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• A novel dual-nanoprecipitation of intragranular "B2+κ′-carbides" strengthened austenitic lightweight steel is designed by coupling the pre-cold rolling and two-step aging process. • Typical K-S and N-W orientation relationships between the austenite matrix and intragranular B2 particles are confirmed. • Pre-cold rolling process effectively promotes the heterogeneous nucleation of B2 particles by introducing dislocations. • The balance of strength-ductility is enhanced via the nanoscale "planar slip and dislocation bow-out" multiple deformation mechanisms. Strength-ductility trade-off is usually an inevitable scenario in κ′-carbides strengthened austenitic lightweight steel. The reduction of ductility is primarily attributed to the shearing of coherent κ′-carbides by dislocations, resulting in strain localization and ultimately leading to a low work hardening rate. Semi-coherent B2 particles, on the other hand, effectively enhance the work hardening capability due to the non-shearable feature. However, achieving a large volume fraction and uniform distribution of B2 particles within the austenite matrix, as well as optimizing their morphology as fine particles, remains a challenge for austenitic lightweight steel. In this study, we have addressed the above challenges by implementing the two-step aging process combined with pre-cold rolling process. The pre-cold rolling treatment, performed prior to the initial aging treatment at 900 °C, effectively promotes the heterogeneous nucleation of B2 particles by introducing dislocations, resulting in a more uniform distribution of B2 particles and a refinement in size (with an average length of 200–500 nm and a width of 50–80 nm). Furthermore, these intragranular B2 particles exhibit the typical K-S and N-W orientation relationships with the austenite matrix. Subsequently, after the second-step aging process at 450 °C, spherical nano-sized κ′-carbides (5 nm) are homogeneously dispersed within the austenite matrix. The above dual nanoparticles provide an approximate precipitation hardening effect of 400 MPa. Concurrently, the nanoscale "planar slip and dislocation bow-out" multiple deformation mechanisms contribute to an efficient source of work hardening capability, leading to a beneficial synergy of strength-ductility. This promising strategy is expected to expand the applications of dual-nanoprecipitation austenitic low-density steel in various lightweight structural materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• The detailed precipitation sequence of κ′-carbides and B2 particles in Fe–28Mn–11Al–1C–5Ni (wt%) austenite low-density steel at different isothermal aging temperatures was investigated. • The enrichment of ni element at the phase boundaries among the austenite matrix and κ′-carbides is in favor of the B2 subsequent precipitates. • The homogenously distributed B2 nanoparticles within austenite lead to a significant improvement in the work hardening rate. Precipitation strengthening has been widely adopted in austenitic low-density steel owing to excellent hardened effects. This approach generally employs the coherent κ′-carbides and non-coherent B2 particles. Revealing the precipitation transformation pathway is decisive for further optimizing the microstructures under specific engineering applications. Herein, the detailed precipitation sequence of Fe–28Mn–11Al–1C–5Ni (wt%) austenitic low-density steel as well as its influence on mechanical properties during aging process is systematically investigated. Our results reveal that nano-sized κ′-carbides domains (2 nm) exist in the solution-treated specimen. During aging at 500 °C for 1 h, the cuboidal κ′-carbides (15–20 nm) uniformly disperse in austenite matrix. However, after aging at 700 °C for 15 min, the coarsen κ′-carbides (30–35 nm) inhomogeneously distribute and align preferentially along the 〈1 0 0〉 directions. Further, extending the aging time to 60 min, the needle-type B2 particles replace the κ′-carbides due to the enrichment of Ni elements at the phase boundaries among the austenite and κ′-carbides. After aging at 900 °C, κ′-carbides entirely dissolve into the austenite matrix, and the intragranular B2 particles are the sole precipitates in the austenite matrix and follow the K-S orientation relationship with austenite. The work hardening capability seriously deteriorates due to the shearing of κ′-carbides by gliding dislocations. While the intragranular B2 particles preserve excellent work hardening rate by dislocations bow-out mechanism. The present work is meaningful for guiding the design of new generation dual-nano precipitation austenitic lightweight steel. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsUnicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has a higher risk of revision than total knee arthroplasty (TKA), particularly for younger patients. The outcome of knee arthroplasty is typically defined as implant survival or revision incidence after a defined number of years. This can be difficult for patients to conceptualize. We aimed to calculate the ‘lifetime risk’ of revision for UKA as a more meaningful estimate of risk projection over a patient’s remaining lifetime, and to compare this to TKA.MethodsIncidence of revision and mortality for all primary UKAs performed from 1999 to 2019 (n = 13,481) was obtained from the New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR). Lifetime risk of revision was calculated for patients and stratified by age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade.ResultsThe lifetime risk of revision was highest in the youngest age group (46 to 50 years; 40.4%) and decreased sequentially to the oldest (86 to 90 years; 3.7%). Across all age groups, lifetime risk of revision was higher for females (ranging from 4.3% to 43.4% vs males 2.9% to 37.4%) and patients with a higher ASA grade (ASA 3 to 4, ranging from 8.8% to 41.2% vs ASA 1 1.8% to 29.8%). The lifetime risk of revision for UKA was double that of TKA across all age groups (ranging from 3.7% to 40.4% for UKA, and 1.6% to 22.4% for TKA). The higher risk of revision in younger patients was associated with aseptic loosening in both sexes and pain in females. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) accounted for 4% of all UKA revisions, in contrast with 27% for TKA; the risk of PJI was higher for males than females for both procedures.ConclusionLifetime risk of revision may be a more meaningful measure of arthroplasty outcomes than implant survival at defined time periods. This study highlights the higher lifetime risk of UKA revision for younger patients, females, and those with a higher ASA grade, which can aid with patient counselling prior to UKA.Cite this article: Bone Joint J2022;104-B(6):672–679.

Many healthcare goods, such as surgical instruments, textiles and gloves, are manufactured in unregulated factories and sweatshops where, amongst other labour rights violations, workers are subject to considerable occupational health risks. In this paper we undertake an ethical analysis of the supply of sweatshop-produced surgical goods to healthcare providers, with a specific focus on the National Health Service of the United Kingdom. We contend that while labour abuses and occupational health deficiencies are morally unacceptable in the production of any commodity, an additional wrong is incurred when the health of certain populations is secured in ways that endanger the health and well-being of people working and living elsewhere. While some measures have been taken to better regulate the supply chain to healthcare providers in the UK, further action is needed to ensure that surgical goods are sourced from suppliers who protect the labour and occupational health rights of their workers.

Introduction Retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) is a rare malignancy, and curative resection is considered the main therapy. Use of chemotherapy and/or radiation in addition to surgery (multimodality therapy) is controversial.Objective To determine treatment factors that influence overall survival in RPS.Methods This retrospective Institutional Review Board-approved study identified patients with RPS treated at a single institution between 2000 and 2017. Patient, tumor, and treatment modalities were collected. Prism (v.8.2.1) was used to calculate Kaplan-Meier survival curves.Results There were 695 patients with sarcoma between 2000 and 2017, and 61 adults had RPS. The mean age was 59 (range 31-86) years, with 57.4% females (n = 35). Patients were 68.9% Caucasian (n = 42), 21.3% Hispanic (n = 13), 8.2% black (n = 5), and 1.6% Asian (n = 1). There were 4 patients who had neoadjuvant therapy (chemotherapy, n = 3; radiation, n = 2) and 17 who had adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy, n = 6; radiation, n = 14). There was no significant difference in survival between the groups who received multimodality therapy compared to surgery alone. There was a significant improvement in the median overall survival for patients who underwent one or multiple surgeries (P< .05).Conclusions These institutional data suggest that treatment factors associated with overall survival included multiple resections. Use of multimodality therapy was low and did not influence overall survival in patients with RPS compared to surgery alone.

To study the ultrasound guiding by methylenum coeruleum thoracic paravertebral block analgesia effect and promote healing of herpes zoster.

Background: Orthosiphon stamineus is a traditional medicinal plant in Southeast Asia countries with various well-known pharmacological activities such as antidiabetic, diuretics and antitumor activities. Transketolase is one of the proteins identified in the leaves of the plant and transketolase is believed able to lower blood sugar level in human through non-pancreatic mechanism. In order to understand the protein behavioral properties, 3D model of transketolase and analysis of protein structure are of obvious interest. Methods: In the present study, 3D model of transketolase was constructed and its atomic characteristics revealed. Besides, molecular dynamic simulation of the protein at 310 K and 368 K deciphered transketolase may be a thermophilic protein as the structure does not distort even at elevated temperature. This study also used the protein at 310 K and 368 K resimulated back at 310 K environment. Results: The results revealed that the protein is stable at all condition which suggest that it has high capacity to adapt at different environment not only at high temperature but also from high temperature condition to low temperature where the structure remains unchanged while retaining protein function. Conclusion: The thermostability properties of transketolase is beneficial for pharmaceutical industries as most of the drug making processes are at high temperature condition.

Novel ɑ-Sr2V2O7: Sm3+phosphors with color-tunable performance were prepared in this work. The crystal structure, photoluminescence properties, and potential applications were introduced. The efficiency of the energy transfer from the [VO4]3-tetrahedral to Sm3+was 22.67% at a low doping content of Sm3+(9 mol%), driven by the dipole-dipole interaction. Interestingly, the ɑ-Sr2V2O7: Sm3+phosphors emitted a full-spectrum (400–800 nm) emission, and the corresponding chromaticity coordinates were located in a near-warm light region. In the potential applications, the warm-white lighting-emitting diode (warm-WLED) based on ɑ-Sr2V2O7: 0.03Sm3+phosphor was fabricated and further exhibited high-quality performances with the beneficial color rendering index (CRI = 78.67) and low correlated color temperature (CCT = 2257 K) for indoor illumination. Moreover, the low-temperature (38–298 K) optical thermometry performance was also analyzed with the help of Struck and Fonger's theory. Remarkably, the relative sensitivity has an outstanding value of 3.12% K−1at 98 K. All the above results evidence that the full-spectrum ɑ-Sr2V2O7: Sm3+phosphors are expected to apply in full-spectrum warm-WLED devices and low-temperature luminescence lifetime thermometry.

ABSTRACTThe effects of a homogenisation treatment on precipitation, recrystallisation, grain refinement and texture in an Al–1.2Mn alloy were investigated. Based on hardness and electrical conductivity measurements, a precipitation–recrystallisation diagram was generated, which described the sequence of recrystallisation and precipitation. The results showed that recrystallisation was significantly retarded during the annealing treatment for the cold-rolled alloys with a supersaturated solid solution or with dense pre-existing dispersoids. If precipitation occurred prior to recrystallisation, the precipitates caused a strong resistance to recrystallisation, resulting in a coarse and elongated grain structure with a dominant normal direction-rotated cube texture. In contrast, when recrystallisation was completed before precipitation, recrystallisation was little affected by the precipitates, leading to a fine-grained structure with a weak cube texture.

The effects of a homogenisation treatment on precipitation, recrystallisation, grain refinement and texture in an Al–1.2Mn alloy were investigated. Based on hardness and electrical conductivity measurements, a precipitation–recrystallisation diagram was generated, which described the sequence of recrystallisation and precipitation. The results showed that recrystallisation was significantly retarded during the annealing treatment for the cold-rolled alloys with a supersaturated solid solution or with dense pre-existing dispersoids. If precipitation occurred prior to recrystallisation, the precipitates caused a strong resistance to recrystallisation, resulting in a coarse and elongated grain structure with a dominant normal direction-rotated cube texture. In contrast, when recrystallisation was completed before precipitation, recrystallisation was little affected by the precipitates, leading to a fine-grained structure with a weak cube texture.

ABSTRACTPotassium (K) fertilization and antioxidant enzymes both positively influence plant growth and development. However, it is not known whether K treatment improves fruit development via increasing soluble sugar. In this study, K-treated apple (Malus domesticaBorkh.) fruit was harvested from 60 to 150 days after full bloom and was analyzed for ROS production and trehalose metabolism. The results show that K fertilization improved fruit firmness, increased growth according to several parameters, increased soluble sugar content, and decreased ROS production. The ascorbate metabolic pathway more effectively reduced ROS production than catalase and peroxidase (POD) did under K treatment. Trehalose-treated fruit also showed higher activity of ascorbate-related enzymes (DHAR, GR, and APX) compared with non-treated fruit. The changes of antioxidant enzyme activity in trehalose-treated fruit corresponded to those in K-treated fruit. Moreover, trehalase (TREH) activity in fruit was notably reduced by K treatment. This demonstrates that K influences ROS production via regulating trehalose content and TREH activity in fruit. This study provides new insight into the K mechanism which improves fruit development, including fruit firmness and size.

Many schizophrenia susceptibility loci have been identified through genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in European populations. However, until recently, schizophrenia GWASs in non-European populations were limited to small sample sizes and have yielded few loci associated with schizophrenia. To identify genetic risk variations for schizophrenia in the Han Chinese population, we performed a two-stage GWAS of schizophrenia comprising 4384 cases and 5770 controls, followed by independent replications of 13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in an additional 4339 schizophrenia cases and 7043 controls of Han Chinese ancestry. Furthermore, we conducted additional analyses based on the results in the discovery stage. The combined analysis confirmed evidence of genome-wide significant associations in the Han Chinese population for three loci, at 2p16.1 (rs1051061, in an exon of VRK2, P=1.14 × 10−12, odds ratio (OR)=1.17), 6p22.1 (rs115070292 in an intron of GABBR1, P=4.96 × 10−10, OR=0.77) and 10q24.32 (rs10883795 in an intron of AS3MT, P=7.94 × 10−10, OR=0.87; rs10883765 at an intron of ARL3, P=3.06 × 10−9, OR=0.87). The polygenic risk score based on Psychiatric Genomics Consortium schizophrenia GWAS data modestly predicted case–control status in the Chinese population (Nagelkerke R2: 1.7% ~5.7%). Our pathway analysis suggested that neurological biological pathways such as GABAergic signaling, dopaminergic signaling, cell adhesion molecules and myelination pathways are involved in schizophrenia. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of schizophrenia in the Han Chinese population. Further studies are needed to establish the biological context and potential clinical utility of these findings.

Nanocrystalline silicon thin films were successfully prepared via a magnesiothermic reduction process. The initial magnesium content was restricted by the thickness of the film deposited on a quartz glass substrate by magnetron sputtering. After the magnesiothermic reduction process, the Raman spectroscopy results revealed a strong correlation between the thickness of the nanocrystalline thin films and the initial magnesium content. The thickness of the nanocrystalline thin films first increased to a maximum and then decreased as the initial magnesium content was further increased. Based on the solid-state reaction between Mg and SiO2, the mechanism behind this phenomenon is explained. In addition, the Raman spectroscopy results showed that the average grain size was almost constant and the crystalline volume fraction was found to be proportional to the silicon content. The band gap of the nanocrystalline silicon thin film was estimated to be 2.94 eV.

Nanocrystalline silicon thin films were successfully prepared via a magnesiothermic reduction process. The initial magnesium content was restricted by the thickness of the film deposited on a quartz glass substrate by magnetron sputtering. After the magnesiothermic reduction process, the Raman spectroscopy results revealed a strong correlation between the thickness of the nanocrystalline thin films and the initial magnesium content. The thickness of the nanocrystalline thin films first increased to a maximum and then decreased as the initial magnesium content was further increased. Based on the solid-state reaction between Mg and SiO2, the mechanism behind this phenomenon is explained. In addition, the Raman spectroscopy results showed that the average grain size was almost constant and the crystalline volume fraction was found to be proportional to the silicon content. The band gap of the nanocrystalline silicon thin film was estimated to be 2.94 eV.

The kidney-brain interaction has been a topic of growing interest. Past studies of the effect of kidney function on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcomes have yielded inconsistent findings. Although the second, main phase of the Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial (INTERACT2) suggests the effectiveness of early intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering in improving functional recovery after ICH, the balance of potential benefits and harms of this treatment in those with decreased kidney function remains uncertain.

To determine if delaying initiation of exogenous gonadotropin administration after pituitary desensitization with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) is a realistic option to avoid scheduling clinical and laboratory work on weekends/holidays.

NKT cells undergo a phase of IL‐4 secretion as they mature, with the potential to condition surrounding cells as they develop in the thymus. We assessed the production of the canonical Th2 cytokine IL‐4 by NKT cells directly in vivo using IL‐4‐substituting strains of reporter mice that provide faithful and sensitive readouts of cytokine production without the confounding effects of in vitro stimulation. Analysis in naïve animals revealed an “innate” phase of IL‐4 secretion that did not need to be triggered by administration of a known NKT cell ligand. This secretion was by immature NKT cells spanning Stage 1 of the maturation process in the thymus (CD4+CD44loNK1.1−cells) and Stage 2 (CD4+CD44hiNK1.1−cells) in the spleen. Like ligand‐induced IL‐4 production by mature cells, this innate activity was independent of an initial source of IL‐4 protein and did not require STAT6 signaling. A more sustained level of innate IL‐4 production was observed in animals on a BALB/c background compared with a C57BL/6 background, suggesting a level of genetic regulation that may contribute to the “Th2‐prone” phenotype in BALB/c animals. These observations indicate a regulated pattern of IL‐4 expression by maturing NKT cells, which may endow these cells with a capacity to influence the development of surrounding cells in the thymus.

ABSTRACTThe long juvenile phase in woody plants is a serious constraint for traditional or transgenic breeding practices. TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) delayed flowering and regulated plant growth through the maintenance of indeterminacy of the shoot apex. To reveal the regulatory mechanism of TFL homolog in poncirus trifoliata L. Raf mutant (PtTFL), a 5'upstream promoter fragment (1 287 bp) was isolated and PtTFL: GUS was constructed and introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana. The result indicated that PtTFL promoter expression showed shoot meristem identity and the activity was positively related with juvenile Arabidopsis before and during plant differentiation phase. Exogenous gibberellins had a complex regulation on the promoter activity. Abscisic acid decreased the promoter activity to 75%, and an ABRE negative regulator “ttaggACGTcagtg” was identified. The behavior of PtTFL promoter activity in short day indicated its correlation with plant development growth. These results may potentially provide a shoot meristem identity promoter in certain developmental stage for genetic engineering.

Intrahollow calcium alginate microcapsules were prepared with sodium alginate (SA) of different concentrations. Using a well-mixed and temperature-controlled vessel, the diffusivities of glucose, lactose, tyrosine, glutamic acid, lysine, and phenylalanine from bulk solution into the microcapsules were investigated and the diffusion coefficients were also calculated. The results indicate that all these substrates tested can diffuse easily through the microcapsule. The combined diffusion coefficients (Dm) are 2%−12% smaller than the diffusion coefficients in pure water while the diffusion coefficients in the microcapsule membrane (D1) are 50%−94% smaller than those. In all cases, the diffusion coefficients are hardly affected by SA concentrations ranging from 8 g·L^-1 to12 g·L^-1 used in preparing the microcapsules.

Most patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have hyperinsulinemia; thus it has been postulated that insulin-lowering drugs, such as metformin, might be a useful long-term choice. We evaluated the effects of 6 months' administration of metformin on clinical and endocrine indices in PCOS patients. Forty-two hyperinsulinemic women with PCOS were countinuously treated with metformin for 6 months. Gonadotropins, androgens (testosterone and androstenedione), insulin, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), lipid profile and clinical indices (menstrual length, body mass index (BMI), Ferriman-Gallwey score and waist/hip ratio (WHR)) were studied before and after metformin treatment. All women experienced a normalization of menstrual cycle length (reduction rate, 36.9%), a significant decrease in luteinizing hormone, insulin and androgen levels and an increase in SHBG plasma concentrations, with a concomitant decrease in cycle length and WHR. Significant changes were observed in the lipid profile. According to baseline androgen levels, patients were divided into two groups: 20 normoandrogenic and 17 hyperandrogenic women. The greatest decline of androgens, BMI and Ferriman-Gallwey score was observed in hyperandrogenic patients. Lowering of androgenicity was independent of BMI. Significant changes in lipid profile were observed in both groups after metformin treatment. These results suggest that metformin is effective in decreasing hyperandrogenism, mainly by reducing insulin levels. This leads to an improvement of clinical manifestations of PCOS and, in particular, of hyperandrogenism.

We reported previously that nerve growth factor (NGF) up-regulates activity of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NR1) promoter. We have explored the pathways and nuclear targets of NGF signaling in regulating the NR1 promoter. PD98059 and wortmannin, but not rapamycin, significantly attenuated NGF-induced transcriptional activity from an NR1 promoter-luciferase construct. Coexpressing constitutively active forms of Ras, Raf, or MAPK/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1) increased promoter activity dramatically. The MEK1-induced increase was largely prevented by mutations of the tandem GC boxes in the promoter. Promoter activity was also increased significantly by coexpressed GC box-binding proteins (Sp1, 3, or 4) in nonstimulated PC12 cells. Either an extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK1)- or Sp1-specific antibody coprecipitated Sp1 with ERKs, and the coprecipitation was enhanced significantly by NGF treatment of PC12 cells. ERK2 also incorporated radioactivity of [gamma(32)P]ATP into recombinant Sp1. However, ERK2-treated Sp1 and PC12 nuclear extracts or nuclear extracts from NGF-treated cells exhibited reduced binding to the promoter or a consensus GC box. Our results suggest that NGF utilizes both the Ras/ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways to up-regulate NR1 promoter activity and that Sp1 is a novel substrate of NGF-activated ERKs. NGF-increased NR1 promoter activity may involve a complicated mechanism of Sp1 phosphorylation and possible transcription factor exchange.

Grb2-associated binder-1 (Gab1) is a multisite docking protein containing a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, multiple potential tyrosine phosphorylation sites, and several proline-rich sequences. Gab1 becomes tyrosine-phosphorylated in cells stimulated with growth factors, cytokines, and ligands for G protein-coupled receptors. A major Gab1-binding protein detected in cells treated with extracellular stimuli is the tyrosine phosphatase, SHP2. Although the role of SHP2-Gab1 interaction in cell signaling has not yet been characterized, SHP2 is known to mediate mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation induced by the epidermal growth factor (EGF). However, the mechanism by which the SHP2 phosphatase exerts a positive signaling role remains obscure. In this study, we prepared Gab1 mutants lacking the SHP2 binding site (Gab1Y627F), the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) binding sites (Gab1DeltaPI3K), and the PH domain (Gab1DeltaPH). Expression of Gab1Y627F blocked the extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 (ERK2) activation by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and EGF. Conversely, expression of the wild-type Gab1 in HEK293 cells augmented the LPA receptor Edg2-mediated ERK2 activation. Whereas the PH domain was required for Gab1 mediation of ERK2 activation by LPA, it was not essential for EGF-induced ERK2 activation. Expression of Gab1DeltaPI3K had no apparent effect on ERK2 activation by LPA and EGF in the cells that we have examined. These results establish a role for Gab1 in the LPA-induced MAP kinase pathway and clearly demonstrate that Gab1-SHP2 interaction is essential for ERK2 activation by LPA and EGF. These findings also suggest that the positive role of SHP2 in the MAP kinase pathway depends on its interaction with Gab1.

Therapeutic approaches to chronic anovulation from polycystic ovaries in clomiphene-resistant infertile patients are under debate. This study discusses evidence that supports the possible predictive value of serum basal level of androstenedione in the choice of the better therapy between laparoscopic ovarian electrocautery and ovulation induction. Lower androstenedione levels seem to be correlated with a better ovarian response after ovulation induction with gonadotropins, while high androstenedione levels are associated with a higher incidence of conception after laparoscopic ovarian electrocautery. Obesity does not seem to represent a hindrance to laparoscopic treatment.