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Sugarcane is a significant primitive source of sugar and energy worldwide. The progress in enhancing the sugar content in sugarcane cultivars remains limited due to an insufficient understanding of specific genes related to sucrose production. The present investigation examined the enzyme activities, levels of reducing and non-reducing sugars, and transcript expression using RT-qPCR to assess the gene expression associated with sucrose metabolism in a high-sucrose sugarcane clone (GXB9) in comparison to a low-sucrose sister clone (B9). Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose phosphate phosphatase (SPP), sucrose synthase (SuSy), cell wall invertase (CWI), soluble acid invertase (SAI), and neutral invertase (NI) are essential enzymes involved in sucrose metabolism in sugarcane. The activities of these enzymes were comparatively quantified and analyzed in immature and maturing internodes of the high- and low-sucrose clones. The results showed that the higher-sucrose-accumulating clone had greater sucrose concentrations than the low-sucrose-accumulating clone; however, maturing internodes had higher sucrose levels than immature internodes in both clones. Hexose concentrations were higher in immature internodes than in maturing internodes for both clones. The SPS and SPP enzymes activities were higher in the high-sucrose-storing clone than in the low-sucrose clone. SuSy activity was higher in the low-sucrose clone than in the high-sucrose clone; further, the degree of SuSy activity was higher in immature internodes than in maturing internodes for both clones. The SPS gene expression was considerably higher in mature internodes of the high-sucrose clones than the low-sucrose clone. Conversely, the SuSy gene exhibited up-regulated expression in the low-sucrose clone. The enhanced expression of SPS in the high-sucrose clone compared to the low-sucrose clone suggests that SPS plays a major role in the increased accumulation of sucrose. These findings provide the opportunity to improve sugarcane cultivars by regulating the activity of genes related to sucrose metabolism using transgenic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from national meteorological stations in 90 counties of Jiangxi province during 2012-2021 and 8 microclimate stations in rice fields during 2017-2021 were used to analyze the differences in temperature between rice fields and stations, and the statistical results based on H1 (NS)(daily max temperature of national stations ≥35 °C), H1 (RS)(daily max temperature of rice fields ≥35 °C), H2 (NS)(daily max temperature of national stations ≥37°C) and H2 (RS) (daily max temperature of rice fields ≥ 37 °C ) were compared. Furthermore, proposing high-temperature damage indicators more suitable for early rice in Jiangxi, which would promoting capabilities of high-temperature monitoring and defense. The results showed that: (1) compared with the national stations, the rice fields had a cooling effect, and the Tmax(daily maximum temperature), T(daily average temperature), and Tmin(daily minimum temperature) were 0.6 °C, 0.4 °C, and 0.3 °C lower than national stations. What's more, the cooling effect increased with the growth of early rice, which showed as heading-maturity period>transplanting-booting period>sowing-transplanting period. (2) The cooling effect was higher in sunny days than in cloudy and rainy days during the high temperature period, and T, Tmax and Tmin of early rice field were 0.7 °C, 0.8 °C and 0.6 °C lower than that of the national stations. On cloudy and rainy days, the decrease in temperature of rice fields was similar. (3) There were significant differences in daily and hourly air temperature between 6 rice fields and the corresponding national stations during H1 (NS) heat damage occurred, and the cooling intensity of the rice field was greater at night than in the daytime. The Tmax, T and Tmin of the 6 fields were generally about 1.2 °C lower, which was strongest in Jinxi filed with T, Tmax and Tmin was 1.5 °C, 1.1 °C and 2.6 °C lower. (4) H1 (NS) was the largest and H2 (RS) was the smallest in terms of the number of counties affected by heat damage, the average duration, the average yield reduction simulation value of affected counties and the simulation value of the whole in recent 10 years based on different heat damage index. There was no significant difference in the result of average duration, the simulated average yield reduction rate of affected counties, and the simulated yield reduction rate of the whole based on H2 (NS) and H1 (RS), while they were all different with the result based on H1 (NS) or H2 (RS). And the simulated value of the reduction rate of the whole calculated by H2 (NS) was closer to the actual value. Therefore, national stations Tmax ≥37°C was more suitable as an index of heat damage for early rice in Jiangxi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Infection may induce thrombotic and hemorrhagic events; however, it is currently unclear whether the inflammatory response affects the coagulation function and the clinical efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in older patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Objective: This project aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban in older patients with NVAF complicated by infection, and to provide a basis for possible drug dose adjustment. Methods: A total of 152 NVAF patients aged ≥ 65 years admitted to the Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai from June 2020 to May 2022 were included in this prospective, observational study. The changes in steady-state plasma concentration of rivaroxaban and FXa inhibition rate were compared between patients with and without infection, and the impact on the occurrence of infection, thrombotic events, and bleeding events was compared through 1-year follow-up. Results: Our results showed that patients in the infection group had abnormal inflammation markers, as well as an increased occurrence of bleeding and thrombotic events during hospitalization and follow-up. The high incidence of bleeding events in patients was closely related to the occurrence of infection, lymphocyte reduction, and increased neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. The increase in thrombotic events was related to a decrease in rivaroxaban plasma concentration. Bleeding events in patients taking anticoagulant drugs are not necessarily due to drug accumulation. Conclusions: Timely control of infection, assessment of bleeding and thrombotic risks, and selection of appropriate anticoagulation treatment strategies should be made in older NVAF patients who develop pulmonary infection. Clinical Trials Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Number ChiCTR2000033144. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: By investigating the knowledge, medication, occurrence of complications, and risks among elderly non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients in Shanghai communities, and providing standardized comprehensive management and follow-up, we aim to explore the impact of standardized community management on improving disease awareness, standardizing atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment, reducing the risk of complications occurrence, and addressing risk factors for AF patients. Methods: This research selected elderly atrial fibrillation patients from Zhuanqiao Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai from July 2020 to October 2022. Their personal health records and examination results were reviewed, and the incidence of AF, awareness, medication, and complications were investigated. Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (aCCI), CHA2DS2-VASc score, and HAS-BLED score were used to evaluate disease burden, thromboembolic risk, and bleeding risk, respectively. The patients were subjected to standardized community management, and the compliance rate of disease awareness, treatment, resting heart rate, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed at the baseline, 6 months and 1 year after management. Results: A total of 243 NVAF patients were included, with an average aCCI score of (4.5 ± 1.1). Among them, 28% of the patients were aware of their AF, and 18.1% of the patients were aware of the hazards of AF. Of the patients, 11.9% used anticoagulant drugs, including 6.6% and 5.3% for warfarin and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), respectively. 7% of patients used antiplatelet drugs. 26.7% of the patients used heart rate control drugs. 10.3% of the patients experienced thromboembolic events, and 0.8% of the patients experienced bleeding events. 93.0% of the patients were at high risk of thromboembolism, and 24.7% of the patients were at high risk of bleeding. Compared with the baseline, there were significant statistical differences (P < 0.001) in disease awareness, awareness of the hazards of AF, use of anticoagulant drugs and heart rate control drugs, and control of risk factors among NVAF patients after standardized community management. Moreover, with the extension of management time, there was a linear increase in the awareness of NVAF, awareness of the hazards of AF, utilization rate of anticoagulant drugs, utilization rate of heart rate control drugs, blood pressure, blood glucose, and BMI compliance rate (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Currently, the awareness, treatment, and control of risk factors for AF in elderly NVAF patients in Shanghai community are not satisfactory. Standardized community management helps to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and control of risk factors in AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic disorder is highly related to obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. The present study found that astragaloside IV (ASI) attenuated metabolic disorder related symptoms and modulated hepatic lipid metabolism associated gene mRNA expression in db/db mice. ASI inhibited rosiglitazone-induced adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, and lipid accumulation in palmitic acid (PA)-induced HepG2 cells with down-regulated mRNA expression of lipogenesis-related genes. In addition, it was predicted to bind to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of PPARγ and inhibit its transactivity. Collectively, our study suggested that ASI improves lipid metabolism in obese mice probably through suppressing PPARγ activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Preclinical studies have suggested that thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) is implicated in liver fibrosis. However, the clinical relevance of TSP2 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains undefined. Here, we investigated the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of circulating TSP2 levels with advanced fibrosis (F3 or greater [≥FE] fibrosis) in NAFLD.Research Design and Methods: Serum TSP2 levels were measured in 820 patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD. All participants received vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) at baseline to evaluate their hepatic steatosis and fibrosis using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness (LS) measurements, respectively. Among those without advanced fibrosis at baseline, reassessment VCTE was performed to determine whether ≥F3 fibrosis had developed over time. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of serum TSP2 level with ≥F3 fibrosis.Results: Baseline serum TSP2 level was independently associated with the presence of ≥F3 fibrosis (odds ratio [OR] 5.13, P < 0.001). The inclusion of serum TSP2 level significantly improved the identification of ≥F3 fibrosis by clinical risk factors. Over a median follow-up of 1.5 years, 8.8% developed ≥F3 fibrosis. Baseline serum TSP2 level was significantly associated with incident ≥F3 fibrosis (OR 2.82, P = 0.005), independent of other significant clinical risk factors of fibrosis progression, including BMI, platelet count, and CAP at baseline.Conclusions: Circulating TSP2 level was associated with both the presence and the development of advanced fibrosis and might be a potentially useful prognostic biomarker for the development and progression of liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aortic stiffness and coronary heart disease (CHD) share a similar spectrum of risk factors; previous studies have identified the association between aortic stiffness and CHD. Recent studies have demonstrated estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) as a simple and easy-acquired indicator of aortic stiffness. Our work aims to evaluate the association between ePWV and the prevalence of CHD and assess the value of ePWV for the identification of prevalent CHD.Methods: The current cross-sectional work included 7012 subjects from rural areas of southeastern China between September 2020 and February 2021. ePWV was calculated from age and mean blood pressure by specific algorithm.Results: The prevalence of CHD in our population was 3.58% (251 patients among 7012 subjects). After adjusting for age, sex, education, income and exercise level, current smoking and drinking status, body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, estimated glomerular filtration rate and cerebrovascular diseases, each standard deviation increment of ePWV would produce an additional 37.8% risk of prevalent CHD. Moreover, after dividing ePWV into quartiles, the 4th quartile of ePWV showed a significant risk of prevalent CHD (OR (95% CI): 3.567 (1.963-6.479)) when compared with the 1st quartile. Additionally, the subgroup analysis showed the association between ePWV and prevalent CHD was robust to several common risk factors of CHD, including age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate. Finally, the area under curve (AUC) displayed an improvement when adding ePWV into common CHD risk factors (0.705 vs. 0.718. P = 0.044). Consistently, net reclassification index (0.436, 95% CI: 0.301-0.571, P < 0.001) and integrated discrimination index (0.004, 95% CI: 0.001-0.006, P = 0.002) demonstrated the value of ePWV to optimize the identification of prevalent CHD in the general population.Conclusion: The present analysis implicates the robust association between ePWV, a simple, rapid, and practical marker of aortic stiffness, and prevalent CHD in the general Chinese population. More importantly, the results suggest the value of ePWV as a potential marker to improve the identification of prevalent CHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diet plays an important role in the development of age-related chronic diseases. However, the association between diet quality assessed by Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, the latest version of HEI, and physical frailty among the general United States (US) elderly adults remains unclear. Aims: The present study aims to explore the association between HEI-2015 and physical frailty in elderly adults using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. Methods: HEI-2015 scores were calculated from 2 days 24-h recall interviews. Physical frailty status was assessed by four criteria developed by Fried et al.: exhaustion, weakness, low body mass, and low physical activity, and then categorized into robust (0 criteria), pre-frail (1–2 criteria), or frail (3–4 criteria). The binary and multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine the odds of frailty status. Results: A total of 2345 participants aged 60 years or older were included. According to the 4-items frailty criteria, 51.1% participants were robust, 42.1% were pre-frail, and 6.8% were frail. Compared to the lowest HEI-2015 quartile, the elderly adults in the higher quartile had a lower odds of physical frailty (P < 0.05). Regarding the frailty criterion separately, higher HEI-2015 was associated with lower odds of exhaustion, weakness, low physical activity and unintentional weight loss, respectively (P < 0.05). Among 13 HEI-2015 components, adherence to the recommended intake of whole fruits and total vegetables components were less likely to be physically frail (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Higher HEI-2015 was inversely associated with lower odds of physical frailty in the US elderly adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to determine the causal association between salt added to food and body mass index (BMI) by integrating a summary‐level genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data. Methods: We performed two‐sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses using summary statistics of GWAS. Inverse‐variance weighted (IVW), maximum likelihood estimation, and random effect model were used to analyse the effect of salt added to food on BMI. A bidirectional MR analysis with BMI as the exposure and salt added to food as the outcome was also performed. Results: The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from the UK Biobank (n = 462 630) and a meta‐analysis of 322 154 European‐descent individuals. The IVW method estimate indicated that salt added to food was positively associated with BMI (β = 0.1416, SE = 0.0576, P =.0139). Results from maximum likelihood estimation (β = 0.1476, SE = 0.0363, P <.0001) and the random effect model (β = 0.1411, SE = 0.0572, P =.0137) were consistent with the IVW. Bidirectional MR analysis suggested that BMI did not causally affect salt added to food. Conclusion: Our results provided qualitative evidence supporting a causal relationship between salt intake and BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the association between dietary Na intake and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a nationally representative sample of the US population.Design: In this cross-sectional study, the associations between Na intake and NAFLD, defined by the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and the fatty liver index (FLI), were assessed through multivariable logistic regression models.Setting: Communities in the USA from 2007 to 2014.Participants: Men and women aged 20 years and older.Results: A total of 11 022 participants were included in the HSI-defined NAFLD analysis, and a subsample of 5320 participants was included in the FLI-defined NAFLD analysis. Compared with the lowest quartile of Na intake, the highest quartile had a multivariate-adjusted OR and 95 % CI of 1·46 (1·29, 1·65) for NAFLD as defined by HSI, and 1·41 (1·18, 1·69) for NAFLD as defined by FLI. This association was, to some degree, attenuated but remained significant after adjusting for several related metabolic parameters, including BMI, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, and diabetes.Conclusions: Findings from the current study indicate that dietary Na intake is positively associated with NAFLD in US adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaginal bleeding in the prepubertal girl is an uncommon condition with complex aetiological factors. We report a case of a 6-year-old girl brought to hospital when vaginal bleeding was noticed after defecation. Various common causes were excluded by genital and auxiliary examinations. Serial vaginoscopy revealed increasing petechiae within the non-oestrogenised cervix and vaginal wall. The aetiology of these petechiae was considered to result from ruptured small blood vessels or submucosal capillaries due to an increase in abdominal pressure. CONCLUSION: This case report and review of literature has shed new light on the aetiology of prepubertal bleeding, which details challenging clinical characteristics of use to gynaecologists in the evaluation of related conditions and formulation of appropriate treatment regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The section Pallasia is one of the components of the genus Allium subgenus Allium (Amaryllidaceae), and species relationship in this section is still not resolved very well, which hinders further evolutionary and adaptive studies. Here, the complete chloroplast genomes of five sect. Pallasia species were reported, and a comparative analysis was performed with other three related Allium species. The genome size of the eight species ranged from 151,672 bp to 153,339 bp in length, GC content changed from 36.7% to 36.8%, and 130 genes (except Allium pallasii), 37 tRNA, and 8 rRNA were identified in each genome. By analyzing the IR/LSC and IR/SSC boundary, A. pallasii exhibited differences compared with other seven species. Phylogenetic analysis achieved high supports in each branch, seven of the eight Allium species cluster into a group, and A. pallasii exhibit a close relationship with A. obliquum. Higher pairwise Ka/Ks ratios were found in A. schoenoprasoides compared to A. caeruleum and A. macrostemon while a lower value of Ka/Ks ratios was detected between A. caeruleum and A. macrostemon. This study will be a great contribution to the future phylogenetic and adaptive research in Allium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All drugs usually have side effects, which endanger the health of patients. To identify potential side effects of drugs, biological and pharmacological experiments are done but are expensive and time-consuming. So, computation-based methods have been developed to accurately and quickly predict side effects. To predict potential associations between drugs and side effects, we propose a novel method called the Triple Matrix Factorization- (TMF-) based model. TMF is built by the biprojection matrix and latent feature of kernels, which is based on Low Rank Approximation (LRA). LRA could construct a lower rank matrix to approximate the original matrix, which not only retains the characteristics of the original matrix but also reduces the storage space and computational complexity of the data. To fuse multivariate information, multiple kernel matrices are constructed and integrated via Kernel Target Alignment-based Multiple Kernel Learning (KTA-MKL) in drug and side effect space, respectively. Compared with other methods, our model achieves better performance on three benchmark datasets. The values of the Area Under the Precision-Recall curve (AUPR) are 0.677, 0.685, and 0.680 on three datasets, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most contemporary studies suggested that intersegmental parameters including disc height and local lordosis contribute to the sagittal balance of fused lumbar. Although similar clinical outcomes following MIS- and Open-TLIF were reported essentially at the early postoperative time, the comparison of local balance variables after these two different techniques was lack. The radiological differences maybe not relevant to the postoperative efficacy at an earlier post-operation stage. But during the long-term follow-up, the complications with regards to the sagittal imbalance might occur due to the distinct biomechanical properties of fusion level after MIS- and Open-TLIF.Methods: The patients who underwent a single-level MIS- and Open-TLIF were reviewed retrospectively. The anterior disc height (ADH), posterior disc height (PDH), and segmental lordosis (SL) of the fusion segment were measured using recognition technical fluoroscopy. The mean disc height (MDH) was calculated by (ADH + PDH)/2. The relative DH was normalized by the anterior height of the upper vertebrae. The body mass index (BMI), the pain score of low back and leg visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), estimated blood loss, and hospital stay length was collected.Results: A total of 88 patients undergoing a single-level TLIF (MIS and Open) were included. The pre- and post-operative ADH, PDH, MDH, and SL of MIS-TLIF group were 1.57 ± 0.33 cm, 0.79 ± 0.20 cm, 1.18 ± 0.21 cm, 7.36 ± 3.07 and 1.63 ± 0.30 cm, 1.02 ± 0.28 cm, 1.32 ± 0.24 cm, 10.24 ± 4.79 respectively. Whereas, the pre- and post-operative ADH, PDH, MDH, and SL of Open-TLIF group were 1.61 ± 0.40 cm, 0.77 ± 0.21 cm, 1.19 ± 0.24 cm, 9.05 ± 5.48 and 1.81 ± 0.33 cm, 0.98 ± 0.24 cm, 1.39 ± 0.24 cm, 12.34 ± 4,74 respectively. MIS- and Open-TLIF group showed no significant differences in low back VAS, leg VAS, and ODI both in pre-operation and post-operation (P > 0.05). The estimated blood loss and hospital stay length in the MIS-TLIF group were significantly lower than those in the Open-TLIF group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: MIS- and Open-TLIF provided similar clinical outcomes as the respect of low back VAS, leg VAS, and ODI. MIS-TLIF significantly reduced the blood loss and length of hospital stay though. The intervertebral parameters of DH and SL were both increased significantly, Open-TLIF group presented better sagittal balance in term of ADH and SL variables. The contrast investigation of intersegmental parameters may help the surgeons to figure out the further advantages of MIS-TLIF technique, and then better manage the rehabilitation and prevent the reoperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk factors of duodenal injury from distal migrated biliary plastic stents remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of distal migration and its related duodenal injury in patients who underwent placement of a single biliary plastic stent for biliary strictures.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with biliary strictures who underwent endoscopic placement of a single biliary plastic stent from January 2006 to October 2017.Results: Two hundred forty-eight patients with 402 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures were included. The incidence of distal migration was 6.2%. The frequency of duodenal injury was 2.2% in all cases and 36% in cases with distal migration. Benign biliary strictures (BBS), length of the stent above the proximal end of the stricture (> 2 cm), and duration of stent retention (< 3 months) were independently associated with distal migration (p = 0.018, p = 0.009, and p = 0.016, respectively). Duodenal injury occurred more commonly in cases with larger angle (≥ 30°) between the distal end of the stent and the centerline of the patient's body (p = 0.018) or in cases with stent retention < 3 months (p = 0.031).Conclusions: The risk factors of distal migration are BBS and the length of the stent above the proximal end of the stricture. The risk factor of duodenal injury due to distal migration is large angle (≥ 30°) between the distal end of the stent and the centerline of the patient's body. Distal migration and related duodenal injury are more likely to present during the early period after biliary stenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in molecular phylogenetics provide us with information of Allium L. taxonomy and evolution, such as the subgenus Cyathophora, which is monophyletic and contains five species. However, previous studies detected distinct incongruence between the nrDNA and cpDNA phylogenies, and the interspecies relationships of this subgenus need to be furtherly resolved. In our study, we newly assembled the whole chloroplast genome of four species in subgenus Cyathophora and two allied Allium species. The complete cp genomes were found to possess a quadripartite structure, and the genome size ranged from 152,913 to 154,174 bp. Among these cp genomes, there were subtle differences in the gene order, gene content, and GC content. Seven hotspot regions (infA, rps16, rps15, ndhF, trnG-UCC, trnC-GCA, and trnK-UUU) with nucleotide diversity greater than 0.02 were discovered. The selection analysis showed that some genes have elevated Ka/Ks ratios. Phylogenetic analysis depended on the complete chloroplast genome (CCG), and the intergenic spacer regions (IGS) and coding DNA sequences (CDS) showed same topologies with high support, which revealed that subgenus Cyathophora was a monophyletic group, containing four species, and A. cyathophorum var. farreri was sister to A. spicatum with 100% bootstrap value. Our study revealed selective pressure may exert effect on several genes of the six Allium species, which may be useful for them to adapt to their specific living environment. We have well resolved the phylogenetic relationship of species in the subgenus Cyathophora, which will contribute to future evolutionary studies or phylogeographic analysis of Allium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation (TEAS) on sperm parameters and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: A total of 121 patients diagnosed with oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia or oligoasthenozoospermia were randomised into four groups (three treatment groups, one control): the TEAS groups were treated with 2 Hz (n=31), 100 Hz (n=31), or mock stimulation (n=29) at acupuncture points BL23, ST36, CV1 and CV4 for 2 months. The control group (n=30) was provided with lifestyle advice only. Results: The changes in total sperm count and motility in the 2 Hz TEAS group were significantly greater than those in the mock group and the control group. The change in neutral α-glucosidase (NAG) and zinc levels in the 2 Hz group were significantly greater than those in the mock group and control group, and the changes in fructose levels of the 2 Hz group were significantly greater than those in the control group. Significant increases in calcium and integrin-binding protein 1 (CIB1) and reduction of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 b (CDK1) were also found after 2 Hz TEAS treatment. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that 2 Hz TEAS can improve sperm count and motility in patients with abnormal semen parameters, and is associated with increases in seminal plasma zinc, NAG and fructose. The upregulation of CIB1 and downregulation of CDK1 by TEAS may be associated with its positive effects on sperm motility and count. Trial registration: http://www.chictr.org; registration no. ChiCTR-TRC-11001775. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is a widely used strategy for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Most of the current guidelines recommend liver failure as one of the contraindications for citrate anticoagulation. However, some studies suggested that the use of citrate for CRRT in liver failure patients did not increase the risk of citrate-related complications. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the current evidences on the safety and efficacy of RCA for CRRT in liver failure patients.Methods: We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases from the inception to March 1, 2018. Studies enrolled adult (age > 18 years) patients with various levels of liver dysfunction underwent RCA-CRRT were included in this systematic review.Results: After the study screening, 10 observational studies with 1241 liver dysfunction patients were included in this systematic review. The pooled rate of citrate accumulation and bleeding was 12% [3%, 22%] and 5% [2%, 8%], respectively. Compared with the baseline data, the serum pH, bicarbonate, and base excess (BE), the rate of metabolic alkalosis, the serum ionized calcium (ionCa) and total calcium (totCa) level, and the ratio of total calcium/ionized calcium (totCa/ionCa) significantly increased at the end of observation. However, no significant increase was observed in serum citrate (MD - 65.82 [- 194.19, 62.55]), lactate (MD 0.49 [- 0.27, 1.26]) and total bilirubin concentration (MD 0.79 [- 0.70, 2.29]) at the end of CRRT. Compared with non-liver failure patients, the live failure patients showed no significant difference in the pH (MD - 0.04 [- 0.13, 0.05]), serum lactate level (MD 0.69 [- 0.26, 1.64]), and totCa/ionCa ratio (MD 0.03 [- 0.12, 0.18]) during CRRT. The median of mean filter lifespan was 55.9 h, with a range from 22.7 to 72 h.Conclusions: Regional citrate anticoagulation seems to be a safe anticoagulation method in liver failure patients underwent CRRT and could yield a favorable filter lifespan. Closely monitoring the acid base status and electrolyte balance may be more necessary during RCA-CRRT in patients with liver failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The capacity of spot urine samples for detecting changes in population sodium and potassium excretion is unclear.Methods: Changes in urinary sodium and potassium excretion, over a 6-month to 2-year interval, were measured from 24-h urine samples and estimated from spot urine samples using several published methods in 3270 Chinese. Additional estimates were made by multiplying individual spot sodium and potassium concentrations by a single estimated 24-h urine volume derived from external data.Results: The measured difference in 24-h urinary excretion between intervention and control groups was -0.35 g (95% CI: -0.68 to -0.02; P = 0.039) for sodium and 0.66 g (95% CI: 0.52 to 0.80; P < 0.001) for potassium, based upon 24-h urine samples. The corresponding estimates of sodium differences for the Tanaka (-0.06 g), Kawasaki (-0.09 g), Intersalt without potassium (-0.09 g) and Intersalt with potassium (-0.14 g) equations were all smaller and identified no reduction in sodium excretion (all P > 0.10). The estimates were -0.65 g for sodium and 1.11 g for potassium using individual spot urine concentrations and an externally derived standard urine volume (both P < 0.01).Conclusions: The published equations were unable to detect the differences in sodium excretion measured by 24-h urine samples. A method based upon spot urine electrolyte concentrations and a standard urine volume may offer an alternative approach to measuring differences in sodium and potassium excretion between population groups without requiring 24-h urine, but will need further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the relationship between fetal head size and maternal pelvis size using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a 3-D reconstruction technique.Methods: A total of 301 nulliparous full-term Chinese pregnant women with cephalic presentation were enrolled and received MRI examinations before labor onset. Data were collected and imported into Mimics software to reconstruct the maternal pelvis and fetus.Results: Of 301 pregnant women, 212 underwent vaginal delivery and 32 received cesarean section. The body mass index (BMI) was significantly different between the vaginal delivery group and the suspected cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) group; the larger the BMI, the higher was the risk of CPD. The transverse diameter of the pelvic inlet and the posterior sagittal diameter of the midpelvis were significantly larger in the vaginal delivery group, compared with the suspected CPD group. Fetal weight > 3.5 kg could be used as a diagnostic indicator for CPD.Conclusions: BMI is a risk factor for CPD, and fetal weight < 3.5 kg is an important diagnostic indicator for natural delivery in Chinese pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gait-related symptoms are often refractory to current available treatment options with a significant reduction in quality of life in Parkinson's disease.Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of unilateral pedunculopontine area stimulation for refractory gait and balance impairment in Parkinson's disease.Methods: This study used periodic randomized double-blinded assessments until 4 years postoperatively. The primary outcomes were gait-related items of the UPDRS part II and the MDS-UPDRS part III.Results: At baseline, the median age and disease duration was 63 years (interquartile range: 62, 65) and 15 years (interquartile range: 11, 20). At 2 years, patient-reported freezing (UPDRS part II, off-time) was significantly better when compared with baseline (P =.028), with 62.5% of responders. At 4 years, there was no significant change in the used outcomes, but 66.7 % (n = 4 of 6) were responders for off-time patient-reported freezing and falling.Conclusions: Pedunculopontine area stimulation has an initial but not sustained benefit for gait-related symptoms. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (AL, Compositae, Chinese name: Cangzhu; Japanese name: Sou-ju-tsu) has been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases such as digestive disorders, rheumatic diseases, and influenza in China, Korea and Japan. The crude AL and AL bran-processed are both listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, the differences between the effects of the crude and AL bran-processed on gastric ulcer were poorly understood, and the mechanisms for the treatment of gastric ulcer were not clear. This study aimed at comparing the anti-ulcer effects between the crude AL and AL processed in acetic acid induced model in rats and evaluating the mechanisms of action involved in the anti-ulcer properties of AL. Materials and methods The model of gastric ulcer was imitated by acetic acid in rats, and AL was gavaged. The serum and gastric tissues were collected. The levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), trefoil factor2 (TFF2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6, 8 (IL-6, 8) and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) in serum and gastric tissues were determined by the double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expressions of EGF, TFF2, TNF-α, and IL-8 in stomach were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Meanwhile, histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain. The protein expressions of EGF, TFF2, TNF-α, and IL-8 were examined by immunohistochemistry in stomach. Results The results demonstrated that the damage of gastric tissue was obviously alleviated and the productions of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, and PGE 2 and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α, and IL-8 were notably inhibited. Furthermore, the productions of EGF and TFF2 and the mRNA expressions of EGF and TFF2 were significantly stimulated by both crude AL and AL processed in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the crude AL, the processed AL was more effective. Conclusion The AL processed had more satisfactory effects in treatment of gastric-ulcer than the crude AL. The anti-ulcer effects of AL could be attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties via down-regulating TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6 and PGE 2 and to the gastroprotective effects via up-regulating EGF and TFF2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) allografts are widely used in orthopaedic clinics. However, the biological impact on its osteoinductivity after its sterilization process by gamma irradiation is not well studied. Furthermore, little is known about the relationship between residual calcium levels on osteoinductivity. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that low-dose gamma irradiation retains the osteoinducitivity properties of DBM and causes ectopic bone formation. Materials and methods: A randomised animal trial was performed to compare tissue and molecular responses of low-dose (11 kGy) gamma irradiated and non-irradiated human DBM at 6 weeks post-intramuscular implantation using an athymic rat model. In addition, we correlated residual calcium levels and bone formation in gamma irradiated DBM. Results: A modified haematoxylin and eosin stain identified ectopic bony capsules at all implanted sites with no significant difference on the amount of new bone formed between the groups. Statistically significantly lower ratio of alkaline phosphatase expression over tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and/or cathepsin K expressions was found between the groups. Discussion: This study found that low-dose gamma irradiated DBM, which provides a sterility assurance level of 10 for bone allografts, retained osteoinductivity but exhibited significantly enhanced osteoclastic activity. Furthermore, this is the first study to find a positive correlation between residual calcium levels and bone formation in gamma irradiated DBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To document the sodium intake and food sources of sodium of Canadian-born Chinese (CBC) and Asian-born Chinese (ABC) individuals at a Canadian university campus.Participants: Healthy adults aged 18–58 years originating from Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan were recruited from the University of Alberta (n= 40 CBC,n= 41 ABC) between May and December 2010.Methods: Two in-person multipass 24-hour dietary recall interviews were administered for 1 weekday and 1 weekend day.Results: The mean sodium intake was 3,623 ± 1,406 mg/day. The major food sources of sodium were commercially prepared and processed foods for both CBC and ABC (59.9% and 54.7% of sodium, respectively). Condiments contributed substantially to dietary sodium intake of CBC and ABC (27.8% and 35.1% of sodium, respectively).Conclusions: Efforts to reduce dietary sodium among students and other adults of Chinese ethnicity should focus on limiting consumption of commercially processed foods and moderation in discretionary use of salt and soy sauce. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Bamboo fibers are very promising reinforcements for polymer composites production due to its high aspect ratio and strong mechanical performances. In order to better understand their reinforcing potential, the mechanical properties of single bamboo fibers extracted from eleven commercial bamboo species in China were measured with a newly developed microtensile technique. For comparison, the mechanical properties of mature single Chinese Fir and Masson Pine wood fibers were measured. The results show that the average longitudinal tensile modulus of the eleven kinds of bamboo fibers ranges from 25.5 to 46.3 GPa with an average value of 36.7 GPa. For tensile strength, the value ranges from 1.20 to 1.93 GPa with an average value of 1.55 GPa. The tensile strength and modulus of bamboo fibers are nearly two times of that of single Chinese Fir and Masson Pine fibers, and significantly higher than most of the published data for other softwood fibers. The average elongation at break of bamboo fibers is about 4.84 %, only a little lower than the value 5.15 % of the tested mature softwood fibers. Additionally, bamboo fibers were found to have smaller diameters and larger aspect ratio than most documented wood fibers, which favored an improved reinforcing effect. These combined mechanical and morphological advantages highlight the potential of bamboo fibers as the reinforcing phase in polymer composites for structural purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of energy (kVp) and filters (no filter, half Bowtie, and full Bowtie) on the dose response curves of the Gafchromic XRQA2 film and nanoDot optical stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) in CBCT dose fields. To measure surface and internal doses received during x-ray volume imager (XVI) (Version R4.5) and on board imager (OBI) (Version 1.5) CBCT imaging protocols using these two types of dosimeters. Methods: Gafchromic XRQA2 film and nanoDot OSLD dose response curves were generated at different kV imaging settings used by XVI (software version R4.5) and OBI (software version 1.5) CBCT systems. The settings for the XVI system were: 100 kVp/F0 (no filter), 120 kVp/F0, and 120 kVp/F1 (Bowtie filter), and for the OBI system were: 100 kVp/full fan, 125 kVp/full fan, and 125 kVp/half fan. XRQA2 film was calibrated in air to air kerma levels between 0 and 11 cGy and scanned using reflection scanning mode with the Epson Expression 10000 XL flat-bed document scanner. NanoDot OSLDs were calibrated on phantom to surface dose levels between 0 and 14 cGy and read using the inLightTM MicroStar reader. Both dosimeters were used to measure in field surface and internal doses in a male Alderson Rando Phantom. Results: Dose response curves of XRQA2 film and nanoDot OSLDs at different XVI and OBI CBCT settings were reported. For XVI system, the surface dose ranged between 0.02 cGy in head region during fast head and neck scan and 4.99 cGy in the chest region during symmetry scan. On the other hand, the internal dose ranged between 0.02 cGy in the head region during fast head and neck scan and 3.17 cGy in the chest region during chest M20 scan. The average (internal and external) dose ranged between 0.05 cGy in the head region during fast head and neck scan and 2.41 cGy in the chest region during chest M20 scan. For OBI system, the surface dose ranged between 0.19 cGy in head region during head scan and 4.55 cGy in the pelvis region during spot light scan. However, the internal dose ranged between 0.47 cGy in the head region during head scan and 5.55 cGy in the pelvis region during spot light scan. The average (internal and external) dose ranged between 0.45 cGy in the head region during head scan and 3.59 cGy in the pelvis region during spot light scan. Both Gafchromic XRQA2 film and nanoDot OSLDs gave close estimation of dose (within uncertainties) in many cases. Though, discrepancies of up to 20%-30% were observed in some cases. Conclusions: Dose response curves of Gafchromic XRQA2 film and nanoDot OSLDs indicated that the dose responses of these two dosimeters were different even at the same photon energy when different filters were used. Uncertainty levels of both dosimetry systems were below 6% at doses above 1 cGy. Both dosimetry systems gave almost similar estimation of doses (within uncertainties) in many cases, with exceptions of some cases when the discrepancy was around 20%-30%. New versions of the CBCT systems (investigated in this study) resulted in lower imaging doses compared with doses reported on earlier versions in previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Multichannel hollow TiO2 nanofibers were synthesized via a facile single-nozzle electrospinning method based on phase-separation mechanism. Compared to normal TiO2 nanofibers, hollow TiO2 with higher surface area gave rises to a higher surface contribution and ensured a short diffusion path for ion transport. Thus hollow TiO2 demonstrated superior cyclic ability and excellent rate capability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys pubescens) and sinocalamus affinis ( Phyllostachys heterocycla) were used in the research. Thermogravimetry (TG), a combination of TG and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (TG-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were used to investigate thermal decomposition of bamboo. The calorific value and smoke release process of both bamboos were also tested, respectively. The results from TG indicated that degradation process of sinocalamus affinis and moso bamboo was similar, but their degradation temperatures were different. The main decomposition occurred in the second step and about 68.70 and 64.63% masses degraded for sinocalamus affinis and moso bamboo, whose temperature of maximum mass loss was 319 and 339 °C, respectively. DTA curve showed that the thermal decomposition of both bamboos was an absorbance heat process. TG-FTIR analysis showed that the main pyrolysis products of both bamboos were similar, including absorbed water (HO), methane gas (CH), carbon dioxide (CO), acids and aldehydes, ammonia gas (NH). The calorific value of moso bamboo (19,291 J g K) was higher than that of sinocalamus affinis (18,082 J g K). The initial time of smoke release process of moso bamboo was later, and its maximum smoke density was higher than that of sinocalamus affinis. The difference was probably attributed to different compositions and structure of sinocalamus affinis and moso bamboo. The results from this research are very helpful to better design manufacturing process of bio-energy, made from bamboo, by gasification and pyrolysis methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on an approach to enhance the toughness of shape memory epoxy by using polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether (G) as the toughening agent. The mechanical properties and shape memory behavior of the toughened resin systems with different loading level of G were studied, respectively. Results of the torsional braid analysis (TBA) test indicated that G had good compatibility with the epoxy resin matrix and induced a decrease in the glass transition temperature, Tg, of the toughened systems when compared to that of the neat resin system; and the decrease in Tg scaled with the content of G added in the system. Impact strength tests showed that the impact strength was improved significantly by adding G into the resin system and it increased by a factor of 13.7 for the system with 13 wt.% content of G. In addition, the toughened systems were found to yield during the impact strength test whereas brittle fracture occurred for the neat epoxy resin system; this behavior could be further confirmed by the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the shape memory behavior tests, strain fixity ratio reached as high as 98.9% for toughened systems with 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 wt.% of G. Toughened systems also displayed changed shape recovery behavior that was comparable with that of the neat epoxy resin system during shape memory process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an improved artificial bee colony (IABC) algorithm for solving the blocking flowshop problem with the objective of minimizing makespan. The proposed IABC algorithm utilizes discrete job permutations to represent solutions and applies insert and swap operators to generate new solutions for the employed and onlooker bees. The differential evolution algorithm is employed to obtain solutions for the scout bees. An initialization scheme based on the problem-specific heuristics is presented to generate an initial population with a certain level of quality and diversity. A local search based on the insert neighborhood is embedded to improve the algorithm's local exploitation ability. The IABC is compared with the existing hybrid discrete differential evolution and discrete artificial bee colony algorithms based on the well-known flowshop benchmark of Taillard. The computational results and comparison demonstrate the superiority of the proposed IABC algorithm for the blocking flowshop scheduling problems with makespan criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. I examined age patterns of mortality differentials associated with body mass because the declining age effect observed in previous comparisons of cross-sectional age groups is susceptible to cohort and period distortions and because previous studies used time since baseline as time at risk, making the evaluation of age-specific mortality impossible. Methods. I conducted a parametric survival analysis of data from the 1988- 1994 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 3 cohorts of American men and women born from 1901 through 1957 and observed from 1988 through 2006 under an age-period-cohort framework. Results. Mortality differentials strengthened across cohorts but did not decline with age or change over the study period. Because excess overweight and obesity mortality increased from earlier cohorts to more recent ones, ignoring cohort differences led to a declining age pattern of excess mortality. Conclusions. Cross-sectional age patterns of mortality differentials appear to be distorted by cohort differences. Age should be used as risk time to study age variations in associations between risk factors and time to event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aluminum alloy high-stiffener integral panels are widely used on modern aircrafts to meet the demand of light weight and high stiffness. Press bend forming is an important method of producing this structure, of which fracture on stiffeners is a severe forming defect. In this study, a series of ductile fracture criteria that have been successfully applied in the metal forming field are adopted, the constants of which are obtained by tensile tests of different specimens and their corresponded FEM simulations. Then all the criteria are implemented into ABAQUS with user subroutine. A set of press bending dies is designed, with which bend to fracture experiments of single stiffener and multi-stiffener specimens are carried out. By comparative analysis of the experiments and the FEM simulations including many ductile fracture criteria, the most suitable ductile fracture criteria for predicting the fractures in this forming process are determined. The reasons of the usability are also explained based on the mechanics of the fracture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

China's rapid urbanization has been characterized by excessive economic growth and a series of environmental issues. The urban environmental sustainability of 46 typical Chinese cities in 2007 was evaluated with Data Envelopment Analysis in this paper, and the Malmquist Productivity Index was used to identify the change within 2006–2007. This analysis employed indicators from economic, environmental, and resource sub-systems which are frequently involved in the concept of environmental sustainability. We introduced projecting and benchmarking as two possible approaches for less sustainable cities to refer to their peers. Based on the computed results and empirical analysis, the roles of GDP per capita, city scale, and industrial structure as influence factors of environmental sustainability were explored; and the regional disparity of urban environmental sustainability was also investigated. The results show: (1) 24% of the sample cities (e.g. Beijing, Hohhot, etc.) are relatively “environmentally sustainable.” The efficiency scores of Urumqi rank the last. (2) GDP per capita, city scale, and industrial structure factors all exert significant influence on urban environmental sustainability. (3) The environmental sustainability of southeast cities leads the 6 major Chinese regions, and cities around the Bohai area are rapidly approaching environmental sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), a pure compound of Cordyceps sinensis, has been illustrated with anti-tumor effects. In the present study, the apoptotic effect of cordycepin on OEC-M1, a human oral squamous cancer cell line, was investigated by morphological observations, cell viability assay, annexin V-FITC analysis and flow cytometry methods. Results demonstrated that the number of rounded-up cell increased as treatment duration of cordycepin (100 microM) increased from 3 to 48 h, and the plasma membrane blebbing could be observed after 12 h treatment. In cell viability assay, cell surviving rate significantly decreased as the dosage and duration of cordycepin treatment increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, phosphatidylserine flipping on cell membrane could be detected with 3, 6 and 12 h cordycepin treatment, which indicated an early apoptotic phenomenon. Furthermore, cell cycle studies illustrated that the percentage of G1 phase cell declined as the dosages of cordycepin increased (10 microM to 5 mM), while the percentages of G2M and subG1 phase cell increased (P < 0.05) in 12, 24 and 48 h cordycepin treatment. These results further confirmed the apoptotic event. In conclusion, cordycepin significantly induced cell apoptotsis in OEC-M1 human oral squamous cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated hypohomocysteinemic action as a cardiovascular protective property of aged garlic extract (AGE). Hyperhomocysteinemia was induced in rats by feeding folate-depleted diets. Plasma folate concentrations of 5, 24, and 202 nmol/L were detected in rats fed a folate-deficient L-amino acid diet containing succinyl sulfathiazole, an AIN-93G folate-deficient diet, and an AIN-93G folate-sufficient diet, respectively. Plasma concentrations of total homocysteine were elevated to the highest level (32 micromol/L) by severe folate deficiency and to a moderate level (9 micromol/L) by mild folate deficiency, compared with the lowest level of (5 micromol/L), noted for the folate-sufficient group. The addition of AGE to the severely folate-deficient diet decreased plasma total homocysteine concentration by 30%. Hyperhomocysteinemia caused by mild folate deficiency remained unaltered by AGE supplementation. The reduction in total homocysteine of the severely folate-deficient rats was accompanied by a proportional decrease in protein-bound and free homocysteine, resulting in an unchanged protein-bound:free homocysteine ratio. AGE added to the diet did not alter plasma concentrations of other aminothiol compounds: cysteine, glutathione, and cysteinylglycine. These data, together with increased S-adenosylmethionine and decreased S-adenosylhomocysteine concentrations in the liver, suggest that the hypohomocysteinemic effect of AGE most likely stems from impaired remethylation of homocysteine to methionine and enhanced transsulfuration of homocysteine to cystathionine. More importantly, in addition to its cholesterol-lowering potential, blood pressure-lowering effect, and antioxidant property, a hypohomocysteinemic action may be another important cardiovascular protective factor of AGE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of water-soluble organosulfur compounds of garlic on hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis in cultured rat hepatocytes were studied. S-Alk(en)yl cysteines, i.e., S-allyl cysteine (SAC), S-ethyl cysteine (SEC) and S-propyl cysteine (SPC) inhibited cholesterol synthesis from [(14)C]acetate but not from [(14)C]mevalonate. The activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase in the cells treated with SAC, SEC and SPC was 30-40% lower than that of the untreated cells. S-Alk(en)yl cysteines did not alter abundance of mRNA coded for HMG-CoA reductase or protein concentration of the enzyme. The ratio of expressed to total activity (E/T) of HMG-CoA reductase was then determined as an index of phosphorylation status of the enzyme. The E/T ratio was reduced 18-29% by SAC, SEC and SPC, resulting primarily from decreased expressed activity. The results suggest that S-alk(en)yl cysteines inhibit cholesterol synthesis by deactivating HMG-CoA reductase via enhanced phosphorylation, but not changing levels of mRNA or the amount of the enzyme. Additionally, of the three S-alk(en)yl cysteines tested, only SAC appears to further decrease the activity of HMG-CoA reductase by increasing sulfhydryl oxidation of the enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To date, the clinical management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remains challenging and the mechanisms of E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) underlying HCC are obscure. Materials and Methods: Our study integrated datasets mined from several public databases to comprehensively understand the deregulated expression status of E2F1. Tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry staining was used to validate E2F1 expression level. The prognostic value of E2F1 was assessed. In-depth subgroup analyses were implemented to compare the differentially expressed levels of E2F1 in HCC patients with various tumor stages. Functional enrichments were used to address the predominant targets of E2F1 and shedding light on their potential roles in HCC. Results: We confirmed the elevated expression of E2F1 in HCC. Subgroup analyses indicated that elevated E2F1 level was independent of various stages in HCC. E2F1 possessed moderate discriminatory capability in differentiating HCC patients from non-HCC controls. Elevated E2F1 correlated with Asian race, tumor classification, neoplasm histologic grade, eastern cancer oncology group, and plasma AFP levels. Furthermore, high E2F1 correlated with poor survival condition and pooled HR signified E2F1 as a risk factor for HCC. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes, coexpressed genes, and putative targets of E2F1 emphasized the importance of cell cycle pathway, where CCNE1 and CCNA2 served as hub genes. Conclusions: We confirmed the upregulation of E2F1 and explored the prognostic value of E2F1 in HCC patients. Two putative targeted genes (CCNE1 and CCNA2) of E2F1 were identified for their potential roles in regulating cell cycle and promote antiapoptotic activity in HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Area-based socioeconomic measures are widely used in health research. In theory, the larger the area used the more individual misclassification is introduced, thus biasing the association between such area level measures and health outcomes. In this study, we examined the socioeconomic disparities in cancer survival using two geographic area-based measures to see if the size of the area matters.Methods: We used population-based cancer registry data for patients diagnosed with one of 10 major cancers in New South Wales (NSW), Australia during 2004-2008. Patients were assigned index measures of socioeconomic status (SES) based on two area-level units, census Collection District (CD) and Local Government Area (LGA) of their address at diagnosis. Five-year relative survival was estimated using the period approach for patients alive during 2004-2008, for each socioeconomic quintile at each area-level for each cancer. Poisson-regression modelling was used to adjust for socioeconomic quintile, sex, age-group at diagnosis and disease stage at diagnosis. The relative excess risk of death (RER) by socioeconomic quintile derived from this modelling was compared between area-units.Results: We found extensive disagreement in SES classification between CD and LGA levels across all socioeconomic quintiles, particularly for more disadvantaged groups. In general, more disadvantaged patients had significantly lower survival than the least disadvantaged group for both CD and LGA classifications. The socioeconomic survival disparities detected by CD classification were larger than those detected by LGA. Adjusted RER estimates by SES were similar for most cancers when measured at both area levels.Conclusions: We found that classifying patient SES by the widely used Australian geographic unit LGA results in underestimation of survival disparities for several cancers compared to when SES is classified at the geographically smaller CD level. Despite this, our RER of death estimates derived from these survival estimates were generally similar for both CD and LGA level analyses, suggesting that LGAs remain a valuable spatial unit for use in Australian health and social research, though the potential for misclassification must be considered when interpreting research. While data confidentiality concerns increase with the level of geographical precision, the use of smaller area-level health and census data in the future, with appropriate allowance for confidentiality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transcranial sonography can display structural alterations in the substantia nigra (SN) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and is considered to be a potential useful tool for the diagnosis of PD. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between SN echogenicity and clinical features in Chinese patients with PD. Methods: A total of 420 subjects including 290 patients with PD and 130 controls were recruited from the neurological clinic or the community. Transcranial sonographic evaluations of the SN were performed in all subjects, and motor and non-motor symptoms were thoroughly assessed by a series of rating scales in PD patients. Results: Two hundred and one patients were successfully assessed by transcranial sonography. SN hyperechogenicity was found to be associated with male sex (p = 0.004), higher scores on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part II (p = 0.001) and autonomic symptoms scores (p = 0.003). Moreover, regression analysis revealed that UPDRS part II scores (odds ratio = 1.141, p < 0.001) and gender (odds ratio = 2.409, p = 0.007) could be the independent predictors for SN hyperechogenicity; in addition, among all items of UPDRS part II, speech, dressing, hygiene, and turning in bed and adjusting bed clothes significantly correlated with SN hyperechogenicity. Conclusions: This is the first report suggesting the correlation between SN echogenicity and UPDRS part II, and we conclude that increased SN echogenicity might reflect more severe disease disability or poorer medical response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural α-glucosidase inhibitors offer an attractive strategy to manage postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), the main hypoglycemic constituents in Morus alba L., has been extensively researched. Here, for different parts of the mulberry tree, the DNJ content and the IC 50 values of DNJ and ethanol extracts have been determined and compared. Possible metabolic pathways and storage sites for DNJ in mulberry trees have been investigated, and the kinetics of inhibition of α-glucosidase by DNJ and ethanol extracts of different parts of the mulberry tree have been measured. DNJ content was found to be highest in trunk bark, whereas α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was highest in both twig and trunk bark. Buds and roots are likely to be the topmost and bottommost sites of DNJ biosynthesis. DNJ is an insect antifeedant (not including silkworms) and may itself have antiviral activity, or be the precursor to a compound with antiviral activity. Ethanol extracts of twig, trunk and root bark are mixed-type inhibitors of α-glucosidase; extracts from other parts of the tree are competitive inhibitors. The study provides useful information about the physiological distribution of important active components, especially DNJ, in the mulberry tree and suggests how best to develop and use the crude drug resources provided by the tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling is involved in the development of obesity, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes. However, the role of intestinal FXR in atherosclerosis and its potential as a target for clinical treatment have not been explored. The serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), which is encoded by an FXR target gene, were much higher in patients with hypercholesterolemia than in control subjects and were positively related to circulating ceramide levels, indicating a link between intestinal FXR, ceramide metabolism, and atherosclerosis. Among ApoE-/- mice fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD), intestinal FXR deficiency (in FxrΔIE ApoE-/- mice) or direct FXR inhibition (via treatment with the FXR antagonist glycoursodeoxycholic acid [GUDCA]) decreased atherosclerosis and reduced the levels of circulating ceramides and cholesterol. Sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (SMPD3), which is involved in ceramide synthesis in the intestine, was identified as an FXR target gene. SMPD3 overexpression or C16:0 ceramide supplementation eliminated the improvements in atherosclerosis in FxrΔIE ApoE-/- mice. Administration of GUDCA or GW4869, an SMPD3 inhibitor, elicited therapeutic effects on established atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice by decreasing circulating ceramide levels. This study identified an intestinal FXR/SMPD3 axis that is a potential target for atherosclerosis therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The high energy cost of paraplegic walking using a reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) is attributed to limited hip motion and excessive upper limb loading for support. To address the limitation, we designed the hip energy storage walking orthosis (HESWO) which uses a spring assembly on the pelvic shell to store energy from the movements of the healthy upper limbs and flexion-extension of the lumbar spine and hip and returns this energy to lift the pelvis and lower limb to assist with the swing and stance components of a stride. Our aim was to evaluate gait and energy cost indices for the HESWO compared to the RGO in patients with paraplegia.Methods: The cross-over design was used in the pilot study. Twelve patients with a complete T4-L5 chronic spinal cord injury underwent gait training using the HESWO and RGO. Gait performance (continuous walking distance, as well as the maximum and comfortable walking speeds) and energy expenditure (at a walking speed of 3.3m/min on a treadmill) were measured at the end of the 4-week training session.Results: Compared to the RGO, the HESWO increased continuous walking distance by 24.7% (P<0.05), maximum walking speed by 20.4% (P<0.05) and the comfortable walking speed by 15.3% (P<0.05), as well as decreasing energy expenditure by 13.9% (P<0.05).Conclusion: Our preliminary results provide support for the use of the HESWO as an alternative support for paraplegic walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cod skin peptide (CSPE) on chemotherapy-induced toxicity in gastric cancer patients.Methods and Study Design: A cohort of 60 gastric cancer patients for chemotherapy was randomly divided into two groups (n=30 per group), who were orally treated with either supplemental CSPE or placebo apart from chemotherapy. The hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicities experienced by the patients, as well as their Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) as an index of quality of life was evaluated.Results: Leukocyte counts and haemoglobin levels were significantly reduced in the group treated with peptide (p<0.05), while gastrointestinal toxicity was not affected (p>0.05). KPS consists of 11 categories of quality of life, and the score denoted in deciles ranges from 100 (asymptomatic, normal function) to 0 (death). The KPS score is used to evaluate a cancer patient's ability to function at work and home, the severity of symptoms, and the patient's need for personal and medical care. Treatment with CSPE significantly improved the quality of life of patients, as indicated by increased KPS scores (p<0.05).Conclusions: CSPE can potentially be considered as a food supplement that can be used to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dyskinesia remain a significant problem in Parkinson Disease (PD). The translation process of novel drug targets for dyskinesia has proven difficult with several failures at phase III level. Determining the 'clinically important change' (CIC) for dyskinesia rating scales in phase II clinical trials may assist in optimizing drug development of new anti-dyskinetic treatments. We used a standard phase IIa acute levodopa infusion paradigm to determine for the first time the CIC for dyskinesia using the new UDysRS.Methods: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with eleven PD patients with stable bothersome dyskinesia. We used the following patient-reported clinically important events as CIC anchors: onset, maximum intensity, remission of dyskinesia. Objective dyskinesia scores using the UDysRS part III Impairment were determined at these same events by blinded video-rating. The CIC was determined using the 'within-patient' score change and a sensitivity- and specificity-based approach.Results: Patients were most aware of 'onset of dyskinesia', followed by 'remission of dyskinesia'. An 11.1-point median change (UDysRS Part III Impairment, p < 0.0001) was the CIC for patient-reported remission of dyskinesia from a practically defined-OFF state. A 2.32-point change (UDysRS Part III Impairment) had the best specificity and sensitivity to distinguish between patient-reported remission and perception of dyskinesia.Conclusions: In this study, we provide the first report of a CIC for the UDysRS Part III Impairment. Early knowledge of a CIC may help inform the decision to advance into phase III trials and contribute for a higher yield of success in finding new anti-dyskinetic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Intra-operative (real-time) treatment planning has been adapted by many institutions for low–dose rate prostate brachytherapy. Although this allows dosimetric planning to be done during the procedure, preplan imaging to obtain a prostate volume is essential to identify the number of seeds to ensure adequate volume coverage. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the most appropriate imaging to obtain this information. We conducted a retrospective study to compare how volumes obtained from preplan CT (p-CT) scans or preplan transrectal ultrasound (p-TRUS) correlated with real-time ultrasound and postimplant CT volumes and the difference in accuracy of seed estimation between these techniques. Methods and Materials: Ninety-two patients underwent 125I permanent seed implants at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital between February 2002 and August 2008. Fifty-one patients underwent p-TRUS before intra-operative planning and 41 patients were evaluated by p-CT. Results: The median difference in volume between preimplant imaging and the intra-operative planning ultrasound was 3.59 and 5.2cc for patients who underwent p-TRUS and p-CT, respectively. p-TRUS volumes more closely correlated with real-time intra-operative volumes (R =0.84 in all patients and R =0.91 in hormone-naïve patients) vs. p-CT (R =0.82). The median number of seeds wasted using p-CT was 18 vs. 7 using volumes derived from p-TRUS. Conclusions: The number of seeds ordered could be more accurately obtained from p-TRUS volumes, and this translated into less seed wastage. Our findings indicate that p-TRUS is a more accurate and an economically superior alternative to p-CT imaging in the era of real-time ultrasound planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]