Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings provide a valuable, noninvasive method for measuring human brain activity. This protocol modi es our general protocol for EEG recording (Farrens et al., 2019) for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was created with the help of numerous experts, and it speci es a clear set of steps for interacting with research participants, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and disinfecting equipment, all with the goal of reducing the COVID-19 risks for both laboratory personnel and participants. It focuses on the use of EEG in relatively simple research studies of adults who can easily understand and follow instructions, yet can be readily adapted for studies using other types of EEG experiments or other participant populations.

Laccase is useful for various biotechnological and industrial applications. The white-rot fungus Trametes velutina 5930 and its laccase, isolated from the Shennongjia Nature Reserve in China by our laboratory, has great potential for practical application in environmental biotechnology. However, the original level of laccase produced by Trametes velutina 5930 was relatively low in the absence of any inducer. Therefore, in order to enhance the laccase production by Trametes velutina 5930 and make better use of this fungus in the field of environmental biotechnology, the regulation of laccase production and laccase gene expression in Trametes velutina 5930 were investigated in this study. Different metal ions such as Cu2+ and Fe2+ could stimulate the laccase synthesis and laccase gene transcription in Trametes velutina 5930. Some aromatic compounds structurally related to lignin, such as tannic acid, syringic acid, cinnamic acid, gallic acid and guaiacol, could also enhance the level of laccase activity and laccase gene transcription. We also found that there existed a positive synergistic effect of aromatic compound and metal ion on the laccase production and laccase gene transcription in Trametes velutina 5930. Taken together, our study may contribute to the improvement of laccase productivity by Trametes velutina 5930.

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Objective To assess the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) following tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation. Methods EPCs were treated with RSV and stimulated with TNF-α. A mononuclear cell (MNC) adhesion assay was used to assess the effects of RSV on TNF-α-induced MNC adhesion. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin expression levels and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation were assessed by immunoblotting. Results MNC adhesion to TNF-α-treated EPCs and VCAM-1/ICAM-1/E-selectin levels in EPCs were increased following TNF-α stimulation and decreased following RSV treatment. TNF-α enhanced NF-κB inhibitor α (IκB-α) phosphorylation in the cytosol as well as nuclear NF-κB p65 levels, both of which were decreased by RSV. Conclusions These findings provide new insights into RSV’s anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects. RSV’s mechanism of action might involve downregulation of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin by partial blockade of TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and IκB-α phosphorylation in EPCs.

In order to develop a potential drug sustained delivery carrier suitable for wound healing, a series of b-cyclodextrin conjugated hyaluronan hydrogels (b-CD-HA) with adjustable crosslink densities were synthesized and characterized, meanwhile the delivery kinetics and mechanism of diclofenac as a model anti-inflammatory drug from these hydrogels were investigated. By controlling the feeding molar ratio of b-CD/HA, a b-CD substitution degree of 4.65% was obtained by 1 H-NMR analysis. The incorporation of b-CD modification had little effect on the internal porous structure, water swelling ratio, and rheological property of HA hydrogel, which however were influenced by the crosslink density. Although the crosslink density had an influence on the drug loading and release profile by altering the water swelling property, the interaction between b-CD and drug was the primary factor for the high loading capacity and long-term sustained delivery of diclofenac. The semiempirical equation fit showed that the release of diclofenac from HA-based hydrogels followed a pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism. By the aid of b-CD and controlled crosslink density, a b-CD-HA hydrogel with a diclofenac sustained delivery period of over 28 days and desirable physicochemical properties was achieved, which will be a promising drug sustained delivery carrier for wound healing. V C 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43072.

This project has demonstrated significant improvements in nursing practice related to dysphagia screening and management. The project was successful not only in increasing the knowledge and skills of nurses but also in implementing a formalized process for dysphagia screening and referral. Strategies to sustain practice change should be developed, and regular audit cycles need to be carried out to monitor the process and evaluate outcomes.

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