Blood glucose changes surrounding initiation of tumor-necrosis factor inhibitors and conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in veterans with rheumatoid arthritis

AIM To determine the scope of acute hypoglycemic effects for certain anti-rheumatic medications in a large retrospective observational study. METHODS Patients enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry were selected who, during follow-up, initiated treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi's, including etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, or certolizumab), prednisone, or conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs(DMARDs), and for whom proximate random blood glucose (RBG) measurements were available within a window 2-wk prior to, and 6 mo following, medication initiation. Similar data were obtained for patients with proximate values available for glycosylated hemoglobin A1C values within a window 2 mo preceding, and 12 mo following, medication initiation. RBG and A1C measurements were compared before and after initiation events using paired t-tests, and multivariate regression analysis was performed including established comorbidities and demographics.RESULTS Two thousands one hundred and eleven patients contributed at least one proximate measurement surrounding the initiation of any examined medication. A significant decrease in RBG was noted surrounding 653 individual hydroxychloroquine-initiation events(-3.68 mg/dL, P = 0.04), while an increase was noted for RBG surrounding 665 prednisone-initiation events(+5.85 mg/d L, P < 0.01). A statistically significant decrease in A1C was noted for sulfasalazine initiation, as measured by 49 individual initiation events(-0.70%, P < 0.01). Multivariate regression analyses, using methotrexate as the referent, suggest sulfasalazine (β =-0.58, P = 0.01) and hydroxychloroquine(β =-5.78, P = 0.01) use as predictors of lower post-medicationinitiation RBG and A1C values, respectively. Analysis by drug class suggested prednisone (or glucocorticoids) as predictive of higher medication-initiation event RBG among all start events as compared to DMARDs, while this analysis did not show any drug class-level effect for TNFi. A diagnosis of congestive heart failure(β = 4.69, P = 0.03) was predictive for higher post-initiation RBG values among all medication-initiation events.CONCLUSION No statistically significant hypoglycemic effects surrounding TNFi initiation were observed in this large cohort. Sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine may have epidemiologically significant acute hypoglycemic effects.

Modifying agent selection for Al-7Si alloy by Miedema model

To determine the modifying agents for Al-7Si alloys, microstructure observation and mixing enthalpy analysis using Miedema model for Al-7Si alloy with additions of different rare earth elements were performed, and the effects of rare earth elements on the modifica-tion of eutectic silicon morphology were investigated. The results of mixing enthalpy analysis show that these four rare earth elements, La, Sm, Pr, and Ce, which have the large negative mixing enthalpies with Si, can be selected as modifying agents for eutectic silicon morphology. The element with the largest negative mixing enthalpy is Ce. Furthermore, the microstructures indicate that these four elements can effec-tively modify the eutectic （α）Al-Si crystals in Al-7Si alloy, and the most effective one is also Ce. Differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） results show that the eutectic temperature depressions due to the additions of modifying agents are the important reasons for the modification of eutectic （α）Al-Si crystals.

SHP2 regulates skeletal cell fate by modifying SOX9 expression and transcriptional activity

Chondrocytes and osteoblasts differentiate from a common mesenchymal precursor, the osteochondroprogenitor（OCP）, and help build the vertebrate skeleton. The signaling pathways that control lineage commitment for OCPs are incompletely understood. We asked whether the ubiquitously expressed protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2（encoded by Ptpn11） affects skeletal lineage commitment by conditionally deleting Ptpn11 in mouse limb and head mesenchyme using ＂Cre-lox P＂-mediated gene excision.SHP2-deficient mice have increased cartilage mass and deficient ossification, suggesting that SHP2-deficient OCPs become chondrocytes and not osteoblasts. Consistent with these observations, the expression of the master chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9 and its target genes Acan, Col2a1, and Col10a1 were increased in SHP2-deficient chondrocytes, as revealed by gene expression arrays, q RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunostaining. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that SHP2 regulates OCP fate determination via the phosphorylation and SUMOylation of SOX9, mediated at least in part via the PKA signaling pathway. Our data indicate that SHP2 is critical for skeletal cell lineage differentiation and could thus be a pharmacologic target for bone and cartilage regeneration.

Observation on the modifying activity of the protein from Elytrzgia repens rhizome for ice crystal

In winter, spring and summer, the rhizome of wild Elytrzgia repens of Heilongjiang Province was selected to extract the soluble which whole protein and the apoplastic protein, and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The result indicated that there were two specific polypeptides in two types protein from winter; their relative molecular weight were identified as 52 ku and 26 ku by analyzing software; the apoplastic protein from winter had the ability of modifing the growth of ice crystal which appeared hexagonal in shape observed with the phase-contrast photomicroscope. So the apoplastic protein from winter has the antifreeze characters and the 52 ku protein is more likely the antifreeze protein

Novel anti-AD dimeric leads:from relieving symptoms to modifying diseases via multi-targets

Alzheimer disease(AD) has now become the most common brain disorder among the older population. In addition, the currently existing therapeutics only offer temporary symptomatic relieves. Therefore, further research and development of more efficacious and disease-modifying agents for the prevention, treatment and restoration of AD will have tremendous value from both scientific, and economic standpoints. Over the past few years, our series of studies have identified several highly promising anti-AD dimeric leads, with disease-modifying potentials. In this presentation, the latest progress on the neuroprotective and disease modifying effects and the underlying mechanisms of those candidates will be comprehensively illustrated and discussed.

Modifying Effect of Rare Earths and Titanium on Austenitic Manganese Steel

By means of thermodynamic calculations, optical microscope, sweep electron microscope(SEM), transimssion electron microscope(TEM) and microcomposition detection, the modifying effect of RE and Ti on austenitic manganese steel was investigated The results show that the constitutional supercooling of austenitic manganese steel during solidification can be improved and the dendritic crystals can be grown facilely, melted, isolated and multiplied by adding RE(Ce) In the melt the alloying elements Ti and C can form TiC directly which acts as nucleus of cementite and causes both primary and eutectic cementite to be granulated and refined so that the cementite network in this steel can be eliminated

Experiments of Applying the Rare-Earth Modifying Agents in New Dental Materials Preparation

Harmless rare-earth modifying agents were prepared by orthogonal experiments. A new resin material was synthesized with the qualities such as rigidity, rubbing abrasion, aging, luster and plasticity better than the dental resin materials in common used. It could be used as the substitutes for the applied resin teeth materials.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease modifying therapeutics:a cell biological perspective

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis（ALS）is a progressively fatal neuromuscular disorder classically characterized by loss of upper and lower motor neurons from the cortex to the spinal cord Diagnosed patients have a median survival of about 3 years and death usually results from eventual respiratory failure.

A New Approach to Refining and Modifying Cast Aluminum Alloys with Rare Earth Alloys

The effects of rare earth (RE) alloys on the refining and modifying of cast aluminum alloys were investigated. Compared to other substances in common use, rare earth alloys maintain the refining and modifying effects of the aluminum alloys for a longer time. RE alloys can also reduce environmental pollution in the melting process. These effects of RE alloys make them become a superior choice for the applications in aluminum foundry.

Study on the Adsorption Capability of Fe Modifying Sepiolite on Cr(Ⅵ)

[ Objective] The research aimed to study the adsorption capability of Fe modifying sepiolite on Cr（Vl）. [ Method] FeCl3 solution with different concentrations was used to modify sepiolite. By static adsorption experiment, the adsorption capability of Fe modifying sepiolite on Cr（VI ） was studied. [Result] Under the condition of initial Cr（VI） concentration of 90 mg/L, 10.0% IMS dosage of 5 g/L, pH of 4.5, adsorption time of 90 min, and temperature of 25 ℃ the equilibrium adsorption quantity of Fe modifying sepiolite was 6.5 mg/g. [Conclusion] The research provided an effective pathway for the application of Fe modifying sepiolite in Cr（VI）-containing wastewater treatment.

Modifying Plant Oils for Use as Fuel in Rural Contexts Tanzania: Techno-Economic Analysis

Techno-economic analysis of a small-scale Modified Plant Oil (MPO) production plant that has an annual production capacity of 15,072,741 kg of MPO (batch process) was carried out to estimate the capital and operating costs of a plant. The analysis was done by using a computer model that was designed and simulated with an aid of SuperPro Designer (Version 4.32) software. The specified feedstock was crude Jatropha oil (JO) and the main product was MPO. The major processes involved were degumming, neutralisation and blending. Degumming involved the removal of gums or phospholipids, and two methods were used: water degumming and acid degumming, whereas blending involved mixing of degummed or purified JO with natural gas condensate (NGC) modifier to lower the viscosity of JO. From techno-economic analysis of the process, it was found that the total capital investment of a plant was about US $ 10,222,000 and the predicted unit production cost of MPO was US $ 1.315/kg at a value of US $ 1.0/kg of JO. The economic feasibility of MPO production was found to be highly influenced by the price of feedstock, which contributed about 95% of the total annual production cost. The relationship between plant throughput and unit cost of producing MPO showed that unit production cost was very sensitive to production rate at low annual throughputs. The MPO cost showed a direct linear relationship with the cost of JO, with a change of US $ 0.50/kg of MPO in MPO cost in every change of US $ 0.50/kg of JO in JO price. The process technology simulated was found to be economically viable and can be implemented in rural setting, taking into consideration Tanzania’s rural situation.

Preparation of high acidity coefficient slag wool fiber with blast furnace slag and modifying agents

Preparation of high acidity coefficient slag wool fiber with molten slag and modifying agents is considered to be a positive approach for value-added utilization of blast furnace slag. In order to achieve the multi-purposes of fiber-forming, energy saving, and waste heat recovery, the modifying agents that can improve the acidity coefficient of slag effectively, economically, and environmentally were investigated. Three agents with different acidity coefficients were adopted to modify slag and manufacture wool fibers. The effect of agent and slag proportion on the melting temperature and viscosity of molten slag was studied at a fixed acidity coefficient of 1.8 and 2.0. The results indicate that the sample modified with high acidity coefficient agent and high slag proportion has lower melting temperature and viscosity. The effect of agent and slag temperature on the fiber diameter was also investigated when the acidity coefficient of slag is 2.0. At a fixed slag proportion of 50 wt.%, the mean diameter decreases with increasing temperature and decreasing viscosity coefficient. Besides, the temperature drops caused by the addition of agents and energy consumption of samples for heating the slag were also analyzed.

Modelling of the elastoplastic behaviour of the bio-cemented soils using an extended Modified Cam Clay model

An elastoplastic constitutive model based on the Modified Cam Clay(MCC)model is developed to describe the mechanical behaviour of soils cemented via microbially induced calcite precipitation(MICP).It considers the increase of the elastic stiffness,the change of the yield surface due to MICP cementation and the degradation of calcium carbonate bonds during shearing.Specifically,to capture the typical contraction-dilation transition in MICP soils,the original volumetric hardening rule in the MCC model is modified to a combined deviatoric and volumetric hardening rule.The model could reproduce a series of drained triaxial tests on MICP-treated soils with different calcium carbonate contents.Further,we carry out a parametric study and observe numerical instability in some cases.In combination with an analytical analysis,our numerical modelling has identified the benefits and limitations of using MCCbased models in the simulation of MICP-cemented soils,leading to suggestions for further model development.

Exploring the impact of Nafion modifier on electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction over Cu catalyst

Nafion as a universal polymer ionomer was widely applied for nanocatalysts electrode preparation.However,the effect of Nafion on electrocatalytic performance was often overlooked,especially for CO_(2)electrolysis.Herein,the key roles of Nafion for CO_(2)RR were systematically studied on Cu nanoparticles(NPs)electrocatalyst.We found that Nafion modifier not only inhibit hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)by decreasing the accessibility of H_(2)O from electrolyte to Cu NPs,and increase the CO_(2)concentration at electrocatalyst interface for enhancing the CO_(2)mass transfer process,but also activate CO_(2)molecule by Lewis acid-base interaction between Nafion and CO_(2)to accelerate the formation of^(*)CO,which favor of C–C coupling for boosting C_(2)product generation.Owing to these features,the HER selectivity was suppressed from 40.6%to 16.8%on optimal Cu@Nafion electrode at-1.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE),and as high as 73.5%faradaic efficiencies(FEs)of C_(2)products were achieved at the same applied potential,which was 2.6 times higher than that on bare Cu electrode(~28.3%).In addition,Nafion also contributed to the long-term stability by hinder Cu NPs morphology reconstruction.Thus,this work provides insights into the impact of Nafion on electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR performance.

A dual-RPA based lateral flow strip for sensitive,on-site detection of CP4-EPSPS and Cry1Ab/Ac genes in genetically modified crops

Traditional transgenic detection methods require high test conditions and struggle to be both sensitive and efficient.In this study,a one-tube dual recombinase polymerase amplification(RPA)reaction system for CP4-EPSPS and Cry1Ab/Ac was proposed and combined with a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay,named“Dual-RPA-LFD”,to visualize the dual detection of genetically modified(GM)crops.In which,the herbicide tolerance gene CP4-EPSPS and the insect resistance gene Cry1Ab/Ac were selected as targets taking into account the current status of the most widespread application of insect resistance and herbicide tolerance traits and their stacked traits.Gradient diluted plasmids,transgenic standards,and actual samples were used as templates to conduct sensitivity,specificity,and practicality assays,respectively.The constructed method achieved the visual detection of plasmid at levels as low as 100 copies,demonstrating its high sensitivity.In addition,good applicability to transgenic samples was observed,with no cross-interference between two test lines and no influence from other genes.In conclusion,this strategy achieved the expected purpose of simultaneous detection of the two popular targets in GM crops within 20 min at 37°C in a rapid,equipmentfree field manner,providing a new alternative for rapid screening for transgenic assays in the field.

Effects of rare earth modifying inclusions on the pitting corrosion of 13Cr4Ni martensitic stainless steel

In this study,the pitting corrosion behavior of 13Cr4Ni martensitic stainless steel(BASE)and that modified with rare earth(REM)in 0.1 mol/L Na Cl solution were characterized.Techniques such as automatic secondary electron microscope(ASPEX PSEM detector),scanning electron microscope(SEM),transmission electron microscope(TEM),scanning Kelvin probe force microscope(SKP),potentiodynamic and potentiostatic polarizations were employed.The results obtained indicate that BASE steel contains Al_(2)O_(3)/Mn S,Al_(2)O_(3) and Mn S inclusions,while REM steels contain(La,Ce,Cr,Fe)-O and(La,Ce,Cr,Fe)-O-S inclusions.Compared with BASE steel,REM steel is more susceptible to induce the metastable pitting nucleation and repassivation,whereas it restrains the transition from metastable pitting to stable pitting.Adding 0.021%rare earth element to BASE steel can reduce the number and area of inclusions,while that of 0.058%can increase the number and enlarged the size of inclusions,which is also the reason that pitting corrosion resistance of 58 REM steel is slightly lower than that of 21 REM steel.In the process of pitting corrosion induced by Al_(2)O_(3)/Mn S inclusions,Mn S is preferentially anodic dissolved,and also the matrix contacted with Al_(2)O_(3) is subsequently anodic dissolved.For REM steels,anodic dissolution preferentially occurs at the boundary between inclusions and matrix,while(La,Ce,Cr,Fe)-O inclusions chemically dissolve in local acidic environment or are separated from steel matrix.The chemically dissolved substance(La^(3+) and Ce^(3+))of(La,Ce,Cr,Fe)-O inclusions are concentrated in pitting pits,which inhibits its continuous growth.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of sulfatase and sulfatase modifying factor genes in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The invasive pest whitefly(Bemisia tabaci)is a complex species,of which Middle East-Minor Asia 1(MEAM1)and Mediterranean(MED)are the two most damaging members.Previous research showed that cabbage is frequently infested with MEAM1 but seldomly with MED,and this difference in performance is associated with glucosi-nolate(GS)content.Some insects can modify GS using glucosinolate sulfatase(SULF),the activity of which is regulated by sulfatase modifying factor 1(SUMF1);therefore,to increase our understanding of different performances of MEAM1 and MED on cabbage plants,we identified and compared nine putative SULFs and one SUMF in MEAM1 and MED.We found that the lengths of two genes,BtSulf2 and BtSulf4,differed between MEAM1 and MED.The messenger RNA levels of BtSulf4 increased more than 20-fold after MEAMl and MED adults were exposed to GS,but BtSulJ2 expression was only induced by GS in MEAM1.Knockdown of BtSulf2 and BtSulf4 in MEAM1 resulted in a substantial increase in the mortality of GS-treated adults but not in MED.These results indicate that differences in BtSulJ2 and BtSulf4 sequences and/or expression may explain why MEAM1 performs better than MED on cabbage.Our results provide a basis for future functional research on SULF and SUMF in B.tabaci.

Utilization of recycled solid waste as ecological reclamation materials based on plant growth experiments and soil quality analysis

During the highway construction,a large number of spoil areas will be generated while a large amount of waste slag and soil could not be rationally utilized.Besides,the vegetation recovery is slow in the spoil areas due to the soil depletion.Aiming at recycling the solid waste,the sieved engineering waste slag with local red clay and corn straw biochar was supplied to solve the problem of insufficient nutrients in engineering waste slag and soil.In addition,planting experiments of alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.)and Amorpha fruticosa L.combined with physical and chemical experiments were carried out to prove the feasibility of the novel improved substrate for the reclamation of spoil areas.The results show that the substrate's improvement effect is mainly affected by the soil to slag ratio and the biochar content.The improvement effect of soil matrix in highway spoil area decreases with the increase of the waste slag content,especially when the soil-slag ratio is less than 3,and the promotion of plants is limited.On the contrary,the improvement effect is proportional to the biochar content(3%-8%).But it is noted that the Cu and Pb in the soil will exceed the clean limit corresponding to the Nemero soil pollution index level when the biochar content is 8%.Therefore,it is recommended that the soil-slag ratio should be≥3,and the biochar content should reach 3%-5%.This research provides experimental basis and technical support for utilizing solid waste resources in the reclamation of highway spoil areas.

Multi-soliton solutions, breather-like and bound-state solitons for complex modified Korteweg–de Vries equation in optical fibers

Under investigation in this paper is a complex modified Korteweg–de Vries(KdV) equation, which describes the propagation of short pulses in optical fibers. Bilinear forms and multi-soliton solutions are obtained through the Hirota method and symbolic computation. Breather-like and bound-state solitons are constructed in which the signs of the imaginary parts of the complex wave numbers and the initial separations of the two parallel solitons are important factors for the interaction patterns. The periodic structures and position-induced phase shift of some solutions are introduced.