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As a common defect, the water–cement ratio of grout can currently be monitored only during the maintenance phase, which limits the repair methods and misses the optimal opportunity for repairs. To overcome this limitation, this study integrated ultrasonic parameters previously used to characterise cement-based materials and developed a new Initial Setting Time and Water–Cement Ratio (IST_WCR) risk model to predict the setting time and water–cement ratio grout using machine learning (ML) algorithms. Experiments on grout involved four different water–cement ratios, ranging from 0.11 to 0.18. A data-driven method based on ML was used to extract predictive factors from eight ultrasonic parameters, including the speed, energy, main frequency, and main frequency amplitude of P-waves and S-waves, and to evaluate multiple ML classifiers to establish the IST_WCR risk prediction model. This model underwent internal and external cross-validations and demonstrated very strong performance with a Brier score of under 0.01. The dataset for ML classifiers contained a total of 956 signals and 7648 features. Compared with traditional methods, this method can automatically characterise the setting process of grout and identify defective water–cement ratios at a very early stage of curing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of RHBDF2 on the expression and potential function in many cancers is still unknown. Therefore, the expression and methylation modification of RHBDF2 were evaluated across TCGA cancers in this study. Moreover, two methods, COX regression and Kaplan-Meier, were utilized for analyses of the prognoses of RHBDF2 in patients. Besides, the association between RHBDF2 and immune microenvironment, mutation, tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability was analyzed with Pearson correlation. We verified RHBDF2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with normal cell and tissue samples, detected the effects of RHBDF2 knockdown on biological functions in HCC cells, and detected CD4, CD8 and CD68 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and paired normal tissues. Given these results, the significant mRNA overexpression and promoter hypomethylation of RHBDF2 in various tumor types was showed, and a clear relationship between RHBDF2 overexpression and unfavourable overall survival and progression-free survival was observed, including liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), glioma (GBMLGG) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Additionally, hypomethylation of RHBDF2 can affect the overall survival in some tumors. Furthermore, a clear correlation between RHBDF2 and infiltration of immune cells, immune-related molecules, TMB and MSI was observed. Besides, RHBDF2 expression is upregulated in HCC cells and tissues, and RHBDF2 knockdown could decrease the cell adhesion ability of HCC cells. More importantly, the expression of CD4, CD8 and CD68 was higher in HCC tissues. Altogether, the research denoted that RHBDF2 can be a prognostic biomarker for cancers according to these results and participate in cell adhesion of HCC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the vibration control design of the Euler–Bernoulli beam with time-varying constraints is studied when the mass, bending stiffness and tension of the system parameters are known or unknown. For satisfying the time-varying constraints, the controller is designed and the system stability is analysed based on the tangent barrier Lyapunov function (TAN-BLF). Among them, the uncertainty of system parameters is dealt with by the adaptive method. In both cases, the vibration of the Euler–Bernoulli beam can be well restrained without violating the constraint conditions, and all signals in the system are bounded. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by a simulation example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender inequality and bias persists in academia worldwide despite remarkable progress in recent decades. This issue is underexplored in the context of Chinese academia. Drawing on 40 semi-structured interviews with male and female academics at a Chinese research university, this paper assesses the extent and manifestations of gender inequality, bias, and discrimination in the Chinese academic profession. The findings show that most of the male academics had gender-blind perspectives and believed that Chinese academia has an egalitarian structure that is fairer to women than other sectors of activity, and allows them to attain career success. Concurrently, some were suspicious of female academics' success and explained it based on sexual innuendo. Nonetheless, a considerable number of male academics felt privileged compared to women, explaining this privilege in terms of social and biological factors. The female academics mostly perceived no overt discrimination in academia but described subtle discrimination and biases in which gender could shape opportunities and career advancement. Our findings highlight differences in the perceptions of male and female academics, the prevalence of male power in academia, and micropolitical practices that (re)produce gender inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Users are playing an increasingly vital role in innovation. Previous studies have shown that personality traits are crucial factors in innovation engagement. However, there is no consensus regarding the impact of some personality traits on innovation engagement. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of Big Five personality traits on user innovation engagement in an open innovation platform, including idea and comment contributions, and further explored the interaction effect of social network position and personality traits. The data collected from IdeaExchange, a user innovation platform hosted by Salesforce, were analyzed. The results show that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience positively correlate with user innovation engagement, whereas neuroticism negatively correlates with user innovation engagement. Additionally, social network position negatively moderated the impact of agreeableness on idea contribution, and positively moderated the impact of both conscientiousness and openness to experience on idea contribution. The conclusions provide a theoretical basis for platform managers to formulate open innovation strategies and incentivise user innovation engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato plant (Solanum lycopersium Mill.) is among the highly cultivated vegetable crops worldwide. With the increase in cadmium (Cd)-polluted area, the risk of tomato safe production has increased. Therefore,ahydroponic experiment was conducted to study the effects of silicon (Si) on the growth, nutrient uptake and Cd accumulation of tomato seedlings. Tomato seedlings were grown in Yamazaki's nutrient solutionwith fourdifferent Cd levels (0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mg/L) along with four Si treatment levels (0, 1, 2 and 3 mmol/L). The results showed that the addition of Si improved the growth and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) as well as the nutrient uptake (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn) of tomato seedlings under different Cd exposure levels compared to Cd treatment alone. The addition of Si decreased the Cd content in the roots and shoots of tomato seedlings, and the Cd content in the roots and shoots was lowest when the Si concentration was 3 mmol/L. In conclusion, the negative effect of Cd on the growth of tomato seedlings was alleviated by Si-induced increases in biomass, activities of antioxidant enzymes and nutrient uptake and inhibition of Cd uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effect of music therapy on children with leukemia who have peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). In this study, we divided 107 patients undergoing PICC into music group (47 cases) and control group (60 cases). The music group received music therapy during PICC, while the control group was given no complementary treatment. The total length of catheterization, the use of sedatives and the changes of pain level and emotion level before and after PICC placement were compared between two groups. Compared with the control group, the total PICC placement time of the music group was significantly shorter (35(30–40) vs. 60(60–60); Z = −8.307; p < 0.001), and the use of sedative medications was also significantly reduced (4.35% (n = 2) vs. 91.84% (n = 45); p < 0.001). Moreover, the pain of catheterization was significantly alleviated. The median difference of pain scores of the music group was significantly less (2(1–3) vs. 5(5–5); p < 0.001). The mood of patients was also improved. The median difference of emotional scores of the music group was significantly more (5(4.75–6) vs. 3(3–3); p < 0.001) than the control group. Music therapy is effective to use in PICC. It can shorten the treatment time, reduce the use of sedative medications, and improve the children's emotion and pain response significantly, which is worth clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six novel mixed-ligand complexes, [Cd(MCPA)2(bbhb)]n (1), [Cd(MCPA)2(bib)2]n (2), [Co2(MCPA)4(pbix)2] (3), [Zn(MCPA)2(pbix)2]n (4), [Cd(MCPA)2(obix)2]n (5), and [Co(MCPA)2(obix)2]n (6), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized, where MCPAH = 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, bbhb = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole, bib = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)-butane, pbix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene and obix = 1,2-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the N-donor ligands bridge the metal centers into different 1 D chains in complexes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, while three is a dinuclear molecule containing 26-membered ring. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of 1, 2, 4, and 5 are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPanic attacks (PAs) are intense episodes of anxiety with severe physical symptoms that can impair an individual’s social and occupational functions. Psychoeducation, a structured educational intervention, aims to improve various health aspects, including mental disorders. Delivering psychoeducation via the Internet can overcome barriers to accessing mental health treatment. This study examined the effectiveness of online psychoeducation on panic symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life (QOL) among people experiencing PAs. In this quasi-experimental design, 157 participants with PAs were recruited, and 136 eligible participants were allocated to treatment and control groups. The treatment group received an eight-session online psychoeducational program over 8 weeks, while the control group received reading materials. Outcome variables, including panic symptoms, anxiety, and QOL, were measured at baseline, 1-week post-intervention, and at 8-week follow-up using the Panic Disorder Dimensional (PD-D) scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. In the treatment group, the split-plot ANOVA showed a significant reduction in panic symptoms [F(1, 98) = 18.86, p < 0.01] and anxiety [F(1, 98) = 18.241, p < 0.01] compared to the control group. However, the intervention did not significantly affect QOL [F(1, 98) = 0.278, MSE = 153.007, p > 0.05]. The online psychoeducational program effectively reduced panic symptoms and anxiety levels but did not significantly impact QOL. Internet-based interventions, including psychoeducation, can improve access to mental health treatment, potentially reducing the treatment gap and enhancing overall mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the conventional inert gas used for coal firefighting, mainly CO2 and N2, experience certain deficiencies when used in coal firefighting under particular geological conditions, composite inert gas can be a feasible choice in such situations. Nevertheless, the fire inhibition characteristics and application potential of composite inert gas have not been explored in depth. To expedite the wider use of composite inert gas in preventing and controlling coal spontaneous combustion, the fire inhibition characteristics and application potential of composite inert gas have been evaluated by using temperature programmed experiment and engineering analogy for the first time. The results show that the fire inhibition effect falls in the order of as N2 < composite inert gas < CO2, and as the result of the competitive adsorption, the composite inert gas exhibits better performance than N2 and more resembles CO2 in the fire inhibition; Moreover, since the composite inert gas has lower toxicity and cost than CO2, the cost of composite inert gas is only 57.1% of CO2, it offers an overall more balanced performance taking into account fire protection effect, safety, and fire protection cost. The unique advantages of composite inert gas allow broad application in the prevention and control of the coal spontaneous combustion under some special geological environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the eastern movements of barley grains and their morphological variations in prehistory. By combining previously published and newly collected archaeobotanical grain measurements (n = 2,176), we explore the roles of culinary traditions underlying the morphological traits observed. We find that barley diminished in size as it moved from its origin in southwestern Asia to Central and East Asia between the third millennium BC and first millennium BC. In particular, the grains in Monsoonal China became greatly reduced in comparison to other regions as the crop was incorporated into eastern small grain cuisines. The reverse pattern is observed in the high-altitude Tibetan environment, which is attributed to the practicalities of cooking under low vapour pressure conditions. These results, demonstrating that barley moved eastward but western grinding and baking traditions did not, reveal the complexity of the eastern culinary system and raise awareness of decoupling of grains and their associated cuisines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematological malignancies possess a distinctive immunologic microenvironment compared with solid tumors. Here, using an established computational algorithm (CIBERSORT), we systematically analyzed the overall distribution of 22 tumor-infiltrating leukocyte (TIL) populations in more than 2000 bone marrow (BM) samples from 5 major hematological malignancies and healthy controls. Focusing on significantly altered TILs in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we found that patients with AML exhibited increased frequencies of M2 macrophages, compared to either healthy controls or the other four malignancies. High infiltration of M2 macrophages was associated with poor outcome in AML. Further analysis revealed that CD206, a M2 marker gene, could faithfully reflect variation in M2 fractions and was more highly expressed in AML than normal controls. High CD206 expression predicted inferior overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in two independent AML cohorts. Among 175 patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics, the survival still differed greatly between low and high CD206 expressers (OS; P <.0001; 3-year rates, 56% v 32%; EFS; P <.001; 3-year rates, 47% v 25%). When analyzed in a meta-analysis, CD206 as a continuous variable showed superior predictive performance than classical prognosticators in AML (BAALC, ERG, EVI1, MN1, and WT1). In summary, M2 macrophages are preferentially enriched in AML. The M2 marker CD206 may serve as a new prognostic marker in AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association between regular cruciferous vegetable intake and stomach cancer. Methods: A hospital-based, case-control study was conducted at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY, which included 292 stomach cancer patients and 1168 cancer-free controls recruited between 1992 and 1998 as part of the Patient Epidemiology Data System (PEDS). Dietary and other epidemiologic and confounding variables were collected by questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were utilized to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between usual pre-diagnostic cruciferous vegetable intake and stomach cancer, with adjustment for other stomach cancer risk factors and dietary characteristics. Results: We observed strong inverse associations between stomach cancer and highest versus lowest intakes of total cruciferous vegetables (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.42–0.83), raw cruciferous vegetables (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.38–0.73), raw broccoli (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43–0.86), raw cauliflower (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.35–0.73), and Brussels sprouts (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.48–0.91). Conclusions: These data suggest that consuming raw cruciferous vegetables may be associated with a lower odds of stomach cancer, even after considering other dietary characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of baicalein on the proliferation of cervical carcinoma cells and stimulate cervical carcinoma cells with baicalein. MTT method was used to observe cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to observe cell cycle, and gene technology was used to observe the expression of corresponding genes at the level of gene and protein. β-catenin activity was assessed using Western blot and ChIP. Baicalein suppressed cervical carcinoma cell HeLa proliferation by enhancing the activity of caspase-3. Baicalein blocked cell cycle at G0/G1 stage by inhibiting the expression of some genes. At the same time, it can prevent the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and inhibit the activity of Wnt. When the Wnt signaling pathway is increased, the proliferation of HeLa cells is inhibited, and apoptosis is promoted in this way. In conclusion, it indicated that baicalein inhibits cervical carcinoma progression by targeting CCND1 via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the thrombolysis with recombinant human prourokinase (rhPro-UK) on thromboembolic stroke in rats at different therapeutic time windows (TTW). Methods: Rats were subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion. RhPro-UK and positive control drugs rt-PA,UK were administered 3 h, 4.5 h, 6 h after inducing thromboem-bolic stroke. Neurological deficit scoring (NDS) was evaluated at 6 h and 24 h after the treatment. The lesion volume in cerebral hemispheres was measured by MRI scanning machine after 6 h of thrombolysis, and the infarct volume was measured by TTC stain, together with hemorrhagic volume quantified by a spectrophotometric assay after 24 h of thrombolysis. Results: RhPro-UK 10, 20 × 104 U/kg significantly improved the NDS after cerebral thromboembolism in rats at 3 h, 4.5 h TTW, and at the 6 h TTW, the NDS was improved by 28.0% (P = 0.0690) and 29.2% (P = 0.0927) at 6 h and 24 h after rhPro-UK 20 ×104 U/kg administration, respectively. RhPro-UK 10, 20 × 104 U/kg significantly reduced the brain lesions measured by MRI at 3 h and 4.5 h TTW. RhPro-UK 10, 20 × 104 U/kg significantly reduced the cerebral infarction measured by TTC at 3 h, 4.5 h TTW. There was no increase in cerebral hemorrhage compared with untreated group after rhPro-UK administration. Conclusions: RhPro-UK had an obvious therapeutic effect on ischemic stroke caused by thrombosis, and could be started within 4.5 h TTW with less side effects of cerebral hemorrhage than that of UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We, the Editor, Institution and Publisher of the journal IETE Journal of Research, have retracted the following article, which is part of the Special Issue titled "Federated Learning for Blockchain Systems and Industrial Internet of Things": Min Xu & Li Tang (2022) Safety Collection Algorithm of Big Data for Blockchain-Based Power Grid Systems, IETE Journal of Research, DOI: Following publication, concerns were raised about the peer review and decision-making processes for this special issue. After an investigation by the Taylor & Francis Publishing Ethics & Integrity team, in full cooperation with the Editor-in-Chief and the Institution, it was confirmed that the articles included in this special issue were not reviewed appropriately, in line with the Journal's peer review standards and policy. As the stringency of the peer review process is core to the integrity of the publication process, the Editor and Publisher have decided to retract all of the articles within the above-named Special Issue. The journal has not confirmed if the authors were aware of this compromised peer review process. The journal is committed to correcting the scientific record and will fully cooperate with any institutional investigations into this matter. The authors have been informed of this decision. We have been informed in our decision-making by our editorial policies and the COPE guidelines. The retracted articles will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but they will be digitally watermarked on each page as 'Retracted'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tibetan Plateau is a composite orogenic belt that has experienced prolonged subduction, obduction, and collisional processes, during the opening and closure of successive Tethyan oceans. We present new zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data from the Early Paleogene Longge'er gabbro and Qingduxiang granite of Central Lhasa, southern Tibet. Together these allow us to refine existing models for widespread magmatic activity associated with the subduction of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean. The Longge'er gabbro (53.5 ± 1.6 Ma) belongs to the low-K tholeiitic to medium-K and metaluminous series, while the Qingduxiang granite (54.5 ± 0.9 Ma) is characterized as high-K, calc-alkaline, metaluminous, and of I-type affinity. Both intrusions are enriched in the LREE and depleted in the HREE with negative Eu, Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, and Ti anomalies. Trace elements characteristics and enriched whole-rock Sr-Nd-Pb and zircon Hf isotopic compositions demonstrate that the gabbro was derived from partial melting of enriched lithosphere mantle metasomatized by Central-Lhasa ancient crustal materials, while the I-type granite was generated by partial melting of Central-Lhasa ancient lower crust combined with magmas derived from Southern-Lhasa juvenile crust. Geochemical compositions of the gabbro and granite reveal the Early Paleogene magmatism was emplaced in a shallow extensional setting related to slab break off following the closure of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean. Combined with previous studies, we can infer slab rollback occurred from Late Cretaceous (~69 Ma) to Early Eocene (55 Ma), while slab break off was shortly lived at ca. 55-49 Ma. Consequently, the India-Asia collision must not have started later than ca. 55 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated the associations of cognitive status with specific/overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older stroke survivors in Taiwan. Method: A subsample of 592 older stroke survivors in a nationwide population-based survey of cognitive-dysfunction prevalencewas analyzed. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). Results: Stroke survivors with dementia were 5.60 times more likely to have mobility problems, 12.20 times to have self-care problems, 16.61 times to have problems in usual activities, 4.31 times to have pain/discomfort, and 3.28 times to have anxiety/depression than stroke survivors with normal cognitive function. Stroke survivors with mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD) were 2.57 times more likely to have mobility problems, 3.17 times to have self-care problems, 3.31 times to have problems in usual activities, 2.11 times to have pain/discomfort, and 2.35 times to have anxiety/depression than those with normal cognitive function. Both dementia (b = −15.13, p <.001) and MCD (b = −6.24, p <.001) significantly contributed to lower EQ-5D VAS; both dementia (b = −.15, p <.001) and MCD (b = −.10, p <.001) significantly contributed to lower EQ-5D index. Conclusion: Dementia and MCD strongly predicted worse overall and specific HRQoL dimensions, especially self-care and usual activities for older stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently identified Early Jurassic, Early Cretaceous, and Late Cretaceous granites of the Tengchong terrane, SW China, help to refine our understanding of the Mesozoic tectonic-magmatic evolutionary history of the region. We present new zircon U-Pb geochronological, Lu-Hf isotopic and geochemical data on these rocks. The zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages of the Mangzhangxiang, Laochangpo, and Guyong granites, and Guyong granodioritic microgranular enclaves are 185.6, 120.7, 72.9, and 72.7 Ma, respectively. Geochemical and Hf isotopic characteristics suggest the Mangzhangxiang and Laochangpo S-type granites were derived from partial melting of felsic crust and that the Guyong I-type granite and associated MMEs were generated through magma mixing/mingling. Mesozoic magmatism in the Tengchong terrane can be divided into three episodes: (1) the Triassic syn- and post-collisional magmatic event was related to the closure of the Palaeo-Tethyan Ocean, as represented by the Changning-Menglian suture zone; (2) the Jurassic to Early Cretaceous magmatism was related to the subduction of the Meso-Tethyan oceanic crust, as represented by the Myitkyina ophiolite belt; and (3) the Late Cretaceous magmatism was related to the subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust, as represented by the Kalaymyo ophiolite belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth promoters produced by microorganisms can play a significant role in the induction of some important physiological responses in the growth and development of plants. In this study, we provided a first insight into revealing the diversity of cultivable yeasts associated with Nanfeng mandarin (Citrus reticulata cv. Blanco) in China. Their capability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was analyzed. A total of 796 yeast strains were obtained by the enrichment isolation technique from citrus soil, citrus leaves, citrus peel and citrus pulp of Nanfeng mandarin samples. On the basis of the 26S rDNA partial sequence analysis, the strains were identified as 14 yeast species in 9 genera belonging to Hanseniaspora sp., Pichia sp., Candida sp., Sporidiobolus sp., Meyerozyma sp., Symmetrospora sp., Rhodotorula sp., Starmerella sp. and Aureobasidium sp. The most abundant species in citrus soil were Starmerella meliponinorum and Meyerozyma caribbica. The species prevailing in citrus peel was Hanseniaspora opuntiae. Citrus pulp was rich in Meyerozyma guilliermondii. Additionally, Aureobasidium pullulans and H. opuntiae were the dominant species in citrus leaves. All yeast species obtained were accessed for the capability to produce IAA: 26 strains in seven species showed the capability of producing IAA. Rhodotorula paludigena produced the highest IAA concentrations of 76.22 mg/L. Our study confirms the phylogenetic diversity of yeast associated with Nanfeng mandarin and highlights that these yeast strains are promising resources of microbial fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore the protective mechanism of curcumin-precondition in renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Thirty male SD rats were randomly equally divided into Sham, IRI, and Curcumin groups (n = 10). The model of IRI was induced by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min followed by 24 h reperfusion with the contralateral nephrectomy. ELISA was used to examine the expression of Cr, BUN, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the serum; RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA level of IL-8,TNF-α, and IL-6 in the kidney; The morphology of kidney was examined by Periodic Acid-Schiff stain (PAS). The expression of JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, p65, and p-p65 in kidney were detected by Western blotting. The result displayed that Curcumin pretreatment can significantly increase the expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 and reduce the expression of Cr, BUN, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-6, and p-p65. In addition, Curcumin can attenuate the kidney pathological injury and have no effect on the expression of JAK2, STAT3, and p65. Our findings showed the protective effect of Curcumin in I/R injury is associated with suppressing NF-κB mediating inflammation by activating JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the control of hypertension is suboptimal. We reported the prevalence and characteristics of resistant and undertreated hypertension based on a nationwide survey aiming to improve blood pressure (BP) control. Methods: Resistant hypertension (RH) was defined as BP above the target (<140/90 mm Hg) despite the use of 3 antihypertensive drugs or achieving the target BP by using ≥4 antihypertensive drugs. Undertreated hypertension was defined as uncontrolled hypertension (unCH) using ≤2 drugs. We compared the characteristics and antihypertensive treatment among different groups (including RH and unCH using ≤2 drugs). Multivariable logistic regression was used to detect factors associated with unCH using ≤2 drugs and RH. Results: 4,435 nondialysis CKD patients with hypertension were analyzed, and 36.9% of participants achieved controlled hypertension (CH) using ≤3 drugs, 11.1% met the criteria for RH, and 52% had unCH despite the use of ≤ 2 antihypertensive drugs. Participants with unCH using ≤ 2 drugs had low usage of renin-angiotensin system blockers (36.8%) and diuretics (5.5%), which was much lower than participants with CH using ≤3 drugs and RH (P< 0.05). After multivariable adjustment, obesity, advanced CKD stages, urinary protein level of ≥1.5 g/24 h, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were associated with RH in CKD patients (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with RH, undertreated hypertension contributes more to the unCH in Chinese CKD patients. It is important to ensure adequate antihypertensive treatment, including choosing antihypertensive drugs, that guidelines recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All kinds of industries can produce a large amount of the heavy metal Mn emission, especially in the Mn steel plant production process. The assessment of Mn pollution in industrial areas is vital to human health and soil conservation. First, there are 120 samples of 0-5 cm and samples 9 of 0-40 cm of the surface soil collected from outside. Next, the soil column test is applied to study the migration and speciation regularity of Mn in 0-40 cm of soil layer, and then a forecasting model is established to verify and evaluate the Mn pollution in the study area. After the exogenous Mn enters the soil, Mn soon transforms into a more stable form in soil at 0-20 cm depth. But the residual amounts of Mn in deep soil increases with the increase of exogenous Mn. The main speciation of Mn in surface soil includes residual, oxide-bound, and organic-bound forms. Carbonate-bound form is sensitive to the increase of exogenous Mn. The exogenous Mn content has less influence on the content of oxide-bound and organic-bound forms in soils below 20 cm. The prediction model can be used to evaluate the degree of pollution of Mn in surface soil of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Heimioporus (Boletaceae, Boletales) in China are investigated on the basis of morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and nuc 28S rDNA D1-D2 domains (28S) and translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1). Three species are recognized in China: H. conicus, sp. nov., H. gaojiaocong, sp. nov., and the previously described H. japonicus. Heimioporus xerampelinus, originally described from southwestern China, is synonymized with H. japonicus; specimens from China previously regarded as H. retisporus and H. subretisporus are confirmed to represent H. japonicus and H. gaojiaocong, respectively. A key to the Chinese taxa of the genus is provided. A preliminary biogeographical analysis shows that Heimioporus in East Asia and Southeast Asia/Australia are closely related. Heimioporus japonicus is a geographically widespread species occurring in East Asia and Southeast Asia; however, no taxa common to East Asia and Australia were uncovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xing’an-Mongolia orogenic belt is located in the southeastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Its tectonic evolution, especially during the Late Palaeozoic to Early Mesozoic, remains controversial. Here, we report new zircon U-Pb dates, whole-rock geochemistry, and Hf isotopes of representative samples from four plutons in the Linxi area of Northeast China to provide new constraints on this issue. Zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the intrusions were emplaced in two stages: (1) Late Permian to Early Triassic (the Banshifangzi and Xinangou plutons (252 ± 3)-(246.3 ± 3.3) Ma); and (2) Late Triassic (the Baoshan and Hada plutons (220.8 ± 2.7)-(211.4 ± 2.6) Ma). Their positive εHf(t) values (6.6-14.1), coupled with their geochemical characteristics, suggest that the provenance of investigated granitoids were most likely to be dominated by juvenile crustal materials. Based on these new data and previous studies, we propose three stages of tectonic evolution during the Late Palaeozoic-Early Mesozoic in the XMOB: (1) Late Carboniferous-Early Permian (330-270 Ma): double-sided subduction of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean; (2) Middle Permian-Middle Triassic (270-237 Ma): the closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean and subsequent continent-continent collision between the North China Craton and the South Mongolia Terrane; and (3) Late Triassic (237-211 Ma): post-collisional extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, primarily due to diagnosis at late stages. Therefore, identification of modifiable risk factors for this disease is warranted. Using the Patient Epidemiology Data System (PEDS), collected from 1981 to 1998 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, we conducted a hospital-based, case-control analysis of self-reported cruciferous vegetable intake and ovarian cancer among 675 women with primary, incident ovarian cancer, and 1275 without cancer. Cruciferous vegetable intake was queried using a 44-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with logistic regression, adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), education, smoking status, parity, family history of ovarian cancer, total fruit consumption, total meat consumption, and total noncruciferous vegetable consumption. We observed a significant inverse association for women with highest vs. lowest intakes of total vegetables (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.46-0.92), cooked cauliflower (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.67-0.99), and cooked greens (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.46-0.86) and an inverse, dose-dependent association between cooked cruciferous vegetables intake and ovarian cancer (for each additional ten servings per month, OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.76-0.96). These findings suggest that a diet that includes cruciferous vegetables could be an important modifiable risk factor for ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations played crucial roles on affecting the susceptibility to cancer. In this study, to investigate whether mitochondrial DNA mutations contributed to the genetic susceptibility of Chinese tongue cancer patients, mtDNA control regions of 105 Chinese tongue cancer patients were amplified and sequenced, the mutations were recorded by comparing with the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS), which were attributed to certain mtDNA haplogroups based on the specific variations motif of each patients. The Miao Chinese group (a Chinese ethnic minority) from surrounding region has no essential difference with tongue cancer group, which was taken as the matched control group with principal component analysis by taking the haplogroups frequency of 105 tongue cancer individuals and 354 healthy individuals of eight groups from the similar geographic regions as input factors. This was supported by the smallest genetic distance between tongue cancer and Miao_2 groups. Further, the statistical analysis based on mtDNA variations of hypervariable sequence I (HVSI) indicated that 13 variations including 16,124, 16,148, 16,182C, 16,183C, 16,227, 16,266A, 16,249, 16,272, 16,291, 16,327, 16,335, 16,497, and 16,519 have significant differences between tongue cancer group and matched control group. Comparison of mtDNA haplogroups between tongue cancer and control groups indicated that mtDNA haplogroups C, F2*, and M10 have significant differences. It’s worth noting that 16,327 and 16,291 was the defining variation of haplogroups C and F2*, respectively. Our results suggested that mitochondrial DNA may play a crucial role for the maternal genetic susceptibility of tongue cancer patients from Hunan, central of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Madurai Block (MB) is the largest Precambrian crustal block in the Southern Granulite Terrane (SGT) of India and hosts rare cordierite- and orthopyroxene-bearing granulites. Investigations based on field study, petrology, metamorphicP–Testimation, and detrital zircon geochronology of these granulites are crucial for understanding the ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphism and crustal evolution in this block. Here we investigate the petrology and zircon U–Pb geochronology of two new localities of cordierite granulites at Kottayam (southern MB; SMB) and Munnar (central MB; CMB). Petrographic observations and phase equilibria modelling results indicate that these rocks experienced UHT metamorphism with the peak temperature exceeding 950℃ and involving clockwiseP–Tpaths. The prograde mineral assemblages define theP–Tconditions of 6.8–8.7 kbar and 750–875℃. The peak conditions are estimated using pseudosection modelling and geothermometry, which yieldP–Testimates of 7.1–9.1 kbar and 955–985℃. The retrograde cooling and decompression are inferred at 860–790℃ and <6.5 kbar, respectively. Partial melting played an important role during metamorphism and contributed to the overgrowth around detrital zircons. The melt production process was probably related to biotite dehydration melting, and was mainly triggered by heating, with or without the effect of decompression. Detrital zircons in cordierite granulite samples from the two localities show similar age distributions and have dominantly Neoproterozoic ages (1024–760 Ma). The zircon cores show oscillatory zoning with a wide range of Th/U ratios (0.01–0.96), implying complex protoliths from multiple Neoproterozoic provenances from both southern and central domains of the MBs. Zircon rims and homogeneous bright zircons yield mean ages of 549 ± 5 Ma, 536 ± 6 Ma, and 544 ± 6 Ma, which are interpreted to represent zircon overgrowths during the post-peak cooling and decompression process. The timing of peak UHT metamorphism is constrained as 549–599 Ma, which coincides with the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of different cropping patterns (maize monocropping, maize and potato intercropping, potato monocropping) on microbial abundance, community structure, and microbial functional diversity using plate culture and Biolog technique. Results showed that compared with monocropping, intercropping increased the abundance of soil bacteria, fungi, and actinomyces in rhizosphere surrounding maize and potato. The average well color development (AWCD) and Shannon index (H) were higher in intercropping soil than that found in monocropping soil. The ability of rhizospheric soil microorganisms in utilizing six types of carbon sources had definite differences, and the most dominant community structure was the carbohydrates metabolic groups. Principal component analysis demonstrated that intercropping changed significantly soil microbial community functional diversity depending mainly on carbohydrates and carboxylic acids. Our findings suggested that maize–potato intercropping has positive effects on the improvement of soil microbial abundances, activity, and functional diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To explore the impact of maternal hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier status on neonatal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from medical records database of six hospitals in China. Information on maternal characteristics and selected neonatal outcomes was retrieved for all women who delivered singleton infants between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010. Results: A total of 21 947 singleton newborns and their mothers were included. The prevalence of maternal HBsAg positivity was 4.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9–4.5%). Compared with infants born to HBsAg-negative women, infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers were more than twice more likely to have a malformation before (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.23, 95% CI 1.15–4.30) and at birth (aOR 2.66, 95% CI 1.38–5.14), but were less likely to be macrosomia (aOR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47–0.96). No statistically significant association was found between maternal HBsAg positivity and preterm birth (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 0.95–1.51), low birth weight (aOR 1.24, 95% CI 0.91–1.69), and Apgar scores at 1 min (aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.49–1.57) and 5 min (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 0.89–3.81). Conclusion: Maternal HBsAg positivity may be associated with a higher risk of congenital malformation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Zero-inflated Poisson models are frequently used to analyse count data with excess zeroes. However, results generated by different algorithms, by various statistical packages or procedures in R and SAS, are often inconsistent, especially for small sample sizes or when the proportion of zero inflation is not large. In this study, we compared the underlying nonlinear optimization approaches and the statistical theories on which common packages and procedures are based. Then, multiple sets of simulated data of small, medium, and large sample sizes were fitted to test the performance of algorithms in available R packages and SAS procedures. They were also compared by using a real-data example. Thezeroinflfunction with methods CD type 1, CD type 2, and CD type 3 in the PSCL package in R and the GENMOD procedure in SAS generally outperformed in the simulation studies and produced consistent results for the real-data example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SomeAmanitaspecimens collected from Malaysia are critically investigated by morphological examination and molecular analysis of two gene fragments, the nuc rDNA partial 28S (28S) gene and the internal transcriber spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) regions. Six phylogenetic species ofAmanitasectionCaesareaeare recognized among the studied collections. One of them is described as new,A. malayensis. Four of the phylogenetic species correspond with existing morphology-based taxa:A. aporema, A. javanica, A. princeps, andA. similis. The remaining species is not described because of the paucity of material. Detailed descriptions and the distribution of these southeastern Asian species are provided, along with a key to the species of sectionCaesareaefrom Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Endothelial cell apoptosis, which may alter the integrity of the endothelium and lead to plaque instability, plays a critical role in the development and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Exposure of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. In our present study, we explored whether exposure to PCB 118 influences endothelial cell apoptosisin vitroand the underlying mechanisms involved. As expected, exposure to PCB 118 increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HUVECs. Increases in apoptosis and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios were observed in PCB 118-treated HUVECs. N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, partially reduced PCB 118-induced apoptosis and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios in HUVECs. Taken together, PCB 118-induced endothelial cell apoptosis was partially initiated by excessive ROS production. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Species ofPulveroboletus(Boletaceae, Boletales) in China are investigated on the basis of morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from nuc rDNA region encompassing the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2, along with the 5.8S rDNA (ITS) and nuc 28S rDNA D1–D2 domains (28S) and sequences from the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1). Nine species are recognized in the country, three of them are described as new:P. flaviscabrosus, P. rubroscabrosus, andP. subrufus, five of them are previous described taxa:P. brunneopunctatus, P. brunneoscabrosus, P. macrosporus, P. reticulopileus, andP. sinensis, the remaining one is tentatively namedP. cf.ridleyi, which will be further studied in the future. A key to the Chinese taxa of the genus is provided. Unexpectedly, the current study did not identify disjunct populations ofPulveroboletusspecies in East Asia and North/Central America. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Flavonoids produced by legume roots are signal molecules acting as nod gene inducers for the symbiotic rhizobium partner. Nevertheless, the changes of flavonoids in root exudates in intercropping system are still unknown. Based on pot experiment of faba bean and wheat intercropping, here we showed that faba bean and wheat intercropping increased the nodules number and dry weight, dry weight per nodule of faba bean compared with those found in monocropping, and the increase of faba bean nodulation was likely caused by the enhancement with flavonol, isoflavone, chalcone and hesperetin in its root exudates. It also promoted exudation of five types of flavonoids by wheat compared with monocropping. Our findings suggest that the flavonoids in root exudates have a positive effect on the nodulation and nitrogen fixation of faba bean in faba bean and wheat intercropping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To review the microbiological spectrum and antibiotic sensitivities of the pathogens that cause culture-proven endophthalmitis and to understand the status and trends of antibiotic susceptibility at a public hospital over a 10-year period. Methods: The data of 577 culture-proven endophthalmitis isolates collected between April 2004 and April 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The antibiotic sensitivities were determined according to the criteria of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The changes in antibiotic susceptibility over the 10 years were subjected toχ2tests for trends. Results: Among these isolates, 65% were gram-positive organisms (375), 16.6% were gram-negative organisms (96), and 18.4% were fungi (106). The predominant pathogens wereStaphylococcalspecies (Staphylococcus epidermidisin 175, other coagulase-negativeStaphylococciin 41, andStaphylococcus aureusin 54 cases), followed byBacillus cereusisolates. TheAspergillusspecies was the most frequently isolated fungus, andPseudomonas aeruginosawas the most frequently isolated gram-negative bacteria. The antibiotic susceptibilities of gram-positive bacteria were as follows: vancomycin, 97.6%; levofloxacin, 85.1%; gentamicin, 78.7%; rifampin, 77.2%; ofloxacin, 77.2%; chloramphenicol, 76.4%; and ciprofloxacin, 73.7%. The antibiotic susceptibilities of gram-negative isolates were as follows: ceftazidime, 50.5%; ciprofloxacin, 82.2%; amikacin, 81.3%; tobramycin, 80.2%; imipenem, 79.7%; and gentamicin, 78%. Over the 10-year study, there were significant changes in the antibiotic susceptibilities to the following five antibiotics: vancomycin, imipenem, penicillin G, amikacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Conclusions: Vancomycin remains the most appropriate empirical antibiotic for gram-positive bacteria. The susceptibilities of the gram-negative organisms to ciprofloxacin and amikacin were greater than that to ceftazidime. Trends toward increases in the susceptibilities to the following five antibiotics were observed: vancomycin, imipenem, penicillin G, amikacin, and TMP-SMX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly discovered Jiaojiguan deposit, a medium-scale skarn iron-tin polymetallic deposit on the Sino-Burma boundary of Yunnan Province (SW China), is spatially associated with the biotite monzonitic granite. Here, we report newin situzircon LA-MC-ICP-MS U–Pb ages, trace element and Hf isotope data from the granite, and U–Pb dating ages of cassiterite from the ore bodies. In this study, we obtain a weighted mean206Pb/238U age of 124.1 ± 1.4 Ma for the zircon and a207Pb/206Pb-238U/206Pb intercept age of 123.8 ± 2.2 Ma for the cassiterite. The granite crystallized during the Early Cretaceous, with zircons exhibitingεHf(t) values from −5.8 to −0.6 and two-stage Hf model ages (TDM2) of 1.21–1.54 Ga. The close temporal and spatial links between pluton emplacement and ore-forming events suggest that magmatic-hydrothermal events were the key factors that triggered the genesis of the iron-tin polymetallic deposits in the area. Regional geochronological data show that tin mineralization took place three times during the Cretaceous–Palaeogene in the Tengchong block due to re-melting of the underlying supposed Proterozoic (1.5 ± 0.5 Ga) Sn-rich strata/materials. Compared with those in the Bangong–Nujiang metallogenic belt (BNMB), we propose that the Cretaceous iron-tin polymetallic mineralization events in Tengchong–Baoshan closely resemble those of the Bangong–Nujiang belt in northern Tibet, both of which have experienced similar tectono-magmatic-metallogenic histories since the Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In clinical trials, it is common practice to categorize subjects as responders and non-responders on the basis of one or more clinical measurements under pre-specified rules. Such a responder analysis is often criticized for the loss of information in dichotomizing one or more continuous or ordinal variables. It is worth noting that a responder analysis can be performed without dichotomization, because the proportion of responders for each treatment can be derived from a model for the original clinical variables (used to define a responder) and estimated by substituting maximum likelihood estimators of model parameters. This model-based approach can be considerably more efficient and more effective for dealing with missing data than the usual approach based on dichotomization. For parameter estimation, the model-based approach generally requires correct specification of the model for the original variables. However, under the sharp null hypothesis, the model-based approach remains unbiased for estimating the treatment difference even if the model is misspecified. We elaborate on these points and illustrate them with a series of simulation studies mimicking a study of Parkinson’s disease, which involves longitudinal continuous data in the definition of a responder. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective:To investigative clinical and pathological characteristics of IgA nephropathy with chronic renal failure. Method:Clinical and pathological findings from 65 cases of IgA nephropathy with chronic renal failure were reviewed. Pathological characteristics of all the cases were analyzed according to WHO definition and Oxford Classification. Evaluating the severity of pathological lesions by the KatafuchiRsemiquantitative scoring system, and analyzing their relationship with clinical indexes of renal function. Results:Of all 65 cases the male and female ratio was 1.4, and the mean age was 37 ± 13 years old. Levels of systolic pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), uric acid (UA), album (Alb), serum IgG and 24 h urinary protein were related with eGRF level (p< 0.05, respectively). The most common pathological type was proliferative sclerosis glomerulonephritis (PSGN) and M1S1E0T0 according to WHO definition and Oxford Classification, respectively, and most of the 65 cases had glomerulosclerosis. Simple IgA deposition was the most common immunopathologic type. Of all the cases, 44.6% accompanied with C3 while 4.6% with C1q. Further analysis revealed there were no relationships between severity of pathological lesion and levels of clinical indexes (Scr and eGRF) (p > 0.05). Conclusion:IgA nephropathy with chronic renal failure usually occurred in young adults, and it had severe clinical condition and pathological changes, while there was no significant relationship between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we announce the first complete chloroplast genome sequence of Artocarpus tonkinensis, a tree native to China with diverse beneficial uses. This complete chloroplast genome is 160,987 bp in length. In total, 130 genes were identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The findings of phylogenetic analysis supported that Artocarpus belongs to the Moraceae family and proposed a sister relationship between Artocarpus and Morus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modelling repeated count outcomes, generalized linear mixed-effects models are commonly used to account for within-cluster correlations. However, inconsistent results are frequently generated by various statistical R packages and SAS procedures, especially in case of a moderate or strong within-cluster correlation or overdispersion. We investigated the underlying numerical approaches and statistical theories on which these packages and procedures are built. We then compared the performance of these statistical packages and procedures by simulating both Poisson-distributed and overdispersed count data. The SAS NLMIXED procedure outperformed the others procedures in all settings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims: Although the insulinotropic role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in type 2 diabetes mellitus has been substantiated, its role in cardioprotection remains largely unknown. In this study, we explored the effect and mechanism of exendin-4 on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).Methods: HUVECs were treated with 100 µmol/L t-BHP for 4 h, following pretreatment with 2.5–25 nmol/L exendin-4. Cell viability was determined using an dimethyl thiazolyl diphenyl tetrazolium salt (MTT) assay. The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by fluorescence microscopy after Hoechst/PI staining. Expression of cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3(caspase-3), beta-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), protein kinase B(AKT), and phosphorylated AKT was detected by western blotting.Results: Exendin-4 reduced the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis when HUVECs were exposed to t-BHP. Exendin-4 downregulated caspase-3 activity and increased Bcl-2 protein levels in t-BHP-treated HUVECs. These exendin-4-mediated effects were blocked in the presence of an inhibitor of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K). Exendin-4 reversed t-BHP-mediated inhibition of Akt phosphorylation, which was abrogated by the PI3K inhibitor, wortmannin.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that exendin-4 reduces t-BHP-induced apoptosis of HUVECs. Additionally, PI3K/Akt-Bcl-2-caspase-3 signaling is involved in the exendin-4-mediated modulation of HUVECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy, a lethal microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, is characterized by progressive albuminuria, excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, thickened glomerular basement membrane, podocyte abnormalities, and podocyte loss. The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have attracted considerable attention in diabetic nephropathy, but the specific effects have not been elucidated yet. Likewise, abnormal signaling pathways are closely interrelated to the pathologic process of diabetic nephropathy, despite the fact that the mechanisms have not been explored clearly. Therefore, GPCRs and its mediated signaling pathways are essential for priority research, so that preventative strategies and potential targets might be developed for diabetic nephropathy. This article will give us comprehensive overview of predominant GPCR types, roles, and correlative signaling pathways in diabetic nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Gut-derived bacteraemia is a major complication in patients with haematological malignancy after chemotherapy. Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the occurrence of gutderived bacteraemia. Methods: We compared data from 92 hospitalized haematological malignancy patients after chemotherapy with gut-derived bacteraemia, collected from January 2009 to July 2015, with those of 92 contemporaneous, hospitalized haematological malignancy patients without bacteraemia. We evaluated PPIs use and analysed the effects of covariates. Results: Patients with gut-derived bacteraemia had a significantly higher incidence of PPIs use (69.6%) than that of controls (47.8%). Of the patients with gut-derived bacteraemia, only 44.6% had a documented indication for PPIs therapy. The antibacterial prophylaxis rate was 38.0% in the bacteraemia group and 58.7% in the non-antibacterial group. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, only PPIs use (P = 0.00, odds ratio (OR) = 0.546) was found to be associated with the risk of bacteraemia whereas antibacterial prophylaxis (P = 0.00, OR = 0.652) was protective. There were no significant differences in demographics, malignancy status, length of neutropenia, complications, or steroid use between the gutderived bacteraemia and control group. Conclusions: This study suggests a potential association between PPIs use and development of gut-derived bacteraemia in haematological malignancy patients after chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of antenatal depression and to assess whether the common risk factors identified in previous studies were applicable to women in Sabah, Malaysia.Methods: A prospective cohort study of 2072 women was conducted in Sabah during 2009-2010. Participants were recruited at 36-38 weeks of gestation to complete a self-administered questionnaire regarding their demographic, socioeconomic and health characteristics. The presence of depression was assessed using the validated Malay version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.Results: The prevalence of antenatal depression was 13.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.3%, 15.3%]. Women who were happy with the pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) 0.43, 95% CI 0.21, 0.89] and those with a planned pregnancy (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.33, 0.60) were less likely to suffer from antenatal depression. Pregnant mothers who were taking oral contraceptives before pregnancy (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.20, 2.22) and women who experienced antenatal anxiety (OR 3.17, 95% CI 2.35, 4.26) appeared to have an increased risk of antenatal depression.Conclusion: A substantial proportion of women suffered from antenatal depression in Sabah, Malaysia. Screening and culturally tailored intervention programs targeting vulnerable subgroups of women in the early stage of pregnancy are recommended to deal with the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]