单向CF/PA6复合材料性能劣化及老化寿命预测

利用热压成型工艺制备出碳纤维(CF)/尼龙6(PA6)复合材料单向板,并将复合材料试样置于蒸馏水热水浴中,分别在25,60,80℃下进行不同时间的湿热老化,再对湿热老化后复合材料试样进行吸湿测试、三点弯曲测试、微观形貌表征,探究复合材料的吸湿规律、力学性能劣化规律和微观形貌变化,并对复合材料的长期寿命进行预测。结果发现,复合材料在25,60℃下的吸湿行为基本符合Fick扩散定律,而80℃下在老化最后阶段出现了背离Fick扩散定律现象。复合材料的弯曲强度随老化温度、老化时间的增加呈下降趋势,分别在25,60,80℃下老化120 d后,试样弯曲强度分别下降了22.78%,25.0%,26.25%。但是老化温度、老化时间对弯曲弹性模量无显著影响,且CF与PA6树脂之间的界面黏合性能随着温度、时间的增加逐渐变差。以绍兴2021年平均温度作为服役温度,基于加速老化测试模型和阿伦尼乌斯理论建立了CF/PA6复合材料在服役环境下剩余弯曲强度的预测模型,可预测到1 400 d后,CF/PA6复合材料的弯曲强度保留率在64.8%左右。

自成核行为在CF/PPS复合材料中的差异性与普适性

以半结晶高分子为基体的碳纤维增强热塑性复合材料,其基体的结晶行为将受到碳纤维表面性质与热历史的共同影响。当这种材料在经历反复加热冷却的热循环过程时,基体会产生自成核行为,其结晶过程变得更加复杂。通过三种T300级碳纤维分别制备了碳纤维增强聚苯硫醚(CF/PPS)复合材料,并探究了二次熔融温度与CF/PPS复合材料结晶行为的关系,揭示了不同碳纤维表面性质对CF/PPS复合材料自成核行为的影响。在此基础上阐明了CF/PPS复合材料基体自成核与CF异相成核的竞争关系。最后,通过冲压成型制得具有自成核行为的CF/PPS复合材料角片,验证了自成核对于CF/PPS复合材料二次热成型技术的有效性与重要性。

非贵金属催化电极Ni/C@CF的制备及绿色类Fenton性能

传统芬顿(Fenton)法利用Fe2+催化H_(2)O_(2)产生具有强氧化性的羟基自由基(•OH),可以高效氧化降解水中有机污染物,但其操作pH范围窄(pH≈3)和易产生铁絮凝沉淀的缺点限制了其应用发展.原子氢H*作为一种单电子供体,可以将电子快速转移到H_(2)O_(2)中,生成•OH,适用于广泛的pH值,没有铁污泥产生,是一种新型高效绿色芬顿法.然而,原子H*更易相互结合形成H_(2),极不稳定,因此,探索合适的电催化剂对H*绿色Fenton的应用起着至关重要的作用.本文以炭黑作为载体,通过液相还原法制备了具有催化活性高、性能稳定的Ni/C@碳毡(Ni/C@CF)非贵金属电催化材料,制备的Ni纳米粒子均匀分散在炭黑上.以此电极材料为阴极,构建绿色Fenton催化体系,能够催化H_(2)O和H+生成H*,进而催化H_(2)O_(2)产生•OH,高效降解去除水中抗生素污染物.通过调节制备方法、电压、溶液pH值及外加氧化剂量,确定了该体系下的最佳反应条件.

Significant risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness:A processing strategy based on repeated machine learning

BACKGROUND Intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)is a common complication that significantly impacts the patient's recovery process,even leading to adverse outcomes.Currently,there is a lack of effective preventive measures.AIM To identify significant risk factors for ICU-AW through iterative machine learning techniques and offer recommendations for its prevention and treatment.METHODS Patients were categorized into ICU-AW and non-ICU-AW groups on the 14th day post-ICU admission.Relevant data from the initial 14 d of ICU stay,such as age,comorbidities,sedative dosage,vasopressor dosage,duration of mechanical ventilation,length of ICU stay,and rehabilitation therapy,were gathered.The relationships between these variables and ICU-AW were examined.Utilizing iterative machine learning techniques,a multilayer perceptron neural network model was developed,and its predictive performance for ICU-AW was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS Within the ICU-AW group,age,duration of mechanical ventilation,lorazepam dosage,adrenaline dosage,and length of ICU stay were significantly higher than in the non-ICU-AW group.Additionally,sepsis,multiple organ dysfunction syndrome,hypoalbuminemia,acute heart failure,respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,anemia,stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding,shock,hypertension,coronary artery disease,malignant tumors,and rehabilitation therapy ratios were significantly higher in the ICU-AW group,demonstrating statistical significance.The most influential factors contributing to ICU-AW were identified as the length of ICU stay(100.0%)and the duration of mechanical ventilation(54.9%).The neural network model predicted ICU-AW with an area under the curve of 0.941,sensitivity of 92.2%,and specificity of 82.7%.CONCLUSION The main factors influencing ICU-AW are the length of ICU stay and the duration of mechanical ventilation.A primary preventive strategy,when feasible,involves minimizing both ICU stay and mechanical ventilation duration.

Sorl1 knockout inhibits expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor:involvement in the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Sortilin-related receptor 1(SORL1)is a critical gene associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.SORL1 contributes to the development and progression of this neurodegenerative condition by affecting the transport and metabolism of intracellularβ-amyloid precursor protein.To better understand the underlying mechanisms of SORL1 in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer s disease,in this study,we established a mouse model of SorI1 gene knockout using cluste red regularly inters paced short palindro mic repeats-associated protein 9 technology.We found that Sorl1-knocko ut mice displayed deficits in learning and memory.Furthermore,the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor was significantly downregulated in the hippocampus and co rtex,and amyloidβ-protein deposits were observed in the brains of 5orl1-knockout mice.In vitro,hippocampal neuronal cell synapses from homozygous Sorl1-knockout mice were impaired.The expression of synaptic proteins,including Drebrin and NR2B,was significantly reduced,and also their colocalization.Additionally,by knocking out the Sorl1 gene in N2a cells,we found that expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor,NR2B,and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein was also inhibited.These findings suggest that SORL1 participates in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer s disease by regulating the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR2B/cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein signaling axis.

基于Lamb波和改进贝叶斯融合算法的CFRP边缘分层损伤分析

贝叶斯融合法在CFRP上的损伤定位分析结果比较好,但在传感器网络边缘区域会出现比较明显的定位误差。为解决原有算法对传感器网络边缘的分层损伤定位不精确的问题,分析了两种不同损伤因子构成的贝叶斯融合算法在CFRP上的损伤定位效果,验证了以ToF损伤因子形成的贝叶斯融合算法对CFRP损伤定位的可行性,以及贝叶斯融合算法对边缘分层损伤的定位精度;在以损伤因子DI所形成概率成像算法的基础上,以衰减更快的指数权重代替线性权重,将改进的概率成像算法重新代入以贝叶斯为框架的算法中形成一种新的贝叶斯融合算法。结果表明,与现有的融合重构算法相比,改进的融合重构算法至少将损伤定位精度误差减少了58%,定位误差不大于5 mm。

生物信息学方法筛选IL-3和IL-3+SCF诱导的小鼠骨髓来源肥大细胞的差异表达基因及相关信号通路分析

目的通过生物信息学方法分析IL-3和IL-3+干细胞因子(stem cell factor,SCF)诱导的小鼠骨髓来源肥大细胞(bone marrow-derived mast cells,BMMCs)的差异表达基因及相关信号通路,为肥大细胞(mast cell,MC)的体外培养和功能学研究提供基础。方法从GEO数据库下载IL-3和IL-3+SCF诱导的BMMCs的基因表达数据集GSE35332,采用R软件分析差异表达基因(differentially expressed genes,DEGs),使用在线工具DAVID数据库对DEGs进行基因本体论(gene ontology,GO)和京都基因与基因组百科全书KEGG(Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes,KEGG)功能富集分析。采用STRING在线软件分析DEGs的蛋白相互网络。通过Cytoscape软件的MCODE插件筛选枢纽基因。结果通过R软件分析数据集GSE35332,共筛选出1339个DEGs,其中上调基因723个,下调基因616个。通过Cytoscape软件的MCODE插件共筛选出6个枢纽基因,分别为Psmd8,Psmd6,Psmd14,Psmc4,Psma6和Psma3。GO和KEGG分析显示枢纽基因主要集中在蛋白质水解、MHC I类分子呈递的抗原提呈和加工、泛素依赖性蛋白质分解代谢过程及Epstein-Barr病毒感染等相关通路。结论本研究基于GEO数据库通过生物信息学方法,发现两种模式下诱导的小鼠BMMCs基因表达谱存在明显差异,同时发现6个枢纽基因参与泛素依赖性蛋白分解过程,为更深入研究MC体外培养和功能提供帮助。

Predictive factors and model validation of post-colon polyp surgery Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND Recently,research has linked Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)stomach infection to colonic inflammation,mediated by toxin production,potentially impacting colorectal cancer occurrence.AIM To investigate the risk factors for post-colon polyp surgery,H.pylori infection,and its correlation with pathologic type.METHODS Eighty patients who underwent colon polypectomy in our hospital between January 2019 and January 2023 were retrospectively chosen.They were then randomly split into modeling(n=56)and model validation(n=24)sets using R.The modeling cohort was divided into an H.pylori-infected group(n=37)and an H.pylori-uninfected group(n=19).Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of H.pylori infection after colon polyp surgery.A roadmap prediction model was established and validated.Finally,the correlation between the different pathological types of colon polyps and the occurrence of H.pylori infection was analyzed after colon polyp surgery.RESULTS Univariate results showed that age,body mass index(BMI),literacy,alcohol consumption,polyp pathology type,high-risk adenomas,and heavy diet were all influential factors in the development of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy.Binary multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that age,BMI,and type of polyp pathology were independent predictors of the occurrence of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.969[95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.928–1.000]and 0.898(95%CI:0.773–1.000)in the modeling and validation sets,respectively.The slope of the calibration curve of the graph was close to 1,and the goodness-of-fit test was P>0.05 in the two sets.The decision analysis curve showed a high rate of return in both sets.The results of the correlation analysis between different pathological types and the occurrence of H.pylori infection after colon polyp surgery showed that hyperplastic polyps,inflammatory polyps,and the occurrence of H.pylori infection were not significantly correlated.In contrast,adenomatous polyps showed a significant positive correlation with the occurrence of H.pylori infection.CONCLUSION Age,BMI,and polyps of the adenomatous type were independent predictors of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy.Moreover,the further constructed column-line graph prediction model of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy showed good predictive ability.

中子符合计数研究中^(252)Cf源强的影响分析

具有中子多重性的^(252)Cf源是中子符合计数实验测量和装置标定的首选。本文利用数值模拟手段研究^(252)Cf源强对中子符合计数的影响。根据中子符合计数实验的数据处理方法,通过生成带自发裂变事件标签的中子脉冲序列,按照移位寄存器的数据处理逻辑对中子脉冲序列进行处理,给出中子符合测量模拟结果。基于对不同源强下前景(R+A)和背景(A)的中子多重性分布的模拟结果,定量分析源强对真符合计数在前景测量结果中占比的影响。结果表明,在^(252)Cf源强为每秒几百或几千个中子时,真符合计数在R+A的中子符合计数中占绝对或明显优势(超过50%),推荐作为实验的中子源;源强为每秒几万个中子时,真符合计数在R+A的中子符合计数中占比约10%;源强达到每秒几十万个中子时,真符合计数淹没在偶然符合计数中(占比约1%),不建议用作实验的中子源。本文的研究可以为实验的源强选择、实验数据的有效性检查提供一个参考。

N610CF钢双丝埋弧焊接头CTOD试验研究

依据GB/T 21143—2014,对不同焊接速度的双丝埋弧焊(v_(1)=60 cm/min,v_(2)=70 cm/min,v_(3)=80 cm/min)下的N610CF钢焊接接头焊缝区和热影响区(HAZ)进行了CTOD试验研究,并对断口的微观形貌和金相组织进行了分析。结果表明,采用单丝埋弧焊打底+焊接速度为60 cm/min的串联式双丝埋弧焊填充和盖面所得到的焊接接头(HAZ和焊缝区)的CTOD平均值为0.683 mm,离散系数为9.6%,综合的断裂韧性最好。

不同埋弧焊工艺N610CF钢焊接接头的微型剪切试验

目前,国内水电站N610CF钢常采用单丝埋弧焊进行焊接。相比于双丝埋弧焊,单丝埋弧焊的焊接生产效率较低,焊剂消耗较多。文中采用微型剪切试验对N610CF钢分别对单丝埋弧焊和不同焊接速度(ν_(1)=60 cm/min,ν_(2)=70 cm/min,ν_(3)=80 cm/min)的双丝埋弧焊下的焊接接头进行了接头力学不均匀性研究。结果表明:双丝埋弧焊接头与单丝埋弧焊接头一样,在具有良好塑性的同时又能兼具较高的抗剪强度。

A growth-regulating factor 7(GRF7)-mediated gene regulatory network promotes leaf growth and expansion in sugarcane

Knowledge of the function of growth-regulating factors(GRFs)in sugarcane(Saccharum officinarum and S.spontaneum)growth and development could assist breeders in selecting desirable plant architectures.However,limited information about GRFs is available in Saccharum due to their polyploidy.In this study,22 GRFs were identified in the two species and their conserved domains,gene structures,chromosome location,and synteny were characterized.GRF7 expression varied among tissues and responded to diurnal rhythm.SsGRF7-YFP was localized preferentially in the nucleus and appears to act as a transcriptional cofactor.SsGRF7 positively regulated the size and length of rice leaves,possibly by regulating cell size and plant hormones.Of seven potential transcription factors binding to the SsGRF7 promoter in S.spontaneum,four showed positive expression patterns,and two showed negative expression patterns relative to SsGRF7.

Predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding risks

Objective:This study aimed to identify predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)bleeding risks.With better risk stratification,bleeding in high-risk patient can be anticipated and facilitates early identification.Methods:A prospective observational study of PCNL performed at our institution was done.All adults with radio-opaque renal stones planned for PCNL were included except those with coagulopathy,planned for additional procedures.Factors including gender,co-morbidities,body mass index,stone burden,puncture site,tract dilatation size,operative position,surgeon's seniority,and operative duration were studied using stepwise multivariate regression analysis to identify the predictive factors associated with higher estimated hemoglobin(Hb)deficiency.Results:Overall,4.86%patients(n=7)received packed cells transfusion.The mean estimated Hb deficiency was 1.3(range 0-6.5)g/dL and the median was 1.0 g/dL.Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that absence of hypertension(p=0.024),puncture site(p=0.027),and operative duration(p=0.023)were significantly associated with higher estimated Hb deficiency.However,the effect sizes are rather small with partial eta-squared of 0.037,0.066,and 0.038,respectively.Observed power obtained was 0.621,0.722,and 0.625,respectively.Other factors studied did not correlate with Hb difference.Conclusion:Hypertension,puncture site,and operative duration have significant impact on estimated Hb deficiency during PCNL.However,the effect size is rather small despite adequate study power obtained.Nonetheless,operative position(supine or prone),puncture number,or tract dilatation size did not correlate with Hb difference.The mainstay of reducing bleeding in PCNL is still meticulous operative technique.Our study findings also suggest that PCNL can be safely done by urology trainees under supervision in suitably selected patient,without increasing risk of bleeding.

Risk factors,prognostic factors,and nomograms for distant metastasis in patients with diagnosed duodenal cancer:A population-based study

BACKGROUND Duodenal cancer is one of the most common subtypes of small intestinal cancer,and distant metastasis(DM)in this type of cancer still leads to poor prognosis.Although nomograms have recently been used in tumor areas,no studies have focused on the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of DM in patients with primary duodenal cancer.AIM To develop and evaluate nomograms for predicting the risk of DM and person-alized prognosis in patients with duodenal cancer.METHODS Data on duodenal cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 were extracted from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results database.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for DM in patients with duodenal cancer,and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors in duodenal cancer patients with DM.Two novel nomograms were established,and the results were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,calibration curves,and decision curve analysis(DCA).RESULTS A total of 2603 patients with duodenal cancer were included,of whom 457 cases(17.56%)had DM at the time of diagnosis.Logistic analysis revealed independent risk factors for DM in duodenal cancer patients,including gender,grade,tumor size,T stage,and N stage(P<0.05).Univariate and multivariate COX analyses further identified independent prognostic factors for duodenal cancer patients with DM,including age,histological type,T stage,tumor grade,tumor size,bone metastasis,chemotherapy,and surgery(P<0.05).The accuracy of the nomograms was validated in the training set,validation set,and expanded testing set using ROC curves,calibration curves,and DCA curves.The results of Kaplan-Meier survival curves(P<0.001)indicated that both nomograms accurately predicted the occurrence and prognosis of DM in patients with duodenal cancer.CONCLUSION The two nomograms are expected as effective tools for predicting DM risk in duodenal cancer patients and offering personalized prognosis predictions for those with DM,potentially enhancing clinical decision-making.

Survey on Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Dakar Region

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases constitute a major public health problem, due to their morbi-mortality. The aim was to study knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among residents of Dakar. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Our investigations were recruited over a six-month period (October 17, 2021 to March 21, 2022). Results: Two hundred and twenty-six (226) patients were enrolled. The mean age was 45.9 years. The under-40 age group was the most represented with 37.2%. There were 129 men (57.1%), giving a male/female sex ratio of 1.33. The highest level was represented by 159 people (70.4%). Those who responded (heart disease) were in the majority (38.1%). Hypertension was the most common CVD for 101 people (44.7%). One hundred and ninety (190) people (84%) knew the risk factors for CVD. Good knowledge of risk factors concerned 103 people (54.2%). Obesity was the best-known risk factor in 156 cases (69%). The media was the most important source of information for 121 people (53.5%). Hypertensives were the most represented with 8.4%. One hundred and thirty (130) people (57.5%) had previously paid attention to these FDRCVs. Awareness campaigns were the most effective means of communication for 170 cases (75.2%). Sixteen (16) people (35.6%) were taking antihypertensive medication. Walking was the most popular physical activity for 102 people (45%). People with a balanced diet were in the majority, with 174 respondents (77.0%). Conclusion: NCDs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is essential to develop and implement a prevention and management program.

Factors Contributing to Contamination of Street Foods in Bamako, Mali

The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks can outweigh the benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bamako district, focusing on street food vendors near schools, universities, extensive markets, administrative centers, and major roads. We aimed to sample fifty (50) sellers per municipality, making 300 sellers for the Bamako district. We developed a survey sheet to collect data, and six teams rotated between the municipalities each month. Before starting the collection, the teams were provided administrative papers approved by the municipal authority. The survey revealed three types of sales sites: fixed (65%), semi-fixed (30%), and mobile (4.40%). The proportion of sellers was 26.8%, 23.2%, 19.7%, and 4.2% in municipalities III, IV, and I. In municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively, 92%, 95.70%, 93%, 87.2%, and 100% of the sellers were female. The age distribution of sellers was 65.63%, 46.81%, 40.82%, 38.30%, 36.17%, 36%, and 32% in the 25-34 and 35 - 44 age groups. Illiteracy rates were 59.20%, 61.70%, 55.30%, 75%, and 56% in municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively. The study identified two categories of sellers: 48.3% in type 1 and 51.7% in type 2. The first category comprised 154 sellers, and the second 165 sellers. The survey found that 66.00%, 56.00%, 48.90%, 44.90%, 38.30%, and 34.40% of municipal V, VI, III, I, II, and IV sales sites were open-air. In municipality I, 63.30% of the sites were under hangars, while in municipalities II and IV, the corresponding percentages were 51.10% and 59.40%, respectively. Moreover, 46.00%, 31.90%, 31.30%, 30.60%, and 27.70% of the sites in municipalities VI, II, IV, I, and III were located next to gutters. In conclusion, this study identified several factors that could compromise the quality of street foods sold in the six municipalities of Bamako.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Associated Factors in the Garoua Central Prison, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Cameroon. Garoua city is the headquarters of the North Region of Cameroon, where the HBV prevalence is among the highest of the country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBsAg carriage and associated factors among persons incarcerated in the Garoua Central Prison. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1 to July 31, 2023 at the Garoua Central prison. We included all prisoners willing to participate in the study and who gave their verbal consent. We collected data using a pre-established data entry form and we used rapid test for blood screening for HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag) with ELISA confirmation. Data were analyzed using the R® software for Windows. After the univariate analysis, we selected associated variables to HBV infection with p-value p-value was set at 5%. Results: We included 1389 prisoners out of which 97.6% were male. The median age (IQR) of the study population was 28 (23 - 35) years. The median (IQR) duration of incarceration was 12 (6 - 26) months and the mean (±sd) number of incarcerations was 1.24 (±0.6). HBV prevalence was estimated at 14.8% (95% CI: 13.0 - 16.7). Upon uni- and multivariate analysis, no risk factor was significantly associated with viral hepatitis B infection in our study population. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis B was high in the Garoua Central Prison, but there were no additional risk factors for HBV infection. There is a need to include the Garoua Central Prison and by the way other prisons in the country in the chronic viral hepatitis care program.

Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety among Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted perinatal women’s mental health. However, protective factors associated with depression among pregnant Japanese women during the pandemic have not been reported. Purpose: The present study investigated the risk and protective factors associated with depression and anxiety among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to 157 pregnant women between October 2022 and May 2023 at two general hospitals in Japan. The Japanese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety. The χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test and multivariate logistic regression model were used to examine factors associated with depression and anxiety among pregnant women. Results: Overall, 47.1% and 35.7% of the pregnant women reported depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. A “history of mental illness” was a risk factor for depression and anxiety among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, unmarried status was a risk factor for anxiety among pregnant women, whereas outdoor and indoor exercises were protective factors against depression and anxiety, respectively. Conclusions: Exercise may have protected pregnant women from depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraging exercise may help maintain the mental health of pregnant women who do not have exercise restrictions.

Identifying the best common factor model via exploratory eactor analysis

Currently,there is no solid criterion for judging the quality of the estimators in factor analysis.This paper presents a new evaluation method for exploratory factor analysis that pinpoints an appropriate number of factors along with the best method for factor extraction.The proposed technique consists of two steps:testing the normality of the residuals from the fitted model via the Shapiro-Wilk test and using an empirical quantified index to judge the quality of the factor model.Examples are presented to demonstrate how the method is implemented and to verify its effectiveness.

Hepatocyte growth factor promotes retinal pigment epithelium cell activity through MET/AKT signaling pathway

AIM:To explore the effects of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)on retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)cell behaviors.METHODS:The human adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19(ARPE-19)were treated by HGF or mesenchymalepithelial transition factor(MET)inhibitor SU11274 in vitro.Cell viability was detected by a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay.Cell proliferation and motility was detected by a bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay and a wound healing assay,respectively.The expression levels of MET,phosphorylated MET,protein kinase B(AKT),and phosphorylated AKT proteins were determined by Western blot assay.The MET and phosphorylated MET proteins were also determined by immunofluorescence assay.RESULTS:HGF increased ARPE-19 cells’viability,proliferation and migration,and induced an increase of phosphorylated MET and phosphorylated AKT proteins.SU11274 significantly reduced cell viability,proliferation,and migration and decreased the expression of MET and AKT proteins.SU11274 suppressed HGF-induced increase of viability,proliferation,and migration in ARPE-19 cells.Additionally,SU11274 also blocked HGF-induced phosphorylation of MET and AKT proteins.CONCLUSION:HGF enhances cellular viability,proliferation,and migration in RPE cells through the MET/AKT signaling pathway,whereas this enhancement is suppressed by the MET inhibitor SU11274.HGF-induced MET/AKT signaling might be a vital contributor of RPE cells survival.