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To evaluate dosimetric characteristics to organs at risk (OARs) from short course adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VCB) in early endometrial cancer compared to standard of care in a multi-institutional prospective randomized trial. 108 patients requiring VCB were randomized to an experimental short course arm (11 Gy x 2Fx to surface) and standard of care arms: 7 Gy x 3Fx to 5mm, 5-5.5 Gy x 4Fx to 5mm, and 6 Gy x 5Fx to surface. Rectum, bladder, sigmoid, small bowel, and urethra were contoured retrospectively on the planning CT and doses to OARs were compared by arm. Absolute doses for each OAR (D2cc and D0.1cc), and from each fractionation scheme, were converted to 2 Gy equivalent dose (EQD2; α/β=3 Gy). Each standard of care arm was compared to the experimental arm separately using a one-way analysis of variance, followed by pairwise comparisons using Tukey's HSD test. Additionally, treatment planning system reported point doses (mid cylinder) to the vaginal mucosa was converted to EQD2 (α/β=10 Gy) and evaluated. The experimental arm had significantly lower doses for rectum, bladder, sigmoid, and urethra when compared to the 7 Gy x3 and 5-5.5 Gy x4 fractionation schemes; however, the experimental arm did not differ statistically from the 6 Gy x5 fractionation scheme. For small bowel doses, none of the standard of care fractionation schemes were statistically different than the experimental arm (see fig. 1f). The highest D2cc EQD2 doses to the examined critical structures were observed to come from the most common dose fractionation scheme of 7 Gy x 3Fx (see fig. 1a-e). The data revealed similar results for the D0.1cc EQD2 doses for the urethra. Furthermore, average reported EQD2 doses to the vaginal mucosa were 40.32 Gy (σ=1.97 Gy) for 11 Gy x2, 56.53 Gy (σ=6.29 Gy) for 7 Gy x3, 47.81 Gy (σ=2.97 Gy) for 5-5.5 Gy x 4, and 41.69 Gy (σ=1.29 Gy) for 6 Gy x 5. With a short median follow up of one year, there have been no isolated vaginal recurrences. Doses to OARs were generally low; however, in the highest quintile significant doses can be delivered with VCB. Experimental short course VCB of 11 Gy x 2Fx to the surface provides a comparable biologic effective dose to standard of care courses. Experimental short course VCB was found to reduce or be comparable to D2cc and D0.1cc EQD2 doses to rectum, bladder, sigmoid, small bowel, and urethra critical structures. This may translate into a comparable or lower rate of acute and late side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distal airway of the lung is innervated by vagus nerve. Upon stimulation, vagus nerve endings release acetylcholine or neuropeptides via C-fiber afferents to regulate lung infection and immunity. Vagal sensory nerve endings, brain integration center, acetylcholine and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) expressing cells are key components of pulmonary parasympathetic inflammatory reflex. Meanwhile, this local machinery synergizes with spleen (as a functional hub of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway) to finely tune recruitment of the splenic α7 nAChR+CD11b+ cells into the inflamed lungs during lung infection. Recent studies have showed that lung group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) express both α7 nAChR and neuropeptide receptors. Acetylcholine and neuropeptides can regulate ILC2 and reshape pulmonary infection and immunity. Among the airway epithelial cells, pulmonary neuroendocrine cells are rare cell population; however, these cells are innervated by sensory nerve endings and they could secrete neuropeptides that influence lung infection and immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A theoretical model is developed to estimate inactivation effects of OH radicals in bubble-shock interaction. • It consists of a biological probability model for cell viability and a bubble dynamic model for bubble-shock interaction. • Heat conductivity and mass transportation through a boundary layer are considered in the model. • The estimation by the model shows good agreements with the bio-experimental data. A theoretical model for estimating inactivation effects on marine Vibrio sp. is developed from the viewpoint of the chemical action of the OH radicals induced by interaction of bubbles with shock waves. It consists of a biological probability model for cell viability and a bubble dynamic model for its collapsing motion due to the shock pressures. The biological probability model is built by defining a sterilized space of the OH radicals. To determine the radius of the sterilized space, the Herring equation is solved in the bubble dynamic model in consideration of the effect of the heat conductivity and mass transportation. Furthermore, the pressure waveform of incident shock wave used in the model is obtained with the pressure measurement. On the other hand, a bio-experiment of marine Vibrio sp. is carried out using a high-voltage power supply in a cylindrical water chamber. Finally, the viability ratio of marine bacteria estimated by the theoretical model is examined under the experimental conditions of this study. In addition, we also discuss the influence of bubble initial size for predicting the inactivation effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol has been shown to stimulate differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro; however, the mechanisms underlying the anabolic effect of resveratrol on osteoblasts remain largely unknown. Our study was aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of resveratrol-induced differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells were treated for 8 days with different concentrations of resveratrol (10−8-10−6 M) and 10−6 M cyclosporine A (CsA), a specific inhibitor of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway. According to the results of pilot studies of cell proliferation and alkaline phos-phatase activity, 10−7 M concentration of resveratrol was used in subsequent experiments. The levels of mRNA expression of the osteosis-related genes CaN, NFATc1, and Runx2 were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR; the levels of the corresponding proteins were estimated by Western blot analysis. Resveratrol upregulated expression of the CaN, NFATc1, and Runx2 genes at both mRNA and protein levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05), while CsA reduced the effects of resveratrol (p < 0.05). Using immunohistochemical staining, we showed that resveratrol induced NFATc1 accumulation in the cell nuclei, and treatment with CsA inhibited resveratrol-mediated induction of NFATc1, suggesting that the calcineurin/NFATc1 signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulatory effect of resveratrol on osteoblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the photometric data from the SDSS survey, the spectroscopic data from the SDSS/SEGUE and the LAMOST surveys, and the astrometric data from the Gaia DR2, we have identified 67 highly probable member stars of the GD-1 cold stellar stream spread along almost its entire length (i.e., from 126° to 203° in R.A.). With the accurate spectroscopic (i.e., metallicity and line-of-sight velocity) and astrometric (i.e., proper motions) information, the position–velocity diagrams, i.e., ϕ1–μα, ϕ1–μδ, and ϕ1–vgsr, of the GD-1 stream are well mapped. The stream has an average metallicity [Fe/H] = −1.96. The rich information of member stars of the stream now available allow one not only to model its origin, but also to place strong constraints on the mass distribution and the gravitational potential of the Milky Way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary implementation of plasma GAP shape control in EAST is presented. Compared with ISOFLUX method, GAP control could work together with not only real-time equilibrium reconstruction but also real-time boundary reconstruction. Based on the plasma response matrix, the GAP controller is designed and the PID parameter has been optimized for EAST plasma shape control. P-EFIT provides real-time gap calculation and GAP controller is integrated into EAST PCS. Successful plasma shape with GAP control scheme is achieved in EAST 2018 summer campaign. Experimental results prove that GAP control algorithm and controller could achieve similar control ability as ISOFLUX and provide an option for shape control with optical-based boundary reconstruction in EAST and future device CFETR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Ni 2 Al 3 coatings without and with Cr 2 O 3 dispersion were developed. • The Cr 2 O 3 dispersion promoted θ-to-α alumina transformation during oxidation. • Faster alumina transformation caused a lower oxidation rate of the Ni 2 Al 3 coating. • Faster θ-to-α transformation helped to form an adherent alumina scale. Abstract Cr 2 O 3 -free and-dispersed Ni 2 Al 3 coatings were prepared by correspondingly aluminizing as-electrodeposited Ni films without and with dispersion of Cr 2 O 3 nanoparticles. The Cr 2 O 3 -dispersed aluminide coating has a lower oxidation rate than the Cr 2 O 3 -free one in air at 900 °C. The reason lies in that the Cr 2 O 3 dispersion promoted the θ-to-α alumina transformation on the aluminide coating during oxidation, on a basis of investigations of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photo stimulated luminescence spectroscopy (PSLS). The result also indicates that the faster θ-to-α phase transformation can significantly prevent the cavities formation at the alumina/coating interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The contribution of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis remains a matter of debate. The objective of this study was to quantify the association between peripheral blood Tregs and disease status in SLE patients. Method EMBASE and PubMed databases were searched using 'systemic lupus erythematosus' and 'regulatory T-cells' as relevant key terms. A meta-analysis of studies that examined the proportion of Tregs among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+T-cells was performed using Stata software. Subgroup analysis was performed based on ethnic groups and Treg definition markers. Results The Treg/PBMC and Treg/CD4+T-cell ratios were significantly lower in SLE patients than in healthy controls (HCs), whereas patients with active and inactive SLE showed no difference in these indicators. A subgroup analysis indicated that Asian SLE patients had a substantially lower proportion of Tregs/PBMCs than HCs, but this difference was not seen for white and Latin American SLE patients. Patients defined by CD4+CD25+Foxp3+, CD4+CD25+ and CD4+Foxp3+ had a much lower Treg/PBMC ratio compared with HCs. Ethnic groups and choice of Treg definition markers had no influence on the proportion of Tregs/CD4+T-cells. Conclusion The proportion of Tregs among both PBMCs and CD4+T-cells was significantly decreased in SLE patients. Ethnic group and Treg definition markers may influence the proportion of Tregs among PBMCs. Further study of the correlation between SLE disease activity and the proportion of Tregs in peripheral blood is needed to determine the physiological role of this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a family of ~22-nucleotide non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules, are considered as key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that regulate various biological processes in living organism. Many miRNAs have been identified in animals; however, few have been reported in Hynobiidae species. The present study is aimed to identify a full repertoire of miRNAs in Batrachuperus yenyuanensis (Yenyuan stream salamander), which would significantly increase our knowledge of miRNAs in amphibians. A small RNA library was constructed from B. yenyuanensis and sequenced using deep sequencing. As a result, 1,717,751 clean reads were obtained, representing 356 known and 80 novel miRNAs. Additionally, expression levels of eight randomly selected miRNAs in B. yenyuanensis were confirmed using the stem-loop quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. In addition, 13,972 targets were predicted for these identified miRNAs, although the physiological functions of many of these targets remain unknown. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis suggested that the predicted targets are involved in a variety of physiological regulatory functions in B. yenyuanensis. These results provide useful information for further research on the miRNAs involved in the growth and development of B. yenyuanensis, as well as adaptation of this species to its high-altitude habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke remains completely understood. Aim We aimed to investigate stroke risk and post-stroke outcomes in patients with PD. Design The retrospective cohort study included 1303 patients aged ≥ 40 years with new-diagnosed PD and 5212 non-PD adults were selected by frequency matching with age and sex in 2000–05. Both two groups were followed up until the end of 2013. Another nested stroke cohort study of 17 678 patients with stroke hospitalization in 2002–09 was conducted to compare the admission outcome in patients with and without PD history. Methods We collected patients' characteristics and medical conditions in the present two studies from claims data of Taiwan's National Health Insurance. Incidences and risks of stroke in people with and without PD during the follow-up period were calculated by adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the Cox proportional hazard model. Complications and mortality during the stroke admission associated with PD were analysed by calculating adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs in the logistic regressions. Results Incidences of stroke for people with and without PD were 19.8 and 9.93 per 1000 person-years, respectively, with corresponding HR of 1.96 (95% CI 1.67–2.30). History of PD was associated with post-stroke gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05–1.49), epilepsy (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.32–2.04), pneumonia (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.20–1.49), urinary tract infection (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.21–1.45) and mortality (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13–1.62). Conclusion PD increases stroke risk and influences post-stroke outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambulatory care sensitive condition (ACSC) admission rates have been widely used as indicators of access to and quality of primary care as well as the efficiency of health systems. This study examines associations of spatial access to health care with both inpatient hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits for ACSCs for older adults. This study also compares inpatient hospitalization admissions and ED visits for elderly ACSCs by spatial access to health care. This is a complete hospital discharge dataset study. Hospital discharge data were obtained from all hospital systems in the Coastal Bend area of Texas from September 1, 2009, to August 31, 2012. The enhanced two-step floating catchment area method was adopted to measure spatial access to health care, including primary health care and hospitals. Multivariable regression methods were used to measure the associations between spatial access to health care and ACSC rates of both inpatient hospitalizations and ED visits. Spatial access to primary care has a statistically significant positive relationship with both rates of inpatient hospitalization admissions and ED visits for ACSCs for the elderly. Spatial access to hospitals has a statistically significant negative relationship with both rates. Spatial access to primary care has a significantly negative contribution to the likelihood of inpatient hospitalizations compared with the likelihood of ED visits for elderly ACSCs, whereas spatial access to hospitals has a significantly positive contribution. Spatial access to health care contributes to elderly ACSC hospitalizations. A poorer access to primary care or a better access to hospitals increases both rates of inpatient hospitalizations and ED visits for elderly ACSCs. Seniors living in areas where residents had poor access to primary care or easy access to hospitals were more likely to visit EDs instead of being inpatients for ACSC conditions. Policy action is needed to improve spatial access to primary care for the elderly. • Inpatient hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits for elderly ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) are compared by spatial access to health care. • Poor access to primary care is associated with high rates of elderly ACSCs. • Easy access to hospitals is associated with high rates of elderly ACSCs. • Seniors from areas with poor access to primary care were more likely to visit EDs for ACSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new three-dimensional (3D) interstellar dust reddening maps of the Galactic plane in three colours, E (G − K S), E (G BP − G RP), and E (H − K S). The maps have a spatial angular resolution of 6 arcmin and covers over 7000 deg2 of the Galactic plane for Galactic longitude 0° < l < 360° and latitude | b | < 10°. The maps are constructed from robust parallax estimates from the Gaia Data Release 2 (Gaia DR2) combined with the high-quality optical photometry from the Gaia DR2 and the infrared photometry from the Two Micron All Sky Survey and Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer survey. We estimate the colour excesses, E (G − K S), E (G BP − G RP), and E (H − K S), of over 56 million stars with the machine-learning algorithm Random Forest regression, using a training data set constructed from the large-scale spectroscopic surveys, Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fibre Spectroscopic Telescope, Sloan Extension for Galactic Understanding and Exploration, and Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment. The results reveal the large-scale dust distribution in the Galactic disc, showing a number of features consistent with the earlier studies. The Galactic dust disc is clearly warped and show complex structures possibly spatially associated with the Sagittarius, Local, and Perseus arms. We also provide the empirical extinction coefficients for the Gaia photometry that can be used to convert the colour excesses presented here to the line-of-sight extinction values in the Gaia photometric bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Anti–α-enolase antibody (Ab) combined with β2 microglobulin (β2-MG) were investigated to predict the incidence of nephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods Levels of serum anti–α-enolase Ab and urinary β2-MG were detected in 115 SLE patients, 29 SLE patients with nephritis and 70 healthy controls by ELISA and immunoturbidimetry, respectively. Furthermore, the correlation between anti–α-enolase Ab combined with β2-MG and the incidence of nephritis in SLE patients was evaluated by correlation analysis. Results The optical density value of serum anti–α-enolase Ab in SLE patients with nephritis (0.84) was greatly increased compared with SLE patients (0.76) or healthy controls (0.54). Moreover, the levels of urinary β2-MG in SLE patients with nephritis (6.75 mg/L) were increased compared with SLE patients (3.45 mg/L) or healthy controls (1.48 mg/L). There was a positive correlation between the level of anti–α-enolase Ab and β2-MG (r = 0.754). Furthermore, anti–α-enolase Ab combined with β2-MG for evaluating the incidence of nephritis in SLE patients had the best assessment of the effectiveness (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 92.7%) compared with only anti–α-enolase Ab (AUC: 80.9%) or β2-MG (AUC: 84.5%). Conclusion These data suggested that anti–α-enolase Ab may be a potential indicator for the prediction of nephritis in SLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to enhance awareness of edible ferns and lycophytes in Asia. After searching the literature and relevant websites, a summary is presented of 172 taxa belonging to 61 genera and 29 families, in 14 Asian countries or regions. Dietary usage of those ferns can be classified into four main categories, i.e., vegetables, starch suppliers, beverages and snacks, of which use as a vegetable is the most frequent (144 taxa, 68%). Their leaves, especially young and tender ones, are the most frequently used organs for food. In Asia, Diplazium esculentum and Blechnopsis orientalis probably are the two most popular vegetables among ferns and lycophytes. About 16% of the taxa of edible ferns are used as starch suppliers. The massive rhizomes (stems) of tree ferns and species of the genera Coniogramme, Drynaria, Angiopteris and Pteridium, usually have abundant starch and hence are often extracted to prepare cakes, noodles, or even to produce alcohol. Beverages (ca. 12% of edible ferns) include herbal tea and liquor. Herbal tea, which is a favourite for many Asian people, is often made from a mixture of several kinds of ferns or with other vascular plants. Fern liquor may be made from starch of rhizomes or leaves. The other usages (ca. 4% of edible ferns), such as snacks and as a substitute for baking soda, are recorded from different aboriginal tribes. This review is intended to give a general overview of edible ferns in Asia as a basis for further extensive and in-depth studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this paper is to investigate the incidence rate, risk factors and outcome of osteomyelitis among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Materials and methods We conducted a cohort study using data for patients enrolled in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database from 2000 to 2012. Patients with SLE and age- and sex-matched controls without SLE were enrolled. Primary endpoint was the first occurrence of osteomyelitis. Risks of osteomyelitis in SLE patients were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards regression models, including age, sex, comorbidities and medications. Results Among 24,705 SLE patients (88.4% women, mean age 35.8 years) with a median follow-up of 9.1 years, 386 patients had osteomyelitis. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of osteomyelitis in the SLE group vs the control group was 8.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.24–10.05). The SLE group had higher incidence rates of osteomyelitis than the control group, especially in pediatric subgroups (IRR 41.1 95% CI 18.57–107.35). Compared to controls, SLE patients experienced osteomyelitis at a younger age (42.3 vs 58.1 years) but did not have an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio 0.7; 95% CI 0.21–2.38). Age >60 years, male gender, malignancy within five years, prior bone fracture and higher daily prednisolone dose (>7.5 mg) cumulatively for >180 days increased risk for osteomyelitis. Conclusions SLE patients have a higher IRR of osteomyelitis than controls. Pediatric and elder SLE patients, patients with a history of bone fracture, malignancy within five years and higher-dose glucocorticoid use have a higher risk of osteomyelitis and should be carefully monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyse subsolid nodules (SSNs) detected during low-dose (LD) computed tomography (CT) screening and investigated whether CT texture analysis parameters can predict the malignancy and growth trends of GGNs.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 89 SSNs were detected in 86 LDCT screening participants, including 42 pure ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and 47 part-solid GGNs. In these participants, 28 SSNs were diagnosed as lung cancer at histopathology, and 61 SSNs from participants who underwent at least two LDCT imaging studies. All nodules were divided into three groups: cancer group, growth group, and non-growth group. The nodule size, volume, attenuation, volume doubling time (VDT), and texture parameters (mean value, uniformity, entropy and energy) were assessed, respectively.Results: The entropy of the cancer group was significantly higher than that of the growth and non-growth groups (pure GGNs: p=0.009, 0.001; part-solid GGNs: p=0.012, 0.004). The energy of the cancer group was significantly lower than that of the other groups (pure GGNs: p=0.043, 0.021; part-solid GGNs: p=0.001, 0.002). A good positive correlation was found between uniformity and VDT (p=0.022).Conclusion: Different CT texture parameters show good predictive value for SSNs detected at LDCT screening: the entropy and energy differences between malignant pulmonary nodules and others could be a helpful quantitative index to predict the malignancy of SSNs. Uniformity could be used to predict the growth probability of pure GGNs at baseline to pay more attention to these nodules. Moreover, the follow-up and treatment plan could be more targeted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiliquefaction performance improvement for developed sites beneath existing structures has drawn increasing public attention to meet stricter requirements of seismic protection. Liquefaction mitigation using nanoparticles is a novel countermeasure because of its low environmental disturbance and greater environmental friendliness. This paper reports a centrifuge test to evaluate the effectiveness of laponite (the representative nanoparticle) for liquefaction mitigation. A constructed reservoir embankment foundation was selected as the prototype and the laponite-treated model was carried out with a centrifugal acceleration of 45 g. Additionally, the viscosity of laponite suspensions was measured to determine the appropriate concentration range and curing time. A similar test with an untreated model was conducted beforehand as a comparison. The subsequent research results showed that the generation of excess porewater pressure was suppressed and both lateral displacements and settlement were reduced in the laponite-treated model versus the untreated model. This paper provides experimental data beyond the elemental scale to support the beneficial effects of laponite on the antiliquefaction performance improvement of the developed sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biodegradable beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) particle reinforced magnesium metal matrix composites (Mg-MMC) have attracted increasing interest for application as implant materials. This investigation was conducted to study the effect of cooling rate on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of a biodegradable β-TCP/Mg-Zn-Ca composite. The composite was fabricated under a series of cooling rates using a wedge-shaped casting mold. The microstructure of the composite was examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy, and the corrosion behavior was investigated using an electrochemical workstation and immersion tests in a simulated body fluid (SBF). Faster cooling rates were shown to refine the secondary phase and grain size, and produce a more homogenous microstructure. The refined microstructure resulted in a more uniform distribution of β-TCP particles, which is believed to be beneficial in the formation of a stable and compact corrosion product layer, leading to improved corrosion resistance for the composite. Highlights • 1β-TCP/Mg-2Zn-0.5Ca composites prepared by a high shear solidification technology • The cooling rate had a strong impact on the grain size and secondary phase particles. • The composite solidified at faster cooling rates exhibited improved corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by menopausal stage and investigate its associated factors in middle-aged Chinese women. Method: This was a cross-sectional, community-based study involving 868 participants aged 40-60 years in Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China. HRQOL was assessed by the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The menopausal symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics were surveyed. Results: The median (25-75th percentile) age of all participants was 51.24 (46.37-55.55) years. Differences were seen in domains of physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health and health transition by menopausal stage. The multivariate logistic regressions showed that there were associations between menopausal stage and HRQOL. Compared to premenopausal women, perimenopausal women had increased risks of having impaired functions in role-physical and health transition, and postmenopausal women were more likely to have impaired functions in physical functioning and health transition (p < 0.05 for all). Menopausal symptoms were negatively associated with HRQOL. Being married or co-habiting tended to relate to better general health. Being unemployed or retired tended to be associated with impaired role-physical. Conclusions: There was a difference in HRQOL by menopausal stage in middle-aged Chinese women. Menopause might exert a negative impact on HRQOL, adjusting for menopausal symptoms and sociodemographic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Shot peening produced a deformation zone on the top of a TiAl based alloy. • γ/α 2 lamellar structure was collapsed and grains refined in the deformation zone. • Shot peening catalyzed formation of a submicron-thick α-Al 2 O 3 film. • The prior Al 2 O 3 formation prohibited Ti of the alloy from oxidation at 900 °C. Abstract Shot peening, although generally accepted as a useful surface treatment method to improve oxidation resistance of Ni-, Co- and Fe-based alloys, has been less applied to TiAl based alloys. This work shows that a shot peening treatment converts the Ti-45Al-2Nb-2Mn-1B alloy from thermally growing TiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 mixed oxides to an exclusive Al 2 O 3 in air at 900 °C. The basic reason for this is that the shot peening catalyzes formation of an α-Al 2 O 3 thin film, which prevents Ti of the alloy from oxidation at the high temperature. The slow oxidation of the shot-peened alloy mitigates the degradation of typical γ/α2 lamellar microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Deficiency of hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) in macrophages reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mortality; however, whether HIF-1α expression in myeloid cells would contribute to the development of Escherichia coli (E. coli) or LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is less investigated. Aim To test whether deletion of Hif1α in myeloid cells affects E. coli or LPS-induced ALI and to elicit the underlying mechanisms. Design Laboratory study. Methods We intratracheally challenged Hif1αfl/fl and Hif1αfl/fl LysMCre mice with E. coli or LPS to analyze lung and spleen inflammatory responses. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the changes of α7 nAChR+CD11b+ cells in the lung and spleen. Double knockout of Chrna7 and Itgam mice were used to examine expression of HIF-1α during E. coli lung infection. Vagotomy was performed to demonstrate the role of vagus nerve in mediating protective effects of deletion of Hif1α in myeloid cells on LPS-induced ALI. Results Deletion of Hif1α in myeloid cells could reduce lung edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and lung and BAL inflammatory cytokines in E. coli -induced ALI. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that α7 nAChR+CD11b+ cells in the lung and spleen were markedly increased in E. coli -challenged Hif1αfl/fl LysMCre mice compared with E. coli -challenged Hif1αfl/fl mice. Double knockout of Chrna7 and Itgam increased HIF-1α expression in lung and spleen cells during lung E. coli infection. Vagotomy abolished the protective effect of deletion of Hif1α in myeloid cells on LPS-induced ALI. Conclusion Deletion of Hif1α in myeloid cells could protect mice from lung injury depending on α7 nAChR+CD11b+ cells and innervation of vagal circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • He-cooled monoblock provides high performance solutions for first wall and divertor. • A slotted "microchannel" geometry provides additional heat flux handling capability. • Helium-cooled steel can remove up to 5 MW/m2 of steady-state surface heat flux. • Helium-cooled SiC/SiC can remove nearly 10 MW/m2 of steady-state surface heat flux. Abstract Next-step fusion nuclear devices require plasma-facing components that can survive a much higher neutron dose than ITER, and in many design concepts also require higher operating temperatures, higher reliability, and materials with more attractive safety and environmental characteristics. In search of first wall concepts that can withstand surface heat fluxes beyond 2 MW/m2, we analyzed advanced "monoblock" designs using coolants and materials that offer more attractive long-term performance. These use tungsten armor and heat sinks, similar to previous designs, but replace the coolant with helium and the coolant containment pipe with either low-activation ferritic-martensitic steel or SiC/SiC composite. The results of analysis show that helium-cooled steel can remove up to 5 MW/m2 of steady-state surface heat flux and helium-cooled SiC/SiC can remove nearly 10 MW/m2 while satisfying all materials and design requirements. This suggests that a He-cooled W/SiC monoblock could withstand divertor-like heat fluxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Thermal-hydraulic analysis for the FW/Blanket of the FNSF has been performed. • The current design could withstand the combined loads of thermal and coolant. • The parametric analysis on cooling channel has been performed for optimization. Abstract The dual coolant lead-lithium (DCLL) blanket concept, which is utilized in the Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) conceptual design, is based on a helium-cooled first wall and blanket structure with RAFS (Reduced Activation Ferritic Steel) and a self-cooled LiPb breeding zone. The objective of this work is to develop a multiphysics modeling process in order to optimize the design and achieve long lifetime, maintainability, and high reliability. 3D finite element multiphysics modeling of the DCLL first wall and blanket (midplane of one sector) has been performed using COMSOL 5.2. The multiphysics aspect of the design is demonstrated via coupling of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), conjugate heat transfer and solid mechanics. Both normal and off-normal loading conditions have been analyzed. The results of velocity, pressure, and temperature distributions of helium flow, as well as the primary and thermal stress of the structure were obtained. This was followed by determination of the factors of safety along three critical paths based on the ITER Structural Design Criteria for In-vessel Components (ISDC-IC). We show here that the structural design meets the ITER-ISDC design rules under both normal and off-normal operating conditions, though the safety factors under off-normal condition with 8 MPa helium pressure are marginal. Thus simple design optimization was conducted based on a parametric study on first wall dimensions to improve the design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is used to treat psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Objectives: To investigate the molecular mechanism of MTX in the treatment of psoriasis. Methods: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T (Teff) cells were isolated from the blood of patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. The proliferation of Teff cells was detected by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester assay. The interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐17 levels were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of CD73 and FoxP3 were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of proteins in the AMPK/mTOR pathway were detected by Western blot analysis. Results: The data suggested that patients with psoriasis have Tregs with decreased immune suppression function and reduced expression of CD73 compared with healthy controls. Moreover, MTX could significantly restore the immunosuppressive function of IL‐17‐secreting Tregs. This, in turn, inhibits aberrant proliferation of Teff cells in patients with psoriasis, reverses downregulation of CD73, upregulates phosphorylated AMPK and inhibits phosphorylated mTOR, and downregulates IL‐17 and IFN‐γ levels. Conclusions: We speculate that MTX can restore the immunosuppressive function of Tregs through upregulating CD73, activating AMPK and inactivating the mTOR pathway. These findings may partly explain the mechanism by which MTX treats psoriasis. What's already known about this topic? CD73+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were markedly reduced in patients with psoriasis vulgaris compared with healthy controls.Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used to treat psoriasis and has also been reported to upregulate the expression of CD73 in melanoma. What does this study add? We investigated the effect and mechanism of MTX on Treg function and its relationship to the CD73/AMPK/mTOR pathway in psoriasis therapy. What is the translational message? These findings may partly explain the mechanism by which MTX treats psoriasis. Linked Comment: Chen. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179:818–819. Plain language summary available online Respond to this article [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-14Cr pre-alloyed powder and pure Hf powder were mechanically alloyed to produce powder with nominal composition Fe-14Cr-0.22Hf (wt. %) that was consolidated by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique in order to investigate the ability of Hf to produce a nanometric dispersion of oxide particles in a ferritic matrix. Comprehensive microstructural and mechanical characterisation of the as-milled powder and the consolidated material was performed using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atom probe tomography and indentation techniques. It was shown that Hf additions can effectively produce, by internal oxidation, a fine scale dispersion of Hf-O nanoparticles in the consolidated material. A uniform grain structure was produced in the alloy. Although the nanoparticle dispersion was not homogeneous at the finest scale, the resulting dispersion strengthening contributed significantly to the hardness. According to these results, internal oxidation of reactive elements rather than direct addition of oxides may offer additional opportunities in the design and development of oxide dispersion strengthened steels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study focusing on comorbid inner ear disorders in patients with congenital nystagmus. Topics discussed include the use of electronystagmography test to analyze congenital nystagmus' impact on oculomotor function test; the audiometry tests performed on the patients; and the cervical vestibulo-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test used in the study.

The article discusses a study focusing on acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) in diabetic patients. Topics discussed include the morbidity and mortality associated with AIFR; the role of organ transplant proliferation and diabetes mellitus in invasive fungal infections; and the mycological criteria of AIFR.

The Rlm7 gene in Brassica napus is an important source of resistance for control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans. This study shows the first report of L. maculans isolates virulent against Rlm7 in the UK. Leptosphaeria maculans isolates virulent against Rlm7 represented 3% of the pathogen population when cultivars with the Rlm7 gene represented 5% of the UK oilseed rape area in 2012/13. However, the Rlm7 gene has been widely used since then, representing >15% of the UK oilseed rape area in 2015/16. Winter oilseed rape field experiments included cultivars with the Rlm7 gene, with the Rlm4 gene or without Rlm genes and took place at five sites in the UK over four cropping seasons. An increase in phoma leaf spotting severity on Rlm7 cultivars in successive seasons was observed. Major resistance genes played a role in preventing severe phoma leaf spotting at the beginning of the cropping season and, in addition, quantitative resistance (QR) in the cultivars examined made an important contribution to control of phoma stem canker development at the end of the cropping season. Deployment of the Rlm7 resistance gene against L. maculans in cultivars with QR in combination with sustainable disease management practices will prolong the use of this gene for effective control of phoma stem canker epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a state-selected study of the ion-molecule reactions of oxygen ions. Center-of-mass collision energy range; Employment of differential retarding potential method; How charge transfer is the overwhelming product channel for the reactions; Suggestion that the nitrogen compound is an excellent quenching gas.

Details a state-selected study of the ion-molecule reactions of O(supra +)((supra 2)D,(supra 2)P)+H(sub 2)O. Charge transfer cross sections; Increased number of accessible exothermic product channels for O(supra +)((supra 2)D)+H(sub 2)O; Lower H(sub 2)O cross sections due to further dissociation of excited charge transfer H(sub 2)O ions.

Discusses the measurement of the absolute total cross sections for the state-selected reactions of ion-molecule reactions in the center-of-mass collision energy. Formation of excited ions in abundance by solar vacuum ultraviolet photoionization; Importance of excited atomic ions for modeling the ion chemistry of planetary ionospheres.

Focuses on a study which investigated the effect of elastic scattering due to impurities in the quantum wave guide with the exact calculation. Cause of the distortion of the overall transmission of the wave guide; Techniques that make it possible to shape the two-dimensional electron system at the interface of the semiconductor; Phenomena that the low dimensional systems reveal.

Presents information on the measurement of the photoreflectance spectra of a strained layer (001) In[sub0.21]Ga[sub0.79]As/gallium arsenide single quantum well (SQW). Preparation of the SQW; Line shape considerations.

Presents a study which utilized electroreflectance spectroscopy to investigate a GaAs/Ga[sub0.77]Al[sub0.23]As coupled double quantum well (CDQW) system as a function of externally applied electric field. Detection of intra- and inter-well exciton transitions; Lineshape consideration for modulated reflectivity; Effects of electric fields on CDQW.

Investigates the influence of both illumination and substrate bias on the conducting channel. Enhancement of substrate conductivity under illumination; Description of channel depiction; Factor which enhance the field effect of negative biasing.

Presents a study which compared the transport scattering and single-particle relaxation times in modulation-doped heterostructures. Experimental details; Results; Discussion.

A 36‐year‐old woman who presented with upper limb distal weakness since the age of 15 years, with gradual progression to the lower limbs, is reported. Hereditary motor neuropathy was initially suspected based on distal weakness and hyporeflexia; however, whole exome sequencing accidentally revealed a compound heterozygous variant in the GNE gene, and ultrasound revealed increased homogeneous echogenicity in the involved muscles, which is characteristic of myopathic changes. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging revealed fatty infiltration in all limb muscles, sparing the triceps brachii, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis. Muscle biopsy revealed intracytoplasmic rimmed vacuole, supporting the diagnosis of GNE myopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia annua L. has >2000 yr of history in treating fever a symptom common to many infectious diseases including viruses. The plant is widely used as a tea infusion in many areas of the globe to thwart many infectious diseases. The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus continues to infect millions while rapidly evolving new variants that are more transmissible and evade vaccine-elicited antibodies, e.g., omicron and its subvariants. Having shown potency against all previously tested variants, A. annua L. extracts were further tested against highly infectious omicron and its recent subvariants. Using Vero E6 cells, we measured the in vitro efficacy (IC 50) of stored (frozen) dried-leaf hot-water A. annua L. extracts of four cultivars (A3, BUR, MED, and SAM) against SARS-CoV-2 variants: original WA1 (WT), BA.1 (omicron), BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4. End point virus titers of infectivity in cv. BUR-treated human lung A459 cells overexpressing hu-ACE2 were determined for both WA1 and BA.4 viruses. When normalized to the artemisinin (ART) or leaf dry weight (DW) equivalent of the extract, the IC 50 values ranged from 0.5 to 16.5 μM ART and from 20 to 106 μg DW. IC 50 values were within limits of assay variation of our earlier studies. End-point titers confirmed a dose-response inhibition in ACE2 overexpressing human lung cells to the BUR cultivar. Cell viability losses were not measurable at leaf dry weights ≤50 μg for any cultivar extract. A. annua hot-water extracts (tea infusions) continue to show efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and its rapidly evolving variants and deserve greater attention as a possible cost-effective therapeutic. [Display omitted] • Artemisia annua tea infusions inhibit SARS-CoV-2 omicron and 3 of its subvariants. • A. annua tea infusions inhibit SARS-CoV-2 post viral entry into the cell. • A. annua tea infusions retain their potency vs. evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrio alginolyticus as a common pathogen infecting humans and marine animals has become a severe threat to the global mariculture industry. Using liquid chromatography and tandem-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis, comparative proteomics between dctP-deletion (ΔdctP) strain and wild-type V. alginolyticus HY9901 was profiled, and total of 547 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. In these DEPs, 310 proteins were upregulated and 237 proteins were downregulated. Comparative proteomics of ΔdctP and wild-type strains identified some important regulated factors of colonization and virulent proteins. The regulated factors of bacterial colonization mainly included LuxR and ToxR (biofilm formation), flagellins (FlaB and FlrB), mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MshA) pilus, various substrates of the type II secretion system (EpsD, SecD and SecF) and type IV secretion system (ClpV), quorum sensing systems (LuxR homologous ValR), the virulent heat shock proteins (IbpA and YbeY), lipopolysaccharide LptE, outer membrane proteins (OmpU and TolC), glutamate synthases (GltB and GltD), oligopeptide permease (OppA) and siderophores (IrgA). In our previous study, biological characteristics (swarming motility, biofilm formation, cell adhesion and colonized ability) were significantly decreased and LD50 was significantly increased of ΔdctP compared to wide-type. Taken together, these results suggest that DctP protein plays an important role in controlling biological characteristics through DEPs in this study to finally affecting intestinal colonization and virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]