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The article presents the discussion on use of live birth per embryo transfer as the primary outcome justifying the use of multiple embryo transfers and therefore increasing risk.

Ultrasound-assisted grinding (UAG) is generally considered as one of the most efficient and cost-effective techniques to machine optical glass. To understand the influence of the UAG parameters on the surface quality of optical glass, a series of experiments was conducted on a precision grinder machine assisted with an axial ultrasonic vibration device. On the basis of the mechanism of removal of hard, brittle materials, we propose a new surface-quality parameter for optical glass subjected to UAG: the brittle material removal fraction (BRF), which is related to the area fraction of brittle material removed from a machined surface. To calculate the BRF, an image-processing algorithm was developed by analyzing microtopographic images of the machined optical glass surface. The BRF was determined for different machining parameters (cutting depth, wheel speed, feed rate, and ultrasonic vibration amplitude) and was found to be dependent on the surface roughness. The grinding force measured in the UAG experiments exhibited a similar trend to the BRF with respect to the different machining parameters. Therefore, the BRF is a reasonable variable for estimating the surface quality of optical glass subjected to UAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A compact asymmetric coplanar strip (ACS)-fed monopole antenna for miniaturized communication systems is proposed. It consists of an ACS-fed 7-shaped monopole, a partial ground plane, and an FR4 substrate. The proposed antenna occupies a very compact size of only 30 × 13 mm2 which accords with the development trend toward miniaturized electronic components. The 7-shaped monopole can be considered as a combination of three parts-a rectangular strip on the top, a trapezoidal strip in the center, and a straight microstrip feed line at the bottom-which generates two separate resonant frequency bands. By introducing an open-ended T-shaped slot in the rectangular strip, a new resonant mode can be excited. Detailed descriptions of the design evolution as well as the parametric study are given to better understand the mechanisms of the proposed antenna. Experimental results demonstrate that it can provide a triple-band frequency range compatible with the 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz WLAN (2.4-2.485, 5.15-5.35, and 5.725-5.825 GHz) and 3.5/5.5 GHz WiMAX (3.4-3.7 and 5.25-5.85 GHz) operating bands. Furthermore, stable radiation patterns with satisfactory gains make it a good candidate as an internal antenna for compact multiband communication systems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1566-1572, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome (MSS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, which is characterized by congenital cataracts, cerebellar ataxia, progressive muscle weakness, and delayed psychomotor development. SIL1 , which is located at 5q31.2, is the only gene known to cause MSS. Dandy-Walker syndrome (DWS) is defined by hypoplasia, upward rotation of the cerebellar vermis, and cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle; however, its genetic pathogeny remains unclear. Here, we report a Chinese consanguineous family with MSS and DWS. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel nonstop mutation in SIL1 . Sanger sequencing revealed that the mutation was segregated in this family according to a recessive mode of inheritance. We found that the mutation changed a stop codon (TGA) to an arginine codon (CGA), and no in-frame termination codon in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of SIL1 could be found. The mRNA levels of SIL1 were decreased by 56.6% and 37.5% in immortalized lymphoblasts of the patients respectively; the protein levels of SIL1 were substantially decreased. This case study is the first report on Chinese MSS patients, MSS complicated by DWS, and a nonstop mutation in SIL1 . Our findings imply the pathogenetic association between DWS and MSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The silylation of a wide array of nitroalkenes is achieved by organocatalysts in yields up to 93%. The reaction is carried out in a toluene/water biphasic solvent under operationally simple conditions. Reduction of the nitro group provides efficient access to functionalized β-silyl amines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel l-ascorbyl fatty acid esters were synthesized by catalization of Novozym® 435 under ultrasonic irradiation and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectra, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Their properties especially antioxidant activity and stability were investigated. The results showed that the reducing power, the scavenging activity of hydroxyl radical and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical were decreased with the increase of the number of carbon atoms in fatty acid. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power of l-ascorbyl saturated fatty acid esters were better than that of tert-butylhydroquinone. The induction period in lipid oxidation of l-ascorbyl saturated fatty acid esters and tert-butylhydroquinone were longer than that of l-ascorbyl unsaturated fatty acid esters and l-ascorbic acid both in soybean oil and lard. Besides, the l-ascorbyl fatty acid esters showed different stabilities in different conditions by comparing with l-ascorbic acid, and the l-ascorbyl saturated fatty acid esters were more stable than l-ascorbyl unsaturated fatty acid esters in ethanol solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in promoting the survival of fat grafts, and to provide new methods and theoretical evidence for increasing the survival rate of autologous fat particle grafts.Methods:TheVEGF165gene was recombined with the target fragment, and the recombinant gene was introduced into adenovirus pAdEasy-1 system; the virus was then packaged and the titer was detected. The control group received the same processing. ASCs were cultured and subcultured, and then identified with immunohistochemistry and adipogenic differentiation assay. The subsequent experiments were performed in three groups: theVEGF165gene-virus group, blank virus group, and control group. After the viral solution was transfected into the ASCs, the viral transfection efficiency was detected using a tracing factor, EGFP. The expression of VEGF165 mRNA and protein in the transfected cells were determined. The proliferation of ASCs in each group was detected with the MTT assay.Results:(1) Recombinant adenoviral vector was constructed successfully in the two groups and the packaging was identified. The viral titer was 2.0 × 108pfu/ml and 1.9 × 108pfu/ml, which was in line with the requirements of the subsequent transfection experiments. (2) Immunohistochemistry and adipogenic differentiation results showed that the culture of ASCs was successful, and the cultured cells could serve as seed cells in this experiment. (3) The RT-PCR analysis showed that the relative optical density of VEGF165 mRNA expression was 0.76 ± 0.05 in the experimental group, and there were statistically significant differences compared with the values obtained for the other two groups (P< 0.05). (4) The western blot analysis showed that the relative optical density of VEGF165 protein expression in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (P< 0.05). (5) The proliferation of ASCs was significantly enhanced after transfection in the experimental group, relative to the other two groups (P< 0.05). This evidence indicated that VEGF165 significantly promoted the proliferation of ASCs.Conclusion:After transfection with the VEGF165-adenoviral vector, ASCs demonstrate sustained expression of the target protein and obviously promote the proliferation of ASCs, which lay the foundation for thein vitroexperiments on transplantation of VEGF165 combined with ASCs, for the treatment of tissue defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Aberrant androgen receptor (AR) signaling functions are implicated in prostate cancer (PCa) pathogenesis. Here, we studied interactions between miR-185 and the bromodomain containing 8 isoform 2 (BRD8 ISO2) to investigate indirect mechanisms of miR-185 with respect to AR function through BRD8 ISO2 in PCa. Methods Putative miRNA response element (MRE) of miR-185 in 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of BRD8 ISO2 mRNA was predicted by software and confirmed using dual-luciferase assays and Ago2 immunoprecipitation. BRD8 and AR expression were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot in PCa cells and tissues. MMTV-Fluc reporter plasmids and dual-luciferase assays were used to evaluate AR activity. Results MRE prediction, dual-luciferase assays and Ago2 immunoprecipitation confirmed that miR-185 is capable of binding the 3′-UTR of BRD8 ISO2 mRNA. QRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that BRD8 ISO2 expression is decreased by miR-185 mimic transfection while increased by miR-185 inhibitor transfection. MMTV-Fluc reporter assays revealed that miR-185 can attenuate AR function by suppressing BRD8 ISO2. Additionally, Pearson's correlation analyses confirmed that BRD8 ISO2 mRNA expression is inversely correlated with miR-185 expression in clinical specimens. Conclusion In addition to suppression of AR expression, miR-185 can attenuate AR function indirectly by suppressing BRD8 ISO2. MiR-185 and BRD8 ISO2 may be possible therapeutic targets for PCa treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A novel design of planar balance-shaped slot antenna suitable for triple-band WLAN/WiMAX applications is proposed in this article. It consists of a slotted ground plane, an FR4 substrate, and an L-shaped microstrip feedline. The radiating element of the proposed antenna is composed of a horizontal H-shaped slot and an M-shaped slot, like a balance. The horizontal H-shaped slot mainly contributes to the 2.4- and 3.4-GHz resonant modes while the resonant modes at 5.4 and 5.8 GHz are generated by the M-shaped slot. The overall size of the proposed antenna is only 30 × 28 mm2, very compact, making it easy to be integrated with other RF front-end circuits. The measured results agree well with the simulated ones and demonstrate that the antenna has a triple-band characteristic entirely covering the 2.4/5.2/5.8-GHz WLAN and 2.5/3.5/5.5-GHz WiMAX operating bands. Furthermore, monopole-like radiation patterns with acceptable gains make it a good candidate as an internal antenna for WLAN/WiMAX applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1078-1082, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD-DEM) approach has been proved to be an effective tool to study the fundamentals of different particle-fluid flow systems, but suffers high computational cost problem. Recently, various treatments such as parcel-particle concept, coarse-grained model, similar particle assembly and representative particle model have been developed to reduce the computational cost of CFD-DEM approaches. These treatments are basically empirical and thus their applicability is likely system-dependent. Until now, there are still no general agreements on the formulation of those models and their accuracy and general applicability are largely unknown. In this work, a coarse-grained (CG) (CFD-DEM) model is developed to model the swirling multiphase flow in a dense medium cyclone (DMC) and the error caused by the CG concept is quantified by carrying out controlled numerical calculations to directly compare the simulated results between a standard CFD-DEM model and a CG CFD-DEM model. It demonstrates that when the flow is dilute, the results are independent on the size of the grain (also called as parcel or model particle in this work). Nonetheless, when the flow is dense, small discrepancies are observed between the two models. This work suggests that the CG CFD-DEM model is indeed a useful tool to quickly evaluate the flow and performance of large-scale DMCs and the simulation results should be useful at least qualitatively, if not quantitatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In optical glass grinding, material removal of the workpiece surface generally consists of a simultaneous brittle and ductile removal mode. In previous work, the area fraction of brittle material removal on a machined surface, termed the brittle material removal fraction (BRF), was used to sense the surface roughness of optical glass during ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding (UAG). In this work, to verify the significance of the BRF on material removal during traditional machining of optical glass, the BRF of K9 glass in precision grinding (PG) was investigated. By analysing the characteristics of a micro-topography image of the machined surface, an improved image processing algorithm was developed to calculate the BRF in PG, based on the previous image processing algorithm for UAG. A series of PG experiments were conducted to estimate the influence of machining conditions, including cutting depth, wheel speed and feed rate, on the BRF. Surface roughness and grinding forces were also measured to investigate the relationships between the BRF, surface quality and process parameters in PG of K9 glass. Experimental results show the improved image processing algorithm is valid to obtain the BRF of optical glass during PG and the BRF is also a reasonable variable to sense surface quality during PG of optical glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Receptor-mediated endocytosis plays an important role in albumin reabsorption by renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a scavenger receptor that is upregulated on the apical membrane of proximal tubules in proteinuric kidney disease. In this study, we examined the cellular localization and functional role of KIM-1 in cultured renal tubule epithelial cells (TECs). Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy reveals intracellular and cell surface localization of KIM-1 in primary renal TECs. Albumin stimulation resulted in a redistribution of KIM-1 and tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 in primary TEC monolayer. An increase in albumin internalization was observed in both primary TECs expressing endogenous KIM-1 and rat kidney cell line (NRK-52E) overexpressing exogenous KIM-1. KIM-1-induced albumin accumulation was abolished by its specific antibody. Moreover, endocytosed KIM-1 and its cargo proteins were delivered from endosomes to lysosomes for degradation in a clathrin-dependent pathway. Supportive evidence includes (1) detection of KIM-1 in Rab5-positive early endosomes, Rab7-positive late endosomes/multivesicular bodies, and LAMP1- positive lysosomes, (2) colocalization of KIM-1 and clathrin in the intracellular vesicles, and (3) blockade of KIM-1-mediated albumin internalization by chlorpromazine, an inhibitor of clathrin-dependent endocytosis. KIM-1 expression was upregulated by albumin but downregulated by transforming growth factor-b1. Taken together, our data indicate that KIM-1 increases albumin endocytosis in renal tubule epithelial cells, at least partially via a clathrin-dependent mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibitory synapses comprise only ~20% of the total synapses in the mammalian brain but play essential roles in controlling neuronal activity. In fact, perturbing inhibitory synapses is associated with complex brain disorders, such as schizophrenia and epilepsy. Although many types ofinhibitory synapses exist, these disorders have been strongly linked to defects in inhibitory synapses formed by Parvalbumin-expressing interneurons. Here, we discovered a novel role for an unconventional collagen-collagen XIX-in the formation of Parvalbumin+ inhibitory synapses. Loss of this collagen results not only in decreased inhibitory synapse number, but also in the acquisition of schizophrenia-related behaviors. Mechanistically, these studies reveal that a proteolytically released fragment of this collagen, termed a matricryptin, promotes the assembly ofinhibitory nerve terminals through integrin receptors. Collectively, these studies not only identify roles for collagen-derived matricryptins in cortical circuit formation, but they also reveal a novel paracrine mechanism that regulates the assembly of these synapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this article, two novel printed anchor-shaped slot antennas for multiband wireless applications are proposed. The first proposed anchor-shaped slot antenna (ASA1) can generate two wide bands centered at about 2.5-GHz and 5.5-GHz, covering the 2.4/5.2/5.8-GHz WLAN bands (2.4-2.484, 5.15-5.35, and 5.725-5.825 GHz) and 2.5/5.5-GHz WiMAX bands (2.50-2.69 and 5.25-5.85 GHz). The second proposed design is established on the basis of ASA1. By introducing a pair of F-shaped slits, an extra resonant mode will be excited at 3.5-GHz. Therefore, it can be converted to a triple-band anchor-shaped slot antenna (ASA2) supporting 2.4/5.2/5.8-GHz WLAN and 2.5/3.5/5.5-GHz WiMAX (2.50-2.69, 3.30-3.70, and 5.25-5.85 GHz) applications without changing other original design parameters of ASA1. From the aspect of system design, a platform using the proposed antennas would exhibit more flexibility and expansibility. Having overall dimensions of 35 × 30 mm2, the proposed antennas can be easily integrated into portable devices. Monopole-like radiation patterns almost remain unchanged in the E- and H-planes over the operating bands and sufficient gains are also obtained. Good agreement can be observed between the simulated and measured results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:521-526, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch synthesis is a key process that influences crop yield and quality, though little is known about the regulation of this complex metabolic pathway. Here, we present the identification of ZmbZIP91 as a candidate regulator of starch synthesis via co-expression analysis in maize (Zea mays L.). ZmbZIP91 was strongly associated with the expression of starch synthesis genes. Reverse tanscription-PCR (RT-PCR) and RNA in situ hybridization indicated that ZmbZIP91 is highly expressed in maize endosperm, with less expression in leaves. Particle bombardment-mediated transient expression in maize endosperm and leaf protoplasts demonstrated that ZmbZIP91 could positively regulate the expression of starch synthesis genes in both leaves and endosperm. Additionally, the Arabidopsis mutant vip1 carried a mutation in a gene (VIP1) that is homologous to ZmbZIP91, displayed altered growth with less starch in leaves, and ZmbZIP91 was able to complement this phenotype, resulting in normal starch synthesis. A yeast one-hybrid experiment and EMSAs showed that ZmbZIP91 could directly bind to ACTCAT elements in the promoters of starch synthesis genes (pAGPS1, pSSI, pSSIIIa, and pISA1). These results demonstrate that ZmbZIP91 acts as a core regulatory factor in starch synthesis by binding to ACTCAT elements in the promoters of starch synthesis genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic properties of Sr 3-x Ba x Co 2 Fe 24 O 41 (0 ≤ x ≤ 3) Z-type hexaferrite powders have been investigated from 5 to 390 K. Results show that the lattice parameters ( a and c ) of the hexaferrite change with the Ba 2+ /Sr 2+ ratio but don't follow the Vegard's law. The magnetization reversal process changes from three-stage reversal process to two-stage reversal process as the Ba 2+ /Sr 2+ ratio increases. The above composition dependent magnetization reversal process of Sr 3-x Ba x Co 2 Fe 24 O 41 can be explained with the composition dependent conical magnetic structure model. The saturation magnetization of Sr 3-x Ba x Co 2 Fe 24 O 41 decreases only slightly with increasing the Ba content, but rapidly with increasing temperature. The coercivity (H c ) decreases with increasing temperature generally. Increasing Ba 2+ /Sr 2+ ratio leads to an increase in H c firstly and then H c decreases again at temperatures below 250 K. An increase in temperature does not lead to enormous changes of the magnetization in the field cooling curves below 390 K, but leads to a successive increase of the magnetization in the zero field cooling curves generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key molecules in human cancer genesis and progression, including prostate cancer. Large amount of lncRNAs have been found that differentially expressed between prostate cancer tissues and normal prostate tissues. Whether these lncRNAs could serve as a novel biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis or prognosis, and their biological functions in prostate cancer need further investigation. In the present study, we identified that lncRNA lnc-MX1-1 is over-expressed in prostate cancer tissues compared with their adjacent normal prostate tissues by gene expression array profiling. The expression of lnc-MX1-1 in 60 prostate cancer cases was determined by real-time quantitative PCR and the correlations between lnc-MX1-1 expression and patients' clinical features were further analyzed. Next, we impaired lnc-MX1-1 expression using RNAi in LNCaP and 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells to explore the effects of lnc-MX1-1 on proliferation and invasiveness of the cells. Our results showed that there was a significant association between over-expression of lnc-MX1-1 and patients' clinical features such as PSA, Gleason score, metastasis, and recurrence free survival. Moreover, knockdown of lnc-MX1-1 reduced both proliferation and invasiveness of LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells. In conclusion, the results suggest that lnc-MX1-1 may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yttrium aluminum garnet thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) deposited by the solution precursor plasma spray process (SPPS) have been shown to have a 200 °C temperature advantage compared to air plasma spray yttria-stabilized zirconia TBCs (Gell et al. in J Therm Spray Technol 27:1-13, 2018). These properties were generated on specimens and included phase stability to 1900 °C, improved sinter resistance, reduced thermal conductivity, and enhanced CMAS resistance. Part I of this paper describes the development of the SPPS processing parameters with different microstructures for three solar engine components (fuel nozzle injectors, annular combustor, and turbine ceramic outer air seals). This Part II paper describes the technology transfer to Solar Turbines Incorporated, coating of the three components and the successful rig and engine tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: TDP-43 (43-kD transactive response DNA-binding protein) is a DNA-/RNA-binding protein that plays an important role in several nervous system diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Whether it plays an important role in glioma patients is unknown. Methods: Datasets were downloaded from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) website (http://www.cgga.org.cn/). Cox survival analysis was performed to determine the relationship between TARDBP gene expression and the overall survival of glioma patients. GO analyses were performed to determine the biological functions of the TARDBP gene. Finally, we used PRS type, age, grade, IDH mutation status, 1p/19q codeletion status, and expression value of the TARDBP gene to construct a prediction model. With this model, we can predict patients' 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates. Results: The TARDBP gene plays an important role in glioma patients. The expression of the TARDBP gene has a significant correlation with glioma patient survival. We also constructed an ideal prediction model. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the TARDBP gene and the protein it encodes play important roles in glioma patients. The expression of the TARDBP gene has a significant correlation with the overall survival of glioma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complement system is one of the most important defense systems of innate immunity, which plays a crucial role in disease defense responses in channel catfish. However, inappropriate and excessive complement activation could lead to potential damage to the host cells. Therefore the complement system is controlled by a set of complement regulatory proteins to allow normal defensive functions, but prevent hazardous complement activation to host tissues. In this study, we identified nine complement regulatory protein genes from the channel catfish genome. Phylogenetic and syntenic analyses were conducted to determine their orthology relationships, supporting their correct annotation and potential functional inferences. The expression profiles of the complement regulatory protein genes were determined in channel catfish healthy tissues and after infection with the two main bacterial pathogens, Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare . The vast majority of complement regulatory protein genes were significantly regulated after bacterial infections, but interestingly were generally up-regulated after E. ictaluri infection while mostly down-regulated after F. columnare infection, suggesting a pathogen-specific pattern of regulation. Collectively, these findings suggested that complement regulatory protein genes may play complex roles in the host immune responses to bacterial pathogens in channel catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decreasing glass network defects and improving optical transmittance are essential work for material researchers. We studied the function of halogen iodine (I) acting as a glass network modifier in Ge–Sb–Se-based chalcogenide glass system. A systematic series of Ge 20 Sb 5 Se 75− x I x ( x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 at.%) infrared (IR) chalcohalide glasses were investigated to decrease the weak absorption tail (WAT) and improve the mid-IR transparency. The mechanisms of the halogen I affecting the physical, thermal, and optical properties of Se-based chalcogenide glasses were reported. The structural evolutions of these glasses were also revealed by Raman spectroscopy and camera imaging. The progressive substitution of I for Se increased the optical bandgap. The WAT and scatting loss significantly decreased corresponding to the progressive decrease in structural defects caused by dangling bands and structure defects in the original Ge 20 Sb 5 Se 75 glass. The achieved maximum IR transparency of Ge–Sb–Se–I glasses can reach up to 80% with an effective transmission window between 0.94 μm and 17 μm, whereas the absorption coefficient decreased to 0.029 cm −1 at 10.16 μm. Thus, these materials are promising candidates for developing low-loss IR fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a revolutionary platform for miniaturizing laboratory procedures, the digital microfluidic biochip (DMFB) has the advantages of flexibility and re-configurability over its flow-based counterpart. Droplet routing is one of the most challenging problems in the design automation of DMFBs, which aims to schedule the movements of a set of droplets from their source electrodes to their target electrodes and satisfy both static and dynamic fluidic constraints. In this paper, we propose an evolutionary algorithm (EA) based droplet routing method with an indirect encoding scheme and an improved Dijkstra-based decoding strategy, to minimize the arrival time of the droplets. To be specific, the priority of the movements of the droplets are encoded in the chromosome instead of directly encoding the solution of the problem, i.e., a complete path from the source to the target for each droplet. In the 2D-routing decoding stage, a problem-specific cost function is defined and introduced in the Dijkstra algorithm for obtaining a more time-efficient path for each droplet. Meanwhile, to avoid accidental mixing of the droplets during their movements, several strategies are proposed to modify the paths for satisfying the fluidic constraints in different scenarios of both 2D-routing and 3D-compaction. Compared with the state-of-the-art droplet routing algorithms, the experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method based on two synthetic benchmark suites and a real-world bioassay benchmark suite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Monaural noise exposure was used to induce unilateral deafness in juvenile rats. • The unilateral deafness caused changes in ipsilateral auditory cortex response. • The early-onset effect showed an increase in amplitude and a decrease in threshold. • The late-onset effect showed sharp-increasing firing pattern with shortened latency. While ear stimulation produces a robust response in the contralateral auditory cortex (AC), it produces only a weak response in the ipsilateral AC, known as interhemispheric asymmetry. Unilateral deafness can lead to AC plastic changes, resulting in reduced interhemispheric asymmetry and auditory perceptual consequences. However, the unilateral hearing loss-associated plastic changes are far from fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate AC responses to the ipsilateral unimpaired ear after noise injury to the contralateral ear in juvenile rats. Rats (50 days) were monaurally exposed to an intense noise (10.0-12.5 kHz, 126 dB SPL) for 2 hours. The unexposed ear-induced ipsilateral AC responses were recorded 2 days and 4 months after exposure and compared between groups. The noise exposure resulted in complete hearing loss in the exposed ear, but normal function in the other. Two days after exposure, the ipsilateral AC response induced by the intact ear was significantly enhanced and the threshold decreased (the early-onset effect). Four months after noise exposure, in addition to the increased response amplitude, the "slow-increasing" firing pattern of the neurons in the ipsilateral AC turned into the contralateral-AC-response-like "sharp-increasing" pattern (the late-onset effect) with shortened response latency. The early-onset effect can result from release of inhibition due to decreased contralateral input, while the late-onset effect may imply the formation of direct connections in the ipsilateral auditory pathway. The enhanced AC response may help maintain loudness perception and monaural sound localization after unilateral deafness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Long-period fiber grating based linearly polarized mode converter operating at a dispersion turning point has been demonstrated. Such mode converter can realize broadband mode conversion. • A broadband and controllable linearly polarized OAM modes generator using a single long-period fiber grating followed by a length of few-mode polarization-maintaining fiber has been demonstrated. • A simple approach was proposed to tunable the linearly polarized OAM mode, the phase difference of the two linearly polarized modes was continually turned by strain, the OAM mode can be smoothly tunable between ±1 order. We demonstrate a broadband and stable linearly polarized mode converter by inscribing long-period grating (LPG) in few-mode polarization-maintaining fibers (FPMFs). The operating wavelength of the mode converter at 1.0- and 1.5- μm waveband has been achieved by using PMF with different cut-off wavelengths. Theoretical and experimental demonstrated broadband linearly polarized mode conversion can be achieved with a maximum 10 dB bandwidth of 140- and 189- nm at 1.0- and 1.5- μm waveband respectively due to the turning point coupling mechanism. Then, we propose and demonstrate a controllable linearly polarized orbital angular momentum (LP-OAM) mode generator using a single LPG-based mode converter and a length of FPMF. The LP-OAM mode is produced by turning axial strain and can be smoothly switched between ± 1 order. Our all-FPMF based grating fabrication offers a new option towards a stable and broadband polarized mode converter and LP-OAM mode generator for application in a few-mode fiber laser and communication system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS) is a coating deposition process that uses conventional plasma spray equipment, and solution precursors, rather than ceramic or metal powders, as starting materials. Because the process is exposed to oxygen at high temperatures, nearly all coatings, to date, are oxide ceramics. In this review, both the advantages and the disadvantages of the SPPS process and some comparisons made to the suspension plasma spray (SPS) process will be discussed. The advantages of the SPPS process include rapid exploration of compositions and fabrication of advanced coatings with unique microstructural features. Examples presented span densities from porous thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) to dense TiO coatings. Two TBCs are in an advanced development stage: (1) a low thermal conductivity YSZ TBC and (2) a high-temperature yttrium aluminum garnet TBC. As for disadvantages, there are (1) the additional development work for each new precursor and (2) a lower standoff distance and deposition rate than the APS process, related to the evaporation of the solvent. The SPS process shares the same disadvantages. In developing new coatings, a number of factors should be considered and understood, which would help to shorten future development efforts. Future directions of the SPPS process will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with lower thermal conductivity, increased resistance to calcium-magnesium-aluminosilicate (CMAS), and improved high-temperature capability, compared to traditional yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) TBCs, are essential to higher efficiency in next generation gas turbine engines. Double-layer rare-earth zirconate/YSZ TBCs are a promising solution. From a processing perspective, solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS) process with its unique and beneficial microstructural features can be an effective approach to obtaining the double-layer microstructure. Previously durable low-thermal-conductivity YSZ TBCs with optimized layered porosity, called the inter-pass boundaries (IPBs) were produced using the SPPS process. In this study, an SPPS gadolinium zirconate (GZO) protective surface layer was successfully added. These SPPS double-layer TBCs not only retained good cyclic durability and low thermal conductivity, but also demonstrated favorable phase stability and increased surface temperature capabilities. The CMAS resistance was evaluated with both accumulative and single applications of simulated CMAS in isothermal furnaces. The double-layer YSZ/GZO exhibited dramatic improvement in the single application, but not in the continuous one. In addition, to explore their potential application in integrated gasification combined cycle environments, double-layer TBCs were tested under high-temperature humidity and encouraging performance was recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in atherosclerotic lesions and progression to chronic kidney diseases. We examined regulatory roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout (KO) kidneys. Methods: The 3-month-old wild-type, ApoEKO, ACE2KO and ApoE/ACE2 double-KO (DKO) mice in a C57BL/6 background were used. The ApoEKO mice were randomized to daily deliver either Ang II (1.5 mg/kg) and/or human recombinant ACE2 (rhACE2; 2 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. We examined changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines, renal ultrastructure, and pathological signaling in mouse kidneys. Results: Downregulation of ACE2 and nephrin levels was observed in ApoEKO kidneys. Genetic ACE2 deletion resulted in modest elevations in systolic blood pressure levels and Ang II type 1 receptor expression and reduced nephrin expression in kidneys of the ApoE/ACE2 DKO mice with a decrease in renal Ang-(1-7) levels. These changes were linked with marked increases in renal superoxide generation, NADPH oxidase (NOX) 4 and proinflammatory factors levels, including interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-17A, RANTES, ICAM-1, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and TNFRSF1A. Renal dysfunction and ultrastructure injury were aggravated in the ApoE/ACE2 DKO mice and Ang IIinfused ApoEKO mice with increased plasma levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and enhanced levels of Ang II in plasma and kidneys. The Ang II-mediated reductions of renal ACE2 and nephrin levels in ApoEKO mice were remarkably rescued by rhACE2 supplementation, along with augmentation of renal Ang-(1-7) levels. More importantly, rhACE2 treatment significantly reversed Ang II-induced renal inflammation, superoxide generation, kidney dysfunction and adverse renal injury in ApoEKO mice with suppression of the NOX4 and TNF-alpha-TNFRSF1A signaling. However, rhACE2 had no effect on renal NOX2 and TNFRSF1B expression and circulating lipid levels. Conclusions: ACE2 deficiency exacerbates kidney inflammation, oxidative stress and adverse renal injury in the ApoE-mutant mice through modulation of the nephrin, NOX4 and TNF-alpha-TNFRSF1A signaling. While rhACE2 supplementation alleviates inflammation, renal dysfunction and glomerulus injury in the ApoE-mutant mice associated with upregulations of Ang-(1-7) levels and nephrin expression and suppression of the TNF-alpha-TNFRSF1A signaling. Strategies aimed at enhancing the ACE2/Ang-(1-7) actions may have important therapeutic potential for atherosclerotic renal injury and kidney diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in the liver removes toxic aldehydes including acetaldehyde, an intermediate of ethanol metabolism. Nearly 40% of East Asians inherit an inactive ALDH2*2 variant, which has a lysine-for-glutamate substitution at position 487 (E487K), and show a characteristic alcohol flush reaction after drinking and a higher risk for gastrointestinal cancers. Here we report the characterization of knockin mice in which the ALDH2(E487K) mutation is inserted into the endogenous murine locus. These mutants recapitulate essentially Aldh2 all human phenotypes including impaired clearance of acetaldehyde, increased sensitivity to acute or chronic alcohol-induced toxicity, and reduced ALDH2 expression due to a dominant-negative effect of the mutation. When treated with a chemical carcinogen, these mutants exhibit increased DNA damage response in hepatocytes, pronounced liver injury, and accelerated development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Importantly, ALDH2 protein levels are also significantly lower in patient HCC than in peritumor or normal liver tissues. Our results reveal that ALDH2 functions as a tumor suppressor by maintaining genomic stability in the liver, and the common human ALDH2 variant would present a significant risk factor for hepatocarcinogenesis. Our study suggests that the allele--alcohol interaction may be an even greater ALDH2*2 human public health hazard than previously appreciated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing recognition of the impact of Clostridum difficile infection (CDI) on patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Clostridium difficile infection causes greater morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of C. difficile on surgical risk among ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ACP Journal Club, DARE, CMR, and HTA. Studies were included if fulfilled the following criteria: (1) Cohort or case–control studies, which involved a comparison group that lacked CDI, (2) Patients were given a primary diagnosis of UC, (3) Comorbidity of CDI was evaluated by enzyme immunoassay of stool for C. difficile toxin A and B or C. difficile stool culture, (4) Studies evaluated surgical rate, and (5) Studies reported an estimate of odds ratio, accompanied by a corresponding measure of uncertainty. Five studies with 2380 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Overall, meta-analysis showed that UC with CDI patients had a significant higher surgical rate than patients with UC alone. (OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.36-2.28). C. difficile infection increased the surgical rate in UC patients. However, results should be interpreted with caution, given the limitations of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcogenide glasses of the GeSbSeI ( x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 at.%) system were prepared. This study was performed to examine some Ge-Sb-Se-I glass physical and optical properties, the structural evolution of the glass network, and the optical properties of the infrared glass fibers based on our previous studies. The variation process of the glass physical properties, such as transition temperature, glass density, and refractive index, was investigated from the glass of GeSbSe to the GeSbSeI glass series. The structural evolutions of these glasses were examined by Raman spectroscopy. The GeSbSeI composition was selected for the preparation of the IR fiber. The GeSbSeI glass was purified through distillation, and the intensity of the impurity absorption peaks caused by Ge-O, HO, and Se-H was reduced or eliminated in the purified glasses. Then, GeSbSeI chalcogenide glass fiber for mid-infrared transmission was fabricated using high-purity materials. The transmission loss of the GeSbSeI fiber was greatly reduced compared with that of the GeSbSe glass fiber. The lowest losses obtained were 3.5 dB/m at 3.3 μm for GeSbSeI fiber, which was remarkably improved compared with 48 dB/m of the unpurified GeSbSe fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify sources of heavy metal(loid) (HM) contamination in agricultural soils of Huzhou, surface soil samples were sampled from 89 different agricultural regions in 2012. Concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s, along with pH, total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and soil organic matter (SOM), were determined. Ecological risk was then assessed using a modified Hakanson ecological risk index, and the sources of contamination were determined using principal component analysis (PCA). Mean concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s were 10.26, 23.21, 83.75, 22.81, 0.25, 61.86, 33.03, and 0.15 mg kg−1for As, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg, respectively. Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd, Hg, and Pb were correlated positively with TP and there were obvious positive correlations among Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Cd. Risk index (RI) values varied from 39 to 1246 with a mean value of 137. Enrichment of Pb, Zn, Cu, and especially Cd can be attributed to excessive use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers containing heavy metals, as well to surface irrigation and natural soil formation. While the ecological risk of most agricultural soils in Huzhou is low, it is recommended that the use of phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers be restricted and production technology be improved to reduce the heavy metal(loid) concentrations. Results suggest that the Chinese environmental quality standard for soil should be revised to better address heavy metal(loid) contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Bevacizumab is associated with an increased risk of arterial thromboembolism (ATE); however, its effect on venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains controversial. Scant data exist on the factors that increase the risk of ATE/VTE in patients with prostate cancer. The authors investigated the association of bevacizumab treatment and clinical factors with ATE/VTE risk in patients who were treated on Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) trial 90401. METHODS Patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer were randomized to receive docetaxel and prednisone with or without bevacizumab once every 21 days. Cycle-to-event Cox regression models were used to investigate the association of bevacizumab with the incidence of grade 3 or greater (≥3) ATE and VTE. Age, prior ATE/VTE, baseline antiplatelet/anticoagulant use, and VTE risk score (based on leukocyte count, hemoglobin, platelet count, body mass index, and tumor location) were evaluated in univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS Of 1008 randomized patients, the odds of experiencing grade ≥3 ATE were significantly greater in those who received bevacizumab compared with those who received placebo (odds ratio, 2.79; P = .02), whereas an opposite trend was noted for grade ≥3 VTE (odds ratio, 0.60; P = .08). In the multivariable analysis, bevacizumab treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 3.00; P = .01) and age (HR, 1.06; P = .02) were significantly associated with the risk of ATE; whereas age (HR, 1.05; P = .01) and VTE risk score (HR, 1.83; P = .03) were significantly associated with the risk of VTE. CONCLUSIONS Bevacizumab was significantly associated with a greater risk of ATE in patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer, but it was not significantly associated with the risk of VTE. Understanding clinical factors that increase the risk for experiencing ATE/VTE is essential to mitigate the risks and reduce the burden of these prevalent complications in cancer care. Cancer 2015;121:1025-1031. © 2014 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary gastrointestinal (GI) lymphomas are uncommon diseases that can involve the whole GI tract. The etiologies of the disease remain unclear, and potential risk factors include celiac disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, use of immunosuppressive agents, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and inflammatory bowel disease, etc. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma are the most common subtypes of GI lymphomas. B-cell lymphomas of the GI tract are more common in Western countries, while in Asia-Pacific region T-cell lymphomas are more frequently reported. In this review, lymphomas in the esophagus, stomach and intestine are described, including their epidemiology, histology, clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings, radiological features and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MILI, a member of the PIWI/AGO gene family, has been well documented to maintain genome integrity by transposon silencing in animal germ cells. It has been reported to be selectively expressed in precancerous stem cells (pCSCs), tumor cell lines and various malignancies. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. Here, we found that MILI is expressed in the melanoma cell line B16 but not in the highly metastatic mouse melanoma model B16BL6. Interestingly, the knockdown of MILI in B16 could activate MAGEA expression and increase the cell migration ability, whereas the overexpression of MILI in B16BL6 could inhibit MAGEA expression and decrease the cell migration ability. Further investigations showed that MILI can methylate LINE1, which is crucial for MAGEA expression and melanoma cell migration. Our results provide a novel function of MILI in melanoma metastasis and tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although anterolateral decompression and instrumentation has several advantages in treating thoracolumbar burst fractures, the risk factors for supplementary posterior instrumentation are still unclear. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 238 patients who underwent anterolateral decompression and instrumentation for single-level thoracolumbar burst fractures from January 2010 and March 2012. The influences of several potential risk factors that might affect supplementary posterior instrumentation were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Twenty seven patients who developed worsening back pain without neurological deterioration after the anterolateral approach treatment need further posterior instrumentation fixation. The univariate analysis showed that age, disruption of the posterior longitudinal ligament complex (PLC), and fracture level were the risk factors for supplementary posterior instrumentation. However, age and integrity of the PLC were the independent risk factors for supplementary posterior instrumentation by multivariate analyses. Conclusions: Supplemental posterior instrumentation was necessary in 11.3% of cases following anterolateral decompression and instrumentation in the present study. Older age and disruption of the PLC were the independent risk factors in prediction of supplementary posterior instrumentation in treating thoracolumbar burst fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The smoothed FEM (S-FEM) is firstly extended to explore the behavior of 3D anisotropic large deformation of rabbit ventricles during the passive filling process in diastole. Because of the incompressibility of myocardium, a special method called selective face-based/node-based S-FEM using four-node tetrahedral elements (FS/NS-FEM-TET4) is adopted in order to avoid volumetric locking. To validate the proposed algorithms of FS/NS-FEM-TET4, the 3D Lame problem is implemented. The performance contest results show that our FS/NS-FEM-TET4 is accurate, volumetric locking-free and insensitive to mesh distortion than standard linear FEM because of absence of isoparametric mapping. Actually, the efficiency of FS/NS-FEM-TET4 is comparable with higher-order FEM, such as 10-node tetrahedral elements. The proposed method for Holzapfel myocardium hyperelastic strain energy is also validated by simple shear tests through the comparison outcomes reported in available references. Finally, the FS/NS-FEM-TET4 is applied in the example of the passive filling of MRI-based rabbit ventricles with fiber architecture derived from rule-based algorithm to demonstrate its efficiency. Hence, we conclude that FS/NS-FEM-TET4 is a promising alternative other than FEM in passive cardiac mechanics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although anterolateral decompression and instrumentation has several advantages in treating thoracolumbar burst fractures, the risk factors for supplementary posterior instrumentation are still unclear. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 238 patients who underwent anterolateral decompression and instrumentation for single-level thoracolumbar burst fractures from January 2010 and March 2012. The influences of several potential risk factors that might affect supplementary posterior instrumentation were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Twenty seven patients who developed worsening back pain without neurological deterioration after the anterolateral approach treatment need further posterior instrumentation fixation. The univariate analysis showed that age, disruption of the posterior longitudinal ligament complex (PLC), and fracture level were the risk factors for supplementary posterior instrumentation. However, age and integrity of the PLC were the independent risk factors for supplementary posterior instrumentation by multivariate analyses. Conclusions Supplemental posterior instrumentation was necessary in 11.3% of cases following anterolateral decompression and instrumentation in the present study. Older age and disruption of the PLC were the independent risk factors in prediction of supplementary posterior instrumentation in treating thoracolumbar burst fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmonic effects in Au–Ag nanostructures are utilized to realize novel electrochromic device. A quasi ordered Au–Ag core–shell nanoparticle array is realized by thermal evaporation of Au and electrochemical deposition of Ag into a SiO2 hole array assisted by anodic aluminium oxide membranes. The thickness of the Ag shell could be changed by alternating the electrochemical deposition time: as a result, the color of the device can be widely and quasi‐reversibly tuned through this electrical control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents emerge as the hot spot in the last decade for treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD). The effect of anti- TNF-α agents is satisfactory; however, some patients fail to achieve clinical response. Fortunately, in recent years, great efforts have been made and multiple novel therapies have been developed in the treatment for IBD. In this article, we aim to introduce anti- TNF-α drugs as well as other novel treatments currently undergoing clinical trials for IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmembrane channel-like (TMC) proteins are a highly conserved ion channel family consisting of eight members (TMC1–TMC8) in mammals. TMC1/2 are components of the mechanotransduction channel in hair cells, and mutations of TMC1/2 cause deafness in humans and mice. However, the physiological roles of other TMC proteins remain largely unknown. Here, we show that Tmc7 is specifically expressed in the testis and that it is required for acrosome biogenesis during spermatogenesis. Tmc7−/− mice exhibited abnormal sperm head, disorganized mitochondrial sheaths, and reduced number of elongating spermatids, similar to human oligo-asthenoteratozoospermia. We further demonstrate that TMC7 is colocalized with GM130 at the cis-Golgi region in round spermatids. TMC7 deficiency leads to aberrant Golgi morphology and impaired fusion of Golgi-derived vesicles to the developing acrosome. Moreover, upon loss of TMC7 intracellular ion homeostasis is impaired and ROS levels are increased, which in turn causes Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Taken together, these results suggest that TMC7 is required to maintain pH and ion homeostasis, which is needed for acrosome biogenesis. Our findings unveil a novel role for TMC7 in acrosome biogenesis during spermiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of tweety homolog 3 (TTYH3) has been studied in several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and gastric cancer. The results showed that TTYH3 is highly expression in cervical cancer tissues and cells and high TTYH3 expression correlates with poor prognosis in patients with cervical cancer. TTYH3 markedly reduced the apoptosis rate and promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion. Silencing of TTYH3 has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on cervical cancer progression. Moreover, TTYH3 enhanced EMT and activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Furthermore, TTYH3 knockdown inhibited the tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, TTYH3 promoted cervical cancer progression by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. HIGHLIGHTS: TTYH3 is upregulated in cervical cancer tissue and cells. TTYH3 promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation. TTYH3 inhibits cervical cancer cell apoptosis. TTYH3 induces cervical cancer cell migration and invasion. TTYH3 activates the Wnt signaling in cervical cancer cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of levonorgestrelintrauterine system, Drospirenone & ethinylestradiol tablets (II), and dydrogesterone in preventing the recurrence of endometrial polyps after hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy. Methods: One hundred seventy patients who underwent hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy in the Gynecology Department of Tianmen First People's Hospital in Hubei Province from January 2022 to June 2023 were randomly divided into the levonorgestrelintrauterine system group, Drospirenone & ethinylestradiol tablets (II) group, dydrogesterone group, and a control group. The recurrence rates, endometrial thickness, and menstrual volume changes at 6 and 12 months post-operation were compared among these four groups. Results: The recurrence rates in the levonorgestrelintrauterine system group, Drospirenone & ethinylestradiol tablets (II) group, and dydrogesterone group were lower than the control group, with statistical significance (P < 0.01), with the levonorgestrelintrauterine system group having the lowest recurrence rate. The endometrial thickness at 6 and 12 months post-operation in the levonorgestrelintrauterine system group, Drospirenone & ethinylestradiol tablets (II) group, and dydrogesterone group was thinner than that of the control group and thinner than pre-operation, with statistical significance (P < 0.01). The menstrual volume at 3 months post-operation in the levonorgestrelintrauterine system group, Drospirenone & ethinylestradiol tablets (II) group, and dydrogesterone group was significantly less than the control group, and less than the pre-operation volume. Conclusion: Dydrogesterone, drospirenone & ethinylestradiol tablets (II), and levonorgestrelintrauterine system all play a role in preventing the recurrence of endometrial polyps, but levonorgestrelintrauterine system is significantly better than dydrogesterone and Drospirenone & ethinylestradiol tablets (II) in terms of postoperative recurrence rate, endometrial thickness, menstrual changes, and compliance, and is worth promoting in clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular endothelial injury, a key factor in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pathogenesis, is linked to the impaired proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells, modulated by hypoxia-inducible factor, growth factors, and inflammatory elements.The present study assesses the role of SIKVAV (Ser-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val), a peptide shown to enhance cell proliferation and migration, on mouse aortic endothelial cell (MAEC) and the corresponding molecular mechanisms.MAEC were treated with SIKVAV at 0, 100, 200, 400, and 600 μg/mL for 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell viability was tested using the CCK-8 assay. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and protein kinase B (Akt) levels were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot.SIKVAV augmented PCNA mRNA expression and stimulated vascular endothelial cell proliferation in a concentration and time-dependent fashion. Furthermore, it amplified the expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-Akt, pivotal components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK1/2 and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways. The inhibition of these pathways suppressed PCNA mRNA expression, cell proliferation rate, and decreased p-ERK1/2 and p-Akt levels, highlighting SIKVAV’s role in promoting vascular endothelial cell proliferation via these pathways.The results of this study confirmed that SIKVAV grafted onto scaffolds can accelerate the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells for the therapy of skin wounds, and provide a theoretical basis for its application in ischemic disease as synthesized biomaterials scaffolds of tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion The prevalence and impact of obesity on outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have not been well studied.To examine the proportion of participants with obesity enrolled in RCTs of AF ablation and outcomes of ablation when subgroup analysis of participants with obesity were available.We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE for AF ablation RCTs published between January 1, 2015 to May 31, 2022. When body mass index (BMI) data were available, normal distribution was assumed and a z score was used to estimate the proportion of obesity. Results categorized by BMI or body weight status were reviewed. Authors were contacted for additional information.Of 148 eligible RCTs with 30174 participants, 144 (97.30%) RCTs did not report the proportion of participants with obesity, while published information regarding BMI was available in 63.51%. Three trials excluded patients based on BMI. Using reported BMI, we estimated the proportion of participants with obesity varied greatly across these trials, ranging from 5.82%–71.9% (median 38.02%, interquartile 29.64%, 49.10%). Patients with obesity were represented in a greater proportion among trials conducted in North America (50.23%) and Asia (44.72%), compared to others (32.16%), p < .001. Subgroup analysis or analysis adjusting for BMI was reported in only 13 (8.78%) RCTs; four (30.77%) of these suggested that BMI or body weight might negatively affect primary outcomes.Obesity is a common comorbidity among AF patients. However, most AF ablation RCTs underreported the proportion of participants with obesity and its impact on the primary outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Oxidative injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in the airway epithelium are major events in COPD progression. Methods and results: The therapeutic effects of Progesterone (P4) were investigated in vivo and in vitro in this study. In vivo, in a cigarette smoke (CS) exposure-induced COPD mouse model, P4 treatment significantly ameliorated CS exposure-induced physiological and pathological characteristics, including inflammatory cell infiltration and oxidative injury, in a dose-dependent manner. The c-MYC/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway is involved in the protective function of P4 against CS-induced COPD. In vitro, P4 co-treatment significantly ameliorated H2O2-induced oxidative injury and mitochondrial dysfunctions by promoting cell proliferation, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, decreasing ROS levels and apoptosis, and increasing ATP content. Moreover, P4 co-treatment partially attenuated H2O2-caused inhibition in Nrf1, Tfam, Mfn1, PGR-B, c-MYC, SIRT1, and PGC-1α levels. In BEAS-2B and ASM cells, the c-MYC/SIRT1 axis regulated P4's protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative injury and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Conclusion: P4 activates the c-MYC/SIRT1 axis, ameliorating CS-induced COPD and protecting both airway epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage. PGC-1α and downstream mitochondrial signaling pathways might be involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent theory suggests that both the orienting response and arousal inhibition play roles in the effect of the concealed information test (CIT). However, the neural signatures associated with these two processes remain unclear. To address this issue, participants were motivated to either conceal or reveal crime-related stimulus during CIT while EEG was recorded. By using a temporal principal component analysis, we found that crime-related stimuli produced a larger early P3 than crime-irrelevant stimuli in both the conceal condition and reveal condition. This result suggests that this early P3 reflects an orienting response. In addition, we found that crime-related stimuli elicited a larger frontal negative slow wave than crime-irrelevant stimuli in the conceal condition but not the reveal condition, which suggests that the frontal negative slow wave reflects the arousal inhibition process. These results provide crucial evidence for understanding the neural basis underlying CIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deformation behavior in magnesium alloy was greatly affected by grain orientation. It is crucial to analyze the relationship between deformation mechanism and grain orientation. In this study, the deformation behaviors in grains possessing different orientations for TRC-ZA21 alloy with fine grain size were investigated using the nano-indentation deformation coupling EBSD method. The effects of grain orientation and grain boundary on deformation behavior and propagation of deformation mechanism were discussed. The results illustrated that the irregular performance of the nano-mechanical properties could be attributed the inconsistency of grain orientation as well as the grain boundary misorientation angle. Grain orientation, followed by the criterion of Schmid factor, regulated the deformation mechanism of grains that were in direct contact with the nano-indenter. This signified the orientation dependence in plastic deformation. The deformation behavior in grains, induced by plastic deformation and indirectly in contact with the nano-indenter, was found to be influenced by the grain boundary. The orientation difference in adjacent grains determines the influence of grain boundary in plastic deformation, revealing the competitive and coordinative behavior associated with these deformation mechanisms. The c-axes angle between adjacent grains was the key factor to determine the influence of grain boundary on deformation propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel ratiometric fluorescence probe RHE based on ESIPT process and rhodol ring opened-closed processes. • RHE has ability to fast (response time < 80 s) and sensitively (LOD = 40 nm) detect HOCl. • RHE could be applied for monitoring exogenous and endogenous HOCl. RHE can localize in the endoplasmic reticulum of living cells. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), one of the most important ROS in living organisms, appears to serve an important role in the immune system in vivo. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the largest organelle in cells, manages many biological processes connected to vital activities. To better obtain insight into the relationship of ER stress and HOCl level, a ratiometric fluorescent probe RHE , based on rhodamine combined with HBT and ER-targeting group, was designed and synthesized for HOCl detection in the ER. Probe RHE shows a large stokes shift about 155 nm, which is derived to ESIPT principle. In addition, probe RHE exhibited excellent properties such as fast response (<80 s), high sensitivity with a low detection limit (40 nM), high selectivity and anti-interference. Moreover, probe RHE displayed an excellent ER-targeting ability and had been successfully applied for detection of exogenous and endogenous HOCl in HepG2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]