circ_0029463 promotes osteoclast differentiation by mediating miR-134-5p/Rab27a axis.

Objective: Osteoporosis is the imbalance in bone homeostasis between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In this study, we investigated the effects of the circ_0029463/miR-134-5p/Rab27a axis on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation.

Methods: RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of circ_0029463, miR-134-5p, and Rab27a in tissues from patients with osteoporosis and in RANKL-induced osteoclasts.

Genomic insights into genetic diversity and local adaptation of a dominant desert steppe feather grass, Griseb.

Investigating the genetic mechanisms of local adaptation is critical to understanding how species adapt to heterogeneous environments. In the present study, we analyzed restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) data in order to explore genetic diversity, genetic structure, genetic differentiation, and local adaptation of . In total, 135 individual plants were sequenced and 25,786 polymorphic loci were obtained.

Fuzzy-Model-Based Lateral Control for Networked Autonomous Vehicle Systems Under Hybrid Cyber-Attacks.

This article addresses the problem of lateral control problem for networked-based autonomous vehicle systems. A novel solution is presented for nonlinear autonomous vehicles to smoothly follow the planned path under external disturbances and network-induced issues, such as cyber-attacks, time delays, and limited bandwidths. First, a fuzzy-model-based system is established to represent the nonlinear networked vehicle systems subject to hybrid cyber-attacks.

Adaptive Learning Control of Switched Strict-Feedback Nonlinear Systems With Dead Zone Using NN and DOB.

This article investigates the adaptive learning control for a class of switched strict-feedback nonlinear systems with external disturbances and input dead zone. To handle unknown nonlinearity and compound disturbances, a collaborative estimation learning strategy based on neural approximation and disturbance observation is proposed, and the adaptive neural switched control scheme is studied in a dynamic surface control framework. In the adaptive learning control design, to obtain the evaluation information of uncertain learning, the prediction error is constructed based on the composite learning scheme.

Stability and Stabilization of T-S Fuzzy Systems With Time-Varying Delays via Delay-Product-Type Functional Method.

This paper is concerned with the stability and stabilization problems of T-S fuzzy systems with time-varying delays. The purpose is to develop a new state-feedback controller design method with less conservatism. First, a novel Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is constructed by combining delay-product-type functional method together with the state vector augmentation.

Cross-sectional study of the severity of self-reported depressive symptoms in heroin users who participate in a methadone maintenance treatment program.

Background: Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is widely recognized as an effective method of combatting narcotic addiction. MMT reduces heroin withdrawal symptoms and, thus, makes it possible to provide the psychological and social support that is essential to the rehabilitation of drug users.

Aim: Compare the severity of depressive symptoms in heroin users who are currently receiving MMT to that of heroin users who are not receiving MMT.

An investigation of cigarettes smoking behavior and nicotine dependence among Chinese methamphetamine users in two provinces.

Objective: To survey cigarette behaviors and nicotine dependence among Chinese MA users, explore risk factors for high nicotine dependence, and analyze the relationship between nicotine dependence and MA-related euphoria and sexual impulse.

Methods: A cross-sectional study, applying a self-designed questionnaire with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), was performed among 391 MA users in Beijing and Guangdong, China.

Results: Most MA users were smokers, including 159 having high dependence on nicotine (HD users, FTND > 5) and 197 low or medium dependent (LMD users, FTND ≤ 5).

Sexual behavior differences between amphetamine-type stimulants users and heroin users.

Objectives: To explore the sexual behavior of amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) users and heroin users, and to find out the dangerous sexual behaviors, even related risk factors among them.

Methods: Four hundred thirty-eight ATS users and 524 heroin users were recruited in 10 compulsory detoxification treatment centers and voluntary detoxification centers in Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Taiyuan. Their sociodemographic characteristics, history of drug taking, and sexual behaviors were surveyed.

Different levels in orexin concentrations and risk factors associated with higher orexin levels: comparison between detoxified opiate and methamphetamine addicts in 5 Chinese cities.

This study sought to explore the degree of orexin levels in Chinese opiate and methamphetamine addicts and the differences between them. The cross-sectional study was conducted among detoxified drug addicts from Mandatory Detoxification Center (MDC) in five Chinese cities. Orexin levels were assayed with radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Depression and alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis function in male abstinent methamphetamine abusers.

The present study was to investigate depression and alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis function in methamphetamine (METH) abusers after abstinence. Depression was assessed using the 13-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13) scale; blood samples from in-patients who were METH abusers and age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls were collected. The demographic characteristics and history of METH abuse also was assessed.

Pattern of drug use and depressive symptoms among amphetamine type stimulants users in Beijing and Guangdong province, China.

Background: In recent years, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) have increased dramatically in East-south Asia, especially in China. Most ATS users suffered from psychosis comorbidity, and depression is the main syndrome in ATS users.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study of depressive symptoms and associated factors among ATS users was conducted in compulsory and voluntary drug detoxification and rehabilitation centers of Beijing and Guangdong Province from March, 2010 to August, 2010.

Prevalence and correlates of HIV and HCV infection among amphetamine-type stimulant users in 6 provinces in China.

Background: China has experienced an epidemic of amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use in recent years. The present study explored the status and correlates of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among ATS users in China.

Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study of HIV and HCV status and associated behaviors among ATS users was conducted in 6 provinces from September 2009 to December 2010.

The investigation of HIV and HCV infection and risk factors among opiate drug users in Beijing, China.

Objective: To explore the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the risk factors among opiate drug users in Beijing.

Methods: The opiate drug users enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment clinics of Beijing from 30 November 2004 to 31 March 2008 were investigated. The blood samples were collected and tested for HIV and HCV infection and questionnaires were used for all subjects admitted.

Assessment of the Chinese-version SF-36 in the Chinese opiate addicts.

This study was designed to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) assessed with opiate addicts in China. The sample was composed of 442 questionnaires from three regions in China, in 2004. The reliability of Chinese-version SF-36 was obtained using Cronbach's α and split-half coefficients and the validity was calculated using correlation analysis and confirmatory factor analysis method.

An investigation of cigarette smoking behavior and nicotine dependence among Chinese opiate addicts.

To explore the characteristics of nicotine dependence among Chinese opiate addicts, a survey was conducted among 357 opiate addicts in Drug Detoxification and Rehabilitation Center from 4 different provinces by using a self-designed questionnaire and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Among the 357 opiate addicts, 355 (99.4%) had the history of cigarette smoking and the mean cigarette smoked per day were 19.

Validation of the Chinese version of the Opiate Addiction Severity Inventory (OASI) and the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) in non-institutionalized heroin users in China.

No fully validated Chinese instrument measuring severity of drug dependence exists. The Chinese Opiate Addiction Severity Inventory (OASI) and the translated Chinese version of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) were validated in this study. A total of 178 eligible participants were recruited using snowballing method.

Drug use and HIV/AIDS in China.

This paper on drug use and HIV/AIDS in China follows on from the column's May 2005 article on the description of the first methadone maintenance clinic in Beijing. Methadone maintenance clinics and needle exchange programmes are now being implemented in China as a response to the rapid increase in prevalence of HIV/AIDS over the last 10-15 years. It is worth noting that in prior years methadone was available only as for short-term detoxification from opioids and for research purposes.

Evaluation on drug dependence of buprenorphine.

Aim: To survey and assess the drug dependence and abuse potential liability of buprenorphine among opiate abusers.

Methods: Subjects of opiate dependence with history of buprenorphine use for 3 d at least were surveyed by interview. Physical dependence of buprenorphine was assessed using 30 items opiate withdrawal scale (OWS), which composed of 30 symptoms/signs.