Endothelial ß-catenin upregulation and Y142 phosphorylation drive diabetic angiogenesis via upregulating KDR/HDAC9.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic angiogenesis is closely associated with disabilities and death caused by diabetic microvascular complications. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are abnormally accumulated in diabetic patients and are a key pathogenic factor for diabetic angiogenesis. The present study focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying diabetic angiogenesis and identifying therapeutic targets based on these mechanisms. METHODS: In this study, AGE-induced angiogenesis serves as a model to investigate the mechanisms underlying diabetic angiogensis. Mouse aortic rings, matrigel plugs, and HUVECs or 293T cells were employed as research objects to explore this pathological process by using transcriptomics, gene promoter reporter assays, virtual screening and so on. RESULTS: Here, we found that AGEs activated Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and enhanced the ß-catenin protein level by affecting the expression of ß-catenin degradation-related genes, such as FZDs (Frizzled receptors), LRPs (LDL Receptor Related Proteins), and AXIN1. AGEs could also mediate ß-catenin Y142 phosphorylation through VEGFR1 isoform5. These dual effects of AGEs elevated the nuclear translocation of ß-catenin and sequentially induced the expression of KDR (Kinase Insert Domain Receptor) and HDAC9 (Histone Deacetylase 9) by POU5F1 and NANOG, respectively, thus mediating angiogenesis. Finally, through virtual screening, Bioymifi, an inhibitor that blocks VEGFR1 isoform5-ß-catenin complex interaction and alleviates AGE-induced angiogenesis, was identified. CONCLUSION: Collectively, this study offers insight into the pathophysiological functions of ß-catenin in diabetic angiogenesis.

The effects of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours in primary school students in Zhongshan city.

BACKGROUND: Adequate nutritional knowledge and healthy dietary behaviours are essential for promoting rational nutrition for children. However, lack of nutritional knowledge and unhealthy dietary behaviours are common among Chinese children. Therefore, we developed a school-based nutrition education (NE) program to assess its impacts on nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours in pupils. METHODS: In this trial, one school was assigned as an intervention group (n = 199) and the other two schools were designated as a control group (n = 140). Children in the intervention group received the NE program in addition to their regular health curriculum, whereas the control group continued with their usual health curriculum without any NE program materials. RESULTS: Concerning nutritional knowledge, the mean difference (follow-up minus baseline) of average knowledge scores in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.99 ± 3.22 vs. 0.66 ± 3.60, p = 0.001). However, subgroup analysis revealed that this difference disappeared among boys and students with malnutrition status. Regarding dietary behaviours, the NE program significantly increased the proportion of children exhibiting high frequencies of meat and nuts consumption in the intervention group, along with diverse food choice at breakfast. Additionally, it markedly reduced the proportion of children exhibiting high frequencies of sugar-sweetened beverages and fast food consumption. Structural equation modelling analyses indicated a significant direct effect of NE intervention on nutritional knowledge and an indirect effect on dietary behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: The NE program effectively enhanced nutritional knowledge scores and further improved dietary behaviours among Chinese primary school students. Future NE programs should pay more attention to boys and children with malnutrition.

Development of Genome-Wide Intron Length Polymorphism (ILP) Markers in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis) and Related Applications for Genetics Research.

The market value of tea is largely dependent on the tea species and cultivar. Therefore, it is important to develop efficient molecular markers covering the entire tea genome that can be used for the identification of tea varieties, marker-assisted breeding, and mapping important quantitative trait loci for beneficial traits. In this study, genome-wide molecular markers based on intron length polymorphism (ILP) were developed for tea trees. A total of 479, 1393, and 1342 tea ILP markers were identified using the PCR method in silico from the 'Shuchazao' scaffold genome, the chromosome-level genome of 'Longjing 43', and the ancient tea DASZ chromosome-level genome, respectively. A total of 230 tea ILP markers were used to amplify six tea tree species. Among these, 213 pairs of primers successfully characterize products in all six species, with 112 primer pairs exhibiting polymorphism. The polymorphism rate of primer pairs increased with the improvement in reference genome assembly quality level. The cross-species transferability analysis of 35 primer pairs of tea ILP markers showed an average amplification rate of 85.17% through 11 species in 6 families, with high transferability in Camellia reticulata and tobacco. We also used 40 pairs of tea ILP primers to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of C. tetracocca with 176 plants from Puan County, Guizhou Province, China. These genome-wide markers will be a valuable resource for genetic diversity analysis, marker-assisted breeding, and variety identification in tea, providing important information for the tea industry.

Green supply chain management practices and triple bottom line performance: Insights from an emerging economy with a mediating and moderating model.

The current study explores the dynamics of business practices in Pakistan's Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This research focusing on how "green supply chain management" (GSCM), Industry 4.0 technologies (IND), total quality management (TQM) and sustainable performance (SP) are interconnected. The study collected data from 382 SMEs owners and managers and data analysis was conducted utilizing by SPSS and SmartPLS. The results indicate that employ GSCM pattern has constructive impact on SMEs overall performance in terms of their social and financial aspects. Interestingly IND act as intermediaries among GSCM and sustainable performance underscoring their potential to translate sustainability efforts into outcomes. Moreover, our survey reveals that TQM have a crucial function in enriching the relationship between Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainable performance by executing as a moderator. It further highlighting the value of adopting a quality focused approach to maximize the causal factor of advancements on sustainability output. The findings of this survey research offering insights for practitioners, SMEs, and policy makers alike by highlighting the significance of integrating practices such as GSCM, IND and effective quality management to enhance SME efficiency. These outcomes further contribute to an understanding of the mechanics at play, within SMEs while offering guidance for organizations maneuvering the changing landscape of sustainable business practices and IND.

Effect of tumor-associated macrophages on the pyroptosis of breast cancer tumor cells.

Macrophages are immune cells with high plasticity that are widely distributed in all tissues and organs of the body. Under the influence of the immune microenvironment of breast tumors, macrophages differentiate into various germline lineages. They exert pro-tumor or tumor-suppressive effects by secreting various cytokines. Pyroptosis is mediated by Gasdermin family proteins, which form holes in cell membranes and cause a violent inflammatory response and cell death. This is an important way for the body to fight off infections. Tumor cell pyroptosis can activate anti-tumor immunity and inhibit tumor growth. At the same time, it releases inflammatory mediators and recruits tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) for accumulation. Macrophages act as "mediators" of cytokine interactions and indirectly influence the pyroptosis pathway. This paper describes the mechanism of action on the part of TAM in affecting the pyroptosis process of breast tumor cells, as well as its key role in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, it provides the basis for in-depth research on how to use immune cells to affect breast tumors and guide anti-tumor trends, with important implications for the prevention and treatment of breast tumors. Video Abstract.

NHC-catalyzed [3 + 3] cycloaddition of α-bromoenals with nitroketene aminals or nitroketene N,S-acetals: synthesis of nitro-containing dihydropyridin-2-ones.

An N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed [3 + 3] cycloaddition of α-bromoenals with nitroketene aminals or nitroketene N,S-acetals has been developed. This methodology provides an efficient strategy for the construction of valuable nitro-containing heterocyclic compounds. This protocol features mild reaction conditions, easily available starting materials, broad substrate scope and easy scalability.

Effects of targeted mild hypercapnia versus normocapnia on cerebral oxygen saturation in patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy under low central venous pressure: a prospective, randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hepatectomy under low central venous pressure (LCVP) is associated with intraoperative organ hypoperfusion, including cerebral hypoperfusion. We hypothesized that a ventilation strategy designed to achieve targeted mild hypercapnia (TMH) (end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure [PetCO2] of 45 ± 5 mmHg) rather than targeted normocapnia (TN) (PetCO2 of 30 ± 5 mmHg) would increase regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) during laparoscopic hepatectomy under LCVP. METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy under LCVP were randomly divided into the TMH group (n = 40) and the TN group (n = 40). Mechanical ventilation was adjusted to maintain the PetCO2 within the relevant range. Cerebral oxygenation was monitored continuously using the FORE-SIGHT system before anesthetic induction until the patient left the operating room. Patient and surgical characteristics, rSO2, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters (CVP, mean artery blood pressure [MAP], and heart rate), PetCO2, intraoperative blood gas analysis results, and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in CVP, MAP, and heart rate between the two groups during surgery. The rSO2 was significantly lower in the TN group on both the left and right sides during the intraoperative period (P < 0.05), while the TMH group had a stable rSO2. In the TN group, the mean rSO2 decreased most during liver parenchymal transection when compared with the baseline value (P < 0.05). The mean (standard deviation) percentage change in rSO2 from baseline to parenchymal transection was - 7.5% (4.8%) on the left and - 7.1% (4.6%) on the right. The two groups had a similar incidence of postoperative complications (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that rSO2 is better maintained during laparoscopic hepatectomy under LCVP when patients are ventilated to a PetCO2 of 45 ± 5 mmHg (TMH) than a PetCO2 of 30 ± 5 mmHg (TN). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2100051130(14/9/2021).

Bioinformatics exploration of potential common therapeutic targets for systemic and pulmonary arterial hypertension-induced myocardial hypertrophy.

Systemic and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can induce left and right ventricular hypertrophy, respectively, but common therapeutic targets for both left and right hypertrophy are limited. In this study, we attempt to explore potential common therapeutic targets and screen out potential target drugs for further study. Cardiac mRNA expression profiles in mice with transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and pulmonary arterial constriction (PAC) are obtained from online databases. After bioinformatics analyses, we generate TAC and PAC mouse models to validate the phenotypes of cardiac remodelling as well as the identified hub genes. Bioinformatics analyses show that there are 214 independent differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GSE136308 (TAC related) and 2607 independent DEGs in GSE30922 (PAC related), while 547 shared DEGs are associated with the function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) or involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, and ECM-receptor interactions. We identifyd Fn1, Il6, Col1a1, Igf1, Col1a2, Timp1, Col3a1, Cd44, Ctgf and Postn as hub genes of the shared DEGs, and most of them are associated with myocardial fibrosis. Those hub genes and phenotypes of cardiac remodelling are validated in our TAC and PAC mouse models. Furthermore, we identify dehydroisoandrosterone (DHEA), iloprost and 4,5-dianilinophthalimide (DAPH) as potential therapeutic drugs targeting both left and right ventricular hypertrophy and validate the effect of DHEA. These findings suggest that DHEA could be an effective drug for pressure overload-induced left or right ventricular hypertrophy by regulating the shared hub differentially expressed genes associated with fibrosis.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between the olecranon osteotomy approach and the Bryan-Morrey approach for total elbow arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of the olecranon osteotomy approach and the Bryan-Morrey approach in total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 49 patients with elbow disease were treated with TEA. A total of 22 patients with TEA by olecranon osteotomy approach were designated as group A, and 27 patients with TEA by Bryan-Morrey approach were designated as group B. There were 22 males and 27 females, aged 32-82 years with a mean age of 62 years. There were 44 cases of unilateral elbow joint, including 27 cases on the left elbow and 17 cases on the right elbow, and 5 cases of the bilateral elbow joint. There were 6 cases of osteoarthritis (7 elbows), 18 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (22 elbows), 14 cases of traumatic arthritis (14 elbows), 7 cases of distal humeral fractures (7 elbows), and 4 cases of elbow tuberculosis (4 elbows). For each group, we recorded the operative time, intraoperative bleeding, elbow flexion, extension, pronation, supination, postoperative complication rates, and Mayo Elbow Performance Score after surgery. RESULTS: Operative time and intraoperative bleeding were less in group A than in group B (53-120 min [70 (62.5, 78) min] vs. 64-105 min [77 (73, 87) min], and 10-200 ml [50 (20, 90) ml] vs. 5-250 ml [100 (50, 150) ml], P < .028). The elbow flexion, pronation activity, and Mayo Elbow Performance Score were higher in group A than in group B, [(121 ± 12)° vs. (112 ± 10)°, 85 (85,85)° vs. 80 (77,85)°, and (94 ± 3) points vs. (91 ± 4) points, P < .036], while elbow extension and supination activity and complication rates were not statistically significant in either group. CONCLUSION: Compared to Bryan-Morrey approach, the olecranon osteotomy approach to TEA provides adequate visualization, saves operative time and reduces bleeding, provides better flexion activity, effectively improves elbow function, and achieves satisfactory clinical outcomes.

How do carbon trading price and carbon tax rate affect power project portfolio investment and carbon emission: An analysis based on uncertainty theory.

Responding to the social, economic, and environmental call to resolve current sustainability challenges, the concern about carbon dioxide emission reduction should be incorporated into the power investment decision process. Reflecting the low carbon emission requirement, this paper proposes a new optimization model for power project portfolio selection that simultaneously considers both of carbon emission trading scheme and carbon tax imposition. In this model, the initial investment outlay, the power sale price, the carbon trading price, and carbon tax rate are treated as uncertain variables considering the fast-changing environment and complex market situation. Incorporating the constraint on whether the carbon quota is exceeded into the model, two investment strategies are proposed for investors. Using the proposed model, the impact of the rises in carbon trading price and carbon tax rate on the investor's investment strategy selection and the carbon emission is simulated and analyzed through a case study. When the expected carbon price is 203.50 RMB/tCO2-eq or less, a company should invest based on the strategy that annual emissions exceed the quota to obtain a maximum expected NPV which is larger than 408588 million RMB. When future carbon prices are 352.00, 500.50 and 649.00 RMB/tCO2-eq, the government should impose carbon tax rates of 30, 30, and 40 RMB/tCO2 on a power company, respectively, to obtain carbon emission reduction effect. At last, to see the contrast effect of the results from simultaneous implementation of both carbon trading and carbon tax, the results considering the carbon trading alone or carbon tax alone are discussed, respectively.

Stem Cell Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide information on the efficacy of stem cells in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant will: 1. Explain outcomes from the use of stem cell treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. 2. Identify features in the methodology of randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of stem cells in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

To assess the efficacy of stem cells in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The authors searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials databases. The preliminary search identified 343 articles. After screening, 16 articles reporting 19 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The 16 articles included a total of 766 patients (400 in stem cell groups, 366 in control groups). Extracted data included: first author, publication date, patient characteristics, ulcer size, stem cell type and dose, follow-up time, evaluation index (eg, cure rate, amputation rate, pain-free walking distance), and adverse events. The stem cell group had a higher ulcer healing rate compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR], 5.16; 95% CI, 3.60­7.40; P < .00001); the mesenchymal stem cell and mononuclear cell groups had higher ulcer healing rates (OR, 3.98; 95% CI, 2.05­7.73; P < .0001; and OR, 12.85; 95% CI, 4.36­37.82; P < .0001, respectively). Seven articles reported amputation rates, which were lower in the treatment group than the control group (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.08­0.41; P < .0001). Pain-free walking distance increased more after treatment in the stem cell group (standardized mean difference, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.89­1.65; P < .00001). Although 14 articles reported 92 adverse events, there was no association between stem cell infusion and adverse events. Stem cell therapy is an effective treatment strategy that can improve patient symptoms.

P-Rex2 mediation of synaptic plasticity contributes to bone cancer pain.

Bone cancer pain (BCP) seriously affects the quality of life; however, due to its complex mechanism, the clinical treatment was unsatisfactory. Recent studies have showed several Rac-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that affect development and structure of neuronal processes play a vital role in the regulation of chronic pain. P-Rex2 is one of GEFs that regulate spine density, and the present study was performed to examine the effect of P-Rex2 on the development of BCP. Tumor cells implantation induced the mechanical hyperalgesia, which was accompanied by an increase in spinal protein P-Rex2, phosphorylated Rac1 (p-Rac1) and phosphorylated GluR1 (p-GluR1), and number of spines. Intrathecal injection a P-Rex2-targeting RNAi lentivirus relieved BCP and reduced the expression of P-Rex2, p-Rac1, p-GluR1, and number of spines in the BCP mice. Meanwhile, P-Rex2 knockdown reversed BCP-enhanced AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-induced current in dorsal horn neurons. In summary, this study suggested that P-Rex2 regulated GluR1-containing AMPAR trafficking and spine morphology via Rac1/pGluR1 pathway is a fundamental pathogenesis of BCP. Our findings provide a better understanding of the function of P-Rex2 as a possible therapeutic target for relieving BCP.

First Indirect Drive Experiment Using a Six-Cylinder-Port Hohlraum.

The new hohlraum experimental platform and the quasi-3D simulation model are developed to enable the study of the indirect drive experiment using the six-cylinder-port hohlraum for the first time. It is also the first implosion experiment for the six laser-entrance-hole hohlraum to effectively use all the laser beams of the laser facility that is primarily designed for the cylindrical hohlraum. The experiments performed at the 100 kJ Laser Facility produce a peak hohlraum radiation temperature of ∼222 eV for ∼80 kJ and 2 ns square laser pulse. The inferred x-ray conversion efficiency η∼87% is similar to the cylindrical hohlraum and higher than the octahedral spherical hohlraum at the same laser facility, while the low laser backscatter is similar to the outer cone of the cylindrical hohlraum. The hohlraum radiation temperature and M-band (>1.6 keV) flux can be well reproduced by the quasi-3D simulation. The variations of the yield-over-clean and the hot spot shape can also be semiquantitatively explained by the calculated major radiation asymmetry of the quasi-3D simulation. Our work demonstrates the capability for the study of the indirect drive with the six-cylinder-port hohlraum at the cylindrically configured laser facility, which is essential for numerically assessing the laser energy required by the ignition-scale six-cylinder-port hohlraum.

Evaluation of sparing the pronator quadratus for volar plating of distal radius fractures: a retrospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The most commonly used approach for distal radius fractures is the traditional Henry approach. However, it requires an intraoperative incision of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle, which results in a series of complications if the repair of the PQ fails. AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of sparing the pronator quadratus for volar plating of the distal radius fractures. METHODS: Seventy-six patients who suffered from distal radius fractures of types 23-B, 23-C1, and 23-C2 as per the AO Foundation and Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification were treated with volar locking plate fixation using either the PQ muscle incision and repair (group A, n = 39) or the PQ muscle preservation approach (group B, n = 37). Intraoperative index, postoperative efficacy and complications of patients were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for more than one year after surgery. All fractures achieved union. There were significant differences in mean operative time, mean intraoperative blood loss, and mean fracture healing time between the two groups. Still, there were no significant differences in limb function scores between the two groups at the 12-month postoperative follow-up. Outcomes assessed at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery demonstrated significant differences in the mean range of motion and pain-related visual analog scale (VAS) between the two groups. As the range of motion and grip strength increased, the VAS scores decreased, and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 12 months postoperatively. Although tendon irritation and delayed carpal tunnel syndrome were more common in group A than in group B (7.6% vs. 0% and 5.1% vs. 0%, respectively), the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The modified Henry approach with sparing pronator quadratus muscle has no significant advantage in the range of wrist motion and upper limb function in the late stage. Nevertheless, the intraoperative placement of the plate under the pronator quadratus muscle can shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative bleeding, reduce early postoperative pain, promote early activity, and improve the patient's quality of life. It is recommended that the pronator be preserved at the time of surgery.

Detecting Aflatoxin B1 in Peanuts by Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Transmission and Diffuse Reflection Spectroscopy.

Aflatioxin B1 (AFB1) has been recognized by the International Agency of Research on Cancer as a group 1 carcinogen in animals and humans. A fast, batch, and real-time control and no chemical pollution method was developed for the discrimination and quantification prediction of AFB1-infected peanuts by applying Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) coupled with chemometrics. Initially, the near-infrared transmission (NIRT) and diffuse reflection (NIRR) modules were applied to collect spectra of the samples. The principal component analysis (PCA) method was employed to extract the characteristic wavelength, followed by different preprocessing methods (seven methods) to build an effective linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classification and partial least squares (PLS) quantification models. The results showed that, for both the NIRT or NIRR modules, the LDA classification models satisfactorily distinguished peanuts infected with AFB1 or from those not infected, with external validation showing a 100% correct identification rate and a 0% misjudgment rate. In addition, combined with the concentration of AFB1 in peanuts determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay assay, the best partial least squares (PLS) models were established, with a combination of the first derivative and the Norris derivative filter smoothing pretreatment (Rc2 = 0.937 and 0.984, RMSECV = 3.92% and 2.22%, RPD = 3.98 and 7.91 for NIRR and NIRT, respectively). The correlation coefficient between the predicted value and the reference value in the external verification was 0.998 and 0.917, respectively. This study highlights that both spectral acquisition modules meet the requirements of online, rapid, and accurate identification of peanut AFB1 infection in the early stages.

[Analysis of PROC gene variant in a Chinese pedigree affected with hereditary protein C deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular pathogenesis of a Chinese pedigree affected with inherited protein C (PC) deficiency. METHODS: The protein C activity (PC:A) and protein C antigen (PC:Ag) of the proband and his family members were determined by a chromogenic substrate method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The proband was subjected to whole exome sequencing. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of other members of the pedigree. RESULTS: The PC:A and PC:Ag of proband were reduced to 15% and 11%, respectively. The above parameters of his parents and elder sister were also decreased to approximately 50% of reference values. Next generation sequencing has revealed that the proband has harbored a heterozygous c.572_574delAGA (p.Glu191_Lys192delinsGlu) variant in exon 7 and a missense c.752C>T (p.Ala251Val) variant in exon 8 of the PROC gene. His father was heterozygous for the c.572_574delAGA variant, while his mother and elder sister were heterozygous for the c.752C>T variant. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Standards and Guidelines, the c.572_574delAGA (p.Glu191_Lys192 delinsGlu) variant was predicted to be likely pathogenic (PS1+PM4+PP3). c.752 C>T (p.Ala251Val) variant was also likely pathogenic (PS1+PM1+PP3). CONCLUSION: The deletional variant of c.572_574delAGA (p.Glu191_Lys192delinsGlu) in exon 7 and missense variant c.752C>T (p.Ala251Val) in exon 8 of the PROC gene probably underlay the inherited protein C (PC) deficiency in this pedigree. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of PROC gene variants and provided a basis for genetic counseling for this pedigree.

[Sex differences in clinical outcomes of extremely preterm infants/extremely low birth weight infants: a propensity score matching study]. / è¶ æ—©äº§å„¿/è¶ ä½Žå‡ºç”Ÿä½“é‡å„¿ä¸´åºŠç»“å±€çš„æ€§åˆ«å·®å¼‚ï¼šä¸€é¡¹å€¾å‘æ€§è¯„åˆ†åŒ¹é ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of sex on the clinical outcome of extremely preterm infants (EPIs)/extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWIs) by propensity score matching. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the medical data of 731 EPIs or ELBWIs who were admitted from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2020. These infants were divided into two groups: male and female. A propensity score matching analysis was performed at a ratio of 1:1. The matching variables included gestational age, birth weight, percentage of withdrawal from active treatment, percentage of small-for-gestational-age infant, percentage of use of pulmonary surfactant, percentage of 1-minute Apgar score ≤3, percentage of mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, percentage of antenatal use of inadequate glucocorticoids, and percentage of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The two groups were compared in the incidence rate of main complications during hospitalization and the rate of survival at discharge. RESULTS: Before matching, compared with the female group, the male group had significantly higher incidence rates of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), severe intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and patent ductus arteriosus (P<0.05), while after matching, the male group only had a significantly higher incidence rate of BPD than the female group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of survival at discharge between the two groups before and after matching (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Male EPIs/ELBWIs have a higher risk of BPD than female EPIs/ELBWIs, but male and female EPIs/ELBWIs tend to have similar outcomes.

First Inertial Confinement Fusion Implosion Experiment in Octahedral Spherical Hohlraum.

In inertial confinement approaches to fusion, the asymmetry of target implosion is a major obstacle to achieving high gain in the laboratory. A recently proposed octahedral spherical hohlraum makes it possible to naturally create spherical target irradiation without supplementary symmetry control. Before any decision is made to pursue an ignition-scale laser system based on the octahedral hohlraum, one needs to test the concept with the existing facilities. Here, we report a proof-of-concept experiment for the novel octahedral hohlraum geometry on the cylindrically configured SGIII laser facility without a symmetry control. All polar and equatorial self-emission images of the compressed target show a near round shape of convergence ratio 15 under both square and shaped laser pulses. The observed implosion performances agree well with the ideal spherical implosion simulation. It also shows limitations with using the existing facilities and adds further weight to the need to move to a spherical port geometry for future ignition laser facilities.

Effect of Telemedicine on Quality of Care in Patients with Coexisting Hypertension and Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: With the development of technology and the need for individualized and continuous support for patients with chronic conditions, telemedicine has been widely used. Despite the potential benefits of telemedicine, little is known about its effect on the quality of care (QoC) in people with hypertension and comorbid diabetes, who face more challenges in disease management than those with hypertension or diabetes alone. This study aimed to examine the effect of telemedicine on QoC for patients with hypertension and comorbid diabetes by synthesizing findings from clinical trials. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were developed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Four major electronic databases from inception to March 2020 were searched. Studies were screened using predetermined criteria. Data were extracted and tabulated into tables. The primary outcomes were QoC indicators, including outcomes (e.g., blood pressure [BP] and glycemic control), process, and experience of care. Quantitative data were pooled and presented in forest plots. Qualitative narratives were also used. Results: Five studies from four clinical trials were included in this review, with intervention durations ranging from 3 to 6 months. Telemedicine significantly decreased BP by 10.4/4.8 mm/Hg, but its effect on glycemic control was inconsistent. Telemedicine also improved experience of care (e.g., patient perception and engagement). Various indicators for process of care were assessed, including medication adherence, BP monitoring, and self-efficacy, with mixed findings. Conclusions: Telemedicine has great potential to improve the QoC, particularly outcomes of care, for patients with hypertension and comorbid diabetes. Health care professionals may consider using available telemedicine to facilitate communication and interaction with their patients, thereby helping them with disease management. Long-term, large-scale studies are needed to test the generalizability and sustainability of the telemedicine programs.

Preconditioning rats with three lipid emulsions prior to acute lung injury affects cytokine production and cell apoptosis in the lung and liver.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients are at higher risk having acute lung injury (ALI) and more often in need of parenteral nutrition. We sought to study whether preconditioning with representative of lipid emulsions for one week could benefit rats from ALI. METHODS: Using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI rat model and techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. RESULTS: PGE2 production in the serum was highest in the LPS group, followed with Intralipid group, and the PGE2 level of these two groups was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the rest. Intralipid conditioning caused significantly less production of LTB4 than the LPS, Clinoleic, or Omegaven group. In contrast to Intralipid, rats pretreated with Clinoleic or Omegaven significantly decreased their production of inflammatory mediators (IL-1 ß, IL-6 and TNF-α), had less apoptosis in the lung tissues, and Omegaven greatly improved liver function upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. CONCLUSIONS: In an ALI setting, preconditioning with Omegaven or Clinoleic was better than Intralipid in decreasing the intensity of the cytokine storm and apoptosis caused by LPS challenge, and Omegaven in addition had the potential to improve liver function. The results from the present study set a basis for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms of ALI, including the up- and downstream pathways of proinflammatory factor production, in search of (small) molecules intervening with the pathogenesis of ALI in order to translate relevant research findings into clinical benefit for patients with ALI. The use of Omegaven or Clinoleic, particularly in patients with ALI, is still characterized by uncertainty due to a lack of relevant studies. Future investigations must specifically focus on the route of administration and mode of application (enteral vs. parenteral/bolus vs. continuous), determining an optimal dose of Omegaven or Clinoleic, and the defining the best timepoint(s) for administration. Critically ill patients are at higher risk having acute lung injury (ALI) and more often in need of parenteral nutrition. The effect of lipid emulsion via parenteral nutrition on liver function was first time evaluated in rats in an ALI setting. The comparison of three forms of lipid emulsion in a rat model of acute lung injury was first time studied. The fish oil-based lipid emulsion decrease in PGE 2 and increase in LTB 4 was first time reported.