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Comprehensive Summary: Herein, we describe a direct route for the synthesis of 3‐gem‐difluorovinyl lactams through Zn‐mediated reductive hydrodehalogenation. Importantly, by using inexpensive deuterium oxide (D2O), the high value‐added vicinal dideuterated gem‐difluoroalkenes with excellent deuterium (D) incorporation were prepared. Mechanism studies indicated a successive single electron transfer process: the reaction initially undergoes hydrodechlorination to give the intermediate α‐trifluoromethylidene lactams, which are then activated by the in‐situ generated zinc cations and reduced to the desired product via hydrodefluorination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the most common leading global causes of mortality, encompassing ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina (UA). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become a pivotal therapeutic approach for ACS, underscoring the importance of anticoagulation strategies. Among the commonly employed anticoagulants in PCI, heparin and bivalirudin take precedence, with heparin serving as the archetypal choice. Nevertheless, the determination of an optimal anticoagulation regimen remains a point of contention in contemporary clinical practice. To address the differences in anticoagulants during PCI, we meticulously conducted a literature review through PubMed and Web of Science, employing search terms such as "heparin," "bivalirudin," "percutaneous coronary intervention," and "acute coronary syndrome." For patients with PIC brought on by STEMI, NSTEMI, and stable or UA pectoris, the review focused on randomized controlled trials to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of heparin and bivalirudin as anticoagulant options. This systematic review is aimed at furnishing valuable insights into the ongoing debate surrounding the choice of anticoagulation regimens in PCI. By scrutinizing clinical evidence derived from relevant trials, we seek to inform and guide healthcare practitioners in making informed decisions based on the unique requirements of patients with various ACS presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoindigo, an electron‐withdrawing building block for polymeric field‐effect transistors, has long been considered to be non‐fluorescent. Moreover, using electron‐deficient heterocycle to replace the phenyl ring in the isoindigo core for better electron transport behaviour is synthetically challenging. Here we report the syntheses of a series of tetrazaisoindigos, including pyrazinoisoindigo (PyrII), pyrimidoisoindigo (PymII) and their hybrid (PyrPymII), and the investigation on their photophysical and electric properties. Proper flanking groups need to be chosen to stabilize these highly electron‐deficient bislactams. Both PyrII and PymII derivatives show lower LUMO energy levels than that of naphthalene bisimide (NDI). Interestingly, PyrII is instinctively unstable and can be easily reduced, while both PymII derivatives are stable. More surprisingly, PymII derivatives are highly fluorescent and their photoluminescence quantum yields are around 40 %, 133 times higher than that of reported isoindigo derivatives. UV‐vis spectroscopic results and theoretical calculations show that strong intramolecular hydrogen‐bond exists in PymII, which prohibits it from non‐radiative decay and accounts for its fluorescent behaviour. PymII derivatives are n‐type semiconductors, while Ph‐PyrII and the hybrid show balanced ambipolar charge transport behaviour, all among the best isoindigo derivatives. Our study not only discloses the structure‐property relationship of tetrazaisoindigos, but also provides novel electron‐deficient monomers for conjugated polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) measures the antioxidant capacity of the diet, which is believed to provide protection against various diseases, including depression, osteoporosis, and papillomavirus infection, by neutralizing harmful oxidative stress. However, the relationship between CDAI and infertility is not well understood. This research aims to explore the potential correlations between CDAI and the risk of infertility.This research harnessed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to execute a cross‐sectional analysis involving 8263 US women aged 20–45. Each participant was subjected to two distinct 24‐h dietary recall interviews. We calculated the CDAI using average daily antioxidant intake. Infertility was assessed using a standardized questionnaire. The association between CDAI and infertility was examined using weighted multiple logistic regression models, while nonlinear correlations were explored through restricted cubic splines. To affirm the robustness of our findings, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed using unweighted logistic regression. Additionally, to ascertain the causal influence of circulating antioxidant levels on infertility, a two‐sample univariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted, using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analytic approach.Participants who were infertile exhibited lower CDAI levels compared to their fertile counterparts. When confounding variables were accounted for in the multivariate weighted logistic regression model, an inverse relationship was observed between CDAI and infertility, with the odds ratio for the highest versus lowest quartile being 0.55 (0.33–0.90, P = 0.02). However, the IVW method indicated that genetically predicted elevated levels of CDAI did not significantly correlate with infertility.Cross‐sectional observational studies indicate that antioxidants from diets might diminish infertility risks. However, findings from MR studies do not confirm a causal connection. Additional prospective research is required to elucidate this association further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by pulmonary and systemic congestion resulting from left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and increased filling pressure. Currently, however, there is no evidence on effective pharmacotherapy for HFpEF. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of total xanthones extracted from Gentianella acuta (TXG) on HFpEF by establishing an high‐fat diet (HFD) + L‐NAME‐induced mouse model. Echocardiography was employed to assess the impact of TXG on the cardiac function in HFpEF mice. Haematoxylin and eosin staining, wheat germ agglutinin staining, and Masson's trichrome staining were utilized to observe the histopathological changes following TXG treatment. The results demonstrated that TXG alleviated HFpEF by reducing the expressions of genes associated with myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and apoptosis. Furthermore, TXG improved cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TXG could activate the inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)/X‐box‐binding protein 1 (Xbp1s) signalling pathway, but the knockdown of IRE1α using the IRE1α inhibitor STF083010 or siRNA‐IRE1α impaired the ability of TXG to ameliorate cardiac remodelling in HFpEF models. In conclusion, TXG alleviates myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and apoptosis through the activation of the IRE1α/Xbp1s signalling pathway, suggesting its potential beneficial effects on HFpEF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human contact patterns are a key determinant driving the spread of respiratory infectious diseases. However, the relationship between contact patterns and seasonality as well as their possible association with the seasonality of respiratory diseases is yet to be clarified. Methods: We investigated the association between temperature and human contact patterns using data collected through a cross‐sectional diary‐based contact survey in Shanghai, China, between December 24, 2017, and May 30, 2018. We then developed a compartmental model of influenza transmission informed by the derived seasonal trends in the number of contacts and validated it against A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza data collected in Shanghai during the same period. Results: We identified a significant inverse relationship between the number of contacts and the seasonal temperature trend defined as a spline interpolation of temperature data (p = 0.003). We estimated an average of 16.4 (95% PrI: 15.1–17.5) contacts per day in December 2017 that increased to an average of 17.6 contacts (95% PrI: 16.5–19.3) in January 2018 and then declined to an average of 10.3 (95% PrI: 9.4–10.8) in May 2018. Estimates of influenza incidence obtained by the compartmental model comply with the observed epidemiological data. The reproduction number was estimated to increase from 1.24 (95% CI: 1.21–1.27) in December to a peak of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.31–1.37) in January. The estimated median infection attack rate at the end of the season was 27.4% (95% CI: 23.7–30.5%). Conclusions: Our findings support a relationship between temperature and contact patterns, which can contribute to deepen the understanding of the relationship between social interactions and the epidemiology of respiratory infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stomach cancer incidence presents significant racial/ethnic disparities among racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States, particularly among Asian and Hispanic immigrant populations. However, population‐based evaluation of disparities by nativity has been scarce because of the lack of nativity‐specific population denominators, especially for disaggregated Asian subgroups. Population‐based stomach cancer incidence and tumor characteristics by detailed race/ethnicity and nativity were examined. Methods: Annual age‐adjusted incidence rates were calculated by race/ethnicity, sex, and nativity and tumor characteristics, such as stage and anatomic subsite, were evaluated using the 2011–2015 California Cancer Registry data. For Hispanic and Asian populations, nativity‐specific population counts were estimated using the US Census and the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample data. Results: During 2011–2015 in California, 14,198 patients were diagnosed with stomach cancer. Annual age‐adjusted incidence rates were higher among foreign‐born individuals than their US‐born counterparts. The difference was modest among Hispanics (∼1.3‐fold) but larger (∼2‐ to 3‐fold) among Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Americans. The highest incidence was observed for foreign‐born Korean and Japanese Americans (33 and 33 per 100,000 for men; 15 and 12 per 100,000 for women, respectively). The proportion of localized stage disease was highest among foreign‐born Korean Americans (44%); a similar proportion was observed among US‐born Korean Americans, although numbers were limited. For other Asians and Hispanics, the localized stage proportion was generally lower among foreign‐born than US‐born individuals and lowest among foreign‐born Japanese Americans (23%). Conclusions: Nativity‐specific investigation with disaggregated racial/ethnic groups identified substantial stomach cancer disparities among foreign‐born immigrant populations. Substantial racial/ethnic disparities in stomach cancer exist in the United States, with the largest disparities found for foreign‐born Korean and Japanese Americans. Comparisons of incidence rates and stage distribution underscore the importance of implementing targeted prevention and screening strategies for high‐risk racial/ethnic subgroups and immigrant populations in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abiotic and biotic factors that regulate stability in species‐rich forests are poorly resolved, and this limits the ability to predict how climate change and other perturbations impact forest dynamics. Phosphorus limitation and nitrogen deposition are important factors affecting the dynamics and functioning of tropical and subtropical forests, but how long‐term temporal stability of tree communities is affected by availability and heterogeneity of soil phosphorus and nitrogen remains unclear.We collected annual dynamic data of 20,768 regenerating saplings, which were censused from 2008 to 2019 in a subtropical forest, to investigate how soil nutrients affect the temporal stability of productivity at both population and community levels.We found that concentrations of soil inorganic phosphorus were significantly and positively correlated with sapling richness and phylogenetic diversity, leading to significantly higher species asynchrony and community temporal stability. By contrast, higher concentrations of organic phosphorus weakened community stability via a negative effect on species richness. Structural equation models provide further strong evidence that increasing concentrations of soil inorganic phosphorus strongly promoted community temporal stability via increased species diversity, species asynchrony and population stability, while organic phosphorus displayed opposite effects. Meanwhile, soil concentrations of available and unavailable forms of nitrogen showed much weaker and negative associations with community stability.Synthesis. Using a 12‐year data set of sapling demography from a subtropical forest of south China, our study demonstrates that soil phosphorus is an important determinant of the long‐term stability of sapling dynamics and consequently the whole‐community structure, and the composition of soil phosphorus pools predicts the temporal stability and diversity of tree communities in phosphorus‐limited forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: MicroRNA‐223 (miR‐223) has emerged as a promising noninvasive biomarker for Crohn's disease (CD). However, it is unclear which tissue derived miRNA‐223 can more accurately estimate CD disease activity. Materials and Methods: To collect serum, terminal ileal mucosa biopsy and fecal samples from CD patients and healthy controls. The CD Activity Index (CDAI) score, Montreal classification, maintenance medicines, peripheral blood inflammatory markers, fecal calprotectin (FC) and the Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES‐CD) were recorded. To compare the expression of miR‐223 in the serum, intestinal tissue, and feces. Results: MiR‐223 expression levels in the serum, intestinal tissue and feces of CD patients were significantly higher than those of controls. The level of miR‐223 in the serum, intestinal tissue and feces increased significantly in active CD patients compared with that in inactive CD patients. The levels of serum, intestinal tissue and fecal miR‐223 were correlated with the CDAI. Serum miR‐223 was also correlated with C‐reactive protein (CRP) and IL‐6, tissue miR‐223 correlated with IL‐6 and FC, and fecal miR‐223 correlated with FC. In terms of the association with FC, fecal miR‐223 had a higher Spearman r value than tissue miR‐223. The area under the curve (AUC) values of serum, tissue and fecal miR‐223 to diagnose CD were similar to those of CRP and FC (AUC > 0.8). The AUC values of tissue and fecal miR‐223 to evaluate CD disease activity were 0.832 and 0.818, respectively, and were higher than serum miR‐223, CRP and FC. Fecal miR‐223 had a higher specificity of 92.3%. Conclusions: Fecal miR‐223 might be a novel, noninvasive biomarker for estimating the disease activity of CD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in California and second among Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) males. Data from the California Cancer Registry were utilized to investigate the differential impact on CRC outcomes from demographic and clinical characteristics among non‐Hispanic white (NHW), non‐Hispanic Black (NHB), U.S. born (USB), and non‐U.S. born (NUSB) H/L patients diagnosed during 1995–2020. Methods: We identified 248,238 NHW, 28,433 NHB, and 62,747 H/L cases (32,402 NUSB and 30,345 USB). Disparities across groups were evaluated through case frequencies, odds ratios (OR) from logistic regression, and hazard ratios (HR) from Cox regression models. All statistical tests were two‐sided. Results: NHB patients showed a higher proportion of colon tumors (75.8%) than NHW (71.5%), whereas both NUSB (65.9%) and USB (66.9%) H/L cases had less (p < 0.001). In multivariate models, NUSB H/L cases were 15% more likely than NHW to have rectal cancer. Compared to NHW, NHB cases had the greatest proportion of Stage IV diagnoses (26.0%) and were more likely to die of CRC (multivariate HR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.10–1.15). Instead, NUSB H/L patients were less likely to die of CRC (multivariate HR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.85–0.89) whereas USB H/L did not differ from NHW. Conclusions: NHB and H/L cases have more adverse characteristics at diagnosis compared to NHW cases, with NHB cases being more likely to die from CRC. However, NUSB H/Ls cases showed better survival than NHW and US born H/L patients. These findings highlight the importance of considering nativity among H/L populations to understand cancer disparities. Data from the California Cancer Registry were utilized to evaluate the impact on colorectal cancer outcomes from demographic and clinical characteristics among non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic Black, U.S. born, and non‐U.S. born Hispanic/Latino/a/x patients during 1995–2020. We report more adverse characteristics at diagnosis in non‐Hispanic Black and non‐hispanic White participants. Non‐U.S born Hispanic/Latino/x/a patients showed better survival relative to non‐Hispanic white and U.S. born patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compound leaf development requires the coordination of genetic factors, hormones, and other signals. In this study, we explored the functions of Class Ⅱ KNOTTED‐like homeobox (KNOXII) genes in the model leguminous plant Medicago truncatula. Phenotypic and genetic analyses suggest that MtKNOX4, 5 are able to repress leaflet formation, while MtKNOX3, 9, 10 are not involved in this developmental process. Further investigations have shown that MtKNOX4 represses the CK signal transduction, which is downstream of MtKNOXⅠ‐mediated CK biosynthesis. Additionally, two boundary genes, FUSED COMPOUND LEAF1 (orthologue of Arabidopsis Class M KNOX) and NO APICAL MERISTEM (orthologue of Arabidopsis CUP‐SHAPED COTYLEDON), are necessary for MtKNOX4‐mediated compound leaf formation. These findings suggest, that among the members of MtKNOXⅡ, MtKNOX4 plays a crucial role in integrating the CK pathway and boundary regulators, providing new insights into the roles of MtKNOXⅡ in regulating the elaboration of compound leaves in M. truncatula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs) have become a dominant geomorphic event in permafrost regions due to the modern climate change. However, the roles of topographic, vegetation, and soil factors in influencing the spatial distribution and recurrence of RTSs remain not fully understood. Here, we identified the formation and recurrence of 459 RTSs during 2008–2021 using satellite images of the central Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (Northwest of the Beiluhe Basin, 239 km2). We found that the topographic and environmental attributes of the RTSs exhibited strong correlations with the variation in the RTS density. The RTS‐affected areas had a higher slope, elevation, relative slope position, normalized difference vegetation index, soil water content, and lower soil bulk density than other landscapes. Regarding the influence of topographic and environmental attributes on the activity status of RTSs during 2018–2020, we found that the higher slope, elevation, and soil water content were advantageous for the activity of the RTSs. The RTSs with larger sizes and presenting an elongated shape were more likely to be active. Additionally, we examined the variation of the headwall shape of RTSs based on the fractal dimension and UAV‐based orthophoto. We found that the headwall shape of RTSs becomes more complicated due to the small‐scale thawing of ice‐rich permafrost, which may further induce subsequent thaw slumping. Higher air temperature triggers new RTSs, and increased precipitation may be responsible for the further activity of RTSs. Our findings can enhance our understanding of the development pattern and mechanism of RTSs in permafrost regions. Plain Language Summary: Retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs) have become more common on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). They are treated as a key sign of permafrost degradation, as an RTS may continue to grow for decades until the ground ice supply is exhausted. A total of 459 warming‐induced RTSs were concentrated in the central of QTP during 2008–2021. We found that the RTSs were concentrated in regions with specific topographic and environmental attributes. RTSs with a larger scale and elongated shape were more likely to continuously expand. In the long term, higher air temperature may be the main reason for the formation of new RTSs, and increased precipitation may be responsible for the expansion of RTSs. Key Points: Retrogressive thaw slump (RTS) area had a higher slope, elevation, relative slope position, normalized difference vegetation index, and soil water content than landscapeRTSs with larger sizes and elongated shapes during 2018–2020 were more likely to be activeHigher air temperature triggers new RTSs, while increased precipitation may be responsible for their further activity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation is a key driver of plant phenology in addition to temperature and photoperiod. Although a few studies have explored phenological responses to altered precipitation, the general patterns of sequential phenophase responses and their potential drivers remain elusive. Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis of the responses of ten phenophases to altered precipitation from 63 manipulative experiments. We show that early‐season (leaf out, first flowering, last flowering and first fruiting) and late‐season phenophases (last fruiting and leaf colouring) shifted in opposite directions with precipitation changes. Advanced early‐season phenophases and delayed late‐season phenophases led to extensions of the reproductive phase and growing season with precipitation increases. Similarly, delayed leaf out and advanced leaf colouring resulted in a shorter length of the growing season with precipitation decreases. We further found that the responses of phenophases were less pronounced in wetter regions than in drier regions, regardless of the precipitation increase or decrease treatments. In addition, the phenophase responses were mediated by the seasons when the precipitation changes were imposed. For instance, early‐season phenophases were more responsive to winter or spring precipitation increases, but late‐season phenophases were only significantly affected by spring–autumn precipitation increases. These findings will help improve the forecasts of plant phenological responses to precipitation changes and will assist in the incorporation of precipitation representations into next‐generation phenological models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The real‐time non‐destructive estimation of soil total nitrogen content via hyperspectral remote sensing is important for crop fertilization and precision agriculture development. Aims: The study aimed to use hyperspectral technology for the construction of an estimation model using different methods for assessing total nitrogen content in Shajiang black soil. Methods: In our study, soil samples were obtained from Shangshui County, Henan Province, China. Using hyperspectral data of soil samples, the original spectral reflectance was transformed into logarithmic, reciprocal, and first derivative spectra. Hyperspectral estimation models for assessing the total nitrogen content were built with spectral indices, competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithms, and a combination of machine learning methods, including the partial least square regression, support vector machine (SVM), and random forest methods. Results: The results showed that after the first derivative transformation, the performance of normalized indices constructed with a combination of two bands at 1401 and 776 nm was better. The coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), ratio of performance to deviation (RPD), and ratio of performance to the inter‐quartile range (RPIQ) values of the model were 0.84, 0.10 g kg–1, 2.25, and 4.04, respectively. Validation was performed using data independent of the modeling samples, and validation R2, RMSE, RPD, and RPIQ values were 0.92, 0.07 g kg–1, 2.56, and 4.19, respectively. The same sample was analyzed using a CARS algorithm for screening feature bands, and the 61 reciprocal reflectance bands selected as the input for the SVM exhibited the best performance. A modeling R2 value of 0.92, RMSE of 0.07 g kg–1, RPD of 3.09, RPIQ of 5.97, and validation R2 of 0.96, RMSE of 0.06 g kg–1, RPD of 3.24, and RPIQ of 8.47 were observed. Conclusions: The estimation models constructed using the two methods exhibited good ability to determine the total nitrogen content. The accuracy of the SVM model was slightly higher than that of the indices model, but both models could facilitate the rapid estimation of total nitrogen content in Shajiang black soil. The findings can provide a technical reference for the estimation of the levels of soil total nitrogen and other nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that animal protein foods may increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We therefore examined the NAFLD risk reduction related to substituting plant protein foods for animal protein foods. Methods: The cohort in North China included 14,541 participants from the Tianjin Chronic Low‐Grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) study, and the cohort in South China included 1297 participants from the Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study (GNHS). Dietary intake was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaires. NAFLD was ascertained by abdominal ultrasound. The Cox model was used to fit the substitution analysis. Results: In the TCLSIH cohort, when replacing one type of animal protein food (eggs, processed meat, unprocessed red meat, poultry, and fish) with an equivalent serving of plant protein foods (nuts, legumes, and whole grains), the replacement of animal protein foods with whole grains showed the strongest benefit; substituting one serving per day of whole grains for an equal amount of eggs (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79, 1.00), processed meat (HR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.91), unprocessed red meat (HR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.81, 1.00), poultry (HR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.92), or fish (HR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.97) was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD. In both the TCLSIH and GNHS cohorts, replacing poultry with fish, nuts, legumes, or whole grains was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD. When different numbers of protein foods were simultaneously replaced, the risk reduction of NAFLD was stronger. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that replacing animal protein foods with plant protein foods is related to a significant reduction in NAFLD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene agglomeration tends to develop with the increase of graphene loading. In this article, we present a unified model that first considers the evolution of graphene agglomeration and then incorporates it into the calculation of electrical and mechanical properties of agglomerated graphene/polymer nanocomposites. In the evolution of graphene agglomerates, a modified nanoparticle distance in terms of yield strength is introduced, while in the calculation of composite properties, a two‐scale framework that consists of the graphene‐rich agglomerates and the remainder as the graphene‐poor region is constructed. In electrical conduction, electron tunneling is modeled through Simmons formula and its difference with the widely used Cauchy function is compared. We highlight that both Simmons and Cauchy functions could well describe the interfacial tunneling activity, but the former is physics‐based while the latter is statistics‐based. In the calculation of nonlinear elastoplastic response, a field‐fluctuation method is adopted. We also demonstrated how the presented model gives rise to experimentally consistent electrical and mechanical properties of graphene/polypropylene nanocomposites, and how filler agglomeration hinders the performance of the materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Stipule morphology is a classical botanical key character used in plant identification. Stipules are considerably diverse in size, function and architecture, such as leaf‐like stipules, spines or tendrils. However, the molecular mechanism that regulates stipule identity remains largely unknown.We isolated mutants with abnormal stipules. The mutated gene encodes the NODULE ROOT1 (MtNOOT1), which is the ortholog of BLADE‐ON‐PETIOLE (BOP) in Medicago truncatula. We also obtained mutants of MtNOOT2, the homolog of MtNOOT1, but they do not show obvious defects in stipules.The mtnoot1 mtnoot2 double mutant shows a higher proportion of transformation from stipules to leaflet‐like stipules than the single mutants, suggesting that they redundantly determine stipule identity. Further investigations show that MtNOOTs control stipule initiation together with SINGLE LEAFLET1 (SGL1), which functions in development of lateral leaflets. Increasing SGL1 activity in mtnoot1 mtnoot2 is sufficient for the transformation of stipules to leaves. Moreover, MtNOOTs inhibit SGL1 expression during stipule development, which is probably conserved in legume species.Our study proposes a genetic regulatory model for stipule development, specifically with regard to the MtNOOTs‐SGL1 module, which functions in two phases of stipule development, first in the control of stipule initiation and second in stipule patterning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a quantitative method for the content determination of rutin, 5-O-coumaroylquinic acid methyl ester, chlorogenic acid butyl ester, and kaempferol in Amygdalus persica L. flowers during different harvest periods was established to investigate its various rules and determine the optimal harvesting period. The determination was performed on the XTERRA MS C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile (gradient elution) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. In combination with other validation data, including precision, stability, and recovery tests, this method demonstrated good reliability and sensitivity. The results showed that the contents of rutin, 5-O-coumaroylquinic acid methyl ester, chlorogenic acid butyl ester, and kaempferol in A. persica flowers during different harvest periods were quite different, and the content in samples at the early blooming stage was the highest. The method is simple, accurate, and rapid for determining the contents of four active ingredients in A. persica flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real‐time monitoring of crop nitrogen and soil nutrient status can provide an important basis for the rational application of nitrogen during fertilization. Two field experiments were conducted in Henan Province, China, using three main wheat cultivars and four nitrogen levels, across two consecutive growing seasons. Canopy spectral reflectance, plant nitrogen and soil nitrogen were synchronously measured during the wheat's main growth stages. Furthermore, the quantitative relationship between the soil nitrogen and plant nitrogen concentrations was analysed, and the relationship with existing spectral parameters and several kinds of hyperspectral indices, including normalized difference spectral indices (NDVI), ratio spectral indices (RVI) and difference spectral indices (DVI), was extracted. All the combinations of two wavebands between 350 and 1 050 nm were calculated, and their quantitative relationships with soil nitrogen content were analysed. The results were used to build a remote monitoring model of soil total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen (NO3‐‐N) content by using the canopy spectral reflectance. The results showed that the correlation between soil NO3‐‐N and plant nitrogen concentration was superior to the correlation between total nitrogen and plant nitrogen concentrations. After systematically analysing the quantitative relationship between wheat canopy spectra, soil total nitrogen content and NO3‐‐N content, we found that the correlation with the original reflectance in the visible region was superior and that the first derivative spectrum significantly improved the correlation in the near‐infrared region. Furthermore, the soil total nitrogen content, NO3‐‐N content and canopy spectral data were analysed in different growth stages (jointing stage, flowering stage and filling stage). The results showed that NDVI (FD747, FD699) was the best indicator for monitoring soil total nitrogen and NO3‐‐N content modelling, as the modelling decision coefficient and prediction decision coefficient were both above 0.8 for all test cases. Thus, during wheat growth, crop canopy spectroscopy can be used to estimate soil nitrogen nutrition status, and NDVI (FD747, FD699) can be used as an effective spectral parameter for estimating soil total nitrogen and NO3‐‐N content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New advances in the molecular mechanism of enamel mineralization reveal the practical significance of regenerative medicine in clinical transformation. Muscle segment homeobox 2 (MSX2), a transcription factor, is recently reported to be closely associated with the amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). To elucidate the biomineralization framework of AI enamel, herein, Msx2 gene mutant mice are investigated by dual‐mode noninvasive spectroscopic analytical techniques for the first time. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) records the depth‐resolved structural information of mice teeth, where a dramatic decrease in enamel thickness and quality occurred in Msx2 deficient (Msx2−/−) enamel. And it has the advantages of fast, noninvasive and low cost. Raman spectroscopy, a powerful molecular fingerprint tool, further witnesses an imbalance of inorganic and organic contents in Msx2−/− enamel. In addition, abnormal expression of MSX2 also influences the spatial distribution of phosphate in enamel according to the Raman spectral imaging. Therefore, OCT integrated with Raman spectroscopy provides the quantitative label‐free optical parameters of both the physical structure and chemical component in mice enamel, which strengthens the understanding of the biomineralization process underlying the Msx2‐related amelogenesis imperfect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis aimed to find non-invasive markers to predict liver inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The researchers developed a predictive model that combined CXCL16 with platelet count, alanine aminotransferase, and albumin, which accurately predicted liver inflammation in CHB patients. However, there are concerns about the small sample size and the potential influence of anti-viral drugs on the results. Despite these concerns, the study's findings are considered promising, but further research is needed. [Extracted from the article]

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (h-BMSCs) have the potential to differentiate into dopaminergic neuron-like cells to treat Parkinson's disease. The Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in the regulation of cell fate decisions such as differentiation of BMSCs. This study investigated changes in the expression of Notch-related genes in the differentiation of BMSCs in vitro into dopaminergic (DA) neuron-like cells. BMSCs transfected with empty lentiviral vectors served as the control group and those transfected with NTN and Lmx1α recombinant lentiviral vectors served as the experimental group. After induction and culture of NTN and Lmx1α-transfected h-BMSCs for 21 days, the cells exhibited features of dopaminergic neuron-like cells, which were observed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and verified by immunofluorescence of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT). These induced cells could secrete dopamine and had basic action potentials. Expression of the neural stem cell (NSC) markers, including octamer-binding protein (Oct4), paired box gene 6 (Pax6), and sex determining region Y-box 1 (SOX1), increased on day 14 of induction and decreased on day 21 of induction during differentiation. The human Notch signaling pathway PCR array showed a differential expression of Notch-related genes during the differentiation of h-BMSCs into DA neuron-like cells in vitro relative to that in the control group. In conclusion, h-BMSCs overexpressing NTN and Lmx1α can successfully be induced to differentiate into dopaminergic neuron-like cells with a neuronal phenotype exhibiting fundamental biological functions in vitro, and NTN and Lmx1α may affect the expression of Notch-related genes during differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amygdalus persica L., belongs to Rosaceae family, and its flowers are used as medicine and food. n-Butanol extract of A. persica flowers were isolated and purified with various column chromatographies, and the fourteen compounds, chlorogenic acid butyl ester (1), rutin (2), protocatechuic acid (3), caffeic acid (4), 5-O-coumarroylquinic acid methyl ester (5), kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside (6), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside (7), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (8), quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside (9), 5-O-coumaroylquinic acid (10), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside (11), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-galactoside (12), D-glucitol (13), and multiflorin A (14), were identified by spectroscopic data and physical data. All the compounds except compound 2 were identified from A. persica flowers for the first time. The compounds were investigated for their coagulation activity by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), and bibrinogen (FIB) in vitro. The results of coagulation activity showed that rutin (2), caffeic acid (4), kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside (6), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside (11), and kaempferol-3-O-β-D-galactoside (12) exhibited significant procoagulant activity, while chlorogenic acid butyl ester (1) possessed anticoagulant activity in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not yet been clarified and is closely related to several pro‐inflammatory factors. MicroRNA‐233 (miR‐223) might be involved in the development of IBD; however, the mechanism underlying its pathogenesis is unclear. In this study, we attempted to determine the role of miR‐223 in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis and explore the involvement of the IL‐6/STAT3 pathway in the development of intestinal mucosal inflammation. Materials and Methods: Except control (WT) group, male C57BL/6 mice were provided DSS, then treated for with miR‐223 agomir or antagomir including DSS group, DSS + miR‐223 agomir (DSS + A) group, and DSS + miR‐223 antagomir (DSS + AN) group. The colitis symptoms were observed, the disease activity index (DAI) score were recorded daily, and colonic inflammation was evaluated by histopathological scoring. The expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), cytokines and IL‐6/STAT3 pathway‐related proteins were measured. Results: miR‐223 expression in the terminal ileum and colon was increased in the DSS group compared with the WT group. Colitis symptoms were significantly alleviated in the DSS + A group and exacerbated in the DSS + AN group after administration of the miR‐223 agomir and antagomir, respectively. MPO, tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐17 were decreased and IL‐10 was increased in the DSS + A group, but these changes were reversed in the DSS + AN group. Gp130, p‐STAT3, Bcl‐2, and Bcl‐xl in the colon declined in the DSS + A group, but these levels increased in the DSS + AN group. Conclusions: The upregulation of miR‐223 by agomir administration alleviated colonic inflammation in a DSS‐induced colitis model, which was likely mediated by inhibiting the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines via the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway. These findings provide evidence that miR‐223 might have potential therapeutic implications in IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plumbagin (PLB), a natural naphthoquinone constituent isolated from the roots of the medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica L., exhibited anticancer activity against a variety of cancer cell lines including breast cancer, hepatoma, leukemia, melanoma, prostate cancer, brain tumor, tongue squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer, kidney adenocarcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, gastric cancer, lymphocyte carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and canine cancer. PLB played anticancer activity via many molecular mechanisms, such as targeting apoptosis, autophagy pathway, cell cycle arrest, antiangiogenesis pathway, anti-invasion, and antimetastasis pathway. Among these signaling pathways, the key regulatory genes regulated by PLB were NF-kβ, STAT3, and AKT. PLB also acted as a potent inducer of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppressor of cellular glutathione, and novel proteasome inhibitor, causing DNA double-strand break by oxidative DNA base damage. This review comprehensively summarizes the anticancer activity and mechanism of PLB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently suffer from venous thromboembolic events, and the risk of thromboembolism increases along with disease activity. This study was conducted to discover novel thrombophilic markers using thromboelastography (TEG) and to evaluate the relation between the predisposing factors and the activity of disease in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods. Thirty-four patients with CD, 29 patients with UC, and 53 healthy volunteers were enrolled into this study. Blood levels of R , K , α Angle, G , maximal amplitude (MA), and LY30 with TEG were determined. Results. Mean values of R , K , α Angle, G , and MA were significantly different in patients with CD and UC compared with the healthy individuals. Patients with active CD had different K , α Angle, G , and MA levels compared with patients in remission (P < 0.05 , P < 0.001 , P < 0.001 , and P < 0.001). Levels of R , α Angle, G , and MA were also significantly different in active UC patients compared with those in remission (P < 0.01 , P < 0.001 , P < 0.001 , and P < 0.001). Except for the G level in the CD group, differences in all TEG levels between healthy individuals and IBD patients in remission were not statistically significant. No statistical differences were observed in LY30 among patients with active phase, patients in remission, and the healthy individuals. Conclusion. Thrombophilic defects are common in Chinese patients with IBD, and TEG can be considered a new direction to anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis in IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human influenza virus infections cause a considerable burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide each year. Understanding regional influenza‐associated outpatient burden is crucial for formulating control strategies against influenza viruses. Methods: We extracted the national sentinel surveillance data on outpatient visits due to influenza‐like‐illness (ILI) and virological confirmation of sentinel specimens from 30 provinces of China from 2006 to 2015. Generalized additive regression models were fitted to estimate influenza‐associated excess ILI outpatient burden for each individual province, accounting for seasonal baselines and meteorological factors. Results: Influenza was associated with an average of 2.5 excess ILI consultations per 1000 person‐years (py) in 30 provinces of China each year from 2006 to 2015. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 led to a higher number of influenza‐associated ILI consultations in 2009 across all provinces compared with other years. The excess ILI burden was 4.5 per 1000 py among children aged below 15 years old, substantially higher than that in adults. Conclusions: Human influenza viruses caused considerable impact on population morbidity, with a consequent healthcare and economic burden. This study provided the evidence for planning of vaccination programs in China and a framework to estimate burden of influenza‐associated outpatient consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated possible predictors of residual islet β‐cell function (RBF) in young patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: After analyzing RBF in 443 patients with T1D according to age at diagnosis and disease duration, 110 were followed‐up over 18‐60 months. A nomogram was developed by logistic regression to explore factors associated with long‐term RBF. Results: Of the 443 T1D patients (mean [±SD] age 20.28 ± 5.50 years; mean [±SD] diabetes duration 28.5 ± 14.6 months), RBF was preserved in 64.3%. Independent predictors for poor RBF outcome among the 110 patients in the follow‐up cohort were age at onset (odds ratio [OR] 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73‐0.92; P < 0.001), high‐risk human leukocyte antigen (HLA) status (OR 4.73; CI 1.28‐17.52; P = 0.020), female sex (OR 3.39; CI 1.03‐11.22; P = 0.045), and a history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA; OR 8.71; CI 2.31‐32.83; P < 0.001). Baseline glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody, family history of diabetes, body mass index, insulin dosage, and C‐peptide and HbA1c levels were not associated with poor RBF outcome. Intensive glycemic control after T1D diagnosis may improve RBF within a mean (±SD) follow‐up of 35.1 ± 13.8 months. The calibration plot for the probability of 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐year RBF showed optimal agreement between nomogram‐predicted and actual observed probabilities. Conclusions: Younger age of onset, female sex, higher HLA risk status, and a history of DKA were the main factors predicting long‐term poor preserved β‐cell function. Glycemic control could improve RBF during the course of diabetes. The nomogram provides an individualized risk estimate of RBF in patients with newly diagnosed T1D within Chinese Han populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and changes in precipitation patterns can critically influence the structure and productivity of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We conducted two independent but complementary experiments (one with warming and precipitation manipulation (+ or – 30%) and another with selective plant removal) in a semiarid grassland on the Loess Plateau, northwestern China, to assess how warming and altered precipitation affect plant community. Our results showed that warming and altered precipitation affected community aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) through impacting soil moisture. Results of the removal experiment showed competitive relationships among dominant grasses, the dominant subshrub and nondominant species, which played a more important role than soil moisture in the response of plant community to warming and altered precipitation. Precipitation addition intensified the competition but primarily benefited the dominant subshrub. Warming and precipitation reduction enhanced water stresses but increased ANPP of the dominant subshrub and grasses, indicating that plant tolerance to drought critically meditated the community responses. These findings suggest that specie competitivity for water resources as well as tolerance to environmental stresses may dominate the responses of plant communities on the Loess Plateaus to future climate change factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of newly discovered endogenous noncoding RNAs, have been found to play important roles in regulating gene expression and participate in several biological processes. However, their specific roles in embryo implantation remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the roles of circRNAs in embryo implantation. In the current study, we screened the expression profiles of circRNAs between implantation sites and interimplantation sites in the endometrial tissue of early pregnant mice on Day 5 using microarray assay. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) of four dysregulated circRNAs was performed to validate the microarray results. Bioinformatics analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and circRNA–microRNA (miRNA)–messenger RNA (mRNA) negative correlation network analyses were performed. The microarray results showed 101 upregulated and 75 downregulated circRNAs (fold change [FC] ≥ 1.5 and p value < 0.05) at implantation sites compared with interimplantation sites. Four randomly selected circRNAs were successfully verified by qRT‐PCR. The GO and KEGG analyses revealed some meaningful terms. Moreover, based on circRNAs microarray data and the miRNA and mRNA high‐throughput data previously published by our groups, differently expressed circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were performed to conjoint analysis. Then circRNA–miRNA–mRNA negative correlation networks were constructed and 21 downregulated circRNAs, 14 upregulated miRNAs, and 79 downregulated mRNAs were involved in the networks. The findings of this study may provide a novel perspective on circRNAs and lay a foundation for future research into the potential roles of circRNAs in embryo implantation. In the current study, we screened the expression profiles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) between implantation sites and interimplantation sites in the endometrial tissue of early pregnant mice on Day 5 using microarray assay, and bioinformatics analyses was performed. Our findings of this study may provide a novel perspective on circRNAs and lay a foundation for future research into the potential roles of circRNAs in embryo implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to investigate T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoires in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients receiving autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) treatment. Methods: High‐throughput deep TCR beta (TCRB) chain sequencing was performed to assess millions of individual TCRs in five T1D patients receiving AHSCT treatment and another five patients receiving insulin treatment during 12 months of follow‐up. Results: No significant changes in TCRB sequence reads, complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3) sequences, or the usage of TCRB VJ gene‐segments were observed at 12 months after AHSCT. Compared with the baseline, the usage of TCRB VJ gene‐segments at 12 months decreased in the insulin treatment group (1836.4 ± 437.7 vs 2763.6 ± 390.6, P = 0.015), and the change rates were larger than those undergoing AHSCT (−0.62 ± 0.16 vs 0.06 ± 0.45, P = 0.002). Changes in the TCR repertoire were smaller after AHSCT than those with insulin treatment (P = 2.2*10−32). TCRBV 7‐7/TCRBJ 2‐5 was depleted after AHSCT while expanded with insulin treatment. TCRBV 12‐4, TCRBV 10‐3, TCRBV 12‐3/TCRBJ 1‐2 were expanded after AHSCT while ablated with insulin treatment. Conclusions: We found that AHSCT is safe without reduction in the diversity of TCR repertoires and TCR repertoires tend to be more stable after AHSCT. Furthermore, these four candidate TCRBV/TCRBJ gene usages on CDR3 regions may act as therapeutic targets and biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The hydrodynamic properties of four cereal starches in dilute and semi-dilute aqueous solutions were investigated using an Ubbelohde viscometer, a transmission electron microscope and steady shear rheological measurements. RESULTS The results indicated that the starch solutions showed the nonlinear shape of the ηsp/ c versus c curves in dilute solutions, followed by a linear increase to different extents thereafter. The intrinsic viscosity might be positively correlated with the entanglement concentration ( ce). Compared to normal maize and wheat starch solutions, ce influences more significantly the network formation of normal and waxy rice starch solutions. At concentrations ≤ ce, the gelatinized cereal starch solutions hardly exhibit shear thinning behavior, whereas shear thinning behavior developed at concentrations > ce, at which the solutions were pseudoplastic and thixotropic. CONCLUSION The obtained information will be very useful, based on ce as a reference value, in regulating the starch concentration suitable for different industrial applications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Prevalence of childhood asthma varies significantly among regions, while its reasons are not clear yet with only a few studies reporting relevant causes for this variation. Objective. To investigate the potential role of city-average levels of air pollutants and climatic factors in order to distinguish differences in asthma prevalence in China and explain their reasons. Methods. Data pertaining to 10,777 asthmatic patients were obtained from the third nationwide survey of childhood asthma in China’s urban areas. Annual mean concentrations of air pollutants and other climatic factors were obtained for the same period from several government departments. Data analysis was implemented with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the situation of childhood asthma was strongly linked with SO2, relative humidity, and hours of sunshine (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that, among the predictor variables in the final step, SO2 was found to be the most powerful predictor variable amongst all (β=-19.572, p < 0.05). Furthermore, results had shown that hours of sunshine (β = -0.014, p < 0.05) was a significant component summary predictor variable. Conclusion. The findings of this study do not suggest that air pollutants or climate, at least in terms of children, plays a major role in explaining regional differences in asthma prevalence in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction To investigate the typing for human leukocyte antigen ( HLA) class I in Chinese patients with type 1 diabetes as a complement screening for HLA class II. Materials and Methods A total of 212 type 1 diabetic patients and 200 healthy controls were enrolled. The genetic polymorphisms of HLA class I and II were examined with a high-resolution polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing method. Results The haplotype, A*33:03-B*58:01-C*03:02(A33), was associated with type 1 diabetes ( P = 1.0 × 10−4, odds ratio 3.2 [1.738-5.843]). The A33- DR3 and A33- DR9 haplotypes significantly enhanced the risk of type 1 diabetes (A33- DR3, odds ratio 5.1 [2.40-10.78], P = 4.0 × 10−6; A33- DR9, odds ratio 13.0 [1.69-100.32], P = 0.004). In type 1 diabetic patients, compared with A33- DR3-negative carriers, A33- DR3-positive carriers had significantly lower percentages of CD3+ CD4+ T cells (42.5 ± 7.72 vs 37.0 ± 8.35%, P = 0.023), higher percentages of CD3+ CD8+ T cells (27.4 ± 7.09 vs 32.8 ± 5.98%, P = 0.005) and T-cell receptor α/β T cells (70.0 ± 7.00 vs 73.6 ± 6.25%, P = 0.031), and lower CD4/ CD8 ratios (1.71 ± 0.75 vs 1.16 ± 0.35, P = 0.003). Conclusions It is the first time that the haplotypes A33- DR3 and A33- DR9 were found with an enhanced predisposition to type 1 diabetes in Han Chinese. A33- DR3 was associated with a reduction in the helper-to-cytotoxic cell ratio and preferential increase of T-cell receptor α/β T cell. The typing for HLA class I and its immunogenetic effects are important for more accurate HLA class II haplotype risk prediction and etiology research in type 1 diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common ceramic rapid manufacturing technologies are Laminated Object Manufacturing, Stereo Lithography, Selective Laser Curing, Three-Dimensional Printing et al. In order to move beyond traditional ceramic part manufacturing, new manufacturing technologies are need to rapidly manufacture complex ceramic parts and fine ceramic parts. A special fiber material is used as the support material for ceramic parts manufacturing. This allows ceramic parts with arbitrary shapes to be made fast and subtly. The nozzle of the printer will extrude ceramic slurry to pile up each layer of the three dimensional models formed by the computer. After printing each layer, the special material is placed on the former layer. The special fiber supporting material is later removed in the furnace. This special material has a unique structure which can help the layers bond together and enhance the performance of ceramic parts. This rapid manufacturing method offers a new method of forming ceramic parts by three dimensional printing technology and solves the supporting material problem. It provides a new research and application direction for a wide range ceramic materials rapid manufacturing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary changes in veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ( VV- ECMO) are rarely determined. We compared the contribution of VV- ECMO and cannulation based on the observation of pulmonary inflammatory reaction and parenchymal construction in a porcine model of low tidal volume ( VT) ventilation. We also evaluated the effect of adding continuous renal replacement therapy ( CRRT) to the ECMO circuit, because CRRT is known to reduce systemic cytokine release induced by VV- ECMO. A total of 18 pigs undergoing low- VT ventilation were randomly divided into three groups (group 1, cannulation; group 2, VV- ECMO; group 3, VV- ECMO + CRRT) and studied for 24 h. Hemodynamic and ventilation parameters were recorded. We assessed plasma and alveolar cytokines, expression of pulmonary inflammatory genes, histopathological grading, and ultrastructural changes of the lungs. During the process, inspiratory volume increased and Pa O2 decreased in group 1. Systemic tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α) and interleukin 6 ( IL-6) levels increased at 2 h in group 2 and partly decreased in group 3. At 24 h, the levels of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, TNF-α, and IL-6 in group 2 were remarkably higher than those in groups 1 and 3. Pulmonary mRNA expression of cytokines did not differ between the groups. We observed an increased score of pulmonary pathological findings in pro-inflammatory cell infiltration and interstitial thickening of the lungs in group 2. The epithelium of the blood-air barrier after VV- ECMO was swollen. In group 3, the pulmonary parenchyma and blood-air barrier were well preserved. We concluded that in a porcine model of low- VT ventilation, both VV- ECMO and VV- ECMO in combination with CRRT provided adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. Compared with VV- ECMO alone, VV- ECMO in combination with CRRT better preserved the lung parenchyma by eliminating systemic cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on hemin-MWCNTs nanocomposite and hemin-catalyzed luminol-H2O2 reaction, a sensitive electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) cholesterol biosensor was proposed in this paper. Firstly, hemin-MWCNTs was prepared via π-π stacking and modified on the surface of GCE. Subsequently, cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) was adsorbed on the modified electrode to achieve a cholesterol biosensor. Hemin-MWCNTs nanocomposite provided the electrode with a large surface area to load ChOx, and endowed the nanostructured interface on the electrode surface to enhance the performance of biosensor. The biosensor responded to cholesterol in the linear range from 0.3 µM to 1.2 mM with a detection limit of 0.1 µM ( S/ N=3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Four enzymes, alcalase, neutrase, bromelain and papain, were used individually to hydrolyze proteins in rice residue. The process conditions were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimal conditions hydrolyzate yields generated with neutrase, alcalase, bromelain and papain were 49.3, 56.7, 30.8 and 16.6%, respectively. Molecular weight distributions of the hydrolyzates were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that hydrolyzate generated with neutrase and alcalase had smaller polypeptides than those with bromelain and papain. Compared with alkaline extraction, the solubility of the hydrolyzates treated by enzyme was greatly improved. Antioxidant activities of the hydrolyzates were also evaluated in this study. The induction time of the hydrolyzate generated with alcalase was longer than those with other enzymes. Emulsifying activities of the hydrolyzates generated with different enzymes were significantly different and that prepared with alcalase exhibited the best emulsifying activity among all other hydrolyzates. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Rice residue is a by-product of extracting starch and other carbohydrates from rice. The residue is rich in protein, but is normally used as animal feed because of the poor solubility. In this research, alcalase, neutrase, bromelain and papain were used individually to hydrolyze proteins in rice residue. RSM was used to establish models to estimate the optimum conditions and predict the hydrolyzate yield at different conditions. Under the optimum conditions, hydrolyzates were prepared and the functional properties of the products generated with different enzymes and extracted by alkaline were compared. The solubility and other properties of rice protein hydrolyzates were greatly improved, so it could be used for nutritional supplementing, functional enhancement, etc. Therefore, this article has practical value, which provided the theoretical basis for the application of rice residue. This text should highlight the uses of rice residue, either actual or potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006, Massachusetts adopted a new policy that prohibits home sellers from resetting their properties' days on market through relisting. Massachusetts homes exposed to the policy change experienced a $16,000 reduction in sale price relative to Rhode Island homes. Slow-moving homes suffered a greater reduction, but newer listings only had a small increase in sale price. One reason is that some buyers were unaware of sellers' manipulation of days on market and thus unable to recognize authentically new listings. Sellers reacted to the new policy by cutting listing prices, although in towns where listing price history was transparent, sellers raised listing prices to dampen the stigma of slow sales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective.- The study aimed to explore the impairment of time perception in migraineurs. Background.- Headache is the most common pain syndrome in middle-aged adults, and migraine is highly prevalent and severely disabling. Although the mechanisms of and the therapies for migraines have long been explored, less is known about the functional impairments associated with them, especially the impairment in time perception, that is, the ability to estimate the passage of time. Methods.- In this study, we used a temporal reproduction task to assess the estimation of the duration of visual stimulus in 27 migraine patients. The stimulus was delivered at different intervals over the milliseconds and seconds range. Results.- In the setting of an interstimulus interval for 1 second and an interstimulus interval for 5 seconds in the 600-millisecond-duration reproduction task, the migraineurs showed impairment in time perception, and in that they significantly overestimated the duration, as compared with the healthy subjects. When compared with the healthy controls for the 3-second and 5-second duration reproduction task, migraineurs in the setting of an interstimulus interval for 1 second and an interstimulus interval for 5 seconds did not show impairment in time perception. Conclusions.- This study indicates that not only is time perception impaired in migraineurs, but that this impairment is exhibited for durations in the milliseconds range, and not the seconds range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer incidence may contain important evidence for understanding and control of the disease. Monitoring the incidence trends of breast cancer by race/ethnicity allows identification of high risk groups and development of targeted prevention programs. Using population-based cancer registry data from the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program, we examined the invasive female breast cancer incidence trends among the diverse racial/ethnic populations in Los Angeles County, California, from 1972 to 2007. Age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIRs) and age-specific incidence rates (ASIRs) were calculated and examined respectively for non-Hispanic (NH) white, black, Hispanic, Chinese, Filipina, Japanese and Korean women by calendar year and time period. Rising trends of AAIRs were found in all racial/ethnic groups during the 1980s and 1990s. The breast cancer risk increased more substantially in Japanese and Filipinas than in Chinese and Koreans. During 2000-2007, the trends of AAIRs declined significantly among NH white women and slightly in blacks, remained unchanged for Hispanics and continued to rise significantly among all Asian subgroups. The patterns of ASIRs by race/ethnicity changed dramatically over time. By 2000-2007, younger Hispanic women had the lowest breast cancer risk, replacing the Chinese and Koreans who formerly had the lowest risk. Rapidly increasing breast cancer incidence trends among Asian-Americans underline the importance of behavioral and lifestyle changes as a result of acculturation on the development of the disease. The unique trends of breast cancer incidence by race/ethnicity suggest the need for targeted breast cancer control programs for different racial/ethnic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the characterization of oral tongue cancer as recommended by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Patients who were diagnosed with oral tongue cancer and underwent tumor resection were included in the study. Assessment of the pathology report of the depth of invasion (DI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and perineural invasion (PNI) was also conducted. Results show the importance of tumor invasion characteristics reporting for oral tongue cancer diagnosis.

Muscle segment homeobox 2 (MSX2) has been confirmed to be involved in the regulation of early tooth development. However, the role of MSX2 has not been fully elucidated in enamel development. To research the functions of MSX2 in enamel formation, we used a Msx2 -/- (KO) mouse model with no full Msx2 gene. In the present study, the dental appearance and enamel microstructure were detected by scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography. The results showed that the absence of Msx2 resulted in enamel defects, leading to severe tooth wear in KO mice. To further investigate the mechanism behind the phenotype, we performed detailed histological analyses of the enamel organ in KO mice. We discovered that ameloblasts without Msx2 could secrete a small amount of enamel matrix protein in the early stage. However, the enamel epithelium occurred squamous epithelial hyperplasia and partial keratinization in the enamel organ during subsequent developmental stages. Ameloblasts depolarized and underwent pyroptosis. Overall, during the development of enamel, MSX2 affects the formation of enamel by regulating the function of epithelial cells in the enamel organ., (© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)