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Numerous resting-state functional and structural studies have revealed that many brain regions are involved in the pathogenesis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but their findings have been inconsistent. Moreover, there has no study explored the functional and structural alterations across languages in PTSD.A meta-analysis of whole-brain on the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies that explored alterations in the spontaneous functional brain activity and grey matter volume (GMV) in PTSD patients across languages by using the Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images (SDM-PSI) software.A total of 15 studies (19 datasets) comprising 577 PTSD patients and 499 HCs for ALFF, and 27 studies (31 datasets) comprising 539 PTSD patients and 693 HCs for VBM were included. Overall, PTSD patients across languages displayed decreased ALFF in the in the left amygdala. For VBM meta-analysis, PTSD patients across languages displayed reduced GMV in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex/medial prefrontal cortex (ACC/mPFC), striatum, insula, superior temporal gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, and occipital gyrus.The multimodal meta-analysis suggest that PTSD patients showed similar pattern of aberrant resting-state functional brain activity and structure mainly in the amygdala, suggesting that structural deficits might underlie alterations in function. In addition, some regions exhibited only structural abnormalities in PTSD, including the ACC/mPFC, striatum, insula, primary visual, auditory and sensorimotor cortices. Moreover, consistent alterations in PTSD patients across languages may draw attention to the disparity in multi-cultural considerations in psychiatric research and further understanding the neurophysiopathology of PTSD.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking biomaterials are considered effective tissue-engineered scaffolds for regenerative medicine because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. ECM-mimicking biomaterials preserve natural microstructures and matrix-related bioactive components and undergo continuous matrix remodeling upon transplantation. The interaction between host immune cells and transplanted ECM-mimicking biomaterials has attracted considerable attention in recent years. Transplantation of biomaterials may initiate injuries and early pro-inflammation reactions characterized by infiltration of neutrophils and M1 macrophages. Pro-inflammation reactions may lead to degradation of the transplanted biomaterial and drive the matrix into a fetal-like state. ECM degradation leads to the release of matrix-related bioactive components that act as signals for cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In late stages, pro-inflammatory cells fade away, and anti-inflammatory cells emerge, which involves macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype and leukocyte activation to T helper 2 (Th2) cells. These anti-inflammatory cells interact with each other to facilitate matrix deposition and tissue reconstruction. Deposited ECM molecules serve as vital components of the mature tissue and influence tissue homeostasis. However, dysregulation of matrix remodeling results in several pathological conditions, such as aggressive inflammation, difficult healing, and non-functional fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of inflammatory responses in matrix remodeling after transplantation of ECM-mimicking biomaterials. Additionally, we discuss the intrinsic linkages between matrix remodeling and tissue regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking biomaterials are effectively used as scaffolds in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, dysregulation of matrix remodeling can cause various pathological conditions. Here, the review describes the characteristics of inflammatory responses in matrix remodeling after transplantation of ECM-mimicking biomaterials. Additionally, we discuss the intrinsic linkages between matrix remodeling and tissue regeneration. We believe that understanding host immune responses to matrix remodeling of transplanted biomaterials is important for directing effective tissue regeneration of ECM-mimicking biomaterials. Considering the close relationship between immune response and matrix remodeling results, we highlight the need for studies of the effects of clinical characteristics on matrix remodeling of transplanted biomaterials.

Fibrosis is an excessive accumulation of the extracellular matrix within solid organs in response to injury and a common pathway that leads functional failure. No clinically approved agent is available to reverse or even prevent this process. Herein, we report a nanotechnology-based approach that utilizes a drug carrier to deliver a therapeutic cargo specifically to fibrotic kidneys, thereby improving the antifibrotic effect of the drug and reducing systemic toxicity. We first adopted in vitro-in vivo combinatorial phage display technology to identify peptide ligands that target myofibroblasts in mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced fibrotic kidneys. We then engineered lipid-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) with fibrotic kidney-homing peptides on the surface and sorafenib, a potent antineoplastic multikinase inhibitor, encapsulated in the core. Sorafenib loaded in the myofibroblast-targeted NPs significantly reduced the infiltration of α-smooth muscle actin-expressing myofibroblasts and deposition of collagen I in UUO-treated kidneys and enhanced renal plasma flow measured by Technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine scintigraphy. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of the newly identified peptide fragments as anchors to target myofibroblasts and represents a strategic advance for selective delivery of sorafenib to treat renal fibrosis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Renal fibrosis is a pathological feature accounting for the majority of issues in chronic kidney disease (CKD), which may progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This manuscript describes a myofibroblast-targeting drug delivery system modified with phage-displayed fibrotic kidney-homing peptides. By loading the myofibroblast-targeting nanoparticles (NPs) with sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, the NPs could suppress collagen synthesis in cultured human myofibroblasts. When given intravenously to mice with UUO-induced renal fibrosis, sorafenib loaded in myofibroblast-targeting NPs significantly ameliorated renal fibrosis. This approach provides an efficient therapeutic option to renal fibrosis. The myofibroblast-targeting peptide ligands and nanoscale drug carriers may be translated into clinical application in the future.

Background Previous studies have demonstrated that high levels of estradiol (E2) impair blastocyst implantation through effects on the endometrium; however, whether high E2 directly affects blastocysts is not well established. The present study sought to clarify the direct impacts of high E2 levels on blastocysts in vitro. Material and methods ICR virgin albino mice were used. Using an in-vitro 8-day blastocyst culture model, immunofluorescence staining for the estrogen receptor (ER), blastocyst outgrowth assays, differential staining and TUNEL assays of blastocysts, and embryo transfer, we investigated the main outcomes of exposure to different E2 concentrations (10−7 to 10−4 M) in vitro and in vivo. Results ERα and ERβ expression were detected in pre-implantation stage embryos. In vitro exposure of blastocysts to 10−4 M E2 for 24 h followed by 7 days culture in the absence of E2 caused severe inhibition of implantation and post-implantation development. The late adverse effects of E2 on post-implantation development still occurred at concentrations of 10−7 to 10−5 M. In addition, blastocyst proliferation was reduced and apoptotic cells were increased following exposure to 10−4 M E2. Using an in vivo embryo-transfer model, we also showed that treatment with high E2 resulted in fewer implantation sites (38% vs. 72% in control) and greater resorption of implanted blastocysts (81% vs. 38% in control). Conclusions Exposure to high E2 concentrations in vitro is deleterious to blastocyst implantation and early post-implantation development, mainly owing to direct impacts of E2 on implanting blastocysts. In clinical ART, high serum E2 concentrations not only affects the endometrium, but also affects blastocysts directly at the period of implantation.

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites exhibit great potential in connecting with metallic materials to fabricate desired structures with superior properties. Since composite/metal structures are expected to experience corrosion and impact loading during their long-term service, this paper comprehensively studied the effects of high speed loading and cyclic salt spray-dry-wet exposure on dynamic responses of hybrid bonded-riveted CFRP/Al joints. Experimental results indicated that the joint load-carrying capability was relatively higher with increased loading speed. The peak load, fail displacement and energy absorption of joints were sensitive to salt spray exposure and progressively declined with higher aging time. A high speed camera was implemented to record the whole failure process of hybrid joints under dynamic loading for further progressive failure analyses. The representative specimens were selected to comparatively investigate their failure characteristics and found that the failure process of samples under high speed loading (5–10 m/s) was considerably different with respect to aging time and loading speed.

Background: Percutaneous central venous catheters (PCVCs) are used commonly and widely in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Malposition of PCVCs may cause life-threatening complications and prolong hospitalization. In Taiwan, conventional chest-abdomen radiography (CXR) has been used widely and routinely for assessing tip location of PCVCs. Compared to ultrasonography (US), CXR cannot provide real-time assessment, and patients are exposed to radiation. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the role of US in detecting PCVC tip location in the lower extremities. Methods: Neonates who received PCVC insertion in the lower extremities in NICU from March 2019 to April 2020 were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. PCVC tip location was confirmed finally by conventional CXR after US examination and patients were included in the sono group; those not assessed by US formed the non-sono group. In addition, PCVCs inserted in 2018 for which tip location was evaluated only by CXR, were reviewed retrospectively and these cases were included in the non-sono group. Withdrawal rates between the two groups were analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: The sono group included 166 neonates with PCVCs and 141 were in the non-sono group. Median gestational age at date of PCVC insertion was 33.21 and 32.71 weeks in sono and non-sono groups, respectively (p = 0.37). Withdrawal rates were 10.84% and 65.95% (p

Background Complications of percutaneous central venous catheters (PCVCs) include catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI), occlusion, leakage, and phlebitis, which may lead to sepsis or prolonged hospitalization. The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the appropriate frequency of dressing for percutaneous central venous catheters in preventing CRBSI, every week regularly vs. non-regularly, in premature neonates in NICU. Methods Patients in NICU requiring PCVCs from March 2019–May 2020 were enrolled. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: regular dressing group (RD), for which dressings were changed every week regularly, or additionally when oozing was noticed; and non-regular dressing group (ND), for which dressings were changed only when oozing was visible. The incidence of CRBSI, occlusion, leakage, and phlebitis were compared between the two groups using the Chi-squared test. The incidence of catheter-related complications was defined as numbers of episodes per 1,000 catheter-days. Results A total of 197 PCVCs were enrolled. The ND and RD groups had 99 and 98 PCVCs, respectively. The average CD interval was 9.3 days in ND group and 5.8 days in RD group. The incidence of CRBSI in RD group was 0‰, which was significantly lower than that of ND group, which was 2.0‰ (p = 0.048), but no significant differences were found between groups in the incidence of occlusion, leakage, and phlebitis of PCVCs. Conclusion Regular dressing changes every week and when oozing occurs while maintaining the protocol of maximum sterile barrier precautions is the best method and frequency of dressings of PCVCs.

Summary Polycomb group (PcG) proteins exist in distinct multi-protein complexes and play a central role in silencing developmental genes, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that deficiency of retinoblastoma binding protein 4 (RBBP4), a component of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) leads to spontaneous differentiation into mesendodermal lineages. We further show that Rbbp4 and core PRC2 share an important number of common genomic targets, encoding regulators involved in early germ layer specification. Moreover, we find that Rbbp4 is absolutely essential for genomic targeting of PRC2 to a subset of developmental genes. Interestingly, we demonstrate that Rbbp4 is necessary for sustaining the expression of Oct4 and Sox2 and that the forced co-expression of Oct4 and Sox2 fully rescues the pluripotency of Rbbp4-null ESCs. Therefore, our study indicates that Rbbp4 links maintenance of the pluripotency regulatory network with repression of mesendoderm lineages., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • RBBP4 deficiency in ESCs leads to spontaneous differentiation into mesendodermal lineages • Rbbp4 binding sites in ESCs substantially overlap with PRC2 binding • Rbbp4 is absolutely essential for PRC2 chromatin occupancy • Rbbp4 is necessary for sustaining the expression levels of Oct4 and Sox2, Polycomb group (PcG) proteins play a critical role in silencing developmental genes, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Yikai et al. report that PcG protein Rbbp4 represses developmental gene expression by recruiting PRC2 to the genes' promoter regions, thereby maintaining stem cell self-renewal and identity.

Polysaccharide hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering because of their superior biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. However, many of these hydrogels are unrealistic for practical applications as the cost of raw materials is high, and the fabrication steps are tedious. This study focuses on the facile fabrication and optimization of agarose-polydopamine hydrogel (APG) scaffolds for skin wound healing. The first study objective was to evaluate the effects of polydopamine (PDA) on the mechanical properties, water holding capacity and cell adhesiveness of APG. We observed that APG showed decreased rigidity and increased water content with the addition of PDA. Most importantly, decreased rigidity translated into significant increase in cell adhesiveness. Next, the slow biodegradability and high biocompatibility of APG with the highest PDA content (APG3) was confirmed. In addition, APG3 promoted full-thickness skin defect healing by accelerating collagen deposition and promoting angiogenesis. Altogether, we have developed a straightforward and efficient strategy to construct functional APG scaffold for skin tissue engineering, which has translation potentials in clinical practice., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Agarose-polydopamine hydrogel scaffold was developed via a simple two-step approach. • In vitro and in vivo experiments show that the scaffold holds biocompatibility and biodegradability. • The cell migration rate on the scaffold is high and cells can migrate from the surface to the inside of scaffold. • The scaffold can facilitate wound healing by promoting collagen deposition and angiogenesis.

Background/Purpose: Endometriosis (EM) is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, whether this finding can be applied to the Taiwanese population remained unanswered. To investigate the association between EM and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and the therapeutic effect on the risk of MACCE in Asian women with EM. A retrospective population-based cohort study was performed. Methods: A total of 17 543 patients with EM aged between 18 and 50 years were identified from a general population of 1 million Taiwanese after excluding diagnoses of major CVD and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) prior to EM. The comparison group (n = 70 172) without EM was selected by matching the study cohort with age, sex, and income and urbanization levels in a 4:1 ratio. Results: During a median follow-up period of 9.2 years, Taiwanese women with EM had a significantly higher frequency of comorbidities, medical and surgical treatment, and MACCE than did their non-EM counterparts (2.76% vs 2.18%, P

International audience; The Depth-Image-Based-Rendering (DIBR) is one of the main fundamental technique to generate new views in 3D video applications, such as Multi-View Videos (MVV), Free-Viewpoint Videos (FVV) and Virtual Reality (VR). However, the quality assessment of DIBR-synthesized views is quite different from the traditional 2D images/videos. In recent years, several efforts have been made towards this topic, but there is a lack of detailed survey in the literature. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey on various current approaches for DIBR-synthesized views. The current accessible datasets of DIBR-synthesized views are firstly reviewed, followed by a summary analysis of the representative state-of-the-art objective metrics. Then, the performances of different objective metrics are evaluated and discussed on all available datasets. Finally, we discuss the potential challenges and suggest possible directions for future research.

With the rapid development of biomedicine applications, more flexible and efficient fabrication strategies are required for drug delivery vehicles. Naturally resourced polymers have gained considerable attention for construction of drug carriers. Here, biocompatible hydrogel reservoir system (named PHG-PDA) based on pullulan and polydopamine (PDA) are designed and fabricated by one-pot incorporation of PDA fibers into pullulan hydrogel (PHG). The structure and performance of the PHG-PDAs can be nicely adjusted by regulating the content of PDA fibers in precursor hydrogel solutions. Crystal violet is used as a drug prototype and introduced into hydrogels via swelling-diffusion approach. We found that the drug loading process followed the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model, while the drug releasing process was pH-responsive, and the cumulative release reached 60.3% and 87% at pH 7.4 and 5.0, respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on L929 cells demonstrated that our hydrogels were nontoxic even in a high concentration (3.4 mg/mL). In sum, these biocompatible PHG-PDAs with tunable physicochemical properties are promising systems for drug delivery.

Among the major challenges of the century, reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels is the most important. In this context, several approaches have been considered, including the production of lignocellulosic ethanol or second-generation bioethanol. After this preprocessing, second-generation bioethanol is produced using a process involving four primary steps. Different processes of hydrolysis and fermentation are highlighted and then technology trends and barriers to industrial development are commented.

A unique redox-coupled biomimetic system was developed, in which Fe-Anderson type polyoxometalates (POMs) were employed as electron transfer mediators (ETMs) and benzenesulfonic acid (BSA)-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were used as electron-donors for aerobic oxidative desulfurization (AODS) of diesel fuel. Different compositions of DESs were used and the polyethylene glycol 2000 (PEG2000)/2.5BSA system showed the highest desulfurization activity, with the removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) at 60 °C reaching 95% in 60 min. The excellent desulfurization activity of the system is due to the in situ formation of peroxysulfonate via a biomimetic process. By constructing a coupled redox system, Fe-Anderson type POMs as ETMs reduce the activation energy of oxygen-activated sulfonate. The physical characteristics of four different DESs were tested. The results show that the conductivity of DESs is correlated with the composition of BSA-based DESs. However, there is no similar trend in viscosity testing at the same temperature, and the maximum viscosity value is obtained for the PEG2000/2.5BSA system at 60 °C, which may be associated with the stronger hydrogen bonds. It is worth noting that the PEG2000/2.5BSA system also possesses the best desulfurization activity, which suggests that the activity of the desulfurization system is related to the strength of the hydrogen bond in DESs. Finally, the biomimetic desulfurization system exhibits excellent performance and good stability under mild reaction conditions (60 °C, atmospheric pressure, oxygen as the oxidant).

To know about the element composition, morphology and potential Pb-sources of the atmospheric dust in a steel-industry city in southwest China, the atmospheric dust samples were collected from three different land-using areas, including heavy traffic areas (HTA), residential areas (RA) and industrial areas (RA) were analysed by ICP-MS, SEM-EDX and MC-ICP MS. Results showed the atmospheric dust particles in Panzhihua were characterized by spherical, massive, columnar, layered, and irregular morphologies, and the particles containing minerals were mainly composed of quartz, calcite, gypsum, feldspar, dolomite, iron and titanium minerals. The average concentrations of Zn (795.9 μg/g), Pb (225.3 μg/g), Cr (507.3 μg/g), Cu (134.7 μg/g) in atmospheric dust were higher than the local soil background values except Cd (0.86 μg/g). Lead was enriched in these areas, and it was on “significant enrichment” level. The potential ecological risk index (RI) is in low pollution risk in these three areas. The results of lead isotopic ratios showed that the main sources of lead in atmospheric dust in Panzhihua City were smelting, motor vehicle exhaust and soil. Based on the results of the Pb ternary mixed model, these sources contributed an average of 50.97%, 29.41% and 19.62% of the lead in atmospheric dust, respectively.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is one of the major lethal complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM); however, no specific strategy for preventing or treating DC has been identified.This study aimed to investigate the effects of β-lapachone (Lap), a natural compound that increases antioxidant activity in various tissues, on DC and explore the underlying mechanisms.As an in vivo model, C57BL/6 mice were fed with the high-fat diet (HF) for 10 weeks to induce type 2 DM. Mice were fed Lap with the HF or after 5 weeks of HF treatment to investigate the protective effects of Lap against DC.In the two in vivo models, Lap decreased heart weight, increased heart function, reduced oxidative stress, and elevated mitochondrial content under the HF. In the in vitro model, palmitic acid (PA) was used to mimic the effects of an HF on the differentiated-cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2. The results demonstrated that Lap reduced PA-induced ROS production by increasing the expression of antioxidant regulators and enzymes, inhibiting inflammation, increasing mitochondrial activity, and thus reducing cell damage. Via the use of specific inhibitors and siRNA, the protective effects of Lap were determined to be mediated mainly by NQO1, Sirt1 and mitochondrial activity.Heart damage in DM is usually caused by excessive oxidative stress. This study showed that Lap can protect the heart from DC by upregulating antioxidant ability and mitochondrial activity in cardiomyocytes. Lap has the potential to serve as a novel therapeutic agent for both the prevention and treatment of DC.