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Pelodiscus sinensis meat is a nutritional food and tonic with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. To identify the bioactive substances responsible, several bioinformatics methods were integrated to enable a virtual screening for bioactive peptides in proteins identified within a water-soluble protein fraction of Pelodiscus sinensis meat by Shotgun proteomics. The peptides were generated from the identified proteins by in silico proteolysis using six proteases. A comparison of the numbers of proteins suitable for digestion with each enzyme and the iBAQ (intensity-based absolute quantification) values for these proteins revealed that bromelain and papain were the most suitable proteases for this sample. Next, the water solubility, toxicity, and ADMET (absorption/distribution/metabolism/excretion/toxicity) properties of these peptides were evaluated in silico. Finally, a novel ACE inhibitory peptide IEWEF with an IC50 value of 41.33 µM was identified. The activity of the synthesized peptide was verified in vitro, and it was shown to be a non-competitive ACE inhibitor. Molecular docking revealed that IEWEF could tightly bind to C-ACE, and N-ACE with energies less than 0 kJ mol−1, and the peptide IEWEF can form hydrogen bonds with C-ACE and N-ACE respectively. These results provide evidence that bioactive peptides in the water-soluble protein fraction account for (at least) some of the ACE inhibitory activities observed in Pelodiscus sinensis meat. Furthermore, our research provides a workflow for the efficient identification of novel ACE inhibitory peptides from complex protein mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety of the military and civilian industries is threatened by the combustion–explosion of energetic materials during production, transport, and storage. Black powder, a commonly used energetic material, has been widely utilized in special ammunition, detonating cord, explosive welding, and fireworks, and it has caused several accidents. To address this issue, a new type of seawater microcapsule suppressant has been developed using natural seawater, which is both clean and environmentally friendly. This study examines the effectiveness of different dosages and types of suppressants in reducing the combustion–explosion pressure of black powder, an energetic material. The dosage of suppressants required for complete suppression is estimated, and changes in flame and wall temperature are monitored to analyze the combustion–explosion suppression efficiency and mechanism of black powder. The experimental results demonstrate that the newly developed seawater microcapsule has a positive impact on suppressing the combustion–explosion in black powder. When using 0.15 g of seawater microcapsules, there was a 32.51% reduction in the maximum explosion pressure of 1 g of black powder and a 60.32% decrease in the maximum explosion rise rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy has emerged as a potential treatment option for resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In this single-arm phase II trial (NCT04826679), patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC (T2‒T4, N0‒N3b, M0) received neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy with camrelizumab (200 mg), nab-paclitaxel (260 mg/m2), and cisplatin (60 mg/m2) intravenously on day one of each three-week cycle for three cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included pathologic complete response (pCR), major pathologic response (MPR), two-year progression-free survival rate, two-year overall survival rate, and toxicities. Here, we report the perioperative outcomes; survival outcomes were not mature at the time of data analysis. Between April 19, 2021 and March 17, 2022, 48 patients were enrolled and received neoadjuvant therapy, 27 of whom proceeded to surgical resection and remaining 21 received non-surgical therapy. The ORR was 89.6% (95% CI: 80.9, 98.2) among 48 patients who completed neoadjuvant therapy. Of the 27 patients who underwent surgery, 17 (63.0%, 95% CI: 44.7, 81.2) achieved a MPR or pCR, with a pCR rate of 55.6% (95% CI: 36.8, 74.3). Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or 4 occurred in two patients. This study meets the primary endpoint showing potential efficacy of neoadjuvant camrelizumab plus nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin, with an acceptable safety profile, in patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC.Neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy represents a therapeutic option for resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here the authors report the results of a phase II trial of neoadjuvant camrelizumab plus nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin in resectable locally advanced HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recyclability of thermosetting polymers and their composites is a challenge for alleviating environmental pollution and resource waste. In this study, solvent-recyclable thermosetting polyimide (PI) and its composite were successfully synthesized. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus of PI are 108.70 ± 7.29 MPa, 19.35% ± 3.89%, and 2336.42 ± 128.00 MPa, respectively. The addition of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) not only enhances the mechanical properties of PI but also endows it with excellent tribological properties. The PI illustrates a high recycling efficiency of 94.15%, but the recycled composite exhibits inferior mechanical properties. The recycling and utilization of PI and its composite are realized through imine bonds (–C=N), which provides new guidance for solving the problem of environmental pollution and resource waste and is potential application in the field of sustainable tribology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-healing and recyclable polymer materials are being developed through extensive investigations on noncovalent bond interactions. However, they typically exhibit inferior mechanical properties. Therefore, the present study is aimed at synthesizing a polyurethane–urea elastomer with excellent mechanical properties and shape-memory-assisted self-healing behavior. In particular, the introduction of coordination and hydrogen bonds into elastomer leads to the optimal elastomer exhibiting good mechanical properties (strength, 76.37 MPa; elongation at break, 839.10%; toughness, 308.63 MJ m−3) owing to the phased energy dissipation mechanism involving various supramolecular interactions. The elastomer also demonstrates shape-memory properties, whereby the shape recovery force that brings damaged surfaces closer and facilitates self-healing. Surprisingly, all specimens exhibite clustering-triggered emission, with cyan fluorescence is observed under ultraviolet light. The strategy reported herein for developing multifunctional materials with good mechanical properties can be leveraged to yield stimulus-responsive polymers and smart seals. Polymers formed with non-covalent bonds are increasingly being developed, but often show inferior mechanical properties. Here, the authors report the development of high performances polyurethane-urea elastomer with shape-memory assisted self-healing behaviour [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, fatigue, and pain develop as common psychoneurological symptoms in patients with glioma, and their occurrence and development are potentially related to inflammatory factors. However, this theory has not been proven within the context of glioma. This study aimed to estimate interconnections among psychoneurological symptoms and inflammatory biomarkers by a network analysis. Patients and methods: We selected 203 patients with stage I–IV glioma from a tertiary hospital in China using convenient sampling method. Patients completed the self-made questionnaires, Hamilton Anxiety Scale-14 (HAMA-14), Hamilton Depression Scale-24 (HAMD-24), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (MFI-20), and pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The plasma inflammatory cytokines were examined. Partial correlation network analysis was performed to illustrate interactions of symptoms and inflammatory biomarkers. Results: Among the 203 included patients, all psychoneurological symptoms, except for depression and pain, exhibited significant connections with each other. Depression, anxiety, fatigue, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) with higher strength centrality indices were identified as the most central node within the symptom-biomarker network. Conclusions: Depression, anxiety, fatigue, IL-6, and TNF-α play a significant role in the symptom-biomarker network in patients with glioma. Medical staff should strengthen the dynamic evaluation of the involved symptoms and inflammatory cytokines and take effective measures to alleviate the burden of symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an excellent fire extinguishing agent, FK-5-1-12 has been widely used in industry. This article studies the fire extinguishing performance of FK-5-1-12 on a full-size battery box experimentally, triggered into thermal runaway by heating a lithium iron phosphate battery. By analyzing the extinguishment, reignition, as well as temperature changes on the battery surface and in the vicinity of the safety valve, the efficacy of the extinguishing agent under real circumstances of a lithium iron phosphate battery fire was investigated, using different loading of FK-5-1-12. The performance of FK-5-1-12 is analyzed and evaluated in combination with the flame extinguishing effect and the cooling effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note, we are concerned with the following critical Choquard equation with lower linear perturbation - Δ u + a (x) u = (I α ∗ | u | 2 α ∗ ) | u | 2 α ∗ - 2 u , u ∈ D 1 , 2 (R N). where N ≥ 3 , max { N - 4 , 0 } < α < N , 2 α ∗ = N + α N - 2 , a (x) is the weighted function, and I α is the Riesz potential. Using the Krasnoselskii genus theory and the global compactness principle, we prove the existence of N distinct pairs of nontrivial solutions when the norm | a - | N / 2 is suitably small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge background and preference of decision-makers and interaction among criteria play an important role in actual multiple attribute group decision-making(MAGDM) problem. Consequently, the attribute set and evaluation information chosen by decision-makers are different according to their preference. In this situation, this paper proposes a multigranulation rough fuzzy set model under heterogeneous preference information. We firstly present heterogeneous preference information system and the definition is given. What's more, the weight information can be depicted at different levels from the perspective of granular computing. Considering the decision-makers or experts have different weights for they chosen the set of criterion, we recalculate the weight of attribute by using Choquet integral and the generalized Shapley index. Then we construct the arbitrary binary relation classes based on the inclusion measurement of the heterogeneous preference information system between any alternatives. We then give the lower and upper approximations of any fuzzy decision-making object over the heterogeneous preference information system. At the same time, several interesting properties for the defined model are given and optimistic and pessimistic multigranulation rough fuzzy set models are deduced, respectively. Moreover, the interrelationship among the established multigranulation rough fuzzy set over the heterogeneous preference information system as well as the existing multigranulation rough set models are discussed in detail. After that, we present a new approach to multiple attribute group decision making problem by using the multigranulation rough fuzzy set method with the heterogeneous preference information. The basic principle and the methodology as well as the algorithm of the decision making given in this paper are given. Finally, the optimal renewable energy technologies alternative determination problem is used as a case study to illustrate the application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional "top-down" methods for graphene preparation, like micromechanical cleavage and ultrasound methods, usually cannot preserve both efficiency and quality simultaneously. Herein, we provide an environmental-friendly graphene exfoliating method with high efficiency and high quality that combines the microfluidization process (liquid phase) and supercritical carbon dioxide process (gas phase), namely the dual-phase exfoliating (DPE) method. The combination of effective tangential force (shearing force) and normal force (push and pull), which are originally from microfluidization and supercritical carbon dioxide process, respectively, maximizes the exfoliating efficiency. The DPE method offers a high yield of up to 70.25% for graphene preparation (941.04 g per day theoretically), while the graphene sheets could remain single or a few layers (> 80%) and around micron size. By molecular dynamic simulations, it is theoretically proved that carbon dioxide can intercalate between graphite layers and expand the interlayer spacing under supercritical conditions. This DPE method, by combining the advantages of different phase processes, provides an ideal process design perspective for large-scale preparation of other 2D materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal conductivity of soil is a fundamental physical property related to heat conduction and also one of the widely applied parameters in geotechnical engineering. Thermal needle tests were performed to measure the thermal conductivity of transparent sand. The thermal conductivity of three particle sizes of transparent sand was measured at different porosities and temperatures. The result shows that the thermal conductivity of transparent sand decreases with the increase of porosity and temperature. A modified model is proposed to calculate the thermal conductivity of the tested sand. Compared with the literature models, which are only suitable for room temperature, the modified model in this paper is applicable to a wider temperature range, ranging from 5∘C to 45∘C. It will also be beneficial to future studies on thermal reponses of granular materials, i.e., energy pile model test using transparent sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU/FUS) has expanded as a noninvasive quantifiable option for hyperthermia (HT). HT in a temperature range of 40–47 °C (thermal dose CEM43 ≥ 25) could work as a sensitizer to radiation therapy (RT). Here, we attempted to understand the tumor radiosensitization effect at the cellular level after a combination treatment of FUS+RT. Methods: An in vitro FUS system was developed to induce HT at frequencies of 1.147 and 1.467 MHz. Human head and neck cancer (FaDU), glioblastoma (T98G), and prostate cancer (PC-3) cells were exposed to FUS in ultrasound-penetrable 96-well plates followed by single-dose X‑ray irradiation (10 Gy). Radiosensitizing effects of FUS were investigated by cell metabolic activity (WST‑1 assay), apoptosis (annexin V assay, sub-G1 assay), cell cycle phases (propidium iodide staining), and DNA double-strand breaks (γH2A.X assay). Results: The FUS intensities of 213 (1.147 MHz) and 225 W/cm2 (1.467 MHz) induced HT for 30 min at mean temperatures of 45.20 ± 2.29 °C (CEM43 = 436 ± 88) and 45.59 ± 1.65 °C (CEM43 = 447 ± 79), respectively. FUS improves the effect of RT significantly by reducing metabolic activity in T98G cells 48 h (RT: 96.47 ± 8.29%; FUS+RT: 79.38 ± 14.93%; p = 0.012) and in PC-3 cells 72 h (54.20 ± 10.85%; 41.01 ± 11.17%; p = 0.016) after therapy, but not in FaDu cells. Mechanistically, FUS+RT leads to increased apoptosis and enhancement of DNA double-strand breaks compared to RT alone in T98G and PC-3 cells. Conclusion: Our in vitro findings demonstrate that FUS has good potential to sensitize glioblastoma and prostate cancer cells to RT by mainly enhancing DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bicarbonate (HCO3−) is one of the dominant carbon forms in the aquatic ecosystem and carbon cycle in karst areas. Recent studies have focused on the HCO3− utilization by aquatic plants to assess karst carbon sink at a watershed scale. However, the predominated researches inadequately address the effects on growth of submerged plants in various HCO3− conditions and how the submerged plants affect the karst carbon cycle. Here, H. verticillata was selected as a research object in different HCO3− concentrations. Plant morphology and water chemistry were analyzed to comparatively study the growth strategy and carbon utilization of submerged plants under various HCO3− conditions. The results show that the HCO3− aquatic environment can remarkably promote the growth of H. verticillata in terms of biomass, apical shoots, lateral shoots, and root production. The optimum concentration on biomass accumulation and lateral shoots growth is 4 mmol L−1; while, it is 8 mmol L−1 for the apical growth. But overall, the biomass accumulation is one order of magnitude higher than that in the control group. Despite the abundant dissolved inorganic carbon can significantly stimulate the growth of submerged plants, the respiration of H. verticillata suffers a certain inhabitation when the HCO3− concentration exceeds 4 mmol L−1. In karst aquatic environment, the existing HCO3− not only promotes the growth of submerged plants by means of supplying abundant dissolved inorganic carbon but also creates an alkaline water environment to buffer CO2 from the atmosphere. As a consequence, the presence of submerged plants has greatly enhanced the stability of karst carbon sink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the diversified multi-attribute group decision-making problem which means that the different decision-makers have different evaluation attribute sets for all candidate alternatives. We analyze the diversified multi-attribute group decision-making problem from the perspective of granular computing models and creatively combine soft sets with multigranulation fuzzy rough sets to construct the multigranulation soft fuzzy rough set model. Subsequently, we define the optimistic upper and lower approximations and pessimistic upper and lower approximations with respect to multigranulation soft fuzzy rough set model. Meanwhile, we discuss some important mathematical conclusions and properties based on the established model. Then, we propose a novel approach to the diversified multi-attribute group decision-making problem based on multigranulation soft fuzzy rough set and TODIM method, which fully consider the reference dependence and loss aversion of decision-makers in the decision-making process. Finally, we use a numerical example of evaluation for the policy selection group decision-making problem to describe and explain the calculation principle and process and compare the results with existing related work, and our approach has great stability and rationality. And the contributions of this paper include the following two points: (1) construct the multigranulation soft fuzzy rough set model; (2) combine the established model with TODIM method to provide a novel perspective to solve the diversified multi-attribute group decision-making problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a simple and stable photonic approach of frequencydoubled triangular-shaped waveform generation. It mainly consists of an integrated polarizationmultiplexing Mach–Zehnder modulator (PM-MZM) and a balance photoelectric detector (BPD). Two PM-MZM sub-modulators work at the maximum transmission point. By properly setting the amplitude of the local oscillator (LO) signal, frequency-doubled triangular-shaped waveforms can be generated. We analyze the operational principle by theory and experiment. Experimental results show that, when the frequency of LO signal is set to 3, 4, and 5 GHz respectively, triangular-shaped waveform signals with different repetition rates of 6, 8, and 10 GHz are generated, which agree well with the theoretical prediction. The structure of this system is simple and compact. In addition, the system has high-frequency tunability and operating bandwidth due the absence of optical filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) lamellar materials have unique molecular structures and mechanical properties, among which molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with different interaction forces served as reinforcing phase for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites in the present study. Thermal stability, tribological and thermomechanical properties of composites were comprehensively investigated. It was demonstrated that g-C3N4 improved elastic deformation resistance and thermal degradation characteristics. The addition of g-C3N4 significantly enhanced anti-wear performance under different loads and speeds. The results indicated that PTFE composites reinforced by g-C3N4 were provided with better properties because the bonding strength of g-C3N4 derived from hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) was stronger than that of MoS2 with van der Waals force. Consequently, g-C3N4 exhibited better thermomechanical and tribological properties. The result of this work is expected to provide a new kind of functional filler for enhancing the tribological properties of polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subcooled boiling of alcohol flowing through micro-cylinder-groups with different heights in aligned arrangement was investigated. Meanwhile, the outlet temperature and Nusselt number of the working fluid were obtained when the heating power was 80 W, 60 W and 40 W respectively. Subcooled boiling is divided into two parts: the partially developed stage and fully developed stage. The result showed that the outlet temperature of the fully developed stage in subcooled boiling changed rarely as the Reynolds number decreased. At the same heating power, the heights of the micro-cylinders had little effects on the outlet temperature of working fluid in the fully developed stage. However, for the same height of micro-cylinder, the fully developed stage of subcooled boiling came earlier as the heating power increased. And the Nusselt number in the fully developed stage was greater than that in the partially developed stage. Based on the regression analysis of experimental data, a correlation formula of Nusselt number for subcooled boiling in micro-cylinder-groups was established and made comparison with existing correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ceritinib 750 mg/day was approved for the treatment of patients with untreated anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on ASCEND-4 study. The objective of this article is to introduce the use of time-dependent modeling approach in the updated exposure-efficacy analysis of ceritinib for the first-line indication.Methods: Exposure-efficacy analyses, including data from 156 patients, were first conducted using time-independent logistic regression model for response of complete or partial response and Cox regression model for progression-free survival (PFS). The exposure measure used was average Ctrough, which is defined as the geometric mean of all evaluable Ctrough for each patient. To further investigate the impact of exposure measure on exposure-efficacy analyses, a time-dependent modeling approach was used, where exposure at different time intervals was associated with the corresponding response endpoints in a longitudinal manner.Results: With exposure measure being average Ctrough, it was observed that higher exposure was associated with reduced efficacy in terms of response (odds ratio = 0.77) and PFS [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.12]. These time-independent models do not account for the impact of time-varying concentration due to dose modifications. Subsequently, a new time-dependent modeling approach was used, where exposure and efficacy were associated longitudinally in the analyses. The results showed that the odds ratio of response became 1.07, and the HR of PFS became 1.04, indicating no apparent reverse relationship between exposure and efficacy across the exposure range studied.Conclusion: The drug effect on efficacy in clinical trials could be better characterized using time-dependent exposure-response models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2,9-Diamide-1,10-phenanthroline (DAPhen) ligands represent a new family of tetradentate extractants given their strong affinity to actinides and the CHON principle. Among this family, N,N′-diethyl-N,N′-ditolyl-2,9-diamide-1,10-phenanthroline (Et-Tol-DAPhen), initially reported by us, exhibits excellent selectivity towards actinides (U, Th, Am, Pu) over lanthanides and thus can be potentially applied in the group actinide extraction (GANEX) process for the group separation of actinides. In this article, by tailoring the lengths of alkyl chains, we synthesized other four DAPhen ligands with different substitute groups in the diamide moieties, and characterized the relationship between properties and substitute groups of DAPhen ligand. The extraction results show that three of the ligands exhibit high performance in UO22+ extraction from an acidic solution and the extracted UO22+ can be easily stripped by only using ultrapure water. Spectrophotometry titration confirms that UO22+ combined with all the four ligands in 1:1 mode. The extended X-ray absorption finestructure (EXAFS) study shows that six donor atoms comprise the first equatorial shell of the UO22+ ions bonded by the DAPhen ligands, among which two nitrogen and two oxygen atoms are from the DAPhen ligand, while other two oxygen atoms are from one nitrate ions. This article promises to provide basic data for assessing the feasibility of this kind of DAPhen ligands applied in actinides separation from nuclear wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Array methods like spatial auto-correlation (SPAC) method and the centerless circular array (CCA) method have provided a convenient means of inferring the phase velocity of surface waves. However, these methods are under the assumption of horizontally layered medium (lateral homogeneity) while the ground structure is actually likely to be inclined. Hence, it is expected to obtain more detailed information of ground structure such as inclination by making better use of the records. In recent years, the seismic interferometry theory has also been widely used to estimate ground structure. According to seismic interferometry theory, the cross correlation of motion between two sites is proportional to the imaginary part of the Green's function (IOG) between the two sites in diffuse wavefield. In this study, we can obtain the ratio of IOG between two sites by taking the ratio of power spectra between the same two sites. We propose this ratio as an indicator of the lateral heterogeneity between two sites. Through numerical simulation and a field test, we demonstrate that the significance of ratio of power spectra can be interpreted from the sight of ratio of IOG successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation in eukaryotes is followed to detect toxins and virulence factors and coupled to the induction of defence pathways. Caenorhabditis elegans germline-specific mutations in translation components are detected by this system to induce detoxification and immune responses in distinct somatic cells. An RNA interference screen revealed gene inactivations that act at multiple steps in lipid biosynthetic and kinase pathways upstream of MAP kinase to mediate the systemic communication of translation defects to induce detoxification genes. Mammalian bile acids can rescue the defect in detoxification gene induction caused by C. elegans lipid biosynthetic gene inactivations. Extracts prepared from C. elegans with translation deficits but not from the wild type can also rescue detoxification gene induction in lipid-biosynthesis-defective strains. These eukaryotic antibacterial countermeasures are not ignored by bacteria: particular bacterial species suppress normal C. elegans detoxification responses to mutations in translation factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of shape memory polymers (SMPs) with broad transition temperature was an effective method to realize multishape memory effect. In this study, a novel SMP with a broad glass transition temperature ( T) based on microcrystalline cellulose was prepared. The structure of the SMP was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance, which can prove the successful synthesis of the material. The thermal properties were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The dual- and multishape memory effects were also quantificationally analyzed by DMA. Further, the influence of programming temperature within T on dual-shape memory effect was investigated, and a 1D model was built to explain their relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the value of using a linear stapler device in total laryngectomy using a prospective study. Twenty-one total laryngectomies were performed from August 2010 to April 2012, using TA-60 linear stapler for pharyngeal closure. Data collected included age, sex, staging, surgical margins and postoperative course (including complications and swallowing). Patients comprised twenty men and one woman. The mean age was 64 years. Two patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy. Four patients recurred after radiotherapy. Fifteen patients were untreated. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all patients. One patient developed slight pharyngocutaneous fistula. Patients resumed oral intake at 7 days. The mean hospital stay was 10 days. Using a linear stapler to close laryngopharyngeal cavity in total laryngectomy is simple, reliable and practical, avoids pollution of surgical area, saves operation time and decreases the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula. It is worthy of clinical application for selected cases. Level of Evidence Case-series [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver fibrosis is a common scarring response to chronic liver injury. It is a precursor to cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Hepatic stimulator substance (HSS), a known liver-specific but species-nonspecific growth factor, has been shown to protect hepatocytes from various toxins. Methods: We have investigated the effects of HSS therapy on carbon tetrachloride (CCl)-induced and porcine-serum-mediated hepatic injury and fibrosis. We hypothesize that HSS might attenuate liver injury and fibrosis by suppressing oxidative stress, down-regulating profibrogenic factors, and blocking HSCs activation. Results: This report demonstrated that HSS therapy diminished α-smooth muscle actin expression, decreased intrahepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and down-regulated transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 expression. In addition, HSS treatment significantly protected the liver from injury by improving liver function tests and histological architecture of the liver. Conclusions: These results provided novel insights into the mechanisms of HSS in the protection of the liver. Our results suggested that HSS might be a therapeutic antifibrotic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

series of polyurethane (PU) samples based on poly(tetramethylene glycol)/epoxy resin (EP) graft interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were prepared and their damping, thermal, and mechanical properties were systematically studied in terms of composition and the value of the PU isocyanate index ( R). The damping properties and thermal stability measurements revealed that the formation of PU/EP IPN could improve not only the damping capacity but also the thermal stability. Meanwhile, mechanical tests showed that the tensile strengths of the IPNs decreased while their impact strengths increased with increasing PU content. The value of R also had significant impacts on the properties of the IPNs when the PU and EP ratio was fixed, which could be an effective means for manipulating the fabrication of PU/EP IPNs. The morphologies of the PU/EP IPNs were observed by SEM and AFM characterization and the relationship between the morphologies and properties is discussed. With the results in hand, the PU/EP IPNs hold promise for use in structural damping materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fabric (CF) was modified with strong HNO3 oxidation and then introduced into polyimide (PI) composites. The friction and wear properties of the carbon fabric reinforced polyimide composites (CFRP), sliding against GCr15 stainless steel rings, were investigated on an M-2000 model ring-on-block test rig under dry sliding. Experimental results revealed that the carbon fiber surface treatment largely reduced the friction and wear of the CFRP. Compared with the untreated ones, the surface-modified CF can enhance the tribological properties of CFRP efficiently due to the improved adhesion between the CF and the PI matrix. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of the carbon fiber surface showed that the fiber surface became rougher and the oxygen concentration increased greatly after surface treatment, which improved the adhesion between the fiber and the PI matrix and improved the friction-reduction and anti-wear properties of the CFRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]