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Introduction: This study used artificial intelligence and strategic management to predict sports industry development in Taiwan. Through public government information, we aimed to determine the dynamics of the sports industry and analyze the current situation of domestic sports industries and sports industry sectors. We also explored national sports policies and development issues to construct a Taiwan Sports Industry Gross Domestic Product Forecasting Model that aligns with the requirements of government agencies and the sports industry. Methods: This study explored time series data for 12 sports industries and 40 sports industry sectors from 2009 to 2018. We used artificial neural networks to predict future gross domestic product (GDP). We also used the moving average method to calculate the trend direction and used strategic management and brand positioning analysis to analyze industry positioning and trend development. Results: Only one sports industry, Sports Venue or Facility Construction, had an optimistic forecast for growth, while the GDP of the remaining 11 sports industries was predicted to decline. The average GDP forecasting accuracy for the sports industry was 94% in 2017 and 97.2% in 2018. Among the 40 sports industry sectors, eight had growth forecasts, while the GDP of the other 32 sectors was predicted to decline. The average GDP forecasting accuracy for sports industry sectors was 99.5% in 2017 and 99.4% in 2018. In the strategic matrix analysis, all 12 sports industries showed a growth trend. All sports industries showed a consistent upward trend in the GDP time series, indicating overall continuous growth in the sports industry. Similarly, among the 40 sports industry sectors, the Star and Cash Cow sectors showed growth trends and trend lines in the strategic positioning matrix and GDP time series. In contrast, the Question Marks and Dogs sectors showed declining trends and trend lines. Conclusion: This study makes six specific recommendations: (1) Seek solutions for the sports industry through prediction and estimation, (2) use strategic management to chart the course for developing the sports industry, (3) explore and propose future trends in the sports industry, (4) explore and propose future trends in the various sports industry sectors, (5) define the scope of the sports industry and address significant data management and its implications, and (6) foster research and development in technology management and its academic applications. These recommendations aim to provide valuable insights and guidance for the advancement and strategic planning of the sports industry, considering future trends and technological advances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggregate and air void distribution determined by compaction commonly affects damage appearance and development inside asphalt mixture and is related to asphalt pavement durability and quality. The main objective of this study is to investigate the recycled aggregate (RA) effect on asphalt mixture compaction behavior under different engineering conditions. First, the aggregate fragmentation caused by compaction effort was simulated using the superpave gyratory compactor. In this regard, the influences of aggregate type and RA content were investigated. Second, the indoor experiment scheme was determined using the Taguchi method to obtain compaction data of recycled aggregate asphalt mixture (RAAM). Finally, a genetic algorithm-based backpropagation (GA-BP) artificial neural network (ANN) model using the 216 data sets of the indoor experiment was developed to predict and explore the relative contribution of engineering-conditions-related parameters to RAAM compaction difficulty. The results showed that the aggregate particles suffer fragmentation mainly in the early compaction of recycled aggregate asphalt mixture. The effect of RA on aggregate fragmentation during the compaction process is not statistically significant. The 10-14-1 GA-based BP ANN model developed in this study is an effective method in predicting the compaction energy consumption of RAAM with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 98.59% and a mean-squared error value of 0.6266. The gradation shape, NMAS, FI3d , AI3d , and T3d and incorporated content of recycled aggregate have a considerable positive correlation with the compaction difficulty. The limitation of this study is that the compaction difficulty prediction model is developed according to indoor test data. Therefore, the model's applicability to field pavement projects required further practical verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Olympic and Paralympic Games were delayed until 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the spirit and strength of these mega sports events should continue, and the world's nations have an important influence on the sports world. This study aimed to examine and quantify the gap in Olympic efficiency, as projected by the group frontier and metafrontier, through data envelopment analysis and metafrontier approaches. Using both frontiers, we simultaneously conducted an objective analysis based on general and specific nations. Methods: We developed a systematic strategic performance management system to evaluate 85 nations’ efficiency globally and to analyze the tendencies exhibited by the efficiencies and gaps among eight Asian nations that regularly participated in eight consecutive Olympic and Paralympic Games from 1992 to 2020. Results: We indicated that the group frontier approach provides better differentiation power for Asian nations with low efficiencies. The metafrontier analysis, however, demonstrated salient discrimination against Asian nations with superior efficiencies. Conclusion: Through long-term tracking, the efficiency and sustainable strategies of seven Asian nations were shown. China, Japan, and Chinese Taipei show upward trends, a sustainable social capital strategy in sports, and strength. We also discussed several attributes emerging from these results of host nations’ positive influence, the feature sport, and female athletes’ power. For Asian nations, we demonstrated four types of sustainable efficiency improvement in the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study a class of the fractional Schrödinger equations involving logarithmic and critical nonlinearities. By using the Nehari manifold method and the concentration compactness principle, we show that the above problem admits at least one ground state solution and one ground state sign-changing solution. Moreover, by using variational methods, we prove that how the coefficient function of the critical nonlinearity affects the number of positive solutions. The main feature which distinguishes this paper from other related works lies in the fact that it is the first attempt to study the existence and multiplicity for the above problem involving both logarithmic and critical nonlinearities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Single-band Series Absorptive Common Mode Noise Filter (ACMF) is proposed. The ACMF is embedded in a four-layer printed circuit board (PCB) and consists of three parts: a Reflective Common Mode Noise Filter (RCMF), a matching circuit, and an absorber. The RCMF is designed using mushroom-type resonators. The matching circuit is designed using meander lines to reduce the size of the filter dimensions. The absorber of the Common Mode noise (CM) is a series resistor. The designed operating frequency is 2.45 GHz. The simulation results are as follows: the insertion loss of CM (Scc21) is -22.49 dB at the frequency of 2.61 GHz, the return loss of CM (Scc11) is -18.62 dB at the frequency of 2.5 GHz, while the integrity of the Differential Mode signals (DM) can be maintained with a very small insertion loss (Sdd21) of -1 dB at the frequency range of 0-8 GHz, and the achieved Absorption Efficiency (AE) is 93% at the frequency of 2.54 GHz. The proposed ACMF dimension is 10.3 x4.6 mm. The fractional bandwidth is 19%. The measurement results of the fabricated ACMF do not deviate significantly the simulation results. They are as follows: Scc21 is -17.87 dB at the frequency of 2.31 GHz, Scc11 is -20.87 dB at the frequency of 2.38 GHz, Sdd21 is -2.8 dB at the frequency range of 0-8 GHz, the Absorption Efficiency is 97% at the frequency of 2.32 GHz, and the fractional bandwidth is 17%. Therefore, the results of the ACMF design carried out by simulation can be implemented into a fabricated ACMF with measurement results similar to the calculation results in the design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was designed to investigate the abnormal expression of plasma miR-592 and miR-217-3p in retinoblastoma (Rb) and explore the clinical diagnostic value of their expression levels for Rb. Methods: The 100 Rb patients who came to Nanchang Hongdu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2018 to January 2019 were selected as the Rb group, and 100 healthy patients who came to the physical examination centre during the same period were selected as the control group. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of plasma miR-592 and miR-217-3p in all subjects; analyse the relationship between plasma miR-592 and miR-217-3p levels and the clinicopathological characteristics of Rb. Pearson correlation analysis evaluated the relationship between plasma miR-592 and miR-217-3p levels and overall survival. Results: Plasma levels of miR-592 and miR-217-3p in the Rb group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.0001), and the expression of miR-592 was significantly correlated with family genetic history (p 0.0001), tumour bias (p=0.0081), lymph node metastasis (p=0.0048) and pathological grade (p=0.0025), and the expression of miR-217-3p was significantly related to family genetic history (p 0.0001), optic nerve infiltration (p 0.0001), lymph node metastasis (p=0.0090), and pathological grade (p 0.0001). The high expression of miR-592 and miR-217-3p presents a more serious pathological manifestation of Rb, and the overall survival of patients is significantly shortened with the increase of miR-592 (r=-0.2276, p = 0.0052) and miR-217-3p levels (r=-0.6461, p 0.0001). Conclusions: and miR-217-3p are highly expressed in the plasma of Rb patients, and their elevated levels present severe pathological manifestations of Rb and shortened overall survival, which is expected to become biomarkers for clinical diagnosis of Rb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the feasibility of vaginal delivery after HIFU. Methods: A total of 37 women who met the trial of labor after HIFU (TOLAH) inclusion criteria and 368 women who met the trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) inclusion criteria gave birth at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital between 14th June 2018 and 24th September 2021. The delivery outcomes of the two groups were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Results: In the Qualified Candidates for TOLAH group, vaginal delivery is substantially less common (p = 0.000). The prevalence of PPH in the Qualified Candidates for TOLAH group is lower than in the Candidates for TOLAC group (8.82% vs 10.51%, p = 0.534; 0% vs 2.51%, p = 0.418). Hemoglobin drop in the Qualified Candidates for TOLAH group is also lower (7.03 ± 7.39vs 12.11 ± 12.62, p = 0.001). The rate of using more than two types of uterotonic medications to promote contraction is significantly lower in the Qualified Candidates for TOLAH group (54.05% vs 69.84%, p = 0.04), and the percentage of abnormal uterine contraction is lower in the Qualified Candidates for TOLAH group (35.14% vs 49.18%, p = 0.072). PPH is strongly predicted by abnormal uterine contraction (aOR: 17.177, 95% CI:5.046 58.472, p = 0.000), but not by HIFU (aOR:1.105; 95% CI:0.240 5.087, p = 0.898). No uterine rupture occurred in the cases after HIFU. Conclusions: No uterine rupture occurred in our study group after HIFU. HIFU is not a risk for PPH. It is promising for those after HIFU to choose vaginal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material of the paederine genus Lathrobium Gravenhorst, 1802 from the Nanling National Nature Reserve, southern China, is examined. Four species are identified, one of them described previously. Three species are described and illustrated for the first time, all of them micropterous and locally endemic: L. yangyihani Lin & Peng sp. nov., L. jiaxingyangi Lin & Peng sp. nov., and L. wangxingmini Lin & Peng sp. nov. The female sexual characters of L. guangdongense Peng & Li, 2014 are described and illustrated for the first time. Including the new taxa, 224 Lathrobium species are currently known from mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To conduct a preliminary assessment of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment for allergic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC)-associated ocular itch. Background: Current control measures for AKC rely primarily on drugs. IPL is effective for dry eye disease (DED). Furthermore, phototherapy is effective for managing skin inflammation and pruritus, suggesting that eye itching could decrease in some patients having AKC complicated with DED following IPL treatment to control dry eye symptoms. Methods: Thirty-five patients having DED complicated with mid-to-severe AKC were administered three IPL treatments to the periorbital skin. The eye scores of subjective symptoms and signs of AKC and tear film breakup time (TBUT) were retrospectively assessed before and after each treatment. Results: The scores for AKC-related symptoms and signs were determined four times: on Day 1 (time 0), Day 15 (time 1), Day 45 (time 2), and Day 75 (time 3) before each treatment. The average symptom score significantly decreased with treatments (time 0: 30.97, time 1: 15.03, time 3: 10). The average sign score for both eyes decreased after the first IPL treatment (left eye: 7.97 vs. 11.38; right eye: 8.1 vs. 11.1). There were no further improvements in the signs after the last treatment. The TBUT value in the right eye increased from times 0 to 3 (2.31 vs. 4.66 vs. 7.71 vs. 7.74). The TBUT value in the left eye increased from times 0 to 3 (2.50 vs. 6.97 vs. 7.57 vs. 8.24). Conclusions: Symptoms and signs improved after IPL treatment in patients with AKC. Eye itching was gradually controlled and rarely recurred. IPL may be effective for AKC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Through experiments and numerical simulations, it can be found that the vortex strength in the diversion canal of the nuclear power plant will increase with the decrease of the submerged depth or the increase of flow rate, and the types of vortices will increase from I to VI. • According to the functional relationship between the flow rate and the submerged depth on the free surface vortex, the submerged depth of the diversion canal of the nuclear power plant and the limit value of the operating flow of the circulating pump can be predicted, which provides a favorable guarantee for the stability of the operation of the seawater circulating pump in the nuclear power plant and the economy of the pump house construction. In this paper, the impact of flow and submerged depth of diversion canal on free surface vortex is studied by numerical simulation and experiment of water and gas two-phase flow. It can be seen from the calculation results that the lower the submerged depth or the higher the flow, the stronger the vortex intensity on the free surface. The strong vorticity and air content in water will lead to uneven flow in the elbow canal, affecting the stable operation of the circulating pump. According to the results of simulation and experiment, the numerical value of vortex type on the free surface is expressed as a function of flow rate and submerged depth. This function can be utilized to predict the submerged depth limit of diversion canals in coastal nuclear power plants, which provides a favorable guarantee for the stability of circulating pump operation and the economy of pump room construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cardiac hypertrophy is a key biological response to injurious stresses such as pressure overload and, when excessive, can lead to heart failure. Innate immune activation by danger signals, through intracellular pattern recognition receptors such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (Nod1) and its adaptor receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2), might play a major role in cardiac remodeling and progression to heart failure. We hypothesize that Nod1/RIP2 are major contributors to cardiac hypertrophy, but may not be sufficient to fully express the phenotype alone. METHODS: To elucidate the contribution of Nod1/RIP2 signaling to cardiac hypertrophy, we randomized Nod1-/-, RIP2-/-, or wild-type mice to transverse aortic constriction or sham operations. Cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cardiac function were examined in these mice. RESULTS: Nod1 and RIP2 proteins were upregulated in the heart after transverse aortic constriction, and this was paralleled by increased expression of mitochondrial proteins, including mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS). Nod1-/- and RIP2-/- mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction exhibited better survival, improved cardiac function, and decreased cardiac hypertrophy. Downstream signal transduction pathways that regulate inflammation and fibrosis, including NF (nuclear factor) B and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)-GATA4/p300, were reduced in both Nod1-/- and RIP2-/- mice after transverse aortic constriction compared with wild-type mice. Coimmunoprecipitation of extracted cardiac proteins and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed that Nod1/RIP2 interaction was robust and that this complex also included MAVS as an essential component. Suppression of MAVS expression attenuated the complex formation, NF B signaling, and myocyte hypertrophy. Interrogation of mitochondrial function compared in the presence or ablation of MAVS revealed that MAVS serves to suppress mitochondrial energy output and mediate fission/fusion related dynamic changes. The latter is possibly linked to mitophagy during cardiomyocytes stress, which may provide an intriguing link between innate immune activation and mitochondrial energy balance under stress or injury conditions. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified that innate immune Nod1/RIP2 signaling is a major contributor to cardiac remodeling after stress. This process is critically joined by and regulated through the mitochondrial danger signal adapter MAVS. This novel complex coordinates remodeling, inflammatory response, and mitochondrial energy metabolism in stressed cardiomyocytes. Thus, Nod1/RIP2/MAVS signaling complex may represent an attractive new therapeutic approach toward heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1)-mediated histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) of a subset of genes has been linked to the transcriptional activation critical for synaptic plasticity, but its potential contribution to neuropathic allodynia development remains poorly explored. Here, we show that MLL1, which is induced in dorsal horn neuron after spinal nerve ligation (SNL), is responsible for mechanical allodynia and increased H3K4me3 at metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) promoter. Moreover, SNL induced WD (Trp-Asp) repeat domain 5 subunit (WDR5) expression as well as the MLL1-WDR5 interaction accompany with H3K4me3 enrichment and transcription of mGluR5 gene in the dorsal horn in neuropathic allodynia progression. Conversely, WDR5-0103, a novel inhibitor of the MLL1-WDR5 interaction, reversed SNL-induced allodynia and inhibited SNL-enhanced mGluR5 transcription/expression as well as MLL1, WDR5, and H3K4me3 at the mGluR5 promoter in the dorsal horn. Furthermore, disrupting the expression of MLL1 or WDR5 using small interfering RNA attenuated mechanical allodynia and reversed protein transcription/expression and complex localizing at mGluR5 promoter in the dorsal horn induced by SNL. This finding revealed that MLL1-WDR5 complex integrity regulates MLL1 and WDR5 recruitment to H3K4me3 enrichment at mGluR5 promoter in the dorsal horn underlying neuropathic allodynia. Collectively, our findings indicated that SNL enhances the MLL1-WDR5 complex, which facilitates MLL1 and WDR5 recruitment to H3K4me3 enrichment at mGluR5 promoter in spinal plasticity contributing to neuropathic allodynia pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To conduct a preliminary assessment of the intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment on the upper eyelid. Background: IPL therapy is an effective therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The normal treatment region includes the skin below the lower eyelids and both temporal parts, but not the upper eyelid. Methods: Thirty patients with mid-to-severe dry eye disease caused by MGD were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Fifteen controls in group A received normal IPL treatment. Fifteen patients in Group B underwent additional IPL treatment on the upper eyelid. The change in noninvasive tear breakup time (BUT), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, patient satisfaction, and adverse events were measured and recorded at each visit, before each treatment. Results: The dry eye symptoms of the patients in both groups improved. The patients in group B had better recovery than those in group A: BUT (right eye: 11.6 - 3.67 sec vs. 7.73 - 1.99 sec; left eye: 12.73 - 4.19 sec vs. 7.73 - 1.40 sec), OSDI (8.87 - 4.31 vs. 14.93 - 3.47); patient satisfaction in group B remained good, but decreased in group A with prolonged treatment duration. No serious skin and eye complications were found in any patient. Conclusions: This study showed the patients who received IPL treatment on the upper eyelid experienced improved symptoms of MGD. A further long-term study should be conducted to increase our understanding of the effect of expanded IPL treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeysuckle has antiviral, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is induced by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammatory reaction. Our study investigates whether honeysuckle extract (HE) has therapeutic effect on AR. An AR model of mice was established by ovalbumin (OVA). Hematoxylin–Eosin staining was used to assess nasal mucosa damage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine serum histamine, IgE and interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-17 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) from nasal lavage fluid. Western blot was carried out to analyze the protein level from nasal mucosa tissue. We found that HE not only decreased nasal rubbing and sneezing in AR mice, but also reduced AR-induced damage to nasal mucosa. Moreover, HE lowered the levels of serum IgE and histamine and inhibited IL-4 and IL-17 levels from AR mice but raised IL-2 and IFN-γ levels in AR-induced nasal lavage fluid. Our results also showed that HE elevated the protein levels of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) and T-box transcription factor (T-bet) in AR-induced nasal mucosa tissue, whereas it inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3) protein levels. By regulating AR-induced inflammatory reaction and autoimmune response, HE also relieved OVA-induced AR. Thus, HE could be used as a potential drug to treat AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain depth-of-cut, which is the predominant factor determining the surface morphology, grinding force, and subsurface damage, has a significant impact on the surface quality of the finished part made of hard and brittle materials. When the existing analytical models are used to predict the gain depth-of-cut in ultra-precision grinding process of silicon wafer, the results obtained become unreasonable due to an extremely shallow grain depth-of-cut, which is inconsistent with the theory of the contact mechanics. In this study, an improved model for analyzing the grain depth-of-cut in ultra-fine rotational grinding is proposed, in which the minimum grain depth-of-cut for chip formation, the equivalent grain cutting tip radius, elastic recovery deformation in cutting process, and the actual number of effective grains are considered in the prediction of the ultrafine rotational grinding of brittle materials. The improved model is validated experimentally and shows higher accuracy than the existing model. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the grain depth-of-cut to three introduced factors is analyzed, presenting the necessity of the consideration of these factors during the prediction of grain depth-of-cut in ultrafine grinding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Curcumin (Cur), derived from Curcuma species, exhibits anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Although Cur has some beneficial effects on asthma, its clinical application is limited by its low bioavailability. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), the major active metabolite of Cur, has multiple biological functions, similarly to Cur, and importantly, it showed enhanced bioavailability in tissues and plasma. However, the effect of THC on asthma has not been reported. Objective: The current study sought to investigate the efficacy of dietary THC on allergic asthma compared to that of Cur in an animal model. Methods: The anti‐inflammatory effects of Cur and THC were evaluated in an ovalbumin‐induced asthmatic mouse model. The nasal symptoms, pathological alterations of the lung tissues, oxidants and antioxidants, cytokine production, T cell subsets, and Th2‐related signalling pathway activity were assessed. Results: Both THC and Cur had beneficial effects on asthmatic mice with regard to nasal symptoms, pathological changes (eosinophils and mucus hyper‐production), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde), cytokine production (IL‐13), Th17 and cytotoxic T cell subsets, and Th2 signalling pathway (IL‐4Rα‐Jak1‐STAT6 and Jagged1/Jagged2‐Notch1/Notch2 axis) activity. THC was more effective than Cur in suppressing tissue eosinophilia, mucus production, and IL‐4Rα/Jak1/STAT6 pathway activity. Furthermore, only THC inhibited peripheral eosinophil levels, Th2 cytokines (IL‐4 and IL‐5), and Th2 cell subsets and enhanced an antioxidant enzyme (glutathione). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: The above results demonstrated for the first time that THC was superior to Cur in modulating allergic asthmatic phenotypes, especially attenuating the Th2 response. THC might be a potentially effective agent for asthma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersive hyperspectral visible and near-infrared (VNIR) imagers using back-illuminated (BI) charge-coupled devices (CCDs) suffer from interference fringes in the near-infrared band, known as the etalon effect. This effect causes a signal modulation which can become increasingly serious (±25% or more) when the spectral resolution gets higher than 5 nm, bringing huge difficulties for subsequent processing and quantitative applications of the hyperspectral data. A mathematical model to describe the fringe pattern is established by taking both the system parameters and the interference principle of multilayer thin films into account. Then, the model is used to simulate the distribution of interference fringes as a function of wavelength, and the simulated results are verified with the measured data from a VNIR grating-based hyperspectral imager. It turns out that the model is able to describe the interference fringes accurately. In addition, quantitative analysis of the influence of related factors on interference fringes is carried out, and a single-layer model is introduced for comparison, providing the theoretical foundation for the subsequent correction of interference fringes. This paper provides an important reference for the design and application of dispersive hyperspectral VNIR imagers using BI-CCDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to study the growth performance and immunological effects of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) in broilers. A total of 128 15-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments: maize-soybean meal as the basal control diet or the basal diet containing either 100, 200 or 300 mg/kg of YSE. Each treatment was consisted of four replicate pens with eight broilers per pen. The experiment lasted 28 days. Body weight gain (BWG) and European broiler index (EBI) were recorded during grower period (d 15-28) and finisher period (d 29-42), respectively. On d 28 and 42, serum was collected to measure interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations and antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in broilers. During grower period, growth performance and serum cytokine concentrations were not exhibited differences except the decreased IL-6 concentrations. During finisher period, BWG and EBI were both increased at 100mg/kg group; IL-6 and IFN-γ concentrations were enhanced with 100mg/kg YSE incorporation, while 200 and 300 mg/kg YSE levels reduced IL-4 production. Antibody titres against NDV was improved at 100mg/kg YSE level in both grower and finisher period. We concluded that dietary YSE supplementation could improve growth performance and immunological functions in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fluorescent molecular probe 1 was designed and constructed by combining bovine serum albumin (BSA) and N , N′ -bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine (salen). Stimulated by Zn 2 + , tris, or EDTAH 2 Na 2 , the distance between BSA and salen was regulated, which was accompanied by an obvious change in the fluorescence intensity at 350 or 445 nm based on Förster resonance energy transfer. Moreover, based on the encoding binary digits in these inputs and outputs applying positive logic conventions, a monomolecular circuit integrating one OR, three NOT, and three YES gates, was successfully achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel scene-based non-uniformity correction (NUC) method for short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) push-broom hyperspectral sensors is proposed and evaluated. This method relies on the assumption that for each band there will be ground objects with similar reflectance to form uniform regions when a sufficient number of scanning lines are acquired. The uniform regions are extracted automatically through a sorting algorithm, and are used to compute the corresponding NUC coefficients. SWIR hyperspectral data from airborne experiment are used to verify and evaluate the proposed method, and results show that stripes in the scenes have been well corrected without any significant information loss, and the non-uniformity is less than 0.5%. In addition, the proposed method is compared to two other regular methods, and they are evaluated based on their adaptability to the various scenes, non-uniformity, roughness and spectral fidelity. It turns out that the proposed method shows strong adaptability, high accuracy and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cosmological model of cold dark matter (CDM) with the dark energy and a scale-invariant adiabatic primordial power spectrum has been considered as the standard cosmological model, i.e. the ΛCDM model. Weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) become a prominent candidate for the CDM. Many models extended from the standard model can provide the WIMPs naturally. The standard calculations of relic abundance of dark matter show that the WIMPs are well in agreement with the astronomical observation of Ω DM h 2 ≈0.11. The WIMPs have a relatively large mass, and a relatively slow velocity, so they are easy to aggregate into clusters, and the results of numerical simulations based on the WIMPs agree well with the observational results of cosmic large-scale structures. In the aspect of experiments, the present accelerator or non-accelerator direct/indirect detections are mostly designed for the WIMPs. Thus, a wide attention has been paid to the CDM model based on the WIMPs. However, the ΛCDM model has a serious problem for explaining the small-scale structures under one Mpc. Different dark matter models have been proposed to alleviate the small-scale problem. However, so far there is no strong evidence enough to exclude the CDM model. We plan to introduce the research progress of the dark matter model based on the WIMPs, such as the WIMPs miracle, numerical simulation, small-scale problem, and the direct/indirect detection, to analyze the criterion for discriminating the “cold”, “hot”, and “warm” dark matter, and present the future prospects for the study in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, [Fe(III)–salen]Cl (complex 1 ) was synthesized and its interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The estimated distance between BSA and 1 indicated that energy transfer from the excited state of BSA to 1 was achieved with high efficiency. BSA sensors based on fluorescent off–on ( 1 - Na 2 H 2 EDTA) and on–off (OH − –H + ) were examined and the results confirmed that BSA could operate as molecular logic gate upon interaction with 1 , Na 2 H 2 EDTA, and OH − as chemical inputs. Multiple logic gates including NOR, NOT, and IMP were constructed through consecutive association of 1 with BSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bicycle injuries are a leading cause of accidental death among children in the world, and bicycle-related injuries are also very common in China, thus to find out bicycle injury risk factors is imperative. This study aims to identify the cyclist-, bicycle- and road-related risk factors of bicycle injury, to develop health education programs as an intervention and to provide a scientific basis for establishing policies against bicycle injury. Methods: We selected two middle schools randomly among seven schools in Chaoshan rural areas, where the main means of transportation for students from home to school was bicycle. The subjects were middle school students from 7th to 9th grades from Gucuo Middle School and Hefeng Middle School. Cyclists were surveyed through questionnaires about bicycle injury in the past 12 months. Results: Multivariable logistic analysis showed that compared with a combination-type road? motor lane and a non-intact road were both risk factors of bicycle injuries. This was followed by riding with fatigue, non-motor lane and inattentive riding. Conclusion: Bicycle injuries are frequent in China. Three risk factors on bicycle traffic injury among middle school students in Chaoshan rural areas of China were identified. This study provides important data to develop intervention strategies for China and other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleus pulposus (NP) has been suggested to trigger an autoimmune response if exposed to the immune system, which plays a key role in neuropathic pain. Therefore, appropriate suppression of inflammation is a key factor for treating the radiculopathy caused by intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration. Resveratrol, a key component of red wine, has been suggested to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. However, the effects of resveratrol on NP-mediated pain in vivo have not been studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether resveratrol may be useful in treating NP-mediated pain in an autologous NP model of radiculopathy. A total of 36 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated randomly into sham (group I), saline-treated (group II) and resveratrol-treated (group III) groups. Animal behavior in response to non-noxious mechanical stimulation with von Frey filaments was compared at days 0 (baseline), 3, 7, 14 and 21 following surgery. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) were assessed at days 7 and 14. The data showed that resveratrol exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Compared with group II, the expression of TNF-α and IL-1 was significantly decreased at each time point in group III. In addition, resveratrol significantly reduced pain behavior triggered by the application of NP tissue on the dorsal root ganglion for up to 14 days. These data suggest that resveratrol has potential for the treatment of NP-mediated pain, indicating a potential clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emission from black hole binaries (BHBs) and active galactic nuclei (AGNs) display significant aperiodic variabilities. The most promising explanation for these variabilities is the propagating fluctuations in the accretion flow. It is natural to expect that the mechanism driving variabilities in BHBs and AGNs may operate in a black hole hyper-accretion disc, which is believed to power gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We study the variabilities of jet power in GRBs based on the model of propagating fluctuations. It is found that the variabilities of jet power and the temporal profile of erratic spikes in this scenario are similar to those in observed light curves of prompt gamma-ray emission of GRBs. Our results show that the mechanism driving X-ray variabilities in BHBs and AGNs may operate in the central engine to drive the variabilities of GRBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to assess the neuroprotective effects of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and to investigate the involvement of Golgi reassembly and stacking protein 65 (GRASP65) and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Cerebral I/R injury was induced using the Pulsinelli four-vessel occlusion method. After 5 min of reperfusion, mice received THC (5, 10 or 25 mg/kg) or saline by intraperitoneal injection. After 24 h of reperfusion, mice underwent neurological evaluation. Infarct volumes were determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and levels of superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde were measured in brain tissue homogenates. Expression of GRASP65, phosphorylated-GRASP65, ERK and phosphorylated-ERK was determined by western blotting. THC induced a dose-dependent decrease in the phosphorylation of ERK and GRASP65. Thus, THC attenuated I/R injury-induced activation of the ERK signaling pathway and reduced the phosphorylation of GRASP65. THC exhibited a dose-dependent protective effect against cerebral I/R injury, mediated by suppression of the ERK signaling pathway and a subsequent reduction in GRASP65 phosphorylation. The current study provided new information in the research of the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

p72 (probable ATP-dependent RNA helicase DDX17) belongs to the DEAD-box RNA helicase family. p72 is important in RNA processing. Thus, the role of p72 in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiomyocyte injury was investigated in the present study. The changes in p72 expression levels were studied in cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes and p72 overexpression was induced using adenovirus vectors. To investigate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), dihydroethidium staining was conducted. TUNEL and Hoechst staining were used to indicate cell apoptosis. Microarrays were used to determine the altered expression of microRNAs. In DOX-induced cardiomyocyte injury, the protein expression level of p72 was reduced. Overexpression of p72 protected cardiomyocytes from DOX-induced ROS production and cell apoptosis. p72 reduced the activation of estrogen receptor α (ERα), thereby reducing DOX-induced cell apoptosis. The present study indicated that p72 exerts a protective effect against DOX-induced cell apoptosis via inhibition of ERα activation, indicating this may be a potential target of therapy for cardiac injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Haematological toxicity (HT) is common in patients with oesophageal cancer (EC) treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The Quantitative Analysis of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic guidelines provide no dose constraints for the bone marrow (BM) to avoid HT. We aimed to determine dosimetric factors associated with HT during CRT for EC. Methods: 41 patients with EC treated with neoadjuvant cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil-based CRT were retrospectively reviewed. Associations between the dose–volume histogram parameters of thoracic bones and blood cell count changes during CRT were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to derive optimal dosimetric planning constraints. Vx indicates the total organ volume percentage exceeding a radiation dose of x (Gy). Results: Greater thoracic vertebrae and rib irradiation doses, including mean vertebral dose (MVD), thoracic vertebrae V5–30 (TVV5–30), mean rib dose and rib V5–20, were associated with increased leukopenia (grade ≥ 3) risk. Additional BM sites (sternum, scapulae and clavicles) did not influence HT. White blood cell and absolute neutrophil count nadirs were associated with increased irradiation doses to the thoracic vertebrae, ribs and sternum. Chemotherapy cycle number was not significantly associated with severe neutropenia or leukopenia. Cut-off values with the highest likelihood of avoiding leukopenia were MVD < 25.9 Gy, TVV20 < 70% and TVV10 < 77%. Conclusion: Thoracic bone irradiation dose was significantly associated with HT after adjusting for chemotherapy effects. Efforts to maintain MVD < 25.9 Gy, TVV10 < 77% and TVV20 < 70% could reduce HT. Advances in knowledge: This is the first study addressing issues concerning HT in patients with neoadjuvant CRT-treated EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For 20 years, intense pulsed light (IPL) technology has been used to treat various medical problems. IPL has since developed rapidly, becoming popular among patients worldwide. Recently, IPL has been used mainly for cosmetic purposes. Researchers are constantly seeking new applications of IPL to meet the increasing needs of patients. Objective: This review summarizes the development of IPL devices, discusses the current literature on the clinical application of IPL to increase our understanding of IPL, and provides guidance for broadening its clinical applications. Materials and methods: We performed a systematic search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE and PubMed and the authors experience on IPL to divide IPL development into three stages: germination, growth, and relative maturity. Results: Studies established the classical indications of IPL, including vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, hair growth, and photo rejuvenation. However, trials showed IPL has limited effects for complicated skin problems. Many studies explored rational combination therapies by IPL and laser or other cosmetic technologies. Conclusions: Based on previous research and the new generation of IPL devices, in the future, we predict wider and more effective clinical applications of IPL through the further improvement of IPL devices and their combined treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A prospective cohort study was performed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes following posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in patients treated with a PEEK cage compared to those treated with an autologous cage using the lumbar spinous process and laminae (ACSP).Methods: Sixty-nine consecutive patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease were randomly assigned to either a PEEK cage (group A, n = 34) or an ACSP (group B, n = 35). Monosegmental PLIF was performed in all patients. Mean lumbar lordosis, mean disc height, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, functional outcomes, fusion rates and complication rates were recorded and compared. The patients were followed postoperatively for a minimum of 2 years.Results: Successful radiographic fusion was documented in all patients. No flexion-extension hypermobility or pedicle screw loosening or breakage occurred during the follow-up period. No significant difference existed between the 2 groups when comparing the mean lumbar lordosis, mean disc height, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, functional outcomes, fusion rates or complication rates. Overall satisfactory results were achieved in both groups.Conclusions: The results suggest that the ACSP appears to be equally as safe and effective as the PEEK cage.Trial Registration: ISRCTN25558534 . Retrospectively registered 16/02/2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Bezafibrate is widely used in clinics for its comparable angiogenic effect. Our research is to investigate the effect of bezafibrate on random skin flap survival. Materials and Methods The "McFarlane flap" rat models were established in 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats which were divided into two groups. The treatment group was given bezafibrate (400 mg/kg/day; gavage administration), and the control group received the vehicle. The flap surviving area was measured after 7 days, and the tissue samples were taken for histological analysis and edema measurement. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was determined using immunohistochemical methods. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were examined with kits. Results Seven days after the operation, the surviving area in the treatment group was larger than in the control group (p < 0.01). The expression of VEGF was increased in the treatment group compared with that in the control group. And the activity of SOD was lower in the treatment group compared with those in the control group (p < 0.01). However, tissue edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and MDA level were markedly lower in the treatment group than those in the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusion Bezafibrate improves the survival of random skin flaps effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal surgical approach for treatment of multi-level cervical disc disease is currently widely debated. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) combined with cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) has been presented as a treatment approach, but to date, there are few reports with adequate clinical and radiological data for this hybrid surgical procedure. The goal of this paper is to assess clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with cervical spondylosis in three contiguous segments after treatment with artificial disc replacement combined with fusion. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective review of 36 patients (mean age of 48.6 years) with contiguous three-level cervical spondylosis who were treated with ACDF coupled with CDA (hybrid surgery) between October 2008 and October 2012. Clinical evaluation was based on the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and postoperative JOA score improvement rate (IR). Radiographic parameters, angular range of motion (ROM) for C2-C7, and ROM for the superior and inferior adjacent segments were measured before the operation, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperation, and at the final follow-up evaluation. All cases were followed for at least 28 months (range 28-65 months). Results: All patients exhibited significant postoperative improvement in NDI and JOA scores compared to preoperative levels (P < 0.05), and these improved scores were maintained during the follow-up period. The JOA score improvement rate was 70.83 % at the final follow-up evaluation. The mean C2-C7 ROM of all cases was significantly decreased immediately after operation but recovered to preoperative levels after 12 months (P = 0.721). The ROM of the superior and inferior adjacent segments was recovered to preoperative levels after 6 months (P > 0.05). One patient required a second surgery for symptomatic adjacent segment degeneration. Neither pseudarthrosis nor other device migration was observed in any patients during the entire follow-up period. Conclusions: These results indicate that hybrid surgery seems to be a promising, acceptable, and alternative surgical approach for the treatment of multi-level cervical disc disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidence has indicated that the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain is mediated by spinal neural plasticity in the dorsal horn, which provides insight for analgesic therapy. Here, we report that the abundance of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 and NcK-interacting kinase (TNIK), a kinase that is presumed to regulate neural plasticity, was specifically enhanced in ipsilateral dorsal horn neurons after spinal nerve ligation (SNL; left L5 and L6). Spinal TNIK-associated allodynia is mediated by downstream TNIK-GluR1 coupling and the subsequent phosphorylation-dependent trafficking of GluR1 toward the plasma membrane in dorsal horn neurons. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), which is regulated by spinal F-box protein 3 (Fbxo3)-dependent F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 2 (Fbxl2) ubiquitination, contributes to SNL-induced allodynia by modifying TNIK/GluR1 phosphorylation-associated GluR1 trafficking. Although exhibiting no effect on Fbxo3/Fbxl2/TRAF2 signaling, focal knockdown of spinal TNIK expression prevented SNL-induced allodynia by attenuating TNIK/GluR1 phosphorylation-dependent subcellular GluR1 redistribution. In contrast, intrathecal administration of BC-1215 (N1,N2-Bis[[4-(2-pyridinyl)phenyl]methyl]-1,2-ethanediamine) (a novel Fbxo3 inhibitor) prevented SNL-induced Fbxl2 ubiquitination and subsequent TFAF2 de-ubiquitination to ameliorate behavioral allodynia via antagonizing TRAF2/TNIK/GluR1 signaling. By targeting spinal Fbxo3-dependent Fbxl2 ubiquitination and the subsequent TRAF2/TNIK/GluR1 cascade, spinal application of a TNF-a-neutralizing antibody ameliorated SNL-induced allodynia, and, conversely, intrathecal TNF-a injection into naive rats induced allodynia via a spinal Fbxo3/Fbxl2-dependent modification of the TRAF2/TNIK/GluR1 cascade. Together, our results suggest that spinal TNF-a contributes to the development of neuropathic pain by upregulating TRAF2/TNIK/GluR1 signaling via Fbxo3-dependent Fbxl2 ubiquitination and degradation. Thus, we propose a potential medical treatment strategy for neuropathic pain by targeting the F-box protein or TNIK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retromer, which crucially contributes to endosomal sorting machinery through the retrieval and recycling of signaling receptors away from degradation, has been identified as a critical element for glutamatergic-receptor-dependent neural plasticity at excitatory synapses. We observed it accompanied by behavioral allodynia; neuropathic injury time-dependently enhanced VPS26A and SNX27 expression; VPS26A-SNX27 coprecipitation; and VPS26A-positive, SNX27-positive, and VPS26A-SNX27 double-labeled immunoreactivity in the dorsal horn of Sprague Dawley rats that were all sufficiently ameliorated through the focal knock-down of spinal VPS26A expression. Although the knock-down of spinal SNX27 expression exhibited similar effects, spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-enhanced VPS26A expression remained unaffected. Moreover, SNL also increased membrane-bound and total mGluR5 abundance, VPS26A-bound SNX27 and mGluR5 and mGluR5-bound VPS26A and SNX27 coprecipitation, and mGluR5-positive and VPS26A/SNX27/mGluR5 triple-labeled immunoreactivity in the dorsal horn, and these effects were all attenuated through the focal knock-down of spinal VPS26A and SNX27 expression. Although administration with MPEP adequately ameliorated SNL-associated allodynia, mGluR5 expression, and membrane insertion, SNL-enhanced VPS26A and SNX27 expression were unaffected. Together, these results suggested a role of spinal VPS26A-SNX27-dependent mGluR5 recycling in the development of neuropathic pain. This is the first study that links retromer-associated sorting machinery with the spinal plasticity underlying pain hypersensitivity and proposes the possible pathophysiological relevance of endocytic recycling in pain pathophysiology through the modification of glutamatergic mGluR5 recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate whether the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is activated in invasive breast cancer. The expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-mTOR at ser2448 were detected, as well as the expression levels of its downstream signaling molecules: Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1). The correlation between p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1, p-S6K1, and the clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer were also determined. p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1 and p-S6K1 expression was detected in 285 breast cancer tumor samples and adjacent normal tissue samples using immunohistochemistry. The expression levels and the location of the proteins were analyzed and compared in the various tissue samples. Multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze the clinicopathological factors and prognosis associated with the tissue samples. The disease-free survival rate was examined using survival analyses and Log-rank tests. The results of the present study indicated that the expression levels of p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1, and p-S6K1 were significantly higher in breast cancer tissue, as compared with normal tissue (P<0.01). p-mTOR was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm, whereas p-4E-BP1 and p-S6K1 were predominantly co-expressed in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. In addition, p-4E-BP1 and p-S6K1 were more likely to be expressed in the cytoplasm in breast cancer tissue samples, as compared with normal tissue samples (P<0.001). Positive p-mTOR was not significantly correlated with positive p-4E-BP1 and p-S6K1 expression. The survival analyses of the patients with positive p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1, and p-S6K1 tissue samples were not significantly different from those of the patients with negative tissue samples (P>0.05). Thus suggesting that these markers are not adequate risk factors for disease free survival (P>0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1, and p-S6K1 are activated in invasive breast cancer. In addition, the exclusive expression of p-4E-BP1 and p-S6K1 in the cytoplasm may be characteristic of progressive breast cancer. However, p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1, and p-S6K1 are not prognostic factors for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Random skin flaps can be used throughout the hands and fingers. Thymosin β4 can increase blood flow and reduce ischemia--reperfusion injury; the study was undertaken to investigate the effect of thymosin β4 on the survival of random skin flaps. Methods A total of 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used and subjected to a random-pattern skin flaps operation. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (group A: intraperitoneal injection of saline, 5 mg/kg/d) and two treatment groups (group B: intraperitoneal injection of thymosin β4, a single 5 mg/kg dose per day) and (group C: intraperitoneal injection of thymosin β4, 5 mg/kg dose twice per day). The flap surviving area was measured after 7 days, and tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was determined using immunohistochemical methods. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were examined with kits. Results Thymosin β4 significantly reduced the necrotic area in the treatment groups after 7 days compared with the control group, and the rats receiving thymosin β4 5mg/kg twice per day had the highest survival rate. VEGF expression and SOD activity markedly increased in the treatment groups compared with the control group, whereas MDA levels were lower in the treatment groups than in the control group. Conclusion Thymosin β4may have a dose-dependent effect to promote the survival of random skin flaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The host response to spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to an ischemic environment that can induce cell death. Therapeutic interventions using neurotrophic factors have focused on the prevention of such reactions in order to reduce this cell death. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic and vascular permeability factor. We hypothesized in this study that batroxobin would exhibit protective effects following SCI by promoting the expression of VEGF to reduce the levels of apoptosis in a rat model of SCI. Ninety adult female Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into sham injury (group I), SCI (group II) and batroxobin treatment (group III) groups. The Basso-Bettie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores, number of apoptotic cells and expression of VEGF were assessed at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 days post-injury. The BBB scores were significantly improved in group III compared with those in group II between days 5 and 28 post-injury (P<0.05). At each time-point subsequent to the injury, the number of apoptotic cells in group III was reduced compared with that in group II. Compared with group II, treatment with batroxobin significantly increased the expression of VEGF from day 3 until 2 weeks post-SCI (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed at day 28. These data suggest that batroxobin has multiple beneficial effects on SCI, indicating a potential clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular oxidant stress are considered inducers of carcinogenesis. However, the association of ROS with cancer is both complex and, at times, paradoxical. We assessed the effects of dihydromyricetin (DHM) on the induction of ROS accumulation and on the activation of the mitochondrial signaling pathway in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The results indicated that DHM could reduce ROS accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, with increasing concentrations of DHM, the expression of proteins that participate in the cell apoptosis program increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that a low dose of H2O2 (10 nM) could reverse DHM-induced cell apoptosis. We observed the following critical issues: first, the cellular redox balance is vital in DHM-induced apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and second, ROS could function as a redox-active signaling messenger to determine DHM-induced cell apoptosis. In this study, we demonstrated that low levels of ROS are also critical for the function of HCC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a numerical method based on parametric quintic splines for the regularized long wave (RLW) equation. The truncation error is analyzed and the method shows that by choosing suitably parameters we can obtain various accuracy schemes. Stability analysis of the method is studied and the numerical results show that the method is unconditionally stable. The efficiency of the method is examined by evaluating the error norms and conservation properties of mass, energy, and momentum. The numerical simulations can validate and demonstrate the advantages of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A theoretical model of surface generation and subsurface damage was established. • The model considered the shape, size, and spatial distribution of the particles and the brittle-ductile removal effect. • The models were successfully validated by a series of lapping experiments. • The material removal mechanism and lapping tool wear characteristics were investigated. • The influence mechanism of tool load on surface and subsurface state was revealed. Fixed abrasive lapping (FAL) is a promising technology increasingly used for finishing optical mirrors and molds in a number of materials due to its high finishing efficiency, environmental friendliness, and relatively better surface and subsurface quality. A theoretical model for fixed-abrasive lapping of optical glass was developed in this paper by using indentation fracture mechanics, contact mechanics, mathematical statistics, lapping kinematics, and convolution iterative principle to provide an enhanced scientific understanding of the surface microtopography generation and subsurface damage (SSD) control mechanisms. In the modeling, the influence of the shape, size, and spatial distribution of abrasive particles and the ductile and brittle removal mechanisms of the material were considered. A series of lapping experiments on fused silica glass was carried out to quantitatively analyze the feasibility and accuracy of the model and study the influence mechanism of process parameters on the surface and subsurface state. Results indicated that the models could well predict the surface micromorphology and the SSD depth, and the range of sharpness angle of abrasive particles and tool load affected the predicted SSD range. In addition, the material removal mechanism and lapping tool wear characteristics were revealed by the surface structure and element component analysis. Finally, the FAL process was optimized by the evaluation indices of material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness, and SSD. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and pathological stages of liver biopsy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: The study included 619 patients who were diagnosed with CHB from March 2005 to December 2011. AFP levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence. Liver biopsy samples were classified into five levels of inflammation (G) and fibrosis (S) stages, according to the Chinese guidelines for prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis. Two multivariable ordinal regression models were performed to determine associations between AFP, GGT, and APRI (AST/PLT ratio) and stages of inflammation and fibrosis. Results: Significant positive and moderate correlations were shown between AFP levels and inflammation stages and between AFP levels and fibrosis stages (ρ = 0.436 and 0.404, p < 0.001). Median values of AFP at liver fibrosis stages S0-1, S2, S3, and S4 were 3.0, 3.4, 5.4, and 11.3 ng/ml, respectively, and median APRI (AST/PLT ratio) was 0.41. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed that the areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.685, 0.727, and 0.755 (all p <0.001) for judging inflammation stages of G ≥ 2, G ≥ 3, G = 4 by AFP; and 0.691, 0.717, and 0.718 (all p <0.001) for judging fibrosis stages of S ≥ 2, S ≥ 3, and S = 4 by AFP. APRI levels showed significant positive and moderate correlations with inflammation stages (ρ = 0.445, p < 0.001). AST, GGT, and APRI levels showed significant positive but very weak to weak correlations with fibrosis stages (ρ = 0.137, 0.237, 0.281, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Serum AFP levels increased as pathological levels of inflammation and fibrosis increased in CHB patients. Our data showed the clinical significance of serum AFP levels in diagnosing liver inflammation and fibrosis. Assessment of liver pathology may be improved by creating a predictive mathematical model by which AFP levels with other biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To investigate the short and medium term outcomes of bone defect reconstruction with bone cement prosthesis after clavicle malignancies resection. Methods A total of 5 clavicular malignancy patients experienced bone cement prosthesis reconstruction after subtotal claviculectomy were enrolled the study from January 2005 to May 2012. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS), Visual Analogue scale (VAS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder outcome score (ASES) were adopted for assessment. Results The mean follow-up period was 25.8 months. All patients were performed bone cement defect reconstruction after claviculectomy. In which, 3 cases showed disease-free and other 2 cases were alive with sickness. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 85.40% ± 5.68%(77%-90%), Visual Analogue Scale was 1.40 ± 0.55 (1-2) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Outcome Score was 92.40 ± 3.29(87-96). Conclusions Adoption of clavicle bone cement prosthesis for bone defect reconstruction after tumor resection can maintain the contour of shoulder and reduce the complications ascribe to the claviculectomy. It is an effective and feasible therapeutic procedure in clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotational and flexion deformity of C1-C2 due to ankylosing spondylitis is rare. We did surgical correction in one such case by lateral release, resection of the posterior arch of C1 and mobilization of the vertebral arteries, wedge osteotomy of the lateral masses of C1 and internal fixation under general anesthesia. There were no vascular and neurological complications during the surgery. After operation the atlantoaxial rotational deformity was corrected and the normal cervical lordosis was restored. At 1 year followup his visual field and feeding became normal and internal fixation was stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the resistive switching behaviors of ferroelectrictric BaTiO3/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 heterostructures deposited by pulsed laser deposition are investigated. The BaTiO3 films show both well-established P—E hysteresis loops, and asymmetric reversible diode-like resistive switching behaviors, involving no forming process. It is found that both the ON/OFF ratio and the stability of resistive switching are substantially dependent on operation voltage (Vmax). At a Vmax of 15 V, a large ON/OFF resistance ratio above 1000 is obtained at a Vmax of 15 V, which is able to maintain stability up to 70-switching cycles. The above resistive switching behaviors can be understood by modulating interface Schottky barriers as demonstrated by I—V curve fitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of U0126 on the formation of glial scars following spinal cord injury (SCI) in a rat model. Ninety adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into sham injury (group I), SCI (group II) and U0126 treatment group III) groups, and functional outcome was observed during the 4 weeks following the injury. The P1 and N1 latencies and P1-N1 amplitudes of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) were collected one day prior to surgery, on the day of surgery and 14 and 28 days postoperatively. The expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin (Vim) were assessed 14 and 28 days post-injury. Treatment with U0126 significantly increased locomotor function from the second week until 4 weeks post-SCI. At 14 and 28 days subsequent to the injury, the number of cells that were positive for GFAP expression in the U0126-treated group was significantly reduced and the GFAP-positive cells were observed to be smaller, with a reduced prominence and pale staining. Moreover, the area of glial scarring was smaller compared with that of the SCI controls. Inhibitors of MEK may reduce glial scar formation by suppressing the proliferation of astrocytes, and may improve hindlimb motor function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperation of all the members in a supply chain plays an important role in logistics service. The service integrator can encourage cooperation from service suppliers by sharing their cost during the service, which we assume can increase the sales by accumulating the reputation of the supply chain. A differential game model is established with the logistics service supply chain that consists of one service integrator and one supplier. And we derive the optimal solutions of the Nash equilibrium without cost sharing contract and the Stackelberg equilibrium with the integrator as the leader who partially shares the cost of the efforts of the supplier. The results make the benefits of the cost sharing contract in increasing the profits of both players as well as the whole supply chain explicit, which means that the cost sharing contract is an effective coordination mechanism in the long-term relationship of the members in a logistics service supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common types of primary brain tumors in adults are gliomas. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most highly aggressive type of glioma. GBM contains various numbers of cells with characteristics of activated or dysmorphic macrophages/microglia. Among them, some cell types provide significant support for tumor growth, while others are able to inhibit tumor progression. These cells are generally considered part of the tumor stroma and are often described as TAMs (tumour-associated macrophages). The presence of TAMs has been linked to increased tumor grade and poor clinical outcome in GBM, suggesting that depletion or inhibition of these cells may suppress tumor growth. A better understanding of tumor microenvironment in the brain would therefore be expected to contribute to the development of improved therapies for brain tumors that are urgently required due to a poor availability of treatments for these malignancies. This review summarizes some of the known interactions between brain tumors and different stromal cells, and also discusses potential therapeutic approaches within this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]