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The deployment of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in smart container terminals provides a foundation for sensing and recording all operational processes. However, little effort has been devoted to integrating the massive data regarding interoperability challenges, thus limiting the value of data in advancing the intelligent evolution of ports. In this research, we propose a graph-based approach to organise operational records semantically, thereby facilitating data-driven decision-making in container terminals. We first construct a knowledge graph for operational processes in container terminals, employing a tailored procedure for the automatic conversion of operational records into triples. By utilising the graph information, we propose a novel method that integrates reinforcement learning (RL) with a mathematical solver for optimising scheduling problems. The quay crane scheduling problem (QCSP) is illustrated as an example to elaborate on the technical details. Based on a dataset from a real-world container terminal, numerical studies demonstrate the superiority of the proposed framework in terms of information retrieval efficiency and solution quality compared with the traditional data organisation approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new aryltetralin-type lignans (1-2) were isolated from the dichloromethane fraction of 95% ethanol extract of Camellia oleifera fruit husk. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of compounds 1-2 were determined by the comparison of measured ECD curves with the quantum chemical calculated ones. The new compounds were tested for their antioxidant activities and cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines (Huh-7, H460 and MCF-7). While compounds 1 and 2 only showed slight DPPH radical scavenging activities with the IC50 values of 38.68 ± 5.02 and 56.62 ± 1.49 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodsResultsConclusionPROSPERO registration numberEvidence shows diet promotes brain health. Combining foods and nutrients may have beneficial synergistic effects, but the effects on cognitive function interventions are inconsistent. So, a meta-analysis of RCTs was conducted to examine the specific effects on cognitive function.We searched four databases from creation to April 2023. Eligible randomized controlled trials were identified. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to combine standardized mean differences (SMD) (95% confidence intervals [CI]), and homogeneity tests for a variance were calculated.A total of 19 studies involving 12,119 participants were included in this systematic review. The dietary intervention group had a positive effect on overall cognitive functioning compared to the control group (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI [0.08, 0.20], P < 0.00001). The dietary intervention improved executive function, processing speed and language skills (SMD = −0.10, 95% CI [−0.17,−0.04], P = 0.002, I2 = 0%), (SMD = −0.16, 95% CI [−0.23,−0.09], P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), (SMD = 0.10, 95% CI [0.01, 0.20], P = 0.03, I2 = 0%). The dietary intervention had no effect on delayed memory and spatial ability (SMD = 0.04, 95% CI [−0.02, 0.09], P = 0.20, I2 = 0%), (SMD = 0.08, 95% CI [−0.01, 0.16], P = 0.08, I2 = 0%).The Mediterranean diet, a diet with restricted caloric intake, a diet incorporating aerobic exercise, a low-carbohydrate diet, and a healthy lifestyle diet (increased intake of fruits and vegetables, and weight and blood pressure management) appear to have positive effects on cognitively healthy adults, as reflected in their overall cognitive, processing speed, executive, and language functions.CRD42023414704. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new pregnane glycosides (1 and 2), together with four known ones (3– 6), were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight (Asclepiadaceae). On the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis and chemical method, the structures of new compounds were characterized to be metaplexigenin 3-O-β-D-cymaropyranosyl- (1→4)-α-L-diginopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside (1), metaplexigenin 3-O-α-L-diginopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside (2). All the isolated compounds (1–6) were tested for their in vitro inhibitory activity against the growth of human colon cancer cell lines HCT-116. Compounds 5 and 6 showed significant cytoxicities with IC50 values of 43.58 µM and 52.21 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous study, target drug delivery and treatment of malignant tumors have been achieved by using platelets as carriers loading nano-chemotherapeutic agents (ND-DOX). However, drug release from ND-DOX-loaded platelets is dependent on negative platelet activation by tumor cells, whose activation is not significant enough for the resulting drug release to take an effective anti-tumor effect. Exploring strategies to proactively manipulate the controlled release of drug-laden platelets is imperative. The present study innovatively revealed that photodynamic action can activate platelets in a spatiotemporally controlled manner. Consequently, based on the previous study, platelets were used to load iron oxide-polyglycerol-doxorubicin-chlorin e6 composites (IO-PGDOX-Ce6), wherein the laser-triggered drug release ability and anti-tumor capability were demonstrated. The findings suggested that IO-PG-DOX-Ce6 could be stably loaded by platelets in high volume without any decrease in viability. Importantly and interestingly, drug-loaded platelets were significantly activated by laser irradiation, characterized by intracellular ROS accumulation and up-regulation of CD62p. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hydrated particle size results also showed a significant aggregation response of laser irradiated-drug-loaded platelets. Further transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements indicated that the activated platelets released extracellularly their cargo drug after laser exposure, which could be taken up by co-cultured tumor cells. Finally, the co-culture model of drug-loaded platelets and tumor cells proved that laser-triggered delivery system of platelets could effectively damage the DNA and promote apoptosis of tumor cells. Overall, the present study discovers a drug-loaded platelets delivery using photodynamic effect, enabling laser-controlled intelligent drug delivery and anti-tumor therapy, which provides a novel and feasible approach for clinical application of cytopharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chemical investigation of 95% ethanol extract from the stem and branch of Tripterygium wilfordii has resulted in the isolation and characterization of two new compounds, one neolignan (1) and one phenylalanine derivative (2), as well as four known compounds (3–6). The structures of the new compounds were determined based on extensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was defined by X-ray crystallographic analyses and electronic circular dichroism calculation. In addition, compounds 2 and 4–6 exhibited inhibitory effects against NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with the IC50 value ranging from 3.51 μM to 30.40 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total synthesis approach of CS-E oligosaccharides was established and a series of derivatives were synthesized. These oligosaccharides were evaluated for a glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-binding protein interaction against cytokines, midkine, and pleiotrophin, by surface-plasmon resonance (SPR) assay. The binding epitopes of oligosaccharides to midkine were mapped using a saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR technique. The groups on the reducing end contributed to binding affinity, and should not be ignored in biological assays. These findings contribute to the structure and activity relationship research and a foundation of understanding that will underpin potential future optimization of this class of oligosaccharides as pharmaceutical agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product innovation is a significant marketing strategy for enterprises to attract customers. However, innovative products may not meet consumers' expectations, where consumers would regret and return after purchasing the products. Firstly, a Stackelberg game is constructed in this paper model under different supply chain power structures. And then, the impact of consumers' anticipated regret and innovation attributes are discussed on the equilibrium results and supply chain profit through theoretical comparison and numerical simulation. The results show that: (1) Sales enterprise can adopt the strategy of pricing penetration to promote the demand and avoid selling risk. (2) Enterprise can provide customers with high value-added services to increase profit. (3) Manufacturing enterprise can adopt the additive value strategy to promote consumption and gain extra profit. The conclusion can provide reference opinions for enterprises' innovation and pricing decision-making. However, the different regret coefficients for innovative products and current products are not considered in this paper. Further the situation is considered in which consumers purchase current product, discount product and innovative product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bixasteroid (1), one new steroid together with five known compounds (2–6), were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of Bixa orellana fruits. All of these known compounds were isolated from the plant for the first time. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by X-ray crystallographic data analysis as well as by the quantum chemical ECD calculations. All the isolated compounds were tested for their anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 1 and 2 showed inhibiting NO release activities in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with the IC50 values of 4.72 ± 0.28 and 5.48 ± 1.48 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous study, target drug delivery and treatment of malignant tumors have been achieved by using platelets as carriers loading nano-chemotherapeutic agents (ND-DOX). However, drug release from ND-DOX-loaded platelets is dependent on negative platelet activation by tumor cells, whose activation is not significant enough for the resulting drug release to take an effective anti-tumor effect. Exploring strategies to proactively manipulate the controlled release of drug-laden platelets is imperative. The present study innovatively revealed that photodynamic action can activate platelets in a spatiotemporally controlled manner. Consequently, based on the previous study, platelets were used to load iron oxide-polyglycerol-doxorubicin-chlorin e6 composites (IO-PG-DOX-Ce6), wherein the laser-triggered drug release ability and anti-tumor capability were demonstrated. The findings suggested that IO-PG-DOX-Ce6 could be stably loaded by platelets in high volume without any decrease in viability. Importantly and interestingly, drug-loaded platelets were significantly activated by laser irradiation, characterized by intracellular ROS accumulation and up-regulation of CD62p. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hydrated particle size results also showed a significant aggregation response of laser irradiated-drug-loaded platelets. Further transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements indicated that the activated platelets released extracellularly their cargo drug after laser exposure, which could be taken up by co-cultured tumor cells. Finally, the co-culture model of drug-loaded platelets and tumor cells proved that laser-triggered delivery system of platelets could effectively damage the DNA and promote apoptosis of tumor cells. Overall, the present study discovers a drug-loaded platelets delivery using photodynamic effect, enabling laser-controlled intelligent drug delivery and anti-tumor therapy, which provides a novel and feasible approach for clinical application of cytopharmaceuticals. What is the context? 1. Platelets were applied to load IO-PG-DOX-Ce6, wherein the laser-triggered drug release and anti-tumor effect were investigated in vitro. 2. The findings indicated that IO-PG-DOX-Ce6 could be stably loaded by platelets in high volume without any decrease in viability, which may attribute to the activation of autophagy in platelets. 3. IO-PG-DOX-Ce6-loaded platelets could be significantly activated by laser irradiation (690 nm). 4. Activated platelets released extracellularly their cargo drug after laser exposure, which could be taken up by co-cultured tumor cells 5. The co-culture model of drug-loaded platelets and tumor cells proved that the laser-triggered delivery system of platelets could effectively damage the DNA and promote apoptosis of tumor cells. What is new? 1. Platelets could be utilized as the vehicle to load photosensitizer-loaded-nano-drug. 2. Photodynamic action can activate platelets in a spatiotemporally controlled manner, which could be a tool to regulate the activation of platelets. 3. The laser-triggered activation of drug-loaded platelets allows for target release of cargo. 4. The limitation of the current research is that only in vitro experiments were carried out to demonstrate our conclusions. What is impact? The present work provides a novel and feasible approach for the clinical application of cytopharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the efficacy and safety of different treatment options for cervical pregnancy (CP). A total of 74 patients diagnosed with CP at Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital between January 2016 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 31 were treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) followed by hysteroscopic curettage, 34 were treated with hysteroscopic curettage alone, and nine were treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) followed by hysteroscopic curettage. Medical records and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. There were no significant differences in age, gravidity, parity, abortion, or preoperative hemoglobin levels among the patients in the three groups; however, significant differences in gestational age, gestational sac diameter, preoperative β-hCG, and presence of cardiac pulsation were observed (p < 0.05). After treatment, there was no conversion to laparotomy, and the uterus was preserved in all patients. Significant differences in blood loss during curettage, hospitalization costs, hospital days, menstrual recovery interval, β-hCG decline rates, retained products of conception, and intrauterine adhesions rate among the three groups were observed (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the placement of the uterine Foley balloon, effective curettage rate, pre-and postoperative hemoglobin decline, live birth rate, or proportion of subsequent pregnancies among the three groups. Our results showed that hysteroscopic curettage, HIFU, and UAE followed by hysteroscopic curettage are safe and effective for treating patients with CP. Compared with the UAE, HIFU has the advantages of lower hospitalization costs, shorter hospital stays, and shorter menstrual recovery intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven new phenylpropanoids, including two pairs of enantiomers of 8-O-4′-type neolignans, named (±)-xanthiifructins A-B (1a/1b-2a/2b), a pair of simple phenylpropanoid derivatives (±)-xanthiifructins C (3a/3b), and a racemic phenylpropanoid derivative xanthiifructin D (4), together with four known analogues (5-8) were isolated from the fruits of Xanthium sibiricum. Racemic xanthiifructins A-C were separated on chiral HPLC columns. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and comparison with the literatures. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were evaluated for all isolates. Among them, (-)-xanthiifructin C (3b) exhibited potent inhibitory effect against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells with an IC50 value of 9.94 ± 0.57 μM. All compounds obviously were inactive for three human tumor cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2, and A549) with IC50 values much more than 10 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pair of new enantiomeric trinorsesquiterpenes, (+)-genpenterpene A (1a) and (-)-genpenterpene A (1b), together with seven known compounds (2–8), were isolated from the aerial parts of Justicia gendarussa Burm.f.. All of these known compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Racemic genpenterpene A was separated by chiral HPLC column. Their chemical structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and ECD calculations. (+)-genpenterpene A (1a) exhibited potent inhibitory effect against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells with an IC50 value of 9.54 ± 1.02 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new rearranged eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, Lyciiterpenoids A-D (1–4), together with four known compounds (5–8) were isolated from the aqueous extract of Lycii Cortex. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of compounds 1–4 were determined by the quantum chemical ECD calculations. The absolute configuration of 1 was further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic data analysis. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2, and A549). However, no significant activities were detected even with a concentration up to 100 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new compounds (1–3), together with six known compounds (4–9), were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. All of these known compounds were isolated from the plant for the first time. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of HR-ESI-MS, NMR spectroscopic analyses, single crystal X-ray diffraction and comparison with the literatures. Compounds 1–9 were tested for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 5 and 8 showed the antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 28.61 ± 1.56 and 22.55 ± 1.38 μM, respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 showed anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with the IC50 values of 20.95 ± 1.11 and 16.50 ± 1.04 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effects of peak inspiratory pressure (PIP)-guided intracuff pressure (ICP) modulation of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) Supreme™ during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Totally 120 patients were randomly divided using computer-generated numbers into a control group (n = 60; ICP, 60 cmH2O) and a PIP group (n = 60), in which ICP was increased with 5 cmH2O each time from PIP level until no air leaks from the oropharynx. PIP, ICP, cuff volume (CV), oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) and leak fraction (LF) were recorded before and after pneumoperitoneum establishment. Postoperative pharyngolaryngeal complications (sore throat, dysphagia, pharyngeal hematoma, and dysphonia) were also recorded. Demographic data were similar in the two groups. The CV and ICP before and after pneumoperitoneum were significantly lower in the PIP group (CV: 15.6 ± 2.3 mL and 21.0 ± 2.6 mL; ICP: 14.3 ± 2.9 cmH2O and 20.5 ± 3.4 cmH2O) than in the control group (CV: 33.0 ± 2.8 mL and 32.8 ± 1.9 mL; ICP: 60.0 ± 0.1 cmH2O and 60.0 ± 0.1 cmH2O) (P < 0.05). Although OLP was lower in the PIP group (P < 0.05), the LF was similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). There were fewer postoperative pharyngolaryngeal complications in the PIP group (P < 0.05). Compared with a fixed ICP of 60 cmH2O, PIP-guided ICP modulation during LMA Supreme™ use provided effective airway sealing at a lower CV and ICP, and produced fewer postoperative pharyngolaryngeal complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rahman et al. ([7]) presented two siblings who were both impacted by a large terminal duplication (18.82 Mb at 7q34-q36.3) and a deletion (3.90 Mb at 15q26.3), with absence in both parents, implicating a possible germline mosaicism. Apparent germline mosaicism for a 15q11-q13 deletion causing recurrent Angelman syndrome in a Chinese family. Meyer et al ([3]) reported an apparent de novo 281 kb duplication of chromosome 2p25.3 in two male half-siblings with autism transmitted through the mechanism of maternal germline mosaicism. [Extracted from the article]

Lyciyunin, a new dimer of feruloyltyramine (1), together with five known tyramines (2–6), was isolated from the water-soluble fraction of an EtOH extract of the root of L. yunnanense. Based on HR-TOF-MS, NMR spectral data and quantum chemistry ECD calculations, the structure of this new compound was determined, including its absolute configuration. Compounds (1–6) were tested for their antioxidant activity using in vitro DPPH radical scavenging assay, and 1–6 showed the moderate antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 12.44 ± 0.39, 21.29 ± 0.75, 24.44 ± 1.63, 21.15 ± 0.66, 21.15 ± 0.66 and 45.15 ± 0.56 μM, respectively. Compounds (5–6) showed anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with the IC50 values of 43.95 ± 6.11 and 33.50 ± 2.04 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barbaram (1), a neolactam together with other five known compunds (2–6) was isolated from the EtOAc-soluble fraction of an EtOH extract of the root and stem of Lycium barbarum by using silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and semi-preparative RP-C18 HPLC. Based on HR-TOF-MS, NMR spectral data, quantum chemistry ECD calculations and referencing to the data reported earlier, the structures of these compounds (1–6) were determined, specially including the absolute configuration of the neolactam (1). Compounds 2 and 4 showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with the IC50 values of 8.98 ± 0.57 μM, 6.68 ± 0.77 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the nonlinear vibration of a cable with multiple intra-span elastic supports under primary resonance excitation. The elastic supports are treated as linear springs in the analysis. Lagrange's equation and modal superposition approach are employed to derive the dynamic equilibrium equations of the cable based on the energy of system. The nonlinear dynamic behaviour of a cable is analysed in this work, and 3:1 internal resonance is investigated, with coupled in-plane and out-of-plane motions discussed as well. A cable with both two edges simply supported subjected to harmonic excitation is studied by using homotopy analysis method. The amplitude-frequency response and the first approximation solutions of the double-modal motion are obtained. Through comparison with four-order Runge-kutta approach, it demonstrates this method is accurate. Finally, numerical analysis is performed to study how the pretensions, the damping coefficients and the linear stiffness coefficients of the elastic supports influence the amplitude-frequency and amplitude-excitation curves. A range of nonlinear dynamic properties of a cable are acquired, especially the internal resonance issue, which requires the cables stay beyond the region of resonance prior to perform structural design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report the experience with first-trimester prenatal detection of pregnancies complicated by trisomy 18. Study design: Proven cases of trisomy 18 identified between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation were retrospectively reviewed. Information on maternal demographics, prenatal sonographic findings, indications for prenatal diagnosis and chromosomal analysis results was obtained by reviewing medical records. Results: During the 7-year period from January 2011 to December 2017, 89 cases of full trisomy 18 had first-trimester indications for prenatal diagnosis at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. Eighty-five (95.5%) had abnormal sonographic findings in the first trimester. The most common finding was increased nuchal translucency (55.1%), followed by cystic hygroma (18.0%), omphalocele (14.6%), and fetalis hydrops (11.2%). Four cases (4.5%) were not associated with any abnormal first-trimester sonographic finding, and were diagnosed because of routine positive screening results for trisomy 18. A single case was diagnosed because of a positive cell-free DNA (cfDNA) result. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that a large number of fetuses with trisomy 18 have abnormal sonographic findings in the first trimester, and support the continued utility of first-trimester sonographic examination in the diagnosis of this trisomy even with the availability of cfDNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managers are interested in promoting frontline employees’ proactive behavior because proactivity is crucial for organizational success. This study examined the link between perceived workplace gossip and employees’ (targets’) proactive service performance by focusing on the mediating role of employees’ harmonious passion and the moderating role of perceived job social support. Using time-lagged survey data from 218 supervisor-subordinate dyads in a commercial bank in China, we found that perceived workplace gossip negatively influences employees’ proactive service performance, and that this relationship is mediated by reduced harmonious passion. In addition, perceived job social support attenuates the negative relationship between perceived workplace gossip and harmonious passion, with harmonious passion having a mediating effect on the relationship between perceived workplace gossip and proactive service performance. These results provide new directions for understanding workplace gossip, harmonious passion, proactive service performance, and job social support. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We used an impedance-controlled generator with an internally cooled electrode to perform radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in ex vivo bovine livers, with a single injection of either 38.5% sodium chloride (NaCl) or 10% hydrochloric acid (HCl), to determine the relative effects of these two solutions on tissue impedance, temperature and ablation volume. Materials and methods: We performed 10 ablations each with injections of NaCl (NaCl-RFA), HCl (HCl-RFA) or nothing (RFA-alone), with a power setting of 200 W for 15 minutes. We recorded tissue impedance before and after injection. We logged temperatures obtained from thermocouple probes positioned 5, 10, 15 and 20 mm from the internally cooled RF electrode. After ablation, we measured ablation zone longitudinal and transverse diameters, and we calculated a spherical ratio (SR) for each ablation. Results: Mean post-injection impedance of 30.3 (standard deviation [SD] 2.5) ohms for HCl was significantly lower than that of 55.4 (SD 3.5) ohms for NaCl (p < .001). Mean maximum temperatures recorded at each respective distance from the RFA electrode were all highest for HCl-RFA and lowest for RFA-alone (p < .001). Mean longitudinal and transverse diameters after HCl-RFA (5.50 [SD 0.25] cm and 5.28 [SD 0.22] cm, respectively) were significantly larger than those after NaCl-RFA (4.24 [SD 0.35] cm and 3.55 [SD 0.43] cm, respectively) and after RFA-alone (3.60 [SD 0.10] cm and 2.70 [SD 0.13] cm, respectively) (p < .001). Mean SR after HCl-RFA (0.93, SD 0.02) was significantly higher than mean SR after NaCl-RFA (0.76, SD 0.06) and RFA-alone (0.72, SD 0.04) (p < .001). Conclusion: Monopolar, impedance-controlled RFA, with an internally cooled electrode and a single 10% HCl injection may allow larger tumors to be treated, potentially resulting in improved patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our objective was to determine the safety and ablation size of hydrochloric acid-perfused radiofrequency ablation (HCl-RFA) in liver tissues, prospectively using in vivo rabbit and ex vivo porcine liver models. Materials and methods: The livers in 30 rabbits were treated in vivo with perfusions of normal saline (controls) and HCl concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, during RFA at 103 °C and 30 W for 3 min. For each experimental setting, six ablations were created. Safety was assessed by comparing baseline weight and selected laboratory values with those at 2, 7, and 14 days’ post-ablation, and by histopathological analysis. The livers in 25 pigs were treated ex vivo with the same five perfusions during RFA at 103 °C, at both 30 W and 60 W, for 30 min. Ablation diameters and volumes were measured by two examiners. Results: Rabbit weights and selected laboratory values did not differ significantly from baseline to 7 and 14 days’ post-ablation, liver tissues outside the ablation zones were normal histologically, and adjacent organs showed no macroscopic damage. The mean ablation volumes in the porcine livers treated with HCl-RFA were all larger than those treated with normal saline perfusion during RFA (NS-RFA), at both 30 W and 60 W (p < 0.001). The largest ablation volume and transverse diameter were observed in the porcine livers during 10% HCl-RFA at 60 W, measuring 179.22 (SD = 24.79) cm3 and 6.84 (SD = 0.36) cm, respectively. Conclusions: Based on our experiments, HCl-RFA in the liver appears to be as safe as NS-RFA while also resulting in larger ablation zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report the experience with first-trimester prenatal detection of pregnancies complicated by trisomy 18.Study design: Proven cases of trisomy 18 identified between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation were retrospectively reviewed. Information on maternal demographics, prenatal sonographic findings, indications for prenatal diagnosis and chromosomal analysis results was obtained by reviewing medical records.Results: During the 7-year period from January 2011 to December 2017, 89 cases of full trisomy 18 had first-trimester indications for prenatal diagnosis at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. Eighty-five (95.5%) had abnormal sonographic findings in the first trimester. The most common finding was increased nuchal translucency (55.1%), followed by cystic hygroma (18.0%), omphalocele (14.6%), and fetalis hydrops (11.2%). Four cases (4.5%) were not associated with any abnormal first-trimester sonographic finding, and were diagnosed because of routine positive screening results for trisomy 18. A single case was diagnosed because of a positive cell-free DNA (cfDNA) result.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that a large number of fetuses with trisomy 18 have abnormal sonographic findings in the first trimester, and support the continued utility of first-trimester sonographic examination in the diagnosis of this trisomy even with the availability of cfDNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Herbicide atrazine (ATR) poses harmful effects on human health. The purpose of this study is to study potential biomarkers used for monitoring the toxic effects after chronic exposure to ATR by studying urine metabolites. 2. Rats were assigned into clinical chemistry and metabonomics arms, and each arm was divided into low-dose, high-dose and control groups. ATR was administered to rats along with their feed. At the end of 16, 20 and 24 weeks, clinical parameters and histopathologic changes was assessed to monitor the toxic effects. Twenty-four hour urine samples was analyzed by UPLC-MS, to find the significant alterations in metabolic profiling. 3. The body weight of rats in ATR group was lower than that of control starting from 12th week; abnormal levels of serum biochemistry and histopathologic alterations of organs were found initially from 16th and 20th week, respectively. Five exogenous and five endogenous metabolites were found which showed significant differences between ATR groups and control group at above-mentioned time points. 4. These metabolites may be used as potential indicators to monitor ATR toxicity, and also may provide some clues for understanding the mechanism of toxicity of ATR. The exact relationship between endogenous metabolites and ATR toxicity needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper mainly establishes the sensitivity analysis of a multiobjective optimization problem with parameterized quasi-variational inequalities (QVIs). Using the (regular) coderivative of the associated epigraphical multifunction, the (regular) subdifferentials of the efficient frontier maps are estimated, which involve the (regular) coderivatives of the solution mapping to the parameterized QVIs. Under the linear independent constraint qualification, the defined auxiliary set-valued mappings in the parameterized QVIs are clam. The detailed formulae of subdifferentials of the efficient frontier maps are obtained and examples are simultaneously provided for analyzing and illustrating the obtained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population genetic structure ofOnychostoma lepturumon Hainan Island was investigated based on mitochondrial CR + cytbregion in 63 specimens collected from four populations. Population analyses indicated significant genetic structure (FST = 0.749) and displayed a significant relationship between phylogeny and geography (NST = 0.750 andGST = 0.140). Thirty-one mtDNA haplotypes were classified into four lineages, and these lineages had an almost allopatric distribution. The results of a statistical dispersal-vicariance analysis suggest that the ancestral populations were distributed widely on Hainan Island, and the rising of the central mountainous area of Hainan Island, the Wuzhi and Yinggeling Mountain Range, separated these four drainages into independent lineages. According to a spatial analysis of molecular variance analysis, we divided these populations into three units: ND, CH and WQ + LS, running into Qiongzhou Strait, the Gulf of Tokin and the South China Sea, respectively. According to our study, the exposure of straits and shelf under water retreat gave chances for population dispersion during the glaciations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose:To explore the effects of autogenous bone particle/titanium fiber composites on repairing segmental bone defects in rabbits.Materials and methods:A model of bilateral radial bone defect was established in 36 New Zealand white rabbits which were randomly divided into 3 groups according to filling materials used for bilaterally defect treatment: in group C, 9 animal bone defect areas were prepared into simple bilateral radius bone defect (empty sham) as the control group; 27 rabbits were used in groups ABP and ABP-Ti. In group ABP, left defects were simply implanted with autogenous bone particles; meanwhile, group ABP-Ti animals had right defects implanted with autogenous bone particle/titanium fiber composites. Animals were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively, after operation.Results:Micro-CT showed that group C could not complete bone regeneration. Bone volume to tissue volume values in group ABP-Ti were better than group ABP. From histology and histomorphometry Groups ABP and ABP-Ti achieved bone repair, the bone formation of group ABP-Ti was better. The mechanical strength of group ABP-Ti was superior to that of other groups.Conclusions:These results confirmed the effectiveness of autologous bone particle/titanium fiber composites for promoting bone regeneration and mechanical strength. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We report a rare mutation, HBA2: c.184A>T on the α2-globin gene, detected in a Chinese proband who presented with Hb H disease and a mild anemia. This frameshift mutation results in a premature termination of translation at position 61 of the α2-globin gene. Carriers of this mutation showed a borderline microcytic hypochromia. Our study indicates the importance of screening nondeletional α-thalassemia (α-thal) in areas with a particularly high prevalence of thalassemia such as in Southern China, especially for couples with one partner carrying an α0-thal deletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to determine the chemical composition, digestible energy (DE), metabolisable energy (ME) and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) in sunflower seed meal (SFSM) and to develop reasonable prediction equations for estimating energy digestibility based on chemical composition of these meals for growing pigs. Ten SFSMs were collected and 66 crossbred barrows (initial body weight=36.43±5.25 kg) were randomly allocated to one of eleven diets. The basal diet was based on corn and soybean meal which contained 82.2% corn, 14.8% de-hulled soybean meal and 3% premix. The test diets contained 30% SFSM at the expense of corn and soybean meals. The experiment comprised a 7-d adaptation period followed by a 5-d collection period of faecal matter and urine. On a dry matter (DM) basis, the content of crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fibre, and gross energy (GE) ranged from 29.33 to 39.09%, 38.15 to 55.40%, 24.59 to 37.34% and 18.65 to 21.50 MJ/kg, respectively. The concentration of DE and ME ranged from 10.51 to 12.47 MJ/kg and 10.26 to 12.16 MJ/kg of DM, respectively. The DE values and ATTD of GE among the ten SFSMs significantly differed (P<0.05). The ATTD of GE ranged from 52.86 to 63.90%. The best models for predicting DE and ME were also established. In conclusion, the chemical composition of SFSM was variable (coeffiecient of variance>10%) among the ten SFSMs (DM). The results of DE, ME and prediction equations could be applied to evaluate the energy digestibility of SFSM in growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1α-acetoxy-5α, 7β-dihydroxycassa-11,13(15)-diene-16,12-lactone, a new cassane-type diterpene was isolated fromCaesalpinia crista. The structure of this compound was elucidated by analysis of NMR spectra, and the relative configuration was established by NOE experiment. The new compound was evaluated for antitumour activity against T47D, DU145 and showed significant inhibitory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tagetes erecta (Asteraceae) has been wildly cultivated as ornamental and medicinal plant. Here, we reported the first chloroplast genome sequence of T. erecta. The chloroplast genome size is 152,065 bp with GC content of 37.4%, including a large single-copy (LSC) of 83,895 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) of 18,065 bp, and a pair of 25,048 bp IR (inverted repeat) regions. A total of 132 genes were annotated including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that T. erecta belongs to the subfamily Asteroideae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication and properties of lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) thin films have been studied for Metal-Ferroelectric-Semiconductor FET (MFSFET) devices. PLZT based MFS capacitors using lead titanate (PT) as seeding layers have been respectively prepared on p-type〈111〉and n-type && [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of the FeRAM requires the development of etching processes for ferroelectric thin films and electrodes as well as deposition processes. But different etching methods have different impacts such as resolution and process-induced damages. In this paper, reactive ion etching (RIE) and ion beam etching (IBE) for ferroelectric thin films and Pt electrodes have been studied in details. Different silicon-based ferroelectric thin films and their corresponding electrodes have been etched successfully. To compensate the possible oxygen loss caused by the etching process, the samples should be annealed in O2 at 550°C for 30 min after RIE and IBE etching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication and properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films have been studied for Metal-Ferroelectric-Semiconductor FET (MFSFET) devices. PZT based MFS capacitors using lead titanate (PT) as seeding layers have been respectively prepared on p-type <111> and n-type <100> silicon wafers directly by a sol-gel method. PZT/PT films are final annealed at 650°C for 1 min in oxygen ambient using rapid thermal annealing (RTA). The measured memory windows of the MFS capacitors are about 1.8 V and 5 V under the polarization voltages of ±5 V and ±10 V correspondingly. The MFS structure can be valuable for MFSFET applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grey-headed woodpecker (Picus canus) is one species of family Picidae. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the grey-headed woodpecker was determined and annotated for the first time. It is a circular molecule of 17,103 bp in size and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes (12S and 16S), 22 tRNA genes (tRNAs), and 2 control regions (D-loop regions). The total base composition is 28.13% for A, 34.57% for C, 13.87% for G, and 23.43% for T, respectively. In addition, phylogenetic analysis was carried out according to the DNA data of 13 PCGs using the neighbour-joining method. The complete mitogenome of grey-headed woodpecker will play an important role in population genetics and phylogenetic studies of the species in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]