Strain Modulation of Si Vacancy Emission from SiC Micro- and Nanoparticles.

Single-photon emitting point defects in semiconductors have emerged as strong candidates for future quantum technology devices. In the present work, we exploit crystalline particles to investigate relevant defect localizations, emission shifting, and waveguiding. Specifically, emission from 6H-SiC micro- and nanoparticles ranging from 100 nm to 5 µm in size is collected using cathodoluminescence (CL), and we monitor signals attributed to the Si vacancy (VSi) as a function of its location. Clear shifts in the emission wavelength are found for emitters localized in the particle center and at the edges. By comparing spatial CL maps with strain analysis carried out in transmission electron microscopy, we attribute the emission shifts to compressive strain of 2-3% along the particle a-direction. Thus, embedding VSi qubit defects within SiC nanoparticles offers an interesting and versatile opportunity to tune single-photon emission energies while simultaneously ensuring ease of addressability via a self-assembled SiC nanoparticle matrix.

Analysis of Maternal and Neonatal Complications in a Group of Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents one of the most common complications during pregnancy, being associated with numerous maternal and neonatal complications. The study aimed to analyze maternal and neonatal complications associated with GDM. The risk factors of GDM and of the maternal and neonatal complications were studied in order to prevent their occurrence. Materials and Methods: The study included 97 women in the study, who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between weeks 24-28 of pregnancy, consequently being divided into two groups: pregnant women with and without GDM. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 26.0 software and MATLAB fitglm, the results being considered statistically significant if p < 0.05. Results: We observed statistically significant differences between the group of women with and without GDM, regarding gestational hypertension (17.6% vs. 0%), preeclampsia (13.72% vs. 0%), and cesarean delivery (96.1% vs. 78,3%). Data on the newborn and neonatal complications: statistically significant differences were recorded between the two groups (GDM vs. no GDM) regarding the average weight at birth (3339.41 ± 658.12 g vs. 3122.83 ± 173.67 g), presence of large for gestational age (21.6% vs. 0%), macrosomia (13.7% vs. 0%), excessive fetal growth (35.3% vs. 0%), respiratory distress (31.4% vs. 0%), hospitalization for at least 24 h in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (9.80% vs. 0%), and APGAR score <7 both 1 and 5 min following birth (7.8% vs. 0%). Additionally, the frequency of neonatal hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia was higher among newborns from mothers with GDM. Conclusions: The screening and diagnosis of GDM is vital, and appropriate management is required for the prevention of maternal and neonatal complications associated with GDM. It is also important to know the risk factors for GDM and attempt to prevent their appearance.

Maternal depression is not just a problem early on.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the onset of depression beyond the first postpartum year. This study examines the onset and course of depression over an 18 month period among a socio-economically diverse, community-wide sample of women. MATERIALS & METHODS: A prospective longitudinal telephone survey of 249 women was conducted at two weeks, two months, six months and 18 months after delivery. Depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and onset was defined as the first EPDS score of 12+ on the 30-point scale. Temporal trends were assessed using generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression. RESULTS: There was a significant temporal trend for EPDS scores decreasing until six months and then rebounding at 18 months; mean EPDS 5.5, 4.3, 4.2, and 4.9 at two weeks, two months, six months and 18 months respectively, GEE, P < .001. Depression onset followed a similar trend and was found to be 6.8%, 2.6%, 2.7% and 6.0% at two weeks, two months, six months and 18 months respectively, GEE, P = .068. The high scores of the early-onset group (mean 14.4 at two weeks) contributed to the early depression spike, while the high scores of the late-onset group (mean 13.9 at 18 months) contributed to the late spike. CONCLUSIONS: Two peaks of depression were identified, one early and one late. They appear to be the result of two processes: (1) elevated depression symptoms at two-weeks and again at 18 months postpartum experienced by the full sample and, thus, they may be a normal trend, and (2) onset of major depression by two sub-groups of women, one at each time period. Therefore, continued screening after one-year post delivery is indicated.

Gestational Diabetes and Preterm Birth: What Do We Know? Our Experience and Mini-Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. The incidence of GDM has been on the rise in tandem with the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide. We focused on the study of what causes premature births and if there are methods to prevent these events that can result in long-term complications. METHODS: This study was a prospective, non-interventional study that lasted for 4 years from December 2018 to December 2022. From the group of women enrolled in the study, we selected and analyzed the characteristics of women who gave birth prematurely. Additionally, we performed a systematic review examining the association between GDM and the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 78% underwent an emergency caesarean and had polyhydramnios. The results indicate that women who had a preterm delivery had a significantly higher maternal age compared to those who had a term delivery (p < 0.001). Conversely, there was no significant difference in preconception BMI between the two groups (p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: In terms of the understanding of GDM and preterm birth, several gaps in our knowledge remain. The association between GDM and preterm birth is likely multifactorial, involving various maternal factors.

Transient Polyhydramnios during Pregnancy Complicated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Case Report and Systematic Review.

Polyhydramnios is an obstetrical condition defined as a pathological increase in the amniotic fluid and is associated with a high risk of maternal-fetal complications. Common causes of polyhydramnios include fetal anatomical and genetic abnormalities, gestational diabetes mellitus, and fetal viral infections. We present the case of a 30-year-old Caucasian woman with transient polyhydramnios associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and obstetric complications. The diagnosis was based on the ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid volume during a common examination at 26 weeks. Two weeks prior, the patient had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. After 4 days, the patient was examined, and the amniotic fluid index returned to normal values. At 38 weeks, the patient presented to the emergency room due to lack of fetal active movement. Ultrasound revealed polyhydramnios, the patient was admitted for severe fetal bradycardia, and fetal extraction through emergency cesarian section was performed. Six weeks after birth, the patient underwent an oral glucose tolerance test with normal values, confirming gestational diabetes mellitus. We performed a systematic review of the literature on polyhydramnios, from January 2016 to April 2022, to analyze all recent published cases and identify the most common etiological causes and important aspects related to maternal-fetal outcomes.

Associations of Chronic Diabetes Complications and Cardiovascular Risk with the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, including cardiovascular diseases and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was to assess the associations between cardiovascular risk, chronic diabetes complications and the risk of OSA in adult patients with T2DM. Methods: The study included 529 patients with T2DM in whom moderate-to-severe OSA risk was assessed using the STOP-Bang questionnaire, dividing the subjects into two groups: group 1: STOP-Bang score <5, and group 2: STOP-Bang score ≥5, respectively. In all the subjects, cardiovascular risk was assessed using the UKPDS risk engine. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0, the results being statistically significant if p value was <0.05. Results: 59% of the subjects scored ≥5 on the STOP-Bang questionnaire. We recorded statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding diabetes duration, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, albuminuria, as well as cardiovascular risk at 10 years for both coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke (p < 0.05). Furthermore, through logistic regression, adjusting for confounding factors, we demonstrated that the STOP-Bang score ≥ 5 is a risk factor for 10-year fatal and nonfatal CHD risk. Conclusions: It is extremely important to screen and diagnose OSA in patients with T2DM, in order to improve the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in these patients.

A Study of Biomarkers Associated with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new term that no longer excludes patients that consume alcohol or present other liver diseases, unlike nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of different biomarkers as predictors of MAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this regard, a cross-sectional, non-interventional study was conducted over a period of 8 months in patients with T2DM. Liver steatosis displayed by abdominal ultrasound certified the MAFLD diagnosis. A percentage of 49.5% of the studied patients presented MAFLD. Through logistic regression adjusted for gender, age, T2DM duration, lipid-lowering therapy, smoking status, nutritional status, we demonstrated that elevated triglycerides (TG) levels, high non-high-density-lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol-to-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL/HDL) ratio, high atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and increased Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) had predictive value for MAFLD in patients with T2DM. Furthermore, we calculated the optimal cut-off values for these biomarkers (184 mg/dL for TG, 0.615 for AIP, 3.9 for the non-HDL/HDL ratio, and 2.01 for HOMA-IR) which can predict the presence of MAFLD in patients with T2DM. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the predictive value of the non-HDL/HDL ratio for MAFLD in patients with T2DM.

An Update of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious and frequent pregnancy complication that can lead to short and long-term risks for both mother and fetus. Different health organizations proposed different algorithms for the screening, diagnosis, and management of GDM. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), together with physical exercise and frequent self-monitoring, represents the milestone for GDM treatment in order to reduce maternal and fetal complications. The pregnant woman should benefit from her family support and make changes in their lifestyles, changes that, in the end, will be beneficial for the whole family. The aim of this manuscript is to review the literature about the Medical Nutrition Therapy in GDM and its crucial role in GDM management.

A retrospective clinical study of the treatment of high-grade anal dysplasia by infrared coagulation in a population of HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of developing human papillomavirus-associated anal squamous cell cancer. Similar to the management of cervical dysplasia, clinicians are treating high-grade anal dysplasia to prevent progression to cancer. Initial treatments such as cold scalpel excision and electrofulguration have shown limited efficacy in a HIV-positive population. Infrared coagulation (IRC) is an outpatient treatment for high-grade anal dysplasia. This retrospective clinical study reports on 68 HIV-positive MSM with 78 biopsy proven high-grade anal lesions. Each lesion was treated with the IRC with re-biopsy of the treatment site a mean of 140 days later. Of the 74 evaluable lesions; 39 had anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) 1, 20 had AIN 2, seven had AIN 3, and eight had normal epithelium. The IRC showed 64% efficacy per treated lesion and shows promise as a treatment modality for high-grade anal dysplasia in this population.

The prevalence, and predictive value, of abnormal anal cytology to diagnose anal dysplasia in a population of HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

Due to the increasing incidence of anal cancer in HIV-positive men who have sex with men, and the potential to detect and treat high-grade anal dysplasia--the putative anal cancer precursor--we have introduced an anal cytology screening service. Patients with abnormal anal cytology have follow-up high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) with biopsy of lesions clinically suspicious for high-grade dysplasia. In total, 244 men were screened and 235 (96%) of the samples were adequate for cytological interpretation using the Bethesda 2001 system. One hundred and sixty-four (67%) men had abnormal anal cytology, and 93 of them had follow-up HRA and anal biopsy. The positive predictive value for any anal cytological abnormality to predict any degree of anal dysplasia was 95.7+/-2.1%, and for any anal cytological abnormality to predict high-grade anal dysplasia was 55.9+/-5.1%. Abnormal anal cytology was highly predicative of anal dysplasia on biopsy.

Selective expression of the high-affinity isoform of the folate receptor (FR-alpha) in the human placental syncytiotrophoblast and choriocarcinoma cells.

The folate receptor (FR), an essential component in the process of folate uptake in various cells, is known to exist in three isoforms, FR-alpha, FR-beta and FR-gamma, with differential tissue expression. Transfer of folate across the human placenta from mother to fetus involves participation of a folate receptor expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast, but the isoform identity of this receptor has not been established. Based on the tissue/cell type from which these isoforms have been cloned, it is currently believed that FR-alpha is the isoform expressed in adult tissues whereas FR-beta is the isoform expressed in fetal tissues including placenta. The present study, undertaken primarily to establish the isoform identity of the FR expressed in the placental syncytiotrophoblast, does not support this currently prevailing nomenclature. Reverse transcription coupled with polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of total/poly(A)+ RNA from placenta, cultured trophoblast cells and JAR choriocarcinoma cells with primer pairs specific for either FR-alpha or FR-beta reveals that while both isoforms are detectable in the whole placental tissue, only FR-alpha is present in the normal trophoblast cells and in the choriocarcinoma cells. Northern analysis with probes designed to distinguish between the mRNA transcripts coding for these two isoforms corroborate the RT-PCR findings. Furthermore, the nucleotide sequences of the PCR products obtained from the trophoblast cells and JAR cells are identical to the nucleotide sequence of the FR-alpha cDNA. These studies establish that it is the FR-alpha isoform, and not the FR-beta isoform, which is selectively expressed in the placental trophoblast cells. FR-beta, which is known to be present in the placenta, most likely arises from the maternal decidua normally associated with this tissue.

Diabetes mellitus and renal involvement in chronic viral liver disease.

HYPOTHESIS: Chronic viral liver disease is often associated with other conditions. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently reported in this context and may play a role in the progression of the liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Renal disease is also an important extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis viral infection and its presence is associated with poor prognosis and management issues. OBJECTIVES: Our study had multiple purposes: to determine the frequency of the association between chronic viral liver disease and diabetes mellitus, evaluate the potential of diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for HCC and assess an eventual renal involvement. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included in our study a number of 246 patients with chronic liver disease, from whom 136 were diagnosed with chronic viral hepatitis and 110 with viral liver cirrhosis. These patients were assessed by using a clinical examination and a series of tests, including serum transaminase levels, serum bilirubin, serum albumin, markers of cholestasis, fasting plasma glucose levels, serum creatinine, urea, albuminuria, Addis-Hamburger test, electrophoresis of urinary proteins, abdominal ultrasound and, in some cases, CT examination. We obtained the following results: diabetes mellitus is often associated with chronic liver disease of viral etiology, having been identified in 18.29% of the patients in our study. Age above 60 in patients with chronic hepatitis (p=0.013<0.05) and presence of hepatitis C virus were particularly correlated with the presence of diabetes mellitus. Renal disease was present in 13.4% of the patients with chronic liver disease and it was especially associated with liver cirrhosis and hepatitis C virus. The most common form of renal injury was glomerulonephritis. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed only in cirrhotic patients as hepatorenal syndrome, occurring in 7.27% of the subjects, while chronic kidney disease was identified only in two cases of chronic viral hepatitis. Four patients in our study were diagnosed with HCC and none of them presented diabetes mellitus. DISCUSSION: Our study revealed that there is a significant association between diabetes mellitus and chronic viral liver disease induced by hepatitis C virus. Glomerulonephritis was the most common type of renal disease in both hepatitis patients and in those with cirrhosis. Glomerular injury was strongly correlated with the presence of hepatitis C virus than with hepatitis B virus. A connection between diabetes mellitus and hepatocellular carcinoma could not be established.

Functional characterization of L-alanine transport in a placental choriocarcinoma cell line (BeWo).

The substrate selectivity of the neutral amino acid transport systems of the b30 clone of the choriocarcinoma cell line (BeWo) were characterized. Three transport systems were identified in undifferentiated (without forskolin) and two transport systems in differentiated syncytial cells (with forskolin). In the undifferentiated b30 cells were two sodium-dependent systems with one having substrate selectivity patterns resembling system A (e.g. sensitive to MeAIB and a broad range of neutral amino acids) and the other resembling system ASC (e.g. MeAIB insensitive and inhibited by alanine, serine and cysteine). In addition a sodium-independent system was identified with characteristics resembling system l. The differentiated syncytial cells possessed the system A and system l-like activities but not the system ASC-like activity of the system A-like or system l-like activities. The b30 clone is apparently an appropriate model for placental neutral amino acid transport systems.

Riboflavin uptake in microvillous and basal membrane vesicles isolated from full-term human placentas.

Riboflavin uptake was characterized using membrane vesicles isolated from the apical (maternal-facing) and basal (fetal-facing) membranes of the syncytiotrophoblast from full-term human placentas. Equilibrium [3H]riboflavin uptake was insensitive to variations in incubation medium osmolarity in contrast to [3H]alanine uptake into an osmotically sensitive space. Osmotic insensitivity suggested riboflavin binding to a membrane component. The dissociation constant of riboflavin binding was similar in microvillous (Kd = 2 microM) and basal membrane vesicles (Kd = 1 microM). Binding capacity was significantly higher in microvillous membranes (Bmax = 11.9 pmol/mg protein). The relatively high affinity binding to the membrane vesicles may represent a first step in riboflavin transport.

Sodium-independent lysine uptake by the BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line.

Transport of L-lysine by a cultured placental trophoblast cell line was investigated by characterization of L-[3H]lysine uptake. In the mononuclear form of the BeWo clone b30 choriocarcinoma cell, at least two sodium-independent systems are present. Concentration dependence data were fitted by a two system model with Km values (+/- s.e.) of 2 +/- 0.7 and 94 +/- 31 microM and Vmax values (+/- s.e.) of 0.7 +/- 0.3 and 25 +/- 6.0 nM/mg DNA/min. A portion of sodium-independent uptake was inhibited by the sulphydryl modifying reagent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Following NEM treatment, the data were fitted by a single system with Km = 10 +/- 2 microM AND Vmax = 5.1 +/- 0.8 nM/mg DNA/min. In the absence of sodium, NEM-resistant uptake was sensitively inhibited by leucine whereas NEM-sensitive uptake was not inhibited by leucine. It is concluded that like placental basal membrane, the mononuclear BeWo cell possesses two sodium-independent L-lysine transport systems. The high-capacity, NEM-sensitive, leucine-insensitive system resembles the widespread system y+. The high-affinity, NEM-resistant, leucine-sensitive system resembles system b(0,+).

Functional expression of the plasma membrane serotonin transporter but not the vesicular monoamine transporter in human placental trophoblasts and choriocarcinoma cells.

We investigated the functional expression of the plasma membrane serotonin transporter and the vesicular monoamine transporter in choriocarcinoma cells and normal trophoblasts. The RBL 2H3 cells, a rat basophilic leukaemia cell line, which express both transporters were used for comparison. The choriocarcinoma cells JAr and BeWo were found to possess the plasma membrane serotonin transporter as assessed by the presence of serotonin transport activity in intact cells that was Na(+)-dependent and was sensitive to inhibition by tricyclic and non-tricyclic antidepressants. The activity of the vesicular monoamine transporter in these cells was determined by measuring serotonin transport in digitonin-permeabilized cells. The transport in permeabilized cells was very slow, was not stimulated by ATP and was insensitive to inhibition by reserpine. Under similar conditions, the vesicular monoamine transporter activity was demonstrable in RBL cells, which was stimulated by ATP and was inhibitable by reserpine, bafilomycin A1 (an inhibitor of the V-type H(+)-pump) and carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxy phenylhydrazone (a protonophore which dissipates transmembrane H+ gradients). In corroboration with these findings, mRNA transcripts hybridizable to the vesicular monoamine transporter cDNA probe were detectable in RBL cells but not in JAr choriocarcinoma cells. Similarly, there was no evidence for the expression of the vesicular monoamine transporter as assessed by Northern blot analysis in normal trophoblasts which were maintained in culture to differentiate to form multinucleated syncytial cells. It is concluded that the trophoblasts and choriocarcinoma cells express the plasma membrane serotonin transporter but not the vesicular monoamine transporter.

Pneumocystis carinii infection in the HIV-seropositive patient.

In this article, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in persons with AIDS is described with regard to its epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentation, treatment, and prophylaxis. The changing epidemiologic patterns of PCP from 1981 to 1993 are diagrammed. Atypical and classical presentations of pre-AIDS, including extrapulmonary Pneumocystis, are discussed. Diagnostic strategies are outlined, giving algorithms for the most efficient means of diagnosing PCP. Various intravenous and oral treatment options for pneumonia, the use of adjunctive corticosteroids, and comparison of various prophylactic regimens are also presented in this article.

Caprine mycoplasmosis: an outbreak of mastitis and arthritis requiring the destruction of 700 goats.

An acute outbreak of mastitis and arthritis in a herd of 700 goats required the destruction of all but the few animals that were held for observation. The milk of nearly all of about 400 lactating does contained almost pure cultures of Mycoplasma putrefaciens with counts in 150 samples up to 1 X 10(9) colony forming units/ml. At post mortem examination the joints of both the adults and kids contained a fibrinopurulent discharge. M putrefaciens was isolated in pure cultures and large numbers from joints, tissues and fluid not previously known to harbour this mycoplasma: brain, kidneys, lungs, lymph nodes, uterus and urine. The outbreak was milkborne and initiated by infusion of the pathogen into the teat canal by poor hygiene in the milking parlour and by feeding raw colostrum to kids. All but 12 of the herd of 700 goats were killed or sold for slaughter.

[Arthritis and pustulosis palmoplantaris]. / Arthritis og pustulosis palmoplantaris.

Pustulosis palmoplantaris (PPP) is a primary skin disease of unknown aetiology, clinically characterised by recurrent eruptions of sterile pustules on the palms and/or soles. About 15% of these patients have associating symptoms from the bones and joints, often localised to the anterior thorax wall where both osteolytic foci and arthritis can be seen. We present the case of a patient with the characteristic clinical picture of PPP and associating arthritis.