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Objective: Blood pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with clinical outcome. However, evidence of blood pressure (BP) range is scarce and the association between BP and clinical outcome is mostly controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between blood pressure and clinical outcome in TBI.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study using the Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital trauma database from January 2009 to June 2019; totally, 13,114 patients were examined. The primary outcome of this investigation was in-hospital mortality and the secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate and prolong ICU stay (defined as stay in ICU ≥ 14 days). Subgroups analysis of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Triage SBP was also conducted.Results: A total of 1782 traumatic adult patients with TBI (AIS score < 3) were finally included. The cut-off points are 130 mmHg to 149 mmHg in all TBI patients with lower odds ratio of mortality. In different TBI severity, U-shape relationship also presented and we also found that cut-off points of 130 to 149 mmHg in mild TBI and 110 to 129 mmHg in moderate TBI have lower odds ratio of mortality. The mortality is significantly increased in BP below 90 mmHg and above 190 mmHg in TBI patients.Conclusions: Traumatic brain injury population presented a U-shape relationship between triage SBP and in-hospital mortality. Early resuscitation and correct hypotension/hypertension in TBI population with BP below 90 mmHg and above 190 mmHg may prevent from increased mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revascularisation for peripheral artery disease (PAD) is increasingly common in dialysis patients. Patients with PAD who have undergone revascularisation are at high risk of subsequent complications. Malnutrition is an important modifiable risk factor for dialysis patients, yet few data exist on the prognostic impact of malnutrition on post-procedure long term outcomes. The objective was to assess the prevalence and prognostic association of malnutrition using the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in a prospective cohort of dialysis patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT) for PAD. A total of 395 consecutive dialysis patients undergoing endovascular revascularisation for lower extremity PAD between 2005 and 2019 were examined for the primary outcome of all cause death. Secondary outcomes included major adverse limb events (MALEs), defined as acute limb ischaemia, major amputation, and clinically driven revascularisation; and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Nutritional status was assessed by CONUT score, a screening tool for malnutrition, incorporating albumin, cholesterol, and total lymphocyte count. According to the CONUT score, 40.8% of patients were moderately or severely malnourished. During a median follow up of 2.2 years, 218 (55.2%) patients died; 211 (53.4%) patients had MALEs, and MACEs occurred in 135 (34.2%) patients. Compared with normal nutritional status, severe malnutrition was associated with a significantly increased risk of all cause death (adjusted hazard ration [aHR] 4.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.56 – 9.12) and MALEs (aHR 2.42, 95% CI 1.23 – 4.74) but not MACEs (aHR 1.81, 95% CI 0.74 – 4.40). Similar results were observed when the CONUT score was analysed as a continuous variable. Malnutrition is common in dialysis patients with PAD requiring endovascular therapy and is strongly associated with increased death and MALEs. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate whether nutritional interventions improve outcomes for dialysis patients after peripheral revascularisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nano-carbon aerogels (NCAs) have three-dimensional structures, and high porosities. They show promise as innovative materials because of their attractive properties such as high electrical conductivity, high-porosity structures, and high surface areas, which suggest that the material properties of polymer-based composites can be improved. In this study, NCAs were used to reinforce epoxy/carbon fiber composite (CFRP) laminates to investigate the impact and after-impact properties of the composites under three different impact energies 20, 25, and 30 J. The experimental results showed that the impact resistance properties of the CFRP laminates steadily improved with NCAs at the addition of 0.3 wt%. In addition, the damage to the NCAs/CFRP laminates at the low impact energy of 20 J was observed by nondestructive evaluation, including ultrasonic inspection (C-scan) and thermographic analysis, to understand the delamination behavior of the NCAs/CFRP laminate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Silicosis remains the most prevalent occupational disease worldwide. There have been no specific studies focusing on the association between exposure settings at work and the clinical severity in silicosis patients. In this study, we describe and compare the clinical characteristics and silicosis-associated exposure history at work among workers from several types of ceramic production facilities in Taiwan.Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 221 patients who were first diagnosed with silicosis at the Occupational Medicine Clinic of Northern Taiwan in 2012. For each patient, we collected data on demographic characteristics, smoking habits, working history, duration of exposure, and years on the first relevant job. We also retrieved clinical reports of the pulmonary function test and the baseline chest radiography used for silicosis staging.Results: As compared to other ceramic workers, sanitary ceramic workers had a worse X-ray type (p=0.044), more advanced age (p<0.001), longer working duration (p=0.029), and a higher proportion of starting the first relevant job prior to the year 1975 (p=0.003). However, after adjusting for age, work duration, and an initial occupational exposure prior to 1975, sanitary ceramic workers showed a comparable risk for worse X-ray findings to other ceramic workers (adjusted odds ratio=1.18, p=0.704). Results of multivariable regression models on individual lung function parameter also suggested comparably impaired lung function tests between sanitary and other ceramic workers (p>0.05).Conclusion: In this study, we found that sanitary ceramic workers were at a similar risk to other ceramic workers for moderate to severe silicosis when older age and longer working duration were accounted for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The histone variant H2A.Z is a hallmark of nucleosomes flanking promoters of protein-coding genes and is often found in nucleosomes that carry lysine 56-acetylated histone H3 (H3-K56Ac), a mark that promotes replication-independent nucleosome turnover. Here, we find that H3-K56Ac promotes RNA polymerase II occupancy at many protein-coding and noncoding loci, yet neither H3-K56Ac nor H2A.Z has a significant impact on steady-state mRNA levels in yeast. Instead, broad effects of H3-K56Ac or H2A.Z on RNA levels are revealed only in the absence of the nuclear RNA exosome. H2A.Z is also necessary for the expression of divergent, promoter-proximal noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in mouse embryonic stem cells. Finally, we show that H2A.Z functions with H3-K56Ac to facilitate formation of chromosome interaction domains (CIDs). Our study suggests that H2A.Z and H3-K56Ac work in concert with the RNA exosome to control mRNA and ncRNA expression, perhaps in part by regulating higher-order chromatin structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] STFT-ranking feature was employed for multi-channel EMG signal analysis. [•] Motion pattern recognition using dynamic or isometric EMG signals was compared. [•] Recognition accuracy over 90% was achieved applying the STFT-ranking feature. [•] Inconsistent EMG signals in training and validation phases yield a negative effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The dynamic properties of sandwich beams with MWNT/polymer nanocomposites as core materials were investigated. The faces of sandwich beams are graphite/epoxy laminates. Epoxy and phenolic resins served as a matrix material, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) provided reinforcement of the fabricated MWNT/polymer nanocomposites as core materials for sandwich beams. The frequency responses of sandwich beams under excitation were measured experimentally with a signal analyzer; the half-power method was used to find the loss factors of the sandwich beams for each mode. The finite element method was used for free vibration analysis of the sandwich beams; the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the sandwich beams were calculated numerically. The numerical and experimental results agreed satisfactorily. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bamboo-fiber-reinforced polymers have gained popularity in numerous industries because of their mechanical properties, lightweight, and ecological benefits. In this study, to determine the effects of textile structure on the impact resistance performance of bamboo-textile-reinforced polymers (BTRPs), we evaluated three impact modes: simple support beam (SSB), drop weight, and Charpy impact. We then used 3D X-ray scanning to determine the effects of the textile structure and impact modes on the microscopic fracture and crack development. The results indicated that the woven structure allowed for energy transmission in all directions during the drop weight impact test. During the SSB impact test, the large quantity of bamboo tows parallel to the major axis of the specimen increased the absorbed energy. When additional layers were added in the loading direction, the deflection of the entire specimen decreased, thus leading to lower absorbed energy. According to 3D X-ray images and quasi-static bending fracture results, similar fracture patterns appeared on dynamic and static loaded specimens. Consequently, the energy required for internal fracture and the strain energy of deflection are the two significant reasons that enable the excellent impact resistance performance of BTRPs. • Three impact modes include simple support beam, drop weight, and Charpy were conducted. • Effects of woven structure factors on impact strength, absorbed energy and fractography were determined. • 3D Xray technique was used to identify fracture modes and fracture pattern. • The impact energy absorbed is nearly equal to the sum of the energy required for fracturing, crack propagation and the work done by deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antipsychotic drug (APD) treatment has been associated with metabolic abnormalities. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is the main site of adaptive thermogenesis and secretes various metabolism-improving factors known as batokines. We explored the association of BAT activity with APD treatment and metabolic abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia by measuring the blood levels of bone morphogenetic protein 8b (BMP8b), a batokine secreted by mature BAT. BMP8b levels were compared among 50 drug-free, 32 aripiprazole-treated, and 91 clozapine-treated patients with schizophrenia. Regression analysis was used to explore factors, including APD types, that might be associated with BMP8b levels and the potential effect of BMP8b on metabolic syndrome (MS). APD-treated patients had decreased BMP8b levels relative to drug-free patients. The difference still existed after adjustment for body mass index and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores. Among APD-treated group, clozapine was associated with even lower BMP8b levels than the less obesogenic APD, aripiprazole. Furthermore, higher BMP8b levels were associated with lower risks of MS after adjustment for BMI and APD treatment. Using drug-free patients as the comparison group to understand the effect of APDs, this is the first study to show APD treatment is associated with reduced BAT activity that is measured by BMP8b levels, with clozapine associated a more significant reduction than aripiprazole treatment. BMP8b might have a beneficial effect against metabolic abnormalities and this effect is independent of APD treatment. Future studies exploring the causal relationship between APD treatment and BMP8b levels and the underlying mechanisms are warranted. • BAT is the main site of adaptive thermogenesis that improves metabolic problems. • BMP8b is a batokine secreted by BAT, with levels correlated to BAT activity. • Antipsychotic-treated patients had lower BMP8b levels than drug-free patients. • Clozapine treatment was associated with even lower BMP8b levels than aripiprazole. • Higher BMP8b levels were associated with lower metabolic risks in our patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial myxoid mesenchymal tumors (IMMTs) with fusions between EWSR1/FUS and CREB transcription factors have morphologic overlap with myxoid angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (mAFH) and myoepithelial tumor/carcinoma (MET/MEC). We aimed to study the clinicopathologic and genetic spectrum of extracranial IMMT-like tumors and their relationships with mAFH and MET/MEC. Twelve extracranial tumors harboring EWSR1/FUS - CREB fusions across different histologic groups were characterized using RNA sequencing, FISH and/or RT-PCR. There were 4 IMMT-like neoplasms, 3 MET/MECs, and 5 mAFHs from the tibia (n=1), oral cavity (n=2), and soft tissues (n=9; 5 in the extremities), harboring EWSR1-ATF1 in 4 cases, FUS-CREM and EWSR1-CREM in 3 each , and EWSR1-CREB1 in 2. Multinodular growth, reticular/cording/trabecular arrangements, myxocollagenous matrix, and lymphocytic infiltrates variably prevailed among the 3 groups. mAFHs were characterized by cells with syncytial cytoplasm. IMMT-like neoplasms and MET/MECs shared cells with distinct boundaries, but only MET/MECs expressed GFAP and/or S100. MUC4 and ALK were expressed in some IMMT-like neoplasms (2/4; 2/4) and mAFH (2/5; 1/5). Pan-TRK reactivity was observed in two IMMT-like neoplasms with upregulated NTRK3 mRNA and one MEC. Local recurrences, typically ≥ 12 months postoperatively, developed in 2/3 IMMT-like neoplasms, 1/2 MET/MECs, and 0/4 mAFHs with follow-up. No definite associations were found between fusion types and histology, immunoprofile or outcome. We demonstrated the similarities and differences among 3 extracranial myxocollagenous tumor groups sharing EWSR1/FUS - CREB fusions. Oral IMMT-like neoplasms harboring FUS-CREM or EWSR1-ATF1 and FUS-CREM -positive. ● Molecular testing enables identification of rare extracranial FET-CREB -positive myxocollagenous tumors, including morphologically overlapped myxoid angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, myoepithelial neoplasm, and those resembling so-called intracranial myxoid mesenchymal tumor (IMMT). ● Oral IMMT-like neoplasms harboring FUS-CREM or EWSR1-ATF1 and FUS-CREM -positive myoepithelial neoplasm should join as new members of this ever-expanding family with clinicopathologic heterogeneity. ● These tumor types often but variably express MUC4, ALK, and pan-TRK with NTRK3 mRNA upregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxaliplatin, a third-generation platinum derivative, has become one of the main chemotherapeutic treatments for esophagus, gastric and colorectal cancer; however, it is still unclear the potential effectiveness for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with gemcitabine resistance. Here, we observed that PDAC tumors have low level of organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2, also known as SLC22A2) compared with non-tumor tissues and identified that OCT2 expression is positively correlated with oxaliplatin sensitivity in PDAC cells. Treatment of OCT2 inhibitors or knockdown of OCT2 expression significantly decreased the sensitivity to oxaliplatin in PANC-1 cells. In addition, bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that higher methylation frequency represses OCT2 expression in gemcitabine-resistant PANC-1 (PANC-1/GR) cells. Moreover, we found that treatment of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, decitabine or 5-azacytidine recover OCT2 expression and oxaliplatin sensitivity in PANC-1/GR cells, and DNMT1 level has inverse correlation with OCT2 expression in PDAC cells and tumors. Our findings jointly suggest that OCT2 expression is a potential and predictive marker for evaluating oxaliplatin sensitivity and developing alternative treatments for PDAC patients with gemcitabine resistance. [Display omitted] • Low level of OCT2 expression in PDAC tumors. • OCT2 expression is positively correlated with oxaliplatin sensitivity. • Inhibition of DNMTs upregulates OCT2 expression and oxaliplatin sensitivity. • The negative correlation between DNMT1 and OCT2 expression in PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: InGaN solar cell structures had a tapered GaN structure at GaN/sapphire interface that was fabricated through a laser decomposition process and a wet crystallographic etching process. A 51% backside roughened-area ratio was observed in the treated solar cell structure to increase the light scattering process at GaN/sapphire interface. The peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) and peak wavelengths of the photovoltaic properties were measured at 38.3% (at 392nm) and 70.5% (at 396nm) for the conventional and the treated solar cell structures, respectively. The cutoff wavelength of the relative transmittance spectra and the wavelength of the peak EQE values for the treated solar cell structure had the redshift phenomenon which was caused by increasing light reflectance at the tapered-GaN/sapphire interface and increasing light absorption at the InGaN layers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]