Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Heart Failure.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has emerged as an important approach to alleviate the depression of patients with heart failure. However, the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for heart failure has not been well established. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for alleviating depression for heart failure.

Selective Synthesis in Microdroplets of 2-Phenyl-2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione from Phenyl Hydrazine with Phthalic Anhydride or Phthalic Acid.

Pyridazine derivatives are privileged structures because of their potential biological and optical properties. Traditional synthetic methods usually require acid or base as a catalyst under reflux conditions with reaction times ranging from hours to a few days or require microwave assistance to induce the reaction. Herein, this work presents the accelerated synthesis of a pyridazine derivative, 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione (PDHP), in electrosprayed microdroplets containing an equimolar mixture of phenyl hydrazine and phthalic anhydride or phthalic acid.

[In vivo tracing of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells labeled with PKH26 in rat intrauterine adhesions model].

To observe the migration of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) labeled with PKH26 in the endometrium of rats intrauterine adhesion. hAMSCs were isolated, identified and labeled with PKH26 to detect the biological characteristics of the cells. Rat intrauterine adhesion models were established using mechanical and infective method and PKH26-labeled hAMSCs were transplanted through the tail vein.

PARP inhibitors synergize with gemcitabine by potentiating DNA damage in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have demonstrated great promise in the treatment of patients with deficiencies in homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair, such as those with loss of BRCA1 or BRCA2 function. However, emerging studies suggest that PARP inhibition can also target HR-competent cancers, such as non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and that the therapeutic effect of PARP inhibition may be improved by combination with chemotherapy agents. In our study, it was found that PARP inhibitors talazoparib (BMN-673) and olaparib (AZD-2281) both had synergistic activity with the common first-line chemotherapeutic gemcitabine in a panel of lung cancer cell lines.

Clinical Use of a New Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Polyamide66 Composite Artificial Lamina in Spinal Decompression Surgery: More Than 4 Years' Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND Long-term follow-up results showed that epidural scar formation and adhesion after laminectomy always affected the outcomes of repeat operations. The establishment of a barrier between scar tissue and dura was effective in preventing epidural scar formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS A nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide66 (n-HA/PA66) artificial lamina was designed and fabricated and used to cover the opened spinal canal in patients who received laminectomy.

Trehalose prevents sciatic nerve damage to and apoptosis of Schwann cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic C57BL/6J mice.

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) affects approximately 1 in 500 children. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common form of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes and is a significant risk factor for serious pathological change. It is difficult and costly to treat DPN and although there have been several pivotal trials.

Therapeutic efficacy of hydrogen‑rich saline alone and in combination with PI3K inhibitor in non‑small cell lung cancer.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of combination therapy of LY294002, a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K), with hydrogen‑rich saline on the proliferation and apoptosis of the non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cell line and the mechanisms underpinning this. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may induce DNA mutations, DNA damage, genomic instability and cell proliferation, and ROS are involved in several types of cancer, particularly lung cancer. In a previous study, hydrogen was recognized as an antioxidant in preventive and therapeutic applications.

Overexpression of zinc-α2-glycoprotein suppressed seizures and seizure-related neuroflammation in pentylenetetrazol-kindled rats.

Background: Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is a 42-kDa protein reported as an anti-inflammatory adipocytokine. Evidences from clinical and experimental studies revealed that brain inflammation plays important roles in epileptogenesis and seizure. Interestingly, closely relationship between ZAG and many important inflammatory mediators has been proven.

Distinctively Expressed Cytokines by Three Different Inflammation Cells and Their Interaction with Keratinocytes in Wound Healing.

Inflammatory cells exert crucial influence on wound healing, while exploration is still desired to get further insight into the key factors that promote the process. In the present study, we performed comparative microarray data analysis of the three types of inflammatory cells isolated from skin wounds and focused on differentially expressed secreted factors. Gene Ontology enrichment and receptor analysis indicated that 11 genes of secreted factors in Ly6C inflammatory macrophages and 27 genes of secreted factors in neutrophils exhibited higher (≥ 5-fold) expression, and all these factors were considered as candidates with potentially important role in keratinocyte activation.

Strain rate dependent hyperelastic stress-stretch behavior of a silica nanoparticle reinforced poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate nanocomposite hydrogel.

Poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) derivatives are important biomedical materials. PEGDA based hydrogels have emerged as one of the popular regenerative orthopedic materials. This work aims to study the mechanical behavior of a PEGDA based silica nanoparticle (NP) reinforced nanocomposite (NC) hydrogel at physiological strain rates.

Adoption of medication alert systems in hospital outpatient departments in Taiwan.

Objective: The adoption of medication alert systems in the health care sector varies among regions. In Taiwan, the health authority introduced policies in 2005 to encourage the adoption of medication alert systems in hospitals. This study aimed to understand the adoption of medication alert systems in the outpatient departments of hospitals in Taiwan using a nationwide survey.

A Hollow Spherical Carbon Derived from the Spray Drying of Corncob Lignin for High-Rate-Performance Supercapacitors.

Controlling the microstructure of biomass-derived carbon is of essential importance for directing its use. Herein, a hollow spherical carbon (HSC) was prepared from corncob lignin through spray drying and subsequent heat treatment. The HSC, which is characterized by its hierarchically porous structure, delivers high rate capability when it is directly used as electrode material for supercapacitors.

Cellulose Nanofiber as a Distinct Structure-Directing Agent for Xylem-like Microhoneycomb Monoliths by Unidirectional Freeze-Drying.

Honeycomb structures have been attracting attention from researchers mainly for their high strength-to-weight ratio. As one type of structure, honeycomb monoliths having microscopically dimensioned channels have recently gained many achievements since their emergence. Inspired by the microhoneycomb structure that occurs in natural tree xylems, we have been focusing on the assembly of such a structure by using the major component in tree xylem, cellulose, as the starting material.

Hydrogen sulfide down-regulates BACE1 and PS1 via activating PI3K/Akt pathway in the brain of APP/PS1 transgenic mouse.

Background: Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may have multiple physiological functions in brain. Our previous study showed that H2S improved spatial memory impairment and decreased the production of Aβ in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. However, many of the underlying mechanisms are not still being elucidated.

Mesenchymal stem cell subpopulations: phenotype, property and therapeutic potential.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are capable of differentiating into cells of multiple cell lineages and have potent paracrine effects. Due to their easy preparation and low immunogenicity, MSC have emerged as an extremely promising therapeutic agent in regenerative medicine for diverse diseases. However, MSC are heterogeneous with respect to phenotype and function in current isolation and cultivation regimes, which often lead to incomparable experimental results.

AP39, a Mitochondria-Targeted Hydrogen Sulfide Donor, Supports Cellular Bioenergetics and Protects against Alzheimer's Disease by Preserving Mitochondrial Function in APP/PS1 Mice and Neurons.

Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial functions are altered in AD and play an important role in AD pathogenesis. It has been established that H2S homeostasis is balanced in AD. The emerging mitochondrial roles of H2S include antioxidation, antiapoptosis, and the modulation of cellular bioenergetics.

Hydrogen Sulfide Selectively Inhibits γ-Secretase Activity and Decreases Mitochondrial Aβ Production in Neurons from APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now considered to be a gasotransmitter and may be involved in the pathological process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A majority of APP is associated with mitochondria and is a substrate for the mitochondrial γ-secretase. The mitochondria-associated APP metabolism where APP intracellular domains (AICD) and Aβ are generated locally and may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in AD.

The Effect of Potassium Impurities Deliberately Introduced into Activated Carbon Cathodes on the Performance of Lithium-Oxygen Batteries.

Rechargeable lithium-air (Li-O2) batteries have drawn much interest owing to their high energy density. We report on the effect of deliberately introducing potassium impurities into the cathode material on the electrochemical performance of a Li-O2 battery. Small amounts of potassium introduced into the activated carbon (AC) cathode material in the synthesis process are found to have a dramatic effect on the performance of the Li-O2 cell.

Interferon-Inducible Transmembrane Protein 3 Genetic Variant rs12252 and Influenza Susceptibility and Severity: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: The pandemic influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus, avian influenza A (H5N1) virus, and influenza A (H7N9) virus induced severe morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Previous studies suggested a close association between the interferon-induced transmembrane protein-3 (IFITM3) genetic variant rs12252 and influenza. Here, we explored the correlation between the rs12252 and influenza susceptibility and severity using meta-analysis.

Hydrogen sulfide improves spatial memory impairment and decreases production of Aβ in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is defined both by its progressive cognitive deterioration and hallmark increase in neuronal Aβ plaque formation. However, many of the underlying neurobiological facets of this disease are still being elucidated. Previous research has demonstrated that production of neuronal hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is significantly decreased in patients with AD.

Cloning and expression of Aspergillus tamarii FS132 lipase gene in Pichia pastoris.

A lipase gene (atl) was cloned from Aspergillus tamarii FS132 for the first time. The gene was found to have an open reading frame of 1024 base pairs (bp), and the coding region of the gene contained two introns (51 bp and 52 bp). Multi-alignment analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence indicated high homology between the enzyme and mono-and diacylglycerol lipases from fungi Aspergillus.