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A series of novel anthracene L-rhamnopyranosides compounds were designed and synthesized and their anti-proliferative activities on cancer cell lines were investigated. We found that one derivative S-8 (EM-d-Rha) strongly inhibited cell proliferation of a panel of different human cancer cell lines including A549, HepG2, OVCAR-3, HeLa and K562 and SGC-790 cell lines, and displayed IC50 values in low micro-molar ranges, which are ten folds more effective than emodin. In addition, we found EM-d-Rha (3-(2",3"-Di-O-acetyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-2',3'-di-O-acetyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-emodin) substantially induced cellular apoptosis of HepG2 and OVCAR-3 cells in the early growth stage. Furthermore, EM-d-Rha led to the decrease of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and up-regulated the express of cells apoptosis factors in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The results indicated the EM-d-Rha may inhibit the growth and proliferation of HepG2 cells through the pathway of apoptosis induction, and the possible molecular mechanism may due to the activation of intrinsic apoptotic signal pathway.

Background: Hyperthermia is a common monotherapy for sporotrichosis, but only in patients with special conditions, such as pregnancy and nursing. However, hyperthermia has not been used more widely for sporotrichosis in clinical practice. Patients/Methods: An HIV-positive adult male with lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix globosa that did not respond to conventional itraconazole therapy lasting >2 months received adjunctive therapy with local hyperthermia. To simulate the effects of heat exposure on the growth and morphology of Sporothrix spp. in vitro, S. globosa, S. schenckii and S. brasiliensis were exposed to intermittent heat (42°C) for 1 h a day for 7 or 28 days and observed under transmission electron microscopy. Results: Itraconazole combined with local hyperthermia significantly improved the lesions, and the patient was successfully cured of sporotrichosis, with no recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. Cultures of Sporothrix spp. treated with 7 days of daily heat exposure in vitro showed obvious decreases in colony diameters, but not numbers, compared with untreated cultures (p < .001). After 28 days of heat exposure in vitro, Sporothrix spp. were unable to thrive (p < .001), and ultrastructural alterations, including loose cell wall structure, incomplete cell membrane, disrupted vacuoles and fragmented nuclei, were noticeable. Conclusions: Our case findings and in vitro experiments on Sporothrix spp., together with a literature review of previous sporotrichosis cases, suggest that hyperthermia has a clinical role as a treatment adjunct. Large-scale clinical trials are required to examine the utility of hyperthermia in various forms of cutaneous sporotrichosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of impoliteness has long been a matter of interest in linguistic investigations. Considerable research has been conducted to uncover factors and features regarding the realizations of impoliteness in multiple social contexts. This study engages in a pragmatic inquiry into impoliteness in the marital relationship. The data of this study consisted of a TV episode from one famous on-site mediation reality program in China. Primarily drawing on Bousfield’s (2008) model of impoliteness realizations, this study used a qualitative approach to examine the means by which the couple in a marital relationship causes face-attacking effects and ultimately arouses conflicts. The primary findings of this study indicate that couples might struggle with various communicative challenges. A problematic marital relationship tends to be signaled in some practices of impoliteness. This study has identified thirteen realizations of impoliteness linguistically and behaviorally that indicate gender variations concerning the couple’s frequent impoliteness practices.

With the continuously increased speed of the high-speed train, the lateral aerodynamic performance of high-speed trains has attracted more and more attention. Under strong crosswinds, the aerodynamic performance of trains deteriorate and air drag, lift and lateral forces borne by trains quickly increase, which has an impact on the lateral stability of trains and even leads to train derailment. This paper adopted computational fluid dynamics theory to establish an aerodynamic model for a high-speed train, computed aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the high-speed train and obtained the unsteady flow field of the high-speed train. In the meanwhile, this paper combined with multi-body system dynamics theory to establish a system dynamics model for the train and analyzed the safe aerodynamic performance of the high-speed train under cross winds. Computational results showed: Under cross winds, the aerodynamic performance of the highspeed train had a random fluctuation. When wind direction angle was 90°, aerodynamic forces (drag, lift and lateral forces) and moments (overturning moment, shaking moment and nodding moment) borne by the high-speed train were the largest; train speed was a main factor affecting the size of positive pressures of train and cross wind velocity had no obvious impacts on the positive and negative pressures of train body; the aerodynamic forces and moments of the high-speed train had a random fluctuation within a certain range with time; the frequency for the peak value of power spectral density of lateral forces of head train was within 25 Hz and the peak value of power spectral density was the largest when the main frequency was 1.6 Hz; the frequency for the peak value of power spectral density of overturning moment of head train was within 20 Hz and main frequency was 0.57 Hz. When the cross wind speed was 15 m/s, all safety indexes of the high-speed train running at the speed of 250 km/h were within the range of limited values and satisfied design requirements. Aerodynamic performance of the high-speed train with the suction chamber under the cross wind was computed and compared with original results. Aerodynamic force and force moments of the high-speed train under cross wind will be reduced obviously and running safety of the high-speed train can be improved through application of the suction chamber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose This study evaluated the performance of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) in patients without LI-RADS-defined hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk factors (RF−). Methods Patients with LI-RADS-defined HCC risk factors (RF+) and RF− were enrolled in a retrospective study. Additionally, a prospective evaluation in the same centre was performed as a validation set. The diagnostic performances of the CEUS LI-RADS criteria in RF+ and RF− patients were compared. Results Overall, we included 873 patients in the analyses. In the retrospective study, the LI-RADS category (LR)-5 specificities for diagnosing HCC did not differ between the RF+ and RF− groups (77.5% [158/204] vs 91.6% [196/214], P = 0.369, respectively). However, the positive predictive value (PPV) of CEUS LR-5 was 95.9% (162/169) and 89.8% (158/176) in the RF+ and RF− groups, respectively (P = 0.029). In the prospective study, the PPV of LR-5 for HCC lesions was significantly higher in the RF+ group than in the RF− group (P = 0.030). The sensitivity and specificity did not differ between the RF+ and RF− groups (P = 0.845 and P = 0.577, respectively). Conclusions The CEUS LR-5 criteria shows clinical value for diagnosis of HCC in patients with and without risks.

Using foreign names has become common practice for Chinese students who are learning a foreign language to develop a special identity in multilingual contexts. French is one of the most studied foreign languages in China. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the practices learners follow when adopting French names as their identity markers. The current study addresses this gap by investigating twenty-nine French names adopted by Chinese university students who are learning French as the second foreign language (L3) in a Chinese university. Drawing on data collected through interviews, the motivations, and features behind the respondents’ name choices were examined. The qualitative and quantitative analyses show that the practice of adopting French names for these L3 students was primarily motivated by phonetic features and the study participants’ positive associations. The L3 learners deliberately selected a French name to create a multilingual and multicultural identity for themselves. The pedagogical implications regarding teachers’ development of cultural instruction materials as well as teachers’ potential influence on French language instruction overall are also discussed.

Abstract Background A simple and accurate scoring system to guide perioperative blood transfusion in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing cardiac surgery is lacking. The trigger point for blood transfusions for these patients may be different from existing transfusion guidelines. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new scoring strategy for use in guiding transfusion decisions in patients with CAD. Methods A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted at three third-level grade-A hospitals from January 2015 to May 2018. Data of 254 patients in a Cardiac Peri-Operative Transfusion Trigger Score (cPOTTS) group and 246 patients in a group receiving conventional evaluation of the need for transfusion (conventional group) were analysed. The requirements for transfusion and the per capita consumption of red blood cells (RBCs) were compared between groups. Results Baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Logistic regression analyses revealed no significant differences between the two groups in primary outcomes (1-year mortality and perioperative ischemic cardiac events), secondary outcomes (shock, infections, and renal impairment), ICU admission, and ICU stay duration. However, patients in the cPOTTS group had significantly shorter hospital stays, lower hospital costs, lower utilization rate and lower per capita consumption of transfused RBCs than controls. Stratified analyses revealed no significant differences between groups in associations between baseline characteristics and perioperative ischemic cardiac events, except for hemofiltration or dialysis and NYHA class in I. Conclusions This novel scoring system offered a practical and straightforward guideline of perioperative blood transfusion in patients with CAD. Trial registration chiCTR1800016561(2017/7/19).

Objective To investigate the infection of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and its resistance to six kinds of antibiotics in Shenzhen. Methods Urease test and Hp cultivation were performed in 5 080 patients with gastrointestinal discomfort in three hospitals in Shenzhen, and antibiotic sensitivity test of agar dilution was performed. Results Among the 5 080 patients, a total of 3 203 patients were Hp positive, with a positive rate of 63.05%. The resistance rate of 3 203 Hp strains to antibiotics was metronidazole (MNZ)(99.6%),amoxicillin(AMX)(30.5%),clarithromycin(CAM)(10.6%), doxycycline (DOX) (0.3%), furazolidone(FR) (0.2%), and levofloxacin(LVX) (0.1%). The rates of total sensitivity to Hp was 0.18%, single drug resistance, double and multiple drug resistance were 62.06%, 33.94% and 3.81%, respectively. MNZ and AMX had the highest double drug resistance (26.69%), while MNZ, CAM and AMX had the highest triple drug resistance (3.68%). The age ≤40 years seems to be a factor for single antibiotic resistance, while the age ＞40 years is a risk factor for double antibiotic resistance of Hp strain. Gender is an influence factor of Hp strain on CAM and single and double antibiotic resistance. Conclusions Hp has a high infection rate and high resistance to MNZ, followed by AMX and CAM.

Abstract Background During the development of the mammalian cerebral cortex, newborn postmitotic projection neurons are born from local neural stem cells and must undergo radial migration so as to position themselves appropriately to form functional neural circuits. The zinc finger transcriptional repressor Rp58 (also known as Znf238 or Zbtb18) is critical for coordinating corticogenesis, but its underlying molecular mechanism remains to be better characterised. Findings Here, we demonstrate that the co-expression of Rp58 and the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p27kip1 is important for E14.5-born cortical neurons to coordinate cell cycle exit and initiate their radial migration. Notably, we find that the impaired radial positioning of Rp58-deficient cortical neurons within the embryonic (E17.5) mouse cortex, as well as their multipolar to bipolar transition from the intermediate zone to the cortical plate can be restored by forced expression of p27kip1 in concert with suppression of Rnd2, a downstream target gene of Rp58. Furthermore, the restorative effects of p27kip1 and Rnd2 abrogation are reminiscent of suppressing RhoA signalling in Rp58-deficient cells. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate functional interplay between a transcriptional regulator and a CDKI to mediate neuroprogenitor cell cycle exit, as well as to promote radial migration through a molecular mechanism consistent with suppression of RhoA signalling.

Disruptions to neuronal mRNA translation are hypothesized to underlie human neurodevelopmental syndromes. Notably, the mRNA translation re-initiation factor DENR is a regulator of eukaryotic translation and cell growth, but its mammalian functions are unknown. Here, we report that Denr influences the migration of murine cerebral cortical neurons in vivo with its binding partner Mcts1, whereas perturbations to Denr impair the long-term positioning, dendritic arborization, and dendritic spine characteristics of postnatal projection neurons. We characterized de novo missense mutations in DENR (p.C37Y and p.P121L) detected in two unrelated human subjects diagnosed with brain developmental disorder to find that each variant impairs the function of DENR in mRNA translation re-initiation and disrupts the migration and terminal branching of cortical neurons in different ways. Thus, our findings link human brain disorders to impaired mRNA translation re-initiation through perturbations in DENR (OMIM: 604550) function in neurons.

BACKGROUND:Little is known about the effect of meteorological conditions and geographical location on bacterial colonization rates particularly of antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. We aimed to evaluate the effect of season, meteorological factors, and geographic location on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonization. METHODS:The prospective cohort included all adults admitted to 20 geographically-dispersed ICUs across the US from September 1, 2011 to October 4, 2012. Nasal and perianal swabs were collected at admission and tested for MRSA and VRE colonization respectively. Poisson regression models using monthly aggregated colonization counts as the outcome and mean temperature, relative humidity, total precipitation, season, and/or latitude as predictors were constructed for each pathogen. RESULTS:A total of 24,704 ICU-admitted patients were tested for MRSA and 24,468 for VRE. On admission, 10% of patients were colonized with MRSA and 12% with VRE. For MRSA and VRE, a 10% increase in relative humidity was associated with approximately a 9% increase in prevalence rate. Southerly latitudes in the US were associated with higher MRSA colonization, while northerly latitudes were associated with higher VRE colonization. In contrast to MRSA, the association between VRE colonization and latitude was observed only after adjusting for relative humidity, which demonstrates how this effect is highly driven by this meteorological factor. CONCLUSIONS:To our knowledge, we are the first to study the effect of meteorological factors and geographical location/latitude on MRSA and VRE colonization in adults. Increasing humidity was associated with greater MRSA and VRE colonization. Southerly latitudes in the US were associated with greater MRSA and less VRE. The effect of these factors on MRSA and VRE rates has the potential not only to inform patient management and treatment, but also infection prevention interventions.

Correction After publication of the original article [1] it was realised that there were errors in figures 2a,b,f,g, which arose as a result of preparing figures from data collected and analysed at the same time as the work reported in [2] (Supplementary Figure 1 of [2]). An updated Fig. 2 is included with this Correction.

The paper used the AML method to compute transmission loss of aircraft panels and verifies correctness of the numerical simulation model by experimental test. Finally, this paper used an improved genetic algorithm to conduct a multi-objective optimization for the cabin noise. When the analyzed frequency is less than 250 Hz, transmission loss decreased rapidly with the increased analysis frequency and decreased from the maximum 63.2 dB to 18.5 dB. Within 250 Hz-4000 Hz, the transmission loss gradually increased with the increased analysis frequency. At 250 Hz, the transmission loss had an obvious valley value. Sound radiation power was then computed based on boundary element method, and panel contribution analysis was conducted to find those panels which had an obvious impact on the cabin noise. Therefore, a multi-objective optimization was conducted on these panels and reinforced ribs. In order to further verify effectiveness of the MPP-NSGA method, it was compared with the traditional GA model and NSGA model. Optimization accuracy using MPP-NSGA model is increased, and optimization time is reduced. Through optimization with traditional GA method, the maximum sound power level decreased by 15.4 % and the total sound power level decreased by 21.9 %. Through optimization with the NSGA method, the maximum sound power level decreased by 21.7 % and the total sound power level decreased by 29.0 %. Through optimization with the MPP-NSGA method, the maximum sound power level decreased by 46.3 % and the total sound power level decreased by 36.0 %. Therefore, compared with other two kinds of genetic algorithms, the MPP-NSGA method is obviously superior in noise optimization in the cabin. In the whole analysis frequency band, noise of the optimized cabin panel at each frequency point was smaller than that of the original structure, fully verifying feasibility of the optimization algorithm proposed in the paper. In addition, in the optimized structure, no panel made obvious contributions to the cabin noise and each panel showed an equivalent contribution level. Transmission loss of the optimized cabin panel was obviously improved. However, the sound insulation valley still appeared at 250 Hz, but it was not so obvious like the original structure. After optimization, the sound insulation valley was 31.6 dB. The sound insulation valley of the original structure was 18.5 dB. Obviously, the sound insulation valley value of the optimized structure was increased by double compared with the original structure. This paper provided a valuable reference for noise reduction in the aircraft cabin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new supervised classification method for hyperspectral images that combines spectral and spatial information. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier, integrated with a subspace projection method to address the problems of mixed pixels and noise, is first used to model the posterior distributions of the classes based on the spectral information. Then, the spatial information of the image pixels is modeled using an adaptive Markov random field (MRF) method. Finally, the maximum posterior probability classification is computed via the simulated annealing (SA) optimization algorithm. The combination of subspace-based SVMs and adaptive MRFs is the main contribution of this paper. The resulting methods, called SVMsub-eMRF and SVMsub-aMRF, were experimentally validated using two typical real hyperspectral data sets. The obtained results indicate that the proposed methods demonstrate superior performance compared with other classical hyperspectral image classification methods.

Paclitaxel (PTX) loaded multilayered liposomes were prepared using layer-by-layer assembly in an effort to improve the stabilization of the liposomal compositions for PTX delivery. Stearyl amine was used to provide positive charge to the PTX-liposomes, and subsequently coated with anionic polyacrylic acid (PAA) followed by cationic chitosan. Various process variables were optimized and the optimum formulation was found to have particle size of 215 ± 17 nm, zeta potential of +27.9 ± 3.4 mV and encapsulation efficiency of 70.93 ± 2.39%. The lyophilized chitosan-PAA-PTX-liposomes formulation was stable in simulated gastrointestinal fluids and at different environmental conditions (4 °C and 25 °C). In vitro drug release experiments demonstrated that chitosan-PAA-PTX-liposomes formulation exhibited obvious sustained release behaviors compared to PTX-liposomes. Furthermore, chitosan-PAA-PTX-liposomes formulation revealed enhanced PTX induced cytotoxicity in human cervical cancer cell culture experiments compared to PTX-liposomes. In conclusion, the approach presented herein will provide a promising solution for PTX delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In April 2019, Chongqing passed the national malaria elimination assessment. However, around 30 imported malaria cases are still being reported every year, and Anopheles sinensis was widely distributed in Chongqing, meaning the risk of malaria resurgence still exists. Early diagnosis and treatment for malaria cases are effective measures to prevent malaria resurgence. The primary health institutions are the first station where potential malaria cases may seek treatment. The competency with which primary health institutions diagnose malaria will directly affect the timeliness of malaria diagnosis. Nowadays, most primary health institutions in Chongqing use microscopy to confirm malaria cases. This study assessed the microscopy competence of primary health institutions, studied and analyzed the results, and provided a scientific basis for malaria prevention and control after malaria elimination in Chongqing. Methods: According to the stratified sampling principle, four plasmodium microscopy technicians (156 in total) were selected from each of the 39 districts/counties of Chongqing to test the plasmodium microscopy competence. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, spatial self-correlation analysis, and ROC curve analysis were carried out on the test results. Result: The average of the technicians' test scores was 4.33 ± 0.47 (min: 3, mid: 4.5, max: 5); The spatial clustering of the scores was significant (MoranI = 0.338, Z = 3.618, P < 0.01). The test scores were positively correlated with the "level of work institutions" ( R = 0.21, P < 0.01) but were negatively correlated with "age" ( R = -0.31, P < 0.01). The highest Sensitivity of the technicians' microscopy was in qualitative diagnosis (98.92%, CI: 98.00-99.69%). The Delong's test showed that the diagnostic efficiency of the technicians' microscopy to P. falciparum was the best ( P < 0.01), however to P. ovale was the worst ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: The microscopy technicians in primary health institutions in Chongqing have good microscopy competency in qualitative diagnosis, but there were deficiencies in the identification of plasmodium species. Township level health institutions in Central China have weaker microscopy than those in other areas., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Fei, Shuang, Yi, Shan-Shan, Yan, Jing-Ru and Yang.)

Functionalized MXenes have gained increasing interest in the fields of thermoelectric materials, hydrogen storage, and so forth. In this work, pressure-induced band modulation and optical properties of the Ti 2 CO 2 monolayer are investigated by using density functional theory with the hybrid (HSE06) functional. The calculation reveals that Ti 2 CO 2 MXenes under pressure are stable because of the positive E coh . Ti 2 CO 2 undergoes a semiconductor-to-metal phase transition at about 7 GPa. The metallization of Ti 2 CO 2 mainly results from the Ti-d state. Research indicates that there exist strong interactions between Ti-d and C-p, and Ti-d and O-p states, which are further confirmed by the charge analysis. In addition, the absorption is enhanced in the visible region with increasing pressure. We also observed some new absorption peaks in the visible region., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2020 American Chemical Society.)

Objective: To investigate the epidemic of major human parasitic diseases in Chongqing City, so as to provide a reference for developing prevention and control strategies., Methods: According to the unified methods formulated by the national investigation scheme and stratified cluster random sampling, 36 rural pilots and 50 urban pilots were selected in Chongqing City. The number of the objects investigated in individual pilot was defined over 250., Results: Totally 22 263 residents were detected. The overall infection rate of intestinal parasites was 5.41%. The infection rates of Ascaris lumbricoides , hookworm, Trichuris trichiura , and Enterobius vermicularis were 1.20%, 4.23%, 0.13% and 0.47% respectively. Only 0.22% of the infections were co-infections. The infection rate of overall intestinal parasites was statistically higher in the females than that in the males ( χ 2 = 15.19, P < 0.05), and the infection rates were significantly different among various age groups, occupations, education levels, and regions ( χ 2 = 15.19, 396.72, 421.07, 347.79, all P < 0.05)., Conclusions: The infection rates of major human parasites in Chongqing show an obviously decreasing tendency compared with the rates of the past twice of national surveys. In the future, the controlling practices are obliged to focus on reducing the infection rates of soil-borne parasites.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of overseas imported malaria reported in Chongqing City from 2011 to 2015, so as to provide the evidence for improving the imported malaria control strategies., Methods: The epidemiological data of overseas imported malaria cases were collected and analyzed descriptively for the species, original countries, diagnosis and treatment in Chongqing City from 2011 to 2015., Results: A total of 148 overseas imported malaria cases were reported in Chongqing City from 2011 to 2015, in which 96 (65.54%) cases were falciparum malaria, and 37 (24.32%) cases were vivax malaria; 125 (84.46%) cases were infected in Africa, and the rest of 23 (15.54%) cases were infected in Southeast Asia. Most of the patients were 30 to 50 years old male workmen, and the ratio of male to female was 11.42:1. There was no obvious seasonal distribution among the reported timelines of the cases; however, there were two small peaks from June to August and from January to February. The median interval time of imported malaria cases from malaria onset to see a doctor was 1 day and from seeing the doctor to get malaria diagnosis was 2 days. The patients' first selected institutions were county medical institutions (50 cases, 33.78%), then provincial medical institutions (36 cases, 24.325%) and private doctors (20 cases, 13.51%), and only 79 (53.38%) patients got malaria diagnoses in their first selected institutions. The standard treatment were provided to 142 (95.54%) cases. There were 43 (29.05%) patients had serious complications and three patients were dead., Conclusions: It is very important to enhance the multi-sector's collaboration to establish the collaborative investigation mechanism for screening malaria patients, and strengthen malaria health education for overseas workers and training courses in primary care medical institutions.