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The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends a high index of suspicion for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and an elevated fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4). We investigated the referral pattern of patients with T2D and FIB4 3.25 to the hepatology clinic and evaluated the clinical benefits to the patient.We included patients aged 18-80 years with T2D and a FIB4 score3.25 who had visited the internal medicine, family medicine, endocrinology clinic from 01/01/2014-5/31/2019. The first time point of high-risk FIB-4 was identified as the baseline for time-to-event analysis. The patients were classified based on whether they had visited the hepatology clinic (referred vs not referred).Of the 2174 patients, 290 (13.3%) were referred to the hepatology clinic, and 1884 (86.7%) were not referred. In multivariate analyses, the referred patients had a lower overall mortality risk (Hazard Ratio: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.38-87). Notably, the referred patients had the same rate of biochemical decompensation, as measured by progression to MELD ≥ 14, but a substantially higher rate of diagnosis in cirrhosis (27, 19-38) and cirrhosis complications, including ascites (2.9, 2.0-4.1), hepatic encephalopathy (99, 13-742), and liver cancer (14, 5-38).We found that patients with T2D and high-risk FIB4 are associated with better overall survival after referral to a hepatology clinic. We speculate that the survival difference is due to the increased recognition of cirrhosis and cirrhosis complications in the referred populations.

Introduction/aims The Midwest has the highest regional prevalence of self-reported amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the US, but with limited epidemiological studies. We aimed to explore the characteristics of patients with ALS in the Midwest. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of participants with ALS deceased between January, 2010 and September, 2020, registered with the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter. Demographics and clinical variables included gender, race/ethnicity, military status, site of onset, interventions (gastrostomy, non-invasive ventilation, tracheostomy), and visits to ALS Association-registered clinics. Disease characteristics were compared to the National ALS Registry, and survival analysis was performed followed by sample augmentation with historical data to estimate survival with hypothetical censoring. Results The database included 1447 participants with a mean age at diagnosis of 65.7±11.9 years ( >60 years at diagnosis: 72%). The median survival from symptom onset was 28.0 months [95% confidence limit: 26.3, 29.7]; sample augmentation increased this to 41.0 months [38.5, 43.5]. Bulbar onset disease and older age at diagnosis were associated with shorter survival. Participants not followed in ALS-Association registered clinics were more frequently male, had familial onset and tracheostomy. Veterans (N=298) were older at diagnosis but had similar survival after adjustment for age. Discussions Our cohort had an older age at onset and more frequent bulbar onset than the National ALS Registry, perhaps reflecting ascertainment biases in each registry. Prospective cohort studies with more clinical and functional data are needed to better characterize ALS in Midwest, veterans, and non-clinic populations, and to optimize care.

To identify natural products as new prototypes for 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), 12 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) were selected for screening their 5-LOX inhibition activities. The results showed that the methanol extracts of all selected TCMs (n = 12) possessed inhibitory activities against 5-LOX at 200 μg/mL, of which six extracts of the TCMs showed significant inhibitory effects with IC

The aim of this work was to encapsulate sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) pulp oil (SBPO) by spray drying. Gum Arabic (GA) and maltodextrins (MD) were used as wall materials. The effects of several factors, including GA to MD ratio, total solids content of emulsion, wall to core ratio, and inlet air temperature, on the microencapsulation efficiency (ME) were investigated. The optimization of operation conditions was realized by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions were as follows: GA to MD ratio 2.38, total solids content 39%, wall to core ratio 5.33, and inlet air temperature 154°C. Under the optimal conditions, the ME of SBPO microcapsules was 94.96 ± 1.42%. The physicochemical properties of microcapsules were also invested. SBPO microcapsules obtained had low water activity, low moisture content, high water solubility, and high bulk density. For the morphological characteristics, cracks and pores were not observed in most microcapsules, which was beneficial for the protection of ingredients in microcapsules. The particle size of SBPO microcapsules ranged from 0.01 to 5 μm, and the mean diameter d4,3 was 2.55 μm. The analysis results of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) informed the presence of SBPO in microcapsules. There were no significant differences in the content of the main fatty acids in SBPO before and after spray drying. The results of oxidative stability showed that the microencapsulation by spray drying could effectively protect SBPO from oxidation and extend the shelf life of SBPO.

A 34-year-old Chinese woman found a lump in her left leg for more than 3 weeks without any discomfort. Grossly, the tumor was relatively well delineated with focal infiltration. Histopathologic evaluation showed a compact fascicular spindle cell proliferation with variable myxoid and collagenous stroma and scattered inflammatory infiltrate. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed positive expression of ALKD5F3 and SMA and negative expression of CD34, desmin, and cytokeretin. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of the ALK locus showed break-apart signals in 20% of tumor cells, and DNA sequencing discovered a novel CLIP2-ALK fusion gene. The lesion was diagnosed as an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with CLIP2-ALK gene fusion in the somatic soft tissue IMTs.

A series of heteroleptic cyclometalated Ir (III) complexes, which are used for OLED application, were investigated by DFT and TD‐DFT method. The frontier molecular orbital character and charge transfer character shown that they have the advantages of low efficiency roll‐off, which is a “stumbling block” in the process of OLED solid‐lighting's development. Namely, means the materials will play an important role in the journey development of OLED.

Background Several indices have been developed to predict survival of brain metastases (BM) based on prognostic factors. However, such models were designed for general brain metastases from different kinds of cancers, and prognostic factors vary between cancers and histological subtypes. Recently, studies have indicated that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status may be a potential prognostic biological factor in BM from lung adenocarcinoma. Thus, we sought to define the role of EGFR mutation in prognoses and introduce a prognostic model specific for BM from lung adenocarcinoma. Methods Data of 256 patients with BM from lung adenocarcinoma identified with EGFR mutations were collected. Independent prognostic factors were confirmed using a Cox regression model. The new prognostic model was developed based on the results of multivariable analyses. The score of each factor was calculated by six-month survival. Prognostic groups were divided into low, medium, and high risk based on the total scores. The prediction ability of the new model was compared to the three existing models. Results EGFR mutation and Karnofsky performance status were independent prognostic factors and were thus integrated into the new prognostic model. The new model was superior to the three other scoring systems regarding the prediction of three, six, and 12-month survival by pairwise comparison of the area under the curve. Conclusion Our proposed prognostic model specific for BM from lung adenocarcinoma incorporating EGFR mutation status was valid in predicting patient survival. Further verification is warranted, with prospective testing using large sample sizes.

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of cell-surface molecules involved in a number of biological and pathological processes, have recently emerged as key players in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Orphan G protein-coupled receptors (oGPCRs) are a group of proteins lacking endogenous ligands. GPR137, one of the novel oGPCR genes, was discovered by homology screening. However, the biological role of GPR137 in cancers has not yet been discussed and is of great therapeutic interest. In this study, we knocked down GPR137 via a lentivirus system in two human pancreatic cancer cell lines BXPC-3 and PANC-1. Knockdown of GPR137 strongly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation. Flow cytometry showed that cell cycle was arrested in the sub-G1 phase and apoptotic cells were significantly increased after GPR137 knockdown. Western blotting confirmed that GPR137 silencing induced apoptosis due to cleavage of PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) and upregulation of caspase 3. Furthermore, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of GPR137 promoted the proliferation of PANC-1 cells, suggesting GPR137 as a potential oncogene in pancreatic cancer cells. Taken together, our results prove the importance of GPR137 as a crucial regulator in controlling cancer cell growth and apoptosis.

ZnO-graphene composite was synthesized by using graphene oxide (GO), zinc acetate (Zn(CH3COO)2⋅2H2O), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ethylene glycol as precursors through a one-pot hydrothermal process. The concentration of NaOH solution had an important effect on the morphology, defects and spectroscopic characterizations of the ZnO-graphene composite. With the increase of concentration of NaOH solution, the morphology of the composite changed significantly. The morphological evolution was analyzed through SEM and TEM observations, and the Raman and PL spectral variations were discussed.

The current study aims to characterise dental scratches found on an East Asian hominin upper left central incisor (I1) and lower left lateral incisor (I2) from the Early Pleistocene (Meipu site, Yunxian County), and infer the preference for handedness of these two individuals by quantifying the orientation of dental scratches. The labial surfaces of these two teeth were observed and imaged using light microscopes and/or scanning electron microscope under different magnifications (5–70×). The angle, width and length of each dental scratch was measured and analysed. The dental scratches described and quantified on the labial enamel surface of Meipu I1 and I2 fit the description of cutmarks caused by ‘stuff and cut’ behaviour. Most scratches are oriented in the right oblique direction, averaging 47.11 degrees in I1 and 44.60 degrees in I2. This result indicates preference for the right hand as the dominant one in holding a tool during ‘stuff and cut’ behaviours. This is the earliest reported ‘stuff and cut’ behaviour and inferred right-handedness in East Asia. It fills a temporal gap between the earliest known example in the African Early Pleistocene (~1.8 Ma) and the next known instance in the European Middle Pleistocene. This is also the first time the ‘stuff and cut’ behaviour and right-handedness has been reported in a hominin assigned to Homo erectus sensu lato.

Strobilurins are a class of important agricultural fungicides that are used widely in plant protection. To find new strobilurin analogues with high activity against resistant pathogens, a series of new strobilurin derivatives bearing 1,2,4-triazole oxime ether side chain were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, EIMS, and elemental analyses. Bioassays indicated that some of the compounds showed good fungicidal activities in the concentration of 50 mg/L. For example, compound possessed 100%, 100%, and 95.5% inhibition against Fusarium omysporum, Physalospora piricola Nose, and Gibberella saubinetii at the concentration of 50 mg/L, respectively.

To find new strobilurin analogs with high activity against resistant pathogens, twelve (E)-α-(methoxyimino)benzeneacetate derivatives containing 1,2,4-triazole Schiff base side chain 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, 3k, 3l were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, EIMS, and elemental analyses. Bioassays indicated that most of the target compounds showed moderate to good fungicidal activities against Physalospora piricola Nose and Alternaria solani. For example, compounds 3d, 3e, and 3f possessed 99.5%, 100%, and 95.6% inhibition against Physalospora piricola Nose, whereas compounds 3d, 3f, and 3g exhibited 92%, 91%, and 92% inhibition against Alternaria solani at the concentration of 50 mg/L, respectively.

A tandem annulation of arylpropynols with disulfides has been developed for the synthesis of 2-sulfenylindenone derivatives. The reaction pathway involves one-pot tandem Meyer–Schuster rearrangement of arylpropynols and successive radical cyclization with disulfides. Various arylpropynols and disulfides with a number of functional groups are compatible in this reaction that affords the corresponding 2-sulfenylindenones in moderate to good yields.

Complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and multiconfiguration second-order perturbation theory (CASPT2) calculations with contracted ANO-RCC basis set were performed for low-lying electronic states of CH3SS and its cation in Cs symmetry. For the ground state X2A″ of CH3SS, the calculated S-S stretching mode is in good agreement with experimental reports. The electron transitions of CH3SS+, X1A′ 11A″, X1A′ 21A′, and X1A′ 21A″, are predicted at 1.055, 3.247, and 3.841 eV. Moreover, the calculated adiabatic and vertical ionization potential and adiabatic affinity are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. The CASSCF/CASPT2 potential energy curves (PECs) were calculated for S2-loss dissociation from the X2A″, 12A′, and 22A″ states. The electronic states of the CH3 radical and S2 molecule as the dissociation products were carefully determined by checking energies and geometries of the asymptote products. The S2-loss PEC for CH3SS indicate that S2-loss dissociation occurs from the X2A″ state leading to CH3 (12A″) + S2 (X3Σ), the 12A′ and 22A″ leading to CH3 (12A″) + S2 (1Δg). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012.

Alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding has been considered to be one of the useful tertiary oil recovery techniques. However, field tests in China have revealed that serious side effects may occur due to using alkali. Thus alkali-free SP flooding is more favorable in China. Unfortunately, surfactants effective in ASP flooding are usually ineffective in the absence of alkali and new surfactants need to be designed. In this paper N-(3-Oxapropanoxyl)dodecanamide as a pure compound and a mixture of homologues with narrow EO number distribution, synthesized by the reaction of lauroyl chloride with diglycolamine and addition of one ethylene oxide to coconut monoethanolamide respectively, are examined for their adaptability in SP flooding. It is found that, when mixed with betaines, both products can reduce Daqing crude oil/connate water interfacial tension to a magnitude of 10−3–10−4 mNm−1 at 45 °C in a wide surfactant concentration range, 0.01–0.5 wt%, and oil displacement tests using natural cores indicates that a tertiary oil recovery of 18.6 ± 0.4% OOIP can be achieved by SP flooding with the N-(3-Oxapropanoxyl)dodecanamide as the main surfactant without adding any alkaline agent and neutral electrolyte. N-(3-Oxapropanoxyl)dodecanamide, as a nonionic surfactant without a cloud point and producible industrially from renewable materials, is an ideal surfactant for SP flooding in the absence of an alkaline agent.

Aryl sulfides and aryl disulfides are synthesized by palladium-catalyzed direct sulfenylation of arenes.

The title catalyst is successfully applied to the aza-Friedel—Crafts reaction of indoles, aldehydes, and aniline to give the corresponding products in good yields.

Immunoelectron microscopic studies were done on prostatic tissues obtained from patients with benign hyperplasia. Rabbit IgG-peroxidase conjugate against purified human prostatic acid phosphatase band 2 (HPAP-2) was used for studies. Under the light microscope, the columnar secretory epithelia of prostatic glands showed different intensity and distribution of immunostaining whereas the basal cells were unstained. Under the electron microscope, the secretory epithelial cells often showed electron-dense reaction product in the Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles and vacuoles, and only sparingly in the cisternae of nuclear envelope and rough ER. Sometimes, fusion of secretory vacuolar membrane and plasma membrane and discharge of the vacuolar contents into the extracellular space were noted. The surfaces of microvilli at the apical portion of the columnar epithelia and the lumen of the glandular acini always showed reaction product. These findings suggest that HPAP-2 may be synthesized in the rough ER and transported to the Golgi apparatus where it is concentrated and transferred to the secretory vesicles and vacuoles. HPAP-2 is finally discharged into the extracellular spaces through exocytosis, a secretory mechanism similar to that of other secretory proteins.