, i.e., highest concentrations near cities and relatively high values in some headwater areas. Source identification revealed that the dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) may come from recent use, whereas endosulfans stem from historic applications. Lindane, a common insecticide, may be responsible for hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs). Low-molecular-weight PAHs, primarily originating from wood and coal combustion and petroleum-derived sources, were the primary components of PAHs in waters. Furthermore, the primary sources of PAHs at different sites were identified using a Positive Matrix Factorization model: 1) oil leakage (33.9%), 2) biomass burning (29.5%), 3) coal combustion (22.6%), and 4) petroleum-powered vehicles (14.1%). Agricultural, industrial and domestic activities are all potential pollution sources. Besides, contaminated headwater areas indicate that long-range transport has probably become a non-negligible mechanism for pollutant distribution. Risk assessment showed low to moderate toxicity for aquatic organisms, but no marked carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic risks for human health.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129705 DOI Listing
Low Barometric Pressure Enhances Tethered-Flight Performance and Reproductive of the Oriental Armyworm, Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Jin Miao Pei Guo Huiling Li Changshuan Wei Qihang Liu Zhongjun Gong Yun Duan Tong Li Yueli Jiang Hongqiang Feng Yuqing Wu
J Econ Entomol 2021 04;114(2):620-626
Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.
Barometric pressure is an important factor influencing several insect traits. Most studies have been conducted on the behavior of insects in relation to rapid and slight changes in pressure magnitudes or short-term pressure trends, but there is little information on the effect of long-term and large pressure variations on insect traits. Here, we assessed the effects of static low barometric pressure on the tethered flight, lifespan and reproductive performance of Mythimna separata (Walker), a long-distance migratory insect, using an apparatus simulating low barometric pressure at altitudes of 500 m above sea level. We found that both the flight distance and flight duration of M. separata moths were significantly longer under low barometric pressure conditions. Exposure to low barometric pressure conditions for 24 and 48 h significantly shortened the lifespan of female moths but had no influence on male moths. The ovaries of female moths developed earlier, and the preoviposition and oviposition periods were significantly shortened under low atmospheric pressure. Moreover, low atmospheric pressure reduced the respiration rate of female moths. However, there was an increase in the respiration rate of female moths after being returned to standard barometric pressure conditions. Our results show that the behavior and physiological traits of insects are affected by the low-pressure environment during migration. The low barometric pressure conditions at high altitudes is one of important factors accelerating reproductive behavior of M. separata after migration.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jee/toaa291 DOI Listing
Riverine transport and water-sediment exchange of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) along the middle-lower Yangtze River, China.
Zhonghua Zhao Xionghu Gong Lu Zhang Miao Jin Yongjiu Cai Xiaolong Wang
J Hazard Mater 2021 02 15;403:123973. Epub 2020 Sep 15.
State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment Research, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China. Electronic address:
We examined the riverine transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) based on their spatial-temporal distributions in water and sediments from the mainstream along the middle and lower Yangtze River. According to the fugacity fraction (ff) estimation, sediments performed as a secondary emission source of two-, three-, and four-ringed PAHs and as a sink for five- and six-ringed congeners, leading to higher ecological and human health risks especially towards the lower reaches. The higher PAH levels observed in the more developed delta and megacities were highly linked to economic parameters. This was further supported by the source apportionment performed using the principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) model, which showed major contributions of coal and coke combustions along with vehicle emissions. The spatial-temporal distribution revealed that water runoff was the major contribution to PAHs transport along the middle-lower Yangtze River, whereas a sharp decrease in sediment discharge due to the dam impoundment along the upper reaches would lead to an increase in the catchment retention effect of PAHs. Hence, the biogeochemical processes of PAHs and their impacts on the fragile ecosystems as a consequence of the further modification of the sedimentary system in rivers need to be fully explored.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123973 DOI Listing
An outbreak of gastroenteritis associated with a novel GII.8 sapovirus variant-transmitted by vomit in Shenzhen, China, 2019.
Yuxiao Yan Yuan Li Wen Shi Xiangyu Kong Huiying Li Qing Zhang Lili Pang Li Jiang Junying Liu Miao Jin Yuning Li Zhaojun Duan
BMC Infect Dis 2020 Dec 1;20(1):911. Epub 2020 Dec 1.
Department of Viral Diarrhea, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Rd, Chang-ping District, Beijing, 102206, China.
Background: Human Sapoviruses (SaVs) has been reported as one of the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide. An outbreak of SaVs affected 482 primary school students during spring activities from February 24 to March 11, 2019 in Shenzhen City, China. Our study was aimed at determining the epidemiology of the outbreak, investigating its origins, and making a clear identification of the SaVs genetic diversity.
Methods: Epidemiological investigation was conducted for this AGE outbreak. Stool samples were collected for laboratory tests of causative agents. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and conventional RT-PCR were used for detecting and genotyping of SaVs. The nearly complete genome of GII.8 SaV strains were amplified and sequenced by using several primer sets designed in this study. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to characterize the genome of GII.8 SaV strains.
Results: The single factor analysis showed that the students who were less than 1.5 m away from the vomitus in classroom or playgroundwere susceptible (P < 0.05). Seven of 11 fecal samples from patients were positive for GII.8 SaV genotype. In this study, we obtained the genome sequence of a SaV GII.8 strain Hu/SaV/2019008Shenzhen/2019 /CHN (SZ08) and comprehensively analyzed the genetic diversity. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the GII.8 strain SZ08 formed an independent branch and became a novel variant of GII.8 genotype. Strain SZ08 harbored 11 specific amino acid variations compared with cluster A-D in full-length VP1.
Conclusions: This study identified SaVs as the causative agents for the AGE outbreak. Strain Hu SZ08 was clustered as independent branch and there was no recombination occurred in this strain SZ08. Further, it might become the predominant strain in diarrhea cases in the near future. Constant surveillance is required to monitor the emerging variants which will improve our knowledge of the evolution of SaVs among humans.
On-line attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR): a powerful tool for investigating the methyl cyclopentenone synthesis process.
Hai F Mao Jia C Yuan Ping Y Zhang Miao M Jin Ji B Liu Yun Zhao
Analyst 2020 Nov 1;145(21):6987-6991. Epub 2020 Sep 1.
Shanghai Institute of Technology, 100 Haiquan Road, Shanghai, 201418, China.
On-line attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) was used to gain a good understanding of the kinetics and mechanism for methyl cyclopentenone (MCP) synthesis from 2-methylfuran and formaldehyde in a four-step reaction. Combining in situ IR monitoring and a quantitative univariate model, the mechanisms for the main side reactions were discussed in depth. The presence and forming mechanism of the side product generated in step 1 (Mannich reaction) were reported for the first time. Off-line H NMR and GC-MS were used as reference tools to further clarify the structure of the side product. Results also show that an undesirable side reaction will take place if the reaction time for step 2 is longer than 3 h. Possible mechanisms for side reactions and optimized experimental conditions were suggested for the purpose of improving the selectivity of the main reaction to efficiently facilitate the yield of MCP. The present study demonstrates that on-line ATR-IR can be a powerful tool to gain insight into the process understanding of various chemical reactions, providing a solid theoretical foundation for highly efficient, large-scale synthesis of MCP.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d0an01327g DOI Listing
Orsay Virus CP-δ Adopts a Novel β-Bracelet Structural Fold and Incorporates into Virions as a Head Fiber.
Yusong R Guo Yanlin Fan Ying Zhou Miao Jin Jim L Zhang Hongbing Jiang Matthew V Holt Tao Wang Nicolas L Young David Wang Weiwei Zhong Yizhi J Tao
J Virol 2020 10 14;94(21). Epub 2020 Oct 14.
Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
Fiber proteins are commonly found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic viruses, where they play important roles in mediating viral attachment and host cell entry. They typically form trimeric structures and are incorporated into virions via noncovalent interactions. Orsay virus, a small RNA virus which specifically infects the laboratory model nematode , encodes a fibrous protein δ that can be expressed as a free protein and as a capsid protein-δ (CP-δ) fusion protein. Free δ has previously been demonstrated to facilitate viral exit following intracellular expression; however, the biological significance and prevalence of CP-δ remained relatively unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Orsay CP-δ is covalently incorporated into infectious particles, the first example of any attached viral fibers known to date. The crystal structure of δ(1-101) (a deletion mutant containing the first 101 amino acid [aa] residues of δ) reveals a pentameric, 145-Å long fiber with an N-terminal coiled coil followed by multiple β-bracelet repeats. Electron micrographs of infectious virions depict particle-associated CP-δ fibers with dimensions similar to free δ. The δ proteins from two other nematode viruses, Le Blanc and Santeuil, which both specifically infect , were also found to form fibrous molecules. Recombinant Le Blanc δ was able to block Orsay virus infection in worm culture and vice versa, suggesting these two viruses likely compete for the same cell receptor(s). Thus, we propose that while CP-δ likely mediates host cell attachment for all three nematode viruses, additional downstream factor(s) ultimately determine the host specificity and range of each virus. Viruses often have extended fibers to mediate host cell recognition and entry, serving as promising targets for antiviral drug development. Unlike other known viral fibers, the δ proteins from the three recently discovered nematode viruses are incorporated into infectious particles as protruding fibers covalently linked to the capsid. Crystal structures of δ revealed novel pentameric folding repeats, which we term β-bracelets, in the intermediate shaft region. Based on sequence analysis, the β-bracelet motif of δ is conserved in all three nematode viruses and could account for ∼60% of the total length of the fiber. Our study indicated that δ plays important roles in cell attachment for this group of nematode viruses. In addition, the tightly knitted β-bracelet fold, which presumably allows δ to survive harsh environments in the worm gut, could be applicable to bioengineering applications given its potentially high stability.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JVI.01560-20 DOI Listing
MicroRNA-138 promotes neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis by directly targeting DEK in Alzheimer's disease cell model.
Jin Miao Jin Jing Yixiang Shao Huaichang Sun
BMC Neurosci 2020 07 31;21(1):33. Epub 2020 Jul 31.
College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease with a major manifestation of dementia. MicroRNAs were reported to regulate the transcript expression in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we investigated the roles of miR-138, a brain-enriched miRNA, in the AD cell model.
Methods: The targets of miRNA-138 was predicted by bioinformatic analysis. The expression levels of DEK at both mRNA and protein levels were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Luciferase assays were carried out to examine cell viabilities. Hoechst 33258 staining was used to detect cell apoptosis.
Results: Our results demonstrated that the expression levels of miR-138 were increased in AD model, and DEK was a target of miR-138. Overexpression of miR-138 in SH-SY5Y cells obviously down-regulated the expression of DEK in SH-SY5Y cells, resulting in the inactivation of AKT and increased expression levels of proapoptotic caspase-3. MiR-138 mediated-suppression of DEK increased the susceptibility of cell apoptosis.
Conclusions: MicroRNA-138 promotes cell apoptosis of SH-SY5Y by targeting DEK in SH-SY5Y AD cell model. The regulation of miR-138 may contribute to AD via down-regulation of the DEK/AKT pathway.
Aberrant DNA Methylation of and in Stool Specimens as an Integrated Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer Early Detection.
Guodong Zhao Xiaoyu Liu Yi Liu Hui Li Yong Ma Shiming Li Yun Zhu Jin Miao Shangmin Xiong Sujuan Fei Minxue Zheng
Front Genet 2020 18;11:643. Epub 2020 Jun 18.
Zhejiang University Kunshan Biotechnology Laboratory, Zhejiang University Kunshan Innovation Institute, Kunshan, China.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become the second leading cause of new cancer cases and the fifth of cancer deaths in China, and early detection is the most effective way to reduce the incidence and mortality of CRC. A number of methylated DNA biomarkers have been found to associate with CRC and precancerous lesions in stool samples, indicating stool methylated DNA biomarkers are potential tools for CRC early detection. In this study, approximately 5 g of stool specimen was collected from 230 subjects (124 in the training set and 106 in the validation set). Stool DNA was extracted and bisulfite-converted, followed by ColoDefense test, a multiplex qPCR assay, that simultaneously detects methylated (m and methylated (m). Youden index was employed to determine the cut-off value of ColoDefense test for stool specimens. In the training set, the optimized cut-off value of stool ColoDefense test was: m analyzed with 3/3 algorithm and mean m Ct values of <38, or m with 2/3 algorithm. Stool ColoDefense test achieved Youden indexes of 79.9 and 57.4% in detecting CRC and advanced adenomas (AA), respectively. Its sensitivities in the training set for AA and CRC were 66.7% (95% CI: 24.1-94.0%) and 89.1% (95% CI: 77.1-95.5%) with a 90.8% (95% CI: 80.3-96.2%) specificity, and AUC was 0.956 (95% CI: 0.924-0.988). In the validation set, its sensitivities for AA and CRC were 66.7% (95% CI: 24.1-94.0%) and 92.3% (95% CI: 78.0-98.0%) with a 93.2% (95% CI: 82.7-97.8%) specificity, and AUC was 0.977 (95% CI: 0.952-1.000). Positive detection rate of stool ColoDefense test has been found to be independent of age, gender, tumor location, and tumor size. In conclusion, stool ColoDefense test demonstrated high sensitivities and specificity for the detection of AA and CRC. Therefore, it has the potential to become a low-cost, convenient, and highly effective tool for CRC early detection.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2020.00643 DOI Listing
Feasibility of Plasma-Methylated for Early Detection of Gastric Cancer.
Jin Miao Yi Liu Guodong Zhao Xiaoyu Liu Yong Ma Hui Li Shiming Li Yun Zhu Shangmin Xiong Minxue Zheng Sujuan Fei
Cancer Control 2020 Apr-Jun;27(2):1073274820922559
Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Jiangsu, China.
Gastric cancer (GC) is fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer in China. More than 80% of GC are diagnosed at an advanced stage due to low uptake rate of invasive screening method. The performance of methylated test was evaluated in 236 plasma samples, including 92 patients with GC, 16 intestinal metaplasia patients, 26 gastric fundic gland polyp patients, 13 small adenoma patients, 39 hyperplastic polyp patients, and 50 control patients. The sensitivity of plasma methylated was compared to serum CEA, CA72-4, CA19-9, and CA242 results in 79 patients with GC. The sensitivities for detecting GC and gastric intestinal metaplasia by methylated test were 60.9% and 56.3% with a specificity of 86.0%. Methylated test had significantly higher positive detection rate for patients with GC than gastric fundic gland polyp, small adenoma, and hyperplastic polyp patients. In 79 patients with GC, the sensitivities of CEA, CA72-4, CA19-9, and CA242 for detecting GC were 22.8%, 16.5%, 12.7%, and 11.4%. In comparison, the sensitivity of methylated test for detecting GC was 58.2%. Plasma methylated test may become a valuable tool for the noninvasive detection of GC and precursor lesions and showed higher sensitivity than serum tumor markers.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1073274820922559 DOI Listing
Performance Comparison Between Plasma and Stool Methylated Tests for Detecting Colorectal Cancer.
Yi Liu Guodong Zhao Jin Miao Hui Li Yong Ma Xiaoyu Liu Shiming Li Yun Zhu Shangmin Xiong Minxue Zheng Sujuan Fei
Front Genet 2020 16;11:324. Epub 2020 Apr 16.
Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common type of malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract worldwide. Plasma methylated test has been used clinically for CRC screening for several years, but the study about the performance comparison between plasma and stool has rarely been reported. In this study, 124 plasma samples, 100 stool samples, and 60 sets of plasma and paired stool samples were collected and tested by a methylated test in three PCR replicates. The results indicated methylated levels in stool samples were significant higher than those in plasma samples ( < 0.0001). When a plasma sample was called positive if 1 out of 3 PCR replicates was positive and a stool sample was called positive if 3 out of 3 PCR replicates were positive with a mean Cp value of less than 40.0, stool methylated test achieved similar sensitivity (83.3% vs 85.6%) and specificity (92.1% vs 90.1%) to those by plasma methylated test, and the overall concordance rate is 78.3%. However, stool methylated test showed 35.9 and 7.9% improvement in detecting advanced adenomas (AA) and stage I-II CRC in comparison to plasma methylated test. The AUC for plasma methylated and stool methylated in detecting CRC were 0.885 (95% CI: 0.832-0.938) and 0.935 (95% CI: 0.895-0.975), respectively. In conclusion, stool methylated test showed higher sensitivities for detection AA and early stage CRC compared with plasma methylated SEPT9 test, and stool methylated test may be a more suitable tool for early stage CRC screening.
Cohesin SA1 and SA2 are RNA binding proteins that localize to RNA containing regions on DNA.
Hai Pan Miao Jin Ashwin Ghadiyaram Parminder Kaur Henry E Miller Hai Minh Ta Ming Liu Yanlin Fan Chelsea Mahn Aparna Gorthi Changjiang You Jacob Piehler Robert Riehn Alexander J R Bishop Yizhi Jane Tao Hong Wang
Nucleic Acids Res 2020 06;48(10):5639-5655
Physics Department, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
Cohesin SA1 (STAG1) and SA2 (STAG2) are key components of the cohesin complex. Previous studies have highlighted the unique contributions by SA1 and SA2 to 3D chromatin organization, DNA replication fork progression, and DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Recently, we discovered that cohesin SA1 and SA2 are DNA binding proteins. Given the recently discovered link between SA2 and RNA-mediated biological pathways, we investigated whether or not SA1 and SA2 directly bind to RNA using a combination of bulk biochemical assays and single-molecule techniques, including atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the DNA tightrope assay. We discovered that both SA1 and SA2 bind to various RNA containing substrates, including ssRNA, dsRNA, RNA:DNA hybrids, and R-loops. Importantly, both SA1 and SA2 localize to regions on dsDNA that contain RNA. We directly compared the SA1/SA2 binding and R-loops sites extracted from Chromatin Immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and DNA-RNA Immunoprecipitation sequencing (DRIP-Seq) data sets, respectively. This analysis revealed that SA1 and SA2 binding sites overlap significantly with R-loops. The majority of R-loop-localized SA1 and SA2 are also sites where other subunits of the cohesin complex bind. These results provide a new direction for future investigation of the diverse biological functions of SA1 and SA2.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaa284 DOI Listing
Differential kinase activity of ACVR1 G328V and R206H mutations with implications to possible TβRI cross-talk in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.
Hongnan Cao Miao Jin Mu Gao Hongyi Zhou Yizhi Jane Tao Jeffrey Skolnick
Sci Rep 2020 04 9;10(1):6140. Epub 2020 Apr 9.
Center for the Study of Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Drive, NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, United States.
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a lethal pediatric brain cancer whose median survival time is under one year. The possible roles of the two most common DIPG associated cytoplasmic ACVR1 receptor kinase domain mutants, G328V and R206H, are reexamined in the context of new biochemical results regarding their intrinsic relative ATPase activities. At 37 °C, the G328V mutant displays a 1.8-fold increase in intrinsic kinase activity over wild-type, whereas the R206H mutant shows similar activity. The higher G328V mutant intrinsic kinase activity is consistent with the statistically significant longer overall survival times of DIPG patients harboring ACVR1 G328V tumors. Based on the potential cross-talk between ACVR1 and TβRI pathways and known and predicted off-targets of ACVR1 inhibitors, we further validated the inhibition effects of several TβRI inhibitors on ACVR1 wild-type and G328V mutant patient tumor derived DIPG cell lines at 20-50 µM doses. SU-DIPG-IV cells harboring the histone H3.1K27M and activating ACVR1 G328V mutations appeared to be less susceptible to TβRI inhibition than SF8628 cells harboring the H3.3K27M mutation and wild-type ACVR1. Thus, inhibition of hidden oncogenic signaling pathways in DIPG such as TβRI that are not limited to ACVR1 itself may provide alternative entry points for DIPG therapeutics.
Actively surveillance and appropriate patients placements' contact isolation dramatically decreased Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae infection and colonization in pediatric patients in China.
Lijun Yin Leiyan He Jin Miao Weiqing Yang Xiaohua Wang Jian Ma Nana Wu Yun Cao Laishuan Wang Guoping Lu Liling Li Chunmei Lu Jing Hu Lei Zhang Bing Zhao Xiaowen Zhai Chuanqing Wang
J Hosp Infect 2020 Mar 31. Epub 2020 Mar 31.
Department of Nosocomial Infection Control and the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Electronic address:
Background: With the increasing use of carbapenems in clinic practice, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has also increased, thus posing a significant threat to human health.
Aim: To assess the effects of CRE colonization active screening and various CRE patient placements implemented in decreasing CRE infection risk.
Methods: CRE colonization screening and various CRE patient placements were performed across CRE high-risk departments (PICU, NICU, neonatal wards and hematology departments) between 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Finding: In 2018, more than 80% neonatal CRE positive patients were isolated using single room or same room isolation, and more than 50% non-neonatal patients were, with no cohort placement. The CRE nosocomial infection incidences decreased from 1.96% to 0.63% in NICU, and from 0.57% to 0.30% in neonatal wards (all P<0.05) while no significant changes were found in the other departments. The CRE colonization incidence at different length hospital stay (LOS) decreased at 8-14days and >14days LOS in CRE high-risk departments (all P<0.05). In addition, 62.5% clinical strains, 66.7% screening strains, and 74.1% nosocomial infection strains were belonged to CC17 complex group in neonatal isolates; while, 56.6%, 47.5% and 100% strains mentioned above were belonged to CC11 complex group in non-neonatal isolates respectively. The predominant carbapenemase gene was bla (98%) in neonatal and bla (70%) in non-neonatal CR-KP stains.
Conclusions: Active CRE colonization surveillance and CRE positive patient propriety placement may decrease the CRE infection risk. Neonatal and non-neonatal CR-KP isolates showed different CRE molecular characteristics, which could further benefit CRE infection precaution and antibiotic therapy.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2020.03.031 DOI Listing
Norovirus Outbreak Surveillance, China, 2016-2018.
Miao Jin Shuyu Wu Xiangyu Kong Huaping Xie Jianguang Fu Yaqing He Weihong Feng Na Liu Jingxin Li Jeanette J Rainey Aron J Hall Jan Vinjé Zhaojun Duan
Emerg Infect Dis 2020 03;26(3):437-445
CaliciNet China, a network of provincial, county, and city laboratories coordinated by the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was launched in October 2016 to monitor the epidemiology and genotype distribution of norovirus outbreaks in China. During October 2016-September 2018, a total of 556 norovirus outbreaks were reported, and positive fecal samples from 470 (84.5%) outbreaks were genotyped. Most of these outbreaks were associated with person-to-person transmission (95.1%), occurred in childcare centers or schools (78.2%), and were reported during November-March of each year (63.5%). During the 2-year study period, 81.2% of all norovirus outbreaks were typed as GII.2[P16]. In China, most norovirus outbreaks are reported by childcare centers or schools; GII.2[P16] is the predominant genotype. Ongoing surveillance by CaliciNet China will provide information about the evolving norovirus genotype distribution and outbreak characteristics important for the development of effective interventions, including vaccines.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid2603.191183 DOI Listing
Chinese medicine Di-Huang-Yi-Zhi protects PC12 cells from HO-induced apoptosis by regulating ROS-ASK1-JNK/p38 MAPK signaling.
Li-Min Zhang Rong-Rong Zhen Chao Gu Tian-Li Zhang Yue Li Miao Jin Bing Hu Hong-Mei An
BMC Complement Med Ther 2020 Feb 14;20(1):54. Epub 2020 Feb 14.
Department of Science & Technology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Background: Oxidative stress mediates the nerve injury during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Protecting against oxidative stress damage is an important strategy to prevent and treat AD. Di-Huang-Yi-Zhi (DHYZ) is a Chinese medicine used for the treatment of AD, but its mechanism remains unknown. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of DHYZ on HO induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells.
Methods: PC12 cells were treated with HO and DHYZ. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cytotoxicity of HO was measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Apoptosis were identified by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Caspase 3 activity was detected by commercial kit. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by JC-1 staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was 2', 7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. Protein expression and phosphorylation was identified by western blot.
Results: The results showed that DHYZ antagonized HO-mediated cytotoxicity and proliferation inhibition. DHYZ reduced ROS production, stabilize mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibit Caspase-3 activity and apoptosis induced by HO. In addition, DHYZ inhibited the phosphorylation of ASK1, JNK1/2/3 and p38 MAPK which were up-regulated by HO.
Conclusions: The present study suggested that DHYZ protected PC12 cells from HO-induced oxidative stress damage and was related to inhibition of ROS production and ASK1-JNK/p38 MAPK signaling. The present study provides experimental evidence for the application of DHYZ for the management of oxidative stress damage and AD.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-2834-8 DOI Listing
A novel plasma based early colorectal cancer screening assay base on methylated SDC2 and SFRP2.
Guodong Zhao Yong Ma Hui Li Shiming Li Yun Zhu Xiaoyu Liu Shangmin Xiong Yi Liu Jin Miao Sujuan Fei Minxue Zheng Xiangwei Zhao
Clin Chim Acta 2020 Apr 18;503:84-89. Epub 2020 Jan 18.
State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China. Electronic address:
Background: Methylated SFRP2 was previously reported as a non-invasive biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection with a relatively low sensitivity for early stage CRC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new plasma based CRC screening assay, SpecColon test, which tested methylated SFRP2 and SDC2 simultaneously in a single qPCR reaction, in detecting CRC and advanced adenomas (AA).
Method: One milliliter plasma of 122 CRC patients, 12 AA patients, 93 patients with benign polyps, and 91 normal individuals were collected from the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, and all samples were examined by SpecColon test.
Results: The sensitivities for detecting AA and CRC by methylated SFRP2 alone were 50.0% (95% CI: 22.2-77.7%) and 63.1% (95% CI: 53.9-71.5%) with a specificity of 90.1% (95% CI: 81.6-95.1%). The sensitivities by methylated SDC2 alone were 33.3% (95% CI: 11.3-64.6%) and 56.6% (95% CI: 47.3-65.4%) with a specificity of 95.6% (95% CI: 88.5-98.6%). However, when methylated SFRP2 and methylated SDC2 were combined, the sensitivities for AA and CRC detection improved to 58.3% (95% CI: 28.6-83.5%) and 76.2% (95% CI: 67.5-83.3%) with a specificity of 87.9% (95% CI: 79.0-93.5%). The positive detection rates of benign polyp group and normal control group showed no significant difference (p > 0.01), whereas AA and CRC groups had significantly higher positive detection rates than normal individual group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The sensitivities for AA and early stage CRC by combined test of methylated SFRP2 and methylated SDC2, the so called SpecColon test, improved upon those by either biomarker alone without significant impact on the specificity. It has the potential to become a powerful, convenient and highly effective screening tool for early CRC screening.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2020.01.010 DOI Listing