Polypyrrole pre-intercalation engineering-induced NH4+ removal in tunnel ammonium vanadate toward high-performance zinc ion batteries.

Ammonium vanadate with stable bi-layered structure and superior mass-specific capacity have emerged as competitive cathode materials for aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Nevertheless, fragile NH…O bonds and too strong electrostatic interaction by virtue of excessive NH4+ will lead to sluggish Zn2+ ion mobility, further largely affects the electro-chemical performance of ammonium vanadate in AZIBs. The present work incorporates polypyrrole (PPy) to partially replace NH4+ in NH4V4O10 (NVO), resulting in the significantly enlarged interlayers (from 10.1 to 11.9 Å), remarkable electronic conductivity, increased oxygen vacancies and reinforced layered structure. The partial removal of NH4+ will alleviate the irreversible deammoniation to protect the laminate structures from collapse during ion insertion/extraction. The expanded interlayer spacing and the increased oxygen vacancies by the virtue of the introduction of polypyrrole improve the ionic diffusion, enabling exceptional rate performance of NH4V4O10. As expected, the resulting polypyrrole intercalated ammonium vanadate (NVOY) presents a superior discharge capacity of 431.9 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 and remarkable cycling stability of 219.1 mAh g-1 at 20 A g-1 with 78 % capacity retention after 1500 cycles. The in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ex-situ high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis investigate a highly reversible intercalation Zn-storage mechanism, and the enhanced the redox kinetics are related to the combined effect of interlayer regulation, high electronic conductivity and oxygen defect engineering by partial substitution NH4+ of PPy incorporation.

Highly-reflective facet-coated multi-wavelength DFB laser array with exact wavelength spacings.

A distributed feedback (DFB) laser array of twenty wavelengths with highly reflective and anti-reflective (HR-AR) coated facets is both theoretically analyzed and experimentally validated. While the HR facet coating enhances high wall-plug efficiency, it inadvertently introduces a random facet grating phase, thereby compromising the lasing wavelength's predictability and the stability of the single-longitudinal-mode (SLM). In this study, two key advancements are introduced: first, the precisely spaced wavelength is achieved with an error of within ±0.2 nm using the reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique; second, the random grating phase on the HR-coated facet is compensated by a controllable distributed phase shift through a two-section laser structure. The SLM stability can be improved while the wavelength can be continuously tuned to the standard wavelength grid. The overall chip size is compact with an area of 4000 × 500 µm2. The proposed laser array has a light power intensity above 13 dBm per wavelength, a high side mode suppression ratio above 50 dB, and low relative intensity noise under -160 dB/Hz. These attributes make it apt for deployment in DWDM-based optical communication systems and as a light source for optical I/O.

Clinical efficacy of LED golden light combined with acyclovir in the treatment of herpes zoster: a single-center prospective study.

This study aimed to explore the safety and clinical efficacy of light emitting diode (LED) golden light combined with acyclovir in treating herpes zoster (HZ). According to the random number table, 54 inpatients with HZ were divided into control group, golden-light group, and red-light group, with 18 cases in each group. The control group received acyclovir intravenous drip, while the patients in the red-light group received acyclovir intravenous drip and red-light LED phototherapy, and the golden-light group received acyclovir intravenous drip and golden-light LED phototherapy. Primary assessments included herpes stopping time, incrustation time, decrustation time, pain visual analog scale scores (VAS), and incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) on the 30th and 90th days. Golden-light group and red-light group showed a shorter herpes stopping time, incrustation time, and decrustation time (P < 0.05) compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while the golden-light group showed a shorter incrustation time and decrustation time than the red light group (all P < 0.05). After treatment VAS scores, the golden-light group showed a significant improvement compared to the control group. The golden-light group showed a better PHN incidence than the control group at 30 days follow-up. Compared with the comprehensive curative effect, the total effective rates of the golden-light group, red-light group, and control group were 88.89%, 77.78%, and 72.22%, respectively, and the efficacy of the golden-light group was better than that of the control group and red-light group. Golden light combined with acyclovir can shorten the course of HZ, relieve pain, and reduce the occurrence of PHN, and the effect is better than that of the red-light group and the control group.

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with early rehabilitation therapy on mechanically ventilated patients: a prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) blended with early rehabilitation on the diaphragm and skeletal muscle in sufferers on mechanical ventilation (MV). METHOD: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Eighty patients on MV for respiratory failure were divided into a study group (40 cases) and a control group (40 cases) randomly. The study group adopted a treatment method of NMES combined with early rehabilitation and the control group adopted the method of early rehabilitation only. The diaphragmatic excursion (DE), diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF), variation of thickness of intercostal muscles (TIM), variation of thickness of rectus abdominis (TRA), and variation of the cross-sectional area of rectus femoris (CSA-RF) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effect by ultrasound before and after intervention at the first day of MV, the 3rd and 7th day of intervention and the day discharged from ICU. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the general demographic information and ultrasound indicators between the two groups before treatment (all P > 0.05). After treatment, the variation of DTF (0.15 ± 0.05% vs. 0.12 ± 0.04%, P = 0.034) was significantly higher in the study group than that in the control group on the day discharged from ICU. The variation of TRA (0.05 ± 0.09% vs. 0.10 ± 0.11%, P = 0.029) and variation of CSA-RF (0.13 ± 0.07% vs. 0.19 ± 0.08%, P < 0.001) in the study group were significantly lower than that in the control group. The duration of MV in the study group was significantly shorter than that in the control group [109.5 (88.0, 213.0) hours vs. 189.5 (131.5, 343.5) hours, P = 0.023]. The study group had better muscle strength score than the control group at discharge (52.20 ± 11.70 vs. 44.10 ± 15.70, P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: NMES combined with early rehabilitation therapy is beneficial in reducing muscle atrophy and improving muscle strength in mechanically ventilated patients. This treatment approach may provide a new option for patients to choose a rehabilitation program; however, more research is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment option.

Case report of avascular necrosis of the glans penis after PAE embolization.

BACKGROUND: Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a relatively safe and effective alternative method for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. The adverse events caused by PAE are primarily mild, including urinary tract infection, acute urinary retention, dysuria, fever, etc. Severe complications, such as nontarget organ embolism syndrome or penile glans ischemic necrosis, are rare. Here, we report a case of severe ischemic necrosis of the glans penis after PAE and review the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: An 86-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital due to progressive dysuria with gross hematuria. The patient underwent placement of a three-way urinary catheter to facilitate continuous bladder flushing, hemostasis, and rehydration. After admission, his hemoglobin decreased to 89 g/L. After an examination, the diagnosis was benign prostatic hyperplasia with bleeding. During communication with the patient regarding treatment, he requested prostate artery embolization due to his advanced age and concomitant disease status. He underwent bilateral prostate artery embolization under local anesthesia. His urine gradually turned clear. However, on the 6th day after embolization, the glans gradually showed ischemic changes. On the 10th day, there was partial necrosis and blackening of the glans. The glans completely healed, and the patient was able to urinate smoothly on the 60th day after local cleaning and debridement, the administration of pain relief, anti-inflammatory and anti-infection agents, and external application of burn ointment. CONCLUSION: Penile glans ischemic necrosis after PAE is rare. The symptoms include pain, congestion, swelling, and cyanosis in the glans.

Homocysteine levels correlate with AVSS-RigiScan test parameters in men with erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Although elevated homocysteine levels have been shown to affect penile erection, the relationship between homocysteine and erection at the tip or base of the penis has not been extensively studied. RESULTS: We found that homocysteine levels were negatively correlated with the average event rigidity of the base (r = -0.2225, p = 0.0142). Homocysteine levels were also negatively correlated with the average maximum rigidity of the base (r = -0.2164, p = 0.0171). In particular, homocysteine levels were negatively correlated with ∆ Tumescence of the tip (r = -0.1866, p = 0.0404). Similarly, homocysteine was negatively correlated with ∆ Tumescence of the base (r = -0.2257, p = 0.0128). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that homocysteine inhibits penile erection. At the same time, homocysteine levels were negatively correlated with the parameters of the AVSS-RigiScan test.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Bien qu'il ait été démontré que des niveaux élevés d'homocystéine affectaient l'érection pénienne, la relation entre homocystéine et érection à l'extrémité ou à la base du pénis n'a pas été étudiée de manière approfondie. RéSULTATS: Nous avons constaté que les niveaux d'homocystéine étaient négativement corrélés avec la rigidité moyenne de la base (r = -0,2225, p = 0,0142). Les taux d'homocystéine étaient également négativement corrélés avec la rigidité maximale moyenne de la base (r = -0,2164, p = 0,0171). En particulier, les taux d'homocystéine étaient négativement corrélés avec la tumescence Δ de l'extrémité (r = -0,1866, p = 0,0404). De même, l'homocystéine était négativement corrélée avec la tumescence Δ de la base (r = -0,2257, p = 0,0128). CONCLUSIONS: Nos données ont montré que l'homocystéine inhibe l'érection pénienne. Dans le même temps, les niveaux d'homocystéine étaient négativement corrélés avec les paramètres du test AVSS-RigiScan.

Evaluation of intervention effects of dietary coenzyme Q10 supplementation on oxidized fish oil-induced stress response in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether dietary coenzyme Q10 could alleviate stress response of Micropterus salmoides caused by oxidized fish oil. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain 100% fresh fish oil (FFO), 50% fresh fish oil + 50% oxidized fish oil (BFO), 100% oxidized fish oil (OFO) and 100% oxidized fish oil + 0.1% coenzyme Q10 (QFO) and were fed to Micropterus salmoides (95 ± 0.60 g) for 70 days. Higher weight gain rate was recorded in fish fed diet supplemented with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). FFO and BFO significantly increased contents of fat and energy in whole-body, while protein and energy retention significantly decreased in fish fed OFO. Apparent digestibility of energy and fat showed a significant decrease trend with increased the proportion of dietary oxidized fish oil. Fish fed OFO significantly increased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, while CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in plasma. Contents of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and highly unsaturated fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA in liver and muscle significantly decreased in fish fed OFO. Transcriptome analysis indicated that a total of 1238, 1189 and 1773 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, |log2(fold change) | >= 1 and q-value<=0.001) were found in the three comparison groups (FFO vs. OFO, FFO vs. QFO, OFO vs. QFO), respectively. After KEGG enrichment, the main changed pathways in the two comparison groups (FFO vs. OFO, OFO vs. QFO) related to the immune system. Dietary OFO up-regulated the expression of immune-related genes and inflammatory factors, while dietary CoQ10 supplementation reduced these effects.

Effects of Synthetic Astaxanthin on the Growth Performance, Pigmentation, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immune Response in Black Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon).

Synthetic astaxanthin is an effective nutritional strategy for improving shrimp body color and promoting growth. However, the optimal amount of astaxanthin in feed also varies with the synthetic technology and purity. In the present study, five diets containing different doses of synthetic astaxanthin (0% (CON), 0.02% (AX0.02), 0.04% (AX0.04), 0.08% (AX0.08), and 0.16% (AX0.16)) were administered to Penaeus monodon (initial body weight: 0.3 ± 0.03 g) for 8 weeks. With an increase in astaxanthin content in feed, weight gain and specific growth rate increased initially and subsequently decreased, with the highest value appearing at AX0.08. Dietary astaxanthin supplementation obviously improved the carapace and muscle color by enhancing astaxanthin pigmentation. Meanwhile, the fatty acid profile was altered by dietary astaxanthin, as evidenced by a decline in palmitic acid proportion, along with an increase in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) contents in muscle. In addition, dietary astaxanthin supplementation regulated prawn's antioxidant capacity. In the hemolymph, the activities of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) showed a significantly decrease trend with linear effect. The activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) were first downregulated and then upregulated with significantly quadratic pattern. In the hepatopancreas, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the contents of MDA were significantly downregulated with the increase of dietary astaxanthin levels. Reduced glutathione (GSH) contents and catalase (CAT) activities were also significantly decreased in group AX0.08. Correspondingly, astaxanthin decreased GSH and MDA contents under transportation stress. Moreover, the mRNA expression of immune genes (traf6, relish, and myd88) were inhibited by dietary astaxanthin supplementation. Based on the results of polynomial contrasts analysis and Duncan's test, dietary synthetic astaxanthin is a suitable feed additive to improve the growth, body color, antioxidant capacity, and nonspecific immunity of P. monodon. According to the second-order polynomial regression analysis based on the weight gain, the optimal supplementation level of dietary astaxanthin was 90 mg kg-1 in P. monodon.

One rare case of posterior urethral hemangioma and review of the literature.

Urethral Hemangioma is a rare disease in urology. In one male patient with post-ejaculatory hematuria, a series of ancillary tests performed before surgery did not reveal the cause of the hematuria. It was found to be posterior urethral cavernous hemangiomas on intraoperative microscopy and was operated on endoscopically to relieve symptoms. Therefore, Hematuria after ejaculation may be a posterior urethral cavernous hemangioma bleeding and requires the attention of a urologist.

Retroperitoneal tumor finally diagnosed as a bronchogenic cyst: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst (RBC) is an extremely rare developmental abnormality. Most are benign tumors but malignant transformation is possible. Because of their anatomical position, RBCs are easily misdiagnosed as adrenal or pancreatic solid tumors on radiological evaluation. Here, we report a case of RBC, review the literature, and summarize some important features. CASE SUMMARY: A 49-year-old woman was incidentally found to have a retroperitoneal tumor during a physical examination. Enhanced computed tomography and laboratory evaluations, including routine blood examination, blood biochemistry, 24-h urine 17 ketones, 17 hydroxyls, adrenocortical hormone, serum potassium concentration, serum amylase, lipase, and epithelial tumor markers, revealed a moderate density, 54 mm × 40 mm mass with a clear boundary near the left adrenal gland. The were no abnormalities in the blood and urine values. Because the patient had a history of hypertension and the location of the mass was adjacent to the adrenal gland, it was initially diagnosed as a left adrenal tumor and was resected by retroperitoneal laparoscopy. However, the pathological examination after surgery confirmed it to be a bronchogenic cyst. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery can be prioritized for symptomatic RBC patients. Conservative treatment is feasible for selected patients.

Efficient capture and conversion of polysulfides by zinc protoporphyrin framework-embedded triple-layer nanofiber separator for advanced Li-S batteries.

The practical application of Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is significantly inhibited by (i) the notable 'shuttle effect' of lithium polysulfides (LiPS), (ii) the corrosion of the lithium interface, and (iii) the sluggish redox reaction kinetics. The functional separator in the Li-S battery has the potential to provide the perfect solution to these problems. Herein a triple-layer multifunctional PVDF-based nanofiber separator, which contains GoTiN/PVDF layer on the top and bottom and ZnTPP/PVDF layer on the middle, is designed. The polarity and porous structure of this multifunctional separator can greatly improve the wettability of electrolytes and enhance the transportation of Li+. With the zinc-based porphyrin framework (ZnTPP) structure, this separator has a strong chemisorption and LiPS conversion ability, which greatly prevent the 'shuttle effect'. Consequently, the designed multilayer separator showed excellent electrochemical performance. As a result, the cell with GoTiN@ZnTPP@GoTiN nanofiber membrane displayed an initial discharge capacity of 1180 mAh/g with a benign capacity retention of 65.9% at 0.5C and high coulombic efficiency of more than 98.5% after 100 cycles. Even at 2C, it can still release a capacity of 798 mAh/g. Moreover, the remarkable capacity of 591 mAh/g could be achieved with a high sulfur load of 5.76 mg/cm2 under a current density of 0.1C. Based on these merits, this novel and scalable multifunctional separator is a promising candidate to replace the conventional PP separator for advanced Li-S batteries to deal with various challenges.

Chemerin regulates autophagy to participate in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Chemerin has recently been discovered as a novel adipokine associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Excessive autophagy activity and overexpression of autophagy-related genes in follicular granulosa cells are important mechanisms of PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chemerin on autophagy in PCOS. METHODS: A rat model of PCOS was established by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate under a high-fat diet. Expression levels of chemerin and its receptor CMKLR1 were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Proliferation and apoptosis of human granulosa cells in vitro and expression of autophagy-related genes were examined using bafilomycin A1 (autophagy inhibitor) and Torin1 (autophagy inducer). RESULTS: Chemerin and CMKLR1 expression were significantly increased in the ovary in a rat model of PCOS. Ectopic expression of chemerin promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of COV434 cells. Ectopic expression of chemerin also induced autophagy by inhibiting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Chemerin and CMKLR1 were overexpressed in PCOS rats. Chemerin promoted autophagy through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and may provide a potential target and biomarker of PCOS.

Clinical Value of Detecting Anti-Mutated Citrullinated Vimentin, Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide, Red Cell Distribution Width and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in the Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical value of detecting anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV), anti-citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), red-blood-cell distribution width (RDW), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-[OH]D) in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We enrolled 119 patients with RA, 114 control individuals without RA (disease controls), and 40 healthy controls in our study (Han Chinese). Anti-CCP and anti-MCV were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 25-(OH)D was detected by electrochemical luminescence, and RDW was calculated by erythrocyte parameters detected via the electric resistance method. RESULTS: The serum levels of anti-CCP and anti-MCV in RA were higher than those in disease controls and healthy controls (P <.01). The areas under the curve (AUCs) of anti-MCV, anti-CCP, RDW, and 25-(OH)D were 0.857, 0.890, 0.611, and 0.569 respectively (P <.05). In various combinations of indicators, when RDW, 25-(OH)D, and anti-CCP; or RDW, 25-(OH)D, anti-CCP, and anti-MCV were connected in parallel, the sensitivity was the highest (all 94.1%). Also, when RDW, 25-(OH)D, anti-CCP, and anti-MCV were connected in series, the sensitivity was the lowest (13.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-CCP and anti-MCV are ideal indices for RA diagnosis. Also, in combination with RDW and 25-(OH)D, the diagnostic level will be improved, as well as the sensitivity and specificity, which is significant for the differential diagnosis of RA.

Ultraviolet A rush hardening for chronic actinic dermatitis: Pilot treatment outcomes.

Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is a common debilitating photodermatosis. Patients often have to completely avoid outdoor activities, which severely impacts their quality of life. Phototherapy is effective for CAD and seems to increase patients' tolerance towards sunlight and consequently decrease the extent of disease. Unfortunately, the slower onset and time-consuming nature of phototherapy limits the clinical application. Considering the effectiveness and time-saving nature of ultraviolet (UV)-A rush hardening in solar urticaria, we performed a pilot study to determine whether UV-A rush hardening is effective in CAD. Six patients with CAD were exposed to multiple sessions of UV-A for 4-5 days at 1-h intervals/day. Subsequently, maintenance UV-A exposure was performed at 1-2-week intervals. Phototesting at baseline showed that three patients were sensitive to both UV-A and -B, and the other three patients only showed UV-A sensitivity. All of the patients responded well to UV-A rush hardening and four (67%) maintained a good remission status after 1 year. The results of this pilot study suggest that UV-A rush hardening phototherapy is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of CAD, while future larger prospective studies using objective scores of disease activity and quality of life are needed.

Propagation properties of the radially polarized Airy vortex beams in a chiral medium.

We study the propagation of the radially polarized Airy vortex beams (RPAiVBs) in a chiral medium analytically. The RPAiVBs split into the left circular polarization of the RPAiVBs (LCPRPAiVBs) and the right circular polarization of the RPAiVBs (RCPRPAiVBs). We mainly discuss the effects of the vortex and the chiral parameter on the propagation properties of the RPAiVBs, involving the intensity distributions and the radiation forces. It is shown that with the chiral parameter increasing, the intensity focusing position of the RCPRPAiVBs is further from ${ z} = 0\text{Zr}$z=0Zr, while that of the LCPRPAiVBs is opposite. Besides, the maximum radiation forces of the RCPRPAiVBs are stronger than those of the LCPRPAiVBs. It is significant that we can control the acceleration, the intensity focusing position, and the radiation forces of the RPAiVBs by varying the vortex order and the chiral parameter.

Nutrient Digestibility, Growth, Mucosal Barrier Status, and Activity of Leucocytes From Head Kidney of Atlantic Salmon Fed Marine- or Plant-Derived Protein and Lipid Sources.

Nutrient digestibility, growth, and mucosal barrier status of fish skin, gills, and distal intestine were studied in Atlantic salmon fed feeds based on marine or plant-derived ingredients. The barrier status was assessed by considering the expression of four mucin genes, five genes that encode antimicrobial proteins, distal intestine micromorphology, and design-based stereology of the midgut epithelium. In addition, the head kidney leukocytes were examined using flow cytometry; to understand the differences in their counts and function. Five experimental feeds containing the main components i) fishmeal and fish oil (BG1), ii) soybean meal (BG2; to induce enteritis), iii) fishmeal as the main protein source and rapeseed oil as the main lipid source (BG3), iv) a mix of plant protein concentrates as the protein sources and fish oil as the lipid source (BG4), and v) plant and marine ingredients in the ratio 70:30 (BG5) were produced for the study. Atlantic salmon with initial weight 72.7 ± 1.2 g was offered the experimental feeds for 65 days. The results revealed that the weights of all fish groups doubled, except for fish fed BG2. Fish fed the BG2 diet had lower blood cholesterol concentration, developed enteritis, had lower expression of muc2 in the distal intestine, and had a compromised barrier status in the intestine. Expression of both the mucin genes and genes that encode antimicrobial peptides were tissue-specific and some were significantly affected by diet. The fish fed BG1 and BG3 had more head kidney lymphocyte-like cells compared to BG5-fed fish, and the phagocytic activity of macrophage-like cells from the head kidney was the highest in fish fed BG1. The intestinal micromorphology and the mucosal mapping suggest two different ways by which plant-based diets can alter the gut barrier status; by either reducing the mucous cell sizes, volumetric densities and barrier status (as noted for BG2) or increasing volumetric density of mucous cells (as observed for BG4 and BG5). The results of the compromised intestinal barrier in fish fed plant ingredients should be further confirmed through transcriptomic and immunohistochemical studies to refine ingredient composition for sustainable and acceptable healthy diets.

Effect of premature rupture of membranes on time to delivery and outcomes in full-term pregnancies with vaginal dinoprostone-induced labour.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in full-term pregnancies with dinoprostone-induced labour. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This historical cohort study analysed 2166 full-term pregnancies with dinoprostone-induced labour between 1 August 2016 and 30 April 2018. A group that underwent induction of labour for PROM (PROM group) was compared to a group that underwent labour induction for other indications (no-PROM group). Time to delivery and perinatal outcome were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 2166 pregnancies (662 PROM and 1504 no-PROM) were included. The two groups demonstrated no significant differences except in biparietal diameter and gestational age (P < 0.001). The caesarean section delivery rate in the PROM group was significantly lower than in the non-PROM group (26.89 vs. 33.58%, P < 0.0001). In the PROM group, the induction-to-delivery time was shorter (P < 0.0001) and the rates of vaginal birth within 24 h (P < 0.0001) and 48 h (P < 0.0001) were higher than those in the control group. The incidence rate of amniotic fluid contamination in the PROM group was significantly lower than that in the non-PROM group (19.18 vs. 25.20%, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: PROM significantly affects perinatal outcome in Chinese women who undergo dinoprostone-induced labour, especially the caesarean delivery rate and the induction-to-delivery time.

Three-dimensional localized Airy-Gaussian wave packets in a gradient-index medium.

By solving the Schrödinger equation in spatial and temporal coordinates, the exact solution of the chirped Airy-Gaussian (CAiG) wave packets in a gradient-index medium is obtained. Based on that, we conduct a theoretical analysis about the properties of CAiG wave packets and discover that the chirp factor, the distribution factor, the initial velocity, as well as the propagation distance have an effect on the wave packets in both the propagation process and the spatiotemporal profiles. Among these, the Gaussian distribution factor, which is first added to the initial pulses, also alters the peculiarities of the Airy-Gaussian beams in the temporal domain and spatial domain. In addition, the investigation about the radiation force illuminates certain evolution properties of the CAiG wave packets well.

Linc02527 promoted autophagy in Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

LncRNA plays a crucial role in human disease. However, the expression and function of LncRNA in ICP(Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy) is still not fully elucidated. In this study, we found Linc02527 was increased expression in placenta and serum of ICP patients. Ectopically expression of Linc02527 promoted autophagy and proliferate in HTR8 cells. Silencing Linc02527 suppressed the autophagy and proliferate in HTR8 cells. Mechanically study revealed that Linc02527 regulated the expression of ATG5 and ATG7 by sponging miR-3185. Linc02527 directly binding to YBX1 and activated P21. The growth of C57 mouse was retarded when autophagy was activated. In normal condition, inhibited autophagy using chloroquine did not affect the growth of C57 mouse. However, in the condition of autophagy was activated, inhibited autophagy using chloroquine can improve the growth of C57 mouse. Overall, the results of this study identified Linc02527 as a candidate biomarker in ICP and a potential target for ICP therapy. Chloroquine was a potential drug for ICP therapy.