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This paper presents an experimental study on the behaviour of high‐performance pre‐engineered steel‐concrete composite beams. The slab is constructed with green concrete of grade C55/67 made using recycled concrete aggregates to replace 20% of natural aggregates, and GGBS together with silica fume as supplementary ce‐mentitious materials to replace 25% of the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Pre‐engineered (built‐up) structural steel asymmetric section of grade S460M is adopted for optimised structural efficiency. To verify the compatibility among the three different materials used, i.e., the S460M structural steel, green C55/67 concrete, and the shear studs, shear connection specimens were designed and tested with reference made to EC4. Subsequently, 2 full scale steel concrete composite beams are tested until failure. The results showed that the EC4 design equations for predicting the shear resistance and the bending moment resistance are still conservative for the materials and full‐scale beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) can trigger excessive interleukin (IL)‐6 signalling, leading to a myriad of biological effects including a cytokine storm that contributes to multiple organ failure in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Using a mouse model, we demonstrated that nasal inoculation of nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (NPP) of SARS‐CoV‐2 increased IL‐6 content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Nasal administration of liquid coco‐caprylate/caprate (LCC) onto Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis)‐colonized mice significantly attenuated NPP‐induced IL‐6. Furthermore, S. epidermidis‐mediated LCC fermentation to generate electricity and butyric acid that promoted bacterial colonization and activated free fatty acid receptor 2 (Ffar2) respectively. Inhibition of Ffar2 impeded the effect of S. epidermidis plus LCC on the reduction of NPP‐induced IL‐6. Collectively, these results suggest that nasal S. epidermidis is part of the first line of defence in ameliorating a cytokine storm induced by airway infection of SARS‐CoV‐2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) status and their stoichiometric homeostasis are integral parts of the plant nutrient economy that determines the success of plant species in environments where N or P limits plant growth. Despite growing evidence for higher predictability of stoichiometric homeostasis of N (HN) than that of P (HP) on plant species abundance in temperate grasslands, no previous studies explicitly examined how foliar N and P status modulate the relationships between stoichiometric homeostasis and species distribution (regional species abundance) of woody plants, especially in P‐limited (sub)tropical ecosystems. We hypothesized that species with a conservative foliar nutrient status but a higher HP (but not HN) would be regional abundant in P‐limited forest.We measured foliar N (LNC) and P (LPC) contents of 54 woody species, community composition and soil N and P contents across 94 forest plots in Chinese subtropical forests. Then we evaluated the species' levels of N and P stoichiometric homeostasis and their regional abundance to test our hypotheses.HN and HP significantly increased with decreasing LNC and LPC. Foliar nutrient status positively correlated with the minimum values of both soil N and P contents, but only negatively associated with the maximum value of soil P content, indicating that conservative species can occupy a wider range of soil P‐ than N‐based nutrient niche. Meanwhile, species abundance negatively correlated with LNC and LPC, and positively correlated with HN and HP. However, the structure equation model analysis showed that species abundance increased with decline of LNC but not yet with increased HN. In contrast, species abundance enhanced with increased HP and decreased LPC via HP, rather than directly with a decline of LPC.Synthesis. This study provides empirical evidence that species with conservative foliar nutrient status are more stable in terms of N and P stoichiometric homeostasis, and foliar N and P economy modulate species abundance distribution in different ways. Our results suggest that maintaining strong stoichiometric homeostasis of leaf P, while maintaining conservative economy of N, is a key physiochemical mechanism for shaping species abundance distribution in P‐limited forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is extensive experimental evidence for the importance of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem functioning. However, such experiments typically prevent immigration by continuously removing non‐target species, thereby questioning the generality of these findings to real‐world ecosystems. This is particularly true in forest ecosystems where understorey herbaceous species are key biodiversity components but are usually weeded in tree diversity experiments. Consequently, little is known about how tree diversity influences the natural dynamics of understorey herbaceous layers.We conducted a 3‐year non‐weeded tree diversity experiment composed of eight woody species differing widely in plant economic strategies. We examined how the functional diversity and identity of tree species mixtures drive the temporal dynamics of understorey productivity, functional diversity and composition through canopy packing (CP).Tree mixtures with high functional diversity experienced increased CP over time, thereby decreasing understorey productivity and diversity. Furthermore, herbaceous communities were dominated by species with functional traits typical of low‐light conditions [lower community‐weighted mean (CWM) of maximum plant height, but larger CWM of specific leaf area] in response to increased CP.Our results provide mechanistic insights into the role of tree functional diversity in shaping the dynamics of biomass, functional diversity and composition of the understorey herbaceous layer during the early successional period. It is expected that the effects of tree functional diversity would also be relevant over time due to the increasing usage of canopy space. This study highlights the significance of natural community processes in determining the effects of tree diversity on the temporal dynamics of previously neglected ecosystem structures and functioning. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both inter‐ and intraspecific trait variation are critical to species distribution along environmental gradients, but our understanding of these patterns predominantly relies upon species‐level trait means and variances. Trait integration, defined as how strongly multiple traits covary with one another, is a key indicator of the dimensionality of functional space for accommodating biodiversity in communities. As trait covariance can differ dramatically at the interspecific versus intraspecific levels, how intraspecific trait variability alters the strength of trait integration and eventually modulates biodiversity along environmental gradients has been rarely tested. Here, we measured nine functional traits (leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf and stem dry‐matter content, leaf nitrogen and phosphorus contents, specific stem length, Huber value and maximum height) paired with site‐specific soil fertility for 70 woody communities in subtropical Chinese forests. All species‐by‐site combinations were sampled to ensure a sufficient representation of intraspecific trait variation across sites. Community‐level trait integration was quantified from the variance of eigenvalues of the trait correlation matrix. The direct and/or indirect effects of soil fertility and trait integration on species richness and trait diversity were assessed through path analyses. Trait integration quantified from both inter‐ and intraspecific variances was on average 21.7% weaker than that from only interspecific variance, indicating a crucial role of intraspecific trait variability in promoting niche dimensionality. Whether accounting for intraspecific variation or not, less fertile sites had stronger trait integration, which in turn depressed both taxonomic and functional diversity, supporting the assumption that higher environmental stress demands stronger tradeoffs among multiple functions in viable strategies. Importantly, the negative association between trait integration and species richness became stronger when accounting for intraspecific variation, suggesting that species distribution and occurrence can be a consequence of intraspecific trait variability. This study highlights the importance of intraspecific trait variability in understanding functional tradeoffs underlying biodiversity patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autologous breast reconstructions using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps create a large incision, presenting an opportunity for surgical site complications. In this pilot study, we aimed to examine outcomes in DIEP donor site incisions managed with standard dressings (control; n = 5) or closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT; n = 5). We observed no significant differences between group age, body mass index, and past medical history. Both treatment groups had a similar duration of hospital stay, the number of blood transfusions, and pain scores on postoperative day 2 (P >.05). There was a trend of higher drainage (P =.251) and shorter time to incision healing (P =.067) in the ciNPT group than the control though the difference was not statistically significant. We did observe a significant improvement in scar pigmentation, vascularity, and pliability at 3, 6, and 12 months post‐surgery in the ciNPT group compared with control (P <.05). No surgical site complications were reported in the ciNPT group within the follow‐up period. In the control group, one patient developed wound edge fat necrosis requiring reoperation. In conclusion, we report that ciNPT is a useful incision management system for DIEP flap donor site incisions and it facilitated improved scar quality over standard dressings in this small pilot study. Further clinical studies are required to assess the full advantages provided by ciNPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) based on chitosan‐lignocellulose composites with a smooth and porous structure for applications in lithium‐ion batteries was prepared. The obtained GPE matrix and GPE show excellent comprehensive performances. The GPE matrix based on the composite containing 15 % chitosan (denoted CSLC‐15) had the best performance, with liquid electrolyte uptake of up to 749.1 wt %. The ionic conductivity for corresponding GPE is 2.89 mS cm−1 at room temperature, and the lithium ion transference number is 0.90. The GPE proved promising for use in lithium‐ion batteries, offering a large electrochemical window (4.8 V) and excellent interfacial compatibility (a stable impedance value of 227.97 Ω after 30 days). Moreover, the GPE shows excellent thermal and mechanical properties, and high C‐rates capability (163.13 mAh g−1, 152.53 mAh g−1, 144.27 mAh g−1, 128.45 mAh g−1, 156.12 mAh g−1, at 0.2 C, 0.5 C, 1.0 C, 2.0 C, 0.2 C, respectively) and cycle performance (161.99 mAh g−1 at the 99th cycle of 0.2 C), which proved its suitability of use in lithium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipofundin is the solvent for propofol in the intravenous injection of Propofol‐Lipuro® and is used in patients who need intravenous feeding to provide fatty acids and fat for energy. In addition to propofol, Lipofundin also affects the immune modulation of phagocytes. In a previous study, we reported that intravenous propofol effectively decreased Staphylococcus aureus‐stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, IL‐1β secretion, and phagocytosis in RAW264.7 macrophages. It is important to separately assess the effects of pure propofol, Lipofundin, and Propofol‐Lipuro. By using an S. aureus‐infected RAW264.7 macrophage model, the levels of secreted IL‐1β in cell supernatants were determined by ELISA. IL‐1β mRNA in cell pellets was further analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blotting was performed to detect pro‐IL‐1β synthesis. Total ROS levels were determined by a luminol chemiluminescence assay. Compared with pure propofol, treatment with clinically relevant concentrations of Propofol‐Lipuro and Lipofundin obviously reduced IL‐1β secretion (>85% inhibition), S. aureus‐stimulated ROS production (50% inhibition), and phagocytosis (>60% inhibition) to similar levels. Treatment with pure propofol alone significantly decreased IL‐1β mRNA levels and pro‐IL‐1β protein synthesis, and slightly inhibited phagocytosis. In contrast, treatment with Propofol‐Lipuro did not influence IL‐1β mRNA or pro‐IL‐1β protein expression, even though treatment with Lipofundin increased the levels of both IL‐1β mRNA and its precursor protein. In conclusion, IL‐1β secretion is regulated at the posttranslational level. Lipofundin mediated the major effect of Propofol‐Lipuro on the inhibition of IL‐1β secretion, ROS production, and phagocytosis in S. aureus‐infected RAW264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon yet potentially lethal condition that warrants prompt intervention. Its occurrence in the periorbital region is rare. Several unique anatomical features of the eyelids give rise to relatively lower mortality, yet its close proximity to the ocular apparatus poses special challenges in the management of the condition. In the current report, we present the first reported case of bilateral upper eyelids necrotizing fasciitis in Hong Kong, managed with early debridement and antibiotics coverage. The patient survived with preservation of vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Individuals with intellectual disability ( ID) are prone to inattention, are slow in learning and reaction, and have deficits in memory skills. Providing proper vocational education and training for individuals with intellectual disability is able to enhance their occupational skills. Materials and Methods This study applied video prompting to provide instructional prompts to help participants accurately perform an assigned occupational activity. A control system installed with developed software was used to turn a standard dance pad into a sensor to detect the participants' standing position and to automatically trigger video prompting. Results The results show that the participants' correct performance of the target behaviour improved significantly after their exposure to the video prompting intervention, and this positive outcome remained consistent during the maintenance phase. Conclusion Video prompting combined with dance pads was a feasible approach to improving the occupational skills of the three students with intellectual disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin dioxide (SnO2) is recognized as one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. However, the large volume changes of pure SnO2 anodes during Li+ insertion/extraction inevitably result in rapid capacity decay. Herein, the fabrication of microsized, porous SnO2/Sn/carbon (p-SnO2/Sn/C) composites by a straightforward one-step hydrothermal process with triblock copolymer Pluronic F-127 as templating agent and subsequent carbonization is reported. In this composite structure, SnO2/Sn nanoparticles (≈5 nm) are uniformly embedded in an ordered porous carbon matrix to form an interpenetrating framework structure. The ordered porous carbon matrix not only offers three-dimensional channels for extraction/insertion of Li+ during cycling, but also buffers severe volume changes of the SnO2/Sn nanoparticles. Furthermore, the composite structure also ensures formation of stable solid electrolyte interface films as compared with isolated SnO2/Sn nanoparticles, which efficiently improves the electrochemical stability of the active materials. Thus, the p-SnO2/Sn/C anode delivers a high reversible capacity of 1016.2 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles and has remarkable long-term cycle stability (a charge capacity of 710 mAh g−1 even after 600 cycles at 1000 mA g−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homoharringtonine combined with aclarubicin and cytarabine (HAA) is a highly effective treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially for t(8;21) AML. However, the underlying mechanisms by which HAA kills t(8;21) AML cells remain unclear. In this study, SKNO-1 and Kasumi-1 cells with t(8;21) were used. Compared with individual or pairwise administration of homoharringtonine, aclarubicin, or cytarabine, HAA showed the strongest inhibition of growth and induction of apoptosis in SKNO-1 and Kasumi-1 cells. HAA caused cleavage of the AML1-ETO (AE) oncoprotein to form truncated AE (ΔAE). Pretreatment with the caspase-3 inhibitor caspase-3 inhibitor Q-DEVD-OPh (QDO) not only suppressed HAA-induced apoptosis but also abrogated the cleavage of AE and generation of ΔAE. These results suggest that HAA synergistically induces apoptosis in t(8;21) leukemia cells and triggers caspase-3-mediated cleavage of the AML1-ETO oncoprotein, thus providing direct evidence for the strong activity of HAA toward t(8;21) AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points Carotid body (CB) glomus cells mediate acute oxygen sensing and the initiation of the hypoxic ventilatory response, yet the gene expression profile of these cells is not available., We demonstrate that the single cell RNA-Seq method is a powerful tool for identifying highly expressed genes in CB glomus cells., Our single cell RNA-Seq results characterized novel CB glomus cell genes, including members of the G protein-coupled receptor signalling pathway, ion channels and atypical mitochondrial electron transport chain subunits., A heterologous cell-based screening identified acetate (which is known to affect CB glomus cell activity) as an agonist for the most highly abundant G protein-coupled receptor (Olfr78) in CB glomus cells., These data established the first transcriptome profile of CB glomus cells, highlighting genes with potential implications in CB chemosensory function., Abstract The carotid body (CB) is a major arterial chemoreceptor containing glomus cells whose activities are regulated by changes in arterial blood content, including oxygen. Despite significant advancements in the characterization of their physiological properties, our understanding of the underlying molecular machinery and signalling pathway in CB glomus cells is still limited. To overcome this, we employed the single cell RNA­Seq method by performing next-generation sequencing on single glomus cell­derived cDNAs to eliminate contamination of genes derived from other cell types present in the CB. Using this method, we identified a set of genes abundantly expressed in glomus cells, which contained novel glomus cell-specific genes. Transcriptome and subsequent in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry analyses identified abundant G protein-coupled receptor signalling pathway components and various types of ion channels, as well as members of the hypoxia-inducible factors pathway. A short-chain fatty acid olfactory receptor Olfr78, recently implicated in CB function, was the most abundant G protein-coupled receptor. Two atypical mitochondrial electron transport chain subunits (Ndufa4l2 and Cox4i2) were among the most specifically expressed genes in CB glomus cells, highlighting their potential roles in mitochondria-mediated oxygen sensing. The wealth of information provided by the present study offers a valuable foundation for identifying molecules functioning in the CB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zr-modified LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3− xZr xO2 samples were prepared through a rheological-phase method. The results indicate that there is only partial Zr doping into the bulk phase of the LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 particles, whereas the rest of the Zr remained on the surface to form a Li2ZrO3 coating layer during the Zr-modification process. The Zr-modified LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3− xZr xO2 samples show lower discharge specific capacities at low rates, however, which exhibit clearly improved rate capabilities than that of pristine LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. Among the Zr-modified LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3− xZr xO2 samples, LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3−0.01Zr0.01O2 ( x=0.01) shows the best rate capability, which exhibts158, 142, and 132 mAh g−1 at 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 C, respectively. The related results indicate that the doped Zr in pristine LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 could improve the structure stability and the formation of an inactive Li2ZrO3 coating layer which could suppress the interfacial side reaction of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional (3D) silicon/carbon nanofiber-graphene (Si/CNF-G) nanostructure is constructed by encapsulating Si nanoparticles in carbon nanofibers, followed by wrapping with graphene nanosheets. The graphene-wrapped silicon/carbon nanofibers hybrids have the advantages of good dispersion of Si nanoparticles inside the 3D carbon network. Meanwhile, the 3D carbon network can also act as a current collector to promote charge transfer and maintain stable electrical contact of the Si nanoparticles. The resulting Si/CNF-G composites can be used directly as binder-free electrodes. The composite exhibits a stable capacity retention and a reversible capacity of 878 mAh g−1 for up to 100 cycles, along with a high rate capacity (514 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1). These results provide a promising research platform for fabricating stable electrodes with improved electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two metal-organic frameworks, [Zn(dmtrz)(btrc)1/3] n ( 1) and [Zn2(dmtrz)2(btec)(H2O)2] n ( 2) (dmtrz = 3, 5-dimethyl-1-H-1, 2,4-triazole, btrc = 1, 3,5-benzenetricarboxylate, btec = 1, 2,4, 5-benzenetetracarboxylate), were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction. The crystal structure analysis reveals that compound 1 is a dense 3D framework with Schläfli symbols of {43}2{46 ·66 ·83}3, which is a loh1 structure. Compound 2 is a 2D network. In addition, the photoluminescence of two compounds were studied in solid state at room temperature, together with their thermal analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: With the objective of exploring the fungicidal activity of 2-oxocyclohexylsulfonamides (2), a series of novel 2-amino-6 oxocyclohexenylsulfonamides (6 to 23) were synthesised, and their fungicidal activities against Botrytis cinerea Pers.were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The compounds were characterised by IR, 1H NMR and elemental analysis. Bioassay results of mycelial growth showed that compounds 6 to 23 had a moderate antifungal activity against B. cinerea. N-(2-methylphenyl)-2- (2-methylphenylamino)-4,4-dimethyl-6-oxocyclohexenylsulfonamide (13) and N-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-chlorophenylamino)-6- oxocyclohexenylsulfonamide (21) showed best antifungal activities, with EC50 values of 8.05 and 10.56 µgmL-1 respectively. Commercial fungicide procymidone provided an EC50 value of 0.63 µgmL-1. The conidial germination assay showed thatmost of compounds 6 to 23 possessed excellent inhibition of spore germination and germ-tube elongation of conidia of B. cinerea. For in vivo control of B. cinerea colonising cucumber leaves, the compound N-cyclohexyl-2-(cyclohexylamino) 4,4-dimethyl-6 oxocyclohexenylsulfonamide (19) showed a better control effect than the commercial fungicide procymidone. CONCLUSION: The presentwork demonstrated that 2-amino-6-oxocyclohexenylsulfonamides can be used as possible new lead compounds for further developing novel fungicides against B. cinerea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new kind of marattialean raches are reported from the coal balls in Coal Seam No.7 in the upper part of the Taiyuan Formation (early Early Permian) from Taiyuan, Shanxi, China and are assigned to the genus Stipitopteris Grand'Eury (Psaroniaceae). The present specimens are different from all six reported species of the genus, and are therefore proposed as a new species: Stipitopteris shanxiensis. The raches of the new species are generally dorsi-ventrally flattened. The main raches usually exhibit scales of different forms on their surface. Beneath the epidermis is a zone of parenchymatous cells, some of which contain tannin-like contents. Inside this is a zone of small sclerenchymatous cells. Inward are the ground tissue and vascular bundles. The vascular bundles are continuous and are in two circles: the outer circle assumes a transversely elliptical shape with the gap and pinna trace, and the inner circle assumes a shallow C-shape with inrolled ends. The ground tissue located at the inner side of the vascular bundle is composed of thicker-walled parenchymatous cells. The cells of the ground tissue are vertically elongated in longitudinal sections. Subordered raches are smaller and have simpler structures than the main raches. The parenchyma zone beneath the epidermis is thinner, usually one to two cells wide and the sclerenchyma zone is usually absent. The scales are poorly developed and there is only one C-shaped vascular bundle. The new species is comparable to the crosiers of Psaroniaceae of the Euramerican Flora in some aspects, for example, it has a dorsi-ventrally flattened rachis and scales on the surface of the rachis. However, the other features and the preservative conditions of the present specimens indicate that they are not crosiers, but fully developed or mature raches. The new species is the first well-studied anatomically-preserved rachis of Psaroniaceae from the Cathaysian Flora and bears significance not only in understanding the anatomy and taxonomy of Psaroniaceae in the Cathaysian Flora, but also in the relationship between the Euramerican Flora and the Cathaysian Flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The entorhino-hippocampal pathway is the major excitatory input from neurons of the entorhinal cortex on both ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampus/dentate gyrus. This fiber tract consists of the alvear path, the perforant path and a crossed commissural projection. In this study, the histogenesis and development of the various subsets of the entorhino-hippocampal projection have been investigated. DiI, DiO, Fast Blue tracing and calretinin immunocytochemistry as well as were carried out with pre and postnatal rats at different developmental stages. The alvear path and the commissural pathway start to develop as early as embryonic day E16, while the first perforant afferents reach the stratum lacunosum-moleculare of the hippocampus at E17 and at outer molecular layer of the denate gyrus at postnatal day 2. Retrograde tracing with DiI identifies entorhinal neurons in layer II–IV as the developmental origin of the entorhino-hippocampal pathway. Furthermore, calretinin immunocytochemistry revealed transitory Cajal-Retzius cells in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare of the hippocampus from E16. DiI labeling of entorhinal cortex fibers and combined calretinin-immunocytochemistry reveal a close relationship between Cajal-Retzius cells and entorhinal afferents. This temporal and spatial relationship suggests that Cajal-Retzius cell serves as a guiding cue for entorhinal afferents at early cortical development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The potency of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses toward core antigen has been shown to affect the outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Since single-chain trimers (SCT) composed of peptide epitope β2-microglobulin (β2m) and major histocompatiblity complex (MHC) class I heavy chain covalently linked together in a single molecule have been shown to stimulate efficient CTL responses, we investigated the properties of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 SCTs encoding the HBV core antigen (HBcAg) epitopes C18−27 and C107−115. Transfection of NIH-3T3 cells with pcDNA3.0-SCT-C18−27 and SCT-C107−115 leads to stable presentation of HBcAg epitopes at the cell surface. HLA-A2.1/Kb transgenic mice vaccinated with the SCT constructs, either as a DNA vaccine alone or followed by a boost with recombinant vaccinia virus, were shown to generate HBcAg-specific CTL responses by enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) and in vitro interferon-γ release experiments. HBcAg-specific CTLs from vaccinated HLA-A2.1/Kb transgenic mice were able to inhibit HBV surface and e antigen expression as indicated by HepG2.2.15 cells. Our data indicate that a DNA vaccine encoding a human HLA-A2 SCT with HBV epitopes can lead to stable, enhanced HBV core antigen presentation, and may be useful for the control of HBV infection in HLA-A2-positive HBV carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a case of chronic renal failure developing life-threatening cardiovascular collapse during the insertion of central venous catheter for hemodialysis under general anesthesia in a 7-year-old boy. With timely resuscitation, he regained his vital signs within 20 min. However, after admission to the pediatric intensive care unit, visual impairment and four limb weakness were detected on the first postoperative day. Fortunately, symptoms resolved completely with close observation, psychological support and conservative management within 72 h without sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a huge right renal tumor in a 17-year-old girl. Absence of fat on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging suggested renal cell carcinoma, and surgery was performed. Pathologic evaluation with HMB-45 immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid angiomyolipoma. The tumor consisted predominantly of epithelioid cells, and it could easily be misidentified as a renal cell carcinoma due to the paucity of the fat component. Previous reports have suggested that epithelioid angiomyolipomas have the potential to be malignant, and thus regular postoperative surveillance is recommended. Our patient had no signs of recurrence at her most recent follow up, 12 months after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study revealing Sri Lankan pig ancestry with mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosome, and MC1R. Topics discussed include classification of local pigs with black coats in Sri Lanka into two ecotypes based on body size; role of mitochondrial DNA (m-DNA), Y-chromosome, and MC1R polymorphisms on origin and coat color evolution; and evolutionary history of Sri Lankan pigs.

The Back Cover picture represents a binder‐free anode for lithium‐ion batteries by encapsulation of Si nanoparticles in 1D carbon nanofibers, followed by wrapping with 2D graphene sheets. The nanostructure are favorable for the fast charge transfer and diffusion of lithium ions. More details can be found in the Article by L.‐Z. Fan and co‐workers on page 1699 in Issue 11, 2015 (DOI: 10.1002/celc.201500187). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]