Synergistic effect of Si concentration and distribution on ferroelectric properties optimization of Si:HfO2ferroelectric thin films.

In this paper, a phase-field model of Si-doped hafnium oxide-based ferroelectric thin films is established. And then, the synergistic effect of Si concentration and distribution on ferroelectric properties optimization of Si:HfO2ferroelectric thin films is studied with the proposed model. It is found that no matter how Si dopant is distributed in the film, the volume fraction of the ferroelectric phase in the film increases first and then decreases with the increase of Si concentration. However, compared with the uniform distribution, the layered distribution is more likely to great improve ferrelectric properties. When Si dopant is uniformly distributed in the film, the highest remanent polarization value that the film can obtain via Si concentration modulation is 38.7µC cm-2, and the corresponding Si concentration is 3.8 cat%, which is consistent with the experimental results. When Si dopant is layered in the film, and the concentration difference between the Si-rich and Si-poor layers is 7.6%, in the Si concentration range of 3.6 cat%-3.8 cat%, the residual polarization of the film reaches 46.4-46.8µC cm-2, which is 20% higher than that when Si dopant are evenly distributed in the film. The above results show that selecting the Si layered distribution mode and controlling the concentration difference between Si-rich and Si-poor layers in an appropriate range can greatly improve the films' ferroelectric properties and broaden the Si concentration optimization range of the ferroelectric properties of the films. The result provides further theoretical guidance on using Si doping to adjust the ferroelectric properties of hafnium oxide-based films.

The Chromatin Modifier Protein FfJMHY Plays an Important Role in Regulating the Rate of Mycelial Growth and Stipe Elongation in Flammulina filiformis.

Stipe elongation is an important process in the development of the fruiting body and is associated with the commodity quality of agaric fungi. In this study, F. filiformis was used as a model agaric fungus to reveal the function of the chromatin modifier gene containing the JmjC domain in stipe elongation. First, we identified a JmjC domain family gene (FfJmhy) with a 3684 bp length open reading frame (ORF) in F. filiformis. FfJmhy was predicted to have a histone H3K9 demethylation function, and was specifically upregulated during stipe rapid elongation. Further investigation revealed that the silencing of FfJmhy inhibited the mycelial growth, while overexpression of this gene had no effect on the mycelial growth. Comparative analysis revealed that the stipe elongation rate in FfJmhy overexpression strains was significantly increased, while it was largely reduced when FfJmhy was silenced. Taken together, these results suggest that FfJmhy positively regulates the mycelial growth and controls the elongation speed and the length of the stipe. Moreover, cell wall-related enzymes genes, including three exo-ß-1,3-glucanases, one ß-1,6-glucan synthase, four chitinases, and two expansin proteins, were found to be regulated by FfJmhy. Based on the putative functions of FfJmhy, we propose that this gene enhances the transcription of cell wall-related enzymes genes by demethylating histone H3K9 sites to regulate remodeling of the cell wall in rapid stipe elongation. This study provides new insight into the mechanism of rapid stipe elongation, and it is important to regulate the commodity quality of agaric fungi.

A transient receptor potential channel-related model based on machine learning for evaluating tumor microenvironment and immunotherapeutic strategies in acute myeloid leukemia.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematopoietic malignancy. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in AML still need to be further explored. A TRP channel-related model based on machine learning was established in this study. Methods: The data were downloaded from TCGA-LAML and Genome-Tissue Expression (GTEx). TRP-related genes (TRGs) were extracted from previous literature. With the use of Single-Sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA), TRP enrichment scores (TESs) were calculated. The limma package was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic DEGs. The above prognostic DEGs were analyzed by Random Survival Forest and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) analysis to create the TRP signature. The Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to investigate the efficiency and accuracy of prognostic prediction. Moreover, genomic mutation analysis was based on GISTIC analysis. Based on ESTIMATE, TIMER, MCPcounter, and ssGSEA, the tumor microenvironment and immunological characteristics were expressly evaluated to explore immunotherapeutic strategies. Enrichment analysis for TRP signature was based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), over-representation analysis (ORA), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and pRRophetic were used to carry out drug sensitivity analysis. Conclusively, SCHIP1 was randomly selected to perform in vitro cyto-functional experiments. Results: The worse clinical outcomes of patients with higher TESs were observed. There were 107 differentially expressed TRGs identified. Our data revealed 57 prognostic TRGs. Eight TRGs were obtained to establish the prognostic TRP signature, and the worse clinical outcomes of patients with higher TRP scores were found. The efficiency and accuracy of TRP signature in predicting prognosis were confirmed by ROC curves and five external validation datasets. Our data revealed that the mutation rates of DNMT3A, IDH2, MUC16, and TTN were relatively high. The level of infiltrating immune cell populations, stromal, immune, and ESTIMATE scores increased as the TRP scores increased. Nevertheless, AML patients with lower TRP scores exhibited more tumor purity. The TRP scores were found to be correlated with immunomodulators and immune checkpoints, thus revealing immune characteristics and immunotherapeutic strategies. The IC50 values of six chemotherapeutics were lower in the high TRP score (HTS) group. Finally, it was found that SCHIP1 may be the oncogenic gene. Conclusion: The results of this study will help in understanding the role of TRP and SCHIP1 in the prognosis and development of AML.

Study on the phase transition dynamics of HfO2-based ferroelectric films under ultrafast electric pulse.

Wake-up effect and fatigue in HfO2-based ferroelectric films are closely related to the phase transition dynamics of the film subjected to ultrafast electric pulses. Here, we establish a multiphase coexistence phase field dynamics model for HfO2-based ferroelectric films in the ultrafast time scale and study the effects of the amplitude, width and frequency of the electric pulse on the phase transition dynamics. Based on the simulation results, we obtain the analytical equation of the volume fraction of switchedc-domains under low fields as a function of pulse duration. And we found that monoclinic phase can transform into ferroelectricc-domains under high amplitude electric field (E⩾ 2.8 MV cm-1). The electric pulse duration affects the film's retention properties. When the duration of the electric pulse is less than 1.2 ns or longer than 1.8 ns, the ferroelectricc-domains will respectively invert into other phases or increase cumulatively after removing the electric field. The frequency of cyclic pulse is related to the degree of wake up effect. The lower the pulse frequency is, the more obvious the 'wake up' effect is.

Application of Dynamic Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Hematological Malignancies.

The use of dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance imaging technology can effectively explore the diagnosis and clinical application of hematological malignancies. This paper selected 60 patients with hematological malignancies from 2015 to 2019; all of whom were diagnosed with hematological malignancies, including 40 men and 20 women, aged between 40 and 77 years. The main clinical manifestations of the patient are hematological malignancies, fever, and other symptoms. We used Siemens 3.0T to perform MRI and dynamic enhanced MRI examinations on 30 patients with hematological tumors. The PACS system was used to collect and organize clinical data. All patients were pathologically confirmed and clinically diagnosed with hematological malignancies. Based on the clinical data of the patients, retrospective analysis and summary were conducted and the clinical manifestations of hematological malignancies were discussed. The results showed that the diagnostic accuracy of 30 cases of dynamic enhanced MRI was 100%, while the diagnostic accuracy of ordinary MRI was lower than that of dynamic enhanced MRI, P < 0.05, and the difference was statistically significant. In addition, compared with dynamic enhanced MRI and MRI, P > 0.05, the difference was not statistically significant. Therefore, the application of dynamic enhanced MRI in the diagnosis of hematological malignancies is valuable.

HLX affects cell cycle and proliferation in AML cells via the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a class of malignant tumors derived from hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells. The H2.0-like homeobox gene (HLX) encodes transcription factors that function in promoting normal hematopoietic cell proliferation and tumor immunity. The present study analyzed the effect of downregulating the HLX on cell cycle distribution and cell proliferation in AML. Moreover, the current study detected changes in the expression of genes and proteins in the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT signaling pathway to investigate the mechanism of the action of HLX in tumor immunity in AML. HLX expression in AML cell lines was silenced using small interfering siRNA, and MTS/PMS-assay colorimetric assays were used to assess the effect of knockdown of HLX on AML cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to analyze changes in cell cycle distribution, while reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect changes in the expression levels of key components of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, such as p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), neuropilin 1 (NRP1), B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) and STAT5. It was found that HLX was differentially expressed in AML cell lines of various subtypes, and HLX expression was higher in the AML/M3 subtype NB4 cell line compared with the control group. Knockdown of HLX in NB4 cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, STAT5 protein expression, as well as NRP1 and PAK1 expression levels were downregulated, while BTG1 expression was upregulated when HLX was knocked out by siRNA. Collectively, the results suggested that downregulation of HLX may cause G0/G1 phase arrest and inhibit the proliferation of AML cells by activating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

In vitro and in vivo effect of hyaluronic acid modified, doxorubicin and gallic acid co-delivered lipid-polymeric hybrid nano-system for leukemia therapy.

Objective: To investigate the hyaluronic acid (HA) modified, doxorubicin (DOX) and gallic acid (GA) co-delivered lipid-polymeric hybrid nano-system for leukemia therapy. Methods: We produced a kind of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle (LPHN) with a core-shell structure in which DOX and GA were co-loaded. In vitro and in vivo leukemia therapeutic effects of the HA modified, DOX and GA co-delivered LPHNs (HA-DOX/GA-LPHNs) were evaluated in DOX resistant human HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60/ADR cells), DOX resistant human K562 chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562/ADR cells), and HL-60/ADR cells bearing mouse model. Results: The sizes and zeta potentials of HA modified LPHNs were about 160 nm and -40 mV. HA-DOX/GA-LPHNs showed the most prominent cytotoxicity and the best synergistic effect was obtained when DOX/GA ratio was 2/1. In vivo studies revealed that HA-DOX/GA-LPHNs inhibited tumor growth from 956 mm3 to 213 mm3, with an inhibition rate of 77.7%. Conclusion: In summary, the study showed that HA-DOX/GA-LPHNs can be applied as a promising leukemia therapy system.

The Efficacy of Ferumoxytol for Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the influence of ferumoxytol versus placebo on iron deficiency anemia. METHODS: We search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of ferumoxytol on iron deficiency anemia on PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Four RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group for iron deficiency anemia, intravenous ferumoxytol can significantly improve the proportion of patients with a ≥20 g/L hemoglobin (Hb) increase (RR = 18.43; 95% CI = 7.29-46.57; p < 0.00001), the proportion of patients with an Hb level ≥120 g/L (RR = 18.55; 95% CI = 8.66-39.72; p < 0.00001), transferrin saturation (mean difference = 11.08; 95% CI = 9.86-12.31; p < 0.00001) and FACIT-fatigue score (mean difference = 4.60; 95% CI = 3.21-6.00; p < 0.00001), but has no remarkable influence on adverse events (RR = 1.33; 95% CI = 0.84-2.10; p = 0.22), serious adverse events (RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.74-2.02; p = 0.44), and death (RR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.05-1.95; p = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous ferumoxytol can provide the important benefits for iron deficiency anemia.

Correlates of affiliate stigma among family caregivers of people with mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: A growing body of qualitative and quantitative research has investigated the experiences of affiliated stigma for family members of PWMI. Some findings are contradictory and have not been considered systematically. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Family caregivers of PWMI may encounter affiliate stigma, but no systematic review or meta-analysis has been conducted to evaluate affiliate stigma among them. We identified eight variables significantly related to affiliate stigma among caregivers of PWMI. The findings can be used to help clinical practice to develop health promotion and prevention strategies. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Affiliate stigma was prevalent among the family caregivers of PWMI and is important for clinicians to consider. Health-focused interventions for family caregivers can mediate the impact of affiliated stigma through provision of social support by practitioners, such as respite care based on the "Senses Framework," self-help groups and online support program. And the caregivers of PWMI might benefit from further support (e.g., psychoeducation) to improve their knowledge about mental illness. ABSTRACT: Introduction Many studies have investigated the correlates of affiliate stigma among family caregivers of people with mental illness (PWMI). Thus far, no systematic review or meta-analysis has been conducted to synthesize these results. Aims/Question This review aims to identify the correlates of affiliate stigma among family caregivers of PWMI. Method We searched four databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of Science for studies that investigated the association of affiliate sigma with socio-demographic, psychosocial and disease-related factors. Results Twenty-two studies including 3,381 participants met the inclusion criteria. Eighteen variables were included for the meta-analysis. For disease-related characteristics, only "disease attribution" and "care time/day" were associated with affiliate stigma. For psychosocial characteristics, "support from others," "burden," "depression," "stress," "distress" and "face concern" were related to affiliate stigma. Discussion This review is the first to assess the association of affiliate stigma with other characteristics of interest. However, the findings are limited due to a very small number of studies. Researchers should conduct in-depth study in this area and improve the quality of the literature. Implications for practice Health-focused interventions for family caregivers such as respite care, self-help groups, online support program and psychosocial education can mediate the impact of affiliated stigma.

Napping on night-shifts among nursing staff: A mixed-methods systematic review.

AIMS: To synthesize research on the influence of night-shift napping on nurses. BACKGROUND: Shift work is common for hospital nurses. Various studies corroborate that shift work causes adverse health consequences for nurses. Night-shift napping is a countermeasure to address the adverse outcomes of shift work. DESIGN: A mixed-methods systematic review. DATA SOURCES: The literature search included the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library electronic databases from inception to December 2017. Reference lists were hand searched. Only English articles were chosen. REVIEW METHODS: A sequential explanatory design and Cochrane's methods for integrating qualitative and implementation evidence in intervention effectiveness reviews. The Mixed Methods Assessment Tool and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool were applied to assess the methodological quality of included studies. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies met our inclusion criteria. Many nurses experienced napping during their night-shift although no clear policy emerged. Napping is beneficial to the well-being of nurses and could improve their psychomotor vigilance and performance. However, the related studies are limited. The evidence on reducing sleepiness and fatigue was also insufficient and napping in nursing still faces challenges. CONCLUSION: Although research on this topic has just started, napping during night-shift is beneficial to nurses' health and performance. Research should further explore the long-term impact on of night-shift napping on nurses, people and organization using sound methodological designs. Managers should actively develop strategies to address night-shift napping barriers.

Identification of novel and robust internal control genes from Volvariella volvacea that are suitable for RT-qPCR in filamentous fungi.

The selection of appropriate internal control genes (ICGs) is a crucial step in the normalization of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) data. Housekeeping genes are habitually selected for this purpose, despite accumulating evidence on their instability. We screened for novel, robust ICGs in the mushroom forming fungus Volvariella volvacea. Nine commonly used and five newly selected ICGs were evaluated for expression stability using RT-qPCR data in eight different stages of the life cycle of V. volvacea. Three different algorithms consistently determined that three novel ICGs (SPRYp, Ras and Vps26) exhibited the highest expression stability in V. volvacea. Subsequent analysis of ICGs in twenty-four expression profiles from nine filamentous fungi revealed that Ras was the most stable ICG amongst the Basidiomycetous samples, followed by SPRYp, Vps26 and ACTB. Vps26 was expressed most stably within the analyzed data of Ascomycetes, followed by HH3 and ß-TUB. No ICG was universally stable for all fungal species, or for all experimental conditions within a species. Ultimately, the choice of an ICG will depend on a specific set of experiments. This study provides novel, robust ICGs for Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes. Together with the presented guiding principles, this enables the efficient selection of suitable ICGs for RT-qPCR.