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Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced DNA damage is a major risk factor for skin cancer development. UV-induced redistribution of melanin near keratinocyte nuclei leads to the formation of a supranuclear cap, which acts as a natural sunscreen and protects DNA by absorbing and scattering UV radiation. However, the mechanism underlying the intracellular movement of melanin in nuclear capping is poorly understood. In this study, we found that OPN3 is an important photoreceptor in human epidermal keratinocytes and is critical for UVA-mediated supranuclear cap formation. OPN3 mediates supranuclear cap formation via the calcium-dependent G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway and ultimately upregulates Dync1i1 and DCTN1 expression in human epidermal keratinocytes via activating calcium/CaMKII, CREB, and Akt signal transduction. Together, these results clarify the role of OPN3 in regulating melanin cap formation in human epidermal keratinocytes, greatly expanding our understanding of the phototransduction mechanisms involved in physiological function in skin keratinocytes. The G protein-coupled receptor Opsin 3 is critical for supranuclear cap formation mediated by solar ultraviolet radiation in human epidermal keratinocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submental island flap has certain advantages in repairing postoperative defects of oral cancer, and it can often achieve similar or even better effects compared with those of the free tissue flap. In this study, according to the different characteristics of patients and postoperative defects of oral cancer, submental island flaps with different states of vascular pedicle were prepared, and its repair methods, safety, and clinical effects in treating postoperative defects of oral cancer were investigated. 83 patients with oral cancer who met the inclusion criteria were selected. According to the different characteristics of the patients and postoperative defects of oral cancer, the traditional submental island flap vascular pedicle was modified into three different states: submental artery perforator flap, vascular pedicled flap with the anterior belly of digastric muscle but without the submandibular gland (SIF with anterior belly of DM), and vascular pedicled flap with the anterior belly of the digastric muscle and the submandibular gland (SIF with anterior belly of DM and SG). The types of the submental artery and the drainage vein, flap survival, and complications, were observed. The flap was successfully harvested for all patients, and the submental artery could be found or separated for all of them, with the venous drainage to the internal jugular vein in 57 (57/83, 68.67%), to the external jugular vein in 18 (18/83, 21.69%), and to the anterior jugular vein in eight (8/83, 9.64%) cases. Submental artery perforator flap was used for 11 cases, complete necrosis occurred in two cases (2/11, 18.18%), partial necrosis occurred in one case (1/11, 9.09%); SIF with anterior belly of DM was used for 49 cases, complete necrosis occurred in one case (1/49, 2.04%), partial necrosis occurred in four cases (4/49, 8.16%); SIF with anterior belly of DM and SG was used for 23 cases, including chimeric flap combining the submental island flap and the submandibular gland used for 15 cases, there were no cases of complete or partial necrosis. Submental island flap was effective in repairing postoperative defects of oral cancer. Submental island flaps with three different states of vascular pedicle could repair oral cancer-affected tissues with different defect characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the incidence of and potential risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) after non-ionic iodinated contrast media (NICM) administration for CT exams in out-patient settings in China.A total of 473,482 out-patients who underwent intravenous NICM between January 1st, 2017, and Dec 31st, 2021, were retrospectively enrolled from three institutions. The occurrence of ADRs and clinical information were recorded. Chi-square test, Poisson regression, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential ADR risk factors and correlation with demographics, season, and NICM type.Among the 473,482 patients (mean age 55.22 ± 14.85; 253,499 male) who received intravenous NICM, the overall ADR incidence was 0.110% (522 of 473,482), with 0.099% acute-related drug reactions (469 of 473,482) and 0.0004% serious ADRs (two of 473,482). Iopromide was associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more frequently observed with iodixanol 320. Multi-level logistic regression of patients with acute ADRs and a control group (matched 1:1 for age, gender, NICM, prescriber department, and institution) showed that summer (adjusted OR = 1.579; p = 0.035) and autumn (adjusted OR = 1.925; p < 0.001) were risk factors of acute ADRs. However, underlying disease and scanned body area were not related to a higher ADR incidence.The use of NICM for out-patients is in general safe with a low ADR incidence. The type of contrast medium (iopromide) and the seasons (summer and autumn) were associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more often observed with iodixanol.In comparison to in-patients, out-patients may be exposed to higher risk due to a lack of extensive risk screening, less nursing care, and higher throughput pressure. Safety data about NICM from a large population may complement guidelines and avoid ambiguity.• The incidence and risk factors for adverse events after using non-ionic iodinated contrast media are complex in out-patients.• Non-ionic iodinated contrast media are safe for out-patients and the overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was 0.110%.• There is a higher risk of acute adverse drug reactions in summer and autumn.Materials and methods: This study aimed to explore the incidence of and potential risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) after non-ionic iodinated contrast media (NICM) administration for CT exams in out-patient settings in China.A total of 473,482 out-patients who underwent intravenous NICM between January 1st, 2017, and Dec 31st, 2021, were retrospectively enrolled from three institutions. The occurrence of ADRs and clinical information were recorded. Chi-square test, Poisson regression, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential ADR risk factors and correlation with demographics, season, and NICM type.Among the 473,482 patients (mean age 55.22 ± 14.85; 253,499 male) who received intravenous NICM, the overall ADR incidence was 0.110% (522 of 473,482), with 0.099% acute-related drug reactions (469 of 473,482) and 0.0004% serious ADRs (two of 473,482). Iopromide was associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more frequently observed with iodixanol 320. Multi-level logistic regression of patients with acute ADRs and a control group (matched 1:1 for age, gender, NICM, prescriber department, and institution) showed that summer (adjusted OR = 1.579; p = 0.035) and autumn (adjusted OR = 1.925; p < 0.001) were risk factors of acute ADRs. However, underlying disease and scanned body area were not related to a higher ADR incidence.The use of NICM for out-patients is in general safe with a low ADR incidence. The type of contrast medium (iopromide) and the seasons (summer and autumn) were associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more often observed with iodixanol.In comparison to in-patients, out-patients may be exposed to higher risk due to a lack of extensive risk screening, less nursing care, and higher throughput pressure. Safety data about NICM from a large population may complement guidelines and avoid ambiguity.• The incidence and risk factors for adverse events after using non-ionic iodinated contrast media are complex in out-patients.• Non-ionic iodinated contrast media are safe for out-patients and the overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was 0.110%.• There is a higher risk of acute adverse drug reactions in summer and autumn.Results: This study aimed to explore the incidence of and potential risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) after non-ionic iodinated contrast media (NICM) administration for CT exams in out-patient settings in China.A total of 473,482 out-patients who underwent intravenous NICM between January 1st, 2017, and Dec 31st, 2021, were retrospectively enrolled from three institutions. The occurrence of ADRs and clinical information were recorded. Chi-square test, Poisson regression, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential ADR risk factors and correlation with demographics, season, and NICM type.Among the 473,482 patients (mean age 55.22 ± 14.85; 253,499 male) who received intravenous NICM, the overall ADR incidence was 0.110% (522 of 473,482), with 0.099% acute-related drug reactions (469 of 473,482) and 0.0004% serious ADRs (two of 473,482). Iopromide was associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more frequently observed with iodixanol 320. Multi-level logistic regression of patients with acute ADRs and a control group (matched 1:1 for age, gender, NICM, prescriber department, and institution) showed that summer (adjusted OR = 1.579; p = 0.035) and autumn (adjusted OR = 1.925; p < 0.001) were risk factors of acute ADRs. However, underlying disease and scanned body area were not related to a higher ADR incidence.The use of NICM for out-patients is in general safe with a low ADR incidence. The type of contrast medium (iopromide) and the seasons (summer and autumn) were associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more often observed with iodixanol.In comparison to in-patients, out-patients may be exposed to higher risk due to a lack of extensive risk screening, less nursing care, and higher throughput pressure. Safety data about NICM from a large population may complement guidelines and avoid ambiguity.• The incidence and risk factors for adverse events after using non-ionic iodinated contrast media are complex in out-patients.• Non-ionic iodinated contrast media are safe for out-patients and the overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was 0.110%.• There is a higher risk of acute adverse drug reactions in summer and autumn.Conclusion: This study aimed to explore the incidence of and potential risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) after non-ionic iodinated contrast media (NICM) administration for CT exams in out-patient settings in China.A total of 473,482 out-patients who underwent intravenous NICM between January 1st, 2017, and Dec 31st, 2021, were retrospectively enrolled from three institutions. The occurrence of ADRs and clinical information were recorded. Chi-square test, Poisson regression, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential ADR risk factors and correlation with demographics, season, and NICM type.Among the 473,482 patients (mean age 55.22 ± 14.85; 253,499 male) who received intravenous NICM, the overall ADR incidence was 0.110% (522 of 473,482), with 0.099% acute-related drug reactions (469 of 473,482) and 0.0004% serious ADRs (two of 473,482). Iopromide was associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more frequently observed with iodixanol 320. Multi-level logistic regression of patients with acute ADRs and a control group (matched 1:1 for age, gender, NICM, prescriber department, and institution) showed that summer (adjusted OR = 1.579; p = 0.035) and autumn (adjusted OR = 1.925; p < 0.001) were risk factors of acute ADRs. However, underlying disease and scanned body area were not related to a higher ADR incidence.The use of NICM for out-patients is in general safe with a low ADR incidence. The type of contrast medium (iopromide) and the seasons (summer and autumn) were associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more often observed with iodixanol.In comparison to in-patients, out-patients may be exposed to higher risk due to a lack of extensive risk screening, less nursing care, and higher throughput pressure. Safety data about NICM from a large population may complement guidelines and avoid ambiguity.• The incidence and risk factors for adverse events after using non-ionic iodinated contrast media are complex in out-patients.• Non-ionic iodinated contrast media are safe for out-patients and the overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was 0.110%.• There is a higher risk of acute adverse drug reactions in summer and autumn.Clinical relevance statement: This study aimed to explore the incidence of and potential risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) after non-ionic iodinated contrast media (NICM) administration for CT exams in out-patient settings in China.A total of 473,482 out-patients who underwent intravenous NICM between January 1st, 2017, and Dec 31st, 2021, were retrospectively enrolled from three institutions. The occurrence of ADRs and clinical information were recorded. Chi-square test, Poisson regression, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential ADR risk factors and correlation with demographics, season, and NICM type.Among the 473,482 patients (mean age 55.22 ± 14.85; 253,499 male) who received intravenous NICM, the overall ADR incidence was 0.110% (522 of 473,482), with 0.099% acute-related drug reactions (469 of 473,482) and 0.0004% serious ADRs (two of 473,482). Iopromide was associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more frequently observed with iodixanol 320. Multi-level logistic regression of patients with acute ADRs and a control group (matched 1:1 for age, gender, NICM, prescriber department, and institution) showed that summer (adjusted OR = 1.579; p = 0.035) and autumn (adjusted OR = 1.925; p < 0.001) were risk factors of acute ADRs. However, underlying disease and scanned body area were not related to a higher ADR incidence.The use of NICM for out-patients is in general safe with a low ADR incidence. The type of contrast medium (iopromide) and the seasons (summer and autumn) were associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more often observed with iodixanol.In comparison to in-patients, out-patients may be exposed to higher risk due to a lack of extensive risk screening, less nursing care, and higher throughput pressure. Safety data about NICM from a large population may complement guidelines and avoid ambiguity.• The incidence and risk factors for adverse events after using non-ionic iodinated contrast media are complex in out-patients.• Non-ionic iodinated contrast media are safe for out-patients and the overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was 0.110%.• There is a higher risk of acute adverse drug reactions in summer and autumn.Key Points: This study aimed to explore the incidence of and potential risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) after non-ionic iodinated contrast media (NICM) administration for CT exams in out-patient settings in China.A total of 473,482 out-patients who underwent intravenous NICM between January 1st, 2017, and Dec 31st, 2021, were retrospectively enrolled from three institutions. The occurrence of ADRs and clinical information were recorded. Chi-square test, Poisson regression, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential ADR risk factors and correlation with demographics, season, and NICM type.Among the 473,482 patients (mean age 55.22 ± 14.85; 253,499 male) who received intravenous NICM, the overall ADR incidence was 0.110% (522 of 473,482), with 0.099% acute-related drug reactions (469 of 473,482) and 0.0004% serious ADRs (two of 473,482). Iopromide was associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more frequently observed with iodixanol 320. Multi-level logistic regression of patients with acute ADRs and a control group (matched 1:1 for age, gender, NICM, prescriber department, and institution) showed that summer (adjusted OR = 1.579; p = 0.035) and autumn (adjusted OR = 1.925; p < 0.001) were risk factors of acute ADRs. However, underlying disease and scanned body area were not related to a higher ADR incidence.The use of NICM for out-patients is in general safe with a low ADR incidence. The type of contrast medium (iopromide) and the seasons (summer and autumn) were associated with a higher risk of acute ADRs. Late ADRs were more often observed with iodixanol.In comparison to in-patients, out-patients may be exposed to higher risk due to a lack of extensive risk screening, less nursing care, and higher throughput pressure. Safety data about NICM from a large population may complement guidelines and avoid ambiguity.• The incidence and risk factors for adverse events after using non-ionic iodinated contrast media are complex in out-patients.• Non-ionic iodinated contrast media are safe for out-patients and the overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was 0.110%.• There is a higher risk of acute adverse drug reactions in summer and autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation in student peer leader roles, roles in which more senior students serve as mentors and educators to their peers, have continued to grow in their application and importance to institutions of higher education around the globe. Using a theoretical approach based in Legitimate Peripheral Participation and drawing from the International Survey of Peer Leaders, our paper explored the role of the quality and quantity of participation in important outcomes of the college experience: leadership development, skill development, and academic success. The results showed that the number of hours per week spent on peer leadership activities and the total number of peer leadership positions contributed to positive quality of engagement and enhanced students’ academic outcomes, overall leadership skills, and career readiness. Moreover, findings showed that the quality of engagement moderated the influences of the quantity of participation particularly for measures of academic success. As students develop relationships with faculty, staff, and peers throughout their time in peer leader roles and feel a deepening sense of connection and belonging to the college or university, students in peer leader roles become fuller participants in the academic community and, as a result, develop the knowledge, skills, and ways of doing, thinking, knowing, and being that are critical for student success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The characteristics of surface-based morphological patterns to primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) are still not well understood. This study aims to screen the useful cortical indices for the prediction of PTN and the quantification of pain severity. Methods: Fifty PTN patients and 48 matched healthy subjects enrolled in the study from March 2016 to August 2021. High-resolution T1 data were performed at 3.0 Tesla scanner and were analyzed with FreeSurfer software to detect the abnormalities of cortical mean curve (CMC), cortical thickness (CT), surface area (SA), and cortical volume (CV) in PTN patients compared to healthy controls. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine whether certain morphological patterns could predict PTN disorder. Then, the relationships of cortical indices to the pain characteristics in patient group were examined using linear regression model. Results: Distinctive cortical alterations were discovered through surface-based analysis, including increased temporal CMC, decreased insular CT and fusiform SA, along with decreased CV in several temporal and occipital areas. Moreover, the difference of temporal CMC was greater than other cortical parameters between the two groups, and the combination of certain morphological indices was of good value in the diagnosis for PTN. Besides, CT of left insula was negatively associated with the pain intensity in PTN patients. Conclusion: The patients with PTN demonstrate distinctive morphological patterns in several cortical regions, which may contribute to the imaging diagnosis of this refractory disorder and be useful for the quantification of the orofacial pain. Clinical trials: The registry name of this study in https://clinicaltrials.gov/: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study on Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia (MRI-TN) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ID: NCT02713646 A link to the full application: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=NCT02713646&cntry=&state=&city=&dist= The first patient with primary trigeminal neuralgia was recruited on November 28, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the correlation of impairment in skeletal muscle and heart in spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rhesus monkeys using magnetic resonance image (MRI). Methods: Fifteen T2DM monkeys and fourteen healthy control (HC) monkeys were included. The microcirculation of skeletal muscle [skeletal muscle blood flow (SMBF), skeletal muscle oxygen extraction fraction (SMOEF)] and the function and strain of heart were evaluated by MRI. Three regions of interests were chosen on the soleus muscle (SOL), gastrocnemius muscle (GAS) and tibialis anterior muscle (TA) for image analysis. Results: Eight T2DM monkeys and eight HC monkeys were obtained the full data. The SMBF reserves and SMOEF reserves were found significantly decreased in T2DM during inflation in SOL, GAS and TA muscles (all p < 0.05), and the SMBF reserves decreased during hyperemia in GAS and TA muscles (all p < 0.05). In these monkeys, the global peak longitudinal strain (longitudinal PS), peak systolic longitudinal strain rate (longitudinal PSSR) and peak diastolic longitudinal strain rate (longitudinal PDSR) were seen significantly different in T2DM compared to HC monkeys (all p < 0.05). The longitudinal PSSR was found negatively correlated with SMBF reserves in SOL, GAS and TA during inflation in all monkeys. Conclusions: The impaired microcirculation of skeletal muscle and the myocardial deformation were found in T2DM monkeys with normal ejection fraction. And a negative correlation was existed in the longitudinal PSSR and the SMBF reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To detect diffuse myocardial fibrosis in different severity levels of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) in spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rhesus monkeys.Methods: Eighteen spontaneous T2DM and nine healthy monkeys were studied. Echocardiography was performed for diastolic function classification. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed to obtain extracellular volume fraction (ECV) maps and T1ρ maps at two different spin-locking frequencies. ECV values, T1ρ values, and myocardial fibrosis index (mFI) values which are based on the dispersion of T1ρ, were calculated. Global peak diastolic longitudinal strain rates (GSrL) were also obtained.Results: Echocardiography results showed mild DD in nine T2DM monkeys and moderate DD in the other nine. The global ECV values were significantly different among healthy animals as compared with animals with mild DD or moderate DD, and the ECV values of animals with moderate DD were significantly higher as compared with those of mild DD. The mFI values increased progressively from healthy animals to those with mild DD and then to those with moderate DD. Diastolic function indicators (e.g., early diastolic mitral annulus velocity, GSrL) correlated well with ECV and mFI.Conclusions: Monkeys with T2DM exhibit increased ECV, T1ρ, and mFI values, which may be indicative of the expansion of extracellular volume and the deposition of excessive collagen. T1ρ mapping may have the potential to be used for diffuse myocardial fibrosis assessment.Key Points: • Monkeys with T2DM exhibit increased ECV, T1ρ, and mFI values, which may be indicative of the expansion of extracellular volume and the deposition of excessive collagen. • The relationship between diastolic dysfunction and diffuse myocardial fibrosis may be demonstrated by imaging markers. • Non-contrast T1ρ mapping may have the potential to be used for diffuse myocardial assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, methacrylated γ-PGA (mPGA) precursor was synthesized via reaction between γ-PGA and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Hydrogels from this precursor were prepared under 365 nm ultraviolet irradiation. The swelling behavior and mechanical properties were studied in detail as functions of the degree of substitution (DS), precursor concentration, and environmental pH. Results showed that the crosslink density, swelling kinetics and mechanical properties of the hdyrogel could be tailored by adjusting the DS and concentration of the precursor as well as the environmental pH. Three-dimensional photo-encapsulation of swine cartilage chondrocytes and Live/Dead assay proved the cytocompatibility of the hydrogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined study of zircon U-Pb dating, Hf isotopes and trace elements has been carried out for granodioritic neosomes of migmatites from the Tianjingping area in northwestern Fujian Province. Zircons are characterized by zoning, higher Th/U ratios (mostly ⩾0.1), HREE enrichment, and positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies, and show features similar to magmatic or anatectic zircons. Apparent 206Pb/238U ages for the zircons are 447±2 Ma (95% conf., MSWD = 0.88), corresponding to a Caledonian event. εHf(f) values are -13.3 to -9.7, indicating a crustal source. Two-stage Hf model ages are 1.7 to 1.9 Ga, suggesting that protolith of the migmates was probably formed in the Paleoproterozoic. The granodioritic neosomes have the characteristics of peraluminous calc-alkaline granite, and their REE patterns and trace elements spidergrams show features of middle to upper crustal rocks. Together with previous studies, we conclude that the protolith of the Cathaysia basement in the Tianjingping area was likely formed in the middle-late Paleoproterozoic and experienced partial melting during the Caledonian period. The recognition of Caledonian reworking of the Paleoproterozoic basement in the Cathaysia Block provides a new insight into the tectonic evolution of the Cathaysia Block in the Caledonian period and the interaction between the Cathaysia Block and the Yangtze Block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equation of stress intensity factors(SIF) of internally pressurized thick-walled cylinder was used as the reference case. SIF equation of rotating thick-walled cylinder containing a radial crack along the internal bore was presented in weight function method. The weight function formulas were worked out and can be used for all kinds of depth of cracks, rotating speed, material, size of thick-walled cylinder to calculate the stress intensity factors. The results indicated the validity and effectiveness of these formulas. Meanwhile, the rules of the stress intensity factors in rotating thick-walled cylinder with the change of crack depths and the ratio of outer radius to inner radius were studied. The studies are valuable to engineering application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify and describe existing models for predicting knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to May 2023 for any studies to develop and validate a prediction model for predicting knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text qualifications, and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using the PROBAST. Data extraction of eligible articles was extracted by a data extraction form based on CHARMS. The quality of evidence was graded according to GRADE. The results were summarized with descriptive statistics. Results: The search identified 2693 records. Sixteen articles reporting on 26 prediction models were included targeting occurrence (n = 9), others (n = 7), progression (n = 5), persistent (n = 2), incident (n = 1), frequent (n = 1), and flares (n = 1) of knee pain. Most of the studies (94%) were at high risk of bias. Model discrimination was assessed by the AUROC ranging from 0.62 to 0.81. The most common predictors were age, BMI, gender, baseline pain, and joint space width. Only frequent knee pain had a moderate quality of evidence; all other types of knee pain had a low quality of evidence. Conclusion: There are many prediction models for knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis that do show promise. However, the clinical extensibility, applicability, and interpretability of predictive tools should be considered during model development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the clinical features and screened for predictive factors of anti-interferon-γ autoantibody (AIGA) positivity. We enrolled 63 AIGA-positive (group 1) and 29 AIGA-negative (group 2) HIV-negative patients. White blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), globulin, immunoglobulin (Ig) G, and IgM levels were higher, whereas CD4+T cell count and hemoglobin level were lower in group 1 than in group 2. Co-infections, multiple infections, and disseminated infections were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Prognosis was worse in group 1 than in group 2, especially for relapse and persistent infections. The number of infecting pathogens and sites involved; WBC and neutrophil counts; globulin, IgG, IgM, and CRP levels; and ESR were significantly positively correlated with AIGA titers; however, CD4+T cell count was significantly negatively correlated with AIGA titers. Therefore, IgG, globulin, and CRP levels; CD4+T cell and WBC counts; the number of infecting pathogens and sites involved; and ESR were considered potential predictors for AIGA positivity. For HIV-negative hosts with double or multiple opportunistic, disseminated infections and high serum IgG and globulin levels, low CD4+T cell count, and an increase in inflammatory marker levels, positive AIGA-associated immunodeficiency should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delivery drones are yet to be adopted as a systematic delivery system for humanitarian operations but have the potential to substantially increase the efficiency and effectiveness of future delivery options. Thus, we analyse the impact of factors affecting the adoption of delivery drones by logistics service providers for humanitarian operations. A conceptual model of potential barriers to adoption and development is created using the Technology Acceptance Model theory involving security, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude as factors that affect the intention to use. We validate the model using empirical data collected from 103 respondents by the 10 leading logistics firms located in China between May and August 2016. through a survey to examine factors currently affecting the intention/non-intention to adopt delivery drones. The results show that ease of use and addressing key security considerations about the drone, the delivery package and the recipient are crucial for adopting the technology as a specialized delivery option for logistics service providers. This is the first study of its kind and contributes to understanding the operational, supply chain and behavioural factors in the adoption of drones by logistics services providers for humanitarian operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the use of deep learning–constrained compressed sensing (DLCS) in improving image quality and acquisition time for 3D MRI of the brachial plexus. Methods: Fifty-four participants who underwent contrast-enhanced imaging and forty-one participants who underwent unenhanced imaging were included. Sensitivity encoding with an acceleration of 2 × 2 (SENSE4x), CS with an acceleration of 4 (CS4x), and DLCS with acceleration of 4 (DLCS4x) and 8 (DLCS8x) were used for MRI of the brachial plexus. Apparent signal-to-noise ratios (aSNRs), apparent contrast-to-noise ratios (aCNRs), and qualitative scores on a 4-point scale were evaluated and compared by ANOVA and the Friedman test. Interobserver agreement was evaluated by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients. Results: DLCS4x achieved higher aSNR and aCNR than SENSE4x, CS4x, and DLCS8x (all p < 0.05). For the root segment of the brachial plexus, no statistically significant differences in the qualitative scores were found among the four sequences. For the trunk segment, DLCS4x had higher scores than SENSE4x (p = 0.04) in the contrast-enhanced group and had higher scores than SENSE4x and DLCS8x in the unenhanced group (all p < 0.05). For the divisions, cords, and branches, DLCS4x had higher scores than SENSE4x, CS4x, and DLCS8x (all p ≤ 0.01). No overt difference was found among SENSE4x, CS4x, and DLCS8x in any segment of the brachial plexus (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: In three-dimensional MRI for the brachial plexus, DLCS4x can improve image quality compared with SENSE4x and CS4x, and DLCS8x can maintain the image quality compared to SENSE4x and CS4x. Clinical relevance statement: Deep learning–constrained compressed sensing can improve the image quality or accelerate acquisition of 3D MRI of the brachial plexus, which should be benefit in evaluating the brachial plexus and its branches in clinical practice. Key Points: •Deep learning–constrained compressed sensing showed higher aSNR, aCNR, and qualitative scores for the brachial plexus than SENSE and CS at the same acceleration factor with similar scanning time. •Deep learning–constrained compressed sensing at acceleration factor of 8 had comparable aSNR, aCNR, and qualitative scores to SENSE4x and CS4x with approximately half the examination time. •Deep learning–constrained compressed sensing may be helpful in clinical practice for improving image quality and acquisition time in three-dimensional MRI of the brachial plexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomarker selection and cancer classification play an important role in knowledge discovery using genomic data. Successful identification of gene biomarkers and biological pathways can significantly improve the accuracy of diagnosis and help machine learning models have better performance on classification of different types of cancer. In this paper, we proposed a LogSum + L2 penalized logistic regression model, and furthermore used a coordinate decent algorithm to solve it. The results of simulations and real experiments indicate that the proposed method is highly competitive among several state-of-the-art methods. Our proposed model achieves the excellent performance in group feature selection and classification problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the roles and possible molecular mechanisms of long non-coding RNA HOTAIR in regulating resistance to trastuzumab in breast cancer. Trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3-TR was assayed for the expression of HOX antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins or genes. Methylation levels of TGF- β, PTEN and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (or P27) were determined. In trastuzumab-resistant cell line, the mRNA level of HOTAIR was significantly up-regulated; in addition, the expression of TGF-β, Snail and Vimentin was also up-regulated, E-cadherin was down-regulated while the expression of HER2, PI3K, AKT, mTOR and MAPK in the HER2 receptor pathway and phosphorylation level of HER2 receptor remained unchanged, the methylation levels of the PTEN gene and TGF-β were increased and decreased, respectively. RNA interference downregulated the HOTAIR level and sensitized the cells to trastuzumab. It also resulted in down-regulation of TGF-β, Snail, Vimentin, p-AKT, p-APK and CyclinD1 and up-regulation of E-cadherin, PTEN and P27. Besides, the methylation levels of the PTEN gene and TGF-β were reduced and increased, respectively. Mouse models grafted with SK-BR-3-TR grew faster than with SK-BR-3-TS and siHOTAIR-SK-BR-3-TR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to assess biventricular function and mechanics in patients with the chronic high-altitude disease (CHAD) using cardiovascular MRI and explore the possible risk factors associated with ventricular remodeling. Methods: In this prospective study, consecutive CHAD patients and healthy controls at high-altitude (HA) and at sea level (SL) underwent cardiovascular MRI. Right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function and global strain parameters were compared. To identify risk factors associated with ventricular remodeling, multiple linear regression analyses were used. Results: A total of 33 patients with CHAD (42.97 years ± 11.80; 23 men), 33 HA (41.18 years ± 8.58; 21 men), and 33 SL healthy controls (43.48 years ± 13.40; 21 men) were included. A Significantly decreased biventricular ejection fraction was observed in patients (all p < 0.05). Additionally, the HA group displayed lower magnitudes of biventricular longitudinal peak strain (PS) (RV, − 13.67% ± 4.05 vs. − 16.22% ± 3.03; LV, − 14.68% ± 2.20 vs. − 16.19% ± 2.51; both p < 0.05), but a higher LV circumferential PS (− 20.74% ± 2.02 vs. − 19.17% ± 2.34, p < 0.05) than the SL group. Moreover, multiple linear regression analyses revealed that HGB (β = 0.548) was related to the LV remodeling index, whereas BUN (β = 0.570) was associated with the RV remodeling index. Conclusions: With the deterioration of RV function in patients with CHAD, LV function was also impaired concomitantly. Hypoxia-induced erythrocytosis may contribute to LV impairment, while BUN was considered an independent risk factor for RV remodeling. Key Points: • A significantly lower biventricular ejection fraction was observed in patients, with a decreased magnitude of left ventricular (LV) peak systolic strain rate (radial and circumferential) and peak diastolic strain rate (all p < 0.05). • High-altitude healthy natives showed a lower biventricular longitudinal peak strain (all p < 0.05). • Hemoglobin was related to LV remodeling (β = 0.548), while BUN (β = 0.570) was independently associated with RV remodeling in CHAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis aims to determine the efficacy of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in the treatment of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) and summarize the mechanisms involved. Literature from six databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan-Fang database, and VIP database (VIP) were systematically searched. All the analysis were conducted by R. Twenty-five eligible studies involving 443 animals were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that compared to controls, EGCG exerts a cardioprotective effect by reducing myocardial infarct size (SMD = −4.06; 95% CI: −5.17, −2.94; P < 0.01; I2 = 77%). The funnel plot revealed publication bias. Moreover, EGCG significantly improves cardiac function, serum myocardial injury enzyme, and oxidative stress levels in MIRI animal models. This meta-analysis demonstrates that EGCG exhibits therapeutic promise in animal models of MIRI. However, further validation is still needed in large animal models and large clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei), a dimorphic fungus, causes local or disseminated infection in humans. We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival outcomes of patients with T. marneffei infection and compare the differences between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative subgroups. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 241 patients with T. marneffei infection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between January 2012 and January 2022. The overall population was stratified into HIV-positive (n = 98) and HIV-negative (n = 143) groups according to HIV status. Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: With a median follow-up time of 58.9 months, 120 patients (49.8%) experienced disease progression and 85 patients (70.8%) died. The 5-year rates of OS and PFS were 61.4% (95% CI 55.0–68.6%) and 47.8% (95% CI 41.5–55.1%), respectively. As an independent factor, patients who were HIV positive had better PFS (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31–0.82; p < 0.01) than patients who were HIV negative. Compared with patients who were HIV positive, patients who were HIV negative were older and had more probabilities of underlying diseases, chest involvement, bone destruction, and higher count of neutrophils (all p < 0.05). Hemoglobin (PFS: HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.39–1.00; p < 0.05; OS: HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.22–0.89; p = 0.02) and lymphocyte count (PFS: HR 0.06; 95% CI 0.01–0.26; p < 0.01; OS: HR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01–0.40; p < 0.01) were independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS in patients who were HIV negative. Conclusions: Patients with T. marneffei infection have a poor prognosis. Patients who are HIV positive and HIV negative have relatively independent clinical characteristics. Multiple organ involvement and disease progression are more common in patients who are HIV negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing number of cases diagnosed in HIV-negative individuals may be associated with the better clinical recognition of talaromycosis among HIV-negative individuals, the advances in genetic testing and immunological diagnostics, and the discovery of new forms of immunodeficiency, such as primary immunodeficiency and adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome due to AIGAs. AIGA-associated immunodeficiency, called adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome, was closely related to intracellular pathogen infection, especially nontuberculous mycobacteria [[3]]. In this study, adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome was due to AIGAs and autoimmune disease, which were the most common underlying immunodeficiencies. [Extracted from the article]

One of the major problems influencing the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy is the poor cell survival following transplantation. This is partly attributed to insufficient resistance of transplanted stem cells to oxidative and inflammatory stresses at the injured sites. In the current study, we demonstrated the pivotal role of antioxidant levels in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) dynamic in vitro anti-stress abilities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/H2O2 intoxication and in vivo therapeutic efficacy in a murine acute liver failure model induced by D-galactosamine/LPS (Gal/LPS) by either reducing the antioxidant levels with diethyl maleate (DEM) or increasing antioxidant levels with edaravone. Both the anti- and pro-oxidant treatments dramatically influenced the survival, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of hUCMSCs through the MAPK-PKC-Nrf2 pathway in vitro. When compared with untreated and DEM-treated cells, edaravone-treated hUCMSCs rescued NOD/SCID mice from Gal/LPS-induced death, significantly improved hepatic functions and promoted host liver regeneration. These effects were probably from increased stem cell homing, promoted proliferation, decreased apoptosis and enhanced secretion of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) under hepatic stress environment. In conclusion, elevating levels of antioxidants in hUCMSCs with edaravone can significantly influence their hepatic tissue repair capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo is the main food source of the giant panda. To increase bamboo intake in captive giant pandas, we studied factors affecting the bamboo intake. Fourteen healthy captive giant pandas in Dujiangyan Base of China Conservation and Research Center for The Giant Panda ("Dujiangyan Base" for short) were selected as research objects. A bamboo feeding experiment was conducted to study the effects of seasons, bamboo age, slope orientations where bamboo grows and felling-feeding time on bamboo intake of the giant panda. We found that the type of bamboo that captive giant pandas feed on was abundant in spring and summer, but relatively homogeneous in winter. With the increase of bamboo age, the intake of bamboo leaves decreased, while bamboo culms increased. The feed intake of 1-year-old bamboo leaves and 5-year-old bamboo culms reached the highest respectively. The slope orientation also affected the panda's bamboo intake, and the bamboo growing on sunny slopes or semi-sunny slopes was more favored by captive giant pandas. Moreover, the bamboo intake reached the highest when felling-feeding time was less than 24 h. In short, we confirmed that seasons, bamboo age, slope orientations and felling-feeding time were factors affecting bamboo intake for captive giant pandas. This study was expected to provide scientific guidance improving the feeding behavior management of captive giant pandas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the image quality of three-dimensional breath-hold magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with deep learning-based compressed sensing reconstruction (3D DL-CS-MRCP) to those of 3D breath-hold MRCP with compressed sensing (3D CS-MRCP), 3D breath-hold MRCP with gradient and spin–echo (3D GRASE-MRCP) and conventional 2D single-shot breath-hold MRCP (2D MRCP). Methods: In total, 102 consecutive patients who underwent MRCP at 3.0 T, including 2D MRCP, 3D GRASE-MRCP, 3D CS-MRCP, and 3D DL-CS-MRCP, were prospectively included. Two radiologists independently analyzed the overall image quality, background suppression, artifacts, and visualization of pancreaticobiliary ducts using a five-point scale. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the common bile duct (CBD), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the CBD and liver, and contrast ratio between the periductal tissue and CBD were measured. The Friedman test was performed to compare the four protocols. Results: 3D DL-CS-MRCP resulted in improved SNR and CNR values compared with those in the other three protocols, and better contrast ratio compared with that in 3D CS-MRCP and 3D GRASE-MRCP (all, p < 0.05). Qualitative image analysis showed that 3D DL-CS-MRCP had better performance for second-level intrahepatic ducts and distal main pancreatic ducts compared with 3D CS-MRCP (all, p < 0.05). Compared with 2D MRCP, 3D DL-CS-MRCP demonstrated better performance for the second-order left intrahepatic duct but was inferior in assessing the main pancreatic duct (all, p < 0.05). Moreover, the image quality was significantly higher in 3D DL-CS-MRCP than in 3D GRASE-MRCP. Conclusion: 3D DL-CS-MRCP has superior performance compared with that of 3D CS-MRCP or 3D GRASE-MRCP. Deep learning reconstruction also provides a comparable image quality but with inferior main pancreatic duct compared with that revealed by 2D MRCP. Key Points: • 3D breath-hold MRCP with deep learning reconstruction (3D DL-CS-MRCP) demonstrated improved image quality compared with that of 3D MRCP with compressed sensing or GRASE. • Compared with 2D MRCP, 3D DL-CS-MRCP had superior performance in SNR and CNR, better visualization of the left second-level intrahepatic bile ducts, and comparable overall image quality, but an inferior main pancreatic duct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To find the risk of time thresholds of PROM for infectious diseases of term neonates. A multi-center prospective cohort study including pregnancies with PROM at term with a single fetus were conducted. Time thresholds of the duration from PROM to delivery were examined in 2-h increments to assess the rates of infectious neonatal diseases. 7019 pregnancies were included in the study. Neonatal pneumonia and sepsis were most frequent infectious diseases in neonates born from mother with PROM at term. Rates of early-onset pneumonia varied significantly when comparing length of time of PROM greater than 16 h vs. less than 16 h (for EOP in 3 days of life, adjusted OR 1.864, 95% CI 1.159 ~ 2.997, p = 0.010; for EOP in 7 days of life, adjusted OR 1.704, 95% CI 1.104 ~ 2.628, p = 0.016). Neonates born from mother of whom the length of time from PROM to delivery ≥ 16 h were at a higher risk of acquiring EOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry eye disease (DED), a multifactorial ocular surface disease, is estimated to affect up to 34% of individuals over 50 years old. Although numerous animal models, including rodents and rabbits, have been developed to mimic the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in dry eye, there is a lack of non-human primate (NHP) models, critical for translational drug studies. Here, we developed a novel desiccating stress-induced dry eye disease model using Rhesus macaque monkeys. The monkeys were housed in a controlled environment room for 21 to 36 days under humidity, temperature, and airflow regulation. Following desiccating stress, NHPs demonstrated clinical symptoms similar to those of humans, as shown by increased corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) and decreased tear-film breakup time (TFBUT). Moreover, corticosteroid treatment significantly reduced CFS scoring, restored TFBUT, and prevented upregulation of tear proinflammatory cytokines as observed in dry eye patients following steroid treatment. The close resemblance of clinical symptoms and treatment responses to those of human DED patients provides great translational value to the NHP model, which could serve as a clinically relevant animal model to study the efficacy of new potential treatments for DED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mg is a macronutrient for plant growth. Mg deficiency has become an important limiting factor in intensive agricultural production, resulting in reduced crop yield and quality. Given that Mg is also essential for human and animals' diets, Mg nutrition in plants has become an important issue not only for food security but also for human health. Scope: We review recent progress in physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying Mg biological functionality, as well as Mg transport and Mg deficiency symptoms in plants. Conclusions: As both a structural component and a regulatory factor, Mg helps plants achieve higher photosynthetic efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency and stress resistance. Plants need a certain range of Mg concentration for their growth, and a number of key genes responsible for Mg uptake, translocation and detoxification have been identified. Despite its functional importance, basic researches on Mg nutrition are still scarce. A deeper investigation of the genetic and molecular mechanisms employed in Mg nutrition will help to improve crop yield and intensify Mg application in the field. Developing more approaches to enhance Mg concentration in crop edible parts is urgently required for human diet and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), causes high mortality around the world. Previous studies have suggested that the metabolic pattern of tumor is associated with tumor response to immunotherapy and patient's survival outcome. Yet, this relationship in LUAD is still unknown. Methods: Therefore, in this study, we identified the immune landscape in different tumor subtypes classified by metabolism-related genes expression with a large-scale dataset (tumor samples, n = 2181; normal samples, n = 419). We comprehensively correlated metabolism-related phenotypes with diverse clinicopathologic characteristics, genomic features, and immunotherapeutic efficacy in LUAD patients. Results: And we confirmed tumors with activated lipid metabolism tend to have higher immunocytes infiltration and better response to checkpoint immunotherapy. This work highlights the connection between the metabolic pattern of tumor and tumor immune infiltration in LUAD. A scoring system based on metabolism-related gene expression is not only able to predict prognosis of patient with LUAD but also applied to pan-cancer. LUAD response to checkpoint immunotherapy can also be predicted by this scoring system. Conclusions: This work revealed the significant connection between metabolic pattern of tumor and tumor immune infiltration, regulating LUAD patients' response to immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the clinical features and the risk factors for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Talaromyces marneffei (TM) co-infections in HIV-negative patients. A multicenter retrospective study in 13 hospitals, and a systematic literature review were performed of original articles published in English related to TM/NTM co-infections. HIV-negative patients with TM and NTM co-infections comprised Group 1; TM-only infection Group 2; NTM-only infection Group 3; and healthy volunteers Group 4. Univariate logistic analysis was used to estimate the potential risk factors of TM/NTM co-infections. A total of 22 cases of TM and NTM co-infections were enrolled. Of these, 17 patients (77.3%) had a missed diagnosis of one of the TM or NTM pathogens. The anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies (AIGAs) titer, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil counts (N), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), globulin, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels of Group 1 were higher than those of the other groups, whereas the levels of CD4+T cells was lower than those of other groups. There was a significant negative correlation between the AIGA titers and the number of CD4+T cells (P < 0.05). Factors including the ratio of the actual values to the cut-off values of AIGAs, WBC, N, HGB, CD4+T cells, IgG, IgM, IgA, serum globulin, ESR, and CRP were taken as potential risk factors for TM and NTM co-infection. Most patients with TM and NTM co-infection had a missed diagnosis of one of the TM or NTM pathogens. The levels of AIGAs, WBC, N, ESR, and CRP in TM and NTM co-infections were remarkably higher than in mono-infection. High-titer AIGAs may be a potential risk factor and susceptibility factor for co-infection of TM and NTM in HIV-negative hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactide (PLA), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB-co-4HB)), and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) ternary blends were prepared by extrusion blending. The biodegradable PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB)/PBAT films were successfully obtained by using blown films technique. Excellent stiffness-toughness balance was achieved for 55/10/35 PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB)/PBAT film. The tensile strength reached 33.0 MPa (MD) and 23.5 MPa (TD), the elongation at break exceeded 130 %, and tear strength exceeded 110 kN/m. The Young's modulus as low as about 1800 MPa also met packaging applications. SEM observations revealed rough and long ligaments, indicating that the tear specimens were broken yieldingly. The addition of PBAT elastomers was the main reason for the improved toughness of the film. From DMA and SEM analysis, it was demonstrated that PLA, P(3HB-co-4HB), and PBAT were partially compatible. With increasing P(3HB-co-4HB) content, the melt and cold crystallization of PLA was promoted. The enzymatic degradation experiments indicated that the films had good biodegradability. These findings gave important implications for designing and manufacturing biodegradation package of high biological carbon content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex geological and hydrogological conditions under the unconsolidated and confined aquifer in the Qidong coal mine have resulted in serious water-inrush hazards. Multi-information superposition was used to predict water inrush areas. Six controlling factors (the specific yield, the effective thickness and load transfer coefficient of the aquifer, the fractal dimensional value of bedrock faults, the effective thickness of the protective bedrock layer, and the distance between the key hard stratum and the primary mineable coal seam) were selected, and a multi-information superposition model was established. Relatively safe areas and medium and higher risk areas were identified using a geographic information system (GIS) and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Using the no. 71 primary coal seam in the northern portion of the Qidong mine as an example, the water-inrush areas predicted by the model aligned with observed conditions, which validates the multi-information superposition model. Potential inrush areas of the no. 61, 82, and 9 primary coal seams in the southern portion of the Qidong mine were subsequently identified using this method, which will aid future mining operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental studies were performed to investigate the effects of methane addition on the combustion characteristics of Chinese RP-3 kerosene/air mixture. Experiments were in a combustion vessel and the influences of methane addition on the flame propagation characteristic, Markstein length and laminar burning velocity of CH4/RP-3/air mixture at initial temperature of 420 K, initial pressure of 0.1 MPa, equivalence ratios of 0.8-1.3 and methane additions of 0.0-0.8 were investigated. Results show that with the increase of equivalence ratio, the flame front of RP-3/air mixture becomes unstable and a cellular flame structure is observed when the equivalence ratio increases to 1.3, but at the equivalence ratio of 1.3, the increased methane addition can make the flame front stable significantly. With the increase of equivalence ratio from 0.8 to 1.3, laminar burning velocities of CH4/RP-3/air mixture first increase and then decrease; the effect of methane addition on laminar burning velocity is not evident at the equivalence ratios of 0.9-1.1, but when the equivalence ratio is larger than 1.1, laminar burning velocities with methane addition of 0.8 are always the slowest. The Markstein length decreases with the increase of equivalence rati; at equivalence ratio of 0.8 the Markstein length decreases with the increase of methane addition, and with the increase of equivalence ratio the influence of methane addition on Markstein length becomes less significant and irregular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) is reported to be dysregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the functions of UCA1 in HCC still need further study. The aim is to detect the role of UCA1 involving in HCC cells proliferation and invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods: The quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the UCA1 and miR-203 expression levels in 60 cases' HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Western blotting analysis was performed to detect the EMT markers E-cadherin, Vimentin and transcription factor Snail1, Snail2 expression. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull-down assays were used to evaluate whether miR-203 was a target of UCA1. Results: Our results showed that UCA1 was markedly upregulated in HCC tissues and higher UCA1 expression in HCC was positively associated with tumor size, vascular invasion and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, gain-of-function and loss-of-function analysis showed that UCA1 knockdown inhibited HCC cells proliferation and invasion in vitro and xenograft tumour growth in vivo. Moreover, UCA1 overexpression promoted cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC via effectively sponging to miR-203 and thereby activating the expression of transcription factor Snail2. Conclusions: Our results identified that UCA1/miR-203/Snail2 pathway might involve in HCC progression. Inhibition of UCA1 acted as a promising therapeutic target for HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, predictive models based on machine learning techniques have proven to be feasible and effective in drug discovery. However, to develop such a model, researchers usually have to combine multiple tools and undergo several different steps (e.g., RDKit or ChemoPy package for molecular descriptor calculation, ChemAxon Standardizer for structure preprocessing, scikit- learn package for model building, and ggplot2 package for statistical analysis and visualization, etc.). In addition, it may require strong programming skills to accomplish these jobs, which poses severe challenges for users without advanced training in computer programming. Therefore, an online pipelining platform that integrates a number of selected tools is a valuable and efficient solution that can meet the needs of related researchers. Results: This work presents a web-based pipelining platform, called ChemSAR, for generating SAR classification models of small molecules. The capabilities of ChemSAR include the validation and standardization of chemical structure representation, the computation of 783 1D/2D molecular descriptors and ten types of widely-used fingerprints for small molecules, the filtering methods for feature selection, the generation of predictive models via a step-by-step job submission process, model interpretation in terms of feature importance and tree visualization, as well as a helpful report generation system. The results can be visualized as high-quality plots and downloaded as local files. Conclusion: ChemSAR provides an integrated web-based platform for generating SAR classification models that will benefit cheminformatics and other biomedical users. It is freely available at: . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barrier pillars are an effective and fundamental measure to prevent water inrush when mining shallow coal seams under an unconsolidated, confined aquifer. Based on the complex geological and hydrogeological conditions in the southern area of the Qidong coal mine, the no. 6 coal seam there was selected for a research demonstration. A fluid-solid coupled numerical simulation was carried out using the universal distinct element code. The hydraulic pressures and seepage rates in overlying strata were analyzed for two mining cases, near the aquifer and near the fault. The results showed that the degree of interconnection between the bed-separated and vertical fractures, and increases in hydraulic pressures and seepage rates in overlying strata were key factors in predicting potential water inrush when mining shallow coal seams under an unconsolidated, confined aquifer. Combining the numerical simulation results with China's coal mining requirements, the no. 6 coal seam can be mined up to 90 m beneath the unconsolidated, confined aquifer, which limits mining to an altitude of −509.36 m. The width of the barrier pillar should be 30.7 m near the fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a sequence-tag-based search engine, Open-pFind, to identify peptides in an ultra-large search space that includes coeluting peptides, unexpected modifications and digestions. Our method detects peptides with higher precision and speed than seven other search engines. Open-pFind identified 70–85% of the tandem mass spectra in four large-scale datasets and 14,064 proteins, each supported by at least two protein-unique peptides, in a human proteome dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a regulator of coagulation, abnormal Protein Z (PZ) expression may lead to the formation of blood clots in humans. While previous studies have shown that PZ protein is altered in several types of cancer, however, additional observations are needed to understand the complex biology involved. Herein, we investigated local alterations in PZ expression in lung adenocarcinomas by measuring gene and protein expression in both cancerous and normal lung tissues. Twenty-two (22) specimens of lung adenocarcinoma and 22 specimens of normal lung tissues from human patients were compared for the expression of PZ. In addition, A549 adenocarcinoma cells were compared to a normal epithelial cell line, 16-HBE, for in vitro PZ expression. In tissues and cells, PZ protein and gene expression were determined using western blot, immunohistochemistry and PCR. Lung adenocarcinoma tissues showed elevated expression of both PZ mRNA and protein compared with healthy tissue. Only protein expression was increased in cultured cell lines, which holds implications for the dominant source of PZ in tissues, as well as protein modifications necessary for PZ function. Protein Z appears to be associated with the presence of lung adenocarcinoma and may be a viable prognostic biomarker for lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More and more evidences from network biology indicate that most cellular components exert their functions through interactions with other cellular components, such as proteins, DNAs, RNAs and small molecules. The rapidly increasing amount of publicly available data in biology and chemistry enables researchers to revisit interaction problems by systematic integration and analysis of heterogeneous data. Currently, some tools have been developed to represent these components. However, they have some limitations and only focus on the analysis of either small molecules or proteins or DNAs/RNAs. To the best of our knowledge, there is still a lack of freely-available, easy-to-use and integrated platforms for generating molecular descriptors of DNAs/RNAs, proteins, small molecules and their interactions. Results: Herein, we developed a comprehensive molecular representation platform, called BioTriangle, to emphasize the integration of cheminformatics and bioinformatics into a molecular informatics platform for computational biology study. It contains a feature-rich toolkit used for the characterization of various biological molecules and complex interaction samples including chemicals, proteins, DNAs/RNAs and even their interactions. By using BioTriangle, users are able to start a full pipelining from getting molecular data, molecular representation to constructing machine learning models conveniently. Conclusion: BioTriangle provides a user-friendly interface to calculate various features of biological molecules and complex interaction samples conveniently. The computing tasks can be submitted and performed simply in a browser without any sophisticated installation and configuration process. BioTriangle is freely available at .[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extruded large-scale thick-walled pipes made from Inconel 625 alloy are widely used in many fields such as in the oil and chemical industry, thermal power generation, nuclear power plant, aerospace, and defense industry. However, the nonuniform distribution of grain size along the thickness and length directions of the extruded pipe always appears, which has a great influence on the mechanical property and uniformity of the pipe. The inhomogeneous distribution of the exit temperature in the entire extrusion process is the decisive factor leading to the grain nonuniformity of the extruded pipe. Therefore, it is necessary but difficult to reveal the evolution of the exit temperature under some key extrusion parameters in order to effectively control the exit temperature uniformity. In this paper, a thermomechanical coupled finite element (TMC-FE) model, which can precisely predict the hot deformation behavior of the extrusion process for large-scale thick-walled Inconel 625 pipe, has been firstly developed based on the DEFORM-2D platform. And then, the influence of key extrusion parameters, namely extrusion speed ( V), initial billet temperature ( T), extrusion ratio ( λ), and friction ( μ), on the exit temperature was revealed by comprehensive simulations. In addition, using the standard deviation of exit temperature (SD) as the measure indicator of the exit temperature uniformity, we also disclosed the influence of the key process parameters on the exit temperature uniformity in detail. The results show that with the increase of V, T, and μ, the uniformity of exit temperature in the entire process firstly becomes better and then gets worse. The larger λ can result in a more uniform exit temperature. In consideration of the obtained results, within the feasible window of the key extrusion parameters defined in this paper, the conditions of T = 1,100-1,150 °C, V = 125-150 mm/s, μ = 0.015-0.02, and a larger extrusion ratio ( λ) are suggested for the extrusion of large-scale thick-walled Inconel 625 pipe in order to get more uniform exit temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reasonable dielectric fluid velocity and better exclusion of debris are very important to obtain a stable machining performance in multi-cutting of WEDM-HS. We investigated the dynamic characteristics of multi-cutting wire electrode in WEDM-HS subjected to working fluid considering the effect of debris. First, a fluid-solid coupling nonlinear vibration model is derived by analyzing the forces acting on the multi-cutting wire which locate in the dielectric fluid. The additional axial force arising from the transverse vibration of the multi-cutting wire is considered as a nonlinear term in the model. Considering that the debris accumulation in discharge gap severely influences the stability of multi-cutting wire electrode, the relationship between the debris volume concentration and debris-working fluid two-phase flow drag coefficient is obtained using the Einstein two-phase flow viscosity theory. Finally, the influences of several parameters on the multi-cutting wire displacement are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Persistence of hip dysplasia into adolescence and adulthood can lead to an abnormal gait, which would do harm to patients' physiological and psychological health. The aim of this study was to summarize our results of tibial lengthening for reconstruction of limb length discrepancy in Crowe Type IV developmental dysplasia of hip in adulthood. Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2002, 11 patients' limb length discrepancy in Crowe Type IV developmental dysplasia of hip was treated by tibial lengthening. There were 8 women and 3 men, aged from 18 to 25 years, averaged 21.2 years. The limb length discrepancy was 4.0-7.1 cm. Results: Eleven patients were followed up for a mean of 110 months. The limping was much improved from a moderate or severe degree to a mild degree in all patients. In the group of callus distraction with external fixation, the average external fixation index was 37.0 days/cm. In the group of callus distraction over an intramedullary nail, the average external fixation index was 16.6 days/cm, and the mean radiographic consolidation index was 34.4 days/cm. The extent of lengthening ranged from 4.0 to 7.0 cm. Conclusions: Tibial lengthening may be a reliable treatment for untreated unilateral developmental dysplasia of hip in adolescents without pain but eager for improving limping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient deep-red organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) were investigated based on the blend of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) with 4,7-bis(5-(7-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[c] [1,2,5] thiadiazole (compound 1). By optimizing the blend ratio, the turn-on voltage of the devices was significantly reduced from 4.9 V to 2.4 V. A highest external quantum efficiency of 2.56% was achieved at a blend ratio of 95:5 (wt) for compound 1: MEH-PPV. The CIE coordinate was measured to be (0.70, 0.30), with the luminescence peak at around 680 nm. Based on experimental observations the improvement mechanism is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined study of zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating, trace elements and Hf isotope was carried out for gneissic granite from the Sanzhishu area in Jingning, SW Zhejiang Province. Nearly all the zircons separated from the granite exhibited oscillatory zoning and high Th/U ratios (>0.1). The REE profile showed a pronounced positive Ce anomaly, negative Eu anomaly and an enrichment of HREE, which are typical characteristics of magmatic zircon. Thirteen concordant or nearly concordant analytical data yielded a weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 1860±13 Ma (MSWD=0.084), representing the formation age of the granite. The magmatic zircons had negative ϵHf(t) values of -15.6 to -10.0 and two-stage Hf model ages of 3.1 to 3.4 Ga, indicating that the granites were formed by reworking of ancient crust. The major- and trace-element data indicate that the gneissic granites are metaluminous high-K calc-alkaline rocks and exhibit the same geochemical characteristics as aluminous A-type granites, implying the emplacement of the granite in a post-orogenic extensional tectonic setting. We conclude that the Paleoproterozoic crustal reworking event in the Cathaysia Block of South China marked the transition from assembly to break-up of the Columbia supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quasielastic scattering angular distribution of 17C from a carbon target at 40MeV/nucleon was measured using the inverse kinematics method. The analysis of the experimental data was started using the optical model. The data were reproduced very well and the optical potential in the Woods-Saxon form was obtained. Within the framework of the coupled-channel method, the contribution from the inelastic channels to the experimental data is found significant at large angles. A systematic analysis of the elastic/quasielastic scattering of 11-13,17C + 12C was performed as well. The present work indicates that 17C is a normal nucleus whose radius is not anomalously large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a meta-analysis to elucidate the associations of the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with TERT promoter mutations. A literature search was performed of the PubMed and EMBASE databases using Medical Subject Headings and keywords. Individual study-specific odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The average prevalence rate of TERT promoter mutations was 10.1%. TERT promoter mutations occurred more frequently in patients with larger tumors (p = 0.003). TERT promoter mutations were associated with advanced stage (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 2.22-4.36), lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.12-2.96), distant metastasis (OR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.61-10.81), BRAF mutation positivity (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.45-3.24), recurrence (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.83-8.34), and mortality (OR = 8.13, 95% CI = 3.77-17.53). The associations of TERT promoter mutations with extrathyroidal invasion (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 0.96-4.07), unifocality (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 0.90-2.07), and vascular invasion (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 0.92-2.30) were not significant. TERT promoter mutations are closely associated with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and poorer prognosis in PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) seeded on biomaterials can effectively promote diabetic ischemic wound healing. However, the function of transplanted EPCs is negatively affected by a high-glucose and ischemic microenvironment. Our experiments showed that EPC autophagy was inhibited and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was increased in diabetic patients, while adenosine treatment decreased the energy requirements and increased the autophagy levels of EPCs. In animal experiments, we transplanted a biomaterial seeded with EPCs onto the surface of diabetic wounds and found that adenosine-stimulated EPCs effectively promoted wound healing. Increased microvascular genesis and survival of the transplanted cells were also observed in the adenosine-stimulated groups. Interestingly, our study showed that adenosine increased the autophagy of the transplanted EPCs seeded onto the biomaterial and maintained EPC survival at 48 and 96 hours. Moreover, we observed that adenosine induced EPC differentiation through increasing the level of autophagy. In conclusion, our study indicated that adenosine-stimulated EPCs seeded onto a biomaterial significantly improved wound healing in diabetic mice; mechanistically, adenosine might maintain EPC survival and differentiation by increasing high glucose-inhibited EPC autophagy and maintaining cellular energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]