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OBJECTIVE: Osteosarcoma is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer among adolescents. Immunotherapy is an effective curative treatment for metastatic osteosarcoma patients. This study aimed to further reveal the significance of metabolism in tumor progression, and to categorize molecular subtypes for guiding personalized therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to screen metabolism-related genes associated with osteosarcoma prognosis. A molecular subtyping system was developed by unsupervised consensus clustering. Survival analysis and functional analysis were used to evaluate the performance of subtyping and characterize the TME of subtypes. Stepwise Akaike information criterion (stepAIC) was employed to optimize the prognostic model. RESULTS: C1 and C2 subtypes showed distinct prognosis, with more favorable survival in C2 subtype. C2 subtype presented a higher immune infiltration and active anti-tumor response. Notably, C2 subtype was predicted to have better immune response to immune checkpoint blockade. In addition, a 5-gene prognostic signature with robust ability to classify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups was developed. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the critical role of metabolism in tumorigenesis by comparing the features between the two subtypes. Oncogenic pathways including epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), glycolysis and hypoxia may be closely involved in the correlation with metabolism. Importantly, we developed a novel subtyping system and a 5-gene signature with high potential to be applied in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional quark mass is not continuous at thresholds. In this paper, we derive matching-invariant quark masses which are continuous everywhere. They are generally expanded as an obvious function of the logarithmic Λ scaled energy. The expansion coefficients are related to the gamma and beta functions, with concretization to four-loop level. Due to the maximal elimination of their direct dependence on the coupling with large uncertainties, the new expressions for quark masses converge much fast and accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addresses problems associated with thermal annealing and doping in copper indium sulphide[sub2]. Description of the electrical properties of chemical vapor transport in copper indium sulphide; Vacuum annealing of copper indium sulphide; Details of phosphorous implantation with thermal annealing.

OBJECTIVE: The use of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to cure the optic nerve injury was never shown previously. Here, we implanted purified ADSCs into optic nerve injury of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used in this study. The vision degeneration was detected by Flash-visual evoked potential (F-VEP) assay. The expression of Macrophage-1 (Mac-1), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) were studied by Western blot. The expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the optical nerve lysates were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: We f ound o ut t hat A DSC i mplantation inhibits the amplitude decrease and latency increase of the P1 wave caused by the optic nerve injury. The expression of the inflammation associated proteins of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway, including Mac-1, MyD88, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α, were inhibited in the ADSC therapy group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that ADSC implantation can inhibit the inflammation after the optic nerve injury and improve the functional vision impairment. These findings suggested ADSC implantation as a translational therapy method for optic nerve injury in clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of int-2 transfection on the invasiveness and metastasis of oral cancer BcaCD885 cells, and to determine the relevant mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-purity int- 2 eukaryotic expression plasmids were prepared and transfected using a modified cationic liposome- mediated transfection protocol. Nucleoside diphosphate kinase A (NDPKA) expression before and after transfection was examined, as well as changes in cell invasiveness and metastasis capabilities. RESULTS: Int-2 was confirmed to be stably expressed post-transfection into oral cancer cells. Expression of int-2 in BcaCD885 cells was significantly different before and after transfection. The proportion of invasive cells were 70.3%±8.2% and 46.5%±5.7%, and the proportion of chemotaxis cells were 78.5%±7.9% and 49.6%±7.5%, in the in the control and experimental groups respectively. The adhesion capability of cells in the experimental group was also significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation of int-2 expression can significantly inhibit the invasion and metastasis of BcaCD885 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective Warfarin is a widely used anticoagulant with a narrow therapeutic index. Polymorphisms in the VKORC1, CYP2C9 and CYP4F2 genes have been verified to correlate with warfarin stable dosage ( WSD). Whether any other genes or variants affect the dosage is unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between GGCX, miR-133 variants and the WSD in Han Chinese patients with mechanical heart valve replacement ( MHVR). Methods A total of 231 patients were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected for genotyping. The average WSD among subjects with different GGCX or miR-133 genotypes was compared. Regression analyses were performed to test for any association of genetic polymorphisms with WSD. Results and discussion The warfarin dosage in patients with the GGCX rs699664 TT and rs12714145 TT genotypes was 3.77±0.93 (95% CI: 3.35-4.19) mg/d and 3.70±1.00 (95% CI: 3.32-4.09) mg/d, respectively. The GGCX rs699664 and rs12714145 genotypes were significantly associated with WSD ( P<.05). But they were ruled out in the multivariate regression analysis. There were no significant differences in the average warfarin stable dosage between subjects with MIR133B rs142410335 wild-type and variant genotypes ( P>.05). What is new and conclusion The genotypes of GGCX rs699644 and rs12714145 were significantly associated with WSD ( P<.05), but their contributions were not significant after accounting for other factors. MIR133B rs142410335 makes no significant contributions to warfarin stable dosage in Han Chinese patients with MHVR neither in univariate regression nor in multivariate regression analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Valsartan has been reported to have the function of treating hypertension and improving the prognosis of patients. Many studies indicated that valsartan can also increase angiotensin II, andosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA). Autoantibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-AA) have been showed to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca2+) and result in apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells. In this study, we attempted to explore the effect of valsartan on AT1-AA-induced apoptosis in endothelial progenitor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were cultured. The cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. EPCs apoptosis was determined by DAPI staining and flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species, intracellular calcium concentration and calpain activity were measured using Fluostar Omega Spectrofluorimeter. The expression of p-ERK, p-eIF-2α, CHOP, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: MTT assays showed valsartan significantly inhibited AT1-AA-induced decline of the viability of EPCs. DAPI staining and flow cytometry results indicated valsartan inhibited AT1-AA-induced decline of the viability of EPCs via inhibiting AT1-AA-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the increasing of reactive oxygen species, intracellular calcium and calpain activity induced by AT1-AA in EPCs were also recovered after pre-treated with valsartan. Meanwhile, the upregulation of p-ERK, p-eIF-2α and CHOP, downregulation of Bcl-2, and activation of Caspase-3 caused by AT1-AA were reversed after pre-incubated with valsartan. CONCLUSIONS: Valsartan could inhibit AT1-AA-induced apoptosis through inhibiting oxidative stress mediated ER stress in EPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Healthcare- and hospital-acquired infection increases patients' morbidity and mortality and increases healthcare costs. Infection prevention and control is a high priority for medical professionals in healthcare settings. Aim: To identify essential infection prevention and control competencies for newly graduated nurses. Methods: Three phases of research were designed: phase I, Instrument development, which was undertaken from January to May 2008; phase II, Expert panel identification, for which 122 experts were recruited, each nominated by presidents of infection control bodies and heads of nursing schools in Australia (N = 60) and Taiwan (N = 62); and phase III, Delphi surveys, which were conducted in three rounds simultaneously in Australia and Taiwan between July 2008 and May 2009. Findings: Ninety-three experts returned the first questionnaire. Response rates of 76.2%, 91.4% and 94.1% were achieved in rounds I, II and III, respectively. Eighty experts participated in all three rounds. Overall, 81 items reached consensus, including seven in the competency area of basic microbiology, 12 in hand hygiene, 30 in standard precautions and additional precautions, 12 in personal protective equipment, nine in cleaning, disinfection and sterilization and 11 in critical assessment skills. The majority of experts (N = 49; 75.4%) agreed that infection control competency levels of newly graduated nurses were inadequate. Conclusion: Eighty-one items of infection prevention and control specific to newly graduated nurses were identified by consensus between expert panellists from Taiwan and Australia. Baseline data from this study may help to develop undergraduate nursing curricula to facilitate nurses' clinical application of infection control principles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Purpose: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, statins, with lipid-reducing properties combat against atherosclerosis and diabetes. The favourable modulation of endothelial function may play a significant role in this effect. The present study aimed to investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic benefits of rosuvastatin in ameliorating diabetes-associated endothelial dysfunction.Experimental Approach: Twelve-week-old db/db diabetic mice were treated with rosuvastatin at 20 mg·kg⁻¹ ·day⁻¹ p.o.for 6 weeks. Isometric force was measured in isolated aortae and renal arteries. Protein expressions including angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT₁R), NOX4, p22(phox) , p67(phox) , Rac-1, nitrotyrosine, phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-p38 were determined by Western blotting, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in the vascular wall was evaluated by dihydroethidium fluorescence and lucigenin assay.Key Results: Rosuvastatin treatment of db/db mice reversed the impaired ACh-induced endothelium-dependent dilatations in both renal arteries and aortae and prevented the exaggerated contractions to angiotensin II and phenylephrine in db/db mouse renal arteries and aortae. Rosuvastatin reduced the elevated expressions of AT₁R, p22(phox) and p67(phox) , NOX4, Rac1, nitrotyrosine and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and inhibited ROS production in aortae from db/db mice.Conclusions and Implications: The vasoprotective effects of rosuvastatin are attributed to an increase in NO bioavailability, which is probably achieved by its inhibition of ROS production from the AT₁R-NAD(P)H oxidase cascade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Protein kinase D (PKD) is a newly described serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a pivotal role in inflammatory response. In the present study, we examined the protective effect of Gö6976, a PKD inhibitor, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and d-galactosamine ( d-GalN)-induced acute liver injury in mice. Materials and methods: Mice were pretreated intraperitoneally with Gö6976 30 min before LPS/ d-GalN administration . The mortality and degree of hepatic injury was subsequently assessed. Results: The results indicated that LPS/ d-GalN administration markedly induced hepatic PKD activation, lethality and liver injury, while pretreatment of the PKD inhibitor Gö6976 significantly inhibited LPS-induced PKD activation, improved the survival of LPS/ d-GalN-administered mice and attenuated LPS/ d-GalN-induced liver injury, as evidenced by reduced levels of serum aminotransferases as well as reduced histopathological changes. In addition, the protective effects of Gö6976 were paralleled by suppressed activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and adhesion molecules, and reduced apoptosis and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in liver. Conclusions: Our experimental data indicated that Gö6976, a PKD inhibitor, could effectively prevent LPS/ d-GalN-induced acute liver injury by inhibition of MAPKs activation to reduce TNF-α production. This suggests the potential pharmacological value of PKD inhibitors in the intervention of inflammation-based liver diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense aluminium nitride ceramics were prepared by spark plasma sintering at a lower sintering temperature of 1700°C with Y2O3, Sm2O3 and Dy2O3 as sintering additives respectively. The effects of three kinds of sintering additives on the phase composition, microstructure and thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics were investigated. The results showed that those sintering additives not only facilitated the densification via the liquid phase sintering mechanism, but also improved thermal conductivity by decreasing oxygen impurity. Sm2O3 could effectively improve thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics compared with Y2O3 and Dy2O3. Observation by scanning electron microscopy showed that AlN ceramics prepared by spark plasma sintering method manifested quite homogeneous microstructures, but AlN grain sizes and shapes and location of secondary phases varied with the sintering additives. The thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics was mainly affected by the additives through their effects on the growth of AlN grain and the location of secondary phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser weld bonding (LWB) is a new hybrid technique combining adhesive bonding with laser seam welding, and can achieve higher joint strength than adhesive bonding or laser welding, respectively. Its recent introduction and, thus, limited application means that, as yet, reasonable explanations have not been put forward for the new physical phenomena observed in this hybrid technique. A remarkably deeper penetration can be performed in LWB than that in laser welding direct and the added adhesive also makes the laser induced plasma shape more concentrative and its direction varies. The main reasons for these phenomena are that the adhesive induced gas can exert high recoil pressure to the lower sheet molten pool, resulting in increase in the keyhole depth. The adhesive induced gas can concentrate the laser induced plasma and help change the direction. Therefore, the plasma absorption effect on laser reduces and this can also help increase penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study in Zhongzhuang small watershed, Pengyang County in Ningxia Autonomous region located in the Loess Plateau, western China, where the diversification of livelihood strategies and the interaction of farmers' livelihood with landscape change were analyzed. The study found that the change in farmers' livelihood led to the restoration of the landscape. Using the relationship between livelihood and landscape, measures for future landscape recovery are proposed.

In this study, traditional hydrothermal sealing (HTS) treatment was for the first time employed to arc sprayed pure aluminium coatings, and proves to be a successful sealing method. Corrosion performances were examined in salt solution immersion test (SSIT) and electrochemical polarisation measurements. The HTS coating is covered with a continuous film of aluminium hydroxide structures, and some deionised water manages to penetrate. Besides, pores in the surface as well as in the inner part get smaller and fewer. In SSIT, the HTS coating has a similar corrosion process to the unsealed one, but corrodes much more slightly. In polarisation curves, the HTS coating exhibits a wide passive region, higher corrosion potential and lower current density than the unsealed coating before immersion. After SSIT, it exhibits small changes in polarisation curves, implying slight corrosion in 90 days immersion and proving much higher corrosion resistance than the unsealed coating in the whole process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welding of AZ31B magnesium alloy is carried out using alternating current pulsed metal inert gas (ac-PMIG) welding with 1·6 mm diameter of filler wire. Typical current waveform is used to make sure arc given an accurate energy input into filler wire. The arc characteristics, metal transfer forms, microstructure and mechanical property of ac-PMIG welding of AZ31B magnesium are investigated. The results show that a stable welding procedure and continuous joints can be obtained easily under a wide range of welding parameters. The most important factors for ac-PMIG welding are negative electrode (EN) ratio and pulse rework current, which give an accurate energy input into filler wire. The grain in fusion zone is much finer and more uniform, and grain size does not grow significantly in the heat affected zone compared with base metal. The average ultimate tensile strength of weld beads is 97·2% of base metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]