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Objective: To comprehensively compare the differences between major dietary patterns in improving glycemic control, cardiovascular risk, and weight loss for patients with type 2 diabetes. Method: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of Mediterranean, low‐carbohydrate, and/or low‐fat dietary patterns for patients with type 2 diabetes. Studies that compared any one of those diets with regular diet were also included. The risk of bias in eligible RCTs was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook. The primary outcome was glycemic control. Secondary outcomes included weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors. A network meta‐analysis was performed using R‐3.3.2. Results: Ten RCTs involving five dietary patterns met the eligibility criteria. The findings revealed that compared to low‐fat diet, Mediterranean diet showed beneficial effects in glycemic control (HbA1c [%]: MD = –0.45, 95% CI = –0.55 to –0.34; fasting plasma glucose [mmol/L]: MD = –1.24 95% CI = –1.57 to –0.91, respectively; weight loss [kg]: MD =–1.18, 95% CI = –1.99 to –0.37; waist circumference [cm]: MD = –0.73, 95% CI = –1.26 to –0.19), and cardiovascular risk factors (HDL‐cholesterol [mmol/L]: MD = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.11; total cholesterol [mmol/L]: MD = –0.17, 95% CI = –0.26 to –0.08; triglycerides [mmol/L]: MD = –0.21, 95% CI = –0.27 to –0.16). Network meta‐analysis showed that high‐carbohydrate diet improved HDL‐cholesterol (mmol/l) (MD = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.39 to 1.68) when compared with regular diet. The differences were not statistically significant in other indirect comparison groups for other outcomes. Conclusions: A mediterranean diet showed beneficial improvements in glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we address the prototype filter optimization problem in the offset quadrature amplitude modulation-based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system and propose a series of efficient branch and bound (BB)-based methods to greatly reduce the convergence time of the optimization problem. Specifically, we first propose a constraint judge method to determine whether a subset has the possibility to obtain a feasible solution and remove the subsets that have no feasible solutions. Then, we propose a searching strategy to further decrease the number of iterations. Moreover, we propose an efficient convex relaxation method to reduce the calculation time of each iteration. Simulation results show that the proposed methods can guarantee the same global optimal solution as generated by the conventional α-based BB ( αBB) algorithm, and the BB algorithm combining the three proposed methods achieves much lower convergence time. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NaYbF4 upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) have enhanced optical properties compared to the NaYF4 UCNPs. However, synthesis of monodisperse NaYbF4 with controllable size and optical properties poses challenges, and the mechanism of phase transformation remains to be understood. Here, they report on the effect of Na+/Yb3+ molar ratio on the morphological and optical properties of upconverting NaYbF4: 2% Er3+ nanoparticles. Controllable transformation of cubic phase nanoparticles produced with [Na+]/[Yb3+] = 1 to hexagonal phase is achieved by increasing Na+ content. The hexagonal UCNPs produced with [Na+]/[Yb3+] = 4 have significantly enhanced intensity of optical emission of ≈600 times compared with the pure cubic phase crystal. The work reveals that the increasing dislocation of sodium and ytterbium distribution cause the accumulation of the lattice strain with increasing Na+ content, and triggers the lattice strain‐mediated phase transformation in cubic cell, as confirmed by the Density Function Theory simulations. These results provide new insights into the growth of UCNPs and pave the way for developing controlled synthesis of UCNPs for applications as bio‐probes and for energy harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premature birth (PTB) remains a major global health concern due to its association with neonatal morbidity and mortality. The unfolded protein response (UPR) within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is tightly regulated by Inositol‐requiring enzyme type 1 (IRE‐1), a pivotal cellular modulator. This study seeks to elucidate the role of the ER stress (ERS)‐related IRE‐1 pathway in PTB. Methods: Human placental trophoblast cells HTR8/Svneo were exposed to the ER‐stress inducer tunicamycin (TM). The expression of IRE‐1 and ERS‐associated proteins ATF6, GRP78, and XBP‐1 was assessed in placental tissues and TM‐treated cells. Cellular viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were evaluated through a series of experimental assays. Additionally, various methods were employed to assess and verify the activation of autophagy, using the autophagy marker, microtubule‐associated protein 1A/1B‐light chain 3 (LC3). Additionally, TUDCA (an ERS inhibitor) was used to assess its potential to counteract the TM‐induced cell effects. Results: Elevated levels of ATF6, GRP78, and XBP‐1 were observed in PTB tissues and cells. TM treatment substantially reduced cell viability, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis. Treatment with TUDCA (an ERS inhibitor) counteracted the effects of TM on the cells. Furthermore, we identified an overexpression of IRE‐1 in PTB tissues and cells and its knockdown enhanced cell viability, migration, and invasion while suppressed apoptosis and autophagy under TM stimulation. Notably, IRE‐1 was found to modulate the activity of the IRE‐1/XBP1/CHOP signaling pathway in TM‐treated cells. Conclusion: The upregulation of IRE‐1 in PTB placental tissues is implicated in the pathogenesis of PTB. Importantly, inhibiting the ERS‐associated IRE‐1/XBP1/CHOP pathway may be a good strategy in mitigating PTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]