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Receptor crosstalk: reprogramming B cell receptor signalling to an alternate pathway results in expression and secretion of the autoimmunity-associated cytokine, osteopontin (Review). J Intern Med 2009; 265: 632-643.Intracellular signalling emanating from the B-cell antigen receptor is considered to follow a discrete course that requires participation by a set of mediators, grouped together as the signalosome, in order for downstream events to occur. Recent work indicates that this paradigm is true only for naïve B cells. Following engagement of the IL-4 receptor, a new, alternate pathway for B-cell receptor (BCR)-triggered intracellular signalling is established that bypasses the need for signalosome elements and operates in parallel with the classical, signalosome-dependent pathway. Reliance on Lyn and sensitivity to rottlerin by the former, but not the latter, distinguishes these two pathways. The advent of alternate pathway signalling leads to production and secretion by B cells of osteopontin (Opn). As Opn is a polyclonal B-cell activator that is strongly associated with a number of autoimmune diseases including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, this novel finding is likely to be clinically relevant. Our results highlight the potential role of B-cell-derived Opn in immunity and autoimmunity and suggest that stress-related IL-4 expression might act to strengthen immunoglobulin secretion at the risk of autoantibody formation. Further, these results illustrate receptor crosstalk in the form of reprogramming, whereby engagement of one receptor (IL-4R) produces an effect that persists after the original ligand (IL-4) is removed and results in alteration of the pathway, and outcome, of signalling via a second receptor (BCR) following its activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this paper, the dynamic tensile properties of brittle materials were studied by using the dynamic Brazilian tests. Combined with a high-speed photographic system, a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was used to conduct dynamic Brazilian tests on three brittle materials: Al2O3 ceramic, granite and poly(methyl methacrylate). Based on the images recorded by a high-speed camera, the displacement and strain fields were obtained by the digital image correlation method. The dynamic deformation and failure of the brittle materials were analysed. The rate-related dynamic tensile strength of the three brittle materials was also determined and analysed. The results show that the dynamic Brazilian test is an effective method to study the dynamic tensile properties of brittle materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To improve efficacy of current titanium and its alloys, in bioactivity and speed of osseointegration, of orthopaedic implants. Materials and methods A novel triple-layered functional graded coating, consisting of a porous hydroxyapatite ( HA) outermost layer, fluoro-HA ( FHA) intermediate layer and titanium oxide (TiO2) innermost layer, was created on a titanium substrate by a multistep sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction analysis showed TiO2 anatase and apatite crystallization in the coating. Results Morphological analysis performed by scanning electron microscopy showed excellent bonding between coating and substrate, with a thickness of ~2 μm. Scratch testing found favourable adhesion strength of the composite coating. In addition, optical microscope images suggested good biocompatibility. Considering thet in vitro cell response, osteoblasts on the coating exhibited higher cell proliferation and ALP activity compared to pure titanium and HA coating, and demonstrated excellent coating bioactivity. Conclusions Current results indicated that the novel TiO2/ FHA/ HA coating has promising clinical applications in orthopaedic and dental implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe3Si films with (001), (112), and (011) c-axis orientations were grown on MgO(001), (011), and (111) substrates by sputtering, respectively. The epitaxial relationship of the Fe3Si films on MgO was verified by X-ray diffractions (XRDs) with θ−2 θ and ϕ scans. All the planar Hall resistance (PHR) curves of the Fe3Si films with different orientations show a nearly sinusoidal behavior at high fields ( H ≥ 100 Oe). When the magnetic field is below 100 Oe, the planar Hall effect (PHE) lineshapes of the Fe3Si(001) and Fe3Si(112) films deviate from the sin2 θ M function and show abrupt switching patterns. Meanwhile, the curves of PHE of the Fe3Si(011) film show triangle shape. The PHE at high fields can be interpreted by single domain magnetic moments reversal models. The different low-field PHEs in the Fe3Si films were explained by multi-domain magnetic properties and different in-plane epitaxial configurations, which are closely correlated to the relation between the in-plane symmetries of the films and substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present survey aims to study the prevalence and clinical characteristics of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) and cervical dentine hypersensitivity (CDH), as well as their possible risk factors in a general population in China. A total of 1023 subjects were included in the present study. Each subject completed a structured interview, and all teeth of each subject were examined by a practitioner to determine NCCLs and CDH. Teeth with NCCLs and CDH were diagnosed according to the tooth wear index and by a blast of air from a triple syringe, respectively. Binary logistic regression was completed by analysing the association of risk factors with the occurrence of NCCLs and CDH. Loss of attachment (LOA) and gingival recession (GR) of teeth with NCCLs and/or CDH were measured using Williams periodontal probe. The diagnoses of NCCLs and CDH established following a clinical assessment yielded an overall prevalence of 61·7% and 27·1%, respectively. The 60-69 age group had the greatest proportion of subjects with NCCLs or CDH. The pre-molars were the most commonly affected teeth type with NCCLs or CDH. The proportion of teeth with CDH associated with NCCLs increased significantly with age, but the proportion of teeth with CDH only associated with LOA or GR decreased slowly with age. The single variables and interactive effects of variables associated with the occurrence of NCCLs include the following: age group, occupation type, method of toothbrushing, frequency and method of toothbrushing, and method of toothbrushing and duration of a toothbrush used. Gender, age group, occupation type and frequency of toothbrushing were associated with the occurrence of CDH. The current study presented higher prevalence of NCCLs and CDH in a general Chinese population. Both diseases were closely associated with age and periodontal status. The portion of the population with NCCLs or CDH had different risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tian Y.-Y, Guo B, Zhang R, Yu X, Wang H, Hu T, Dummer PMH. Root and canal morphology of maxillary first premolars in a Chinese subpopulation evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography. International Endodontic Journal., 45, 996-1003, 2012. Abstract Aim To evaluate the external and internal anatomy of maxillary first premolar teeth in a Chinese subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methodology A total of 300 CBCT images involving maxillary first premolar teeth were obtained from 241 patients who underwent CBCT scanning as part of an oral and dental examination for bone mass before placement of implants or to locate impacted teeth before orthodontic therapy. Tooth position, number of roots, canal configuration, number of canals and number of apical foramina per root were investigated. The Fisher's exact test was used to analyse the correlation between root number and tooth position. Results Overall, 66% ( n = 198) of teeth had one root and 33% ( n = 100) had two roots; the remaining 1% ( n = 2) had three roots. This frequency distribution showed no statistical significance between left and right sides. The most frequent canal configuration of these maxillary first premolars was type IV ( n = 153; 51%), followed by type II ( n = 70; 23%), with only 1% ( n = 2) of teeth having type VIII. One-rooted teeth with canal bifurcations and/or combinations (types II, III, V, VI and VII) accounted for nearly 50% ( n = 98) of the sample. Eighty-five per cent ( n = 255) of the teeth examined had two root canals (types II-VII), and 14% ( n = 43) had one. Amongst the 59 patients with bilateral teeth, 38 had a symmetrical pattern of tooth anatomy, including the same number of roots and the same types of canal configurations. Conclusions There was a high frequency of one-rooted teeth amongst maxillary first premolars, with most having one root with two canals (types II-VII). The morphology of the canal in one-rooted teeth was highly variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-cadherin, a Ca-dependent cell adhesion molecule, is necessary for endometrial receptivity to blastocyst implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential expression of E-cadherin in canine uterus during early pregnancy and its regulation under different conditions by in situ hybridization. E-cadherin mRNA expression was at a low level in the glandular epithelium on days 6, 12 and 17 of pregnancy. On days 20 and 23 of pregnancy, E-cadherin mRNA was highly expressed in the glandular epithelium surrounding the embryo, but not in the luminal epithelium and declined in villi and placenta on day 28 of pregnancy. During oestrous cycle, a moderate level of E-cadherin mRNA expression was found in the luminal and glandular epithelium of canine uteri at oestrus stage. The same expression was also found at anoestrus stage. Progesterone slightly induced the expression of E-cadherin mRNA in the luminal and glandular epithelium of ovariectomized canine uterus. These results suggest that E-cadherin expression is closely related to canine implantation and can be up-regulated by progesterone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Embryo implantation is critical for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is essential for adequate decidualization in the mouse and human via binding to the specific IL-11 receptor α (IL-11Rα). But the expression and regulation of IL-11 and IL-11Rα in the canine endometrium remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential expression of IL-11Rα in canine uterus during early pregnancy and its regulation under different conditions by in situ hybridization. Interleukin-11Rα mRNA was mainly localized in glandular epithelium in canine uterus. There was a low level of IL-11Rα expression in the glandular epithelium on days 6, 12 and 17 of pregnancy. On day 20 of pregnancy when embryo implanted, IL-11Rα mRNA was highly expressed in the glandular epithelium surrounding the embryo, but not in the luminal epithelium and stroma. On day 23 of pregnancy, the expression of IL-11Rα mRNA maintained a constant level compared with the expression of day 20 and increased on day 28 of pregnancy. During the oestrous cycle, a high level of IL-11Rα mRNA expression was seen in the oestrous uterus. Progesterone slightly induced the expression of IL-11Rα mRNA in the ovariectomized canine uterus. These results suggest that IL-11Rα expression is closely related to canine implantation and up-regulated by progesterone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Hoxa10, a homeobox gene, is necessary for endometrial receptivity to blastocyst implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential expression of Hoxa10 in canine uterus during early pregnancy and its regulation under different conditions by in situ hybridization. Hoxa10 mRNA was mainly localized in glandular epithelium and myometrium in canine uterus. There was a low level of Hoxa10 expression in the glandular epithelium on days 6, 12 and 17 of pregnancy. On day 20 of pregnancy when embryo implanted, Hoxa10 mRNA was highly expressed in the glandular epithelium surrounding the embryo, but not in the luminal epithelium. The expression of Hoxa10 mRNA gradually declined from day 23 and reached a low level on day 28. In the myometrium, a low level of Hoxa10 mRNA signal was seen on days 6, 12 and 17 of pregnancy and reached a high level on day 20 of pregnancy. During the estrous cycle, a high level of Hoxa10 mRNA expression was seen in the estrous uterus. Either estrogen or progesterone significantly induced the expression of Hoxa10 mRNA in the ovariectomized canine uterus. These results suggest that Hoxa10 expression is closely related to canine embryo implantation and upregulated by estrogen and progesterone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular signalling emanating from the B-cell antigen receptor is considered to follow a discrete course that requires participation by a set of mediators, grouped together as the signalosome, in order for downstream events to occur. Recent work indicates that this paradigm is true only for naïve B cells. Following engagement of the IL-4 receptor, a new, alternate pathway for B-cell receptor (BCR)-triggered intracellular signalling is established that bypasses the need for signalosome elements and operates in parallel with the classical, signalosome-dependent pathway. Reliance on Lyn and sensitivity to rottlerin by the former, but not the latter, distinguishes these two pathways. The advent of alternate pathway signalling leads to production and secretion by B cells of osteopontin (Opn). As Opn is a polyclonal B-cell activator that is strongly associated with a number of autoimmune diseases including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, this novel finding is likely to be clinically relevant. Our results highlight the potential role of B-cell-derived Opn in immunity and autoimmunity and suggest that stress-related IL-4 expression might act to strengthen immunoglobulin secretion at the risk of autoantibody formation. Further, these results illustrate receptor crosstalk in the form of reprogramming, whereby engagement of one receptor (IL-4R) produces an effect that persists after the original ligand (IL-4) is removed and results in alteration of the pathway, and outcome, of signalling via a second receptor (BCR) following its activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The transport of phosphate (Pi) between subcellular compartments is central to metabolic regulation. Although some of the transporters involved in controlling the intracellular distribution of Pi have been identified in plants, others are predicted from genetic, biochemical and bioinformatics studies. • Heterologous expression in yeast, and gene expression and localization in plants were used to characterize all six members of an Arabidopsis thaliana membrane transporter family designated here as PHT4. PHT4 proteins share similarity with SLC17/type I Pi transporters, a diverse group of animal proteins involved in the transport of Pi, organic anions and chloride. • All of the PHT4 proteins mediate Pi transport in yeast with high specificity. Bioinformatic analysis and localization of PHT4-GFP fusion proteins indicate that five of the proteins are targeted to the plastid envelope, and the sixth resides in the Golgi apparatus. • PHT4 genes are expressed in both roots and leaves, although two of the genes are expressed predominantly in leaves and one mostly in roots. These expression patterns, together with Pi transport activities and subcellular locations, suggest roles for PHT4 proteins in the transport of Pi between the cytosol and chloroplasts, heterotrophic plastids and the Golgi apparatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is the most important pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the world. A total of 17 quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping papers and 62 marker-QTL associations have been reported for resistance to soybean cyst nematode in soybean. Conflicting results often occurred. The objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate evidence for reported marker-QTL associations for resistance to SCN in soybean and (ii) extract relatively reliable and useful information from the reported marker-QTL associations in soybean. A meta-analysis was conducted for QTL locations by comparing the 95% confidence intervals of the reported QTLs. QTLs for different races or different studies were classified into one cluster if their confidence intervals had a region in common. The QTLs of the same cluster may have a shared locus. QTLs for different races or different studies were classified into different clusters if their confidence regions had no region in common and were ≥ 20 cM away from each other. Different clusters may represent different loci. Reported SCN resistant QTLs were classified into three categories: suggestive, significant, and confirmed. Confirmed QTLs are credible and can be candidates for fine mapping and gene cloning. QTLs on linkage groups (LGs) G, A2, B1, E, and J were classified as confirmed. Two clusters of QTLs were identified on LG G. One of them is rhg1. One cluster of QTLs was identified near the end of LG B1, but one QTL may exist around the middle of LG B1. One cluster of QTLs was identified on LGs A2, E, and J, respectively. QTLs on LGs B2, C1, C2, D1a, D2, L, M, and N were classified into suggestive or significant. Confirmation studies are needed to lend credibility for these QTLs. A relationship between soybean QTLs and SCN races is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is a major pest of soybean [Glycine mar (L.) Merr.] in the USA. Soybean plant introduction (PI) 404198A is one of the newly identified sources that can provide a broad spectrum of resistance to SCN. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to SCN races 1, 2, and 5 in PI 404198A. Linkage groups (LGs) G and A2 were found to be associated with resistance to race 1. QTL on LG G was located on the Satt309-Satt688 region, and it explained a larger proportion of the total variation (20.2%). QTL on LG A2 was located at the Satt424-Satt632-Sat-406 region, and it accounted for a smaller proportion (9%). LGs G and B1 were shown to be associated with resistance to race 2. QTL on LG G was located on the Satt688-Satt309-Satt663 region, and it explained 12.5% of the total variation. Molecular marker Satt453 on LG B1 was found to be associated with resistance to race 2, and it explained 11% of the total variation. LGs G, B1, and N were found to be associated with resistance to race 5. QTL on LG G was located on the Satt688-Satt309-Satt163 region, and it explained 6.3% of the total variation. Molecular marker Satt453 on LG B1 was found to be associated with resistance to race 5, and it explained a larger proportion of the total variation (13%). QTL on IC N was mapped on the Satt584-Sat-280- Satt549, and it explained 9.5% of the total variation. In conclusion, soybean PI 404198A may carry rhg1 on LG G, Rhg4 on LC A2, and a QTL on LC B1. Further studies are needed to lend credibility for QTL on LG N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dielectric, radiative leakage and ohmic losses in CPWs on the propagation of Gaussian and sinusoidally modulated Gaussian pulses are investigated. These CPWs are assumed to be fabricated on a single-layer low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate. It is shown that, based on the improved empirical formula for accurate prediction of the ohmic attenuation constant presented by Liao et al., the lossy effects in LTCC CPWs are dominated by the ohmic loss of the center and ground conductive planes in the frequency range up to 40 GHz. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 94–97, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11137 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dispersion characteristics of the dominant mode in V-shaped microstrip lines are investigated using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Such V-shaped microstrip lines are assumed to be fabricated on a single-layer isotropic substrate. The hybrid effects of the inclined angle of the metal wall and the permittivity of the filling material on the effective permittivity and characteristic impedance are examined and compared. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 320–323, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11049 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Haas - Dmnth - Wilson (HDW) (Haas et al, 1999) theoretical model was used to correlate osmotic second virial coefficient (B) values with solubility (S) values for equine serum albumin (ESA) and ovalbumin for corresponding solution conditions. The best fit from the theoretical model was compared to experimental S versus B data. B values were experimentally measured using static light scattering. Solubilities of ESA were estimated using a sitting drop method. When the experimental data for S versus B were plotted, an excellent fit for ESA was obtained according to the HDW model. The results showed that the coordination number (z) in the crystal lattice was 6, and the adjustable parameter (A) was 0.072. For ovalbumin, previously reported solubility data in aqueous ammonium sulfate solutions were utilized. The solubility data for ovalbumin were correlated with the measured B values obtained in our laboratory. The resulting best fit from the HDW model showed that z = 6 and A = 0.084. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed and characterized in Glyptosternum maculatum, an endemic fish inhabiting the Yarlung Zangbo River valley, Tibet, China. These loci were developed after the enrichment of microsatellite-containing genomic DNA fragments with a subtractive hybridization protocol. The polymorphism of these loci was analysed with 36 individuals representing a geographical population. The number of alleles found at these loci ranged from 3 to 10. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 1 and from 0.31 to 0.75, respectively. These microsatellite loci will certainly facilitate the determination of the genetic structure of G. maculatum and the conservation of its genetic resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propagation of pulse waves in coplanar waveguides (CPWs) is investigated, and these CPWs are assumed to be fabricated on a single-layer low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate. The input pulse wave can be a Gaussian pulse or a sinusoidally modulated Gaussian pulse. Based on the standard Galerkin's method in the spectral domain, combined with fast Fourier transform (FFT), the pulse waveform and delay in CPWs are demonstrated and compared for LTCCs with different permittivities. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 32–34, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10816 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 31-year-old woman who was admitted to a hospital with abdominal distention for 20 days without abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or other systemic symptoms. Highlights include cystic lesion with annular high echo in the right lobe of the liver according to sequent ultrasonography, space-occupying lesion in the right liver lobe revealed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the importance of early diagnosis and management for reducing maternal mortality.

Abstract: The high‐rate kinematic Precise Point Positioning (PPP) of the Global Navigation Satellite System has become an effective method for monitoring crustal deformation caused by earthquakes. In this contribution, the method of GPS/GLONASS PPP with the receiver clock modeling is applied in active seismic deformation monitoring for the first time. With the modeling method, the short‐term vertical positioning accuracy of 2–4 mm that usually cannot be obtained by standard PPP is achieved. Our PPP results confirm that the positioning accuracy is improved due to the increase of GLONASS observations compared to the GPS‐only solution. Based on the external seismic data and the high‐rate GPS/GLONASS data for the 2011 Japan earthquake and 2010 and 2015 Chile earthquakes, comparative analyses concerning receiver clock modeling are carried out. The results show that a high degree of decorrelation between the height position estimates and receiver clock offsets can be obtained by using the receiver clock modeling. The short‐term accuracy of the GPS‐based vertical displacements is improved to the level of about 4.4 mm, and the short‐term accuracy of better than 4 mm for the GPS/GLONASS‐combined vertical displacements is achievable. Furthermore, the weak vertical signals that are not detected by standard PPP can be captured with the modeling of highly stable receiver clock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mild vinyl oxetane (I) ring opening that affords mainly Z-substituted allylic thiophosphate products (III) in high yields is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Management of recurrent Clostridium difficile-associated disease ( CDAD), particularly in elderly patients, remains clinically challenging. Faecal transplantation ( FT) may restore normal microbiota and break the cycle of recurrent CDAD. Aim To critically appraise the clinical research evidence on the safety and effectiveness of FT compared with standard care in the treatment of patients with CDAD. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted by a research librarian to identify relevant studies published between 2000 and 2011. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews and Web of Science were searched using the following Medical Subject Headings (Me SH) terms and keywords, alone or in combination: Clostridium infections/Clostridium difficile/pseudomembranous/colitis/faeces/rectal/colon flora/gastrointestinal/nasogastric tube/enema/donor/transplant/infusion/bacteriotherapy/human probiotic infusion. Methodological quality of the included case series studies was assessed in terms of patient selection criteria, consecutive recruitment, prospective data collection, reporting of lost to follow-up, and follow-up rates. Results No controlled studies were found. Based on the weak evidence from seven full-text case series studies of 124 patients with recurrent/refractory CDAD, FT appears to be a safe and effective procedure. In most cases (83%) symptoms improved immediately after the first FT procedure, and some patients stayed diarrhoea free for several months or years. Conclusions Although these results appear to be promising, the treatment effects of faecal transplantation cannot be determined definitively in the absence of a control group. Results from randomised controlled trials that compare faecal transplantation to oral vancomycin without or with a taper regimen will help to better define the role of faecal transplantation in the management of recurrent CDAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "QTLs Associated With Resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematode in Soybean Meta-Analysis of QTL Locations: Retraction," by B. Guo and colleagues is presented.

Objective: To estimate a stillbirth rate at 24 or more gestational weeks in 2015–2016 and to explore potentially preventable causes in China. Design: A multi‐centre cross‐sectional study. Setting: Ninety‐six hospitals distributed in 24 (of 34) provinces in China. Population: A total of 75 132 births at 24 completed weeks of gestation or more. Methods: COX Proportional Hazard Models were performed to examine risk factors for antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths. Population attributable risk percentage was calculated for major risk factors. Correspondence analysis was used to explore region‐specific risk factors for stillbirths. Main outcome measures: Stillbirth rate and risk factors for stillbirth. Results: A total of 75 132 births including 949 stillbirths were used for the final analysis, giving a weighted stillbirth rate of 13.2 per 1000 births (95% CI 7.9–18.5). Small for gestational age (SGA) and pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia increased antepartum stillbirths by 26.2% and 11.7%, respectively. Fetal anomalies increased antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths by 17.9% and 7.4%, respectively. Overall, 31.4% of all stillbirths were potentially preventable. Advanced maternal age, pre‐pregnant obesity, chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus were important risk factors in East China; low education and SGA were major risk factors in Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and South China; and pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia and intrapartum complications were significant risk factors in Central China. Conclusions: The prevalence of stillbirth was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016. Nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable. Strategies based on regional characteristics should be considered to reduce further the burden of stillbirths in China. The stillbirth rate was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016 and nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable. The stillbirth rate was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016 and nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aflatoxin contamination in peanut is a serious food safety issue to human health around the world. Finding disease resistance genes is a key strategy for genetic improvement in breeding to deal with this issue. We identified an Aspergillus flavus‐induced NBS‐LRR gene, AhRAF4, using a microarray‐based approach. By comparison of 23 sequences from three species using phytogenetics, protein secondary structure and three‐dimensional structural analyses, AhRAF4 was revealed to be derived from Arachis duranensis by recombination, and has newly evolved into a family of several members, characterised by duplications and point mutations. However, the members of the family descended from A. ipaensis were lost following tetraploidisation. AhRAF4 was slightly up‐regulated by low temperature, drought, salicylic acid and ethylene, but down‐regulated by methyl jasmonate. The distinct responses upon As. flavus inoculation and the differential reactions between resistant and susceptible varieties indicate that AhRAF4 might play a role in defence responses. Temporal and spatial expression and the phenotype of transformed protoplasts suggest that AhRAF4 may also be associated with pericarp development. Because tetraploid cultivated peanuts are vulnerable to many pathogens, an exploration of R‐genes may provide an effective method for genetic improvement of peanut cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence suggests Trendelenburg positioning can produce a significant rise in intra-ocular pressure. Peri-operative vision loss in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been reported with the rise in intra-ocular pressure suggested as a possible factor. Acetazolamide decreases intra-ocular pressure by reducing the formation of aqueous humour, so we aimed to investigate if it could attenuate the intra-ocular pressure rise that can occur in the Trendelenburg position. Nine healthy volunteers were recruited and randomly assigned to a double-blind crossover comparison of placebo or acetazolamide with a minimal 4 days' washout period before the second study day. One and a half hours after taking the medication, volunteers lay head-down at 17° for 4 h. Intraocular pressure measurements were repeated in both eyes every 30 min over a 4-h period. There were two males and seven female volunteers, with a mean (SD) age of 54.3 (18.5) years. The mean (SD) increase in intra-ocular pressure following 4 h in the Trendelenburg position was 3.17 (4.63) mmHg after the placebo, and 0.02 (4.01) mmHg (p = 0.02) after acetazolamide. We have shown than acetazolamide can attenuate the rise that occurs in intra-ocular pressure when in the Trendelenburg position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Erythropoietin ( EPO), the key hormone involved in erythropoiesis, beneficially affects endothelial cells ( ECs), but the detailed mechanisms are yet to be completely understood. In this study, we investigated the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ( TRPV1), a ligand-gated non-selective calcium (Ca2+) channel, in EPO-mediated endothelial nitric oxide synthase ( eNOS) activation and angiogenesis. Methods and results In ECs, EPO time dependently increased intracellular levels of calcium; this increase was abrogated by the Ca2+ chelators and pharmacological inhibitors of TRPV1 in bovine aortic ECs (BAECs) and TRPV1-transfected HEK293 cells. In addition, EPO-induced nitrite oxide ( NO) production, phosphorylation of eNOS, Akt and AMP-activated protein kinase ( AMPK) and the formation of TRPV1-Akt- AMPK- eNOS complex as well as tube formation were diminished by the pharmacological inhibition of TRPV1 in BAECs. Moreover, EPO time dependently induced the phosphorylation of phospholipase C- γ1 ( PLC- γ1). Inhibition of PLC- γ1 activity blunted the EPO-induced Ca2+ influx, eNOS phosphorylation, TRPV1- eNOS complex formation and NO production. The phosphorylated level of eNOS increased in the aortas of EPO-treated wild-type ( WT) mice or EPO-transgenic (Tg) mice but not in those of EPO-treated TRPV1-deficient ( TRPV1−/−) mice or EPO-Tg/ TRPV1−/− mice. Matrigel plug assay showed that EPO-induced angiogenesis was abrogated in TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine-treated WT mice and TRPV1−/− mice. Conclusion These findings indicate the EPO-induced Ca2+ influx via the activation of the PLC- γ1 signalling pathway, which leads to TRPV1 activation and consequently increases the association of the TRPV1-Akt- AMPK- eNOS complex, eNOS activation, NO production and angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dynamic deformation of thin metal circular plates subjected to confined blast loading was studied using high-speed three-dimensional Digital Image Correlation (3D DIC). A small-scale confined cylinder vessel was designed for applying blast loading, in which an explosive charge was ignited to generate blast loading acting on a thin metal circular plate clamped on the end of the vessel by a cover flange. The images of the metal plates during the dynamic response were recorded by two high-speed cameras. The 3D transient displacement fields, velocity fields, strain fields and residual deformation profiles were calculated by using 3D DIC. Some feature deformation parameters including maximum out-of-plane displacement, final deflection, maximum principal strain and residual principal strain were extracted, and the result was in good agreement with that simulated by AUTODYN. A dimensionless displacement was introduced to analyse the effects of plate thickness, material types and charge mass on the deflection of metal plates. DIC is also proven to be a powerful technique to measure dynamic deformation under blast loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend a stepped care approach for the identification and management of children with, or at risk of, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of a group parenting intervention programme (+/− a teacher session) for children at risk of ADHD. Methods In a three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial, 12 primary schools were randomly assigned to control, parent-only and combined (parent + teacher) intervention arms. Eligible children had high levels of parent-rated hyperactivity/inattention ( n = 199). At 6 month follow-up, the primary outcome measure was the parent-completed Conners' Rating Scale - Revised (ADHD index). Secondary outcomes included the Conners' sub-scales (hyperactivity, cognitive problems/inattention and oppositional behaviour), the teacher-completed Conners' Rating Scale - Revised, child health-related quality of life, parental burden and parental mental health. The cost-effectiveness analyses reflected a health and personal social services perspective. Trial Registration: ISRCTN87634685. Results Follow-up data were obtained from 76 parents and 169 teachers. There was no effect of the parent-only (mean difference = −1.1, 95% CI −5.1,2.9; p = 0.57) or combined interventions (mean difference = −2.1, 95% CI −6.4,2.1; p = 0.31) on the ADHD index. The combined intervention was associated with reduced parent-reported hyperactivity symptoms (mean difference = −5.3; 95% CI −10.5,−0.01; p = 0.05) and the parent-only intervention with improved parental mental health (mean difference = −1.9; 95% CI −3.2,−0.5; p = 0.009). The incremental costs of the parent-only and the combined interventions were £73 and £123, respectively. Above a willingness-to-pay of £31 per one-point improvement in the ADHD index, the parent-only programme had the highest probability of cost-effectiveness. Participants found the interventions acceptable. Conclusions For children at risk of ADHD, this school-based parenting programme was not associated with improvement in core ADHD symptoms. Secondary analyses suggested a possible reduction in parent-reported hyperactivity and parental mental health problems. Future research should compare targeted interventions against watchful waiting and specialist referral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle fibre traits are related with meat quality in meat animals. In this study, a whole-genome scan with 183 microsatellite markers covering the pig genome was performed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for cross-sectional area, numerical percentage and relative area of type I, IIA and IIB myofibres, fibre number per square centimetre and total fibre number in the longissimus muscle by using 120 F2 animals in a White Duroc × Erhualian intercross. In total, 20 QTL were mapped on pig chromosomes (SSC) 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16 and X, of which eight reached genome-wide significance levels and explained large proportions (6.53–34.63%) of phenotypic variance. Five QTL detected in this study confirmed the previous QTL reports and the others were detected for the first time. Chinese Erhualian alleles are generally associated with muscle fibre traits favourable for meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize inbred Tex6 is resistant to several pests. The objectives of this study were to characterize gene expression profiles in Tex6 kernels and identify unique genes that expressed up- or down-ward in developing kernels in the later stages. Because of the resistance of Tex6 kernels, we reasoned that it would be an interesting candidate for microarray study. By using maize microarray, we analysed gene expression profiles in developing kernels from 25 DAP (days after pollination) to 45 DAP. A total of 8497 positive array spots were detected with unique IDs, in which 4247 genes were detected in all samples. The trends of total expressed genes were decreasing when kernels were maturing. Expression patterns of some genes in several metabolic pathways, including starch, lipid and storage proteins, were analysed. In comparison with 25 DAP, expressions of 211 gene features were significantly different at 45 DAP (P < 0.05), which will be used to produce a macroarray for germplasm assessment and evaluation. The real-time qRT-PCR was used to validate microarray study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Letter, a hybrid 10 Gbit/s on-off keying free space optics and passive optical network (FSO-PON) system is proposed and demonstrated. The experimental received sensitivities are -18 and -20 dBm at the back to back (BtB) and after 25 km fibre transmission, respectively, with 5 m free space traffic link. In the proposed analysis, FSO-PON system can support 32 and 16; and 8 and 4 remote optical wireless units for free space communication at BtB and after 25 km fibre link, respectively, when the free space transmission lengths are 150 and 300 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]