Risk factors of delayed upper gastrointestinal transit in capsule endoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to investigate the risk factors for delayed upper gastrointestinal transit (DUGT) in small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) and to improve the efficacy of SBCE. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent SBCE in Renji hospital between January 2015 and January 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collection included patient demographics and potential risk factors for DUGT such as indications for the examination, underlying diseases, hospitalization status, anemia, inflammation. Risk factors were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. DUGT was defined as failure of a capsule to pass through the pylorus within 1 h. RESULTS: A total of 1459 patients who underwent SBCE were included in the study. 306 Cases (21%) experienced DUGT and all received conservative observation, medication treatment, endoscopic intervention, and other measures based on specific circumstances. The overall completion rate (CR) of the examination was 95.5% (1394/1459). Logistic regression analysis showed that hospitalization status (p = 0.030), diarrhea (p = 0.017), diabetes (p = 0.027) and cerebrovascular disease (p = 0.038) were significant risk factors for DUGT. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, DUGT of SBCE was associated with hospitalization status, diarrhea, diabetes and cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, for the patients with the above risk factors, we should closely check the capsule status during the examination process, in order to take appropriate intervention measures as soon as possible.

Structural characterization of an acid-extracted polysaccharide from Suillus luteus and the regulatory effects on intestinal flora metabolism in tumor-bearing mice.

Suillus luteus is an excellent edible fungus that has been applied in soil remediation and environmental pollution control, while the development of bioactive polysaccharide component including structural performance and intestinal flora regulation is still insufficient. In this study, a S. luteus acid-extracted polysaccharide (SLAP) was prepared under room temperature, then the structural characteristics and regulatory effects on gut microbiota metabolism in tumor-bearing mice were investigated. Results showed that SLAP was a kind of gulcomannan (average molecular weight of 1.76 × 107 Da) comprised of Xyl, Man, Glc, Gal (molar ratio of 0.19:1.00:0.72:0.53), which took ß-(1 â†’ 4)-Manp and ß-(1 â†’ 4)-Glcp as the backbone with ß-(1 â†’ 6)-Glcp and α-(1 â†’ 6)-Galp as branches. The animal experiment results demonstrated that SLAP could effectively enhance the immunoregulatory activities of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumor-bearing mice via improving intestinal lactobacillaceae contents and promoting primary bile acids biosynthesis, finally leading to the suppression of solid tumors growth with an inhibitory rate of 61.14 % (100 mg/kg·d). These results would provide certain data support and research basis for further applications of SLAP as an immunomodulatory adjuvant in food and medicine fields.

Identification of Molecular Profile of Cell Membrane via Magnetic Plasmonic Nanoprobe.

Cell membranes are primarily composed of lipids, membrane proteins, and carbohydrates, and the related studies of membrane components and structures at different stages of disease development, especially membrane proteins, are of great significance. Here, we investigate the chemical signature profiles of cell membranes as biomarkers for cancer cells via label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). A magnetic plasmonic nanoprobe was proposed by decorating magnetic beads with silver nanoparticles, allowing self-driven cell membrane-targeted accumulation within 5 min. SERS profiles of three types of breast cells were achieved under the plasmon enhancement effect of these nanoprobes. Membrane fingerprint spectra from breast cell lines were further classified with the convolutional neural network model, which perfectly distinguished between two breast cancer subtypes. We further tested various clinical samples using this method and obtained fingerprint spectra from primary cells and frozen slices. This study presents a practical, user-friendly approach for label-free and in situ analysis of cell membranes, which can work for early tumor screening and treatment assessment for tumors reliant on the Molecular profiles of cell membranes. Additionally, this method can be applied universally to explore cell membrane components of other cells, thus assisting Human Cell Atlas.

Predictive effect of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory cytokines on symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

BACKGROUND: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a relatively common mental disorder. Recently, inflammation, an important factor for the development of depression, has attracted increasing attention. Several studies have shown that inflammatory cytokines can affect the pathophysiological processes of several nervous system diseases. We hypothesized that there is a correlation between the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory cytokines and the clinical symptoms of GAD. AIM: To investigate the predictive effect of LPS-stimulated inflammatory cytokines on symptoms of GAD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which 89 patients with GAD diagnosed at The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2022 to December 2022 and 70 individuals without anxiety and depression (controls) during the same period were included. Fasting venous blood was collected from all the subjects in heparin tubes, and another 3 ml of blood was supplemented with LPS (10 ng/ml). The plasma levels of 12 cytokines [Interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-17A, IL-12p70, and IFN-α] were detected. RESULTS: Post-LPS stimulation, the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α in both the control and GAD groups were significantly elevated above those in the nonstimulated groups, with IL-6 and IL-8 showing marked increases. Increases in IL-8 and TNF-α were statistically significant in the GAD group (P < 0.05). IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α were found to be significantly correlated with Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between IL-10 levels and HAMA scores. Further analysis revealed that TNF-α was associated with mental anxiety, whereas IL-1ß, IL-8, and IL-10 were associated with physical anxiety symptoms, with IL-10 showing a negative correlation with physical anxiety. IL-6 was associated with both mental and physical aspects of anxiety. CONCLUSION: The physical symptoms of GAD are related to inflammatory factors. IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-a can be used as predictors of physical or mental anxiety in patients with GAD.

The learning curve of a dynamic navigation system used in endodontic apical surgery.

Background/purpose: Quantitative in vitro research was conducted on the learning process of a dynamic navigation system. This study provides guidance for the promotion and application of dynamic navigation technology in the endodontic apical surgery field. Materials and methods: Standardized models were designed and 3D printed to form the approach operation of endodontic apical surgery. 6 clinicians with no experience in dynamic navigation performed the operation. The distance deviation tolerance was set as 0.6 mm, and the angle deviation tolerance was set as 5°. Fifteen mm deep approach operation was completed using dynamic navigation. Each operator performed 10 consecutive exercises on the models. The positioning deviation and operation time of each operator for each practice were recorded. Based on this, the learning curve of the dynamic navigation of every operator was mapped. The learning difficulty of dynamic navigation was evaluated. Results: The learning curves of all operators reached a stable level after the 7th practice, which can ensure that the distance and angle deviations are maintained within the deviation tolerances (0.6 mm, 5°). Conclusion: Operators with no experience in dynamic navigation technology need practice to master dynamic navigation operations. For this navigation system, operators with no operational experience can master dynamic navigation operations after 7 exercises.

Allelic variation of TaABI5-A4 significantly affects seed dormancy in bread wheat.

KEY MESSAGE: We identified a pivotal transcription factor TaABI5-A4 that is significantly associated with pre-harvest sprouting in wheat; its function in regulating seed dormancy was confirmed in transgenic rice. ABI5 is a critical transcription factor in regulation of crop seed maturation, dormancy, germination, and post-germination. Sixteen copies of homologous sequences of ABI5 were identified in Chinese wheat line Zhou 8425B. Cultivars of two haplotypes TaABI5-A4a and TaABI5-A4b showed significantly different seed dormancies. Based on two SNPs between the sequences of TaABI5-A4a and TaABI5-A4b, two complementary dominant sequence-tagged site (STS) markers were developed and validated in a natural population of 103 Chinese wheat cultivars and advanced lines and 200 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the Yangxiaomai/Zhongyou 9507 cross; the STS markers can be used efficiently and reliably to evaluate the dormancy of wheat seeds. The transcription level of TaABI5-A4b was significantly increased in TaABI5-A4a-GFP transgenic rice lines compared with that in TaABI5-A4b-GFP. The average seed germination index of TaABI5-A4a-GFP transgenic rice lines was significantly lower than those of TaABI5-A4b-GFP. In addition, seeds of TaABI5-A4a-GFP transgenic lines had higher ABA sensitivity and endogenous ABA content, lower endogenous GA content and plant height, and thicker stem internodes than those of TaABI5-A4b-GFP. Allelic variation of TaABI5-A4-affected wheat seed dormancy and the gene function was confirmed in transgenic rice. The transgenic rice lines of TaABI5-A4a and TaABI5-A4b had significantly different sensitivities to ABA and contents of endogenous ABA and GA in mature seeds, thereby influencing the seed dormancy, plant height, and stem internode length and diameter.

Effects of Selenium, Iron, and Zinc Enrichment on Cultured Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus Japonicus).

Selenium, iron, and zinc (Se, Fe, Zn) are essential trace elements crucial for animal growth, development, and immune protection, but they can be detrimental in excess. This study evaluates the impacts of Se, Fe and Zn on Apostichopus japonicus over a period of nine days, utilizing concentrations ranging from low to high: Se (0.20 µmol/L and 0.82 µmol/L), Fe (4.74 µmol/L and 18.96 µmol/L), Zn (1.88 µmol/L and 7.51 µmol/L). Concentrations of these trace elements in sea cucumbers increased with exposure time. Activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH-PX enzymes were enhanced. Transcriptomic analyses of sea cucumber body wall revealed significant gene expression changes, with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) numbering 294 at high and 945 at low Se concentrations, 906 at high and 210 at low Fe concentrations, and 423 at high and 123 at low Zn concentrations. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses highlighted DEGs enrichment in critical metabolic and immune-related pathways, including DNA replication, arachidonic acid metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation. These results suggest that energy metabolism and immune regulation are pivotal in managing these elements, potentially enhancing sea cucumber immunity. This study enhances our comprehension of the physiological responses of sea cucumbers to trace elements and provides a theoretical basis for their use in aquaculture.

Efficacy and Safety of Catheter-Based Radiofrequency Renal Denervation in Chinese Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension: The Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Multi-Center Iberis-HTN Trial.

BACKGROUND: Renal denervation (RDN) can lower blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension in both the presence and absence of medication. This is the first sham-controlled trial investigating the safety and efficacy of RDN in China. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, randomized, patient- and outcome-assessor-blinded, sham-controlled trial investigated radiofrequency RDN in patients with hypertension on standardized triple antihypertensive therapy. Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo RDN using a multi-electrode radiofrequency catheter (Iberis; AngioCare, Shanghai, China) or a sham procedure. The primary efficacy outcome was the between-group difference in baseline-adjusted change in mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic BP from randomization to 6 months. RESULTS: Of 217 randomized patients (mean age, 45.3±10.2 years; 21% female), 107 were randomized to RDN and 110 were randomized to sham control. At 6 months, there was a greater reduction in 24-hour systolic BP in the RDN (-13.0±12.1 mm Hg) compared with the sham control group (-3.0±13.0 mm Hg; baseline-adjusted between-group difference, -9.4 mm Hg [95% CI, -12.8 to -5.9]; P<0.001). Compared with sham, 24-hour diastolic BP was lowered by -5.0 mm Hg ([95% CI, -7.5 to -2.4]; P<0.001) 6 months after RDN, and office systolic and diastolic BP was lowered by -6.4 mm Hg ([95% CI, -10.5 to -2.3]; P=0.003) and -5.1 mm Hg ([95% CI, -8.2 to -2.0]; P=0.001), respectively. One patient in the RDN group experienced an access site complication (hematoma), which resolved without sequelae. No other major device- or procedure-related safety events occurred through follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial of Chinese patients with uncontrolled hypertension on a standardized triple pharmacotherapy, RDN was safe and reduced ambulatory and office BP at 6 months compared with sham. REGISTRATION: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02901704.

Origin of ultrahigh-performance barium titanate-based piezoelectrics: Stannum-induced intrinsic and extrinsic contributions.

Despite the pivotal role of stannum doping in achieving ultrahigh piezoelectric performance in barium titanate-based ceramics, the fundamental mechanisms underlying this enhancement remain elusive. Here, we introduce a single variable nonstoichiometric stannum strategy in lead-free barium titanate-based ceramics with giant piezoelectricity, revealing that stannum doping contributes intrinsically and extrinsically to enhance piezoelectricity. Density functional theory calculations elucidate the intrinsic enhancement of polarization arising from lattice distortion and increased space for titanium-oxygen bonds induced by optimal stannum doping, which is corroborated by Rayleigh analysis. A phase transition from ferroelectric multiphase coexistence to paraelectric phase is observed, alongside a rapid miniaturized and eventually disappeared domains with increasing stannum doping. This evolution in phase structure and domain configuration induces a nearly vanishing polarization anisotropy and low domain wall energy, facilitating easy polarization rotation and domain wall motion, thereby significantly contributing to the extrinsic piezoelectric response. Consequently, the origins of ultrahigh performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of stannum-induced intrinsic and extrinsic contributions in barium titanate-based ceramics. This study provides fundamental insights into the role of doping elements and offers guidance for the design of high-performance piezoelectrics.

Lower incisor position in skeletal Class III malocclusion patients: a comparative study of orthodontic camouflage and orthognathic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the difference between orthodontic camouflage and orthodontic-orthognathic surgery using the traditional cephalometric measurement IMPA and the newly proposed IA/PAMD, the angle between the long axis of the lower incisor (IA) and the principal axis of the mandibular alveolus (PAMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 40 cases each in the orthodontic camouflage group (OG) and orthodontic-orthognathic surgery group (SG). The differences between the IMPA and IA/PAMD before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. T0 lateral cephalometric images of the 10 cases with the highest and lowest increase in the IA/PAMD were analyzed to identify characteristics associated with a higher risk of overdecompensation of the lower incisors during presurgical orthodontic treatment. RESULTS: Both the OG and SG showed a significant improvement in hard- and soft-tissue measurements. However, in the OG, there was significant lingual inclination of the lower incisor but only a small change in the IA/PAMD. In the surgical group, the IMPA was close to 90° after treatment, but the IA/PAMD significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: In orthodontic camouflage, the lower anterior teeth were significantly moved lingually with a better root-bone relationship. However, this relationship deteriorated in some surgical patients. Therefore, it is important to conduct cephalometric or cone-beam computed tomography examinations during preoperative orthodontics to identify and prevent possible periodontal risks.