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Objectives: Patients undergoing a prior failed attempt of chronic total occlusion‐percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO‐PCI) represent a challenging subgroup across all patients undergoing CTO‐PCI. There are limited data on the effects of a prior failed attempt on the outcomes of subsequent CTO‐PCI. We aimed to compare the procedural results and 24‐month outcomes of prior‐failed‐attempt CTO‐PCI with those of initial‐attempt CTO‐PCI. Methods: Patients who underwent attempted CTO‐PCI between January 2017 and December 2019 were prospectively enrolled. We analyzed the procedural results and 24‐month major adverse cardiac events (MACE) between patients who underwent prior‐failed‐attempt and initial‐attempt CTO‐PCI. MACE was defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel‐related myocardial infarction, and ischemia‐driven target vessel revascularization (TVR) during follow‐up. Results: In total, 484 patients who underwent CTO‐PCI (prior‐failed‐attempt, n = 49; initial‐attempt, n = 435) were enrolled during the study period. After propensity score matching (1:3), 147 patients were included in the initial‐attempt group. The proportion of the Japanese‐CTO (J‐CTO) score ≥2 was higher in the patients who underwent prior failed attempt than in those who underwent initial attempt (77.5% vs. 38.8%, p < 0.001). The retrograde approach was more often adopted in the prior‐failed‐attempt group than in the initial‐attempt group (32.7% vs. 3.4%, [P< 0.001). Successful CTO revascularization rates were significantly lower in the prior‐failed attempt‐group than in the initial attempt group (53.1% vs. 83.3%, P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed that J‐CTO score ≥2 [odds ratio (OR), 0.359; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.159–0.812; P = 0.014], intravascular ultrasound procedure (OR, 4.640; 95% CI, 1.380–15.603; P = 0.013), and prior failed attempt (OR, 0.285; 95% CI, 0.125–0.648; P = 0.003) were the independent predictors for successful CTO revascularization. There were no significant differences in major procedural complications (2.0% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.438) and MACE rates (4.1% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.438) between the groups, mainly due to the TVR rate (4.1% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.522). Conclusions: Compared with initial‐attempt CTO‐PCI, prior‐failed‐attempt CTO‐PCI deserves more attention, since it is associated with a lower successful CTO revascularization rate. Prior failed attempt, J‐CTO score ≥2, and IVUS procedure are the determining factors for predicting successful CTO revascularization. There are no significantly different unfavorable outcomes between patients who undergo prior‐failed‐attempt and initial‐attempt CTO‐PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the diagnosis and grading of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC). Methods: The results of a two-dimensional ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound and CEUS, were analyzed in 173 bladder lesion cases. The ultrasound and surgical pathology results were compared, and their diagnostic efficacy was analyzed. Results: There were statistically significant differences between BUC and benign lesions in terms of color blood flow distribution intensity and CEUS enhancement intensity (both P < 0.05). The area under the time-intensity curve (AUC), rising slope, and peak intensity of BUC were significantly higher than those of benign lesions (all P < 0.05). The H/T (height H / basal width T)value of 0.63 was the critical value for distinguishing high- and low-grade BUC, had a diagnostic sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 60.0%. Conclusion: The combination of CEUS and TIC can help improve the diagnostic accuracy of BUC. There is a statistically significant difference between high- and low-grade BUC in contrast enhancement intensity (P < 0.05); The decrease of H/T value indicates the possible increase of the BUC grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The usefulness of transvaginal two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) for cervical lesions is still uncertain. This study was to explore the value of transvaginal 2D SWE in the evaluation of the stiffness of normal cervix and its change with different factors under strict quality control (QC). Methods: Two hundred patients with normal cervix were included in this study and were examined using quantitative 2D SWE to evaluate cervical stiffness and its change with different factors under strict QC. Results: Intra-observer concordance of transvaginal 2D SWE parameters in midsagittal planes were acceptable with intraclass correlation coefficients higher than 0.5. Transvaginal 2D SWE parameters were significantly higher than the corresponding transabdominal parameters. 2D SWE parameters of internal cervical os were significantly higher than the corresponding parameters of external cervical os in a transvaginal midsagittal plane. 2D SWE parameters of external cervical os increased significantly over 50 years old, while these parameters of internal cervical os didn't change significantly with increasing age. 2D SWE parameters of internal cervical os of horizontal position cervix were significantly higher than those of vertical position cervix. SWE parameters of normal cervix did not change according to different menstrual cycles, parities and human papilloma virus test results. Conclusions: Transvaginal 2D SWE under strict QC could provide quantitative, repeatable and reliable cervical stiffness information. Internal cervical os was stiffer than external cervical os. Menstrual cycles, parities and human papilloma virus test results wouldn't affect cervical stiffness. However, age and cervical positions should be taken into condition while interpreting 2D SWE results of cervical stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (SiCp/Al) have excellent physical properties, but the presence of SiC particles in the reinforcing phase causes severe tool wear and more serious surface defects during cutting, which seriously hinders the machining efficiency of SiCp/Al composites. To improve the surface quality of SiCp/Al composites and improve the tool wear problem, it were carried out that simulation and experimental verification of the milling tool parameters of SiCp/Al composites and experimental study of CMQL with the selected tool parameters. The results show that the cutting tool with rake angle of 4° and relief angle of 10° can achieve efficient cutting of SiCp/Al composites. The CMQL condition can effectively reduce the surface roughness, improve the surface microstructure, reduce tool wear and increase tool life; The increase of cutting speed can reduce the machined surface roughness, while the increase of feed and cutting depth will lead to the increase of surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheng-Ji Hua-Yu (SJHY) formula has been proved to reduce the severity of diabetic wound healing without significant adverse events in our previous clinical trials. However, based on multi-target characteristics, the regulatory network among herbs, ingredients, and hub genes remains to be elucidated. The current study aims to identify the biomarkers of the SJHY formula for the treatment of diabetic wound healing. First, a network of components and targets for the SJHY formula was constructed using network pharmacology. Second, the ClusterONE algorithm was used to build a modular network and identify hub genes along with kernel pathways. Third, we verified the kernel targets by molecular docking to select hub genes. In addition, the biomarkers of the SJHY formula were validated by animal experiments in a diabetic wound healing mice model. The results revealed that the SJHY formula downregulated the mRNA expression of Cxcr4 , Oprd1 , and Htr2a , while upregulated Adrb2 , Drd , Drd4 , and Hrh1. Besides, the SJHY formula upregulated the kernel pathways, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, and cAMP signaling pathway in the skin tissue homogenate of the diabetic wound healing mice model. In summary, this study identified the potential targets and kernel pathways, providing additional evidence for the clinical application of the SJHY formula for the treatment of diabetic wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages are functionally plastic and can thus play different roles in various microenvironments. Testis is an immune privileged organ, and testicular macrophages (TMs) show special immunosuppressive phenotype and low response to various inflammatory stimuli. However, the underlying mechanism to maintain the immunosuppressive function of TMs remains unclear. S100A9, a small molecular Ca2+ binding protein, is associated with the immunosuppressive function of macrophages. However, no related research is available about S100A9 in mouse testis. In the present study, we explored the role of S100A9 in TMs. We found that S100A9 was expressed in TMs from postnatal to adulthood and contributed to maintaining the immunosuppressive phenotype of TMs, which is associated with the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway. S100A9 treatment promotes the polarization of bone marrow-derived macrophages from M0 to M2 in vitro. S100A9 was significantly increased in TMs following UPEC-infection and elevated S100A9 contributed to maintain the M2 polarization of TMs. Treatment with S100A9 and PI3K inhibitor decreased the proportion of M2-type TMs in control and UPEC-infected mouse. Our findings reveal a crucial role of S100A9 in maintaining the immunosuppressive function of TMs through the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway, and provide a reference for further understanding the mechanism of immunosuppressive function of TMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A proportional hazard model was applied to develop a large-scale prognostic model and nomogram incorporating clinicopathological characteristics, histological type, tumor differentiation grade, and tumor deposit count to provide clinicians and patients diagnosed with colon cancer liver metastases (CLM) a more comprehensive and practical outcome measure. Methods: Using the Transparent Reporting of multivariable prediction models for individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) guidelines, this study identified 14,697 patients diagnosed with CLM from 1975 to 2017 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 21 registry database. Patients were divided into a modeling group (n=9800), an internal validation group (n=4897) using computerized randomization. An independent external validation cohort (n=60) was obtained. Univariable and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify prognostic predictors for overall survival (OS). Subsequently, the nomogram was constructed, and the verification was undertaken by receiver operating curves (AUC) and calibration curves. Results: Histological type, tumor differentiation grade, and tumor deposit count were independent prognostic predictors for CLM. The nomogram consisted of age, sex, primary site, T category, N category, metastasis of bone, brain or lung, surgery, and chemotherapy. The model achieved excellent prediction power on both internal (mean AUC=0.811) and external validation (mean AUC=0.727), respectively, which were significantly higher than the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system. Conclusion: This study proposes a prognostic nomogram for predicting 1- and 2-year survival based on histopathological and population-based data of CLM patients developed using TRIPOD guidelines. Compared with the TNM stage, our nomogram has better consistency and calibration for predicting the OS of CLM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the influence of different lubrication conditions on cutting force, surface roughness and work hardening, single factor milling tests on 300M steel were carried out under five lubrication conditions of dry cutting, cryogenic cold air cutting, water mist cooling cutting, oil mist friction-reducing cutting and Cryogenic Minimum Quantity Lubrication (CMQL) cutting. Through orthogonal test under CMQL cutting condition, the influence of process parameters, such as cold air temperature, cold air pressure and cutting fluid dosage on workpiece surface quality and tool wear was studied, and the process parameters were optimized. Through the results of single factor and orthogonal tests, it is found that compared with other cutting conditions, CMQL cutting condition can get lower surface finish, work hardening and smaller cutting forces. And compared with other influencing factors, cold air pressure was the most important influencing factor in high-speed milling 300M steel under CMQL cutting condition, and its optimal value was 0.6 mpa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coronary angiography-derived index of microvascular resistance (caIMR) is proposed for physiological assessment of microvasular diseases in coronary circulation. The aim of the study is to assess diagnostic performance of caIMR, using wire-derived index of microvascular resistance (IMR) as the reference standard. IMR was demonstrated in 56 patients (57 vessels) with stable/unstable angina pectoris and no obstructive coronary arteries in three centers using the Certus pressure wire. Based on the aortic pressure wave and coronary angiograms from two projections, the caIMR was computed and assessed in blinded fashion against the IMR at an independent core laboratory. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the caIMR with a cutoff value of 25 were 84.2% (95% CI: 72.1% to 92.5%), 86.1% (95% CI: 70.5% to 95.3%), 81.0% (95% CI: 58.1% to 94.6%), 88.6% (95% CI: 76.1% to 95.0%), and 77.3% (95% CI: 59.5% to 88.7%) against the IMR with a cutoff value of 25. The receiver-operating curve had area under the curve of 0.919 and the correlation coefficient equaled to 0.746 between caIMR and wire-derived IMR. Hence, caIMR could eliminate the need of a pressure wire, reduce technical error, and potentially increase adoption of physiological assessment of microvascular diseases in patients with ischemic heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Renal artery stenosis leads to ischemic renal insufficiency, but methods for assessing renal perfusion are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between renal slow perfusion and impaired renal function in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS). Patients and Methods: A total of 79 consecutive patients with uncontrolled hypertension who underwent renal angiography and renal dynamic scintigraphy for suspected ARAS were enrolled in the retrospective descriptive study. Based on the status of renal artery stenosis and renal perfusion, participants were divided into three groups: the control group (n=26), the unilateral ARAS with renal normal perfusion group (RNP, n=30), and the unilateral ARAS with renal slow perfusion group (RSP, n=23). RSP was defined as renal blush grade (RBG) ≤ 1, while RBG> 1 belonged to RNP. Split renal function (SRF) was achieved from 99mTc-DTPA renal scintigraphy. The value of the difference in split renal function (DSRF) is contralateral SRF minus impaired SRF of paired kidneys in ARAS. We compared the SRF and DSRF between different groups to identify the association between renal slow perfusion and renal impairment in ARAS. Results: We analyzed SRF for paired kidneys and found the following: (1) The SRF of the paired kidney was similar in the RNP group (24.3 ± 10.2 mL/min vs 27.5 ± 8.4 mL/min; P = 0.19); however, the impaired SRF was obviously decreased compared with the contralateral SRF in the RSP group (13.5 ± 8.6 mL/min vs 36.7 ± 16.9 mL/min; P < 0.001); and (2) The difference in SRF in the RSP group was significantly higher than that in the control and RNP groups (19.8 ± 11.9 mL/min vs 4.8 ± 8.1 mL/min; 19.8 ± 11.9 mL/min vs 4.6± 3.7 mL/min; P < 0.05). Conclusion: As an angiographic phenomenon, renal slow perfusion might be an indicator of severely impaired renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varicocele is one of the most important causes of male infertility, as this condition leads to a decline in sperm quality. It is generally believed that the presence of varicocele induces an increase in reactive oxygen species levels, leading to oxidative stress and sperm apoptosis; however, the specific pathogenic mechanisms affecting spermatogenesis remain elusive. Prokineticin 2 (PK2), a secretory protein, is associated with multiple biological processes, including cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. In the testis, PK2 is expressed in spermatocytes under normal physiological conditions. To investigate the role of PK2 in varicocele, a rat varicocele model was established to locate and quantify the expression of PK2 and its receptor, prokineticin receptor 1 (PKR1), by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR assays (qPCR). Moreover, H2O2 was applied to mimic the oxidative stress state of varicocele through coculturing with a spermatocyte-derived cell line (GC-2) in vitro, and the apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. Here, we illustrated that the expression levels of PK2 and PKR1 were upregulated in the spermatocytes of the rat model. Administration of H2O2 stimulated the overexpression of PK2 in GC-2. Transfection of recombinant pCMV-HA-PK2 into GC-2 cells promoted apoptosis by upregulating cleaved-caspase-3, caspase-8, and B cell lymphoma 2-associated X; downregulating B cell lymphoma 2; and promoting the accumulation of intracellular calcium. Overall, we revealed that the varicocele-induced oxidative stress stimulated the overexpression of PK2, leading to apoptosis of spermatocytes. Our study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying oxidative stress-associated male infertility and suggests a novel therapeutic target for male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed turning ultra-high strength Steel—300M steel under dry and cryogenic minimum quantity of lubricant (CMQL) conditions was carried out to study the influence of different lubrication conditions on cutting force and tool wear. Through orthogonal test, the influence of cutting parameters such as cutting speed, feed and depth of cut on the flank wear under CMQL condition was studied. Finally, the forecasting model of tool wear under CMQL condition was established, and the cutting parameters were optimized. Compared with dry cutting condition, CMQL condition can better reduce the adhesion wear, oxidation wear and diffusion wear of coated carbide tools. The following cutting parameters v = 212.8 m/min, f = 0.14 mm/z and ap = 0.36 mm can be most effective in reducing tool wear under the CMQL condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the effects of soaking action and wetting-drying cycles on the shear strength of a sandstone-mudstone mixture. This mixture is constantly used as a filler in earth structures along bank of harbor or in a large reservoir. Two-type direct shear tests in laboratory, Soaking Direct Shear Test (SDST) and Wetting-Drying Direct Shear Test (WDDST), were carried out. The experimental data indicate that the shear strength is reduced by the soaking action and wetting-drying cycles. While the period of soaking time (t) increased from 24 to 392 hours, the values of initial angle of shearing resistance (φ0) and reducing angle of shearing resistance (φd) reduced from 45.17° to 40.26° and from 19.68° to 12.28°, respectively, along logarithmic curves. With increment of the number of wetting-drying cycles (N) from 1 to 30, the values of φ0 and φd reduced from 40.99° to 38.84° and from 8.76° to 7.58°, respectively, along logarithmic curves. During the soaking action or wetting-drying cycles, the inevitably lessening of the stiffness of soil particle would happen, and hence the shear strength of mixture is decreased. With increment of t or N value, the rates of effects is instantly reducing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils filled in or along bank of a large reservoir may be subjected to wetting-drying cycles induced by cyclic lowering and rising of reservoir water level. The wetting-drying cycles may affect the mechanical behaviors of the soils. This study focused on the effects of wetting-drying cycles on the strain-stress relationship from triaxial test of a mudstone mixture. Several consolidated drained triaxial tests with wetting-drying cycles were carried out. Experimental data indicates that the wetting-drying cycles may induce an increment of axial strain, Δε, and a decrement of deviator stress, Δ(σ1 − σ3). With increment of the number of cycles, N, the values of Δε and Δ(σ1 − σ3) are increasing along logarithmic curves. Both change rates of Δε and Δ(σ1 − σ3) are sharply dropping with increment of N value. Thus, the effects of wetting-drying cycles on the strain-stress relationship of test material are mainly concentrated on the period of first several cycles. Based on experimental data, several fitting equations, which may estimate the values of Δε, Δ(σ1 − σ3), change rates of Δε and Δ(σ1 − σ3), with increment of N value, were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a crushed sandstone particle mixture, usually used as an engineering fill, is filled along bank of or in a large reservoir, it is subjected to periodic saturation induced by filling-drawdown cycles of reservoir water. The periodic saturation may induce post-construction settlement, and reduce stability of the filled body. In order to evaluate the effects of periodic saturation on stress–strain relationship of the mixture, several triaxial tests are carried out. According to experimental data, the periodic saturation may induce an increment of axial strain (Δε; <0.226%), a decrement of crest of deviator stress (Δ(σ1−σ3)f; <0.192 MPa) and a decrement of angle of shearing resistance (Δφ; <3.70°). With increment of the number of periodic saturation cycles, the variations of the three parameters may be fitted by logarithmic curves. And with increase in the stress level for periodic saturation, the variations of the three parameters may be fitted by straight lines. Three fitting equations to predict the three parameters' values, and an equation to calculate the settlement induced by the periodic saturation of a large-area filled foundation, are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of cryogenic minimum quantity lubrication (CMQL) on cutting forces and cutting temperature are analyzed in high speed milling of 300M steel. The influences of cutting parameters on cutting forces and cutting temperature are predicted by analogue simulation. Based on single-factor comparative test, the variation laws of cutting forces F and cutting temperature T with cutting parameters are studied in high speed milling of 300M steel under dry and CMQL conditions. Under the condition of CMQL, the influence of cutting parameters (cutting speed v, feed per tooth fz, cutting depth ap and cutting width ae) on cutting forces and the cutting temperature are analyzed by orthogonal test, and the prediction models of cutting forces and cutting temperature are established. The results show that CMQL condition can effectively reduce cutting forces and cutting temperature in the cutting process. Under the condition of CMQL, the cutting depth on the cutting forces is most significant, and the cutting speed has the greatest influence on the cutting temperature. The prediction model of cutting forces and cutting temperature is established, which can be a valuable reference for actual machining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a survey about some recent developments of the minimum principle for plurisubharmonic functions and related topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is a primary pathological event in the development of atherosclerosis (AS), and the presence of homocysteine (Hcy) acts as an independent risk factor for AS. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome 10 (PTEN), is endogenously expressed in VSMCs and induces multiple signaling networks involved in cell proliferation, survival and inflammation, however, the specific role of PTEN is still unknown. The present study detected the proliferation ratio of VSMCs following treatment with Hcy and Resveratrol (RSV). In the 100 µM Hcy group, the proliferation ratio increased, and treatment with RSV decreased the proliferation ratio induced by Hcy. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to analyze PTEN expression, RSV treatment was associated with decreased PTEN expression levels in VSMCs. PTEN levels were decreased in Hcy treated cells, and the proliferation ratio of VSMCs were increased following treated with Hcy. To study the mechanism of regulation of PTEN by Hcy, the present study detected PTEN methylation levels in VSMCs, and PTEN DNA methylation levels were demonstrated to be increased in the 100 µM Hcy group, whereas treatment with RSV decreased the methylation status. DNA methyltransferase 1 is important role in the regulation of PTEN methylation. Overall, Hcy impacts the methylation status of PTEN, which is involved in cell proliferation, and induces the proliferation of VSMCs. This effect is alleviated by treatment with RSV, which exhibits an antagonistic mechanism against Hcy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the shear strength, deformation, and particle crushing of sand which is mixed by crushed sandstone and mudstone particles. Two triaxial tests—one for unsaturated specimens and the other for saturated specimens—were performed, along with sieve analysis tests. Results obtained from the triaxial tests indicate that, with the increment of the mudstone particle content by weight, the angle of internal friction decreases, the cohesion increases and then decreases, and both the initial angle of shearing resistance at the atmospheric pressure and decremental angle increase and then decrease. Compared to the unsaturated specimens, the deviator stress or normalized deviator stress of the saturated specimens at the same axial stress may decrease due to the wetting action. Thus, the shear strength of the tested materials may be reduced by the wetting action. Results of sieve analysis tests indicate that the mixing of some mudstone particles into the sandstone particle mixture may reduce the amount of particle crushing, but the wetting action may increase the amount. The amount of the crushed particle may arrive at a minimum of 40% of mudstone particle content by weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urodynamic investigation in conscious rats is widely employed to explore functional bladder disorders of various etiologies and pathogeneses. Rats can be placed in restraining cages or wide cabinets where they are allowed to move freely during cystometry. However, the requirements of special devices hampered the application of urodynamic test in freely moving rats, and whether the restraint has any effects on urodynamic parameters in conscious rats remains obscure. In the present study, we described a novel approach for urodynamic investigation in both restrained and freely moving conscious rats. In addition, we for the first time systematically compared the urodynamic parameters of rats in the two conditions. With the current method, we successfully recorded stable and repeatable intravesical pressure traces and collected expected reliable data, which supported the idea that the restraint does not affect the activity of the micturition reflex in rats, provided sufficient and appropriate measures could be applied during cystometry. Fewer technique problems were encountered during urodynamic examination in restrained rats than in freely moving ones. Taken together, conscious cystometry in rats placed in restraining cages with proper managements is a reliable and practical approach for evaluating the detrusor activity and bladder function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homocysteine (Hcy) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not known. We investigated the effects of Hcy on fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), and tested our hypothesis that Hcy-induced atherosclerosis is mediated by increased FABP4 expression and decreased methylation. The FABP4 expression and DNA methylation was assessed in the aorta of ApoE −/− mice fed high-methionine diet for 20 weeks. Over-expression of FABP4 enhanced accumulation of total cholesterol and cholesterol ester in foam cells. The up-regulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) promoted the methylation process and decreased FABP4 expression. These data suggest that FABP4 plays a key role in Hcy-mediated disturbance of lipid metabolism and that DNMT1 may be a novel therapeutic target in Hcy-related atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human sperm DNA is an important genetic and epigenetic material, whose chromatin structure differs from that of somatic cells. As such, conventional methods for DNA extraction of somatic cells may not be suitable for obtaining sperm DNA. In this study, we evaluated and compared three sperm DNA extraction techniques, namely, modified guanidinium thiocyanate method (method A), traditional phenol-chloroform method (method B), and TianGen kit method (method C). Spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis analyses showed that method A produced DNA with higher quantity and purity than those of methods B and C ( P<0.01). PCR results revealed that method A was more reliable in amplifying DEAD-box polypeptide 4 (DDX4) and copy number variations (CNVs) than methods B and C, which generated false-positive errors. The results of sperm DNA methylation assay further indicated that methods A and B were effective, and the former yielded higher quantitative accuracy. In conclusion, the modified guanidinium thiocyanate method provided high quality and reliable results and could be an optimal technique for extracting sperm DNA for methylation assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of alcohol consumption on prostate health and reproductive hormone profiles has long been investigated and currently, no consensus has been reached. Additionally, large studies focusing on this topic are relatively rare in China. Purpose: To investigate the association of alcohol consumption with prostate measurements and reproductive hormone profiles in Chinese population; and to examine the relationship between hormone levels and prostate measurements. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 4535 men from four representative provinces of China. Demographic details, family history of prostate disease, tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) were collected through a questionnaire. Total prostate specific antingen (total PSA), free PSA, free PSA/total PSA ratio (f/tPSA), and reproductive hormones were measured in serum. Multi-variable regression models were used to test for association of alcohol consumption with markers of prostate health, used to test for association of alcohol consumption with reproductive hormones, and reproductive hormones with markers of prostate health. Results: Alcohol consumption had no obvious impact on total PSA concentration and I-PSS. Current drinkers had lower level of free PSA (β = -0.11, p = 0.02) and f/tPSA (β = -0.03, p = 0.005), former drinkers also had lower level of free PSA (β = -0.19, p = 0.02) when compared with never drinkers. Lower Luteinizing hormone (LH) (β = -1.05, p = 0.01), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (β = -4.71, p = 0.01) and higher estradiol (β = 7.81, p = 0.01) was found in current drinkers than never drinkers, whereas higher LH (β = 1.04, p = 0.04) and free testosterone (FT) (β = 0.03, p = 0.02) was detected in former drinkers than never drinkers. Furthermore, LH was positively associated with f/tPSA (β = 0.002, p = 0.006), SHBG was also positively related with free PSA (β = 0.003, p = 0.003) and f/tPSA (β = 0.0004, p = 0.01). Both total testosterone (TT) and FT were inversely related with I-PSS (OR = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.95–0.98; OR = 0.23, 95% CI, 0.11–0.45, respectively). Conclusions: Alcohol consumption could affect serum free PSA concentration and also f/tPSA ratio, and also acts as an endocrine disruptor on the male reproductive hormone profiles. LH and SHBG were positively related with fPSA and f/tPSA, and higher level of TT and FT may be helpful for improving participants' subjective symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To evaluate diagnostic performance of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology for solid breast masses with different sizes and determine which features are most efficient. Materials and Methods. 271 solid breast masses in 242 women were examined with ARFI, and their shear wave velocities (SWVs), Virtual Touch tissue imaging (VTI) patterns, and area ratios (ARs) were measured and compared with their histopathological outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were calculated to assess diagnostic performance of ARFI for small masses (6–14 mm) and big masses (15–30 mm). Results. SWV of mass was shown to be positively associated with mass size (P<0.001). For small masses, area under ROC (Az) of AR was larger than that of SWV (P<0.001) and VTI pattern (P<0.001); no significant difference was found between Az of SWV and that of VTI pattern (P=0.906). For big masses, Az of VTI pattern was less than that of SWV (P=0.008) and AR (P=0.002); no significant difference was identified between Az of SWV and that of AR (P=0.584). Conclusions. For big masses, SWV and AR are both efficient measures; nevertheless, for small masses, AR seems to be the best feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compaction behavior and particle crushing during compaction of the crushed sandstone-mudstone particle mixture, which is used as a filling material, are investigated in the present study. The value of the maximum dry density, deduced from a standard compaction test, ranges from 2.08 to 2.13 g/cm, and that of the optimum moisture content from 8.18 to 10.62 %. The value of the maximum dry density increases, then decreases with the increment of the median particle diameter and gravel content. But the value of the optimum moisture content decreases, then increases with the increment of the median particle diameter or gravel content. The value of the average relative breakage ranges from 0.09 to 0.30, and it increases with the increment of the median particle diameter and gravel content. Compared to the mixture of sandstone particles only with the same grain size distribution curves, the mudstone particles mixed into sandstone particles may slightly increase the maximum dry density and decrease the amount of particle crushing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim. Chronic kidney disease has recently been shown to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and carotid intima-media thickness has been widely used as a biomarker for early detection of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to confirm whether carotid thickening and carotid plaque are associated with preclinical chronic kidney disease in individuals without clinical cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Material and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study on participants from Maanshan City, China. All participants underwent carotid ultrasonography. Kidney function was measured using cystatin C, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and blood uric acid. Demographics and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases were obtained from each participant. Results. A total of 927 subjects were surveyed; 453 (48.87%) were men and 474 (51.13%) were women. A total of 525 (56.63%) of the participants were found to have carotid thickening of which 281 (53.52%) were men and 244 (46.48%) were women. Kidney function was strongly associated with carotid thickening and plaque in the unadjusted analysis. However, cystatin C was the only measure of kidney function that was significantly associated with carotid thickening and plaque in the adjusted analysis (in order to select risk factors from sex, age, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, cystatin C, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, blood uric, estimated GFR). Conclusion. Cystatin C, an alternative measure of kidney function, was more strongly associated with carotid thickening and plaque than other measures of kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the shear strength of the loose accumulation soil induced by the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. A series of direct shear box tests was performed to characterize the shear strength of the accumulation soil, under drained conditions. Twenty tests with five different relative compactions from 0.30 to 0.90 determine an angle of shearing resistance between 26.6° and 52.8°, and the angle is generally increasing with the increment of the relative compaction. Sixteen tests with four different water contents from 2.01% to 8.01% determine an angle of shearing resistance between 28.3° and 47.8°, and the angle is increasing then decreasing with the increment of the water content. Eight tests with two different specimen sizes (the specimen lengths are 500 mm and 1000 mm, respectively) determine an angle of shearing resistance between 34.3° and 44.4°, and the angle is generally decreasing with the increment of the specimen size. The angle of shearing resistance is stress-dependent and exhibits a linear relation with logarithm of normal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: This work aims to collect and summarize the outcomes on free preconceptual screening examination in rural areas of Hubei Province in 2012. Moreover, this review promotes further understanding of the status of this activity to provide the Family Planning Commission valid scientific data upon which to construct effective policies. Methods: Couples, who complied with the family planning policy and were the residents in agricultural areas or lived in a local rural area for more than six months, were encouraged to participate in the free preconceptual screening examination service provided by the Hubei Provincial Population and Family Planning Commission. This service included 19 screening tests. All the data, including forms, manuals, and test results, were collected from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012 in rural areas in Hubei Province. Results: A total of 497,860 individuals participated in the free preconceptual screening examination service, with a coverage rate of 97.1%. 4.0% and 4.8% of the participants exhibited with abnormal blood levels of ALT and creatinine, respectively; 0.36% of the participants tested positive for syphilis; 0.44% and 3.6% of the female participants tested positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, respectively; and 0.84% and 1.8% of the female participants tested positive for cytomegalovirus (IgM) and Toxoplasma gondii (IgM), respectively. After risk assessment, 59,935 participants might have high-risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In 2012, the prevalence of birth defects among the parturient who participated in the preconceptual screening examination service was 0.04%, while the prevalence was 0.08% among those who did not participate in the service. Conclusion: Preconceptual screening examination service may help to address the risk factors that can lead to adverse pregnancy outcome. More studies on the relationship between preconceptual screening examination service and prevalence of birth defect or other adverse pregnancy outcomes should be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a standard compaction test and a standard sieve analysis test on five tested materials, the effects of the particle size distribution on the compaction behavior and particle crushing of a crushed mudstone particle mixture were investigated. Testing results indicate that the value of the maximum dry density ranges from 2.09 to 2.17 g/cm, the optimum moisture content from 7.40 to 11.66 %, and the average relative breakage from 0.065 to 0.285, respectively. Based on the tested data, the variations of the maximum dry density, optimum moisture content and average relative breakage, with the median particle diameter and gravel content of the tested mixtures, were analyzed, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish an experimental rabbit model of urethral stricture using holmium laser under direct urethroscopic visualization. Methods: Sixteen adult male New Zealand rabbits were divided into equally-sized control and experimental groups. All rabbits underwent retrograde urethrography and transurethral endoscopy with a 7.5 F urethroscope after intramuscular anesthetic injection. We used a holmium:YAG laser to injure the distal urethra in all rabbits in the experimental group under direct visualization. Thirty days after surgery, all animals were evaluated with retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy. The flow rate of the isolated urethras was measured to evaluate urethral stricture formation. Results: One rabbit in the experimental group (12.5%) died of infection 4 days after surgery. Thirty days after surgery, retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy revealed strictures in all seven surviving rabbits (87.5%) in the experimental group. The mean flow rate of the isolated urethras was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion: A rabbit model of urethral stricture can be successfully established using holmium laser under direct urethroscopic visualization, providing an ideal object for research concerning the pathogenesis and molecular biology of urethral strictures. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it has long been proposed that active crustal shortening within the Qilian Shan accommodates slip along the Altyn Tagh fault, questions regarding the temporal and spatial amount of slip transfer remain debated. Traditional shortening calculations cannot yet be made accurately, because the geology is not known well enough. Following the view that long, linear drainage basins in the north-western Qilian Shan developed in response to internal shortening associated with slip transfer along the Altyn Tagh fault, we targeted this special irregular drainage basin geometry to develop an alternative way to estimate shortening. We infer a total of ~66 km of shortening in the western Qilian Shan with a north-eastward decrease in the magnitude of shortening. This ~39% shortening strain is comparable to previous estimates. Estimates of dates of initiation support the view that significant shortening and topographical growth within the north-western Qilian Shan occurred in post-Middle Miocene time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the effects of compaction effort on the compaction behavior and particle crushing of a mixture of crushed sandstone particles and mudstone particles. Compaction tests under five different compaction efforts on the mixture were performed. Testing results indicate that the values of the maximum dry density and the average relative breakage of the mixture are nonlinearly increasing with the increase of the compaction effort, but the variation of the optimum moisture content is independent of the increase of the effort. Compared to a crushed sandstone particle mixture with the same grain size distribution and the same compaction effort, the maximum dry density of the crushed sandstone-mudstone particle mixture may be increased, the optimum moisture content reduced, and the average relative breakage during compaction reduced too, by the mixing of a small quantity of mudstone particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initiation of loess landslides is a common engineering problem during the construction of the expressway or other engineering works in the Loess Plateau of China. The engineers and researchers should devote themselves to the prevention of the initiation of loess landslides. This study focused on a loess landslide which was induced during the construction of an expressway in Shanxi Province of China. The stabilities of the loess hillside slope before and after excavation were analyzed using limit equilibrium analysis method and the strength reduction finite element method, respectively. The analysis results indicated that the loess hillside slope, before excavation, was stable under both natural state and rainfall conditions. The collapse of the loess hillside slope, or the initiation of loess landslides, after having been excavated, was induced by excavation and rainfall. The integrated stabilization method including four parts was used to stabilize the loess landslide. The four parts were a reinforced concrete piles row, a rubble concrete retaining wall, alteration of slope geometry, and interception and drainage of water. The initiation of the loess landslide might be evitable if it was given enough attention before excavation; thus, the problem of loess landslides should be paid big attention during the survey and design of the engineering works, not only during the construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the function of P2X3 and NK1 receptors antagonists on cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis in rats. Methods: Sixty female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups. The rats in the control group were intraperitoneally ( i.p.) injected with 0.9 % saline (4 ml/kg); the rats in the model group were i.p. injected with CYP (150 mg/kg); and the rats in the intervention group were i.p. injected with CYP with subsequently perfusion of bladder with P2X3 and NK1 receptors' antagonists, Suramin and GR 82334. Spontaneous pain behaviors following the administration of CYP were observed. Urodynamic parameters, bladder pressure-volume curve, maximum voiding pressure (MVP), and maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), were recorded. Pathological changes in bladder tissue were observed. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of P2X3 and NK1 receptors in bladder. Results: Cyclophosphamide treatment increased the spontaneous pain behaviors scores. The incidence of bladder instability during urine storage period of model group was significantly higher than intervention group ( χ = 7.619, P = 0.007) and control group ( χ = 13.755, P = 0.000). MCC in the model group was lower than the control and intervention groups ( P < 0.01). Histological changes evident in model and intervention groups rats' bladder included edema, vasodilation, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. In model group, the expression of P2X3 receptor increased in urothelium and suburothelium, and NK1 receptor increased in suburothelium, while the expression of them in intervention group was lower. Conclusions: In CYP-induced cystitis, the expression of P2X3 and NK1 receptors increased in urothelium and/or suburothelium. Perfusion of bladder with P2X3 and NK1 receptors antagonists ameliorated the bladder function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new two-dimensional coordination polymer, poly[(μ4-1-phenyl-1 H-1,2,3,4-tetrazole-5-thiolato)copper(I)], [Cu(C7H5N4S)] n, has been prepared under solvothermal conditions by reacting CuBr with 1-phenyl-1 H-1,2,3,4-tetrazole-5-thiol (Hptt) in an acetonitrile and acetone solution. In the crystal structure, each CuI ion is coordinated by two N atoms and two S atoms from four ptt− ligands, and each ptt− ligand links four CuI ions to form two-dimensional layers which lie parallel to the (100) plane. These layers stack along the [100] direction via van der Waals interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Minjiang River terrace along the Longmen Shan fault zone near Wenchuan, at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, China, provides archives for tectonic activity and quaternary climate change. However, previous studies were not able to provide ages older than 100 ka due to the limitations of dating material or/and methods applied to date the fluvial sediments. In this study, we used the ESR signal of the Ti-Li center in quartz to obtain the ages of four higher terraces (T3-T6). According to the results, the terraces T3 to T6 were formed at 64±19 ka, 101±15 ka, 153±33 ka, and 423±115 ka, respectively. Combined with previous studies, these results indicate that the formations of all terraces correspond to glacial/interglacial transition periods, such as, T1-T5 being correlated to MIS2/1, MIS4/3, MIS5d/5c, and MIS6/5e respectively, while T6 probably to MIS12/11. According to these data, it is found that the average incision rate was significantly higher over the last 150 ka than that previous 100 ka (250 to 150 ka). As both tectonics and climate have affected the formation of these terraces, in addition to the overall uplifting of Tibetan Plateau, the regional uplift due to isostasy would be an additional tectonic factor in the formation of river terraces in the eastern margin of Tibetan plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the effects of particle size distribution on shear strength of accumulation soil. A series of direct shear box tests and triaxial tests were performed to characterize the shear strength of the accumulation soil. Results from the direct shear tests indicate that the range of the angle of shearing resistance of the accumulation soil is 33.5-54.6°, and those from the triaxial tests indicate that the angle is 37.2-50.7°. The basic properties of the soil, such as median particle diameter, coefficient of uniformity, and gravel content, were used to analyze the effects. The angle of shearing resistance is generally increasing with increasing median particle diameter and gravel content and decreasing with increasing coefficient of uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies of the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau have called attention to two emerging views of how the Tibetan Plateau has grown. First, deformation in northern Tibet began essentially at the time of collision with India, not 10-20 Myr later as might be expected if the locus of activity migrated northward as India penetrated the rest of Eurasia. Thus, the north-south dimensions of the Tibetan Plateau were set mainly by differences in lithospheric strength, with strong lithosphere beneath India and the Tarim and Qaidam basins steadily encroaching on one another as the region between them, the present-day Tibetan Plateau, deformed, and its north-south dimension became narrower. Second, abundant evidence calls for acceleration of deformation, including the formation of new faults, in northeastern Tibet since ~15 Ma and a less precisely dated change in orientation of crustal shortening since ~20 Ma. This reorientation of crustal shortening and roughly concurrent outward growth of high terrain, which swings from NNE-SSW in northern Tibet to more NE-SW and even ENE-WSW in the easternmost part of northeastern Tibet, are likely to be, in part, a consequence of crustal thickening within the high Tibetan Plateau reaching a limit, and the locus of continued shortening then migrating to the northeastern and eastern flanks. These changes in rates and orientation also could result from removal of some or all mantle lithosphere and increased gravitational potential energy per unit area and from a weakening of crustal material so that it could flow in response to pressure gradients set by evolving differences in elevation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ternary potassium cobalt stannide, K13CoSn17- x ( x = 0.1), was obtained by reacting the mixture of the corresponding pure elements at high temperature, and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. K13CoSn17- x ( x = 0.1) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (No. 61) with a = 26.2799(7) Å, b = 24.1541(6) Å, c = 29.8839(6) Å, V = 18969.3(8) Å3, and Z = 16. Its structure contains isolated [CoSn9] monocapped square antiprism and [Sn4] tetrahedron in the ratio 1:2, forming a hierarchical variant of Laves phase MgZn2. The structural relation between the title compound with MgZn2 as well as other binary stannides is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Magnetostratigraphy of sedimentary rock deposited in the Chaka basin (north-eastern Tibetan Plateau) indicates a late Miocene onset of basin formation and subsequent development of the adjacent Qinghai Nan Shan. Sedimentation in the basin initiated at ∼11 Ma. In the lower part of the basin fill, a coarsening-upward sequence starting at ∼9 Ma, as well as rapid sedimentation rates, and northward paleocurrents, are consistent with continued growth of the Ela Shan to the south. In the upper section, several lines of evidence suggest that thrust faulting and topographic development of the Qinghai Nan Shan began at ∼6.1 Ma. Paleocurrent indicators, preserved in the basin in the proximal footwall of the Qinghai Nan Shan, show a change from northward to southward flow between 6.5 and 3.8 Ma. At the same location, sediment derived from the Qinghai Nan Shan appears at 6.1 Ma. Finally, the initiation of progressively shallowing dips observed in deformed basin strata and a change to pebbly, fluvial deposits at 6.1 Ma provide a minimum age for the onset of slip on the thrust fault that dips north-east beneath the Qinghai Nan Shan. We interpret a decrease in sediment accumulation rates since ∼6 Ma to indicate a reduction in Chaka basin accommodation space due to active faulting and folding along the Qinghai Nan Shan and incorporation of the basin into the wedge-top depozone. Declination anomalies indicate the beginning of counter-clockwise rotation since 6.1 Ma, which we associate with local deformation, not regional block rotation. The emergence of the Qinghai Nan Shan near the end of the Miocene Epoch partitioned the once contiguous Chaka-Gonghe and Qinghai basin complex. In a regional framework, our study adds to a growing body of evidence that points to widespread initiation and/or reactivation of fault networks during the late Miocene across the north-eastern Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]