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Background and purpose: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) not only acts as proinflammatory cytokine conducing to wide spectrum of human diseases including inflammatory diseases, but also can induce tumor development. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between TNF-α gene polymorphisms and the occurrence and development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Han population of Yunnan Province. Methods: A total of 425 lung cancer patients with NSCLC and 438 healthy individuals were included from Han population of Yunnan Province. The genotypes of 5 polymorphism loci, rs1799964 (-1031T>C), rs1800630 (-863C>A), rs1799724 (-857C>T), rs1800629 (-308G>A) and rs361525 (-238G>A) of TNF-α gene were detected by TaqMan assay. The frequency distributions of allele, genotype and haplotype in NSCLC patients and healthy controls were analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in the allele and genotype frequency among 5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites in TNF-α gene promoter (P>0.05). And in stratification analysis, the frequency of rs1799724-T was significantly higher in the adenocarcinoma patients than in the controls (P=0.010, OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.11-2.19), and the rs1799724-TT+TC carrier showed significantly higher susceptibility to adenocarcinoma in dominant model (P=0.007, OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.146-2.417). The frequency of rs1800630-A was significantly higher in adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and other histological types of carcinoma patients (P=0.013, OR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.16-3.96). The haplotype analysis indicated that the frequency of haplotype rs1799724T-rs1800629G was higher in the adenocarcinoma group than in the control group (P=0.048, OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.00-2.01). Conclusion: The T allele and TT genotype of rs1799724 (C>T) in TNF-α gene promoter might be associated with the susceptibility to lung adenocarcinoma in Han population of Yunnan Province. And rs1800630 (C>T) -A might be a risk factor of other histological lung cancer in Han population of Yunnan Province.

Organic afterglow is a fascinating phenomenon with exceptional applications. However, it encounters challenges such as low intensity and efficiency, and typically requires UV-light excitation and facile intersystem crossing (ISC) due to its spin-forbidden nature. Here, we develop a novel strategy that bypasses the conventional ISC pathway by promoting singlet-triplet transition through the synergistic effects of the intra/intermolecular heavy-atom effect in aromatic crystals, enabling the direct population of triplet excited states from the ground state. The resulting materials exhibit a bright organic afterglow with a remarkably enhanced quantum efficiency of up to 5.81%, and a significantly increased organic afterglow lifetime of up to 157 microseconds under visible light. Moreover, given the high-efficiency visible-light excitable organic afterglow emission, the potential application is demonstrated in lifetime-resolved, color-encoded, and excitation wavelength-dependent pattern encryption. This work demonstrates the importance of the direct population method in enhancing the organic afterglow performance and red-shifting the excitation wavelength, and provides crucial insights for advancing organic optoelectronic technologies that involve triplet states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical compression stockings failed or didn't reach expected positive functions in practical uses, one of the reasons is related to the inaccurate or inappropriate of pressure distributions. Three-dimensional (3D) scanning and analysis were carried out to extract human anthropometric data. Knitting parameters were engineering designed and theoretical pressure profiles were predicted by mathematical models, according to integrative considerations of Standard, leg morphology and machine parameter setting. The predicted pressure distributions for Class I, II & III MCSs generally in predefined ranges. The actual measured pressure values were greater than predicted at all tested regions for Series 1 of MCSs. The MCSs combined structure A and B at calf region make the effect of homogenizing pressure around calf cross-section. It's feasible and valuable to develop MCSs based on knitting parameters, 3D body scanning individually and pre-defined pressure distribution ergonomically to match directly patient-specific medical requirements and healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim is to establish a shaping efficacy grading model for underbust corsets by exploring the pressure and shaping efficacy. Nine Chinese female college students aged 20–25 years old were employed in the pressure test and shaping efficacy experiment. In the pressure test, the pressures were measured at 31 points before and after wearing underbust corsets. In the shaping efficacy experiment, participants underwent three-dimensional body scanning before and after wearing underbust corsets. By analyzing the relationship between the pressure and shaping efficacy of underbust corsets, a shaping efficacy grading model characterized by pressure was established using the indirect grading method: when the comprehensive pressure values of the underbust circumference (UBC), waist circumference (WC) and abdominal circumference (AC) are 0–1.8, 1.8–2.4 and 2.4–3.4 kPa, the shaping efficacy of underbust corsets should be Grades I, II and III, respectively. Finally, the applicability of the grading model obtained is discussed, and the optimized model of underbust corsets based on the average pressure values is established: when the average pressure values of the UBC, WC and AC are 0–1.4, 1.4–2.1 and 2.1–3.4 kPa, the shaping efficacy of underbust corsets should be Grades I, II and III, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, reversible data hiding technology has been widely used in JPEG images for special purposes such as file management and image authentication. Histogram shifting is one of the most popular techniques for achieving reversible data hiding technology. However, invalid shifting in histogram shifting limits the performance of existing reversible data hiding schemes. Therefore, we propose a two-dimensional histogram shifting-based reversible data hiding scheme in this article to improve the performance of marked JPEG images in terms of visual quality and file size. In the proposed histogram shifting method, only the coefficient pairs containing two non-zero quantized discrete cosine transform coefficients are changed for embedding data. Specifically, the coefficient pairs with at least one quantized discrete cosine transform coefficient valued −1 or +1 are shifted and the rests leave room for embedding data. With our proposed reversible data hiding scheme, the number of invalid shifting pixels is reduced so that it improves the performance of marked JPEG images. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves a higher peak signal-to-noise ratio and has a lower increase in file size than state-of-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it is postulated that information based on skin layer deformation is necessary for the design of next-to-skin functional cycling suit. Especially for shoulder–chest region, shoulder–back region, waist–abdomen region and waist–hip region, which are critical factors in contact comfort sensations. The skin length deformation during three different road conditions (including uphill, downhill and normal road) and four cycling motions in various longitudinal, horizontal and curved directions were measured. The amount of skin deformation was slightly different for each of the five subjects, but the basic tendency of boundary between extension and contraction of skin surface was very much within the same region. The research results will help to improve cycling clothing in terms of function and comfort under the premise of the adaptation of human movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The garment pressure comfort sensation and discrimination were studied in the paper. The garment pressure comfort threshold and difference threshold were defined and calculated according to staircase method of psychophysics. In experiment, 10 subjects were employed in sensory tests and pressure measurements. A novel stretchable compressive belt was developed, which was used to control the pressure applied on separate body parts by its extension and intention, and the subjects judgement and pressure monitor were recorded in times. Finally, the comfort thresholds at nine separate body parts below waistline and difference thresholds at three parts & three varied standard pressure levels were investigated. This study provided proper comfort pressure range to human body for developing compression wear. Practitioner summary: Garment pressure comfort and difference threshold were firstly defined and calculated according to staircase method of psychophysics. The comfort thresholds at nine body parts and difference thresholds at three parts & three varied standard pressure levels were investigated. This study provided proper comfort pressure range to human body for developing compression wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine has been widely used in children to prevent invasive Hib disease because of its strong immunogenicity and antibody response induction relative to the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) antigen. The data from vaccine studies suggest that the conjugate vaccine contains carrier proteins that enhance and/or regulate the antigen's immunogenicity, but the mechanism of this enhancement remains unclear. Methods: To explore the immunological role of the conjugate vaccine, we compared the immune responses and gene profiles of rhesus macaques after immunization with CPS, carrier protein tetanus toxoid (TT) or conjugate vaccine. Results: A distinct immune response was induced by the Hib conjugate vaccine but not by CPS or carrier protein TT. The genes that were dynamically regulated in conjunction with the macaque immune responses to the conjugate vaccine were investigated. Conclusions: We propose that these genes are involved in the induction of specific immunity that is characterized by the appearance and maintenance of antibodies against Hib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dynamic pressure measuring system has been developed in this study. This system can be used for static pressure measuring, real-time dynamic pressure measuring and pressure fatigue analysis. A 3D geometric model on fabric deformation as well as mechanical behavior has been developed, which can be used for simulating the fabric elongation during dynamic pressing, and to deduce relationship between the press depth and fabric elongation. The process parameters of measuring system have been systematically estimated and analyzed. The range of press depth fixed for dynamic pressure measurement is found to be 58-115 mm, which responds to the fabric elongation from 10% to 40%. The press velocity at 100 mm/min is considered as the optional one for dynamic pressure measurement. Five repeated test cycles can be satisfied to assess the dynamic pressure fatigue performance quickly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compression garments are made of elastic fabric, which is used for operational reasons and clinical applications for treating venous ulceration, deep vein thrombosis or burns. The constant pressure of compression garments exerted on human body is very essential, and the success of the application is extremely dependent on this pressure. However, elastic fabric has a characteristic of hysteresis which contributes to the pressure decay during wearing. In this study, dynamic pressure attenuation is investigated experimentally. Dynamic pressure decreases with the repeated extension and recovery; its pressure attenuation increases as the extension level varied from 10% to 40%. The effects of fabric parameters on dynamic pressure at 1st test cycle and on dynamic pressure attenuation are also analyzed, such as spandex feeding rate and fabric structure. These results provide a better understanding of characteristics of elastic fabric used for making compression garments, and are beneficial for practitioners with scientific developments and for effective applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose – This study aims to clarify the key factors among physical-mechanical properties of fabrics in relation to the dynamic pressure performance of compression garment. Design/methodology/approach – The physical-mechanical properties of 16 different fabrics were measured using a KESF standard evaluation system and INSTRON tensile tester, and the garment pressure was measured by dynamic pressure measuring system. Grey correlation analysis is used to determine the correlation degree of fabric physical-mechanical properties and dynamic pressure magnitude. Findings – The mechanical behaviors (e.g. tensile, shearing, and bending) and physical characteristics are different in elastic fabrics with varied content of elastic fiber, kinds of yarn, et al. Grey correlation analysis is a valid method to analyze the indices of a system, quantize them and put them in order. All the degrees of Grey correlation are more than 0.6. The degree of grey correlation between tensile force (F), shearing rigidity (G) and bending rigidity (B) are higher than others, hence it is conducted that these would significantly effect on garment pressure. The quantitative regression equations between pressure magnitude at extension of 50 percent and the individual key parameters (mean values in wale and course directions) of tested samples are illustrated. Research limitations/implications – The other parameters (e.g. fabric structure, yarn fineness, and pre-tension, et al.) should be taken into account. Further, an integrative mathematic model would be established, which could predict the garment pressure directly from the physical-mechanical properties of fabric. Originality/value – The present study indicates that pressure magnitude of elastic fabric is an integrative action performed by physical-mechanical properties. The developed illustrative equations and method offer a rational and practical tool for assessing pressure functional performance of elastic fabric in the stages of design and product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1) presents a conundrum to public health worldwide because of its specific pathogenicity and clinical features. Some experimental vaccines, such as the recombinant viral glycoproteins, exhibit the viral immunogenicity of a host-specific immune response, but none of these has achieved a valid epidemiological protective efficacy in the human population. In the present study, we constructed an attenuated HSV-1 strain M3 through the partial deletion of UL7, UL41, and the latency-associated transcript (LAT) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The mutant strain exhibited lowered infectivity and virulence in macaques. Neutralization testing and ELISpot detection of the specific T-cell responses confirmed the specific immunity induced by M3 immunization and this immunity defended against the challenges of the wild-type strain and restricted the entry of the wild-type strain into the trigeminal ganglion. These results in rhesus macaques demonstrated the potential of the attenuated vaccine for the prevention of HSV-1 in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herpes simplex virus is a prevalent pathogen of humans of various age groups. The fact that no prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine is currently available suggests a significant need to further investigate the immune mechanisms induced by the virus and various vaccine candidates. We previously generated an HSV-1 mutant strain, M3, with partial deletions in ul7 , ul41 and LAT that produced an attenuated phenotype in mice. In the present study, we performed a comparative analysis to characterize the immune responses induced by M3 versus wild-type HSV-1 in a mouse model. Infection with wild-type HSV-1 triggered an inflammatory-dominated response and adaptive immunity suppression and was accompanied by severe pathological damage. In contrast, infection with M3 induced a systematic immune response involving full activation of both innate and adaptive immunity and was accompanied by no obvious pathological changes. Furthermore, the immune response induced by M3 protected mice from lethal challenge with wild-type strains of HSV-1 and restrained virus proliferation and impaired latency. These data are useful for further HSV-1 vaccine development using a mutant strain construction strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Novel motor skills are generally acquired through repetitive practices which are believed to be strongly related to neural plasticity mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the learning-relative hemodynamic modulation of cortical plasticity induced by long-term motor training., Methods: An 8-day participation-control program was conducted. Eighteen right-handed healthy participants were recruited and randomly assigned into the training (12) and control groups (6). The training group were arranged to undergo the 8-day block-designed motor training which required to repeat a visuomotor force-control task. The functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to continuously monitor the cortical hemodynamic response during training. Two transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measurements were performed before and after training to evaluate the cortical excitability changes. The transfer effects of learning were also investigated., Results: The behavior performance was quantified via score execution accuracy to illustrate the fast/slow learning stages as experience cumulated. The cortical hemodynamic activations mapped by fNIRS exhibited a temporal evolution trends that agreed the expansion-renormalization model, which assumed the brain modulation against skill acquisition includes complex mechanisms of neural expansion, selection, and renormalization. Functional connectivity (FC) analysis showed the FC strength was maintained, while the measured homodynamic activation returned to baseline after certain level of skill acquisition. Furthermore, the TMS results demonstrated a significant increase of motor evoked potential (MEP) on the targeted muscle for the trained participants, who significantly outperformed the untrained subjects in learning transfer investigation., Conclusion: The study illustrated the expansion-renormalization trends during continuous motor training, and relative analysis showed the functional connectivity enhancement may be maintained after amplitude renormalization of cortical hemodynamic activations. The TMS findings further gave an implication of neural facilitations on the descending motor pathway when brain activation returned to renormalization status after certain level of learning stages was achieved, and the learning can transfer to enhance the performance while encountering similar tasks., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wang, Feng, Yang, Hou, Wu and Chen.)

Objective: Epithelial cancers often originate from progenitor cells, while the origin of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial. HCC, one of the deadliest cancers, is closely linked with liver injuries and chronic inflammation, which trigger massive infiltration of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) during liver repair. Methods: To address the possible roles of BMDCs in HCC origination, we established a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC model in bone marrow transplanted mice. Immunohistochemistry and frozen tissue immunofluorescence were used to verify DEN-induced HCC in the pathology of the disease. The cellular origin of DEN-induced HCC was further studied by single cell sequencing, single-cell nested PCR, and immunofluorescence-fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results: Studies by using single cell sequencing and biochemical analysis revealed that HCC cells in these mice were coming from donor mice BMDCs, and not from recipient mice. Furthermore, the copy numbers of mouse orthologs of several HCC-related genes previously reported in human HCC were also altered in our mouse model. DEN-induced HCCs exhibited a similar histological phenotype and genomic profile as human HCCs. Conclusions: These results suggested that BMDCs are an important origin of HCC, which provide important clues to HCC prevention, detection, and treatments., Competing Interests: *These authors contributed equally to this work., (Copyright: © 2020, Cancer Biology & Medicine.)

Objective: More than half of human glioblastomas show EGFR gene amplification and mutation, but EGFR inhibitors have not been effective in treating EGFR-positive glioblastoma patients. The mechanism behind this type of primary resistance is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate gefitinib resistance in glioblastoma, and explore ways to circumvent this significant clinical problem., Methods: MTT method was used to test the cell viability after EGFR-positive glioblastoma cells were treated with indicated drugs; real-time quantitative PCR method was included to detect the TNFα mRNA levels in glioma tissues and cell lines. ELISA was introduced to measure the TNFα protein levels in cell culture supernatant of glioblastoma cells treated with gefitinib. Western blot was used to detect the activity change of intracellular kinases in drug-treated glioblastoma cells. Two mouse xenograft tumor models were carried out to evaluate the in vivo effects of a combination of EGFR and TNFα inhibitors., Results: We found that glioblastoma resistance to gefitinib may be mediated by an adaptive pro-survival TNFα-JNK-Axl signaling axis, and that high TNFα levels in the glioblastoma microenvironment may further intensify primary resistance. A combination of the TNFα-specific small-molecule inhibitor C87 and gefitinib significantly enhanced the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells to gefitinib in vitro and in vivo ., Conclusions: Our findings provide a possible explanation for the primary resistance of glioblastoma to EGFR inhibitors and suggest that dual blockade of TNFα and EGFR may be a viable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with chemotherapy-refractory advanced glioblastoma., (Copyright 2019 Cancer Biology & Medicine.)