Search

Wheat leaf blight caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is a widespread fungal disease that poses a serious risk to wheat. Biological control without causing environmental pollution is one of the safest and most effective method to control plant diseases. The antagonistic bacterial strain HeN-7 (identified as Bacillus velezensis) was isolated from tobacco leaves cultivated in Henan province, China. The results of different concentrations of cell-free supernatant (CFS) from HeN-7 culture against B. sorokiniana mycelia showed that 20% HeN-7 CFS (v/v) reached the maximum inhibition rate of 96%. In the potted plants control assay, B. velezensis HeN-7 CFS exhibited remarkable biocontrol activity on the wheat infected with B. sorokiniana, the best pot control efficacy was 65% at 20% CFS. The research on the mechanism of action demonstrated that HeN-7 CFS induced the membrane lipid peroxidation in B. sorokiniana, leading to the disruption of cell membrane integrity and resulting in the leakage of cell contents; in addition, the intracellular mitochondrial membrane potential in mycelium dissipated and reactive oxygen species accumulated, thereby inhibiting the growth of B. sorokiniana. These results indicate that B. velezensis HeN-7 is a promising candidate as a biological control agent against Bipolaris sorokiniana infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 7 is aberrantly overexpressed in many types of cancer and is an attractive target for cancer therapy due to its dual role in transcription and cell cycle progression. Moreover, CDK7 can directly modulate the activities of estrogen receptor (ER), which is a major driver in breast cancer. Breast cancer cells have exhibited high sensitivity to CDK7 inhibition in pre-clinical studies. Methods: In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the latest insights into CDK7 biology and recent advancements in CDK7 inhibitor development for breast cancer treatment. We also discuss the current application of CDK7 inhibitors in different molecular types of breast cancer to provide potential strategies for the treatment of breast cancer. Results: Significant progress has been made in the development of selective CDK7 inhibitors, which show efficacy in both triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (HR+). Moreover, combined with other agents, CDK7 inhibitors may provide synergistic effects for endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. Thus, high-quality studies for developing potent CDK7 inhibitors and investigating their applications in breast cancer therapy are rapidly emerging. Conclusion: CDK7 inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy and have demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in different subtypes of breast cancer, especially those that have been resistant to current therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is no definitive answer regarding the efficacy of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) as a tumour bed boost for patients with early-stage breast cancer. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summarise the available evidence and explore the efficacy and safety of IORT combined with whole breast irradiation (WBI) versus conventional radiotherapy in women with early-stage breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery. Methods: The PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to December 31, 2022. We collected studies on the efficacy, cosmetic outcome, and safety of IORT boost combined with WBI compared with those of conventional radiotherapy in patients with early-stage breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery. Two authors independently performed the literature selection and data extraction. The quality of the randomised, controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed according to the PEDro scale. The quality of non-RCTs was assessed according to the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies. Risk ratios (RRs) for the local recurrence rate (LRR), distant metastasis rate (DMR), disease-free survival (DFS), cosmetic outcome, and toxicity were pooled using fixed or random effects models. Meta-analysis of the included studies was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Nine studies, including one RCT and eight non-RCTs, with a total of 3219 patients were included. In terms of LRR, there was no significant benefit of IORT boost+WBI over conventional radiotherapy (with or without the tumour bed boost) (RR = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54–1.09, P = 0.14), but a trend towards benefit could be identified. There was a significant reduction in DMR in the IORT boost+WBI group (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.46–0.85, P = 0.003) and a significant improvement in DFS (RR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25–0.65, P = 0.0002). Exploratory subgroup analysis showed that the DMR and DFS of the electron boost group were significantly better than those of conventional radiotherapy group, and there was a tendency for LRR to improve in the electron boost group. However, the LRR, DMR, and DFS did not effectively improve in the x-ray boost group. In terms of appearance and toxicity, there were no significant differences in cosmetic outcome, fibrosis, and hyperpigmentation between the two groups (RR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.91–1.07, P = 0.78; RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.41–2.56, P = 0.96; RR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.10–1.72, P = 0.23), but the incidence of oedema was significantly reduced in the IORT boost+WBI group (RR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13–0.59, P = 0.0009). Conclusions: IORT boost+WBI is more effective than conventional radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery in patients with early-stage breast cancer, and electron boost exhibits better efficacy than x-ray boost. In addition, the cosmetic and safety profiles of IORT boost+WBI are not inferior to those of conventional radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly-precision positioning plays a vital role in warehousing, intelligent manufacturing, smart city operation, emergency rescuing and other fields. In practical applications, there are many physical obstacles in the indoor conditions. In a closed space, radio interference, signal refraction, and reflection will result in multipath interference, which greatly increases the possibility of false detection by traditional leading-edge detection algorithm based on the misjudgment of the Direct Path (DP) position. In view of this problem, a leading-edge detection algorithm based on Peak Ratio Iteration (PRI) is proposed. This approach sets the path loss and multipath delay characteristics of the Channel Impulse Response (CIR) in complex scenarios, and uses the PRI algorithm to disambiguate and reconstruct the channel impulse response. Thus, the DP signal can be highlighted from the attenuation and time delay interference. In addition, the proposed approach is examined on Ultra wideband (UWB) experimental data in different environments, Line of Sight (LOS), Non Line of Sight (NLOS) and industrial NLOS environments. The experimental results show that compared with the threshold method, the ranging error calculated by PRI-based method were reduced by 81.330% and 80.355% in the NLOS and industrial NLOS environments respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss third-order full nonlinear singularly perturbed vector boundary value problems. We first present the existence of solutions for the nonlinear vector boundary value problems without perturbation by using the upper and lower solutions method and topological degree theory. Then the existence, uniqueness and asymptotic estimates of solutions for the singularly perturbed vector boundary value problems are established by constructing appropriate a lower solution–upper solution pair, as well as analysis technique. Some known results are extended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rodent model of embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion is used to mimic cerebral embolism in clinical patients. Thrombolytic therapy is the effective treatment for this ischemic injury. However, it is difficult to detect thrombolysis dynamically in living animals. Synchrotron radiation angiography may provide a novel approach to directly monitor the thrombolytic process and assess collateral circulation after embolic stroke. Thirty-six adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent the embolic stroke model procedure and were then treated with tissue plasminogen activator. The angiographic images were obtained in vivo by synchrotron radiation angiography. Synchrotron radiation angiography confirmed the successful establishment of occlusion and detected the thrombolysis process after the thrombolytic treatment. The time of thrombolytic recanalization was unstable during embolic stroke. The infarct volume increased as the recanalization time was delayed from 2 to 6 h (p < 0.05). The collateral circulation of the internal carotid artery to the ophthalmic artery, the olfactory artery to the ophthalmic artery, and the posterior cerebral artery to the middle cerebral artery opened after embolic stroke and manifested different opening rates (59%, 24%, and 75%, respectively) in the rats. The opening of the collateral circulation from the posterior cerebral artery to the middle cerebral artery alleviated infarction in rats with successful thrombolysis (p < 0.05). The cerebral vessels of the circle of Willis narrowed after thrombolysis (p < 0.05). Synchrotron radiation angiography provided a unique tool to dynamically detect and assess the thrombolysis process and the collateral circulation during thrombolytic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider a class of third-order nonlinear differential equation with singular perturbation subject to three-point boundary value conditions, whose solution exhibits a boundary layer at one endpoint. By using the Schauder fixed point theorem, Green's function and the method of upper–lower solutions, we first establish an existence result of corresponding boundary value problem without perturbation. Furthermore, by constructing an appropriate lower solution-upper solution pair, as well as analysis technique, the existence and asymptotic estimates of the solutions for the singularly perturbed boundary value problems are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several endocrine therapies are available for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive (HR +) advanced breast cancer (ABC). Given the absence of direct comparisons between fulvestrant and cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is) in combination with aromatase inhibitors (AIs), which are both used as standard first-line treatments for ABC, an indirect comparison using a network meta-analysis may be advantageous for decision making.Objective: We performed a network meta-analysis to compare the efficacies of fulvestrant and CDK4/6is plus AIs as the first-line treatment of postmenopausal breast cancer patients.Patients and Methods: In order to compare these treatments, we searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases for randomized controlled trials of first-line endocrine treatment for advanced or metastatic breast cancer until October 2018. We included a total of 11 eligible trials with 5448 patients. The hazard ratios (HRs) for the efficacies of the different treatments were used as inputs in the network meta-analysis.Results: In the overall analysis, CDK4/6is plus AIs, including palbociclib plus letrozole, ribociclib plus letrozole, and abemaciclib plus nonsteroidal AI (letrozole or anastrozole), are all superior to 500 mg fulvestrant (HR = 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-0.68; HR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.35-0.71; and HR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.34-0.71; respectively).Conclusions: Within the limitations of this network meta-analysis, the comparison indicates that CDK4/6is plus AIs might represent a better option for HR+ ABC as a first-line endocrine treatment compared with fulvestrant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are concerned with the p-Laplacian multi-point boundary value problem (ϕp(x′′(t)))′=f(t,x(t),x′(t),x′′(t)),t∈(0,1),ϕp(x′′(0))=∑i=1mαiϕp(x′′(ξi)),x′(1)=∑j=1nβjx′(ηj),x′′(1)=0,where ϕp(s)=|s|p-2s,p>1,ϕq=ϕp-1,1p+1q=1,f:[0,1]×R3→R is a continuous function, 0<ξ1<ξ2<⋯<ξm<1,αi∈R,i=1,2,…,m,m≥2 and 0<η1<⋯<ηn<1,βj∈R,j=1,…,n,n≥1. Based on the extension of Mawhin’s continuation theorem, a new general existence result of the p-Laplacian problem is established in the resonance case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system is widely applied to build air conditioning systems. Literature review of previous VRF modeling studies was conducted, and it was found that the current calculation approach in EnergyPlus can result in more than 20% deviation in both heat transfer capacity and power consumption. Therefore, a new VRF model is proposed in this study, which includes an improved thermal zone distribution concept, new indoor unit types, and a new thermodynamic model. The developed model is validated with experimental data within 10% in heat transfer capacity and 5% in power consumption. Based on the proposed model, the operation control strategy is also discussed. The results show that the proposed model could also simulate the current control strategy in the VRF system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are concerned with a singularly perturbed higher-order KdV equation, which is considered as a paradigm in nonlinear science and has many applications in weakly nonlinear and weakly dispersive physical systems. Based on the relation between solitary wave solution and homoclinic orbits of the associated ordinary differential equations, the persistence of the solitary wave solution for the singularly perturbed KdV equation is investigated by using the geometric singular perturbation theory and dynamical systems approach when the perturbation parameter is suitably small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are concerned with a delayed multispecies competition predator-prey dynamic system with Beddington-DeAngelis functional response. Some sufficient conditions which guarantee the existence of a positive periodic solution for the system are obtained by applying the Mawhin coincidence theory. The interesting thing is that the result is related to the delays, which is different from the corresponding ones known from literature (the results are delay-independent). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the coincidence degree theory of Mawhin, we get a new general existence result for the following higher-order multi-point boundary value problem at resonance where f: [0, 1] × ℝ → ℝ is a Carathéodory function, 0 < ξ < ξ < ... < ξ < 1, α ∈ ℝ, i = 1, 2, ..., m, m ≥ 2 and 0 < η < ... < η < 1, β ∈ ℝ, j = 1, ..., l, l ≥ 1. In this paper, two of the boundary value conditions are responsible for resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres containing total alkaloids of Caulis sinomenii was investigated. The formation, diameter, morphology and properties of the microspheres were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), laser particle size analyser and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc. In vitro releasing behaviour was also investigated using UV-Vis spectrometer. As a result, the drug-loaded microspheres with a narrower distributive, rounder and smoother surface were prepared. Drug-releasing behaviour from microspheres was affected by the concentration of emulsifier and the stirring rate. The results demonstrated that a medicated system, which can be potentially applied within a drug delivery system, was designed. This system acts in a systematic manner for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overexpression of NHX genes has been previously shown to improve salt tolerance of transgenic plants. In this study, transgenic rice plants overexpressing AtNHX5 showed not only high salt tolerance, but also high drought tolerance. Measurements of ion levels indicated that Na and K contents were all higher in AtNHX5 overexpressing shoots than in wild type (WT) shoots in high saline conditions. After exposure to water deficiency and salt stress, the WT plants all died, while the AtNHX5 overexpressing rice plants had a higher survival rate, dry weight, leaf water content, and leaf chlorophyll contents, accumulated more proline, and had less membrane damage than the WT plants. In addition, seeds of both transgenic and WT plants germinated on 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 250 mM mannitol, but overexpression of AtNHX5 improved the shoot growth of the seedlings. Taken together, the results indicate that AtNHX5 gene could enhance the tolerance of rice plants to multiple environmental stresses by promoting the accumulation of more effective osmolytes (ions or proline) to counter the osmotic stress caused by abiotic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the solutions of discrete second-order boundary value problem where f is continuous, T≥3 is a fixed positive integer, n∈{2,..., T−1}, constant α, β>0 such that T+1− β n+ α(1− β)>0, T+1− β n>0. Under suitable conditions, we accomplish this by using the property of the associate Green’s function and Leggett-Williams fixed point theorem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss the following third order ordinary differential equation with the multi-point boundary conditions where β j (1≤ j≤ m−2), α∈ R, 0< η 1< η 2< ⋅⋅⋅< η m−2<1, 0< ξ<1. When the β j ’s have no same sign, some existence results are given for the nonlinear problems at resonance case. An example is provided in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses possible solutions for multi-point boundary value problem in the case of resonance. According to the author, there are only few studies regarding higher-order multi-point boundary value problems which are in the resonance case. The coincidence degree theory by J. Mawhin was used to determine the existence of possible solutions for multi-point boundary value problem.