Elucidating Singlet-Fission-Born Multiexciton Dynamics via Molecular Engineering: A Dilution Principle Extended to Quintet Triplet Pair.

Multiexciton in singlet exciton fission represents a critical quantum state with significant implications for both solar cell applications and quantum information science. Two distinct fields of interest explore contrasting phenomena associated with the geminate triplet pair: one focusing on the persistence of long-lived correlation and the other emphasizing efficient decorrelation. Despite the pivotal nature of multiexciton processes, a comprehensive understanding of their dependence on the structural and spin properties of materials is currently lacking in experimental realizations. To address this gap in knowledge, molecular engineering was employed to modify the TIPS-tetracene structures, enabling an investigation of the structure-property relationships in spin-related multiexciton processes. In lieu of the time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance technique, two time-resolved magneto-optical spectroscopies were implemented for quantitative analysis of spin-dependent multiexciton dynamics. The utilization of absorption and fluorescence signals as complementary optical readouts, in the presence of a magnetic field, provided crucial insights into geminate triplet pair dynamics. These insights encompassed the duration of multiexciton correlation and the involvement of the spin state in multiexciton decorrelation. Furthermore, simulations based on our kinetic models suggested a role for quintet dilution in multiexciton dynamics, surpassing the singlet dilution principle established by the Merrifield model. The integration of intricate model structures and time-resolved magneto-optical spectroscopies served to explicitly elucidate the interplay between structural and spin properties in multiexciton processes. This comprehensive approach not only contributes to the fundamental understanding of these processes but also aligns with and reinforces previous experimental studies of solid states and theoretical assessments.

A Preliminary Investigation of the Roles of Endometrial Cells in Endometriosis Development via In Vitro and In Vivo Analyses.

Endometriosis is a complex gynecological disease that affects more than 10% of women in their reproductive years. While surgery can provide temporary relief from women's pain, symptoms often return in as many as 75% of cases within two years. Previous literature has contributed to theories about the development of endometriosis; however, the exact pathogenesis and etiology remain elusive. We conducted a preliminary investigation into the influence of primary endometrial cells (ECs) on the development and progression of endometriosis. In vitro studies, they were involved in inducing Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rat-isolated primary endometrial cells, which resulted in increased nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA gene expression (quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, qPCR) and protein expression (western blot analysis). Additionally, in vivo studies utilized autogenic and allogeneic transplantations (rat to rat) to investigate endometriosis-like lesion cyst size, body weight, protein levels (immunohistochemistry), and mRNA gene expression. These studies demonstrated that estrogen upregulates the gene and protein regulation of cytoskeletal (CK)-18, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), VEGF, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, particularly in the peritoneum. These findings may influence cell proliferation, angiogenesis, fibrosis, and inflammation markers. Consequently, this could exacerbate the occurrence and progression of endometriosis.

UV-filter benzophenones suppress human, pig, rat, and mouse 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1: Structure-activity relationship and in silico docking analysis.

Benzophenone chemicals (BPs) have been developed to prevent the adverse effects of UV radiation and they are widely contaminated. 11ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11ß-HSD1) catalyze the conversion of inactive glucocorticoid to active glucocorticoid, playing critical role in many physiological function. However, the direct effect of BPs on human, pig, rat, and mouse 11ß-HSD1 remains unclear. In this study, we screened the inhibitory strength of 12 BPs on 4 species, and performed the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and in silico docking analysis. The inhibitory potency of BPs was: for human 11ß-HSD1, BP6 (IC50 = 18.76 µM) > BP8 (40.84 µM) > BP (88.89 µM) > other BPs; for pig 11ß-HSD1, BP8 (45.57 µM) > BP6 (59.44 µM) > BP2 (65.12 µM) > BP (135.56 µM) > other BPs; for rat 11ß-HSD1, BP7 (67.17 µM) > BP (68.83 µM) > BP8 (133.04 µM) > other BPs; and for mouse 11ß-HSD1, BP8 (41.41 µM) > BP (50.61 µM) > other BPs. These BP chemicals were mixed/competitive inhibitors of these 11ß-HSD1 enzymes. The 2,2'-dihydroxy substitutions in two benzene rings play a key role in enhancing the effectiveness of inhibiting 11ß-HSD1, possibly via increasing hydrogen bond interactions. Docking analysis shows that these BPs bind to NADPH/glucocorticoid binding sites and forms hydrogen bonds with catalytic residues Ser and/or Tyr. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that BP chemicals can inhibit 11ß-HSD1 from 4 species, and there are subtle species-dependent difference in the inhibitory strength and structural variations of BPs.

Continuous evaluation of denoising strategies in resting-state fMRI connectivity using fMRIPrep and Nilearn.

Reducing contributions from non-neuronal sources is a crucial step in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) connectivity analyses. Many viable strategies for denoising fMRI are used in the literature, and practitioners rely on denoising benchmarks for guidance in the selection of an appropriate choice for their study. However, fMRI denoising software is an ever-evolving field, and the benchmarks can quickly become obsolete as the techniques or implementations change. In this work, we present a denoising benchmark featuring a range of denoising strategies, datasets and evaluation metrics for connectivity analyses, based on the popular fMRIprep software. The benchmark prototypes an implementation of a reproducible framework, where the provided Jupyter Book enables readers to reproduce or modify the figures on the Neurolibre reproducible preprint server (https://neurolibre.org/). We demonstrate how such a reproducible benchmark can be used for continuous evaluation of research software, by comparing two versions of the fMRIprep. Most of the benchmark results were consistent with prior literature. Scrubbing, a technique which excludes time points with excessive motion, combined with global signal regression, is generally effective at noise removal. Scrubbing was generally effective, but is incompatible with statistical analyses requiring the continuous sampling of brain signal, for which a simpler strategy, using motion parameters, average activity in select brain compartments, and global signal regression, is preferred. Importantly, we found that certain denoising strategies behave inconsistently across datasets and/or versions of fMRIPrep, or had a different behavior than in previously published benchmarks. This work will hopefully provide useful guidelines for the fMRIprep users community, and highlight the importance of continuous evaluation of research methods.

Rapid simulation of glycoprotein structures by grafting and steric exclusion of glycan conformer libraries.

Most membrane proteins are modified by covalent addition of complex sugars through N- and O-glycosylation. Unlike proteins, glycans do not typically adopt specific secondary structures and remain very mobile, shielding potentially large fractions of protein surface. High glycan conformational freedom hinders complete structural elucidation of glycoproteins. Computer simulations may be used to model glycosylated proteins but require hundreds of thousands of computing hours on supercomputers, thus limiting routine use. Here, we describe GlycoSHIELD, a reductionist method that can be implemented on personal computers to graft realistic ensembles of glycan conformers onto static protein structures in minutes. Using molecular dynamics simulation, small-angle X-ray scattering, cryoelectron microscopy, and mass spectrometry, we show that this open-access toolkit provides enhanced models of glycoprotein structures. Focusing on N-cadherin, human coronavirus spike proteins, and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors, we show that GlycoSHIELD can shed light on the impact of glycans on the conformation and activity of complex glycoproteins.

Demethoxylation of curcumin enhances its inhibition on human and rat 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3: QSAR structure-activity relationship and in silico docking analysis.

Curcuminoids have many pharmacological effects. They or their metabolites may have side effects by suppressing 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 (17ß-HSD3). Herein, we investigated the inhibition of curcuminoids and their metabolites on human and rat 17ß-HSD3 and analyzed their structure-activity relationship (SAR) and performed in silico docking. Curcuminoids and their metabolites ranked in terms of IC50 values against human 17ß-HSD3 were bisdemethoxycurcumin (0.61 µM) > curcumin (8.63 µM) > demethoxycurcumin (9.59 µM) > tetrahydrocurcumin (22.04 µM) > cyclocurcumin (29.14 µM), and those against rat 17ß-HSD3 were bisdemethoxycurcumin (3.94 µM) > demethoxycurcumin (4.98 µM) > curcumin (9.62 µM) > tetrahydrocurcumin (45.82 µM) > cyclocurcumin (143.5 µM). The aforementioned chemicals were mixed inhibitors for both enzymes. Molecular docking analysis revealed that they bind to the domain between the androstenedione and NADPH active sites of 17ß-HSD3. Bivariate correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between LogP and pKa of curcumin derivatives with their IC50 values. Additionally, a 3D-QSAR analysis revealed that a pharmacophore model consisting of three hydrogen bond acceptor regions and one hydrogen bond donor region provided a better fit for bisdemethoxycurcumin compared to curcumin. In conclusion, curcuminoids and their metabolites possess the ability to inhibit androgen biosynthesis by directly targeting human and rat 17ß-HSD3. The inhibitory strength of these compounds is influenced by their lipophilicity and ionization characteristics.

3D Size-Dependent Dynamic Instability Analysis of FG Cylindrical Microshells Subjected to Combinations of Periodic Axial Compression and External Pressure Using a Hermitian C2 Finite Layer Method Based on the Consistent Couple Stress Theory.

This work develops a three-dimensional (3D) weak formulation, based on the consistent couple stress theory (CCST), for analyzing the size-dependent dynamic instability behavior of simply-supported, functionally graded (FG) cylindrical microshells that are subjected to combinations of periodic axial compression and external pressure. In our formulation, the microshells are artificially divided into nl layers. The displacement components of each individual layer are selected as the primary variables, which are expanded as a double Fourier series in the in-plane domain and are interpolated with Hermitian C2 polynomials in the thickness direction. Incorporating the layer-wise displacement models into our weak formulation, we develop a Hermitian C2 finite layer method (FLM) for addressing the current issue. The accuracy and the convergence rate of our Hermitian C2 FLM are validated by comparing the solutions it produces with the accurate two-dimensional solutions of critical loads and critical pressures of FG cylindrical macroshells and single-walled carbon nanotubes, which were reported in the literature. The numerical results show the effects of the material length-scale parameter, the inhomogeneity index, the radius-to-thickness and length-to-radius ratios, the load magnitude ratio, and the static and dynamic load factors on the first principal and first secondary instability regions of parametric resonance of simply-supported FG cylindrical microshells are significant.

Factors associated with usage frequency and pricing of temporary anchorage devices among orthodontists.

Background/purpose: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are widely used in contemporary orthodontic treatments for anchorage purposes. This research aimed to investigate orthodontists' attitude toward temporary anchorage devices (TADs) by surveying their TAD usage frequency and pricing and to identify factors influencing TAD usage frequency and pricing. Materials and methods: A structured, self-administered questionnaire with a total of 26 questions was randomly distributed to members of the Taiwanese Association of Orthodontics at the annual orthodontic meeting. The questionnaire comprised 6 questions on demographics, 10 questions on work patterns and patient type, and 10 questions on orthodontic technique. Responses were analyzed using a Pearson chi-Square test to identify factors of interest. Results: Factors associated with TAD usage frequency included degree of income satisfaction, number of working hours per week, and proportion of extraction-based treatments in treatment plans. Factors associated with TAD pricing included orthodontist age, geographic region of practice, and adult treatment fee. Conclusion: More Taiwanese orthodontists use TADs compared with orthodontists in other countries. TADs have become universally accepted, but practitioners use them selectively. The main factor influencing TAD usage frequency was the proportion of extraction-based treatments in treatment plans, and those influencing TAD were orthodontist age, geographic region of practice, and adult treatment fee. These findings may be applicable to other parts of the world and should be investigated at an international level.

Global Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Incidence of Gastric Cancer Between 1980 and 2022.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We aimed to assess the secular trend of the global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection in adults and children/adolescents and to show its relation to that of gastric cancer incidence. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to calculate overall prevalence, adjusted by multivariate meta-regression analysis. The incidence rates of gastric cancer were derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study and Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. RESULTS: Of the 16,976 articles screened, 1748 articles from 111 countries were eligible for analysis. The crude global prevalence of H pylori has reduced from 52.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.6%-55.6%) before 1990 to 43.9% (95% CI, 42.3%-45.5%) in adults during 2015 through 2022, but was as still as high as 35.1% (95% CI, 30.5%-40.1%) in children and adolescents during 2015 through 2022. Secular trend and multivariate regression analyses showed that the global prevalence of H pylori has declined by 15.9% (95% CI, -20.5% to -11.3%) over the last 3 decades in adults, but not in children and adolescents. Significant reduction of H pylori prevalence was observed in adults in the Western Pacific, Southeast Asian, and African regions. However, H pylori prevalence was not significantly reduced in children and adolescents in any World Health Organization regions. The incidence of gastric cancer has decreased globally and in various countries where the prevalence of H pylori infection has declined. CONCLUSIONS: The global prevalence of H pylori infection has declined during the last 3 decades in adults, but not in children and adolescents. The results raised the hypothesis that the public health drive to reduce the prevalence of H pylori as a strategy to reduce the incidence of gastric cancer in the population should be confirmed in large-scale clinical trials.

Altered Protein Dynamics and a More Reactive Catalytic Cysteine in a Neurodegeneration-associated UCHL1 Mutant.

A mutant of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) detected in early-onset neurodegenerative patients, UCHL1R178Q, showed higher catalytic activity than wild-type UCHL1 (UCHL1WT). Lying within the active-site pocket, the arginine is part of an interaction network that holds the catalytic histidine in an inactive arrangement. However, the structural basis and mechanism of enzymatic activation upon glutamine substitution was not understood. We combined X-ray crystallography, protein nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, enzyme kinetics, covalent inhibition analysis, and biophysical measurements to delineate activating factors in the mutant. While the crystal structure of UCHL1R178Q showed nearly the same arrangement of the catalytic residues and active-site pocket, the mutation caused extensive alteration in the chemical environment and dynamics of more than 30 residues, some as far as 15 Å away from the site of mutation. Significant broadening of backbone amide resonances in the HSQC spectra indicates considerable backbone dynamics changes in several residues, in agreement with solution small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses which indicate an overall increase in protein flexibility. Enzyme kinetics show the activation is due to a kcat effect despite a slightly weakened substrate affinity. In line with this, the mutant shows a higher second-order rate constant (kinact/Ki) in a reaction with a substrate-derived irreversible inhibitor, Ub-VME, compared to the wild-type enzyme, an observation indicative of a more reactive catalytic cysteine in the mutant. Together, the observations underscore structural plasticity as a factor contributing to enzyme kinetic behavior which can be modulated through mutational effects.

Bisphenol a alternatives suppress human and rat aromatase activity: QSAR structure-activity relationship and in silico docking analysis.

The use of alternative substances to replace bisphenol A (BPA) has been encouraged. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BPA and 9 BPA alternatives on human and rat aromatase (CYP19A1) in human and rat placental microsomes. The results revealed that bisphenol A, AP, B, C, E, F, FL, S, and Z, and 4,4'-thiodiphenol (TDP) inhibited human CYP19A1 and bisphenol A, AP, B, C, FL, Z, and TDP inhibited rat CYP19A1. The IC50 values of human CYP19A1 ranged from 3.3 to 172.63 µM and those of rat CYP19A1 ranged from 2.20 to over 100 µM. BPA alternatives were mixed/competitive inhibitors and inhibited estradiol production in BeWo placental cells. Molecular docking analysis showed that BPA alternatives bind to the domain between heme and steroid and form a hydrogen bond with catalytic residue Met374. Pharmacophore analysis showed that there were one hydrogen bond donor, one hydrophobic region, and one ring aromatic hydrophobic region. Bivariate correlation analysis showed that molecular weight, alkyl atom weight, and LogP of BPA alternatives were inversely correlated with their IC50 values. In conclusion, BPA alternatives can inhibit human and rat CYP19A1 and the lipophilicity and the substituted alkyl size determines their inhibitory strength.

Tungsten Nitride (W5N6): An Ultraresilient 2D Semimetal.

Two-dimensional transition metal nitrides offer intriguing possibilities for achieving novel electronic and mechanical functionality owing to their distinctive and tunable bonding characteristics compared to other 2D materials. We demonstrate here the enabling effects of strong bonding on the morphology and functionality of 2D tungsten nitrides. The employed bottom-up synthesis experienced a unique substrate stabilization effect beyond van-der-Waals epitaxy that favored W5N6 over lower metal nitrides. Comprehensive structural and electronic characterization reveals that monolayer W5N6 can be synthesized at large scale and shows semimetallic behavior with an intriguing indirect band structure. Moreover, the material exhibits exceptional resilience against mechanical damage and chemical reactions. Leveraging these electronic properties and robustness, we demonstrate the application of W5N6 as atomic-scale dry etch stops that allow the integration of high-performance 2D materials contacts. These findings highlight the potential of 2D transition metal nitrides for realizing advanced electronic devices and functional interfaces.

Confined VLS Growth of Single-Layer 2D Tungsten Nitrides.

Two-dimensional (2D) metal nitrides have garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in future electronics and quantum systems. However, the synthesis of such materials with sufficient uniformity and at relevant scales remains an unaddressed challenge. This study demonstrates the potential of confined growth to control and enhance the morphology of 2D metal nitrides. By restricting the reaction volume of vapor-liquid-solid reactions, an enhanced precursor concentration was achieved that reduces the nucleation density, resulting in larger grain sizes and suppression of multilayer growth. Detailed characterization reveals the importance of balancing the energetic and kinetic aspects of tungsten nitride formation toward this ability. The introduction of a promoter enabled the realization of large-scale, single-layer tungsten nitride with a uniform and high interfacial quality. Finally, our advance in morphology control was applied to the production of edge-enriched 2D tungsten nitrides with significantly enhanced hydrogen evolution ability, as indicated by an unprecedented Tafel slope of 55 mV/dec.

Comparison of Taiwanese and European Calibration Factors for Heart-to-Mediastinum Ratio in Multicenter 123I-mIBG Phantom Studies.

Background: Cross-calibration of 123I-labeled meta-iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) myocardial-derived indices is essential to extrapolate findings from several clinical centers. Here, we conducted a phantom study to generate conversion coefficients for the calibration of heart-to-mediastinum ratios and compare them between Taiwan and Europe. Methods: We used an acrylic phantom dedicated to 123I-mIBG planar imaging to calculate the conversion coefficients of 136 phantom images derived from 36 Taiwanese institutions. A European phantom image database including 191 images from 27 institutions was used. Conversion coefficients were categorized into five collimator types: low-energy (LE) high-resolution (LEHR), LE general-purpose (LEGP), extended LEGP (ELEGP), medium-energy (ME) GP (MEGP), and ME low-penetration (MELP) collimators. Results: The conversion coefficients were 0.53 ± 0.039, 0.59 ± 0.032, 0.79 ± 0.032, 0.96 ± 0.038, and 0.99 ± 0.050 for LEHR, LEGP, ELEGP, MEGP, and MELP collimators, respectively. The Taiwanese and European conversion coefficients for the LEHR, LEGP, and MELP collimators did not significantly differ. The coefficient of variation was slightly higher for the Taiwanese than the European conversion coefficients (3.7%-7.5% vs. 2.3%-5.6%). Conclusions: We calculated conversion coefficients for various types of collimators used in Taiwan using a 123I-mIBG phantom. In general, the Taiwanese and European conversion coefficients were comparable. These findings further corroborated and highlighted the need for 123I-mIBG standardization using the phantom-determined conversion coefficients.

Experience sampling reveals the role that covert goal states play in task-relevant behavior.

Cognitive neuroscience has gained insight into covert states using experience sampling. Traditionally, this approach has focused on off-task states. However, task-relevant states are also maintained via covert processes. Our study examined whether experience sampling can also provide insights into covert goal-relevant states that support task performance. To address this question, we developed a neural state space, using dimensions of brain function variation, that allows neural correlates of overt and covert states to be examined in a common analytic space. We use this to describe brain activity during task performance, its relation to covert states identified via experience sampling, and links between individual variation in overt and covert states and task performance. Our study established deliberate task focus was linked to faster target detection, and brain states underlying this experience-and target detection-were associated with activity patterns emphasizing the fronto-parietal network. In contrast, brain states underlying off-task experiences-and vigilance periods-were linked to activity patterns emphasizing the default mode network. Our study shows experience sampling can not only describe covert states that are unrelated to the task at hand, but can also be used to highlight the role fronto-parietal regions play in the maintenance of covert task-relevant states.

Algorithm for diagnosing and warning of vibration caused by loosened screws on motor base using wavelet packet and neural network.

Motor base screw loosening is a common problem in motor operation, which, if not dealt with in time, may lead to motor failure and damage. However, few studies have focused on the diagnosis and warning of this problem. Based on wavelet packet and neural network analysis, this paper presents a new algorithm for monitoring, diagnosing, and warning vibration caused by loose screws in the motor base. The vibration signal generated by the base screw loosening is monitored and sampled with sensors, and the wavelet packet is used to decompose, reconstruct, and reduce the noise of the vibration signal to enhance the time-frequency characteristics of the signal. After analyzing the fault data by wavelet, the feature vector characterizing the fault is extracted, and then, the vector and the corresponding fault type are used as the input and output of the neural network, respectively, and the non-mapping relationship between them is built to complete the diagnosis and early warning of the fault. Finally, the method is used to compare the motor base screw loosening operation and normal operation. The experiments show that the new algorithm based on wavelet packet and neural network can complete the health diagnosis and early warning of motor in the early stage of motor base screw loosening, reduce the loss caused by subsequent faults, and provide a new reference scheme for the motor fault diagnosis field.

Ultrahigh-quality graphene resonators by liquid-based strain-engineering.

Two-dimensional (2D) material-based nanoelectromechanical (NEM) resonators are expected to be enabling components in hybrid qubits that couple mechanical and electromagnetic degrees of freedom. However, challenges in their sensitivity and coherence time have to be overcome to realize such mechanohybrid quantum systems. We here demonstrate the potential of strain engineering to realize 2D material-based resonators with unprecedented performance. A liquid-based tension process was shown to enhance the resonance frequency and quality factor of graphene resonators six-fold. Spectroscopic and microscopic characterization reveals a surface-energy enhanced wall interaction as the origin of this effect. The response of our tensioned resonators is not limited by external loss factors and exhibits near-ideal internal losses, yielding superior resonance frequencies and quality factors to all previously reported 2D material devices. Our approach represents a powerful method of enhancing 2D NEM resonators for future quantum systems.

Negative serum (1,3) -ß-D-glucan has a low power to exclude Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in HIV-uninfected patients with positive qPCR.

OBJECTIVE: The current study evaluated the diagnostic performance of serum (1,3)-beta-D Glucan (BDG) in differentiating PJP from P. jirovecii-colonization in HIV-uninfected patients with P. jirovecii PCR-positive results. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study between 2019 and 2021. The diagnosis of PJP was based on the following criteria: detection of P. jirovecii in sputum or BAL specimen by qPCR or microscopy; Meet at least two of the three criteria: (1) have respiratory symptoms of cough and/or dyspnea, hypoxia; (2) typical radiological picture findings; (3) receiving a complete PJP treatment. After exclusion, the participants were divided into derivation and validation cohorts. The derivation cohort defined the cut-off value of serum BDG. Then, it was verified using the validation cohort. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirteen HIV-uninfected patients were enrolled, with 159 PJP and 54 P. jirovecii-colonized patients. BDG had outstanding specificity, LR, and PPV for PJP in both the derivation (90.00%, 8.900, and 96.43%) and the validation (91.67%, 9.176, and 96.30%) cohorts at ≥ 117.7 pg/mL. However, it had lower sensitivity and NPV in the derivation cohort (89.01% and 72.97%), which was even lower in the validation cohort (76.47% and 57.89%). Of note, BDG ≥ 117.7 pg/mL has insufficient diagnostic efficacy for PJP in patients with lung cancer, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and nephrotic syndrome. And although lymphocytes, B cells, and CD4+ T cells in PJP patients were significantly lower than those in P. jirovecii-colonized patients, the number and proportion of peripheral blood lymphocytes did not affect the diagnostic efficacy of serum BDG. CONCLUSIONS: Serum BDG ≥ 117.7 pg/mL could effectively distinguish P. jirovecii-colonization from infection in qPCR-positive HIV-uninfected patients with infectious diseases, solid tumors (excluding lung cancer), autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, and hematological malignancies. Of note, for patients with lung cancer, ILD, and nephrotic diseases, PJP should be cautiously excluded at BDG < 117.7 pg/mL.

The effect of various air pollution and participants' age on semen quality in southern Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between semen quality and air pollution in southern Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 4338 males aged 21-70 years were recruited between 2001 and 2018 from a reproductive medical center. Semen quality was assessed according to standardized methods outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) Laboratory Manual 1999 and 2010, including total sperm count, progressive sperm motility (%), rapid progressive sperm motility (%), and sperm with normal morphology (%). All designated national air quality automatic continuous monitoring stations measured the levels of air pollution [particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3)], and was documented by Environmental Protection Administration in Taiwan. We collected data on the levels of air pollution based on the participants' residential addresses. RESULTS: In our study, we found that progressive and rapid progressive sperm motility significantly decreased annually (p < 0.05). In addition, increasing age influenced total sperm count, progressive sperm motility, rapid progressive sperm motility, and sperm with normal morphology (p < 0.05). Among different air pollution, we observed SO2 was associated with lower rapid progressive sperm motility and lower sperm with normal morphology (ß = -0.103, p = 0.043; ß = 0.118, p = 0.001, respectively). However, NO2 was associated with higher rapid progressive sperm motility and a high number of sperm with normal morphology (ß = 0.129, p = 0.002; ß = 0.127, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The semen quality in southern Taiwan appears to have declined in recent years. The participant's age for semen analysis was most strongly associated with semen parameters, Moreover, a significant association between SO2 and NO2 levels and semen motility was observed, even after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Further study is required to analyze the dose-dependent effect of SO2 and NO2 on semen parameters.

Synchronous mucinous metaplasia and neoplasia of the female genital tract with both pulmonary metastases and STK11/KRAS gene mutations: a case report.

Multiple morphological changes in two or more sites of concurrent multifocal mucinous lesions in the female genital tract are indicative of SMMN-FGT, which is unrelated to high-risk HPV infection. MUC6 and HIK-1083 showed positive characteristic immunohistochemistry. Seldom is the condition described. Here we describe an SMMN-FGT patient who also had lung metastases and STK11/KRAS gene mutations. Based on the current researches, we hypothesize that SMMN-FGT is closely associated with the development of cervical gastric adenocarcinoma.