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The precipitate dissolution and grain growth during the solution treatment of a newly developed Ce‐containing 15Cr–22Ni–1Nb steel are investigated. The dissolution of eutectic NbC is the result of the elements diffusion along the concentration gradients, and honeycomb (Fe,Cr,Ni,Si)2(Nb,Mo) Laves phase transforms into a more stable Mo2C‐type M2C carbide. As the cerium content is increased from 0 to 0.0630 mass%, the area fraction of eutectic precipitates in forged and solution‐treated 15Cr–22Ni steel is decreased first and then increased. For the steel with 0.0055 mass% cerium content, the substantial reduction in the area fraction of precipitates during hot forging and solution treatment is ascribed to the severe abnormal grain growth. In the case of 15Cr–22Ni steel with 0.0019 and 0.0630 mass% cerium content, the average size of austenite grains after solution treatment is reduced, the multipeak development of grain size distribution is restrained, the range of grain size distribution is narrowed, and the variation coefficient of grain growth, the critical size of abnormally grown grain, and the proportion of abnormally grown grain are all decreased. The variation coefficient of grain growth and the critical size of abnormally grown grain in the steel are increased as the solution time is extended, whereas the proportion of abnormally grown grain presents a general trend of reduction. The established mathematical model of grain growth in the paper can be well applied to predict and control the average size of austenite grains in 15Cr–22Ni steel after solution treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids are sap‐feeding plant pests that depend on their symbiotic relationships with the primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola to adapt to impoverished diets. However, how the host plant affects the aphid primary symbiont and aphid adaptation to host plant transfer are poorly known. In this study, aphid symbiont screening and genotype identification were used to establish 2 aphid strains (Rhopalosiphum maidis [Rm] and Rhopalosiphum padi [Rp] strains) containing only Buchnera without any secondary symbionts for both wheat aphid species (R. maidis and R. padi). Aphid fitness and Buchnera titers were unstable on some of these host plants after transferring to novel host plants (G1–G5), which were influenced by host plant species and generations; however, they stabilized after prolonged feeding on the same plants for 10 generations. The electropenetrography (EPG) records showed that the allocation of aphid feeding time was significantly distinct in the 6 host plants; aphids had more intracellular punctures and spent more nonprobing time on green bristlegrass which was not conducive to its growth compared with other plants. The content of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and amino acid in the leaves of the 6 host plants were also clearly separated. The correlation coefficient analysis showed that the nutrient contents of host plants had significant correlations with aphid feeding behaviors, fitness, and Buchnera titers. In the meantime, aphid fitness, and Buchnera titers were also affected by aphid feeding behaviors. Also, Buchnera titers of aphid natural populations on 6 host plants showed a visible difference. Our study deepened our understanding of the interaction among aphids, endosymbionts, and host plants, indicating that the host plant nutrient content is a predominant factor affecting aphid adaptation to their diet, initially affecting aphid feeding behaviors, and further affecting aphid fitness and Buchnera titers, which would further contribute to exploiting new available strategies for aphid control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tendon injuries, often leading to debilitating adhesions, pose significant challenges in clinical practice. Conventional treatments have limitations, necessitating novel strategies. Injectable hydrogels, known for their biocompatibility, have shown promise. To enhance their antiadhesive properties, researchers have started incorporating drugs. Existing drug delivery systems often peak in the initial days, falling short during the fibroblast proliferation phase which occurs ≈1 week after injury. In this research, CI1040 is selected as an antiadhesion drug, encapsulated within zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8(ZIF‐8), and incorporated into oxidized hyaluronic acid/N‐carboxyethyl chitosan(OHA/CEC) hydrogel(Gel), resulting in the synthesis of CI1040@ZIF@Gel. This unique pH‐responsive drug release system involves encapsulating CI1040 within ZIF‐8, a substance that degrades under acidic conditions while remaining stable in physiological environments. This system selectively releases the drug during the fibroblast proliferation phase, responding to the localized pH reduction post‐tendon injury. CI1040@ZIF@Gel exerted a 65% inhibition on extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, reducing the production of collagen types III (Col III) in the adhesion area by 56%. These results indicate that CI1040@ZIF@Gel can effectively inhibit fibroblast proliferation and adhesion through the interleukin 9 receptor/mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase(IL9r/MEK/ERK) pathway, while also acting as a physical barrier to prevent the formation of tendon adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal monitoring of conspecifics is a crucial anti‐predator strategy that also protects infants against risks within the social group. This study examines how maternal characteristics, infant characteristics, mother–infant distance, and the social environment affect maternal monitoring behaviors in free‐ranging Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana). We observed 12 females with infants and analyzed their visual monitoring patterns. Our findings indicate that maternal rank significantly influences the time allocated to maternal visual monitoring, higher‐ranking mothers spending less time than lower‐ranking mothers. Maternal experience also played a role in monitoring strategies. Differences in monitoring strategies were observed based on maternal experience: first‐time mothers (primiparity) engaged in longer but less frequent monitoring sessions compared to experienced mothers (multiparity). The time and frequency of maternal monitoring decreased as infants aged, and mothers with male infants showed higher levels of monitoring than those with female infants. The distance between mother and infant also affected visual monitoring behavior, with mothers increasing their monitoring levels when infants were nearby (1–5 m), rather than within reach (0–1 m) or beyond nearby (>5 m). Additionally, the presence of kin and non‐kin influenced monitoring: as the number of nearby kin increased, monitoring levels decreased, while the presence of more non‐kin males led to an increase in monitoring time, and higher‐ranking non‐kin neighbors increased the frequency of monitoring. These results suggest that Tibetan macaque mothers can adapt their visual monitoring to the social risks faced by their infants, adjusting their strategies to their status and the needs of their offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is a serious symptom of tendon rupture, that leads to peritendinous adhesion and damages the recovery of motor function. Although it is commonly treated using medical therapy, side effects occur in the cardiovascular and genitourinary systems. Electrical stimulation (ES) is a novel alternative to neural modulation. However, its inflammatory inhibitory effect around the tendon has rarely been investigated. Here, an ultraflexible cuff electrode with a thickness of only 3.3 µm is constructed to conformally wrap around the sympathetic chain ganglia for both stimulation and recording. The superior pliancy of the electrode causes less damage to the surrounding tissues and enhances the efficiency of stimulation and recording. ES reduces inflammation‐related factors of IL‐6 and IL‐1β by 51.6% and 19.8%, respectively, and increases the sympathetic nerve neurotransmitter of norepinephrine (NE) by almost an order of magnitude in the ruptured tendon. Sympathetic recordings have also demonstrated that more neural activity is evoked after ES. To the best of the knowledge, this study is the first to verify that the ES of the sympathetic nerve can inhibit inflammation around the tendon, bringing new inspiration for the tendon rupture treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A K2CO3 promoted spirocyclopropanation of thiazole‐derived oxadienes with bromomalonate via 1, 4‐addition‐induced dearomatization strategy has been developed. The pathway features a broad substrate scope, operational simplicity and high degree of synthetic efficiency to afford series of functionalized spiro‐cyclopropanation frameworks in 88 %–96 % yields, which enriches the research contents of thiazole‐derived oxadienes involved reactions. All products obtained herein contain two contiguous quaternary centers and their further synthetic applications are also demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect herbivory challenges plant survival, and coordination of the interactions between growth, herbivore resistance/tolerance is a key problem faced by plants. Based on field experiments into resistance to the Asian corn borer (ACB, Ostrinia furnacalis), we selected 10 inbred maize lines, of which five were resistant and five were susceptible to ACB. We conducted ACB larval bioassays, analysed defensive chemicals, phytohormones, and relative gene expression using RNA‐seq and qPCR as well as agronomic traits, and found resistant lines had weaker inducibility, but were more resistant after ACB attack than susceptible lines. Resistance was related to high levels of major benzoxazinoids, but was not related to induced levels of JA or JA‐Ile. Following combination analyses of transcriptome, metabolome and larval performance data, we discovered three benzoxazinoids biosynthesis‐related transcription factors, NAC60, WRKY1 and WRKY46. Protoplast transformation analysis suggested that these may regulate maize defence‐growth trade‐offs by increasing levels of benzoxazinoids, JA and SA but decreasing IAA. Moreover, the resistance/tolerance‐growth trade‐offs were not observed in the 10 lines, and genotype‐specific metabolic and genetic features probably eliminated the trade‐offs. This study highlights the possibility of breeding maize varieties simultaneously with improved defences and higher yield under complex field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Despite successful vascular recanalization in stroke, one‐fourth of patients have an unfavorable outcome due to no‐reflow. The pathogenesis of no‐reflow is fully unclear, and therapeutic strategies are lacking. Upon traditional Chinese medicine, Tongxinluo capsule (TXL) is a potential therapeutic agent for no‐reflow. Thus, this study is aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of no‐reflow in stroke, and whether TXL could alleviate no‐reflow as well as its potential mechanisms of action. Methods: Mice were orally administered with TXL (3.0 g/kg/d) after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. We examined the following parameters: neurological function, no‐reflow, leukocyte‐endothelial cell interactions, HE staining, leukocyte subtypes, adhesion molecules, and chemokines. Results: Our results showed stroke caused neurological deficits, neuron death, and no‐reflow. Adherent and aggregated leukocytes obstructed microvessels as well as leukocyte infiltration in ischemic brain. Leukocyte subtypes changed after stroke mainly including neutrophils, lymphocytes, regulatory T cells, suppressor T cells, helper T type 1 (Th1) cells, Th2 cells, B cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Stroke resulted in upregulated expression of adhesion molecules (P‐selectin, E‐selectin, and ICAM‐1) and chemokines (CC‐chemokine ligand (CCL)‐2, CCL‐3, CCL‐4, CCL‐5, and chemokine C‐X‐C ligand 1 (CXCL‐1)). Notably, TXL improved neurological deficits, protected neurons, alleviated no‐reflow and leukocyte‐endothelial cell interactions, regulated multiple leukocyte subtypes, and inhibited the expression of various inflammatory mediators. Conclusion: Leukocyte‐endothelial cell interactions mediated by multiple inflammatory factors are an important cause of no‐reflow in stroke. Accordingly, TXL could alleviate no‐reflow via suppressing the interactions through modulating various leukocyte subtypes and inhibiting the expression of multiple inflammatory mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays numerous thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) polymers have been developed for PLEDs to realize high device performance and tunable emission colors. However, they often possess a strong concentration dependence on their luminescence including aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). Herein, we first report a nearly concentration‐independent TADF polymer based on the strategy of polymerized TADF small molecules. It is found that when a donor‐acceptor‐donor (D‐A‐D) type TADF small molecule is polymerized through its long‐axis direction, the triplet state is distributed along the polymeric backbone to effectively suppress the unwanted concentration quenching. Unlike the short‐axis one with an ACQ effect, the photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of the resultant long‐axis polymer remains almost unchanged with the increasing doping concentration. Accordingly, a promising external quantum efficiency (EQE) up to 20 % is successfully achieved in a whole doping control window of 5–100 wt. %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that the brain generates expectations based on scenes, which affects facial expression recognition. However, although facial expressions are known to interact with perception, the mechanism underlying this interaction remains poorly understood. Here, we used frequency labeling and decoding techniques to reveal the effects of scene‐based expectation on the amplitude and representational strength of neural activity. We also reduced the relative reliability between expectation and sensory input by blurring facial expressions to further investigate the effects of this relative reliability on the pattern of neural activation and representation. Participants viewed emotional changes in unblurred or blurred facial expressions, which flickered at a rate of 6 Hz within a scene. We found that facial expressions that were congruent with the emotional significance of the scene elicited a larger steady‐state visual evoked potential amplitude than did facial expressions that were incongruent with the emotional significance of a scene, in both unblurred and blurred conditions. We also found that expected facial expression representations were stronger than unexpected representations during the unblurred condition. In the blurred condition, unexpected representations were stronger than expected representations. Taken together, these results suggested that facial expression processing in the visual cortex is modulated by top‐down signals. The relative reliability of expectation and sensory input moderated the influence of a scene on facial expression representation. Furthermore, our study showed that neural activation amplitudes did not correspond to representational strength. It is well established that perception is strongly influenced by top‐down expectations. However, exactly how expectation affects an individual's perceptual representation has always been controversial. Here we used frequency labeling and decoding techniques to reveal the effects of scene‐based expectation on the representational content of neural activity for facial expressions. We found the relative reliability of expectation and sensory input moderated the influence of scene on facial expression representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Based on the ecological systems theory and cumulative risk model, the current study aimed to determine the mediating effects of parenting styles, peer relationship, and psychological capital on family socioeconomic status and adolescents' aggressive behaviors, as well as the moderating effects of economic regional differences. Methods: In a cross‐sectional design, 1271 Chinese adolescents were recruited to complete the MacArthur Scale, the short‐form Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran, the Positive PsyCap Questionnaire, the peer support subscale in the Student Personal Perception of Classroom Climate, and the Aggression Questionnaire. Results: After controlling for gender and age, parenting style, peer relationship, and psychological capital not only mediated, but also constituted multiple chains mediation between family socioeconomic status and aggressive behaviors. Moreover, economic regional differences moderated the multiple chains mediation model between family socioeconomic status and aggressive behaviors. Conclusion: The accumulation of multiple adverse factors increases the probability of inducing aggressive behaviors, and the development of psychological capital helps reduce the occurrence of aggressive behaviors in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shidian is a recent meteorite which fell in Yunnan province, China, on November 27, 2017, and has been classified as a CM2 chondrite. Petrography, mineralogy, oxygen and chromium isotopic composition, reflectance spectrum, and density studies of Shidian are reported in this study. Clasts with different aqueous alteration degree, two type 1 clasts with nontypical CM petrography, and one metamorphic clast are observed in Shidian. Mineralogically, Shidian main body consists of phyllosilicates (∼70 vol%), forsterite (∼13 vol%), fayalitic olivine, carbonates, sulfide, high‐Ca pyroxene, magnetite framboids, and Fe‐Ni metal. The average electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) analytical totals of phyllosilicates are 84.07 ± 1.75 wt%, with average FeO/SiO2 of tochilinite–cronstedtite intergrowths (TCIs) in different clasts ranging from 1.18 to 3.29. The bulk geochemical composition is characterized by flat rare earth element pattern, and by depletion of highly volatile elements. The whole rock oxygen isotopic composition is −0.51 ± 0.73‰, 5.44 ± 1.01‰, and −3.38 ± 0.20‰ for δ17O, δ18O, and Δ17O, respectively, with bulk chromium isotopic composition as ε54Cr = 1.00 ± 0.11. The grain density, bulk density, and porosity are 2.758 ± 0.008 g cm−3, 2.500 ± 0.004 g cm−3, and 9.37 ± 0.59%, respectively. The reflectance spectrum shows "blue" (negative) continuum slope across the visible and near‐infrared range, with characteristic absorption features (such as 0.765, 0.923, and 1.160 μm for phyllosilicates). These characteristics indicate that Shidian is an unheated, brecciated CM chondrite and may be an analog of asteroid Bennu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronze phase TiO2 [TiO2(B)] has great research potential for sodium storage since it has a higher theoretical capacity and ion mobility compared with other phases of TiO2. In this case, preparing porous TiO2(B) nanosheets, which can provide abundant sodium insertion channels, is the most effective way to improve transport kinetics. Here, we use the strong one‐dimensional TiO2 nanowires as the matrix for stringing these nanosheets together through a simple solvothermal method to build a bunchy hierarchical structure [TiO2(B)‐BH], which has fast pseudocapacitance behavior, high structural stability, and effective ion/electron transport. With the superiorities of this structure design, TiO2(B)‐BH has a higher capacity (131 vs. 70 mAh g−1 [TiO2‐NWs] at 0.5 C). And it is worth mentioning that the reversible capacity of up to 500 cycles can still be maintained at 85 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 10 C. Meanwhile, we also further analyzed the sodium storage mechanism through the ex‐situ X‐ray powder diffraction test, which proved the high structural stability of TiO2(B)‐BH in the process of sodiumization/de‐sodiumization. This strategy of uniformly integrating nanosheets into a matrix can also be extended to preparing electrode material structures of other energy devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tendinopathy is a common tendon disorder that causes pain and impairs function. It is the most common reason for consultation with musculoskeletal specialists. The available therapies for tendinopathy are limited in number and efficacy and have unclear cellular and molecular mechanisms. Here it is shown that transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) activated by integrin αvβ6 promotes tendinopathy in mice. Excessive active TGF‐β is found during tendinopathy progression, which led to tenocytes' phenotype transition to chondrocytes. Transgenic expression of active TGF‐β in tendons induced spontaneous tendinopathy, whereas systemic injection of a TGF‐β neutralizing antibody attenuated tendinopathy. Inducible knockout of the TGF‐β type 2 receptor gene (Tgfbr2) in tenocytes inhibited tendinopathy progression in mice. Moreover, it is found that integrin αvβ6 induces TGF‐β activation in response to mechanical load in tendons. Conditional knockout of the integrin αv gene in tendons prevented tendinopathy in mice. The study suggests that integrin αvβ6 activation of TGF‐β is the mechanism of tendinopathy, and that integrin αvβ6 may be a therapeutic target in tendinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mafic dykes from the Henan Province within the southeastern North China Craton (NCC) were sampled. Herein, we present new zircon laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry U–Pb age, whole‐rock geochemical, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic, and zircon Hf isotopic data for the five areas where these mafic dykes outcrop. The mafic dykes are all dolerite and were emplaced between 121.6 ± 1.1 Ma and 131.7 ± 1.2 Ma. These are characterized by enrichment in some of the large‐ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, Th, U, K, and Sr), light rare earth elements, and depletion in high‐field‐strength elements (Nb, Ta, Hf, and Ti) and Eu (Eu/Eu* is between 0.62 and 0.96) relative to chondrite‐ and primitive mantle‐values. The dykes have high initial Sr isotopic ratios ([87Sr/86Sr]i = 0.7056–0.7058), negative εNd (t) ratios (−12.3 to −12.1), relatively constant Pb isotopic ratios ([206Pb/204Pb]i = 16.771–16.778; [207Pb/204Pb]i = 15.461–15.467; [208Pb/204Pb]i = 36.850–36.857), negative εHf (t) (−14.9 to −3.5), as well as old Nd (TDM2; 2.22–2.54 Ga) and Hf (TDM2; 2.99–4.34 Ga) model ages. These geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data indicate that the investigated Henan Province dykes were likely derived from magmas generated by low to moderate degree partial melting (1.0–10%) of an EM1‐like garnet lherzolite mantle source. Moreover, the mafic melts fractionated olivine, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, Ti‐bearing oxides (e.g., ilmenite, titanite, apatite, etc.) prior to emplacement, and assimilated only minimal amounts of crustal material. Several possible models have previously been proposed to explain the origin of Mesozoic magma activities in Henan Province. However, here we propose a foundering model for the mafic dykes studied, involving the foundering of eclogite from thickened lower crust due to the collision between the Yangtze Block, Qinling ocean crust, and southeastern NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is the most commonly used treatment for patients suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, data on its applications in Asian countries remain lacking. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of applying Mandarin‐translated DBT among suicidal Chinese patients with BPD in Taiwan. Methods: An open‐label trial design was implemented for the 1‐year standard DBT model. Patients from a psychiatric outpatient department in a general hospital in Taiwan with a history of ≥2 episodes of suicidal behavior within the previous year and who scored >40 on the Borderline Symptom List were invited to participate in this trial. Outcomes of suicidal behaviors, severity of BPD and depression symptoms, suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and quality of life were assessed at the beginning of the treatment and every 3 months until 12 months. Results: Eighteen patients participated, three of whom (16.7%) dropped out. Significant improvements were found in the frequency and severity of suicidal behaviors and ideations, depressive symptoms, and BPD symptoms beginning as early as the third month after initiating DBT. Discussion: This pilot study found that DBT may be an effective and feasible intervention for Mandarin‐speaking individuals with a recent history of suicidal behaviors with BPD. Future randomized controlled trials with comparison groups are needed to further determine the efficacy of DBT on this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric condition in the general hospital population. Thus, the goal of the present study is to extend the use of diagnostic tools for delirium by developing and validating a Mandarin version of the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS). Methods: Participants were sampled from two general Mackay Memorial Hospital locations in Taipei and Danshui. Board‐certified psychiatrists assessed patients using the MDAS, confusion assessment method (CAM), and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Another consultation‐liaison psychiatrist confirmed the diagnosis of delirium. We assessed the reliability and validity of the MDAS, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cut‐off point for identifying delirium. Results: Of the 61 patients assessed, 29 were diagnosed with delirium. The mean MDAS score was 16.7 for delirium patients and 4.1 for nondelirium patients. The MDAS has good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.912. Interrater reliability was 0.996 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.992–0.998). The diagnostic cut‐off value for the Mandarin version of the MDAS was 9, with a high sensitivity (93.1%) and specificity (96.9%). Factor analysis revealed a two‐factor structure; these factors accounted for 58.37% and 14.42% of the variance. A high correlation was found between the MDAS and the CAM scores (r = −0.849, p <.001) as well as the MMSE (r = −0.875, p <.001). Discussion: The Mandarin MDAS exhibited good reliability and validity for assessing general hospital patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, numerous meteorites have been collected in desert areas in northern and western China. We describe the environment of some deserts in this region, and the petrological and mineralogical characteristics of 49 of the recovered ordinary chondrites. They consist of 14 H chondrites, 33 L chondrites, and 2 LL chondrites. Of the 300 desert meteorites with approved names from deserts in China, there have been 287 ordinary chondrites, six iron meteorites, one CO3 chondrite, one diogenite, one ureilite, one brachinite, one eucrite, and one EL7 chondrite. Forty‐two dense meteorite collection areas (DCAs) have been defined, mainly located in northern and western China. The meteorites collected are mainly from the Kumtag DCA, followed by the Alatage Mountain, Loulan Yizhi, Hami, and Lop Nur DCAs. After tentative pairing of the meteorites, we estimate that the ordinary chondrites account for 72% of the desert meteorites collected in China, with 63 H chondrites, 133 L chondrites, and 20 LL chondrites. This dominance of L chondrites contrasts with other deserts, which may result from the insufficient collection or bias in pairing of ordinary chondrites. The mass distribution of meteorites from different DCAs in China is consistent with that from DCAs in Africa. Based on the available information and the meteorite flux model proposed by previous studies, we suggest that the time over which meteorites have been accumulated in the southern Hami DCA might be >10 kyr. Therefore, the southern Hami region is currently the most suitable area for meteorite collection in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We examined the effectiveness of brief cognitive-based psychotherapy plus standard case management in the prevention of further suicide attempts, clinical severity, and treatment adherence in a randomized clinical trial compared with standard case management.Method: Among five hundred and ninety-seven patients presenting with suicide attempts, 147 participants were included. They were randomized into two groups. After a 6-session intervention over four months, all participants were re-evaluated at the 6th and 12th months.Results: At a 6-month assessment, the intervention had approximately halved the odds of following suicide attempts and doubled the odds of outpatient visits in comparison with standard case management, although the differences did not attain statistical significance. At a 12-month assessment, the two groups did not differ significantly in any of the outcome variables. Generalized linear mixed models indicated that intervention did not significantly decrease the subsequent suicide risk and severity of clinical symptoms, but it did increase psychiatric outpatient treatment adherence. The subgroup analysis revealed that the intervention increased the outpatient clinic visits only for repetitive attempters, not for first-time attempters.Conclusions: Further studies are needed to test whether more intensive psychotherapy sessions might be more effective in decreasing the probability of further attempt and the severity of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure metallic iron is a common component in extraterrestrial samples (e.g., ordinary chondrite, returned lunar samples), and is thought to be an indicator of extremely reducing conditions. However, tiny pure metallic iron (<1 mm) particles are rarely found in Howardite–Eucrite–Diogenite meteorites, and their formation mechanism on Vesta is poorly understood. Sub‐micron sized pure metallic iron particles were identified by transmission electron microscope studies of a melt pocket in the basaltic eucrite meteorite Northwest Africa 11592. Our results demonstrate that the pure metallic iron likely formed through a dissociation reaction of ferrous iron (i.e., 3Fe2+ = Fe0 + 2Fe3+) in pyroxene. Another disproportionation reaction product, ferric iron, was confirmed to be incorporated into Al‐rich clinopyroxene in the melt pocket by electron energy loss spectra analyses. The temperature conditions required for the formation of the melt pocket are estimated to be above 1,310°C, as indicated by the crystallization of nano‐sized hercynite within acicular plagioclase. Such high temperatures on Vesta could only have been reached if an impact occurred during peak thermal metamorphism, early in the asteroid's evolution. This formation mechanism of these pure metallic iron particles could play a role in redox environment of the Vesta. Plain Language Summary: Vesta, the second‐largest asteroid in the main belt and one of the most primitive solar system bodies, is among the few extraterrestrial objects visited by an orbital spacecraft. The Howardite–Eucrite–Diogenite (HED) clan of meteorites has been associated with Vesta for decades, and the Dawn mission provided strong evidence for their genetic relationship. Pure metallic iron (Fe0) particles, an indicator of reducing conditions, are rarely found in HED meteorites, and their origins are not clear. In basaltic eucrite Northwest Africa 11592, abundant sub‐micron sized Fe0 particles embedded in a shock‐induced melt pocket provide new insight into their formation. The presence of Fe3+‐bearing Al‐rich clinopyroxene and nano‐sized hercynite minerals in the melt pocket was also confirmed, which indicates that the Fe0 formed through the dissociation reaction of Fe2+ (i.e., 3Fe2+ = Fe0 + 2Fe3+) present in pyroxene at a temperature above 1,310°C. This formation mechanism provides a possibility that Fe0 particles may have formed as a result of cratering processes, which would have affected the redox conditions on Vesta. Key Points: Evidence for the dissociation reaction of Fe2+, which formed pure metallic iron particles in eucrite meteorite Northwest Africa 11592, was foundAl‐rich clinopyroxene is another carrier of Fe3+ in shocked meteorites, in addition to the high‐pressure phases ringwoodite and bridgmaniteThe disproportionation reaction would occur during cratering on Vesta and may have influenced the redox environment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The association between older-age bipolar disorder and cognitive impairments may be mediated by vascular burden. The aim of the study was to examine the difference of cognitive function between older people with late-onset bipolar disorder (LOBD) and early-onset bipolar disorder (EOBD) by considering rigorous vascular risk burden evaluation, comprehensive cognitive tests, and relevant biochemistry data.Methods: We recruited 95 outpatients aged over 55 with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. Fifty had LOBD, defined by age of onset after 40. Cognitive function was evaluated through a battery of tests assessing verbal memory, attention/speed, visuospatial function, verbal fluency, and cognitive flexibility. Vascular risk assessments included individual disorders, 10-year Framingham cardiovascular risk scores, and serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, and triiodothyronine.Results: No differences were observed between LOBD and EOBD on any cognitive test after adjusting for potential confounders. In addition to age and educational years, multiple linear regression analyses indicated significantly negative associations between serum homocysteine levels and cognitive performances in attention, psychomotor speed, verbal memory, and executive function.Conclusions: Among older people with bipolar disorder, LOBD is not associated with more cognitive dysfunction in this study. However, higher serum homocysteine levels were significantly associated with worse cognitive performance in this particular group. Clinicians therefore have to pay attention to the cognitive function in older bipolar patients with higher levels of homocysteine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the importance of mafic dyke swarms and their contribution to current scientific problems relating to South China, herein, we present the findings of studies on twenty–five representative mafic dykes cropping out in Hunan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, within the southern Wuling Mountain gravity lineament, China. These results include new zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb age, whole rock geochemical, Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopic, and zircon Hf isotopic data for these dykes. The dykes formed between 131.5 ± 1.2 and 121.6 ± 1.1 Ma, and have typical doleritic textures. They fall into the alkaline and shoshonitic series, are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE), some large ion lithophile elements (LILE; e.g., Rb, Ba, and Sr), Th, U, and Pb, and are depleted in Nb, Ta, Hf, and Ti. Moreover, the dolerites have high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7055–0.7057), negative ∊Nd(t) and zircon ∊Hf(t) values (–14.8 to –11.9, –30.4 to –14.9), and relatively constant initial Pb isotopic ratios (that are EM1‐like, 16.77–16.94, 15.43–15.47, and 36.84–36.92 for 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb, respectively). These results indicate that the dykes were likely derived from magma generated through low‐degree partial melting (1.0%–10%) of an EM1‐like garnet–lherzolite mantle source. The parental magmas fractionated olivine, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, and Ti‐bearing phases with negligible crustal contamination, during ascent and dyke emplacement. Several possible models have been proposed to explain the origin of Mesozoic magmatism along the Wuling Mountain gravity lineament. Herein we propose a reasonable model for the origin of these mafic dykes, involving the collision between the paleo‐Pacific Plate and South China, which led to subsequent lithospheric extension and asthenosphere upwelling, resulting in partial melting the underlying mantle lithosphere in the Early Cretaceous, to form the parental magmas to the WMGL mafic dykes, as studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio‐derived hydrogel patch systems exhibit promising potential in localized drug delivery for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, the uncontrolled release from the hydrogel patch both in time and space, is not an optimal strategy for peritendinous anti‐adhesion, leading to transient effect and unnecessary diffusion of therapeutics. Here, an innovative composite anti‐adhesion patch is designed for on‐demand and unidirectional polyplexes delivery to inhibit fibroblasts proliferation and collagen deposition by silencing fibrosis gene transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). Firstly, a metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) degradable hydrogel is prepared by crosslinking allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) modified carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS‐AGE) with MMP‐2 substrate peptide CPLGLAGC (MMP‐2 sp). Then, the hydrogel loading TGF‐β1 siRNA polyplexes are attached onto polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibers to form a composite bilayer patch. The hydrogel–electrospun fibers (H–E) patch shows MMP‐2‐responsive and unidirectional release behaviors of encapsulated TGF‐β1 siRNA polyplexes and associated gene silencing effect on TGF‐β1, leading to the inhibition of fibroblasts proliferation. Moreover, after implanting the H–E patch by wrapping the repaired tendon, the formation of adhesion tissue is responsively attenuated in MMP‐2 overexpression microenvironment. This study presents a promising approach employing a composite bilayer patch with on‐demand and unidirectional delivery strategy for peritendinous anti‐adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain specific proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that can be passed to other cells as signal molecules to alter their function. However, there are many problems and challenges in the conversion and clinical application of EVs. Storage and protection of EVs is one of the issues that need further research. To adapt to potential clinical applications, this type of problem must be solved. This review summarizes the storage practices of EVs in recent years, and explains the impact of temperature on the quality and stability of EVs during storage based on current research, and explains the potential mechanisms involved in this effect as much as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based microfluidics is characteristic of fluid transportation through spontaneous capillary action of paper and has exhibited great promise for a variety of applications especially for sensing. Furthermore, paper-based microfluidics enables the design of miniaturized electrochemical devices to be applied in the energy sector, which is especially attractive for the rapid growing market of small size disposable electronics. This review gives a brief summary on the basics of paper chemistry and capillary-driven microfluidic behavior, and highlights recent advances of paper-based microfluidics in developing electrochemical sensing devices and miniaturized energy storage/conversion devices. Their structural features, working principles and exemplary applications are comprehensively elaborated and discussed. Additionally, this review also points out the existing challenges and future opportunities of paper-based microfluidic electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess three advanced radiation therapy treatment planning tools on the intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) quality and consistency when compared to the clinically approved plans, referred as manual plans, which were planned without using any of these advanced planning tools. Materials and Methods: Three advanced radiation therapy treatment planning tools, including auto‐planning, knowledge‐based planning, and multiple criteria optimization, were assessed on 20 previously treated clinical cases. Three institutions participated in this study, each with expertise in one of these tools. The twenty cases were retrospectively selected from Cleveland Clinic, including five head‐and‐neck (HN) cases, five brain cases, five prostate with pelvic lymph nodes cases, and five spine cases. A set of general planning objectives and organs‐at‐risk (OAR) dose constraints for each disease site from Cleveland Clinic was shared with other two institutions. A total of 60 IMRT research plans (20 from each institution) were designed with the same beam configuration as in the respective manual plans. For each disease site, detailed isodoseline distributions and dose volume histograms for a randomly selected representative case were compared among the three research plans and manual plan. In addition, dosimetric endpoints of five cases for each site were compared. Results: Compared to the manual plans, the research plans using advanced tools showed substantial improvement for the HN patient cases, including the maximum dose to the spinal cord and brainstem and mean dose to the parotid glands. For the brain, prostate, and spine cases, the four types of plans were comparable based on dosimetric endpoint comparisons. Conclusion: With minimal planner interventions, advanced treatment planning tools are clinically useful, producing a plan quality similarly to or better than manual plans, improving plan consistency. For difficult cases such as HN cancer, advanced planning tools can further reduce radiation doses to numerous OARs while delivering adequate dose to the tumor targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purposes of this work are to (a) investigate whether the use of auto‐planning and multiple iterations improves quality of head and neck (HN) radiotherapy plans; (b) determine whether delivery methods such as step‐and‐shoot (SS) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) impact plan quality; (c) report on the observations of plan quality predictions of a commercial feasibility tool. Materials and methods: Twenty HN cases were retrospectively selected from our clinical database for this study. The first ten plans were used to test setting up planning goals and other optimization parameters in the auto‐planning module. Subsequently, the other ten plans were replanned with auto‐planning using step‐and‐shoot (AP‐SS) and VMAT (AP‐VMAT) delivery methods. Dosimetric endpoints were compared between the clinical plans and the corresponding AP‐SS and AP‐VMAT plans. Finally, predicted dosimetric endpoints from a commercial program were assessed. Results: All AP‐SS and AP‐VMAT plans met the clinical dose constraints. With auto‐planning, the dose coverage of the low dose planning target volume (PTV) was improved while the dose coverage of the high dose PTV was maintained. Compared to the clinical plans, the doses to critical organs, such as the brainstem, parotid, larynx, esophagus, and oral cavity were significantly reduced in the AP‐VMAT (P < 0.05); the AP‐SS plans had similar homogeneity indices (HI) and conformality indices (CI) and the AP‐VMAT plans had comparable HI and improved CI. Good agreement in dosimetric endpoints between predictions and AP‐VMAT plans were observed in five of seven critical organs. Conclusion: With improved planning quality and efficiency, auto‐planning module is an effective tool to enable planners to generate HN IMRT plans that are meeting institution specific planning protocols. DVH prediction is feasible in improving workflow and plan quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tongxinluo capsule (TXL), a Chinese prescription, has been extensively used for treating ischaemic cerebrovascular diseases in China. Studies have demonstrated that TXL protects the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) after cerebral ischaemia. However, the underlying protective mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Enlightened by the critical role of sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway in promoting BBB integrity through up‐regulating tight junction (TJ) proteins, we examined whether the Shh pathway could mediate TXL‐induced up‐regulation of TJ proteins and subsequent protection against BBB disruption after stroke. Ischaemic stroke was induced in adult male C57BL/6J mice by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). The mice were orally administered TXL (3.0 g/kg) at 1, 3 and 21 hours after stroke. Meanwhile, cyclopamine, a specific Shh pathway inhibitor, was intraperitoneally injected at 1 and 21 hours after stroke. The following parameters were measured at 6 and 24 hours after pMCAO: BBB permeability; TJ proteins including occludin, claudin‐5 and zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1); and Shh signalling molecules such as Shh, Patched, Smoothened (Smo) and Gli‐1. Our results showed that TXL protected against BBB disruption at 6 and 24 hours after pMCAO, and cyclopamine partly reversed the protective effect of TXL on BBB. Meanwhile, cyclopamine blocked the effect of TXL–up‐regulated expression of occludin, claudin‐5 and ZO‐1. Moreover, TXL up‐regulated the expression of Shh derived from astrocytes, Patched, Smo and Gli‐1, and thus activated the Shh pathway. And cyclopamine inhibited TXL‐induced activation of the Shh pathway. Thus, our study demonstrates that the Shh pathway mediates TXL‐induced protection against BBB disruption after ischaemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐collisional volcanic rocks of Mesozoic age occur in the regions adjacent to Gerze, part of the southern Qiangtang Terrane of northern Tibet, China. Geochronological, geochemical, and whole‐rock Sr‐Nd isotopic analyses were performed on the volcanic rocks to better characterize their emplacement age and models for their origin. Laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) U‐Pb zircon analyses yielded consistent ages ranging from 123.1±0.94 Ma to 124.5±0.89 Ma for six volcanic rocks from the study area. The intermediate volcanic rocks belong to the alkaline and sub‐alkaline magma series in terms of K2O+Na2O contents (5.9%–9.0%), and to the shoshonitic and calc‐alkaline series on the basis of their high K2O contents (1.4%–3.3%). The Gerze volcanic rocks are characterized by the enrichment of light rare earth elements [(La/Yb)N=34.9–49.5] and large–ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, Th, U, K, Pb, and Sr), slightly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.19–0.24), and negative anomalies in high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, Hf and Ti), relative to primitive mantle. The samples show slightly elevated (87Sr/86Sr)i values that range from 0.7049 to 0.7057, and low ∊Nd(t) values from –0.89 to –2.89. These results suggest that the volcanic rocks studied derived from a compositionally heterogeneous mantle source and that their parent magmas were basaltic. The more mafic, parental magmas to the Gerze volcanic rocks likely underwent fractional crystallization of clinopyroxene, hornblende, biotite, and potassium feldspar, during ascent, with little to no crustal contamination, prior to their eruption/emplacement. While these volcanic rocks exhibit geochemical signatures typical of magmas formed in a destructive plate‐margin setting, it is plausible that their mantle source might also have acquired such characteristics in an earlier episode of subduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of TXL, a Chinese medicine prescription, on cerebral microcirculatory disturbances after pMCAO in mice using TPLSM and further explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Adlut male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to pMCAO and orally administered with TXL (3.0, 1.5 and 0.75 g/kg/d) at 1, 3, and 21 hours after pMCAO. The following parameters were examined at 6 and 24 hours after pMCAO: neurological deficits, infarct volume, BBB permeability, cerebral microvessel structure, brain microcirculation (TPLSM imaging), vasoactive factors, and adhesion molecules. Results: TXL improved neurological deficits, reduced infarct volume, attenuated BBB disruption, protected cerebral microvessel structure, increased cerebral capillary flow velocity and volume flux, and inhibited leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions at 6 or 24 hours after pMCAO. The therapeutic efficacy was exerted in a dose‐dependent manner. Further study revealed that TXL (high dose) regulated the expression of PGI2, TXA2, and ET‐1, and suppressed ICAM‐1 and P‐selectin. Conclusions: TXL alleviates cerebral microcirculatory disturbances against ischemic injury by modulating endothelial function and inhibiting leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions. These effects are associated with regulating the expression of PGI2, TXA2, and ET‐1, and suppressing ICAM‐1 and P‐selectin expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solasodine is a main active component isolated from Solanum incanum L. that performs a wide range of functions containing anti-oxidant, anti-infection, and neurogenesis promotion. In this study, we explored the influence of solasodine on three types of human colorectal cancer ( CRC) cell lines. The results show that solasodine prohibited CRC cell proliferation dose- and time-dependently and impeded CRC cell motility by downregulating MMPs. Solasodine was also found to fuel caspase-cascade reaction and increase the ratio between Bax and Bcl-2 so as to induce CRC cell apoptosis. When cells were pretreated with AKT activator (insulin-like growth factor-1) followed by solasodine, the solasodine-induced apoptosis was partially abrogated by insulin-like growth factor-1. Moreover, solasodine hindered tumor development and stimulated similar mechanisms in vivo. In general, our study provides the first evidence that solasodine has a suppressive effect on CRC cells and that this agent may be a novel therapeutic drug for CRC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of resistive index (RI) variability in predicting cerebrovascular complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: This retrospective study included 36 infants treated by ECMO. The RI was measured on daily transfontanellar duplex sonography, obtained first without fontanel compression and then after gentle compression with the transducer. The age at ECMO cannulation, sex, gestational age at birth, method of delivery, indication, and type and duration of ECMO were recorded. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in RI variability in infants who developed cerebrovascular complications as opposed to those who did not (P =.002). Resistive index variability of 10% or greater on any day was associated with an increased risk for cerebrovascular complications (P =.0482; χ2 = 3.9). Variability in the first 5 days was significantly higher than on following days (P <.0001). The age at ECMO cannulation showed a significant difference, with mean ± SD values of 1.1 ± 0.9 days in the complications group and 2.7 ± 2.2 days in the no‐complications group (P =.043). Conclusions: Resistive index variability of 10% or greater on any day had a statistically significant risk of cerebrovascular complication development. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation at younger than 3 days conferred an increased risk of cerebrovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone tissue engineering is a promising approach for bone regeneration, in which growth factors play an important role. The tyrosine phosphatase Src-homology region 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2), encoded by the PTPN11 gene, is essential for the differentiation, proliferation and metabolism of osteoblasts. However, SHP-2 has never been systematically studied for its effect in osteogenesis. We predicted that overexpression of SHP-2 could promote bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)osteogenic differentiation and SHP-2 transduced BMSCs could enhance new bone formation, determined using the following study groups: (1) BMSCs transduced with SHP-2 and induced with osteoblast-inducing liquid (BMSCs/SHP-2/OL); (2) BMSCs transduced with SHP-2 (BMSCs/-SHP-2); (3) BMSCs induced with osteoblast-inducing liquid (BMSCs/OL) and (4) pure BMSCs. Cells were assessed for osteogenic differentiation by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, western blot analysis, alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red S staining. For in vivo assessment, cells were combined with beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds and transplanted into rat calvarial defects for 8 weeks. Following euthanasia, skull samples were explanted for osteogenic evaluation, including micro-computed tomography measurement, histology and immunohistochemistry staining. SHP-2 and upregulation of its gene promoted BMSC osteogenic differentiation and therefore represents a potential new therapeutic approach to bone repair. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1871-1881, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct injection is a minimally invasive method of stem cell transplantation for numerous injuries and diseases. However, despite its promising potential, its clinical translation is difficult due to the low cell retention and engraftment after injection. With high versatility, high-resolution control and injectability, microfabrication of stem-cell laden biomedical hydrogels holds great potential as minimally invasive technology. Herein, a strategy of microfluidics-assisted technology entrapping bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and growth factors in photocrosslinkable gelatin (GelMA) microspheres to ultimately generate injectable osteogenic tissue constructs is presented. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the GelMA microspheres can sustain stem cell viability, support cell spreading inside the microspheres and migration from the interior to the surface as well as enhance cell proliferation. This finding shows that encapsulated cells have the potential to directly and actively participate in the regeneration process. Furthermore, it is found that BMSCs encapsulated in GelMA microspheres show enhanced osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo, associated with a significant increase in mineralization. In short, the proposed strategy can be utilized to facilitate bone regeneration with minimum invasiveness, and can potentially be applied along with other matrices for extended applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection is still a major concern in bone implants, especially in the implants with porous structures. As silver shows superior and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, porous silver-doped β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bioceramics are prepared with 5% and 10% nanometer silver. The bioceramics show similar porous macrostructure with pure β-TCP bioceramic, except slightly color change. They have almost identical microstructure to its pure β-TCP counterpart under field emission scanning electron microscope. Their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties were investigated with X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforming infrared spectrometer, and AG-5kN, and no significant difference has been found between silver-doped β-TCP bioceramics and pure β-TCP bioceramic. Bactericidal concentration of silver ions was detected in the solution soaked with the bioceramics. They can efficiently inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Styphylococcus aureus, but show no cytotoxicity to L929 cells. It suggests that silver-doped β-TCP bioceramics can be developed into new type of bone substitutes with anti-infection properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteochondral defects affect both the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone, but poor osteochondral regeneration is still a daunting challenge. Although the tissue engineering technology provides a promising approach for osteochondral repair, an ideal biphasic scaffold is in high demand with regards to proper biomechanical strength. In this study, an oriented poly( l-lacticacid)- co-poly( ε-caprolactone) P(LLA-CL)/collagen type I(Col-I) nanofiber yarn mesh, fabricated by dynamic liquid electrospinning served as a skeleton for a freeze-dried Col-I/Hhyaluronate (HA) chondral phase (SPONGE) to enhance the mechanical strength of the scaffold. In vitro results show that the Yarn Col-I/HA hybrid scaffold (Yarn-CH) can allow the cell infiltration like sponge scaffolds. Using porous beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) as the osseous phase, the Yarn-CH/TCP biphasic scaffold was then assembled by freeze drying. After combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, the biphasic complex was successfully used to repair the osteochondral defects in a rabbit model with greatly improved repairing scores and compressive modulus. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 581-592, 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds Apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 (APOE ε4) allele, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T), and methionine synthase (MTR A2756G) were tested their associations with cognitive impairment in people with late-life depression (LLD). Methods People with LLD were assessed by mini-mental state examination and were examined the distribution of APOE ε4 allele, MTHFR, and MTR polymorphisms. Results Odds ratio of MTR 2756 AA to MTR 2756 AG and GG genotypes for the risk of cognitive impairment was 5.80 (95% confidence interval = 1.18-28.50; P = 0.03). Conclusion People with LLD carrying MTR2756 AA genotype have higher risk of cognitive impairment than those carrying G allele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to compare the symptomatic and clinical features of depression among five groups of patients with major depressive disorder ( MDD) living in China, Korea, Malaysia/ Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Methods Consecutive consenting adults (aged 18-65) who met DSM-IV criteria for non-psychotic MDD - based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - and who were free of psychotropic medication were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 10-item Montgomery- Asberg Depression Rating Scale ( MADRS) and the 13-item depression subscale of the Symptoms Checklist 90- Revised ( SCL-90- R). In addition, the 10-item SCL-90- R Anxiety Subscale was completed. ancova were conducted, adjusting for confounders: age, completion of secondary education, marital status, work status, religion, index episode duration, and depressive severity. For the magnitude of differences, a threshold of 0.10 was taken as theminimum effect size representing clinical significance, and an effect size of 0.25 was considered moderate. Results Four MADRS symptoms differentiated these five groups, the most prominent being 'lassitude' and 'inner tension'. Nine SCL-90- R depression items also differentiated the groups, as did eight SCL-90- R Anxiety Subscale items. The MADRS lassitude item had the largest effect size (0.131). The rest of those statistically significant differences did not exceed 0.10. Conclusion MDD is more similar than different among outpatients in these diverse Asian countries. The between-country differences, while present and not due to chance, are small enough to enable the use of common clinician and self-report rating scales in studies involving Asians with MDD from various ethnic backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features of depression in Asian patients. Methods It was a cross-sectional, observational study of depression in China, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Participants were drug-free outpatients with depressed mood and/or anhedonia. Symptoms and clinical features were assessed using the Montgomery- Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Symptoms Checklist 90- Revised ( SCL-90-R), and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Other measures included the Medical Outcome Survey 36- Item Short- Form Health Survey ( SF-36), the Sheehan Disability Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support ( MSPSS). Results A total of 547 outpatients with major depressive disorder were included in the analyses. Among the Montgomery- Asberg Depression Rating Scale symptoms, 'reported sadness' and 'reduced sleep' had the highest severity, with means ( SDs) of 3.4 (1.2) and 3.4 (1.6), respectively. Apart from the SCL-90-R depression and anxiety domains, the SCL-90-R obsession-compulsion syndrome had the highest domain score, with a mean ( SD) of 1.9 (0.9). Among eight domains, the mean ( SD) SF-36 pain subscale score of 58.4 (27.7) was only second to that for the SF-36 physical function. In comparison to other disability domains, the Sheehan Disability Scale work/school had the highest subscale score, with a mean ( SD) of 6.5 (2.9). The mean ( SD) MSPSS 'family' subscale score of 4.7 (1.7) was higher than the MSPSS 'friends' and 'significant others' subscale scores. Discussion This study suggests that pain has a minimal impact on the quality of life in Asian patients with depression. Noteworthy issues in this population may include insomnia, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, working/school disability, and family support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospun fibrous membranes have been used frequently in biomedical applications, but their simultaneous use as antibacterial agents and in the prevention of cell adhesion on repaired tendons after injury has not been investigated. In this study, silver-nanoparticle (SN)-loaded poly( L-lactide) (PLLA) fibrous membranes were prepared by the electrospinning of SNs into PLLA fibers. Micrograph results showed that these membranes were composed of electrospun fibers and that the fibers were incorporated with SNs. From the results of X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry, we concluded that the SNs were physically mixed into the fibers at the desired content. The mechanical properties were not significantly changed. The preliminary antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus and the synergistic antiproliferative effects of the SN-loaded PLLA fibrous membranes were observed. Taken together, these results demonstrate that SNs can be directly loaded onto a biodegradable PLLA fibrous membrane via electrospinning to achieve proper material properties with preliminary potential as antibacterial antiadhesion barriers for tendon injury. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RATIONALE Prenylated flavonoids and isoflavonoids are widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom, with many biological effects. Psoralea corylifolia, which contains many kinds of prenylated components, has been widely used as a medicinal plant in Asia and India for thousands of years. The goal of this study was to characterize the components in P. corylifolia using a liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-DAD/Q-TOF-MS) method, and to elucidate the fragmentation behavior of the different prenyl substituent groups and their appropriate characteristic pathways in positive ion mode. METHODS The calculated accurate masses of the protonated molecules, the fragment ions, the retention behavior, and the data from UV spectra were used for identification of the components in P. corylifolia. RESULTS A total of 45 compounds, including 43 prenylated components, were identified or tentatively identified in P. corylifolia. Different diagnostic fragment ions and neutral losses were observed in different prenyl substructures: neutral loss of 56 Da (C4H8) and a fragment ion at m/z 69 (C5H9+) were generated by a prenyl chain; neutral losses of 42 Da (C3H6), 54 Da (C4H6), 15 Da (CH3•) and 16 Da (CH4) were observed in a ring-closed prenyl group; neutral losses of 72 Da (C4H8O), 60 Da (C2H4O2), 58 Da (C3H6O) and 18 Da (H2O) were detected in a 2,2-dimethyl-3,4-dihydroxydihydropyran ring; neutral losses of 72 Da (C4H8O), 60 Da (C3H8O) and 18 Da (H2O) were yielded from a 2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxydihydropyran ring, a 2-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)dihydrofuran ring or a 1-hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-enyl chain. CONCLUSIONS This method can be applied for analysis of prenylated components in P. corylifolia and other herbal medicines. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]