Arthroscopic fixation techniques for tibial eminence fractures in pediatric patients: a review.

The introduction of new internal fixation devices and arthroscopic techniques has led to significant changes in the surgical treatment of tibial eminence fractures (TEFs) in children. In recent years, arthroscopic surgery has arisen as the gold standard for the treatment of TEFs. This popularity of arthroscopic techniques has reduced surgical complications and improved patient prognosis. In this paper, we investigate the current situation of the use of arthroscopic fixation techniques for pediatric TEFs. We searched the PubMed database using the terms "arthroscopic treatment and tibial eminence," "arthroscopic treatment and tibial spine," "tibial eminence avulsion", "tibial spine fracture", with no limit on the year of publication. From these articles, we reviewed the use of various arthroscopic TEFs fixation techniques reported in the current literature. Overall, we found that the choice of fixation method seems to have no effect on clinical outcomes or imaging results. However, if an easy, strong fixation that is less prone to epiphyseal damage is desired, as a junior practitioner, the anchor technique should be mastered first, whereas for senior practitioners, a variety of fixation techniques for TEFs should be mastered, including anchors, sutures, and screws, so that personalized fixation can be achieved with the least amount of trauma, operative time, and complications. Higher quality studies are needed in the future to provide Useful evidence to determine the optimal fixation technique in terms of clinical outcomes, function, and complications.

The Association of HDL2b with Metabolic Syndrome Among Normal HDL-C Populations in Southern China.

Background: The annual prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing. Therefore, early screening and recognition of MetS are critical. This study aimed to evaluate the association between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses and MetS and to examine whether they could serve as early indicators in a Chinese community-based population with normal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Methods: We used microfluidic chip technology to measure HDL subclasses in 463 people with normal HDL levels in 2018. We assessed how HDL subclasses correlated with and predicted insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS), evaluated by homeostatic model insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and the 2009 International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) criteria, respectively. We used correlation tests and ROC curves for the analysis. Results: The results indicate that there was a negative association between HDL2b% and the risk of IR and MetS in both sexes. Subjects in the highest quartile of HDL2b% had a significantly lower prevalence of IR and MetS than those in the lowest quartile (P<0.01). Correlation analysis between HDL2b% and metabolic risk factors showed that HDL2b% had a stronger association with these factors than HDL-C did in both sexes. ROC curve analysis also showed that HDL2b% had significant diagnostic value for IR and MetS compared to other lipid indicators. Conclusion: This study showed that MetS alters the distribution of HDL subclasses even when HDL-C levels are within the normal range. HDL-2b% has better diagnostic value for IR and MetS than HDL-C alone and may be a useful marker for early screening.

The association between activation of the ERK1/2-NF-κB signaling pathway by TIMP2 expression and chronic renal allograft dysfunction in the CRAD rat model.

PURPOSE: The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2), a natural inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), regulates inflammation, fibrosis, and cell proliferation. Chronic renal allograft dysfunction (CRAD) is a primary factor affecting the long-term survival of renal allografts. We assessed whether up-regulation of TIMP2 expression may affect the ERK1/2-NF-κB signaling pathway and CRAD development. METHODS: Lewis rats received orthotopic F344 kidney allografts to establish the classical CRAD model. The treatment group was injected with a lentivirus encoding a TIMP2-targeting small hairpin (sh)RNA (LTS) at 5 × 108 TU/ml monthly after kidney transplantation. A second CRAD group was injected with a lentivirus TIMP2-control vector (LTC). After 12 weeks, blood, urine, and kidney tissue were harvested to evaluate renal function and pathological examinations. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, and Periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed for renal histopathological evaluation according to the Banff criteria. TIMP2, phospho (p)-ERK1/2, p-p65 (NF-κB) expression levels were measured via immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses. RESULTS: Compared to the F344 and Lewis control groups, the expression of TIMP2, p-ERK1/2, and p-p65 were significantly higher in the CRAD and CRAD+LTC renal tissues (p < 0.05). There were also increased levels of serum creatinine, nitrogen, and 24 h urinary protein in these two groups (p < 0.05). Typical histopathological changes of CRAD were observed in the CRAD and CRAD+LTC groups. Administration of LTS effectively decreased the expression of TIMP2, p-ERK1/2, and p-P65, and reduced interstitial fibrosis and macrophage infiltration in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Additionally, MCP1 and ICAM-1, which are downstream cytokines of the NF-κB pathway, were also inhibited in the renal rat kidney from the LTS group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, renal function was well preserved in the LTS group compared to the CRAD group and CRAD+LTC group. CONCLUSION: A decrease of TIMP2 can alleviate the progression of inflammation in CRAD via inhibition of the ERK1/2-NF-κB signaling pathway.

A Novel Predictor of the Length and Size of ACL Grafts in Chinese Han Adults for ACL Reconstruction: An MRI Study.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is no simple and valid method to predict the length and size of the native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in each adult patient who will undergo ACL reconstruction. This study aimed to develop an imaging prediction method that can predict the length and size of ACL grafts using the intact posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), in order to enhance the graft preparation individualized sizing. METHODS: Three hundred and nineteen patients aged 18 years or older who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee at an orthopaedic clinic between September 9, 2021, and February 5, 2023, were included. The length, sagittal diameter, and coronal diameter of the ACL and PCL were measured in all patients, and F-test were performed to explore linear relationship between ligament measurements. RESULTS: Equations were established to predict a variable of the native ACL for the corresponding variable of the intact PCL (i.e., sagittal diameter of the ACL = 4.32 + 1.08 × sagittal diameter of the PCL, and coronal diameter of the ACL = 2.45 + 0.59 × coronal diameter of the PCL, length of the male ACL = 10.92 + 0.64 × length of the male PCL, length of the female ACL = 11.76 + 0.58 × length of the female PCL) (R2 = 0.532; R2 = 0.417; R2 = 0.488; R2 = 0.509; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The length and size of the intact PCL in cases without PCL buckling are predictors of the length and size of the native ACL in adults, respectively. The use of this information to optimize graft diameter may lower the rates of ACL graft failure in the future.

How flow and mindfulness interact with each other in mindfulness-based augmented reality mandala coloring activities.

Introduction: This study explores the effects of different types of augmented reality (AR) mandala coloring activities on mindfulness and flow in college students. Methods: A total of 76 college students participated in the study and were divided into two groups based on their drawing skills: the high-skilled group (n = 38) and the low-skilled group (n = 38). With the help of AR technology, two groups of subjects carried out three mandala coloring experiments with structured mandala, free mandala and cooperative mandala in order. The measurement evaluation in the experimental program included a pre-test before all the experiments (Time 0) and each post-test after three mandala coloring activities (Time 1, Time 2 and Time 3). The balance dimensions of flow and challenge skills of the two groups were measured. Results: ANOVA results showed that a single 30-min short-term datura coloring activity did not significantly improve mindfulness (f = 2.339, p = 0.074, η2 = 0.031), but did significantly improve flow (f = 11.918, p = < 0.001, η2 = 0.139). Linear regression results found positive correlations between mindfulness and certain dimensions of flow (e.g., focus on a task, unambiguous feedback, sense of control, challenge -- skill balance, and automatic experience). Mindfulness was also found to be negatively correlated with the loss of the self-conscious component of flow. We also found that the free mandala was quite challenging for subjects in the low-skill group, while the teamwork in the cooperative mandala helped them overcome difficulties and cope with challenges. Discussion: Flow can be quickly and effectively improved through short AR mandala coloring exercises. The contribution of this study is to provide inspiration and reference for further exploring how AR mandola coloring can improve subjects' mental state and promote the perfection and development of positive psychological mechanism.

The ultrastructural and morphological characteristics of the anterior cruciate ligament of the pig: a study using 7.0-Tesla diffusion tensor imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Diffusion tensor imaging research on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is limited, and no study has revealed the ACL fibrous microstructure by 7.0-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, we used magnetic resonance imaging to assess the ACL. METHODS: Eight porcine ACLs were investigated by diffusion tensor imaging. Imaging was performed with a 7.0-Tesla scanner using a diffusion-weighted two-dimensional spin-echo echo-planar imaging pulse sequence optimised for muscle. The diffusion tensor eigenparameters, fractional anisotropy (FA), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were used for bones and muscles. Three-dimensional projection maps of the principal eigenvectors were plotted to visualise the microstructure. RESULTS: The mean FA and ADC for the ACL were 0.27 ± 0.079 and 0.0012 ± 0.0005, respectively. There were no significant differences between the values in the proximal and distal portions . However, the ADC was smaller in the centre than on the sides (0.0015 ± 0.0007), and the mean FA was larger in the centre than on the sides (0.42 ± 0.23). The ACL fibres were parallel on the proximal and distal sides but interweaved in the centre. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may be beneficial for artificial ligaments.

Challenges to Student Interdisciplinary Learning Effectiveness: An Empirical Case Study.

In order to meet industrial demands, some colleges and universities have offered interdisciplinary programs that integrate design, engineering, and business. However, how many changes these programs have brought to students, and whether students participating in these programs have had better interdisciplinary ability than students involved in a single discipline study have always been questions that many researchers want to explore. In a university that offers an interdisciplinary program, we found that there is no significant difference in interdisciplinary integration ability between the students participating in the interdisciplinary program and the students involved in a single discipline study through quantitative comparisons of 91 student questionnaires and analyses of interviews with nine teachers of interdisciplinary courses and other related staff members. This may result from the students' lack of motivation, lack of prior experience, the influence of individual traits, the increase of learning pressure and academic burden, and the interference of disciplinary factors during interdisciplinary learning. The research finding is intended to improve student interdisciplinary learning effectiveness by facilitating interdisciplinary teachers' understanding of the influencing factors of student interdisciplinary learning, and by providing a reference for interdisciplinary teaching design.

Molecular biomarkers for gestational diabetes mellitus and postpartum diabetes.

ABSTRACT: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing public health problem worldwide that threatens both maternal and fetal health. Identifying individuals at high risk for GDM and diabetes after GDM is particularly useful for early intervention and prevention of disease progression. In the last decades, a number of studies have used metabolomics, genomics, and proteomic approaches to investigate associations between biomolecules and GDM progression. These studies clearly demonstrate that various biomarkers reflect pathological changes in GDM. The established markers have potential use as screening and diagnostic tools in GDM and in postpartum diabetes research. In the present review, we summarize recent studies of metabolites, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, microRNAs, and proteins associated with GDM and its transition to postpartum diabetes, with a focus on their predictive value in screening and diagnosis.

The mediating role of maternal metabolites between lipids and adverse pregnancy outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, and the demographics of pregnant women have changed in recent decades. GDM is a metabolic disease with short- and long-term adverse effects on both pregnant women and newborns. The metabolic changes and corresponding risk factors should be of great significance in understanding the pathological mechanism of GDM and reducing the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM. The well-known GDM-associated lipids used in clinical tests, such as triglyceride (TG), are thought to play a major role in metabolic changes during GDM, which have a potential causal relationship with abnormal pregnancy outcomes of GDM. Therefore, this study analyzed the relationship between clinical lipid indicators, metabolic profiles, and abnormal pregnancy outcomes in GDM through mediation analysis. By constructing a metabolic atlas of 399 samples from GDM patients in different trimesters, we efficiently detected the key metabolites of adverse pregnancy outcomes and their mediating roles in bridging abnormal lipids and adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM. Our study confirmed that TG and total cholesterol were independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM. Several key metabolites as mediators (e.g., gamma-linolenic acid, heptadecanoic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and palmitoleic acid) have been identified as potential biomarkers for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM. These metabolites mainly participate in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, which may shed new light on the pathology of GDM and provide insights for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying adverse pregnancy outcomes.

[Effectiveness of arthroscopic distal clavicle resection for symptomatic acromioclavicular joint arthritis].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic distal clavicle resection for the symptomatic acromioclavicular joint arthritis. Methods: The clinical data of 14 patients with symptomatic acromioclavicular joint arthritis treated by arthroscopic indirect distal clavicle resection between January 2020 and March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 males and 9 females with an average age of 46.3 years (range, 18-57 years). The 4 cases of left shoulder and 10 cases of right shoulder were accompanied with acromial impingement, without the history of shoulder trauma. The average disease duration was 20.4 months (range, 9-48 months), and the average visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.6 (range, 5-9) preoperatively. The results were evaluated using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating score before and after operation, further, the patient satisfaction rate was also calculated. Results: All 14 patients were followed up 5-18 months, with an average of 13 months. There was no postoperative pain of acromioclavicular joint in 12 patients; 1 case had occasional mild pain, which could be controlled by painkillers. Moreover, there was only 1 acromioclavicular joint subluxation due to early fitness training at 2 weeks postoperatively, and the symptoms gradually relieved after 1 month of conservative treatments. The UCLA score was 22.1±6.2 preoperatively, which improved to 30.2±3.4 at last follow-up, showing significant difference ( t=5.359, P<0.001). The patient satisfaction rate was 92.9%, with 12 excellent cases, 1 good case, and 1 fair case. Conclusion: Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection for symptomatic acromioclavicular arthritis is a safe, reliable, and repeatable procedure.

Common single-nucleotide polymorphisms combined with a genetic risk score provide new insights regarding the etiology of gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: Few studies have constructed a genetic risk score (GRS) to predict the risk of gestaional diabetes mellitus (GDM). We tested the hypothesis that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) confirmed for diabetes and obesity and the GRS are associated with GDM. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study comprising 971 GDM cases and 1682 controls from the University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital. A total of 1448 SNPs reported with type 2 diabetes (T2D), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and obesity were selected and the GRS based on SNPs associated with GDM was created. RESULTS: We confirmed that rs10830963 (OR = 1.41,95% CI = 1.25, 1.59) in MTNR1B and rs2206734 (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.22, 1.55) in CDKAL1 were strongly associated with the risk of GDM. Compared with participants with GRS based on T2D SNPs in the low tertile, the ORs of GDM across increasing GRS tertiles were 1.63 (95% CI 1.29, 2.06) and 2.72 (95% CI 2.18, 3.38) in the middle and high tertile, respectively. The positive associations between the GRS and the risk of GDM were also observed in GRS based on obesity/waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)/body mass index (BMI) SNPs. The resulting GRS for each allele increase was significantly associated with higher glycemic indices and lower HOMA-B values for GRS based on T2D SNPs, but not for GRS based on T1D SNPs and GRS based on obesity/WHR/BMI SNPs. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that GDM may share a common genetic background with T2D and obesity and that SNPs associated with insulin secretion defects have a vital role in the development of GDM.

Synthesis of SDS-Modified Pt/Ti3C2Tx Nanocomposite Catalysts and Electrochemical Performance for Ethanol Oxidation.

It is well-known that platinum (Pt) is still the preferred material of anode catalyst in ethanol oxidation, however, the prohibitive high cost and CO poisoning of Pt metal impede the commercialization of fuel cells. Therefore, improving the utilization rate of catalysts and reduce the cost of catalyst become one of the most concerned focus in the construction of fuel cells. In this work, the Pt-based catalysts are synthesized by using different content of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) modified-Ti3C2Tx support, and the dispersion regulation function of SDS modified-Ti3C2Tx supported on Pt nanoparticles is investigated. The structure, composition and morphology of different catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM, respectively. It is found that the Pt nanoparticles in pure Ti3C2Tx surface are serious aggregated and show poor dispersion, whereas the Pt nanoparticles in SDS modified-Ti3C2Tx have a better dispersion. The electrochemical results revealed that SDS modified-Ti3C2Tx supported Pt nanoparticles has higher electrocatalytic activity and stability in both acidic and alkaline ethanol oxidation when the dosage of SDS increases to 100 mg. These findings indicate that the SDS-Ti3C2Tx/Pt catalysts show a promising future of potential applications in fuel cells with modification of Ti3C2Tx support.

Discovery of metabolic biomarkers for gestational diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), one of the most common pregnancy complications, can lead to morbidity and mortality in both the mother and the infant. Metabolomics has provided new insights into the pathology of GDM and systemic analysis of GDM with metabolites is required for providing more clues for GDM diagnosis and mechanism research. This study aims to reveal metabolic differences between normal pregnant women and GDM patients in the second- and third-trimester stages and to confirm the clinical relevance of these new findings. METHODS: Metabolites were quantitated with the serum samples of 200 healthy pregnant women and 200 GDM women in the second trimester, 199 normal controls, and 199 GDM patients in the third trimester. Both function and pathway analyses were applied to explore biological roles involved in the two sets of metabolites. Then the trimester stage-specific GDM metabolite biomarkers were identified by combining machine learning approaches, and the logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate predictive efficiency. Finally, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis method was used to further capture the associations between metabolite modules with biomarkers and clinical indices. RESULTS: This study revealed that 57 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were discovered in the second-trimester group, among which the most significant one was 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid. Similarly, 72 DEMs were found in the third-trimester group, and the most significant metabolites were ketoleucine and alpha-ketoisovaleric acid. These DEMs were mainly involved in the metabolism pathway of amino acids, fatty acids and bile acids. The logistic regression models for selected metabolite biomarkers achieved the area under the curve values of 0.807 and 0.81 for the second- and third-trimester groups. Furthermore, significant associations were found between DEMs/biomarkers and GDM-related indices. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic differences between healthy pregnant women and GDM patients were found. Associations between biomarkers and clinical indices were also investigated, which may provide insights into pathology of GDM.

Nerve growth factor is closely related to glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in the second trimester: a case-control study in Chinese.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation-related factors have been shown to play a significant role throughout pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationships between selected inflammatory cytokines and gestational diabetes (GDM) in Chinese pregnant women. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a 1:1 matched case-control study that included 200 pairs of subjects in the second trimester and 130 pairs of subjects in the third trimester. Serum levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), leptin, Interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) were measured by enzyme immunoassay. The associations of these inflammatory factors with metabolic parameters were analysed. RESULTS: In the second trimester, GDM patients had higher NGF levels and lower IL-8 levels than did normal controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). However, in the third trimester, only lower leptin levels were observed in the GDM group (P = 0.031). Additionally, in the second trimester, NGF levels were not only positively associated with fasting, 1-h and 2-h glucose levels and the area under curve of glucose, but also positively related to insulin sensitivity and secretion, as suggested by fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostasis model assessment index of ß-cell secretion (HOMA-ß) (all P < 0.05). Moreover, IL-6 and leptin levels were positively correlated with HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß, and TNF-α levels were positively related to HOMA-IR (all P < 0.05). Except for the relationships between NGF and HOMA-ß and TNF-α and HOMA-IR, the other correlations still existed even after adjusting for confounding factors (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In addition to the positive associations of IL-6 and leptin with insulin resistance and secretion, NGF was higher in the GDM patients and strongly linked to glucose metabolism, insulin resistance and pancreatic ß cell function in Chinese pregnant women in the second trimester.

Development and characterization of corn starch/PVA active films incorporated with carvacrol nanoemulsions.

An active film was prepared by corn starch (CS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carvacrol nanoemulsions (CNE). The microstructure and properties of CNE/corn starch/PVA (CNE/CSP) films were characterized and investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the uniform distribution of CNE and discontinuity of the film matrix. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and rheological analysis indicated that CNE could weaken molecular interaction of the film matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) show that the films are amorphous and CNE has no effect on crystal structure of the films. Incorporation of CNE significantly increased the tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break, barrier (water vapor and ultraviolet), antioxidant and antifungal activity. With the CNE incorporated, the optimal tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break and antioxidant activity of the films can reach 12 MPa, 11 MPa, 133%, 81%, respectively. Minimum water vapor permeability was 3.1 × 10-12 gd-1m-1Pa-1. Notably, films incorporated with CNE (≥20%) had good DPPH free radical scavenging ability (>50%) when stored up to 6 days. Films with 25% CNE exhibited excellent antifungal activity against Trichoderma sp. and its inhibitory zone was 47 mm. Overall, the CSP films loaded with CNE (>15%) could be used as food packing materials with good antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Aucubin exerts anti-osteoporotic effects by promoting osteoblast differentiation.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease characterized by reduced osteoblast differentiation and proliferation. Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Aucubin (AU), an iridoid glycoside, was previously shown to promote osteoblast differentiation. We investigated the effects of AU on MG63 human osteoblast-like cells treated with dexamethasone (Dex) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative damage. AU protected MG63 cells against apoptosis, and promoted increased expression of cytokines associated with osteoblast differentiation, including collagen I, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and osterix. In Dex- and H2O2-treated MG63 cells, AU also enhanced the expression of anti-oxidative stress-associated factors in the nuclear respiratory factor 2 signaling pathway, including superoxide dismutases 1 and 2, heme oxygenases 1 and 2, and catalase. In vivo, using a Dex-induced mouse model of osteoporosis, AU promoted increased cortical bone thickness, increased bone density, and tighter trabecular bone. Additionally, it stimulated an increase in the expression of collagen I, OCN, OPN, osterix, and phosphorylated Akt and Smads in bone tissue. Finally, AU stimulated the expression of cytokines associated with osteoblast differentiation in bone tissue and serum. Our data indicate AU may have therapeutic efficacy in osteoporosis.

Serum growth differentiation factor 15 is associated with glucose metabolism in the third trimester in Chinese pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has been demonstrated to increase in diabetes as a protective factor. However, studies assessing relationships between GDF15 levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether GDF15 levels are related to GDM in Chinese subjects. METHODS: We included 200 GDM patients and 200 matched normal controls in the second trimester as well as 130 GDM patients and 130 matched normal controls in the third trimester. Serum GDF15 levels of all participants were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then, according to GDF15 levels, we equally divided the participants in the second and third trimesters into four subgroups respectively. The relationships of serum GDF15 levels with glucolipid metabolism indicators were analyzed. RESULTS: In the third trimester, GDF15 levels were significantly higher in the GDM patients than in the normal controls (P < 0.001). Additionally, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 1-h postprandial glucose (1h-PG), 2-h postprandial glucose (2h-PG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and area under curve of glucose (AUCG) from the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were positively associated with GDF15 levels (P < 0.05), even after adjusting for age, pregestational BMI, changes of BMI until the third trimester, gestational age, twin and family history of diabetes. Moreover, GDF15 levels were higher in the third trimester than in the second trimester (P < 0.001). No significant relationships were found between GDF15 levels and glucolipid metabolism in the second trimester (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serum GDF15 levels were positively correlated with glucose metabolism in the third trimester in Chinese pregnant women.

Dynamic phase-deforming interferometry: suppression of errors from vibration and air turbulence.

In this Letter, dynamic phase-deforming interferometry (PDI) is proposed to solve the impact of environmental vibration and air turbulence on the measurement accuracy. Two interference passes, namely, the measurement pass (MP) and carrier-frequency pass (CP), are constructed, utilizing one detector to acquire the fringe patterns of the two passes simultaneously. The relative deformation phases of the CP fringe patterns are calculated with the Fourier transform method; then the phase extraction of the MP is performed via the least squares method to obtain the final phase distribution. The optical layout and phase-extraction algorithm of the PDI method are investigated, and the principle simulation and measurement experiments are performed. The experimental results show that the PDI can provide not only high-precision phase measurement under the influence of environmental vibration and air turbulence, but also has low system complexity and fast measurement speed.