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• The industrial waste and recyclable resources are rationally utilized. • HPL sanding dust and PP-based food pails can be alternatives to manufacture WPC. • Excellent mechanical and environmental properties are simultaneously achieved. • WPC with residue materials has low carbon emission and high economic added value. • WPC with residue materials is in line with the sustainable development strategy. Plastic pollution caused by non-degradable petrochemical-based plastics has become a serious environmental problem in China, and the reasonable management of industrial waste and renewable resources remains a huge challenge. Here, we report environment-friendly wood-plastic composites (WPCs), prepared from decorative high-pressure laminate (HPL) sanding dust (filler) and waste thermoplastic food pails (matrix), as well as comprehensively evaluate the processability, mechanical and interfacial properties, indoor safety evaluation. The elemental composition and thermal stability of these two residue materials were suitable for the WPC manufacturing process. The content of HPL sanding dust in WPC was fixed at 60 wt%, and the amount of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) added was 5 wt%-7 wt%, which maximized the utilization of waste resources, and can obtain impact strength as high as 5–6 kJ/m2, tensile strength of 35–42 MPa and flexural strength as high as 43–46 MPa. The developed WPCs had low formaldehyde emissions (≤1.53 mg/m3) and slightly improved flame retardancy. Finally, their lower cost (5,035 yuan/ton) and higher eco-efficiency (12.81 yuan/kg CO 2) characteristics allowed them to be compatible with the current sustainable development requirements. This study provides a novel approach for the utilization of industrial waste and recyclable resources for sustainable replacement of wood-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acupuncture has promising effects on diabetes, but there is limited evidence on prediabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety of Zuo's warming Yang acupuncture therapy on prediabetic patients. Fifty five individuals with prediabetes were recruited for the study. Participants in the non-acupuncture group received a 12-week lifestyle intervention, while those in the acupuncture group received the same lifestyle intervention in addition to two 50-minute sessions of Zuo's warming Yang acupuncture therapy per week. The primary outcomes measure fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG), and Glycated hemoglobin determination (HbA1c) after 12 weeks of treatment. Both acupuncture group and non-acupuncture group showed significant reductions in FPG and 2hPG levels after treatment, with a statistically significant difference between them (FPG:6.25 ± 0.48 vs 5.73 ± 0.50, P < 0.001; 6.21 ± 0.42 vs 6.04 ± 0.41, P = 0.035; 2hPG:8.90(8.44,9.88) vs 7.95(6.93,8.34), P < 0.001; 9.22 ± 1.15 vs 8.70 ± 1.34, P = 0.046; respectively). In addition, FPG and 2hPG in the acupuncture group decreased more significantly than those in the non-acupuncture group after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (FPG:5.73 ± 0.50 vs 6.04 ± 0.41, P = 0.014;2hPG:7.95(6.93,8.34) vs 8.70 ± 1.34, P = 0.015; respectively). Although both groups showed reductions in HbA1c, only the decrease in the acupuncture group was statistically significant(5.80(5.60,5.90) vs 5.60(5.40,5.80), P = 0.015). No severe adverse events were reported. Zuo's warming Yang acupuncture therapy conjunction with lifestyle interventions was more effective than lifestyle interventions alone in reducing FPG, 2hPG and HbA1c levels in prediabetic patients. These results suggest that Zuo's warming Yang acupuncture therapy may be a safe and effective treatment option for prediabetes. • The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety of Zuo's warming Yang acupuncture therapy on prediabetic patients. • The primary outcomes measure FPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c after 12 weeks of treatment. • Zuo's warming Yang acupuncture therapy conjunction with lifestyle interventions was effective in reducing FPG, 2hPG and HbA1c levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

and purpose Acupuncture has gained increasing attention in the treatment of insulin resistance (IR). This study systematically reviews the efficacy of acupuncture on clinical IR outcomes. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline (via OVID), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with IR treated by acupuncture. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3. With acupuncture, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (homa-IR) significantly decreased (mean difference (MD) = -1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.37 to −0.71; P < 0.00001), as did fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD = −0.56, 95% CI -0.88 to −0.25; P = 0.0005), 2 h postprandial blood glucose (2hPG) (MD = −0.91, 95% CI -1.62 to −0.20; P = 0.01), and fasting insulin (FINS) (MD = −3.23, 95% CI -4.14 to −2; P < 0.00001). Meanwhile, the insulin sensitivity index (ISI) (MD = 0.36, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.53; P < 0.0001) increased, and fewer adverse events occurred. Acupuncture may improve homa-IR, ISI, FBG, 2hPG and FINS with fewer adverse events than other treatments, making it a viable treatment for IR. • 20 RCTs that reported the effectiveness of acupuncture treating diseases related to insulin resistance were included. • This study found that acupuncture is better to act as an adjuvant therapy for the management of IR than as a replacement. • Analyses showed that acupuncture had an advantage over control groups in decreasing FBG, 2hPG and FINS levels. • The pooled analysis showed that acupuncture alone was more effective than sham acupuncture at decreasing homa-IR levels. • Acupuncture was well tolerated by patients, with fewer adverse events than Western medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health research reporting guidelines for case reports (CARE - CAse REport) published in 2013 and 2017 have become a generally accepted standard for publishing case reports. The CARE guidelines represent an architectural framework for writing an evidence-based case report that can be customized as need for a specialty (or disease) if needed. We aim to develop a CARE guideline extension for acupuncture following the EQUATOR Network (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) and the 2010″Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting". We have established a group of international experts including; clinicians, researchers and methodologists. We performed a needs assessment based on a review of acupuncture case reports published in the indexed medical literature. The needs assessment will be followed by (1) a series of expert interviews to establish a draft, (2) a modified Delphi process, and (3) a consensus meeting. Following the consensus meeting we will pilot test the CARE draft before publishing the CARE extension for acupuncture.Methods: We will develop the CARE extensions for acupuncture following recommendations of the EQUATOR Network and the 2010 "Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting". We will establish an international multidisciplinary group including clinical practitioners, acupuncturists, researchers of reporting guidelines on acupuncture, clinical epidemiologists and statisticians. We performed a needs assessment, reviewing published case reports using acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention from indexed medical journals (PubMed-PMC and Medline, Scopus, Embase, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Wan Fang database, Chinese BioMedicine database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP). In consultations with advisors we will develop a draft of potential items to be included in the CARE extension for acupuncture. Then we will conduct a modified Delphi process of at least three rounds, hold a face-to-face consensus meeting, pilot test and submit the CARE extension for acupuncture for publication.Conclusion: The development of a widely accepted CARE extension for acupuncture for case reports published in indexed medical journals. These guidelines will follow the EQUATOR Network recommendations and the 2010 "Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Inter-particle water infiltration dynamics of iron ore fines and concentrates was investigated using Washburn Capillary Rising method to evaluate the effect of various raw material conditions presented in the iron ore sintering process. The final water content and initial infiltration rate of the ores were determined from the measured infiltration curves and found to be heavily affected by the ore type and the blending, pre-wetting and packing conditions. The final water content of the ores was found to increase with the voidage of the packed ore bed. Ores forming a more permeable bed with a larger voidage is expected to achieve a higher final water content. The final water content of the blended ores showed an intermediate value between the component ores and can be readily predicted from the final water content of the component ores. Like the dry ore, the pre-wetted ore showed a similar infiltration curve. However, compared with the dry ore, the pre-wetted ore picked a considerably less amount of water at the end of infiltration test because some voidages were occupied by initial water. The initial infiltration rate of the ores was found to be greatly governed by the specific surface area, then bed voidage and contact angle. The Canadian magnetite concentrate showed the fastest initial infiltration rate of 3.0 × 10-9 kg2/s likely due to its smallest specific surface area. On the other hand, the Brazilian ores consisting of micro-porous hematite measured the smallest infiltration rate of 3.2 × 10-10 kg2/s due to their largest specific surface area. Unlike the final water content, the initial infiltration rate of the blended ores cannot be readily calculated from the component ores due to the nonlinear relationship between the initial infiltration rate and specific surface area. Pre-wetting was believed to improve the wettability and connection of ores with infiltrated water, leading to a faster completion of infiltration. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Water infiltration behavior of iron ores was studied with capillary rising method. • Ores with higher bed voidage or lower bulk density achieved higher water contents. • The initial infiltration rate is greatly affected by the specific surface area. • Blended ores showed an intermediate behavior between the component ores. • Pre-wetting leads to a faster completion of infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Key interactions between adhering fines and nucleus particles during iron ore sintering were systematically investigated. • The importance of ore mineralogy was clearly demonstrated and it has a significant impact on the interactions between adhering fines and nucleus particles in sintering. • A good formation ability and fluidity of initial melt enhanced the melt penetration into and assimilation with nucleus particles. • Selection of ores with appropriate formation ability and fluidity, as well as penetration and assimilation ability of initial melt in sinter blends is essential to sintering productivity and sinter quality. Sinter quality (strength and reducibility) plays an important role in reducing the GHG emissions from the blast furnace ironmaking process and is significantly influenced by the reactions occurring in the sintering bed. Formation and fluidity of the initial sinter melt from adhering fines and its interactions with coarse nucleus particles are the key sintering reactions. Hence understanding of these high temperature characteristics of iron ore is urgently needed in order to produce strong and reducible sinter and optimise resource utilisation. In the present study, laboratory scale sintering tests were carried out to examine the effect of adhering fines and nucleus particles from various ores on the characteristics of initial sinter melt formation, fluidity, as well as penetration and assimilation. The formation ability and fluidity of the initial melts from various adhering fines were quite different, and various iron ore fines required distinct CaO contents to form the melt and spread out. The ore type of adhering fines and substrates affected the penetration and assimilation ability of the initial melt, but a good formation ability and fluidity of initial melt was the basis of good penetration and assimilation ability. Based on the micro and macro sinter structure, the high temperature characteristics were further related to the sinter quality and sintering performance. This information is expected to provide excellent tools in formulating and optimising future low cost and low emission sinter blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and gloves during work is the most direct and efficient measure of preventing and reducing occupational diseases for workers exposed to organic solvents. However, the use of PPE among migrant workers is rarely studied in China. This article examines both individual and organizational factors associated with Chinese migrant workers’ compliance with the use of PPE, and also determines the relative importance of these factors. Data were collected in 2012 through a cross-sectional survey including 907 rural-to-urban migrants exposed to organic solvents working at small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in the Pearl River Delta Region (PRDR). A Health Promotion Model (HPM) was used as a theoretical framework to examine the predictors affecting PPE use. Analysis was performed using two-level logistic regression. For the use of face masks, after controlling for other variables, higher scores on social models and interpersonal support were significant predictors for greater PPE use, with OR 1.24 (95% CI: 1.13–1.35) and OR 1.14 (95% CI: 1.03–1.27). In addition, after controlling for other variables, higher social models and social norms were significant predictors of glove use, with OR 1.36 (95% CI: 1.23–1.50) and OR 1.19 (95% CI: 1.09–1.32). Our results suggest that priority should be given to enhancing social modeling, social norms and interpersonal support as a strategy to improve migrant workers’ compliance with PPE use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The sintering of iron ore is presently a significant industrial source of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) worldwide owing to the fundamental requirement of the operation of a high temperature process to pre-treat fines and to recycle plant by-products arising from the integrated iron and steelworks. The process is a noteworthy contributor of PCDD/F indirectly due to decreasing PCDD/F releases from municipal solid waste incineration. Commonly PCDD/F formation from the process is associated with the addition of oily mill scales although raw material containing a combination of C, Cl and specific metal catalyst has been shown to drastically increase PCDD/F formation in the process. The degenerate graphitic structure of carbon present in coke fuel and soot formed and the chemistry of catalytic metals and Cl are important factors. A review on PCDD/F emission in this process has been carried out, including examination of its formation mechanism, congener distribution, contributing factors and mitigation strategies, with emphasis on the use of inhibiting compound to achieve suppression. A detailed analysis of the de novo and precursor theories of formation and the contributing factor is given since the subject of PCDD/F formation is still controversial. The de novo formation pathway identified in sinter plants and controlled studies performed in the laboratory as well as at pilot-scale are discussed; where appropriate, a comparison is drawn between sintering and other thermal processes emitting PCDD/Fs. Summary of the latest developments in PCDD/F downstream abatement strategies presently employed in full scale industrial plants is provided. Potential inhibiting compounds are discussed in terms of their mode of action and merits under sintering conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A total of 182 Escherichia coli isolates from animals, environment and workers of dairy cattle, swine and chicken farms in Shandong which locates in Eastern China, were investigated for antimicrobial resistance as well as prevalence and the transfer mechanisms of integrons. The results revealed isolates from swine and chicken farm exhibited high levels of resistance to antimicrobial agents. The positive rate of gene cassette of class 1 integron in dairy cattle, swine and chicken farms was 5%, 20% and 41.94%, respectively. Only four isolates possessed class 2 integron, all of which were from chicken farm. Nine distinct cassette arrays were detected and two novel gene cassette arrays yheSΔ-yheR-kefBΔ and chrAΔ-sul1-qacEΔ1-orf5-aadA5-dfrA17 were identified in class 1 integron for the first time. Class 1 integrons were found to be located mostly in both chromosomal and conjugative plasmid through southern hybridization and conjugation. PFGE revealed clonal relatedness among the isolates from different sources, especially within the same farm. The results confirmed the antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of integrons were strongly associated with the selection pressure of antimicrobial agents, and resistance genes in animal farms were probably spread by both vertical and horizontal transfer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present study, two processes, thermal treatment and oxidation, were separated for a fundamental study of structural evolution during pyrolysis and combustion, as well as for the study of the influence of such evolution on char reactivity. Chars were prepared at different temperatures and heating rates from a size-graded low volatile bituminous coal. The reactivity of resultant chars was measured in Kinetic Regime I using a fixed bed reactor. The structure of fresh and partly burnt chars was characterized using quantitative XRD analysis (QXRDA), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), high-resolution FESEM, and multi-point gas adsorption.Both QXRDA and HRTEM observations show that char structure becomes more ordered with increasing pyrolysis temperature and decreasing heating rate. Char structure was also investigated as a function of char burnoff. The QXRDA results show that the amorphous concentration of char decreases during combustion while the aromaticity and average crystallite size of char increase. As a result, char structure becomes more ordered during combustion. This is in agreement with HRTEM observations. Due to the low reaction temperature (about 673 K), which is much lower than that for char preparation (1473 K), it was believed that oxidation, instead of thermal effect, contributed to the structural ordering observed during combustion. The structural parameters obtained from QXRDA were then correlated to char reactivity. Structural ordering was found to be responsible for char deactivation during thermal treatment and oxidation. Since the amorphous concentration and aromaticity of char are two strongest indicators of char reactivity, a structural disorder index, DOI, was defined based on them to describe char structural evolution, and further correlated to char reactivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, the evolution of microstructure and its correlation with the viscosity of CaO–SiO 2 -based melts, incorporating various Al 2 O 3 additives, have been investigated by employing in situ high temperature Raman spectroscopy and viscosity model. Raman spectra of the melts were procured at 1823 K by using in situ high temperature Raman spectroscopy. After considering the intricate influences of temperature and Raman scattering cross section (RSCS), the original Raman spectra of aluminosilicate melts underwent calibration. Subsequently, the distribution of microstructure species Q i (i = 0–4) was quantitatively performed through meticulous deconvolution of calibrated Raman spectra. The evolution of Q i species with the increasing Al 2 O 3 content reveals a decrease in Q 1 and Q 2 species, while the fully polymerized Q 4 experiences a continuous and significant growth. Concurrently, Q 3 initially exhibits an upward trend followed by a subsequent decline. The Q i evolution culminates in an overall enhancement of the degree of polymerization. Viscosity was determined by utilizing a rigorously selected viscosity model, elucidating a consistent upward trajectory as Al 2 O 3 content is incrementally added. Furthermore, a quantitative analysis of the relationship between viscosity and structure was conducted based on the average number of non-bridging oxygen per network-forming tetrahedron (NBO/T). The findings demonstrate a robust linear relationship between the logarithm of viscosity and NBO/T, thereby offering valuable insights for examining and predicting viscosity behavior of aluminosilicate systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to clinical observations, traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) has a potential impact on patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, these findings still lack comprehensive assessment, therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the overall efficacy of TCE for CHF. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI and SinoMed databases from their inception to March 30, 2020. We included only published English and Chinese full-text articles on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving TCE compared with conventional therapy (usual care, conventional treatment or medical treatment) for CHF. Two reviewers independently conducted risk assessments for bias, and the data were analysed using the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan v.5.3. The study included 22 trials conducted in hospitals with 1646 participants, and only one study was assessed as having a low risk of poor methodological quality. The comprehensive results indicated that compared to the conventional therapy, TCE effectively improved peak VO 2 (MD = 0.85 ml/kg/min; 95% CI =0.32-1.38 ml/kg/min; P =0.002), reduced NT-proBNP (MD =-14.08 pg/ml; 95% CI =-17.88 to -10.28 pg/ml; P <0.00001), enhanced walking distance (MD = 41.33 m; 95% CI =33.96-48.71 m; P <0.00001), and improved quality of life (MD =−5.41 points; 95% CI = -8.13 to -2.7 points, P <0.0001) and LVEF (MD = 4.63%; 95% CI =2.34-6.91%; P <0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in BNP (MD =1.35 pg/ml; 95% CI =-71.17 to 73.87 pg/ml; P =0.97). TCE may be beneficial for patients with CHF to improve their prognosis, and it appears to be relatively safe. The intensity and follow-up time of a TCE intervention appear to influence its effect. However, due to methodological weaknesses in the included trials, more RCTs of high quality with larger samples are needed to verify the role of TCE in CHF rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemiplegia after stroke is one of the main dysfunctions in stroke patients. Acupuncture had been widely used for poststroke spastic hemiplegia (PSSH), but the efficiency was unclear. This study aimed to examine the efficiency and safety of acupuncture for individuals with PSSH. We searched nine databases from their inception to 27th July 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for the treatment of PSSH met the screening criteria. The quality of methodology was evaluated by Cochrane's risk of bias tool. RevMan 5.3 was used to perform the meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the Fugl-Myer Assessment (FMA) score, and the secondary outcomes were the Ashworth Scale for Spasticity (ASS) and Barthel Index (BI) scores. To evaluated the safety of acupuncture therapy, researchers scanned the full text to collect adverse events. Researchers retrieved 2452 articles in total, after screening, thirty-eight studies with 2628 participants of were included. In this meta-analysis, twenty-seven trials revealed that acupuncture therapy was associated with an increase in FMA scores compared with rehabilitation training (RT) (MD: 8.43, 95% CI, 6.57 to 10.28, p < 0.00001, I 2 = 75%). According to the analysis of subgroup of interventions, ten trials showed that manual acupuncture (MA) plus RT was associated with an increase in FMA compared with RT (MD: 10.84, 95% CI, 9.29 to 13.29 , p < 0.00001, I 2 = 24%), three trials showed that electroacupuncture (EA) plus RT was associated with an improvement in FMA compared with RT (MD: 9.44, 95% CI, 1.00 to 17.88, p = 0.03, I 2 = 81%), twelve trials showed that MA was associated with an increase in FMA compared with RT (MD: 5.48, 95% CI, 2.07 to 8.89 , p = 0.002, I 2 = 74%), and one trials showed that EA was associated with an improvement in FMA compared with RT (MD: 11.35, 95% CI, 5.03 to 17.67, p = 0.0004). According to the analysis of subgroup of treatment duration, four trials used acupuncture therapy for more than 1 month, revealed that acupuncture therapy was associated with an increase in FMA scores compared with RT (MD: 9.24, 95% CI, 0.42 to 18.06 , p = 0.04, I 2 = 93%). Thirty-two trials used acupuncture therapy for less than or equal to 1 month, revealed that acupuncture therapy was associated with an increase in FMA scores compared with RT (MD: 8.32, 95% CI, 6.56 to 10.09 , p < 0.00001, I 2 = 61%). Six trials indicated that acupuncture therapy was better than RT in terms of the ASS (MD: 0.46, 95% CI, −0.65 to −0.27, p < 0.00001, I 2 = 67%), twenty-four trials indicated that acupuncture therapy was better than RT in terms of the BI scores (MD: 8.32, 95% CI, 5.30 to 11.35, p < 0.00001, I 2 = 88%). In general, the methodologies of the RCTs were of poor quality. Two RCTs reported no adverse events, one trial reported five adverse events without severe influence, others did not mention. This review discovered that acupuncture might be a safe and effective adjuvant therapy for individuals with PSSH. Nevertheless, there were methodological limitations in the included RCTs, and well-designed and large-scale studies should be carried out to confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illicit drug addiction remains a significant problem around the world. Acupuncture has been promoted as a treatment for drug withdrawal syndrome, but its effect remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for illicit drug withdrawal syndrome. We searched four English databases and three Chinese databases from their inception to June 2019. The RCTs involving acupuncture for drug withdrawal syndrome were included in our study. The Cochrane assessment tool and the GRADE approach were used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of evidence. RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyse the data. Thirty trials with 2391 participants were included in this study. The overall pooled results showed that compared to the control group, acupuncture could have a beneficial effect in the outcomes of withdrawal symptoms (n = 1160, SMD: -1.20, 95 % CI: -1.71 to -0.69, I2: 93 %), drug craving (n = 928, SMD: -0.80, 95 % CI: -1.38 to -0.23, I2: 94 %), anxiety (n = 1144, SMD: -2.32, 95 % CI: -3.00 to -1.64, I2: 95 %), depression (n = 489, SMD: -3.29, 95 % CI: -4.36 to -2.22, I2: 93 %), sleep (n = 649, SMD: -1.50, 95 % CI: -2.24 to -0.76, I2: 94 %). In total, 3 trials were assessed as low risk of bias. The quality of evidence assessed by GRADE was low or very low. Only 4 studies described adverse events. Acupuncture may alleviate illicit drug withdrawal syndrome. However, given the low or very low quality of evidence, more rigorous research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysphagia or trouble swallowing is experienced by many stroke survivors at some point after experiencing a stroke, warranting the need for treatment. As a complementary approach, acupuncture may be able to effectively treat dysphagia after stroke. However, the lack of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) has prompted the need for a publication regarding the guidance on acupuncture used for the treatment of dysphagia after stroke. A new CPG will be developed in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II), Reporting Items for practice Guideline in HealThcare (RIGHT) and within the framework of the Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), and recommendations thereof will be made on the basis of systematic reviews. We will establish a Guideline Development Group, draft clinical questions in light of Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO), conduct a literature search and appraise the quality of evidence. Following two or three rounds of modified Delphi surveys, we will ask patients about their values and preferences, conduct peer review and note patients' declarations of interest in developing CPG. This study is ongoing, so there are no results to report. These guidelines will enable clinical acupuncturists achieve better results in treating post-stroke dysphagia with acupuncture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2017 International Standard for Reporting Items for practice Guideline in HealThcare (RIGHT) published reporting guidelines to enhance transparency and clarity in the process of developing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). As there are some barriers in the applicability of these guidelines to acupuncture due to its specificity in terms of manipulations, locations and channels compared to other health care interventions, we aim to develop a specific reporting checklist for the development of CPGs on acupuncture. The study design will refer to the methodology recommended by the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) Network and will be modified as appropriate. We will conduct a literature review and establish an international multidisciplinary team, including a Development Group, a Delphi Panellists Group and an Advisory Group. We will run three rounds of modified Delphi surveys, face-to-face consensus meetings, consultations with advisors, pilot tests of the draft list of reports and promotion of the checklist. We plan to update regularly. The study is ongoing and there are no complete results. We will update it in time if there is any result. This work will be relevant to a broad range of CPGs addressing questions of reporting standards on CPGs on Acupuncture, which will have the following advantages: 1) To provide regulations for guideline developers; 2) To obtain more precise and clear guidelines for readers and clinical practitioners; and 3) To evaluate reporting quality of CPGs on acupuncture and improve transparency of research reports for editors and reviewers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the structural behaviors of Al3+ in aluminosilicate systems, the microstructural characteristics of CaO–SiO 2 -based glassy samples with various Al 2 O 3 contents were examined quantitatively by Raman spectroscopy and 27Al MAS NMR. A sequence of multiple model clusters of aluminosilicate systems modified with Ca2+ and Na ​+ ​cations was designed. Then quantum chemistry (QC) ab initio calculations were performed for geometric optimization, and Raman spectral simulations were carried out. The functional relationship between the Raman scattering cross section (RSCS) and stress index of silicon-oxygen tetrahedron (SIT) for aluminosilicates was established, which was successfully applied to calibrate experimental Raman spectra. Some fivefold coordinated aluminum (AlⅤ, approximately 5%) and less than 2% sixfold coordinated aluminum (AlⅥ) were detected by 27Al MAS NMR, while most aluminum remained in tetrahedral sites (AlⅣ). The ever-finer quantitative results of Raman spectroscopy and NMR showed a gradual production of AlⅣ with the addition of Al 2 O 3 , along with a significant adjustment in Q i species distribution. Specifically, Q 1 , Q 2 decreased, fully polymerized Q 4 increased and Q 3 showed a nonmonotonic variation and obtained the maximum at Al 2 O 3 ​= ​12 ​mol%. Furthermore, the effects of aluminum on bridging oxygen bond types (T-O b , T ​= ​Si, Al) and the degree of polymerization were discussed in detail. These structural features related to composition are essential theoretic foundations for understanding the properties of these systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel process involving microwave roasting of slurry mixtures of diasporic bauxite and alkaline solutions followed by dilute alkaline leaching, is proposed for extracting alumina from low grade diasporic bauxite ores. It was found that when the mole ratio of m NaOH / ( m Al + m Fe ) and m Ca / m Si in the slurry mixture was close to 1 and 2, the Al and Si contained in the bauxite were completely liberated into soluble NaAlO 2 and insoluble CaSiO 4 after roasting using a 1.0 kW microwave source at 800 °C for 20 min. The roasting process significantly improved the performance of the downstream leaching processing. The extraction of Al reached 97% while that of Si was as low as 7%, on leaching in low-concentration alkali solution at 80 °C under atmospheric pressure for 20 min. A new mechanism involving flashing, layering and homogeneous reaction is proposed for the new microwave roasting process. The key steps proposed are: creation of a hot core at the peak location of the electric field, preheating of the outer layer facilitated by heat conduction and vapor from the hot core, and finally microwave heating of the outer layer due to increasing dielectric loss and decreasing penetration depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Comprehensive analysis on the superiority of Y. lipolytica. • Up-to-date overview of synthetic biology tools in Y. lipolytica. • First review on synthesis of diverse natural products by Y. lipolytica. • In-depth discussion on challenges and future perspectives for the production of natural products. With the rapid development of synthetic biology, researchers can design, modify, or even synthesize microorganisms de novo , and microorganisms endowed with unnatural functions can be considered "artificial life" and facilitate the development of functional products. Based on this concept, researchers can solve critical problems related to the insufficient supply of natural products, such as low yields, long production cycles, and cumbersome procedures. Due to its superior performance and unique physiological and biochemical characteristics, Yarrowia lipolytica is a favorable chassis cell used for green biomanufacturing by numerous researchers. This paper mainly reviews the development of synthetic biology techniques for Y. lipolytica and summarizes the recent research progress on the synthesis of natural products in Y. lipolytica. This review will promote the continued innovative development of Y. lipolytica by providing theoretical guidance for research on the biosynthesis of natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent researches have identified multiple transcription factors as permissible reprogramming factors to pluripotency and lineage switching. The current standard strategy by ectopic factor overexpression however has intrinsic limitations in studying the reprogramming mechanism. There is a growing interest in engineering novel chimeric reprogramming factors and applying designer transcription factors technology to improve reprogramming efficiency and dissect the process of endogenous pluripotency network reactivation. Here, we provide a concise review on the latest progress in studying cellular reprogramming by transcription factor engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of MgO on the microstructure and macroscopic thermos-physical properties of calcium silicate melt, quantitative analysis of the various silicon-oxygen Q i species in magnesium-calcium silicate glasses and melts at a constant alkalinity has been performed by in-situ high temperature Raman spectroscopy, 29Si MAS NMR and DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculation. Several cluster models, probably existed in magnesium-calcium silicate glasses and melts, modified by Ca2+ or Mg2+ have been designed, their Raman vibrational modes and scattering activities were thus simulated and calculated. A function correlating the wavenumbers of Si-O nb (non-bridge oxygen) of various SiOTs (silicon-oxygen tetrahedrons) with their RSCS (Raman scattering cross sections) was constructed and used to calibrate the experimental Raman spectra. The abundance of each primary Q i species of various magnesium-calcium silicate glasses can be composed by all the deconvoluted hyperfine peaks within the same Q i species. The quantitative description for glasses was proven to be consistent with the result from 29Si MAS NMR. Thus, Q i species distributions for melts were also quantitatively derived. It demonstrated that the abundances of Q 1 and Q 3 species increased while Q 2 species decreased with the increasing replacing amount of MgO. The relationship between the viscosity and Q i species distributions as well as different cations has been investigated and correlated. Q 3 species was predominantly responsible for the contribution of viscosity of melt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report here that Trichosanthin (Tk), a primary active component isolated from a Chinese traditional medicinal herb, Trichosanthes kirilowii, potently inhibits lymphocyte proliferative response in vitro. We found that Tk treatment increased production of the interleukins IL-4 and IL-10, while production of IL-2 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) decreased in the allogeneic antigen-induced immune response. Moreover, up-regulation of IL-10 and IL-4 contributed to the inhibitory activities of Tk. Tk induced immunosuppression through an antigen presenting cell dependent way. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent of the antigen presenting cells, which play a critical role in initiation and regulation of immune responses. We found that Tk could stimulate bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) to express IL-10. In addition, pre-exposure of BMDC to Tk produced increased levels of IL-10, but decreased levels of IL-12, following subsequent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Using BMDC obtained from IL-10 deficient mice, we provided evidence that it was IL-10 derived from DCs that initiated the Tk-induced immunosuppression. Furthermore, we found that Tk activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) of BMDC and that JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activations were associated with Tk-induced IL-10 up-regulation. These data suggest that Tk acts on the function of DCs to change the ratio of IL-10 to IL-12 production and, thus, predominantly inhibits Th1 responses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vector Bessel beams (VBBs) contain non-uniform polarization distributions on the cross-section and non-diffraction characteristics, have been widely used in many fields, including optical trapping, optical microscope, optical communication, etc. Here, we propose a theoretical model to obtain anomalous-VBBs with polarization order dependent on propagation distance. Based on geometrical optics principle, the designed spiral slit allows the introduction of a continuous phase delay, which is used to generate two Bessel vortex beams with opposite chirality and topological charges. Then, by coherently superimposing these two Bessel vortex beams, an anomalous-VBB is generated and shows the polarization order dependent on the propagation distance. Arbitrary polarization orders including integers and fractions can be generated by manipulating the propagation distance. The simulation results show that the local polarization distribution measured at different distances is in good agreement with the polarization distribution of theoretical VBBs, and the local polarization order of anomalous-VBBs is inversely proportional to the propagation distance. The characteristic of this anomalous beam may intrigue the applications of VBBs in light-matter interaction, microscopy and quantum information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoints negatively regulate immune cell responses. Programmed cell death protein 1:programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1:PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4):B7-1 are among the most important immune checkpoint pathways, and are key targets for immunotherapies that seek to modulate the balance between stimulatory and inhibitory signals to lead to favorable therapeutic outcomes. The current dogma of these two immune checkpoint pathways has regarded them as independent with no interactions. However, the newly characterized PD-L1:B7-1 ligand–ligand cis -interaction and its ability to bind CTLA-4 and CD28, but not PD-1, suggests that these pathways have significant crosstalk. Here, we propose that the PD-L1:B7-1 cis -interaction brings novel mechanistic understanding of these pathways, new insights into mechanisms of current immunotherapies, and fresh ideas to develop better treatments in a variety of therapeutic settings. Dysregulation of immune checkpoints contributes to the pathogenesis of cancer, autoimmunity, and organ transplant rejection by mediating undesired immune responses. The limited long-term therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints underscores the need to better understand the underlying biology of these proteins. Immune checkpoint receptor–ligand interactions most commonly occur in trans (e.g., the receptor and ligand are expressed on two different cells). The newly characterized PD-L1:B7-1 interaction occurs in cis (e.g., the receptor and ligand are expressed on the same cell). The PD-L1:B7-1 cis -interaction alters the interactions between CD28, CTLA-4, B7-1, PD-L1, and PD-1, and may underlie the efficacy of immunotherapies in a variety of treatment settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the reduction of NO by two activated carbons without and loaded with Fe based catalysts was studied at 300 °C using a fixed-bed reactor. The activated carbon samples impregnated with and without the catalysts were characterized using TGA, SEM, gas adsorption, ICP-AES, XPS and XRD. The experimental results showed that neither of the raw activated carbons achieved the required denitrification performance. However, compared with coal derived activated carbon (C 0), biomass derived activated carbon (B 0) performed better. The denitrification efficiency improved with the O 2 content in the flue gas, achieved a maximum approximately at 3% O 2 , and then decreased with further increase in the O 2 content. The effect of the metals loaded and addition amount of the catalysts was then examined in detail with the biomass derived activated carbon. At the same dosage of catalysts, the biomass derived activated carbon impregnated with K ions was apparently more efficient than it counterpart loaded with Fe ions. A higher addition rate of Fe was required in order to be efficient in NO conversion. Addition of K was further found to significantly improve the NO conversion efficiency of the biomass activated carbon loaded with 3% Fe which otherwise showed a sharp premature decrease in NO conversion efficiency immediately after the flue gas was introduced. Finally the effects contributing to the synergetic effect of Fe and K are discussed. Image 1 • Activated carbons were used for reductant to prevent secondary pollution. • The promotion of potassium on iron-based catalyst during the carbon-NO reaction. • Catalytic denitrification mechanism of C-NO. • The role of oxygen in the C-NO catalytic reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Tk-PQ showed an immune-suppressive effect without obvious cytotoxicity in a mouse skin allo-transplantation model. • Tk-PQ promoted of the type 2 immune response after allo-transplantation. • Tk-PQ increased the ratio of Th2 and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells via the PI3K/mTOR pathway in the spleen and peripheral blood. • Tk-PQ downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased NF-κB activation. Abstract Solid organ transplantation is used as the last resort for patients with end-stage disease, but allograft rejection is an unsolved problem. Here, we showed that Tk-PQ, a peptide derived from trichosanthin, had an immune-suppressive effect without obvious cytotoxicity in vitro and in a mouse skin allo-transplantation model. In vitro , treatment of Tk-PQ administrated type 2 T helper cell (Th2)/regulatory T-cell (Treg) cytokines, and increased the ratio of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg by repressing the PI3K/mTOR pathway. In addition, Tk-PQ decreased NF-κB activation to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Tk-PQ treatment in the mouse skin transplantation model also caused the similar molecular and cellular phenotypes. Furthermore, Tk-PQ enhanced the suppressive function of Treg by increasing Foxp3 expression, and substantially improved allograft survival. These finding demonstrate that Tk-PQ has the potential to be used in clinical allogeneic transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an alternative process, the production of stainless steel master alloys in blast furnace (BF) exhibits high economic efficiency and great potential to use low-grade chromite resources. To produce desirable sinter products required by the blast furnace smelting process, sintering tests of ore mixtures made from a low grade South African chromite concentrate (Cr 2 O 3 /FeO = 1.99) and Chinese magnetite concentrate were performed in a sinter pot in terms of various sintering parameters including coke dosage, mix moisture, sinter basicity and proportion of magnetite concentrate, etc . An integrated process comprising “high pressure grinding rollers (HPGR) pretreatment, pelletizing, coke coating, pre-drying and non-fluxed sintering” steps was proposed based on the pellet-sintering technique. The quality of Cr-bearing sinters was evaluated. The results show that high quality Cr-bearing sinters can be obtained through the proposed process. Addition of 40% or more magnetite concentrate in ore blends promises to yield desirable sinters of proper chemical composition and good metallurgical properties required by the blast furnace smelting process. The smelting performance of the Cr-bearing sinter made from the 40% chromite and 60% magnetite mixture was assessed under simulated blast furnace smelting conditions. It is feasible to use the Cr-bearing sinters in blast furnace for stainless steel master alloy production. A stainless steel master alloy containing 71.75% Fe, 19.52% Cr and 7.84% C with phosphorus and sulfur contents (<0.015%) is obtained at Fe and Cr recovery rates of 92.55% and 87.53%, respectively, when smelting at 1550 °C for 60 min with slag compositions (10% Al 2 O 3 , 10% MgO and R 2  = 1.0). The bonding mechanism of Cr-bearing sinters and the formation mechanism of liquid phase were further revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Both slag bonding (10 to 20% silicate) and solid bonding (recrystallization of spinel phase) contribute to the consolidation of the Cr-bearing sinters. Increasing the basicity of sinter made from 100% chromite concentrate or addition of magnetite concentrate in the ore blend at natural basicity lead to the formation of low-strength slag bonds, which generally reduces the sinter strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frictional grinding was evaluated to improve the selectivity of two magnetite samples A and B in the magnetic separation process. Sample A containing 64.42% Fe was a magnetite concentrate upgraded from a low grade magnetite Ore, Sample B, containing 46.63% Fe, through an upgrading process involving 1-stage ball milling and 3-stage wet magnetic separation in a beneficiation plant. Frictional grinding was found extremely efficient in dispersing the grains in the agglomerates and on the surface, consequently improving the selectivity of the sample. A magnetite concentrate containing 66.22% Fe was produced from Sample A at an iron recovery of 96.86% by introducing a simple dry frictional grinding step prior to the magnetic separation process. The results have demonstrated that Sample A can be further upgraded even though it was processed through 3-stage magnetic separation. Given its beneficial effects, frictional grinding was further adopted in a multiple-stage flowsheet to upgrade both Samples A and B. A magnetite concentrate containing 68.75% Fe was produced from Sample A at an iron recovery of 97.23% through the multiple-stage wet frictional grinding-magnetic separation flowsheet. When the same flowsheet was applied to process Sample B, a concentrate of 69.97% Fe, higher than Sample A obtained by ball milling, was produced at an iron recovery of 86.44%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the prognostic significance of heart rate variability (HRV) in post-myocardial infarction patients. Statistics of patients with acute myocardial infarction; Prevention of cardiac death; Concerns over the value of HRV.