LC-Photo-CIDNP hyperpolarization of biomolecules bearing a quasi-isolated spin pair: Magnetic-Field dependence via a rapid-shuttling device.

Liquid-state low-concentration photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (LC-photo-CIDNP) is an emerging technology tailored to enhance the sensitivity of NMR spectroscopy via LED- or laser-mediated optical irradiation. LC-photo-CIDNP is particularly useful to detect solvent-exposed aromatic residues (Trp, Tyr), either in isolation or within polypeptides and proteins. This study investigates the magnetic-field dependence of the LC-photo-CIDNP of Trp-α-13C-ß,ß,2,4,5,6,7-d7, a Trp isotopolog bearing a quasi-isolated 1Hα-13Cαspin pair (QISP). We employed a new rapid-shuttling side-illumination field-cycling device that enables ultra-fast (90-120 ms) vertical movements of NMR samples within the bore of a superconducting magnet. Thus, LC-photo-CIDNP hyperpolarization occurs at low field, while hyperpolarized signals are detected at high field (700 MHz). Resonance lineshapes were excellent, and the effect of several fields (1.18-7.08 T range) on hyperpolarization efficiency could be readily explored. Remarkably, unprecedented LC-photo-CIDNP enhancements ε ≅ 1,200 were obtained at 50 MHz (1.18 T), suggesting exciting avenues to hypersensitive LED-enhanced NMR in liquids at low field.

Navigation of a Fuzzy-Controlled Wheeled Robot Through the Combination of Expert Knowledge and Data-Driven Multiobjective Evolutionary Learning.

This article proposes a navigation scheme for a wheeled robot in unknown environments. The navigation scheme consists of obstacle boundary following (OBF), target seeking (TS), and vertex point seeking (VPS) behaviors and a behavior supervisor. The OBF behavior is achieved by a fuzzy controller (FC). This article formulates the FC design problem as a new constrained multiobjective optimization problem and finds a set of nondominated FC solutions through the combination of expert knowledge and data-driven multiobjective ant colony optimization. The TS behavior is achieved by new fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and proportional-derivative (PD) controllers that control the orientation and speed of the robot, respectively. The VPS behavior is proposed to shorten the navigation route by controlling the robot to move toward a new subgoal determined from the vertex point of an obstacle. A new behavior supervisor that manages the switching among the OBF, TS, and VPS behaviors in unknown environments is proposed. In the navigation of a real robot, a new robot localization method through the fusion of encoders and an infrared localization sensor using a particle filter is proposed. Finally, this article presents simulations and experiments to verify the feasibility and advantages of the navigation scheme.

A donor twin discordant with Peters anomaly in a twin-twin transfusion syndrome case: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Peters anomaly is a rare form of anterior segment ocular dysgenesis, the antenatal image of Peters anomaly had not been reported. We herein showcased a discordant finding of Peters anomaly in a monozygotic twin complicated with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and exhibited its antenatal sonographic images, CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old gravida 2 para 1 pregnant woman visited our clinic at the gestational age of 18 weeks where TTTS stage III was diagnosed and the following laser therapy was done successfully. Ten days after the surgery, the follow-up ultrasound detected the opacity of both fetal eyeballs in the donor twin and thus congenital cataract was suspected initially. Then magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination was arranged at the gestational age of 23 weeks, and no central nervous system or other anomaly was found. At the 29 weeks of gestation, the opacity of both fetal eyeballs of the donor twin did not clear. The pregnancy resulted in cesarean section at the gestational age of 37 weeks indicated by malpresentation where two male live births were born. Examination under anesthesia was arranged for donor twin after delivery and Peters anomaly was diagnosed based on central corneal opacity with iridocorneal and corneolenticular adhesions. CONCLUSIONS: The prenatal image of Peters anomaly may present as the opacity of the fetal eyeballs similar to congenital cataract. Some cases of the Peters anomaly had been reported with a genetic abnormality, but since our case presented discordant presentation in monozygotic twin pregnancy where both twins are supposed to share the same genetic make-up, therefore other factors that are epigenetic may be held accountable. Nevertheless, a genetic origin of the anomaly in our case cannot be excluded.

Magnolol ameliorates pneumonectomy and monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats through inhibition of angiotensin II and endothelin-1 expression.

BACKGROUND: Magnolol, a major bioactive component extracted from Magnolia officinalis, exerts several beneficial effects, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive activities. PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated whether magnolol has a protective effect on pneumonectomy and monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in rats. DESIGN/METHODS: The alterations of right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, pulmonary vascular remodeling, histopathological parameters, and related gene expression and signaling pathways in lungs by magnolol treatment were studied in the PAH rats. RESULTS: Administration of magnolol greatly ameliorated the characteristic features of PAH, including increased pulmonary arterial pressure, RV hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Moreover, magnolol inhibited angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/Ang II type 1 receptor (AT-1R) cascade, whereas upregulates ACE2 in the lungs of PAH rats. The overexpression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and ETA receptor occurred in the PAH rats was significantly attenuated by magnolol through inhibition of Akt/ERK1/2/GSK3ß/ß-catenin pathway. Compared with that of untreated PAH rats, higher expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and lower expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and O2- production in lungs were observed in magnolol-treated PAH rats. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that treatment with magnolol reduces the development of PAH induced by pneumonectomy and monocrotaline in rats, and suppressing Ang II and ET-1-mediated processes may contribute to its protective effects. These findings suggest that magnolol may be a potential agent for PAH therapy.

Ultra-wide range field-dependent measurements of the relaxivity of Gd1-xEuxVO4 nanoparticle contrast agents using a mechanical sample-shuttling relaxometer.

The current trend for Magnetic Resonance Imaging points towards higher magnetic fields. Even though sensitivity and resolution are increased in stronger fields, T1 contrast is often reduced, and this represents a challenge for contrast agent design. Field-dependent measurements of relaxivity are thus important to characterize contrast agents. At present, the field-dependent curves of relaxivity are usually carried out in the field range of 0 T to 2 T, using fast field cycling relaxometers. Here, we employ a high-speed sample shuttling device to switch the magnetic fields experienced by the nuclei between virtually zero field, and the center of any commercial spectrometer. We apply this approach on rare-earth (mixed Gadolinium-Europium) vanadate nanoparticles, and obtain the dispersion curves from very low magnetic field up to 11.7 T. In contrast to the relaxivity profiles of Gd chelates, commonly used for clinical applications, which display a plateau and then a decrease for increasing magnetic fields, these nanoparticles provide maximum contrast enhancement for magnetic fields around 1-1.5 T. These field-dependent curves are fitted using the so-called Magnetic Particle (MP) model and the extracted parameters discussed as a function of particle size and composition. We finally comment on the new possibilities offered by this approach.

High sensitivity high-resolution full range relaxometry using a fast mechanical sample shuttling device and a cryo-probe.

Field-dependent NMR studies of bio-molecular systems using a sample shuttling hardware operating on a high-field NMR apparatus have provided valuable structural and dynamic information. We have recently published a design of a compact sample transportation device, called "field-cycler", which was installed in a commercial spectrometer and which provided highly precise positioning and stability during high speed shuttling. In this communication, we demonstrate the first use of a sample shuttling device on a commercial high field standard bore NMR spectrometer, equipped with a commercial triple resonance cryogenically cooled NMR probe. The performance and robustness of the hardware operating in 1D and 2D field cycling experiments, as well as the impact of the sample shuttling time on the signal intensity are discussed.

Frequency of postnatal hydronephrosis in infants with a renal anterior-posterior pelvic diameter > 4 mm on midtrimester ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of antenatal renal pelvic dilatation observed on midtrimester ultrasound screening with the presence of hydronephrosis in newborn infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients who received fetal ultrasound examination at 18-28 weeks' gestation from May 2008 to March 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. A fetal renal pelvic anterior-posterior (AP) diameter > 4 mm was considered abnormal and ≤ 4 mm was considered normal. On postnatal ultrasound, a renal pelvic AP diameter > 3 mm was considered to indicate hydronephrosis and ≤ 3 mm was considered normal. The association of postnatal hydronephrosis with prenatal pelvic AP diameter was determined using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The study comprised 1310 newborn infants: 684 (52.2%) male and 626 (47.8%) female. Multivariate analysis showed a right or left prenatal AP renal pelvic diameter > 4 mm was associated with a higher risk of postnatal hydronephrosis compared with a right and left prenatal AP renal pelvic diameter ≤ 4 mm. Boys had a higher risk for postnatal hydronephrosis than girls (odds ratio = 2.42, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An antenatal renal pelvic AP diameter > 4 mm on midtrimester ultrasound is predictive of postnatal hydronephrosis.

Simple method for the generation of multiple homogeneous field volumes inside the bore of superconducting magnets.

Standard Magnetic Resonance magnets produce a single homogeneous field volume, where the analysis is performed. Nonetheless, several modern applications could benefit from the generation of multiple homogeneous field volumes along the axis and inside the bore of the magnet. In this communication, we propose a straightforward method using a combination of ring structures of permanent magnets in order to cancel the gradient of the stray field in a series of distinct volumes. These concepts were demonstrated numerically on an experimentally measured magnetic field profile. We discuss advantages and limitations of our method and present the key steps required for an experimental validation.

First trimester combined test for Down syndrome screening in unselected pregnancies - a report of a 13-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the performance of the first trimester Down syndrome screening in a single medical center in Northern Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 1999 to June 2012, a total of 25,104 pregnant women at gestational age of 10 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days received first trimester "combined test" for Down syndrome screening. The test combines the ultrasound scan of nuchal translucency thickness and maternal biochemical serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG). A positive screen was defined as an estimated Down syndrome risk ≥ 1/270, and either chorionic villous sampling or amniocentesis was performed for fetal chromosomal analyses. RESULTS: Seventy-eight of the 25,104 pregnancies were proven to have fetal chromosome anomalies. The detection rates for trisomy 21, trisomy 18, Turner syndrome, and other chromosome anomalies were 87.5% (21/24), 69.2% (9/13), 81.8% (9/11), and 60% (18/30), respectively, with a false positive rate (FPR) of 5.4% (1353/25,026). Further evaluation of the detection rates for trisomy 21, by gestational age at 11, 12, and 13 weeks, were 92.3%, 87.5%, and 66.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The first trimester combined test is an effective screening tool for Down syndrome detection with an acceptable low false positive rate. The best timing of screening will be between 11 and 12 weeks' gestation.

A compact high-speed mechanical sample shuttle for field-dependent high-resolution solution NMR.

Analysis of NMR relaxation data has provided significant insight on molecular dynamic, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of macromolecular functions. However, traditional methodology allows relaxation measurements performed only at a few fixed high fields, thus severely restricting their potential for extracting more complete dynamic information. Here we report the design and performance of a compact high-speed servo-mechanical shuttle assembly adapted to a commercial 600 MHz high-field superconducting magnet. The assembly is capable of shuttling the sample in a regular NMR tube from the center of the magnet to the top (fringe field ∼0.01 T) in 100 ms with no loss of sensitivity other than that due to intrinsic relaxation. The shuttle device can be installed by a single experienced user in 30 min. Excellent 2D-(15)N-HSQC spectra of (u-(13)C, (15)N)-ubiquitin with relaxation at low fields (3.77 T) and detection at 14.1T were obtained to illustrate its utility in R(1) measurements of macromolecules at low fields. Field-dependent (13)C-R(1) data of (3,3,3-d)-alanine at various field strengths were determined and analyzed to assess CSA and (1)H-(13)C dipolar contributions to the carboxyl (13)C-R(1).

Expression of a Hoechst 33342 efflux phenomenon and common characteristics of pluripotent stem cells in a side population of amniotic fluid cells.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the existence of a side population (SP) of cells in second-trimester amniotic fluid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Amniotic fluid samples (n = 35) were obtained, and the number and size of viable amniotic fluid cells (AFCs) were analyzed. Small AFCs (SAFCs) and large AFCs (LAFCs) were isolated using a sterile 10-microm pore size strainer. Hoechst 33342 dye exclusion assay, flow cytometry analysis, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry were used to analyze the characteristics of SAFCs and LAFCs. RESULTS: The mean concentration of viable AFCs from 16 to 21 weeks of gestation was 0.3 x 10(5), 0.8 x 10(5), 1.1 x 10(5), 1.3 x 10(5), 1.0 x 10(5) and 1.0 x 10(5) cells/mL respectively. The mean percentage of SAFCs from 16 to 21 weeks of gestation was 27.3%, 40.5%, 49.7%, 60.2%, 41.0% and 58.2%, respectively. The Hoechst 33342 efflux phenomenon was obvious among SAFCs but was rare in the LAFC population. Flow cytometry analyses showed that cell surface antigen expression on LAFCs and SAFCs were positive for CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD166 and HLA-I, but negative for CD31, CD34, CD45, CD117 and HLA-II. Importantly, Nanog, Oct-4, ABCG2 and SOX2 expression in cells was easily detectable among the SAFC population. Expression of Nanog and ABCG2 was not observed among LAFCs. CONCLUSION: Amniotic fluid contains a SP that was found mostly among the SAFCs. Enriched SP cells isolated by the efflux of Hoechst 33342 could be a novel and promising source of pluripotent-like amniotic derived stem cells for cellular therapy in the near future.

Pregnancy outcomes of Taiwanese women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a comparison of Carpenter-Coustan and National Diabetes Data Group criteria.

AIMS: To evaluate the pregnancy outcome of pregnant women in whom the 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) met the criteria of Carpenter and Coustan (C&C) but not those of the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: The medical records of 10,990 singleton pregnancies, delivered at Cathay General Hospital, Taiwan, between 2001 and 2008, were reviewed retrospectively. All pregnant women followed the two-step diagnostic algorithm for GDM; that is, women with a positive (>or=140 mg/dL) 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) underwent a 100-g OGTT at 24-28 weeks of gestation. The pregnancies were classified as follows: group 1, women without GDM; group 2, women with GDM meeting the C&C criteria but not the NDDG criteria; and group 3, women with GDM diagnosed by NDDG criteria. RESULTS: Of the pregnancies, 10,116 (92%), 489 (4.4%), and 385 (3.5%) were classified into groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Women with GDM by the C&C criteria but not by the NDDG criteria had an increase in macrosomia compared with women without GDM, 22 (4.5%) infants vs. 236 (2.3%) infants, respectively (p < 0.05); however, there were no associated adverse complications. If the C&C criteria were used, the incidence of GDM increased to 874 (7.9%) pregnancies. GDM as defined by either NDDG or C&C criteria identified pregnancies complicated by macrosomia, cesarean section, and gestational hypertension compared with the healthy population (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In a Taiwanese population, using C&C criteria has no added advantages over using NDDG criteria.

First-trimester Down syndrome screening in women younger than 35 years old and cost-effectiveness analysis in Taiwan population.

OBJECTIVES: Outcome of the first-trimester Down syndrome screening in younger population was less reported before. We present the outcome of this screening in Taiwanese women younger than 35 years old. We also test whether or not the first-trimester Down syndrome screening of women <35 years of age and women >35 years old routinely receiving amniocentesis is cost-effective compared with all pregnant women screened with this test in the setting of increased maternal age. METHODS: From 1999 to 2007, the first-trimester Down syndrome screening including nuchal thickness, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and free beta-hCG are provided to 10 811 singleton women <35 years of age with the cut-off of 1/270. A cost-effectiveness analysis of young women receiving this screening and older women undergo amniocentesis versus all women undergo this screening was performed in Taiwan population from 1987 to 2006, in which advanced age pregnancies increased from 2.8% to 11.6% of total pregnancies. RESULTS: Detection rates of trisomy 21, trisomy 18, Turner syndrome and other chromosome anormalies in women <35 years of age are 87.5% (14/16), 50% (2/4), 80% (8/10) and 63% (12/19), respectively, with a false-positive rate of 5.5% (590/10 811). As advanced age pregnancies reached 11.6%, the average cost per one case averted for all women screened ranged from $77 204 to $98 421, while the cost ranged from $99 647 to $116 433 for only women <35 years of age receiving this screening. CONCLUSIONS: In an aging population, the first-trimester Down syndrome screening should be implemented for all pregnant women when it is available.

Gene expression variation increase in trisomy 21 tissues.

Congenital development disorders with variable severity occur in trisomy 21. However, how these phenotypic abnormalities develop with variations remains elusive. We hypothesize that the differences in euploid gene expression variation among trisomy 21 tissues are caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 and may contribute to the phenotypic variations in Down syndrome. We used DNA microarray to measure the differences in gene expression variance between four human trisomy 21 and six euploid amniocytes. The three publicly available data sets of fetal brains, adult brains, and fetal hearts were also analyzed. The numbers of euploid genes with greater variance were significantly higher in all four kinds of trisomy 21 tissues (p<0.01) than in the corresponding euploid tissues. Seventeen euploid genes with significantly different variance between trisomy 21 and euploid amniocytes were found using the F test. In summary, there is a set of euploid genes that shows greater variance of expression in human trisomy 21 tissues than in euploid tissues. This change may contribute to producing the variable phenotypic abnormalities observed in Down syndrome.

Pregnancy in patients on chronic dialysis: a single center experience and combined analysis of reported results.

OBJECTIVE(S): Pregnancy is rare in patients on chronic dialysis, with only a 30-50% rate of successful delivery reported in a previous review article. The pregnancy outcome has improved in recent decades, but data on pregnancy outcome are limited due to the small sample size of previous case series. This study investigated the pregnancy outcome in patients on chronic dialysis over the past 15 years in a single center, and also performed a combined analysis of results of individual cases from previously reported series to obtain overall estimates of rates of successful delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records for a total of 13 pregnancies in 13 women undergoing chronic dialysis (10 on hemodialysis and 3 on peritoneal dialysis) during the period from 1990 to 2006 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Data on the changes in dialysis regimen, medical complications, obstetric conditions, and perinatal problems were collected. An electronic search of PubMed identified 10 case series studies and 12 case reports published after 1990 with adequate individual information available. Pooled data from a total of 131 cases, including our patients (117 hemodialysis and 14 peritoneal dialysis), were analyzed using the chi(2)-test and the t-test to compare the rate of successful delivery and birth weight in the hemodialysis group and the peritoneal dialysis group, and in pregnancies with conception prior to and those with conception after starting dialysis. RESULTS: Among the 10 pregnant women who decided to continue their pregnancies in our hospital, 5 delivered live newborns and 5 pregnancies ended with intra-uterine fetal demise or neonatal death. The overall rate of successful delivery was 70.9% (83 out of 117) in patients on hemodialysis and 64.2% (9/14) in patients on peritoneal dialysis. The birth weight for these groups was 1483+/-116 and 1623+/-320 g, respectively. The difference in the rates of successful delivery in these two groups was not significant (p=0.61). However, the birth weight was significantly greater in patients who conceived after than those who conceived prior to starting hemodialysis (1529+/-132 g versus 1245+/-200 g; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the outcome of pregnancy on chronic dialysis has improved in recent decades, but our study showed no significant difference in the rate of successful delivery between patients on hemodialysis and those on peritoneal dialysis.

Cervical abscess with vaginal fistula after extraperitoneal Cesarean section.

Extraperitoneal cesarean section was once used for the prevention of infection and postoperative adhesion. However, we report an unusual complication after this procedure. A 29-year-old woman had pus discharge from the anterior vaginal wall after extraperitoneal cesarean section. Broad-spectrum antibiotics failed to relieve her symptoms and vaginal culture yielded Morganella morganii . Magnetic resonance imaging, sagittal view, showed a cervical abscess measuring 5 x 5 cm with a tract extending to the anterior vagina. After performing dilation and abscess drainage via the cervical ostium, the symptoms gradually subsided with adequate antibiotic treatment. Cervical abscess may develop after extraperitoneal cesarean section and present initially as vaginal fistula. Detailed imaging study provides comprehensive anatomic information for effective management.