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In order to comprehensively evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of various heuristic intelligent optimization algorithms, this research employed particle swarm optimization, wind driven optimization, grey wolf optimization, and one-to-one-based optimizer as the basis. It applied 22 benchmark test functions to conduct a comparison and analysis of performance for these algorithms, considering descriptive statistics such as convergence speed, accuracy, and stability. Additionally, time and space complexity calculations were employed, alongside the nonparametric Friedman test, to further assess the algorithms. Furthermore, an investigation into the impact of control parameters on the algorithms' output was conducted to compare and analyze the test results under different algorithms. The experimental findings demonstrate the efficacy of the aforementioned approaches in comprehensively analyzing and comparing the performance on different types of intelligent optimization algorithms. These results illustrate that algorithm performance can vary across different test functions. The one-to-one-based optimizer algorithm exhibited superior accuracy, stability, and relatively lower complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The IrMn has ferromagnetic orders when SMR enhancement happens in the trilayers. • Temperature affects strongly the SMR of the trilayers. • Negative SMR at 50 K indicates spin-flop coupling could happen. Abstract Magnetic transport properties in Co 2 MnSn/IrMn/Pt trilayer structures have been investigated. Spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) enhancement in the trilayer structures has been observed, under the premise of exclusion current shunting effect. The experimental analysis indicates that the SMR enhancement may be closely related to the spin current enhancement reflected from the Co 2 MnSn/IrMn interface. Anomalous Hall resistance (AHR) study shows that its variation is quite similar to the SMR, suggesting that the SMR enhancement may also be closely related to spin-orbit coupled (SOC) scattering at the interface due to the coupling between IrMn and Co 2 MnSn layer. Temperature influences the SMR significantly in the trilayer structures at low IrMn thicknesses, which the IrMn has more ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic orders than antiferromagnetic order. It indicates that the physical mechanism of the influencing of temperature on SMR of FM/AFI(AFM)/Pt trilayer structures need to be further investigated. The SMR changes its sign from positive to negative at temperatures lower than 50 K, revealing that spin-flop coupling between IrMn and Co 2 MnSn could happen at the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The two boundaries of the Pt layer both influence spin current transportation. • The MgO(0 0 1)/Pt interface could boost spin current absorption at FM/Pt interface. • The MgO capping layer may avoid AMR induced SMR decreasing at low temperature. Abstract The spin Hall magnetoresistance effects (SMR) in four heterostructures consist of different boundaries of Pt layer has been investigated. The result in this work shows that the two boundaries of Pt layer in all heterostructures both influence the spin current absorption and reflection. The Pt/air interface would weaken the spin current absorption at the Co 2 FeSi/Pt interface on the other side of the Pt layer. On the contrary, the Pt/MgO(0 0 1) interface could boost the spin current absorption strongly at the Co 2 FeSi/Pt interface on the other side of the Pt layer. And this promotion effect is much stronger than the Co 2 FeSi/Pt interface on the spin current absorption at the other Co 2 FeSi/Pt interface. The MgO capping layer may avoid anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) induced SMR ratio decreasing at low temperature. This study provides a new way for modulating spin current absorption at the FM/HM interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of CoFeB/Ta bilayer nano-thin films was fabricated on Si substrate using magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The temperature-and thickness-dependent dynamic magnetic properties of these films were investigated in detail using commercialized coplanar waveguide ferromagnetic resonance technique. The results showed that the Gilbert damping constant of bilayer films was monotonically decreases with the increase of temperature and thickness within certain range. We considered that the reasons for enhanced damping for the thinner magnetic films were derived from spin-pumping effect, two-magnon scatter, and magnetic dead layer. From thickness-dependent data, the surface/interface anisotropy constant, bulk damping contribution, and surface/interface damping contribution were obtained. Our results indicated that the bilayer films had perpendicular anisotropy when the CoFeB thickness was less than 1.38 nm. The results suggested that the influence of Ta on the dynamic properties of magnetic films cannot be ignored. The simplest stack structure of films was beneficial to understand the physical mechanism clearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: The Jing people are a recognized ethnic group in Guangxi, southwest China, who are the immigrants from Vietnam during the 16th century. They speak Vietnamese but with lots of language borrowings from Cantonese, Zhuang, and Mandarin. However, it's unclear if there is large‐scale gene flow from surrounding populations into Jing people during their language change due to the very limited genetic information of this population. Materials and Methods: We collected blood samples from 37 Jing and 3 Han Chinese individuals from Wanwei, Shanxin, and Wutou islands in Guangxi and genotyped about 600,000 genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We used Principal Component Analysis (PCA), ADMIXTURE analysis, f statistics, qpWave and qpAdm to infer the population genetic structure and admixture. Results: Our data revealed that the Jing people are genetically similar to the populations in southwest China and mainland Southeast Asia. But compared with Vietnamese, they show significant evidence of gene flow from surrounding East Asians. The admixture proportion is estimated to be around 35–42% in different Jing groups using southern Han Chinese as a proxy. The majority of the paternal lineages of Jing people are most likely from surrounding East Asians. Discussion: We conclude that the formation and language change of present‐day Jing people have involved genetic assimilation of surrounding East Asian populations. The language borrowing, in this case, is not only a cultural phenomenon but has involved demic diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cell authentication is a necessary procedure to avoid scientific data from cell culture experiments with cross-contamination or false classification. A genetic fingerprint pattern of a specimen by short tandem repeats (STR) is self-evident. Due to high amount of chromosomal rearrangements, known in epithelia ovary cancer cells and the instable STR pattern described in other tumour entities like leukaemia, this study explores the suitability of STR profiling for primary cultured epithelial ovary cancer cells.Methods: STR profiles of epithelial ovary cancers of 16 patients were compared with corresponding blood and corresponding primary cell cultures. The primary cell cultures of epithelial ovary tumours were passaged up to 28 times. In between, cultures were cryo conserved and recultured again, two to five times per patient.Results: In two cases, the STR pattern of tumour lost alleles (1/16 and 3/16) in comparison of corresponding STR-pattern from blood. In comparison to blood, cell culture of a third case, lost four alleles (4/16) accompanied with morphologic changes after 14th passage. It is equal after cryo conservation of the seventh passage from the same patient. The only changes in STR profiles we recognized are losses of alleles. Remaining STR markers allow authentication.Conclusions: Very likely, the allelic drop-outs beyond passage 14 assume complex genetic losses of heterozygosis resulting in changed growth behaviour of cells. All other STR-profiles of remaining 15 patients analysed in this study are stable over all passages and freeze-thaw processes. Thus, ovary cancer cell cultures in research should be authenticated by STR-profile in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of soft magnetic granular FeCoSiO films is fabricated using radio frequency magnetron sputtering under pure argon ambient conditions. The magnetic, high-frequency, and microwave noise suppression characteristics of these thin films are studied in detail. By using microwave probe station, integrated-type electromagnetic noise suppressors based on a coplanar waveguide transmission line and incorporated with a SiO 2 dielectric and a granular FeCoSiO magnetic thin film with excellent high frequency and soft magnetic properties are investigated. The relationship between transmission properties of electromagnetic noise suppressors and magnetic characteristics of FeCoSiO magnetic thin films were studied. The experimental values of the loss peak frequencies agree well with the calculated ferromagnetic resonant frequency, which considers the demagnetizing field. The results indicate that the main loss mechanism of the integrated devices is the ferromagnetic resonance, but not the L – C resonance. The FeCoSiO magnetic films are considered to be promising as ideal candidate materials for electromagnetic noise suppressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the efficacy of nerve-sparing surgery for deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and the bladder and sexual dysfunction that follow this procedure. Study design: A total of 108 women with DIE underwent conventional surgery (group A, n =63) and nerve-sparing surgery (group B, n =45). Three validated interview-based questionnaires – the visual analogue scale (VAS), the international prostate score symptom (IPSS), and the female sexual function index (FSFI) – were used to evaluate the efficacy and associated complications. Results: The VAS scores significantly decreased in both groups A and B after surgery, although two patients (4.4%) in group B had no improvement in their pain symptoms. The total FSFI and each domain scores significantly increased in the two groups after surgery except for satisfaction at the 24-month follow up in group A. Nine patients (15.9%) in group A required self-catheterization postoperatively. Based on the IPSS scores, a significant alteration in voiding symptoms in group A was observed at 6 months but not at 12 months or 24 months after surgery. In group B, however, no significant difference or self-catheterization requirement was observed after surgery. Conclusions: Reduced bladder and sexual dysfunction, but with a risk of absence of pain relief, suggests that the pros and cons of nerve-sparing surgery for DIE should carefully be evaluated before operation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To determine whether women with endometriosis have altered expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in ovarian endometriotic lesions as compared to women without endometriosis. Study design: Ectopic and eutopic and normal endometrial tissues were sampled from 40 women with ovarian endometriosis and 20 control women, respectively. Endometrial PEDF expression and microvascular density (MVD) using an antibody to von Willebrand factor (vWF) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were evaluated by using immunohistochemical staining. Results: We detected decreased PEDF expression and increased MVD using anti-vWF and -α-SMA in ovarian endometriotic lesions in women with endometriosis compared with the control group. In women with endometriosis, the MVD using anti-vWF and -α-SMA but not PEDF expression in ovarian endometriotic lesions correlated with the size of ovarian endometriotic cysts and the severity of the disease. Moreover, the MVD using anti-vWF was negatively correlated with PEDF expression in control endometrium but not in ovarian endometriotic lesions. Conclusions: Our results suggest that decreased PEDF expression and increased MVD in ovarian endometriotic lesions might play an important role in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Our goal was to assess the outcomes and explore the prognostic factors for patients with placental-site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) through this retrospective analysis. Methods: 2043 patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) were registered at two tertiary hospitals between January 2003 and March 2021, of whom 58 (2.8%) were diagnosed with PSTT. We retrospectively analyzed the clinico-pathological characteristics, treatments, outcomes and prognostic factors. Results: Only 4 patients died and 5 patients experienced a recurrence. Patients (n = 49) with stage I disease had a favorable prognosis, surgery with (n = 21) or without (n = 28) chemotherapy made no significant difference in overall survival (OS) (p = 0.251) or disease-free survival (DFS) (p = 0.425). 3 patients with stage I had fertility preserving surgery and successful pregnancy was achieved in 2 of them. The outcome of patients with advanced disease was poor. Univariate analysis revealed serum β-hCG levels at diagnosis, FIGO stage IV and metastatic disease were significant predictors of both overall survival and disease-free survival. However, multivariate analysis indicated stage IV was the only significant independent predictor of adverse OS, while metastatic disease was the only significant independent predictor of adverse DFS. Conclusion: Surgery alone is sufficient for patients with stage I disease without high-risk factors. The prognosis of patients with advanced stage disease remains poor. Stage IV and metastatic disease were the most critical risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flat plates and cylindrical shells are commonly used in large equipment. To locate the low-velocity impact points in these structures, this study proposes an error-index-based algorithm for impact localization. The time of arrival of an impact-generated A0 Lamb waves was first estimated based on the energy of the signal. Equations for calculating the error indices were proposed for flat-plate and cylindrical shell structures, and the probability distribution functions of the impact points are constructed for visual localization. The impact test results on a flat plate and cylindrical shell indicated that, compared to the Morlet wavelet method, the proposed algorithm improved the mean relative error of impact point localization on the flat plate by 0.22%, 15.64%, and 15.26% under three different noise conditions, respectively (i.e., no noise, and SNR = 5 and 0 dB). For the cylindrical shell, the mean relative error of impact localization improved by 1.8%, 3.97%, and 28.12% under the three conditions, respectively. The results indicated that the proposed localization algorithm can accurately locate the impact points on a flat plate and cylindrical shell, even under strong background noise conditions, providing a reference for future research on locating low-velocity impact points in large equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel unsupervised classification method to solve the problem of mechanical fault diagnosis under the condition of unknown number of fault types. The proposed method combining the three data processing stage. First, the deep encoding neural networks is used to complete the abstract signal feature representation under the unsupervised conditions. Second, the feature dimensionality reduction technique based on manifold learning is used to complete the low-dimensional mapping of the feature space. Third, the spatial clustering based on density criterion is introduced to classify the different fault samples. This paper uses two fault signals dataset to complete the performance verification experiment. The experimental results show that the DMDUC method respectively achieves the classification accuracy of 99.7 % and 100 % on the two datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A composite lattice is proposed to combine advantage of auxetics and polyurea. • An abnormal hat-shape distortion opposite to impact direction of backplate is found. • The displacement time history of backplate center presents the shape of the letter N. • The failure modes of the auxetic cells and their distribution are revealed. • The dynamic mode of the auxetic sandwich panel subjected to explosion is presented. A series of air explosion experiments were carried out on the 3D polyurea-coated auxetic lattice sandwich panels in order to combine the advantages of auxetic materials and polyurea. The deformation, dynamic strain, and acceleration of the front and back plate were obtained. The results show that the dynamic response of the 3D polyurea-coated auxetic lattice sandwich panel could be divided into four stages: the shock wave action stage, the auxetic effect stage, the overall deformation stage, and the oscillation stage. The "N" type displacement time history of the back plate center due to the auxetic effect is found through the experiments. It is also found that the concave "hat-shaped" deformation mode of the back plate is opposite to the impact direction. This anomalous deformation mode is of great significance for impact protection. Finally, three dynamic response mode of the 3D polyurea-coated auxetic lattice sandwich panel subjected to air explosion is revealed. This study could provide a reference for the shock resistance design of structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future machine learning (ML) powered applications, such as autonomous driving and augmented reality, involve training and inference tasks with timeliness requirements and are communication- and computation-intensive, which demands the edge learning framework. The real-time requirements drive us to go beyond accuracy for ML. In this article, we introduce the concept of timely edge learning, aiming to achieve accurate training and inference while minimizing the communication and computation delay. We discuss key challenges and propose corresponding solutions from data, model, and resource management perspectives to meet the timeliness requirements. In particular, for edge training, we argue that the total training delay rather than rounds should be considered, and propose data or model compression, and joint device scheduling and resource management schemes for both centralized training and federated learning systems. For edge inference, we explore the dependency between accuracy and delay for communication and computation, and propose dynamic data compression and flexible pruning schemes. Two case studies show that the timeliness performance, including the training accuracy under a given delay budget and the completion ratio of inference tasks within deadline, are highly improved with the proposed solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endosalpingiosis is characterized by the presence of ectopic, benign glands with a fallopian tube‐like ciliated epithelium. Florid cystic endosalpingiosis (FCE) is a rare type of endosalpingiosis and presents with tumor‐like lesions. In general, FCE has no specific clinical features. In this case, extensive pelvic multiple Müllerian cysts were first observed and removed during the patient's second cesarean section. Lesions relapsed after a year. Therefore, the patient underwent total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy; pathology revealed that the patient had FCE. According to imaging studies during the follow up, recurrent and progressive multiple pelvic and extra‐pelvic cysts were observed. The patient had no obvious symptoms, and the results of her laboratory tests were within normal limits. Ultrasound‐guided aspiration and lauromacrogol sclerotherapy were performed, and in the past year, the cysts have stabilized without progression. This is the first reported case of recurrent FCE after total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy with a 5‐year follow up. A literature review and novel ideas for diagnosing and managing FCE based on this case are also presented. Synopsis: The etiology, diagnostic procedure, and management of refractory florid cystic endosalpingiosis were reviewed and discussed, and a novel effective treatment regimen is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Because the incidence of endometrial cancer has been increasing every year, it is important to identify an effective screening method for it. The endometrial cytology test (ECT) is considered to be the more acceptable technique compared to invasive endometrial sampling. Methods: The study followed the Priority Reporting Project for Systematic Evaluation and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA-DTA) protocol. This systematic rating searched EMBASE and Web of Science databases for studies on ECT for endometrial cancer from the databases' dates of inception to 30 September 2022. All literature screening and data extraction were performed by two researchers, while the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed against defined inclusion criteria. And a third researcher resolves the disagreements. Results: Twenty-six studies were eventually included in this final analysis. Meta-analysis results showed that the diagnostic accuracy characteristics of ECT for endometrial cancer were as follows: combined sensitivity = 0.84 [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.83–0.86)], combined specificity = 0.98 [95% CI (0.98–0.98)], combined positive likelihood ratio = 34.65 [95% CI (20.90–57.45)], combined negative likelihood ratio = 0.21 [95% CI (0.15–0.30)], and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.9673. Conclusions: ECT had the ability to detect endometrial cancer with strong specificity, although some studies have demonstrated significant differences in sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We have updated the guideline for preventing and managing perioperative infection in China, given the global issues with antimicrobial resistance and the need to optimize antimicrobial usage and improve hospital infection control levels. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for prevention and management of perioperative infection, based on the concepts of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The strength of recommendations was graded and voted using the Delphi method and the nominal group technique. Revisions were made to the guidelines in response to feedback from the experts. Results: There were 17 questions prepared, for which 37 recommendations were made. According to the GRADE system, we evaluated the body of evidence for each clinical question. Based on the meta‐analysis results, recommendations were graded using the Delphi method to generate useful information. Conclusions: This guideline provides evidence to perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis that increased the rational use of prophylactic antimicrobial use, with substantial improvement in the risk‐benefit trade‐off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of leptin receptor (LEPR) gene and the susceptibility to osteoporosis (OP) among Chinese Mulao people. A total of 738 people were involved. Bone mineral density (BMD) was examined by calcaneus ultrasound attenuation measurement. Six SNPs of LEPR were detected. The genotypes, allele frequencies, linkage disequilibrium, and haplotype were analyzed. BMD decreased with age and males had higher BMD than women. The proportion of normal bone mass decreased with age, and morbidity of OP increased. Three out of six SNPs showed a difference between OP and normal group. Individuals with AA genotype of rs1137100 in OP group outnumber the normal group, AA increased the risk of OP. In rs2767485, CT increased the risk of OP, C allele may be susceptible to OP. TT genotype of rs465555 was susceptible genotype of OP, T locus may be associated with OP. Strong linkage disequilibrium was detected among rs1137100, rs1137101, and rs4655555. Four haplotypes were constructed, among which, AACGCT and GGTGTA increased the risk of OP by 3.9 and 4.2 times, respectively, whereas, GGCGTA reduced 74% of OP susceptibility. The rs1137100, rs2767485, and rs465555 of LEPR were associated with OP in Chinese Mulao people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine whether a specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup is implicated in the pathogenesis of intrauterine adhesion (IUA).Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 486 women with (case group, n = 154) and without IUA (control group, n = 332) at the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood, and the mtDNA haplogroups of Han women M, N and R were determined by sequencing hypervariable mtDNA segments and testing diagnostic polymorphisms in the mtDNA coding region.Results: Women with mtDNA haplogroup R had an independently increased genetic risk factor for IUA with an OR 1.77 (95% CI 1.16-2.70, p = 0.009) compared with women without. Moreover, repeated intrauterine surgery within 1 month and number of intrauterine operations were both significantly associated with IUA (p < 0.001).Conclusions: These results suggest that mtDNA haplogroup R, one of the main mtDNA haplogroups in Han population, is a strong independent genetic risk factor for women with IUA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors previously demonstrated decreased levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis. Here, the authors determine whether women with endometriosis have altered levels of PEDF in serum. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 71 women with and without endometriosis (n = 43 and 28, respectively) before laparoscopic surgery. Concentrations of serum PEDF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We detected lower levels of serum PEDF in women with endometriosis (16.3 ± 6.6 ng/mL) than in those without endometriosis (24.5 ± 7.3 ng/mL; P < .001). In women with endometriosis, the concentrations of serum PEDF were significantly lower in women with pain (n = 11, 12.6 ± 7.1 ng/mL) compared to women without pain (n = 32, 17.5 ± 6.0 ng/mL; P < .05). However, the concentrations of serum PEDF did not correlate with disease stage or site or infertility. In addition, the concentrations of serum PEDF did not show any difference in the phase of the cycle in either group. Our results suggest that reduced levels of serum PEDF in women with endometriosis and disease-related pain may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Narrowing of the uterine spiral arterioles below the deciduomyometrial junction is 1 of the key pathophysiological changes in women with preeclampsia. The contribution of pelvic autonomic nerves to decidualization and impaired placentation in preeclampsia is not clear. Placental bed biopsies were obtained from 10 women with preeclampsia and 23 nornotensive women at Caesarean section. We stained them with anti-S100 and CD34 antibodies to detect the presence of nerve fibers and blood vessels, respectively. We detected S100-immunoactive nerve fibers in the myometrium but not in the decidua in both groups of women. S100-immunoactive nerve fiber density in the placental bed myometrium was significantly increased in women with preeclampsia compared to normotensive women. There was no clear relationship between the densities of nerve fibers and CD34-positive blood vessels in these biopsies. These results suggest increased nerve fibers in the placental bed myometrium may play a role in the pathogenesis of the preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To determine whether nerve fibers can be detected in the endometrium and myometrium in women with painful uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.Design: A retrospective immunohistochemical study.Setting: An academic training hospital.Patient(s): Thirty-seven women with uterine fibroids and 29 women with adenomyosis.Intervention(s): Histologic sections of contiguous endometrial and myometrial tissues were stained immunohistochemically using the highly specific polyclonal rabbit antiprotein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and monoclonal mouse antineurofilament protein (NF).Main Outcome Measure(s): Results were determined through immunohistochemical staining using PGP9.5 and NF.Result(s): We detected PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fibers in the functional layer of the endometrium in women with pain but not in women without pain. PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fiber density in the basal layer of the endometrium or myometrium significantly increased in women with pain, however, PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fiber density had no statistical differences between women with adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. We identified NF-immunoactive nerve fibers in the basal layer of the endometrium and myometrium in women with adenomyosis and uterine fibroids, but found no significant differences.Conclusion(s): These results suggest that PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fibers appearing in the endometrium and myometrium of women with painful adenomyosis and uterine fibroids may play a role in pain generation in these two disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel living biocomposite was engineered to boost environmental Cr(VI) remediation. Photosensitive biohybrids were firstly configured through an inward-to-outward assembly of NH 2 -doped carbon dots (NCDs), polydopamine (PDA) and wild Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 cells to generate microbial-photoreduction of Cr(VI) at the nanoscale. Then, biohybrid-derived biofilms were implanted onto the surface of melamine foam (MF) through an in-situ polypyrrole (PPy)-heterojunction to form highly conductive living MF/PPy/biohybrid biocomposites at a macroscale. Bacterial biomass immobilized onto the surface of MF and the efficacy of related biocomposites for Cr(VI) reduction increased with increasing pyrrole (PY) monomer concentrations (0.15 → 0.60 mL). In a 50 mg/L-Cr(VI) reduction system conducted under visible light illumination, biocomposites treated with 0.60 mL PY monomer displayed the highest Cr(VI) reduction efficiency (100%) with the shortest reaction time (24 h) during the first reduction cycle and significantly outperformed other biocomposite formulations over longer time periods (36–72 h). The living biocomposites exhibited an outstanding recyclability (>4 cycles) in subsequent reduction cycles. Overall, a reliable amalgamation of all living/non-living components integrated into the biocomposite ensured an efficient biocatalyst framework for Cr(VI) reduction and recyclable use. [Display omitted] • Biocomposites are fabricated with photosensitive biohybrids, polypyrrole and melamine foam through in-situ heterojunction. • Living biocomposites create a reliable and efficient biocatalyst framework for Cr(VI) reduction. • Catalytic efficacy of the biocomposite increased with the amount of polypyrrole wrapped onto the composite. • The living biocomposite displays an outstanding recyclability in dynamic Cr(VI) reduction cycles. • Living biocomposites represent an advanced biocatalyst for use in Cr(VI) remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Idiopathic inflammatory myositis-associated interstitial lung disease (IIM-ILD) significantly increases morbidity and mortality. Lung ultrasound B-lines and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) are identified as new sonographic and serum markers of ILD, respectively. The aim of our work was to assess the role of B-lines and KL-6 as markers of the severity of IIM-ILD. For this purpose, the correlation among B-lines score, serum KL-6 levels, high-resolution CT (HRCT) score, and pulmonary function tests were investigated in IIM-ILD patients. Methods Thirty-eight patients with IIM-ILD underwent chest HRCT scans, lung ultrasound and pulmonary function tests (independently performed within 1 week) examination. To assess severity and extent of ILD at HRCT, the Warrick score was used. The B-lines score denoting the extension of ILD was calculated by summing the number of B-lines on a total of 50 scanning sites. Serum KL-6 levels (U/ml) was measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Results A significant correlation was found between the B-lines score and serum KL-6 levels (r  = 0.43, P  < 0.01), and between the Warrick score and serum KL-6 levels (r  = 0.45, P  < 0.01). A positive correlation between B-lines score and the Warrick score (r  = 0.87, P  < 0.0001) was also confirmed. Both B-lines score and KL-6 levels inversely correlated to diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (r  = −0.77, P  < 0.0001 and r  = −0.42, P  < 0.05, respectively) and total lung capacity (r  = −0.73, P  < 0.0001 and r  = −0.36, P  < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, B-lines correlated inversely with forced vital capacity (r  = −0.73, P  < 0.0001), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r  = −0.69, P  < 0.0001). Conclusion B-lines score and serum KL-6 levels correlate with HRCT findings and pulmonary function tests, supporting their use as measures of IIM-ILD severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether patients with endometriosis have altered levels of pigment epithelium–derived factor (PEDF) in peritoneal fluid, concentrations of PEDF in peritoneal fluid collected from 42 patients with endometriosis and 30 patients without endometriosis were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We detected significantly lower levels of peritoneal fluid PEDF in patients with endometriosis compared with patients without endometriosis, suggesting that peritoneal fluid PEDF plays a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether nerve fibers in the functional layer endometrium are caused by an endometriosis itself or a common symptom of pain, endometrial tissues from 30 women with endometriosis, 40 women with adenomyosis, 41 women with uterine fibroids, and 47 endometriosis women with adenomyosis were stained immunohistochemically using the highly specific polyclonal rabbit antiprotein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and monoclonal mouse antineurofilament protein. We demonstrated PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fibers in the functional layer of endometrium in women with pain symptoms, but not in women without pain symptoms, whether the women had endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis with adenomyosis, suggesting a role of PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fibers in the functional layer of the endometrium playing in pain generation in these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Hui people are the adherents of Muslim faith and distributing throughout China. There are two contrasting hypotheses about the origin and diversification of the Hui people, namely, the demic diffusion involving the mass movement of people or simple cultural diffusion. Materials and methods: We collected 621 unrelated male individuals from 23 Hui populations all over China. We comprehensively genotyped more than 100 informative Y‐chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms and 17 Y‐chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) on those samples. Results: Co‐analyzed with published worldwide populations, our results suggest the origin of Hui people has involved massive assimilation of indigenous East Asians with about 70% in total of the paternal ancestry could be traced back to East Asia and the left 30% to various regions in West Eurasia. Discussion: The genetic structure of the extant Hui populations was primarily shaped by the indigenous East Asian populations as they contribute the majority part of the paternal lineages of Hui people. The West Eurasian admixture was probably a sex‐biased male‐driven process since we have not found such a high proportion of West Eurasian gene flow on autosomal STRs and maternal mtDNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, lung ultrasound (LUS) B-lines and serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) antigen have been recognized as biomarkers of the connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung diseases (CTD-ILDs). Robust data have demonstrated that B-lines total numbers and KL-6 levels are correlated with high-resolution computed tomography findings, pulmonary function test, and some clinical parameters in CTD-ILDs. However, limited data are available regarding the use of these two biomarkers to follow CTD-ILDs. Herein, we report a case with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis-associated ILD, successfully treated with high-dose methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide, intravenous immunoglobulin, pirfenidone, and followed using lung ultrasound and KL-6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and long-term prognosis of uterine artery chemoembolization (UACE) combined with curettage for treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).Methods: Data were retrospectively reviewed from women with CSPs treated by UACE with curettage at Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, a tertiary obstetrics and gynecologic center in China, between December 2006 and December 2016. Information on clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes was obtained from medical records and follow-up interviews.Results: There were 383 patients included; 379 (99.0%) women were successfully treated. Risk factors associated with intraoperative bleeding were size of gestational mass (P=0.001), presence of fetal heart beat (P=0.002), and type of CSP (P=0.002). Among 301 women with complete medical records over a mean ± SD follow-up of 49.8 ± 30.2 months, 164 (54.5%) women resumed normal menstruation and only 22 (7.3%) experienced a reduction in menstrual volume of more than one-half. Among 89 women attempting to conceive, the conception rate was 69% (61/89), the positive pregnancy rate was 80% (49/61), and 35 live neonates were delivered.Conclusion: UACE combined with curettage was found to be an effective fertility-sparing treatment for CSP. Further, the approach did not seem to harm future reproductive ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a regulator for the formation and maintenance of chronic pain in various chronic disorders and has been shown to increase in the serum of women with endometriosis. However, BDNF expression in the peritoneal fluid (PF) and ectopic lesions and its role in endometriosis pain remain unclear. Thus, this study aims to determine the BDNF concentrations in serum and PFs and BDNF expression levels in ectopic lesions and endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) of women with endometriosis (n = 60). The obtained results were then compared with those of women without endometriosis (n = 38). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations in serum and PF, as well as the BDNF expression levels in ectopic lesions and endometriotic cells, were evaluated through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. As a result, BDNF concentrations in serum and PF were significantly higher in women with endometriosis with pain (2284.3 ± 51.5 pg/mL, n = 23; 58.8 ± 6.4 pg/mL, n = 16) than in women with endometriosis without pain (1999.8 ± 61.1 pg/mL, n = 37; 31.7 ± 2.9 pg/mL, n = 25; P < .01). Moreover, BDNF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in ectopic lesions (8.97 ± 1.44, n = 29) were significantly higher than eutopic (0.97 ± 0.14, n = 16; P < .01) and control endometrium (1.23 ± 0.19, n = 18; P < .01) and were correlated with endometriosis pain (P < .05). Furthermore, increased BDNF mRNA and protein expression levels in ESCs induced by estradiol or interleukin 1β were removed using a phosphorylated extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 inhibitor. These results suggest that BDNF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of (Ni 1− x Co x ) 2 MnGe and (Ni 0.2 Co 0.8 ) 2 Mn 1+ y Ge 1− y bulk X 2 YZ -type full Heusler alloys were synthesized by arc melting. Our results show that the structure of the (Ni 0.2 Co 0.8 ) 2 Mn 1+ y Ge 1− y alloys evolved from hexagonal Ni 2 In-type paramagnetic phase, and the cubic L 2 1 ferromagnetic phase evolved to the cubic B 2 ferrimagnetic one gradually with the increase of y from −0.8 to 0.8. In addition, the structure of the (Ni 1− x Co x ) 2 MnGe alloys evolved from the L 2 1 +Ni 5 Mn 4 Ge 3 impurity phase to the pure L 2 1 ferromagnetic one with the increase of x from 0 to 1.0. Magnetic tests indicated that ferromagnetic coupling occurred between Ni X /Co X and Mn Y ions (i.e., Ni, Co, and Mn ions in X , X , and Y sites, respectively) and antiferromagnetic coupling between Ni X /Co X and Mn Z ions (i.e., Mn ions in Z sites) for the L 2 1 structure of the alloys. High-resolution transmission-electron-microscopy studies confirmed the Heusler L 2 1 structure of (Ni 0.2 Co 0.8 ) 2 MnGe alloys, and revealed that Ni ions repelled each other in the Co-rich (Ni 1− x Co x ) 2 MnGe alloy, and it brought out the secondary phase in the Ni-rich (Ni 1− x Co x ) 2 MnGe alloy. Ferromagnetic resonance results showed that the Landé g factor for the L 2 1 (Ni 0.2 Co 0.8 ) 2 MnGe alloys was 2.17. However, it was only 2.04 for the (Ni 0.2 Co 0.8 ) 2 Mn 0.6 Ge 1.4 alloy due to its hexagonal crystal field. The large damping coefficient of 0.22 for the L 2 1 (Ni 0.2 Co 0.8 ) 2 MnGe alloy probably originated from the few antiferromagnetic-coupling Mn atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is an inevitable event that nanoparticles (NPs) will encounter proteins/peptides in nano-medicine, so it has been significant to know their interaction mechanism before in vivo applications. Previously, a 105-amino-acid sequence had been reported as the binding site between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and amphiphilic polymer coated gold nanoparticles (AP-AuNPs) along with a mortise-tenon joint hypothesis. This article tested the affinity difference between two epitope peptide sequences such as: LGEYGFQNALIVR (S1), DAFLGSFLYEYSR (S2) and one non-epitope peptide sequence as: FDEHVKLVNELTEF (S3). With the photoluminescent amino acid residues, the fluorescence quenching method based on the nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) principle was able to study the thermodynamics of the current binding system. The binding constants (K a ) were determined and followed the order as: K a-S1 > K a-S2 >> K a-S3 . Moreover, Hill constants indicated that cooperativity only presented in the interactions of AP-AuNP with either S1 or S2, but not for S3. Moreover, gel electrophoresis, surface plasmon resonance, atomic force microscopy and three dimensional fluorescence microscopy were all also used to comprehensively analyse the binding interaction mechanism. These results further provided useful information to better understand the mortise-tenon joint, which might find applications to nanofabrication and biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 3 (P2X3) is crucially involved in peripheral nociceptive processes of somatic and visceral pain. Endometriosis pain is considered as a kind of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. However, whether P2X3 is involved in endometriosis pain has not been reported up to date. Here, we aimed to determine whether P2X3 expression in endometriotic lesions is involved in endometriosis pain, which is regulated by inflammatory mediators through extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signalling pathway. We found that P2X3 expressions in endometriosis endometrium and endometriotic lesions were both significantly higher as compared with control endometrium (P<0.05), and both positively correlated with pain (P<0.05). The expression levels of phosphorylated –ERK (p-ERK), phosphorylated-cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB), and P2X3 in endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) were all significantly increased in comparison to the initial levels after treated with interleukin (IL)-1β (P<0.05) or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (P<0.05), respectively, and did not increase after the ESCs were pre-treated with ERK1/2 inhibitor. Additionally, P2X3 and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) were co-expressed in endometriotic lesions. These obtained results suggest that P2X3 might be involved in endometriosis pain signal transduction via ERK signal pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of aluminum tripolyphosphate (ATP) as inhibiting agents for carbon steel was studied in a carbonated concrete pore solution and mortars, respectively. The polarization resistance of the steel and the resistance of the concrete cover layer significantly increased when the content of ATP in mortars increasing. The electrochemical and surface analysis suggests that the stability of the passive film on carbon steel was enhanced by ATP; a tripolyphosphate adsorbed layer also formed on the surface of the steel. Consequently, the pitting corrosion of the steel was effective hindered by ATP both in the pore solution and mortars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) protein expression has been demonstrated to correlate with tumor progression, metastasis, and prognosis, and its mRNA expression increases in deeply infiltrating endometriotic lesions. However, it remains unclear whether RON protein expression also increases in endometriotic lesions, and may be a risk factor of malignant transformation in endometriotic lesions.Methods: The protein expression of RON in control (n = 19), eutopic (n = 16), and ectopic (n = 51) endometria, as well as in endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOC, n = 16) was determined by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.Results: Endometriotic lesions expressed low levels of RON protein, but no RON protein expression appeared in matched eutopic or control endometrium. EAOC exhibited high levels of RON protein. The frequency and IHC score of RON protein expression were both significantly higher in EAOC [100.0% (14/14), 5.37 ± 0.74] than those in endometriotic lesions [51.0% (26/51), 2.15 ± 1.12; P = 0.002, 0.001]. Multivariate analysis of covariance only revealed a correlation of RON protein expression and EAOC (P = 0.006), but no correlations of RON protein expression and clinical parameters (P > 0.05).Conclusions: These obtained results suggest that increased RON expression might be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and disease-associated ovarian cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Apart from the abnormalities of tubal anatomy, the main concern linked to infertility is impaired tubal motility associated with hydrosalpinx, which is thought to be controlled by hormones and nerves. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of nerve fibers in the oviduct isthmus in women with and without hydrosalpinx. Histological sections of the oviduct isthmus tissue were obtained from 18 women undergoing salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx, and from 15 women undergoing hysterectomy and salpingectomy for benign gynecologic diseases. The tissues were immunohistochemically stained for protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, protein S100, neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) to reveal all nerve fibers, as well as sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers, in the oviduct isthmus. We detected the presence of PGP9.5, S100, VIP, and NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the oviduct isthmus in all study subjects. However, the densities of PGP9.5, S100, VIP, and NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the oviduct isthmus were all significantly decreased in women with hydrosalpinx compared with those in women without hydrosalpinx (P <0.01). Our results suggest that reduced nerve fibers in the oviduct isthmus in women with hydrosalpinx compared with women without hydrosalpinx may have an important function in the mechanism of hydrosalpinx-associated infertility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is typically characterized by multifocal locations. It has been shown that CCR1, combined highly with RANTES, contributes to the enhanced recruitment of inflammatory cells at endometriotic sites. As an estrogen-dependent disorder, estrogen receptors are also crucial to the growth of endometriotic tissues. In this study we report the immunohistochemical analysis of RANTES, CCR1, ER-α and ER-β in 48 histological lesions prepared from women with DIE undergoing surgery. Immunohistochemical analysis of RANTES, CCR1, ER-α and ER-β was conducted at different sites of DIE lesions. RANTES was immunolocalized in the cytoplasm and CCR1 in cytomembranes of endometriotic cells. ER-α and ER-β extensively immunostained the nuclei of endometrial glandular, and stromal cells. Immunoreactivity in DIE lesions, similar to the widespread ERs, showed higher expression of RANTES and CCR1 in three types of DIE lesions. There was a significant correlation, independent of cyclic changes, between the expression of RANTES/CCR1 and DIE lesions. RANTES/CCR1 increased significantly according to the severity of dysmenorrhea. RANTES and CCR1 together may provide a potential biomarker for DIE-related pain and inflammatory response in endometriotic lesions of patients with DIE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for endometriotic lesion formation and development. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a potential inhibitor of angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to detect PEDF immunolocalization in endometriotic lesions and the correlation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvascular density (MVD) in a rat model of endometriosis. A subcutaneous endometriosis rat model was established by using auto-transplantation. Expression of PEDF, VEGF and MVD labeled by von Willebrand factor (v-WF) in endometriotic lesions and endometrial tissues was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining. We detected lower PEDF immunostaining and higher VEGF and MVD immunostaining in active lesions in a rat model of endometriosis than that in endometriosis endometrium or control endometrium (P <0.05), but no differences between endometriosis and control endometrium were found (P >0.05). In lesions, PEDF expression was negatively correlated with VEGF expression, MVD or sizes of cysts (P <0.01). On the contrary, both VEGF expression and MVD were positively correlated with lesion sizes (P <0.05). In addition, VEGF expression was positively correlated with MVD (P <0.01). Our results suggest that PEDF might be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and may lead to novel treatment for this disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Although nerve fibres are present in eutopic and ectopic endometrium, it is unclear whether they appear in ovarian endometriotic lesions. We investigated the presence of nerve fibres in ovarian endometriotic lesions and its correlation with clinical parameters in women with ovarian endometriosis.Methods: Histological sections of ovarian endometriotic lesions from 61 women with ovarian endometriosis (Stages II-IV) who underwent laparoscopic endometrioma cystectomy were stained immunohistochemically using a specific polyclonal rabbit anti-protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) antibody to demonstrate myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres.Results: Nerve fibres stained with PGP9.5 were detected in ovarian endometriotic lesions in 31.1% of women, and most appeared in fibrotic interstitium of ovarian endometriotic lesions. The density of PGP9.5-immunoactive fibres in ovarian endometriotic lesions in women with pain symptoms (n = 35) was higher than in women with no pain symptoms (n = 26, P = 0.039), although the percentage (positive cases/total) of PGP9.5-positive fibres did not differ. In women with pain symptoms, PGP9.5-positive fibres appeared in 40.0% of cases and the density of PGP9.5-immunoactive fibres in ovarian endometriotic lesions was correlated with severity of pain symptoms (r = 0.466, P = 0.005). In women with no pain, PGP9.5-positive fibres were detected in only 5 (19.2%) women. Both the percentage and the density of PGP9.5-positive fibres in ovarian endometriotic lesions were associated with pelvic adhesions (chi2 = 6.833, P = 0.009; Z = 2.442, P = 0.015, respectively) but not with disease severity.Conclusions: PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fibres in ovarian endometriotic lesions may be involved in the pathophysiology of pain generation and pelvic adhesion formation in women with ovarian endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A two-state model with high/low oxygen content is proposed in an amorphous system. • The two-state model can be explained magnetic and electrical properties of the CoFeTaBO film. • Based on the two-state model, the physical properties of amorphous systems can be predicted. Amorphous magnetic CoFeTaBO granular films with different oxygen contents are fabricated by using magnetron sputtering. The effect of oxygen contents on magnetic and electrical properties of the amorphous CoFeTaBO granular films are investigated, and a model for the coexistence of two states of oxygen-dependent metallic oxides in the CoFeTaBO film is proposed to explain magnetic and electrical characteristics in amorphous film system. It is expected that our proposed two-state model can provide a new perspective for understanding the physical properties of amorphous magnetic granular film materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]