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Angiomotin-like 2 (AMOTL2) is a key modulator of signaling transduction and participates in the regulation of various cellular progresses under diverse physiological and pathological conditions. However, whether AMOTL2 participates in asthma pathogenesis has not been fully studied. In the present work, we studied the possible role and mechanism of AMOTL2 in regulating transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. Our results showed marked reductions in the abundance of AMOTL2 in TGF-β1-stimulated ASM cells. Cellular functional investigations confirmed that the up-regulation of AMOTL2 dramatically decreased the proliferation and ECM deposition induced by TGF-β1 in ASM cells. In contrast, the depletion of AMOTL2 exacerbated TGF-β1-induced ASM cell proliferation and ECM deposition. Further research revealed that the overexpression of AMOTL2 restrained the activation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in TGF-β1-stimulated ASM cells. Moreover, the reactivation of YAP1 markedly reversed AMOTL2-mediated suppression of TGF-β1-induced ASM cell proliferation and ECM deposition. Together, these findings suggest that AMOTL2 restrains TGF-β1-induced proliferation and ECM deposition of ASM cells by down-regulating YAP1 activation.

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and hardness test were used to study the evolution of long plate-shaped S′ phase in the spray-formed fine-grained Al−Cu−Mg alloy during aging after rapid cold punching deformation. Results show that the long plate-shaped S′ phase in the extruded Al−Cu−Mg alloy undergoes evident distortion, brittle failure, separation and redissolution, during rapid cold punching deformation, leading to the transformation of long plate-shaped S′ phase into short rod or even redissolution and disappearance, causing the matrix to become a supersaturated solid solution. After the aging treatment, the reprecipitation of the phases occurs, and these aging phases are mainly long plate-shaped and granular. The incompletely dissolved S′ phase acts as nucleation core, promoting uphill diffusion of the surrounding solute atoms. The S′ phase gradually grows with increasing the aging time. The completely dissolved S′ phase forms the incoherent equilibrium phase with the matrix to reduce its free energy. After rapid cold punching, the aging response of the deformed Al−Cu−Mg alloy is accelerated, and the hardness of the alloy is substantially increased.

Background Salmonella enterica is a zoonotic pathogen of substantial concern to human and animal health and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people worldwide. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology is a new type of nucleic acid amplification technology, which has the characteristics of high specificity, high sensitivity, simple operation, convenience, and low cost. This study aims to establish a rapid detection method for Salmonella based on LAMP technology. Methods Primers were designed for Salmonella's specific conservative invA gene. Through primer screening and optimization of reaction conditions, and a LAMP method for detecting Salmonella with real-time fluorescence and visual observation results was established. The sensitivity and specificity of the method were assessed, and the accuracy was evaluated through the testing of Salmonella-contaminated and non-contaminated clinical samples. Results The optimal reaction temperature of LAMP was 60-65 °C, and the optimal reaction time was 25-30 minutes. The detection limits of real-time fluorescence and visual observation were both 1.4 pg/µL. There was no cross-reactivity observed with 22 non-Salmonella species, and the specificity was 100%. Additionally, 30 samples contaminated with Salmonella, 30 samples not contaminated with Salmonella, and 8 clinical samples identified as positive by bacterial culture and microbial mass spectrometry were tested. The positive coincidence rate of the detection system was 97.4% by real-time fluorescence and 89.5% by visual observation, the negative coincidence rate was 100%, and the total coincidence rate was 98.5% and 94.1%, respectively. Conclusions In the scene of infection, primary hospital, disaster area treatment and other scenarios, the conditions of environment, equipment and personnel was limited, therefore, the established real-time fluorescence and visual lamp method can provide a powerful means for the rapid detection of Salmonella.

A new polychiral bisabolane sesquiterpene, bisabolanoic acid A (1), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Colletotrichum sp. SCSIO KcB3-2. Its planar structure was identified on the basis o...

Introduction Proper wound care along with the use of skin grafts over deep burn wounds has been the standard treatment. However, the goal in burn wound care has shifted from achieving a satisfactory survival rate to improving long-term form and function of the healed wound, which is sometimes hindered by scar contracture. This has prompted surgeons to find alternative ways to treat burn wounds without compromising function. Among burn cases, hand injuries are the most problematic when it comes to delicate function recovery. Methods This study presents the results of conjunctive use of a bilayer artificial dermis, negative pressure wound therapy, and split-thickness skin grafts for grafting over acute burn wounds and scar-releasing defects after severe hand burns. Results Three months after the operation, the scar was soft and pliable, the aesthetic outcome was good, and the patients gained much improvement in hand function and quality oflife. Conclusions The combined technique achieved a good scar quality and aesthetic effect on burned hands as well as excellent functional outcome, which resulted in major improvements and an independent life for the patient.

Advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) with superior strength, formability and ductility meet the new demand for balancing vehicle performance and passenger safety in the automotive industry. AHSSs are typically alloyed with substantial amounts of Al and Mn. However, during continuous casting, the alloying elements may react with the conventional CaO-SiO2-based mold fluxes and cause significant compositional changes, leading to deterioration of mold fluxes and surface defects of steel plates. In this study, the CaO-Al2O3-MnO-based mold fluxes were investigated based on CALPHAD-type thermodynamic calculations and kinetic modeling based on the local equilibrium model as well as high-temperature in situ interfacial reactions at 1600 °C. Furthermore, viscosity measurements and thermal analyses were performed to evaluate the thermo-physical properties of the CaO-Al2O3-MnO-based mold fluxes. The simulations agreed closely with experiments, suggesting the interfacial reactions were diffusion-controlled. While MnO in the mold fluxes participated in the redox reactions with Al in molten steels, its addition could lower the break temperature, viscosity, and liquidus temperature of mold flux without too severe reactions at the initial stage. The CaO-Al2O3-MnO-based mold fluxes are promising for continuous casting of high-Mn high-Al steels.

High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction techniques were used to study the mechanism that underlies the influence of rapid cold-stamping deformation on the fracture behavior of the elongated nanoprecipitated phase in extruded Al−Cu−Mg alloy. Results show that the interface between the long strip-shaped S′ phase and the aluminum matrix in the extruded Al−Cu−Mg alloy is flat and breaks during rapid cold-stamping deformation. The breaking mechanisms are distortion and brittle failure, redissolution, and necking. The breakage of the long strip S′ phase increases the contact surface between the S′ phase and the aluminum matrix and improves the interfacial distortion energy. This effect accounts for the higher free energy of the S′ phase than that of the matrix and creates conditions for the redissolution of solute atoms back into the aluminum matrix. The brittle S′ phase produces a resolved step during rapid cold-stamping deformation. This step further accelerates the diffusion of solute atoms and promotes the redissolution of the S′ phase. Thus, the S′ phase necks and separates, and the long strip-shaped S′ phase in the extruded Al−Cu−Mg alloy is broken into a short and thin S′ phase.

In the past two decades, land finance, a phenomenon of the financing arrangement based on land development, has gradually become a fiscal model that profoundly affects China's economic development. Based on the theory of fiscal decentralization and environmental federalism, this study employs a specially designed two-stage regression method to capture both direct and indirect (through economic development and industrial structure) influences of land finance on carbon emissions. Using the provincial panel data for the period of 1998–2016, the empirical results indicate that the direct influences are dominant, and the total impact of land finance on carbon emissions is non-linear and is dependent on the level of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. After 2003, the total effect is that carbon emissions increase continuously along with the economic development. To balance economic development and environmental protection and to enhance sustainable development, the traditional style of land finance should be changed as soon as possible.

In recent years, China has experienced a period of rapid economic transition to the sustainable style of economic development, which is termed as the “new normal”. Although the extant literature has verified that investment and foreign business are two main growth engines of China's economy, investigations on the impacts of financial development and energy consumption on economic growth using a comprehensive framework are still scarce. This paper examines the dynamic interrelationship between financial development, energy consumption and economic development using the data on 29 Chinese provinces covering the period from 1995 to 2014. The empirical results indicate that energy consumption is the Granger cause of GDP, while financial development is not the Granger cause of GDP. Additionally, according to the estimation results of the impulse response function, financial development has a negative effect on GDP, while energy consumption could foster economic growth. Among the control variables, capital stock contributes significantly to economic growth. Further reforming the financial system and accelerating the transition of the economic structure are vital for China's sustainable economic growth as the pressure of controlling the excessive growth of energy consumption and improving environmental quality accumulates over time.

This paper started with the examination of the effect of mobile-based reading test on EFL test-takers of different attitudes from their perception of metacognitive strategy use and the knock-on impact on test results. Then other possible factors of such impact are explored and corresponding solutions are presented. Quantitative analysis of questionnaire and reading test data indicated that test-takers with low acceptance of mobile-based reading test might be adversely affected in their metacognitive strategy use of planning, monitoring, and evaluating, as well as their test results. Qualitative analysis of the relevant literature and the interview data, combined with the quantitative results, revealed that, besides the inferiority of metacognitive regulation on screen, the negative effects might also involve other complicated and intertwined factors, such as reading proficiency, psychology, attitudes, adaptability, habits, and personality, as well as text and question presentation form, which could, in turn, lead to poor performance in this new test form. Therefore, metacognitive training, psychological preparation, guided practice, elaborated feedback, constructive advice, personalized dynamic assessment, optimization of the text and question presentation form, and overcoming of screen inferiority are necessary for better assessment ecology so that test-takers could gain more benefit and convenience brought by this new assessment medium.

Glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) is a general tool for driving nicotinamide (NAD(P)H) regeneration in synthetic biochemistry. An increasing number of synthetic bioreactions are carried out in media containing high amounts of organic cosolvents or hydrophobic substrates/products, which often denature native enzymes, including those for cofactor regeneration. In this work, we attempted to improve the chemical stability of Bacillus megaterium GDH (BmGDHM0 ) in the presence of large amounts of 1-phenylethanol by directed evolution. Among the resulting mutants, BmGDHM6 (Q252L/E170K/S100P/K166R/V72I/K137R) exhibited a 9.2-fold increase in tolerance against 10 % (v/v) 1-phenylethanol. Moreover, BmGDHM6 was also more stable than BmGDHM0 when exposed to hydrophobic and enzyme-inactivating compounds such as acetophenone, ethyl 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyrate, and ethyl (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyrate. Coupled with a Candida glabrata carbonyl reductase, BmGDHM6 was successfully used for the asymmetric reduction of deactivating ethyl 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyrate with total turnover number of 1800 for the nicotinamide cofactor, thus making it attractive for commercial application. Overall, the evolution of chemically robust GDH facilitates its wider use as a general tool for NAD(P)H regeneration in biocatalysis.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the cleavage of several components of the extracellular matrix and serve important roles in tumor growth, metastasis and invasion. Previous studies have focused on the expression of one or several MMPs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC); however, in the present study, the transcriptomics of all 23 MMPs were systematically investigated with a focus on the prognostic value of the combination of MMPs. In this study, 8 overlapping differentially expressed genes of the MMP family were identified based on data obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas. The prognostic value of these MMPs were investigated; the receiver operating characteristic curves, survival curves and nomograms showed that the combination of 6 selected MMPs possessed a good predictive ability, which was more accurate than the prediction model based on Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage. Gene set enrichment analysis and gene co-expression analysis were performed to investigate the potential mechanism of action of MMPs in ESCC. The MMP family was associated with several signaling pathways, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), Notch, TGF-β, mTOR and P53. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing assays and western blotting were used to determine the effect of BB-94, a pan-MMP inhibitor, on proliferation and migration of ESCC cells. BB-94 treatment decreased ESCC cell growth, migration and EMT. Therefore, MMPs may serve both as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of ESCC, and MMP inhibition may be a promising preventive and therapeutic strategy for patients with ESCC.

(1) Background: Square dancing is an emerging form of aerobic exercise in China, especially among middle-aged and older people. The benefits of square dancing have been investigated and promoted in recent years through research and interventions. Interventions have been conducted to promote the participants’ reactionary participation in physical activity, social and family cohesion, and other psychological benefits. Therefore, square dancing has been promoted as a major factor in China’s increase in physical activity prevalence. (2) Methods: A systematic review was used to identify studies that have indicated the effect of square dancing on the physical and mental health among Chinese older adults. (3) Results: Twenty-four studies examining the effects of square dancing on older Chinese adults were extracted. These studies were not found in English databases. The quality of the retrieved studies had a moderate-to-high risk of bias. Square dancing interventions were shown to result in effective mental, physical, and cognitive improvements in the systematic synthesis. (4) Conclusions: This study examined the effects of square dancing in China over the past 10 years on the physical and mental health of older adults. Based on the results of this study, recommendations can be made for future square dance interventions for older adults such as male-oriented, mixed-gender, or intergenerational programs.

Gliomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors and closely related to circadian clock. Due to the high mortality and morbidity of gliomas, exploring novel diagnostic and early prognostic markers is necessary. Circadian clock genes (CCGs) play important roles in regulating the daily oscillation of biological processes and the development of tumor. Therefore, we explored the influences that the oscillations of circadian clock genes (CCGs) on diagnosis and prognosis of gliomas using bioinformatics. In this work, we systematically analyzed the rhythmic expression of CCGs in brain and found that some CCGs had strong rhythmic expression; the expression levels were significantly different between day and night. Four CCGs (ARNTL, NPAS2, CRY2, and DBP) with rhythmic expression were not only identified as differentially expressed genes but also had significant independent prognostic ability in the overall survival of glioma patients and were highly correlated with glioma prognosis in COX analysis. Besides, we found that CCG-based predictive model demonstrated higher predictive accuracy than that of the traditional grade-based model; this new prediction model can greatly improve the accuracy of glioma prognosis. Importantly, based on the four CCGs’ circadian oscillations, we revealed that patients sampled at night had higher predictive ability. This may help detect glioma as early as possible, leading to early cancer intervention. In addition, we explored the mechanism of CCGs affecting the prognosis of glioma. CCGs regulated the cell cycle, DNA damage, Wnt, mTOR, and MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, it also affects prognosis through gene coexpression and immune infiltration. Importantly, ARNTL can rhythmically modulated the cellular sensitivity to clinic drugs, temozolomide. The optimal point of temozolomide administration should be when ARNTL expression is highest, that is, the effect is better at night. In summary, our study provided a basis for optimizing clinical dosing regimens and chronotherapy for glioma. The four key CCGs can serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for glioma patients, and ARNTL also has obvious advantages in the direction of glioma chronotherapy.

Esports have grown to become a core part of popular culture in many countries, including Hong Kong. Albeit the low participation rates in Esports in Hong Kong, it was starting to gain traction, yet the local Esports advocates were experiencing challenges in promoting and popularizing the Esport. Hence, the current study was aimed to identify and reveal the determinants of participating in Esports, as well as strengthen the work on Esports behaviors using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), a reliable and valid prominent theory in predicting human behavior across a plethora of contexts, ranging from health-related behaviors to sport consumption behaviors. In the current study, the convenience sampling method was used to recruit over 2000 students (secondary school, N = 1567 ( female = 615 ); university students, N = 1525 ( female = 255 ). The students were invited to participate in the survey for collecting their perception on Esports participation using TPB-based questionnaire. Results were analyzed using theoretical analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results show that both secondary school and university students have positive attitudes toward Esports. The outcomes indicated that participating in Esports develops social networks, and people with professional Esports’ skills capability and being fortitude tend to be models of Esports participation. However, inadequate resources are a significant barrier to participation in the Esports business. The SEM model verified that the variables of intention in Esports participation among the students in Hong Kong with an adequate goodness of fit index. As a whole, the current study has identified the factors and determinants of Esports’ intention and behavior among Hong Kong students, which were successfully displayed in terms of the theory of planned behavior. In addition, the findings are expected to provide the Hong Kong government with a documented framework to advocate Esports-related policies on a long-term basis.

Estrogen receptors (ERs) regulate multiple complex physiological processes in humans. Abnormal ER signaling may result in various disorders, including reproductive system-related disorders (endometriosis, and breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer), bone-related abnormalities, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, urogenital tract disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cutaneous melanoma. ER alpha (ERα), ER beta (ERβ), and novel G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) have been identified as the most prominent ERs. This review provides an overview of ERα, ERβ, and GPER1, as well as their functions in health and disease. Furthermore, the potential clinical applications and challenges are discussed.

Introduction: Fluoroquinolone exposure is reportedly associated with a higher risk of tendon disorders, tendonitis, or tendon rupture. However, studies in East Asian populations have not confirmed these risks in patients with comorbidities or concomitant medication use. This cohort study was designed to investigate the associations among fluoroquinolone exposure, comorbidities, medication use, and tendon disorders in Taiwan.Materials and Methods: This population-based, nationwide, observational, cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Research database in Taiwan, a nationwide claims database that covers more than 99% of the Taiwanese population. The study period was from January 2000 to December 2015, and the median follow-up time was 11.05 ± 10.91 years. Patients who were exposed to fluoroquinolones for more than three consecutive days were enrolled, and patients without fluoroquinolone exposure who were matched by age, sex, and index year were enrolled as controls. The associations of comorbidities and concomitant medication use with tendon disorder occurrence were analyzed using Cox regression models.Results: The incidence of tendon disorders were 6.61 and 3.34 per 105 person-years in patients with and without fluoroquinolone exposure, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.423; 95% confidence interval [1.02,1.87]; p = 0.021). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. Patients under 18 and over 60 years with fluoroquinolone exposure; those with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, rheumatologic disease, cardiac disease, lipid disorder, or obesity; and those who concomitantly used statins, aromatase inhibitors, or glucocorticoids, had a significantly higher risk of tendon disorders.Conclusion: The long-term risk of tendon disorders was higher in patients with fluoroquinolone exposure than in those without fluoroquinolone exposure. Clinicians should assess the benefits and risks of fluoroquinolone use in patients at high risk of tendon disorders who require fluoroquinolone administration.

Diabetes-related lower extremity amputations are an enormous burden on global health care and social resources because of the rapid worldwide growth of the diabetic population. This research aimed to determine risk factors that predict major amputation and analyse the time interval from first hospitalisation to amputation by using standard management protocols and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Data from 246 patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot ulcers from the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Department of Surgery at XXX Hospital between January 2016 and May 2020 were analysed. Univariate and multivariate analyses of 44 potential risk factors, including invasive ulcer depth and C-reactive protein levels, showed statistically significant differences for those at increased risk for major amputation. The median time from hospitalisation to lower extremity amputation was approximately 35 days. Most patients with abnormal C-reactive protein levels and approximately 70% of patients with ulcers invading the bone were at risk for lower extremity amputations within 35 days. Therefore, invasive ulcer depth and C-reactive protein levels are significant risk factors. Other potential risk factors for major amputation and the time intervals from first hospitalisation to amputation should be analysed to establish further prediction strategies.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignant cancer worldwide.Firstly, the active ingredients and potential targets ofIn total, 14 active ingredients and 273 potential targets against CRC were identified inIn conclusion, network pharmacology and transcriptomic sequencing analyses, in combination with

Cellular senescence is considered a crucial process for tumour suppression, which can be facilitated by immune surveillance. However, when senescent cells persist in tissues, they can also trigger a plethora of tumour‐promoting effects. Here, we discuss the main hallmarks, mechanisms and roles of senescence in cancer and provide a comprehensive revision of the available tools for its detection., Senescence refers to a cellular state featuring a stable cell‐cycle arrest triggered in response to stress. This response also involves other distinct morphological and intracellular changes including alterations in gene expression and epigenetic modifications, elevated macromolecular damage, metabolism deregulation and a complex pro‐inflammatory secretory phenotype. The initial demonstration of oncogene‐induced senescence in vitro established senescence as an important tumour‐suppressive mechanism, in addition to apoptosis. Senescence not only halts the proliferation of premalignant cells but also facilitates the clearance of affected cells through immunosurveillance. Failure to clear senescent cells owing to deficient immunosurveillance may, however, lead to a state of chronic inflammation that nurtures a pro‐tumorigenic microenvironment favouring cancer initiation, migration and metastasis. In addition, senescence is a response to post‐therapy genotoxic stress. Therefore, tracking the emergence of senescent cells becomes pivotal to detect potential pro‐tumorigenic events. Current protocols for the in vivo detection of senescence require the analysis of fixed or deep‐frozen tissues, despite a significant clinical need for real‐time bioimaging methods. Accuracy and efficiency of senescence detection are further hampered by a lack of universal and more specific senescence biomarkers. Recently, in an attempt to overcome these hurdles, an assortment of detection tools has been developed. These strategies all have significant potential for clinical utilisation and include flow cytometry combined with histo‐ or cytochemical approaches, nanoparticle‐based targeted delivery of imaging contrast agents, OFF‐ON fluorescent senoprobes, positron emission tomography senoprobes and analysis of circulating SASP factors, extracellular vesicles and cell‐free nucleic acids isolated from plasma. Here, we highlight the occurrence of senescence in neoplasia and advanced tumours, assess the impact of senescence on tumorigenesis and discuss how the ongoing development of senescence detection tools might improve early detection of multiple cancers and response to therapy in the near future.

Background: Esports is seen as an emerging industry that has enjoyed a surge in popularity worldwide. As a result, researchers have undertaken studies to try to understand the motivations and factors that impact Esports gameplay. Given the extensive utilization of TPB in many research projects to conceptualize and predict various behaviors, the current study aimed to further extend this theory to the Esports context by developing and validating an instrument that can illustrate the factors that impact the intention to participate in Esports, thus predicting Esports game playing behaviors. Methods: A total of 25 participants were involved in the development of the questionnaire using the qualitative approach, while 915 university students and 1164 secondary school students were involved in the survey for the questionnaire validation using the exploratory factor analysis and the confirmatory factor analysis. Results: All measurement models of the TPB subscales are considered as good fit. Conclusion: Hence, showing the newly designed TPB Esports Intention Questionnaire was found to be reliable and valid in revealing the level of intentions as well as the factors affecting Hong Kong students playing Esports.

Immunotherapy is a newly developed method for cancer treatment, but still generates limited response in partial patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because the immunity cycle is limited by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we introduce multifunctional gold nanocages (AuNCs)-based nanocarriers with Ansamitocin P3 (AP3) loaded and anti-PDL1 binding (AP3-AuNCs-anti-PDL1) which can combine photothermal therapy, chemotherapeutic agent-triggered DCs maturation, and checkpoint immunotherapy in one platform. The AP3-AuNCs-anti-PDL1 using Avidin-biotin to bind anti-PDL1 on the surface of AP3-AuNCs showed specifically cellular targeting compared to AuNCs, which can increase the immune responses. The AP3-AuNCs+NIR-10 min exhibited the highly activated DCs maturation with two-fold higher than control+NIR, which can be attributed to the significant release of AP3. The results illustrated the synergistic effect of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and controlled AP3 release under near infrared (NIR) in triggering effective DCs maturation. Among them, AP3 release played the more important role than the TAAs under PTT in promoting T-cell activation. These results illustrate the promising potential of AuNCs-based nanocarriers combined with AP3 and the checkpoint inhibitors to strengthen the positive loop of immunity cycle.

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and hardness test were used to study the re-dissolution and re-precipitation behavior of nano-precipitates of the spray-formed fine-grained Al−Cu−Mg alloy during rapid cold stamping deformation. Results show that the extruded Al−Cu−Mg alloy undergoes obvious re-dissolution and re-precipitation during the rapid cold-stamping deformation process. The plastic θ′ phase has a slower re-dissolution rate than the brittle S′ phase. The long strip-shaped S′ phases and the acicular θ′ phases in Al−Cu−Mg alloy after three passes of cold stamping basically re-dissolved to form a supersaturated solid solution. A large number of fine granular balance θ phases precipitate after four passes of rapid cold-stamping deformation. Rapid cold stamping deformation causes the S′ phase and θ′ phase to break and promote the nano-precipitate phases to re-dissolve. The high distortion free energy of the matrix promotes the precipitation of the equilibrium θ phase, and the hardness of the alloy obviously increases from HB 55 to HB 125 after the rapid cold stamping process.

Nucleoside triphosphates and deoxynucleoside triphosphates are important biochemical molecules. In this study, recombinant Escherichia coli that could display nucleotide kinases (INP-N-NMKases) and acetate kinase (INP-N-ACKase) on the cell surface were constructed by fusing an enzyme (NMKase/ACKase) to the N-terminus of ice nucleation protein (INP-N). By using intact recombinant bacteria cells as a catalyst coupled with an ACKase-catalyzed adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) regeneration system, nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) and deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) could be synthesized efficiently. In a reaction system with 5 mmol/l substrate, the conversion rates of cytidine-5'-triphosphate (CTP) and deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate (dCTP) were 96% and 93%, respectively, the conversion rate of ATP and deoxyadenosine-5'-triphosphate (dATP) was 96%, the conversion rate of deoxythymidine-5'-triphosphate (dTTP) was 91%, and the conversion rate of uridine-5'-triphosphate (UTP) was 80%. There was no obvious degradation. At 37 °C, the stability of the surface-displayed fusion protein, especially in the presence of the substrate, was significantly improved. Each whole cell could be reused more than 8 times.

Context Whereas the serratus anterior (SA) and the upper trapezius (UT) work as a force couple for scapular motion, weakness of the SA and overactivation of the UT are often present in overhead athletes with shoulder dysfunction. Therefore, researchers addressing an intramuscular imbalance between the SA and UT have focused on finding exercises that target the weak SA and minimally activate the UT. Objective To compare the effectiveness of push-up plus (PUP) exercise variants based on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the SA and UT. Data Sources A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus between January 1, 2000, and March 31, 2008. Study Selection Studies of PUP exercises that involved EMG analysis. Data Extraction We assessed study quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. For the systematic analysis, the following data were extracted: (1) author, year, and study design; (2) participant characteristics; (3) type of PUP intervention; (4) EMG outcome measures; and (5) main results. For the meta-analysis, the EMG data of the SA and UT were calculated using the mean difference of EMG activity with a 95% confidence interval. Data Synthesis Based on 19 studies with 356 participants, different hand positions (the distance between the hands, shoulder-flexion angle, and elbow-flexion angle) and different lower extremity positions variably affected the activation of the SA and UT during the PUP exercise. Also, when participants performed the PUP on an unstable surface compared with a stable surface, UT activity increased 2.74% (95% confidence interval = 0.07%, 5.41%). Conclusions The standard PUP exercise elicited high EMG activity of the SA. Participants generated higher SA and lower UT EMG activity when they performed the PUP exercise on a stable surface in full elbow extension, with the hands placed shoulder-width apart, shoulder-flexion angles of 110° or 120°, and the ipsilateral lower extremity lifted.

The microstructures and interface structures of basalt particle reinforced 7A04 Al matrix composites (BP/7A04 Al) were analyzed by using OM, TEM, SEM and EDS, and the mechanical properties of 7A04 Al alloy were compared with those of BP/7A04 Al matrix composites. The results show that the basalt particles are dispersed in the Al matrix and form a strong bonding interface with the Al matrix. SiO2 at the edge of the basalt particles is continuously replaced by Al2O3 formed in the reaction, forming a high-temperature reaction layer with a thickness of several tens of nanometers, and Al2O3 strengthens the bonding interface between basalt particles and Al matrix. The dispersed basalt particles promote the dislocation multiplication, vacancy formation and precipitation of the matrix, and the precipitated phases mainly consist of plate-like η (MgZn2) phase and bright white band-shaped or ellipsoidal T (Al2Mg3Zn3) phase. The bonding interface, high dislocation density and dispersion strengthening phase significantly improve the mechanical properties of the composites. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of BP/7A04 Al matrix composites are up to 665 and 699 MPa, which increase by 11.4% and 10.9% respectively compared with 7A04 Al alloy without basalt particles.

Graphene-based three-dimensional (3D) aerogel hybrids have recently emerged as a new class of functional materials and applied in many fields. In this work, we assemble the spherical CdS nanoparticles in situ in graphene aerogel (GA) by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The resultant CdS-GA hybrids possess a hierarchical porous structure and there is strong electronic interaction between CdS and GA, which enhances the adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity for the elimination of organic contaminants in water under visible light irradiation, such as rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), acid chrome blue K (AcbK), methyl orange (MO), and ciprofloxacin (CIP). The removal efficiencies of CdS-GA for MO, MB, CIP, RhB, AcbK are 15.6, 6.6, 4.4, 2.8, and 2.2 times of pure CdS, respectively. Meanwhile, the resultant CdS-GA hybrids display good reusability. In addition, a photocatalytic mechanism is also discussed. This provides a valuable alternative to explore semiconductor-GA hybrids with outstanding adsorption capacity and superior visible-light induced photocatalytic activity.

Heterojunction of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanospheres and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is performed by using an ice crystal template method combined with a freeze drying-calcination process. The resultant CdS-RGO with hierarchal porous structure possesses strong light absorption visible region and has higher specific surface area than the pristine CdS. Eventually, it exhibits much better adsorptivity and higher visible light-derived photocatalytic activity than the pristine CdS and RGO for eliminating organic pollutants in wastewater. The corresponding total removal efficiencies for rhodamine B (RhB) dyes and acid chrome blue K (AcbK) dyes are 97.2% and 65.7% under the present conditions, respectively. Remarkably, the heterojunction demonstrates excellent light corrosion resistance and superior reusability. The relative removal efficiency only loss 1.8% in the 4th run in comparison of that of the 1st run over the resultant CdS-RGO heterojunction. The results confirm the resultant heterojunction with high efficiency to be applied in elimination of organic pollutants in wastewater.

Esports is a rapidly growing industry worldwide, and it is making significant inroads in Hong Kong as well. However, owing to debates regarding the distinction between Esports and video gaming and the potential negative effects of engaging in Esports, its development in Hong Kong is still in its infancy. Therefore, this qualitative study investigated the perceptions and attitudes of teenagers and young adults toward Esports development and engagement, using the theory of planned behavior. Twenty-five teenagers and young adults (male = 24, female =1) participated in this study, with their ages ranging from 15 to 29 years. Our results revealed the views of Hong Kong teenagers and young adults on the beneficial and deleterious outcomes (goal setting and achievement, physical health, socialization and teamwork, psychological benefits, academics and time distribution, physical strain, negative social image, and perception toward sport participation), subjective norms (parents, peers, teachers, and modeling effect), and barriers and facilitators (balance between academics and Esports, capability, career prospects and future reality, psychological benefits, and peer encouragement and support) of participating in Esports. Additionally, the results of this qualitative study may contribute toward a deeper understanding of Hong Kong Esports players to develop a theory of planned behavior construct for capturing the beliefs and perceptions of Hong Kong teenagers toward Esports.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate older adults’ perceptions of their walking experiences, using the social-ecological model as a guiding framework and to propose future walking intervention content. Methods: Thirty-eight participants (19 women, 47% from private elderly centers, mean age = 72.8 (SD = 7.4 years) took part in semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data analysis software QSR-NVivo was used for thematic coding. Results: Thematic deductive analysis revealed pertinent themes at the individual level (health benefits and barriers, fall risk, perseverance, and walking as a suitable activity for older adults), social environment level (social support and social interaction), physical environment level (density, land-use mix, and connectivity, perceived safety, pedestrian facilities (benches, quality of walking paths and sidewalks, and aesthetics), other pedestrian behaviors, and weather, and policy level (lack of walking programs in the community, and supportive culture for an active lifestyle). Discussion: Our findings provide insights for the planning of future multilevel walking intervention programs for older adults in Hong Kong. It is suggested that future walking intervention should include professionals (e.g., physiotherapist or coach) in a group setting, practical walking recommendations such as proper walking posture, and additional fun activities for older adults.

This was the first study to analyse patients who sustained severe self-induced burns from this common Asian practice. There is a need to raise public awareness and physician attention about the consequences of preventable burn injuries and the importance of first aid in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Retrospective data on 16 consecutive patients who had diabetes and neuropathy admitted to the plastic surgery ward at the Tri-Service General Hospital from January 1, 2015, to February 2, 2021 with burn injuries because of heat applications were collected and analysed for this study. Age, gender, season, first aid adequacy, comorbidity, interventions, total body surface area (TBSA), degree of burn, aetiology, length of stay (LOS), and status at discharge were reviewed. The mean age of the 16 patients was 65.13 years. The most common burn aetiology was contact (50%), followed by scald (37.5%) and radiation burns (12.5%). TBSA burn averaged ± standard deviation 1.54 ± 1.22. Seven patients (44%) had wound infections, and three patients underwent amputations. The average LOS was 28.2 days. Asian practice of heat application is the common aetiology of severe and preventable burn injuries. Education about neuropathy and the consequences of a burn injury should be provided to patients with diabetes.

Background Pneumonia is a frequent infectious disease that mainly affects the children and the global death rate is nearly 19% among children at the below 5 age. β-caryophyllene is an active compound, mainly occurs in the spices and it possesses immense biological activities. Objective This investigation deliberated to scrutinize the beneficial actions of β-caryophyllene against the M. pneumoniae induced pneumonia. Methods The pneumonia was stimulated to the BALB/c mice by infecting them with 100 µl of M. pneumonia for 2 days via nasal drops with the concomitant treatment with 20 mg/kg of β-caryophyllene. The total cells in the BALF of test mice were counted by using the Neuber chamber. The total protein and the pro-inflammatory cytokines status were examined by using the commercial ELISA kits. The PCR technique was used to measure the M. pneumoniae bacterial load. The NF-ƙB expression was investigated using western blotting. The lung tissues were analyzed microscopically. Results The β-caryophyllene notably diminished the total protein status, total cell count, and bacterial load in the pneumonia provoked mice. The marked reduction in the status of pro-inflammatory regulators was seen in the β-caryophyllene supplemented pneumonia mice. β-caryophyllene also down-regulated the expression of NF-ƙB thereby reduced the lung inflammation and tissue damages as seen in the result of histological analysis. Conclusion These findings were confirmed the therapeutic potential of β-caryophyllene against the M. pneumoniae-activated pneumonia in animals.

Summary C. elegans L1 larvae have two well-defined primordial germ cells embedded in a niche comprising two somatic gonad precursor cells. Thus, C. elegans provides an ideal model for studying intercellular signaling in response to DNA damage. However, existing staining protocols are focused on worms in later developmental stages and are not optimized for the L1 larvae. Here, we present a revised protocol for assessing the DNA damage response utilizing immunofluorescence staining specifically in C. elegans L1 larva. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ou et al. (2019)., Graphical abstract, Highlights • Primordial germlines in C. elegans L1 larva as ideal stem cell-niche interaction models • Evaluating the intercellular DDR within microenvironment by PGC/SGP immunostaining • Optimized staining and quantification protocols for C. elegans L1 larva, C. elegans L1 larvae have two well-defined primordial germ cells embedded in a niche comprising two somatic gonad precursor cells. Thus, C. elegans provides an ideal model for studying intercellular signaling in response to DNA damage. However, existing staining protocols are focused on worms in later developmental stages and are not optimized for the L1 larvae. Here, we present a revised protocol for assessing the DNA damage response utilizing immunofluorescence staining specifically in C. elegans L1 larva.

Background: During ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) laser therapy, thermal damage to the skin is inevitable, resulting in inflammatory responses and small wounds. Corticosteroids are known for their anti-inflammatory effect. However, inappropriate application of corticosteroids carries the risk of delayed wound healing. Therefore, we aimed to find the optimal administration route, timing, and duration of medium potency corticosteroid treatment to prevent AFR laser-induced inflammatory responses and to minimize the risk of delayed wound healing. Methods: We determined the anti-inflammatory efficacy of corticosteroids by skin erythema and tissue biopsies on C57BL/6 mice. Wound healing was evaluated by crust area and epithelial gap. Finally, Masson’s trichrome stain and α-SMA immunohistochemistry stain were used to analyze scar contracture. Results: Our results demonstrated that one dose of medium-potency topical corticosteroid applied immediately after AFR laser treatment could prevent erythema effectively with minimal disruption to wound healing. Notably, when more than one dose was administered, wound healing was delayed and scar contracture was aggravated by the application of medium-potency topical corticosteroids in a dosage-dependent manner. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that single-dose medium-potency topical corticosteroids could potentially improve AFR laser-induced acute inflammatory responses in clinical applications.

A new polychiral bisabolane sesquiterpene, bisabolanoic acid A (

Preserving both esthetic and functional outcome remains challenging in facial burn injuries. The major issue is the initial treatment of injury. In this study, we focused on patients with partial-thickness facial burns admitted to the burn unit of Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, from November 2016 to November 2018. In 21 included patients, customized mask-style, transparent hydrogel-based dressing was applied to the burns. The mean age of included patients was 37.4 years. The mean area of burn injury was 11.9% of total body surface area, and the mean area of second-degree facial burns was 162.3 cm2. Full reepithelialization took, on average, 10.86 days. Scarring was acceptable in terms of texture and color, and no hypertrophic or keloidal scarring was noted. The mean Vancouver Scar Scale score was 2.07. Use of the hydrogel-based dressing masks seems to be a promising means of reducing pain, providing uninterrupted wound healing, facilitating observation, and positively affecting scarring in patients with second-degree facial burns.

As a basic research topic of computer vision, object detection is facing the challenges of being extended for video object detection. For deformation anomaly, low-quality candidate regions feature can be caused by motion blur, rare poses and video defocus, resulting to poor detection performance in videos. In this paper, we propose a video object detector, which consists of an image-based detector using deep reinforcement learning and a correction module using objects tracking algorithms. We treat videos as continuous images. The agent will search on the feature map of each image by a policy network to generate high-quality candidate regions. These candidate regions will be corrected by a correction module. The bounding box at the current image from the tracklet proposed by the object tracking algorithms will correct the candidate regions. Experiments are conducted on the MOT 15 dataset. Our detector achieves better detection performance, exactly 68.28% with 5.01 points improvement compared to the Faster-R CNN as the single-frame baseline.

Si/SiC Hybrid switch consisting of a Si IGBT and a SiC MOSFET achieves high efficiency and cost tradeoffs while offers high redundancy. Based on its redundancy, the modular structure can be adopted to further improve the redundancy of the inverters. In order to avoid the performance and reliability degradation of the Si/SiC hybrid switch based modular inverter when the failure of the power switch occurs, the operation status of the modular inverter in the fault condition is analyzed, and an appropriate fault-tolerant control strategy is proposed. Experiments validate the effectiveness of the fault-tolerant control strategy.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors and there is a lack of biomarkers for ESCC diagnosis and prognosis. Family subunits of cholinergic nicotinic receptor genes (CHRNs) are involved in smoking behavior and tumor cell proliferation. Previous researches have shown similar molecular features and pathogenic mechanisms among ESCC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Using edgeR, three mutual differentially expressed genes of CHRNs were found to be significantly upregulated at the mRNA level in ESCC, LUSC, and HNSC compared to matched normal tissues. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that high expression of CHRNB4 was associated with unfavorable prognosis in ESCC and HNSC. The specific expression analysis revealed that CHRNB4 is highly expressed selectively in squamous cell carcinomas compared to adenocarcinoma. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to find that just the single gene CHRNB4 has enough independent prognostic ability, with the area under curve surpassing the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging-based model, the most commonly used model in clinical application in ESCC. In addition, an effective prognostic nomogram was established combining the TNM stage, gender of patients, and expression of CHRNB4 for ESCC patients, revealing an excellent prognostic ability when compared to the model of CHRNB4 alone or TNM. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis results suggested that the expression of CHRNB4 was associated with cancer-related pathways, such as the mTOR pathway. Cell Counting Kit-8, cloning formation assay, and western blot proved that CHRNB4 knockdown can inhibit the proliferation of ESCC cells via the Akt/mTOR and ERK1/2/mTOR pathways, which might facilitate the prolonged survival of patients. Furthermore, we conducted structure-based molecular docking, and potential modulators against CHRNB4 were screened from FDA approved drugs. These findings suggested that CHRNB4 specifically expressed in SCCs, and may serve as a promising biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis prediction, and it can even become a therapeutic target of ESCC patients.

Numerous studies have shown that the Si IGBT/SiC MOSFET hybrid switch has been verified to be a high efficiency and cost-effective device for the application of the inverter. In fact, the high switching frequency of the SiC MOSFET means high dv/dt, which will generate severe common mode electromagnetic interference (CM EMI). Meanwhile, it would lead to some malfunction of the power converter. In order to suppress the CM EMI of the single-phase inverter based on the Si/SiC hybrid switch, a CM EMI suppression strategy combining the variable switching patterns and the variable switching frequency is proposed. Furthermore, the feasibility of the proposed method has been verified by experimental results distinctly.

With aging, pressure ulcers become a common health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality for physically limited or bedridden elderly persons. Here, we present our strategy for such patients. Between August 2010 and March 2019, 117 patients were enrolled. Patient age, etiology, defect size and location, flap reconstruction, outcome, and follow-up period were reviewed. Of these patients, 64 were female and 53 were male, with an age range of 21 to 96 years (mean 75.6). The mean area of defect was 61.5 cm2. The most common etiology was dementia (33.3%), and ulcers were most frequently caused by sacral pressure (70.3%). The commonest surgical treatment was a V–Y advancement flap (50%). The complication rate was 27.5%, including dehiscence and late recurrence. Negative pressure wound therapy could be used if the initial defect was large. V–Y advancement flap is the most frequent surgical treatment for sacral pressure ulcers because it is simple and available for most types of defect. Primary closure may be considered as the simplest method if the defective area is

Vegetable crops of the genus Cucumis are very popular worldwide and have great market value. However, their fruit quality and yield are hindered by viral diseases. C. metuliferus is considered a wild species with resistance to viral diseases that is lacking in cultivated crops of the Cucumis genus, such as melon. The C. metuliferus line L37 shows extreme resistance against Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV-HA), whereas line L35 is a susceptible line. In this study, reciprocal grafting experiments between L35 and L37 were performed, and the PRSV-HA strain was pre-inoculated in the rootstock leaves. The results revealed that the resistance signal in the L37 rootstock could transmit and provide resistance to the L35 scion. Subsequently, double sandwich grafting was performed using the pre-inoculated L35 as the rootstock, which was then grafted onto the L37 intermediate and the L35 scion. The results showed that PRSV-HA RNA accumulated in the L35 rootstock leaf, petiole, and stem tissues, whereas PRSV-HA RNA accumulated in some intermediate and scion petiole and stem tissues. No HCPro RNA was detected in the L35 scion leaves. The results showed that the suppression of the virus occurred in the leaves, and the resistance effect spread from the rootstock in the scion direction. Hence, this study has demonstrated that RNA silencing of systemic signals is responsible for L37 resistance against PRSV. C. metuliferus L37 could provide a valuable resistance source for crops of the Cucumis species against viral diseases through grafting.

Because of the higher switching speed of the SiC MOSFET, Si IGBT/SiC MOSFET hybrid switch at conventional switching pattern may engender serious common-mode (CM) electromagnetic interference (EMI) issue, resulting in a serious reliability problem of the inverters. In this paper, with the help of lower switching speed of the Si IGBT and variable switching frequency control strategy, a novel CM EMI suppression strategy is proposed to suppress the CM EMI noise of the Si IGBT/SiC MOSFET hybrid switch based single-phase inverter. Experimental results can verify the feasibility of the proposed strategy.

Oryza sativa is a major food crop in Asia. In recent years, typhoons and sudden downpours have caused field flooding, which has resulted in serious harm to the production of rice. In this study, our data revealed that the plant heights of the five Japonica varieties increased during submergence. The elongation rates of TN14, KH139, and TK9 increased significantly during submergence. Chlorophyll contents of the five varieties significantly decreased after submergence and increased after recovery. Moreover, the chlorophyll content of KH139 was significantly higher than those of the other four varieties after recovery. The plant survival rates of the five varieties were higher than 50% after four-day submergence. After eight-day submergence, the survival rate of KH139 remained at 90%, which was the highest among the different varieties. The KH139 presented lower accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and the catalase activity than those of the other four varieties under submergence. The sucrose synthase 1 and alcohol dehydrogenase 1 were induced in KH139 under submergence. The results presented that different varieties of japonica rice have different flood tolerances, especially KH139 under submergence was superior to that of the other four varieties. These results can provide crucial information for future research on japonica rice under flooding stress.

Oryza sativa is a major food crop in Asia. In recent years, typhoons and sudden downpours have caused field flooding, which has resulted in serious harm to the production of rice. In this study, our data revealed that the plant heights of the five Japonica varieties increased during submergence. The elongation rates of TN14, KH139, and TK9 increased significantly during submergence. Chlorophyll contents of the five varieties significantly decreased after submergence and increased after recovery. Moreover, the chlorophyll content of KH139 was significantly higher than those of the other four varieties after recovery. The plant survival rates of the five varieties were higher than 50% after four-day submergence. After eight-day submergence, the survival rate of KH139 remained at 90%, which was the highest among the different varieties. The KH139 presented lower accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and the catalase activity than those of the other four varieties under submergence. The sucrose synthase 1 and alcohol dehydrogenase 1 were induced in KH139 under submergence. The results presented that different varieties of japonica rice have different flood tolerances, especially KH139 under submergence was superior to that of the other four varieties. These results can provide crucial information for future research on japonica rice under flooding stress.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicines for invigorating the kidney (CHMIK) on senile osteoporosis.We searched for studies in English-language databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and Chinese-language databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Data, VIP Chinese periodical service platform, and China Biology Medicine disc from their inception to September 2017. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies (alone or in combination) and conventional clinical medicine therapies among older adult patients with osteoporosis were identified. We conducted a network Meta-analysis with a Bayesian hierarchical random-effects model using RStudio software, Version 3.4.1.Forty-three randomized controlled trials assessing the differences between Traditional Chinese Medicine and conventional clinical medicine were identified, including 15 treatments and involving 3316 patients. The results of the network Meta-analysis indicated that alendronate (odds ratio [OR] = 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.047-0.73) and calcium (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.11-0.30) are significantly more effective if combined with oral CHMIK. CHMIK alone is significantly more effective than both alendronate (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.10-1.0) and calcium (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.056-0.28). Moreover, CHMIK + tuina + calcium is more effective than CHMIK + calcium + vitamin D + alendronate (OR = 18.0, 95% CI: 1.1-2.7e + 02).The present network Meta-analysis found that alendronate and calcium are more effective if combined with oral CHMIK and that oral CHMIK alone may be more effective than alendronate or calcium. Tuina may have an advantage over oral medicines. Oral CHMIK and calcitonin show the most potential for treating senile osteoporosis.