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Objectives: To estimate the safety and effectiveness of emergent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation for acute variceal bleeding (AVB) in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and methods: Data of thirty-three patients with AVB and HCC undergoing emergent TIPS creation from January 2016 to January 2022 were enrolled and were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcomes were the safety of emergent TIPS creation, the bleeding control rate, and the rebleeding rate. The secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), liver function, overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and shunt dysfunction. Results: Emergent TIPS creation was technically successful in 33 patients (100%) and one (3.0%) patient suffered a major procedure-related adverse event. The control rate of bleeding (within 5 days) was 100%. During a median follow-up period of 26.3 months, rebleeding occurred in 6 (18.2%) patients. The median OS was 20.0 months. The 6-week and 1-year survival rates were 87% and 65%, respectively. Laboratory tests showed no significant impairment of liver function following TIPS creation. The incidences of overt HE and shunt dysfunction were 24.2% and 6.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Emergent TIPS creation is feasible and effective for treatment of AVB in cirrhotic patients with HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of the leafhopper genus Arboridia Zachvatkin 1946, Arboridia (Arboridia) furcata Han, sp. nov., Arboridia (Arboridia) rubrovittata Han, sp. nov., and Arboridia (Arboridia) robustipenis Han, sp. nov., are described and illustrated from fruit trees in Southwest China. A key and checklist to known species from China are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shield tunnel backfill grouting is vital to stabilize tunnel settlement at a later stage; however, most shield tunnel backfill grouting designs lack a complete theoretical reference, and numerical simulations of the grouting process are rarely conducted. This study presents the fundamental theories of grout diffusion and pressure variation for backfill grouting during shield construction. Moreover, the numerical simulation methods coupled with discrete element methods (DEM) and finite difference methods (FDM) are achieved to simulate the process of grout injection from the grouting hole into the shield tail gap and generate grout pressure on the surrounding rock. The diffusion state of the grout in the shield tail gap and the squeezing effect on the surrounding rock under two shield tail disengagement modes are analyzed, as well as the impact of various grouting pressure on the surface settlement. The results indicated that the grout diffusion in the shield tail gap can be divided into three stages: the stage of diffusion with each grouting hole as the starting point, the stage of interconnection and contact of the grout injected in each grouting hole, and the final gap filling stage. Each of the three stages can be described using the proposed equation. During the grouting process, the grout is injected into the shield tail gap at a certain pressure, but the grout diffuses slowly to both sides and upwards, which causes a rapid rise of the principal stresses in the soil around the tunnel. After grouting is complete, the grout pressure gradually dissipates and stabilizes, and the principal stress decreases. In addition, backfill grouting can reduce surface settlement, but it does not affect its distribution width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus camrelizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting programmed death-1, and apatinib for patients with intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a real-world setting. Methods: A total of 586 HCC patients treated with either TACE plus camrelizumab and apatinib (combination group, n = 107) or TACE monotherapy (monotherapy group, n = 479) were included retrospectively. Propensity score matching analysis was used to match patients. The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety in the combination group were described in comparison to monotherapy. Results: After propensity score matching (1:2), 84 patients in the combination group were matched to 147 patients in the monotherapy group. The median age was 57 years and 71/84 (84.5%) patients were male in the combination group, while the median age was 57 years with 127/147 (86.4%) male in the monotherapy group. The median OS, PFS, and ORR in the combination group were significantly higher than those in the monotherapy group (median OS, 24.1 vs. 15.7 months, p = 0.008; median PFS, 13.5 vs. 7.7 months, p = 0.003; ORR, 59.5% [50/84] vs. 37.4% [55/147], p = 0.002). On multivariable Cox regression, combination therapy was associated with significantly better OS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26–0.64; p < 0.001) and PFS (adjusted HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.37–0.74; p < 0.001). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 14/84 (16.7%) and 12/147 (8.2%) in the combination and monotherapy groups, respectively. Conclusions: TACE plus camrelizumab and apatinib showed significantly better OS, PFS, and ORR versus TACE monotherapy for predominantly advanced HCC. Clinical relevance statement: Compared with TACE monotherapy, TACE plus immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy showed better clinical efficacy for predominantly advanced HCC patients, with a higher incidence of adverse events. Key Points: • This propensity score–matched study demonstrates that TACE plus immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy have a longer OS, PFS, and ORR compared with TACE monotherapy in HCC. • Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 14/84 (16.7%) patients treated with TACE plus immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy compared with 12/147 (8.2%) patients in the monotherapy group, while no grade 5 adverse events were observed in all cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offspring phenotype at birth is determined by its genotype and the prenatal environment including exposure to maternal hormones. Variation in both maternal glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones can affect offspring phenotype, but the underlying molecular mechanisms, especially those contributing to long‐lasting effects, remain unclear. Epigenetic changes (such as DNA methylation) have been postulated as mediators of long‐lasting effects of early‐life environment. In this study, we determined the effects of elevated prenatal glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones on handling stress response (breath rate) as well as DNA methylation and gene expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and thyroid hormone receptor (THR) in great tits (Parus major). Eggs were injected before incubation onset with corticosterone (the main avian glucocorticoid) and/or thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) to simulate variation in maternal hormone deposition. Breath rate during handling and gene expression of GR and THR were evaluated 14 days after hatching. Methylation status of GR and THR genes was analyzed from the longitudinal blood cells sampled 7 and 14 days after hatching, as well as the following autumn. Elevated prenatal corticosterone level significantly increased the breath rate during handling, indicating an enhanced metabolic stress response. Prenatal corticosterone manipulation had CpG‐site‐specific effects on DNA methylation at the GR putative promoter region, while it did not significantly affect GR gene expression. GR expression was negatively associated with earlier hatching date and chick size. THR methylation or expression did not exhibit any significant relationship with the hormonal treatments or the examined covariates, suggesting that TH signaling may be more robust due to its crucial role in development. This study provides some support to the hypothesis suggesting that maternal corticosterone may influence offspring metabolic stress response via epigenetic alterations, yet their possible adaptive role in optimizing offspring phenotype to the prevailing conditions, context‐dependency, and the underlying molecular interplay needs further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the long-ignored photovoltaic material with the emergence of indoor photovoltaics (IPVs); the absorption spectrum of Se perfectly matches the emission spectra of commonly used indoor light sources in the 400 to 700 nm range. It discusses about fabricating Se modules that produce 232.6 μW output power under indoor illumination, powering a radio-frequency identification–based localization tag.

In vertebrates, thyroid hormones (THs) play an important role in the regulation of growth, development, metabolism, photoperiodic responses and migration. Maternally transferred THs are important for normal early phase embryonic development when embryos are not able to produce endogenous THs. Previous studies have shown that variation in maternal THs within the physiological range can influence offspring phenotype.Given the essential functions of maternal THs in development and metabolism, THs may be a mediator of life‐history variation across species.We tested the hypothesis that differences in life histories are associated with differences in maternal TH transfer across species. Using birds as a model, we specifically tested whether maternally transferred yolk THs covary with migratory status, developmental mode and traits related to pace‐of‐life (e.g. basal metabolic rate, maximum life span).We collected un‐incubated eggs (n = 1–21 eggs per species, median = 7) from 34 wild and captive bird species across 17 families and six orders to measure yolk THs [both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)], compiled life‐history trait data from the literature and used Bayesian phylogenetic mixed models to test our hypotheses.Our models indicated that both concentrations and total amounts of the two main forms of THs (T3 and T4) were higher in the eggs of migratory species compared to resident species, and total amounts were higher in the eggs of precocial species, which have longer prenatal developmental periods, than in those of altricial species. However, maternal yolk THs did not show clear associations with pace‐of‐life‐related traits, such as fecundity, basal metabolic rate or maximum life span.We quantified interspecific variation in maternal yolk THs in birds, and our findings suggest higher maternal TH transfer is associated with the precocial mode of development and migratory status. Whether maternal THs represent a part of the mechanism underlying the evolution of precocial development and migration or a consequence of such life histories is currently unclear. We therefore encourage further studies to explore the physiological mechanisms and evolutionary processes underlying these patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oilseed flax is one of the most important oil crops in China. With the improvement of people's living standards and the deepening knowledge of the nutritional value of oilseed flax, the demand and economic value of oilseed flax are increasing, and the cultivated area in China is expanding. However, the grain yield of oilseed flax is lower than other oil crops. It varies significantly from year to year, combined with a lower degree of mechanization, which has greatly limited the healthy development of the flax industry. Some of the effects of agronomic measures on productivity and water use efficiency of oilseed flax are reviewed in this paper. The major agronomic strategies for the productivity of oilseed flax were presented based on fertilization, plant density, irrigation, cropping pattern and weed control. Future research should investigate the effect of silicon and potassium fertilizers on the mechanism of lodging resistance of oilseed flax, the effects of diversified cropping systems (strip intercropping and crop rotation) on high and stable productivity and efficient utilization of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate prediction of displacements associated with deep excavations is essential to ensure safety and stability of the excavation and to prevent any damage and distress to the adjoining infrastructures. This paper presents a numerical approach for prediction of ground displacements related to a zone-divided deep excavation construction executed in Shanghai soft clays based on a new elasto--plastic constitutive model (small-strain Shanghai model) that incorporates small strain stiffness. This model can describe the mechanical properties and structural and over-consolidated characteristics of natural clays. The model is implemented into a finite element analysis software. Numerical analysis on the deep excavation in Shanghai using zone-divided method is conducted. A comparison between monitored and simulated results of horizontal displacements along the diaphragm wall, the settlements in the surroundings, and the effects on the adjoining metro tunnel due to excavation construction is carried out. Special attention is paid to the stiffness degradation of representative elements in the ground. The simulated displacements show a good agreement with the monitored data. Overall, this study provides an integrated solution for predicting displacements related to deep excavation in soft clays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear scaffold attachment factor A (SAFA) is a novel RNA sensor involved in sensing viral RNA in the nucleus and mediating antiviral immunity. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a bunyavirus that causes SFTS with a high fatality rate of up to 30%. It remains elusive whether and how cytoplasmic SFTSV can be sensed by the RNA sensor SAFA. Here, we demonstrated that SAFA was able to detect SFTSV infection and mediate antiviral interferon and inflammatory responses. Transcription and expression levels of SAFA were strikingly upregulated under SFTSV infection. SAFA was retained in the cytoplasm by interaction with SFTSV nucleocapsid protein (NP). Importantly, SFTSV genomic RNA was recognized by cytoplasmic SAFA, which recruited and promoted activation of the STING-TBK1 signaling axis against SFTSV infection. Of note, the nuclear localization signal (NLS) domain of SAFA was important for interaction with SFTSV NP and recognition of SFTSV RNA in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, our study reveals a novel antiviral mechanism in which SAFA functions as a novel cytoplasmic RNA sensor that directly recognizes RNA virus SFTSV and mediates an antiviral response. Author summary: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an RNA virus with a high fatality rate of up to 30%, which replicates exclusively in the cytoplasm. To date, many cytoplasmic RNA sensors were known to recognize SFTSV infection and trigger antiviral immune responses. Nuclear scaffold attachment factor A (SAFA) is a novel nuclear RNA sensor which can sense viral RNA in the nucleus and promote activation of antiviral immunity. However, there are no studies to investigate whether SAFA could detect cytoplasmic RNA virus infection. Here, we reported that SAFA was able to detect RNA virus SFTSV invasion. Under SFTSV infection, SAFA was retained in the cytoplasm and recognized SFTSV infection by interaction with SFTSV nucleocapsid protein (NP) and cytoplasmic SFTSV RNA directly. Importantly, SAFA recruited and promoted the activation of the STING-TBK1 signaling pathway-mediated antiviral immunity to suppress SFTSV infection. This study provides a further acquaintance in SAFA-mediated antiviral immune responses, illustrating the novel role of SAFA in sensing cytoplasmic SFTSV and mediates an antiviral response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: This was a retrospective clinical study. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combination therapy with zoledronic acid and teriparatide on the risk of new vertebral fracture (NVF) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combination therapy with zoledronic acid and teriparatide on the risk of new vertebral fracture (NVF) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Overview of Literature: Although T2DM had been associated with bone fragility and increased fracture risk, it remains unknown whether patients with T2DM could expect similar benefit from the combination therapy with zoledronic acid and teriparatide following PKP. Methods: Total 106 diabetic patients who had undergone PKP and had received anti-osteoporosis treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture were enrolled and allocated into the following two groups: group I (n=52, zoledronic acid) and group II (n=54, zoledronic acid plus teriparatide). The operating time, bone cement volume, and complications related to anti-osteoporosis treatment or PKP, if any, were recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were assessed at admission, at discharge, and at the final follow-up. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan of the hip for the measurement of the bone mineral density (BMD) was performed preoperatively and at the final follow-up for all the patients. Results: There was no significant difference in the age, body mass index, bone cement volume, or follow-up time of the groups. The mean follow-up duration was 22.5±1.6 months. All the patients had improved VAS and ODI, and group II had significantly better clinical outcomes than group I. All the patients had increased BMD at the latest follow-up, while group II exhibited significantly more improvement. The prevalence of NVF was lower in group II (11.5% vs. 7.4%, p =0.523). Male patients had a higher prevalence of NVF although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Combination therapy with zoledronic acid and teriparatide could improve the clinical outcomes, and BMD and had the potential to reduce NVF in diabetic patients following PKP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new leafhopper genus and species, Anzihelus bistriatus Yan & Yang, gen. nov. sp. nov. (Cicadellidae, Mileewinae, Mileewini) is described from Sichuan Province, China. Habitus images and figures of the male and female genitalia are provided together with a key to the genera of Mileewini from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate and compare the treatment efficacy and safety between catheter-directed thrombolysis monotherapy and catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy for patients with subacute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a total of 74 subacute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis patients who underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis with and without percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy. Patients treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy group, n = 30) or catheter-directed thrombolysis monotherapy (catheter-directed thrombolysis group, n = 44) were included. The primary endpoints were the clinical efficacy rate of thrombolysis, primary patency, and the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (at 12 months diagnosed according to the original Villalta score criteria. Secondary endpoints were the total urokinase dose, the thrombolysis time, the detumescence rate and complications. Results: The percentage of successful thrombolysis for percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy group was higher than that for catheter-directed thrombolysis group (P = 0.045). At the 12-month follow-up, there was no difference in the primary patency (P > 0.05) or the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (P = 0.36). Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy group had significant advantages in reducing urokinase doses and thrombolysis times compared with catheter-directed thrombolysis group for patients with thrombus clearance levels II and III (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy performs better in removing vein thrombi, reducing urokinase doses, and shortening thrombolysis times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to determine the toxic effects of tritiated water (HTO) on 12 generations (T1-T12) of human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We evaluated cellular senescence, interleukin (IL) 8 concentrations, and angiogenesis using β-galactosidase staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and in vitro assays, respectively. The adhesion properties of contaminated cells and differentially expressed genes were assessed using the xCELLigence RTCA SP system and gene chip analysis, respectively. We found that long-term exposure to low levels of HTO can reduce the adhesion of HUVECs to the cellular matrix as well as their angiogenic capacity, while increasing their permeability, senescence, and adhesion to monocytes. Interleukin 8 activated the p38 and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) pathways in HTOtreated cells and hence was identified as a key candidate of biomarker. The present study clarified the toxicity of HTO in vascular endothelial cells and identified IL8 as a novel protective target with important theoretical and practical values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hormones transferred from mothers to their offspring are thought to be a tool for mothers to prepare their progeny for expected environmental conditions, thus increasing fitness. Thyroid hormones (THs) are crucial across vertebrates for embryonic and postnatal development and metabolism. Yet yolk THs have mostly been ignored in the context of hormone-mediated maternal effects. In addition, the few studies on maternal THs have yielded contrasting results that could be attributed to either species or environmental differences. In this study, we experimentally elevated yolk THs (within the natural range) in a wild population of a migratory passerine, the European pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), and assessed the effects on hatching success, nestling survival, growth, and oxidative status (lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and oxidative balance). We also sought to compare our results with those of a closely related species, the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicolis), that has strong ecological and life-history similarities with our species. We found no effects of yolk THs on any of the responses measured. We could detect only a weak trend on growth: elevated yolk THs tended to increase growth during the second week after hatching. Our results contradict the findings of previous studies, including those of the collared flycatcher. However, differences in fledging success and nestling growth between both species in the same year suggest a context-dependent influence of the treatment. This study should stimulate more research on maternal effects mediated by THs and their potential context-dependent effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corticosteroid insensitivity is a feature of airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Erythromycin exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in COPD, but the concrete mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of erythromycin on corticosteroid sensitivity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and U937 cells (a human monocytic cell line). PBMCs were collected from non-smokers, healthy smoker volunteers, and COPD subjects. U937 cells were incubated with or without erythromycin and stimulated with TNF-α in the presence or absence of cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The dexamethasone (Dex) concentration required to achieve 50% inhibition of TNF-α-induced interleukin (IL)-8 production was determined and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/Activator protein-1 (AP-1) pathway was also evaluated. Erythromycin improved corticosteroid sensitivity in PBMCs obtained from COPD patients and CSE-treated U937 cells. This improvement in corticosteroid sensitivity was associated with reduced c-Jun expression, which resulted from the inhibition of P38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Erythromycin had no effects on the phosphorylated and total protein expression levels of P38MAPK and ERK; however, it induced inhibition of the phosphorylated and total protein expression levels of JNK. This study provides evidence that erythromycin restores corticosteroid sensitivity in PBMCs and U937 cells. JNK inhibition by erythromycin restores corticosteroid sensitivity via the inhibition of c-Jun expression. Thus, JNK/c-Jun is a potential novel therapeutic target for COPD. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic resection for the treatment of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors has a risk of resection margin residues. The related risk factors and prognosis of post-endoscopic resection margin residues have not been fully evaluated. Aim: To investigate the associated risk factors and prognostic impact of resection margin residues after endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 129 patients who underwent endoscopic resection for the treatment of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Sex, age, location, diameter of tumor, depth of invasion, endoscopic treatment methods, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) evaluation, and the work experience of endoscopists were evaluated as potential risk factors. In addition, the prognoses of patients with positive resection margins were analyzed. Results: A total of 18 (18/129, 14.0%) patients exhibited positive resection margins after endoscopic resection. Among 16 successfully followed-up patients, 1 died due to rupture of pulmonary artery aneurysms, 2 underwent supplementary surgical operations, and 2 underwent additional endoscopic submucosal dissection. The remaining 11 patients were periodically followed up, and no recurrences were found. The results of univariate analysis suggested that endoscopic treatment method, the depth of invasion, and EUS evaluation correlated with positive resection margin. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that the depth of invasion and EUS evaluation were risk factors for resection margin residues. Conclusions: The depth of invasion and EUS evaluation are independent risk factors for positive resection margins after endoscopic resection. This finding suggests that a greater depth of invasion increases the risk for positive resection margins, while EUS evaluation before resection decreases this risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal hormones are often considered a mediator of anticipatory maternal effects; namely, mothers adjust maternal hormone transfer to prepare the offspring for the anticipated environment. The flexibility for mothers to adjust hormone transfer is therefore a prerequisite for such anticipatory maternal effects. Nevertheless, previous studies have focused only on the average differences of maternal hormone transfer between groups and neglected the substantial individual variation, despite the fact that individual plasticity in maternal hormone transfer is actually the central assumption. In this study, we studied the between- and within-individual variation of maternal thyroid hormones (THs) in egg yolk of wild great tits (Parus major) and estimated the individual plasticity of maternal yolk THs across environmental temperature, clutch initiation dates, and egg laying order using linear mixed effects models. Interestingly, our models provide statistical evidence that the two main THs—the main biologically active hormone T3 and T4, which is mostly considered a prohormone—exhibited different variation patterns. Yolk T3 showed significant between-individual variation on the average levels, in line with its previously reported moderate heritability. Yolk T4, however, showed significant between-clutch variation in the pattern over the laying sequence, suggesting a great within-individual plasticity. Our findings suggest that the role and function of the hormone within the endocrine axis likely influences its flexibility to respond to environmental change. Whether the flexibility of T4 deposition brings a fitness advantage should be examined along with its potential effects on offspring, which remain to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The flexibility of wheel is considered in the model. • The nonlinearity of the rubber spring is considered in the model. • The influece of the paramaters of the rubber spring is analyzed in detail. Floating slab track (FST) has been widely used in urban rail transportation. To analyze the dynamic performance of the vehicle-FST system accurately, a vehicle-FST dynamic interaction model considering the flexibility of wheelsets is established. A method for flexible wheelset-rail relationship is described in detail. In addition, a virtual degrees of freedom method is adopted to improve the computational efficiency. To solve the stiffness nonlinearity of the rubber spring, an incremental numerical integration and matrices updating method is adopted. The numerical validation shows the reliable of the incremental numerical integration. Finally, the influence of the rubber spring parameters, stiffness nonlinearity of the rubber spring and wheelset flexibility on the dynamic performance of the system is analyzed in detail from the perspective of the frequency-domain and time-domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Emergent TIPS creation was carried out on cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding. • The consistency between computed tomography portal venography and endoscopy in the classification and grading of gastroesophageal varices was evaluated. • The role of computed tomography portal venography in the preoperative evaluation of emergent TIPS creation was evaluated. To evaluate the feasibility of computed tomography portal venography (CTPV) in the preoperative evaluation of emergent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation for cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding (AVB). One hundred and forty-eight cirrhotic patients with AVB undergoing emergent TIPS creation from January 2016 to December 2022 in our institution were enrolled in the retrospective study. The primary outcome was the consistency between CTPV and endoscopy in the classification and grading of gastroesophageal varices (GEVs). The second outcome was extraluminal CTPV findings. The consistency of CTPV and endoscopy in the classification and grading of GEVs was determined by Kappa values. Emergent TIPS creation was technically successful in all patients. Forty-five patients underwent preoperative endoscopy. The results of CTPV diagnosis of GEVs classification were that 112, 28, and 8 patients were classified as gastroesophageal varices type 1 (GOV1), GOV2, and isolated gastric varices type 1 (IGV1), respectively. In diagnosing the classification and grading of GEVs, CTPV showed substantial agreement with preoperative endoscopy, with Kappa values of 0.823 and 0.625, respectively. CTPV provided the afferent and afferent vessels of GEVs for emergent TIPS creation. CTPV is feasible and effective to act as an alternative preoperative evaluation method to endoscopy for cirrhotic patients with AVB undergoing emergent TIPS creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal effects can adaptively modulate offspring developmental trajectories in variable but predictable environments. Hormone synthesis is sensitive to environmental factors, and maternal hormones are thus a powerful mechanism to transfer environmental cues to the next generation. Birds have become a key model for the study of hormone-mediated maternal effects because the embryo develops outside the mother's body, facilitating the measurement and manipulation of prenatal hormone exposure. At the same time, birds are excellent models for the integration of both proximate and ultimate approaches, which is key to a better understanding of the evolution of hormone-mediated maternal effects. Over the past two decades, a surge of studies on hormone-mediated maternal effects has revealed an increasing number of discrepancies. In this review, we discuss the role of the environment, genetic factors and social interactions in causing these discrepancies and provide a framework to resolve them. We also explore the largely neglected role of the embryo in modulating the maternal signal, as well as costs and benefits of hormone transfer and expression for the different family members. We conclude by highlighting fruitful avenues for future research that have opened up thanks to new theoretical insights and technical advances in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waveguide is an essential building block of integrated optics. Using finite-difference time-domain method, waveguide in woodpile structure, which the dielectric constants for background media and dielectric rods are 1.0 and 9.0, is designed, analyzed, and simulated. Since, woodpile structure has periodical property in stacking direction, off-plane adjustment is considered. Our results show that the guide band can be also effectively adjusted by varying dielectric constant and lattice constant of layers located at the upper and lower of waveguide. For the single layer adjustment, the band width is from 0.41[c=a] to 0.44[c=a] when constant dielectric is 6.0. While it can be also from 0.43[c=a] to 0.46 [c=a] for the double layer adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and inexpensive synthesis of N-substituted amides from the Ritter reaction of nitriles with esters catalyzed by Fe(ClO4)3·H2O is described. Fe(ClO4)3·H2O is an economically efficient catalyst for the Ritter reaction under solvent-free conditions. Reactions of a range of esters (benzyl, sec-alkyl, and tert-butyl esters) with nitriles (primary, secondary, tertiary, and aryl nitriles) were performed to provide the corresponding amides in high to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a novel mass spectrometry based analytical method for analyzing thyroid hormones (THs). Thyroid hormones play a critical role in the regulation of many biological processes such as growth, metabolism and development. Several analytical methods using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) have previously been developed to measure THs, especially in humans. For biomedical and toxicological research using small animal models, and in ecophysiological research using wild species where sample volume is limiting, sensitive methods are needed. In this study, we developed a nano-LC-MS/MS method enabling quantification of low concentrations of two key THs, thyroxine (T4) and 3,3′,5-triiodothyronine (T3). The method was tested with egg yolk samples. We used a low flow rate (300 nl/min) to obtain maximal sensitivity of the method. The limit of quantitation was 10.6 amol for T4 and 17.9 amol for T3. The method shows good linearity (r > 0.99), repeatability and reproducibility (CVs <10%). We also reanalyzed yolk samples with radioimmunoassay for a comparison of the newly developed and previously used methods. Finally, we applied the methodology to measure hormones in egg yolk extracts in multiple avian species, and report interesting variation in maternal TH deposition. The newly developed nano-LC-MS/MS method is thus suitable for measuring THs in low concentrations and across species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal effects are currently acknowledged as important causes of transgenerational phenotypic variation and a potential mechanism to adapt offspring to predicted environments, thus having a pivotal role in ecology and evolution. Research in hormonal mechanism underlying maternal effects has focused heavily on steroid hormones. Other hormones, such as thyroid hormones (THs; thyroxine and triiodothyronine), have been largely ignored in ecological research until recently.Wesummarize the recent findings, identify knowledge gaps, and provide future research directions investigating the role of TH-mediated maternal effects in ecological context across taxa. Surprisingly, data on the sources of naturally occurring variation in maternal THs and their fitness effects are lacking in most vertebrate taxa. There is considerable variation in maternal TH levels in eggs across taxa. Avian egg THs show heritable variation, and data from fish and amphibians suggest female consistency in egg TH levels. In birds, variation in maternal THs was associated with important ecological factors, such as food availability and temperature. THs also showed intraindividual variation varying systematically within clutches. Importantly, exposure to maternal THs within naturally occurring range affected offspring fitness–related traits (growth and survival) in birds and fish. These findings make THs an interesting mechanism underlying maternal effects, which likely shape offspring phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single-tower cable-stayed bridge is one of the most popular types of bridges. Seismic design for this type of bridge, however, is rather difficult. When subjected to longitudinal earthquakes, the tower stands as the weakest part of all the bridge components. To solve this problem, a base-isolation design was developed and adopted for a practical single-tower cable-stayed bridge. In this design, laminated elastomeric bearings (EB) and liquid viscous dampers (LVD) were installed to serve as a base-isolation layer inside the tower cap. Numerical analysis was then conducted to investigate the variations of dynamic characteristics and seismic responses between conventional designs and base-isolation designs. LVD were used on the top of the transition pier to optimize the seismic system of the bridge. It was found that: i) the seismic loads acting on the bridge component were reduced as the seismic displacements increased. This was the result of amplification of the bridge vibration period by the EB in the base-isolation layer; ii) the seismic displacements were restrained by the LVD in the base-isolation layer, but the seismic forces increased due to improper parameter values; and iii) the seismic response decreased further by the transition pier's LVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that both 14-3-3κ and long non-coding RNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) are involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of lung cancer. In the present study, the potential association between 14-3-3κ and HOTAIR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was investigated. In tissue samples collected from 54 patients with NSCLC, expression of HOTAIR and 14-3-3κ was analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). After stable ectopic expression of HOTAIR and stable HOTAIR knockdown in PC9 cancer cells, the effect of HOTAIR on levels of mRNA and protein 14-3-3κ expression levels were detected using RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. Expression of HOTAIR and 14-3-3κ in NSCLC tissues was significantly higher than in adjacent non-cancerous lung tissue (P<0.05). Correlation analysis also identified a correlation between levels of HOTAIR and 14-3-3κ expression in NSCLC tissues (r=0.725, P=0.0005). In addition, overexpression and knockdown of HOTAIR in the human NSCLC cell line PC9 led to the upregulation and downregulation of 14-3-3κ, respectively, at both the mRNA and protein levels (all P<0.05). To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the first in vivo and in vitro evidence to suggest that HOTAIR promotes the expression of 14-3-3κ in NSCLC. The potential association between HOTAIR and 14-3-3κ indicates that both biomolecules may be viable targets in anticancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glibenclamide (Gli) is a widely employed drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and many lines of evidence have described its anti-tumor effects in some neoplasms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Gli on apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and to analyze the underlying pathway involved in this action. Two HCC cell lines, HepG-2 and Huh7 were used as the cell models. We found that Gli treatment significantly inhibited cell viability, induced a significant cell-cycle arrest in G2/M-phase and induced apoptosis in both HepG-2 and Huh7 cells. We further verified that apoptosis induction by Gli was accompanied by increase in ROS levels and activation of the JNK pathway. Scavenging of the intracellular ROS with its blocker N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) could mitigate the Gli-induced apoptosis and JNK activation in the two HCC cell lines. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK pathway by its inhibitor SP100625 effectively reduced Gli-induced apoptosis in HCC cells. In conclusion, Gli treatment significantly induced cell apoptosis by promoting ROS-dependent JNK pathway activation in HCC cells. Gli may be a potential clinical anti-tumor drug for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-life food conditions can have profound impact on adult behavioural performance. In song birds, early-life food conditions affect adult physiology and cognitive performance such as song learning and spatial learning. However, effects on reproductive behaviour other than song, such as visual courtship display, pair formation, and egg laying, which are all important determinants of fitness, received hardly any attention. In this study, rock pigeons Columba livia were raised either in a food ad-libitum or at impoverished (quality) and restricted (quantity) food conditions, in which the latter was applied for either 26 or 8 d after hatching and in slightly different severity. Their growth and reproductive behaviour in adulthood was analysed under semi-natural conditions. Impoverished and restricted food (IRF) negatively affected adult body mass, pair-bonding behaviour, courtship (males) and being courted (females), and induced incomplete compensatory growth. Further analyses suggest that the effects of IRF on behaviour could result from the strong effects on body mass, and perhaps also from detrimental effects of compensatory growth. These results provide evidence that adverse early-life condition can negatively impact on reproductive success, as suggested by the significant effect on egg production, which will very likely lead to a lower life-time fitness. The detrimental effects on male courtship indicate that IRF can affect sexual displays via other pathways than by impaired cognition as has been suggested for bird song, since courtship in the pigeons is not learned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the probabilistic reliability of micro-resonators is essential for the design of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In order to investigate more complex structures and take into account the random variation of the design parameters, an efficient thermoelastic Finite Element (FE) formulation is derived from Hamilton's variational principle. A generalized eigenvalue equation can be obtained through the formulation. The effects of thermoelastic coupling and the randomness of parameters on the natural frequency are studied by using a non-symmetric block Lanczos algorithm combined with the right and left eigenproblem. Considering the influence of thermoelastic coupling on temperature is little, the thermoelastic coupling term in heat conduction equation can be negligible, thus the heat conduction equation is simplified based on linearization. Depending on the eigenproblem for temperature field and thermal stress in micro-resonators, further analysis is conducted on the randomness of temperature and stress in micro-resonators. For reliability analysis, a method which considering both strength and frequency is proposed. The strength failure criterion is set based on fracture mechanics, and frequency reliability is taken into account the probabilistic of resonators when the natural frequency is close to the excitation frequency. With a simply supported model of micro-resonators as an example, the numerical solutions of quality factor have shown little difference with the analytical solutions proposed by Zener and Lifshitz, verifying the correctness of the model calculations. Finally, the natural frequency shift and the probabilistic reliability with temperature are calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fracture-dislocations of the thoracic spine without spinal cord injury are very rare. Case presentation: A 35-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with complete T6-7 fracturedislocation without any neurological loss had undergone a surgical reduction and fixation. Conclusions: The radiological severity of fracture-dislocation pattern doesn't correlate sometimes with the clinical manifestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burkholderia pyrrocinia strain JK-SH007 isolated from poplar stems plays a highly significant role in the growth promotion and the biocontrol of poplar canker during colonization in poplar. In this research, the ideal reference gene was filtered and determined for the transcript normalization. Additionally, the expression of pyrG under all four conditions was relatively stable in B. pyrrocinia JK-SH007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid hormones (THs) - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) - are essential for embryonic development in vertebrates. All vertebrate embryos are exposed to THs from maternal origin. As maternal TH levels are known to be essential to embryonic development, the natural variation of maternal THs probably represents a pathway of maternal effects that can modify offspring phenotype. However, potential fitness consequences of variation of maternal TH exposure within the normal physiological range and without confounding effects of the mother have never been experimentally investigated. We experimentally manipulated the levels of yolk T3 and T4 within the physiological range in a species in which the embryo develops outside the mother's body, the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) eggs. Making use of the natural difference of yolk testosterone between the two eggs of pigeon clutches, we were also able to investigate the potential interaction between THs and testosterone. Elevated yolk TH levels enhanced embryonic development and hatching success, and reduced body mass but not tarsus length between day 14 and fledging. The yolk hormones increased plasma T4 concentrations in females but reduced it in males, in line with the effect on metabolic rate at hatching. Plasma concentrations of T3 and testosterone were not significantly affected. The effects of treatment did not differ between eggs with high or low testosterone levels. Our data indicate that natural variation in maternal yolk TH levels affects offspring phenotype and embryonic survival, potentially influencing maternal and chick fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the capabilities of a laser-coupled ion mobility mass spectrometer for analysis of peptide sequence and structure showing ultraviolet photodissodation (UVPD) spectra of mass and mobility selected ions. A Synapt G2-S mass spectrometer has been modified to allow photointeraction of ions post the mobility cell. For this work, we have employed a single wavelength laser, which irradiates at 266 nm. We present the unique capabilities of this instrument and demonstrate several key features. Irradiation of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), growth hormone releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6), and TrpCage (sequence NLYIQWLKDGGPSSGRPPPS) yields extensive b- and y-type fragmentation as well as a- and c-type ions. In addition, we observe side chain losses, induding the indole group from tryptophan, and immonium ions. For negatively charged ions, we show the advantage of using collision-induced dissodation (CLD) post-UVPD: radical ions are produced following irradiation, and these fragment with higher effidency. Further, we have incorporated ion mobility and subsequent drift time gating into the UVPD method allowing the separate analysis of m/z-coinddent spedes, both conformers and multimers. To demonstrate, we selectively dissociate the singly charged dimer or doubly charged monomer of the peptide gramiddin A and conformers of the [M + 5H]S+ form of the peptide melittin. Each mobility selected form has a different "fingerprint" dissodation spectrum, both predominantly containing b and y fragments. Differences in the intensities of various loss channels between the two species were revealed. The smaller conformer of melittin has fewer cleavage sites along the peptide backbone than the larger conformer suggesting considerable structural differences. For gramiddin, a single laser shot UVPD discriminates between primary photodissociation and subsequent fragmentation of fragments. We also show how this modified instrument facilitates activated electron photodissociation. UVPD-IM-MS analysis serves both as a method for peptide sequencing for peptides of similar (or identical) m/z and a method for optical analysis of mobility separated spedes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs. However, its clinical use has been hampered due to the development of cardiotoxicity. Vitexin, which is the active ingredient of hawthorn leaf extract, has various biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The present study aimed to investigate whether vitexin was able to protect against DOX-induced acute cardiotoxicity in model rats and the mechanisms of this protective effect were assessed. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into the control (saline only), model (DOX only) and vitexin-treated (DOX plus vitexin) groups. Rats in the model and vitexin-treated groups were injected with DOX (2 mg/kg; i.p.) once a week for 4 weeks. Rats in the vitexin-treated group were administered 30 mg/kg oral vitexin once daily at doses for 4 weeks. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and myeloperoxidase were assessed using assay kits. The levels of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and caspase-3, were assayed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the protein expression levels of p-FOXO3a. Vitexin pretreatment significantly protected against DOX-induced myocardial damage, which was characterized by increased serum creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB and lactate dehydrogenase. Vitexin significantly ameliorated oxidative stress injury evoked by DOX, demonstrated by the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the elevation of antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, DOX provoked inflammatory responses by increasing the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas vitexin pretreatment significantly inhibited these inflammatory responses. Notably, DOX induced apoptotic tissue damage by increasing caspase-3 activity, whereas vitexin administration was able to decrease caspase-3 activity. In addition, vitexin induced elevated FOXO3a protein expression levels in the vitexin-treated group. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that vitexin possesses cardioprotective action against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptotic signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient transition-metal-free fluoroarylation reaction of N-aryl diazoacetamides with NFSI (N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide) is described. This reaction directly provides 3-fluorooxindole derivatives in yields of 67-93% with high selectivity via a carbene-free process under mild reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the alterations in uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) expression following hypothermic preservation in rat hearts were investigated. Isolated rat hearts were preserved in Celsior solution for 3-12 h followed by 60 min of reperfusion. The cardiac function was evaluated using the Langendorff perfusion system. UCP2 and silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) proteins were detected by western blot analysis. The ATP production and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed. Subsequent to preservation in ice-cold Celsior solution for 3-12 h, the UCP2 protein expression in rat hearts was observed to increase in a time-dependent manner. The UCP2 inhibitor genipin inhibited the hypothermic preservation- induced cardiac dysfunction, prevented a decline in ATP production induced by 9 h of preservation, however had no effect on the hypothermic preservation-induced increase in mitochondrial ROS levels. Compared with the control group, the SIRT1 protein expression in rat hearts reduced following hypothermic preservation. Compared with the 9-h preservation group, Celsior solution supplemented with the SIRT1 activator resveratrol (20 or 40 µmol/l) inhibited UCP2 protein overexpression, prevented the decline in ATP production and resulted in an improvement cardiac function. The SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 abolished the resveratrol-induced inhibition of UCP2 overexpression and cardiac protection in the hypothermic preserved rat heart. These observations suggest that downregulation of UCP2 expression in the hypothermic preserved rat heart in part initiated the protective mechanism via the SIRT1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many animal species, mothers expose their embryos to maternal hormones. This provides a powerful pathway for affecting offspring phenotype and a potential mechanism for adaptive nongenomic inheritance. This has been studied extensively in birds because the embryo develops outside the mother's body, facilitating experimental studies. Some studies have demonstrated that maternal yolk testosterone (T) can have long-lasting effects into the period after fledging. However, these results are based on offspring in the juvenile stage or their first breeding season only. The lack of data further into adulthood limits a better assessment of the fitness consequences of prenatal T. In a series of previous experiments in the rock pigeon, Columba livia , we manipulated yolk T levels using oil-injected eggs as controls. In the present study, we examined the reproductive behaviour of birds from these eggs when they were 1–3 years old and housed together in a large aviary. Our results showed that males from T-injected eggs were less aggressive and females from T-injected eggs laid lighter eggs than controls. Moreover, the experimental birds showed strongly disassortative mating with respect to hormone treatment. There were no indications of treatment effects on the process of sexual differentiation. Our results indicate that the effects of prenatal T do not diminish over age and may last far into adulthood, which should be taken into account in assessing the fitness consequences of maternal hormones. They may also stimulate new physiological and neurobiological studies on the mechanisms underlying such long-lasting effects of prenatal T exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In oviparous species like birds, eggs provide the direct environment in which embryos are developing. Mothers may adjust different egg components in different ways in reaction to environmental cues either to adjust offspring development or because of constraints. In this study, we investigated the effects of food quality and quantity before and during egg laying on three different aspects of egg quality: macro-nutrients (egg and yolk mass), androgens (testosterone and androstenedione), and thyroid hormones (3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, T3 and l-thyroxine, T4), using the rock pigeon ( Columba livia). As expected, egg and yolk mass were significantly reduced for the eggs laid under the poor-food condition, indicating a maternal trade-off between offspring and self in allocating important resources. We did not find any significant change in yolk testosterone or their within-clutch pattern over the laying sequence. This is consistent with the fact that, in contrast with nutrients, these hormones are not costly to produce, but does not support the hypothesis that they play a role in adjusting brood size to food conditions. In contrast, we found that T3 levels were higher in the egg yolks under the poor-food condition whereas the total T4 content was lower. This change could be related to the fact that iodine, the critical constituent of thyroid hormones, might be a limiting factor in the production of this hormone. Given the knowledge that food restriction usually lead to reduction of circulating T3 levels, our results suggested that avian mothers can independently regulate its concentrations in their eggs from their own circulation. The study demonstrates that environmentally induced maternal effects via the egg can be a result of a combination of constrained resources and unconstrained signals and that thyroid hormones might be an interesting case of both. Therefore, this hormone and the interplay of different maternal effects on the offspring phenotype deserve much more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate flow-directed production of nanoparticles of the photoresponsive block copolymer poly(o-nitrobenzyl acrylate)-b-polydimethylacrylamide in a gas-liquid microfluidic reactor. Microfluidic formation produced a variety of morphologies dependent on flow rate, with spheres and short cylinders, then large compound micelles, then unique spooled cylinders appearing as flow rate increased. The higher excess free energy of spooled cylinders relative to the quiescent equilibrium state is evidenced by their faster off-chip relaxation times (~1 day) as compared to other flow-directed structures. Comparison of light-triggered dissociation of flow-directed nanoparticles prepared at two different flow rates shows faster disruption of nanoparticles prepared at the higher flow rate. The application of variable flow to direct both structure and responsivity suggests interesting possibilities for controlled microfluidic manufacturing of "smart" polymeric colloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure yolk sac tumors are extremely rare in adults; to the best of our knowledge, <20 cases have been reported. Multiple metastases originating from a pure yolk sac testicular tumor, descending from an intra-abdominal testis, are additionally extremely rare. In the present case, a man exhibiting a 30-year history of cryptorchidism and indirect inguinal hernia, was admitted to the Department of Urology (The Second Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China) due to a mass that had descended from the abdominal cavity 7 months previously. Elevated levels of specific serum marker (α-fetoprotein, lactate dehydrogenase and human chorionic gonadotropin) did not indicate potential testicular germ cell types prior to surgery and pathological examination. Pathological results and immunohistochemistry revealed a testicular pure yolk sac tumor subsequent to surgery. The present case report and literature review describes the typical characteristics of an adult testicular yolk sac tumor, as well as the diagnosis and management of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) may be involved in driving pain in patients with advanced cancer. However, a few studies focus on the role of ET-1 in breakthrough pain (BP). The aim of this pivotal study was to explore the correlation between the plasma (ET-1) level and BP intensity. A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study, and they were divided into two groups: BP group and non-BP group. Moreover, 20 healthy adults were used as the normal control group. Pain intensity was measured using visual analog scale (VAS) scores of 1–10. Plasma ET-1 levels were detected by an ET radioimmunoassay kit. Subsequently, the correlation of ET-1 level with the VAS score and cancer types was analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The plasma ET-1 level in the BP group (35.31±8.02 pg/mL) was higher than that in the non-BP group (29.51±6.78 pg/mL) and the normal control group (24.77±10.10 pg/mL, P,0.05). In addition, the VAS score in the BP group (7.45±0.82) was higher than that in the non-BP group (2.80±1.23, P,0.05). The plasma ET-1 level was positively correlated with the VAS score of the BP group (Pearson’s r=0.42). There was no significant correlation between the plasma ET-1 level and VAS score of the non-BP group (Pearson’s r=−0.22) or/and cancer types (P.0.05). The elevated plasma ET-1 levels were positively related to BP, and targeting ET-1 may provide a novel pain-reducing therapeutic treatment in BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A refractive index sensor composed of two straight metal-insulator-metal waveguides and a ring resonator is presented. One end of each straight waveguide is sealed and the other end acts as port. The transmission spectrum and magnetic field distribution of this sensor structure are simulated using finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD). The results show that an asymmetric line shape is observed in the transmission spectrum, and that the transmission spectrum shows a filter-like behavior. The quality factor and sensitivity are taken to characterize its sensing performance and filter properties. How structural parameters affect the sensing performance and filter properties is also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the genetic basis of human traits/diseases and the underlying mechanisms of how these traits/diseases are affected by genetic variations is critical for public health. Current genome-wide functional genomics data uncovered a large number of functional elements in the noncoding regions of human genome, providing new opportunities to study regulatory variants (RVs) . RVs play important roles in transcription factor bindings, chromatin states and epigenetic modifications. Here, we systematically review an array of methods currently used to map RVs as well as the computational approaches in annotating and interpreting their regulatory effects, with emphasis on regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphism. We also briefly introduce experimental methods to validate these functional RVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination and thermoinhibition in lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Jianyexianfeng No. 1') seeds were investigated by a proteomic comparison among dry seeds, germinated seeds at 15°C, at 15°C after imbibition at 25°C for 48 h, or at 25°C in KNO3 (all sampled individually at germination), and ungerminated seeds at 25°C, a thermoinhibitory temperature. Before two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis, storage proteins (greater than 50% of total extractable protein) were removed by polyethylene glycol precipitation, which significantly improved the detection of less abundant proteins on two-dimensional gels. A total of 108 protein spots were identified to change more than 2-fold (P, 0.05) in abundance in at least one germination treatment. Nineteen proteins increasing and one protein decreasing in abundance during germination had higher abundance in germinated 15°C, 15°C after imbibition at 25°C for 48 h, and 25°C in KNO3 seeds than in ungerminated 25°C seeds. Gene expression of 12 of those proteins correlated well with the protein accumulation. Methionine metabolism, ethylene production, lipid mobilization, cell elongation, and detoxification of aldehydes were revealed to be potentially related to lettuce seed germination and thermoinhibition. Accumulation of three proteins and expression of five genes participating in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis correlated positively with seed germinability. Inhibition of this pathway by lovastatin delayed seed germination and increased the sensitivity of germination to abscisic acid. MVA pathway-derived products, cytokinins, partially reversed the lovastatin inhibition of germination and released seed thermoinhibition at 25°C. We conclude that the MVA pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis is involved in lettuce seed germination and thermoinhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A subway train-steel spring floating slab track-tunnel coupling dynamic model, considering short and middle-long wavelength random track irregularities, and longitudinal connection between adjacent slabs of steel spring floating slab track, was developed. And the influence of slab length on dynamic characteristics of the system under different track conditions and train speeds are theoretically studied. The calculated results show: (1) In general, the acceleration of each component of the coupled system decreases with the increase of slab length under the perfectly smooth track condition; (2) Slab length has different influence laws on acceleration of each component of subway train-steel spring floating slab track-tunnel coupled system under random irregularity of track condition. The lower the dominant frequency distribution of vibration acceleration is, the higher influence slab length has; (3) With the increase of slab length, the force of rail, fastener and steel spring also decreases significantly, which helps to lengthen the service life of these components; (4) With the increase of slab length, the longitudinal bending moment of slab increases sharply at first, then it begins to drop slightly. When slab length exceeds the distance between two bogies of a vehicle, the longitudinal bending moment of slab changes little; (5) Slab length has significant influence on the dynamic force and displacement of the coupled system when train speed is higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are crucial regulators in malignant tumors. miRNA-29b (miR-29b) has been identified as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer (PCa). However, very few studies have investigated the effects of miR-29b in PCa, especially the mechanism and its association with chemotherapy. Our study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of miR-29b in PCa. Materials and methods: The expression levels of miR-29b were detected in ten clinical PCa specimens and four different PCa cell lines through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. After miR-29b mimics and inhibitors were successfully transfected into LNCaP, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was then used to investigate cell proliferation and cisplatin sensitivity of PCa cells. Cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and cell invasion were detected via flow cytometry, annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate labeling, and transwell assay, respectively. Based on bioinformatic methods, Western blot analysis, and dual-luciferase reporter assay, novel target genes of miR-29b were identified. Results: miR-29b was downregulated in PCa tissues compared with matched adjacent nontumor tissues. In the androgen-independent PCa cell line (LNCaP-AI), the expression of miR-29b was much lower than the androgen-dependent PCa cell line (LNCaP). Subsequent studies showed that forced expression of miR-29b inhibited cell proliferation and cell invasion and induced cell apoptosis in PCa. Upregulation of miR-29b also enhanced the chemosensitivity of PCa cells to cisplatin. Moreover, we identified DNMT3b and AKT3 as novel target genes of miR-29b in PCa. Conclusion: Taken together, the results showed that miR-29b plays a tumor-suppressive role in PCa. It inhibits cell biological behavior and enhances the chemotherapy effects of cisplatin through its involvement in epigenetic regulation and PI3K/AKT pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNAs with the capacity to regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. The miRNA-29 family consists of miR-29a, miR-29b, and miR-29c, among which miR-29b is the most highly expressed and is found at two genomic loci. Recently, numerous studies have demonstrated that aberrant expression of miR- 29b is common in the majority of human cancers. miR-29b is known to critically affect cancer progression by functioning as a tumor suppressor. However, it may also act as an oncogene under certain conditions. In this review, we illustrate the role of miR-29b in cancer regulation, function, and signaling. This is the first review highlighting the role of miR-29b in cancer. Our review aims to summarize the effects of miR-29b on cancer activity and its interactions with target genes and signaling pathways, as well as to provide therapeutic implications for overcoming cancer chemoresistance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-set analysis in Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has emerged as a research hotspot for identifying genetic variants associated with disease susceptibility. But most existing methods of SNP-set analysis are affected by the quality of SNP-set, and poor quality of SNP-set can lead to low power in GWAS. Results: In this research, we propose an efficient weighted tag-SNP-set analytical method to detect the disease associations. In our method, we first design a fast algorithm to select a subset of SNPs (called tag SNP-set) from a given original SNP-set based on the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between SNPs, then assign a proper weight to each of the selected tag SNP respectively and test the joint effect of these weighted tag SNPs. The intensive simulation results show that the power of weighted tag SNP-set-based test is much higher than that of weighted original SNP-set-based test and that of un-weighted tag SNP-set-based test. We also compare the powers of the weighted tag SNP-set-based test based on four types of tag SNP-sets. The simulation results indicate the method of selecting tag SNP-set impacts the power greatly and the power of our proposed method is the highest. Conclusions: From the analysis of simulated replicated data sets, we came to a conclusion that weighted tag SNP-set-based test is a powerful SNP-set test in GWAS. We also designed a faster algorithm of selecting tag SNPs which include most of information of original SNP-set, and a better weighted function which can describe the status of each tag SNP in GWAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]