Longitudinal in vivo Ca2+ imaging reveals dynamic activity changes of diseased retinal ganglion cells at the single-cell level.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are heterogeneous projection neurons that convey distinct visual features from the retina to brain. Here, we present a high-throughput in vivo RGC activity assay in response to light stimulation using noninvasive Ca2+ imaging of thousands of RGCs simultaneously in living mice. Population and single-cell analyses of longitudinal RGC Ca2+ imaging reveal distinct functional responses of RGCs and unprecedented individual RGC activity conversions during traumatic and glaucomatous degeneration. This study establishes a foundation for future in vivo RGC function classifications and longitudinal activity evaluations using more advanced imaging techniques and visual stimuli under normal, disease, and neural repair conditions. These analyses can be performed at both the population and single-cell levels using temporal and spatial information, which will be invaluable for understanding RGC pathophysiology and identifying functional biomarkers for diverse optic neuropathies.

Physiological and transcriptome analysis of changes in endogenous hormone and sugar content during the formation of tender asparagus stems.

Asparagus is a nutritionally dense stem vegetable whose growth and development are correlated with its quality and yield. To investigate the dynamic changes and underlying mechanisms during the elongation and growth process of asparagus stems, we documented the growth pattern of asparagus and selected stem segments from four consecutive elongation stages using physiological and transcriptome analyses. Notably, the growth rate of asparagus accelerated at a length of 25 cm. A significant decrease in the concentration of sucrose, fructose, glucose, and additional sugars was observed in the elongation region of tender stems. Conversely, the levels of auxin and gibberellins(GAs) were elevated along with increased activity of enzymes involved in sucrose degradation. A significant positive correlation existed between auxin, GAs, and enzymes involved in sucrose degradation. The ABA content gradually increased with stem elongation. The tissue section showed that cell elongation is an inherent manifestation of stem elongation. The differential genes screened by transcriptome analysis were enriched in pathways such as starch and sucrose metabolism, phytohormone synthesis metabolism, and signal transduction. The expression levels of genes such as ARF, GA20ox, NCED, PIF4, and otherswere upregulated during stem elongation, while DAO, GA2ox, and other genes were downregulated. The gene expression level was consistent with changes in hormone content and influenced the cell length elongation. Additionally, the expression results of RT-qPCR were consistent with RNA-seq. The observed variations in gene expression levels, endogenous hormones and sugar changes during the elongation and growth of asparagus tender stems offer valuable insights for future investigations into the molecular mechanisms of asparagus stem growth and development and provide a theoretical foundation for cultivation and production practices.

Sub-60-fs mode-locked Tm,Ho:CaYLuAlO4 laser at 2.05†µm.

Tm,Ho:CaYLuAlO4 (Tm,Ho:CALYLO) crystal has wide emission spectra both for π-polarization and σ-polarization, showing significant potential for the generation of ultrashort pulses. Here, a widely tunable and passively mode-locked laser operation based on Tm,Ho:CALYLO crystal under two polarizations was demonstrated for what we believe to be the first time ever. For π-polarization, a maximum output power of 1.52 W and a tuning range of 255.3 nm were achieved in the continuous wave (CW) regime. In the mode-locked regime, a pulse duration of 68 fs and an average output power of 228 mW were achieved upon GaSb-based semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM). As for σ-polarization, a broader tuning range of 267.1 nm was realized, leading to the shorter pulse duration of 58 fs at 79.7 MHz repetition rate.

Association of ultra-processed food consumption with muscle mass among young and middle-aged US adults.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle mass is vital for physical activity and fundamental physiological processes supporting long-term health. While aging is inevitable, certain modifiable factors positively influence muscle preservation and overall well-being. However, the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and muscle mass is not yet clear. METHODS: This study included 7,173 men and nonpregnant women aged 20-59 years with valid 24-hour dietary recalls and accessible whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans from NHANES 2011-2018. UPFs were identified through the NOVA classification system, and the percentage of energy derived from UPF consumption was evaluated in quintiles. Muscle mass measures were derived from DXA scans and quantified by the total and regional muscle mass index (MMI, kg/m²) and appendicular muscle mass index (AMMI, kg/m²). Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear regression models were applied to investigate the association between consumption of UPFs and muscle mass measures overall and by sociodemographic subgroups. RESULTS: The multivariable-adjusted differences of total MMI from the lowest to highest quintile of UPF consumption were 0 (reference), -0.03 (95% CI, -0.13, 0.07), -0.13 (95%CI, -0.24, -0.04), -0.12 (95% CI, -0.23, -0.01), and - 0.17 (95% CI, -0.27, -0.08) (P for trend < 0.001). Subtotal MMI followed a similar magnitude of associational pattern as total MMI. For trunk MMI, corresponding values from the lowest to highest quintiles of UPF consumption were 0 (reference), -0.02 (95% CI, -0.07, 0.02), -0.05 (95%CI, -0.11, 0.00), -0.07 (95% CI, -0.13, -0.01), and - 0.07 (95% CI, -0.12, -0.01). For AMMI, corresponding values from the lowest to highest quintiles of UPF consumption were 0 (reference), -0.004 (95% CI, -0.07, 0.06), -0.08 (95%CI, -0.14, -0.02), -0.05 (95% CI, -0.11, 0.02), and - 0.10 (95% CI, -0.16, -0.04) (All P for trend < 0.001). While most subgroups maintained similar overall patterns, heterogeneous findings were also observed. For example, the multivariable-adjusted differences in total MMI between the lowest and highest quantile of UPF consumption were - 0.19 (95% CI, -0.32, -0.06) for non-Hispanic Whites, 0.18 (95% CI, 0.01, 0.36) for non-Hispanic Blacks, -0.25 (95%CI, -0.45, -0.04) for Hispanics, -0.25 (95% CI, -0.51, 0.05) for non-Hispanic Asians and - 0.32 (95% CI, -0.75, 0.12) for others (P for interaction < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Higher consumption of UPFs was significantly associated with lower values of total and regional muscle mass. Specifically, comparing the highest quantile of UPF consumption to the lowest, total MMI decreased by 0.93%, trunk MMI decreased by 0.76%, and AMMI decreased by 1.25%. The differences in associational patterns between UPF consumption and muscle mass across sociodemographic subgroups require further investigation.

Karst fissures mitigate the negative effects of drought on plant growth and photosynthetic physiology.

Hard limestone substrates, which are extensively distributed, are believed to exacerbate drought and increase the difficulty of restoration in vulnerable karst regions. Fissures in such substrates may alleviate the negative effect of drought on plants, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In a two-way factorial block design, the growth and photosynthesis of 2-year-old Phoebe zhennan seedlings were investigated in two water availabilities (high versus low) and three stimulated fissure habitat groups (soil, soil-filled fissure and non-soil-filled fissure). Moreover, the fissure treatments included both small and big fissures. Compared to the soil group, the non-soil-filled fissure group had decreased the total biomass, root biomass, total root length, and the root length of fine roots in the soil layer at both water availabilities, but increased net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and retained stable water use efficiency (WUE) at low water availability. However, there were no significant differences between the soil-filled fissure group and soil group in the biomass accumulation and allocation as well as Pn. Nevertheless, the SF group decreased the root distribution in total and in the soil layer, and also increased WUE at low water availability. Across all treatments, fissure size had no effect on plant growth or photosynthesis. Karst fissures filled with soil can alleviate drought impacts on plant root growth, which involves adjusting root distribution strategies and increasing water use efficiency. These results suggest that rock fissures can be involved in long-term plant responses to drought stress and vegetation restoration in rocky mountain environments under global climate change.

Effect of Spleen Aminopeptide Oral Lyophilized Powder and Fluticasone/salmeterol Powder Inhaler on Pulmonary Function and Incidence of Adverse Reactions in Children with Cough Variant Asthma.

Background: Cough variant asthma is a prevalent condition among children with chronic cough, significantly impacting their health and well-being. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of spleen aminopeptide oral lyophilized powder and fluticasone/salmeterol powder inhaler on pulmonary function and the incidence of adverse reactions in children with cough variant asthma. Methods: A total of 60 children with cough variant asthma admitted to the Pediatric Department of Cangzhou Central Hospital between July 2019 and June 2020 were enrolled in the study. Using the random number table method, they were assigned to either the observation group or the control group, with 30 cases in each group. The control group received treatment with fluticasone/salmeterol powder inhalers, while the observation group received a combination of fluticasone/salmeterol powder inhalers and spleen aminopeptide oral lyophilized powder. After 8 weeks of treatment, various clinical parameters, including forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume per second/forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, eosinophils in induced sputum, and serum CD4+ and CD8+ levels, were compared between the two groups. Results: The observation group exhibited a higher total effective rate of clinical efficacy compared to the control group [90.00% vs. 63.33%; OR (95% CI) 3.00 (1.01-8.92), P = .048)]. After 8 weeks, the observation group demonstrated higher levels of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume per second/forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow [OR (95% CI) 0.48 (0.26-0.88), P = .017; OR (95% CI) 0.29 (0.14-0.57) 2.57 (1.46-4.52) 0.33 (0.16-0.70), P = .000, .001, .003], IL-10 [OR (95% CI) 0.29 (0.14-0.57), P = .000], and lower levels of FeNO [OR (95% CI) 0.48 (0.26-0.88), P = .017], IL-4, and eosinophils [OR (95% CI) 2.57 (1.46-4.52) 0.33 (0.16-0.70), P = .001, .003] compared to the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, the observation group exhibited higher levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ compared to the control group [OR (95% CI) 0.41 (0.25-0.67) 0.33 (0.20-0.56) 1.73 (1.18-2.55), P = .000, .000, .001]. Computed tomography measurements revealed significantly lower airway wall thickness, basement membrane thickness, and total airway wall area in the observation group compared to the control group [OR (95% CI) 0.18 (0.10-0.33) 0.23 (0.13-0.41) 0.28 (0.15-0.51), P = .000, .000, .000]. The incidence of adverse reactions did not significantly differ between the groups (6.67% vs. 3.33%; P > .05). Conclusion: The combination treatment of spleen aminopeptide oral lyophilized powder and fluticasone/salmeterol powder inhaler effectively improves lung function, FeNO levels, and airway inflammation, while enhancing cellular and humoral immune function in children with cough variant asthma. These findings have significant clinical implications and warrant further promotion and application of this treatment approach.

Spectroscopy and efficient laser performances of a Tm,Ho:CaY0.9Lu0.1AlO4 crystal.

We report on the spectral properties and laser performances of a novel, to the best of our knowledge, Tm,Ho:CaY0.9Lu0.1AlO4 (Tm,Ho:CYLA) crystal. The polarized absorption spectra, luminescence spectra, and fluorescence lifetime are systematically investigated, presenting a broad and smooth luminescence band. Furthermore, a maximum continuous wave (CW) laser output power of 0.51 W at 2092 nm is obtained under an absorbed pump power of 2.89 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 20.4%. The beam quality factors (M2) are measured to be 1.04 in both the x and y axes. A tuning range of 123.4 nm, from 2017.8 nm to 2141.2 nm, is achieved in the CW regime by using a birefringent filter (BF). A stable passively Q switched Tm,Ho:CYLA laser employing Cr2+:ZnSe as a saturable absorber (SA) is realized for the first time, delivering the shortest pulse width of 560 ns with a transmittance of 1%. The results indicate that the Tm,Ho:CYLA crystal is an excellent laser medium for generating high-efficiency laser at ∼2 µm and has a potential in ultrafast laser generation.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms for differential effects of chronic social isolation stress in males and females.

Chronic social isolation stress during adolescence induces susceptibility for neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we show that 5-week post-weaning isolation stress induces sex-specific behavioral abnormalities and neuronal activity changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), basal lateral amygdala (BLA), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Chemogenetic manipulation, optogenetic recording, and in vivo calcium imaging identify that the PFC to BLA pathway is causally linked to heightened aggression in stressed males, and the PFC to VTA pathway is causally linked to social withdrawal in stressed females. Isolation stress induces genome-wide transcriptional alterations in a region-specific manner. Particularly, the upregulated genes in BLA of stressed males are under the control of activated transcription factor CREB, and CREB inhibition in BLA normalizes gene expression and reverses aggressive behaviors. On the other hand, neuropeptide Hcrt (Hypocretin/Orexin) is among the top-ranking downregulated genes in VTA of stressed females, and Orexin-A treatment rescues social withdrawal. These results have revealed molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for stress-related mental illness.

Association of total body fat and fat distribution with bone mineral density among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years from Guangzhou, China.

This study aimed to assess the associations of total body fat and fat distribution with bone mineral density (BMD) among children and adolescents in this cross-sectional study. A total of 1032 boys and 897 girls aged 6-17 years were enrolled between May 2019 and June 2019 in Guangzhou, China. BMD, total body fat (fat mass index [FMI] and body fat percentage [BF%]), and fat distribution (trunk-to-limb and android-to-gynoid ratios) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Inverse probability of treatment weighting regression was used to explore the association between fat and BMD. Traditional regression of covariate adjustment was applied as sensitivity analysis. Regression with inverse probability weighting suggested BF% and android-to-gynoid ratio were negatively associated with BMD in boys (ß = - 0.12 and - 0.16, respectively; P < 0.05). Android-to-gynoid ratio was also inversely associated with BMD in girls (ß = - 0.08, P < 0.05). When stratified by age, the negative associations were retained in boys aged 12-17 years (ß = - 0.23 and - 0.25, respectively; P < 0.001). But for girls, it showed a positive association of FMI with BMD in the 6-9 years group (ß = 0.33, P < 0.001) and a negative association between the android-to-gynoid ratio and BMD in the 10-17 years group (ß = - 0.10, P < 0.05). Traditional regression supported the robustness of the results.  Conclusion: Total body fat is positively associated with BMD in younger girls but inversely associated in older boys. As for abdominal adipose, it is associated with lower BMD in both older boys and girls. What is Known: • The lean mass has been consistently positively associated with bone mineral density (BMD) among children and adolescents. However, the impact of fat mass on BMD remained controversial. • Beyond total body fat, site-specific fat mass, especially abdominal adiposity, might impede bone formation. What is New: • The associations of total body fat and fat distribution with BMD in children and adolescents were gender- and age-specific. • More attention should be paid to the abdominal fat accumulation to promote bone health in older children.

Clinical efficacy and safety of fluticasone/salmeterol inhalation powder combined with huaiqihuang granules in the treatment of children with cough variant asthma.

This study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of fluticasone/ salmeterol inhalation powder plus Huaiqihuang Granules for children with cough variant asthma (CVA). From June 2019 to May 2021, 60 children with CVA were hospitalized to the Pediatrics Department of Cangzhou Central Hospital and randomized to the observation (fluticasone/salmeterol inhalation powder plus huaiqihuang granules) and control group (fluticasone/salmeterol inhalation powder) using the random number table method. The outcome measures include clinical efficacy, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume per second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), FeNO, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-23, airway anatomical indicators and T lymphocyte subsets levels. Both groups exhibited remarkable improvements in FVC, FEV1, PEF and FeNO and hs-CRP, IL-17 and IL-23, with higher FVC, FEV1 and PEF and lower FeNO, hs-CRP, IL-17 and IL-23 in the observation group (all P<0.05). Significantly higher levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were observed in the observation group versus control group, but lower airway wall thickness, basement membrane thickness, total airway wall area and CD8+ in the observation group (all P<0.05). Fluticasone/salmeterol inhalation powder plus Huaiqihuang Granules improves lung function, FeNO and airway inflammation in children with CVA and boosts cellular and humoral immune function.

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease by hydrocolonic sonography in children.

OBJECTIVES: To compare hydrocolonic sonography with histopathology for diagnosing children with symptoms highly suggestive of Hirschsprung disease (HD). METHODS: In this prospective study, patients presenting refractory constipation highly suggestive of HD underwent hydrocolonic sonography with retrograde infusion of saline into the colon. The dilated segments, narrowed segments, luminal diameter ratio, transition zone (TZ), thickening, and blood perfusion of the upstream bowel were evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of combined and single parameters were determined in comparison with biopsy. RESULTS: One hundred and three children were included in this study; 49 were confirmed to have HD. The luminal diameter ratio showed superiority over other parameters. An area under the curve (AUC) of 0.969 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.936-1.000) and a cutoff value of 1.51 were established by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the luminal diameter ratio (sensitivity: 89.8%; specificity: 96.3%). By combining the luminal diameter ratio as the major criterion with two minor criteria, hydrocolonic sonography showed the same sensitivity (91.8%) and better specificity (96.3% vs 87%) than contrast enema, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.063). Consistency analysis showed a kappa value of 0.825 (p < 0.001), indicating excellent agreement between hydrocolonic sonography and contrast enema. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrocolonic sonography is a valuable diagnostic tool with both high sensitivity and specificity for HD diagnosis, allowing morphological and vascular assessments of the colon, and correlates well with contrast enema. In the appropriate setting, hydrocolonic sonography may be an alternative screening method for HD in a large group of children with constipation. Key Points • Hydrocolonic sonography is a simple, well-tolerated diagnostic tool with both high sensitivity and specificity for HD diagnosis. • Hydrocolonic sonography allows morphological and vascular assessments of the colon, and correlates well with contrast enema. • Hydrocolonic sonography is a possible alternative modality for paediatric patients highly suggestive of HD.

ABO(H) and Lewis blood group substances and disease treatment.

Since the early 20th century, scientists have determined that blood group antigens can be inherited. With more and more studies have been devoted to finding the relationship between blood groups and diseases, the relationship of ABO(H) and Lewis blood groups and the development of human diseases have been summarised. In addition, many studies have shown that blood group substances, such as blood group antigen or related antibody, play an important role in disease prevention and treatment. This review focuses on the advances of ABO(H), Lewis blood group substances in the treatment of diseases, which has important significance for the development of novel therapeutic methods.

Apoptosis mechanisms induced by parvovirus infections.

Parvoviruses affect both vertebrates and invertebrates, and can be both detrimental and benign to the host. Numerous studies about parvovirus-induced apoptotic cell death have been researched and reported. In most parvovirus infections, cell death heightens the virus dissemination and causes tissue damage, often leading to disease. Cell cycle arrest also induces cytopathic effects in infected cells and is sometimes a prerequisite to apoptotic cell death. Cell death mechanisms caused by parvovirus infections vary depending on the infecting parvovirus strain and the cell lines involved. Apo-ptosis, however, is a frequent form of cell death induced by parvoviruses. The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a major contributor to parvovirus infection-induced cell death. However, other proteins such as the 11 kDa, NP1 and viral genome replication can also induce cell death. Understanding the mechanisms involved in parvovirus cell death, and host response is important in the development of treatment for cytopathic parvoviruses. This review article discusses parvovirus-induced apoptotic cell death and the mechanisms involved. Keywords: apoptosis; cell cycle arrest; cell death; parvovirus; viral protein.

High BMI with Adequate Lean Mass Is Not Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Despite an increasing number of studies investigating the links between increased BMI and a better prognosis of cardiovascular disease, which has been termed the "obesity paradox," few of them take the lean mass into consideration. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the associations of body composition compartments, especially the lean mass, with cardiometabolic abnormalities in children and adolescents. METHODS: In a nationwide cross-sectional study of 6- to 18-y-old children (n = 8967, 50.1% boys), we measured body composition using DXA scan, and calculated BMI, fat mass index (FMI), and lean mass index (LMI). The exploratory outcomes were cardiometabolic abnormalities, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. Adjusted linear regression coefficients and ORs were calculated to assess the associations between body composition indicators and cardiometabolic abnormalities. RESULTS: Unlike BMI and FMI, LMI was inversely associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (ß: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.03; P < 0.001), fasting plasma glucose (ß: -0.08; 95% CI: -0.11, -0.05; P < 0.001), non-HDL cholesterol (ß: -0.10; 95% CI: -0.13, -0.08; P < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (ß: -0.12; 95% CI: -0.14, -0.09; P < 0.001), and total cholesterol (TC) (ß: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.19, -0.14; P < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, all the odds of cardiometabolic abnormalities were increased from the lowest quartile to the highest quartile of BMI and FMI (P-trend < 0.05); however, the odds of high TC, high LDL cholesterol, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance were decreased with LMI (P-trend < 0.05). Obese children with high LMI did not have significantly increased odds of high TC, high LDL cholesterol, and high non-HDL cholesterol compared with normal-weight children without high LMI. CONCLUSIONS: Greater lean mass may have a protective impact on high TC, high LDL cholesterol, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in children and adolescents. This finding suggests that the "obesity paradox" may be partly explained by high lean mass.

Bone mineral density and its influencing factors in Chinese children with spinal muscular atrophy types 2 and 3.

BACKGROUND: Patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are at risk of decreased bone mineral density (BMD). The bone health status of Chinese patients with SMA has been poorly studied. We aimed to evaluate the BMD of children with SMA types 2 and 3 in mainland China and investigate its influencing factors. METHODS: Forty patients with a mean age of 5.5 years affected by SMA types 2 and 3 (n = 22 and n = 18, respectively) were enrolled between September 2017 and May 2019. Total body less head (TBLH) BMD, lumbar spine (LS) BMD, and body composition were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum bone metabolism markers and complete spinal radiographs were assessed. We utilized a linear regression model to explore the correlations between BMD and its related factors. RESULTS: A total of 67.5% (27/40) of patients were diagnosed with low BMD and 2.5% (1/40) were diagnosed with osteoporosis. The TBLH BMD and LS BMD Z-scores in children with SMA type 2 were significantly lower than those with SMA type 3. Both TBLH and LS BMD Z-scores tended to increase with the change of SMA subtypes from 2a-3b. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were found in 37.5% (15/40) of the patients. Serum Ca, phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and parathormone (PTH) levels were normal. There were no significant differences among the four subtypes in terms of all the serum bone metabolism markers. Phenotype was significantly associated with TBLH BMD and LS BMD Z-scores, and serum PTH levels were significantly associated with TBLH BMD Z-scores. CONCLUSIONS: Low BMD and osteoporosis were highly prevalent in mainland Chinese children with SMA types 2 and 3. Phenotype and serum PTH level might be the influencing factors of BMD. Regular monitoring of BMD by DXA scan and taking active interventions aim to SMA children with different types are important.

Risks associated with perioperative anaemia and perioperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing neurosurgical operation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of preoperative anaemia and the risks associated with perioperative anaemia and blood transfusion in patients who underwent neurological surgery. BACKGROUND: Perioperative anaemia has an important impact on neurosurgery patients. The prevalence and risks of perioperative anaemia and blood transfusion in Chinese patients are still unknown. METHODS: Logistic regression was used to predict adverse outcomes of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and different levels of anaemia. Anaemia and transfusion were compared as independent variables by using a 1:1 match on propensity score. RESULTS: The prevalence of preoperative anaemia in neurosurgical patients was 20.05%; 10.33% patients received RBC transfusion. Perioperative RBC and plasma transfusion rates (P < .001) and average hospital costs (P = .0365) were higher in preoperative moderate-to-severe anaemia patients than in no anaemia patients. Perioperative RBC transfusion patients had longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (P < .001) and higher average hospital costs (P < .001) than no-transfusion patients. The rates of return to the operating room (OR) within 30 days and intensive care unit stay did not demonstrate any significant difference in anaemia and transfusion cohorts, respectively. CONCLUSION: The status of preoperative anaemia in Chinese neurosurgical patients is associated with increased transfusion rates and hospital costs. Perioperative RBC transfusion is associated with increased length and cost of hospitalisation.

Ternary chalcogenide Ta2NiS5 as a saturable absorber for a 1.9 µm passively Q-switched bulk laser.

In this Letter, a high-quality saturable absorber (SA) based on a multilayered two-dimensional ternary chalcogenide Ta2NiS5 with a narrow bandgap, has been successfully fabricated and used as a SA in a 1.9 µm spectral region. The nonlinear saturable absorption properties of the as-prepared SA have been investigated by using an open-aperture Z-scan method. A passively Q-switched all-solid-state laser operating at 1.9 µm has been realized with the Ta2NiS5 SA. The maximum average output power, shortest pulse width, pulse energy, and pulse peak power from the passively Q-switched (PQS) laser are 1.1 W, 313 ns, 22.0 µJ, and 71.0 W, respectively. This is the first demonstration of the saturable absorption property of Ta2NiS5, to the best of our knowledge. The results indicate well the promising potential of Ta2NiS5 as a broadband SA in realizing pulsed mid-infrared lasers with high performance.

Body fat indicators perform better than body mass index in identifying abnormal lipid profiles in boys but not in girls.

BACKGROUND: BMI as a body weight indicator, may inadequately represent the biological effect of body fat on lipid profiles. This study aims to assess whether body fat indicators were superior to BMI for recognizing children with dyslipidemia. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional study involving 8944 pediatric participants aged 6-18 years. Measures of fat mass index (FMI), fat mass percentage (FMP), BMI, and four lipid profiles were obtained. RESULTS: Among boys, the standard multi-linear regression coefficients of FMI for TC, LDL-C, and TG were higher than those of BMI (P < 0.01), but not for HDL-C. Also, the prevalence ratios and area under curves (AUCs) of excess fat classified by FMI for specific abnormal lipid profiles (except for HDL-C) were greater than overweight classified by BMI. The AUCs for detecting children with abnormal TC, LDL-C, and TG of FMI-based excess fat were 3.9%, 5.6%, and 2.8% higher than those of BMI-based overweight, respectively, all P < 0.01. Among girls, the associations of BMI with lipid profiles were substantially similar to FMI. All these results were almost identical when FMP was used instead of FMI. CONCLUSIONS: DXA measured body fat performs better than BMI in identifying abnormal lipid profiles in boys but not in girls.

A Quick and Reliable Method to Decellularize a Gracilis Flap: A Crucial Step Toward Building a Muscle.

INTRODUCTION: Tissue loss as a consequence of congenital anomalies, trauma, malignancy, or gangrene represents a major health care problem in the United States. Because younger individuals are disproportionately affected, the costs are magnified over time and the resultant individual and societal effects are tremendous. The currently available options to restore soft tissue defects are associated with donor site morbidities. Vascularized composite allotransplantation may provide form, function, and esthetics without a donor site; however, it comes with the significant risk associated with toxic immunosuppression (Biomaterials. 2015;61:246-256, Ann Plast Surg. 2015;75(1):112-116, Transplantation. 2009;88(2):203-210). Engineered tissues offer promise in finding viable alternatives to allograft and autologous tissues. In this study, we present our simple and quick method to decellularize a muscle without disrupting the vascular network integrity or the extracellular matrix. Optimizing the decellularization process is a crucial step toward creating an "off-the-shelf" flap that can be used for soft tissue reconstruction. METHODS: The superficial gracilis muscle of 20 rats were harvested on their circulation and decellularized using perfusion with Krebs-Henseleit buffer and sodium dodecyl sulfate for 6 hours. These flaps were evaluated by gross morphology, histology, DNA quantification, integrity of the vascular network, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: All samples were decellularized successfully as determined by DNA content and histological analysis for cellular content. The vascular network was preserved in all samples. CONCLUSIONS: We present a quick, simple, and affordable method to decellularize a muscle flap through the vascular network. Our proposed method is efficient and can be completed in a significantly shorter time when compared with other methods. It is also safe and does not affect integrity of tissue, and this is essential for a reliable recellularization.

Bilayer platinum diselenide saturable absorber for 2.0 µm passively Q-switched bulk lasers.

A noble transition metal dichalcogenide, bilayers platinum diselenide (PtSe2), has a narrow bandgap (0.21 eV) and high charge carrier mobility. This metal was manufactured for use as a saturable absorber via the chemical vapor deposition method. The saturable absorption properties of samples, at a wavelength of 2.0 µm, were characterized by the open aperture Z-scan method. An all-solid-state 2.0 µm passively Q-switched laser was achieved experimentally based on the as-prepared bilayers PtSe2 saturable absorber. The maximum average output power, shortest pulse width, highest single-pulse energy, and highest pulse peak power of this laser were 1.41 W, 244 ns, 24.3 µJ, and 99.6 W, respectively.