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This work applies a novel geometric criterion for nonlinear autonomous differential equations developed by Lu and Lu (NARWA 36:20-43, 2017) to a nonlinear SEIVS epidemic model with temporary immunity and achieves its threshold dynamics. Specifically, global-stability problems for the SEIVS model of Cai and Li (AMM 33:2919-2926, 2009) are effectively solved. The corresponding optimal control system with vaccination, awareness campaigns and treatment is further established and four different control strategies are compared by numerical simulations to contain hepatitis B. It is concluded that joint implementation of these measures can minimize the numbers of exposed and infectious individuals in the shortest time, so it is the most efficient strategy to curb the hepatitis B epidemic. Moreover, vaccination for newborns plays the core role and maintains the high level of population immunity.

This paper formulates a diffusive tuberculosis (TB) model with early and late latent infections, vaccination and treatment that may more properly describe the slow and fast dynamics of TB transmission. We develop a new concise approach to determine the combination coefficients in the Lyapunov function candidate for the model and its time derivative in the case that both are the linear combinations of several Volterra-type functions, which highly simplifies the computations in global dynamical analysis for the nonlinear high-dimensional model. Based on the TB case data reported in China, the parameter values of the model are estimated. We further predict the TB prevalence trend in China. Sensitivity analysis for the control reproduction number and endemic equilibrium is conducted to seek some effective interventions that can significantly reduce initial TB transmission and lower TB prevalence levels in China. In the end, numerical simulations show that the bigger diffusive rates pick up the speeds of convergence to the equilibria of the model.

Background ROS1 gene rearrangement has been reported in several types of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is reported that tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effective in the treatment of ROS1-rearranged NSCLC. Therefore, the identification of ROS1 rearrangement can be used as potential therapeutic target in lung cancer. Epidemiological data indicates that ROS1 gene rearrangement occurs in approximately 1–2% of NSCLC patients. The small sample sizes of the existing associated studies only represent the characteristics of patients in specific regions or countries, and there is still no latest statistical analysis on ROS1 gene rearrangement anywhere in the world. Methods We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases to identify studies on ROS1 gene rearrangement in NSCLC patients from January 1, 2015 to October 27, 2019. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between ROS1 gene rearrangement and clinical characteristics of NSCLC patients. The four clinical features are as follows: gender, smoking status, pathological type, and lung cancer stage. Results Thirty-nine studies constituting of 25,055 NSCLC patients were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. A prominently higher rate of ROS1 gene rearrangement was observed in female NSCLC patients (OR =1.94, 95% CI: 1.62–2.32%, P

BACKGROUND: As a kind of disinfectant, polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) can cause pulmonary inflammation. In addition to liver X receptors (LXRs) playing an important role in cholesterol and lipid metabolism, it has also been found to be involved in inflammation in recent years. This article explores the role of LXRs agonist T0901317 in the inflammation of alveolar epithelial cells induced by PHMG. METHODS: The A549 human alveolar basal epithelial cell line was exposed to PHMG, T0901317, or the nuclear factor (NF)κB inhibitor BAY11-7082. The cell survival rate was used to determine the cytotoxicity of PHMG and T0901317 to A549 cells. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression of proteins related to the LXRs and the NFκB signaling pathway. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to examine the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-8 and interleukin (IL)-6. RESULTS: Incubation of A549 cells with PHMG decreased the expression of LXRs-related proteins, reduced the expression of cellular IκB, increased the expression of nuclear NFκB, and increased the levels of the inflammatory cytokineIL-8 and IL-6. However, pretreatment with the LXR agonist T0901317 partially reversed the effects of PHMG. The effects of T0901317on NFκB signaling pathway was similar to that observed with the NFκB inhibitor BAY11-7082. CONCLUSIONS: The LXRs agonist T0901317 may reduce the inflammation of alveolar epithelial cells induced by PHMG by inhibiting the NFκB signaling pathway.

Metal-Oxide Arresters are important equipment to ensure the reliable operation of power systems. An experimental protocol for judging the nature of MOA defects accurately is introduced in this paper and applied to engineering practice. Through diagnostic tests and dismantling inspections, it is determined that a certain batch of 110kV line MOA has a familial defect of poor sealing. Then, the reasons for dampness are analyzed, and other defects except the dampness of the varistor are discovered. Besides, the improvement of manufacturing process is proposed from aspects of terminal structure and the coating material on the side of varistor;the actual data proves that adding fillers such as quartz sand or silica gel inside the MOA can reduce the failure rate effectively. This article provides a certain technical reference for the manufacture and defect disposal of MOAs.

Mn, Fe, Mo or W as a promotor was introduced into ZrO2-TiO2-Al2O3 (ZTA) composite oxides by impregnation method, in order to examine the influence of these promotors on catalytic activity and coking behaviors during n-decane cracking. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by several different techniques: N2 adsorption –desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD), in situ infrared spectroscopy (IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characterization results revealed that the incorporation of these metal oxides enhanced the total amount of acid sites and gave rise to the formation of much stronger acid sites, especially Mo. Moreover, Mo-promoted ZTA catalyst was found to be the most efficient one for n-decane cracking (conversion 88.4%, heat sink 3.79 MJ/kg at 750 °C) due to an optimum balance between the number of strong acid sites (0.24 mmol NH3/g) and the total amount of acid sites (0.59 mmol NH3/g). Besides, the temperature programmed oxidation (TPO) results showed that Mo-modified ZTA catalyst exhibited more desirable anti-coke capacity in comparison to the others owing to its appropriate acid property.

Background Lung cancer is a fatal disease and a serious health problem worldwide. Patients are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, and the effectiveness of chemotherapy for such patients is very limited. Iodine 125 seed (125I) irradiation can be used as an important adjuvant treatment for lung carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of irradiation by 125I seeds in human lung cancer xenograft model and to determine the underlying mechanisms involved, with a focus on apoptosis. Methods 40 mice with A549 lung adenocarcinoma xenografts were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (n = 10), sham seed (0 mCi) implant group (n = 10), 125I seed (0.6 mCi) implant group (n = 10) and 125I seed (0.8 mCi) implant group (n = 10), respectively. The body weight and tumor volume, were recorded every 4 days until the end of the study. Apoptotic cells were checked by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and activities of caspase-3 and caspase-8 enzyme were tested. Expression of P21, survivin, livin, caspase-9 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) was detected with immunohistochemical staining. Results The results of TUNEL staining assays showed that 125I seed irradiation suppresses the growth of lung cancer xenografts in nude mice and induced apoptosis. The activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8 was significantly higher. The expression levels Ki67, survivin and livin were substantially downregulated, while P21 and caspase-9 protein expression were significantly increased following 125I seed irradiation. This study revealed that 125I seed irradiation could significantly change apoptosis-related protein in human lung cancer xenografts. Conclusions Overall, our study demonstrates that radiation exposure by 125I seeds could be a new treatment option for lung cancer.

Background: Lung cancer is a fatal disease and a serious health problem worldwide. Patients are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, with the effectiveness of chemotherapy for such patients being very limited. Iodine 125 seed(125I) irradiation can be used as an important adjuvant treatment for lung carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of irradiation by 125I seeds in human lung cancer xenograft model and to determine the underlying mechanisms involved, with a focus on apoptosis. Methods: A group of 40 mice bearing A549 lung adenocarcinoma xenografts were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (n=10), sham seed (0 mCi) implant group (n=10), 125I seed (0.6 mCi) implant group (n=10) and 125I seed (0.8 mCi) implant group (n=10), respectively. The body weight and tumor volume, was recorded every four days until the end of the study. Apoptotic cells were checked with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and activities of caspase-3 and caspase-8 enzyme were tested. Expression of P21, survivin, livin, caspase-9 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) was detected with immunohistochemical staining. Results: The results of TUNEL staining assays shows that 125I seed irradiation suppresses the growth of lung cancer xenografts in nude mice and induces apoptosis. The activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8 was significantly higher. The expression levels Ki67, survivin and livin were substantially downregulated, while P21 and caspase-9 protein expression was significantly increased following 125I seed irradiation. This study revealed that 125I seed irradiation could significantly change apoptosis-related protein in human lung cancer xenograft. Conclusions: Overall, our study demonstrates that radiation exposure by 125I seeds has been expected as a new treatment option for lung cancer.

Backgrounds: COVID-19 is currently spreading around the world, and the cumulative number of cases worldwide exceeded 5 million on 23 May 2020 (10:00 GMT+2). At present, many countries or cities have implemented lockdown measures. This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of lockdown measures on the pandemic by the use of lockdown or similar lockdown in 22 countries or cities. Methods: An SEIQR epidemiological model was developed to capture the transmission dynamics of COVID-19. With the data related to COVID-19 from 22 countries or cities, the optimal parameters of the model were estimated, respectively.Results: The average basic reproduction numbers of 22 countries or cities were between 1.5286-3.8067. And Russia Federation, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States of New York and the United States of New Jersey were hardest hit by COVID-19. Conclusion: Although the pandemic has not been fundamentally controlled for a short time after lockdown, lockdown was proved to be an extremely effective control measure, which significantly scaled the number of patients down, thereby reduced the harmfulness of the pandemic.

Lung cancer is a commonly diagnosed disease with poor prognosis. Novel therapeutic targets and deep understanding of the regulatory mechanisms in lung cancer are of great importance. We aimed to figure out the functional roles of lncRNA-activated by transforming growth factor-β (ATB) in A549 cells as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. ATB was non-physiologically expressed in A549 cells after cell transfection. Then, cell proliferation, expressions of proteins related to proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and invasion were measured by BrdU incorporation assay, Western blot analysis, and Transwell assay, respectively. Afterwards, miR-494 expression in transfected A549 cells was determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Meanwhile, effects of miR-494 overexpression on ATB-overexpressed cells were assessed. Finally, the phosphorylation levels of AKT and key kinases in the Janus-activated kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) pathway were detected by Western blot analysis. ATB overexpression promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. Meanwhile, EMT of A549 cells was also enhanced. ATB silence showed the opposite influence. Expression of miR-494 was negatively regulated by ATB. Following experiments showed ATB-induced alterations of proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT were all reversed by miR-494 overexpression. Finally, we proved that ATB increased phosphorylated levels of AKT, JAK1, and STAT3, and those increases were all reversed by miR-494 overexpression. We interestingly figured out that ATB promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT through down-regulating miR-494 in A549 cells. Moreover, ATB might activate AKT and the JAK/STAT3 pathway via down-regulating miR-494.

Targeting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs) reverses the Warburg effect, which could be a potential therapeutic target for anti-cancer drug discovery. In this paper, we identified 12 potential PDK inhibitors by virtual ligand screening of a chemical library, and then further verified them by an enzymatic assay, in which 6, 7, and 11 strongly inhibited the function of PDKs, with IC(50) values of 1.26, 0.62, and 0.41 μM against PDK1, respectively, and showed a similar inhibitory effect on PDK2, PDK3, and PDK4. However, we failed to correlate the observed inhibitory activity against PDKs with cellular activity under normal conditions. In contrast, 7 and 11 inhibited NCI-H1975 cell proliferation under hypoxia, with EC(50) values of 4.66 and 3.88 μM, respectively, suggesting that 7 and 11 could be promising leads for further development of PDK inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Two open-framework metal sulfate oxalates, namely, H 2 dmen·Mn(SO 4 )(ox) ( 1 ) and H 4 bapp·[In 2 (SO 4 ) 3 (ox) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ]·H 2 O ( 2 ), were prepared under solvent-free conditions, where dmen = N , N -dimethylethylenediamine, ox = oxalate, and bapp = N , N ′-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine. Structural analyses reveal that compound 1 has a dia-type net with 12-ring channels, while compound 2 has a ths-type net with 20-ring channels. The proton-conducting properties of compound 2 were also investigated.

In order to improve the anti-carbon property and obtain higher H2 yields, the promoters (BaO, SrO and CeO2) were introduced into Pt/ZrO2–TiO2–Al2O3 catalyst. The activity of theses catalysts were investigated in the cracking reactions of RP-3 jet fuel under high temperature and high pressure conditions. The physicochemical characteristics of the catalysts were detected by Temperature programmed oxidation, Raman spectrum, N2 adsorption–desorption, Transmission electron microscope, NH3-temperature programmed desorption and NH3-infrared spectroscopy techniques. It was found that the addition of BaO, SrO and CeO2 promoted the well dispersion of Pt, stimulated the dehydrogenation reactions, and consequently higher hydrogen yields over modified catalysts were obtained. Moreover, the acid sites have been partially neutralized by these promoters, thus the total amount of acid sites as well as the Lewis acid sites decreased over the modified catalysts. The modified acidic properties inhibited the hydrogen transfer reactions and alkenes oligomerization reactions, resulting in the obvious decrease of carbon deposit. Therefore, the catalysts exhibited remarkable anti-carbon property after modifying by BaO, SrO and CeO2. The valuable information in this work may be helpful to develop highly efficient catalysts for the advanced aircrafts.

Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling by kinase dimerization plays a crucial role in the development, progression, and metastasis of lung cancer. Tumor suppressor Mig-6 is a natural inhibitory protein of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling; the protein uses its two regions, namely segments 1 and 2, to directly interact with kinase dimerization interface and then inactivates the kinases. Here, we attempted to improve the binding capability of isolated segment 2 peptide to epidermal growth factor receptor family kinases by cyclizing the peptide. In the procedure, a disulfide bond was introduced across two ends of the peptide to constrain the peptide conformation in an antiparallel, double-stranded β-sheet. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated high-structural flexibility and intrinsic disorder associated with the linear peptide of Mig-6 segment 2, whereas its cyclized version exhibited a considerable rigidity and low mobility. Molecular mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann surface area calculations and quasiharmonic analysis revealed that the cyclization influences kinase–peptide interaction enthalpy modestly, but can largely minimize entropy penalty upon the interaction, thus effectively restoring peptide binding free energy. Fluorescence polarization assays found no affinity of linear peptide to epidermal growth factor receptor family kinases, while a weak or moderate affinity can be observed for cyclic peptide binding to the kinases.

Rehabilitation therapy combined with nursing intervention in postoperative recovery of patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage was investigated. Retrospective analysis was carried out in 78 patients with severe HICH hematoma evacuation after treatment in Xuzhou No. 1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University from March 2014 to July 2017. The 28 patients who received routine treatment and nursing care were regarded as the control group, the 27 patients who underwent rehabilitation training based with routine treatment and nursing care were the rehabilitation training group. Moreover, the 23 patients who underwent rehabilitation training and nursing intervention based on routine treatment were regarded as the nursing intervention group. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and Fugl-Meyer scores were compared immediately after surgery (T1), 4 weeks after treatment (T2) and 12 weeks after treatment (T3). During the period of T3, the total effective rate and adverse reactions were compared among the three groups of patients. The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure at T3 among the three groups were significantly lower than both T2 and T1, and the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of T2 was lower than T1 (P

Cellular therapies offer novel opportunities for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of infusion of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSC) on T2DM. A total of 61 patients with T2DM were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of basal therapy; patients in group I were administered WJ-MSC intravenous infusion twice, with a four-week interval, and patients in group II were treated with normal saline as control. During the 36-month follow-up period, the occurrence of any adverse effects and the results of clinical and laboratory examinations were recorded and evaluated. The lack of acute or chronic adverse effects in group I was consistent with group II.. Blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, C-peptide, homeostasis model assessment of pancreatic islet β-cell function and incidence of diabetic complications in group I were significantly improved, as compared with group II during the 36-month follow-up. The results of the present study demonstrated that infusion of WJ-MSC improved the function of islet β-cells and reduced the incidence of diabetic complications, although the precise mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. The infusion of WJ-MSC may be an effective option for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Highlights • A novel nonlinear SVEIS epidemic model with temporary immunity is formulated. • The incidence rate of the model is a generalization of numerous nonlinear ones. • Global dynamics of the model proposed arempletely addressed by a new geometric criterion. • Global stability for several existing nonlinear SVEIS models is fully solved. • Model parameters are estimated to study the effects of multiple measures on the H1N1 pandemic., This work applies a novel geometric criterion for global stability of nonlinear autonomous differential equations generalized by Lu and Lu (2017) to establish global threshold dynamics for several SVEIS epidemic models with temporary immunity, incorporating saturated incidence and nonmonotone incidence with psychological effect, and an SVEIS model with saturated incidence and partial temporary immunity. Incidentally, global stability for the SVEIS models with saturated incidence in Cai and Li (2009), Sahu and Dhar (2012) is completely solved. Furthermore, employing the DEDiscover simulation tool, the parameters in Sahu and Dhar’model are estimated with the 2009–2010 pandemic H1N1 case data in Hong Kong China, and it is validated that the vaccination programme indeed avoided subsequent potential outbreak waves of the pandemic. Finally, global sensitivity analysis reveals that multiple control measures should be utilized jointly to cut down the peak of the waves dramatically and delay the arrival of the second wave, thereinto timely vaccination is particularly effective.

Lung cancer is a commonly diagnosed disease with poor prognosis. Novel therapeutic targets and deep understanding of the regulatory mechanisms in lung cancer are of great importance. We aimed to figure out the functional roles of lncRNA-activated by transforming growth factor-β (ATB) in A549 cells as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. ATB was non-physiologically expressed in A549 cells after cell transfection. Then, cell proliferation, expressions of proteins related to proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and invasion were measured by BrdU incorporation assay, Western blot analysis, and Transwell assay, respectively. Afterwards, miR-494 expression in transfected A549 cells was determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Meanwhile, effects of miR-494 overexpression on ATB-overexpressed cells were assessed. Finally, the phosphorylation levels of AKT and key kinases in the Janus-activated kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) pathway were detected by Western blot analysis. ATB overexpression promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. Meanwhile, EMT of A549 cells was also enhanced. ATB silence showed the opposite influence. Expression of miR-494 was negatively regulated by ATB. Following experiments showed ATB-induced alterations of proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT were all reversed by miR-494 overexpression. Finally, we proved that ATB increased phosphorylated levels of AKT, JAK1, and STAT3, and those increases were all reversed by miR-494 overexpression. We interestingly figured out that ATB promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT through down-regulating miR-494 in A549 cells. Moreover, ATB might activate AKT and the JAK/STAT3 pathway via down-regulating miR-494.

Objective To determine the prevalence, correlates and recognition rates of depressive disorders (DDs) in Chinese inpatients with cancer. Methods Four hundred and sixty cancer inpatients were recruited from the oncology ward of a university hospital in Beijing, China. Patients were interviewed with a Chinese version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0 by eight trained psychiatrists. Case records of inpatients with DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) DDs were reviewed to determine whether treating oncologists made a diagnosis of depression, prescribed antidepressant medications and/or recommended psychiatric consultation/referral. Results The 1-month prevalence rates (95% confidence intervals) of DDs and major depressive disorder (MDD) were 25.9% (21.9%–29.9%) and 12.6% (9.6%–15.6%), respectively. In our multiple logistic regression analysis, being unmarried [odds ratio (OR)=1.41], cancer stage of metastasis (OR=2.35), time since cancer diagnosis ≤20 months (OR=2.05), frequent pain (OR=1.99~6.83) and being scored between two and four on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Scale (OR=2.25~4.97) were independently associated with depression. Only 6.9% of patients with MDD were recognized by treating oncologists. Conclusions DDs are very common among Chinese inpatients with cancer. The high prevalence rate and low recognition rate of depression in cancer patients indicate a pressing need for routine screening, evaluation and treatment of depression in this patient population.

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hydride ion on bone formation and bone-bonding strength at the early stage of implantation. Study design Implants and plates were treated in 2 ways: test implant (implant surface with hydride ion) and control implant (implant surface without hydride ion). Crystal structure of plate surfaces was analyzed by low angle x-ray diffractometry (XRD). Sixty implants (30 test implants and 30 control implants) were inserted into tibias of 10 rabbits. At 2 and 8 weeks postimplantation, tibias were retrieved and prepared for removal torque tests (RTQ) and histomorphometric evaluation, respectively. Results TiH2 diffractions appeared on the XRD pattern of the test surface whereas TiH2 did not appear on the control surface. The test implants showed 51.28% and 64.63% greater RTQ values than did the control implants at 2 and 8 weeks (P = .010, .011, respectively). Histomorphometric evaluation demonstrated the test implants significantly increased bone-implant contact and peri-implant bone formation at 2 and 8 weeks. Conclusion These results suggest the presence of hydride ion in the implant surface may improve bone integration with implant surfaces at the early stage of implantation.

Warfarin is one of the most widely used oral anticoagulants, with a narrow therapeutic window and high inter-individual variability in the dose needed to achieve target INR [1–4]. It was reported that the gene CYP2C9 and VKORC1 polymorphisms in the population may affect the therapeutic warfarin dose requirement, which could increase the risk for over anticoagulation and hemorrhage complicat ions during warfar in treatment [1–3] . A number of pharmacogenetics-based algorithms integrating patients' demographic data and different genotypes have been established to predict the dose of warfarin [1,2,4–8]. Existing clinical trials [1,2,4–8] were performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of pharmacogeneticsguided warfarin dosing, but the results were controversial. Recently, the EU-PACT study reported that pharmacogenetics-based dosing of warfarin was better than standard dosing, with higher percentage of time in the therapeutic INR range (PTTR) than that of standard clinical during the initiation of warfarin therapy [1]. However, the COAG study failed to show the advantage of pharmacogenetics compared to conventional dosing procedures [2]. To further explore this, we performed the current meta-analysis to systematically investigate it. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to study potential confounding factors. We searched the Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library, using the

The purpose of this study was to investigate bone responses to simvastatin-loaded porous implant surfaces in an ovariectomized model.Roughened implants were divided into a control group (n = 32), test group 1 (n = 32), and test group 2 (n = 32). Test implants were immersed into 10?7 mol/L (test group 1) or 10?6 mol/L (test group 2) simvastatin solutions for drug adsorption onto implant surfaces. Forty-eight ovariectomized rats randomly received an implant in each tibia. One, 2, 4, and 12 weeks later, the tibiae were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation. Bone-to-implant contact and bone area around the implant were determined, and histologic observations were made.New bone formation on test implant surfaces was seen after 1 week, while it was seen on the control implant surface after 2 weeks. There was more bone tissue and bone-to-implant contact along the test implant surfaces than along the control implant surface. The test group 1 and test group 2 implants showed significantly greater bone area and bone-to-implant contact compared to the control implant at all observed time points (P.05). No differences were found between the two types of test group implants after 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks (P.05).Simvastatin-loaded porous implant surfaces have the potential to improve implant osseointegration in an ovariectomized rat model.

An experiment was performed to examine the physical and chemical effects on high salt-affected soil following the incorporation with four kinds of organic wastes (poultry manure, commercially available fertilizer, reed straw, fresh reed straw with green leaves). Organic wastes were applied at rates of 15g/kg. The effect on the soils physical and chemical properties, soil soluble organic carbon were ascertained after one month. Available nitrogen increased more markedly in the PM-amended soils (537%) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) decreased more significantly in the RS-amended soil (27%) compared to the control soil. Water-soluble organic carbon and soil respiratory intensity were the highest in all treatments. The work demonstrated that organic wastes can ameliorate soil structure, improve soil physical and chemical properties and biological activity in high salt content soil.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the thin nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) coating on implant osseointegration in an ovariectomized rat model. Materials and Methods Implants were divided into a control group and a test group (nano-HA–coated group). Surface morphology was examined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FSEM). Surface roughness of both groups was performed. Sixteen ovariectomized rats randomly received 2 implants in both tibiae. After 12 weeks of implantation, tibias were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation and removal torque tests (RTQ). Results Rodlike crystals uniformly covered the porous surfaces and the surface morphology of the implant was still clear. No significant differences were found in surface roughness between the 2 groups ( P > .05). More bone tissue was formed around test implants compared with control implants. Test implants showed a significantly greater BIC, bone area within all threads, and RTQ values compared with control implants ( P Conclusions These results indicate the thin nano-HA coating by an electrochemical process has potential benefits to enhance implant osseointegration in ovariectomized rats.

Product or model's multi-function or less structures is the main object for adaptable design (AD). Though the circumstance's changing, the product still owns the orienting structure. It demands the product function with more varieties, versatilities, customization and update. For the purpose, a new extension adaptive design approach (EAD) was carried out by design theory and artificial intelligence research. The modeling methodology based on design basic element which is different from the current UML modeling. Through the function extension analysis, the structure would possessed more adaptability in the design process. Finally, example from a continuous passive motion (CPM) product machine design will illustrate the applicability and implementation of selected principles in the area of Computer Aided Product Design.

Metastasis and drug resistance are major barriers for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To explore new therapeutic options, we successfully encapsulated MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a), a potent endogenous tumor suppressor in NSCLC into S6 aptamer-conjugated dendrimer to form lung cancer-targeted gene delivery nanoparticles (PAM-Ap/pMiR-34a NPs). PAM-Ap/pMiR-34a NPs had a diameter of 100-200 nm and Zeta potential of ~30 mV at applied N/P ratio. The aptamer conjugation significantly improved cellular uptake as well as gene transfection efficiency of PAM-Ap/pMiR-34a NPs in cultured NSCLC cells. We showed that PAM-Ap/pMiR-34a NPs enhanced the regulation of targeted genes, BCL-2 and p53 in vitro. In addition, we revealed PAM-Ap/pMiR-34a NPs significantly inhibited cell growth, migration, invasion and induced apoptosis of lung cancer cells compared with non-targeted NPs. The method provided a novel therapeutic strategy for the experimental treatment of NSCLC.

The feasibility of millimeter wave (MMW) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) onboard the air-to-air missile (AAM) was theoretically investigated in this paper, with the intent of improving the accuracy of guidance and control for AAM. The burst mode was proposed as an optimum operation mode for the air-to-air missile-borne SAR system, considering the resolution requirements, the computational loads as well as the real-time processing efficiency. The ECS algorithm with the range cubic phase error correction was applied to process the high forward-looking squint data, basing on the equivalent slant-range model deduced from the simplification of missile-to-target geometry model. Formulas for geometric correction was presented to remove the serious geometry distortion in the high squint cases, in order to provide high accurate radar images for automatic target recognition (ATR) in the consequent processing. The computer simulation results of high forward-looking squint angle of 14.83 degrees were presented, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the image processing method.