Machine Learning Model to Predict Early Recurrence in Patients with Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Planned Treatment with Curative Resection: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Early recurrence is the leading cause of death for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) after surgery. Identifying high-risk patients preoperatively is important. This study aimed to construct a preoperative prediction model for the early recurrence of pCCA patients planned treatment with curative resection. METHODS: This study ultimately enrolled 400 pCCA patients after curative resection in five hospitals between 2013 and 2019. They were randomly divided into training (n=300) and testing groups (n=100) at a ratio of 3:1. Associated variables were identified via LASSO regression. Four machine learning models were constructed: support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), logistic regression, and K-nearest neighbors (KNN). The predictive ability of the models was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, precision-recall curve (PRC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). KaplanMeier survival curves were drawn for the high/low-risk population. RESULTS: Five factors, CA19-9, tumor size, total bilirubin, hepatic artery invasion, and portal vein invasion, were selected by LASSO regression. In both the training and testing groups, the ROC curve (AUC: 0.983 vs 0.952) and the PRC (0.981 vs 0.939) showed that RF was the best. The cutoff value for distinguishing high- and low-risk patients was 0.51. KM survival curves revealed that in both groups, there was a significant difference in RFS between high- and low-risk patients (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study used preoperative variables from a large, multicenter database to construct a machine learning model that could effectively predict the early recurrence of pCCA patients planned treatment with curative resection and help clinicians make better treatment decisions.

Prognostic Value of Fibrosis-4 in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Intravenous Thrombolysis.

Purpose: Although recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment is efficient in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), a significant percentage of patients who received rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) do not achieve a good prognosis. Therefore, the factors that affect the poor prognosis of patients with IVT are needed. The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index has been used as a liver fibrosis biomarker. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the FIB-4 index and functional outcomes in patients with AIS receiving IVT. Patients and Methods: This study prospectively included consecutive patients with AIS receiving IVT between April 2015 and May 2022. We collected clinical and laboratory data and calculated the FIB-4 index. Clinical outcome was poor functional outcome (mRS ≥3) at 3 months after IVT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between FIB-4 and outcome. We explored the interactive effect of FIB-4 and dyslipidemia on poor outcomes, and subgroup analysis was performed. Furthermore, an individualized prediction model based on the FIB-4 for functional outcome was established in the dyslipidemia group. Results: A total of 1135 patients were included, and 41.50% had poor 3-month outcomes. After adjusted by other variants that P value <0.05 in univariable analysis, FIB-4 was independently associated with poor outcomes (OR=1.420; 95% CI: 1.113-1.812; P=0.004). There was a significant interaction between FIB-4 and dyslipidemia on poor outcome (P=0.036), and the independent association between FIB-4 and poor outcome was maintained in the dyslipidemia subgroup (OR=1.646; 95% CI: 1.228-2.206; P=0.001). Furthermore, in the dyslipidemia group, the FIB-4-based prediction model had good predictive value (the AUC of the training and validation sets were 0.767 and 0.708, respectively), good calibration (P-values for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test >0.05), and clinical usefulness. Conclusion: FIB-4 is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in IVT patients with dyslipidemia, which can be used as a simple predictor of their prognosis.

Lipocalin-2 aggravates blood-brain barrier dysfunction after intravenous thrombolysis by promoting endothelial cell ferroptosis via regulating the HMGB1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major contributor to hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) following intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). However, the clinical therapies aimed at BBB protection after IVT remain limited. METHODS: One hundred patients with AIS who underwent IVT were enrolled (42 with HT and 58 without HT 24 h after IVT). Based on the cytokine chip, the serum levels of several AIS-related proteins, including LCN2, ferritin, matrix metalloproteinase-3, vascular endothelial-derived growth factor, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, were detected upon admission, and their associations with HT were analyzed. After finding that LCN2 was related to HT in patients with IVT, we clarified whether the modulation of LCN2 influenced BBB dysfunction and HT after thrombolysis and investigated the potential mechanism. RESULTS: In patients with AIS following IVT, logistic regression analysis showed that baseline serum LCN2 (p = 0.023) and ferritin (p = 0.046) levels were independently associated with HT. A positive correlation between serum LCN2 and ferritin levels was identified in patients with HT. In experimental studies, recombinant LCN2 (rLCN2) significantly aggravated BBB dysfunction and HT in the thromboembolic stroke rats after thrombolysis, whereas LCN2 inhibition by ZINC006440089 exerted opposite effects. Further mechanistic studies showed that, LCN2 promoted endothelial cell ferroptosis, accompanied by the induction of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and the inhibition of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins. Ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (fer-1) significantly restricted the LCN2-mediated BBB disruption. Transfection of LCN2 and HMGB1 siRNA inhibited the endothelial cell ferroptosis, and this effects was reversed by Nrf2 siRNA. CONCLUSION: LCN2 aggravated BBB disruption after thrombolysis by promoting endothelial cell ferroptosis via regulating the HMGB1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, this may provide a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of HT after IVT.

[Comparison of the application of micro-implant screw support and flat guide plate in the treatment of excessive deep overbite of lower anterior teeth].

PURPOSE: To compare and analyze the orthodontic effects of micro-implant screw support and flat guide plate on excessive deep overbite of lower anterior teeth. METHODS: Eighty-two patients with excessive deep overbite of the lower anterior teeth who were treated from January to December 2022 were selected and randomly divided into two groups (41 in each group) by random number table method. Both groups were treated with straight wire arch orthodontic technology, and the anterior teeth were supported by micro-implant screws (micro-implant screw group) and flat guide plates (flat guide plate group), respectively. The effect of upper anterior tooth compression, changes in occlusal plane, and apical absorption were compared between the two groups. SPSS 25.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in SNA angle, SNB angle, ANB angle, U1-PP, U6-PP, and L6-MP before and after treatment between the two groups (P＞0.05). L1-MP significantly increased in both groups after treatment than before treatment(P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in bite opening, Spee curve depth, U1 depression, L1 depression, U6 elongation, L6 elongation and occlusal opening time between the two groups before and after treatment(P＞0.05). The root apex absorption of the mandibular central incisors and lateral incisors in the micro-implant screw group was significantly lower than that in the flat guide plate group(P＜0.05), while there was no significant difference in root apex absorption between the two groups of canines(P＞0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both micro-implant screw support and flat guide plate can effectively lower the mandibular anterior teeth in the treatment of deep overbite in adults, with good orthodontic effects. However, the latter can lead to increased root resorption.

Association between Pre-operative Body Mass Index and Surgical Infection in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Patients Treated with Curative Resection: A Multi-center Study.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between pre-operative body mass index (BMI) and surgical infection in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) patients treated with curative resection. Methods: Consecutive pCCA patients were enrolled from four tertiary hospitals between 2008 and 2022. According to pre-operative BMI, the patients were divided into three groups: low BMI (≤18.4 kg/m2), normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), and high BMI (≥25.0 kg/m2). The incidence of surgical infection among the three groups was compared. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the independent risk factors associated with surgical infection. Results: A total of 371 patients were enrolled, including 283 patients (76.3%) in the normal BMI group, 30 patients (8.1%) in the low BMI group, and 58 patients (15.6%) in the high BMI group. The incidence of surgical infection was significantly higher in the patients in the low BMI and high BMI groups than in the normal BMI group. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that low BMI and high BMI were independently associated with the occurrence of surgical infection. Conclusions: The pCCA patients with a normal BMI treated with curative resection could have a lower risk of surgical infection than pCCA patients with an abnormal BMI.

[Improvement of the mastication function of orthodontics combined with restoration in the treatment of deep overbite with severe lower anterior teeth attrition].

PURPOSE: To observe the effect of orthodontics combined with restoration on masticatory function in deep overbite patients with severe lower anterior teeth attrition. METHODS: From January 2018 to January 2022, a total of 164 deep overbite patients with severe lower anterior teeth attrition were collected and divided into two groups according to different treatment plans: control group(72 patients, with restoration treatment) and experimental group(92 patients, with orthodontics combined with restoration treatment). The chewing efficiency of the two groups was evaluated, temporomandibular joint dysfunction index (DI), muscle palpation index (PI) and cranio-mandibular index (CMI) were calculated. The satisfaction with facial esthetic, the Chinese version of Oral Health Impact Scale-14(OHIP-14) and the repair satisfaction score were evaluated, the occurrence of adverse events between the two groups was compared. SPSS 23.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: After treatment, the chewing efficiency of the experimental group was significantly improved compared to the control group, while the DI, PI, and CMI were significantly reduced compared to the control group(P＜0.05). Compared with the control group, the satisfaction degree with facial esthetic and restoration in the experimental group was significantly higher, while the OHIP-14 score was significantly lower after treatment(P＜0.05). The incidence of adverse events in the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with the control group (6.52% vs 25.00%, P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of orthodontics and restoration treatment can enhance the effectiveness of restoration treatment for deep overbite with severe lower anterior teeth attrition, improve the mastication function and temporomandibular joint balance,satisfaction and quality of life of patients, as well as reduce the risk of adverse events.

A novel NIR-II albumin-escaping probe for cerebral arteries and perfusion imaging in stroke mice model.

In order to guide the formulation of post-stroke treatment strategy in time, it is necessary to have real-time feedback on collateral circulation and revascularization. Currently used near-infrared II (NIR-II) probes have inherent binding with endogenous albumin, resulting in significant background signals and uncontrollable pharmacokinetics. Therefore, the albumin-escaping properties of the new probe, IR-808AC, was designed, which achieved timely excretion and low background signal, enabling the short-term repeatable injection for visualization of cerebral vessels and perfusion. We further achieved continuous observation of changes in collateral vessels and perfusion during the 7-d period in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice using IR-808AC in vivo. Furthermore, using IR-808AC, we confirmed that remote ischemic conditioning could promote collateral vessels and perfusion. Finally, we evaluated the revascularization after thrombolysis on time in embolic stroke mice using IR-808AC. Overall, our study introduces a novel methodology for safe, non-invasive, and repeatable assessment of collateral circulation and revascularization in real-time that is crucial for the optimization of treatment strategies.

Changes in the Non-targeted Metabolomic Profile of Three-year-old Toddlers with Elevated Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.

Objective: To investigate changes in the urinary metabolite profiles of children exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during critical brain development and explore their potential link with the intestinal microbiota. Methods: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine ten hydroxyl metabolites of PAHs (OH-PAHs) in 36-month-old children. Subsequently, 37 children were categorized into low- and high-exposure groups based on the sum of the ten OH-PAHs. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to identify non-targeted metabolites in the urine samples. Furthermore, fecal flora abundance was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. Results: The concentrations of 21 metabolites were significantly higher in the high exposure group than in the low exposure group (variable importance for projection > 1, P < 0.05). Most of these metabolites were positively correlated with the hydroxyl metabolites of naphthalene, fluorine, and phenanthrene ( r = 0.336-0.531). The identified differential metabolites primarily belonged to pathways associated with inflammation or proinflammatory states, including amino acid, lipid, and nucleotide metabolism. Additionally, these distinct metabolites were significantly associated with specific intestinal flora abundances ( r = 0.34-0.55), which were mainly involved in neurodevelopment. Conclusion: Higher PAH exposure in young children affected metabolic homeostasis, particularly that of certain gut microbiota-derived metabolites. Further investigation is needed to explore the potential influence of PAHs on the gut microbiota and their possible association with neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Assessment of causal associations between obesity and peripheral artery disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Several observational studies have documented a potential link between obesity and peripheral artery disease (PAD), although conflicting findings exist. The causal relationship between obesity and PAD continues to be a subject of ongoing debate in the medical community. Objectives: In this study, we employed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the potential causal relationship between obesity and the risk of PAD. Methods: To investigate these causal relationships, we conducted bidirectional MR analysis using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Effect estimates were calculated using the random-effects inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method. Results: We identified eight independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with obesity in 218,735 samples involving 16,380,465 SNPs, all of which met the genome-wide significance threshold (p < 5 × 10-8). The IVW analysis indicates a significant positive association between genetic obesity and multiple datasets with PAD as the outcome: Queue-1 (GWAS ID: finn-b-I9_PAD) (OR = 1.138, 95% CI: 1.027-1.261, p = 0.013), Queue-2 (GWAS ID: bbj-a-144) (OR = 1.190, 95% CI: 1.019-1.390, p = 0.028), Queue-3 (GWAS ID: ebi-a-GCST90018670) (OR = 1.174, 95% CI: 1.014-1.360, p = 0.032), and Queue-4 (GWAS ID: ebi-a-GCST90018890) (OR = 1.194, 95% CI: 1.099-1.296, p < 0.001). However, we did not observe a significant genetic-level association between obesity and PAD for Queue-5 (GWAS ID: ukb-d-I9_PAD) (OR = 1.001, 95% CI: 1.000-1.002, p = 0.071). Furthermore, we conducted a reverse causal MR analysis to explore the potential reverse causal relationship between obesity and PAD. This comprehensive analysis did not provide evidence of a reverse causal association between these two factors. Conclusions: In summary, our study offers genetic evidence suggesting a possible causal link between obesity and PAD. While we did not find evidence supporting the "obesity paradox", prudent weight management remains crucial, as lower weight does not necessarily guarantee better outcomes. As with any study, caution is required in interpreting the findings. Further research is essential to assess the clinical relevance of weight in preventing PAD, which could inform the development of more precise intervention strategies.

Single Droplet Tweezer Revealing the Reaction Mechanism of Mn(II)-Catalyzed SO2 Oxidation.

Sulfate aerosol is one of the major components of secondary fine particulate matter in urban haze that has crucial impacts on the social economy and public health. Among the atmospheric sulfate sources, Mn(II)-catalyzed SO2 oxidation on aerosol surfaces has been regarded as a dominating one. In this work, we measured the reaction kinetics of Mn(II)-catalyzed SO2 oxidation in single droplets using an aerosol optical tweezer. We show that the SO2 oxidation occurs at the Mn(II)-active sites on the aerosol surface, per a piecewise kinetic formulation, one that is characterized by a threshold surface Mn(II) concentration and gaseous SO2 concentration. When the surface Mn(II) concentration is lower than the threshold value, the reaction rate is first order with respect to both Mn(II) and SO2, agreeing with our traditional knowledge. But when surface Mn(II) concentration is above the threshold, the reaction rate becomes independent of Mn(II) concentration, and the reaction order with respect to SO2 becomes greater than unity. The measured reaction rate can serve as a tool to estimate sulfate formation based on field observation, and our established parametrization corrects these calculations. This framework for reaction kinetics and parametrization holds promising potential for generalization to various heterogeneous reaction pathways.

Role of WSOCs and pH on Ammonium Nitrate Aerosol Efflorescence: Insights into Secondary Aerosol Formation.

Efflorescence of ammonium nitrate (AN) aerosols significantly impacts atmospheric secondary aerosol formation, climate, and human health. We investigated the effect of representative water-soluble organic compounds (WSOCs) (sucralose (SUC), glycerol (GLY), and citric acid (CA) on AN:WSOC aerosol efflorescence using vacuum Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Combining efflorescence relative humidity (ERH) measurements, heterogeneous nucleation rates, and model predictions, we found that aerosol viscosity, correlating with molecular diffusion, effectively predicted ERH variations among the AN:WSOC aerosols. WSOCs with higher viscosity (SUC and CA) hindered efflorescence, while GLY with a lower viscosity showed a minor effect. At a low AN:CA molar ratio (10:1), CA promoted ERH, likely due to CA crystallization. Increasing the droplet pH inhibited AN:CA aerosol efflorescence. In contrast, for AN:SUC and AN:GLY aerosols, efflorescence is pH-insensitive. With the addition of trivial sulfate, AN:SUC droplets exhibited two-stage efflorescence, coinciding with ammonium sulfate and AN efflorescence. Given the atmospheric abundance, the morphology, phase, and mixing state of nitrate aerosols are significant for atmospheric chemistry and physics. Our results suggest that AN:WSOCs aerosols can exist in the amorphous phase in the atmosphere, with efflorescence behavior depending on the aerosol composition, viscosity, pH, and the cation and anion interactions in a complex manner.

A Novel Fluorescent and Colorimetric Method for the Determination of Formaldehyde Based on Albumin Nanoparticles-Polyethyleneimine-Ag+ Ion Nanohybrids.

As a carcinogenic substance, high dose of formaldehyde exposure may lead to poisoning and even death. Long-term exposure to low doses of formaldehyde can harm human skin, respiratory organs and immune system. Therefore, it is vital to detect formaldehyde content in real time. In this paper, a simple method for the determination of formaldehyde based on fluorometry and colorimetry was established in the range of 0-1.92 mg·mL-1. A fluorescence protein nanoparticles (BSA NPs) was prepared utlizing bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the raw material. Based on the silver mirror reaction, silver nanoparticles can be generated from the reaction between BSA NPs combined with polyethylenimide (PEI) and silver ion (Ag+) ions complex (BSA NPs-PEI-Ag) and formaldehyde. The fluorescent detection principle for formaldehyde was based on the fluorescence queching of BSA NPs-PEI-Ag system at 514 nm upon the reduction of Ag+ ions by formaldehyde. The colorimetric detection principle for formaldehyde was based on the enhancement of absorption band of BSA NPs-PEI-Ag system at 460 nm and color changes along with the generation of silver nanoparticles after the addition of formaldehyde. The proposed method was succesfully used for formaldehyde detection in real water sample with the recovery range of 106-110%.

Genomic full-length sequence of the HLA-B*13:64 allele was identified in a Chinese bone marrow donor.

Genomic full-length sequence of HLA-B*13:64 was identified in a Chinese individual by sequence-based typing.

[Association of ventricular septal defect with rare variations of the HAND2 gene]. / 室间隔缺损与HAND2åŸºå› ç½•è§å˜å¼‚çš„å ³è”åˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To study the association of ventricular septal defect (VSD) with rare variations in the promoter region of HAND2 gene, as well as related molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 349 children with VSD and 345 healthy controls. The target fragments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced to identify the rare variation sites in the promoter region of the HAND2 gene. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to perform a functional analysis of the variation sites. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to investigate related molecular mechanisms. TRANSFAC and JASPAR databases were used to predict transcription factors. RESULTS: Sequencing revealed that three variation sites (g.173530852A>G, g.173531173A>G, and g.173531213C>G) were only observed in the promoter region of the HAND2 gene in 10 children with VSD, among whom 4 children had only one variation site. The dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that g.173531213C>G reduced the transcriptional activity of the HAND2 gene promoter. EMSA and transcription factor prediction revealed that g.173531213C>G created a binding site for transcription factor. CONCLUSIONS: The rare variation, g.173531213C>G, in the promoter region of the HAND2 gene participates in the development and progression of VSD possibly by affecting the binding of transcription factors.

The mothers' breastfeeding behaviour within six weeks postpartum: new scale development and psychometric validation study.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of mothers' breastfeeding behaviour within 6 weeks postpartum could help health workers comprehensively identify maternal breastfeeding shortcomings, clarify nursing problems, and provide targeted interventions. However, no prior study was found, therefore this study aimed to develop and validate the reliability and validity of the mothers' breastfeeding behaviour scale within 6 weeks postpartum. METHODS: A main two-step approach was used: (1) a qualitative pilot study using the purposive sampling method was adopted to test the fitness, simplicity, and clarity of items with 30 mothers; (2) a cross-sectional survey using the convenient sampling method was conducted for item analysis and psychometric validation with 600 mothers. RESULTS: The final version of the scale consisted of 36 items with seven dimensions, explaining 68.852% of the total variance. The Cronbach's α, split-half, and retest coefficients were 0.958, 0.843, and 0.753, respectively. The validity of the scale: (1) Content validity: content validity index (CVI) range of items was between 0.882 and 1.000. The scale-level-CVI was 0.990. (2) Structure validity: The fitting indices were as follows: χ2/ⅆf =2.239, RMR = 0.049, RMSEA = 0.069, TLI = 0.893, CFI = 0.903, IFI = 0.904, PGFI = 0.674, and PNFI = 0.763. (3) Convergent validity: The composite reliability and average variance extracted (AVE) of the seven dimensions were between 0.876 and 0.920 and between 0.594 and 0.696. (4) Distinguish validity: The correlation coefficients were less than the square root of the AVE, except for self-decision behaviour, self-coping behaviour, and self-control behaviour. However, the fit index of the original three-factor model was better than that of the other new models, with significant differences (P < 0.001). (5) Calibration validity: The area under the curve was 0.860 or 0.898 when the scale was used to predict exclusive or any breastfeeding at 42 days. The correlation coefficients of the maternal breasting feeding evaluation scale, breastfeeding self-efficacy short-form scale, and the scale were 0.569 and 0.674, respectively. CONCLUSION: The newly developed mothers' breastfeeding behaviour scale within 6 weeks postpartum consists of 36 items belonging to seven dimensions with good reliability and validity and is a reliable and valid instrument to be used in future maternal breastfeeding behaviour assessments and interventions.

Case report: Coexistence of sigmoid tumor with unusual pathological features and multiple colorectal neuroendocrine tumors with lymph node metastases.

The coexistence of adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) in the same tumor is rare. What is rarer is that the neuroendocrine component is a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) Grade (G) 1. Most colorectal NETs are single, but multiple neuroendocrine tumors (M-NETs) are rare. Well-differentiated NETs rarely metastasize. Here, we present a unique case of a synchronous sigmoid tumor and multiple colorectal NETs with lymph node metastases. The sigmoid tumor consisted of adenocarcinoma and NET G1. The metastatic component was NET G1. A 64-year-old man underwent a colonoscopy for persistent changes in bowel habits and positive fecal occult blood for 1 year. An ulcerative lesion, which was diagnosed as colon cancer, was seen in the sigmoid colon. In addition, scattered lesions could be seen in the colon and rectum. Surgical resection was performed. Pathological findings suggested that the ulcerative lesion was composed of 80% adenocarcinoma and 20% neuroendocrine component (NET G1), while the remaining lesions were consistent with NET G1. At the same time, 11 lymph nodes around the resected intestinal segment were invaded by NET G1. The prognosis of the patient was good. After 13 months of follow-up, no recurrence and no metastasis were found. We hope to provide a reference and improve our understanding of the clinicopathological features and biological behavior of these unique tumors. We also aim to emphasize the importance of radical surgery and individualized treatment.

Which mothers' breastfeeding behaviours within six weeks postpartum do health workers need to notice? Developing an indicator system based on the Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process.

OBJECTIVE: The six weeks postpartum is the high-incidence period of stopping breastfeeding. The clarity of the internal mechanism of behaviour was an effective way to promote breastfeeding. The aim was to reach a consensus on indicators what should be used and prioritised in evaluating mothers' breastfeeding behaviour within six weeks postpartum in order to provide a theoretical reference for health workers to take targeted strategies toward promoting breastfeeding practices. DESIGN: Two rounds of Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process was conducted in this study. The two-rounds Delphi was performed to select essential indicators and collect revised suggestion. The analytic hierarchy process was adopted for pairwise comparison to rank the significance of primary and secondary indicators. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The panel included twenty experts with rich breastfeeding information and different general characteristics from China. FINDINGS: Consensus was achieved to include three primary indicators, seven secondary indicators, and forty-five tertiary indicators in the final indicators system of the mothers' breastfeeding behaviour within six weeks postpartum. The weight sequence of primary indicators was self-regulation behaviour (0.401), at-the-breast feeding behaviour (0.383), and resource utilisation behaviour (0.216). The rank of the secondary indicators was breastfeeding operation skills (0.267), self-decision behaviour (0.144), self-control behaviour (0.130), self-coping behaviour (0.127), breastfeeding self-perception (0.116), resource acquisition behaviour (0.115), and resource coordination behaviour (0.101). KEY CONCLUSION: The study builds a new and reliable indicators system that intuitively reflects the constituent elements of the mothers' breastfeeding behaviour within six weeks postpartum and provides priorities in primary indicators and secondary indicators. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICES: The study helps form a clear and scientific cognition on mothers' breastfeeding behaviour within six weeks postpartum and provides a new perspective and intuitive theoretical reference for health workers to take targeted measures to promote breastfeeding practices and achieve substantial public health gains.

A review of the current research on in vivo and in vitro detection for alpha-synuclein: a biomarker of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is a health-threatening neurodegenerative disease of the elderly with clinical manifestations of motor and non-motor deficits such as tremor palsy and loss of smell. Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is the pathological basis of PD, it can abnormally aggregate into insoluble forms such as oligomers, fibrils, and plaques, causing degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra in the patient's brain and the formation of Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neuritis (LN) inclusions. As a result, achieving α-Syn aggregate detection in the early stages of PD can effectively stop or delay the progression of the disease. In this paper, we provide a brief overview and analysis of the molecular structures and α-Syn in vivo and in vitro detection methods, such as mass spectrometry, antigen-antibody recognition, electrochemical sensors, and imaging techniques, intending to provide more technological support for detecting α-Syn early in the disease and intervening in the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Heterogeneous uptake of NO2 by sodium acetate droplets and secondary nitrite aerosol formation.

The high NO3- concentration in fine particulate matters (PM2.5) during heavy haze events has attracted much attention, but the formation mechanism of nitrates remains largely uncertain, especially concerning heterogeneous uptake of NOX by aqueous phase. In this work, the heterogeneous uptake of NO2 by sodium acetate (NaAc) droplets with different NO2 concentrations and relative humidity (RH) conditions is investigated by microscopic Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (micro-FTIR). The IR feature changes of aqueous droplets indicate the acetate depletion and nitrite formation in humid environment. This implies that acetate droplets can provide the alkaline aqueous circumstances caused by acetate hydrolysis and acetic acid (HAc) volatilization for nitrite formation during the NO2 heterogeneous uptake. Meanwhile, the nitrite formation will exhibit a pH neutralizing effect on acetate hydrolysis, further facilitating HAc volatilization and acetate depletion. The heterogeneous uptake coefficient increases from 5.2 × 10-6 to 1.27 × 10-5 as RH decreases from 90% to 60% due to the enhanced HAc volatilization. Furthermore, no obvious change in uptake coefficient with different NO2 concentrations is observed. This work may provide a new pathway for atmospheric nitrogen cycling and secondary nitrite aerosol formation.

A novel HLA-C*07 allele, HLA-C*07:1024, was identified in a Chinese individual.

One nucleotide replacement at nucleotide 397 of HLA-C*07:02:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA-C*07:1024.