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The heterogeneity of triple‐negative breast cancers (TNBC) remains challenging for various treatments. Ferroptosis, a recently identified form of cell death resulting from the unrestrained peroxidation of phospholipids, represents a potential vulnerability in TNBC. In this study, a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)‐driven nanomotor is developed for effective therapy of TNBC through induction of ferroptosis. Through bioinformatics analysis of typical ferroptosis‐associated genes in the FUSCCTNBC dataset, gambogic acid is identified as a promising ferroptosis drug and loaded it into the nanomotor. It is found that the rapid motion of nanomotors propelled by HIFU significantly enhanced tumor accumulation and penetration. More importantly, HIFU not only actuated nanomotors to trigger effective ferroptosis of TNBC cells, but also drove nanomotors to activate ferroptosis‐mediated antitumor immunity in primary and metastatic TNBC models, resulting in effective tumor regression and prevention of metastases. Overall, HIFU‐driven nanomotors show great potential for ferroptosis‐immunotherapy of TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous image authentication techniques have been devised to address the potential security issue of malicious tampering with image content since digital images can be easily duplicated, modified, transformed and diffused via the Internet transmission. However, the existing works still remain many shortcomings in terms of the recovery incapability and detection accuracy with extensive tampering. To improve the performance of tamper detection and image recovery, we present a block mapping and dual-matrix-based watermarking scheme for image authentication with self-recovery capability in this paper. The to-be-embedded watermark information is composed of the authentication data and recovery data. The Authentication Feature Composition Calculation algorithm is proposed to generate the authentication data for image tamper detection and localization. Furthermore, the recovery data for tampered region recovery is comprised of self-recovery bits and mapped-recovery bits. The Set Partition in Hierarchical Trees encoding algorithm is applied to obtain the self-recovery bits, whereas the Rehashing Model-based Block Mapping algorithm is proposed to obtain the mapped-recovery bits for retrieving the damaged codes caused by tampering. Subsequently, the watermark information is embedded into the original image as digital watermarking with the guidance of a dual-matrix. The experimental results demonstrate that comparing with other state-of-the-art works, our proposed scheme not only improves the performance in recovery, but also extends the limitation of tampering rate up to 90%. Furthermore, it obtains a desirable image quality above 40 dB, large watermark payload up to 3.169 bpp, and the effective resistance to malicious attack, such as copy-move and collage attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the clinical efficacy of xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) plus apically positioned flap (APF) in augmenting the keratinized mucosa (KM) width (KMW) and thickness (KMT) around posterior mandibular implants and compare it with free gingival graft (FGG) plus APF. Material and methods: Thirty patients with KMW ≤ 2 mm in the posterior mandibular implant site were randomly allocated to the FGG group (FGG plus APF) or the XCM group (XCM plus APF). Clinical assessments, including KMW and KMT, shrinkage rate of established KM, and peri-implant soft tissue health, were evaluated during a 6-month follow-up. Additionally, the esthetic outcomes and patient-reported postoperative morbidity were investigated. Results: At 6 months, the KMW measured 3.60 ± 0.79 mm in the FGG group and 3.28 ± 0.96 mm in the XCM group (p = 0.186). Both groups showed a tendency for graft contraction (FGG, 42.11%; XCM, 53.22%). The KMT measured 1.24 ± 0.34 mm in the FGG group and 0.95 ± 0.29 mm in the XCM group, with statistical difference (p = 0.002). No difference in the peri-implant soft tissue health was observed between the two groups (p > 0.05), but the esthetic outcomes were better in the XCM group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: XCM plus APF rendered a similar clinical efficacy in augmenting KMW as that with FGG plus APF, but with higher shrinkage. XCM plus APF was inferior with respect to FGG plus APF in augmenting KMT. The esthetic outcomes were better with XCM plus APF than FGG plus APF. Clinical relevance XCM plus APF graft was inferior with respect to FGG plus APF in augmenting KMT. Trial registration: Trial registration number: ChiCTR2200058027 and date: 03/27/2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black carbon in snow (BCS) has a significant impact on global climate and is an important component of Earth system modeling. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of BCS simulations in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and its radiative forcing on a global scale. Overall, the multi-model mean generally captures the characteristics of BCS spatial patterns, with maximum concentrations in East Asia and the Tibetan Plateau (~120 ng·g−1), and the lowest in Antarctica (~0.05 ng·g−1). The BCS concentrations in all CMIP6 multi-model mean and individual models generally exhibit a temporally increasing trend globally, with particularly large increases after the 1940s. In terms of seasonal cycles, individual models are generally consistent in most regions. Globally, BCS concentrations are highest around January and lowest in September. The albedo reduction in the Tibetan Plateau and East Asia simulated by the CMIP6 multi-model mean reached ~0.06 in 2014 and may influence climate more than expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental implant abutments play an important role in the health and aesthetics of soft and hard tissues around implants. Purpose: To compare mechanical properties and marginal fit of prefabricated and customized dental implant abutments and provide references to evaluate the relationship between abutment choice and clinical indications. Methods: Titanium abutments were randomly divided into prefabricated and customized abutments. Static and dynamic loads were applied according to ISO14801:2016. Mechanical properties, including fracture strength, fatigue strength, rotational torque value, and torque loss rate, were measured. The biological properties of the implant abutments were assessed using an internal marginal fit. The samples were sliced, and the internal marginal fit was examined using a scanning electron microscope before and after cyclic loading. The length of the tight contact was calculated at the level of the conical connection, lower internal connection, and screw threads. Microleakage was evaluated by immersing the samples in 1% methylene blue and measuring the absorbance. Results: The fracture strengths of the prefabricated abutments were greater than those of the customized abutments before and after cyclic loading. The average fatigue strengths of the prefabricated and customized abutments were 350 and 300 N, respectively. The removal torque loss of the customized abutments was significantly greater than that of the prefabricated abutments. Significant differences were found in conical connection before loading, while the screw threads showed substantial differences between the two groups after loading. Microleakage in the customized abutments was significantly higher than that in the prefabricated abutments before and after loading. Conclusions: Prefabricated abutments showed superior mechanical and biological properties compared with customized abutments in vitro, suggesting a greater risk of mechanical and biological complications occurring with the use of customized abutments. This study provides a reference for the clinical selection of implant abutments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene (PP) becomes a superior candidate material for new environmental-friendly cable insulation layer with its excellent heat resistance, electrical properties and degradability. At present, most of studies focus on the insulation layer of PP cable. However, there are few studies on semi-conductive shielding layer of PP cable which match its insulation layer. In this paper, polypropylene (PP)/styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) is adopted as matrix of PP cable semi-conductive layer to matching its insulation layer. Meanwhile, Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH- g -PP) is used to cooperatively improve the compatibility between PP and SEBS. The physicochemical properties, space charge injection properties and compatibility of semi-conductive composites with different CB and MAH-g-PP contents is studied by combining experiment and simulation methods. The experimental results show that the surface roughness of the semi-conductive layer and the space charge inside the insulation layer decrease first and then increase with the increase of CB addition. Among them, the two parameters of 25 phr CB semi-conductive layer is the lowest, respectively 13.98 nm and 2.25 × 10−8C. These two parameters are significantly reduced after the addition of compatibilizer MAH-g-PP, which decreased by 29.47 % and 62.22 %, respectively. The simulation results show that the Flory-Huggins interaction parameters (χ) of MAH-g-PP with PP and SEBS are −73.3 and −45.2, respectively, which are 236.24 % and 107.34 % lower than those of PP/SEBS. The χ value of MAH-g-PP/CB is 8.20, which is 33.27 % and 9.59 % lower than CB/PP and CB/SEBS, respectively. It shows that MAH-g-PP can effectively improve the compatibility of matrix and filler. This work has important guiding significance for the research of semi-conductive layer formulation of PP cable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snow and ice are important reservoirs of atmospheric ions, yet a comprehensive understanding of ions in snow/ice remains a challenge due to spatiotemporal limitations of field campaigns. To address this issue, mathematical statistics were employed to summarize global observational data from 49 published sources covering 546 snow and 19 ice core sampling sites. The findings show remarkable variability in ion concentrations and compositions in snow, with differences spanning 4 to 6 orders of magnitude. This variation changes with elevation, season and historical development, and differs regionally and within regions. These complex patterns of ion distribution in snow and ice are shaped by a range of factors, including local and remote emission sources, trans-regional transports, atmospheric circulations, natural climate variability, geographical features and environmental factors. This comprehensive global analysis would effectively enhance our understanding of snow and ice chemistry and its significant environmental implications, particularly in the context of a rapid changing global climate. • A comprehensive global assessment of ions in snow and ice cores was conducted based on 546 snow samples and 19 ice cores. • Ions exhibited divergent spatiotemporal patterns in types, concentrations and sources. • The complex patterns of ion distribution were shaped by a range of influencing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The percentage of infants receiving frozen human milk (HM) is increasing. The effects of thawing and warming on the secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) level and lysozyme activity in frozen HM should be investigated to identify optimal methods for preserving immune factors in frozen HM. Methods: Milk samples were collected from 40 mothers with healthy full-term infants who had been lactating for one to six months. The baseline samples were analyzed within 24 h after collection, and the other samples were frozen at -18 °C before analyses. We compared two methods: placing the container overnight in a refrigerator at 4 °C before warming (slow thawing) and immediately thawing in warm water after removing the sample from the freezer (rapid thawing). Additionally, we investigated the effects of the warming temperature by comparing room temperature (25 °C) and physiological temperature (37 °C). The SIgA concentrations and lysozyme activities in the milk samples were determined using ELISA kits and fluorometric lysozyme activity assay kits, respectively. Results: The SIgA concentrations and lysozyme activity in frozen HM were 16.5–52.1% and 16.8–39.3% lower than those in fresh HM, respectively. The SIgA concentrations in frozen HM were stable during slow thawing at 37 °C (p = 0.072) compared with those in fresh HM. The SIgA concentrations and lysozyme activity were maintained at significantly higher levels during slow thawing than during rapid thawing at 25 °C (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Slow thawing preserved higher SIgA concentrations and lysozyme activity than rapid thawing at 37 °C, but the difference was not significant. Conclusions: The SIgA level in HM frozen at -18 °C for two months was stable after overnight thawing in the refrigerator (4 °C for 12 h) before warming to 37 °C compared with that in fresh milk. The thawing of HM in the refrigerator overnight (and then warming to 25 °C or 37 °C for 30 min) has the potential to preserve the SIgA concentration and lysozyme activity to a greater extent than heating immediately after removal from the freezer. Broader temperature ranges should be analyzed to determine the temperature that minimizes the losses in SIgA concentration and lysozyme activity in HM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scalp pruritus is a common skin problem that remains therapeutic challenge. The relationships between the dysbiosis of microbiota and skin diseases have caught attention recently. However, there are few reports about microbiota on itchy scalp. This study investigated scalp microbial characteristics of subjects with mild scalp pruritus of undetermined origin and preliminarily screened physiological factors and bacteria potentially related to pruritus. The pruritus severity of 17 qualified females was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Microbiota collection was done at both itchy (n = 20) and non-itchy sites (n = 27) at occiput and crown of the same subject and Illumina sequencing was performed at the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA. The corresponding sebum content, hydration, pH, trans-epidermal water loss, erythema index and porphyrin numbers were also measured by skin tester. We identified 3044 amplicon sequence variants from 821 genera. The itchy and non-itchy sites had different microbiota structures (p = 0.045, by multivariate analysis of variance), while there were large inter- and intra-individual variations. Both sites had Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium and Lawsonella as predominant genera, which were not significantly related to pruritus. The use of three genera Lactobacillus, Morganella and Pseudomonas, could well distinguish non-itchy from itchy groups, whereas different composition patterns existed inside each group. Our investigation indicated that though the bacterial community structure on itchy scalp was individual specific, there was difference between itchy and non-itchy sites. The study provides new insights into microbiota profiling on itchy scalp, which will help microbiota-targeted therapeutic experiment or products design for scalp pruritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on ionospheric total electron content (TEC) data for Zhongshan station (ZHS) and Scott Base station (SBA) in Antarctica, acquired during 2010–2020, high-latitude ionospheric TEC diurnal variations of two near cusp latitude stations were studied. The magnetic latitude and longitude differences between the two stations were approximately 5° and 135°, respectively. It was found that during the 11-year solar activity cycle, the maximum diurnal variation of the ionospheric TEC at ZHS occurred mainly between local noon and magnetic noon. Statistically, the TEC peaks occurred closer to local (magnetic) noon under low (high) solar activity conditions. The maximum diurnal variation of ionospheric TEC at SBA occurred mainly around local noon under low solar activity conditions but before magnetic midnight under high solar activity conditions. The effects of solar radiation, particle precipitation, and polar ionospheric convection pattern on the diurnal variation of TEC were investigated. At both stations, photoionization caused by solar radiation was the main reason for the maximum diurnal variation of ionospheric TEC around local noon. During high solar activity with high concentration plasma in the dayside polar ionosphere, the convection pattern was the dominant influence on the maximum diurnal variation of TEC before magnetic midnight (noon) at SBA (ZHS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is a rare clinicoradiological syndrome characterized by transient mild encephalopathy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a reversible lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum (SCC). Multiple causes have been proposed for the pathogenesis of MERS, with infection as the most pre-eminent. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 10-year-old girl with MERS due to scrub typhus. Her clinical manifestations of headache and drowsiness, together with lesions involving the SCC, as shown by MRI, and their complete resolution upon follow-up fulfilled the diagnosis of MERS. At the same time, the characteristic eschar of the skin and the positive Weil-Felix test result confirmed the existence of scrub typhus infection. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, we described the first pediatric case of MERS associated with scrub typhus. The case indicated that an MERS patient with fever should be considered as possibly having a scrub typhus infection. The characteristic black eschar of scrub typhus generally occurs after bite of mite that is important and useful to the doctor for making proper diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore breast cancer (BC) patients' participation in breast reconstruction (BR) decision-making and specific decisional needs, especially the manifestations and causes of decisional conflicts, in China. A mixed-methods study was conducted using triangulation of data from interviews and a questionnaire survey with health care professionals (HCPs) and BC patients with BR decision-making experience at 5 Beijing centers. The Ottawa Decision Support Framework guided (ODSF) the qualitative and quantitative data analyses. A total of 82.53% of Chinese BC patients would consider BR. Seven themes captured patients' BR decisional needs per the ODSF: inadequate support/resources (100%, 58.82%) and knowledge (75%, 52.94%) were most frequently cited. Health beliefs (unclear values) reflected Chinese characteristics. Patients had inadequate knowledge (M=19.99/50, SD=8.67) but positive BR attitudes (M=59.48/95, SD=10.45). BR decisions for Chinese BC patients are complex and often accompanied by decisional conflicts. Inadequate knowledge and inadequate support and resources contribute to these conflicts, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored information and support to promote SDM. HCPs need specialized training in SDM to guide patients in decision-making. It is essential to provide relevant resources and support that are culturally and clinically appropriate for Chinese patients. • Chinese breast cancer patients face decisional conflicts and lack knowledge/support for breast reconstruction (BR). • Cultural characteristics and health beliefs influence the decision-making process for BR among Chinese patients. • Tailored information and support are vital to promote shared decision-making (SDM) and meet individual patient needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on our experiences in bile acid profiling, this work developed and validated a liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method to separate endogenous bile acid isomers and quantitatively determine ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in human plasma. The separation was performed on a CORTECS C18 column with the mobile phase consisting of 1.0 mM ammonium acetate and acetonitrile-methanol (80:20, v/v). UDCA, GUDCA and TUDCA were detected in the negative mode on a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer at the ion transitions of m/z 391 > 391, m/z 448 > 74, m/z 498 > 80, respectively. Phosphate buffer was employed as the surrogate matrix to establish the isotope internal standard corrected calibration curves of analytes. The background-method with a linearity range of 10–200 ng/mL was partially validated to determine the endogenous levels of analytes in blank human plasma, which was incorporated into the validation of bioequivalence-method with a linearity range of 50–10000 ng/mL. The bioequivalence (BE)-method was fully validated with special focus on matrix effects, which have been critically evaluated using the precision and accuracy of quality control samples prepared from the blank human plasma of 12 individuals. It is disclosed for the first time that the BE results of UDCA formulation may yield false results when the method is insufficient to separate UDCA from isoursodeoxycholic acid, a microbial metabolite of both endogenous and exogenous UDCA. The present method has established a milestone for the evaluation of UDCA formulations and is expected to provide a valuable reference for the bioanalytical development of endogenous medicinal products. • A high-resolution LC-MS assay for plasma UDCA, GUDCA and TUDCA was validated. • The assay is specific and robust to separate analytes form their endogenous isomers. • Phosphate buffer was used as surrogate matrix with matrix effects critically evaluated. • Insufficient separation of UDCA and isoUDCA lead to false bioequivalence results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For most breast cancer (BC) patients who have undergone a mastectomy, the decision whether to proceed with breast reconstruction (BR) is complicated and requires deliberation. Shared decision-making (SDM) helps to address those needs and promote informed value-based decisions. However, little is known about the SDM status for BR in BC patients. This scoping review describes: 1) basic characteristics of studies on BR SDM in BC patients; 2) factors influencing BR SDM in BC patients; 3) experience and perception of BR SDM in BC patients; and 4) outcome measures reported. This review was performed in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley methodology. A total of 5 English and 4 Chinese databases were searched, as well as different sources from grey literature. The data extraction form was developed by referring to the objectives and the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF). Data was analyzed using thematic analysis, framework analysis and descriptive statistics, with findings presented in the tables and diagrams. A total of 1481 records were retrieved and 42 of these included after screening. In 21 (21/42, 50%) of the studies, patient decision aids (PDAs) were utilized, and in 17 (17/42, 40.48%) of the studies, the factors influencing the implementation of SDM were explored. Of these 17 studies, the factors influencing the implementation of SDM were categorized into the following: the patient level (17/17, 100%), the healthcare level (2/17, 11.76%) and the organizational and system level (7/17, 41.18%). A total of 8 (19.05%) of the 42 studies focused on patients' experiences and perceptions of SDM, and all studies used qualitative research methods. Of these 8 studies, a total of 7 (7/8, 87.50%) focused on patients' experiences of SDM participation, and 4 (4/8, 50.00%) focused on patients' perceptions of SDM. A total of 24 studies (24/42, 57.14%) involved quantitative outcome measures, where 49 items were divided into three classifications according to the outcomes of ODSF: the quality of the decision (17/24, 70.83%), the quality of the decision-making process (20/24, 83.33%), and impact (13/24, 54.17%). Although researchers have paid less attention to other research points in the field of SDM, compared to the design and application of SDM interventional tools, the research team still presents some equally noteworthy points through scoping review. For instance, the various factors influencing BC patients' participation in SDM for BR (especially at the healthcare provider level and at the organizational system level), patients' experiences and perceptions. Systematic reviews (SRs) should be conducted to quantify the impact of these different factors on BR SDM. Implementation of scientific theories and methods can inform the exploration and integration of these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic infection worldwide, and is caused by bacterial genus Brucella. The disease is rarely transmitted through human-to-human transmission. Few cases have been reported about vertical transmission of human brucellosis. Herein, we reported a case of congenital brucellosis, with clear evidence of pathogen detected in mother's placental specimen. Case Presentation: A 34-day-old girl was admitted to the department of pulmonology with fever for 8 days. Three blood samples and one sample of cerebrospinal fluid were positive for Brucella melitensis. The diagnosis of brucellosis and B. melitensis meningitis were established, along with hyperbilirubinemia and liver dysfunction. Treatment of rifampicin (for 6 weeks) and meropenem (for 2 weeks) was administered. However, the disease relapsed within 18 days. Thereafter, a combination therapy of rifampicin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethiprim (SMZ/TMP) was administered for 8 weeks. The disease relapsed again in 42 days. For chronic brucellosis, three courses of combination therapy of rifampicin and SMZ/TMP was administered. The mother had fatigue and arthralgia for 2 weeks, fever and membrane rupture 1 day before the baby was born. B. melitensis DNA was detected in the mother's placental specimen by next-generation sequencing and bacterial identification under microscope proved chorioamnionitis. Conclusions: We reported a confirmed case of congenital brucellosis. This disease should be closely monitored even in nonepidemic areas. The treatment of brucellosis in infancy faces challenges of drug choice and disease relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: X‐linked hyper‐IgM (X‐HIGM), which results from mutations in the CD40LG gene located on chromosome Xq26.3, is the most common form of HIGM. To date, more than 130 variants of the CD40L gene have been reported. We described a patient with novel de novo nuclear mitochondrial DNA sequences (NUMTs) in the CD40LG gene that have resulted in X‐HIGM. Methods: Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) analysis was used to screen for causal variants in the genome, and the candidate breakpoint was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results: A new mutation of CD40LG, which deletes A at position 17 followed by a 147‐nucleotide from mitochondrial DNA copies insertion in exon 1, was detected in a 20‐month‐old boy harbouring an X‐HIGM combined with immunodeficiency syndrome. Conclusion: This is one of the few cases of a human genetic disease caused by nuclear mitochondrial DNA sequences (NUMTs). The presented data serve to demonstrate that de novo NUMT transfer of nucleic acid is a novel mechanism of X‐HIGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tight association between malnutrition and gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis enables microbiota-targeting intervention to be a promising strategy. Thus, we used a malnourished pig model to investigate the host response and GM alterations under different diet supplementation strategies. Pigs at age of 4 weeks were fed with pure maize diet to induce malnutrition symptoms, and followed by continuous feeding with maize (Maize, n = 8) or re-feeding using either corn-soy-blend (CSB+, n = 10) or millet-soy-blend based (MSB+, n = 10) supplementary food for 3 weeks. Meanwhile, 8 pigs were fed on a standard formulated ration as control (Ref). The effect of nutritional supplementation was assessed by the growth status, blood chemistry, gastrointestinal pathology, mucosal microbiota composition and colon production of short-chain fatty acids. Compared with purely maize-fed pigs, both CSB+ and MSB+ elevated the concentrations of total protein and globulin in blood. These pigs still showed most malnutrition symptoms after the food intervention period. MSB+ had superior influence on the GM development, exhibiting better performance in both structural and functional aspects. MSB+ pigs were colonized by less Proteobacteria but more Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Lachnospira spp. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a strong correlation between the abundance of mucosal e.g., Faecalibacterium and Lachnospira spp. and body weight, crown-rump length and total serum protein. In conclusion, the malnutrition symptoms were accompanied by an aberrant GM, and millet-based nutritional supplementation showed promising potentials to restore the reduced GM diversity implicated in pig malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the primary pathogenic process underlying wet age-related macular degeneration, leading to severe vision loss. Despite current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies, several limitations persist. Crocetin, a major bioactive constituent of saffron, exhibits multiple pharmacological activities, yet its role and mechanism in CNV remain unclear. Here, we investigated the potential effects of crocetin on CNV using in vitro and in vivo models. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, crocetin demonstrated inhibition of VEGF-induced cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro, as assessed by CCK-8 and EdU assays, transwell and scratch assays, and tube formation analysis. Additionally, crocetin suppressed choroidal sprouting in ex vivo experiments. In the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line ARPE-19, crocetin attenuated cobalt chloride-induced hypoxic cell injury, as evidenced by CCK-8 assay. As evaluated by quantitative PCR and Western blot assay, it also reduced hypoxia-induced expression of VEGF and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), while enhancing zonula occludens-1 expression. In a laser-induced CNV mouse model, intravitreal administration of crocetin significantly reduced CNV size and suppressed elevated expressions of VEGF, HIF-1α, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6. Moreover, crocetin treatment attenuated the elevation of phospho-S6 in laser-induced CNV and hypoxia-induced RPE cells, suggesting its potential anti-angiogenic effects through antagonizing the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. Our findings indicate that crocetin may hold promise as an effective drug for the prevention and treatment of CNV. • Crocetin inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs. • Crocetin attenuates hypoxic injury in RPE cells in vitro. • Intravitreal injection of crocetin suppresses laser-induced CNV formation in mice. • Crocetin is a potential therapeutic drug for CNV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper analyzes factors affecting LBE-EMFM measurement in high-temperature medium. • As temperature rises, magnetic field and wall velocity gradient grow. • An increase in temperature results in reduced linearity and a non-linear decrease in LBE-EMFM sensitivity. • Research findings provide key insights for instrument optimization & online LBE-EMFM calibration. Lead-bismuth-eutectic (LBE) is one of the preferred transmutation targets and coolants for the fourth-generation nuclear reactors. There are complex and interactive factors affecting the flow control of LBE in high temperature operation, which makes it difficult to trace the quantity-value of a lead–bismuth-eutectic electromagnetic flowmeter (LBE-EMFM). In this paper, the measuring characteristics of LBE-EMFM at high temperature are analyzed and studied. The results show that the magnetic field intensity and flow field distribution are the main factors affecting the performance of the flowmeter. With the increase of temperature, the magnetic field intensity and the flow velocity gradient near the measuring tube wall increase, the linearity of LBE-EMFM decreases, and the sensitivity decreases non-linearly. The research of this paper provides an important reference for detecting the flow parameters of LBE and optimizing the performance of LBE-EMFM in the control process of the nuclear industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge translation (KT) theories, frameworks, and models (TFMs) can help guide and explain KT processes, and facilitate the evaluation of implementation outcomes. They play a critical role in conducting KT research and practice. Currently, little is known about the usage of TFMs in KT in Chinese healthcare settings. The aim of this scoping review is to identify which TFMs had been used for KT in healthcare settings in China, and how these TFMs were used. Methods: The protocol for this scoping review is in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley framework and further enhanced by the recommendations suggested by Levac et al. We will search 8 databases (4 Chinese and 4 English) to identify relevant studies. Four reviewers (2 for Chinese, 2 for English) will independently screen studies based on the eligibility criteria. The basic characteristic of studies and the TFMs utilization (i.e., what, why, and how) will be extracted. Methodological quality and reporting quality will be assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI) (or Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence, SQUIRE 2.0 for quality improvement studies), respectively. All the retrieved TFMs will be categorized into Nilsen's classifications of TFMs for KT research. We will employ the qualitative content analysis approach to summarize how these TFMs have been used, and the rationale. A consultation will be conducted through a 1-h interactive virtual meeting with an expert panel of knowledge users. Discussion: By conducting this scoping review, we expect to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of why and how TFMs have been used in KT research and practice in China, and to identify gaps and provide recommendations for more efficient and meaningful use of TFMs in the future. Systematic review registration: This review has been registered with the Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/8NXAM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electromagnetic flowmeter (EMFM) has been used in the main cooling loop of the fast reactor, but the large-sized magnet structure of conventional EMFMs was not adopted. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a novel EMFM with small-sized magnets for the fast reactor. But the fear is that the decrease in the magnetic field and the end effect will make the EMFM's performance worse, though there is no detailed information about the end effect due to such small-sized magnets. This paper describes the EMFM with small-sized magnets for coolant monitoring. By using three-dimensional steady-state electromagnetic analysis, we have studied numerically the end effect of an EMFM with saddle-shaped permanent magnets that are smaller in size than the pipe diameter. Consequently, it has been clarified that the performance of an EMFM can be improved by utilizing the effect of the downstream end of magnets and by combining the inclined electrodes and the effect of the circumferential ends of magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the reorganization of insular subregions in individuals suffering from neuropathic pain (NP) after incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI) and further to disclose the underlying mechanism of NP. Method. The 3D high-resolution T1-weighted structural images and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) of all individuals were obtained using a 3.0 Tesla MRI system. A comparative analysis of structure and function connectivity (FC) with insular subareas as seeds in 10 ISCI individuals with below-level NP (ISCI-P), 11 ISCI individuals without NP (ISCI-N), and 25 healthy controls (HCs) was conducted. Associations between the structural and functional alteration of insula subregions and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were analyzed using the Pearson correlation in SPSS 20. Results. Compared with ISCI-N patients, when the left posterior insula as the seed, ISCI-P showed increased FC in right cerebellum VIIb and cerebellum VIII, Brodmann 37 (BA 37). When the left ventral anterior insula as the seed, ISCI-P indicated enhanced FC in right BA18 compared with ISCI-N patients. These increased FCs positively correlated with VAS scores. Relative to HCs, ISCI-P presented increased FC in the left hippocampus when the left dorsal anterior insula was determined as the seed. There was no statistical difference in the volume of insula subregions among the three groups. Conclusion. Our study indicated that distinctive patterns of FC in each subregion of insula suggest that the insular subareas participate in the NP processing through different FC following ISCI. Further, insula subregions could serve as a therapeutic target for NP following ISCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases with widespread distribution. Traditional methods for diagnosis of brucellosis require long determination times with complex instruments that do not meet the needs of rapid, simple, and convenient analysis. Thus, a newly rapid and simple method for the colorimetric diagnosis of brucellosis was developed using a paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (p-ELISA). A total of 135 serum samples were analyzed including 33 samples as healthy controls, 77 samples as the positive group with brucellosis, and 25 samples were infected with other bacteria. The major parameters were optimized for the reported protocol. To evaluate the method, receiver operating characteristic analysis and statistical analysis were carried out using these serum samples. In the established p-ELISA system, only 5 ml of serum were required to detect the antibodies of human brucellosis in suspected brucellosis patients in less than 2 hours. The receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted, and the area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic was 0.996 and shown to be a highly accurate diagnostic test. The sensitivity was determined to be 0.961, the specificity 0.983, and the cutoff value 2.260. The gray scale intensity of the human brucellosis patients group was significantly higher than for the healthy and the non-brucellosis patient groups (p 0.001). This newly developed system allows the rapid and easy diagnosis of human brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The artificial damp simulation experiments were conducted in different acidic and alkaline environments. • The physicochemical and electrical properties of XLPE and SIR specimens are evaluated. • Strong alkali has the strongest corrosive effect on specimens, with the most severe degradation of electrical properties. • The Material Studio is used to simulated the effect for electrical properties of breakage molecular chain. The insulation performance of the cable accessories is critical to the safe operation of the power grid. The environment in which the distribution cables are laid affects the insulating properties of the cable accessories. In this paper, the artificial damp simulation experiments were conducted in different acidic and alkaline environments. The physicochemical and electrical properties of specimens were evaluated. The patterns and laws of volume resistivity, breakdown strength, and surface flashover behavior before and after etching were investigated. The results indicated that the resistivity of specimens declined gradually with the extent of etching time. After 28 days, the resistivity of XLPE etched in strong acid (pH = 1) and strong alkali (pH = 13) solutions dropped rapidly, and the SIR decreased by 34.2% (pH = 1) and 26.5% (pH = 13), respectively. The breakdown strength of the two specimens exhibited an overall trend of decline. The XLPE was reduced by 19.08% (strong acid), and 20.61% (strong alkali), respectively, and the SIR was reduced by 15.59% and 17.50% after 28 days compared to the untreated specimens. The flashover voltage of SIR is more severely reduced than that of XLPE. The patterns and principles of the influence of acidity and alkalinity and ion concentration on the electrical properties of the specimens were discussed based on the experimental results. The work has an important guideline for the moisture-proof material selection and damp fault analysis of the cable accessories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the meta‐nitration of arenes bearing ortho/para directing group(s) using the iridium‐catalyzed C−H borylation reaction followed by a newly developed copper(II)‐catalyzed transformation of the crude aryl pinacol boronate esters into the corresponding nitroarenes in a one‐pot fashion. This protocol allows the synthesis of meta‐nitrated arenes that are tedious to prepare or require multistep synthesis using the existing methods. The reaction tolerates a wide array of ortho/para‐directing groups, such as −F, −Cl, −Br, −CH3, −Et, −iPr −OCH3, and −OCF3. It also provides regioselective access to the nitro derivatives of π‐electron‐deficient heterocycles, such as pyridine and quinoline derivatives. The application of this method is demonstrated in the late‐stage modification of complex molecules and also in the gram‐scale preparation of an intermediate en route to the FDA‐approved drug Nilotinib. Finally, we have shown that the nitro product obtained by this strategy can also be directly converted to the aniline or hindered amine through Baran's amination protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the drug treatment regimen for patients with heart failure complicated with hyperuricemia. Methods: Clinical pharmacists participated in the drug treatment of the patients with heart failure complicated with hyperuricemia, and related literature was reviewed and analyzed. Results and Conclusion: There were interactions between heart failure and hyperuricemia. The choice of right drugs could be more beneficial to patients. In the treatment of hyperuricemia,various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs had different effects on pain relief and cardiovascular system. Allopurinol could reduce the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events. Rational choice of drugs for the treatment of heart failure could reduce the level of uric acid, and subsequently reduce the impact of high uric acid on cardiovascular system and the rate of such adverse events as gout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Vapor-phase polymerization (VPP) is an important method for the fabrication of high-quality conducting polymers, especially poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). In this work, the effects of additives and post-treatment solvents on the thermoelectric (TE) performance of VPP-PEDOT films were systematically investigated. The use of 1-butyl-3-menthylinidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF4], an ionic liquid) was shown to significantly enhance the electrical conductivity of VPP-PEDOT films compared with other additives. The VPP-PEDOT film post-treated with mixed ethylene glycol (EG)/[BMIm][BF4] solvent displayed the high power factor of 45.3 μW m−1 K−2 which is 122% higher than that prepared without any additive or post-treatment solvent, along with enhanced electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. This work highlighted the superior effect of the [BMIm][BF4] additive and the EG/[BMIm][BF4] solvent post-treatment on the TE performance of the VPP-PEDOT film. These results should help with developing the VPP method to fabricate high-performance PEDOT films. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1738-1744 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of NaLaTiO: Eu red phosphors with different Eu ion concentrations were prepared via a high-temperature solid-state reaction technique. The effects of Eu ion concentration and temperature on the fluorescent properties of NaLaTiO: Eu phosphors were investigated. The XRD patterns revealed that the as-synthesized samples were single-phase NaLaTiO. Eu ion concentration-dependent excitation and emission spectra showed that there was an efficient energy transfer from NaLaTiO host to Eu ions. Concentration quenching was observed and can be ascribed to exchange interaction between Eu ions based on Van Uitert's model. According to the temperature-dependent emission spectra and the fluorescence decay curves, crossover process was confirmed to be the main mechanism for the temperature-dependent fluorescence quenching behavior of D level of Eu ions in NaLaTiO phosphors. The activation energy was obtained to be 0.30 eV by Arrhenius model. Based on the emission spectra and Judd-Ofelt theory, the optical transition properties of Eu ions in NaLaTiO phosphors were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular ATP is an important damage-associated molecular pattern molecule that plays key roles in innate immunity. In fish, however, the mechanism for extracellular ATP release remains largely undefined. Pannexin1 (Panx1) is a newly discovered extracellular ATP release channel with a wide tissue distribution and diverse biological functions in mammals. In the present study, we identified and characterized a Panx1 homolog cDNA, termed poPanx1 , from Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus , which is one of the most important economic mariculture fish species in China. PoPanx1 is a membrane protein that is composed of 437 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 48.7 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.46. The poPanx1 mRNA ubiquitously expresses in all examined tissues but with predominant expression in hepatopancreas in unstimulated healthy adult Japanese flounder. In Japanese flounder head kidney primary cells, poPanx1 gene expression could be significantly induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs; polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid and bacterial endotoxin LPS) stimulations. In vivo experiments revealed that poPanx1 mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated upon immune challenges with Edwardsiella tarda and Vibrio anguillarum . Furthermore, we showed that poPanx1 is an important channel protein for PAMP-induced extracellular ATP release that is required for activation of purinergic signaling in fish innate immunity. Taken together, our findings suggest that the ATP release channel, poPanx1 , is a novel immune response gene in purinergic signaling of Japanese flounder P . olivaceus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2RX7) channel is a key component for purinergic signaling and plays important roles in the innate immune response in mammals. However, the expression, molecular properties and immune significances of P2RX7 in lower vertebrates are still very limited. Here we identified and characterized a novel bony fish P2RX7 homologue cDNA, termed poP2RX7, in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). PoP2RX7 protein shares about 60–88% sequence similarity and 45–78% sequence identity with known vertebrate P2RX7 proteins. Phylogenetic analysis placed poP2RX7 and other P2RX7 proteins within their own cluster apart from other P2RX members. While the functional poP2RX7 channel shares structural features in common with known P2RX7 homologs, electrophysiological studies revealed that BzATP, the more potent agonist for known mammalian and fish P2RX7s, shows similar potency to ATP in poP2RX7 activation. poP2RX7 mRNA constitutively expressed in all examined tissues from unstimulated healthy Japanese flounder with dominant expression in hepatopancreas and the lowest expression in head kidney, trunk kidney, spleen and gill. poP2RX7 mRNA expression, however, was significantly induced in Japanese flounder head kidney primary cells by Poly(I:C) and bacterial endotoxin LPS stimulations. In vivo experiments further revealed that poP2RX7 gene expression was substantially up-regulated by immune challenge with infectious bacteria Edwardsiella tarda and Vibrio anguillarum. Moreover, activation of poP2RX7 results in an increased gene expression of multifunctional cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 in the head kidney primary cells. Collectively, we identified and characterized a novel fish P2RX7 homolog which is engaged in Japanese flounder innate immune response probably through modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α factor (LITAF) is an important transcription factor participating in innate immunity through regulating TNF-α and other inflammatory cytokines expression. However, the expression and biological relevance of LITAF in fish is still very limited. In this study, a full-length LITAF cDNA, termed PoLITAF, was identified from Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. PoLITAF contains a 67bp 5′-untranslated sequence, a 435bp open reading frame, and a 647bp 3′-untranslated sequence. PoLITAF protein is comprised of 144 amino acids with a conserved C-terminal LITAF-like domain and shows 51–76% sequence similarity and 40–65% sequence identity with other LITAF homologues. Characterization of this new gene revealed that PoLITAF mRNA was detected in all examined tissues with the highest expression in gill. In head kidney primary culture, the expression of Japanese flounder PoLITAF and TNF-α was significantly up-regulated in response to Poly(I:C) and bacterial endotoxin LPS stimulation. Further in vivo experiments demonstrated that PoLITAF expression was up-regulated in head kidney, gill and spleen post bacterial challenge with Edwardsiella tarda. Moreover, the up-regulated expression of Japanese flounder TNF-α following the enhanced expression of PoLITAF was detected as early as 4h in both gill and head kidney tissues and 12h in spleen after the bacterial infection in vivo. Our findings suggest that PoLITAF is a novel inducible gene possibly involved in Japanese flounder innate immunity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Axial back-and-forth-reflection (BFR) inside capillary was investigated. • A photometer based on axial -BFR inside capillary was proposed. • Optical-path enhancement of axial -BFR is more efficient than that of radial -BFR. • In comparison with radial -BFR, axial -BFR features low transmission loss. • The photometer features high sensitivity, compact, low cost and easy fabrication. As for photometry analysis, increasing the optical-path (OP) via multi-reflection is an effective method for improving the detection sensitivity. In this paper, a photometer based on axial multi-reflection between two end-faces of capillary was proposed and investigated. The probe light can be back and forth reflected inside the capillary, by employing apertured silver-mirrors at both ends of a metal-capillary. With designed aperture profile (i.e., a central disc-aperture and a peripheral ring-aperture) of the mirror, a 4.2-fold enhancement on OP was realized (i.e., OP is 4.2 times the capillary length). Moreover, the photometer was applied to detecting nitrite with a detection limit of 1 nM, which exhibits 8.6~15 fold improvement compared with that of previous photometers with similar capillary length and the same chromogenic reagent without sample enrichment. The photometer features compact, low cost and easy fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) containing plaques in the brain is one of the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer''s disease (AD). It has been suggested that modulation of neuronal activity may alter Aβ production in the brain. We postulate that these changes in Aβ production are due to changes in the rate-limiting step of Aβ generation, APP cleavage by γ-secretase. By combining biochemical approaches with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, we found that neuronal inhibition decreases endogenous APP and PS1 interactions, which correlates with reduced Aβ production. By contrast, neuronal activation had a two-phase effect: it initially enhanced APP–PS1 interaction leading to increased Aβ production, which followed by a decrease in the APP and PS1 proximity/interaction. Accordingly, treatment of neurons with naturally secreted Aβ isolated from AD brain or with synthetic Aβ resulted in reduced APP and PS1 proximity. Moreover, applying low concentration of Aβ42 to cultured neurons inhibited de novo Aβ synthesis. These data provide evidence that neuronal activity regulates endogenous APP–PS1 interactions, and suggest a model of a product-enzyme negative feedback. Thus, under normal physiological conditions Aβ may impact its own production by modifying γ-secretase cleavage of APP. Disruption of this negative modulation may cause Aβ overproduction leading to neurotoxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction and aims: Much attention has been paid to scaling-up evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in previous implementation science studies. However, there is limited research on how stakeholders perceive factors of the scaling-up of EBIs. This study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators of scaling-up the nurse-led evidence-based practice of post-stroke dysphagia identification and management (EBP-PSDIM) from the stakeholders' perspective, and to assess their importance and feasibility. Methods: This study was conducted using concept mapping. Through purposive sampling, 18 stakeholders were recruited for brainstorming in which they responded to the focus prompt. Here, statements regarding perceived barriers and facilitators to EBI scaling-up were elicited and then sorted by similarity before being rated based on the importance and feasibility. Cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling, and descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the data. Results: Ultimately, 61 statements perceived to influence the scaling-up were grouped into four primary clusters, that is, community-related factors, resource team-related factors, evidence-based practice program-related factors, and scaling-up strategy-related factors. The 'perceived needs of the community' was rated as the most important and feasible factor to address, whereas 'costs/resource mobilization' was rated as the least important and feasible one. Conclusion: From the stakeholders' perspective, factors involved in the EBP-PSDIM program scaling-up were initially validated as being multidimensional and conceptually distinct;The importance and feasibility ratings of the barriers and facilitators could be used to help decision-makers to prioritize the most appropriate factors to be considered when developing implementation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As restricted resources have seriously limited the computational performance of massive Internet of things (IoT) devices, better processing capability is urgently required. As an innovative technology, multi-access edge computing can provide cloudlet capabilities by offloading computation-intensive services from devices to a nearby edge server. This paper proposes an intelligent rapid adaptive offloading (IRAO) algorithm for a dynamic IoT system to increase overall computational performance and simultaneously keep the fairness of multiple participants, which can achieve agile centralized control and solve the joint optimization problems related to offloading policy and resource allocation. For reducing algorithm execution time, we apply machine learning methods and construct an adaptive learning-based framework consisting of offloading decision-making, radio resource slicing and algorithm parameters updating. In particular, the offloading policy can be rapidly derived from an estimation algorithm based on a deep neural network, which uses an experience replay training method to improve model accuracy and adopts an asynchronous sampling trick to enhance training convergence performance. Extensive simulations with different parameters are conducted to maintain the trade-off between accuracy and efficiency of the IRAO algorithm. Compared with other candidates, the results illustrate that the IRAO algorithm can achieve superior performance in terms of scalability, effectiveness and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to gain further insight into identifying differential perfusion parameters and corresponding histogram parameters of intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma (IMCC) from hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on triphasic computed tomography (CT) scans. 90 patients with pathologically confirmed HCCs (n = 54) and IMCCs (n = 36) who underwent triple-phase enhanced CT imaging were included. Quantitative analysis of CT images derived from triphasic CT scans were evaluated to generate liver perfusion and histogram parameters. The differential performances, including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), specificity, and sensitivity were assessed. The mean value, and all thepercentiles of the arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) were significantly higher in HCCs than in IMCCs. The difference in hepatic arterial blood supply perfusion (HAP) and AEF (ΔHAP = HAPtumor − HAPliver, ΔAEF = AEFtumor − AEFliver) for the mean perfusion parameters and all percentile parameters between tumor and peripheral normal liver were significantly higher in HCCs than in IMCCs. The relative AEF (rAEF = ΔAEF/AEFliver), including the mean value and all corresponding percentile parameters were statistically significant between HCCs and IMCCs. The 10th percentiles of the ΔAEF and rAEF had the highest AUC of 0.788 for differentiating IMCC from HCC, with sensitivities and specificities of 87.0%, 83.3%, and 61.8%, 64.7%, respectively. Among all parameters, the mean value of ∆AEF, the 75th percentiles of ∆AEF and rAEF, and the 25th percentile of HFtumor exhibited the highest sensitivities of 94.4%, while the 50th percentile of rAEF had the highest specificity of 82.4%. AEF (including ΔAEF and rAEF) and the corresponding histogram parameters derived from triphasic CT scans provided useful value and facilitated the accurate discrimination between IMCCs and HCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene (PP) receives significant interests because of environmental friendship and excellent insulation. The development of PP cables depends heavily on the semi-conductive shielding layers that match the PP insulation layers. In this paper, propylene–ethylene copolymer (POP) is used to toughen the PP-based shielding layer. The effects of POP content (40 parts, 50 parts and 60 parts) on the electrical and mechanical characteristics are investigated. Further, the interface matching characteristics and toughening mechanism of the shielding layer are explored. According to the experimental findings, owing to the growth in POP content, the distribution of carbon black (CB) particles becomes more uniform, and the surface roughness decreases from 52.7 nm to 14.7 nm. When the POP content is 60 parts, the charge injected into the insulation layer is the least, which is 0.643 × 10−7 C, and the maximum electric field distortion decreases to 11.4 kV/mm. All three POP content shielding layers maintain a low resistivity at high temperatures (110 ℃, 80 Ω·cm). Besides, as the POP content increases, the toughness of PP-based shielding layer is improved and the elongation at break of POP-60 semi-conductive shielding layer reaches 420%. This research paves a new way for the development of semi-conductive shielding layer of PP cables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple factors, including co-exposure between lifestyle and environmental risks, are important in susceptibility to oxidative DNA damage. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether Cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) methylation can mediate the co-exposure effect between smoking and occupational polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in development of oxidative DNA damage.Methods: We explored the associations between smoking and occupational PAH co-exposure effect, CYP1A1 methylation and oxidative DNA damage among 500 workers from a coke-oven plant in China. Urine biomarkers of PAH exposure (1-hydroxypyrene, 1-OHP; 2-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-NAP; 2-hydroxyfluorene, 2-FLU; and 9-hydroxyphenanthren, 9-PHE) and a marker of oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy- 2'- deoxyguanosine, 8-OHdG) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. CYP1A1 methylation was measured by pyrosequencing. Finally, mediation analysis was performed to investigate whether CYP1A1 methylation mediated smoking and occupational PAH co-exposure effect on oxidative DNA damage.Results: We observed significant associations of smoking and 1-OHP co-exposure with CYP1A1 hypomethylation (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.01-3.47) and high 8-OHdG (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.14-3.97). There was a significant relationship between CYP1A1 hypomethylation and high 8-OHdG (1st vs. 3rd tertile = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.01-2.47, P for trend = 0.046). In addition, mediation analysis suggested CYP1A1 hypomethylation could explain 13.6% of effect of high 8-OHdG related to smoking and 1-OHP co-exposure.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that the co-exposure effect of smoking and occupational PAH could increase the risk of oxidative DNA damage by a mechanism partly involving CYP1A1 hypomethylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine job stress among Chinese operating room nurses, test the mediating effect of burnout and verify the moderating effect of over‐commitment between job stress and mental health. Design: A descriptive, cross‐sectional study. Methods: A multistage sampling method was adopted. First, a random sampling method was used to select 30 tertiary hospitals in Beijing, after which 509 operating room nurses were selected by convenience sampling from March‐June 2017. Self‐administered questionnaires were used to evaluate job stress, burnout, and organizational commitment among participants. Multiple‐group path analysis was used to test the mediating effect and the moderating effect. Results: Of all nurses, 70.3% were in a state of job stress, which had negative effects on organizational commitment mediated by emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. The result of multiple‐group path analysis showed that the path coefficients are different between the low and high groups of over‐commitment. When facing job stress, operating room nurses with low over‐commitment were more likely to have emotional exhaustion (β = 0.750 vs. 0.602), while those with high over‐commitment were more likely to have low organizational commitment (β = −0.641 vs. −0.594). Conclusion: The job stress of operating room nurses in China was high. Burnout played a mediating role between job stress and organizational commitment. Over‐commitment played a moderating role in the relationship among job stress, burnout, and organizational commitment. Impact: This study analysed the relationship among operating room nurses' job stress, burnout, and organizational commitment. The findings provided confirmatory support on the mediated effect of burnout between job stress and organizational commitment and the moderation effect of over‐commitment. Different measures are needed to reduce job stress, as for easing burnout and improving organizational commitment among different groups of nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzo [ a ]pyrene (BaP) have been demonstrated to induce lung cancer risk in humans and many different animal models, with aberrant gene methylation as one of the epigenetic errors; however, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we used three types of human lung-derived cells with BaP exposure as a model and attempted to investigate the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 /S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) pathway that regulates gene methylation in vitro exposure to BaP. Results showed that compared to the controls, BaP-treated cells H19 expressions were increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas SAHH protein expressions were decreased. Indeed, H19 binds to and attenuates SAHH expressions and activity, and this interaction will be enhanced by BaP. However, suppression of H19 exaggerates SAHH protein expression and activity exposed to BaP. Although BaP-treated cells H19 single knockdown expectedly increased long interspersed nuclear elements-1 ( LINE-1 ) methylation and inhibited benzo [ a ]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) -DNA adducts formation with altering SAHH protein expressions and activity, the double knockdown restored methylation to the control level and exacerbated BPDE-DNA adducts formation. Overall, our results uncover a H19 /SAHH circuit involving gene-methylation alterations by carcinogen BaP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results from a 1D kinetic simulation, for the first time, reveal the important role of modified electron acoustic wave (MEAW) in auroral electron acceleration. Parallel electric fields, generated due to the mode coupling between kinetic Alfven waves (KAWs) and MEAWs in the transition region from the magnetosphere and the ionosphere, can be sustained by continuous energy input carried by Alfven waves from the magnetosphere. Under the incidence of long‐period Alfven waves carrying upward field‐aligned currents, a parallel potential drop can be formed in the transition region, leading to mono‐energetic electron acceleration. Such a mechanism provides a possible link between shear Alfven waves and the mesoscale mono‐energetic auroral electron acceleration. Plain Language Summary: Discrete aurora is supposed to be caused by precipitated electrons accelerated by parallel electric field. The mode coupling between modified electron acoustic waves (MEAWs), which received little attention, and kinetic Alfven waves is an effective mechanism of the generation of parallel electric field. The present simulation results show that the generation of parallel electric field, due to the mode coupling in the transition region, could be important or even dominant under certain circumstances. Our findings point out the importance of the MEAWs on the auroral electron acceleration. Key Points: Simulation results indicate that modified electron acoustic waves (MEAWs) strongly affect the auroral electron accelerationKinetic Alfven waves under certain circumstances lead to mono‐energetic acceleration through mode coupling to MEAWsSuch a mechanism provides a possible link between Alfven waves and mono‐energetic electron acceleration [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the brain gray matter volume (GMV) alterations of pediatric complete thoracolumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) without fracture or dislocation (SCIWOFD) using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis and assess the sensitive neuroimaging biomarkers that may be surrogate targets to enhance brain plasticity. A total of 52 pediatric subjects (age range, 6–12 years), including 25 pediatric SCIWOFD patients and 27 typically developing (TD) children were recruited. An independent two-sample t test was performed to assess between-group differences of brain GMV. Partial correlation analyses were performed to explore the correlations between GMV values and The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury scores, age at the time of injury, time after initial SCI. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to compute the sensitivity and specificity of the imaging biomarkers for pediatric SCIWOFD diagnosis. As for the results, pediatric SCIWOFD patients showed significantly decreased GMV of bilateral cerebellum lobule VIII, right middle occipital gyrus and putamen (PUT), left pallidum (PAL) and thalamus, and increased GMV of vermis III, right cerebellum lobule VI, and supramarginal gyrus. In addition, GMV of left PAL and right PUT were negatively correlated with the pinprick/light touch sensory scores in pediatric SCIWOFD patients. Finally, when using the GMV values of left PAL and right PUT in combination as the predictor, area under the curve reached the highest—0.93. These findings provided evidence that the brain undergoes GMV changes after pediatric SCIWOFD, which may suggest important targets for functional remodeling after SCI in children and provide valuable information for the development of novel and effective rehabilitation therapies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an inflammatory biomarker of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and may be related to the occurrence, development, and prognosis of cognitive impairment. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of plasma Lp-PLA2 level on the cognitive impairment in patients with CMBs. Methods: In this study, 213 patients with CMBs confirmed by 3.0 T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were analyzed. Lp-PLA2 levels were determined by magnetic particle chemiluminescence immunoassay technology, and cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). The cognitive functions of patients with CMBs were divided into three groups according to the MoCA scale, including normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and moderate-severe cognitive impairment (MSCI). Clinical, laboratory and radiological data of the three groups were analysed. The relationship between plasma Lp-PLA2 and MoCA score in patients with CMBs was investigated through rank correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of Lp-PLA2. Results: CMBs were detected in 213 (30.2%) of 705 patients who underwent 3.0 T MRI. Multiple comparisons showed that plasma Lp-PLA2 in patients with CMBs with normal cognitive scores was significantly lower than that in the other two groups with cognitive impairment (p < 0.05). In the single factor correlation analysis, high level of plasma Lp-PLA2 was negatively correlated with the decrease of MoCA score in patients with CMBs (r =− 0.389, p < 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis showed that high plasma Lp-PLA2 was an independent risk factor for a low MoCA score in patients with CMBs (odds ratio [OR]=1.014; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002– 1.026; p=0.025). Conclusion: A high level of plasma Lp-PLA2 is positively correlated with the generation of cognitive impairment in patients with CMBs and negatively correlated with the degree of impairment. Plasma Lp-PLA2 is an important indicator of cognitive impairment in patients with CMBs and may provide a therapeutic target for preventing CMB-induced cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sm 3+ single-doped and Sm 3+ , Dy 3+ co-doped NaGdTiO 4 phosphors were synthesized via a traditional high temperature solid-state reaction method. The crystal structure was characterized by means of x-ray diffraction. The luminescence properties and energy transfer in Sm 3+ single-doped and Sm 3+ , Dy 3+ co-doped NaGdTiO 4 phosphors were systematically studied. The electric dipole-dipole interaction between Sm 3+ ions was identified as the main mechanism for the concentration dependent fluorescence quenching in Sm 3+ single-doped samples. It is confirmed that there is almost no energy transfer between Sm 3+ and Dy 3+ in Sm 3+ , Dy 3+ co-doped samples. The introduction of Sm 3+ can compensate the red emission component and adjust the colorimetric performance of Dy 3+ -doped NaGdTiO 4 phosphors. Moreover, different emitting colors can be obtained from Sm 3+ , Dy 3+ co-doped NaGdTiO 4 phosphor by changing the excitation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuronal damage in the hippocampal formation is more sensitive to ischemic stimulation and easily injured, causing severe learning and memory impairment. Therefore, protection of hippocampal neuronal damage is the main contributor for learning and memory impairment during cerebral ischemia. Atorvastatin has been reported to ameliorate ischemic brain damage after ischemia reperfusion (I/R). However, its molecular mechanism has not been elucidated clearly. In this study, we established four-vessel occlusion model in rats with cerebral ischemia. Here, we demonstrated that atorvastatin significantly improves the behavior of I/R-rat in open field tasks. We also found that atorvastatin significantly shortens the distance and time of loading onto the hidden platform in the positioning navigation process, decreases the latency in the space exploration process when cognitive testing with Morris water maze was performed during ischemic stroke in rats. Furthermore, the survival rate of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) in the neurons are increased, whereas the expression of caspase-3 are inhibited by atorvastatin. However, after an intracerebroventricular injection of LY294002 (an inhibitor of Akt1), the above neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin are attenuated. In summary, our results imply atorvastatin may improve the survival rate of hippocampal neurons and reduce the impairment of learning and memory by downregulating the activation of the caspase-3 via increasing the phosphorylation of Akt1 during ischemia/reperfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) is a member of trimeric ATP-gated receptor channel family. Despite the importance of P2X4R in innate immunity has been addressed in mammals, the immunological significance of P2X4R has not been characterized in fish. In the present study we identified a full-length P2X4R cDNA sequence from Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus (termed poP2X4R ) by RT-PCR and RACE approaches and analyzed its gene expression patterns under normal and immune challenge conditions. Qualitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that poP2X4R has a widespread distribution in all examined tissues but dominantly expressed in hepatopancreas. In Japanese flounder head kidney macrophages and peripheral blood lymphocytes, poP2X4R was rapidly and significantly up-regulated by the immune challenges of LPS, poly(I:C) and zymosan. In addition, poP2X4R was up-regulated in spleen, head kidney and gill tissues by Edwardsiella tarda infections. Furthermore, we showed that poP2X4R is a membrane glycoprotein which could interact with ATP release channel Pannexin1, an important component in extracellular ATP-activated purinergic signaling pathways involved in Japanese flounder innate immune response. From a comparative immunological point of view, our results have provided new evidence for the involvement of extracellular ATP-gated P2XRs in fish innate immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome characterized by a positive feedback loop between cytokine storm and macrophages and lymphocytes overactivation, which could serve as a valid therapeutic target for HLH treatment. In this study, the clinically extensively used JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib was encapsulated into macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles (M@NP-R) with high drug-loading efficiency for targeted HLH treatment. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that M@NP-R not only efficiently adsorbed extracellular proinflammation cytokines, like IFN-γ and IL-6 to alleviate the cytokine storm, but also effectively dampened macrophage activation and proliferation by intracellular JAK/STAT signaling pathway inhibition. M@NP-R treatment significantly ameliorated the clinical and laboratory manifestations of HLH in mouse models, including trilineage cytopenia, hypercytokinemia, organomegaly, hepatorenal dysfunction, and tissue inflammation. Importantly, M@NP-R significantly enhanced the survival of the lethal HLH mice. Altogether, M@NP-R successfully blocked the positive feedback loop between the cytokine storm and macrophage overactivation by depleting extracellular inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the intracellular JAK/STAT signaling pathway, both of which worked synergistically in HLH treatment. As ruxolitinib has already been extensively used in clinics with favorable safety, and M@NP is biodegradable and highly biocompatible, M@NP-R has good prospects for clinical translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]