Two cases of diquat poisoning in adolescent children.

Diquat (DQ) is among the most widely used herbicides, and its intake can cause severe systemic toxicity that manifests rapidly. The resultant symptoms can cause the dysfunction of a range of tissues and organs,. As there is no specific antidote for diquat poisoning and the efficacy of extant treatments is suboptimal, physicians must acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the most effective approaches to managing affected patients. Relative few studies have been published to date focused on diquat poisoning in pediatric patients. In this report, we compare two similar cases of juvenile diquat poisoning with dynamic changes in clinical manifestations, laboratory values, and imaging results. For the first time, the difference in whether to perform blood flow perfusion and the time difference of initiation of hemoperfusion had a clear clinical difference in the subsequent effects of diquat poisoning in children with diquat poisoning. Limited evidence is available regarding the efficacy of early hemoperfusion for diquat poisoning; however, the differences in clinical outcomes articulated here highlight the benefits of early and timely hemoperfusion therapy in the treatment of DQ toxicity in children, in conjunction with primary supportive care in the management of DQ poisoning in children.

DRAGen - A deep learning supported RVE generator framework for complex microstructure models.

In this study an improved version of the Discrete RVE Automation and Generation Framework, also called DRAGen, is presented. The Framework incorporates a generator for Representative Volume Elements (RVEs). Several complex microstructure features, extracted from real microstructures, have been added to the generator, to enable it to generate RVEs with realistic microstructures. DRAGen is now capable of reading trained neural networks as well as .csv-files as input data for the microstructure generation. Furthermore, features such as pores and inclusions, martensite bands, hierarchical substructures, and crystallographic textures can be reconstructed in the RVEs. Besides the features, the functionality for different solvers was introduced. Therefore, the code was extended by modules for the generation of Finite Element (FE) and spectral solver input files. DRAGen now has the ability to create models for three powerful multiphysics frameworks used in the community: DAMASK, Abaqus and MOOSE. The evaluation of the features, as well as the simulations performed on sample models, show that the new version of DRAGen is a very powerful tool with flexible applicability for scientists in the ICME community. Also, due to the modular architecture of the project, the code can easily be expanded with features of interest. Therefore, it delivers a variety of functions and possible outputs, which offers researchers a broad spectrum of microstructures that can be used in microstructure studies or microstructure design developments.

Analysis of ESAFORM 2021 cup drawing benchmark of an Al alloy, critical factors for accuracy and efficiency of FE simulations.

This article details the ESAFORM Benchmark 2021. The deep drawing cup of a 1 mm thick, AA 6016-T4 sheet with a strong cube texture was simulated by 11 teams relying on phenomenological or crystal plasticity approaches, using commercial or self-developed Finite Element (FE) codes, with solid, continuum or classical shell elements and different contact models. The material characterization (tensile tests, biaxial tensile tests, monotonic and reverse shear tests, EBSD measurements) and the cup forming steps were performed with care (redundancy of measurements). The Benchmark organizers identified some constitutive laws but each team could perform its own identification. The methodology to reach material data is systematically described as well as the final data set. The ability of the constitutive law and of the FE model to predict Lankford and yield stress in different directions is verified. Then, the simulation results such as the earing (number and average height and amplitude), the punch force evolution and thickness in the cup wall are evaluated and analysed. The CPU time, the manpower for each step as well as the required tests versus the final prediction accuracy of more than 20 FE simulations are commented. The article aims to guide students and engineers in their choice of a constitutive law (yield locus, hardening law or plasticity approach) and data set used in the identification, without neglecting the other FE features, such as software, explicit or implicit strategy, element type and contact model.

Atorvastatin Enhances Inhibitory Effects of Irradiation on Tumor Growth by Reducing MSH2 Expression Both in Prostate Cancer Cells and Xenograft Tumor Models.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the fourth most common tumor in males. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate effects of atorvastatin (AS) on PCa cells proliferation and clarify the associated mechanisms. METHODS: PCa cell lines were cultured and treated with irradiation (IR) (4 Gy), AS (6 µg/ml), transfected with Bcl-2 siRNA, and then divided into different groups. Xenograft tumor mouse model was established. Bcl-2 and MSH2 gene transcription and protein expression were evaluated using RT-PCR assay and western blot assay. Plate clone formation assay was employed to examine colony formation. MTT assay was used to detect cell viabilities. Flow cytometry analysis was utilized to verify apoptosis. Co-immunoprecipitation and immuno-fluorescence assay were used to identify interaction between Bcl-2 and MSH2. RESULTS: IR significantly reduced colony formation, enhanced Bcl-2 and reduced MSH2 gene transcription in PCa cells compared to un-treated cells (p<0.05). AS significantly strengthened radio-therapeutic effects of IR on colony formation, decreased cell apoptosis and increased Bcl-2 gene transcription/protein expression in PCa cells compared to single IR treatment cells (p<0.05). AS combining IR down-regulated MSH2 gene transcription/protein expression in PCa cells compared to single IR treatment cells (p<0.05). Bcl-2 interacted with MSH2 both in PCa cells and tumor tissues administrating with AS. AS enhanced reductive effects of IR on tumor size of Xenograft tumor mice. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin administration enhanced inhibitory effects of IR either on PCa cells or tumor size of Xenograft tumor mice. The inhibitory effects of atorvastatin were mediated by reducing MSH2 expression and triggering interaction between Bcl-2 and MSH2, both in vitro and in vivo levels.

miR-541-3p enhances the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells by inhibiting HSP27 expression and downregulating ß-catenin.

Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), a regulator of cell survival, can enhance the resistance of cancer cells to radiotherapy. As microRNA-541-3p (miR-541-3p) was recently predicted to be a putative upstream modulator of HSP27, the present study was designed to investigate the function and mechanism underlying how miR-541-3p modulates the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer (PCa) cells by regulating HSP27. Through quantitative PCR, miR-541-3p was determined to be poorly expressed in PCa tissues relative to normal controls, whereas its expression was enhanced after radiotherapy. Consistently, miR-541-3p expression levels in PCa cells were elevated after radiation. Cell viability and proliferation and apoptosis under radiation were subsequently evaluated in response to loss-of-function of miR-541-3p. It was found that inhibition of miR-541-3p facilitated the viability and proliferation of PCa cells and promoted their apoptosis post radiation, hence reducing the radiosensitivity of LNCaP cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay identified that miR-541-3p negatively regulated the HSP27 mRNA expression by targeting its 3'-UTR. Meanwhile, miR-541-3p overexpression inhibited the ß-catenin expression by targeting HSP27. Furthermore, HSP27 or ß-catenin overexpression was noted to significantly reverse the miR-541-3p-mediated changes in the biological functions of PCa cells post radiation, suggesting that HSP27-dependent activation of ß-catenin might be the mechanism responsible for the promotive effect of miR-541-3p on radiosensitivity. Collectively, this study suggests that miR-541-3p specifically inhibits the HSP27 expression and downregulates ß-catenin, thereby enhancing the radiosensitivity of PCa cells. Our findings highlight the underlying mechanism of the miR-541-3p/HSP27/Wnt/ß-catenin axis regarding radiotherapy for PCa.

Atorvastatin Enhances Effects of Radiotherapy on Prostate Cancer Cells and Xenograft Tumor Mice Through Triggering Interaction Between Bcl-2 and MSH2.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) is considered to be the 4th most common cancer in males in the world. This study aimed to explore effects of atorvastatin on colony formation of PCa cells and radio-resistance of xenograft tumor models. MATERIAL AND METHODS PCa cell lines, including PC3, DU145, and Lncap, were treated with irradiation (4 Gy) and/or atorvastatin (6 µg/mL). Cells were divided into tumor cell group, irradiation treatment group (IR group) and irradiation+atorvastatin treatment group (IR-AS group). Xenograft tumor mouse model was established. Plate clone formation assay (multi-target/single-hit model) was conducted to evaluate colony formation. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to detect apoptosis. Interaction between Bcl-2 and MSH2 was evaluated with immuno-fluorescence assay. RESULTS According to the plate colony formation assay and multi-target/single-hit model, IR-treatment significantly suppressed colony formation in PCa cells (including PC3, DU145, and Lncap cells) compared to no-IR treated cells (P<0.05). Atorvastatin remarkably enhanced inhibitive effects of irradiation on colony formation of PCa cells (P<0.05), however, the IR+AS group demonstrated no effects on apoptosis, comparing to IR group (P>0.05). Atorvastatin administration (IR+AS group) significantly reduced tumor size of IR-treated PCa cells-induced xenograft tumor mice (P<0.05). Bcl-2 interacted with MSH2 both in tumor tissues of xenograft tumor mice. CONCLUSIONS Atorvastatin administration inhibited colony formation in PCa cells and enhanced effects of radiotherapy on tumor growth of xenograft tumor mice, which might be associated with interaction between Bcl-2 and MSH2 molecule.

Combined hyperactive dysfunction syndrome of the cranial nerves complicated by essential hypertension: A case report.

RATIONALE: Combined hyperactive dysfunction syndrome (HDS) refers to a special type of HDS characterized by a combination of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), hemi facial spasm (HFS), and/or gloss pharyngeal neuralgia (GPN). Rostra ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) plays a crucial role in central cardiovascular regulation, and neurovascular compression of the RVLM has been identified as a contributor to essential hypertension. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 65-year-old female with a facial tic and pain located in the root of the tongue and throat on the same side; the systolic and diastolic blood pressure was approximately 170 and 100 mmHg. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with combined HDS (HFS-GPN) and essential hypertension. Brain magnetic resonance 3-dimensional time-of-flight imaging and digital subtraction angiography revealed vertebrobasilar artery compressed the left RVLM and contacted with the root entry zones of multiple cranial nerves. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with microvascular decompression surgery OUTCOMES:: The symptoms were completely relieved, and blood pressure was well-controlled. LESSONS: The pathological association of hypertension and HDS should be highlighted, and microvascular decompression is an effective approach for relieving the hypertension.

Association of short-term exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide with acute cardiovascular effects.

This study evaluated whether exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is associated with cardiovascular effects by examining a panel of 89 healthy subjects in Taipei, Taiwan. The subjects received two health examinations approximately 8months apart in 2013. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a physiological indicator of arterial stiffness, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a biomarker of vascular inflammations, were measured during each examination. Two exposure assessment methods were used for estimating the subjects' exposure to PM2.5 and NO2. The first method involved constructing daily land use regression (LUR) models according to measurements collected at ambient air quality monitoring stations. The second method required combining the LUR estimates with indoor monitoring data at the workplace of the subjects. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between the exposure estimates and health outcomes. The results showed that a 10-µg/m(3) increase in PM2.5 concentration at a 1-day lag was associated with 2.1% (95% confidence interval: 0.7%-3.6%) and 2.4% (0.8%-4.0%) increases in baPWV based on the two exposure assessment methods, whereas no significant association was observed for NO2. The significant effects of PM2.5 remained in the two-pollutant models. By contrast, NO2, but not PM2.5, was significantly associated with increased hsCRP levels (16.0%-37.3% in single-pollutant models and 26.4%-44.6% in two-pollutant models, per 10-ppb increase in NO2). In conclusion, arterial stiffness might be more sensitive to short-term PM2.5 exposure than is inflammation.