CDGT: Constructing diverse graph transformers for emotion recognition from facial videos.

Recognizing expressions from dynamic facial videos can find more natural affect states of humans, and it becomes a more challenging task in real-world scenes due to pose variations of face, partial occlusions and subtle dynamic changes of emotion sequences. Existing transformer-based methods often focus on self-attention to model the global relations among spatial features or temporal features, which cannot well focus on important expression-related locality structures from both spatial and temporal features for the in-the-wild expression videos. To this end, we incorporate diverse graph structures into transformers and propose a CDGT method to construct diverse graph transformers for efficient emotion recognition from in-the-wild videos. Specifically, our method contains a spatial dual-graphs transformer and a temporal hyperbolic-graph transformer. The former deploys a dual-graph constrained attention to capture latent emotion-related graph geometry structures among local spatial tokens for efficient feature representation, especially for the video frames with pose variations and partial occlusions. The latter adopts a hyperbolic-graph constrained self-attention that explores important temporal graph structure information under hyperbolic space to model more subtle changes of dynamic emotion. Extensive experimental results on in-the-wild video-based facial expression databases show that our proposed CDGT outperforms other state-of-the-art methods.

Intrinsic ultralow lattice thermal conductivity in lead-free halide perovskites Cs3Bi2X9 (X = Br, I).

Lead-free halide perovskites have recently garnered significant attention due to their rich structural diversity and exceptionally ultralow lattice thermal conductivity (κL). Here, we employ first-principles calculations in conjunction with self-consistent phonon theory and Boltzmann transport equations to investigate the crystal structure, electronic structure, mechanical properties, and κLs of two typical vacancy-ordered halide perovskites, denoted with the general formula Cs3Bi2X9 (X = Br, I). Ultralow κLs of 0.401 and 0.262 W mK-1 at 300 K are predicted for Cs3Bi2Br9 and Cs3Bi2I9, respectively. Our findings reveal that the ultralow κLs are mainly associated with the Cs rattling-like motion, vibrations of halide polyhedral frameworks, and strong scattering in the acoustic and low-frequency optical phonon branches. The structural analysis indicates that these phonon dynamic properties are closely relevant to the bonding hierarchy. The presence of the extended Bi-X antibonding states at the valence band maximum contributes to the soft elastic lattice and low phonon group velocities. Compared to Cs3Bi2Br9, the face-sharing feature and weaker bond strength in Cs3Bi2I9 lead to a softer elasticity modulus and stronger anharmonicity. Additionally, we demonstrate the presence of wave-like κC in Cs3Bi2X9 by evaluating the coherent contribution. Our work provides the physical microscopic mechanisms of the wave-like κC in two typical lead-free halide perovskites, which are beneficial to designing intrinsic materials with the feature of ultralow κL.

Heliconia subulata, a New Host of Colletotrichum tropicale Causing Anthracnose in China.

Heliconia subulata is a common ornamental plant, it has been widely planted in southern China for greening parks, roads, and residential areas. H. subulata plants with spots on their leaves were observed in East Coast Wetland Park (18°16'53.37″N, 109°30'19.36″E), Sanya City, Hainan Province, China on Aug. 31, 2023. The symptoms of the leaves are irregular gray-white, spots, that develop into brown and black, with yellow halos at the disease-health junction. Following an on-the-spot investigation, it was found that the incidence of the disease was 40 to 50%. The leaves were disinfected with 70% ethanol for 1 min, rinsed with sterile water 3 times, disinfected for 1 min with 0.1% HgCl2, rinsed with sterile water 3 times, dried, put on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 28℃ for 7 days. The red conidia pile was selected from the culture, dispersed in sterile water and diluted to 20 µL containing 1 to 2 conidia. After absorbing 20 µL spore suspension for many times and inoculating it on the new PDA plate, five pure cultures of single spore, J-1-1 to J-1-5, were obtained. After 7 days of growth, the colonies were grayish aerial mycelium on the front and light orange conidia on the reverse. The white aerial mycelia, conidia, acervulus, and appressorium were observed (Supplementary Fig. S1). The morphological characteristics showed that the isolate had the same characteristics as the previously described Colletotrichum spp. (Wang et al. 2021). The genomic DNA of isolates J-1-1 and J-1-5 were extracted by Fungal DNA Kit (OMEGA bio-tek, Guangzhou, China). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GADPH), and ß-tubulin 2 genes (TUB2) were amplified by primers ITS1/ITS4, GDF/GDR, and Bt2a/Bt2b, respectively (Weir et al. 2012). Based on sequencing and gene sequence alignment analysis, it was found that the consistency between the ITS sequences of isolates J-1-1 and J-1-5 was 99.82%. The consistency between GADPH and TUB2 sequences was 100%. The gene sequences of isolates J-1-1 and J-1-5 were submitted to GenBank with accession numbers PP455510/PP455511 (ITS), PP510210/PP510211 (GADPH) and PP510212/PP510213 (TUB2) respectively. Based on the BLAST analysis, the three sequences were more than 99% identical to those of the C. tropicale strain FC1 (ITS: MT192648, GAPDH: MT155819, TUB2: MT199874; Duan et al. 2022). A phylogenetic tree was constructed by MEGA 11 based on the ITS, GADPH, and TUB2 gene sequence by the maximum-likelihood method. The results showed that the isolates J-1-1 and J-1-5 were clustered with C. tropicale CBS:124949 (Supplementary Fig. S2). Based on morphological and molecular biological analysis, two isolates were identified as C. tropicale. To further test the pathogenicity of isolates J-1-1 and J-1-5, spore suspensions (1×106 conidia/mL) were prepared and 20 µL spore suspensions were inoculated on the leaves of healthy H. subulata potted plants stabbed with sterile toothpicks. Three leaves were inoculated in each treatment, and sterile water was inoculated as a control. The treated plants were placed in an incubator with a temperature of 28℃, relative humidity of 90%, and light/dark (12h/12h). After 15 days, the spore suspension treatment showed the same symptoms as the naturally diseased H. subulata plants in the field, but the leaves treated with sterile water were not infected (Supplementary Fig. S1). The morphology of the isolates obtained from diseased leaves was the same as that of isolates J-1-1 and J-1-5 on the PDA plate. To our knowledge, this is the first report of H. subulata, a new host of C. tropicale causing anthracnose in China.

Molecular dynamics simulation of DNAN/DNB cocrystal PBXs.

CONTEXT: The DNAN/DNB eutectic is a high-energy explosive eutectic with superior safety and thermal stability compared to traditional melt-cast explosives. However, the addition of polymer binders can effectively enhance its mechanical properties, allowing for continued production demands without the need for changes to existing factory equipment. In this paper, a model of the DNAN/DNB eutectic explosive was established, and five different types of polymers-cis-1,4-polybutadiene (BR), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), fluorinated polymer (F2603), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-were added to the (1 0 - 1), (1 0 1), and (0 1 1) cleavage planes, respectively, to form polymer-bonded explosives (PBXs). The stability, trigger bond length, mechanical properties, and detonation performance of the various polymer-bound PBXs were predicted retrogressively. Among the five PBX models, the DNAN/DNB/PEG model exhibited the highest binding energy and the shortest trigger bond length, indicating a significant improvement in stability, compatibility, and sensitivity compared to the original eutectic. Additionally, although the detonation performance of DNAN/DNB decreased after the addition of binders, the final results were still satisfactory. Overall, the DNAN/DNB/PEG model demonstrated excellent comprehensive performance, proving that among the many polymer binders, PEG is the optimal choice for DNAN/DNB. METHODS: Within the Materials Studio software, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to predict the properties of the DNAN/DNB eutectic PBX. The MD simulation timestep was set to 1 fs, with a cumulative simulation duration of 2 ns. A 2 ns MD simulation was conducted using the isothermal-isobaric ensemble (NPT). The COMPASS force field was applied, and the temperature was fixed at 295 K.

Alkaline amino acid modification based on biological phytic acid for preparing flame-retardant and antibacterial cellulose-based fabrics.

Cellulose-based fabrics have significant advantages, but their application scenarios are limited due to their flammability. This work used biomass phytic acid and protein decomposition products, alkaline amino acids (arginine, lysine, histidine) to prepare alkaline amino acid flame retardants (PALA, PALL, PALH), and they were utilized to endow Lyocell fabrics with flame-retardant and antibacterial properties. When the weight gain was about 16.0 wt%, PALA exhibited better flame-retardant effect, and the limited oxygen index value of PALA-Lyocell reached 47.1 %. In the cone calorimetry test, PALA showed the best flame-retardant efficiency in reducing flame growth index with a 92.0 % decrease in peak heat release rate. The results of thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) and char residues indicated that the flame-retardant property of alkaline amino acid flame retardants was formed through the combined action of gas and condensed phases. In the antibacterial test, PALA had the highest antibacterial rate against Staphylococcus aureus at 97.2 %. Mechanical property, handle feeling, and whiteness results had indicated that alkaline amino acid based flame retardants had little effect on the physical properties of Lyocell fabrics. This work confirms alkaline amino acid based flame retardants have functions of flame-retardant and antibacterial properties, providing reference for the practical value of biomass in cellulose-based fabrics.

Acteoside alleviates lipid peroxidation by enhancing Nrf2-mediated mitophagy to inhibit ferroptosis for neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease.

Increasing evidence underscores the pivotal role of ferroptosis in Parkinson's Disease (PD) pathogenesis. Acteoside (ACT) has been reported to possess neuroprotective properties. However, the effects of ACT on ferroptosis and its molecular mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to explore whether ACT can regulate ferroptosis in dopaminergic (DA) neurons within both in vitro and in vivo PD models and to elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. PD models were established and treated with various concentrations of ACT. Cell viability assays, Western blot, lipid peroxidation assessments, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to confirm ACT's inhibition of ferroptosis and its protective effect on DA neurons across PD models. Immunofluorescence staining, MitoSOX staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy further validated ACT's regulation regulatory effects on ferroptosis via the Nrf2-mitophagy pathway. Four animal behavioral tests were used to assess behavioral improvements in PD animals. ACT inhibited ferroptosis in PD models in vitro, as evidenced by increased cell viability, the upregulation of GPX4 and SLC7A11, reduced lipid peroxides, and attenuation of mitochondrial morphological alterations typical of ferroptosis. By activating the Nrf2-mitophagy axis, ACT enhanced mitochondrial integrity and reduced lipid peroxidation, mitigating ferroptosis. These in vitro results were consistent with in vivo findings, where ACT treatment significantly preserved DA neurons, curbed ferroptosis in these cells, and alleviated cognitive and behavioral deficits. This study is the first demonstration of ACT's capability to inhibit neuronal ferroptosis and protect DA neurons, thus alleviating behavioral and cognitive impairments in both in vitro and in vivo PD models. Furthermore, The suppression of ferroptosis by ACT is achieved through the activation of the Nrf2-mitophagy signaling pathway. Our results show that ACT is beneficial for both treating and preventing PD. They also offer novel therapeutic options for treating PD and molecular targets for regulating ferroptosis.

Enhancing cross-protection against influenza by heterologous sequential immunization with mRNA LNP and protein nanoparticle vaccines.

Enhancing influenza vaccine cross-protection is imperative to alleviate the significant public health burden of influenza. Heterologous sequential immunization may synergize diverse vaccine formulations and routes to improve vaccine potency and breadth. Here we investigate the effects of immunization strategies on the generation of cross-protective immune responses in female Balb/c mice, utilizing mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and protein-based PHC nanoparticle vaccines targeting influenza hemagglutinin. Our findings emphasize the crucial role of priming vaccination in shaping Th bias and immunodominance hierarchies. mRNA LNP prime favors Th1-leaning responses, while PHC prime elicits Th2-skewing responses. We demonstrate that cellular and mucosal immune responses are pivotal correlates of cross-protection against influenza. Notably, intranasal PHC immunization outperforms its intramuscular counterpart in inducing mucosal immunity and conferring cross-protection. Sequential mRNA LNP prime and intranasal PHC boost demonstrate optimal cross-protection against antigenically drifted and shifted influenza strains. Our study offers valuable insights into tailoring immunization strategies to optimize influenza vaccine effectiveness.

Green Fluorescent Carbon Dots with Critically Controlled Surface States: Make Silk Shine via Feeding Silkworms.

Feeding silkworms with functional materials as additives to produce naturally modified silk is a facile, diverse, controllable, and environmentally friendly method with a low cost of time and investment. Among various additives, carbon dots (CDs) show unique advantages due to their excellent biocompatibility and fluorescence stability. Here, a new type of green fluorescent carbon dots (G-CDs) is synthesized with a high oil-water partition ratio of 147, a low isoelectric point of 5.16, an absolute quantum yield of 71%, and critically controlled surface states. After feeding with G-CDs, the silkworms weave light yellow cocoons whose green fluorescence is visible to the naked eye under UV light. The luminous silk is sewn onto the cloth to create striking patterns with beautiful fluorescence. Such G-CDs have no adverse effect on the survival rate and the life cycle of silkworms and enable their whole bodies to glow under UV light. Based on the strong fluorescence, chemical stability, and biological safety, G-CDs are found in the digestive tracts, silk glands, feces, cocoons, and even moth bodies. G-CDs accumulate in the posterior silk glands where fibroin protein is secreted, indicating its stronger combination with fibroin than sericin, which meets the requirements for practical applications.

Empowering Low-Temperature Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: Unlocking the Potential of Transition Metal Alloy-Based Cathode Materials.

At low temperatures, lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have poor kinetics, resulting in extreme polarization and decreased capacity. In this study, we investigated the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries utilizing transition metal alloy-based cathode materials. Specifically, binary transition metal alloys (FeNi, FeCo, and NiCo) are integrated into a porous carbon nanofiber (CNF) matrix as composite cathode material. Our findings reveal that alloying metallic Ni with Fe in the FeNi@CNFs composite enhances the catalytic conversion of sulfur species, mitigating the shuttle effect and improving battery performance even under low temperatures. Li-S batteries employing a Li2S6/FeNi@CNFs cathode exhibited a significantly high initial discharge capacity of 1655 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C. Even at the higher current density of 10 C, the Li2S6/FeNi@CNFs composite can still reach an ultrahigh specific capacity of 828 mAh g-1. In addition, Li2S6/FeNi@CNFs demonstrated exceptional initial discharge capacities of 890.5 and 382.7 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C under -20 and -40 °C, respectively. With an initial capacity of 392.02 mAh g-1 and a capacity retention rate of 88.86% (after 60 cycles) at 0.2 C, the conversion of LiPSs in Li2S6/FeNi@CNFs is significantly enhanced even at ultralow temperatures of -40 °C. The findings of this study hold significant implications for the advancement of extremely low-temperature Li-S batteries.

Iron Nanostructure Primes Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Symbiosis Tightly Connecting Maize Leaf Photosynthesis via a Nanofilm Effect.

It is crucial to clarify how the iron nanostructure activates plant growth, particularly in combination with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We first identified 1.0 g·kg-1 of nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) as appropriate dosage to maximize maize growth by 12.7-19.7% in non-AMF and 18.9-26.4% in AMF, respectively. Yet, excessive nZVI at 2.0 g·kg-1 exerted inhibitory effects while FeSO4 showed slight effects (p > 0.05). Under an appropriate dose, a nano core-shell structure was formed and the transfer and diffusion of electrons between PS II and PS I were facilitated, significantly promoting the reduction of ferricyanide and NADP (p < 0.05). SEM images showed that excessive nZVI particles can form stacked layers on the surface of roots and hyphae, inhibiting water and nutrient uptake. TEM observations showed that excessive nanoparticles can penetrate into root cortical cells, disrupt cellular homeostasis, and substantially elevate Fe content in roots (p < 0.05). This exacerbated membrane lipid peroxidation and osmotic regulation, accordingly restricting photosynthetic capacity and AMF colonization. Yet, appropriate nZVI can be adhered to a mycelium surface, forming a uniform nanofilm structure. The strength of the mycelium network was evidently enhanced, under an increased root colonization rate and an extramatrical hyphal length (p < 0.05). Enhanced mycorrhizal infection was tightly associated with higher gas exchange and Rubisco and Rubisco enzyme activities. This enabled more photosynthetic carbon to input into AMF symbiont. There existed a positive feedback loop connecting downward transfer of photosynthate and upward transport of water/nutrients. FeSO4 only slightly affected mycorrhizal development. Thus, it was the Fe nanostructure but not its inorganic salt state that primed AMF symbionts for better growth.

Regulation and mechanism of enzyme metabolism in germinated hemp seeds by ultrasound combined with exogenous calcium chloride treatment.

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays an important role in anti-anxiety by inhibiting neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals, which is generated in the germinating seeds. The key enzymes activity of GABA metabolism pathway and nutrients content in hemp seeds during germination were studied after treated with ultrasound and CaCl2. The mechanism of exogenous stress on key enzymes in GABA metabolism pathway was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. The results showed that ultrasonic combined with 1.5 mmol·L-1CaCl2 significantly increased the activities of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and GABA transaminase (GABA-T) in seeds, and promoted the conversion of glutamate to GABA, resulting in the decrease of glutamate content and the accumulation of GABA. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that Ca2+ environment enhanced the activity of GAD and GABA-T enzymes by altering their secondary structure, exposing their hydrophobic residues. Ultrasound, germination and CaCl2 stress improved the nutritional value of hemp seeds.

[Corrigendum] Enhanced antitumor activity by the combination of dasatinib and combretastatin A­4 in vitro and in vivo.

Following the publication of this article, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that the flow cytometric (FCM) plots in Fig. 2A on p. 2278 showing the 'Dasatinib' and 'CA­4' experiments were duplicates of each other. After having re­examined their original data, and due to the overall similarity of the data, the authors have realized that these data were inadvertently assembled incorrectly in the figure. They realize that they also made a further mistake regarding the writing of the ratios of mitochondrial membrane­depolarized HO­8910 cells for these FCM plots (essentially, these were written the wrong way around): The percentage of mitochondrial membrane­depolarized HO­8910 cells should have been written as 22.50% for the dasatinib­treated cells (the centre­left FCM plot) and 15.71% for the CA­4­treated cells (centre­right plot). A revised version of Fig. 2 now showing alternative data for the FCM experiments shown in Fig. 2A, is shown on the next page. Note that the errors made in terms of assembling the data in Fig. 2A did not greatly affect either the results or the conclusions reported in this paper, and all the authors agree with the publication of this corrigendum. The authors regret that these errors went unnoticed prior to the publication of their article, and are grateful to the Editor of Oncology Reports for granting them this opportunity to publish a corrigendum. Furthermore, they apologize to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 29: 2275­2282, 2013; DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2405].

Regulation of 3D genome organization during T cell activation.

Within the three-dimensional (3D) nuclear space, the genome organizes into a series of orderly structures that impose important influences on gene regulation. T lymphocytes, crucial players in adaptive immune responses, undergo intricate transcriptional remodeling upon activation, leading to differentiation into specific effector and memory T cell subsets. Recent evidence suggests that T cell activation is accompanied by dynamic changes in genome architecture at multiple levels, providing a unique biological context to explore the functional relevance and molecular mechanisms of 3D genome organization. Here, we summarize recent advances that link the reorganization of genome architecture to the remodeling of transcriptional programs and conversion of cell fates during T cell activation and differentiation. We further discuss how various chromatin architecture regulators, including CCCTC-binding factor and several transcription factors, collectively modulate the genome architecture during this process.

Sensory ASIC3 channel exacerbates psoriatic inflammation via a neurogenic pathway in female mice.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin disease associated with neurogenic inflammation, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. We demonstrate here that acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) exacerbates psoriatic inflammation through a sensory neurogenic pathway. Global or nociceptor-specific Asic3 knockout (KO) in female mice alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriatic acanthosis and type 17 inflammation to the same extent as nociceptor ablation. However, ASIC3 is dispensable for IL-23-induced psoriatic inflammation that bypasses the need for nociceptors. Mechanistically, ASIC3 activation induces the activity-dependent release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from sensory neurons to promote neurogenic inflammation. Botulinum neurotoxin A and CGRP antagonists prevent sensory neuron-mediated exacerbation of psoriatic inflammation to similar extents as Asic3 KO. In contrast, replenishing CGRP in the skin of Asic3 KO mice restores the inflammatory response. These findings establish sensory ASIC3 as a critical constituent in psoriatic inflammation, and a promising target for neurogenic inflammation management.

Transcriptome-wide analysis of a superior xylan degrading isolate Penicillium oxalicum 5-18 revealed active lignocellulosic degrading genes.

Lignocellulose biomass raw materials have a high value in energy conversion. Recently, there has been growing interest in using microorganisms to secret a series of enzymes for converting low-cost biomass into high-value products such as biofuels. We previously isolated a strain of Penicillium oxalicun 5-18 with promising lignocellulose-degrading capability. However, the mechanisms of lignocellulosic degradation of this fungus on various substrates are still unclear. In this study, we performed transcriptome-wide profiling and comparative analysis of strain 5-18 cultivated in liquid media with glucose (Glu), xylan (Xyl) or wheat bran (WB) as sole carbon source. In comparison to Glu culture, the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by WB and Xyl was 4134 and 1484, respectively, with 1176 and 868 genes upregulated. Identified DEGs were enriched in many of the same pathways in both comparison groups (WB vs. Glu and Xly vs. Glu). Specially, 118 and 82 CAZyme coding genes were highly upregulated in WB and Xyl cultures, respectively. Some specific pathways including (Hemi)cellulose metabolic processes were enriched in both comparison groups. The high upregulation of these genes also confirmed the ability of strain 5-18 to degrade lignocellulose. Co-expression and co-upregulated of genes encoding CE and AA CAZy families, as well as other (hemi)cellulase revealed a complex degradation strategy in this strain. Our findings provide new insights into critical genes, key pathways and enzyme arsenal involved in the biomass degradation of P. oxalicum 5-18.

Machine learning screening of biomass precursors to prepare biomass carbon for organic wastewater purification: A review.

In the past decades, the amount of biomass waste has continuously increased in human living environments, and it has attracted more and more attention. Biomass is regarded as the most high-quality and cost-effective precursor material for the preparation carbon of adsorbents and catalysts. The application of biomass carbon has extensively explored. The efficient application of biomass carbon in organic wastewater purification were reviewed. With briefly introducing biomass types, the latest progress of Machine learning in guiding the preparation and application of biomass carbon was emphasized. The key factors in constructing efficient biomass carbon for adsorption and catalytic applications were discussed. Based on the functional groups, rich pore structure and active site of biomass carbon, it exhibits high efficiency in water purification performance in the fields of adsorption and catalysis. In addition, out of a firm belief in the enormous potential of biomass carbon, the remaining challenges and future research directions were discussed.

Modeling and biological evaluation of pegmolesatide, a novel and potent erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.

Pegmolesatide, a synthetic, polyethylene-glycolylated, peptide-based erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA), has been recently approved in China. Pegmolesatide is derived from the structure of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO), a natural product in mammals. This study compared the in vitro effects and selectivity of pegmolesatide to those of recombinant EPO and carbamylated EPO (CEPO) through computer-aided analyses and biological tests. The findings indicate that pegmolesatide exhibited the same stimulating effect on erythropoiesis as EPO with fewer side effects than EPO and CEPO.

Feasibility and efficacy of endoscopy with blue laser imaging for the detection and diagnosis of cardia polyps: A single-center randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of cardia polyps using endoscopy with blue laser imaging (BLI) and white-light imaging (WLI). METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into the BLI group and WLI group according to the endoscopic procedures. BLI followed by WLI was conducted in the BLI group, whereas WLI followed by BLI examination was conducted in the WLI group. The number, size, microstructure, and microvascular patterns of cardia polyps detected were recorded. Biopsy of the polyps was then performed. RESULTS: The detection rate of cardia polyps in the BLI group was higher than that in the WLI group (7.87% vs 4.22%, P = 0.018). The rate of overlooked lesions in the BLI group was lower than in the WLI group (0.64% vs 3.38%, P = 0.003). The diagnostic coincidence rate between magnifying BLI and histopathology was 88.16%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of neoplastic lesions by magnifying endoscopy with BLI were 90.91%, 87.69%, 55.56%, and 98.28%, respectively. The most remarkable patterns for predicting inflammatory polyps were the prolonged and fine network patterns (sensitivity 71.43%, specificity 93.75%). Small round combined with honeycomb patterns were the most common among fundic gland polyps (sensitivity 80.00%, specificity 98.48%). Neoplastic lesions presented as villous or ridge-like combined with core vascular or unclear pattern for both microvascular and microstructure patterns. CONCLUSION: BLI is more effective than WLI in the detection and diagnosis of cardia polyps, and magnifying endoscopy with BLI may help diagnose such lesions.

Neurobrucellosis: laboratory features, clinical characteristics, antibiotic treatment, and clinical outcomes of 21 patients.

BACKGROUND: Neurobrucellosis (NB) is a rare and serious complication of brucellosis. Its clinical manifestations vary, with no obvious specificity. At present, there is no clear clinical diagnosis or treatment for reference. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data for 21 patients with NB to provide reference data for its further study. METHODS: We analyzed the epidemiological and clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging examinations, cerebrospinal fluid, and treatment plans of 21 patients diagnosed with NB in the Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing, China. RESULTS: The ages of the patients ranged from 15 to 60 years old (mean age 40.1 ± 13.33 years), the male: female ratio was 4.25:1. Thirteen patients had a history of animal (sheep, cattle) contact, three had no history of animal contact, and the contact status of four was unknown. Brucella can invade various systems of the body and show multi-system symptoms, the main general manifestations were fever (66.67%), fatigue (57.14%) and functional urination or defecation disturbance (42.86%). The main nervous system manifestations were limb weakness (52.38%) and hearing loss (47.62%).The main positive signs of the nervous system included positive pathological signs (71.43%), sensory abnormalities (52.38%), limb paralysis (42.86%). Nervous system lesions mainly included spinal cord damage (66.67%), cranial nerve involvement (61.90%), central demyelination (28.57%) and meningitis (28.57%). In patients with cranial nerve involvement, 69.23% of auditory nerve, 15.38% of optic nerve and 15.38% of oculomotor nerve were involved. The blood of eight patients was cultured for Brucella, and three (37.5%) cultures were positive and five (63.5%) negative. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of eight patients was cultured for Brucella, and two (25.00%) cultures were positive and six (75.00%) negative. Nineteen of the patients underwent a serum agglutination test (SAT), 18 (94.74%) of whom were positive and one (5.26%) of whom were negative. A biochemical analysis of the CSF was performed in 21 patients, and the results were all abnormal. Nineteen patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty-one patients were treated with doxycycline and/or rifampicin, combined with ceftriaxone, quinolone, aminoglycoside, or minocycline. After hospitalization, 15 patients improved (71.43%), two patients did not recover, and the status of four patients was unknown. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical manifestations, CSF parameters, and neurological imaging data for patients with NB show no significant specificity or correlations. When patients with unexplained neurological symptoms accompanied by fever, fatigue, and other systemic manifestations in a brucellosis epidemic area or with a history of contact with cattle, sheep, animals, or raw food are encountered in clinical practice, the possibility of NB should be considered. Treatment is based on the principles of an early, combined, and long course of treatment, and the general prognosis is good.