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Objective: Therapeutic irradiation is commonly used to treat brain cancers but can induce cognitive dysfunction, especially in children. The mechanism is unknown but likely involves alterations in dendritic spine number and structure. Methods: To explore the impact of radiation exposure on the alteration of dendritic spine morphology in the hippocampus of young brains, 21-day-old Sprague–Dawley rats received cranial irradiation (10 Gy), and changes in spine density and morphology in dentate gyrus (DG) granules and CA1 pyramidal neurons were detected 1 and 3 months later by using Golgi staining. Moreover, we analyzed synapse-associated proteins within dendritic spines after irradiation. Result: Our data showed that cognitive deficits were detected in young rats at both time points postirradiation, accompanied by morphological changes in dendritic spines. Our results revealed significant reductions in spine density in the DG at both 1 month (40.58%) and 3 months (28.92%) postirradiation. However, there was a decrease in spine density only at 1 month (33.29%) postirradiation in the basal dendrites of CA1 neurons and no significant changes in the apical dendrites of CA1 neurons at either time point. Notably, among our findings were the significant dynamic changes in spine morphology that persisted 3 months following cranial irradiation. Meanwhile, we found that depletion of the synapse-associated proteins PSD95 and Drebrin coincided with alterations in dendritic spines. Conclusion: These data suggest that the decreased levels of PSD95 and Drebrin after ionizing radiation may cause changes in synaptic plasticity by affecting the morphological structure of dendritic spines, blocking the functional connectivity pathways of the brain and leading to cognitive impairment. Although the mechanism involved is unclear, understanding how ionizing radiation affects young brain hippocampal tissue may be useful to gain new mechanistic insights into radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The house mouse or Mus musculus has become a premier mammalian model for genetic research due to its genetic and physiological similarities to humans. It brought mechanistic insights into numerous human diseases and has been routinely used to assess drug efficiency and toxicity, as well as to predict patient responses. To facilitate molecular mechanism studies in mouse, we present the Mouse Interactome Database (MID, Version 1), which includes 155,887 putative functional associations between mouse protein-coding genes inferred from functional association evidence integrated from 9 public databases. These putative functional associations are expected to cover 19.32% of all mouse protein interactions, and 26.02% of these function associations may represent protein interactions. On top of MID, we developed a gene set linkage analysis (GSLA) web tool to annotate potential functional impacts from observed differentially expressed genes. Two case studies show that the MID/GSLA system provided precise and informative annotations that other widely used gene set annotation tools, such as PANTHER and DAVID, did not. Both MID and GSLA are accessible through the website http://mouse.biomedtzc.cn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel acylated steroidal sapogenins, 3β-acetoxy-1α, 2α, 4β, 5α, 7α-pentahydroxy-spirost-25(27)-en-6-one (1) and (25S)-3α-acetoxy-1α, 2β, 4α, 5α, 7α-pentahydroxyspirostan-6-one (2), together with two known steroidal sapogenins (3 and 4), were isolated from Rohdea chinensis rhizomes. Their structures were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) data. In addition, the antifungal activities of the isolated compounds against Penicillium digitatum and Rhizopus stolonifera were evaluated. Compound 2 significantly inhibited R. stolonifera growth, which was comparable to the positive control (sodium benzoate and carbendazim). Compound 4 showed the highest potency to inhibit P. digitatum growth compared to other compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the genetic variation of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) in the development of ovarian endometriosis and endometriosis-related primary infertility risk. Methods: This case-control study included 564 women with ovarian endometriosis and 576 normal women in the control group in northern China. The polymorphism of GSTM1 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/ligase detection reaction method. To assess the biological significance of polymorphisms, the level of GSTM1 mRNA expression in patients' endometrial tissues with different genotypes was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: Compared with the positive genotype, the null genotype of GSTM1 was associated with the risk of developing ovarian endometriosis (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02–1.62). Further analysis showed that patients with a null genotype also had a significantly higher risk of primary infertility than patients with positive genotypes (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.01–2.49). In addition, we found that GSTM1 mRNA expression was present in the endometrial tissue of all patients, but the expression level of patients with a positive genotype was nearly 10 times higher than that of patients with a negative genotype. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the GSTM1 polymorphism is not only related to the genetic susceptibility to ovarian endometriosis but also a potential molecular marker of primary infertility in patients with ovarian endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the association between SNPs in human IGF2 / H19 gene locus and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) risk, we performed a case-control study in 422 individuals (219 EOC patients and 203 cancer-free controls). Four SNPs (rs2525885, rs2839698, rs3741206, rs3741219) were found to be related with EOC risk. Specifically, the minor allele C of rs2525885 and allele A of rs2839698 was associated with elevated EOC genetic susceptibility under both dominant and recessive models (TC + CC vs TT: adjusted OR: 1.61, P =.031; CC vs TT + TC: adjusted OR: 4.87, P =.014; GA + AA vs GG: adjusted OR: 1.63, P =.023; AA vs GG + GA: adjusted OR: 2.43, P =.007). For rs3741206, the genotype TC + CC was associated with a significant decrease in EOC risk with the TT genotype as reference in a dominant genetic model (adjusted OR: 0.44, P =.003), while for rs3741219, genotype AA was associated with a 59% decrease in EOC risk only in the recessive model (adjusted OR: 0.41, P =.038). In the stratified analysis, an increased risk associated with the variant genotypes was observed in only subjects aged >47 years for rs2525885 (adjusted OR = 2.04, P =.024), rs2839698 (adjusted OR = 2.50, P =.047) and rs3741206 (adjusted OR = 0.37, P =.009), respectively. What's more, the TC + CC genotype of rs2525885 was significantly associated with advanced FIGO stage (III vs II, adjusted OR = 2.73, P =.040). • A case-control study in 422 individuals was performed to find susceptibility SNPs in IGF2 / H19 gene locus underlying EOC. • Four SNPs (rs2525885, rs2839698, rs3741206, rs3741219) were firstly found to be related with epithelial ovarian cancer risk. • For rs2525885 and rs2839698, an increased risk associated with the variant genotypes was observed in subjects aged >47 years. • A decreased risk associated with the variant genotypes was observed in only subjects aged >47 years for rs3741206. • TC+CC genotype of rs2525885 was significantly associated with advanced FIGO stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical investigation on the 75% EtOH extract of the aerial parts of Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides resulted in the isolation of three new lycodine alkaloids, 16-hydroxy-9-oxo-lycocasuarinine D (1), 6α-hydroxy-16-dehydroxy-lycocasuarinine A (2), and 6α,16-dihydroxy-lycocasuarinine B (3). Structural elucidation of all the compounds was performed by spectral methods such as 1D- and 2D-NMR, infrared, ultraviolet, and HR-ESI-MS. The isolated alkaloids were tested in vitro for cytotoxic potential against six lung cancer cell lines. Consequently, alkaloid 1 exhibited cytotoxicity against all the tested tumor cell lines with IC50 values less than 20 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Electron-induced polymer charging is described by complex microscopic parameters. • Charging time and surface potential are highly correlated in visual expression. • Trapping model is improved and completed in this article. • Microscopic charge characteristics in electron-based surface microscopy. Abstract The surface potentials and dynamic charging properties of polymers subjected to electron irradiation in scanning electron microscopy are investigated by using a novel method applied in parallel with simulation and experimental methods. We perform our simulation through a parallel computing method with various microscopic parameters. The results show that under the given microscopic parameters, the charging time concomitantly decreases as the film thickness, electron mobility, trap cross and recombination rate increase. The surface potential decreases as electron energy, beam current density, capture cross section, sample thickness and electron-hole recombination rate increase and as electron mobility decreases. Charging time increases with increasing beam density, sample thickness, recombination rate and change in capture cross-section, and decreases with increasing electron mobility. The primary-electron energy exhibits an inflection point at 35 keV. This study offers an intuitive analytical and measurement method for understanding microscopic charge characteristics in electron-based surface microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in vivo determination of selenomethionine (SeMet) converted from selenium-enriched yeast (SeY) rather than the determination of in vitro hydrolyzed SeMet is a better parameter for the evaluation of SeY quality. A UPLC–MS/MS method was developed for the quantification of SeMet in rat plasma and the oral bioavailability of SeMet converted from SeY in rats. After a simple extraction with perchloric acid, SeMet and the internal standard methylselenocysteine (MSC) were separated on a C18 column with isocratic elution of water:acetonitrile:formic acid (99:1:0.1, v / v / v ) and detected in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method was accurate (92.6–104.3%) and precise (1.8–11.0%), and the recovery was 79.4–95.4%. It was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies of SeY in rats following the intravenous administration of SeMet and intragastric administration of SeY. SeMet in vivo , converted from SeY, is reported for the first time, and the results suggested that the SeY bioavailability in rats is 87%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) has shown sufficient concordance in detecting plasma epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ) status in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), compared to tumor tissues. However, the clinical significance of the quantitative plasma mutated EGFR concentration remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of plasma mutated EGFR concentration with tumor burden in advanced NSCLC patients. Materials and methods Using ddPCR, plasma DNA samples prior to administration of therapies from 113 consecutive NSCLC patients were analyzed for EGFR L858R substitution and deletion of exon19 (ex19del). Plasma EGFR status was compared to tumor EGFR status to determine concordance. Then, we assessed the correlation of plasma mutated EGFR concentrations with tumor burden and other tumor characteristics. Results and conclusion Compared to tumor EGFR , the concordance rate of plasma and tissue EGFR status was 86.73%. Of the 64 patients who harbored tumor EGFR mutation, plasma mutated EGFR concentrations significantly correlated with number of metastatic sites (Spearman’s r = 0.4954, p < 0.0001), number of lesions (Spearman’s r = 0.4484, p = 0.0002), and sum of measurable lesions’ diameters (Spearman’s r = 0.3539, p = 0.0048). Number of metastatic sites was independently associated with mutated EGFR concentration in multiple linear regression. Besides, plasma mutated EGFR concentrations were significantly higher in those with extensive tumor burden (median concentration, 386.9 vs. 13.4 copies/mL; p < 0.0001) and stage IV disease (median concentration, 244.2 vs. 0 copies/mL; p = 0.0252). In conclusion, mutated plasma EGFR concentration determined by ddPCR analysis significantly correlated with tumor burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the protective effect of hypothermia (HT) on brain injury in moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) rat models and the potential mechanisms, especially the involvement of RIPK1 in apoptosis and necroptosis. Methods: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to four groups: sham+normothermia (sham+NT), sham+hypothermia (sham+HT), moderate TBI+normothermia (TBI+NT) and moderate TBI+hypothermia (TBI+HT). The sham+HT and TBI+HT groups were submitted to 32°C for 6 hours. The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was assessed 24 hours after TBI; 24 and 48 hours after TBI, the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) was assessed. Immediately after behavioural tests, rats were sacrificed to harvest the brain tissues. Results: mNSS scores were lower in the TBI+HT group compared with the TBI+NT group (p < 0.01) and cerebral blood flow was better (p < 0.01). H&E staining of the cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus showed pyknotic and irregularly shaped neurons in TBI+NT rats, which were less frequent in TBI+HT rats. The TBI+NT and TBI+HT groups showed higher TNF-α, TRAIL, FasL, FADD, caspase-3, caspase-8, PARP-1, RIPK-1 and RIPK-3 levels than the sham+NT group (all p < 0.05), but the levels of these proteins were all lower in the TBI+HT group compared with the TBI+NT group (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: HT treatment significantly reduced RIPK-1 upregulation, which may inhibit necroptosis and apoptosis pathways after moderate TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies should be tailored according to the different syndrome types. In order to identify the relationship between the TCM Yin-cold (YC) or Yang-heat (YH) syndrome types and the EGFR gene status, we prospectively studied 310 NSCLC patients. TCM YH or YC was diagnosed by three TCM experts. TCM symptoms and signs were entered into a binary cluster analysis. The relationships between the EGFR gene status, YH or YC syndrome types, and classification by cluster analysis were analyzed using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. In the 299 patients who had their EGFR gene tested, 45.24% YC (76/168) and 25.95% YH (34/131) patients had EGFR mutations (p=0.001). Among the 292 patients entered into the cluster analysis, 132 were classified into group A, with signs and symptoms similar to YC, whereas 160 group B patients were similar to YH. In the 281 patients with EGFR tested, 45.67% group A (58/127) and 28.57% group B patients (44/154) had EGFR mutations (p=0.003). The EGFR status was independently correlated with TCM syndrome type and classification by cluster analysis on multivariate logistic regression. NSCLC patients with YC were more likely to have EGFR gene mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between microscopic parameters and polymer charging caused by defocused electron beam irradiation is investigated using a dynamic scattering-transport model. The dynamic charging process of an irradiated polymer using a defocused 30 keV electron beam is conducted. In this study, the space charge distribution with a 30 keV non-penetrating e-beam is negative and supported by some existing experimental data. The internal potential is negative, but relatively high near the surface, and it decreases to a maximum negative value at z = 6 μm and finally tend to 0 at the bottom of film. The leakage current and the surface potential behave similarly, and the secondary electron and leakage currents follow the charging equilibrium condition. The surface potential decreases with increasing beam current density, trap concentration, capture cross section, film thickness and electron–hole recombination rate, but with decreasing electron mobility and electron energy. The total charge density increases with increasing beam current density, trap concentration, capture cross section, film thickness and electron–hole recombination rate, but with decreasing electron mobility and electron energy. This study shows a comprehensive analysis of microscopic factors of surface charging characteristics in an electron-based surface microscopy and analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the electron scattering, charge transport and charge trapping of a polymer subjected to intermediate-energy electron beam in a self-consist charging model. Numerical simulation of a charging balance is performed using incident intermediate-energy electron current and leakage current, and the space charging characteristics are examined. The mechanisms involve various microscopic parameters that are related to the space potential and the characteristics of the polymer as well as to the effects of the space charge, electron charge, hole charge and trapped charge itself. The dynamic transporting and trapping properties of a polymer are investigated, and the space potential is evaluated using various parameters of irradiation. Trapping of electrons is determined using Poole-Frenkel trapping-detrapping mechanisms. Various types of space charging behavior are observed by controlling irradiation conditions. Furthermore, the peak location of space charge is simulated and validated by Sessler's experimental data in microscopic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Air-exposed silver surface is investigated in a multifunctional ultrahigh vacuum system to find out the quantitative relation between thermal treatment and the electron-induced secondary electron yield (SEY). Silver-coated samples are heated in the range of about 100–320 °C for up to 120 min, and thermal desorption is characterized. The SEY is then measured in situ as a function of primary electron energy. The maximum SEY is found to decrease almost linearly with the increase in the logarithmic thermal desorption amount determined by the heating time in a designed process. Reduction of SEY also shows a linear relationship with sample temperature in the observed range. Residual gas analysis demonstrates that the SEY reduction depends strongly on the rapid water desorption. In combination with the results of Ar-ion cleaning and Monte Carlo simulation, this work provides a new insight into the SEY variation due to surface desorption of different gases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was conducted to estimate different levels of protein supplementary diet on gene expressions related to intramuscular deposition in early-weaned yaks. Results showed that supplementary dietary protein significantly increased final weight, average daily gain ( ADG), intramuscular fat ( IMF), serum free fatty acid ( FFA), total triglycerides, total cholesterol ( Ch), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL) content. There was a quadratic response of ADG, IMF, FFA, Ch, HDL and LDL to dietary crude protein ( CP) level. Lipoprotein lipase ( LPL), fatty acid synthase ( FAS) and acetyl- CoA carboxylase ( ACC) enzyme activities were significantly increased by supplementary dietary CP, while hormone-sensitive lipase ( HSL) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 ( CPT-1) activities were significantly decreased. LPL, ACC and FAS enzyme activities showed quadratic increase as dietary CP increased. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ( PPARγ), LPL, FAS, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 ( SREBP-1), ACC, stearoyl- CoA desaturase ( SCD) and heart fatty-acid binding protein ( H- FABP) gene expression were significantly increased by supplementary dietary CP, while HSL and CPT-1 gene expression were significantly decreased. PPARγ, LPL, SREBP-1, ACC and H- FABP gene expression showed quadratic increase as dietary CP increased. These results indicated that supplementary dietary protein increased IMF accumulation mainly to increased intramuscular lipogenic gene expression and decreased lipolytic gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scopariusic acid (1), a new ent-clerodane-based meroditerpenoid with a unique cyclobutane ring and an unusual 1-octen-3-ol substituent, together with its biosynthetic related compound 2, were isolated from the aerial parts of Isodon scoparius.The structures of 1and 2, including their absolute configurations, were determined by spectroscopic methods, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and chemical methods. Compound 1showed weak cytotoxicity and moderate immunosuppressive activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Chronic inflammation plays an important role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) development and progression. Aim of this study is to determine whether inflammation-related parameters predict distant metastasis in NPC patients. Materials and methods: 335 newly diagnosed non-metastatic NPC patients were recruited. The values of the C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, globulin, white blood cell and neutrophil at baseline were measured. Results: Among the above six parameters, only CRP was independently associated with distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). CRP concentration of advanced T-/TNM-classification patients was higher than those with early classification (P =0.001). Higher-CRP (CRP⩾2.46mg/L) predicted shorter overall survival, disease-free survival and DMFS than lower-CRP (CRP<2.46mg/L). In a multivariable model, higher-CRP and advanced N-classification were independent predictors of distant metastasis. On the basis of these two parameters, a prognostic NC-model was developed as following: (1) low-risk (early N-classification and lower-CRP); (2) intermediate-risk (advanced N-classification or higher-CRP) and (3) the high-risk distant metastasis (advanced N-classification and higher-CRP). When compared with the low-risk group, the hazard ratios (HRs) for distant metastasis and death for the intermediate-/high-risk patients were 3.6/16.1 and 2.26/7.61, respectively (both P <0.001). Conclusion: We developed a new prognostic model based on CRP and N-classification for predicting distant metastasis and death of NPC patients, which may facilitate patient counselling and individualised treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims Chronic heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome with impaired myocardial contractility. In failing cardiomyocytes, decreased signalling efficiency between the L-type Ca2+ channels (LCCs) in the plasma membrane (including transverse tubules, TTs) and the ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) underlies the defective excitation–contraction (E–C) coupling. It is therefore intriguing to know how the LCC–RyR signalling apparatus is remodelled in human heart failure. Methods and results Stereological analysis of transmission electron microscopic images showed that the volume densities and the surface areas of TTs and junctional SRs were both decreased in heart failure specimens of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). The TT–SR junctions were reduced by ∼60%, with the remaining displaced from the Z-line areas. Moreover, the spatial span of individual TT–SR junctions was reduced by ∼17% in both DCM and ICM tissues. In accordance with these remodelling, junctophilin-2 (JP2), a structural protein anchoring SRs to TTs, was down-regulated, and miR-24, a microRNA that suppresses JP2 expression, was up-regulated in both heart failure tissues. Conclusion Human heart failure of distinct causes shared similar physical uncoupling between TTs and SRs, which appeared attributable to the reduced expression of JP2 and increased expression of miR-24. Therapeutic strategy against JP2 down-regulation would be expected to protect patients from cardiac E–C uncoupling. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The resonance Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with the density functional theory calculations were used to study the excited state structural dynamics of 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI). The experimental UV absorption bands were assigned according to the time-dependent density functional calculations. The vibrational assignments were done for the A-band resonance Raman spectra of MMI in water and acetonitrile on the basis of the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and FT-Raman measurements in solid, in water and in acetonitrile and the corresponding B3LYP/6-311+G(d, p) computations. The dynamic structures of MMI were obtained by analysis of the resonance Raman intensity pattern and normal mode analysis. The differences in the dynamic structures of MMI and thiourea were revealed and explained. The structural dynamic of MMI was found to be similar to that of 2-thiopyrimidone in terms of major reaction coordinates and thus favored the intra-molecular proton transfer reaction. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, based on a comprehensive numerical simulation of self-consistent charging, we investigate the formation, evolution and influencing factors of space charge distributions for a grounded insulating thin film of SiO2 negatively charged by a keV non-penetrating focused electron beam. The simulated space charge presents first positive distributions and then negative ones along both the radial and depth directions because of the difference between electron and hole transports. The variations in distribution occur within a range of the minimum potential acting as a potential barrier for carrier transport. The negative space charge is distributed more widely and deeply, though its peak value in density is usually lower than that of the positive one. Electrons trapped outside the minimum potential range dominate the strength of negative charging. With the increase in potential barrier and the occurrence of leakage current, the space charge eventually reaches equilibrium and exhibits an approximately one-dimensional axial distribution outside the minimum potential range. Distribution features of the space charge density in the equilibrium state correlate with the film and beam parameters via transients of the leakage current. These results and analyses provide new insights into the negative charging effects involved in various electron-beam-based surface microscopic methods, analyses and fabrication techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We perform numerical simulations of the leakage current characteristics of an insulating thin film of SiO2 negatively charged by a low-energy nonpenetrating focused electron beam. For the formation of leakage current, electrons are demonstrated to turn from diffusion to drift after clearing the minimum potential barrier due to electron-hole separation. In the equilibrium state, the leakage current increases approximately linearly with the increasing primary beam current and energy. It also increases with the increasing film thickness and trap density, and with the decreasing electron mobility, in which the film thickness has a greater influence. Validated by some existing experiments, the simulation results provide a new perspective for the negative charging effects of insulating samples due to the low-energy focused electron beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A phytochemical investigation of Isodon leucophyllus led to the isolation of four novel ent-kauranoid dimers: bisleuconins A–D (1–4), and one known compound, rabdoloxin A (5). It was interesting that the structures of bisleuconins A (1) and B (2) were elucidated as a pair of epimeric ent-kauranoid dimers with unique linkage pattern C-16→C-17′ to connect two monomers. Bisleuconins C (3) and D (4) were two new asymmetric ent-kauranoid dimers. A possible biogenetic pathway of 1 and 2 was also proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Image blurring of MeV transmission electrons for gold nanoparticles on the top surface of micrometer-thick specimens has been investigated using the Monte Carlo simulation. Both the simulated line density profile and therefore image blurring were in good agreement with the experimental ones in the ultrahigh voltage electron microscope. Quantitative effects of specimen thickness and electron energy on image blurring were presented, in which the specimen thickness had a greater influence. Image blurring was demonstrated to be caused mainly by multiple elastic scattering, but it could be reduced to several nanometers for a 5 µm thick epoxy-resin specimen at the electron energy of 2 MeV. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We have investigated the linear attenuation range of electron transmission through film specimens and its dependence on the electron energy, the acceptance half-angle of a detector or an objective aperture, and specimen properties, in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and the conventional transmission electron microscope (TEM). Electron transmission in the bright-field mode was calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation of electron scattering, and its range of the linear attenuation in film thickness was then determined by a linear least squares fit. The corresponding linear thickness range was shown to increase with the electron energy and the acceptance half-angle, although it decreased with the increase in the atomic number of specimen materials. Under the condition of a 300kV STEM or a 3MV ultra-high voltage electron microscope (ultra-HVEM), the linear attenuation range could extend to several microns for light specimen materials, and this was validated by experimental data in the ultra-HVEM. The presented results can be helpful for accurately measuring the specimen thickness or mass from electron transmission, and estimating the deviation of electron transmission from linearity when tilting a specimen in electron tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two novel diterpenoids, luanchunins A (1) and B (2), along with their precursor, kamebakaurin (3), had been isolated from the stems and leaves of Isodon rubescens var. lushanensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 showed potent cytotoxic activity against HL-60 with IC50 values of 4.81μM and 3.52μM, respectively. Plausible pathways for the biosynthesis of 1 and 2 were also postulated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Image quality of MeV transmission electrons is an important factor for both observation and electron tomography of microns-thick specimens with the high voltage electron microscope (HVEM) and the ultra-HVEM. In this work, we have investigated image quality of a tilted thick specimen by experiment and analysis. In a 3MV ultra-HVEM, we obtained transmission electron images in amplitude contrast of 100nm gold particles on the top surface of a tilted 5μm thick amorphous epoxy-resin film. From line profiles of the images, we then measured and evaluated image blurring, contrast, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) under different effective thicknesses of the tilted specimen and accelerating voltages of electrons. The variation of imaging blurring was consistent with the analysis based on multiple elastic scattering. When the effective thickness almost tripled, image blurring increased from ∼3 to ∼20nm at the accelerating voltage of 3MV. For the increase of accelerating voltage from 1 to 3MV in the condition of the 14.6μm effective thickness, due to the reduction of multiple scattering effects, image blurring decreased from ∼54 to ∼20nm, and image contrast and SNR were both obviously enhanced by a factor of ∼3 to preferable values. The specimen thickness was shown to influence image quality more than the accelerating voltage. Moreover, improvement on image quality of thick specimens due to increasing the accelerating voltage would become less when it was further increased from 2 to 3MV in this work. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report on the surface potential characteristics in the equilibrium state of the grounded insulating thin films of several 100nm thickness negatively charged by a low-energy (<5keV) focused electron beam, which have been simulated with a newly developed two-dimensional self-consistent model incorporating electron scattering, charge transport and charge trapping. The obtained space charge is positive and negative within and outside the region, respectively, where the electron and hole densities are greater than the trap density. Thus, the surface potential is relatively high around the center, then it decreases to a maximum negative value and finally tends to zero along the radial direction. The position of the maximum value is far beyond the range of e-beam irradiation as a consequence of electron scattering and charge transport. Moreover, a positive electric field can be generated near the surface in both radial and axial directions. The surface potential at center exhibits a maximum negative value in the condition of the ∼2keV energy non-penetrating e-beam in this work, which is supported by some existing experimental data in scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the surface potential decreases with the increase in beam current, trap density and film thickness, but with the decrease in electron mobility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Space charge and surface potential profiles are investigated with numerical simulation for dielectric films of SiO2 positively charged by a focused electron beam. By combining the Monte Carlo method and the finite difference method, the simulation is preformed with a newly developed comprehensive two-dimensional model including electron scattering, charge transport and trapping. Results show that the space charge is distributed positively, like a semi-ellipsoid, within a high-density region of electrons and holes, but negatively outside the region due to electron diffusion along the radial and beam incident directions. Simultaneously, peak positions of the positive and negative space charge densities shift outwards or downwards with electron beam irradiation. The surface potential, along the radial direction, has a nearly flat-top around the center, abruptly decreases to negative values outside the high-density region and finally increases to zero gradually. Influences of electron beam and film parameters on the surface potential profile in the equilibrium state are also shown and analyzed. Furthermore, the variation of secondary electron signal of a large-scale integration sample positively charged in scanning electron microscopic observation is simulated and validated by experiment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Multiple scattering has an important influence on the analysis of microns-thick specimens with MeV electrons. In this paper, we report on effects of multiple scattering of MeV electrons on electron transmission and imaging of tilted and thick amorphous film specimens by experiment and theoretical analysis. Electron transmission for microns-thick epoxy-resin and SiO2 specimens calculated by the multiple elastic-scattering theory is in good agreement with measurements in the ultrahigh voltage electron microscope (ultra-HVEM) at Osaka University. Electron transmission and electron energy are then presented in an approximate power law. The bright-field ultra-HVEM images of gold particles on the top or bottom surfaces of 5 and 15μm thick specimens further illustrate the effect of multiple scattering on image quality. The observed top‐bottom effect for the very thick specimens appears to be mainly caused by multiple elastic scattering. With increase in the accelerating voltage from 1 to 2MV, image blurring, contrast, the signal-to-noise ratio, and the top‐bottom effect are improved because of reduction in the influence of multiple scattering. However, the effect of specimen thickness on image blurring is shown to be stronger than that of accelerating voltage. At the 2MV accelerating voltage, the 100nm gold particle can be imaged with less blurring of ∼4nm when located at the bottom surface of a 15μm thick epoxy-resin specimen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Michael reactions of indole and pyrrole compounds to α,β-unsaturated ketones catalyzed by triflic acid (HOTf, 0.1–1 mol%) were performed in water to give alkylated indoles (3a–m) and dialkylsubstituted pyrroles (6a–b) in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of utilizing high-energy electron tomography to characterize the micron-scale three dimensional (3D) structures of integrated circuits has been demonstrated experimentally. First, electron transmission through a tilted SiO2 film was measured with an ultrahigh-voltage electron microscope (ultra-HVEM) and analyzed from the point of view of elastic scattering of electrons, showing that linear attenuation of the logarithmic electron transmission still holds valid for effective specimen thicknesses up to 5 μm under 2 MV accelerating voltages. Electron tomography of a micron-order thick integrated circuit specimen including the Cu/via interconnect was then tried with 3 MeV electrons in the ultra-HVEM. Serial projection images of the specimen tilted at different angles over the range of ±90° were acquired, and 3D reconstruction was performed with the images by means of the IMOD software package. Consequently, the 3D structures of the Cu lines, via and void, were revealed by cross sections and surface rendering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the relationship between the phosphorylation of D1 protein and the function of PSII reaction center, the changes in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, PSII electron transport activity and D1 protein amount were observed after dephosphorylation of phosphorylated D1 proteins caused by FSBA (5′-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl adenosine, an inhibitor of protein kinase) treatment. Also, phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated D1 proteins (D1* and D1, respectively) were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western Blotting. The following results were obtained. (1) D1* could be up to 74% of the total D1 proteins in dark-adapted soybean leaves and could be completely dephosphorylated by FSBA (1 mM) treatment for 2 h. (2) Dephosphorylation of D1* resulted in neither substantial net loss of D1 proteins nor the significant changes in value of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. (3) The electron transport activity of PS II (H2O→1,4-BQ) was not changed significantly after D1* was completely dephosphorylated. Based on these results, it is concluded that D1 protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation alone has no significant effect on the function of PS II reaction center in soybean leaves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim Biotechnical processes in Escherichia coli often operate with artificial plasmids. However, these bioprocesses frequently encounter plasmid loss. To ensure stable expression of heterologous genes in E. coli BL21(DE3), a novel plasmid addiction system (PAS) was developed. Methods and results This PAS employed an essential gene grpE encoding a cochaperone in the DnaK-DnaJ-GrpE chaperone system as the selection marker, which represented a chromosomal ΔgrpE mutant harboring episomal expression plasmids that carry supplementary grpE alleles to restore the deficiency. To demonstrate the feasibility of this system, it was implemented in phloroglucinol (PG) biosynthesis, manifesting improved host tolerance to PG and increased PG production. Specifically, PG titer significantly improved from 0.78 ± 0.02 to 1.34 ± 0.04 g l−1, representing a 71.8% increase in shake-flask fermentation. In fed-batch fermentation, the titer increased from 3.71 ± 0.11 to 4.54 ± 0.10 g l−1, showing a 22.4% increase. RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis revealed that the improvements were attributed to grpE overexpression and upregulation of various protective chaperones and the biotin acetyl-CoA carboxylase ligase coding gene birA. Conclusion This novel PAS could be regarded as a typical example of nonanabolite- and nonmetabolite-related PAS. It effectively promoted plasmid maintenance in the host, improved tolerance to PG, and increased the titer of this compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. is mainly distributed in Shanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan province of China. It is also found in Korea and Japan. Its dried roots and rhizomes are used as medicinal herbs and have been used to treat hyperglycemia and various inflammatory disorders. This paper aims to provide an up-to-date review of the developments in the studies involving the extraction and purification, structure analysis, pharmacological effects, and potential applications of polysaccharides obtained from Polygonum cuspidatum. Additionally, the possible future research directions of this plant are discussed. This article used " Polygonum cuspidatum polysaccharide (PCP)" and " Polygonum cuspidatum " as the keywords and gathered relevant data on Polygonum cuspidatum using electronic databases (Elsevier, PubMed, ACS, CNKI, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Web of Science), relevant books, and classic literature about Chinese herb. Excluding irrelevant and repetitive documents, 278 documents were finally included, of which 88 were in Chinese and 190 were in English. The CiteSpace software was used to visualize the trends and keywords in this research field. We concluded that the main extraction methods for Polygonum cuspidatum polysaccharide are water extraction and alcohol precipitation, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and microjet extraction. High-performance liquid chromatography and column chromatography are also commonly used in the separation and purification of PCP. PCP has antitumor, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and antioxidant effects. This paper provides an updated and deeper understanding of PCP, serving as a theoretical foundation for the further optimization of polysaccharide structures and the development of PCP as a novel functional material for clinical application. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on Pb-I phase diagram, phase transition of PbI2 immiscible melt (L2 +L3) was analyzed. It indicates that PbI2 crystal growth is accompanied with precipitation of excessive Pb. Hereby, with an improved growth ampoule, an intact and translucent PbI2 crystal was growth by vertical Bridgman technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that the structure of the grown crystal is 2H with hexagonal space group (). Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis shows the precipitated material is 100% Pb. The experimental results accord with the phase transition analysis and indicate a convenient way to grow single crystals from immiscible melt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the effect of a sample structure on reconstruction quality in computed tomography (CT). A power spectrum with respect to a projection angle is used to represent the sample structure. The condition for high quality reconstruction is then analyzed with the simulation and the electron tomography experiment based on an ultrahigh voltage electron microscope. The truncated terms in the power spectrum are suggested to be less than 10-3 for high quality reconstruction. The effect of the sample structure is believed to be an important factor for high quality reconstruction of complex samples in various CT techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We clarify the transient process and its mechanism of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of a trench microstructure buried in insulators. First, interface charges of primary electrons trapped on the trench are derived from the charging model of a capacitor considering the electron beam induced current, and the surface potential is therefore assumed. The SEM signal current is then determined from its simplified relation with the surface potential. Calculated profiles of the secondary electron (SE) signal current and their time-evolution behaviors can well fit the transient of the experimental SEM images. Results show that the variation of the surface potential due to the transient interface charges and the effect of SE redistribution result in transients of the SEM imaging signal and the image width of the buried trench. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The precise etiology of anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) infarction is difficult to identify because of the high anatomic variability of vertebrobasilar arteries and the limitations of conventional vascular examinations. Basi-parallel anatomic scanning magnetic resonance imaging (BPAS-MRI) can reveal the outer contour of the intracranial vertebrobasilar arteries, which may be helpful to distinguish the arteriosclerosis from congenital dysplasia and dissection.Case Presentation: In this study, we reported 3 cases of AICA infarction and discussed the diagnostic value of BPAS-MRI in the evaluation of vascular etiology.Conclusions: The BPAS-MRI could be considered as an important supplementary in the diagnosis of vascular etiology of infarction in AICA territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stem cell therapy has revealed a promising future for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), but the fate and curative mechanism of intracavernosal transplanted stem cells are under further exploration. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of myocardin gene modification on improving erectile function and prolonging the retention of implanted adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) using in vivo small animal imaging. Methods: ASCs were isolated, cultured, and identified by flow cytometry and osteogenic and adipogenic induction. The effects of gene modification on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and contraction were determined by CCK-8, EdU, flow cytometry, and collagen gel lattice contraction assays as well as confocal microscopy. A total of 20 normal and 60 diabetes mellitus ED to (DMED) Sprague–Dawley rats were recruited to the 7 day and 21 day groups. Each group contained subgroups of 10 rats each: the negative control (NC), DMED + ASCs plus Ad-Luc-Myocardin, DMED + ASCs plus Ad-Luc, and DMED + phosphate buffer solution (PBS) groups. Erectile function was evaluated with the intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (△ICP/MAP) ratio. In vivo small animal imaging and an EdU cell tracking strategy were introduced to detect the transplanted ASCs, and IHC and WB were performed to assess smooth muscle cell protein levels. Results: The ASCs expressed high CD29 and CD90 and scant CD45, while the multi-induction potential was verified by oil red O and alizarin red staining. Gene transfection of myocardin had no significant influence on ASC apoptosis but inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell contraction. Myocardin combined with ASCs enhanced the therapeutic potential of ASCs for improving the △ICP/MAP ratio as well as α-SMA and calponin expression. In vivo imaging confirmed that ASCs resided within the cavernous body in 21 days, while only a few red EdU dots were detected. Conclusions: Myocardin induced ASC differentiation towards smooth muscle-like cells and enhanced the therapeutic potential of ASCs for ameliorating ED in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Notably, in vivo small animal tracking was an effective strategy for monitoring the implanted stem cells, and this strategy might have advantages over traditional EdU assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphisms of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (TIM-3) were reported to be associated with cancer risk and patients' survival. This study aims to investigate the correlation of TIM-3 polymorphisms with susceptibility to epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and patients' outcomes. A total of 700 EOC patients and 710 healthy controls from North China were included. The polymorphisms (rs10053538, rs10515746 and rs1036199) were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction/ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) method. Survival data were available for 339 patients after cytoreductive surgery. The expression level of TIM-3 was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The prognostic value of TIM3 in EOC patients was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. The results showed that none of the TIM3 polymorphisms were associated with the risk of developing EOC. Patients with the rs10053538 CA + AA genotype had worse PFS and OS than those with the CC genotype (HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.05–2.09, P = 0.024 and HR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.09–2.26, P = 0.017, respectively). The RT-qPCR results showed that the expression levels of TIM-3 mRNA in EOC tissues with the rs10053538CA + AA genotypes were significantly higher than those with the CC genotype (P = 0.006). Analysis using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database showed that high expression of TIM-3 mRNA was significantly associated with shorter PFS and OS in EOC patients (HR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.29–1.91, P < 0.001 and HR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.06–1.63, P = 0.013, respectively). TIM-3 polymorphisms were not associated with risk of developing EOC. Both rs10053538 and the expression level of TIM-3 mRNA may be associated with its clinical outcome in EOC patients. • TIM-3 polymorphisms were not associated with risk of developing EOC. • rs10053538 polymorphisms may affect the outcome in EOC patients. • The rs10053538 CA + AA genotypes may upregulate the expression of TIM-3 in EOC tissues. • Overexpression of TIM-3 mRNA was associated with poor clinical outcomes in EOC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Distant metastasis is the major cause of treatment failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Although several biomarkers correlate with metastasis and prognosis, the molecular mechanisms of NPC development and progression remain unclear. Methods: Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, cell growth, foci formation, migration and invasion assays, and xenograft mouse models were utilized to examine the expression levels and functions of the CXCL5/CXCR2 axis in NPC. A luciferase reporter assay, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and migration and invasion assays were used to identify and verify the ERK/GSK-3β/Snail signalling pathway. Results: CXCL5 was significantly increased in the sera of NPC patients, and high expression levels of CXCL5/CXCR2 in NPC primary tissues indicated poor survival. CXCL5 and CXCR2 were upregulated in NPC cell lines. Ectopic expression of the CXCL5/CXCR2 axis promoted NPC cell migration and invasion in vitro and the formation of lung metastases in vivo. Mechanistically, the dual overexpression of CXCL5 and CXCR2 promoted cell spreading by inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the activation of the ERK/GSK-3β/Snail signalling pathway. Conclusion: The CXCL5/CXCR2 axis contributes to the EMT of NPC cells by activating ERK/GSK-3β/Snail signalling, and this axis may be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for patients with NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water‐soluble rosin polymer (RP) was prepared via polymerization of rosin and maleic anhydride. The structure of the RP was characterized via Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The RP was used as a film‐forming agent on strawberries to improve their postharvest quality at room temperature. The effectiveness of this treatment was evaluated based on the impact of the RP coating on the following parameters: weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), firmness, respiration rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, anthocyanin content, and total phenolic content (TPC). The samples that coated with the RP exhibited delayed respiration and loss of firmness compared with the control. Correspondingly, the samples coated with the RP had lower weight loss (14.78%), MDA content (8.13 × 10−2 μmol/g), anthocyanin content (37.86 mg/100 g), TPC (3.41 × 10−4 mg/100 g), and higher TSS (8.09%). The results indicated that the RP preservative could effectively maintain the freshness of fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of electromagnetic simulation software and affordable hardware, it is allowed for us to complete simulations for EMC purposes. However, simulation demands will be immense when simulations for models with complex structures, especially aircraft components, have to be solved. Hence, it is meaningful to investigate how to minimize the computational demands. One of the solutions to reduce the simulation expense is the simplification for the simulated model. But the simplified model should be guaranteed to provide credible simulation results which do not deviate from the original model apparently. Generally, the difference between the simulation results and experimental data is estimated, or if the experimental conditions are not achieved, the comparison between the simplified model and the original one has to be analyzed, at least. This paper explores the electromagnetic simulation of a turbofan engine encountering lightning strike. With the simplifications of different components on the turbofan engine, the influences on induced currents of engine controller cables are simulated and analyzed based on the transmission-line matrix method. A combining method of components removal and geometric structure simplification is proposed to simplify the whole engine model. Simplified components include compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, and nozzle. The effects of different simplification methods are quantified, and the rationality of the simplified model is verified by simulation analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ropivacaine oil delivery depot (RODD) can slowly release ropivacaine and block nerves for a long timejavascript:;. The aim of the present work was to investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary pharmacodynamics of RODD in subcutaneous injection among healthy subjects. Methods: The abdomens of 3 subjects were subcutaneously administered with a single-needle RODD containing 12~30 mg of ropivacaine. The irritation, nerve blocking range and optimum dose were investigated. Forty-one subjects were divided into RODD groups containing 150, 230, 300, 350 and 400 mg of ropivacaine and a ropivacaine hydrochloride injection (RHI) 150 mg group. Multineedle subcutaneous injection of RODD or RHI was performed in the abdomens of the subjects. The primary endpoint was a safe dose or a maximum dose of ropivacaine (400 mg). Subjects' vital signs were observed; their blood was analyzed; their cardiovascular system and nervous systems were monitored, and their dermatological reactions were observed and scored. Second, the ropivacaine concentrations in plasma were determined, pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated, and the anesthetic effects of RODD were studied, including RODD onset time, duration and intensity of nerve block. Results: Single-needle injection of RODD 24 mg was optimal for 3 subjects, and the range of nerve block was 42.5±20.8 mm. Multineedle subcutaneous injection of RODD in the abdomens of subjects was safe, and all adverse events were no more severe than grade II. The incidence rate of grade II adverse events, such as pain, and abnormal ST and ST-T segment changes on electrocardiography, was approximately 1%. The incidence rate of grade I adverse events, including erythema, papules, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypotension was greater than 10%. Erythema and papules were relieved after 24 h and disappeared after 72 h. Other adverse reactions disappeared after 7 days. The curve of ropivacaine concentration-time in plasma presented a bimodal profile. The results showed that ropivacaine was slowly released from the RODD. Compared with the 150 mg RHI group, Tmax was longer in the RODD groups. In particular, Tmax in the 400 mg RODD group was longer than that in the RHI group (11.8±4.6 h vs. 0.77±0.06 h). The Cmax in the 150 mg RODD group was lower than that in the 150 mg RHI group (0.35±0.09 vs. 0.58±0.13 μg·mL-1). In particular, the Cmax increased by 48% when the dose was increased by 2.6 times in the 400 mg group. Cmax, the AUC value and the intensity of the nerve block increased with increasing doses of RODD. Among them, the 400 mg RODD group presented the strongest nerve block (the percentage of level 2 and 3, 42.9%). The corresponding median onset time was 0.42 h, and the duration median was 35.7⁓47.7 h. Conclusions: RODD has a sustained release effect. Compared with the RHI group, Tmax was delayed in the RODD groups, and the duration of nerve block was long. No abnormal reaction was found in the RODD group containing 400 mg of ropivacaine after subcutaneous injection among healthy subjects, suggesting that RODD was adequately safe. Trial registration: Chictr.org: CTR2200058122; Chinadrugtrials.org: CTR20192280. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with local gastric cancer experience a decline of Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) during adjuvant chemotherapy following gastrectomy. Our previous pilot study has indicated the potential of acupuncture to improve HRQOL and control cancer-related symptoms burden. This full-scale trial will focus on confirming the effect of acupuncture for patients with gastric cancer. Methods: A multicenter, open-label, three-arm randomized controlled trial with 249 patients will be conducted in China. Patients will be randomly assigned, in a ratio of 1:1:1, to receive high-dose acupuncture (HA, 7 times each chemo-cycle for 3 cycles), low-dose acupuncture (LA, 3 times each chemo-cycle for 3 cycles), or no acupuncture. The acupoints prescription consisted of bilateral ST36, PC6, SP4, DU20, EX-HN3, and selected Back-shu points. Patients-reported Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Gastric (FACT-Ga) and modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (mESAS) during the therapy will be recorded. Area under curve (AUC, 21 days/cycle × 3 cycles) and average trajectory of FACT-Ga and mESAS will be calculated. The primary outcome will be the differences in AUC of the FACT-Ga Trial Outcome Index (TOI) between HA and LA versus control groups. Secondary outcomes include AUCs and average trajectory of other FACT-Ga subscales and mESAS scores. Discussion: This study aims to assess the effect of acupuncture and to compare the difference between LA and HA groups on HRQOL and symptom burden controlling in gastric cancer patients by an adequately powered trial. Trial registration: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (approval number: BF2018-118) with registration at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04360577). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of high-performance fighters, the function of pilot helmets is also constantly upgrading, and helmet-mounted display (HMD) has become a future development trend. To solve the inter-restriction between the eye position control and the pressure comfort under high overloads of pilot helmets, this paper optimizes the helmet design by building a head-helmet finite element model: (1) Under a 10 G overload, the deformation of helmet soft liner should not exceed 2 mm; and (2) The combination of liner materials used in various areas should satisfy the requirements of most comfortable head pressure distribution (Pfront: Ptop: Pside: Pback = 2:2:1:3). The study on 46 different combinations of materials finds that the helmet can meet both the eye position maintenance requirement under overloads and the requirement of comfortable pressure distribution when linear elastic materials with Young’s modulus of 1000 pa, 55000 pa and 65000 pa are used for the side, top and front parts of the head, and nonlinear elastic hyperfoam material with two-fold stress variation is used for the head back area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to provide more data support for early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal purulent meningitis through retrospective analysis of its clinical diagnosis and treatment, pathogen distribution, and drug resistance in 5 third-class A hospitals in Southwest and Northwest China from January 2011 to December 2015. It was found that both the positive rates of blood and cerebrospinal fluid culture were low, and Escherichia coli should be the main pathogenic bacteria. Drug-resistant strains with varying degrees to the third generation of cephalosporin antibiotics have appeared currently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the impacts of FW addition on co-digestion in terms of microbial community. Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) reactors were conducted at gradually increased addition of food waste (FW) from 0 to 4 kg-VS m −3 d −1 for 220 days. Although no markable acidification was found at an OLR of 4 kg-VS m −3 d −1 , the unhealthy operation was observed in aspect of an inhibited methane yield (185 mL g −1 VS added ), which was restricted by 40% when compared with its peak value. Deterioration of digestion process was timely indicated by the dramatic decrease of archaeal population and microbial biodiversity. Furthermore, the cooperation network showed a considerable number of rare species (<1%) were strongly correlated with methane production, which were frequently overlooked due to the limits of detecting resolution or analysis methods before. Advances in the analysis of sensitive microbial community enable us to detect the early disturbances in AcoD reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]