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To observe the clinical effect of combined acupuncture and kinesiotherapy on upper cross syndrome (UCS) by a parallel randomized clinical trial. A total of 45 patients with UCS were recruited from the outpatients of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, Tuina and Rehabilitation Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, the students of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and the patients from the nearby communities in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Using the random number table method, they were divided into a combined treatment group (acupuncture plus kinesiotherapy, 23 cases) and a simple kinesiotherapy group (22 patients). Treatment for 4 weeks was one course, and two consecutive courses were required. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, the score of the assessment scale for cervical spondylosis, the value of surface electromyography (root mean square, RMS), and the cervical curvature value were used in the evaluation. The allocation scheme was concealed from the outcome assessors. The data from 23 cases of the combined treatment group and 22 cases of the simple kinesiotherapy group were analyzed. Before treatment, the differences were not statistically significant in the general conditions, VAS score, assessment score of cervical spondylosis, cervical curvature value, and RMS in UCS patients between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After treatment, the VAS score was reduced compared with that before treatment in both groups (all P < 0.05). In two courses of treatment, the VAS score decreased as compared with that in one course of treatment in both groups (both P < 0.05), and the VAS score in the combined treatment group decreased more obviously after each course of treatment (both P < 0.05). The RMS decreased compared with that before treatment in each group (both P < 0.05), and the decrease in the combined treatment group was more obvious (P < 0.05). After treatment of each course, the assessment score was all increased as compared with that before treatment in two groups (all P < 0.05). In two courses of treatment, the assessment score was increased as compared with that in one course of treatment in both groups (both P < 0.05), and the score in the combined treatment group was increased more obviously in the two courses of treatment (P < 0.05). Regarding either the intra-group comparison or the inter-group comparison before and after treatment, the differences were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05), suggesting no obvious improvement of cervical curvature in the two courses of treatment in patients with UCS. However, cervical curvature tended to improve in the combined treatment group. The total effective rate was significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05), indicating that the total effective rate in the combined treatment group was better than that in the simple kinesiotherapy group.No any adverse reactions occurred. Combined treatment with acupuncture, kinesiotherapy, and kinesiotherapy alleviated pain, relieved the symptoms and physical signs, and improved the daily movement of the patients. However, the combined treatment of acupuncture and kinesiotherapy had a much better effect on UCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Four selected wild edible fern species from Northeast China were analyzed. • These edible ferns are rich in protein, polysaccharides, and various mineral elements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.) • The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Osmunda cinnamomea were significantly higher than the other species. • Twenty-nine phenolic and related compounds were detected in four edible ferns using LC-MS. Ferns are one of the prevalent species of wild edible plants but one of the least explored terrestrial plants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the nutrient composition, polyphenol profile and antioxidative properties of four wild edible ferns commonly utilized in northeastern China. We studied the content of ash, polysaccharide, protein, fat and mineral elements of the samples. Furthermore, the samples were found to have good total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and some level of antioxidant capacity as determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline) 6-sufonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). They also exhibited different specific accumulation of polyphenol profiles, estimated by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Significance analysis revealed a significant correlation between individual phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the ferns. The results of the study suggest that wild edible ferns are rich in nutritional value and have potential as a natural source of antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spermatogenesis, fertilization and subsequent embryonic development are complex processes that require tight regulation. The PAFAH1B1 gene plays important roles in these reproductive events in mice, but its expression and roles in human reproduction have not been investigated. Expression analysis of testicular tissue by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry revealed varied expression levels among samples of different spermatogenic abilities (as assessed by the Johnsen score), with protein expression restricted to spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids. Immunofluorescence on spermatozoa showed expression over the acrosome and midpiece regions of ejaculated samples, whereas a high proportion of percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration-derived spermatozoa showed expression restricted to the midpiece. Analysis for PAFAH1B1 mRNA also revealed different expression levels among unfertilized oocytes, zygotes, cleavage stage embryos and blastocysts, with protein localized at the membrane level in oocytes and zygotes, and gradually distributing within the cytoplasm of cleavage stage embryos and blastocysts. Interestingly, microinjection of PAFAH1B1 siRNA into zygotes significantly ( P = 0.024) increased fragmentation formation rates in subsequent embryonic development stages. Altogether, these are the first results to support a role for PAFAH1B1 in human spermatogenesis and early embryonic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrin β1 and dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 play roles in endothelial cell biology. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A inhibits endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) through VEGF-R2, but through VEGF-R1 promotes EndMT by reducing the bioavailability of VEGF-A. Here we tested whether DPP-4-integrin β1 interactions have a role in EndMT in the renal fibrosis of diabetic nephropathy. In streptozotocin-induced fibrotic kidneys in diabetic CD-1 mice, levels of endothelial DPP-4, integrin β1, and phospho-integrin β1 were all higher and associated with plasma cystatin C elevation. The DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin ameliorated kidney fibrosis, reduced plasma cystatin C levels, and suppressed endothelial levels of DPP-4, integrin β1, and phospho-integrin β1. In cultured endothelial cells, DPP-4 and integrin β1 physically interacted. Suppression of DPP-4 by siRNA was associated with suppression of integrin β1 and vice versa. Knockdown of either integrin β1 or DPP-4 resulted in the silencing of TGF-β2-induced TGF-β receptor heterodimer formation, smad3 phosphorylation, and EndMT. DPP-4 negatively regulated endothelial viability signaling by VEGF-R2 suppression and VEGF-R1 induction in endothelial cells. Thus, DPP-4 and integrin β1 interactions regulate key endothelial cell signal transduction in both physiological and pathological conditions including EndMT. Hence, inhibiting DPP-4 may be a therapeutic target for treating kidney fibrosis in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of pyrrolidine–pyridine base organocatalysts have been developed and 3a found to be a highly effective catalyst for the asymmetric Michael addition reactions of ketones to chalcones. The reaction generated the corresponding products 1, 5-diketones in excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >99:1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to 100% ee). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Piezoelectric composites made of piezoelectric ceramic particles and polymer composites combine the performance advantages of both components and have broad application prospects. However, the preparation of complex structures is still a challenge, for which 3D printing technology provides a perfect solution. The aim of the present study is to investigate the principle and process optimization of the stereolithography of 0–3 type piezoelectric composites through simulation and experiments. In particular, a modified three-phase model of a spherical shell is applied to elucidate the influence of the elastic modulus between the ceramic particles and the matrix on the piezoelectric properties of the composites at the macroscopic level. This enables the piezoelectric properties of the composites to be predicted more accurately, and guides the surface grafting modification of piezoelectric ceramic powders. Furthermore, the problem of weak interface bonding in piezoelectric composites caused by poor compatibility between hydrophilic particles and the hydrophobic matrix is successfully solved by preprocessing the PZT ceramic powder via activating the particle surface hydroxyl groups and grafting a silane coupling agent onto the piezoelectric ceramic powder. As a result, the particles are bonded to the matrix by covalent bonds, which increases the elastic modulus of the interface transition layer and modifies the stress transfer efficiency. For instance, the piezoelectric strain constant (d 33) of piezoelectric composite containing 60 wt% functionalized PZT particles is increased from 20 to 37 pC/N. The printing accuracy, piezoelectric properties, and mechanical characteristics of the piezoelectric composites are thoroughly investigated, and the reliability of the proposed theoretical model and simulation results is verified. The piezoelectric composites are uniformly compact and have a low residual pore rate. The piezoelectric composite with a solid content of 60 wt% has a volume density of 2.27 g/cm3 and a Young's modulus of 535.44 MPa. Most importantly, its piezoelectric voltage constant (g 33) is 167.2 × 10−3 Vm/N, which is more than seven times higher than that of homogeneous PZT and results in high voltage sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luneburg lenses prepared by alumina stereolithography, have the advantages of low dielectric loss, corrosion resistance, and flexible structure. However, the supporting structure limits the degree of geometric design freedom. This paper analyzes the effects of modifiers and dispersants on paste properties from the molecular structure, which is different from the traditional process that doesn't analyze the influence of similar mechanisms and binding site competition while ignoring the correlation. Based on the dispersant's better flexibility bringing more obvious change in viscosity, we first determine the amount of dispersant and then adapt the amount of modifier to obtain self-supporting pastes of 82 wt % and 24.9 Pa.swithout gradation. The gain and beam deflection angle of Luneburg lenses with high geometric complexity and working bandwidth of 38° formed by stereolithography self-supporting process is matched to the simulation results without manufacturing defects, which provides a theoretical basis for more flexible design and manufacture of Luneburg lenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic wave (EMW)-absorbing ceramic metamaterials without doping absorbers were prepared by direct pyrolysis of polymer-derived SiBCN ceramics (PDC-SiBCN). The pyrolytic behavior of the ceramics, the effect of the pyrolysis temperature on the mechanical strength, and the EMW absorption properties of the metamaterials are discussed in detail. The mechanism of the enhanced EMW absorption by the metamaterials was further analyzed. The results indicated that PDC-SiBCN demonstrated the optimum impedance matching and absorption performance at a pyrolysis temperature of 1500 °C. The metamaterial can effectively absorb the full X-band when its thickness is in the range of 4.3–5.7 mm. When the thickness was adjusted to 4.7 mm, the minimum reflection coefficient (RC) reached − 26.6 dB. In addition, the flexural strength of the metamaterial was 31.2 MPa, and the compressive strength was 96.9 MPa, which is 60 times higher than that of the solid structure. This study provides a feasible guide for the simple fabrication of lightweight, high-strength, and high-performance EMW-absorbing materials. [Display omitted] • Direct-pyrolysis polymer-derived SiBCN ceramics to prepare absorbing materials. • 3D printing used to prepare a metamaterial absorbing structure. • Effective absorption achieved at all frequencies in the X-band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to study the convergence of the Ishikawa and Mann iterative sequences with mixed errors to approximate solutions of nonlinear operator equations with perturbed m-accretive mappings in arbitrary Banach spaces. The results presented in this paper extend and improve some recent results in Jung and Morales [Nonlinear Anal. TMA 46 (2001) 231–243], Jung et al. [Applied Math. Comput. 133 (2002) 389–406] and Kartsatos and Liu [Nonlinear Anal. TMA 24 (1995) 469–492]. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Time-lapse systems significantly improved the first embryo transfer implantation rate. • Time-lapse systems did not significantly improve the cumulative implantation rate. • Time-lapse systems did not significantly improve the live birth rate. What are the potential clinical benefits of embryo culture and assessment in a time-lapse incubator compared with a standard incubator using static assessment? This large multicentre, single-blinded, randomized controlled study included 1224 participants randomly assigned (1:1) to the time-lapse or standard incubator group. In all patients one or two embryos were transferred on day 3. The primary outcome was the implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative implantation rate, live birth rate in the first embryo transfer cycle and cumulative live birth rate. Among 1224 participants recruited, 1182 underwent embryo transfer. The number of successfully implanted embryos in the first transfer cycle was significantly higher in the time-lapse incubator group (time-lapse group: 52.35%, standard incubator group: 47.11%, P = 0.014). The implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle was still significantly higher in the time-lapse group than the standard incubator group after adjusting for age, body mass index, medical centre and embryo status (relative risk 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.20, P = 0.020). However, the cumulative implantation rate, live birth rate in the first embryo transfer cycle and cumulative live birth rate were not statistically different between the groups. The implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle was significantly improved in the time-lapse group, but the effect of the time-lapse system on the cumulative implantation rate or cumulative live birth rate was not significant. The embryo assessment method offered by time-lapse systems rather than an undisturbed environment may play an important role in improving the implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle. These results are only applicable to young patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel series of chiral quaternary ammonium ionic liquids have been synthesized and shown to be very effective catalysts for the asymmetric Michael addition reactions of ketones and aldehydes to nitroolefins with excellent yields (up to 100%), diastereoselectivities (syn/anti =99:1), and enantioselectivities (up to 97%). The catalytic system, an ionic liquid organocatalyst in [Bmim][BF4], could be reused five times without a significant loss in catalytic activity or stereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the acceleration of China's urbanization and industrialization, air pollution has become a major environmental problem. Retrospective data analysis of 6564 patients who underwent IVF-ET in the center for reproductive medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2015 to 2020. Different stages were selected from 90 days before oocyte retrieval to 35 days after transfer and divided into five exposure periods. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between six ambient air pollutants (PM 2.5 , PM 10 , NO 2 , SO 2 , CO and O 3) and the IVF-ET pregnancy outcome. The results showed that air pollutants can significantly affect the IVF pregnancy outcome. The harmful effects of ambient air pollutants are more obvious in the patients aged < 35 years, single embryo transfer and cleavage stage embryo transfer. • Air pollution can affect the pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization. • Female younger than 35 years old are more vulnerable to ambient air pollutants. • Single-embryo-transfer patients are sensitive in endometrial transformation period. • Pregnancy outcome are less likely to be affected in blastocyst-transfer patients. • Different protection strategies should be considered for different population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cold atomic gases system with parity-time (PT) symmetry is proposed to generate stable solitons. The Rydberg atomic gases and electromagnetically induced transparency are utilized in the interaction between the transmission of signals and atomic lattices. Two kinds of two-dimensional (2D) multipole solitons (MSs), two pole and four pole solitons, are found in this cold atomic system. We investigate the existence conditions and the stability of these solitons. The results show that these solitons can stably propagate in this system, and can be manipulated by the system parameters of nonlocal nonlinearity and PT potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Some H2 impurities (e.g., SO2), even at 10–100ppb level, can greatly reduce the working life of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Sulfur compounds such as SO2 is a typical impurity existing in the coal gas derived H2 fuel. As a result, detection of near ppb level SO2 in H2 for fuel cells has been a focus of many recent studies. In this study, we present a gas chromatography (GC) method integrated with an in-house built adsorption–desorption device that can detect SO2 at near ppb level. The technique is as follows: sample gas is collected by a SO2 absorbent at room (or low) temperature, followed by desorption at an elevated temperature prior to gas sampling with GC. Operating conditions are optimized through testing on the absorbent material, adsorption and desorption temperature. Under an optimal condition, a sample gas of 10–20ppb SO2 was detected within an hour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate the independent effects of the degree of blastocoele expansion and re-expansion and the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) grades on predicting live birth after fresh and vitrified/warmed single blastocyst transfer.Design: Retrospective study.Setting: Reproductive medical center.Patient(s): Women undergoing 844 fresh and 370 vitrified/warmed single blastocyst transfer cycles.Intervention(s): None.Main Outcome Measure(s): Live-birth rate correlated with blastocyst morphology parameters by logistic regression analysis and Spearman correlations analysis.Result(s): The degree of blastocoele expansion and re-expansion was the only blastocyst morphology parameter that exhibited a significant ability to predict live birth in both fresh and vitrified/warmed single blastocyst transfer cycles respectively by multivariate logistic regression and Spearman correlations analysis. Although the ICM grade was significantly related to live birth in fresh cycles according to the univariate model, its effect was not maintained in the multivariate logistic analysis. In vitrified/warmed cycles, neither ICM nor TE grade was correlated with live birth by logistic regression analysis.Conclusion(s): This study is the first to confirm that the degree of blastocoele expansion and re-expansion is a better predictor of live birth after both fresh and vitrified/warmed single blastocyst transfer cycles than ICM or TE grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]