The magnetocaloric effect with critical behavior of a periodic Anderson-like organic polymer

The magnetic entropy change (−ΔS) shows a double-peak structure, indicating a double magnetic cooling process via demagnetization.

Photonic materials, structures and devices for Reststrahlen optics

We present a review of existing and potential next-generation far-infrared (20-60 μm) optical materials and devices. The far-infrared is currently one of the few remaining frontiers on the optical spectrum, a space underdeveloped and lacking in many of the optical and optoelectronic materials and devices taken for granted in other, more technologically mature wavelength ranges. The challenges associated with developing optical materials, structures, and devices at these wavelengths are in part a result of the strong phonon absorption in the Reststrahlen bands of III-V semiconductors that collectively span the far-infrared. More than just an underexplored spectral band, the far-IR may also be of potential importance for a range of sensing applications in astrochemistry, biology, and industrial and geological processes. Additionally, with a suitable far-IR optical infrastructure, it is conceivable that even more applications could emerge. In this review, we will present recent progress on far-infrared materials and phenomena such as phononic surface modes, engineered composite materials, and optoelectronic devices that have the potential to serve as the next generation of components in a far-infrared optical tool-kit.

Intranasal immunization with heat shock protein 60 induces CD4(+) CD25(+) GARP(+) and type 1 regulatory T cells and inhibits early atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease involving both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. Immune tolerance induction may have therapeutic potential for the suppression of atherosclerosis. Current interest is directed towards mucosal tolerance induction, especially nasal tolerance. Previous studies have shown that heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is recognized as an important autoantigen in atherosclerosis, and nasal or oral HSP60 can induce tolerance and ameliorate atherosclerosis by inducing several subsets of regulatory T cells (Tregs ) such as latency-associated peptide (LAP)(+) and forkhead box transcription factor 3 (FoxP3)(+) Tregs. However, little is known regarding the detailed mechanisms of nasal tolerance. Here, we again investigated the impact of nasal HSP60 on atherosclerosis and the mechanisms underlying the anti-atherosclerosis responses. We found that nasal HSP60 caused a significant 33·6% reduction in plaque size at the aortic root in the early stages of atherosclerosis (P < 0·001). Notably, a significant increase in activated CD4(+) CD25(+) glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP)(+) Tregs, type 1 Tregs (Tr1 cells), and CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) Tregs, as well as a marked decrease in the numbers of type 1 and 17 T helper cells was detected in the spleens and cervical lymph nodes of HSP60-treated mice. Moreover, nasal HSP60 increases the production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interleukin (IL)-10 and decreases the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-17. Interestingly, the atheroprotective role of nasal HSP60 treatment was abrogated partly by the neutralization of IL-10. Our findings show that nasal administration of HSP60 can attenuate atherosclerotic formation by inducing GARP(+) Tregs, Tr1 cells and FoxP3(+) Tregs, and that these Tregs maintain immune homeostasis by secreting IL-10 and TGF-β.

Identifying risk factors for child neglect in rural areas of western China

BACKGROUND

Children who are neglected can experience serious and lifelong consequences. Earlier identification of children at risk for child neglect might reduce the individual, medical and societal costs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling was conducted in Shaanxi and Chongqing from September 2012 to April 2013. The child neglect was measured by scale on child neglect in Rural China. The neglect rates between groups were compared with a chi-squared test. Factors possibly associated with neglect were analysed with binary logistic regression. All analyses were conducted in 2014.

RESULTS

A total of 4131 eligible participants (2094 boys and 2037 girls) from 21 schools were recruited. The overall prevalence of child neglect was 55.50%. Significant differences were found between children of Han nationality (53.07%) and children of minorities (68.76%) (P < 0.01); un-left-behind children (49.10%) and left-behind children (61.65%) (P < 0.01); first-born children (52.90%) and non-first-born children (59.04%) (P < 0.01); and children from one-child families (47.87%) and children from multi-child families (58.20%) (P < 0.01). Protective factors included one-child families, being a girl and having a father with higher education. However, factors such as being left behind; being from a minority, step family or one-parent family; or having a mother who rarely returns home placed children at increased risk of neglect.

CONCLUSIONS

The neglect rate of school-aged children in rural areas of western China is much higher than that in urban areas and eastern China. Children belonging to minorities, step families and multi-child families, whose mother seldom goes home, are at a higher risk of being neglected. The left-behind children deserve more attention from government and researchers.

Decreased Expression of PDHE1α Predicts Worse Clinical Outcome in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Aerobic glycolysis is an important hallmark of cancer cells. Deficiency of pyruvate dehydrogenase component α subunit (PDHE1α) leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and promotes glycolysis. Therefore, studies on the expression of PDHE1α in cancer are warranted.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The PDHE1α protein was immunohistochemically investigated and analyzed in 157 samples of surgically dissected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and 21 'normal' esophageal epithelia tissues.

RESULTS

PDHE1α protein expression was lower in ESCC. Absence of PDHE1α protein expression in tumor cells was found in 77.1% of cases. Negativity for PDHE1α protein in tumor cells was correlated with poor tumor differentiation (p<0.05) and shorter overall survival (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lack of PDHE1α protein expression in ESCC is associated with poor prognosis. Our findings also verify the existence of aerobic glycolysis switch in ESCC, and strongly advocate novel therapeutic strategies in reversing the Warburg effect in tumors.

Fixed target matrix for femtosecond time-resolved and in situ serial micro-crystallography

We present a crystallography chip enabling in situ room temperature crystallography at microfocus synchrotron beamlines and X-ray free-electron laser (X-FEL) sources. Compared to other in situ approaches, we observe extremely low background and high diffraction data quality. The chip design is robust and allows fast and efficient loading of thousands of small crystals. The ability to load a large number of protein crystals, at room temperature and with high efficiency, into prescribed positions enables high throughput automated serial crystallography with microfocus synchrotron beamlines. In addition, we demonstrate the application of this chip for femtosecond time-resolved serial crystallography at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS, Menlo Park, California, USA). The chip concept enables multiple images to be acquired from each crystal, allowing differential detection of changes in diffraction intensities in order to obtain high signal-to-noise and fully exploit the time resolution capabilities of XFELs.

Growth kinetics of Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound at liquid-solid interfaces in Cu/Sn/Cu interconnects under temperature gradient

The growth behavior of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at the liquid-solid interfaces in Cu/Sn/Cu interconnects during reflow at 250 °C and 280 °C on a hot plate was investigated. Being different from the symmetrical growth during isothermal aging, the interfacial IMCs showed clearly asymmetrical growth during reflow, i.e., the growth of Cu₆Sn₅ IMC at the cold end was significantly enhanced while that of Cu₃Sn IMC was hindered especially at the hot end. It was found that the temperature gradient had caused the mass migration of Cu atoms from the hot end toward the cold end, resulting in sufficient Cu atomic flux for interfacial reaction at the cold end while inadequate Cu atomic flux at the hot end. The growth mechanism was considered as reaction/thermomigration-controlled at the cold end and grain boundary diffusion/thermomigration-controlled at the hot end. A growth model was established to explain the growth kinetics of the Cu₆Sn₅ IMC at both cold and hot ends. The molar heat of transport of Cu atoms in molten Sn was calculated as + 11.12 kJ/mol at 250 °C and + 14.65 kJ/mol at 280 °C. The corresponding driving force of thermomigration in molten Sn was estimated as 4.82 × 10⁻¹⁹ N and 6.80 × 10⁻¹⁹ N.

Mitochondrial DNA Deficiency in Ovarian Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cell-like Properties

BACKGROUND

A low quantity of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a risk factor in a variety of tumor types. However, it is unclear how mtDNA reduction influences tumor behavior.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

mtDNA-deficient ovarian cancer cells were established by ethidium bromide (EtBr) treatment with additive combination of pyruvate and uridine.

RESULTS

The mtDNA-deficient cells had a low growth and colony-forming efficiency compared to the control cells. RNA sequencing revealed down-regulation of mitochondrion-related genes and up-regulation of genes related to cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis. The expression of genes involved in cancer metastasis, proliferation, angiogenesis, drug resistance and cancer cell stemness were also up-regulated. Intriguingly, cancer stem cell markers CD90 and CD117 were both up-regulated by EtBr dose-dependently in both cell lines.

CONCLUSION

MtDNA deficiency may induce ovarian cancer stem cell-like properties through different ways in vitro, therefore contributing to different tumor behaviors.

The synergistic interaction between the calcineurin B subunit and IFN-γ enhances macrophage antitumor activity

Macrophages are involved in tumor growth and progression. They infiltrate into tumors and cause inflammation, which creates a microenvironment favoring tumor growth and metastasis. However, certain stimuli may induce macrophages to act as tumor terminators. Here we report that the calcineurin B subunit (CnB) synergizes with IFN-γ to make macrophages highly cytotoxic to cancer cells. Furthermore, CnB and IFN-γ act synergistically to polarize mouse tumor-associated macrophages, as well as human monocyte-derived macrophages to an M1-like phenotype. This synergy is mediated by the crosstalk between CnB-engaged integrin αM-p38 MAPK signaling and IFN-γ-initiated p38/PKC-δ/Jak2 signaling. Interestingly, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a key factor that orchestrates the synergy of CnB and IFN-γ, and the phosphorylation status at Ser727 and Tyr701 of STAT1 is directly regulated by CnB and IFN-γ.

An association analysis between psychophysical characteristics and genome-wide gene expression changes in human adaptation to the extreme climate at the Antarctic Dome Argus

Genome-wide gene expression measurements have enabled comprehensive studies that integrate the changes of gene expression and phenotypic information to uncover their novel associations. Here we reported the association analysis between psychophysical phenotypes and genome-wide gene expression changes in human adaptation to one of the most extreme climates on Earth, the Antarctic Dome Argus. Dome A is the highest ice feature in Antarctica, and may be the coldest, driest and windiest location on earth. It is considered unapproachable due to its hostile environment. In 2007, a Chinese team of 17 male explorers made the expedition to Dome A for scientific investigation. Overall, 133 psychophysical phenotypes were recorded, and genome-wide gene expression profiles from the blood samples of the explorers were measured before their departure and upon their arrival at Dome A. We found that mood disturbances, including tension (anxiety), depression, anger and fatigue, had a strong, positive, linear relationship with the level of a male sex hormone, testosterone, using the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) analysis. We also demonstrated that significantly lowest-level Gene Ontology groups in changes of gene expression in blood cells with erythrocyte removal were consistent with the adaptation of the psychophysical characteristics. Interestingly, we discovered a list of genes that were strongly related to significant phenotypes using phenotype and gene expression PCC analysis. Importantly, among the 70 genes that were identified, most were significantly related to mood disturbances, where 42 genes have been reported in the literature mining, suggesting that the other 28 genes were likely novel genes involved in the mood disturbance mechanism. Taken together, our association analysis provides a reliable method to uncover novel genes and mechanisms related to phenotypes, although further studies are needed.

Control of Established Gingivitis and Dental Plaque Using a 1450 ppm Fluoride/Zinc-based Dentifrice: A Randomized Clinical Study

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical efficacy in controlling established gingivitis and dental plaque of a 1450 ppm fluoride as sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP)/zinc-based dentifrice, as compared to a zinc-free dentifrice with 1450 ppm fluoride as SMFP after six months product use.

METHODS

A six-month clinical study, with eighty-six (86) subjects, was conducted in Chengdu, China, using a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group treatment design. After a baseline evaluation, study subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two study treatments: 1) 1450 ppm fluoride as SMFP/zinc-based dentifrice (Test) or 2) 1450 ppm fluoride as SMFP/zinc-free dentifrice (Negative Control). Subjects were provided with a soft bristle toothbrush and brushed their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for one minute with their assigned dentifrice. After three months, and again after six months of product use, subjects returned to the testing facility for their followup gingivitis and plaque examinations. Statistical analyses were performed separately for the gingivitis assessments and dental plaque assessments using the appropriate statistical methods. All statistical tests of hypotheses were two-sided, and employed a level of significance of α = 0.05.

RESULTS

After three and six months of product use, subjects assigned to the Test treatment exhibited statistically significant (p < 0.001) reductions in gingival index and plaque index scores as compared to subjects assigned to the Negative Control treatment.

CONCLUSION

The results of this single-center, double-blind, parallel-group and randomized clinical study support the conclusion that a 1450 ppm fluoride as SMFP/zinc-based dentifrice provides clinically meaningful and statistically significant reductions in gingivitis (23.8%) and dental plaque (22.5%) as compared to a 1450 ppm fluoride as SMFP/zinc-free dentifrice over a six-month period of twice-daily product use.

Comprehensive electronic medical record implementation levels not associated with 30-day all-cause readmissions within Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Regulatory standards for 30-day readmissions incentivize hospitals to improve quality of care. Implementing comprehensive electronic health record systems potentially decreases readmission rates by improving medication reconciliation at discharge, demonstrating the additional benefits of inpatient EHRs beyond improved safety and decreased errors.

OBJECTIVE

To compare 30-day all-cause readmission incidence rates within Medicare fee-for-service with heart failure discharged from hospitals with full implementation levels of comprehensive EHR systems versus those without.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study uses data from the American Hospital Association Health IT survey and Medicare Part A claims to measure associations between hospital EHR implementation levels and beneficiary readmissions. Multivariable Cox regressions estimate the hazard ratio of 30-day all-cause readmissions within beneficiaries discharged from hospitals implementing comprehensive EHRs versus those without, controlling for beneficiary health status and hospital organizational factors. Propensity scores are used to account for selection bias.

RESULTS

The proportion of heart failure patients with 30-day all-cause readmissions was 30%, 29%, and 32% for those discharged from hospitals with full, some, and no comprehensive EHR systems. Heart failure patients discharged from hospitals with fully implemented comprehensive EHRs compared to those with no comprehensive EHR systems had equivalent 30-day readmission incidence rates (HR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.73 - 1.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of comprehensive electronic health record systems does not necessarily improve a hospital's ability to decrease 30-day readmission rates. Improving the efficiency of post-acute care will require more coordination of information systems between inpatient and ambulatory providers.

Mid-infrared emission from In(Ga)Sb layers on InAs(Sb)

We demonstrate infrared light emission from thin epitaxially-grown In(Ga)Sb layers in InAs(Sb) matrices across a wide range (3-8 µm) of the mid-infrared spectral range. Our structures are characterized by x-ray diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Emission is characterized by temperature- and power-dependent infrared step-scan photoluminescence spectroscopy. The epitaxial In(Ga)Sb layers are observed to form either quantum wells, quantum dots, or disordered quantum wells, depending on the insertion layer and substrate material composition. The observed optical properties of the monolayer-scale insertions are correlated to their structural properties, as determined by transmission electron and atomic force microscopy.

RNA-seq analysis of the rat placentation site reveals maternal obesity-associated changes in placental and offspring thyroid hormone signaling

INTRODUCTION

In animal models, maternal obesity (OB) leads to augmented risk of offspring OB. While placental function is influenced by maternal habitus, the effect of maternal obesity on the interacting zones of the placenta [the labyrinth (LZ), junctional (JZ) and metrial gland (MG)] remains unknown.

METHODS

Using a rat maternal obesity model, we conducted transcriptomic profiling of the utero-placental compartments and fetal liver (FL) at dpc 18.5, in conjunction with analyses of mRNA expression of key thyroid hormone (TH) signaling genes in the placenta, fetus and weanling offspring.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Gene expression analysis of placenta and offspring revealed that each utero-placental compartment responds distinctly to maternal OB with changes in inflammatory signaling, lipid metabolism and hormone stimulus being the predominant effects. OB-induced alterations in 17 genes were confirmed by qPCR, including reductions in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh) in JZ. We further characterized mRNA and protein expression of TH signaling regulators including deiodinases (Dio), TH receptors (Tr), and downstream targets (uncoupling proteins (Ucp)). A concerted down-regulation of multiple facets of thyroid hormone signaling in the JZ and FL was observed. JZ expression of thyroid hormone signaling components Trh, Dio2, Trα, and Ucp2 were negatively associated with maternal leptin. mRNA expression of TRH, TRβ and UCP1 were also decreased in term placenta from OB women. Finally, our studies identified persistent impairments in expression of TH related genes in tissues from offspring of obese dams.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of lower placental thyroid expression is worthy of further study as a possible pathway that leads to low energy metabolism and obesity in animals born to obese mothers.