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Ovarian cancer (OC) is a highly malignant disease that seriously threatens women's health and poses challenges for clinicians. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been intensively studied in the field of oncology due to their regulatory roles in gene expressions through RNA degradation and/or translation inhibition. This review summarizes the current studies on miRNAs in OC and introduces the latest updates of miRNAs in the early screening, treatment, and prognostic prediction of OC, thereby demonstrating the clinical significance of miRNAs in OC. Further exploration on potential targets of miRNAs in OC may provide new insights on optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of OC. MiRNAs are important driving factors for the progression of OC and the dysregulation of miRNAs can serve as biomarkers in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of OC. Therefore, miRNAs are potential biological targets for early screening, targeted therapy, drug resistance monitoring, and prognosis improvement in malignancies such as OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-gasification of petroleum coke (petcoke) with coal or biomass in fluidized bed is a promising way to avoid environmentally problems caused by its discharge. To give more accurately prediction in this process, feed-forward back propagation neural network (FFBPNN) with three optimization algorithms were conducted, including Levenberge Marquardt (LM), genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The input parameters in the ANN model were petcoke ratio (W), equivalence ratio (ER), steam flow rate (S), particle diameter (Dp), volatiles (V), and fixed carbon (FC). And the output data were carbon conversion (X), ratio of H 2 /CO, LHV of syngas and gas yield (Q). The predicted data showed a good agreement with the experimental results. The PSO showed much better performances than those of LM and GA. With ER increased, the predicted X increased and the ratio of H 2 /CO decreased. But they were almost no changed with Dp increased. The contributive ratio of W was the largest (0.37) at petcoke ratio of 20%. The contributive ratio of ER increased not the same ratio as ER increased. The contributive ratio of particle size (Dp) almost not changed with Dp increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical disability is a cause of depression among acute stroke patients. Although previous studies have shown that physical disability, perceived social support, mental resilience, and post-stroke depression are significantly related, the interaction mechanism remains unclear.Methods: Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from a tertiary hospital in Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province, China from October 2020 to May 2021. Participants completed the Barthel Index Rating Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. We used the PROCESS macro for SPSS to determine the mediating effect of perceived social support and resilience between disability and depression.Result: A total of 259 acute stroke patients participated in this study and completed the questionnaire survey. Stroke patients' BI scores was positively correlated with perceived social support (r = 0.26, P < 0.01) and resilience (r = 0.25, P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with depression (r = -0.47, P < 0.01). Perceived social support was positively correlated with resilience (r = 0.55, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with depression (r = -0.41, P < 0.01). Resilience was negatively correlated with depression (r = -0.43, P < 0.01). Perceived social support and resilience played a mediating role of 10.27% and 5.74% of the total effects of disability and post-stroke depression, respectively. Meanwhile, the chain mediating effect of perceived social support and resilience (7%) was also significant.Limitations: The cross-sectional study design limited the inference of causal relationships between variables. This study used convenience sampling to select research participants from a single hospital, they were all acute stroke patients from the same region of China. Participants in our study were in high BI status, and thirty of them had a low level of education, which may contribute to the possibility of selection bias. Meanwhile, the low level of education and the poor eye-sight of old people prevents them from completing the questionnaire by themselves. So we collected data in the form of "researcher reading questionnaire items and recording participant responses" for the majority of participants (257 subjects), and only 2 participants completed it independently. Furthermore, the findings of this study may not apply to stroke survivors from other backgrounds.Conclusion: This study found that disability can directly predict post-stroke depression, and indirectly predict post-stroke depression through the mediating effect of perceived social support and resilience, and the chain mediating effect of perceived social support-resilience. Therefore, reducing the degree of disability of acute stroke patients and improving their perceived social support and resilience may help prevent post-stroke depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus has been reported to inhibit acute lung injury (ALI). However, the molecular mechanism of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) in preventing ALI has not been identified, so we investigated whether L. casei pretreatment could inhibit the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway following ALI. ALI model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to female BALB/c mice. In L. casei LC2W group, mice were intragastrically administrated L. casei LC2W for a week, before the ALI modeling. The serum of normal BALB/c mice after intragastric administration of L. casei LC2W was used for in vitro cell assays. The serum was pre-incubated with mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) and human lung cell line (HLF-A), then LPS was added to co-incubate. Compared with ALI model group, L. casei LC2W pretreatment significantly reduced lung pathological damage, the number of neutrophils and total cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Besides, L. casei LC2W pretreatment could significantly reverse the abnormal expression of ICAM-1, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 in lung tissue and serum, plus, L. casei LC2W significantly reduced the phosphorylation levels of IRAK-1 and NF-κB p65. In vitro, the serum decreased the up-regulation of IL-6 and TNF-α in cell lines induced by LPS. In conclusion, L. casei LC2W intragastric administration pretreatment could significantly improve LPS-induced ALI in mice, probably through circulation to reach the lungs so as to inhibit the inflammatory response induced by activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by the need to jointly model the longitudinal trajectories of HIV viral load levels and CD4 counts during the primary infection stage, we propose a joint penalized spline modeling approach that can be used to model the repeated measurements from multiple biomarkers of various types (eg, continuous, binary) simultaneously. This approach allows for flexible trajectories for each marker, accounts for potentially time‐varying correlation between markers, and is robust to misspecification of knots. Despite its advantages, the application of multivariate penalized spline models, especially when biomarkers may be of different data types, has been limited in part due to its seemingly complexity in implementation. To overcome this, we describe a procedure that transforms the multivariate setting to the univariate one, and then makes use of the generalized linear mixed effect model representation of a penalized spline model to facilitate its implementation with standard statistical software. We performed simulation studies to evaluate the validity and efficiency through joint modeling of correlated biomarkers measured longitudinally compared to the univariate modeling approach. We applied this modeling approach to longitudinal HIV‐1 RNA load and CD4 count data from Southern African cohorts to estimate features of the joint distributions such as the correlation and the proportion of subjects with high viral load levels and high CD4 cell counts over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new fault location technique based on the fundamental frequency positive sequence fault components, featuring robustness to the operating state of the prefault system and fault path resistance. Using the fundamental frequency positive sequence fault components, the technique described in this paper does not require the user to know the fault phases and fault type in advance or use a line zero sequence parameter, which is not only difficult to obtain but is also affected by soil resistivity and thus may be variable. In addition, based on the fault components protection principle, the method is inherently unaffected by the operating state of the prefault system. Accurate transmission lines' fault location is important for expediting their repair or reducing outage times, so the proposed technique could improve the quality and security of the electricity supply. This paper describes the characteristics of the proposed technique and assesses its performance by using the PSCAD/EMTDC simulation. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory, the geometrical, electronic and photophysical properties of six complexes with two ppy-type ligands and one acetylacetone anion around the Ir center have been explored. The lowest energy absorption wavelengths are located at 414 nm for 1, 434 nm for 2, 434 nm for 3, 421 nm for 4, 436 nm for 5, and 425 nm for 6, respectively. The lowest energy emissions of these complexes are localized at 617, 492, 633, 634, 491 and 491 nm, respectively, for complexes 1–6, simulated in CH2Cl2 medium at the M062X level. The calculated lowest lying absorption wavelength and the lowest energy emission wavelength for complex 3 are very close to the available experimental values. The position and number of the incorporated electron-withdrawing fluorine substituents have some effect on the electronic and photophysical properties of these studied complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the basic trace elements for the structure and metabolism of human tissue is copper. However, as a heavy metal, excessive intake or abnormal accumulation of copper in the body can cause inevitable damage to the organism because copper can result in direct injury to various cell components or disruption of the redox balance, eventually leading to cell death. Interestingly, a growing body of research reports that diverse cancers have raised serum and tumor copper levels. Tumor cells depend on more copper for their metabolism than normal cells, and a decrease in copper or copper overload can have a detrimental effect on tumor cells. New modalities for identifying and characterizing copper-dependent signals offer translational opportunities for tumor therapy, but their mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this article summarizes what we currently know about the correlation between copper and cancer and describes the characteristics of copper metabolism in tumor cells and the prospective application of copper-derived therapeutics. [Display omitted] • Copper is a double-edged sword, maintaining normal cell development and promoting tumor development. • The characteristics of copper metabolism in tumors provide new ideas for unraveling tumor mechanisms. • Copper-derived related therapies have potential applications in the treatment of tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Binding models elucidate the molecular mechanism of PFAS toxicity. • Binding models explain the track and fate of PFAS in vivo. • Understanding the protein–PFAS complex contributes to new PFAS detection strategy. Legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have elicited much concern because of their ubiquitous distribution in the environment and the potential hazards they pose to wildlife and human health. Although an increasing number of effective PFAS alternatives are available in the market, these alternatives bring new challenges. This paper comprehensively reviews how PFASs bind to transport proteins (e.g., serum albumin, liver fatty acid transport proteins and organic acid transporters), nuclear receptors (e.g., peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, thyroid hormone receptors and reproductive hormone receptors) and membranes (e.g., cell membrane and mitochondrial membrane). Briefly, the hydrophobic fluorinated carbon chains of PFASs occupy the binding cavities of the target proteins, and the acid groups of PFASs form hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues. Various structural features of PFAS alternatives such as chlorine atom substitution, oxygen atom insertion and a branched structure, introduce variations in their chain length and hydrophobicity, which potentially change the affinity of PFAS alternatives for endogenous proteins. The toxic effects and mechanisms of action of legacy PFASs can be demonstrated and compared with their alternatives using binding models. In future studies, in vitro experiments and in silico quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling should be better integrated to allow more reliable toxicity predictions for both legacy and alternative PFASs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structures and photophysical properties of eight phosphorescent Ir(III) complexes containing (4′-substituted-2′-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole ancillary ligands have been theoretically studied via density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations. The effect from the electron-donating and electron-accepting substituents on charge injection, transport, absorption, and phosphorescent properties of all the studied complexes has been investigated. The calculated results reveal that the different substituted ligands can modify the absorption and emission properties. In addition, ionization potential (IP), electron affinities (EA) and reorganization energy were obtained to evaluate the charge transfer and balance properties between hole and electron. The calculated results show that the different substitute groups affect the charge transfer rate and balance. The theoretical work can provide a description of photophysical properties through substitution, which would be useful to guide new design and synthesis of phosphorescent materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Ultrasound-guided biopsy technique with the large-core needle has widely been applied in the diagnosis of adult abdominopelvic cavity, thyroid, and neck tumors. There are few reports on ultrasound-guided biopsy using large-core needle in pediatric abdominopelvic cavity tumors. This study was to evaluate the ultrasound features and the diagnostic value of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy for pediatric neuroblastic tumors.Methods: The pediatric patients with neuroblastic tumor that underwent ultrasound examination and ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy from January 2009 to November 2015 were reviewed. A minimum of two cores in each case was obtained. The biopsy results were confirmed by subsequent surgical histopathology. The ultrasound features and the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy were evaluated.Results: Eighty-three patients were enrolled into the study. Conventional ultrasound examination showed irregular hypoechoic or mixed echo masses and calcification and liquefied necrosis. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy was 96.4% (80/83). Three cases were misdiagnosed because of inadequate tissue sample. No serious complication, infection, or needle track seeding occurred.Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy seems to be an accurate, minimally invasive, and safe diagnostic method of pediatric neuroblastic tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durability assessment is essential for assuring the reliability and safety of automotive structures, which are subjected to complex random variable amplitude loadings. In this paper, the application of different damage accumulation rules are discussed through the example of torsion beam rear axle from a sport utility vehicle, which is an assembly of welded thin sheet metals. Fatigue lives are calculated with these rules together with the structural stress at failure locations and the S-N curve determined through the constant amplitude test of specially designed standard specimens stress distributions in the vicinity of failure locations. By comparing the calculated lives with test results, it is found that all the calculations with a S-N curve for the probability of survival of PS = 50% are conservative compared to the experimental mean value even the 95% confidence interval, and that with linear damage accumulation hypothesis is of the highest accuracy, followed by the damage curve approach, while the double-linear rule will results in the most conservative estimation. Moreover, the Modified Miner Rule, which extends the S-N curve with a flatter slope k' = 2k--1 below the fatigue limit, is recommended for structural durability design for its appropriate estimations corresponding to a low failure rate with high confidence level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate a new therapy versus a control via a randomized, comparative clinical study or a series of trials, due to heterogeneity of the study patient population, a pre-specified, predictive enrichment procedure may be implemented to identify an 'enrichable' subpopulation. For patients in this subpopulation, the therapy is expected to have a desirable overall risk-benefit profile. To develop and validate such a 'therapy-diagnostic co-development' strategy, a three-step procedure may be conducted with three independent data sets from a series of similar studies or a single trial. At the first stage, we create various candidate scoring systems based on the baseline information of the patients via, for example, parametric models using the first data set. Each individual score reflects an anticipated average treatment difference for future patients who share similar baseline profiles. A large score indicates that these patients tend to benefit from the new therapy. At the second step, a potentially promising, enrichable subgroup is identified using the totality of evidence from these scoring systems. At the final stage, we validate such a selection via two-sample inference procedures for assessing the treatment effectiveness statistically and clinically with the third data set, the so-called holdout sample. When the study size is not large, one may combine the first two steps using a 'cross-training-evaluation' process. Comprehensive numerical studies are conducted to investigate the operational characteristics of the proposed method. The entire enrichment procedure is illustrated with the data from a cardiovascular trial to evaluate a beta-blocker versus a placebo for treating chronic heart failure patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method for constructing accelerated reliability test cycle of electric drive system based on vehicle operating data was presented. • Identification of typical driving conditions related to reliability was achieved by combining failure mechanisms and machine learning algorithms. • Cyclic numbers of driving sections in the load spectrum were determined by damage equivalent and multi-objective optimization method considering asynchronous failure of different components. • Loading sequence of accelerated test conditions was defined by the Markov principle correlating to actual user driving conditions. For the current traditional vehicle, reliability test specification is difficult to effectively cover the actual service load intensity of the electric drive system (EDS), the existing specification has the problems of insufficient evaluation of extreme operating conditions, the inaccurate definition of the whole life cycle damage target, and weak user relevance. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to construct an accelerated reliability test cycle for EDS based on 300 users' one-year operation data. By extracting the running fragments and constructing the characteristic parameters associated with the dominant failure load of the EDS. Principal component analysis and clustering algorithms identify the running fragments and obtain five typical operating conditions. Based on the unit damage intensity distribution model, the accelerated testing condition for simultaneous assessment of multiple components is selected, and each component's whole life cycle damage target is determined. To further consider the loading sequence of the fragments, a state transfer probability matrix for each condition is established based on the Markov chain model, which implements the condition combination. Using the multi-objective optimization algorithm determines the number of cycles for each condition and eventually compiles the accelerated reliability test cycle of the EDS. In addition, by conducting rig tests to verify the validity of the accelerated test load spectrum and determine the accelerated factor by the testing data. This study provides specific references and technical support for developing and validating the EDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a study with an event time as the endpoint, its survival function contains all the information regarding the temporal , stochastic profile of this outcome variable. The survival probability at a specific time point, say t, however, does not transparently capture the temporal profile of this endpoint up to t. An alternative is to use the restricted mean survival time (RMST) at time t to summarize the profile. The RMST is the mean survival time of all subjects in the study population followed up to t, and is simply the area under the survival curve up to t. The advantages of using such a quantification over the survival rate have been discussed in the setting of a fixed-time analysis. In this article, we generalize this approach by considering a curve based on the RMST over time as an alternative summary to the survival function. Inference, for instance, based on simultaneous confidence bands for a single RMST curve and also the difference between two RMST curves are proposed. The latter is informative for evaluating two groups under an equivalence or noninferiority setting, and quantifies the difference of two groups in a time scale. The proposal is illustrated with the data from two clinical trials, one from oncology and the other from cardiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of different substituent groups and π-conjugation degree on the optical and electronic properties of six Ir(III) complexes has been theoretically studied. The injection abilities of holes and electrons into these complexes have been evaluated with the ionization potential and electron affinity. The lowest energy absorption wavelengths calculated for these complexes are in good agreement with the available experimental values. The lowest energy emissions of these complexes are localized at 569, 584, 634, 554, 569, and 851 nm, respectively. The study could provide good information for designing the potential phosphorescent material for use in the organic light-emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel matrine–1 H -1,2,3-triazole–chalcone conjugates was synthesized and their anticancer activity against A549, Bel-7402, Hela, and MCF-7 cancer cells was evaluated. Most of the conjugates displayed higher potency than their components. Compounds 6h and 6i exhibited more potent anticancer activity than 5-fluorouracil against the four tested human cancer cell lines and lower cytotoxicity to NIH3T3 normal cells. Flow cytometry tests demonstrated that compound 6h could induce apoptosis of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 6h could efficiently suppress human tumor growth in mouse xenograft model without causing obvious toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioequivalence (BE) studies are designed to show that two formulations of one drug are equivalent and they play an important role in drug development. When in a design stage, it is possible that there is a high degree of uncertainty on variability of the formulations and the actual performance of the test versus reference formulation. Therefore, an interim look may be desirable to stop the study if there is no chance of claiming BE at the end (futility), or claim BE if evidence is sufficient (efficacy), or adjust the sample size. Sequential design approaches specially for BE studies have been proposed previously in publications. We applied modification to the existing methods focusing on simplified multiplicity adjustment and futility stopping. We name our method modified sequential design for BE studies (MSDBE). Simulation results demonstrate comparable performance between MSDBE and the original published methods while MSDBE offers more transparency and better applicability. The R package MSDBE is available at . Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For designing, monitoring, and analyzing a longitudinal study with an event time as the outcome variable, the restricted mean event time (RMET) is an easily interpretable, clinically meaningful summary of the survival function in the presence of censoring. The RMET is the average of all potential event times measured up to a time point τ and can be estimated consistently by the area under the Kaplan–Meier curve over $[0, \tau ]$. In this paper, we study a class of regression models, which directly relates the RMET to its “baseline” covariates for predicting the future subjects’ RMETs. Since the standard Cox and the accelerated failure time models can also be used for estimating such RMETs, we utilize a cross-validation procedure to select the “best” among all the working models considered in the model building and evaluation process. Lastly, we draw inferences for the predicted RMETs to assess the performance of the final selected model using an independent data set or a “hold-out” sample from the original data set. All the proposals are illustrated with the data from the an HIV clinical trial conducted by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group and the primary biliary cirrhosis study conducted by the Mayo Clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Biological images with significant intensity inhomogeneity are considerably difficult for the tissue segmentation. To overcome the difficulties caused by the intensity inhomogeneity, this study presents a variational level set method to simultaneous bias field estimation and tissue segmentation for images in the presence of intensity inhomogeneity. An energy function is defined in terms of two data fitting terms which incorporate the local clustering properties into the global region information. First, depended on the observed image mode, the local cluster property based on the observed signal is simplified to a criterion function which is similar to the Mumford-Shah model. The local criterion energy is then integrated with a global region measure, which is based on intensity difference of the true signal. The energy is minimized in a variational level set formulation with a regularity term, thus avoiding the expensive computation of the level set reinitialization and keeping the curve close to the signal distance function. Experiment results on biological images show desirable performance and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semi-Markov process often provides a better framework than the classical Markov process for the analysis of events with multiple states. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we show that in the presence of right censoring, when the right end-point of the support of the censoring time is strictly less than the right end-point of the support of the semi-Markov kernel, the transition probability of the semi-Markov process is nonidentifiable, and the estimators proposed in the literature are inconsistent in general. We derive the set of all attainable values for the transition probability based on the censored data, and we propose a nonparametric inference procedure for the transition probability using this set. Second, the conventional approach to constructing confidence bands is not applicable for the semi-Markov kernel and the sojourn time distribution. We propose new perturbation resampling methods to construct these confidence bands. Different weights and transformations are explored in the construction. We use simulation to examine our proposals and illustrate them with hospitalization data from a recent cancer survivor study. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 41: 237-256; 2013 © 2013 Statistical Society of Canada [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When comparing a new treatment with a control in a randomized clinical study, the treatment effect is generally assessed by evaluating a summary measure over a specific study population. The success of the trial heavily depends on the choice of such a population. In this article, we show a systematic, effective way to identify a promising population, for which the new treatment is expected to have a desired benefit, using the data from a current study involving similar comparator treatments. Specifically, using the existing data, we first create a parametric scoring system as a function of multiple baseline covariates to estimate subject-specific treatment differences. Based on this scoring system, we specify a desired level of treatment difference and obtain a subgroup of patients, defined as those whose estimated scores exceed this threshold. An empirically calibrated threshold-specific treatment difference curve across a range of score values is constructed. The subpopulation of patients satisfying any given level of treatment benefit can then be identified accordingly. To avoid bias due to overoptimism, we use a cross-training-evaluation method for implementing the above two-step procedure. We then show how to select the best scoring system among all competing models. Furthermore, for cases in which only a single prespecified working model is involved, inference procedures are proposed for the average treatment difference over a range of score values using the entire dataset and are justified theoretically and numerically. Finally, the proposals are illustrated with the data from two clinical trials in treating HIV and cardiovascular diseases. Note that if we are not interested in designing a new study for comparing similar treatments, the new procedure can also be quite useful for the management of future patients, so that treatment may be targeted toward those who would receive nontrivial benefits to compensate for the risk or cost of the new treatment. Supplementary materials for this article are available online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen-bonded complexes between 5-methylcytosine and acrylamide have been investigated using the density function theory (DFT) method. Five stable complexes have been found with no imaginary frequencies. Complex C3 is the most stable one with interaction energies of −69.01 kJ mol corrected for basis set superposition error (BSSE). The charge change in the process of these complexes formation has also been examined. The atoms in molecules (AIM) theory and natural bond orbital (NBO) method have been performed to investigate the hydrogen bonds involved in all the complexes. The electron density and its corresponding Laplacian at the bond and ring critical points have been analyzed. In C3 complex, there is the largest stabilization energy (18.17 kJ mol) between N11-H12 antibonding orbital and lone electron pair of O17. It can be seen that the hydrogen bonds play a crucial role in the stability of all the complexes between 5-methylcytosine and acrylamide. The theoretical results could provide helpful information for other researchers in further work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this article is to generalize the theory of Hopf–Ore extensions on Hopf algebras to multiplier Hopf algebras. First the concept of a Hopf–Ore extension of a multiplier Hopf algebra is introduced. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for Ore extensions to become a multiplier Hopf algebra. Finally, *-structures are constructed on Hopf–Ore extensions, and certain isomorphisms between Hopf–Ore extensions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: In this paper, we concentrate on developing a fuzzy rough multi-objective decision-making model, according to fuzzy rough theory. Then we prove the existence of a solution of the fuzzy rough multi-objective decision-making model formulated. Next, we develop an effective algorithm to solve the fuzzy rough expected value multi-objective decision-making model concerning the inventory problem, and prove the convergence of the proposed algorithm. Finally these are applied to practical inventory problem in which all inventory costs, purchasing and selling prices in the objectives and constraints are assumed to be fuzzy rough in nature. Comparing the results with those from the fuzzy multi-objective decision-making model, we reach that the proposed fuzzy rough multi-objective decision-making model and algorithm, which will be of much use to management, and provide significant solutions to construct other inventory models with fuzzy rough variables in real life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Norovirus (NoV) can cause chronic relapsing and remitting diarrhea in immunocompromised patients. Few multicenter studies have described the clinical course, outcomes, and complications of chronic NoV in transplant recipients. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study of adult and pediatric SOT and HSCT recipients diagnosed with NoV between November 1, 2017, and February 28, 2021. Data were obtained from electronic medical records (EMR) and entered into a central REDCap database. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: A total of 280 NoV+ patients were identified across eight sites. The majority were adults (74.1%) and SOT recipients (91.4%). Initial diagnosis of NoV occurred a median of 36 months post‐Tx (IQR [15.0, 90.0]). Most NoV cases had >3 diarrheal episodes daily (66.0%), nausea and vomiting (60.1%). Duration of diarrhea varied greatly (median = 10 days, mean = 85.9 days, range (1, 2100)). 71.3% were hospitalized. Adjustment of immunosuppression, including reduction and discontinuation of mToR inhibitor, CNI, and/or MMF, was the most common management intervention for NoV. Other therapies resulted only in temporary improvement. Four patients died within 30 days and three others died by 180 days postdiagnosis. Clinically significant renal dysfunction was observed in 12.5% by 30 days and 21.4% by 180 days post‐NoV diagnosis. Conclusion: In HSCT and SOT patients, NoV frequently resulted in severe symptoms, prolonged diarrhea (30% persistent with diarrhea for >30 days), and clinically significant renal dysfunction (up to 21% of patients). Utilized therapies did not reliably result in the resolution of infection demonstrating the need for more effective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vapor sensors with both high sensitivity and broad detection range are technically challenging yet highly desirable for widespread chemical sensing applications in diverse environments. Generally, an increased surface‐to‐volume ratio can effectively enhance the sensitivity to low concentrations, but often with the trade‐off of a constrained sensing range. Here, an approach is demonstrated for NH3 sensor arrays with an unprecedentedly broad sensing range by introducing controllable steps on the surface of an n‐type single crystal. Step edges, serving as adsorption sites with electron‐deficient properties, are well‐defined, discrete, and electronically active. NH3 molecules selectively adsorb at the step edges and nearly eliminate known trap‐like character, which is demonstrated by surface potential imaging. Consequently, the strategy can significantly boost the sensitivity of two‐terminal NH3 resistance sensors on thin crystals with a few steps while simultaneously enhancing the tolerance on thick crystals with dense steps. Incorporation of these crystals into parallel sensor arrays results in ppb–to–% level detection range and a convenient linear relation between sheet conductance and semi‐log NH3 concentration, allowing for the precise localization of vapor leakage. In general, the results suggest new opportunities for defect engineering of organic semiconductor crystal surfaces for purposeful vapor or chemical sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structure and photophysics properties of a series of iridium(III) complexes bearing non-planar tetradentate chelate and substituted bipyrazolate chelate ligands have been theoretically investigated. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations have been adopted to investigate a series of iridium(III) complexes with different electron-accepting and electron-donating substituents (CF 3 , CN, H, CH 3 and N(CH 3) 2). All the studied complexes have distorted octahedral structures around the Ir(III) metal center with the d6 configuration. The HOMO and LUMO distributions for all the studied complexes are mainly localized on the bipz and L ligands, respectively. The ionization potential and electron affinity have been calculated to evaluate the injection abilities of the holes and electrons in these studied complexes. The calculated lowest energy emissions using the TDDFT/M062X method are located at 498, 502, 445, 477 and 600 nm, respectively. The theoretical results show that these different substituents have different effects on the electronic structure and photophysical properties. This study can be useful for the design of potential blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), the electronic structure and photophysical properties of a series of cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes bearing the substituted phenylpyrazole have been theoretically investigated. All studied iridium(III) complexes have the distorted octahedral geometry with cis-C,C, cis-O,O, and trans-N,N chelate disposition. The lowest lying singlet → singlet absorptions of all studied iridium(III) complexes are respectively located at 405 nm, 387 nm, 382 nm, 370 nm, and 387 nm. The calculated emission wavelengths for all studied iridium(III) complexes are 654 nm, 513 nm, 506 nm, 505 nm and 499 nm, respectively. The calculated emission wavelength for complex 4 at the CAM-B3LYP level is in good agreement with the experimental value. From the theoretical results, it can be seen that the electron-donating substituent groups have the important effect on the electronic structure and photophysical properties of all studied iridium(III) complexes. We hope that this study can provide valuable guidance for the design of new phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed and validated a synthetic cohort approach to examine numbers of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and adverse clinical events, including incident cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, across the life span from ages 20 years to 90 years. The current analysis included 40,875 participants from 7 large, population-based longitudinal epidemiologic studies (1948–2016). On the basis of a joint multilevel imputation model, we multiply imputed each participant's life-span numbers of CRFs and events using available records. To validate the imputed values, we partially removed the observed data and then compared the imputed and observed values. The complete life-span synthetic data set reflected the original observed data trends well. In our validation sample, the distributions of imputed CRFs and events were close to the observed distributions but with less variability. Bland-Altman plots indicated that there was a slightly negative trend in general, and the agreement bias was relatively small for the continuous CRFs. The hypothetical linear regression model suggested that the relationships between the CRFs and events were preserved in the imputed data set. This approach generated valid estimates of CRFs and events across the life span for African-American and White participants. The synthetic cohort may be sufficiently accurate to be useful in assessing the origins and timing of accumulating cardiovascular risk that can inform efforts to avoid cardiovascular disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease that is known as a "silent killer" and its true prevalence is difficult to describe. It is imperative to accurately characterize the prevalence of cirrhosis because of its increasing healthcare burden. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, trends in cirrhosis prevalence were evaluated using administrative data from one of the largest national health insurance providers in the US. (2011–2018). Enrolled adult (≥18-years-old) patients with cirrhosis defined by ICD-9 and ICD-10 were included in the study. The primary outcome measured in the study was the prevalence of cirrhosis 2011–2018. Results: Among the 371,482 patients with cirrhosis, the mean age was 62.2 (±13.7) years; 53.3% had commercial insurance and 46.4% had Medicare Advantage. The most frequent cirrhosis etiologies were alcohol-related (26.0%), NASH (20.9%) and HCV (20.0%). Mean time of follow-up was 725 (±732.3) days. The observed cirrhosis prevalence was 0.71% in 2018, a 2-fold increase from 2012 (0.34%). The highest prevalence observed was among patients with Medicare Advantage insurance (1.67%) in 2018. Prevalence increased in each US. state, with Southern states having the most rapid rise (2.3-fold). The most significant increases were observed in patients with NASH (3.9-fold) and alcohol-related (2-fold) cirrhosis. Conclusion: Between 2012–2018, the prevalence of liver cirrhosis doubled among insured patients. Alcohol-related and NASH cirrhosis were the most significant contributors to this increase. Patients living in the South, and those insured by Medicare Advantage also have disproportionately higher prevalence of cirrhosis. Public health interventions are important to mitigate this concerning trajectory of strain to the health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is increasingly clear that longitudinal risk factor levels and trajectories are related to risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) above and beyond single measures. Currently used in clinical care, the Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) are based on regression methods that predict ASCVD risk based on cross-sectional risk factor levels. Deep learning (DL) models have been developed to incorporate longitudinal data for risk prediction but its benefit for ASCVD risk prediction relative to the traditional Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) remain unknown. Our study included 15,565 participants from four cardiovascular disease cohorts free of baseline ASCVD who were followed for adjudicated ASCVD. Ten-year ASCVD risk was calculated in the training set using our benchmark, the PCE, and a longitudinal DL model, Dynamic-DeepHit. Predictors included those incorporated in the PCE: sex, race, age, total cholesterol, high density lipid cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension treatment and smoking. The discrimination and calibration performance of the two models were evaluated in an overall hold-out testing dataset. Of the 15,565 participants in our dataset, 2170 (13.9%) developed ASCVD. The performance of the longitudinal DL model that incorporated 8 years of longitudinal risk factor data improved upon that of the PCE [AUROC: 0.815 (CI 0.782–0.844) vs 0.792 (CI 0.760–0.825)] and the net reclassification index was 0.385. The brier score for the DL model was 0.0514 compared with 0.0542 in the PCE. Incorporating longitudinal risk factors in ASCVD risk prediction using DL can improve model discrimination and calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 80 nm) at 0, 15, or 150 μg/L for 21 days and supplied with a low or high vitamin D (VD) diet (280 or 2800 IU/kg, respectively, indicated by – or +) to determine whether and how VD can regulate lipid metabolism disorder induced by PS-NPs. Six groups were created according to the PS-NP concentration and VD diet status: 0−, 0+, 15−, 15+,150−, and 150 +. Transmission electron microscopy showed that PS-NPs accumulated in the livers of zebrafish, which led to large numbers of vacuoles and lipid droplets in liver cell matrices; this accumulation was most prominent in the 150− group, wherein the number of lipid droplets increased significantly by 136.36%. However, the number of lipid droplets decreased significantly by 76.92% in the 150+ group compared with the 150− group. An examination of additional biochemical indicators showed that the high VD diet partially reversed the increases in the triglyceride and total cholesterol contents induced by PS-NPs (e.g., triglycerides decreased by 58.52% in the 150+ group, and total cholesterol decreased by 44.64% in the 15+ group), and regulated lipid metabolism disorder mainly by inhibiting lipid biosynthesis. Untargeted lipidomics analysis showed that exposure to PS-NPs was associated mainly with changes in the lipid molecular content related to cell membrane function and lipid biosynthesis and that the high VD diet reduced the content of lipid molecules related to lipid biosynthesis, effectively alleviating cell membrane damage and lipid accumulation. These findings highlight the potential of VD to alleviate lipid metabolism disorder caused by PS-NP exposure, thereby providing new insights into how the toxic effects of NPs on aquatic organisms could be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Depression is associated with increased risk of incident and recurrent cardiovascular disease, while the association between depression and cardiovascular health (CVH) remains unknown. Because the natural course of depression varies widely, different patterns of depression, as well as co-occurring factors such as cigarette smoking, may influence this relationship. We examined potential interactions between longitudinal patterns of depression and smoking with CVH.Methods: Using data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, we modeled trajectories of depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale scores; Years 5, 10, 15, 20) and smoking (cigarettes/day; Years 0, 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20). We calculated a modified American Heart Association (AHA) CVH Score (weight, blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, physical activity, and diet; Year 20); higher scores indicate better CVH. Generalized linear models evaluated associations between depression trajectories, smoking trajectories, and their interaction with CVH Score.Results: The depression trajectory x smoking trajectory interaction was not associated with CVH Score, but main effects of depression trajectory (p < .001) and smoking trajectory (p < .001) were observed. Participants with patterns of subthreshold depression (β = -0.26, SE=0.08), increasing depression (β = -0.51 SE = 0.14), and high depression (β = -0.65, SE = 0.32) had lower CVH Scores than those without depression. Compared to never smokers, participants who quit smoking had higher CVH Scores (β = 0.38, SE = 0.11), while participants with the greatest smoking exposure had lower CVH Scores (β = -0.49, SE = 0.22).Limitations: CVH Scores were adapted from the AHA guidelines based on the available CARDIA data.Conclusions: Deleterious depression and smoking trajectories are independently but not synergistically associated with worse CVH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the stamping accuracy of the bogie cover plate of the rail vehicles. The cold stamping forming process of A588-A thick weathering steel plate with variable initial bending size ("H") produced by the pre-straightening process was investigated by numerical simulation and experiment. The effects of "H", curvature direction of the plate, and small curved fillets radius on the forming quality of the thick steel plate were analyzed. The results demonstrated that there are defects, such as serious springback, distortion of stamping fillet, and low profile accuracy. We propose some corresponding defect control methods. The larger initial bending size "H", the higher springback value occurred. By applying 1.2–1.4 times springback compensation to the die geometry, the springback was reduced and the contour accuracy was enhanced exponentially. By replacing the original die fillet material with C12MoV and reducing the die clearance, the cross-section distortion of the stamping fillets due to bad die fittingness could be eliminated. The accuracy of the component can also be improved by controlling the curvature direction of the plate. The cold stamping test was carried out by using the best process parameters and defect control methods. The results show that the control methods are extremely effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses the association between hospitalizations and the response to exercise interventions in individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The study combines data from two randomized clinical trials of home-based walking exercise for PAD patients. The results show that hospitalizations were common among participants, and those who were hospitalized during the exercise intervention had significantly less improvement in their walking performance compared to those who were not hospitalized. The study suggests the need for targeted interventions to help PAD patients maximize the benefits of exercise after a hospitalization. [Extracted from the article]

A DFT/TDDFT (density functional theory/time-dependent density functional theory) investigation on the geometries in the ground and lowest triplet excited states, the frontier molecular orbitals, the absorption spectra and the phosphorescent emission properties of five heteroleptic iridium(iii) complexes have been performed to obtain a better understanding of structure–property relationships. The key aim was to investigate the effect of π-conjugation on the photophysical properties of these studied complexes. The lowest energy absorption wavelengths are located at 461 nm for 1, 418 nm for 2, 422 nm for 3, 426 nm for 4 and 417 nm for 5. The lowest energy emissions of complexes 1–5 are localized at 572, 463, 583, 707 and 553 nm, respectively, simulated in acetonitrile medium at M052X level. These findings could be useful to provide good guidance for the further design of new potential phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract The photophysical properties of six phosphorescent heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes with different monodentate ligands have been theoretically investigated. Abstract Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations have been employed to study the geometrical structures, electronic structures and photophysical properties of six heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes. The key aim is to investigate the effect of substituent groups with different conjugation length and different electron-donating/withdrawing ability on photophysical properties for these studied complexes. The lowest energy absorption wavelengths are located at 416 nm for 1 , 426 nm for 2 , 458 nm for 3 , 470 nm for 4 , 459 nm for 5 and 439 nm for 6 , respectively. The lowest energy emissions of complexes 1 – 6 are localized at 559, 722, 890, 914, 648 and 768 nm, respectively, simulated in tetrahydrofuran medium at VSXC level. Furthermore, ionization potential (IP), electron affinities (EA) and reorganization energy (λ hole/electron) have also been studied to evaluate the charge transfer and balance properties between hole and electron. It could be useful to design and synthesize potential phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent epidemiological investigations report that environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful substances and stress related to unhealthy lifestyles, can result in health risks to organisms. The involvement of paternal exposure to chemicals and stresses, which leads to a negative impact on physiological responses and developmental processes in descendants, has drawn scientific attention. In this comprehensive review, we systematically describe different exposure sources of intergenerational and transgenerational health effects, including smoking, atmospheric fine particulate matter, alcohol, obesogenic diet and chemical toxicants, as well as stress related to unhealthy lifestyles, such as early stress and trauma during early development. Furthermore, effects on paternal lineages through epigenetic mechanisms mediated by germ cells, including effects on reproduction, oxidative stress, nervous and immune systems, were reviewed. Collectively, these effects can affect genetic materials through DNA methylation, small noncoding RNAs and histone modifications in later generations. Specifically, neurotoxicity or brain development caused by paternal inheritance was reviewed for this research. To better understand the epigenetic mechanisms of phenotypic changes and pathological lesions, further studies should emphasize research on the effects on third or fourth generation (i.e., F3 or F4) of offspring, rather than only the first or second generation (i.e., F1 or F2), which is generally done. In particular, how the toxic effects of new pollutants on paternal heritage are transmitted to successive generations (i.e., F3 and onward) should be more fully explored, and attempts should be made to find ways to alleviate the effects of the exposures on offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeleton-based action recognition depends on skeleton sequences to detect categories of human actions. In skeleton-based action recognition, the recognition of action scenes with more than one subject is named as interaction recognition. Different from the single-subject action recognition methods, interaction recognition requires an explicit representation of the interaction information between subjects. Recalling the success of skeletal graph representation and graph convolution in modeling the spatial structural information of skeletal data, we consider whether we can embed the inter-subject interaction information into the skeletal graph and use graph convolution for a unified feature representation. In this paper, we propose the interaction information embedding skeleton graph representation (IE-Graph) and use the graph convolution operation to represent the intra-subject spatial structure information and inter-subject interaction information in a uniform manner. Inspired by recent pre-training methods in 2D vision, we propose unsupervised pre-training methods for skeletal data as well as contrast loss. In SBU datasets, JointContrast achieves 98.2 % recognition accuracy. in NTU60 datasets, JointContrast respectively achieves 94.1 % and 96.8 % recognition accuracy under Cross-Subject and Cross-View evaluation metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find an effective cure for squamous cell carcinoma, we innovatively used nano-graphene oxide as a pharmaceutical delivery system, overcoming resistance to cisplatin-targeted anti-squamous carcinoma. For this purpose, we prepared a nano-graphene oxide using an oxidation method, functionally modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) and loaded with the antitumor drug cisplatin (CDDP), a compound with preliminary anticancer efficacy. Then, anti-human squamous cell carcinoma monoclonal antibody was combined to construct a target graphene nanopharmaceutical system. The administration system was applied to nude mice carrying human squamous cell carcinoma. Through the detection of frozen tissue slices, the anti-squamous cell carcinoma effect and targeting of the graphene nanoloaded system were analyzed. The safety of the pharmaceutical system was confirmed through further experiments. Results showed that the NGO-PEG-BPEI-CDDP-Antibody complex had a significant antitumor effect and was able to enter the nude mice and targeted squamous cell carcinoma cell and effectively kill squamous cell carcinoma cells, thus reducing the use of clinical chemotherapeutic drugs, improving the efficacy and providing a new answer for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study evaluated the association of smoking with mitochondrial function in gastrocnemius muscle of people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: Participants were enrolled from Chicago, Illinois and consented to gastrocnemius biopsy. Mitochondrial oxidative capacity was measured in muscle with respirometry. Abundance of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) (mitochondrial membrane abundance), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC-1α) (mitochondrial biogenesis), and electron transport chain complexes I–V were measured with Western blot. Results: Fourteen of 31 people with PAD (age 72.1 years, ABI 0.64) smoked cigarettes currently. Overall, there were no significant differences in mitochondrial oxidative capacity between PAD participants who currently smoked and those not currently smoking (complex I+II-mediated oxidative phosphorylation: 86.6 vs 78.3 pmolO2/s/mg, respectively [ p = 0.39]). Among participants with PAD, those who currently smoked had a higher abundance of PGC-1α (p < 0.01), VDAC (p = 0.022), complex I (p = 0.021), and complex III (p = 0.021) proteins compared to those not currently smoking. People with PAD who currently smoked had lower oxidative capacity per VDAC unit (complex I+II-mediated oxidative phosphorylation [137.4 vs 231.8 arbitrary units, p = 0.030]) compared to people with PAD not currently smoking. Among people without PAD, there were no significant differences in any mitochondrial measures between currently smoking (n = 5) and those not currently smoking (n = 63). Conclusions: Among people with PAD, cigarette smoking may stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis to compensate for reduced oxidative capacity per unit of mitochondrial membrane, resulting in no difference in overall mitochondrial oxidative capacity according to current smoking status among people with PAD. However, these results were cross-sectional and a longitudinal study is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Pooled Cohort Equations (PCEs) are race- and sex-specific Cox proportional hazards (PH)-based models used for 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk prediction with acceptable discrimination. In recent years, neural network models have gained increasing popularity with their success in image recognition and text classification. Various survival neural network models have been proposed by combining survival analysis and neural network architecture to take advantage of the strengths from both. However, the performance of these survival neural network models compared to each other and to PCEs in ASCVD prediction is unknown. Methods: In this study, we used 6 cohorts from the Lifetime Risk Pooling Project (with 5 cohorts as training/internal validation and one cohort as external validation) and compared the performance of the PCEs in 10-year ASCVD risk prediction with an all two-way interactions Cox PH model (Cox PH-TWI) and three state-of-the-art neural network survival models including Nnet-survival, Deepsurv, and Cox-nnet. For all the models, we used the same 7 covariates as used in the PCEs. We fitted each of the aforementioned models in white females, white males, black females, and black males, respectively. We evaluated models' internal and external discrimination power and calibration. Results: The training/internal validation sample comprised 23216 individuals. The average age at baseline was 57.8 years old (SD = 9.6); 16% developed ASCVD during average follow-up of 10.50 (SD = 3.02) years. Based on 10 × 10 cross-validation, the method that had the highest C-statistics was Deepsurv (0.7371) for white males, Deepsurv and Cox PH-TWI (0.7972) for white females, PCE (0.6981) for black males, and Deepsurv (0.7886) for black females. In the external validation dataset, Deepsurv (0.7032), Cox-nnet (0.7282), PCE (0.6811), and Deepsurv (0.7316) had the highest C-statistics for white male, white female, black male, and black female population, respectively. Calibration plots showed that in 10 × 10 validation, all models had good calibration in all race and sex groups. In external validation, all models overestimated the risk for 10-year ASCVD. Conclusions: We demonstrated the use of the state-of-the-art neural network survival models in ASCVD risk prediction. Neural network survival models had similar if not superior discrimination and calibration compared to PCEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: To explore the value of Microflow Imaging (MFI) in renal solid tumors. Methods: A total of 195 patients with 199 lesions pathologically confirmed masses were retrospectively analyzed. The 199 masses were divided into the tumor ≤ 4 cm group (n = 104) and tumor > 4 cm group (n = 95). The diagnostic efficacy of Color Doppler Flow Imaging (CDFI), Power Doppler Imaging (PDI) and MFI in renal tumors sizes were compared by determining the Adler grade, vascular morphology and peripheral blood flow. Results: Among 199 tumors, 161 lesions were malignant and 38 lesions were benign. MFI in malignant tumor ≤ 4 cm demonstrated statistically significant differences in Adler grade and vascular morphology as compared to CDFI and PDI (p < 0.05). In malignant tumor > 4 cm group, MFI showed significant difference in vascular morphology compared with CDFI (p < 0.05). MFI showed a significant difference in the peripheral annular blood flow of malignant tumors when compared to CDFI and PDI (p < 0.05). In addition, the malignant tumors of the two sizes by MFI in peripheral annular blood flow detection showed significant difference (p < 0.05). The area under the curve of ROC by MFI in the tumor ≤ 4 cm was 0.771, which was higher than CDFI and PDI (p < 0.05), but no obvious difference among the tumor > 4 cm (p > 0.05). Conclusion: MFI provides a new method for the differential diagnosis of small renal carcinoma. Based on the convenience and non-radiation of MFI, we can choose MFI as an imaging diagnostic tool for patients who need long-term active surveillance (AS) follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of osmium(II) complexes with different substituent groups (-CF3, -N(CH3)2) have been studied by using the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods, to investigate their electronic structures, absorption, and emission properties. The influence of different substituted groups on their photophysical properties has also been explored. The lowest energy absorption and emission wavelengths calculated are in good agreement with the available experimental values. Besides, ionization potential (IP), electron affinities (EA), and reorganization energy (λ) were calculated to evaluate the charge transfer and balance properties between hole and electron. It is expected that the theoretical studies could provide valuable information for the phosphorescent osmium(II) material for use in the organic light-emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Three heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes 1, 2 and 3 bearing two cyclometalating 2′,6′-difluoro-2,3′-bipyridyl (dfpypy) chelates and one pyridyl pyrazolate ligand have been investigated by using the density functional theory/time-dependent density functional theory method to study the influence of the different substituent groups (―CF3and ―N(CH3)2moiety on the electronic structures, phosphorescent properties and the organic light-emitting diode performance. The lowest energy absorption wavelength calculated is in good agreement with the experimental value. The lowest energy emissions of complexes1,2and3are localised at 454, 534 and 821 nm, respectively. Ionisation potential and electron affinity have been calculated to evaluate the injection abilities of holes and electrons into these complexes. The calculated results show that the different substitute groups affect the charge transfer rate and balance. Finally, we hope that this study can provide a good guide to the future design and synthesis of novel phosphorescent materials for use in the organic light-emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) have reduced lower extremity perfusion, impaired lower extremity skeletal muscle function, and poor walking performance. Telmisartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker) has properties that reverse these abnormalities.Objective: To determine whether telmisartan improves 6-minute walk distance, compared with placebo, in patients with lower extremity PAD at 6-month follow-up.Design, Setting, and Participants: Double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted at 2 US sites and involving 114 participants. Enrollment occurred between December 28, 2015, and November 9, 2021. Final follow-up occurred on May 6, 2022.Interventions: The trial randomized patients using a 2 × 2 factorial design to compare the effects of telmisartan plus supervised exercise vs telmisartan alone and supervised exercise alone and to compare telmisartan alone vs placebo. Participants with PAD were randomized to 1 of 4 groups: telmisartan plus exercise (n = 30), telmisartan plus attention control (n = 29), placebo plus exercise (n = 28), or placebo plus attention control (n = 27) for 6 months. The originally planned sample size was 240 participants. Due to slower than anticipated enrollment, the primary comparison was changed to the 2 combined telmisartan groups vs the 2 combined placebo groups and the target sample size was changed to 112 participants.Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the 6-month change in 6-minute walk distance (minimum clinically important difference, 8-20 m). The secondary outcomes were maximal treadmill walking distance; Walking Impairment Questionnaire scores for distance, speed, and stair climbing; and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey physical functioning score. The results were adjusted for study site, baseline 6-minute walk distance, randomization to exercise vs attention control, sex, and history of heart failure at baseline.Results: Of the 114 randomized patients (mean age, 67.3 [SD, 9.9] years; 46 were women [40.4%]; and 81 were Black individuals [71.1%]), 105 (92%) completed 6-month follow-up. At 6-month follow-up, telmisartan did not significantly improve 6-minute walk distance (from a mean of 341.6 m to 343.0 m; within-group change: 1.32 m) compared with placebo (from a mean of 352.3 m to 364.8 m; within-group change: 12.5 m) and the adjusted between-group difference was -16.8 m (95% CI, -35.9 m to 2.2 m; P = .08). Compared with placebo, telmisartan did not significantly improve any of the 5 secondary outcomes. The most common serious adverse event was hospitalization for PAD (ie, lower extremity revascularization, amputation, or gangrene). Three participants (5.1%) in the telmisartan group and 2 participants (3.6%) in the placebo group were hospitalized for PAD.Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with PAD, telmisartan did not improve 6-minute walk distance at 6-month follow-up compared with placebo. These results do not support telmisartan for improving walking performance in patients with PAD.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02593110. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise, functional assessment, intermittent claudication, opioids, peripheral artery disease (PAD), randomized controlled trial (RCT), statins Keywords: exercise; functional assessment; intermittent claudication; opioids; peripheral artery disease (PAD); randomized controlled trial (RCT); statins EN exercise functional assessment intermittent claudication opioids peripheral artery disease (PAD) randomized controlled trial (RCT) statins 144 146 3 04/12/23 20230401 NES 230401 This study describes changes over time in baseline comorbidities, leg symptoms, functional impairment, and medications of people with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) randomized into clinical trials designed to improve walking performance. [Extracted from the article]