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For any rank 1 nonpositively curved surface $ M $ M , it was proved by Burns-Climenhaga-Fisher-Thompson that for any $ q q < 1 , there exists a unique equilibrium state $ \mu_q $ μ q for $ q\varphi^u $ q φ u , where $ \varphi^u $ φ u is the geometric potential. We show that as $ q\to 1- $ q → 1 − , the weak-* limit of $ \mu_q $ μ q is the restriction of the Liouville measure to the regular set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is based on traditional cellular automata models in which each cell has one of the finite distinct states at any given time. Cellular automata refer to the use of Coulombic contact rather than wires to connect cells. The discrete character of cellular automata and quantum mechanics have been exploited to develop nano-scale devices that can conduct computations with high switching frequency and low power dissipation. QCA has been utilized in many categories for fault-tolerant and reversible logic computing. On the other hand, the morphology algorithm is an area of image processing that provides a unified methodology and strong tools for image/video processing applications. This work proposes a unique fault-tolerant approach based on QCA to execute the morphological operations in image processing. Two fault-tolerant 5-input majority gates are employed in the implemented QCA architecture, and a control line is used to accomplish dilation and erosion. To assess the capabilities of the proposed fault-tolerant circuit for morphological procedures, its performance is analyzed and confirmed. The proposed design is compared to earlier results, which significantly improve fault-tolerant ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense-granule deficiency (DGD) is an inherited platelet disorder due to the absence of dense granules essential for activation of platelets in the event of vascular injury. Decreased platelet dense granules can be detected by electron microscopy, while other tests of hemostasis, including platelet function analyzer (PFA®) closure times, may be normal. The present case report describes a patient with a lifelong history of mucocutaneous bleeding and excessive hemorrhage with resection of vestibular Schwannoma. After hemostasis was obtained the case was aborted and the neurosurgeon noted bleeding resembled as if patient was on an antiplatelet drug. Subsequent hematologic workup revealed a severe platelet function disorder. There is a paucity of literature on management of intracranial neurosurgery in patients with inherited platelet disorders. Patients undergoing major surgical procedures often receive tranexamic acid (TXA), desmopressin, and/or human-leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched platelet transfusions. We review the clinical management of intracranial tumor surgery, as well as Cyberknife radiosurgery, in our patient with DGD. After diagnosis was known, thoughtful hemostatic planning with empiric platelet transfusions and TXA prevented recurrent bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are located near CpG sites have the potential to influence DNA methylation levels, leading to distinct patterns of DNA methylation. These methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTLs) can influence methylation levels across the entire genome, thereby impacting phenotypic traits. In this study, we utilised reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS) to analyse DNA methylation in muscle tissue samples collected from 140 Yorkshire pigs. Additionally, we assessed SNPs using the Porcine 50K chip, examined 17 fatty acid traits, and conducted epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Our investigation revealed numerous associations between DNA methylation and fatty acid traits, including C16:0, C18:0, C20:3n-3, and C22:6n-3. Notably, a substantial portion of these associations was specifically identified by EWAS and not GWAS. Subsequently, we performed GWAS to identify meQTLs using methylation levels of significant CpGs from the EWAS as traits. The results revealed the predominance of trans-meQTLs; however, we also discovered a cis-meQTL on SSC12. Finally, we reported a crucial CpG site (SSC12:3735523) and its cis-meQTL on SSC12, which are located in close proximity to the FASN gene. Our findings contribute to the identification of CpG sites and their cis-meQTLs associated with fatty acid traits, utilising comprehensive genome and methylome data. Moreover, our study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying fatty acid traits in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we reported a novel emulsion copolymerization of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) with amphipathic monomer poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) by using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as emulsifier and K2S2O8/NaHSO3 as redox initiator. Owing to the multifunctionality of PEGMA that can serve as co-monomer and 'emulsifier', the emulsion copolymerization is achieved successfully and the interesting results demonstrate quite different features such as:(1) the stable P[(VC)-co-(PEGMA)] latex is obtained only when the mass ratio of PEGMA > 10% (to total monomer mass), (2) a small amount of ionic emulsifier SDS is required to achieve a stable latex, and (3) the mechanism of the micellar formation is different from the typical emulsion polymerization. Unexpectedly, the obtained copolymer formed high content of gel fraction which is mainly caused by the chain transfer reaction of the PVC growth chain radical to the hydrogen atom of the methylene from alkoxy (-OCH2CH2-) of the PEGMA oligomer chain. However, it could be inhibited effectively by the addition of chain transfer agent 2-mercaptoethanol (2-MCE). Subsequently, the properties of as-obtained P[(VC)-co-(PEGMA)] copolymer are evaluated carefully and it exhibited unique features such as self-plasticization, lower Tg (decreased from 83.1 to 59.6 °C), higher heat resistance (increased from 270 to 290 °C), hydrophilic, and high transparent in comparison to pure PVC. These outstanding features of the P[(VC)-co-(PEGMA)] copolymer offered a potential route for the functional modifications of PVC and broadened its further use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) can reduce the incidence of graft versus host disease (GVHD) and this intervention is often applied on adults with hematologic malignancy. However, the high relapse rate hinders the development of the intervention and data of PTCy used on children with hematologic malignancy remains limited. In order to overcome issue of high relapse rate in PTCy treatment, we used fludarabine (Flu), enhanced dose of cytarabine (Ara-C, 9 g/m2), busulfan (Bu), Cy, anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) combined with PTCy for an intensified conditioning regimen. A total of 22 children with acute leukemia received intensified PTCy conditioning regimen (PTCy intensified group). We matched with 18 children who received modified Bu-Cy and ATG conditioning regimen in the same period (ATG group). The two-year cumulative incidences of grade II–IV acute GVHD was significantly lower in PTCy intensified group (13.6 ± 7.7% vs 38.9 ± 11.5%, P = 0.048). Two-year GVHD-free relapse free survival (GRFS) in PTCy seems to be better among the increment group despite not being significant (63.3 ± 10.3% vs 35.4 ± 11.9%, P = 0.092). The positive rate of minimal residual disease after transplantation was significantly lower than that before transplantation (20.0% vs 2.5%, P = 0.029). In conclusion, ATG and PTCy combined with Flu-based increased intensity conditioning regimen is effective for acute leukemia in children. It could reduce GVHD rate significantly and potentially improve GRFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very important to develop a new therapeutic strategy to cope with the increasing morbidity and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD). As a kind of physical therapy, low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has remarkable anti-inflammatory and repair-promoting effects and is expected to become a new therapeutic method for CKD. This study aims to clarify the treatment effect of LIPUS on CKD-related renal inflammation and fibrosis, and to further explore the potential signal network of LIPUS treatment for ameliorating chronic renal injury. A rat model simulating the progress of CKD was established by twice tail-vein injection of Adriamycin (ADR). Under anesthesia, bilateral kidneys of CKD rats were continuously stimulated by LIPUS for four weeks. The parameters of LIPUS were 1.0 MHz, 60 mW/cm2, 50% duty cycle and 20 min/d. LIPUS treatment effectively inhibited ADR-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis, and improved CKD-related to oxidative stress and ferroptosis. In addition, the therapeutic effect of LIPUS is closely related to the regulation of TGF-β1/Smad and Nrf2/keap1/HO-1 signalling pathways. This study provides a new direction for further mechanism research and lays an important foundation for clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study studies whether the Social Insurance Law implemented in 2011 affects the stock price crash risk. Using the data of Chinese listed companies from 2006 to 2018, this study uses the difference-in-difference method to show that the Social Insurance Law significantly reduces stock price crash risk, and when the tax department collects social insurance premiums, this inhibitory effect still exists, which depends on its taxation efforts. Mechanism analysis find that Social Insurance Law reduces agency costs and improves the transparency of enterprises, indicating that the behavior of enterprises to hide and hoard bad news is reduced. Finally, these effects are more pronounced for enterprises with poor corporate governance, enterprises in regions with poor marketization, and enterprises with lower media attention. Overall, this study provides new insights into reducing systemic financial risks and improving financial market stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fixed thermostat setpoints and schedules are commonly used in residential building energy simulation and rating. While this approach is simple to implement, it does not represent occupants with varying preferences. In this study, based on field data from 102 households in three Australian cities, two alternative thermostat setting approaches were investigated. The first method (Probability Distribution Approach) uses all the values in a thermostat settings probability distribution generated from the field data. This was compared with a more straightforward method, where the thermostat settings were derived by applying weighted average thermostat settings. Both approaches were benchmarked against a series of simulations that used randomly generated thermostat settings with the same thermostat settings probability distributions. Results show that the Probability Distribution Approach matches better the benchmarking results (CV(RMSE) 1-8%) than the weighted average method (CV(RMSE) 9-37%), particularly for cooling demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate fiber/matrix bonding properties, the average shear stress is generally used as the interface strength without considering the intensity of singular stress field (ISSF) at the interface ends. In this paper, therefore, how to calculate the ISSF is described in detail at the fiber entry point of the single-fiber under pull-out test. Recent studies showed the ISSF method is quite useful for controlling the debonding strength. As a reference solution, the ISSFs at the fiber entry point are tabulated and illustrated under arbitrary material combination for the specific geometry. By applying the proportional method with this reference solution, the ISSF can be calculated for other geometries conveniently. As an example, the ISSFs of Glass fiber and Carbon fibers are shown to be obtained from the reference solution within 1 percent error. Utilizing those results, the difference between the pull-out test and the micro-bond test is discussed by varying the reinforced fiber properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of 6,9-dihydrofuro[3,2-f]quinoline-8-carbonitrile derivatives were prepared, via one-pot reaction of ethyl 5-aminobenzofuran-2-carboxylate, aromatic aldehydes and 3-oxo-3-phenylpropanenitrile in ethanol as a solvent at reflux. The advantages of this protocol include mild reaction conditions, easy purification, high yields, and catalyst-free approach. IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS spectras were used to identify the structures of all the synthesized compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient eco-friendly procedure for the synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,11'-pyrazolo[3,4-a]acridine]-2,10'(1'H)-dione derivatives has been developed through a one-pot three-component condensation of 1H-indazol-6-amine, isatin, and 5,5-dimethyl cyclohexane-1,3-dione or cyclohexane-1,3-dione, in the presence of catalytic amount L-proline in EtOH at 60 °C conditions. The advantages of this protocol include mild reaction condition, green, and nontoxic solvent, high yield, and operational simplicity. IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS spectras, and elemental analyses were used to identify the structures of all the synthesized compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effectiveness and safety of irradiation stent insertion for patients with distal biliary obstruction (DBO) secondary to primary common biliary cancer. Eighty-two consecutive patients with DBO secondary to primary common biliary cancer were treated via either normal (n = 45) or irradiation stenting (n = 37) between January 2013 and December 2019. The instant and long-term outcomes were compared. Technical success rates of normal and irradiation stenting were both 100%. Clinical success rates of normal and irradiation stenting were 91.1 and 100%, respectively (p =.179). Stent reobstruction was observed in 13 and 7 patients in the normal and irradiation stenting groups, respectively (p =.295). The median stent patency was 162 and 225 days in the normal and irradiation stenting groups, respectively (p <.001). The median survival was 178 and 250 days in the normal and irradiation stenting groups, respectively (p <.001). Cholangitis was, respectively, observed in 8 and 12 patients in normal and irradiation stenting groups (p =.124). Irradiation stenting is effective and safe for patients with DBO secondary to primary common biliary cancer and can prolong stent patency and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our work is to formulate teicoplanin-loaded lipid liquid-crystalline (cubosomes) nanoparticles laden gel to sustain the release of teicoplanin for effective treatment of infected bone. Cubosomal gels were prepared by emulsification technique. The batches were characterised for morphology, size, entrapment efficacy, viscosity, in-vitro flux, in-vivo drug release and histopathological studies. Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the bi-continuous liquid crystalline phase. The size (61–202 nm), viscosity (12 138–13 132 cp), and entrapment efficacy (69.0–81.8% w/w) increase with the level of glycerol monooleate. The in-vitro flux data showed sustain teicoplanin release from the cubosomal gels for 36 days, compared to 48 h from the control gel. The in-vivo teicoplanin release study (osteomyelitis induced by S. aureus) showed low serum drug-concentration from the gel (up to 14 days) compared to high-serum drug-concentration using intravenous injections. In conclusion the study demonstrated the potential of cubosomes for effective delivery of teicoplanin to replace injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercetin is a plant-derived polyphenol flavonoid that has been proven to be effective for many diseases. However, the mechanism and in vivo metabolism of quercetin remains to be clarified. It achieves a wide range of biological effects through various metabolites, gut microbiota and its metabolites, systemic mediators produced by inflammation and oxidation, as well as by multiple mechanisms. The all-round disease treatment of quercetin is achieved through the organic combination of multiple channels. Therefore, this article clarifies the metabolic process of quercetin in the body, and explores the new pattern of action of quercetin in the treatment of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Methods Results Conclusion To report a case of alternate herpes simplex virus (HSV)-related inflammation in the cornea and retina in over two decades.Penetrating keratoplasty was performed for HSV stromal keratitis, which had occurred repeatedly over the earlier 7 years, in 2004, and vitrectomy was performed for acute retinal necrosis (ARN) in 2021 in the right eye of the patient. Systemic and topical antivirals and immunosuppressants were administered for HSV reactivation.The viruses remained quiescent for 17 years after keratoplasty until reactivation occurred and triggered ARN. The retina became reattached after vitrectomy. One year after the onset of ARN, the eye developed HSV epithelial keratitis. The opacified corneal graft recovered transparency 1 week after medical treatment.HSV may cause inflammation in different eye tissues within a long time. It is important to be aware of the possibility of uveitis or retinitis in patients with a history of HSV keratitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold caustic extraction (i.e. CCE) is an essential technique for removing hemicellulose from paper-grade pulp and thus obtaining high-purity dissolving pulp in pulp and paper industry. The generated wastewater from the CCE process contains large amounts of valuable hemicellulose which should be properly treated in a cost-effective way. Therefore, in this research, the hemicellulose has been used as a raw material for preparing hemicellulose-graft-polyacrylamide (hemi-g-pAAm) hydrogel particles for efficiently adsorbing methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The mass transfer kinetic behaviours of hemicellulose during a multiple CCE process were also studied. The MB adsorption kinetic test results showed that the removal efficiency can be higher than 90% for the simulated wastewater containing 500 mg/L of MB. Of note, the maximum removal capacities for the wastewater samples containing 500 and 1000 mg/L of MB could be reached up to ∼1800 and ∼2300 (mg/g) respectively with the equilibrium time of ∼40 min. Compared to other reported materials, the superior adsorption performance of the prepared hemicellulose-based hydrogel proved its great potential for application in the wastewater treatment of dye industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae) seed oil (LBSO) exerts LBSO exerts protective effects in the testis in vivo and in vitro via upregulating SIRT3. This study evaluates the effects and mechanism of LBSO in the d-galactose (d-gal)-induced ageing testis. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n = 30, 8-week-old) were randomly divided into three groups: LBSO group (n = 10) where rats received subcutaneous injection of d-gal at 125 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks and intragastric administration of LBSO at 1000 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks, ageing model group (n = 10) received 8-week-sunbcutaneous injection of d-gal, and control group (n = 10) with same administration of normal saline. Lentivirus had established TM4 cells with SIRT3 overexpression or silencing before LBSO intervened in vitro. Treatment with LBSO, the levels of INHB and testosterone both increased, compared to ageing model. In vitro, we found the ED50 of LBSO was 86.72 ± 1.49 and when the concentration of LBSO at 100 μg/mL to intervene TM4 cells, the number of cells increased from 8120 ± 676.2 to 15251 ± 1119, and the expression of SIRT3, HO-1, and SOD upregulated. However, HO-1 and SOD were dysregulated by silencing SIRT3. On the other hand, the expression of AMPK and PGC-1α upregulated as an effect of SIRT3 overexpression by lentivirus, meanwhile the same increasing trend of that being found in cells treated with LBSO, compared to control group. LBSO alleviated oxidative stress in d-gal-induced sub-acutely ageing testis and TM4 cells by suppressing the oxidative stress to mitochondria via SIRT3/AMPK/PGC-1α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating carboxyl group into the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) resin can endow PVC with reactivity in some applications. In this work, poly(vinyl chloride)-co-poly(acrylic acid) random copolymer (PVCA) with low average number molecular weight (Mn, ∼10 k) is synthesized by precipitation polymerization. By tuning acrylic acid dropping rate, the PVCA copolymer with much more uniform copolymer composition is obtained in comparison to all monomer-in process. Subsequently, the PVCA is utilized as a novel polymer modifier for the surface treatment of CaCO3 particles and its effect on the mechanical properties of obtained rigid PVC composites are evaluated systematically. As a result, the PVAC modified CaCO3 particles exhibit uniform dispersibility and excellent compatibility in PVC matrix. Additionally, the thermal stability is improved significantly owing to the calcium ions on the surface of CaCO3 particles, which scavenge the hydrogen chloride and retard the autocatalytic dehydrochlorination process. Impressively, it also has an enhancement both in tensile strength (ca. 46.4 MPa, and 119.8% elongation at break) and in impact strength (2.7 kJ m−2) in comparison to those modified by commercialized agents such as stearic acid and titanate ester. This work provides valuable insights for the preparation of vinyl chloride copolymers and opens a new application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel aggregation-induced emission active molecules (TP-Cn-PETPE, n = 4 and 10) were synthesized, which contain a tetraphenylethene derivative as the emission active moiety, a pentahexyloxytriphenylene core as the mesogenic unit and an alkoxy spacer. Experimental results revealed that these two compounds both had AIE properties, even in the liquid state at room temperature. While only TP-C4-PETPE showed a monotropic liquid crystal phase upon heating. In addition, these two compounds were fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, IR, EA and MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the correlation between proteolytic enzymes and microangiogenesis in degenerative intervertebral disc nucleus. Methods: Forty patients with degenerative disc nucleus pulposus who were admitted to our hospital were selected incase group and 20 healthy subjects were selected into the normal group. The specimens from the case group and the control group were collected to observe the degeneration of nucleus pulposus tissues with different degrees of classification, including H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining, and observe cathepsin such as aminopeptidase and vascular endothelial positive cells. The distribution of microvessels was also performed by the Weidner method. Results: After H&E staining, chondrocytes in the normal group clustered in the cartilage depression under the microscope. The matrix staining was uniform, while the number of chondrocytes in the case group decreased, and the nucleus was lightly stained or disappeared. Immunohistochemistry assay revealed little or no expression of aminopeptidase N (APN) and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) in the nucleus pulposus of the normal group, but noticeable APN and LAP expressions in the degenerative intervertebral disc nucleus. Endothelial cells were stained singly or in clusters by CD31-labeled microvascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Conclusion: The expression level of various proteolytic enzymes such as aminopeptidase in the intervertebral disc and the linear relationship between microvessel formation and nerve fiber ingrowth in the intervertebral disc are helpful to further explore the molecular level of disc degeneration and pathophysiological mechanisms to aid clinical diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial cultivars of kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) can have green-fleshed or yellow-fleshed fruit depending on their chlorophyll degradation ability. In recent years, an increasing number of yellow-fleshed cultivars have been bred in China. However, the mechanisms underlying the flesh colouration of these new cultivars remain elusive. In this study, the pigment contents of the yellow-fleshed cultivar 'Jinshi NO.1' were determined during fruit development, and RNA sequencing was conducted to screen for differentially expressed genes and identify potential candidates for pigment metabolism. The chlorophyll content continuously decreased from 0 days after full bloom (DAFB) (T1) to 189 DAFB (T4), resulting in a more than 30-fold change, while the contents of anthocyanins and carotenoids showed sharp decreases from T1 to 44 DAFB (T2) and remained stable thereafter. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) indicated that the chlorophyll contents were highly correlated with chlorophyll-degradation-related genes, especially three chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (CAB) genes and one stay-green gene (AcSGR1), but no carotenoid-related genes. Furthermore, these genes were found to be highly correlated with 15 transcription factors and 11 hub genes. These results indicate the important role of chlorophyll degradation in the colouration of 'Jinshi NO.1' and provide candidates for further functional characterisation and transcriptional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel printed monopole antenna with simple, low-profile and convenient design is presented in this paper. The antenna composes of a printed monopole antenna and a folded-line stepped impedance resonator (SIR) loaded on the bottom of the substrate. The resonant frequency is decreased by the coupling between the folded-line SIR as the near-field resonant parasitic (NFRP) element and radiation patch of the monopole antenna. The stronger the coupling, the lower the frequency. At the same time, the introduction of the NFRP element does not require an additional circuit for impedance matching, a novel the printed monopole antenna can be achieved. After analyzing the principle of the proposed antenna, a sample antenna has been manufactured and measured to prove the estimated performance of the proposed antenna. The measured results of the proposed antenna are consistent with the simulation, which shows that the design method in this paper is accurate and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethyne is often an unwanted impurity in ethene streams used in plastics industry. Supported Pd catalysts offer high ethyne conversion, but poor ethene selectivity due to over-hydrogenation which leads to the formation of carbonaceous deposits. In this paper, acrylamide was grafted by free radical polymerization onto bagasse pith hemicellulose (to form HEMI-g-AAMs), which was then used as a porous bio-based carrier of Pd nanoparticles. The obtained Pd/HEMI-g-AAMs catalyst showed an ethyne conversion and ethene selectivity of 100% and 94.70%, respectively, at 100 °C and a space velocity of 70,000 h−1. The nitrogen-rich bio-based support regulated the physicochemical properties and catalytic activity of the supported Pd nanoparticles. Results guide the development of new and improved Pd-based catalysts for the partial catalytic hydrogenation of ethyne to ethene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

However, to date, there has been no published data on the surface expression of PD-1/PD-L1 in EM lesions in AML patients. Initial results of an ongoing Phase 1 trial (NCT01822509) using PD-1 inhibitors for patients with AML after SCT showed resolution of EM leukemia in three of the patients [[12]]. The same patient had negative PD-1/PD-L1 expression from the same breast 6 months before the positive testing. Davids et al study of cytotoxic T-cell leukocyte antigen four inhibitor (ipilimumab 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks) for patients who relapsed after allogeneic transplantation notably showed durable complete remission of four of five patients with EM AML lasting more than a year [[11]]. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of this review is to explore the effects of the seminar teaching method versus lecture-based learning (LBL) in the education of medical students by meta-analysis. Data and information available on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, China Science Periodical Database, and Chinese BioMedical were searched and examined from the inception up to January 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of the seminar teaching method versus LBL in medical education were included. A total of 16 RCTs were included, with a total sample size of 1122 medical students. The seminar teaching method significantly improved knowledge scores (SMD = 1.38, 95%CI 0.92–1.84; p < 0.001) and skill scores (SMD = 1.46, 95%CI 1.00–1.91; p < 0.001) and the seminar teaching method significantly improved teaching effects, including active learning ability, learning interest, scientific innovation, and independent thinking ability, expression and communication ability, clinical thinking ability, teamwork, teacher-student interaction, and classroom atmosphere. This meta-analysis showed that the seminar teaching method is an effective method for improving knowledge scores, skill scores, active learning ability, student collaboration, classroom atmosphere, and interaction between teachers and students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional Co(II) complex [Co2(BPDC)2(TMIB)·H2O·DMA]n (1) (TMIB = 1,3,5-tris(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)benzene, H2BPDC = 2-(4-carboxybenzoyl)benzoic acid) has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermogravimetric analyses. 1 is a two-dimensional layer based on [Co(BPDC)]n chains. The solid-state photoluminescence properties and photocatalytic properties for degradation of methylene blue (MB) of 1 were further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in-situ TiB2/Al alloy composites are widely used in the aerospace industry due to excellent properties. Although TiB2/Al alloy composites have been investigated with regard to tool wear, surface defects and cutting force, chip formation is not widely covered but is crucial to understand the machinability. Therefore, milling experiments were conducted to research chip formation, evolution from continuous chips to serrated chips, and machined surface quality. The results show that the chip morphology presented two main forms: continuous chips and serrated chips. The shear angles of the chip tend to be 45° as feed per tooth increases. Compared with TiB2/7075 composites, the chip surfaces of TiB2/2024 composites are more rugged and prone to crack. Some cracks of chips propagate from the bottom to the inside of chips in milling of TiB2/2024 composite, but no similar phenomena appear at the chip surfaces in milling of TiB2/7075 composite. Furthermore, TiB2/Al alloy composites possess better-machined surface quality. Serrated chips deterioration machined surface quality due to the tool vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly ordered nanotubes titanium dioxide (NTs-TiO2) array was fabricated and used as the support of Pt nanoparticles for the selective aqueous phase of glycerol (GLY) electrooxidation. The structure and morphology of the NTs-TiO2/Pt were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, etc. The electrooxidation GLY properties of NTs-TiO2/Pt were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and accelerated service life test. The results show that, compared with bulk Pt and nano-TiO2/Pt, the NTs-TiO2/Pt have the highest service life and electrooxidation activity and selection for GLY. At the reaction condition of 1.2 V potential, the NTs-TiO2/Pt catalyst afforded 67.1% selectivity for the glyceric acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A blood pressure (BP) of 130-139/80-89 mmHg has been defined as stage 1 hypertension by the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Clinical Practice Guidelines. This study was conducted to assess the association of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and newly defined stage 1 hypertension in China. We analyzed the data of 84,489 adults with a BP of <140/90 mmHg. The 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score was calculated using the China-PAR equation. Logistic analysis was used to assess the association between CRFs and stage 1 hypertension. The mean values of CRFs, the proportion of metabolic abnormalities, the prevalence of ≥2 CRFs, and the 10-year CVD risk of individuals with a BP of 130-139/80-89 mmHg were significantly higher than those of the population with a BP of <130/80 mmHg. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were 1.362 (CI 95% = 1.081–1.715, p =.009), 1.264 (CI 95% = 1.093–1.462, p =.002), and 1.331 (CI 95% = 1.009–1.755, p =.043), respectively. Other CRFs were not significantly associated with stage 1 hypertension. Multidisciplinary and targeted interventions are required to manage the CRFs (especially abdominal obesity, elevated FPG, and hypertriglyceridemia) of the population with a BP of 130-139/80-89 mmHg in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of levulinic acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in recent years has shown considerable promise as an antimicrobial intervention. Both ingredients have been designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for being used as a flavoring agent and multipurpose food additive, respectively. The use of levulinic acid and SDS alone has limited antimicrobial efficacy on tested microorganisms, and synergism between levulinic acid and SDS has been observed. The postulated mechanism of action of the synergistic effect is presented. The antimicrobial efficacy of levulinic acid plus SDS remains high even when organic materials are present. The other features, including penetration, foamability, and being readily soluble, extend its potential applications to disinfection of difficult-to-access areas and control of foodborne pathogens both in a planktonic state and in a biofilm. These features indicate that the levulinic acid plus SDS combination may have the potential to be applied within the food processing environment on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how sub-national institutions affect the diversification of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into new businesses. Using a sample of 3240 SMEs in China, we found that the dominance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the development of market systems in a province were related to local SMEs' diversification. Specifically, in provinces dominated by SOEs, SMEs were less likely to diversify into new businesses. The development of market systems tended to reduce the odds of diversification for SMEs that primarily served local markets, and lower the likelihood of unrelated diversification. As a rare attempt to examine the impact of sub-national institutions on SMEs' diversification, this study contributes to the research on diversification, institutions, and SME management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method was developed and validated against numerical simulations for the calculation of ground heat transfer via floors with vertical edge insulations along the external side of walls. Using the new method, heating and cooling energy demand for two typical houses in the eight capital cities of Australian state and territory were evaluated with different vertical edge insulations and full horizontal floor insulations. It was found that for tropical regions such as Darwin, both vertical edge and full horizontal floor insulation have no or little effect on house heating and cooling energy demand. In cooling dominated climates such as Brisbane, full horizontal floor insulation may increase the total heating and cooling energy demand due to the decoupling between the relatively cool ground and the rooms above. For heating dominated climates such as Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart, ground heat loss can contribute up to around half of the total house heating and cooling energy demand. Full horizontal floor insulation can be very effective in these heating dominated climates. For heating and cooling balanced climates such as Adelaide, Perth and Sydney, vertical edge insulation along the external side of the walls is more effective than full floor insulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional Zn(II) complex {[Zn(BMIOPE)(TBIP)]·H2O}n (1) (BMIOPE = 4,4′-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)diphenyl ether, H2TBIP = 5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid) has been synthesized and characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR and elemental analysis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that complex 1 is a two-dimensional (4, 4) layer. The thermal stability, solid-state photoluminescence properties and photocatalytic properties of complex 1 have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat loss from a building through the ground becomes relatively important as the above-grade components of the building fabric are built more energy efficient. For annual space heating and cooling load calculations that require short computation time, with reasonable accuracy, for modelling heat losses to ground through the foundations, this study presents a new correlation-based model. The correlation algorithms were derived from the results of a commercial 3D transient heat transfer program using Artificial Neural Network. We demonstrate that for steady-state heat loss through slab-on-ground, the proposed correlation model agrees with the CSIRO analytical solution within 6.8%, and for transient heat loss through slab-on-ground and basement the new model agrees with a well validated commercial 3D heat transfer program. The new simplified approach presented covers most foundation configurations of interest, with low processing requirements, and is ideal for use in building energy performance simulations due to the short computation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling accurate ground surfaces in urban areas is important for surveying and mapping. Breaklines along roads are critical for both digital elevation models and high precision maps. This article presents a new breakline-preserving ground interpolation method for point clouds acquired by mobile laser scanning (MLS). The proposed method needs only point coordinates as input. It first initializes unknown regions by the nearest neighbouring interpolation then matched patches in known regions are found along edges. Next, Poisson interpolation is utilized to improve the elevation accuracy. An edge-guided patch regularization method is applied before patch blending to remove noise and improve gradient accuracy. The proposed method was tested on two datasets acquired by different MLS systems. This paper quantitatively evaluates the proposed method as well as the existing solution in two samples of complete points. These results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the existing method in terms of visual coherence and mean absolute differences. Moreover, the edge information which is self-contained in point clouds has been proven useful in ground interpolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory effects. In this context, our purpose was to investigate the associated regulatory mechanisms of TMP against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-caused pancreatic β cell Min6 injury. The injury of Min6 cells was induced by 10 μg/mL of LPS. Viability of Min6 cells was detected through CCK-8 assay, apoptosis process through flow cytometry, and the proteins involved in apoptosis through western blot. Insulin secretion was valued through the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assay. microRNA-101 (miR-101) was measured through qRT-PCR. Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) and signaling regulators was measured through western blot. We found that, TMP treatment effectively attenuated LPS-induced injury in Min6 cells by suppressing cell apoptosis and promoting insulin secretion. Further investigation revealed that TMP exerted protective effect through down-regulating miR-101, and MKP-1 was demonstrated as a target of miR-101. Moreover, TMP attenuated LPS-triggered inflammation by inactivating the JNK1/2 and NF-κB through the down-regulation of miR-101. In conclusion, our present study revealed that TMP alleviated LPS-induced injury in pancreatic β-cell Min6 injury via regulation of miR-101/MKP-1 with the bluntness of JNK1/2 and NF-κB pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is the main subtype of IBS, a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which is characterized by dysbiosis of the bowel, causes gastrointestinal symptoms quite similar to IBS-D. However, whether SIBO correlates with IBS-D and its further mechanism remain unknown. Materials and Methods: The study included 60 IBS-D patients that fulfilled Rome IV criteria and 60 healthy controls. All subjects were undergoing a lactose breath test (LBT) to diagnose SIBO. IBS-D patients were further assigned to negative SIBO (SIBO-) subgroup and positive SIBO (SIBO+) subgroup to analyze the scores of symptoms and differences in the fecal microbiota. Results: The prevalence of SIBO in IBS-D patients was higher than that in healthy controls (51.7% vs. 16.7%, p ≤.001). In addition, IBS-SSS in SIBO+ subgroup was significantly higher than SIBO- subgroup (p =.015). The 16S rRNA analyses showed that composition and abundance of fecal microbiota were obviously different between the two subgroups. There was a remarkable increase in Prevotella in IBS-D patients, especially in IBS-D SIBO+ sufferers. Meanwhile, there were a moderately positive correlation of the abundance of Prevotella (rho = 0.458, p ≤.001) with IBS-SSS. Conclusion: SIBO is associated with IBS-D, which may be related to alteration in the intestinal microbiota. These findings suggest the potent role of Prevotella in gastrointestinal symptoms between SIBO and IBS-D, thus provide a novel insight into the connection between SIBO and IBS-D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myelodysplastic syndrome unclassifiable (MDS-U) is a small subtype of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, rare literature exists in terms of natural progression and clinical outcome of patients with MDS-U. In the present study, we investigated the characteristics and the clinical outcomes of patients categorized as MDS-U based on 2008 World Health Organization criteria (WHO) in a single center comparing to other MDS groups. Out of eight hundred and two patients who met WHO criteria for MDS at our institution, ninety patients (11%) were initially classified as MDS-U. Upon pathological review, only half of the cases were confirmed to be MDS-U. With follow up, half of the MDS-U cases were reclassified to another subtype. We found neither significant difference in median overall survival nor in risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia when comparing MDS-U to other MDS groups. Additional larger studies are needed to confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repair of critical-size bone defect remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. With the advent of an aging society and their accompanying chronic diseases, it is becoming more difficult to treat bone defects, especially large segmental bone defects that are caused by trauma, tumors, infections, and congenital malformations. New materials and technologies need to be developed to address these conditions. 3D bioprinting is a novel technology that bridges the biomaterial and living cells and is an important method in tissue engineering projects. 3D bioprinting has the advantages of replacing or repairing damaged tissue and organs. The progress in material science and 3D printing devices make 3D bioprinting a technology which can be used to create various scaffolds with a large range of advanced material and cell types. However, in regard to the widespread use of bioprinting, biosafety, immunogenicity and rising costs are rising to be concerned. This article reviews the developments and applications of 3D bioprinting and highlights newly applied techniques and materials and the recent achievements in the orthopedic field. This paper also briefly reviews the difference between the methods of 3D bioprinting. The challenges are also elaborated with the aim to research materials, manufacture scaffolds, promote vascularization and maintain cell viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between autophagy and radiation damage of human hepatoma cells and to explore the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Materials and methods: HepG2 cells were exposed to X-rays, then the protein expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) were measured by Western blot assay, the formation of autophagosomes was detected by an autophagy detection kit, the intracellular ROS level was measured by flow cytometer, and DNA damage was evaluated by the incidence of micronuclei (MN). A CCK-8 kit was used to measure the proliferation ability of irradiated cells with or without N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) treatment. In some experiments, the hepatoma cells were transferred with LC3 siRNA or PARP-1 siRNA before irradiation. Results: The protein expressions of LC3 and PARP-1 and the inductions of autophagosomes and intracellular ROS were increased in the irradiated HepG2 cells. Pretreatment of cells with NAC relieved the irradiation-induced inhibition of cell proliferation. When HepG2 cells were transfected with the LC3 siRNA, the over-expression of PARP-1 was diminished in the irradiated cells. Compared with the control group, the inhibitions of LC3 and PARP-1 increased ROS level in the irradiated HepG2 cells and hence sensitized radiation responses of both proliferation inhibition and MN induction. Conclusion: Autophagy upregulates the expression of PARP-1 and relieves radiation damage by reducing the generation of ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the clinical outcome of corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive treatment preoperatively in patients with Takayasu's arteritis. Patients and Methods: Forty-six patients with Takayasu's arteritis who received cardiovascular surgery between January 2010 and December 2015 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were enrolled in this study. Their clinical characteristics, preoperative drug therapy, surgical treatment, and pathological examination results were retrospectively analyzed for the effect of drugs on outcome of the surgery. Results: All 8 patients with active disease prior to surgery had postoperative complications including one death due to stubborn perivalvular regurgitation induced heart failure during the perioperative period. Among 38 patients without active disease prior to surgery, only 4 patients (10.5%) had postoperative complications. Thirty-four patients showed symptomatic relief in the perioperative period, of whom 23 patients treated with corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive agents preoperatively. Conclusion: The surgery can effectively improve the symptoms of patients with Takayasu's arteritis. Active disease of Takayasu's arteritis markedly increased risk for postoperative complication and resulted in poor outcome of the surgery. Treatment with corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive agents before surgery can effectively control the patient's condition, improve the rate of remission, and effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations and interactions between the polymorphisms of insulin resistance-related genes (ADIPOQ rs2241766), inflammation factors (TNF-α rs1800629, IL-6 rs1800795), obesity-related genes (GNB3 rs5443, ADRB rs1042714), and risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) such as diet structure in the development of GDM. Materials and methods: This research was conducted among women who visited the third-affiliate hospital of Zhengzhou University for pregnancy checkups from 1 June 2014 to 30 December 2014. Based on the results of a 75-g glucose tolerance test (OGTT), 140 pregnant women with GDM were randomly selected as a part of the GDM group and140 healthy, pregnant women as part of the control group. Relevant clinical and laboratory data for the child and the mother including her pregnancy outcomes and the delivery mode were collected for the epidemiological survey. Results: The results showed that risk factors for GDM are advanced age, the hepatitis B virus, family history of diabetes, high body mass index before pregnancy, and weight gain of ≥10 kg before 24-week gestation. We found that diet structures were severely unbalanced. The polymorphisms rs2241766 and rs5443 were found to potentially be associated with GDM; moreover, a positive interaction was demonstrated between rs2241766 and age, and a negative interaction was demonstrated with weight gain of ≥10 kg before 24-week gestation. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that both environmental risk factors and genetic background contribute to the development of GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]