Search

MXenes exhibit significant potential in thermoelectric materials owing to their exceptional electrical conductivity; however, their limited number of semiconductors restricts their application. Thus, it is highly desirable to expand the MXene family beyond carbides and nitrides to broaden their applications in thermoelectricity. In this work, we systematically investigate the thermoelectric transport of Ti2OX2 (X = F, Cl) MOene through comprehensively evaluating the electron–phonon coupling (EPC) from first principles. Our findings first emphasize the limitations of the deformation potential theory method and stress the importance of considering EPC. Ti2OF2 (Ti2OCl2) monolayer exhibits exceptional electronic transport, with Seebeck coefficients reaching 1483.87 (1206.22) μV/K and electrical conductivity reaching 9.5 × 105 (7.6 × 105) Ω−1 m−1 at room temperature for its N-type counterpart. Additionally, the presence of degenerate multiple valleys and peaks significantly enhances their electronic transport. For phonon transport, EPC results in a significant reduction in lattice thermal conductivity (kL) [e.g., at 300 K with 1.44 × 1015 (1.68 × 1015) cm−2 of hole, the reduction is 86.3% (73.3%) for Ti2OF2 (Ti2OCl2)]. Additionally, their kL demonstrates a strong correlation with the density of states at corresponding Fermi levels. Moreover, the kL and total thermal conductivity of P-type Ti2OF2 show T-independence, making it suitable for applications in aviation and thermal insulation materials. Finally, N-type Ti2OF2 and Ti2OCl2 demonstrate superior zT values of 0.63 and 0.9 at 900 K, respectively. This study provides in-depth insights into the superior thermoelectric properties of Ti2OX2 (X = F, Cl) MOene with considering EPC, providing a novel platform for the next-generation thermoelectric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by the recent experimental synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) NbOI2 which possesses a moderate bandgap and outstanding absorption of sunlight, using the first-principles calculations, we conduct a thorough study of the geometric configuration, electronic structures, and photocatalytic properties for NbOX2 (X = Cl, Br, I) monolayers. These NbOX2 monolayers have been demonstrated to be dynamically, thermally, and mechanically stable. The significant anisotropic mechanical properties of NbOX2 monolayers are reflected by the calculated Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. Our results indicate that these NbOX2 materials unfold semiconductor characters with indirect bandgaps of 1.886, 1.909, and 1.813 eV, respectively. Among these monolayers, it is found that the NbOBr2 system exhibits a favorable photocatalytic activity in an acidic condition (pH = 0), and the NbOI2 monolayer can act as a potential photocatalyst for spontaneous photocatalytic water splitting under a neutral environment (pH = 7). Furthermore, the response of bandgap and band edge positions of NbOX2 monolayers to the exerting in-plane strain (–6% to 6%) are investigated. These NbOX2 monolayers also show strong light absorption from the visible to ultraviolet region and anisotropic high carrier transport. Particularly, the high solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of the NbOCl2 (1% tensile strain), NbOBr2, and NbOI2 monolayers are predicted to be 14.11% (pH = 0), 16.34% (pH = 0), and 17.05% (pH = 7), respectively. Therefore, we expect the NbOX2 monolayers to be promising candidates for highly efficient photocatalytic water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has affected the various aspects of social service delivery worldwide. Explicitly, pediatric service was affected mainly due to the travel restrictions, and children were at heightened risk due to these circumstances. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the Pediatric Clinical Practice in a Chinese children's hospital to describe and acknowledge the impact of COVID-19 on the pediatric healthcare system. For this purpose, the hospital's outpatient registration database was the primary information source, which comprises demographic data, including age, gender, city of residence, and hospital departments visited. Data on patients admitted from January 25, 2019, to April 16, 2019, were collected and used as a baseline. The results revealed that the number of pediatric visits to the case study hospital decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for 40% of that in 2019, especially during the early stage of the pandemic. The proportion of pediatric patients from outside Chongqing decreased by approximately 14% in the early stages and increased by 24% in the second and third stages, corresponding to an overall decrease of 8.5%. Accordingly, the hospital responds to COVID-19 by providing valuable information and a guiding framework to the rest of the world on how to respond to a crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The brain functional network plays a crucial role in cognitive impairment in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Based on voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC), this study explored how directed functional connectivity changes and is associated with impaired cognition in right TLE (rTLE). Methods: Twenty-seven patients with rTLE and twenty-seven healthy controls were included to perform VMHC and Granger causality analysis (GCA). Correlation analysis was performed based on GCA and cognitive function. Results: Bilateral middle frontal gyrus (MFG), middle temporal gyrus, dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (SFGdor), and supramarginal gyrus (SMG) exhibited decreased VMHC values in the rTLE group. Brain regions with altered VMHC had abnormal directed functional connectivity with multiple brain regions, mainly belonging to the default mode network, sensorimotor network, and visual network. Besides, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was positively correlated with the connectivity from the left SFGdor to the right cerebellum crus2 and was negatively correlated with the connectivity from the left SMG to the right supplementary motor area (SMA) before correction. Before correction, both phasic and intrinsic alertness reaction time were positively correlated with the connectivity from the left MFG to the left precentral gyrus (PreCG), connectivity from the left SMG to the right PreCG, and the connectivity from the left SMG to the right SMA. The executive control effect reaction time was positively correlated with the connectivity from the left MFG to the left calcarine fissure surrounding cortex before correction. Conclusion: The disordered functional network tended to be correlated with cognition impairment in rTLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The management of vascular malformations is complex and challenging. This study aimed to explore efficacy, plasma trough concentrations of sirolimus, post-withdrawal conditions, and adverse reactions of sirolimus in treating complex vascular malformations. Methods: In our center, we analyzed vascular malformations treated with sirolimus (and corticosteroid) from August 2017 to June 2021. Meanwhile, we reviewed the medical records, the efficacy, side effects, and laboratory tests. Patients who had stopped taking sirolimus were followed up by telephone. Results: A total of 25 patients with complicated vascular malformations in our center, including 7 females and 18 males aged 4 months to 15 years, were enrolled. In all, 19 patients (76.0%) responded to sirolimus, and the plasma concentration of sirolimus fluctuated between 0.97 and 27.15 ng/ml. In all, 24 patients (96.0%) were in follow-up. A total of 15 patients (62.5%) stopped taking sirolimus during follow-up, and 2 patients (13.3%) discontinued the sirolimus due to side effects. A total of 3 patients (20.0%) restarted sirolimus treatment. Conclusion: Starting dose of 1.5–2 mg/m2 sirolimus is effective and safe in vascular malformation treatment. The best treatment regimen and discontinuation indications needed more investigation. Most should be done about targeted therapy to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aim Patients/Methods Results Conclusions Double‐eyelid blepharoplasty is a popular cosmetic procedure in Asia; however, there are some drawbacks to this procedure for mild blepharoptosis. Enhancing movement of the levator aponeurosis can correct blepharoptosis through the release of fibrous web bands present between the preaponeurotic fat pad and levator aponeurosis.To improve our understanding of the anatomical link between the levator aponeurosis and orbital septum fat and to introduce that the release of the link can provide favorable results in double‐eyelid blepharoplasty.We included patients with latent ptosis or subclinical blepharoptosis who underwent double‐eyelid blepharoplasty with the release of fibrous web bands between June 2021 and March 2023. Mild ptosis was corrected following complete release of the fibrous bands beneath the preaponeurotic fat pad. Patients were followed up for 4–12 months postoperatively, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. Patient demographic variables and photographs were collected pre‐ and postoperatively. Patients, surgeons, and laypersons were asked to evaluate the outcomes postoperatively. The Friedman's nonparametric (for repeated measures) two‐way analysis of variance was used for statistical analyses.Outcomes were assessed in 45 individuals with an average monitoring period of 6.9 months. There were no cases of incomplete eyelid closure or upper eyelid ectropion. Over 50% of the surgical outcomes were deemed “satisfactory” by each of the three groups in relation to the widening of the eyelid fissure. Most of the examined patients demonstrated favorable long‐term results.Fibrous web bands are implicated in subclinical or mild blepharoptosis. The release of fibrous web bands between the preaponeurotic fat pad and levator aponeurosis can provide favorable results in double‐eyelid blepharoplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorinated polyurethane (FPU) is a new kind of polyurethane (PU) material with great applicational potential, which is attributed to its high bond energy C-F bonds. Its unique low surface energy, excellent thermal stability, and chemical stability have attracted considerable research attention. FPU with targeted performance can be precisely synthesized through designing fluorochemicals as hard segments, soft segments, or additives and changes to the production process to satisfy the needs of coatings, clothing textiles, and the aerospace and biomedical industries for materials that are hydrophobic and that are resistant to weathering, heat, and flames and that have good biocompatibility. Here, the synthesis, structure, properties, and applications of FPU are comprehensively reviewed. The aims of this research are to shed light on the design scheme, synthesis method, structure, and properties of FPU synthesized from different kinds of fluorochemicals and their applications in different fields and the prospects for the future development of FPU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies in the U.S. have simultaneously examined general and race-based bullying with consideration of school-level racial composition. The current study examined victimization as a function of school racial composition, in minority-majority and diverse schools (N = 1911, Mage = 13.7 years) enrolled in 7th grade in 24 public schools (42.3% Hispanics, 9.0% non-Hispanic White, 28.9% non-Hispanic Black, and 19.7% non-Hispanic Asian). Multilevel regression analyses suggest student-level protective factors related to both forms of victimization, but, school racial composition was only significant in explaining race-based bullying. Specifically, minority-majority schools had lower levels of race-based victimization compared to racially diverse schools. Findings suggest that consideration of school contextual factors offers a more nuanced understanding of the relation between race and victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging population suffers from memory impairments. Slow-wave activity (SWA) is composed of slow (0.5–1 Hz) and delta (1–4 Hz) oscillations, which play important roles in long-term memory and working memory function respectively. SWA disruptions might lead to memory disturbances often experienced by older adults. We conducted behavioral tests in young and older C57BL/6 J mice. SWA was monitored using wide-field imaging with voltage sensors. Cell-specific calcium imaging was used to monitor the activity of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in these mice. Older mice exhibited impairments in working memory but not memory consolidation. Voltage-sensor imaging revealed aberrant synchronization of neuronal activity in older mice. Notably, we found older mice exhibited no significant alterations in slow oscillations, whereas there was a significant increase in delta power compared to young mice. Calcium imaging revealed hypoactivity in inhibitory neurons of older mice. Combined, these results suggest that neural activity disruptions might correlate with aberrant memory performance in older mice. • Slow wave activity disruptions lead to memory disturbances in older adults. • Older mice show impairments in working memory, but not memory consolidation. • Older mice showed abnormal synchronization of neuronal activity across the cortex. • Older mice exhibited aberrant activity of inhibitory neurons within the circuit. • The neural activity disruptions may be related to memory impairments in Older mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of liraglutide on myocardial injury in acute myocardial infarction rats by regulating phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B signaling. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, liraglutide group (0.6 mg/kg liraglutide), LY294002 (phosphoinositide 3 kinase inhibitor) (1.5 mg/kg LY294002) and liraglutide+LY294002 (LY294002 after liraglutide), with 12 rats in each group. Except for the sham group, the acute myocardial infarction rat model was constructed by coronary artery ligation. After successful mold making, the drug group was treated according to the administration method of each group, and the group was injected with equal amount of normal saline intraperitoneally for 2 w. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography, hemodynamics were recorded by polygraph, myocardial histopathological changes were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining, the degree of fibrosis was observed by Masson staining, and the expression of autophagy-related factors and proteins related to phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway was detected in rats by Western blot. As compared to the sham group, a significant decrease in cardiac function, the degree of myocardial tissue damage and the degree of fibrosis, the expression of autophagy-related proteins and phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B pathway-related proteins was significantly decreased; compared to the model group, the cardiac function, degree of fibrosis in liraglutide rats, the expression of autophagy-related proteins and phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B pathway-related proteins was significantly increased; in contrast to the liraglutide group, cardiac function was significantly reduced in the liraglutide+LY2940002 group, the degree of myocardial tissue damage and the degree of fibrosis, the expression of autophagy-related proteins and phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B pathway-related proteins was significantly decreased; compared with the LY2940002 group, the extent of cardiac function, myocardial tissue damage and fibrosis were alleviated in liraglutide+LY2940002 group rats, the expression of autophagy-related proteins and phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B pathway-related proteins was significantly increased. Liraglutide can improve the myocardial injury and protect the cardiac function by activating the phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B signal pathway in acute myocardial infarction rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study involved the design and synthesis of a series of novel 4-chromanone-derived compounds. Their in vivo anti-cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) activity in field trials against CMV disease in Passiflora spp. was then assessed. Bioassay results demonstrated that compounds 7c and 7g exhibited remarkable curative effects and protection against CMV, with inhibition rates of 57.69% and 51.73% and 56.13% and 52.39%, respectively, surpassing those of dufulin and comparable to ningnanmycin. Field trials results indicated that compound 7c displayed significant efficacy against CMV disease in Passiflora spp. (passion fruit) after the third spraying at a concentration of 200 mg/L, with a relative control efficiency of 47.49%, surpassing that of dufulin and comparable to ningnanmycin. Meanwhile, nutritional quality test results revealed that compound 7c effectively enhanced the disease resistance of Passiflora spp., as evidenced by significant increases in soluble protein, soluble sugar, total phenol, and chlorophyll contents in Passiflora spp. leaves as well as improved the flavor and taste of Passiflora spp. fruits, as demonstrated by notable increases in soluble protein, soluble sugar, soluble solid, and vitamin C contents in Passiflora spp. fruits. Additionally, a transcriptome analysis revealed that compound 7c primarily targeted the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway, a crucial plant hormone signal transduction pathway, thereby augmenting resistance against CMV disease in Passiflora spp. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential application of these novel 4-chromanone-derived compounds as effective inducers of plant immunity for controlling CMV disease in Passiflora spp. in the coming decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colonoscopy is a classic diagnostic method with possible complications including abdominal pain and diarrhoea. In this study, gut microbiota dynamics and related metabolic products during and after colonoscopy were explored to accelerate gut microbiome balance through probiotics. Methods: The gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed in four healthy subjects before and after colonoscopy, along with seven individuals supplemented with Clostridium butyricum. We employed 16S rRNA sequencing and GC–MS to investigate these changes. We also conducted bioinformatic analysis to explore the buk gene, encoding butyrate kinase, across C. butyricum strains from the human gut. Results: The gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of four healthy subjects were recovered on the 7th day after colonoscopy. We found that Clostridium and other bacteria might have efficient butyric acid production through bioinformatic analysis of the buk and assessment of the transcriptional level of the buk. Supplementation of seven healthy subjects with Clostridium butyricum after colonoscopy resulted in a quicker recovery and stabilization of gut microbiota and fecal SCFAs on the third day. Conclusion: We suggest that supplementation of Clostridium butyricum after colonoscopy should be considered in future routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The relationship between different puncture points and perioperative complications and length of stay in hospital (LOS) in SCCAG patients has rarely been reported. Aim: To compare the curative effect and safety of the transradial artery approach and the transfemoral artery approach in combined heart-brain angiography. Material and methods: 120 patients who received combined cardio-cerebral angiography in our hospital were selected and divided into a transradial artery approach group (TRA) and a transfemoral artery approach group (TFA) according to a random number table. The postoperative efficacy and safety of the 2 groups were compared. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in puncture time and operation time between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Postoperative bed rest time, hospitalization time, and X-ray exposure time in the TRA group were shorter than those in the TFA group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Before operation and 3 days after operation, there was no significant difference in left ventricle ejection fraction between the 2 groups (p > 0. 05). The overall incidence of complications in the TFA group was higher than that in the TRA group. The incidence between haematoma and pseudoaneurysm in the TFA group was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: For simultaneous heart-brain angiography, interventional therapy via radial artery and femoral artery has good curative effect and can improve cardiac function. However, interventional therapy through the radial artery can shorten the postoperative bed rest time and hospitalization time, and reduce the incidence of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a treatment option for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are unfit for surgery. Some patients may experience distant metastasis. This study aimed to develop and validate a radiomics model for predicting distant metastasis in patients with early-stage NSCLC treated with SBRT. Methods: Patients at five institutions were enrolled in this study. Radiomics features were extracted based on the PET/CT images. After feature selection in the training set (from Tianjin), CT-based and PET-based radiomics signatures were built. Models based on CT and PET signatures were built and validated using external datasets (from Zhejiang, Zhengzhou, Shandong, and Shanghai). An integrated model that included CT and PET radiomic signatures was developed. The performance of the proposed model was evaluated in terms of its discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the probability of distant metastases. The cutoff value was obtained using the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC), and the patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) of different risk groups. Results: In total, 228 patients were enrolled. The median follow-up time was 31.4 (2.0-111.4) months. The model based on CT radiomics signatures had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.819 in the training set (n = 139) and 0.786 in the external dataset (n = 89). The PET radiomics model had an AUC of 0.763 for the training set and 0.804 for the external dataset. The model combining CT and PET radiomics had an AUC of 0.835 for the training set and 0.819 for the external dataset. The combined model showed a moderate calibration and a positive net benefit. When the probability of distant metastasis was greater than 0.19, the patient was considered to be at high risk. The DMFS of patients with high- and low-risk was significantly stratified (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The proposed PET/CT radiomics model can be used to predict distant metastasis in patients with early-stage NSCLC treated with SBRT and provide a reference for clinical decision-making. Plain language summary: In this study, the model was established by combining CT and PET radiomics signatures in a moderate-quantity training cohort of early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT and was successfully validated in independent cohorts. Physicians could use this easy-to-use model to assess the risk of distant metastasis after SBRT. Identifying subgroups of patients with different risk factors for distant metastasis is useful for guiding personalized treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the psychological experience and emotional needs of returning to family and society after treatment in an adolescent with cancer. A phenomenological research design was employed to conduct a semi-structured interview with nine cancer adolescents in the convalescence stage. Colaizzi's seven-step analysis was used for the data analysis. Three themes of the psychological experience of an adolescent with cancer in convalescence were summarized: continuous negative emotions, emotionally intense behavior, and discomfort of returning to society. The psychological experience of an adolescent with cancer in convalescence returning to family and community is sensitive and complex. Medical staff, families, and schools should provide personalized care according to their different psychological characteristics and emotional needs so that they can return to family and society smoothly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease in which gamma delta T cells play an important role. Chinese herbal medicine Jia Wei Jing Xie Yin has its origin in Jing Xie Yin, a medicine created by the traditional Chinese medicine doctor Wu Jun. Previous studies have shown that Jia Wei Jing Xie Yin has good clinical efficacy for patients with blood-heat type psoriasis by inhibiting the interleukin-23/T-helper 17 immune inflammation axis. This study aims to determine the immunoregulatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of Jia Wei Jing Xie Yin in psoriasis-related inflammatory responses. Bagg albino mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis were treated with saline (Model), methotrexate that serves as a positive control, or low, medium and high doses of Jia Wei Jing Xie Yin intragastrically. The pathological changes, inflammatory cell infiltration, the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and Janus tyrosine kinase 3/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathwayrelated proteins in the skin lesion were examined. The abundance of Vγ4+ T cells in lymph nodes and spleen was determined by flow cytometry. Jia Wei Jing Xie Yin ameliorated psoriasis area and severity index scores, reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and interleukin-17 producing gamma delta T cells, inhibited the messenger ribonucleic acid expression of interleukin-17, interleukin-22, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha and matrix metalloproteinase-9, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and pathological damage. Nevertheless, the expression of the Janus tyrosine kinase 3/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway was not significantly changed in the MTX and Jia Wei Jing Xie Yin groups. Our work demonstrates that Chinese herbal medicine Jia Wei Jing Xie Yin alleviates Imiquimod-induced inflammation in psoriasis. We have found a good regulatory effect of Jia Wei Jing Xie Yin on gamma delta T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C23H25FN2O, triclinic, P 1 ‾ (no. 2), a = 6.5011(2) Å, b = 11.2794(4) Å, c = 14.0796(6) Å, α = 110.246(4)°, β = 97.236(3)°, γ = 98.335(2)°, V = 941.01(6) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0476, wRref(F2) = 0.1366, T = 293 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud descriptions and parameterizations are major sources of uncertainty in weather and climate modelling studies. In this study, we investigated the cloud properties over the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau (YGP) by using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Himawari‐8 (H8_Japan and H8_Zhuge) cloud datasets. Corresponding to their distinct terrain features, the cloud climate patterns on the western and eastern sides of the YGP are different. Our results show that the spatial patterns of the cloud parameters in all three datasets are very similar over the YGP, especially the cloud cover and cloud effective radius. The high cloud frequency region is located to the east of Yunnan–Guizhou quasi‐stationary front in cold season, and the largest gradient is along front. On frontal days, the regional differences in the cloud properties over the YGP are much more obvious, with the cloud cover across the front increasing from ~20%–35% on its western side to more than 95% on its eastern side. Furthermore, higher thin clouds with larger cloud effective radius typically exist on the western side of the front, while lower thick clouds with smaller particles appear on its eastern side. This study enhances our understanding how cloud characteristics impact by the frontal system and provide a valuable insight for the design and improvement of cloud microphysics parameters in weather forecast models over the YGP region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Infantile hepatic hemangioma (IHH) is a common liver tumor in infants and shares the same characteristics as cutaneous infantile hemangioma (IH). Propranolol is effective for symptomatic IHH. The clinical features between cutaneous IH and IHH, and treatment efficacy of IHH (smaller than 4 cm) is unclear. To evaluate the correlation of clinical features between cutaneous IH and IHH, as well as efficacy of systemic propranolol in the treatment of cutaneous IH combined with IHH. Materials and Methods: The clinical data of infants with complicated cutaneous IH combined with IHH treated with systemic propranolol (1.5 ~ 2 mg/(kg d)) from January 2011 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Forty‐five cases with IHH combined with complicated cutaneous IH were reviewed. Single cutaneous IH is more likely to be combined with focal IHH, cutaneous IH greater than 5, more likely to be combined with multiple IHH (Pearson = 0.546, p < 0.01). The mean age of focal and multiple IHH regression was 11.93 ± 14.42 months and 10.20 ± 9.15 months, respectively. Conclusions: The number of cutaneous IH were correlated with the number of IHH. There was no difference in the age of complete remission for focal and multiple IHH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motion response of a ship in a cross sea is studied based on computational fluid dynamics. Firstly, according to the established numerical pool, and based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and the re-normalisation group K-ϵ turbulence model, the free surface is treated by the volume of fluid(VOF) method, and a numerical simulation method is established. The wave results obtained by the numerical simulation are compared with theoretical waves to verify the reliability of the method. Then, considering the DTMB5415 ship model, a prediction method for the ship's motion in a cross sea is established by using an overlapping mesh and VOF technology. The influence of a cross sea on ship motion performance under different wave direction angles, different wave heights and for different periods is analyzed. In addition, a method is also established for studying the ship's motion response based on potential flow theory, and it is found that ships sailing under superimposed waves will exhibit the phenomenon of beat vibration. Finally, by comparing the results obtained by the two methods, the consistency of the two methods is verified, which provides a strong basis for the safety assessment of ships in cross seas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter presents the design principle and experimental verification of a Ku‐band wideband low‐profile dual‐circularly polarized (dual‐CP) reflectarray (RA) with independent control of left‐/right‐handed circularly polarized (LHCP/RHCP) beams. Both the dynamic phase (DP) and Berry phase (BP) compensating methods are employed in the design of the unit cell, achieving independent LHCP/RHCP phase modulation based on the single‐functional‐layer concept. A single‐layer unit cell is designed, offering a 3×3 $3\times 3$‐bit dual‐CP phase shift which facilitates the independent control of LHCP/RHCP beams. A prototype with asymmetrical dual‐CP beams is fabricated and tested. For LHCP and RHCP excitation, beam directions of (120∘,10∘ $12{0}^{\circ },1{0}^{\circ }$) and (135∘,−30∘ $13{5}^{\circ },-3{0}^{\circ }$) are realized, respectively, with sidelobe levels and cross‐polarizations both under −15 dB. The prototype exhibits a wide axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of over 36% with AR <2 $\lt 2$ dB. The overlapped 1‐dB gain and AR <2 $\lt 2$ dB bandwidth is 19.5% under LHCP input and 12.2% under RHCP input, with maximum aperture efficiency of 41.3% and 34.6%, respectively. The proposed dual‐CP RA exhibits broad band, pure chirality, high gain, low profile and independent polarization control, with single‐layer construction which is of low cost and easy processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to further investigate the conditions and the coupling mechanisms for generating the hollow cathode effect (HCE) for the process optimization in the field of surface modification, the plasma distribution and density in single glow and double glow hollow cathode discharge (HCD) were explored by experiments and simulations based on the two-dimensional fluid model. Additionally, we investigated the effects of the key parameters on the plasma density, the electron temperature and the potential field during the HCD. The experimental and simulation results showed that the high plasma density is owing to the HCE in the hollow cathode. It is found that there is a critical pore diameter for generating HCE, which is approximately the sum of the thickness of the plasma sheath and four times the electron-neutral mean free path in the single glow discharge while twice thickness of the plasma sheath and four times the electron-neutral mean free path in the double glow discharge. The HCE in the double glow discharge can be observed when the ignition voltage that the source cathode voltage be 250 V greater than the workpiece cathode voltage can be met while the PD value is about 1.5 ∼ 3.8 Torr ⋅ mm. Consequently, we believe that our investigation on the plasma characteristics of hollow cathode in glow discharge will contribute to the development of the more optimal processing parameters for the application of the glow plasma discharge phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To compare the effect of volume and solution on transit time and fluorescence intensity (FI) using near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) in a simulated tumor model in cats. Secondarily, to describe SLN mapping with indocyanine green (ICG) NIRF and report any adverse effects of intradermally injected ICG in cats. ANIMALS 7 healthy purpose-bred domestic shorthaired male cats. METHODS Cats were randomly divided into 2 groups (ICG or ICG + methylene blue [MB]). Transit time and FI were determined for 1 or 2 mL solutions injected intradermally in 4 quadrants around a simulated tumor. Following massage, fluorescence intensity was quantified by calculating the corrected total ROI fluorescence using ImageJ software. Cats were monitored for adverse effects up to 4 weeks post-injection. RESULTS A larger solution volume had decreased transit times to the SLN (P = .001). There was no significant difference in transit times between ICG and ICG-MB. ICG demonstrated a greater FI (P = .001) in the SLN compared to ICG-MB. Methylene blue did not percutaneously fluoresce under NIRF. The volume of the solution did not significantly affect FI. No adverse reactions were reported. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Increased volume of ICG may aid in rapid percutaneous lymphatic tracking from tumor to SLN. Indocyanine green alone may be preferred over ICG-MB for greater visualization of the SLN. Intradermal injections of ICG and ICG-MB were well-tolerated in healthy cats with no significant complications. Clinical evaluation of this technique in an impaired lymphatic system, as seen in cancer patients, should be assessed in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repetitive inflation–deflation of a blood pressure cuff on a limb is known as remote limb ischemic postconditioning (RIPostC). It prevents brain damage induced by acute ischemia stroke (AIS). Pyroptosis, executed by the pore‐forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD), is a type of regulated cell death triggered by proinflammatory signals. It contributes to the pathogenesis of ischemic brain injury. However, the effects of RIPostC on pyroptosis following AIS remain largely unknown. In our study, linear correlation analysis confirmed that serum GSDMD levels in AIS patients upon admission were positively correlated with NIHSS scores. RIPostC treatment significantly reduced GSDMD level compared with patients without RIPostC at 3 days post‐treatment. Besides, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery was performed on C57BL/6 male mice and RIPostC was induced immediately after MCAO. We found that RIPostC suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome to reduce the maturation of GSDMD, leading to decreased pyroptosis in microglia after AIS. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was identified using the high throughput screening. Importantly, HGF siRNA, exogenous HGF, and ISG15 siRNA were used to reveal that HGF/ISG15 is a possible mechanism of RIPostC regulation in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The China Geological Survey (CGS) has carried out a large number of surveys and core drilling over the deepwater area of Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB) in the South China Sea and discovered the natural gas hydrate system controlled by the gas chimney with a high geothermal gradient. The complex hydrate system consists of a sandy hydrate reservoir distributed around a lateral transition gas-hydrate mixed zone and a free gas zone in the middle. The hydrate and gas are distributed in the same layer, which is thin but potentially valuable for commercial exploitation. In this paper, a geological model of the target hydrate system in QDNB was established based on the results of several rounds of drilling. The method of numerical simulation was utilized to assess the production capacity of the target hydrate system and clarify the evolution of hydrate and gas saturation distribution with different well positions. The simulation results indicate that the producer well built in the center of the highly-saturated hydrate zone has a limited gas production capacity, with a cumulative production of only 7.25 × 106 m3 in 9 years. The well built at the boundary of the hydrate zone can rapidly link up the gas in the transition zone through a large production pressure differential, but it lacks control over the hydrates and its dissociated gas in the transition zone—the cumulative gas production volume from hydrate accounts for only 12.3%. As for the wells built in the transition zone and gas zone, they can directly invoke the free gas production capacity. Free gas is produced as the formation pressure reduces and hydrate is induced to dissociate, making the gas from the hydrate the subsequent production capacity. The cumulative production can exceed 6 × 108 m3 in 9 years. The stable production duration can extend to 2645 days, and the cumulative proportion of gas at the wellhead from hydrate reaches close to 30%. It is necessary to avoid the free water layer. The bottom water coning would improve the water production by 40% and shorten the stable production duration. In summary, the complex hydrate system of this type in the QDNB has the potential for industrialized exploitation. In the future, the well group can be used for the further improvement of the hydrate utilization rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyetpyrafen is a compound that lacks inherent uptake and systemic translocation activity. If mites do not come into direct contact with the pesticide solution on leaves, the efficacy cannot be achieved. Controlling the particle size can potentially play a crucial role in the manifestation of efficacy. In this study, high-throughput formulation technology was used to systematically screen a large number of adjuvants to obtain cyetpyrafen formulations. The particle size of the active ingredient in the formulation was measured. By examining the dynamic light scattering and contact angle, we simulated the actual process of the efficacy transmission of cyetpyrafen formulations against Tetranychus cinnabarinus. Our results showed that the activity of cyetpyrafen increases as the particle size decreases, suggesting that reducing the particle size can enhance the coverage and deposition on crop leaves, and further improve the dispersion efficiency and enhance spreading capabilities. Furthermore, controlling the particle size at 160 nm resulted in an LC50 value of 0.2026, which is approximately double than that of the commercial product. As a novel pesticide for mites, our study presents the most effective cyetpyrafen formulation in practice. Our findings provide valuable insights into controlling other mite species that pose a threat to agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is characterized by the presence of fluid in the middle ear without the presentation of signs or symptoms of acute ear infection. The point prevalence of OME reaches as high as 60% in children younger than 2 years of age. We used the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to investigate the use of medication in children with OME before receiving ventilation tube insertion (VTI). Methods: Data of pediatric patients (age ≤ 12 years) who had OME and received VTI from January 1, 2011, to December 30, 2012, were retrieved from the Taiwan NHIRD. We surveyed the use of 4 medications to understand whether health care providers achieved the standards of medication use recommended by clinical practice guidelines. Results: This study examines the factors affecting the use of medication for pediatric OME. Overall, according to the study's operational definitions, the use of systemic antibiotics was most common (59.9%), followed by systemic antihistamines (23.4%), systemic steroids (8.8%), and intranasal steroids (9.6%). Systemic antibiotics use was associated with 12 factors. Ten of the 12 factors increase the use of systemic antibiotics, including namely age (age > 2 years), comorbidities, teaching hospital, and community hospital. In contrast, namely catastrophic illness and watchful waiting are the 2 factors that decrease systemic antibiotics use. For the use of systemic antihistamines, systemic steroids, and intranasal steroids were related to 6, 5, and 2 factors, respectively. Conclusions: The rate of drug use differs from the rate of use recommended by commonly used clinical practice guidelines. We found that the higher the number of factors that influenced the patients' drug use, the higher the rate of drug use. According to these results, drafting a treatment guideline for OME patients in accordance with current clinical practices in Taiwan is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate complications reported in dogs and cats with a closed suction subcutaneous drain that were either managed completely in hospital (Group ND) or discharged home for ongoing outpatient care (Group D). ANIMALS: 101 client-owned animals involving 94 dogs and 7 cats with a subcutaneous closed suction drain placed during a surgical procedure. PROCEDURES: Electronic medical records (January 2014 to December 2022) were reviewed. Signalment, reason for drain placement, surgical procedure, location and duration of drain placement, drain discharge status, antimicrobial usage, culture and sensitivity results, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Associations among variables were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 77 animals in Group D and 24 animals in Group ND. Majority (n = 21/26) of complications were classified as minor and were all from Group D. Length of hospitalization in Group D (1 day) was significantly shorter than Group ND (3.25 days). Duration of drain placement was significantly longer in Group D (5.6 days) than Group ND (3.1 days). There were no associations between drain location, drain duration, or surgical site contamination with risk of complications. CLINICAL relevance: There is a higher risk of complications associated with discharging an animal from hospital (37%) with a subcutaneous closed suction drain than removing it prior to discharge (4%). These complications, however, were primarily minor and easily managed. Discharging an otherwise stable animal to home with a subcutaneous closed suction drain may be feasible to decrease duration of hospitalization, cost to the owner, and stress for the animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in Experimental Dermatology, describes a case of papillary endovascular angioendothelioma (PEA) in a 1-year-old girl. PEA is a rare tumor that can be locally invasive and potentially metastasize. The authors report that the multiple cutaneous PEA in this case responded to treatment with propranolol, which is a promising option for unresectable PEA. The article provides detailed clinical and histopathological information, as well as images showing the progression of the tumor and its response to treatment. The authors suggest that propranolol may be a viable treatment option for patients who cannot undergo surgery, but close follow-up and potential surgical intervention may still be necessary. [Extracted from the article]

A series of novel botanical active component 4-chromanone derivatives incorporating carboxamide and 1,3,4-thiadiazole thioether moieties were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial and activities antifungal against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac), Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicolaby (Xoc) and Mucor bainieri (M. bainieri), Mucor fragilis (M. fragilis), Trichoderma atroviride (T. atroviride), respectively. Antibacterial screening results suggested that the target compounds showed moderate to good antibacterial activities against Xac and Xoc, to the contrary, had lower inhibitory effects on M. fragilis, M. bainieri, and T. atroviride. Among the target compounds, compound 6-chloro-N-(5-(methylthio)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-4-oxochromane-2-carboxamide (6f) had the best inhibition rates against Xac (85.15% and 72.41%, respectivelty) and Xoc (95.14% and 82.09%) at 200 and 100 μg/mL, which were superior to Bismerthiazol and Thiodiazole copper. As far as we know, it is the first report on the design, synthesis, and bioactivity evaluation of novel 4-chromanone-derived compounds incorporating carboxamide and 1,3,4-thiadiazole thioether moieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human body movements are important for emotion recognition and social communication and have received extensive attention from researchers. In this field, emotional biological motion stimuli, as depicted by point-light displays, are widely used. However, the number of stimuli in the existing material library is small, and there is a lack of standardized indicators, which subsequently limits experimental design and conduction. Therefore, based on our prior kinematic dataset, we constructed the Dalian Emotional Movement Open-source Set (DEMOS) using computational modeling. The DEMOS has three views (i.e., frontal 0°, left 45°, and left 90°) and in total comprises 2664 high-quality videos of emotional biological motion, each displaying happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and neutral. All stimuli were validated in terms of recognition accuracy, emotional intensity, and subjective movement. The objective movement for each expression was also calculated. The DEMOS can be downloaded for free from https://osf.io/83fst/. To our knowledge, this is the largest multi-view emotional biological motion set based on the whole body. The DEMOS can be applied in many fields, including affective computing, social cognition, and psychiatry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Chinese cabbage is often threatened by soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium spp., which becomes severe due to overirrigation or heavy rainfall. An improved application technique of biocontrol Bacillus agents with low fertigation input is suggested as an environment-friendly strategy to control soft rot disease and improve the cabbage yield. In this study, the effect of Bacillus velezensis B006 on cabbage growth under normal and low fertigation conditions was firstly evaluated, and then the relationships of the plant growth with the cabbage rhizosphere microbial communities and the production of endogenous hormones in cabbage roots were studied. Our results highlighted that B006 application combined with low fertigation input promoted cabbage growth and increased root vitality which were positively related to enrichment of Lechevalieria in the cabbage rhizosphere and the production of indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid in cabbage roots. In conclusion, we provide supporting evidence on the improvement of Bacillus application in fields to promote the healthy growth and productivity of cabbage. Long-term overfertilization increases soil salinity and disease occurrence and reduces crop yield. Integrated application of microbial agents with low fertigation input might be a sustainable and cost-effective strategy. Herein, the promoting effects of Bacillus velezensis B006 on the growth of Chinese cabbage under different fertigation conditions in field trials were studied and the underlying mechanisms were revealed. In comparison with normal fertigation (water potential of −30 kPa and soluble N, P, K of 29.75, 8.26, 21.48 Kg hm−2) without B006 application, the combination of B. velezensis B006 and reduced fertigation input (−50 kPa and N, P, K of 11.75, 3.26, 6.48 Kg hm−2) promoted cabbage growth and root development, restrained the occurrence of soft rot disease, and improved the yield. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses indicated that B006 application promoted the production of indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid in cabbage roots, which are closely related to plant growth. Rhizosphere microbiota analyses indicated that the combination of low fertigation input and B006 application promoted the enrichment of Streptomyces, Lechevalieria, Promicromonospora, and Aeromicrobium and the abundance of Lechevalieria was positively correlated with the root length and vitality. This suggested that the integrated application of reduced fertigation and Bacillus is highly efficient to improve soil ecology and productivity and will benefit the sustainable development of crop cultivation in a cost-effective way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutical monoclonal antibodies are structurally and functionally complex, whereas the innovator's manufacturing processes are proprietary. With respect to the similarity assessment, a proposed biosimilar product needs to demonstrate a side-by-side comparison between the reference product (RP) and candidate product in terms of physicochemical properties and biological activities, as well as nonclinical and clinical outcomes. Here, a comprehensive analytical similarity assessment was performed for in-depth comparison of HLX04, China-sourced Avastin® (CN-Avastin®), and Europe-sourced Avastin® (EU-Avastin®) following a tier-based quality attribute (QA) evaluation. A series of orthogonal and state-of-the-art analytical techniques were developed for the assessment. Ten lots of HLX04 were compared with 29 lots bevacizumab RP. Referred to the characterization results, HLX04 is highly similar to the RPs with respect to physicochemical properties and biological functions. In addition, HLX04 was found with similar stability and degradation behaviors upon multiple stressed conditions to bevacizumab. Minor differences were observed in glycosylation, aggregates, FcγRIIIa(F), and FcγRIIIa(V) binding activities; nevertheless, they were evaluated and demonstrated not to impact clinical outcomes. According to the reported clinical results, the totality of evidence, including the pharmacokinetic, efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity, further shows that HLX04 is similar to CN-/EU-Avastin®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination is the complex adaptive trait of higher plants influenced by a large number of genes and environmental factors. Numerous studies have been performed to better understand how germination is controlled by various environmental factors and applied chemicals, such as cyanide. However, still very little is known about the molecular mechanisms of how extrinsic signals regulate seed germination. Our and previous studies found that non-lethal cyanide treatment promotes seed germination, but the regulatory mechanism is unclear. In this study, we found that a low concentration of cyanide pretreatment significantly enhanced the expression of endo-β-mannanase 5 (MAN5) gene in Arabidopsis thaliana, and the mutation of this gene impaired cyanide-mediated seed germination. In contrast, overexpression of MAN5 gene enhanced Arabidopsis seed germination ability under both normal and salt stress conditions. Further studies showed that the expression of the MAN5 gene was negatively regulated by ABA insensitive 5 (ABI5); In abi5 mutant seeds, the expression of the MAN5 gene was increased and the seed germination rate was accelerated. Additionally, cyanide pretreatment markedly reduced the gene expression of ABI5 in Arabidopsis seeds. Taken together, our data support the involvement of MAN5 as a key gene in cyanide-mediated seed germination and confirm the role of ABI5 as a critical negative factor involved in cyanide-regulated MAN5 gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C20H18ClF4N3O, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 12.5254(4) Å, b = 12.6845(5) Å, c = 24.1490(11) Å, V = 3836.8(3) Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0485, wRref(F2) = 0.1343, T = 293 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate whether the application of carbon nanoparticles (CNs) in total or near-total thyroidectomy combined with central lymph node dissection (CLND) for thyroid cancer (TC) is beneficial to lymph node dissection, parathyroid, and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) protection. Methods: Relevant literatures were systematically searched on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library Databases until March 31, 2021. All analyses were performed using Revman Manager 5.3 software. The main results were the number of central lymph nodes, the number of central metastatic lymph nodes, accidental parathyroidectomy, postoperative hypoparathyroidism, postoperative hypocalcemia, and postoperative transient RLN paralysis. Results: This meta-analysis identified 4 randomized controlled trials and 8 non-randomized controlled trials comprising 1870 patients. Compared with the control, the use of CNs was helpful to dissect more central lymph nodes (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.12-4.98, P <.00001) and central metastatic lymph nodes (WMD: 1.69, 95% CI:1.31-2.08, P <.00001), lower rate of accidental parathyroidectomy (odds ratio [OR]:.33, 95% CI:.23-.47, P <.00001), lower rate of both postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism (OR:.40, 95% CI:.31-.51, P <.00001), and transient hypocalcemia (OR:.37, 95% CI:.27-.51, P <.00001). However, there were no statistical difference between the groups for postoperative permanent hypoparathyroidism (OR:.29, 95% CI:.06-1.28, P =.10), postoperative permanent hypocalcemia (OR:.94, 95% CI:.10-9.16, P =.96), and postoperative transient RLN paralysis (OR:.66, 95% CI:.40-1.12, P =.12). Conclusions: The application of CNs in total or near-total thyroidectomy combined with CLND for TC can better dissect the central lymph nodes and protect parathyroid glands (PGs) and their function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional dynamic analysis of the finite element structure is mostly focused on the mode analysis. In the paper, the finite element method is combined with the power flow analysis to analyze and optimize the vibration transmission characteristics of the shared bearing bore, so that the vibration energy transmitted to the mounting flange is minimized. The analysis shows that the elastic ring and the outer case play an important role in vibration transmission and reduction. An optimization model is established to improve the vibration reduction rate of the shared bearing bore. The results show that the optimization can effectively improve the vibration reduction rate of the shared bearing bore, approximately 15 % reduction of peak response is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear dynamic model of a shared bearing bore-coaxial rotor system was established with nonlinear forces of the rolling bearings and squeeze film dampers considered, Cross coupling frequency was found in cross coupling vibration simulation. Numerical studies were conducted to reveal the mechanism of the coupling vibration for the shared bearing borecoaxial rotor system. The coupling vibration characteristics and influencing factors of the shared bearing bore-coaxial rotor system were studied. The results show that the coupling vibration is featured by cross-excitation phenomenon and orbit which shows a "circle in circle" pattern. Besides, the angular stiffness of the shared bearing bore has great influences on the coupling vibration. However, the radial stiffness has almost no effect on the coupling vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approximately 40% patients of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) would develop disease recurrence/progression after first‐line R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) induction therapy, with highly poor prognosis. An effective strategy to prolong the survival of this patient population is the additional single‐drug maintenance therapy. lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug with oral activity, has direct anti‐tumor activity and indirect effects mediated by multiple immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, such as B, T, natural killer (NK), and dendritic cells. Combining its controllable toxicity, it is promising in long‐term maintenance therapy. This study aims at evaluating the clinical effect of lenalidomide maintenance therapy in responding DLBCL patients with R‐CHOP treatment. Methods: This retrospective study was devised in DLBCL cases who obtained complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) following 6–8 cycles of R‐CHOP treatment between January 1, 2015 and July 31, 2019. Patients (n = 141) included were respectively assigned to receive lenalidomide maintenance treatment (lenalidomide, n = 50) and drug‐free maintenance treatment (control, n = 91) after CR/PR. lenalidomide was provided orally at 25 mg/day for 10 days, with a cycle of 21 days and a treatment course of 2 years. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was taken as the primary outcome. Results: Of the total 141 subjects, the median follow‐up time was 30.9 months (range, 5.7–68.9 months). The 2‐year PFS was 84% (95% CI: 74%–94%) in the lenalidomide group and 53% (95% CI: 43%–63%) in the control group. The median PFS of the lenalidomide group was not reached, and that of the control group was 42.9 months (HR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.16–0.63; p = 0.001). No remarkable difference in overall survival (OS) between the two groups was indicated (HR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.16–1.12; p = 0.08). Central nervous system (CNS) recurrence happened in 5 patients (5.5%) of the control group, while none of the patients with lenalidomide had CNS recurrence. Additionally, neutropenia and cutaneous reactions were the most common Grade 1–2 adverse reactions after lenalidomide treatment, and neutropenia was the most frequent Grade 3–4 adverse reaction. Conclusion: Two‐year lenalidomide maintenance treatment can significantly prolong the PFS of DLBCL patients who obtained CR/PR to first‐line R‐CHOP treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Carnosine can suppress secondary complications in diabetes and show robust neuroprotective activity against neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report that carnosine ameliorates diabetes-associated cognitive decline in vivo through the modulation of autophagy. Methods: A high-fat diet (HFD) and one intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) were used to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus in Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (CON), HFD/STZ, and three intragastric carnosine treatment groups receiving low (100 mg/kg), medium (300 mg/kg), and high (900 mg/kg) doses over 12 weeks. Body weight, blood glucose levels, and cognitive function were continuously monitored. From excised rat hippocampi, we determined superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; carnosine concentration; protein expressions of Akt, mTOR and the autophagy markers LC3B and P62 and performed histopathological evaluations of the cornu ammonis 1 region. Results: The HFD/STZ group showed increased blood glucose levels and decreased body weight compared to the CON group. However, there were no significant differences in body weight and blood glucose levels between carnosine-treated and -untreated HFD-STZ-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic animals showed obvious learning and memory impairments in the Morris water maze test compared to the CON group. Compared to those in the HFD/STZ group, carnosine increased SOD activity and decreased MDA levels, increased hippocampal carnosine concentration, increased p-Akt and p-mTOR expression, decreased LC3B and P62 expression, alleviated neuronal injuries, and improved cognitive performance in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Independent of any hyperglycemic effect, carnosine may improve mild cognitive impairments by mitigating oxidative stress, activating the Akt/mTOR pathway, and modulating autophagy in the hippocampus of type 2 diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in adults. The clinical data of patients with primary FSGS who received RTX treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were analyzed retrospectively. The selected patients received RTX twice or four times, with a single dose of 375 mg/m2, and the interval between two times of administration of RTX was 2–4 weeks. The treatment target is to achieve the clearance of B cells (peripheral blood B cell count < 5/μl). The primary outcome measures were remission and recurrence of renal disease, and the secondary outcome measures were adverse events and renal outcomes. A total of 14 FSGS patients were included, including 12 males, 9 with glucocorticoid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome, and 3 with newly diagnosed nephrotic syndrome. After RTX treatment, 7 patients with glucocorticoid-dependent/recurrent nephrotic syndrome were completely relieved. At 6 months of follow-up, glucocorticoids were discontinued in all patients except 1 patient. The other 5 patients achieved partial remission (PR), of which 1 patient relapsed after PR, and 1 initial patient achieved complete remission. One patient progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after 4 months of follow-up. RTX in the treatment of adult glucocorticoid-dependent/relapsing FSGS can reduce the risk of recurrence and help to decline or discontinue the use of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethacrynic acid (ECA) is a diuretic that inhibits Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) present in the thick ascending loop of Henle and muculo dens and is clinically used for the treatment of edema caused by excessive body fluid. However, its clinical use is limited due to its low bioavailability and side effects, such as liver damage and hearing loss at high doses. Despite this, ECA has recently emerged as a potential anticancer agent through the approach of drug repositioning, with a novel mechanism of action. ECA has been shown to regulate cancer hallmark processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, inflammation, energy metabolism, and the increase of inhibitory growth factors through various mechanisms. Additionally, ECA has been used as a scaffold for synthesizing a new material, and various derivatives have been synthesized. This review explores the potential of ECA and its derivatives as anticancer agents, both alone and in combination with adjuvants, by examining their effects on ten hallmarks of cancer and neuronal contribution to cancer. Furthermore, we investigated the trend of synthesis research of a series of ECA derivatives to improve the bioavailability of ECA. This review highlights the importance of ECA research and its potential to provide a cost-effective alternative to new drug discovery and development for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GEN-0828, a proposed clinical candidate for hemophilia and trauma hemorrhage treatment, is a novel recombinant activated human factor VII (rFVIIa). The purpose of this paper is to compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GEN-0828 in hemophilia B mice with those of NovoSeven®, the only marketed rFVIIa product worldwide., GEN-0828 and NovoSeven® showed similar affinity bioactivity to recombinant tissue factor (rTF) in vitro. Pharmacodynamics data indicated a generally similar hemostatic efficacy (ED 50) of GEN-0828 (10.91 KIU·kg−1) and NovoSeven® (18.91 KIU·kg−1) at the doses studied in hemophilia B mice, while GEN-0828 represented a lower initial effective dosage compared with that of NovoSeven® in terms of both blood loss and APTT. GEN-0828 exhibited linear pharmacokinetic profiles in hemophilia B mice at the 30–338 KIU·kg−1 dose range, the comparative pharmacokinetic study with NovoSeven® indicated better characteristics than NovoSeven® in terms of the appropriate higher maximal concentration (C max) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC last) and longer mean residence time (MRT). In conclusion, GEN-0828 was a promising new type of rFVIIa compound with favourable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pathogenic attack is a serious biotic stress that negatively affects agricultural and food production in the world. Currently, the use of beneficial plant bacteria for healthy plant growth is attractive due to the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture. In this study, the culture-free analyses of the root bacterial communities of six cucumber cultivars were compared to define the important differential bacteria associated with the resistant and moderately resistant cultivars against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum, and the disease-suppressive function of the differential bacterium alone or in a complex were tested in a pot experiment. Our results highlighted that Enterobacteriacea/Pantoea, Enterobacteriaceae/Cronobacter, and Pseudomonadaceae/Pseudomonas were important differential phyla/genera associated with specific resistant cultivars, while Massilia only differed in response to pathogenic attack. The pot experiments confirmed that the differential bacteria complexes Pantoea + Pseudomonas and Cronobacter effectively alleviated disease occurrence. In conclusion, we provide supporting evidence on the potential of root bacteria from resistant cultivars to be regulated or applied to control cucumber wilt disease and promote healthy cucumber growth under pathogenic stress. The root microbiota contributes to the plant's defense against stresses and pathogens. However, the co-association pattern of functional bacteria that improves plant resistance has not been interpreted clearly. Using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology, the root bacterial community profiles of six cucumber cultivars with different resistance in response to the causative agent of cucumber Fusarium wilt (CFW), Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (Foc), were analyzed. The principal coordinate analysis indicated that the interactions of the cultivars and pathogens drove the cucumber root bacterial communities (p = 0.001). The resistance-specific differential genera across the cultivars were identified, including Massilia in the resistant cultivars, unclassified Enterobacteriaceae in resistant CL11 and JY409, Pseudomonas in JY409, Cronobacter in moderately resistant ZN106, and unclassified Rhizobiaceae and Streptomyces in susceptible ZN6. The predominant root bacterium Massilia accounted for the relative abundance of up to 28.08–61.55%, but dramatically declined to 9.36% in Foc-inoculated susceptible ZN6. Pseudomonas ASV103 and ASV48 of Pseudomonadaceae and Cronobacter ASV162 of Enterobacteriaceae were consistently differential across the cultivars at the phylum, genus, and ASV levels. Using the culture-based method, antagonistic strains of Enterobacteriaceae with a high proportion of 51% were isolated. Furthermore, the bacterial complexes of Pantoea dispersa E318 + Pseudomonas koreensis Ps213 and Cronobacter spp. C1 + C7 reduced the disease index of CFW by 77.2% and 60.0% in the pot experiment, respectively. This study reveals the co-association of specific root bacteria with host plants and reveals insight into the suppressing mechanism of resistant cultivars against CFW disease by regulating the root microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is the standard treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, due to individual differences in radiosensitivity, biomarkers are needed to tailored radiotherapy to cancer patients. However, comprehensive genome-wide radiogenomic studies on them are still lacking. The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants associated with radiotherapy response in patients with NPC. Methods: This was a large‑scale genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) including a total of 981 patients. 319 individuals in the discovery stage were genotyped for 688,783 SNPs using whole genome-wide screening microarray. Significant loci were further genotyped using MassARRAY system and TaqMan SNP assays in the validation stages of 847 patients. This study used logistic regression analysis and multiple bioinformatics tools such as PLINK, LocusZoom, LDBlockShow, GTEx, Pancan-meQTL and FUMA to examine genetic variants associated with radiotherapy efficacy in NPC. Results: After genome-wide level analysis, 19 SNPs entered the validation stage (P < 1 × 10− 6), and rs11130424 ultimately showed statistical significance among these SNPs. The efficacy was better in minor allele carriers of rs11130424 than in major allele carriers. Further stratified analysis showed that the association existed in patients in the EBV-positive, smoking, and late-stage (III and IV) subgroups and in patients who underwent both concurrent chemoradiotherapy and induction/adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: Our study showed that rs11130424 in the CACNA2D3 gene was associated with sensitivity to radiotherapy in NPC patients. Trial registration number: Effect of genetic polymorphism on nasopharyngeal carcinoma chemoradiotherapy reaction, ChiCTR-OPC-14005257, Registered 18 September 2014, . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primulina malingheensis X.X. Bai, F. Wen & Y.L. Zhou, a new species of Gesneriaceae from a karst area in Guizhou Province, China, is described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles P. leei in the shape of leaves and flowers but differs especially in the densely pubescent and sparsely villous leaf indumentum and much larger, ovate bracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzyme α-isopropylmalate synthase (α-IPMS) catalyzes the first step of L-leucine biosynthesis and is regulated via feedback inhibition by L-leucine. The gene of α-IPMS variant from strain ARTP-L04 was cloned and sequenced. Interestingly, amino acid mutations of Gly92Asp, Ile162Val, Arg494His and Gly526Asp occurred in the α-IPMS variant. The enzyme of α-IPMS variant was characterized, and exhibited higher resistance to feedback inhibition by L-leucine. In the presence of 20mM L-leucine, the activity of the α-IPMS variant was still retained at over 50%. The α-IPMS variant almost removed feedback inhibition by L-leucine, while there was no significant difference in specific activities of the α-IPMS variant and wild-type α-IPMS. For the α-IPMS variant, the capacity to overproduce L-leucine was evaluated by recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum strains. Interestingly, expression of the α-IPMS variant could significantly enhance L-leucine production, especially co-expressed with acetohydroxyacid synthase (accumulating 7.79 g/L L-leucine). Collectively, our findings provided valuable insights into further development in genetic engineering for L-leucine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific emitter identification task often encounters the problem of channel inconsistency between the collected signal and the signal to be recognised, that is, different channel environments would cause inconsistency in the sample distribution, which would result in a significant decrease in recognition accuracy; the same problem is encountered in transfer learning. The authors focus on an important category of methods in transfer learning called domain adaptation to solve the above problems. Motivated by the idea of the Fisher discriminant and metric learning, a novel domain adaptation method called the multi‐discrepancy deep adaptation network is proposed. In contrast to the current approach of reducing the discrepancies between the source and target domain distributions without considering category information, the basic idea of the proposed method is to increase interclass discrepancies between the source and target domains while decreasing interclass discrepancies. To adjust the weights of interclass and interclass discrepancies, a dynamic balancing factor that adaptively adjusts the weights between the interclass variance and interclass variance according to the latest trends of both variances is introduced, which is effective in improving performance. Dynamic balancing and learning weight factors, which are used to adjust the training weights of interclass and interclass discrepancies during the training process are introduced. The authors applied the network to a specific emitter identification problem under different channels on the ORACLE radio frequency Fingerprinting Data set and demonstrated a maximum domain adaptability increase of 15.4%, which outperformed existing domain adaptation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate muscle perfusion in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) before and after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the limb by means of MR arterial spin labeling (ASL) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) under the resting state. Twenty-eight patients with lower extremity PAD were enrolled. Skeletal muscles in lower extremities were examined at rest by using ASL and IVIM at 3.0 T. Imaging metrics, including blood flow (BF), perfusion fraction f , diffusion coefficient D , and pseudodiffusion coefficient D ⁎ , were measured in the anterior, lateral, soleus, and gastrocnemius muscle groups. Paired t- test was used to compare the imaging parameters before and after PTA. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted between imaging parameter changes and ankle brachial index (ABI) changes after PTA. ABI was significantly improved after PTA (P < 0.001). For ASL and IVIM imaging, significant changes were noted in ASL- BF and IVIM- D values in the lateral, soleus, and gastrocnemius muscle groups (all P < 0.0125) when comparing pre- and postoperative measurements. Changes in ASL- BF and IVIM- f values in the anterior muscle group, and in IVIM- D ⁎ value in the anterior and soleus muscle groups after PTA, were found to be significantly correlated with ABI improvement (all P < 0.05). Multiparametric MR techniques including ASL and IVIM can detect the perfusion changes of lower limb tissue before and after PTA in patients with PAD under resting state. • This is the first study using both ASL and IVIM to assess muscle perfusion in PAD patients under resting state. • The study provided useful and complementary information about skeletal muscle perfusion before and after PTA. • The results revealed significant relationships of perfusion-related metrics with ABI measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]