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Many regulatory genes that affect cellular development in Streptomyces, such as the canonical bld genes, have already been identified. However, in this study, we identified sven_5003 in Streptomyces venezuelae as a major new developmental regulatory gene, the deletion of which leads to a bald phenotype, typical of bld mutants, under multiple growth conditions. Our data indicated that disruption of sven_5003 also has a differential impact on the production of the two antibiotics jadomycin and chloramphenicol. Enhanced production of jadomycin but reduced production of chloramphenicol were detected in our sven_5003 mutant strain (S. venezuelae D5003). RNA-Seq analysis indicated that SVEN_5003 impacts expression of hundreds of genes, including genes involved in development, primary and secondary metabolism, and genes of unknown function, a finding confirmed by real-time PCR analysis. Transcriptional analysis indicated that sven_5003 is an auto-regulatory gene, repressing its own expression. Despite the evidence indicating that SVEN_5003 is a regulatory factor, a putative DNA-binding domain was not predicted from its primary amino acid sequence, implying an unknown regulatory mechanism by SVEN_5003. Our findings revealed that SVEN_5003 is a pleiotropic regulator with a critical role in morphological development in S. venezuelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore and develop data mining models for adult age estimation based on CT reconstruction images from the sternum. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images of chest CT were retrospectively collected from a modern Chinese population, and data from 2700 patients (1349 males and 1351 females) aged 20 to 70 years were obtained. A staging technique within four indicators was applied. Several data mining models were established, and mean absolute error (MAE) was the primary comparison parameter. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement levels were good. Within internal validation, the optimal data mining model obtained the lowest MAE of 9.08 in males and 10.41 in females. For the external validation (N = 200), MAEs were 7.09 in males and 7.15 in females. In conclusion, the accuracy of our model for adult age estimation was among similar studies. MIP images of the sternum could be a potential age indicator. However, it should be combined with other indicators since the accuracy level is still unsatisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbances in the circadian rhythm have been reported in patients following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the rhythmic expression of circadian genes in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) following TBI has not yet been studied. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of period 1 (Per1), Per2, Per3, cryptochrome 1 (Cry1), Cry2, brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like 1 (Bmal1), and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock) was quantified in PBLs from sham-operated rats and rats with acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) over a 48-h period. The rectal temperature of the animals was measured every 4 h over 2 days. The mesor, rhythm, amplitude, and acrophase were estimated using cosinor analysis. Cosinor analysis revealed that Per2, Cry1, and Bmal1 mRNAs were rhythmically expressed in the PBLs of sham-operated rats. In contrast, fluctuations in rhythmic expression were not observed following ASDH. The rectal temperature of sham-operated rats also exhibited rhythmicity. ASDH rats had a disrupted rectal temperature rhythm, a diminished amplitude, and an acrophase shift. TBI with ASDH results in dysregulated expression of some circadian genes and changes in body temperature rhythm. Further research is required to understand the pathophysiology of altered circadian networks following TBI. Key messages: First to investigate the mRNA expression of circadian genes in PBLs of ASDH rats. ASDH rats had disrupted rhythmicity of Per2, Cry1, and Bmal1 mRNA expression. Cosinor analysis showed that ASDH rats had a disrupted rectal temperature rhythm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adult age estimation (AAE) is a challenging task. Deep learning (DL) could be a supportive tool. This study aimed to develop DL models for AAE based on CT images and compare their performance to the manual visual scoring method. Methods: Chest CT were reconstructed using volume rendering (VR) and maximum intensity projection (MIP) separately. Retrospective data of 2500 patients aged 20.00–69.99 years were obtained. The cohort was split into training (80%) and validation (20%) sets. Additional independent data from 200 patients were used as the test set and external validation set. Different modality DL models were developed accordingly. Comparisons were hierarchically performed by VR versus MIP, single-modality versus multi-modality, and DL versus manual method. Mean absolute error (MAE) was the primary parameter of comparison. Results: A total of 2700 patients (mean age = 45.24 years ± 14.03 [SD]) were evaluated. Of single-modality models, MAEs yielded by VR were lower than MIP. Multi-modality models generally yielded lower MAEs than the optimal single-modality model. The best-performing multi-modality model obtained the lowest MAEs of 3.78 in males and 3.40 in females. On the test set, DL achieved MAEs of 3.78 in males and 3.92 in females, which were far better than the MAEs of 8.90 and 6.42 respectively, for the manual method. For the external validation, MAEs were 6.05 in males and 6.68 in females for DL, and 6.93 and 8.28 for the manual method. Conclusions: DL demonstrated better performance than the manual method in AAE based on CT reconstruction of the costal cartilage. Clinical relevance statement: Aging leads to diseases, functional performance deterioration, and both physical and physiological damage over time. Accurate AAE may aid in diagnosing the personalization of aging processes. Key Points: • VR-based DL models outperformed MIP-based models with lower MAEs and higher R2 values. • All multi-modality DL models showed better performance than single-modality models in adult age estimation. • DL models achieved a better performance than expert assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Gingivoperiosteoplasty is often used for reconstruction of alveolar defects in infants with cleft lip and palate. This study aimed to examine outcomes of tertiary gingivoperiosteoplasty, which has not previously been investigated. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 11 adults with complete cleft lip and palate (n = 12 sites) who consecutively underwent segmental Le Fort I osteotomy and concomitant gingivoperiosteoplasty for correction of skeletal class III deformity, nasoalveolar fistula and alveolar cleft. Outcomes included clinical and radiographic evaluations of gingivoperiosteoplasty at the time of osteotomy (presence of nasoalveolar fistula, residual cleft defect and unsupported root ratio of cleft-adjacent teeth), and determination of influencing factors for the clinical success of alveolar cleft repair. Study variables included age, gender, pre-surgical orthodontic treatment and alveolar cleft width of cleft-adjacent canine and angulation between cleft-adjacent teeth before surgery and 1-week postsurgery. Results: Posttreatment, no nasoalveolar fistula remained. The residual cleft defect decreased significantly (p < 0.01). The unsupported root ratio of cleft-adjacent teeth did not differ (p > 0.05); eight cleft sites reached Bergland I or II (67% success). One-week postsurgery, the minimal alveolar cleft width of cleft-adjacent canine was significantly less in the success group compared with the failed group (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Tertiary gingivoperiosteoplasty and segmental Le Fort I osteotomy decreased nasoalveolar fistulas and induced alveolar bone formation. The minimal alveolar cleft width immediately after surgery was the major influencing factor of clinical success. Clinical relevance: Segmental Le Fort I osteotomy with simultaneous gingivoperiosteoplasty efficaciously repairs adult alveolar clefts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoradiation-induced hearing loss (CRIHL) is one of the most devasting side effects for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, which seriously affects survivors' long-term quality of life. However, few studies have comprehensively characterized the risk factors for CRIHL. In this study, we found that age at diagnosis, tumor stage, and concurrent cisplatin dose were positively associated with chemoradiation-induced hearing loss. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 777 NPC patients and identified rs1050851 (within the exon 2 of NFKBIA), a variant with a high deleteriousness score, to be significantly associated with hearing loss risk (HR = 5.46, 95% CI 2.93–10.18, P = 9.51 × 10–08). The risk genotype of rs1050851 was associated with higher NFKBIA expression, which was correlated with lower cellular tolerance to cisplatin. According to permutation-based enrichment analysis, the variants mapping to 149 hereditary deafness genes were significantly enriched among GWAS top signals, which indicated the genetic similarity between hereditary deafness and CRIHL. Pathway analysis suggested that synaptic signaling was involved in the development of CRIHL. Additionally, the risk score integrating genetic and clinical factors can predict the risk of hearing loss with a relatively good performance in the test set. Collectively, this study shed new light on the etiology of chemoradiation-induced hearing loss, which facilitates high-risk individuals' identification for personalized prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the performance of knee MRI for forensic age prediction and classification for 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-year thresholds. Methods: The ossification stages of distal femoral epiphyses and proximal tibial epiphyses were assessed using an integrated staging system by Schmeling et al. and Kellinghaus et al. for knee 3.0T MRI with T1-weighted turbo spin-echo (T1-TSE) in sagittal orientation among 852 Chinese Han individuals (483 males and 369 females) aged 7–30 years. Regression models for age prediction were constructed and their performances were evaluated based on mean absolute deviation (MAD) values. In addition, the performances of age classification were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Results: The intra- and inter-observer agreement levels were very good (κ > 0.80). The complete fusion of those two types of epiphyses took place before 18.0 years in our study participants. The minimum MAD values were 2.51 years (distal femur) and 2.69 years (proximal tibia) in males, and 2.75 years (distal femur) and 2.87 years (proximal tibia) in females. The specificity values of constructed prediction models were all above 90% for the 12-, 14-, and 16-year thresholds, compared to the 74.8–84.6% for the 18-year threshold. Better performances of age prediction and classification were observed in males by distal femoral epiphyses. Conclusions: Ossification stages via 3.0T MRI of the knee with T1-TSE sequence using an integrated staging system could be a reliable noninvasive method for age prediction or for age classification for 12-, 14-, and 16-year thresholds, especially in males by distal femoral epiphyses. However, assessments based on the full bony fusion of the distal femoral epiphysis and proximal tibial epiphysis seemed not reliable for age classification for the 18-year threshold in the Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We examined the associations of soy product intake with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality and mediations through CVD risk factors based on the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS), and conducted updated meta-analyses.A total of 29,825 participants aged 50 + years were included. Causes of death were identified through record linkage. Soy product intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the associations between soy product intake and mortality, yielding hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mediation analyses with CVD risk factors as mediators, and updated meta-analyses were conducted.During 454,689 person-years of follow-up, 6899 deaths occurred, including 2694 CVD and 2236 cancer. Participants who consumed soy product of 1–6 portions/week, versus no consumption, had significantly lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (adjusted HR (95% CI) 0.91 (0.86, 0.97) and 0.87 (0.79, 0.96), respectively). In participants who consumed soy product of ≥ 7 portions/week, the association of higher intake with lower CVD mortality was modestly mediated by total cholesterol (4.2%, 95% CI 1.0–16.6%). Updated meta-analyses showed that the highest level of soy product intake, versus the lowest, was associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (pooled HR (95% CI) 0.92 (0.88, 0.96) and 0.92 (0.87, 0.98), respectively).Moderate and high soy product intake were associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality. Our findings provide support for current dietary guidelines recommending moderate soy product intake, and contribute additional evidence regarding the potential protective effects of high soy product intake.Methods: We examined the associations of soy product intake with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality and mediations through CVD risk factors based on the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS), and conducted updated meta-analyses.A total of 29,825 participants aged 50 + years were included. Causes of death were identified through record linkage. Soy product intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the associations between soy product intake and mortality, yielding hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mediation analyses with CVD risk factors as mediators, and updated meta-analyses were conducted.During 454,689 person-years of follow-up, 6899 deaths occurred, including 2694 CVD and 2236 cancer. Participants who consumed soy product of 1–6 portions/week, versus no consumption, had significantly lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (adjusted HR (95% CI) 0.91 (0.86, 0.97) and 0.87 (0.79, 0.96), respectively). In participants who consumed soy product of ≥ 7 portions/week, the association of higher intake with lower CVD mortality was modestly mediated by total cholesterol (4.2%, 95% CI 1.0–16.6%). Updated meta-analyses showed that the highest level of soy product intake, versus the lowest, was associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (pooled HR (95% CI) 0.92 (0.88, 0.96) and 0.92 (0.87, 0.98), respectively).Moderate and high soy product intake were associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality. Our findings provide support for current dietary guidelines recommending moderate soy product intake, and contribute additional evidence regarding the potential protective effects of high soy product intake.Results: We examined the associations of soy product intake with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality and mediations through CVD risk factors based on the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS), and conducted updated meta-analyses.A total of 29,825 participants aged 50 + years were included. Causes of death were identified through record linkage. Soy product intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the associations between soy product intake and mortality, yielding hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mediation analyses with CVD risk factors as mediators, and updated meta-analyses were conducted.During 454,689 person-years of follow-up, 6899 deaths occurred, including 2694 CVD and 2236 cancer. Participants who consumed soy product of 1–6 portions/week, versus no consumption, had significantly lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (adjusted HR (95% CI) 0.91 (0.86, 0.97) and 0.87 (0.79, 0.96), respectively). In participants who consumed soy product of ≥ 7 portions/week, the association of higher intake with lower CVD mortality was modestly mediated by total cholesterol (4.2%, 95% CI 1.0–16.6%). Updated meta-analyses showed that the highest level of soy product intake, versus the lowest, was associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (pooled HR (95% CI) 0.92 (0.88, 0.96) and 0.92 (0.87, 0.98), respectively).Moderate and high soy product intake were associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality. Our findings provide support for current dietary guidelines recommending moderate soy product intake, and contribute additional evidence regarding the potential protective effects of high soy product intake.Conclusion: We examined the associations of soy product intake with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality and mediations through CVD risk factors based on the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS), and conducted updated meta-analyses.A total of 29,825 participants aged 50 + years were included. Causes of death were identified through record linkage. Soy product intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the associations between soy product intake and mortality, yielding hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mediation analyses with CVD risk factors as mediators, and updated meta-analyses were conducted.During 454,689 person-years of follow-up, 6899 deaths occurred, including 2694 CVD and 2236 cancer. Participants who consumed soy product of 1–6 portions/week, versus no consumption, had significantly lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (adjusted HR (95% CI) 0.91 (0.86, 0.97) and 0.87 (0.79, 0.96), respectively). In participants who consumed soy product of ≥ 7 portions/week, the association of higher intake with lower CVD mortality was modestly mediated by total cholesterol (4.2%, 95% CI 1.0–16.6%). Updated meta-analyses showed that the highest level of soy product intake, versus the lowest, was associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (pooled HR (95% CI) 0.92 (0.88, 0.96) and 0.92 (0.87, 0.98), respectively).Moderate and high soy product intake were associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality. Our findings provide support for current dietary guidelines recommending moderate soy product intake, and contribute additional evidence regarding the potential protective effects of high soy product intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic age estimation in living individuals is mainly based on radiological features, but direct radiography and computed tomography lead to a rise in ethical concerns due to radiation exposure. Thus, the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to age estimation of living individuals is a subject of ongoing research. In the current study, MRIs of shoulder were retrospectively collected from a modern Chinese Han population and data from 835 individuals (599 males and 236 females) in the age group 12 to 30 years were obtained. A staging technique based on (Schmidt et al. Int J Legal Med 121(4):321-324, 2007) and (Kellinghaus et al. Int J Legal Med 124(4):321–325, 2010) was used and all images were evaluated with T1-wieghted turbo spin echo (T1-TSE) sequence and T2-weighed fat suppression (T2-FS) sequence. One-sided images were assessed because data from both sides were considered coincidental, as no significant differences were found (P > 0.05). Two MRI sequences were evaluated separately and subsequently compared. Regression models and supportive vector classification (SVC) models were established accordingly. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement levels were good. Compared with T1-TSE sequence, the R2 values of T2-FS sequence were generally higher, while the mean absolute deviation (MAD) values were slightly lower. For T2-FS sequence, the MAD value was 1.49 years in males and 2.19 years in females. With two MRI sequences incorporated, the SVC model obtained with 85.7% correctly classified minors and 96.2% correctly classified adults in males, while 83.3% and 98.0% respectively in females. In conclusion, T2-FS sequence may slightly outperform the T1-TSE sequence in shoulder MRI analysis for age estimation, while shoulder MRIs could be a reliable prediction indicator for the 18-year threshold and two MRI sequences incorporated are encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Segmental Le Fort I osteotomy through the cleft is a common strategy to narrow the alveolar cleft in adults. This study compared skeletal stability between single and segmental Le Fort I osteotomies in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Materials and methods: This retrospective analysis examined 45 adults with complete UCLP-associated class III deformities who underwent bimaxillary surgery with either single (n = 30) or segmental (n = 15) Le Fort I advancement. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of the facial skeleton were acquired before surgery, 1-week postsurgery, and at follow-up. Measures of landmarks from the CBCT images for the two treatment groups were compared for translation (left/right, posterior/anterior, superior/inferior) and rotation (yaw, roll, pitch). Results: Postsurgery, the downward movement of the maxilla was larger in the segmental group than the single group. At follow-up, the maxilla moved backward in both groups, and upward in the segmental group. The mandible moved forward and upward and rotated upward in both groups. The amount of upward movement and rotation was larger in the segmental group than the single group. Conclusions: Two years after bimaxillary surgery in patients with UCLP-associated class III deformity, greater relapse was found after segmental Le Fort I osteotomies in vertical translation of the maxilla and mandible, and pitch rotation of the mandible compared with single Le Fort I osteotomies. Clinical relevance: The vertical relapse of the maxilla was larger after segmental Le Fort I advancement compared with single Le Fort I advancement in clefts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Autosomal-dominant hypocalcification amelogenesis imperfecta (ADHCAI) is a hereditary disease characterized by enamel defects. ADHCAI is mainly caused by nonsense mutations in a gene called family with sequence similarity 83 member H (FAM83H). To study the pathogenesis of ADHCAI, a Chinese ADHCAI family was investigated. Materials and methods: The ultrastructure of enamel was analyzed by micro-CT and scanning electron microscopy. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify the pathogenic gene. The function of the mutant FAM83H was studied by real-time PCR, western blotting, subcellular localization, and protein degradation pathway analyses. Results: WES identified a known nonsense mutation (c.1915A > T) in exon 5 of the FAM83H gene, causing a truncated protein (p.Lys639*). However, the cases reported herein exhibited significant differences in the clinical phenotype compared with that the previously reported case. An abnormal enamel rod head structure was observed in affected teeth. In vitro functional studies showed altered protein localization and a decreased protein degradation rate for mutant FAM83H. Conclusions: We verified the FAM83H p.Lys639* protein as a gain-of-function variant causing ADHCAI. Abnormal enamel rod head structure was observed in teeth with mutant FAM83H proteins. We also investigated the molecular pathogenesis and presented data on the abnormal degradation of mutant FAM83H proteins. Clinical relevance: This study helped the family members to understand the disease progression and provided new insights into the pathogenesis of ADHCAI. Due to the large heterogeneity of ADHCAI, this study also provided a genetic basis for individuals who exhibit similar clinical phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the genome of the Streptomyces model strain S. coelicolor was sequenced nearly two decades ago, the function of many annotated genes has not been verified, including that of gene sco1979, which was predicted to encode a transcriptional regulator of the xenobiotic response element (XRE) family. In this study, we showed that SCO1979 represses its own transcription and that deletion of sco1979 from S. coelicolor markedly enhanced production of three antibiotics, which are actinorhodin (ACT), undecylprodigiosin (RED), and calcium-dependent antibiotic (CDA), suggesting that SCO1979 represses their biosynthesis. We demonstrated that transcription of genes in the ACT, RED, and CDA pathways was generally increased in the mutant strain Δ1979 compared with levels in the wild-type strain M145. Additionally, purified recombinant SCO1979 interacted with DNA sequences upstream of sco1979 and actII-orf4, redZ, and cdaR, the pathway-specific regulators for the three pathways, implying that SCO1979 potentially regulates the ACT, RED, and CDA pathways via their specific regulators. In addition, disruption of sco1979 led to the notably delayed formation of aerial mycelium and spores, and consistent with this, transcription of genes associated with aerial hyphae and spore formation, such as chp and rdl, and ram, was reduced in Δ1979, implying the involvement of SCO1979 in cellular development control as well. In summary, our findings demonstrated that SCO1979 is a pleiotropic regulator with roles in both secondary metabolism and morphological development in S. coelicolor. Key points: • SCO1979 is a novel Streptomyces regulator of the XRE family. • SCO1979 regulates its own transcription. • SCO1979 regulates antibiotic production and cellular development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertical density gradients of salinity and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) cause stratification in estuaries, which play a vital role in the turbulence structure, water mixing, and sediment transport. To investigate the effect of stratification, especially SSC-induced stratification, on maintaining the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM), we conducted in situ measurements on sediment dynamics at the upper and central ETM sites in the South Passage of Changjiang Estuary in July 2018. The gradient Richardson number was estimated as a proxy for the stratification that is attributable to salinity or/and SSC. We found that salinity-induced stratification was observed mainly on the surface and in the middle layers, whereas SSC-induced stratification occurred mainly in the near-bottom layers. Furthermore, at the central ETM, the baroclinic effect was enhanced during the neap tide when the salinity-induced stratification was stronger than that during the spring tide. In the early phase of floods with minimum velocity during the neap tide, salinity-induced stratification suppressed the turbulence and vertical diffusion of sediments. Moreover, the flocculation enhanced the settling process within the water column. Consequently, high concentrations of fine-grained sediments formed near the bottom and promoted SSC-induced stratification, thereby leading to the continuous accumulation and trapping of sediments. In conclusion, the interactions among the "salinity- and SSC-induced stratification" processes served as crucial constraints of the temporal and spatial variations of the ETM in the Changjiang Estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To expand the database on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis of distal tibial and calcaneal epiphyses as proposed by Saint-Martin et al. and investigate a more elaborate staging technique to establish regression models for age estimation in a modern Chinese Han population. Materials and methods: T1-weighted ankle MRIs were retrospectively collected from April 2008 to July 2019, and data from 590 individuals (372 males and 218 females; aged from 8 to 25 years old) were obtained. One-sided sagittal images were assessed because data from both sides were considered coincidental, as no significant differences were found (P > 0.05). Three-stage and six-stage staging techniques were applied separately and subsequently compared. A subset was re-assessed a second time and by a different observer. Regression models were established accordingly. Results: Our results showed very good repeatability and consistency of two staging techniques (all Cohen's kappa values were more than 0.8). By comparison, the values of the coefficient of determination (R2) of the six-stage technique were generally higher than those of the three-stage technique. Compared with the distal tibia and two ankle bones combined, the calcaneus decreased the mean absolute deviation (MAD) with the six-stage technique. In males, incorporating only the calcaneus resulted in a MAD of 2.15 years, with correct classification rates of 87.5% adults and 50.0% among minors. In females, the corresponding results were 1.67 years, 100.0%, and 44.4%, respectively. Conclusions: The six-stage technique may outperform the three-stage technique in MRI analysis of ankle bones for age estimation, while age estimation based on the calcaneus may perform better than that based on the distal tibia or both ankle bones in a modern Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For advanced esophageal cancer, the clinical significance of pretreatment nodal status (cN) as determined by different examinations remains unclear. Patients and methods: Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery were analyzed in this study. Pretreatment cN status assessed by CT, EUS, and PET/CT and clinicopathological features were used to evaluate tumor recurrence and long-term survival. Results: Two hundred and twenty-two patients were identified in this study. Pretreatment PET/CT cN0 [odds ratio (OR) cN0 versus cN+, 5.316, p < 0.001] and pretreatment CT cN0 (OR 1.957, p = 0.032) both independently predicted ypN0. Pretreatment PET/CT cN0 was also associated with a lower recurrence rate and longer survival across the entire study group. Among patients with ypN0, pretreatment PET/CT cN+ indicated poor disease-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 2.777, p = 0.001] and overall survival (HR 2.211, p = 0.034) compared with pretreatment PET/CT cN0, which predicted a favorable prognosis. Conclusions: Data from the current study suggest that pretreatment lymph node status as assessed by PET/CT is strongly correlated with survival outcomes after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. ypN0 patients can achieve better survival outcomes when pretreatment cN0 is assessed by PET/CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Reissner's mixed variational theorem, the authors develop a finite annular prism method (FAPM) for the three-dimensional (3D) free vibration analysis of bi-directional functionally graded (FG) annular plates with assorted boundary conditions. In this formulation, the FG annular plate is divided into a number of finite annular prisms with triangular cross-sections, in which Fourier functions and Lagrange polynomials are used to interpolate the circumferential direction and radial-thickness surface variations of primary field variables in each individual prism, respectively. The material properties of the FG annular plate are assumed to obey an exponential function distribution varying doubly exponentially through the radial-thickness surface. These FAPM solutions for the frequency parameters and their corresponding mode shapes of the FG annular plate closely agree with the solutions obtained using other 3D approaches available in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a disease with high morbidity and mortality. Extension of the hemorrhage into the ventricles is associated with the development of acute hydrocephalus and a poor outcome. Although it can be managed by external ventricular drainage (EVD), a subset of these patients require placement of permanent ventricular shunts. This study aimed to examine the factors on admission that can predict shunt dependency after EVD management.Methods: Seventy-two patients who underwent EVD were included in this study. Seventeen of these patients underwent placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Variables analyzed included age, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) score, bicaudate index, acute hydrocephalus, initial Glasgow Coma Scale scores, and blood volume in each ventricle.Results: In univariate analysis, IVH score (p = 0.020), bicaudate index (p < 0.001), blood volume in lateral ventricles (p = 0.025), blood volume in the fourth ventricle (p = 0.038), and the ratio of blood volume in lateral ventricles to that in third and fourth ventricles (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with persistent hydrocephalus. The best multiple logistic regression model included blood volume parameters and bicaudate index as predictors with the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.849. The variance inflation factor (VIF) showed that collinearity was not found among predictors. Patients diagnosed with acute hydrocephalus had less blood volume in the lateral ventricles (OR = 0.910) and had more blood volume in the third ventricle (OR = 3.174) and fourth ventricle (OR = 2.126).Conclusions: These findings may promote more aggressive monitoring and earlier interventions for persistent hydrocephalus after intraventricular hemorrhage in patients at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multicast is an efficient method for transmitting the same packets to a group of destinations. In energy-constrained wireless ad hoc networks where nodes are powered by batteries, one of the challenging issues is how to prolong the multicast lifetime. Most of existing work mainly focuses on multicast lifetime maximization problem in wireless packet loss-free networks. However, this may not be the case in reality. In this paper, we are concerned with the multicast lifetime maximization problem in unreliable wireless ad hoc networks. To solve this problem, we first define the multicast lifetime as the number of packets transmitted along the multicast tree successfully. Then we develop a novel lifetime maximization genetic algorithm to construct the multicast tree consisting of high reliability links subject to the source and destination nodes. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy-harvesting wireless sensor network (WSN) is composed of unreliable wireless channels and resource-constrained nodes which are powered by solar panels and solar cells. Energy-harvesting WSNs can provide perpetual data service by harvesting energy from surrounding environments. Due to the random characteristics of harvested energy and unreliability of wireless channel, energy efficiency is one of the main challenging issues. In this paper, we are concerned with how to decide the energy used for data sensing and transmission adaptively to maximize network utility, and how to route all the collected data to the sink along energy-efficient paths to maximize the residual battery energy of nodes. To solve this problem, we first formulate a heuristic energy-efficient data sensing and routing problem. Then, unlike the most existing work that focuses on energy-efficient data sensing and energy-efficient routing respectively, energy-efficient data sensing and routing scheme (EEDSRS) in unreliable energy-harvesting wireless sensor network is developed. EEDSRS takes account of not only the energy-efficient data sensing but also the energy-efficient routing. EEDSRS is divided into three steps: (1) an adaptive exponentially weighted moving average algorithm to estimate link quality. (2) an distributed energetic-sustainable data sensing rate allocation algorithm to allocate the energy for data sensing and routing. According to the allocated energy, the optimal data sensing rate to maximize the network utility is obtained. (3) a geographic routing with unreliable link protocol to route all the collected data to the sink along energy-efficient paths. Finally, extensive simulations to evaluate the performance of the proposed EEDSRS are performed. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed EEDSRS is very promising and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gas chromatography-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (GC-IDMS) technique was developed for the quantification of two heavy polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benz[ a]anthracene and benzo[ a]pyrene, in yerba maté tea (maté). The optimisation of two extraction methods, namely liquid-liquid extraction and accelerated solvent extraction, was carried out. Both optimised methods were validated using a certified reference material of fine dust and the results were within the expanded uncertainties at 95% confidence level. Recoveries of 99.2-106.7% with RSD of measurements of 1.1-2.3% were achieved for benz[ a]anthracene. Recoveries of 95.7-101.9% with RSD of measurements of 0.4-1.4% were achieved for benzo[ a]pyrene. The validated methods were applied for the extraction of benz[ a]anthracene and benzo[ a]pyrene in maté powder from NIST. A metrological approach was undertaken to ensure the traceability of measurement results. The uncertainties associated with the results were rigorously evaluated and also reported herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many adolescents are referred to Child Protective Services for possible maltreatment every year, but not much is known about their organized and unstructured activity participation. Objective: The purposes of this study are to provide a description of organized and unstructured activity participation for adolescents who were possible victims of child maltreatment, and evaluate the demographic, family-related, and maltreatment-specific variables associated with participation. Method: Data came from 2776 youth ages 11-17 who participated in the National Study of Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Responses to the Youth Behavior Checklist from the Youth Self Report were grouped into five organized activities and seven unstructured activities. Descriptions of participation in activity types for the population were estimated using percentages. Logistic regression was used to test for associations of demographics and maltreatment experiences with participation. Results: Relatively low percentages of the population were engaged in organized activities (e.g., 13% in organized sports activities, 10% in mentored groups, and 6% in art and music organized activities), compared to unstructured activities (e.g., 91% in unstructured sports, 34% in games and hobbies, and 23% in computer games). Using English, attending school, having married caregivers, and living at home predicted more engagement in certain types of organized activities. Unstructured activity participation was mostly explained by demographic characteristics such as sex, age, and ethnicity. Conclusions: Future research should explore if increasing accessibility to existing school- or community-based organized activities improves well-being for adolescents at risk for maltreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the similarity of the tobacco use of youth and their friends and unraveling the extent to which this similarity results from selection or socialization is central to peer influence models of tobacco use. The similarity between the tobacco use of Chinese adolescents and their friends were explored in middle (880, 13.3 years, 399 girls) and high school (849, 16.6 years, 454 girls) cohorts assessed yearly at three times. Boys were more similar to their friends in tobacco use than were girls. Growth curve models revealed escalation of use during middle school and stable use during high school for boys, whereas models for girls could not be computed. Evidence of selection effects emerged from cross-lagged panel analyses revealing pathways from boys' tobacco use to subsequent changes in their friends' use; assessment of selection and influence processes could not be assessed for girls. The results from this study suggest that peer influence processes may differ for Chinese boys and girls and that further quantitative and qualitative research is necessary to understand these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection without chest drain placement. Methods: The subjects of this retrospective study were 89 patients, who underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection at our hospital between January, 2013 and July, 2015. A total of 45 patients whose underlying condition did not meet the following criteria were assigned to the 'chest drain placement group' (group A): peripheral lesions, healthy lung parenchyma, no intraoperative air leaks, hemorrhage or effusion accumulation, and no pleural adhesion. The other 44 patients whose underlying condition met the criteria were assigned to the 'no chest drain placement group' (group B). Patient characteristics, specimen data, and postoperative conditions were analyzed and compared between the groups. Results: Group A patients had poorer forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) values, less normal spirometric results, significantly higher resected lung volume, a greater maximum tumor-pleura distance, and a larger maximum tumor size. They also had a longer postoperative hospital stay. There was no difference between the two groups in postoperative complications. Conclusions: Avoiding chest drain placement after a thoracoscopic wedge resection appears to be safe and beneficial for patients who have small peripheral lesions and healthy lung parenchyma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review (with 144 refs.) focuses on the recent advances in the preparation and application of magnetic micro/nanoparticles. Specifically, it covers (a) methods for preparation (such as by coprecipitation, pyrolysis, hydrothermal, solvothermal, sol-gel, micro-emulsion, sonochemical, medium dispersing or emulsion polymerization methods), and (b) applications such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic separation of biomolecules (nucleic acids; proteins; cells), separation of metal ions and organic analytes, immobilization of enzymes, biological detection, magnetic catalysis and water treatment. Finally, the existing challenges and possible trends in the field are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has implemented a series of long-term measures to control the spread of COVID-19, however, the effects of these measures on other chronic and acute respiratory infectious diseases remain unclear. Tuberculosis (TB) and scarlet fever (SF) serve as representatives of chronic and acute respiratory infectious diseases, respectively. In China's Guizhou province, an area with a high prevalence of TB and SF, approximately 40,000 TB cases and hundreds of SF cases are reported annually. To assess the impact of COVID-19 prevention and control on TB and SF in Guizhou, the exponential smoothing method was employed to establish a prediction model for analyzing the influence of COVID-19 prevention and control on the number of TB and SF cases. Additionally, spatial aggregation analysis was utilized to describe spatial changes in TB and SF before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. The parameters of the TB and SF prediction models are R2 = 0.856, BIC = 10.972 and R2 = 0.714, BIC = 5.325, respectively. TB and SF cases declined rapidly at the onset of COVID-19 prevention and control measures, with the number of SF cases decreasing for about 3–6 months and the number of TB cases remaining in decline for 7 months after the 11th month. The spatial aggregation of TB and SF did not change significantly before and after the COVID-19 outbreak but exhibited a marked decrease. These findings suggest that China's COVID-19 prevention and control measures also reduced the prevalence of TB and SF in Guizhou. These measures may have a long-term positive impact on TB, but a short-term effect on SF. Areas with high TB prevalence may continue to experience a decline due to the implementation of COVID-19 preventive measures in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone age assessment (BAA) is crucial in various fields, including legal proceedings, athletic competitions, and clinical medicine. However, the use of X-ray methods for age estimation without medical indication is subject to ethical debate, especially in forensic and athletic fields. The application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with non-ionizing radiation can overcome this limitation in BAA. This study aimed to compare the application value of several MRI modalities of proximal humeral in BAA. A total of 468 patients with shoulder MRIs were retrospectively collected from a Chinese Han population aged 12–30 years (259 males and 209 females) for training and testing, including T1 weighted MRI (T1WI), T2 weighted MRI (T2WI), and Proton density weighted MRI (PDWI). Optimal regression models were established for age estimation, yielding mean absolute error (MAE) values below 2.0 years. The MAE values of T1WI were the lowest, with 1.700 years in males and 1.798 years in females. The area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy values of different MRI modalities of 16-year and 18-year thresholds were all around 0.9. For the 18-year threshold, T1WI outperformed T2WI and PDWI. In conclusion, the three MRI modalities of the proximal humerus can serve as reliable indicators for age assessment, while the T1WI performed better in age assessment and classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to explore the correlation between routine computed tomography (CT) imaging features and programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1) expression status in gastric cancer and evaluate the predictive value of imaging parameters for this immunotherapy biomarker. Materials and Methods: Patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent abdominal CT three-stage enhanced scan and PD-L1 immunohistochemical testing before treatment were retrospectively examined. All diagnoses were confirmed through pathology. According to the expression status of PD-L1, they were divided into the positive (CPS ≥ 5) or negative group (CPS < 5). Baseline CT imaging features were collected. Diagnostic performances of the different variables were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: In total, 67 patients (17 women and 50 men; mean age: 59.55 ± 10.22 years) with gastric adenocarcinoma were included in the study. The overall stages, probability of maximum lymph node short diameter > 1 cm and peak of lesion enhancement occurring in the arterial phase were statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) was significantly higher in the positive group than that in the negative group (p < 0.05), and ROC curve analysis showed that the AEF exhibited a high evaluation efficacy (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.724 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.602–0.826]). The combined parameters had the best diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.825 [95%CI: 0.716–0.933]), sensitivity (75.00%), and specificity (81.40%). Conclusions: These findings confirm a correlation between CT imaging features and PD-L1 expression status in gastric cancer, and AEF may help evaluate high PD-L1 expression and select patients suitable for immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. However, both the rhythmic variation and prognostic value of brain temperature after ICH remain unknown. In this study, we investigated brain temperature rhythm and its prognostic value for post-operative mortality and long-term functional outcomes in patients with ICH. Methods: Post-operative diurnal brain temperature patterns at the basal ganglion are described. Following surgery for ICH, 78 patients were enrolled, and intracranial pressure and brain temperature were monitored using a fiber optic device. Brain temperature mesor, amplitude, and acrophase were estimated from the recorded temperature measurements, using cosinor analysis, and the association between these patterns and clinical parameters, mortality, and functional outcomes at the 12-month follow-up were examined. Results: According to cosinor analysis, brain temperature in 55.1% of patients showed a circadian rhythm within 72 h post-surgery. The rhythm-adjusted mesor of brain temperature (± standard deviation) was 37.6 (± 0.7) °C, with a diminished mean amplitude. A temperature acrophase shift was also observed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that initial age and circadian rhythm of brain temperature appeared to be predictive and prognostic of functional outcomes. Further, patients with higher brain temperature mesor were more likely to survive than those with a lower mesor. Conclusion: For patients with ICH, brain temperature rhythm analysis is an improved prognostic tool for mortality and functional outcome predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic gemini surfactant dimethylene-1,2-bis(dodecyldiethylammonium bromide), referred to as C12C2C12(Et) was synthesized, and its surface property and aggregation behavior in aqueous solution were studied. The value of γat the critical micelle concentration (γcmc) is much smaller than that of the surfactant homologues with longer spacer. Spherical and elongated micelles were formed in the aqueous solution of this gemini surfactant, and the spherical micelles were absolutely dominant compared to the elongated micelles at our studied concentration quantitatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection and isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood samples are very important for the diagnosis and analysis of tumors. Therefore, it is urgent to develop an efficient method to capture and isolate cells, especially to further isolate rare cells from the separated cells. In this work, we fabricated a near infrared (NIR) light-responsive TiO2 nanopillar arrays (TNA) substrate for efficient capture and release of CTCs. The substrate was coated with a gelatin (GEL) film doped with gold nanorods (GNR). Due to the introduction of nanopatterned surface, CTCs can be captured efficiently by the TNA substrate. Furthermore, due to the temperature-sensitive property of gelatin and the photothermal effect of GNR, the captured cells can be released under NIR irradiation. More importantly, the selected cells can be released by adjusting the size and location of NIR light. In addition, due to the good biocompatibility of gelatin and the low phototoxicity of NIR, the cells released by this method are highly viable. Our method provides a good strategy for capturing and releasing cells, especially to locally release rare cells while with high cell viabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between bladder antimuscarinic use and dementia development is unclear. We used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to determine the association between the exposure dose and duration of bladder antimuscarinics and the subsequent dementia risk. We enrolled participants aged 55 years or more and defined a dementia cohort (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 290, 294.1, and 331.0). We used a propensity score matching method, and randomly enrolled two controls without dementia. We evaluated dementia risk with respect to the exposure dose and duration of treatment with seven bladder antimuscarinics (oxybutynin, propiverine, tolterodine, solifenacin, trospium, darifenacin, and fesoterodine) used for at least 1 year before the index date, after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and medications. The dementia risk was 2.46-fold (95% confidence interval: 2.22–2.73) higher in Taiwanese patients who used bladder antimuscarinics for ≥ 1 year than in those who were not exposed to this treatment. The risk proportionally increased with increasing doses of antimuscarinics for less than 4 years. Taiwanese patients aged 55 years or more on bladder antimuscarinics exhibited a higher risk of dementia. Additional studies in other countries are required to determine whether this result is valid worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the elderly is defined as patients older than 50 years alone. However, recent studies showed young patients with sound immune status could also be affected. In this study, we investigated the clinical features and outcomes of patients with EBV positive DLBCL in the different age groups using different EBER cut-off values. The prevalence of EBV positive DLBCL was 14.0% (35/250) and 10.4% (26/250) for EBER cut-off of 20% and 50%, respectively. With both EBER cut-off values, patients with EBV DLBCL shared many unfavorable prognostic characteristics, regardless of age. EBV positive patients, both in the elderly and young groups, showed significantly worse overall survival and progression-free survival than negative cases. Moreover, no significant differences of outcomes were identified between different age groups with EBV positive DLBCL. In conclusion, EBV positive DLBCL patients, regardless of age, shared similar poor prognostic features and showed worse outcome than negative cases. We suggest that the age criterion of EBV positive DLBCL of the elderly, and possibly the name itself, be modified in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles are widely used in biomedical applications and cancer treatments due to their minute scale, multi-function, and long retention time. Among the various nanoparticles, the unique optical property derived from the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of metallic nanoparticles is a primary reason that metallic nanoparticles are researched and applied. Copper and Iron nanoparticles have the potential to generate hydroxyl radicals in excess H2O2 via Fenton or Fenton-like reactions. On the other hand, gold nanoparticles equipped with a photosensitizer can transfer the energy of photons to chemical energy and enhance the production of singlet oxygen, which is suitable for cancer treatment. With the actions of these two reactive oxygen species in the tumor microenvironment, cell apoptosis can further be induced. In this work, we first synthesized dual metal nanoparticles with poly[styrene-alt-(maleic acid, sodium salt)(Cu ferrite oxide-polymer) by a simple one-step hydrothermal reduction reaction. Then, gold(III) was reduced and doped into the structure, which formed a triple metal structure, Au-doped Cu ferrite nanoparticles (Au/Cu ferrite oxide-polymer NPs). The metal ratio of the product could be controlled by manipulating the Fe/Cu ratio of reactants and the sequence of addition of reactants. The core–shell structure was verified by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen generation ability of Au/Cu ferrite oxide-polymer was proved. The chemodynamic and photodynamic effect was measured, and the in vitro ROS generation was observed. Furthermore, the behavior of endocytosis by cancer cells could be controlled by the magnetic field. The result indicated that Au/Cu ferrite oxide-polymer core–shell nanoreactor is a potential agent for chemodynamic/photodynamic synergetic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteriocins are common antimicrobial agents that bacteria secrete to suppress the growth of competitors. Their production is often conditional, governed by underlying quorum sensing regulatory circuitry. Although the molecular underpinnings of controlled bacteriocin synthesis have been increasingly revealed, its quantitative ecological role has not been well characterized. Here, we present an integrated model of bacteriocin synthesis in the context of two-species contests where one species opposes the other for resource utilization. In a well-mixed environment, we find that bacteriocin production can contribute positively or negatively to the outcome of species competition, determined by the tradeoff between the benefit of bacteriocins in mediating competition and the fitness cost due to metabolic load. The tradeoff also determines the relative advantage between constitutive bacteriocin production and quorum sensing (QS) controlled production. Interestingly, under the naturally occurring scenario where bacteriocin production has a high cost, QS controlled synthesis outperforms constitutive, which offers a quantitative interpretation for the wide prevalence of density-related bacteriocin production in nature. Furthermore, by extending our study to include spatial dynamics of competing communities, we show that our finding, the superiority of QS controlled synthesis in the high cost regime, remains valid for complex settings. This work provides ecological insights into bacteriocin synthesis by revealing its cost and benefit during population growth, advancing our fundamental understanding of bacteriocin-mediated community organization as well as microbial ecology in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs), on the one hand, the energy of nodes is limited. On the other hand, the network topology often changes due to human movement or posture changes. Unstable network topology is easy to cause packet loss, and packet loss will cause inaccurate data collection. Therefore, how to effectively use energy to transmit data reliably becomes a key issue. For this problem, we propose an optimized routing protocol namely Energy Efficient and Reliable Routing based on Reinforcement Learning and Fuzzy Logic (EERR-RLFL). In EERR-RLFL, considering the heterogeneity of nodes in WBANs, we first establish a node rank division mechanism, by which sensor nodes are divided into different ranks from three aspects. Each rank is considered to be one of the factors that affect the link quality. Then, we propose the Fuzzy-Logic-based Link Quality Evaluation (FLLQE) algorithm. It makes use of the fuzzy evaluation method of fuzzy logic and considers the comprehensive influence of multiple factors to evaluate the link quality between two nodes, which will provide reference for routing path selection. In the process of data transmission, based on the FLLQE algorithm, we use a hybrid data transmission mode, in which the time when a forwarding node is needed is first determined, and then the Reinforcement Learning algorithm is used to select the global optimized routing path. Simulation results show that EERR-RLFL outperforms Single Hop Transmission and Optimized Cost Effective and Energy Efficient Routing in terms of network lifetime, packet loss ratio and energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a potential applicability of a modified Shuisheng-4 culture medium with trona buffer for CO(g) capture and the resultant CO-rich solution was investigated for the autotrophic growth of Nannochloris sp. Trona is an inexpensive naturally-occurring mineral with high solubility in water. Trona solution after absorbing CO(g) controlled at pH ~7 ~ 8 contains high dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration in water applicable to both open and closed systems and the pH is suitable for the growth. High DIC concentration was also found to enhance the autotrophic growth rate when the Na concentration is ~ < 0.12 M. However, the tolerance of a marine green alga, Nannochloris sp., to Na ion was found to twice as much as that of a freshwater green alga, Chlorella vulgaris. Therefore, it is anticipated that trona buffer solution has potential for better CO utilization for the mutual benefit of microalgae-derived biofuels production and carbon recycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a fatal event with high mortality and morbidity rates. Survivors may require prolonged intubation with mechanical ventilation (MV). However, the risk factors for prolonged intubation in these patients remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of prolonged MV in aSAH patients who underwent surgical clipping. Methods: In total, 108 adult patients with a primary diagnosis of aSAH who were on MV > 48 h and survived > 14 days after surgery were included. Clinicodemographic and radiological characteristics, laboratory tests on admission, and initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and its components were analyzed. Results: The average age of the patients included in the analysis was 59.1 ± 12.5 years. Overall, 32 patients (29.6%) had prolonged MV. The group with prolonged MV showed a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, lower initial GCS and its components, higher World Federation of Neurosurgeons (WFNS) and Hunt and Hess grades, and higher initial white cell counts. The independent factors associated with prolonged MV were a history of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 5.799, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.109–30.334; P = 0.037) and Hunt and Hess grade 3–5 (OR 7.217, 95% CI 1.090–47.770; P = 0.040). Conclusion: A history of diabetes mellitus and Hunt and Hess grade 3–5 independently predict prolonged MV after microsurgical clipping in patients with aSAH. Thus, knowledge of potential predictors for prolonged MV is essential to improve the early initiation of adequate treatment in the early stages of treatment and provide useful information for communication between caregivers and families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant expression of forkhead box protein M1 (FoxM1) contributes to carcinogenesis in human cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), suggesting that the discovery of specific agents targeting FoxM1 would be extremely valuable for the treatment of AML. Curcumin, a naturally occurring phenolic compound, is suggested to possess anti-leukemic activity; however, the underlying mechanism has not been well elucidated. In this study, we found that curcumin inhibited cell survival accompanied by induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HL60, Kasumi, NB4, and KG1 cells. This was associated with concomitant attenuation of FoxM1 and its downstream genes, such as cyclin B1, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2, Cdc25B, survivin, Bcl-2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as the reduction of the angiogenic effect of AML cells. We also found that specific downregulation of FoxM1 by siRNA prior to curcumin treatment resulted in enhanced cell survival inhibition and induction of apoptosis. Accordingly, FoxM1 siRNA increased the susceptibility of AML cells to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. More importantly, curcumin suppressed FoxM1 expression, selectively inhibited cell survival as well as the combination of curcumin and doxorubicin exhibited a more inhibitory effect in primary CD34 AML cells, while showing limited lethality in normal CD34 hematopoietic progenitors. These results identify a novel role for FoxM1 in mediating the biological effects of curcumin in human AML cells. Our data provide the first evidence that curcumin together with chemotherapy or FoxM1 targeting agents may be effective strategies for the treatment of AML. Key message: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Some adults with cleft lip and palate (CLP) require orthognathic surgery due to skeletal deformity. This prospective study aimed to (1) compare skeletal stability following bimaxillary surgery for correction of class III deformity between patients with unilateral CLP (UCLP) and bilateral CLP (BCLP), and (2) identify risk factors of stability. Materials and methods: Adults with CLP and skeletal class III deformities who underwent surgery-first bimaxillary surgery were divided into two groups according to cleft type: UCLP (n = 30) and BCLP (n = 30). Skeletal stability was assessed with measures from cone beam computed tomography images of the maxilla and mandible taken before treatment, 1-week and ≥ 1 year postsurgery for translation (left/right, posterior/anterior, superior/inferior) and rotation (yaw, roll, pitch); multiple regression analysis examined risk factors. Results: At follow-up, the maxilla moved upwards in both groups, and backwards in the UCLP group. The mandible moved forward and upward, shifted to the cleft (deviated) side, and rotated upward in both groups. The amount of surgical advancement was a risk factor for sagittal stability in the maxilla (ß = −0.14, p < 0.05). The mandible had three risk factors for sagittal stability: age (ß = −0.23, p < 0.05), surgical team (ß = −1.83, p < 0.05), and amount of surgical setback (ß = −0.32, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Two years after bimaxillary surgery, patients with UCLP had a higher sagittal relapse of the maxilla compared with patients with BCLP, which was due to a greater surgical advancement in the patients with UCLP. Clinical relevance: Surgery-first bimaxillary surgery results in favorable treatment outcomes for correction of cleft-related class III deformity. Severity of jaw discrepancy and surgeons should be considered in the surgical design of overcorrection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to explore whether auricular acupressure (AA) can relieve anxiety during the period from trans-vaginal oocyte retrieval to the embryo transfer in IVF treatment and whether AA can improve the outcomes of IVF. 305 infertile patients with tubal blockage who were referred for IVF were included. The women were randomized into a control group with 102 cases, a Sham-AA group with 102 cases and an AA group with 101 cases. The anxiety levels were rated with Spielberger's State Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale. Data of clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR) and live birth rate (LBR) were obtained. The levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) in the follicular fluids were detected with ELISA. After treatment, in AA group, the levels of state anxiety, preoperative anxiety and need-for-information were significantly lower, whereas CPR, IR, LBR and NPY levels in the follicular fluids were markedly higher than Sham-AA group and control group. We concluded that AA could help to reduce anxiety levels associated with IVF and improves the outcomes of IVF partly through increasing the levels of NPY in the follicular fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor Foxp3 participates dominantly in the specification and function of Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) but is neither strictly necessary nor sufficient to determine the characteristic Treg cell signature. Here we used computational network inference and experimental testing to assess the contribution of other transcription factors to this. Enforced expression of Helios or Xbp1 elicited distinct signatures, but Eos, IRF4, Satb1, Lef1 and GATA-1 elicited exactly the same outcome, acting in synergy with Foxp3 to activate expression of most of the Treg cell signature, including key transcription factors, and enhancing occupancy by Foxp3 at its genomic targets. Conversely, the Treg cell signature was robust after inactivation of any single cofactor. A redundant genetic switch thus 'locked in' the Treg cell phenotype, a model that would account for several aspects of Treg cell physiology, differentiation and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decompressive craniectomy is employed as treatment for traumatic brain swelling in selected patients. We discussed the effect of temporal muscle resection in patients with intractable intracranial hypertension and temporal muscle swelling after craniectomy. Methods: Records of 280 craniectomies performed on 258 patients who were admitted with severe head injury were retrospectively reviewed. Eight patients developed intractable increased intracranial pressure with temporal muscle swelling within 24 h after craniectomy and were treated by muscle resection. Results: The initial Glasgow Coma Scale score was 7 ± 1. The mean intracranial pressure was 41.7 ± 8.59 mmHg before muscle resection and 14.81 ± 8.07 mmHg immediately after surgery. Five patients had skull fracture and epidural hematoma at the craniectomy site. The mean intensive care unit stay was 11.25 ± 5.99 days. Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended scoring performed during the 12-month follow-up visit showed that 6 patients (75%) had a favorable outcome. Conclusions: Our study findings indicate that a direct impact on the temporal region during trauma may lead to subsequent temporal muscle swelling. Under certain circumstances, muscle resection can effectively control intracranial pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Patients with cleft lip–cleft palate (CLP) often require orthodontic treatment, with or without orthognathic surgery. Patient satisfaction is the most important outcome parameter in orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to (1) determine patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) after orthodontic treatment and (2) identify associated factors. Material and methods: This prospective cross-sectional study recruited patients with CLP who had completed orthodontic treatment at a craniofacial center in Taiwan. Participants (N=213) had received treatment for unilateral CLP (n=99), bilateral CLP (n=50), cleft lip and alveolus (n=39), and isolated cleft palate (n=25). Self-report questionnaires evaluated satisfaction with appearance and QoL; multiple regression analysis examined associated factors. Participants' expectations of treatment results were also reported. Results: Participants reported moderate satisfaction with facial appearance and QoL. Satisfaction with treatment was lower or much lower than expected for 13% of participants. Treatment for bilateral CLP was associated with the lowest satisfaction with overall appearance (r = −8.123, P < 0.05); participants who had received orthognathic surgery had the highest satisfaction (r = 5.534, P < 0.05). Treatment for unilateral and bilateral CLP was associated with low QoL for smile (both P < 0.05). Conclusions: Orthodontic treatment had a positive effect on facial appearance and quality of life in patients with CLP. Type of cleft and orthognathic surgery significantly influenced satisfaction with facial appearance. Clinical relevance: Efforts must be taken to modify treatment strategies for patients with bilateral CLP in order to improve satisfaction with appearance following treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

lthough surgical excision of meningioma and its dural base is the most common primary management, skull base meningiomas are quite different, and contemporary management usually consists of multimodal treatment with the aim of achieving the best possible functional outcome and quality of life (QOL) for these patients. As surgery plays an important role in the treatment of skull base meningiomas, it is crucial for neurosurgeons to appreciate the surgical outcome and QOL after meningioma surgery. Outcome is usually measured for meningiomas in terms of morbidity, mortality, time to recurrence, and QOL. The extent of resection, tumor grade, proliferative markers, and tumor location are significant factors in predicting the surgical outcome. Therefore, we address each of these factors in detail in this review. Advances in recent decades in microsurgical techniques, neuroimaging modalities, neuroanesthesia, and perioperative intensive care have substantially improved the surgical outcome; therefore, most surgical outcomes discussed in this review are cited from contemporary literature (2000 to the present) in order to depict the surgical outcome of contemporary microsurgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chromophore dibromo- o-nitrophenylfluorone (DBNPF) was used to complex Fe(III) and Cu(II) at pH 5.88. Fe(III) can competitively replace Cu(II) from its dinuclear complex Cu(DBNPF)Cu, and forms the Cu(DBNPF)Fe heterodinuclear complex. The Fe-DBNPF and Cu-DBNPF complexes were also characterized by the spectral correction technique. The heterodinuclear replacement complexation (HRC) is proposed and first used for the quantitative detection of iron in trace level with high sensitivity and good selectivity by the light-absorption ratio variation approach. The limit of detection of Fe is 1.0 µg L−1. The method has been successfully applied to the direct determination of Fe(II, III) dissolved and bound to suspended substances in natural water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic biology is advancing into a new phase where real-world applications are emphasized. There is hence an urgent need for mathematical modeling that can quantitatively describe the behaviors of genetic devices in natural, fluctuating environments. We utilize an integrative circuit-host modeling framework to examine the dynamics of a genetic switch and its host cell in varying environments. For both steady-state and transient cases, we find increasing nutrient reduces the bistability region of the phase space and eventually drives the switch from bistability to monostability. In response, cellular growth and proteome partitioning experience the same transition. Antibiotic perturbations cause the similar circuit and host responses as nutrient variations. However, one difference is the trend of growth rate, which augments with nutrient but declines with antibiotic levels. The framework provides a mechanistic scheme to account for both the dynamic and static characteristics of the circuit-host system upon environmental perturbations, underscoring the intimacy of gene circuits and their hosts and elucidating the complexity of circuit behaviors arising from environmental variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To effectively improve the performance and expand the applications of polymers, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the COMPASS force field have been applied to predict the miscibility, glass transition temperature (Tg), and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/dioctyl phthalate (PVC/DOP) blends. The solubility parameter values obtained are in good agreement with the reference data and the little difference (∣Δδ∣ < 2.0 MPa0.5) between two components indicates that PVC/DOP is a miscible system. Tg is predicted by the slope of the free volume and density versus temperature simulation data based on density and free volume theory which is agree well with the experimental data. In addition, the analyses of mechanical properties results indicate that the values of Young's modulus (E), bulk modulus (K), and shear modulus (G) decrease with the addition of DOP, demonstrating that the rigidity of material is weakened and the ductility is improved. The mechanical properties can also be effectively improved by increasing the temperature, which may provide a more flexible mixture, with lower E, K, G but an increased ductility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]