Visual SLAM for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Localization and Perception.

Localization and perception play an important role as the basis of autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) applications, providing the internal state of movements and the external understanding of environments. Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM), one of the critical techniques for localization and perception, is facing technical upgrading, due to the development of embedded hardware, multi-sensor technology, and artificial intelligence. This survey aims at the development of visual SLAM and the basis of UAV applications. The solutions to critical problems for visual SLAM are shown by reviewing state-of-the-art and newly presented algorithms, providing the research progression and direction in three essential aspects: real-time performance, texture-less environments, and dynamic environments. Visual-inertial fusion and learning-based enhancement are discussed for UAV localization and perception to illustrate their role in UAV applications. Subsequently, the trend of UAV localization and perception is shown. The algorithm components, camera configuration, and data processing methods are also introduced to give comprehensive preliminaries. In this paper, we provide coverage of visual SLAM and its related technologies over the past decade, with a specific focus on their applications in autonomous UAV applications. We summarize the current research, reveal potential problems, and outline future trends from academic and engineering perspectives.

A Richer Vocabulary of Chinese Personality Traits: Leveraging Word Embedding Technology for Mining Personality Descriptors.

This study uses a data-driven approach to mine the distribution of personality traits among Chinese people in the Chinese social context. Based on the hypothesis of personality lexicology, word embedding technology was employed in machine learning to mine personality vocabulary from Tencent's word embedding database. More than 10,000 Chinese personality descriptors were extracted and analyzed using Gaussian Mixture Model Cluster and Hierarchical clustering analysis. The data was collected from 658 Chinese people randomly from all parts of China through an online questionnaire method. The results reveal six personality traits in the Chinese context, expanding the personality thesaurus and providing examples to illustrate each trait. The findings coincide with previous research on the five-factor model, which partially describes the personality traits of Chinese people, but does not offer a complete explanation of their typical social behavior patterns. Additionally, the study supports the notion of cultural particularity in personality traits. The approach used in this study offers a richer personality vocabulary than traditional personality mining methods, and word embedding technology captures richer semantic information in Chinese. The six Chinese personality traits identified in this study will also be used to explore how to quantify and evaluate personality traits based on word embedding and personality descriptors.

EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling mediated downregulation of glutamate transporter GLAST in Müller cells in an experimental glaucoma model.

Deficiency of glutamate transporter GLAST in Müller cells may be culpable for excessive extracellular glutamate, which involves in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage in glaucoma. We elucidated how GLAST was regulated in rat chronic ocular hypertension (COH) model. Western blot and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that GLAST proteins and GLAST-mediated current densities in Müller cells were downregulated at the early stages of COH. In normal rats, intravitreal injection of the ephrinA3 activator EphA4-Fc mimicked the changes of GLAST in COH retinas. In purified cultured Müller cells, EphA4-Fc treatment reduced GLAST expression at mRNA and protein levels, which was reversed by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2 or transfection with ephrinA3-siRNA (Si-EFNA3), suggesting that EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling mediated GLAST downregulation. EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling-induced GLAST downregulation was mediated by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathways since EphA4-Fc treatment of cultured Müller cells reduced the levels of p-Akt/Akt and NF-κB p65, which were reversed by transfecting Si-EFNA3. In Müller cells with ephrinA3 knockdown, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 still decreased the protein levels of NF-κB p65 in the presence of EphA4-Fc, and the mRNA levels of GLAST were reduced by LY294002 and the NF-κB inhibitor SN50, respectively. Pre-injection of the PI3K/Akt pathway activator 740 Y-P reversed the GLAST downregulation in COH retinas. Western blot and TUNEL staining showed that transfecting of Si-EFNA3 reduced Müller cell gliosis and RGC apoptosis in COH retinas. Our results suggest that activated EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling induces GLAST downregulation in Müller cells via inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathways, thus contributing to RGC damage in glaucoma.

Enhanced toluene gas-sensing properties of MEMS sensor based on Pt-loaded SnO2nanoparticles.

Rapid detection of low concentration toluene is highly desirable in environment monitoring, industrial processes, medical diagnosis, etc. In this study, we prepared Pt-loaded SnO2monodispersed nanoparticles through hydrothermal method and assembled a sensor based on micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) to detect toluene. Compared with the pure SnO2, the 2.92 wt% Pt-loaded SnO2sensor exhibits a 2.75 times higher gas sensitivity to toluene at about 330 °C. Meanwhile, the 2.92 wt% Pt-loaded SnO2sensor also has a stable and good response to 100 ppb of toluene. Its theoretical detection limit is calculated as low as 12.6 ppb. Also, the sensor has a short response time of ∼10 s to different gas concentrations, as well as the excellent dynamic response-recovery characteristics, selectivity, and stability. The improved performance of Pt-loaded SnO2sensor can be explained by the increase of oxygen vacancies and chemisorbed oxygen species. The electronic and chemical sensitization of Pt to SnO2-based sensor, together with small size and fast gas diffusion of the MEMS design ensured fast response and ultra-low toluene detection. This provides new ideas and decent prospect for developing miniaturized, low-power-consumption, and portable application of gas sensing devices.

Soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced hyperexcitability contributes to retinal ganglion cell apoptosis by enhancing Nav1.6 in experimental glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a major pro-inflammatory cytokine released from activated retinal glial cells in glaucoma. Here, we investigated how TNF-α induces retinal ganglion cell (RGC) hyperexcitability and injury. METHODS: Whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were performed to explore changes in spontaneous firing and evoked action potentials, and Na+ currents in RGCs. Both intravitreal injection of TNF-α and chronic ocular hypertension (COH) models were used. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) techniques were employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of TNF-α effects on RGCs. RESULTS: Intravitreal injection of soluble TNF-α significantly increased the spontaneous firing frequencies of RGCs in retinal slices. When the synaptic transmissions were blocked, more than 90% of RGCs still showed spontaneous firing; both the percentage of cells and firing frequency were higher than the controls. Furthermore, the frequency of evoked action potentials was also higher than the controls. Co-injection of the TNF-α receptor 1 (TNFR1) inhibitor R7050 eliminated the TNF-α-induced effects, suggesting that TNF-α may directly act on RGCs to induce cell hyperexcitability through activating TNFR1. In RGCs acutely isolated from TNF-α-injected retinas, Na+ current densities were upregulated. Perfusing TNF-α in RGCs of normal rats mimicked this effect, and the activation curve of Na+ currents shifted toward hyperpolarization direction, which was mediated through p38 MAPK and STAT3 signaling pathways. Further analysis revealed that TNF-α selectively upregulated Nav1.6 subtype of Na+ currents in RGCs. Similar to observations in retinas of rats with COH, intravitreal injection of TNF-α upregulated the expression of Nav1.6 proteins in both total cell and membrane components, which was reversed by the NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082. Inhibition of TNFR1 blocked TNF-α-induced RGC apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling induces RGC hyperexcitability by selectively upregulating Nav1.6 Na+ channels, thus contributing to RGC apoptosis in glaucoma.

Development and validation of a novel score for fibrosis staging in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Non-invasive assessment methods for liver fibrosis are urgently needed. The present study aimed to develop a novel diagnostic model for fibrosis staging in patients with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: A cross-sectional set of 417 chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent liver biopsy was enrolled and the METAVIR score was adopted as the reference of fibrosis staging. RESULTS: Among thyroid hormones, only the level of free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) decreased gradually with the METAVIR fibrosis score (P < .001). FibroStage, a novel diagnosis model that incorporates data on FT4, platelets, cholinesterase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and age, was developed using the deriving set (n = 219). For the diagnosis of significant fibrosis, the FibroStage model had a significantly higher area under the receiver operating curve than did the FibroIndex, Forn, and Lok models (all of P < .01) and tended to better than the fibrosis-4 (P = .0791) but comparable with the aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index model (P = .1694). For the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis, FibroStage had a higher area under the receiver operating curve than did the aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index, FibroIndex, Forn, and Lok models (all of P < .05) and had a comparable area under the receiver operating curve with the fibrosis-4 model (P = .2109). For the diagnosis of cirrhosis, the area under the receiver operating curve of FibroStage was higher than those of the aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4, FibroIndex, and Lok (all of P < .05) models and was comparable with Forn (P = .1649). These results was validated by a validation set (n = 198). CONCLUSION: FT4 may be an indicator for fibrosis staging in chronic hepatitis B patients. FibroStage is a better model than aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4, FibroIndex, Forn, and Lok for the comprehensively diagnosis of significant and advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Complications of peripherally inserted central catheters in advanced cancer patients undergoing combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify whether patients with advanced cancers were at high risk of peripherall"y inserted central catheter-related complications when treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters are widely used in chemotherapy. However, catheter usage may elevate the risks of infections and thrombosis. It is important to identify the patients with high risk of peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications. To date, little is known about peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications in patients with advanced cancers and receiving concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. DESIGN: Five hundred and sixty-nine cancer patients with advanced cancers and treated by chemo-radiotherapy were analysed in the study. The incidences of peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications were investigated. METHODS: Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed for identification of risk factors. RESULTS: Eighty-six (15.1%) patients exhibited peripherally inserted central catheter-related infectious complications, of which 6.3% were local infection, 3.9% were catheter-related bloodstream infection and 4.9% were exit-site infection. Sixty-five (11.4%) developed symptomatic peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis, and 52 (9.1%) were suffering from phlebitis. The overall complication rate was 53.1%. The univariable logistic regression and multivariate analysis showed that comorbidity (OR 1.51, p = .0148) and body mass index (OR 1.46, p = .0157), and duration of radio-chemotherapy (OR 1.4733, p = .0049) were significantly associated with peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications. Patients with peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications showed lower 5-year survival rate than those without peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of risk factors for peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications in patients with advanced cancer before catheter usage may play an important role in improvement of the prognosis. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Doctors need to be aware of the risk of peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications in patients with advanced cancers.

Fev regulates hematopoietic stem cell development via ERK signaling.

Reprogramming of somatic cells to desired cell types holds great promise in regenerative medicine. However, production of transplantable hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro by defined factors has not yet been achieved. Therefore, it is critical to fully understand the molecular mechanisms of HSC development in vivo. Here, we show that Fev, an ETS transcription factor, is a pivotal regulator of HSC development in vertebrates. In fev-deficient zebrafish embryos, the first definitive HSC population was compromised and fewer T cells were found in the thymus. Genetic and chemical analyses support a mechanism whereby Fev regulates HSC through direct regulation of ERK signaling. Blastula transplant assay demonstrates that Fev regulation of HSC development is cell autonomous. Experiments performed with purified cord blood show that fev is expressed and functions in primitive HSCs in humans, indicating its conserved role in higher vertebrates. Our data indicate that Fev-ERK signaling is essential for hemogenic endothelium-based HSC development.

Genomic deletion induced by Tol2 transposon excision in zebrafish.

Genomic deletions induced by imprecise excision of transposons have been used to disrupt gene functions in Drosophila. To determine the excision properties of Tol2, a popular transposon in zebrafish, we took advantage of two transgenic zebrafish lines Et(gata2a:EGFP)pku684 and Et(gata2a:EGFP)pku760, and mobilized the transposon by injecting transposase mRNA into homozygous transgenic embryos. Footprint analysis showed that the Tol2 transposons were excised in either a precise or an imprecise manner. Furthermore, we identified 1093-bp and 1253-bp genomic deletions in Et(gata2a:EGFP)pku684 founder embryos flanking the 5' end of the original Tol2 insertion site, and a 1340-bp deletion in the Et(gata2a:EGFP)pku760 founder embryos flanking the 3' end of the insertion site. The mosaic Et(gata2a:EGFP)pku684 embryos were raised to adulthood and screened for germline transmission of Tol2 excision in their F(1) progeny. On average, ∼42% of the F(1) embryos displayed loss or altered EGFP patterns, demonstrating that this transposon could be efficiently excised from the zebrafish genome in the germline. Furthermore, from 59 founders, we identified one that transmitted the 1093-bp genomic deletion to its offspring. These results suggest that imprecise Tol2 transposon excision can be used as an alternative strategy to achieve gene targeting in zebrafish.

Modification and simulation of Rhizomucor miehei lipase: the influence of surficial electrostatic interaction on enantioselectivity.

Surface residues have a significant impact on the enantioselectivity of lipases. But the molecular basis of this has never been explained. In this work, transition state complexes of Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RmL) and (R)- or (S)-n-butyl 2-phenxypropinate were studied using molecular dynamics. According to comparison between B-factor of the two simulated complexes, the ß 1-ß 2 loop and α 2 helix were considered the enantioselectivity-determining domains of RmL. Interaction analysis of these domains suggested an Asp(61)-Arg(86) electrostatic interaction linking the loop and helix strongly impacting enantioselectivity of RmL. Modification of Arg(86) by 1, 2-cyclohexanedione weakening this interaction decreased the E ratio from 6 to 1, modification by 1-iodo-2, 3-butanedione covalently bonding Asp(61) and Arg(86) strengthening the interaction increased the E ratio to 45. Dynamics simulation and energy calculation of the modified lipases also displayed corresponding decreases or increases of enantioselectivity.

Depression and coronary heart disease: mechanisms, interventions, and treatments.

Coronary heart disease (CHD), a cardiovascular condition that poses a significant threat to human health and life, has imposed a substantial economic burden on the world. However, in contrast to conventional risk factors, depression emerges as a novel and independent risk factor for CHD. This condition impacts the onset and progression of CHD and elevates the risk of adverse cardiovascular prognostic events in those already affected by CHD. As a result, depression has garnered increasing global attention. Despite this growing awareness, the specific mechanisms through which depression contributes to the development of CHD remain unclear. Existing research suggests that depression primarily influences the inflammatory response, Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA) and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) dysfunction, platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism disorders, and genetics, all of which play pivotal roles in CHD development. Furthermore, the effectiveness and safety of antidepressant treatment in CHD patients with comorbid depression and its potential impact on the prognosis of CHD patients have become subjects of controversy. Further investigation is warranted to address these unresolved questions.

Deep learning-based accurate diagnosis and quantitative evaluation of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma on whole-slide histopathology images.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular invasion (MVI) is an independent prognostic factor that is associated with early recurrence and poor survival after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the traditional pathology approach is relatively subjective, time-consuming, and heterogeneous in the diagnosis of MVI. The aim of this study was to develop a deep-learning model that could significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of MVI diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected H&E-stained slides from 753 patients with HCC at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University. An external validation set with 358 patients was selected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The deep-learning model was trained by simulating the method used by pathologists to diagnose MVI. Model performance was evaluated with accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: We successfully developed a MVI artificial intelligence diagnostic model (MVI-AIDM) which achieved an accuracy of 94.25% in the independent external validation set. The MVI positive detection rate of MVI-AIDM was significantly higher than the results of pathologists. Visualization results demonstrated the recognition of micro MVIs that were difficult to differentiate by the traditional pathology. Additionally, the model provided automatic quantification of the number of cancer cells and spatial information regarding MVI. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a deep learning diagnostic model, which performed well and improved the efficiency and accuracy of MVI diagnosis. The model provided spatial information of MVI that was essential to accurately predict HCC recurrence after surgery.

Non-Equilibrium Assembly of Atomically-Precise Copper Nanoclusters.

Accurate structure control in dissipative assemblies (DSAs) is vital for precise biological functions. However, accuracy and functionality of artificial DSAs are far from this objective. Herein, a novel approach is introduced by harnessing complex chemical reaction networks rooted in coordination chemistry to create atomically-precise copper nanoclusters (CuNCs), specifically Cu11(µ9-Cl)(µ3-Cl)3L6Cl (L = 4-methyl-piperazine-1-carbodithioate). Cu(I)-ligand ratio change and dynamic Cu(I)-Cu(I) metallophilic/coordination interactions enable the reorganization of CuNCs into metastable CuL2, finally converting into equilibrium [CuL·Y]Cl (Y = MeCN/H2O) via Cu(I) oxidation/reorganization and ligand exchange process. Upon adding ascorbic acid (AA), the system goes further dissipative cycles. It is observed that the encapsulated/bridging halide ions exert subtle influence on the optical properties of CuNCs and topological changes of polymeric networks when integrating CuNCs as crosslink sites. CuNCs duration/switch period could be controlled by varying the ions, AA concentration, O2 pressure and pH. Cu(I)-Cu(I) metallophilic and coordination interactions provide a versatile toolbox for designing delicate life-like materials, paving the way for DSAs with precise structures and functionalities. Furthermore, CuNCs can be employed as modular units within polymers for materials mechanics or functionalization studies.

The combination of allicin with domiphen is effective against microbial biofilm formation.

Background: Microorganisms in biofilms are particularly difficult to control because of their increased survival and antibiotic resistance. Allicin and domiphen were employed to inhibit the microbial growth and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans strains. Methods: Broth microdilution method and checkerboard assay were conducted to determine the efficacy of allicin combined with domiphen against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Microbial biofilm formation was measured using the crystal violet staining method and fluorescence microscopy. And the total viable count of the biofilm cells on material surface after the treatment with antimicrobial reagents was calculated with the plate count technique. Results: The two drugs showed synergistic effects against the pathogens with a fractional bactericidal concentration of less than 0.38. The combination of 64 µg/mL allicin with 1 µg/mL domiphen dispersed over 50% of the biofilm mass of S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. In addition, the drug combination reduced the total viable counts of E. coli and C. albicans biofilm cells on stainless steel and polyethylene surfaces by more than 102 CFU/mL. Conclusion: The combination of allicin and domiphen is an effective strategy for efficiently decreasing biofilms formation on various industrial materials surfaces.

One-stage complete removal of intracardiac leiomyomatosis without cardiac arrest.

We present here a woman with an intracardiac leiomyoma originating from uterine leiomyomatosis. The tumor was completely removed in a one-stage procedure using cardiopulmonary bypass without cardiac arrest. Most one-stage operations were performed with total circulation arrest; however, using of on-pump beating-heart technique when removing the intracardiac mass has seldom been reported in detail. The patient was asymptomatic with no evidence of recurrence on 13-month follow-up.

EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling induced Müller cell gliosis and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in experimental glaucoma.

Previous work showed that ephrinA3/EphA4 forward signaling contributed to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage in experimental glaucoma. Since up-regulated patterns of ephrinA3 and EphA4 were observed in Müller cells and RGCs, an EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling may exist in Müller cells of chronic ocular hypertension (COH) retina. We investigated effects of EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling activation on Müller cells in COH retina. Intravitreal injection of the ephrinA3 agonist EphA4-Fc increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in normal retinas, suggestive of Müller cell gliosis, which was confirmed in purified cultured Müller cells treated with EphA4-Fc. These effects were mediated by intracellular STAT3 signaling pathway as phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) levels and ratios of p-STAT3/STAT3 were significantly increased in both COH retinas and EphA4-Fc intravitreally injected retinas, as well as in EphA4-Fc treated purified cultured Müller cells. The increase of GFAP protein levels in EphA4-Fc-injected retinas and EphA4-Fc treated purified cultured Müller cells could be partially eliminated by stattic, a selective STAT3 blocker. Co-immunoprecipitation results testified to the presence of interaction between ephrinA3 and STAT3/p-STAT3. In addition, intravitreal injection of EphA4-Fc or EphA4-Fc treatment of cultured Müller cells significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, intravitreal injection of EphA4-Fc increased the number of apoptotic RGCs, which could be reversed by the tyrosine kinase blocker PP2. Overall, EphA4/ephrinA3 reverse signaling may induce Müller cell gliosis and increases release of pro-inflammatory factors, which could contribute to RGC death in glaucoma. Inhibition of EphA4/ephrinA3 signaling may provide an effective neuroprotection in glaucoma.

Different characteristics of striatal resting-state functional conectivity in treatment-resistant and non-treatment-resistant depression.

Major depressive disorder is associated with a reward deficit manifested by abnormal striatal function. However, differences between treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and non TRD (nTRD) in striatal whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) have not been elucidated. Thirty-eight patients with TRD, 42 patients with nTRD, and 39 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for this study. A seed-based FC approach was used to analyze abnormalities in six predefined striatal subregion circuits in the three groups of subjects, and further explore the correlation between abnormal FC and clinical symptoms. Results revealed that compared with the nTRD group, the TRD group showed increased FC of the inferior ventral striatum with the bilateral orbital area of the middle frontal gyrus, right cerebellum posterior lobe, left parahippocampal gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus and left lingual gyrus. Compared with the HC group, the TRD group showed a wider range of altered striatal function than the nTRD group. In the TRD group, the HAMD-17 scores were positively correlated with the FC between the right VRP and the left caudate. This study provides new insights into understanding the specificity of TRD striatal circuits.

Association between ambient air pollution exposure in pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome in Nanjing, China.

Antenatal exposure to air pollutants is thought to be associated with a variety of maternal blood markers as well as adverse birth outcomes. However, the dysgenic influence of air pollutants on the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in mothers and their pregnancy outcomes remains unclear. In the current study, 371 mother-infant pairs (189 healthy: 182 APS) from Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital as well as air pollutants concentration from their living environment were used to investigate correlations between air pollution with maternal blood indicators and fetal birth weight in the groups of APS and healthy mothers. Generalized linear model was used to evaluate the contributions of air pollutant exposure during pregnancy to the blood indicators variation. The relationships between birth weight with specific air pollutant and blood index were analyzed using ridge regression. Results showed that APS fetal birth weight was significantly impacted by air pollutant exposure during pregnancy, in particular, the birth weight decreased significantly along with increasing fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and fine particulate matter 10 (PM10) exposure concentrations throughout pregnancy. In contrast, birth weight increased significantly with sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure. In addition, APS-related blood indicators comprised of platelet distribution width (PDW), total bilirubin (TBIL), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet-larger cell ratio (P_LCR), homocysteine (HCY), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin (DBIL), basophilic granulocyte (BAS), platelet thrombocytocrit (PCT), preprandial glucose levels (OGTT0), monocytes (MON), and monocytes ratio (MON_ratio) were also strongly related with prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and PM10, in which PDW levels showed most strongly negative impaction on fetal birth weight. Together, we showed that prenatal exposure to air pollutant (PM2.5 and PM10) may exacerbate the poor birth outcomes of low birth weight by impacting APS maternal blood indicators especially for PDW.

Application of the Delphi Method in the Study of Depressive Disorder.

Depressive disorder is a common mental disorder that has a high prevalence and low visiting rate, which caused patients years lived with disability. Due to the complexity of the depressive disorder, the Delphi method is a better choice compared with other commonly used methods, which provides a new perspective for the prevention and treatment of depression. This article will summarize the clinical studies of depressive disorders using the Delphi method from four perspectives, and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the Delphi method in depressive disorders research, arguing that the Delphi method can cross the gap between clinical research and clinical practice, and is a highly practical part of the research process.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection and atherosclerosis in a young man with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report and literature review.

Background: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare coronary artery disease that frequently occurs in young, female patients without risk factors, and conservative treatment is often recommended for its management. The patient reported here is a male patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Case summary: We described a 28-year-old man with SLE who presented with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and was diagnosed with SCAD through a long dissection of the left anterior descending branch (LAD) by coronary angiography. The patient was treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation. Ten years later, he developed in-stent stenosis and other coronary atherosclerosis and was retreated with PCIs. Based on this case and according to the literature review, the existing treatment and prognosis of SLE with spontaneous coronary artery dissection and atherosclerosis are discussed. Conclusion: Cardiovascular complications should be considered in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, although they may not initially be atherosclerotic diseases. Attention should be paid to distinguish spontaneous coronary dissection in order to minimize missed or delayed diagnoses and take appropriate managements, as well as the development of atherosclerosis in SLE patients, and timely intervention has a better prognosis.