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By partly invoking the refined basic coupling for the Lévy process, we establish quantitative estimates of distributions associated with two Lévy driven SDEs with different drifts, which are partially dissipative. This quantitative result is powerful not only to investigate the exponentially contractive property of distributions corresponding to partially dissipative McKean-Vlasov SDEs with jumps but also to handle the long time behavior of time-inhomogeneous SDEs with jumps. Our approach also works very well for two Lévy driven SDEs with different drift terms, which satisfy monotone and Lyapunov conditions. As important applications of the result in this aspect, under monotone and Lyapunov conditions, we obtain succinctly the exponential decay and the locally exponential contractivity as well as the exponential ergodicity for McKean-Vlasov SDEs driven by Lévy noises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A DBN promoted [4+2] cycloaddition of malononitrile with 2‐(3‐oxo‐3‐arylprop‐1‐en‐1‐yl)phenyl buta‐2,3‐dienoates has been developed. This protocol provides a simple strategy for the construction of 2‐amino‐4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethyl)‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carbonitriles in moderate to good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type is a new subtype of gastric adenocarcinoma. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (GA-FG) as a new and rare gastric tumour with a low incidence due to the small number of cumulative cases worldwide. Twenty cases of GA-FG found in our centre were retrospectively analysed to improve the diagnostic ability of endoscopy and pathology in this disease. To investigate the clinicopathological features of fundus-derived gastric tumours and to improve the understanding of and diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy for this disease. The clinicopathological characteristics of 20 GA-FG cases between 2018 and 2022 were analysed using clinical and follow-up data and endoscopic, immunohistochemical, and pathological morphology characteristics. In all cases, GA-FG was found in the fundus and the body of the stomach. In total, there were 19 patients with 20 lesions, with most of the patients having a single lesion. One patient had multiple lesions, and another patient had complications from signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC). All lesions occurred in non-atrophic areas, and 10 patients had gastric fundic gland polyps simultaneously. There were 14 cases of gastric fundus adenocarcinoma and 6 cases of acid-secreting adenoma. Fourteen lesions were treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), without recurrence or metastasis during the follow up; 6 patients were followed up for observation, 2 of whom showed no lesions after the first biopsy by gastric endoscopy, and 4 of whom showed no significant changes. The incidence rate for GA-FG lesions may be underestimated due to their benign course. ESD seems to be an adequate treatment for GA-FG. Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (GA-FG) is located in the fundus and body of the stomach. All lesions occur in non-atrophic areas, and almost one-half involve gastric fundus polyps simultaneously. GA-FG lesions typically follow a benign disease course. ESD seems to be an adequate treatment for GA-FG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the strong averaging principle is researched for a class of Hölder continuous drift slow-fast SPDEs with α-stable process by the Zvonkin's transformation and the classical Khasminskii's time discretization method. As applications, an example is also provided to explain our result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the averaging principle is studied for a class of multi-scale stochastic partial differential equations driven by α -stable process, where α ∈ (1 , 2). Using the technique of Poisson equation, we prove that the orders of strong and weak convergence are 1 − 1 / α and 1 − r for any r ∈ (0 , 1) respectively. The main contributions extend Wiener noise considered by Bréhier in [6] to α -stable process, and the finite dimensional case considered by Sun et al. in [36] to the infinite dimensional case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Freidlin–Wentzell type large deviation principle is established for stochastic partial differential equations with slow and fast time-scales, where the slow component is a one-dimensional stochastic Burgers equation with small noise and the fast component is a stochastic reaction-diffusion equation. Our approach is via the weak convergence criterion developed in [A. Budhiraja and P. Dupuis, A variational representation for positive functionals of infinite dimensional Brownian motion, Probab. Math. Statist. 20 (2000) 39–61]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using the technique of the Zvonkin's transformation and the classical Khasminskii's time discretization method, we prove the averaging principle for slow-fast stochastic partial differential equations with bounded and Hölder continuous drift coefficients. An example is also provided to explain our result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When an aircraft flies at hypersonic speeds in the atmosphere, its optical window is subjected to severe aerodynamic heating. To investigate the supersonic film cooling laws of hypersonic optical dome, three supersonic (Mach 2.35) film generation devices with different jet outlet heights (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm) were designed. The experiments were conducted in a hypersonic (Mach 7.1) gun wind tunnel. The NPR (nozzle pressure ratio = jet outlet static pressure/nearby mainstream static pressure) ranged from 0 to 2.3. The heat flux on the window surface was measured by the thin film resistance thermometer. Experimental results indicate that, under different jet outlet heights, the film cooling effectiveness increased gradually as the NPR increased, corresponding to an increase in effective cooling length. The existing similarity parameters for film cooling could effectively predict the effective cooling length of supersonic film when NPR = 1. However, the prediction effect deviated significantly when NPR ≠ 1. Moreover, the effective cooling length corresponding to the unit mass flow rate of the coolant first increased and then decreased with the increase of NPR , and there existed an optimal solution. Furthermore, with the same coolant mass flow rate, higher jet Mach number lead to better supersonic film cooling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a class of stochastic differential equations driven by subordinated Brownian motion with Markovian switching. We use Malliavin calculus to study the smoothness of the density for the solution under uniform Hörmander type condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the averaging principle for one dimensional stochastic Burgers equation with slow and fast time-scales. Under some suitable conditions, we show that the slow component strongly converges to the solution of the corresponding averaged equation. Meanwhile, when there is no noise in the slow component equation, we also prove that the slow component weakly converges to the solution of the corresponding averaged equation with the order of convergence 1 − r , for any 0 < r < 1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we first study the well-posedness of a class of McKean-Vlasov stochastic partial differential equations driven by cylindrical α-stable process, where α ∈ (1 , 2). Then by the method of the Khasminskii's time discretization, we prove the averaging principle of a class of multiscale McKean-Vlasov stochastic partial differential equations driven by cylindrical α-stable processes. Meanwhile, we obtain a specific strong convergence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to proving the strong averaging principle for slow–fast stochastic partial differential equations with locally monotone coefficients, where the slow component is a stochastic partial differential equations with locally monotone coefficients and the fast component is a stochastic partial differential equations with strongly monotone coefficients. The result is applicable to a large class of examples, such as the stochastic porous medium equation, the stochastic p-Laplace equation, the stochastic Burgers type equation and the stochastic 2D Navier–Stokes equation, which are the nonlinear stochastic partial differential equations. The main techniques are based on time discretization and the variational approach to stochastic partial differential equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parameter estimates of artesian aquifers where piezometric head is above ground level are largely made through free-flowing and recovery tests. The straight-line method proposed by Jacob-Lohman is often used for interpretation of flow rate measured at flowing artesian boreholes. However, the approach fails to interpret the free-flowing test data from two artesian boreholes in the fractured-rock aquifer in Table Mountain Group (TMG) of South Africa. The diagnostic plot method using the reciprocal rate derivative is adapted to evaluate the artesian aquifer properties. The variation of the derivative helps not only identify flow regimes and discern the boundary conditions, but also facilitates conceptualization of the aquifer system and selection of an appropriate model for data interpretation later on. Test data from two free-flowing tests conducted in different sites in TMG are analysed using the diagnostic plot method. Based on the results, conceptual models and appropriate approaches are developed to evaluate the aquifer properties. The advantages and limitations of using the diagnostic plot method on free-flowing test data are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that the transition semigroup (Pt)t≥0corresponding to stochastic dissipative equations driven by α-stable is strong Feller and irreducible for α ∈ (1, 2). This result ensures the ergodicity for the equation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Nanoporous gold (NPG) was fabricated on the GC electrode by layer-by-layer assembly technique. [•] NPG modified GC electrode interface (GC/Thi@NPG/AuNPs)-based biosensor was fabricated. [•] The detection limit for CEA reached 3pgmL−1 of the obtained biosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The long-term stability of sensing interfaces is an important issue in biosensor fabrication. A novel stable gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode interface (GC-Ph-AuNP)-based biosensor for detecting carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was developed. GC electrodes were modified with 1,4-phenylenediamine to form a stable layer, and then AuNPs were bound onto the GC electrodes through C Anti-CEA was directly adsorbed on AuNPs fixed on the GC electrode. The linear range of the immunosensor was from 10fg to 100ngmL−1 with a detection limit of 3fgmL−1 (S/N=3). The current of the immunosensor was increased by 4% after one month. The GC-Ph-AuNP immunosensor showed high sensitivity, a wide linear range, low detection limit, and good selectivity and stability. The immobilization method of the immunosensor could be widely applied to construct other immunosensors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Green algae of the genus Dunaliella can adapt to hypersaline environments and are considered model organisms for salinity tolerance. In an EST analysis in Dunaliella viridis under salt stress, we isolated a salt-inducible cDNA coding for the 26S proteasome subunit RPN10, designated DvRPN10. The DvRPN10 cDNA is 1472bp and encodes a polypeptide of 377 amino acids. The DvRPN10 protein shares a high similarity to orthologs from other species. The function of DvRPN10 was confirmed by complementation of the yeast Δrpn10 mutant. Q-PCR analysis of D. viridis cells grown in different salinities revealed that the transcript level of DvRPN10 increased in proportion to the external salinity within a range of 0.5–3M NaCl, but decreased significantly at extremely high salinities (4–5M NaCl). When a salinity shock of 1–3M NaCl was applied to D. viridis cells, DvRPN10 mRNA levels remained steady during the first 36h, and then gradually elevated to the level observed at 3M NaCl. The gene structure of DvRPN10 was revealed by sequencing of a BAC clone containing this gene. Possible transcription factor binding sites related to stress tolerance were found in the promoter region of DvRPN10. The expression of DvRPN10 in response to the external salinity suggests that RPN10-mediated protein degradation plays a role in the salinity tolerance of D. viridis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease caused by reflux of gastric contents to the esophagus. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are recommended as a first-line therapy to treat GERD. Recently, the potassium-competitive acid inhibitors have been increasingly in use in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of P-CABs in GERD. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web Of Science for publications regarding randomized controlled trials comparing potassium-competitive acid inhibitors to PPI monotherapy or Placebo with respect to efficacy and safety in GERD (until April 2023). The primary outcome was an absence or global symptom improvement and the incidence of adverse events in GERD. The quality of the included literature was assessed using the bias assessment tool recommended in the Cochrane Systematic Assessor's Handbook 5.1.0. We use RevMan 5.3 software for Meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis. Of the 991 screened studies, 14 studies including 4868 participants were analyzed. The ORs for the healing rates of GERD with P-CABs versus PPI/Placebo were 2.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53–2.88), additionally, 1.09 (95% CI 1.05–1.14), 1.03 (95% CI 1.00–1.06) and 1.03 (95% CI 0.99-1.06) in Weeks 2, 4, and 8, respectively. The effectiveness rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (RR 1.73; 95% CI 1.27–2.36). The overall OR of Incidence of adverse events with P-CABs versus PPI/Placebo was 1.08 (95% CI 0.88–1.12). Overall, the risk of bias was low to some concerns. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the study's conclusion. Our findings suggest that potassium-competitive acid inhibitors is non-inferior to PPIs as therapy for patients with GERD. The safety outcomes for potassium-competitive acid inhibitors are similar to those for PPIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of solid waste such as coal and biomass co-fired fly ashes and sewage sludge fly ash instead of clay and other non-renewable resources to produce lightweight aggregates (LWAs) is conducive to sustainable development. In this study, the effects of co-fired fly ashes, sewage sludge fly ash and quartz sand proportion, sintering temperature and sintering time on the physical properties and microstructure of LWAs are studied by single factor experiment. Experimental results show that the optimal experiment conditions are the raw material ratio of co-fired fly ashes: sewage sludge fly ash: quartz sand = 9: 1: 4, 2 wt% SiC as an expansion agent, and sintering at 1060 °C for 10 min. The LWAs obtained under the above conditions have a bulk density of 0.85 g/cm3, an apparent density of 1.84 g/cm3, a 1-h water absorption of 2.71 %, and a compressive strength of 8.68 MPa, which are in accordance with the GB/T17431.1–2010 standard. Besides, the heavy metal immobilization effect of the LWAs is satisfying, where the heavy metal leaching concentrations meet the standard of GB5085.3–2007. In conclusion, it is feasible to use the raw materials to prepare the LWAs under the above sintering conditions, and the prepared LWAs have high strength and low water absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) is an emerging technology for discovering, exploiting, and protecting various underwater resources. Due to the diverse water clarity conditions, light signals are expected to propagate in a fashion dominated by the line-of-sight (LOS) to non-line-of-sight (NLOS) regime. To fully benefit from the high capacity underwater internet that UWOC could offer, especially in the presence of turbid water, a system that obviates the stringent requirements for pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) is required. Herein, we demonstrated a robust NLOS UWOC link fully relieving the requirement on PAT. Based on a system design consisting of an ultraviolet (UV) laser for enhanced light scattering and a high sensitivity photomultiplier tube (PMT), we established an NLOS link with a data rate of 85 Mb/s and a transmission distance of 30 cm using on–off keying (OOK) in emulated highly turbid harbor water. Further, a data rate of 72 Mb/s is still achieved when the alignment is totally lost, i.e., the pointing directions of the transmitter and receiver are parallel. A longer transmission distance up to 40 m is also envisaged. Our findings will pave the way for a practical, short-reach, NLOS UWOC link in realistic oceanic scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition is highly prevalent and associated with complications and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Patients with cirrhosis were screened using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool and the Skeletal Muscle Index. Then, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and consistency with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria results were calculated. We also analysed the association between nutritional status and short‐term prognosis. Results: We enrolled 125 patients with cirrhosis, of whom 59.20% and 60.00% were malnourished based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria and Skeletal Muscle Index. Some 53.60% and 65.60%, respectively, were classified medium‐to‐high nutritional risk by Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool. The Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool had the best predictive value, and it was more sensitive and had a better negative predictive value than the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 Tool. The Skeletal Muscle Index also had good sensitivity and predictive value. The Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool, Skeletal Muscle Index and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria showed high concordance. The 3‐ and 6‐month mortality rates were significantly higher for patients with moderate‐to‐high nutritional risk or malnutrition, regardless of the tool. Conclusions: When assessing cirrhosis with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool is best for nutritional screening and the Skeletal Muscle Index is also a good nutritional assessment tool. Key points: Diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases were considered.The Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool score is not affected by the presence of oedema and ascites and is therefore more advantageous than the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, which is more commonly used in clinical practice in cirrhotic patients.The results of the present study show that the Royal Free Hospital‐Nutritional Prioritizing Tool is more valuable than the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 for determining the short‐term prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis.The study found good concordance between the Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria in patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, lumbar 3‐SMI can be used to assess the nutritional status of these patients.C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6 and procalcitonin levels significantly increased in patients with moderate‐to‐high nutritional risk or malnutrition compared to their counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have indicated a connection between psychiatric symptoms, specifically anxiety and depression, and gastroesophageal reflux. However, the precise nature of the link between the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease and the severity of anxiety and depression remains uncertain. Here, we gathered 24-h pH monitoring data and baseline patient information from a cohort of 518 individuals. Additionally, we evaluated their psychological well-being using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The relationship between baseline characteristics and varying degrees of anxiety, depression, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was assessed using R software version 4.1.3 and logistic regression models. The findings indicate a statistically significant variation in anxiety levels based on gender, as well as a significant disparity in depression groups when considering age and literacy levels. Kruskal–Wallis test analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the severity of anxiety and depression and the 24-h pH monitoring results in our patient cohort. As the anxiety and depression levels increased, the rank mean for each examination result also increased. Logistic regression modeling analysis showed that a higher anxiety level was associated with a higher level of GERD. In the presence of mild anxiety, there is a statistically significant association with a higher incidence of GERD with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.64 (95% CI 1.50, 4.64). Similarly, the moderately severe anxiety group also exhibits a causal relationship with an increased GERD incidence, with an OR of 6.84 (95% CI 3.92, 12.17). Additionally, moderate to severe depression is associated with a higher incidence of GERD, with an OR of 2.32 (95% CI 1.23, 4.37). The prevalence of GERD was greater among males compared to females (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.51–3.49). Additionally, an elevated body mass index (BMI) demonstrated a positive correlation with the susceptibility to GERD (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.14). Increasing age may promote the occurrence of GERD in patients. These findings may help to provide a better basis for psychological or pharmacological interventions for GERD patients with psychosomatic symptoms in the future, and provide a reference basis for clinical treatment of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the multiscale stochastic 2D Navier–Stokes equation driven by multiplicative Lévy noise. To be more precise, we establish the strong averaging principle for the stochastic 2D Navier–Stokes equation driven by Lévy noise, which involves a fast time scale component governed by a stochastic reaction‐diffusion equation driven by Lévy noise. The Khasminkii's time discretization approach and the technique of stopping time play the important roles in our proof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent research increasingly highlights a strong correlation between gut microbiota and the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. However, whether this relationship is causal or merely coincidental remains uncertain. To address this, a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was undertaken to explore the connections between gut microbiota and prevalent gastrointestinal diseases. Methods: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for gut microbiota, encompassing a diverse range of 211 taxa (131 genera, 35 families, 20 orders, 16 classes, and 9 phyla), were sourced from the comprehensive MiBioGen study. Genetic associations with 22 gastrointestinal diseases were gathered from the UK Biobank, FinnGen study, and various extensive GWAS studies. MR analysis was meticulously conducted to assess the causal relationship between genetically predicted gut microbiota and these gastrointestinal diseases. To validate the reliability of our findings, sensitivity analyses and tests for heterogeneity were systematically performed. Results: The MR analysis yielded significant evidence for 251 causal relationships between genetically predicted gut microbiota and the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. This included 98 associations with upper gastrointestinal diseases, 81 with lower gastrointestinal diseases, 54 with hepatobiliary diseases, and 18 with pancreatic diseases. Notably, these associations were particularly evident in taxa belonging to the genera Ruminococcus and Eubacterium. Further sensitivity analyses reinforced the robustness of these results. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate a potential genetic predisposition linking gut microbiota to gastrointestinal diseases. These insights pave the way for designing future clinical trials focusing on microbiome-related interventions, including the use of microbiome-dependent metabolites, to potentially treat or manage gastrointestinal diseases and their associated risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to studying the averaging principle for stochastic differential equations with slow and fast time-scales, where the drift coefficients satisfy local Lipschitz conditions with respect to the slow and fast variables, and the coefficients in the slow equation depend on time t and ω. Making use of the techniques of time discretization and truncation, we prove that the slow component strongly converges to the solution of the corresponding averaged equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some patients show persistent cognitive decline for weeks, months or even years after surgery, which seriously affects their long-term prognosis and quality of life. However, most previous basic studies have focused mainly on the mechanisms of early postoperative cognitive decline, whereas cognitive decline in the longer term after surgery is less well-understood. The subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus exhibits life-long neurogenesis, supporting hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Main text: The aim of this study was to investigate whether adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) involves in cognitive decline later following surgery and to further explore the roles of CD8 + T lymphocytes infiltrating the hippocampal parenchyma after surgery in this pathological process. Cognitive function was examined in adult mice that underwent laparotomy combined with partial hepatectomy, and the results showed that cognitive decline persisted in mice who underwent surgery during the first postoperative month, even though there was a trend toward continuous improvement over time. Significantly decreased numbers of DCX + cells, BrdU + cells, and BrdU + /DCX + cells were observed on day 8 after surgery, and a significantly decreased number of NeuN + /BrdU + cells was observed on day 28 after surgery, which indicated inhibition of AHN. After surgery, T lymphocytes, the majority of which were CD8 + T cells, infiltrated the hippocampus and secreted Interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Depletion of CD8 + T cells could inhibit the increase of IFN-γ synthesis, improve hippocampal neurogenesis, and improve postoperative cognitive function. Hippocampal microinjection of IFN-γ neutralizing antibody or adeno-associated virus to knock down IFN-γ receptor 1 (IFNGR1) could also partially attenuate the inhibition of AHN and improve postoperative cognitive function. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that postoperative infiltration of CD8 + T cells into the hippocampus and subsequent secretion of IFN-γ contribute to the inhibition of AHN and cognitive decline later following surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a common and serious complication following anesthesia and surgery; however, the precise mechanisms of POCD remain unclear. Our previous research showed that sevoflurane impairs adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) and thus cognitive function in the aged brain by affecting neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) expression; however, the signaling mechanism involved remains unexplored. In this study, we found a dramatic decrease in the proportion of differentiated neurons with increasing concentrations of sevoflurane, and the inhibition of neural stem cell differentiation was partially reversed after the administration of exogenous NT‐3. Understanding the molecular underpinnings by which sevoflurane affects NT‐3 is key to counteracting cognitive dysfunction. Here, we report that sevoflurane administration for 2 days resulted in upregulation of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) expression, which led to transcriptional inactivation of cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB). Due to the colocalization of HDAC9 and CREB within cells, this may be related to the interaction between HDAC9 and CREB. Anyway, this ultimately led to reduced NT‐3 expression and inhibition of neural stem cell differentiation. Furthermore, knockdown of HDAC9 rescued the transcriptional activation of CREB after sevoflurane exposure, while reversing the downregulation of NT‐3 expression and inhibition of neural stem cell differentiation. In summary, this study identifies a unique mechanism by which sevoflurane can inhibit CREB transcription through HDAC9, and this process reduces NT‐3 levels and ultimately inhibits neuronal differentiation. This finding may reveal a new strategy to prevent sevoflurane‐induced neuronal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this work is to study the asymptotic behavior for multi-scale McKean–Vlasov stochastic dynamical systems. Firstly, we obtain a central limit type theorem, i.e. the deviation between the slow component X ε and the solution X ¯ of the averaged equation converges weakly to a limiting process. More precisely, X ε - X ¯ ε converges weakly in C ([ 0 , T ] , R n) to the solution of certain distribution dependent stochastic differential equation, which involves an extra explicit stochastic integral term. Secondly, in order to estimate the probability of deviations away from the limiting process, we further investigate the Freidlin–Wentzell's large deviation principle for multi-scale McKean–Vlasov stochastic system when the small-noise regime parameter δ → 0 and the time scale parameter ε (δ) satisfies ε (δ) / δ → 0 . The main techniques are based on the Poisson equation for central limit type theorem and the weak convergence approach for large deviation principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that require different therapeutic interventions according to the malignancy. We aim to develop and validate a EUS (endoscopic ultrasonography)-based nomogram to predict malignant potential in patients with GIST. 258 patients with pathological diagnosis of gastric GISTs were enrolled retrospectively in our hospital from June 2015 to October 2020. Patients were randomly divided into the development cohort (DC, n = 179) and the validation cohort (VC, n = 79). We established a nomogram using lasso regression based on DC data. The predictive effectiveness of the nomogram was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Through bootstrapping, a consistency index (C-index) and calibration chart are developed to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the nomogram. A total of 192 patients with low-malignant potential (very low and low-risk) GISTs and 66 patients with high-malignant potential (intermediate and high-risk) GISTs were included in this study. The nomogram was constructed with the following 6 EUS indicators: ulceration, hemorrhage, tumor shape, irregular border, transverse diameter, and necrosis. Internal and external validation showed that the nomogram had a good ability to predict the malignant potential of GISTs (AUC = 0.881 and 0.908, respectively). The calibration curve shows that the nomogram has a good agreement between predicted and actual probabilities for differentiating GISTs malignancy (C-index = 0.868 and 0.907, respectively). This study developed and verified a EUS-based nomogram, which can effectively predict the malignant potential of patients with gastric GISTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, but its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Mast cells (MCs) may play a critical role in the development of FD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MCs on barrier function, tight junction (TJ) proteins and related signaling pathways. The expression of the TJ proteins claudin-8, ZO-1 and occludin in biopsy tissues from seven FD patients and five controls was assessed. Based on the in vivo results, we further investigated the effect of (1) MC degranulation in a coculture model of Caco-2/RBL-2H3 cells and tryptase in Caco-2 monolayers, (2) MC degranulation in the presence or absence of a PAR-2 antagonist and (3) MC degranulation in the presence or absence of an ERK1/2 signaling pathway inhibitor. The epithelial integrity of Caco-2 cell monolayers was assessed by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). The expression of TJ proteins was evaluated by western blotting, QT-PCR and immunostaining. Epithelial claudin-8, ZO-1 and occludin protein expression were significantly reduced in tissues from FD patients compared with controls. MC degranulation and tryptase decreased the TEER and reduced the expression of TJ proteins in Caco-2 cell monolayers. A PAR-2 antagonist and an ERK1/2 signaling pathway inhibitor significantly reduced the effect of MC degranulation on the TEER and TJ protein expression in Caco-2 cell monolayers. MCs disrupt duodenal barrier function by modulating the levels of TJ proteins, and the PAR-2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways may mediate the pathogenesis of FD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mast cell (MC) plays a central role in intestinal permeability; however, few MC-targeting drugs are currently available for protection of the intestinal barrier in clinical practice. A nonfluorinated Lidocaine analog 2-diethylamino-N-2,5-dimethylphenyl acetamide (JM25-1) displays anti-allergic effect, but its impact on MC remains elusive. In this study, we explored whether JM25-1 has therapeutic potential on intestinal barrier defect through stabilizing MC. JM25-1 alleviated release of β-hexosaminidase and cytokine production of MC. The paracellular permeability was redressed by JM25-1 in intestinal epithelial cell monolayers co-cultured with activated MC. In vivo, JM25-1 diminished intestinal mucosal MC amount and cytokine production, especially downregulating the expression of CRHR1, accompanied by an increase of CRHR2. Protective effects appeared in JM25-1-treated stress rats with a recovery of weight and intestinal barrier integrity. Through network pharmacology analysis, JM25-1 showed a therapeutic possibility for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with predictive targeting on PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. As expected, JM25-1 reinforced p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR signaling in MC, while the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin reversed the action of JM25-1 on the expression of CRHR1 and CRHR2. Moreover, JM25-1 successfully remedied intestinal defect and declined MC and CRHR1 expression in rat colon caused by colonic mucus of IBS patients. Our data implied that JM25-1 possessed therapeutic capacity against intestinal barrier defects by targeting the CRH receptors of MC through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of heterogeneous base catalyst with acid resistance has become a major topic in the current research on the biodiesel production process. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) is supported with bimetallic of calcium and zinc for modification and labeled as HNTs-Ca/Zn to show both the acid and base characteristics. Further, this supported catalyst is used to produce biodiesel from the acidulated palm oil through catalyzing transesterification in one-step in this study. The HNTs-Ca/Zn catalyst, synthesized by the impregnation method, is characterized by TG-DTG, XRD, XPS, TEM, SEM-EDX, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, CO 2 /NH 3 -TPD, FTIR and Raman. The capability of the HNTs-Ca/Zn catalyst in catalyzing transesterification is investigated, where the maximum yield of 95.22% is achieved with the molar ratio of Zn to Ca of 1.5. The advantage of HNTs-Ca/Zn1.5 catalyst is prominent when the transesterification source oil is acidulated, where the biodiesel yield of 92.66% is obtained even at the acid value of 26.02 mg KOH g−1. Besides, reusability of the catalyst is acceptable, where the yield of 77.91% is maintained after the fourth reused cycle. Further, the Genetic Algorithm-Back Propagation (GA-BP) neural network is used to train and predict the transesterification parameters of the reaction temperature, catalyst amount and methanol to oil molar ratio. The prediction of the biodiesel yield is reasonable. At the predicted reaction parameters of 158 °C, catalyst amount of 7.1 wt.% and methanol to oil molar ratio of 15.5, the predicted biodiesel yield is 98.71%, where the experimental verification value is 98.60%. Therefore, the HNTs-Ca/Zn catalyst is considered to demonstrate exceptional catalytic performance and recyclability, offering the potential for biodiesel production. [Display omitted] • HNTs-Ca/Zn acid-base bifunctional catalysts are produced for biodiesel production. • The HNTs-Ca/Zn1.5 catalyst performs excellent acid resistance under 26.02 mg KOH g−1. • Transesterification parameters are optimized by the GA-BP neural network. • The maximum biodiesel yield of 98.60% is obtained under the optimum conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fecal SYPL1 was higher in CRC patients than in either healthy controls or adenoma patients, and declined after surgery. • Fecal SYPL1 was associated with larger tumor size, advanced tumor invasion, lymph node invasion and clinical stage. • Fecal SYPL1 performed superbly in distinguishing CRC from healthy controls and adenoma patients. • Fecal SYPL1 could detect early-stage colorectal cancer and high-risk adenoma with high sensitivity. • The specificity and clinical monitoring value of fecal SYPL1 for colorectal cancer needs further study. At present, there is still no ideal non-invasive biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Previously, we found serum synaptophysin like 1 (SYPL1) served as a potential biomarker for CRC diagnosis. However, whether fecal SYPL1 (fSYPL1) are more sensitive and specific for CRC remains unclear. We analyzed fSYPL1 in controls (n = 70), adenoma patients (n = 80), CRC patients (n = 150) and postoperative CRC patients (n = 25) by ELISA. SYPL1 was stable in feces. The fSYPL1 levels were significantly higher in CRC patients than in either controls or adenoma patients (P < 0.0001). ROC curves showed that fSYPL1 performed superbly in distinguishing CRC patients from controls (AUC = 0.947; 95% CI: 0.920–0.974, P < 0.0001, sensitivity: 80.67%, specificity: 100.00%), which showed much stronger performance than the traditional biomarkers (FOBT, CEA and CA19-9). Meanwhile, the fSYPL1 level positively correlated with tumor size, tumor invasion, lymph node invasion and clinical stage (P < 0.05). In addition, the detection rate of fSYPL1 was high in early CRC (75.00% in stage I and II). The fSYPL1 levels in CRC patients declined substantially after surgery (P = 0.0002). By means of a lower cut off level, 73.58% of high-risk adenomas were detected. The combination of fSYPL1 and FOBT performed better than the combination of plasma SYPL1, CEA and CA199 in distinguishing CRC patients from controls. The fSYPL1 might be a potential biomarker for CRC screening, early diagnosis, prognosis prediction and therapeutic effect monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An acid-base bifunctional SW-Ca3 catalyst was successfully synthesized. • TPD shows that the prepared catalyst has excellent acidity and alkalinity. • Effect of various reaction conditions on biodiesel yield has been detected by RSM. • The maximum biodiesel yield of 87.67% was obtained with a 4% oleic acid addition. • The physicochemical properties of the produced biodiesel comply with ASTM D 6751. Conventional solid base catalysts are difficult to adapt to the low-grade oil used in the industrial production of biodiesel due to the high acidity. In this paper, an acid-base bifunctional catalyst loaded with CaO from the solid waste of blast furnace dust was prepared to produce biodiesel by transesterification. Meanwhile, palm oil with oleic acid was used to simulate acid oil. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, BET, SEM-EDX, CO 2 -TPD and NH 3 -TPD. The biodiesel produced was tested and found to be compliant with ASTM D 6751. the response surface method based on the Central composite design (RSM-CCD) is used to optimize key parameters for the production of biodiesel. Under the optimal experimental conditions (i.e., methanol to oil ratio of 15.24, catalyst dosage of 7.96%, reaction temperature of 148.95 °C and reaction duration of 2 h, even with the oleic acid addition of 4%) the yield of biodiesel prepared by SW-CaO catalyst was 87.67%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-stage esophageal cancer is primarily treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, extensive mucosal dissection creates a significant risk of postoperative esophageal stricture. Clinically, postoperative stricture can be prevented by glucocorticoids; however, there are drawbacks to both systemic and local administration of glucocorticoids, and improving drug administration methods is crucial. In this study, we developed a chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogel for triamcinolone (TA) delivery. Our results indicated that the hydrogel remains liquid at low temperatures and can be injected into the esophageal wound site through an endoscopic biopsy channel. Upon reaching body temperature, the hydrogel undergoes spontaneous gelation and firmly adheres to the wound surface. The liquid phase enables convenient and precise delivery, while the gel phase achieves remarkable adhesion, tensile strength, and resistance to degradation. Moreover, the hydrogel exhibited an extended release duration of >10 days when loaded with a 10 mg dose. In vitro studies revealed that the hydrogel suppresses the proliferation and fibrogenesis of human scar fibroblasts (HKF). In a rat skin dermal defect model, the hydrogel attenuated keloid formation during the healing process. Consequently, the chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogel developed in this study for triamcinolone delivery may be an effective tool for preventing post-ESD esophageal stricture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a piezo-polymer, the most contribution of polar phases (β-, γ-phases) to the piezoelectricity of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) has been researched. Herein, a new type PVDF/tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAHP) tree-like nanofiber membrane (TLNM) with high polar phase content and numerous fine branch fibers was successfully developed via electrospinning. PVDF-TLNMs exhibited mass branch fibers whose diameters of less than 50 nm. The β-phase content of 88.94 % disclosed piezoelectric polarization ability in the presence of TBAHP and tree-like structure. The best output current and voltage of flexible PVDF-TLNMs based piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) could reach 2.04 μA and 4.08 V at 0.07 mol L−1 TBAHP, which increased the current of pure PVDF by approximately six times and a 217 % improvement to voltage output. Likewise, the peak power density of 0.07 mol L−1 PVDF-TLNM was 13 times above that of pure PVDF-NM. The significant reduction of internal resistance occurred after the addition of TBAHP. Such significant enhancements for electrical output depended on the high β-phase content, originated through TBAHP induced self-alignment of electric dipoles in PVDF polymer and high extent of mechanical drawing. The new kind of PVDF-TLNMs-base PENGs can provide a large scope for the ideas of smart wearable devices. [Display omitted] • A tree-like piezoelectric membrane was fabricated via electrospinning. • The tree-like piezoelectric nanogenerator possessed β-phase content of 88.94 %. • The nanogenerator showed great piezoelectricity enhancement for pure PVDF. • Enhanced performance originated from branch fibers and interfacial interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sub-cellular events that occur during the ethylene-modulated cell elongation were characterized by examining the ultra-structure of etiolated Arabidopsis seedling hypocotyl cells. Preventing the basal level ethylene response facilitated cell elongation, and the cells exhibited wall loosening and separation phenotype. Nearby the wall separation sites were frequently associated with an increase in the cortical rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) membranes, the presence of paramural bodies, and the circular Golgi formation. The cortical rER proliferation and circular Golgi phenotype were reverted by the protein biosynthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. The cortical rER membranes were longer when the ethylene response was prevented and shortened with elevated ethylene responses. Proteomic changes between wild type and the ethylene-insensitive mutant ethylene insensitive2 ( ein2) seedling hypocotyls indicated that distinct subsets of proteins involving endomembrane trafficking, remodeling, and wall modifications were differentially expressed. FM4-64 staining supported the proteomic changes, which indicated reduced endocytosis activity with alleviation of the ethylene response. The basal level ethylene response has an important role in endomembrane trafficking, biological materials transport and maintenance of the endomembrane organization. It is possible that endomembrane alterations may partly associate with the wall modifications, though the biological significance of the alterations should be addressed in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of exosomes derived from colon cancer (CC) cells and plasma of CC patients on migration of SW480 cells. The exosomes derived from culture medium of human colon epithelial cell line NCM460 and CC cell line SW620 were isolated by ultracentrifugation. The exosomes derived from plasma of CC patients and healthy controls were isolated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The particle size and morphology of exosomes were identified by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) respectively, and exosomal markers were detected by Western blotting. The uptake of fluorescent DiI labeled exosomes by SW480 cells was observed by confocal microscopy. Transwell assay was used to detect the effect of exosomes on the migration of SW480 cells. The expression level of associated proteins in signaling pathway were analyzed by Western blotting. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, was used to study the role of mTOR signaling pathway on exosomes mediated migration of SW480 cells. The results of NTA and TEM showed that the particle size of the isolated exosomes was about 120 nm, which were small vesicles with membrane structure. The expressions of exosomal markers Alix, TSG101 and CD63 could be detected. The exosomes were evidenced by a red fluorescent signal inside the cytoplasm of SW480 recipient cells, and could promote the migration of SW480 cells, which is associated with Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Compared with the control group, plasma exosomes derived from CC patients could significantly promote the migration of SW480 cells. Inhibition the activity of mTOR signaling could attenuate the migration of SW480 cells. Exosomes derived from CC cells and plasma of CC patients could promote the migration of SW480 cells, which is associated with Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancer worldwide. It is essential to identify non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of GC. The aim of the present study was to screen candidate biomarkers associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of GC by a novel strategy. Methods: The expression level of gene higher in cancer than in adjacent non-cancer tissue was defined as "positive", and the top 5% genes with "positive rate" were filtered out as candidate diagnostic biomarkers in three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Further, a prognostic risk model was constructed by multivariate Cox regression analysis in GEO dataset and validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The expression level of candidate biomarkers was determined in serum and serum-derived exosomes of GC patients. Moreover, the effect of biomarkers in exosomes on migration of GC cells was analyzed by transwell assay. Results: Ten candidate biomarkers (AGT, SERPINH1, WNT2, LIPG, PLAU, COL1A1, MMP7, MXRA5, CXCL1 and COL11A1) were identified with efficient diagnostic value in GC. A prognostic gene signature consisted of AGT, SERPINH1 and MMP7 was constructed and showed a good performance in predicting overall survivals in TCGA. Consistently, serum levels of the three biomarkers also showed high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing GC patients from controls. In addition, the expression level of the three biomarkers were associated with malignant degree and decreased after surgery in GC patients. Moreover, the expression level of AGT and MMP7 in exosomes correlated positively with serum level. The exosomes derived from serum of GC patients can promote migration of SGC‐7901 cells. After neutralized the expression level of three proteins in exosomes with antibodies, the migration of GC cells was obviously suppressed. Conclusions: Our findings provided a novel strategy to identify diagnostic biomarkers based on public datasets, and suggested that the three-gene signature was a candidate diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for patients with GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disrupted intestinal barrier homeostasis is fundamental to inflammatory bowel disease. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) improves inflammation and has beneficial effects in dry-eye diseases, but its effects on the intestinal mucus barrier remain unknown. Therefore, this study evaluated the underlying regulatory mechanisms and effects of Tβ4 by examining Tβ4 expression in a mouse model with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and colonic barrier damage. Additionally, we intraperitoneally injected C57BL/6 mice with Tβ4 to assess barrier function, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3II) protein expression, and autophagy. Finally, normal human colon tissue and colon carcinoma cells (Caco2) were cultured to verify Tβ4-induced barrier function and autophagy changes. Mucin2 levels decreased, microbial infiltration increased, and Tβ4 expression increased in the colitis mouse model versus the control mice, indicating mucus barrier damage. Moreover, Tβ4-treated C57BL/6 mice had damaged intestinal mucus barriers and decreased LC3II levels. Tβ4 also inhibited colonic mucin2 production, disrupted tight junctions, and downregulated autophagy; these results were confirmed in Caco2 cells and normal human colon tissue. In summary, Tβ4 may be implicated in colitis by compromising the integrity of the intestinal mucus barrier and inhibiting autophagy. Thus, Tβ4 could be a new diagnostic marker for intestinal barrier defects. • The expression of Thymosin β4 is up-regulated in colitis mice. • Thymosin β4 damages the intestinal barrier function. • Thymosin β4 inhibits autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The tree-like nanofiber membrane exhibits high porosity and small pore size. • The Cu-CAT has excellent absorption of full-spectrum sunlight. • The surface temperature of the membrane can reach about 80 °C within 50 s. • The permeate flux of the membrane is 1.37 kg/m2·h, the salt rejection is >99.99 %. • It has good long-term stability and anti-wetting property. The development of membrane with strong sunlight absorption and high energy efficiency is the key to improve the water production efficiency in photothermal membrane distillation (PMD). In this paper, a hierarchical Cu-based metal–organic framework-functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) tree-like nanofiber membrane (Cu-CAT@TLNM-TLNMs) was developed for high-efficient PMD. The Cu-CAT@TLNM-TLNM was prepared by in-situ growth of Cu-CAT on the surface of PVDF tree-like nanofiber membrane (TLNM) as photothermal layer and PVDF TLNM as support layer, which exhibited excellent photothermal conversion performance, high energy utilization and high permeate flux. The PVDF TLNM with high specific surface area provided more active sites for the growth of Cu-CAT, thus forming a uniform Cu-CAT nanoarray. The spinous structure of the Cu-CAT photothermal layer can increase the length of the light-matter interaction and improve light absorption. In addition, the tree-like structure of the support layer with high porosity and small pore size can improve the permeate flux and long-term stability. Under the illumination of 1 kW·m−2, the surface temperature of the Cu-CAT@TLNM-TLNMs reached about 80 °C within 50 s, with a permeate flux of 1.37 kg·m−2·h−1, a salt rejection of >99.99 %, and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 76 %. More importantly, the permeate flux of the Cu-CAT@TLNM-TLNMs was still stable at 0.79 kg·m−2·h−1 with a salt rejection of >99.99 % after 84 h of continuous operation. This photothermal nanofiber composite membrane can be applied to solve the problem of freshwater shortage in areas where freshwater and fuel resources are scarce and solar energy is abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophageal adenocarcinoma is often associated with late diagnoses, poor prognoses, significant morbidities, and high mortality rates. Aberrant expression of Wnt/β‐catenin signal pathways were observed in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Sorting nexins 3 has been shown to participate in Wnt protein sorting and regulate Wnt/β‐catenin signal transduction. Thus, we studied the role and molecular mechanism of sorting nexins 3 in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods: Tissue microassay were used to analyze the expression of sorting nexins 3 in esophageal adenocarcinoma tissue and its relationship with survival rate. Using in vivo and in vitro models, we further investigated the effect of sorting nexins 3 on tumor growth and metastasis and underling mechanism. Results: Immunohistochemical staining of human esophageal adenocarcinoma tissue microassay revealed an increased sorting nexins 3 level in esophageal adenocarcinoma tissue and high expression of sorting nexins 3 correlated with the poor prognosis. In vitro study showed that sorting nexins 3 knockdown suppressed esophageal adenocarcinoma cell invasion, metastasis, and epithelial‐mesenchymal translation (EMT) process, and this result was confirmed by in vivo tumor metastasis assays. Moreover, we further proved that sorting nexins 3 affected cell invasion and EMT through Wnt/β‐catenin signal pathway. Conclusion: Our data provided strong evidence that sorting nexins 3 played a critical role in esophageal adenocarcinoma metastasis through Wnt/β‐catenin signal pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Split-dose (SPD) regimen has been proved more effective than a single-dose (SID) regimen for various drug preparations; however, limited data have focused on morning colonoscopy. We implemented this study to compare the bowel cleanliness and tolerability of a same-day SID versus SPD 2 L polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG) for morning colonoscopy. Methods: Patients undergoing morning colonoscopy were randomized into two groups, SID or SPD. In the SID group, patients had to complete 2 L PEG between 4 and 6 am on the day of colonoscopy. In the SPD group, patients had to complete 1 L PEG between 8 and 9 pm on the day before followed by another 1 L PEG between 5 and 6 am on the day of colonoscopy. Colonoscopy was performed between 8 and 12 am under anesthesia. Investigators and endoscopists were blinded to the allocation. The primary end point was the effectiveness of bowel cleansing according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). The secondary outcomes were polyp detection rate, compliance, tolerability, and patient satisfaction. Results: Overall, there were 147 and 148 patients in the SID and SPD group, respectively. The SPD group had a better quality of bowel preparation than the SID group with a total BBPS score of 7.25 ± 1.53 versus 6.71 ± 1.65 (P = 0.005). No difference in the polyp detection rate was noted, although more polyps were detected in the SPD group. More patients felt acceptable with the bowel preparation regimen in the SPD group compared to the SID group (76% vs. 65%, P = 0.03). The adverse events were more commonly observed in the SID group, presented as nausea and vomiting. Conclusion: For morning colonoscopy, split-dose 2 L PEG is superior to single-dose 2 L PEG by improved bowel preparation, better tolerability, and patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SYPL1 was upregulated in CRC tissues at both mRNA and protein levels. • Serum SYPL1 was higher in CRC patients than in either controls or adenoma patients. • Serum SYPL1 was associated with lymph node invasion and declined after radical surgery. • Serum SYPL1 performed superbly in distinguishing CRC from controls and adenoma. At present, the overall sensitivity and specificity of blood biomarkers are insufficient for a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). We analyzed the serum synaptophysin like 1 (sSYPL1) in controls, adenoma patients, CRC patients, pre- and postoperative CRC patients by ELISA. The upregulation of SYPL1 was confirmed in CRC tissues at both mRNA and protein levels. Consistently, sSYPL1 was significantly higher in CRC patients than in either controls (t = 14.50, P < 0.0001) or adenoma patients (t = 10.56, P < 0.0001) and was associated with lymph node invasion (χ2 = 4.27, P = 0.039). ROC curves showed that sSYPL1 performed superbly in distinguishing CRC patients from controls (AUC: 0.9481; sensitivity: 86.09%, specificity: 91.01%) and adenoma (AUC: 0.8631; sensitivity: 98.68%, specificity: 78.08%). This performance was much better than that of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19-9). Even for patients with low CEA levels (under 5 ng/mL), SYPL1 maintained the same high performance for identification of CRC. Furthermore, sSYPL1 levels declined significantly after radical surgery (t = 5.903, P < 0.0001). sSYPL1 might be an outstanding marker for CRC diagnosis, especially for patients with low CEA levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the averaging principle for a slow–fast stochastic system driven by α -stable process with α ∈ (1 , 2) , where the slow and fast components are the stochastic Burger equation and the stochastic reaction–diffusion equation respectively. The proof is based on the Khasminskii's time discretization and the techniques of stopping times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of packaging method on physicochemical and microbiological properties of roast chicken meat. The samples were stored under normal atmosphere (A) and four different proportions of CO2 and N2 modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions: N (N2, 100%), M2 (CO2/N2, 20%/80%), M3 (CO2/N2, 30%/70%), and M4 (CO2/N2, 40%/60%). Microbiological quality, pH, headspace gas composition, color, and lipid oxidation of roast chicken meat were measured. The time to reach the acceptable total viable counts (TVC, 4 log cfu/g) was 8, 16, 18, 21, and 22 days in A, N, M2, M3, and M4 samples, respectively. The thiobarbituric acid values under MAP packaging were lower than those in normal packaging. In addition, the growth rate of TVC, molds, and yeasts in roast chicken was slower with the increase of carbon dioxide content in MAP. The present findings demonstrate that packaging with CO2/N2, 40%/60% could extend the longer shelf life of roast chicken at 4°C. Practical applications: The results showed that CO2/N2 modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) could effectively extend the shelf life of roast chicken products. The effects of different gas compositions in MAP on the pH, color, and fat oxidation of roasted chicken were not significant. The results of this study have guided significance for the storage and consumption of products in the roast poultry processing industry, and provide the references for the storage of other barbecue products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]