A generalisable methodology for stability assessment of walking aid users

To assist balance and mobility, older adults are often prescribed walking aids. Nevertheless, surprisingly their use has been associated with increased falls-risk. To address this finding we first need to characterise a person's stability while using a walking aid. Therefore, we present a generalisable method for the assessment of stability of walking frame (WF) users. Our method, for the first time, considers user and device as a combined system. We define the combined centre of pressure (CoP_system) of user and WF to be the point through which the resultant ground reaction force for all feet of both the WF and user acts if theresultant moment acts only around an axisperpendicular tothe ground plane. We also define the combined base of support (BoS_system) to be the convex polygon formed by the boundaries of the anatomical and WF feet in contact with the ground and interconnecting lines between them. To measure these parameters we have developed an instrumented WF with a load cell in each foot which we use together with pressure-sensing insoles and a camera system, the latter providing the relative position of the WF and anatomical feet. Software uses the resulting data to calculate the stability margin of the combined system, defined as the distance between CoP_system and the nearest edge of BoS_system. Our software also calculates the weight supported through the frame and when each foot (of user and/or frame) is on the floor. Finally, we present experimental work demonstrating the value of our approach.

Differential gene expression in the peripheral blood of Chinese Sanhe cattle exposed to severe cold stress

Livestock is an important food resource for the inhabitants of cold regions, such as northern Asia and alpine regions, where agriculture is limited. In these regions, cold stress largely affects livestock production, thereby reducing the productivity and survival of animals. Despite the importance of breeding cold-tolerant animals, few studies have investigated the effects of cold stress on cattle. Furthermore, whether severe cold stress alters gene expression or affects molecular genetic mechanisms remains unknown. Thus, we investigated gene expression changes in the peripheral blood samples of the Chinese Sanhe cattle exposed to severe cold. A total of 193 genes were found to exhibit significant alteration in expression (P < 0.05; fold change > 1.3), with 107 genes showing upregulation and 86 showing downregulation after cold exposure. The differences in the expression of 10 selected genes were further validated by real-time qRT-PCR. Further analyses showed that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly associated with important biological pathways and gene networks, such as lipid metabolism and cell death and survival, which are potentially associated with severe cold-stress resistance. Identification and description of these cold stress-induced DEGs might lead to the discovery of novel blood biomarkers that could be used to assess cold-stress resistance in cattle. To our knowledge, this is the first genomic evidence of differences in the transcript expression pattern in cattle exposed to severe cold stress. Our findings provide insights on the potential molecular mechanisms underlying cold-stress response in cattle.

Characterization of slow cycling corneal limbal epithelial cells identifies putative stem cell markers

In order to identify reliable markers of corneal epithelial stem cells, we employed an inducible transgenic “pulse-chase” murine model (K5Tta × TRE-H2BGFP) to localize, purify, and characterize slow cycling cells in the cornea. The retention of GFP labeling in slowly dividing cells allowed for localization of these cells to the corneal limbus and their subsequent purification by FACS. Transcriptome analysis from slow cycling cells identified differentially expressed genes when comparing to GFP^- faster-dividing cells. RNA-Seq data from corneal epithelium were compared to epidermal hair follicle stem cell RNA-Seq to identify genes representing common putative stem cell markers or determinants, which included Sox9, Fzd7, Actn1, Anxa3 and Krt17. Overlapping retention of GFP and immunohistochemical expression of Krt15, ΔNp63, Sox9, Actn1, Fzd7 and Krt17 were observed in our transgenic model. Our analysis presents an array of novel genes as putative corneal stem cell markers.

Quercetin alleviates pulmonary angiogenesis in a rat model of hepatopulmonary syndrome

Quercetin shows protective effects against hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), as demonstrated in a rat model. However, whether these effects involve pulmonary vascular angiogenesis in HPS remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of quercetin on pulmonary vascular angiogenesis and explore the underlying mechanisms. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g underwent sham operation or common bile duct ligation (CBDL). Two weeks after surgery, HIF-1α and NFκB levels were assessed in rat lung tissue by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Then, CBDL and sham-operated rats were further divided into 2 subgroups each to receive intraperitoneal administration of quercetin (50 mg/kg daily) or 0.2% Tween for two weeks: Sham (Sham+Tween; n=8), CBDL (CBDL+Tween; n=8), Q (Sham+quercetin; n=8), and CBDL+Q (CBDL+quercetin; n=8). After treatment, lung tissue specimens were assessed for protein (immunohistochemistry and western blot) and/or gene expression (quantitative real-time PCR) levels of relevant disease markers, including VEGFA, VEGFR2, Akt/p-Akt, HIF-1α, vWf, and IκB/p-IκB. Finally, arterial blood was analyzed for alveolar arterial oxygen pressure gradient (AaPO₂). Two weeks after CBDL, HIF-1α expression in the lung decreased, but was gradually restored at four weeks. Treatment with quercetin did not significantly alter HIF-1α levels, but did reduce AaPO₂ as well as lung tissue NF-κB activity, VEGFA gene and protein levels, Akt activity, and angiogenesis. Although hypoxia is an important feature in HPS, our findings suggest that HIF-1α was not the main cause for the VEGFA increase. Interestingly, quercetin inhibited pulmonary vascular angiogenesis in rats with HPS, with involvement of Akt/NF-κB and VEGFA/VEGFR-2 pathways.

INTU is essential for oncogenic Hh signaling through regulating primary cilia formation in basal cell carcinoma

Inturned (INTU), a cilia and planar polarity effector (CPLANE), performs prominent ciliogenic functions during morphogenesis, such as in the skin. INTU is expressed in adult tissues but its role in tissue maintenance is unknown. Here, we report that the expression of the INTU gene is aberrantly elevated in human basal cell carcinoma (BCC), coinciding with increased primary cilia formation and activated hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Disrupting Intu in an oncogenic mutant Smo (SmoM2)-driven BCC mouse model prevented the formation of BCC through suppressing primary cilia formation and Hh signaling, suggesting that Intu performs a permissive role during BCC formation. INTU is essential for IFT-A complex assembly during ciliogenesis. To further determine whether Intu is directly involved in the activation of Hh signaling downstream of ciliogenesis, we examined the Hh signaling pathway in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, which readily respond to Hh pathway activation. Depleting Intu blocked SAG-induced Hh pathway activation, whereas the expression of Gli2ΔN, a constitutively active Gli2, restored Hh pathway activation in Intu-deficient cells, suggesting that INTU functions upstream of Gli2 activation. In contrast, overexpressing Intu did not promote ciliogenesis or Hh signaling. Taken together, data obtained from this study suggest that INTU is indispensable during BCC tumorigenesis and that its aberrant upregulation is likely a prerequisite for primary cilia formation during Hh-dependent tumorigenesis.

Leptin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus inversely correlate with regulatory T cell frequency

Leptin levels are increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but little is known on how this correlates with several disease characteristics including the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here we compared serum leptin levels with frequency of circulating Tregs in 47 lupus patients vs. 25 healthy matched controls. Correlations with lupus disease activity were also analyzed, as well as Treg proliferation potential. It was found that leptin was remarkably increased in SLE patients as compared to controls, particularly in SLE patients with moderate and severe active SLE, and the increase correlated with disease activity. Importantly, increased leptin in lupus patients inversely correlated with the frequency of Tregs but not in controls, and leptin neutralization resulted in the expansion of Tregs ex vivo. Thus, hyperleptinemia in lupus patients correlates directly with disease activity and inversely with Treg frequency. The finding that leptin inhibition expands Tregs in SLE suggests possible inhibition of this molecule for an enhanced Treg function in the disease.

Reduction of hypoglycaemic events with a behavioural intervention: a randomized clinical trial for paediatric patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

To determine if a low-intensity, clinic-integrated behavioural intervention reduced the incidence of hypoglycaemic events in children with Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 390 families with children with Type 1 diabetes were enrolled in a 2-year, randomized clinical trial of a behavioural intervention. The intervention was designed to improve diabetes management practices by targeting the family's diabetes problem-solving skills. Hypoglycaemic events were categorized in two groups: those treated by oral ingestion and those treated by parenteral therapy. Events were self-reported by participants at each clinic visit, which occurred approximately every 3-4 months. Analyses included two-sample t-tests, the mean cumulative function test, and the Cox proportional hazards model for recurrent events to compare the incidence between groups.

RESULTS

Across the entire 2-year study period, the incidence of hypoglycaemic events treated by oral ingestion of glucose-rich foods and events requiring parenteral therapy did not significantly differ between study conditions; however, during the second year of participant enrolment, the incidence of events treated by oral ingestion in the intervention group was 13.6 per 100 person-years compared with 27.3 per 100 patient-years in the control group (P = 0.02). The hazard ratio of these events during the second year was 0.49 (95% CI 0.27-0.90; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest the need for a long-term (> 1 year) focus on the implementation of interventions targeting diabetes management in young people. Behavioural interventions targeting problem-solving skills could be considered as practical, non-pharmacological strategies to reduce hypoglycaemia in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

Replacement of quaternary ammonium headgroups by tri-ornithine in cationic lipids for the improvement of gene delivery in vitro and in vivo

Replacement of quaternary ammonium headgroups by tri-ornithine in lipids improved gene delivery in vitro and in vivo with little toxicity.

Construction of core-shell hybrid nanoparticles templated by virus-like particles

Catalytically active gold in silica core–shell nanoparticles are prepared by pH controlled templating on virus-like particles.

Adjuvant immunotherapy with autologous cytokine-induced killer cells for hepatocellular carcinoma patients after curative resection, a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cytokine-induced killer cells have been used as an adjuvant treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma with curative treatment. However, the outcomes remain controversial.

AIM

We conducted this meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of cytokine-induced killer cells.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials on cytokine-induced killer cells for hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatments were identified by electronic searches. A meta-analysis was carried out to examine disease-free survival, overall survival rate and adverse effect.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials with 844 patients (85.9% with hepatitis B or C) were included. Our meta-analysis showed that cytokine-induced killer cells can not only improve the 1-year (RR=1.23, P<0.001), 2-year (RR=1.37, P<0.001) and 3-year (RR=1.35, P=0.004) disease-free survival, but also improve the 1-year (RR=1.08, P=0.001), 2-year (RR=1.14, P<0.001) and 3-year (RR=1.15, P=0.02) overall survival. However, it failed to affect the 4-year and 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival (P>0.05). At the same time, cytokine-induced killer cells treatment was proved to be a safe strategy with the comparable adverse events comparing to the control group (P=0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides the best available evidence that adjuvant cytokine-induced killer cells treatment can be safely used to improve the early disease-free survival and survival of hepatitis B or C related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Nonlinear Transition from Mitigation to Suppression of the Edge Localized Mode with Resonant Magnetic Perturbations in the EAST Tokamak

Evidence of a nonlinear transition from mitigation to suppression of the edge localized mode (ELM) by using resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) in the EAST tokamak is presented. This is the first demonstration of ELM suppression with RMPs in slowly rotating plasmas with dominant radio-frequency wave heating. Changes of edge magnetic topology after the transition are indicated by a gradual phase shift in the plasma response field from a linear magneto hydro dynamics modeling result to a vacuum one and a sudden increase of three-dimensional particle flux to the divertor. The transition threshold depends on the spectrum of RMPs and plasma rotation as well as perturbation amplitude. This means that edge topological changes resulting from nonlinear plasma response plays a key role in the suppression of ELM with RMPs.

Change in serum TSH levels within the reference range was associated with variation of future blood pressure: a 5-year follow-up study

Controversy exists on the relationship between serum thyrotropin (TSH) and blood pressure, and only a few prospective studies are available up to now. The study aimed to investigate the association between serum TSH within the reference range and blood pressure through a 5-year follow-up study. A total of 623 subjects with normal TSH were followed up for 5 years, including the measurement of demographic data, blood pressure, height, weight and serum TSH. Finally, 531 subjects were included in this prospective study. Body mass index (BMI), prevalence of hypertension, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were all higher at follow-up than at baseline. Adjusted for age, gender, smoking status, BMI and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at baseline, multiple linear regression analyses found no relationship between serum TSH at baseline and levels of blood pressure at follow-up, but the changes in serum TSH levels during follow-up was positively associated with the changes in systolic blood pressure (B=2.134, P<0.05), which became more significant in women but not significant in men. The change of systolic blood pressure in group of TSH increase >0.5 mIU l^-1 was significantly higher than in group of TSH decrease >0.5 mIU l^-1 within reference, after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, BMI and HOMA-IR at baseline. This result became more significant in women, but no statistical significance was observed in men. Co-variation with serum TSH levels and blood pressure was observed during 5-year follow-up among people with normal TSH.

RELAP5 investigation on subchannel flow instability

Two-phase flow instability is a vitally important area of study for a large number of industrial systems. Density Wave Oscillation (DWO) is the most common type of flow instability caused by the change in flow rate or power in boiling systems. The code RELAP5 is used to simulate single channel, 2 × 2 subchannels, and 3 × 3 subchannels with typical BWR subchannel geometry. The onset of flow instability determinating criterion and the results of simulations are utilized to create a stable boundary. The stable boundary of a single channel is compared with those from results of other researchers. Some conclusions are made as follows. 3 × 3 subchannels are more stable than single channel and 2 × 2 subchannels. Open subchannels possess a larger stable region than close channels. The heating model is analyzed determining that asymmetrical heating has negative effect on stability as compared to symmetric heating. With the analysis of transit time, period and subcooling number, there is a positive linear relationship between the subcooling number and oscillation period.

A longitudinally split rabbit segmental gracilis to simulate penile erectile function: anatomic basis and animal models

OBJECTIVE

The gracilis was once applied in reconstructing erectile function but its appearance was bulky. We aimed to design a model meeting the requirements of both reducing volume and retaining function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The gracilis muscles of 6 rabbits were harvested, applied colorful vascular perfusion and modified Sihler's intramuscular nerve staining. According to their intramuscular nerves and blood vessels, 9 rabbit right gracilis muscles were then longitudinally split into two halves. The anterior muscle bundle was selected as the functional unit and blood supply.

RESULTS

The intramuscular nerves and vessels were simultaneously presented on a same specimen. Their relationship suggested gracilis muscle to be composed of two relatively independent subunits. The reconstructed penis survived well, simulating erectile action satisfactorily.

DISCUSSION

The penis model reconstructed with longitudinally split rabbit segmental gracilis myocutaneous flap had met the requirements of both restoring erectile function and improving the appearance.

Polysaccharide-induced apoptosis in H22 cells through G2/M arrest and BCL2/BAX caspase-activated Fas pathway

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect and the mechanism of growth inhibition on mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma cell of ascitic tumor induced by cartilage polysaccharides (PS). Our results showed that PS prolonged the survival time of the mice and increased the life span. In addition, PS induced the apoptosis of the H22 cells with the typical apoptotic morphological and biochemical changes confirmed by HE staining and TUNEL assay. The subsequent analysis of cell cycle distribution and relevant proteins revealed that decrease of cells in G0/G1phase and a G2/M arrest might due to the down-regulation of Cyclin D1 and AFP and up-regulation of P21 proteins. Moreover, BCL2/BAX caspase-activated Fas pathway was activated in PS-induced H22 apoptosis.

Frequency-dependent learning achieved using semiconducting polymer/electrolyte composite cells

Frequency-dependent learning has been achieved using semiconducting polymer/electrolyte composite cells. The cells composed of polymer/electrolyte double layers realized the conventional spike-rate-dependent plasticity (SRDP) learning model. These cells responded to depression upon low-frequency stimulation and to potentiation upon high-frequency stimulation and presented long-term memory. The transition threshold θm from depression to potentiation varied depending on the previous stimulations. A nanostructure resembling a bio-synapse in its transport passages was demonstrated and a random channel model was proposed to describe the ionic kinetics at the polymer/electrolyte interface during and after stimulations with various frequencies, accounting for the observed SRDP.

Effect of hemodynamics on the recurrence of posterior communicating artery aneurysm: a computational fluid dynamics simulation study

AIM

To compare the hemodynamic characteristics of posterior communicating artery aneurysm before and after embolization and investigate its relationship with aneurysm recurrence using a computational fluid dynamics simulation study.

METHODS

Thirteen patients undergone embolization of posterior communicating artery aneurysm between January 2008 and February 2010 were enrolled and divided into recurrent and recovered group according to their follow-up angiographic data. Aneurysm models were established using three-dimensional cerebral angiography data collected before and after embolization. Preoperative and postoperative hemodynamic modalities at aneurysm neck region were analyzed with computational fluid dynamics software using the finite element algorithm. In this study, computational models were set according to transcranial Doppler pulsatile flow, and the part of aneurysm occluded by spring coil is completely independent of the blood flow.

RESULTS

In recurrent group, peak systolic wall shear stress and blood flow velocity at the aneurysm neck region were significant increased after the embolization. On the contrary, in recovered group peak systolic wall shear stress and blood flow velocity were significantly reduced after the embolization. The recurrent group also had higher post-embolization peak systolic wall shear stress and blood flow velocity than the recovered group.

CONCLUSION

High wall shear stress and blood flow velocity after embolization at the neck region of posterior communicating artery aneurysm may promote early aneurysm recurrence.

Red-blue-green solid state light sources using a narrow line-width green phosphor

We demonstrate that using a narrow line-width green phosphor with the peak wavelength closely aligned with the peak in the human eye sensitivity significantly improves the Luminous Efficacy of Radiation (LER) for Red-Green-Blue (RGB) emitters. Compared to the traditional RGB sources, the improvement in LER of 20 lm/W can be achieved. Combining the narrow band green phosphor with conventional wide band red and blue phosphors allows for trading off these improvements against the deviation from the Planckian locus for even higher LER. The light sources with the narrow line green phosphor are particularly promising for high energy efficiency and high intensity illumination, where somewhat compromises can be made in the color quality such as in automotive, outdoor spaces, industrial ware-houses, public places (train stations, airports) etc..

Boronic acid-based enzyme inhibitors: a review of recent progress

Since Bortezomib was approved by US FDA as the first drug to treat multiple myeloma, various boronic acid compounds have been developed as enzyme inhibitors. This paper reviewed the progress of boronic acid-based inhibitors against enzymes including proteasome, serine protease, HDACs and other enzymes in the past decade.

Annealing Dependence of Solution-Processed Ultra-Thin ZrOx Films for Gate Dielectric Applications

Ultra-thin ZrOx thin films on Si substrates were prepared by sol-gel technique and processed with different methods (baked on hot plate at 150 °C, annealed at 500 °C in furnace, and photo-annealed under UV light). The decomposition of the organic groups and the formation of Zr-O bonding in the ZrOx thin films were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that the ZrOx thin film annealed under UV light shows decent characteristics, including an ultra-small surface roughness, a low leakage current density of 10(-9) A/cm2 at 1 MV/cm, a large breakdown electric field of 9.5 MV/cm, and a large areal capacitance of 775 nF/cm2.

Case analysis of complete remission of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma achieved with sorafenib

Background

To evaluate the feasibility and security of complete remission (CR) of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) achieved with sorafenib treatment, and investigate the previously described predictive factors in CR.

Methods

The case of a patient who achieved CR of advanced HCC with sorafenib treatment was analyzed. The case analysis was performed by a literature review of relevant reports retrieved from the PubMed database.

Results

A 58-year-old male patient achieved CR of advanced HCC after 23 weeks of oral treatment with sorafenib alone for 41 months and maintained CR for more than 35 months. Eleven reports worldwide have documented a total of twelve patients who achieved CR of advanced HCC, including six with nonsurgical oral sorafenib treatment, four with surgical resection in the descent stage following oral sorafenib treatment and two with oral sorafenib treatment for postoperative metastasis.

Conclusions

For unresectable advanced HCC, sorafenib can significantly improve progression-free survival and overall survival, achieving CR in some cases. In addition, surgical resection of advanced HCC in the descent stage is possible following oral sorafenib treatment. For patients with postoperative distant metastasis of HCC, sorafenib treatment also provides clinical benefits and can even achieve CR. Besides, long-term sorafenib administration is safe, and patients should continually receive sorafenib to avoid recurrence after complete remission of cancer. Furthermore, early HFSR, rapid decline of AFP levels and rapid tumor shrinking observed by imaging are known parameters describing sorafenib’s effects. Finally, it is important to assess the gene locus of sorafenib sensitivity in HCC patients in future research.

Effect of heavy-ion on frequency selectivity of semiconducting polymer/electrolyte heterojunction

Long-term bidirectional frequency selectivity has been achieved in MEH-PPV/PEO–Nd³⁺cells, which suggests spike-rate-dependent plasticity learning protocol. It depends on pulse shape due to variation of ionic type.

Effect of liraglutide administration and a calorie-restricted diet on lipoprotein profile in overweight/obese persons with prediabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To evaluate the effects of 14 weeks of liraglutide plus modest caloric restriction on lipid/lipoprotein metabolism in overweight/obese persons with prediabetes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Volunteers with prediabetes followed a calorie-restricted diet (-500 Kcal/day) plus liraglutide (n = 23) or placebo (n = 27) for 14 weeks. The groups were similar in age (58 ± 7 vs. 58 ± 8 years) and body mass index (31.9 ± 2.8 vs. 31.9 ± 3.5 kg/m(2)). A comprehensive lipid/lipoprotein profile was obtained before and after intervention using vertical auto profile (VAP). Weight loss was greater in the liraglutide group than in the placebo group (6.9 vs. 3.3 kg, p < 0.001), as was the fall in fasting plasma glucose concentration (9.9 mg/dL vs. 0.3 mg/dL, p < 0.001). VAP analysis revealed multiple improvements in lipid/lipoprotein metabolism in liraglutide-treated compared with placebo-treated volunteers, including decreases in concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and several of its subclasses, triglyceride, and non-high-density cholesterol. The liraglutide-treated group also had a significant shift away from small, dense low-density lipoprotein-particles, as well as decreases in apolipoprotein B concentration and ratio of apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1. There were no significant changes in the lipoprotein profile in the placebo-treated group.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with liraglutide plus modest calorie restriction led to enhanced weight loss, a decrease in fasting plasma glucose concentration, and improvement in multiple aspects of lipid/lipoprotein metabolism associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The significant clinical benefit associated with liraglutide-assisted weight loss in a group at high risk for CVD - obese/overweight individuals with prediabetes - as seen in our pilot study, suggests that this approach deserves further study.