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Anticoagulation therapy is widely used to reduce clotting during hemodialysis (HD), but may cause adverse effects in end-stage kidney disease patients. A new hemodialyzer with a membrane modified by surface modifying molecule was developed to improve hemocompatibility that aimed to reduce the need for anticoagulation during dialysis treatments. We compared membrane surface characteristics and in vitro hemocompatibility of the new hemodialyzer to the standard polysulfone (PSF) hemodialyzer membrane. Scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurement (68° ± 3° test vs. 41.6° ± 6° control), and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry measurement for fluorine atomic % (7.4% ± 0.4% test vs. not detectable control), showed that the membrane surface was modified with surface modifying macromolecule (SMM1) but maintained membrane structure and surface hydrophilicity. Zeta potential of the blood-contacting surface showed that the absolute surface charge was reduced at neutral pH (-3.3 mV ± 1.1 mV test vs. -15.6 mV ± 1.0 mV control). Platelet count reduction was significantly less for the SMM1-modified dialyzer (40.88% ± 21.89%) compared to the standard PSF dialyzer (62.62% ± 34.13%), along with Platelet Factor 4 (1824.10 ng/ml ± 436.26 ng/ml test vs. 2479.00 ng/ml ± 852.96 ng/ml control). These studies demonstrate the successful incorporation of SMM1 into the new hemodialyzer with the expected results. Our in vitro experiments indicate that the SMM1-modified hemodialyzers could improve hemocompatibility compared to standard PSF hemodialyzers and have the potential to minimize the patient's anticoagulant requirements during HD. Additional research with SMM1 additives incorporated into the entire dialysis circuit and use in a clinical settings are required to confirm these promising findings.

Near-fault vertical ground motions (VGMs) caused great damage to bridge structures, but investigations of the effect on probabilistic seismic performance and structural vulnerability are insufficient. For this purpose, a novel model of bridge seismic fragility surface conditioned on the horizontal peak ground velocity (Vx) and the αVH (ratio of vertical to horizontal ground motion) is proposed. The quantitative formulation for probabilistic seismic demand model (PSDM) and probabilistic seismic capacity model (PSCM) of bridge piers considering the effect of VGM are established, and then the empirical model of fragility surface with the parameters of Vx and αVH is obtained by convolution. A simply supported bridge model is simulated in OpenSees as an illustrated example to establish the seismic fragility surface under the combined actions of horizontal ground motion and VGM. Furthermore, the damage probability (Fr) influenced by VGM is analyzed compared with the damage probability (Fr0) without VGM, and the sensitivity intervals of the difference between Fr and Fr0 for varying damage states are identified. The mechanism of fragility variation under VGM is explored, indicating that the variation of seismic demand caused by VGM is the main reason. Finally, the seismic fragility surface model considering VGM is applied to a set of variable piers, and the sensitivity interval associated with the fundamental period is investigated under different Vx.

The POPular Risk Score (PRiS), a pharmacogenetic-driven algorithm consisting of CYP2C19 genotype, platelet reactivity, and clinical risk factors, is developed to evaluate ischemic risk and guide dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DAPT in accordance with the PRiS in patients undergoing drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. A total of 1757 patients recruited in this cohort study were divided into four groups according to the PRiS and type of P2Y12 receptor inhibitor treatment at discharge. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, definite or probable stent thrombosis, and target vessel revascularization) during 1-year follow-up. The safety endpoints were defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria as major bleeding (BARC 3a, 3b, 3c, and 5) and clinically relevant bleeding (BARC 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, and 5). Among 1046 patients with PRiS

Background. In recent years, it has been reported that miRNA can be used as one of the markers of tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis (including liver cancer), and it plays an important role in tumorigenesis. However, there are still very few studies on the mechanism and role of miR-141 in liver cancer. Methods. qRT-PCR was used to test the expressions of miR-141 and STAT4 in collected liver cancer tissues and adjacent tissues, cultured liver cancer cell lines MHCC97H, Hep3B, and Huh7, and normal human liver cells HL7702. After processing the results of the qRT-PCR experiment, liver cancer cell MHCC97H which has the lowest expression level was decided to be taken as the research object. miR-NC, miR-141 mimics, si-NC, si-STAT4, miR-141 mimics and pcDNA-NC, and miR-141 mimics and pcDNA-STAT4 were transfected into MHCC97H cells, respectively. The MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of each group of cells, and the Transwell test was used to detect the effect of miR-141 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The interaction between miR-141 and STAT4 was verified by the dual-luciferase reporter experiment, and the expression level of Cyclin D1 and MMP2 was detected by the western blot. Results. Compared with normal cell HL7702, the expression level of miR-141 in liver cancer cell lines was relatively low P < 0.05 and the expression level of STAT4 in liver cancer cell lines was relatively high P < 0.05 after testing the expression level of STAT4; transfecting miR-141 mimics or Si-SLBP can inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; dual-luciferase reporter experiments confirmed that miR-141 can specifically bind to the 3′UTR of STAT4; cotransfection of miR-141 mimics and pcDNA-STAT4 can antagonize the effects of miR-141 mimics on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conclusion. miR-141 can target the STAT4 gene expression to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells.

Objective Resin-based dental adhesion is mostly utilized in minimally invasive operative dentistry. However, improving the durability and stability of resin–dentin bond interfaces remain a challenge. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) reinforced by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) were introduced to modify the resin–dentin bond interfaces, thereby promoting their durability and stability. Methods GQDs, EDC, and EDC+GQDs groups were designed to evaluate the effects of GQDs and EDC on collagenase activity, the interaction of GQDs with collagen, and the resin–dentin interface. First, the effects of GQDs and EDC on collagenase activity was evaluated by Collagenase (EC 3.4.24.3) reacting with its substrate. The interaction of GQDs and EDC with collagen were evaluated by cross-linking degree analysis, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and enzymatic hydrolysis. Second, the acid-etched and rinse adhesive system was used to evaluate the resin–dentin bond on the basis of microtensile bond strength, in situ zymography and fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results GQDs could inhibit collagenase activity. GQDs with the aid of EDC could cross-link collagen via covalent bonds and improve the anti-enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen. In the resin–dentin adhesion model, the μTBS of the EDC+GQDs group was significantly higher than the other control groups after thermocycling. The addition of EDC to GQDs could inhibit matrix metalloproteinase activity and promote the integrity of the bonding interfaces after thermocycling. Significance This study presents a novel strategy to modify the resin–dentin interface and provides a new application for GQDs. This strategy has the potential to improve the durability of resin-based restoration in dentistry.

The study of the effects of different fertilization treatments on soil methane (CH

OBJECTIVE To estimate medical costs associated with 17 diabetes complications and treatment procedures among Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS With use of the 2006–2017 100% Medicare claims database for beneficiaries enrolled in fee-for-service plans and Part D, we estimated the annual cost of 17 diabetes complications and treatment procedures. Type 1 diabetes and its complications and procedures were identified using ICD-9/ICD-10, procedure, and diagnosis-related group codes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes were followed from the year when their diabetes was initially identified in Medicare (2006–2015) until death, discontinuing plan coverage, or 31 December 2017. Fixed-effects regression was used to estimate costs in the complication occurrence year and subsequent years. The cost proportion of a complication was equal to the total cost of the complication, calculated by multiplying prevalence by the per-person cost divided by the total cost for all complications. All costs were standardized to 2017 U.S. dollars. RESULTS Our study included 114,879 people with type 1 diabetes with lengths of follow-up from 3 to 10 years. The costliest complications per person were kidney failure treated by transplant ($77,809 in the occurrence year and $13,556 in subsequent years), kidney failure treated by dialysis ($56,469 and $41,429), and neuropathy treated by lower-extremity amputation ($40,698 and $7,380). Sixteen percent of the total medical cost for diabetes complications was for treating congestive heart failure. CONCLUSIONS Costs of diabetes complications were large and varied by complications. Our results can assist in cost-effectiveness analysis of treatments and interventions for preventing or delaying diabetes complications in Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with type 1 diabetes.

Layered ternary carbides and nitrides, also known as MAX phases, have attracted enormous attention for many applications, especially as precursors to produce 2D metal carbides and nitrides called MXenes. However, it is still challenging to tune and control the shape/morphology of MAX phase particles at the nanoscale, as they are typically manufactured as large grains using ceramic technology. Herein, nanostructured Ti-Al-C MAX phases with fine-tuned morphology of nanofibers and nanoflakes are prepared by using 1D and 2D carbon precursors at a synthesis temperature of 900 °C. The nanostructured MAX phases are used as precursors to produce nanosized multilayered MXenes, with a considerably shorter etching time and a low reaction temperature. These nanosized MXenes exhibit good electrochemical lithium-ion storage properties and a pseudocapacitive electrochemical signature. The obtained Ti

The construction of new liberal arts brings new goals and challenges to the cultivation of liberal arts talents, while it provides new opportunities and approaches for the development of Humanities and Social Sciences. As one of the basic courses of Humanities, the course of Introduction to Cultural Industry must adapt to the changes and development of the times and carry out timely teaching reform. Based on the discussion of the connotation of the new liberal arts, taking the specific practice of the course “Introduction to cultural industry” of Ningbo University as an example, this paper addresses the teaching exploration and practice adapting to the new era from the following four aspects: General Education of Humanities and Social Sciences, student centered updating of teaching content, acceptance of online courses to enhance educational technology, and achievement oriented knowledge transformation.

BACKGROUND Exosomes participate in intercellular communication and act as important molecular vehicles in the regulation of numerous physiological and pathological processes, including autoimmune development. The role of circulating exosomes in the development of autoimmune uveitis is unknown. In this study, using the rat model of experimental autoimmune uveitis, which has clinical and histological features of pan uveitis in man, we evaluated the immunoregulatory function of circulating exosomes. METHODS Experimental autoimmune uveitis was induced in Lewis rats either immunised with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein R16 peptides or injected with activated R16-specific T cells. The disease incidence and severity were examined by indirect fundoscopy and flow cytometry. Circulating exosomes were isolated from peripheral blood of naive and Day 14 R16 immunised Lewis rats. The effect of exosomes on specific T cells was evaluated by R16-specific T cell proliferation, cytokine production and recurrent uveitis induction. RESULTS Circulating exosomes derived from active immunised uveitis rats selectively inhibited immune responses of R16-specific T cells in vitro. Vaccination of naive rats with these exosomes reduced the incidence of recurrent uveitis in an antigen-specific manner. Antigen-specific uveitogenic T cells reduced IFN-γ production and increased IL-10 after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Circulating exosomes in autoimmune uveitis have the potential to be a novel treatment for recurrent autoimmune uveitis.

Background The difference between the costs of the newer and older glucose-lowering drugs (GLMs) has been steadily increasing since 2010. In 2018, newer drugs cost 8-12 times more than older drugs (except for insulin). This study aimed to understand how the cost change influenced the cost-effectiveness of the newer GLMs. Methods Based on our previous literature review on US-based cost-effectiveness studies comparing newer (i.e., dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA), and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors) with older GLMs, we identified 12 studies that reported the cost-effectiveness of newer drugs based on drug costs estimated before 2010. We updated the corresponding cost-effectiveness of each study by replacing the old cost estimates with 2018 estimates from the 2018 IBM® MarketScan® Commercial Claims Databases. The time window and willingness to pay threshold were consistent with the original studies. Results Only 8% of the original studies suggested that the older drugs were cost-effective. However, 58% of studies were in favor of the older drugs after the cost update. Among the four studies comparing newer drugs with thiazolidinediones, all the original results favored newer drugs. However, all studies suggested thiazolidinedione to be cost-effective in the updated analysis. For the four studies comparing newer drugs with sulfonylureas, two studies suggested the sulfonylureas to be cost-effective after the cost update. All four studies suggested newer drugs to be cost-effective when compared with insulin in the original study. Only 1 flipped its conclusion when 2018 costs were used. Our sensitivity analysis shows that our results are robust under a 30% rebate. Conclusion Significant changes in the cost of GLMs have impacted the economic value of different GLM classes substantially. More cost-effectiveness analyses are warranted to support the drug choice in T2DM management.

Identifying and understanding charge storage mechanisms is important for advancing energy storage, especially when new materials and electrolytes are explored. Well-separated peaks in cyclic voltammograms (CVs) are considered key indicators of diffusion-controlled electrochemical processes with distinct Faradic charge transfer. Herein, we report on an electrochemical system with separated CV peaks, accompanied by surface-controlled partial charge transfer, in 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene in water-in-salt electrolytes. The process involves the insertion/desertion of desolvation-free cations, leading to an abrupt change of the interlayer spacing between MXene sheets. This unusual behavior increases charge storage at positive potentials, thereby increasing the amount of energy stored. This also demonstrates new opportunities for the development of high-rate aqueous energy storage devices and electrochemical actuators using safe and inexpensive aqueous electrolytes.

The recovery of dimethylformamide (DMF) by pervaporation is less energy intensive and more economical than the traditional distillation method. High/pure silica zeolite is a typical organics perm-selective material for pervaporation membrane due to its hydrophobic nature, demonstrating great potential for recovering organic components from aqueous solutions. In this study, as an attempt to further enhance the membrane hydrophobicity, titanium and zirconium-substituted MEL type zeolite membranes (Ti-silicalite-2 and Zr-silicalite-2) were synthesized on the α-Al2O3 discs by a secondary growth method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirmed the isomorphous substitution of the MEL framework by Ti and Zr atoms. The effects of isomorphous substitution, feed temperature and concentration on the DMF recovery performance were investigated via systematically designed pervaporation experiments. The fluxes and separation factors both increased with the isomorphous substitution of heteroatom, as well as increasing feed temperature and decreasing feed concentration. The Ti-silicalite-2 membrane exhibited a high separation factor of 6.4 with a total flux of 0.98 kg·m−2·h−1 for a 5 wt% DMF/water feed at 343 K.

Jiali Yang,1,&ast; Zhixia Jia,1,&ast; Zhigang Xiao,1 Jing Zhao,2 Ye Lu,2 Li Chu,3 Hui Shao,1,2 Lin Pei,1,2 Shaodan Zhang,4 Yuan Chen4 1School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China; 2Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People’s Republic of China; 4Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Shaodan Zhang; Lin PeiPaediatrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86 13653115066; +86 13831190309Email 13653115066@163.com; peilin13831190309@126.comPurpose: This study aims to evaluate the beneficial effects of anti-epileptic mechanisms of baicalin (BA) on cognitive dysfunction and neurodegeneration in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epileptic rats.Methods: First, PTZ-induced epileptic rats were administered intraperitoneally a sub-convulsive dose of PTZ (40 mg/kg) daily, and the seizure susceptibility (the degree of seizures and latency) was evaluated using Racine’s criterion. Then, classical behavioral experiments were performed to test whether BA ameliorated cognitive dysfunction. Neurodegeneration was assessed using Fluoro Jade-B (FJB), and NeuN staining was used to determine whether BA offered a neuroprotective role. After BA had been proven to possess anti-epileptic effects, its possible mechanisms were analyzed through network pharmacology. Finally, the key targets for predictive mechanisms were experimentally verified.Results: The epileptic model was successfully established, and BA had anti-epileptic effects. Epileptic rats displayed significant cognitive dysfunction, and BA markedly ameliorated cognitive dysfunction. Further, we also discovered that BA treatment mitigated neurodegeneration of the hippocampus CA3 regions, thereby ameliorated cognitive dysfunction of epileptic rats. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis was implemented to reveal a possible mechanism of BA in the anti-epileptic process and the TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 pathway was predicted. Finally, experimental studies showed that BA exerted an anti-epileptic effect by activating the TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 pathway in PTZ-induced epileptic rats.Conclusion: In conclusion, BA had a protective effect against PTZ-induced seizures. BA improved cognitive dysfunction and exerted a neuroprotective action. The anti-epileptic effects of BA may be potentially through activation of the TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 pathway.Keywords: baicalin, pentylenetetrazol, epilepsy, cognitive dysfunction, network pharmacology, TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3

Appropriate light intensity is favorable for the photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, key enzyme activity, and secondary metabolite synthesis of medicinal plants. This study aims to explore the influence of light intensity on growth and quality of Panax quinquefolius. To be specific, sand culture experiment was carried out in a greenhouse under the light intensity of 40, 80, 120, and 160 μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1), respectively. The growth indexes, photosynthetic characteristics, content of 6 ginsenosides of the 3-year-old P. quinquefolius were determined, and the expression of ginsenoside synthesis-related enzyme genes in leaves, main roots, and fibrous roots was determined. The results showed that the P. quinquefolius growing at 80 μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1) light intensity had the most biomass and the highest net photosynthetic rate. The total biomass of P. quinquefolius treated with 120 μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1) light intensity was slightly lower than that with 80 μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1). The root-to-shoot ratio in the treatment with 120 μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1) light intensity was up to 6.86, higher than those in other treatments(Plt;0.05),and the ginsenoside content in both aboveground and underground parts of P. quinquefolius in this treatment was the highest, which was possibly associated with the high expression of farnesylpyrophosphate synthase(FPS), squalene synthase(SQS), squalene epoxidase(SQE), oxidosqualene cyclase(OSC), dammarenediol-Ⅱ synthase(DS), and P450 genes in leaves and SQE and DS genes in main roots. In addition, light intensities of 120 and 160 μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1) could promote PPD-type ginsenoside synthesis in leaves by triggering up-regulation of the expression of upstream ginsenoside synthesis genes. The decrease in underground biomass accumulation of the P. quinquefolius grown under weak light(40 μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1)) and strong light(160 μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1)) was possibly attributed to the low net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate in leaves. In the meantime, the low expression of SQS, SQE, OSC, and DS genes in the main roots might led to the decrease in ginsenoside content. However, there was no significant correlation between the ginsenoside content and the expression of synthesis-related genes in the fibrous roots of P. quinquefolius. Therefore, the light intensity of 80 and 120 μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1) is beneficial to improving yield and quality of P. quinquefolius. The above findings contributed to a theoretical basis for reasonable shading in P. quinquefolius cultivation, which is of great significance for improving the yield and quality of P. quinquefolius through light regulation.

Due to electronic properties superior to group VIB (Mo and W) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), group IVB (Hf and Zr) TMDs have become intriguing materials in next-generation nanoelectronics. Therefore, the growth of few-layered hafnium disulfide (HfS

Objective To explore the appropriate duration of Shawkea DE-T1 use, and to provide a basis for the optimization of the Shawkea DE-T1 administration duration for different women. Methods Based on a previous retrospective cohort study, 1,014 patients aged ≥ 30 years who used in vitro fertilization (IVF) for conception at Hanabusa Women’s Clinic, Kobe, Japan, were included in this secondary analysis and were allocated to an Shawkea DE-T1-administration group (n = 712) and a control group (n = 302) based on their use of Shawkea DE-T1. All patients in the two groups received interventions following the guidelines of the Japanese Institution for Standardizing Assisted Reproductive Technology Intervention, and patients in the administration group were provided Shawkea DE-T1 as recommended by the Nutritional Supplement Support Center of Hanabusa Womens Clinic. The blastocyst obtained rate (percentage of patients who produced at least one blastocyst upon in vitro embryo culture relative to all patients in the same group) was compared between the two groups of patients following treatment durations of 1–3 months, 4–6 months, and > 6 months. Analysis was performed on the actual duration of Shawkea DE-T1 administration for all patients who achieved blastocyst in vitro according to their age level (≥ 30 and vs. 55.31% for 1–3 months, P = 1.02×10− 10; 69.44% vs. 44.44% for 4–6 months, P = 4.70×10− 4), while no significant difference was uncovered between the two groups with > 6 months of administration (73.35% vs. 72.46%, P = 0.76). Analysis of the treatment duration of patients at different age levels who produced blastocysts showed that the treatment duration increased commensurate with patient age: i.e., 65.25% of women ≥ 30 and in vitro development of embryos to blastocyst stage with a Shawkea DE-T1 administration of 1–3 months. Conclusion Shawkea DE-T1 use for 1–3 months and 3–6 months significantly improved the blastocyst obtained rate in women receiving IVF treatment. Appropriate extension of Shawkea DE-T1 administration duration also achieved a better effect in women of advanced reproductive age.

International audience; Fundamental understanding of ion electroadsorption processes in porous electrodes on a molecular level provides important guidelines for next-generation energy storage devices like electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs). Porous carbons functionalized by heteroatoms show enhanced capacitive performance, but the underlying mechanism is still elusive, due to the lack of reliable tools to precisely identify multiple N species and establish clear structure property relations. Here, we use advanced analytical techniques such as lowtemperature solid-state NMR (ssNMR) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) to relate the complex nitrogen functionalities to the charging mechanisms and capacitive performance. For the first time, it is demonstrated at a molecular level that N-doping strongly influences the electroadsorption mechanism in EDLCs. Without N-doping, anion (SO 4 2−) adsorption−desorption dominates the charging mechanism, whereas after doping, Li + electroadsorption plays a key role. With the help of EQCM, it is demonstrated that SO 4 2− is strongly immobilized on the Ndoped surface, leaving Li + as the main charge carrier. The smaller size and higher concentration of Li + compared to SO 4 2− benefit a higher capacitance. Amine/amide N is responsible for high capacitance, but surprisingly the pyridinic, pyrrolic, and graphitic N groups have no significant influence. 2D 1 H-15 N NMR spectroscopy indicates that the conversion from pyridinium to pyrrolic N gives rise to a slightly decreased capacitance. This work not only demonstrates ssNMR as a powerful tool for surface chemistry characterization of electrode materials but also uncovers the related charging mechanism by EQCM, paving the way toward a comprehensive picture of EDLC chemistry.

Background Sleep apnea is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) but it is underdiagnosed. Whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is correlated with thrombotic risk in AF remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and assess the thrombotic risk of AF with OSA. Methods In the present registry study,1990 consecutive patients with AF from 20 centers were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they presented with both AF and OSA. All the patients were followed up for 1 year to evaluate the incidences of stroke and non-central nervous system (CNS) embolism. Results Of the 1990 AF patients, 70 (3.5%) and 1920 (96.5%) patients were in the OSA group and non-OSA group, respectively. The results of the multivariate logistic model analysis showed that male sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and major bleeding history were independent risk factors for patients with AF and OSA. The comparison of the Kaplan–Meier curves using the log-rank test revealed that AF with OSA was correlated with an increased risk of non-CNS embolism (p p = 0.02), but was not correlated with the risk of stroke in patients with AF. Conclusions The present study revealed that male sex, high BMI values, smoking, and major bleeding history were independent risk factors for patients with AF and OSA. Moreover, OSA was an independent risk factor for non-CNS embolism in AF. Our results indicate that non-CNS embolism requires focus in patients with AF and OSA.

The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in prostate fibroblasts in addition to normal prostate epithelial cells and prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Moreover, AR activation in fibroblasts dramatically influences prostate cancer (PCa) cell behavior. Androgen deprivation leads to deregulation of AR downstream target genes in both fibroblasts and PCa cells. Here, we identified LIM domain only 2 (LMO2) as an AR target gene in prostate fibroblasts using ChIP-seq and revealed that LMO2 can be repressed directly by AR through binding to androgen response elements (AREs), which results in LMO2 overexpression after AR deactivation due to normal prostate fibroblasts to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) transformation or androgen deprivation therapy. Next, we investigated the mechanisms of LMO2 overexpression in fibroblasts and the role of this event in non-cell-autonomous promotion of PCa cells growth in the androgen-independent manner through paracrine release of IL-11 and FGF-9. Collectively, our data suggest that AR deactivation deregulates LMO2 expression in prostate fibroblasts, which induces castration resistance in PCa cells non-cell-autonomously through IL-11 and FGF-9.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a highly prevalent disorder characterized by increased vulnerability to morbidity and mortality. This study explores the predictors and prevalence of PPD among Taiwanese women. A total of 914 postpartum women was recruited from a mother-child-friendly hospital. These participants completed self-report questionnaires at 1 month postpartum, and their medical records were also examined for relevant information. Multivariate analyses were used to identify independent predictors of PPD. At 1 month postpartum, 18.8% had developed PPD. Multivariate analysis showed that the odds ratios for PPD were significantly lower among women who were breastfeeding, had more family support, and attended a postpartum care center, while those who were younger, primiparous, and who experienced gestational complications had a higher prevalence of PPD. Meanwhile, structural equation modeling showed that family support from partners, parents, and parents-in-law diminished depression scores through direct effects.

A total of 115 convalescent inpatients with COVID-19 were enrolled. According to the results of scans of lung lesions via computed tomography (CT), the patients were divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups. The clinical data of the patients were collected, including age, gender, finger pulse oxygen pressure, ventricular rate, body temperature, etc. The correlation between the clinical indicators and the lesions of high-resolution CT (HRCT) and bronchiectasis was analyzed. Among the 115 patients, 82 had no bronchiectasis and 33 had bronchiectasis. The bronchodilation-prone layers mainly included the left and right lower lobe of the lung. The probability of branching in the inflamed area was greater than that in the noninflamed area in patients with COVID-19. There were significant differences in gender, CT lesion range, and number of incidents of bronchiectasis between noninflamed and inflamed areas (P < 0.05). Moreover, there were significant differences in age, total proportion of CT lesions, volume of CT lesions, and total number of patients with bronchiectasis among the three groups (P < 0.05). CT lesion range was positively correlated with the total number of patients with bronchiectasis and patient age (respectively, r = 0.186, P < 0.05; r = 0.029, P < 0.05). The lesion range in HRCT images of lungs in patients with COVID-19 is correlated with bronchodilation. The larger the lesion, the higher the probability of bronchiectasis and the more incidents of bronchiectasis.

A series of hierarchical CoAPO-5 molecular sieves was hydrothermally synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the template. The structural properties of CoAPO-5 molecular sieves with different amount of CTAB, including AFI-0.10, AFI-0.25, AFI-0.35, AFI-0.45 and AFI-0.55 were all characterized by XRD, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption and NH3-TPD. The catalytic performance of as-prepared CoAPO-5 molecular sieves for the oxidation of furfural to maleic acid was investigated. Research results indicated that the structure characteristics as well as the catalytic performances of CoAPO-5 molecular sieves were strongly affected by CTAB amount. Among those hierarchical CoAPO-5 catalysts, AFI-0.45 sample exhibited highest maleic acid yield of 85.9% at 60℃ after 3 h reaction. In addition, the stability of AFI-0.45 was proved persistent for subsequent cycles.

This study aims to estimate the national impact and cost-effectiveness of the 2018 American College of Physicians (ACP) guidance statements compared to the status quo.Survey data from the 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination were used to generate a national representative sample of individuals with diagnosed type 2 diabetes in the United States. Individuals with A1c6.5% on antidiabetic medications are recommended to deintensify their A1c level to 7.0% to 8.0% (group 1); individuals with A1c 6.5% to 8.0% and a life expectancy of10 years are recommended to deintensify their A1c level8.0% (group 2); and individuals with A1c8.0% and a life expectancy of10 years are recommended to intensify their A1c level to 7.0% to 8.0% (group 3). We used a Markov-based simulation model to evaluate the lifetime cost-effectiveness of following the ACP recommended A1c level.14.41 million (58.1%) persons with diagnosed type 2 diabetes would be affected by the new guidance statements. Treatment deintensification would lead to a saving of $363 600 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) lost for group 1 and a saving of $118 300 per QALY lost for group 2. Intensifying treatment for group 3 would lead to an additional cost of $44 600 per QALY gain. Nationally, the implementation of the guidance would add 3.2 million life-years and 1.1 million QALYs and reduce healthcare costs by $47.7 billion compared to the status quo.Implementing the new ACP guidance statements would affect a large number of persons with type 2 diabetes nationally. The new guidance is cost-effective.

In this study, three series of quinazolinone derivatives containing hydrazone structures were designed and synthesized. Bioactivity assays indicated that these compounds showed good antitumour activities towards human lung cancer cells (A549) and human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) and no apparent toxicity towards those nontumorigenic rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E). In particular, compound 7n showed potent inhibitory activity towards A549 and PC-3 with IC50 of 7.36 and 7.73 μmol L−1, respectively. Subsequently, the relationships between the compound structures and numerous biological activities are discussed. A good predictive three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model was constructed via CoMFA to direct the future structural units. The present results strongly show that 7n with the introduction of 2-fluorobenzoyl should be considered as a lead compound to develop novel antitumour agents.

Minority oversampling techniques have played a pivotal role in the field of imbalanced learning. While traditional oversampling algorithms can cause problems such as intra-class imbalance of samples, ignoring important information of boundary samples, and high similarity between new and old samples. Based on the situation, we proposed a new type of over-sampling method, BIRCH and Boundary Midpoint Centroid Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique (BI-BMCSMOTE). First of all, the algorithm used the BIRCH clustering method to achieve quick cluster of the minority samples. After identifying and removing the noise, it marked the boundary minority samples in the label by probability. Secondly, it generated a density function for each sample cluster, calculated its density and sampling weight, performed midpoint composite sampling among the minority samples marked by probability and other minority samples in each cluster, and then calculated and analyzed the specific value of composite sampling to improve the accuracy of the model. According to the experimental results, the algorithm was proved to be valid.