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BACKGROUND The prevalence of diabetes in the US is very high. and Chinese patients with diabetes are estimated to comprise 50% of the total cases. Rates of diabetes continue to rise amongst Chinese and Chinese American patients; however, research regarding effective diabetes interventions for this minority group is sparse. OBJECTIVE A systematic review was conducted to shine a light on a study design and interventions for future studies investigating efficacy of a family-based intervention to improve diabetes care in Chinese Americans. METHODS The systematic review was conducted from the summer of 2019 to the spring of 2023. PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were the databases used for the search. Key search terms utilized were “diabetes type 2,” “Chinese patients,” “minority patients,” “interventions for diabetes,” “diabetes and family,” “culturally responsive interventions for diabetic patients,” “family education for diabetes,” and “diabetes in China.” RESULTS The initial search retrieved 2,335 articles. Ten articles met the selection criteria to examine efficacy of family-based interventions for Chinese American patients. The review showed that providing multiple sessions of education and counseling for both patients and family members is promising in improving diabetes care. Recruitment of 20-60 dyads of a patient and a family member can help to assess family dynamics in the process of diabetes care, such as food shopping and preparation, and of diabetes management to further evaluate efficacy of an intervention. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was the primary outcome used most often. Other secondary outcomes included knowledge and efficacy in diabetes management and self-care activities related to diabetes care. CONCLUSIONS A family-based intervention is essential for optimizing diabetes care for Chinese Americans. Thus, recruitment of a dyad of a patient and a family is important to investigate efficacy of a family-based intervention in improving diabetes care in this population. Strategies for improving recruitment and retention of dyads were identified. In addition, technology can be used to promote the delivery of interventions to patients, which in turn increases efficacy. Implications: This review can help researchers investigate the efficacy of family-based interventions in promoting diabetes management by designing culturally appropriate study protocols and interventions. CLINICALTRIAL This is a review paper thus a trial registration is not required.

The optimal catheter ablation (CA) strategy for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) and heart failure (HF) remains uncertain. Between 2016 and 2020, 118 consecutive patients with PeAF and HF who underwent the CA procedure in two centers were retrospectively evaluated and divided into the pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)-only and PVI + additional ablation groups. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed at baseline, one month, and 12 months after the CA procedure. The HF symptoms and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvements were analyzed. Fifty-six patients underwent PVI only, and 62 patients received PVI with additional ablation. Compared with the baseline, a significant improvement in the LVEF and left atrial diameter postablation was observed in all patients. No significant HF improvement was detected in the PVI + additional ablation group than in the PVI-only group (74.2% vs. 71.4%, P = 0.736 ), but the procedure and ablation time were significantly longer (137.4 ± 7.5 vs. 123.1 ± 11.5 min, P = 0.001 ). There was no significant difference in the change in TTE parameters and the number of rehospitalizations. For patients with PeAF and HF, CA appears to improve left ventricular function. Additional ablation does not improve outcomes and has a significantly longer procedure time. Trial registration number is as follows: ChiCTR2100053745 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical effects of chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the effect on their nutritional status and immune function. Methods: Total 120 patients with advanced NSCLC admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from May 2019 to October 2021 were randomly divided into two groups (n= 60, respectively). Patients in the control group were treated by chemotherapy with cisplatin-paclitaxel (TP) alone: 120 mg/m2 paclitaxel was used on d1; and 25mg/m2 cisplatin (CDDP) was used for more than two hour, once every 14 days, for three consecutive three cycles. Patients in the study group were additionally given 200 mg sindilizumab by intravenous drip, once every three weeks. The contrastive analysis of clinical effects, the incidence of adverse reactions, improvement of the nutrient index and the changes in levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ in T-lymphocyte subsets was performed between the two groups. Results: The overall response rate (ORR) was 80% and 61% in the study group and the control group, respectively; and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.03); the contrast analysis of the incidence of post-treatment adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients in the two groups suggested that the incidence of adverse reactions was 33.3% and 45% in the study group and the control group, respectively; and the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.19). After the treatment, the improvement of hemoglobin, albumin, serum iron and ferritin levels in the study group was more significant than that in the control group; and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). After the treatment, the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the study group were much higher than those in the control group; and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy is effective in treating patients with advanced NSCLC without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions, and can significantly improve their nutritional status and T-lymphocyte function. This therapeutic regimen is of much higher clinical value than the chemotherapy-only regimen. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6365 How to cite this: Jiao J, Li W, Shang Y, Li X, Jiao M. Clinical effects of Chemotherapy combined with Immunotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC and the effect on their nutritional status and immune function. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6365 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BACKGROUND Despite Chinese immigrants having a higher or comparable proportion of hypertension [HTN] to non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics, there are no effective technology-based intervention studies that target HTN management in Chinese immigrants the United States. OBJECTIVE To develop and pilot test the efficacy of a culturally and linguistically sensitive, social media-based (WeChat) intervention for Chinese immigrants to improve blood pressure and antihypertensive medication adherence. METHODS The study was conducted in 2020 with a pre and posttest design (n = 20). A WeChat-based intervention was implemented using one 20-minute video presentation plus one 20-minute nurse counseling session via WeChat at the baseline; followed by four bi-weekly 20-minute nurse counseling sessions via WeChat calls. The outcomes (blood pressure [BP] control, medication adherence, self-efficacy in HTN management) were measured at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. RESULTS The participants’ mean age was 68.9 (±10.2) (range: 51-86). About half were male (52%), less than high school degree (59%), married (59%), religious (52%), and not employed (52%). The results showed that the baseline systolic BP was 131.43 (±9.61) mmHg and the diastolic BP was 79.79 (±9.62) mmHg. The 6-month outcome showed a reduction of systolic BP (-0.74±9.18 mmHg, p < =0.05) and diastolic BP (-0.96±6.92 mmHg, p < 0.01). The mean score for medication adherence at baseline was 4.50 (±1.70) and significantly improved at 3.65 (±1.18) at 6 months (reversely scored - possible range was 1-5, with 1 being the best score) (p < 0.01). Self-efficacy in HTN management had a trend in reduction from a baseline at 8.28 (±1.25) to 7.93 (±1.48) at 6 months with a mean difference of 0.34±2.02, with a score of 0 meaning the least self-efficient, and a score of 10 being the most self-efficient. CONCLUSIONS Our WeChat-based hypertension management program showed a significant improvement in diastolic blood pressure and medication adherence and a trend of reduction for systolic blood pressure and self-efficacy in managing HTN in Chinese immigrants. Since the proposed WeChat-based HTN management program is considered as low cost and easy to establish, further investigation is recommended to generate more robust results. CLINICALTRIAL I have communicated with managing editor, Amanda, and she commented this is not required for a non-RCT. Please see below for her detailed comments. Thanks. "I discussed this further with my colleagues today as when reviewing the information on our journal site re trial registration it seemed confusing to me. We therefore came to the conclusion that JMIR's policy does not require trial registration for non-RCT's, I would however recommend checking with your funding agency and institution about specific registration requirements for non-randomized clinical trials to ensure you are compliant. I hope this helps and saves some effort on your part? Thanks Amanda

Transformation from chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm to acute leukemia is a feature of myeloproliferative neoplasm; however, the rate is not high. Transformation to acute promyelocytic leukemia is rare. Here, we report a case of transformation of polycythemia vera to acute promyelocytic leukemia and describe a process of clonal evolution that has not yet been reported.In this case, a 51-year-old woman was diagnosed with polycythemia vera and concomitant JAK2/V617F mutations in July 2019. She underwent intermittent phlebotomy and oral hydroxyurea irregularly. After 2 years, the patient complained of fatigue and poor sleep quality for 2 months.Further examination revealed marked hypercellularity and grade 1 bone marrow fibrosis with the PML/RARαV variant (23.85% mutation load), WT1-Exon1 (37.8%), WT1-Exon9 (4.1%), JAK3-Exon7 (49.3%), and RELN-Exon55 (45.8%). According to the World Health Organization classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, the patient was ultimately diagnosed with a rare transformation of polycythemia vera to acute promyelocytic leukemia.The patient underwent dual induction therapy with all-trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide.After 28 days of induction therapy, the patient achieved complete remission, was compliant and the treatment was well tolerated.Polycythemia vera can transform into acute promyelocytic leukemia; therefore, it is important to review bone aspiration and other tests to perform a comprehensive assessment and monitor the disease status, to detect disease progression and intervene early when it transforms into acute promyelocytic leukemia.

In this paper, dissimilar joining of NbSS/Nb5Si3 composites to GH5188 Co-based superalloy was performed by using two commercial Ni-based brazing filler alloys, BNi-2 and BNi-5 fillers. The interfacial microstructures of the brazed joints were investigated by scanning electron microscope equipped with an X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer. Three-point bending test was also conducted. When brazed with BNi-2 filler alloy at 1020°C for 15 min, typical reaction products across the brazing seam could be identified as NiSS, borides, Ni3Si+Nb3Si, and (Nb,Ti)2Ni phase. Due to the physical and chemical mismatch between the dissimilar base materials, some cracks were observable at the NbSS/Nb5Si3 composites side. The joint strength was only 60 MPa. While brazed with BNi-5 filler alloy at 1160°C for 15 min, the interfacial reaction became more sufficient, and the joints exhibited an average bending strength of 272 MPa.

The joining of the SiCf/SiBCN composite was difficult due to the undue reactions between the SiCf/SiBCN composite and the common Ni- or Co-based filler alloy. In this paper, a new filler alloy with the nominal composition of Co-20Ni-12Pd-18Nb-15Cr (wt.%) was newly designed to join the SiCf/SiBCN composite. Compared with the BNi-5 filler alloy, the periodic banded structure in the reaction layer was eliminated. During the brazing process, the element Cr played an active role in the interfacial reactions and formed Cr23C6 layer at the surface of the SiCf/SiBCN composite. The interfacial reaction layer could inhabit the diffusion of the elements Co and Ni to the SiCf/SiBCN substrate. And then the interfacial reactions were controlled well. Under the brazing condition of 1200 °C/10 min, the average joint strength was increased from 18.2 to 54.9 MPa.

Background: Tobacco control activities have mostly influenced those smokers who found it easier to quit and, thus, remaining smokers are those who are less likely to stop smoking. This phenomenon is called “hardening hypothesis,” which individuals unwilling or unable to quit smoking and likely to remain so. The aim of this study was to identify the factors correlated with smoking cessation among hardcore smokers. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational research design was employed. Hardcore smokers from communities in Taiwan were recruited to participate in the study (N = 187). Self-report questionnaires were used to collect demographic data as well as data on nicotine dependence, quitting self-efficacy, social smoking motives, attitudes towards the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (THPA), and smoking cessation. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors that were related to quit smoking. Results: About 30.3% (n = 54) reported having experienced quitting smoking over 7 days in the past year. Logistic regression analysis indicated that attitudes towards the THPA was identified as a particularly important factor contributing to the increase in smoking cessation among hardcore smokers. Conclusions: Nurses should cooperate with smoking cessation coaches to facilitate the improvement of attitudes towards the THPA as a key means through which to increase the smoking cessation rate among hardcore smokers.

The reclamation and removal of organic pollutants are difficult issues of world concern. In this study, a microwave-induced reaction system (MIRS) is applied to synthesize the multifunctional composite of Fe

An-Hai Li,1 Wen-Wen Li,2 Xiao-Qian Yu,3 Dai-Ming Zhang,4 Yi-Ran Liu,5 Ding Li1 1Department of Dermatology, Qingdao Huangdao District Central Hospital, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Hematology, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Dermatology, Qingdao Haici Hospital (Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Qingdao, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China; 5College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ding Li, Department of Dermatology, Qingdao Huangdao District Central Hospital, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China, Email 907325791@qq.comBackground: Psoriasis is a recurrent, chronic, inflammation- and immune-mediated skin disease with multiple causative factors. However, the genetic markers associated with recurrence have not yet been fully elucidated. Accordingly, in this study, we aimed to identify markers associated with the recurrence of psoriasis.Methods: We analyzed differentially expressed genes to determine which targets were associated with the recurrence of psoriasis and used these data to construct a protein-protein interaction network using Cytoscape software. The results were then validated by analysis of core targets using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and clinical samples. Functional enrichment analysis was used to explore the potential mechanisms mediating the recurrence of psoriasis.Results: We screened out six core targets that played important roles in recurrence of psoriasis, and validation of GEO datasets and clinical samples showed that the expression levels of five core targets were higher in patients with psoriasis than in healthy individuals. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the cell cycle and oocyte meiosis signaling pathways were involved in the recurrence of psoriasis.Conclusion: Our findings provided insights into the mechanisms mediating the onset and recurrence of psoriasis.Keywords: psoriasis, recurrence, cell cycle, gene expression profiling, pathogenic mechanism

Cf/SiC composites were joined to itself with (and without) Mo interlayer at 1150 °C for 10 min by Cu–Pd–V filler metal. For two kinds of the joints, after the interfacial reactions, continuous V–C layers and dispersive V–C particles were formed at surface of the joined Cf/SiC composite. It was worth noting that much more dispersive particles were formed in case of Cf/SiC–Mo–Cf/SiC joint which was favorable to the Cf/SiC joint strength. Meanwhile, when adding a Mo interlayer in Cf/SiC joint, a continuously distributed (V, Mo)–Si compounds with high melting point was formed near the Mo interface, which can strengthen the joining interface and improve the high-temperature strength. As a consequence, the joint strength at room temperature was remarkably increased to 148.9 MPa from 99.3 MPa by inserting the Mo interlayer. When tested at 800 °C, the average three-point bend strength of the joints was improved to 120.1 MPa, nearly twice of that without Mo interlayer.

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) affects cholesterol homeostasis and liver X receptor α (LXRα) expression. However, whether low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR), a key player in cholesterol homeostasis, is regulated by exogenous H2S through LXRα signaling has not been determined. We investigated the effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, H2S donor) on LDLR expression in the presence or absence of LXR agonists, T0901317 or GW3965 in HepG2 cells. We found that H2S strongly accumulated LDLR precursor in the presence of T0901317. Hence, LDLR transcription and the genes involved in LDLR precursor maturation and degradation were studied. T0901317 increased the LDLR mRNA level, whereas H2S did not affect LDLR transcription. H2S had no significant effect on the expression of LXRα and inducible degrader of LDLR (IDOL). H2S and T0901317 altered mRNA levels of several enzymes for N- and O-glycosylation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones assisting LDLR maturation, but did not affect their protein levels. H2S decreased proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein levels and its mRNA level elevated by T0901317. T0901317 with PCSK9 siRNA also accumulated LDLR precursor as did T0901317 with H2S. High glucose increased PCSK9 protein levels and attenuated LDLR precursor accumulation induced by T0901317 with H2S. Taken together, H2S accumulates LDLR precursor by downregulating PCSK9 expression but not through the LXRα-IDOL pathway, LDLR transcriptional activation, or dysfunction of glycosylation enzymes and ER chaperones. These results also indicate that PCSK9 plays an important role in LDLR maturation in addition to its well-known effect on the degradation of LDLR mature form.

For the purpose of high-temperature service potential and the weight reduction expectation in aviation engineering applications, dissimilar joining of TiAl alloy to Ni-based superalloy has been conducted with a newly designed Fe-based filler metal. The microstructure and chemical composition at the interfaces were investigated by SEM, EPMA, and XRD. The filler metal consisted of Fe-based solid solution and a small amount of precipitated (Fe, Cr)ss. The wettability experiment results showed that the filler metal presented a stronger reaction tendency and more sufficient spreading behavior on Ni-based superalloy than on TiAl alloy. The brazed joint was composed of TiAl diffusion affected zone, Ni3Al, TiCo, borides, (Ni, Fe, Co, Cr)ss, and γ-TiAl dissolved with Ni. A stronger reaction tendency occurred between Ni and TiAl substrate due to the lower dissolution enthalpies of element Ni in melts of Ti and Al. The joints brazed at 1180 °C/5 min presented a shear strength of 267 MPa at room temperature.

Three compositions of Ag-Cu-In-Ti system brazing alloys were designed for joining SiO2f/SiO2 ceramic composite to Nb metal. The wettability of the three alloys on the composite was studied with the sessile drop method. The results showed that after heating at 1073 K for 30 min, they exhibited contact angles of 74°, 83° and 86°, respectively. The brazing alloys were fabricated into foils by rapid solidification technique. Among the three brazing filler alloys the joints brazed with AgCu-10In-5Ti at 1073 K for 10 min presented the maximum average shear strength of 30.9 MPa. During the brazing process the active element Ti diffused strongly from the filler alloy to the composite surface and a reaction layer with a thickness of 2–3 μm was formed. Sound metallurgical bonding was also achieved at the Nb side. The interface structure of the joint brazed with the AgCu-10In-5Ti alloy can be described as the following sequence: SiO2f/SiO2→SiO2+Cu3Ti3O→SiO2+TiO+Ti5Si4→Ag(s, s)+(Cu-Ti)→Nb. However, for the filler alloy with 4.0 wt% Ti content the joint strength was only 15.8 MPa.

Background Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common complications in stroke survivors. But, there are still no objective methods to diagnose PSD. This study aims to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosing PSD in middle-aged stroke survivors. Methods Middle-aged subjects aged 30 to 59 years (92 PSD patients and 89 stroke survivors without depression) were included in this study. Urinary metabolites were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Differential urinary metabolites and potential biomarkers were screened by applying statistical analysis. Results The different urinary metabolic phenotypes between PSD patients and stroke survivors without depression were identified. A total of 12 differential urinary metabolites were accurately identified by using orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminant analysis. After analyzing those 12 differential urinary metabolites by step-wise logistic regression analysis, only seven metabolites (palmitic acid, hydroxylamine, myristic acid, glyceric acid, lactic acid, tyrosine and azelaic acid) were finally selected as potential biomarkers for diagnosing PSD in middle-aged stroke survivors. A panel consisting of these potential biomarkers could effectively diagnose middle-aged PSD patients. Conclusion Urinary metabolic profiles were different between middle-aged PSD patients and stroke survivors without depression. Our results would be helpful in future for developing an objective method to diagnose PSD in middle-aged stroke survivors.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of hardcore smokers who were previously hospitalized. Study design: A descriptive qualitative design was used to investigate a sample of 29 male Taiwanese smokers. Methods: Male hardcore smokers were recruited at a hospital in southern Taiwan and their smoking behaviors and attitudes were explored in semistructured interviews. Inclusion criteria were: (1) smoking at least weekly or daily during the past year, (2) 100 cigarettes during the lifetime, (3) persistent smoking, or (4) at least one hospitalization. Audio-recorded interview data were analyzed using content categorization of the responses. Results: Four main themes emerged to describe characteristics of Taiwanese hardcore smokers: (1) physiological and psychological dependence, (2) no motivation to quit despite knowledge of negative health consequences, (3) social interaction and cultural norms, and (4) negative attitudes toward, but compliance with, smoking-free policies. Conclusions: The results can inform public health nurses of characteristics of Taiwanese hardcore smokers, which in turn may develop effective smoking cessation program to increase smoking cessation rate among Taiwanese hardcore smokers.

For high-temperature joining of SiC ceramics, a multi-element AuPdCoMnNi alloy was designed and used as filler metal to join SiC ceramics to metal Mo. The brazing experiment was conducted under the condition of 1150 °C for 5 min and 10 min, respectively. The results show that numerous micro-cracks are visible in the directly brazed Mo/SiC joints, which are continuously distributed in bands of (Co, Ni)-Si and (Pd, Ni)2Si compounds. SiC was further joined to Mo using a Kovar interlayer under the same brazing conditions, and the metallurgical quality of the joints was evidently improved compared with the joints without this interlayer. The joining layer was mainly composed of (Au, Mn)ss layer mixed with element C, (Fe, Co, Ni, Mo)-Si compound layer and (Fe, Co, Ni)-Si compound with discontinuous (Pd, Ni)2Si phases and some small fragments of (Fe, Co, Ni, Mo)-Si compounds. In addition, the shear strength of the joints with Kovar interlayer reaches 55.36 MPa, remarkably higher than the void. The joining mechanism was also discussed.

Objective To investigate the effect of thyroxine level on the onset of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pregnancy outcome and the basic conditions of neonates. Methods The related information of 1903 cases of pregnant women were prospectively collected from the Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital. Selecting group A (gravida with low thyroxinemia, n=36), group B (gravida with pure thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positive, n=113) and group C (gravida with normal thyroid function, n=1539) according to the results of thyroid function test in newly constructed card. The incidence of GDM and the related index of thyroid function and glucose metabolism during the second trimester of pregnancy were compared among the three groups. Gravida with GDM in the three groups were group D (9 cases), group E (32 cases) and group F (367 cases), respectively. The differences of pregnancy outcome and the basic conditions of neonates among them were compared. Results No significant differences existed (P>0.05) in the incidence of GDM during different pregnant period in groups A, B and C (First trimester: 50.00% vs. 25.00% vs. 34.69%; Second trimester: 21.88% vs. 28.71% vs. 22.70%). In the second trimester, the level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was significantly higher in group A than in group C [4.80%(4.60%, 5.00%) vs. 4.70%(4.40%, 4.90%)], while the fasting glucose level was significantly higher in group B than those in group C [(4.69±0.59) mmol/L vs. (4.58±0.43) mmol/L, P0.05). Conclusions Different levels of thyroxine have no significant effect on the incidence of GDM, but throw some effects on the glucose metabolism in the second trimester. In addition, positive TPOAb may increase the incidence of premature delivery and fetal distress in pregnant women with GDM, and affect fetal growth and development to some extent. Thyroid function status should be evaluated in the early stages of pregnancy, and regular follow-up should be conducted for patients with TPOAb positivity and timely intervention if necessary. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2020.04.13

The high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin is the focus of China’s development. A spatial lag model and a spatial error model were constructed. The mechanism of spatial spillover effects of economic growth, industrial structure, urbanization level on carbon emissions of all provinces in the Yellow River Basin were analyzed. The results show that: (1) There are obvious spatial spillover effects and spatial agglomeration characteristics of provincial carbon emissions. The carbon emissions of Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan, Inner Mongolia, Sichuan show a high–high agglomeration feature, while the carbon emissions of Gansu, Qinghai and Ningxia show a low–low agglomeration feature. (2) The relationship between carbon emissions and economic growth in the whole Yellow River Basin shows a “U” shaped EKC curve, while the relationship between carbon emissions and economic growth in the Yangtze River Basin shows an inverted “U” shaped EKC curve, and the two aspects are in stark contrast. The population size, industrial structure and urbanization level can promote carbon emissions, while technology plays a role in curbing carbon emissions in the Yellow River Basin. The measures to reduce carbon emissions should be achieved in terms of regional joint prevention and control, transformation of economic growth, optimization of industrial structure, and strict implementation of differentiated emission reduction policies.

Quorum sensing (QS), a chemical communication process between bacteria, depends on the synthesis, secretion and detection of signal molecules. It can synchronize the gene expression of bacteria to promote cooperation within the population and improve competitiveness among populations. The preliminary exploration of bacterial QS has been completed under ideal and highly controllable conditions. There is an urgent need to investigate the QS of bacteria under natural conditions, especially the QS of intestinal flora, which is closely related to health. Excitingly, growing evidence has shown that QS also exists in the intestinal flora. The crosstalk of QS between gut microbiota and the host is systematically clarified in this review.Plain language summary A large number of bacteria live in the human intestinal tract and they are closely related to intestinal health. Bacteria also rely on a number of chemicals to communicate in the intestine. These chemicals play an essential role in the intestinal mucosal barrier as well as the inflammatory response. Studies have found that this method of communication affects the metabolic function of the bacteria in the gut. The cells in our intestine can also detect this communication between bacteria and communicate with the intestinal flora by producing similar substances.

Psoriasis is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. It is important for predicting the complications of coronary heart disease in patients with psoriasis.In this study, related cases were collected from the case system of Qingdao University, and commonly used laboratory indicators were extracted. Artificial neural network (ANN) and logistics regression analysis were used to learn to distinguish psoriasis patients, coronary heart disease patients, and psoriasis patients with coronary heart disease. We identified independent risk factors for coronary heart disease in psoriasis patients that exacerbate coronary heart disease symptoms in patients with psoriasis.Analysis shows that the accuracy of the ANN model was higher than 79%. It was determined that age, chlorinated, phosphorus, magnesium, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein and total cholesterol are independent risk factors for coronary heart disease in patients with psoriasis. Similarly, gender, age, chlorinated, magnesium, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein are risk factors that exacerbate coronary heart disease symptoms in patients with psoriasis.The presented approach is a valuable tool for identifying psoriasis patients, coronary heart disease patients, and psoriasis patients with coronary heart disease. It can also serve as a support tool clinicians in the diagnostic process, by providing an outstanding support in the diagnostics prevention of coronary heart disease in psoriasis.

Lithium (Li) metal is recognized as the “Holy Grail” in the energy storage field because of its high specific capacity and ultralow anodic potential. To realize high-safety and high-energy-density rechargeable batteries, the marriage of Li metal and high-safety solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) may be a promising and irreplaceable choice. In this case, various advanced Li-containing and Li-free cathodes, such as LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811), S and O2, can be adopted to further improve the energy density of solid-state Li-metal batteries (SSLMBs). However, regardless of the complex interface problems between different cathodes and SSEs, the poor anodic interface between the Li metal and SSEs has become the critical obstacle for the commercial application of SSLMBs, mainly including (i) poor interfacial contact and dendrite growth, (ii) chemical/electrochemical instability and (iii) chemo-mechanical expansion. In this review, we analyze the aforementioned anodic interface problems in SSLMBs. Based on these facts, advanced strategies to ameliorate the anodic interface by surface modification, interfacial structural design within SSEs and the Li metal, composition optimization of SSEs and the Li metal, and external methods such as pressure control and high temperature are systematically discussed. In situ characterization technologies are also introduced to understand the dynamic evolution of anodic interfaces. Moreover, we outline the future perspectives of anodic interface engineering for SSLMBs.

Joining of Cf/SiBCN composite was conducted by a newly designed Ni-Cr-Pd(Si,B) system filler alloy. The dynamic wettability on the Cf/SiBCN composite was measured by the sessile drop method. The joint microstructure and the fracture surface were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction spectrometer. The results showed that the Ni-Cr-Pd(Si,B) filler alloy exhibited a low contact angle of 11.6° on the composite after holding at 1170 °C for 30 min. Element Cr played an active role in the interfacial reaction, and a Cr7C3 reaction layer with a thickness of 8 µm was formed at the surface of the Cf/SiBCN composite. Under the brazing condition of 1170 °C for 10 min, the joint strength at the room temperature reached 66.8 MPa. When the test temperature increased to 600 and 800 °C, the joint strength was even elevated to 90.3 and 81.2 MPa, respectively. The joint strength at high temperature was higher than that at room temperature, and this should be attributed to the improvement of the joint plasticity and the release of the residual thermal stresses within the brazed joint.

Little is known about factors that predict blood pressure (BP) reduction in overweight American Latinos. The aim of this secondary analysis was to explore predictors of changes in mean systolic and diastolic BPs over an 8-week weight loss intervention period in a sample of 54 overweight American Latinos using data collected during the Adelgaza trial. Baseline BP, exercise energy use (in units of metabolic equivalent of task), weight change, average daily intake of calories from beverages, average daily intake of calories from fat, age, and gender were considered as potential predictors of reductions in BP, as measured at baseline, 3, and 8 weeks. Baseline characteristics were as follows: mean age 45.3 ( SD = 10.8) years, 31.5% male, 61.1% born in the United States. Mean baseline systolic and diastolic BPs were 122.1 ( SD = 14.4) mmHg and 76.6 ( SD = 9.8) mmHg, respectively. Both baseline systolic and diastolic BPs predicted reductions in systolic BP after adjusting for other factors ( p < .001). None of the nine variables predicted reductions in diastolic BP ( p > .05). This finding suggests that overweight American Latinos with higher baseline systolic or diastolic BP should be identified and provided with early intervention education to achieve better hypertension management or prevention.

With assistance of Mo interlayer, joining of Cf/SiC composite to GH783 superalloy was carried out using NiPdPtAu-Cr filler alloy. Under the brazing condition of 1200 °C for 10 min, the maximum joint strength of 98.5 MPa at room temperature was achieved when the thickness of Mo interlayer was 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the corresponding joint strength tested at 800 °C and 900 °C was even elevated to 123.8 MPa and 133.0 MPa, respectively. On one hand, the good high-temperature joint strength was mainly attributed to the formation of the refractory Mo-Ni-Si ternary compound within the joint. On the other hand, the residual Mo interlayer as a hard buffer, can release the residual thermal stresses within the dissimilar joint. The Cf/SiC-Mo bonding interface was still the weak link over the whole joint, and the cracks propagated throughout the whole reaction zone between the Cf/SiC composite and the Mo interlayer.

Objective: To study the efficacy and safety of sustained low-efficiency diafiltration (SLEDf) versus hemodialysis (HD) for patients with wasp stings who developed stage III acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of consecutive patients who developed AKI following wasp stings. All eligible patients received renal replacement therapy in combination with hemoperfusion. Thereafter, blood purification therapy and HD were performed with a volumetrically controlled machine and 1.7 m2 surface, Fresenius Polysulfone HD filter and SLEDf was undertaken with a volumetrically controlled machine and 1.3 m2 surface, Fresenius Polysulfone HD filter. Results: Forty patients developed stage III AKI following wasp stings, including 14 patients that received SLEDf and 26 patients underwent HD. Thirteen patients were aged less than 60 years and underwent HD (group I), 27 patients were aged at least 60 years, including 13 patients undergoing HD (group II) and 14 patients receiving SLEDf (group III). Groups I and II completed 150 and 162 sessions of HD, respectively, and group III completed 156 sessions of sustained low-efficiency blood purification therapy, including 50 sessions of SLEDf. The time to return to normal serum creatinine levels was 38.8 ± 2.7 days for group I, 47.2 ± 5.3 days for group II, and 39.2 ± 3.3 days for group III. A statistically significant difference was observed in time to normal serum creatinine levels among the three groups. Conclusion: Elderly wasp victims have more severe illness than younger wasp victims and SLEDf is safe and superior to HD in recovery of renal function of elderly wasp victims.

Health disparities of type 2 diabetes (DM2) in America is an ongoing crisis. Despite this, technology has been helpful in managing DM2 in the non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, and African American populations and has been proven effective. Furthermore, it may be used to supplement health provider DM2 care through telemedicine to lower hemoglobin A1c (A1c), a gold standard DM2 measurement, and other DM2-related outcomes, such as glycated hemoglobin. The purpose of this study was to review current literature on the use of telemedicine in assisting DM2 management in racial ethnic minorities and to discuss how to adjust the telemedicine DM2 management program to be applied to Chinese Americans. In addition, it is worthy to note that the role of nurses makes a substantial difference in the effectiveness of technological management of DM2 from being culturally sensitive and sending catered messages to address specific patient needs.

BackgroundTo clarify the appropriate initial dosage of heparin during radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving uninterrupted nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment.MethodsA total of 187 consecutive AF patients who underwent their first RFCA in our center were included. In the warfarin group (WG), an initial heparin dose of 100 U/kg was administered (control group: n = 38). The patients who were on NOACs were randomly divided into 3 NOAC groups (NG: n = 149), NG110, NG120, and NG130, and were administered initial heparin doses of 110 U/kg, 120 U/kg, and 130 U/kg, respectively. During RFCA, the activated clotting time (ACT) was measured every 15 min, and the target ACT was maintained at 250–350 s by intermittent heparin infusion. The baseline ACT and ACTs at each 15-min interval, the average percentage of measurements at the target ACT, and the incidence of periprocedural bleeding and thromboembolic complications were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in sex, age, weight, or baseline ACT among the four groups. The 15 min-ACT, 30 min-ACT, and 45 min-ACT were significantly longer in the WG than in NG110 and NG120. However, no significant difference in 60 min-ACT or 75 min-ACT was detected. The average percentages of measurements at the target ACT in NG120 (82.2 ± 23.6%) and NG130 (84.8 ± 23.7%) were remarkably higher than those in the WG (63.4 ± 36.2%,p = 0.007, 0.003, respectively). These differences were independent of the type of NOAC. The proportion of ACTs in 300–350 s in NG130 was higher than in WG (32.4 ± 31.8 vs. 34.7 ± 30.6,p = 0.735). Severe periprocedural thromboembolic and bleeding complications were not observed.ConclusionsFor patients with AF receiving uninterrupted NOAC treatment who underwent RFCA, an initial heparin dosage of 120 U/kg or 130 U/kg can provide an adequate intraprocedural anticoagulant effect, and 130 U/kg allowed ACT to reach the target earlier.Trial registration: Registration number: ChiCTR1800016491, First Registration Date: 04/06/2018 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registryhttp://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).

To clarify the phytogeography of Prunus armeniaca L., two chloroplast DNA fragments (trnL-trnF and ycf1) and the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were employed to assess the genetic variation across 12 P. armeniaca populations. The results of cpDNA and ITS sequence data analysis showed that the level of genetic diversity in P. armeniaca was high (cpDNA: HT=0.499; ITS: HT=0.876), and the level of genetic differentiation was low (cpDNA: FST=0.1628; ITS: FST=0.0297). An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that most of the genetic variation in P. armeniaca occurred among individuals within populations. The value of interpopulation differentiation (NST) was significantly higher than the number of substitution types (GST), indicating a genealogical structure in P. armeniaca. P. armeniaca shared the same genotypes with related species and may be associated with them through continuous and extensive gene flow. The haplotypes/genotypes of cultivated apricot populations in Xinjiang, North China, and foreign apricot populations were mixed with large numbers of haplotypes/genotypes of wild apricot populations from the Ili River Valley. The wild apricot populations in the Ili River Valley contained the ancestral haplotypes/genotypes with the highest genetic diversity and were located in an area considered a potential glacial refugiume for P. armeniaca. Since population expansion occurred 16.53 kyr ago, the area has provided a suitable climate for the population and protected the genetic diversity of P. armeniaca.

Purpose To explore the experience of grief in bereaved Taiwanese family members whose loved ones died from cancer. Method A qualitative study was used in this interview-based investigation. A purposive sampling technique and maximum variability were used to obtain a comprehensive overview. A total of 16 Taiwanese adults whose beloved family member had died of cancer were recruited from a palliative care unit of a medical center in southern Taiwan. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. The data analysis and interpretation were critically evaluated and discussed until final agreement was achieved. Recruitment was terminated when the data were found to be saturated. Results Four “TEAR” themes reflecting the experience of grief in bereaved Taiwanese family were extracted from the transcript analyses: taboo topics, emotion hiding, asynchronous grief, and relational tension. The participants endured the mutual influence of the family atmosphere, which was akin to silently walking the grief journey and inconsistent with TEAR model of task-oriented mourning. Silent grieving dominated their lives, which is different from Western culture with a more explicit expression of grief. Conclusions Silent grief provides a new avenue for exploring grief among bereaved families, potentially impacting their ability to fully grieve through the expressed feelings proposed by William Worden's TEAR model of task-oriented mourning. Thus, this silent grieving should be acknowledged. The findings provide support for developing family-centered, culturally tailored bereavement care. Healthcare professionals play an important role in detecting changes in family dynamics that may interfere with support from family members.

Rationale: Dual atrioventricular node non-reentrant tachycardia (DAVNNRT) is a rare arrhythmia. We present a case of inappropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy caused by DAVNNRT. DAVNNRT is easily misdiagnosed as atrial fibrillation and is often identified as ventricular tachycardia (VT) by the supraventricular tachycardia-ventricular tachycardia (SVT-VT) discriminator of the ICD. Patient concerns: A 73-year-old man with ischemic heart disease (IHD) presented with palpitations accompanied by dyspnea and syncope. Frequent multifocal premature ventricular beats and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia were observed on ambulatory electrocardiography. The left ventricular ejection fraction decreased to 32%. Diagnosis: He was diagnosed with IHD, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and VT. Interventions : Initially, the patient received a single-chamber ICD implantation for secondary prevention of sudden death. He then suffered from inappropriate anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP)/shock therapy many times after the procedure. DAVNNRT was confirmed in an electrophysiology study (EPS), and radiofrequency ablation of the slow pathway successfully terminated this tachycardia. Outcomes: No episode of inappropriate ICD therapy or tachycardia occurred during the follow-up. Lessons: In conclusion, it is essential to have a full understanding of DAVNNRT and eliminate slow pathways for patients with DAVNNRT and be prepared to implant an ICD.

Background: Dysregulations of lncRNA are responsible for cancer initiation and development, positioning lncRNAs as not only biomarkers but also promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Growing number of lncRNAs have been reported in HCC but their functional and mechanistic roles remain unclear. Methods: Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was used to investigate the molecular mechanism of lncRNA UPK1A antisense RNA 1 (UPK1A-AS1). CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, western blot, and xenograft assay were used to confirm the role of UPK1A-AS1 in the proliferation of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and qRT-PCR were performed to explore the interplay between UPK1A-AS1 and Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2). RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA-pull down assay, western blot, qRT-PCR, and were conducted to confirm the interaction between UPK1A-AS1 and EZH2. The interaction between UPK1A-AS1 and miR-138-5p was examined by luciferase reporter and RIP assays. Finally, the expression level and prognosis value of UPK1A-AS1 in HCC were analyzed using RNA-seq data from TCGA datasets.Results: We showed that UPK1A-AS1, a newly identified lncRNA, promoted cellular proliferation and tumor growth by accelerating cell cycle progression. Cell cycle related genes including CCND1, CDK2, CDK4, CCNB1 and CCNB2 were significantly upregulated in HCC cells with UPK1A-AS1 overexpression. Furthermore, overexpression of UPK1A-AS1 could protect HCC cells from cis-platinum toxicity. Mechanistically, UPK1A-AS1 interacted with EZH2 to mediate its nuclear translocation and reinforce its binding to SUZ12, leading to the increasing trimethylation of H27K3. Targeting EZH2 with specific siRNA impaired UPK1A-AS1-mediated upregulation of proliferation and cell cycle progression related genes. Moreover, miR-138-5p was identified as a direct target of UPK1A-AS1. Additionally, UPK1A-AS1 was significantly upregulated in HCC, and upregulation of UPK1A-AS1 predicted poor prognosis for patients with HCC. Conclusions: Our study reveals that UPK1A-AS1 promotes HCC development by accelerating cell cycle progression via interacting with EZH2 and sponging miR-138-5p, suggesting that UPK1A-AS1 possesses substantial potential as a novel biomarker for HCC prognosis and therapy.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Background The poor prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer is mainly due to cancer progression. γ-Synuclein (SNCG) has reported as a critical player in cancer metastasis. However, its biological roles and mechanism are yet incompletely understood in ovarian cancer, especially in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Methods This is a retrospective study of 312 patients with ovarian cancer at a single center between 2006 and 2016. Ovarian cancer tissues were stained by immunohistochemistry to analyze the relationship between SNCG expression and clinicopathologic factors. The clinical outcomes versus SNCG expression level were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier method and multiple Cox regression analysis. Next, systematical functional experiments were given to examine the proliferation and metastatic abilities of SNCG both in vitro and in vivo using loss- and gain- of function approaches. Furthermore, the mechanisms of SNCG overexpression were examined by human phospho-kinase array kit and western blot analysis. Results Clinically, the expression of SNCG was significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer compared with the borderline and benign tumor, normal ovary, and fallopian tube. Notably, the high level of SNCG correlated with high-risk clinicopathologic features and showed poor survival for patients with HGSOC, indicating an independent prognostic factor for these patients. Functionally, we observed that overexpression of SNCG promoted cell proliferation, tumor formation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we identified that SNCG promoted cancer cell metastasis through activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Conclusions Our results reveal SNCG up-regulation contributes to the poor clinical outcome of patients with HGSOC and highlight the metastasis-promoting function of SNCG via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HGSOC.

Stiff limb syndrome (SLS) is a rare autoimmune-related central nervous system disorder, resulting in stiffness and spasms of limbs since onset with rare involvement of the truncal muscles. However, SLS patients will gain notable effects by appropriate therapy focusing on symptomatic treatment and immunotherapy. We reported on a 55-year-old female who showed typical painful spasms in both lower limbs and abduction of the right eyeball that partially responded to low-dose diazepam and had high-titer anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibody. Electromyography (EMG) only showed continuous motor unit activity (CMUA) in the anterior tibialis and right triceps. Eventually, our patient was diagnosed with SLS and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and glucocorticoid combined simultaneously. She obtained notable effects. We also review and summarize the current literature on clinical characteristics, coexisting disease, treatment, and outcome of 40 patients with SLS. We hope that this report will provide a basis for further understanding of SLS and promote the formation of more advanced diagnosis and treatment processes.

In this study, A549/PQ cells with moderate resistance to paraquat (PQ) were obtained by treating A549 cells with PQ, their growth rate was slowed down, the accumulation concentration of PQ and the levels of growth inhibition, injury and early apoptosis induced by PQ were significantly lower than those of parental A549 cells. Microarray screening and RT-qPCR detection found that Synaptotagmin-1 (SYT1) expression in drug-resistant cells was significantly increased, and PQ further enhanced its expression. After inhibiting SYT1 expression in A549/PQ cells, cell viability, intracellular PQ concentration and the expression of Bcl-2, SNAP25 and RAB26 were significantly reduced, while the mortality, early apoptosis rate and Bax expression were significantly increased. In vivo experiments also further showed that PQ promoted the expression of SYT1, SNAP25 and RAB26 in PQ-poisoned mice; when inhibiting SYT1 expression, PQ concentration in lung tissues was significantly increased, and the levels of lung injury and apoptosis were also significantly enhanced, while the expression of SNAP25 and RAB26 was significantly reduced. This indicates that PQ poisoning leads to compensatory up-regulation of vesicle transport related proteins such as SYT1 in vivo, thereby promoting PQ transmembrane transport, and then reducing the pulmonary accumulation of PQ and PQ-caused lung injury.

Two compositions of CuPd-V system filler alloy were designed for joining the Cf/SiBCN composite. Their dynamic wettability on the Cf/SiBCN composite was studied with the sessile drop method. The CuPd-8V alloy exhibited a contact angle of 57° after holding at 1170 °C for 30 min, whereas for CuPd-13V alloy, a lower contact angle of 28° can be achieved after heating at 1200 °C for 20 min. Sound Cf/SiBCN joints were successfully produced using the latter filler alloy under the brazing condition of (1170-1230)°C for 10 min. The results showed that the active element V strongly diffused to the surface of Cf/SiBCN composite, with the formation of V2C/VN reaction layer. The microstructure in the central part of the joint brazed at 1200 °C was characterized by the V2C/VN particles distributing scatteringly in CuPd matrix. The corresponding joints showed the maximum three-point bend strength of 82.4 MPa at room temperature. When the testing temperature was increased to 600 °C, the joint strength was even elevated to 108.8 MPa. Furthermore, the joints exhibited the strength of 92.4 MPa and 39.8 MPa at 800 °C and 900 °C, respectively.

Problems involving dendritic lithium (Li) growth and infinite volume change indeed hinder the practical applications of high-energy-density Li metal batteries. Herein, we adopted the flexible carbon microtube skeleton (FCMS) as a lightweight and easily obtained 3D current collector to accommodate metallic Li. The stable intercalation and electrodeposition behavior on the FCMS greatly improves the Li storage capacity and cycling stability, accompanying reduced Li deposition overpotential. Moreover, Li metal was found to predominantly grow inside the upper layer of the FCMS owing to the faster electron transport than Li+ diffusion, whereas the lower layer of the FCMS without metallic Li serves as a soft and conductive “air cushion”, which can significantly suppress the Li dendrite growth based on the stress relief mechanism. Benefiting from such favorable Li deposition behaviors, the FCMS electrode maintains a steady and high CE (∼98%) for nearly 1400 h with an ultrahigh areal capacity (10 mA h cm−2). With the existence of FCMS, the composite Li anode presents a tiny and stable voltage hysteresis of ∼50 mV even at 5 mA cm−2 for 5 mA h cm−2. The FCMS@Li based full cell with LiFePO4 as cathode (9.4 mg cm−2) delivers enhanced cycling stability, coulombic efficiencies and rate capability (∼120 mA h g−1 at 5 C with ultralow overpotential). These favorable Li deposition behaviors on FCMS might provide some inspiration for the future design of high-performance composite Li metal anodes.

The aqueous solution of hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) was first used as a silk-degumming/refining agent. The sericin outside silk fibroin filaments was completely removed after boiling (20 min × 2) in a 0.025% calcium hydroxide solution. The calcium hydroxide degumming did not induce an evident breakage of the silk fibroin peptide chains. The tensile, thermal and surface properties of the fibroin fibre all showed that it is a degumming agent slightly low to neutral soap and far superior to Na2CO3 solution. The alkaline degumming wastewater containing sericin was neutralized by sulphuric acid or phosphoric acid and generated insoluble calcium salt precipitation, which can be used as plant fertilizer. After the residual solution was concentrated and filtered, the sericin powder was obtained using a spray dryer or lyophilizer. The sericin with a lower molecular mass (≤20 kDa) can be widely used in such applications as cosmetics, medical biomaterials, food or medium additives. The hydrated lime water as a novel silk degumming agent can be used widely in the silk industry. The degumming technology not only avoids serious environmental pollution from degumming waste liquid, but also can recover a large number of biological resources-sericin protein.

Avian infectious bronchitis (IB), a highly contagious disease hazardous to the poultry industry, is caused by an etiological agent called the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Some IBV strains (IBVs) alone usually do not cause high mortality in field conditions if not with secondary pathogens including Escherichia coli (E. coli). Herein, we established an IBV and E. coli co-infection model to evaluate the protective efficacy of two IBV vaccine strains against a new emerging genotype GVI-1 with mild virulence in experimental conditions. Chickens were inoculated with IBV field isolate ZQX (genotype GVI-1) and challenged 4 dlater with the E. coli strain MS160427 (serotype O8). Subsequently, these chickens were euthanized at seven days postchallenge (d.p.c.) with E. coli. An autopsy revealed that lesions in the IBV plus E. coli co-infection group were more severe than those in the IBV-infected group. This pathological model was used to assess the protective effect of two commonly used vaccine strains (H120 and 4/91) against the IBV ZQX strain, and a significantly better protective efficacy was observed for 4/91 compared with H120. Thus, IBV and E. coli co-infection could be employed in assessing the protective efficacy of IBV vaccines.

Here, we report a novel chitosan hydrogel membrane (CHM) created by an improved electrophoretic deposition. Unlike a traditional CHM by electrophoretic deposition, the CHM was formed on a nanoporous film as a barrier using a homemade device at a high DC voltage (60 VDC). The CHM maximum recovery of 81.7% could be achieved after 1 h of electrophoretic deposition. The transparent CHM with an elongation of 42.46% and swelling index of 538.86% was a mixture of type I and type II crystal structures. SEM revealed that the CHM had an irregular net structure. The CHM was sufficient for L-929 mouse fibroblast cell adhesion and growth. To demonstrate immunocompatibility with host tissues, H&E and TGF-β1 were observed and the expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB were measured up to 3 weeks post-implantation. Although these scaffolds demonstrated an initial pro-inflammatory response, the amount of inflammatory cells and the expressions of TGF-β1 returned to baseline control values at 3 weeks. The expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB had no significant difference between the experimental and control groups. Animal experiments showed that the CHM did not incite serious inflammatory reactions. Thus, the CHM is a promising medical biomaterial candidate for loading appropriate cells for use as artificial skin or in transplantation.

Cf/SiBCN ceramic composite was joined using Ni-19Cr-10Si (BNi5) and Ni-33Cr-24Pd-3.5Si-0.5B filler alloys at 1170 °C for 10 min. Two kinds of Ni-based filler alloys exhibited good wettability on the Cf/SiBCN composite, with a contact angle of 13° and 4°, respectively. The microstructures of the brazed joints were investigated by electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA), and three-point bend test was conducted for the joints at room temperature. When being brazed with BNi5 filler alloy, no evident reaction layer was observed at the surface of the joined composite, and the joint microstructure was characterized by Ni2Si matrix with scatteringly distributing mixture compounds of Cr23C6, Ni2Si and CrB. While Ni-Cr-Pd(Si,B) brazing alloy was used, a Cr23C6 reaction layer with a thickness of 11 μm was formed at the surface of the base composite. In the central part of the brazed joint, the phases were composed of Ni(Cr,Si) solid solution and complex compounds including Pd2Si, (Ni,Pd)2Si and Ni-B. The strength of Cf/SiBCN joint brazed with BNi5 filler alloy was 62.9 MPa at room temperature, whereas that with Ni-Cr-Pd(Si,B) filler alloy was at the same level.