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Previous research has identified that unmet needs are associated with adverse mental health outcomes in older adults. However, the unmet needs of older adults' spousal caregivers are unknown. The present study examined the association between unmet needs and depression among spousal caregivers, and whether marital satisfaction mediated this association. We included 1,856 participants who provided care to their spouses with difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. Unmet needs of spousal caregivers were assessed as the total number of ADL/IADL tasks with which respondents had unmet needs. Path models were conducted to evaluate the associations between unmet needs, marital satisfaction, and depression. Subgroup analyses by sex were conducted to examine the sex differences regarding the associations. Spousal caregivers with more unmet ADL/IADL needs reported higher levels of depression (p < 0.001). Additionally, for wife caregivers, unmet ADL/IADL needs were associated with lower marital satisfaction, and lower marital satisfaction was associated with higher degrees of depression, indicating that marital satisfaction partially mediated the association between unmet needs and depression (p < 0.01). However, marital satisfaction did not mediate the association between unmet needs and depression among husband caregivers. The mediating effect of marital satisfaction on the association between unmet needs and depression only existed in wife caregivers. Social services should be provided to meet the needs of caregivers with ADL/IADL difficulties, and interventions should be implemented to promote the marital satisfaction of wife caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to observe the therapeutic effect of extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) on extensional joint contracture of knee joint in rats and its mechanism on articular capsule fibrosis. Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, immobilization, natural recovery, and ESW intervention groups. Except for the control group, the left knee joints of other rats were fixed with external fixation brace for 4 weeks when they were fully extended to form joint contracture. The effect of intervention was assessed by evaluating joint contracture, total cell count and collagen deposition in joint capsule, and protein expression levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, p-JNK, JNK, I and III collagen in joint capsule. ESW can effectively reduce arthrogenic contracture, improve the histopathological changes of anterior joint capsule, inhibit the high expression of target protein and the excessive activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3/JNK signal pathway. Inhibition of excessive activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3/JNK pathway may be one of the potential molecular mechanisms by which extracorporeal shock wave can play a role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new scalarane sesterterpenes, hyrtiosins F and G (1 and 2), along with two known related compounds, hyrtiosin D and sesterstatin 6 (3 and 4), were isolated from the Hainan marine sponge Hyrtios erecta. The structures of new compounds 1 and 2 were determined by detailed analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and by comparison of the spectroscopic data with those reported in the literatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With sociodemographic changes, men are increasingly taking responsibility for spousal caregiving. Previous studies have described gender differences in the psychological outcomes of caregiving; however, few have focused exclusively on husband caregivers. This study investigates the influence of starting spousal caregiving on the psychological well-being of older husbands in rural areas and examines whether living arrangements can moderate this relationship. A total of 1,167 baseline non-caregiver husbands aged 60 and above in rural areas were taken from the 2011–2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The generalized estimating equation (GEE) was employed to examine the effects of spousal caregiving transitions and living arrangement changes on depressive symptoms over four years. Compared with rural husbands who remained non-caregivers, those transitioning into activities of daily living (ADL) caregiving reported higher depressive symptoms at follow-up (B = 1.67, p < 0.05). Moreover, the increase in depressive symptoms when transitioning into ADL caregiving was significantly lower among participants who changed from living with spouse alone to living with spouse and other family members together (B = − 5.37, p < 0.05). There was an association between transitioning into ADL caregiving and an elevated level of depression over four years among older husbands, which could be alleviated by living with family members. Co-residence with family members could serve as a natural support resource, buffering adverse mental health outcomes when older husbands start a demanding caregiving role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumulative evidence to date largely supports an association between dysregulation of the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and fatigue. People living with HIV (PLHIV), in particular, are vulnerable to both HPA axis dysregulation and fatigue. Few investigations have examined the possible role of HPA-axis dysfunction in the occurrence of fatigue in PLHIV. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between glucocorticoids in hair, retrospective indicators of long-term HPA axis activity and biomarkers of chronic stress, and fatigue in PLHIV. A total of 446 PLHIV from Guangxi China provided hair samples for cortisol and cortisone assay and provided information on fatigue levels, sociodemographic, lifestyle, and HIV-related characteristics. Results showed that before and after controlling sociodemographic, lifestyle, and HIV-related characteristics, hair cortisone levels, but not hair cortisol levels, were associated with fatigue levels in PLHIV. In conclusion, we found that higher cortisone levels are associated with greater fatigue levels in a large cohort of Chinese PLHIV. We found that hair cortisone levels were significantly associated with fatigue levels in a large cohort of Chinese PLHIV. Hair cortisol levels were, however, not associated with fatigue levels in the PLHIV studied. We thus show that Chinese PLHIV who have higher cortisone levels are associated with higher fatigue levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physician empathy is at the heart of doctor-patient communication and significantly influences patient outcomes. However, the research on how physicians express their empathy and how physician empathy affects patient outcomes and doctor-patient communication has not been well summarized in the latest literature. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to synthesize existing studies on physician empathy and its value to patient outcomes and doctor-patient communication. The systematic review consisted of studies published in English peer-reviewed journals between January 2017 and October 2021. Following the PRISMA procedure, a total of 3055 articles were retrieved, and 11 articles were retained. The thematic analysis revealed three emergent themes: physicians' empathic expressions; patient outcomes (patient functional status, patient safety, and patient satisfaction); and empathy enhancing doctor-patient communication. This study highlighted the different ways empathy may be expressed by physicians and its positive effects on patient outcomes and doctor- patient communication. This study also suggested the under-researched areas that can be expanded in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The detection rate of lung nodules has increased significantly among petroleum workers in North China since the low-dose CT (LDCT) screening has been widely carried out. What's more, the number of confirmed early lung cancers is increasing continuously. Therefore, a great deal of concern for the high risk of lung cancer has been shown among petroleum workers.Purpose: To improve the screening efficiency and maximize the benefits of the subjects, the current situation of LDCT lung cancer screening should be understood and the imaging characteristics of early lung cancer should be analyzed for petroleum workers in North China.Materials and Methods: Firstly, the dynamic changes of LDCT early lung cancer screening for petroleum workers in North China were analyzed in recent years. Then, the survey data of 3121 petroleum workers was compared with that of 1868 non-petroleum workers, which was analyzed. Finally, 91 patients (129 nodular lung cancer) confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed, and the data of which was compared with the clinical features obtained from survey data above. The imaging characteristics and related factors of different subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma were discussed and analyzed.Results: Lung nodules were found in 810 cases (25.95%) out of 3121 petroleum workers; and the surgery was chosen by 42 patients, 38 of whom were confirmed as lung cancer. Compared with the data of screened petroleum workers, there were more older people and more females as well as a higher proportion of people with family malignancy history, and a lower proportion of smoking people in 91 patients with lung cancer. As the pathological grade of tumor nodules increased, the volume and diameter of nodules gradually increased, and the mean density, maximum density and standard deviation of density also increased (p < 0.001). The volume and diameter of nodules were positively correlated with ages (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The occurrence of lung adenocarcinoma is closely related to the family history of malignant tumors, and the constituent ratio of young women without a history of smoking increased significantly. At the same time, the quantitative information obtained by using CT images has important value in predicting its pathological subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a promising biological nitrogen removal process, due to its advantages of high efficiency and low cost. However, problems remain in the application, such as long startup period and susceptibility to environmental variations. Quorum sensing (QS), as a means of bacterial communication, attracts more attentions in regulating aggregation behavior and microbial density. Many physiological characteristics of anammox bacteria have been confirmed to be associated with QS, including specific anammox activity, growth rate and the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which directly affect the performance of anammox process. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the QS in anammox process is prerequisite. This work systematically reviewed the role and application of QS in the anammox process with the focus on mechanism. Additionally, current challenges and research needs were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article developed a novel numerical model for accurately predicting the thermal performance of fin-and-tube condenser, which coupled heat transfer between the air and refrigerant side. The heat exchange calculation between the air and refrigerant side was alternatively performed by coupling the tube wall temperatures. Meanwhile, the air side flow and heat transfer characteristics among the fin plates were achieved by porous media approach. Based on this model, the numerical studies were conducted for investigating the effects of air inlet temperature and frontal velocity on the thermal performance of such heat exchanger. Results showed that the predicted overall heat transfer rate was within the range of ±10% compared with the experimental data. It indicated that the porous media model was able to predict the thermal and flow characteristics of air side in a fin-and-tube condenser, and furthermore it could be used for the optimal design of such heat exchanger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yellow-feather broiler is a popular poultry breed in Asia, particularly in China. In this study, we performed RNA-seq analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the heart of yellow-feather broilers that had been subjected to heat stress treatment (38 ± 1 °C for 8 h, over 7 d) and determine the response of the heart to high temperature and its effects on yellow-feather broiler physiology. We found that body weight (BW) of the heat stress treatment group (BW28 = 354.8 ± 34.8 g) was significantly decreased (p =.033) compared with that of the control group (BW28 = 384.8 ± 58.9 g). However, there was no significant reduction in the heart relative weight (HRW) (p =.538). A total of 37 DEGs related to energy metabolism responded to heat stress in the heart of yellow-feather broiler. The results of KEGG pathways analysis indicated that these genes are involved in oxidative phosphorylation (KO: 00190), cardiac muscle contraction (KO: 04260) and carbon metabolism (KO: 01200). Analysis of the cardiac transcriptome of yellow-feather broilers subjected to heat stress indicated that the heart of these birds has specific physiological mechanisms for regulating body growth in response to high-temperature environments. Yellow-feather broilers, a popular poultry breed in Asia, were used to determine how the heart responds to heat stress. A total of 37 genes in the heart of yellow-feather broilers showed differential expression in response to heat stress. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are associated with oxidative phosphorylation, cardiac muscle contraction and carbon metabolism pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin-loaded liposomes (MLL) were successfully prepared using rapid expansion of supercritical solution technology. The effects of supercritical pressure on encapsulation efficiency (EE) and average particle size were then analysed. Meanwhile, temperature, formation time and ethanol concentration in the products were studied and optimised based on the response surface methodology (RSM). Anin vitrosimulated digestion model was also established to evaluate the release performance of MLL. The results showed that 140 bar was the best pressure for maximising the EE value using RSM optimisation, reaching up to 82.2%. MLL characterisations were performed using analytic techniques including infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, a laser scattering particle size analyser and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The size distribution was uniform, with an average diameter of 66 nm. Stability tests proved that MLL maintained good preservation duration, and residual solvent experiments indicated that only 1.03% (mass ratio) of ethanol remained in the products. Simulated release experiments indicated the slow release feature in early digestive stages and more thorough characteristics in later stages of simulated digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we consider the backward problem for diffusion equation with space fractional Laplacian, i.e. determining the initial distribution from the final value measurement data. In order to overcome the ill-posedness of the backward problem, we present a so-called negative exponential regularization method to deal with it. Based on the conditional stability estimate and ana posterioriregularization parameter choice rule, the convergence rate estimate are established undera-prioribound assumption for the exact solution. Finally, several numerical examples are proposed to show that the numerical methods are effective. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes an efficient segregated solution procedure for the two-dimensional incompressible fluid flow on unstructured grids. The new algorithm is called SIMPLERR (SIMPLERR-revised algorithm). It includes an inner iterative process that consists of a pressure equation solution and an explicit velocity correction, and then, the pressure field is obtained by another solving process for the pressure equation. The features and advantages of the SIMPLERR algorithm are demonstrated by solving a benchmark flow problem, and the results indicate that the SIMPLERR algorithm can maintain a strong stability as the IDEAL algorithm and can converge faster than the SIMPLER algorithm or even than the IDEAL algorithm. The advantage of the SIMPLERR algorithm is especially evident for high-Re and fine-mesh fluid flow cases, where the SIMPLERR algorithm and the IDEAL algorithm can obtain a convergence result but the SIMPLER algorithm cannot. The SIMPLERR algorithm is about two times faster than the IDEAL algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO) or other operative interventions is superior in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively compare the clinical outcomes of MIPO and other operative interventions in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures.Methods: Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify all available studies comparing clinical outcomes between patients receiving MIPO and other operative interventions. The weight mean difference (WMD) was pooled to compare the operative time, union time, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI).The risk ratio (RR) was pooled to compare the union rate, and incidence of complications. Pooled estimates were calculated by using a fixed-effects model or a randomized-effects model, according to the heterogeneity among studies.Results: Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. Our results suggest that both MIPO and other operative interventions can achieve similar union time, UCLA score, MEPI, and union rate. However, MIPO is associated with better outcomes including shorter operation time, and lower incidence of radial nerve injury.Conclusion: Evidence from this meta-analysis demonstrated that, MIPO is effective but safer than other operative interventions in the treatment of humeral shaft fracture. However, due to the potential limitations in this meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes using appropriate blinding methods are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One potential problem for designing a ground-coupled heat pump systems is the difficulty of identifying ground thermal properties due to complicated ground environment. Ap(t)-linear average method was proposed to improve the accuracy of the identification and was shown to be an effecitive method. However, thep-value in this method is only a fitted value. Thus, an improvedp(t)-linear average method is proposed in this study, in which thep-value is calculated using theoretical models inside the borehole. The relative errors for the borehole thermal resistance for the optimal improvedp(t)-linear average method is 1.90%.ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHERCopyright of Science & Technology for the Built Environment is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estradiol mediates its actions by binding to classical nuclear receptors, estrogen receptor α (ER-α) and estrogen receptor β (ER-β), and the non-classical G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1(GPER). Several gene knockdown models have shown the importance of the receptors for growth of the oocyte and for ovulation. The aim of our study was to identify the pattern of GPER expression in human cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) from ovarian follicles at different stages of oocyte maturation, and the differences of GPER expression between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and non-PCOS women. Thirty-eight cases of PCOS patients and a control group of thirty-two infertile women without PCOS were used in this study. GPER’s location in CGCs was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were used to identify the quantify GPER expression. Here we demonstrated that GPER was expressed in CGCs of both PCOS patients and non-PCOS women, and the expression of GPER was decreased significantly during oocyte maturation. But the expression levels of GPER in CGCs of PCOS patients and non-PCOS women were not significantly different. The data indicate that GPER may play a role during human oocyte maturation through its action in cumulus granulosa cells.Abbreviations:AMHRIIs: anti-Mullerian hormone type II receptors; BMI: body mass index; CGCs: cumulus granulosa cells; COH: controlled ovarian hyperstimulation; E2: estradiol; EGFR: epidermal growth factor receptor; ER-α: estrogen receptor; ER-β: estrogen receptor β; FF: follicular fluid; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; GCs: granulosa cells; GPER: G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1; GV: germinal vesicle; GVBD: germinal vesicle breakdown; HCG: human chorionic gonadotropin; IRS: immunoreactive score; IVF-ET:in vitrofertilization and embryo transfer; MI: metaphase I; MII: metaphase II; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; OCCCs: oocyte corona cumulus complexes; PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome; qRT-PCR: quantitative real-time PCR: qRT-PCR [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A CuII complex with 1,2-phenylenediacetate, {[Cu2(PDA)2(DMF)2] · 2H2O}n (H2PDA = 1,2-phenylenediacetic acid), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV, EPR, TG and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in triclinic system, space group [image omitted] with a = 10.8156(3) Å, b = 11.2137(3) Å, c = 14.8172(1) Å, α = 72.0670(10)°, β = 81.8790(10)°, γ = 61.7230(10)°, V = 1505.71(6) Å3, Z = 2, and R1 = 0.0768 for 4387 observed reflections. The complex has a 1D structure, in which two adjacent copperII centers are linked by 1,2-phenylenediacetate ligands. The 1D structure are further aggregated via C-H·· · π interactions to a 2D sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spores of Laminaria japonica were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Dimethyl sulphoxide was found to be the most effective and least toxic cryoprotectant for cryopreservation of spores of L. japonica. By comparing the post-thaw viability of cryopreserved spores, rapid or gradual cooling procedures were found to be suitable means to cool spores. Following a process of gradual cooling, 24 h storing in liquid nitrogen and quick thawing, 50% of cryopreserved spores remained viable. Such spores developed into gametophytes, which retained the potential to form gametophyte clones or to give rise to sporophytes. Significantly greater numbers of male gametophytes than female gametophytes were observed to develop from thawed spores. The cryopreservation of spores of L. japonica is not only simple to perform but permits the cryopreservation of many strains with minimal requirements of both labour and space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cobalt complexes [NaCo II (nta)(H 2 O)] n (H 3 nta&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;nitrilotriacetic acid) (1) and NH 4 [Co III (ida) 2 ]&ThickSpace;·&ThickSpace;2H 2 O (H 2 ida&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;iminodiacetic acid) (2) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group P 2 1 2 1 2 1 with a &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;7.9770(12)&ThickSpace;Å, b &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;9.7613(15)&ThickSpace;Å, c &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;12.1945(18)&ThickSpace;Å, V &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;949.5(2)&ThickSpace;Å 3 , Z &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;4, and R 1 &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;0.0705 for 1597 observed reflections. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P 2(1)/ c with a &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;5.1801(3)&ThickSpace;Å, b &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;11.2073(6)&ThickSpace;Å, c &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;12.2891(7)&ThickSpace;Å, V &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;707.09(7)&ThickSpace;Å 3 , Z &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;2, and R 1 &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;0.0349 for 1143 observed reflections. In compound 1, the Co is coordinated by a nitrogen and five oxygen atoms in a distorted octahedral geometry {CoNO 5 }, and the Na is coordinated by one water molecule and four carboxyl oxygen atoms in slightly distorted square pyramidal geometry. The entire structure shows a three-dimensional network. In compound 2, Co atom is equatorially coordinated by two ida ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry {CoN 2 O 4 }. The discrete [Co(ida) 2 ] 2- anions are linked by hydrogen bonding to a three-dimensional supramolecular network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Cu(II) complex with mixed ligands, [Cu 3 (mal) 3 (phen) 3 (H 2 O) 2 ]&ThickSpace;·&ThickSpace;11H 2 O (mal&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;malonate, phen&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;1,10-phenanthroline) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and luminescence spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group Cc with a &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;13.1631(10)&ThickSpace;Å, b &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;20.1089(10)&ThickSpace;Å, c &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;20.1267(13)&ThickSpace;Å, β&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;103.500(3)°, V &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;5180.2(6)&ThickSpace;Å 3 , Z &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;4, and R 1 &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;0.0476 for 7993 observed reflections. In the complex, one Cu is coordinated by a mal dianion and a phen molecule, exhibiting N 2 O 2 square-planar geometry, while the other two Cu atoms are coordinated, respectively, by a mal dianion, a phen and water molecules, exhibiting N 2 O 3 square pyramidal coordination geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature-modulated hepatic disposition, covalent binding of radiolabeled genotoxin to hepatic DNA, and cancer incidence in rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss) were assessed after a single exposure to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Fish (2 g) were acclimated at 10, 14, or 18°C for 1 mo and then exposed to 1 ppm DMBA in their water for 20 h. Exposures were at respective acclimation temperatures, or 10 and 18°C acclimated fish were shifted to 14°C for DMBA exposures. After 4 but not 20 h of exposure, hepatic [[sup 3]H]DMBA equivalents increased with temperature for fish exposed at their respective acclimation temperatures (10 or 18°C). Covalent binding of [[sup 3]H]DMBA to hepatic DNA was similar after 3 d in fish exposed at their respective acclimation temperatures. However, in fish exposed at 14°C, after 3 d the concentration of [[sup 3]H]DMBA covalently bound to hepatic DNA was higher in 10°C than 18°C acclimated fish. After 21 d, covalent binding of [[sup 3]H]DMBA to hepatic DNA was less persistent in 18°C than 10°C acclimated, exposed, and reared fish. There were no differences between temperature-shifted groups at that time. Temperature effects on tumor incidence were assessed 9 mo after DMBA waterborne exposures in fish that were reared at (1) their respective acclimation and exposure temperatures, (2) 14°C after exposure at their respective acclimation temperature, and (3) 14°C after 14°C exposures. Incidence of stomach, liver, and swimbladder cancer increased dramatically with rearing temperature. Differences in tumor incidence were less marked in fish reared at the same temperature (14°C). A strong negative correlation between liver tumor incidence and persistence of [[sup 3]H]DMBA equivalents covalently bound to hepatic DNA suggested increased error-prone DNA repair at warmer temperature played an important role in increased tumor incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fact that many patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have an infectiouslike sudden onset to their illness has led to the hypothesis that CFS is a medical illness. If CFS were, on the other hand, a psychiatric disorder related to symptom amplification, one would expect illness onset to occur randomly over the calendar year. This study tested that hypothesis with 69 CFS patients whose illness was on the more severe side of the illness spectrum; all patients reported sudden illness onset with the full syndrome of sore throat, fatigue/malaise, and diffuse achiness developing over no longer than a 2-day period. Date of illness onset was distinctly nonrandom. It peaked from November through January and was at its lowest from April through May. These data support the hypothesis that an infectious illness can trigger the onset of CFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined whether modified xenobiotic transport, resulting from chlordecone (CD) or dieldrin pretreatment, would alter polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) or organochlorine (OC) target organ doses and subsequent tumor organospecificity or incidence rates in rainbow trout. Additionally, the potential for exposure to dieldrin or CD, following PAH exposure, to enhance tumor incidence was assessed. Evaluation of CD pretreatment effects on \[14C]CD disposition in trout was conducted following two ip (0-15 mg/kg) and two dietary (0-0.4 mg/kg/d) pretreatment regimes. To assess the influence of OC pretreatment on cancer induced by the PAH 7,12-dimethylbenz\[a]anthracene (DMBA), juvenile trout were fed control, CD (0.1, 0.4 mg/kg/d), or dieldrin (0.1, 0.3 mg/kg/d) diets for 9 wk, received a waterborne \[3H]DMBA exposure (1 mg/L, 20 h), and resumed control, CD, or dieldrin diets for 33 wk. \[3H]DMBA disposition and hepatic \[3H]DMBA binding were examined immediately and 24 h after exposure. Hepatic and stomach tumor incidences were determined 33 wk after DMBA exposure. CD pretreatment did not influence \[14C]CD or \[3H]DMBA hepatic concentrations, hepatic \[3H]DMBA DNA binding, or hepatic/stomach tumor incidence. It did, however, elevate bile \[14C]CD and \[3H]DMBA concentrations. Postinititation exposure to CD weakly enhanced DMBA-induced hepatic tumor incidence at the low but not the high CD dose. Dieldrin pretreatment did not influence stomach \[3H]DMBA equivalents or stomach tumor incidence but did cause an elevation in biliary and hepatic concentrations of \[3H]DMBA equivalents. \[3H]DMBA binding to liver DNA was significantly increased and hepatic tumor incidence was elevated by dieldrin pretreatment. Dieldrin treatment following DMBA initiation did not enhance hepatic or stomach tumor incidence. Ecoepidemiology studies, to date, have reported correlations between the co-occurrence of PAHs and OCs and elevated tumor incidence in feral fish, but cause-and-effect relationships have been difficult to establish. The results of the present study confirm that OCs, such as dieldrin and CD, play a role in modifying PAH-induced carcinogenesis in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is a common primary bone tumour in children and adolescents. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert vital functions in human diseases, including osteosarcoma. Therefore, we explored the role of circ_0016347 in osteosarcoma. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of circ_0016347, microRNA-661 (miR-661), and Interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) in osteosarcoma tissues and cells. The proliferation of osteosarcoma cells was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazol-3-ium bromide (MTT) and EdU experiments. The migration and invasion were determined by transwell assay. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry assay. The association relationships among circ_0016347, miR-661, and IL6R were analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. The western blot assay was employed to assay the protein expression. A xenograft experiment was established to clarify the functional role of circ_0016347 inhibition in vivo. Circ_0016347 was obviously overexpressed in osteosarcoma tissues and cells compared with control groups. The suppression of circ_0016347 impeded proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle and induced apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells, which was overturned by knockdown of miR-661. Consistently, circ_0016347 knockdown repressed tumour growth in vivo. Moreover, miR-661 directly targeted and inhibited IL6R, and the upregulation of IL6R reversed miR-661-induced effects on osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, circ_0016347 could regulate IL6R expression through miR-661. Inhibition of circ_0016347 also inactivated the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/Transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling pathway in osteosarcoma cells by IL6R. Circ_0016347 functioned as an oncogene in osteosarcoma at least in part by the miR-661/IL6R axis and JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to understand and meet the multi-dimensional affective image needs of users for product form in a user demand-oriented product development model. Multi-objective evolutionary algorithms based on decomposition will be introduced into the field of kansei engineering to carry out research on product form optimisation design based on multi-objective evolutionary algorithms. A constrained multi-objective discrete optimisation model was established using the kansei engineering prediction model constructed through machine learning techniques as the objective function, and a reference vector guided evolutionary algorithm was used to solve it. The superiority of this method was verified by comparing it with other commonly used solving methods in this field. Combining entropy weight method and TOPSIS, select the optimisation design scheme that best meets the multi-dimensional affective needs of users from the obtained pareto set. Taking the train as an example, the proposed method was explained. The results indicate that the optimisation scheme obtained by this method can achieve the improvement and optimisation of product form in multiple affective dimensions. Meanwhile, a comparative study on the applicability of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms in the form optimisation problem of different affective dimensions is carried out to provide reference and suggestions for subsequent product design research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has aroused great interest for its potential in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). SDT relies on tumor-selective accumulation of a sonosensitizer that is activated by ultrasound irradiation (UI) to generate cytotoxic actions. The efficacy of GBM-SDT depends on sufficient sonosensitizer buildup in the tumor, which is, however, seriously hampered by the anatomical and biochemical barriers of the GBM. To overcome this difficulty, we herein propose a delivery strategy of 'platelets with ultrasound-triggered release property', which takes advantage of 1) the platelets' ability to carry cargo and release cargo upon activation, and 2) the ROS-generating property of SDT. To provide proof of concept for the strategy, we first stably loaded platelets with IOPD-Ce6, a nano-formed sonosensitizer consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with polyglycerol and doxorubicin and loaded with chlorine e6. UI of the IOPD-Ce6-loaded platelets (IOPD-Ce6@Plt) elicited ROS generation in the IOPD-Ce6@Plt, which were immediately activated to release IOPD-Ce6 into GBM cells in co-culture which, when subjected to a second time of UI, exhibited pronounced ROS production, DNA injury, viability loss, and cell death in the GBM cells. In the in vivo experiments, mice bearing intracranial GBM grafts exhibited substantial tumor distribution of IOPD-Ce6 following intravenous injection of IOPD-Ce6@Plt and subsequent UI at the tumor site. The GBM grafts then exhibited pronounced cell injury and death after another round of UI of the tumors. Finally, the growth of intra-cranial GBM grafts was significantly slowed when an SDT protocol consisting of an intravenous IOPD-Ce6@Plt injection followed by multiple times of tumor UI had been applied twice to the mice. Our results are strong evidence for the idea that platelets are sound and amenable carriers to deliver sonosensitizers in the GBM in an ultrasound-triggered manner and thus to produce highly targeted and effective SDT of GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the conversion of anthracene oil into pitch through the polymerization reactions of anthracene oil in coal tar induced by sulfur agent. The softening point, penetration, ductility, content of volatile matter, fractional and elemental compositions of the acquired pitches were determined. And their properties were characterized by thermal analysis, infra-red spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and optical microscopy analysis. The softening point increases signally while the penetration decreases greatly when the sulfur content in coal tar increases. The thermogravimetric analysis was capable of as a measure of the anthracene oil polymerization conversion extent. Optical analysis of these pitch samples shows that the synthetic pitch has the isotropic properties with potential industrial applications as carbon precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human growth hormone (hGH) is widely used to treat several diseases for decades. However, the current treatment regime requires frequent injections via subcutaneous route due to short in vivo half-life, which leads to pain and poor patient compliance. In this study, a novel transdermal (non-invasive) hGH loaded niosomes gel was prepared to reduce the frequency of subcutaneous injections and to improve the patient compliance. Niosomes were prepared by film hydration technique at three levels of cholesterol. The particle size and entrapment efficiency increases with an increase in the level of cholesterol. Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the spherical shape of niosomes without aggregation. Texture profiles analysis indicates that the niosomal gel has the required mechanical properties for transdermal application. The ex vivo permeation profile showed sustain hGH release for 4 days from the niosomal gel compared to 24 h from the control gel without niosomes. A rabbit skin irritation study showed no sign of irritation after application of niosomal gel. The pharmacokinetic parameters in the rat model showed 7.22-fold higher bioavailability with niosomal gel compared to control gel. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the potential of niosomal gel as an effective long-term sustained release strategy for hGH delivery to replace traditional subcutaneous injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the underlying biological effects and mechanisms of rESWT on myogenic contracture and muscle atrophy in a rabbit model of extending knee joint contracture. In group control, the knee joint was not fixed. In group I-4w, the knee joint was only fixed for 4 weeks. In groups SR-1 w, SR-2 w, and SR-4 w, the knee joint was fixed for 4 weeks before the rabbits underwent 1, 2, and 4 weeks of self-recovery, respectively. In groups rESWT-1 w, rESWT 2 w, and rESWT-4 w, the knee joint was fixed for 4 weeks before the rabbits underwent 1, 2, and 4 weeks of rESWT, respectively. The myogenic contracture was measured, the cross-sectional area and key protein levels for NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway and myogenic regulatory factors were evaluated. During the recovery period, biological findings showed that the levels of myogenic contracture and muscle atrophy were milder in group rESWT by compared with group SR after 2 weeks. Molecular biological analysis showed that MyoD protein levels in the group rESWT was significantly higher than those in the group SR, and importantly, phospho-NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α protein levels in the group rESWT were significantly lower than those in the group SR at the same time point. This is the first study demonstrated that rESWT has the potential to reduce myogenic contracture and muscle atrophy after long-term immobilization in animal model. It is a possible mechanism that changing the low oxygen environment in skeletal muscle through rESWT may inhibit activation of NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested that many HIV/AIDS healthcare providers (HCPs), especially those in resource-poor settings, suffer from various work-related stress because of the complexity of HIV/AIDS patients' medical conditions, occupational exposure, HIV-related stigma, and challenges with patients' physical, mental, and social conditions. However, data are limited regarding how HIV/AIDS HCPs cope with the stress and their perceived effectiveness of these coping strategies. This qualitative study was designed to explore HCPs' coping strategies and their perceptions of effectiveness of these strategies. We conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews with 46 HIV/AIDS HCPs in Guangxi, China. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and imported into NVivo V.11. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach. The analysis of the data revealed six general coping strategies: seeking social support, applying problem-solving strategies, adopting healthy lifestyle, developing self-compassion, using mindfulness-based stress reduction methods, and avoidance and escaping. It is imperative to increase institutional support and develop training programs to improve problem-solving skills, healthy lifestyle, and self-compassion among HIV/AIDS HCPs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irradiation of the recipient site has been associated with postoperative complications and an increased rate of flap failure in facial reconstruction. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of our use of four different types of flaps (two free and two pedicled) for the reconstruction of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with radiotherapy, who subsequently received salvage surgery after the development of recurrence or secondary primary tumours. The records of 12 NPC patients who underwent salvage surgery and reconstruction from 2002-2007 were retrospectively reviewed. There were no intraoperative or significant postoperative complications. All flaps survived. The average cosmetic outcome was 2.7 (1 = poor, 4 = excellent), all patients could tolerate a liquid to normal diet, and nine patients had normal or intelligible speech, while three exhibited slurred speech. These results indicate that the effects of irradiation on the recipient site do not appear to adversely affect successful flap transfer or outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, by using critical point theory, we study a class of discrete p-Laplacian periodic boundary value problems, some results are obtained for the existence of two positive solutions, three solutions and multiple pairs of solutions of the problem when the parameter lies in some suitable infinite or finite interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is one of the optimal choices for hypopharyngeal reconstruction. Our series demonstrates that the technique of an indicator flap for the monitoring of the buried flap is simple, reliable, and inexpensive. The condition of the indicator flap can be easily interpreted by the physicians and the nursing staff. Therefore, the success rate of this microsurgical reconstruction may be improved. Objectives: The RFFF is increasingly applied in reconstruction of the hypopharynx after radical resection for advanced hypopharyngeal cancer. However, postoperative monitoring of the buried free flap is extremely difficult. We designed a small external component as an indicator flap to monitor the perfusion of the buried vascular pedicle. Methods: Eight consecutive patients with hypopharyngeal cancer underwent radical surgery and hypopharyngeal reconstruction using RFFF at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 2005 and January 2007. The indicator flap was sutured to the surface of the neck for postoperative monitoring. Results: All of the indicator flaps remained viable. One patient experienced vascular compromise and was successfully salvaged. The success rate of the buried flaps was 100%. Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in one patient. All patients resumed an oral diet eventually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two dinuclear complexes, {[Cd(bdpp)Cl2](CH3OH)}2 (1) and [Cd(bdpp)(N3)(NO3)]2 (2), have been synthesized by reactions of bdpp with cadmium salts (bdpp = 1,3-bis(3',5'-dimethylpyrazol-1'-yl)propane), and characterized by IR, element analysis, fluorescence properties and single crystal structural analysis. Cd in 1 has a trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry and two such units form a dimer through two μ-Cl bridges. Each Cd in 2 has a distorted octahedral coordination geometry and two Cd units form a dimer through μ1,1-N3 bridges. The emission spectra show λem = 413 nm for 1 and λem = 338 nm for 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unusual compound, K2[Mo4O13(NH3CH2COO)2] · 2H2O (1), has been synthesized and structurally characterized by the XRD, elemental analysis, IR spectrum, TG analyses and the single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 1 exhibits a zigzag chain based on corner-shared tetramolybdate chelated by two bidentate glycine ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a promising strategy for complete tumor ablation therapy. Herein, a boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-conjugated hyaluronic acid polymer that can self-assemble to form the nanoparticles (BODIPY-HA NPs) was prepared for combined cancer PDT and PTT. The fluorescence emission and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of BODIPY-HA NPs were inhibited because of the π-π stacking behavior of BODIPY, resulting in photothermal effect under 808 nm light irradiation. Upon the internalization by cancer cells, the BODIPY-HA NPs could disassemble into BODIPY-HA molecules, with the recovery of the fluorescence and ROS generation for PDT. Importantly, in vitro results confirmed that combined PTT and PDT have exhibited better anticancer effect than PTT alone upon 808 nm laser irradiation. These results showed that the self-assembled BODIPY-HA NPs may be a promising nanomedicine for synergistic cancer PDT and PTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies documented that caregiving affects the mental health of spousal caregivers, and social participation is a favorable contributor to late-life well-being. However, it remains unclear whether changing social participation influences caregivers' mental health during their transition into spousal caregiving. The present study investigated the influence of transitioning into spousal caregiving, continuity and changes in social participation, and their interactions on older adults' depressive symptoms over time. Information on caregiving transitions and social participation for 2,436 baseline noncaregivers was drawn from the 2011‒2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. Generalized estimating equations were used for estimating the effects of caregiving transitions (transition into low-intensity caregiving, transition into high-intensity caregiving versus no caregiving) and changing social participation (increased participation, decreased participation, continuous participation versus no participation) on follow-up depressive symptoms. Individuals who transitioned into spousal care provision over a four-year period reported more elevated depressive symptoms than those who remained noncaregivers. Individuals who continued or increased social participation reported fewer depressive symptoms than those who reported no participation over the four-year period. Increases in depressive symptoms were less severe among individuals who maintained continuous or increased social participation when transitioning into high-intensity care provision than among their counterparts who were not continuously involved in social participation during the transition. Continuous social participation protected against adverse psychological consequences during the transition into high-intensity spousal caregiving. Clinical attention should be directed at supporting spousal caregivers who meet difficulties in maintaining social participation when starting a demanding caregiving role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we recruited chitosan (CS) both for selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) synthesis and for the development of a thermoresponsive nanocomposite hydrogel with the addition of glycerol phosphate (GP). Considering that SeNPs are toxic at high concentrations, five different ingredients of the nanocomposite hydrogel system with low concentrations of SeNPs (1.25–20 μg/mL) were prepared. The gelation conditions, structural characteristics, and mechanical properties of SeNPs-loaded thermosensitive CS/GP hydrogels were investigated. We also evaluated their antioxidizing activities and biocompatibility of the CS/GP/SeNPs hydrogels. Our study demonstrated that the incorporation of SeNPs in the hydrogel improved its mechanical properties, antioxidant activity, and degree of swelling. According to the properties of SeNPs and CS/GP thermosensitive hydrogels, the combination of these two technologies in an appropriate manner would be a promising antioxidant system for drug delivery and tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the occurrence of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosome uptake and retrograde transport at peripheral nerve endings using bone marrow MSCs (bMSCs) transduced with recombinant CD63-green fluorescent protein (GFP) lentiviral plasmid. GFP was used to track the release of bMSC-derived exosomes and the uptake and transport at peripheral nerve terminals, the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and the spinal cord. In vitro cell culture and injection of a CD63-GFP exosome suspension into the right gastrocnemius muscle of an in vivo rat model were also performed. Fluorescence microscopy of co-cultured CD63-GFP exosomes and SH-SY5Y or BV2 cell lines and primary cultured DRG cells in a separate experiment demonstrated exosome uptake into DRG neurons and glia. Moreover, we observed both retrograde axoplasmic transport and hematogenous transport of exosomes injected into rat models at the DRG and the ipsilateral side of the anterior horn of the spinal cord using fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analyses. In conclusion, we showed that exosome uptake at peripheral nerve endings and retrograde transport of exosomes to DRG neurons and spinal cord motor neurons in the anterior horn can occur. In addition, our findings propose a novel drug delivery approach for treating neuronal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of dithiocarbamate esters of parthenolide (PTL) was designed, synthesised, and evaluated for their anti- acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) activities. The most promising compound 7l showed greatly improved potency against AML progenitor cell line KG1a with IC50 value of 0.7 μM, and the efficacy was 8.7-folds comparing to that of PTL (IC50 = 6.1 μM). Compound 7l induced apoptosis of total primary human AML cells and leukaemia stem cell (LSCs) of primary AML cells while sparing normal cells. Furthermore, 7l suppressed the colony formation of primary human leukaemia cells. Moreover, compound 12, the salt form of 7l, prolonged the lifespan of mice in two patient-derived xenograft models and had no observable toxicity. The preliminary molecular mechanism study revealed that 7l-mediated apoptosis is associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway. On the basis of these investigations, we propose that 12 might be a promising drug candidate for ultimate discovery of anti-LSCs drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the multi-resolution Kalman filter (MKF) algorithm, which can handle multi-resolution problems with high computational efficiency, was used to blend two emissivity products:the Global LAnd Surface Satellite(GLASS) (BBE) product and theAdvanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer(ASTER) narrowband emissivity (NBE) product. The ASTER NBE product was first converted into a BBE product. A new detrending method was used to transfer the BBEs into a process suitable for the MKF. The new detrending method was superior to the two existing methods. Finally, both the de-trended GLASS and ASTER BBE products were incorporated into the MKF framework to obtain the optimal estimation at each scale. Field measurements collected in North America were used to validate the integrated BBEs. Visually, the fusion map showed good continuity, with the exception of the border areas, and the quality of the fusion map was better than that of the original maps. The validation results indicate that the MKF improved the BBE product accuracy at the coarse scale. In addition, the MKF was capable of recovering missing pixels at a finer scale. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new Ni(II) coordination polymer with 2,4’-biphenyl-dicar- boxylate acid (H2bpdc) and 1,4-bis(4-pyridylmethy) piperazine (bpp) has been prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, and EA. Complex [Ni(bpdc)2(bpp)1.5(H2O)]n(1), is triclinic system space groupP–1witha= 11.975(2) Å,b= 12.449(3) Å,c= 13.154(3) Å, α = 101.971(5)°,β= 111.961(4)°,γ= 91.211(3)°,V= 1768.6(12) Å3,Z= 2,Mr= 716.75,Dc= 1.345g/cm3,F(000) = 750, andμ= 0.60 cm–1. The final refinement gaveR= 0.0594 andwR= 0.1587 for 6185 reflections withI> 2σ(I). X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the title complex [Ni(bpdc)2(bpp)1.5(H2O)]n(1) displays a three-fold diamond topological net. Furthermore, the luminescent property of complex 1 is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]