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Aim The aim of this study was to explore the correlation of dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) and the development of uterine cervical cancer, and the effect of thioridazine (an antagonist of DRD2) on the SiHa cell line. Material and Methods The expression of DRD2 in tissues was detected with immunohistochemistry. SiHa cells were exposed to different concentrations of thioridazine for 24 h, and then cell viability was determined. After 20-μM thioridazine treatment for 24 h, the protein level of DRD2 in SiHa cells was analyzed by Western blots, apoptosis was detected with the phosphatidylserine externalization and comet assay, and necrosis was detected by measuring high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). Results The expression of DRD2 gradually increased from normal to cancer tissues ( P < 0.01). In vitro, DRD2 blocker thioridazine treatment resulted in death of SiHa cells with the expression of DRD2 significantly regulated down ( P < 0.05), and thioridazine significantly induced SiHa apoptosis ( P = 0.016) and necrosis ( P < 0.01). Conclusion Higher DRD2 expression is closely associated with cervical cancer progression. After blocking DRD2, SiHa cell growth is significantly suppressed, indicating that DRD2 may function as a novel tumor marker and a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development of renewable energy sources is one of the most important themes that humanity faces in this century. Wide use of renewable energy sources will require a drastically increased ability to store electrical energy. Electrochemical energy storage devices are expected to play a key role. With the increased demand in flexible energy resource for wearable electronic devices, great efforts have been devoted to developing high-quality flexible electrodes for advanced energy storage and conversion systems. Because of its high specific surface area, good chemical stability, high mechanical flexibility, and outstanding electrical properties, graphene, a special allotrope of carbon with two-dimensional mono-layered network of sp2 hybridized carbon, have been showing great potential in next-generation energy conversion and storage devices. This review presents the latest advances on the flexible graphene-based materials for the most vigorous electrochemical energy storage devices, that is, supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the image feature points are always gathered at the range with significant intensity change, such as textured portions or edges of an image, which can be detected by the state-of-the-art intensity based point-detectors, there is nearly no point in the areas of low textured detected by classical interest-point detectors. In this paper we describe a novel algorithm based on affine transform and graph cut for interest point detecting and matching from wide baseline image pairs with weakly textured object. The detection and matching mechanism can be separated into three steps: firstly, the information on the large textureless areas will be enhanced by adding textures through the proposed texture synthesis algorithm TSIQ. Secondly, the initial interest-point set is detected by classical interest-point detectors. Finally, graph cuts are used to find the globally optimal set of matching points on stereo pairs. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is verified by three kinds of experiments, that is, the influence of point detecting from synthetic texture with different texture sample, the stability under the different geometric transformations, and the performance to improve the quasi-dense matching algorithm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructures and defects in SrSmAlO4-based microwave dielectric ceramics were investigated by TEM. The layer sequence defect was observed in Sm-rich SrSmAlO4ceramics. The other type of intergrowth defect was observed in Sr/Ti co-substituted SrSmAlO4ceramics, where the inhomogeneity of local area also appeared. The dislocation and secondary phase were present in Ti substituted (Sr0.3Ca0.7)SmAlO4ceramics. In addition, the secondary phases were observed in the SrSmAlO4ceramic with ZrO2pollution and that was sintered at the elevated temperature. All these defects lead to an increase in extrinsic dielectric loss, which should be prevented by microstructural engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study is to investigate whether inflammatory cytokines inhibit ABCA1/ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux by regulating miR-33a-5P in THP-1 macrophages. We used interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the presence or absence of native low density lipoprotein (LDL) to stimulate THP-1 macrophages. THP-1 macrophages were infected by either control lentivirus vectors or lentivirus encoding miR-33a-5P or antisense miR-33a-5P. The effects of inflammatory cytokines, miR-33a-5P and antisense miR-33a-5P on intracellular lipids accumulation and intracellular cholesterol contents were assessed by oil red O staining and quantitative intracellular cholesterol assay. ApoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux was examined using the fluorescent sterol (BODIPY-cholesterol). The gene and protein expressions of the molecules involved in cholesterol trafficking were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Inflammatory cytokines or miR-33a-5P increased intracellular lipid accumulation and decreased apoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux via decreasing the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 in the absence or presence of LDL in THP-1 macrophages. However, antisense miR-33a-5P reversed the effects of inflammatory cytokines on intracellular lipid accumulation, cholesterol efflux, and the expression of miR-33a-5P, ABCA1 and ABCG1 in the absence or presence of LDL in THP-1 macrophages. This study indicated that inflammatory cytokines inhibited ABCA1/ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux by up-regulating miR-33a-5P in THP-1 macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many epidemiological studies have indicated that interleukin-1α (IL-1α) −899 (+4845) C→T polymorphism increases the risk of chronic periodontitis (CP), whereas some studies have reported opposite results. Accordingly, the aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the association of the IL-1α −899 (+4845) C→T polymorphism with CP. We searched the PubMed database up to May 1, 2013 and finally obtained 23 case–control studies. After data extraction, we performed meta-analysis using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v2.2 software. The overall result based on the fixed-effect model showed that IL-1α −899 (+4845) C→T polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of CP: [odds ratio (OR)=1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.15–1.44, p<0.001] for T vs. C; (OR=1.59, 95%CI=1.22–2.07, p=0.0005) for TT vs. CC; (OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.12–1.51, p=0.0004) for CT vs. CC; and (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.21–1.61, p<0.001) for (CT+TT) vs. CC; (OR=1.47, 95% CI=1.16–1.87, p=0.002) for TT vs. (CT+CC). Stratified analyses revealed that there was a significantly increased risk for Caucasians and Asians. In conclusion, current evidence showed that IL-1α −899 (+4845) C→T polymorphism probably increased the risk of CP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fire cyclic warning sensors based on polymer decorated MXene have been successfully constructed and show ultrafast flame detecting response, reusable and weather-resistance adaptability under outdoor complicated environments. [Display omitted] • Water-soluble polymer decorated MXene networks were fabricated by a faicle strategy. • Novel fire warning sensor based on the modified MXnene network was constructed. • The modified MXene networks display ultrafast and cyclic fire warning performance. • The flame resistance and cyclic fire warning mechanisms were discussed and clarified. • Silane-treated MXene coating showed reusable and weather-resistant fire warning signal. Fire warning sensor capable of rapidly monitoring critical fire risk of combustible materials growingly plays a crucial role in reducing or avioding fire disaster under complicated environments. Unfortunately, to date the rational design of smart fire warning sensors that are reusable and weather-resistant remains a major challenge. Here, we report a facile and green strategy for fabricating biomimetic polyethylene glycol or polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer decorated Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene networks that possess exceptional flame resistance and sensitive fire cyclic warning performance. Novel fire warning sensors that were constructed based on the as-prepared inherently fire-retardant MXene networks exhibit ultrafast fire warning response and recovery time (~1.8 s and ~1.0 s), resistance switching behavior with >4 orders of magnitude, and stable fire cyclic warning capability for 100 cycles. Structural observation and analysis disclose that, upon flame attack, thermal pyrolysis of the polymer molecules facilitates the oxidation of MXene sheets to form a compact fish scale-like C/N dopped titania network, and meanwhile its electron excitation is thus activated to generate a sensitive resistance transition to trigger a rapid fire cyclic warning signal. More improtantly, the multifunctional MXene networks treated with silane modification not only endow combustible substrate with excellent super-hydrophobicity and outstanding flame resistance, but provide reusable and weather-resistant fire warning responses even after one-year outdoor exposure. Therefore, this work provides an innovative concept of advanced MXene composites and design of fire cyclic warning sensors for fire safety and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramics in (1− x) SrLaAlO4- xSr2TiO4 system were synthesized in the entire range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 by a standard solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed a single solid solution phase Sr1+ xLa1− xAl1− xTi xO4 with K2NiF4-type structure. The cell refinement showed the linear variation of lattice parameters a, c, and cell volume. With increasing x, ε r increased from 17.6 to 31.0, whereas τ f was tuned from −32 to 122 ppm/oC. The Qf value first increased and then decreased with increasing x due to the result of competition balance between the effect of layer mismatch and interlayer polarization. The degradation of Qf value in the vicinity of x = 0.2 could be attributed to the compositional fluctuation and inhomogeneity originated from the positive mixing enthalpy Δ Hmix, which could be confirmed by TEM observation. The best combination of microwave dielectric characteristics was achieved at x = 0.4: ε r = 18.5, Qf = 95 000 GHz, τ f = −8.9 ppm/oC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new alternating copolymer of stilbene and N-(2-methylphenyl) maleimide) [I] was prepared and exhibited a strong negative birefringence in cast polymer films. The negative birefringence is proposed to result from the sterically crowded backbone which restricts the free rotation of the ortho-methyl phenyl substituent of the enchained maleimide monomer and forces the phenyl ring to exist normal to the plane of the imide ring. Alternating copolymers of styrene with I and stilbene with N-phenylmaleimide did not exhibit similar negative birefringence properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dense (Sr1− xCa x)SmAlO4 (0≤ x≤1) ceramics with K2NiF4-type tetragonal structure in I4/ mmm space group were prepared by a standard solid-state reaction. The crystal structures and microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, and the infrared reflectivity spectra were measured and analyzed by classical oscillator model simulation. The data were extrapolated below the measured frequency range to estimate the intrinsic dielectric constant and dielectric loss. A greatly improved Q× f value is obtained in the present ceramics, which is attributed to both the intrinsic and extrinsic features. The decreased intrinsic dielectric loss can be interpreted as the competing results of the decreased radius difference of A-site ions and the decreased tolerance factor. On the other hand, the extrinsic dielectric loss is also suppressed by the uniform microstructure and the large grain size in the solid solutions. The measured dielectric constant ɛr remains 18-19, which is slightly lower than the calculated one. The τf value decreases monotonously from −2.0 to −10.8 ppm/°C as x increases, which is primarily dominated by the thermal expansion coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detecting West Nile virus (WNV) was established. Primers were designed according to the sequence of the capsid protein gene of WNV by Primer Premier 5.0. In this way, an inexpensive assay using the intercalating dye SYBR Green I was developed and validated. The amplifying curve showed that this method could successfully amplify 10² copies/ml of the WNV gene, while reference to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and blank control were all negative. Tenfold successive dilutions of positive WNV DNA were used to measure the sensitivity of RT-PCR. The assay system showed high reproducibility with coefficient of variation (CV) < 2%. Thus the newly established RT-PCR assay was shown to be a rapid, sensitive and specific test for detecting WNV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of secondary phases on microwave dielectric properties were investigated for CaSmAlO4-based ceramics with bulk compositions of (2+2 x)CaO·(1− x)Sm2O3·Al2O3 ( x=−0.10, −0.05, 0, 0.05, 0.10) and (2+2 x)CaO·Sm2O3·Al2O3 ( x=0.02, 0.04). In dense ceramics with bulk compositions of (2+2 x)CaO·(1− x)Sm2O3·Al2O3, Ca3Al2O6 ( x>0) and SmAlO3 ( x≤0) secondary phases were observed. Moreover, Sm2O3 was detected for x<0, while CaO was only detected at x=0.2. The secondary phases of Ca3Al2O6 and SmAlO3 increased the dielectric loss (tan δ) and the temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency (τf). In dense ceramics with bulk compositions of (2+2 x)CaO·Sm2O3·Al2O3 ( x=0.02, 0.04), the additional CaO eliminated the SmAlO3 secondary phase and led to the formation of a CaSmAl3O7 secondary phase. Microwave dielectric properties were greatly improved for ceramics with bulk compositions of (2+2 x)CaO·Sm2O3·Al2O3 ( x=0.02, 0.04): ℇr=19.2; Q× f=120 000–120 400 GHz; τf=−10 to −9 ppm/°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A linear rigid bisphenol monomer, 4,4′-dihydroxyterphenyl (DHTP), has been incorporated into poly(aryl ether sulfone)s (PAESs) in a study to impart crystallization to these amorphous polymers. The PAES made from DHTP and dichlorodiphenylsulfone (DCDPS) is semi-crystalline but not soluble or thermally processable. Three bisphenols, 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol (BPA), 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (BPAF) and 4,4′-dihydroxybiphenyl (BP), have been copolymerized with DHTP and DCDPS in order to study the effect of structure on crystallinity and processability. Both random and segmented copolymers containing different amounts of DHTP have been prepared via standard solution nucleophilic aromatic substitution polymerization technique. Only segmented polysulfone containing 50% BP and 50% DHTP was found to be semi-crystalline. This PAES had a melting temperature (T m) 320°C in the first heating cycle of a DSC measurement and the presence of crystallites was confirmed by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel, highly functionalized rod-like copolymers have been synthesized by alternating copolymerization of N,N,N′,N′-tetraalkyl-4,4′-diaminostilbenes (TDASs) with maleic anhydride. These unique copolymers have been characterized by SEC, DSC and TGA. The solubility of these copolymers in organic solvents is strongly dependent on the length of the alkyl chains on the amino groups and the solubility in aqueous media is pH dependent. Light scattering studies indicate that the conformation of the polymer backbone does not change upon increasing temperature or introducing charges to the amino groups. High chain rigidity is further corroborated by the high T g of the polymers. There is no observed glass transition below 280°C. The light scattering and thermal results are indicative of a rod-like backbone structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication after cardiothoracic surgery or cardiac intervention. Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory agent that was associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. However, its effect on POAF prevention was inconsistent across studies. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of colchicine in prevention of POAF.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library database and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), using terms "atrial fibrillation" and "colchicine". The primary end point was the occurrence of clinically diagnosed atrial fibrillation. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were evaluated. Estimates were pooled using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. We also performed subgroup analyses based on the duration and dose of colchicine treatment.Results: A total of 9 RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, enrolling a total of 2031 patients. Colchicine significantly reduces the incidence of POAF (RR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52-0.74, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses indicated that the protective effect of colchicine on POAF was slightly stronger in the long-duration group (RR 0.60; 95% CI, 0.48-0.75, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%) than in the short-duration group (RR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49-0.86, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%).Conclusion: Colchicine is effective in preventing the occurrence of POAF. The efficacy of colchicine can be slightly increased over treatment duration, with no obvious adverse reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the evolutionary game theory, this study aimed to explore the decision-making behavior of the enterprise when it adopted the open innovation model from the perspective of organizational distance. The evolutionary game theory is an important method to study the enterprise' decision-making under bounded rationality. It applies to describe the trend of decision-making based on the enterprises' open innovation choices in industrial clusters. This paper employs open innovation and institutional theory, utilizes industrial clusters as the research object, and measures the geographical proximity of enterprises in high-tech industrial clusters employing organizational distance. Within the analytical framework of the duopoly model, the impact of organizational distance and patent licensing fees on the innovative performance of a high-tech industrial cluster is studied. The findings indicate that the export-oriented open innovation model is more appropriate for the innovation of high-tech industry clusters. There is a significant relationship between organizational distance and the R&D spillovers of businesses. Increased patent fees can encourage industry clusters to adopt an open innovation model with an outward orientation if they are located in close proximity to each other. Further research analyzed the effect of organizational distance on the selection of an open innovation mode employing an evolutionary game model and indicated that geographical proximity would encourage enterprises to adopt open innovation export strategies. The conclusion of this study has both theoretical and practical ramifications for the independent innovation of high-tech industry clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the problem in traditional technology of the time lag in determining formation information based on drilling time and rock physical characteristics, which leads to the failure of the guided drilling tool, a Levy flight optimized gray wolf support vector machine (LGWO-SVM) shale gas geosteering identification method based on gamma spectrum dataset was proposed. First, the gamma spectrum dataset was processed using mapminmax normalization to eliminate the feature confusion caused by data modeling. Second, principal component analysis (PCA) feature reconstruction was carried out on the gamma spectrum dataset to provide an excellent data basis for the subsequent establishment of a multiclassification support vector machine (SVM) model. Then, the Levy distribution was adopted into gray wolf optimization for the multiclassification SVM model to obtain the LGWO-SVM model for geosteering discriminant prediction. Finally, the experimental results corresponding to the particle swarm optimization support vector machine (PSO-SVM) and the gray wolf optimizer support vector machine (GWO-SVM) models were summarized and compared. The experimental results show that after the data processing and feature extraction of the gamma spectrum dataset, the established LGWO-SVM model can accurately distinguish the formation information and effectively improve the reservoir drilling rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxime ethers are attractive compounds in medicinal scaffolds due to the biological and pharmaceutical properties, however, the crucial and widespread step of industrial oxime formation using explosive hydroxylamine (NH2OH) is insecure and troublesome. Herein, we present a convenient method of oxime ether synthesis in a one‐pot tandem electrochemical system using magnesium based metal‐organic framework‐derived magnesium oxide anchoring in self‐supporting carbon nanofiber membrane catalyst (MgO‐SCM), the in situ produced NH2OH from nitrogen oxides electrocatalytic reduction coupled with aldehyde to produce 4‐cyanobenzaldoxime with a selectivity of 93 % and Faraday efficiency up to 65.1 %, which further reacted with benzyl bromide to directly give oxime ether precipitate with a purity of 97 % by convenient filtering separation. The high efficiency was attributed to the ultrafine MgO nanoparticles in MgO‐SCM, effectively inhibiting hydrogen evolution reaction and accelerating the production of NH2OH, which rapidly attacked carbonyl of aldehydes to form oximes, but hardly crossed the hydrogenation barrier of forming amines, thus leading to a high yield of oxime ether when coupling benzyl bromide nucleophilic reaction. This work highlights the importance of kinetic control in complex electrosynthetic organonitrogen system and demonstrates a green and safe alternative method for synthesis of organic nitrogen drug molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxime ethers are attractive compounds in medicinal scaffolds due to the biological and pharmaceutical properties, however, the crucial and widespread step of industrial oxime formation using explosive hydroxylamine (NH2OH) is insecure and troublesome. Herein, we present a convenient method of oxime ether synthesis in a one‐pot tandem electrochemical system using magnesium based metal‐organic framework‐derived magnesium oxide anchoring in self‐supporting carbon nanofiber membrane catalyst (MgO‐SCM), the in situ produced NH2OH from nitrogen oxides electrocatalytic reduction coupled with aldehyde to produce 4‐cyanobenzaldoxime with a selectivity of 93 % and Faraday efficiency up to 65.1 %, which further reacted with benzyl bromide to directly give oxime ether precipitate with a purity of 97 % by convenient filtering separation. The high efficiency was attributed to the ultrafine MgO nanoparticles in MgO‐SCM, effectively inhibiting hydrogen evolution reaction and accelerating the production of NH2OH, which rapidly attacked carbonyl of aldehydes to form oximes, but hardly crossed the hydrogenation barrier of forming amines, thus leading to a high yield of oxime ether when coupling benzyl bromide nucleophilic reaction. This work highlights the importance of kinetic control in complex electrosynthetic organonitrogen system and demonstrates a green and safe alternative method for synthesis of organic nitrogen drug molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As of 2020, breast cancer has emerged as the predominant cause of cancer incidence globally. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy serves as a crucial element in the treatment regimen for breast cancer. However, these anthracycline-based drugs are associated with cardiac toxicity. This study represents the first clinical quantitative analysis aimed at accurately determining the incidences of arrhythmia and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, thereby providing valuable data to bolster clinical drug usage and monitoring. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases including CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The incidence of combined arrhythmias in breast cancer patients and the associated heterogeneity were calculated using either a random effect model or a fixed effect model. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA16. Results: The study encompassed a total of 37 articles, which included 5705 breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline treatment. Among these patients, 2257 developed arrhythmias. The meta-analysis revealed that the incidence of anthracycline-associated arrhythmias and abnormal ECG changes in breast cancer patients was 0.41 (0.37, 0.44). Subgroup analysis indicated that the incidence of ST-T segment change was 0.19 (0.15, 0.23), the incidence of conduction block was 0.04 (0.02, 0.05), the incidence of premature beats was 0.09 (0.07, 0.11), and the incidence of atrial fibrillation was 0.04 (0.00, 0.12). Additional results are presented in Table 3. Conclusion: This pioneering study accurately assesses the incidence of arrhythmias in breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines. The findings provide clinicians with valuable insights into understanding and managing the cardiac toxicity associated with such treatment. Moreover, this study lays the foundation for future research exploring the mechanisms underlying these arrhythmias and potential preventative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hybrid PEG/GONR/MMT networks are constructed via a bio-inspired strategy. • The hybrid networks produce synergistic reinforcing and toughening efficiencies. • The nacre-like networks show excellent flame resistance and structural stability. • Efficient fire alarm responses (fire rapid detection and early warning) are obtained. Water-based hybrid graphene oxide nanoribbon (GONR)/montmorillonite (MMT)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) networks were prepared by using a facile bio-inspired low-temperature evaporation induced assembling process. Multiple non-covalent and covalent interactions together with a high orientation level of MMT were constructed in the hybrid PEG/MMT/GONR networks. As a result, the hybrid networks exhibit synergistic reinforcing and toughening efficiencies when compared with the composites modified with the single-phase filler, e.g. 152% and 167% increase in tensile strength for the optimized ternary composites in comparison with those of the binary composites. Moreover, the nacre-like hybrid networks show excellent flame resistance and structural stability in a flame due to the formation of interconnected and compact char after combustion, which can be applied as protective coatings to combustible materials. The hybrid coatings not only improve the flame-retardant property (e.g. ~46% decrease in heat release rate at 30 wt%) of the combustible PU foam materials significantly, but also provide ideal fire alarm responses (e.g. rapid flame detection of ~2 s and effective fire early warning signals in pre-combustion). Owing to the green and versatile synthesis scheme, excellent mechanical performance and flame resistance, these hybrid PEG/MMT/GONR networks are promising widespread application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbide slag may pollute the environment because it is difficult to handle. In this paper, carbide slag without pretreatment served as the new source of calcium and was added to bituminous coal for gasification experiments to realize waste utilization. The gasification experiment after adding carbide slag to bituminous coal enhances H 2 production, which reduced the activation energy of the gasification reaction. The results show that the catalytic effect on steam gasification was evident when the carbide slag was added to Mongolian bituminous coal. The coal char at reaction temperature was prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and FT-IR spectroscopy. The carbon structure evolution and calcium structure changes of coal char under reaction temperature were studied, and the influence of coal char structure changes on gasification performance was analyzed. The results show that in the coal char added with carbide slag, the oxygen-containing functional groups generated by the polycondensation reaction interacted with calcium to form a calcium-oxygen-carbon complex. The existence of this structure not only leads to the highly uniform dispersion of CaO in the char but also hinders the graphitization process of the char. Highly dispersed CaO and disordered carbon structure significantly improved the reactivity of bituminous coal steam gasification. Si and Al in the bituminous coal affected the dispersion of Ca during steam gasification. Image 1 • 1. Carbide slag without pretreatment directly participates in the gasification reaction. • 2. Waste carbide slag effectively catalyzed the bituminous coal steam gasification. • 3. CaOOR is formed by highly dispersed CaO and oxygen radicals generated from pyrolysis. • 4. Highly dispersed CaO and disordered carbon structure affect gasification reaction. • 5. Gasification ash showed presence of CaO and aluminosilicate hinder CaO dispertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of widely used chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in aqueous solution increases the difficulty of heavy metal removal by the formation of heavy metal chelates. In this study, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-chitosan functionalized magnetic silica (Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Cs-DTPA) was developed for the removal of Cr(III) and Cr(III)-EDTA. The obtained results from characterization confirmed that Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Cs-DTPA with the core-shell structure and superparamagnetic properties was synthesized. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacity of Cr(III) and Cr(III)-EDTA chelates on the adsorbents were 39.27 and 22.24 mg/g at 25 °C and pH 4.0, respectively. Adsorption equilibrium of Cr(III) and Cr(III)-EDTA on Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Cs-DTPA was achieved within 15 min, and the adsorption data fit the pseudo second-order model. The co-existing complex agents (EDTA) and cations (Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) in the aqueous solution reduced Cr(III) adsorption by the competition with Cr(III) and Cr(III)-EDTA chelate for active groups of the adsorbent. The affinity of the Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Cs-DTPA for Cr(III) and Cr(III)-EDTA was excellent even at high salt and organic chelates concentration. The Cr(III) adsorption was attributed to surface complexation between Cr(III) and DTPA moieties of the adsorbent, while Cr(III)-EDTA as a whole was adsorbed on the adsorbent by the complexation and electrostatic interaction. Cr(III) saturated Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Cs-DTPA can be readily regenerated in acid solution and Cr(III) or Cr(III)-EDTA adsorption of regenerated adsorbent exhibits no obvious reduce. Unlabelled Image • DTPA-chitosan modified magnetic adsorbent with core-shell structure was prepared. • Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Cs-DTPA shows high adsorption capacity for Cr(III) and Cr(III)-EDTA. • Surface complexation between Cr(III) and DTPA contributed to Cr(III) adsorption. • Cr(III)-EDTA as a whole was adsorbed by complexation and electrostatic interaction. • Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Cs-DTPA can be readily regenerated and used repeatedly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal caretaking and transport of dead infants are widespread among nonhuman primates, having been reported in numerous species of monkeys and apes. By contrast, accounts of such behaviors toward dead juveniles are scarce. Here, we describe responses by the mother and other group members to the death of a juvenile in a wild, multi-level group of Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana). Following the juvenile's fatal accident, his mother transported and cared for the corpse for four days. Immature monkeys belonging to the same one-male unit, and some individuals from other social units also showed interest in and tended the corpse. Comparisons of this case with those involving the deaths of infants and an adult female in the same population highlight possible effects of physiological, psychological and emotional factors in primate thanatological responses, and provide an additional perspective on the origin and evolution of compassionate acts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The dynamic magnetism of the thin film was changed by exchange bias effect, and the resonance frequency was increased from 0.72 GHz to 2.8 GHz. • The interfacial diffusion of exchange bias systems is studied by polarized neutron reflection, and the formation of FeNi and FeMn interface-alloy was determined. • By introducing the exchange bias effect, the static magnetic anisotropy and the dynamic magnetic anisotropy have been improved. To study the relationship between the exchange bias effect and the resonance frequency of magnetic nanofilms, FeNi and FeNi/FeMn exchange-coupled films were fabricated on a silicon substrate by magnetron sputtering deposition. The static and dynamic magnetic properties of the multilayer films were investigated using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and a vector network analyzer (VNA). The VSM results indicate that after introducing the FeMn layer, the exchange bias field increased to 62 Oe and the magnetic anisotropy field shifted from 6 to 107 Oe. The VNA results show that the resonance frequency increased from 0.72 to 2.8 GHz, originating from the interface exchange coupling strength. In addition, as a probe for the surface and interface structure, a time-of-flight polarized neutron reflectometer was used to observe the microstructure of the multilayer films. The diffusion with a 2.5 nm thickness between the multilayer films was observed by the polarized neutron reflection experiment, further illustrating that the exchange bias effect is derived from the interaction between the FeNi/FeMn layers. It is concluded that the magnetic induction of a FeNi layer is 0.98 T through fitting the data obtained from the polarized neutron reflection experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we illustrate a simple and moderate electrochemical strategy to simultaneously harvest high-quality few-layer graphene flakes (＜5 layers) from both a graphite anode and a graphite cathode in the protic ionic liquids. Specifically, the graphene flakes detached from cathodic graphite receive a defect healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous of models have been developed to predict the bone metastasis (BM) risk; however, due to the variety of cancer types, it is difficult for clinicians to use these models efficiently. We aimed to perform the pan‐cancer analysis to create the cancer classification system for BM, and construct the nomogram for predicting the BM risk. Methods: Cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2018 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were included. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis was performed to create the BM prevalence‐based cancer classification system (BM‐CCS). Multivariable logistic regression was applied to investigate the possible associated factors for BM and construct a nomogram for BM risk prediction. The patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2018 were selected for validating the performance of the BM‐CCS and the nomogram, respectively. Results: A total of 50 cancer types with 2,438,680 patients were included in the construction model. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis classified the 50 cancer types into three main phenotypes, namely, categories A, B, and C. The pooled BM prevalence in category A (17.7%; 95% CI: 17.5%–17.8%) was significantly higher than that in category B (5.0%; 95% CI: 4.5%–5.6%), and category C (1.2%; 95% CI: 1.1%–1.4%) (p < 0.001). Advanced age, male gender, race, poorly differentiated grade, higher T, N stage, and brain, lung, liver metastasis were significantly associated with BM risk, but the results were not consistent across all cancers. Based on these factors and BM‐CCS, we constructed a nomogram for predicting the BM risk. The nomogram showed good calibration and discrimination ability (AUC in validation cohort = 88%,95% CI: 87.4%–88.5%; AUC in construction cohort = 86.9%,95% CI: 86.8%–87.1%). The decision curve analysis also demonstrated the clinical usefulness. Conclusion: The classification system and prediction nomogram may guide the cancer management and individualized BM screening, thus allocating the medical resources to cancer patients. Moreover, it may also have important implications for studying the etiology of BM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abnormal expression of miRNAs may play critical roles in the occurrence, development and prognosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), with potential ethnic differences being involved. p53 and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene (IGVH) mutations were monitored and miRNA profile screening of CD19 + cells from Uygur CLL patients was performed, analyzed by miRNA arrays and verified using real-time PCR. There were 68 differentially expressed miRNAs in CD19 + B lymphocytes obtained from 6 Uygur CLL patients, of which miR-1295, miR-29b, miR-34a, miR-21 and miR-29c were the 5 most upregulated, and miR-181a, miR-126, miR-181b, miR-125a-5p and miR199b the 5 most downregulated miRNAs. miR-15a/miR-16-1 which might be important drivers of the disease, were not eliminated by profile screening. From the 68 differentially expressed miRNAs, 5 previously-reported CLL-related miRNAs were selected for further confirmation analyses, from which expression levels of miR-29b, miR-34a and miR-155 were found to be increased while miR-181a and miR-181b decreased. However, there were no differences in the expression levels of miR-15a/miR-16-1 between CLL patients and healthy donors, but the expression levels of miR-15a/miR-16-1 in CLL patients with a 13q deletion was depressed. In addition, there was no difference in the expression level of the above 7 miRNAs between 44 Han and 40 Uygur CLL patients. The expression levels of miR-29b, miR-181a and miR-181b correlated with IGVH mutations, while the expression levels of miR-34a, miR-29b and miR-181b correlated with a p53 abnormality in 84 Uygur and Han CLL patients. Taking p53 abnormality as the cut-off value criteria, low expression levels of miR-34a (cut-off value 4.65, P = 0.02) and miR-29b (cut-off value 4.71, P = 0.009) hinted at a poor treatment-free survival (TFS) prognosis for all CLL patients. Thus miR-34a and miR-29b may represent useful indicators for the prognosis of both Uygur and Han CLL patients. • 68 miRNAs were differentially expressed in CLL B lymphocytes. • miR-15a/miR-16-1 exhibited no deregulation in Uygur CLL patients. • miR-29b, miR-181a and miR-181b correlated with IGVH mutations. • miR-34a, miR-29b and miR-181b correlated with p53 mutations. • low miR-34a and miR-29b expression correlated with poor TFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a temperature phase change material that has metallic properties at high temperatures and insulation properties at room temperature. In this article, a novel device has been designed based on the dielectric metasurface consisting of VO2 and graphene array, which can achieve multiple functions by adjusting temperature and voltage. When the temperature is high (340 K), the device is in the absorption state and its absorptivity can be dynamically controlled by changing the temperature. On the other hand, the device is in the polarization state under room temperature, and the polarization of electromagnetic waves can be dynamically controlled by adjusting the voltage of graphene. This device can achieve a broadband absorber (the maximum absorptance reaches 99.415% at wavelengths ranging from 44 THz to 52 THz) and high polarization conversion efficiency (>99.89%) in the mid-infrared range, which has great advantages over other single-function devices. Our results demonstrate that this multifunctional device may have widespread applications in emitters, sensors, spatial light modulators, IR camouflages, and can be used in thermophotovoltaics and wireless communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Etch rates of heavily doped silicon films (n and p type) and undoped polycrystalline silicon film were studied during plasma etching and also during reaction ion etching in a CF[sub 4]/O[sub 2] plasma. The etch rate of undoped Si was lower than the n[sup +]-Si etch rate, but higher than the p[sup +]-Si etch rate, when the rf inductive heating by the eddy current was minimized by using thermal backing to the water-cooled electrode. This doping effect may be explained by the opposite polarity of the space charge present in the depletion layer of n[sup +]-Si and p[sup +]-Si during reactive plasma etching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overall dye-sensitized photocatalytic HER system based on g-C 3 N 4 and 2D Co MOF doped by Sm achieved effective photocatalytic H 2 evolution. • An overall dye-sensitized system was constructed for efficient photocatalytic HER. • 2D Co MOF and protonated g-C 3 N 4 formed a 2D/2D heterojunction. • Protonated g-C 3 N 4 preferentially adsorbed EY molecules. • Sm element doping 2D Co MOF further improved carrier separation. A dye-sensitive photocatalytic H 2 evolution reaction (HER) system with photogenerated carrier directed conduction was constructed. The protonated g-C 3 N 4 combines with the sheet-like Co MOF to form a 2D/2D heterojunction via electrostatic self-assembly. The protonated g-C 3 N 4 and 2D Co-MOF directionally adsorb Eosin Y (EY) and triethanolamine (TEOA) molecules through hydrogen bond and complexation to achieve a whole photocatalytic system. The integral structure effectively facilitates the utilization of dye sensitizer and hole sacrificial agent to achieve the effective and stable photocatalytic H 2 evolution capacity. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of g-C 3 N 4 after protonation is 1.88 times as high as that of the original g-C 3 N 4. On the basis of 2D/2D heterojunction, Co MOF is doped with rare earth element Sm. The 4f electrons and the difference valences (Sm3+ and Co2+) further suppress the reorganization of photogenerated excitons to achieve highly efficient photocatalytic HER. The directional coupling of sensitizer and electron sacrificial agent combined with rare earth element doping makes the photocatalytic HER rate of the composite material reached 73.42 μmol.h−1 within 5 h under simulated sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disease that causes pain and limits functionality in the elderly during daily activities, especially during stair descent. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) practices promote multiple‐plane joint movements, which relieve pain and increase joint range of motion (ROM). This study aims to examine the effects of a 12‐week PNF intervention on pain relief, passive and active joint ROM, external knee adduction moment (KAM), and hip adduction moment (HAM) in the elderly with KOA during stair descent. Materials and Methods: Seventy‐six elderly who were diagnosed with KOA were assessed for eligibility and, 36 of them met the inclusive criteria, were randomly divided into two groups: the twelve‐week PNF intervention group and the control group. Pain score was measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Passive joint ROM was measured using a goniometer. Active joint ROM, KAM, and HAM during stair descent were measured using a motion analysis system with a force platform. All the data were recorded at weeks 0, 6, and 12. Results: Compared to the control group, the PNF group showed a decreased pain score; increased passive hip, knee, and ankle ROM; a decreased minimum knee flexion angle, and increased HAM during stair descent. Perspective: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation intervention is a successful method to relieve symptoms of KOA. It relieves pain without increasing KAM, enhances passive ROM, increases active knee flexion ROM, and increases HAM during stair descent in the elderly with KOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between family communication, family violence, problematic internet use, anxiety, and depression and validate their potential mediating role. Methods: The study population consisted of Chinese adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022. Structural equation models were constructed using AMOS 25.0 software to examine the factors that influence adolescent anxiety and depression and the mediating effects of problematic internet use and family violence. Results: The results indicate that family communication was significantly and negatively related to family violence (β = -.494, p < 0.001), problematic internet use (β = -.056, p <.05), depression (β = -.076, p <.01), and anxiety (β = -.071, p <.05). And the finds also indicate that family violence mediated the relationships between family communication and depression (β = -.143, CI: -.198 -.080), and between family communication and anxiety (β = -.141; CI: -.198 -.074). Chain indirect effects between family communication and depression (β = -.051; CI: -.081 -.030) or anxiety (β = -.046; CI: -.080 -.043) via family violence and then through problematic internet use were also found in the present study. Conclusions: In conclusion, positive family communication is crucial in reducing anxiety and depression in adolescents. Moreover, problematic internet use and family violence mediate the effects of positive family communication on anxiety and depression. Therefore, improving family communication and promoting interventions aimed at reducing family violence and problematic internet use can help reduce anxiety and depression in adolescents, thus promoting their healthy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colchicine significantly reduces the incidence of POAF (RR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52-0.74, I P i < 0.001, I SP 2 sp = 0%). Correction: A meta-analysis of colchicine in prevention of atrial fibrillation following cardiothoracic surgery or cardiac intervention Colchicine significantly reduces the incidence of POAF (RR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52-0.74, I P i < 0.001, I SP 2 sp = 0%). [Extracted from the article]

The CoNi 2 S 4 /CdWO 4 -3 (CNS/CW-3) was an excellent photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution. The controlled morphology of CNS/CW-3 was successfully by adding thiourea as sulfur source and TBA to control the CoNi 2 S 4 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of CoNi 2 S 4 and CdWO 4 under visible light irradiation was studied with different CoNi 2 S 4 incorporation ratios. UV–vis absorption spectra showed that the absorbance of CNS/CW-3 composite catalyst increased significantly after doping CoNi 2 S 4. The electrochemical and photoelectrochemical experiments also showed that the charge separation and electron transfer efficiency were higher when CoNi 2 S 4 was attached to CdWO 4. CNS/CW-3 exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation. Its hydrogen evolution activity reached 269.08 μmol in 5 h, and had good light stability. It was a potential strategy to design photocatalyst with controllable morphology. The new composite material CoNi 2 S 4 /CdWO 4 has good photocatalytic activity and stability under visible light irradiation. UV–vis analysis showed that the band gap of the composite photocatalyst increased after hydrothermal recombination. In addition, under the regulation of TBA, CoNi 2 S 4 /CdWO 4 has a large specific surface area and pore volume, which is conducive to EY adsorption and electron transfer. The composite photocatalyst CoNi 2 S 4 /CdWO 4 with controllable flower globule has good application potential. Unlabelled Image • As a new kide of photocatalyst, it had a unique internal structure and good synergy, which greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of CuCo 2 S 4. • The electron transfer and charge separation were significantly improved by the uniform diffusion of CdWO 4 rod on the spherical CoNi 2 S 4 surface. • Bimetallic sulfides had a large specific surface area and provided more active sites to promote photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leveraging on the properties of human visual system, most of the well-designed video coding standards utilize rate–distortion optimization techniques by maximizing a fidelity cost function (e.g., peak signal noise ratio, PSNR) under an available bit rate budget constrain. However, a huge amount of video data is consumed by computers rather than by human beings in several application scenarios. In view of this, this paper proposes a new coding framework called video analytical coding (VAC) for video analysis. We use the term “analytical distortion” to denote the difference of video analysis performance when video quality degrades and analytical distortion is estimated by compression distortion. Meanwhile, we develop a new rate–analytical-distortion optimization (RADO) method to trade off the bit rate and the analytical distortion. Specifically, we consider moving object detection as the analysis task and develop a rate analytical distortion (RAD) model and a quantization parameter adaptation strategy for video coding, where the analytical distortion is related to the object detection performance represented as F1-measure. Experimental results show that the performance of the video analysis task can be significantly improved (up to 40% reduction of analytical distortion). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terrestrial water cycle is important for the arid regions of central Asia (CA). In this study, the spatiotemporal variations in the three climate variables [temperature (TMP), precipitation (PRE), and potential evapotranspiration (PET)] and terrestrial water cycle components [soil moisture (SM), snow water equivalent (SWE), runoff, terrestrial water storage (TWS), and groundwater storage (GWS)] of CA are comprehensively analyzed based on multiple datasets from 2003 to 2020. The major results are as follows: (1) Significant decreasing trends were observed for the TWS anomaly (TWSA) and GWS anomaly (GWSA) during 2003–2020, indicating serious water resource depletion. The annual linear trend values of TWSA and GWSA are −0.31 and −0.27 mm/a, respectively. The depletion centers are distributed over most areas of western and southern Kazakhstan (KAZ) and nearly all areas of Uzbekistan (UZB), Kyrgyzstan (KGZ), and Tajikistan (TJK). (2) TMP and PET have the largest significant negative impacts on SM and SWE. The PRE has a positive impact on terrestrial water variations. (3) During 1999–2019, water withdrawal did not significantly increase, whereas TWS showed a significant decreasing trend. Our results provide a comprehensive analysis of the basic TWS variation that plays a significant role in the water resource management of CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate whether bone morphogenetic protein‑2 (BMP‑2) was involved in the repair of mandibular defects using polyether‑ether‑ketone biphasic bioceramic (PEEK‑BBC) composites in rabbits. PEEK‑BBC composites with abundant and interconnected pores were prepared by calcination and characterized by scanning electron microscope. A mandibular defect model in rabbits was established using dental grinder to produce a square hole. A total of 60 rabbits were divided into four groups: Control, sham, surgery, and PEEK. In the PEEK group, the holes were filled with the PEEK‑BBC composite stents. In the surgery group, the holes were produced but not filled with the composite stents. In the sham group, only the molar grooves were exposed and grinding was not performed. Animals without any treatment served as the control group. The success rate of model establishment was 100%. At 4, 8, and 16 weeks after the model was established, samples were collected from the molding sites. Bone repair was evaluated by H&E staining and Goldner trichrome staining. Bone structures in both control and sham groups were intact. A small number of osteocytes were observed in the surgery group. However, in the PEEK group, osteocytes were already evidently present in the composites at 4 weeks after surgery. At 8 and 16 weeks, there were large numbers of osteocytes in the pores of the composites. The mRNA and protein expression levels of BMP‑2 were determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression levels of BMP‑2 between the control and sham groups were similar and were continuously stable. However, following defect treatment, BMP‑2 mRNA and protein expression was upregulated, which was enhanced by the PEEK‑BBC composites. In conclusion, PEEK‑BBC composites promoted the growth of osteocytes and repaired mandibular defects in rabbits, potentially via the upregulation of BMP‑2 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel ethyl 2-(5-methyl-3-arylisoxazole-4-carboxamido)-4-alkylthiazole-5-carboxylatesI-1-6were synthesized. The structures of all target compounds were characterized by1H NMR,13C NMR, IR, MS and elemental analyses. Their fungicidal and herbicidal activities were evaluated. The results of preliminary bioassays show that the title compoundsI-4possess 20–50% inhibition against most of the tested plants at the dosage of 150 g ai/ha, while the title compoundsI-1-5possess 32–58% inhibition againstFusaHum graminearum, Thanatephorus cucumeris, Botrytis cinereapersandFusarium oxysporum in vitroat the concentration of 100 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Many studies in China and abroad have reported an association between the expression level of microRNA-155 and CAD; however, the results remain controversial. We aimed to comprehensively investigate this association based on a meta-analysis. Methods: We first systematically searched eight Chinese and English databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, to identify studies concerning the relationship between microRNA-155 levels and CAD published before February 7, 2021. The quality of the literature was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the standard mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Sixteen articles with a total of 2069 patients with CAD and 1338 controls were included. All the articles were of high quality according to the NOS. The meta-analysis showed that the mean level of microRNA-155 was significantly lower in patients with CAD than in controls. Based on subgroup analyses, the level of microRNA-155 in the plasma of CAD patients and in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients was significantly lower than that in controls, whereas this level in CAD patients with mild stenosis was significantly higher than that in controls. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the expression level of circulating microRNA-155 in patients with CAD is lower than that in a non-CAD group, suggesting a new possible reference index for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection involving multiple organs and systems. Its hematological presentation mainly includes anemia and leukocytosis. Evans syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia, with positive results for the direct Coombs test and platelet antibodies. The cooccurrence of tuberculosis and Evans syndrome is rarely reported.Case Presentation: A 69-year-old female presented with a fever and shortness of breath. Her chest computerized tomography scan showed extensive miliary nodules in the bilateral lung fields. She rapidly developed respiratory failure that required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. The acid-fast bacilli sputum smear results indicated a grade of 3+. Later on, blood testing revealed hemolytic anemia, a positive direct Coombs test result, and the presence of the platelet antibody IgG. This patient was diagnosed as having disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis and Evans syndrome. She successfully recovered after treatment with antituberculosis drugs and glucocorticoids.Conclusions: Tuberculosis can occur together with Evans syndrome. Affected patients should receive both antituberculosis and immunosuppressive drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: By analyzing the cortical activation and functional connectivity of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during dual-task obstacle negotiation in the older adults, cognitive resources allocation and neural regulatory mechanisms of aging brain were shed light on in complex walking conditions.Methods: Twenty-eight healthy right-handed subjects participated in the study, including 15 men and 13 women (age: 68.6 ± 4.1 years, height: 162.96 ± 6.05 cm, weight: 63.63 ± 9.64 kg). There were four tasks: Normal Walk (NW), Obstacle Negotiation during Normal Walk (NW + ON), Walk while performing Cognitive Task (WCT), and Obstacle Negotiation during Walk while performing Cognitive Task (WCT + ON). Participants wore functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to collect hemodynamic signals from various regions of interest (ROIs) in the PFC, while the three-dimensional motion capture system was used to test the gait velocity. Cognitive task data was recorded.Results: In WCT + ON, the HbO2 concentration change value (△HbO2) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was significantly greater than that in the other three tasks (p < 0.05), and the△HbO2 of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was significantly greater than that in NW + ON (p < 0.05). The gait velocities in the four tasks were significantly different (p < 0.05) (NW > WCT > NW + ON > WCT + ON). There was no significant difference in cognitive performance between in the WCT and WCT + ON (p > 0.05). In WCT + ON, the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal areas had strong functional connectivity and the left frontal pole was most widely connected to the other ROIs. Compared to that in NW, the functional connectivity of the left prefrontal lobe was significantly enhanced in WCT + ON (p < 0.05).Conclusions: As walking difficulty increased, the PFC activation in the older adults changed from right-sided to bilateral activation, indicating that the left PFC cognitive resources compensated for the right PFC in dual-task obstacle negotiation. The cognitive resources recruitment in dual-task obstacle negotiation might be achieved by synchronization and coordination of associated brain areas in the PFC, primarily to maintain dynamic postural balance when walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monocyte-derived tumor-associated macrophages (Mo-TAMs) intensively infiltrate diffuse gliomas with remarkable heterogeneity. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we chart a spatially resolved transcriptional landscape of Mo-TAMs across 51 patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wild-type glioblastomas or IDH-mutant gliomas. We characterize a Mo-TAM subset that is localized to the peri-necrotic niche and skewed by hypoxic niche cues to acquire a hypoxia response signature. Hypoxia-TAM destabilizes endothelial adherens junctions by activating adrenomedullin paracrine signaling, thereby stimulating a hyperpermeable neovasculature that hampers drug delivery in glioblastoma xenografts. Accordingly, genetic ablation or pharmacological blockade of adrenomedullin produced by Hypoxia-TAM restores vascular integrity, improves intratumoral concentration of the anti-tumor agent dabrafenib, and achieves combinatorial therapeutic benefits. Increased proportion of Hypoxia-TAM or adrenomedullin expression is predictive of tumor vessel hyperpermeability and a worse prognosis of glioblastoma. Our findings highlight Mo-TAM diversity and spatial niche-steered Mo-TAM reprogramming in diffuse gliomas and indicate potential therapeutics targeting Hypoxia-TAM to normalize tumor vasculature. [Display omitted] • Single-cell omics reveals functional and spatial diversity of Mo-TAMs in glioblastomas • Tumor cues and hypoxia concertedly induce Hypoxia-TAM signature via activating p50 • ADM secreted by Hypoxia-TAM stimulates a destabilized tumor vasculature • ADM blockade improves vessel integrity, drug delivery, and anti-tumor efficacy Pronounced necrosis in glioblastomas is accompanied by abundant destabilized microvessels. Wang et al. show that the niche cues from the peri-necrotic regions polarize macrophages toward a hypoxic state, which in turn augments vascular hyperpermeability. Targeting adrenomedullin produced by hypoxic macrophages normalizes tumor neovasculature and improves anti-tumor drug delivery and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although we point out a link between tourism management strategies and tree mortality, other factors, such as natural ecological differences (e.g. in climate, soil quality, and tree use by other species) and primate group sizes should be considered in future research. The results show that dead trees can be used as an indicator in risk monitoring at primate ecotourism sites and that tree mortality is lower at sites with science-based tourism management. Keywords: dead trees; risk monitoring; tourism EN dead trees risk monitoring tourism 103 105 3 03/29/23 20230201 NES 230201 Primate ecotourism has become an important conservation tool. [Extracted from the article]

Aims: Sonic hedgehog subtype medulloblastoma is featured with overactivation of hedgehog pathway and can be targeted by SMO‐specific inhibitors. However, the resistance is frequently developed leading to treatment failure of SMO inhibitors. W535L mutation of SMO (SMOW535L) is thought to be an oncogenic driver for Sonic hedgehog subtype MB and confer resistance to SMO inhibitors. The regulation network of SMOW535L remains to be explored in comparison with wild‐type SMO (SMOWT). Methods: In this study, we profiled transcriptomes, methylomes, and interactomes of MB cells expression SMOWT or SMOW535L in the treatment of DMSO or SMO inhibitor, respectively. Results: Analysis of transcriptomic data indicated that SMO inhibitor disrupted processes of endocytosis and cilium organization in MB cells with SMOWT, which are necessary for SMO activation. In MB cells with SMOW535L, however, SMO inhibitor did not affect the two processes‐related genes, implying resistance of SMOW535L toward SMO inhibitor. Moreover, we noticed that SMO inhibitor significantly inhibited metabolism‐related pathways. Our metabolic analysis indicated that nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, beta‐alanine metabolism, and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies might be involved in SMOW535L function maintenance. Interactomic analysis revealed casein kinase II (CK2) as an important SMO‐associated protein. Finally, we linked CK2 and AKT together and found combination of inhibitors targeting CK2 and AKT showed synergetic effects to inhibit the growth of MB cells with SMO constitutive activation mutation. Conclusions: Taken together, our work described SMO‐related transcriptomes, metabolomes, and interactomes under different SMO status and treatment conditions, identifying CK2 and AKT as therapeutic targets for SHH‐subtype MB cells with SMO inhibitor resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have described the effects of Escin on improving the survival rate of endotoxemic animals. The purpose of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms of this potentially beneficial treatment. Methods: First, the survival rate of endotoxemic mice was monitored for up to 2 weeks after Escin pretreatment, Escin post-treatment, or Escin post-treatment + rHMGB1. The effects of Escin on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and HMGB1 in the serum of endotoxemic mice and LPS-induced macrophages were evaluated by ELISA. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of HMGB1 in LPS-induced macrophages were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Additionally, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 was evaluated by ELISA in rHMGB1-induced macrophages. Finally, the protein levels and the activity of NF-κB in macrophages were checked by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. Results: Both pretreatment and post-treatment with Escin could improve the survival rate of endotoxemic mice, while exogenous rHMGB1 reversed this effect. In addition, Escin decreased the level of the pro-inflammatory cytokinesTNF-α,IL-1β, IL-6 and HMGB1 in endotoxemic mice and in LPS-induced macrophages. Escin could also inhibit the mRNA levels and activity of HMGB1. The release of the pro-inflammatory cytokinesTNF-α,IL-1β, IL-6 could be suppressed in rHMGB1-induced macrophages by Escin. Finally, Escin could suppress the activation of NF-κB in LPS-induced macrophages. Conclusion: Escin could improve the survival of mice with LPS-induced endotoxemia. This effect maybe meditated by reducing the release of HMGB1, resulting in the suppression of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our studies were conducted to investigate the clinical and functional significance of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in cervical tumor lymphatic metastasis. We found that the increase in macrophages in tumor stroma is significantly associated with lymphatic metastasis (p = 0.017), through performing immunohistochemical staining in 111 cervical samples (55 invasive squamous carcinomas of uterine cervix, 27 cervical intraepithelial neoplasms III, and 29 normal cervix). The human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLEC), which were cultured in conditioned medium of cervical cancer cell-macrophage coculture, formed more tube-like structures in vitro, when compared with those in conditioned mediums of LEC, normal cervical epithelium, single macrophage, and single cervical cancer cell (all p < 0.001). The mRNA expressions of IL-1β and IL-8 in cervical cancer cells cocultured with macrophages were increased, compared with those in cervical cancer cell cultured alone (pIL-1β < 0.05 and pIL-8 < 0.01). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-A was increased in macrophages cocultured with cervical cancer cells, compared with the expression in those macrophages cultured alone (both p < 0.05). Taken together, the results suggest that TAMs promote lymphangiogenesis mainly through interaction with surrounding cervical cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid and accurate identification of the formation lithology encountered during the drilling of oil and gas fields is an important step to control the trajectory of the drilling tool borehole and improve the optimal reservoir encounter rate. At present, the main way to distinguish the lithology of the formation encountered by drilling is to use artificial detection elements, which does not form a set of intelligent formation identification system. In view of the above problems, this paper proposes a method to identify the lithology of drilled formation by using element and gamma spectrum measurement and establishes a reasoning model of intelligent identification of formation lithology by using improved fuzzy clustering algorithm-SVM (IFCM-SVM) method. Field application shows that the accuracy of IFCM-SVM intelligent formation identification method proposed in this paper can reach 90.9%, and verifies the feasibility of using element and gamma spectrum measurement to realize the intelligent identification of formation lithology in drilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of postdensification annealing on microwave dielectric properties of Ba([ Mg1− x Co x]1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics have been investigated. The 1:2 ordered complex perovskite structure is obtained in the entire composition range of the as-sintered samples, and the ordering degree decreases with increasing x. With increasing x, the dielectric constant (εr) increases, the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ f) shifts toward negative and can be tuned to near-zero for x = 0.6, while the Q × f value decreases. With postdensification annealing at 1400°C in air for 24 h, the ordering degree increases, and Q × f value can be significantly improved without obvious change in εr, while the composition for obtaining near-zero τ f shifts to x = 0.8. Annealing at 1375°C and 1425°C in air for 24 h does not improve microwave dielectric properties more than annealing at 1400°C. A good combination of microwave dielectric properties of Ba([Mg1− xCo x]1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics after postdensification annealing at 1400°C in air for 24 h has been obtained for x = 0.8: εr = 31.7, Q × f = 76,900 GHz, τ f = 3.3 ppm/°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction (BZD) are an herbal compound commonly used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in China. This study aimed to verify the mechanism of Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction in relieving the pain of knee osteoarthritis. Network pharmacology evaluation was used to discover the potential targets of BZD to relieve pain in KOA. The therapeutic effects of BZD treatment on KOA pain using histomorphology, behavioral assessments, suspension chip analysis, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) assays. The functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to explore the effects of BZD treatment on brain function associated to KOA. Network pharmacological analysis revealed the association between the analgesic effect of BZD on KOA and the pain signaling neurotransmitter 5-HT. Subsequently, we conducted experiments to verify the therapeutic effect of BZD on pain in KOA animal models. Behavioral tests demonstrated that the pain threshold of knee osteoarthritis rats decreased in PWT and PWL, but BZD was able to increase the pain threshold. Histopathological staining indicated thinning of the cartilage layer and sparse trabeculae in the subchondral bone. Suspension chip analysis revealed a significant increase in pro-inflammatory factors of IL-1α, IL-5, IL-12, IL-17A, RANTES, TNF-α and M-CSF in KOA, along with a significant decrease in anti-inflammatory factor of IL-13. However, BZD treatment decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and increased the content of anti-inflammatory factor. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis showed a significant decrease in the serum levels of GABA, E, GSH, Kyn, Met, and VMA in KOA, which were significantly increased by BZD. Conversely, the serum levels of TrpA, TyrA, Spd, and BALa were significantly increased in KOA and significantly decreased by BZD. ELISA and Western blot analysis showed increased expression of subchondral bone pain-related neuropeptides SP, CGRP, TH, NPY, VEGFA, 5-HT3 in KOA, which were decreased in BZD. Functional magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that BZD exerts its therapeutic effect on KOA by modulating the activity and functional connections of the cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. This study confirmed the significant role of pain-related neuromodulation mechanisms in the analgesic therapy of BZD and provides a theoretical foundation for using BZD as a traditional Chinese medical treatment for KOA pain. [Display omitted] • The therapeutic effects of BZD on KOA have been verified in vivo. • Network pharmacology suggests that BZD plays a therapeutic role by modulating pain-related neural targets. • BZD can reduce inflammation, improve bone resorption and cartilage degeneration by regulating neurotransmitters. • Pain-related neuropeptides were identified to contribute to the BZD mechanism. • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed a series of brain regions related to BZD treatment, which confirmed that BZD plays an analgesic role by changing brain functional activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]