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 Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of the TUIAS (SW_TH01/II) computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) software system for the ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) features in thyroid nodules. Materials and methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients with thyroid nodules in Shanghai East Hospital between January 2017 and October 2021. The novel CAD software (SW_TH01/II) and three sonographers performed a qualitative analysis of the ultrasound TI-RADS features in aspect ratio, margin irregularity, margin smoothness, calcification, and echogenicity of the thyroid nodules. Results: A total of 225 patients were enrolled. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the CAD software in “aspect ratio” were 95.6%, 96.2%, and 95.4%, in “margin irregularity” were 90.7%, 90.5%, and 90.9%, in “margin smoothness” were 85.8%, 88.5%, and 83.0%, in “calcification” were 83.6%, 81.7%, and 82.0%, in “homogeneity” were 88.9%, 90.6%, and 82.2%, in “major echo” were 85.3%, 88.0%, and 85.4%, and in “contains very hypoechoic echo” were 92.0%, 90.0%, and 92.4%. The analysis time of the CAD software was significantly shorter than for the sonographers (2.7 ± 1.6 vs. 29.7 ± 12.7 s, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The CAD system achieved high accuracy in describing thyroid nodule features. It might assist in clinical thyroid nodule analysis.

RESUMO Introdução: Devido à alta intensidade e velocidade do ciclismo, é exigido um alto nível técnico e tático, qualidade física e qualidade psicológica dos atletas. Lesões meniscais são comuns em ciclistas. Em particular, as lesões meniscais crônicas são geralmente causadas por um acúmulo de fadiga ou tratamento inoportuno e incompleto de lesões esportivas agudas. Objetivo: Analisar os fatores e métodos de proteção para lesões meniscais em ciclistas. Métodos: Ciclistas do sexo masculino voluntários foram selecionados para um questionário que investigou as lesões meniscais dos atletas. Os dados coletados foram analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: Houve 6 casos de lesão meniscal do joelho direito em atleta, esses dados são responsáveis por 75% dos danos. Lesões no menisco esquerdo representaram 2 casos. Houve um caso de lesão medial em ambos os joelhos. As medidas preventivas correspondentes são apresentadas de acordo com a causa da lesão. Conclusão: As causas das lesões meniscais em ciclistas incluem força insuficiente no joelho, métodos de treinamento inadequados, fadiga física e esforço localizado a longo prazo. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Due to the high intensity and speed of cycling, a high technical and tactical level, physical quality, and psychological quality are required of athletes. Meniscal injuries are common in cyclists. In particular, chronic meniscal injuries are usually caused by an accumulation of fatigue or untimely and incomplete treatment of acute sports injuries. Objective: Analyze the protective factors and methods for meniscal injuries in cyclists. Methods: Volunteer male cyclists were selected for a questionnaire that investigated the athletes’ meniscal injuries. The data collected were statistically analyzed. Results: There were 6 cases of right knee meniscus injury in athletes; these data accounted for 75% of the injuries. Left meniscus injuries accounted for 2 cases. There was one case of medial injury in both knees. The corresponding preventive measures are presented according to the cause of the injury. Conclusion: Causes of meniscal injuries in cyclists include insufficient knee strength, inadequate training methods, physical fatigue, and long-term localized effort. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: Debido a la alta intensidad y velocidad del ciclismo, se exige a los deportistas un alto nivel técnico y táctico, calidad física y calidad psicológica. Las lesiones de menisco son comunes en los ciclistas. En particular, las lesiones crónicas de menisco suelen ser causadas por una acumulación de fatiga o por un tratamiento inoportuno e incompleto de las lesiones deportivas agudas. Objetivo: Analizar los factores y métodos de protección de las lesiones meniscales en ciclistas. Métodos: Se seleccionaron ciclistas masculinos voluntarios para un cuestionario que investigaba las lesiones meniscales de los atletas. Los datos recogidos se analizaron estadísticamente. Resultados: Hubo 6 casos de lesiones de menisco de la rodilla derecha en atletas, estos datos representaron el 75% de las lesiones. Las lesiones del menisco izquierdo representaron 2 casos. Hubo un caso de lesión medial en ambas rodillas. Las medidas preventivas correspondientes se presentan según la causa de la lesión. Conclusión: Las causas de las lesiones de menisco en los ciclistas incluyen una fuerza insuficiente de la rodilla, métodos de entrenamiento inadecuados, fatiga física y esfuerzos localizados a largo plazo. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Top-quality pellets can significantly increase density and durability of agricultural residues, reducing logistic costs. However, these pellets depend on numerous parameters, including feedstock properties and production conditions. To ensure high-quality pellets, a single-factor experiment and the response surface methodology were used to investigate the effects of particle size, moisture content, molding pressure, pelleting time, ultrasonic power, and interaction effects between variables on density and durability of pellets for ultrasonic vibration-assisted pelleting of corn stover. The response surface models between variables and response were established. The results showed that all variables affect the density and durability of pellets. An optimal condition for density and durability was obtained, and a further experiment was conducted to validate the values. The results suggested that desirability (0.999) under optimal conditions confirmed the validation of models. The optimal combination of process parameters included particle size of 1.5 mm, moisture content of 10 %, molding pressure of 379 kPa, pelleting time of 80 s, ultrasonic power of 250 W, with values of 1,381.14 kg m–3 and 97.58 % for density and durability of pellets, respectively.

Abstract Poor storability is the largest problem thwarting the marketization of fresh goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.). In this study, the storability of fresh fruits from 31 varieties of goji berry was evaluated by their decay index and rate of decay to choose 13 varieties of fresh fruit with excellent, medium and poor storability. Correlation and partial least squares regression analyses were adopted to explore the correlations between storability and 16 physical and chemical indicators from summer and autumn fruits. The storability calculated by the decay rate is significantly positively correlated with the content of flavonoids in the summer fruits, while the storability calculated by the decay index is significantly negatively correlated with the color difference b* and total acids in the summer fruits (P < 0.05). Similarly, the storability calculated by the decay rate is significantly positively correlated with the content of flavonoids, chewiness and elasticity of the autumn fruits (P < 0.05). The storability calculated by the decay index is significantly positively correlated with the content of flavonoids and the chewiness of autumn fruits (P < 0.05).The content of flavonoids in the fresh goji berry revealed a significantly positive correlation with the storability.

Abstract To explore the gene expression profiling in gazami crab’s hepatopancreas and gill tissues which were challenged with CuO-NPs. Specimens of gazami crab P. trituberculatus were collected and challenged with CuO-NPs, then their hepatopancreas and gill tissues were dissected for RNA extraction. The cDNA libraries were synthesized and sequenced. De novo assembly of crab transcriptome was conducted for gene expression quantification and differential expression analysis. Finally the results were validated by RT-PCR. 56 unigenes displayed differential expression pattern in CuO-NPs treated hepatopancreas tissue. and 273 unigenes displayed differential expression pattern in CuO-NPs treated gill tissue. The gene expression pattern between control and CuO-NPs treated hepatopancreas was very closed to each other, while the gene expression pattern between control and CuO-NPs treated gill was more distinct. 13 genes were mutually exclusive to participate, and he data generated from RNAseq was well consistent with those obtained from RT-PCR. CuO-NPs could induce toxic effects in crab gills as well as in genetic level and the 13 genes might be the potential marker genes for CuO-NPs toxicology.

Abstract The bacterial diversity on the surface of the Chinese Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) affects the storage tolerance of the fruit. We analyzed the bacterial diversity on the surfaces of eight varieties of Chinese wolfberries using high-throughput sequencing before and after storage. A total of 737 OTUs, including 584 species, 423 genera, 243 families, 153 orders, and 62 classes, were identified by bioinformatic analysis of the OTUs at the 97% similarity level. There were no significant differences among fruit varieties just after picking (O period). The dominant genera during the O period were Massilia and Pseudomonas. However, after a 144-hour storage period (S period), there were significant changes in both the decay rate and surface bacterial compositions. The Z1 variety showed the highest rate of decay, and its surface microbiota was dominated by Pantoea (84.34%), while the variety with the lowest decay rate was O, dominated by both Pantoea (69.06%) and Rosenbergiella (16.99%).

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Este estudo revisou retrospectivamente 46 casos de tumores gástricos estromáticos gastrointestinais tratados por microcirurgia endoluminal endoscópica de ressecção completa (EFR) em nosso centro de endoscopia gastrointestinal. Pretendemos avaliar a EFR para o tratamento de tumores gastrointestinais estromáticos originários da muscularis própria. MÉTODOS: Um total de 46 pacientes com tumores gástricos estromáticos gastrointestinais originários da camada muscular própria, de janeiro de 2012 a junho de 2015, foi tratado com EFR. Os pacientes foram acompanhados com gastroscópio e tomografia computadorizada (TC) para avaliação de efeitos terapêuticos e segurança. RESULTADOS: A EFR foi realizada com sucesso para remover todos os tumores em 46 pacientes. O tempo médio de procedimento foi de 82,5±39,8 min (56-188 min). Exceto em três leiomiomas, exame patológico confirmou tumor estromal gastrointestinal (Gist) em 43 casos. Em nenhum paciente ocorreu sangramento, peritonite e outras complicações após EFR. Posteriormente, todos os pacientes foram acompanhados com gastroscópio após um, seis e 12 meses. CONCLUSÕES: A EFR é eficaz e segura para pacientes com tumores gastrointestinais originários da camada muscular própria e tem a vantagem de ser um tratamento menos invasivo e com maior taxa de ressecção tumoral. Deve ser considerada para posterior aplicação.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study retrospectively reviewed 46 cases of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors treated by endoluminal endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) microsurgery in our gastrointestinal endoscopy center. We aimed to evaluate the EFR for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors originating from the muscularis propria. METHODS: A total of 46 patients with gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors originated from the muscularis propria layer from January 2012 to June 2015 were treated with EFR. The patients were followed up with gastroscope and computed tomography (CT) for evaluation of therapeutic effect and safety. RESULTS: EFR was successfully accomplished to remove all tumors in 46 patients. The mean procedure time was 82.5±39.8min (56-188min). Except in 3 leiomyomas, pathological examination confirmed gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in 43 cases. None of the patients had occurred bleeding, peritonitis and other complications after EFR. Thereafter, all patients were followed up with gastro-scope after 1, 6,12 months. CONCLUSIONS: EFR is effective and safe for patients with gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors originated from muscularis propria layer and has the advantage of less invasive treatment and higher tumor resection rate. It should be considered for further application.

OBJECTIVES:Despite its rising popularity, reports on the use of preoperative imatinib mesylate (IM) in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) are limited. This study aims to explore the clinical efficacy of preoperative IM in patients with primarily unresectable or metastatic/recurrent GIST.METHODS:Between September 2009 and February 2014, patients with primarily unresectable or metastatic/recurrent GIST treated by a single medical team were recruited and considered for preoperative IM therapy. Re-examination was conducted regularly and abdominal enhanced CT data, blood biochemistry and responses to IM were recorded.RESULTS:A total of 18 patients were enrolled, including 13 with a primary tumor (7 stomach, 3 small bowel, 2 rectal and 1 pelvic tumor) and 5 with recurrent or metastatic GIST (2 with liver metastasis, 2 with anastomotic recurrence and 1 with pelvic GIST). The median follow-up time was 9.5 months (range of 3-63). The median tumor sizes before and after initiation of IM treatment were 9.1 cm and 6.0 cm (p= 0.003) based on the CT findings, respectively. All patients showed a decrease in tumor burden and the median tumor size reduction was 35%. Sixteen of the 18 patients showed a partial response to IM and two possessed stable disease. Nine of the 18 patients (50%) underwent surgical resection of primary or metastatic/recurrent tumors, with a median of 7 months of IM therapy. One case each of multivisceral resection and tumor recurrence were noted.CONCLUSIONS:IM as a preoperative therapy is feasible and safe for unresectable or metastatic/recurrent GIST that can effectively decrease tumor size, facilitating resection.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic and slowly progressive cholestatic liver disease of autoimmune etiology. A number of questions regarding its etiology are unclear. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in self-tolerance and, for unknown reasons, their relative number is reduced in PBC patients. B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) is a key survival factor during B-cell maturation and its concentration is increased in peripheral blood of PBC patients. It has been reported that activated B cells inhibit Treg cell proliferation and there are no BAFF receptors on Tregs. Therefore, we speculated that excessive BAFF may result in Treg reduction via B cells. To prove our hypothesis, we isolated Tregs and B cells from PBC and healthy donors. BAFF and IgM concentrations were then analyzed by ELISA and CD40, CD80, CD86, IL-10, and TGF-β expression in B cells and Tregs were measured by flow cytometry. BAFF up-regulated CD40, CD80, CD86, and IgM expression in B cells. However, BAFF had no direct effect on Treg cell apoptosis and cytokine secretion. Nonetheless, we observed that BAFF-activated B cells could induce Treg cell apoptosis and reduce IL-10 and TGF-β expression. We also showed that BAFF-activated CD4+ T cells had no effect on Treg apoptosis. Furthermore, we verified that bezafibrate, a hypolipidemic drug, can inhibit BAFF-induced Treg cell apoptosis. In conclusion, BAFF promotes Treg cell apoptosis and inhibits cytokine production by activating B cells in PBC patients. The results of this study suggest that inhibition of BAFF activation is a strategy for PBC treatment.

Lycopene is common in diet and known for its antioxidant activities. However, the impact of lycopene on iron metabolism is poorly investigated. In this study, we hypothesize that lycopene can prevent iron-mediated oxidative stress, proliferation and autophagy in liver and use a rat model of nutritional iron supplementation to confirm its intervention in these defence mechanisms. We found that iron supplementation induced cell proliferation predominantly in non parenchymal cells compared with hepatocytes, but not apoptosis. In addition, iron was accumulated within the hepatic lysosomes where it triggered autophagy as evidenced by the formation of autophagic vesicles detected by LC3-B staining. Iron supplementation also induced morphologic alterations of the mitochondrial membranes probably due to increased lipid peroxidation as indicated by elevated iron and malondialdehyde concentrations in serum and tissues. Lycopene reduced iron-catalyzed lipid peroxidation by decreasing the malondialdehyde level in the liver and colon and enhancing the total superoxide dismutase activities in serum and tissues. The result suggest that lycopene prevents iron-induced oxidative stress, proliferation and autophagy at both biochemical and histological levels due to its potent free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties.

Statistical methods for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in full-sib forest trees, in which the number of alleles and linkage phase can vary from locus to locus, are still not well established. Previous studies assumed that the QTL segregation pattern was fixed throughout the genome in a full-sib family, despite the fact that this pattern can vary among regions of the genome. In this paper, we propose a method for selecting the appropriate model for QTL mapping based on the segregation of different types of markers and QTLs in a full-sib family. The QTL segregation patterns were classified into three types: test cross (1:1 segregation), F2 cross (1:2:1 segregation) and full cross (1:1:1:1 segregation). Akaike's information criterion (AIC), the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and the Laplace-empirical criterion (LEC) were used to select the most likely QTL segregation pattern. Simulations were used to evaluate the power of these criteria and the precision of parameter estimates. A Windows-based software was developed to run the selected QTL mapping method. A real example is presented to illustrate QTL mapping in forest trees based on an integrated linkage map with various segregation markers. The implications of this method for accurate QTL mapping in outbred species are discussed.

In this paper we introduce a new method for obtaining boundedness of solutions of integral equations. From the integral equation we form an integrodifferential equation by computing x’ + kx to which we apply a Liapunov functional. This can be far more effective than the usual technique of differentiating the equation. The qualitative properties derived from that equation are then transferred to a majorizing function for the integral equation. Schaefer’s fixed point theorem is used to conclude that there is a periodic solution. Three kinds of integral equations are studied and they are shown to be related through two examples.

En este artículo presentamos un nuevo método para obtener acotación de soluciones de ecuaciones integrales. A partir de la ecuación integral, formamos una ecuación integrales diferencial calculando x’ + kx mediante la aplicación de un funcional de Liapunov. Ello puede resultar bastante más efectivo que la técnica usual de diferenciación de la ecuación. Las propiedades cualitativas derivadas de la ecuación son entonces transferidas a la función mayorante para la ecuación integral. El teorema del punto fijo de Schaefer es usado para concluir que hay una solución periódica. Se estudia tres tipos de ecuaciones integrales y se muestra que ellas están relacionadas a través de dos ejemplos.