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Type 2 alveolar epithelial (AT2) cells of the lung are fundamental in regulating alveolar inflammation in response to injury. Impaired mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation (mtLCFAO) in AT2 cells is assumed to aggravate alveolar inflammation in acute lung injury (ALI), yet the importance of mtLCFAO to AT2 cell function needs to be defined. Here we show that expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1a), a mtLCFAO rate limiting enzyme, in AT2 cells is significantly decreased in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In mice, Cpt1a deletion in AT2 cells impairs mtLCFAO without reducing ATP production and alters surfactant phospholipid abundance in the alveoli. Impairing mtLCFAO in AT2 cells via deleting either Cpt1a or Acadl (acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain) restricts alveolar inflammation in ALI by hindering the production of the neutrophilic chemokine CXCL2 from AT2 cells. This study thus highlights mtLCFAO as immunometabolism to injury in AT2 cells and suggests impaired mtLCFAO in AT2 cells as an anti-inflammatory response in ARDS. Impaired mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation (mtLCFAO) in type 2 alveolar epithelial (AT2) cells is thought to aggravate alveolar inflammation in acute lung injury. Here, the authors show that the mtLCFAO rate limiting enzyme CPT1a is decreased in AT2 cells in acute respiratory distress syndrome, highlighting the role of mtLCFAO in immunometabolism in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined ecstasy past-year use among 7th–12th grade students (N = 38,753) in Greater Cincinnati schools. The PRIDE National Drug Use survey for grades 7–12 was administered to youth in their school classrooms. Results indicated that male students, 9th–12th grade students, non-Caucasian students, and employed students were at highest risk for ecstasy use. In addition, students with low involvement in protective factors (participation in community activities, school activities and clubs, sports, faith-based institutions, and getting good grades), parent factors, teacher factors and school factors, and high involvement in risk factors (taking part in gang activity, friend's use of drugs, access to substances, and getting into trouble at school or with the law) were more likely to use this substance. These findings should be considered when developing programs to prevent ecstasy use among youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand cultural intelligence's (CQ) role in expatriates' work outcomes, we examine the mediation mechanism of psychological availability in the associations between CQ with work engagement and CQ with job satisfaction, along with the moderated mediation effect of job autonomy. We examined data obtained from 546 Taiwanese expatriates. An online survey was established to collect from overseas Taiwanese expatriates. Data were analyzed using the SPSS macro-PROCESS models (Hayes, 2017). The Cronbach's alphas coefficients were acceptable, ranging from.80 to.94. Our results show that psychological availability positively mediated both the pathway between CQ and work engagement (β =.576***, LLCI =.439, ULCI =.717) and that between CQ and job satisfaction (β =.575***, LLCI =.428, ULCI =.744). Moreover, job autonomy helped expatriates utilize CQ more effectively to generate more resources for work engagement (β =.075, SE =.029, [.010,.125]) and job satisfaction (β =.075, SE =.028, [.011,.025]) through psychological availability. This study confirms that psychological availability serves as an important mediating mechanism in CQ's effects on expatriates' satisfaction with their jobs and engagement at work. This study presents two moderated mediation models between CQ and work engagement or job satisfaction (via job autonomy). The findings align with the conservation of resources theory and contribute new empirical evidence to the literature. Furthermore, this study provides suggestions for individuals, human resource departments, and organizations to help achieve better working outcomes and practical management in culturally diverse business environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis have unveiled the physiological and molecular responses of rhubarb to infection by smut fungi. Rhubarb is an important medicinal plant that is easily infected by smut fungi during its growth. Thus far, no research on the influence of smut fungi on the growth of rhubarb and its secondary metabolism has been conducted. In this study, petioles of Chinese rhubarb (Rheum officinale) [healthy or infected with smut fungus (Thecaphora schwarzmaniana)] were characterized. Microscopic structure, global gene expression profiling, global metabolic profiling, and key enzyme activity and metabolite levels in infected plants were analyzed. Infection by smut fungi resulted in numerous holes inside the petiole tissue and led to visible tumors on the external surface of the petiole. Through metabolic changes, T. schwarzmaniana induced the production of specific sugars, lipids, and amino acids, and inhibited the metabolism of phenolics and flavonoids in R. officinale. The concentrations of key medicinal compounds (anthraquinones) were decreased because of smut fungus infection. In terms of gene expression, the presence of T. schwarzmaniana led to upregulation of the genes associated with nutrient (sugar, amino acid, etc.) transport and metabolism. The gene expression profiling showed a stimulated cell division activity (the basis of tumor formation). Although plant antioxidative response was enhanced, the plant defense response against pathogen was suppressed by T. schwarzmaniana, as indicated by the expression profiling of genes involved in biotic and abiotic stress-related hormone signaling and the synthesis of plant disease resistance proteins. This study demonstrated physiological and molecular changes in R. officinale under T. schwarzmaniana infection, reflecting the survival tactics employed by smut fungus for parasitizing rhubarb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The application of vonoprazan significantly improved the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This study aimed to compare efficacy and safety of the 10-day vonoprazan–amoxicillin (VA) and 14-day rabeprazole–amoxicillin (RA) dual therapy, and to provide a more efficient, safer, and convenient dual regimen for H. pylori infection. Methods: This was a prospective, open-label, multi-center, randomized controlled study of treatment-naive patients with H. pylori infection. The participants were randomly assigned to the 10-day VA group with vonoprazan 20 mg Bid plus amoxicillin 1 g Tid or the 14-day RA group with rabeprazole 10 mg Tid plus amoxicillin 1 g Tid. The effectiveness, the adverse events, and the patient compliance of the two groups were compared. Results: A total of 690 patients were enrolled. The eradication rates of 10-day VA and 14-day RA dual therapy were 89.3% and 84.9% in intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (P = 0.088); 90.6% and 85.9% by modified intention-to-treat (mITT) analysis (P = 0.059); 91.4% and 86.6% by per-protocol (PP) analysis (P = 0.047). Non-inferiority was confirmed between the two groups (all P < 0.001). No discernible differences were observed in adverse effects and compliance between groups. Poor compliance reduced the eradication efficacy (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The 10-day VA dual therapy was non-inferior to the 14-day RA dual therapy for H. pylori treatment-naive patients, which should be given priority in the first-line treatment. The application of vonoprazan reduced treatment course and antibiotic use. Patients' adherence was crucial for the success of eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective in this study was to use sandblasting waste (SW) and liquid crystal display waste glass (LWG) in the synthesis of eco-humidity control zeolite (E-HCZ) for use in the construction industry. Synthesis involved alkali fusion and hydrothermal processing, wherein the processing parameters ((SiO2)/(Al2O3) molar ratio, reaction temperature, reaction duration) were optimized using the reaction surface method in conjunction with Box–Behnken experiment design. An F value of 108.46 indicated the efficacy of the model. The important model terms included linear factors (A. (SiO2)/(Al2O3) molar ratio, B. reaction temperature, and C. reaction duration), square factors (A2, B2, and C2), and sympathetic factor AB. The model achieved a verification coefficient R2 of 0.9949, and the data obtained in experiments was consistent with the regression results. The adequacy of the regression model was confirmed by strong agreement between the predicted R2 (0.9149) and the adjusted R2 (0.9857), while the sufficiency of the signal was confirmed by a high signal-to-noise ratio (36.889). The results also indicate strong correspondence between actual vs. predicted probability plots. The high moisture adsorption capacity of the proposed zeolite (58.58 g/m2) demonstrates that LWG and SW can indeed be used to synthesize low-cost humidity control materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional vegetables are very important for food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa but have not received much attention in crop improvement research. One exception is amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) for which international breeding research began at the World Vegetable Center in Tanzania in 2004. This study is the first impact evaluation of this research program. It uses a representative sample of 1,355 amaranth-producing households from five agroecological zones of Tanzania to collect questionnaire-based data and plant material. The genetic identity of the amaranth cultivars used by the farmers was identified using DNA fingerprinting, while the impact on crop yield, production cost and sales was quantified using propensity score matching. The analysis shows that 66% of Tanzania's cultivated area under amaranth uses cultivars derived from the amaranth breeding program. These cultivars had a mean vegetable yield that was 6.1 ton/ha higher (+ 48%; p = 0.002) than that of other cultivars, while there was no significant impact on the cost of production or quantity sold. This suggests tremendous impact of genetic improvement research in traditional vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PGC-1α plays a central role in maintaining mitochondrial and energy metabolism homeostasis, linking external stimuli to transcriptional co-activation of genes involved in adaptive and age-related pathways. The carboxyl-terminus encodes a serine/arginine-rich (RS) region and an RNA recognition motif, however the RNA-processing function(s) were poorly investigated over the past 20 years. Here, we show that the RS domain of human PGC-1α directly interacts with RNA and the nuclear RNA export receptor NXF1. Inducible depletion of PGC-1α and expression of RNAi-resistant RS-deleted PGC-1α further demonstrate that its RNA/NXF1-binding activity is required for the nuclear export of some canonical mitochondrial-related mRNAs and mitochondrial homeostasis. Genome-wide investigations reveal that the nuclear export function is not strictly linked to promoter-binding, identifying in turn novel regulatory targets of PGC-1α in non-homologous end-joining and nucleocytoplasmic transport. These findings provide new directions to further elucidate the roles of PGC-1α in gene expression, metabolic disorders, aging and neurodegeneration. PGC-1α is a master regulator activating the transcription of key genes controlling the cell's energy production. Here the authors show that PGC-1α has a function in the NXF1-dependent nuclear export of mRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repair and regeneration of vascular tissue is a crucial current research focus in the fields of biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine. Numerous studies revealed that cells are required to grow on an appropriate extracellular matrix to maintain or enhance functionality. In the present study, various surface modification methods were evaluated to fix fibronectin on the surface of a bio-based and aligned poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) film for vascular tissue engineering. After chemical modification, the properties of the fibronectin-fixed PHBV films were examined and compared with the original films, including -NH2 group expression, contact angle, mechanical properties, and fibronectin binding amount. Then, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility were measured by culture with L929 cells and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) of the fibronectin-fixed PHBV films. In addition, cell morphology, cell growth kinetics, acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake ability, lectin binding ability and specific gene expressions of cultured EPCs on fibronectin-fixed PHBV films were also analyzed. Taken together, our data demonstrated that the surface of the aligned PHBV films could be successfully modified to immobilize fibronectin. Importantly, EPCs cultured on the fibronectin-fixed PHBV films showed excellent cell biocompatibility, a rapid proliferation rate, an aligned growth direction and correct cell functions. We believed that fibronectin-fixed PHBV films can serve as a potential scaffold for vascular tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let A be a basic connected finite dimensional associative algebra over an algebraically closed field k and G be a cyclic group. There is a quiver QG with relations ρG such that the skew group algebras A[G] is Morita equivalent to the quotient algebra of path algebra kQG modulo ideal (ρG). Generally, the quiver QG is not connected. In this paper we develop a method to determine the number of connect components of QG. Meanwhile, we introduce the notion of weight for underlying quiver of A such that A is G-graded and determine the connect components of smash product A#kG*. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed a novel approach to the hydrothermal synthesis of eco-hydroxyapatite (eco-HPA) from recycled limestone sludge for the removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solutions. The resulting eco-HPA was characterized using X-ray fluorescence, thermal field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray powder diffraction analysis, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurements. Under a hydrothermal temperature of 120 °C and Ca/P molar ratio of 1, this study obtained the nitrogen adsorption isotherm and desorption curves indicative of hydroxyapatite. Based on the IUPAC classification system, these are the type-IV adsorption isotherm curves of a mesoporous structure with an H3-type hysteresis loop. The same sample achieved an adsorption capacity of 210 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics closely fit the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.9990–1.000). Adsorption isotherms presented the strongest correlation with the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.97–0.99), exceeding that of the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.91–0.98). Taken together, these results demonstrate that the proposed eco-HAP is a viable low-cost environmentally friendly adsorbent with broad applicability for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, ZnO/V2O5 hybrid nanocomposites were fabricated for UV light/H2 gas dual sensing device. V2O5 were sputtered on hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods (NRs) for various times, and multiple material characterizations were performed on the nanostructures. Results indicate that the increase of defects and lattice strain may enhance the UV light photo-sensing capability, while the wrapping of V2O5 on ZnO NRs may block the gas molecule transport and degrade the hydrogen gas sensitivity. Addition of V2O5 was distinct from the stuttering of WO3 and IGZO on ZnO NRs. ZnO/V2O5 NRs are promising for future compact light/gas modulation devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors; circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to be involved in the advance of NSCLC. However, the function of circ_0074027 in NSCLC has not been fully studied. Objective: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of circ_0074027, microRNA-1304-5p (miR-1304-5p) and gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2) in NSCLC. Cell counting kit-8 assay, thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry were designed to explore cell function. Western blot examined the protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2 and GJB2. The relationship between miR-1304-5p and circ_0074027 or GJB2 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. The xenotransplantation model was established to study the role of circ_0074027 in vivo. Results: circ_0074027 and GJB2 are significantly high-expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells. Silencing circ_0074027 reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells, and promoted cell apoptosis. MiR-1304-5p is a target of circ_0074027. Silencing circ_0074027 inhibited the malignant behavior of NSCLC cells by releasing miR-1304-5p. In addition, GJB2 is a target of miR-1304-5p. Overexpression of GJB2 partially restored the inhibitory effect of miR-1304-5p on cell malignant behavior. Animal experiments confirmed the anti-tumor effect of silence circ_0074027 in vivo. Conclusion: Circ_0074027 regulates the expression of GJB2 by regulating miR-1304-5p, thereby promoting the development of NSCLC. Our study provides a novel targeted therapy for NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A grand challenge in terpene synthase (TS) enzymology is the ability to predict function from protein sequence. Given the limited number of characterized bacterial TSs and significant sequence diversities between them and their eukaryotic counterparts, this is currently impossible. To contribute towards understanding the sequence-structure-function relationships of type II bacterial TSs, we determined the structure of the terpentedienyl diphosphate synthase Tpn2 from Kitasatospora sp. CB02891 by X-ray crystallography and made structure-guided mutants to probe its mechanism. Substitution of a glycine into a basic residue changed the product preference from the clerodane skeleton to a syn-labdane skeleton, resulting in the first syn-labdane identified from a bacterial TS. Understanding how a single residue can dictate the cyclization pattern in Tpn2, along with detailed bioinformatics analysis of bacterial type II TSs, sets the stage for the investigation of the functional scope of bacterial type II TSs and the discovery of novel bacterial terpenoids. Crystal structure elucidation of terpene synthases plays an important role to understand the sequence-structure-function relationships of this enzyme class. Here, the authors determine the crystal structure of bacterial terpene synthase Tpn2, probe the catalytic mechanism by structure-guided mutation, and change the product preference from a clerodane skeleton to a syn-labdane skeleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the statistical inference problems for the fixed effect and variance component functions in the two-way classification random effects model with skew-normal errors. Firstly, the exact test statistic for the fixed effect is constructed. Secondly, using the Bootstrap approach and generalized approach, the one-sided hypothesis testing and interval estimation problems for the single variance component, the sum and ratio of variance components are discussed respectively. Further, the Monte Carlo simulation results indicate that the exact test statistic performs well in the one-sided hypothesis testing problem for the fixed effect. And the Bootstrap approach is better than the generalized approach in the one-sided hypothesis testing problems for variance component functions in most cases. Finally, the above approaches are applied to the real data examples of the consumer price index and value-added index of three industries to verify their rationality and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper nanowires (CuNWs)-based thin film is one of the potential alternatives to tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) in terms of transparent conductive films (TCFs). However, the severe problem of atmospheric oxidation restricts their practical applications. In this work, we develop a simple approach to fabricate highly stable TCFs through the dip-coating method using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and CuNWs as the primary materials. Compared with previous works using toxic reduction agents, herein, the CuNWs are synthesized via a green aqueous process using glucose and lactic acid as the reductants, and rGO is prepared through the modified Hummers' method followed by a hydrogen-annealing process to form hydrogen-annealing-reduced graphene oxide (h-rGO). In the rGO/CuNWs films, the dip-coated graphene oxide layer can increase the adhesion of the CuNWs on the substrate, and the fabricated h-rGO/CuNWs can exhibit high atmospheric oxidation resistance and excellent flexibility. The sheet resistance of the h-rGO/CuNWs film only increased from 25.1 to 42.2 Ω/sq after exposure to ambient atmosphere for 30 days and remained almost unchanged after the dynamic bending test for 2500 cycles at a constant radius of 5.3 mm. The h-rGO/CuNWs TCF can be not only fabricated via a route with a superior inexpensive and safe method but also possessed competitive optoelectronic properties with high electrical stability and flexibility, demonstrating great opportunities for future optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are essential in supporting regeneration in skeletal muscle, but in muscle pathologies FAPs the are main source of excess extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in fibrosis. Fibrotic ECM has altered mechanical and architectural properties, but the feedback onto FAPs of stiffness or ECM properties is largely unknown. In this study, FAPs' sensitivity to their ECM substrate was assessed using collagen coated polyacrylamide to control substrate stiffness and collagen hydrogels to engineer concentration, crosslinking, fibril size, and alignment. FAPs on substrates of fibrotic stiffnesses had increased myofibroblast activation, depicted by αSMA expression, compared to substrates mimicking healthy muscle, which correlated strongly YAP nuclear localization. Surprisingly, fibrosis associated collagen crosslinking and larger fibril size inhibited myofibroblast activation, which was independent of YAP localization. Additionally, collagen crosslinking and larger fibril diameters were associated with decreased remodeling of the collagenous substrate as measured by second harmonic generation imaging. Inhibition of YAP activity through verteporfin reduced myofibroblast activation on stiff substrates but not substrates with altered architecture. This study is the first to demonstrate that fibrotic muscle stiffness can elicit FAP activation to myofibroblasts through YAP signaling. However, fibrotic collagen architecture actually inhibits myofibroblast activation through a YAP independent mechanism. These data expand knowledge of FAPs sensitivity to ECM and illuminate targets to block FAP's from driving progression of muscle fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the resource-based view, this study examines how parent-subsidiary resource linkages in terms of resource commitment and resource similarity affect the performance of the parent firm. By using the data from 199 Taiwanese firms investing in China, the results of this study show that resource commitment has an inverted U-shaped relationship with the parent firm performance, whereas the relationship between resource similarity and the parent firm performance is U-shaped. In addition, this study also finds that organizational slack and parent involvement moderate these relationships. This study provides important theoretical and managerial implications for international business management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM), a grade IV glioma, is responsible for the highest years of potential life lost among cancers. The poor prognosis is attributable to its high recurrence rate, caused in part by the development of resistance to chemotherapy. Receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a very versatile coregulator of nuclear receptors and transcription factors. Although many of the pathways regulated by RIP140 contribute significantly to cancer progression, the function of RIP140 in GBM remains to be determined. In this study, we found that higher RIP140 expression was associated with prolonged survival in patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Intracellular RIP140 levels were increased after E2F1 activation following temozolomide (TMZ) treatment, which in turn modulated the expression of E2F1-targeted apoptosis-related genes. Overexpression of RIP140 reduced glioma cell proliferation and migration, induced cellular apoptosis, and sensitized GBM cells to TMZ. Conversely, knockdown of RIP140 increased TMZ resistance. Taken together, our results suggest that RIP140 prolongs the survival of patients with GBM both by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and migration and by increasing cellular sensitivity to chemotherapy. This study helps improve our understanding of glioma recurrence and may facilitate the development of more effective treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most economically important vegetable crops worldwide. Bacterial wilt (BW), caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex, has been reported as the second most important plant pathogenic bacteria worldwide, and likely the most destructive. Extensive research has identified two major loci, Bwr-6 and Bwr-12, that contribute to resistance to BW in tomato; however, these loci do not completely explain resistance. Segregation of resistance in two populations that were homozygous dominant or heterozygous for all Bwr-6 and Bwr-12 associated molecular markers suggested the action of one or two resistance loci in addition to these two major QTLs. We utilized whole genome sequence data analysis and pairwise comparison of six BW resistant and nine BW susceptible tomato lines to identify candidate genes that, in addition to Bwr-6 and Bwr-12, contributed to resistance. Through this approach we found 27,046 SNPs and 5975 indels specific to the six resistant lines, affecting 385 genes. One sequence variant on chromosome 3 captured by marker Bwr3.2dCAPS located in the Asc (Solyc03g114600.4.1) gene had significant association with resistance, but it did not completely explain the resistance phenotype. The SNP associated with Bwr3.2dCAPS was located within the resistance gene Asc which was inside the previously identified Bwr-3 locus. This study provides a foundation for further investigations into new loci distributed throughout the tomato genome that could contribute to BW resistance and into the role of resistance genes that may act against multiple pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study outlines the synthesis of low-cost mesoporous silica nanomaterials (MSN) from stone sludge (SS) and silicon carbide grinding sludge (SiCGS). We also discuss the influence of grafting surface grafted amine functional groups onto mesoporous silica nanomaterials (AFGMSN) under reflux conditions. The texture and composition of the materials were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AFMSN was also analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and solid-state 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS NMR). We also examined the dehumidification performance of AFGMSN in high-humidity environments. The proposed synthesis method resulted in an ordered two-dimensional hexagonal MCM-41 carrier with water vapor adsorption capacity of 45.75 g/m2. This research provides an economical approach to the recovery and recycling of mixed industrial silicon carbide grinding sludge and stone sludge, rich in silicon and aluminum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquake-triggered landslides are common disasters of active mountain belts. Due to the lack of earthquake-triggered landslide inventory in Taiwan, it is not intuitive to observe spatial relationships and discover unique patterns between landslides and essential triggers. We examined strong earthquake events in Taiwan after the 1999 Mw7.6 Chi-Chi earthquake and targeted the 2013 ML6.5 Nantou earthquake to create the landslide inventory. We adopted two Landsat-8 satellite images before and after the event to detect landslides, and incorporated a 20-m DEM and rock type data of Taiwan to represent key factors triggering earthquake-induced landslides such as peak ground acceleration (PGA), lithology, slope roughness, slope, and aspect. Based on the analysis of the density of landslides, there are strong correlations between the landslide occurrence and seismic and geomorphic factors. Furthermore, we noticed that the landslide aspects have a systematic tendency towards the northeast, which is not correlated with the dip directions and wave propagation directions. Instead, we found that the northeastward landslide aspect is more associated with the westward–southwestward surface movement at the landslides. We found that the included angles between the landslide aspects and the displacement directions for all the landslides are ~ 100°–180°. The relationship indicated that the coseismic deformation of the Nantou earthquake may play a role in the landslide distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of different pre-treatment approaches, comprising sandblasting, grinding, chemical polishing, and plowing, and various anodizing parameters, including electrolyte composition, temperature, current density, time, and final voltage, on the quality of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) film on AA 6061 were studied in the present research. It was found that, during both mild and hard anodization treatment, the thickness and microhardness of AAO film increased as the anodization current density increased. Under mild anodization treatment, when the current density increased from 0.5 to 2.0 A/dm2, the anodization efficiency decreased from 90 to 52% and 71 to 44% during the mild anodization treatment performed at 22°C and 0°C, respectively. However, on the other hand, the anodization efficiency increased from 55 to 56% and 57 to 64% when the current density increased from 7.0 to 8.0 A/dm2 during the hard anodization treatment carried out at 22°C and 0°C, respectively. Therefore, different AAO film formation mechanisms prevail during the mild and hard anodization treatment. Moreover, the microhardness of AAO film formed at 22°C or 0°C dropped heavily when the current density was higher than 9.0 A/dm2 due to the burning reaction. In addition, the AAO film can achieve higher hardness and resistance to corrosion through the sealing process, which can effectively decrease the size of the tubes due to the volume expansion effect (23%) after the sealing treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of figure assembly errors, in Figure 5A and Supplementary Figure 4F the images used to represent the treatment condition were incorrectly derived from the control dataset. Graph: Figure 1 The corrected version of Figure 5. [Extracted from the article]

Asunercept (company code APG101 [Apogenix AG]; company code CAN008 [CANbridge Pharmaceuticals]) is a novel glycosylated fusion protein that has shown promising effectiveness in glioblastoma. This Phase I study was initiated to evaluate the tolerability and safety of asunercept in combination with standard radiotherapy and temozolomide (RT/TMZ) in Asian patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. This was the Phase I portion of a Phase I/II open label, multicenter trial of asunercept plus standard RT/TMZ. Adults with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma received surgical resection followed by standard RT/TMZ plus asunercept 200 mg/week (Cohort 1) or 400 mg/week (Cohort 2) by 30-min IV infusion. The primary endpoint was the safety and tolerability of asunercept during concurrent asunercept and RT/TMZ; dose-limiting toxicities were observed for each dose. Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics (PK) and 6-month progression-free survival (PFS6). All patients (Cohort 1, n = 3; Cohort 2, n = 7) completed ≥ 7 weeks of asunercept treatment. No DLTs were experienced. Only one possibly treatment-related treatment emergent adverse event (TEAE), Grade 1 gingival swelling, was observed. No Grade > 3 TEAEs were reported and no TEAE led to treatment discontinuation. Systemic asunercept exposure increased proportionally with dose and showed low inter-patient variability. The PFS6 rate was 33.3% and 57.1% for patients in Cohort 1 and 2, respectively. Patients in Cohort 2 maintained a PFS rate of 57.1% at Month 12. Adding asunercept to standard RT/TMZ was safe and well tolerated in patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma and 400 mg/week resulted in encouraging efficacy. Trial registration NCT02853565, August 3, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Several population pharmacokinetics (popPK) models for polymyxin B have been constructed to optimize therapeutic regimens. However, their predictive performance remains unclear when extrapolated to different clinical centers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of polymyxin B popPK models. Methods: A literature search was conducted, and the predictive performance was determined for each selected model using an independent dataset of 20 patients (92 concentrations) from the Third Xiangya Hospital. Prediction- and simulation-based diagnostics were used to evaluate model predictability. The influence of prior information was assessed using Bayesian forecasting. Results: Eight published studies were evaluated. In prediction-based diagnostics, the prediction error within ± 30% was over 50% in two models. In simulation-based diagnostics, the prediction- and variability-corrected visual predictive check (pvcVPC) showed satisfactory predictivity in three models, while the normalized prediction distribution error (NPDE) tests indicated model misspecification in all models. Bayesian forecasting demonstrated a substantially improvement in the model predictability even with one prior observation. Conclusion: Not all published models were satisfactory in prediction- and simulation-based diagnostics; however, Bayesian forecasting improved the predictability considerably with priors, which can be applied to guide polymyxin B dosing recommendations and adjustments for clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate birth outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), we used insurance data of Taiwan to evaluate 11 adverse neonatal outcomes of infants born to women with HDP (N = 7775) and with both HDP and GDM (HDP/GDM) (N = 1946), comparing to women with neither disorder (N = 19,442), matched by age. The impacts of preeclampsia/eclampsia were also evaluated. Results showed that Caesarean section delivery was near 1.7-fold greater in the HDP/GDM and HDP groups than in comparisons. The preterm delivery rates were more than threefold greater in HDP/GDM group and HDP group than in comparisons with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 4.84 (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.34–5.40) and 3.92 (95% CI 3.65–4.21), respectively, followed by jaundice (aORs 2.95 (95% CI 2.63–3.33) and 1.90 (95% CI 1.76–2.06)), and small gestation age (SGA) (aORs 6.57 (95% CI 5.56–7.75) and 5.81 (95% CI 5.15–6.55)). Incidence rates of birth trauma, patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, respiratory distress syndrome, and neonatal hypoglycemia were also higher in the HDP/GDM and HDP groups than in the comparison group. Most adverse outcomes increased further in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia. In conclusion, women with HDP are at elevated risks of adverse neonatal outcomes. Risks of most adverse outcomes increase further for women with both HDP and GDM. Preeclampsia or eclampsia may also contribute to these outcomes to higher risk levels. Every pregnant woman with these conditions deserves specialized prenatal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to assess serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE-4) levels as a biomarker for predicting the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation. This was a prospective observational study that enrolled one hundred eighty-four consecutive nonvalvular AF patients (65 persistent, 119 paroxysmal) who were eligible for their first ablation. Multiple Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier curve analyses were used to test the association between serum HE-4 levels and AF recurrence after catheter ablation. During the 12-month follow-up, we observed that 47 patients (25.5%) experienced AF recurrence. Patients were divided into tertiles of HE-4 level (T1: < 50 pmol/L; T2: ≥ 50 pmol/L). The AF recurrence rate of higher serum HE-4 level patients was significantly increased (34.6% vs 13.8%, P < 0.001). Generalized additive models were used to visually assess functional relationships between the serum HE-4 levels and the risk of AF recurrence. When stratified with serum levels as the cut-off value, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with serum HE-4 levels (> 50 pmol/L) had a significantly increased risk of AF recurrence. In addition, multivariate Cox proportional hazard modelling revealed that HE-4 (≥ 50 pmol/L) (HR 2.65; 95% CI 1.34, 5.27, P = 0.005) was independent predictors of AF recurrence. Serum HE-4 levels in patients with AF are associated with postoperative recurrence of AF, and high HE-4 levels are an independent predictor of AF recurrence after ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dopamine medication withdrawal in Parkinson's disease (PD) is commonly employed in clinical practice and can be required for participation in research studies. When asked to withdraw from medications, participants often enquire as to what symptoms they should expect. Objectives: This study sought to improve the informed consent process by identifying patient-reported symptoms when dopamine treatment is withheld. We also sought to provide clinical guidance regarding the extent of these symptoms and consider participant willingness to undergo these assessments. Methods: Participants were recruited from community-based PD programs and support groups in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. A patient-based questionnaire determined the frequency and severity of motor and nonmotor symptoms. The questionnaire also assessed whether patients would be willing to abstain from medication at a future date and under what circumstances. Results: A total of 31/90 participants reported willingness to withdraw from dopaminergic medications for clinical or research purposes. Tremor, walking, and balance were the most common motor symptoms that worsened during this time. Sleep dysfunction, constipation, and tremor were noted as the most severe symptoms. Of note, 10% of participants indicated that they would not be willing to go off medications again, suggesting that a minority of patients find this to be most discomforting. When prompted for a reason why participants would be willing to come off of their medications again, "for clinical purposes" was selected the most. Conclusions: Study teams should list these symptoms in the applications to their institutional review board and in the informed consent to provide guidance for participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this paper was to synthesize eco-humidity-conditioned Al-MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieves (CHCMs) from liquid–crystal-display waste glass (LCDWG) and silicon carbide sludge (SiCS) via an alkali fusion process. LCDWG and SiCS are primarily composed of SiO2 and Al2O3. The characterization of CHCM materials under different synthesis conditions and their humidity regulation effects were compared. The results showed that the CHCM materials exhibit type-IV isotherms and clearly defined capillary phenomena and were composed of hexagonal Al-MCM-41, which is a mesoporous material. When the optimal reaction temperature was 120 °C, and the liquid/solid ratio (L/S) was 15, the highest equilibrium moisture content of the synthesized CHCM sample was 66.84 m3/m3. In addition, the large surface area (1120 m2/g), pore size (5.2 nm), pore volume (0.93 cm3/g) and wall thickness (1.44 nm) of the samples improved the moisture absorption capacity of the equilibrium moisture content. The equilibrium moisture content of the CHCM samples was higher than those of rape straw concrete and hemp concrete (9.8–17.8 m3/m3) and that of a diatomite/ground calcium carbonate composite material (11.7 m3/m3). This study focused on the unique properties of synthesized CHCM samples and the utilization of LCDWG and SiCS to produce samples and thereby solve the disposal problem associated with LCDWG and SiCS. Therefore, CHCMs can be used in several applications, particularly as CHCM materials in construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation in the tumor microenvironment is positively correlated with cancer progression and metastasis as well as the risk of thromboembolism in lung cancer patients. Here we show, in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, the master inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) induced tissue factor expression and procoagulant activity, and these effects were potently inhibited by 4β-hydroxywithanolide E (4HW), a natural compound isolated from Physalis peruviana. Furthermore, combination of 4HW and TNF-α caused synergistic cytotoxicity against NSCLC cells by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis. The underlying mechanism by which 4HW reverses the procoagulant effect of TNF-α but enhances its cytotoxic effect appears to be due to inhibition of NF-κB, which is a key switch for both inflammation-induced coagulation and cell survival. Our results suggest that 4HW may have a potential application for treating inflammation-derived cancer progression and cancer-associated hypercoagulable state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzalutamide (ENZ) is an important drug used to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which inhibits androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Previous study showed that 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) is an AR antagonist that also inhibits Wnt signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To investigate whether combined treatment with ENZ and DIM can overcome ENZ resistance by regulating Wnt signaling to inhibit AR signaling and EMT in ENZ-resistant prostate cancer cells, 22Rv1 cells were cultured in normal medium and treated with ENZ, DIM, and DIM with ENZ. Exposure of ENZ-resistant cells to both DIM and ENZ significantly inhibited cell proliferation without cytotoxicity and invasion in comparison with the control. DIM significantly increased the E-cadherin expression and inhibited the expressions of Vimentin and Fibronectin, subsequently inhibiting EMT. Co-treatment with ENZ and DIM significantly increased the expressions of GSK3β and APC and decreased the β-catenin protein expression, causing inhibition of Wnt signaling and AR expression, it also significantly decreased the AR-v7 expression and down-regulated AR signaling. Via suppression of Wnt and AR signaling, co-treatment increased the E-cadherin and decreased the Vimentin and Fibronectin RNA and protein expressions, then inhibited EMT. Co-treatment with DIM and ENZ regulated Wnt signaling to reduce not only the AR expression, but also the AR-v7 expression, indicating suppression of EMT that inhibits cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration to ameliorate ENZ resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The etiology of endometriosis is mostly under-explored, but abnormalities in the immune system leading to an autoimmune reaction have been suggested. The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of SLE in patients with endometriosis. Methods: A total of 17,779 patients with endometriosis and 17,779 controls (without endometriosis) matched by age, index year, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score were enrolled between 2000 and 2012. Patients were then followed until the end of 2013 using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, at which time participants who developed SLE were identified. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of SLE incidence rate between patients with endometriosis and unaffected controls. Results: After adjusting for age, CCI score, and different treatment options, patients with endometriosis were at increased risk of SLE compared to unaffected controls (0.85 versus 0.57 per 1000 person-years, HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.36–2.53). Also, higher baseline CCI scores (CCI score 1–2 and ≥ 3 vs. 0—HR 2.33–4.98) were at increased risk of SLE. During follow-up, hormonal treatment for endometriosis could reduce the risk of SLE (short-term and long-term vs. non-use HR 0.48–0.62), while surgical treatment appeared to have a limited impact on the risk of SLE. Conclusion: Patients with endometriosis were at increased risk of SLE, and adequate hormonal treatment could reduce the risk of SLE, providing a reference for developing prevention interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An all-carbon memristive synapse is highly desirable for hardware implementation in future wearable neuromorphic computing systems. Graphene oxide (GO) can exhibit resistive switching (RS) and may be a feasible candidate to achieve this objective. However, the digital-type RS often occurring in GO-based memristors restricts the biorealistic emulation of synaptic functions. Here, an all-carbon memristive synapse with analog-type RS behavior was demonstrated through photoreduction of GO and N-doped carbon quantum dot (NCQD) nanocomposites. Ultraviolet light irradiation induced the local reduction of GO near the NCQDs, therefore forming multiple weak conductive filaments and demonstrating analog RS with a continuous conductance change. This analog RS enabled the close emulation of several essential synaptic plasticity behaviors; more importantly, the high linearity of the conductance change also facilitated the implementation of pattern recognition with high accuracy. Furthermore, the all-carbon memristive synapse can be transferred onto diverse substrates, showing good flexibility and 3D conformality. Memristive potentiation/depression was stably performed at 450 K, indicating the resistance of the synapse to high temperature. The photoreduction method provides a new path for the fabrication of all-carbon memristive synapses, which supports the development of wearable neuromorphic electronics. Neuromorphic computing: Graphene smooths out rough memories A graphene-based device can help computer chips behave more like human brains by transmitting current across thread-like wires. Neural synapses store memories by accessing different types of conductive states. Chinese researchers led by Haiyang Xu at Northeast Normal University in Changchun and Zhenhui Kang at Soochow University in Suzhou now demonstrate that graphene sheets with different conductivity levels—caused by adding or removing oxygen atoms—can also exhibit synapse-like behavior. The team developed a carbon-nitrogen composite to sandwich between two graphene electrodes with high and low levels of conductivity. Exposing the composite to ultraviolet light created numerous tiny filaments between the electrodes that physically restrict electron flow and provide gradual smooth transitions between the graphene electrodes' two conductive states. The organic framework of this device also provides inherent flexibility for wearable devices. All-carbon memristive synapse is built through photo-reduction of a nanocomposite comprised of graphene oxide and N-doped carbon quantum dots. The analog-type resistive switching was demonstrated, which enabled the emulation of synaptic learning and pattern recognition with high accuracy. The all-carbon devices possess excellent transferability, flexibility and resistance to high temperature, showing the potential for the development of wearable neuromorphic computing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stimulation of trigeminovascular pathway is widely used to establish the headache animal model. Headache is a common neurological disorder, in which symptomatic attacks are mediated by calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP is synthesized and released from the trigeminal ganglion to transmit pain signals under stimulation. On the other hand, Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is a candidate transmitter/modulator for migraine, and stimulation of its receptor, NPFFR2, increases the expression and release of CGRP in mice sensory neurons. Here, we investigate the impact of NPFFR2 on trigeminal CGRP level in a capsaicin-induced headache mouse model. Methods: Mice were intracisternally injected with capsaicin into the cisterna magna to activate the trigeminovascular pathway and induce headache symptoms. Mice pretreated with Npffr2-shRNA or NPFFR2 knockouts were adopted to test the impact of NPFFR2 on capsaicin-induced CGRP upregulation in trigeminal ganglion. The gene silencing effect of Npffr2-shRNA in trigeminal ganglion was confirmed by real-time PCR. Trigeminal CGRP level was determined by immunofluorescence staining, and the percentage of CGRP-positive cell was calculated after setting the signal intensity threshold by Image J software. Amount of trigeminal CGRP in NPFFR2 overexpressed mice was also measured by CGRP ELISA. Findings: Infusion of capsaicin into the cisterna magna upregulated the CGRP in trigeminal ganglion and induced spontaneous pain behaviors including the reduction of locomotor activity and the increase of freezing behavior. Intracisternal injection of Npffr2-shRNA reduced the mRNA of Npffr2 in trigeminal ganglion. Mice pretreatment with Npffr2-shRNA prevented capsaicin-induced CGRP upregulation in trigeminal ganglion. Similarly, CGRP upregulation was also reduced in NPFFR2 knockout mice. On the contrary, trigeminal CGRP was increased in NPFFR2 overexpressed mice. Conclusions: Reducing the level of NPFFR2 leads to the downregulation of capsaicin-induced CGRP in trigeminal ganglion, which would consequently attenuate the activation of trigeminovascular pathway. Thus, NPFFR2 could serve as a potential target for neuromodulation of cephalic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite of the importance of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in international performance, we have yet to obtain sufficient insights into how and why a firm's EO strengthens international performance. This article focuses on the underlying mechanism through which EO influences international performance, and develops a model of EO → knowledge creation → international venturing, and new product development decision-making flexibility → international performance linkages. Following a survey of 141 Taiwanese electronics firms, the results provide support for our proposed mediating process behind the EO–international performance link. These findings offer several theoretical and practical implications in the entrepreneurship and international business areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The close replication of synaptic functions is an important objective for achieving a highly realistic memristor-based cognitive computation. The emulation of neurobiological learning rules may allow the development of neuromorphic systems that continuously learn without supervision. In this work, the Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro learning rule, as a typical case of spike-rate-dependent plasticity, is mimicked using a generalized triplet-spike-timing-dependent plasticity scheme in a WO3−x memristive synapse. It demonstrates both presynaptic and postsynaptic activities and remedies the absence of the enhanced depression effect in the depression region, allowing a better description of the biological counterpart. The threshold sliding effect of Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro rule is realized using a history-dependent property of the second-order memristor. Rate-based orientation selectivity is demonstrated in a simulated feedforward memristive network with this generalized Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro framework. These findings provide a feasible approach for mimicking Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro learning rules in memristors, and support the applications of spatiotemporal coding and learning using memristive networks. Designing reliable and energy efficient neuromorphic computing systems for spatiotemporal coding remains a challenge. Here, the authors demonstrate a type of spike-rate-dependent plasticity based on a triplet learning scheme in a WO3−x-based second-order memristor network for spatiotemporal patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High coulombic efficiency and dendrite suppression in carbonate electrolytes remain challenges to the development of high-energy lithium ion batteries containing lithium metal anodes. Here we demonstrate an ultrathin (≤100 nm) lithium-ion ionomer membrane consisting of lithium-exchanged sulfonated polyether ether ketone embedded with polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane as a coating layer on copper or lithium for achieving efficient and stable lithium plating-stripping cycles in a carbonate-based electrolyte. Operando analyses and theoretical simulation reveal the remarkable ability of the ionomer coating to enable electric field homogenization over a considerably large lithium-plating surface. The membrane coating, serving as an artificial solid-electrolyte interphase filter in minimizing parasitic reactions at the electrolyte-electrode interface, enables dendrite-free lithium plating on copper with outstanding coulombic efficiencies at room and elevated (50 °C) temperatures. The membrane coated copper demonstrates itself as a promising current collector for manufacturing high-quality pre-plated lithium thin-film anode. The authors here report an ultrathin ionomer membrane as an artificial solid-electrolyte interphase filter that minimizes parasitic reactions and enables stable dendrite-free lithium plating-stripping cycles in a carbonate-based electrolyte. The protected anodes exhibit outstanding coulombic efficiencies at room and elevated (50 °C) temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Acupuncture & Tuina Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Acupuncture & Tuina Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present paper focuses on the study of the stable category of vector bundles for the weighted projective lines of weight triple. We find some important triangles in this category and use them to construct tilting objects with tubular endomorphism algebras for the case of genus one via cluster tilting theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Experience with application of a robotic surgery platform in the management of breast cancer is limited. The preliminary results of the robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy (R-NSM) and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with Gel implant procedure are reported.Methods: The medical records of patients from a single institution who underwent an R-NSM and IBR with Gel implant procedure for breast cancer during the period March 2017 to February 2018 were assessed. Data on clinicopathologic characteristics, type of surgery, complications, and recurrence were analyzed to determine the effectiveness and oncologic safety of R-NSM. Patient-reported cosmetic outcome results were obtained.Results: A total of 22 patients who received 23 R-NSM and IBR with Gel implant procedures were analyzed. The mean operation time for R-NSM was 118.8 ± 50.6 min, and 74.5 ± 26.6 min for Gel implant reconstruction. Docking time quickly dropped from 20 to 6-8 min, and the time needed to complete R-NSM was usually completed within 100 min after accumulation of case experience. Mean blood loss was 37 ± 38.2 mL, and the positive surgical margin rate was 0%. Three (13%) patients had transit nipple ischemia change, and no total nipple-areolar complex necrosis cases were observed. No local recurrence or mortality was found during a mean 6.9 ± 3.5 months of follow-up. All 22 patients were satisfied with the postoperative aesthetic outcome.Conclusion: From our preliminary experience, R-NSM and IBR with Gel implant is a safe procedure, with good cosmetic results, and could be a promising new technique for breast cancer patients indicated for mastectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To shorten breeding progress of Hedychium coronarium, application of colchicine to thin cell layer (TCL) was carried out to induce tetraploid plants. The shoots from rhizomes were cultured on induction medium: Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, 0.2 mg/L indole-3 acetic acid (IAA), and 3 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA). The obtained adventitious buds were transferred to rooting medium containing 1/2 MS medium, and 1 g/L activated charcoal for plantlets development. TCLs excised from the stem base of the plantlets were cultured on induction medium; average 9.7 buds were obtained from one plantlet after 4 weeks culture and generated into plantlets on rooting medium. TCLs were treated with three concentrations of colchicine for 24 h and cultured with the above TCL culture system. Eight tetraploid plants and two ones were derived from 0.4% and 0.2% colchicine treatments, respectively. The chromosome number of tetraploids was 2n = 4x = 68 and that of diploids was 2n = 2x = 34. The width and length of leaf, plant height and net growth of rhizome of tetraploids were higher than those of diploids. Leaf angles of tetraploids and diploids exhibited significant difference at different positions. The stomata size of the tetraploids was significantly larger than that of diploids. The tetraploids developed larger flower and pollen grain. Prolonged flower longevity was observed with 56% increase compared with diploids. All this showed that the TCL culture system was suitable for induction of tetraploid Hedychium coronarium, and the tetraploids exhibited desirable field characters and longer flower longevity, all contributing to higher ornamental value of Hedychium coronarium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nostoc flagelliforme is a pioneer organism in the desert and highly resistant to ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation, while the involved adaptive mechanism has not been fully explored yet. To elucidate the responsive mechanism, two doses of UV-B radiation (low: 1 W/m2 and high: 5 W/m2) were irradiated for 6 h and 48 h, respectively, and their effects on global metabolism in N. flagelliforme were comprehensively investigated. In this study, we used iTRAQ-based proteomic approach to explore the proteomes of N. flagelliforme, and 151, 172, 124 and 148 differentially expressed proteins were identified under low and high UV-B doses for 6 h and 48 h, respectively. Functional classification analysis showed these proteins were mainly involved in photosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, antioxidant activity and carbohydrate metabolism. Further analysis revealed that UV-B imposed restrictions on primary metabolism including photosynthesis, Calvin cycle, and amino acid metabolism, and cells started defense mechanism through repair of DNA and protein damage, increasing antioxidant activity, and accumulating extracellular polysaccharides to minimize the damage. Moreover, high UV-B dose imposed more severe restrictions and activated stronger defense mechanism compared with low dose. The results would improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms of UV-B-stress adaption in N. flagelliforme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A new hybrid technique for single-axillary-incision endoscopic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy (E-NSM) was introduced. Preliminary results are reported.Methods: Patients who received single-axillary-incision E-NSM from August 2013 to August 2017 were searched from a single institution. Data were analyzed to determine the effectiveness and oncologic safety of single-axillary-incision E-NSM. Patient-oriented cosmetic outcome report was also obtained.Results: During the study period, a total of 50 E-NSM with single-incision procedures were performed in 41 female patients with breast cancer, including 11 (26.8%) patients with bilateral disease. Their mean age was 45.3 ± 8.4 years. The mean size of tumors encountered during the 50 single-incision E-NSM procedures was 2.3 ± 1.8 (0.1-7.3) cm for invasive tumors and 2.6 ± 1.7 (0.2-5.7) cm for carcinoma in situ lesions. Six (12%) of those tumors were multifocal/multicentric. Lymph node metastasis was found during 12% of the procedures. Forty-five (90%) received immediate breast reconstruction with gel implant. Mean operating time was 244.3 ± 82.8 min. The overall complication rate was 6%, and no total nipple necrosis or implant loss was observed. No locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis was found during mean follow-up of 21.6 months. About 94.4% of patients were satisfied with the postoperative scar location and wound length. All patients who responded would choose the same operation again.Conclusions: The proposed single-axillary-incision endoscopic hybrid technique for nipple-sparing mastectomy was a safe procedure with low morbidity and associated with high patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Acupuncture & Tuina Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)