The neural representations of valence transformation in indole processing.

Indole is often associated with a sweet and floral odor typical of jasmine flowers at low concentrations and an unpleasant, animal-like odor at high concentrations. However, the mechanism whereby the brain processes this opposite valence of indole is not fully understood yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying indole valence encoding in conversion and nonconversion groups using the smelling task to arouse pleasantness. For this purpose, 12 conversion individuals and 15 nonconversion individuals participated in an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm with low (low-indole) and high (high-indole) indole concentrations in which valence was manipulated independent of intensity. The results of this experiment showed that neural activity in the right amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex and insula was associated with valence independent of intensity. Furthermore, activation in the right orbitofrontal cortex in response to low-indole was positively associated with subjective pleasantness ratings. Conversely, activation in the right insula and amygdala in response to low-indole was positively correlated with anticipatory hedonic traits. Interestingly, while amygdala activation in response to high-indole also showed a positive correlation with these hedonic traits, such correlation was observed solely with right insula activation in response to high-indole. Additionally, activation in the right amygdala in response to low-indole was positively correlated with consummatory pleasure and hedonic traits. Regarding olfactory function, only activation in the right orbitofrontal cortex in response to high-indole was positively correlated with olfactory identification, whereas activation in the insula in response to low-indole was negatively correlated with the level of self-reported olfactory dysfunction. Based on these findings, valence transformation of indole processing in the right orbitofrontal cortex, insula, and amygdala may be associated with individual hedonic traits and perceptual differences.

Does adjunctive fixation in conjunction with miniplate affect condylar position and morphology after mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy? A retrospective 3-dimensional CT comparative study.

To minimize condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO), surgeons add either a bicortical screw or a two-hole plate distal to the conventional single miniplate. Since there have been no previous studies investigating the effect of this combination, our study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of these adjunctive fixation methods (AFM) on condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with retruded mandibles who were treated in the Department of Orthognathic and TMJ Surgery at West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. The patients were divided into two groups based on the primary predictor variable, which was the addition of AFM - either a single bicortical screw or a two-hole plate in addition to the single miniplate. The primary outcome variable was the condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. Three-dimensional facial CT scans were obtained at three different time points (preoperatively - T0, 1 week postoperatively - T1, and 1 year postoperatively - T2) and analyzed using ITK-SNAP, 3D Slicer, and SlicerSALT software. Intergroup comparisons were conducted with an independent t-test, with a p-value of <0.05 considered significant. Correlations between the variables were estimated by Pearson correlation. The study comprised 51 patients (32 females, 19 males; mean age 25.13 ± 4.24 years), involving a total of 81 condyles (21 unilateral and 60 bilateral). There was a significant difference in long-term condylar displacement in favor of AFM along with a single miniplate (p < 0.001). The bicortical screw group recorded less condylar displacement than the two-hole plate group horizontally (0.11 mm vs 0.22 mm) and sagittally (0.03 mm vs 0.17 mm), but more vertically (0.85 mm vs 0.03 mm). Bone formation associated with AFM occurred on all condylar surfaces, compared with only three surfaces in the single miniplate group. The adjunctive method in addition to the single miniplate fixation method showed less condylar displacement and more bone apposition after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. The follow-up duration variable was the only significant determinant for volumetric changes in the condyle.

Literature Review: Mechanism, Indications, and Clinical Efficacy of Peripheral Nerve Stimulators in Lower Extremity Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lower extremity pain is deemed by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be a significant source of chronic pain in adults. If not appropriately managed, patients are subjected to risks of prolonged musculoskeletal dysfunction, disruption to quality of life, and elevated healthcare expenditures. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has shown great potential in recent years demonstrating efficacy in multiple diagnoses ranging from acute post-surgical pain to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This study seeks to delineate efficacy of peripheral neuromodulation in the context of chronic lower extremity pain. RECENT FINDINGS: Prevailing clinical studies demonstrate evidence levels ranging from II to V (Oxford Centre of Level of Evidence) in lower limb PNS, attaining positive outcomes in pain scores, opioid use, and quality of life measures. Nerves most frequently targeted are the sciatic and femoral nerves with post-amputation pain and CRPS most commonly investigated for efficacy. PNS is a promising therapeutic modality demonstrated to be effective for a variety of nociceptive and neuropathic pain conditions in the lower extremity. PNS offers chronic pain physicians a powerful tool in the multi-modal management of lower limb chronic pain.

MI-DenseCFNet: deep learning-based multimodal diagnosis models for Aureus and Aspergillus pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To build and merge a diagnostic model called multi-input DenseNet fused with clinical features (MI-DenseCFNet) for discriminating between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (SAP) and Aspergillus pneumonia (ASP) and to evaluate the significant correlation of each clinical feature in determining these two types of pneumonia using a random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. This will enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in distinguishing between SAP and ASP. METHODS: In this study, 60 patients with clinically confirmed SAP and ASP, who were admitted to four large tertiary hospitals in Kunming, China, were included. Thoracic high-resolution CT lung windows of all patients were extracted from the picture archiving and communication system, and the corresponding clinical data of each patient were collected. RESULTS: The MI-DenseCFNet diagnosis model demonstrates an internal validation set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. Its external validation set demonstrates an AUC of 0.83. The model requires only 10.24s to generate a categorical diagnosis and produce results from 20 cases of data. Compared with high-, mid-, and low-ranking radiologists, the model achieves accuracies of 78% vs. 75% vs. 60% vs. 40%. Eleven significant clinical features were screened by the random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. CONCLUSION: The MI-DenseCFNet multimodal diagnosis model can effectively diagnose SAP and ASP, and its diagnostic performance significantly exceeds that of junior radiologists. The 11 important clinical features were screened in the constructed random forest dichotomous diagnostic model, providing a reference for clinicians. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: MI-DenseCFNet could provide diagnostic assistance for primary hospitals that do not have advanced radiologists, enabling patients with suspected infections like Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia or Aspergillus pneumonia to receive a quicker diagnosis and cut down on the abuse of antibiotics. KEY POINTS: • MI-DenseCFNet combines deep learning neural networks with crucial clinical features to discern between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and Aspergillus pneumonia. • The comprehensive group had an area under the curve of 0.92, surpassing the proficiency of junior radiologists. • This model can enhance a primary radiologist's diagnostic capacity.

[Preliminary Study on the Relationship between the Developmental Stage of Multiple Myeloma Disease and the Results of Bone Marrow Whole Exome Sequencing].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic results of whole exome sequencing of bone marrow from new onset multiple myeloma (MM) patients to analyze the process of genetic clonal evolution in MM patients. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from bone marrow samples of 15 MM patients and the whole exomes sequencing was performed using next generation sequencing technology. Using own buccal cells as germline controls, combinated with clinical information, the mutation profile of genes from high-risk asymptomatic myeloma to symptomatic myeloma were analyzed, and genes that may be associated with the efficacy and side effects of bortezomib were screened. RESULTS: Except for two patients in whom no peripheral neuropathy was observed after a short treatment period, other patients peripheral neuropathy developed of various degrees during treatment with bortezomib containing chemotherapy, and the vast majority of patients achieved remission after receiving this bortezomib-related chemotherapy regimen. All patients had comparable levels of the inherited mutations number, but the somatic mutations was correlated with disease evolution. CONCLUSION: different gene "mutational spectra" exist in myeloma patients at different stages and are associated with progression through all stages of the disease.

Comparative Descriptive Analysis of Physician Versus Patient-Directed Gabapentin Usage In Chronic Pain - A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Gabapentin is one of the most common medications employed in Pain Medicine, specifically targeting the management of neuropathic pain. We are most familiar with the incremental dosing strategy where a ceiling dose is eventually attained guided by efficacy and patient tolerance, after which a fixed dosing regimen is prescribed. We propose that autonomous short-term dose variations per patient could have rapid clinically significant effects in the management of chronic pain. OBJECTIVES: This study examines the frequency at which patients take gabapentin on a fixed vs variable schedule and how the pattern of gabapentin use correlates with efficacy, side effects, and patient satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN: Single institution, cross-sectional observational survey study with data collection performed over 2 phases as a pilot for proof of concept. SETTING: Remote contact via telephone with researchers calling from a quiet, private location within the hospital complex conducive for confidential conversation. METHODS: Patients recently prescribed gabapentin were queried on the patterns of use and self-perceived efficacy, satisfaction, and side effects in accordance to a standardized oral script. Patients selected met the criteria of being new patients freshly prescribed gabapentin who have been consistently on the medication for at least a month, while having chronic pain symptoms for over 3 months. Responses were collected in the form of a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients, 92 patients agreed to participate in the survey for a response rate of 41.4. Of these, 51% had terminated the medication for various reasons. Of the patients still taking gabapentin, 73% were on a fixed schedule, while 27% were on a variable dosing schedule. Variable dosing cohort reported better efficacy (P = 0.027) and satisfaction (P = 0.036), while the side-effect profile between the 2 groups was similar. LIMITATIONS: The study is limited by its nature of being a pilot, single-institution study performed on a relatively small sample size. None of the patients we surveyed had been given the autonomy to adjust gabapentin doses by their providers and this could significantly reduce the proportion of patients who would be encouraged to run a variable dosing regimen. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that a significant portion of patients choose to administer variable doses of gabapentin and associate this with better efficacy and satisfaction. A larger study is needed to confirm this supposition. Based upon this pilot study, the variable dosing option may be an option for improved therapeutic efficacy or as an alternative to those whose lifestyles do not allow for fixed dosing regimens. Discussion of the risks of gabapentin, including respiratory depression, and clear dosage parameters of use, would need to be outlined when considering a variable dose regimen.

Childhood trauma and social support affect symptom profiles through cortical thickness abnormalities in major depressive disorder: A structural equation modeling analysis.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma, low social support, and alexithymia are recognized as risk factors for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the mechanisms of risk factors, symptoms, and corresponding structural brain abnormalities in MDD are not fully understood. Structural equation modeling (SEM) has advantages in studying multivariate interrelationships. We aim to illustrate their relationships using SEM. METHODS: 313 MDD patients (213 female; mean age 42.49 years) underwent magnetic resonance imaging and completed assessments. We integrated childhood trauma, alexithymia, social support, anhedonia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and cortical thickness into a multivariate SEM. RESULTS: We first established the risk factors-clinical phenotype SEM with an adequate fit. Cortical thickness results show a negative correlation of childhood trauma with the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) (p = 0.012), and social support was negatively correlated with the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) (p < 0.001). The final good fit SEM (χ2 = 32.92, df = 21, χ2/df = 1.57, CFI = 0.962, GFI = 0.978, RMSEA = 0.043) suggested two pathways, with left PCC thickness mediating the relationship between social support and suicidal ideation, and left MTG thickness mediating between childhood trauma and anhedonia/anxiety. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence for the impact of risk factor variables on the brain structure and clinical phenotype of MDD patients. Insufficient social support and childhood trauma might lead to corresponding cortical abnormalities in PCC and MTG, affecting the patient's mood and suicidal ideation. Future interventions should aim at these nodes.

Identification and evaluation of cruciferous plant volatiles attractive to Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae).

BACKGROUND: The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, has developed resistance to almost all insecticides used for its control. The 'push-pull' method has been shown as an effective control strategy to address this resistance challenge of P. xylostella. The key focus of the strategy is the identification of attractive or repellent volatile components. The aim of this study was to identify attractive volatile compounds released from host plants. Identified compounds were applied in the biological control of this pest. RESULTS: Nine active compounds released into the headspace of seven cruciferous plant species were identified using gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Electroantennographic detection-active compounds included five green leaf volatiles (hexanal, trans-2-hexen-1-ol, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, and 1-penten-3-ol), three isothiocyanates (isopropyl isothiocyanate, allyl isothiocyanate, and butyl isothiocyanate), and nonanal. Except for nonanal, all the identified green leaf volatiles and isothiocyanates elicited strong electrophysiological and behavioral responses in P. xylostella. The strongest attractive compounds, trans-2-hexen-1-ol and isopropyl isothiocyanate, were further evaluated in oviposition and field-trapping assays. Results showed that they both lured female moths to lay eggs, and were highly attractive to P. xylostella adults in field, especially when used in combination with yellow and green sticky boards. However, a blend of the two compounds showed no synergistic effect, but rather an antagonistic effect. CONCLUSIONS: Green leaf volatiles and isothiocyanates were identified as key olfactory cues for host selection of P. xylostella. Trans-2- hexen-1-ol and isopropyl isothiocyanate were identified as candidate attractive compounds to serve in a 'push-pull' strategy for P. xylostella control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Thermal/Redox-triggered release of pyrazinic functional molecules by coordination polymers with luminescence monitoring ability.

Storage of volatile active molecules, along with the prolongation of their specific functions, requires the use of regulatable carriers. Pyrazine derivatives are highly volatile compounds with a broad application owing to their flavoring, pharmaceutical, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and insecticidal properties. In this study, pyrazines were stored by coordinating them with cuprous iodide to easily generate a series of luminescent coordination polymer (CP)-based carriers. The CPs could respond to thermal-redox stimuli and manipulate pyrazine release by breaking the labile Cu-N bonds when triggered by the two stimuli. Moreover, the release process could be visualized by decreased luminescence caused by the gradual decomposition of CP structures. The loading efficiencies ranged from 31% to 38%, and the controlled release behaviors accord with the zero-order kinetics. This work is the first to prove that CPs could function as dual stimuli-mediated delivery systems, which hold the potential to control the release and strengthen the usability of functional molecules.

Boric acid group-functional ruthenium complex as a novel fluorescence probe for robust detection of propyl gallate and tert-butyl hydroquinone by tuning the pH.

This study reported a ruthenium complex-based fluorescence probe, achieving rapid and sequential detection of propyl gallate (PG) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) for the first time by tuning pH only. Under 480 nm excitation, probe exhibited intensive emission at 620 nm, which was selectively quenched by PG at pH 7.0 due to the covalent binding between the boric acid of probe and o-diphenol hydroxyl of PG. Then pH was tuned to 7.4, the emission was significantly quenched by TBHQ because of the π-π stacking between aromatic rings of probe and paraquinone of TBHQ. This probe realized specific and sensitive detection of PG and TBHQ with wide range and low detection limit (0.26 µM for PG and 0.66 µM for TBHQ). Furthermore, a portable visual test paper detection platform was built based on this probe for rapid and sensitive detection of antioxidants in food, which was of great significance for market regulation.

Transcriptomics-based investigation of manganese dioxide nanoparticle toxicity in rats' choroid plexus.

Manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2-NPs) have a wide range of applications in biomedicine. Given this widespread usage, it is worth noting that MnO2-NPs are definitely toxic, especially to the brain. However, the damage caused by MnO2-NPs to the choroid plexus (CP) and to the brain after crossing CP epithelial cells has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study aims to investigate these effects and elucidate potential underlying mechanisms through transcriptomics analysis. To achieve this objective, eighteen SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (control), low-dose exposure group (low-dose) and high-dose exposure group (high-dose). Animals in the two treated groups were administered with two concentrations of MnO2-NPs (200 mg kg-1 BW and 400 mg kg-1 BW) using a noninvasive intratracheal injection method once a week for three months. Finally, the neural behavior of all the animals was tested using a hot plate tester, open-field test and Y-type electric maze. The morphological characteristics of the CP and hippocampus were observed by H&E stain, and the transcriptome of CP tissues was analysed by transcriptome sequencing. The representative differentially expressed genes were quantified by qRT-PCR. We found that treatment with MnO2-NPs could induce learning capacity and memory faculty decline and destroy the structure of hippocampal and CP cells in rats. High doses of MnO2-NPs had a more obvious destructive capacity. For transcriptomic analysis, we found that there were significant differences in the numbers and types of differential genes in CP between the low- and high-dose groups compared to the control. Through GO terms and KEGG analysis, high-dose MnO2-NPs significantly affected the expression of transporters, ion channel proteins, and ribosomal proteins. There were 17 common differentially expressed genes. Most of them were transporter and binding genes on the cell membrane, and some of them had kinase activity. Three genes, Brinp, Synpr and Crmp1, were selected for qRT-PCR to confirm their expression differences among the three groups. In conclusion, high-dose MnO2-NPs exposure induced abnormal neurobehaviour, impaired memory function, destroyed the structure of the CP and changed its transcriptome in rats. The most significant DEGs in the CP were within the transport system.

Association between lipoprotein(a) and peripheral arterial disease in coronary artery bypass grafting patients.

OBJECTIVE: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects a large population and is associated with various adverse clinical outcomes. Lipoprotein(a) has proatherogenic properties and is associated with PAD incidence and severity. The aim of this study is to explore the association between LP(a) and PAD in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. METHODS: A total of 1001 patients were included and divided into two groups: low Lp(a) group [LP(a) < 30 mg/dL] and high Lp(a) group [LP(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL]. A comparison of PAD incidence diagnosed by ultrasound was made between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore the risk factors for PAD. During the analysis, the influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and gender on LP(a) serum level was taken into consideration. RESULTS: DM history (odds ratio [OR], 2.330, p = .000 for males; OR, 2.499, p = .002 for females) and age (OR, 1.101, p = .000 for males; OR, 1.071, p = .001 for females) were risk factors for PAD. LP(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL was a risk factor for PAD only in female patients (OR, 2.589, p = .003), while smoking history was a risk factor only in male patients (OR, 1.928, p = .000). LP(a) level was not associated with PAD severity in DM patients of both gender. As for female patients without DM, PAD was more severe in the high LP(a) group. CONCLUSIONS: In CABG patients, DM history and age were risk factors for PAD. But a high level of LP(a) was a significant risk factor only in female patients. In addition, we are the first to propose a gender deviation in the correlation between LP(a) serum level and severity of PAD diagnosed by ultrasound.

Electronic structure characteristics of two-dimensional ferroelectric heterostructuresα-In2Se3/ZnSe.

At present, chips urgently need breakthrough development in the power consumption and integration. The chip integrates billions or even tens of billions of electronic components, such as field effect transistor, diode and so on. Therefore, the research and development of new low-power electronic components with smaller size is an effective method to reduce chip power consumption and improve chip integration. In this paper, the ferroelectric field effect transistor (Fe-FET) based on two-dimensional heterostructuresα-In2Se3/ZnSe is proposed. Based on the first principle, the program will analyze the stability and band structure ofα-In2Se3/ZnSe under different stacking modes. In the heterojunction, the microphysical mechanism of ferroelectric polarization affecting the electronic structure is revealed from the aspects of charge transfer at the interface and the asymmetric surfaces with different work function. Combined with the non-equilibrium Green's function transport theory, the transport properties of Fe-FET based on theirα-In2Se3/ZnSe will be studied. The application will provide sufficient theoretical support for research and development of the device based onα-In2Se3/ZnSe structure.

Copper(I)-Iodide Clusters as Carriers for Regulating and Visualizing Release of Aroma Molecules.

Achieving the controlled release of functional substances is indispensable in many aspects of life. Especially for the aroma molecules, their effective delivery of flavor and fragrance is challenging. Here, selected pyridines, as highly volatile odorants, were individually coordinated with copper(I) iodide (CuII) via a straightforward one-pot synthesis method, rapidly forming pure or even crystalline CuII cluster-based profragrances at room temperature. The obtained profragrances enabled the stable and high loading of volatile fragrances under ambient conditions and guaranteed their long-lasting release during heating. Furthermore, the intrinsic emission luminescence of these solid-state profragrances decayed along with the aroma release, which can serve as an additional indicator for monitoring the delivery process. This research sets a precedent for using CuII clusters as dual-purpose release agents and greatly expands their potential applications.

[Expression and Significance of PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in the Bone Marrow of Patients with Multiple Myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression and significance of PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 tumor-associated antigens in multiple myeloma. METHODS: Bone marrow specimens from 122 patients with multiple myeloma were collected and divided into new-onset group (NDMM), complete remission group (CRMM) and relapsed and refractory group (RRMM) according to the disease progression stage. The proportion of CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes, Treg cells and plasma cells in the specimens and the expressions of PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 were detected by multi-parameter flow cytometry. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the proportion of CD8+T and Treg cells among the three groups (P>0.05), while the proportions of CD4+T cells and PC in NDMM group were significantly higher than those in the CRMM group (P<0.05), the ratios of CD4+ to CD8+T in the NDMM and RRMM groups were significantly higher than those in the CRMM group (P<0.05). The expressions of PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in CD8+ T cells was no significant difference among NDMM, CRMM and RRMM groups (P>0.05). While the expressions of PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in CD4+ T cells and PC in the NDMM group were significantly lower than that in the CRMM group (P<0.05). There was significantly difference among the three groups in the expression of PD-1 in Treg cells, of which the NDMM group was significantly lower than that of the CRMM group (all P<0.05). The expressions of PD-1 and CTLA-4 in PC were significantly higher than those in CD8+ T, CD4+ T and Treg cells (P<0.05), the expression of PD-L1 in CD8+ T cells was significantly higher than that in CD4+ T and Treg cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between the immune status of multiple myeloma and the expressions of PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in plasma cells and lymphocyte subsets in vivo.

The Influence of Sleep Disturbance on Chronic Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to present an overview of common sleep disturbance pathologies and their impact on chronic pain, while examining various factors that are implicit in the relationship between sleep disturbance and chronic pain, including neurobiochemistry, anatomy, and systemic mediators, and reviewing recent and landmark literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Earlier literature reviews and studies have introduced the bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbance and chronic pain; that is, impaired sleep may worsen chronic pain, and chronic pain causes sleep disturbance. However, more recent reviews and studies seem to show a more associative, rather than causative relationship. There have been recent studies that attempt to determine mechanisms that link sleep disturbance and chronic pain; the results of these studies were more varied, ultimately concluding that there may be a separate, yet-to-be discovered mechanism that shows the causative relationship between sleep disturbance and pain. There are several neurotransmitters that are involved in the mediation of chronic pain and sleep disturbance as separate entities, and some studies have shown that there may be mechanisms that govern both chronic pain and sleep disturbance as a single unit. Other neuroendocrine substances also serve to mediate chronic pain and sleep disturbance. All these substances are found to be associated with various sleep disorders and are also associated with chronic pain symptoms as well. Inflammation plays a role in chronic pain and sleep disturbance, with an increase in inflammatory substances and mediators associated with an increase or worsening in chronic pain symptoms and sleep disorders. The HPA axis plays a role in chronic pain and sleep disorders, influencing pain and sleep pathways through stress response, inflammation, and maintenance of homeostasis. There are several variables that influence both chronic pain and sleep disturbance, and more research into these variables may further our understanding into the complex pathways governing the influence of sleep disturbance on pain, and ultimately to improve treatment for this issue.

[Application of CD138 Immunomagnetic Bead Sorting Combined with Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization in Multiple Myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of direct fluorescence in situ hybridization (D-FISH) detection without sorting and CD138 immunomagnetic bead sorting technology combined with FISH (MACS-FISH) on cytogenetic analysis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: FISH test results of 229 patients with initial MM were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups, 140 patients were tested with D-FISH and 89 patients with MACS-FISH. The combination probe was designed as P53, D13S319, RB1, 1q21, and IgH. Cytogenetic detection results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total detection rate of cytogenetic abnormalities in D-FISH group was 52.9%, and that in MACS-FISH group was 79.8%. There was a significant difference in the cytogenetic abnormality rate between the two groups (P=0.020). The abnormal genes with the highest detection rate in the two groups were 1q21 and IgH, respectively, while the lowest was P53. There was no significant difference in the percentage of P53 positive cells (positive rate) between the two groups, while D13S319, RB1, 1q21, and IgH showed significant difference in positive cell rate (P=0.0002, P<0.0001, P=0.0033, P=0.0032). There was no significant correlation between the proportion of plasma cells (PC) detected by bone marrow morphology and cytogenetic abnormality rate in the D-FISH group, while there was a correlation between the proportion of PC detected by flow cytometry and cytogenetic abnormality rate (r=0.364). The PC proportion detected by bone marrow morphology and flow cytometry in the MACS-FISH group had no correlation with the cytogenetic abnormality rate and positive cell rate of the 5 genes mentioned above. Additionally, the PC proportion detected by bone marrow morphology and flow cytometry showed significant difference (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: CD138 immunomagnetic bead sorting combined with FISH technology can significantly improve the abnormality detection rate of MM cytogenetics.

Brain microstructural alterations in the left precuneus mediate the association between KIBRA polymorphism and working memory in healthy adults: a diffusion kurtosis imaging study.

Kidney and brain expressed protein (KIBRA) rs17070145 is associated with working memory function and cognitive processes. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these associations are not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the effect of KIBRA polymorphism on brain microstructure and blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) fluctuations using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 163 young adults. We also investigated that whether the imaging alterations mediated the association between KIBRA gene and working memory performance. Voxel-based analysis of DKI data showed that KIBRA C-allele carriers exhibited increased axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD) as well as decreased fractional anisotropy (FA), mean kurtosis (MK) and radial kurtosis (RK) compared with KIBRA TT homozygotes, primarily involving the prefrontal lobe, left precuneus and the left superior parietal white matter. Meanwhile, KIBRA C-allele carriers exhibited decreased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in the left precuneus compared to KIBRA TT homozygotes. Mediation analysis revealed that the DKI metrics (MK and RK) of the left precuneus mediated the effect of the KIBRA polymorphism on working memory performance. Moreover, the MK and RK in the left precuneus were positively correlated with ALFF in the same brain region. These findings suggest that abnormal DKI parameters may provide a gene-brain-behavior pathway in which KIBRA rs17070145 affects working memory by modulating brain microstructure in the left precuneus. This illustrates that DKI may provide additional biological information and reveal new insights into the neural mechanisms of the KIBRA polymorphism.

The Impact of Smoking on the Development and Severity of Chronic Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to examine the impact of smoking and its role on the development of chronic pain and provide a critical review of recent literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies demonstrate the bidirectional and dependent relationship between smoking and chronic pain. Those who are in pain have a more difficult time in the cessation of smoking as well as an increased sensitivity to pain during abstinence, lower confidence, and higher relapse rates. The fear of pain and the anxiety and depression that abstinence causes results in a grim outcome for long-term cessation. The dependent nature between chronic pain and smoking is affected by numerous variables. Providers should consider a multiprong approach to treating chronic pain and targeting smoking cessation treatment by providing motivational therapy, nicotine replacement, and medication therapies to prevent relapse, and providing those who are more likely to relapse with a higher level of care.