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Stent thrombosis (ST) is a known complication after intracranial stent implantation. The pathophysiology of ST is multifactorial, and standardized treatments for ST remain uncertain. A patient harboring an unruptured aneurysm of the posterior communicating segment of the left internal carotid artery was treated with stent-assisted coil embolization while on dual antiaggregation therapy. Despite adherence to medication, ST occurred 8 days after the intervention. Following tirofiban infusion, the thrombus dissolved and clinical symptoms improved. However, after tirofiban was stopped, the patient experienced again ischemic symptoms. The patient underwent high-flow extracranial-to-intracranial bypass with good patency of the graft and resolution of symptoms. In case of refractory ST, high-flow extracranial-to-intracranial bypass proved to be in this case a feasible and effective rescue option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the new metro air supply method—column air supply mode is researched, which is Tianjin Metro Line 1 station as prototype, built a scale model of the experiment bench, utilize the principle of similarity, pass simulating real conditions experiments were concluded influences of platform thermal environment of different supply air temperature of Column ventilation. The simulating experiment based on the existing artificial environment laboratory bench for simulating the ventilating process of a metro platform area, The experiment data showed the site thermal environment is mainly affected by the human body model, the temperature of the area of body temperature of the heat source, which is relatively far from the outlet, the temperature of partial region is higher than the air temperature 3~5℃; Subway platform thermal load changes during the day, in meeting the load requirements instance, peak hours crowded at the platform, the ‘small temperature difference, the amount of wind’ supplying air way to heat the platform exclusion have better results, and recommend a supply air temperature 26℃. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stent-assisted coil embolization has been increasingly used to treat paraclinoid aneurysms. The study was aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coil embolization for paraclinoid aneurysms and explore the factors influencing the long-term outcomes. Under an institutional review board approved protocol, the clinical and angiographic data of 129 paraclinoid aneurysms in 120 patients (Male:Female = 36:84; median age, 52 years; range, 21–84) treated by stent-assisted coil embolization were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical status, aneurysmal morphology, treatment strategy and results were analyzed using Chi-squared tests in the univariate analysis and further analyzed using backward stepwise logistic regression. The univariate analysis indicated significance between the groups regarding hypertension, ruptured aneurysms, size, wide neck and immediate treatment results (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that ruptured aneurysms (odds ratio [OR] = 5.893, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.512–23.054; p = 0.011), larger size (OR = 2.339; 95%CI, 1.148–4.781; p = 0.020) and hypertension (OR = 6.143; 95%CI, 1.560–24.183; p = 0.009) might be predictors of recurrence. Stent-assisted coil embolization of paraclinoid aneurysm has a risk of recurrence. Ruptured aneurysms, larger size and hypertension may be the risk factors for recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endovascular coiling is preferred to surgical clipping for the treatment of basilar tip aneurysms (BTAs) associated with moyamoya disease (MMD). However, there are few reports addressing the safety of stent treatment of aneurysms located on unaffected arteries in MMD patients. We report our experiences of stent-assisted coil embolization for ruptured large or wide-neck BTAs associated with MMD.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 5 patients with ruptured BTAs associated with MMD treated by stent-assisted coil from January 2010 to December 2013 in our hospital. All presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and the diagnosis was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. The procedure-related complications, immediate angiographic results, and clinical and angiographic follow-ups were analyzed.Results: Successful embolization was performed without procedure-related complications in all 5 patients, of whom 3 were treated by single stent-assisted coiling, and the others were treated by Y-configured stent technique. Immediate angiographic results showed complete occlusion in 2 patients, neck residual in 1, and partial occlusion in 2. Postoperative angiographic follow-ups were obtained in all 5 cases at a mean time of 17.6 ± 9.3 months (range, 6-28 months). Follow-up angiographic examinations demonstrated total occlusion without in-stent restenosis in all cases, and all the patients reported good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2).Conclusions: Endovascular embolization using stent-assisted coiling proved to be a safe and efficient treatment for ruptured large or wide-neck BTAs associated with MMD; however, the long-term safety still remains to be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed this retrospective study to assess the clinical safety and efficacy of the low-profile visualized intraluminal support junior (LVIS Jr.; MicroVention, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA) stent placement in anterior communicating artery (ACA) aneurysms. ACA aneurysms are some of the most common intracranial aneurysms. Stent placement is particularly difficult due to the complexity of the vascular anatomy and the small vessels of the ACA complex. From November 2013 and June 2014, LVIS Jr. stent-assisted coiling was performed in 11 patients with 12 wide-neck ACA aneurysms. Patient demographics, morphologic features of the aneurysm, clinical results and follow-up results are presented. Successful deployment of the LVIS Jr. stent in the targeted artery was achieved in all patients. Complete occlusion was achieved in seven patients, neck remnant in three, and partial occlusion in two. The angiographic follow-up of nine patients (mean 4.4 months) showed that all aneurysms remained stable or improved. There was no in-stent stenosis, recurrence or retreatment. The modified Rankin scale score at discharge was 0 in eight patients and 1 in three patients. The LVIS Jr. stent provided excellent trackability and deliverability and is safe and effective for the treatment of wide-necked ACA aneurysms. Further follow-up is needed to assess the long-term efficacy of LVIS Jr. stent placement in ACA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms often occur in small parent vessels and are incorporated with the orifice of acute-angled efferent branch vessels. Endovascular treatment for these aneurysms remains technically challenging. This study aimed to assess the clinical safety and efficacy of the Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Junior (LVIS Jr) stent for embolization of MCA aneurysms. Methods Eighteen intracranial aneurysms, including 13 unruptured and 5 ruptured aneurysms, were treated with LVIS Jr stent–assisted coil embolization. The clinical data and technical results are presented. Results A total of 18 stents were successfully delivered to the target aneurysms, and the technical success rate was 100%. There was complete occlusion in 8 (44.4%) of 18 cases, neck remnants in 7 (38.9%) cases, and partial occlusion in 3 (16.7%) cases. In-stent thrombosis occurred in 1 case, and the symptoms disappeared after transvenous tirofiban injection. The modified Rankin Scale score at discharge was 0 in 14 patients, 1 in 3 patients, and 2 in 1 patient. Conclusions The LVIS Jr stent provided excellent trackability and deliverability and is safe and effective for the treatment of wide-necked MCA aneurysms with tortuous and smaller parent vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Symptomatic vertebral arterial stenosis carries a stroke risk of 30% at 5years. The efficacy of stenting with balloon-expandable stents remains questionable due to a high long-term restenosis rate. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of using self-expanding stents to treat symptomatic vertebral artery ostium (VAO) stenosis in selected patients. Clinical and angiographic results were retrospectively reviewed in patients with symptomatic VAO stenosis who underwent stenting with self-expanding stents between June 2008 and December 2011. In total, 32 patients were included. Self-expanding stents (25 tapered and seven non-tapered) were deployed with a modified technique of deploying the stents from the V1 segment to the proximal subclavian artery. The mean degree of stenosis before and after stenting declined from 76.4% to 11.4%. No peri-procedural complications occurred. During the mean clinical follow-up of 18.3months, no vertebrobasilar stroke, transient ischemic attack or death occurred. During the mean angiographic follow-up of 12.5months, asymptomatic restenosis occurred in one (3.1%) patient 6months after the procedure. No stent fracture occurred. The involved subclavian artery was patent and no clinically apparent events occurred in the dependent upper extremity. Stenting with self-expanding stents for symptomatic VAO stenosis is technically feasible and safe, with reduced restenosis and stent fracture rates in selected patients. Long-term investigations are warranted to validate its performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Glioma stem-like cells have been demonstrated to have highly invasive activity, which is the major cause of glioma recurrence after therapy. Leptin plays a role in glioma invasion, however, whether and how leptin contributes to the biological properties of glioma stem-like cells, such as invasion, remains to be explored. In the current study, we aimed to explore the role of leptin during glioma stem-like cells invasion as well as the signaling pathway. We found that glioma stem-like cells exhibited high invasive potential, especially in the presence of leptin, Ob-R coexpressed with CD133 in glioma stem-like cells was showed to be responsible for leptin mediated invasion of glioma stem-like cells. Our results indicated that leptin served as a key intermediary linking the accumulation of excess adipokine to the invasion of glioma stem-like cells, which may be a novel therapeutic target for suppressing tumor invasion and recurrence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) have gained popularity in cold regions without central heating owing to their higher energy efficiency when compared with fossil energy sources. Although studies have shown that the short-term performance of ASHPs may meet the heating demand at an ambient temperature of −20 °C, long-term performance under actual variable meteorological conditions needs further investigation. In this study, to comprehensively evaluate the long-term performance of an ASHP system in cold climates, a three-month field test was conducted in Daqing city, which is the coldest region in China. The ambient temperature fluctuated from −24.7 °C to 15 °C during the test. The test results showed that the system coefficient of performance (COP) was related to the outdoor temperature (r = 0.8955), and when the supply water temperature increased by approximately 6 °C under an outdoor temperature of −5 ± 1 °C, the corresponding COP decreased by 14.2%. Apart from the frost temperature of −5 ± 1 °C, the relative humidity (RH) had a slight effect on the system COP. Moreover, during the three coldest days when the ambient temperature ranged from −24.7 °C to −15.0 °C, the heat produced met the heating demand, and the system ran smoothly. Compared with other common heating methods, ASHPs have the advantages of high energy conversion efficiency and low pollutant emissions. From the field test results, it can be inferred that the low-temperature ASHP system is a clean and energy-efficient heating method that is well suited for severely cold regions. • The field test was investigated to evaluate long-term performance of ASHP. • The system coefficient of performance was agreeable with the outdoor temperature. • The performance was decrease with an increase of supply water temperature. • The COP was 1.63–2.17 for ambient temperature of −24.7 °C to −15.0 °C. • ASHPs have the high energy conversion efficiency and less pollutant emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family contains four major isoforms and three receptor subtypes. The expressions of each VEGF isoform and receptor subtype in cardiac repair/remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) remain uncertain and are investigated in the current study. Methods and results: Temporal and spatial expressions of VEGF isoforms and VEGFR subtypes were examined in the infarcted rat heart. Sham-operated rats served as controls. We found that the normal myocardium expressed all VEGF isoforms. Following MI, VEGF-A was only increased in the border zone at day 1 and was significantly decreased in the infarcted heart during the 42day observation period afterwards. VEGF-B was significantly suppressed in the infarcted heart. VEGF-C and VEGF-D were markedly increased in the infarcted heart in both early and late stages of MI. VEGFR-1 and 2 were significantly decreased in the infarcted heart, while VEGFR-3 was significantly increased, which was primarily expressed in blood vessels and myofibroblasts (myoFb). Conclusions: VEGF isoforms and VEGFR subtypes are differentially expressed in the infarcted heart. Increased VEGF-A in the very early stage of MI suggests the potential role in initiating the cardiac angiogenic response. Suppressed cardiac VEGF-B postMI suggests that it may not be critical to cardiac repair. The presence of enhanced VEGF‐C and VEGF-D along with its receptor, VEGFR-3, in various cell types of the infarcted heart suggest that these isoforms may regulate multiple responses during cardiac repair/remodeling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is one of the most common sites of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis. We assessed the safety and efficacy of the Wingspan stent (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) for the treatment of symptomatic atherosclerotic MCA stenosis. Sixty-one patients with symptomatic MCA stenosis with narrowing of at least 70% among 61 patients were treated using Wingspan stents from March 2007 to December 2010. Clinical outcomes and imaging features were recorded and analyzed. The technical success rate was 98.4%. The rate of procedure-related complications during the periprocedural period (30days) was 5.0% (three of 61 patients), which included one ischemic complication and two hemorrhagic complications with no permanent neurological sequelae. The mean degree of stenosis decreased from 76.8±6.0% to 12.0±11.5% following treatment. Forty-five patients (74%) were available for follow-up imaging with digital subtraction arteriography. In-stent restenosis (ISR) was documented in seven of these patients. A total of 61 patients were available for a clinical follow up. Four ischemic events (6.6%) occurred during the follow-up period, which were all transient ischemic attacks including two symptomatic ISR. The cumulative probability of an adverse event was 11.7% at 1year. Of the 61 patients, 51 (83.6%) had their follow-up visit more than 12months after the procedure, and no adverse events were found beyond 12months after the procedure. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting of the MCA was safe and associated with a low periprocedural complication rate. It may result in a good long-term benefit. Prospective randomized controlled trials and further long-term follow up are needed to provide more adequate statistical evidence to support our findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (FGF-1/FGF-2) promote angiogenesis in cancer. Angiogenesis is integral to cardiac repair following myocardial infarction (MI). The potential regulation of FGF-1/FGF-2 in cardiac angiogenesis postMI remains unexplored. Herein, we examined the temporal and spatial expression of FGF-1/FGF-2 and FGF receptors (FGFR) in the infarcted rat heart at days 1, 3, 7, and 14 postMI. FGF-1/-2 gene and protein expression, cells expressing FGF-1/-2 and FGFR expression were examined by quantitative in situ hybridization, RT-PCR; western blot, immunohistochemistry and quantitative in vitro autoradiography. Compared to the normal heart, we found that in the border zone and infarcted myocardium 1) FGF-1 gene expression was increased in the first week postMI and returned to control levels at week 2; FGF-1 protein levels were, however, largely reduced at day 1, then elevated at day 3 peaked at day 7 and declined at day 14; and cells expressing FGF-1 were primarily inflammatory cells; 2) FGF-2 gene expression was significantly elevated from day 1 to day 14; the increase in FGF-2 protein level was most evident at day 7 and cells expressing FGF-2 were primarily endothelial cells; 3) FGFR expression started to increase at day 3 and remained elevated thereafter; and 4) FGF-1/FGF-2 and FGFR expression remained unchanged in the noninfarcted myocardium. Thus, FGF-1/FGF-2 and FGFR expression are enhanced in the infarcted myocardium in the early stage after MI, which is spatially and temporally coincident with angiogenesis, suggesting that FGF-1/FGF-2 are involved in regulating cardiac angiogenesis and repair. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: There is growing recognition that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogeneses of myocardial repair/remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI). Nicotinamide adenine denucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is a major source for cardiac reactive oxygen species production. Herein, we studied the importance of NADPH oxidase in development of cardiac oxidative stress and its induced molecular and cellular changes related to myocardial repair/remodeling. Methods: MI was created by coronary artery ligation in C57/BL (wild type) and NADPH oxidase (gp91phox) knockout mice. Cardiac oxidative stress, inflammatory/fibrogenic responses, apoptosis, and hypertrophy were detected by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), picrosirius red staining, and image analysis, respectively, at different stages post MI. Results: In wild-type mice with MI, and compared to sham-operated animals, we observed significantly increased gp91phox and 3-nitrotyrosine, a marker of oxidative stress, in the infarcted myocardium; accumulated macrophages and myofibroblasts at the infarct site; abundant apoptotic myocytes primarily at border zones on Day 3; and numerous apoptotic inflammatory/myofibroblasts in the later stages. In addition, we detected significantly increased transforming growth factor β1, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 2, and type 1 collagen gene expression; continuously increasing collagen volume in the infarcted myocardium; and hypertrophy in noninfarcted myocardium. Compared to wild-type mice with MI, we did not observe significant difference in infarct size/thickness, cardiac hypertrophy, myocyte apoptosis, inflammatory/fibrogenic responses, as well as cardiac oxidative stress in gp91phox knockout mice. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that during NADPH oxidase deficiency, superoxide production can be compensated by other sources, which leads to cardiac oxidative stress and its related molecular/cellular events in the infarcted heart. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO5) powders were synthesized by a novel precipitation method with Ca(NO3)2·4H2O, Na2SiO3·9H2O and Na2CO3 as the starting materials. Pure Ca3SiO5 was obtained at 1400 °C for 8 h. The characteristics of tricalcium silicate powders prepared by this method were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser particle size analyzer, and compared with the powders prepared by the sol–gel method reported in a previous study. The effects of the size of the powder on the self-setting properties of Ca3SiO5 were also investigated. The result showed that the size of Ca3SiO5 powders prepared by the two-step precipitation method was 1–10 μm and less than that of Ca3SiO5 powders prepared by sol–gel method. The results showed that the reduction of the particle size accelerated the setting and hardening of the cement and resulted in a significant increase of the compressive strength of the cement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO5), as a new promising injectable bioactive material, was employed to investigate its physical and chemical properties for an injectable bioactive cement filler. The workable Ca3SiO5 pastes with a liquid to powder (L/P) ratio of 0.8–1.2mlg−1could be injected for 15–60min (nozzle diameter 2.0mm). The setting process yielded cellular structures with compressive strength of 6.4–20.2MPa after 2–28 days. The in vitro bioactivity of Ca3SiO5 paste was investigated by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for various periods. The result showed that the Ca3SiO5 paste could induce hydroxyapatite (HA) formation and dissolve slowly in SBF. The result of indirect cytotoxicity evaluation indicated that Ca3SiO5 paste had a stimulatory effect on cell growth in a certain concentration range. The exothermic process showed that Ca3SiO5 had lower heat evolution rate during the hydration as compared to calcium phosphate cement (CPC). Our results indicated that Ca3SiO5 paste was bioactive and dissolvable, and it is a progressive candidate for further investigation as injectable tissue repairing substitute. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The toxin VacA produced by Helicobacter pylori is an important determinant of virulence. VacA causes vacuolation of cultured cells such as HeLa cells. Iodine, nitrite, sodium chloride, thiocyanate and fungus toxin sterigmatocystin are universally present in nature and could possibly be related to carcinogenesis of the stomach. The present study was designed to examine the effects of the above-mentioned compound on VacA-induced vacuolation of HeLa cells, which was quantitated using the neutral red uptake assay. VacA-induced vacuolation was inhibited by BafA1 and NPPB. Formation of large vacuoles was inhibited in the presence of iodine, nitrite, but enhanced by sodium chloride, thiocyanate, fluoride and sterigmatocystin. Our results indicate that VacA toxin may interact with other gastric cancer risk factors present naturally in the environment, and suggest that those compounds may modulate the development of gastric cancer induced by H. pylori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Piperine is the key bioactive factor in black pepper, and has been reported to alleviate cerebral ischemic injury. However, the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective effects following cerebral ischemia remain unclear. In this study, rats were administered vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) or piperine, 20 mg/kg, daily for 14 days before focal cerebral artery occlusion. After occlusion for 2 h followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Histological examinations were used to assess whether piperine has a neuroprotective effect in the rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The levels of proteins in the ischemic penumbra were evaluated by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation-based proteomics. A total of 3687 proteins were identified, including 23 proteins that were highly significantly differentially expressed between the control and piperine groups. The proteomic findings were verified by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. Interestingly, piperine administration downregulated a number of critical factors in the complement and coagulation cascades, including complement component 3, fibrinogen gamma chain, alpha-2-macroglobulin, and serpin family A member 1. Collectively, our findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of piperine following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury are related to the regulation of the complement and coagulation cascades. Highlights • Piperine has neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. • Piperine is able to regulate the complement and coagulation cascades. • Piperine can down-regulates the expression levels of C3,FGG, A2M and TF. • FGG and A2M are potential prognostic factors for cerebral I/R injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic carotid cavernous fistulas (TCCFs) and traumatic intracranial pseudoaneurysms are uncommon vascular anomalies associated with head trauma. 1,2 Detachable balloons, covered stents, or liquid embolic agents can be used to treat TCCFs in some conditions. 3,4 TCCF concomitant with pseudoaneurysm is an extremely rare occurrence in the literature. 5,6 In Video 1, we present a unique case of a TCCF concomitant with a giant pseudoaneurysm of the posterior communicating segment of the left internal carotid artery in a young patient. Both lesions were successfully managed with an endovascular treatment using a Tubridge flow diverter (MicroPort Medical Company, Shanghai, China), coils, and Onyx 18 (Medtronic, Bridgeton, Missouri, USA). No neurologic complications occurred due to the procedures. Six-month follow-up angiography illustrated complete resolution of fistula and pseudoaneurysm. This video shows a new treatment method for TCCF concomitant with a pseudoaneurysm. The patient consented to the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) is typically evaluated in plain areas, leaving limited insight into their performance in high-altitude plateau areas. To address this, a simplified fitting model is proposed to correct ASHP heating capacity in plateau areas. The structure of the fitting model is deduced based on physical principles. Then we regress the model on simulation data calculated by a complex model from previous study. Finally, the fitting model is validated by both simulation data and field test data from four ASHP projects comprehensively. Utilizing the fitting model, the influence of outdoor temperature and altitudes on the correction factor are fully discussed. Results show that the proposed fitting model is easy to facilitate in practical engineering. Only three sets of experiments are required to determine the constant coefficients of the fitting model, thus eliminating the necessity of establishing a complex calculation model for ASHP systems. The heating capacity and correction factors of ASHPs in the plateau areas can be accurately calculated by the proposed fitting model. The maximum error is around 0.5 % compared with the model in a previous study. When compared with the monitored data from real projects, approximately 80 %∼85 % of the points fall within the ±20 % error line. For every 1000 m increase in altitude, the heating capacity decreases by approximately 3.9 %–5.1 %. The proposed fitting model offers simplicity and convenience for designing ASHP heating systems in high-altitude plateau areas. • A model for correcting heating capacity of ASHPs in plateau areas is proposed. • The model is validated by both simulation and field test data from ASHP projects. • The model is universally applicable as it is deduced based on physical principles. • The model is convenient for ASHP system design in high-altitude areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the factors that affect the energy efficiency of the air source heat pump system, water volume influences efficiency by determining the unit's ON OFF time under partial load, especially in the low thermal inertia heating systems in the applications of northern China. The water volume in relation to cycling losses is extremely important. In order to strip out the multiple influence factors and clarify the impact of water volume on system efficiency through the actual heating system, an analytical model, presenting of the effect of system water volume on energy efficiency is established firstly. It is identified total water volume, including water volume in the buffer tank, terminals and pipelines by means of the proposed analytical model and the actual monitoring data of 6 fixed speed air source heat pump systems. Considering buffer tank heat loss and partial load loss caused by overmatching household air source heat pump systems, and combining with the efficiency and economy optimization, a recommended allocation index of total water volume 30~40 L/kW under nominal heating capacity for rural houses in northern China is put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Tachykinin 2 (Tac2) is expressed in a number of areas throughout the brain, including the hippocampus. However, knowledge about its function has been only well explored in the hypothalamus in the context of reproductive health. In this study, we identified and validated increased hippocampal Tac2 mRNA expression in response to chronic mild stress in mice. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis showed Tac2 is cis-regulated in the hippocampus. Using a systems genetics approach, we constructed a Tac2 co-expression network to better understand the relationship between Tac2 and the hippocampal stress response. Our network identified 69 total genes associated with Tac2 , several of which encode major neuropeptides involved in hippocampal stress signaling as well as critical genes for producing neural plasticity, indicating that Tac2 is involved in these processes. Pathway analysis for the member of Tac2 gene network revealed a strong connection between Tac2 and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway, as well as cardiac muscle contraction. In addition, we also identified 46 stress-related phenotypes, specifically fear conditioning response, that were significantly correlated with Tac2 expression. Our results provide evidence for Tac2 as a strong candidate gene who likely plays a role in hippocampal stress processing and neural plasticity. Highlights • Hippocampal Tac2 mRNA expression increases in response to chronic mild stress in mice • Tac2 is a cis-regulated gene in the hippocampus • 69 genes associate with Tac2 , several encoding neuropeptides involved in hippocampal stress signaling and neural plasticity • 46 stress-related phenotypes, specifically fear conditioning response, are significantly correlated with Tac2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although clipping and coiling of intracranial aneurysms are effective treatment options, they each have limitations. With the advent of the hybrid operating room, combined clipping and coiling for complex aneurysms in one stage becomes feasible. We report a successful case of a left posterior communicating artery aneurysm where combined clipping and endovascular treatment were applied. Case Description A 57-year-old man had been complaining of severe headache for 10 days. The computed tomography scan from a previous hospital revealed a parasellar lesion, and the computed tomography angiography in our hospital showed a 16-mm posterior communicating artery aneurysm. Clipping of the aneurysm was scheduled in our hybrid operating room, which enabled intervention of intraoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA). However, once the aneurysm was clipped, intraoperative DSA revealed that the aneurysm was remnant. We readjusted the clip and reran DSA, but the residual neck was still present. In an effort to preserve the parent artery and perforators, we decided to perform endovascular treatment. Coiling was achieved, followed by angiography, indicating that the aneurysm was almost eliminated. Overall, the patient underwent 4 angiographic explorations during surgery. Conclusions Combined open surgical and endovascular approaches to treat complex cerebral aneurysms in an hybrid operating room could offer an alternative when the aneurysms appear unclipped or remnant intraoperatively. In our experience, simultaneous clipping and coiling is a safe and effective procedure for efficient treatment of aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: When using microarray data for studying a complex disease such as cancer, it is a common practice to normalize data to force all arrays to have the same distribution of probe intensities regardless of the biological groups of samples. The assumption underlying such normalization is that in a disease the majority of genes are not differentially expressed genes (DE genes) and the numbers of up- and down-regulated genes are roughly equal. However, accumulated evidences suggest gene expressions could be widely altered in cancer, so we need to evaluate the sensitivities of biological discoveries to violation of the normalization assumption. Here, we analyzed 7 large Affymetrix datasets of pair-matched normal and cancer samples for cancers collected in the NCBI GEO database. We showed that in 6 of these 7 datasets, the medians of perfect match (PM) probe intensities increased in cancer state and the increases were significant in three datasets, suggesting the assumption that all arrays have the same median probe intensities regardless of the biological groups of samples might be misleading. Then, we evaluated the effects of three currently most widely used normalization algorithms (RMA, MAS5.0 and dChip) on the selection of DE genes by comparing them with LVS which relies less on the above-mentioned assumption. The results showed using RMA, MAS5.0 and dChip may produce lots of false results of down-regulated DE genes while missing many up-regulated DE genes. At least for cancer study, normalizing all arrays to have the same distribution of probe intensities regardless of the biological groups of samples might be misleading. Thus, most current normalizations based on unreliable assumptions may distort biological differences between normal and cancer samples. The LVS algorithm might perform relatively well due to that it relies less on the above-mentioned assumption. Also, our results indicate that genes may be widely up-regulated in most human cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Block polymers with thermal annealing are attractive routes to produce 6FDA-based polyimide membranes with enhanced gas separation performance. However, some 6FDA-based polyimide membranes exhibit different gas separation behavior trends under the thermal annealing process. In this work, two 6FDA-DETDA/DMMDA block polyimide membranes with different 6FDA-DETDA block lengths were prepared and annealed at three temperatures (150 °C, 250 °C and 350 °C). To investigate the thermal annealing process and its influence on the thermal cross-linking behavior and aggregation structures, in situ XRD and ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) were employed. Based on the orbital-weighted Fukui function calculated by Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and AP-XPS spectra, it's found that free radicals cross-linking that induced by 350 °C annealing occurred in imide rings, and resulted in the destroyed imide rings and decreased average interchain distances in both block polyimides. However, the massive 6FDA-DETDA block hindered imide rings from destruction and resulted in a slight molecular filtration, which benefited the gas transport of small kinetic diameter gases. As a result, 350 °C annealed membrane of bPI-2 exhibited enhanced gas separation performance. We expect that this work will shed light on the effect of thermal annealing on the gas separation behavior of block polyimides and offer a way to tune gas separation performance by thermal annealing. [Display omitted] • 6FDA-DETDA/DMMDA block polyimides with different block lengths were synthesized. • In situ XRD and AP-XPS were used to observed changes in d-spacing and N1s spectra. • Both 250 °C annealed membranes had remarkable increases in all gas permeabilities. • Imide rings opened and induced cross-linking during 350 °C annealing. • Massive 6FDA-DETDA block limited chain motion and cross-linking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although significant progress has been made in relation to air source heat pump (ASHP) modeling, it is difficult to reflect the actual dynamic characteristics of the start-up process by a completely theoretical model, and a regression model cannot reflect the energy efficiency differences between systems intuitively. A semi-theoretical model for fixed speed ASHP which considers the modifications of no-load power consumption, cycling losses and defrost discount has been developed based on the statistical analysis of field monitoring data. Thermodynamic perfectibility was introduced to evaluate the steady-state performance at continuous operation. By taking the running and cycle time as input parameters, it is possible to relate the operation mode to system energy efficiency. In the verification of the seasonal coefficient of performance, the error is < 10%. The identification of the cycling losses from field monitoring data illustrated that the impact of cycling losses drops off with the increase of the running time and the percentage of running time in an ON-OFF cycle. In energy efficiency diagnosis applications, the quantified losses concluded that the least energy efficient project is caused by no-load consumption and cycling losses. The application of the simulation integrated with building heating system illustrates that the proposed model cooperated with iterative algorithm can realize minute-by-minute dynamic simulation. This paper provides a foundation for operation strategy research and energy efficiency analysis of the fixed speed ASHP system. • A semi-theoretical model for fixed speed air source heat pump system is proposed. • The no-load power consumption, cycling losses, and defrost discount are identified. • The cycling losses decrease with the increase of t on and t on / t cycle. • The energy efficiency diagnosis is realized by relating t on and t cycle to the SCOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]