Rapid Determination and Quality Control of Pharmacological Volatiles of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) by Fast Gas Chromatography-Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor.

INTRODUCTION: A novel analytical method using fast gas chromatography combined with surface acoustic wave sensor (GC-SAW) was developed for rapid determination of the pharmacological volatiles of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). METHODS: The volatile compounds in 20 turmeric samples, collected from different parts and different origins, were assessed by the fast GC-SAW. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to confirm the chemical composition of the main volatiles. The digital fingerprint of turmeric was established and analysed by principal component analysis and cluster analysis. RESULTS: Curcumene (9.1%), ß-sesquiphellandrene (5.1%) and ar-turmerone (69.63%) were confirmed as the main pharmacological volatiles of turmeric. The content of ar-turmerone in lateral rhizome turmeric was significantly higher than that of top rhizome and ungrouped turmeric. The contents of curcumene and ß-sesquiphellandrene in top rhizome turmeric were higher than those in lateral and ungrouped turmeric. The 20 turmeric samples were divided into four categories, which reflected the quality characteristics of the turmeric from different parts and origins. CONCLUSION: The GC-SAW method can rapidly and accurately detect pharmacologically volatiles of turmeric, and it can be used in the quality control of turmeric.

Simulation of SAW Sensors with Various Distributed Mass Loadings Using Two-Dimensional Coupling-of-Modes Theory.

In order to accurately investigate the disturbance of complex distributed mass loading on surface acoustic wave (SAW) propagation characteristics, two-dimensional coupling-of-modes (2-D COM) theory and finite element method (FEM) were used to simulate the responses of SAW sensors. By using the PDE mode of FEM software, four SAW resonators with the loads in different distribution patterns were modeled. Also, we fabricated and measured a series of SAW resonators accordingly. The results showed that the 2-D COM theory combined with the finite element method was able to simulate the transverse modes of the device and the disturbance of the mass loading on the transverse mode effectively, making the simulation more accurate.

Mass Sensitivity Optimization of a Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor Incorporating a Resonator Configuration.

The effect of the sensitive area of the two-port resonator configuration on the mass sensitivity of a Rayleigh surface acoustic wave (R-SAW) sensor was investigated theoretically, and verified in experiments. A theoretical model utilizing a 3-dimensional finite element method (FEM) approach was established to extract the coupling-of-modes (COM) parameters in the absence and presence of mass loading covering the electrode structures. The COM model was used to simulate the frequency response of an R-SAW resonator by a P-matrix cascading technique. Cascading the P-matrixes of unloaded areas with mass loaded areas, the sensitivity for different sensitive areas was obtained by analyzing the frequency shift. The performance of the sensitivity analysis was confirmed by the measured responses from the silicon dioxide (SiO2) deposited on different sensitive areas of R-SAW resonators. It is shown that the mass sensitivity varies strongly for different sensitive areas, and the optimal sensitive area lies towards the center of the device.

Enhanced sensitivity of surface acoustic wave-based rate sensors incorporating metallic dot arrays.

A new surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based rate sensor pattern incorporating metallic dot arrays was developed in this paper. Two parallel SAW delay lines with a reverse direction and an operation frequency of 80 MHz on a same X-112°Y LiTaO3 wafer are fabricated as the feedback of two SAW oscillators, and mixed oscillation frequency was used to characterize the external rotation. To enhance the Coriolis force effect acting on the SAW propagation, a copper (Cu) dot array was deposited along the SAW propagation path of the SAW devices. The approach of partial-wave analysis in layered media was referred to analyze the response mechanisms of the SAW based rate sensor, resulting in determination of the optimal design parameters. To improve the frequency stability of the oscillator, the single phase unidirectional transducers (SPUDTs) and combed transducer were used to form the SAW device to minimize the insertion loss and accomplish the single mode selection, respectively. Excellent long-term (measured in hours) frequency stability of 0.1 ppm/h was obtained. Using the rate table with high precision, the performance of the developed SAW rate sensor was evaluated experimentally; satisfactory detection sensitivity (16.7 Hz∙deg∙s(-1)) and good linearity were observed.

Association between hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio and hospital mortality in patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background: In patients with ischemic stroke, low hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio (HRR) was associated with an increased risk of mortality. However, it was unknown in the non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) population. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between baseline HRR and in-hospital mortality in patients with non-traumatic SAH. Methods: Non-traumatic SAH patients were screened out of the Medical Information Mart for Intensive IV (MIMIC-IV) database between 2008 and 2019. The Cox proportional hazard regression models were utilized to analyze the association between baseline HRR and in-hospital mortality. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis was utilized to determine the relationship curve between hospital mortality and the HRR level and examine the threshold saturation effect. We further applied Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis to examine the consistency of these correlations. The interaction test was used to identify subgroups with differences. Results: A total of 842 patients were included in this retrospective cohort study. Compared with individuals with lower HRR Q1 ( ≤ 7.85), the adjusted HR values in Q2 (7.86-9.15), Q3 (9.16-10.16), and Q4 (≥10.17) were 0.574 (95% CI: 0.368-0.896, p = 0.015), 0.555 (95% CI: 0.346-0.890, p = 0.016), and 0.625 (95% CI: 0.394-0.991, p = 0.045), respectively. The association between the HRR level and in-hospital mortality exhibited a non-linear relationship (p < 0.05). The threshold inflection point value of 9.50 was calculated using RCS analysis. When the HHR level was lower than 9.50, the risk of in-hospital mortality rate decreased with an adjusted HR of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.70-0.90, p = 0.0003). When the HRR level was higher than 9.50, the risk of in-hospital mortality almost hardly increased with the increase in the HRR level (adjusted HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.91-1.53, p = 0.2158). K-M analysis showed that patients with low HRR levels had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a non-linear connection between the baseline HRR level and in-hospital mortality. A low level of HRR could increase the risk of death in participants with non-traumatic SAH.

Association between Triglyceride-Glucose Index and carotid plaque in Japanese population: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies linking Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) Index to carotid plaque have yielded inconsistent results. Moreover, related studies on the population of Japan are rare. This study aims to provide further results. DESIGN: A hospital-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: The Shin Takeo Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: We assessed 1904 Japanese participants (988 men and 916 women) whose mean age was 57±11.9 years, and those participants underwent health check-ups at Shinbuf Hospital at Shin Takeo Hospital from 1 April 2016 to 31 October 2017. METHODOLOGY: Carotid plaque, triglyceride and fasting glucose and other relevant indicators were collected. We used ultrasonography to evaluate carotid plaque. A multivariable logistic regression model and generalised additive model were used to evaluate the association between the TyG Index and carotid plaque. Subgroup and interaction analyses were validated for the consistency of these correlations. RESULTS: Following the adjustment of traditional carotid plaque risk factors, the non-linear relationship between the TyG Index and carotid plaque was investigated. Using a two-piecewise regression model, we calculated the inflection point to be 9.06. The OR and 95% CIs for the inflection points on the left and right sides were 1.70 (1.27 to 2.29) and 0.88 (0.52 to 1.47), respectively. According to the variables tested, the interactions between the TyG Index and all subgroup factors were analysed and significant interactions were not observed. CONCLUSION: In individuals who underwent a comprehensive check-up in Japan, the relationship between the TyG Index and carotid plaque is non-linear. When the TyG Index is less than 9.06, it is associated with carotid plaque.

Association between baseline pulse pressure and hospital mortality in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage patients: a retrospective cohort study.

Background and purpose: Previous studies have described an association between pulse pressure (PP) level and mortality in stroke patients. Evidence of associations between PP level and the risk of mortality remains unknown in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. We aimed to explore the relationship between the baseline PP level and hospital mortality. Methods: This cohort study of 693 non-traumatic SAH adults used Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) data from 2008-2019 admissions to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). PP level was calculated as the first value after admission to the ICU. The endpoint of the study was in-hospital mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to analyze the association between baseline PP level and hospital mortality. Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS) analysis was utilized to determine the relationship curve between hospital mortality and PP level and examine the threshold saturation effect. We further applied Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis to examine the consistency of these correlations. The interaction test was used to identify subgroups with differences. Results: The mean age of the study population was 58.8 ± 14.6 years, and 304 (43.9%) of participants were female. When baseline PP level was assessed in quartiles, compared to the reference group (Q1 ≤ 56 mmHg), the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) in Q2 (57-68 mmHg), Q3(69-82 mmHg), Q4 (≥83 mmHg) were 0.55 (95% CI: 0.33-0.93, p = 0.026), 0.99 (95% CI, 0.62-1.59, p = 0.966), and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.62-1.59, p = 0.954), respectively. In the threshold analysis, for every 5 mmHg increase in PP level, there was an 18.2% decrease in hospital mortality (adjusted HR, 0.818; 95% CI, 0.738-0.907; p = 0.0001) in those with PP level less than 60 mmHg, and a 7.7% increase in hospital mortality (adjusted HR, 1.077; 95% CI, 1.018-1.139; p = 0.0096) in those with PP level was 60 mmHg or higher. Conclusion: For patients with non-traumatic SAH, the association between baseline PP and risk of hospital mortality was non-linear, with an inflection point at 60 mmHg and a minimal risk at 57 to 68 mmHg (Q2) of baseline PP level.

Effect of tracheal intubation on postoperative complications in patients with pulmonary hypertension combined with non-cardiothoracic, non-obstetric surgery.

Endotracheal intubation can be associated with certain complications in certain group of patients. However, the relationship between endotracheal intubation and postoperative complications is unclear in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHTN). This study evaluated the relationship between endotracheal intubation and postoperative complications in non-cardiothoracic and non-obstetric surgery patients with PHTN. A secondhand analysis of non-cardiothoracic, non-obstetric procedures was performed on patients with PHTN between 2007 and 2013 in a hospital at the University of Washington. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios to estimate the association between anesthesia and 30-day postoperative complications. Interaction and stratified analyses were conducted according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists score (ASA), smoking, hypertension, and open surgical approach. A total of 573 patients were included in this study, and the mean age was 60.3; 54% were male. In a multivariate regression model for patients with non-cardiothoracic, non-obstetric surgery combined with PHTN, the risk of 30-day postoperative complications was higher in the tracheal intubation group than in patients with non-intubated anesthesia after adjusting for potential covariates (adjusted odds ratio = 2.47; 95% CI, 1.28-4.78). However, there was no significant difference in postoperative mortality between these groups. Statistical analysis showed no interaction between the variables of tracheal intubation and 30-day postoperative complications. In this study, we found that tracheal intubation anesthesia is associated with increased risk of 30-day postoperative complications in PHTN patients undergoing non-cardiothoracic, non-obstetric surgery. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Association Between High Serum Anion Gap and All-Cause Mortality in Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Analysis of the MIMIC-IV Database.

Background: High serum anion gap (AG) on admission is often correlated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients; however, data in patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are lacking. Herein, we aimed to identify the association between serum AG and all-cause mortality in patients with non-traumatic SAH. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database was performed on critically ill patients with non-traumatic SAH. Serum AG was collected on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, and ICU and hospital all-cause mortality were analyzed. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis were used to analyze the correlation of serum AG with ICU and hospital all-cause mortality. Furthermore, interaction and subgroup analyses were evaluated for the consistency of these correlations. Results: A total of 893 patients with non-traumatic SAH were included in this study. The all-cause mortality in ICU and hospital were 14.8% (132/893), and 18.9% (169/893), respectively. Multivariate analysis after adjusting for potential confounders indicated that high serum AG levels (≥16 mmol/L) were associated with increased risk of ICU and hospital all-cause mortality as compared to that with low serum AG levels (<16mmol/L), (hazards ratio (HR): 2.31 [95% CI: 1.58-3.38]) and HR: 1.91 [95% CI: 1.36-2.67)], respectively). Similarly, the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curve also showed that patients with high serum AG levels presented with a lower survival rate. Stratified analyses further showed that depending on the variable testes, an association between higher serum AG levels and hospital all-cause mortality in different subgroups was observed. Conclusion: Among patients with non-traumatic SAH, high serum AG level at ICU admission was associated with increased ICU and hospital all-cause mortality.

Development of a new surface acoustic wave based gyroscope on a X-112°Y LiTaO3 substrate.

A new micro gyroscope based on the surface acoustic wave (SAW) gyroscopic effect was developed. The SAW gyroscopic effect is investigated by applying the surface effective permittivity method in the regime of small ratios of the rotation velocity and the frequency of the SAW. The theoretical analysis indicates that the larger velocity shift was observed from the rotated X-112°Y LiTaO3 substrate. Then, two SAW delay lines with reverse direction and an operation frequency of 160 MHz are fabricated on a same X-112°Y LiTaO3 chip as the feedback of two SAW oscillators, which act as the sensor element. The single-phase unidirectional transducer (SPUDT) and combed transducers were used to structure the delay lines to improve the frequency stability of the oscillator. The rotation of a piezoelectric medium gives rise to a shift of the propagation velocity of SAW due to the Coriolis force, resulting in the frequency shift of the SAW device, and hence, the evaluation of the sensor performance. Meanwhile, the differential structure was performed to double the sensitivity and compensate for the temperature effects. Using a precise rate table, the performance of the fabricated SAW gyroscope was evaluated experimentally. A sensitivity of 1.332 Hz deg(-1) s at angular rates of up to 1,000 deg s(-1) and good linearity are observed.

Advances in SAW gas sensors based on the condensate-adsorption effect.

A surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) gas sensor with a low detection limit and fast response for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based on the condensate-adsorption effect detection is developed. In this sensor a gas chromatography (GC) column acts as the separator element and a dual-resonator oscillator acts as the detector element. Regarding the surface effective permittivity method, the response mechanism analysis, which relates the condensate-adsorption effect, is performed, leading to the sensor performance prediction prior to fabrication. New designs of SAW resonators, which act as feedback of the oscillator, are devised in order to decrease the insertion loss and to achieve single-mode control, resulting in superior frequency stability of the oscillator. Based on the new phase modulation approach, excellent short-term frequency stability (±3 Hz/s) is achieved with the SAW oscillator by using the 500 MHz dual-port resonator as feedback element. In a sensor experiment investigating formaldehyde detection, the implemented SAW gas sensor exhibits an excellent threshold detection limit as low as 0.38 pg.

[Experimental study of animal cabin with ATM/LP and low oxygen and high carbon dioxide].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of the animal experimental cabin to copy the animal models with ATM/LP and low oxygen and high carbon dioxide environment. METHODS: 60 SPF-class male SD rats were divided into two groups, 20 for normobaric hypoxia control experiments and the other 40 for hypobaric hypoxia control experiments. For each group, examine the pulmonary arterial pressure and carotid arterial pressure indicators of rats by using the multi-detector measurement of physiological, and observe the pulmonary vascular changes in the structure. RESULTS: The ATM/LP and low oxygen and high carbon dioxide environment can promote the formation of pulmonary hypertension and accelerate changes in pulmonary vascular remodeling, promoting right ventricular hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: Clinical applications showed that the animal experimental cabin was observing and controlling accurately, safe, reliable, and the results was reproducible. It can successfully copy the regular low-pressure hypoxia and hypercapnia environment pulmonary hypertension model, in order to study the physiological mechanism of a variety of circulation and respiratory diseases caused by oxygen-poor and provide an experimental technology platform.

[Development and research of animal experimental cabin with ATM/LP and low oxygen and high carbon dioxide].

This paper developed an experimental animal cabin with ATM/LP and low oxygen and high carbon dioxide. It is based on the unitized design of modern transmission technology, industrial measurement modules and configuration software. The cabin successfully simulated an enclosed environment of low oxygen and high carbon dioxide at constant pressure, automatically measured and controlled the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide as well as temperature and humidity in the cabin for the first time. The system provided a technology platform for the equipment supporting clinical COPD study. The result is accurate, stable and reliable and can realize automatic measurement and control of cross. The clinical applications show that the cabin with accurate measurement and control is practical and reliable.

The time course of acute Percheron artery ischemic coma on imaging: A retrospective cohort study.

We were to investigate the time course of lesions for awakening in acute Percheron artery ischemic coma (PAIC), which was previously unknown. Patients who had newly identified acute PAIC events in 2012-2015 and had not received thrombolytic therapy were enrolled retrospectively. The time course of lesions in PAIC was investigated by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Ninety-three patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 63 and 30 had transient PAIC and persistent PAIC, respectively. The time course of awakening events in persistent PAIC decreased over time, with large lesions in the bilateral paramedian thalamus/ rostral midbrain on DWI almost in all patients who was either plus or minus a "top of basilar artery" strokes. Whereas awakening events in transient PAIC increased over time, with small or lacunar lesions in the unilateral or bilateral thalamus/rostral midbrain about in 30.2 % cases, and the rest in naturally recanalization of infarcts or TIA. Lesion volumes were larger for persistent PAIC than for transient PAIC (median, 2.4 cm3 vs. 0.03 cm3, P < 0.0001). In Cox hazards ratio (HR) analysis, a lower GCS score was associated with mortality (HR, 5.5; 95 % confidence interval [CI],1.427-21.45). Multivaliate analysis shown that the predictors of higher risk of persistent PAIC were only increased NIHSS scores (HR,1.3; 95 % CI,1.109-1.640) and large lesions in bilateral thalamus/rostral midbrain (HR,15.0; 95 % CI,1.440-58.13). The time course of acute PAIC included transient and persistent. Most persistent PAIC was associated with large lesions in bilateral paramedian thalamus/ rostral midbrain, and with high mortality.

Quantitative proteomics reveals the key molecular events occurring at different cell cycle phases of the in situ blooming dinoflagellate cells.

Dinoflagellate blooms are the results of rapid cell proliferation governed by cell cycle, a highly-ordered series of events that culminates in cell division. However, little is known about cell cycle progression of the in situ bloom cells. Here, we compared proteomes of the in situ blooming cells of a dinoflagellate Prorocentrum donghaiense collected at different cell cycle phases. The blooming P. donghaiense cells completed a cell cycle within 24 h with a high synchronization rate of 82.7%. Proteins associated with photosynthesis, porphyrin and chlorophyll synthesis, carbon, nitrogen and amino acid metabolisms exhibited high expressions at the G1 phase; DNA replication and mismatch repair related proteins were more abundant at the S phase; while protein synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation were highly enriched at the G2/M phase. Cell cycle proteins presented similar periodic diel patterns to other eukaryotic cells, and higher expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin dependent kinase 2 at the S phase ensured the smooth S-G2/M transition. Strikingly, four histones were first identified in P. donghaiense and highly expressed at the G2/M phase, indicating their potential roles in regulating cell cycle. This study presents the first quantitative survey, to our knowledge, of proteome changes at different cell cycle phases of the in situ blooming cells in natural environment and provides insights into cell cycle regulation of the blooming dinoflagellate cells.

Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Common and Specific Responses of a Marine Diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana to Different Macronutrient Deficiencies.

Macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and silicon (Si) are essential for the productivity and distribution of diatoms in the ocean. Responses of diatoms to a particular macronutrient deficiency have been investigated, however, we know little about their common or specific responses to different macronutrients. Here, we investigated the physiology and quantitative proteomics of a diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana grown in nutrient-replete, N-, P-, and Si-deficient conditions. Cell growth was ceased in all macronutrient deficient conditions while cell volume and cellular C content under P- and Si-deficiencies increased. Contents of chlorophyll a, protein and cellular N decreased in both N- and P-deficient cells but chlorophyll a and cellular N increased in the Si-deficient cells. Cellular P content increased under N- and Si-deficiencies. Proteins involved in carbon fixation and photorespiration were down-regulated under all macronutrient deficiencies while neutral lipid synthesis and carbohydrate accumulation were enhanced. Photosynthesis, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and protein biosynthesis were down-regulated in both N- and P-deficient cells, while Si transporters, light-harvesting complex proteins, chloroplastic ATP synthase, plastid transcription and protein synthesis were up-regulated in the Si-deficient cells. Our results provided insights into the common and specific responses of T. pseudonana to different macronutrient deficiencies and identified specific proteins potentially indicating a particular macronutrient deficiency.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Novel Insights into the Adaptive Response of Skeletonema costatum to Changing Ambient Phosphorus.

Phosphorus (P) is a limiting macronutrient for diatom growth and productivity in the ocean. Much effort has been devoted to the physiological response of marine diatoms to ambient P change, however, the whole-genome molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we utilized RNA-Seq to compare the global gene expression patterns of a marine diatom Skeletonema costatum grown in inorganic P-replete, P-deficient, and inorganic- and organic-P resupplied conditions. In total 34,942 unique genes were assembled and 20.8% of them altered significantly in abundance under different P conditions. Genes encoding key enzymes/proteins involved in P utilization, nucleotide metabolism, photosynthesis, glycolysis, and cell cycle regulation were significantly up-regulated in P-deficient cells. Genes participating in circadian rhythm regulation, such as circadian clock associated 1, were also up-regulated in P-deficient cells. The response of S. costatum to ambient P deficiency shows several similarities to the well-described responses of other marine diatom species, but also has its unique features. S. costatum has evolved the ability to re-program its circadian clock and intracellular biological processes in response to ambient P deficiency. This study provides new insights into the adaptive mechanisms to ambient P deficiency in marine diatoms.

A rapid infusion pump driven by micro electromagnetic linear actuation for pre-hospital intravenous fluid administration.

A rapid infusion pump with a maximum flow rate of 6 L/h was designed experimentally using a micro electromagnetic linear actuator, and its effectiveness was evaluated by comparing with that of a commercial Power Infuser under preset flow rates of 0.2, 2, and 6 L/h. The flow rate, air detection sensitivity, occlusion response time, quantitative determination of hemolysis, and power consumption of the infusion devices were extensively investigated using statistical analysis methods (p < 0.05). The experimental results revealed that the flow rate of the designed infusion pump was more stable and accurate, and the hemolysis was significantly less than that of the Power Infuser. The air detection sensitivity and the power consumption could be comparable to that of the Power Infuser except the occlusion response time. The favorable performance made the designed infusion pump a potential candidate for applications in pre-hospital fluid administration.