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This article discusses the impact of air pollutants and meteorological factors on outpatient visits for allergic rhinitis (AR) in Shanghai, China. The study collected data on atmospheric pollutants and meteorological variables from January 2017 to December 2019, as well as clinical visit data from five hospitals during the same period. The results showed that elevated levels of NO2 and O3 were strongly associated with increased hospital visits for AR patients. Additionally, meteorological factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and air pressure also influenced outpatient visits. The study highlights the need for further research to evaluate this association. [Extracted from the article]

Heilaohu, the roots of Kadsura coccinea, has been used in Tujia ethnomedicine to treat rheumatic arthritis (RA). Heilaohuacid G (1), a new 3,4-seco-lanostane type triterpenoid isolated from the ethanol extract of Heilaohu, whose structure was determined using HR-ESI-MS data, NMR spectroscopic analyses, and ECD calculations. In this study, our purpose is to elucidate the mechanisms of Heilaohuacid G in the treatment of RA by inhibited proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis-fibroblastoid synovial (RA-FLS) cells and inhibited the inflammatory reactions in LPS-induced RA-FLS and RAW 264.7 cell lines via inhibiting NF-κB pathway. The biological activity screening experiments indicated that Heilaohuacid G significantly inhibited proliferation of RA-FLS cells with IC50 value of 8.16 ± 0.47 μM. CCK-8 assay, ELISA, flow cytometry assay, and Western blot were used to measure the changes of cell viability, apoptosis, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Heilaohuacid G was found not only induced RA-FLS cell apoptosis, but also inhibited the inflammatory reactions in LPS-induced RA-FLS and RAW 264.7 cell lines via inhibiting NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, Heilaohuacid G (p.o.) at doses of 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 mg/kg and the ethanol extracts of Heilaohu (p.o.) at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg both were confirmed antiinflammatory effects on xylene-induced ear mice edema model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great significance to examine the distribution of the fluid within the subduction zone to estimate the water flux into the subduction zone and to study the motion state of the subducting plate. The interaction of the Western Pacific Plate and the Indo‐Australian Plate controls the subduction and expansion of the Solomon Basin where the mechanisms governing plate activity remain unclear but are typically associated with high pore fluid pressures and stabilizing frictional conditions. Combining the long streamer seismic data (200) and nine well logs inside the work area, we used constrained sparse spike inversion to obtain the P‐wave impedance profile. Then we constructed reservoir rock physics models to predict the fluids distribution in New Britain Trench subduction system in Solomon Sea. The genetic algorithm was used to guide the inversion of the pore fluid distribution. The water content profile revealed the shallow structure of the New Britain Trench subduction system in Solomon Sea, including the water content within the basalt layers. We determined that in certain cases, faults identified from the reflection data were associated with low‐impedance anomalies, and this may indicate that they are zones of high porosity that act as conduits for fluid flow. The continuity of the distribution of water content under the New Britain Trench suggests that there is a large amount of free water that subducts deeply and may be important in controlling the motion state of the subducting plate. We assume that the water saturation is 1. Therefore, the free water flux entering the deep circle with the subducting plate is estimated to be 158 Tg/Ma/m totally, including 53.724 Tg/Ma/m in the sediment and 105.06 Tg/Ma/m in the basalt. This study provides insight into the structure of free water in the New Britain subduction zone and reveals the potential for the direct estimation of the 2D structural distribution of water content using geophysical survey data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine whether serum procalcitonin (PCT) is useful for differentiating acute pyelonephritis (APN) from asymptomatic bacteriuria and acute cystitis during pregnancy. Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted to compare serum white blood cell (WBC) counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and PCT level among pregnant women with asymptomatic bacteriuria, acute cystitis, and APN and healthy pregnant women (controls). Utility of WBC count, ESR, CRP, and PCT biomarkers for the prediction of APN during pregnancy were measured. Results: Area under the curve (AUC) values of PCT, CRP, ESR, and WBC count for predicting asymptomatic bacteriuria were 0.576, 0.628, 0.542, and 0.532, respectively; those for predicting acute cystitis were 0.766, 0.735, 0.681, and 0.597, respectively; and those for predicting acute pyelonephritis 0.859, 0.763, 0.711, and 0.732, respectively. Compared with the other inflammatory markers used to predict APN, PCT exhibited the highest AUC (0.859 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.711-0.935]). A cutoff value of >0.25 ng/ml had a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 79%. Conclusion: Serum PCT can be a valuable addition to existing methods of differentiating asymptomatic bacteriuria, acute cystitis, and APN during pregnancy and can facilitate the early identification of APN during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based, fully printed mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (PMPSCs) possess outstanding environmental stability, which can be fabricated by screen-printing techniques with low costs in large area. The performance of PMPSCs is severely hindered by strong carrier recombination from ionic defects at the grain boundaries in perovskite films. In this work, ethylene carbonate (EC) with electron-rich C=O functional groups are successfully introduced in to (5-AVA)xMA1-xPbI3 PMPSCs as an additive to effectively suppress carrier recombination by passivating the defects at grain boundaries. The density functional theory calculations and film characterization reveal that EC effectively reduces charge trapping density by passivation of defects. With the introduction of EC, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PMPSCs with EC is increased up to 15.28% from 12.99% of PMPSCs without EC. In addition, PMPSCs with EC show excellent stability and better moisture resistance under air conditions. The PMPSCs with EC keep above 90% of the original PCE after 55 days stored in air with a humidity of 60 ± 10%. The work offers a strategy to passivate defects in high-performance PMPSCs with excellent stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal infection during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development and increase the risk of developing neurological and mental disorders later in life in offspring. In this study, we used low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection to mimic mild maternal infection at a critical time window for fetal dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neuron development. The affected offspring exhibited reduction of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons and anxiety- and depression-related behaviors in adulthood. In the current study, we evaluated whether dextromethorphan (DM, 30 mg/kg), an over-the-counter antitussive drug with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, could reduce the adverse effects of maternal infection mimicked by LPS exposure. We discovered that DM application did not change the baseline serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) levels in the LPS-exposed offspring. However, DM treatment could reduce the heightened immune responses induced by a postnatal LPS challenge test in prenatal LPS-exposed offspring. The neuroprotective effect of DM was only seen in DA neurons but not in 5-HT neurons. We concluded that DM treatment can partially protect the offspring against the adverse effects of LPS-induced maternal immune activation. The reduction in heightened immune responses and dopaminergic neuronal loss in LPS-exposed offspring could potentially reduce the risk of DA-related neurological and psychiatric disorders later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of β-cell number and function is a hallmark of diabetes. β-cell preservation is emerging as a promising strategy to treat and reverse diabetes. Here, we first found that Pdia4 was primarily expressed in β-cells. This expression was up-regulated in β-cells and blood of mice in response to excess nutrients. Ablation of Pdia4 alleviated diabetes as shown by reduced islet destruction, blood glucose and HbA1c, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased insulin secretion in diabetic mice. Strikingly, this ablation alone or in combination with food reduction could fully reverse diabetes. Conversely, overexpression of Pdia4 had the opposite pathophysiological outcomes in the mice. In addition, Pdia4 positively regulated β-cell death, dysfunction, and ROS production. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that Pdia4 increased ROS content in β-cells via its action on the pathway of Ndufs3 and p22phox. Finally, we found that 2-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy1-hydroxytrideca 5,7,9,11-tetrayne (GHTT), a Pdia4 inhibitor, suppressed diabetic development in diabetic mice. These findings characterize Pdia4 as a crucial regulator of β-cell pathogenesis and diabetes, suggesting Pdia4 is a novel therapeutic and diagnostic target of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although fossil‐based plastic products have many attractive characteristics, their production has led to severe environmental burdens that require immediate solutions. Despite these plastics being non‐natural chemical compounds, they can be degraded and metabolized by some microorganisms, which suggests the potential application of biotechnologies based on the mechanism of plastic biodegradation. In this context, microbe‐based strategies for the degradation, recycling, and valorization of plastic waste offer a feasible approach for alleviating environmental challenges created by the accumulation of plastic waste. This Minireview highlights recent advances in the biotechnology‐based biodegradation of both traditional polymers and bio‐based plastics, focusing on the mechanisms of biodegradation. From an application perspective, this Minireview also summarizes recent progress in the recycling and valorization of plastic waste, which are feasible solutions for tackling the plastic waste dilemma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique applications of porous metal–organic framework (MOF) liquids with permanent porosity and fluidity have attracted significant attention. However, fabrication of porous MOF liquids remains challenging because of the easy intermolecular self‐filling of the cavity or the rapid settlement of porous hosts in hindered solvents that cannot enter their pores. Herein, we report a facile strategy for the fabrication of a MOF liquid (Im‐UiO‐PL) by surface ionization of an imidazolium‐functionalized framework with a sterically hindered poly(ethylene glycol) sulfonate (PEGS) canopy. The Im‐UiO‐PL obtained in this way has a CO2 adsorption approximately 14 times larger than that of pure PEGS. Distinct from a porous MOF solid counterpart, the stored CO2 in Im‐UiO‐PL can be slowly released and efficiently utilized to synthesize cyclic carbonates in the atmosphere. This is the first example of the use of a porous MOF liquid as a CO2 storage material for catalysis. It offers a new method for the fabrication of unique porous liquid MOFs with functional behaviors in various fields of gas adsorption and catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a popular hole transport material in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, it is required to modify the PEDOT:PSS to achieve high-performance PSCs. Herein, a facile method to modify PEDOT:PSS using water to improve the performance of inverted PSCs is developed. The modification impact on the physical properties of the PEDOT:PSS films is systemically studied. The results show that the transmittance and resistance of the PEDOT:PSS layer are greatly improved by modification using water without changing its work function. The growth of perovskite films on PEDOT:PSS is also influenced by the modification of PEDOT:PSS using water. Better crystallinity and larger grain sizes of the perovskite film are also achieved, leading to recombination loss being greatly reduced and the performance of the devices significantly improved. The PSCs based on modified PEDOT:PSS exhibit a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.28 % and higher open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.06 V compared to control devices prepared with unmodified PEDOT:PSS (PCE = 12.49%, Voc = 0.99 V). This work provides a facile method to modify PEDOT:PSS to prepare high-performance inverted PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LDA + U method is employed to study the electronic properties of ZnSxO1−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25). The calculated results are consistent with the experimental results. It is found that the substitution of oxygen atoms by sulfur atoms can bring a localized sulfur defect level into ZnO. The sulfur level appears at 0.398 eV above the Γ VBM of ZnO. It is also found that the strongly localized effect of the sulfur level in the composition range (0 < x ≤ 0.1875) can pin the Γ VBM of ZnSxO1−x in the vicinity of the initial sulfur level. If the sulfur fraction goes on increasing, the sharp peak of the S‐3p states cannot be observed, demonstrating that the localized effect weakens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Retention of flesh texture attributes during cold storage is critical for the long‐term maintenance of fruit quality. The genetic variations determining flesh firmness and crispness retainability are not well understood. The objectives of this study are to identify gene markers based on quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and to develop genomics‐assisted prediction (GAP) models for apple flesh firmness and crispness retainability. Phenotype data of 2664 hybrids derived from three Malus domestica cultivars and a M. asiatica cultivar were collected in 2016 and 2017. The phenotype segregated considerably with high broad‐sense heritability of 83.85% and 83.64% for flesh firmness and crispness retainability, respectively. Fifty‐six candidate genes were predicted from the 62 QTLs identified using bulked segregant analysis and RNA‐seq. The genotype effects of the markers designed on each candidate gene were estimated. The genomics‐predicted values were obtained using pyramiding marker genotype effects and overall mean phenotype values. Fivefold cross‐validation revealed that the prediction accuracy was 0.5541 and 0.6018 for retainability of flesh firmness and crispness, respectively. An 8‐bp deletion in the MdERF3 promoter disrupted MdDOF5.3 binding, reduced MdERF3 expression, relieved the inhibition on MdPGLR3, MdPME2, and MdACO4 expression, and ultimately decreased flesh firmness and crispness retainability. A 3‐bp deletion in the MdERF118 promoter decreased its expression by disrupting the binding of MdRAVL1, which increased MdPGLR3 and MdACO4 expression and reduced flesh firmness and crispness retainability. These results provide insights regarding the genetic variation network regulating flesh firmness and crispness retainability, and the GAP models can assist in apple breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) displays have attracted worldwide attention and colorless polyimides (CPIs) are their key substrate materials. However, desirable CPIs are difficult to obtain since the thermal and mechanical properties are sacrificed during CPI production through modification of colored polyimide. Here, a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)/CPI hybrid substrate with high optical, mechanical, and thermal properties is introduced. Due to the outstanding mechanical and thermal properties of CNCs as well as their strong interfacial interaction with CPI matrix, the sacrificed properties are made up and hybrid substrate is demonstrated strikingly improved thermal properties and mechanical properties with thermal decomposition temperature of 555 °C, upper operating temperature of 320 °C, glass transition temperature of 289 °C, coefficient of thermal expansion of 31.62 ppm K−1, tensile strength of 128 MPa, elastic modulus of 3.72 GPa, and folding capacity of 160 000 times. Particularly, the substrate keeps an excellent transmittance of 86% at 600 nm and it is colorless. The OLED devices built on the hybrid substrates show outstanding performance, which is superior to that of OLED@CPI, and comparable to that of OLED@glass. It is expected that this work will open new avenues for fabricating high‐performance and low‐cost flexible OLED devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible electronics require its substrate to have adequate thermal stability, but current thermally stable polymer substrates are difficult to be disintegrated and recycled; hence, generate enormous electronic solid waste. Here, a thermally stable and green solvent‐disintegrable polymer substrate is developed for flexible electronics to promote their recyclability and reduce solid waste generation. Thanks to the proper design of rigid backbones and rational adjustments of polar and bulky side groups, the polymer substrate exhibits excellent thermal and mechanical properties with thermal decomposition temperature (Td,5%) of 430 °C, upper operating temperature of over 300 °C, coefficient of thermal expansion of 48 ppm K−1, tensile strength of 103 MPa, and elastic modulus of 2.49 GPa. Furthermore, the substrate illustrates outstanding optical and dielectric properties with high transmittance of 91% and a low dielectric constant of 2.30. Additionally, it demonstrates remarkable chemical and flame resistance. A proof‐of‐concept flexible printed circuit device is fabricated with this substrate, which demonstrates outstanding mechanical–electrical stability. Most importantly, the substrate can be quickly disintegrated and recycled with alcohol. With outstanding thermally stable properties, accompanied by excellent recyclability, the substrate is particularly attractive for a wide range of electronics to reduce solid waste generation, and head toward flexible and "green" electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Galectin‐3 plays a crucial role in the regulation of inflammation. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between LGALS3 genotypes, galectin‐3 levels, and inflammatory marker levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Results: A total of 474 patients with CAD were enrolled. Significant correlations were discerned between galectin‐3 levels and leukocyte counts, C‐reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels (all p <.05). The LGALS3 rs2274273, rs4644, rs4652 genotypes, and haplotypes CAC, CCC, and ACT exhibited a significant association with galectin‐3 levels (for genotypes, p = 1.05 × 10−25, 3.54 × 10−25, and 2.74 × 10−7, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed LGALS3 rs2274273 and rs4644 genotypes contributing to 20.8% variation of galectin‐3 levels. However, there was no association between LGALS3 genotypes and other inflammatory marker levels. Conclusions: Our data showed strong genetic determinants of galectin‐3 levels in patients with CAD. The galectin‐3 levels, but not LGALS3 genotypes, were associated with multiple inflammatory marker levels. Further study may be necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanism of galectin‐3 in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose We aimed to evaluate the validity of cancer diagnosis in the National Health Insurance (NHI) database, which has routinely collected the health information of almost the entire Taiwanese population since 1995, compared with the Taiwan National Cancer Registry (NCR). Methods: There were 26,542,445 active participants registered in the NHI database between 2001 and 2012. National Cancer Registry and NHI database records were compared for cancer diagnosis; date of cancer diagnosis; and 1, 2, and 5 year survival. In addition, the 10 leading causes of cancer deaths in Taiwan were analyzed. Results: There were 908,986 cancer diagnoses in NCR and NHI database and 782,775 (86.1%) in both, with 53,192 (5.9%) in the NHI database only and 73,019 (8.0%) in the NCR only. The positive predictive value of the NHI database cancer diagnoses was 94% for all cancers; the positive predictive value of the 10 specific cancers ranged from 95% (lung cancer) to 82% (cervical cancer). The date of diagnosis in the NHI database was generally delayed by a median of 15 days (interquartile range 8‐18) compared with the NCR. The 1, 2, and 5 year survival rates were 71.21%, 60.85%, and 47.44% using the NHI database and were 71.18%, 60.17%, and 46.09% using NCR data. Conclusions: Recording of cancer diagnoses and survival estimates based on these diagnosis codes in the NHI database are generally consistent with the NCR. Studies using NHI database data must pay careful attention to eligibility and record linkage; use of both sources is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Immunoglobulin (Ig)A antibody of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was found to associate with breast cancer (BC), whereas IgA positivity was related to a series of genetic markers in the genes of homologous recombination repair system (HRRs). We assessed the associations of the polymorphisms in HRR genes with the risk and survival of BC. Methods A case-control study was conducted with 1551 bc cases and 1605 age-matched healthy controls between October 2008 and March 2012 in the Guangzhou Breast Cancer Study (GZBCS), China, and the case population were followed up until 31 January 2016. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms of candidate genes in HRR system were genotyped. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazards ratios (HRs) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the risk and prognostic effect, respectively. Results RFC1 rs6829064 (AA) was associated with an increased BC risk [OR = 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.73] compared to the wild genotype (GG). NRM rs1075496 (GT/TT versus GG) was associated with a worse progression-free survival (PFS) and the HR was 1.34 (95% CI = 1.01-1.78), particularly among advanced patients. LIG3 rs1052536 (CT/TT versus CC) was associated with a better PFS and the HR was 0.70 (95% CI = 0.53-0.93). However, RAD54L rs1710286 and RPA1 rs11078676 were not observed to be associated with either the risk or survival of BC. Conclusions The findings of the present study suggest that the polymorphisms in HRR genes were associated with BC risk ( RFC1 rs6829064) and prognosis ( NRM rs1075496 and LIG3 rs1052536), whereas RAD54L rs1710286 and RPA1 rs11078676 had null associations with BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple and straightforward methods for the synthesis of 2-benzylbenzofuran, 3-substituted 2-benzylbenzofuran, and 2-aryl-nitrochroman derivatives are described. Benzofurans were generated from nitroalkenes by reduction with NaBH4 followed by a Nef reaction and acid-mediated cyclization, whereas 3-substituted 2-benzylbenzofurans were prepared from nitro- alkenes by reactions with Grignard reagents followed by a Nef reaction and an acid-mediated cyclization in a one-pot process. The synthesis of chromans involved a Knoevenagel condensation and the 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) assisted cyclization of β-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-nitroethanes and benzaldehydes, also in a one-pot process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction mechanism of the γ-carbon addition of enal to imine under oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis is studied experimentally. The oxidation, γ-carbon deprotonation, and nucleophilic addition of γ-carbon to imine were found to be facile steps. The results of our study also provide highly enantioselective access to tricyclic sulfonyl amides that exhibit interesting antimicrobial activities against X. oryzae, a bacterium that causes bacterial disease in rice growing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new route for the in-situ formation of silver-polypyrrole (Ag-PPy) on the layer of SiO2@poly(sodium styrene sulphonate) (SiO2@PSS/Ag-PPy) composite particles, using SiO2@poly(sodium styrene sulphonate) (SiO2@PSS) particles as a template is presented. The template SiO2@PSS consisting of a SiO2 core and PSS on the surface was prepared by the 'grafting from' approach. SiO2@PSS/Ag-PPy was characterised by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopic analysis, thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. The results showed that the SiO2@PSS/Ag-PPy composites consisting of a spherical structure with a diameter of about 80 nm were successfully fabricated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, a superfamily of ion channels, can be divided into 7 subfamilies, including TRPV, TRPC, TRPP, and 4 others. Functional TRP channels are tetrameric complexes consisting of 4 pore-forming subunits. The purpose of this study was to explore the heteromeriza-tion of TRP subunits crossing different TRP subfamilies. Two-step coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) were used to determine the interaction of the different TRP subunits. Patch-clamp and cytosolic Ca2+ measurements were used to determine the functional role of the ion channels in flow conditions. The analysis demonstrated the formation of a heteromeric TRPV4-C1-P2 complex in primary cultured rat mesenteric artery endothelial cells (MAECs) and HEK293 cells that were cotransfected with TRPV4, TRPC1, and TRPP2. In functional experiments, pore-dead mutants for each of these 3 TRP isoforms nearly abolished the flow-induced cation currents and Ca2+ increase, suggesting that all 3 TRPs contribute to the ion permeation pore of the channels. We identified the first heteromeric TRP channels composed of subunits from 3 different TRP subfamilies. Functionally, this heteromeric TRPV4-C1-P2 channel mediates the flow-induced Ca2+ increase in native vascular endothelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific concepts of human immunology are inherently complicated and extremely difficult to understand. Hence, this study reports on the development of an educational game entitled Humunology and examines the impact of using Humunology for learning how the body's defense system works. A total of 132 middle school students participated in this study and a quasi-experimental approach with a two-group pretest/posttest research design was used. A knowledge assessment including 19 items was developed, and a questionnaire instrument with seven dimensions, which focuses mainly on perceptions toward the use of Humunology, and the help-seeking behaviors of the students, was employed. The results show that students who learned by playing Humunology significantly outperformed those who learned by using web-based content on items that examined their understanding of procedural knowledge and higher level of cognitive process. Students in the experimental group also had a significantly higher level of satisfaction than their counterparts. In terms of predicting a student's learning achievement on the posttest, the three positive variables were the results of the pretest, perceived ease of use, peer learning and help-seeking behaviors. The only negative one was perceived playfulness. The implications and suggestions for further research derived from these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points Five-day-old zebrafish larvae already exhibit a velocity storage mechanism (VSM)., The VSM in zebrafish larvae emerges earlier than a functional horizontal angular vestibular reflex., The VSM may be critical to ocular motor control in larval zebrafish., Abstract The optokinetic reflex (OKR) and the angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) complement each other to stabilize images on the retina despite self- or world motion, a joint mechanism that is critical for effective vision. It is currently hypothesized that signals from both systems integrate, in a mathematical sense, in a network of neurons operating as a velocity storage mechanism (VSM). When exposed to a rotating visual surround, subjects display the OKR, slow following eye movements frequently interrupted by fast resetting eye movements. Subsequent to light-off during optokinetic stimulation, eye movements do not stop abruptly, but decay slowly, a phenomenon referred to as the optokinetic after-response (OKAR). The OKAR is most likely generated by the VSM. In this study, we observed the OKAR in developing larval zebrafish before the horizontal aVOR emerged. Our results suggest that the VSM develops prior to and without the need for a functional aVOR. It may be critical to ocular motor control in early development as it increases the efficiency of the OKR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The identification of novel cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes is important to analysis of the involvement of CD8+ T cells in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection as well as to the development of peptide vaccines. In this study, a novel CTL epitope from region of difference 11 encoded antigen Rv3425 was identified. Epitopes were predicted by the reversal immunology approach. Rv3425-p118 (LIASNVAGV) was identified as having relatively strong binding affinity and stability towards the HLA-A*0201 molecule. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells pulsed by this peptide were able to release interferon-γ in healthy donors (HLA-A*02+ purified protein derivative+). In cytotoxicity assays in vitro and in vivo, Rv3425-p118 induced CTLs to specifically lyse the target cells. Therefore, this epitope could provide a subunit component for designing vaccines against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bstract Background: To analyse the magnitude of cylindrical corrections over which cyclotorsion compensation with iris recognition (IR) technology is beneficial during wavefront laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Design: A retrospectively comparative case series. Participants or Samples: Fifty-four eyes that underwent wavefront laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis without IR (non-IR group) and 53 eyes that underwent wavefront laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis with IR (IR group) were recruited. Methods: Subgroup analysis based on baseline astigmatism were: a low degree of astigmatism (≥1.00 D to <2.00 D), a moderate degree of astigmatism (≥2.00 D to <3.00 D) and a high degree of astigmatism (≥3.00 D). Main Outcome Measures: Vector and non-vector analyses were used for comparison. Results: The mean cylinder was −1.89 ± 0.76 D in the non-IR group and −2.00 ± 0.77 D in the IR group. Postoperatively, 38 eyes (74.50%) in the IR group and 31 eyes (57.50%) in the non-IR group were within ± 0.50 D of the target induced astigmatism vector ( P = 0.063). The difference vector was 0.49 ± 0.28 in the IR group and 0.63 ± 0.40 in the non-IR group ( P = 0.031). In the analysis of subgroups, the magnitude of error was significantly lower in the moderate IR subgroup than that of the moderate non-IR subgroup ( P = 0.034). Furthermore, the moderate IR subgroup had a lower mean difference vector ( P = 0.0078) and a greater surgically induced astigmatism ( P = 0.036) than those of the moderate non-IR group. Conclusions: Wavefront laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of astigmatism using IR technology was effective and accurate for the treatment of myopic astigmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The need for an accurate estimate of absorbed doses within and around irradiated thorax tissues necessitates the use of carefully selected materials from which phantoms are constructed. A lung substitute is more difficult to establish mostly due to its low physical density. Although many researchers have used cork as a lung substitute, very little research data address cork's characteristics to determine which type of cork is optimal as a substitute for lung tissue. Methods: Natural cork, composition cork, rubber cork, ATOM, RANDO, and a reference lung material (ICRU-44 lung tissue) were investigated to establish comparisons of physical properties. Following the determination of the respective physical properties, the dose distributions from 6 MV photon beams in water/lung substitute/water phantoms were assessed using the Monte Carlo method. Physical and electron densities affecting the dose distributions through lung tissues in different field size conditions were investigated Results: The physical properties (physical density, electronic density, and effective atomic number) of the composition cork are the most similar to those of the ICRU-44 lung, and the CT number of the composition cork is very similar to that of humans aged 30-60. PDD of the composition cork and the RANDO phantom are the most comparable to that of ICRU-44 lung in 1 × 1 cm2 field size due to the combined properties of physical density (PD) and electron density per gram (EDG) of the studied lung materials. PD and EDG affect the lung dose primarily in small field size. The effects of PD are minimal in large fields, having a more rapid lateral electron equilibrium. EDG dominates PDD pattern in lung material when large fields are applied. Combined effects of PD and EDG are nonlinear for all field sizes. Conclusions: The composition cork is the preferred lung substitute based on physical and dosimetric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS; formerly called congenital nystagmus) is an ocular motor disorder characterized by several typical nystagmus waveforms. To date, restrictions inherent to human research and the absence of a handy animal model have impeded efforts to identify the underlying mechanism of INS. Displaying INS-like spontaneous eye oscillations, achiasmatic zebrafish belladonna ( bel) mutants may provide new insights into the mystery of INS. In this study, we demonstrate that these spontaneous eye oscillations match the diagnostic waveforms of INS. As a result, zebrafish bel mutants can be used as an animal model for the study of INS. In zebrafish bel mutants, visual pathway abnormalities may contribute to the spontaneous nystagmus via an inverted signal to the pretectal area. We hypothesized that human INS may also be linked to visual pathway abnormalities (possibly underdiagnosed in INS patients) in a similar way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the prognostic value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (sVEGF) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods. sVEGF was prospectively detected in 306 patients with NPC with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before treatment. The correlations between sVEGF and the survival of these patients were evaluated. Results. Patients were followed for at least 36 months. The mean sVEGF was 387.0 ng/L. sVEGF showed no difference in sex, age, and local recurrence. However, sVEGF was positively associated with histology, TNM classification, distant metastasis, and overall survival (OS; p < .05). The 4-year OS and distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS) of the high-sVEGF versus low-sVEGF groups were 68% versus 86% and 70% versus 89%, respectively (p < .05). Stratified analysis showed that patients with stage IVa,b, T4, N1, or Npositive disease with high VEGF levels had worse 4-year OS and 4-year DMFS than those with low VEGF levels (p < .05). Multifactorial Cox regression confirmed sVEGF was among the independent prognostic factors. Conclusion. Elevation of sVEGF in patients with NPC predicts more posttreatment distant metastases and shorter OS and can be used as an independent poor prognostic indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations on a dual-band monopole antenna with a slot cut in the ground plane have been proposed for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications.The proposed antenna has a low protruding profile only 2 mm above the ground plane, thus allowing it to suitably integrate with the supporting metal frame of the laptop display. Good impedance matching can be achieved by adjusting antenna height and choosing adequate cutting slot position and size in the ground plane. It can provide two separate impedance bands for 2.4 and 5.2/5.8 GHz, making it easily covers the required bandwidths for WLAN operation. Details of the proposed antenna design and measured results are presented and discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2610–2613, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25518 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the correlation between glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level and macular volume in diabetes patients without diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Methods: We carried out an observational, cross-sectional study. Patients who had diabetes mellitus (DM) of ≥ 10 years duration without DMO were included. Only one eye of each patient was selected for analysis. Eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy were excluded. Central subfield thickness (CST), central subfield volume (CSV) and total macular volume (TMV) were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Chronic HbA1c level was defined as the mean HbA1c value in the year prior to enrolment. Results: We included 97 eyes from 97 patients (47 women, 50 men; mean age 62.2 years). They included eight type 1 and 89 type 2 DM patients. The mean duration of DM was 15.5 years. Forty-two (43%) eyes had no diabetic retinopathy and 55 (57%) eyes had non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In statistical analysis, CST (mean 188.80 ± 27.64 μm; r = 0.220, p = 0.030), CSV (mean 0.149 ± 0.021 mm3; r = 0.213, p = 0.036) and TMV (mean 6.497 ± 0.715 mm3; r = 0.299, p = 0.003) positively correlated with chronic HbA1c level (7.95 ± 1.29%). The linear regression model showed that chronic HbA1c level (standardized coefficient 0.253; p = 0.013) and age (standardized coefficient — 0.206; p = 0.040) were factors significantly related to TMV. Conclusions: Chronic HbA1c level positively correlates with macular thickness and volume in patients with DM of ≥ 10 years duration without DMO. Our results suggest that subclinical macular volume and thickness changes may occur before DMO becomes clinically evident. Early tight glycaemic control prior to the onset of DMO may play an important role in preventing the deterioration of macular function by altering macular haemodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the relation between intracardiac echogenic focus (ICEF) and trisomy 21 in a population of fetuses previously evaluated by first-trimester combined screening. Design: Prospective study to evaluate the prevalence of trisomy 21 for four groups of pregnancies: those with isolated ICEF, those with ICEF and positive first-trimester combined screening, those with ICEF and other ultrasound markers, and those with ICEF, positive first-trimester combined screening and other ultrasound markers. Setting: Teaching hospital. Population: A total of 7,118 fetuses received first-trimester combined screening and a second-trimester fetal anatomical scan. Methods: Amniocentesis for karyotyping was offered for those with positive result of first-trimester combined screening, and for those with the diagnosis of ICEF or other fetal chromosomal aneuploidy ultrasound markers in mid-trimester detailed fetal anatomical scans. Main Outcome Measures: The prevalence of trisomy 21 in each group. Results: For the entire study population, 25 trisomy 21 cases were diagnosed prenatally (prevalence, 0.35%). Among fetuses with positive first-trimester combined screening results, the likelihood ratio of trisomy 21 was significantly increased for those with, as compared to without, ICEF (3.5 vs. 0.80, p = 0.012). However, among fetuses with negative first-trimester combined screening results, the likelihood ratios of trisomy 21 did not differ significantly between those with and without ICEF. Conclusion: In pregnancies complicated by isolated ICEF but lacking additional anomalies on ultrasonographic examination and exhibiting negative first-trimester combined screening results, fetal karyotyping is not indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare ablation zones created with equal amounts of 2.45 GHz microwave and 480 kHz radiofrequency (RF) energy in ex vivo liver and lung. Methods: A total of 38 ablations were performed in ex vivo liver and lung for 10 min each. Nineteen RF ablations (nine liver, ten lung) were performed with a 480 kHz system (200 W max, impedance-based pulsing) and cooled electrode while measuring the average RF power applied. Nineteen microwave ablations (nine liver, ten lung) were then created using a cooled triaxial antenna to deliver 2.45 GHz at the same power level as in RF experiments. Ablation zones were then sectioned and measured for minimum, maximum and mean diameters, and circularity. Measurements were compared using t-tests, with P<0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: Mean diameters of microwave ablations were greater than RF ablations in both liver and lung (4.4±0.3 vs 3.3±0.2 cm in liver; 2.45±0.3 vs 1.6±0.5 cm in lungs; P<0.0005 all comparisons). There was no significant difference in the mean power applied during microwave or RF ablations in either organ (54.44±1.71 W vs 56.4±6.7 W in liver, P>0.05; 40±0.95 W vs 44.9±7.1 W in lung, P>0.05). Conclusions: Using a single cooled applicator, microwave energy at 2.45 GHz produces larger ablations than an equivalent amount of 480 kHz RF energy in normal liver and lung. This was more apparent in lung, likely due to the high baseline impedance which limits RF, but not microwave power delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two hairpin resonators, one “Z-type” modified stepped-impedance resonator, and two transmission lines are composed to design the compact and miniature dual-band bandpass filters (BPFs).The designed BPFs are presented to operate at 2.4/5.2 GHz for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM, 2.4 GHz) and WLAN applications (2.4/5.2 GHz) without additional impedance matching network. The 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz dual-band can be simultaneously excited and tuned by adjusting the electric length ratio (θ) and characteristic impedance ratio (K) of resonators. Cascaded arrangement is designed for wide bandwidth and high out-of-band rejection, and the “Z-type” resonator and insert coupled modification are used to increase the utility rate of space and reduce the size of designed filter. Al2O3 ceramic with thickness of 0.635 mm and dielectric constant of 9.4 used as the substrate, and the designed filters are fabricated by printing method. Because of higher dielectric constant substrate and modified structure, the proposed filters show the advantages of wide bandwidth, low insertion loss, high out-of-band rejection, simple circuit, and tiny size. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1156–1159, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www. interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25128 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacokinetics and safety of ginsenoside Rd (Rd) were assessed in healthy Chinese volunteers. In the single-dose study, a randomized, open-label, 3-way crossover design was used. Participants were assigned to receive 10, 45, or 75 mg Rd by intravenous infusion, with a 2-week washout period between dosing periods. Plasma levels of Rd were found to be proportional to dose, with the mean Cmaxx and AUC0-∞ ranging from 2.8 to 19.3 mg/L and 27.9 to 212.5 mgh/L over the dose range studied. Ginsenoside Rd was slowly cleared from plasma (t½z = 17.7-19.3 hours). In the multiple-dose study, 10 mg Rd was administered once daily for 6 days. Slight drug accumulation was noted. The mean steady-state Cmax, AUC0-∞, and AUCss were 4.0 mg/L, 51.7 mgh/L, and 26.4 mgh/L, respectively. The t½z was 20.5 hours, which was similar to the single-dose value. Ginsenoside Rd was well tolerated with no pattern of dose-related adverse events. It had a favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profile that enables the drug to be explored in future clinical studies that target patients with acute ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genes encoding apoptosis-inducing proteins are postulated to be candidate tumour suppressors. The identification of such proteins may benefit the early diagnosis and therapy of tumours. In the present study, we characterized the function of a novel human BMSC (bone marrow stromal cell)-derived protein {IPP5 [inhibitor-5 of PP1 (protein phosphatase 1)]} by large-scale random sequencing of a human BMSC cDNA library. hIPP5 (human IPP5) cDNA encodes a protein of 116 amino acid residues, which shares high homology with human PPI-1 (inhibitor-1 of PP1). The effect of IPP5 on apoptosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated by overexpression of IPP5 in HeLa cells, a human cervical carcinoma cell line. Our results showed that overexpression of active mutant IPP5 inhibited anchorage-dependent growth and induced apoptosis in HeLa cells, which may be attributed to the up-regulation of p21waf/cip1 (a 21 kDa cell-cycle regulatory protein), p53 and Bcl-2-antagonist/killer, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. We also showed that the expression of active mutant IPP5 in HeLa cells was further enhanced on TNF (tumour necrosis factor) treatment and overexpression of active mutant IPP5 sensitized HeLa cells to TNF-induced JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p38 activation as well as TNF-mediated apoptosis. Thus overexpression of active mutant IPP5 may increase cell susceptibility to TNF-induced apoptosis by the activation of p38 and JNK pathways. In addition, IPP5 active mutant could interact with PP1α as demonstrated by the co-precipitation assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]