High-pressure strengthening in ultrafine-grained metals.

The Hall-Petch relationship, according to which the strength of a metal increases as the grain size decreases, has been reported to break down at a critical grain size of around 10 to 15 nanometres1,2. As the grain size decreases beyond this point, the dominant mechanism of deformation switches from a dislocation-mediated process to grain boundary sliding, leading to material softening. In one previous approach, stabilization of grain boundaries through relaxation and molybdenum segregation was used to prevent this softening effect in nickel-molybdenum alloys with grain sizes below 10 nanometres3. Here we track in situ the yield stress and deformation texturing of pure nickel samples of various average grain sizes using a diamond anvil cell coupled with radial X-ray diffraction. Our high-pressure experiments reveal continuous strengthening in samples with grain sizes from 200 nanometres down to 3 nanometres, with the strengthening enhanced (rather than reduced) at grain sizes smaller than 20 nanometres. We achieve a yield strength of approximately 4.2 gigapascals in our 3-nanometre-grain-size samples, ten times stronger than that of a commercial nickel material. A maximum flow stress of 10.2 gigapascals is obtained in nickel of grain size 3 nanometres for the pressure range studied here. We see similar patterns of compression strengthening in gold and palladium samples down to the smallest grain sizes. Simulations and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the high strength observed in nickel of grain size 3 nanometres is caused by the superposition of strengthening mechanisms: both partial and full dislocation hardening plus suppression of grain boundary plasticity. These insights contribute to the ongoing search for ultrastrong metals via materials engineering.

Pulsatilla saponin D regulates ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 3 (RAC3) to overcome resistance to paclitaxel in lung adenocarcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel, a tubulin-binding agent, is a Food and Drug Administration-approved first-line drug for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), for both squamous and non-squamous cell lung carcinoma, with paclitaxel/carboplatin + bevacizumab a common chemotherapy regimen for stage IV non-squamous NSCLC; however, primary or acquired resistance to paclitaxel is gradually increasing, leading to treatment failure. METHODS: Our results show that Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 3 (RAC3) is overexpressed in cultured paclitaxel-resistant cells and that RAC3 expression levels are negatively correlated with sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells to paclitaxel. Pulsatilla saponin D could inhibit RAC3 expression, and we hypothesize that it may block paclitaxel resistance. Further, we found that treatment with paclitaxel combined with Pulsatilla saponin D, can overcome lung adenocarcinoma cell resistance to paclitaxel alone in cell culture and mouse xenograft models.

Newly discovered mechanisms that mediate tumorigenesis and tumour progression: circRNA-encoded proteins.

Proteins produced by cap-independent translation mediated by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in tumour progression. To date, numerous studies have been performed on circRNAs and the proteins they encode. In this review, we summarize the biogenesis of circRNAs and the mechanisms regulating circRNA-encoded proteins expression. We also describe relevant research methods and their applications to biological processes such as tumour cell proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis, autophagy and chemoresistance. This paper offers deeper insights into the roles that circRNA-encoded proteins play in tumours. It also provides a theoretical basis for the use of circRNA-encoded proteins as biomarkers of tumorigenesis and for the development of new targets for tumour therapy.

Preserving or peeling the inferior mesenteric arterial sheath during laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery: a prospective study of surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We mainly evaluated whether preserving the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) sheath to dissecting IMA root lymph nodes (also called No.253 lymph nodes) would benefit patients in terms of comparable lymph-node yield removed during operation and postoperative complications in laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer. METHODS: This is a prospective study included 141 rectal cancer patients who received laparoscopic radical resection during September 2018 to December 2020. All patients were randomly assigned to the preserved group (n = 71) and the peeled group (n = 70). The baseline characteristics, pathological features, intraoperative and postoperative data outcomes and complications were analyzed by independent samples t test, chi-square test or Fisher's exact test between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The baseline characteristic and pathological features had no statistical difference between the 2 groups. The preserved group had a shorter operative time (P = 0.002), a shorter lymph node dissection time (P < 0.001), less intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.004), an earlier time to first flatus (P = 0.013), an earlier time to fluid intake (P = 0.033) and a shorter length of hospitalization (P = 0.012) than the peeled group. The differences between the 2 groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) in regard to the total number of lymph nodes cleared, positive lymph nodes, bleeding, anastomotic leakage, pneumonia, wound infection, abscess, ileus, urinary retention, urinary tract infection and chyle leakage. CONCLUSION: Preserving of the IMA sheath in laparoscopic radical surgery for rectal cancer will reduce the total operation time and the length of hospitalization. This surgical method could lead to lower complication rate and faster recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College and registered by the China Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2200060830, Date of Registration:2022-06-12 -retrospective registration) http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx .

Effects of low-carbohydrate vs low-fat diets on weight loss and metabolic risk factors in obese/overweight individuals with impaired glucose regulation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) versus low-fat diet (LFD) on weight loss, glycemic control and metabolic risk factors in individuals with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) after 10-week intervention. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: In this 10-week randomized controlled trial, 90 obese/overweight adults with IGR were randomly assigned to consume either low-carbohydrate diet (20%-25% energy from carbohydrates, 30%-45% energy from fat, 40%-45% en-ergy from protein), or low-fat diet (40%-55% energy from carbohydrates, 20%-30% energy from fat, 20%-30% energy from protein), or heath education (HE) group. The anthropometry and body composition were collected at baseline, week 4, week 8 and week 10. The glycemia and metabolic indicators were assessed at baseline and week 10. RESULTS: A total of 69 participants (mean±SE age: 39.2±1.0 years, 72.5% women) completed the intervention and were included in the final analysis. At week 10, all three groups presented similar mean reduction in weight (LCD: 5.80±0.6 kg; LFD: 6.36±0.57 kg; HE: 4.49±0.98 kg), and fasting blood glucose (LCD: 0.73±0.13 mmol/L; LFD: 0.84±0.17 mmol/L; HE: 0.58±0.14 mmol/L). Additionally, there were no differences in the improvements of TG and liver function markers between diets, the low-fat diet exhibited more favorable effects on TC level. CONCLUSIONS: Both diets achieved similar weight loss, fasting glucose, and insulin reduction in short-term, suggesting each diet pattern could be an effective strategy for the prediabetes management.

[Plasma amino acids levels in 1859 physical examination subjects in Hangzhou City in 2020].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between fasting plasma amino acids and obesity in the physical examination population. METHODS: A total of 1859 persons who underwent physical examination in the Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January to December 2020 were enrolled. Fasting plasma amino acids concentrations and body fat ratio(BFR) were respectively determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) and Inbody instrument. According to body mass index and gender grouping, Python language was used for data analysis and graphic visualization to explore the relationship between body mass index, gender and plasma amino acids levels. RESULTS: The plasma levels of glycine, serine and asparagine in the overweight and obesity groups were significantly lower than those in the normal group, especially the levels in the obesity group were lower than those in the overweight group in males(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma levels of lysine, tryptophan, arginine and hydroxyproline among normal, overweight and obesity groups(P>0.05). The plasma levels of leucine, valine, tyrosine, phenylalanine(in males), isoleucine(in females) and alanine in the overweight and obesity groups were significantly higher than those in the normal group, and the levels in the obesity group were higher than those in the overweight group except alanine(P<0.05). BFR was positively correlated with body mass index. BFR in females increased significantly with age after 50 years old(P<0.05). CONCLUTION: The rate of overweight and obesity among the health screening population is high.

A novel circular RNA circFN1 enhances cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer via sponging miR-182-5p.

Cisplatin (CDDP) is commonly used for gastric cancer (GC) chemotherapy. However, after several CDDP-based treatment cycles, patients always acquire chemotherapy resistance, which limits the overall clinical efficacy of the treatment. Clarification of the mechanisms responsible for CDDP resistance is required to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, although their role in the mechanism underlying CDDP resistance in GC remains unknown. In the present study, we explored the underlying roles of circRNAs in the modulation of CDDP resistance in CDDP-sensitive and CDDP-resistant human GC cells. Using RNA sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, expression of circFN1 (originating from exons 10, 11, and 12 of the FN1 gene hsa_circ_0058147) was higher in CDDP-resistant GC cells and tissues. CircFN1 upregulation in GC patients treated by CDDP was significantly correlated with aggressive biological behavior. CircFN1 promoted viability and inhibited apoptosis of GC cells exposed to CDDP in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, circFN1 suppressed GC cell apoptosis by "sponging" miR-182-5p. These findings demonstrate the involvement of circFN1 in CDDP resistance of GC and implicate circFN1 as a therapeutic target for GC patients treated with CDDP. It provides novel evidence of the function of circRNAs as microRNA sponges and highlight a potential therapeutic target for extinguishing CDDP resistance in patients with GC.

CircRNACCDC66 regulates cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer via the miR-618/BCL2 axis.

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a serious threat to human health with a high cancer-related death rate and unsatisfactory treatment effects after curative resection, especially with advanced GC. Thus, exploration of the molecular mechanism of cisplatin (CDDP) resistance in GC is crucial. circCCDC66 (hsa_circ_0001313) expression was detected by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR in GC cell lines and tissues. The characteristics of circCCDC66 in CDDP resistance in GC were evaluated in vivo and vitro. We performed luciferin reporter assays, biotin-coupled RNA pull-downs and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to assess the relationship of miR-618 to circCCDC66. Function was determined by cytotoxicity assay, western immunoblotting and TUNEL. CircCCDC66 was overexpressed in CDDP-resistant cells and tissues. The circCCDC66 expression was significantly associated with malignancy and was an independent risk factor for disease-free survival (DFS) in GC patients treated by CDDP based chemotherapy. Data from in vitro and vivo experiments demonstrated that circCCDC66 inhibited apoptosis by targeting miR-618 and release of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2). CircCCDC66 is an essential regulator in the development of CDDP resistance and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for GC patients. Otherwise, our study adds more evidence of circRNA functioning as a sequestering agent for miRNA.

Natural orifice specimen extraction with a modified reverse puncture device technique for total laparoscopic colorectal resection: feasibility and efficacy.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the modified reverse puncture device (mRPD) technique for transanal anastomosis in total laparoscopic colorectal resection with natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES).Methods: From August 2015 to September 2017, 34 patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection using the mRPD technique to place the anvil in the abdominal cavity and complete transanal anastomosis.Results: All patients who underwent total laparoscopic colorectal resection with NOSES were analyzed. The anvil placement time was 5-14 min, with an average of 6.7 min. The postoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 1-4 points, with an average of 2.2 points. The postoperative hospital stay was 7-13 days, with an average of 8.7 days. No complications, such as anastomotic bleeding or stenosis, occurred. During a 14- to 28-month follow-up period (average, 19.5 months), no cases of long-term complications were observed.Conclusion: Total laparoscopic colorectal resection using mRPD is a technically feasible and safe procedure with satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Circular RNA circNRIP1 acts as a microRNA-149-5p sponge to promote gastric cancer progression via the AKT1/mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND: CircRNA has emerged as a new non-coding RNA that plays crucial roles in tumour initiation and development. 'MiRNA sponge' is the most reported role played by circRNAs in many tumours. The AKT/mTOR axis is a classic signalling pathway in cancers that sustains energy homeostasis through energy production activities, such as the Warburg effect, and blocks catabolic activities, such as autophagy. Additionally, the AKT/mTOR axis exerts a positive effect on EMT, which promotes tumour metastasis. METHODS: We detected higher circNRIP1 expression in gastric cancer by performing RNA-seq analysis. We verified the tumour promotor role of circNRIP1 in gastric cancer cells through a series of biological function assays. We then used a pull-down assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay to identify the downstream miR-149-5p of circNRIP1. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assays were performed to demonstrate that the circNRIP1-miR-149-5p-AKT1/mTOR axis is responsible for the altered metabolism in GC cells and promotes GC development. We then adopted a co-culture system to trace circNRIP1 transmission via exosomal communication and RIP experiments to determine that quaking regulates circNRIP1 expression. Finally, we confirmed the tumour suppressor role of microRNA-133a-3p in vivo in PDX mouse models. RESULTS: We discovered that knockdown of circNRIP1 successfully blocked proliferation, migration, invasion and the expression level of AKT1 in GC cells. MiR-149-5p inhibition phenocopied the overexpression of circNRIP1 in GC cells, and overexpression of miR-149-5p blocked the malignant behaviours of circNRIP1. Moreover, it was proven that circNRIP1 can be transmitted by exosomal communication between GC cells, and exosomal circNRIP1 promoted tumour metastasis in vivo. We also demonstrated that quaking can promote circNRIP1 transcription. In the final step, the tumour promotor role of circNRIP1 was verified in PDX models. CONCLUSIONS: We proved that circNRIP1 sponges miR-149-5p to affect the expression level of AKT1 and eventually acts as a tumour promotor in GC.

Circular RNA AKT3 upregulates PIK3R1 to enhance cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer via miR-198 suppression.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin (CDDP) treatment is one of the most predominant chemotherapeutic strategies for patients with gastric cancer (GC). A better understanding of the mechanisms of CDDP resistance can greatly improve therapeutic efficacy in patients with GC. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs whose functions are related to the pathogenesis of cancer, but, in CDDP resistance of GC remains unknown. METHODS: circAKT3 (hsa_circ_0000199, a circRNA originating from exons 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the AKT3 gene) was identified by RNA sequencing and verified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The role of circAKT3 in CDDP resistance in GC was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter assay, biotin-coupled RNA pull-down and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were conducted to evaluate the interaction between circAKT3 and miR-198. Functional experiments were measured by western blotting, a cytotoxicity assay, clonogenic assay and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression of circAKT3 was higher in CDDP-resistant GC tissues and cells than in CDDP-sensitive samples. The upregulation of circAKT3 in GC patients receiving CDDP therapy was significantly associated with aggressive characteristics and was an independent risk factor for disease-free survival (DFS). Our data indicated that circAKT3 promotes DNA damage repair and inhibits the apoptosis of GC cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we verified that circAKT3 could promote PIK3R1 expression by sponging miR-198. CONCLUSIONS: circAKT3 plays an important role in the resistance of GC to CDDP. Thus, our results highlight the potential of circAKT3 as a therapeutic target for GC patients receiving CDDP therapy.

Intracellular concentration and transporters in imatinib resistance of gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the role of intracellular imatinib concentration in drug resistance and the expression of candidate drug transporters in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) cell lines. METHOD: The imatinib concentrations were measured by the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The expression of candida te drug transporters was detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: The tissue imatinib concentrations in imatinib resistant patients were significantly lower than that of sensitive patients (p < .05). Compared with parental cell lines, the intracellular imatinib concentration was notably lower in imatinib resistant GIST cell lines. For candidate transporters, MRP1 and BCRP were overexpressed in resistant GIST cell lines. CONCLUSION: The intracellular imatinib concentration may play a crucial role in imatinib resistance and the intracellular differences of imatinib concentration may be induced by the upregulation of efflux transporters. Our study highlights the importance of intracellular imatinib concentration and the potential of using imatinib transporters as therapeutic targets for patients with GIST.

Internet and WeChat used by patients with Crohn's disease in China: a multi-center questionnaire survey.

BACKGROUND: Currently, WeChat is widely used in disease education for patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in China. It is beneficial for the patients to actively engage in their disease management. METHODS: In this study, we examined the source and expectations of disease information for Chinese CD patients, analysing the content of popular WeChat public accounts and their potential association with medication adherence. RESULTS: Between November 24th, 2017 and April 10th, 2018, online questionnaires were sent to CD patients from eight different large urban hospitals in China. In all, 436 patients with CD were surveyed, and 342 patients responded. Patients most frequently visited Baidu (65%), WeChat (61%) and medical websites such as Haodaifu (35%) when searching for IBD-related information. Among ten WeChat IBD public accounts, the China Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (CCCF) (73%), "IBD Academic Officer" (21%) and "IBD in love" (21%) were the most popular. CD patients were most interested in information from the internet about diet and day-to-day health-related living with IBD (83%), an introduction to the disease (80%), and medication advances and side effects (80%). The correlation between the information provided by the top five WeChat public accounts and patients' expectations was low. Additionally, most patients (64%) had greater confidence in overcoming the disease after learning about CD through their internet searches. Medical adherence was also related to internet access and income (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: WeChat has become a major source of information for IBD education in China, but the content of WeChat didn't fully meet patients' expectations. Therefore, future initiatives should aim to provide high-quality information that based on patients' demands.

Reverse puncture device technique: an innovation of esophagojejunostomy in radical laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, short- and long-term efficacy of a reverse puncture device (RPD) technique for esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy. Patients & methods: This retrospective study analyzed outcome data of 104 patients in propensity score matching whom were divided into the RPD and the purse-string suture technique group. Results: The RPD group had a shorter anvil placement time, shorter operative time, longer resected esophageal length, shorter incision length, shorter postoperative drainage time, shorter postoperative hospital stay and anastomotic complications than the purse-string suture technique group (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that BMI (odds ratio: 6.285, 1.446-27.322) and anvil placement time (odds ratio: 5.645, 1.089-29.321) were independent risk factors for anastomotic complications (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy using an RPD technique is feasible, safe and effective.

Heterogeneous lamella structure unites ultrafine-grain strength with coarse-grain ductility.

Grain refinement can make conventional metals several times stronger, but this comes at dramatic loss of ductility. Here we report a heterogeneous lamella structure in Ti produced by asymmetric rolling and partial recrystallization that can produce an unprecedented property combination: as strong as ultrafine-grained metal and at the same time as ductile as conventional coarse-grained metal. It also has higher strain hardening than coarse-grained Ti, which was hitherto believed impossible. The heterogeneous lamella structure is characterized with soft micrograined lamellae embedded in hard ultrafine-grained lamella matrix. The unusual high strength is obtained with the assistance of high back stress developed from heterogeneous yielding, whereas the high ductility is attributed to back-stress hardening and dislocation hardening. The process discovered here is amenable to large-scale industrial production at low cost, and might be applicable to other metal systems.

Effects of Aggregate Types on the Stress-Strain Behavior of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-Confined Lightweight Concrete.

The realization of reducing concrete self-weight is mainly to replace ordinary aggregates with lightweight aggregates; such replacement usually comes with some intrinsic disadvantages in concrete, such as high brittleness and lower mechanical properties. However, these shortages can be effectively remedied by external confinement such as fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) jacketing. To accurately predict the stress-strain behavior of lightweight concrete with lateral confinement, it is necessary to properly understand the coupling effects that are caused by diverse aggregates types and confinement level. In this study, FRP-confined lightweight concrete cylinder with varying aggregate types were tested under axial compression. Strain gauges and linear variable displacement transducers were used for monitoring the lateral and axial deformation of specimens during the tests. By sensing the strain and deformation data for the specimens under the tri-axial loads, the results showed that the lateral to axial strain relation is highly related to the aggregate types and confinement level. In addition, when compared with FRP-confined normal weight aggregate concrete, the efficiency of FRP confinement for lightweight concrete is gradually reduced with the increase of external pressure. Replace ordinary fine aggregate by its lightweight counterparts can be significantly improved the deformation capacity of FRP-confined lightweight concrete, meanwhile does not lead to the reduction of compressive strength. Plus, this paper modified a well-established stress-strain model for an FRP-confined lightweight concrete column, involving the effect of aggregate types. More accurate expressions pertaining to the deformation capacity and the stress-strain relation were proposed with reasonable accuracy.

The Role of Tumoral FOXP3 on Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is little published data on the role of FOXP3 in gastric cancer. METHODS: FOXP3 expression and localization in gastric cancer tissues and cells were examined by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, western blot, and laser confocal microscopy. CCK8, plate clone, wound healing, and transwell insert assays were performed for gastric cancer cells. Potential molecules and signaling pathways were screened using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. RESULTS: FOXP3 expression in gastric cancer tissues was higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues. It was restricted to the cytoplasm of para-carcinoma tissues, but was observed in the cytoplasm or/and nuclei of gastric cancer tissues. FOXP3 expression was positively correlated with pathological grading, and was detected in gastric cancer and GES-1 cells, where it was expressed in the cytoplasm alone, or in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. FOXP3 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while FOXP3 knockdown suppressed these effects. Furthermore, RT-PCR and ELISA confirmed that FOXP3 upregulation resulted in increased TGF-ß expression and secretion in gastric cancer cells. CONCLUSION: FOXP3 expression was associated with degree of gastric cancer differentiation. In addition, upregulated and ectopic tumoral FOXP3 can promote gastric cancer proliferation, migration, and invasion, partly through the TGF-ß pathway.

Tm3+-doped LuYO3 mixed sesquioxide ceramic laser: effective 2.05 µm source operating in continuous-wave and passive Q-switching regimes.

Tm:LuYO3 ceramic is reported as an effective laser gain medium, for the first time to the best of our knowledge. For continuous-wave laser operation, a maximum output power of 1.55 W with a slope efficiency of 19.9% is achieved at 2050 nm. Passive Q-switching of the Tm:LuYO3 ceramic is operated using a Cr:ZnSe saturable absorber. Single-wavelength Q-switching at 2047 nm is obtained with a maximum average output power of 0.54 W, a pulse width of 120.3 ns, a pulse energy of 20.5 µJ, and a pulse peak power of 170.6 W. Simultaneous dual-wavelength Q-switching at 1957 and 2047 nm is also attained with corresponding parameter values of 0.92 W, 151.6 ns, 30.2 µJ, and 199.1 W. These results indicate that Tm:LuYO3 ceramic lasers could be a promising laser source operating in the eye-safe spectral region.

Laser characteristics of Nd3+-doped calcium barium niobate ferroelectric crystal at 1.06 and 1.34 µm.

We report on diode-pumped Nd3+-doped calcium barium niobate ferroelectric crystal (Nd:CBN-28) lasers at 1.06 and 1.34 µm. The maximum output power of the 1.06 µm laser reaches 0.69 W in the continuous-wave regime, which is believed to be the highest output power with Nd:CBN-28 crystal to date. Using a chopper to modulate the pump, the highest output power further improves to 0.77 W. Passively Q-switched laser operation at 1.06 µm, using a Cr:YAG saturable absorber, is realized with a maximum average output power of 89 mW, a pulse width of 220 ns, and a pulse energy 10.8 µJ. A quasi-continuous-wave laser at 1.34 µm with a chopper is also demonstrated with maximum output power of 56 mW. The scaled output power in the fundamental wave should be favorable for the investigation on broadband nonlinear self-frequency conversion into visible.