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In this paper, decoupling of a compact isosceles triangular array is performed by a hybrid method consisting of loaded parasitic element (LPE) in combination with decoupling and matching network (DMN). By introducing a reactively loaded parasitic element at a suitable position on the axis of symmetry of the isosceles triangle, not only are the mutual couplings between the element at the vertex and the two elements on the base eliminated but also the circuit parameters of the base elements are well prepared for a DMN of a simpler form. Thus, the impedance matching of the vertex element and the decoupling and matching of the base elements can be implemented independently. The DMN of base elements comprises two impedance-transforming sections (ITS) and a $\pi $ -shaped neutralization section (NS). The ITSs inserted between the antennas and NS convert the self-conductance to the system admittance and the trans-conductance to zero. The trans-susceptance is then compensated through the main line of the NS independently, and self-susceptance is canceled out by adjusting the tapped stubs subsequently. With all the explicit formulas derived, the design is systematic and straightforward. The presented compact isosceles triangular array with element separations of $0.1\lambda $ and $0.2\lambda $ is fabricated and measured. The results show that sound isolation of 35 dB and return loss of 21 dB is obtained with ECCs less than 0.02, validating the effectiveness of the hybrid decoupling technique.

The patient was then diagnosed with cervical cancer post-operation, with radiation enterocolitis, intestinal obstruction, and SIIF. A computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a potential small intestinal obstruction, edema of the sigmoid colon and surrounding small intestinal wall, a potential abscess in the left iliopsoas, and retroperitoneal and pelvic exudation (Figure 5). To the Editor, Intestinal fistula (IF) is defined as an abnormal opening of the intestine that causes the leaking of intestinal contents, resulted in a series of pathophysiological issues.1 The etiology of IF can be congenital due to developmental defects, or be associated with inflammation, tumor, trauma, surgery, or radiochemotherapy-related complications.2,3 IF can be classified as high and low according to its location. Treatment experience of delayed massive gastrointestinal bleeding caused by intra-abdominal arteriointestinal fistula in gastric cancer patients after radical gastrectomy. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Background C-Myc is a short-lived oncoprotein that is destroyed by ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Dysregulated accumulation of c-Myc commonly occurs in human cancers. Some of those cases with the dysregulated c-Myc protein accumulation are attributed to gene amplification or increased mRNA expression. However, the abnormal accumulation of c-Myc protein is also a common finding in human cancers with normal copy number and transcription level of c-Myc gene. It seems that the mechanistic dysregulation in the control of c-Myc protein stabilization is another important hallmark associated with c-Myc accumulation in cancer cells. Here we report a novel mechanistic pathway through which DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) modulates the stability of c-Myc protein. Results Firstly, siRNA-mediated silencing of DNA-PKcs strikingly downregulated c-Myc protein levels in HeLa and HepG2 cells, and simultaneously decreased cell proliferation. The c-Myc protein level in DNA-PKcs deficient human glioma M059J cells was also found much lower than that in DNA-PKcs efficient M059K cells. ATM deficiency does not affect c-Myc expression level. Silencing of DNA-PKcs in HeLa cells resulted in a decreased stability of c-Myc protein, which was associated the increasing of c-Myc phosphorylation on Thr58/Ser62 and ubiquitination level. Phosphorylation of Akt on Ser473, a substrate of DNA-PKcs was found decreased in DNA-PKcs deficient cells. As the consequence, the phosphorylation of GSK3 β on Ser9, a negatively regulated target of Akt, was also decreased, and which led to activation of GSK 3β and in turn phosphorylation of c-Myc on Thr58. Moreover, inhibition of GSK3 activity by LiCl or specific siRNA molecules rescued the downregulation of c-Myc mediated by silencing DNA-PKcs. Consistent with this depressed DNA-PKcs cell model, overexpressing DNA-PKcs in normal human liver L02 cells, by sub-chronically exposing to very low dose of carcinogen 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), increased c-Myc protein level, the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3 β, as well as cell proliferation. siRNA-mediated silencing of DNA-PKcs in this cell model reversed above alterations to the original levels of L02 cells. Conclusion A suitable DNA-PKcs level in cells is necessary for maintaining genomic stability, while abnormal overexpression of DNA-PKcs may contribute to cell proliferation and even oncogenic transformation by stabilizing the c-Myc oncoprotein via at least the Akt/GSK3 pathway. Our results suggest DNA-PKcs a novel biological role beyond its DNA repair function.

Background: Some researchers have achieved favorable efficacy in the treatment of primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) using microwave ablation (MWA). However, as PTMC is a slowly progressing disease, a long follow-up period is required to confirm treatment efficacy. Our study aim was to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided MWA in PTMC. Methods: In this study, 41 patients with thyroid masses (41 nodules) were diagnosed with PTMC by fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy. They underwent US-guided MWA. Preablation ultrasonic images of the thyroid nodules were collected, and the volumes were measured. The patients had follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in the first year and every 6 months from the second year on, after MWA. The volume reduction rates (VRRs) of the thyroid nodules were analyzed. Results: In total, 40 of 41 nodules were completely ablated by MWA. After 60 months of follow-up, the volume significantly decreased from a median of 55.78 mm3 (quartile: 21.50, 112.20 mm3) to 0 mm3 (0, 0 mm3) (p < 0.001), with a VRR of 99.37% ± 4.02%. Two patients developed hoarseness after ablation; one recovered within 10 minutes, and the hoarseness in the other patient resolved 2 months after the ablation. No recurrence, metastatic cervical lymph nodes, or distal metastasis was found during the follow-up period. Conclusions: In this five-year follow-up, MWA presented favorable efficacy with satisfactory safety for the treatment of PTMC. It should be considered an alternative therapy to surgery and active surveillance for solitary PTMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Neonicotinoids, among the most important pesticides in recent decades, have played pivotal roles in controlling agricultural pests. However, the toxicity to some environmentally beneficial insects is a cause of concern. The development of novel insecticides safer to these insects is increasingly urgent. RESULTS A novel series of hydrocarbylidene nitrohydrazinecarboximidamides were designed and synthesised, starting from S-methylisothiourea sulphate. Preliminary bioassays showed that the target molecules exhibited good activities against Lipaphis erysimi (turnip aphid) and Myzus persicae. As shown by initial insecticidal activity data, most of the target compounds had moderate to excellent activities at a concentration of 600 mg L−1 against L. erysimi, and the lethal rate of most compounds exceeded 90%. They were also highly effective against M. persicae. Some of them have shown excellent insecticidal activities, for example, the LC50 values of compounds Ie-02 to Ie-07 were found to be 3.8, 3.0, 2.5, 3.1, 4.1 and 4.0 mg L−1 respectively. CONCLUSION Structure-activity relationship analysis indicated that a suitable flexible alkyl chain at the imine point and a Cl-substituted pyridine ring are the most crucial factors affecting the activity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbiological transformation of the triterpene nigranoic acid (3,4-secocycloarta-4(28),24(Z)-diene-3,26-dioic acid) (1) to 3,4-secocycloarta-4(28),17(20),24(Z)-triene-7β-hydroxy-16β,26-lactone-3-oic acid (2) and 3,4-secocycloarta-4(28),17(20)(Z),24(Z)-triene-7β-hydroxy-16β-methoxy-3,26-dioic acid (3) by the freshwater fungus Dictyosporium heptasporum YMF1.01213 has been demonstrated. The structures of the biotransformation products were determined by spectroscopic and MS analyses. Compound 2, characterized by the presence of a formed C-16/C-26 ester bridge, provided a novel nine-membered lactone ring structural skeleton for 3,4-secocycloartane triterpenoid derivatives. In addition, Compounds 1–3 exhibited weak anti-HIV activity in vitro. Compounds 2 and 3 were reported for the first time as natural product derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two new metabolites were obtained by microbial transformation of the triterpene nigranoic acid (3,4-secocyloarta-4 (28), 24 (Z)-diene-3,26-dioic acid), (1) in the culture of Trichoderma sp. JY-1, a fungus obtained from the branches of Kadsura angustifolia. Their structures were established as 15α, 16α-dihydroxy-3,4-secocyloarta-4 (28), 17 (20), 17 (E), 24 (E)-triene-3,26-dioic acid (2) and 16α, 20α-dihydroxy-18 (13→17β) abeo-3,4-secocyloarta-4 (28), 12 (13), 24 (Z)-triene-3,26-dioic acid (3) by analysis of NMR and MS data and by analogy with the data for the substrate nigranoic acid (1). Compound 2 was found to possess an unusual 17(20), 17 (E)-ene structure while compound 3 featured an unprecedented 18(13→17β)-abeo-secocyloarta skeleton. Additionally, compounds 1–3 showed weak anti-HIV activity with EC50 values of 10.5, 8.8 and 7.6μg/mL, therapeutic index values (CC50/EC50) of 8.48, 9.12 and 10.1, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]