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Objectives: Pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are the most frequent cause of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS); lung infection is common in EAS. An imaging finding of infection in EAS patients can mimic NENs. This retrospective study investigated EAS-associated pulmonary imaging indicators. Methods: Forty-five pulmonary NENs and 27 tumor-like infections from 59 EAS patients (45 NEN and 14 infection patients) were included. Clinical manifestations, CT features, 18F-FDG, or 68Ga-DOTATATE-PET/CT images and pathological results were collected. Results: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.001) and expectoration occurrence (p = 0.04) were higher, and finger oxygen saturation (p = 0.01) was lower in the infection group than the NENs group. Higher-grade NENs were underrepresented in our cohort. Pulmonary NENs were solitary primary tumors, 80% of which were peripheral tumors. Overlying vessel sign and airway involvement were more frequent in the NENs group (p < 0.001). Multifocal (p = 0.001) and peripheral (p = 0.02) lesions, cavity (p < 0.001), spiculation (p = 0.01), pleural retraction (p < 0.001), connection to pulmonary veins (p = 0.02), and distal atelectasis or inflammatory exudation (p = 0.001) were more frequent in the infection group. The median CT value increment between the non-contrast and arterial phases was significantly higher in NENs lesions (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated a moderate predictive ability at 48.3 HU of delta CT value (sensitivity, 95.0%; specificity, 54.1%). Conclusion: Chest CT scans are valuable for localizing and characterizing pulmonary lesions in rare EAS, thereby enabling prompt differential diagnosis and treatment. Critical relevance statement: Thin-slice CT images are valuable for the localization and identification of pulmonary ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome lesions, leading to prompt differential diagnosis and effective treatment. Key Points: Lung tumor-like infections can mimic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) in ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS) patients. NENs are solitary lesions, whereas infections are multiple peripheral pseudotumors each with identifying imaging findings. Typical CT signs aid in localization and creating an appropriate differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Somatic variants in the ubiquitin‐specific protease 8 (USP8) gene are the most common genetic cause of Cushing disease. We aimed to explore the relationship between clinical outcomes and USP8 status in a single centre. Design, patients and measurements: We investigated the USP8 status in 48 patients with pituitary corticotroph tumours. A median of 62 months of follow‐up was conducted after surgery from November 2013 to January 2015. The clinical, biochemical and imaging features were collected and analysed. Results: Seven USP8 variants (p.Ser718Pro, p.Ser719del, p.Pro720Arg, p.Pro720Gln, p.Ser718del, p.Ser718Phe, p.Lys713Arg) were identified in 24 patients (50%). USP8 variants showed a female predominance (100% vs. 75% in wild type [WT], p =.022). Patients with p.Ser719del showed an older age at surgery compared to patients with the p.Pro720Arg variant (47‐ vs. 24‐year‐olds, p =.033). Patients with p.Pro720Arg showed a higher rate of macroadenoma compared to patients harbouring the p.Ser718Pro variant (60% vs. 0%, p =.037). No significant differences were observed in serum and urinary cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) levels. Immediate surgical remission (79% vs. 75%) and long‐term hormone remission (79% vs. 67%) were not significantly different between the two groups. The recurrence rate was 21% (4/19) in patients harbouring USP8 variants and 13% (2/16) in WT patients. Recurrence‐free survival presented a tendency to be shorter in USP8‐mutated individuals (76.7 vs. 109.2 months, p =.068). Conclusions: Somatic USP8 variants accounted for 50% of the genetic causes in this cohort with a significant female frequency. A long‐term follow‐up revealed a tendency toward shorter recurrence‐free survival in USP8‐mutant patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rieske non-heme iron oxygenases (ROs) are redox enzymes essential for microbial biodegradation and natural product synthesis. These enzymes utilize molecular oxygen for oxygenation reactions, making them very useful biocatalysts due to their broad reaction scope and high selectivities. The mechanism of oxygen activation in ROs involves electron transfers between redox centers of associated protein components, forming an electron transfer chain (ETC). Although the ETC is essential for electron replenishment, it carries the risk of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation due to electron loss during oxygen activation. Our previous study linked ROS formation to O 2 uncoupling in the flavin-dependent reductase of the three-component cumene dioxygenase (CDO). In the present study, we extend this finding by investigating the effects of ROS formation on the multi-component CDO system in a cell-free environment. In particular, we focus on the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) formation in the presence of a NADH cofactor regeneration system on the catalytic efficiency of CDO in vitro. Based on this, we propose the implementation of hybrid systems with alternative (non-native) redox partners for CDO, which are highly advantageous in terms of reduced H 2 O 2 formation and increased product formation. The hybrid system consisting of the RO-reductase from phthalate dioxygenase (PDR) and CDO proved to be the most promising for the oxyfunctionalization of indene, showing a 4-fold increase in product formation (20 mM) over 24 h (TTN of 1515) at a 3-fold increase in production rate. • In vitro , reactive oxygen species are linked to O 2 uncoupling at the reductase of a three-component Rieske oxygenase. • H 2 O 2 formation has a strong effect on the catalytic efficiency of Cumene dioxygenase in cell-free reactions. • An NADH cofactor regeneration system induces H 2 O 2 generation due to O 2 uncoupling. • Using alternative reductases in hybrid systems reduces H 2 O 2 formation and improves catalytic efficiency of CDO in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In early-stage lung cancer surgery, determining the extent of resection relies on microscopic examination of frozen sections (FSs), especially when the histology is unknown preoperatively. While optical coherence tomography (OCT) holds promise for instant lung cancer diagnosis, grading tumors with OCT remains challenging. Our study proposes an interactive human–machine interface (HMI) that integrates a mobile OCT system, deep learning, and attention mechanisms. The interactive HMI can mark lesion locations on real-time images and perform tumor grading, aiding clinical decisions. In a trial with twelve preoperatively indeterminate adenocarcinoma patients who underwent thoracoscopic resection, the results of the presented HMI system outperformed frozen sections, achieving an 84.9% overall accuracy compared to FSs' 20%, showcasing the HMI's potential for rapid diagnostics and improved patient outcomes. The determination of resection extent traditionally relies on the microscopic invasiveness of frozen sections (FSs) and is crucial for surgery of early lung cancer with preoperatively unknown histology. While previous research has shown the value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for instant lung cancer diagnosis, tumor grading through OCT remains challenging. Therefore, this study proposes an interactive human–machine interface (HMI) that integrates a mobile OCT system, deep learning algorithms, and attention mechanisms. The system is designed to mark the lesion's location on the image smartly and perform tumor grading in real time, potentially facilitating clinical decision making. Twelve patients with a preoperatively unknown tumor but a final diagnosis of adenocarcinoma underwent thoracoscopic resection, and the artificial intelligence (AI)-designed system mentioned above was used to measure fresh specimens. Results were compared to FSs benchmarked on permanent pathologic reports. Current results show better differentiating power among minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), invasive adenocarcinoma (IA), and normal tissue, with an overall accuracy of 84.9%, compared to 20% for FSs. Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity, the sensitivity and specificity were 89% and 82.7% for MIA and 94% and 80.6% for IA, respectively. The results suggest that this AI system can potentially produce rapid and efficient diagnoses and ultimately improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are no studies that have shown the role and underlying mechanism of Polyphyllin I (PPI)-mediated anti-apoptosis activity in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). The research aimed to evaluate the effects of PPI in interleukin (IL)-1β-induced NPCs apoptosis in vitro. Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell viability, and cell apoptosis was evaluated by double-stained flow cytometry (FITC Annexin V/PI). The expression of miR-503-5p was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), and the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 was quantified by Western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between miR-503-5p and Bcl-2. Results: PPI at 40 μg·mL−1 markedly promoted the viability of NPCs (P < 0.01). Also, PPI inhibited apoptosis and reduction in proliferative activity induced by IL-1β in the NPCs (P < 0.001, 0.01). PPI treatment significantly inhibited the expression of apoptosis-related protein Bax, cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0.05, 0.01), and enhanced the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 (P < 0.01). The proliferative activity of NPCs was significantly decreased and the apoptosis rate of NPCs was increased under IL-1β treatment (P < 0.01, 0.001). Moreover, miR-503-5p was highly expressed in IL-1β-induced NPCs (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the effect of PPI on NPCs viability and apoptosis in IL-1β treatment was dramatically reversed by the overexpression of miR-503-5p (P < 0.01, 0.01). The targeted binding of miR-503-5p to the 3'UTR of Bcl-2 mRNA was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assays (P < 0.05). In further experiments, compared with miR-503-5p mimics, the effects of PPI on IL-1β-induced NPCs viability and apoptosis were greatly reversed by the co-overexpression of miR-503-5p and Bcl-2 (P < 0.05, 0.05). Conclusion: PPI suppressed the apoptosis of intervertebral disk (IVD) NPCs induced by IL-1β via miR-503-5p/Bcl-2 molecular axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to study a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection model incorporating two nonlinear incidences and spatial diffusion in capsids, virus, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immune response. Three equilibria which are infection-free, immune-free, and infection with CTL immunity are calculated under rational assumptions. Furthermore, two reproduction numbers are verified to assert the global stability of the HBV model. In the end, the theoretical results on HBV dynamics are further illustrated by performing numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dynamical behaviors of a multiple delayed HIV-1 infection model which describes the interactions of humoral, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immune responses, and two modes of transmission that are the classical virus-to-cell infection and the direct cell-to-cell transmission are investigated. The model incorporates three delays, including the delays of cell infection, virus production and activation of immune response. We first prove the well-posedness of the model, and calculate the biological existence of equilibria and the reproduction numbers, which contain virus infection, humoral immune response, CTL immune response, CTL immune competition, and humoral immune competition. Further, the threshold conditions for the local and global stability of the equilibria for infection-free, immune-free, antibody response, CTL response, and interior are established by utilizing linearization method and the Lyapunov functionals. The existence of Hopf bifurcation with immune delay as a bifurcation parameter is investigated by using the bifurcation theory. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the theoretical results and reveal the effects of some key parameters on viral dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circ-PDCD11 (hsa_circ_0019853, 461 bp) has been characterized as an oncogenic circRNA in breast cancer, while its function in other cancers is unclear. In this study, we explored the role of circ-PDCD11 in lung cancer. Plasma samples were obtained from patients with lung large-cell carcinoma (LLCC, n = 40), lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC, n = 40), lung adenocarcinoma (LA, n = 40) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC, n = 40) as well as healthy controls (Control, n = 40). Paired tumor and nontumor tissue samples were obtained from all patients. Expression of circ-PDCD11 in these samples was determined by RT-qPCR. The role of plasma circ-PDCD11 in the diagnosis of LLCC was analyzed with ROC curve. A five-year follow-up was performed to analyze the role of plasma circ-PDCD11 in the prognosis of LLCC. Plasma circ-PDCD11 was specifically upregulated in LLCC but not in other lung cancer types, compared to the controls. Increased circ-PDCD11 expression in tumor tissues compared to nontumor tissues was only observed in LLCC patients but not in other lung cancer types. Increased plasma circ-PDCD11 levels effectively separated LLCC patients from patients with other types of cancers. High plasma circ-PDCD11 levels were closely correlated with poor survival of LLCC patients. Plasma circ-PDCD11 levels were closely correlated with tumor metastasis, but not tumor size of LLCC. CircRNA circ-PDCD11 is highly expressed specifically in LLCC and predicts poor survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to quantitatively evaluate the effect of college counselors' intervention methods on students' psychological crisis, an evaluation model of college counselors' intervention methods on students' psychological crisis based on the deep learning model is put forward. The learning model function of college counselors' intervention in students' psychological crisis is constructed. By using the joint statistical feature analysis method, the dynamic factor analysis of college counselors' intervention in students' psychological crisis is established, and the machine learning model of college counselors' intervention in students' psychological crisis is constructed. By using the methods of big data fusion and correlation dimension feature analysis, combined with a fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm, the reliability evaluation of college counselors' intervention on students' psychological crisis and the construction of a large database are realized. By using the deep learning model, the parameters of college counselors' intervention model on students' psychological crisis are optimized and analyzed, and the methods of college counselors' intervention on students' psychological crisis are optimized and designed. The test shows that it is reliable and expandable to use this method for college counselors' intervention in students' psychological crisis, and it can establish the applicable technology of knowledge network to realize the correct intervention of college counselors in students' psychological crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To compare hysterectomy by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (VNOTES) versus transumbilical laparoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) as a minimal invasive technique. Materials and Method. The women undergoing hysterectomy for benign diseases by VNOTES and LESS from January 2020 to June 2021 in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai were retrospectively analyzed. Results. 361 women were included in our study, with 228 in the VNOTES groups, 129 in the LESS groups, and 4 conversions from VNOTES to LESS technique. The length of a VNOTES hysterectomy was shorter than that of LESS (80.76 min versus 112.09 min; MD -31.34 min; 95% CI -40.24 to -22.43 min; P < 0.001). VNOTES hysterectomy has a quicker gas passage by the anus (18.80 versus 36.49 hours, MD -17.68 hours, 95% CI -20.23 to -15.14 hours, P < 0.001) and associated with a shorter length of hospital stay (2.31 versus 3.77 days, MD -1.46 days, 95% CI -1.75 to -1.17 days, P < 0.001), while with no increase in blood loss during the operation (median 50 versus 50 ml, P = 0.25). Besides, the VAS pain score in the 24th hour after the operation was lower (median 0 versus 0.5, P < 0.001) in the VNOTES group. Four unique phases of the learning curve were identified using cumulative analysis: the mean operation time of phase I was 82.81 ± 31.45 min (the initial learning curve of 43 cases), phase II was 72.48 ± 23.66 min (the acquisition of command of 91 cases), phase III was 103.77 ± 45.69 min (the further learning of 26 cases), and phase IV was 73.18 ± 26.89 min (postlearning in 68 cases). Conclusions. VNOTES is noninferior to LESS as a new minimal invasive procedure for hysterectomy, which also allows patients a faster recovery from surgery and to suffer less pain, and its efficiency and feasibility in large uterine need further exploring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dynamical behaviors for a diffusive virus infection model with two general nonlinear incidence functions, CTL immune impairment and discrete delays, are investigated. Cell-to-cell transmission plays a more important role in virus spreading in addition to virus-to-cell infection. Nonnegativity and boundcedness properties of the solutions are proven to show the well-posedness of the model. Five reproduction numbers are calculated and verified to be thresholds determining the global properties of the virus model. A significant impact of cell-to-cell transmission is that they increase the basic reproduction number. If one neglects either the cell-to-cell transmission or virus-to-cell infection, the basic reproduction number of the model is underevaluated. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the dynamical behavior of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the optimal temperature of hypothermia treatment in rats with cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF) after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Methods. A total of forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced by VF through the guidewire with a maximum of 5 mA current and untreated for 8 min. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed for 8 min followed by defibrillation (DF). Resuscitated rats were then randomized into the normothermia (37°C) group, milder (35°C) group, mild (33°C) group, or moderate (28°C) group. Hypothermia was immediately induced with surface cooling. The target temperature was maintained for 4 h before rewarming to 37 ± 0.5 ° C. Moreover, at the end of the 4 h, a rat in each group was randomly selected to be sacrificed for the cerebral cortex electron microscopy observation (n = 1). The other resuscitated animals were observed for up to 72 h after ROSC (n = 7). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) were measured. Survival time, survival rate, and neurological deficit score (NDS) were recorded for 72 h. Results. During hypothermia, higher LVEF was observed in the hypothermia groups when compared with normothermia group (35°C vs. 37°C, p < 0.05 , 33°C and 28°C vs. 37°C, p < 0.01). Among the hypothermia groups, LVEF was higher in the 28°C group than that of 35°C (p < 0.05). However, both the heart rate (HR) (p < 0.01) and LVEDV (28°C vs. 35°C, p < 0.01 , 28°C vs. 37°C and 33°C, p < 0.05) were lowest in the 28°C group when compared with the other groups. There were no significant differences of LVEF and LVEDV between the group 35°C and 33°C (p > 0.05). After rewarming, the LVEF of 35°C group was higher than that of group 37°C, 33°C, and 28°C (35°C vs. 37°C and 28°C, p < 0.01 , 35°C vs. 33°C, p < 0.05). Group 35°C and 33°C resulted in longer survival (p < 0.01), higher survival rate (p < 0.01), and lower NDS (35°C vs. 37°C and 28°C, p < 0.01 , 33°C vs. 37°C and 28°C, p < 0.05) compared with the group 37°C and 28°C. The extent of damage to cerebral cortex cells in group of 35°C and 33°C was lighter than that in group of 37°C and 28°C. The 35°C group spent less time in the process of cooling and rewarming than the group 33°C and 28°C (p < 0.01). Conclusions. An almost equal protective effect of milder hypothermia (35°C) and mild hypothermia (33°C) in cardiac arrest (CA) rats was achieved with more predominant effect than moderate hypothermia (28°C) and normothermia (37°C). More importantly, shorter time spent in cooling and rewarming was required in the 35°C group, indicating its potential clinical application. These findings support the possible use of milder hypothermia (35°C) as a therapeutic agent for postresuscitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Among older adults in China and the US, we aimed to compare the biomarkers of chronic-kidney-diseases (CKD), factors associated with CKD, and the correlation between CKD and mortality. Setting: China and the US. Study design: Cross-sectional and prospective cohorts. Participants: We included 2019 participants aged 65 and above from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS) in 2012, and 2177 from US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2011–2014. Outcomes: Urinary albumin, urinary creatinine, albumin creatinine ratio (ACR), serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, plasma albumin, uric acid, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). CKD (ACR ≥ 30 mg/g or eGFR< 60 ml/min/1.73m2) and mortality. Analytical approach: Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models. Covariates included age, sex, race, education, income, marital status, health condition, smoking and drinking status, physical activity and body mass index. Results: Chinese participants had lower levels of urinary albumin, ACR, and uric acid than the US (mean: 25.0 vs 76.4 mg/L, 41.7 vs 85.0 mg/g, 292.9 vs 341.3 μmol/L). In the fully-adjusted model, CKD was associated with the risk of mortality only in the US group (hazard ratio [HR], 95% CI: 2.179, 1.561–3.041 in NHANES, 1.091, 0.940–1.266 in CLHLS). Compared to eGFR≥90, eGFR ranged 30–44 ml/min/1.73m2 was only associated with mortality in the US population (HR, 95% CI: 2.249, 1.141–4.430), but not in the Chinese population (HR, 95% CI: 1.408, 0.884–2.241). Conclusions: The elderly participants in the US sample had worse CKD-related biomarker levels than in China sample, and the association between CKD and mortality was also stronger among the US older adults. This may be due to the biological differences, or co-morbid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are well-known to bind RNA via a set of RNA-binding domains (RBDs) and determine the fate and function of their RNA targets; inversely, some RBPs, in certain cases, may be modulated by the bound RNAs rather than regulate their RNA partners. Current proteome-wide studies reveal that almost half of RBPs have no canonical RBDs, and the discovery of tens of thousands of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially those with the size larger than 200 nt (namely long noncoding RNAs, lncRNAs), makes the crosstalk between RBPs and RNAs more complicated. It is clear that macromolecular complexes formed by RBP and RNA are not only a form of existence of their RBP and RNA components in cells, but also represent a functional entity through which those RBPs and regulatory ncRNAs participate in the construction of regulatory networks in organism. In this review, we summarize the multidimensional crosstalk between RBPs and ncRNAs in cancer and discuss how RBPs achieve their function via the bound ncRNAs in different aspects of gene expression as well as how RBPs direct modification and processing of ncRNAs, in order to better understand tumor biology and provide new insights into development of strategies for cancer therapy and early detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dynamical behaviors for multiple delayed latent virus model with virus-to-cell infection and cell-to-cell transmissions and humoral immunity are investigated. The virus-to-cell and cell-to-cell incidence rates are modeled by general nonlinear functions. The basic reproduction number R 0 and the humoral immune response number R 1 are calculated and proved to be threshold conditions determining the local and global properties of the virus model. The existence of Hopf bifurcation with immune delay as a bifurcation parameter is presented, and the effects of some key parameters on viral dynamics are revealed by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the diffusible messengers for enhancing synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Less information is available about the possible roles of BDNF in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). In the present study, we used 64-electrode array field recording system to investigate the effect of BDNF on ACC excitatory transmission. We found that BDNF enhanced synaptic responses in a dose-dependent manner in the ACC in C57/BL6 mice. The enhancement was long-lasting, and persisted for at least 3 h. In addition to the enhancement, BDNF also recruited inactive synaptic responses in the ACC. Bath application of the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor antagonist K252a blocked BDNF-induced enhancement. L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (L-VGCC), metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), but not NMDA receptors were required for BDNF-produced enhancement. Moreover, calcium-stimulated adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) but not AC8 was essential for the enhancement. A selective AC1 inhibitor NB001 completely blocked the enhancement. Furthermore, BDNF-produced enhancement occluded theta burst stimulation (TBS) induced long-term potentiation (LTP), suggesting that they may share similar signaling mechanisms. Finally, the expression of BDNF-induced enhancement depends on postsynaptic incorporation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) and protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ). Our results demonstrate that cortical BDNF may contribute to synaptic potentiation in the ACC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the experiences of Taiwanese school-aged children coping with maternal breast cancer. Design: A qualitative interview study. Methods: A cohort of 10 boys and 12 girls aged 6 to 13 years (mean age, 9.86 years) whose mothers were diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 2 years were recruited from patient networks in Taiwan. Data were collected from February to June 2019 via semi-structured individual interviews. Their responses were subjected to content analysis. Results: Content analysis yielded six themes: (1) reluctance to share feelings with others; (2) recognizing changes in the tone of family life; (3) casting the cause of breast cancer onto oneself; (4) engaging in active coping; (5) maturing and gaining life lessons; and (6) family communication matters. Conclusion: The findings shed light on how family processes and cultural beliefs shape children's experiences. School-aged children came to terms with the significance of maternal breast cancer from a broad context of family experiences over time, and thus gained insights into their self-expectations and future aspirations. Impact: Healthcare professionals can help school-aged children develop a rational view of breast cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we suggest nursing interventions to support a family-oriented approach to coping. Such interventions should address changes in family processes to improve coping abilities of children and the entire family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve prompt and comprehensive assessment of treatment, we investigated the feasibility of composite hematologic and organ response (CHOR) model in a Chinese light chain (AL) amyloidosis cohort. Three hundred and eighty-eight newly diagnosed patients were assigned scores of 0–3 for complete response, very good partial response, partial response, no response, or progression at 6 months. Organ response (OR) was scored as follows: 0 – all OR (AOR), 1 – mixed OR (MOR), and 2 – no OR (NOR). Finally, patients were divided into CHOR group 1 (total score 0–3) and group 2 (total score 4–5). The patients who achieved AOR and MOR had similar outcomes, which were much better than those of patients with NOR. Group 1 had significantly better overall survival than group 2 (p<.001). The CHOR model had a significantly higher predictive power of survival than hematologic response and OR. We validated the value of the CHOR model as an early indicator of treatment benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral cavity cancer ranks the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, of which oral squamous cell carcinoma is the predominant type. This study aimed to investigate the function and the underlying mechanism of resistin like beta (RETNLB) in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: The data of oral squamous cell carcinoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to examine RETNLB expression and assess its correlation with the clinical outcomes. Biological functions of RETNLB on the growth, invasion and migration of cells were determined by cell counting kit 8, clonogenic growth, and Transwell assays. Gene set enrichment analysis was utilized to identify the important gene sets associated with RETNLB expression, which was further confirmed by western blot. Results: We found that RETNLB was upregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues and cells. High expression of RETNLB was closely linked to age and pathological tumor, and significantly related to poor survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Further functional experiments showed that knockdown of RETNLB significantly reduced the viability, mobility and invasiveness of cells. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis suggested that Toll-like receptor signaling pathway was significantly correlated with high RETNLB expression. Further western blot analysis verified that silencing RETNLB could notably suppress the protein levels of Toll-like receptor 2, Toll-like receptor 4 and phosphor- extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Conclusions: These results suggested that downregulation of RETNLB may restrain the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by inactivating TLR/2/4/ERK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a difference between involved and uninvolved free light chains (dFLC) less than 10 mg/L after treatment (stringent dFLC response) was reported to be associated with superior survival in light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. We conducted a retrospective study of AL amyloidosis patients treated with bortezomib to investigate the predictive value of a stringent dFLC response. Two hundred and thirty-five patients were included. The cardiac and renal responses were much higher in patients achieving a stringent dFLC response (86.5% versus 42.7% and 75.9% versus 38.2%, p <.001). Patients with a stringent dFLC response had significantly longer overall survival and time to next treatment (TNT). Among the very good partial response (VGPR) patients, the TNT of stringent dFLC responders was superior to those of the remaining VGPR patients (p =.045) and comparable to those of complete response patients. In conclusion, a stringent dFLC response might be added to current response criteria for AL amyloidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Lapachone is a natural product that can promote ROS generation and ultimately triggers tumor cells death by inducing DNA damage. Recent studies have indicated that the targeting of ferroptosis or iron metabolism is a feasible strategy for treating cancer. In this study, bulk RNA-seq analysis suggested that β-Lapachone might induce ferroptosis in CRC cells. We further tested this hypothesis using a xenograft model of human colorectal cancer as an animal model and in SW620 and DLD-1 of CRC cell lines. Western blot was used to determine the key proteins of ferroptosis (SLC7A11, GPX4), autophagy (LC3B, P62, ATG7), ferritinophagy (NCOA4, FTH1, TFRC), and JNK pathway (p-JNK, JNK, p-c-Jun, c-Jun). The levels of MDA, GSH/GSSG, lipid ROS, and intracellular ferrous iron were determined after β-Lapachone treatment, and inhibitors of various pathways, including NAC, Ferrostatin-1, DFO, 3-MA, and SP600125 were utilized to explore the molecular mechanism underlying β-Lapachone-mediated ferroptosis. As the result, we identified that β-Lapachone inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, autophagy, and ROS generation. In addition, β-Lapachone induced ferroptosis as demonstrated by intra-cellular iron overload, increased levels of lipid ROS and MDA. Mechanistically, JNK signaling pathway was involved in β-Lapachone-induced xCT/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy in CRC cells. In vivo experiments in nude mice demonstrated that β-Lapachone significantly inhibited CRC growth and induced ferroptosis and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy. These findings not only identify a novel role for β-Lapachone in ferroptosis but also indicate that β-Lapachone may be a valuable candidate for the research and development of anti-cancer therapeutic agents. [Display omitted] • β-Lapachone inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in CRC. • β-Lapachone induces ferroptosis through regulating xCT/GPX4 axis and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy. • β-Lapachone induces ferritinophagy and ferroptosis by activating JNK pathway. • β-Lapachone may be a valuable candidate for the anti-cancer therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Troyer syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by spastic paralysis, dysarthria, distal amyotrophy, and short stature. Recently, two siblings (an older brother and a younger sister) were admitted to our hospital for the chief complaints of "short stature and intellectual disability." Through whole exome sequencing of the sister, who is the proband, it was found that her SPG20 gene had compound heterozygous mutations: c.364_365delAT (p.Met122Valfs*2) and c.892delA (p.Thr298Glnfs*30). Target testing revealed that the brother had the same genotype as the sister, and the former mutation originated from the father, while the latter mutation originated from the mother. In summary, this is the first report of Troyer syndrome in a family caused by SPG20 compound heterozygous mutations. A novel SPG20 mutation was found, namely c.892delA (p.Thr298Glnfs*30). In addition, we also summarize these Troyer syndrome patients' heights and their clinical characteristics, and provide a brief review of all known pathogenic mutations of SPG20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Higher rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection after viral clearance have been well described among HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. The epidemiology of HCV reinfection, however, has rarely been investigated among HIV‐positive patients in Asia‐Pacific region. Methods: We retrospectively identified HIV‐positive patients with recent HCV infection who had cleared their primary infection, either spontaneously or via treatment, between January 2011 and May 2018. All included patients were observed until 31 March 2019. HCV reinfection was defined as recurrent HCV viraemia after achieving viral clearance with anti‐HCV treatment or after spontaneous clearance. Results: During the study period, 219 HIV‐positive patients (90.4% MSM) were diagnosed with recent HCV infection. Viral clearance with successful treatment was achieved in 108 patients (49.3%) and spontaneous clearance occurred in 20 (9.1%); of them, 18 (14.1%) acquired HCV reinfections, resulting in an incidence rate of 8.2 per 100 person‐years of follow‐up (95% CI 5.2‐13.1). With the adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, we found a higher reinfection risk in patients with syphilis (adjusted hazard ratio 10.3, 95% CI 1.4‐77.8, P = .023) compared to those without syphilis. HCV RNA testing, if performed only following syphilis and elevated aminotransferases, might miss 44.4% and 33.3% of HCV reinfections, respectively. Conclusions: Similar to the findings in Europe, we observed a high incidence of HCV reinfection among HIV‐positive Taiwanese with recent HCV infection, which was significantly associated with syphilis. To identify HCV reinfections, annual HCV RNA testing should be instituted instead of testing driven by symptoms, syphilis or elevated aminotransferases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing efficient charge transfer channels remains a great challenge to improve the photocatalytic activity of red phosphorus (RP). Herein, the flower-like spherical FeCoS 2 was employed to improve the activity of RP nanosheets, S-scheme FeCoS 2 /RP heterojunction was obtained through a facile solvent evaporation strategy. The optimized 5 wt % FeCoS 2 /RP exhibited an excellent H 2 evolution rate of 2254.2 μmol g−1 h−1, which is 17.5 and 71.1-fold than that of pristine RP (129.1 μmol g−1 h−1) and FeCoS 2 (31.7 μmol g−1 h−1), respectively. The analysis shows that bimetallic sulfides FeCoS 2 can not only increase the electrochemically active surface area, decrease the H 2 evolution overpotential and water contact angle of the composite, but also provide more photoinduced charges and reduce their transfer resistance, more importantly, the charge transfer between FeCoS 2 and RP follows the S-scheme route, which can reserve the electrons and holes with higher the thermodynamic driving force. Further investigation shows that the activity of FeCoS 2 is superior to monometallic sulfides FeS and CoS due to its synergistic effect between Fe and Co. This work provides new insights for constructing S-scheme RP-based heterojunction with high photocatalytic efficiency and stability. [Display omitted] • FeCoS 2 /RP composites were obtained through a facile solvent evaporation strategy. • The introduction of spherical FeCoS 2 can increase hydrophilicity of the composite. • FeCoS 2 /RP exhibits a high photocatalytic H 2 evolution rate of 2254.2 μmol g−1 h−1. • The charge carrier transfer between FeCoS 2 and RP follows the S-scheme route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in various biological processes such as apoptosis. The function of lncRNAs is closely correlated with their localization within the cell. While regulatory potential of many lncRNAs has been revealed at specific subcellular location, the biological significance of discrete distribution of an lncRNA in different cellular compartments remains largely unexplored. Here, we identified an lncRNA antisense to the pro-apoptotic gene PYCARD, named PYCARD-AS1, which exhibits a dual nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution and is required for the PYCARD silencing in breast cancer cells. The PYCARD-regulated apoptosis is controlled by PYCARD-AS1; moreover, PYCARD-AS1 regulates apoptosis in a PYCARD-dependent manner, indicating that PYCARD is a critical downstream target of PYCARD-AS1. Mechanistically, PYCARD-AS1 can localize to the PYCARD promoter, where it facilitates DNA methylation and H3K9me2 modification by recruiting the chromatin-suppressor proteins DNMT1 and G9a. Moreover, PYCARD-AS1 and PYCARD mRNA can interact with each other via their 5′ overlapping region, leading to inhibition of ribosome assembly in the cytoplasm for PYCARD translation. This study reveals a mechanism whereby an lncRNA works at different cellular compartments to regulate the pro-apoptotic gene PYCARD at both the epigenetic and translational levels, contributing to the PYCARD-regulated apoptosis, and also sheds new light on the role of discretely distributed lncRNAs in diverse biological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis is a worldwide clinical issue that generally causes hepatic cirrhosis. Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (dried flower buds of Lonicera japonica Thunb) is a traditional heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal medicine in China. This study aims to observe the protection of the water extract of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (FL) from carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Liver fibrosis was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of 2 ml/kg CCl4 twice a week for 4 weeks. FL's attenuation of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice was evidenced by the results of Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining, liver hydroxyproline content and serum amount of collagen IV. FL reduced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in mice treated with CCl4. FL also alleviated liver oxidative stress injury and enhanced the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) anti-oxidant signaling pathway in mice treated with CCl4. Additionally, the main phenolic acids in FL including chlorogenic acid (CGA) and caffeic acid (CA) both reduced HSCs activation in vitro. In summary, FL attenuates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting HSCs activation, reversing EMT and reducing liver oxidative stress injury via inducing Nrf2 activation. CGA may be the main active compound contributing to the antifibrotic activity of FL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the discovery of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus, many studies have demonstrated that NMDAR dependent LTP exists throughout central synapses, including those involved in sensory transmission and perception. NMDAR LTP has been reported in spinal cord dorsal horn synapses, anterior cingulate cortex and insular cortex. Behavioral, genetic and pharmacological studies show that inhibiting or reducing NMDAR LTP produced analgesic effects in animal models of chronic pain. Investigation of signalling mechanisms for NMDAR LTP may provide novel targets for future treatment of chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aerobic oxidative coupling of aniline is an effective process for producing aromatic azo compounds, which are widely used in the organic chemical industry. The development of heterogeneous catalysts for this reaction would be advantageous because of their recyclability and convenience in posttreatment. In this work, one-dimensional Mn(OH)2 nanostructure with various shapes were synthesized through the adjustment of various surfactants. The as-synthesized Mn(OH)2 nanobelts and nanowires showed superior catalytic activity in the activation of oxygen and aniline. Aromatic azo compounds with a variety of substituents were produced through the coupling of the corresponding anilines without additives under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Airpotato yam is a traditional Chinese medicine used for treating thyroid disease and cancer in China. Diosbulbin B (DB) is reported to be the main hepatotoxic compound isolated from Airpotato yam. A variety of reports have shown the acute liver injury induced by DB in vivo. However, whether long-term administration of DB will cause liver fibrosis in mice is unknown. This study aims to investigate the liver fibrosis induced by long-term DB treatment in mice. C57BL/6 mice were orally given with DB (25, 50 mg/kg) for 1 or 2 month, respectively. Liver hydroxyproline content, hepatic collagen deposition and immune cells infiltration were increased in mice treated with DB (50 mg/kg) for 2 months. Serum amounts of hyaluronic acid and laminin were increased in mice treated with DB for 1 or 2 months. DB (50 mg/kg) induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation when mice were treated with DB for 2 months. Liver mRNA expression of Col1a1, Col1a2, Col3a1, fibronectin (Fn1), vimentin (Vim) and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1) were all increased in DB-treated mice. Hepatic protein expression of Vim, FSP1 and collagen 1 (COL1) were increased in DB-treated mice. Additionally, DB induced nuclear factor κB (NFκB) activation and increased the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in mice. In conclusion, long-term administration of DB induced liver fibrosis in mice. HSCs activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and liver inflammation contributed to DB-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Highlights • DB induced hepatic collagen disposition in vivo. • DB induced HSCs activation in vivo. • DB induced hepatic EMT in vivo. • DB induced liver inflammation in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, are regarded as new environmental pollutants and pose serious threats to public health. Yet, traditional disinfection approaches for bacteria and viruses are generally ineffective. Furthermore, they exhibit the disadvantages of high‐energy consumption, environmental pollution, high cost, and toxic byproduct generation. In this respect, nanomaterials display promising antimicrobial capabilities due to their unique properties and provide solutions to the abovementioned issues. Herein, recent progress in the development of 2D nanomaterials displaying antimicrobial capabilities is highlighted. The structures, morphologies, and performances of essential metal, graphene, and nitride‐based 2D antibacterial nanomaterials are summarized in detail. In addition, possible antimicrobial mechanisms and the relationship between structure and antimicrobial efficiency are elaborated. Banishing bacteria: Recent progress in the development of 2D nanomaterials that display antimicrobial capabilities is reviewed. The structures, morphologies, and performances of essential metal, graphene, and nitride‐based 2D antibacterial nanomaterials are summarized in detail. In particular, the photocatalytic properties of antimicrobial nanomaterials are discussed (see figure). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dynamical behaviours for a five-dimensional virus infection model with three delays which describes the interactions of antibody, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) immune responses and Beddington-DeAngelis incidence are investigated. The reproduction numbers for virus infection, antibody immune response, CTL immune response, CTL immune competition and antibody immune competition, respectively, are calculated. By using the Lyapunov functionals and linearization method, the threshold conditions on the local and global stability of the equilibria for infection-free, immune-free, antibody response, CTL response and interior, respectively, are established. The existence of Hopf bifurcation with immune delay as a bifurcation parameter is investigated by using the bifurcation theory. Numerical simulations are presented to justify the analytical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A finite-dimensional chemistry model with two two-level artificial atoms on quantum dots positioned in optical cavities, called the association–dissociation model of neutral hydrogen molecule, is described. The initial circumstances that led to the formation of the synthetic neutral hydrogen molecule are explained. In quantum form, nuclei's mobility is portrayed. The association of atoms in the molecule is simulated through a quantum master equation, incorporating hybridization of atomic orbitals into molecular — depending on the position of the nuclei. Consideration is also given to electron spin transitions. Investigated are the effects of temperature variation of various photonic modes on quantum evolution and neutral hydrogen molecule formation. Finally, a more precise model including covalent bond and simple harmonic oscillator (phonon) is proposed. • Hydrogen molecule formation only happens when electrons with different spins. • Effects of temperature change of various photonic modes on formation are different. • Proposing a more accurate model with covalent bond and phonon. • Raising a highly efficient algorithm to decrease dimension of Hamiltonian and density matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new alkylaluminum complexes with different pyridinyl-substituted imines or cyclohexyl-substituted imines were synthesized and characterized successfully. The aluminum complex [FlCHNCH(CH3)Py]AlMe2(Py = 2-pyridyl) (1) was obtained by reacting 9-[2-pyridyl-CH(CH3)-N＝CH]Fl (Fl = fluorenyl) (L1) and equimolar AlMe3. The reactions of 9-(2-pyridyl-N＝CH)Fl (L2) and 9-[2-N(CH3)2-cyclohexyl-N＝CH]Fl (L3) with equimolar AlMe3 or AlEt3 afforded other alkylaluminum complexes [FlCHNPy]AlMe2(Py = 2-pyridyl) (2), [FlCHNPy]AlEt2 (Py = 2-pyridyl) (3), [FlCHNCyN(CH3)2]AlMe2 (Cy = 2-cyclohexyl) (4) and [FlCHNCyN(CH3)2]AlEt2 (Cy = 2-cyclohexyl) (5). All these complexes (1–5) were characterized using NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystal structure analysis. The catalytic properties of these new alkylaluminum complexes for the hydrophosphonylation of aldimines were examined. Complex 5 showed the best catalytic performance under mild reaction conditions with a low catalyst loading (1 mol%), and 20 different substituents of aldimines were isolated with more than 90% yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding of how membrane trafficking pathways function to direct morphogenetic movements and the planar polarization of developing tissues is a new and emerging field. While a central focus of developmental biology has been on how protein asymmetries and cytoskeletal force generation direct cell shaping, the role of membrane trafficking in these processes has been less clear. Here, we review recent advances in Drosophila and vertebrate systems in our understanding of how trafficking events are coordinated with planar cytoskeletal function to drive lasting changes in cell and tissue topologies. We additionally explore the function of trafficking pathways in guiding the complex interactions that initiate and maintain core PCP (planar cell polarity) asymmetries and drive the generation of systematically oriented cellular projections during development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attribute reduction can make the structure of concept lattices more convenient in formal fuzzy contexts. Thereby, it is beneficial to discover the knowledge. Based on the notion of “one-side fuzzy concept”, we propose a method of attribute reduction combining with the directed graph theory. Employing the proposed approach, a judgment theorem is given for determining concepts and irreducible elements in formal fuzzy contexts. According to the significance of attributes, these attributes are classified three types: core attributes, relatively necessary attributes and unnecessary attributes, which are referred to the attribute characteristics. Applying with the directed graph, We propose the judgment theorems and the corresponding algorithms for computing the three types of attributes sets. On this basis, a corresponding method of attribute reduction is given in a fuzzy-crisp formal context. The feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm has been proved via an example. The approach presents a mew method for knowledge reducible in formal fuzzy contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, named Forsythiae Fructus (Lian-Qiao), is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for clearing away heat and toxic material, eliminating the mass and relieving swelling. Aim of the study This study aims to observe the attenuation of the water extract of Forsythiae Fructus (FSE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced hepatic fibrosis in male C57BL/6 mice. Materials and methods Hepatic fibrosis was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by intraperitoneal injection with 2 ml/kg CCl 4 (mixed 1: 3 in olive oil) twice a week for 4 weeks. At the same time, the mice were orally given with FSE (1, 2 g/kg) every day for 4 weeks. Serum biochemical parameters, gene and protein expression related to liver fibrosis were analyzed. The contents of forsythiaside A and forsythin in FSE were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results Results of serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) activity and liver histological evaluation both showed the protection of FSE against CCl 4 -induced liver injury. Further, the anti-fibrotic effects of FSE was evidenced by the results of Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining, liver hydroxyproline content, and serum amounts of hyaluronic acid, laminin, collagen Ⅳ and type III procollagen (PCIII). FSE also reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in livers from CCl 4 -injured mice. Additionally, FSE decreased the increased hepatic expression of fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1) and vimentin induced by CCl 4 in mice. Conclusions FSE attenuates CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, reducing hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM) disposition and reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel PtCo nanoflowers were synthesized using oleylamine-oleic acid system via one-pot chemical reaction. The difference in morphology with different amount of oleic acid revealed that the formation of the PtCo nanoflowers was attributed to the precipitation effect of oleic acid both in nucleation stage and growth process. The obtained PtCo nanoflowers show excellent performance in catalytic hydrogenation of nitrobenzene, when compared with PtCo nanoparticles and commercial Pt/C. The high activity is attributed to the porous structure formed by assembling of smaller nanoparticles and electron interaction of Co to Pt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, novel SrCe 1 − x Yb x O 3 − α (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15)-(Na/K)Cl composite electrolytes were synthesized at low temperature (750 °C). The structural and microstructural properties of the composite electrolytes are observed by X–ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the upper doping limit of Yb 3 + in SrCeO 3 is 15 mol%. The XRD results shown that no chemical reactions take place between SrCe 1 − x Yb x O 3 − α (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) and NaCl/KCl. The SEM images revealed that NaCl/KCl is coated on the surface of SrCe 1 − x Yb x O 3 − α (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) act as a binder. The electrical conductivity is determined by impedance spectroscopy. The log σ ~ log ( p O 2 ) plots results indicate that the composites are almost pure ionic conductors. Finally, the excellent performance of SCYb15-NK is obtained with a maximum power density of 615 mW·cm − 2 at 700 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a diffusive and delayed virus dynamics model with Crowley-Martin incidence function and CTL immune response is investigated. By constructing the Lyapunov functionals, the threshold conditions on the global stability of the infection-free, immune-free and interior equilibria are established if the space is assumed to be homogeneous. We show that the infection-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if the basic reproductive number $R_{0}\leq1$ ; the immune-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if the immune reproduction number and the basic reproduction number satisfy $R_{1}\leq1< R_{0}$ ; the interior equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if $R_{1}>1$ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon/cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) composites clusters were prepared by a facile solvothermal method with the assistance of a glucaminium-based surfactant ( N -decyl- N -methyl-D-glucaminium chloride). The CeO 2 has been regarded as an efficient artificial enzyme. The carbon, derived from the glucose-based surfactant, can effectively improve the stability and property of the CeO 2 , and provide surface defects. The C/CeO 2 composites present good electro-catalytic activity towards glucose oxidation. The resultant composites were further used to fabricate modified electrode for the non-enzymatic glucose detection. The electrode, modified by the C/CeO 2 composites, can detect glucose in the range of 2.0 μM‒1.8 mM with a detection limit of 0.8 μM. The as-fabricated electrodes also demonstrate good stability and an-interference performance. The C/CeO 2 composites have great potential in electrochemical sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexagonal SnS 2 nanosheets and Al 2 O 3 /SnS 2 composites were fabricated via a one-step hydrothermal synthesis method. The investigation indicates that hexagonal SnS 2 with diameters of 100–200 nm are well dispersed on the surface of Al 2 O 3 . The band gap of SnS 2 after coupling with 11 wt%-Al 2 O 3 is reduced by 0.042 eV compared with the pure SnS 2. The composite with 11 wt%-Al 2 O 3 shows the highest photocurrent density of 37 μA/cm 2 at 0.49 V ( vs . Ag/AgCl) under visible light (λ>420 nm), which is approximately 1.2 times that of the pure SnS 2 nanosheets. Photoelectrocatalytic measurements demonstrate that an appropriate amount of Al 2 O 3 can enhance the photoelectrocatalytic efficiency of SnS 2 . The 11 wt%-Al 2 O 3 /SnS 2 composite (AOSS-11) can degrade 85.9% MB after 3 h under visible light illumination at an applied potential of 0.49 V ( vs . Ag/AgCl). The highly effective photoelectrocatalytic activity of the Al 2 O 3 /SnS 2 composite is attributed to the efficient separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs based on the defect levels. This work may provide a new design idea for constructing the effective SnS 2 -based photocatalysts with other defective semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, dense polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/SnGaPO ( x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) inorganic-organic composite electrolytes were prepared. The result of SEM images indicates that all the composite electrolytes are sufficiently uniform and dense. The conductivities which is given consideration to the influence of Ga doping level increase in the order: σ ( x = 0.20) < σ ( x = 0.15) < σ ( x = 0.10) < σ ( x = 0.05). The highest conductivity 1.9 × 10 S cm is observed for PTFE/SnGaPO ( x = 0.05) in wet O at 225 °C. The H/O fuel cells using PTFE/SnGaPO ( x = 0.05, 0.10) as electrolytes generate the maximum power densities of 63 mW cm for x = 0.05 and 36.3 mW cm for x = 0.10 at 150 °C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly ordered titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO 2 NTs) were prepared by a low-temperature hydrothermal process with Ti sheet as precursor in NaOH solutions. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were then deposited on the surface of TiO 2 NTs by a microwave-assisted chemical reduction route. The investigation reveal that the Au NPs are well dispersed on the surface of TiO 2 NTs in metallic state, and Au NPs can effectively promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Besides, Au NPs also can enhance the visible light absorption of TiO 2 NTs due to their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. The experimental results indicate that 0.5 Au/TiO 2 NTs film with an photocurrent of 19.0 μA/cm 2 exhibits the highest photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) activity, when under a low bias of 0.5 V, in the degradation of methylene blue (MB). Additionally, the mechanism for the enhanced PEC performance of Au/TiO 2 NTs is preliminarily discussed. The Au NPs decorated TiO 2 NTs displayed a more effective separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The enhanced visible light absorption was owning to the Au NPs localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Finally, the mechanism for the enhanced PEC performance of Au/TiO 2 NTs was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to identify clinicopathologic predictors for response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and to evaluate the prognostic value of pathologic complete response ( pCR) on survival in Asia. This study included 915 breast cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy at five public hospitals in Singapore and Malaysia. pCR following neoadjuvant chemotherapy was defined as 1) no residual invasive tumor cells in the breast (ypT0/is) and 2) no residual invasive tumor cells in the breast and axillary lymph nodes (ypT0/is ypN0). Association between pCR and clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment were evaluated using chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test, stratified by other prognostic factors, were conducted to compare overall survival between patients who achieved pCR and patients who did not. Overall, 4.4% of nonmetastatic patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The median age of preoperatively treated patients was 50 years. pCR rates were 18.1% ( pCR ypT0/is) and 14.4% ( pCR ypT0/is ypN0), respectively. pCR rate was the highest among women who had higher grade, smaller size, estrogen receptor negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive disease or receiving taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients who achieved pCR had better overall survival than those who did not. In subgroup analysis, the survival advantage was only significant among women with estrogen receptor-negative tumors. Patients with poor prognostic profile are more likely to achieve pCR and particularly when receiving taxane-containing chemotherapy. pCR is a significant prognostic factor for overall survival especially in estrogen receptor-negative breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamical behaviors for a five-dimensional viral infection model with three delays which describes the interactions of antibody, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) immune responses, and nonlinear incidence rate are investigated. The threshold values for viral infection, antibody response, CTL immune response, CTL immune competition, and antibody competition, respectively, are established. Under certain assumptions, the threshold value conditions on the global stability of the infection-free, immune-free, antibody response, CTL immune response, and interior equilibria are proved by using the Lyapunov functionals method, respectively. Immune delay as a bifurcation parameter is further investigated. The numerical simulations are performed in order to illustrate the dynamical behavior of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The disease entity of scrub typhus in the central nervous system is unclear. • We report the case of a patient with scrub typhus encephalitis manifesting as a 3-week deep coma. • Neuroimaging showed symmetrical, multifocal, and hyperintense white matter lesions. • The patient returned to consciousness after anti-rickettsial treatment. Abstract Central nervous system symptoms occur in more than 80% of patients with scrub typhus infection; however, the entity of central nervous system involvement is still not fully understood. We present the case of a patient with fulminant scrub typhus with multiple organ failure, including prolonged deep coma, and detail the sequential neurological symptoms, signs, laboratory data, and neuroradiological findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Complaint about attention disorders is common among breast cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy, which may be associated with the default mode network (DMN). To validate this hypothesis, we investigated the DMN functional connectivity (FC) change and its relationship with the attention function in breast cancer patients (BC) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Methods: Twenty-two BC treated with chemotherapy and 22 healthy controls (HC) were recruited into this study. The FC between the DMN's hubs and regions of the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dMPFC) and medial temporal lobe (MTL) subsystems was respectively calculated for each participant. Results: The statistical result showed significantly lower connectivity in dMPFC and MTL subsystems in the BC group. In addition, the partial correlation analysis result indicated that the low connectivity of some brain regions in MTL subsystem was correlated with attention dysfunction following BC chemotherapy. Conclusion: These results suggest that the functional disconnection in MTL subsystem of the DMN may have association with attention function of BC after chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the dynamical properties for a model of delay differential equations, which describes a virus-immune interaction in vivo. By analyzing corresponding characteristic equations, the local stability of the equilibria for infection-free, antibody-free, and antibody response and the existence of Hopf bifurcation with antibody response delay as a bifurcation parameter at the antibody-activated infection equilibrium are established, respectively. Global stability of the equilibria for infection-free, antibody-free, and antibody response, respectively, also are established by applying the Lyapunov functionals method. The numerical simulations are performed in order to illustrate the dynamical behavior of the model. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemotherapy, a prominent treatment for breast cancer (BC), can have detrimental side effects on the patient's cognitive functions including the executive function. However, the neurophysiological mechanism of the cognitive impairment remains unclear. Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore long-term chemotherapy-related functional connectivity changes using fMRI and the relationship between the connectivity changes and the executive function impairment in breast cancer patients. Methods: In this study, twenty-three breast cancer patients were treated with chemotherapy and twenty-six healthy subjects were recruited as the healthy control (HC) group. The functional connectivity of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was calculated from resting-state fMRI of the BC and control groups. The relationship between the functional connectivity of ACC and the executive function was further analyzed based on the patient' response time of the Stroop Interference Test. Results: The results show that functional connectivity of ACC in the BC group is significantly lower than that in the control group. The correlation analysis within the BC group indicates that the functional connectivity of ACC was significantly correlated with the executive function. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that the functional connectivity changes might be a pathophysiological basis for long-term chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction, along with executive function impairment in breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]