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Reconstructing an esthetic interimplant papilla remains challenging with implant-supported restorations, especially for patients with a thin gingival biotype. This technique report describes a modified approach to rebuilding an interimplant papilla by joining 2 elevated connective tissue flaps at the second-stage surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional approaches to sinus floor elevation for dental implant placement have limitations. This technical report describes a modified transalveolar method of elevating the sinus membrane when 2 or more implants are placed simultaneously in a maxillary posterior area where the residual bone height is insufficient. With a narrow osteotomy connecting drilled holes, the Schneiderian membrane can be directly elevated with curettes as with the lateral approach, resulting in a reduced risk of perforation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interim restoration is often used to assess the patient's functional and esthetic needs for implant-supported complete-arch fixed prostheses. A digital protocol for accurately transferring information from the existing dentition to the interim restoration is required. The purpose of this clinical report was to describe a digital workflow to fabricate an interim fixed restoration by using the vertical dimension of occlusion and occlusal relationship from the original dentition to provide an accurate, efficient, and predictable computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) interim complete-arch implant-supported restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A LaNi 1−x Zn x O 3−δ perovskite structured oxide catalyst is prepared with a one-step citrate complex method and applied as the precursor of the catalyst in ethanol steam reforming (ESR) reaction. The Zn substitution makes the perovskite-oxide difficult to be reduced due to the strong bond of La–O–Zn, which favors the formation of small Ni particle size thus moderates the sintering of nickel. The doping of Zn also effectively suppresses coking in the reaction. The spillover of oxygen and the electron donation effect of Zn species to the surface of metallic nickel is confirmed with an XPS technique. The doping amount shows an optimum value and a LaNi 0.85 Zn 0.15 O 3−δ sample exhibits the highest H 2 product yield and best stability at 700 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naphthalene-2-ol is a typical biologically recalcitrant pollutant in dye wastewater. Solvent extraction of naphthalene-2-ol from aqueous solutions using mixed solvents was investigated. Various extractants and diluents were evaluated, and the effects of volume ratio of extractant to diluent, initial pH, initial concentration of naphthalene-2-ol in aqueous solution, extraction time, temperature, volume ratio of organic phase to aqueous phase (O/A), stirring rate and extraction stages, on extraction efficiency were examined separately. Regeneration and reuse of the spent extractant were also investigated. Results showed that tributyl phosphate (TBP) achieved 98% extraction efficiency for naphthalene-2-ol in a single stage extraction, the highest among the 12 extractants evaluated. Extraction efficiency was optimized when cyclohexane and n -octane were used as diluents. The solvent combination of 20% TBP, 20% n -octanol and 60% cyclohexane ( V / V ) obtained the maximum extraction efficiency for naphthalene-2-ol, 99.3%, within 20 min using three cross-current extraction stages under the following extraction conditions: O/A ratio of 1:1, initial pH of 3, 25°C and stirring rate of 150 r/min. Recovery of mixed solvents was achieved by using 15% ( W / W ) NaOH solution at an O:A ratio of 1:1 and a contact time of 15 min. The mixed solvents achieved an extraction capacity for naphthalene-2-ol stably higher than 90% during five cycles after regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • For the first time found ginsenoside Rh4 can alleviate depression behavior in mice. • Rh4 alleviates neuroinflammation by inhibiting NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β signaling. • Rh4 attenuates CUMS-induced hippocampal nerve damage in mice. • Rh4 ameliorates CUMS-induced gut dysbiosis and barrier impairment. • Rh4 alleviates depression-like behaviors by targeting the brain-gut axis in mice. Depression is a neuropsychiatric disease that threatens the physical and mental health of humans worldwide. This study explored the potential anti-depressant effects of ginsenoside Rh4 and its mechanisms of action. The results showed that Rh4 could significantly inhibit depression-like behavior in the depression mouse model and alleviate neuronal damage and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis disorder. Concurrently, Rh4 inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and synaptic structural damage due to the overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines and overactivation of microglia and astrocytes by inhibiting the immune-inflammatory response and signaling molecular interaction pathways. Rh4 can also improve intestinal flora and increase the short-chain fatty-acids content. The correlation analysis indicated that the Rh4-inhibited LPS/NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway plays a key role in ameliorating depression. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights into the mode of action of Rh4 on the brain-gut axis in depression, suggesting that Rh4 may be a promising clinical drug for the treatment of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel phase change material emulsion (PCE-10) consisting of an organic PCM (RT10) and water has been developed. Its thermophysical properties such as heat of fusion, viscosity and sub-cooling temperature have been established. The chemical stability during both storage and discharge periods have also been evaluated. The results indicate low sub-cooling temperature and relatively long period of stability without any sign of segregation but the viscosity was found to be much higher than that of water. Further improvement and experimental studies into its flow characteristics are therefore being encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change material emulsions (PCMEs) are multifunctional fluids consisting of phase change materials (PCMs) and carrier fluids. PCMEs could be potential candidates as heat transfer media in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This is mainly because PCME could take advantage of its high heat capacity to reduce flow rate and thus saving pumping power whilst delivering the same amount of cooling effect. PCME can also simultaneously act as cold storage to shift peak-load to off-peak time and improve the COP of systems. However, the optimum design of integrated system requires a good understanding of flow behaviour and heat transfer characteristics of PCMEs. In this paper, comprehensive reviews of their thermo-physical properties and potential applications as thermal energy storage and as alternative heat transfer fluids in air conditioning systems have been carried out to establish their limitations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used by manufacturers and in consumer products. Its release in the environment may affect male reproductive function. In this study, we examined the effect of low dose (0.1 mg/kg BW), short term exposure during puberty (PD21-35) on adult rat male reproduction. The results indicated that such exposure reset growth hormone (GH) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) homeostasis and resulted in a significantly higher level of serum testosterone without affecting serum luteinizing hormone level. QPCR and Western blot results showed that BPA significantly up-regulated selective genes/proteins in the Leydig cell steroidogenic pathway, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 11A1, cytochrome P450 17A, and low-density lipoprotein receptor. RNA-Seq analysis of testicular RNAs showed that BPA significantly affected the gene profiles of multiple testicular interstitial populations without affecting germ cells. Also, GO- and KEGG-analysis suggested that IGF1-related PI3K/AKT signaling was activated, which was confirmed by the increased phosphorylation of IRS1, AKT1 and CREB. The results indicated that a low-dose, short-term BPA exposure during puberty affected the adult male rat pituitary (GH and FSH) and testis (testosterone) homeostasis. [Display omitted] • Pubertal low dose BPA exposure resets adult rat GH and FSH homoeostasis. • Pubertal BPA exposure increases adult serum testosterone. • BPA affected the gene profiles of testis interstitial somatic populations. • IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be responsible for testosterone increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyimide (PI) has received considerable attention as a promising donor-acceptor polymer for photocatalytic hydrogen production, yet the previous studies entirely focused on the exploration of triazine-based PI. Herein, we report for the first time triazine-free PI for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The triazine-free PI was synthesized by thermal condensation of urea and pyromellitic dianhydride. The resultant PI photocatalyst yielded a stable hydrogen evolution activity and an appreciable photocurrent response. This work manifests that triazine is not an indispensable unit for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of PI, which expands the chemical library of PI photocatalysts and opens up new opportunities for designing efficient polymeric photocatalysts. We report for the first time that triazine-free PI synthesized by urea and pyromellitic dianhydride shows an appreciable photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. [Display omitted] • Triazine-free polyimide was reported for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution for the first time. • Theoretical calculations were performed to reveal the photoactive sites. • The chemical library of polyimide photocatalyst was expanded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the relationship and prognostic significance between preoperative serum albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Materials and Methods: Demographic parameters, laboratory values including AGR and other clinical variables were evaluated in 180 patients with NSCLC, and 72 of these patients had results of radiology parameters detected with HRCT [including emphysema, tumor disappearance rate (TDR), CT values and CT enhanced values of the tumor mass] were assessed for survival analyses. The 72 patients were divided into two groups: normal lung group and emphysema group. The discriminatory values for AGR between these two groups were assessed by Mann-Whitney U test The relationship between TDR and AGR in NSCLC patients was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis.Results: In multivariate analysis, TDR (p = 0.033), AGR (p = 0.038), emphysema (p = 0.009), and N stage (P = 0.026) were independent predictors of overall survival (OS). AGR was higher in NSCLC patients without emphysema than NSCLC patients with emphysema (z = -2.979, P = 0.003). TDR demonstrated that there was a positive relationship with AGR (r = 0.307, p = 0.009). A nomogram with AGR, TDR, emphysema, and N stage was established to predict 5-year survival.Conclusions: There is a relationship between CT features and AGR in NSCLC. The integrative nomogram combined with CT images, clinical and hematologic features improved survival prediction in NSCLC patients, which offers a non-invasive, comprehensive, and convenient evaluation for individualized management of NSCLC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of heavy metal cadmium (Cd) on testicular function is recognized. However, the mechanism involved is not well-established. In the present study, we analyzed the testicular transcriptomic changes induced by acute Cd exposure of adult rats with and without supplementation of antioxidants selenium (Se) and/or coenzyme Q10 (CoQ). Cd significantly decreased serum testosterone and two steroidogenic proteins SCARB1 and STAR. RNA-Seq analyses of testicular RNAs revealed specific activation of oxidative stress-, inflammation-, MAPK- and NF-κB-related signaling molecules. In addition, Cd treatment down-regulated gene for I, III and IV complexes of mitochondrial electron transport chain and up-regulated genes for NADPH-oxidase, major cascade in ROS production. The decrease in steroidogenesis and increase in inflammation may result from oxidative stress since supplementation of Se and CoQ, but not with either alone, almost completely prevented these changes, including overall alterations in transcriptome. Cd exposure induced total of 1192 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which was reduced to 29 without considering confounding factors associated with Se/CoQ, a 97.6% protection rate. In conclusion, Cd exposure inhibited Leydig cell steroidogenesis by down-regulating SCARB1 and STAR through increasing oxidative stress and inflammation, but Se plus CoQ synergistically prevented all the changes induced by the Cd exposure. [Display omitted] • Cadmium (Cd) decreases serum testosterone and down-regulates SCARB1 and STAR. • Cd may increase ROS by affecting both NADPH-oxidation and mitochondrial ETC. • Cd activates inflammation and MAPK, NF-kB and TNF-signaling by increasing ROS. • Selenite and Co-Q10 prevent Cd-induced oxidative stress and testis toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) that regulates signal transduction of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Abnormal SHP2 activity is associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis. Because SHP2 contains multiple allosteric sites, identifying inhibitors at specific allosteric binding sites remains challenging. Here, we used structure-based virtual screening to directly search for the SHP2 "tunnel site" allosteric inhibitor. A novel hit (70) was identified as the SHP2 allosteric inhibitor with an IC 50 of 10.2 μM against full-length SHP2. Derivatization of hit compound 70 using molecular modeling-guided structure-based modification allowed the discovery of an effective and selective SHP2 inhibitor, compound 129, with 122-fold improved potency compared to the hit. Further studies revealed that 129 effectively inhibited signaling in multiple RTK-driven cancers and RTK inhibitor-resistant cancer cells. Remarkably, 129 was orally bioavailable (F = 55%) and significantly inhibited tumor growth in haematological malignancy. Taken together, compound 129 developed in this study may serve as a promising lead or candidate for cancers bearing RTK oncogenic drivers and SHP2-related diseases. [Display omitted] • Compound 129 is a novel SHP2 "tunnel site" allosteric inhibitor with IC 50 of 83.0 nM. • Compound 129 is a highly selective and orally bioavailable SHP2 inhibitor (F = 55%). • Compound 129 suppresses SHP2 mediated signaling in multiple RTK-driven cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most significant axes of regional, national, and worldwide energy policy is energy efficiency in building design. In particular, the energy efficiency of HVAC systems is of paramount importance. They provide energy for both residential and commercial sectors. As a result, assessing building energy usage is a critical step in optimizing building energy consumption. The impact of eight input factors on the two output variables, heating and cooling loads, for residential structures was explored in this study. For this purpose, the SVR-supervised machine learning algorithm was used. Despite its advantages, such as predictive accuracy and robustness, this method suffers from the fact that there is no specific rule for fitting its parameters. Therefore, six meta-heuristic optimization algorithms were investigated, and the strongest algorithm for optimal parameter fitting for the SVR model was presented. The correlation and error parameters analysis showed that the hybrid model SVR-AEO has the best performance in simulating residential buildings' heating and cooling loads. According to the obtained results, the value of R2 for the cooling and heating loads prediction in the training data is obtained to be 0.9975 and 0.99955, respectively. [Display omitted] • A hybrid Support Vector Regression model is presented to forecast building energy consumption. • The parameter selection for the SVR models is done by six different metaheuristic algorithms. • SVR-AEO simulates the heating and cooling loads of residential structures more accurately than others. • In 240 iterations, the SVR-AEO has the best MSE values in heating and cooling load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel composition of PCMW was proposed for complex climates. • Energy-saving potential of PCM-based wallboard was investigated for different locations. • The thermal response of PCM-based wallboard in different climates was analyzed. The incorporation of phase-change material (PCM) into construction materials has been proposed to indirectly accomplish indoor thermal comfort and energy saving. To adapt to seasonal changes (e.g., hot summer and cold winter), a novel type of hybrid PCM-containing wallboard (including three different PCMs) was proposed with a wide phase-change temperature range and that can work in various climates. In this study, a small building equipped with a hybrid PCM wallboard was established to evaluate energy-saving performance using EnergyPlus. To compare different hybrid PCM wallboards, four building models were considered, including Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3, and gypsum wallboard (BASE). The building performance in terms of heating and cooling energy consumption over one year was investigated at seven locations in China to represent different climate zones. The results show that less heating and cooling energy was required for Mode 2 than for the other models. Further investigation of the Mode 2 PCM wallboard revealed that the location of the PCM layer also influenced the energy savings. The total energy requirements for Mode 2 were lower than those for BASE by 2.15%, 4.33 %, 1.77 %, 5.56 %, 7.65 %, 5.84 %, and 0.2% for Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, Lanzhou, Xining, Harbin, and Hong Kong, respectively. We conclude that the hybrid PCM wallboard can effectively reduce the heat gain through the building envelope throughout the year, presenting a considerable advantage of using it in buildings located in Shanghai, which experiences a hot summer and cold winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]