Study on blood pressure rhythm in hypertensive patients withdeficiency syndrome and a random forest model for predicting hypertension withdeficiency syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate blood pressure rhythm (BPR) in Yin deficiency syndrome of hypertension (YDSH) patients and develop a random forest model for predicting YDSH. METHODS: Our study was consistent with technical processes and specification for developing guidelines of Evidence-based Chinese medicine clinical practice (T/CACM 1032-2017). We enrolled 234 patients who had been diagnosed with primary hypertension without antihypertensive medications prior to the enrollment. All participants were divided into Yin deficiency group (YX, n = 74) and non-Yin deficiency group (NYX, n = 160). Participants were professionally grouped by three experienced chief Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physicians according to four examinations (i.e., inspection, listening and smelling, inquiry and palpation). We collected data on 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and YDSH rating scale. We divided 24 h of a day into 12 two-hour periods [Chen-Shi (7:00-9:00), Si-Shi (9:00-11:00), Wu-Shi (11:00-13:00), Wei-Shi (13:00-15:00), Shen-Shi (15:00-17:00), You-Shi (17:00-19:00), Xu-Shi (19:00-21:00), Hai-Shi (21:00-23:00), Zi-Shi (23:00-1:00), Chou-Shi (1:00-3:00), Yin-Shi (3:00-5:00), Mao-Shi (5:00-7:00)] according to the theory of "midnight-midday ebb flow". We used random forest to build the diagnostic model of YDSH, with whether it was Yin deficiency syndrome as the outcome. RESULTS: Compared with NYX group, YX group had more female participants with older age, lower waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and smoking and drinking rate (all P ＜ 0.05). The YDSH rating scores of YX group [28.5 (21.0-36.0)] were significantly higher than NYX group [13.0 (8.0-22.0)] (P < 0.001), and the typical symptoms of YX group included vexing heat in the chest, palms and soles, dizziness, dry eyes, string-like and fine pulse, soreness and weakness of lumbus and knees, palpitations, reddened cheeks, and tinnitus (all P < 0.05). The ratio of non-dipper hypertension in YX group was higher than in NYX group (56.9% vs 44.4%, P = 0.004). Compared with NYX group, 24 h DBP standard deviation (SD), nighttime DBP SD, Si-Shi DBP, Si-Shi mean arterial pressure (MAP), Hi-Shi systolic blood pressure (SBP), Hi-Shi DBP, Hi-Shi MAP, Zi-Shi SBP, Zi-Shi DBP, Zi-Shi MAP, Chou-Shi SBP SD, Chou-Shi DBP SD, Chou-Shi SBP coefficient of variation (CV) were lower in YX group (all P ＜ 0.05). Binary Logistic Regression analysis showed that the diagnosis of YDSH was positively correlated with age, heart rate, YDSH rating scores, and four TCM symptoms including vexing heat in the chest, palms and soles, string-like and fine pulse, soreness and weakness of lumbus and knees, and reddened cheeks (all P ＜ 0.05), but was negatively correlated with smoking (P﹥0.05). In addition, the diagnosis of YDSH was positively correlated with daytime SBP SD, nighttime SBP SD, nighttime SBP CV, and Hi-Shi SBP CV, but was negatively correlated with 24 h SBP CV, daytime DBP SD, nighttime DBP SD, and Hi-Shi DBP (all P ＜ 0.05). Hi-Shi SBP CV had independent and positive correlation with the diagnosis of YDSH after adjusting the variables of age, gender, course of hypertension, BMI, waist circumference, SBP, DBP, heart rate, smoking and drinking (P = 0.029). Diagnostic model of YDSH was established and verified based on the random forest. The results showed that the calculation accuracy, specificity and sensitivity were 77.3%, 77.8% and 76.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The BPR was significantly attenuated in YDSH patients, including lower 24 h DBP SD and nighttime DBP SD, and Hi-Shi SBP CV is independently correlated with the diagnosis of YDSH. The prediction accuracy of diagnosis model of YDSH based on the random forest was good, which could be valuable for clinicians to differentiate YDSH and non-Yin deficiency patients for more effective hypertensive treatment of TCM.

[Different methods in predicting mortality of pediatric intensive care units sepsis in Southwest China].

Objective: To investigate the value of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) and pediatric critical illness score (PCIS) in predicting mortality of pediatric sepsis in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) from Southwest China. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter observational study. A total of 447 children with sepsis admitted to 12 PICU in Southwest China from April 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Based on the prognosis, the patients were divided into survival group and non-survival group. The physiological parameters of SIRS, pSOFA and PCIS were recorded and scored within 24 h after PICU admission. The general clinical data and some laboratory results were recorded. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the predictive value of SIRS, pSOFA and PCIS in mortality of pediatric sepsis. Results: Amongst 447 children with sepsis, 260 patients were male and 187 patients were female, aged 2.5 (0.8, 7.0) years, 405 patients were in the survival group and 42 patients were in the non-survival group. 418 patients (93.5%) met the criteria of SIRS, and 440 patients (98.4%) met the criteria of pSOFA≥2. There was no significant difference in the number of items meeting the SIRS criteria between the survival group and the non-survival group (3(2, 4) vs. 3(3, 4) points, Z=1.30, P=0.192). The pSOFA score of the non-survival group was significantly higher than that of the survival group (9(6, 12) vs. 4(3, 7) points, Z=6.56, P<0.001), and the PCIS score was significantly lower than that of the survival group (72(68, 81) vs. 82(76, 88) points, Z=5.90, P<0.001). The predictive value of pSOFA (AUC=0.82) and PCIS (AUC=0.78) for sepsis mortality was significantly higher than that of SIRS (AUC=0.56) (Z=6.59, 4.23, both P<0.001). There was no significant difference between pSOFA and PCIS (Z=1.35, P=0.176). Platelet count, procalcitonin, lactic acid, albumin, creatinine, total bilirubin, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio were all able to predict mortality of sepsis to a certain degree (AUC=0.64, 0.68, 0.80, 0.64, 0.68, 0.60, 0.77, 0.75, 0.76, all P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with SIRS, both pSOFA and PCIS had better predictive value in the mortality of pediatric sepsis in PICU.

Development and validation of a nomogram to predict postsurgical intra-abdominal infection in blunt abdominal trauma patients: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal infection is a common complication of blunt abdominal trauma. Early detection and intervention can reduce the incidence of intra-abdominal infection and improve patients' prognoses. This study aims to construct a clinical model predicting postsurgical intra-abdominal infection after blunt abdominal trauma. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 553 patients with blunt abdominal trauma from the Department of General Surgery of 7 medical centers (2011-2021). A 7:3 ratio was used to assign patients to the derivation and validation cohorts. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether intra-abdominal infection occurred after blunt abdominal trauma. Multivariate logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to select variables to establish a nomogram. The nomogram was evaluated, and the validity of the model was further evaluated by the validation cohort. RESULTS: A total of 113 were diagnosed with intra-abdominal infection (20.4%). Age, prehospital time, C-reactive protein, injury severity score, operation duration, intestinal injury, neutrophils, and antibiotic use were independent risk factors for intra-abdominal infection in blunt abdominal trauma patients (P < .05). The area under the receiver operating curve (area under the curve) of derivation cohort and validation cohort was 0.852 (95% confidence interval, 0.784-0.912) and 0.814 (95% confidence interval, 0.751-0.902). The P value for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was .135 and .891 in the 2 cohorts. The calibration curve demonstrated that the nomogram had a high consistency between prediction and practical observation. The decision curve analysis also showed that the nomogram had a better potential for clinical application. To facilitate clinical application, we have developed an online at https://nomogramcgz.shinyapps.io/IAIrisk/. CONCLUSION: The nomogram is helpful in predicting the risk of postoperative intra-abdominal infection in patients with blunt abdominal trauma and provides guidance for clinical decision-making and treatment.

Practical guide for setting up a Fourier light-field microscope.

A practical guide for the easy implementation of a Fourier light-field microscope is reported. The Fourier light-field concept applied to microscopy allows the capture in real time of a series of 2D orthographic images of microscopic thick dynamic samples. Such perspective images contain spatial and angular information of the light-field emitted by the sample. A feature of this technology is the tight requirement of a double optical conjugation relationship, and also the requirement of NA matching. For these reasons, the Fourier light-field microscope being a non-complex optical system, a clear protocol on how to set up the optical elements accurately is needed. In this sense, this guide is aimed to simplify the implementation process, with an optical bench and off-the-shelf components. This will help the widespread use of this recent technology.

Optimal ropivacaine concentration for ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy surgery.

Background: An ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has emerged as an effective way to control postoperative pain and may be a good alternative way to an epidural block. However, relevant research on the appropriate concentration of local anesthetics for an ESPB remains scarce. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the optimal concentration of ropivacaine for an ESPB in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods: A total of 68 patients who underwent a VATS lobectomy were enrolled. An ipsilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB was performed with three different ropivacaine concentrations as a local anesthetic: 0.189% (G1), 0.375% (G2), and 0.556% (G3). The total amount of perioperative remifentanil administered, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) applied, and rescue drugs for postoperative analgesia during the 24 h after surgery were acquired, and numeric rating scale (NRS) scores were obtained. Results: The total amount of intraoperative remifentanil administered was 7.20 ± 3.04 mcg/kg, 5.32 ± 2.70 mcg/kg, and 4.60 ± 1.75 in the G1, G2, and G3 groups, respectively. G2 and G3 had significantly lower amounts of remifentanil administered than the G1 group (P = 0.02 vs. G2; P = 0.003 vs. G3). The G3 group needed more inotropes than the G1 and G2 groups in the perioperative period (P = 0.045). The NRS scores, PCA, and rescue drug were not significantly different in the three groups. Conclusion: The optimal concentration of ropivacaine recommended for an ESPB was 0.375%, which was effective in controlling pain and reducing the intraoperative opioid requirements with minimal adverse reactions such as hypotension.

Type IV collagen-derived angiogenesis inhibitor: canstatin low expressing in brain-invasive meningiomas using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

PURPOSE: Brain invasion in meningiomas is considered an indicator of more aggressive behavior and worse prognosis. But the precise definition and the prognostic role of brain invasion remains unsolved duo to lacking a standardized workflow of surgical sampling and the histopathological detection. Searching for molecular biomarker expression correlating with brain invasion, could contribute to establish a molecular pathological diagnosis without problems of subjective interobserver variation and deeply understand the mechanism of brain invasion and develop innovative therapeutic strategies. METHODS: We utilized liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to quantify protein abundances between non-invasive meningiomas (n = 21) and brain-invasive meningiomas (n = 21) spanning World Health Organization grades I and III. After proteomic discrepancies were analyzed, the 14 most up-regulated or down-regulated proteins were recorded. Immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein and most likely brain invasion-related proteins was performed in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 6498 unique proteins were identified in non-invasive and brain-invasive meningiomas. Canstatin expression in the non-invasive group was 2.1-fold that of the brain-invasive group. The immunohistochemical staining showed canstatin expressed in both groups, and the non-invasive group showed stronger staining for canstatin in the tumor mass (p = 0.0132) than the brain-invasive group, which showed moderate intensity. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the low expression of canstatin in meningiomas with brain invasion, a finding that provide a basis for understanding the mechanism of brain invasion of meningiomas and may contribute to establish molecular pathological diagnosis and identify novel therapeutic targets for personalized care.

Consensus on diagnostic criteria for deficiency syndrome in hypertension: a modified Delphi study.

OBJECTIVE: To reach consensus on the diagnostic criteria for deficiency syndrome in hypertension (YDSH) patients by a modified Delphi method. METHODS: Our study was consistent with T/CACM 1032-2017. The methodology of RAND/UCLA appr-opriateness was used to develop consensus guidance statements. A nationwide panel of experienced clinical experts from 19 provinces was constructed. These experts were all prominent in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) of cardiovascular diseases. This con-sensus process consisted of two rounds of ques-tionnaires and a final round of consultation to analyze the weight score of each item. Moreover, the data extraction process is carried out independently by third-party researchers (LIANG Junya, SUN Yang, and DU Xiaona). When there is disagreement in all three rounds, the expert panel group (odd number) are invited to vote, and the one with more votes wins. In the questionnaires, participants were asked to rate the appropriateness of each syndrome item using a nine-point Likert scale. The consensus was defined as a panel median rating 1-3 or 7-9 without disagreement. And then the diagnostic criteria of YDSH were formed according to the weight score in the final round. RESULTS: Twenty-eight experts (84.8%) participated in the first round, and thirty-one (93.9%) finished the second round. After two rounds, the consensus of YDSH was reached on 11 items (25.6%), including symptoms, signs, and pulse condition. Twenty-one experts (63.6%) com-pleted the final round in which they used a grading system for each item. Red tongue with scanty fur had the highest weighting (22.8%), followed by heat in the palms and soles (20.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The consensus-based diagnostic criteria for YDSH, formed by a modified Delphi method, can be widely incorporated in TCM. A further clinical study will be conducted to analyze the diagnosis value and cut-off score of our YDSH criteria.

Oral administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NR16 isolated from Kimchi ameliorates murine allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a type I hypersensitivity mediated by dominant T helper 2 (Th2) response over the Th1 response after re-exposure to a specific allergen. Currently, socio-economic cost evoked by AR is quickly increasing since the prevalence of AR is gradually increasing in all ages worldwide. Several probiotic Lactobacillus strains have been described with potential immunomodulatory effects against type I hypersensitivity such as AR. Thus, the aim of the present work was to characterize basic probiotic property and immunomodulatory role of newly isolated Lactobacillus strains from Kimchi, a traditional fermented Korean food, in AR. Among the identified strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NR16 revealed to be a powerful Th1 inducer since immune cells co-cultured with NR16 produced the highest quantity of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) but secreted a low amount of IL-4 in vitro. Therefore, NR16 was selected for the following assays conducted with mice with birch pollen-induced AR. Oral administration of NR16 reduced airway hyperresponsiveness and leukocyte infiltration in lesions of mice. In conclusion, oral administration of NR16 may mitigate symptoms of AR by inducing Th1 immune response, which might rebalance Th2/Th1 ratio by decreasing Th2 cytokine production in specific lesions of mucosa.

Ovarian Function Preservation in Patients With Cervical Cancer Undergoing Hysterectomy and Ovarian Transposition Before Pelvic Radiotherapy.

To examine the factors associated with ovarian failure (OF) and assess the effectiveness of ovarian transposition (OT) before pelvic irradiation for preserving ovarian function in patients with cervical cancer (CC) undergoing hysterectomy. During 2003 to 2017, patients who underwent hysterectomy with preservation of one or both ovaries were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into 4 groups, depending on whether radiotherapy (RT) and OT were performed: group 1, RT(+) and OT(+); group 2, RT(+) and OT(-); group 3, RT(-) and OT(+); group 4, RT(-) and OT(-). OF was defined as serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels of ≥30 mIU/mL. Sixty-six patients (59 [89.4%] invasive CC and 7 [10.6%] cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) were included. The 2-year OF-free survival rate was 61.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 37.8-86.0), 0%, 91.7% (95% CI 76.0-100), and 75.8% (95% CI 58.2-93.4) for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In groups 1 and 2 receiving RT, OT, and combination of external beam radiotherapy and vaginal brachytherapy were associated with OF on multivariate analysis (MVA) (P-value = .002 and .046, respectively). In groups 3 and 4 without RT, older age (40 years old) and OT did not affect OF; however, the number of remaining ovaries was independently associated with OF in MVA (P = .035). OT could effectively preserve ovarian function in patients treated with adjuvant RT, while OT procedure itself did not affect ovarian failure. OT should be considered in the management of premenopausal cervical cancer patients.

[Clinical application of enterostomy using running suture of dermis and seromuscular layer in laparoscopic-assisted radical resection for rectal carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the clinical safety and feasibility of enterostomy using running suture of dermis and seromuscular layer in laparoscopic-assisted radical resection for rectal carcinoma. Methods: From May 1, 2017 to May 1, 2018, 46 patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical resection for rectal carcinoma with enterostomy using running suture of dermis and seromuscular layer in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Data regarding clinicopathologic characteristics, operation and postoperative outcomes, stoma-related complications and functions of stoma were collected and analyzed. Results: All of the 46 patients successfully underwent this operation. Among them, 30 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer with sigmoidostomy and 16 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted low anterior resection for rectal cancer with loop ileostomy. The mean operation time was 115.3 minutes and intraoperative blood loss was 86.1 ml. The mean time for enterostomy was 14.1 minutes. The average time to flatus, time to fluid diet intake and length of hospital stay were 1.8 days, 2.9 days and 6.5 days, respectively. During the follow-up period, three patients suffered from stomal edema, two patients suffered from parastomal hernia, and two patients suffered from skin inflammation surrounding stoma. None of re-operation related stoma and severe mobility such as stomal stenosis, stomal necrosis, stomal prolapse, stomal retraction and stomal mucocutaneous separation occurred. Thirty-five patients recovered with satisfactory stomal function, two with middle function and one with poor function. Conclusion: Enterostomy using running suture of dermis and seromuscular layer in laparoscopic-assisted radical resection for rectal carcinoma is a safe and feasible procedure with a satisfactory short-term effect.

Clinical relevance of amnestic versus non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment subtyping in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To clarify whether subtyping of amnestic and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is clinically relevant in Parkinson's disease (PD) by analyzing patterns of neuroimaging and longitudinal cognitive changes. METHODS: We performed comparative analyses of cortical thickness, hippocampal volume, white matter integrity and resting-state functional connectivity between the patients with de-novo PD with amnestic MCI (PD-aMCI) (n = 50) and non-amnestic MCI (PD-naMCI) (n = 50) subtypes. Additionally, we assessed the longitudinal rate of cognitive decline in each cognitive domain over time and the rate of dementia conversion in patients with de-novo PD-aMCI (n = 125) and PD-naMCI (n = 61). RESULTS: The demographic data showed that scores in memory domains were lower in the PD-aMCI group compared with the PD-naMCI group. There were no significant differences in cortical thickness, hippocampal volume and white matter integrity between the two groups, although the PD-aMCI group exhibited more cortical thinning and hippocampal atrophy relative to the control group. The PD-aMCI group exhibited increased functional connectivity in the left posterior parietal region with the salience network relative to the PD-naMCI group. The longitudinal cognitive assessment demonstrated that patients with PD-aMCI exhibited a more rapid cognitive decline in frontal/executive function than those with PD-naMCI (P = 0.022). In addition, the PD-aMCI group had a higher risk of dementia conversion than the PD-naMCI group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the designation of PD-MCI subtypes based on memory function would highlight the heterogeneity of functional correlates as well as the longitudinal cognitive prognosis.

Evaluation of Multi-Slice Spiral Computed Tomography in In vivo Simulation of Individualized Cervical Pedicle Screw Placement at C3-C7 in Chinese Healthy Population.

BACKGROUND: Cervical pedicle screw fixation through posterior approach has shown greater cervical stability advantage. The cervical pedicle screw fixation technique through posterior approach is demanding. The key to the technique is the choice of point and angle of screw entrance. The angle of screw placement is variable. Morphometric measurements of the cervical pedicle are a prerequisite for individualized screw. CT imaging has become the most reliable and important means to obtain cervical pedicle's measurement data and morphology in vivo. This study explores the feasibility and application of precise in vivo measurements by multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) for individualized cervical transpedicular screw placement at C3-C7 in Chinese healthy population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 adults who underwent cervical examination by enhanced and nonenhanced computed tomography angiography, respectively, were selected and submitted to bone algorithm reconstruction for slice thickness and interval of 0.75 mm to acquire clear images and detailed bone structures. Simulation of individualized screw placement was performed with a 4.0 mm diameter screw with the help of postprocessing workstation. Pedicle transverse angle (PTA) and sagittal angle (PSA) were measured using the single- and double-line methods (analog nailing, 4.0 mm in diameter) in 160 pairs of C3-C7 pedicles, setting positive and negative values for cranial direction and foot side PSAs, respectively. Comparison of the measured change scope in PTA and PSA between the two methods was carried out; the range was defined as the error range. RESULTS: Significantly, different results (P < 0.05) were obtained between the single- and double-line methods in the error ranges of PTA and PSA in C3-C7 pedicles. Interestingly, the double-line method was better in simulating the actual needs of individualized nailing. The mean values of PTA and PSA were 42.9°, 45.5°, 42.4°, 37.1°, 29.0° and 8.4°, 5.0°, -4.0°, and -7.8°, -8.1°, respectively, with the double-line method. CONCLUSION: MSCT reconstruction techniques can determine the direction and required parameters for individualized screw placement. In addition, accurate in vivo measurements of PTA and PSA, particularly PSA, provide the orthopedic surgeon with theoretical guidance and reliable basis in screw placement.

Population pharmacokinetic analysis of propofol in underweight patients under general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: The modified Marsh and Schnider pharmacokinetic models for propofol consistently produce negatively and positively biased predictions in underweight patients, respectively. We aimed to develop a new pharmacokinetic model of propofol in underweight patients. METHODS: Twenty underweight (BMI<18.5 kg m-2) patients aged 20-68 yr were given an i.v. bolus of propofol (2 mg kg-1) for induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was maintained with a zero-order infusion (8 mg kg-1 h-1) of propofol and target-controlled infusion of remifentanil. Arterial blood was sampled at preset intervals. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using non-linear mixed effects modelling. The time to peak effect (tpeak, maximally reduced bispectral index) was measured in 28 additional underweight patients receiving propofol 2 mg kg-1. RESULTS: In total, 455 plasma concentration measurements from the 20 patients were used to characterise the pharmacokinetics of propofol. A three-compartment mammillary model well described the propofol concentration time course. BMI and lean body mass (LBM) calculated using the Janmahasatian formula were significant covariates for the rapid peripheral volume of distribution and for the clearance of the final pharmacokinetic model of propofol, respectively. The parameter estimates were as follows: V1(L)=2.02, V2(L)=12.9(BMI/18.5), V3(L)=139, Cl (L⋅min-1)=1.66(LBM/40), Q1 (L⋅min-1)=1.44, Q2 (L⋅min-1)=0.87+0.0189×(LBM-40). The median tpeak of propofol was 1.32 min (n=48). CONCLUSIONS: A three-compartment mammillary model can be used to administer propofol via target effect-site concentration-controlled infusion of propofol in underweight patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT0001760.

Highly-Sensitive Refractive Index Sensing by Near-infrared Metatronic Nanocircuits.

In this work, we present a highly-sensitive refractive index sensor based on metatronic nanocircuits operating at near-infrared spectral range. The structure is designed based on simple nanorod geometry and fabricated by nanopatterning of transparent conducting oxides. The functionality of these polarization dependent metatronic nanocircuits is enhanced by applying tunable response. This feature is investigated by depositing NH2 (Amine) groups via plasma polymerization technique on top of indium-tin-oxide nanorods. The dielectric constant of Amine groups is a function of their thickness, which can be controlled by the RF power and the time duration of the applied plasma polymerization process. The resonance wavelengths of nanocircuits shift to higher wavelength, as the dielectric constant of the deposited material increases. An excellent agreement between the design and experimental results are obtained. Our metatronic based nanosensor offers a high-sensitive performance of 1587 nm/RIU with a satisfactory figure of merit for this class of sensors.

Microscopic hematuria is a risk factor of incident chronic kidney disease in the Korean general population: a community-based prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (MH) is a common finding in clinical practice, its long-term outcome remains unknown. AIM: This study evaluated the clinical implication of MH in the general population using a large-scale long-term longitudinal cohort database. METHODS: This study included 8719 participants from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study between 2001 and 2014. MH was defined as ≥5 red blood cells per high-power field in random urinalysis without evidence of pyuria. The primary study outcome measure was incident chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml min-1⋅1.73⋅m-2. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 11.7 years, CKD occurred in 677 (7.8%) subjects. In Cox regression after adjustment for multiple confounders, subjects with MH had a significantly higher risk of incident CKD than those without [hazard ratio (HR) 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-1.87; P = 0.005]. Isolated MH without proteinuria was also a risk factor of incident CKD (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.04-1.79; P = 0.023) and the risk was further increased in MH with concomitant proteinuria (HR 5.41, 95% CI 2.54-11.49; P < 0.001). In propensity score matching analysis after excluding subjects with proteinuria, multi-variable stratified Cox regression analysis revealed that subjects with isolated MH had a significantly higher risk of incident CKD than those without (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.14-2.94; P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The presence of MH is associated with an increased risk of incident CKD in the general population. Therefore, attentive follow-up is warranted in persons with MH for early detection of CKD.

Effect of hydraulic retention time on electricity generation using a solid plain-graphite plate microbial fuel cell anoxic/oxic process for treating pharmaceutical sewage.

Treatment efficiency and electricity generation were evaluated using a solid plain-graphite plate microbial fuel cell (MFC) anoxic/oxic (A/O) process that treated pharmaceutical sewage using different hydraulic retention times (HRT). Short HRTs increased the volumetric organic loading rate, thereby reducing the MFC performance due to rapid depletion of the substrate (carbon/nitrogen source). The COD removal efficiency decreased from 96.28% at a HRT of 8 h to 90.67% at a HRT of 5 h. The removal efficiency of total nitrogen was reduced from 74.16% at a HRT of 8 h to 53.42% at a HRT of 5 h. A shorter HRT decreased the efficiency in treatment of the pharmaceutical products (PPs), which included acetaminophen, ibuprofen and sulfamethoxazole in an aerobic reactor because these antibiotic compounds inhibited the microbial activity of the aerobic activated sludge in the MFC A/O system. The average power density and coulombic efficiency values were 162.74 mW m-2 and 7.09% at a HRT of 8 h and 29.12 mW m-2 and 2.23% at a HRT of 5 h, respectively. The dominant bacterial species including Hydrogenophaga spp., Rubrivivax spp. and Leptothrix spp., which seem to be involved in PP biodegradation; these were identified in the MFC A/O system under all HRT conditions for the first time using next generation sequencing. Bacterial nanowires were involved in accelerating the transfer of electrons and served as mediators in the SPGRP biofilm. In conclusion, a SPGRP MFC A/O system at a HRT of 8 h gave better removal of COD, T-N and PPs, as well as generated more electricity.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 and CJLP243 alleviates birch pollen-induced allergic rhinitis in mice.

AIMS: In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of selected probiotics in a mouse model of birch pollen (BP)-induced allergic rhinitis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 and CJLP243 ameliorated the symptoms of BP-induced allergic rhinitis by reducing airway hyperresponsiveness, and both the histological scores and the number of infiltrated cells in the nasal cavities and lungs. Compared with those from vehicle-treated mice, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and draining lymph node samples from CJLP133 and CJLP243-administrated mice showed diminished numbers of immune cells, increased secretion of a Th1-type cytokine (IFN-γ) and decreased production of Th2-type cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13). Consistent with these results, levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, serum IgE and BP-specific serum IgG1 were decreased, whereas secretion of IFN-γ and BP-specific serum IgG2a was augmented upon administration of CJLP133 and CJLP243 in mice. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of L. plantarum CJLP133 and CJLP243 alleviates symptoms of BP-induced allergic rhinitis in mice by recovering Th1/Th2 balance via enhancement of the Th1-type immune response. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 and CJLP243 have therapeutic effects on BP-induced allergic rhinitis in an animal model.

A Simplified Mortality Score Using Delta Neutrophil Index and the Thrombotic Microangiopathy Score for Prognostication in Critically Ill Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the prognostic value of a simplified mortality score (SMS) using the delta neutrophil index (DNI) and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) score, both easily obtained from the complete blood count, to identify critically ill patients at high risk of death. METHODS: This was a retrospective study performed in the medical ICU at Yonsei University College of Medicine from June 2015 to February 2016. The primary end point was 28-day all-cause mortality. Participants were divided into two groups: a training (n = 232) and a test (n = 57) set. We used Cox proportional-hazards analysis, Harrell's C index, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to derive the SMS and test its internal validity. RESULTS: We enrolled 289 patients. The 28-day mortality rate was 31.1% (n = 90). Nonsurvivors had higher APACHE II, SOFA, and TMA scores, and DNI. The SMS, derived by Cox proportional-hazards analysis, consisted of age, sex, DNI, and TMA score. We assigned a weighted point to each variable in the SMS, as follows: age + 11 if male + (2 × DNI) + (61 [TMA = 1], 76 [TMA = 2], 74 [TMA = 3], 26 [TMA = 4], 99 [TMA = 5]). Nonsurvivors had a higher median SMS than survivors, and the Harrell's C index was 0.660. Analysis of survival by risk group according to SMS (low, intermediate, high risk) showed a significant difference among these three groups (P < 0.001). We then investigated this SMS in the test set to determine internal validity; the results were similar to those of the training set. CONCLUSIONS: The SMS is a more rapid, simple prognostic score for predicting 28-day mortality and stratifying risk than the APACHE II or SOFA scores. However, external validation using a larger sample is needed.

Molecular and clinical characterization of human respiratory syncytial virus in South Korea between 2009 and 2014.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause serious respiratory infections, second only to influenza virus. In order to know RSV's genetic changes we examined 4028 respiratory specimens from local hospital outpatients in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea over six consecutive years by real-time one-step RT-PCR; 183 patients were positive for RSV infection. To investigate the specific distribution of RSV genotypes, we performed partial sequencing of the glycoprotein gene. Of the 131 RSV-A specimens sequenced, 61 (43·3%) belonged to the ON1 genotype, 66 (46·8%) were NA1 genotype, 3 (2·1%) were GA5 genotype, and 1 (0·7%) belonged to the GA1 genotype. Of the 31 RSV-B specimens sequenced, 29 were BA9 genotype (87·9%) and 2 were BA10 genotype (6·1%). The most common clinical symptoms were fever, cough, nasal discharge, and phlegm; multiple logistic regression analysis showed that RSV-positive infection on pediatric patients was strongly associated with cough (OR = 2·8, 95% CI 1·6-5·1) and wheezing (OR = 2·8, 95% CI 1·7-4·4). The ON1 genotype was significantly associated with phlegm (OR = 11·8, 95% CI 3·8-46·7), while the NA1 genotype was associated with the pediatric patients' gender (males, OR = 2·4, 95% CI 1·1-5·4) and presence of chills (OR = 5·1, 95% CI 1·1-27·2). RSV subgroup B was showed association with nasal obstruction (OR = 4·6, 95% CI 1·2-20·0). The majority of respiratory virus coinfections with RSV were human rhinovirus (47·2%). This study contributes to our understanding of the molecular epidemiological characteristics of RSV, which promotes the potential for improving RSV vaccines.