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Environmental sound classification (ESC) is one of the important research topics within the nonspeech audio classification field. While deep neural networks (DNNs) have achieved significant advances in ESC recently, their high computational and memory demands render them highly unsuitable for direct deployment on resource-constrained Internet of Things (IoT) devices based on microcontroller units (MCUs). To address this challenge, we propose a novel DNN compression framework specifically designed for such devices. On the one hand, we leverage pruning techniques to significantly compress the large number of model parameters in DNNs. To reduce the accuracy loss that follows pruning, we propose a knowledge distillation scheme based on feature information from multiple intermediate layers. On the other hand, we design a two-stage quantization-aware knowledge distillation scheme to mitigate the accuracy degradation of mandatory quantization required by MCU hardware. We evaluate our framework on benchmark ESC datasets (UrbanSound8K, ESC-50) using the STM32F746ZG device. The experimental results demonstrate that our framework can achieve compression rates up to 97% while maintaining competitive inference performance compared to the uncompressed baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial use of resources to sustain life and reproduce influences for example, decomposition and plant nutrient provisioning. The study of "limiting factors" has shed light on the interaction between plants and their environment. Here, we investigated whether carbon (C), nitrogen (N), or phosphorus (P) was limiting for soil microorganisms in a subarctic tundra heath, and how changes in resource availability associated with climate change affected this. We studied samples in which changes in resource availability due to climate warming were simulated by the addition of birch litter and/or inorganic N. To these soils, we supplied factorial C (as glucose), N (as NH4NO3), and P (as KH2PO4/K2HPO4) additions ("limiting factor assays," LFA), to determine the limiting factors. The combination of C and P induced large growth responses in all soils and, combined with a systematic tendency for growth increases by C, this suggested that total microbial growth was primarily limited by C and secondarily by P. The C limitation was alleviated by the field litter treatment and strengthened by N fertilization. The microbial growth response to the LFA‐C and LFA‐P addition was strongest in the field‐treatment that combined litter and N addition. We also found that bacteria were closer to P limitation than fungi. Our results suggest that, under a climate change scenario, increased C availability resulting from Arctic greening, treeline advance, and shrubification will reduce the microbial C limitation, while increased N availability resulting from warming will intensify the microbial C limitation. Our results also suggest that the synchronous increase of both C and N availability might lead to a progressive P limitation of microbial growth, primarily driven by bacteria being closer to P limitation. These shifts in microbial resource limitation might lead to a microbial targeting of the limiting element from organic matter, and also trigger competition for nutrients between plants and microorganisms, thus modulating the productivity of the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphones have become increasingly essential in people's daily lives. Studying the enablers that influence students' smartphone buying intentions can inform technology-enhanced learning development, whereas research on brand loyalty and experience is important for marketing strategies. While prior research has acknowledged the importance of brand experience and customer loyalty, little literature has investigated the specific dimensions of brand loyalty and their connection to brand love and trust. This study investigates the effects of brand attributes on loyalty and word-of-mouth engagement in choosing smartphones in China, including the mediating role of brand trust and brand love between brand experience and loyalty. The study adopted a research framework based on the previous literature and tested it empirically. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey method, collecting 369 questionnaires from Chinese students in mainland China. The collected data were analyzed with the help of structural equation modelling by applying AMOS software version 26. The results showed that brand experience had a significant influence on brand trust, brand love, attitudinal loyalty, and word-of-mouth, except for behavioral loyalty. Likewise, the link between brand trust and attitudinal loyalty, behavioral loyalty, and brand love was found to be significant. The effect of brand love on attitudinal loyalty and behavioral loyalty became significant. Additionally, the study confirmed that behavioral trust and brand love significantly mediates the relationship between brand experience–attitudinal loyalty, and brand experience–behavioral loyalty, respectively. The study results provide numerous theoretical and managerial implications to help academicians and practitioners provide better customer and brand relationship management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil carbon (C) reservoirs held in forests play a significant role in the global C cycle. However, harvesting natural forests tend to lead to soil C loss, which can be countered by the establishment of plantations after clear cutting. Therefore, there is a need to determine how forest management can affect soil C sequestration. The management of stand density could provide an effective tool to control soil C sequestration, yet how stand density influences soil C remains an open question. To address this question, we investigated soil C storage in 8-year pure hybrid larch (Larix spp.) plantations with three densities (2000 trees ha−1, 3300 trees ha−1 and 4400 trees ha−1), established following the harvesting of secondary mixed natural forest. We found that soil C storage increased with higher tree density, which mainly correlated with increases of dissolved organic C as well as litter and root C input. In addition, soil respiration decreased with higher tree density during the most productive periods of warm and moist conditions. The reduced SOM decomposition suggested by lowered respiration was also corroborated with reduced levels of plant litter decomposition. The stimulated inputs and reduced exports of C from the forest floor resulted in a 40% higher soil C stock in high- compared to low-density forests within 8 years after plantation, providing effective advice for forest management to promote soil C sequestration in ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body. However, its intake is generally low. Therefore, the production and utilisation of selenium-enriched foods is currently a research hotspot. In this study, the effects of low (0.2 mg·kg−1), medium (1.0 mg·kg−1), and high (5.0 mg·kg−1) concentrations of selenium on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of rice were investigated to develop selenium-enriched rice. High concentrations of selenium have been found to inhibit the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of rice, while low concentrations of selenium promote its growth. The height of mature rice plants exposed to high concentrations of selenium was reduced by 7.20% compared with the height of control rice. Selenium decreased the proline content of rice during the growth period except in mature rice treated with medium and high concentrations of selenium. Excluding high concentrations, selenium treatment increased the soluble sugar content of rice from the tillering to the mature stages. The peroxidase activity of rice at the heading stage treated with medium levels of selenium was significantly higher than that of the control rice, while the superoxide dismutase activity of rice exposed to selenium was significantly enhanced at the mature stage. The malondialdehyde levels of mature rice treated with medium and high levels of selenium were significantly lower than those of the control rice. The selenium content of each plant part was significantly correlated with the soil selenium level. An increase in the soil selenium level facilitated the production of selenium-enriched rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered graphene oxide (GO) membranes are considered promising separation membranes because of their lamellar structure, strong mechanical strength and strong hydrophilic properties. However, there are a limited number of studies on the mechanism of water transport through a layered GO membrane. In this paper, by using a self-synthesized layered GO membrane, we developed and validated the first dynamic equation to describe water transport through a layered GO membrane. The results showed that the relationship between membrane flux and GO loading is an exponential function and that the water flux decreases with increasing GO loading. Then, the dynamic equation was applied to previously reported layered GO membranes to further verify its applicability. This kinetic study on layered GO membranes provides insight into the development of high-performance membranes with high permeability and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) availability is a powerful controller of soil carbon (C) cycling in temperate forests, affecting plant productivity and microbial activities. Enhanced rhizosphere input from increased plant productivity can stimulate the decomposition of native soil organic matter (SOM), termed the "priming effect", with an effect size that is affected by N availability. Using soils from N-fertilization field-experiments conducted in larch and mixed forest plantations, we investigated how N availability influenced the priming of soil organic C (SOC) mineralization and soil organic N (SON) mineralization by adding 13C-labelled glucose semi-continuously (every third day) to simulate the semi-continuous delivery of rhizosphere inputs. We found that semi-continuous additions of glucose induced a repeating pattern for the priming of SOC mineralization with an initial decrease followed by an increase. This repeating pattern of SOC mineralization reversely coincided with repeating dynamics in the level of bacterial growth which first increased followed by a decrease. The labile C additions induced a gradually increasing priming of SON mineralization, which was greater than the priming of SOC mineralization (i.e. "selective microbial N-mining"). The priming of SOC mineralization and SON mineralization were both reduced by N fertilization. Increased priming of SON mineralization was related to stimulated bacterial growth and changes in the microbial C use efficiency. These responses suggested that increased microbial demand for N drove the observed N-mining responses. This microbial N-mining could not be explained by increased oxidative enzyme activities, and was instead linked to microbial growth. In the larch forest with high C-quality, the high priming of SOM mineralization were linked to bacterial growth, while in the mixed forest with low C-quality, the high levels of priming of SOM mineralization was linked to fungal growth. We also observed that labile C input initially decoupled the C and N mineralization from SOM. Within 16 days, however, a new equilibrium developed, where both C and N mineralization from SOM were similarly enhanced by labile C input. Overall, our results suggest that semi-continuous rhizosphere inputs can induce a sustained priming of SOM mineralization driven by the microbial demand for N – increasing the release of CO 2 – but that N fertilization could reduce the soil C loss, contributing to enhanced soil C sequestration. • Semi-continuous C additions primed a repeating pattern of SOC mineralization. • Glucose primed N-mining driven by microbial growth demands. • Oxidase enzyme activities did not explain the priming of SOM mineralization. • Differences in forest type SOC-quality drove distinct priming effects. • After C addition, SOC mineralization was transiently decoupled from that of SON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new Co[sup II] coordination compounds, namely Co[(cis-trans)-L](nip)·H[sub 2]O (1) and Co[(cis-cis)-L](Hbtc)·2H[sub 2]O (2) (L = N[sup 1] ,N[sup 4]-di(pyridin-3-yl)terephthalamide, H[sub 2]nip = 5-nitroisophthalic acid, H[sub 3]btc = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid), were synthesised hydrothermally and characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction and direct current magnetic susceptibility measurement. Interestingly, the results disclose somewhat tuneable magnetic properties for compounds 1 and 2, mainly due to the distinct supramolecular interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector diffraction theory is employed to investigate the focusing properties of the Gaussian beams with superimposed left-handed and right-handed helical phase fronts theoretically. Numerical simulations show that the intensity distribution in focal region can be altered considerably by adjusting topological charge m corresponding to right-handed helix and topological charge n corresponding to left-handed helix. Many novel focal pattern may occur. It was shown that the focal pattern evolves from one intensity peak to multiple intensity peaks with changing the topological charge m and n, and all the intensity peaks form in a circle. As the number of intensity peaks is the sum of m and n, the focal pattern can be controlled through adjusting the topological charge m and n. And in order to show the possible applications of these alterable foci pattern, some optical gradient force distributions were also calculated and illuminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The PDMS/MMT-CTAB-HEP films were prepared by solution intercalation technique. [•] The mechanical properties of PDMS/2wt% MMT-CTAB-HEP films were increased. [•] The PDMS/2wt% MMT-CTAB-HEP film showed excellent hemocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species Micrencaustes (Mimencaustes) renshiae sp. n. and Micrencaustes (Mimencaustes) biomaculata sp. n. are described and illustrated from China. A key to Chinese species of subgenus Mimencaustes Heller is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate warming and shrubification will affect soil carbon (C) cycling in arctic ecosystems. Rhizosphere inputs from increased plant productivity by shrubification may stimulate the mineralization of old soil organic matter (SOM), termed the "priming effect". However, increased soil nitrogen (N) availability due to warming-accelerated mineralization, and litter inputs associated with shrubification could modulate this response. In this study, we investigated how N-availability affects the priming of SOM mineralization in subarctic soils by adding labile organic matter (OM) including 13C-glucose with and without mineral N, or 13C-alanine, into soils with different N availabilities resulting from inorganic N and/or litter addition field-treatments. Rather than as a single pulse addition, labile OM additions were administered semi-continuously every other day to simulate rhizosphere conditions. We found that semi-continuous additions of labile OM induced a sustained priming of SOM mineralization, and this was linked to a sustained stimulation of bacterial and fungal growth over time, despite a reduced microbial growth efficiency. The priming of soil N mineralization was higher than the priming of soil C mineralization, indicating a selective microbial N-mining that was particularly pronounced in more N-poor soils. However, microbial N-mining showed a declining trend over time, suggesting a shift from the most N-rich compounds to less N-rich compounds, presumably as reservoirs were exhausted. The priming effect controlled by N-mining was associated with a stimulation of bacterial and fungal growth depending on the form of labile OM: Alanine induced higher priming of soil C mineralization by stimulating bacterial growth, while glucose induced lower priming of soil C mineralization by stimulating fungal growth. These results indicate that bacteria and fungi can both drive the priming of SOM mineralization in subarctic soils. Based on microbial biomass and growth rates, it could be estimated that over 90% of the observed priming of both soil C and N mineralization were due to changes in turnover of "old" SOM rather than of the microbial biomass pool (i.e. "real" rather than "apparent" priming). Overall, our findings suggest that increased rhizosphere inputs could increase soil N availability by enhanced microbial N-mining, generating a positive feedback to plant productivity in the subarctic. In contrast, increased soil N availability could reduce soil C release through alleviated microbial demand for N. • Semi-continuous delivery of labile OM primed sustained SOM mineralization. • Glucose stimulated fungal growth and generated a lower SOM mineralization. • Alanine stimulated bacterial growth and generated a higher SOM mineralization. • The priming effect was driven by selective N-mining that declined over time. • Enhanced soil N availability reduced priming of SOM mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the photo emitted electrons reveal large-momentum excitons in monolayer. Topics include reports that semiconductors, such as transition-metal dichalcogenides, enable new opto electronic technologies; and considered that optical excitation in these atomically thin materials creates tightly bound excitons composed of an excited electron and a valence-state hole, as well as a plethora of exciton complexes due to the reduced screening in Coulomb attraction.

Abstract: Heparin–benzalkonium modified montmorillonite/poly(dimethylsiloxane)(PDMS) films were prepared by solution intercalation. The films were characterized by XRD, TEM. The modified Mt was homogeneously dispersed within the PDMS matrix. The Swelling behavior of samples was measured by the mass changes in water. The effect of modified Mt on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films was investigated. At Mt contents<2 mass %, the films showed excellent mechanical properties. The films released heparin slowly making the films blood compatible. The hemocompatibility of the modified-Mt/PDMS films was further assessed by fibrinogen adsorption tests and platelet adhesion tests in vitro. The anticoagulation properties of the modified-Mt/PDMS films were highly superior to pure PDMS films. Therefore, these films have potential applications in blood-contacting devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The integration of hippocampal oscillations during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. However, how cardinal sleep oscillations bind across various subfields of the human hippocampus to promote information transfer and synaptic plasticity remains unclear. Using human intracranial recordings from 25 epilepsy patients, we find that hippocampal subfields, including DG/CA3, CA1, and SUB, all exhibit significant delta and spindle power during NREM sleep. The DG/CA3 displays strong coupling between delta and ripple oscillations with all the other hippocampal subfields. In contrast, the regions of CA1 and SUB exhibit more precise coordination, characterized by event-level triple coupling between delta, spindle, and ripple oscillations. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the synaptic plasticity within the hippocampal circuit, as indexed by delta-wave slope, is linearly modulated by spindle power. In contrast, ripples act as a binary switch that triggers a sudden increase in delta-wave slope. Overall, these results suggest that different subfields of the hippocampus regulate one another through diverse layers of sleep oscillation synchronization, collectively facilitating information processing and synaptic plasticity during NREM sleep. Different subfields of the hippocampus complement and regulate each other, collectively facilitating information processing and synaptic plasticity during NREM sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examines the impact of parental migration on the psychological well‐being and development of left‐behind children (LBCs) in Zhejiang, China, within the broader context of the country's rural transformations and urban migration. It investigates how intellectual and relational engagement (RE), autonomy (AUT), competence (COM), and relatedness (RES) contribute to resilience (REL) and post‐traumatic growth (PTG) in these children, reflecting on the shift from viewing parental separation merely as a source of trauma to recognizing its potential to foster significant personal growth. Methods: Utilizing a cross‐sectional design, the research was conducted in April and May 2023 with 1348 LBCs from a total sample of 4049 students inZhejiang. A two‐step random, stratified, cluster‐based sampling strategy was employed, and structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothesized relationships among the constructs. Results: The statistical analysis demonstrated significant positive effects of intellectual engagement (IE), AUT, COM, and RE on both REL and PTG (p <.05 for all). IE strongly correlated with AUT (r =.68, p <.001) and COM (r =.71, p <.001), enhancing REL and facilitating PTG. Additionally, the presence of secure and consistent relationships was identified as crucial for maintaining psychological well‐being, with high correlation coefficients (r >.60) underscoring their importance. Notably, REL was found to moderate the relationships among RES, COM, and PTG, highlighting its critical role in the psychological adaptation of left‐behind children. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of nurturing intellectual and REs, AUT, and COM to enhance psychological REL and well‐being among LBAs. These elements are crucial for supporting the mental health and developmental needs of children facing the challenges of parental migration. The findings advocate for targeted interventions that can address the unique needs of this vulnerable population, emphasizing the potential for growth and adaptation despite adversities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the feasibility, and safety of 125I seed permanent implantation for recurrent head and neck carcinoma under CT-guidance. Results: A retrospective study on 14 patients with recurrent head and neck cancers undergone 125I seed implantation with different seed activities. The post-plan showed that the actuarial D90 of 125I seeds ranged from 90 to 218 Gy (median, 157.5 Gy). The follow-up was 3 to 60 months (median, 13 months). The median local control was 18 months (95% CI, 6.1-29.9 months), and the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5- year local controls were 52%, 39%, 39%, and 39%, respectively. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5- survival rates were 65%, 39%, 39% and 39%, respectively, with a median survival time of 20 months (95% CI, 8.7-31.3 months). Of all patients, 28.6% (4/14) died of local recurrence, 7.1% (1/ 14) died of metastases, one patient died of hepatocirrhosis, and 8 patients are still alive to the date of data analysis. Conclusion: CT-guided 125I seed implantation is feasible and safe as a salvage or palliative treatment for patients with recurrent head and neck cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microorganisms play an integral role in the regulation of carbon (C) cycling. In high-latitude ecosystems, climate warming is leading to higher plant productivity, shrub expansion and faster nutrient cycling; all of which increase resource availability to soil microorganisms. To understand how a legacy of enhanced resource availability affects the functional traits of microbial communities, and their feedbacks to further environment change, we collected soils from a field-experiment in a subarctic dry heath, where the consequences of climate warming were simulated by adding birch litter or inorganic N as either chronic additions during three years or as a single extreme addition. Soils were then re-exposed to the same resource or a modified resource environment in the laboratory and were monitored for 2 months. We hypothesized that a history of resource input would affect microbial functional profiles, which could result in two possibilities: 1) soil microbes exposed to a historical resource input would perform better when presented with the same resource, because the communities would be specialized to use the added resource, or 2) soil microbes would perform better when presented with a new resource, because the added resource would relieve the nutrient limitation induced by the previous resource input. We also hypothesized that with the same resource, a chronic and long-term input (i.e., a press disturbance) would select for K-strategists (i.e., fungi), while a sudden and large input (i.e., a pulse disturbance) would select for r-strategists (i.e., bacteria). We observed that bacteria in soils exposed to a history of N input showed a stronger growth response to new litter addition, while fungi in soils with a history of litter input showed a stronger growth response to both new litter and new N additions. When presented with new litter, the increase of fungal growth in soil from the extreme litter field-treatment was lower than in the chronic litter field-treatment, demonstrating that a pulse disturbance could weaken the stimulation of fungal growth. When presented with new litter, the increases of bacterial growth did not differ between the chronic N field-treatment and the extreme N field-treatment, suggesting that bacterial responses were not favoured by a press disturbance. We conclude that the enhanced resource availabilities expected in warming arctic soils will generate a positive microbial feedback to climate change. • A legacy of enhanced resource availability modulated microbial resource-responses. • A legacy of N input strengthened the bacterial growth-response to new litter. • A legacy of litter input strengthened the fungal growth-response to both new litter and N. • Fungal resource-responses were strengthened more by longer-term, stable change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the interplay between emotional competence, self-efficacy, and teaching experience in determining preschool teachers' performance. Drawing on Bandura's Theory of Self-Efficacy, Goleman's Emotional Intelligence Theory, and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, the research employs a quantitative approach, analyzing responses from preschool teachers in Zhejiang province, China. Key findings reveal that emotional competence significantly predicts teachers' performance and self-efficacy, with self-efficacy further mediating this relationship. Interestingly, while teaching experience moderates the impact of emotional competence on self-efficacy, it does not significantly influence the relationship between self-efficacy and teaching performance. The study underscores the critical role of emotional competence in teaching efficacy and highlights the complexity of how teaching experience interacts with these dynamics. These insights are crucial for developing targeted interventions in teacher training programs, emphasizing emotional skills and self-belief as key drivers of effective teaching in early-childhood education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been proposed that cyclin G1 (CCNG1) participates in p53-dependent G1-S and G2 checkpoints and might function as an oncogenic protein in the initiation and metastasis of ovarian carcinoma. MicroRNA 23b (miR-23b) is a critical regulatory factor in the progression of many cancer cell types that targets the relevant genes. Methods: MiR-23b expression in ovarian tissues was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The ovarian cancer cell lines OVCAR3, HO8910-PM, and SKOV3/DDP were transfected with miR-23b, after we assayed the cell phenotype and expression of the relevant molecules. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and a xenograft mouse model were used to examine the expression of miR-23b and its target gene CCNG1. Results: MIR23B mRNA expression was significantly lower in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and borderline tumors than in normal ovarian tissues and benign tumors, and miR-23b expression among ages and pathological subtypes was significantly different. CCNG1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in normal ovarian tissues than in benign tumors, borderline tumors, and ovarian carcinomas, and expression among pathological subtypes was significantly different. MiR-23b overexpression inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and induced apoptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-23b bound with the 3' untranslated region of CCNG1. MiR-23b overexpression significantly downregulated CCNG1, urokinase, survivin, Bcl-xL, P70S6K, and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP9) mRNA and protein expression. Furthermore, miR-23b inhibited tumor growth and suppressed CCNG1 expression in vitro. Conclusions: Our findings show that miR-23b may inhibit ovarian cancer tumorigenesis and progression by downregulating CCNG1 and the expression of the relevant genes. MiR-23b is a potentially novel application for regulating ovarian carcinoma progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most common surgical pathology associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, the cause of TLE with or without HS remains unknown. Our current study aimed to illustrate the essential molecular mechanism that is potentially involved in the pathogenesis of TLE-HS and to shed light on the transcriptional changes associated with hippocampal sclerosis. Compared to no-HS group, 341 mRNA transcripts and 131 circRNA transcripts were differentially expressed in ILAE type 1 group. The raw sequencing data have been deposited into sequence-read archive (SRA) database under accession number PRJNA699348.Gene Ontology analysis demonstrated that the dysregulated genes were associated with the biological processes of vesicle-mediated transport. Enrichment analysis demonstrated that dysregulated genes were involved mainly in the MAPK signal pathway. Subsequently, A total of 441 known or predicted interactions were formed among DEGs, and the most important module was detected in the PPI network using the MCODE plug-in. There were mainly four functional modules enriched: ER to Golgi transport vesicle membrane, Basal transcription factors, GABA-gated chloride ion channel activity, CENP-A containing nucleosome assembly. A circRNA-mRNA co-expression network was constructed including 5 circRNAs(hsa_circ_0025349, hsa_circ_0002405, hsa_circ_0004805, hsa_circ_0032254, and hsa_circ_0032875) and three mRNAs (FYN, SELENBP1, and GRIPAP1) based on the normalized mRNA signal intensities. This is the first to report the circRNAs and mRNAs expression profile of surgically resected hippocampal tissues from TLE patients of ILAE-1 and no-HS, and these results may provide new insight into the transcriptional changes associated with this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Management of spinal neoplasms has relied on open surgery and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Although primary spinal tumors are rare, their treatment remains a pervasive problem. This analysis sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CT-guided 125I seed brachytherapy for recurrent paraspinous and vertebral primary tumors. Methods From November 2002 to June 2014, 17 patients who met the inclusion criteria were retrospectively reviewed. 14 (82.4%) had previously undergone surgery, 15 (88.2%) had received conventional EBRT and 3 (17.6%) had chosen chemotherapy. The number of 125I seeds implanted ranged from 7 to 122 (median 79) with specific activity of 0.5-0.8 mCi (median 0.7 mCi). The post-plan showed that the actuarial D90 of 125I seeds were 90-183 Gy (median 137 Gy). The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 69 months (median 19 months). The local control rate was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results For 5 Chondrosarcomas, the 1-, 2-, 3-year local control rates were 75%, 37.5%, and 37.5%, respectively, with a median of 34 months (range, 4-39 months). For 4 chordomas, the local control rate was 50% with a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 3-17 months). For 3 fibromatosis, all of them were survival without local recurrence at the end of follow-up. During the follow-up period, 35.3% (6/17) died from metastases, 17.6% (3/17) developed local recurrence by 8, 14 and 34 months while 64.7% (11/17) remained alive. 100% experienced pain relief and normal or improved ambulation, without more than Frankel grade 3 radiation myelopathy. Conclusions Percutaneous 125I seed implantation can be an alternative or retreatment for recurrent spinal primary tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new pyridine-acylamide ligand, L-L-N¹,N4-di(pyridin-3-yl)naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxamide, has been synthesized. Based on L, four types of carboxylate ligands as co-ligands and two metal ions (Zn(II) and Cd(II)), seven new metal-organic frameworks have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 are composed of SBU I (a helical {Zn(L)}n chain), while compounds 3-7 are composed of SBU II (a M2L2 metallocycle). In 1, with Hbtc²- anions connected to the neighboring Zn(II) ions of one SBU I, an infinite 1D chain is formed, while in 2, the neighboring SBUs I are bridged by ip²- anions forming a 2D structure. With SBUs II extended by oba²- ligands, compound 3 shows a 2D network. Compound 4 exhibits a 1D infinite chain with SBUs II bridged by nap²- ligands. Compounds 5 and 6 are isomers in which SBUs II are extended by nap²- ligands to afford a 2D network. In compound 7, SBUs II are linked together by Hbtc²- ligands featuring an infinite 1D chain. All of these compounds have a 3D framework governed by hydrogen bond interactions. Comparing all the compounds, it can be seen that the structural characteristics of the L ligand and organic counteranions simultaneously play an important role in their construction. Moreover, their thermostability and photoluminescence properties were explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous iodine-125 (125I) seed implantation using computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound guidance in the treatment of recurrent soft tissue malignancies after surgery and radiotherapy. From February 2002 to September 2009, 18 patients with recurrent soft tissue sarcomas were treated under ultrasound or CT guidance. The actuarial median number of 125I seeds implanted was 35 (range, 6–129), and the actuarial D90 of the implanted 125I seeds ranged from 107.9 to 204.4 Gy (median, 147.1 Gy). The activity of the seeds ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 mCi (median, 0.7 mCi). Follow-up times ranged from 4 to 78 months (median, 20 months). The median local control was 41 months (95% CI, 15.9–66.1 months). The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year local controls were 78.8%, 78.8%, 78.8%, 26.3%, and 0%, respectively. The median survival was 32 months (95% CI, 16–48 months). The actuarial 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survivals were 76.6%, 61.3%, 39.4%, 39.4%, and 39.4%, respectively. Seven (7) patients (38.9%) experienced recurrence after seed implantation. Six (6) patients (33.3%) died of distant metastases and 1 died of stroke. Two (2) patients developed ulceration, 1 case caused by recurrence and another by a reaction of the skin to radiation. Percutaneous 125I seed implantation for recurrent soft tissue malignancies under CT or ultrasound guidance is safe and is associated with high efficacy and low morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microRNA-17-92 (miRNA-17-92) cluster, at chromosome 13q31-q32, also known as oncomir-1, consists of seven miRNAs that are transcribed as a polycistronic unit. Over-expression of miRNA-17-92 has been observed in lymphomas and other solid tumors. Whether miRNA-17-92 expression affects the response of tumor cells to radiotherapy is not addressed so far. In the present study, we studied the effects of miRNA-17-92 on the radiosensitivity of human mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells Z138c. Over-expression of miRNA-17-92 significantly increased survival cell number, cell proliferation and decreased cell death of human MCL cells after different doses of radiation. Immunoblot analysis showed that phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) and PHLPP2 was downmodulated and pAkt activity was enhanced in MCL cells after over-expressing miRNA-17-92 after irradiation. These findings are the first direct evidence that over-expression of miRNA-17-92 cluster significantly increases the radioresistance of human MCL cells, which offers a novel target molecule for improving the radiotherapy of MCL in clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy represents a hazardous neurological disorder, underpinned by a pathophysiological process that is yet to be fully understood. Here, we aimed to elucidate the effect of methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 3 (MBD3) on hippocampal neuronal damage in epileptic mice by targeting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway. The expression of MBD3 was determined by Western blot in a hippocampal neuronal culture (HNC) epileptic model established using the low Mg2+ECF culture method. The interaction between MBD3 and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was determined via co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis. Bisulfite modification and sequencing was performed to evaluate the degree of methylation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). The viability and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons were detected by CCK-8 and TUNEL assays, respectively. Finally, the effect of MBD3 was verified in vivo. MBD3 was highly expressed in the HNC model of epilepsy, with its interaction with DNMT1 found to promote the hypermethylation of TREM2 at site cg25748868. Additionally, decreased TREM2 and inhibited PI3K/Akt pathway was observed in the HNC epileptic model. Simultaneous inhibition of MBD3 and DNMT1 decreased the methylation level at cg25748868, up-regulated TREM2 expression, and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, thereby arresting neuronal damage. Inhibition of MBD3 reduced the level of epileptic seizures, down-regulated cg25748868 methylation, activated TREM2-mediated signaling pathways, and alleviated hippocampal neuronal damage in the acute seizure mouse models. The present study unveiled that MBD3 and DNMT1 synergistically enhanced hypermethylation of cg25748868 in TREM2, and promoted the onset of epilepsy via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although many biomarkers have been reported for detecting glioma, the prognosis for the disease remains poor, and therefore, new biomarkers need to be identified. GNG5, which is part of the G-protein family, has been associated with different malignant tumors, though the role of GNG5 in glioma has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to identify the relationship between GNG5 and glioma prognosis and identify a new biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas. Methods: We used data on more than a thousand gliomas from multiple databases and clinical data to determine the expression of GNG5 in glioma. Based on clinical data and CGGA database, we identified the correlation between GNG5 and multiple molecular and clinical features and prognosis using various analytical methods. Co-expression analysis and GSEA were performed to detect GNG5-related genes in glioma and possible signaling pathways involved. ESTIMATE, ssGSEA, and TIMER were used to detect the relationship between GNG5 and the immune microenvironment. Functional experiments were performed to explore the function of GNG5 in glioma cells. Results: GNG5 is highly expressed in gliomas, and its expression level is positively correlated with pathological grade, histological type, age, and tumor recurrence and negatively correlated with isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation, 1p/19 co-deletion, and chemotherapy. Moreover, GNG5 as an independent risk factor was negatively correlated with the overall survival time. GSEA revealed the potential signaling pathways involved in GNG5 function in gliomas, including cell adhesion molecules signaling pathway. The ssGSEA, ESTIMATE, and TIMER based analysis indicated a correlation between GNG5 expression and various immune cells in glioma. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that GNG5 could participate in glioma cell proliferation and migration. Conclusions: Based on the large data platform and the use of different databases to corroborate results obtained using various datasets, as well as in vitro and in vivo experiments, our study reveals for the first time that GNG5, as an oncogene, is overexpressed in gliomas and can inhibit the proliferation and migration of glioma cells and lead to poor prognosis of patients. Thus, GNG5 is a potential novel biomarker for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of gliomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of adlay seed protein on inflammation in diabetic mice and the regulation mechanism of IKK/NF-κB inflammatory pathway were investigated. A model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was established using a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin in mice. Doses of adlay seed protein, polysaccharides and a mixture were administered to diabetic mice. After gavage for four weeks, organ indices were measured. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 content. Semi-quantitative PCR was used to detect nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitor protein kinase complex (IKKβ), nuclear factor kappa-β (NF-κB) p65 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The results suggested that adlay seed protein and polysaccharide gavage can effectively reduce organ index, reduce the levels of many inflammatory cytokines, and significantly decrease the expression of IKKβ, NF-κB p65 and TLR4 genes. This indicates that adlay seed protein can effectively improve insulin resistance and inflammation in diabetic mice. The mechanism of this finding could be the inhibition of the IKK/NF-κB inflammatory pathway, which reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby decreasing inflammatory responses in diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is associated with neurodegeneration, often leading to hippocampal sclerosis (HS). Type 1 HS, which is characterized by severe neuronal loss and gliosis predominantly in regions CA1 and CA4, is the most common subtype and is associated with the best prognosis according to the ILAE classification system. MiRNAs participate in the biological processes underlying many nervous system diseases, including epilepsy. However, the miRNA expression profile of HS ILAE type 1 is not completely understood. A total of 14 patients were identified as having the ILAE subtype, as determined by NeuN immunohistochemistry (ILAE type 1 = 7; no-HS = 7). Next-generation sequencing and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technology were used to validate the dysregulated miRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis of the predicted target genes was conducted using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. In total, 1643 mature miRNAs were detected in this study, along with 5 miRNAs that were upregulated and 2 miRNAs that were downregulated in the type 1 group. Bioinformatics analysis showed that 1545 target genes were predicted using the miRDB and Targetscan databases and that these predicted genes showed enrichment in pathways associated with nucleic acid binding, intracellular and cellular macromolecule metabolic processes, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. This study is the first to report the miRNA expression profile of HS ILAE type 1 compared with those of no-HS. These results provide new insights into the neuronal loss pathology of type 1 HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Studies have shown that microRNAs play a role in the development of epilepsy by regulating downstream target messenger (m)RNA. The present study aims to determine the changes associated with microRNA-21-5p (miR-21-5p) during epileptogenesis in a kainic acid rat model, and to assess whether the PTEN-mTOR pathway is a target of miR-21-5p. Method Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine the quantitative expressions of miR-21-5p and PTEN, and Western blotting was used to test the activity of mTOR in the acute, latent, and chronic stages of epileptogenesis. The antagomir of miR-21-5p was injected into the intracerebroventricular space using a microsyringe. Neuronal death and epilepsy discharge were assessed by Nissl staining and electroencephalography (EEG), respectively. The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to assess the cognitive impairment in rats after status epilepticus (SE). Results Both miR-21-5p and mTOR were upregulated and PTEN was downregulated in rats during acute, latent, and chronic stages of epileptogenesis when compared with those of the control. After using antagomir miR-21-5p in vivo, miR-21-5p and mTOR decreased and the expression of PTEN increased compared with that in the SE model. The silencing of miR-21-5p diminished the number of abnormal spikes on EEG and decreased the number of neuron deletions on Nissl staining. The cognitive and memory impairment caused by epilepsy could also be improved after miR-21-5p knockdown in vivo. Conclusion The results of the present study demonstrate that PTEN-mTOR is the target of miR-21-5p in a kainic acid model of epilepsy. The knockout of miR-21-5p decreases the neuronal damage in stages of epileptogenesis. The miR-21-5p/PTEN/mTOR axis may be a potential target for preventing and treating seizures and epileptic damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic glycolysis, a phenomenon known historically as the Warburg effect, is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. In this study, we characterized the role of BAG3 in aerobic glycolysis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its molecular mechanisms. Our data show that aberrant expression of BAG3 significantly contributes to the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in PDAC cells. Mechanistically, BAG3 increased Hexokinase 2 (HK2) expression, the first key enzyme involved in glycolysis, at the posttranscriptional level. BAG3 interacted with HK2 mRNA, and the degree of BAG3 expression altered recruitment of the RNA-binding proteins Roquin and IMP3 to the HK2 mRNA. BAG3 knockdown destabilized HK2 mRNA via promotion of Roquin recruitment, whereas BAG3 overexpression stabilized HK2 mRNA via promotion of IMP3 recruitment. Collectively, our results show that BAG3 promotes reprogramming of glucose metabolism via interaction with HK2 mRNA in PDAC cells, suggesting that BAG3 may be a potential target in the aerobic glycolysis pathway for developing novel anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new N-donor ligand, N¹,N4-di(pyridin-4-yl)naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxamide (L), has been designed and applied to generate seven new acylamide-MOFs, namely Cd(L)(tp) (1), Cd(L)(tp)(H2O) ⋅(H2O) 3⋅(CH3CH2OH) 3 (2), Zn(L)(nip) (3), [Zn(nip) 2][H2L] (4), Zn(HL)(btc)⋅(H2O)0.5 (5), Zn(L)(nap) (6), and Zn(L)(ip) ⋅(H2O) 2⋅(CH3CH2OH) (7) (H2tp = terephthalic acid, H2nip = 5-nitroisophthalic acid, H2nap = naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, H3btc = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, H2ip = isophthalic acid). 1 presents a rare 4-connected sra framework with 8-fold interpenetration in a [4 + 4] manner. Similar reaction conditions, except for the reaction temperature and solvent, employed for 1 produced compound 2, which shows a 2D net with two-fold interpenetration in a parallel fashion. Compound 3 and compound 4 were also synthesized with the same materials but using different solvents and reaction temperatures; 3 shows a 2D two-fold interpenetrating net in a parallel fashion and 4 is a 1D chain but presents a 3D supramolecular net. In 5, the 2D layer is constructed by the Zn ions and btc3-ligands, and the singly protonated L ligand acts as a decoration while playing a puncturing role. 6 is a 3D pillared layered framework with α-Po topology and three-fold interpenetration, where Zn ions combine with the nap2-ligands to form a 2D layer and the L ligands act as the pillars. 7 also presents a 2D net. Moreover, the thermogravimetric and fluorescence properties of some compounds have been explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nausea and vomiting are one of the major complications of chemotherapy for cancers. The aim of this study is to investigate the emetic effects and mechanisms involving serotonin and dopamine of needleless transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) at Neiguan (PC6) and Jianshi (PC5) on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with cancers. Seventy-two patients with chemotherapy were randomly divided into sham-TEA group (sham-TEA, n = 34) and TEA group (n = 38). TEA was performed at PC 6 and PC 5 (1 h, bid) in combination with granisetron. Sham-TEA was delivered at nonacupoints using the same parameters. We found the following. (1) In the acute phase, the conventional antiemetic therapy using Ondansetron effectively reduced nausea and vomiting; the addition of TEA did not show any additive effects. In the delayed phase, however, TEA significantly increased the rate of complete control (P < 0.01) and reduced the nausea score (P < 0.05), compared with sham- TEA. (2) TEA significantly reduced serumlevels of 5-HT and dopamine in comparison with sham-TEA. Those results demonstrate that needleless transcutaneous electroacupuncture at PC6 using a watch-size digital stimulator improves emesis and reduces nausea in the delayed phase of chemotherapy in patients with cancers. This antiemetic effect is possibly mediated viamechanisms involving serotonin and dopamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we report that the GaN thin film is grown by metal-organic chemical vapour deposition on a sapphire (0001) substrate with double AlN buffer layers. The buffer layer consists of a low-temperature (LT) AlN layer and a high-temperature (HT) AlN layer that are grown at 600 ?C and 1000 ?C, respectively. It is observed that the thickness of the LT-AlN layer drastically influences the quality of GaN thin film, and that the optimized 4.25-min-LT-AlN layer minimizes the dislocation density of GaN thin film. The reason for the improved properties is discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTwenty-nine (29) patients with recurrent head and neck carcinomas underwent 125I seed permanent implantation under ultrasonography guidance and the feasibility and efficacy of 125I seed implantation were assessed. The postplan evaluation showed that the actuarial D90 of 125I seeds ranged from 90 to 160 Gy (median, 130 Gy). The activity of each 125I seed ranged from 0.35 to 0.8 mCi (median, 0.6 mCi). The total number of sources implanted ranged from 3 to 61 (median, 22). The follow-up ranged from 3 to 40 months (median, 8 months). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year local control rates were 53.1%, 34.8%, and 17.4%, respectively, with a median local control of 16 months (95% confidence interval, 5.8–26.1). The 1-, 2-, and 3- year survival rates were 54.1%, 27.5%, and 27.5%, respectively (median, 13 months; 95% confidence interval, 6.0–19.9). Of the 25 patients, 5 (17.2%) died of local recurrence and 7 (24.1%) died of metastases; 2 patients showed recurrences at 3 and 8 months after seed implantation and subsequently died of pneumonia. One (1) patient died of heart disease. One (1) developed ulceration with tumor progression. Blood vessel damage and neuropathy were not observed. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided 125I seed implantation is a feasible, safe salvage for patients with recurrent carcinomas of the head and neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the effect of chronic administration of simvastatin immediately after status epilepticus (SE) on rat brain with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). First, we evaluated cytokines expression at 3 days post KA-lesion in hippocampus and found that simvastatin-treatment suppressed lesion-induced expression of interleukin (IL)-1b and tumor necrosis factora (TNF-a). Further, we quantified reactive astrocytosis using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining and neuron loss using Nissl staining in hippocampus at 4-6 months after KA-lesion. We found that simvastatin suppressed reactive astrocytosis demonstrated by a significant decrease in GFAP-positive cells, and attenuated loss of pyramidal neurons in CA3 and interneurons in dentate hilar (DH). We next assessed aberrant mossy fiber sprouting (MFS) that is known to contribute to recurrence of spontaneous seizure in epileptic brain. In contrast to the robust MFS observed in saline-treated animals, the extent of MFS was restrained by simvastatin in epileptic rats. Attenuated MFS was related to decreased neuronal loss in CA3 and DH, which is possibly a mechanism underlying decreased hippocampal susceptibility in animal treated with simvastatin. Electronic encephalography (EEG) was recorded during 4 to 6 months after KA-lesion. The frequency of abnormal spikes in rats with simvastatin-treatment decreased significantly compared to the saline group. In summary, simvastatin treatment suppressed cytokines expression and reactive astrocytosis and decreased the frequency of discharges of epileptic brain, which might be due to the inhibition of MFS in DH. Our study suggests that simvastatin administration might be a possible intervention and promising strategy for preventing SE exacerbating to chronic epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-4 (IRAK-4) encodes a kinase that is essential for NF-kB activation in Tolllike receptor and T-cell receptor signaling pathways, indicating a possible crosstalk between innate and acquired immunities. We attempted to determine whether the polymorphisms in the Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-4 (IRAK-4) gene are associated with allergic rhinitis (AR) in the Han Chinese population. Methods: A population of 379 patients with AR and 333 healthy controls was studied. Blood was drawn for DNA extraction and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE). A total of 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IRAK-4 were selected and individually genotyped. Results: Significant allelic differences between cases and controls were obtained for the SNP of rs3794262 in the IRAK-4 gene. In the stratified analysis for gender, two SNPs (rs4251431 and rs6582484) in males appeared as significant associations. Subgroup analysis for the presence of different allergen sensitivities displayed associations only in the house dust miteallergic cohorts (rs3794262, rs4251481). None of the selected SNPs in IRAK-4 was associated with total IgE level. The haplotype analyisis indicated GCCTGCGA was significantly associated with AR. The SNP-SNP interaction information analysis indicated that the selected sets of polymorphisms had no synergistic effect. Conclusions: Our findings did not support the potential contribution of the IRAK-4 gene to serum IgE levels. However, the results demonstrated a gender- and allergen-dependant association pattern between polymorphisms in IRAK-4 and AR in Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of infection, particularly in persons colonized with this organism. This study compared the annual prevalence and microbiological characteristics of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization in Taiwanese children from 2004 through 2009. Risk factors for MRSA were determined for the overall study period. Methods: Children from birth to ≤14 years of age presenting for health maintenance visits or attending 1 of 57 kindergartens were recruited. Nasal swabs were obtained, and a questionnaire was administered. The prevalence and microbiological characteristics of MRSA colonization were also calculated for two 3-year periods: 2004-2006 and 2007-2009. Results: Cultures of the anterior nares were positive for S. aureus in 824 (25.8%) of the 3,200 children, and MRSA colonization was found in 371 (11.6%) children. The prevalence of S. aureus colonization decreased from 28.1% in 2004-2006 to 23.3% in 2007-2009 (p<0.01), whereas the prevalence of MRSA colonization increased from 8.1% to 15.1% during this period (p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent risk factors for MRSA carriage were different for male and female children, and also among age groups. Most MRSA isolates belonged to sequence type 59 (ST59) (86.3%); however, a multiresistant MRSA clone with ST338 background emerged in 2007-2009. Ten (62.5%) of the 16 MRSA isolates expressed the genotypic profile ST338/staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec VT/Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive/ staphylococcal enterotoxin B-positive, and differed only in their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Conclusion: The prevalence of nasal colonization by MRSA increased among healthy Taiwanese children from 2004-2006 to 2007-2009, despite an overall decrease in the prevalence of nasal colonization by S. aureus. A multiresistant MRSA clone characterized as ST338 was identified from these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is acknowledged as a serious clinical problem lacking effective treatments. And caspase-1-mediated inflammatory response happened during the progression of ICH. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of caspase-1 inhibitor Ac-YVAD-cmk on ICH. Microglia cells were isolated and activated by thrombin for 24 h. Then the transcript and protein expressions of NLRP3 and inflammatory factors were assessed by RT-PCR and western blotting. Moreover, Ac-YVAD-cmk was injected into the ICH model. The mNSS and brain water content were tested at 24 h post-ICH. Finally, the pathological changes of microglia activation following ICH were discovered by the immunohistochemical and HE staining ways. Ac-YVAD-cmk inhibited the activation of pro-caspase-1 and decreased brain edema, in association with decreasing activated microglia and the expression of inflammation-related factors at 24 h post-ICH. Consequently, Ac-YVAD-cmk reduced the release of mature IL-1β/IL-18 in perihematoma, improved the behavioral performance, and alleviated microglia in perihematoma region in ICH rats. These results indicate that caspase-1 could amplify the plural inflammatory responses in the ICH. Administration of Ac-YVAD-cmk has the potential to be a novel therapeutic strategy for ICH. • The Ac-YVAD-cmk reduced the release of IL-1β/IL-18 from activated microglia in vitro. • Ac-YVAD-cmk improved the behavioral performance. • Ac-YVAD-cmk alleviated microglia in perihematoma region in ICH rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]