Role of clinical and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) features in the prediction of patients with intestinal lipoma developing intussusception.

Background: Intestinal lipoma is considered the most common benign tumor that causes intussusception. This retrospective case-control study aimed to present the clinical and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) features between intestinal lipomas with and without intussusception and examine risk factors that predict intussusception caused by intestinal lipomas. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 281 adult patients diagnosed with intestinal lipoma by radiologists using whole-abdominal MDCT between January 2015 and August 2022. Patients were divided into adult intussusception (AI) and non-AI groups based on MDCT images. Univariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for intestinal lipoma-induced intussusception. Results: A total of 281 patients with intestinal lipomas were included in the study, with an average age of 68.0±11.3 years, and the male to female ratio was about 1:1.4. Among them, 24 patients developed lipoma-induced intussusception. Patients in the AI group presented with more abdominal pain (70.8% vs. 47.1%, P=0.03), nausea/vomiting (37.5% vs. 14.8%, P=0.009), hematochezia/melena (29.2% vs. 11.3%, P=0.02), and abdominal tenderness (66.7% vs. 24.9%, P<0.001). Lipomas were more common in the small bowel (224/281, 79.7%) than the large bowel (57/281, 20.3%). Lipomas in the AI group showed more heterogeneous hypodensity (41.7% vs. 15.6%, P=0.004), longer length (median, 2.2 vs. 1.2 cm, P<0.001), and larger volume (median, 4.1 vs. 0.6 cm3, P<0.001). In the univariate logistic regression, lipoma density [odds ratio (OR) =3.875, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.609-9.331, P=0.003] and lipoma length (OR =3.216, 95% CI: 1.977-5.231, P<0.001) were risk factors for intestinal lipoma-induced intussusception. Conclusions: More patients in the AI group have digestive tract symptoms than those in the non-AI group. Lipoma density and length are risk factors for intussusception in patients with intestinal lipoma. In addition, the common site of intestinal lipoma may have changed from the colon to the small intestine.

[Characterization of sequences, expression profiling, and natural allelic variation analysis of the MYC gene family in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)].

Sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sacchari) and head smut fungi (Sporisorium reilianum) infesting sorghum cause delayed growth and development, and reduce yield and quality. This study use bioinformatics and molecular biological approaches to profile the gene expression pattern during sorghum development and under pest infestation, and analyzed the natural allelic DNA variation of sorghum MYC gene family. The findings provide insights for potential application in breeding the stress resistant and high productivity sorghum varieties. The results indicated that there are 28 MYC genes identified in sorghum genome, distributed on 10 chromosomes. The bHLH_MYC_N and HLH domains are the conserved domains of the MYC gene in sorghum. Gene expression analysis showed that SbbHLH35.7g exhibited high expression levels in leaves, SbAbaIn showed strong expression in early grains, and SbMYC2.1g showed high expression levels in mature pollen. In anti-aphid strains at the 5-leaf stage, SbAbaIn, SbLHW.4g and SbLHW.2g were significantly induced in leaves, while SbbHLH35.7g displayed the highest expression level in panicle tissue, which was significantly induced by the infection of head smut. Promoter cis-element analysis identified methyl jasmonate (MJ), abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA) and MYB-binding sites related to drought-stress inducibility. Furthermore, genomic resequencing data analysis revealed natural allelic DNA variations such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and insertion-deletion (INDEL) for the key SbMYCs. Protein interaction network analysis using STRING indicated that SbAbaIn interacts with TIFYdomain protein, and SbbHLH35.7g interacts with MDR and imporin. SbMYCs exhibited temporal and spatial expression patterns and played vital roles during the sorghum development. Infestation by sugarcane aphids and head smut fungi induced the expression of SbAbaIn and SbbHLH35.7g, respectively. SbAbaIn modulated the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway to regulate the expression of defensive genes, conferring resistance to insects. On the other hand, SbbHLH35.7g participated in detoxification reactions to defend against pathogens.

Association Between Serum Klotho and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in US Middle-Aged and Older Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study from NHANES 2013-2016.

Purpose: This study sought to examine the potential association between serum Klotho levels and the prevalence of COPD in the United States. Patients and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional analysis involving 4361 adults aged 40-79 years participating in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2013 and 2016. Our investigation utilized multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression to explore the potential correlation between serum Klotho concentrations and the prevalence of COPD. Additionally, we conducted stratified and interaction analyses to evaluate the consistency and potential modifiers of this relationship. Results: In this study encompassing 4631 patients (with an average age of 57.6 years, 47.5% of whom were male), 445 individuals (10.2%) were identified as having COPD. In the fully adjusted model, ln-transformed serum Klotho was negatively associated with COPD (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.51-0.99; p = 0.043). Meanwhile, compared with quartile 1, serum Klotho levels in quartiles 2-4 yielded odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) for COPD were 0.84 (0.63~1.11), 0.76 (0.56~1.02), 0.84 (0.62~1.13), respectively. A negative relationship was observed between the ln-transformed serum Klotho and occurrence of COPD (nonlinear: p = 0.140). the association between ln-transformed serum Klotho and COPD were stable in stratified analyses. Conclusion: Serum Klotho was negatively associated with the incidence of COPD, when ln-transformed Klotho concentration increased by 1 unit, the risk of COPD was 29% lower.

Efficacy of microwave ablation in the treatment of large benign thyroid nodules: a multi-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and improvement of symptoms by ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for patients with large benign thyroid nodules (BTNs). METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with 87 BTNs (≥ 4 cm) treated with MWA between April 2015 and March 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective multicenter study, with clinical and ultrasound examinations performed at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months. A multivariable linear mixed effects model was employed to explore the alterations in volume and volume reduction ratio (VRR), as well as the potential factors associated with VRR. RESULTS: The mean age of the 87 patients was 45.69 ± 14.21 years (range 18-76 years), and the ratio of men to women was 1:4.8. The mean volumes were much decreased at the 12th month after ablation compared to the initial volumes (p < .001). The mean VRR was 76.09% at the 12th month. The technique efficacy (VRR > 50%) was 90.80% at the 12th month. A multivariate analysis revealed that VRR was related to the initial volume (p = .015), annular flow (p = .010), and nodule composition (p = .024). The mean symptomatic score decreased from 4.40 ± 0.28 to 0.26 ± 0.06 at the 12th month (p < .001). At the same time, the mean cosmetic score decreased from 3.22 ± 0.10 to 1.31 ± 0.08 (p < .001). CONCLUSION: MWA could serve as a safe and effective therapy for large BTNs, significantly reducing the volume of BTNs and significantly improving compressive symptoms and appearance problems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Microwave ablation could serve as a safe and effective therapy for large benign thyroid nodules, leading to significant volume reduction and satisfied symptom and cosmetic alleviation period. KEY POINTS: • This multicenter study investigated the feasibility and safety of microwave ablation for large benign thyroid nodules. • After ablation, the nodule volume was significantly reduced, and patients' symptoms and appearance problems were significantly improved. • Microwave ablation is feasible for large benign thyroid nodules and has been a supplement treatment.

Clinical Presentations, MDCT Features, and Treatment of Three Types of Adult Intussusceptions Based on the Location.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the similarities and differences in clinical presentations, multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) features, and treatment of three types of adult intussusceptions based on location. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 184 adult patients with 192 intussusceptions. Depending on the location, intussusceptions were classified as enteric, ileocolic, and colonic types. The similarities and differences of clinical presentations, MDCT features, and treatment of three types of adult intussusception were compared. Meanwhile, the three types of intussusceptions were further divided into surgical and conservative groups based on the treatment. Uni- and multivariate logistic analyses were used to identify risk factors for intussusception requiring surgery. RESULTS: Enteric and ileocolic intussusceptions were mainly presented with abdominal pain (78.46% and 85.71%). Hematochezia/melena (64.29%) was the main symptom of colonic intussusception. On MDCT, ileocolic intussusceptions were longer in length and had more signs of intestinal necrosis (hypodense layer, fluid collection and no/poor bowel wall enhancement) than enteric and colonic intussusceptions. Moreover, it was found that 93.88% (46/49) of ileocolic intussusception and 98.59% (70/71) of colonic intussusception belonged to the surgical group, whereas only 43.06% (31/72) of enteric intussusception belonged to the surgical group. Intussusception length (OR=1.171, P=0.028) and discernible lead point on MDCT (OR=21.003, P<0.001) were reliable indicators of enteric intussusception requiring surgery. CONCLUSION: Ileocolic intussusception may be more prone to intestinal necrosis than enteric and colonic intussusceptions, requiring more attention from clinicians. Surgery remains the treatment of choice for most ileocolic and colonic intussusceptions. Less than half of enteric intussusceptions require surgery, and MDCT features are effective in identifying them.

Using Self-Reported Sexual Positioning as an Indicator for Rectal Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: A Missed Opportunity.

BACKGROUND: Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) are escalating public health concerns. This study aimed to explore (1) the reliability of self-reported sexual positioning as an indicator for rectal CT and NG screening, and (2) factors associated with rectal CT and NG infections in Shenzhen, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2 settings in Shenzhen, China, from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and basic CT knowledge were collected. Urine and self-collected rectal swabs were collected for CT and NG testing. RESULTS: In total, 195 MSM participated in the study, and 5.1% tested positive for urogenital CT, 29.2% for rectal CT, 1.0% for urogenital NG, and 8.2% for rectal NG. Among those who reported exclusively insertive anal sex, 69.2% of CT infections and 85.7% of NG infections would have remained undetected with urine testing alone. Risk factors for rectal CT infection included engaging in both insertive and receptive anal sex, with a significant association found for coinfection with rectal NG. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported sexual positioning was found to be an unreliable indicator for CT and NG screening, as a substantial proportion of infections would have remained undetected. The findings suggest that CT and NG screening in China should be offered to all MSM regardless of self-reported sexual positioning, and that the dual CT/NG testing is recommended.

MRI-Based Breast Cancer Classification and Localization by Multiparametric Feature Extraction and Combination Using Deep Learning.

BACKGROUND: Deep learning (DL) have been reported feasible in breast MRI. However, the effectiveness of DL method in mpMRI combinations for breast cancer detection has not been well investigated. PURPOSE: To implement a DL method for breast cancer classification and detection using feature extraction and combination from multiple sequences. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: A total of 569 local cases as internal cohort (50.2 ± 11.2 years; 100% female), divided among training (218), validation (73) and testing (278); 125 cases from a public dataset as the external cohort (53.6 ± 11.5 years; 100% female). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: T1-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) with gradient echo sequences, T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) with spin-echo sequences, diffusion-weighted imaging with single-shot echo-planar sequence and at 1.5-T. ASSESSMENT: A convolutional neural network and long short-term memory cascaded network was implemented for lesion classification with histopathology as the ground truth for malignant and benign categories and contralateral breasts as healthy category in internal/external cohorts. BI-RADS categories were assessed by three independent radiologists as comparison, and class activation map was employed for lesion localization in internal cohort. The classification and localization performances were assessed with DCE-MRI and non-DCE sequences, respectively. STATISTICAL TESTS: Sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), DeLong test, and Cohen's kappa for lesion classification. Sensitivity and mean squared error for localization. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: With the optimized mpMRI combinations, the lesion classification achieved an AUC = 0.98/0.91, sensitivity = 0.96/0.83 in the internal/external cohorts, respectively. Without DCE-MRI, the DL-based method was superior to radiologists' readings (AUC 0.96 vs. 0.90). The lesion localization achieved sensitivities of 0.97/0.93 with DCE-MRI/T2WI alone, respectively. DATA CONCLUSION: The DL method achieved high accuracy for lesion detection in the internal/external cohorts. The classification performance with a contrast agent-free combination is comparable to DCE-MRI alone and the radiologists' reading in AUC and sensitivity. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 3. TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 protects against neuronal injury and memory loss in mouse models of diabetes.

Hyperglycemia-induced aberrant glucose metabolism is a causative factor of neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK)-lactic acid axis is regarded as a critical link between metabolic reprogramming and the pathogenic process of neurological disorders. However, its role in diabetic neuropathy remains unclear. Here, we found that PDK1 and phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) were obviously increased in high glucose (HG)-stimulated primary neurons and Neuro-2a cell line. Acetyl-coA, a central metabolic intermediate, might enhance PDK1 expression via histone H3K9 acetylation modification in HG condition. The epigenetic regulation of PDK1 expression provided an available negative feedback pattern in response to HG environment-triggered mitochondrial metabolic overload. However, neuronal PDK1 was decreased in the hippocampus of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Our data showed that the expression of PDK1 also depended on the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) transcriptional activation under the HG condition. However, HIF-1 was significantly reduced in the hippocampus of diabetic mice, which might explain the opposite expression of PDK1 in vivo. Importantly, overexpression of PDK1 reduced HG-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and neuronal apoptosis. Enhancing PDK1 expression in the hippocampus ameliorated STZ-induced cognitive impairment and neuronal degeneration in mice. Together, our study demonstrated that both acetyl-coA-induced histone acetylation and HIF-1 are necessary to direct PDK1 expression, and enhancing PDK1 may have a protective effect on cognitive recovery in diabetic mice. Schematic representation of the protective effect of PDK1 on hyperglycemia-induced neuronal injury and memory loss. High glucose enhanced the expression of PDK1 in an acetyl-coA-dependent histone acetylation modification to avoid mitochondrial metabolic overload and ROS release. However, the decrease of HIF-1 may impair the upregulation of PDK1 under hyperglycemia condition. Overexpression of PDK1 prevented hyperglycemia-induced hippocampal neuronal injury and memory loss in diabetic mice.

Proportional scaling molecular dynamics simulations of the wetting experiments of water droplets on ink-patterned printing paper.

In experiments, printing paper is imprinted with three different ink micropatterns (square, grid, and stripe). The wetting contact angle of water droplets on a heterogeneous surface is then investigated using a proportionate scaling molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, where the water droplets and the ink-patterned printing paper are both shrunk by a factor of 200 000 collectively. The errors from the theoretical values are always less than 1°, which is much less than the bias of experimental measurement data, according to the modeling contact angles. It has been demonstrated that this proportionate scaling approach works well to appropriately explain the interaction between micro-/nanostructures and liquids.

[Identification, expression and DNA variation analysis of high affinity nitrate transporter NRT2/3 gene family in Sorghum bicolor].

Nitrate is the main form of inorganic nitrogen that crop absorbs, and nitrate transporter 2 (NRT2) is a high affinity transporter using nitrate as a specific substrate. When the available nitrate is limited, the high affinity transport systems are activated and play an important role in the process of nitrate absorption and transport. Most NRT2 cannot transport nitrates alone and require the assistance of a helper protein belonging to nitrate assimilation related family (NAR2) to complete the absorption or transport of nitrates. Crop nitrogen utilization efficiency is affected by environmental conditions, and there are differences between varieties, so it is of great significance to develop varieties with high nitrogen utilization efficiency. Sorghum bicolor has high stress tolerance and is more efficient in soil nitrogen uptake and utilization. The S. bicolor genome database was scanned to systematically analyze the gene structure, chromosomal localization, physicochemical properties, secondary structure and transmembrane domain, signal peptide and subcellular localization, promoter region cis-acting elements, phylogenetic evolution, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) recognition and annotation, and selection pressure of the gene family members. Through bioinformatics analysis, 5 NRT2 gene members (designated as SbNRT2-1a, SbNRT2-1b, SbNRT2-2, SbNRT2-3, and SbNRT2-4) and 2 NAR2 gene members (designated as SbNRT3-1 and SbNRT3-2) were identified, the number of which was less than that of foxtail millet. SbNRT2/3 were distributed on 3 chromosomes, and could be divided into four subfamilies. The genetic structure of the same subfamilies was highly similar. The average value of SbNRT2/3 hydrophilicity was positive, indicating that they were all hydrophobic proteins, whereas α-helix and random coil accounted for more than 70% of the total secondary structure. Subcellular localization occurred on plasma membrane, where SbNRT2 proteins did not contain signal peptides, but SbNRT3 proteins contained signal peptides. Further analysis revealed that the number of transmembrane domains of the SbNRT2s family members was greater than 10, while that of the SbNRT3s were 2. There was a close collinearity between NRT2/3s of S. bicolor and Zea mays. Protein domains analysis showed the presence of MFS_1 and NAR2 protein domains, which supported executing high affinity nitrate transport. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that SbNRT2/3 were more closely related to those of Z. mays and Setaria italic. Analysis of gene promoter cis-acting elements indicated that the promoter region of SbNRT2/3 had several plant hormones and stress response elements, which might respond to growth and environmental cues. Gene expression heat map showed that SbNRT2-3 and SbNRT3-1 were induced by nitrate in the root and stem, respectively, and SbNRT2-4 and SbNRT2-3 were induced by low nitrogen in the root and stem. Non-synonymous SNP variants were found in SbNRT2-4 and SbNRT2-1a. Selection pressure analysis showed that the SbNRT2/3 were subject to purification and selection during evolution. The expression of SbNRT2/3 gene and the effect of aphid infection were consistent with the expression analysis results of genes in different tissues, and SbNRT2-1b and SbNRT3-1 were significantly expressed in the roots of aphid lines 5-27sug, and the expression levels of SbNRT2-3, SbNRT2-4 and SbNRT3-2 were significantly reduced in sorghum aphid infested leaves. Overall, genome-wide identification, expression and DNA variation analysis of NRT2/3 gene family of Sorghum bicolor provided a basis for elucidating the high efficiency of sorghum in nitrogen utilization.

Photoluminescence enhancement and excellent thermal stability of Ca2ZnSi2O7:Pr3+ red-emitting phosphors through charge compensator A+ (Li+, Na+ and K+) co-doping for w-LED applications.

The red-emitting Ca2ZnSi2O7:Pr3+ phosphor was synthesized via a solid-state method and alkali metal ions A+ (Li+, Na+, K+) were introduced to improve the photoluminescence performance of Pr3+. XRD results confirmed that the sample structure did not change markedly with appropriate Pr3+/A+ co-doping. Under the blue light excitation of 447 nm, the as-prepared Ca2ZnSi2O7:Pr3+ efficiently emitted a characteristic red luminescence peak at 601 nm. The luminescence intensity of Pr3+ was obviously enhanced with A+ co-doping due to the charge compensation effect and the emission intensity of Ca2ZnSi2O7:0.005Pr3+, 0.005Na+ reached 142.1% compared to Ca2ZnSi2O7:0.005Pr3+. Furthermore, at 210 °C the luminescence intensity of the Ca2ZnSi2O7:0.005Pr3+, 0.005Na+ phosphor remained at âˆ¼93% compared to at 30 °C, showing high thermal stability. The w-LED device packaged with Ca2ZnSi2O7:0.005Pr3+, 0.005Na+ produced a bright white emission. All these results indicated the potential application prospects of red-emitting Ca2ZnSi2O7:Pr3+, A+ phosphors in the field of white light-emitting diodes.

Genome-wide analysis of long non-coding RNAs in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) under drought stress.

Drought stress is one of the most severe abiotic stresses that restrict global crop production. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to play a key role in response to drought stress. However, genome-wide identification and characterization of drought-responsive lncRNAs in sugar beet is still lacking. Thus, the present study focused on analyzing lncRNAs in sugar beet under drought stress. We identified 32017 reliable lncRNAs in sugar beet by strand-specific high-throughput sequencing. A total of 386 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were found under drought stress. The most significantly upregulated and downregulated lncRNAs were TCONS_00055787 (upregulated by more than 6000 fold) and TCONS_00038334 (downregulated by more than 18000 fold), respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR results exhibited a high concordance with RNA sequencing data, which conformed that the expression patterns of lncRNAs based on RNA sequencing were highly reliable. In addition, we predicted 2353 and 9041 transcripts that were estimated to be the cis- and trans-target genes of the drought-responsive lncRNAs. As revealed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, the target genes of DElncRNAs were significantly enriched in organelle subcompartment, thylakoid, endopeptidase activity, catalytic activity, developmental process, lipid metabolic process, RNA polymerase activity, transferase activity, flavonoid biosynthesis and several other terms associated with abiotic stress tolerance. Moreover, 42 DElncRNAs were predicted as potential miRNA target mimics. LncRNAs have important effects on plant adaptation to drought conditions through the interaction with protein-encoding genes. The present study leads to greater insights into lncRNA biology and offers candidate regulators for improving the drought tolerance of sugar beet cultivars at the genetic level.

An evaluation of topsoil carbon storage in Chinese deserts.

Deserts are important components of the terrestrial ecosystem, and significantly affect the terrestrial carbon cycle. However, their carbon storage is poorly understood. To evaluate the topsoil carbon storage in Chinese deserts, we systematically collected topsoil samples (to a depth of 10 cm) from 12 deserts in northern China and analyzed their organic carbon storage. We used partial correlation and boosted regression tree (BRT) analysis to analyze the factors influencing the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon density based on climate, vegetation, soil grain-size distribution, and element geochemistry. The total organic carbon pool of Chinese deserts was 4.83 × 108 t, the mean soil organic carbon density was 1.37 ± 0.18 kg C m-2, and the mean turnover time was 16.50 ± 2.66 yr. With the largest area, the Taklimakan Desert had the highest topsoil organic carbon storage (1.77 × 108 t). The organic carbon density was high in the east and low in the west, whereas the turnover time showed the opposite trend. The soil organic carbon density was >2 kg C m-2 in the four sandy lands in the eastern region, and was greater than the values for the eight deserts (0.72 to 1.22 kg C m-2). Grain-size (i.e., the silt and clay contents) had the strongest influence on the organic carbon density in Chinese deserts, followed by element geochemistry. Precipitation was the main climatic factor that affected the distribution of organic carbon density in the deserts. Based on climate and vegetation cover trends during the past 20 years, Chinese deserts have a high potential for future organic carbon sequestration.

Predictors of malignant intussusception in adults using clinical manifestations and multidetector computed tomographic findings.

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic performance of clinical manifestations and multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) features in detecting predictors of malignant intussusception in adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 88 adults with 91 intussusceptions who were diagnosed by MDCT. Their clinical manifestations and MDCT features were reviewed and compared between the malignant and benign groups. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of malignant intussusception. RESULTS: There were 61 patients in the malignant group and 27 patients in the benign group. The malignant group had older age (mean, 62.61 vs 54.22 years, P = 0.014), more colon-related intussusception (89.06% vs 55.56%, P < 0.001), shorter intussusception length (median, 6.53 vs 9.73 cm, P = 0.009), higher maximum short axis diameter (mean, 4.85 vs 4.10 cm, P = 0.001), more enlarged lymph nodes (40.63% vs 11.11%, P = 0.006) than the benign group. Lead points were mainly presented as masses, which were irregular (44.74%) and lobular (28.95%) in the malignant group, and round or oval (92.00%) in the benign group. On the unenhanced MDCT, 90.62% of them in the malignant group showed non-hypodense. Multivariate analysis showed that intussusception length (P = 0.013), maximum short axis diameter (P = 0.007), non-round/oval lead point (P < 0.001) and non-hypodense lead point (P = 0.030) were independent factors of malignant intussusception. CONCLUSION: Malignant intussusception can be identified using independent predictors such as intussusception length, maximum short axis diameter, non-round/oval and non-hypodense lead point. When integrating these four factors, radiologists can make qualitative diagnoses withhigher sensitivity and specificity, allowing clinicians to develop more appropriate treatments.

Absence of the celiac trunk: Definition, classification, multidetector computed tomography angiographic findings, and their probable embryological mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the types and prevalence of absence of the celiac trunk by using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography, and analyze their probable embryological mechanisms. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on 2500 abdominal MDCT angiography images. The absence of the celiac trunk was defined as that the celiac trunk is not exist, more specifically, there is not such an arterial trunk containing at least two major branches of the celiac trunk. Various types of the absence of the celiac trunk were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 2500 patients, 19 (0.76%) patients were identified as an absence of the celiac trunk. According to its definition and classification, the absence of the celiac trunk could be divided into five types: type I (LGA + CHA + SA + SMA), type II (HM trunk + LGA + SA), type III (SM trunk + LGA + CHA), type IV (GM trunk + CHA + SA), and type V (other type); and these types were observed in 5 patients (0.20%), 9 patients (0.36%), 3 patients (0.12%), 0 patients (0.00%), and 2 (0.08%) patients, respectively. There were more examples of the types I and II than of the types III-V (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: We systematically classified the absence of the celiac trunk based on its MDCT angiography findings. Abnormal interruptions and persistence of the longitudinal anastomosis, regression of vascular root, and emergence of replaced artery could all be the embryological mechanisms of various types of the absence of the celiac trunk.

Cluster analysis for symptomatic management of Neisseria gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis in sexually transmitted infections related clinics in China.

Objective: This study aimed to perform a cluster analysis of symptoms linked with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and to identify which cluster of symptoms was associated with a higher risk of NG and CT. Study design: From 15 April to 16 May 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted, and patients attending sexually transmitted infections (STI) related clinics were recruited from 22 medical institutions in six districts of Shenzhen city. Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to collect social-demographic information as well as STI symptoms, and urine samples were collected for nucleic acid detection. Cluster analysis and logistic regression were applied. Results: Among 8,207 participants, the prevalence of CT and NG infection was 9.04% (742/8,207) and 2.36% (194/8,207), respectively. Among male outpatients, four clusters with distinct symptomatic patterns were identified. Unmarried, having casual sexual partners in the past 6 months, cluster 2 (OR = 6.70, 95% CI = 3.36-13.35) and cluster 4 (OR = 24.53, 95% CI = 12.96-46.44) were risk factors associated with NG infection. Unmarried, cluster 2 (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.83-3.53) and cluster 4 (OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 2.37-4.61) were risk factors associated with CT infection. Among female outpatients, five clusters with distinct symptomatic patterns were identified. Aged 24 years or below and cluster 3 (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.61-8.39) were risk factors associated with NG infection. Aged 24 years or below, unmarried, having a high school/secondary technical school education, and having junior high school or below education were risk factors associated with CT infection. Conclusion: The cluster of symptoms integrated into risk assessment for CT and NG infections suggests a new strategy of symptomatic management. Healthcare providers in STI clinics and resource-limited places may use this strategy to identify more potential patients and deliver adequate, acceptable, and equitable STI care for outpatients with a high risk of STI.

Acceptability of rectal self-sampling in non-clinical venues for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing among men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study in Shenzhen, China.

Background: Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) have become an increasingly important concern. The study aimed to explore (1) the acceptability of rectal self-sampling for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing among MSM in non-clinical venues in Shenzhen city, China; (2) factors associated with the acceptability of rectal self-sampling; and (3) factors associated with rectal CT and NG infections, respectively. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two non-clinical settings in Shenzhen, China, from April 2021 to October 2021. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors associated with acceptance of rectal self-collection for CT and NG testing. Results: Of the 306 MSM who were offered to perform rectal self-sampling, 133 (43.46%) accepted, and 96.24% (128/133) of them successfully provided a valid rectal sample. The prevalence of urogenital CT and NG infections among 303 MSM was 4.29 and 0.66%, respectively. The prevalence of rectal CT and NG infections among 128 participants was 31.25 and 9.38%, respectively. Participants having been diagnosed with HIV infection showed a higher acceptance of rectal self-collection for CT and NG testing. Conclusion: This study reported that rectal self-sampling in non-clinical venues for CT and NG testing among MSM was barely acceptable and feasible in China. Most CT and NG infections would have been missed if urethral screening was offered alone, which implies that the CT and NG screening should be scaled up in the above setting. Integrating free CT tests into regular STI interventions for MSM could also be considered.

High chlamydia infection and its associated factors among patients seeking clinic-based STI services in Southern China: A preliminary cross-sectional study.

Objective: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. This study aimed to provide prevalence and associated factors data among patients seeking clinic-based STI services for estimating the disease burden of CT. Study design and method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients attending clinics for STI services. Patients' social-demographic and behavioral information was collected and CT infection was determined by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) with self-collected urine specimens. Associated factors were identified using logistic regression. Results: Among the 8,324 participants, the overall prevalence was 9.0% with 10.7% for males and 8.3% for females respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that aged < 24 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.59], being unmarried (aOR = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.35-2.00), having junior high school or below education level (aOR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.13-1.91), having no access to health insurance (aOR = 1.27, 95%CI = 1.07-1.51), and being positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG, aOR = 4.49, 95%CI = 3.25-6.21) were significantly associated with CT infection. Conclusion: We found that CT infection is prevalent among patients seeking clinic-based STI services in Southern China. Targeted interventions could be implemented for patients with a higher risk of CT infection including those aged < 24, being unmarried, having junior high school or below education level, having no access to health insurance, and being positive for NG. In addition, routine CT screening could be considered a public health strategy by the government.

A Comprehensive Review of Wetting Transition Mechanism on the Surfaces of Microstructures from Theory and Testing Methods.

Superhydrophobic surfaces have been widely employed in both fundamental research and industrial applications because of their self-cleaning, waterproof, and low-adhesion qualities. Maintaining the stability of the superhydrophobic state and avoiding water infiltration into the microstructure are the basis for realizing these characteristics, while the size, shape, and distribution of the heterogeneous microstructures affect both the static contact angle and the wetting transition mechanism. Here, we review various classical models of wettability, as well as the advanced models for the corrected static contact angle for heterogeneous surfaces, including the general roughness description, fractal theory description, re-entrant geometry description, and contact line description. Subsequently, we emphasize various wetting transition mechanisms on heterogeneous surfaces. The advanced testing strategies to investigate the wetting transition behavior will also be analyzed. In the end, future research priorities on the wetting transition mechanisms of heterogeneous surfaces are highlighted.

First Report of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora Causing Postharvest Fruit Rot on Actinidia arguta in Liaoning Province, China.

Actinidia arguta, commonly called hardy kiwifruit or kiwiberry, is a perennial vine of Actinidiaceae Actinidia genus. Understanding the main pathogens that cause the fruit rot of A. arguta during storage is of great significance for finding strategies to prevent fruit rot. In September 2020, the A. arguta (Sieb.et Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq. LD133 was harvested from a farm in Dandong City, Liaoning Province, China (40°31'N, 124°20'E). After being stored at room temperature for about a week, the fruit rotted (no mechanical damage or wound). Initial symptoms were localized irregular spots, which then became soft and the spots connected into large, flaky, light brown lesions. Later symptoms were dark brown lesions and rot that affect the entire fruit. The strain that shows the same morphology as observed in the four decaying tissues was isolated on PDA. The strain was white, edge irregular and surface wavy, and the reverse side was pale yellow (Fig. S1A). The black viscous acervuli appeared on the surface of the mycelium after 7 to 10 days at 25℃ with 12 hours photoperiod. Conidia were fusiform to ellipsoid, straight to slightly curved, 5.7×25.9 µm (width × length), n=30, with five versicolor cells (three brown median cells, two hyaline cells on apical and basal). The apical cell generally contains one to four appendages on conidia (Fig. S1B). For identify the selected strains, three genetic regions (ITS, TUB and TEF 1-α) were used for amplification and sequencing. These sequences of pathogen shared 98 to 100% homology with Neopestalotiopsis clavispora. Then, a phylogenetic tree was constructed by the Bayesian algorithm using PhyloSuite (v1.2.2) (Zhang et al. 2020). Based on the morphological and molecular characterization, the pathogen was identified as Neopestalotiopsis clavispora (Chamorro et al. 2016). Next, pathogenicity of the screened strains was determined by wound inoculation method. Ripe healthy fruits are immersed in 1% NaClO, rinsed twice with sterile water. A sterile needle was used to penetrate 1-2mm of peel, and then inoculate hyphae (about 5mm in length, 1mm in diameter), and 10 µL of sterile water as a control. The treated fruits are stored in an artificial climate chamber (22°C, 70% relative humidity with 12 hours photoperiod). The inoculated fruit began to show signs of rot on the second day, and after 6 days, lesions similar to those found during storage of the pathogenic isolated fruit appeared. Similarly, 10 µL (106 conidia/mL) conidial suspension exhibited decay symptoms. Compared with conidial suspension as inoculum, hyphae has shorter incubation period and stronger pathogenicity to fruit (Fig. S2). The pathogen was re-isolated from these infected fruits and identified as N. clavispora, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. N. clavispora has been reported causing root and crown rot on strawberry in Spain, Argentina, Uruguay and Italy (Chamorro et al. 2016; Gilardi et al. 2019; Machin et al. 2019; Obregon et al. 2018), and as a pathogen on blueberry in Spain and Korea (Borrero et al. 2018; Lee et al. 2019), and causing leaf spot on macadamia in Brazil (Santos et al. 2019), and causing leaf spot on Syzygium cumini in India (Banerjee and Rana 2020). However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora causing postharvest fruit rot of A. argute in the worldwide. The identification of the pathogen is of great significance for conducting research on A. argute fruit preservation to prolong its shelf life and improve its merchantability.