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Amorphous magnesium alloys, characterised by their unique disordered structure, exhibit exceptional mechanical properties and superior corrosion resistance. This study introduced a novel biodegradable Mg-Zn-Ca amorphous alloy. Immersion and electrochemical tests revealed uniform degradation in a simulated body fluid environment. The degradation products predominantly contained zinc and oxygen. After 28 days of immersion, the alloy's structure largely remained intact, and it exhibited a minimal weight loss rate of 11.64 ± 1.85%, indicating its excellent corrosion resistance. In addition, the homogeneous and rapid degradation of the Mg-Zn-Ca amorphous alloy in rats (the residual volume at 12 weeks was 14.94 ± 5.05%, at least 2–3 times of the corrosion rate of immersion in vitro), thus increasing the bone volume/total volume and trabecular number. The new bone and the residual material surface showed good bone integration. Blood and organ tissue tests confirmed the in vivo biological safety. Therefore, Mg-Zn-Ca amorphous alloys have excellent potential as bone-repair materials, especially in load-bearing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we add SE block to DenseNet, replace max-pooling with average pooling in the third transition layer, and we compare LeakyReLU, ELU, PReLU with ReLU. • Squeeze and Excitation (SE) attention mechanism is added to DenseNet. • Max-pooling and average pooling are mixed using. • PReLU is the activation function rather than the original ReLU. The structural complexity and uneven gray distribution of pneumonia images seriously affect the accuracy of pneumonia classification. As DenseNet has the characteristic of continuously transmitting the learned features of each layer backwards, which makes DenseNet not only reduce the model parameters, but also makes the local features learn better. Therefore, this paper proposes a method based on DenseNet to classify pneumonia. This method adds a feature channel attention block Squeeze and Excitation (SE) to DenseNet to highlight pneumonia information in feature maps, replaces the average pooling of the third transition layer in DenseNet with max-pooling to further focus on the lesion region, and by comparing several activation functions, we choose PReLU to avoid neuron death in the process of model training ultimately. Moreover, we preprocess the chest X-ray2017 dataset with data augmentation and normalization. The experimental results show that compared with DenseNet, our model's Accuracy, Precision, Recall and F1-score are improved by 2.4%, 2.0%, 1.8%, 1.8%, respectively, which can reach 92.8%, 92.6%, 96.2%, 94.3%. In this paper, we propose an attention-based DenseNet method for pneumonia classification, which make it pay more attention to the pneumonia areas to improve the classification performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Robot-assisted prostatectomy is commonly performed for the management of prostate cancer. The literature has noted that prostate cancer patients are often prone to increased risk for thromboembolic complications. Normally, such situations call for long-term anticoagulant/ antiplatelet therapy. However, the administration of these drugs is usually contraindicated prior to surgical intervention to limit intra- and post-operative hemorrhagic complications. Despite some recent evidence that continued administration of anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs does not impact intra- and post-operative outcomes, no consensus in the literature exists concerning the influence of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drug administration on intra- and post-operative outcomes for robot-assisted prostatectomy. Our aim is to evaluate the influence of perioperative administration of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs in patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy in terms of bleeding complication incidence, blood transfusion rate, blood loss, and hospital stay duration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The academic literature was systematically searched according to the PRISMA guidelines across five databases (Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and MEDLINE). Through this, we conducted a random- effect meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of perioperative administration of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs in patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy in terms of bleeding complication incidence, blood transfusion rate, blood loss, and hospital stay duration. RESULTS: From 993 studies, eight eligible studies containing 2516 patients (mean age: 65.7± 3.6 years) were selected for inclusion. Meta- analysis revealed a higher bleeding complication prevalence for patients receiving anticoagulants (event rate: 10.6%) compared to those receiving antiplatelets (3.4%). We also noted longer hospital stay durations for anticoagulant group patients (Hedge’s g: -0.30) compared to antiplatelet group counterparts (g: -0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The s tudy p rovides p reliminary evidence that anticoagulant drug administration results in higher bleeding complication incidence and longer hospital stay durations in patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy relative to antiplatelet drug administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the biological function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG3 in the deterioration of colorectal cancer (CRC) by regulating the miR-370-5p/EZH1 axis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: SNHG3 levels in fifty pairs of CRC and non-tumor tissues were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Its correlation to tumor staging, lymph node metastasis and prognosis of CRC was analyzed. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were conducted to assess the influence of SNHG3 on CRC cell proliferation in vitro. In addition, invasive ability of CRC cells transfected with si-SNHG3 was explored by transwell assay. The binding and regulatory relations in the SNHG3/miR-370-5p/EZH1 axis were ascertained by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: SNHG3 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Its high level was correlated to advanced tumor staging, positive lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of CRC. Knockdown of SNHG3 reduced proliferative and invasive rates of SW480 and HT29 cells. The SNHG3/miR-370-5p/EZH1 axis was ascertained. In addition, knockdown of miR-370-5p enhanced proliferative and invasive rates of SW480 and HT29 cells. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA SNHG3 induces proliferative and invasive potentials of CRC by regulating the miR-370-5p/EZH1 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to summarize diagnostic points and treatment strategies for diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumours (D-TSGCTs) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to evaluate the expression of proteins related to bone destruction and recurrence. The clinical and histopathological characteristics of 24 cases were analysed retrospectively. TRAP staining and immunohistochemical staining for MMP-9, MMP-13, and Ki-67 were performed. The median age of the patients was 45.5 years; the female to male ratio was 1.7:1. In 11 cases (45.8%), skull base destruction seen on computed tomography was confirmed by surgery. Computer-assisted navigation was performed in six cases. Four patients received adjuvant radiotherapy after first surgery. Five patients had recurrent lesions. Multinucleated giant cells were positive for TRAP, MMP-9, and MMP-13. The average Ki-67 index of the recurrent cases was significantly higher than that of the non-recurrent ones (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates the aggressive and recurrent nature of D-TSGCT occurring in the TMJ. Computer-assisted navigation is helpful to protect vital structures and determine margins. Adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy is recommended for local control of residual or recurrent tumour. In conclusion, MMP-9 and MMP-13 may play a role in bone destruction of D-TSGCT, and the Ki-67 index has predictive significance for recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression characteristics of lncRNA CRNDE in Wilms' tumor and to further investigate whether it could promote the development of Wilms' tumor via regulating microRNA- 424. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to examine the expression level of CRNDE in tumor tissues and para-cancerous tissues of patients with Wilms' tumor. Meanwhile, the expression of CRNDE in Wilms' tumor cell lines was analyzed as well. CRNDE overexpression and knockdown models were constructed using lentivirus transfection in HFWT and 17-94 cell lines, respectively. Subsequently, cell counting kit-8 (CCK- 8), cell colony formation, and transwell assays were performed to explore the influence of CRNDE on the biological functions of Wilms' tumor cells. Furthermore, luciferase reporter gene assay and cell reversal experiment were applied to explore the interplay between CRNDE and microRNA-424. RESULTS: RT-qPCR results revealed that the expression level of lncRNA CRNDE in tumor tissues of patients with Wilms' tumor was remarkably higher than that of adjacent normal tissues. Also, the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Compared with patients with low expression of CRNDE, the risk of lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in patients with high CRNDE expression (p<0.05). Similarly, compared with control group, the proliferation and metastasis abilities of cells in CRNDE knockdown group were remarkably down-regulated (p<0.05). However, opposite results were observed in CRNDE overexpression group. In addition, our results demonstrated that microRNA-424 expression was negatively correlated with CRNDE expression in Wilms' tumor tissues. Luciferase reporter gene assay indicated that CRNDE could be targeted by microRNA-424 through specific a binding site, further regulating the malignant progression of Wilms' tumor. CONCLUSIONS: CRNDE was highly expressed in Wilms' tumor tissue and cell lines. The expression of CRNDE was correlated with the incidence rate of lymph node metastasis in patients with Wilms' tumor. In addition, CRNDE might accelerate the progression of Wilms' tumor via modulating microRNA-424. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of butorphanol on brain tissue injury in rats with sepsis through the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control group (n=20), sepsis model group [cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) group, n=20], and butorphanol treatment group (n=20). After successful modeling, the blood and brain tissues were collected from rats at 24 h. The content of serum brain injury indexes was detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining assay and enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were separately carried out to observe the pathological changes and measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The neurological function was scored in rats. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100, and NF-κB signaling pathway genes and proteins in brain tissues were detected via quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRTPCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS: CLP group showed remarkably increased levels of serum glucosuria (GLU), creatinine (CR), and Na+ but an evidently reduced level of K+ in comparison with the control group (p<0.05), while the treatment group displayed contrary trends. Histopathological observations showed that the rats in the CLP group suffered a brain injury, while those in the treatment group had mild pathological changes. The MPO in the CLP group was significantly increased compared with that in the control group (p<0.05). The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were overtly higher in the CLP group than those in the control group, and these indexes in the treatment group were close to those in the control group. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of S100, GFAP, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and NF-κB in CLP group were evidently higher than those in the control group and treatment group (p<0.05). The results of Western blotting revealed that the protein expression of NF-κB was significantly higher in CLP group than that in the control group, and it declined in the treatment group, which was close to that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Butorphanol can reduce the content of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 through the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby relieving the brain injury caused by sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the regulatory role of PLZF in the malignant phenotype of non-APL acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression level of PLZF in AML cell lines KG-1a, HL- 60, OCI-AML3, THP-1 and K562 was detected by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. Subsequently, THP-1 cells were divided into mock group (no treatment), scramble group (transfection with scramble shRNA) and shPLZF group (transfection with shPLZF). THP-1 cell line stably expressing shPLZF was constructed, followed by determination of its transfection efficiency by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. The proliferation and colony formation of THP-1 cells were accessed using CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8) assay and colony formation assay, respectively. The apoptotic rate in THP-1 cells was determined using flow cytometry. Protein levels of apoptosis-related genes in THP-1 cells were detected by Western blot. Finally, protein levels of AKT, Foxo3a, pAKT and pFoxo3a were detected by Western blot as well. RESULTS: Both mRNA and protein levels of PLZF were relatively high in THP-1 cells, and were selected for the following experiments. After construction of THP-1 cell line stably expressing shPLZF, proliferative rate and colony formation abilities increased in the shPLZF group compared with the mock group and the scramble group. We found a decreased apoptotic rate, downregulated Bax and upregulated Bcl-2 in the shPLZF group than those of the mock group and scramble group. Phosphorylation levels of AKT and Foxo3a increased after interference with PLZF, whereas no significant changes in total levels of AKT and Foxo3a were observed. CONCLUSIONS: PLZF inhibits the malignant phenotype of AML by regulating the AKT/ Foxo3a pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: PTEN-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is widely involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and invasion. Resveratrol (Resv) is a natural botanical ingredient involved in several biological activities. It is still unclear in terms of whether Resv may exert anti-leukemia effects by regulating the PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway. This study investigated the effect of Resv on leukemia cell proliferation and apoptosis by regulating PTENPI3K/AKT pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Human normal peripheral blood PBMC cells, and human acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line NB-4 and HL-60 cells were cultured in vitro. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mRNA expression. Western blot was adopted to test PTEN protein expression. HL-60 and NB-4 cells were treated with 0, 5, 10, and 20 µM Resv, respectively. Cell proliferation was analyzed by cell counting kit8 (CCK-8) assay. The level of caspase-3 was measured by Western blot. HL-60 cells were divided into control group, 20 µM Resv treatment group, and Resv+PTEN inhibitor SF1670 group. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was assessed by EdU staining. RESULTS: Compared with peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), PTEN mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased in NB-4 and HL-60 cells. Resv significantly inhibited the proliferation activity in HL-60 and NB-4 cells, and increased the activity of caspase-3. Resv treatment up-regulated the expression of PTEN and reduced the expression of p-AKT protein in HL-60 cells. However, Resv treatment markedly suppressed the proliferation of HL-60 and induced apoptosis. SF1670 treatment in the presence of Resv significantly antagonized the down-regulation of p-AKT protein expression induced by Resv, resulting in decreased apoptosis and enhanced cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Resv can up-regulate PTEN expression and inhibit the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway to play an anti-leukemia effect through suppressing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Increasing studies reported that the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinases (SGKs) contributed to the tumorigenesis of various cancer. In this article, we are aiming to explore the function of SGK2 in renal cell cancer (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, the SGK2 expression was quantified by Western blot (WB) in multiple RCC cell lines. And in vitro SGK2 knockdown and overexpression experiments were also performed. In addition, molecular function analysis was performed using FunRich software V3. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was retrieved to verify the association between the SGK2 expression and the prognosis of RCC patients. RESULTS: We found that SGK2 was up-regulated in RCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, and the SGK2 expression also increased in various RCC cell lines compared to that in the normal epithelial cell line HK-2. Meanwhile, the SGK2 expression was significantly associated with the survival rate of RCC patients. Functional experiments showed that silencing SGK2 expression inhibited RCC cells proliferation, migration, colony formation and invasion abilities in vitro, whereas opposite results were uncovered after overexpressing SGK2 in RCC cells. Furthermore, functional analyses showed that SGK2 related genes were associated with protein serine/threonine kinase activity, guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity, guanyl-nucleotide exchange factor activity, and motor activity. Protein interaction analysis identified that growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), one of the most important upstream components in the growth factor signaling pathway, was significantly enriched in SGK2 related genes. In addition, the WB assay validated that SGK2 could promote the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and AKT. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that SGK2 promoted RCC progression by mediating the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2 and Protein kinase B (AKT/PKB), indicating that SGK2 might serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for renal cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FOXC2-AC1 is one of cancer-promoting genes. However, the role of FOXC2-AC1 in lung cancer (LCa) has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the expression characteristics of FOXC2-AC1 in LCa, and to further explore the mechanism by which it accelerates the metastasis of LCa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real- time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the level of FOXC2-AC1 in 62 pairs of LCa tissues and adjacent normal tissues, and the relationship between FOXC2-AC1 and LCa pathological parameters as well as the prognosis of patients were analyzed. Meanwhile, FOXC2-AC1 level was further verified in LCa cells by qRT-PCR. In addition, FOXC2-AC1 knockdown and overexpression models were constructed using lentivirus in LCa cell lines including H1299 and SPCA1, and the effect of FOXC2-AC1 on the biological function of LCa cells was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) test along with transwell invasion and migration assay. Finally, the potential mechanism was explored using Western blotting assay. RESULTS: In this study, qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression level of FOXC2-AC1 in LCa was considerably higher than that in normal tissues, with statistically significant differences. Compared with patients with low expression of FOXC2-AC1, patients with high expression of FOXC2-AC1 had higher incidence of distant metastasis and lower overall survival rate. Compared with the control group, the cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis capacities of FOXC2-AC1 overexpressing group were considerably enhanced, while opposite results were observed in the FOXC2-AC1 silencing group. In addition, miR-107 expression was found significantly reduced no matter in LCa cell lines or in tissues and showed a negative correlation with FOXC2-AC1. Subsequently, luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that overexpression of miR-107 significantly attenuated the luciferase activity of the wild-type FOXC2-AC1 vector without reducing the activity of the mutant vector or empty vector, further proving that FOXC2- AC1 could be targeted by miR-107 through this binding site. In addition, rescue experiment also found that FOXC2-AC1 and miR-107 have mutual regulation, which jointly affected the malignant progression of LCa. CONCLUSIONS: These studies indicate that LncRNA FOXC2-AC1 is notably upregulated in LCa and is significantly correlated with LCa distant metastasis as well as poor prognosis. Therefore, it is suggested that lncRNA FOXC2- AC1 may promote malignant progression of LCa through the mutual regulation of miR-107. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the function of microRNA-7-5p in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and its underlying potential mechanism in osteogenic differentiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression levels of osteogenic genes (ALP, RUNX2), microRNA-7-5p and CMKLR1 in hMSCs were detected by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). After transfection of microRNA-7-5p mimics or inhibitor, the effect of microRNA-7-5p on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs was detected by Alizarin red staining, ALP activity determination and Western blot, respectively. The potential target gene of microRNA-7-5p was predicted online and further verified by luciferase reporter gene assay. Rescue experiments were conducted to explore whether the effect of microRNA-7-5p on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs could be reversed by CMKLR1. RESULTS: Expression levels of ALP, RUNX2 and microRNA-7-5p were gradually elevated with the prolongation of osteogenic differentiation, whereas CMKLR1 was reduced. Overexpression of microRNA-7-5p increased levels of ALP and RUNX2. The amount of calcified nodules was increased after microRNA-7-5p overexpression. CMKLR1 was the target gene of microRNA-7-5p. The effect of microRNA-7-5p on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs could be reversed by CMKLR1. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-7-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs via targeting CMKLR1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compressible Eulerian numerical model is proposed to describe how liquid fuel injector nozzle geometries and operation strategies influence gas phase fuel distributions. The model resolves in-nozzle liquid compressibility and downstream gas phase mixing in a single domain. Flow physics are solved for using large eddy simulation and a Peng–Robinson equation of state. The model is applied to Sandia’s Spray A single hole diesel injector using several rail pressures and mesh resolutions. Comparisons to experiments demonstrate that inclusive needle-to-target simulations can capture many of the flow processes found in industrial fuel injectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the greatest challenges for the development of genetic therapies is the efficient targeted delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids. Towards this goal, we have introduced a new engineering initiative in self-assembly of biologically safe and stable nanovesicle complexes (∼90 to 140 nm) derived from giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) precursors and comprising plasmid DNA or siRNA and targeting peptide ligands. The biological performance of the engineered nanovesicle complexes were studied both in vitro and in vivo and compared with cationic liposome-based lipopolyplexes. Compared with cationic lipopolyplexes, nanovesicle complexes did not show advantages in transfection and cell uptake. However, nanovesicle complexes neither displayed significant cytotoxicity nor activated the complement system, which are advantageous for intravenous injection and tumour therapy. On intravenous administration into a neuroblastoma xenograft mouse model, nanovesicle complexes were found to distribute throughout the tumour interstitium, thus providing an alternative safer approach for future development of tumour-specific therapeutic nucleic acid interventions. On oropharyngeal instillation, nanovesicle complexes displayed better transfection efficiency than cationic lipopolyplexes. The technological advantages of nanovesicle complexes, originating from GUVs, over traditional cationic liposome-based lipopolyplexes are discussed. Statement of Significance The efficient targeted delivery of nucleic acids in vivo provides some of the greatest challenges to the development of genetic therapies. Giant unilamellar lipid vesicles (GUVs) have been used mainly as cell and tissue mimics and are instrumental in studying lipid bilayers and interactions. Here, the GUVs have been modified into smaller nanovesicles. We have then developed novel nanovesicle complexes comprising self-assembling mixtures of the nanovesicles, plasmid DNA or siRNA, and targeting peptide ligands. Their biophysical properties were studied and their transfection efficiency was investigated. They transfected cells efficiently without any associated cytotoxicity and with targeting specificity, and in vivo they resulted in very high and tumour-specific uptake and in addition, efficiently transfected the lung. The peptide-targeted nanovesicle complexes allow for the specific targeted enhancement of nucleic acid delivery with improved biosafety over liposomal formulations and represent a promising tool to improve our arsenal of safe, non-viral vectors to deliver therapeutic cargos in a variety of disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have demonstrated that the commonly used anesthetic ketamine can acutely increase apoptosis and have long-lasting detrimental effects on cognitive function as the animal matures. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) has been confirmed to have a cerebral protective role in animal models of brain damage. The aim of this study was to investigate whether RIPC can protect the developing brain from anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate the protective properties of RIPC, 60 new-born Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into four groups: ketamine (20 mg/kg was diluted in saline, six times at an interval of 2 hours); RIPC (left hind row ischemia 5 min, reperfusion 5 min, a total of four cycles); ketamine + RIPC: RIPC was induced at postnatal day 5 and rats underwent the same treatment with the ketamine group after 48 hours; and saline (group vehicle). Neuronal apoptosis in the frontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 region was measured 24 h after treatment using immunohistochemistry of cleaved caspase-3. Learning and memory abilities were tested at the age of 60 days by Morris water maze test. RESULTS: The percentage of cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining positive cells in the ketamine + RIPC group showed a more marked decline in neuronal apoptosis of the CA1 region than that in the ketamine group (p < 0.05) but not in the CA1 region (p > 0.05). The mice exposed to RIPC alone showed no difference from the saline-treated mice. Moreover, RIPC significantly reversed the learning and memory deficits observed at 60 days of age. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that RIPC treatment provides protection against ketamineinduced neuroapoptosis in the frontal cerebral cortex but not in the hippocampal CA1 region in developing rats and attenuates long-term behavioural deficits as the animals mature, suggesting a new possible strategy for neuroprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-sensing material is one of the most important components of smart construction. As a promising stress self-sensing material, carbon nanotube (CNT)/cement composite has been widely studied in the past decade. The stress self-sensing performance, which is reflected by the piezoresistivity of the CNT/cement composite, can be determined by several factors, such as CNT dispersion, water/binder ratio, or loading directions. Although these factors have been systematically investigated to demonstrate their effects on the self-sensing performance of CNT/cement composite, the variation of the percolation networks of CNT in the cement matrix, which is another important factor that determines the piezoresistivity of the CNT/cement composite, was barely discussed before. In this study, the variation of the CNT percolation network in cement matrix under compression loading was calculated based on the percolation theory; and the piezoresistivity of the CNT/cement composite below and above the percolation threshold was analyzed from the perspective of the effective percolation networks of CNT in the CNT/cement composite. Furthermore, the mechanism of the piezoresistivity variation was elucidated via calculating the percolation backbone density. This study not only gives a basic introduction to calculate the effective percolation networks of CNT in the cement matrix, but also shed light on how to obtain a CNT/cement composite with a stable stress self-sensing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium alloys are considered as good candidates for biomedical applications, the influence of Ce/La microalloying on the microstructure, mechanical property and corrosion performance of extruded Mg–5.3Zn – 0.6Ca (wt%) alloy has been investigated in the current study. After Ce/La addition, the conventional Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 phases are gradually replaced by new Mg–Zn–Ce/La–(Ca) phases (T 1 ′), which can effectively divide the Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 phase. The Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 /T 1 ′ structure in Mg–Zn–Ca–0.5Ce/La alloy is favorably broken into small particles during the extrusion, resulting in an obvious refinement of secondary phase. The dynamic recrystallized grain size is dramatically decreased after 0.5Ce/La addition, and the tensile yield strength is improved, while further addition reverses the effect, due to the grain coarsening. However, the corrosion resistance of extruded Mg–Zn–Ca alloy deteriorates after Ce/La addition, because the diameter of secondary phase particle is remarkably decreased, which increases the amount of cathodic sites and accelerates the galvanic corrosion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Krukenberg tumor with pregnancy is rare but it is a challenge for treatment and diagnosis. The authors report a case of a 29-week pregnant patient with a massive bilateral Krukenberg tumor which was misdiagnosed as myoma preoperatively and as ovarian stromal tumor intraoperatively. Prenatally the woman was asymptomatic except for preeclamptic symptoms, but red acne on the skin and elevated testosterone were observed. Pelvic ultrasound detected a heterogeneous solid mass mimicking a subserous myoma. The deterioration of preeclampsia prompted a cesarean section, but the neonate died nine days after he was born.A bilateral adnexal mass was found and considered as stromal tumor by frozen section because of luteinization of the stroma. The final pathology showed low differentiation adenocarcinoma of ovary, which was confirmed by gastric biopsies. The patient had undergone chemotherapy 16 times without surgical debulking and she was in generally well 1.5-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of equal channel angular pressing on the tension–compression yield asymmetry of extruded Mg–5.3 Zn–0.6 Ca (weight percent) alloy has been investigated. The microstructure was obviously refined by the large strain during the equal channel angular pressing, accompanied with very fine Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 phases with average diameter of 70 nm. The weak tension–compression yield asymmetry after equal channel angular pressing is mainly attributed to the reduced volume fraction of extension twinning during the compression, because the slope ( k ) of twinning in Hall–Petch relationship is higher than that of dislocation slip, and the twinning deformation is difficult to take place with decreasing grain size. The basal slip is more active in the alloy after equal channel angular pressing, due to the non-basal texture components, which hinders the twinning activation and reduces the yield asymmetry. Furthermore, the presence of fine precipitate restricts the twinning activation, which also contributes to the reduction of yield asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hemodynamic characteristics and biocompatibility of a new para-aortic counterpulsation device in animal experiment studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Para-aortic counterpulsation device (PACD), a monoport device, consists of a blood chamber anastomosed to the descending aorta by means of a valveless graft and an air chamber connected to IABP machine. Hemodynamic parameters during the PACD-assisted beats were compared with those during the unassist beats. Acute heart failure was induced in all animals, and the hemodynamic effects of PACD were then reassessed. RESULTS: We successfully induced heart failure in all cases, in conditions of which cardiac output (CO) and MAP decreased 17.6% and 27.7% respectively, and PCWP increased 57.7%. Hemodynamic indexes, cerebral and heart perfusion improved significantly after PACD assisting. PACD activation increased significantly CO and MAP 6.29% and 2.04% respectively. Both of SAP and DAP decreased significantly from 85.00 to 81.88 mmHg and 59.63 to 54.63 respectively, at the same time, MADP increased 19.4%, after PACD assist. The value of MDLMF, LMF and CSF was increased by 14.0%, 13.8% and 11.6% respectively. LCAF increased by 11.23%, after PACD assist. The PFH increased significantly in the first six hours. There was no statistically significant difference in the last two hours. When the acute animal experiments were completed, there were no infarct ischemic, thrombosis change in organs by Gross and histologic observation. CONCLUSIONS: PACD with good biological compatibility significantly reduced the left ventricular afterload, increased diastolic arterial pressure and myocardial perfusion, improved heart function and cerebral perfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of a 2.3 mm locking plate/screw system compared with a 2.0-mm non-locking plate/screw system in fixation of isolated non comminuted mandibular condyle fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surgical records of 101 patients who received either a 2.3 mm locking plate (group A, n = 51) or 2.0 mm non locking plate (group B, n = 50) were analyzed. All patients were followed up to a minimum of 6 months postoperatively and evaluated for hardware related complications, occlusal stability, need for and duration of MMF and mandibular functional results. RESULTS: Four complications occurred in the locking group and eighteen in the non locking group with complication rates equalling 8% and 36% respectively. When comparing the overall results according to plates used, the χ² test showed a statistically significant difference between the locking and non locking plates (p < 0.001). Fewer patients required postoperative MMF in group A. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular condyle fractures treated with a 2.3 mm locking plate exhibited stable osteosynthesis, were associated with minimal complications and resulted in acceptable mandibular range of motion compared with a 2.0 mm non locking plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Trauma of the zygomaticomaxillary complex constitutes 45% of all midface fractures. In the author's medical unit, the proportion is 40% of all fractures of the facial skeleton. Most zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures can be treated via local incisions, however; multiple, comminuted and late fractures require wide exposure of the fragments in order to adequately reposition them and to apply rigid fixation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one cases of comminuted or multiple fractures of the zygomaticomaxillary complex were treated with open reduction and rigid fixation by a coronal approach and analyzed for indications and postoperative complications. Twenty three patients had a hemi coronal approach and eight had a bicoronal approach. RESULTS: Among the early complications noted were one case of hemorrhage, no infections, and two patients experienced paresthesia/anesthesia in the supra orbital region, two patients in the temporal/parietal region, six patients experienced facial nerve weakness related to nerve retraction and moderate surgical edema was observed in three patients. Late complications included two cases of alopecia/baldness along the incision, one case of persistent paresthesia in the operative area. As far as the esthetics in relation to the incision was concerned, all patients were extremely satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that a coronal approach will facilitate accurate reduction and fixation of fragments and will allow good cosmetic result with minimal or no complications. The coronal incisions should be the first choice in case of comminuted, multiple and late zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. However, indications for the use of coronal incisions must be strictly applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to realize lightweight design of a high-bypass turbofan engine, topology optimization of vacuum structure on a wide-chord fan blade was carried out regarding mixed loading conditions as static strength, vibration and bird-strike. Without changing the leaf shape, relationship of performance indices on vacuum structure was analyzed with simplified mechanical model of loading conditions. Topology optimization designs were carried out according to the highly sensitive conditions. Vacuum structure layout of fan blade was constructed integrating the major load transfer paths in each design proposal. Performance indices of different fan blade structures were compared. Result shown that optimized fan blade can realize lightweight as well as meeting the strength design requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study determines the short-term efficacy and toxicity of combined 125I-seed implantation and nimotuzumab in treating the advanced oral carcino ma. 125I-seed implantation is safe and has shown good short-term efficacy in clinical practice. Nimotuzumab is a useful biological agent for targeted therapy. Effect of 125I-seed implantation with nimotuzumab in treating oral carcinomas remains unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 2011 to December 2012, 11 patients with advanced oral carcinoma (pathologic types: 7 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 4 cases of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma) were enrolled in our hospital. The patients did not receive surgery due to systemic disease or locally advanced cancer. All of them underwent 125I-seed implantation with the matched peripheral doses (MPD) ranging from 90-100 Gy. The apparent activity per seed ranged from 0.6 mCi (2.22 MBq) to 0.7 mCi (2.59 MBq). Later, all patients were given nimotuzumab (200 mg, intravenous drip, weekly, for 6 weeks). The patients were then followed up and the response rate, acute/chronic radiation induced injury, and safety of the induction treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Three patients achieved complete while 6 patients had partial response; yielding a response rate of 81.8%. Major adverse events included radiation-induced oral mucositis, local hemorrhage, bone marrow suppression, nausea/vomiting, and alopecia. Adverse reaction was not significantly different between the group of patients under 65 years of age and over 65 years of age (p > 0.05). Nimotuzumab enhanced the tumor sensitivity to brachytherapy without increasing AEs and improved the patients' life quality. CONCLUSIONS: 125I-seed implantation combined with nimotuzumab is effective and safe for patients with unresectable oral carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of cobalt (Co) on the as-cast microstructure of an Ni-based single crystal superalloy and its chemical segregation, incipient melting temperature and stress rupture properties was investigated. The results show that the dendrite arm spacing in the alloy did not vary with the addition of Co. The γ′ size in the as-cast microstructure decreased with increasing Co content. The segregation ratio of the γ′-forming elements titanium (Ti) and tantalum (Ta) became higher in alloys with high Co content (5%, 10%), while the segregation ratio of the γ-forming elements chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo) first increased then decreased with increasing Co content, attaining the minimum around 10% Co. The incipient melt temperature decreased with increasing Co content. The stress rupture life under 1010°C/248 MPa increased with the increasing of Co content up to 10%, but decreased at 15% Co. The related mechanisms are also discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]