Prediction of clear cell renal cell carcinoma ≤ 4cm: visual assessment of ultrasound characteristics versus ultrasonographic radiomics analysis.

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of the clinical ultrasound imaging model, ultrasonographic radiomics model, and comprehensive model based on ultrasonographic radiomics for the differentiation of small clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) and Renal Angiomyolipoma (RAML). Methods: The clinical, ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced CT(CECT) imaging data of 302 small renal tumors (maximum diameter ≤ 4cm) patients in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from June 2018 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, with 182 patients of ccRCC and 120 patients of RAML. The ultrasound images of the largest diameter of renal tumors were manually segmented by ITK-SNAP software, and Pyradiomics (v3.0.1) module in Python 3.8.7 was applied to extract ultrasonographic radiomics features from ROI segmented images. The patients were randomly divided into training and internal validation cohorts in the ratio of 7:3. The Random Forest algorithm of the Sklearn module was applied to construct the clinical ultrasound imaging model, ultrasonographic radiomics model, and comprehensive model. The efficacy of the prediction models was verified in an independent external validation cohort consisting of 69 patients, from 230 small renal tumor patients in two different institutions. The Delong test compared the predictive ability of three models and CECT. Calibration Curve and clinical Decision Curve Analysis were applied to evaluate the model and determine the net benefit to patients. Results: 491 ultrasonographic radiomics features were extracted from 302 small renal tumor patients, and 9 ultrasonographic radiomics features were finally retained for modeling after regression and dimensionality reduction. In the internal validation cohort, the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the clinical ultrasound imaging model, ultrasonographic radiomics model, comprehensive model, and CECT were 0.75, 76.7%, 60.0%, 70.0%; 0.80, 85.6%, 61.7%, 76.0%; 0.88, 90.6%, 76.7%, 85.0% and 0.90, 92.6%, 88.9%, 91.1%, respectively. In the external validation cohort, AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the three models and CECT were 0.73, 67.5%, 69.1%, 68.3%; 0.89, 86.7%, 80.0%, 83.5%; 0.90, 85.0%, 85.5%, 85.2% and 0.91, 94.6%, 88.3%, 91.3%, respectively. The DeLong test showed no significant difference between the clinical ultrasound imaging model and the ultrasonographic radiomics model (Z=-1.287, P=0.198). The comprehensive model showed superior diagnostic performance than the ultrasonographic radiomics model (Z=4. 394, P<0.001) and the clinical ultrasound imaging model (Z=4. 732, P<0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference in AUC between the comprehensive model and CECT (Z=-0.252, P=0.801). Both in the internal and external validation cohort, the Calibration Curve and Decision Curve Analysis showed a better performance of the comprehensive model. Conclusion: It is feasible to construct an ultrasonographic radiomics model for distinguishing small ccRCC and RAML based on ultrasound images, and the diagnostic performance of the comprehensive model is superior to the clinical ultrasound imaging model and ultrasonographic radiomics model, similar to that of CECT.

[Analysis on Spatial Variability of Hydrochemical Characteristics and Control Factors of Jinan Baotu Spring Area].

To understand the karst groundwater hydrochemical characteristics and ion sources of the Jinan Baotu Spring area, this study focused on the three functional zones as an indirect recharge area, direct recharge area, and discharge area. Through water sample collection and testing, the spatial variability of groundwater chemical characteristics in different functional zones and the formation mechanism were analyzed using hydrochemistry parameter statistics, multivariate statistics, self-organizing map, hydrochemistry graphical analysis, ion ratios, and other methods, guided by the theory of groundwater flow system and combined with regional physical geography and hydrogeological conditions. The results showed that： the groundwater of each functional zone was alkaline as is typical in the dissolution of carbonate minerals. Owing to the different groundwater runoff pathways, the variability of water chemistry parameters in different functional areas was obvious. The groundwater of the discharge area was recharged by both the direct recharge area and the indirect recharge area. The hydrochemistry type changed from HCO3-Ca type to HCO3·SO4-Ca type through the indirect recharge area to the discharge area. The presence of a small amount of gypsum dissolution within the aquifer generated Ca2+ and SO42-. The ions in groundwater mainly came from the dissolution and filtration of aquifer rock minerals, and at the same time, they were affected by cation exchange, mineral dissolution equilibrium, and the combined effects of human activities. The groundwater in the Baotu Spring area was greatly influenced by human activities, which to some extent affected the evolution of groundwater hydrochemistry in the spring area.

Nursing Informatics Research: A Bibliometric Analysis from 1989 to 2023.

Nursing informatics has evolved rapidly since its inception. Despite its growth, there remains a gap in comprehensive bibliometric analyses of the field's development and themes. The study aimed to provide an overview of the evolution and current status of nursing informatics by conducting a bibliometric analysis of the literature from 1989 to 2023. Utilizing the Science Citation Index Expanded edition of the Web of Science Core Collection, 483 original English-language articles were analyzed using Bibliometrix 4.1. The results revealed a steady increase in publications, with the United States as the leading contributor. Thematic analysis indicates a shift from basic informatics integration to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, reflecting the dynamic nature and expanding scope of nursing informatics. These findings highlight the need for ongoing research, enhanced digital literacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing the field's critical role in advancing healthcare in the digital age.

Comparing Artificial Intelligence-Based Versus Conventional Endotracheal Tube Monitoring Systems in Clinical Practice.

Endotracheal tube dislodgement is a common patient safety incident in clinical settings. Current clinical practices, primarily relying on bedside visual inspections and equipment checks, often fail to detect endotracheal tube displacement or dislodgement promptly. This study involved the development of a deep learning, artificial intelligence (AI)-based system for monitoring tube displacement. We also propose a randomized crossover experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of this AI-based monitoring system compared to conventional methods. The assessment will focus on immediacy in detecting and handling of tube anomalies, the completeness and accuracy of shift transitions, and the degree of innovation diffusion. The findings from this research are expected to offer valuable insights into the development and integration of AI in enhancing care provision and facilitating innovation diffusion in medical and nursing research.

Evaluating ChatGPT's Performance in the EU*US eHealth Work Foundational Curriculum Using the HITCOMP Self-Assessment Quiz.

This study investigated the performance of OpenAI's Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) in responding to the EU*US eHealth Work Foundational Curriculum. This curriculum, a collaborative effort between European and U.S. institutions, provides an extensive framework for eHealth learning. The assessment involved 321 questions from the online Health Information Technology Competencies (HITCOMP) self-assessment quiz. Using GPT-3.5 model, the study presented each question three times to assess ChatGPT's consistency. Findings revealed an accuracy of 70.7%, indicating a reasonable grasp of eHealth topics, although performance was uneven across the 21 modules. These results underscore ChatGPT's potential in health information technology education and highlight the need for further model enhancements to fully encompass eHealth competencies.

The relative and combined ability of stress hyperglycemia ratio and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide to predict all-cause mortality in diabetic patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are independently associated with increased mortality risk in diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the role of these biomarkers in patients with diabetes and multivessel disease (MVD) remains unknown. The present study aimed to assess the relative and combined abilities of these biomarkers to predict all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes and MVD. METHODS: This study included 1148 diabetic patients with MVD who underwent coronary angiography at Tianjin Chest Hospital between January 2016 and December 2016. The patients were divided into four groups according to their SHR (SHR-L and SHR-H) and NT-proBNP (NT-proBNP-L and NT-proBNP-H) levels. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of SHR and NT-proBNP levels with all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During a mean 4.2 year follow-up, 138 patients died. Multivariate analysis showed that SHR and NT-proBNP were strong independent predictors of all-cause mortality in diabetic patients with MVD (SHR: HR hazard ratio [2.171; 95%CI 1.566-3.008; P < 0.001; NT-proBNP: HR: 1.005; 95%CI 1.001-1.009; P = 0.009). Compared to patients in the first (SHR-L and NT-proBNP-L) group, patients in the fourth (SHR-H and NT-proBNP-H) group had the highest mortality risk (HR: 12.244; 95%CI 5.828-25.721; P < 0.001). The areas under the curve were 0.615(SHR) and 0.699(NT-proBNP) for all-cause mortality. Adding either marker to the original models significantly improved the C-statistic and integrated discrimination improvement values (all P < 0.05). Moreover, combining SHR and NT-proBNP levels into the original model provided maximal prognostic information. CONCLUSIONS: SHR and NT-proBNP independently and jointly predicted all-cause mortality in diabetic patients with MVD, suggesting that strategies to improve risk stratification in these patients should incorporate SHR and NT-porBNP into risk algorithms.

Lens centering error measurement based on subwavelength grating with power analysis.

This study presents a technique for measuring the centering error of a lens. The technique uses power analysis and is highly accurate. The module is designed by a prism that is patterned using a subwavelength grating combined with a reflection-centering system by using the -1st-order rays at 5 mW and 650 nm. The optical axis error is tested and analyzed by the powermeter by using Snell's law and diffractive characteristics. The resolution of the optical-centering error in the system is amplified by a factor of 4 compared with the centering error measuring system based on autocollimation. The technique proposed in this study improves the sensitivity of the instrument and reduces the requirements of the sensor at the end side based on the direction or energy variation of the light.

Jet-loaded cold atomic beam source for strontium.

We report on the design and characterization of a cold atom source for strontium (Sr) based on a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (MOT) that is directly loaded from the atom jet of a dispenser. We characterize the atom flux of the source by measuring the loading rate of a three-dimensional MOT. We find loading rates of up to 108 atoms per second. The setup is compact, easy to construct, and has low power consumption. It addresses the longstanding challenge of reducing the complexity of cold beam sources for Sr, which is relevant for optical atomic clocks, quantum simulation, and computing devices based on ultracold Sr.

Intergenerational Esthetic Co-Creation Program for Promotion of Community Creative Aging.

The world is facing rapid global aging. Global countries are concerned about the development of aging societies and related topics ranging from successful, healthy, and active aging in the past to the current creative aging (CA) perspective. However, in-depth research on applying esthetics to promote community CA in Taiwan is lacking. To address this deficiency, the Hushan community in Douliu City, Yunlin County was selected as the research area, and the CA perspective was adopted to promote community CA through multi-stage intergenerational esthetic co-creation (IEC) workshops. A model for applying IEC workshops to promote CA was constructed. Using the action research approach, community CA enabled the elderly to identify with their inherent values, opening new possibilities for the provision of elderly social care. This study explored the psychological impacts of implementing IEC workshops on the elderly, analyzed their interactions with peers and youth, helped the elderly review their lives, analyzed relevant data to construct a practical model for applying IEC workshops to promote CA, and provided the data collected during the multi-stage applications of CA and an IEC model for promoting CA as a reference for future researchers, thereby opening new possibilities for sustainable care in aging societies.

Prognostic performance of multiple biomarkers in patients with acute coronary syndrome without standard cardiovascular risk factors.

Background and aims: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs) represents a special case of ACS. Multiple biomarkers have been shown to improve risk stratification in patients with ACS. However, the utility of biomarkers for prognostic stratification in patients with ACS without SMuRFs remains uncertain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of various biomarkers in patents with ACS without SMuRFs. Methods: Data of consecutive patients with ACS without SMuRFs who underwent coronary angiography in Tianjin Chest Hospital between January 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively collected. The primary outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke. Seven candidate biomarkers analyses were analyzed using models adjusted for established risk factors. Results: During a median 5-year follow-up, 81 of the 621 patients experienced a MACE. After adjustment for important covariates, elevated fibrinogen, D-dimer, N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] were found to be individually associated with MACE. However, only D-dimer, NT-proBNP and Lp(a) significantly improved risk reclassification for MACE (all P < 0.05). The multimarker analysis showed that there was a clear increase in the risk of MACE with an increasing number of elevated biomarkers and a higher multimarker score. The adjusted hazard ratio- for MACE (95% confidential intervals) for patients with 4 elevated biomarkers was 6.008 (1.9650-18.367) relative to those without any elevated biomarker-. Adding- the 4 biomarkers or the multimarker score to the basic model significantly improved the C-statistic value, the net reclassification index and the integrated discrimination index (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Fibrinogen, D-dimer, NT-proBNP and Lp(a) provided valuable prognostic information for MACE when applied to patients with ACS without SMuRFs. The multimarker strategy, which combined multiple biomarkers reflecting different pathophysiological process with traditional risk factors improved the cardiovascular risk stratification.

The de Winter electrocardiographic pattern evolves to ST elevation in acute total left main occlusion: A case series.

The de Winter electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern was characterized by upsloping ST-segment depressions, tall and positive symmetrical T waves in precordial leads. This rare ECG pattern was recognized as an indication of proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion. Less commonly, this ECG pattern was reported in association with occlusion of other coronary artery segments. We present three cases of the de Winter pattern associated with acute total left main occlusion. This pattern may evolve to ST elevation within hours of presentation. Widespread upsloping ST-segment depressions from V2 -V6 , centered on V5 were observed in these patients.

Prognostic Significance of Preprocedural N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Assessment in Diabetic Patients With Multivessel Coronary Disease Undergoing Revascularization.

Background and Aims: The N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes. However, its prognostic value in patients with multivessel disease (MVD) undergoing coronary revascularization remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of preprocedural NT-proBNP levels in diabetic patients with MVD undergoing coronary revascularization. Methods: A total of 886 consecutive diabetic patients with MVD who underwent coronary revascularization were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into quartiles according to their pre-procedural NT-proBNP levels. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular events, including all-cause death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), according to the NT-proBNP quartiles. Results: During a median follow-up period of 4.2 years, 111 patients died (with 82 being caused by cardiovascular disease), 133 had MI, 55 suffered from stroke, and 250 experienced MACE. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that NT-proBNP levels were significantly associated with higher incidences of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, MI, and MACE (log-rank test, P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that NT-proBNP level was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, including all-cause death (HR, 1.968; 95% CI, 1.377-2.812; P < 0.001), cardiovascular death (HR, 1.940; 95% CI, 1.278-2.945; P = 0.002), MI (HR, 1.722; 95% CI, 1.247-2.380; P = 0.001), and MACE (HR, 1.356; 95% CI, 1.066-1.725; P = 0.013). The role of NT-proBNP in predicting adverse outcomes was similar in patients with stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndrome. Moreover, preprocedural NT-proBNP alone discriminated against the SYNTAX II score for predicting all-cause death [area under the curve (AUC), 0.662 vs. 0.626, P = 0.269], cardiovascular death (AUC, 0.680 vs. 0.622, P = 0.130), MI (AUC, 0.641 vs. 0.579, P = 0.050), and MACE (AUC, 0.593 vs. 0.559, P = 0.171). The addition of NT-proBNP to the SYNTAX II score showed a significant net reclassification improvement, integrated discrimination improvement, and improved C-statistic (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: NT-proBNP levels were an independent prognostic marker for adverse outcomes in diabetic patients with MVD undergoing coronary revascularization, suggesting that preprocedural NT-proBNP measurement might help in the risk stratification of high-risk patients.

Invasion and Colonization Pattern of Fusarium fujikuroi in Rice.

Bakanae disease in rice can cause abnormal elongation of the stem and leaves, development of adventitious roots, a larger leaf angle, and even death. Little is known about the infection, colonization, and distribution of Fusarium fujikuroi in rice plants across different growth stages. In this study, microscopic observation and quantitative real-time PCR were combined to investigate the pathogenesis of bakanae, using artificially inoculated seedlings of a susceptible rice cultivar, Zerawchanica karatals (ZK), a resistant cultivar, Tainung 67 (TNG67), naturally infected adult field plants (cultivars Kaohsiung 139, Taikeng 2, and Tainan 11), and an F. fujikuroi isolate expressing green fluorescent protein. In rice seedlings, F. fujikuroi hyphae were found to directly penetrate the epidermis of basal stems and roots, then extend inter- and intracellularly to invade the vascular bundles. Occlusion of vascular bundles and radial hyphal expansion from vascular bundles to surrounding parenchyma were observed in adult plants. Analysis of consecutive 3-cm segments of the whole plant revealed that F. fujikuroi was largely confined to the embryo, basal stem, and basal roots in seedlings, and distributed unevenly in the lower aerial parts (including nodes and internodes) of adult plants. The elongation and development of adventitious roots did not necessarily correlate with the amount of F. fujikuroi in diseased plants. Treatment of rice seeds with gibberellic acid-3 (GA3) at 0.5 mg/liter resulted in significantly more elongation of ZK than TNG67 seedlings, suggesting that the susceptibility of ZK to bakanae is associated with its higher sensitivity to GA3.

Early Warning of Acute Altitude Sickness by Physiological Variables and Noninvasive Cardiovascular Indicators.

Objective To examine if the variations at sea level would be able to predict subsequent susceptibility to acute altitude sickness in subjects upon a rapid ascent to high altitude. Methods One hundred and six Han nationality male individuals were recruited to this research. Dynamic electrocardiogram, treadmill exercise test, echocardiography, routine blood examination and biochemical analysis were performed when subjects at sea level and entering the plateau respectively. Then multiple regression analysis was performed to construct a multiple linear regression equation using the Lake Louise Score as dependent variable to predict the risk factors at sea level related to acute mountain sickness (AMS). Results Approximately 49.05% of the individuals developed AMS. The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (22.0±2.66 vs. 23.2±3.19 mm, t=1.998, P=0.048) was significantly lower in the AMS group at sea level, while count of eosinophil [(0.264±0.393)×109/L vs. (0.126±0.084)×109/L, t=-2.040, P=0.045], percentage of differences exceeding 50 ms between adjacent normal number of intervals (PNN50, 9.66%±5.40% vs. 6.98%±5.66%, t=-2.229, P=0.028) and heart rate variability triangle index (57.1±16.1 vs. 50.6±12.7, t=-2.271, P=0.025) were significantly higher. After acute exposure to high altitude, C-reactive protein (0.098±0.103 vs. 0.062±0.045 g/L, t=-2.132, P=0.037), aspartate aminotransferase (19.7±6.72 vs. 17.3±3.95 U/L, t=-2.231, P=0.028) and creatinine (85.1±12.9 vs. 77.7±11.2 mmol/L, t=-3.162, P=0.002) were significantly higher in the AMS group, while alkaline phosphatase (71.7±18.2 vs. 80.6±20.2 U/L, t=2.389, P=0.019), standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR intervals (126.5±35.9 vs. 143.3±36.4 ms, t=2.320, P=0.022), ejection time (276.9±50.8 vs. 313.8±48.9 ms, t=3.641, P=0.001) and heart rate variability triangle index (37.1±12.9 vs. 41.9±11.1, t=2.020, P=0.047) were significantly lower. Using the Lake Louise Score as the dependent variable, prediction equation were established to estimate AMS: Lake Louise Score=3.783+0.281×eosinophil-0.219×alkaline phosphatase+0.032×PNN50. Conclusions We elucidated the differences of physiological variables as well as noninvasive cardiovascular indicators for subjects after high altitude exposure compared with those at sea level. We also created an acute high altitude reaction early warning equation based on the physiological variables and noninvasive cardiovascular indicators at sea level.

Physiological Variables Associated with the Development of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Objective To identify the physiological variables associated with the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS).Methods Eighty four young Chinese men residing at low altitude were taken to an altitude of 4000 m within 40 hours. At sea level and at high altitude, we measured the heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) respectively. We also collect blood samples from each participants before and after the altitude elevation. The blood routine and biochemical examinations were performed for all blood samples. The revised Lake Louise Criteria was adopted to diagnose AMS after the subjects arrived at the target high altitude. The association between the presence of AMS and subjects' physiological variables were analysed statistically.Results Of 84 participants, 34 (40.5%) developed AMS. Compared with non AMS group, in the AMS group, the percentage of neutrophils was significantly higher (64.5%±11.2% vs. 58.1%±8.8%, P =0.014), while the level of SpO2 was significantly lower (79.4%±5.4% vs. 82.7%±5.6, P=0.008). Binary logistic regression analyses emphasized the association of neutrophils (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12, P=0.034) and SpO2 level (OR: 0.87, 95% CI : 0.79-0.95, P=0.004) with the development of AMS.Conclusion The ability to sustain SpO2 after altitude elevation and the increase of neutrophils were associated with the development of AMS in young males.

Analysis on risk factor of chronic disease-related behaviors among adult residents in Liubei District, Liuzhou City / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To explore the risk factor of chronic disease-related behaviors such as smoking, drinking, exercising and eating habit among residents in Liubei District, Liuzhou City. Methods 2 487 adult residents in Liubei District were sampled by multistage sampling method and surveyed on their way of life and behavior risk factors. The content of questionnaire involved familial population information, past medical history, way of life and eating habit. EpiData 3.1 was applied to install database, SPSS 17.0 was used for data analysis, multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factor of chronic disease-related behaviors. Results The rates of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were 13.63%，4.22%，3.62%,0.36% and 6.84%, respectively. The rate of smoking, drinking, doing physical exercise and eat breakfast regularly were 22.92%, 5.43%，52.87% and 93.07%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that older and smoking were risk factors of chronic disease, while physical exercise was protective factor of chronic disease. Conclusions Intervening measure taken in chronic disease demonstration zone were effective in the past 5 years， and health education on behavioral intervention should be carried on continuous to reduce incidence of chronic disease.

Clinical, Laboratory and Imaging Features of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema in Tibetan Plateau.

Objective To analyze characteristics of high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) in Chinese patients.Methods We performed a retrospective study of 98 patients with HAPE. We reviewed the medical records and summarized the clinical, laboratory and imaging characteristics of these cases, and compared the results on admission with those determined before discharge.Results Forty-eight (49.0%) patients developed HAPE at the altitude of 2800 m to 3000 m. Ninty-five (96.9%) patients were man. Moist rales were audible from the both lungs, and moist rales over the right lung were clearer than those over the left lung in fourteen patients. The white blood cells [(12.83±5.55) versus (8.95±3.23) ×10 9/L, P=0.001)] as well as neutrophil counts [(11.34±3.81) versus (7.49±2.83)×10 9/L, P=0.001)] were higher, whereas the counts of other subsets of white blood cells were lower on admission than those after recovery (all P<0.05). Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (115.8±37.6 versus 85.7±32.4 mmol/L, P=0.020), cholinesterase (7226.2±1631.8 versus 6285.3±1693.3 mmol/L, P=0.040), creatinine (85.2±17.1 versus75.1±12.8 mmol/L, P=0.021), uric acid (401.9±114.2 versus 326.0±154.3 mmol/L, P=0.041), and uric glucose (7.20±1.10 versus 5.51±1.11 mmol/L, P=0.001) were higher, but carbondioxide combining power (CO2CP, 26.7±4.4 versus 28.9±4.5 mmol/L, P=0.042) and serous calcium (2.32±0.13 versus 2.41±0.10 mmol/L, P=0.006) were lower on admission. Arterial blood gas results showed hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis on admission. Conclusions In the present research, men were more susceptible to HAPE than women, and in the process of HAPE, the lesions of the right lung were more serious than those of the left lung. Some indicators of routine blood test and blood biochemistry of HAPE patients changed.

Rosuvastatin postconditioning protects isolated hearts against ischemia-reperfusion injury: The role of radical oxygen species, PI3K-Akt-GSK-3ß pathway, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore.

AIMS: Glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) play an important role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether postconditioning with rosuvastatin is able to reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and clarify the potential mechanisms. METHODS: Isolated rat hearts underwent 30 minutes of ischemia and 60 minutes of reperfusion in the presence or absence of rosuvastatin (1-50 nmol/L). The activity of signaling pathway was determined by Western blot analysis, and Ca2+ -induced mPTP opening was assessed by the use of a potentiometric method. RESULTS: Rosuvastatin significantly reduced myocardial infarct size and improved cardiac function at 5 and 10 nmol/L. Protection disappeared at higher concentration and reverted to increased damage at 50 nmol/L. At 5 nmol/L, rosuvastatin increased the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and GSK-3ß, concomitant with a higher Ca2+ load required to open the mPTP. Rosuvastatin postconditioning also significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity and reduced malondialdehyde and radical oxygen species level. LY294002, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, abolished these protective effects of rosuvastatin postconditioning. CONCLUSION: Rosuvastatin prevents myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by inducing phosphorylation of PI3K-Akt and GSK-3ß, preventing oxidative stress and subsequent inhibition of mPTP opening.

Application of multiscale entropy in arterial waveform contour analysis in healthy and diabetic subjects.

We applied multiscale entropy (MSE) to assess variation in crest time (CT), a parameter in arterial waveform analysis, in diagnosing patients with diabetes. Data on digital volume pulse were obtained from 93 individuals in three groups [Healthy young (Group 1, 20 < age ≤ 40, n = 30), healthy upper-middle-aged (Group 2, age > 40, n = 30), and diabetic (Group 3, n = 33) subjects]. Crest time, normalized crest time, crest time ratio (CTR), small- and large-scale MSE on CT [MSESS(CT) and MSELS(CT), respectively] were computed and correlated with anthropometric (i.e., body weight/height, waist circumference), hemodynamic (i.e., blood pressure), and biochemical parameters (i.e., serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, fasting blood sugar, and glycosylated hemoglobin). The results demonstrated higher variability in CT in healthy subjects (Groups 1 and 2) compared with that in diabetic patients (Group 3) as reflected in significantly elevated MSESS(CT) and MSELS(CT) in the former (p < 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). MSELS(CT) also showed significant association with waist circumference and fasting blood sugar (i.e., two diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome) as well as glycosylated hemoglobin concentration. In conclusion, using MSE analysis for assessing CT variation successfully distinguished diabetic patients from healthy subjects. MSESS(CT) and MSELS(CT) therefore may serve as noninvasive tools for identifying subjects with diabetes and those at risk.