Search

This study provides detailed description of a newly-discovered Callicarpa yongshunensis Wen B. Xu, Xiao D. Li & Yan Ling Liu (Lamiaceae) species from Hunan, China. The species shares similarities in the inflorescence, glandular colour and leaf shape features with C. luteopunctata H. T. Chang and C. giraldii Hesse ex Rehd., while its white fruits are similar to those of C. longifolia Lamk. However, its procumbent, evergreen shrub and white fruits are distinctly different from those of C. luteopunctata and C. giraldii, while its procumbent, scarless nodes and stellate pubescence free fruits distinguishes it from C. longifolia. Images, distribution, morphological features, molecular phylogenetic classification and conservation assessment of this new Callicarpa species are explored.

The electronic-structure evolutions of few-layer black phosphorus (BP) under pressure shows a wealth of phenomena, such as the nonmonotonic change of direct gap at the Γ point, the layer-number dependence, and the distinct responses to normal and hydrostatic pressures. A full and unified understanding to these rich phenomena remains lacking. Here, we provide a unified understanding from the competition between interlayer quasibonding (QB) interactions and intralayer chemical bonding interactions. The former decreases while the latter increases the band gap under pressure and the origin can be correlated to different combinations of inter- and intralayer antibonding or bonding interactions at the band edges. More interestingly, the interlayer QB interactions are a coexistence of two categories of interactions, namely, the coexistence of interactions between bands of the same occupancy (occupied-occupied and empty-empty interactions) and of different occupancies (occupied-empty interaction); and, the overall effect is a four-level interaction, which explains the anomalous interlayer-antibonding feature of the conduction band edge of bilayer BP. Our current study lays the foundation for the electronic-structure tuning of two-dimensional (2D) BP, and, our analysis method for multi-energy-level interactions can be applied to other 2D semiconductor homo- and heterostructures that have occupied-empty interlayer interactions.

Abstract Background The imaging features of focal liver lesions (FLLs) are diverse and complex. Diagnosing FLLs with imaging alone remains challenging. We developed and validated an interpretable deep learning model for the classification of seven categories of FLLs on multisequence MRI and compared the differential diagnosis between the proposed model and radiologists. Methods In all, 557 lesions examined by multisequence MRI were utilised in this retrospective study and divided into training–validation (n = 444) and test (n = 113) datasets. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the performance of the model. The accuracy and confusion matrix of the model and individual radiologists were compared. Saliency maps were generated to highlight the activation region based on the model perspective. Results The AUC of the two- and seven-way classifications of the model were 0.969 (95% CI 0.944–0.994) and from 0.919 (95% CI 0.857–0.980) to 0.999 (95% CI 0.996–1.000), respectively. The model accuracy (79.6%) of the seven-way classification was higher than that of the radiology residents (66.4%, p = 0.035) and general radiologists (73.5%, p = 0.346) but lower than that of the academic radiologists (85.4%, p = 0.291). Confusion matrices showed the sources of diagnostic errors for the model and individual radiologists for each disease. Saliency maps detected the activation regions associated with each predicted class. Conclusion This interpretable deep learning model showed high diagnostic performance in the differentiation of FLLs on multisequence MRI. The analysis principle contributing to the predictions can be explained via saliency maps.

Abstract Six new triterpenoid saponins, aesculusosides A–F (1–6), together with 19 known ones, were isolated from the seeds of Aesculus chinensis. The new structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with previously reported data. Some of the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 cell line by an MTT assay, and compounds 15, 16, 19, and 23–25 exhibited inhibitory activities against MCF-7 with IC50 values ranging from 7.1 to 31.3 μM. Graphical Abstract

Background: Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is effective in treating sebaceous hyperplasia (SH). However, only short pulse-duration PDL (SPDL) has been used in previous studies. Objectives: To determine whether long pulse-duration PDL (LPDL) can achieve comparable efficacy in treating SH with fewer side effects versus SPDL. Methods: Eight patients with a total of 75 SH lesions were enrolled. Each SH lesion was randomized to be treated with two sessions of 595-nm SPDL with 0.45-millisecond pulse duration or 595-nm LPDL with 20-millisecond pulse duration. The second session was performed 4 weeks after the first session. Side effects including pain and post-treatment purpura were recorded. Follow-up examinations were conducted at 1 week and 4 weeks after the first session, and at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after the second session for repeated photography and assessing the diameter and thickness of each lesion, post-treatment purpura, and other adverse events. Results: All SH lesions responded to two sessions of PDL treatments. The reduction ratio of lesion diameter was 76.3% in the SPDL group and 70.0% in the LPDL group after two sessions of treatments (p = 0.644). The reduction ratio of lesion thickness was 79.6% in the SPDL group and 72.7% in the LPDL group after two sessions of treatment (p = 0.187). The mean intensity of pain was 3.13 on a 0–10-point scale for SPDL and 3.60 for LPDL (p = 0.660). The intensity of immediate post-treatment purpura was 4.13 on a 0–5-point scale for SPDL, and 1.80 for LPDL (p

Background: Dermoscopy is a useful technique for improving the diagnostic accuracy of various types of skin disorders. Although the technique has been widely adopted by European, Australian, and United States dermatologists, only limited information is available on the prevalence of dermoscopy use in Taiwan. Objectives: We assessed the use and barriers to adoption of dermoscopy among Taiwanese dermatologists to determine the relationship between dermoscopy use and the characteristics of dermoscopy users. Methods: A questionnaire of 20 items regarding demographic characteristics, dermoscopy training, and application was mailed to all dermatologists listed in the 2013 Taiwanese Dermatological Association registry. Results: Of the 950 mailed questionnaires, 202 were returned and 195 were identified to be eligible. Of the valid respondents, 51.8% used dermoscopy and 62.1% had attended courses for dermoscopy training. Dermoscopy use was significantly associated with women (p = 0.018), residents (p

Relaxin-3 is a highly conserved two-chain neuropeptide that acts through its endogenous receptor the Relaxin Family Peptide-3 (RXFP3) receptor. The ligand/receptor system is known to modulate several physiological processes, with changes in food intake and anxiety-levels the most well studied in rodent models. Agonist and antagonist analogues based on the native two-chain peptide are costly to synthesise and not ideal drug leads. Since RXFP3 interacting residues are found in the relaxin B-chain only, this has been the focus of analogue development. The B-chain is unstructured without the A-chain support, but in single-chain variants structure can be induced by dicarba-based helical stapling strategies. Here we investigated whether alternative helical inducing strategies also can enhance structure and activity at RXFP3. Combinations of the helix inducing α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) were incorporated into the sequence of the relaxin-3 B-chain. Aib residues at positions 13, 17 and 18 partially reintroduce helicity and activity of the relaxin-3 B-chain, but other positions are generally not suited for modifications. We identify Thr21 as a putative new receptor contact residue important for RXFP3 binding. Cysteine residues were also incorporated into the sequence and cross-linked with dichloroacetone or α, α’-dibromo-m-xylene. However, in contrast to previously reported dicarba variants, neither were found to promote structure and RXFP3 activity.

The formation of the crystalline phase of polypropylene in the presence of four different types of CaCO3 was studied. All composites were prepared by melt mixing and extrusion and the concentration of CaCO3 was maintained at 5 wt %. Furthermore, in another series of composites, 5 wt % of polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) was added for comparison. The tensile strength, flexural modulus and impact resistance of the composites were determined. The composites were also analyzed by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) and WAXD (wide angle x-ray diffractometry) in order to understand and quantify the beta crystalline phase. The results indicated that the composite having the smallest CaCO3 size and PP-g-MA presented the best combined mechanical properties, therefore, the highest impact resistance, flexural modulus and tensile strength were observed, which were attributed to the proportionally higher concentration of beta crystalline phase.

Background: Acral volar melanocytic lesions have a high potential for malignancy. Dermoscopy is a useful, noninvasive tool for the diagnosis of such malignancies. The use of immersion fluids can provide better visual effects and improve the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopic examinations. Methods: Fifteen volar melanocytic lesions, including two palmar and 13 plantar lesions, were included in our study. We compared the visual effects of two different immersion fluids as an interface for dermoscopy. Four combinations of immersion fluid (ultrasound jelly or mineral oil) and observation mode (polarized or nonpolarized light) were compared for visual effects during the dermoscopic examination of lesions based on air bubble inclusion and microstructure visibility. Results: Both the mineral oil and the ultrasound jelly allowed at least one microstructure to be clearly visible in each image of the acral volar melanocytic lesions examined. All modes of observation achieved acceptable visual effects. The use of mineral oil and the polarized light mode resulted in the formation of fewer bubbles than the use of mineral oil and the nonpolarized light mode (p

This work studies the influence of the film deposition process on light emission performance and on threshold voltage of OLEDs, with architecture glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PVK/Alq3/Al. The commercial PVK was dissolved in different solvents such as: chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene and trimethylpentane. OLEDs were characterized by current-voltage and revealed a significant influence of the solvents, although all devices emitted green electroluminescence. A difference in threshold voltage up to 10 V was observed among OLEDs prepared from different solvents. The 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene showed best performance, presenting lowest treshold voltage (≈ 6 V), followed by tetrahydrofuran (≈ 8 V), trimethylpentane (≈ 14 V) and chloroform (≈ 16 V).

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder causing nonscarring hair loss. Alopecia totalis (AT), the severe form of AA, is usually refractory to many first-line treatments including topical and intralesional corticosteroids and topical immunotherapy. Systemic corticosteroids, ultraviolet light phototherapy, and immunosuppressants may be effective but can cause side effects and high recurrence rates after discontinuing treatment. Janus kinase inhibitors and numerous types of lasers, such as 308 nm excimer laser or light, low-level laser therapy, and fractional lasers have been explored for alternative treatment of AA over the past few years with beneficial effects. Herein, we presented a case of AT treated with the novel 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser (ps-Nd:YAG) (Cutera, Brisbane, CA, USA) under a split-scalp study. A 25-year-old woman presenting with AT for two years was treated with topical and intralesional steroid and the 1064 nm Nd-YAG picosecond laser on the right half of the scalp. The laser treatment interval was once a month. The left half of the scalp was treated with topical and intralesional steroids alone. After treatment for six times, the right half of the scalp had greater improvement than the left half of the scalp. 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser therapy may be an effective alternative adjuvant treatment for AT.

Nucleocapsid (N) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a major pathological determinant in the host that may cause host cell apoptosis, upregulate the proinflammatory cytokine production, and block innate immune responses. Therefore, N gene has long been thought an ideal target for the design of small interference RNA (siRNA). siRNA is a class of small non-coding RNAs with a size of 21-25nt that functions post-transcriptionally to block targeted gene expression. In this study, we analyzed the N gene coding sequences derived from 16 different isolates, and found that nucleotide deletions and substitutions are mainly located at the first 440nt sequence. Combining previous reports and the above sequence information, we create three novel siRNAs that specifically target the conserved and unexploited regions in the N gene. We show that these siRNAs could effectively and specifically block the isolated N gene expression in mammal cells. Furthermore, we provide evidence to show that N gene can effectively up-regulate M gene mediated interferon b (IFNb) production, while blocking N gene expression by specific siRNA significantly reduces IFNb gene expression. Our data indicate that the inhibitory effect of siRNA on the isolated N gene expression might be influenced by the sequence context around the targeted sites.

The aims of this study were to examine unfavorable attitudes toward receiving methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and associated factors among inmates using intravenous heroin in Taiwan. A total of 315 inmates using intravenous heroin were recruited. Their unfavorable attitudes toward receiving MMT after discharge from prison were evaluated using the Client Attitudes Toward Methadone Programs Scale. The associations of unfavorable attitudes toward receiving MMT with sociodemographic and drug-using characteristics, human immunodeficiency virus serostatus, perceived family support, and depression were examined using multiple regression analysis. The results of this study showed that the mean score of unfavorable attitudes toward receiving MMT, determined on the Client Attitudes Toward Methadone Programs Scale, was 9.918 (standard deviation=2.277, range=5–20). Heroin-using inmates who were young, started using heroin earlier, perceived many advantages and few disadvantages of heroin use, had never received MMT, and had severe depression, had unfavorable attitudes toward receiving MMT. Based on the results of this study, we suggest that inmates who have the factors associated with unfavorable attitudes toward receiving MMT should receive intervention and motivational interviewing to improve their attitudes toward MMT and to increase their opportunity to receive MMT after discharge from prison.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a class of duplex RNA molecules of 21-25 nt nucleotides in length functioning post-transcriptionally to downregulate targeted gene expression. The membrane (M) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is highly abundant during viral infections and is a critical element for viral assembly. Nucleotide substitution in the viral genome occurs frequently during SARS-CoV infection. In the current study, we analyzed the M gene sequences derived from 15 SARS-CoV isolates and uncovered six nucleotide substitutions among these isolates. Interestingly, these nucleotide substitutions are all located at the 5’ half of the M gene. Based on this information and previous reports, we created two novel siRNAs targeting two unexploited and well conserved regions in the M gene. The effects of these two siRNAs were tested by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and EGFP-M fusion gene expression. The results demonstrated that both siRNAs effectively and specifically blocked the targeted gene expression. Real time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that siRNA targeting the 3’ half of the M gene (si-M2) induced more potent inhibition than that targeting the 5’ half (si-M1). Both si-M1 and si-M2 significantly downregulated M gene mediated upregulation of interferon b expression. Thus, our results indicate that SARS-CoV M gene specific siRNA might function in a sequence-dependent manner.

An UV-Ozone reactor was developed with an ignition tube extracted into HID mercury lamp used to irradiation on zinc oxide (ZnO) and fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) films for PLEDs devices. Different exposures times were used. In contact angle measurements revealed better results for ZnO and FTO by 15 and 5 min, respectively. In Diffuse Reflectance Infra-red Fourier Transformed (DRIFT) spectroscopy allowed the observation of water, hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide adsorbed on the untreated TCO surfaces. After the UV-Ozone treatment the contaminants were significantly reduced or eliminated and the PLEDs devices decreased threshold voltages in comparison with respectively untreated TCOs.

Predictors of mortality in blunt chest trauma patients have mostly been studied by univariate analysis. This study used multivariate analysis to identify the independent predictors in these patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Methods: One hundred and twenty-seven blunt thoracic trauma patients consecutively admitted to a SICU were enrolled and evaluated by quantified injury severity scores including Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS) and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Incidence of thoracic and extrathoracic injuries, transfusion and resuscitation volumes, PaO2/FIO2 ratio and the presence of shock were also evaluated. Results: In the univariate analysis, clinical characteristics of survivors (n = 113) and non-survivors (n = 14) at admission were similar regarding age, gender, incidence of intrathoracic injuries and extrathoracic injuries and ISS. The following variables were higher for non-survivors: APACHE II score, 19 ± 6 vs. 12 ± 6 (p = 0.002); TISS points, 39 ± 13 vs. 29 ± 15 (p = 0.019); the presence of shock, 93% vs. 42% (p < 0.001). Non-survivors also had lower GCS, 8 ± 5 vs.14 ± 3 (p < 0.001), and PaO2/FIO2 ratio, 211 ± 124 vs. 340 ± 145 (p = 0.002). Of the shock patients, they had significantly higher volumes of blood transfusions and fluid resuscitations (p < 0.001) and a higher incidence of abdominal injuries (p = 0.031) and mortality rate (p < 0.001) than non-shock patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified three independent risk factors of mortality: GCS (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.89; p = 0.001), PaO2/FIO2 ratio (adjusted OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58-0.98; p = 0.036) and shock (adjusted OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.24-11.69; p = 0.020). Conclusion: Blunt chest trauma was usually associated with injuries of other organ systems, especially of the abdomen and head. Besides a decreased PaO2/FIO2, a lower GCS and a presence of shock were also independent prognostic predictors of mortality for these patients admitted to the ICU.

No presente trabalho foram preparados poliuretanos (PUs) segmentados. Primeiramente foi obtido um pré-polímero (PP) a partir da reação de 2,4 e 2,6 - diisocianato de tolileno (TDI) e poli(épsilon-caprolactona) diol (PCL). A PCL é um poliéster biodegradável que constituiu o segmento flexível do PU. O segmento rígido foi constituído por unidades uretânicas provenientes da ligação entre as extremidades isocianato do PP e as hidroxilas do extensor de cadeia: 1,4 - butanodiol (BDO), ou sacarose (SAC), ou glicose (GLY). Foram avaliadas as propriedades mecânicas e dinâmico-mecânicas dos poliuretanos obtidos e estas foram correlacionadas com os parâmetros estruturais. Os resultados foram justificados com base na intensidade das interações de hidrogênio, na mistura de fases, no volume dos extensores cíclicos e na presença de ligações cruzadas. Estes PUs estão sendo estudados com vistas à preparação de materiais biodegradáveis com propriedades mecânicas úteis.Segmented polyurethanes containing polycaprolactone as soft segment were prepared taking into account the biodegradable character of this compound. The hard block was produced by the reaction between tolylene diisocyanate and a chain extender (1,4 butanediol, sucrose or glucose). The mechanical and dynamical properties were evaluated as a function of the contents of rigid blocks. The results were analyzed on the basis of the intermolecular interactions, mainly H bonds, phase mixture, volume of cyclic chain extenders and crosslinking. These polyurethanes are being studied aiming at the preparation of biodegradable materials with useful mechanical properties.

Neste trabalho, é mostrada a síntese de homopolímeros de p-acetoxiestireno e copolímeros diblocos de p-acetoxiestireno com isopreno, utilizando um iniciador TEMPO-modificado, por um processo de polimerização "viva" via radical livre. As análises de GPC indicaram a formação de copolímeros em bloco com massas molares e polidispersão mais altas quando comparadas aos dos homopolímeros correspondentes. Os copolímeros em bloco poli(p-acetoxiestireno-b-isopreno) foram preparados com controle de composição e massa molar até 94500 u.m.a. As análises de DSC mostraram que a transição vítrea do bloco de p-acetoxiestireno foi de 5 a 18 °C mais baixa que aquelas obtidas para os homopolímeros correspondentes. A transição vítrea do bloco de isopreno apresentou valores similares àqueles dos homopolímeros de poliisopreno (-67 a -55 °C).In this work we show the synthesis of homopolymers and diblock copolymers of p-acetoxystyrene and isoprene by using TEMPO-modified free radical initiator. The GPC analyses have shown an increase in the molar masses and in the polydispersity of the copolymers in comparison with their corresponding homopolymer. Poly(p-acetoxystyrene-b-isoprene) were prepared with good control of composition and molar mass up to 94,500 a.m.u. DSC analyses have shown a glass transition temperature decrease of 5-18 °C for the poly(p-acetoxystyrene) segment in copolymers compared to that observed for the parent homopolymer. The glass transition temperature of polyisoprene segment in copolymers remained similar to those observed for the homopolymers (-67 to -55 °C).

Duas séries de copolímeros triblocos, poli (ácido lático-b-etileno glicol) (PLA-PEO-PLA), foram sintetizados a partir do éster cíclico l,l-lactideo, usando octoato de estanho como iniciador e poli (etileno glicol) (PEG) (Mn = 4000 ou 600), di-hidróxi terminado, como co-iniciador. A ligação química entre os segmentos PEG e PLA foi confirmada pelas técnicas de espectroscopia no infravermelho (FTIR) e Ressonância Magnética Nuclear de Hidrogênio (RMN-¹H) e análise térmica. O grau de polimerização do bloco PLA, DP PLA, no copolímero foi estimado por RMN-¹H e mostrou variação em função da massa molar do PEG e do aumento da concentração relativa de l,l lactídeo na mistura reacional. O aspecto dos copolímeros sintetizados variou de acordo com o tamanho dos blocos hidrofílico e hidrofóbico presentes em sua estrutura. Testes de solubilidade mostraram comportamento anfifílico para o produto sintetizado. Os segmentos de PLA formaram uma fase cristalina enquanto a fase cristalina correspondente aos segmentos PEG não foi observada.Two series of tri-block copolymers, poly(lactic acid-b-ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG-PLA), were synthesized from l,l-lactide using stannous di-octoate as initiator and di-hydroxy terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (Mn= 600 or 4000) as co-initiator. The chemical linkage between the PEG segment and the PLA segments was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR) and thermal analyses. The polymerization degree of PLA segments in copolymers, DP PLA, was estimated from ¹H-NMR spectra and has shown a dependence on the PEG molar mass and the relative l,l-lactide feed concentration. The physical aspect of copolymers changed according to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments lengths. The solubility tests revealed the amphiphilic nature of copolymers. Longer PLA segments in copolymers still presented crystallinity while the crystallization of the PEG segments was suppressed.