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To develop and validate a model based on MRI radiomics modals for predicting surgical high FIGO(IB3 and ≥ IIA2) and low FIGO(IB1, IB2, and IIA1) stages in patients with cervical carcinoma (CC). A total of 296 early-stage patients with CC (preoperative FIGO stages IB-IIA) confirmed by surgery and pathology were included in this retrospective study from two institutions For each patient,we extracted radiomics features from spectral attenuated inversion-recovery T2-weighted (SPAIR-T2W) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1W) images.Manual segmentation was performed using the 3D Slicer software, while radiomics features were extracted, screened using the R software. A 2-stage feature extraction strategy involving univariate analysis and the Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator technique was performed. A support vector machine-based model was eventually constructed. Predictive accuracy of the training and validation datasets was assessed in terms of area under the ROC curve (AUC). A total of 1130 features were extracted from SPAIR-T2WI and CET1WI images respectively, in which 8 and 7 features significantly were associated with FIGO staging. AUCs of the SPAIR-T2W and CE-T1W models were were 0.803 and 0.790, respectively, in the internal validation group. In the external validation group, the AUCs were 0.767 and 0.749, respectively, which increased to 0.771 in the combined model. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of radiomics features from SPAIR-T2W and CE-T1W images for the prediction of surgical FIGO stage in CC. Our proposed model thereby carries the potential as a non-invasive tool for the staging and treatment planning of this disease. A radiomics model provide a non-invasive and objective method for the detection of FIGO staging in patients with cervical cancer before surgery, thus providing a reference for the selection of treatment options for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is lack of standardized management and mobilization strategies after oral and maxillofacial reconstruction surgery. We used prospective randomized controlled trials to explore improvements in postoperative mobilization protocol in such patients. A total of 149 patients were randomly divided into tracheotomy control group A (38 cases) and test group A (37 cases), nontracheotomy control group B (38 cases) and test group B (36 cases). Test group patients sat up in bed on the 2nd day after surgery and performed off-bed activity on the 3rd day, whereas control group patients sat up in bed on the 4th day postoperatively and performed off-bed activity on the 6th day. Objective evaluation included free flap success rate, postoperative complications, sleep time, and catheter removal time, among other parameters. Subjective evaluation included postoperative pain and comfort evaluation. The success rate of free flaps was 97.3% in test group A and 100% in the other groups. In terms of mean sleep time, 4.6 ± 1.0 h in test group A, which was longer than 4.1 ± 1.0 h in control group A (P = 0.034); 5.7 ± 1.4 h in test group B, which was longer than 4.9 ± 1.7 h in control group B (P = 0.026). Early activity makes catheter removal time (tracheal incision, nasogastric tube, urethral catheter) shorter and gets higher comfort evaluation scores in both test groups versus control groups (P < 0.05). The early mobilization protocol for patients undergoing free flap reconstruction was safe, and can effectively improve sleep, shorten the catheter indwelling time, and increase the patient's comfort level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Pectin was extracted from orange peel using surfactant and microwave assisted method. • Pectin yield, GA content, and DE were considered during Box–Behnken design. • Chemical properties of pectin extracted by different methods were compared. • S-MAE showed the best effect on the yield and characteristics of extracted pectin. Abstract Surfactant and microwave assisted extraction (S-MAE) was used for pectin extraction from orange peel. First, we optimized the conditions of microwave assisted extraction (MAE), e.g., irradiation time, liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), and pH on pectin yield (PY), galacturonic acid (GA) content, and degree of esterification (DE) using a Box-Behnken design. Under optimal conditions (pH 1.2, 7.0 min, and 21.5 v/w LSR), we obtained a PY of 28.0 ± 0.5%, which was close to the predicted value (31.1%). Second, we analyzed the effect of surfactant on microwave extraction of pectin. Among the surfactants investigated, Tween-80 (8 g/L, w/v) increased PY by 17.0%. Compared with conventional solvent extraction, S-MAE is a novel and efficient method for pectin extraction, which generated a higher (p < 0.05) PY (32.8%), GA content (78.1%), DE (69.8%), and M w (286.3 kDa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of our indirect comparison was to explore the optimal switching time to noninvasive ventilation for further weaning in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials comparing noninvasive weaning at spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) failure after meeting simple weaning criteria or at the pulmonary infection control window (PIC window) with conventional invasive weaning in COPD patients. Using conventional invasive weaning as a bridge, we indirectly compared the two noninvasive weaning strategies using the Bucher approach. Noninvasive weaning at SBT failure after meeting simple weaning criteria was associated with an extended duration of endotracheal mechanical ventilation (standardized mean difference 1.90, 95% CI 1.27–2.53, P < 0.001) compared with noninvasive weaning at the PIC window. No significant differences in mortality or the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia were observed. Our study suggests that the PIC window may be a promising switching time for noninvasive weaning in COPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A few researchers have reported on work concerning bioleaching of heavy-metal-contaminated soil using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, since this acidophile is sensitive to dissolved low molecular weight (LMW) organic acids. Iron oxidation by A. ferrooxidans R2 as well as growth on ferrous iron was inhibited by a variety of dissolved LMW organic acids. Growth experiments with ferrous iron as an oxidant showed that the inhibition capability sequence was formic acid>acetic acid>propionic acid>oxalic acid>malic acid>citric acid. The concentrations that R2 might tolerate were formic acid 0.1mmolL−1 (2mmolkg−1 soil), acetic and propionic acids 0.4mmolL−1 (8mmolkg−1 soil), oxalic acid 2.0mmolL−1 (40mmolkg−1 soil), malic acid 20mmolL−1 (400mmolkg−1 soil), citric acid 40mmolL−1 (800mmolkg−1 soil), respectively. Although R2 was sensitive to organic acids, the concentrations of LMW organic acids in the contaminated soils were rather lower than the tolerable levels. Hence, it is feasible that R2 might be used for bioleaching of soils contaminated with metals or metals coupled with organic compounds because of the higher concentrations of LMW organic acids to which R2 is tolerant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The stability of an imaginary planet located in the present main asteroid belt is studied with a 7-body model (Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and the imaginary planet). The fourth-order Hermite algorithm P(EC)3 is used, which has a very small secular energy error for the integration of periodic orbits with a constant time-step. The evolution of orbits is followed up to 108 years. Our numerical results show that the low-order resonances with Jupiter can enhance the stability of the imaginary planet in some cases. The survival probability of the imaginary planet decreases with the planet mass. The upper limit of the imaginary planet''s mass that can survive in the main belt is around 1025 kg, i.e., about the Earth''s mass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several main metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) formed by Penicillium chrysogenum, Benzo[a]pyrene-1, 6-quinone (BP 1.6-quinone), trans-7, 8-dihydroxy-7, 8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BP 7, 8-diol), 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OHBP), were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The three metabolites were liable to be accumulated and were hardly further metabolized because of their toxicity to microorganisms. However, their further degradation was essential for the complete degradation of BaP. To enhance their degradation, two methods, degradation by coupling Penicillium chrysogenum with KMnO4 and degradation only by Penicillium chrysogenum, were compared; Meanwhile, the parameters of degradation in the superior method were optimized. The results showed that (1) the method of coupling Penicillium chrysogenum with KMnO4 was better and was the first method to be used in the degradation of BaP and its metabolites; (2) the metabolite, BP 1, 6-quinone was the most liable to be accumulated in pure cultures; (3) the effect of degradation was the best when the concentration of KMnO4 in the cultures was 0.01% (w/v), concentration of the three compounds was 5 mg/L and pH was 6.2. Based on the experimental results, a novel concept with regard to the bioremediation of BaP-contaminated environment was discussed, considering the influence on environmental toxicity of the accumulated metabolites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The rates of photodegradation and photocatalysis of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) on soil surfaces under UV light have been studied. Different parameters such as temperature, soil particle sizes, and soil depth responsible for photodegradation, catalyst loads and wavelength of UV irradiation blamed for photocatalysis have been monitored. The results obtained indicated that BaP photodegradation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. BaP photodegradation was the fastest at 30°C. The rates of BaP photodegradation at different soil particle size followed the order: less than 1 mm>less than 0.45 mm>less than 0.25 mm. When the soil depth increased from 1 mm to 4 mm, the half-life increased from 13.23 d to 17.73 d. The additions of TiO2 or Fe2O3 accelerated the photodegradation of BaP, and the photocatalysis of BaP follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. Changes in catalyst loads of TiO2 (0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% (wt)) or Fe2O3 (2%, 5%, 7%, and 10% (wt)) did not significantly affect the degradation rates. Both BaP photocatalysis in the presence of TiO2 and Fe2O3 were the fastest at 254 nm UV irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two indigenous microorganisms, Bacillus sp. SB02 and Mucor sp. SF06, capable of degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were co-immobilized on vermiculite by physical adsorption and used to degrade benzo[a] pyrene (BaP). The characteristics of BaP degradation by both free and co-immobilized microorganism were then investigated and compared. The removal rate using the immobilized bacterial-fungal mixed consortium was higher than that of the freely mobile mixed consortium. 95.3% of BaP was degraded using the co-immobilized system within 42 d, which was remarkably higher than the removal rate of that by the free strains. The optimal amount of inoculated co-immobilized system for BaP degradation was 2%. The immobilized bacterial-fungal mixed consortium also showed better water stability than the free strains. Kinetics of BaP biodegradation by co-immobilized SF06 and SB02 were also studied. The results demonstrated that BaP degradation could be well described by a zero-order reaction rate equation when the initial BaP concentration was in the range of 10—200 mg/kg. The scanning electronic microscope (SEM) analysis showed that the co-immobilized microstructure was suitable for the growth of SF06 and SB02. The mass transmission process of co-immobilized system in soil is discussed. The results demonstrate the potential for employing the bacterial-fungal mixed consortium, co-immobilized on vermiculite, for in situ bioremediation of BaP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biomarkers in higher plants played an important role to estimate exposure effects of pollutants in soil ecosystem and have received increasing attention in recent years. The qualitative and quantitative modifications arising in amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) profiles as a measure of DNA effects were compared with a number of parameters, namely, the root length, total soluble protein content in root tips, chlorophylls content and shoot size to select the most sensitive biomarker responding to copper stress in the range of 0—600 mg/kg. The changes occurring in AFLP profiles of root tips following Cu treatment included loss of normal bands and appearance of new bands and variation in band intensity in comparison to that of the normal seedlings. A reduction in root length was observed at the 200 mg/kg of copper, which was accompanied with a decrease in total soluble protein content. According to their sensitivity to the copper toxicity, the above indicator rank in the following order: AFLP profiles > total soluble protein content > root length > chlorophylls content > shoot. We concluded that the AFLP offered a useful alternative biomarker assay for the detection of genotoxic effects of environmental pollutants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The combined effect of calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) (20–100 mM) and high pressure processing (HPP, 200 MPa) on the solubility of myofibrillar proteins (MP) was investigated under sodium-reduced conditions (0.3 M sodium chloride). The results revealed that HPP combined with low concentrations (<40 mM) of CaCl 2 synergistically increased the solubility of MP, but an antagonistic effect occurred when a high concentration (100 mM) of CaCl 2 was present. This synergistic effect could be attributed to a mildly destabilized conformation of myosin, an increased surface hydrophobicity and the decreased total sulfhydryl group content of MP. However, CaCl 2 at 100 mM destabilized myosin to a larger extent and induced non-disulfide covalent cross-linking of S-1 subfragment in pressurized MP, thus attenuating the solubilizing effect of HPP on the myosin heavy chain, resulting in the antagonistic effect. Therefore, HPP in combination with low-level CaCl 2 (<40 mM) may improve the functional properties of sodium-reduced meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of resistant corn starch (RCS) (0.1–0.6% w/w) on the water-holding capacity (WHC) and gel strength of chicken breast myosin were investigated. The results showed that RCS could successively increase the WHC and gel strength of myosin-RCS gels (P < 0.05) with an elevating concentration of 0.1–0.6% RCS. The hydrophilicity of RCS and the shrinking mobility of inner water in the gels were responsible for increased WHC. The swelling-induced active filling and the enhanced cross-linking between the myosin tail and RCS could promote the formation of a continuous, compact and homogeneous gel network with elevated RCS (0.2–0.6%), as well as increased storage modulus (G ′), thus resulting in reinforced gel strength. The heat-induced conformational transition from β -sheet to α -helix could also improve the WHC and gel strength. It is promising to use RCS as a fat substitute in the development of novel low-fat meat products with potential physiological benefits in industry. Image 1 • RCS (0.1–0.6% w/w) successively improved the WHC and strength of myosin-RCS gels. • The hydrophilicity of RCS and a lower relaxation lead to a higher WHC. • The active filling and enhanced cross-linking result in a stronger gel strength. • It is promising to use RCS for developing low-fat meat product with healthy function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of high pressure processing (HPP) (0–400 MPa for 10 min, 0–20 min under 300 MPa) on the water holding capacity (WHC) and gel strength of chicken breast myosin containing 0.225% κ-carrageenan (W/V, 2.25 g/L relative to myosin solution) (myosin-K) and the thermal gelling mechanism were investigated. The results revealed that HPP at 100–400 MPa could significantly increase the WHC of myosin-K gels while decreasing the gel strength (P < 0.05). The turbidity, surface hydrophobicity and reactive sulfhydryl contents of the pressurized myosin-K increased significantly at 200–400 MPa (P < 0.05). Dynamic rheological measurements indicated that the thermal gelling ability of the pressurized myosin-K matrix gradually decreased as the pressure increased (100–400 MPa). Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance data suggested that HPP at 100–400 MPa might shorten the water relaxation time of the gel. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data revealed that the hydrogen bonding interactions in the gels might weaken when subjected to 100–300 MPa but could be enhanced at 400 MPa. The scanning electron microscopy images revealed that HPP (300 MPa, 10 min) produced a dense, networked myosin-K gel structure with small cavities and thin cross-linked strands. Moreover, pressure levels were responsible for the above results. The protein in myosin-K could denature, unfold and aggregate under HPP (100–400 MPa), thus decreasing the thermal gelling ability of myosin-K matrix. The high WHC of the pressurized myosin-K gel was attributed to the enhanced hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, as well as the uniform and dense networked structure; the low gel strength might be ascribed to the low thermal gelling ability of pressurized myosin-K. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• LXA4 against HI brain damage by protecting the integrity of blood–brain barrier. • LXA4 reduces neuronal apoptosis following HI brain damage in neonatal rats. • LXA4 exerts a neuroprotective effect via the IκB/NF-κB pathway in neonatal rats. Hypoxia and the resultant decreases in cerebral blood flow in the perinatal period can lead to neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury, which can, in turn, cause severe disability or even death. However, the efficacy of current treatment strategies remains limited. Several studies have demonstrated that lipoxin A4 (LXA4), as one of the earliest types of endogenous lipid mediators, can inhibit the accumulation of neutrophils, arrest inflammation, and promote the resolution of inflammation. However, research on LXA4 in the nervous system has rarely been carried out. In the present study, we sought to investigate the protective effect of LXA4 on HI brain damage in neonatal rats, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Through experiments conducted using an HI animal model, we found that the LXA4 intervention promoted the recovery of neuronal function and tissue structure following brain injury while maintaining the integrity of the blood–brain barrier in addition to reducing cerebral edema, infarct volume, and inflammatory responses. Our results suggest that LXA4 interfered with neuronal oxygen-glucose deprivation insults, reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted neuronal survival in vitro. Finally, the LXA4 intervention attenuated HI-induced activation of inhibitor kappa B (IκB) and degradation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In conclusion, our data suggest that LXA4 exerts a neuroprotective effect against neonatal HI brain damage through the IκB/NF-κB pathway. Our findings will help inform future studies regarding the effects of LXA4 on neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier integrity, and neuronal apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, zein/carboxymethyl dextrin nanoparticles (ZCPs) were used as stabilizers to prepare Pickering emulsions. The contact angle (θ) of ZCPs with a mass ratio of 2:1 (zein:CMD) was 89.1°, which was suitable for stabilizing Pickering emulsions. The droplet sizes of ZCPs stabilized Pickering emulsions were dependent on particle concentration and oil volume fraction. The droplet sizes of emulsions decreased with increasing particle concentration at a constant oil volume fraction, and increased as the oil volume fraction increased fixing particle concentration. Visual observation indicated that ZCPs stabilized Pickering emulsions at various particle concentrations and oil fractions were stable during long-term storage. The rheological measurements indicated that all emulsions exhibited shear thinning behavior and the elastic gel-like structure. Furthermore, the viscosity and gel-like structure were relied on ZCPs concentrations and oil volume fractions. Confocal laser scanning microscope showed that ZCPs formed the densely packed layer around the oil droplets. ZCPs stabilized Pickering emulsions significantly inhibited lipid oxidation compared to zein nanoparticles stabilized emulsions. In vitro digestion study suggested that the free fatty acids (FFA) released, bioaccessibility and stability of curcumin in ZCPs stabilized Pickering emulsions were higher than those in bulk oil and zein nanoparticles stabilized emulsions. These researches might facilitate the preparation of Pickering emulsions with excellent stability for nutraceutical delivery in food and pharmaceutical applications. Image 1 • Zein/carboxymethyl dextrin nanoparticles (ZCPs) were fabricated as effective stabilizers. • Pickering emulsions stabilized by ZCPs had superior storage stability. • Pickering emulsions stabilized by ZCPs significantly inhibited lipid oxidation. • The presence of carboxymethyl dextrin improved bioaccessibility of curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The maximum WHC and gel strength of pressurized MP-Ca occurred at 200 MPa. • HPP (≤200 MPa) increased the solubility and reduced aggregation ability of MP. • HPP (>200 MPa) induced disulfide cross-linking of myosin S-1. • The results are helpful for regulating the properties of reduced-sodium meat gel. The improvement mechanism of high pressure processing (HPP, 100–300 MPa, 10 min) on the gelation properties of reduced-sodium (0.3 M sodium chloride) myofibrillar protein containing 20 mM CaCl 2 (MP-Ca) were explored. The results showed that the water holding capacity (WHC) and strength of MP-Ca gel reached the maximum values under 200 MPa. This was attributed to substantial solubilization of myosin heavy chain and actin, a decreased protein aggregation ability and the exposure of both tyrosine and tryptophan residues resulting from the unfolding of the protein tertiary structure. However, 300 MPa induced the hydrophobic rearrangement of MP and the disulfide cross-linking of the myosin S-1 subfragment, leading to the formation of large protein aggregates and decreased solubility of MP, thus resulting in a weaker gel with a reduced WHC. Therefore, moderate HPP (approximately 200 MPa) and low concentrations of CaCl 2 could potentially improve the gelation properties of reduced-sodium meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To assess the reproducibility of HR-MRI for the identification of MCA atherosclerotic plaque components and quantification of stenosis. Materials and methods: Seventy-three consecutive subjects who initially had ischemic stroke or asymptomatic MCA stenosis (>50%) were enrolled in the study. All subjects were scanned using 3.0T MRI. Two independent readers reviewed all images and one reader reevaluated all images four weeks later. The tissue components of plaques were analyzed qualitatively and the vessels were quantitative measured. Results: HR-MRI displayed the artery wall and lumen clearly. The intra-observer reproducibility was excellent for the identification of plaques (kappa [κ]=0.96; 95% CI: 0.83–1.04) and contrast enhancement (κ =0.89; 0.78–0.95); it was substantial for intra-plaque hemorrhage (κ =0.79; 0.57–0.96) and the fibrous cap (κ =0.65; 0.42–0.86). The inter-observer reproducibility was excellent for plaques (κ =0.92; 0.73–1.06), substantial for contrast enhancement (κ =0.80; 0.65–0.93), intra-plaque hemorrhage (κ =0.68; 0.47–0.92) and moderate for the fibrous cap (κ =0.58; 0.44–0.79). Both intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility were excellent for quantitative vessel, lumen and wall measurements with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.91 to 0.97 and 0.87 to 0.96, respectively. However, vessel and wall areas and the intervals defined by the Bland–Altman plots were wide in comparison to the mean. Conclusions: The identification of MCA atherosclerotic plaque components and the quantification of vessel and lumen measurements are reproducible. The reproducibility is overall acceptable. HR-MRI may provide a useful tool for clinical risk evaluation in MCA atherosclerosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: To investigate basilar artery atherosclerotic plaque distribution characteristics in symptomatic patients using 3.0T high-resolution MRI. Materials and methods: Thirty-eight patients with recent ischemic strokes or transient ischemic attacks were included. Conventional angiographic luminal imaging of these patients showed at least 30% basilar artery stenosis. Patients then underwent basilar artery high-resolution MRI examinations (T2WI, T1WI and post-contrast enhanced T1WI in short axial and long axial views). The narrowest lumen plaque distribution was evaluated by cross-section division into four equal arcs (right, ventral, left and dorsal arcs) on the short axial T2-weighted images. The percent plaque fraction was calculated as arc plaque area/luminal area×100, with each compared by analysis. Results: The basilar artery lumens and walls were clearly shown in all 38 patients. The median plaque area sizes were 2.73mm2 (range: 1.04–5.29mm2) on the ventral wall, 0.59mm2 (range: 0–1.50mm2) on the left wall, 0.87mm2 (range: 0–2.68mm2) on the dorsal wall, and 0.36mm2 (range: 0–1.80mm2) on the right wall. The mean plaque fraction percentages were 21.6% (range: 7.9–34.0%) on the ventral wall, 4.6% (range: 0–10.0%) on the left wall, 6.3% (range: 0–16.3%) on the dorsal wall, and 2.6% (range: 0–12.9%) on the right wall. On the ventral wall, the plaque fraction percentage was significantly greater than the remaining three arcs (P =.000). Conclusions: Basilar artery atherosclerotic plaques were mainly distributed at the ventral site of the artery. High-resolution MR examination may provide helpful information to minimize endovascular therapy risk complications in basilar artery atherosclerotic disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]