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Background Bone damage is a condition that affects the quality of life of patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are important for bone repair. Osteoking is a natural compound in traditional Chinese Medicine used to treat bone diseases; however, the effect of Osteoking on the differentiation of MSCs has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Osteoking on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rbMSCs). Methods The effects of Osteoking on the proliferation and differentiation of rbMSCs were investigated. Different concentrations of Osteoking were prepared, and its cytotoxicity was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. The expression of osteogenic and adipogenic genes were determined, and several staining methods were used to reveal the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of rbMSCs. Results Our results show that appropriate concentrations of Osteoking can enhance osteogenic differentiation of rbMSCs and reduce adipogenic differentiation without any effect on proliferation. This may be related to the changes in related gene expression. Conclusion Osteoking enhances osteogenic differentiation and inhibits adipogenic differentiation of rbMSCs. Therefore, Osteoking may have a therapeutic potential for treating bone disease caused by changes in differentiation function of MSCs.

Objective This study aimed to identify the predictors and threshold of failure in neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods Newborns with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome aged 0-28 days and gestational age ≥36 weeks were included in the study if their cases were managed with non-extra corporal membrane oxygenation treatments. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they died before discharge. Predictors of non-extra corporal membrane oxygenation treatment failure were sought, and the threshold of predictors was calculated. Results A total of 103 patients were included in the study. A total of 77 (74.8%) survived hospitalization and were discharged, whereas 26 (25.2%) died. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of oxygen index, pH, base excess, and combinations of these indicators demonstrated the advantage of the combination of oxygen index and base excess over the others variables regarding their predictive ability. The area under the curve for the combination of oxygen index and base excess was 0.865. When the cut-off values of oxygen index and base excess were 30.0 and −7.4, respectively, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting death were 77.0% and 84.0%, respectively. The model with base excess added a net reclassification improvement of 0.090 to the model without base excess. Conclusion The combination of oxygen index and base excess can be used as a predictor of outcomes in neonates receiving non-extra corporal membrane oxygenation treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome. In neonates with acute respiratory distress syndrome, if oxygen index >30 and base excess

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has supported oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal in neonatal severe respiratory failure for more than 4 decades. The definition and diagnosis of neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was made according to the criteria first established by a Montreux Conference in 2017. By far, there has been no ECMO efficiency studies in neonatal ARDS. We aimed to compare the outcomes of neonates with severe ARDS supported with and without ECMO. Design: Retrospective pair-matched study. Setting: In the present retrospective pair-matched study, the outcomes of severe ARDS with ECMO support and without ECMO support were analyzed and compared. Propensity score matching was conducted. The study subjects were selected from a China Neonatal ECMO (CNECMO) study. In total, five hospitals were included in the CNECMO study. The patients were matched with demographic and clinical data. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included ventilator-time, ICU stay, hospitalization costs and cranial MRI results. Patients: 145 neonates with severe ARDS (Oxygenation Index, OI ≥16) from 5 hospitals. Interventions: No interventions. Measurements and Main Results: We collected the data of 145 neonates with severe ARDS (Oxygenation Index, OI≥16) from 5 hospitals. Among them, 42 neonates received venoarterial (VA) ECMO support, and the remaining 103 neonates were treated with conventional mechanical ventilation. The mortality of ECMO-supported neonates was not significantly different compared with the ESLO neonatal respiratory-supported from 2012 to 2018 (23.8 vs. 32.5%, p = 0.230). After matching with the propensity score we got 31 pairs. The ECMO-supported neonates had a lower in-hospital mortality (6 of 31, 19.4%) vs. non ECMO-supported patients (18 of 31, 58.1%) (p = 0.002). Hospitalization costs of survivors in ECMO-supported neonates were significantly higher than that of non-ECMO-supported neonates (p < 0.001). There was no difference of ventilator-times (p = 0.206), ICU stay (p = 0.879) and cranial MRI (p = 0.899) between the survivors of ECMO-supported and non-ECMO-supported neonates with ARDS. Conclusions: By far, there has been no ECMO efficiency studies in neonatal ARDS. This study found that ECMO-support have superior outcomes compared with non-ECMO-support in neonates with severe ARDS.

Background: With the tremendous development of high-speed train (HST) network in China, HST medical transportation gradually surfaced and developed an alternative approach of long-distance medical transportation for critically ill patients. However, its safety and efficiency have not been well defined. We hypothesized that HST transportation is much more efficient and economical than the traditional land ambulance for long-distance transportation. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study involved all patients transported to a tertiary medical center from June 01, 2016, to June 30, 2019. All the patients were classified into two groups: HST group, and ambulance group. The propensity score matching method was performed for the comparison between the groups. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included duration of transportation, transportation cost, hospital stay, and hospitalization cost. Findings: A total of 509 critically ill children were transported and admitted; 40 were transported by HST, and the remaining 469 patients by ambulance. The transportation distance in the HST group was longer than that in the ambulance group (1894.5±907.09 vs. 902.66±735.74, p 0.05). There was no death report during transportation for all children. There was no difference between the groups regarding the transportation cost, hospital stays, and hospitalization cost (all p > 0.05). Interpretation: HST transportation network could be a promising approach to transport critically ill children in China and other countries, where an HST network has been well developed. Funding Statement: This study was supported by Capital Funds for Health Improvement and Research (2020-2-5093). Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the People’s Liberation Army general hospital (No.2016-039), and registered in ChiCTR (ChiCTR2000032306). Written consent was obtained from the parents or guardians. The methodology in this study was in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.

Loach exhibit conspicuous drilling behaviors in the mud of shallow waters, yet their burrow morphology and the factors affecting this behavior have received little attention. We characterized the burrow morphology and water quality of the pond loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus in three scenarios: in tanks without plants, tanks with the free-floating plant water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes, and tanks with water lettuce Pistia stratiotes. Water hyacinth effectively removed water TN, COD, NO3-N and NH4-N, and water lettuce removed water TP and NH4-N. Water hyacinth and water lettuce markedly reduced water turbidity and DO, increased TOC and EC. Water hyacinth purified water more effectively than water lettuce, providing a suitable habitat for loach feeding, living and burrowing. The burrow structures were V-shaped, Y-shaped, inverted L-shaped, or complicated dendritic networks composed of multiple V shapes. The hyacinth treatment was characterized by the greatest burrow volume, length, depth, and structural complexity, but the opening size was reduced by dense root mat coverage. Burrows in the water lettuce treatment were characterized by intermediate volume, length, branches and sinuosity, but they had the largest opening and pit size. The control treatment had a flat bottom with the smallest, shortest burrows. This study indicates that free-floating plants improve habitat suitability and change burrow morphology and may be used to improve loach breeding methods.

The indication for choosing the minimally invasive approach for large adrenal mass remains controversial. This study is to assess perioperative outcomes after minimally invasive adrenalectomy (MIA) versus open adrenalectomy (OA) for adrenal mass ≥ 6 cm.A cohort of 173 patients underwent adrenalectomy for adrenal mass ≥ 6 cm in our urology center between May 2005 and April 2018 was included. MIA was performed in 96 patients, whereas 77 patients underwent OA. We performed a retrospective propensity score-matched study to compare MIA versus OA.After propensity score-matched, 58 matched pairs of patients identified from each group. There were no significant differences between the groups in postoperative morbidity (p = 0.146), operative time (p = 0.163), intraoperative hypertension (p = 0.248) and drainage time (p = 0.188). Estimated blood loss, the rate of blood transfusions postoperative hospital stay was less in MIA group (p 0.0001; p = 0.007; p 0.0001). Total expense was significantly more in the MIA group [49379.28 (38496.69, 68008.69) CNY vs 39951.48 (30666.33, 50292.03) CNY, p = 0.001].MIA results in equivalent perioperative outcomes compared with OA and is an effective and safe surgical method for patients with an adrenal mass more than 6 cm in diameter.

Enhanced nutrient inputs due to human activities have been noted as a significant driving force for riverine nutrient exports which are responsible for the eutrophication issues in freshwaters. Current studies are mostly focused on the relationship between anthropogenic inputs and riverine exports, and little has been done to assess the role of nutrient mitigation measures in the fractional export of watershed nutrient inputs in urban regions. A highly urbanized watershed in Yun-Gui plateau of China, Lake Dianchi basin was studied as a case to assess the impact of nutrient mitigation measures on riverine nutrient exports. Based on net anthropogenic nitrogen and phosphorus inputs (NANI and NAPI, respectively) models, nutrient inputs from human activities in the basin from 1980 to 2015 were calculated, and the impact of nutrient mitigation measures were identified using a statistical model incorporating land use, precipitation, and temperature. Nutrient inputs from human action in the basin has increased rapidly, mainly from fertilizer application and food and feed imports. Enhanced riverine nutrient exports were found at the same time, and significantly correlated to nutrient inputs. The construction of water transfer projects and wastewater treatment plants in the basin has changed the controlling factors and processes of the fractional export of watershed nutrient inputs, which is weak in explanatory ability and eliminated the role of the land use. A modified model was established by incorporating the effect of water transfer projects and wastewater treatment plants, which showed a significant increase in model performance. The results from the modified model reveal that urban land percentage has become a positively driving force for the fractional export of watershed N and P inputs, and temperature a positive driving force for the fractional export of watershed N inputs while precipitation a negative driving force for the fractional export of watershed P inputs.

Osteoporosis (OP) treatment has always been challenging for elderly menopausal females. An animal model with a closer genetic association to human OP is essential for treatment research. Given its close genetic association to primates, the tree shrew is a suitable candidate for meeting the requirements for such an animal model. In the present study, a tree shrew OP model induced by ovariectomy (OVX), was established. Evaluation by multiple analysis methods, including blood biochemical indicators, uterus coefficients, micro-computed tomography analysis, histochemical analysis and scanning electron microscopic observation indicated that OVX was an appropriate method to establish the OP model in tree shrews. In addition, the biomolecular characteristics of OVX-induced osteoporosis were also assessed by transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The present study provides the methods used to confirm the successful establishment of the OP model in tree shrew, and suggests that the OP model is appropriate for human OP research.

As one of the biomanufacturing technologies, 3D bioprinting is becoming one effective way to solve the issues in tissue engineered constructs. In order to produce 3D cell-laden scaffolds to overcome the main technological barrier in cell distribution and nutrient supply and better mimic the in vivo cellular environment, hydrogel fibers were used to deposit in 3D bioprinting system and obtain the 3D cell-laden hydrogel structures. In the present work, we investigate the effects of flow rates on the dimensions of hydrogel fibers. The volume of fluid model by the computational fluid dynamics software package FLUENT 6.3.26 is applied to obtain the appropriate flow rates to produce hydrogel fibers. Different flow pattern in the coaxial model is obtained. In addition, a coaxial nozzle was used to fabricate hydrogel fibers under various flow rates to know its’ effects on the dimension of hydrogel fibers.

Human osteoblasts can be induced from somatic cells by introducing defined factors, however, the strategy limits cells therapeutic applications for its multi-factor and complicated genetic manipulations that may bring uncertainty into the genome. Another important cell type in bone metabolism, osteocytes, which play a central role in regulating the dynamic nature of bone in all its diverse functions, have not been obtained from transdifferetiation so far. Herein, we have established procedures to convert human fibroblast directly into osteocyte-like and osteoblast-like cells using a single transcription factor, Runx2 and chemical cocktails by activating Wnt and cAMP/PKA pathways. These induced osteoblast-like cells express osteogenic markers and generate mineralized nodule deposition. A good performance of bone formation from these cells was observed in subcutaneous site of mouse at 4 weeks post-transplantation. Moreover, further studies convert human fibroblasts into osteocyte-like cells by orchestrating timing of the aforementioned chemical cocktails exposure. These osteocyte-like cells express osteocyte-specific markers and display characteristic morphology features of osteocytes. In summary, this study provides a promising strategy for cell-based therapy in bone regenerative medicine by direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into osteocytes and osteoblasts.

One of the biggest challenges for tissue engineering is to efficiently provide oxygen and nutrients to cells on a three-dimensional (3D) engineered scaffold structure. Thus, achieving sufficient vascularization of the structure is a critical problem in tissue engineering. This facilitates the need to develop novel methods to enhance vascularization. Use of patterned hydrogel structures with multiscale channels can be used to achieve the required vascularization. Patterned structures need to be biocompatible and biodegradable. In this study, gelatin was used as the main part of a hydrogel to prepare a biological structure with 3D multiscale channels using bioprinting combined with selection of suitable materials and electrostatic spinning. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were then used to confirm efficacy of the structure, inferred from cell viability on different engineered construct designs. HUVECs were seeded on the surface of channels and cultured in vitro. HUVECs showed high viability and diffusion within the construct. This method can be used as a practical platform for the fabrication of engineered construct for vascularization.

The 2008 world financial crisis had led many industrialised countries to endure a significant decline in their GDPs. Though the Chinese government arranged a 4 trillion RMB stimulus package coupled with 30 trillion RMB of new bank credits in 2008–2010 to mitigate the impact of the world financial crisis, the growth of China’s international trade declined to a single-digit level after 10 years of rapid growth at more than 20% per annum since its WTO accession. The latest WTO Trade Policy Review for China is a timely piece of literature which provides excellent information on China’s current economic situation, its trade and investment policies and government’s priorities of policy support. In this article, we intend to reveal the latest development in the Chinese economy from the second half of 2011 and to predict what it may happen in the next a couple of years. China’s determination to ‘go global’ has not faded and China can only become more open in the future.

Vascularization plays a crucial role in the regeneration of different damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Vascularized networks bring sufficient nutrients and oxygen to implants and receptors. However, the fabrication of engineered structures with branched micro-channels (ESBM) is still the main technological barrier. To address this problem, this paper introduced a novel method for fabricating ESBM; the manufacturability and feasibility of this method was investigated. A triaxial nozzle with automatic cleaning function was mounted on a homemade 3D bioprinter to coaxially extrude sodium alginate (NaAlg) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) to form the hollow hydrogel fibers. With the incompleteness of cross-linking and proper trimming, ESBM could be produced rapidly. Different concentrations of NaAlg and CaCl2 were used to produce ESBM, and mechanical property tests were conducted to confirm the optimal material concentration for making the branched structures. Cell media could be injected into the branched channel, which showed a good perfusion. Fibroblasts were able to maintain high viability after being cultured for a few days, which verified the non-cytotoxicity of the gelation and fabrication process. Thus, hollow hydrogel fibers were proved to be a potential method for fabricating micro-channels for vascularization.

A modified Friedlander conversion of the cyclocondensation of aromatic o-aminonitriles with carbonyl compounds was discovered. Systematic studies reveal that both the new transformation and the classic Friedlander annulation in the presence of ZnCl2 constitute a pair of divergent reaction, and thecontrolled PDF transformation of this divergent reaction was achieved in the present of bases.

We discuss two types of micromachined flow sensors realized by using novel microfabrication processes—a hot-wire an- emometer ~based on thermal transfer! and a biologically inspired flow sensor ~based on momentum transfer!. Both sensors are enabled by a new, efficient three-dimensional assembly technique called the plastic deformation magnetic assembly method. The sensors can be packaged in high-density, two-dimensional arrays efficiently, with each sensor node capable of performing two-component or three- component flow sensing. We first discuss the development of new hot-wire anemometers ~HWA!. The HWA uses a thermal element ~hot wire! that is made of Pt/Ni/Pt film with a measured temperature coefficient of resistance of 2,700 ppm/°C. The thermal element is elevated out of plane by using support beams made of polyimide, a polymer material. Both steady-state and transient characteristics of the sensor have been experimentally obtained. The second type of flow sensor is based on momentum transfer principles and inspired by fish lateral line sensors. Each sensor consists of a vertical cilium attached to a horizontal cantilever. Fluid flow imparts moment on the vertical cilium, and causes the horizontal cantilever to bend. The fabrication process and preliminary measurement data are presented.

In the Friedlaender annulation of aromatic o-aminonitriles (I) with carbonyl compounds (II) and (V) in the presence of zinc chloride, a new transformation is observed constituting a pair of divergent reaction.

Spoken-language verification system uses classifier combination method to improve its performance. The number of classifiers combined determines the system's costs in time and calculation. Hence, we aim to get the optimal classifier ensemble with less cost and good performance. We hope to find some characteristics of classifier ensemble closely linked to its equal error rate (EER) and then choose the optimal classifier ensemble based on them. Two new diversity measures were proposed. Through rank correlation coefficients between them and EER, we found new diversity measures had closer correlation with the performance of system. Final results showed combining two new measures is the most effective to choose the optimal classifier ensemble, which makes system 14.71% best relative decrease in EER and about 60% best relative decrease in costs. We also explored preliminarily the robustness of this method over open-set corpus.