Thin-film PMUTs: a review of over 40 years of research.

Thin-film PMUTs have been important research topics among microultrasound experts, and a concise review on their research progress is reported herein. Through rigorous surveying, scrutinization, and perception, it has been determined that the work in this field began nearly 44 years ago with the primitive development of functional piezoelectric thin-film materials. To date, there are three major companies commercializing thin-film PMUTs on a bulk scale. This commercialization illustrates the extensive contributions made by more than 70 different centers, research institutes, and agencies across 4 different continents regarding the vast development of these devices' design, manufacturing, and function. This review covers these important contributions in a short yet comprehensive manner; in particular, this paper educates readers about the global PMUT outlook, their governing design principles, their manufacturing methods, nonconventional yet useful PMUT designs, and category-wise applications. Crucial comparison charts of thin-film piezoelectric material used in PMUTs, and their categorically targeted applications are depicted and discussed to enlighten any MEMS designer who plans to work with PMUTs. Moreover, each relevant section features clear future predictions based on the author's past knowledge and expertise in this field of research and on the findings of a careful literature survey. In short, this review is a one-stop time-efficient guide for anyone interested in learning about these small devices.

Cellular differentiation into hyphae and spores in halophilic archaea.

Several groups of bacteria have complex life cycles involving cellular differentiation and multicellular structures. For example, actinobacteria of the genus Streptomyces form multicellular vegetative hyphae, aerial hyphae, and spores. However, similar life cycles have not yet been described for archaea. Here, we show that several haloarchaea of the family Halobacteriaceae display a life cycle resembling that of Streptomyces bacteria. Strain YIM 93972 (isolated from a salt marsh) undergoes cellular differentiation into mycelia and spores. Other closely related strains are also able to form mycelia, and comparative genomic analyses point to gene signatures (apparent gain or loss of certain genes) that are shared by members of this clade within the Halobacteriaceae. Genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of non-differentiating mutants suggest that a Cdc48-family ATPase might be involved in cellular differentiation in strain YIM 93972. Additionally, a gene encoding a putative oligopeptide transporter from YIM 93972 can restore the ability to form hyphae in a Streptomyces coelicolor mutant that carries a deletion in a homologous gene cluster (bldKA-bldKE), suggesting functional equivalence. We propose strain YIM 93972 as representative of a new species in a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, for which the name Actinoarchaeum halophilum gen. nov., sp. nov. is herewith proposed. Our demonstration of a complex life cycle in a group of haloarchaea adds a new dimension to our understanding of the biological diversity and environmental adaptation of archaea.

[Precise marking method assisted modified circumcision with a disposable foreskin circumcision device-Preliminary experience and report of 41 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety, feasibility, and technical points of the improved circumcision procedure assisted by a precise marking method circumcision device. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 41 cases of modified foreskin circumcision using precise marking method in the urology department of our hospital from February 2021 to January 2023 as the observation group, and 60 cases of traditional foreskin circumcision assisted by traditional foreskin circumcision during the same period as the control group. Compare and analyze indicators such as the distance from the anastomotic margin to the coronal sulcus, postoperative erectile tension, edema, hematoma, postoperative infection, and the presence of sexual intercourse pain between two groups of patients. The number of patients in the observation group who experienced erectile tension at 3 months after surgery was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the number of patients with sexual pain was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The distance from the incision edge to the coronal sulcus was closer to 0.5 cm in the observation group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional circumcision, the precise marking method assisted by a modified circumcision device can more accurately control the position of the cutting edge, reduce the incidence of postoperative erectile tension and sexual pain, and is a feasible and safe surgical method.

The antitussive and expectorant mechanism of Platycodon total saponins based on metabonomics / 药学学报

UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS metabonomics technology was used to clarify the metabolic regulation pathways by which Platycodon total saponins (PTS) exert antitussive and expectorant effects in a mouse cough model, in which coughing is induced by concentrated ammonia, and in a phenol red excretion model. After approval by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine (Approval No. JZLLSC-20190235), the mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a positive drug group and a PTS group. Endogenous metabolites in mouse serum were identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used for multivariate analysis. Metabolic pathways were analyzed by the Metaboanalyst platform. The results show that PTS can significantly prolong the cough latent period and cough frequency of mice, and significantly increase phenol red excretion. UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS identified 19 metabolites related to cough, and PTS significantly decreased 16 of them; 17 metabolites related to expectoration were identified, and PTS decreased the levels of all. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism were the main pathways involved in serum metabolite changes in this mouse cough model. Linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism and α-linolenic acid metabolism were the main pathways involved in serum metabolite changes in the phenol red excretion model. This study is the first to elucidate the regulation of antitussive and expectorant metabolic pathways and the effect of PTS on these pathways.

Weekly Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Occurrence Among Different Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and purpose: The causes of the higher incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on a given day are unclear. Previous studies have shown that it may vary by region and population. The purpose of this study was to detect weekly variations in ICH occurrence in southwest China and to assess differences in ICH occurrence among different populations. Methods: This hospital-based study included patients with first-onset ICH that occurred from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2019. The weekly variation in ICH occurrence was analyzed and stratified by sex, age, comorbidities, living habits, and residence. Results: A total of 5,038 patients with first-onset ICH were enrolled. ICH occurrence was higher on Monday [odds ratio (OR), 1.22; 95% CI, 1.09-1.36; P < 0.001] and Friday (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03-1.28; P < 0.001) among all patients, and this pattern was consistent with that of men, whereas women showed a higher incidence on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The increase in the number of ICH events on Monday and Friday was pronounced in the age range of 41-60 years; however, no significant weekly variation in ICH occurrence was observed among other age groups. After stratifying by comorbidities, a significant weekly variation in ICH occurrence was observed in patients with hypertension or diabetes. Smoking and alcohol consumption was associated with a higher incidence of ICH on Friday; otherwise, a Monday excess was observed. The urban population demonstrated a significant weekly variation in ICH occurrence, whereas the rural population did not. Conclusions: Intracerebral hemorrhage occurrence showed weekly variations in southwest China and was significantly affected by sex, age, comorbidities, living habits, and residence. This suggests that weekly variations in ICH occurrence maybe dependent on the region and population.

Circadian variations in the occurrence of first-ever intracerebral hemorrhage from different sources of income: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The onset time of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) may be closely related to the working style and living habits of people, which are determined by different income sources in China. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the Circadian Variations in the occurrence of ICH from different sources of income. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 4,327 patients with first-ever ICH. Based on the time of day at which the patients developed symptoms, the classifiable onset time was assigned to one of eight three-hour intervals. And based on different income sources, they were categorized into three groups: Farmers, Wage-earners, and Freelancers. Demographic and risk factors of patients were then summarized, and the circadian variation of the 3 groups of patients' known time of onset and those stratified by sex and age were analyzed. RESULTS: The frequency of ICH onset exhibited significant circadian variation among the 3 income groups, demonstrating a bimodal distribution in the daytime, with a nadir during the night (all P < 0.001). Three groups showed a significant initial peak between 06:01 and 09:00, and the same peak was observed in their subgroups of sex and age. In the 3 income source groups, there was a smaller second peak that between 15:01 and 18:00 for Farmers and Wage-earners and 18:01 and 21:00 for Freelancers. After stratification by sex and age, the second peak was between 18:01 and 21:00 for female in Farmers, female in Freelancers, under 65 years of age in Wage-earners and 65 years or older in Freelancers, while 15:01 and 18:00 for the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Different circadian variations of ICH onset time are found in patients with different income sources in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality cohort. Moreover, the frequency and distribution pattern of peak hours may be closely related to the working style and living habits of people with different income sources.

Safety of Lumbar Interbody Fusion Procedures for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Systematic Review With Network Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies.

STUDY DESIGN: A network meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: Lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD) is an important issue in aging population, for which lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) is a feasible management in cases refractory to conservative therapy. There are various techniques available to perform LIF, including posterior (PLIF), transforaminal (TLIF), and anterior (ALIF) approaches. However, the comparative safety profile of these procedures remains controversial. Our study aimed to evaluate comparative adverse events of the LIF procedures in patients with LDDD. METHODS: We searched 5 databases for relevant prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials. After quality assessments, we extracted neural, spinal, vascular, and wound events for conducting contrast-based network meta-analysis. Results were reported in risk ratio (RR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA). RESULTS: We identified 14 studies involving 921 participants with LDDD. Pooled result showed that open PLIF (OPLIF) leads to significantly higher overall adverse event rate than does open TLIF (OTLIF; RR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.21-9.73). OTLIF confers the highest SUCRA in neural (78.7) and spinal (80.8) event rates. Minimally invasive TLIF has the highest SUCRA in vascular event (84.2), and minimally invasive PLIF has the highest SUCRA in wound event (88.1). No inconsistency or publication bias was detected in the results. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, perhaps OPLIF should be avoided in the management of LDDD due to the inferiority of overall complications. Specifically, TLIF seems to have the safest profile in terms of neural, spinal, and vascular events. Nevertheless, shared decision making is still mandatory when choosing the proper LIF procedure for patients with LDDD in clinical practice.

Intracoronary pressure gradient measurement in acute myocardial infarction patients with the no-reflow phenomenon during primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Various experimental and clinical studies have reported on coronary microcirculatory dysfunction ("no-reflow" phenomenon). Nevertheless, pathogenesis and effective treatment are yet to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to measure the intracoronary pressure gradient in the no-reflow artery during emergent percutaneous coronary intervention and explore the potential mechanism of no-reflow. METHODS: From September 1st, 2018 to June 30th, 2019, intracoronary pressure in acute myocardial infarction patient was continuously measured by aspiration catheter from distal to proximal segment in the Department of Coronary Care Unit, Tianjin Chest Hospital, respectively in no-reflow arteries (no-reflow group) and arteries with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction-3 flow (control group). At least 12 cardiac cycles were consecutively recorded when the catheter was pulled back. The forward systolic pressure gradient was calculated as proximal systolic pressure minus distal systolic pressure. Comparison between groups was made using the Student t test, Mann-Whitney U-test or Chi-square test, as appropriate. RESULTS: Intracoronary pressure in 33 no-reflow group and 26 in control group were measured. The intracoronary forward systolic pressure gradient was -1.3 (-4.8, 0.7) and 3.8 (0.8, 8.8) mmHg in no-reflow group and control group (Z = -3.989, P < 0.001), respectively, while the forward diastolic pressure gradient was -1.0 (-3.2, 0) and 4.6 (0, 16.5) mmHg in respective groups (Z = -3.851, P < 0.001). Moreover, the intracoronary forward pressure gradient showed significant difference between that before and after nicorandil medication (Z = -3.668, P < 0.001 in systolic pressure gradient and Z = -3.530, P < 0.001 in diastolic pressure gradient). CONCLUSIONS: No reflow during emergent coronary revascularization is significantly associated with local hemodynamic abnormalities in the coronary arteries. Intracoronary nicorandil administration at the distal segment of a coronary artery with an aspiration catheter could improve the microcirculatory dysfunction and resume normal coronary pressure gradient. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT03600259).

Analysis of Influence of Jiangxi Characteristic Processing Technology on Chemical Compositions of Aurantii Fructus Based on UPLC-Q/TOF-MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To compare the effects of different processing techniques on the chemical constituents of Aurantii Fructus for screening the dominant decoction pieces. Method:UPLC-Q/TOF-MS was used to detect the chemical constituents of Aurantii Fructus, chromatography separation was achieved on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm), and gradient elution was performed with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A)-0.1% formic acid acetonitrile solution (B) as mobile phase (0-10 min, 5%-35%B; 10-18 min, 35%-75%B; 18-21 min, 75%-100%B; 21-24 min, 100%B; 24-24.1 min, 100%-5%B; 24.1-28 min, 5%B). Data acquisition was carried out in electrospray ionization (ESI) under the positive ion mode, the scanning range was m/z 50-1 200. The chemical constituents in methanol extract of Aurantii Fructus were identified according to reference substance, relative molecular weight, mass spectrometric cleavage rule and literature information. SIMCA-P 13.0 software was used to establish principal component analysis (PCA) model and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model of Aurantii Fructus processed products, PCA score plot, PLS-DA loading plot and variable importance in the protection (VIP) values were obtained to screen the material basis for the main differences before and after processing of Aurantii Fructus. Result:A total of 54 chemical components were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. PCA indicated that there were significant differences among different groups of Aurantii Fructus processed by different methods. A total of 14 chemical components with VIP value >1 were screened by PLS-DA as the main chemical markers for the differences before and after processing, including hesperidin, poncirin, narirutin, etc. The comprehensive weighted score showed that the content of effective components in Aurantii Fructus processed with honey bran was the highest. Conclusion:The contents of chemical constituents in Aurantii Fructus before and after processing are significantly changed. Flavonoids are the most important compounds to distinguish different processed products of Aurantii Fructus. Aurantii Fructus processed with honey bran is the dominant variety.

Identification on triterpenoid saponins of Clematis species by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap combined with molecular network / 中草药

Objective: To construct molecular network and analyze rapidly the saponins of six species of Clematis plants. Methods: The mass spectral data, acquired with UHPLC-LTQ Orbitrap MS, were uploaded to the GNPS analysis platform to build molecular network, visualized by Cytoscape software. On the other hand, the triterpenoid saponins from six plants were identified on the basis of the fragmentation regularity of the standard and the reported literature. Results: Twenty-five triterpenoid saponins, including 16 hederagenin saponins and nine oleanolic acid-type saponins, were determined from six kinds of plants. The distribution of the triterpenoid saponins in the six kinds of plants were profiled by the pie chart of each node in molecular network. Twenty compounds were found in at least two species of Clematis. Clematichinenoside A and oleanolic acid 3-O-ribopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside were the common constituents in five species. Six saponins were distributed in in single species of Clematis. Conclusion: Compared with traditional phytochemical methods, the molecular network technology of UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS can quickly and visually distinguish different triterpenoid saponins in six kinds of plants. There are similarities and differentiates among the triterpenoid saponins in the six kinds of plants, which provides the basis for the substitution of medicinal materials.

Effects of Anti-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide for Migraines: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

We aimed to evaluate the response rate of migraines by using anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (anti-CGRP) for patients with migraines. We searched three main medical databases up to 29 March 2019. No restriction on language and publication time were applied. Eligible trials included randomized clinical trials investigating a 50%, 75%, and 100% response rate of migraine patients after anti-CGRP intervention. The collected data were dichotomous, and risk ratios (RRs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to present the quantitative synthesis results. The systematic review identified 16 eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with 9439 patients. Eight of the 16 trials with 2516 patients reported a 50% response rate, and the pooled results showed a significant benefit from anti-CGRP. However, the effects seem to gradually reduce from the first month (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.59 to 2.49) to the third month (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.75) of treatment. The magnitude of effect was influenced by the type of anti-CGRP, according to the test for differences between subgroups (I-square = 53%). The funnel plots and Egger's tests did not show serious small study effects in the results. In conclusion, the current evidences confirmed that anti-CGRP treatment can reduce migraine pain in the short term (within three months), but the long-term effect should be investigated in the future. Moreover, its effects may be influenced by the type and dose of anti-CGRP. Therefore, future studies should make direct comparisons among anti-CGRP medications.

Effect of Jiangxi Characteristic Processing Technology on Volatile Components of Cimicifugae Rhizoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To analyze the effect of honey bran stir-frying method in Zhang faction and honey chaff stir-frying method in Jianchang faction on the composition and relative content of volatile components in Cimicifugae Rhizoma. Method: The volatile oil in different processed products of Cimicifugae Rhizoma was extracted by steam distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The inlet temperature was 260℃, the transmission line temperature was 250℃, the carrier gas was helium, the flow rate was 1.0 mL·min-1, the split ratio was 10:1, the injection volume was 1 μL. The column temperature was set at 70℃ by programmed heating, rising to 150℃ by 2℃·min-1 and keeping it there for 2 min, rising to 240℃ by 6℃·min-1 and keeping it there for 3 min, rising to 300℃ by 25℃·min-1 and keeping it there for 2 min. The relative content of each component in volatile oil was calculated by peak area normalization method. Result: A total of 73 components were identified from raw products of Cimicifugae Rhizoma, 37 components were identified from honey bran stir-frying products, 93 components were identified from honey chaff stir-frying products, and 71 components were identified from honey stir-frying products. The relative content of n-hexadecanoic acid was the highest among all components in different processed products, accounting for 30.38%-46.47% of the total volatile components. In addition to fatty acids, volatile oils also contained alkanes, esters, alcohols, etc. There were 8 common components with relative content ≥ 1.0% in raw and processed products of Cimicifugae Rhizoma, after stir-frying with honey bran, the relative contents of these 8 components showed an upward trend, but showed a decreasing trend after stir-frying with honey chaff. Conclusion: After processing with Zhang faction method or Jianchang faction method, the composition and relative content of volatile components in Cimicifugae Rhizoma were significantly changed. This study can provide a scientific basis for explaining the processing mechanism of Jiangxi characteristic Cimicifugae Rhizoma decoction pieces.

Effects of three common lumbar interbody fusion procedures for degenerative disc disease: A network meta-analysis of prospective studies.

OBJECTIVES: Lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) is a treatment option for patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD). However, the effects of the most common LIF procedures-posterior LIF, transforaminal LIF, and anterior LIF-for the treatment of patients with DDD remain controversial. This study evaluated the pain and function caused by the LIF procedures for the treatment of patients with DDD. METHODS: Cochrane library, EMBASE, Ovid Medline, and PubMed were searched from inception to July 17, 2018. We only included prospective studies comparing the LIF procedures for treating patients with DDD. Pain score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, and operative time were analyzed in a contrast-based consistency model. Results are reported in weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: This study included eight prospective studies that recruited 503 patients for the LIF procedures. Minimally invasive posterior LIF resulted in lower pain scores than open transforaminal LIF (WMD: -1.45, 95% CI: -2.27 to -0.63) and open posterior LIF (WMD: -0.61, 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.12). It also resulted in a lower ODI score than open transforaminal LIF (WMD: -15.34, 95% CI: -21.76 to -8.91), anterior LIF (WMD: -15.64, 95% CI: -26.37 to -4.91), minimally invasive transforaminal LIF (WMD: -11.63, 95% CI: -16.86 to -6.40), and open posterior LIF (WMD: -10.93, 95% CI: -16.07 to -5.79). Small study effects were not detected in any consistency models. CONCLUSIONS: Although minimally invasive posterior LIF has longer operative time than anterior LIF, it is associated with lower pain and ODI scores. Therefore, minimally invasive posterior LIF may be a superior LIF procedure for patients with DDD.

Hepatoprotective Activity of the Ethanolic Extract of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. against Oxidative Stress-Induced Liver Injury.

Oxidative stress is an important pathological mechanism in various liver diseases. Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) can be used for the treatment of diseases associated with aging, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we examined the hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of PM (PME) in in vitro and in vivo models. The PME induced expression of antioxidant-response-element- (ARE-) related genes in HepG2 cells showed a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of HepG2 cell with PME suppressed H2O2- and acetaminophen- (APAP-) induced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cytotoxicity. In APAP-induced mouse liver injury, pretreatment with PME also showed ability to increase the survival rate and reduce the severity of liver injury. Treatment with PME attenuated bile duct ligation-induced extrahepatic cholestatic liver injury and further increased multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) and reduced organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) expression. Furthermore, increased nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was observed after treatment with PME in both in vivo models. In conclusion, the current study showed the hepatoprotective activity of PME by regulating the redox state in liver injury through Nrf2 activation and controlling hepatic bile acid homeostasis in obstructive cholestasis, through bile acid transporter expression modulation.

Trajectory of health-related quality of life and its determinants in patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery: a 1-year longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the trajectory and determinants of changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the first year after lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: A total of 154 consecutive patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery were included in this prospective longitudinal observational study. All participants were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires (Taiwanese version of World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, Numerical Rating Scale for leg and back pain, Mandarin Chinese version of the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale, and Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). The Japanese Orthopedic Association score was evaluated by neurosurgeons. The measurement time points were 1 week before and on the first, sixth, and twelfth month after lumbar spinal surgery. A linear mix model was used for data analyses. RESULTS: The analyses revealed significant upward trends in HRQoL, particularly in physical health and social relationships during the study period. Patients who aged < 65 years and reported a higher level of functional status experienced a more favorable HRQoL in physical health over time (p = .002 and .02, respectively). Participants who complained of poor sleep quality yielded poorer HRQoL in physical health over time (p = .03). More severe depressive symptom was associated with the poorer HRQoL in social relationships over time (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: To improve the HRQoL, healthcare providers need to pay attention to changes in sleep quality, neurological functions, and depressive symptoms in people receiving lumbar surgery, particularly individuals with increasing age. Concrete interventions and strategies aimed to enhancing HRQoL in these patients are essential.

Measurement properties of the Chinese version of the Mental Fatigue Scale for patients with traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVES: To translate the Mental Fatigue Scale into a Chinese version (CMFS), to develop a more valid and precise CMFS by using an item response theory-based model, and to examine the reliability and validity of the CMFS. METHODS: One hundred and fifty adults having traumatic brain injury for at least 6 months were included. Each participant completed a battery of questionnaires (i.e. the Chinese version of the Chalder Fatigue Scale [ChCFS], Chinese version of the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale [CUDOS-Chinese], and CMFS). Two-parameter graded response models were used to evaluate the location and discrimination performance of the CMFS. The reliability and validity of the CMFS were also evaluated. RESULTS: One item investigating 'increased sleep at night' (item 14) was removed because it had a low discrimination value (0.86) and provided less information. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the 13-item CMFS were high (0.92 and 0.96, respectively). The CMFS score was positively correlated with the ChCFS and the CUDOS-Chinese scores (r = 0.77 and 0.80, respectively). CONCLUSION: The CMFS provides reliable and valid information on mental fatigue for future research and clinical practice involving patients with traumatic brain injury.

Phytoactinopolyspora halotolerans sp. nov., a halotolerant actinobacterium isolated from a saline soil in Xinjiang, northwest of China.

A novel aerobic, Gram-positive, non-motile halotolerant actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 96448T, was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from the south bank of Aiding Lake in Xinjiang Province, northwest China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 96448T is closely related to Phytoactinopolyspora endophytica EGI 60009T (98.0%) and Phytoactinopolyspora alkaliphila EGI 80629T (97.0%). Optimum growth of the strain was observed at 28-37 °C, pH 7-9 and in the presence of 5-8% NaCl (w/v). The respiratory quinone of strain YIM 96448T was determined to be MK-9(H4). The major fatty acids (>10%) were identified as anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, anteiso-C17:0 and summed feature 4 (iso-C17:1 I and/or anteiso-C17:1B). The polar lipid profile was found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminophospholipid, phosphatidylglycerol, two phosphatidylinositol mannosides, three unidentified phosphoglycolipids and four unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 68.7 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analysis, strain YIM 96448T should be classified as a novel species in the genus Phytoactinopolyspora, for which the name Phytoactinopolyspora halotolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 96448T (=CCTCC AB 2017055T = KCTC 39924T).

The natural compound 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-d glucoside protects against adriamycin-induced nephropathy through activating the Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant pathway.

2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-d-glucoside (THSG) is an active compound extracted from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. This herb and radix Polygoni Multiflori preparata have been used to treat arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes for thousands of years. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of THSG in an Adriamycin (AD)-induced focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) mouse model and the underlying mechanisms in an in vitro system. Mice were treated with THSG (2.5 and 10 mg/kg, oral gavage) for 24 consecutive days. On the third day, mice were intravenously given a single dose of AD (10 mg/kg). At the end of the experiment, plasma and kidney samples were harvested to evaluate the therapeutic effects of THSG. The potential mechanisms of THSG in protecting against AD-induced cytotoxicity were examined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblots, lactate dehydrogenase assay, and a cellular oxidized-thiol detection system in a mouse mesangial cell line. In this study, THSG showed concentration-dependent protective effects in ameliorating the progression of AD-induced FSGS. THSG suppressed albuminuria and hypercholesterolemia and reduced the status of lipid peroxidation in urine, plasma, and kidney tissue samples. Furthermore, THSG protected against podocyte damage, reduced renal fibrotic gene expressions, and alleviated the severity of glomerulosclerosis. Treatment of mouse mesangial cells with THSG induced nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation, increased heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO)-1 gene expressions, and reduced cellular thiol oxidation and resistance to AD-induced cytotoxicity. Silencing Nrf2 and its repressor protein, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), abolished these protective effects of THSG. In conclusion, THSG can play a protective role in ameliorating the progression of FSGS in a mouse model through activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant pathway. Although a well-designed therapeutic study is needed, THSG may be applied to manage chronic kidney disease.

A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial of Home-Based Warm Footbath to Improve Sleep in the Chronic Phase of Traumatic Brain Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep disturbance is a common complaint after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a home-based warm footbath intervention on sleep in patients with TBI. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled crossover study, and 23 adults with TBI were recruited and randomized to receive first a 30-minute, 41°C warm footbath and then a usual care, or vice versa, with each lasting 3 days and separated by a 3-day washout. Sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time, and wake after sleep onset (WASO) were assessed by actigraphy. RESULTS: We found that home-based warm footbath significantly had a reduced SOL (difference, -5.11 minutes) and a suppressed WASO (difference, -2.57 minutes) compared with those of usual care, but not in sleep efficiency and total sleep time. No adverse effect was reported. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that home-based warm footbath is practical and effective in relieving post-TBI sleep disturbances, particular in SOL and WASO. Nurses can use home-based warm footbath as an effective intervention for management of sleep disturbances after TBI.