Label-free-based proteomics analysis reveals differential proteins of sheep, goat and cow milk.

Regarding the limited information on species protein differences between sheep, goat, and cow milk, the differentially expressed proteins in sheep, goat, and cow milk and their functional differences are analyzed using label-free proteomics technology to identify potential biomarkers. 770 proteins and 2914 peptide segments were identified. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the relative abundances of the 74 proteins among the sheep, goat, and cow milk. CSN3 and LALBA can be used as potential biomarkers for goat milk, XDH can be used as potential biomarkers for cow milk, and CTSB and BPIFB1 can be used as potential biomarkers for sheep milk. The functional analysis using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that these significantly different proteins were enriched by different pathways including thyroid hormone synthesis and glycerol phospholipid metabolism. The data revealed differences in the amounts and physiological functions of the milk proteins of different species, which may provide an important basis for research on the nutritional composition of dairy products and adulteration identification technology.

A new method to improve RF safety of implantable medical devices using inductive coupling at 3.0 T MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To enhance RF safety when implantable medical devices are located within the body coil but outside the imaging region by using a secondary resonator (SR) to reduce electric fields, the corresponding specific absorption rate (SAR), and temperature change during MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted using numerical simulations with an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) phantom and adult human models of Ella and Duke from Virtual Family Models, along with corresponding experimental results of temperature change obtained using the ASTM phantom. The circular SR was designed with an inner diameter of 150 mm and a width of 6 mm. Experimental measurements were carried out using a 3 T Medical Implant Test System (MITS) body coil, electromagnetic (EM) field mapping probes, and an ASTM phantom. RESULTS: The magnitudes of B1+ (|B1+|) and SAR1g were reduced by 15.2% and 5.85% within the volume of interest (VoI) of an ASTM phantom, when a SR that generates opposing electromagnetic fields was utilized. Likewise, the Δ|B1+| and ΔSAR1g were reduced by up to 56.7% and 57.5% within the VoI of an Ella model containing a copper rod when an opposing SR was used. CONCLUSION: A novel method employing the designed SR, which generates opposing magnetic fields to partially shield a sample, has been proposed to mitigate the risk of induced-RF heating at the VoI through numerical simulations and corresponding experiments under various conditions at 3.0 T.

NFI, a clinical scoring tool for predicting non-alcoholic fatty liver in the Chinese population.

OBJECTIVES: Accurate assessment of early non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is important to reduce the possible complications. The purpose of the present study was to develop a simple algorithm for the screening of NAFLD in the Chinese population based on routine anthropometric data and laboratory tests. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional design. METHODS: The subjects (1145) underwent routine physical examinations. The variables in the NAFLD index (NFI) were obtained by a stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis on 1000 bootstrap samples. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) was used to evaluate the accuracy of the NFI. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index, fasting blood glucose, ratio of alanine aminotransferase to aspartate aminotransferase, and triglyceride were included in the final equation. The AUROC of the NFI was 0.919 (95% confidence interval = 0.901-0.937). An NFI of <31.0 excluded the possibility of NAFLD with a sensitivity of 96.9%, and at a value of >36.0, the NFI could detect NAFLD with a specificity of 98.9%. CONCLUSIONS: NFI was a cost-effective NAFLD-screening model, which had a high accuracy for predicting NAFLD at early stages in the Chinese population.

Prognostic value and immunological characteristics of a novel autophagy-related signature in pancreatic cancer.

Autophagy affects the development, progression, and prognosis of various cancers including pancreatic cancer. To develop an autophagy-related prognostic model of pancreatic cancer, we systematically analyzed gene expression profile from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression. Ten autophagy-relevant genes with potential prognostic values were identified, based on which a prognostic model was constructed. We divided patients into a high- and a low-risk group with this model. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic and Kaplan-Meier curves were conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the model. The Area Under Curvevalues of this model at 12, 18, and 24 months were 0.76, 0.73, and 0.78, respectively. The model was further validated in two Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Gene set enrichment analysis and Cibersort were applied to analyze immune infiltration patterns and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) molecules. The expression of ICB molecules, such as PD-L1 and PD1, presented significant correlation with the risk score. In conclusion, the risk score model established herein has been proved to be robust for evaluating the prognosis of pancreatic cancer and facilitate to improve the efficacy of ICB.

[Normocalcemic with elevated post-operative parathormone in primary hyperpara-thyroidism: 9 case reports and literature review].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of primary hyperpara-thyroidism (PHPT) with normocalcemic parathormone elevation (NPE) after surgical treatment, so as to improve the therapeutic ability and standardized post-operative follow-up of PHPT patients. METHODS: Nine patients who were diagnosed with PHPT in the Department of Endocrinology of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from August 2017 to November 2019 were selected as the subjects. They all developed NPE within 6 months after surgical treatment. The clinical features and outcomes were collected and analyzed retrospectively, in addition, the related literature was reviewed. RESULTS: Clinical features: among the 9 patients, 6 were middle-aged and elderly females and 3 were male. The main clinical manifestations were bone pain, kidney stones, nausea and fatigue except for one case of asymptomatic PHPT. Pre-operative examination showed high serum calcium [(3.33±0.48) mmol/L], low serum phosphorus [0.76 (0.74, 0.78) mmol/L], high 24-hour urinary calcium [8.1(7.8, 12.0) mmol/24 h], obviously elevated intact PTH [(546.1±257.7) ng/L], vitamin D deficiency [25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (21.0±5.7) nmol/L]. Serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase [7 patients 41.3(38.6, 68.4) µg/L, 2 patients >90 µg/L] and N-terminal midcourse osteocalcin (>71.4 µg/L) were significantly elevated. The estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased in 2 patients. Imaging examination: 7 patients had osteoporosis. Renal calculi were found in 3 patients by renal ultrasound. Imaging examination of parathyroid glands found definite lesions in all the patients, including 2 cases of multiple lesions and 7 cases of single lesions. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: two patients underwent parathyroidectomy, while other patients were treated with microwave thermal ablation. PTH increased 1 month after therapy [(255.0±101.4) ng/L], and no recurrent lesions were found by parathyroid ultrasound. After combined treatment with cal-cium and vitamin D for six months, PTH decreased significantly and the level of serum calcium remained normal at anytime during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of postoperative NPE may be related to the higher pre-operative PTH, vitamin D deficiency and lower creatinine clearance. However, NPE may not predict recurrent hyperthyroidism or incomplete parathyroidectomy. Adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation after surgery seems to be beneficial for patients with NPE. Post-operative follow-up of PHPT patients should be standardized to prevent and treat post-operative NPE.

Cystatin C alleviates H2O2-induced H9c2 cell injury.

OBJECTIVE: At present, the incidence of acute myocardial infarction is increasing year by year, and it has become one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate in humans. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a major problem in the treatment of myocardial infarction, but clinically there is no effective way to treat MIRI. This study used Cystatin C (Cys C) to treat cardiomyocytes and rats to investigate the effect of Cys C on MIRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used H2O2 to induce rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) injury and stimulated the cells with Cys C. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of H2O2 and Cys C to stimulate H9c2 cells. We determined the effects of Cys C on oxidative stress and apoptosis levels in H9c2 cells by measuring the activity of dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the expression of apoptosis-related molecules (caspase3/8/9, Bax and Bcl-2). Changes in the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway in H9c2 cells were also detected. In addition, we made rat MIRI models by ligating the coronary arteries and used Cys C to treat rats to verify the effect of Cys C on MIRI. RESULTS: According to the results of the CCK8 assay, 1000 µM of H2O2 and 15 µM of Cys C were used to stimulate H9c2 cells. Cys C alleviated H2O2-induced H9c2 cell injury, manifested as a decrease in LDH and MDA activity and an increase in SOD activity. Cys C also reduced the apoptosis level in H9c2 cells. The activity of NF-κB signaling pathway in injured H9c2 cells was increased, and stimulation of Cys C could inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway in H9c2 cells. The application of Cys C in MIRI rats also verified its therapeutic effect on MIRI. CONCLUSIONS: Cys C reduced the oxidative stress and apoptosis levels of cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the activity of NF-κB signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes, thereby reducing cardiomyocyte injury and treating MIRI.

Sensitivity and uniformity improvement of phased array MR images using inductive coupling and RF detuning circuits.

OBJECTIVE: To improve sensitivity and uniformity of MR images obtained using a phased array RF coil, an inductively coupled secondary resonator with RF detuning circuits at 300 MHz was designed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A secondary resonator having detuning circuits to turn off the resonator during the transmit mode was constructed. The secondary resonator was located at the opposite side of the four-channel phased array to improve sensitivity and uniformity of the acquired MR images. Numerical simulations along with phantom and in vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the designed secondary resonator. RESULTS: The numerical simulation results of |B1+| in a transmit mode showed that magnetic field uniformity would be decreased with a secondary resonator having no detuning circuits because of unwanted interferences between the transmit birdcage coil and the secondary resonator. The standard deviation (SD) of |B1+| was decreased 57% with a secondary resonator containing detuning circuits. The sensitivity and uniformity of |B1-| in the receive mode using a four-channel phased array were improved with the secondary resonator. Phantom experiments using a uniform saline phantom had 20% improvement of the mean signal intensity and 50% decrease in the SD with the secondary resonator. Mice with excess adipose tissue were imaged to demonstrate the utility of the secondary resonator. CONCLUSION: The designed secondary resonator having detuning circuits improved sensitivity and uniformity of mouse MR images acquired using the four-channel phased array.

Pharmacokinetics of diclofenac sodium injection in swine.

The pharmacokinetics of a diclofenac sodium was investigated in swine. A single intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injection of 5% diclofenac sodium (concentration = 2.5 mg · kg-1) was administered to 8 healthy pigs according to a two-period crossover design. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental analysis with DAS2.1.1 software. After a single i.v. administration, the main pharmacokinetic parameters of diclofenac sodium injection in swine were as follows: the elimination half-time (T1/2ß) was 1.32±0.34 h; the area under the curve (AUC) was (55.50±5.50 µg · mL-1 h; the mean residence time (MRT) was 1.60±0.28 h; the apparent volume of distribution (Vd) was 0.50±0.05 L · kg-1; and the body clearance (CLB) was 0.26±0.04 L · (h · kg)-1. After the single i.m. administration, the pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: peak time (Tmax) was 1.19±0.26 h; and peak concentration (Cmax) was 11.61±5.99 µg mL-1. The diclofenac sodium has the following pharmacokinetic characteristics in swine: rapid absorption and elimination; high peak concentration; and bioavailability.

Improvement of 19F MR image uniformity in a mouse model of cellular therapy using inductive coupling.

OBJECTIVE: Improve 19F magnetic resonance imaging uniformity of perfluorocarbon (PFC)-labeled cells by using a secondary inductive resonator tuned to 287 MHz to enhance the induced radio frequency (RF) magnetic field (B1) at 7.05 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following Faraday's induction law, the sign of induced B1 made by the secondary resonator can be changed depending on the tuning of the resonator. A secondary resonator located on the opposite side of the phantom of the 19F surface coil can be shown to enhance or subtract the induced B1 field, depending upon its tuning. RESULTS: The numerical simulation results of rotating transmit B1 magnitude (|B 1 + |) and corresponding experimental 19F images were compared without and with the secondary resonator. With the secondary resonator tuned to 287 MHz, improvements of |B 1 + | and 19F image uniformity were demonstrated. The use of the secondary resonator improved our ability to visualize transplanted cell location non-invasively over a period of 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: The secondary resonator tuned to enhance the induced B1 results in improved image uniformity in a pre-clinical application, enabling cell tracking of PFC-labeled cells with the secondary resonator.

TUG1 promotes diabetic atherosclerosis by regulating proliferation of endothelial cells via Wnt pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the specific role of TUG1 in regulating the occurrence and progression of diabetic atherosclerosis and its underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: TUG1 expressions in coronary artery disease (CAD) tissues, normal arterial tissues, endothelial cells induced by high-dose glucose and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The effects of TUG1 on proliferation, migration and cell cycle of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Subsequently, protein expressions of proliferation-related genes, cell cycle-related genes and Wnt pathway-related genes were detected by Western blot after altering TUG1 expression in HUVECs. Further rescue experiments were carried out to explore whether TUG1 could regulate diabetic atherosclerosis via Wnt pathway. RESULTS: Overexpressed TUG1 was found in CAD tissues and endothelial cells induced by high-dose glucose and TNF-α compared with those of controls. TUG1 overexpression remarkably promoted proliferation, migration and cell cycle of HUVECs. Protein expressions of ß-catenin and c-Myc were upregulated by overexpression of TUG1. Rescue experiments indicated that XAV-939, the inhibitor of Wnt pathway, could partially reverse the increased proliferative and migratory changes in HUVECs induced by TUG1 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: We found that overexpressed TUG1 stimulates proliferation and migration of endothelial cells via Wnt pathway, thereby promoting the occurrence and progression of diabetic atherosclerosis.

Improvement of Electromagnetic Field Distributions Using High Dielectric Constant (HDC) Materials for CTL-Spine MRI: Numerical Simulations and Experiments.

This study investigates the use of pads with high dielectric constant (HDC) materials to alter electromagnetic field distributions in patients during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study was performed with numerical simulations and phantom measurements. An initial proof-of-concept and validation was performed using a phantom at 64 MHz, showing increases of up to 10% in electromagnetic field when using distilled water as the high dielectric material. Additionally, numerical simulations with computational models of human anatomy were performed at 128 MHz. Results of these simulations using barium titanate (BaTiO3) beads showed a 61% increase of [Formula: see text] with a quadrature driven RF coil and a 64% increase with a dual-transmit array. The presence of the HDC material also allowed for a decrease of SAR up to twofold (e.g., peak 10 g-averaged SAR from 54 to 22 W/kg with a quadrature driven RF coil and from 27 to 22 W/kg with a dual-transmit array using CaTiO3 powder at 128 MHz). The results of this study show that the use of HDC pads at 128 MHz for MRI spine applications could result in improved magnetic fields within the region of interest, while decreasing SAR outside the region.

RF Safety Evaluation of a Breast Tissue Expander Device for MRI: Numerical Simulation and Experiment.

This study describes the MRI-related radio frequency (RF) safety evaluation of breast tissue expander devices to establish safety criteria. Numerical simulations and experimental measurements were performed at 64 MHz with a gel phantom containing a breast expander. Additionally, computational modeling was performed (64 and 128 MHz) with an adult female model, containing a virtually implanted breast tissue expander device for four imaging landmark positions. The presence of the breast tissue expander device led to significant alterations in specific absorption rate (SAR) and|B1+|distributions. The main source of SAR alterations with the use of the breast expander device was the saline-filled pouch of the expander. Conversely, the variation of RF magnetic field (B1+) was mainly caused by the metallic port. The measured values of electric field magnitude did not increase significantly due to the introduction of the expander device. The maximum 1g- or 10g-averaged SAR values in tissues near the implant were lower than those expected in other regions of the patient body with normalization of both|B1+|equal to 2 µT at the coil isocenter and whole body averaged SAR equal to 4W/kg.

Oncologists' and oncology nurses' attitudes and practices towards family involvement in cancer consultations.

Family members (FMs) regularly attend cancer consultations with patients, may assume an array of roles (e.g. emotional, informational) and their involvement may result in benefits and/or challenges. Little is currently known about how oncology health professionals (HPs) view FMs who accompany a patient in consultations. This study aimed to explore the attitudes and practices of Australian oncologists and oncology nurses regarding family involvement in consultations. Eleven oncologists and 10 nurses from a range of subspecialties and tumour streams participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analysed using framework analysis methods. Five relevant themes were identified: (1) the varied and dynamic nature of family roles during consultations; (2) positivity towards FMs; (3) the benefits of family involvement to the FM themselves; (4) current HP practices to facilitate positive family involvement; and (5) the challenges of family involvement in consultations and HP practices to manage them. Overall, participants held mostly positive attitudes towards family involvement. Although they identified a number of challenges which can arise when family are involved, many noted these situations are the exception, that there are strategies which can help to overcome the challenges, and that the benefits of family involvement typically outweigh the costs.

Mussel-inspired nanofibrous sheet for suture-less stomach incision surgery.

We report a dopamine-based crosslinker-conjugated gelatin/polycaprolactone nanofibrous sheet. The nanosheet was then employed to treat stomach incisions without sutures during surgery. The mussel-inspired nanosheets, combining the advantages adhesion and tissue repair, show promise for use in treatments of fragile tissues and to avoid suture-caused stress concentration.

A novel method to decrease electric field and SAR using an external high dielectric sleeve at 3 T head MRI: numerical and experimental results.

Materials with high dielectric constant (HDC) have been used in high field MRI to decrease specific absorption rate (SAR), increase magnetic field intensity, and increase signal-to-noise ratio. In previous studies, the HDC materials were placed inside the RF coil decreasing the space available. This study describes an alternative approach that considers an HDC-based sleeve placed outside the RF coil. The effects of an HDC on the electromagnetic (EM) field were studied using numerical simulations with a coil unloaded and loaded with a human head model. In addition, experimental EM measurements at 128 MHz were performed inside a custom-made head coil, fitted with a distilled water sleeve. The numerical simulations showed up to 40% decrease in maximum 10 g-avg. SAR on the surface of the head model with an HDC material of barium titanate. Experimental measurements also showed up to 20% decrease of maximum electric field using an HDC material of distilled water. The proposed method can be incorporated in the design of high field transmit RF coils.

Increased production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and reduced adult life span in an insecticide-resistant strain of Anopheles gambiae.

Control of the malaria vector An. gambiae is still largely obtained through chemical intervention using pyrethroids, such as permethrin. However, strains of An. gambiae that are resistant to the toxic effects of pyrethroids have become widespread in several endemic areas over the last decade. The objective of this study was to assess differences in five life-history traits (larval developmental time and the body weight, fecundity, hatch rate, and longevity of adult females) and energy metabolism between a strain of An. gambiae that is resistant to permethrin (RSP), due to knockdown resistance and enhanced metabolic detoxification, and a permethrin susceptible strain reared under laboratory conditions. We also quantified the expression levels of five antioxidant enzyme genes: GSTe3, CAT, GPXH1, SOD1, and SOD2. We found that the RSP strain had a longer developmental time than the susceptible strain. Additionally, RSP adult females had higher wet body weight and increased water and glycogen levels. Compared to permethrin susceptible females, RSP females displayed reduced metabolic rate and mitochondrial coupling efficiency and higher mitochondrial ROS production. Furthermore, despite higher levels of GSTe3 and CAT transcripts, RSP females had a shorter adult life span than susceptible females. Collectively, these results suggest that permethrin resistance alleles might affect energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and adult survival of An. gambiae. However, because the strains used in this study differ in their genetic backgrounds, the results need to be interpreted with caution and replicated in other strains to have significant implications for malaria transmission and vector control.

Physician-patient-companion communication and decision-making: a systematic review of triadic medical consultations.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review quantitative and qualitative studies exploring physician-adult patient-adult companion (triadic) communication and/or decision-making within all medical encounters. METHODS: Studies were identified via database searches and reference lists. One author assessed eligibility of studies, verified by two co-authors. Data were extracted by one author and cross-checked for accuracy. Two authors assessed the quality of included articles using standardized criteria. RESULTS: Of the 8409 titles identified, 52 studies were included. Summary statements and tables were developed for each of five identified themes. Results indicated companions regularly attended consultations, were frequently perceived as helpful, and assumed a variety of roles. However, their involvement often raised challenges. Patients with increased need were more often accompanied. Some companion behaviours were felt to be more helpful (e.g. informational support) and less helpful (e.g. dominating/demanding behaviours), and preferences for involvement varied widely. CONCLUSION: Triadic communication in medical encounters can be helpful but challenging. Based on analysis of included studies, preliminary strategies for health professionals are proposed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Preliminary strategies for health professionals include (i) encourage/involve companions, (ii) highlight helpful companion behaviours, (iii) clarify and agree upon role preferences of patient/companions. Future studies should develop and evaluate specific strategies for optimizing triadic consultations.

Giant piezoelectricity on Si for hyperactive MEMS.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) incorporating active piezoelectric layers offer integrated actuation, sensing, and transduction. The broad implementation of such active MEMS has long been constrained by the inability to integrate materials with giant piezoelectric response, such as Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)-PbTiO(3) (PMN-PT). We synthesized high-quality PMN-PT epitaxial thin films on vicinal (001) Si wafers with the use of an epitaxial (001) SrTiO(3) template layer with superior piezoelectric coefficients (e(31,f) = -27 ± 3 coulombs per square meter) and figures of merit for piezoelectric energy-harvesting systems. We have incorporated these heterostructures into microcantilevers that are actuated with extremely low drive voltage due to thin-film piezoelectric properties that rival bulk PMN-PT single crystals. These epitaxial heterostructures exhibit very large electromechanical coupling for ultrasound medical imaging, microfluidic control, mechanical sensing, and energy harvesting.

Flight of the Chinese white pine beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in relation to sex, body weight and energy reserve.

The flight distance, flight time and individual flight activities of males and females of Dendroctonus armandi were recorded during 96-h flight trials using a flight mill system. The body weight, glucose, glycogen and lipid content of four treatments (naturally emerged, starved, phloem-fed and water-fed) were compared among pre-flight, post-flight and unflown controls. There was no significant difference between males and females in total flight distance and flight time in a given 24-h period. The flight distance and flight time of females showed a significant linear decline as the tethered flying continued, but the sustained flight ability of females was better than that of males. The females had higher glycogen and lipid content than the males; however, there was no significant difference between both sexes in glucose content. Water-feeding and phloem-feeding had significant effects on longevity, survival days and flight potential of D. armandi, which resulted in longer feeding days, poorer flight potential and lower energy substrate content. Our results demonstrate that flight distances in general do not differ between water-fed and starved individuals, whereas phloem-fed females and males fly better than water-fed and starved individuals.