Immunohistochemical expression in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies at a single center in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: The identification of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) requires a comprehensive analysis involving clinical manifestations and histological findings. This study aims to provide insights into the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of IIMs. METHODS: This retrospective case series involved 56 patients diagnosed with IIMs at the Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, from 2019 to 2023. The histology and immunohistochemical expression of HLA-ABC, HLA-DR, C5b-9, Mx1/2/3, and p62 were detected. RESULTS: We examined six categories of inflammatory myopathy, including immunemediated necrotizing myopathy (58.9%), dermatomyositis (DM; 23.2%), overlap myositis (8.9%), antisynthetase syndrome (5.4%), inclusion body myositis (IBM; 1.8%), and polymyositis (1.8%). The average age of the patients was 49.7 ± 16.1 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. Inflammatory cell infiltration in the endomysium was present in 62.5% of cases, perifascicular atrophy was found in 17.8%, and fiber necrosis was observed in 42 cases (75.0%). Rimmed vacuoles were present in 100% of cases in the IBM group. Immunohistochemistry showed the following positivity rates: HLA-ABC (89.2%), HLA-DR (19.6%), C5b-9 (57.1%), and Mx1/2/3 (10.7%). Mx1/2/3 expression was high in DM cases. p62 vacuole deposits were noted in the IBM case. The combination of membrane attack complex and major histocompatibility complex I helped detect IIMs in 96% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of IIMs and their subtypes should be based on clinical features and histopathological characteristics. Immunohistochemistry plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and differentiation of these subgroups.

Sphingolipid biosynthesis is essential for metabolic rewiring during TH17 cell differentiation.

T helper 17 (TH17) cells are implicated in autoimmune diseases, and several metabolic processes are shown to be important for their development and function. In this study, we report an essential role for sphingolipids synthesized through the de novo pathway in TH17 cell development. Deficiency of SPTLC1, a major subunit of serine palmitoyl transferase enzyme complex that catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of de novo sphingolipid synthesis, impaired glycolysis in differentiating TH17 cells by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) through enhancement of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 activity. Increased ROS leads to impaired activation of mammalian target of rapamycin C1 and reduced expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha and c-Myc-induced glycolytic genes. SPTLCI deficiency protected mice from developing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and experimental T cell transfer colitis. Our results thus show a critical role for de novo sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway in shaping adaptive immune responses with implications in autoimmune diseases.

Structural Characterization of a Pathogenic Antibody Underlying Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT).

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare but dangerous side effect of adenoviral-vectored COVID-19 vaccines. VITT had been linked to production of autoantibodies recognizing platelet factor 4 (PF4). Here, we characterize anti-PF4 antibodies obtained from a VITT patient's blood. Intact mass measurements indicate that a significant fraction of these antibodies represent a limited number of clones. MS analysis of large antibody fragments (the light chain and the Fc/2 and Fd fragments of the heavy chain) confirms the monoclonal nature of this component of the anti-PF4 antibodies repertoire and reveals the presence of a mature complex biantennary N-glycan within the Fd segment. Peptide mapping using two complementary proteases and LC-MS/MS was used to determine the amino acid sequence of the entire light chain and over 98% of the heavy chain (excluding a short N-terminal segment). The sequence analysis allows the monoclonal antibody to be assigned to the IgG2 subclass and verifies that the light chain belongs to the λ-type. Incorporation of enzymatic de-N-glycosylation into the peptide mapping routine allows the N-glycan in the Fab region of the antibody to be localized to the framework 3 region of the VH domain. This novel N-glycosylation site is the result of a single mutation within the germline sequence. Peptide mapping also provides information on lower-abundance (polyclonal) components of the anti-PF4 antibody ensemble, revealing the presence of all four subclasses (IgG1-IgG4) and both types of the light chain (λ and κ). This case study demonstrates the power of combining the intact, middle-down, and bottom-up MS approaches for meaningful characterization of ultralow quantities of pathogenic antibodies extracted directly from patients' blood.

When "more for others, less for self" leads to co-benefits: A tri-MRI dyad-hyperscanning study.

Unselfishness is admired, especially when collaborations between groups of various scales are urgently needed. However, its neural mechanisms remain elusive. In a tri-MRI dyad-hyperscanning experiment involving 26 groups, each containing 4 participants as two rotating pairs in a coordination game, we sought to achieve reciprocity, or "winning in turn by the two interacting players," as the precursor to unselfishness. Due to its critical role in social processing, the right temporal-parietal junction (rTPJ) was the seed for both time domain (connectivity) and frequency domain (i.e., coherence) analyses. For the former, negative connectivity between the rTPJ and the mentalizing network areas (e.g., the right inferior parietal lobule, rIPL) was identified, and such connectivity was further negatively correlated with the individual's final gain, supporting our task design that "rewarded" the reciprocal participants. For the latter, cerebral coherences of the rTPJs emerged between the interacting pairs (i.e., within-group interacting pairs), and the coupling between the rTPJ and the right superior temporal gyrus (rSTG) between the players who were not interacting with each other (i.e., within-group noninteracting pairs). These coherences reinforce the hypotheses that the rTPJ-rTPJ coupling tracks the collaboration processes and the rTPJ-rSTG coupling for the emergence of decontextualized shared meaning. Our results underpin two social roles (inferring others' behavior and interpreting social outcomes) subserved by the rTPJ-related network and highlight its interaction with other-self/other-concerning brain areas in reaching co-benefits among unselfish players.

Is increased activation in the fusiform face area to Greebles a result of appropriate expertise training or caused by Greebles' face likeness?

Background: In 2011, Brants et al. trained eight individuals to become Greeble experts and found neuronal inversion effects [NIEs; i.e., higher fusiform face area (FFA) activity for upright, rather than inverted Greebles]. These effects were also found for faces, both before and after training. By claiming to have replicated the seminal Greeble training study by Gauthier and colleagues in 1999, Brants et al. interpreted these results as participants viewing Greebles as faces throughout training, contrary to the original argument of subjects becoming Greeble experts only after training. However, Brants et al.'s claim presents two issues. First, their behavioral training results did not replicate those of Gauthier and Tarr conducted in 1997 and 1998, raising concerns of whether the right training regime had been adopted. Second, both a literature review and meta-analysis of NIEs in the FFA suggest its impotency as an index of the face(-like) processing. Objectives: To empirically evaluate these issues, the present study compared two documented training paradigms Gauthier and colleagues in 1997 and 1998, and compared their impact on the brain. Methods: Sixteen NCKU undergraduate and graduate students (nine girls) were recruited. Sixty Greeble exemplars were categorized by two genders, five families, and six individual levels. The participants were randomly divided into two groups (one for Greeble classification at all three levels and the other for gender- and individual-level training). Several fMRI tasks were administered at various time points, specifically, before training (1st), during training (2nd), and typically no <24 h after reaching expertise criterion (3rd). Results: The ROI analysis results showed significant increases in the FFA for Greebles, and a clear neural "adaptation," both only in the Gauthier97 group and only after training, reflecting clear modulation of extensive experiences following an "appropriate" training regime. In both groups, no clear NIEs for faces nor Greebles were found, which was also in line with the review of extant studies bearing this comparison. Conclusion: Collectively, these results invalidate the assumptions behind Brants et al.'s findings.

Structural characterization of a pathogenic antibody underlying vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT).

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare but extremely dangerous side effect that has been reported for several adenoviral (Ad)-vectored COVID-19 vaccines. VITT pathology had been linked to production of antibodies that recognize platelet factor 4 (PF4), an endogenous chemokine. In this work we characterize anti-PF4 antibodies obtained from a VITT patient's blood. Intact-mass MS measurements indicate that a significant fraction of this ensemble is comprised of antibodies representing a limited number of clones. MS analysis of large antibody fragments (the light chain, as well as the Fc/2 and Fd fragments of the heavy chain) confirms the monoclonal nature of this component of the anti-PF4 antibodies repertoire, and reveals the presence of a fully mature complex biantennary N-glycan within its Fd segment. Peptide mapping using two complementary proteases and LC-MS/MS analysis were used to determine the amino acid sequence of the entire light chain and over 98% of the heavy chain (excluding a short N-terminal segment). The sequence analysis allows the monoclonal antibody to be assigned to IgG2 subclass and verify that the light chain belongs to the λ-type. Incorporation of enzymatic de- N -glycosylation into the peptide mapping routine allows the N -glycan in the Fab region of the antibody to be localized to the framework 3 region of the V H domain. This novel N -glycosylation site (absent in the germline sequence) is a result of a single mutation giving rise to an NDT motif in the antibody sequence. Peptide mapping also provides a wealth of information on lower-abundance proteolytic fragments derived from the polyclonal component of the anti-PF4 antibody ensemble, revealing the presence of all four subclasses (IgG1 through IgG4) and both types of the light chain (λ and κ). The structural information reported in this work will be indispensable for understanding the molecular mechanism of VITT pathogenesis.

Overexpression of MYB-like transcription factor SiMYB30 from foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) confers tolerance to low nitrogen stress in transgenic rice.

Nitrogen fertilizers significantly increase crop yield; however, the negative impact of excessive nitrogen use on the environment and soil requires urgent attention. Improving crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is crucial to increase yields and protect the environment. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.), a gramineous crop with significant tolerance to barren croplands, is an ideal model crop for studying abiotic stress resistance in gramineous crops. However, knowledge of the regulatory network for NUE in foxtail millet is fragmentary. Herein, we identified an R2R3-like MYB transcription factor in foxtail millet, SiMYB30, which belongs to MYB subfamily 17. The expression of SiMYB30 is responsive to low nitrogen (LN) concentration. Compared with wildtype Kitaake, seedlings of rice lines overexpressing SiMYB30 showed significantly increased shoot fresh and dry weights, plant height, and root area under LN treatment indoors. Consistently, overexpression of SiMYB30 in field experiments significantly increased grain and stem nitrogen contents, grain yield per plant, and stem weight in rice. Furthermore, qRT-PCR revealed that SiMYB30 effectively activated the expression of nitrogen uptake-related genes-OsNRT1, OsNRT1.1B, and OsNPF2.4-and nitrogen assimilation-related genes-OsGOGAT1, OsGOGAT2, and OsNIA2. Notably, SiMYB30 directly bound to the promoter of OsGOGAT2 and regulated its expression. These results highlight the novel and pivotal role of SiMYB30 in improving crop NUE.

Identification and analysis of the genetic integrity of different types of rice resources through SSR markers.

Seed aging is the key factor leading to the loss of genetic integrity. In this study, the seeds of Dongxiang wild rice, Xianggu, 9194 and Nipponbare were kept in a plant incubator with constant temperature and humidity for artificial aging treatment. The genetic integrity of germplasm resources with different germination gradients were analyzed using 44 SSR markers. The results suggested that different accessions could be ranked in order of aging resistance from highest to lowest as common wild rice > Xianggu > 9194 > Nipponbare. In order to maintain the genetic diversity of rice, the population size for reproduction and regeneration should be between 60 and 140. After aging, the number of polymorphic alleles, the number of specific single plant, the ratio of polymorphic bands, the number of alleles, the number of effective alleles, gene diversity index and Shannon index of different accessions all decreased with the decrease of germination rate. The germination rate of 60% was the critical value to maintain genetic integrity. Besides, the genetic integrity of eighteen SSR markers was rapidly lost or significantly increased. The regions of these markers were closely related to seed viability or genetic integrity. This study provides a theoretical basis for determining the population size for reproduction and regeneration and the critical value of germination rate of rice resources.

Tracheal reconstruction surgery for congenital tracheal stenosis.

PURPOSE: Congenital tracheal stenosis is a rare but dangerous disease. Reconstructive tracheal surgery is a life-saving treatment but also a challenging procedure. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of tracheal reconstruction surgery. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted with all the records of congenital tracheal stenosis which had been managed by tracheal reconstruction surgery at Children's Hospital 2 Ho Chi Minh City from August 2013 to August 2022. RESULTS: Sixty-seven cases, who underwent slide tracheoplasty, were included in our study. Mean age was 7.6 months (25 days - 8 years). Common congenital-associated lesion was left pulmonary artery sling, accounting for 65.7% of cases. Bronchial stenosis was found in 22.4% patients. Emergency surgery was performed in eight cases. The survival rate in this review was 86.6%. Nine patients died in which four of nine cases (44.4%) were emergency surgery. The recurrent stenosis rate was 8.9%, only two cases needed reoperation in which one died and one recovered uneventfully. The outcomes of surgery were good in 53 cases (79.1%). CONCLUSION: Tracheal reconstruction surgery with slide tracheoplasty technique is safe and versatile technique which is feasible in every case of congenital tracheal stenosis. Mortality was associated with severe cases which required emergency surgery.

New trends of new psychoactive substances (NPS)-infused chocolate: Identification and quantification of trace level of NPS in complex matrix by GC-MS and NMR.

For the first time, the identification and quantification of trace level of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in a complex chocolate matrix have been reported. Since the beginning of 2022, suspected NPS-infused chocolate samples confiscated in inbound packages have been continuously sent to our laboratory for analysis. The qualitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results were verified by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and 19F NMR to distinguish between potential aromatic isomers. A total of 11 NPS including deoxymethoxetamine, 3-OH-PCP, 6-APB, 4-APB, 4-OH-MiPT, 3-FEA, 2-FEA, 3-MMC, bromazolam, 2-FDCK, and ADB-BUTINACA were detected in 65 seized chocolate samples. A general 1H quantitative NMR (1H qNMR) method for quantification of 297 types of NPS in complex chocolate matrixes was devised for the first time after rigorous analysis of various critical features of merit, including suitable deuterated solvent, internal standard, quantitative peaks, and instrument acquisition parameters. Validation of the method using six different types of NPS afforded limits of detection of 0.05-0.1 mg/mL, limits of quantification of 0.01-0.03 mg/mL, repeatability and reproducibility lower than 0.5% and 3.6%, recoveries of 91.7%∼104.4%, and absence of matrix effect. The quantitative analysis of 65 seized chocolate samples by 1H qNMR and 19F qNMR showed that the content of NPS was in the range of 0.5 mg/g∼44.1 mg/g. Generally, the developed qNMR method was simple, fast, precise, and can be performed without reference materials of NPS. Since the type and content of NPS are relatively random, chocolate consumers will face huge health risks. Therefore, this new trend of NPS-infused chocolate deserves and requires more attention from national NPS monitoring departments as well as forensic laboratories.

Cardiac myxoma shedding leads to lower extremity arterial embolism: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Left cardiac myxoma (CM) is the most common benign tumor of primary cardiac tumors, but because of its special position caused by pathological physiology change, caused by the complications of the heavier, the surface is often accompanied by blood clots, once fall out, it causes peripheral vascular embolization, such as acute lower limb artery embolization, harmfulness is large, high morbidity, and easy to occur repeatedly. CASE SUMMARY: A 67-year-old male patient suddenly appeared numbness and weakness of the left lower limb and could not walk without obvious incentive. The patient was finally diagnosed as left CM complicated with acute lower limb arterial embolism after completing cardiac ultrasound, computer tomography angiography, and histopathological analysis, such as hematoxylin-eosin stain staining, immunohistochemistry and special staining including alcian blue staining and periodic acid schiff staining. Arterial thrombosis was removed successfully by femoral artery thrombectomy, postoperative numbness and weakness of the patient's left lower limb disappeared, skin temperature became warm, and dorsal foot artery pulsation was accessible. The patient was readmitted to the hospital 8 mo after discharge for left atrial mass resection, and was diagnosed as CM by postoperative histopathological examination. CONCLUSION: Although CM is rare, it may be considered as the source of embolism in patients with acute limb ischemia. Repeated loss of thrombus on the tumor and its surface may lead to repeated embolism of peripheral vessels. Cardiac ultrasound is helpful for early diagnosis. Here, we use this case report to highlight left CM as an important cause of acute limb ischemia and to report our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of lower limb arterial embolism caused by CM detachment.

Optical net gain measurement on Al0.07Ga0.93N/GaN multi-quantum wells.

We report net gain measurements at room temperature in Al0.07Ga0.93N/GaN 10-period multi-quantum well layers emitting at 367 nm, using the variable stripe length method. The separate confinement heterostructure was designed targeting electron-beam pumped lasing at 10 kV. The highest net gain value was 131 cm-1, obtained at the maximum pumping power density of the experimental setup (743 kW/cm2). The net gain threshold was attained at 218 kW/cm2 using 193 nm optical pumping. From these experiments, we predict an electron-beam-pumped lasing threshold of 370 kW/cm2 at room temperature, which is compatible with the use of compact cathodes (e.g. carbon nanotubes). In some areas of the sample, we observed an anomalous amplification of the photoluminescence intensity that occurs for long stripe lengths (superior to 400 µm) and high pumping power (superior to 550 kW/cm2), leading to an overestimation of the net gain value. We attribute such a phenomenon to the optical feedback provided by the reflection from cracks, which were created during the epitaxial growth due to the strong lattice mismatch between different layers.

Delivery of ceramide phosphoethanolamine lipids to the cleavage furrow through the endocytic pathway is essential for male meiotic cytokinesis.

Cell division, wherein 1 cell divides into 2 daughter cells, is fundamental to all living organisms. Cytokinesis, the final step in cell division, begins with the formation of an actomyosin contractile ring, positioned midway between the segregated chromosomes. Constriction of the ring with concomitant membrane deposition in a specified spatiotemporal manner generates a cleavage furrow that physically separates the cytoplasm. Unique lipids with specific biophysical properties have been shown to localize to intercellular bridges (also called midbody) connecting the 2 dividing cells; however, their biological roles and delivery mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we show that ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE), the structural analog of sphingomyelin, has unique acyl chain anchors in Drosophila spermatocytes and is essential for meiotic cytokinesis. The head group of CPE is also important for spermatogenesis. We find that aberrant central spindle and contractile ring behavior but not mislocalization of phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs) at the plasma membrane is responsible for the male meiotic cytokinesis defect in CPE-deficient animals. Further, we demonstrate the enrichment of CPE in multivesicular bodies marked by Rab7, which in turn localize to cleavage furrow. Volume electron microscopy analysis using correlative light and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy shows that CPE-enriched Rab7 positive endosomes are juxtaposed on contractile ring material. Correlative light and transmission electron microscopy reveal Rab7 positive endosomes as a multivesicular body-like organelle that releases its intraluminal vesicles in the vicinity of ingressing furrows. Genetic ablation of Rab7 or Rab35 or expression of dominant negative Rab11 results in significant meiotic cytokinesis defects. Further, we show that Rab11 function is required for localization of CPE positive endosomes to the cleavage furrow. Our results imply that endosomal delivery of CPE to ingressing membranes is crucial for meiotic cytokinesis.

Room-Temperature Doping of CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals with Aluminum.

B-site doping is an emerging strategy for tuning the emission wavelength of cesium lead halide ABX3 nanocrystals. We present a simple method for the postsynthetic doping of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals with aluminum at room temperature by exposing them to a solution of AlBr3 in dibromomethane. Despite the much smaller ionic radius of Al3+ compared to that of Pb2+, nominal doping levels in a range from 8.1% to 24.3% were obtained when increasing the Al/Pb feed ratio from 1 to 4.5. Al3+ introduction leads to a hypsochromic shift of the photoluminescence (PL) emission of the CsPbBr3 nanocrystals. The PL peak position is highly stable over at least 6 months and tunable in a range of 510 to 480 nm by increasing the doping level. Structural analyses revealed a linear correlation between the PL energy and the lattice parameter with a slope of -1.96 eV/Å.

Distinct cerebral coherence in task-based fMRI hyperscanning: cooperation versus competition.

This study features an functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) hyperscanning experiment from 2 sites, 305 km apart. The experiment contains 2 conditions: the dyad collaborated to win and then split the reward in the cooperation condition, whereas the winner took all the reward in the competition condition, thereby resulting in dynamic strategic interactions. To calculate the cerebral coherence in such jittered event-related fMRI tasks, we first iteratively estimated the feedback-related blood oxygenation level-dependent responses of each trial, using 8 finite impulse response functions (16 s) and then concatenated the beta volume series. With the right temporal-parietal junction (rTPJ) as the seed, the interpersonal connected brain areas were separately identified: the right superior temporal gyrus (rSTG) (cooperation) and the left precuneus (lPrecuneus) (competition), both peaking at the designated frequency bin (1/16 s = 0.0625 Hz), but not in permuted pairs. In addition, the extended coherence analyses on shorter and longer concatenated volumes verified that only in the optimal trial frequency did the rTPJ-rSTG and rTPJ-lPrecuneus couplings peak. In sum, our approach both showcases a flexible analysis method that widens the applicability of interpersonal coherence in the rapid event-related fMRI hyperscanning and reveals a context-based inter-brain coupling between interacting pairs during cooperation and during competition.

Intravascular fasciitis involving the external jugular vein and subclavian vein: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular fasciitis (IVF) is a rare nodular fasciitis that often involves the layers and lumens of blood vessels; therefore, it is easily misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor with invasion into blood vessels. CASE SUMMARY: A 13-year-old boy was admitted due to a mass on the left side of his neck. Duplex ultrasonography revealed a circular solid hypoechoic mass in the external jugular vein, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhanced longitudinal mass-like lesion in the left supraclavicular fossa. Surgical treatment was arranged and completed, histopathological analysis showed a large amount of spindle cell proliferation, and immunohistochemistry showed that the spindle cells were positive for the expression of vimentin, caldesmon, and smooth muscle actin and negative for the expression of S-100 protein, desmin, CD34, and c-kit; Ki-67 staining revealed a low proliferative index (5%-10%), which confirmed the differentiation characteristics of myofibroblasts. Fluorescence in situ hybridization detected the rearrangement of USP6. IVF was subsequently diagnosed. CONCLUSION: IVF is characterized by intraluminal, intramural and extramural involvement of small to large arteries or veins. Unless the doctor has a deep understanding of the disease or suspects that there is an initial indicator, IVF may be confused with other intravascular malignancies, leading to unnecessary radical surgery. Imaging examination combined with histopathological examination can improve the diagnostic accuracy of this disease.

Aortic endograft infection secondary to Burkholderia pseudomallei: A case report and review of the literature.

Aortic graft infection is a rare complication after endovascular aneurysm repair that is usually caused by gram-positive organisms such as Staphylococcus spp or gram-negative organisms such as Enterobacteriaceae or Salmonella spp. We have presented a unique case of a patient with acute graft infection secondary to Burkholderia pseudomallei. Because treatment of B. pseudomallei infections is challenging owing to its inherent resistance to multiple antibiotics, we have proposed an approach for managing similar cases in the future. Lifestyle advice on avoiding soil exposure in the postoperative period after endovascular aneurysm repair might be an important preventative measure in endemic regions.

Association of Olfactory Impairment and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of anesthesia on the change of olfactory function and cognitive function in elderly patients who undergo abdominal surgery. METHODS: A total of 30 elderly patients who underwent abdominal surgery were recruited as the research subjects. The Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) olfactory test was used to test the olfactory function and the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised (HVLT-R), Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Digit-Symbol Coding Test (DSCT), and Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) were used to assess their cognitive function before general anesthesia, and on the 3rd and 7th day post-anesthesia. The serum level of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured before anesthesia and at 0, 12, and 24 h post-anesthesia. In total, 30 healthy volunteers who did not undergo anesthesia were used as the control group. The test results of all subjects were recorded and their correlations were analyzed. RESULTS: On the 3rd and 7th day post-anesthesia, the olfactory recognition threshold of patients in the surgical group was lower than that of control group with significant difference (P < 0.05). On the 3rd and 7th postoperative day, the patient's short-term memory and delayed memory, attention and processing speed were decreased (P < 0.05). On the 7th day post-anesthesia, delayed memory and processing ability were still decreased (P < 0.05). In the surgical group, Spearman correlation analysis showed that the difference of olfactory recognition score on the 3rd and 7th day post-anesthesia was positively correlated with short-term memory and delayed memory of cognitive function. Compared with pre-anesthesia, the serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in the surgical group were significantly increased at each time point after anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Abdominal surgery with general anesthesia in elderly patients may increase the level of serum inflammatory factors, induce olfactory impairment, particularly the decline of olfactory identification threshold and cause cognitive dysfunction with declined short-term memory, delayed memory and attention. There was a positive correlation between olfactory impairment and cognitive dysfunction after general anesthesia. Therefore, olfactory impairment could be an early indicator to guide early intervention for postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

AlGaN/GaN asymmetric graded-index separate confinement heterostructures designed for electron-beam pumped UV lasers.

We present a study of undoped AlGaN/GaN separate confinement heterostructures designed to operate as electron beam pumped ultraviolet lasers. We discuss the effect of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization on carrier diffusion, comparing the results of cathodoluminescence with electronic simulations of the band structure and Monte Carlo calculations of the electron trajectories. Carrier collection is significantly improved using an asymmetric graded-index separate confinement heterostructure (GRINSCH). The graded layers avoid potential barriers induced by polarization differences in the heterostructure and serve as strain transition buffers which reduce the mosaicity of the active region and the linewidth of spontaneous emission.

Pelvic Floor and Sexual Dysfunction After Vaginal Birth With Episiotomy in Vietnamese Women.

INTRODUCTION: Episiotomy has been the most common procedure in obstetrical practice; however, its benefits remain controversial, especially in case of postpartum pelvic floor disorder and sexual dysfunction. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate early complications, pelvic floor, and sexual dysfunction after delivery with episiotomy and their associated factors. METHODS: 158 healthy pregnant women at term (38 weeks 0 days to 41 weeks 6 days), aged above 18 years old, who vaginally delivered a singleton baby with cephalic presentation were recruited. The subjects were evaluated through 3 interviews at 1-3 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months after delivery, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The evaluations were accomplished primarily by administration of 2 validated questionnaires: the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short-form 20 to evaluate symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, and the Female Sexual Function Index to evaluate effects on the women's sexual life. RESULTS: Among early complications, pain while sitting (30.4%) was the most prominent trouble, other pelvic disorders, such as urinary incontinence (11.4%), urinary retention (10.8%), or flatus incontinence (8.9%), were also observed in a remarkable number of participants. Average Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short-form 20 score was 7.0 ± 10.2 after 3 months. At that time, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 40.7%. Trouble occurred commonly in the domains of desire (68.9%) and pain (58.5%). Associated factors of sexual dysfunction were maternal age over 30 years and parity. These factors, in combination with birth weight over 3,500 gram (g), were also associated factors of pelvic floor disorders. CONCLUSION: Pelvic pain was the most popular postdelivery complication. Urinary and bowel dysfunction were self-limited complications. Despite being considered a simple technique, episiotomy and its repair must be performed rigorously in order to allow the best recovery of pelvic floor and sexual function. Huy Quoc NV, Phuc An LS, Phuong LS, et al. Pelvic Floor and Sexual Dysfunction After Vaginal Birth With Episiotomy in Vietnamese Women. Sex Med 2019;7:514-521.