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As one of the first characteristics of cancer cells, chromosomal aberrations during cell division have been well documented. Aneuploidy is a feature of most cancer cells accompanied by an elevated rate of mis-segregation of chromosomes, called chromosome instability (CIN). Aneuploidy causes ongoing karyotypic changes that contribute to tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and treatment failure, which are considered predictors of poor prognosis. Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its genome map shows extensive aneuploid changes. Elucidating the role of aneuploidy in the pathogenesis of LC will reveal information about the key factors of tumor occurrence and development, help to predict the prognosis of cancer, clarify tumor evolution, metastasis, and drug response, and may promote the development of precision oncology. In this review, we describe many possible causes of aneuploidy and provide evidence of the role of aneuploidy in the evolution of LC, providing a basis for future biological and clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The preservation or restoration of β cell function in type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains as an attractive and challengeable therapeutic target. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with high capacity of immunoregulation, which emerged as a promising cell-based therapy for many immune disorders. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of one repeated transplantation of allogeneic MSCs in individuals with T1D. Methods: This was a nonrandomized, open-label, parallel-armed prospective study. MSCs were isolated from umbilical cord (UC) of healthy donors. Fifty-three participants including 33 adult-onset (≥ 18 years) and 20 juvenile-onset T1D were enrolled. Twenty-seven subjects (MSC-treated group) received an initial systemic infusion of allogeneic UC-MSCs, followed by a repeat course at 3 months, whereas the control group (n = 26) only received standard care based on intensive insulin therapy. Data at 1-year follow-up was reported in this study. The primary endpoint was clinical remission defined as a 10% increase from baseline in the level of fasting and/or postprandial C-peptide. The secondary endpoints included side effects, serum levels of HbA1c, changes in fasting and postprandial C-peptide, and daily insulin doses. Results: After 1-year follow-up, 40.7% subjects in MSC-treated group achieved the primary endpoint, significantly higher than that in the control arm. Three subjects in MSC-treated group, in contrast to none in control group, achieved insulin independence and maintained insulin free for 3 to 12 months. Among the adult-onset T1D, the percent change of postprandial C-peptide was significantly increased in MSC-treated group than in the control group. However, changes in fasting or postprandial C-peptide were not significantly different between groups among the juvenile-onset T1D. Multivariable logistic regression assay indicated that lower fasting C-peptide and higher dose of UC-MSC correlated with achievement of clinical remission after transplantation. No severe side effects were observed. Conclusion: One repeated intravenous dose of allogeneic UC-MSCs is safe in people with recent-onset T1D and may result in better islet β cell preservation during the first year after diagnosis compared to standard treatment alone. Trial registration: ChiCTR2100045434. Registered on April 15, 2021—retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To continuously improve air quality, it is necessary to carry out fine management of air pollution prevention and control. However, research into regional transport of PM 2.5 at a smaller spatial scale such as district is limited. In this study, a novel combined method was constructed to simulate and identify the regional transport trajectories and potential sources of PM 2.5 concentrations at district scale, based on a hybrid model that integrates the Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) model, Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) and backward trajectory model. Take Tianjin as an example, an analysis of the transport trajectories showed that the air masses from northwest and southwest were the dominant atmospheric transport pathway in all seasons except summer. The number of transport trajectories from northwest and southwest accounted for 42.41% and 40.75% of the total number of transport trajectories. Despite the dominant wind direction in winter was northwest, it can be beneficial to atmospheric transport. This was because northwest trajectories were the long-range pathways, corresponding to fast-moving air masses that facilitate the dispersion of pollutants. On contrast, it is noteworthy that the southwest trajectories were the short-range pathways, resulting in limited diffusion and unfavorable conditions. The major potential cities that were likely contributors of PM 2.5 (Weighted Concentration-Weighted Trajectory (WCWT) values greater than 40 μg m−3) were situated in the southwest. Furthermore, the inter-district transport results indicated that the primary direction of PM 2.5 transport in Tianjin was also from south to north. It is critical that the current layout of Tianjin is adjusted in a timely manner through relocating or phasing out, as the majority of industrial enterprises with severe air pollution in Tianjin are located in the southern districts. This method of combining BME, WRF and backward trajectory can be used for atmospheric environment planning in other similar city and district-scale around the world. It also provides useful insights to policy makers when they formulate pollutants prevention control policies. [Display omitted] • BME-WRF-WCWT model was constructed to simulate sources of PM 2.5 at district scale. • Main transport direction of PM 2.5 without and within Tianjin was from south to north. • Non-local pollution emission has a more significant impact at small district scale. • The industrial layout is adjusted in a timely manner based on transport results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Many studies have shown that some game motives help to identify the risk for the development of problematic Internet use, especially advancement, escapism and socializing. Previous researchers have investigated multiple risky motives in each study but treated them as individual variables with less concern about their interplay. However, in many studies, the results showed that all gaming motives were correlated, implying the possibility that gamers might endorse multiple motives simultaneously. This study thus adopted a person-centered approach that was capable of distinguishing people with apparent combinations of gaming motives. The first aim of this study was to examine the co-occurrence of three different gaming motives, using latent profile analysis. The second aim of this study was to examine whether there were differences among gamer profiles in their characteristics, problematic Internet use, depression, and other well-being indicators across five time points. Panel data were collected from the same college student sample every six months for 2 years, from 2012 to 2014. At time point 1, a total of 387 freshmen (female = 109; male = 278) were recruited in Taiwan. Four reliable clusters of gamers were identified: high-engagement, medium-engagement, low-engagement, and healthy-engagement. The validated analysis results showed that the high-engagement gamers were risky and had higher depression and problematic Internet use scores than the other gamer clusters from time 1 to time 5. Academic performances had no significant effect on the 4 gamer clusters from time 1 to time 5. When the high-engagement cluster was compared to the healthy-engagement cluster, the major difference was seen in the level of escapism motives and the consequent risk of developing negative psychological symptoms. However, when the healthy-engagement cluster was compared to the low-engagement cluster, there were no significant differences in their level of escapism motive or psychological outcomes in depression and problematic Internet use (PIU) scores. Taken together, these findings imply that the endorsement of the escapism motive might be a risky inner factor for depression, PIU, and other well-being indicators in college gamers. Based on our findings, the person-centered study may provide further insights to help gamers with functional impairment. In addition, intervention programs can be designed to bring awareness to gamers' own escapism motives and to persuade them to face the pressures and problems in real life. Highlights • Clustering gamers with gaming motives using a person-centered approach. • Four clusters were identified, namely: high-, medium-, low-, and healthy-engagement. • Academic performance showed no difference across the 4 clusters. • High-engagement cluster developed more negative consequences across five time points. • Escapism motives seem to be a risky driving force for gamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal mediation effects of multiple gaming motives from online game involvement to problematic Internet use (PIU). In terms of mediators, the present study included three specific gaming motivations - escapism, advancement, and socializing. A sample of 389 gamers participated in the study from freshman to junior college years. Gaming involvement was collected at the freshman year, motives at sophomore, and PIU at junior. Initially, the three gaming motives were examined separately for their longitudinal mediation effects in a series of single-mediator models. Next, the three motives were simultaneously included in a multiple-mediator model to compare the relative levels of their mediation effects from gaming involvement to PIU across a period of two years. In the multiple-mediator model, the most compelling results showed that escapism and advancement were positively associated with PIU, yet socializing was not; socializing failed to significantly predict later PIU. Also, the direct effect of gaming involvement on PIU was weak and failed to reach significant level, contradicting to the findings of previous cross-sectional studies. Many game players experience great pleasure from immersing themselves in a virtual world, and often to the extent of developing addictive symptoms. This phenomenon is referred to as “pull” effect which is considered comparable to the motive of “pursuing in-game advancement” in the present study. Conversely, frustrations or other negative experiences in real life might also bring about a “push” effect that tugs players into gaming. The motive of escapism from the real-life in this study resembles the so-called “push” effect. The authors suggest when gamers demonstrated social motive during game time, such as participating in a gamer community and collaborating with the others despite being socially withdrawn in real life, it would be less reasonably to be regarded as PIU. During game time, if gamers experience a temporary sense of well-being, it might help to vent their real-life frustration. However, an excessive use of this emotion-focused coping strategy might still increase the risk of PIU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been over half a century since the discovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to now, but approximately 300 million patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) still live in the world, resulting in about one million deaths every year. Although currently approved antivirals (e.g., nucleoside analogues) are effective at reducing HBV replication, they have almost no impact on the existing HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) reservoir. HBV cccDNA is a critical obstacle to the complete elimination of the virus via antiviral therapy. The true cure of HBV infection requires the eradication of viral cccDNA from HBV-infected cells; thus, the development of new agents directly or indirectly targeting HBV cccDNA is urgently needed due to the limitations of current available drugs against HBV infection. In this regard, it is the major focus of current anti-HBV research worldwide via different mechanisms to either inactivate/inhibit (functional cure) or eliminate (complete cure) HBV cccDNA. Therefore, this review discussed and summarized recent advances and challenges in efforts to inactivate/silence or eliminate viral cccDNA using anti-HBV agents from different sources, such as small molecules (including epigenetic drugs) and polypeptides/proteins, and siRNA or gene-editing approaches targeting/attenuating HBV cccDNA via different mechanisms, as well as future directions that may be considered in efforts to truly cure chronic HBV infection. In conclusion, no breakthrough has been made yet in attenuating HBV cccDNA, although a number of candidates have advanced into the phase of clinical trials. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of the candidates function to indirectly target HBV cccDNA. No outstanding candidate directly targets HBV cccDNA. Relatively speaking, CCC_R08 and nitazoxanide may be some of the most promising agents to clear HBV infection in small molecule compounds. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 systems can directly target HBV cccDNA for decay and demonstrate significant anti-HBV activity. Consequently, gene-editing approaches targeting HBV cccDNA may be one of the most promising means to achieve the core goal of anti-HBV therapeutic strategies. In short, more basic studies on HBV infection need to be carried out to overcome these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet addiction disorder is a relatively new condition, and the criteria for its diagnosis have been developed only over the last several years. The criteria for Internet addiction remain controversial. We strive to further elucidate the clinical validity of the diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction. To test items of the diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction among adolescents, we conducted a clinical interview study of college students based on longitudinal data on their risky use of the Internet. Forty-one high-risk cases were selected from a 3-year 5-time point longitudinal survey of 716 college freshmen. We examined disputes relevant to symptoms and impairment in the DC-IA-A (Diagnostic Criteria for Internet Addiction among Taiwanese Adolescents). Of the 41 cases, 21 were diagnosed with Internet addiction via a psychiatric interview. In the Internet addiction disorder group, 23.8% of cases had a diagnosis of depression, whereas only 15.0% of the cases in the non-Internet addiction group had a diagnosis of depression. Two major criteria (A8 and A3) had low incidences in these high-risk college students and thus did not help provide a differential diagnosis between the groups. We suggest that A8, 'excessive effort spent on activities necessary to obtain access to the Internet', should be omitted, and that A3, 'tolerance: a marked increase in the duration of Internet use needed to achieve satisfaction', should be modified. A1 and A9 should be discussed regarding their role in the diagnosis of Internet addiction disorder. Additional well-designed studies examining the diagnostic criteria and the relationship between factors are needed. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoxamide is a benzamide fungicide applied to control diseases caused by oomycete fungi. Fertilizers are important agricultural supplies to adjust soil properties and increase nutrition. To investigate the impact of zoxamide and seven fertilizers urea, phosphate fertilizer, potash fertilizer, compound fertilizer, organic fertilizer, vermicompost and soya bean cakes on the soil environment, the enantioselective dissipation characteristics of zoxamide, soil enzyme activities, pH and N, P nutrition changes were comprehensively analyzed in our present study. The enantioseparation method was successfully validated to quantify the zoxamide enantiomers in soil by HPLC using Chiral NQ (2)-RH column. Our results demonstrated that the R -(−)- and S -(+) - zoxamide half dissipated in the range of 10.88–17.81 and 8.05–14.41 days, respectively. S -(+)-zoxamide disappeared faster in soil. The vermicompost accelerated the dissipation rate of S -(+)-zoxamide, while urea, phosphate, organic and vermicompost fertilizer increased the dissipation selectivity. Zoxamide and fertilizers other than urea caused soil acidification during 80 days. Zoxamide was beneficial to soil catalase, instead inhibited soil urease, dehydrogenase activities and available phosphorus content. No significant effects on sucrase activity and available nitrogen content were found by zoxamide. Vermicompost and soya bean cakes had lasting and outstanding performance in efficiently improving soil enzyme activity and N, P nutrition. The comprehensive understanding of the ecological impact induced by chiral pesticide enantiomers and fertilizers on soil is vital to ensure the sustainable development and safety of agricultural production. [Display omitted] • Fertilizers impact the selectivity for preferential dissipation of S -(+)-zoxamide. • Zoxamide and fertilizers often cause soil acidification. • Zoxamide shows negative effects on soil urease, dehydrogenase and available P. • Vermicompost and soya bean cake better enhance soil enzyme activity, soil N and P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Abelmoschus manihot (L.) medic (AM) is a natural medicinal plant used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Recently, Huangkui capsule (HKC), a Chinese patent medicine extracted from AM, has been widely applied to the clinical therapy of renal fibrosis in patients with early diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the therapeutic mechanisms involved in vivo remain ambiguous. The goal of this study is to expound the mechanism in vivo of HKC in order to deepen the understanding of its clinical effects, by using the approaches of contrasting the dose-effects of HKC on oxidative stress (OS) in the kidney compared to α-lipoic acid (LA), and then demonstrating whether and how anti-oxidative properties of HKC or LA might be beneficial for the treatment of renal fibrosis in vivo. Materials and methods Thirty-three rats were divided into 5 groups, a Sham group, a Vehicle group, a L-HKC group, a H-HKC group and a LA group. The different doses of HKC, LA and distilled water were daily administrated for 8 weeks after the induction of DN by the unilateral nephrectomy combined with streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injections. Rat's general status, biochemical parameters, renal histological changes and OS indicators, as well as the key protein expressions in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK)/serine-threonine kinase (Akt) signaling pathways and downstream cytokines including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were examined, respectively. Results HKC and LA ameliorated body weight, kidney weight, urinary albumin and renal function including blood urea nitrogen and serum uric acid, attenuated renal fibrosis including the cell numbers and extracellular matrix rate in glomerulus, and controlled OS indicators including malondialdehyde, total superoxide dismutase, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4, but did not lower blood glucose in DN model rats. Among them, the anti-renal fibrosis effect of H-HKC was better than that of LA. In addition, HKC simultaneously down-regulated the protein expressions of phosphorylated p38MAPK, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), TGF-β1 and TNF-α in the kidney of DN model rats, unlike HKC, LA only down-regulated p-Akt and TNF-α protein expressions. Conclusion We have demonstrated that HKC, similar to LA, is renoprotective via attenuating OS and renal fibrosis in the DN rat model. The potential mechanisms by which HKC and LA exert their therapeutic effects in vivo are respectively through down-regulating the activation of p38MAPK and/or Akt pathways as well as the expressions of TGF-β1 and/or TNF-α in the kidney. Our findings thus provide the useful information about a clinical combination of HKC and LA in early DN patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been found that recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae 6525 can produce high concentration of ethanol in one-step fermentation from the extract of Jerusalem artichoke tubers or inulin. However, the utilization rate of raw materials was low and the fermentation process was costly and complicated. Therefore, in this study, after the optimum processing conditions for ethanol production in fed-batch fermentation were determined in flask, the recombinant S. cerevisiae 6525 was first used to produce ethanol from the dry powder of Jerusalem artichoke tubers in 5-L agitating fermentor. After 72 h of fermentation, around 84.3 g/L ethanol was produced in the fermentation liquids, and the conversion efficiency of inulin-type sugars to ethanol was 0.453, or 88.6 % of the theoretical value of 0.511. This study showed high feasibility of bioethanol industrial production from the Jerusalem artichoke tubers and provided a basis for it in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the content of the team mental model with a case study about a successful online game team. This team was formed by high-ranking managers in a large raid guild to conduct a raid in War of Worldcraft. They were interviewed with a set of 5-W questions developed according to the conceptualizations of team mental model (Levine & Moreland, 1991). Toward the interview protocol, a content analysis was conducted with two-cycle coding method from exploratory to explanatory and a hierarchical framework from code, category, theme, to theory were generated to describe the team mental model. In the first cycle, 17 codes were extracted from participants' own wording for concepts that were shared by whom controlled various gaming characters. These codes are knowledge convergence about the problem at-hand, actors, events, affects and outcomes – what the core gamers have experienced through the collaborative gaming process. In the second cycle, coding was guided by learning theories. Six categories, mingled from 17 codes, showed collective knowledge of co-work process, leaders' works, work under supervision, seeking joint fun, relationship oriented, and balance between extrinsic-intrinsic motivations. From 6 categories, two themes were synthesized: the team (1) performed “joint hard work” for (2) seeking “joint hard fun.” The first theme comprised declarative and procedural knowledge representations and we consider it to be the commonality between this game team and ordinary work/learning teams. The second theme was composed of affective and cognitive evaluation components about intrinsic motivation which is in accordance with Self-determination theory (SDT, Deci & Ryan, 2000). In general, “Jointly hard work for hard fun” is the gist content of the team mental model. We found ample evidences that members explicitly recall shared motivational beliefs of team mates and emotional–motivational events in gaming. Based on the results of this study, several implications have been addressed for teachers to enhance students' intrinsic motivation in conducting quality Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning. Future studies are needed to further explore the relationship between the quality of team mental models and team-level performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which examines the impact of school support and self-care behaviors on life satisfaction among Taiwanese adolescents suffering type 1 diabetes (T1DM) by constructing a hypothesized model. The study uses questionnaires which investigates the perceived self-care behaviors, school support, and life satisfaction among participants. The study reveals that the self-care behaviors and school support directly affect the life satisfaction of adolescents with T1DM.

This paper first discusses the research significance in coüege execution from universities to improve competitiveness of view, and then from the " official standard" guide individual promotion, hierarchy made alienation, poor information to influence policy science, it is difficult to form a common vision analysis of four aspects of the coHege organization structure and the status of executive force caused by the restriction, according to Paul Thomas ' s Rule organization executive enterprises, from the establishment of leadership is service concept, building shared vision, establishment of centralization and decentralization of project matrix, the unity of the four aspects of execution measures. The course group matrix, students ' scientific research item, the learning activities of matrix group matrix organization is based on the principle of enterprise management combined with the actual management experience proposed certain innovative organization structure reengineering, hoping to enhance the coHege executive power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) inhibits FSH-stimulated follicle growth and aromatase activity. The three fold higher serum AMH in PCOS patients may account for the increased number of small follicles and androgen level. We attempted to determine whether polymorphisms in AMH gene were associated with PCOS in Chinese han population. Methods: A case-control study involving 475 PCOS patients and 512 normoovulatory women was conducted. Rs10407022 and rs8112524 were two tagging SNPs selected according to the HapMap database. Taqman assay was used for rs8112524 genotyping, and PCR-RFLP method for rs10407022. Results: No significant difference was found in genotypic or allelic distributions of both of the two SNPs, rs10407022 and rs8112524, between PCOS women and controls. LH level and progesterone level were significantly higher in rs8112524 AA genotype in PCOS group ( P = 0.012, 0.014 respectively). TA haplotype might enhance susceptibility to PCOS ( P = 0.013, OR = 4.996, 95 % CI = 2.001-5.251), and GA haplotype might be protective ( P = 0.000, OR = 0.117, 95 % CI = 0.049-0.417). Conclusions: Although individual TagSNPs in AMH gene do not affect susceptibility to PCOS, haplotypes of the two SNPs were associated with PCOS risk, as TA haplotype might enhance susceptibility to PCOS and GA inversely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Acute lung injury (ALI), is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, which is routinely treated with the administration of systemic glucocorticoids. The current study investigated the distribution and therapeutic effect of a dexamethasone(DXM)-loaded immunoliposome (NLP) functionalized with pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) antibody (SPA-DXM-NLP) in an animal model. Methods: DXM-NLP was prepared using film dispersion combined with extrusion techniques. SP-A antibody was used as the lung targeting agent. Tissue distribution of SPA-DXM-NLP was investigated in liver, spleen, kidney and lung tissue. The efficacy of SPA-DXM-NLP against lung injury was assessed in a rat model of bleomycin-induced acute lung injury. Results: The SPA-DXM-NLP complex was successfully synthesized and the particles were stable at 4°C. Pulmonary dexamethasone levels were 40 times higher with SPA-DXM-NLP than conventional dexamethasone injection. Administration of SPA-DXM-NLP significantly attenuated lung injury and inflammation, decreased incidence of infection, and increased survival in animal models. Conclusions: The administration of SPA-DXM-NLP to animal models resulted in increased levels of DXM in the lungs, indicating active targeting. The efficacy against ALI of the immunoliposomes was shown to be superior to conventional dexamethasone administration. These results demonstrate the potential of actively targeted glucocorticoid therapy in the treatment of lung disease in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air traffic is a typical complex system, in which movements of traffic components (pilots, controllers, equipment, and environment), especially airport arrival and departure traffic, form complicated spatial and temporal dynamics. The fluctuations of airport arrival and departure traffic are studied from the point of view of networks as the special correlation between different airports. Our collected flow volume data on the time-dependent activity of US airport arrival and departure traffic indicate that the coupling between the average flux and the fluctuation of an individual airport obeys a certain scaling law with a wide variety of scaling exponents between 1/2 and 1. These scaling phenomena can explain the interaction between the airport internal dynamics (e.g. queuing at airports, a ground delay program and following flying traffic) and a change in the external (network-wide) traffic demand (e.g. an increase in traffic during peak hours every day), allowing us to further understand the mechanisms governing the collective behaviour of the transportation system. We separate internal dynamics from external fluctuations using a scaling law which is helpful for us to systematically determine the origin of fluctuations in airport arrival and departure traffic, uncovering the collective dynamics. Hot spot features are observed in airport traffic data as the dynamical inhomogeneity in the fluxes of individual airports. The intrinsic characteristics of airport arrival and departure traffic under severe weather is discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transmission through contacts among MSM (men who have sex with men) is one of the dominating contributors to HIV prevalence in industrialized countries. In Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, the MSM risk group has been traced for decades. This has motivated studies which provide detailed information about MSM's risk behavior statistically, psychologically and sociologically. Despite the era of potent antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of HIV among MSM increases. In the long term the contradictory effects of risk behavior and effective therapy are still poorly understood. Methods: Using a previously presented Complex Agent Network model, we describe steady and casual partnerships to predict the HIV spreading among MSM. Behavior-related parameters and values, inferred from studies on Amsterdam MSM, are fed into the model; we validate the model using historical yearly incidence data. Subsequently, we study scenarios to assess the contradictory effects of risk behavior and effective therapy, by varying corresponding values of parameters. Finally, we conduct quantitative analysis based on the resulting incidence data. Results: The simulated incidence reproduces the ACS historical incidence well and helps to predict the HIV epidemic among MSM in Amsterdam. Our results show that in the long run the positive influence of effective therapy can be outweighed by an increase in risk behavior of at least 30% for MSM. Conclusion: We recommend, based on the model predictions, that lowering risk behavior is the prominent control mechanism of HIV incidence even in the presence of effective therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In vitro adsorption of zearalenone (ZEA) by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified montmorillonite nanocomposites (CMN) was investigated. The particle size of CMN was below 38.06nm determined with atomic force microscopes. The maximum adsorption of ZEA by CMN at 37°C and pH 7.0 was 8.83 and 5.07mg/g calculated with Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms, respectively, whereas the maximum adsorption by MN was 0.60 and 0.19mg/g, respectively. The effect of pH, temperature, ZEA concentration, and adsorbent concentration on ZEA adsorption were also studied and they all had certain influence on ZEA adsorption, especially the pH. The coexistence of Ca2+, Fe3+, Fe2+, vitamin E and/or lysine showed no significant influence on ZEA adsorption by CMN, suggesting that the nanograde particle size and hydrophobic property of CMN are responsible for the specific adsorption. These results suggest that CMN has the potential as a novel and promising nanograde adsorbent to bind the mycotoxin effectively in the animal gastrointestinal tract to reduce its absorption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ELISPOT assay has been considered as one of the most sensitive assays to measure antigen-specific CD8 T cells in vitro. Recently, recombinant vaccinia was successfully used to express internally processed target antigens in host cells in direct ex-vivo ELISPOT assays. However, the background in these assays was relatively elevated, and the risk of killing effector T cells was high. Therefore, we examined in this study an alternative approach where the replication of recombinant vaccinia virus was inhibited by the usage of Cidofovir in vitro. Our data indicate that recombinant vaccinia-infected target cells treated with Cidofovir retained their functional activity and present internally processed antigens more efficiently to T cells than non-treated ones. We also identify the optimum doses of Cidofovir to be in the range of 0.75–0.075 μg/ml. Thus, Cidofovir treatment of the target cells prior to antigen stimulation could be a useful methodology to increase the sensitivity of the ELISPOT assay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Skeletal muscle development requires the coordinated expression of numerous transcription factors to control the specification of mesodermal progenitor cells to a muscle fate and the differentiation of those committed myoblasts into functional, contractile muscle. Two families of transcription factors play key roles in these processes. The myogenic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins, MyoD and Myf5, are required for myoblast specification, while two members of the same family, myogenin and MRF4, play key roles in myoblast differentiation in vivo. All four members of the myogenic bHLH family are sufficient to dominantly induce myogenesis when introduced into a variety of non-muscle cells in culture, however this function requires the activity of a second family of transcriptional regulators, the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) family. MEF2 factors are essential for muscle differentiation, and previous studies have shown that MyoD and MEF2 family members function combinatorially to activate transcription and myogenesis. Consistent with these observations, the majority of skeletal muscle genes require both MyoD and MEF2 family members to activate their transcription. A possible exception to this combinatorial model for activation is suggested by the observation that myogenic bHLH factors may be able to independently activate the expression of MEF2. This raises the question as to how mef2 gene transcription is induced by MyoD factors without cooperative activation by MEF2. During skeletal muscle development, mef2c is the first member of the MEF2 family to be expressed. In this study, we have investigated the regulation of a skeletal muscle-specific enhancer from the mouse mef2c gene using a transgenic approach. We show that mef2c is a direct transcriptional target of the MyoD family in vivo via an essential E box in the skeletal muscle enhancer of mef2c, and we show that mef2c is not a direct target for autoregulation by MEF2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ozone (O3) pollution is one of the predominant environmental problems, and exposure to high O3 concentrations has a significant negative influence on both human health and ecosystems. Therefore, it is essential to analyze spatio-temporal characteristics of O3 distribution and to evaluate O3 exposure levels. In this study, O3 monitoring and satellite data were used to estimate O3 daily, seasonal and one-year exposure levels based on the Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) model with a spatial resolution of 1 km × 1 km in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, China. Leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) results showed that R2 for daily and one-year exposure levels were 0.81 and 0.69, respectively, and the corresponding values for RMSE were 19.58 μg/m3 and 4.40 μg/m3, respectively. The simulation results showed that the heavily polluted areas included Tianjin, Cangzhou, Hengshui, Xingtai, and Handan, while the clean areas were mainly located in Chengde, Qinhuangdao, Baoding, and Zhangjiakou. O3 pollution in summer was the most severe with an average concentration of 134.5 μg/m3. In summer, O3 concentrations in 87.7% of the grids were more than 100 μg/m3. In contrast, winter was the cleanest season in the BTH region, with an average concentration of 51.1 μg/m3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the SPOT vegetation normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) dataset from 2000 to 2013, we investigated the characteristics and future trends of spatiotemporal variations in vegetation in the Haihe River basin. At the same time, its associated driving factors were also analyzed. The Sen and Mann-Kendall models, the Hurst index and a partial correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. The study found that (1) the vegetation cover change of the study area exhibited a significant increase in 2000–2013 (linear tendency, 6.4 % ∕ 10 a). During 2002–2004, the vegetation growth rate was the fastest, while vegetation growth slowed after 2004. (2) Spatially, the vegetation coverage in the study area was good during the 14-year period but poor in the Bohai Bay area and in some urban centers. (3) The area of vegetation improvement in the Haihe River basin accounted for 90.35% of the total basin area, and the degraded area accounted for 5.90% of the area and was mainly distributed in the peripheral areas of some urban centers. (4) The change in vegetation coverage in the Haihe River basin towards sustainability was stronger and primarily exhibited a continuously increasing trend, accounting for 89.11% of the total area. (5) The change in vegetation coverage was mainly attributed to the increase in precipitation. (6) Human activities could induce dual effects on vegetation coverage, so they were also one of the most important factors affecting vegetation cover change. • We investigated the spatiotemporal variations characteristics in vegetation in the Haihe River basin from 2000 to 2013. • We analyzed the impacts of climate change and human activities on vegetation cover change. • NDVI showed that vegetation cover exhibited a significant increase in the study area during 2000–2013. • The change in vegetation coverage was mainly attributed to the increase in precipitation. • Human activities also had profound effect to the vegetation variation trends in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among persons born in China before 1980 and tested for vaccinia virus Tiantan strain (VVT), 28.7% (137/478) had neutralizing antibodies, 71.4% (25/35) had memory B-cell responses, and 65.7% (23/35) had memory T-cell responses to VVT. Because of cross-immunity between the viruses, these findings can help guide mpox vaccination strategies in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammals have limited capacity for heart regeneration, whereas zebrafish have extraordinary regeneration abilities. During zebrafish heart regeneration, endothelial cells promote cardiomyocyte cell cycle reentry and myocardial repair, but the mechanisms responsible for promoting an injury microenvironment conducive to regeneration remain incompletely defined. Here, we identify the matrix metalloproteinase Mmp14b as an essential regulator of heart regeneration. We identify a TEAD-dependent mmp14b endothelial enhancer induced by heart injury in zebrafish and mice, and we show that the enhancer is required for regeneration, supporting a role for Hippo signaling upstream of mmp14b. Last, we show that MMP-14 function in mice is important for the accumulation of Agrin, an essential regulator of neonatal mouse heart regeneration. These findings reveal mechanisms for extracellular matrix remodeling that promote heart regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resolving the infrageneric classification of species‐rich genera has been challenging in plant taxonomy. Ilex L. is a subcosmopolitan genus with over 600 species of dioecious trees and shrubs. Many classification systems based on morphological data have been proposed during the past 250 years. However, these systems (such as Loesener's and Galle's systems) may not truly reflect Ilex's evolutionary trajectories because most of those system's infrageneric hierarchies are not monophyletic. In this study, we reconstructed a phylogeny of Ilex L. comprising 15 moderately to highly supported clades using rigorously identified samples (202 species) and closely authenticated gene sequences of three nuclear genes [internal transcribed spacer (ITS), external transcribed spacer (ETS), and nepGS]. The newly generated phylogenetic tree resembles essentially that of the nuclear tree of Manen et al., but shows conspicuous topological differences with the phylogeny of Yao et al. Closely scrutinizing morphological variation and distributional patterns of 202 species, this study found that most lineages of Ilex identified herein are well defined by a particular trait or a combination of morphological and distributional traits, displaying phylogeny–morphology–distribution conformity that has seldom been uncovered in previous studies. Given the general phylogeny–morphology–distribution conformity revealed in this genus, we put forward an updated sectional classification system for Ilex that temporarily contains 14 sections. The new classification will provide a robust framework for studying the evolution and diversification of this ecologically and economically important genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, skinfold thickness in studies on arm venous access ports and the effect of venous access port application are unknown. Materials and Methods: A total of 256 cancer patients who underwent primary venous access port placement in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from September 2022 to March 2023 were selected as the study subjects. Two hundred fifty‐six patients were divided into normal skinfold thickness group and high skinfold thickness group according to skinfold thickness. The success rate of primary catheterization of arm venous port catheterization, catheterization operation time, catheterization length and incidence rate of adverse reactions were compared. Results: There was no significant difference in the basic data between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the success rate of primary catheterization between the two groups (p > 0.05), the catheterization operation time in the normal skinfold thickness group was significantly lower than that in the high skinfold thickness group (p < 0.05), the total length of the implanted catheter in the normal skinfold thickness group was significantly lower than that in the high skinfold thickness group (p < 0.05), and the incidence of adverse reactions in the normal skinfold thickness group was significantly lower than that in the high skinfold thickness group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In cancer patients, skinfold thickness can significantly affect the application effect of arm venous port, and normal skinfold thickness for arm venous port has shorter operation time, total length of implanted catheter and lower incidence of adverse reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is one of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis. Whether and how diabetes promotes the formation of unstable atherosclerotic plaque is not fully understood. Here, we show that streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes reduced collagen synthesis, leading to the formation of unstable atherosclerotic plaque induced by collar placement around carotid in apolipoprotein E knockout (Apoe−/−) mice. These detrimental effects of hyperglycemia on plaque stability were reversed by metformin in vivo without altering the levels of blood glucose and lipids. Mechanistically, we found that high glucose reduced the phosphorylated level of AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) and the transcriptional activity of activator protein 2 alpha (AP-2α), increased the expression of miR-124 expression, and downregulated prolyl-4-hydroxylase alpha 1 (P4Hα1) protein expression and collagen biosynthesis in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. Importantly, these in vitro effects produced by high glucose were abolished by AMPKα pharmacological activation or adenovirus-mediated AMPKα overexpression. Further, adenovirus-mediated AMPKα gain of function remitted the process of diabetes-induced plaque destabilization in Apoe−/− mice injected with streptozotocin. Administration of metformin enhanced pAP-2α level, reduced miR-124 expression, and increased P4Hα1 and collagens in carotid atherosclerotic plaque in diabetic Apoe−/− mice. We conclude that streptozotocin-induced toxic diabetes promotes the formation of unstable atherosclerotic plaques based on the vulnerability index in Apoe−/− mice, which is related to the inactivation of AMPKα/AP-2α/miRNA-124/P4Hα1 axis. Clinically, targeting AMPKα/AP-2α/miRNA-124/P4Hα1 signaling should be considered to increase the plaque stability in patients with atherosclerosis.Key messages: Hyperglycemia reduced collagen synthesis, leading to the formation of unstable atherosclerotic plaque induced by collar placement around carotid in apolipoprotein E knockout mice.Hyperglycemia destabilizes atherosclerotic plaque in vivo through an AMPKα/AP-2α/miRNA-124/P4Hα1-dependent collagen synthesis.Metformin functions as a stabilizer of atherosclerotic plaque to reduce acute coronary accent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BST-2 (tetherin, CD317, and HM1.24) is induced by interferon and restricts virus release by tethering the enveloped viruses to the cell surface. The effect of BST-2 on influenza A virus (IAV) infection has been inconclusive. In the present study, we report that BST-2 diminishes the production of IAV virus-like particles (VLPs) that are generated by viral neuraminidase and hemagglutinin proteins to a much greater degree than it inhibits the production of wild-type IAV particles. This relatively weaker inhibition of IAV is associated with reduction in BST-2 levels, which is caused by the M2 protein that interacts with BST-2 and leads to down-regulation of cell surface BST-2 via the proteasomal pathway. Similarly to the viral antagonist Vpu, M2 also rescues the production of human immunodeficiency virus-1 VLPs and IAV VLPs in the presence of BST-2. Replication of wild-type and the M2-deleted viruses were both inhibited by BST-2, with the M2-deleted IAV being more restricted. These data reveal one mechanism that IAV employs to counter restriction by BST-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by stimuli-triggered unraveling of the von Willebrand factor from a nonsticky globular to a stretched linear shape with exposure of functional groups in blood clotting, this article reports on the synthesis of thermosensitive binary heterografted linear molecular brushes that exhibit temperature-induced shape changing between extended wormlike and collapsed yet stable globular conformations in water. The molecular brushes are composed of two distinct side chain polymers: thermosensitive poly(ethoxydi(ethylene glycol) acrylate) (PDEGEA), which undergoes a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) transition at 9 °C in water, and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), which serves as a stabilizer for the collapsed state. A "grafting to" method was developed to construct molecular brushes by clicking alkyne end-functionalized side chain polymers onto an azide-bearing backbone polymer. While a 1.0 mg/g aqueous solution of PDEGEA homografted molecular brushes turned cloudy upon heating from 0 to 22 °C, at the same concentration the aqueous solution of PEO/PDEGEA binary molecular brushes remained clear, indicating the stabilization of the collapsed state against aggregation by PEO side chains. Atomic force microscopy study revealed a stretched, wormlike morphology of brushes at 0 °C and compact, globular nano-objects at 40 °C. The thermally induced shape changing was exploited to regulate the binding of biotin, which was incorporated into the thermosensitive side chains along with a fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) donor, and Rhodamine B (FRET acceptor)-labeled avidin. FRET study showed that when the molecular brushes changed from the globular to the wormlike state, the binding of biotin and avidin occurred and increased significantly with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of nanomedicine requires novel delivery vehicles to actively target their site of action. Here, we demonstrate the development of lung-targeting drug-loaded liposomes and their efficacy, specificity and safety. Our study focuses on glucocorticoids methylprednisolone (MPS), a commonly used drug to treat lung injuries. The steroidal molecule was loaded into functionalized nano-sterically stabilized unilamellar liposomes (NSSLs). Targeting functionality was performed through conjugation of surfactant protein A (SPANb) nanobodies to form MPS–NSSLs–SPANb. MPS–NSSLs–SPANb exhibited good size distribution, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency. Animal experiments demonstrated the high specificity of MPS–NSSLs–SPANb to the lung. Treatment with MPS–NSSLs–SPANb reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-8, and TGF-β1 in rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the expression of NK-κB in the lung tissues, thereby alleviating lung injuries and increasing rat survival. The nanobody functionalized nanoparticles demonstrate superior performance to treat lung injury when compared to that of antibody functionalized systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, ozone (O3) concentration has shown a decreasing trend in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region in China. However, O3 pollution remains a prominent problem. Accurate estimation of O3 exposure levels can provide support for epidemiological studies. A total of 13 variables were combined to estimate short- and long-term O3 exposure levels using the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model in the BTH region with a spatial resolution of 1 × 1 km from 2017 to 2020. Five variables were left in the GWR model. O3 concentration was positively correlated with temperature, wind speed, and SO2, whereas is was negatively correlated with precipitation and NO2. Results showed that the model performed well. Leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) R2 for short- and long-term simulation results were 0.91 and 0.71, and the values for RMSE were 11.14 and 3.49 μg/m3, respectively. The annual maximum 8 h average O3 concentration was the highest in 2018 and the lowest in 2020. Decreasing concentrations of major precursors of O3 due to the regional joint prevention and control may be the reason. O3 concentration was high in the southeast of the BTH region, including in Hengshui, Handan, Xingtai and Cangzhou. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine a screen model for detecting undergraduates with higher risk for developing psychosis (HRDP). Design and Methods: A cross‐sectional design with convenience sampling was used. The screen model included exploration stage by self‐report scales and confirmation stage by face‐to‐face interviews. Findings: A total of 273 students were detected from 4744 surveys during 4 years. Of them, 120 students with HRDP were identified and 7 had been diagnosed as schizophrenia or bipolar disorders at 12‐month follow‐up. Practice Implications: This screen model can be used in early detection for undergraduates with HRDP from large general samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The renoprotective effect of inhibitors of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been identified through placebo-controlled trials. However, the effect of calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) on renal system is still controversial. Our current meta-analysis includes available evidences to compare the effect of dihydropyridine CCBs and ACEIs or ARBs on renal outcomes and mortality. We also further investigate whether CCBs can be used in combination with inhibitors of RAS to improve the prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods and results: Electronic databases were searched up to July 2012, for clinical randomized controlled trials, assessing the effect of dihydropyridine CCBs on the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and all-cause mortality in contrast to ACEIs or ARBs. Eight clinical trials were included containing 25,647 participants. ESRD showed significantly higher frequency with CCBs therapy compared with ACEIs or ARBs therapy, though blood pressure was decreased similarly in both groups in every trial (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.05–1.48;p = 0.01). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the incidence of all-cause mortality between these two groups, though ACEIs or ARBs exhibited better renoprotective effect compared to CCBs (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.89–1.03;p = 0.24).Conclusions: CCBs did not increase all-cause mortality incidence in patients with CKD though they displayed weaker renoprotective, compared to ACEIs or ARBs therapy. Our results suggest the combination of a CCB and an ACEI or ARB should be a preferable antihypertensive therapy in patients with CKD, considering their higher effect in decreasing blood pressure and fewer adverse metabolic problems caused. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Generally, instructors observed that these activities helped students develop the required skills and knowledge, as students did not require significant additional help upon resuming campus activities. Upon returning to campus, students verbally commented that "the online sessions prepared me very well for the clinical exam", indicating students self-perceived increased preparedness for clinical assessments. Keywords: Education; COVID-19; digital; online; teaching and learning; optometry EN Education COVID-19 digital online teaching and learning optometry 658 663 6 08/03/22 20220801 NES 220801 On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared a state of pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. [Extracted from the article]

We report nano-titania modified cupric-based metal–organic frameworks (NTMCu-MOFs) by a simple and low-cost solvothermal method. The excellent properties of the NTMCu-MOFs are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The NTMCu-MOFs have been evaluated in an on-line pass-through cleanup procedure as a sorbent prior to the analysis of phenothiazine drugs and metabolites, i.e., chlorpromazine (CPZ), promethazine (PMZ), chlorpromazine sulphoxide (CPZSO) and promethazine sulfoxide (PMZSO), in human plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Endogenous matrices in human plasma samples were effectively removed by the NTMCu-MOF based on-line pass-through cleanup procedure and ion suppression effects were dramatically reduced. Under optimum conditions, satisfactory recoveries were found to be in the range of 85.6%–108%. Acceptable trueness and precision of the proposed method were also obtained, with relative errors (REs) less than 15% and within- and between-run RSDs less than 8.0%. The limits of detection (LODs) of phenothiazine drugs and metabolites were in the range of 0.012–0.024 μg L−1. The proposed method has been used for the determination of phenothiazine drugs and metabolites in the plasma samples obtained from nine schizophrenic patients undergoing chlorpromazine therapy. The results demonstrated the applicability of the proposed NTMCu-MOF on-line pass-through cleanup procedure coupled with the LC-MS/MS method to clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fagus L. is a key component in temperate deciduous broadleaf forests of the Northern Hemisphere. However, its biogeographic history has not been examined under the framework of a fully resolved and reasonably time‐calibrated phylogeny. In this study, we sequenced 28 nuclear single/low‐copy loci (18 555 bp in total) of 11 Fagus species/segregates and seven outgroups. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using both concatenation‐based (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) and coalescent‐based methods (StarBEAST2, ASTRAL). The monophyly of two subgenera (Fagus and Engleriana) and most sections was well supported, except for sect. Lucida, which was paraphyletic with respect to sect. Longipetiolata. We also found a major phylogenetic conflict among North American, East Asian, and West Eurasian lineages of subgen. Fagus. Three segregates that have isolated distribution (F. mexicana, F. multinervis, and F. orientalis) were independent evolutionary units. Biogeographic analysis with fossils suggested that Fagus could have originated in the North Pacific region in late early Eocene. Major diversifications coincided with a climate aberration at the Eocene/Oligocene boundary and the global cooling since mid‐Miocene. The late Miocene accelerated global cooling and the Pleistocene glaciations would have driven beeches into East Asia, North America, and West Eurasia. Meanwhile, range reduction and extinction in high latitudes, central Asia, and western North America converged to form the beech modern distribution pattern. This study provides a first attempt to disentangle the biogeographic history of beeches in the context of a nearly resolved and time‐calibrated phylogeny, which could shed new insights into the formation of the temperate biome in the Northern Hemisphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PIU in Year 1 predicted negative changes in lifestyle in Year 2. [•] Lifestyle changes in Year 1 did not predict PIU in Year 2. [•] The reciprocal relationships of PIU and lifestyle changes were not warranted. [•] Measures of Problematic Internet use (PIU) and lifestyle changes were stable cross year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Ferroptosis and iron-metabolism are regulated by Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in ovarian cancer (OC). Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of ferroptosis and iron-metabolism related lncRNAs (FIRLs) in OC is crucial for proposing therapeutic strategies and survival prediction. Methods: In multi-omics data from OC patients, FIRLs were identified by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients with ferroptosis and iron-metabolism related genes (FIRGs). Cox-Lasso regression analysis was performed on the FIRLs to screen further the lncRNAs participating in FIRLs signature. In addition, all patients were divided into two robust risk subtypes using the FIRLs signature. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, Kaplan–Meier analysis, decision curve analysis (DCA), Cox regression analysis and calibration curve were used to confirm the clinical benefits of FIRLs signature. Meanwhile, two nomograms were constructed to facilitate clinical application. Moreover, the potential biological functions of the signature were investigated by genes function annotation. Finally, immune microenvironment, chemotherapeutic sensitivity, and the response of PARP inhibitors were compared in different risk groups using diversiform bioinformatics algorithms. Results: The raw data were randomized into a training set (n = 264) and a testing set (n = 110). According to Pearson coefficients between FIRGs and lncRNAs, 1075 FIRLs were screened for univariate Cox regression analysis, and then LASSO regression analysis was used to construct 8-FIRLs signature. It is worth mentioning that a variety of analytical methods indicated excellent predictive performance for overall survival (OS) of FIRLs signature (p < 0.05). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that FIRLs signature was an independent prognostic factor for OS (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant differences in the abundance of immune cells, immune-related pathways, and drug response were excavated in different risk subtypes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The FIRLs signature can independently predict overall survival and therapeutic effect in OC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess the efficacy of positive feedback closed-loop management system (PFCMS) protocol in influencing parents’ decision about pregnancy continuation in pregnancies diagnosed with omphalocele. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who were diagnosed with fetal omphalocele prior to 20 weeks’ gestation by ultrasound and were referred to Fetal Care Center at a mainland Chinese medical center during an 11-year period. Two management strategies were offered during the two stages of the study period: a single consultant with a routine protocol and a multidisciplinary support team with PFCMS, respectively. We analyzed the two protocols influencing parents’ decision about pregnancy continuation. Results Forty-nine patients diagnosed with fetal omphalocele were included in this study. In Group A including 16 patients with routine protocol during the first stage of the study period, the majority opted for termination, and only five continued the pregnancy. In Group B including 33 patients with PFCMS during the second stage of the study period, less than one third chose TOP, and 23 ended in live births. There was a significantly lower TOP rate in patients treated with the PFCMS protocol. Conclusion The PFCMS protocol may be an efficient approach in managing pregnancies complicated by omphalocele, which may help in preventing unnecessary pregnancy terminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal Taiwanese women, and to investigate the relation between depressive symptoms and demographic variables, chronic disease status, health habits, stress management, menopausal symptoms, and attitudes toward menopause and aging. Study design: Cross-sectional study, using a purposive sample of 566 women between 45 and 60 years of age from a medical center and residential community in Southern Taiwan. Main outcome measures: Demographic and health habits questionnaire, Women's Health Initiative Symptom Scale, Attitudes Toward Menopause and Aging Scale, and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms (CES-D score≧16) was 38.7% in peri- and post-menopausal Taiwanese women. Bivariate correlations and analyses of variance indicated that higher CES-D scores were related to lower family income, younger age, smoking for a greater number of years, consuming more alcohol, having multiple chronic diseases, not exercising regularly, consulting with a specialist for stress management, having more severe menopausal symptoms, and more negative attitudes toward menopause and aging. A stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the key predictors, accounting for 33.7% of the variance, were menopausal symptoms, attitudes toward menopause and aging, family income, and chronic disease status. Conclusions: Results highlight the importance of considering psychosocial factors, life style, and chronic disease management in providing health guidance for peri- and post-menopausal women to enhance their quality of life and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study uses an integrated model utilizing a small-world network and choice-based conjoint adoption model to examine the dynamics of consumer choice and diffusion in the hybrid electric vehicles market. It specifically compares the effectiveness of hybrid diffusion through the traditional word of mouth and via social media. The results show that without the advantage of increased gasoline prices, the growth of the hybrid vehicles market is insignificant, and that the Internet has a significant influence on the word of mouth effect in the purchasing process. Hybrid electric vehicles market shares decrease dramatically as a result of negative word of mouth communication via social media. The use of a higher fuel taxes is more effective than providing a subsidy for disposing of old vehicles and purchasing a hybrid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis may cause multiple different urogenital tract disorders, but current non-culture assays for rapid screening of C. trachomatis typically use immunochromatography-based methods. We established another new rapid non-culture method for detection of C. trachomatis based on the measurement of a-mannosidase enzymatic activity in urogenital tract specimens. Method: To evaluate the performance of this method, a-mannosidase activities of C. trachomatis serotype D strain ? and 29 standard strains related to clinical urogenital pathogens were investigated. Furthermore, 553 urogenital tract specimens were used for clinical assays via cell culture method and ligase chain reaction method (LCR), adopting an expanded gold standard. Results: Only C. trachomatis was positive for a-mannosidase activity among different types of microbes tested in the research. When prostate fluid specimens, which have some interfering activity, were excluded, the sensitivity and specificity of the enzymatic method were 91.8% (78/85) and 98.3% (409/416), respectively. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05). Conclusions: These results showed that a-mannosidase activity could be utilised as a screening marker of C. trachomatis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to study the application of ultrasonic elastography combined with human papilloma virus (HPV) detection based on bilateral filter intelligent denoising algorithm in the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of CIN. In this study, 100 patients with cervical lesions were selected as research objects and randomly divided into control group and experimental group, with 50 cases in each group. Patients in control group and experimental group were diagnosed by ultrasonic elastography combined with HPV detection. The experimental group used the optimized image map of bilateral filter intelligent denoising algorithm for denoising and optimization, while the control group did not use optimization, and the differences between them were analyzed and compared. The diagnostic effects of the two groups were compared. As a result, the three accuracy rates of the experimental group were 95%, 95%, and 98%, respectively; the three sensitivity rates were 96%, 92%, and 94%, respectively; and the three specificity rates were 99%, 97%, and 98%, respectively. In the control group, the three accuracy rates were 84%, 86%, and 84%, respectively; the three sensitivity rates were 88%, 84%, and 86%, respectively; and the three specificity rates were 81%, 83%, and 88%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of experiment group were significantly higher than those of control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In summary, the bilateral filter intelligent denoising algorithm has a good denoising effect on the ultrasonic elastography. The ultrasonic image processed by the algorithm combined with HPV detection has a better diagnosis of CIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The developing heart contains an inner tube of specialized endothelium known as endocardium, which performs multiple essential functions. In spite of the essential role of the endocardium in heart development and function, the transcriptional pathways that regulate its development remain largely undefined. GATA4 is a zinc finger transcription factor that is expressed in multiple cardiovascular lineages and is required for endocardial cushion development and embryonic viability, but the transcriptional pathways upstream of Gata4 in the endocardium and its derivatives in the endocardial cushions are unknown. Here, we describe a distal enhancer from the mouse Gata4 gene that is briefly active in multiple cardiac lineages early in cardiac development but restricts to the endocardium where it remains active through cardiogenesis. The activity of this Gata4 cardiac enhancer in transgenic embryos and in cultured aortic endothelial cells is dependent on four ETS sites. To identify which ETS transcription factors might be involved in Gata4 regulation via the ETS sites in the enhancer, we determined the expression profile of 24 distinct ETS factors in embryonic mouse hearts. Among multiple ETS transcripts present, ETS1, FLI1, ETV1, ETV5, ERG, and ETV6 were the most abundant in the early embryonic heart. We found that ETS1, FLI1, and ERG were strongly expressed in the heart at embryonic day 8.5 and that ETS1 and ERG bound to the endogenous Gata4 enhancer in cultured endothelial cells. Thus, these studies define the ETS expression profile in the early embryonic heart and identify an ETS-dependent enhancer from the Gata4 locus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We prepared Pd/boron doped amorphous carbon film/n-Si (Pd/B:a-C/n-Si) structure using direct current magnetron sputtering method. Capacitance–frequency curves of the as-prepared structure were investigated in air and hydrogen (H2) at room temperature (RT). It is found that the Pd/B:a-C/n-Si structure exhibits excellent H2 sensing properties such as high response (∼15%) and fast response time (∼170s) and recovery time (∼325s) for 100ppm H2 in air at RT. The influence of n-Si resistivity and deposition temperature was also investigated. The sensing mechanism of the Pd/B:a-C/n-Si structure has also been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To examine the relationship between selected developmental assets and health-promoting behaviours of adolescents. Developmental assets can be considered as potential health assets for adolescents. Understanding the relationship between developmental assets and health-promoting behaviours among adolescents could provide nurses with a new approach to design intervention programmes for adolescent health-promoting behaviours. A cross-sectional study design. Anonymous questionnaires were administered to 453 adolescents aged between 13-16 years. Canonical correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between selected developmental assets and health-promoting behaviours. Canonical correlation analysis indicated two significantly meaningful variate pairs between selected developmental assets and health-promoting behaviour sets. The first pair variate accounted for 51·3% of the total variance, which showed that adolescents who had better self-esteem, future aspirations, responsible choices, family communication, non-parental adult role models, peer role models and community involvement had better behaviours of life appreciation, health responsibility, social support, stress management, nutrition and exercise. The second pair variate accounted for 9·6% of the total variance, which showed that adolescents who had better responsible choices had better stress management behaviours. Developmental assets are important to adolescents' health-promoting behaviours. Interventions focusing on strengthening developmental assets can potentially provide an innovative approach for nurses to improve health-promoting behaviours of adolescents. Strengthening developmental assets can potentially improve the health-promoting behaviours of adolescents. Individual and sociopolitical domains should be incorporated into programmes for enhancement of developmental assets. School nurses can cooperate with family and community and provide environments improving adolescents' developmental assets. Nurses should actively engage in developmental asset programmes for adolescents. The tools for measuring developmental assets modified and developed in this study were valid and reliable. They can be used for further examination of the developmental assets for adolescents in various subset populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]