Double-layer Ni-P coatings with low phosphorus content in the inner layer and high phosphorus content in the outer layer and Ni-Mo-P composite coatings are successfully prepared on the surface of AZ91D magnesium alloy by chemical plating process. The microstructures, friction and corrosion resistance of double-layer Ni-P and Ni-Mo-P coatings are studied in comparison. Meanwhile, the deposition and corrosion resistance mechanism for the coatings are investigated. Results convey that both Ni-P and Ni-Mo-P coatings showcase an amorphous structure. The coating possesses denser and more homogeneous structure with the co-doping of Mo. The micro-indentation hardness (859.7 HV) and friction coefficient (0.58) of Ni-Mo-P coatings show that the ternary alloy coating is firmly bonded to the magnesium alloy substrate. Besides, the Ni-Mo-P coatings demonstrate exceptional wear resistance attributed to Mo co-deposition, fostering grain refinement and facilitating the growth of passivation films.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The cardiopulmonary function of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is significantly lower than that of patients with simple snoring and is significantly related to the severity of OSA. Currently, only a few studies have been conducted on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in overweight patients with OSA. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) indices and the condition of overweight patients with OSA. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. METHODS: This study included 73 hospitalized overweight patients. The patients were divided into no, mild, moderate, and severe OSA groups. Differences in the CPET indices among the four groups were compared. The correlation between the CPET indices and conditions was analyzed. RESULTS: No, mild, moderate, and severe OSA groups had 18 men and 5 women, 11 men and 3 women, 12 men and 2 women, and 21 men and 1 woman, respectively (P > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in resting pulmonary function among the four groups (P > 0.05). In the CPET, the anaerobic threshold, maximum oxygen uptake, and oxygen pulse were significantly lower in the severe OSA group than those in the normal OSA group (P < 0.05). Moreover, CPET indices negatively correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index. CONCLUSION: Changes in CPET indices occurred earlier than changes in resting pulmonary function in patients with OSA. CPET might be a potential method for evaluating the severity of OSA combined with overweight status.

Resumen Antecedentes: La enfermedad de injerto contra huésped (EICH) es una complicación importante después del trasplante alogénico de células madre hematopoyéticas. Objetivos: Para dilucidar el papel de TLR4, el principal receptor de LPS bacteriano, en el desarrollo de GVHD, construimos un modelo de GVHD en ratones knockout para TLR4 (TLR4-/-) y monitoreamos el quimerismo celular. Métodos: En este estudio, usamos PCR para identificar si se establecieron ratones knockout para TLR4 (TLR4-/-). Antes del trasplante, pretratamos a los ratones con irradiación para obtener la dosis de irradiación adecuada. Se aplicó citometría de flujo para medir el estado de quimerismo, las distribuciones de APC y células T en ratones receptores TLR4+/+ y TLR4-/-. Resultados: El estado general de los receptores de TLR4-/- fue mejor que el de los receptores de TLR4+/+, y los ratones receptores de TLR4-/- mostraron manifestaciones de GVHD menos graves que los ratones receptores de TLR4+/+. La mayoría de las APC y las células T en el bazo del ratón huésped se derivaron de las células del donante, y las células T CD4+, incluidas las células T de memoria, se encontraban en su mayoría en los ratones huéspedes. Conclusión: En general, nuestros datos muestran que la eliminación de TLR4 atenuó el desarrollo de GVHD, lo que sugiere que TLR4 podría usarse como un nuevo objetivo y paradigma terapéutico en las terapias de GVHD.

Abstract Background: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Objective: To elucidate the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), the major receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide, in the development of GVHD, we constructed a GVHD model in TLR4 knockout (TLR4-/-) mice and monitored the cell chimerism. Methods: In this study, we used polymerase chain reaction to identify whether TLR4 knockout (TLR4-/-) mice were established. Before transplantation, we pretreated mice with irradiation so as to obtain an appropriate irradiation dose. Flow cytometry was applied to measure the chimerism status, the distributions of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and T-cells in TLR4+/+ and TLR4-/- recipient mice. Results: The general condition of TLR4-/- recipients was better than that of TLR4+/+ recipients, and the TLR4-/- recipient mice showed less severe GVHD manifestations than the TLR4+/+ recipient mice. Most of the APCs and T-cells in the host mouse spleen were derived from donor cells, and CD4+ T-cells, including memory T-cells, were in the majority in host mice. Conclusion: In general, our data show that TLR4 deletion attenuated GVHD development, which suggests that TLR4 could be used as a novel target and therapeutic paradigm in GVHD therapies.

Abstract Aim: to investigate the effects of low sodium formula salt combined with the Chinese Modified Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on cerebrovascular function in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Methods: an eight-week single-arm trial was conducted in 66 patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes to investigate effects of low sodium formula salt (potassium chloride 56 %, sodium chloride 23 %, 5 g/day) combined with Chinese Modified DASH diet on cerebrovascular function (measured by transcranial Doppler sonography), indicators of chronic diseases (blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids) and urinary excretion. The above indicators were performed before and after intervention. Results: fifty-nine subjects completed the study. Peak systolic velocity, mean flow velocity, end-diastolic velocity, pulsatility index and resistance index of internal cerebral artery and vertebral artery decreased significantly (p < 0.05); pulsatility index and resistance index of anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery decreased significantly (p < 0.05); and end-diastolic velocity and pulsatility index of basilar artery decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose decreased significantly (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Blood pressure and blood glucose control rates increased significantly (p < 0.001). Conclusions: based on the study, 23 % low-sodium formula combined with CM-DASH diet pattern can improve cerebrovascular function in community patients with hypertension complicated with diabetes and has a good short-term benefit of blood pressure and glucose control.

Resumen Objetivo: investigar los efectos de una sal baja en sodio combinada con la versión china de la dieta DASH (del inglés Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) modificada en la función cerebrovascular en pacientes con hipertensión y diabetes tipo 2. Métodos: en 66 pacientes con hipertensión y diabetes tipo 2 se llevó a cabo un ensayo de ocho semanas para investigar los efectos de la sal baja en sodio (cloruro de potasio 56 %, cloruro de sodio 23 %, 5 g/día) combinada con la dieta DASH en su versión china modificada en la función cerebrovascular (medido por sonografía Doppler transcraneal), los indicadores de enfermedades crónicas (presión arterial, glucosa sanguínea y lípidos sanguíneos) y la excreción urinaria. Los indicadores anteriores se midieron antes y después de la intervención. Resultados: cincuenta y nueve sujetos completaron el estudio. La velocidad sistólica máxima, la velocidad media del flujo, la velocidad diastólica final, el índice de pulsatilidad y el índice de resistencia de la arteria cerebral anterior y la arteria vertebral disminuyeron significativamente (p < 0,05); el índice de pulsatilidad y el índice de resistencia de la arteria cerebral anterior y la arteria media disminuyeron significativamente (p < 0,05); y la velocidad diastólica final y el índice de pulsatilidad de la arteria basilar disminuyeron significativamente (p < 0,05). La presión arterial sistémica, la presión arterial diastólica, la glucosa arterial en ayuno y la glucemia posprandial disminuyeron significativamente (p < 0,001, p < 0,001, p < 0,001, p < 0,001). La presión arterial y las tasas de control de glucosa en sangre aumentaron significativamente (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: la fórmula de sal con un 23 % de sodio combinada con la dieta DASH en su versión china modificada puede mejorar la función cerebrovascular en pacientes comunitarios con hipertensión complicada por la diabetes y es beneficiosa a corto plazo para la presión arterial y el control de la glucosa.

Resumo A transmissão do COVID-19 ocorre principalmente por via aérea. Os dispositivos Far-UVC podem inativar o vírus e são relatados como seguros para uso enquanto as pessoas estão presentes. A amostra consistiu de estudantes universitários (n = 1.085) e foram questionados sobre as intenções e forma de compra: se preferem comprar e pagar até 5% a mais e se recomendariam lojas que usam um dispositivo Far-UVC. As variáveis preditoras foram os dados demográficos, COVID-19, difusão da teoria da inovação, tomada de riscos e consideração de consequências imediatas e futuras. Os resultados evidenciam que conhecer alguém que teve COVID-19 estava positivamente associado a recomendar lojas, e conhecer alguém que morreu de COVID-19 está positivamente associado à intenção de comprar em lojas que usam um dispositivo Far-UVC. Usar máscara dentro de uma loja está positivamente associado à intenção de comprar em lojas com Far-UVC, preferir comprar e recomendar lojas e usar máscara em uma rua movimentada está positivamente associado a pagar até 5% a mais nas lojas. A difusão das variáveis de inovação de vantagem relativa, compatibilidade, complexidade, experimentação e observação foram associadas positivamente com a intenção de comprar, preferir comprar, pagar até 5% a mais e recomendar lojas com Far-UVC. A tomada de riscos em saúde foi negativamente associada a pagar até 5% a mais nas lojas e a tomada de riscos recreativos foi positivamente associada à intenção de fazer compras nas lojas. A consideração de consequências imediatas foi associada positivamente com pagar até 5% a mais nas lojas, enquanto não houve associação para consideração de consequências futuras. Em conclusão, o marketing para consumidores de grupos interessados em dispositivos UVC distantes pode ser benéfico para as lojas.

Abstract COVID-19 transmission is primarily airborne. Far-UVC devices can inactivate viruses and are reported as safe to use while people are present. We surveyed college students (n = 1.085) about intend to shop, prefer to shop, pay up to 5% more, and recommend stores that use a Far-UVC device. Predictor variables were demographics, COVID-19, diffusion of innovation theory, risk taking, and consideration of immediate and future consequences. We found that knowing anyone who had COVID-19 was positively associated with recommend stores and knowing anyone who died from COVID-19 was positively associated with intend to shop at stores that use a Far-UVC device. Wearing a mask inside a store was positively associated with intend to shop, prefer to shop, and recommend stores and wearing a mask on a busy street was positively associated with pay up to 5% more at stores. The diffusion of innovation variables of relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability were each often positively associated with intend to shop, prefer to shop, pay up to 5% more, and recommend stores. Health risk taking was negatively associated with pay up to 5% more at stores and recreational risk taking was positively associated with intend to shop at stores. Consideration of immediate consequences was positively associated with pay up to 5% more at stores while there was no association for consideration of future consequences. In conclusion, marketing to consumers from groups interested in Far-UVC devices could be beneficial for stores.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of miR-150-5p regulating the malignant biological behavior of Human Epidermoid cancer cell (HEp-2) by targeting peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase NIMA-Interacting-1 (PIN1). Methods Firstly, qRT-PCR and Western blot were adopted to detect the expression levels of miR-150-5p and PIN1 in cancer tissue and paracancerous tissues of patients with LSCC, and those in human bronchial epithelial cells (16 HBE) and HEp-2. Next, the targeted relationship between miR-150-5p and PIN1 was assessed by bioinformatics website and dual-luciferase reporter assay, followed by their correlation analysis. Besides, after interfering with miR-150-5p or PIN1 expression in HEp-2 cells, CCK-8, cell colony formation assay, and transwell assay were utilized to detect the proliferation, viability, and invasion of cells, respectively. Subsequently, the protein levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and EMT-related proteins in HEp-2 cells were checked by Western blot. Results Expression of miR-150-5p was down-regulated in LSCC tissues and HEp-2 cells. Moreover, miR-150-5p suppressed proliferation and invasion of HEp-2 cells, affected protein expression related to MMP and EMT, thereby inhibiting development of cancer. The expression of PIN1 was significantly increased in cancer tissues and HEp-2 cells, and there was a targeted relationship and negative correlation between miR-150-5p and PIN1 in cancer tissue. However, overexpression of PIN1 could reverse the effect of miR-150-5p on the proliferation and invasion of HEp-2 cells. Conclusion In a nutshell, there is a targeted relationship between PIN1 and miR-150-5p. Besides, miR-150-5p can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of HEp-2 cells by regulating the expression of PIN1. Level of evidence 3.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the perioperative mortality and contributing variables among patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer in recent decades, with comparison between modern (after 2010) and premodern (before 2010) eras. Materials and Methods Using our institutional review board-approved database, we reviewed the records of patients who underwent RC for primary urothelial bladder carcinoma with curative intent from January 2003 to December 2019. The primary and secondary outcomes were 90- and 30-day mortality. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to assess the impact of perioperative variables on 90-day mortality. Results A total of 2047 patients with a mean±SD age of 69.6±10.6 years were included. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 1.3% and 4.9%, respectively, and consistent during the past two decades. Among 100 deaths within 90 days, 18 occurred during index hospitalization. Infectious, pulmonary, and cardiac complications were the leading mortality causes. Multivariable analysis showed that age (Odds Ratio: OR 1.05), Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 2 (OR 1.82), blood transfusion (OR 1.95), and pathological node disease (OR 2.85) were independently associated with 90-day mortality. Nevertheless, the surgical approach and enhanced recovery protocols had no significant effect on 90-day mortality. Conclusion The 90-day mortality for RC is approaching five percent, with infectious, pulmonary, and cardiac complications as the leading mortality causes. Older age, higher comorbidity, blood transfusion, and pathological lymph node involvement are independently associated with 90-day mortality.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the optimal timing of initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Methods: KD patients were classified as the early group (day 1-4), conventional group (day 5-7), conventional group (day 8-10), and late group (after day 10). Differences among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square analysis. Predictors of IVIG resistance and the optimal cut-off value were determined by multiple logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in IVIG resistance among the 4 groups (p = 0.335). The sensitivity analysis also confirmed no difference in the IVIG resistance between those who started the initial IVIG ≤ day 7 of illness and those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness (p = 0.761). In addition, patients who received IVIG administration more than 7 days from the onset had a higher proportion of coronary artery abnormalities (p = 0.034) and longer length of hospitalization (p = 0.033) than those who started IVIG administration less than 7 days. The optimal cut-off value of initial IVIG administration time for predicting IVIG resistance was >7 days, with a sensitivity of 75.25% and specificity of 82.41%. Conclusions: IVIG therapy within 7 days of illness is found to be more effective for reducing the risk of coronary artery abnormalities than those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness. IVIG treatment within the 7 days of illness seems to be the optimal therapeutic window of IVIG. However, further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required.

Aniline vapor must be immediately detected at low concentrations since it is a hazardous gaseous chemical. Here, ppb level aniline vapor is detected using the metal-organic framework of UIO-66-SO3H. Utilizing a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensing platform, the aniline adsorption-induced mass change of UIO-66-SO3H is converted to a signal of frequency shift. The sensor can detect a concentration of 20 ppb of aniline vapor and has good sensitivity for this purpose. Additionally, the sensor’s repeatability and stability are satisfactory. Notably, the sensor’s selectivity is prominent. Its response to aniline is much higher than that of ten interfering gases and BTEX vapor. And even in conditions with varying levels of humidity, this sensor maintains response stability.

Abstract: Conservation of historic timber structures is of great importance for cultural inheritance and community identity promotion. However, most of the current methods available for ancient architecture protection significantly affect their original appearance and aesthetic value and finding wood elements that are similar to the ones in existing historic timber structures is not easy. Here we report a simple and effective method to archaize wood, Castanopsis sclerophylla, by ferric chloride (FeCl3) treatment without significantly affecting its mechanical properties and durability. The lightness and the color indexes of treated wood are similar to the ancient wood sample. The mechanical properties of FeCl3 treated wood are not statistically different from the control. Our durability testing results indicated that FeCl3 treated wood has good decay resistance against Irpex lacteus and Trametes versicolor with a mass loss of less than 10 %. This study provides a convenient method for the restoration and protection of ancient buildings.

Abstract This study aimed to explore the influences of cobalt-sourced irradiation on the meat quality and storage stability of Procambarus clarkii. Pieces of tail meat of P. clarkii were processed, boiled, and packed in transparentretort pouchs and then exposed to 60Co-γ-ray (0, 1.25, 3.32, 5.30, and 7.24 kGy). Changes in meat indices such as pH, total plate count, and total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N), texture properties, were investigated. After irradiation at the optimum irradiation dose, crayfish meats was stored at 0, 4 and 8 °C respectively, samples were collected for determinations at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. With increased irradiation dose, the total plate count in meat significantly decreased, whereas TVB-N greatly increased (P < 0.05). The irradiation dose of 3.32 kGy can realize both sterilization effect and maintain the quality of crayfish meat to the maximum extent. Total plate count and TVB-N in crayfish meat slowly grew at a storage temperature of 0 °C, their contents reached or approached the edible threshold by 9th day of storage, thereby prolonging the shelf life to 9d. Research demonstrates that 3.32 kGy cobalt-sourced irradiation and 0 °C storage can provide some bacteriostasis to some extent and prolong the shelf life of boiled crayfish.

Abstract A Qingzhi compound-flavor Baijiu (QZCF Baijiu) was developed and the physiochemical factors and microbial community structure in Jiupei (fermented grains) during Baijiu fermentation were revealed. Physiochemical factors of ethanol, moisture and acidity significantly increased in the fermentation, while starch and reducing sugar decreased. The results of high-throughput sequencing showed that Weissella, Pediococcus, Bacillus, Pantoea, Streptococcus, Sphingobacterium, Saccharomyces, Rhizopus, Issatchenkia and Wickerhamomyces were the dominant microorganisms in Jiupei. Moreover, correlation analysis between the physicochemical factors, the dominant microorganisms and the important flavor compounds in QZCF Baijiu production highlighted that the changes of physiochemical factors would lead to the corresponding changes of core microbiota and important flavor substances. Physiochemical factors of starch, reducing sugar and temperature could significantly affect the microbial community structure at the early stage of fermentation, while the influences of ethanol content and acidity became greater at the later stage, resulting in the differences of flavor compounds in Jiupei. Therefore, the growth and metabolism of microbial communities could be regulated by purposefully adjusting the physiochemical factors, thereby improving the flavor and quality of Baijiu. This work enriched the flavor types of Baijiu and provided a reference for the Baijiu-making industries to manage their production process.

Abstract Exogenous additives applied for cigar tobacco leaves fermentation played an important role in sensory quality of cigar. In this study, effects of additives including coffee and cocoa on the quality of cigar tobacco leaves were explored. The changes of sensory quality, conventional chemical components, nonvolatile organic acids, and aroma compositions in tobacco leaves were studied. Results showed that the richness, mellowness and matureness of aroma, as well as the fluentness and sweetness of smoke in cigar were improved with the introduction of coffee or cocoa. According to chemical composition analysis, fermentation with coffee or cocoa increased the contents of alkaloids and sugar in tobacco leaves, which endowed the tobacco a relatively good performance on the sweetness and aroma richness. Besides, the decrease of citric acid, as well as the increase of saturated fatty acid and aroma components were found with additives, which was beneficial to improve the mellowness and aroma richness of cigar. It was suggested that coffee and cocoa exhibited positive effects on the chemical composition, especially increased the contents of sugar, saturated fatty acids and aromatic components, thus improving the sensory quality of tobacco leaves.

RESUMO Introdução: O boxe é caracterizado por um alto grau de combinação de força e habilidade, e pertence ao grupo esportivo de força duradoura e habilidade combinado com a saída contínua de força contínua do corpo inteiro, a longo prazo, para obter bons resultados na competição. Portanto, os atletas prestam mais atenção às habilidades dos atletas no uso de técnicas a todo o instante, e é muito importante dominar corretamente as técnicas e distribuir razoavelmente força física com precisão. Objetivo: Explorar o efeito do treinamento de estabilidade do core sobre a força específica dos lutadores. Métodos: 12 atletas de nível júnior de primeira linha de uma equipe de luta feminina provincial como objetos de pesquisa, 12 pessoas no total, e aleatoriamente dividida em grupo de controle e grupo experimental com 6 pessoas em cada grupo. Resultados: Após o teste, as alterações de dados, quando comparados ao antes e depois do experimento no grupo experimental, foram altamente significativas (P<0.01). As mudanças de dados entre o grupo experimental e o grupo controle foram significativamente diferentes antes e depois do experimento (p<0.05), mostrando que a força especial dos lutadores de treinamento de estabilidade central tem um pequeno aumento. Conclusão: O treinamento de estabilidade do core mostrou-se útil para a força específica dos lutadores. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Boxing is characterized by a high degree of combination of strength and skill and belongs to the sports group of enduring strength and skill combined with long-term continuous whole-body strength output to achieve good results in competition. Therefore, athletes pay more attention to the skills they use all the time, and it is very important to master the techniques correctly and reasonably distribute physical strength accurately. Objective: Explore the effect of core stability training on the specific strength of wrestlers. Methods: 12 top junior level athletes of a provincial women’s wrestling team as research objects, 12 people in total, and randomly divided into control and experimental groups with six people. Results: After the test, the data changes in the experimental group were highly significant compared to before and after the experiment (P<0.01). The data changes between the experimental and control groups were significantly different before and after the experiment (p<0.05), showing that the special strength of core stability training fighters has a small increase. Conclusion: Core stability training is useful for the specific strength of wrestlers. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: El boxeo se caracteriza por un alto grado de combinación de fuerza y destreza, y pertenece al grupo de deportes de fuerza y destreza duraderas combinadas con la producción continua de fuerza de todo el cuerpo a largo plazo para obtener buenos resultados en la competición. Por lo tanto, los atletas prestan más atención a las habilidades de los atletas en el uso de las técnicas todo el tiempo, y es muy importante dominar las técnicas correctamente y distribuir razonablemente la fuerza física con precisión. Objetivo: Explorar el efecto del entrenamiento de la estabilidad del core en la fuerza específica de los luchadores. Métodos: 12 atletas de alto nivel de un equipo provincial de lucha femenina como objetos de investigación, 12 personas en total, y divididas aleatoriamente en grupo de control y grupo experimental con 6 personas en cada grupo. Resultados: Después de la prueba, los cambios en los datos comparados antes y después del experimento en el grupo experimental fueron altamente significativos (P<0,01). Los cambios de datos entre el grupo experimental y el grupo de control fueron significativamente diferentes antes y después del experimento (p<0,05), lo que demuestra que la fuerza especial de los combatientes de entrenamiento de la estabilidad del core tiene un pequeño aumento. Conclusión: Se ha demostrado que el entrenamiento de la estabilidad del núcleo es útil para la fuerza específica de los luchadores. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.