Surface Kinetic Mechanisms of Epitaxial Chemical Vapour Deposition of 4H Silicon Carbide Growth by Methyltrichlorosilane-H2 Gaseous System

The chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technique could be used to fabricate a silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxial layer. Methyltrichlorosilane (CH₃SiCl₃, MTS) is widely used as a precursor for CVD of SiC with a wide range of allowable deposition temperatures. Typically, an appropriate model for the CVD process involves kinetic mechanisms of both gas-phase reactions and surface reactions. Here, we proposed the surface kinetic mechanisms of epitaxial SiC growth for MTS-H₂ gaseous system where the MTS employed as the single precursor diluted in H₂. The deposition face is assumed to be the Si face with a surface site terminated by an open site or H atom. The kinetic mechanisms for surface reactions proposed in this work for MTS-H₂ gaseous system of epitaxial growth of SiC by CVD technique from mechanisms proposed for H-Si-C-Cl system are discussed in detail. Predicted components of surface species and growth rates at different mechanisms are discussed in detail.

[Transoral robotic nasopharyngectomy for local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the safety, efficacy, locally control and survival results of transoral Da Vinci robotic surgery for salvage treatment of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: This retrospective study included 33 patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (stage rT1-2, partial rT3) underwent transoral Da Vinci robotic surgery between October 2017 and January 2020. There were 20 males and 11 females, with an average age of (47.9±10.5) years. The lesions were localized in nasopharyngeal cavity in 14 cases, with extending to parapharyngeal space in 6 cases and the floor of sphenoid sinus in 13 cases. Transnasal endoscopy was used to assist surgery if necessary. SPSS 25.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Transoral robotic nasopharyngectomy was successfully performed in all cases without conversion to open surgery, of which 13 cases were combined with transnasal endoscopic surgery. The average operation time was (126.2±30.0) min, ranging from 90 to 180 min. The postoperative pathological margin was R0 (31 cases) and R1 (2 cases), with no tumor residue. Complications of surgery mainly included symptoms of headache, nasal dryness and velopharyngeal insufficiency without nasopharyngeal hemorrhage. Follow-up time was from 3 to 54 months. One case had tumor recurrence 11 months after operation, 1 case had ipsilateral cervical lymph node metastasis 27 months after operation, 2 cases had distant metastasis and 1 case died of nasopharyngeal hemorrhage 3 months after operation. The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 97.0%, 96.0% and 92.9%, respectively and the local recurrence free rates were 97.0%, 95.7% and 91.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Transoral robotic nasopharyngectomy is safe and feasible for local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma in selected patients, with higher local control rate and quality of life.

Destruxin A inhibits scavenger receptor B mediated melanization in Aphis citricola

BACKGROUND

Destruxin A (DA) is a mycotoxin secreted by entomogenous fungi, such as Metarhizium anisopliae, which has broad-spectrum insecticidal activity. Insect innate immunity provides resistance against the invasion of entomopathogenic fungi. Previous studies have shown that DA could inhibit the immune response, however, the suppressive mechanism of DA on prophenoloxidase system is still unknown.

RESULTS

Based on the transcriptome of Aphis citricola, we screened the scavenger receptor class B(AcSR-B)and identified that it significantly responds to DA. Spatio-temporal expression analysis showed that AcSR-B is highly expressed in adult stage and is mainly distributed in the abdominal region. We further revealed that both M. anisopliae and Escherichia coli could suppress the expression of AcSR-B at 24 h, and that the expressed recombinant protein rAcSR-B possessed agglutination activity to M. anisopliae and E. coli. DA could suppress the protein expression of AcSR-B. In addition, RNA interference of AcSR-B caused death of A. citricola in a dose-dependent manner, and RNA interference of AcSR-B increased mortality in A. citricola under the same lethal concentration of DA. The inhibiting effect of AcSR-B silencing was similar with the DA treatment upon phenol oxidase (PO) activity of A. citricola hemolymph. DA could not decrease PO activity further after AcSR-B silencing.

CONCLUSION

Destruxin A inhibits melanization by suppressing AcSR-B in A. citricola. Our findings are helpful in understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of the DA suppressing immune system, and uncover a potential molecular target for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) insecticides.

The Impact of Cropland Abandonment of Post-Soviet Countries on the Terrestrial Carbon Cycle Based on Optimizing the Cropland Distribution Map

Land use and cover changes (LUCC) have a fundamental impact on the terrestrial carbon cycle. The abandonment of cropland as a result of the collapse of the Soviet Union offers a typical case of the conversion from cropland to natural vegetation, which could have a significant effect on the terrestrial carbon cycle. Due to the inaccuracy of LUCC records, the corresponding impact on the terrestrial carbon cycle has not been well quantified. In this study, we estimated the carbon flux using the Vegetation-Global-Atmosphere-Soil (VEGAS) model over the region of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine during 1990-2017. We first optimized the LUCC input data by adjusting the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data by Russian statistical data and redistributing the spatiotemporal input data from the Historical Database of the Global Environment (HYDE) to the original model. Between 1990 and 2017, the area of cropland abandonment was estimated to be 36.82 Mha, compared to 11.67 Mha estimated by FAO. At the same time, the carbon uptake from the atmosphere to the biosphere was 9.23 GtC (vs fixed cropland 8.24 and HYDE 8.25 GtC) during 1990-2017, which means by optimizing the cropland distribution data, the total carbon absorption during the abandonment process increased by 0.99 GtC. Meanwhile, the growth of the vegetation carbon pool was significantly higher than that of the soil carbon pool. Therefore, we further highlight the importance of accurate cropland distribution data in terrestrial carbon cycle simulation.

Generating odour imagery enhances brain activity in individuals with low subjective olfactory imagery ability

Olfactory imagery (OI) is defined as the generation of odour images in the mind. There are large inter-individual differences regarding OI abilities. However, the neural representations of OI among individuals with high or low OI abilities are less understood. Participants with high or low OI abilities evaluated using the Vividness of Olfactory Imagery Questionnaire were recruited in this study. Brain activations were measured during a word cueing OI and visual imagery (VI) tasks using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In addition, the OI task was divided into two parts. In one part, OI was performed for 8 s (long imagery generation time) and in the other part for 2 s (short imagery generation time). Ratings of the overall imagery vividness were collected at the end of each task. The vividness of OI during short OI was lower among participants with low OI abilities compared to participants with high OI abilities. Brain imaging results showed that participants with low OI ability had stronger brain activation of the supplementary motor area and the superior frontal cortex, compared to participants with higher OI abilities during the short versus long imagery generation time conditions. These results suggest that when generating odour images in a relatively short period of time (e.g., 2 s), people with either high or low OI abilities may have adopted different approaches, resulting in diverse brain activation.

Improving the GaN Growth Rate by Optimizing the Nutrient Basket Geometry in an Ammonothermal System Based on Numerical Simulation

The low growth rate of bulk gallium nitride (GaN) when using the ammonothermal method is improved herein by optimizing the nutrient geometry. A numerical model considering the dissolution and crystallization process is developed. Heater powers are employed as thermal boundary conditions to match the real ammonothermal system. The flow field, thermal field, and mass concentration field in the autoclave are calculated with or without a central hole in the nutrient basket. Numerical results show that the mass transfer efficiency and supersaturation on the seed crystal surface can be improved with a hole in the nutrient basket in the center in spite of its diverse effect on the heat transfer, which can be overcome by adjusting the heater powers. As a result, the growth rate of the GaN crystal can be obviously increased.

A systematic review of olfactory-related brain structural changes in patients with congenital or acquired anosmia

Brain structural features of healthy individuals are associated with olfactory functions. However, due to the pathophysiological differences, congenital and acquired anosmia may exhibit different structural characteristics. A systematic review was undertaken to compare brain structural features between patients with congenital and acquired anosmia. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus electronic databases to identify eligible reports on anosmia and structural changes and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Reports were extracted for information on demographics, psychophysical evaluation, and structural changes. Then, the report was systematically reviewed based on various aetiologies of anosmia in relation to (1) olfactory bulb, (2) olfactory sulcus, (3) grey matter (GM), and white matter (WM) changes. Twenty-eight published studies were identified. All studies reported consistent findings with strong associations between olfactory bulb volume and olfactory function across etiologies. However, the association of olfactory function with olfactory sulcus depth was inconsistent. The present study observed morphological variations in GM and WM volume in congenital and acquired anosmia. In acquired anosmia, reduced olfactory function is associated with reduced volumes and thickness involving the gyrus rectus, medial orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and cerebellum. These findings contrast to those observed in congenital anosmia, where a reduced olfactory function is associated with a larger volume and higher thickness in parts of the olfactory network, including the piriform cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and insula. The present review proposes that the structural characteristics in congenital and acquired anosmia are altered differently. The mechanisms behind these changes are likely to be multifactorial and involve the interaction with the environment.

Association between Sleep Duration and Mild Cognitive Impairment at Different Levels of Metabolic Disease in Community-Dwelling Older Chinese Adults

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS), sleep duration and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling older Chinese adults.

METHODS

The study comprised of 1367 community-dwelling Chinese participants (563 men; mean age: 71.0 years) recruited from Tianjin and Shanghai, China who were invited to participate in a comprehensive geriatric assessment. The International Diabetes Federation metabolic syndrome guidelines were used to define MetS. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale were used for the initial classification of patients with MCI. We divided sleep duration into five groups (≤6 h, 6-8 h which was used as the reference, 8-9 h, 9-10 h, and >10 h). Nutritional status was assessed by Mini Nutrition Assessment Short Form.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of metabolic syndrome was 46.7%, the overall incidence of mild cognitive impairment was 17.4%. In logistic regression analysis model, after adjusting for multiple confounding factors such as nutritional status and physical activity level, there was a significant positive association between long sleep duration (> 10h) and mild cognitive impairment in general population and metabolic syndrome population (p<0.05), but the association was not significant in non-metabolic syndrome group. In addition, in the long sleep duration group, the components of metabolic syndrome, elevated blood glucose were significantly associated with mild cognitive impairment (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Long sleep duration was significantly associated with increased risk of MCI in older adults with MetS, but not in those without MetS. The prevention of MCI may be more effective in the population of MetS with long sleep duration.

The Chinese Carbon-Neutral Goal: Challenges and Prospects

On 22 September 2020, within the backdrop of the COVID-19 global pandemic, China announced its climate goal for peak carbon emissions before 2030 and to reach carbon neutrality before 2060. This carbon-neutral goal is generally considered to cover all anthropogenic greenhouse gases. The planning effort is now in full swing in China, but the pathway to decarbonization is unclear. The needed transition towards non-fossil fuel energy and its impact on China and the world may be more profound than its reform and development over the past 40 years, but the challenges are enormous. Analysis of four representative scenarios shows significant differences in achieving the carbon-neutral goal, particularly the contribution of non-fossil fuel energy sources. The high target values for nuclear, wind, and bioenergy have approached their corresponding resource limitations, with solar energy being the exception, suggesting solar's critical role. We also found that the near-term policies that allow for a gradual transition, followed by more drastic changes after 2030, can eventually reach the carbon-neutral goal and lead to less of a reduction in cumulative emissions, thus inconsistent with the IPCC 1.5°C scenario. The challenges and prospects are discussed in the historical context of China's socio-economic reform, globalization, international collaboration, and development.

Mediating Effects of Malnutrition on the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms Clusters and Muscle Function Rather than Muscle Mass in Older Hemodialysis Patients

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association and mediation pathways among muscle mass, muscle function (muscle strength and physical performance), and malnutrition with depressive symptoms clusters in the older hemodialysis patients.

DESIGN

A multi-center cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 499 patients aged ≥ 60 on hemodialysis from seven facilities in Shanghai of China from 2020 to 2021.

MEASUREMENTS

Muscle mass was assessed by skeletal muscle index(SMI). Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength, and physical performance was measured via gait speed and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Nutritional status was assessed by Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS). Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression and mediation analyses fully adjusted for all potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Among 499 participants (312 men, mean age 69.2±6.6 years), 108 (21.6%) had depressive symptoms. The muscle strength, physical performance and malnutrition were associated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, malnutrition significantly mediated the association of muscle function with total, cognitive-affective symptoms. The association of the muscle function with somatic symptoms were mediated by the nutritional status. The mediated proportions of malnutrition in the relationship between physical performance and depressive symptoms clusters were stronger in somatic symptoms than in cognitive-affective symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that muscle function rather than muscle mass may contribute substantially to the development of depressive symptoms clusters in the hemodialysis via malnutrition. The malnutrition mediated stronger in the association of muscle function with somatic symptoms. These findings may help guide clinicians to better diagnose and manage depression in the context of concomitant muscle function and malnutrition.

The Effect of the Crucible on the Temperature Distribution for the Growth of a Large Size AlN Single Crystal

The appropriate distribution of temperature in the growth system is critical for obtaining a large size high quality aluminum nitride (AlN) single crystal by the physical vapor transport (PVT) method. As the crystal size increases, the influence of the crucible on the temperature distribution inside the growth chamber becomes greater. In order to optimize the field of temperature and study the specific effects of various parts of the crucible on the large size AlN single crystal growth system, this study carried out a series of numerical simulations of the temperature field of two crucibles of different materials and put forward the concept of a composite crucible, which combines different materials in the crucible parts. Four composite crucible models were established with different proportions and positions of tantalum carbide (TaC) parts and graphite parts in the crucible. Calculations reveal that different parts of the crucible have different effects on the internal temperature distribution. The axial temperature gradient at the crystal was mainly governed by the crucible wall, whereas the temperature gradient was determined by the integrated effect of the crucible lid and the crucible wall in the radial direction. One type of composite crucible was chosen to minimize the thermal stress in grown AlN crystal, which is applicable to the growth of large sized AlN crystals in the future; it can also be used to grow AlN single crystals at present as well.

Numerical Simulation of Gas Phase Reaction for Epitaxial Chemical Vapor Deposition of Silicon Carbide by Methyltrichlorosilane in Horizontal Hot-Wall Reactor

Methyltrichlorosilane (CH₃SiCl₃, MTS) has good performance in stoichiometric silicon carbide (SiC) deposition and can be facilitated at relatively lower temperature. Simulations of the chemical vapor deposition in the two-dimensional horizontal hot-wall reactor for epitaxial processes of SiC, which were prepared from MTS-H₂ gaseous system, were performed in this work by using the finite element method. The chemistry kinetic model of gas-phase reactions employed in this work was proposed by other researchers. The total gas flow rate, temperature, and ratio of MTS/H₂ were the main process parameters in this work, and their effects on consumption rate of MTS, molar fraction of intermediate species and C/Si ratio inside the hot reaction chamber were analyzed in detail. The phenomena of our simulations are interesting. Both low total gas flow rate and high substrate temperature have obvious effectiveness on increasing the consumption rate of MTS. For all cases, the highest three C contained intermediates are CH₄, C₂H₄ and C₂H₂, respectively, while the highest three Si/Cl contained intermediates are SiCl₂, SiCl₄ and HCl, respectively. Furthermore, low total gas flow results in a uniform C/Si ratio at different temperatures, and reducing the ratio of MTS/H₂ is an interesting way to raise the C/Si ratio in the reactor.

Role of haematopoietic cell-specific protein 1-associated protein X-1 gene in lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis of human dermal fibroblasts

Wound healing may be disrupted by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and excessive oxidative stress, which can lead to undesirable consequences. The haematopoietic cell-specific protein 1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) is a mitochondrial matrix protein that regulates mitochondrial function. This study aimed to comprehensively identify the role of HAX-1 in the inhibition of LPS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). HAX-1 expression was assessed in the HDF-a cell line using real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. The viability, migration, and apoptosis of HDF-a cells were evaluated using the water-soluble tetrazolium-1 assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Mitochondrial function was evaluated based on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Our results demonstrated that LPS stimulation markedly repressed HAX-1 expression in HDFs and silencing of HAX-1 led to mitochondrial ROS accumulation, ΔΨm disruption, and abnormal mitochondrial morphology. Accordingly, overexpression of HAX-1 or administration of metformin enhanced mitochondrial fusion and normalized mitochondrial dynamics, thereby reversing LPS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, fibroblast apoptosis, and viability and migration inhibition in HDF-a cells. These data support a mechanism wherein HAX-1 plays a crucial role in LPS-induced fibroblast apoptosis in a mitochondria-dependent manner.

Prognostic value of PCSK9 Levels in Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

The role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients is still an open question and the PCSK9 concentration of clinical usefulness remains unknown in guiding treatment.

Purpose

To explore the role of PCSK9 in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Methods

272 patients with NSTEMI were included in our study, all patients received PCI therapy after admission. Patients were followed up for 1 year and MACEs were recored. Their baseline plasma PCSK9 levels were determined by ELISA. Patients were divided into high, medium and low PCSK9 groups and the associations of PCSK9 with other biomarkers and MACEs were evaluated.

Results

The results showed that PCSK9 levels was related to levels of lipoproteins, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r=0.162, P=0.008), platelet volume distribution width (r=0.299, P&lt;0.001) and D-dimer (r=0.285, P&lt;0.001). And the concentrations of PCSK9 was greater higher in people with MACEs (137.2ng/ml vs 243.6ng/ml) (Fig. 1A). The Kaplan-Meier curves showed patients with high PCSK9 level had lower event-free survival rate (Fig. 1B). Survival analysis indicated high level of PCSK9 predicted MACEs independently after adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and GRACE score (HR=2.646, 95CI%: 1.047–6.686, P=0.027) (Fig. 1C, Fig. 2). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the prognostic value of high PCSK9 level was greater for patients classified by the GRACE score as high risk (Fig. 1D).

Conclusions

In a NSTEMI setting, the concentration of PCSK9 is associated with hypercoagulability and hyper-inflammation. High levels of PCSK9 independently predict future MACEs in NSTEMI patients, particularly those classified by the GRACE score as high risk.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Public awareness of acute myocardial infarction symptoms and emergency response in community residents

Background

Patient delay in seeking help has been reported to be a major factor that related to delay in care of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Lack the knowledge of symptoms may translate to behavioral deficiencies which lead up to failing to seek medical assistant at early stage of AMI.

Purpose

The aim of present study is to investigate the awareness of AMI symptoms and the emergency responses among community residents over 35 years old.

Methods

The sample was proportionally distributed by age according to the national census data. The sex ratio was 1:1. The sample size is calculated according to the significance level of 0.05, the allowable error of 0.1, and the estimated Excellent awareness level of 10%. The final sample size is adjusted to 4200, considering non-response rate of 20%. Multi-stage stratified random sampling was used. On the first stage, two districts each in urban and rural regions were randomly selected. On the second stage, 3–10 community health service centers were randomly selected in each district. On the third stage, residents over 35 managed by the community health service center were proportionally sampled to be interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used and the survey was conducted in a face-to-face interview by clinical physicians. Logistic regression was applied to analyze factors related to Good knowledge.

Results

The top three symptom recognized by public is “pain or discomfort in the chest” (71.3%), followed by “difficulty breathing” (65.1%) and “pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back” (60.9%). 85.0% chose to call an ambulance as first response when witness others having an AMI. Those who lives alone (OR=1.408; 95% CI, 1.005–1.972) and whose immediate family had been diagnosed with AMI (OR=1.510; 95% CI, 1.040–2.192) has better knowledge. A significant positive correlation was observed for those with hypertension (OR=1.199; 95% CI, 1.007–1.429), while a negative correlation was observed for those with diabetes (OR=0.788; 95% CI, 0.626–0.992). Public education could improve Good knowledge (OR=1.662; 95% CI, 1.388–1.990), while doctoral advise has been shown negative impact (OR=0.824; 95% CI, 0.691–0.984).

Conclusions

Our data provide first population-based estimates of public awareness in our country. Further promotional strategies to increase overall awareness in general public are seriously needed.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Major Science and Technology Projects of Tianjin Science and Technology Commission Multivariable logistic regression

Increased serum exosomal long non-coding RNA SNHG15 expression predicts poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Circulating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as promising biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to detect serum exosomal lncRNA SNHG15 expression in NSCLC and evaluate its potential clinical value.

METHODS

A total of 238 serum samples were collected from 118 patients with NSCLC, 40 patients with benign pulmonary lesions and 80 healthy volunteers. The expression levels of serum exosomal lncRNA SNHG15 were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Then, the relationship between serum exosomal lncRNA SNHG15 expression and clinical parameters was analyzed.

RESULTS

The serum exosomal lncRNA SNHG15 expression was markedly higher in NSCLC patients compared to patients with benign pulmonary lesions and normal controls. As expected, serum exosomal lncRNA SNHG15 was greatly decreased after surgery. High serum exosomal lncRNA SNHG15 expression was closely associated with poor differentiation (p=0.035), positive lymph node metastasis (p=0.009) and advanced TNM stage (p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that serum exosomal lncRNA SNHG15 well differentiated all stage NSCLC, stage I/II NSCLC patients or stage III/IV NSCLC patients from controls, and the combination of serum exosomal lncRNA SNHG15 and CEA showed an elevated AUC for distinguishing NSCLC from healthy individuals. In univariate and multivariate analyses, serum exosomal lncRNA SNHG15 was confirmed as an independent prognostic predictor for overall survival.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our findings suggest that serum exosomal lncRNA SNHG15 might be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of NSCLC.

Reducing food insecurity and improving fruit and vegetable intake through a nutrition incentive program in Michigan, USA

Background

Nutrition incentive (NI) programs increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables (FVs) among low-income participants. Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a robust statewide NI program in the United States. The purpose of this paper is to report findings from DUFB in Michigan describing the factors related to FV intake (FVI) and food insecurity among participants in a NI program.

Methods

We administered a repeated cross-sectional survey with a convenience sample of DUFB participants at farmers markets and grocery stores (over the 2016, 2017, 2018 seasons). The survey was conducted online via paper-pencil. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. A logistic regression model estimated household food insecurity and a linear regression estimated FVI with DUFB use/perceptions, sociodemographics, and health status as independent variables (significance level = p < 0.05).

Results

Descriptive results revealed that participants that completed surveys at grocery stores tended to be more racially-ethnically diverse and younger than participants that completed surveys at farmers markets. Participants with lower length of time participating in DUFB (i.e., lower dose) (p < 0.001), greater FV purchases (p < 0.05), and lower perceived health status (p < 0.001) tended to report being food insecure more frequently. Participants with increased length of time participating in DUFB (p < 0.05), greater FV purchases (p < 0.001), being male (p < 0.01), and greater perceived health status (p < 0.001) tended to report higher levels of FVI more frequently.

Conclusions

Longer participation in DUFB leads to improved outcomes with FVI and food security, suggesting that NI programs do have the intended positive impact they were designed to achieve.

•

Low income populations carry a larger burden of obesity, food insecurity, and chronic disease.

•

Nutrition incentive programs were developed to address affordability barriers to healthy eating among SNAP participants.

•

Participants at grocery stores tended to be more racially-ethnically diverse and younger than participants at farmers markets.

•

Participants with longer time in the program reported greater FVI and higher levels of food security.

Inflammatory factors are crucial for the pathogenesis of post-traumatic osteoarthritis confirmed by a novel porcine model: "Idealized" anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction" and gait analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether idealized anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (IACL-R) restores normal gait features, and whether inflammatory factors are involved in the pathogenesisof post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA).

METHODS

Fourteen mature female minipigs were allocated to a sham group (n = 7) or an IACL-R group (n = 7). Load asymmetry during gait was recorded using a pressure-sensing walkway measurement system to evaluate the gait features of the right knee joint before and after surgery. Inflammatory factors (including interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) in synovial fluid were measured using Luminex assays before and after surgery. Cartilage integrity and the subchondral bone plate of the right knee were evaluated using histology and imaging at 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Swing time and stance time returned to their preoperative values on day 31, while maximum force, contact area, peak force ,and impulse returned to their preoperative values on day 45 after the surgery in the IACL-R group (P = 0.073, 0.053, 0.107, 0.052, 0.152, and 0.059, respectively).Thus, IACL-R restored normal gait. Compared with their preoperative concentrations, all tested inflammatory factors showed significantly increased concentrations in the synovial fluid in the IACL-R group, especially at 3, 7, and 15 days postoperatively. X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and histological data showed severe cartilage damage in the IACL-R model.

CONCLUSION

IACL-R restored normal gait features but caused significant cartilage damage, indicating that significantly elevated inflammatory factors maybe crucial for the pathogenesis of PTOA.

Taraxasterol inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in papillary thyroid cancer cells through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Taraxasterol (TAR) is a kind of active compound extracted from dandelion and its molecular structure resembles steroid hormones. Recently, TAR has been reported to show an anti-tumor activity. However, the specific role of TAR in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of TAR on PTC cell migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by TGF-β1. PTC cells were exposed to TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) and then treated with different concentrations of TAR. We found that TAR showed no obvious cytotoxicity below 10 μg/mL but notably reduced migration and invasion of TGF-β1-treated PTC cells. Moreover, TAR treatment decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels, and obviously affected the expression of EMT markers. We also observed that Wnt3a and β-catenin levels were significantly increased in TGF-β1-treated PTC cells while TAR inhibited these effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, activation of the Wnt pathway by LiCl attenuated the suppressive effect of TAR on TGF-β1-induced migration, invasion and EMT in PTC cells. Taken together, we highlighted that TAR could significantly suppress TGF-β1-regulated migration and invasion by reversing the EMT process via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting that TAR may be a potential anti-cancer agent for PTC treatment.

Increased Brain Reward Responsivity to Food-Related Odors in Obesity

OBJECTIVE

Food odors serve as powerful stimuli signaling the food quality and energy density and direct food-specific appetite and consumption. This study explored obesity-related brain activation in response to odors related to high- or low-energy-dense foods.

METHODS

Seventeen participants with obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m² ; 4 males and 13 females) and twenty-one with normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m² ; 9 males and 12 females) underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan in which they received chocolate (high-energy-dense food) and cucumber (low-energy-dense food) odor stimuli. Participants' olfactory and gustatory functions were assessed by the "Sniffin' Sticks" and "Taste Strips" tests, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with normal-weight controls, participants with obesity had lower odor sensitivity (phenylethyl alcohol) and decreased odor discrimination ability. However, participants with obesity demonstrated greater brain activation in response to chocolate compared with cucumber odors in the bilateral inferior frontal operculum and cerebellar vermis, right ventral anterior insula extending to putamen, right middle temporal gyrus, and right supramarginal areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides preliminary evidence that obesity is associated with heightened brain activation of the reward and flavor processing areas in response to chocolate versus cucumber odors, possibly because of the higher energy density and reinforcing value of chocolate compared with cucumber.

Transcriptome analysis reveals TOR signalling-mediated plant flush shoots governing Diaphorina citri Kuwayama oviposition

Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is a key vector transmitting the causative agent of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Population growth of ACP is evident after feeding on plant flush shoots, as they only oviposit here. However, the underlying mechanism as to why flush shoots govern oviposition is unclear. This study compares the fecundity and ovarian morphology of ACP between young flush and mature leaves. Furthermore, the transcriptome of mated females infesting Murraya paniculata was analysed. Finally, the gene of the key Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signalling pathway was silenced by RNAi. Results indicated that flush shoot feeding activated the development of the psyllids ovary and therefore induced oviposition. A total of 126 and 2794 differentially expressed genes were detected at 1 and 5 days, respectively, after pest infestation of flush shoots compared to mature leaves. Many genes are involved in protein metabolism, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway, hormone synthesis, and TOR signalling pathway: all thought to activate reproduction. Silencing of the positive regulator gene DcRheb in the TOR pathway resulted in lower levels of ecdysone and juvenile hormone and decreased vitellogenin synthesis, further disrupting reproductive ability. This study enhances understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying ACP's reproductive strategy.