Search

The prognosis of thyroid cancer in patients varies significantly based on different pathological types or distinct clinical situations. Investigating the expression of immune checkpoint molecules PD-L1 and B7-H3 in high-risk thyroid cancer and their correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis will contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. A retrospective sample of 202 patients with thyroid cancer who underwent surgery at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences was collected, including 33 cases of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), 21 cases of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with distant metastasis (DM), 7 cases of differentiated high-grade thyroid carcinoma (DHGTC), and 109 cases of aggressive subtypes of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (including 28 cases of tall cell PTC, 31 cases of diffuse sclerosing PTC, 20 cases of solid PTC, 15 cases of columnar cell PTC, and 15 cases of hobnail PTC). In the control group, there were 32 cases of classic PTC. The differences in protein expression between PD-L1 and B7-H3 in several high-risk thyroid cancers and normal tissues and controls were compared by immunohistochemical staining, and the clinicopathological features and prognostic relevance were statistically analyzed. The expression of PD-L1 in ATC (P < 0.001), tall cell PTC (P = 0.031), and DHGTC (P = 0.003) was significantly higher than that in classic PTC. The expression of B7-H3 in ATC (P < 0.001), DTC with DM (P = 0.001), diffuse sclerosing PTC (P = 0.013), columnar cell PTC (P = 0.007), solid PTC (P < 0.001), hobnail PTC (P < 0.001), and DHGTC (P < 0.001) was significantly higher than that in classic PTC. In ATC, PD-L1 expression correlated significantly with extrathyroidal extension (ETE) (P = 0.027) and B7-H3 expression correlated significantly with male patients (P = 0.031) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) (P = 0.026). The positive expression of B7-H3 (P = 0.041) was an independent risk factor for disease progression in ATC. B7-H3 positive expression (P = 0.049), PD-L1 positive expression (P = 0.015), and tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm (P = 0.038) were independent risk factors for disease progression in patients with DTC with DM. PD-L1 positive expression (P = 0.019) and tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm (P = 0.018) were independent risk factors for disease progression in patients with aggressive subtypes of PTC. B7-H3 and PD-L1 are expected to be effective prognostic indicators for patients with aggressive thyroid cancer, which can help in optimization of individualized treatment strategies. Immunotherapy targeting these two molecules may provide new and complementary ideas for the treatment of high-risk/refractory thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive translational acceleration (PTA) has been demonstrated to induce the stress response and regulation of autonomic balance in healthy individuals. Electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements are reliable indicators of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and can be used to assess stress levels. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of combining EDA and HRV measurements in assessing the physiological stress response induced by PTA. Fourteen healthy subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of equal size. The experimental group underwent five trials of elevator rides, while the control group received a sham treatment. EDA and HRV indices were obtained via ultra-short-term analysis and compared between the two groups to track changes in the ANS. In addition, the complexity of the EDA time series was compared between the 4 s before and the 2–6 s after the onset of PTA to assess changes in the subjects' stress levels in the experimental group. The results revealed a significant increase in the skin conductance response (SCR) frequency and a decrease in the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and high frequency (HF) components of HRV. In terms of stress assessment, the results showed an increase in the complexity of the EDA time series 2–6 s after the onset of PTA. These results indicate an elevation in sympathetic tone when healthy subjects were exposed to a translational transport scenario. Furthermore, evidence was provided for the ability of EDA complexity to differentiate stress states in individual trials of translational acceleration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the complex ocean environment, the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is subject to the multiple uncertainties including deterministic uncertainties and stochastic uncertainties, which greatly degrade the control performance. To solve this problem, a novel robust control strategy using combined uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE) and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is proposed for the path-following control (PFC) of the underactuated AUV under multiple uncertainties in this paper. First, the UDE technique is adopted to handle the deterministic uncertainties, including deterministic components of environmental disturbances, parameter uncertainties, and unmodeled dynamics, etc. Second, the uncertainty of unactuated lateral channel, which cannot be dealt with by the UDE, is treated as an unknown parameter. Also, to tackle the stochastic uncertainties, which is often ignored in previous studies, including stochastic components of environmental disturbances, measurement noise, and the estimation errors of UDE which are treated as the process noise, the augmented UKF technique is adopted to jointly estimate the system states and the lateral channel unknown parameter. Finally, extensive numerical simulations and comparative analyses are presented to verify the efficiency and robustness of the proposed control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault slip induced by gas injection and extraction cycles in underground gas storage (UGS) sites have been reported in many countries. Knowledges of the contemporary in situ stress condition and its evolution with gas injection and extraction cycles are crucial to estimate the fault-slip tendency ( T s ). Using the Wx-1 UGS reservoir in the Turpan Basin (China) as an example, we studied the evolution of the stress state and fault-slip tendency associated with the injection and extraction cycles. To assess the minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) in the storage reservoir and its caprock, we conduct flowback-assisted minifrac tests to measure the magnitudes. The magnitudes of maximum horizontal stress (Shmax) were estimated and constrained by multiple sources. The 3D in situ stress field was constructed by the finite-element method (FEM), constrained by field stress measurements. Using coupled reservoir–geomechanical simulations, we estimated the changes in stress state over time and the tendency for fault slip in response to gas injection and extraction. The results showed that (1) the in situ stress state at Wx-1 UGS field is a strike-slip (SS) faulting stress state; (2) for fault-slip analysis, decoupled analysis considering only the pore pressure-induced fault slip can overestimate the pore pressure needed to cause the fault slip ( P sf ), while coupled analysis using a poroelastic FEM formulation considers both pore pressure and injection-induced shear stress changes and can provide more reasonable estimates of P sf ; (3) both the mean effective stresses ( p ′ ) and shear stresses (τ ) changes with the injection and extraction cycles; (4) the fault-slip tendency increases continuously with gas injection and decreases with gas extraction; (5) the faults striking at low angles with respect to the orientation of Shmax are critically stressed in the contemporary in situ stress field, and the possibility of injection-induced fault slippage is the controlling factor of the maximum operation pressure (MOP) of this UGS site. Highlights: Flowback-assisted minifrac tests were conducted in the low-permeability caprock formations to measure the in situ stress conditions efficiently. 3D in situ stress field was constructed by FEM simulations and constrained by minifrac tests. Coupled reservoir–geomechanics simulations were used to investigate the in situ stress evolution with gas injection and production cycles and to analyze the fault-slip tendency. The slip tendency undergoes temporal changes due to the fluctuation of both shear stress and mean effective stress during injection and extraction cycles. The maximum operation pressure (MOP) of this UGS site is determined by the likelihood of fault slippage caused by injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed ripening in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) increases the supply of fruit during the growing season. Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are expressed during specific periods of plant growth and development. SlHSP17.7 gene is specifically expressed at different stages of fruit ripening; however, the mechanism by which SlHSP17.7 (Solyc06g076540.1.1) regulates tomato fruit ripening remains unclear. SlHSP17.7-RNA interference (RNAi) lines were already generated from Solanum chmielewskii in previous study. The transverse diameter, vertical diameter, average single fruit weight, and abscisic acid (ABA) levels of all fruit remarkably decreased. The fruit became hard at the mature-green stage, and the hardness gradually decreased as the fruit ripened. The expression of fruit softening-related genes significantly increased from the mature-green to completely mature stages. Silencing SlHSP17.7 through RNAi delayed ripening by 10 days. These results suggest that SlHSP17.7 may delay fruit ripening by regulating the ABA content. This study provides a new theoretical basis for regulating fruit ripening by sHSPs and broadens the understanding of the regulation pathways of fruit ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Nilgirianthus ciliatus leaf extracts, characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometer, XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, DLS, and zeta potential analysis. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC96), Escherichia coli (MTCC443), and Salmonella typhi (MTCC98) showed the remarkable inhibitory effect at 25 µl/mL concentration level. Furthermore, the characterized SeNPs showed a great insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti in the early larval stages with the median Lethal Concentration (LC50) of 0.92 mg/L. Histopathological observations of the SeNPs treated midgut and caeca regions of Ae. aegypti 4th instar larvae showed damaged epithelial layer and fragmented peritrophic membrane. In order to provide a mechanistic approach for further studies, molecular docking studies using Auto Dock Vina were performed with compounds of N. ciliatus within the active site of AeSCP2. Overall, the N. ciliates leaf-mediated biogenic SeNPs was promisingly evidenced to have potential larvicidal and food pathogenic bactericidal activity in an eco-friendly approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The different reconstruction parameters of CT imaging lead to domain shifts, which limits the generalization of deep learning models and their applications in computer-aided diagnosis systems. In this paper, we investigate the multi-source domain generalization (DG) problem in the context of lung nodule detection from CT images. We first identify the reconstructed convolution kernel as the key parameter leading to domain shifts. Accordingly, we reorganize the public LUNA16 dataset into a domain generalization benchmark, i.e.,, LUNA-DG. Then, we propose a novel DG method by adversarial frequency alignment (AFA). Specifically, we devise an adaptive transition module (ATM) to learn a frequency attention map that can align different domain images in a common frequency domain. For this purpose, a fidelity discriminator and a multi-domain discriminator are used to train the ATM alternately and adversarially. In addition, to mitigate the issue of ineffective gradient back-propagation in naive multi-domain adversarial learning, we propose a novel random domain adversarial learning (RDAL) strategy that can back-propagate effective gradient signals and gradually reduce the gap between multiple domains. The ATM can be combined with nodule detection models through differentiable Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and inverse FFT, allowing end-to-end training. Experimental results on both LUNA-DG and our in-house datasets validate the superiority of AFA over representative DG methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of serum lipids on ovarian cancer is controversial. We conducted this study to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative plasma lipid profile in patients with ovarian cancer. Methods: The medical records of 156 epithelial ovarian cancer patients who underwent surgical resection in our department were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Serum lipids profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), apolipoprotein B (apoB) and clinicopathologic data, were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses and Kaplan–Meier method were performed to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Multivariable Cox regression analysis found that preoperative higher LDL-C level was significantly associated with worse OS (HR 2.088, 95% CI 1.052–4.147, p = 0.035), whereas higher HDL-C level showed significant association with better PFS (HR 0.491, 95% CI 0.247–0.975, p = 0.042). Further Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated that OS was longer for patients with low levels of LDL-C (< 2.76 mmol/L) compared to those with high levels of LDL-C (≥ 2.76 mmol/L) (P = 0.028), and PFS was better for patients with high levels of HDL-C (≥ 1.19 mmol/L) compared to those with low levels of HDL-C (< 1.19 mmol/L) (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Preoperative HDL-C and LDL-C levels are significant predictors of clinical outcome in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive land use (ILU) is a multi-objective optimization process that aims to simultaneously improve the economic, social, and ecological benefits, as well as the carrying capacity of the land, without increasing additional land, and evaluation of the ILU over long time series has a guiding significance for rational land use. To tackle inefficient extraction of information, subjective selection of dominant factor, and lack of prediction in previous evaluation studies, this paper proposes a novel framework for evaluation and analysis of ILU by, first, using Google Earth Engine (GEE) to extract cities' built-up land information, second, by constructing an index system that links economic, social and ecological aspects to evaluate the ILU degree, third, by applying Geodetector to identify the dominant factor on the ILU, finally, by using the S-curve to predict the degree. Based on the case study data from northern China's five fast-growing cities (i.e., Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Jinan, Zhengzhou), the findings show that the ILU degree for all cities has increased over the past 30 years, with the highest growth rate between 2000 and 2010. Beijing had the highest degree in 2018, followed by Tianjin, Zhengzhou, Jinan, and Shijiazhuang. In terms of the time dimension, the dominant factor for all cities shifted from the output-value proportion of secondary and tertiary industries in the early stage to the economic density in the late stage. In terms of the space dimension, the dominant factor varied from cities. It is worth noting that economic density was the dominant factor in the two high-level ILU cities, Beijing and Tianjin, indicating that economic strength is the main driver of the ILU. Moreover, cities with high-level ILU at the current stage will grow slowly in the ILU degree from 2020 to 2035, while Zhengzhou and Jinan, whose ILU has been in the midstream recently, will grow the most among the cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the effectiveness and mechanisms of high temperature sintering following prereduction with ferric sulfate (FeSO4), sodium sulfide (Na2S), or citric acid (C6H8O7) in stabilizing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in highly contaminated soil. The soil samples had an initial total Cr leaching of 1768.83 mg/L, and Cr(VI) leaching of 1745.13 mg/L. When FeSO4 or C6H8O7 reduction was followed by sintering at 1000°C, the Cr leaching was reduced enough to meet the Safety Landfill Standards regarding general industrial solid waste. This combined treatment greatly improved the stabilization efficiency of chromium because the reduction of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) decreased the mobility of chromium and made it more easily encapsulated in minerals during sintering. SEM, XRD, TG-DSC, and speciation analysis indicated that when the sintering temperature reached 1000°C, almost all the chromium in soils that had the pre-reduction treatment was transformed into the residual form. At 1000°C, the soil melted and promoted the mineralization of Cr and the formation of new Cr-containing compounds, which significantly decreased subsequent leaching of chromium from the soil. However, without reduction treatment, chromium continued to leach from the soil even after being sintered at 1000°C, possibly because the soil did not fully fuse and because Cr(VI) does not bind with soil as easily as Cr(III). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, isatin was employed as the scaffold to design aldose reductase inhibitors with antioxidant activity. Most of the isatin derivatives were proved to be excellent in the inhibition of aldose reductase (ALR2) with IC50 values at submicromolar level, and (E)-2-(5-(4-methoxystyryl)-2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl) acetic acid (9g) was identified as the most effective with an IC50 value of 0.015 μM. Moreover, compounds 9a–h with styryl side chains at the C5 position of isatin showed potent antioxidant activity. Particularly, the phenolic compound 9h demonstrated similar antioxidant activity with the well-known antioxidant Trolox. Structure-activity relationship and molecular docking studies showed that the acetic acid group at N1 and C5 p-hydroxystyryl side chain were the key structures to increase the aldose reductase inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalysts with high stability and efficient electrocatalytic properties are urgently explored to improve sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in Li-O2 batteries. In this paper, exquisitely designed bifunctional catalyst comprising Co3O4 nanospheres embedded in NiO nanosheet arrays on carbon cloth as a freestanding cathode is reported. The unique hierarchical structure facilitates the continuous oxygen diffusion and the transport of Li+. Moreover, benefitting from the synergetic effect between NiO and Co3O4, the interface charge transfer kinetics was greatly enhanced. As a result, Li-O2 cells based on the integrated NiO/Co3O4/CC electrode present an improved overpotential of 1.1 V, a high discharge capacity of 8000 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 and an enhanced cycle stability of 130 cycles under a restricted capacity at 500 mAh g−1 were reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although halophilic archaea are rich in natural environments, their biotechnological applications are not as prevalent as those of other extremophiles, such as thermophiles and alkaliphiles. This study presents an simple method to prepare a hydrogel composite using crude cell lysate of a halophilic archaea, Halorubrum ejinoor sp. (H.e.) which was isolated from a saline lake in Inner Mongolia, China. Furthermore, formation mechanism and potential applications of the hydrogel as an adsorbing material are discussed. Results: Halorubrum ejinoor sp. (H.e.) cell lysate was firstly prepared by adding pure water onto the H.e. cell pellet, followed by a short incubation at 60 °C. The cell lysate was injected into different metal ion (or H+) solutions to obtain the hydrogel composite. It was observed that H+, Fe3+, La3+, Cu2+, and Ca2+ induced gelation of the cell lysate, while Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+ did not. DNA and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) in the H.e. cell lysate were found to be responsible for the gelation reaction. These results suggest that DNA and EPS should be crosslinked by metal ions (or H+) and form a networked structure in which the metal ion (or H+) serves as an anchor point. Potential application of the hydrogel as an adsorbing material was explored using La3+-induced H.e. hydrogel composite. The hydrogel composite can adsorb the fluoride, phosphate and DNA-binding carcinogenic agents, such as acridine orange. Conclusions: The simplicity and cost effectiveness of the preparation method might make H.e. hydrogel a promising adsorbing material. This work is expected to expand the technical applications of haloarchaea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a strategy to design structured grinding wheels to machine designed structured surfaces in micro-scale through the grinding process is investigated. Firstly, the geometry of the microstructured surface is defined. A mathematical model to describe the geometry of the structured grinding wheel and the grinding parameters is presented according to the geometry of the designed microstructures on the workpiece surface. And then, several operating conditions for the grinding operation are mathematically determined and kinematically simulated using a proper programming language to produce the designed geometry of the microstructured surface. The errors in the simulated geometries of the machined microstructures are calculated and analyzed. Finally, the reasons for deviation and ability to minimize error sources are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After long-term water injection development, most of the oilfields in China have entered the stage of high-water cut, which has reached up to 90%. Due to the strong heterogeneity of the reservoir, more than 50% of the oil remains underground in most oilfields. Therefore, how to predict the distribution and content of remaining oil quickly and accurately in heterogeneous reservoir has become the key of EOR. In this paper, a new effective water-flooding unit model is established based on a three-dimensional flow function, which can characterize the influence of vertical heterogeneity on flow and the streamline distribution. In addition, two shape functions are defined in the model to characterize the oil–water two-phase flow characteristics in an injection-production unit. The results show that the streamline in the lower part of the positive rhythm reservoir is denser, which leads to the formation of dominant seepage channel with ease. However, for the reverse rhythm reservoir, dominant seepage channel forms in the upper part of the reservoir. Besides, for the two types of reservoirs, the greater the permeability difference is, the faster the water cut increases. Furthermore, under the same rhythm condition, the positive rhythm reservoir reaches 90% water cut half a year earlier than the anti-rhythm reservoir. This study provides new insight and guidance for the development of remaining oil in rhythmic reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ubiquitin–proteasome system is an essential regulator of Acf7, which serves as a key effector for the maintenance of the EMT program and migration. However, the precise mechanism for the deubiquitination of Acf7 is still not fully understood. Using a proteomic approach, we identified ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14 (USP14) as an Acf7-associated deubiquitinase. Our findings show that there was an interaction between USP14 and Acf7. The expression of USP14 and Acf7 were elevated in lung cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal cells. Employing the overexpression of USP14 and the USP14 knockdown assay indicated that USP14 can greatly increase the steady-state levels of Acf7 by inhibiting the degradation of Acf7 through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Here we identified USP14 as a deubiquitinating enzyme that regulated Acf7 ubiquitination and protein levels. Moreover, knockdown of USP14 inhibited cell migration, however, overexpression of wild-type USP14 but not USP14 mutants promoted cell migration. Together, these results suggest that USP14 plays an important role in the NSCLC migration through modulating Acf7 stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic pH of lysosomes is closely related to autophagy; thus, well known of the precise lysosomes, pH changes will give more information on the autophagy process and status. So far, however, only pH changes in a relatively broad range could be indicated, the exact lysosomes pH detection has never arrived. In our study, we established an endo/lysosome pH indicator based on the self-decomposable SiO2 nanoparticle system with specific synthesis parameters. The central concentrated methylene blue (MB) in the central-hollow structural nanoparticles presented sensitive release as a function of pH values from pH 4.0–4.8, which is exactly the pH range of lysosomes. The linear correlation of the optical density (OD) values and the pH values has been built up, which has been used for the detection of lysosomes pH in 6 different cell lines. Moreover, by this system, we succeeded in precisely detecting the pH average changes of lysosomes before and after black mesoporous silicon (BPSi) NP endocytosis, clarifying the mechanism of the autophagy termination after BPSi endocytosis. So, the self-decomposable nanoparticle-based luminal pH indicator may provide a new methodology and strategy to know better of the lysosome pH, then indicate more details on the autophagy process or other important signaling about metabolisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to determine the bioactive components, microbial potency against pathogens, antioxidant and larvicidal activities of Goniothalamus wightii leaves extracts by using different organic solvents as hexane chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and aqueous. Further, methanol extract was exhibited to be most effective when compared to other extraction of phytochemicals and its use for further analysis of biological activities. Alkaloid content ranged from 68.42 ± 1.36 (mg AE/g), flavonoid content ranged from 76.80 ± 2.80 (mg QE/g), and phenolic content ranged from 67.50 ± 2.55 (mg GAE/g), respectively. The metabolites are identified and characterized by using HPTLC biomarker, the presence of different types of Rf values ranged from 0.02 to 0.94, and FT-IR spectrum and GC–MS analysis displayed 25 biochemical compounds which are liable for the various biological activities. Based on their compounds, they evaluated that antimicrobial activity highly inhibits against the bacterial species of Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris and fungal species of Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxysporum and Trichoderma virideae. In vitro antioxidant assays activities showed that 70% inhibited against the free radicals. Additionally, G. wightii methanol extract was contrary to the mosquito larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi in 24 h; and LC50 and LC90 were calculated. In conclusion, these findings suggested that the G. wightii extract may be valuable natural antioxidant sources and potentially applicable for both therapeutic and industrial uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at the Green for Grain Project in northern Shaanxi Province. Based on remote sensing monitoring data, this study analyzes the locations of arable land in northern Shaanxi in the years 2000, 2010 and 2013 as well as spatio-temporal changes over that period, and then incorporates data on the distribution of terraced fields to improve the input parameters of a RUSLE model and simulate and generate raster data on soil erosion for northern Shaanxi at different stages with a accuracy verification. Finally, combined with the dataset of farmland change, compared and analyzed the characteristics of soil erosion change in the converted farmland to forest (grassland) and the unconverted farmland in northern Shaanxi, so as to determine the project's impact on soil erosion over time across the region. The results show that between 2000 and 2010, the soil erosion modulus of repur-posed farmland in northern Shaanxi decreased 22.7 t/ha, equivalent to 47.08% of the soil erosion modulus of repurposed farmland in 2000. In the same period, the soil erosion modulus of non-repurposed farmland fell 10.99 t/ha, equivalent to 28.6% of the soil erosion modulus of non-repurposed farmland in 2000. The soil erosion modulus for all types of land in northern Shaanxi decreased by an average of 14.51 t/ha between 2000 and 2010, equivalent to 41.87% of the soil erosion modulus for the entire region in 2000. This suggests that the Green for Grain Project effectively reduced the soil erosion modulus, thus helping to protect the soil. In particular, arable land that was turned into forest and grassland reduced erosion most noticeably and contributed most to soil conservation. Nevertheless, in the period 2010 to 2013, which was a period of consolidation of the Green for Grain Project, the soil erosion modulus and change in volume of soil erosion in northern Shaanxi were significantly lower than in the previous decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (PAPVD) is a common congenital heart disease. If the insertion of an anomalous pulmonary vein (PV) is high into the superior vena cava (SVC), the traditional 1-patch or 2-patch surgical repair might be challenging. Unlike patch procedures, the cavoatrial anastomosis technique (Warden procedure) theoretically reduces complications such as sinus node dysfunction and venous obstruction. We investigate outcomes of the Warden procedure (WP) at a single institution. A total of 67 patients (42 males and 25 females) with PAPVD who underwent the WP between January 2011 and December 2018 were consecutively enrolled. The median age was 2.8 years (3–61 years old). 52 cases were younger than 18 years old. perioperative and follow-up clinical data were collected. In addition, we selected possible risk factors (a total of 18 risk factors) of SVC stenosis or obstruction. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to confirm the independent risk factors. The average Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 132.3 ± 46.3 min, and the aortic cross-clamp time was 85.2 ± 35.7 min. One patient died postoperatively in hospital. The mean follow-up time of the remaining patients (n = 66) was 15.8 ± 14.5 months (3–64 months). No abnormal cardiac function or sinus node dysfunction cases were identified during the follow-up. Of the survival patients, no venous obstruction was presented before the discharge. Numbers of patients identified with mild PV and SVC stenosis were 1 (1.5%) and 7 (10.6%, 4 of them turned negative eventually) at discharge. At the last follow-up, no PV obstruction was identified, whereas, 4 cases (6%) had SVC obstruction. Numbers of PV and SVC stenosis cases were 3 (4.5%) and 8 (12%). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that only the diameter of SVC less than 10 mm was an independent risk factor for SVC stenosis or obstruction at the last follow-up. Warden procedure can effectively treat PAPVD (anomalous drainages into SVC), with satisfactory early and mid-term postoperative results. Different modifications of the Warden procedure may be selected according to the anatomic characteristics. The diameter of SVC less than 10 mm predicts SVC stenosis or obstruction after Warden procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high production efficiency synthesis method was used to produce a stacked vanadium nitride nanoparticle structure with an inexpensive raw material as an anode material and high surface area polystyrene was used the cathode material for lithium ion hybrid capacitors. The Li-HCs cell displayed an excellent specific capacitance of 64.2 F·g-1 at a current density of 0.25 A·g-1 and a wide potential window of 0.01 to 3.5 V. Furthermore, the device exhibited a high energy density of 109.3 W·h·kg-1 at a power density of 512.3 W·kg-1 and retained an energy density of 69.2 W·h·kg-1 at a high power density of 3 498.9 W·kg-1 at 2 A·g-1. Due to the short synthesis time and simple raw materials, this method is suitable for industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Warburg effect, which originally described increased production of lactate in cancer, is associated with diverse cellular processes such as angiogenesis, hypoxia, polarization of macrophages and activation of T cells. This phenomenon is intimately linked to several diseases including neoplasia, sepsis and autoimmune diseases1,2. Lactate, which is converted from pyruvate in tumour cells, is widely known as an energy source and metabolic by-product. However, its non-metabolic functions in physiology and disease remain unknown. Here we show that lactate-derived lactylation of histone lysine residues serves as an epigenetic modification that directly stimulates gene transcription from chromatin. We identify 28 lactylation sites on core histones in human and mouse cells. Hypoxia and bacterial challenges induce the production of lactate by glycolysis, and this acts as a precursor that stimulates histone lactylation. Using M1 macrophages that have been exposed to bacteria as a model system, we show that histone lactylation has different temporal dynamics from acetylation. In the late phase of M1 macrophage polarization, increased histone lactylation induces homeostatic genes that are involved in wound healing, including Arg1. Collectively, our results suggest that an endogenous 'lactate clock' in bacterially challenged M1 macrophages turns on gene expression to promote homeostasis. Histone lactylation thus represents an opportunity to improve our understanding of the functions of lactate and its role in diverse pathophysiological conditions, including infection and cancer. The lactylation of lysine residues on histones in mammalian cells is stimulated by hypoxia and bacterial challenges, and increased histone lactylation induces genes involved in wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultured Nibea albiflora rarely die from cryptocaryoniasis. To explore the resistance of N. albiflora against the invasion of Cryptocaryon irritans, in this study, 40 g N. albiflora was artificially infected with C. irritans at a median lethal concentration (2050 theronts/g fish). The food intake, survival, relative infection intensity, and immobilization titer variation of serum and mucus at different time points after the infection were compared. Results showed that the ingestion of N. albiflora could be resumed only 1 day after feed deprivation by the disease, which indicated the quick resilience of N. albiflora. N. albiflora did not die out even if it was cultured continually for up to 15 days at 27 °C in a culture tank with a large quantity of C. irritans tomonts. It was because that, without any exterior force, N. albiflora could block the C. irritans cell proliferation, and then the pathogens disappear gradually. In vitro immobilization titer test results confirmed that the serum and mucus could directly eradicate C. irritans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common disease in neurosurgical practice with substantial recurrence rate. We aimed to estimate recurrence rate of CSDH and to identify risk factors for CSDH recurrence.Methods: We retrospectively studied consecutive cases with CSDH and performed surgical therapy in our hospital. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with recurrence of CSDH.Results: A total of 226 patients with CSDH were included; 34 patients recurred after surgery with a recurrence rate of 15.0%. Univariate analysis showed that the recurrence group had more patients with homogenous hyper-dense hematoma (20.6 vs 6.3%, p = 0.035) and shorter duration of subdural drainage post-surgery (1.2 ± 1.4 vs 1.5 ± 0.9, p = 0.022) than the non-recurrence group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that duration of subdural drainage (OR = 0.66, p = 0.05) and hyper-dense of hematoma (OR = 4.94, p = 0.012) were independent predictors for CSDH recurrence.Conclusions: Homogenous hyper-dense of hematoma and duration of subdural drainage post-surgery were independent predictors for CSDH recurrence; longer duration of postoperative subdural drainage was associated with lower risk of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain growth behavior of a powder metallurgy (P/M) Ti-22Al-25Nb alloy was investigated by applying a series of isothermal treatment tests over a wide range of temperatures and holding times. An isothermal treatment scheme was conducted in the B2 phase region (1070-1110 °C) and α2 + B2 phase region (1010-1050 °C) at holding times of 10, 30 min, 1, 2, and 3 h, respectively. The effects of temperature and holding time on the microstructure evolution and microhardness of the P/M Ti-22Al-25Nb alloy at elevated temperatures were evaluated using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, and Vickers hardness test techniques. The results revealed that the alloy’s treated microstructure was closely linked to temperature and holding time, respectively. The change law of B2 grain growth with holding time and temperature can be well interpreted by the Beck equation and Hillert equation, respectively. The B2 grain growth exponent n and activation energy Q were acquired based on experimental data in the α2 + B2 and B2 phase regions. In addition, the grain growth contour map for the P/M Ti-22Al-25Nb alloy was constructed to depict variations in B2 grain size based on holding time and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the mid-term results of mitral valve (MV) repair in infancy and childhood with isolated mitral regurgitation (MR). From January 2005 to January 2016, 40 consecutive patients with isolated MR underwent MV repair in Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China. Patients' clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Mean age at operation was 13 ± 5 (6-24) months and 22 patients (55%) were younger than 1 year. Mean weight at operation was 8.5 ± 1.9 (4.2-13) kg and 34 patients (85%) were lighter than 10 kg. All patients presented moderate or greater MR. After MV repair, all patients had mild MR or none, while two patients underwent re-repair immediately when TEE showed moderate MR. Mean left atrial diameter decreased from 28.0 ± 6.5 to 20.7 ± 4.8 mm and mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased from 38.6 ± 7.0 to 30.2 ± 4.9 mm ( p < 0.001 for both). There was no early death. Clinical follow-up was conducted in 37 patients over an average period of 49 ± 31 (20-134) months. Follow-up echocardiography showed that one patient had severe MR who underwent redo repair 14 months after operation, one patient had moderate to severe MR, and three patients had moderate MR. Overall freedom from moderate or greater MR was 96.3 ± 3.6%, 91.9 ± 5.5%, and 83.6 ± 9.4% at 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The early and mid-term results of MV repair in pediatric patients with isolated MR were satisfactory. In majority of patients, less complex surgical repair techniques were utilized, namely annuloplasty or commissuroplasty. The combination of various repair methods in complex patients could achieve excellent outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, semi-solid billets of AZ91D magnesium alloy were prepared by employing the repetitive upsetting-extrusion (RUE) based strain induced melt activation (SIMA) process. Thixoforming experiments were performed using semi-solid alloys experiencing various RUE temperatures and semi-solid reheating temperatures. The microstructure characterization and microhardness of the thixoformed products were investigated. Microstructure examination results indicated that semi-solid globular microstructure ensuring good thixotropic filling performance was prepared by applying the RUE-based SIMA method. Thixoformed components with good surface quality were obtained. Compared with the original as-cast alloy, significant grain refinement and microhardness improvement occurred in the thixoformed components. And the mean grain sizes and microhardness values were measured to be in the ranges of 11.81-23.84 μm and Hv80.67-Hv90.65, respectively. By means of further comparison of microstructure and microhardness, the grain coarsening and microhardness reduction of the thixoformed components were verified by elevating the RUE deformation temperature and semi-solid remelting temperature. Furthermore, strengthening mechanisms during thixoforming involving the application of the RUE-based SIMA route were discussed in detail. The results showed that the comprehensive effect of fine grain strengthening, dispersion strengthening, and solid solubility strengthening should be responsible for microhardness improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China had implemented the national strategies for Major Function-oriented Zones (MFOZs) to realize the goal of national sustainable development since 2010. This study analyzed and compared spatio-temporal characteristics and differences in built-up area for China's MFOZs using a China' s Land Use Database (CLUD) derived from high-resolution remotely sensed images in the periods of 2000-2010 and 2010-2013. To sum up: (1) The percentage of built-up area in each of the MFOZs was significantly different, revealing the gradient feature of national land development based on the distribution of the main functions. (2) Annual growth in built-up area in optimal development zones (ODZs) decreased significantly during 2010-2013 compared with the period 2000-2010, while annual growth in built-up area in key development zones (KDZs), agricultural production zones (APZs) and key ecological function zones (KEFZs) increased significantly. (3) In ODZs, the average annual increase in built-up area in the Yangtze River Delta region was significantly higher than in other regions; the average area increase and rate of increase of built-up area in KDZs was faster in the western region than in other regions; average annual area growth of built-up area in APZs in the northeast, central and western regions was twice as high as the previous decade on average; the annual rate of change and increase in the dynamic degree of built-up area were most notable in KEFZs in the central region. (4) The spatial pattern and characteristics of built-up area expansions in the period 2010-2013 reflected the gradient feature of the plan for MFOZs. But the rate of increase locally in built-up area in ODZs, APZs and KEFZs is fast, so the effective measures must be adopted in the implementation of national and regional policies. The conclusions indicated these methods and results were meaningful for future regulation strategies in optimizing national land development in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that baicalein has protective effects against several diseases, which including ischemic stroke. The effect of baicalein on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and its related mechanisms are not well understood. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which baicalein may influence the BBB in a rat model of ICH. The rat model of ICH was induced by intravenous injection of collagenase IV into the brain. Animals were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation, vehicle, and baicalein group. Each group was then divided into subgroups, in which the rats were sacrificed at 24 and 72 h after ICH. We assessed brain edema, behavioral changes, BBB leakage, apoptosis, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), zonula occludens (ZO)-1, Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Treatment with baicalein reduced brain water content, BBB leakage, apoptosis, and neurologic deficits, compared with vehicle. Baicalein also decreased ICH-induced changes in the levels of iNOS but increased the levels of ZO-1. The protective effect of baicalein on the BBB in ICH rats was possibly invoked by attenuated p-38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation, and decreased activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which may have suppressed gene transcription, including iNOS, and eventually decreased formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO). Our results suggest that baicalein exerts a protective effect on BBB disruption in the rat model of ICH. The likely mechanism is via inhibition of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways, leading to decreased formation of iNOS and ONOO, thereby improving neurological function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new well test model for a vertical fractured well is developed based on a discrete-fracture model in which the fractures are discretized as one dimensional (1-D) entities. The model overcomes the weakness of complex meshing, a large number of grids, and instability in conventional stripe-fracture models. Then, the discrete-fracture model is implemented using a hybrid element finite-element method. Triangular elements are used for matrix and line elements for the fractures. The finite element formulation is validated by comparing with the semi-analytical solution of a single vertical fractured well. The accuracy of the approach is shown through several examples with different fracture apertures, fracture conductivity, and fracture amount. Results from the discrete-fracture model agree reasonably well with the stripe-fracture model and the analytic solutions. The advantages of the discrete-fracture model are presented in mesh generation, computational improvement, and abilities to handle complex fractures like wedge-shaped fractures and fractures with branches. Analytical results show that the number of grids in the discrete-fracture model is 10 % less than stripe-fracture model, and computational efficiency increases by about 50 %. The more fractures there are, the more the computational efficiency increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the characteristics of fractures in naturally fractured reservoir and a discrete-fracture model, a fracture network numerical well test model is developed. Bottom hole pressure response curves and the pressure field are obtained by solving the model equations with the finite-element method. By analyzing bottom hole pressure curves and the fluid flow in the pressure field, seven flow stages can be recognized on the curves. An upscaling method is developed to compare with the dual-porosity model (DPM). The comparisons results show that the DPM overestimates the inter-porosity coefficient λ and the storage factor ω. The analysis results show that fracture conductivity plays a leading role in the fluid flow. Matrix permeability influences the beginning time of flow from the matrix to fractures. Fractures density is another important parameter controlling the flow. The fracture linear flow is hidden under the large fracture density. The pressure propagation is slower in the direction of larger fracture density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A relatively high formation pressure gradient can exist in seepage flow in low-permeable porous media with a threshold pressure gradient, and a significant error may then be caused in the model computation by neglecting the quadratic pressure gradient term in the governing equations. Based on these concerns, in consideration of the quadratic pressure gradient term, a basic moving boundary model is constructed for a one-dimensional seepage flow problem with a threshold pressure gradient. Owing to a strong nonlinearity and the existing moving boundary in the mathematical model, a corresponding numerical solution method is presented. First, a spatial coordinate transformation method is adopted in order to transform the system of partial differential equations with moving boundary conditions into a closed system with fixed boundary conditions; then the solution can be stably numerically obtained by a fully implicit finite-difference method. The validity of the numerical method is verified by a published exact analytical solution. Furthermore, to compare with Darcy's flow problem, the exact analytical solution for the case of Darcy's flow considering the quadratic pressure gradient term is also derived by an inverse Laplace transform. A comparison of these model solutions leads to the conclusion that such moving boundary problems must incorporate the quadratic pressure gradient term in their governing equations; the sensitive effects of the quadratic pressure gradient term tend to diminish, with the dimensionless threshold pressure gradient increasing for the one-dimensional problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone cancer pain presents a clinical challenge with limitations of current treatments. Many patients seek additional therapies that may relieve pain. Many external applications of traditional Chinese medicines (EAs-TCMs) have been evaluated in clinical trials, but fewer are known about them outside of China. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy for bone cancer pain.Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in seven databases until December 2014 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about EAs-TCMs in the treatment of bone cancer pain. The primary outcome was total pain relief rate. The secondary outcomes were adverse events at the end of treatment course. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed independently using six-item criteria according to the Cochrane Collaboration. All data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.2.0. We included any RCTs evaluating an EA-TCM for the treatment of bone cancer pain. We conducted a meta-analysis.Results: We included six RCTs with 534 patients. In general, the reporting of methodological issues was poor. Compared with morphine sulfate sustained release tablets (MSSRTs) or radiotherapy or bisphosphonates, we analyzed data from five trials reporting on complete response effect score (relative risk (RR) = 5.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.80-10.31, P < 0.00001) and partial response (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.02-1.37, P = 0.02) and six trials reporting on total pain relief rate (RR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.43-1.67, P < 0.00001). Six RCTs showed significant effects of EA-TCM for improving pain relief in patients with bone cancer pain. In addition, no severe adverse events were found.Conclusion: This systematic review showed positive but weak evidence of EA-TCM for bone cancer pain because of the poor methodological quality and the small quantity of the included trials. Future rigorously designed RCTs are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor neurons (MNs) and has no effective treatment. Mutations in the fused in sarcoma ( FUS) gene and abnormal aggregation of FUS protein have been reported in ALS. However, the mechanisms involved in ALS are poorly understood. Clinical drug trails have failed due to a lack of appropriate disease models, including a lack of access to MNs from ALS patients. Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from patients with ALS provide an indispensable resource for in vitro mechanistic studies and for future patient-specific cell-based therapies. Previous reports demonstrated that viral-based ALS-iPS cells generated from fibroblasts harvested from Caucasian populations are ideal for basic research; however, ALS-iPS cells are precluded from cell-based therapeutic applications because of the risks associated with the integration of viral sequences into the genome and inconvenience associated with dermal biopsies. To establish a model for use in clinical applications, using episomal vectors, we generated an integration-free iPS cell line from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) harvested from a familial ALS (FALS) patient carrying the FUS-P525L mutation and a healthy control. Furthermore, we successfully differentiated ALS patient-specific iPS cells into MNs and subsequently detected cytoplasmic mislocalization and formation of FUS protein aggregates in MNs due to the FUS-P525L mutation. Our findings offer a cell-based disease model for use in further elucidating ALS pathogenesis and provide a tool for exploring gene repair coupled with cell replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review the recent literature on the protective effects of soy isoflavones and other bioactive components. We review the effect of combinations of three soy isoflavones, daidzein, genistein, and glycitein and examine the interactions of individual soy isoflavones with other compounds such as vitamins, trace elements, chemotherapeutics, and phytoestrogens. We further review the effect of whole isoflavones and other compounds and discuss these effects when assessing the risks associated with various environmental and food compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intergeneric hybrid between Hippolytia kaschgarica (maternal plant) and Nipponanthemum nipponicum (paternal plant) was produced without emasculation for the first time. This proves a close relationship between Hippolytia and Nipponanthemum, once again. The hybrids could be identified by nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and morphological characteristics. The composition of the hybrid capitulum was a mix between both parents. It was basically similar to the maternal plant ( Hippolytia) with yellow (actinomorphic) tubular florets, but supplemented with 5-13 white tetramerous, or pentamerous tubular florets bursting out in the outer whirl, being more distinctive and bigger. Instead of ligulate white ray florets of the paternal plant ( Nipponanthemum), they were tubular (actinomorphic). The same phenomenon recently appeared in the intergeneric hybrid between Cancrinia maximowiczii (tubular) and the interspecific hybrid of Chrysanthemum naktongense × Chrysanthemum × morifolium 'Aifen' (ligulate, daisy-like). The shape of the achenes of our new hybrid is quite similar to that of the paternal parent with pappus of separate unequal subulate scales, or awns. In the maternal parent, pappus is absent. Similarly to the referred intergeneric hybrid, this new viable hybrid might be used as bridge for breeding multi-generic hybrids within the Compositae tribe Anthemideae. Since the molecular mechanism behind the novel phenotype of the new hybrid has not been explored in Chrysanthemum, this is discussed here with recent findings in Senecio, Gerbera and Helianthus. One of the CYCLOIDEA-like genes that control floral symmetry, CYC2c is required for zygomorphy in normal ligulate ray florets. In novel intergeneric hybrids, ray florets remain actinomorphic (tubular), however. Some causes are tackled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two possible intergeneric putative hybrids between Cancrinia maximowiczii and an interspecific hybrid ( Chrysanthemum naktongense × Chrysanthemum × morifolium 'Aifen') were produced without emasculation. The putative hybrids could be identified by ITS sequences and morphological characteristics. The distinct trait of the putative hybrids presented itself by 7-13 white tubular florets bursting out in the outer capitula. Results of flow cytometry analysis and chromosome counting did not support the nature of the putative hybrids. It was found that the ploidy levels of the putative hybrids and parents are diploid, hexaploid and diploid respectively. Whether the paternal parent is a donor of the genome or not, need to be analyzed further by GISH. We propose that C. maximowiczii may be transferred to the subtribe Artemisiinae based on ITS phylogenetic analysis, although the position of the species and the genus Cancrinia could not be confirmed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the expression and diagnostic value of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Serum HE4 level was measured in serum samples from 30 healthy controls and 49 patients with SCLC using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HE4 expression in tumor tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. The results show that serum HE4 level is significantly higher in SCLC patients than those in healthy controls, which is also the case in tumor tissues where strong intracytoplasmic staining is demonstrable. Using the optimal cutoff value of 84.19 pmol/l, serum HE4 level distinguishes SCLC patients from healthy controls with a sensitivity of 69.4 %, a specificity of 93.3 %, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.85. Compared to other well-known tumor markers used in lung cancer diagnosis, HE4 shows the highest sensitivity (69.4 %, 34 of 49) and accuracy (78.5 %, 62 of 79) in diagnosing SCLC, and combinations with other tumor markers further increase the sensitivity and accuracy. These findings suggest that HE4 levels are greatly elevated in sera and tumor tissues of patients with SCLC and serum HE4 is a potential diagnostic marker for patients with SCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over-expression of RhoA in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) indicates a poor prognosis and is correlated with the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) clinical classification. However, until now RhoA function in the ESCC progression remains to be established. We employed adenovirus-mediated small hairpin RNA (shRNA) against human RhoA (Ad-sh-RhoA) to efficiently silence target gene expression in RhoA-expressing Eca-109 ESCC cells at both protein and mRNA levels. Consequently, Ad-sh-RhoA reduced the proliferation and migration of Eca-109 cells assayed by MTT assay and cell wound healing, respectively. Moreover, Ad-sh-RhoA increased cell apoptosis and inhibited the cell cycle G1-S-phase progression of Eca-109 cells assessed by flow cytometry. Finally, in a nude mouse model, intratumoral injections of adenovirus-delivered RhoA shRNA every 3 days for 20 days significantly inhibited the growth and angiogenesis of xenografted Eca-109 tumors. In summary, these data indicate that RhoA may be a key molecule in ESCC cells, and thus, specific inhibition of the Rho signaling pathway with adenovirus-delivered shRNA represents a promising approach for the treatment of aggressive ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brief electrical stimulation has been shown to be effective in promoting neuronal regeneration following peripheral nerve injury. These effects are thought to be mediated largely by the upregulation of the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in spinal cord neurons. However, the molecular mechanisms by which electrical stimulation can promote BDNF expression are not known. The mechanism involved in BDNF expression after electrical stimulation was explored in this study. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to test BDNF expression. Confocal microscopy was utilized to study intracellular Ca volume. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting confirmed that brief electrical stimulation increased BDNF expression in spinal cord neurons both in vivo and in vitro. Treatment of cultured neurons with nifedipine, an inhibitor of voltage-gated calcium channels, significantly reduced the BDNF increase produced by electrical stimulation, and an inhibitor of Erk completely abolished the effect of electrical stimulation. Levels of BDNF expression in the presence of the Erk inhibitor were lower that in unstimulated and untreated controls, indicating that Erk activation is required to maintain baseline levels of BDNF. Confocal microscopy using a Ca-sensitive fluorochrome revealed that electrical stimulation is accompanied by an increase in intracellular Ca levels; the increase was partly blocked by nifedipine. These findings argue that electrical stimulation increases BDNF expression in spinal cord neurons by activating a Ca- and Erk-dependent signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a promising type 2 anti-diabetic agent, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is attracting more and more interest. Mutated GLP-1 (mGLP-1) is an analog of native GLP-1. To facilitate the production and purification of mGLP-1, auto-induction and on-column cleavage was employed in this study. By using auto-induction system, after 24 h of shaking culture, about 12.6 g wet bacterial cells could be obtained from 1 l medium, and this was about 3.6 times more than that of the IPTG-induction group. After disruption and centrifugation, the fusion protein was directly purified and cleaved on Ni–Sepharose 6 Fast Flow column. Then, RESOURCE15 RPC column was used for further purification. By using these two steps of purification, about 1.58 mg of mGLP-1 with the purity of up to 98% could be obtained from 1 g wet bacterial cells. In the bioactivity study, mGLP-1 displayed a significant and dose-dependent glucose-lowering activity. These results suggested that auto-induction and on-column cleavage could facilitate the production and purification of mGLP-1. These methods could also be applied to the preparation of other proteins and peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Palonosetron in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting (CIV) among the Chinese cancer patients.Patients and Methods: Two hundred and forty patients were scheduled to be enrolled and randomized to receive a single intravenous dose of palonosetron 0.25 mg, or granisetron 3 mg, 30 min before receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy. The primary efficacy endpoint was the complete response (CR) rate for acute CIV (during the 0-24-h interval after chemotherapy). Secondary endpoints included the CR rates for delayed CIV (more than 24 h after chemotherapy).Results: Two hundred and eight patients were accrued and received study medication. CR rates for acute CIV were 82.69% for palonosetron and 72.12% for granisetron, which demonstrated that palonosetron was not inferior to granisetron in preventing acute CIV. Comparisons of CR rates for delayed CIV yielded no statistical difference between palonosetron and granisetron groups and did not reveal non-inferiority of palonosetron to granisetron. Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate, with quite low rates among the two groups.Conclusions: A single dose (0.25 mg) of palonosetron is not inferior to a single dose (3 mg) of granisetron in preventing CIV and possesses an acceptable safety profile in the Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the influence of tumor osseous metastasis on the patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection. A total of 36 patients with malignant diseases who received an autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, during a period from April 2004 to June 2006, were chosen. The patients were divided into two groups, i.e. group A were patients with a complication of tumor osseous metastasis, and group B were without metastasis. Both groups were treated with Taxotere 120 mg/m2 plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) 5 μg/kg/d, for a mobilization regimen. A blood cell separator was used to collect the mononuclear cells. The proportion of harvested CD34+ cells in the peripheral blood and the collected mononuclear cells were detected by flow cytometry. The number of CD34+ cells was used to determine the difference in the nature of the collections between the two groups. After mobilization in groups A and B, the number of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was 39.3 ± 14.7% and 41.1 ± 12.4 % and the proportion of CD34 + cells was 0.16 ± 0.07% and 0.17 ± 0.10%, respectively. Following administration of the drugs, there was no significant difference between the number of harvested PBMC and CD34+ cells of the two groups, i.e., 3.47 ± 1.16 × 108/Kg and 2.52 ± 1.43 × 106/Kg in group A and 4.02 ± 1.31 × 108/Kg and 2.73 ± 1.87 × 106/Kg in group B, respectively. Osseous metastasis, as a single factor, may have no impact on mobilization and harvesting of hematopoietic stem cells and their engraftment after autotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling of Arg-Gly-Asp-Val (RGDV) and gemcitabine led to a hypothesis that the conjugate (RGDV-gemcitabine) could inhibit tumor metastasis. To confirm this hypothesis the activities of RGDV-gemcitabine inhibiting tumor metastasis in vitro and in vivo were presented for the first time. AFM (atomic force microscopy) imaged that RGDV-gemcitabine was able to adhere onto the surface of serum-starved A549 cells, to block the extending of the pseudopodia. Thereby RGDV-gemcitabine was able to inhibit the invasion, migration and adhesion of serum-starved A549 cells in vitro. On C57BL/6 mouse model RGDV-gemcitabine dose dependently inhibited the metastasis of planted tumor towards the lung and the minimal dose was 0.084 µmol/kg/3 days. The decrease of serum TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor), IL-8 (interleukin-8), MMP-2 (matrix metalloprotein-2) and MMP-9 (matrix metalloprotein-9) of the treated C57BL/6 mice was correlated with the action pathway of RGDV-gemcitabine inhibiting the metastasis of the planted tumor towards lung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) WTe2 and MoTe2 with orthorhombic Td phase, being potential candidates as type-II Weyl semimetals, are attracted much attention recently. Here we synthesized a series of miscible Mo1−xWxTe2 single crystals by bromine vapor transport method. Composition-dependent X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, as well as composition and temperature-dependent resistivity prove that the tunable crystal structure (from hexagonal (2H), monoclinic (β) to orthorhombic (Td) phase) can be realized by increasing W content in Mo1−xWxTe2. Simultaneously the electrical property gradually evolves from semiconductor to semimetal behavior. Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy proves that temperature also can induce the structural phase transition from β to Td phase in Mo1−xWxTe2 crystals. Based on aforementioned characterizations, we map out the temperature and composition dependent phase diagram of Mo1−xWxTe2 system. In addition, a series of electrical parameters, such as carrier type, carrier concentration and mobility, have also been presented. This work offers a scheme to accurately control structural phase in Mo1−xWxTe2 system, which can be used to explore type-II Weyl semimetal, as well as temperature/composition controlled topological phase transition therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdS is an important semiconductor used in optoelectronic devices. Simple techniques for growing CdS nanostructures are thus essential at a low cost. This study presents a novel method for growing single-crystal n-type CdS nanowires on p-type CdTe films by thermal annealing in an H2S/N2 mixed gas flow, which does not require the help of a catalyst or template. The formation process and growth mechanism of the nanowires are investigated. Well-dispersed whiskerlike CdS nanostructures are obtained at an appropriate annealing temperature and duration. We suggest that the stress-driving mechanism of nanowire formation may contribute to the growth of CdS nanowires, and that the evaporation of Te through the boundaries of the CdS grain seeds plays an important role in the sustainable growth of nanowire. In addition, CdS/CdTe heterojunction device is fabricated on Mo glass. The I-V characteristic of the heterojunction in dark shows typical rectifying diode behavior. The turn-on voltage can be regulated by annealing conditions. Meanwhile, the obvious photovoltaic effect is obtained on the in situ growth heterojunction prepared at low annealing temperature. Hence, this is a new fabricated method for CdTe-based materials in the field of energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]