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Ceramic products are among the most frequently used food contact materials. Health risks associated with ceramic tableware usually arise from the migration of heavy metals. In this study, 767 pieces of ceramic tableware of different shapes and types were collected across China, and the migration levels of 18 elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Migration tests were conducted according to the Chinese National Food Safety Standard – Ceramic Ware (GB 4806.4) with microwaveable and non-microwavable samples under different conditions. The food consumption of consumers via different shapes of ceramic tableware was obtained through a self-reported web-based survey, and the estimated dietary intakes of the studied elements were calculated accordingly. The exposure assessment showed that certain metals leached from the ceramic tableware at levels of concern. In addition, the applicability of the migration experiment conditions for microwaveable ceramic ware in GB 4806.4 needs to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional dose of recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is 300 U/kg per day, but the clinical reaction rate is not satisfactory. Accordingly, we explored the efficacy and safety of increasing rhTPO dose in the treatment of ITP. A retrospective study was conducted to collect the clinical data of 105 ITP patients who were divided into two groups, a low-dose group (15 000 U/day) and a high-dose group (30 000 U/day) according to the dose of rhTPO. The total effective rate of the low-dose group and the high-dose group was 31/44 (70.45%) vs. 56/61 (91.80%) (P =.049), and the average time of using rhTPO in the high-dose group was shorter than that in the low-dose group (7 days vs. 10 days, P =.001). On the 7th and 14th day of treatment, the efficacy of the high-dose group was better than that of the low-dose group [45/61 (73.77%) vs. 17/44 (38.64%), P <.001; 55/60 (91.67%) vs. 30/44 (68.18%), P <.05)]. The incidence of treatment related adverse events in the low-dose group and the high-dose group was 6/44 (13.64%) vs. 6/61 (9.84%) (P >.05), which were mild and transient in nature. In our study, high-dose rhTPO had good efficacy and high safety in the treatment of ITP with the efficacy better than low-dose rhTPO especially at day 7. What is the context? Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disease characterized by low platelet counts due to increased platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. The therapy direction of ITP involves promoting platelet generation, reducing excessive platelet destruction, immune regulation and so on. Recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO), a promote platelet production drug, has pharmacological action similar to that of endogenous TPO. It can increase platelet count rapidly and effectively and has immunological regulation effect as well. It is found that rhTPO can rapidly and effectively increase platelet count, which has potential clinical application value in emergency situations. What is new? Traditionally, rhTPO has been recommended at 300 U/kg per day. Although it can greatly improve the treatment effect of ITP, the effect is not very satisfactory. In clinical practice, it has been observed that rhTPO dosage is often relatively insufficient and the therapeutic effect is poor. Therefore, we explored the efficacy and safety of increasing rhTPO dose in the treatment of ITP. Within the efficacy and safety of rhTPO 15 000 U/day and 30 000 U/day in the treatment of ITP, our analyses suggest that: The early response rate of the high-dose group was better than that of the low-dose group. In the high-dose group, the effective rate of rhTPO alone or combined with glucocorticoids was more than 90%. Treatment related adverse events occurred at a low rate and remained mild and transient. What is the impact? Comparing with conventional dose rhTPO, high-dose rhTPO may have better efficacy and safety in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia and shorter administration time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we consider the statistical inferences for varying coefficient partially non linear model with missing covariates. The purpose of this article is two-fold. First, we propose an inverse probability weighted profile non linear least squares technique for estimating the unknown parameter and the non parametric function, and the asymptotic normality of the resulting estimators are proved. Second, we consider empirical likelihood inferences for the unknown parameter and non parametric function. The empirical log-likelihood ratio function for the unknown parameter vector in the non linear function part and a residual-adjusted empirical log-likelihood ratio function for the non parametric component are proposed. The corresponding Wilks phenomena are obtained and the confidence regions for the parameter and the point-wise confidence intervals for coefficient function are constructed. Simulation studies and real data analysis are conducted to examine the finite sample performance of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new polyoxometalate (POM)-based metal–organic complexes, {Ni3(Hpytty)2[AlMo6(OH)5O19](H2O)4(CH3O)}·5H2O (1), {Ni3(Hpytty)2 [CrMo6(OH)5O19](H2O)10}·6H2O (2), and {Co2(pytty)[γ-Mo8O26]0.5 (H2O)5}·4H2O (3) (H2pytty = 3-(pyrazine-2-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-triazolyl), have been prepared by the solvothermal method. Complexes 1 and 2 show similar 0-D structures containing a [Ni3(Hpytty)2]4+ and Anderson-type [AlMo6(OH)5O19]4− /[CrMo6(OH)5O19]4− anions. The [γ-Mo8O26]4− anion was generated in-situ from the [IMo6O24]5− anion in 3, which shows a 3-D coordination structure constructed from 2-D Co-pytty metal–organic layers and γ-Mo8 anions. The results reveal that the POMs play key roles in tuning the diverse architectures of the final complexes. For 1–3, their adsorption properties for MB/GV and their electrochemical activities have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a type of steel tubular crib dam is proposed to mitigate disaster caused by boulders during debris flows. Solid impact tests are carried out to study the impact dynamic response of the structure. The response modes of the structure are summarised, and the influence of the impact height and energy on impact force and structural response is analysed. Meanwhile, the finite element simulation of the test process is conducted, and the results are consistent with the tests. The results show that the typical response modes of the structure include slight damage of member, bending failure of member, and joint failure. The displacement of the structure is affected by both the impact height and the impact energy, and the latter is the leading factor. The impact force is highly affected by the impact energy, while slightly affected by the impact height. The structure performs good overall energy dissipation ability when the pile tube is impacted, while overall energy dissipation is not obvious when the brace tube is impacted. These analyses show that the steel tubular crib dam provides limited impact resistance and needs to be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults (≥55 years old) with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) have dismal outcomes with standard chemotherapy as the result of low treatment efficacy and considerable risks for treatment-related morbidity and mortality. There has been a recent success with the introduction of novel therapies, such as blinatumomab and inotuzumab, in the frontline therapeutic paradigm in older adults with B-ALL. However, these agents have their own challenges including the limited durability of remission, the need for additional concurrent chemotherapy and the prolonged course of treatment, and limited efficacy in the setting of extramedullary disease. Here, we hypothesize that the incorporation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy as a consolidation treatment in older adults with B-cell ALL in their first complete remission is the ideal setting to advance treatment outcomes by reducing treatment toxicity, enhancing remission durability, and expanding the use of this effective therapy in this age population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three coordination polymers (CPs), [Co(3-bptzp)(BDC)] (1), [Zn(3-bptzp)(BDC)] (2), and [Cd(3-bptzp)(BDC)] (3) (3-bptzp = 1,4-bis(5-(3-pyridyl)tetrazolyl)propane, H2BDC = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The CPs were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy (IR), elemental analyses, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Complexes 1-3 represent the first examples of CPs based on the flexible bis(pyridyl-tetrazole) 3-bptzp. Structure analyses reveal that 1-3 are 1-D ring-containing polymeric chains. For 2 and 3, adjacent 1-D chains are extended to 2-D supramolecular networks by hydrogen bonding. Dye adsorption properties of 1-3, electrochemical properties of 1, and fluorescent-sensing behaviors of 2 and 3 have also been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission cost allocation is a traditional but challenging problem in electric power industries. Many factors can affect the transmission cost allocation. But most traditional allocation methods focus on just one point. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach has the characteristic of multi-criterion. It can overcome the drawbacks of traditional allocation methods. This paper combines the game theory and DEA approach to solve the problem of transmission cost allocation. In order to take various key points of power transmission into account, three criterions are proposed. These criterions reflect the effect of load demand, transmission line usage and marginal cost on transmission cost allocation. Nucleolus and Shapley value are used to solve the DEA game programming. For measuring the fairness of the transmission cost allocation methods, this paper proposes an algorithm to evaluate the satisfaction of users with the different allocation methods. The DEA game approach is applied to IEEE 14-bus system. The results which are compared with that of other three traditional allocation methods demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polyvinylidene fluoride-based membrane bearing the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid chelating group was employed to recover Cu(II) from the Cu(II)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid complex aqueous solution. Effects of Ca(II), Fe(II), and Fe(III) on Cu(II) uptake were investigated by static batch adsorption tests and dynamic adsorption filtration. Isotherms, kinetics, and breakthrough curves of Cu(II) uptakes in the presence of the three cations at concentrations of 1 mmol L−1were elucidated. The three cations showed a positive effect on the Cu(II) uptake; the stimulative roles were in the order of Fe(III) > Fe(II) > Ca(II). They did not alter the adsorption behavior of the membrane; adsorption isotherms and kinetics could be described by Langmuir and Lagergren second-order models, and Cu(II) adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process. The presence of Ca(II), Fe(II), and Fe(III) increased the sorption capacity of the membrane stack by 1.3, 1.9, and 3 times. Breakthrough time and the exhaustion time of membrane stacks were also extended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By introducing three pyridyl-1H-tetrazole derivatives to Keggin–Ag-(1,10-phenanthroline) system, five new polyoxometalate-based inorganic–organic hybrid compounds with different dimensionalities and structures, [Ag3(4-ptz)2Na(phen)(HPMo12O40)]·2H2O (1), [Ag4(3-ptz)2(phen)2(HPMo12O40)] (2), [Ag4(3-ptz)2(phen)2(HVW12O40)] (3), [Ag3(3-bptzb)(phen)2(PMo12O40)] (4) and [Ag3(3-bptzb)(phen)2(VW12O40)] (5) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, x-ptzH = 5-(x-pyridyl)-1H-tetrazole (x = 3, 4), 3-bptzb = 1,4-bis(5-(3-pyridyl)-tetrazolyl)butane), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compound1is a 1-D belt architecture constructed from an Ag-4-ptz metal–organic chain and two Ag–PMo12O40–Na–phen inorganic–organic chains. When 3-ptzH was introduced as secondary ligand in2and3instead of 4-ptzH, two isostructural architectures were obtained, which contain a 1-D zigzag Ag-3-ptz chain with phen ligands hanging on both sides of the chain. The Keggin anions connect adjacent Ag-3-ptz chains to construct 2-D networks. When the flexible 3-bptzb was selected, isostructural4and5with 2-D networks were obtained, which were constructed from binuclear subunits and Keggin–Ag inorganic chains. The influence of three pyridyl-1H-tetrazole derivatives as secondary ligands on the dimensionalities and architectures of1–5was discussed. The electrochemical and photocatalytic properties of the compounds were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

High-dimensional data arise frequently in modern applications such as biology, chemometrics, economics, neuroscience and other scientific fields. The common features of high-dimensional data are that many of predictors may not be significant, and there exists high correlation among predictors. Generalized linear models, as the generalization of linear models, also suffer from the collinearity problem. In this paper, combining the nonconvex penalty and ridge regression, we propose the weighted elastic-net to deal with the variable selection of generalized linear models on high dimension and give the theoretical properties of the proposed method with a diverging number of parameters. The finite sample behavior of the proposed method is illustrated with simulation studies and a real data example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shell cross-linked core–shell nanoparticles (SCCSN) with organic montmorillonite as the core and cross-linked polymethacrylate (PMMA) as the shell were prepared through seeded emulsion polymerisation. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images of SCCSN show that each of the SCCSN is spherical with core–shell structure. The thermal properties and rheological behaviour of polypropylene (PP)/SCCSN composites with different proportions of SCCSN were systematically studied using a thermogravimetric analyser and an RT-2000 high-pressure capillary rheometer, respectively. The existence of SCCSN improves the thermal properties of PP, and the thermostability of the composite increases with increasing SCCSN content. The formed composite is a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluid with a similar processing behaviour to PP. The rheological parameters (e.g. shear stress, apparent viscosity and flow activation energy) of the composite decrease as SCCSN fills in. These data indicate that using SCCSN does not affect the processing fluidity of PP but improves its processability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new isopolymolybdate-based metal–organic complexes, [Cu2(2-ptz)2(Mo4O14)0.5] (1) and [Cu3(OH)2(3-ptz)4(γ-H4Mo8O26)(H2O)4]·10H2O (2) (2-ptzH = 5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-tetrazole, 3-ptzH = 5-(3-pyridyl)-1H-tetrazole), constructed from isomeric ligands with different N-donor sites were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In1, each [Mo4O14]4−cluster connected with six neighboring [Mo4O14]4−clusters through six binuclear [Cu2(2-ptz)2]2+subunits to yield a 2-D layer. In2, bidentate inorganic [Mo8O26]4−anions link the trinuclear [Cu3(OH)2(3-ptz)4] clusters to construct a 1-D chain. Adjacent chains connect through Mo–N bonds between the [Mo8O26]4−anions and pyridyl groups from the trinuclear clusters to form a 2-D layer. The effect of the N-donor sites of the rigid isomeric ligands on the structures of1and2was discussed. The electrochemical properties and photocatalytic activities of1and2have also been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two Co(II) coordination polymers, [CoL(npa)]·2H2O (1) and [CoL(Hnpa)2] (2) (L = 1,4-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole-1-yl)benzene, H2npa = 5-nitroisophthalic acid), have been synthesized in different solvent systems and characterized by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound1was synthesized under solvothermal conditions with DMF as solvent and had a pair of L ligands adopting aμ2-bridging mode and connecting two Co2+cations to generate a 26-membered Co2L2loop. The npa2−link adjacent Co2L2loops via a bis(monodentate) bridging mode to create a 1-D channel-like chain structure. Compound2was obtained under hydrothermal conditions, and the carboxylate of the monodeprotonated Hnpa−adopt aμ1-η0 : η1coordination to connect adjacent Co2+cations into a 2-D polymeric layer. Theμ2-bridging L ligands connect adjacent 2-D [Co(Hnpa)]npolymeric layers into a 3-D NaCl-like framework. The Co2+cations and the L ligands in compounds1and2exhibit different coordination geometries and conformations. Effects of solvents on the construction of Co(II) coordination polymers were investigated. In addition, the electrochemical behavior of carbon paste electrodes containing1and2and the thermal stabilities of1and2were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a novel ensemble learning-based adaptive stochastic model predictive control (SMPC) algorithm for constrained linear systems with unknown nonlinear terms and random disturbances. The ensemble network combining a feedforward neural network and a Bayesian network is used to offline learn the nonlinear dynamics and disturbance distribution parameters. Then, the mixed-tube scheme is designed to cope with input constraints and state chance constraints while decreasing computational demands and conservativeness. The reliability of the stochastic tube is guaranteed using the Hoeffding inequality-based verification mechanism, which results in a chance constraint with double probabilities. The feasibility and exponential stability of the SMPC are rigorously proven. A numerical example verifies the merits of the proposed algorithm in terms of the control performance and the feasible domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the changes and mechanisms of intestinal flora in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients. To explore the structural and functional differences of intestinal flora between ITP patients and healthy controls, and clarify the correlation between intestinal flora and Th1/Th2 imbalance. Feces from ITP patients and healthy controls were studied by 16S rRNA and metagenomic techniques at phylum, genus, species or functional levels. Blood samples were collected for the detection of interleukin −2 (IL-2) and IL-4 concentrations. The following changes in ITP patients were found: a decrease of Bacteroidetes phylum, an increase of Proteobacteria phylum and alterations of ten genera and 1045 species. IL-2 and IL-4 were significantly correlated with six and five genera, respectively. Species of C. freundii, C. rodentium, and C. youngae were negatively correlated with bleeding scores, and S. infantis was positively related to platelet counts. Functionally, the intestinal flora of ITP patients changed mainly in terms of motility, chemotaxis, membrane transport, and metabolism. The mechanism underlying functional and structural changes of intestinal flora in ITP patients may be related to inflammation and immunity, providing possibilities of probiotics or fecal transplants for ITP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varying coefficient partially linear models are usually used for longitudinal data analysis, and an interest is mainly to improve efficiency of regression coefficients. By the orthogonality estimation technology and the empirical likelihood inference method, we propose a new orthogonality-based empirical likelihood inference method to estimate parameter and nonparametric components in a class of varying coefficient partially linear instrumental variable models with longitudinal data. The proposed procedure can separately estimate the parametric and nonparametric components, and the resulting estimators do not affect each other. Under some mild conditions, we establish some asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators. Furthermore, the finite sample performance of the proposed procedure is assessed by some simulation experiments and a real data analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer, as the deadliest gynecological tumor with high risk of incidence, manifests aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in the malignant cellular processes. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1133 (LINC01133) has been acknowledged to actively participate in aggressive tumor phenotypes. Our study focused on the identification of the function and corresponding mechanism of the novel molecule, LINC01133 in cervical cancer. LINC01133 expression profile was validated by digging The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and qRT-PCR analysis. A considerably up-regulated expression of LINC01133 was unveiled. The results of CCK-8, trypan blue exclusion, EdU and transwell migration assays manifested the facilitating property of LINC01133 in cervical cancer. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was also exacerbated by LINCO1133. Apoptotic rate of cervical cancer cells was promoted after silencing LINCO1133. Mechanically, LINC01133 functioning as a ceRNA targeted miR-4784 to augment AHDC1 expression. Finally, LINCO1133/miR-4784 aggravated the malignant growth and aggressiveness and EMT of cervical cancer in an AHDC1-dependant way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonresponse is a very common phenomenon in survey sampling. Nonignorable nonresponse – that is, a response mechanism that depends on the values of the variable having nonresponse – is the most difficult type of nonresponse to handle. This article develops a robust estimation approach to estimating equations (EEs) by incorporating the modelling of nonignorably missing data, the generalized method of moments (GMM) method and the imputation of EEs via the observed data rather than the imputed missing values when some responses are subject to nonignorably missingness. Based on a particular semiparametric logistic model for nonignorable missing response, this paper proposes the modified EEs to calculate the conditional expectation under nonignorably missing data. We can apply the GMM to infer the parameters. The advantage of our method is that it replaces the non-parametric kernel-smoothing with a parametric sampling importance resampling (SIR) procedure to avoid nonparametric kernel-smoothing problems with high dimensional covariates. The proposed method is shown to be more robust than some current approaches by the simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was done to study the zeolite molecular sieve as a drug-binding effector, the non-antibiotic drug potassium diformate uniformly disperse in the internal aqueous phase of the 'egg box' structure formed by pectin-calcium ions. With oil phase as the intermediate phase and Xanthan gum Chitosan as the external water phase, the W/O/W type sustained release bacteriostatic microcapsules with pH response were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric, SEM, and TEM. It can be obtained through characterization experiments that the inner water phase, oil phase, and outer water phase were formed by observation, and W/O/W emulsion microcapsules were obtained and the bacteriostasis effect of microcapsules was verified by bacteriostasis experiment. The permeance experiment showed that the molecular sieve was successfully coated in the microsphere. Studying on drug release mechanism and sustaining release performance of composite emulsion microcapsules. In vitro drug release study showed that the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading rate of microcapsules were improved by adding molecular sieve, reaching 12.31% and 61.55%, respectively. At the same time, we observed that the drug release rate slowed down during the simulated intestinal release process, and the drug release kinetics were in line with the first-order kinetic model and Ritger-Peppas model equation. Experiments had proven that the drug-loaded microcapsules exerted a significant bacteriostatic effect on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, with the highest antibacterial rates of 97.25%, 94.05%, and 95.93%, respectively. Therefore, the composite emulsion microcapsules can be used as a new controlled-release drug delivery system in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavitation is widespread, but there has been a large difference between experiments and theories about cavitation. In this manuscript, the effects of oxygen molecules on the bubble nucleation of dissolved oxygen liquid are studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation using flexible water molecules. The results show that the maximum critical negative pressure calculated by liquid water with dissolved oxygen molecules is −165 MPa ∼ −170 MPa, and the magnitude of bubble nucleation rate is 35. The critical negative pressure of liquid water is mainly determined by the interaction of water molecules in liquid water. The effect of oxygen dissolved in water is mainly reflected in the ability to rapidly ‘catalyse’ the generation of bubbles. Through the analysis of the electrostatic interaction of the system, it is found that the difference between the experiment and the MD simulations and the fact that the bubbles finally formed are cavities are due to the selection of the water molecule model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human CD8+effector T cells derived from CD45RO+CD62L+precursors enriched for central memory (TCM) precursors retain the capacity to engraft and reconstitute functional memory upon adoptive transfer, whereas effectors derived from CD45RO+CD62L−precursors enriched for effector memory precursors do not. Here we sought to compare the engraftment fitness and function of CD8+effector T cells derived from CD45RA+CD62L+precursors enriched for naïve and stem cell memory precursors (TN/SCM) with that of TCM. We found that cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) derived from TCMtranscribed higher levels of CD28, FOS, INFγ, Eomesodermin (Eomes), and lower levels of BCL2L11, maintained higher levels of phosphorylated AKT, and displayed enhanced sensitivity to the proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of γ-chain cytokines compared to CTLs derived from TN/SCM. Higher frequencies of CTLs derived from TCMretained CD28 expression and upon activation secreted higher levels of IL-2. In NOD/ScidIL-2RγCnullmice, CD8+TCMderived CTLs engrafted to higher frequencies in response to human IL-15 and mounted robust proliferative responses to an immunostimulatory vaccine. Similarly, CD8+TCMderived CD19CAR+CTLs exhibited superior antitumor potency following adoptive transfer compared to their CD8+TN/SCMderived counterparts. These studies support the use of TCMenriched cell products for adoptive therapy of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Outlier detection is fundamental to statistical modelling. When there are multiple outliers, many traditional approaches in use are stepwise detection procedures, which can be computationally expensive and ignore stochastic error in the outlier detection process. Outlier detection can be performed by a heteroskedasticity test. In this article, a rapid outlier detection method via multiple heteroskedasticity test based on penalized likelihood approaches is proposed to handle these kinds of problems. The proposed method detects the heteroskedasticity of all data only by one step and estimate coefficients simultaneously. The proposed approach is distinguished from others in that a rapid modelling approach uses a weighted least squares formulation coupled with nonconvex sparsity-including penalization. Furthermore, the proposed approach does not need to construct test statistics and calculate their distributions. A new algorithm is proposed for optimizing penalized likelihood functions. Favourable theoretical properties of the proposed approach are obtained. Our simulation studies and real data analysis show that the newly proposed methods compare favourably with other traditional outlier detection techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, empirical likelihood inferences for the varying coefficient partially nonlinear models are investigated. An empirical log-likelihood ratio function for the unknown parameter vector in the nonlinear function part and a residual-adjusted empirical log-likelihood ratio function for the nonparametric component are proposed. The corresponding Wilks phenomena are proved and the confidence regions for parametric component and nonparametric component are constructed. Simulation studies indicate that, in terms of coverage probabilities and average areas of the confidence regions, the empirical likelihood method performs better than the normal approximation-based method. Furthermore, a real data set application is also provided to illustrate the proposed empirical likelihood estimation technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a substitute for feed antibiotics, potassium diformate (KDF) can effectively inhibit bacterial overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract. To avoid the sudden release of KDF in the stomach, this article proposes a new controlled drug delivery system for controlled drug release. In this system, P-type zeolite molecular sieve (Zeolite P) and drug KDF are combined and embedded into the hydrogel microspheres of sodium alginate (ALG) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). In addition, ALG/CMC/Zeolite P composite hydrogel microspheres were prepared with Ca2+ as the crosslinking agent. The structure, composition, morphology, and thermal stability of the hydrogel microspheres were systematically characterized. The effect of the composition ratio of ALG and CMC on the swelling properties of the hydrogel microspheres was also investigated. The results revealed that ALG and CMC form a hydrogen bond and chelate with Ca2+ to form a double crosslinked network structure. Thus, Zeolite P can be effectively encapsulated in the hydrogel microspheres to form a dense three-dimensional network structure. Particularly, Zeolite P helps in improving the thermal stability of microspheres, balance the swelling properties, and control the release of KDF. The drug release results and release kinetics reveal that the ALG/CMC/Zeolite P composite hydrogel has higher drug release in an environment with pH 7.4. The release kinetics follow the Ritger–Peppas model and the first-order kinetic model, which indicates that the composite hydrogel has good specific pH sensitivity. In vitro antibacterial experiments revealed that the composite hydrogel microspheres have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, and certain inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four coordination polymers, [Cu(4-dpyh)0.5(1,2-BDC)(H2O)3]·H2O (1), [Cu(4-dpyh)(1,3-BDC)(H2O)] (2), [Cd(3-dpyh)0.5(1,3-BDC)(H2O)2]·H2O (3), and [Zn(3-dpyh)(1,3-BDC)]·3H2O (4) [4-dpyh = N,N′-bis(4-pyridinecarboxamide)-1,6-hexane, 3-dpyh = N,N′-bis(3-pyridinecarboxamide)-1,6-hexane, 1,2-H2BDC = 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid and 1,3-H2BDC = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid], have been hydrothermally synthesized. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that1is a discrete [Cu2(4-dpyh)(1,2-BDC)2] dinuclear structure. Compound2exhibits a 2-D grid layer constructed from 1-D linear [Cu(1,3-BDC)]nchains and [Cu(4-dpyh)]nchains. Compound3features a 1-D ladder-like chain formed by the 1-D linear [Cd(1,3-BDC)]nchains and 3-dpyh bridging ligands. Compound4displays a 2-D undulated layer containing meso-helical [Zn(3-dpyh)]nchains and linear [Zn(1,3-BDC)]nchains. The neighboring dinuclear complexes for1, adjacent chains for3, and adjacent layers for2and4are further linked by hydrogen bonding interactions to form 2-D (for1) or 3-D supramolecular networks (for2–4). The influences of the different dicarboxylates and metal on the structures of1–4have been discussed. The electrochemical behaviors of1and2, the thermal stabilities and fluorescent properties of1–4, and the fluorescent selectivities of3and4have been investigated. Four new metal–organic coordination polymers have been hydrothermally synthesized by the flexible bis-pyridyl-bis-amide ligands and two different aromatic dicarboxylates. The influences of the different dicarboxylates and central metal ions on the structures of1–4have been reported. Moreover, the electrochemical behaviors of1and2, thermal stabilities, and the fluorescent properties of1–4have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising and non-invasive therapy for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Currently, the main image-guided methods for HIFU include magnetic resonance-guided (MR-HIFU) and ultrasound-guided (US-HIFU). However, there are few comparative studies on the therapeutic efficacy and safety of MR-HIFU and US-HIFU in treating symptomatic uterine fibroids with a volume <300 cm3. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MR-HIFU and US-HIFU in treating symptomatic uterine fibroids with a volume <300 cm3. We searched relevant literature in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library CNKI from inception until 2021. The mean value, the proportion, and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were measured by random-effects models. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. 48 studies met our inclusion criteria—28 describing MR-HIFU and 20 describing US-HIFU. The mean non-perfused volume rate (NPVR) was 81.07% in the US-HIFU group and 58.92% in the MR-HIFU group, respectively. The mean volume reduction rates at month-3, month-6, and month-12 were 42.42, 58.72, and 65.55% in the US-HIFU group, while 34.79, 37.39, and 36.44% in the MR-HIFU group. The incidence of post-operative abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal discharge in the US-HIFU group was lower than that of MRI-HIFU. However, post-operative skin burn and sciatic nerve pain were more common in the US-HIFU group compared with MRI-HIFU. The one-year reintervention rate after MR-HIFU was 13.4%, which was higher than 5.2% in the US-HIFU group. US-HIFU may show better efficiency and safety than MR-HIFU in treating symptomatic fibroids with a volume <300 cm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depending on the in situ ligand transformation of 3,5-di(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzonitrile (DTCN) to 3,5-di(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzoic acid (DTCA) under hydrothermal condition, three polyoxometalate-based copper complexes, [CuI4CuII2(OH)2(H2O)4(DTCA)4(HPMoVI10MoV2O39)] (1), [Cu4(OH)2(H2O)4(DTCA)2(SiW12O40)]·11H2O (2), and {Cu2Cl(H2O)(HDTCA)2[CrMo6(OH)6O18)]}·4H2O (3), have been isolated through changing the polyoxoanions. Introducing Keggin-type polyoxoanions [PMo12O40]3− or [SiW12O40]4− to reaction systems, both 1 and 2 display 3-D framework structures containing Cu/DTCA metal-organic belts, and a kind of poly-Keggin chain derived from [PMo12O40]3− polyoxoanions exist in 1. When the Anderson-type polyoxoanion [CrMo6(OH)6O18)]3− is utilized, a 2-D grid-like layer resulted in 3, in which the DTCA ligands are embedded, revealing that the polyoxoanions have key roles in regulating the structures of complexes. The investigations on electrochemical properties and photocatalytic activities for the degradation of organic dyes of 1–3 have been carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological tumors in females. DNA methylation alteration is a type of epigenetic decoration that controls the gene transcriptional regulation and is essential for the pathological progression of cervical cancer to reflect the prognosis and therapeutic sensitivity in clinical practice. Beyond DNA methylation, DNA hydroxymethylation considered as a more stable biomarker draws the outline of the reversible cycle from DNA methylation and demethylation. However, the landscape of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) distributed in the genome is never characterized in cervical cancer. In this study, we presented the whole 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5hmC profile in cervical cancer of I-IIa and IIb to IV stages and cervicitis tissues as control by dot plot assay and immunohistochemistry. We observed that the total 5mC was up-regulated while 5hmC was down-regulated in cervical cancer group compared to the control group. Furthermore, we investigated the distribution of 5mC and 5hmC on genomic DNA by MeDIP- and hMeDIP-Seq. 53 differential methylation/hydromethylation regions (DMRs/DHMRs) displayed a continuously increasing or decreasing trend of 5mC or 5hmC from cervicitis to I–IIa and from I–IIa to IIb–IV stages of cervical cancer. Thirty-seven DMRs and DHMRs have a similar variation trend while the other 8 have the opposite trend compared between CSCC and cervicitis. Moreover, the DMR/DHMR associated genes were closely related to Wnt, MAPK, Rap1 and other important signaling pathways. Finally, 5hmC beyond 5mC at the genes such as ACTG1, SALL3, DNAJA3, SERPINB6, CDC14B and CALN1 were considered as the putative novel hallmarks for cervical cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Altogether, this study first describes the DNA hydroxymethylation atlas of cervical cancer and shows a list of novel genes transcriptionally regulated by DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laser immunotherapy is a new anti-cancer therapy combining photothermal therapy and immunostimulation. It can eliminate the tumours by damaging tumour cells directly and promoting the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to enhance tumour immunogenicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal effects of laser immunotherapy and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laser immunotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Methods: The cell viability and the DAMPs productions of heat-treated cSCC A431 cells in different temperatures were investigated. Laser immunotherapy with the optimal thermal effect for DAMPs production was performed on SKH-1 mice bearing ultraviolet-induced cSCC and a patient suffering from a large refractory cSCC. Results: The temperature in the range of 45-50 °C killing half of A431 cells had an optimal thermal effect for the productions of DAMPs. The thermal effect could be further enhanced by local application of imiquimod, an immunoadjuvant. Laser immunotherapy eliminated most tumours and improved the survival rate of the ultraviolet-induced cSCC-bearing SKH-1 mice (p < 0.05). The patient with cSCC treated by laser immunotherapy experienced a significant tumour reduction after laser immunotherapy increased the amounts of infiltrating lymphocytes in the tumour. No obviously adverse effect was observed in the mice experiment or in the clinical application. Conclusions: Our results strongly indicate that laser immunotherapy with optimal thermal effects is an effective and safe treatment modality for cSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:The effects of the anticancer drug paclitaxel on learning and memory are rarely studied. Objective:This study investigated changes in GABABreceptor expression during paclitaxel-induced apoptosis of hippocampal neurons and the role of the p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway in this process. Materials and methods:Hippocampal neurons isolated from neonatal Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into six groups: Control (C), SB (10 µL of 10-µmol/L SB203580), SN (53 µg/mL SN50), N (1 µmol/L paclitaxel), SB + N (10 µmol/L SB203580 + 1 µmol/L paclitaxel) and SN + N (53 µg/mL SN50 + 1 µmol/L paclitaxel). Cells in different groups were treated with corresponding agents for 24 h at 37 °C. The apoptosis rate and protein levels of GABAB1receptors and NF-κB p65 were evaluated. Rat models of neuropathic pain was induced by paclitaxel and were divided into four groups such as N, B + N, SN + N and SN + B + N groups. Rats in the N group received intrathecal injections of normal saline solution. Rats in the B + N group received intrathecal injections of 10 μL baclofen (0.05 μg/μL). Rats in the SN + N and SN + B + N groups received intrathecal injections of SN50 and SN50 plus baclofen, respectively. Spatial learning and memory were evaluated in rat models based on the escape latency and the number of crossings over the platform and protein levels of GABAB1receptors, NF-κB, IL-1β and TNFα were measured by immunohistochemistry assay and western blot. Results:The neuronal apoptosis rate was significantly increased in N (49.16 ± 3.12)%, SB + N (31.18 ± 3.02)% and SN + N (28.47 ± 3.75)% groups, accompanied by increased levels of GABAB1receptors and NF-κB p65 (p < 0.05). The paclitaxel-treated rats demonstrated significantly increased latency (24.32 ± 2.94)s and decreased the crossings number (3.14 ± 0.63) after 15 d in the Morris water maze (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry assay showed that compared with the N group (GABAB1:9.0 ± 1.6, NF-κB p65:29.6 ± 2.4, IL-1β: 30.4 ± 3.4, TNFα: 31.0 ± 3.4), B + N, SN + N and SN + B + N groups evidently increased levels of GABAB1receptor (B + N:SN + N:SN + B + N = 19.4 ± 2.1:20.8 ± 1.9:28.0 ± 1.9) but significantly decreased levels of NF-κB p65 (B + N:SN + N:SN + B + N = 21.2 ± 1.5:18.6 ± 2.1:12.6 ± 1.5), IL-1β (B + N:SN + N:SN + B + N = 22.0 ± 1.0:19.6 ± 1.8:14.6 ± 1.5) and TNF α (B + N:SN + N:SN + B + N = 23.0 ± 1.6:22.2 ± 0.8:16.6 ± 1.7). Similar findings were found in western blot analysis. Discussions and conclusions:Paclitaxel may reduce cognitive function in rats through the p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway and GABAB1receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a good option for erythema and telangiectasia of rosacea. Demodex, which is light and heat sensitive, is an important risk of Rosacea. Sometimes, IPL can induce rosacea aggravation. Here, we show two cases of erythema rosacea aggravated as pustule in several hours after IPL. Both cases show high density of Demodex after IPL. Neither of them had photosensitivity, systemic disease, or any other contraindication for IPL. One of the patients received IPL again after Demodex infection relieved and this time there was no inflammation induction. We need to attract more attention to IPL-induced rosacea aggravation and latent Demodex infection may act as a cofactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four Cu(II)/Co(II) coordination polymers, [Cu(L)(BDC)(H2O)]·3H2O (1), [Cu(L)(DNBA)2] (2), [Co(L)2(DNBA)2] (3), and [Co(L)(NIPH)(H2O)]·H2O (4) (H2BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, HDNBA = 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, H2NIPH = 5-nitroisophthalic acid, L = N,N′-di(3-pyridyl)sebacicdiamide), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The structures of1–4have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and1–4were further characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. Complex1is a 2-D polymeric layer with a 4-connectedsqltopology. Complex2displays a 1-D zigzag chain. Complex3possesses a 1-D double-chain structure. Complex4exhibits a ribbon chain based on the 1-D [Co–L]nmeso-helical chain. Adjacent layers for1and adjacent chains for2–4are further linked by hydrogen bonding orπ–πstacking interactions to form 3-D supramolecular networks. The differences of carboxylates and metal ions show significant effect on the ultimate architectures of the four complexes. Thermal stabilities, fluorescent properties and photocatalytic activities of1–4were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC/MS) based labeled with isobaric mass tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) analyses were performed to identify differentially expressed proteins from normal and cancerous human colorectal tissues. Around 802 proteins were identified, 68 proteins of which were defined as differentially expressed proteins. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these differentially expressed proteins correlated with several specific cellular processes and pathways which have relationships with pathological changes of colorectal cancer (CRC). EHD2 were selected to verify its expression patterns and localization using western blotting and immunohistochemistry respectively. LC/MS-based iTRAQ proteomic approach would provide new information about the character of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Acne is one complex skin disorders, which can lead to adverse psychological effects. Multiple factors are correlated with risk of acne and several treatments have been explored. The prevalence and risk factors are suspected to be varied in different populations with different genetic backgrounds and lifestyle. Therefore, this study investigated the risk factors, psychological impacts and current treatments of acne in Shanghai area of China by a retrospective questionnaire study. This study showed that the subjects with family history (especially paternal history) were prone to develop severe acne (p < 0.001). Besides, patients with severe acne might exhibit more severe psychological disorders (p < 0.001). The most frequently used methods were pharmacological treatments. These results indicate that acne is prone to induce severe psychological disorders, and could be affected by multiple factors. Furthermore, these results provide valuable reference for exploring the preventive measures and treatments of acne in Shanghai area of China. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

5-Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) has been an effective method for treating acne vulgaris. Red light is the most widely used light source while Intense pulsed lights (IPL) is reported effective and well-tolerated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and adverse reactions of ALA-PDT with red light on acne compared with ALA-PDT with IPL.12 patients were recruited in the randomized, prospective and split-face study. 5% ALA cream were applied on the whole face with 2 hours' incubation before narrow band LED(633 ± 10 nm, 36 ∼ 108J/cm2) on one side of face and IPL(590∼1200 nm, 15∼17J/cm2) on the other side. Three treatment sessions were administered with 2-week interval each time and 8 weeks' follow up. The number of the total acne lesions and inflammatory lesions of the side treated by red light-PDT showed a relatively higher reduction rate that that by IPL-PDT (P < 0.05). Significant PpIX fluorescence decrease was observed only for the group of red light (P < 0.05). Lower pain intensity numeric rating scale values and Investigator's Global Severity Assessment (IGA) grading for erythema of the IPL side were observed (P<0.05).The results suggested that both red light and IPL are effective for ALA-PDT on acne vulgaris. ALA-PDT with red light may achieve better efficacy by more effective photobleaching of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), whereas IPL may accomplish less adverse reactions and better tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines were generated by apoptotic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT). ALA-PDT-DC vaccine inhibited the growth of SCC in mice, indicating that immunogenic apoptotic cells can activate an effective antitumor adaptive immunity and lead to a DC vaccine-based cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]