Magnet-in-ferroelectric crystals exhibiting photomultiferroicity.

Growing crystallographically incommensurate and dissimilar organic materials is fundamentally intriguing but challenging for the prominent cross-correlation phenomenon enabling unique magnetic, electronic, and optical functionalities. Here, we report the growth of molecular layered magnet-in-ferroelectric crystals, demonstrating photomanipulation of interfacial ferroic coupling. The heterocrystals exhibit striking photomagnetization and magnetoelectricity, resulting in photomultiferroic coupling and complete change of their color while inheriting ferroelectricity and magnetism from the parent phases. Under a light illumination, ferromagnetic resonance shifts of 910 Oe are observed in heterocrystals while showing a magnetization change of 0.015 emu/g. In addition, a noticeable magnetization change (8% of magnetization at a 1,000 Oe external field) in the vicinity of ferro-to-paraelectric transition is observed. The mechanistic electric-field-dependent studies suggest the photoinduced ferroelectric field effect responsible for the tailoring of photo-piezo-magnetism. The crystallographic analyses further evidence the lattice coupling of a magnet-in-ferroelectric heterocrystal system.

Lithiating magneto-ionics in a rechargeable battery.

Magneto-ionics, real-time ionic control of magnetism in solid-state materials, promise ultralow-power memory, computing, and ultralow-field sensor technologies. The real-time ion intercalation is also the key state-of-charge feature in rechargeable batteries. Here, we report that the reversible lithiation/delithiation in molecular magneto-ionic material, the cathode in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, accurately monitors its real-time state of charge through a dynamic tunability of magnetic ordering. The electrochemical and magnetic studies confirm that the structural vacancy and hydrogen-bonding networks enable reversible lithiation and delithiation in the magnetic cathode. Coupling with microwave-excited spin wave at a low frequency (0.35 GHz) and a magnetic field of 100 Oe, we reveal a fast and reliable built-in magneto-ionic sensor monitoring state of charge in rechargeable batteries. The findings shown herein promise an integration of molecular magneto-ionic cathode and rechargeable batteries for real-time monitoring of state of charge.

Association between sedentary behavior, screen time and metabolic syndrome among Chinese children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between sedentary behavior, screen time and MetS among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-17 years. Data was obtained from the China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Mothers in 2016-2017. METHODS: Data on sedentary time, screen time, and MetS indicators were obtained through physical and health questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and clinical examinations. MetS was defined according to the Cook's criteria. Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-square test were applied for comparisons of measurement data and counting data, respectively. The relationship between sedentary time, screen time, and MetS and its components was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS among 7-17-year-old students in 2016-2017 was 5.45%. Compared to those with low sedentary behavior, in high sedentary behavior groups, the prevalence of abdominal obesity, high TG, low HDL-C, and MetS was high in boys, and the prevalence of abdominal obesity, high TG, hyperglycemia, and MetS was high in girls. Moreover, for those who reported ≥ 3 h/day of screen time, the prevalence of abdominal obesity, low HDL-C, and MetS was higher in boys, and the prevalence of abdominal obesity and MetS was higher in girls. After adjusting for confounding variables, the risks of abdominal obesity, high TG, low HDL-C, and MetS were higher in high-level sedentary time group, and the risks of abdominal obesity and MetS were 1.15 and 1.14 times higher for those who spent ≥ 3 h/day on screen time, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that high levels of sedentary time and screen time were associated with an increased likelihood of MetS among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-17 years. Reducing sedentary behavior and screen time may contribute to the prevention of metabolic diseases.

[Prediction equation of physical activity level based on step counts for Chinese adults: development and validation].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a prediction equation for estimation physical activity level(PAL) based on the average daily steps in Chinese adults and to verify its prediction power. METHODS: A total of 800 adults with no restriction on physical activity were recruited. Excluding those who wore Actigragh WGT3X-BT accelerometer continuously for less than 3 days, 743 subjects(324 males, 419 females, mean age 31.4 years) were finally included. Daily steps, time of low intensity physical activity(LPA), moderate physical activity(MPA) and vigorous physical activity(VPA) and physical activity energy expenditure(PAEE) were measured by the accelerometer. The method of external validation was adopted. The measured PAL calculated by basal metabolic rate(BMR) measured by indirect thermography(IC) and total energy expenditure(TEE) measured by doubly labeled water method was used as the gold standard. The consistency of the prediction formula was verified by Bland-Altman analysis and the accuracy was verified by the accurate. RESULTS: The prediction equation was developed: PAL=1.17 + 0.000028 Steps. In the external verification, the mean difference was 0.05, the 95% consistency limit was(-0.26, 0.36), and the accuracy was 73%, indicating a good consistency. CONCLUSION: The prediction formula of PAL for Chinese adults based on the steps has good performance and can be applied to the management of physical activity and the prevention of obesity in Chinese adults.

[Cost-benefit analysis of Ying Yang Bao (YYB) intervention in 6 to 23 months rural infants].

OBJECTIVE: To study on the cost-benefit from anemia and stunting reduction of Ying Yang Bao(YYB) intervention in 6 to 23 months rural infants in the six counties of Shanxi, Hubei and Yunnan provinces. METHODS: YYB was distributed to 6-23 months infants in 6 counties by YYB nutrition intervention project. The numbers of childhood recovered from stunting and anemia was collected by a designed project monitoring plan. The cost-benefit was analyzed with PROFILING model as a nutritional microeconomic tool. RESULTS: Total numbers of monitored infants was 10 672 while the total cost of YYB intervention was estimated 2.57 million RMB. From 2012 to 2020, the total benefit was 14.92 million RMB from recover of stunting and anemia by YYB project and the average cost-benefit ratio of 6 counties was 1∶5.8. Sensitivity analysis showed the result of this study was stable. CONCLUSION: The YYB nutrition intervention for infants aged 6-23 months in the six counties of Shanxi, Hubei and Yunnan provinces showed a high cost-benefit ratio.

[Prevalence of anemia in infants and children aged 6-23 months at different altitudes in poverty-stricken areas in China].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the hemoglobin and prevalence of anemia among 6-23 months infants at different elevations in poor rural areas in China. METHODS: The monitoring data in the year 2018 from the Children Nutrition Improvement Project in Poor Areas of China was used for the analysis, which covered 19 provinces and 42 938 infants of 6-23 months. Hemoglobin was tested by Hemoque method with blood drop from finger tips. The altitude of the residence regions was divided into eight parts. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean values among the altitude groups, and chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of anaemia. RESULTS: The data from 42 938 6-23 months infants was under analysis, among them 22 207(51.7%)were boys and 20 731(48.4%)girls. 27 208(63.4%)infants and children were located in the areas under 1000 meters whose average hemoglobin was 11.8 g/dL and the prevalence of anemia was 18.7%. There were 15 730(36.6%)infants living in areas higher than 1000 meters. The anemia rate ranged from 31.3% to 83.6% in all aged groups when altitude& gt; 2500 m that were noticeable higher than that of lower altitude regions. With the increase of altitude, the adjusted anemic rate showed an obvious upward trend. 6-11 months infants showed higher anemia rate compared with other groups. CONCLUSION: The incidence of anemia among children aged 6 to 23 months in poor areas of China is severe, among which infants living at an altitude of more than 2500 meters have a higher prevalence of anemia.

[Study on infant and young children complementary feeding in poor rural regions in China].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze complementary feeding status and issues among 6-23 month infants and young children(IYC) in poor rural regions in China to figure out actions further IYC nutrition in China. METHODS: Using 2018 monitoring data from Project of Children Nutrition Improvement in Poor Rural Regions, 6-23 months infants were sampled with the method of a combination of provincial stratification, multi-stage stratified cluster, PPS and random equidistant. Complementary feeding practices were collected by 24 hours diet recall method and and parental knowledge on IYC feeding was collected by KAP questionnaire. Complementary diet was analyzed according to the World Health Organization& apos; s definition of infant and young child feeding indicators. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of minimum acceptable diet(MAD). RESULTS: A total of 40 910 infants(boys 21 153, girls 19 757) completed the survey. The proportion of infants 6-8 months of age who receive solid, semi-solid foods was 83.8%, the percentage of IYC who get minimum dietary diversity(MDD), minimum meal frequency(MMF), and MAD was 67.8%, 71.4% and 39.7%, respectively. The age of months, mother& apos; s educational level and parent& apos; s nutrition and feeding knowledge had significant impact on the outcome of MAD. The OR for month& apos; s age were 1.990 and 1.905(P& lt; 0.001), OR for mother education level was 1. 545(P& lt; 0.001) and OR for parent knowledge were 1.114 and 1.346(P& lt; 0.001). CONCLUSION: Complementary feeding practices were poor in terms of the proportion of infants 6-8 months of age who introduced complementary foods, MDD, MMF and MAD in poor region of China.

[Effect of Yingyangbao intervention in 6 to 23 months infants in six counties from Shanxi, Hubei and Yunnan Provinces].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Yingyangbao(YYB) intervention in 6-23 months infants in six poor counties from Shanxi, Hubei and Yunnan Provinces. METHODS: Probability proportionate to size sampling method was used to extract townships and villages, and random isometric sampling was used to select monitored infants. A baseline survey was completed in 2012. Yingyangbao was delivered to all the infants in the counties through a registration system started in 2013 and then the delivering has been continuously conducted to the infants according to their age. The cross sectional sampled infants were monitored and evaluated of the effect in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Using synthetic clustering grouping method, the infants were divided into quasi-control group(YYB-NG), YYB intervention group(YYB-FG)for comparative analysis to eliminate the effect of YYB intervention. Multiple linear regression analysis were used to establish the dose-effect relationship between YYB intervention, other factors and main nutrition indices. RESULTS: A total of 4809 individuals were included in this study, among which data of 2273 individuals were included in the YYB-NG and 2536 data were included in the YYB-FG. The body length of YYB-FG and YYB-NG was 77.6 cm and 75.9 cm, respectively. Stunting rates of YYB-FG and YYB-NG were 6. 8% and 10. 3%, respectively. Hb levels and anemia rates of YYB-FG and YYB-NG were 121. 3 g/L, 117. 1 g/L and 21. 2%, 32. 1% respectively, with statistically significant difference(P& lt; 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in body weight between the groups. Multiple linear regression showed that YYB intervention has a significant quantitative relationship with body length, Hb, HAZ. The regression also implied that the influencing factor including month-age, gender, birth-height, birth-weight, minimum dietary diversity, caregiver educational background have a significant relationship with nutrition improvement. CONCLUSION: YYB intervention can effectively improve the body length, Hb and HAZ, while reduce stunting rate and anemia rate of IYC in the intervention area.

[Comparative study of the detection of serum folate with improved microbial assay and electrochemiluminescence method].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the result of serum folate determined by improved microbial assay and electrochemiluminescence method, and to look for the relationship between them, so as to provide basis for the assessment of nutrition status of folate in population. METHODS: A total of 258 serum samples were examined by improved microbial assay and electrochemiluminescence method. The correlation and consistence of the two method were analyzed. RESULTS: The result showed that the correlation coefficient of the two method was 0. 885, which indicated that the result of two method were highly correlated. Results of Bland-Altman method showed that 94. 5% of the values were within the consistency limit, and the Kappa value of Kappa test was 0. 665. The result of consistency analysis showed that there were some differences between the two methods, and the result of serum folate tested by improved microbial assay were higher than that of electrochemiluminescence method in general. CONCLUSION: The result of serum folate tested by electrochemiluminescence were highly correlated with the improved microbial assay, yet there are some differences in the consistency result between the two methods. Evaluating the nutrition status of folate by electrochemiluminescence may lead to a higher number of folate deficiency.

[Current status of nutrition work in Chinese disease control institutions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the basic nutrition working status in Chinese CDCs. METHODS: The questionnaire of nutritional working ability of CDC was designed for investigation. The questionnaire was filled in by all disease control institutions of 31 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps(excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan). Data was inputted by each institution through a questionn aire-survey platform called 'wenjuanxing& apos; , and the quality control was carried out by the provincial CDCs according to their jurisdiction. RESULTS: A total of 3150 valid questionnaires were collected. 35.97% of the institutions surveyed had never undertaken nutrition-related work, and only 4.19% of them had set up an independent department for nutrition-related work. The average number of people engaged in nutrition work was 2.5(P50=1.0); The average number of full-time staff was 0.2(P50=0.0). The average number of full-time staff in provincial, municipal and county CDCs was 3.6, 0.4 and 0.2, respectively. In terms of the nutrition work, by 2020 the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance and the National Food Nutrition Surveillance have covered 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. Besides Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian, provincial CDCs implemented the Nutrition Improvemeat Program for Compulsory Education Students in Rural Area. As to the scientific research, only 9.08% of the institutions have carried out nutrition-related projects in the past five years. Particularly, there were little nutrition-related scientific research funds for municipal and county disease control institutions, while 96.57% of the institutions do not have special funds for nutrition work. From 2015 to 2019, the proportion of the institutions that published nutrition-related papers, published nutrition-related books, won nutrition-related awards, and participated in the formulation of nutrition-related standards was 3.81%, 1.27%, 5.65% and 0.70%, respectively. With regard to the implementation of the six major actions of the National Nutrition Plan(2017-2030), only 29.81% of CDCs have organized and carried out related actions. CONCLUSION: Disease control institutions are short of nutrition professional posts, professional personnel, nutrition work funds and scientific research investment, lack of regular nutrition work tasks. Therefore, the nutrition capacity of the CDCs needs to be strengthened, and more efforts will be needed to meet the requirements of the National Nutrition Plan(2017-2030) and the Healthy China Action(2019-2030)-Healthy Diet Campaign.

Inhibitor of Differentiation 1 (Id1) in Cancer and Cancer Therapy.

The inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) proteins are regulators of cell cycle and cell differentiation. Of all Id family proteins, Id1 is mostly linked to tumorigenesis, cellular senescence as well as cell proliferation and survival. Id1 is a stem cell-like gene more than a classical oncogene. Id1 is overexpressed in numerous types of cancers and exerts its promotion effect to these tumors through different pathways. Briefly, Id1 was found significantly correlated with EMT-related proteins, K-Ras signaling, EGFR signaling, BMP signaling, PI3K/Akt signaling, WNT and SHH signaling, c-Myc signaling, STAT3 signaling, RK1/2 MAPK/Egr1 pathway and TGF-ß pathway, etc. Id1 has potent effect on facilitating tumorous angiogenesis and metastasis. Moreover, high expression of Id1 plays a facilitating role in the development of drug resistance, including chemoresistance, radiation resistance and resistance to drugs targeting angiogenesis. However, controversial results were also obtained. Overall, Id1 represent a promising target of anti-tumor therapeutics based on its potent promotion effect to cancer. Numerous drugs were found exerting their anti-tumor function through Id1-related signaling pathways, such as fucoidan, berberine, tetramethylpyrazine, crizotinib, cannabidiol and vinblastine.

Baicalein enhances the antitumor efficacy of docetaxel on nonsmall cell lung cancer in a ß-catenin-dependent manner.

The side effects of docetaxel have limited its antitumor performances in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To address the problem, baicalein, a bioactive flavone that exhibits antitumor activity, was combined with docetaxel so as to achieve better efficacy and lower toxicity. The combination treatment enhanced the stabilization of microtubules and halted the cell-cycle progression, thus synergistically inhibiting the proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of A549 cells and Lewis lung carcinoma cells. The decreased expression of Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 and Cyclin B1 confirmed its regulation in cell cycle, with ß-catenin being an important upstream effector, as evidenced by the decreased expression in the cytoplasm and nucleus as well as the attenuated aggregation in the nucleus. Furthermore, baicalein plus docetaxel evinced better antitumor efficacy by the suppressed tumor growth, increased apoptosis, and decreased tumor angiogenesis in vivo, with no increased toxicity discovered in both tumor-bearing and non-tumor-bearing mice, and an improvement in therapeutic index. This study has demonstrated that baicalein plus docetaxel is an appropriate combination simultaneously with augmented antitumor efficacy and acceptable safety, which might be a promising strategy for patients with advanced NSCLC.

[Influence of altitude on hemoglobin levels and determination of the adjusting values].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the relationship between hemoglobin level of 6-23 month infants and altitude of their living places, and to determine the adjusting hemoglobin values for infants in high altitude areas. METHODS: Conduct this study by using available data from Improvement of Nutrition in Children in Poor Rural Regions. 6-23 months infants were sampled with the method of combined multi-stage stratified cluster, PPS and random equidistant. Questionnaires were used to collect data of infants and their families, feeding practices and nutrition knowledge of caretakers. The weight and length were measured by the intelligent physical examination instrument. Hemoglobin was tested by HemoCue method with blood drop from finger tips. Altitude was checked by the residence regions. Linear regressions were used to analyze the relation quotation of hemoglobin and altitude, adjusting hemoglobin values were determined with the quotation. A comparison was observed among adjusting method of CDC, Dirren and the established. RESULTS: A total of 24 938 infants at age of 6-23 months were sampled from 140 counties, in 19 provinces in 2018. Data were from 22 207 male accounting for 51. 7% and 20 731 female, 48. 3%. The weight, height and hemoglobin were(77. 6±6. 2)cm, (9. 91±1. 62)kg and 11. 9 g/dL respectively. The altitude ranges from 10 m to 4236 m, averagely 893. 4 m. Anemia rates of the infants and adjusted with method from CDC, Dirren and this study were 18. 9%, 27. 5%, 22. 7% and 20. 3%, showing remarkable adjusting effect. This study obtained adjusting Hb value for 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 m were 0. 1, 0. 3, 0. 6 and 1. 2 g/dL respectively and noticeably lower than that of suggested by WHO. CONCLUSION: Adjusting hemoglobin values of 6-23 months were different from the used values.

[Steatosis and inflammation of L02 hepatocytes induced by sodium oleate].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the steatosis and inflammatory effects of L02 hepatocytes induced by different concentrations of sodium oleate. METHODS: L02 cells were incubated with sodium oleate in different concentration for 24 h, and the cell viability was detected. L02 cells were respectively cultured with 75, 150, 300 µmol/L sodium oleate for 24 h. The lipid accumulation of the cells was observed by oil red staining. The content of triglyceride in the cells was detected, the IL-6 content in the cell supernatant was detected. The expression of SIRT1 and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) was detected by Western Blot. The expression of Toll-like receptor 2 and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR2 and TLR4) on the cell surface was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: With the increase of sodium oleate concentration, the cell viability decreased, the cell growth inhibition rate increased. The content of triglyceride in L02 cells treated with 75, 150 and 300 µmol/L sodium oleate was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0. 01, P<0. 001, P<0. 001), the IL-6 in the supernate was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0. 05, P<0. 01, P<0. 001). The result of oil red staining showed that the lipids in the cells were obviously accumulated after sodium oleate treatment. The expression of TLR2 in L02 cells treated with 150 and 300 µmol/L sodium oleate was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0. 05, P<0. 001). There was no significant increase in TLR4 expression after sodium oleate intervention in L02 cells. The expression of SIRT1 protein in the sodium oleate group was lower than that in the control group, and the expression of NF-κB p65 was higher than that in the control group through Western Blot result. CONCLUSION: L02 hepatocyte steatosis caused by sodium oleate may be associated with TLR2/NF-κB mediated inflammatory pathway.

Preoperative beta blockade and severe intraoperative bradycardia in liver transplantation.

Nonselective Beta blockade (NSBB) is commonly prescribed for liver transplantation (LT) candidates, but its impact on intraoperative hemodynamics is not well understood. In this study, we investigated if preoperative NSBB was associated with severe bradycardia during LT and if severe intraoperative bradycardia was associated with 30-day mortality. Adult patients undergoing LT between 2005 and 2014 were included. Propensity matching was used to control selection bias. Intraoperative hemodynamics were compared between patients with and without preoperative NSBB. Univariate and multivariate methods were used in statistical analysis. Of 1452 patients, 370 who received preoperative NSBB were matched in a 1:1 ratio with those who did not. Propensity matching eliminated all significant differences between the two groups. Patients who received preoperative NSBB had a significantly higher incidence of severe intraoperative bradycardia compared with the non-BB group (9.6% vs 3.2%, P = 0.001, OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.42-6.12, P = 0.004). Intraoperative hypotension and postreperfusion syndrome were not significantly different between the two groups. Severe intraoperative bradycardia was associated with increased 30-day mortality. In conclusion, preoperative NSBB was associated with severe intraoperative bradycardia in LT. In patients who receive preoperative NSBB, severe intraoperative bradycardia should be closely monitored in LT. Further studies assessing safety of preoperative NSBB and intraoperative bradycardia in LT are warranted.

Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneously Controlled Ablation of the Thoracic Paravertebral Nerve Due to Thoracic Neuropathic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Patients with thoracic neuropathic pain often do not respond to medication and physical therapy. Coblation technology has been demonstrated to have potential for pain management. METHODS: Fifteen patients underwent computed tomography-guided percutaneous coblation to ablate the thoracic paravertebral nerve for their medication-resistant thoracic neuropathic pain. The pain intensity was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) 1 day before surgery and 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, and the difference between preoperative and postoperative VAS values was determined to evaluate the pain relief effectiveness. Patients who achieved > 50% pain relief were defined as responders, and the ratio in all patients was calculated. The number of patients who reported mild pain (VAS ≤ 3) was recorded, and the ratio in all responders was calculated. In addition, adverse effects were also recorded to investigate the security of procedure. RESULTS: Twelve (80%) responders achieved > 50% pain relief. The VAS score of responders significantly decreased from 7.42 ± 1.38 before surgery to 2.17 ± 1.11 (P = 0.000), 1.92 ± 1.16 (P = 0.000), 1.75 ± 0.97 (P = 0.000), and 1.58 ± 1.08 (P = 0.000) at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. The number of responders with mild pain was 10 (83.3%), 11 (91.7%), 12 (100%), and 12 (100%) at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. All responders and 1 nonresponder reported slight numbness after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous thoracic paravertebral nerve coblation guided by computed tomography is a potential method for the treatment of thoracic neuropathic pain.

A Comparison of the Effects of Burst and Tonic Spinal Cord Stimulation on Hyperalgesia and Physical Activity in an Animal Model of Neuropathic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Parameters of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) play a role in its effectiveness and may impact SCS mechanisms and outcomes. For example, SCS applied in a bursting pattern may result in better pain relief than that for tonic SCS for neuropathic pain. We tested the effectiveness of different SCS pulse frequencies given at 2 different burst frequencies in an animal model of neuropathic pain. METHODS: After Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized, neuropathic pain was induced using the spared nerve injury model, and an epidural SCS lead was implanted in the upper lumber spinal cord. One of the 8 different SCS parameters was delivered daily for 4 days at 90% motor threshold 2 weeks after nerve injury. Four burst patterns were administered at 4- or 40-Hz frequency with a train of 4 pulses at frequencies of 60, 500, and 1000 Hz. Sham and tonic patterns at 16, 60, and 160 Hz were chosen as controls. Paw withdrawal threshold was assessed before the surgery and 15 minutes before, during, and after SCS daily for 4 days. Physical activity (distance, crossing, rearing, and grooming) was assessed before surgery, before SCS on day 1, and after SCS on day 4. RESULTS: Animals showed a decrease in paw withdrawal threshold and physical activity levels 2 weeks after nerve injury. During stimulation, burst SCS with pulse frequencies of 60, 500, or 1000 Hz were more effective for improving paw withdrawal threshold than sham and tonic SCS at 16 Hz. Burst SCS with higher pulse frequencies (500 and 1000 Hz) than 60-Hz SCS and burst SCS with higher pulse frequencies (1000 Hz) than 160-Hz SCS were more effective. In addition, tonic SCS at 160 Hz and burst SCS with higher pulse frequencies (500 and 1000 Hz) significantly increased the distance traveled. Burst SCS at 4 Hz with pulse frequency of 1000 Hz also increased the number of crossings when compared with sham control and tonic SCS at 16 Hz. CONCLUSIONS: The current study shows that a variety of SCS pulse frequencies applied with a burst frequency result in greater improvement in hyperalgesia and activity levels than tonic SCS in a neuropathic pain model during stimulation.

Spinal cord stimulation reduces mechanical hyperalgesia and restores physical activity levels in animals with noninflammatory muscle pain in a frequency-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain, but its effect on chronic muscle pain is unclear. We designed this study to test the effect of SCS in an animal model of noninflammatory muscle pain. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with an epidural SCS lead on the upper lumbar spinal cord (L3-L4) under isoflurane anesthesia (4%). Ten days after implantation, chronic muscle pain was induced by giving 2 injections of pH 4 saline into the left gastrocnemius muscle, 5 days apart. In experiment 1, SCS was delivered daily (6-hour duration/day) for 4 days at one of 4 different frequencies (0 (sham), 4, 60, and 100 Hz) from day 6 to day 9. Paw withdrawal threshold and muscle withdrawal threshold were measured before the first injection, and before and during SCS daily. Physical activity (distance, crossing, stand, and grooming) was assessed before the first injection, before SCS on day 6 and during SCS on day 9. In experiment 2, SCS was delivered (6 hours) on day 6 at either 60 or 100 Hz. Paw withdrawal threshold and muscle withdrawal threshold were assessed before the first injection, before and during SCS on day 6, and daily for the following 3 days (day 7-day 9). RESULTS: Paw withdrawal threshold and muscle withdrawal threshold significantly decreased bilaterally after the second injection of acidic saline. SCS delivered at 60 or 100 Hz significantly reversed the decreased paw withdrawal threshold and muscle withdrawal threshold bilaterally when compared with that of sham SCS, but 4 Hz SCS had no effect on paw withdrawal threshold and muscle withdrawal threshold. SCS (60 or 100 Hz) delivered daily provided a persistently reversed effect, and SCS delivered singly provided a carryover effect for 24 hours. During 60 Hz SCS, the distance traveled and the number of crossings increased significantly when compared with that of sham SCS. CONCLUSIONS: The current study shows that higher frequencies of SCS (60 and 100 Hz) significantly reduce mechanical hyperalgesia of the paw and muscle in an animal model of noninflammatory muscle pain, and 60 Hz SCS restores physical activity levels of animals, not 4 Hz.

Negative gallbladder stones: Diagnostic advantages of dual-energy CT and analysis of a unique case.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder stones are a common digestive system disease, but their diagnosis can be limited in some cases, especially in identifying "negative" stones, which may be difficult to recognize with traditional CT scans. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the advantages of dual-energy CT in diagnosing negative gallbladder stones through a unique case of gallbladder stones. METHODS AND RESULTS: A case of a 31-year-old female is described, who was diagnosed with gallbladder stones during a physical examination two years ago and occasionally experienced pain in the upper right abdomen. Dual-energy CT scanning revealed a mixed-density stone, approximately 2 cm in diameter, in the neck of the gallbladder, consisting of a calcified shell (positive stone) and a homogenous density nucleus (negative stone). Verified by dual-energy CT, single-energy images and spectral curves can very intuitively identify negative stones, demonstrating significantly superior performance compared to traditional CT. CONCLUSION: Dual-energy CT, through single-energy images and spectral curves, intuitively identifies negative gallbladder stones, showcasing significant advantages compared to traditional CT, and offers a valuable approach to enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of gallbladder stones.

Geographic disparities of dietary inflammatory index and its association with hypertension in middle-aged and elders in China: results from a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Background: Geographic distribution of dietary inflammatory index (DII) in China has not been thoroughly evaluated and evidence on the association between DII and hypertension among Chinese middle-aged and older population was inadequate. Objective: To investigate the geographic disparities of DII and its association with hypertension among Chinese middle-aged and elders. Methods: Data was from the China Adults Chronic Diseases and Nutrition Surveillance (CACDNS 2015) for middle-aged and older participants. The DII for each participant was determined through a combination of 3 days 24 h dietary recall interviews and a food frequency questionnaire. Spatial analysis was employed to investigate the geographic distribution of DII in China. Restricted cubic spline models and binary logistic regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between DII and hypertension. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied for identifying key hypertension-related factors, which was then included in the establishment of a risk prediction nomogram model, with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) being built to evaluate its discriminatory power for hypertension. Results: A total of 52,087 middle-aged and older participants were included in the study, among whom 36.6% had hypertension. it revealed that a clear spatial correlation in the national distribution of DII scores (Moran I: 0.252, p = 0.001), with higher DII scores concentrated in the northwest region and lower DII scores concentrated in the southeast region. Hypertensive participants had higher DII scores compared to those without hypertension (OR: 1.507 vs. 1.447, p = 0.003). Restricted cubic spline models and binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated a positive association between DII and hypertension after adjusting for potential confounding factors. There was a significant increasing trend in the proportion of hypertensive individuals as DII scores increase (p for trend = 0.004). The nomogram model, constructed using key factors identified through LASSO regression, demonstrated a robust discriminative capacity, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 73.2% (95% CI, 72.4-74.0%). Decision curve analysis confirmed the reliability and effectiveness of the nomogram model. Sensitivity analysis conducted within the subpopulation aged under 45 years yielded results consistent with the primary analysis. Conclusion: In Chinese adults middle-aged and older, geographic disparities in dietary inflammatory potential are notable, with lower levels observed in the southeastern coastal regions of China and higher levels in the northwestern regions. Meanwhile, there is a positive association between the inflammatory potential of the diet and hypertension. Additional research is needed to investigate regional disparities in dietary inflammatory potential and pinpoint specific dietary patterns associated with lower inflammation.